RWBY Gaiden: The Duty of Saviors

by BlazeCore

One day is enough to cause several disasters on the world of Remnant. But these disasters are stopped from causing further destruction with the appearance of Saviors. Those unsung heroes disappeared as quickly as they appeared, but they will one day return. They will return to protect this devastated world from the villains who caused these disasters and will cause them again. R&R

7. Chapter 2: Drive to Protect and Serve

(Warriors- Imagine Dragons)

/As a child you would wait/

The camera views Rowan as his child self who faced the Savior in red armor who helped him in the devastated colony of Mt. Glenn. Then a child Gladus is seen facing a knight in golden armor with a Spade beetle symbol on his chest in a town on fire.

/And watch from far away./

Next, a child Lisera hugs a tree as he watches a demon musician offers his hand out with a disintegrating monster behind him. A little Arianrhod is held in a bridal grip in the arms of a soldier in black armor. Behind the two there is a city on a rainy day with the rain stuck in that air in a still form.

/But you always knew that you'd be the one that work while they all play/

Rowan picks up the silver belt that the Savior gave him. He walks past a pair of siblings where the young one had a red cloak while the older one had blond hair. Then Gladus picks up a buckle with a card of a beetle and an ace of Spade. She walks past a young girl with cat ears holding a protest sign.

/In youth, you'd lay awake at night and scheme/

Lisera holds a tuning fork with a demon face on the hilt. He stood still as a young boy with a green robe and a orange-redhead girl ran past him. Arianrhod grips tight on a miniature silver sports car while holding a bulky belt buckle in her left hand. She walks past a screen that shows a singing girl with white hair.

/Of all the things that you would change, but it was just a dream!/

They all open their eyes, now teenagers, and they are all seen watching a sunrise while standing on a cliff.

/Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away)/

Rowan walks forward with the other members of Team RGLA joining his stride as the wind picks up.

/We are the warriors that built this town./

When a rock passes between the camera and the team, they are replaced with Kabuto, Blade, Hibiki, and Drive walking side-by-side through an empty field that was slowly building a number of structures in their trail.

/Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away)/

The Riders walk as the buildings and structures form to represent their location: Beacon Academy.

/We are the warriors that built this town./

From the Tower, Ozpin observes the group as four silhouettes appear behind them. Then they transform back in Rowan, Gladus, Lisera, and Ariann. The group passes a group of four familiar girls who are going about their day. Later a familiar group led by a blond haired young knight known as Jaune who stands in front of a statue depicting a Hunter fighting a Grimm. Jaune turns to see the group pass by.

/From Dust

Will come, when you'll have to rise/

In the middle of ruins or remnants of past building, Rowan is seen sitting down from fighting a long term battle then wiping his lip of the blood that bled from its cut. Standing in front of him are the insectoid monsters who group together to kill him.

/Above the best, improve yourself/

Gladus is thrown through a wall and lands on the ground while the night was bright. Standing near her is a humanoid monster with wings of an eagle.

/Your spirit never dies/

Lisera crashes onto the ground of the forest floor, causing leaves to fly up from his landing. Behind him is a monster who had smashed the tree he was jumping from, which had caused the young man to crash land.

/Farewell, I've gone, to take my throne

Above, don't weep for me/

Ariann drives her car quickly while dodging several missiles fired at her. An explosion sends her vehicle tumbling before it crashes into a wall. The car falls on its wheels and Ariann looks unconscious from the hit and a bruise on her forehead.

/Cause this will be the labor of my love (my love)/

The four slowly get back up slowly with each wielding their weapons and equipping their respective Drivers.

/Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away)/

Rowan catches the Kabuto Zecter and slides it into the buckle of his belt. The armor forms over his body before he pulls the lever to transform into the slimmer form of Kabuto. He slams the button on his right side and charges into battle at high speed.

/We are the warriors that built this town/

Gladus summons forth lightning and swings her blade to create a flash to blind her opponent. Standing back, she pulls the lever on her buckle, changing it to a gold spade that produced a blue rectangular wall with a spade beetle. She runs through the wall to equip the armor of Blade and attacks the monster.

/Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away)/

Lisera flicks out his demon tuning fork and hits it on a wall to create vibrations. Then he places it over his forehead before flames engulf his body. He charges forward as the veil of flames transformed him into Hibiki.

/We are the warriors that built this town/

Ariann kicks the door open and fires on her attackers. Then she takes out her miniature car and shifts it forward to activate it. Her armor quickly assembles and she charges in with her gun at the ready.

/From Dust./

Kabuto chops apart the enemy he was fighting and smashes a group of Worms into a wall before dusting his hands.

Blade strikes like a lightning bolt and annihilates her opponent into ashes before throwing a card into the fire.

Hibiki smashes the monster he fought to ashes before twirling the maces and holding them in a relaxed position.

Drive walks away and reloads her gun as the android she fought explodes.

/Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away)/

A girl with a red hood and a girl with blond long hair walk past Rowan as he turns into Kabuto.

/We are the warriors that built this town/

A black haired girl with a black bow walks past Gladus as she turns into Blade.

/Here we are, don't turn away now (don't turn away)/

A young man in a green robe along with an orange-redhead walk past Lisera as he transforms into Hibiki.

/We are the warriors that built this town/

A white haired girl in a white dress walks past Ariann as she turns into Drive.

/From Dust/

The groups turn around and the four are no longer there, leaving behind only particles that are mainly red, blue, purple, and silver.

Instrumental

Rowan, Ariann, Gladus, and Lisera stand side-by-side with their alter-egos standing behind them. They all stare at a massive Grimm that gave a roar of intimidation and shook the world around them. Everyone present prepares their weapons to fight the beast as a flash of light consumes the world around them.

---

Chapter 2: The Drive to Protect and Serve

The situation was tense as the mysterious Kabuto was facing down with the ZECT squad who had their weapons trained on him.

"Who on Uncle Toby's hairy chest are you?" Skipper slowly asked who did not look pleased of the armored masked Rider being an unknown person.

"The Savior… who has returned!" Kabuto stated proudly.

"Sir, we need to retrieve the Zecter from him or we'll be in serious trouble!" whispered Kowalski with a worried tone.

"I know that, Kowalski… RICO!" shouted the commander though it meant more than a simple name call.

"YEAH!" mutter-yelled the scarred man with the Mohawk as he took out a chainsaw and pulled the winch to rev the motor. Then he laughed manically which was an open promise for pain and carnage.

"Partner. I think now is a good time to run!" shouted Kabuto Zecter as even the artificial lifeform felt uneasy in the presence of the scarred, laughing man wielding the big chainsaw.

"Agreed." Kabuto said as he reassembled his ax back together and changed his grip to hold it as a gun.

SITUATION CHANGE!

OBJECTIVE: ESCAPE ZECT FORCES!

FAILURE CONDITION: GET CAUG-

"AAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH!" But Rico had already taken the initiative and attacked the armored warrior with his chainsaw in a downward arc.

*CLANG*

*SCREECH*

Kabuto quickly held the bladed end of his ax to block the weapon as it grinded against the blade. Rico smiled as he kept his weapon grinding against the ax in order to cut the broad blade in half. Then a metallic screech and snap was heard, however the weapon that broke wasn't the ax blade but actually the saw chain on the chainsaw.

*CRACK-FOOOM*

In slow motion, the chains flew all over the place along with fragments of destroyed saw teeth in the face of Kabuto who did not flinch and stared straight at the scarred man.

"Eh?" Rico muttered in confusion before he received an elbow to his cheek,

*BAM*

which the attack sent him flying back into a small group of soldiers.

"Rico!" shouted Private in worry.

"He broke Rico's diamond-edged chainsaw?! What is that ax made of?" shouted Kowalski in surprise as he grabbed his head since he himself made the weapon for his brother.

"Think about it later! Men! Fire on that maverick!" ordered Skipper as he and his men aimed their weapons and fired rapidly.

*BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG-BANG*

*ZIP-DONG-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING-DING*

But the bullets ricocheted or bounced off the incredibly solid silver armor of Kabuto who simply stood still, forcing the men to stop otherwise they would had been hit by the ricocheted bullets.

"STOP FIRING!" shouted the superior officer before he ducked under cover from the deflected bullets. "Kowalski… explain to me why that armor didn't even get scratched." Skipper said while looking over the cover he and his analyst hid behind.

"Oh right… The Kabuto Masked armor may have been designed to be so resilient that…" Kowalski leaded with a hesitant tone.

"That…?" repeated Skipper with a raised eyebrow and a glare.

"That not even a Paladin cannon could dent it." Kowalski stated quickly while looking down in shame.

"WHAT!?" shouted Skipper.

Then the heavily armored warrior aimed up and fired several shots that smashed the ceiling loose and sent it crashing down between him and the group of ZECT soldiers. Above, the silver-white haired girl quickly ran off to avoid joining the debris' fall. This created a smoke cloud that covered the armored warrior. When it cleared, he was nowhere to be seen.

"He escaped!" shouted Private while holding his head. "Oh no, we're in for it now!"

"Who was that?" wondered Kowalski.

"Whoever he was, he saved our rookie but took the package! Men! We need to catch that package-snatcher pronto! Or all of our bacons are gonna get fried extra-crispy! Am I clear?" ordered/asked the superior of the division of trained soldiers.

"Sir, yes sir!" shouted everyone as they saluted.

"Good! Now split up and track him down! He couldn't have gone far!" ordered Skipper as the men filed out and to search for the package-stealer. "Private, Kowalski, you two are to bring Rico and Rookie back to base."

"Yes sir!" saluted the black-haired young man as he ran to get the unconscious blond. "Don't worry, Jaune. We'll get you patched up back at base."

---

Outside, the soldiers fanned out, looking for the one who took the package which was the Kabuto Zecter. But they all failed to notice a cardboard box that was slowly moving away.

"Stop right there." The box stopped in front of the brown haired Fatale who stood in the way of it with a gun leveled at it. "We have you surrounded. So come out from your hiding spot."

The box slowly lifted up and a small, brown-furred puppy walked out, dumbfounding the group of soldiers.

"What?!" Fatale pulled the box up and it revealed that there wasn't anyone underneath it. "Tch, he must have sent this decoy! Everyone, keep searching for the thief!" shouted the female.

Then the soldiers left the scene with only one walking in the opposite direction. The soldier walked to the cardboard box and the puppy followed him. He then crouched and put the box over himself while allowing the puppy in before leaving the area. The departing cardboard box was observed by the silver-haired girl as she kept herself hidden from the several soldiers in the area. She closely followed the box as it reached the outer parts of the warehouse area before the person took it off and looked around his surroundings.

"It appears we are in the clear, Hunter. Good job on bringing the box as scheduled." The armored soldier said before he took off his helmet to reveal himself as Rowan.

OBJECTIVE COMPLETE!

PERFECT CLEAR!

The puppy yipped happily and nuzzled itself against his leg.

"Yes… Yes, you'll be rewarded handsomely." The redhead said as he put the box over himself to strip off the armor and suit, then the cardboard box collapsed to reveal him in his normal outfit of a red and silver armor covering a black and white shirt with a pair of black cargo pants with knee guards. "We better get going."

Then the Kabuto Zecter appeared on his shoulder. "You got that right, partner! Let me call my little sis. But if you try anything funny with her, I'll…"

"What are you talking about, Kabuto Zecter?" Asked Rowan with a deadpan stare.

"Just making sure you don't try any funny business." Kabuto Zecter joked.

"Fine. But don't call your little sister. We need to leave this area as hidden as possi-"

"Don't move and put your hands in the air now!" shouted a female voice from behind Rowan.

"Seriously?!" shouted the mechanical robot as he turned around.

The redhead did not move and he moved his hands into the air while the pup barked at the person behind.

"Good, don't move and we can settle this peacefully." The female voice said as she grabbed the redhead's right arm, signalling him to act quickly. He quickly pivoted his right heel on the ground and spun his left leg out to hit the female soldier in the back. But to his surprise, she wasn't there and his leg hit only air. The male placed his foot on the ground and then heard a click and felt something on his right wrist.

Lifting it, he saw that there was a handcuff on his wrist and the chain connected to a mechanical arm. The redhead tilted his head and saw a masked young girl around his age with white-silver hair who held up a badge of the Atlesian Police Department in her right hand which was covered in a white glove. Her outfit consisted of a yellow jacket with white highlights and a white and black Kevlar, metal-plated vest with a pair of shorts that had straps on the lower ends. Her legs were revealed to be semi-armored down to the foot. He also noticed that there were faint burn scars on the uncovered part of her face with a silver metal helm plate covering the top half of her face.

"You are under arrest for the theft of Atlesian military equipment. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say or do will be used against you in a court of Valean law. Any questions?" asked the shorter female. When she didn't get a response, she nodded and pocketed the badge. "Sorry, you aren't exactly the first person to try that on me. Though in hindsight, I didn't expect you to not trip after trying to kick me."

"Was that your semblance?" asked Rowan while keeping his cool.

"Huh?" responded the female before his question was processed through her brain. "Oh no, I'm just faster than you." That comment made the redhead give an offended look. "Putting that aside, do you know of where the Valean Police Department is?"

"Why would you need to ask? Aren't you already affiliated with the Valean Police Department if you're operating in another Kingdom?" Rowan asked with a slight suspicion that the girl was tracking him.

"Um, well… I'm actually lost." The white haired girl said with a nervous tone while breaking eye contact.

"So you arrested me on the pretense of violating Valean law even though you lack the proper permission to act within this Kingdom." Rowan summarized from what he could tell of the girl's situation.

"Well, yes. But I think you will be safer under my custody than ZECT's." The girl said as she walked forward, forcing the redhead to follow her pace. "I heard that they are not very friendly to anyone not affiliated with them, even in Atlas."

"That is quite obvious when they have an armed force here. So who are you?" asked the redhead.

"I do not need to give my name to you yet, thief."

"Hey! He didn't steal me! I chose him as my partner!" shouted the Kabuto Zecter with an indignant tone as he had witnessed the entire exchange.

"I see… But even so, he still violated certain laws. Such as stealing that belt." The girl gestured to the belt still around the redhead's waist.

"You are wrong, this belt belonged to me even before ZECT had a base in Vale." Rowan stated with a serious tone.

The girl gave a doubting frown but kept that detail to herself before responding, "Yes… But even so, we will need to-"

*Growl*

Then a hunger growl was heard from the cyborg girl's stomach.

"…" Rowan stared in silence.

"…" The girl stared back in silence with a bit of a blush that was hidden by her helmet.

"You must have been lost for quite some time." Rowan finally said while not breaking his stoic demeanor.

"Y-Yes! But even so, my duty as an officer of the law is to bring you in for questioning! So, can you please-Hey!" shouted the girl as she felt the redhead walk forward while dragging her. "Wait!" The white-haired girl quickly dug her metal heels into the pavement but she was still dragged by the redhead. "Halt! Cease your movement! Stop! Stop! Stooooooop!"

EMERGENCY OBJECTIVE: GET THIS GIRL A MEAL!

"You need to be fed before you can continue with your duties. As my grandmother once said, 'Each meal only happens once in your life, so make each one the most important.'"

"Yes! I know the importance of meals, but my duty comes first!" insisted the dragged girl. "I insist!"

"Then I also insist that you eat first, officer." Rowan said as he dragged her. "Because if I am to walk the Path of Heaven, then I must never ignore the hunger of one in front of me."

"The Path of Heaven?" repeated the girl as she was being dragged. "Where have I heard of that? Wait! I order you to stoPUH!" punctuated the white-haired girl though she failed to convince the redhead.

"Well this is a strange sight…" Kabuto Zecter commented as he rode Rowan's shoulder while the redhead dragged the unwilling police officer to the Dust Shop where his Grandfather owned and worked. "Right little guy?" The artificial beetle turned to look at the pup but it was no longer there. "Eh?!"

---

At Dust till Dawn:

"*Gulp* *Gulp* *Gulp*" The girl with navy blue hair drank the remains of a fifth bowl of noodles that she ate after the grandfather prepared it. The elderly man sat on a chair while wiping a towel on his head.

"*Phew* You sure know how to make an old man work, young lady." The man said with a satisfied smile of being able to cook again.

The girl placed the bowl on the table and smacked her lips. "Yep! It's been a while since I had a decent meal, gramps!"

"*Laughs* Well, I'm just glad that I could help, young lady. Though I never quite caught your name." The man said with a curious tone.

"Oh right, I didn't really introduce myself. My name's-"

Then the door slammed opened and Rowan walked in while dragging in the young female police officer.

"Halt! In the name of Atlesi- I mean Valean Law, halt!" shouted the girl to no avail before Rowan stopped. "All right, now as I said before: direct me to the Valean Police Department and we can sort this out as civilized people."

*Growl*

Then her stomach made a growl, much to her embarrassment.

"Not until you have that meal." Rowan said with a serious tone about the food. "Grandfath-"

"Rowan! Did you get another officer involved in your escapades again?" shouted his Grandfather who approached the two with a disapproving tone. "You know that you were on thin ice with the last incident!"

"Grandfather, it's all a misunderstanding. She claims I stole something that is rightfully mines." The scarred redhead waved off with a roll of his eyes.

"Even so, you're the one causing trouble for the poor officer!" The man with squinted eyes admonished his grandson. Then he grabbed the back of the redhead's head and bowed in front of the girl officer along with his grandson though Rowan's right arm is stretched out due to the handcuff. "I am so sorry about his behavior, officer, he's usually well behaved."

"N-No it's fine, sir." The white haired girl said as she waved her right hand. Then a growl was heard from her stomach, much to her embarrassment.

"Oh, so you're hungry. All right, I'll cook up another bowl! Rowan, sit at the table with her so you don't trouble her further."

"But grandfather-"

"No buts! Look, I know you mean well to have a reason to feed her, but you can't keep troubling the police!"

"…I'm sorry, Grandfather."

"Don't say sorry to me! Say sorry to the young lady!" The elder man frowned.

Rowan frowned slightly at the notion but did so nonetheless as he turned to the officer. "My apologies."

"N-No, it's all right. You don't need to apologize." The girl said with another wave of her mechanical hand. "Are Vale's citizens this… sudden?"

"Good. Then please sit at the table while you keep an eye on my grandson." The grandfather said with a smile.

EMERGENCY OBJECTIVE INCOMPLETE!

UTTER FAILURE…

Then a bark was heard and the pup known as Hunter walked into the shop. "Oh, Hunter. Welcome home!"

The dog yipped and wagged its tail at the sight of the elderly man. Then it ran around in circles with the man in the middle.

"Well it's good to see you too! Well, I better get to cooking that bowl of noodles. Then I'll fix up something for you, Hunter." The grandfather said as he left to the back of the room.

Then Rowan and the Atlesian officer sat at the table with the navy blue haired girl staring.

"So, what's a cyborg like you doing here?" asked the tanned girl with a curious tone.

"Huh? Oh, I'm actually here as a transfer to the Valean police department. There's been strange reported incidents of doppelgangers." The young officer stated.

"Doppelgangers? As in clones?" asked the navy-blue haired girl with a curious tone.

"Yes. From what I have read about the cases, the police first find a dead body of someone, but then the victim is reported to be alive in another area. Not only that, but some officers were reported to be murdered while they were investigating these cases." Arianrhod said while she gave a glance towards Rowan who did not seemed bothered by the doppelganger sightings.

"Scary. And I thought being in the deserts of Vacuo was bad." The girl said while leaning back on the chair she sat in.

"You hail from Vacuo? That must have been an arduous journey to reach Vale." Rowan commented with an impressed tone.

"Yeah, but it's worth it. I've been accepted to Beacon after all!" The girl expressed her invitation to the Academy with pride, much to the surprise of the two.

"Beacon? As in Beacon Academy?" asked the officer with an interested tone.

"Yep! The one and the same!"

"Strange, I remember also receiving a mail invitation to the Academy as well." The silver haired girl said while placing her finger on her chin.

"Really? But you said you're an officer of Atlas." The navy-blue haired Vacuoan pointed out.

"Officially, I am a cadet officer and probationary detective of the Atlesian Police Department. But they trust me enough to work in the Atlesian first response and investigation divisions."

"You do appear more experienced than a cadet, officer." Rowan said. "So you have a name?"

"Yes, but isn't it polite that you introduce yourself first?" asked the masked girl.

"Very well." Rowan said as he stood up with the clouds now blocking the sun. "Walking the Path of Heaven… the one who will rule over all…" Rowan then pointed at the sky as the afternoon sun was seen again and now shined on him. "Rowan… Dynast."

The two girls stared at Rowan for a good minute before the blue-haired one responded with, "Well nice to meet you too, Rowan. The name's Gladus Glaucous. A friendly native from Vacuo."

"It is a pleasure, Glaucous." Rowan said as he sat back down.

"Why don't you introduce yourself now, Police girl? No one here seems ready to kill anyone."

The white haired girl turned to Rowan who looked nonchalant while turning back to Gladus who smiled.

"Very well, my name is Arianrhod Enjen. Altesian police cadet first class and I am the only probationary detective of my division despite already receiving my license." Arianrhod stated while introducing herself formally.

"You need to get a license to be a detective? Huh, that's surprising." Gladus said since she was friends with a private detective.

"Well, I did fulfill the several requirements during my time at the Atlas Police Academy and the police department. I actually graduated from there three years ago."

"Really? *Whistle* You look as old as Rowan and me, so you must be quite the genius!" Gladus praised. "I mean, I've met my share of crazy ones. But you… you seem like the talented type!"

"Thank you for the compliment, Lady Gladus. But I'm just a simple cadet. I'm sure anyone with the right amount of dedication could do what I do." Arianrhod said with a humble smile.

"Dedication? You've got a point. But the smarts? Eh~" Gladus said as she tilted her hand up and down in a "So-So" gesture. "Only smart people can skip grades, even talent has limits."

"True. But… is it wrong to believe so?" asked Arianrhod with a pout.

"Yes, dedication is indeed a necessary thing in the upbringing of heroes…" Rowan agreed though his comment about heroes received doubtful looks from both females at the table. "But there is one thing that strikes me as curious. You two, have either of you been saved by a Savior?"

"A Savior? Well, I do recall someone saving me, but that was a long time ago." Gladus said with a shrug.

"Same here, though I only have a faint memory of my rescuer." Arianrhod stated with an honest tone.

"I see… Then let me ask a second question, were they wearing an armor with a unique belt or device on their waist?" asked the redhead with a blunt tone.

Gladus and Arianrhod widened their eyes in surprise at the specific parts of the question he made.

"Wait… What's with the specifics here, Rowan?" asked Gladus who looked suspicious of the redhead's question.

Rowan the pair dead in the eyes and said, "Because I was saved by a Savior known as…"

"Food's ready! And Rowan, you better not be asking random people if they were saved by a masked savior again!" The elderly man said as he arrived and brought a bowl of noodles to Arianrhod. The redhead rolled his eyes at his grandfather's words and laid back in his chair. "Here, officer. A bowl of my famous noodles."

"Thank you. Um…" Arianrhod thanked the elder man though she did not know his name.

"Just call me, Owner. Everyone does." The man said as he placed a set of chopsticks next to the bowl. "Here."

"Thank you, Owner." Arianrhod said with a smile before the elderly man smiled back and then walked into the back room. Then she picked up the set of chopsticks and held them in her right hand.

"Hm… Surprising." Rowan said suddenly as he gave an analytical eye at how she held them.

"Hm? What is it?" asked Ariann.

"Your dexterity with those limbs." Rowan pointed to her hands. "It's actually surprising."

"I'll say, your prosthetics have some impressive reactions. I guess Atlas really is the Kingdom of progressive technology." Gladus praised as she cupped her chin.

"Well… Um… My prosthetics are quite unique. They're actually just prototypes until my doctor finishes the finalized product." Arianrhod said before eating her next strand of noodles.

"Even so, they are still impressive, Arianrha- I mean Arianrhod." Gladus said though she stumbled a bit with the name. "Man, your name's hard to pronounce."

The masked girl chuckled before stating, "Then you may have trouble spelling it. If it makes you comfortable, you may address me as Ariann, Lady Gladus."

"Sure, but cut the Lady crap, Ariann. I'm far from your fancy groupies and stuff back in Atlas." Gladus said with a shrug.

"True, but I prefer calling everyone either Sir or Lady because it makes me comfortable." Arianrhod said truthfully.

"Yeah, but you calling me that is almost as if you worked as a maid before becoming part of the fuzz."

"Oh um… You're not off the mark of my previous employment 8 years ago." The silver haired girl responded as she put down her chopsticks.

Gladus sat up straight upon realizing how close she was on her words. "Seriously? You were a maid before you were an officer? What changed?"

"These." Arianrhod gestured with her mechanical arms.

"Ouch…" The bluenette cringed once she realized she hit a sore subject. "What happened?"

Then Arianrhod gave a hesitant look before responding. "Well, it was-um…"

Noticing the girl's hesitation, Gladus decided that it was better left unsaid. "You don't need to answer if you don't want to, Ariann. I guess I was a bit rude asking what might have been… well… a bad memory."

"It's fine, Lady Gladus. And to answer your question… it was an incident that is a bit classified."

"Really? Like what? You nearly got killed in a bombing?" rhetorically asked the girl.

Upon hearing the accurate guess, Ariann could only look away and respond, "Well… that's also pretty close."

"Seriously?! I was just kidding!" shouted Gladus with a bit of an incredulous tone.

Rowan closed his eyes and said, "Close or not, you should finish up that meal, Enjen. You do wish to reach that police station, correct?"

"Yes." Ariann said as she blew on her next serving of noodles before noticing the boarded up window. "Hm? What happened to your grandfather's store's window?"

"That? A few days ago, some thief and his group tried to steal the Dust he has in stock. Luckily, according to grandfather, a huntress-in-training was visiting his shop and repelled the attackers. But she should have done it without breaking the window." Rowan said with a displeased look before sighing. "But being angry about it won't change the damage, as grandmother once said, 'When a dish, good or bad, has been served, it can no longer be disturbed.'"

"When a dish, good or bad, has been served, it can no longer be disturbed? What sort of crazy talk is that?" asked Gladus which she got a cold glare from Rowan in response. "Um, I don't mean that in an offensive way! Nope, not at all! *Nervous Chuckle*"

"Hmm... 'When a dish, good or bad, has been served, it can no longer be disturbed.' Is your grandmother referring to how events that have occurred cannot be changed or taken back?" hypothesized the white silver-haired girl.

"Correct." Rowan said with a nod.

"I see. I understand what you mean, Dynast. I have my fair share of incidents where Huntsmen and/or Huntswomen act out of turn and destroy private property. Though the Kingdom does cover the collateral damage, that doesn't stop either from causing more." Ariann recalled how the less responsible Huntsmen always end up causing a lot of collateral damage.

"I know what you mean. There was this dance club I wanted to go to, but it got wrecked by some blond huntress-in-training." Gladus said with a shake of her head.

"Hmph, which is why those who cause such trouble aren't true Hunters…" muttered Rowan with a disapproving tone.

"What do you mean, Rowan?"

"Hunters have the duty of protecting people, not fighting them." Rowan stated with depreciating tone. "They are supposed to kill the monsters that no normal human or faunus can handle. Causing this pointless destruction brings shame to their role."

"I agree. That is why we police exist." Ariann stated. "While we do not condone Hunters from taking down criminal organizations, it is still frowned upon by the law enforcement due to their unnecessary destruction… It actually undermines what the police can do."

"But you cops make sure that the collateral damage doesn't include citizens, so don't worry about it."

"Thank you, Lady Gladus." Ariann said with a smile before placing the chopsticks on the bowl. Then she placed her hands together and gave a nod. "Thank you for the meal, Owner. Let us take our leave, Dynast."

"Very well." Rowan said as he stood up.

"Rowan, you better bring her to the correct Police station!" shouted the elderly man.

"There is only one in this district of Vale, Grandfather!" Rowan shouted back before he and Ariann left the shop.

---

At a certain police station,

"So Grif, do you think anything is going to happen today?" asked a man in a Valean police uniform with a magenta tie.

"Not really, unless that redhead kid causes trouble again." Another officer sat back on a seat while wearing the same uniform except it was a larger size with a loosely tied, light-orange tie.

"Yeah, but he is just a kid. What's the worst he can do?" The slimmer man said with a shrug. "Besides that, where's that transfer cadet supposed to be?"

"Excuse me! This is the Vale Police headquarters, correct?" asked Ariann who was outside.

"Sounds like the golden girl is here." The fatter male of the two said as he got out of his chair and opened the door to the sight of Ariann leading Rowan by handcuff.

"…Hey Simmons, what's the code if an officer from another Kingdom arrests someone here?" asked Grif.

"Well, it's still considered an arrest as long as they said it was under Valean law. Why do you-" Then the brunette man entered to the sight of the two teens. "What the hell?! Rowan, what the hell did you get into to get arrested by the new girl?!"

"She claims I stole this belt." Rowan responded as he pointed to the silver belt on his waist.

The two stared at him in disbelief at the accusation.

"…You're kidding right? For all the trouble and problems you brought us, that is last thing I expect you to get arrested over. Hey new girl-" Grif deadpanned before being interrupted by Ariann.

"Excuse me, I am Cadet Officer Arianrhod Enjen, on lend to the Valean Police Dep-"

"Yeah, yeah, uncuff the redhead. That belt he's got there has been with him for a while. Right Simmons?" The obese officer asked his slimmer partner for confirmation.

"Yep, for as long as we have known him." The slimmer officer approached the female Atlesian officer with his hand out. "So you must be Detective Arianrhod. I have read over your file, and if I must say, you have an impressive number of achievements."

"Thank you for your words, officer." Ariann shook the man's hand with her gloved hand.

"Oh right! Before I forget, I am Officer Dick Simmons, posted here at our lovely police office in Vale. And the lazy fat guy over there is Deputy Dexter Grif."

"Thanks for getting my introduction in, now I'm going to sleep in before Sarge decides to-"

*SCREEEEEEEEECH*

*BAM!*

The group except Rowan jumped in shock from the sound before turning to the sight of a battered up armored jeep which crashed into a cement block. Then the door was kicked open.

"Good news men! I managed to capture one of those bugs, so get the interrogation room ready and Grif, you are in charge of dragging it in there! I need to get out my personal stash of interrogation shells!" shouted a man with a red vest and a shotgun as he walked through the entrance looking a bit roughed up.

Then Grif sighed with his head down. "*Sigh* I had to jinx it."

"Indeed you did." Simmons agreed.

"Hm? What are you doing here, Rowan? Today isn't your scheduled arrest." The grizzled man pointed out before noticing that the redhead was handcuffed to a white haired, masked girl. "And who's the metal-masked cyborg?"

"Sir, I am Arianrhod Enjen! A Detective transferred here from Atlas, sir!" Ariann saluted to the older man. "Are you the commanding officer of this station?"

"Yes, I am, Sergeant Sarge at your service, little lady. And this here is my trusty shotgun, Ten-Hut!, killed a bunch of monsters with her and she packs one heck of a wallop. But enough about me, what's Command thinking, sending a kid like you on the frontlines? Shouldn't you be in those fancy-shmancy Atlas Police Academies right now?"

"I already graduated from there three years ago, sir. I am also a certified detective." Ariann said as she showed her license and badge.

"A prodigy…" Sarge stared at the license with a bit of awe. "Well, why didn't you say so? I've been looking for someone as competent as Lopez. Speaking of him, where is he? Simmons?"

"He's in the back fixing up the last Warthog you wrecked, sir!" announced Simmons as he saluted.

"Good! I expect it to be up and running for our next assault on the next worm base! Those little buggers won't know what hit them…" The older man said with a shaking fist.

"Worms?" repeated Ariann with a questioning tone.

"Have you found a nest, Sarge?" asked Rowan with a somewhat eager tone.

"Nope! But I know we're close if they sent one of their own after me! Good thing you came along, Dynast, we'll need all the muscle we can get!" The older man said while hitting the teen's shoulder with a friendly smile. Then he turned to Arianrhod. "You, go make yourself useful and uncuff him before he decides to do it for you!"

"But sir, he stole ZECT property!"

"All the more reason he should left to his own devices! We of the Valean police corp. are Vale's first and last line of defense! We will fight until the last man! Even if it means killing Grif to do so!" shouted the older man as he nonchalantly aim his gun's barrel at the fat officer with the orange tie.

"Hey! Watch where you're pointing that!"

"And the last thing we need is those fancy ZECT hooligans coming onto our turf! Is that clear?" asked the sergeant as he pushed his face into the mask of the female.

"Yes sir!" Simmons and Arianrhod shouted with a salute.

"Yeah, yeah..." Grif responded with a lazy tone.

"Good! Now help me interrogate the Worm! And someone get Dynast uncuffed!" ordered the older before he left for his office.

The glasses wearing male turned to Arianrhod with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about Sarge, Arianrhod, he's... a bit reckless with his job, but he means well. Most criminals have stayed out of Vale because of him."

"Yeah, nothing short of a superhuman can stop the geezer." Grif unhesitantly agreed. "But that hasn't stopped Torchwick."

That name caught the female officer's attention as she turned to Grif. "Torchwick? As in Roman Torchwick? He's here?"

"Yeah, a few days ago, he robbed the Dust Till Dawn store that Rowan's grandfather owned. Luckily our local red hooded huntress-in-training stopped him." Simmons pointed out.

"But honestly, Ruby shouldn't haven't been so enthusiastic to stop him. I heard that Roman has a rep for being able to fight experienced Huntsmen. I'm glad that grumpy Goodwitch got her out of trouble." Grif said with crossed arms while remembering that certain memory a few days ago.

"Indeed. Despite his appearance, Torchwick is just that capable when it comes to fighting. He isn't someone to be underestimated despite being a thief." Arianrhod agreed before frowning and cupping her chin. "But… Dust robbery? That doesn't seem to fit his repertoire."

"What do you mean?" asked Simmons with a questioned tone.

"I had a few clashes with Torchwick, but all of them were when he attempts to steal priceless artifacts or jewels. Not Dust." Arianrhod stated factly.

"Told ya." Simmons said with a pointed look at his fat partner.

"Well you better get that info updated, kid. Torchwick has been on a Dust robbing spree for a while." Grif stated while pointing his thumb to a billboard with a map and several articles detailing that Torchwick was responsible.

Arianrhod walked to the billboard which detailed Torchwick's actions with an analyzing eye. "This is quite detailed."

"Yep, originally I wanted to look into the robbing spree but this is all I could gather at the time before the Worms started acting up. As you can see, Torchwick has hit major shipments from all around the region. Vale appears to be his next, or rather, current target."

"Why aren't you investigating his whereabouts?" asked the licensed detective who looked concerned.

"Blame the Council on that one. They believe nobody is stupid enough to cause trouble when there's a Huntsman academy next door, so it's just us." Grif stated. "So we're undermanned, and we're already busy with the Doppelganger cases caused by the Worms. ZECT hasn't been much help because they keep muscling into our jurisdiction. Every day is a battle to the death without backup."

"You mean every week, Grif. Now drag that Worm into the usual containment cell. Might as well use those big arms of yours for something." Simmons said as he left the office.

"Hey, most of this is fat! And what if it tries to stab me in the face?"

"Then threaten it with your Grifshot like you always do!"

"*Sigh* Fine. Rowan, we'll leave the hunting for Worms to you as usual. Bring the new girl along."

"Understood. Enjen, may you uncuff me?" requested the redhead as he moved his arm up to gesture his release.

The light silver haired detective gave him a suspicious look before complying. "…Very well." Ariann unlocked the cuff and placed it back in her arm. "So where do we search for these… Worms?"

"… Bug repellant." Rowan said as he took out a mask and a bottle of bug repellant.

"Huh? Bug repellant?"

"Yeah, Worms don't like the smell of bug repellant. So Rowan sprays himself with that and patrol the areas they were reported to be found." Grif said as he carried a case out of a room. "Simmons, if I die. Don't touch my sister."

"You know I don't even want to be near her! Now Arianrhod, keep an eye on Rowan. The Worms will likely target him when you're not looking."

"What about ZECT?"

"Don't worry about them. They would have to be stupid to try and attack him in broad daylight." Simmons assured.

---

Meanwhile at the ZECT base,

Jaune gasped and opened his eyes wide before sitting up. "Gah! What happened?"

"Whoa! Settle down rookie!" shouted Skipper as he held the teen down with the rest of his group. "You got hit pretty hard from that thief."

"Thief? Oh, that's right… that Rowan guy became Kabuto." Jaune muttered.

"Rowan? You know the thief's name?!"

"W-Well, yeah. I met him just earlier today." Jaune recalled.

"That means the trail is still fresh! What is his name, soldier?" ordered Skipper.

"His name is…"

"I am… Rowan Dynast."

"Rowan Dynast." Jaune said.

Skipper smiled before waving his arm out and shouting orders to his men. "Kowalski! Bring up the list of residents in Vale and any suspicious looking fellas in the last week!"

"Understood!"

"Private! Fatale! Once Kowalski finds this punk, you two are in charge of negotiations! If negotiations break down, then force is permitted."

"Rookie! You will rest here until we find that thief. Rico!"

"Yeah!" The scarred man stood up despite having an ice pack taped to his head.

"Guard the Rookie! Any who wants to enter this room will need to convince you they are the real deal! Even me!"

"Sir! We have a situation!" shouted a soldier with his helmet still on.

"What situation, soldier? Another dead body?"

"Yes. And not just any dead body, but the ZECT specialist for Kabuto!"

"What?! Any evidence of the assailant?"

"We did find netting which matches the substance used by Worms on their victims."

"Worm, huh? Change of plans, Private, Fatale, once Kowalski finds out who took the Kabuto Zecter and where he is, make sure he is informed that a Worm is looking for him."

"But sir, what about retrieving the equipment?" asked Fatale.

"Let the thief keep it. With the assigned specialist dead, my gut is saying that the Zecter is safer in his hands than ours. There's no telling if we have a spy in our midst considering the fact that a Specialist assigned was targeted and killed." Skipper said with his paranoia cap on.

"Understood. Should we also share a means of communication with him?" suggested Private.

"Hm… Not yet. Just inform him of the danger and shadow him."

"What if he doesn't trust us?"

"Hah! Even if he doesn't trust us, he will trust that there is a Worm after him!" Skipper said with a good feeling in his gut.

"That's… not wrong." Private stated.

"Now move it! We need to find this… Who is the thief again, Rookie?"

"Rowan Dynast." Jaune recalled.

"Dynast! Find Dynast before our mutual enemy kills him!" ordered Skipper.

"Wait… Dynast?" repeated Kowalski while cupping his chin. "It couldn't be the same Dynast, could it?"

---

"I have doubts that you will find whoever you were searching for, Dynast." Arianrhod stated as she followed the redhead through another abandoned warehouse district.

"Patience Enjen. Our enemies will come for me… As they always have…" muttered Rowan as he readied himself for the inevitable fight.

"This person… There's obviously something wrong with him…" Arianrhod narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

"There he is!"

"Stop!"

The two turned to see Private and Fatale ran towards them.

"Are you Rowan Dynast?" asked the brunette with a professional.

"Yes, what is it you want from me?" asked Rowan with a calm tone.

"You need to come with us! The situation has gotten worse!" Private stressed out to the redhead.

"What do you mean?" asked Arianrhod as she stood in front of Rowan. She narrowed her eyes at the ZECT insignia on their arms.

"Who are you?" asked Fatale.

"Cadet Officer Arianrhod Enjen of the Atlas Police Unusual Cases Department. On loan to the Vale Police Department. And this young man is under my protection. So I also wish to know what is going on here." The girl glared as the sound of an engine could be heard from her back.

"I see… We are agents of ZECT. We're just here to talk to Mister Dynast over there! Nothing else!"

"Then explain right now." Rowan stated with a blunt tone.

"Well…"

"A ZECT Specialist was killed recently and we believe it's connected to the Worm activity here in Vale." Fatale stated since beating around the bush was not needed.

"ZECT Specialist?"

"The ones supposedly chosen by ZECT to wield the Savior's power." Rowan suddenly stated.

"Savior? Okay, asking about that for later. As I was saying, the Worms may be after you and the Kabuto Zecter, Mister Dynast!" stated Private with an urgent tone.

"I don't care." Rowan stated with a cold tone before turning and walking away.

"Wait! Mister Dynast!"

"The Worms and I are destined to clash. And I will face them at every corner…" stated Rowan, accepting of the confrontation with the humanoid insects.

"…I'll keep an eye on him. You two return to ZECT. If there really is a threat here, then you two are exposed without backup." Arianrhod told the two ZECT members.

"What about you?" asked Fatale.

"I-" Arianrhod turned to look at the redhead before noticing Rowan suddenly stopped his movement and stood still in the area.

"Huh? He stopped?" wondered Private about the teen's action.

"Dynast? What is it?" asked Arianrhod.

Rowan's ear carefully picked up the sound of clicking. "A Worm is here…" Rowan said as he narrowed his eyes.

"Where?"

"There." Rowan took out his weapon and pointed it at Ariann.

Ariann's gun launched from its holster as she moved her hand to grab it and aim at Rowan. "Assaulting a detective of the law is punishable by ten years!"

Rowan did not answer and pulled the trigger, and the shot passed the female detective's head.

"GH!"

"Huh?" Ariann turned around and saw that the shot hit a nearby person who went limp on the ground. "You were aiming for that bystander?"

"He's been tailing us for a while. Get ready, it's time to fight."

"Wait a minute…" Fatale stared at the man's face before widening her eyes. "That's the ZECT specialist!"

"No! It's the Worm that killed him!"

The bystander got up from the attack and transformed into a Worm, and it was a molted Worm that had arachnid features.

"A Molted… I see, you decide that I should die as quickly as possible." Rowan said with an unsurprised expression.

"What is that? That can't be any Roidmude! That transformation was too… natural." The detective knew about the doppelganger cases happening in Vale but she did not expect another species of monsters to be the perpetrators.

Suddenly the insectoid moved fast and charged at Arianrhod who could only watch as it swiped its arm at her.

*CLANG*

Then Rowan smashed his armored boot at the claw before punching the Worm in the face to send it reeling back. "These are Worms, an alien species that I have been hunting down since the Savior granted me the strength to do so." Then he snapped his fingers. "Kabuto Zecter! It's time!"

"Heard ya loud and clear, partner!" announced the metal beetle after it flew in from out of sight.

He caught the Zecter and revealed his belt buckle slot.

"Henshin."

Then Rowan slid on Kabuto Zecter onto the buckle.

"HENSHIN." Kabuto Zecter announced as hexagons formed from the belt. Using the generated hexagonal plates as the basis, a mechanical armor entirely formed over Rowan as he held his arm and gripped his power-armored fist.

"Walking the Path of Heaven… The one who will save all… I. Am. Kabuto. The Savior has returned…" Kabuto stated with a steady tone before he charged at the arachnid Worm.

OBJECTIVE: Defeat Aracnea Worm Rubor!

Kabuto swiped his leg down and knocked the Worm's legs out from under. Then he punched and pummeled the insectoid monster into the ground.

"Get back, I have this handled." The silver and red Kamen Rider held a hand out to the three as a gesture that he could defeat the monster by himself

Ariann and the ZECT members complied before taking cover as Kabuto took out his ax and swung down at the worm. Private took out a camera to record the fight between the silver armored Rider and the arachnid Worm.

The monster quickly rolled out of the way of the chop and crouched onto it legs. But Kabuto quickly anticipated the movement and swung his leg up into its face and send the Worm flying into the air. The insectoid landed face-first at a distance and chittered as if groaning in pain. Suddenly it stood up and started screeching, causing the humans to cover their ears.

"What is that Worm doing?!" shouted Private as he covered his ears.

Then there was the sound of more chittering to be heard as suddenly more Worms started to move on Kabuto.

"Calling reinforcements…" Fatale responded with wide eyes.

SITUATION CHANGE!

DISADVANTAGE!

Then Worms appeared around the Kamen Rider and many stood in front of the injured arachnid Worm.

"Protecting their leader, huh?" muttered Kabuto as he held his ax up and its edge shined. "Big mistake…"

OBJECTIVE: DEFEAT ALL ENEMIES!

FAILURE CONDITION: KAMEN RIDER KABUTO IS KILLED

The Worms rushed Kabuto with a plan to overwhelm him with their numbers. The silver and red armored Kamen Rider smashed his ax through the first few that got near him, spraying green blood on himself and around him.

Seeing the increase in the monsters' numbers, Arianrhod realized how the situation required an immediate response and she contacted her superior.

First she placed her hand on her headphone ear and mentally chose a line the directed to a certain person. "Sir! Do you copy?"

"Detective Arianrhod, what did you find?" radioed in an older woman on the line.

"Sir. We have situation OMEGA here. More Unknown beings are confirmed to be residing in Vale. Yes, they are capable of shapeshifting similar to the Roidmudes. I have not engaged because another Kamen Rider in currently engaging, but he is outnumbered." Ariann reported as she kept an eye on the situation as Kabuto chopped his way through the numbers of Worm in the area to get to the Molted Worm.

"I see. What do you plan to do?" asked her commanding officer.

"I wish to engage and assess the threat while assisting the Kamen Rider. Permission to activate the Drive Protocol?" requested the cadet officer.

"Permission granted. Over."

"Understood. Thank you, sir."

Arianrhod left her cover and shot at the group of Worms that approached Kabuto who looked up at the white haired girl before he aimed his gun behind him and shot a Worm.

"Why is she attacking the Worms?!"

As she walked forward, Ariann took out a bulky device with a red belt.

"Is that… A Rider system?" asked Fatale who realized what the belt in the cadet's hand was.

Arianrhod wrapped the belt around her waist and twisted the trigger to activate it with the sound of an engine revving being heard.

*RRRRRRMMMMMM*

"DRIVER ONLINE."

Then she pulled out a silver sports car and twisted its back upwards. She placed the changed car into the brace attached to her left wrist. "Drive Protocol, engage." Next she lifted the car up similar to a lever as an announcement by a mechanical female voice came from the belt.

"DRIVE: TYPE SPEED!"

A construction ring formed around Arianrhod as parts of armor attached to her torso, arms, and legs. Then a silver helmet with a white racing stripe and LED lenses constructed over her head.

Suddenly her silver sports car drove in with the left front tire reeling in to summon a tire before firing it at the armored Girl. The tire attached to her torso spinning before stopping and her helmet lens lit up.

"Kamen Rider Drive: Type Speed. Engaging the Enemy." Then the newly named Kamen Rider Drive ran right into the battle.

SITUATION CHANGE!

ADVANTAGE!

OBJECTIVE: DEFEAT ALL ENEMIES!

FAILURE CONDITION: K.R. KABUTO OR K.R. DRIVE IS KILLED!

"Whoa…" said Private in awe as he continued to record the entire battle.

"Another Masked Rider…" muttered Fatale in astonishment since she thought that only ZECT had a Rider system.

A Worm approached Kabuto from behind and Drive quickly kicked the monster out of the way as Kabuto turned to chop it.

He stopped his swing from touching Drive's head before asking, "…Who are you?"

"Kamen Rider Drive." Drive said as she kicked a Worm charging from their side before taking out her gun and shooting at another in the opposite direction.

At the same time, Kabuto swung his ax through a Worm's neck and then punched and threw another that charged at him.

"I am a Kamen Rider designed for hunting down and eliminating Unknown Beings that threaten Humanity." Then she shot a worm closing in.

Kabuto stared at the Silver Kamen Rider before ducking under a swing from a Worm and he swung with an uppercut on the one who attacked him. "…Be wary of the Worms' power." Kabuto said as he sidestepped a shot before shooting a Worm behind Drive.

"What do you mean?" asked Drive as she shot three times into a Worm near her.

"They are monsters capable of super speed after shedding off their current form." Kabuto stated as he chopped the head off a Worm before elbowing another.

"Oh crap! One's molting!" shouted Jaune with a panicked look.

"Such as that one." Kabuto pointed out before he blocked a swing from a Worm and then smashed his ax into its face, spraying a bit of green fluid.

"I see… Any tips of how to handle these Unknowns?"

Kabuto tore his ax out of the Worm and responded, "Either fight them on equal terms, or kill them faster than they can anticipate." Then he lobbed an arm off a Worm before he smashed his fist through its chest.

"Faster, huh?" Drive wondered before she quickly shot at the molted Worm.

"Partner! Now would be a good time to Cast Off!"

"…" The red Kamen Rider stood silently still and his head tilted a bit down.

"?! He's closing his eyes? And he's breathing in?" Kabuto Zecter analyzed his wielder in confusion to his still form.

"*Exhale*" The moment he let out his breath, Kabuto soon felt the world expand around him. "Very well. It's time I let go of my past inhibitions." The Red Rider said as his helmet's visor lit up and he consciously flicked the horn of Kabuto Zecter, causing a discharge of Tachyon Energy as his armor plating slowly shifted open.

Drive analyzed the silver and red armored Kamen Rider and saw an increase in energy from the Rider. "What is this buildup of energy?"

"Cast off." Then Kabuto pulled the lever to the right as the charge of energy built up further.

"CAST OFF!"

Then the silver armor of Kabuto exploded off to reveal a slimmer Kabuto with a black bodysuit with red and silver light armor plating. The lever-like horn soon moved up and attached onto his helm as his helmet lenses lit up blue.

"CHANGE: BEETLE!"

"As grandmother once said, 'My evolution is faster than the speed of light.'" Kabuto said as he gripped his fist which sparked with blue Tachyon energy.

"The outer silver armor was restraining that energy?" Drive asked before she ducked under an attack and shot her attacker.

"It seems so. The armor grants more physical power and durability than this form, but that is useless against those whose speed may one day reach light itself." Kabuto said before he punched a Worm near him, knocking it and those close back with his tachyon enhanced fist.

The new molted worm chittered in anger before its body charged with energy and it disappeared into a blur.

"It clocked up!" shouted Private.

"It is fast…" Kabuto stated with an unsurprised tone. "But not fast enough! Clock Up!"

"CLOCK. UP."

Soon the world slowed to a halt with Kabuto walking calmly towards the insectoid monster who charged at him.

From the normal speed perspective, Drive could see blurs who battled with each other, sparks flew from the fight.

"A speed that is at the speed of sound… I see… Then I just have to match it!" Drive turned to the other molted Worm which chittered before moving at high speed as well. "You're not going anywhere!"

Drive pulled the lever on her wrist brace three times and an engine revving sound could be heard.

"TRIPLE SPEED BOOST!"

"Beginning pursuit!" shouted the silver Kamen Rider as she also blurred in motion and soon collided with the Worm at high speed.

Kabuto struck the arachnid he was fighting before and effortlessly dodged its attacks. Then he jabbed its side and punched a straight into its mouth, breaking a couple of fangs off. The Worm tumbled on the ground and onto its back, chittering slowly in pain and exhaustion.

"CLOCK. OVER."

Then the world moved normally around the two fighters with one who was now standing still and the other who struggle to stand up.

"So this is strength of a newborn… It's somewhat disappointing…" Kabuto stated with an arrogantly disappointed tone.

The worm pushed itself up and chittered loudly in anger.

"So you intend to kill me to the very end." Kabuto listened to the chittering before nodding. "Very well, I will send you off. You poor soul…" Rowan quietly stated the last part as he tightened his fist.

"Partner?" asked Kabuto Zecter who did not understand what Kabuto was talking about.

"We're ending this. Count off at 3, Kabuto Zecter." Kabuto said as he calmly walked forward at the Worm who charge at him with desperation in its movements to land a lasting wound on the Rider.

"You got it partner! ONE!" announced Kabuto Zecter as Kabuto pressed a button before punching the Worm.

"TWO!" After pressing the next button, he ducked under a swing before backhanding the Worm with a tachyon-charged fist, sending it tumbling behind him.

"THREE!" Then he pressed the third button as the worm charged at his seemingly exposed back.

"Rider. Kick." Kabuto muttered and pulled the level back into cast off state, creating a surge of Tachyon energy from Kabuto Zecter which soon traveled to his right leg.

*CLICK* *KKRRRRRRRZZZZZZZZZZZ*

"RIDER KICK!"

Kabuto swung his leg in a 180 degree motion which his foot struck right into the Worm's head, frying its brain. The Worm squirmed from the Tachyon overload before exploding into green flames.

"May you be reborn into a peaceful life…" Kabuto prayed.

"Sweet. We should do that every time." Kabuto Zecter commented on his wielder's skill.

"No promises. Now for the other one…" Kabuto said as he turned to the sight of Drive actually injuring the Worm who was failing to land a single blow on her.

Drive weaved and ducked through her opponent's wailing arms and shot into where she believed to be openings in its shell. Then she punched it away from her, sending it tumbling.

"CRITICAL PROTOCOL READY." announced Drive's belt as the revving sound increased from Drive's body.

"Execute." Drive stated as she pressed on the button on her wrist brace, causing the tire on her to spin rapidly.

"CRITICAL PROTOCOL: SPEED!"

Drive turned her back to the Worm as her car drove around them as high speeds before driving on a wheelie and forming a funnel of silver. Drive jumped forward and used the car's roof as a jump pad and launching herself forward towards the enemy and landing a kick. Then she jumped off it and landed her feet on the roof of the car at the right moment. The process repeated until she was like a pinball and continuously kicked the worm before her body built up enough momentum to land one powerful kick. She smashed herself through the insectoid and landed skidding on the ground. The Worm groaned in pain before exploding into flames.

"Target, eliminated."

OBJECTIVE COMPLETE!

PERFECT!

"Whoa… She's good, partner!" shouted Kabuto Zecter.

"…Indeed." Kabuto approached Drive who stood up from her crouch.

"Excuse me for keeping my status as a Kamen Rider a secret." Drive apologized.

"It's fine. You had your reasons. I would have kept secrets myself." Kabuto reasoned with a shake of his head. "Let's move to a more remote location. Follow me. Clock Up."

*CLICK* *WHIR*

"CLOCK. UP."

Then Kabuto ran off in a blur towards a certain direction.

Drive watched the red Rider's movements and readied to follow him. "A pursuit, huh? Very well."

"Hey! Wait! Who are you?" shouted Private who quickly ran out before Drive ran off.

"Kamen Rider Drive. If you wish to know more, ask General Shani." The armored cadet answered before she shifted the car lever in her brace three times.

"TRIPLE SPEED BOOST!"

"Beginning pursuit!" Then Drive blurred away to follow after the running Kabuto.

"General Shani?" wondered Private who looked confused at what the armored girl meant.

"Wait… Could she mean Brigadier General Shani Dynast?" wondered Fatale.

---

"Well… it's nearly time to close up for the night." Grif said with a tired tone.

"Yeah, where is Rowan though?" wondered Summons.

"Probably hunting down more of those Worms."

"I hope he comes back though, don't want to make Owner worried."

"Excuse me. Is anyone here?" A voice could be heard at the door of their office.

The obese officer heard the voice and turned to wave off the visitor. "Huh? Sorry man, but we're going to close up, so go to the… main… headquarters…"

"Really? I was hoping if you were willing to give me the time, officers." A man with white hair in a black suit and wore small sunglasses on his nose greeted the two.

---

At the ZECT Base,

"A second Kamen Rider?!" shouted Skipper as he slammed the situation table.

"Yes. And this Kamen Rider appears to be Arianrhod Enjen."

"The star detective back in Atlas?" Skipper said while cupping his chin in thought. "I did hear that there's been a development on the home front. Something about robots pretending to be humans. Though why is she here?"

"Don't know. But she said if we want answers, we need to get them from a General Shani."

"General Shani… As in THE Brigadier General Shani Dynast?! The Hero of the Iron Front?! The Warrior who never falters?! THE MAVERICK GENERAL?!" shouted Skipper in rapid succession as he slammed his hands on the table.

"Huh? The Maverick General?" asked Jaune who looked a bit skeptical by that last title.

"It's sort of a nickname Atlesian Soldiers gave her after she was instated and left her official post almost immediately. The Atlesian Council really did not like her decision but she continues to defy them to this day. It's still a mystery of how she still retains her title as Brigadier General." Kowalski explained to the blond teen.

"Even so, she is still regarded as Atlas's best and is a role model for many." Fatale added.

"Yeah, she's so cool…" Private sighed in respect for the general.

"Uh-huh." Rico agreed.

"Okay, enough fantasizing about her. The question now is why did General Maverick decided to bring a Kamen Rider from the Home Front here?" wondered Skipper.

"Wait… Dynast…" Fatale muttered. "Jaune, didn't you say that the name of the thief is Rowan Dynast?"

"Yeah, why?" asked Jaune with a clueless tone.

"Well-"

"Ah! I forgot to mention this! After some digging into the Altesian police database, apparently Detective Enjen was forcibly transferred from the Atlas Police Department due to her capabilities." Kowalski reported.

"Oh, so she messed up?" asked Private with a clueless tone.

"On the contrary, Private, our young police prodigy is just too good at her job. Only a couple of years as a probationary detective and she already made record arrests and gained community goodwill. And she is very good at paperwork."

Skipper rolled his eyes at the news before making a crude summary. "Okay, we get the picture, Kowalski. The police upper brass kicked her out because she was making the rest of them look bad."

"Not… how I would phrase it. But… accurate, Skipper." Kowalski tentatively agreed.

"Good to know, but I really want to know is why little miss star detective is here."

"Ah right! As I concluded… one Brigadier General Shani Dynast had her transferred to Vale due to the low amount of officers in the office. But you also noticed, right Fatale?"

"Yes. The transfer is a cover for the real reason: the general sent Detective Enjen to protect her grandson. Possibly from the Worms."

"So she knows about the Worms?"

"It's the only conclusion we can make, right now Sir."

"Wait, who's the grandson?" repeated Jaune who was not caught up on the conclusion.

"Simple, Jaune. Rowan Dynast, a resident of Vale and his grandmother is one Shani Dynast." Kowalski reported as a profile of Rowan was shown on screen.

"Huh, it all makes sense now… She somehow knew that the Kabuto Zecter would choose Dynast so she sent the detective to protect him!" Private concluded.

"I'm pretty sure she doesn't know about the Masked Rider system."

"I think she did…" The group turned to Jaune. "Rowan… he already has a copy of the Masked Rider belt…"

"It's technically called a Driver, Jaune. But that would mean that he was already chosen to be the user of the Kabuto Zecter long ago." Kowalski said with a troubled tone. "But how is that possible? The Masked Rider system was just completed a year ago."

"What does all this mean?" Fatale also wondered.

"Too many variables on this one, men, so put that on the back burner for now. As of right now, we should ignore the grandson Maverick in favor for doing our job and supporting him when necessary. Besides… I like this maverick already!"

"Aw…" muttered Rico with a downtrodden tone.

"Don't worry Rico, you're still my first favorite maverick!"

"Sorry to be a stick in the mud, Skipper. But shouldn't we be concerned by the fact that ZECT tech fell into the hands of an unknown element?" asked Kowalski.

"Kowalski… As much as I hate losing my toys, I hate giving those same toys to those so-called ZECT specialists. I'd like to see the look on that punk's face when he learns that he won't become Kabuto. Too bad he's kicked the bucket though."

"Grrr…" Rico growled.

"Look, as much as that ZECT specialist was unpleasant, I want to believe he was fighting for the sake of humanity." Private tried to stop the older members from continuing to speak ill of the dead man.

"Private, I want to believe that too but… there's no telling what would have happened if the Kabuto Zecter didn't accept him." Skipper stated with a huff.

"Skipper's right… The Kabuto Zecter has a mind of his own and he specifically chose Rowan." Jaune stated with a reluctant tone.

"See? Now let's wrap it up for tonight. I'll come up with an excuse. But we need to keep a close eye on Grandson Maverick. Rookie!"

"AH! YES SIR!" Jaune stood at attention.

"If this kid is as good as we have learned about him, then it's obvious that he is a shoe-in for the local Huntsman Academy!"

"Really? How do you know that, sir?"

"A kid who fights like that is someone who knows what he's doing…" Skipper turned to the recording of Kabuto attacking the Worms with strong, calculated strikes. "If Old Man Oz is the same as ever, then he won't let a gem like him be left unnoticed."

"Are you sure, sir? I have checked his records, and Rowan has a black mark for something he did in Signal."

"Hah! Black Mark or not, Oz is no fool! He won't let talent go to waste, I am certain of that!" shouted Skipper with a sure tone. "Besides… I have a gut feeling he's preparing for something."

"Preparing for something? Like how General Ironwood is gathering troops recently?" asked Private who recalled a report that their informants had noticed increased activity among Ironwood's troops.

"Exactly! Something crazy is going to happen and Beacon is going to be Ground Zero!" shouted Skipper.

"Are you sure, sir?"

"I believe it! My gut hasn't been wrong before!"

"I see… Well Jaune, you're going to Beacon." Kowalski said to the teen.

"Yup." Jaune responded before the statement reached his brain. "Wait, what?!"

"Don't deny it. I remember the number of times you were dissatisfied how you couldn't enter Signal. Think of this assignment as a chance to finally study as a Huntsman."

"But sir, I-I don't know if I'm ready for it. I'm still just your trainee." Jaune said with a nervous tone.

"Look. You may still be learning under us, Rookie, but there's a lot more you can learn by attending this school. Take this as an opportunity to learn more from hunters other than just us. We're fighting to protect Humanity not only from the Worms, but also from the Grimm. You'll need more experience under your belt before we have you join the front lines."

"…Yes sir!"

"Good. Kowalski, make some transcripts that will fool even the best forger. Private! You'll be his Academy contact if the teaches over at Beacon get suspicious. Fatale, you play recon on the best hiding spots in the Academy so we can meet up. Rico, fix up a weapon for him to use!"

"Wait a minute. Jaune, I recall you brought your Grandfather's Sword and Shield with you. Can you use them?" asked Private.

"Well yeah, but… They're pretty outdated from what we usually use." Jaune pointed out.

"Scratch that Rico, You're going to upgrade his sword and shield! Make them so that they can kick butt!"

"Uh huh." The scarred man said with an eager smile and he held a blowtorch close.

"Oh boy…" Jaune trailed off.

---

In a park, Rowan sat on a bench throwing feed to a couple of pigeons with the silver-haired detective sitting next to him.

"So you're also a Savior?" Rowan asked while keeping a poker face to the girl he was addressing.

The white-haired girl watched him feed the birds before answering. "Not exactly. I am known as a Kamen Rider."

"Kamen Rider?" asked the redhead as he turned to the girl and he stopped the feeding.

"Yes, that is the title we are known by. Those who wear armor and steel masks and fight monsters that cannot be killed through normal means. While also capable of driving vehicles that no normal human can handle." Ariann stated.

"That description does seem to fit. How many of our kind are there?" asked Rowan as he returned to feeding the pigeons.

Ariann looked a bit unsure before saying, "I'm not sure… In the past records I have found, Kamen Riders were many in number until they disappeared during the Great War period. As far as my doctor and my superior know… We may be the only ones who are active."

"In other words, we are their legacy." Rowan concluded as he stood up and watched the pigeons fly away. "Then it is our duty to carry on what our predecessors have done."

"To protect those from the monsters?"

"More than that of a protector." Rowan stated after shaking his head.

"And what is more than a protector?"

The redhead stood up and pointed his finger to the sky and then the sun. "A Savior… A person who will help the heroes in their times of need."

"That's… an interesting duty."

"It's the only one I hold true to besides my Grandmother's teachings. I was chosen by the Savior to become what you call a Kamen Rider, because it was my destiny to continue where he left off. That mantle drove me to continuously train and prepare for that day." Rowan said his piece while pointing to the sky.

"Hey! Rowan! Arianrhod!" shouted Officer Simmons as he ran to the two. "Phew… I finally found you two! Did you two get caught fighting?!"

"No, I made sure our battle wasn't seen, Officer Simmons. Is something the matter?" asked Ariann with a confused tone.

"The headmaster at Beacon is looking for Rowan. Something about an interview."

"Interview? That sounds impossible. The next thing you'll probably say is that I have to take this interview in the interrogation room."

---

Rowan soon found himself sitting in the room with a calm but confused stare. He raised an eyebrow at the man in front of him.

"I find it strange that you would go through all this trouble just to meet me, Professor Ozpin."

Then the view changed to the man in a suit with sunglasses behind him was a woman with blond hair who leered at the redhead with suspicious eyes.

"Let me say that this interview is just a formality, Rowan Dynast." Ozpin leaned forward with a cordial manner. "After listening to our criteria for a student of certain capabilities, you were recommended by the Headmaster of Signal."

"Really? I recall that Signal's headmaster has called me nothing but trouble." Rowan stated with an indifferent tone.

The blond woman glared at the redhead a warning look since he was talking to the Headmaster of Beacon.

"Well, I also recall that he praised you as a genius and prodigy if it weren't for your personality, young Dynast." The older man countered with a closed eye smile.

"…" Rowan did not respond before closing his eyes. "So is this about my application to Beacon?"

"Straight to the point, I see. Good, this will makes things quicker." The white haired man said as he sat straight up. "Yes, it is your application. My colleague here was very against your enrollment considering what happened at Signal." The blond woman turned away with a humph. "But after a phone call with Signal's Headmaster, I decided you will be enrolled."

"I see."

"Um, excuse me."

The three turned to Arianrhod who was standing near Rowan since she wanted to keep an eye on him.

"Yes, Miss detective?" asked Ozpin with a silent signal to let her continue.

"I do not mean to interrupt, but I wish to act as his supervisor during his time at Beacon. According to officers here, Dynast has a history of being drawn into dangerous situations, so it would be good cause that you have someone keep an eye on him." Ariann pointed out.

"And why should we trust you?" asked the blond woman with a narrowed gaze.

"Here." Arianrhod produced a folder which had her name on it. "These are my credentials during my time in the Atlas Police Academy."

"Hm…" Ozpin took the file as his assistant looked over his shoulder to also have a glance at the file. "Arianrhod Enjen. It appears you were quite the talented student in the Atlas Police Academy. And correct me if I am wrong, but you graduated at the age of 13?"

"Correct. I became a licensed detective by 16. Though I'm in a probationary position." Arianrhod added.

"Impressive, what made you choose this career?"

"…I want to help people, that's all." The masked cadet stated with an honest tone.

"With your record, you could easily become a commander of your own forces yet you wish to continue your work as a detective and officer of the law. What brought you out here at Vale?"

"I was transferred here from my previous post rather… exuberantly." Arianrhod responded hesitantly as if remembering a bad memory. "Officially, I'm here to assist the Valean police department on the numerous incidents of strange murders and crimes here."

"I see… I assume Rowan here knows something about those cases." Ozpin gestured to Rowan.

"Well… he's a witness is the best I can inform you right now."

"I see. Do you have something to add, Mister Dynast?"

"…I am fine with Enjen as, but no one else. I rather not drag any unnecessary people into my battles."

"Oh? And why is that?"

"Professor Ozpin, my reasons for joining Beacon is because I am here to save your school and Vale from a crisis. Nothing more, nothing less."

"You sound as if something is going to happen." The blond woman said with narrowed eyes.

"There are already signs in case you miss them." Rowan stated though he did not break eye contact with Ozpin. "And it's my duty to pick up where the older generations fail. After all, that's the Savior's duty."

The white haired man frowned at the teen's words, as if he had heard them before. "You're still young, so you should just enjoy your life as peacefully as possible." Ozpin stated with an even tone.

Rowan frowned a bit at the older man's words before saying, "Peace? Hmph, I have no interest in such a thing."

"Even when your actions show otherwise?"

"…" Rowan sat backwards with his arms unwrapping. Then he pointed to the ceiling. "My grandmother once said, 'Even if the world were full of enemies, there is someone you must protect.'"

"How is that even related to your actions today?" The woman pressed.

"Glynda…" Ozpin held a hand up to signal that she stand down. "So you are merely acting on your own wishes to keep someone safe."

"Yes." The redhead nodded.

"But who are you protecting?" asked the headmaster.

"That is for you to find out and for me to worry about." Rowan stated as he stood up before leaving the room.

"Wait! Sit back down! This discussion isn't-" shouted the blond assistant before the Headmaster held a hand up.

"Ah yes, regarding that application from you to Beacon Academy." Ozpin said as he turned to the redhead who stopped at the doorway. "Do you still plan on enrolling?"

"Yes, Beacon is the next step in my destiny. Will you be willing to accept me despite my past?" asked the redhead with an unreadable tone.

"It depends on you accepting with a few conditions."

"...As long as they are not too restraining, then I'm willing to accept." Rowan responded.

"Good. I'll send you the form when you successfully complete the initiation ceremony. Is that all right?"

"Do what you see fit, Professor Ozpin. I will let you decide my student life." Rowan said as he opened the door and left the room.

Simmons then arrived at the door and nervously asked, "You done interrogating him, sir? We-We need to lock up for the night."

"Of course, officer. Sorry for the inconvenience. And before I forget, tell Mister Dynast that he is accepted." Ozpin said with a smile as he walked out of the interrogation room.

"Oh, okay. He'll be happy to learn about that. Have a good day, Professor Ozpin." Simmons gave a salute to the man before letting the two Beacon staff leave.

"And Detective Enjen? I will consider your offer about acting as his supvisor for us." Ozpin stated.

"Understood, Headmaster. Have a safe trip home." Arianrhod said with a small bow.

---

As Ozpin and his colleague walked on the streets of Vale, the blond teacher looked concerned about what took place.

"Are you sure this is wise, sir? Rowan Dynast does have an impressive combat record, but there is a reason why he was expelled from Signal." Glynda stated her doubts.

"While Rowan's past incident is a cause of concern, it is still our duty as instructors to guide the younger generations." Ozpin responded his current stance.

"Even so, I can't help but worry about the next year. Especially since we will have two more transfers with dangerous semblances."

"Make that three…" Ozpin corrected.

Glynda stopped walking at the mention of his words. "Pardon? Who would be the third?"

"You already met her, Goodwitch." Ozpin said with a mysterious smile.

"Already?" The blond Huntress gave his words some thought but remembered the detective who requested she keep an eye on Rowan. "Are you talking about the detective, Enjen? She doesn't seem to be that dangerous."

"You would be surprised on what she can do. After all," Ozpin took out a small piece from behind Goodwitch's ear which turned out to be a bug. "she was listening to us earlier." Then the piece disappeared before Goodwitch's eyes.

"…! What the? Why did it disappear?"

"It appears she took back it, Professor. Oh well, I'm sure she won't refuse one final talk. Is that all right?" asked the Headmaster.

"Very well." Arianrhod said with a cold tone as she stood in front of the two teachers.

Glynda turned to the young girl who was not there before in alertness. "…!? When did you-?"

"I was just suspicious that's all. A headmaster and a well-trained huntress seeking out a black-marked student? That would raise any alarms about something suspicious. But to be honest, I am not interested in that. What I wanted was to look at this file belonging to Dynast. Is this all true?" asked Arianrhod as she held out a file.

"What?" The blond huntress looked down at her arm and saw that the detective had taken the file without her noticing. "You have a lot of nerve taking something without authorization, young lady." Then Glynda quickly approached the teen and grabbed back the file.

The silver-haired officer gave a small bow in apology and said, "My apologies, I was simply curious about Dynast's record. If it is any recompense, I will show my face to you two."

"Even so-"

*Click*

Then Arianrhod took off her mask to show her face to Glynda and Ozpin who widen their eyes upon realizing who the girl was.

"You're..."

"I see... That face is a mark of your past occupation." Ozpin stated with a conclusive tone.

"Yes. One that I will bear for as long as I live."

The older woman was about to interject before Ozpin quickly held her shoulder to get her attention. "Let it go, Glynda. She didn't mean any harm. After all, she was satisfying her curiosity about young Dynast. And what is your opinion of him?"

Arianrhod gave a cold expression and stated, "He is someone who should be under constant surveillance and restrained… because if that file is correct, then he'll be a danger to everyone in Beacon. If it is all right, may I enroll in Beacon Academy?"

"Didn't you get our invitation?"

Arianrhod made a surprised face before taking out a decorated letter with the Vale symbol on it. "You mean this? I thought it was junk mail at first, considering the number of fake copies involving this sort of invitation."

"*Sigh* I thought I had that straightened out…" muttered Glynda though she also wondered how Ozpin managed to send that out to Atlas from under her nose.

"But you did well to keep it on your person, detective." Ozpin said with a calm smile. "If you are done, then let us take our leave."

"Of course. Have a safe return, Professor Ozpin, Professor Goodwitch." Arianrhod walked to the side and past the two heads of Beacon.

"Before I forget," Ozpin started and Arianrhod stopped to listen. "I hear a certain heiress of a certain famous Dust Company is enrolling into our Academy."

"…Even if we meet again, I doubt she would recognize me." Ariann said with a sad tone before she put her helm back on and walked away.

"This will definitely be an interesting year." Ozpin commented with an eager smile.

Glynda could only sigh at whatever plan that her superior was planning.

---

"To live as a savior… Is also to suffer under the rule of 'Heroes'. To be their scapegoats should they be in danger… To be their sacrifices when they should still live… To pay costs that they should not have to."

"That is the life I must live and strive for… Nothing else matters…" Rowan muttered as he wrote down the last word in the book filled with words.

"But to live such a life… may lead to personal suffering… Even so, this self-sacrifice can bring about something more… the start of a true hero."

Then he closed the book before placing it in a sack.

"The next step of my destiny is coming, and I do not intend to fail." The redhead said with determination as he stared at the shattered moon.

"Rowan! Are you done brooding? If so, turn off the lights! You got a big day ahead of you!"

"Got it, grandfather!" Rowan said as he turned off the light.

---

Gladus walked through the streets of Vale with her bike while also staring at the moon. Then she looked down at a box with a Diamond symbol.

"Ozpin… That man and his allies were supposed to be the ones to protect the Fall Maiden, and yet they haven't reported about her current status. Not only that, but the deck of Garren has not found a user yet. He's hiding her somewhere in Beacon and I need to find the protector of Fall soon, otherwise the Seal will break once more and Remnant will not survive."

---

"Remember why you are here, Hibiki."

"I know, bro." Lisera nodded at the older male left to return to their home.

"Makamous all over Remnant have been acting up… And Vale is somehow the middle of this. Not only that, but there is something off about this place… And it's close…" Lisera stared at the night skies and saw the massive dark miasma cover the moon.

---

Back in the Valean Police Department, Arianrhod was looking at the police record of Rowan whose profile was laid out with details similar to what she read in the folder in Ozpin's possession.

"Rowan Dynast… Age 18. His parents' whereabouts are unknown, so he lives with his grandfather, a former world-class chef. From what that file said, he was a former student of Signal Academy who once had a promising future as a Huntsman, only to give it up due to a confrontation with disastrous consequences. He is now blacklisted from the Huntsman community for his actions… And yet Professor Ozpin invites him to Beacon… Something major is going to happen if the headmaster of one of the Four Major Huntsman academies is going so far as to recruit a blacklisted student as well as myself, a prodigal cadet from Atlas. But the question isn't 'what's going to happen?' but 'when'?"

*Knock* *Knock*

Then Arianrhod turned to the door as she heard a voice call out.

"Officer Arianrhod, are you in?"

"Present, Sergeant Sarge." The masked cadet responded.

Then the door opened to reveal the grizzled man who had a look of seriousness compared to his gung-ho attitude earlier.

"What is it you need, sir?" responded Arianrhod as she faced her superior.

"Look… Um…" The older man scratched his head before sighing, "Just promise me to keep Rowan safe. That kid is going to keep finding more trouble in the future, and since I won't be around, I need someone to keep his ass out of the fire."

"Of course. He is under my supervision, after all, sir."

"Good. I'm counting on you. He's a good kid, just… a bit lost in his own world right now. That boy has lived a tough life which made him that way. He needs someone who can watch his back, and I'm getting too old for his nonsense." The commanding officer rolled his arm.

"Don't worry, I will protect him the best I can…" Arianrhod said with a nod as she closed the profile folder on Rowan. "That's right… I can't forget my original mission... and promise to General Shani."

---

Current Status

Rowan

Current Status: Active, Obtained the Savior's Legacy

Body Condition: Sleeping

Location: Dust Till Dawn

Gladus

Current Status: Active

Body Condition: Sleeping

Location: Vale Inn

Lisera

Current Status: Active

Body Condition: Sleeping

Location: Vale Inn

Arianrhod

Current Status: Active, Looking into Rowan's Past

Body Condition: Sleeping

Location: Valean Police Department

---

Author's Notes:

Sorry for the overdue update. I needed some time to think of how to build my other story chapters and I was jumping around before completing this chapter. I hope to at least finish building the rest of my next chapters as the year goes through these trying times. If I finish the next Record Arc and the remains of my Symphogear story, then I will be happy.