Rider Time Zi-O: Roze from Remnant
Chapter 24 – Uncovered Fables & Consequences
A void was present, but not the one that Woz would preside over. This was not a black void with a black painted clock in the background. This was a white endless void, seeming to stretch on forever and ever.
"Once upon a time there was a young man by the name of Sougo Tokiwa, who will grow up to become the overlord of time, Oma Zi-O. Having traveled after Ruby Rose to Remnant alongside Geiz and Tsukuyomi, the trio from Earth find themselves wrapped up in Remnant's secret war. After an attack on the Argus Limited, Ruby splits their group, leaving a fourth behind as she and the rest fight off the Grimm attracted to the Relic of knowledge."
Muffled sounds could be heard all around as the void began to grow a bit foggier, the fog starting to slowly clear up.
"Despite successfully dispatching the Grimm, a threat from Earth appeared, Kasshine. It struck fast and derailed the remaining cars of the Argus Limited, the combatants fighting after winding up in the snowy fields of Anima. Sougo Tokiwa made the bold choice to abandon his dream to become a king, choosing to live as a Kamen Rider. With his newfound resolve he helps dispatch Kasshine once and for all."
The fog began to clear up more towards the top, a cyan glow showing what seemed to be a snowy field of tree's on the other side. Of course the stranger part was that someone came into view, Tsukuyomi slowly approaching and staring curiously.
"However just because they won their battle, does not mean they're ready for the truths that are about to be unveiled…"
Remnant – Northern Anima, Argus Limited Crash Site
Tsukuyomi was confused and enamored by what was shining so much in the snow, she was surprised to see that it was the Relic of Knowledge. "This is…" She muttered as she began to approach.
Everyone else had decided to scavenge whatever was left of the crash site, see if they could get any supplies on the way. Ruby meanwhile noticed the bag she had grabbed at the station, giving a small smile as she hurried over, grabbing the contents that were wrapped inside and pocketing them away.
While the mood was somewhat triumphant when it came to the fact that Kasshine was fully defeated, it started to set back in that they were currently stranded.
At least for Yang who was struggling to try and pull her motorcycle out of the snow, "Great! This is just great! As much as I was glad to get payback on that gold creep… We're stranded, we lost one fourth of our party, and we've gained a defenseless old lady!" She stressed at certain points, managing to yank her motorcycle out before she fell to the ground, covering herself in snow with her motorcycle sinking back in.
"My name is Maria Calavera, and I am not defenseless!" The woman argued.
Geiz rolled his eyes, "Really now?"
"I'm just a little hard of hearing," Maria countered. "And blind without my eyes… that are in desperate need of repair," She tapped on her prosthetics, the goggles opening wide before closing, only opening in a narrow fashion. "Okay, I'm starting to see her point."
"Yang, knock it off, will ya?" Qrow suggested. "We already had a rough fight, if we lose our cool now we'll get stuck in a third fight because we'll invite more Grimm again."
"Does that even matter?" Blake questioned. "Apparently, we've been attracting Grimm ever since we left Haven. Even more so, that explains the sudden attacks back in Mistral too."
"I thought it was just our mood bringing them in, but…" Weiss realized that the Relic attracting Grimm would likely have added to things back when Ruby was taken.
"Oh and how could I forget about that?" Yang turned towards Oscar. "What happened to no more lies and half truths?"
"Yeah, I think it's time we got an explanation…" Oscar agreed.
With a glow from the eyes, Ozpin took over, "I did not lie to you…"
"Well you certainly didn't tell us everything about the Relic," Weiss pointed out.
"I feel like that's still something that should have been mentioned at least," Geiz replied.
"Walking around with Grimm catnip does seem like an important detail," Sougo admitted.
"Please, now is not the time," Ozpin stressed.
Yang was annoyed by this point. "No, we're past that! I wanna know why you're still not telling us everything!"
"It's true that the Grimm are attracted to the Relics. It's faint, but undeniable. I believe it has to do with their origin, but I'm not entirely sure." Ozpin explained again but was clearly keeping things vague. "Regardless, I feared that making you all aware would only add anxiety and negativity. It seemed like the safer option."
Weiss narrowed her eyes, "You know, I'm getting real tired of people choosing what's best for me."
"Is that why you chose to lie to everyone about Lionheart too?" Yang asked.
"Yes, as a matter of fact," Ozpin said with a tinge of pride. "I believed the Kingdom of Mistral deserved better than the truth. And I believed Leonardo deserved to be remembered for his lifetime of service, and not for the unfortunate missteps he made in his final years."
Yang was only getting more annoyed, "Missteps?!"
"Uh… didn't he turn traitor and tried to have his own school blown up?" Sougo said, remembering that portion of the recap they had gotten in regards to their mission.
Ruby silently made her way back to the group, a bit surprised by how heated the discussion was getting.
"What Professor Lionheart did was reprehensible. I am not here to argue differently, but does one lapse in judgment negate all of his good?" Ozpin asked. "Do we not all have regrets? You may have met Professor Lionheart, but you never met the man he was before Salem found him."
"Look, we're supposed to be in this together," Yang insisted, now more so hating that Ozpin seemed to want to keep a wall between them and him. "You can trust us! We're not gonna turn our backs on you."
Ozpin gave a light glare, "Do you really think Leo was the first?!"
"Oh…" Tsukuyomi had stopped nearby the others after recovering the relic, surprised by how the conversation had grown more tense by the second.
"That he didn't say those exact same words to me? I'm sorry, but you have to understand that my behaviors are backed by experience. I'm not saying that I have reason to think you will betray me." Ozpin added as he wanted to make sure he chose his words carefully. "I'm saying I have reasons for the things that I do, the secrets I keep, the reason I…" He paused when he noticed what was finally missing. "Where's the Relic?"
"It's…" Tsukuyomi held up the Relic of Knowledge. "I guess it got separated from you when we crashed."
"Please, hand it over," Ozpin held out his hand.
"Wait… all those times you talked about having faith in humanity… that was just for everyone else?" Ruby spoke up a bit warily.
"Listen if he has no reason to trust some of us I get it, after all three of us did just pop out of thin air," Geiz admitted to the others, while he was annoyed at Ozpin he figured there was some sort of basis for his behavior. He then looked at the headmaster inhabiting the Oscar's body, "Even then I still feel like you should be more transparent."
"That was not what I meant to suggest, and I am trying to be as transparent as I can," Ozpin said to Ruby and Geiz before looking over at Tsukuyomi. "Miss Tsukuyomi, the Relic is a powerful item and I simply feel as though it is my burden to bear."
"I thought it couldn't do anything though?" Sougo asked.
"This is the first time it's been out in the open though," Tsukuyomi admitted as she stared at the lamp. "It still could be dangerous, and it is a heavy responsibility to bear…"
"I mean does it really matter if you're the one carrying it?" Blake asked.
"Please will you just listen to me-" Ozpin cut himself off as he reached out, stopping as he seemed to be stuck.
Geiz immediately got in a defensive position, "Time Jacker?!"
"No, we're still moving," Ruby said as she looked around, noticing the entire area even Oscar's body was fine and didn't have the tell-tale signs of a Time Jacker time stop.
"No, it's something else," Qrow noticed that Ozpin was trying to move Oscar's body only to get minimal jittering, "Oz?"
"Hurry," Oscar managed to get out as he fought for control. "He's… trying to stop you!"
"Stop her from what?" Yang asked.
"He's afraid… you'll find out what he's… hiding!" Oscar gasped before collapsing. "Her name is Jinn… Say her name to summon her."
Ruby raised an eyebrow, "Her name?"
"…Jinn?" Tsukuyomi questioned on instinct, wondering what kind of name it was and why it was related to a female.
The wind and snow had begun to pick up more gradually only for the snow to suddenly pause, floating in midair, the wind even stopping as well.
Qrow looked around, "What?"
Tsukuyomi gave a yelp as the Relic began to shake, letting go as it floated a short distance away.
Cyan smoke began to emanate from it, the lamp being enveloped in it and from the smoke a giant semi-nude feminine figure began to form. Her skin and hair were colored blue, her body decorated with gold jewelry and ornaments. The figure gave a stretch and a moan, seemingly waking up from a long nap.
Qrow's eyes widened before he glanced to the side, Sougo quickly moving his gaze towards the ground while Geiz looked off in the distance in the direction the female figure was in, covering his mouth with his high collar. Everyone else was currently in awe and shock at what they were seeing. This was Jinn, the aforementioned being who inhabited the Relic of Knowledge.
"Wonderful!" Jinn called out before leaning forward and resting her head on her hand with a small smirk. "Tell me, what knowledge do you seek?"
While the men of the group were currently trying their own ways to mostly avoid looking at Jinn for prolonged periods of time, Maria was trying to get a better look by adjusting her goggles, still in shock at what she was seeing.
"I am Jinn, a being created by the God of Light to aid Humanity in its pursuit of knowledge," Jinn explained, figuring an introduction would do some good. "I've been graced with the ability to answer three questions every one hundred years. You're in luck, as I am still able to answer-"
"That's enough!" Ozpin snapped, having managed to regain control as now all eyes were on him.
"…Two questions this era," Jinn finished despite being interrupted. She let out a chuckle, "It's a pleasure to see you again, old man."
Everyone looked back towards Ozpin, recalling that he had mentioned that all the questions had been used up by this point.
"Just please… don't." Ozpin pleaded.
"Hey," Qrow was worried about his friend and was about to suggest something before he noticed Blake, Weiss and Yang all get in defensive stances. "You know what… do whatever you all think is right."
"I… should we even…?" Tsukuyomi trailed, this was starting to overwhelm her even just by a little bit.
"Normally whoever holds the lamp and calls my name is privileged to a question, but given I don't want to be wasted on idle chat… I will allow any of you to ask what you want." Jinn offered, noticing that Tsukuyomi was giving a hesitant response.
Ruby though stared at Ozpin, and despite being in the body of Oscar she could see the desperation on his face. Not to mention she heard it well enough in his voice. Even if the man was shady to an extent and had kept his secrets, she couldn't help but be reminded of some of the victims of the Time Jackers by seeing him like this.
Yang noticed the hesitation in both Tsukuyomi and Ruby's faces, "You two come on… don't you want to know? We have a right to know."
"Do we really?" Geiz asked as he crossed his arms.
"Don't tell me you're on his side," Yang gave a glare.
"I'm not saying I am, his secret keeping is annoying but its clear there's more going on here," Geiz answered. "We need to ask carefully."
"I'm not sure we should do this…" Ruby admitted.
"If you won't ask then I will," Yang turned towards the giver of knowledge. "Jinn," She started, seeing Jinn give a more curious look. "What is Ozpin hiding from us?"
"NOOOOOOO!" Ozpin yelled out as he launched towards the group, no one was sure what he was even going to try as everything suddenly went blank.
Reality had changed in an instant, and everyone standing in the small group was pulled into their own blank void, an endless stretch of white that seemed to go on forever. Needless to say everyone was caught off guard and calling out for each other, though they wouldn't be able to communicate with each other. Sougo, Geiz and Tsukuyomi looked around in confusion in their own separate spaces, trying to figure out what exactly was going on. That was until they would learn the tale, the tragic tale of lovers that would set everything in motion, all complimented by Jinn's voice.
"Once upon a time, there stood a lonely tower… that sheltered a lonely girl."
Geiz turned as a castle was seen in the distance, turning as the scene shifted to show a beautiful woman with blond hair.
"Named… Salem."
"That's… Salem?" Geiz asked.
The sight before him was the woman known as Salem who gave a look and aura of constant sorrow as she was currently inside of a tower. Despite showing the ability to use magic, she still seemed to be discontent with her lifestyle.
"Locked away by her cruel father, Salem was a girl who desired but one thing: freedom. She lived in a time when kings and their Kingdoms were plentiful, when men and women were capable of greatness, and magic was a gift from the Gods that all could wield. And yet, there she sat within her tower."
Tsukuyomi was now staring at the outside of the castle, seeing a young man in armor, a cape and a scepter stepped past her. She looked on as he walked past various other warriors who were shown in mid-defeat all scattered around.
"Until one day, a legendary hero came to brave the challenges within the tower's walls. The people of the lands knew him as Ozma. Unlike those who had come before, this warrior was not driven by the prize of the young maiden's hand. He fought only for righteousness, and his pure heart and courageous soul prevailed."
Tsukuyomi tilted her head as the scene shifted once more, "Ozma… Ozpin?"
The scene now was shown to be Ozma besting the guards before him and finding Salem, the two using their magic and abilities to escape together.
"They escaped the wretched fortress, and yet something bound them together. Ozma had been ready to give his life for justice countless times, but now saw a woman worth saving it for. And Salem, to her surprise, found her freedom not in the outside world she had yearned for, but in the eyes of the man that had saved her. The two fell deeply in love, planned adventures around the world, and lived happily ever after."
Sougo watched with a smile as he saw the two fall in love with each other, he couldn't help but enjoy the very storybook nature that this story had to it. "That's nice…"
"Or at least that's what should have been. Ozma, the infallible hero of legend, fell ill. And where all the beasts and blades of the world had fallen short, a single sickness prevailed."
Tsukuyomi had a feeling there was something more to all of this, but it still broke her heart to see Salem in pain like this.
Geiz however knew that this was going to only spiral further and further, and he was right. Through the whimsical nature of Jinn's transitions, those viewing the story had been brought to a new location, a stairway that went up a mountain to a pool of water that held a tree at the center.
"The Gods, brothers of light and darkness, creation and destruction. Salem prayed they would see the injustice that had befallen her love and make things right. The Domain of Light was a sacred place. It was here the elder brother dwelled beside his fountain of life and creation. It was here... where mankind would fall to ruin."
Sougo couldn't help but feel a great power from the God of Light, the human shaped but featureless being with deer antlers. But he could only look onwards with a grimace as he saw Salem desperately ask the God of Light to revive her lover only for him to deny it and send her away.
"The God of Darkness… None dare to enter his home, as men knew what monstrosities emerged from his blackened pools of annihilation."
The trio saw they were now in a dark land with a red sky, various ominous natural structures surrounding a pool of darkness. The familiar cries of Grimm could be heard as they briefly looked away from the scene to see them all around.
"The Grimm…" Tsukuyomi trailed. "She really was that desperate?"
Of course the strangest part was seeing the God of Darkness emerge from the black pool. He had the same featureless appearance like his brother but was purple with ram horns. The way his body contorted and twisted limply as he emerged, crawling in an unnatural position as he began to close in on her. The Grimm slowly but surely closed in as well.
"Man that is super freaky!" Sougo called out with a wince.
"Okay yeah, only someone like him could make those animals," Geiz stayed firm despite the unnatural movement of the God of Darkness.
"And so you must understand the Dark Lord's surprise when he found a lone woman kneeling before him. Salem understood it well. She told him of her loss and professed that she knew only he could answer her prayers, all while careful to make no mention of his elder."
As Salem spoke to him of her plight, the God of Darkness contorted into a standing position, clearly pleased by Salem coming to him. There the group saw that the God of Darkness complied with Salem's wish and revived Ozma, much to the previously dead man's shock.
A thunder clap could be heard, all of them turning as they saw the God of Light at the entrance to the God of Darkness' domain. What could be described next was something of a petty sibling rivalry, the two arguing over who was right and who was wrong, even killing and reviving Ozma one more time each.
Eventually it reached its breaking point, the God of Darkness turning into a nightmarish, dragon-like form to battle his brother. Grimm began to approach as well, planning on backing their creator up. The elder God of Light saw this and released a bright light from his body that annihilated the Grimm, his form now being that of a beautiful oriental-styled dragon.
"That light!" Sougo realized.
"That was just like…" Geiz trailed, remembering back in the Mirror World when Ruby had done the same thing.
Surprising Tsukuyomi, she saw that the God of Light managed to talk down his younger brother, seeing him explain how Salem was trying to trick the God of Darkness into giving what was denied to her. And so the God of Darkness after pondering this revelation chose to eradicate Ozma and correct his mistake.
Sougo had to think it was just that simple, right? That Salem would just be sent away again and she'd just try some other way. But what ended up happening was far from what he expected. Though Geiz was already expecting some sort of punishment.
They watched Salem get submerged in the God of Light's pool, drowning before an aura covered her body with a shimmer. Then suddenly she found herself on the surface, with both Brother God's addressing her. They had chosen the ultimate punishment for her, making her immortal so that she could not be with Ozma in the afterlife. Her goal was for her to learn the importance of life and death, only then would her curse be broken and she could rest.
"Wait… no," Geiz's eyes widened, he wasn't expecting this kind of punishment but he was starting to put things together. "She became immortal?"
"That… that doesn't seem like the best way to teach her a lesson…" Sougo managed to get out.
"Salem was a prisoner once again. Her fruitless attempts to reunite with Ozma eventually became nothing more than acts of spite and defiance against the Gods."
Sougo had to look away while Tsukuyomi covered her mouth in shock at seeing Salem attempt to take her own life. Geiz could only watch in pity as he knew this was only the beginning.
"But perhaps the Gods were not as powerful as they seemed… She had lied to them, turned them against one another, they… were fallible. If she were to turn humanity against light and darkness, she could rid herself of their curse, or at the very least… she could make them suffer."
"Oh… oh this isn't going to end well," Sougo realized.
"Salem traveled from one Kingdom to another, telling tales of how she stole immortality from the Gods, welcomed any swordsman to cut her down, and demonstrated her powers. With the kings and queens in awe, she pulled them deeper into her scheme. She painted them pictures of a time when they would no longer have to watch their loved ones wither and die, when they could claim the powers of their creators for themselves, and in turn, perfect their own design."
Tsukuyomi could only watch as the scenes shifted rapidly between her, Salem going from Kingdom to Kingdom, managing to sway the Rulers and their soldiers to help her rebel. She looked down and shook her head, "It won't work…"
"All they needed to do was destroy their old masters."
Geiz crossed his arms, the army of various soldiers made up of numerous kingdoms ringing all too well in his mind of his prior battles against Oma Zi-O.
"The Gods had hoped that Salem would learn from her eternal curse, and she did. She learned that the hearts of men are easily swayed."
Geiz walked along the crowd of soldiers, walking to the front as he saw the brothers emerge in their draconic forms. When they questioned who was the one who started this all, Salem arrived, a heavily defiant expression upon her. When the God of Darkness tried to approach, every single combatant there launched all their best magical attacks at the God.
Of course, this was a God, the one who had gifted them such power. He easily caught the power they had and condensed it all in a purple sphere. Both God's were disappointed, the God of Darkness crushing all the caught magical energy, the shockwave racing through the entirety of the world, annihilating everyone in its path and turning them all to mere clumps of dust.
Only Salem was the one who was still alive, she tried to get the last word in, saying she would return with even greater forces. But then she was told that the blast had not only annihilated everyone in the area, but the entire world. She was all that remained of humanity, an even greater punishment that slowly set in as she stared in horror.
Sougo gave a light glare though when he heard the God of Light talking about the world like an experiment, talking about how the world was a failure. "Were they really a failure…?" He muttered, gripping his fists a bit.
Both God's had disappeared, the God of Light disappearing into a bright light of dust while the God of Darkness turned into a beam of purple light that shot into the sky. It traveled further and further before shattering the moon, the fragments from the impact falling and raining down as meteors onto the planet below.
Tsukuyomi's eyes widened as she saw the moon shatter alongside the subsequent meteors, "That's how it was shattered?!"
Geiz however focused on Salem screaming in anger and agony as the meteors rained down upon, obscuring every watchers vision.
"Once again, Salem was alone... She cursed the Gods. She cursed the universe. She cursed everything, everything but herself. She wandered the face of the planet, awaiting a death that would never come..."
The trio was soon subjected to seeing Salem wander for what seemed like an eternity, passing wildlife, abandoned villages, and Grimm who now inhabited them. The journey began to come to an end as they reached a familiar destination, the Land of Darkness.
"Until fate led her back to the Land of Darkness, this was it. This had to be it, the brother's Grimm, the pools of black that continued to give rise to horrific nightmares. If the fountain of life granted her immortality, then surely, the pools of Grimm will finally take it away."
The three could only watch in horror as she tried to end her life by dropping into the opposite of the pool that gave her life.
"She was wrong. This force of pure destruction could not destroy a being of infinite life. Instead, it created a being of infinite life with a desire for pure destruction."
They watched as instead of death, the pool assaulted her body with great destructive energy. With her immortality she was unable to be killed. Instead they watched as a white hand with black nails reached out of the Grimm pool, lifting the rest of her body up to see that it was bleached pure white, her hair being the same as her eyes were now black with red glowing sclera.
"This… is what she became?" Sougo muttered.
"And in time, she would find her adversary..."
Now the three were confused, as the scene went pitch black they were returned to the familiar white void. Or at least, one similar to it as it gave off a different air. There they saw Ozma being confronted by the God of Light.
The God of Light gave an offer, putting the blame of humanity dying on his Brother and explaining how they departed from Remnant. He gave an offer to Ozma to return to it, wanting him to be the guide to the next iteration of humanity that would eventually grow. He presented four objects, a Staff of Creation, a Sword of Destruction, a Crown of Choice, and a Lamp of Knowledge.
The purpose behind them were simple, bringing together the four Relics would summon both God's back to the world where they will be judged. If humanity were to live in harmony and set aside their differences then they would live among them and humanity would be made whole again. But if they were to fail at this task then the world would be wiped from existence. Until the task was completed, Ozma would be reincarnated, but also by sharing the soul with another likeminded man.
"This is too cruel…" Sougo trailed as he looked at Ozma with some pity, such a gigantic burden to unite the world. All because the God's didn't want to fully own up to their mistakes. At least that's how he saw it.
"They're really going this direction huh," Geiz crossed his arms.
Ozma was overwhelmed at the ultimatum, and simply asked to be put to rest so he could be with Salem once more. But he was told that Salem lived through the event, going into vague details on what happened and only giving cryptic warnings about what Salem had truly become. But Ozma ignored this, choosing to go down the path the God of Light offered him regardless.
"And so Ozma was reborn."
The next scene would shift to a forest with a burning village, the focus on a man with a tanned complexion and pale blonde hair who had just stabbed through a Beowolf with a pitchfork. It took a while for Ozma to come to terms with his new body and surroundings, managing to deal with another Beowolf once he found a more suitable weapon. The victory was short lived however, as Ozma could soon be seen trying to come to terms with his own identity.
Tsukuyomi could only unknowingly repeat what Oscar himself also said when seeing this scene, "He didn't know…"
"Ozma had found himself in a world completely unfamiliar to him. Cities looked different. Creatures known as the Faunus bore fangs and claws and were locked away in cages. And without the blessing of the Gods, no one could perform magic like mankind was once capable of, no one but himself and a woman known as... the witch."
"So… Faunus were a result of the second coming of humanity," Geiz noted as he saw Ozma wandering down a street, also noting that this was the first time seeing Dust Crystals. But he didn't have time to dwell on those thoughts as the scene changed around Ozma, becoming a forest as the reincarnated hero stood across from a lonely, dilapidated cottage.
"During his years of travel, he heard the same frightened whispers that spoke of a terrifying sorceress who commanded dark powers in the wilds among the beasts and monsters. Ozma was convinced that this witch was Salem, and decided he needed to see what she had become."
Sougo couldn't help but feel a bit nervous as the atmosphere felt tense, the door opening to reveal Salem in a black dress. He noticed her angered expression before seeing that she nearly instantly recognized who Ozma was despite his new body. He couldn't help but watch his nervousness wash away as he saw them smile and take each other's hand.
"Call it magic or call it something stronger, but in that moment, the two knew exactly who it was that stood before them."
Geiz though wasn't as easily swayed as Sougo was. He knew deep down that this could only be temporary. After all, unless Ozpin was lying and he was with Salem, why would he consider her a threat to humanity?
"As Salem and Ozma recounted the events which had brought them back together, each withheld parts of their story. Salem, fearing Ozma would reject her, blamed the end of the world on the Gods. Ozma, still unsure of where the truth lay, kept his task and the Relics a secret. Though time passed and all seemed well, Ozma's conversation with the God of Light still lingered in his mind. He had found happiness, but Humanity seemed more divided than ever before."
Salem herself after a while of living together had given Ozma an option, the two of them transcended death, they had powers that surpassed everyone else's, they'd be able to guide humanity and turn the world into a paradise. And while doubtful, Ozma eventually was talked into doing what Salem wished.
"The hearts of men... are easily swayed."
The two began to travel around, showcasing full usage of their magic and defeating Grimm. And eventually began to amass a following of those who worshipped them, statues being made in their honor.
"The two amassed a following. That following grew into a prosperous Kingdom. And at the head of that Kingdom blossomed ...a family."
Despite the questionable nature of the approach, Sougo couldn't help but feel happy for the two. Salem wasn't the spiteful woman she was originally and Ozma had a chance to be happy. And even everything around them was beginning to prosper. It seemed like everything was growing and going in the right direction.
Tsukuyomi was also happy for the two, but was still a bit wary, even so watching the two play and be a family with their four daughters, it made her smile.
"Where is it…?" Geiz kept his arms crossed as he tapped his fingers. Being the skeptic as always, he was already waiting for when everything would end up tumbling down.
Of course he seemed to get his wish, noticing Ozma beginning to have doubts with the one he shared his body with. And especially once the final crux entered, the eldest daughter of Salem and Ozma's being able to perform magic.
"It was a miracle, their children could perform magic. But what should have been a joyous occasion was short-lived. Ozma told Salem everything, the true reason the God of Light had brought him back, the Relics that they scattered around the world, and the day of judgement he had been told to prepare for."
Of course Salem was indifferent to the idea of redeeming the current incarnation of humanity, simply wanting to replace them with something better. Ozma was in full doubt once he realized that Salem's sweet words would only lead him further astray.
When attempting to leave the castle with his daughters Salem intercepted them. The two began to fight, their daughters getting caught in the crossfire as the castle crumbled all around them.
Sougo and Tsukuyomi had to look away as they saw the battle grow out of control, Geiz having to at certain points but he needed to steel himself as he watched how the battle escalated.
Despite Salem literally being obliterated she reformed from what little was left of her. Fully recovered she took her chance and killed Ozma by incinerating him with her magic.
But there was one question Sougo was starting to realize. "Is this all really necessary?"
"Thus began a long and painful cycle of death and rebirth for Ozma. Some lives were spent in mourning while many were spent attempting to forget it all. But no matter what, his mind would eventually turn back to the task he had been burdened with."
Tsukuyomi could only feel pity as she saw the various incarnations of Ozma walk a lonely and desolate road. Be it a frail old man, a despondent drinker, or a well meaning father who began slouched and uncaring but slowly grew determined once more with each step.
"This is too much," Geiz unintentionally agreed with Sougo as he watched this.
The three saw the scene shift to the family of the fatherly incarnation, having a tender moment before the father rushed out into battle to fight against Salemn's dark forces.
"And as the centuries went on, Ozma began to learn the importance of living with the souls with which he had been paired. But no matter where or how he lived, her presence was always felt. If Humanity were ever to stand a chance at being united, one thing was clear..."
"He had to destroy Salem…" Sougo echoed Ruby's words as both knew his answer. He couldn't help but wince though when he saw the scene change before he could see the result of the battle.
He was relieved when he saw the fatherly incarnation in a workshop, much older than previously. He could only smile as he hoped that this particular incarnation lived a fulfilling life. The older man tinkered with the Long Memory that was used in present day before putting it in a safe.
"Knowing he could never rid the world of her through any mortal means, Ozma sought out the power of the Relics."
A well dressed man with brown swept hair, green eyes, alongside a mustache and goatee combo opened the safe and took the cane.
"Armed with my knowledge, he believed he could fulfill his promise to the God of Light."
The scene finally transitioned back to the white void they found themselves in at the start of it all, Sougo, Geiz, and Tsukuyomi staring as Ozma approached Jinn.
"Where are the other Relics?" Ozma asked.
"He asked me his questions."
"What powers do they possess?" Ozma asked again.
"And though I gave him my answers…"
"How do I destroy Salem?" Ozma finally asked.
"…not all of them were to his liking."
Jinn could only lean in and break the news to Ozma himself while simultaneously doing it to everyone who was viewing the story, two simple words.
"You can't."
And so the incarnation of Ozma they saw fell to his knees and hung his head as he slowly but surely faded into Oscar. The white void fading around them as the question had been answered.
Snow began to fall as everyone was returned to the forest where they had been stranded. This was definitely not how Ruby was expecting to spend her trip back, she held an annoyed look, but not for the reason everyone else had theirs. After Jinn's story was done she returned to her lamp form, landing back in Tsukuyomi's hands.
"Salem can't be killed…" Yang started. "You all heard her too, right?"
"Yeah, yeah we heard it," Geiz rolled his eyes as he shifted his legs.
Ozpin could only look up, tears streaming down his face, Sougo and Tsukuyomi's expression softened as Qrow simply looked away. Maria had a thoughtful look, or at least as thoughtful as she could look with her prosthetics.
Ozpin tried to say something, "I-"
"There was so much you hadn't told us! How could you think that was okay?!" Yang snapped.
"Yang…" Ruby trailed as she glanced at her sister.
"I've got one question," Geiz said as he glanced around before walking towards Ozpin, he needed to take initiative on this. "Ozpin, what is your plan to defeat Salem?"
Ozpin was unsure of what to say but hesitantly answered, "I… don't have one…"
SMACK!
With a built up yell in an instant Qrow had thrown a punch towards Ozpin, only for it to suddenly get caught by Geiz who was holding back the fist with both hands.
Geiz gave a glare as he looked towards the huntsman, "And what the hell do you think you're doing?!"
"Let me have this!" Qrow shouted.
Sougo and Tsukuyomi quickly got near Geiz, moving towards Ozpin in a bit of a protective fashion.
"Don't tell me you guys are siding with him, after all we learned?" Yang gave a glare.
"After all we learned?" Geiz spat out before pushing forward forcing Qrow to stumble back. "Give me a damn break!"
Sougo looked at Ozpin before looking at the others, "We only needed to know so much… we didn't need his entire life's story thrown at us."
"Do you really think he wanted to relive all that? Especially with all of us watching as it played out like some fantasy?" Tsukuyomi asked, "Especially among three strangers who don't have a true stake in this?"
"It was wrong for him to hide such an important detail, you're right," Geiz called out, "Sending us into a war with someone who can't be killed, not knowing that detail. We have a right to be angry, but we shouldn't have found out like this…" He shook his head.
"You're damn right I'm angry," Qrow called out, still seething at the revelation. "No one wanted me… I was cursed… I gave up my life to him because he gave me a place in this world… I thought I was finally doing some good…"
"But, you are!" Ozpin called out.
"Meeting you… was the worst luck of my life…" Qrow declared firmly.
Ozpin's eyes widened as he couldn't help but feel hurt that one of his closest allies was now turning his back on him. Even with Sougo and the others partially defending him… "Maybe you're right…"
With a flash of the eyes Oscar was suddenly back in control as he gasped, Tsukuyomi and Sougo turning to look in surprise.
Ruby began to gently come over, "What happened?"
"He's… gone," Oscar stated in an almost confused state.
Yang gave a glare as she moved forward, "That bastard! Tell him we're not done yet!"
"Yang, stop it!" Ruby gave a glare as she held out a hand to stop Yang, noticing the surprise on her sister's face. "Just stop it…"
"Don't tell me you agree with him too," Yang started.
"This isn't about agreeing, this is about what we ended up doing…" Ruby started, "The most I wanted was finding out about Salem, I didn't want to see his entire tragedy of a life play out in front of me."
"Hold on, when you say gone, you mean like… gone, gone?" Sougo asked as he knelt down near Oscar.
"No, this is different. He's gone. It- It's like he's locked himself deep inside my head." He gave a confused grunt as he held his head in pain, "Our head? I hate this! I want it to stop!"
"He just left us?" Weiss asked.
"What are we gonna do now?" Blake questioned.
"Ruby, do you know how big this is, we can't kill Salem," Yang asked her sister when she realized that they wouldn't be getting anywhere now. "I doubt even your Rider friends can kill her. Can't you see we're fighting a losing battle?!"
"Oh but there is a way to kill this woman you call Salem!"
Ruby's eyes widened alongside Geiz and Tsukuyomi's, Sougo suddenly freezing as they instantly recognized the boisterous voice despite not seeing him immediately.
"W-Who was that?" Weiss asked.
Maria was ready to speak up when the voice suddenly echoed throughout the forest once more.
"REJOICE!"
Woz soon stepped out from behind the trees, a smile plastered on his face as he began making his way towards the group. "He is heir to the power of all Riders!"
"Woz, shut up!" Geiz glared.
"Woz!" Tsukuyomi called out.
Ruby trembled a bit and she could only get a squeak out as Woz continued his speech.
"Stop it…" Sougo muttered as he looked down.
"The ruler of time, traveling beyond time and space to reign over past and future… his name is Kamen Rider Zi-O! The one who will one day grow in power to become the great overlord, Oma Zi-O! He who has so gracefully blessed you all by having taken Miss Rose to send her to Earth, allowing her to gain the powers of a Kamen Rider! Truly you are before the presence of one who can simply end this war once he is ready!"
As Woz finished his speech he soon knelt in front of Sougo, giving a smile while Sougo himself trembled as he looked down.
"Hold on…" Yang started as her eyes widened, "What?!"
"Oh no," Ruby covered her face in her hands.
"Overlord… Oma Zi-O?" Weiss asked.
"Who… who is this guy?" Blake asked.
"Stop it…" Sougo muttered.
"You do not believe me?" Woz asked before standing up, walking over and dodging the attempts to grab him that Geiz and Tsukuyomi made. He soon opened his book, revealing to those on Remnant that it was able to show video surprisingly. There everyone was able to gaze upon the statue commemorating Sougo's first transformation with Oma Zi-O coming into view next to it. It wasn't long before footage began to play of Oma Zi-O decimating any and all resistance against him. The footage also included Oma Zi-O fighting and decimating both Sougo and Ruby.
Woz smirked as he saw everyone's reactions to Oma Zi-O's power. "He holds the power of all Riders, and there are many Kamen Rider's who can easily best Salem with their powers. It is not a matter of kil-"
"STOP IT!"
Everyone turned in surprise at Sougo who looked to be seething in anger, "Just stop it..." he called in a calmer but still tense tone.
Woz stared in surprise, "M-My Overl-"
"Don't call me that," Sougo interrupted firmly.
Woz could only stare in surprise at Sougo's reaction, "B-But…"
"Leave," Sougo stared intently towards Woz.
Woz sputtered out in surprise unsettled by the stare, "B-But my Over-"
"LEAVE!" Sougo called out.
Woz could only give a crestfallen look as he quickly hurried back towards the trees, soon disappearing once he passed behind one.
Sougo sighed and took a deep breath, normally he wouldn't get that angry, but if there was any situation for Woz to show up in, it was not this one.
"Is that true?"
Ruby soon gave a squeak as she realized and saw that it was Yang who had asked that.
"Does Sougo really become this Oma Zi-O?" Yang asked as she took a step forward. "Who also from what that guy said is the one who ordered Kasshine to take my sister away?"
Sougo just looked off to the side, barely managing to get a mumble out, "I won't become that…"
Geiz decided to step forward, "He does, Tsukuyomi and I didn't just come from 2068 to stop the Time Jackers, it was also to stop Oma Zi-O's rise to power. However…"
"We're doing things our own way, we want to guide Sougo onto a new path, which he just started on," Tsukuyomi added. "Sougo also asked us to judge him and take action on whether or not he will become Oma Zi-O, and we still have decided he won't."
"Can… can you really be sure?" Blake finally managed to speak up.
"I don't believe it," Weiss huffed and gave a glance at Sougo, "That dolt? An overlord of time and space who eradicates everything in his path? Excuse me for having a hard time believing he could end up like that."
"Looks can be deceiving," Blake noted, wondering if the goofy and nice persona that Sougo had was just an act for him to get closer to manipulate others. "Are we really sure?"
"You're awfully quiet," Yang looked at her sister. "You really couldn't tell us this? You all had to lie to us about this? Is this why you're taking Ozpin's side, because you keep secrets too?"
Ruby took a deep breath, closing her eyes before sending a stern look towards Yang, "I don't regret my decision to lie to you." She then began to walk over. "I was always planning to tell you at the right time, but Sougo was hurting as soon as we landed back here, and I wasn't about to have you all judge him for someone he might not even become. I wanted you to see him as the person I knew for nearly a year before this Rider stuff happened."
"We saw those pages, saw you get trounced by him, you met his future self!" Yang glared. "Is that really not enough for you to realize he's dangerous?!"
"He's going to live as a Kamen Rider," Geiz answered as he walked over, putting a hand to push Yang a bit away from Ruby. "And I'll stop him if he turns out to be on the path to becoming Oma Zi-O."
"And you're right," Ruby admitted as she turned away before walking over to Sougo. "I did see Sougo from 50 years in the future… and yet, I still believe in him. I believe he can become a true Kamen Rider, because coming here to Remnant wasn't in his history. We're in a new history and I'm going to bet it all on Sougo."
Sougo couldn't help but give a soft smile as he looked at Ruby and gave a nod, "Thank you."
Yang could only sigh as she looked to the side, gripping her fists as she wanted to say something.
"I think I've heard enough!" Maria called out, having gotten between everyone as the arguments continued to unfold. "We need to get a move on. It'll be dark before we know it, and every one of you is spewing negativity!" She walked over to Oscar and helped him up by letting him hold onto her cane. She then pointed off towards the side. "There's a trail over there, trails usually lead somewhere."
Yang gave a bored look, "Lady, I don't know who you think you are but-"
"No buts!" Maria slammed her cane into the snow. "I understand that you're upset. Honestly, I'm still coming to terms with the fact that this is humanity's second time around. But, if we don't move, we die." She had an understanding tone but was clearly at her limit. "And I don't need to hear another second of arguing about some young man's former career choices that he's clearly moved on from. So I'll be damned if I've lived this long just to die out here in the cold!"
"She's right. Come on." Ruby agreed.
Despite all the arguing and yelling earlier it turned eerily silent as everyone began to gather and scavenge whatever supplies they either brought or could find from the wreckage. They held onto what they were able to carry, not wanting to overwork themselves. Yang meanwhile managed to remove her motorcycle from the snow and began to walk it with Maria taking a seat so she wouldn't be walking the entire time.
Ruby went over to search and found Oscar's cane, it having retracted back into its handle form. She grabbed it before heading over and giving it to him.
"I'm just going to be another one of his lives, aren't I?" Oscar asked as he grabbed the cane.
"Of course not," Ruby was quick to reassure as she put a hand over his. "You're your own person."
"Don't lie to him Ruby," Qrow remarked as he grabbed his flask and began drinking from it. He finished his swig before walking off. "We're better than that."
"Don't listen to him," Geiz remarked as he passed by. "He's just trying to let his frustrations out the wrong way."
Oscar stayed silent though as he walked off, Ruby giving a sigh as she saw how low morale was starting to get.
Tsukuyomi meanwhile walked over to Ruby, silently handing her the lamp to hold onto with Ruby giving a nod.
Remnant – Northern Anima, Unknown Location
The hooded figure that had reactivated Kasshine and met with Adam gave a chuckle as he marched his way through the snow. He was technically close to his prey, he could feel it, but he did not want to ruin the mood or spoil the surprise immediately. No, he had plans, he didn't just want them to keel over and die no, he wanted them anxious. He wanted them to suffer for what they did to him. He was supposed to be the one who came out on top, not them.
"Now… now… now…" He trailed as he began to look around. "Where are you… where are you…?"
The hooded figure would soon come across a trio of Manticore's that were huddled up, ones that had seemingly either not participated in the attack on the Argus Limited, or those that chose to leave it to the others.
"Scram…" The figure held out a hand, wincing as he staggered but growling out as a red glow came from his hood. Soon enough he launched several fireballs, the attacks hitting and striking the Manticore's.
The Manticore's growled before jumping and pouncing at the hooded man who gathered energy in his hand, forming a deep red blade of energy from his fingertips. He spun and slashed, a red wave of energy racing through and splitting all three Manticore in half horizontally. The Grimm let out a low growl as they dissolved away.
"Tch," The hooded figure marched forward once more, soon finding what he needed. He stared down at the body of Dee who had died from the speed and drop of the Manticore. The presence of the trio of Manticore's around made it more likely that he was dead than still clinging on to life. "There we go…" The hooded man gave a more cheerful tone as he held up a Blank Ridewatch. "Let's work on that fear…"
Remnant – Northern Anima, Snow Trail
Silence filled the group as they walked along the trail, most stewing over everything as they kept at a steady pace. While the idea to bring out the Ride Strikers and Rose Attacker was presented, their group were two too many and they didn't want to risk the more sport-like bikes trudging through the snow with a heavier than normal load. At the very least they did have the Taka Watchroid out and scouting ahead to look for any form of shelter.
Tsukuyomi was in thought over Jinn's last words, "Were they literal?" She muttered, "Is it only him that can't?"
Geiz meanwhile was of the mindset of simply defeating Salem because they didn't have to kill her. They just needed to find a way to either seal her up or stop her. It was just like the workaround with Oma Zi-O, they couldn't kill him normally so traveling to try and change history was their plan.
Sougo was mulling on the most obvious answer, "Oma Zi-O…" He mumbled as he thought on it. He had gotten a taste of that power. Even though he had seen Salem's power and immortality, his future self's scared him much more. The thought that Oma Zi-O might be able to end this… was something he shook from his thoughts. He had chosen the path of a Rider, not an Overlord. "No, it shouldn't have to come to that."
Qrow gave a sigh, the snow starting to grow harder, "Doesn't look like this is gonna let up."
"Just wanna get this stupid Relic to Atlas," Blake grumbled.
"Let's hope we don't have to walk all the way there," Weiss complained.
"I thought trails led somewhere," Yang glanced back at Maria, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Do you have nothing better to do than to harass a defenseless old lady?" Maria questioned.
"Everyone, quiet," Ruby spoke up, looking around as she heard a mechanical screech. "Do you hear that?"
[SEARCH HAWK!]
It wasn't long before the Taka Watchroid began to circle above them, having returned. Its presence confirmed Ruby's suspicions of a possible shelter ahead.
"Lead the way," Ruby called out to the gadget.
The Taka Watchroid gave a screech before flying off in the direction the group was moving in.
It took the group a while but as they moved forward the squeaking grew louder and louder before they were finally at the source. It was a fairly large farm, plenty of housing, and while the buildings didn't seem the best, they only seemed old and not cared for, at worst abandoned. The front gate began to swing back and forth with the wind, it being underneath a large sign that read:
BRUNSWICK FARMS
Sougo raised an eyebrow, "A farm all the way out here?"
"Well, at least one good thing happened today," Blake admitted.
Weiss was skeptical, "It looks abandoned."
"It's still better than this," Ruby reminded as the snow began to pick up further.
"Any kind of shelter is good shelter," Geiz replied, while this place didn't look like the best, he wasn't one to be picky. This was especially true for him when it came to finding shelter in desperate situations back in 2068.
"Come on, I think we could all use some rest." Qrow gestured, letting everyone pass through before he entered after from the rear. The snow and wind began to pick up further and further as the group fully entered.
Remnant – Northern Anima, Unknown Location
Elsewhere in a small clearing between the numerous trees, green electricity began to crackle and form. Suddenly a glowing green projection of what looked to be a smart watch formed above. The screen shined brightly before disappearing revealing a tunnel with green circuit patterning taking form.
A silver colored Time Mazine suddenly came through, landing as the tunnel closed up. It held green highlights, a blue glow of katakana running down the chest reading 'robo' visible on it. The Ridewatch head on it was of a Rider, black with a silver dial and button, holding a green rimmed helmet with blue katakana reading 'Rider'.
The hatch opened up, releasing a white fog as the user jumped out, landing in the snow as he looked around. He wore black pants and a brilliant silver/grey coat alongside a beret. Not only was his hairstyle similar to Woz's but his facial structure as well, the most difference being a green rimmed sunglass-like visor with a singular black lens.
He held what seemed to be a cross between a scroll and a tablet, various digital patterning on the front of it. He stared forward as his visor began showing various data files and information to him, he gave a smirk, "So this is Remnant…"
To Be Continued…
Next Time:
"Ah, what's with these guys?!"
"It's fine…"
"Something doesn't feel right."
"How are you fine with all of this?"
"Now then, all out, no holding back."
Chapter 25: The Brunswick Enigma
Author's Note: Yeah remember when I said pacing would be interesting and odd? This is the particular chapter I meant since I combined three episodes from Volume 6 for this since I didn't include any of the villains. Of course one of the things this chapter was figuring out how to adapt the Lost Fable. It's a lot to fully recreate it and add reactions from the Zi-O Trio. So I settled for a halfway solution, Jinn's narration would be kept but the dialogue portions would for the most part be shrunk into descriptions. Thus I was able to fit both the episode before and after the Lost Fable as the beginning and end caps for this chapter.
I also wanted to do something different with Team Zi-O and Ruby's reactions to the news. After all, they've been through a lot and faced near impossible odds before, so much so that while Salem is a concern, it won't faze them as heavily as the others. So I decided to go for them being a bit more unnerved by the fact that they were just given the entire life tragedy of Ozma so openly without his permission. And of course, with everything spiraling out of control I just had to throw in Woz to make things especially worse. And that's not also counting the fact that we've got two lurkers around them now. Regardless, next time we'll be tackling Brunswick Farms, thanks for reading and I'll see you next time.