I do not own Kamen Rider Ryuki or Ever After High. Those belong to their respective creators and not me. Special thanks to Kamen RIder Chrome as my beta-reader and helping dream up ideas for the story.
Knights of the Otherworld
By Ten-Faced Paladin
Chapter 38: Son of Man
Ever After High has always been considered one of the best schools of choice to learn how to be the best fairy tale one can be.
Despite current events, that reputation has remained strong. New students are always arriving, looking to learn from those who came before.
Hm, I don't think I saw a guy walk like that before…
Ever After High - Front Walk
A new student approached the doors of Ever After High. He was a very athletic young man, thin but muscled. He sported shoulder length brown hair which seemed to move between two shades, being a dark brown and a lighter chocolate hue. It was tied into dreadlocks, making him appear wild. His face was strong and slightly angular with blue-green eyes. For an outfit, he just wore a simple leather vest and khaki shorts with no shoes. What made him stand out though was that he was walking along like a gorilla, crouched with his knuckles on the ground, apparently showing no discomfort in his posture. Likely from walking in such a way for years.
Many of the human students took notice of him, either from the strange way he was walking, or to many of the girls, how he was shirtless. The animal students seemed to not notice him aside from being new. The new student smiled at them, apparently being used to animals more than he was people. The animal students waved back, apparently unphased by his strange walk and even somehow saw a friendly face.
Knuckle walking to the Guidance Counselor's office, he reached up and opened the door before entering. Once inside, he stood up on his feet, just as comfortable as he took a few steps inside. "Um, hello?"
"Ah, hello young man," Mother Goose greeted him. "Can I help you?"
"I'm a new student here," the boy explained. "My name's John Clayton III, but most call me Jack. I'm supposed to start class today?"
"Ah, yes, of course. Just give me a moment," Mother Goose went through her papers. "Here you are. John 'Jack' Clayton III, son of Tarzan and Jane?"
"That's me," Jack nodded.
"Well, here is your class schedule," Mother Goose passed him a piece of paper. "If you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to ask. I know The Jungle is quite different from Ever After so don't hesitate if you find yourself turned around."
"Thank you ma'am," Jack nodded. He folded the paper and placed it in his vest before walking out of the room. Once he was in the hall, he began to knuckle walk again, apparently more comfortable that way, or it was faster to him.
Ever After High - Heroics 101
Heroics 101 and Hero Training were the main heroic courses of Ever After High. In Heroics 101, students were taught the basics of heroism, using stories of the past as an example. Hero Training was a class used to apply what they had learned into practice and sharpen their heroic skills.
"Hey, Arthur, I heard we're getting a new student today," Dexter whispered to Arthur who sat next to him in class.
"We are?" asked Arthur, naturally curious. "Any idea who?"
"Well, no, since we didn't look into the school systems or anything, " Dexter was quick to answer. Arthur just snickered as he knew Dexter had some serious talent with computers and liked to check for upcoming events. He was one of Blondie's sources. Fortunately, he had a firm grasp on the limits instead of trying to snoop.
"So what's their name?" Arthur asked plainly.
"John Clayton III," Dexter answered. "Son of Tarzan and Jane."
Arthur blinked. No one who knew stories back home didn't know Tarzan. Especially not after Disney got their hands on him. The TV show was one of his favorite cartoons, "No kidding?"
"Dad should be introducing him once class starts," Dexter nodded.
"He should fit in. Tarzan has a pure and heroic heart so his son should be no different," Arthur smiled, eager to befriend their new classmate.
King Charming walked into the room, his usual royal self as he looked to his class. Despite being royalty, he was a competent teacher. He obviously had the royal bearing, but being a Royal who actually went out and saved Damsels, he was one who could back up his claims and knew what his students needed in order to succeed at being heroes.
"Alright, young heroes, settle down," King Charming spoke up. "We're having a new student joining our homeroom class today. I expect all of you to welcome him and do your part to help him become a fine example of a hero as he will with you."
He gestured for someone outside to come in and at first it seemed like no one had. That was, until the class noticed the boy who was walking like a gorilla into the room, well below eye level on a normal person. Once he got to the front of the room proper, he stood up like a regular person.
"Hello," he waved, confident, but also experienced with perhaps the kinds of things the heroic students would have to face, "I'm John Clayton. Everyone just calls me Jack."
"Jack has transferred here from Jungle Book High so I expect all of you to do your part to help him adjust," King Charming continued. "To that end, Arthur, as one of my best students, would you be so kind as to be Jack's guide and help him get used to our school?"
"Sure thing, Sir!" Arthur nodded, raising his hand.
"Excellent," King Charming nodded. "Jack, that's Arthur Pendragon, the next King Arthur of Camelot. Stick by him and he won't turn you wrong. Your desk is just next to his."
"Yes sir," Jack nodded, starting to lumber through the rows of desks, although he didn't look as used to walking on two legs as he was on four.
"Nice to meet you," Arthur smiled to him. "Welcome to Ever After High."
"Thank you," Jack nodded with a small smile of thanks.
Ever After High - Halls
"So, Jack, is it alright if we ask questions about each other?" Arthur asked. "Because I have to admit I'm curious. I know about your father's story and kind of want to know how much of it is true."
"I don't mind," Jack nodded. "My mother told me stories about Camelot as well. I'd like to know if you know if they are true as well."
The duo made for an odd pair as they walked down the hall. Arthur was walking like normal with his books, but Jack was still knuckle walking like a gorilla next to him. It wasn't the oddest thing to see when giants, goats, and faeries regularly walked through the halls, but it was something new.
"Well, it was my grandfather's story and he didn't exactly take it," Arthur admitted. "Seeing how much pain and war would come at the end of it, he and his court decided not to sign the Storybook of Legends and moved away to make their own lives elsewhere."
Jack looked up to Arthur in surprise, "That's very brave of him. My father always put family first even though he's an Earl. Mother, me, Grandmother Kala, and the rest of the troop have always been his top priority."
"Ah, thanks," Arthur smiled. Despite his grandfather's reputation of legend, Victor made it clear not everyone liked him since he abandoned his story. "So, I heard your father discovered all sorts of lost cities, hidden countries, and things like that. Did he?"
"Oh he did," Jack chuckled. "He told me stories about it. Like the ant men of Minuni. I thought they were too weird to be real until he took me there to visit King Komodoflorensal."
"OK, I can't pronounce that name, so let's call him King Komodo. So what was King Komodo like?"
"A good man, and a good king," Jack nodded. "His city is very beautiful, although in Minuni, everything from the animals to the people are four times smaller than normal."
Arthur whistled at something which sounded so weird, "I'd like to see that someday."
Jack chuckled, "It was very strange to see it the first time. I was still young so I thought they were toys when I first saw them. " This elicited a chuckle from Arthur, "I'm just glad that King Komodoflorensal's men were so understanding. What about you? Since you've come to this school, do you desire to take up your grandfather's destiny?"
Arthur took a moment to think, "Well, I actually was brought here because my bloodline was needed. I think raising a kingdom, maybe even Camelot is a possibility for my future. Still, I won't make it exactly like what people expected my grandfather to do. If I raise Camelot, I'll raise my Camelot. A place where the lessons learned from the old one won't be forgotten and people are allowed to make their own destiny."
"So you will not sign the book I'm told is so important?" asked Jack.
"Well, maybe only if to make sure my Camelot doesn't fall and I don't end up getting killed," Arthur answered. "But I'm sure anyone would sign for that kind of promise."
"That's true," Jack nodded with a laugh. "I love the stories my father told me of his adventures, but I wish to have my own as well. To discover new places, experience new things, and meet new people, not just follow in my father's footsteps."
Arthur chuckled knowingly, "Plenty of adventure to be had around here." There never was a dull day in Ever After High.
Ever After High - Stables
Jack made his way to the stables for his Beast Training and Care class. He didn't really think that he needed the class, as he was raised around gorillas, lions, and other beasts from The Jungle. Still, his mother insisted he needed to get his education, so he would do his best.
Jack entered the stables, seeing the horses and unicorns in the stalls. Other students were milling about, looking to some stables or tending to some of the horses. Nearby, a unicorn seemed to be enjoying the attention of a boy and girl.
"Is this Beast Training and Care?" Jack asked, approaching the horse.
"Yes, it is," the girl nodded, turning to him. "Oh, are you a new student?"
"Yes, I'm Jack Clayton," the new boy nodded.
"Nice to meet you, Jack," the girl smiled as her partner perked up, looking over to Jack. "My name's Rosabella Beauty. Welcome to Ever After High."
"Nice to meet you," Jack nodded and looked to the other boy. "What is your name?"
The boy nodded, "Gawain Forrest. Welcome. Nice to meet."
Many people would have been turned off by Gawain's speech, possibly thinking that he was either gruff or something was wrong. Jack though was used to how animals spoke to each other, using gestures along with sounds to make their points. Many members of his extended family of course spoke in such a way. So where others would see Gawain being gruff and spoke very little, Jack saw Gawain's way of address as being welcoming, and he spoke softly to show he was being friendly.
"Good to meet you too, Gawain," Jack nodded as he stood up on his two feet. "I've never seen a unicorn before."
"Aren't they beautiful?" Rosabella smiled. "But be careful getting close. They're picky with who they allow near them. Maidens like me are fine and Gawain earned their favor by saving a foal."
"I understand," Jack nodded, admiring the silver-maned animal. "So we learn how to take care of them here?"
"Care. Feed. Befriend," Gawain replied. "Tarzan's Son?"
"Yes. I've been raised around the animals of The Jungle all my life," Jack nodded. Again, he saw physical signs that Gawain recognized his name and to Jack, it was a polite question. "Although I admit I'm not used to horses and unicorns."
"Then you've come to the right place!" Rosabella beamed. "So, step up and we'll see if Starbeam would like you to help take care of her."
Jack dared a few steps closer, but the unicorn moved its gaze to him. Jack immediately stopped and held himself firmly, but politely, "May I step closer?"
The unicorn seemed to examine Jack for a moment, perhaps seeing his strong connection with the wild kingdom before snorting acceptingly, letting Jack come closer.
"Good job!" Rosabella smiled. "Okay, now taking care of unicorns is a bit more delicate than just regular horses. They're very magical, but softer than other animals so they're more sensitive."
"Understood," Jack nodded, watching as she and Gawain brushed the unicorn's mane and body.
Ever After High - Halls
"So the son of Tarzan's coming here now?" asked Lance as he and Arthur walked to their next class. "Man, sounds like someone I wanna meet. I mean, if the Disney version of his dad is any clue, he's gotta be tough."
"He's nice," Arthur nodded. "He's definitely raised in the jungles though. He walks like a gorilla through the halls. I don't think he stands on two feet unless he has to."
"Ah, next King of the Jungle. Cool," Lance nodded. "Hey, we've got two blank decks from the Rogues, right? Want to see if we can get him to join up with us?"
Arthur frowned slightly, "Lance, I just met the guy. Besides, I don't want to just recruit people into our problems with Victor and his Order. We'll handle it without dragging more people into it."
Lance shrugged, "Just saying. Tarzan's one of the biggest heroes out there and his kid probably learned how to be the same. Can't have much of a better resume than that."
Arthur rolled his eyes, "Like I said, let him be. We're not recruiting. Our problems are ours to deal with and I don't want to drag other people from school into it."
"Kind of late for that, but I get the reason," Lance shrugged. They had already recruited squires but only because they had gotten their decks by accident, Merlin had given them away, or they took in the Rogues who did not want to have anything to do with the Order of the White Dragon. "But considering our luck, more people are going to get drawn into this, and with Victor having a source of mass production, we're going to need to consider it."
Arthur sighed, "Don't remind me. Right now though, we can handle it."
"Just saying we should consider it," Lance sighed. "Before it gets forced on us anyway."
"Yeah…" Arthur sighed. "Seems to always happen that way doesn't it?"
Victor had attempted to start a war but had been pushed back. Sadly, with his ambition, that would not be the end of it. He was determined to conquer Camelot, no matter the cost, and if he had access to so many Advent Decks, then the next time they launched another attack, the number of Rogues might be doubled, even tripled. Lance was right. They needed to be prepared to recruit. Arthur just wished they did not have to drag their friends and classmates into this conflict between the two factions. Royals vs. Rebels were one thing, but Victor intended to turn it into a war.
Enchanted Forest
After the school day finally ended, Jack went to the Enchanted Forest to relax. Ever After High was an interesting school and there were plenty of people to meet, but it still felt confined and stuffy. Doubly so when the halls were filled with people. To that end, Jack hopped into the trees of the Enchanted Forest and the open space it promised among the highest branches.
The Enchanted Forest had a cooler climate than what he was used to, but Jack still felt more relaxed there as he hopped from branch to branch or swing from the odd vine which hung between them. It all helped him feel a little more at home even if home was far, far away.
Like his father, he associated better with animals and actually inherited his father's ability to communicate with them. It wasn't easy learning the languages of the other animals, even if he was fluent in English and Gorilla. Still, he was looking forward to learning how to speak to the local animals and becoming friends with them as well.
As he went deeper into the forest, he heard a loud noise, like two animals fighting. His father had shown him how animals would often fight for territory. It was just nature for them to have conflict but such things were easy to resolve. His father was good at playing mediator, helping both parties to make a compromise, like convincing the rhinos and gazelles to share a watering hole instead of fighting over it. That was why he was the King of the Jungle, protector of all.
With a jump, he leaped in the direction of the battle. With any luck, he would be able to stop it before anyone was seriously hurt.
He hopped from tree to tree before he came to the source of the noise. A group of small fairies flew past him, squeaking in fright as he landed in the tree closest to the battle. Jack looked down and his eyes widened in surprise.
At what looked like a place where crystal flowers were growing, a truly savage fight was taking place.
On one side of the clearing was a strange bird-like monster, covered in dark red armor with yellow accents. Its head seemed covered in yellow armor to give it a bird-like appearance with a red visor. Also on its head was a large headdress which looked like it was made from feathers from some kind of large bird with armored braids trailing down its chest. Its hands and feet were clearly talons, but it was also armed with what looked like a large tomahawk.
On the other side was a man in a suit of armor which was styled after a white tiger with blue stripes. He was also armed with a large battleaxe. He looked every bit like a hunter and Jack didn't like that. Many hunters back home often were arrogant and disrespected his family's home, thinking the animals were beneath them and killing them was a sport.
The two were glaring at one another before they charged, swinging their weapons hard enough to cause flashes of sparks when they connected. From the first impact, they both pulled back and continued to swing at one another, sparks blasting off with each violent blow. The bird creature had more mobility, but the armored man was able to move his axe better to block the strikes even if he couldn't swing it as fast.
The creature tossed its tomahawk and the armored man managed to duck but then the weapon turned around like a boomerang and struck him in the back before the bird creature caught its weapon again to strike him across the chest. He stood his ground and punched the creature across the face before he delivered a vertical slash across its chest to send it staggering. He continued to hack and slash, violently sending the monster backpedalling before he sent it flying with a powerful swing and it crashed against a tree.
Jack gritted his teeth. The hunter was playing around with his prey. That was just cruel. He was about to make a move to intervene when the hunter slid a card into his axe.
[Final Vent!]
Jack heard a roar and saw a white humanoid tiger creature appear and grab the bird creature in its claws. The bird creature tried to break free but it was slammed to the ground before the tiger creature dragged it toward the hunter who was now adorned in claws. The tiger creature then tossed its prey at the hunter who threw his right arm in its path, impaling it on the sharp blade-like claws. He then raised his arm, victorious, as the creature froze and shattered.
As the mist from the ice cleared, there remained a glowing orb which the hunter tossed towards his tiger creature. It absorbed the orb and let out a rumble of satisfaction. The hunter nodded to it as it moved to the crystal flowers and suddenly vanished into the glass as if it shrunk to fit.
The hunter eyed the area around him for a moment, as if looking for anything else, before starting to walk away from the scene of the fight.
With a scowl on his lips, Jack waited for the hunter to reach the trees before he pounced.
(-)
Tiger gave a quiet sigh. He had been doing the rounds in the forest, tending to the injured animals (of which there were few thankfully) when he heard the familiar tone. He followed it and found the GuldStorm attacking what looked like a group of fairies, using their crystal flowers as a portal from the Mirror World. It seemed all the fairies got away, so Tiger got to work. Fortunately, the battle was quick and the fairies' spot wasn't damaged.
'Now I just need to check on that deer and I can go back to the school,' Tiger went over his mental checklist. 'Maybe Rosabella will be free to do something tonight.'
Reaching the tree line, he slung his Dest Visor over his shoulder and prepared to remove his armor. Passing the first tree, Tiger was hit hard from behind and slammed down into the ground, Jack Clayton pinning him down with a fierce tooth-baring growl, "Why did you murder that animal?!"
Tiger wheezed, his head spinning from the sudden tackle, "Wh-what?"
"I saw you! You tortured and killed that animal!" Jack scowled. "Why? What did it do to you?!"
"Not animal. Monster," Tiger grunted. "Protect forest. Protect animals."
"You call that protecting the forests and animals!? You're nothing but a killer!"
Tiger grabbed hold of Jack's arm and tossed him aside. The jungle boy was on all fours, teeth bared and ready to fight.
"No fighting," Tiger said softly as he stood up and drew a card. Jack was about to lunge when Tiger activated it.
[Freeze Vent!]
Tiger struck the ground with his axe and a wall of ice sprouted out in front of him, stopping Jack mid-lunge.
"Sorry. Wears off. Quick," Tiger apologized. Turning, he headed back to the crystal flowers before he leaped at them, vanishing into the Mirror World and leaving an angry and frustrated Jack behind.
Ever After High - Stables
Gawain returned to the stables where Rosabella was feeding the last horse. She could immediately tell that something was wrong since Gawain's shoulders were stooped and he didn't look pleased. It immediately worried her, fearing that Gawain had been too late and a Mirror Monster had managed to eat an innocent animal.
"Gawain, what's wrong?" she asked, approaching her boyfriend.
"Fought Jack," he answered.
"You fought with Jack?" Rosabella gasped. "Why? What happened?"
"Misunderstanding," Gawain answered. "Jack sees monster. I kill. Get mad." He had explained to Rosabella that, while hunting down a Mirror Monster, Jack had seen him destroy it and thought he had killed an innocent creature that was just trying to defend itself.
Rosabella was reminded of when Cerise first thought Tiger was a vicious hunter before they saw the truth for themselves. Gawain fought hard and fast to ensure the Mirror Monsters wouldn't hurt any innocent animals. The monsters themselves were very quick when they wanted to be, so Gawain had to strike faster and harder. Sometimes it didn't paint him in the best light.
"Look, I'll talk to him," Rosabella said. "Maybe I can make him see reason."
"Thanks." Gawain was grateful. She was always better at talking than he was. He could barely string more than three words together before...
"Gawain, I know this is personal, but why do you talk the way you do?" she asked, wondering for a long time now. She thought it was just his quirk but over time she became curious. She really wanted to understand him better, even if she already could understand him despite his minimalistic communication skills.
Gawain blinked. He wondered how long it would take until Rosabella asked him about his speech. Not even his friends had asked about it but that was because they respected him enough not to comment on it. Honestly, it was private and embarrassing. However, he could not say no to her and he did trust her. He had just been waiting for her to ask.
Gawain took a breath, looking into Rosabella's eyes to give him courage. He then opened his mouth, "If I try to sp-p-peak m-more than-n-n a f-f-f-ew w-words I s-st-st-stutter." Gawain took a breath to calm his stutter. "Uncontrolled. Parents hate. Looks bad. Reputation. All important."
"Oh, Gawain." Rosabella touched his arm, gently, reassuringly. "Have you tried anything to fix it?"
"Everything. Parents look. Scams. Real. Everything. Didn't work," Gawain shook his head.
"How about we start our own speech therapy sessions?" Rosabella suggested. "I think Prof. Jack B. Nimble can help with your problem too. Or maybe Madam Yaga can brew a potion."
Gawain hadn't tried magic, to be honest. He never considered it since he came to Ever After. He was just so used to talking so curtly, he never really considered any kind of therapy to treat it. He had long given up.
"Work?" he asked.
"Yes, it'll take a lot of work but there's no problem that can't be solved," Rosabella confirmed.
Gawain smiled, leaning on Rosabella's shoulder. The Beauty smiled, embracing her 'Beast'. They still had problems, but right now, they had a moment together they wanted to enjoy.
Enchanted Forest
Jack was in a foul mood. He had the hunter right in his sights but he managed to get away. His father would have never made such a mistake. He swore to himself that he would find the hunter again and make them pay for killing an innocent creature.
Hopping down from a tree, Jack sighed as he saw Ever After High on the hill. His first day at school and he was already ready to fight someone. This was what his mother hoped he wouldn't have to do by going to a more 'civilized' school. Then again, Jack couldn't say he regretted it if he could protect the animals of the forest.
"Ah, finally back?"
Jack spun around, hunched over slightly and ready to pounce. Leaning on another tree was another teenage boy wearing what looked like a white school uniform of some kind. His arms were crossed and his features were held neutrally.
"Who are you?" Jack frowned at the young man in front of him.
"Just someone who witnessed that little altercation," the white-clad student answered. "Vile, those Knights. Constantly killing those Mirror Beasts just because they were hunting for food in their territory."
"Territory is important," Jack frowned, recalling the Knight fighting and killing the Mirror Monster. A clash for territory was always ugly. Back home it didn't end up in deaths though.
"But killing them just for sniffing around? They eat magic and can be a bit annoying, but destroying them in such a way is a little over the top, don't you think?" the white-clad student retorted.
Jack frowned, gripping his fists, "No, no it's not right. Running them off I understand...but killing them…"
"So you understand. My group and I are trying to combat them, keep them from going too far, although our numbers are few," he explained as he reached into his pocket and produced a blank deck, a its color a slate gray. "When I heard you're the son of Tarzan, I hoped you'd be willing to help. If you wish to help protect the Mirror Beasts, you can use this."
"What is it?" asked Jack, taking the deck.
"It is what will allow you to enter the Mirror World and see the Mirror Beasts yourself," the student explained. "To get the full use out of it, you will have to use the contract card to partner with a beast there. You feed the beast, it will lend you power to protect yourself and fight those knights."
"I see," Jack frowned, sniffing at the deck. "I will be able to protect Mirror Beasts this way?"
"Oh indeed," the student nodded. "Just be prepared to feed your beast lots of magic. If you don't follow through on your end of the deal, the beast will decide which penalty to inflict."
"...I will remember that," Jack nodded, pocketing the deck.
"I hope you accept," the white-clad student nodded. "We need all the help we can get to keep the Knights at bay." With a wave, he walked away towards the road leading to Book end. Jack watched him go, eyes narrowed slightly in suspicion.
(-)
Victor smirked as he tucked his hands into his pockets, reaching the road to Book End. Fooling that primitive was so easy. It was hard to believe Tarzan was such a powerful figure in legend, but it was a resource too valuable to pass up. With his love of animals, all Victor would have to do was spin the story of Mirror Monsters being like any other animal. Ones that the Knights of the Round Table were ruthlessly cutting down for almost no reason.
A chime told him his MirrorPhone was ringing. He quickly answered it, "Victor Torgen."
"You're in Ever After, aren't you?" a mature female voice spoke from the other end.
"Of course, I am," Victor huffed. "A potential recruit with a legacy like Tarzan? We had to snatch him up quickly before Arthur and his band did. After having lost Tidecharm, we need a replacement."
"And instead of consulting my list, you run off to try and recruit Tarzan's son," the woman sighed.
"His pedigree is perfect for our ranks and his power is what we need," Victor retorted.
"And just how do you plan to keep him on our side?" asked the woman. "Need I remind you that we have employed mercenaries and hedonists who are less than noble?"
"He's a primitive. So long as we keep our story straight and feed him the facts we want him to see, we'll be the heroes while Arthur and his band will be the savage hunters," Victor snorted.
"This is why Rebellious was able to fool you while Deacon and Valentine turned against us," the woman sighed. "How many times do I have to tell you? You are not nearly as good at reading people as you think you are. Tarzan may have preferred living like a gorilla, but he is far from stupid and I doubt his son is either."
Victor scoffed, "He prefers to drag his knuckles on the ground like an ape. How smart can he be? No, he'll be a fine enforcer for our Round Table, easily matching Sir Bors."
"And when you end up eating those words, I will certainly laugh at you before I smack you upside the head for losing another Advent Deck to our enemies," the woman answered before she cut the call.
"Impudent witch," Victor growled, ending the call on his end. "Just watch. Jack Clayton will easily be swayed to our side and swear his allegiance to me."
Mirror World - Enchanted Forest
Jack knuckle-walked through the Mirror World version of the Enchanted Forest. It felt so...lifeless. Plants were there, but there were absolutely no animals. It was almost unnerving and Jack didn't like it. A forest should be teeming with life, not so...empty.
His suit was just as bland as his deck would suggest. The suit was gray with silver torso armor, bracers, greaves, and a helm with a slitted visor. The only part that stood out was the bland-looking spear which was strapped to his back with a thick base behind the spearhead.
"The Mirror Beasts live here?" Jack asked himself. "There's so much space though. Why would they constantly move to the other world?"
Jack climbed a tree then started leaping from tree to tree, looking for signs of the Mirror Beasts and how they lived. If he could discover what they would enter the world for, perhaps he could find some way to keep them out of harm's way and out of the path of the hunters. So far, he had yet to find a single one. That didn't make sense to Jack since it seemed they had so much food and space for themselves here.
"Something doesn't make sense," Jack muttered.
Dropping from his perch, he stopped when he heard the sounds of foliage moving. Spinning around, he prepared for a fight. With how ravenous Mirror Beasts seemed to be, Jack knew they would try to steal his armor because of the magic in it.
More crashing echoed from the forests before a new monster came crashing out from the trees. It was large, being head and shoulders taller than Jack. It was in the shape of a gorilla, covered in red plates of armor with its head being accented with white around the sides and its brow being gold. Its joints were black while the armor over its body was the same crimson red. Its arms looked more like massive gauntlets with black fingers.
"Oook, ook," the gorilla looked down at Jack. Rearing back, it pounded its chest in a show of might.
"Owah! Owah!" Jack retorted, hopping on the spot, slamming the ground.
The Mirror Monster gorilla seemed surprised by the action, hooting out grunts and gestures. Jack replied in turn, making gorilla noises and movements of his own. For several minutes, the two circled each other, hooting and grunting. It was a first since the Mirror Monsters and the Kamen Riders were formed: the two were communicating.
"Ooog! Oga wahh waahh!" Jack hotted to the large ape. The Mirror Monster made a grunting noise. Jack made more such noises and the ape seemed skeptical. The two continued to make cries and gestures. Jack seemed to be trying to convince the ape of something while said ape seemed disinterested. Finally, Jack made a loud shriek and slapped the ground repeatedly. The ape's eyes widened at the action. It pondered the 'words' spoken for a few moments before nodding.
Jack nodded back before he drew a card from his belt. Flipping it over to show the blank Contract card, he held it up to the gorilla before it started to shine.
Ever After High -
The following day, Jack did not turn up for school and neither Gawain nor Rosabella had seen him all day. Gawain knew the forest well and knew that there were no animals out there which would have tried to hurt him. The Freeze Vent would have worn off after a minute or two at the most. The fact he didn't come back worried the pair, even if Jack had been raised in the jungle with even more dangerous animals than the ones in the Enchanted Forest.
"You don't think a Mirror Monster got him, do you?" Rosabella asked.
"No," Gawain answered. He would've heard the ringing if a Mirror Monster had emerged.
"So, he should be alright."
"Yes."
"You don't think he's still upset about yesterday, do you?"
Rosabella had a point. Maybe Jack has skipped today so he could calm down. Maybe he was back in the Enchanted Forest. It may not be the jungle where he grew up but it was close enough to feel like home.
"Find him?" Gawain suggested.
"Maybe we should, so we could talk and smooth things over," Rosabella agreed. "But let's give him time to cool off first."
Gawain nodded.
After the last bell rang and Jack still had not turned up, the couple went into the Enchanted Forest to find their friend.
"Jack! Jack, are you in here?"
"Jack!"
*Eeeeeeeeeeee!*
Gawain heard the call of the Mirror World and quickly ran in the direction. He came across a pond where a Sonorabuma had just attacked a family of deer. The male deer tried to defend itself and its family with its antlers but it was easily knocked aside by the cicada monster.
At the same time, Jack heard it too and jumped from tree to tree to reach the pond. Landing on a branch, he found Gawain confronting the Mirror Beast.
"Gawain...?" Jack wondered what is new friend was doing but then he saw him holding an Advent Deck.
"Henshin!"
Jack's eyes widened in shock as Gawain transformed into the hunter, Tiger. All of a sudden, he felt betrayed. Gawain claimed to love animals and yet he hunted these Mirror Beasts so viciously. He held his gorilla Advent Deck tightly as his eyes narrowed at Gawain
Jumping from the tree, he landed near the pond, getting the attention of the three. He lifted his new Advent Deck, earning gasps from the other humans as he pointed it at the water. A V-Buckle appeared, proving the deck was real as Jack stood up.
"Hen...shin," Jack growled, unfamiliar with the word. He then slid the deck into the buckle, causing it to activate and form his suit.
The new Rogue was hunched over, wearing a black suit with metallic red bracers, greaves, gloves, and boots. His torso armor was a set of square pectorals which were the same scarlet red with plated armor underneath which looked like abdominal muscles. His shoulder pads were round and thick, giving the semblance of bulky muscles. His helmet was red like his armor with a white jawline and a plain plate for a mouthguard. A gold line of metal ran along his nose line under his visor. The visor itself was a simple eye cover with the horizontal slits being curved, giving the illusion of large eyes. Gripped in his hand was a simple spear with a bronze base that had a tribal gorilla face in it with a metallic red spearhead.
Although the name would be coined later, he would be named the Knight of the Gorilla, the Jungle Knight.
"Screeee!" the Sonorabuma shrieked at the Rogue, waving its arms.
"Oook! Ohaaa! Ah ah ah!" the Rogue shrieked back.
The Sonorabma seemed angered by whatever the Rogue said, unleashing a trail of buzzes and clicks. The new Rogue seemed stunned by that and gripped his spear.
"Ooog! Uwah! Wah wah!" Jungle Knight shouted.
"Buzzuzzuzzz!" the Sonorabuma hissed before unleashing twin concussive blasts at the Rogue. His reflexes kicked in and he rolled out of the way of the attack which shredded some trees behind him and sent birds flying in a panic. The blast shook a nest loose from a branch and there were baby birds inside.
"No!" Jungle Knight cried, leaping to catch the nest. It landed in his hands, safely. The birds chirped loudly, but to the Rogue's ears, it was cries of fear. "You're safe. You're safe."
The Sonorabuma aimed at Jungle Knight again and prepared to blast him with another concussive blast when it was tackled by Tiger who struck with his axe. Tiger glanced at the Rogue who was protecting the nest before taking the fight to the monster.
"Are the birds okay?!" the voice of Rosabella gasped, running towards the new Rogue. Jungle Knight looked up, spying the princess approaching, her eyes trained on the nest and baby birds in his hands.
"Scared, but otherwise safe," he answered.
[Strike Vent!]
Arming himself with his Dest Claws, Tiger violently hacked and slashed at the Sonorabuma, preventing it from fighting back.
"Hold them," Jungle Knight gently passed the nest to Rosabella before he took his spear. Drawing a card, he pulled a switch on the shaft which opened the base. He took the card, which had the image of a biomechanical gorilla beating its chest. Once the card was inside, he pushed the chamber shut.
[Nasty Vent!]
A roar came before a large gorilla emerged from the forest. Coming up behind the Rogue, it began beating its chest, creating shockwaves that washed over the area. Tiger and the Sonorabuma were knocked to the ground by the vibrations, unable to stand as the vibrations compromised their balance.
"Stop this!" the Rogue shouted. "Trying to kill each other isn't going to help anything! You're just harming the forest!"
"Monsters don't stop," Tiger grunted. "Never stop. Must be stopped!"
The Sonorabuma buzzed angrily before pointing its arms at both knights, unleashing more concussive blasts at both of them. Both were struck, flung back before they hit the ground hard. The monster then got up, buzzing loudly and advancing on Tiger.
"I said stop!" the Rogue yelled, drawing another card.
[Strike Vent!]
The Rogue lifted his hands and a pair of large gauntlets shaped like the fists of his partner appeared over them. Slamming them together, he ran at the monster and leaped. He came down hard and smashed the fist across its face, knocking the monster back.
The Sonorabuma staggered but recovered quickly to charge up another concussive blast.
[Freeze Vent!]
All of a sudden, the monster was frozen in solid ice.
"Must finish," Tiger spoke, drawing another card.
[Final Vent!]
Destwilder appeared again, tackling the Sonorabuma down before dragging it towards Tiger who re-equipped his claws.
"Nooooo!" the Rogue cried, jumping at Tiger to keep him from killing the monster. Tiger saw him coming and dove forward in a roll, letting the Rogue jump over him. In a kneeling stance, he thrust his claws as Destwilder reached him. The Sonorabuma was impaled with a shriek before its body froze over and shattered, leaving its life force for Destwilder to eat.
"Whew," Tiger sighed.
"RAAAHH!" the Rogue suddenly roared, leaping at Tiger. Their weapons clashed with a blast of sparks, "MURDERER!"
"Gnnn!" Tiger grunted, pushing back against the Rogue's weapon. "Why?"
"What does killing them solve!? What does all the fighting do?!" the Rogue demanded. "All it does is waste lives! This can't go on!"
"No! Please stop this!" Rosabella shouted as the Rogue and Tiger faced off with each other. She ran to them and pushed against their chests, separating them. "You two just became friends! Friends don't fight like this!"
"Rosabella, move!" the Rogue Knight insisted, "He's murdering those Mirror Beasts! Why are you allowing that?"
"Not animals. Monsters," Tiger retorted.
"Stop saying that!" the Rogue shouted. "They live, eat, and breathe! They are alive!
"They're not animals! They're monsters! They're constructed and spawned like a factory! We've seen it!" Rosabella cried. "I can prove it! They don't do anything but eat! They attack and try to kill people to steal their life energy! So many of them are gluttons and they risk the world here with their invasion! They're an invasive species!" Destwilder gave a yeowl at that, making Rosabella sputter, "Not you, Destwilder. I mean the others like Shereghosts or Gelnewts."
The Rogue perked at that, "Invasive…?" He knew very well what that meant. His mother helped him learn about that. Animals which weren't part of the natural ecosystem could run rampant as there were no natural predators to cull their numbers. It could be very damaging to the ecosystem and often the species had to be stamped out or otherwise contained.
Jungle Knight looked to the ground, "You can prove this?"
Rosabella nodded and retrieved her compact, "Mira Mirror, let us see, can you find the way to me?"
Movement suddenly appeared in Rosabella's compact before the daughter of the magic mirror emerged
"I hear your request, to set the fight to rest." She then turned and saw the new Rogue in the clearing with Rosabella and Tiger, "Eep!"
Rosabella was quick to calm her down, "Mira, it's okay! He's not with the other Rogues. He thinks the Mirror Monsters are like animals and is trying to keep Gawain from destroying them. We need to prove what they are when they aren't contracted to knights."
Mira gulped and looked to the Rogue. She watched him for a moment before nodding, "So you need the proof? I'll raise the standard through the roof!"
With a gesture of her hands, Mira summoned her primary mirror to her hands. "Now I show the monsters of the mirror, and the truth will become all the clearer."
The glass changed to show an image of the Shereghost Attack, specifically the spawner which created the numerous monsters which attempted to overrun Ever After High. The Rogue watched, his helmet hiding his features and his thoughts. He saw the Shereghosts being spawned rapidly, clearly not naturally.
When Mira ended the vision, the Rogue looked to her and Rosabellla, "Someone...created the Mirror Beasts?"
"They were spawned somehow and not naturally," Rosabella answered. "Who did it and why we don't know. They constantly crave life energy and magic for themselves. They don't care where they get it. The only exceptions are ones who share a bond with Knights, learning compassion and friendship from their bond."
The Rogue was silent as he recalled the image and what Rosabella was telling him. It was clear the monsters weren't natural and were invading the world to feed on energy, magical or otherwise. They were ravenous and didn't have any other behaviour from the ones he talked to. Even most predators had compassion in them for others.
"Jack?" Rosabella put her hand on his shoulder but he pulled away.
"I need to go. I need to think," Jungle Knight said. Rosabella watched him go then turned to see Tiger tending to the male deer. The deer wasn't flinching away at all as Tiger brought out supplies to treat any bumps it took while its family watched.
Shoulders drooping, the Rogue Knight jumped into the trees and vanished into the foliage.
Oh boy, now that's a relief! I'm glad Rosabella and Gawain were able to show Jack the truth!
Yes, thanks to cooler heads prevailing, a fight was averted. Violence doesn't solve issues like that.
But now Jack has to come to terms with how he was deceived and what he was nearly manipulated into doing.
Enchanted Forest
Jack stewed in a tree, angry over everything he had learned. The Mirror Beasts, their nature, and what they were doing.
'I'm hungry.'
'Food is food.'
'People taste better.'
'I want to hunt.'
'I just like to hunt.'
'Hunt'
'Stalk'
'Chase'
'EAT!'
Jack slammed his fist into the side of the tree, a dark frown on his features. He was wrong about the Mirror Beasts. They weren't innocent creatures. They were ravenous monsters who hunted humans for food. The knights weren't ruthlessly hunting them, they were fighting a lopsided battle against creatures that could appear from anywhere!
He'd been played for a fool. That student in white just wanted to use him to fight against Gawain and the others, although Jack didn't know why. What he did know was that he was angry and needed to take it out on someone. If that person dared to show himself now, Jack would have words and a punch for him.
But first, he owed Gawain an apology.
As Jack mulled over what to do next, the hair on the back of his neck stood up. His father had taught him many things, like how to swing from vine to vine and how to sense danger. After all, the Jungle was a beautiful and dangerous place.
Jack narrowed his eyes, scanning the ground, and spotted a knight clad in gold, accompanied by a group of black-clad knights. He had his gun out, looking for prey no doubt. Jack took out his Advent Deck again but hesitated. It was given to him by a villain but the knight looking for him was definitely not a hero, not with how he carelessly destroyed a tree without a second thought.
(-)
Gold Knight was out hunting. Their backer had instructed him to retrieve the Advent Deck from Jack Clayton. Victor had apparently tried to recruit him but the kid was too much of a hero to side with them. It was only a matter of time before he sided with the Knights of the Round Table. To get Gold Knight's attention, she had even offered him a big reward for the assignment. He did not hesitate to accept the job. He did not even ask questions beyond where to go.
He heard movement and turned his gun toward the source and saw an angry looking ram that was busy grazing.
"Wow, look at you. What big horns you have," Gold Knight admired. "I think I'll take them as a souvenir." He raised his gun to fire when Jungle Knight swooped in, hollering, as he delivered a dropkick that knocked Gold Knight to the ground.
Jungle Knight landed on all fours, growling as Gold Knight picked himself up, looking at his target. Perfect. His score actually came to him instead.
"Well, isn't this convenient," Gold Knight huffed as he stood up. "I was just looking for you. Our boss is hoping to have some words with you."
"No," Jungle Knight replied. "I know he lied to me. He wanted me for his grudge match against the other knights that live here."
Gold Knight didn't seem all that bothered by Jungle Knight's refusal. "Well pal, looks like you wised up," Gold Knight commented, tapping his Visor on his shoulder. "Too bad. You would have been a real ace with us." He shrugged. "Well, no helping it. Black Knights, retrieve the Advent Deck."
"Affirmative." the Black Knights replied, drawing their cards.
[Sword Vent!]
"It's hunting season!" Gold Knight chuckled as the Black Knights surrounded Jungle Knight.
Jungle Knight snorted as the Black Knights surrounded him, "You call yourself a hunter? Then you should remember one thing. In the jungles, or the forests, away from your human territories and tools, just who is the hunter, and who is the hunted?"
Jungle Knight then leaped, jumping off the shoulders of a Black Knight before he vanished into the treetops. Gold Knight fired several shots, but missed thanks to his opponent's agility. Grunting, he looked to his minions, "Well? Go after him!"
"Affirmative," the machines replied, moving after Jungle Knight.
Jungle Knight used the trees to his advantage as Gold Knight and his minions tried to follow. Numbers weren't on his side so speed and stealth would have to be his weapons against them. He could already guess the Black Knights were artificial. They didn't give any of the signs of typical pursuers. They didn't flinch when underbrush struck them, they didn't seem bothered by the dark, and their movements were too stiff, no fluidity for a human body.
Gripping his Jungle Visor, Jungle Knight prepared himself.
The Black Knights continued their thorough search, looking for their quarry. Soon, their quarry came to them, leaping from the trees and landing in the middle of the group. Jungle knight thrust his spear, catching one Knight in the chest before spinning and striking two more Black Knights back. Two more knights charged to strike at Jungle Knight from behind. Jungle Knight merely stabbed his spear into the ground, allowing him to hoist himself up where he kicked both knights in their heads, knocking them back with scrambled vision.
*BLAM! Ka-chak! BLAM!*
Jungle Knight ducked and scrambled out of the way as Gold Knight shot several blasts at him, forcing him back from the Black Knights.
"Not bad, jungle boy! You're making me work for this!" Gold Knight declared, firing another round. "Knights! Summon your monsters! Let's mob him!"
"Affirmative," the Black Knights obeyed.
[Advent!]
A silver sheen grew from something Gold Knight had tucked near his belt, allowing five Psychorogues to appear, snarling as they moved to their contractors' sides.
Jungle Knight huffed and quickly drew his next card. It depicted his familiar gorilla partner, the name above calling it ScarlaKong. Sliding the base of his Visor down, he slipped the card inside before activating it.
[Advent!]
Gold Knight stiffened before he looked to the small mirror he carried with him to keep his weapons coming. He paled when a massive red gorilla emerged, landing in the clearing before it began swinging at him and the Black Knights.
"Curses!" Gold Knight grunted, jumping back to keep the gorilla's large fists. Scrambling for a defense, he drew his own card and slid it into his Visor.
[Guard Vent!]
The gold Boarder Shield appeared on his arm, perfect for blocking ScarlaKong's fists as he pulled back, shooting at the massive ape which was tossing the Black Knights and their Psychorogues around like toys.
"Forgetting someone?" a voice spoke from behind Gold Knight. His eyes widened as he spun around, catching a spear strike to the chest which made him stumble back. Gold Knight grunted and fired wildly, trying to hit Jungle Knight who dashed out of the way.
"Fight me like a man, not an animal!" Gold Knight shouted, spinning around to try and see him.
[Strike Vent!]
"Man? Animal? I am both!" Jungle Knight retorted, emerging from the trees once again, this time armed with his Scarla Punch gauntlets. Gold Knight lifted his shield, letting the first punch impact it in a blast of sparks. Undeterred, Jungle Knight spun around Gold Knight's blind side before punching again, smashing his first against Gold Knight's head, sending him sprawling from the sudden hit.
"Not much of a hunter," Jungle Knight huffed. "No hunting skills or survival instinct."
[Nasty Vent!]
"And yet you're right where I want you," Gold Knight tossed a round spiked ball, shaped like his contract's head, at Jungle Knight's feet. It exploded in a bright flash, making Jungle Knight cry out, clutching at his visor as his vision was filled with sparkles and afterimages.
Gold Knight made his move, swinging his shield like a battering ram, catching Jungle Knight several times with blasts of sparks. Jungle Knight grunted, stumbling back while still partially blind.
"Your dad might be King of the Jungle, but not even he is a match for weapons like these," Gold Knight drew his Final Vent card. "Goodbye, monkey boy."
Suddenly, an axe sliced through the air and collided with Gold Knight's chest, knocking him down before it rebounded and returned to Tiger's hand.
"Jack! Jack!" Tiger called, running into the fray.
"Gawain, is that you?" Jungle Knight as he started to recover his vision.
"Finish it," Tiger stated.
Jungle Knight understood as he drew his Final Vent and activated it with his Jungle Visor.
[Final Vent!]
ScarlaKong roared and charged across the clearing before he came upon Jungle Knight. He picked the knight up in his hand before his arm began to spin. Like winding up for a punch, ScarlaKong's arm picked up speed. Finally, it threw Jungle Knight at the collected Black Knights and Psychorogues that were protecting their leader. Jungle Knight reared back his fist before smashing it into the torso of the first Black Knight. The force of the throw had Jungle Knight mashing into an entire group. The first explosion triggered more before the entire group went up in flames.
Jungle Knight rose up from the mess of machine parts while ScarlaKong hopped over to the lingering spheres of life energy, which it eagerly gulped up.
"Curses…" Gold Knight huffed. Seeing he was on his own, the mercenary promptly turned tail and ran. There was no way he could spend his gold if he was brought down here.
Jungle Knight watched him go and sighed. Turning, he looked at the multiple pieces of junk and broken robot pieces.
"Now time to clean up," he muttered. ScarlaKong grumbled softly, perhaps reading his partner's emotions and began using his large fists to start scooping the junk together. "Ah...thank you."
ScarlaKong merely grunted, "Oook, ook."
Jungle Knight and Tiger's eyes met and the two removed their Advent Decks, stripping themselves of their armor.
"You came looking for me?" Jack asked.
"Had feeling. Trouble," Gawain answered. "Heard battle."
Jack nodded. So Gawain had a suspicion this might happen and stayed in the forest to make sure the one who gave Jack the Advent Deck didn't try to take it back. He then heard the noise of battle and came to help.
"I owe you an apology," Jack sighed. "I thought you were just some hunter and the student in white made it seem like you were the worst kind. Now I know how monstrous the Mirror Beasts can be unless they're bonded with us."
"Learn. experience," Gawain said.
Jack nodded solemnly, "Yes, it was indeed a learning experience. Can't believe I fell for such a lie. Now what am I supposed to do now?"
"Join us?" Gawain offered his hand to Jack.
Jack looked at Gawain's hand before he shook his head, "I do not wish to take sides in this. Not yet. I want to make the forest my priority. The Mirror Beasts are very dangerous and the animals need my protection first. I'll help you protect them and fight enemies who come into the forest, but I won't help fight a war."
Gawain lowered his hand with a nod, "Understand. Still friends?"
Jack slightly lightly, "Still friends, if you want to be."
Gawain gave a smile, "I do."
Far Far Away - CEO's office
The woman in black scowled deeply as she glared at Victor, "What did I tell you? What did I say to you? Once again, your bloated sense of ego has cost us yet another Advent Deck and now the Knights likely have another ally!"
"If the primitive could have just-!" Victor tried to defend himself.
"No, I told you Jack Clayton was too much of a hero to join us! Then once again you completely ignore every hint and decide you knew better anyway! Again and again, you waste resources on brats and punks who barely have any idea what they are doing!" the woman snarled.
"Watch your tone! I am the next King Vortigen!" Victor shouted.
"You are no king! Not yet! Just a brat with delusions of grandeur!" the woman snapped back. "As of right now, you are prohibited from handing out any more Advent Decks. Since you are completely incapable of choosing competent wielders to act like our knights, I will begin selecting them for you."
Victor snarled, "And what no-name thug can you bring around that is better than a nobly trained warrior?"
The woman rolled her eyes, knowing Victor's hypocrisy since Gold and Shock Knights were in it for money or personal gain. Even if they had a strong lineage, they were still mercenaries, "Skilled fighters who can actually use their skills perhaps?" She tapped a button on an intercom, "Mr. Barnes, please enter."
The doors to the woman's office opened and heavy footfalls followed. Victor turned around and his eyes widened when he saw the figure.
He was adorned in a suit of armor similar to Victor's own. The bodysuit was black with silver bracers and greaves, but with orange accents. The torso armor was made of orange plates with a gold line down the middle and gold horns around the collar. His shoulder plates were round with silver spikes. His helmet was orange with a silver mouthplate and the visor had jagged edges, as if in a creature's mouth with a brown of silver spikes decorating the top. Gripped in his hand was what looked like a small war hammer styled like some kind of creature's tail. Wrapped around his waist was a silver V-Buckle with an orange Advent Deck depicting a spiked reptile's head.
"This is the Ankylo Knight, Basher," the woman introduced. "He is going to be your field commander starting today and he reports directly to me. He decides who attacks and when. You listen to him, am I understood?"
"You expect me to follow this no-name?" Victor demanded.
"How about we settle this with a match?" Basher challenged. "Loser does whatever the winner says."
"Then you will have already served me because I will be victorious," Victor growled.
Basher snorted, "That's not what they're saying on the MirrorNet. I saw the videos. You were beaten, twice already."
Victor's face flushed and he grit his teeth, "Those were all flukes!"
"Well, bad things always happen in threes. Who knows? Maybe you'll be lucky," Basher raised his war hammer. "Ma'am, may I?"
"Take it to the Mirror World," the woman in black gestured. Basher and Victor moved to one of the mirrors in her office to go to the Mirror World. The woman just turned her attention back to her work. "Men…"
To Be Continued...
A/N: And now we have a new player added to the drama of knights. Jack is neutral in the overall conflict, even if he is friendly to Gawain and Arthur. Where his story is going to go now that he is involved. If you need a visual reference for ScarlaKong, look up GaoKong from the GaoRangers.
I really couldn't resist adding mention to Tarzan. He is one of my favorite Disney cartoons. If Robin Hood from classic literature could be added to Ever After High, I didn't see a reason why Tarzan's son couldn't.
Still, we see Victor is scrambling to get a competent force together to fight off Arthur and his knights. Sadly, it seems his idea of what constitutes knights is different from his more pragmatic CEO ally. She also seems to have begun recruiting behind Victor's back if this new Basher is anything to go by.