GKC: What's up, everyone! This is GKC here bringing you the next chapter of Neo Remnant's Climax Heroes.
KRD: And it's my boy's turn this chapter to shine! We're gonna see a new and improved Kuromu!
SR: Indeed!
TH: Heck yeah!
KRD: One other thing for this chapter is that we're gonna add something new to the world of RWBY as a whole, specifically something for Atlas. While it is a minor addition, it is something that I think will add depth to worldbuilding Remnant.
SR: You'll wanna stay tuned to find out about it.
TH: So, let's get this show on the road!
Everyone: Henshin!
Disclaimer: We own nothing but our OCs. RWBY belongs to the late Monty Oum, and the Kamen Rider franchise belongs to Toei.
Announcer: Last time on Neo Remnants Climax Heroes! Aaron Jaegar, a young man with big aspirations, meets with the young Ruby Rose and Yang Xiao Long. However, their first meeting is cut short by the appearance of an Alter. Aaron hunts this Kaijin by transforming into Kamen Rider Kurenai! Now we turn our attention to Atlas and one of Aaron's allies in this fight…
Chapter 2: Roar of the Moonlit Dragon
Atlas.
A large metropolitan city, sitting atop a floating island above the city of Mantle. It is extremely advanced, with many towers and skyscrapers of all sizes being visible at a distance, with large residential areas and businesses having a blend of art decor and neoclassical elements, as well as the Kingdom's highly advanced technology. Its people enjoy the opera houses, clubs and find dining that the city has to offer.
At the center of it was Atlas Academy, positioned atop the island's center mountain, overlooking the city. It doubled as both the Kingdom's academy and its military center, situated directly below at the city's "Donut", where various facilities were hosted.
And inside this facility, was one of Atlas Academy's many training rooms, being a giant empty square room with a light blue grid of Hard-Light Dust on the floor. The grid generates and stacks numerous Hard-Light blocks to create walls, platforms, and cover, able to create several different layouts using these blocks allowing versatility in training for different scenarios.
In the center of this training room was one lone young man. He had medium-length black hair with a fringe that was fanned out front. He wore a long white jacket that fell to his knees and was sleeveless. The front had his symbols etched onto the lapels of the jacket in blue, which was a Japanese-esque crest of a half-moon with a white dragon, almost representing a yin-yang. Under it, was another jacket that was black and underneath that was a thin short formal kimono in white. To highlight the jacket was a blue obi around his waist. His pants were black while wearing black boots that went up to half of his calves.
He was kneeling in the center with eyes closed while keeping his weapon close to him.
Just then, holograms of Beowolves and Creeps appeared, surrounding him. The young man slowly opened his eyes revealing the blue orbs from within and slowly stood up. He then unsheathed his weapon…or rather weapons, which were a pair of katana. Both tsubas are silver in color, in the shape of a crescent moon having a reed-like design within. The hilts of the blades are wrapped in blue threaded braids over white "shark leather". The blades themselves are single edged, curved, and slender, and seemingly glows as bright as a full moon.
Then… with an unseen signal, one of the Beowolfs lunged at him from behind. He sensed it and turned around, slicing his attacker in half with his two blades. A second Beowolf came from the side, claws pouncing at him. He sidestepped deftly and with two swift slashes at its midsection, sliced that Beowolf in thirds too. The Grimm then started pouncing at him in numbers, hoping to use those numbers to their advantage. He stepped left and sliced a third Beowolf, then spun around to slice a fourth with side cuts and a Creep with a follow up downwards cut.
One Beowolf struck from behind, though the young man sensed it and did a back kick to push it away. Two more Grimm appeared in front of him before he deftly killed one by rushing at it with slashes and cutting down the second. The Beowolf he kicked away recovered quickly and tried to bite at him, but without turning around, he did a full motion of holding his katanas with both hands and swung in a circular swing, instantly beheading it.
As more Grimm came, he stepped to the side, backstepped, and sliced all of them in elegant quick strikes and deft movements. He was one step ahead, keeping a solid posture, as he dashed in and out of the line of attack of his opponents, with dexterous slices and the occasional thrusts. He cut three more Beowolves, but then saw Creeps trying to burrow their way underground, even though they were holographic. He felt them coming and jumped backward as they tried to unburrow below him.
He pressed a button on the hilt and connected both ends of the hilts becoming a saberstaff. He spun around and in one swift motion, cleaving the Beowolves in half, slicing another two as they approached, and jumped over yet another as he sliced that vertically in half.
Separating the blades, he sheathed them then slid something on the large saya before pulling them out revealing the blades were covered in Ice Dust, glowing blue while snow surrounding the blades. Only a few more Grimm remained. Just a little more, then it will be done.
The tip of the blades touched the ground and the teen rushed forward, dragging the blades while leaving an icy trail behind him. As soon he sliced the first Grimm in his path, an icy wave formed behind the Grimm he just cut. It was as an arc that followed the shape and direction of his cut, and the Grimm immediately behind the first was frozen in place. The other Grimm tried to get past the new ice statues and ambush the boy, but instead, he ambushed them, dashing left, right, and even backward as the Beowolves tried to catch him with wide swings. He ducked those swings and for every Grimm he sliced with the two blades, two more from behind became ice statues, effectively drawing a circle filled with ice statues with him in the middle.
He dodged behind a Beowolf and sliced it in half with a diagonal cut. Three Creeps tried to surround him but cut them all in quick succession with a downwards strike, a horizontal, and another one in the opposite direction. He sidestepped the attack of another Beowolf and spinning around with his previous attack, he struck the Grimm, disemboweling it. He then thrust forward to kill another Creep, sliced to the side with one hand to swiftly kill another Beowolf and flipped his katana to thrust backward and kill one more from behind. He ducked a pounce from a Creep then dashed left and right to kill multiple Grimm in two wide slices to the left and right. One final pack of Grimm came for him, and he decided to take them out quickly. Rushing forward, he sliced a Beowolf and with a quick kick and elbow, he stabbed the Beowolf's neck, before pulling out his blade. Another set of lightning thrusts had him finish two Creeps, and with a final sidestep, he sliced and beheaded one final Beowolf, leaving just him and the statues before breaking into pieces.
With a slow but relaxed sigh, he sheathed both katanas and the hologram Grimm disappeared.
"I see you're keeping up with your training, Kuromu." A voice said. The young man turned around to see an older man with black hair that had some gray areas, while his eyebrows were solid black. He had a strip of silver metal above his right eyebrow. He wore a white overcoat, with a gray undercoat, black sweater, a red necktie and a white glove on his right hand. His suit pants shared the same color as his overcoat and were tucked into silver boots accented in gray.
"General." The young man now known as Kuromu saluted.
"At ease." Ironwood raised a hand, as the young man relaxed.
"Did you need something, sir?"
"Yes. I came to give you your next assignment." Ironwood remarked. "You'll be working as a security detail for the upcoming concert being hosted by the Schnee Dust Company."
"The Schnee Dust Company? I'm guessing the news regarding terrorist threats towards them has been on the rise?"
"Indeed." Ironwood nodded. "As such, starting today, you'll be transferred to the Fimbulvetr Security Corps."
"I see." Kuromu nodded. He had only heard of this organization recently, but he knew the gist of what it was.
The Fimbulvetr Security Corps., was created for the sole purpose of protecting the Schnee Family and the company's business assets. Primarily it's to protect him and his family from the White Fang but also from other organizations that seek to harm the family or illegally use the company's shipments of Dust for other illegal activities. Ironwood wouldn't allow Jacques to use Atlas soldiers for his company, so Jacques had to resort to hiring ex-military soldiers or mercenaries. The only downside to being part of this organization is that the turnout of its members is very high. They are easily expendable and are a dime a dozen. They could easily be replaced if Jacques Schnee finds even the slightest failure with one of its members. Even moreso, some if not most of its members are corrupt and would do anything to stay on Jacques Schnee's payroll.
If Ironwood wanted him to be on their unit, then he must have an ulterior motive regarding the corruption and Jacques Schnee. He wouldn't put it past the general wanting to get under the businessman's skin.
"And… will this affect my education?" Kuromu inquired.
"Not at all." Ironwood shook his head. "In fact, the person you're protecting is going to be attending Beacon Academy. So you will be accompanying them while continuing your studies there."
"Thank you, sir. When will I be leaving?"
"Immediately. Specialist Winter Schnee will be expecting your arrival at the Schnee Manor."
"Understood." Kuromu nodded and walked past the general.
"Kuromu." Ironwood spoke up as he stopped and turned. "Come back safely."
"I will." Kuromu nodded and began walking as a voice spoke into his mind.
"Is it wise to trust him, Master?"
"For now." Kuromu spoke in a hushed tone. "He may make rather cold decisions, but his heart is in the right place."
"Just remember, even a logical decision can be reckless without emotion."
"Right…" Kuromu muttered.
At the Schnee Manor, a man paced the room impatiently.
He was a fair-skinned man with white, slicked-back hair, alongside a large, thick mustache and cold blue eyes.
He wore a pure white double-breasted blazer with a red handkerchief in the breast pocket. Underneath, he wore a light-blue dress shirt, vest and a white tie, printed with the same emblem on his shoes. And he had a silver-colored ring on his right hand. What many do not know is the fact that his white tie was actually a clip-on… Seriously, who actually wears clip-ons these days?! He is the CEO of a multibillionaire company with time and infinite resources and he cannot tie knots! The man just screams 'I'm too rich to do something like that'! If people ever found out about this, he's done, he's never doing business in town again! Not even Vacuo would accept him!
AHEM
Ah… We're getting off track.
"Of all the nerves of that man… sending me a new security detail hours before the concert!" The man ranted to himself. "This better not ruin it…"
"Father, I doubt that one extra helping hand will not lead to disaster." A new voice said, as the businessman turned. Walking up along some armored men was none other than Winter Schnee and the Fimbulvetr Unit.
Winter was a tall and fair-skinned young woman with slate-blue eyes, black eyebrows, and long white hair. The latter of which is tied back in a bun that is high on the left side of the back of her head, along with bangs along the right side of her face and a small, curled lock of hair down the left just above her shoulder.
"Winter… I see you are still galavanting around in Ironwood's toy army."
"My standing in the army is not of your concern, Father." Winter said, "And besides, I'm only here for Weiss's performance."
Before the man could retort, there was a knock at the door. A servant goes to open the door, and Kuromu walks inside.
"Kuromu Tsukishiro, reporting for duty," The young man saluted Winter. "Specialist Schnee, ma'am." He acknowledged.
"Welcome, Kuromu. I hope your trip to the Schnee Manor went smoothly?"
"Yes ma'am."
"A boy?" The Schnee patriarch said incredulously. "James sent a boy to protect my second eldest child?! Has he gone mad?!"
"I assure you father; he has been trained by the best of Atlas. Including the Ace-Ops. Ten years ago, he challenged General Ironwood to a fight. While outmatched, he was capable of holding his own."
"Er-hem. Ma'am, it's best that we… don't speak of that." Kuromu cleared his throat.
"Well, Kuso or Kumo or whatever your name is, I expect you to do your job. Otherwise-"
"Sir, with all due respect, I do take my job seriously." Kuromu frowned. "I assure you that you will receive nothing but the best of my abilities to carry out my job."
"For your sake and his, I hope you do." Jacques frowned. Suddenly his Scroll goes off. "Winter, show the boy around, and introduce him to your sister. I need to take this…"
"Mirror… tell me something…" a voice sang, practicing yet longing for something. The sound of her voice was also rather melancholic.
She was a pale-skinned young woman with pale blue eyes and long white hair that was pulled back into an off-center ponytail on the right side. It was pinned with a silver, icicle-shaped tiara. She stands at 4'11", but typically wears heels that raise her height to 5'3". She also has a scar which runs vertically down her left eye and face.
This was Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company. Although her upbringing to that position was… rather complicated. But that story is for another time.
Soon enough there was a knock at her door.
"Come in." Winter was the first to walk in, causing the Heiress to brighten.
"Winter!" Weiss got up. She was about to run and hug her, but the older sister stopped her.
"What did I say about manners?"
"A-Ah, yes, you're right. Sorry." Weiss apologized, fixing her posture. "What brings you here today, dear sister?"
"Your new bodyguard for tonight's performance is here and I would like to introduce him to you." Winter explained.
'Ugh, another gross man like the one's father hired…' Weiss mentally cringed as Winter opened the door and Kuromu slowly walked in, bowing to Weiss after.
"Greetings, I'm Kuromu Tsukishiro, a pleasure to meet you." He introduced himself politely as Weiss blinked, not expecting the swordsman. "Starting today and moving forward, I will be your personal guard."
"Uh, y-yes…" Weiss nodded with a small curtsy. "I am Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Kuromu nodded as he stood at attention. "Winter, are you sure he's my bodyguard for tonight? He seems… rather young." Weiss asked.
"I can personally vouch for his skills. I assure you that you are in perfectly safe hands."
"May I ask what exactly you excel in, combat wise?" Weiss asked to which he drew one of his swords.
"I took up the skill of Bushido. Taught to me by my father."
"You mean the ancient art of the samurai?" Weiss asked, to which the swordsman nodded.
"Yes, the honor and code that those Mistralian warriors stand true to is very important."
"I hope it will be enough for tonight…"
Gray fog covers the city below Atlas, Mantle, giving everything a darker tone. Many signs and billboards hang on the tall buildings. A significant portion of people live in the poorer areas of Mantle and are economically disadvantaged themselves. Mantle seems to have somewhat diminished due to severe differences in its economic and living conditions, with Atlas being much more well off in comparison to its former capital of Mantle causing a slight rift to initially develop between the two city's citizens.
Within an abandoned warehouse of Mantle, a group of people were loitering about within its walls. Barrels were spread sporadically throughout the facility each with its own fire pit as they gathered for warmth. But these weren't just any people, they were Faunus. Humans that possess animal traits in one way or another. But these particular groups of Faunus are part of a radical organization called the White Fang.
Once led by Ghira Belladonna, they were an activist group that protested discrimination against their kind and wished for equality, but talks and diplomacy wouldn't work. So when Ghira stepped down, Sienna Khan, its new leader took over and the organization had slowly changed over time becoming a terrorist cell that resorts to violence in order for their demands to be met.
Amongst these cell members, a large burly man with tiger stripes was in a heated argument with Sienna Khan on their Scroll.
"Sienna Khan, please reconsider! We may not have another chance! We sneak in, hold the top brass hostage, and we can finally achieve a victory over the Schnee Dust Company!" The man shouted, losing patience.
["And I told you before, unless you are certain it will give us a foothold, you will not take any action!"]
"But-"
["Do I make myself clear?!"]
"Yes, High Leader…" the man said as the call ended. His breathing flared as his grip trembled. "…YOU SOFT BELLIED COWARD!"
He threw the scroll at a wall in anger, kicking a few boxes to vent his anger.
"Guess she didn't agree with you~!" A voice said in a sing-song tone. The man turned and in the shadows was a feminine figure with pink eyes and a big smile. The young woman stepped out. She had medium-length orange hair in pigtails, one died white and the other pink. She wore a short pink and white jacket that fell to her waist and had a frilled collar and sleeves. The back had her emblem etched onto the jacket in red, which was a silhouette of a T-Rex biting a Claw. Under it, was a thin combat variant of a formal kimono in black. To highlight the jacket was a magenta obi around her waist. Her short shorts were black while wearing frilly pink boots that went up to her ankles.
"Who are you?! How did you get in here?! Men!" The Tiger Faunus demanded as his men gathered to defend him/attack their intruder on his order. The young woman looked around and giggled uncontrollably.
"Ooh, are they all here to play? Let's play then!" The girl laughed, tugging on her sleeves. With a flick of her wrists, she grabs a metal stick from behind her jacket. With a flick, it transformed into a Kanabo club with two barrels attached to the hilt.
The first Faunus came at her, raising a blade to cut her down. The girl leaned back, laughing as she swung the club right on his face. This caused the man's mask to crack, sending him sprawling backwards unconscious.
"Awe~, he broke too quickly!" The girl giggled with glee. More Faunus came at her, to which she kept swinging almost wildly, but each blow seemingly hitting vital areas.
"What are you guys doing?! Get her!" The Faunus wobbled to stand, as the girl laughed uncontrollably.
"Ooh, looks like it's time for the big girl gloves!" She laughed as she flicked the clubs a second time. This caused the club to shift into a huge revolver. She took aim and fired a massive round that would send a normal person flying from recoil alone. The bullet hits a fire barrel causing it to explode, sending people flying for cover.
The man flinched in pain when the smoking hot barrel of the gun was placed against his forehead. "So who wants to go first?"
Seeing this, the others were quick to drop their weapons in surrender. The man growled and sighed as he lifted his hands up as well.
"Ok, you had your fun, now why are you here?"
"Ooh, that's the fun part!" The girl laughed, twirling her gun playfully, skipping playfully around the Tiger Faunus. "I'm going to help you capture Weiss Schnee!"
"Excuse me?"
"That's right! I'm going to help you capture the heiress of the Schnee Dust Company!"
"Why are you, a human, helping me?" The Tiger Faunus narrowed his eyes in suspicion.
"I get lots from this! And you have more to gain!" The girl got into his face. "Think about how you'll be able to one up Sienna Khan for being wrong!"
"Yeah…"
"Good! So~ here's your present!" The girl presented a blank sphere.
"What's this?"
"A little emergency item in case things go wrong, silly! So let's go snag a Schnee!"
That night, the concert hall was abuzz with activity. Many patrons and rich people of Atlas arrived at the opera house to see Weiss Schnee sing. Guards were placed all over the area in order to protect their assets. From the entrance, to the hallways, even the rooftop was filled with security; who of course were the Fimbulvetr Security Corps.
"I want you guards looping through and through, got it?" Jacques reiterated with the head of security.
"Yes sir, no one goes in or out."
"Good. I expect that you do your jobs perfectly or it's the chopping block for you, lot." Jacques huffed before leaving them to their assignment and walked alongside Winter, albeit begrudgingly. "Where is Weiss now?"
"Kuromu is escorting her to her dressing room." Winter answered. "And General Ironwood will be attending as well."
"Hmph… leave it to him to try and rub it in my nose…"
With Weiss and Kuromu, the Heiress was being attended by maids who were helping with her makeup and the attire she would wear for the evening. Of course, Kuromu had given the heiress privacy, so as to not embarrass the both of them for their sakes. This gave the young man time to himself.
"So far so good…" Kuromu said.
"All this security… tis shameful that such a longstanding establishment has been tainted by blood."
"So I've been told…" Kuromu frowned. He had been told about the shady business that goes on behind the scenes from Ironwood and/or Winter whenever he's alone with either or both of them.
The division between humans and Faunus is wide due to the discrimination. The Schnee Dust Company didn't help matters as they employed these Faunus to work for them, but they were more like slaves than employees. They are overworked and underpaid, and some couldn't stand working for the SDC and either quit, get themselves fired, or worse… outing themselves in that way. Some even joined the White Fang to get revenge for their humiliation.
To make matters worse, there is also drama within the family. From what Winter had told him, albeit reluctantly, the Schnee family was a loveless marriage. Jacques sought nothing but fame and fortune at his so-called family's expense. His wife Willow would drink her sorrows away because of it. It's what prompted Winter to join the military, leaving Weiss and her younger brother Whitley behind.
As he began to think, a migraine began to form in his head. This caused the swordsman to groan in pain as a vision formed.
"I'm a Schnee. I have a legacy of honor to uphold. Once I realized I was capable of fighting, there was no longer a question of what I would do with my life. It was my duty."
"My father was not the start of our name, and I refuse to let him be the end of it."
"I have done nothing but fight to uphold the honor of my family name, a name that you married into!"
Kuromu's eyes widened with bewilderment, while holding his head, "A vision…? Why did that look familiar…?"
"Kuromu? Are you ok?" Kuromu pocketed his Sphere and turned, seeing Weiss standing in a beautiful gown. His eyes widened as he tried to suppress a blush from forming.
"Yeah um… just a little headache… it's passing." Kuromu said.
"Weiss, you're up in a few." Backstage staff notify Weiss
"Wish me luck." Weiss said as she turned to enter the main stage, as Kuromu watched.
"Now presenting Weiss Schnee." The announcer said over the speaker. The curtain rose and Weiss stepped forward to view the clapping audience. With bated breath and closed eyes, she began to sing.
(Insert song- Mirror Mirror by RWBY)
In her mind, Weiss was drawn back to the day her father tested her. She was to face off against a Grimm that possessed a massive suit of armor known as an Arma Gigas. It was a harrowing battle, to which she had to use all of her skills at the time. In the end, she was victorious but was left with a scar to remind herself of that time.
The song finished, and a round of applause filled the room, causing Weiss to smile and curtsy to the audience. Kuromu was backstage, clapping for the heiress with a smile to his face.
"Understand the plan, Sam?" The girl chuckled excitedly. In one hand was a lighter and in the other was an empty Dust vial.
["Yes, but my name isn't-"]
"Just remember to wait for the signal." The girl interrupted quickly as she was fumbling with the lighter; trying to light it. Her cheeks puffed as she shook it in frustration. When it lit up, she giggled excitedly.
["So uh… what is the signal?"]
"Oh, you'll see… Just sit back and await the fireworks." she smiled ominously as she threw the lighter behind her, slowly igniting a trail of Fire Dust.
The trail went into an Atlas Military base, passing many unsuspecting soldiers. The trail soon led into a huge storehouse filled with loads of Dust. Once the fire entered it…
*KA-BOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM!*
A massive explosion shook the entire theater. The audience panicked and started to make a run to the exit.
"WHAT IN-!?" Ironwood shouted at the guard through the earpiece "WHAT'S GOING ON?! GIVE ME A SITREP!"
The guard replies in the other end, ["There's an explosion, sir!"]
"What?!"
["Someone set fire to our main Dust Storehouse and it's spreading to the others!"]
"Damn it… focus on getting those fires under control and evacuate non-combatant personnel!"
["Yessir!"]
"The rest of you, focus on getting these people out of here!"
"What's happening?" Weiss exclaimed as she heard and saw the chaos.
"Someone attacked the nearby military base!" A staff member exclaimed.
"This way, Ms. Schnee! Away from the chaos!" Another said, guiding her away from the chaos.
Nearby, Kuromu was helping some civilians evacuate when he noticed the Schnee heiress being escorted away. "Keep evacuating the civilians!" He shouted to one mercenary, before running off towards the direction where Weiss was being taken to safety. He managed to catch up with her after a moment of running, as she, him, and a few members of the Fimbulvetr Security Corps were walking with her. "Miss Schnee, are you alright?"
"Yes… I think so…" Weiss said. Unbeknownst to them, one of the security team members approached Kuromu from behind with a crowbar. However, he sensed the danger and quickly turned, slashing the bar in two, before knocking the hat off him. A pair of dog ears perked in shock, the heiress realizing who this person was as the remaining members of the security detail were also surprised by the sudden attack.
"A Faunus?" Weiss gasped.
"Not just any." Kuromu grimaced. "He's White Fang. An undercover one at that."
"Tch, looks like it's plan B then…" the man grumbled, dropping small pellets on the ground. The pellets exploded into smoke as the group was left in a coughing fit.
"Miss Schnee!" Kuromu called out as he grabbed Weiss's hand and the two suddenly ran off. "This way!" He led the heiress away from the smoke, tightening his grip on her hand but also being gentle about it so he doesn't hurt her unintentionally. Both of them needed to lose the White Fang and fast.
"You're not going anywhere!" A fist collided with Kuromu's hand who caught it, before kicking the assailant away, they turned a corner and kept running.
Kuromu then pressed on his earpiece, "This is Kuromu! Miss Schnee and I are heading towards the backup escape route! Rendezvous at our coordinates!" he said, before pressing a button on his watch to send a signal.
They soon found their way to the roof and when he kicked down the door that led to it, he and Weiss were surrounded by White Fang members as the Tiger Faunus laughed. "Drop your weapon boy."
"Miss Schnee… whatever happens, stay close to me…" He muttered to the heiress, to which the girl nodded. He then looked at the Tiger Faunus, "So you're the one that set this up."
"Indeed, and if you value that brats' life, you will drop the swords and surrender."
"Not a chance…" Kuromu said, briefly looking up to see that the clouds in the sky were moving, revealing Remnant's moon. "Besides… which one of us is really outnumbered?" He said, confusing the Tiger Faunus before the shattered celestial body was fully exposed. Moonlight shines down and Kuromu's body is covered in Aura. Moments later… multiple clones of him appeared in thin air?!
"WHAT THE?!" The Faunus and his lackeys were very confused. Before anyone else knew, the illusional copies of Kuromu moved on their own, weapons drawn and surrounded the White Fang group, leaving afterimages as they moved about. The White Fang members tried to kill these clones, but to no effect as they merely passed through. However, when they attack, they finally feel them from his katanas. Before long, all but the Tiger Faunus was left standing while the rest were on the ground, groaning in pain.
"That's…" Weiss said, shocked.
"My Semblance, ma'am." Kuromu looked over his shoulder with a smirk as the clones disappeared, "Moon Illusion. I can make multiple optical illusions of myself, similar to clones, in order to disorient my opponent."
"Again… one of your kind mocks us…" the Faunus said, grinding his teeth. "First that crazy vixen, now you…"
'Vixen?' Kuromu thought.
"I won't let anyone mock the White Fang!" His aura darkened as he growled. He ripped his shirt with a roar, pulling out the Dark Sphere. "I WILL SHOW THEM THEIR PLACE!" He then shoved it into his chest and his darkened aura spiked dangerously.
"What's going on?!" Weiss gasped in shock. Kuromu could only grit his teeth as the transformation of the Tiger Faunus took place. When the darkened Aura dispersed it revealed the monster that took its place. Starting with its legs which showed lightning like design to them. The upper body was furry and muscular as lightning wrapped around two large burly tiger paws that had outstretched claws. And finally his face looked like a humanoid feline's with large fangs.
The Tiger Alter gave a powerful roar that rumbled like thunder.
"Kuso…" Kuromu cursed. "An Alter of all things…"
"An Alter? What do you mean, what happened to that Faunus?!" Weiss questioned
"I'll explain later." Kuromu said, as he reached into the back and pulled out… a belt buckle. The Buckle itself was similar to Aaron Jaegar's, except the face plate was shaped like a white dragon. "Right now, I have to deal with this Alter."
"Are you crazy?!"
"Don't worry Miss Schnee. I still intend to uphold my duty to protect you." Kuromu said, before taking out what appeared to be a white sphere with a dragon etched onto it, holding it parallel to his face. "Ikuzo, aibou."
"It's my pleasure to fight alongside you."
"Did that… sphere talk?!" Weiss gawked as Kuromu attached the belt buckle to his waist and a belt wrapped around him.
AURA DRIVER!
Kuromu pulled the handle on his buckle, causing the dragon's 'mouth' to open up. He then crossed his arms in a pose similar to that of a certain race car warrior, circling his arms to opposite sides before holding out the sphere outward and inserting it inside the dragon's 'mouth'.
AURA SPHERE LINKED! DRAGON!
The Sphere shone brightly as Kuromu's Aura flared. A giant white dragon made of aura flew out of the Sphere, flying in midair behind Kuromu while roaring with authority. Weiss could only look on in sheer shock yet awe. Even the Tiger Alter was taken aback by this. Kuromu then took a stance, similar to that of a certain spade beetle warrior.
"I will show you the power of my Aura! Henshin!" Kuromu declared before pushing the handle by reaching with his left arm. This caused the maw to close down, causing the Sphere to glow brightly.
TENGOKU EMPEROR! WHITE DRAGON! ROAR!
The white dragon roared as it flew into Kuromu engulfing him in a bright light. The Heiress and the Alter covered their eyes as the light died down, and a new figure emerged.
He was clad in a full black bodysuit with navy blue 'scales' along the arms, legs, and abdomen. He had a white chest plate that resembled the body of a dragon with a vest-like covering, white-blue shoulder guards that resembled dragon claws, white forearm guards with spikes. He also had white boots that were similar to Kurenai's. He wore a black Samurai styled helmet with a white 'mask' that resembled the head of a dragon with sharp, angular blue eyes resembling horns. On the forehead of his mask, there was a crescent moon head crest that completed his look.
"Kamen Rider Shiro, Ready for battle." Kuromu said, his hand to the side of his hip. His aura began to materialize, creating a katana with a unique hilt. The sides of the blade had symbols for Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth.
SHIRO SHINKEN!
{{Insert BGM: Alight (Storm) by Fire Emblem Fates}}
Weiss stared at Kuromu in disbelief as the Alter growled. He drew the blade and took a stance, as the Alter roared and charged. The two found themselves on the rooftop, rolling to the ground. Kuromu got ready, as the beast delivered the first swing.
Kuromu leaned back, blocking more swings with his sword backtracking each step the Alter took. The Alter roared as his body crackled with electricity, causing Kuromu to jump back.
"Kuromu, his entire body is generating a massive amount of electricity." The Buckle's eye flashed.
"Then we better ground this kitten." Kuromu said, taking the tsuba of his sword and spun it.
EARTH!
He pulled a trigger on his handle, the blade becoming coated in rocks. The Alter sent out bolts of electricity, forcing the swordsman to dodge before blocking the rest with a slash.
ROCK BREAKER!
Kuromu gave a yell as he swung a third time, sending a wave of rocks that sent the Alter back.
"Damn YoooooOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUU!" The Tiger Alter roared as it punched the ground and electricity ran along the surface. Kuromu and Weiss jumped out of the way of its trajectory.
"Looks like I'll have to speed things up." Kuromu said, spinning the tsuba again.
WIND!
Kuromu's blade was coated in wind. Then taking a stance, the blade being behind him, he used said to propel himself towards the Alter then delivered a slash, which sent out smaller blades of wind that flew towards it.
WIND CUTTER!
The blades cut through the monster, causing him to roar in pain as he slid backwards. He slowly staggered up as pieces of his armor began to break.
"Kuromu, his armor is cracking!"
"Then let's pick up the pace!" Kuromu said, before continuing his assault, going in different directions. He kept using the wind he produced to propel and slash at the Tiger Alter continuously without pause. All the while, Weiss could only stare in disbelief. She couldn't even fathom what was happening in front of her.
"GRAAAAAGGGHH! I can't lose here!" The Alter roared, grabbing the blade with his paw.
"Shoot!" Kuromu cursed as he ducked and dodged the furious blows, while still holding onto his sword. He pulled back his blade and kicked him away to give them distance. "Alright, let's slow him down by turning up the heat!" He said, before spinning the tsuba once more.
FIRE!
Flames erupted from the blade, and sweeped it across the ground causing the Kaijin to stop in his tracks. The Alter gave an even stronger roar.
DAIZAN BLAZER!
"Kuromu, if we don't stop him now, his negativity will draw every Grimm for miles!"
"Kuromu!" Weiss called out. Kuromu looked to Weiss and saw multiple Manticore Grimm flying towards the roof, and to their surprise, an equal number of Sabyr Grimm was riding on top of them before jumping off the Manticore Grimm to land on the roof.
"Too late for that…" Kuromu gritted.
'If only I had Myrtenaster with me…' Weiss thought to herself. That is until… "Kuromu, lend me your sword!"
"Huh?" The dragon-themed Rider looked at Weiss surprised.
"Not the one in your hand, the other ones!"
"Gekkō Yūga?" Kuromu asked. "Are you sure you even know how to use a katana?"
"Yes, or else we're both done for…"
Kuromu was hesitant for a moment, before throwing one of them to which Weiss managed to catch. "Okay, show me what you got!"
Weiss nodded, assuming a fencing style as she got ready.
"For the White FAAAAAAANG!" The Alter roared, causing the Grimm to roar and charge at the two.
"What's going on?! Where is Weiss?!" Jacques demanded as he was escorted by his security detail. "Was it the White Fang?! Those White Fang cultists think they could threaten my company?"
"Keep moving, sir!" One of the FSC security guards said, pushing the crowd out of the way. Ironwood watched this, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Damn… of all the places that could have been hit…" James mumbled to himself.
"Sir!" Winter called out, prompting Ironwood to turn to her. "Weiss and Kuromu are nowhere to be found."
"What?!" Ironwood exclaimed in shock. "They must've gotten out the other way."
"Sir!" A cadet runs up to them. "Grimm forces are moving towards our position!"
"How many-"
"Too many, but they're all converging towards the roof!"
The two fighters had managed to dwindle the Grimm, as they were in complete sync with each other.
"Damn you! Why can't you both DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIE?!"
"Because we have something worth fighting for." Kuromu said, as he spun the tsuba one more time.
WATER!
Water covered his blade, as Weiss placed the sword on top of his. Using Ice Dust, the water froze instantly.
AQUA DIVIDE!
The two began to spin around each other, as if dancing. They soon sent the ice out in rapid succession, hitting every last straggler of Grimm. The Alter protected himself with his arms before charging at the two.
"Weiss, on my mark." Kuromu said.
"Understood." Weiss nodded back.
"DIIIIIIIEEEEE FOR THE WHITE FANG!" The Alter pounced, running on all fours to generate all his remaining electricity.
"Hold…" Kuromu said, as the Tiger Alter got closer. "Hooooold…?"
And closer.
"HOOOOOOOOOLD?"
And even closer.
"HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLD!?"
The Alter was right on top of them, his electric claws nearing their faces.
"NOW!" The two slashed in unison, making the beast topple over. He struggled to stand, roaring in pain as he clutched his chest which now has a massive X shaped wound.
"No… no! I can't lose… not to… MERE HUMANS!" The Alter growled in its delirium. Kuromu lowered his sword.
"Now it's time to end this…" Kuromu said, removing his Aura Sphere from the Aura Driver and inserting it into his sword.
AURA SPHERE LINKED! CHARGING!
"Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…" Kuromu breathed slowly as he moved Shiro Shinken in a circular motion, leaving a trail of light as he did, forming a full circle and a full moon projected. Symbols in the form of the elements on his blade projected around the moon, as he spun his tsuba three times.
AURA STRIKE~!
In one swift motion, he swung his sword in full circle, gathering all of the elemental energy in the blade before swinging, releasing said energy at the Tiger Alter.
The monster tried to block it, but he soon got overwhelmed. The energy exploded, sending him rolling near a ledge.
"NO… I WON'T EVER FALL SHORT AGAIN!"
"Sorry, but this is exactly where you're falling." Kuromu said, reinserting his Aura Sphere into his driver. Then he grasped the handle on his Driver and pulled it, letting the dragon's jaws open once more then pushed the handle to close the jaws as the dragon's eyes flared icy blue.
BITE!
Kuromu got ready, as the white aura dragon came out of his body, as Aura surrounded his kicking leg. He then grabbed Shiro Shinken, swinging it in a circular motion one more time to gather energy into the blade and threw it at the Tiger Alter's chest where the X resided, stunning it.
He then jumped up into the air, while the white aura dragon flew up with him circling around the dragon-themed Rider, and with the shattered moon behind him, a beam of moonlight shined down on the Tiger Alter, before Kuromu dived down for his Rider Kick with the dragon following him, dubbing his Rider Kick, the Getsugashō, Moon-Fang Piercer.
SHIRO FRENZY!
"HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
The Alter gave one last roar of defiance as the kick collided with the bottom of the Shiro Shinken's hilt, the dragon engulfing him while the Tiger Alter was stabbed deeper. Kuromu then bounced off before landing on both feet in a crouch. Once he stood up, the Tiger Alter exploded, the Shiro Shinken flying upwards before landing with a stab into the ground in front of him.
{{BGM END}}
The Tiger Alter collapsed, its body dissipating which converged into the Dark Sphere, leaving the writhing Tiger Faunus.
The Dark Sphere floated in the air, before being pulled into the metal attachment Kuromu took out. The sphere glowed, before dimming to reveal a yellow Aura Sphere with a tiger inside.
"Welcome, Tora-otouto." Kuromu said, the Sphere blinking a roar of approval.
The Tiger Faunus groaned as he gripped his chest. "W-Why… she promised… a victory for our kind…" He muttered, before blacking out.
"Kuromu…"
"Yeah, I know…" Kuromu sighed, before taking out the Aura Sphere and closing the dragon's 'mouth', returning him to civilian form. He then turned to Weiss who stared at him in pure shock. "Are you hurt, Miss Schnee?"
"N-No but… Kuromu. What… are you?"
Sitting on a rooftop, the mischievous girl was giggling and laughing uncontrollably. She had managed to sneak away from the Atlas Military, and saw the second half of the fight.
"Ohoho fufufu~! That was exciting! Oh how I've missed that wonderful swordplay!" The girl laughed and danced.
"Kon~, what a surprise to see he too survived." a sultry voice spoke. The girl pulled out a Blackened Sphere which had a sigil of a nine tailed fox in it.
"And if he was able to survive, then that means they all did! Fufufu I'm getting chills!" The girl shuddered in delight when footsteps were heard.
"I figured I'd find you here, Koa." The girl turned and recognized the figure.
"Oh, Commander! Did you see?! Kuromu's alive! That means the rest are too right?!" The now named Koa bounced around the woman.
"Yes… that Little Wyrm somehow survived. And if he and that Troublesome Mutt are alive, then that Bothersome Cub and Pesky Bird are too." This made Koa all giddy as the woman held out a hand, "Come, we have much to prepare."
"Ha~i!" Koa cheered.
Meanwhile…
Kuromu and Weiss made their way back down to the theater's main entrance. However, upon arriving, they were met by the Atlas Military.
"Weiss!" Winter was seen running up to them.
"Sister!"
The two sisters then embraced each other.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm okay. Thanks to Kuromu." Weiss smiled, before looking at him, "He is good as you say he is."
"I only did my duty, Miss Schnee." Kuromu raised a hand.
Winter looked at Kuromu, looking rather impressed by his skills. "Is that right? Then I guess you won't mind him joining Beacon then?"
Weiss stared at her sister then back at Kuromu. "I was planning on joining Beacon to continue my studies after this."
"I see."
"WEISS!"
Jacques stormed over towards the trio, looking rather in a foul mood. "I seriously hope you have an explanation for where you have been, young lady!"
"Father I-"
"She was almost captured by White Fang, sir, had I not intervened."
"Those terrorists! I knew they had a part in this!" Jacques began ranting and raving. "And the warehouses storing my Dust! Do they have any idea how much Lien I'm losing?!"
"Sir, with all due respect, are you not concerned about your daughter's safety?" Kuromu frowned.
"Mind your own business, boy! I can still fire you if I so please!"
"His business is mine as well!" Weiss said. "How could you worry about something so trivial as Dust over your own daughter? Me? The heiress to the Schnee name?!"
"You forget that I am your father, and can easily take away your title as Heiress!"
"You may be my father, but I know exactly the kind of man you are."
Jacques's face looked ready to boil over. Raising a hand, he looked ready to give her a backhand slap, but Kuro intercepted and gripped his wrist. "Unhand me!"
"I suggest you step away from your daughter…" Kuromu muttered coldly, as his grip became tighter.
"Bastard, do you realize who you're talking-"
"I don't give a damn who you are." Kuromu cut off, his cold tone still present, "While I may be under your employ, I have my own set of rules and code of honor. And I'll be damned if I allow myself to break it."
"Grrrr…"
"And besides, administering such a disciplinary method that you were about to display towards your own flesh and blood, is not befitting for someone of your stature, wouldn't you agree?"
"How dare you speak to me that way! I oughta-"
"Jacques!" The group turned to Ironwood, who approached the man, but then noticed the confrontation, "Is something wrong?"
"None, sir." Kuromu said, letting go of Jacques's wrist who rubbed it. "Let's just say there's some… miscommunication between my employer and I and we have quickly resolved the issue, isn't that right?" He asked.
"Yes… a miscommunication indeed." Jacques grumbled, feeling like Kuromu was playing him like a fiddle.
Ironwood stared at the two, "I see." He then turned to Jacques. "I have just spoken with the operatives at the base, I believe I will have to agree to the deal of having you sell directly to us."
Jacques then composed himself. "So you finally see that our company is the best and only option for you?"
"There will be conditions, but yes."
"Is this a wise idea sir?" Winter whispered to James.
"We have no choice, that fire destroyed most of our Dust reserves."
"You'd best move along, sir. You and General Ironwood have much to discuss here. I will escort Miss Schnee back to your Manor." Kuromu suggested.
"I was thinking exactly that." Jacques huffed before leaning towards him to whisper final words, "But don't think you are Scott free yet, boy." And with that, he walked away with General Ironwood.
Kuromu, as promised, escorted Weiss back to the Schnee Manor via his own personal vehicle. A motorcycle that was similar to Aaron's, except the head was a dragon's instead of a wolf's.
"I still find your ride to be a bit on the nose." Weiss commented after arriving at the front of the house.
"DragoBraver, ma'am?" Kuromu raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, I mean because of that armor you wore to save me."
"Ah right, that armor is something dear to me…" Weiss and Kuromu then dismounted the vehicle.
"Is that so?"
"A keepsake really…" Kuromu trailed off, making Weiss realize the implications.
"I'm sorry, I…"
"No it's fine." Kuromu shook his head with a smile, "One day, I'll tell you everything. I promise."
Weiss nodded, and the two headed inside. They were then greeted by a short, slightly heavyset man with balding brown hair and a large mustache. He has light brown eyes wearing a white collar long sleeve shirt, black vest, cyan tie, black trousers, and black shoes. In addition, he carries a pocket watch in his person to keep track of time.
"Ah, Miss Schnee, welcome home." The butler said, bowing to her.
"Good to be back, Klein." Weiss nodded back.
"Ah, and who is this?" Klein inquired.
"This is Kuromu Tsukishiro, he's my personal bodyguard. Please see to it that he is well accommodated during his brief stay here."
"Yes, of course. A warm bath has been prepared as well as your nighttime garments."
"Thank you, it's been a long day…" she said walking up to her room.
"Thank you for allowing me to stay here." Kuromu bowed to Klein.
"No worries, Master Kuromu, it's within my control to help." Klein said with a smile, before he felt a sneeze coming on. "ACHOO!"
"Bless you."
"Oh, thank you!" Klein sniffled, now acting a bit childish "My, how embarrassing of me. ACHOO!" His eyes then turned red, "Goodness, I have got to stop sneezing like this!" He said a bit angry, but then looked at Kuromu, and composed himself, his eyes changed color to yellow. "Ah, don't mind me. My personality changes depending on my mood."
"Right…" Kuromu sweat dropped.
Weiss was humming as she brushed her hair while sitting at the vanity table. After having her nightly bath, she was now in her night garments consisting of a faded blue nightgown with short sleeves and a white trim, displaying the Schnee crest on the upper-right chest. And she wore her hair down.
Tonight had certainly been eventful. The White Fang attacking, one of its members turning into an Alter, and summoning Grimm around him. But what stuck the most in her mind was Kuromu transforming into this armored warrior, known as, to what Kuromu called himself, a Kamen Rider.
The way he fought in battle was nothing but awe and shock. It was almost… beautiful to an extent. Of course, what followed after didn't sit well with her. She found her father's demeanor to be fairly disturbing. Not once had he shown any concern for her safety and was more worried about the assets of the company. And while she was brave to say what he believed to be slanderous to him, she almost got a slap to the face from her father, had Kuromu not intervened.
She began to wonder if he could be different from most people that her father had hired.
Her thoughts were interrupted by hearing the knock of the door. "Come in."
Kuromu walked inside but was still in his uniform.
"Are you feeling better, Ms. Schnee?"
"Please." Weiss held up a hand to interrupt, "You've saved my life, so please call me Weiss."
"Very well then, Weiss." Kuromu said, before approaching Weiss who stood up. "How are you feeling?"
"Honestly? Like I've witnessed the most insane thing I've ever experienced."
"I see. I'm sorry for that Weiss. I didn't mean to put you in harm's way." Kuromu apologized.
"You have nothing to apologize for." Weiss shook her head.
"No, you don't understand." Kuromu said, much to Weiss's confusion. The young samurai sighed at this, before continuing, "What happened tonight, was but a prelude of what's to come later."
"A prelude?" Weiss asked.
"I'm not the only Kamen Rider fighting these things. There are others like me, and it's up to us to stop them. Now that you're involved… it's going to make things more difficult. Not that I'm saying that you're incapable. You held your own quite well. But… this is a battle that you must see through to the end. Are you willing to do that?"
"Kuromu, you saved my life, that is a debt that all Schnees wouldn't convey so easily." Weiss said.
"I see." Kuromu murmured. "Very well then. And I still intend to uphold my duty to protect you. Which is why I decided to end my service with the Fimbulvetr Survey Corps."
"Wait what?" Weiss said, surprised.
"I already told General Ironwood and he gave me the okay to quit. I couldn't in good conscience be under your father's payroll anymore. The fact that he doesn't care about you and frankly any other member of your family for that matter, it's all the more reason for me."
Then to Weiss's shock, surprise, and embarrassment, Kuromu got on one knee, reaching out to hold her hand, all while the moon shone on them from the large window. "I, Kuromu Tsukishiro, hereby solemnly swear my allegiance, service, and loyalty to you, Weiss Schnee and no others. Not as your retainer or friend, but as a man who wishes to defend your person and honor."
Weiss's cheeks were pink as she listened to Kuromu's words.
"Do you… accept my vow?"
"I…" Weiss murmured, before smiling. "Yes, I accept."
On this day, a bond was formed between a lonely heiress and a steadfast knight. And from this day forward, this bond will be tested the likes of which it has never been. What that entails are for another time.
GKC: And with that the chapter ends!
SR: Yup!
GKC: Pretty corny ending though.
KRD: And just what's that supposed to mean? :/
SR: Cliche princess and knight trope.
TH: Ahhhh~ Good old classic trope.
KRD: …Let's just roll the clip.
PREVIEW
Announcer: Next time on Neo Remnants Climax Heroes!
Jaune: You ever wonder why we're here?
?: One of life's greatest mysteries.
Atlesian Knight: Intruder. Identify yourself.
?: My strength is in my resolve!
Next Time: Arc of the Azure Bear
?: Henshin!