GKC: What's up, everyone? This is GKC here, bringing you the next chapter of Neo Remnant's Climax Heroes.
DKSR: Alongside his amigos, DragonKnightSR, Kamen Rider Duelist, and Tally-Hound!
KRD: And it's time for my boy to shine again!
TH: Alright, time for him to bear his fang again!
Everyone: HENSHIN!
Announcer: Last time on Neo Remnant's Climax Heroes! Aaron Jaeger powers up with the horns of Beetle to save a young girl! With a new Sphere to his team, he finally meets with Beacon Headmaster Ozpin. However, the forces of APEX begin to make their moves in response. Just what could they be plotting?!
Chapter 6: The Tiger's Shining Beacon
((BGM Start: Dark Samus Approaching by Metroid Prime 2 Echoes))
Lapis's eyes remain narrowed at screens of the events from last night. The defeat of the Alter by Aaron and Glynda's attack on the Bullhead, yet her eyes were set on something else. The images of Ruby Rose almost interest her as she slowly turns to the silhouette of the amber-eyed woman. The light revealed the woman as black-haired, fair-skinned, sporting a dark red, off-the-shoulders v-neck mini dress with yellow designs. A blue feather-like accessory on her right hip is at the top of an open portion of her dress. The dress ends in an upside-down triangular tail in the back, ending just above the knees.
A quarter-circle-shaped keyhole on the dress's upper back is the same height as her chest. The sleeves end in a triangle shape, which is wrapped or tied around her middle finger, with the gold designs of the sleeve taking over the wrists.
"When you infiltrate the school, Cinder, I want data on her and anyone on her future team…" Lapis ordered the woman, who merely scoffed.
"And what is so special about some little girl?" Cinder questioned with a frown. "She hardly seems like a threat, unlike those Riders you mentioned."
"Not yet, at least. But if that awakens, it could spell trouble for all of us." Lapis stated. "Underestimating our foes is what will destroy us."
"Hmph, she's still powerless compared to us."
"Don't brush her off, Fall." Hunter walked in, looking annoyed. "She took on four APEX Rookies, a skill only well-trained huntsmen can pull off."
"Or it means you APEX chumps were all talk." Roman Torchwick stated.
"Oh, compared to your goons from Junior, the one with all talk was you!" Hunter retorted.
"What was that?" Roman growled.
"You heard me…" Hunter snarled.
"ENOUGH!" Lapis snapped, making Hunter and Roman flinch. "I don't have time for your childish pettiness towards each other!"
"Fufufu~!" A childish laughter was heard, causing all four to look up. Koa was balancing atop the rafters, practically dancing before hanging upside down with a big grin. "Does that mean it's my turn to play~? Oh, I hope it is!"
"Yes, Koa, seeing as how these three failed," Lapis glared at the three before turning to the girl. "It seems like it's your turn to deal with the Kamen Riders."
"YIPPEE!" Koa immediately jumped off the rafter, swinging to a pillar and sliding down. Backflipping, she lands with a cartwheel around the four. "Oh, this is going to be so so so much fun! HAHAHA~!"
((BGM End))
((BGM Start: Ep 1 Score by RWBY))
"Oh, I can't believe my baby sister is going to Beacon with me! This is the best day ever!" Yang exclaims happily as she pulls Ruby into a big hug. Aaron rolled his eyes in amusement as he looked outside the window. After being accepted into the school, they were on an Airship heading directly towards Beacon.
"Please stop." Ruby gasped out.
"Seriously, stop. People are watching." Aaron pointed out.
"She's rather gung-ho about things…" the Wolf Sphere deadpanned.
"I can't help it. I'm just so proud of her!" Yang said, letting Ruby go.
"Really, you two, it was nothing…" Ruby rubbed her arm sheepishly.
"What do you mean? It was incredible!" Yang pointed out. "Everyone in Beacon will think you're the bee's knees!"
"Who even says that anymore?" Aaron wondered dryly.
"What? No! I don't want to be the "bee's knees", okay? I don't want to be any kind of knees! I just want to be a normal girl with normal knees."
"What's with you? Aren't you excited?"
"Of course I'm excited… I just…" Ruby sighed, "I got moved ahead two years. I don't want people to think I'm special or anything."
"But you are special," Yang said, giving her a one-arm hug.
"She's right. Ozpin saw potential in you," Aaron chimed in. "Your desire to protect people is genuine. Most people would rather do it for money or fame."
Ruby looked down, smiling at their encouragement. Recalling that night, a thought occurred to her.
"So Aaron… that cowboy dude, Hunter," Ruby mentioned, causing Aaron to frown. "He felt… different from those Rookies and two Warriors, as you call them."
"Yeah, Him…" Aaron grumbled as he looked out the window. "He's an Alpha for APEX."
"You mean he was like those Grimm Alphas?" Yang asked.
"Exactly," Aaron answered. "But worse. Unlike Alters, Alphas possess more heightened abilities."
"And they're attuned to their inner animal, like us," Wolf added, leaving the half-siblings in silence. They soon turned their attention to a newscast on Vale News Network playing nearby, discussing last night's events and showing Roman's mugshot.
["The robbery was led by nefarious criminal Roman Torchwick, who continues to evade authorities, while the mysterious Kamen Rider fought a strange monster."] A newscaster named Cyril reports. ["If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Vale Police Department. Back to you, Lisa."]
The mugshot changes to Lisa Lavender, with a photo of animal-eared demonstrators holding signs saying "WE ARE NOT ANIMALS!" followed by an image of the logo of a growling red wolf's head with three scratch marks.
["Thank you, Cyril. In other news, this Saturday's Faunus Civil Rights protest turned dark when members of the White Fange disrupted the ceremony. The once peaceful organization has now disrupted-"]
The news was interrupted by the hologram of Glynda Goodwitch.
"It's her…" Aaron remarked in recognition.
["Hello and welcome to Beacon."] Glynda began.
"Who's that?" Yang asked.
["My name is Glynda Goodwitch."]
"Oh."
["You are among a privileged few who have received the honor of being selected to attend this prestigious academy! Our world is experiencing an incredible time of peace, and as future Huntsmen and Huntresses, it is your duty to uphold it. You have demonstrated the courage needed for such a task, and now it is our turn to provide you with the knowledge and the training to protect our world."]
After Glynda finished her speech, her hologram disappeared.
"Oh, wow! Look, you can see Signal Academy from up here!" Ruby and other students look through the glass walls of the town below. "I guess home isn't too far after all!"
"Beacon's our home, now," Yang said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
The three hear a boy with blonde hair groaning and hunched over nearby, running to the back of the ship. Another boy with a baseball cap followed him with an exasperated look.
"Jaune, I told you to grab Dramamine before we left!" A voice got Aaron's attention.
"That voice…" Aaron smiled brightly, quickly turning around and saw who it was before leaving the two sisters. "I'll be right back."
"Huh? What's up with him?" Yang wondered.
"Geez, where would you be without me, bro?" Orion muttered, watching Jaune empty some of his contents into a trash bin.
"He always seems to be in unfortunate situations," Ursa sighed.
"ORION!" A voice causes Orion's eyes to widen.
"Ain't no way…" He turned around, smiling brightly as he saw Aaron slowly approaching. "AARON! You son of a bitch!"
He approached the wolf rider, both rearing their arms back before…
*SMACK!*
The two shook hands tightly, their arms flexing, before pulling each other into a hug. "You made it! I saw the newspapers on you!" Orion chuckled.
"Did they get on my good side?" Aaron asked with a bit of humor.
"You mean your backside?" Orion jokes, causing the two to chuckle. "It's good to see you again, Aaron. Did you hear from Kuro or Orpheus?"
"Not yet, I think they're on a separate airship… who's your sickly friend?" Aaron asks.
"Oh, that's Jaune Arc." Orion pointed a thumb at the motion-sick Jaune, who gave a small wave. "His folks found me and took me in. You're looking at a bonafide Orion Arc now."
"Not bad…" Aaron remarked before he adopted a serious look. "I've managed to join the Inner Circle."
"Then everything is going according to plan?" Orion said, his tone serious as well. Aaron nodded before hearing something.
"Oh, Yang, gross! You have puke on your shoe!"
"Gross, gross, gross, gross, gross, gross, gross, gross, gross!"
"No! Get-Get away! Get away from me! Get away from me! Get away from me! Get away from me!"
"Oh geez…" Aaron facepalmed, seeing Ruby running away from Yang.
"Haha, I can see that you have some interesting friends!" Orion chuckled at that.
Meanwhile, Weiss was looking out the window on another ship, looking down on Vale as it made its way towards Beacon Academy. She was glad that she could leave the Schnee Manor but at the same time, sad. Because she had to leave her mother behind, she would be left alone with that pathetic excuse of a man she calls a father. It's even more cumbersome that her little brother is starting to become Jacques, too.
"Weiss?" A familiar voice called out.
The heiress turned around to see Kuromu approach her.
"Are you well? You look troubled." He said, concerned.
"It's just thoughts of home, is all…" Weiss said, looking out the window. "But I needed to get away from that home and away from him…"
"Are you… still troubled about what happened that night?" Kuromu frowned. "When he…"
"He shouldn't be my concern. Not here." Weiss interrupted, her fist closing. "Besides, it'll be nice to see your Kamen Rider allies. I bet they're as remarkable as you."
"Hmhm, you'd be surprised at their personalities once you do." Kuromu chuckled. As Weiss was about to say more, she raised an eyebrow while listening to some music.
"Who is playing such a lovely melody?"
"Well, well, it seems our musical friend is on this ship," Dragon said from Kuromu's pocket. Turning around, the two sweatdropped at what they saw. Multiple fangirls were swooning and fawning in a group, listening to the strums of a lyre. And the music was coming from none other than Orpheus's own.
"Ah~, ladies, ladies, please." Orpheus flirted, finishing his tune. "My music is for everyone here!"
"KYAAAH! The Musical Prince is so sophisticated!" One girl squealed.
"He's so handsome and charming!"
"MARRY ME!"
"This guy…" Kuromu twitched an eyebrow.
"Don't tell me… is he…" Weiss deadpanned to Kuromu as Orpheus approached the two.
"Kuromu! It's been too long!" Orpheus said with a smile, tuning his Lyre.
"And you haven't changed one bit…" Kuromu muttered before smirking, "Orphee…"
*TWANG!*
Orpheus's eye twitched as a string broke, "IT'S NOT ORPHEE! IT'S ORPHEUS!" He exclaimed comically, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"Yes, yes, I understand… Orphee." Kuromu smirked again.
"YOU WANNA DIE?!" Orpheus glared as Weiss stared at him. Noticing the Schnee, the musician coughed and fixed his lyre. "Forgive me, miss, for not introducing myself. My name is-"
"Orpheus Rhythm, the Musical Prince, correct?" Weiss interrupted.
"Correct, and you must be Miss Weiss Schnee," Orpheus said before bowing and kissing her hand. "It's an honor to meet you."
*POP!*
A tick mark appeared on Kuromu's forehead, and his eyebrow twitched.
"Oi…" Kuromu growled. "Back off."
"Alright, I can take a hint. I'll back off from your girlfriend." Orpheus teased.
*WAPISH!*
"Ow!"
"IDIOT! She's not my girlfriend!" Kuromu stammered with a heavy blush.
"Chill, dude, I'm only teasing!" Orpheus laughed.
Weiss could only stare at Kuromu and Orpheus in shock, particularly at Kuromu. The way he spoke whenever they talked was formal and refined, even eloquent. But seeing this side of him where he's… casual and unrefined, to her, this seemed out of character! Her image of someone so honorable and chivalrous like Kuromu has cracked!
Kuromu noticed her staring at him and then flinched before clearing his throat. "Er-hem, forgive me, Weiss. You… You shouldn't have seen this unbecoming side of me…"
"I uh… think it's fine?" Weiss said, her mind still recovering from seeing her image of Kuromu cracked.
"Orpheus!" A voice was heard, and people began murmuring.
"Ah, there you are, Pyrrha. I thought you got lost!" Orpheus remarked with a chuckle.
"Ahaha, some people wanted an autograph and a picture with me." Pyrrha rubbed the back of her head sheepishly.
"T-The Mistral champion…!" Weiss whispered, almost excitedly. She then turned around as the gears began turning in her brain.
"Pyrrha?" Kuromu gasped, prompting Weiss to snap out of whatever thought she was about to think.
"Oh my, Kuromu? I almost didn't recognize you." Pyrrha said, looking at him in surprise.
"I-It's been a while." Kuromu stuttered.
"Where have you been? Everyone said your family moved and lost contact with you guys a year ago!" Pyrrha asked.
"Right… uh, a lot of things happened. I'd rather not say." Kuromu answered sheepishly.
Pyrrha looked at him before looking at Orpheus and then back to him. "Wait… are you one of the friends Orpheus mentioned?"
"Wait, you two know each other?" Weiss finally spoke up after recoiling from the fact Kuromu knew THE Pyrrha Nikos.
"Not personally, per said," Kuromu answered. "We were classmates at Sanctum Academy for a year before I transferred to Atlas Academy."
"Ah, that makes sense." Weiss nodded in understanding.
"In any case, we all have some catching up to do," Orpheus said with a smile.
As they chatted, someone watched them interact from behind a corner. Their lips curled into a mischievous smile as they turned to leave.
((BGM End))
((BGM Start: Ep 2 Score by RWBY))
When the Airships landed, people began to disembark as Jaune ran past a few people to upchuck the last of his lunch. Orion arrived soon after to rub his back in comfort for a bit.
"Man, the view from Vale's got nothing on this," Yang remarked as she, Aaron, and Ruby looked around. Beacon Academy was a remarkable sight, resembling a castle of sorts.
"You can say that again." Aaron smiled as Ruby's eyes sparkled at someone passing. For a moment, Aaron thought Ruby looked like a Chibi.
"Ohmygosh! Guys! That kid's got a collapsible staff!" Ruby pointed before gasping loudly. "And she's got a fire sword!"
Ruby tried to get closer, but Aaron rolled his eyes and pulled her back by her hood.
"Relax, Ruby, they're just weapons," Yang said.
"'Just weapons'? They're an extension of ourselves! They're a part of us! Oh, they're so cool!" Ruby gushed as she marveled at each weapon.
"Well, why can't you swoon over your own weapon? Aren't you happy with it?" Yang asked.
Ruby transformed her weapon into its scythe form. "Of course, I'm happy with Crescent Rose! I just really like seeing new ones. It's like meeting new people, but better…"
Yang playfully pushes her sister's hood down over her face, "Ruby, come on, why don't you go try and make some friends of your own?"
While taking off her hood, Ruby looked at Yang. "But… why would I need friends if I have you two?"
"Well…" In a flash, a group of other students surrounds Yang, and they all dash down the road, "Actually, my friends are here. Gotta go catch up. 'Kay, see ya, bye!"
"Wow… left in the dust by your sister." Aaron blinked in amazement.
"Wait, where are you going?! Are we supposed to go to our dorms? Where are our dorms? Do we have dorms? I don't know what I'm doing…" Ruby kept spinning, her eyes swirling as she fell over, knocking over a luggage cart.
"What are you doing?!" Aaron looked to see Weiss standing over Ruby, miffed.
"Uh, I'm sorry, Miss."
"Sorry?! Do you have any idea of the damage you could've caused?" Weiss exclaimed.
"Weiss, please calm yourself." A voice called out as Kuromu approached them. "She didn't mean any harm." He said before holding out his hand to Ruby. "Are you alright?"
Ruby accepted the help as Kuromu lifted her back to her feet. "Yeah, I think so."
"Fancy seeing you here, samurai boy," Aaron commented as he approached Kuromu.
"Aaron! You made it!" The two shook hands as Ruby picked up one of the bottles that fell out of the case.
"Here, lemme help you pick these up." Ruby offered as Weiss's stern expression softened a bit.
"Fine, but be careful. Those bottles contain Dust mined directly from the Schnee Quarry. Much finer than that you would normally see on shelves." Weiss rambled as she picked up a few, handing them to Ruby. She placed them into the case, a bit of the multicolored powder floating into her face.
"Oh dear…" Wolf noticed this.
"This won't end well…" Dragon remarked in agreement.
"Ah… AH… AAAH…"
"Hey, are you even-"
"CHOO!"
*KABOOM!*
The sneeze resulted in a massive explosion of flames, snowflakes, and electricity that engulfed the four. A single bottle of Dust fell out and rolled over to the feet of Blake Belladonna.
"Tingly," Aaron said dryly as his hair was statically charged.
"Freezing," Kuromu added, in agreement, with patches of snow covering him. A soot-covered Ruby fidgeted in embarrassment as a soot-covered Weiss was fuming.
"Unbelievable!" Weiss angrily exclaimed, "This is exactly what I was talking about!"
"It's not exactly Ruby's fault you poorly packaged your supplies." Aaron pointed out.
"Wha-how dare you? The only reason is that dolt probably put them in the wrong way!" Weiss countered. "Besides, isn't she a little young to attend Beacon?"
"Well, I-I…" Ruby stammered, but Aaron touched her shoulder before glancing at Weiss.
"Professor Ozpin himself saw potential in her and scouted her himself." Aaron retorted, making Weiss step back a bit.
"Now, I'm sure this was just an accident, and she is sorry," Kuromu said, getting between the two before the argument could get even more heated.
"Yes, right," Ruby said before bowing. "I'm very sorry. I didn't mean to mess up your luggage."
Weiss looked at Ruby, almost taken aback by her sincerity. Looking back at Kuromu, who gave Weiss a look, she sighed.
"I… guess I can overlook this for now. But just remember that this isn't just an ordinary combat school. Having a bit of caution would go a long way." Weiss said, albeit in a somewhat softer tone.
"Okay, I will try, princess," Ruby said before Weiss could say anything else.
"It's heiress, actually." The three turned to Blake, who approached them. "Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company, one of the world's largest producers of energy propellant."
"I see my reputation precedes me," Weiss said smugly.
"Wait for it." Aaron raised a finger in response.
"The same company infamous for its controversial labor forces and questionable business partners." This made Weiss flustered as Ruby covered her mouth to hide her laughter.
"And there it is," Aaron said with a smirk.
"What the-how dare-the nerve of-UGH!" She stormed towards Blake, snatched the bottle, and left in a huff. As she left, a few servants cleaned up the luggage.
"I-I promise to make it up to you!" Ruby called out to the Heiress.
"I should uh…" Kuromu looked between Weiss and Aaron.
"Go, I'll see you at orientation," Aaron said, allowing the samurai to chase after Weiss.
"Unbelievable, another mess…" a gruff voice said, causing Aaron and Ruby to look.
The voice came from an older man wearing a janitor jumpsuit and holding a bucket. The man was also a Faunus, evident by the green scales on his body.
"You brats get wilder every year…" he grumbled, cleaning up the soot from where Ruby sneezed. Blake took this opportunity to head to the auditorium whilst the others were distracted.
Aaron sympathized with the janitor, "I guess this happens often?" He asked.
"You have no idea… ridiculous kids…" the Janitor said, grumbling as he finished. Soon, Orion and Jaune walked up.
"Hey, what the heck happened?!" Orion asked Aaron.
((BGM End))
"Lousy, stupid, filthy brats…" The janitor grumbled profusely as he tossed his cleaning supplies into an old shed. "If I had my way, I would have made each kid clean up this stupid school."
"Mm~, what if I can offer you something to teach them a lesson~?" A voice giggled.
"Yeah, I definitely could-" He paused in realization. "Wait a minute, who said that?!" The Janitor quickly turned around in shock.
"Just a friend who wants you to achieve so much more!" The janitor looked around for the voice before whipping his head around to see Koa twirling like a ballerina.
"Who are you?!" The old man demanded, glaring at the strange girl. "Another one of those brats with ridiculous abilities?"
"Fufufu~!" Koa giggled, a glint in her eye as she spun to get closer to the Janitor. "I'm so much more than a brat with a ridiculous ability! But, like I said, I can give you something to teach others a lesson~!"
The Janitor looked down as Koa handed him an Alter Sphere. Immediately, his aura darkened as he glared at Koa, feeling cheated. "The heck is this thing?! Do you think a cheap toy would make me feel better?! YOU STINKING BRAT!"
His body was engulfed in black wisps as Koa watched with an almost inhuman glee. "Oh, this is going to be very, very good…"
((BGM Start: Ep 3 Score by RWBY))
Aaron and Orion walked inside the auditorium with Jaune and Ruby. The two first met and joked, calling each other Vomit Boy and Crater Face. Ruby presented her weapon and Aaron's, whilst Jaune provided his and Orion's before the two realized they were lost. A mass of new students gathered here, awaiting the opening orientation presented by Beacon's headmaster.
"We finally made it," Jaune remarked.
"Just in time, too," Ruby adds.
"You both would have gotten lost if we weren't there." Orion pointed out, making Jaune chuckle.
"Oh, Aaron and Rubes, I saved you both a spot!" Yang's voice called out to them.
"Go ahead, Ruby, tell Yang I'll catch up," Aaron said, to which Ruby nodded.
"Okay, hey Jaune, I-I gotta go! I'll see you after the ceremony." Ruby waved before running to meet up with her sister.
"Aw, man… where am I supposed to find another nice, quirky girl to talk with?" Jaune sighed, unaware that Pyrrha was standing behind him. Orion turned and noticed Pyrrha smirking.
"I'm sure there's one closer than you might think…" Orion patted Jaune on the shoulder.
"Aaron, Orion! Over here!" The two turned to see Kuromu and Orpheus waving them over. The two approached, moving towards a safer distance from the students and prying eyes.
"We finally are back together," Aaron said, smiling as he put his fist out. Kuromu, Orion, and Orpheus shared his joy by bumping their fists against him.
"Does this mean we'll be finally able to do it?" Kuromu asked.
"Most definitely!" Orion said confidently.
"It's what we've been training for since that day." Orpheus smiled.
"Yep… we are going to do what we can to stop APEX for good." Aaron declared as the others looked confident and eager. "But for now, we need to keep up appearances." Ozpin arrived at the podium with a neutral expression as he said this.
"I'll... keep this brief." Ozpin slowly began his speech. "You have traveled here today in search of knowledge, to hone your craft and acquire new skills, and when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to protecting the people. But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy needing purpose and direction."
The four stare on as the students whisper among themselves. "You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step."
As Ozpin turns to leave, Glynda approaches the microphone and begins to speak. "You will all gather in the ballroom tonight; tomorrow, your initiation begins. Be ready. Dismissed."
"Anyone else feels like he sounded… off?" Orion said, looking at the others.
"You aren't the only one," Orpheus admitted.
"Remember what the doctor told us." Aaron reminded his fellow Riders.
Students are splayed out in sleeping bags on the first night at Beacon. Ruby, in her pajamas and with a sleeping mask around her head, writes similarly dressed in a journal when Yang crashes next to her.
"Look at this place. It's just like one humongous slumber party!" Yang said excitedly.
"I don't think Dad would approve of all the boys, though." Ruby pointed out as she continued to write in her journal.
"I know I would!" Yang said, purring at several of the guys. The guys in question were all shirtless and had considerable muscle.
"Come on, Orion, give me back my pajamas!" Jaune exclaimed, coming out in a pair of boxer briefs.
"Look, Jaune, I told you why you don't need those," Orion replied. He was sporting a similar pair of boxers whilst keeping his cap on. "Dignity, for starters."
"What does that have to do with anything?!" Jaune whined.
"Girls are not attracted to guys wearing footie pajamas. With bunny slippers." Orion deadpanned.
"They're comfortable!"
"Will you two give it a rest?" Kuromu sighed as he was wearing a gray-colored yukata. "I would appreciate it if you did not start a pillow fight."
"Says the guy wearing a dress." Orpheus pointed out in a fuzzy grey robe with white-purple striped pajama pants and sipped tea.
"It's not a dress; it's a yukata." Kuromu shot back. "It's no different from a bathrobe."
"Except it has a skirt, and it nearly shows your private parts." Orpheus pointed out…then sipped his tea.
"It's ankle-length, and it doesn't have a skirt! It only looks that way because it's tied with an obi sash! Get it right, idiot!"
"Sure, whatever you say,"
"Why you little-!"
"Hehehe." Orion chuckled.
"What?!" Kuromu exclaimed.
"Nothing, but look." The others turn, noticing Yang and Ruby walking up to Blake. "That girl was on the train… with that bull guy I was talking about."
"Adam Taurus?" Kuromu muttered.
"Hmm… is she a spy?" Orpheus whispered.
"Doubt it… she left him and hid her ears," Orion said, looking down. "It's sickening how Faunus are being treated."
"Life is always like that," Aaron remarked as he came in, dressed in red pajama pants with black claw markings and a dark gray A-shirt. "I think she knows about us. Your doing, I'm guessing?" He glanced at Orion.
"Hehe, it was unavoidable." Orion rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"That's... very ambitious for a child." They see Blake smile before it turns into a frown. "Unfortunately, the real world isn't the same as a fairy tale."
"Well, that's why we're here!" Ruby said, a hopeful look in her eyes. "To make it better."
That struck a chord with Blake and the four Riders.
"Wow," Kuromu muttered.
"She's… remarkable." Orion adds.
"So the rose has her heart on a sleeve." Orpheus nodded before noticing Aaron's knowing smile.
"Always the optimist," Aaron said softly.
'Sorry to interrupt you guys..' Wolf telepathically spoke up, causing the four to look at where their gear was.
'We all sensed it…' Dragon chimed in.
'And they're close.' Bear was next to speak.
'An Alter and an Alpha.' Falcon finished.
((BGM End))
((BGM Start: Kraken Boss Fight by SEA YOU AGAIN))
"HAHAHAHA~! That's right!" Koa's voice cheered as streams of high-pressure water splashed across the ground and benches. "Wash every inch of this Academy! Wash it all away!"
They left clean cuts as the streams of water were coming from the Alter. The hulking monster was similar in appearance to a massive golem. His dorsal back and arms are covered in thick, rigid, green, and brown thick scutes. Its head is protected by an armored shell, forming a giant crown and beak.
"CLEAN IT ALL… IT MUST BE CLEAN…" The Alter growled as he fired streams of water from his palms.
"Fufu~, I can't wait! It's going to be so much fun!"
As the four had changed back into their gear, a voice finally spoke up. "What are you doing?"
The four saw Weiss, who seemed to have noticed them by chance.
"Apologies, Weiss. But an Alter and an Alpha are nearby, and we need to deal with it." Kuromu answered. "If you can, please inform Headmaster Ozpin of the situation."
Weiss gasped before she nodded. She turned to run, only to slow and look. "Be careful out there…"
"Don't worry, I have them with me," Kuromu assured, gesturing to Aaron, Orion, and Orpheus. Weiss nodded one more time before running off to find the Headmaster. Once she was out of sight, Kuromu turned back around. "Alright, let's move out." He said before running off.
"Since when were you, leader?! Last I checked, I was!" Aaron pointed out before running after him. Orion and Orpheus followed with sighs and shrugs of their shoulders.
((BGM End))
The Alter slowly trudged, slowly approaching the outside of the auditorium. Koa skipped happily as she twirled around with glee. They soon stopped, spotting the four riders who came out to face them.
"Yay! It's all my favorite people in one place!" Koa squealed in delight.
"Koa…" Kuromu growled.
"Oh, man. Not her." Orion groaned in annoyance.
"Yeah, of all the Alpha's, it had to be her." Orpheus nodded.
"Awe~, don't be a bunch of sticks in the mud!" Koa puffed her cheeks. "I came out here and even made this geezer into an Alter just for this reunion!"
Aaron narrowed his eyes before they widened, realizing Koa had turned the janitor into an Alter. "The janitor."
"Bing bing bing! He got it in one!" Koa exclaimed happily. "He was just a poor old Faunus tired of his job! He was practically begging to become an Alter!"
"Aaron, you, Orion, and Orpheus deal with Koa," Kuromu said, stepping forward. "I'll deal with the Alter."
"Are you sure, Kuro?" Orion asked.
Kuromu looked over his shoulder, having an expression of someone swallowing a lemon. "Come on, we all know I'm the weakest of all of us when it comes to pure strength."
"Kuro, that's not-" Orpheus said.
"This isn't up for discussion!" Kuromu snapped. "I may know my limits, but it sure doesn't mean I can't break them."
"Are you guys done chatting~? It's getting rather BORING~~!" Koa sang, inspecting her nails.
"If that's the way you want it, fine! We'll take you down here and now!" Aaron declared as he, Orion, Orpheus, and Kuromu slapped their Aura Drivers to their waists.
AURA DRIVER!
"Everyone… LET'S GO!" Aaron declared, holding his Aura Sphere.
"YEAH!" The others nodded and pulled out their Aura Spheres. The four then slotted their spheres into their drivers. Their respective Aura Animals came out and roared at Koa and the Alter.
AURA SPHERE LINKED! WOLF! DRAGON! BEAR! FALCON!
"Henshin!" They pull their Drivers, allowing the Aura Animals to jump into their users.
CRIMSON HUNTER! KURENAI WOLF! GROWL!
TENGOKU EMPEROR! WHITE DRAGON! ROAR!
TOMERARENAI WARRIOR! AZURE BEAR! SNARL!
SHINOBI ONGEKIBO! VIOLET FALCON! KA-CAW!
The four glowed brightly in their respective colors, transforming into their rider forms.
"FUFUFU~, just how I want it! IT'S PLAYTIME~!" Koa giggled mischievously, holding up her Sphere. Removing her jacket, she revealed the same maw-shaped buckle Hunter had used.
Flicking and gripping the sphere, she opened the buckle's maw and slotted it in.
KITSUNE!
Black wisps and bandages covered her like a mummy as she laughed. Flames exploded outwards as her body morphed into a new form. Her body resembled a kickboxer's but with very ornate pieces of flame-styled armor adorning the Alpha's breasts and limbs. Her hands and feet were covered in blackened bandages. Her hair is pulled into an elaborate bun, morphing white and allowing two fox ears to poke out. A flame fox-styled tail bounced out as she is crowned with a red and golden flame circlet. Finally, her face was covered by a Oni styled mouthguard.
"Hope you enjoy my playmates, KON KON!" Koa giggled as a few APEX Warriors stepped out of the shadows. "Don't hold back, my strong Alter!"
"WILL CLEAN… EVERYTHING!" The Turtle Alter roared and sent out torrents of water. This caused the four to scatter, and the APEX Warriors and herself charged in.
"Time to sink our fangs in!" Aaron declared, the four summoning their respective weapons and swinging. Orpheus and Orion clashed with the Warriors and moved away, leaving him and Koa to fight.
Koa laughed and began pushing the wolf rider away, leaving Kuromu and the hulking Alter.
Kuromu readied his Shiro Shinken and circled the Alter, who slowly flexed his hands. "I'm going to ensure your freedom."
"MUST… CLEAN IT ALL!" The Turtle Alter roared out, taking aim and firing streams of water. Kuromu shifted to the side, dashing to get closer.
Kuromu jumped over a few more shots before grabbing a nearby trash bin. Throwing the bin, the streams of water hit it, allowing the dragon-themed rider to charge in.
"HYAAAAAH!" Kuromu yelled as he swung his blade, when suddenly…
*CLANG!*
The Turtle Alter brought his arms up, to which the Shiro Shinken hit. The result caused his entire body to shake violently.
"W-W-W-What extremely~ hard~ armor~!" Dragon said shakingly as the Turtle Alter punched Kuromu away. He rolled across the ground as he shook his hands in pain.
"Ow, no joke…" Kuromu muttered as he slowly got back up. "Okay… a direct approach won't work, we'll need to find a chink in that armor."
Koa laughed as she cartwheeled to stand up and dodged Aaron's sword swing.
"Ugh! Stop giggling and fight me!" Aaron snarled like the animal he was based on.
"It's so much fun, KON! But if you insist!" She backflipped and placed a fist to her mouth. Taking a deep breath, the foxy Alpha sent out a torrent of flames.
"Woah! Hot! HOT!" Aaron exclaimed as he leaned backward, sliding on his knees to avoid the flames. He got back up and began swinging. Koa laughed as she met each slash with a block and a parry from her claws.
"What's wrong, KON?! Don't tell me that's all you got!" Koa laughed, clashing with Aaron's Fanghowler.
"Anyone ever told you that you're extremely annoying?" The crimson Rider scowled behind his helmet.
"Flattery will get you nowhere!" Koa said, kicking Fanghowler into the air and delivering a punch. Aaron quickly turned, allowing her arm to embed itself into the ground.
"I can see your aim hasn't improved. Still fighting like a little kid." Aaron remarked. He snatched his Fanghowler and swung at her. Koa smiled as she blocked the blade with her heel.
"HA, gotcha!" Koa double-kicked him in the gut. Pulling her arm out, taking a chunk of the ground, she swings. Aaron was sent flying alongside debris as she flexed her fingers. "Let's play even more now!"
Orion and Orpheus were back to back as APEX Warriors surrounded them.
"Just like old times, right?" Orion said with a smile.
"Except now, we have the skills to overwhelm them," Orpheus stated, strumming his weapon.
The Warriors charged in as the Bear-themed Rider raised his axe. With a swift movement, he slammed the ground, creating a shockwave. The warriors stumbled as Orpheus was in the air, spinning and shooting.
A few Warriors get hit; some recover and take cover before returning fire.
"Damn, it looks like they're learning too!"
"Then we just need to outwit them faster than their learning!"
Kuromu was sent rolling across the ground as the Turtle Alter chased after him. He kept trying to punch Kuromu, only to miss each time. The swordsman spun his sword, coating his blade in electricity.
LIGHTNING!
"HAH!" Kuromu shouted as he swung, delivering an electric-coated slash.
SHOCK SHREDDER!
The Turtle Alter got hit, roaring in pain as the slash sent ripples of electricity through his body.
"Kuromu, his body is weak to electricity!" Dragon exclaimed, noting the effectiveness of his attack.
"Then let's get to it!" Kuromu smiled and went to spin his tsuba again.
"MUST CLEAN IT ALL!" The Turtle Alter roared once more. Firing out massive streams, Kuromu is surprised as his sword gets sent flying.
"Damn!" Kuromu cursed.
Koa noticed this and grinned, a massive flame forming in her right hand. Aaron looked only to block flames from her left palm. The flames dispersed, revealing a monstrous Kanabo Club.
"SWING, BATTER, BATTER, SWING!" Koa said as she swung, the club delivering a blow to Aaron's gut.
Aaron coughed as the sheer force sent him slamming into Kuromu.
"OOF!" Kuromu shook his aching head.
((BGM: End))
"This is why I hate baseball…" Aaron groaned, holding his aching stomach.
"AHA HA! Oh, the sweet taste of victory!" Koa laughed tauntingly, dancing and spinning playfully. "KON, I missed playing with you four! The Bosses will praise me greatly!"
"Not… if we have anything to say about it!"
"Oh, don't worry, I will take great care of you and everyone in this academy!" Her words made the two grit their teeth beneath their helmets. "Everyone here will become wonderful Alters to spread our lovely voice!"
"ENOUGH!"
The shout surprised the three as they turned towards Kuromu. He had punched the ground as he grabbed his weapon, forcing himself to stand.
"Their suffering is not for your entertainment and pleasure!" Kuromu scowled furiously, staggering back up. "And we will show you here and now!"
Sheathing his sword, he removed Dragon from his driver and pulled out his Tiger Aura Sphere.
"Tiger, it's your moment," Kuromu said, his shoulder and arm guards disappearing alongside his head crest.
The Tiger Sphere growled in agreement as he slotted the sphere into his Driver.
AURA SPHERE LINKED! TIGER!
The Turtle Alter tried to swing at Kuromu, only for a yellow Aura Tiger to come out. The Tiger sent the Alter flying and slammed into Koa. Kuromu then used this chance, closing it and changing the dragon's eye to bright yellow.
LIGHTNING FIGHTER! YELLOW TIGER! WACHOO!
When the light faded, Kuromu's new armor shone in the moonlight. Bright yellow and black striped arm guards and hands with clawed fingers. His shoulders were claw-shaped, and his chest had a tiger's face. Topping it off, he sported a new lightning bolt-styled head crest, and his eyes glowed emerald green.
((BGM Start: Alight (Storm) by Fire Emblem Fates))
"Kamen Rider Shiro, Tiger Form." Kuromu said as he took a fighting style. "Taking the stage!"
"Boo! That announcement was unnecessary!" Orion shouted while grabbing a Warrior in a headlock.
"Finish him off, my Alter!" Koa exclaimed, causing the Turtle Alter to charge. Kuromu held his hands out, his Aura flaring and electricity sparking out.
Grabbing a bolt from the air, Kuromu yelled as he delivered a swing. The Turtle Alter roared in pain as bolts rippled, sending him into the air. The electricity burst, revealing intricate yellow and black striped nunchucks.
THUNDER-CHUCKS!
"No fair, KON!" Koa stamped her foot in frustration. "Fine then! I'll deal with you myself!"
CUTTER MODE!
Koa turned and yelled in pain as a disk of energy hit her. Kuromu turned, seeing Aaron in his Beetle form and holding his weapon.
"Go, I got this!" Aaron said, running after Koa. Kuromu nodded and glared at the Alter, who staggered back up.
"MUST CLEAN IT ALL!" The Turtle Alter roared, firing streams of water. Kuromu began making fast movements, the nunchucks spinning and bouncing off his armor, generating electricity.
Jumping over the streams, Kuromu began striking the Turtle Alter with electrified blows. He yelled in pain as he tried to defend himself and started trying to attack the swordsman.
Kuromu's movements were quicker as he blocked and deflected with his weapons.
"HAAAH!" With a yell, Kuromu kicked the Alter away. With a spin, he delivered two electric-powered kicks.
The Turtle Alter was sent flying as Kuromu slowly approached. The Alter's shell had been cracked as it staggered to get back up.
"It's staggering, Kuromu. Let's finish this," Dragon said from the holder.
"Yeah. I will end his suffering." Kuromu said, pulling and pushing the handle on his driver.
BITE!
The dragon's eye flashed brightly with electricity as he began swinging his weapons to generate more. The energy shifted and morphed into a giant electric tiger. The Alter staggered back up, roaring as he fired multiple streams of water to try and hit it.
TIGER THUNDERBOLT!
The Tiger charged forward, the water sizzling away as it delivered a massive claw strike.
"In the end… I COULD NOT CLEAN IT ALL!" The Turtle Alter roared in pain as it fell backward.
*KABOOM!*
((BGM End))
Koa blocked and smashed a few energy discs before noticing the defeat of her Alter. "NO WAY! KON, YOU CHEATERS!"
A swing from Aaron made her jump back, as she could not take the Alter Sphere. Kuromu held up his Soul Hook to pull and purify it, leaving the unconscious janitor safe and sound.
"Sorry, but you won't let Wilds out on school grounds." Aaron declared, making Koa stamp her foot even more.
"GRRRRR! ATTACK THEM, TROOPERS!" Koa shouted and pointed.
*Clack!*
Looking down, she saw a broken mask of one of her troopers. Slowly turning, she saw Orpheus and Orion with her unconscious minions.
"Sorry, but we seem to have broken your toys." Orion jokes, tossing the other broken mask up and down before crushing it.
"That leaves only you," Orpheus adds as Koa trembles. Flames burst from her arms and legs as her eyes flared.
"No… NO FAIR. NO FAIR! I WAS SUPPOSED TO WIN! CHEATERS! DUMMIES ALL OF YOU!" Koa screamed in disbelief and anger before throwing a temper tantrum. "IT'S NOT FAIR, IT'S NOT, IT'S NOT, IT'S NOT!"
She punched the ground, causing massive waves of flames around her. The Riders lifted their arms up to shield themselves from the heat as a Bullhead appeared and took Koa.
"HMPH! DON'T THINK YOU'VE WON YET, KON!" Koa shouted at them, the Bullhead flying away. "I WILL GET YOU BACK TENFOLD, THAT'S A PROMISE!"
"What a brat." Aaron scoffed behind his mask, seeing Koa had escaped. Kuromu sighed, with Orion and Orpheus approaching.
The four opened their drivers and removed their Spheres, changing back. Kuromu looked at his hand, where a bright green sphere with a gold turtle resided.
"Kame, welcome to the team," Kuromu said softly before turning to the unconscious old man. He approached the old man and placed two fingers on his neck. He sighed softly when he felt a pulse. "He's gonna be fine."
"Whew! They are not going to make it easy for us." Orion sighed.
"Mm… we should bring the man to the infirmary just to be safe," Orpheus suggested.
"Everyone!" A voice shouted as they looked to see Ruby, Weiss, Blake, and Yang, still in their pajamas, running towards them with Glynda and Ozpin following them.
"Aw, man! We missed the fight?" Ruby whined.
"Seems like it, Sis." Yang sighed
"Wait… you three…" Weiss noticed the three girls, something clicking.
"What exactly happened here?!" Glynda exclaimed before noticing the Janitor. "No… they made him an Alter?"
"I'm afraid so, ma'am," Aaron answered with a grim face. "Seems APEX isn't playing around anymore."
"Hmm… I will need to speak with the council to increase security." Ozpin said before noticing the four girls. "In the meantime, children. You need rest. You will need plenty of strength for tomorrow."
"The initiation!" Weiss exclaimed, realizing what Professor Ozpin meant. She turned to the three girls, saying, "We will discuss the Rider stuff later."
"Aw, c'mon, I wanna know the details!" Ruby complained.
"They'll tell us in the morning." Blake groaned.
"C'mon, let's go, sis," Yang said, comically dragging her sister away by the hood, Ruby's heels sliding along the pavement.
"Noooooooooo~" Ruby cried out, her arms stretching out.
"Good grief…" Aaron sighed, looking at the four. "Well, gang, we better get going."
"Ozpin and I will take the janitor to the infirmary," Glynda added, using her semblance to fix the damage. As they left, Kuromu was the first to go, not saying anything.
"Kuro!" Aaron called out, making the samurai stop in his tracks. "You did good out there, but never doubt yourself in a fight again." The wolf Rider told the samurai with a neutral expression. "We don't have the luxury of doubt with APEX as our enemy."
Kuromu remained silent for a while. And if one could see, his hand clenched into a fist that shook slightly. "Yeah…" With this, he left without another word.
The wolf Rider sighed at this, running a hand through his head. "Why does he always have to be so emotional?"
"C'mon, Aaron, you know how he is. He wears his heart on his sleeve." Orpheus reminded him.
"Yeah, but he shouldn't have to bring himself down like that," Aaron stated. "One day, that low self-esteem of his will destroy him, and I've had enough dead friends in my life."
"That's why we're here," Orion said. "We're part of a team and his family, and we look out for each other. Especially for him."
"But does he know that?" The dark-haired young man retorted.
"Of course he does." Orpheus nodded. "He already knows he's the weakest out of all of us. That's why he suggested he take on the Alter while we took care of the bigger fish in the first place. He may not show it, but he's trying to be considerate to others and himself."
"Mmm… Well, hopefully, Beacon will be able to teach him." Aaron said, looking up at the shattered moon. And deep inside, he thought to himself. 'And maybe us too…'
DK: And with that, the chapter ends!
*WHAPISH*
DK: OOF! *Falls over with a large bump on his head*
GKC: What did I say about stealing my thunder?
DK: Not do it?
KRD: Yet you did it anyway… -_-;
DK: What can I say? *A spotlight shines on him* I have a flair for the theatrics!
The others sweatdrop.
KRD: …Should I get Nora's hammer, G?
GKC: I got a better idea. (Pulls out a Mario Hammer)
DK: Whuh oh *Starts running*
TH: With that out of the way…
All four: Roll the Clip!
Announcer: Next time on Neo Remnant's Climax Heroes!
Dr. Snyder: I believe it's my turn!
Ozpin: The first person you make eye contact with after landing will be your partner for the next four years.
Aaron: This should be fun. I can't wait to go wild.
Next Time: Chaos in the Emerald Forest!
Orion: Let's ride the surf, Shark!