Before we get into the mist of things, addressing a few reviews from the last two chapters:
DCDGojira (Chapters 5/6): Thanks! And I agree, Ren and Nora are indeed a Best Match!
TheOkWriter (Chapter 5): (1) Kuen didn't really get the idea to do that. By that point, he knew it could summon Brave Dragon if he used the book, but he wanted to try out using his sword. (2) The Wonder World does connect the World of Saber and the World of Remnant. (3) Kuen is from Japan, but his Earth is not the same as the World of Saber.
Anyways, onto the story!
Kamen Rider Saber: Tale of Two Worlds
仮面ライダーセイバー：二つの世界の物語
Kamen Raidā Seibā: Futatsu no Sekai no Monogatari
First Book: Beacon of Hope
初の書籍：希望の烽火
Hatsu no Shoseki: Kibō no Hōka
Chapter Six: The Golem of Evil, the Sword of Good.
第六章：悪のゴーレム、善の剣。
Dai Rokushō: Aku no Gōremu, Zen no Ken.
Those who rewrite history with evil, taint the purest of manuscripts.
歴史を悪で書き直す人々は、最も純粋な写本を汚します。
Rekishi o aku de kakinaosu hitobito wa, mottomo junsuina shahon o yogoshimasu.
(OST: EP 7 Score – The Emerald Forest, Pt 2)
Ozpin and Glynda continued watching the progress of the students-to-be, on the cliff overlooking the Emerald Forest, though the use of a table that seemed to be displaying a good amount of the pairs that had already formed, with the exception of one or two. Glynda walked up to Ozpin, a tablet in her hand as well, as she would highlight Nora and Ren.
"The last pair has been formed, sir. Nora Valkyrie and Lie Ren..."
She stared at the two childhood friends, who were now on their way to the abandoned ruins.
"Poor boy… I can't possibly imagine those two getting along… still, I get the feeling that he's probably better off than Miss Nikos."
Highlighting Pyrrha and Jaune, who were trekking to the woods, she could only lament, knowing full well that they probably weren't in the correct direction.
"I don't care what his transcripts say. That Jaune fellow is not ready for this level of combat."
Ozpin, on the other hand, was monitoring Ruby and Weiss, who were walking in the direction of the ruins with Kuen, only giving passing remarks.
"With how the situation is shaping to be for Kuen Akegata, with all due respect to him... I don't see him getting any of the relics..."
Glynda shrugged, looking back at the other pairings.
"I guess we'll find out soon enough. At their current pace, they should reach the temple within just a few minutes." And then turning to Ozpin, she couldn't help but wonder.
"Speaking of which, what did you use as relics this year?"
There was a long silence, before Glynda asked, trying to wonder if he wasn't focused, "Professor Ozpin?"
Said professor was continuing to observe the situation that Ruby, Weiss and Kuen was in, as he began to notice something off about the signals in the forest.
As Weiss turned right, then turned left, she almost looked as if unsure of what way to travel, even though she claimed she was totally sure.
"It's definitely this way... I mean- this way! It's definitely this way! ...alright, it's official; we passed it." She lamented.
Ruby only looked at Weiss with a frustrated expression, as she stood up, very much annoyed.
"Weiss, why can't you just admit that you have no idea where we're going?!"
That caused the snow princess to flinch, screaming back at the former.
"Because I know exactly where we're going! We're going... to... the forest temple! You don't know where we are either!"
Kuen chimed in, pointing in what he was sure of was the north direction.
"It's that way, Weiss. I've already told you this like two times by now."
Ruby scoffed.
"Well, at least I'm not pretending like I know everything."
And then it devolved into a straight-up argument of words, the two angrily screaming at each other. Kuen could only walk back a little, unsure of how to handle the mess.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means you're a big, stupid jerk and I hate you!"
"Just keep moving!"
Ruby would then mock Weiss' voice, making a very good damning impression of it.
"Oh, just keep moving! Hurry up! Waaaah! Watch where you're going!"
And then she returned to her normal voice.
"Why are you so bossy?"
"I'm not bossy! Don't say things like that!"
"Stop treating me like I'm a kid!"
"Stop acting like a kid!"
"Well, stop acting like you're perfect!"
And their argument was immediately interrupted by Kuen, who would stand in the middle of the both of them, holding his hands out, clearly with the intent of de-escalating the argument that was going.
"Could we just... stop? Arguing isn't going to do anything, and I'm pretty sure that if we argue even more, the Grimm can waltz in here and eliminate the three of us... so let's just head to the temple, shall we?"
And with that up and out of the way, for now, Weiss would just waltz off in the direction Kuen had pointed in, as Ruby only could look at her, sighing dejectedly.
Kuen could only offer a moment of comfort, as he turned to her, wondering, "Once this is over and done with, you wanna get something to eat?"
She chuckled softly, muttering, "Cookies would be nice."
It was truly for a brief moment, as it would then suddenly be interrupted by some of the trees being crushed by boulders around the three individuals, as they readied their weapons, wondering the hell what was going on.
The Megid would open the white book, activating the power of the blank story within, as a giant area of the Emerald Forest would suddenly be trapped within a yellow netting of some kind, in the shape of a large book, before the pages of the book would then flip, the affected parts of the forest suddenly disappearing into a large clearing.
Both Ozpin and Glynda were left in shock, the former wondering, "What in the hell?"
As the three students tried to figure out what the hell was going on, they were suddenly separated from the forest ahead of them, as a yellow barrier suddenly prevented them from continuing onwards.
However, the world in front of them would suddenly morph and twist shape, changing from the forest they knew into a barren clearing, gargantuan rock formations towering in the skies above them, much to their own shock.
But yet, Kuen seemed to recognize the place, having caught a glimpse of this scenery from the Sword of Logos' headquarters... This was indeed, the Wonder World he'd only heard of in their conversation... up until this point anyways.
The three of them were suddenly in awe, almost losing track of what they were supposed to do. However, their distracted lines of thought were then suddenly brought back into the situation at hand; as they suddenly heard boulders crashing onto more of the trees around them, the shrubbery beginning to disintegrate into black and gray ash.
Making a conscious decision, the three began running in what they hoped was the direction of the abandoned ruins, paying no heed to the scenery around them, though Kuen had mentally commented about the world, 'So pretty...'
As they found the source of the attacks, a golem-like figure stood amidst a barren clearing, a blank Wonder Ride Book in his hand, as the three students kept their weapons up. Kuen immediately recognized the figure, carrying similarities to what he had faced before.
"Megid..."
Ruby and Weiss turned to him, wondering what he had meant, before the golem-like figure simply cackled, the white book in its hand beginning to taint, partially becoming gray and black.
"What kind of book is that?!" Kuen asked, gulping a little as he clutched Rekka in his hand.
And so the monster spoke.
"Books grant us power! And we shall use books for world domination!"
Kuen let out a swear, before he rushed into battle, trying to get a slash on the opponent, much to Ruby and Weiss' shock, as they would also join in, weapons at the ready. But they would be interrupted by a pair of hands that would be ejected from the Megid's head, flying towards them and attacking the three of them.
Even though they tried their best to parry the attack to the best of their abilities, it was horrifyingly difficult, the attacks almost coming from all directions.
"This world does not need the ones who wield the swords like you..." The monster spoke, targeting Kuen almost instantly.
"Be gone!" It screamed, as a portal-like object suddenly formed far behind the two of them, as it began to suck everything in the nearby vicinity into it. Panicking, Kuen told Ruby and Weiss to get out of the range of the vortex, as the Megid would mind his own business, disappearing into the forest.
As Weiss managed to barely get out of range, hiding behind one of the trees just in time, Ruby began to be sucked up into the portal, much to Kuen's own shock. Rushing to help, he would grab her hand, clinging onto the nearest tree he could find.
As Ruby began to panic, she tried to pull out her weapon, but with the circumstances that were going on; she was unable to even make an attempt. Not even Kuen was able to do anything but hold onto her. The former's voice was reduced to downright fear, as she tried her best to cling onto Kuen's hand.
And Kuen knew that it wasn't right holding a girl's hand like this... but he had no choice. It was a life or death moment right now! He tried pulling her towards him, but every time he did, the portal would become almost stronger in response. He was beginning to run out of options, as Ruby called out his name, desperate to be saved.
In that moment, Kuen remembered something... his dream. The girl that he was unable to save. The same thing happened. And that gave him enough strength to continue pulling Ruby, as she suddenly had an idea. Utilizing her speed ability, it seemed to do the trick, as the force she was exerting against the vortex was enough for Kuen to pull her in, helping her take out her weapon from her belt.
And with that briefly settled, the two of them quickly prepared their weapons, firing a wave of bullets and fire towards the portal, causing it to become weaker in power. And Weiss, knowing that she also had no choice, would send out an attack from her weapon, causing the portal to explode.
As Blake and Yang barely managed to get out of range of the attack in time, the two of them were among the many to see the portal suddenly explode, as they looked on confusion.
"What the hell?!" Yang blurted out, trying to figure out what was going on.
"We should get the relics." Blake monotonously noted, though there was worry in her mind.
"I know, but what was that?!"
"It's for the better if we don't know what it is."
And as they stepped out into a different clearing, they noticed a circular stone temple in the middle of it all, broken and decrepit.
Walking towards it, they noticed several black and golden chess pieces lining the platforms in the broken temple.
"Well... do you think this is it?" Yang asked.
"Yeah... this should be it."
"Some of them are missing though. Looks like we weren't the first ones here."
"Well, I guess we better pick one before other people arrive."
Glossing through, Yang picked a golden knight piece, the two deciding that that particular piece was going to be the one they chose.
As Ruby, Kuen and Weiss regrouped, Kuen realized just how close he was to Ruby, and that he was basically hugging her, much to his and Ruby's embarrassment. The two red in their cheeks, Weiss couldn't help but see the scandal unfolding.
But then they decided it was best to continue.
"We should hurry up and get the relics, before the Megid appears once again." Kuen stated.
"Or before the relics are no more." Weiss added.
"Megid...?" Ruby asked once more, very confused.
"I'll explain later." Kuen stated simply.
Jaune and Pyrrha stood in the middle of a dark cave, drawings tattered on the side involving armed men against gargantuan scorpions.
"Think this is it?" Jaune asked, as they entered the cave, Jaune having already lit a torch to guide their way somewhat.
"I'm not sure this is it." Pyrrha responded, to which Jaune retorted, "Pyrrha, I made the torch. Could you at least humor me for, like, five more feet?"
Suddenly and completely unexpectedly, Jaune would trip on the ground, the torch flying into a small puddle, extinguishing the flame so the two would only end up being cast in darkness with only their eyes visible. Continuing onward through the cave, they would then notice what appeared to be a large glowing point of gold right in front of them, as it illuminated Jaune's excited features.
"That's the relic!" Jaune exclaimed, as he reached out to get it. However, it moved away from his arms, as he reached out even more. "Hey! Bad relic!"
Trying to get it again, he jumped forwards, hanging onto it, as the relic raised him a little higher above the ground. "Gotcha!"
"…Jaune?" Pyrrha asked worriedly, as Jaune was lowered, as he dangled in front of what was a pair of eyes, blood-shot red in color.
And emerging from the cave entrance was a fleeing Pyrrha, as a gargantuan scorpion-like Grimm emerging from the cave, its red eyes glowing amongst the day sky, with Jaune still clinging onto its golden-encrusted tail.
As it roared and waved its claws at the Greek warrior, Jaune would call for help, screaming for his dear life, "Help! Whoa-ah-ah-ah-ah! Why?! Pyrrha! He-e-e-elp! Pyrrha, this is not the relic! It's not! Do something!"
Holding her spear to the creature, Pyrrha would scream towards Jaune, "Jaune! Whatever you do, don't let-"
However, her words were immediately cut off, as the gargantuan scorpion Grimm, the Death Stalker Grimm, would hurl its tail back and forth, sending a still-screaming Jaune across the forest, a look of dismay forming on Pyrrha's face. Sighing embarrassedly, she would run away from the scorpion and in Jaune's direction, the gargantuan Grimm chasing after her.
As Blake and Yang managed to grab the relic, preparing to the make a break for the exit, they would however hear the screams of Jaune, though they obviously didn't know who it belonged to.
"Some girl's in trouble! Blake, did you hear that?"
Blake did not respond, much to Yang's confusion.
"Blake, did you hear that? What should we do?"
(OST: EP 8 Score – Players and Pieces)
And their brief moment was suddenly interrupted by Ruby, Weiss and Kuen suddenly emerging from the forest, much to Yang's and Blake's surprise. The three of them looked a little worse for wear, having encountered multiple Beowulves and Ursai on their path into the clearing.
Yang barely managed to give Ruby a bear hug, worried and scared for her safety, almost.
And then Jaune somehow appeared, having been sent flying through the skies, crashing into the ground near the five of them.
As Jaune got up, very dizzy, Blake wondered, "Did that guy just fall from the sky?"
Yang almost answered with a confused, "I-"
And said parade was interrupted by a clusterfuck of noises coming from the forest from the same way that Kuen, Ruby and Weiss emerged from, as an Ursa emerged, preparing to charge at the six people present in the area.
Until a pink blast of energy would hit it in the back, causing it to crash on the ground, fading into dust and depositing its... rider?
"Yee-haw!"
Nora screamed, rolling off the creature's back, before lamenting at the state of the Grimm.
"Aww, it's broken..."
And Nora entered the temple, picking up a golden rook piece, humming to herself.
"I'm queen of the castle! I'm queen of the castle! I'm queen of the-"
Ren screamed Nora's name, emerging from the forest as well, as the latter stopped dancing, grabbing the piece and rushing back to Ren, skipping towards him on a dilly-dally manner.
Blake could only comment confusedly, asking Yang, "Did that girl just ride in on an Ursa?"
Yang exasperatedly tried replying, "I-"
Unfortunately, she would be interrupted once more as a screech would be heard from their right, with Pyrrha Nikos coming onto the scene as the gargantuan Death Stalker chased after her, uprooting every piece of foliage in its sight, chasing after her.
Pyrrha would barely be able to dodge and parry the relentless attacks, continuing to run to their location. And lucky for her, the Death Stalker seemed to be suddenly trapped by the increasing amount of foliage it had managed to catch on its claws.
"Jaune!"
"Pyrrha!"
The two partners called out to each other.
"Did… she just run all the way here with a Death Stalker on her tail?" Blake asked Yang confusedly.
Yang finally hit her boiling point, growling and erupting into a small burst of fire as her eyes began to flash red.
"I can't take it anymore! Can everyone just chill out for two seconds before something crazy happens again?!" She screamed.
And as Yang immediately calmed down afterwards, the nine took the chance to properly regroup, trying to figure out what was going on.
"What the hell was that portal?!" Yang asked in confusion.
"That thing was summoned by the Megid..." Kuen simply responded.
"You promised you'd tell me what the thing was!" Ruby retorted.
"Is that the reason why we saw the weird world outside?" Ren asked.
"Yes. They are tainted versions of the residents of the world we saw. The Wonder World," Kuen explained, trying to recall what Rintaro had told him the night before. "They are part of the Megid, monsters of the manuscripts. Led by the traitorous swordsman, Kamen Rider Calibur..."
"Kamen Rider?" Pyrrha asked, oddly recognizing the name from somewhere. Maybe it was a history thing, she wasn't too sure.
"Yes. The one chosen by the Sacred Swords, the Seiken," Kuen replied, pulling out his own blade, as it glowed a faint red. "This is the Seiken of flame, the Kaenken Rekka..."
And a wave of silence washed over for a brief moment, before another roar then alerted them to their senses. Another beast has awoken. A giant hawk would suddenly fly above them, roaring loudly, as Weiss seemed to recognize what this beast was.
"A Nevermore?!"
Ruby suddenly would pull out her weapon, firing at the Nevermore and running around it, trying to get its attention, much to Yang's and Kuen's shock.
"Ruby!" Yang called out, rushing towards the former.
Their moment was cut short, as the Nevermore cawed from above, flapping its wings. Releasing rows of sharpened feathers as projectiles, Yang and Kuen would be forced to retreat back, as Ruby's cape would suddenly be trapped in the projectile storm.
"Ruby, get out of there!" Yang screamed.
"I'm trying, Yang!" Ruby retorted.
"Ruby!"
Her sister called out, as the Death Stalker would suddenly break free, approaching Ruby menacingly, raising its golden stinger above her, sending its stinger flying at her. And then. it was all blocked by… Weiss?
"You are so childish!" Weiss screamed, trapping the Death Stalker in a large formation of ice.
"Weiss…?"
"And dim-witted, and hyperactive, and don't even get me started on your fighting style. And I suppose I can be a bit... difficult... but if we're going to do this, we're going to have to do this together. So if you quit trying to show off, I'll be... nicer."
"I'm not trying to show off. I want you to know I can do this."
"You're fine."
As Ruby got up, she would breathe a sigh of relief, closing her eyes and muttering to herself gratefully, "Normal knees…"
Running back to her sister, Yang and Ruby engaged in a very tight bear hug, before all nine of them would look upwards, seeing the Nevermore circling around them, high in the skies.
Jaune panicked, asking, "Guys? That thing's circling around us! What are we gonna do?!"
"Look, there's no sense in dilly-dallying. Our objective is right in front of us." Weiss responded.
"She's right. Our mission is to grab an artifact and make it back to the Cliffs. There's no point in fighting these things." Ruby continued.
"Run and live - that's an idea I can get behind." Jaune noted.
As the remaining people entered the temple, grabbing whatever was left, Ruby would grab a golden knight and Jaune would grab a golden rook. And all that was left was Kuen, who found… nothing.
"Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck!" He screamed, as they turned to see him, without a relic in his hand whatsoever.
"There's no fucking relic left...!" Kuen continued screaming in almost pure frustration, as he saw the Death Stalker struggling to escape the ice that Weiss had trapped it in.
Ren sighed, almost out of pure pity, as he screamed, "We have to leave! Now!"
Ruby screamed something along the lines of, "Right! Let's go!"
However, as they began to head for the entrance of the forest, their moment was suddenly interrupted, as multiple boulders fell around them, in a hailstorm-like manner, as a deep voice screamed, "Not on my watch!"
Caught by surprise, the nine students turned to see the source of the voice, as Ruby and Kuen immediately recognized who that voice belonged to. As the Golem Megid emerged from the forest, cackling loudly, the nine of them would ready their weapons, almost out of instinct.
"The Megid...! We have to run quickly!" Kuen screamed, as Ruby looked at him almost apprehensively.
"Are you sure about that...?! I really want to kick its ass for trying to suck me into that portal just now!" She retorted.
"Doesn't matter right now, we have to scram! With two giant Grimm on our tail, we have no chance of fighting another beast like this!" Pointing to a set of ruins that laid in the distance, he then continued, "There! NOW!"
And so the nine took flight, knowing full well that Kuen meant serious shit.
To wield the sacred swords, you must accept the world that gravitates around you.
聖剣を振るうには、自分の周りに引き寄せられる世界を受け入れる必要があります。
Seiken o furu uni wa, jibun no mawari ni hikiyose rareru sekai o ukeireru hitsuyō ga arimasu.