GKC: What's up, everyone! This is GKC here bringing you the next chapter of Remnant's Climax Heroes!

SR: Don't forget DragoKnightSR!

KRD: And Kamen Rider Duelist! We're here for Part 2 and oh boy, what a doozy this was.

SR: Will Orpheus be saved? What choice will Pyrrha make? And what will become of Kurai? Find out today!

GKC: Now let's get this party started… HENSHIN!


Chapter 16: Revelation! The Dark Falcon's Cry! Part 2


[Vale - Warehouse District]


Kurai's screams continue to echo in the halls, as Azrael tormented his creation. Kurai breathed heavily as the hooded villain held her head.

"I give you the chance to return to my grace," Azrael said with a smirk, "Yet you still continue to resist me. I'm almost proud to admit that I admire your tenacity."

"I won't… become a slave…" Kurai spat with venom, "Nothing will change that."

"And what of Orpheus? Will you let him die for your choice?"

Kurai froze in horror.

"Yes, by this time, I'm sure he's already choking on his own blood," Azrael remarked with a smirk. "What a terrible way to go."

"YOU COWARD!" Kurai struggles against the binds, "He doesn't deserve that pain!"

Azrael was surprised by her outburst but then smirked in realization, "I see… you care deeply for Orpheus."

A sharp gasp was all Azrael needed for confirmation.

"I would almost believe… that you love him."

Kurai looked away but Azrael grabbed her head.

"So it is true! You've fallen in love with him!? Hahahahahaha! I have to say, this would be a perfect iteration for Beauty and the Beast. But… you're still just a monster and he's a measly human. Who could ever love something like you?" The hooded villain taunted.

"…Orpheus would…"

"Hm~? What's that? I can't hear you."

"You heard me…"

Azrael backhanded her across the face. "I expect you to remember who it is that you're speaking to, child. I created you and I can just as easily destroy you. Now then, will you serve me again, or must I kill Orpheus to put you in your place?"

"I'd rather die than serve you again…" Kurai said coldly.

"Hm, is that really your answer?" Azrael inquired. "Even at the cost of Orpheus's life?"

"The others will save him. My life means nothing to them…"

"Oh, I think you'll find that your 'friends' will not be able to save his life. You see, that attack I hit him with has corroded his heart and lungs. In the next nine hours, your little boy toy will slowly perish with each passing second… and it will hurt as well." The hooded man stated. "He will live for those next few hours choking on his own blood and gasping for air. A torturous death, wouldn't you say?"

"No…" Kurai said in horror.

"Yes," Azrael chuckled sinisterly. "That boy's life will depend on your decision as well as Pyrrha Nikos. I will not be denied what I seek so what is your decision?"

"I… will serve you again," Kurai said in defeat.

Azrael smirked beneath his hood and patted the defeated Greeed's head like she was a dog, "Good girl. I expect you to follow my orders to the letter because your friend's life is literally in my hands."

"Yes… my Master." Kurai said as her heart was broken.


LINE BREAK


[Vale General Hospital]


"I'm sorry." The doctor said, "I'm afraid it's a lot worse than we thought. At this rate, even with his Aura, he won't make it."

"So Orphee will…" Pyrrha trailed with fresh tears appearing in her eyes.

The doctor nodded with a grim look on his face, "I'm very sorry…" The gathered group of Teams RWBY, JNPR, and JOKR all had their own looks of sorrow plastered across their faces as they look through the glass window to see Orpheus unconscious in a hospital bed, his upper clothing gone and bandages wrapped around a slightly bleeding hole in the center of his chest. The Riders and their friends stared in disbelief and sorrow.

"Dammit! Not again!" Kurogasa snapped, banging his fist against the wall.

"Doctor, are you sure there's nothing you can do?" Ren asked.

The doctor rubbed his dark green hair and shook his head, "I'm afraid not. That boy is lucky to be alive at this point. It was a good thing your friend sealed the wound with fire but Mister Rhythm is living on borrowed time. Not counting the fact that his heart and lungs were damaged but our analysts have discovered that they're slowly… eroding away."

"What?" Ruby said, obviously confused despite the tear tracks on her cheeks.

"He means that his organs are being eaten away from the inside," Weiss answered for her leader.

"Correct. Whatever hit your friend also left a nasty side effect. It's like his heart and lungs were dipped in acid. We can't stop it and in a few hours…" The doctor left that part as a silent reminder that the boy didn't have long to live. "All we can do is lessen the pain and make sure he passes away peacefully."

Aaron punched a wall in frustration, "GOD… DAMMIT!"

Pyrrha clutched her chest in sorrow as she knew the only way to help him was to accept Azrael's demands. She then turned to walk away from the group, catching the eye of Kurogasa as she left.

Kurogasa followed after her as he went out of the room. "Where are you going, Pyrrha?"

"To find Azrael." She answered.

"Don't. You're gonna play right into his hands." Kurogasa said. "You can't accept his offer. We all know where this is going. We almost lost Ruby, and we're not gonna lose you."

"What choice do I have!?" Pyrrha shouted. "My cousin is in there dying and there's nothing we can do! But Azrael has the power to save his life."

"No, he does not," Kurogasa said. "People like him always lie about that. They give you empty promises in exchange for their demand, and if you give into that, then there's truly no turning back and in the case that they do hold their end of the bargain, it's a cheap cop-out. Trust me on this, Pyrrha. You will get double-crossed if you accept this."

"But what else can we do?!" Pyrrha snapped, "Wait while my cousin dies a slow painful death?! I bet if it was Weiss in his place, you'd know exactly how I'm feeling right now!"

"Don't try to turn this around, Pyrrha," Kurogasa said, trying to keep his anger in check.

"Then stay out of my way! I'm going to Azrael and if you stop me from saving my cousin… I'll be forced to hurt you." She warned the samurai.

"I'm trying to save both of you!" Kurogasa exclaimed. "There's always another way! We just have to find it!"

"Well, sorry… but I'm taking the easy way this time." Pyrrha stated. Before Kurogasa could even blink, he felt his body jolt due to a black aura coating the metal he had on his person and holding him to the wall. "Tell my friends that I'm sorry." She said before leaving the wall-stricken Kurogasa to struggle against the polarity prison.

"Pyrrha! Come back! PYRRHAAAAAA!" Kurogasa shouted. Their friends came out of the hospital room and saw Kurogasa pinned to the wall.

"Dude, what just happened?" Aaron questioned.

"Pyrrha… she's going after Azrael… I couldn't stop her…" Kurogasa grunted as Weiss used her glyphs to get Kurogasa off the wall.

"What!?" Teams RWBY and JNPR exclaimed in shock.

"Dammit! What is she thinking!?" Orion growled in annoyance.

Aaron rubbed his chin in thought before realization hit him, "She thinks Azrael can save Orpheus's life. We need to find her now before she's put in danger!"

"Then go… I'll stay with Orpheus." Kurogasa said.

Aaron nodded then turned to the rest of his friends, "Let's go, everyone! We have to find Pyrrha!"

Ruby wiped away her tears and quickly psyched herself up, "Yeah! Let's do it!"


LINE BREAK


Kurai was sitting in a cell in shame, awaiting her master's orders. She hugged her legs as she began to sob, but flinch in shock as she heard clinking on her cell door. She looked up in surprise to see Roman and Neo there.

"Neo! Torchie!" Kurai said with joy.

"It's Torchwick!" Roman exclaimed in comical anger. "Geez, even after you leave, you're still giving me that dumb nickname!"

"It's good to see you," Kurai said but looked down, "But it seems like I'm to be Azrael's slave for eternity."

Neo rolled her eyes and held up the Core Medal case, much to Kurai's shock, "But how-?!"

"We snagged it while he was out, looking for you. Stay calm, cause me and Neo came up with a plan."

Kurai nodded and listened to them as they explained the plan in whispers. Later, Azrael was walking to his throne, placing his book next to the Core Medal case that was there for some reason. He then smirked as he sensed Pyrrha close by, being led by two of his Hybrids. The two hybrids brought Pyrrha into the lair, and Azrael welcomed her.

"Welcome, Pyrrha Nikos," Azrael said with a smirk, "I trust you're enjoying my hospitality?"

"Spare the pleasantries." Pyrrha cut off. "Now are you going to heal Orpheus or not?"

"My, my, straight to the point. I like that." Azrael chuckled. "I trust that your decision has been made then?"

"Yes…" Pyrrha said. "Orpheus means everything to me…"

"Very well, then we can now proceed with-"

"Not so fast!" The redhead shouted, silencing the hooded villain. "Before I become your Alter, you're going to save my cousin! Do it now and I'll become your servant willingly."

"Hm, smart. But what's stopping me from forcing you to be my slave?" Azrael inquired.

Pyrrha took out Milo at lightning speed… and placed the blade against her throat. "If you don't save Orpheus's life… I'll cut my throat and deny you your little science project."

"You would commit suicide if I don't save his life?"

"You're damn right I would!" She spat.

Azrael stared at the girl for a few seconds before he shrugged, "Very well, I'll spare his life. It shouldn't take too long for me. I'll be back in about a minute. Until then, sit tight, my dear." He said before disappearing into black smoke.


LINE BREAK


Back at the Hospital, Team RWBY was looking over Orpheus as he was getting closer to death. They had come back to relieve Kurogasa, who joined in the search for Pyrrha.

"This is not good…" Blake said quietly.

"He's getting worse with each passing hour," Weiss stated.

Yang's eyes turned red with anger, "This sucks! We can't do anything but watch! I hate this!"

"I don't either… but…" Ruby said sadly.

The four looked down when suddenly Azrael came out from the shadows shocking them.

"Azrael!" They all exclaimed, readying their weapons.

"Easy children, I'm merely keeping my word on a bargain," Azrael said with a smile.

"What?" Weiss looked incredulous.

The hooded man stepped past the anxious girls and stood beside Orpheus's bed then hovered a hand over the wound present on the boy's chest. A purplish-blue glow emanated from Azrael's hand as the light seeped into the musician's injury. Slowly but surely, his organs were becoming less rotten and more… fresh so-to-speak, and even fixing his bones and skin. When the hooded villain removed his hand away from Orpheus's chest, it revealed that his wound had vanished completely, leaving nothing but healthy pink skin.

"He's… healed." Blake said stunned.

"Why are you doing this?" Yang glared at the hooded man.

"You can thank your friend, Pyrrha Nikos," Azrael remarked. "Until then…" And with that, he disappeared into the black fog.

"Mmmm…" Orpheus moaned, slowly coming to. "Where…?"

"Orpheus!" The girls exclaimed in relief.

"What happened? Where's Koa?" He asked, slowly sitting up.

"Orpheus, you're in the hospital. You were badly hurt." Blake explained to the musician. "And your organs were rotting. You were about to die until… Pyrrha went off to give herself to Azrael."

"What…?" Orpheus gasped in horror.

"She must've succeeded because Azrael came and saved your life." Weiss clarified.

"He…" Orpheus muttered before he immediately got out of the bed, taking off any wires he had on him before running off.

"Orphee, wait!" Ruby called out.

"I'm going out there! Don't try and stop me!" The auburn-haired teen declared.

"What is it with boys always running off into danger?" Blake sighed.

"It doesn't matter! We need to go after him!" Weiss said before the team ran out of the hospital room.


LINE BREAK


Pyrrha was left in a prison cell as two Grimm hybrids kept guard over her. She turned to the cell next to her and spotted Kurai, in her human disguise hugging her legs.

"Kurai!" Pyrrha shouts in surprise.

"Pyrrha…" Kurai said sadly, "I'm so very sorry…"

"It's not your fault. You don't have to apologize." Pyrrha said to the girl.

"Pyrrha… I'm once again Azrael's servant." Kurai said with a tone of hopelessness.

"Not for long! If Azrael kept his part of the deal then Orpheus will be alright. He will come and save us! I just know it." The redhead stated.

"I can't come back to them," Kurai said, "Azrael ensured that I cannot betray him again."

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"He placed Core Medals in me that would destroy the consciousness he used to create me," Kurai explained, "In other words, my soul is forever in his grasp."

Pyrrha was shocked at the revelation of the hooded villain's trick. "No…" she said in disbelief.

"I'm sorry, Pyrrha."

"Well, well, getting reacquainted already?" The voice of Azrael spoke as the hooded man appeared out of the shadows, leveling his smoldering yellow eyes at the two girls. "In any case, it is time for you to uphold your end of the bargain, Miss Nikos."

"I…"

"I saved your cousin just like you asked. Are you backing out of our deal? If so, I can always go back and tear his heart out with my bare hands then present it to you." Azrael remarked.

"I… understand. Do what you must." Pyrrha said in defeat.

"Excellent," The hooded man laughed menacingly as he marched towards the girl, allowing his palm to glow with a violet aura. "This will only hurt for a bit." With that said, Azrael jabbed his hand directly into Pyrrha's chest, bypassing her flesh and delving deep into her soul, sending waves of darkness into it. Pyrrha began to scream in pain as her eyes changed to a malicious yellow.

"No, Pyrrha!" Kurai cried out in horror.

"Now, my new servant! Transform into your greatest form." Azrael ordered.

Pyrrha's yellow eyes flashed before her body is shrouded in shadow as it morphed and reformed to reveal a monstrous creature. It resembles a female ancient Spartan complete with a helmet, breastplate, bracers, and greaves that were all bronze. There were also magnet attachments on her shoulders, knees, and as a head crest for the helmet. Behind the faceless helmet were glowing green eyes while a plume of long fiery hair erupted from the back of the helmet. In her hands were malformed versions of Pyrrha's signature weapons, Milo and Akouo.

"Say hello to my new creature! My Magna Alter!" Azrael declared with a wicked laugh. "Hahahahahahahaha! AAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"No…" Kurai whispered in fear.

"Now, my servants… go find the Riders and kill them!" Azrael commanded.


LINE BREAK


"You think they're still at the warehouse district?" Kurogasa asked as he, Orion, and Aaron kept running. Following behind them was the remaining members of team JNPR.

"They might be! We just have to find them!" Aaron replied from the lead. He flinched when he saw something heading towards him… It was a flying sword! "Duck!" He yelled. The Riders except for Orion ducked, and he turned and was sent flying from the sword which shattered off his head.

"OW!" Orion exclaimed, rubbing his head.

"Where the hell did that come from?!" Aaron wondered. He then turned to see two monsters on one of the buildings, under construction.

"Welcome, Kamen Riders!" Azrael's voice echoed in the night air. "I see you have finally arrived at the sight of your tombstone!"

"Azrael!" The three Riders shout. They then saw Kurai behind him.

"Koa, you're ok!" Orion shouted. But then, Azrael gave the vilest laugh, "What's so funny?!"

"Oh, you'll find that Kurai has returned to better management, especially when she destroys you once and for all," Azrael remarked.

"Liar!"

"It's true," Kurai said as she jumped down to their level, "I am once again a weapon for Azrael to wield."

The three Riders stared at her in disbelief.

"And that's not all…" Azrael trailed as he gestured to his latest monster. "Allow me to introduce your friend, who has now become my newest servant, Magna Alter!"

"Pyrrha…" Aaron said shocked. The Alter said nothing as she jumped and floated down thanks to her powers of magnetism, "You cruel MONSTER!" He shouted.

"Save your energy, boy," Azrael coldly stated. "You'll be needing it for now."

Kurai drew her sword, and the Alter her malformed weapons. The Riders flinched, being forced to summon their Aura Drivers. The three took out their Aura Spheres and inserted them into their belts.

"Henshin!" The trio of Riders shouted.

AURA SPHERE CONNECTED! WOLF/DRAGON/BEAR!

KURENAI NO HUNTER! CRIMSON WOLF!

TENGOKU EMPEROR! WHITE DRAGON!

TOMERARENAI WARRIOR! AZURE BEAR!

Energy wolves, dragons, and a bear clamber onto the boys before disappearing to reveal Kamen Riders Kurenai, Shiro, and Azure. The two monsters charged at the Riders, clashing with them.

Kurenai and Kurai were in an intense sword battle, the two caught in a deadlock. In the Rider's hand was his newest sword which was designed specifically for his use. It had a single-edge blade with a gun mechanism within the sword, a wolf head-shaped handguard that seemed like it could open and close its mouth with a slot inside big enough to fit an Aura Sphere, and a trigger on the hilt of the sword. This is known as the Fang Howler, Kurenai's gunblade.

"Stop this, Kurai! You have to stop this now!" Kurenai pleaded with the Greeed even as he kept up his defense with his weapon.

"I can't, he will kill Orpheus if I don't," Kurai said as she swung her blade, "I have no choice but to obey!"

Kurenai frowned behind his helmet and held his gunblade with both hands, "Then sorry for doing this…" He said while pulling the trigger on the hilt of his weapon, making the edge of the blade glow with a crimson light before he slashed with it, sending an energy wave at Kurai. Kurai blocked it with her blade, cutting the wave in two.

"Sorry, but that's not gonna cut it." Kurai jokes with a smile. Kurenai groaned at the pun.

"You've been spending too much time with Yang…" The crimson Rider remarked before the Fang Howler's blade shifted downward so the weapon resembled a gun.

GUN MODE!

Kurenai aimed the Fang Howler at Kurai and fired several energy bullets at the Greeed. She yelped and dove into her shell as the bullets hit. The shell was sent flying from the blasts, but it ricocheted across the few buildings back into Kurenai.

"Ow! Did you just… Oh, now you're gonna get it!" The wolf-themed Rider exclaimed in comical anger.

Kurai came out of her shell with swirls in her visor, "Heard enerf we~t?" Kurai slurred as she looked dizzy and stumbled around. Kurenai looked dumbfounded. What is she doing? Kurai then swung her sword, hoping to hit Kurenai. The Rider quickly moved his body to avoid the blade then used his momentum to deliver a kick directly to the Greeed's stomach. Kurai grabs his ankle and slammed him into the ground. Kurenai handsprings up, his heels striking Kurai's chin before he flips back a few feet away from her.

"I don't know what you're doing, but you really need to get your head in the game!" Kurenai said before making the wolf head bite the Aura Sphere.

BITE! CRIMSON FANG!

The wolf-themed warrior jumped into the air before descending towards Kurai with his Rider Kick, "HYAAAAAA!" He roared. Kurai roared as her fist glowed with energy as she punched his kick, causing an energy shockwave clash. As the shockwave blocked out a sound between the two, Kurai said something to Kurenai causing his eyes to widen in surprise before smirking as he put all his effort into his kick. Kurai smirked as she responded with her own full power punch, both energies clashing and spiraling out of control. The two were knocked back by a shockwave, before charging at each other with the intent to destroy each other.

The others were taken by surprise by the clash of the two powers. Even Azrael himself was taken by surprise by their sheer strength.

"Such power," Azrael said as he stared at the fight, yet a mad grin began to spread across his face. "So this is the strength of a Rider born of this world. I'm almost impressed. But…" He snapped his fingers as the Magna Alter's eyes flashed before she released her magnetism, coating the three Riders in a black aura before sending them flying into a wall. Kurai inserted her three Core Medals into the sword, covering it in a lot of energy.

"SAN KEMONO KIRI!" Kurai shouted as she sent a wave of energy at the trio. The energy turned into a humongous tornado taking the trio into it.

"I'm gonna be sick!" Azure yelled as his body was dragged around the twister.

Kurai smirked as she sent multiple waves of energy at the twister causing a large explosion. The Riders cried out in pain as they fell to the ground in smoking heaps.

"S-such power…" Kurogasa said in disbelief and pain.

"I think we're screwed." Orion groaned in pain.

"Don't worry," Aaron reassures his friends, "There's a plan in place that will save them both!"

Azrael gave an evil laugh as the two monsters walked towards the downed Riders. "Hahahahahaha! And just what can you do?! I got what I want and now you're all going to die!"

The Alter raised its blade, poised to end the Riders. Suddenly, she was hit with multiple Dust shots that sent her flying.

"O-Orpheus…" Kurai said as the source of the blasts came from Orpheus.

"Koa, I'm here now…" The musician said even with his weapon in its bladed bow form. His green eyes leveled a dangerous glare at the hooded man, "Azrael, where's my cousin?"

"Orpheus… She's an Alter now…" Kurai said somberly.

Orpheus's eyes widened before they trailed over to the smoking form of the Magna Alter, who stood up looking rather unharmed despite the smoke erupting from her armor. His grip on Lyrical Relevance tightened to the point his knuckles turned white. "You'll pay for this… I will make you pay for what you did to her, Azrael!"

Kurai slowly walked in front of Orpheus, raising her sword.

"Step aside, Koa…" The auburn-haired teen told the Greeed.

"I'm sorry, Orpheus… I have no choice but to serve him," Kurai said as she then glared, "Koa janai, Kurai da."

Orpheus was taken aback by her statement, before realizing Azrael must've given her the same deal as Pyrrha. His teeth clenched in anger, he glared hatefully at the hooded villain and yelled, "BASTARD!" He took aim at Azrael and fired a powerful lightning arrow at him. Azrael snapped his fingers, and both Kurai and the Alter appeared in front of the arrow, taking the brunt of the attack.

"Such a childish attack will never work on me. I spared your life because it was the only way to get your cousin to willingly become my pawn. Truthfully, I wanted to snuff you out in the hospital bed right then and there but a thought came to me… what if I made your own beloved cousin kill you instead?"

The Alter charged at Orpheus, forcing him to dodge. Kurai was hesitant to attack, as she looked away and gripped her trembling hand.

Azrael glanced at the resisting Greeed and quickly reminded her as to who held her leash, "Attack, Kurai. He is your enemy." His hand pulsed with violet energy, activating the Medals inside Kurai's body. Markings of violet formed on her body as she screamed in pain, charging towards Orpheus. She swung her blade furiously at him, leaving a few small cuts on him as he continued to try and dodge the two.

'Crap!' Orpheus cursed in thought, 'At this rate, I'll die for real!'

The other heroes made it to the battle and gasped at what they were witnessing. Kurai and the Magna Alter were mopping the floor with Orpheus whilst the other Riders were badly injured.

"Guys!" Ruby shouted. They ran to the three Riders and tended to them, "We need to help him,"

"No," Aaron said surprising the others, "Orpheus must face them on his own."

"But-" Ruby tried to argue but she paused when she noticed the looks on the Rider's face. He was just as apprehensive and wanted to help but he knew that this was his teammate's fight to finish.

Orpheus was slammed in the gut by Kurai, "S-Sorry, Orphee…" the Greeed said, causing Orpheus to let out a weak chuckle.

"Not your fault." He groaned despite the pain he felt. "I should've protected you… I should have kept you safe…"

Kurai's visor watered as the Magna Alter came in and used its magnetism. His weapon was sent out of his hands, forcing Orpheus to use his fists but close combat was not his forte and it showed as his altered cousin slashed and bashed him with her shield and sword. "Pyrrha… you shouldn't have done this…" Orpheus muttered. "This is not your destiny…"

The Magna Alter didn't respond as she continued to attack but Orpheus was starting to get tired and his latest stumble sent him falling to the ground. The Alter raised its blade, whilst Kurai groaned in pain as her arms were forced to raise her own sword.

"And now the curtain falls…" Azrael smirked beneath his hood as he watched intently at the auburn-haired teen's demise.

"Pyrrha… Koa…" Orpheus stared at the two girls he cared for too much as he faced his end with grim realization and closed his eyes, accepting his defeat. "I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough…"

And then…


[? ? ?]


Orpheus opened his eyes and found himself in a dark void, floating in the air. "This is…" He muttered.

"Your journey does not end here." A voice said, coming from everywhere in the dark void. His Aura then spiked out of his body before it took shape and manifested itself in front of him, taking the form of a dark grey falcon with yellow markings. "It is too soon for you to perish in this world."

"You are…"

"I am your Aura manifested in a physical form. Like the others, I have lived inside your soul since you were born." The falcon spoke as it slowly soared around him. "While the Maker gave you the power of those who have had dark intentions and are beyond redemption, you yourself have not fallen like them. Why do you think that is?"

"Because I'm not crazy."

"It is much more than that." The falcon stated. "It is your compassion for others that gives you strength. If such compassion were incorporated into them, perhaps they would have been redeemed. Your compassion for that Greeed has been a major influence. She has seen the error of her ways and your guidance will lead her to a better destiny than that of a monster."

"But I couldn't save her from her creator, or from my friends when they turned on her."

"Perhaps, but do you truly believe that she is irredeemable?"

Orpheus furrowed his brows and gave his answer, "No, I don't."

"And your family. She knew the risks she was willing to take to save you. As is her destiny." The falcon continued. "While that man is charged with keeping the flow of time on its intended path, you still have a chance to alter those events."

"But how?" He asked.

"Trust in your friends and yourself. It will present itself to you when you are in dire need." The falcon said. "But be warned, an ally of that man will erase those memories from you and your friends and those who you have influenced."

Orpheus stared at the falcon in shock.

"You know what I speak of." the falcon said. "It is your knowledge of this world, prior to being reincarnated by the Maker and of the events to come. That ally of his shall erase all of it."

"Can I prevent it? Stop it somehow?"

"The future of that moment is unclear. However, fate does not dictate your actions. It is by your own hand and compassion that shall guide you to victory over the darkness."

"Then with that strength, I will guide those to victory with my hand and watch over those who cannot defend themselves," Orpheus vowed as he looked the falcon in the eyes. "Please… lend me your strength!"

"As you wish! With your trial complete, the final door has been unlocked! With the Wolf of Courage, Dragon of Resolve, and Bear of Wisdom, I now give to you the final gift!" The falcon declared as it spreads its wings. "Accept this power born from your soul! The Power of Compassion! The feelings of those in the dark who seek a path to the light of tomorrow!"


LINE BREAK


A stream of purple aura shot out of Orpheus's body, causing the Magna Alter and Kurai to back off.

"NO! NOOOOOO!" Azrael shouted. Kurai gazed upon the aura with a hopeful smile and a warm feeling in her heart.

"Orphee…" Kurai said happily.

"He's done it," Aaron said with a smile. "He's finally awakened to his true Rider power."

The auburn-haired teen began to stand, the purple aura coating his body healed the cuts on his skin then it began to reform until it materialized an Aura Driver with the buckle resembling the head of a falcon shaded purple with a golden beak and dimmed eyes. The belt strap possessed purple musical notes along the surface.

A loud caw echo in the night as a purple translucent falcon appears over the musician's head then it shrunk down until it formed a purple Aura Sphere with an image of a falcon inside.

"Let my song of compassion reach you…" Orpheus spoke, his hair shadowing his eyes before he looked up and glared right at the Magna Alter. "Pyrrha!" With that said, he opened the 'mouth' of the falcon as a soft lyrical tune played while he crossed his arms. "Henshin!" He declared before slotting the Aura Sphere into the falcon's mouth then closed it as the eyes of the falcon flashed orange.

AURA SPHERE CONNECTED! FALCON!

An electric bass began to play from the Aura Driver. The shriek of a falcon echoed in the air as his Aura spiked out and shaped itself into that said animal before it flew around in the air then came down, enshrouding its wings around Orpheus's body.

SHINOBI ONGAKU! SHADOW FALCON!

When the falcon disappears in a cascade of purple energy feathers, a new warrior stood in the musician's place. He was clad in a black full bodysuit with a violet chest plate that mimicked the upper clothing of a ninja. He had small purple shoulder guards with black feathers, purple-yellow gauntlets, purple-yellow greaves with grey markings, and purple boots that resembled shinobi shoes with yellow talons over the toes and back of the heel. Around his neck is a yellow scarf with grey musical notes running along with the fabric. His helmet was black with a purple 'mask' in the shape of a falcon's head complete with a yellow beak that went down from his nose to his mouth with a pair of sharp, angular orange eyes.

"Sugei…" Kurogasa said in awe.

Azrael glared at the new Rider with a wave of burning anger. "Yet again… yet again, you damn brats keep gaining power! Just who are you!?"

"Kamen Rider… Nero." The new Rider answered. He enters a martial arts stance as he began to speak in Japanese, "Saigo no rekuiemu ga hajimari da*."

The Alter charged at Nero with a roar. Kurai groaned in pain as she was forced to fight herself. The two tried to swing their blades at Nero, but he had easily dodged them. He even landed on the edge of the Alter's blade on a single foot, ninja style. This surprised the Magna Alter and before they knew it, he jumped up and performed a few hand signs. One of the musical notes on his scarf erupted into flames before he brought his hand over to where his mouth was.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Flame!" Nero declared before a torrent of fire is shot down directly at the Alter.

"Ninjitsu?!" Kurogasa and Blake said in surprise.

"Okay, I was not expecting that!" Orion cried out in awe and shock.

Magna Alter brought up her shield to defend against the fire but the metal began to superheat, causing her pain as she cast it aside to avoid further injury. Nero wasted no time doing a few more hand signs.

"Kage Bushin no Jutsu!" Nero shouted as multiple shadow clones appeared in front of them.

"Shadow Clones!?" Aaron gawked.

"Dude, he's like Kamen Rider Shinobi! Only better!" Kurogasa said.

Nero and his Shadow Clones went on the assault, pulling out feather-shaped kunai and attacked Magna Alter at blinding speed. One clone would slash her on the chest, another would kick her across the face, and one would punch her in the back.

"No! NOOOOO!" Azrael roared before he quickly sent some of his energy into Kurai to force her to fight. "Stop him now! KILL HIM!"

Kurai roared as she charged at Nero, "Nero, attack me with your strongest attacks! Hurry!"

The falcon-themed Rider nodded before five of his clones performed different hand signs, each of the notes on their scarfs lighting up with separate colors like red, blue, green, yellow, and purple.

"Fire Style: Phoenix Flame!"

"Water Style: Aqua Dragon!"

"Wind Style: Razor Hurricane!"

"Earth Style: Gaia Impact!"

"Dark Style: Shadow Shuriken!"

A burst of flame, a dragon composed of water, a powerful twister, a wave of jagged rocks, and a barrage of shadowy ninja stars all struck Kurai with enough force to put her out of commission. This left the original Nero to contend with his altered cousin.

"Time to end this!" Nero Prime declared.

All of the clones and the original then lifted up the mouth of the falcons before bringing it down to bite on it.

BITE!

The clones took off in a burst of speed, striking Magna Alter from all around while the original Nero entered a stance. As the clones weakened the Alter, the music notes on the scarf around Nero's neck all began to glow until the scarf reformed into a set of purple-yellow bird wings that the Rider flapped to lift off into the air, floating directly above the Alter. The talon on the heel of his right boot sprouted to reveal a curved blade. Nero dived down towards Magna Alter as the caw of a falcon echoed from his movement then he flipped his body over with his right leg raised high and performed a devastating axe kick that struck the Alter down the middle.

SHADOW TALON!

The Magna Alter released one last pained cry before she exploded. Once the smoke cleared, it revealed the monster on the ground unconscious as a scarlet light erupted from her chest to reveal a scarlet Aura Sphere with Pyrrha's symbol inside. With her soul purified, the malicious Magna Alter disappeared to reveal Pyrrha Nikos once more.

Kurai smirked as the purple Medals flew out of her bleeding chest. She grabbed them and tossed them straight into Azrael's chest, causing the hooded villain to double over in pain, "Taste that desire, my former Master!"

The hooded man snarled before blasting his former creation with an energy ball, sending Kurai crashing into the ground. "This isn't over! Do you hear me!? THIS IS NOT OVER!" He roared as he vanished into black smoke. Kurai groaned in pain, trying to get up but she was like an upside-down turtle.

"KOA!" Orpheus cried out as he went back to civilian form and rushed over to her.

"I'm okay…" Kurai groaned out.

"Okay, what just happened?" Kurogasa got out.

"I think he won…" Orion said, still trying to process what happened.

"That… was… AWESOME!" Ruby cried out with sparkles in her eyes.

"Not again…" Weiss sighed.

"Pyrrha!" Jaune shouted, running over to her as the rest of Team JNPR arrived. "Pyrrha! Wake up!"

"Unnnngh…" Pyrrha groaned as she slowly opened her eyes. "Jaune?"

"Thank Oum you're alright." Jaune sighed in relief.

"How… What happened? Where am I?" Pyrrha questioned as Jaune slowly sat her up.

"Orpheus found his own Rider power, he saved you and Kurai," Jaune explained. "We were really worried about you, Pyrrha."

"I'm sorry…" The redhead looked down in shame. "I wanted to save Orphee so badly…"

Jaune hugged Pyrrha closely, "I know."


LINE BREAK


[Beacon Academy - Balcony]


Kurai, in her human disguise, watching the sky from one of Beacon's balconies. It had been a week since the events of Kamen Rider Nero manifesting itself in Orpheus and Azrael leaving to lick his wounds. She had been freed from his grasp and yet, something felt missing from herself.

"I thought I'd find you here…" A voice spoke.

"Orphee…" Kurai said with a smile.

"Orphee janai, Orpheus da," Orpheus corrected with a chuckle.

"This coming from someone who's still calling me Koa?" Kurai asked with a giggle.

"I'm used to calling you that. It was the name you introduced yourself to me." The musician pointed out as he sat down beside her.

"Then what became of Kurai?" Kurai asked, holding his hand, "Is she still a part of 'Koa' or is she the shell that Koa wears?"

"What do you think?" Orpheus asked.

"…I think they're the same person," 'Koa' said with a smile, "That loves a red-haired musician."

"That's good- Wait, what?!" Orpheus gapped in shock as he looked at the girl. "Are you talking about me?"

"What do you think?" Koa smirked back.

"I uh…" Orpheus got out, as he looked dumbfounded. "Wow… that's um… how should I say this? Complicated?" He said as he sweatdropped.

"Shall I express it as something simpler?"

"Eh?" The auburn-haired teen blinked a few times. "How?"

Koa giggled as she gave him a quick peck on the lips before looking away blushing. The musician himself looked like the perfect imitation of a tomato as steam bellowed out of his ears.

"ABOUT TIME!" Kurogasa shouted from down below. Orpheus and Koa looked down to see the rest of Team JOKR looking up at them while Team RWBY used their scrolls to capture the moment.

"Were you guys watching us!?" Orpheus exclaimed.

"It was actually Kuro's idea." Aaron gestured to the samurai. "He wanted to see if you two would kiss." Koa had a few tick marks on her red face, as she held up her arm, which was in Greeed form before firing a controlled energy ball at Kurogasa, sending him flying.

"YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHOOHOOHOOHOOEY~!"

"B-Baka…" Koa mutters as she was still blushing from embarrassment.

"I need new friends…" Orpheus groaned.


LINE BREAK


"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Azrael yelled as he banged his fists on the table, breaking it. At the corner, Neo snickered to herself as Roman smirked in satisfaction. His eyes glowed as his arms were covered in the darkest of magics. "Damn them! DAMN THEM ALL! I will not be humiliated by these insignificant humans!"

"Well, to be fair, you've been underestimating them a lot, boss," Roman pointed out.

The hooded villain leveled a dangerous glare at the criminal and grabbed him by the throat. He was about to end his miserable life when he realized that he was right. At every turn, he had underestimated them and they won countless times because of it. Azrael tossed the orange-haired man aside, "You're right, Roman. I've been treating them like children instead of realizing how much of a threat they really are. But no more…" He stated. Neo helped Roman up as they gazed at Azrael in surprise, for he was doing something that he never did before. "I must become more powerful and gain strength the likes of which no Rider has ever attained. But in order to do that… I need to look inside my own soul."

"What are you-" Roman questioned before gasping in shock when Azrael plunged a hand deep into his own chest, a vicious dark light erupting from around the area.

Azrael grunted in slight discomfort but he continued to dive deep into his own soul then grasped something that made him smirk wickedly. Yanking his arm out, he revealed to the two criminals… a blackened Aura Sphere that pulsed with an evil aura. He began to chuckle darkly before his wicked maniacal laughter made the two tremble in fear.

"The Riders may have won this battle… but the true war has just begun!" Azrael declared as he continued his mad laughter.


SR: To Be Continued…

GKC: Until the next chapter that is. I really hope all you readers enjoyed the reveal of our new hero, Kamen Rider Nero.

SR: And be sure to leave reviews and favorite this story.

GKC: Yeah, because Azrael's not done yet and the battle has only just begun for our heroes. But before we get to that… let's explain Nero's stats. His current form, Shadow Falcon, is a shinobi-based form that gives him various abilities such as ninjutsu. Stat wise, he has the same punching power as Shiro but his kicking power is slightly higher than Kurenai. His speed is below Shiro's and he has the lowest defense of all the Aura Riders. However, his main strength is his agility. Since he is a ninja in this form, he's got the best agility out of all the Riders. Not only that but he can fly as well. As for how he can perform ninjutsu, it is because of his scarf, which is called the Lyric Jutsu Collar. The musical notes on the scarf represent the elements he can use for his attacks. The elements are as followed: Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Lightning, Darkness, Light, Metal, Ice, and Wood.

KRD: Aren't these the elements used from that 4th Season of Digimon?

GKC: Does it matter? I mean, who really thinks about all of that when they're watching a Rider similar to Kamen Rider Shinobi… but better.

KRD: I was just asking… geez. Anyways, now that all our original Riders are here, it's time to go back to the mainstay of Season 1 and the final battle between our Riders and Azrael!

GKC: Let's roll the preview clip then!


Announcer: Jiakai! Remnant's Climax Heroes!

Blake: Stop calling him a degenerate! He's a person!

Aaron: I was a member of the White Fang known as the Black Wolf…

Sun: I knew you looked better without the bow on

Penny: It is a pleasure to be meeting all of you!

Next Time: Black and White!

Azrael: Let this be the final day you Riders ever get in my way again…


GKC: And with that, I say to all of you… Peace out, everybody!

KRD: And with that, we'll see you next chapter!


Translation*: "Your final requiem begins now."