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

KRD: RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH! YOU'RE NOT TOUCHING WEIIIIIIIIISS!*

GKC: *Shoots a netgun*

KRD: LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! *struggles to break free*

SR: Thank gods, that was annoying.

GKC: Why are you thanking no-named gods? You should be thanking me.

SR: Ever heard of a figure of speech?

GKC: You ever heard of a shotgun to a smartass's face?

SR: I have and I'm wearing protective face gear because of that.

GKC: Mhmm, we'll see if you're still talking after I blast ya with some FMJs. Ah, before I forget and murder these two, we do not own anything from Kamen Rider or RWBY, except our OCs. All rights belong to their respective owners.

SR: And we also remind you to wash your hands thoroughly, leave a Fav and a Review, and enjoy the fanfic. That said Ninja Vanish! *throws down smokescreen*

GKC: Welp, time to go hunting. *Cocks shotgun*

SR:*whispers* Enjoy as we Henshin into the story.

KRD: He's right behind you.

SR: *squeals and starts running*


Chapter 21: Curiosity and a Cat! Part 2


Things were not well for our heroes. Blake has been turned into one of the most difficult Alters that they have ever faced. Many took this blow seriously, but none took it worse than Aaron. Do you want proof? Look no further than the demolished and messy Rider Base that was thrown around from left to right.

"I knew he had it bad, but not this bad." Orion sighed.

"Not since I…" Ruby shuddered, holding herself.

"Hey, it's not your fault," Orion said, pulling his girlfriend in close.

"I know, it's just… all of you went through so much because of me…" Ruby said.

Koa sighed as she turned to Yang who punched a wall in frustration.

"Darn it! I should have been there for her!" Yang cursed, before sighing, "I should've followed through on my promise…"

Koa gave the blonde boxer a hug before walking away from the group.

"Where are you going?" Orpheus asked the Greeed in disguise.

"A walk," Koa said without stopping, "I… need to make a call."

"I think we all need some space for now." Weiss suggested as the rest nodded in agreement.


LINE BREAK


"Oh, most excellent, excellent." Azrael chuckled as the Panther Alter was feeding on freshly cut tuna. A whole large one at that. "So many nefarious plans to carry out, and so little time."

"You're rather relaxed."

Azrael turned to see the Grimm Queen approach him. "Ah, Salem. I haven't seen you in ages. As you can see, my precious specimen did wonders." He gestured to the Panther Alter.

"So I see." Salem raised a delicate brow. "And you achieved this by using those boys' powers against them, correct?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes." the hooded man said with a shrug.

"Hm… it seems I haven't given you enough credit where it's due," Salem stated. "A fine job indeed. Will you be doing this in the future?"

"Oh most certainly. There are a few more… candidates in mind." Azrael smirked under his hood.

"Hm," Salem hummed in thought then nodded, "Very well. Keep up the good work."

"What? No goodbye kiss?" Azrael said with a snarky grin. His answer was met with a small orb of dark energy hitting his face sending him falling over his chair.

"Do not get smart with me." Salem slightly deadpanned.

"Can't help it. It's who I am. And you know you want me." The hooded man laughed.

"In your dreams."

"Relax, I was only joking. I have to get my entertainment somewhere."

"Hmph…" Salem scoffed before finally disappearing.

"Yeesh, she needs to loosen up," Azrael muttered. "Now then who should be my next victim?"


LINE BREAK


"Huhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…" Kurogasa sighed as he sat upon his bed, sitting on the edge of it wearing nothing but his pajama pants on.

"Kuro, what's wrong?" Weiss asked as she sat up from the bed.

"I can't sleep…" He shook his head. "I'm worried about Aaron."

Weiss frowned, "I know what you mean… I'm worried about Blake."

"We all are…" Kurogasa said. "First Ruby, then Pyrrha, and now her. He's been targeting all of us, and it scares me. It scares me that you'll turn into one too."

"Kuro," The girl placed a dainty hand on the young man's right shoulder. "I won't become like that. I promise."

"I hope so," Kurogasa said softly, his left hand reaching over to his right shoulder to hold her hand. "I already put you through hell when I turned into Another Gaim. If anything happened to you, I-"

"Shhhhhh… don't talk about it anymore." Weiss whispered as she now wrapped her arms around him from behind, leaning her head on his back. "Even if I did turn into an Alter, I know that you'll come and save me."

Kurogasa couldn't help but smile softly, looking over his shoulder. "You really have that much faith in me?"

"I do. I have a lot of faith in you." Weiss answered with a smile. "Because I believe in you."

"Weiss…"

"Just… promise me you won't lose that faith if and when it happens."

"With a promise like that? I know I can't break it." Kurogasa chuckled. The next thing that happened was Weiss pulling him back to bed, with her on top, looking down on him with a serene smile.

"We'll get Blake back no matter what," Weiss said, more to convince herself than Kurogasa.

"I know we will," Kurogasa said, caressing her cheek with his hand before the two of them kissed.


LINE BREAK


The Panther Alter was training in Azrael's lair as he reveled in his recent victory.

"I think this might be the most productive plan I've made yet. Having an actual ninja as part of my Alters will be fundamental to my goal." Azrael remarked as he took a sip from a glass of red wine.

"You actually took the kitty kat for a spin?" Roman asked, approaching Azrael.

"Of course, I needed a new test subject and I found the perfect one. So far, she has yet to disappoint me."

"That reminds me, how did you make those blank spheres? They look like they're a hassle to make."

Neo watches them curiously.

"I made copies of my own Aura Sphere, but since mine is unique, the copies were blank. However, if I apply a small portion of my power then I can create an Alter without having to go through that tedious process like before by implanting it in a subject." Azrael explained.

"You don't say…" Roman said as he picked up a blank one to examine it. How could something so small do something so dangerous? "And it's flawless? No defects whatsoever?" He raised a brow.

"Well, it's still a copy. So there are bound to be some problems. That's why I'm testing it… unless you would like to see for yourself?" Azrael suggested almost earnestly.

Roman raised his hands with a sheepish look. "I wouldn't dream of it."

"Hm, suit yourself." Azrael shrugged before going back to sipping his wine, watching the Panther Alter train. However, he failed to realize that Roman still had the blank Aura Sphere as he quickly pocketed while the hooded man was none the wiser.

'You owe me big time, Kurai…' Roman thought before approaching the ice cream girl. "Get this to her… quick…" He muttered quietly, giving the Aura Sphere to Neo.

Neo took the Sphere and nodded, using her Semblance to leave without a trace.

"Hm? Where is she going?" Azrael inquired.

"Oh, nothing. Just going to get that ice cream she always liked, you know those ten big buckets we got that one time?"

"Hm~? Ah yes, that flavor. She ate about 50 bowls if I recall." He said. "It's a wonder how she hasn't gained weight from that…"

"You and me both…"


LINE BREAK


The next day…

*KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK*

"Uh~ Aaron?" Ruby peeked her head inside the Rider Base. "Um… you there?"

"GO AWAY!"

*WOOSH!*

"Eeeeek!" Ruby moved out of the way when a wrench was thrown. There was then a bonk and Jaune crying out in the distance. "Aaron please, this is crazy!"

"Crazy? There's nothing crazy about coming up with various plans to save my sister and to make Azrael pay."

"Okay, you really need to chill the fuck out!" Orion snapped going into the Rider Base. "You almost hit Ruby with that wrench!"

"I'm about to hit you with my fist if you don't leave me alone!" Aaron shouted.

"Alright, that's it!" Yang shouts, having enough of Aaron as she stormed into the base and slugged him right in the face.

"Ow! Why would you-"

"Get your head out of the gutter, Aaron!" Yang interrupts him. "Loathing about it is not going to bring Blake back, so get a grip man!"

"Ya-"

*POW! POW! POW! POW! POW!*

Yang didn't give him the chance to talk as she slugged him in the face five more times, armed to the teeth with her gauntlets, almost giving him a broken and bloody nose!

"No, you shut up! You're gonna sit down right now and you're gonna listen to what we have to say or so help me Oum, I will really punch your balls out so hard you won't be walking for a year!"

"Mm-mm-mm-mm-mm…" Ruby whimpered as she was tearing up.

"C'mere Ruby…" Kurogasa said, pulling her in for a comforting hug as she hugged him back tightly. "Shhhh, it's okay. I got ya." He said softly. Aaron, holding his near-busted up nose, looked at the blonde, albeit with caution as to not piss off the angry dragon even more.

"First off, what the hell is your problem!?" Yang snapped. "You haven't snapped this bad since Ruby turned into an Alter! Only now Blake is involved and now you're ten times worse!"

"My problem? You wanna know what my problem is!" Aaron stood up from his seat, ignoring the threat the blonde gave him.

*POW!*

"SIT YOUR ASS DOWN!"

Aaron stood back up with his nose broken and bleeding. He glared right into Yang's angry red eyes, "HOW ABOUT YOU SHUT UP AND LET ME SPEAK THEN!"

"That's quite enough." A new voice said. Everyone turned to see Headmaster Ozpin. And he did not look happy. "Mr. Jaeger, I insist that you sit and calm down. Do not force my hand to expel you."

Aaron growled at the man then spat out some blood that collected in his mouth onto the floor, "Forget all of you. I'm going back out there to search for Blake. And none of you are getting in my way."

*WAPISH!*

Aaron was suddenly knocked unconscious when Koa did a quick chop to the back of his neck.

"Thank you, Miss Koa." Ozpin sighed.

"When did you get here?" Orion blinked in surprise.

"I walked in." Koa deadpanned. "Anyways, that's not why I'm here. Look what I got!" She said showing… the blank Aura Sphere!?

"Is that-" Yang got out.

"Yup, special thanks to a couple of friends of mine," Koa said with a smile. "Think you guys can use this?"

"Let me guess, Roman and Neo," Orion said.

"Yup."

"I suppose it could be beneficial. But… Mr. Jaeger is unconscious at the moment. It will have to be examined by Dr. Oobleck so we can see what new intel we can get on this." Ozpin said thoughtfully, before gesturing Koa to give the Aura Sphere to him. "In the meantime, Mr. Arc, you, Mr. Kururugi, and Mr. Rhythm head out and find Ms. Belladonna. Ms. Xiao Long, Ms. Koa, and I will keep Mr. Jaeger occupied."

"Right!" The trio said before heading out.

"Weiss?" Kurogasa looked to his sister.

"Don't worry, I'll look after Ruby." Weiss assured, making the boy nod before following his teammates.

"Hey, after the doc examines it, can I have it?" Koa asked.

"For what reason?" Ozpin raised an eyebrow.

"Safekeeping," Koa said simply.

Ozpin raised his eyebrow further. "Are you possibly trying to become a Rider?"

"Nope," Koa said, shaking her head and smiling innocently.

"Hand it over," Ozpin told her, holding out his hand. Koa sighed and held out the sphere towards him, allowing the headmaster to take it. She looked at the sphere one last time before turning to follow the others.

"Was that a no?" Koa asked the headmaster.

"I can neither confirm or deny," Ozpin said.


LINE BREAK


Meanwhile, Team OKR was looking around town for their friend, hoping to find a clue somewhere. But so far, nothing came up. The rest of Team RWBY was also helping with the search after Ruby managed to calm down, but so far there was nothing else on their end either. All it is was nothing but a wild goose chase. "No sign of Blake anywhere." Kurogasa sighed.

"Not here either," Weiss said with a sigh as well.

"They're hiding, that's what they're doing," Orpheus said. "You think they're back at their hideout?"

"What makes you say that?" Orion asked.

"Think about it. Why is it that every time something big happens, their hideout is always somewhere at the warehouse district where the shipping containers are?" Orpheus retorted.

"Oh yeah," Ruby said in realization before facepalming.

"Let's go," Kurogasa said before the four of them ran to the docks.

LINE BREAK

"Fascinating… quite fascinating…" Oobleck said, typing away on the Rider Base's computer as he used the analyzing device that was there too as the results were popping up on the screen.

"What did you find, Doctor?" Ozpin questioned.

"It's like looking at a Soul before it's given existence." Dr. Oobleck said in awe.

"Can you elaborate?"

"Take a look at these readings," Oobleck said as he typed on the keyboard, showing more results. "The energy signatures are similar to that of a person's Aura, but what Miss Koa had given us, it is merely a blank slate, not given life so-to-speak. If one were to simply rewrite that blank Aura with one of their own it can give that user power, similar to that of Team JOKR's Semblances."

Ozpin rubbed his chin with interest, "So what you're saying is… that anyone could become a Rider like them, yes?"

"Either that or provide some form of power-up for them. Of course, such power must not fall into the wrong hands! Or rather, the user must choose how to use that power. As I'm sure we're all aware of what this Azrael character is capable of. His power has tainted Miss Rose's and Miss Niko's Auras, and most recently Miss Belladonna's, but if one were to counter the negativity of that tainted Aura with a pure one…"

"It would purify and neutralize all of the taint and crystalize into something that is their own." Ozpin finished.

"Though an interesting question comes to mind; what would it do for something like a Grimm or other soulless creatures?" Oobleck pondered.

This made the headmaster look at the sphere in thought. "Doctor, I would like for you to continue your research into these Aura Spheres. I have a feeling that they shall hold the key to humanity's future." Ozpin told the man.

"Of course! I'm on it!" Oobleck said, as he continued typing away while drinking from his thermostat. "My goodness, I haven't been this excited about such a fascinating topic since… I don't know when! This is brilliant!"

"Ughhhhh…" Aaron's voice groaned as he was slowly coming to.

"I see you're awake, Mr. Jaeger." Ozpin noticed as Aaron was coming to, sitting up from one of the lounge couches of the Rider Base.

"What the…" He noticed the two men… inside his secret base and touching his computer. "What the hell is going on here!?"

"We're studying a blank Aura Sphere that Miss Koa has provided." Ozpin answered.

"You're… what?"

"I tell you it's most fascinating!" Oobleck said.

"Now then, Mr. Jaeger. I would insist that you keep yourself calm this time around." Ozpin suggested. "It would do you no good if you were to go on a rampage again."

Aaron got up and looked at them and then towards the Blank Aura Sphere with interest. He then gained an awesome idea as he began sketching out designs.

"What are you doing?" Yang said as she walked in.

"I think I figured out what I need." Aaron said as he typed into his computer.

"And what would be?" Oobleck asked.

"My ticket to bring Blake back to her senses."


LINE BREAK


"Blake! Come on out!" Kurogasa shouted after arriving at the warehouse district.

"We want to help you!" Orion added.

Suddenly, the Panther Alter appears on a bunch of warehouse crates. She hissed at the group as Azrael appeared next to her.

"Well, well, well, it looks like someone wants a second helping of Alter power." Azrael said with a cruel smirk.

"Let Blake go!" Kurogasa demanded.

"Hm, let me think about that…" The hooded man contemplated then shook his head. "How about no?"

"Come on guys, let's take this clown!" Orion said as he pounded his fists together.

"Right!" The others shout as they readied their Drivers.

"I don't think so." Azrael said. Without warning, all three Riders were attacked by the Panther Alter that swiped at all of them with her claws, moving at high speed in different directions. By the time she was finished, all of their Auras shattered. "I'd rather not take that chance."

"Dang it!" Kurogasa cursed.

"She's too fast for us!" Orpheus gritted his teeth.

"I'll fight her." Koa said, before changing into her Greeed form and approached the Panther Alter.

"Koa, no!" Orion shouted. "You're gonna get killed! Azrael took out your Core Medals!"

"Not all of them. I still got Cobra!" Kurai said as she got ready to fight, "How long till you can recover your aura?"

"Depends…" Kurogasa groaned. "Just hold her off, until we're ready."

"Right I'll be fine! I'll be fine" Kurai said before muttering to herself, "I'm gonna die…"

The Alter charged at Kurai, who ducked underneath a punch and then kicked her face before using her entire body to knock her over. "Come on, KitKat, we've been a lot of things." Kurai tried to reason with the squirming Alter, "But being a bitch for Az ain't one of them! Think about Aaron, your brother!" The squirming began to lessen as the Alter stared at Kurai. "Yes, yes! Think of Aaron, your brother!"

Azrael clicked his tongue as he aimed a ball of energy at Kurai. "I've had enough of your bothersome interference. Disappear…"

"KOA!" Orpheus shouts as Kurai looks up in horror.

"Oh, fudge this is gonna hurt…" Kurai muttered as she held up her hands protectively.

WILD CRIMSON SLASH!

Before the energy could hit the young Greeed, an arc of crimson energy cut right through Azrael's attack.

"What in-" Koa gasped.

"Aaron!?" The rest of Team JOKR cried out in shock. This was not good!

Approaching the group was Aaron, who held the Fang Howler in his right hand while he carried something small in his left hand. "Hope I'm not late for the party." It was the item that Aaron had been working for a while now. It looked like a golden half-mask that could be fitted onto a person's face with hollow eyes.

"What is that thing?" Kurogasa pondered.

"Beats me. But I hope that thing beats Azrael." Orion said.

"Hahahahahahaha! So the foolish brother of Blake has come! Excellent!" Azrael laughed. "Have you come to finally admit defeat?"

"Not really. I came to kick your ass and take my sister back." Aaron said as he brought up the gold mask in his hand. "And this will be the key to it all."

"Hahahahaha! And what can that possibly do?"

"I'll show you." Aaron said as he pressed a button on top of the mask.

EXCEED THE LIMIT!

The young man summoned his Aura Driver and placed it around his waist then slotted the mask over the eyes of the wolf. He opened the mouth of the wolf as a new tune began to play a synthetic lyrical tune. "Henshin!" He declared as he placed his Aura Sphere into the wolf's mouth, closing it as the hollowed eyes flashed red instead of orange.

AURA SPHERE CONNECTED! WOLF! EXCEED CHARGED!

A golden version of Aaron's wolf emerged out of the Aura Driver. It possessed glowing red eyes and released a loud howl. The wolf clambered onto Aaron, shrouding him in golden light with a set of burning red eyes shining in the light.

When the light disappeared, it revealed Kamen Rider Kurenai. However, his armor was different. The chest plate possessed golden claw marks over the pectorals and abdomen, the shoulder guards had three golden claws, his gauntlets were outlined with gold, golden spikes jutted from his elbows and knees, and his boots had golden edges with a spike on the heel. spikes, almost detailing or sharpening his appearance. The helmet itself had a notable change such as the wolf 'mask' having golden yellow outlines or extra spikes, the mouthpiece was gold, and the eyes seemed to be covered by a V-shaped golden mask that shaded the eyes from yellow to red.

KURENAI NO HUNTER! OVER SOUL! EXCEE~D WOLF!

The crimson-gold Rider stood in place as crimson electricity surged around his body until it focused on the eyes, which flashed.

"Ho…" Kurogasa began.

"Ly…" Orion added.

"Shit…" Orpheus finished.

"Oh my gosh! He's all sparkly!" Ruby gushed as she, Weiss, and Yang arrived at the scene, having now just noticed Aaron transforming.

"What is this supposed to be? Your way of becoming a pop icon?" Azrael remarked.

"This is my new form. Kamen Rider Kurenai…" The warrior posed by directing his right fist up to the left side of his helmet with his thumb pointed at his mask. "Exceed Wolf!"

"Hah! And how… will that-"

*SLASH!*

"GAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" A shower of sparks suddenly flew off of Azrael as he was sent flying and tumbling to the ground. "What in- what did you do!?" He demanded.

"I've exceeded my limits, that's what." Kurenai said smugly.

"So fast!" Koa said in disbelief and awe. "I barely saw him move!"

"Damn you…!" Azrael growled. But before he said anything, there was a blinding blur coming from Kurenai as he slashed Azrael in multiple directions causing sparks to fly off each time. He had no time to defend himself! How was this possible!? He's being made a fool again! He was humiliated by Oma Zi-O and now Kurenai not once, but twice!

"Yoshaaa!" Koa cheered, but suddenly heard a familiar noise. She turned and saw not only her Core Medals that Azrael took but something else that made her eyes brighten like a sun.

"Score!" Koa whispered/squealed as she pocketed her findings, unaware she let the Alter free to chase after Kurenai. The Rider turned to see his sister-turned-monster and got ready to face her head-on.

"Hang on, sis. I'm going to help you out." Kurenai whispered.

The Panther Alter snarled at the Kamen Rider and unsheathed twin katana blades. Kurenai drew forth his Fang Howler as the two took familiar battle stances. The two circled each other as Nora played cheesy ninja music upon her Scroll. The two stopped and everyone stared at Nora, who chuckled nervously from the attention she was getting.

"When did you get here!?" Kurogasa cried out. "And where's the rest of your team for that matter!?"

"Right… here…" Jaune called out as he, Pyrrha, and Ren arrived practically out of breath.

"C'mon ya bunch of sissies! My grandma can run faster than you!" Nora called out. "No joke, she's super strong and fast!"

"Has anyone ever told you that you're the most terrifying girl alive?" Orion inquired.

"Yes." Her teammates deadpanned. The Alter roared and charged at Kurenai. The Rider brought up his own weapon, blocking the Panther Alter's twin katana.

"Don't worry, Blake. I'll free you. Just wait a bit longer." He said, before breaking the deadlock and the two began clashing their weapons at high speed. It was so fast, no one can follow it. Not even Ruby's Semblance can match the speeds they were clocking in at.

"They're too fast! It's making my eyes roll!" Ruby cried out, holding her head while her eyes were spinning.

"Is Aaron even winning?" Yang wondered with a hopeful expression.

"I can't tell. They're all just blurs!" Weiss answered.

While the gathered teens could do nothing but watch, the upgraded Rider and the Panther Alter continued their deadly dance.. Small shockwaves appeared across the area as the two were clashing with all their strength and speed. Kurenai ducked underneath a slash, tripping the Alter and causing her to crash into a couple crates.

"Hang on sis, it's almost over…" Kurenai said as he slowly reached for his buckle.

"No, you don't!" Azrael yelled as he fired a few shots at the Rider. However, Aaron was too quick as he deflected all of them.

"Don't get in my way." Aaron said, before opening up the wolf's maw and having it bite on the Aura Sphere.

EXCEED BITE! CRIMSON WOLF!

Kurenai tossed his weapon away as golden energy began to gather at his right kicking foot. "Haaaaaaaa… HYAH!" He shouted, before jumping up and diving down towards the Panther Alter for a Rider Kick. As it happened gold and crimson energy shaped itself into a wolf as he dived down. "HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

The kaijin raised her katanas in an effort to block the attack but it proved useless the moment Kurenai's overcharged kick struck the blades… and shattered them. The Rider flies through the Alter and skids across the asphalt on his boots, sliding down into a crouch pose as the Panther Alter begins to spark a few times before it explodes.

EXCEED CRIMSON FANG!

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Azrael shouted in anger and rage. Meanwhile, the smoke cleared out to reveal an exhausted Blake as her Aura Sphere came out of her body before it shined, purifying the negativity before it was suddenly shot towards Aaron which he caught and the cat Faunus fell to the ground.

"Blake!" Yang shouted, running over to her fallen form, cradling the girl in her arms. Kurogasa knelt next to the buxom blonde and placed two fingers on Blake's neck.

"Is she alright?" Ruby asked worriedly.

"Yeah, she still has a pulse…" Kurogasa sighed in relief, making everyone else sigh in relief as well.

The crimson Rider looked at the Aura Sphere in his palm. It was a dark shade of violet with a black belladonna flower inside. "Blake…" He muttered before his Driver suddenly sparked then electricity coursed throughout his whole body, sending him spasms of agony as he cried out from the pain. Kurenai grasped his Driver and forcefully took it off his body, deactivating his transformation as Aaron fell to his knees in exhaustion.

"Aaron!" Orion shouted, as he and Orpheus ran over to him and held his arms.

"Damn… I knew it was a prototype, but gahhh… this hurts…!"

"NO, NO, NO, NO, NOOOOOOOOOOOO! DAMN YOU ALLLLLLLLLLL!" Azrael roared with fury. If looks could kill then all of the teens would've been dead a thousand fold with how soul-draining the hooded man's glare seemed to be. "I was just starting to enjoy having my own personal ninja!" The villain was about to go on another tangent… before he began to chuckle. "Oh well, at least I know my little experiment works now. With this power, I don't have to worry about having to persuade people to become my Alters anymore. That device you used to grow stronger may have indeed saved your sister… but I'm guessing it has a serious drawback."

Aaron gritted his teeth, therefore confirming the hooded villain's suspicions.

"No matter… at the end of the day, heroes fall all the same." Azrael sneered before he started sinking into the darkness. "Enjoy this while you can, because that heiress is next!"

"I won't let you touch her," Kurogasa growled, getting in front of his sister.

"Oh, it's gonna happen, boy. Just you wait…" With those final words, Azrael disappeared into the shadows.

"Grrrrr…" Kurogasa growled again.

"Kuro…" Weiss said worried.

Kurogasa looked at the heiress, "I won't let him touch you… I won't." He vowed before turning to the others. "C'mon, let's get Blake and Aaron back to Beacon."


LINE BREAK


Later on, once everyone returned to Beacon, Koa was tending to Blake as she was resting upon her bed. Aaron watched as Koa tended to his sister's every need while the rest went on doing their own business. Aaron was relieved that his sister was safe, but… the fact remained that Azrael can now strike wherever and whenever he pleases. He was now starting to become more threatening with each encounter. Something that he won't let happen ever again. "How are you feeling? Any discomfort?" Koa said to her friend, who groaned.

"No… just very tired and my body is so heavy…" Blake answered.

"Easy. You've been through a lot." Koa said. "I'll have the gang whip you up some warm tea and some tuna."

"Okay…"

"Koa… can you leave me with Blake for a few minutes?" Aaron asked. Koa gave a thumbs up and left the room, leaving Blake and Aaron alone. "Blake… I…"

"It's not your fault Aaron." Blake interrupted him. "It's mine."

"No… we both know that it's Azrael's fault… he's the one that messed with us." Aaron said.

"Still…"

"Don't worry about it Blake." Aaron shook his head.

"Aaron…" Blake murmured as the two were silent. "There's been something I've been wanting to tell you…"

"You can tell me, sis."

Blake looked down, hesitant to answer as her brother gently held her hand.

"I...I…" Blake slowly spoke, taking a deep breath. "For awhile I've been feeling… envious."

"Envious?"

"Yeah."

"About what?"

The cat Faunus tried to say the words but her cheeks burned a cherry red, "I…" She hesitated.

"Blake, what's wrong?"

Then without warning, Blake somehow mustered the strength to pull Aaron towards her and… kiss him!?

"MMMMMMMMMPH!"

Blake held the kiss for a minute before breaking away with a blushed face. "That's what I wanted to tell you…"

"Blake… you…"

"Yes…"

"How long…?"

"For a long time…" Blake muttered.

"Blake, I…" Aaron said with a stunned look on her face. "I… I don't know what to say, I…"

"I don't either… I wanted to tell you for so long, but I didn't know how to convey my feelings."

Aaron looks at her sister for a couple minutes before giving her a gentle hug. "I'm glad."

"Huh?"

"I'm glad you said that, because to be honest, I… kinda felt the same way."

This took Blake by surprise. "Really?"

"Yeah… ever since I first met Adam, I wanted to protect you." He began. Blake was taken aback by Aaron's honest words. "Each day Adam got worse and worse and… I don't know, I just knew that one way or another, I had to get the both of us out of there. If we stayed any longer, who knows what might have happened…"

"Oh, brother," Blake said as she hugged him close. "I know you will keep protecting me and our friends. That's what I love most about you." Aaron chuckled as he kissed his Faunus sibling on the forehead. "No, not there. Here." She said, before pulling back Aaron in for another kiss on the lips, which he gladly returned.


LINE BREAK


Koa was leaning against a balcony, lost in thought as the broken moon shone upon her. This battle may have been another victory, but it still felt like she could have done better. A hand placed itself on her shoulder and she turned to see Orpheus walk up towards her.

"How's Blake?" He asks her.

"She's doing ok. She'll recover." Koa said before looking at the sky with a sigh, to which Orpheus noticed.

"Something bothering you?"

"Yeah… do you and the others think…" Koa said, trying to find the right words. "That I'm a burden?"

"Huh? Where did that come from?" Orpheus raised an eyebrow.

"Ever since I've been born, I've failed countless times." Koa said as she fiddled her thumbs. "I couldn't save Blake, and whenever I fight I end up losing. I'm supposed to be strong, but… I feel more like a weakness for you guys." She looked down, as Orpheus realized that she had a point. Her failures did get her abandoned by her creator, and most fights ended with her as the loser.

"I… really don't know what to say about that," Orpheus said. "But I'm certain that you'll never be a burden. Not to me or to our friends."

"Thought so." Koa muttered, before looking back at the sky. "Hey Orphee… What's it like… to be a Rider?"

Orpheus eyed her for saying the nickname he hates, but he looked past it to answer her question.

"Well, to quote someone, 'With great power, comes great responsibility.'" Orpheus said. "In our case, it's really one big responsibility to help those in need, even if it means giving up our lives to save those lives."

Koa stares at him with bright eyes and a smile, as he then yawns. "Tired?" Koa said with a raised brow.

"Yeah." Orpheus answered and turned to leave. "You coming?"

"I'll be in a minute."

"Ok." Orpheus then left the Greeed in disguise to continue stargazing. Koa then had a smile as she placed her hands in her pockets.

"...Another time then." Koa giggles as she pulls something out of her pocket. It was revealed to be another blank Aura Sphere! "Azrael might have his tricks, but so do I~," Koa said as she put the sphere back into her pocket before walking back to the dorms with a happy smile. "And the best tricks are saved for last."


KRD: *tied to a chair with rope, with mouth covered by duct tape while wearing a straight jacket as he struggled* MMMMMMMMMMRRPPPF! MMMMMMMMRRRRRRRRFFFFFFFFFFF! MMMMMMMMMNNNNNNFFF!

GKC: Yeah, yeah, scream and curse my name. It's still happening whether you like it or not- *Froze when he noticed the camera* Oh! Hello! Sorry about that. KRD has been… a rather tenacious one to catch. I hope all of you enjoyed the chapter so far and the reveal of Kurenai's new upgrade form. Now someone asked what the name of the Aura Riders' other forms will be. I hadn't come up with a name yet but I am debating with Aura Soul or just Soul. As for Kurenai's new form, it is called Exceed Wolf. It boosts all of his normal parameters by ten, making him stronger and faster than the other Aura Riders. However, it comes with a hefty price. The drawback is that it uses up all of the user's stamina and puts a massive strain on the body. Think of it… as the Kaio-Ken from Dragonball Z.

SR: Wow we went from past Heisei to OC to the first upgrade in a few chapters.

GKC: Oh, we're still using the Heisei Riders. That's what most people came to read about.

SR: True dat. Say you think the Aura Riders will get any additional forms?

GKC: Of course! In fact… Why don't we roll the clip?


Announcer: Jikai! Remnant's Climax Heroes!

Orion: Come on, Ruby. Why would you sign us up?

Ruby: I thought it would be nice to help out the village.

Bandit: Let's raid this town!

Orion: Damn! No backup and we're outnumbered.

Next Time: Reality and Roses

?: AURA SPHERE CONNECTED! ROSE!


SR: *whistles* Oh and don't forget to stay healthy everyone!

KRD: MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMRRRRRRRRRRRFFFFFF!

GKC: That's right, KRD. Make sure to wash your hands after you've gone to the bathroom and remember to social distance yourself. Hopefully, this pandemic will pass and we can get back to our normal lives.

Kurogasa: You and everyone else…

GKC: Hey! I didn't say you could come in here! Get your butt back on set!

Kuurogasa: Hey, I'm filling in until my boss chills out… relax.

GKC: You realize you're the same way, right? Ah, forget it. Make sure to leave a review and comment. Ah, and before I forget, since I have all this time to myself, I will be working diligently on my other stories including a few old projects that I never got to upload.

SR: Same here! *mutters* After I finish online work… stupid college…

GKC: In any case, it is KRD's birthday! So big happy birthday for him. *Presents a pie and slams it into KRD's face* Enjoy the pie.

KRD: …

Kurogasa: Oh be nice to him. It's his birthday and we shouldn't ruin it.

GKC: COVID-19 already did that. Still, happy B-Day!

SR: Happy birthday mate. *hands him birthday card*

KRD: *Nods appreciatively*

GKC: Peace out, everyone!