AN: I would've considered trying out an Amazons preview, considering I now know what anime to use it for. But considering that I'm on the verge of a season finale for one of my stories, I might as well do it especially since this is around the beginning of summer when this gets published. So I'm not going to waste any more time because…it's Showtime!

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY or Kamen Rider.


Chapter 9: Not Black and White but Gray

It was nighttime at Beacon and Kiba was at the rooftop, doing his usual report to Leo.

"So I take it that things aren't going well on your end? Especially now that all known Riders have been assembled." Leo said, sounding a bit impatient as he expected Kiba to steal the belts once Tiber mastered the Delta Gear.

Kiba sighed as he was trying to maintain a cool composure since Leo didn't understand the full situation.

"The Faiz Gear is bio-locked to Inui and last time I checked, you and I are not professionals at hacking." Kiba reasoned and Leo didn't sound convinced as they had resources supplied to them by the Dark Riders.

"And the Kaixa and Delta Gears?" Leo asked, anxious to hear what reasons Kiba has.

"They keep it very close to them-."

"Like that hasn't happened before." Leo said and Kiba just sighed again.

"Look, it's more complicated than that, alright?"

"I'm starting to think you've gone soft on them." Leo stated and Kiba just had a mildly annoyed look on his face. Leo was certainly testing his patience to no avail.

"That is not the point of this conversation, my point is that getting the items is not as easy as you would perceive-." Kiba then heard the sound of someone coming upstairs. "I have to go."

Kiba hung up before Makoto appeared and saw Kiba.

"Hey, what are you doing up here?" Makoto asked, a little surprised to see one of his teammates here.

"I can ask you the same thing." Kiba pointed out.

Makoto just walked up to him before looking at the broken moon in the sky.

"Figured that I could use some fresh air. Same with you?" Makoto asked.

Kiba nodded.

"Hey Kiba, I have a question about your Orphnoch body."

"Shoot."

"How come you don't use Dust to stabilize your body like I do?" Makoto said as he never noticed Kiba ever taking Dust stabilizers like he does.

"No, where I'm from…well, let's just say that problem got taken care of." Kiba said as that made Makoto contemplate on a few things about Kiba.

"Where are you from, anyways?"

"Far…far away, it's a settlement run by Orphnochs." Kiba said, only telling the half-truth.

"There's not much humans?" Makoto asked as he could not imagine a village filled with Orphnochs with no humans.

"There were…but not much." Kiba said as he remembered the slums and ghettos the humans lived in his world. He didn't exactly know why but when he remembered them, he felt pity and shame. Not at all how Dark Decade explained to him. "Inui, I was wondering if you can answer a question of mine."

"Hm?"

"Why do you protect humans?" Kiba asked and Makoto just chuckled at that, confusing him a little.

"I'm not biased towards who needs protecting, if that's what you're wondering." Makoto answered as he took out his Faiz Phone and looked at it. "I also protect the Orphnochs who pose no threats. I only protect those who I care about, regardless of race."

Kiba seemed a bit skeptical.

"It can't be that easy or simple." Kiba stated and Makoto just shook his head.

"Why not? We're all people. Humans, Faunus, and Orphnochs. Is it that sketchy that we live in the same world or at least, trying to?" Makoto said, leaving Kiba a little startled before Makoto yawned. "Well, I don't know about you but I'm beat. Friday is tomorrow and I'm going to look forward to a bit of off-time while it lasts."

Makoto was gone while Kiba just looked at the broken moon with a troubled look.

'A world that we can all share peacefully…where have I heard that before?'


(Play This Will Be the Day by Jeff Williams)

The song begins as Makoto looks over a cliff and in the bottom was a ruined facility with the Smart Brain logo.

[They see you as small and helpless. They see you as just a child. Surprise when they find out that a warrior will soon run wild.] As Makoto looks at the facility, in his shadow was the Wolf Orphnoch. He tightly grips the Faiz Gear in his hands as he remembered his mother's dying words.

As the wind blows past him, the title appears.

[Prepare for your greatest moments. Prepare for your finest hour. The dream that you've always dreamed is suddenly about to flower.] Kiba kneels before Dark Decade but there is obviously a troubled look on his face. Echo hides in the woods while gripping on to her weapons. Tiber looks at the city with his sniper before leaving his spot.

[We are lightning. Straying from the thunder. Miracles of ancient wonder.] We see an army of Grimm but they are replaced with an army of Orphnochs. We soon see Leo and Roman in front of a legion of goons. Then we see the members of Lucky Clover and in front of them is the mysterious CEO of Smart Brain. We soon see the members of Team MYTE in a circle, Makoto notices something before the four of them charged.

[This will be the day we've waited for. This will be the day we open up the door.] While fighting, we soon see the four in their Rider forms fighting the Orphnochs.

[I don't wanna hear your absolution. Hope you're ready for a revolution.] Then we see the members of Team JNPR looking at a statue in front of the school. We soon see Team RWBY practicing their weapons.

[Welcome to a world of new solutions. Welcome to a world of bloody evolution.] We see Ozpin, drinking his coffee, with Goodwitch next to him on an airship.

[In time, your hearts will open minds. A story will be told…] We see each member behind their respective symbols. Then we move in front of Beacon and see every character one by one with the last one being Makoto.

[Because victory is in a simple soul!] We soon see Faiz practicing his sword before stopping when the title appears.


(The following morning in Vale)

MYTE was walking through the city and saw the people getting ready for the upcoming Vytal Festival. It was one of the reasons why they even came to the city on the weekend. Banners were being hung, booths were being established, and specials were being announced by stores and restaurants.

"Ah, the Vytal Festival." Makoto recognized as YTE looked around.

They soon noticed RWBY looking around.

"Looks like we're not the only ones taken in by the sight."

They team decided to greet them as they overheard Weiss being overjoyed by the setup for the festival.

"I don't think I've ever seen you smile this much, Weiss." Ruby then frowned a little as she was not used to this side of Weiss. "It's kinda weirding me out…"

Weiss looked at Ruby.

"How could you not smile? A festival dedicated to the cultures of the world! There will be dances! Parades! A tournament! Oh, the amount of planning and organization that goes into this event is simply breathtaking!" Weiss said with an excited tone of voice while yang just sighed and crossed her eyes.

"You really know how to take a good thing and make it sound boring." Yang complained.

"Must run in the family." Echo joked as she and her team finally caught up with RWBY.

Weiss just seemed annoyed.

"Quiet, you two!" Weiss said as they ended up at the docks but Makoto was still going along the sidewalk.

"Makoto, where are you going?" Ruby asked and Makoto looked back with a smile as he was walking.

"I have to pick up something. I'll see you guys later." Makoto said before he was gone from view. He was a little bit low on Dust for his stabilizer serum and there was another reason. He took a microchip out of his pocket and smiled at it when he looked at it in the palm of his hand. Makoto then placed it back in his pocket before he was gone from view.

Tiber then looked at Weiss.

"So why are you guys here in the docks?" He asked as this was weird place for a bunch of teenaged girls to spend an afternoon free of classes.

Ruby covered her nose as she smelled the scent of fish before Kiba noticed Blake smiling at that smell.

"I've heard that students visiting from Vacuo will be arriving by ship today. And, as a representative of Beacon, I feel as though it is my solemn duty to welcome them to this fine kingdom!" Weiss said and she seemed be a bit too welcoming, which was odd.

Blake just sighed before looking at everyone else as Weiss walked away.

"She wants to spy on them so she'll have the upper hand in the tournament." Blake explained while Weiss scoffed at that.

"You can't prove that!" She replied.

"Well, either way, I think it's a good idea." Tiber said, agreeing with Weiss. "New faces to meet after all." He's open to the idea of meeting new people and possibly, new friends.

"Why thank you, Tiber." Weiss said nicely to Tiber. "At least, someone here has a sensible mind."

"Of course, those two got along." Echo quietly joked to RWBY and Kiba behind Tiber and Weiss's back, making them chuckle a little so the two couldn't hear them.

They kept walking until…

"Whoa…" Ruby got out as she stopped and saw a shattered window down the street will a door full of yellow caution tape of the Vale Police Force. The others soon noticed before they walked down to investigate and saw a couple of detectives. They approached them.

"What happened here?" Ruby asked, making one of the detectives look at her.

"Robbery. Second Dust shop to be hit this week. This place is turning into a jungle." The detective said, feeling a bit a frustrated that this hasn't been resolved yet and none of the culprits have been caught yet. He soon looked away from the group to join his partner.

"Damn…" Echo let out as she didn't expect a rise in the crime rate. She also felt a bit bad for the owners of that unlucky Dust store.

"That's terrible." Yang said while the group overheard the detectives.

"They left all the money again." He reported.

"Huh?" Ruby let out as she felt a bit of déjà vu from that sentence alone.

"Yeah, just doesn't make a lick of sense. Who needs that much Dust?"

Everyone wondered that because Dust is mainly used as an energy/power source…and stabilizing agent in an Orphnoch's case.

The two detectives looked at each other.

"I don't know, an army?"

"You thinking the White Fang?" The detective asked as the White Fang are the only known group with the numbers to need that amount of Dust.

The detective's partner then removed his sunglasses.

"Yeah, I'm thinking we don't get paid enough." The detective's partner said before they were gone from view.

Weiss just scoffed.

"Hmph! The White Fang." Weiss muttered in disgust as she crossed her arms and pointed her nose in the air with her eyes closed. "What an awful bunch of degenerates!"

"What's your problem?" Blake asked, not like Weiss's attitude…more so than usual.

Weiss looked at the black haired girl.

"My problem? I simply don't care for the criminally insane."

"The White Fang is hardly a bunch of psychopaths." Blake said with a serious tone of voice as she crossed her arms. "They're a collection of misguided Faunus." She defended and that was something not a whole lot of people expected.

Kiba himself felt like he had déjà vu too, like Ruby not too long ago.

"Misguided? They want to wipe humanity off the face of the planet!" Weiss replied and it was obvious that things are starting to get heated between her and her teammate.

"So then they're VERY misguided. Either way, it doesn't explain why they would rob a Dust shop in the middle of downtown Vale!" Blake said, making a point. Sure Dust is a vital resource but there are other ways to get it.

Ruby and Yang tried play the mediators while YTE were just bystanders at this point although Tiber was trying to find a way to help.

"Hmm…Blake's got a point. Besides, the police never caught that Torchwick guy I ran into a few months ago…Maybe it was him." Ruby said, remembering how she met Glynda and Ozpin after stopping one of Roman's robberies.

"That still doesn't change the fact that the White Fang are a bunch of scum." Weiss said, making Blake pissed. "Those Faunus only know how to lie, cheat, and steal."

"That's not necessarily true…" Yang said while Echo decided to be blunt about that.

"Those are just stereotypes and you know it." Echo pointed out and Weiss was about to respond before…

"Hey, stop that Faunus!"

The group overheard this and decided to investigate. They went to the docks and before they noticed a commotion on one of the ships. They soon saw a Faunus with a golden monkey tail running down the length of the boat before he leaped onto the ledge as two sailors were about to apprehend him.

The Faunus looked at the sailors with a smug look on his face.

"Thanks for the ride, guys! Haha!" The Faunus laughed as he jumped off and landed in the docks. He then continued running as the sailors looked pissed for obvious reasons.

"You no-good stowaway!" One of the sailors cursed while the Faunus took a little break by using his tail to hang on a lamppost while he peeled a banana.

"Hey! A no-good stowaway would've been caught! I'm a GREAT stowaway!" The Faunus emphasized before he was about to eat his banana as a sign of victory but…

"Hey! Get down from there this instant!" One of the detectives said, only to have the peel from the banana land on his face. The man growled at this while the Faunus laughed in amusement and got off the lamppost before running away from the detectives.

He ran past RWBY and YTE before winking at an astonished Blake and then returning to running from the officers.

"Well, Weiss, you wanted to see the competition, and there it goes." Yang stated while Weiss just pointed at the direction that Faunus went in.

"Quick! We have to observe him!" Weiss said as she, her team, and the Septimus twins gave chase while Kiba noticed a hooded Leo around the corner who was gesturing him to follow.

Kiba reluctantly did so and looked at Leo with an anxious look.

"What do you want? I already reported to you last night." Kiba said, wanting to get Leo off his back.

"There are new developments and I could use your help with them." Leo said as he and Kiba started walking towards the docks.

They went in a certain warehouse and Kiba looked around to see no one except a few of Roman's goons.

"Strange, I thought you said you made allies so…where are they?" Kiba asked as he continued looking around, seeing not much.

"Everyone is out doing their own thing. It's a busy organization, I'll say that much." Leo said as he is well-aware that Cinder and Roman have a very busy agenda to keep track off.

Leo soon got on the terminal nearby and started typing on the keyboard while Kiba continued to examine the area. After a little bit, Leo got Kiba's attention and directed him to look at the monitor. On the monitor, Kiba saw what appears to be a Bear Orphnoch fighting Roman's goons and the White Fang.

'So they are a part of this…' Kiba thought but he decided not to tell Weiss or Blake because he didn't want to feed Weiss's ego or put Blake in a bad mood. Kiba then focused on the footage and from what he saw, it was a massacre. The Bear Orphnoch didn't seem to be intent on leaving no survivors as he just ripped and teared through both groups. Kiba didn't really seemed that concerned though. "I still don't see what's the issue here."

"Look at his tactics and fighting style."

Kiba did so and the Bear Orphnoch's fighting style resembled someone of remarkable training and effort. Kiba then recognized it.

"Lucky Clover…" Kiba recognized. Members of the Lucky Clover group were Smart Brain's best and deadliest Orphnochs. One would have to be considered very lucky to even survive a fight against one of them, regardless of being a Rider or not.

"That's right, Smart Brain here is sending out their big guns after us." Leo said as Kiba didn't take his eyes off the monitor.

"But I don't recognize this Orphnoch." Kiba stated as he remembered the Crocodile, Lobster, Centipede, and Dragon Orphnoch among the group. He never even saw a Bear Orphnoch before in his life…and previous one.

"Remember we're in a world, much different to our original." Leo reminded and Kiba nodded.

"That's right, some things are the same while some are entirely different." Kiba said as he remembered what Dark Decade told him and Leo before they were sent here. "So is this all you wanted to show me? Just a warning of Lucky Clover?"

"Not exactly, no." Leo said before typing a little bit more on the keyboard. Soon a figure popped up on the monitor and it was a hooded figure who was wearing the same coat as Leo and Kiba.

"Yuji Kiba." The figure said in a dark and deep voice, making Kiba feel a bit intimidated.

"M-My lord." Kiba addressed as he now felt intimidated that he was speaking to the one who brought him back to life; Dark Decade. "To what do I owe the honor to talking to you?"

"Last night, Leo told me that you were acting a bit hostile and have not been progressing as well as we'd hoped." Dark Decade said as he then noticed Kiba looking a bit scared. "Look, I don't want to take care of you and Leo here as if I was your mother. So the sooner you answer my questions, the sooner I'll leave you alone, understood?"

Kiba nodded.

"Yes, my lord." Kiba replied as he tried to stay calm.

"So what is your reasoning with the lack of progress that I've been hearing from Leo?" Dark Decade asked in a calm tone.

"Well, my lord. It's really a matter of timing and circumstances." Kiba replied as Leo was just watching out of entertainment. "For this world's Faiz, I really cannot steal his belt because I found no need to."

"Explain." Dark Decade ordered and Kiba nodded.

"As I have found out the hard way. The Faiz Gear in this world is bio-locked to this world's version of Inui." Kiba explained, hoping that answer was enough to satisfy Dark Decade.

"And the other belts?" Dark Decade asked, wondering about them.

"Well, they aren't bio-locked like the Faiz Gear but the users of the Kaixa and Delta Gear are…"

"What?"

"They're a bit…out of reach with the current users hogging them." Kiba explained and just saw Dark Decade looking down on him with no way of telling what he's thinking.

"I see…I can understand waiting for the right moment and all." Dark Decade said. "I was a prisoner of Shocker before I bide my time and took care of those fools." He said, relating to Kiba.

"So…we're good?" Kiba asked a little nervously as he knows that Dark Decade has always been unpredictable. This pleasant conversation could just turn into Kiba's third death. "Will…that be all?"

"Yes, you're free to leave."

Kiba nodded before he left, leaving the other two Dark Riders by themselves. Leo looked at the monitor.

"What do you think?" Leo asked and Dark Decade just stared at him.


(Outside)

Kiba started walking in an attempt to find the others before seeing Makoto push his bike by the handlebars.

"I know it's tempting but you have to be a bit more…cautious. I don't think people can easily get used to you." Makoto said, confusing Kiba as there was no one else here.

"Hey, Inui!" Kiba called as he went over to Makoto.

"Oh Kiba…" Makoto said, looking a little nervous which really caught Kiba's attention.

"Is something up? Also, who were you talking to a few seconds ago?" Kiba asked as he looked around to see that there was no one nearby except him, Makoto, and Auto Vajin in bike form.

Makoto then sighed.

"I wanted to surprise you and the others all at once but I guess I trust you enough with this." Makoto said before looking at his bike. "Ok, you can show yourself."

The bike then transformed into Auto Vajin which slightly surprised Kiba until…

"I finally I can stretch my arms and legs!" Auto Vajin said as he flexed his limbs a bit before looking at the stunned Kiba. "Ah, it's good to finally meet you in terms of a person. Greetings! I am Auto Vajin but you already know that."

Auto Vajin placed his hand out and Kiba stared at it before he shook it with a weirded out expression on his face. He certainly did not remember a sentient Auto Vajin in his original world. Kiba then looked at Makoto as he was the best engineer on the team and that only he would be capable of doing something like this.

"Well, you see. I developed a chip that'll not only make Auto Vajin sentient but also gives him a personality." Makoto explained.

"Why?" Kiba asked as he himself was trying to think of every possible reason to do so.

"I thought it would be a good idea for Auto here to be a little more efficient in things other than driving and killing so I thought a personality can help due to the ability to strive." Makoto said as he and Kiba looked at Auto Vajin.

"I have been made self-aware of my own existence for a little while now and already I've taken an interest in several things."

"Like?"

"Let me just put it like this; Auto Vajin spent the first 30 minutes examining every aspect of the garage that he was kept in and he also repetitively asked me what does each one do. Even the door!" Makoto said, saying that last sentence at Auto Vajin.

Auto Vajin just looked away as he thought back to him opening and closing the doors which might have become his favorite pastime thing to do.

'I so wish I can play with an automatic door…' Auto Vajin thought to himself.

Makoto then looked around.

"By the way, what are you doing here, Kiba? I thought you'd be somewhere else with the others." Makoto said as he remembered leaving Kiba alone with RWBY and the twins.

"I got caught up with something." Kiba said before deciding to talk to Makoto about the Bear Orphnoch since he has a close history with Smart Brain. "By the way, a friend of mine told me that he saw a grayish animal being tearing through a bunch of people."

Makoto understood that description almost immediately.

"Which animal?" Makoto asked as he, Kiba, and Auto Vajin started walking.

"A bear."

Makoto stopped and has a frozen shocked face.

"I take it you know this Orphnoch." Kiba asked, judging from Makoto's facial expression.

"You can say that. He is someone that I thought I would never have to fight." Makoto said with a sad tone.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" Kiba asked, sensing a history between Makoto and this Orhpnoch.

Makoto just looked at Kiba with a serious look on his face.

"Not now, I have to be sure it's him." Makoto said and after that, he and Kiba were just silent.

The mood was silent…before Auto noticed a store next to them and it had automatic doors. Auto stopped and looked at it before stepping into the sensors' range, making the door open by itself. Despite the lack of expression in his face, Auto seemed amused and stepped back, making the door close.

The robot kept this up for a good while, helping customers get in and out along the way. The two Orphnochs stopped before noticing Auto in his own little world right now. Makoto groaned while Kiba had a slightly amused look on his face.

"Guess that personality chip still has a few bugs in it." Kiba joked while Makoto facepalmed.

"That's the problem…it doesn't have any." Makoto said before looking at Kiba, who just chuckled a little.

"So you need my help with him?" Kiba asked and Makoto looked at his watch to see that it was sunset. Makoto looked at the setting sun to see that it was almost down, meaning it'll be night by the time they get to Beacon.

"You go ahead, he's my work. I'll meet you and the others at Beacon." Makoto said as he went over to Auto Vajin and began to scold him like a father would do to a disobedient child.

Kiba then left for the airship port, thinking about his conversation with Leo and Dark Decade. He was contemplating over what happened and why he couldn't give a straight answer to the two especially since one of them resurrected him from the dead and can easily kill. A couple months ago, he would've sold his team out as if it was nothing but now…

Kiba just got on the airship and looked out the window after getting his seat. He didn't know why but when he looked at the city of Vale. When he looked outside, his mind wandered to a memory of him helping in the human ghetto which was an odd thought because he thought he would never do something like that…or at least, he doesn't clearly remember it.

Soon his mind changed priorities as he had to find a way to make clear to Leo and Dark Decade that he's still on their side. He soon felt the airship dock at Beacon's port so he got off and started walking towards the Academy until he noticed Blake running out.

Kiba wasn't that far from her and stopped to see what she was doing. He saw Blake looking at the statue in front of her, particularly the stone Beowolf being toppled by the stone heroes. Kiba could tell that Blake was sad and tried to approach her before he saw Blake undo her bow and pulled down the ribbon, to reveal…cat ears.

Kiba was a bit shocked while Blake wiped a tear from her eye and looked like she was about to cry some more. Kiba couldn't stand that sight and decided to speak up.

"Blake?"

Blake gasped as she looked up to see Kiba with an astonished look on his face.

"K-Kiba…" Blake let out as tears continued flooding out.

"Blake, you're a…" Kiba then eyed at the feline ears as they moved a little.

"Yes, I'm a Faunus…" Blake confirmed as she had a somewhat bitter look on her face. She half-expected Kiba to just make fun of her or pull on her animal ears.

Kiba looked at her concerned as he too knew the feeling of being an outcast. Before the Orphnochs took over his world, Kiba struggled with keeping his Orphnoch status low as he feared that people would think of him as a monster or a freak. Right now, he was revisiting the past as Blake was experiencing the same thing.

Kiba just walked up to Blake and…hugged her. Blake was surprised but she just accepted it before hugging back. She really needed someone to comfort her especially with after what just happened. Kiba felt his coat getting wet before looking Blake right in the tear-stained eyes.

"Blake, why are you keeping this side of you a secret?" Kiba asked, wondering why Blake would hide her identity. At least when it came to Orphnochs, it was understandable as they looked like grey humanoid beast monsters. "You look good like this."

"He's right, you do look cuter without the bow." A familiar voice said

Both Beacon students looked to see the same monkey Faunus from before hanging from a light pole.

The two broke the hug and looked at him as he landed on the ground.

"You…" Kiba recognized.

"The name's Sun. Sun Wukong."

"Blake Belladonna."

"Yuji Kiba."

The three stared at each other while trying to figure out what to do next.


(Later)

Makoto arrived at his dorm after convincing Auto Vajin to stay at Hal's and not play with the doors. He soon opened the door to find the Septimus twins playing a fighting video game but he didn't see Kiba anywhere.

The twins then noticed Makoto's slightly worried look.

"Hey Boss, something up?" Echo asked as she focused on her avatar punching her twin's in the face multiple times.

"Did you guys see Kiba because he went ahead of me?" Makoto asked, remembering that he was the one who sent Kiba to the airship port.

"No, I didn't see him since this morning." Tiber said as he was on the verge of losing the match.

"Huh…" Makoto let out as he found this situation odd before seeing Ruby wandering a bit in the hall. She had a very concerned look on her face before Makoto went up to her. "Hey Ruby, is everything alright?

"No." Ruby answered with a sad look. "Have you seen Blake anywhere?"

Makoto shook his head.

"No, did something happened?" Makoto asked, judging by the worried look on Ruby's face as well.

Ruby looked at the occupied twins and then looking at Makoto.

"You promise to keep a secret?"

Makoto nodded before looking at the twins.

"Hey guys, you heard that?"

Both twins nodded as they paused their game. Makoto then gestured Ruby to come in and closed the door, feeling that she can talk safely here. Ruby sat on the bed before she took a deep breath before MTE approached her.

"So what is it?"

"TurnsoutBlakeisaFaunusandnotonlythatbutshewasa-." Ruby said really fast as she was nervous only to be met with confused faces. "Do you guys have any idea what I said?"

"Not really, only something about Blake and a secret." Echo said with the two guys nodding in agreement. They didn't really hear a single clear word coming from Ruby's fast talk.

"Okay, then I'll take this real slow then…" Ruby started as she started talking about how when Blake and Weiss were in a heated argument regarding the Faunus and the White Fang. She revealed to them that it was because of the White Fang being at war with Schnee Dust Company, there have been several deaths regarding the people that Weiss knows. It was one of the reasons why she and her father have a rough relationship, because it kept infuriating him.

This would explain Weiss's hatred towards the organization or the race in general but that wasn't the biggest secret. Ruby explained that when Weiss called the White Fang a bunch of liars, thieves, and murders Blake responded that "we" were just tired of being pushed around. This not only revealed that Blake is a Faunus but a White Fang Member. Blake ran out of the dorm and presumably, the building since she accidentally let that secret out.

"Ouch, that's rough." Echo commented.

"I feel bad for both girls." Tiber added.

"You're telling me." Makoto replied to that before looking at Ruiby who still looked really worried. "Ruby, I'm sorry but we haven't seen Blake pass by...although, now that I think about it, we haven't seen Kiba either." Makoto added, not feeling that these two things are a coincidence.

"What are you saying?" Ruby asked as she and the others looked at Makoto.

"I mean we all know how Kiba can be a good friend so maybe he bumped into Blake and being the friend that he is, he decides to help her find a place to hide or lay low." Makoto hypothesized

"You think something like that happened?" Echo asked.

"That's only thing I can think of." Makoto replied before looking at Ruby. "Look we don't know where either of those two are but right now, I would leave Blake to vent for a bit. Because based on what you've told us, things got pretty heated between both girls so right now I think it's best to let things cool down on their own."

Ruby looked at Makoto.

"I understand, what you're saying." Ruby said before looking out the window with a sad and worried look. "It's just how long will it take is the problem." Ruby said, slightly fearing for her team.


(Two days later)

RWY and MTE are walking the streets of Vale together. It's been two days since Blake and Kiba went off with Sun and they haven't returned to Beacon ever since. Ruby was extremely worried and convinced her team and Makoto's to help look for the two.

"She's been gone all weekend…" Ruby stated with a sad tone, wondering what's keeping Blake from coming back or if she's fine at all.

"Blake's a big girl. I'm sure she can handle herself! Plus, Kiba is with her." Weiss said, still being on the fence regarding Blake and that recent revelation.

"Weiss, come on. She's one of our teammates." Yang said, reminding her that Blake is still a part of this team regardless of what origin they're from.

"Is she? We all heard what she said!" Weiss said, obviously showing that she's not sure of that.

"Come on Princess, now?" Echo asked, having been tired of hearing this for the past two days of Weiss going on about how Blake is a potential traitor just because she's a Faunus and White Fang member.

"Maybe she is, maybe she isn't. Either way, she and Kiba are missing, and we need to find her!" Yang said, reminding Weiss that priorities come first.

"Yeah, maybe you can change your tone when we hear her side of things." Makoto said as he could relate to having a bad past like Blake.

"I just hope she's okay…" Ruby said.


(With Kiba, Blake, and Sun)

The three were sitting at a table over a balcony, having tea as Blake needed something. Kiba just drank his tea and was patient while Sun was holding his cup by the tail as his hand props his head up. He took a sip before Blake puts her cup down.

"So, you guys want to know more about me…" Blake started as both Kiba and Sun were surprised because during the past two days, Blake hasn't said a word about any major thing. She just gave glares and small talk.

"You sure?" Kiba asked with a concerned look and Blake nodded while Sun raised his arms in victory.

"Finally, she speaks! Nearly two days and you have us nothing but small talk and weird looks!" Sun remarked, making Blake give him a firm glare but she was only proving his point. "Yeah, like that."

Blake just rolled her eyes before she decided to get back on the main point.

"Guys…are you two familiar with the White Fang?" Blake asked.

"You can say that." Kiba answered as he started drinking his tea.

"Of course! I don't think there's a Faunus on the planet who hasn't heard of them. Stupid, holier-than-thou creeps that use force to get whatever they want. Bunch of freaks, if you ask me!" Sun answered while Blake sipped her tea before looking at the two.

"I was once a member of the White Fang." Blake revealed, having Sun nearly choke on his tea while Kiba did a spit take and Blake effortless dodged it while Sun got soaked. He just gave a blank stare at Kiba.

"Sorry." Kiba said before he and Sun, after wiping his face with a napkin, looked at Blake for an explanation.

"That's right. I was a member for most of my life, actually. You could almost say I was born into it…" Blake started as she thought back to when the White Faunus operating things differently. "Back then, things were different. In the ashes of war, the White Fang was meant to be a symbol of peace and unity between humans and the Faunus."

She then looked out onto the people walking the sidewalks.

"Of course, despite being promised equality, the Faunus were subjected to discrimination and hate. Humanity still thought of us as lesser beings. And so, the White Fang rose up as the voice of our people. And I was there." Blake said as thought back to the protesting young girl with dark hair and cat ears that she once was.

"Were your parents part of that as well?" Kiba asked out of curiosity.

Blake looked at him.

"Everyone I considered family was part of it."

Kiba nodded at that information before Blake continued.

"I was at the front of every rally. I took part in every boycott. I thought we were making a difference. But I was just a youthful optimist." Blake said as she looked down into her reflection in the tea. "Then, five years ago, our leader stepped down, and a new one took his place. A new leader, with a new way of thinking."

That's when Kiba and Sun realize where this was going as they remembered the recent news reports regarding the attacks caused by the suspected White Fang.

"Suddenly, our peaceful protests were being replaced with organized attacks. We were setting fire to shops that refused to serve us, hijacking cargo from companies that used Faunus labor. And the worst part was, it was working. We were being treated like equals. But not out of respect…out of fear." Blake explained while the others remained silent, wanting to hear the end of the story.

"I guess…this is where you come in?" Sun asked and Blake nodded.

"So, I left. I decided I no longer wanted to use my skills to aid in their violence, and instead, I would dedicate my life to becoming a Huntress. So here I am: a criminal hiding in plain view, all with the help of a little black bow." Blake said as she made her cat ears wiggled a bit underneath the disguise.

"So…have you told your friends any of this?" Sun asked and Blake only looked down in shame with no words to say. To Kiba, he just had a headache filled with familiarity and nostalgia. He just decided to wash it down with another sip of tea.


(With the others)

MTE and RWY were still looking for both Blake and Kiba but they still haven't had any luck.

"Blaaakkkeee!" Ruby called and there was no response.

"Kiiibbbaaa!" Echo call but also got no response.

"Blaaakkkeee!" Yang called like her sister but also didn't get a response.

"Kiba, where are you!?" Tiber shouted with the same result as the last three people.

Makoto looked at Weiss to see that she was not contributing to anything. He was starting to get fed up over the ridiculous grudge.

"Weiss, will it kill you to try to help look for our teammates?" Makoto asked and Weiss glared at him.

"Oh! You know what might be able to help? The police!" Weiss got out before Makoto stopped and glared at her back, making her stop.

"Oh yeah, like they did well on find that Monkey Faunus you guys told me about." Makoto said and everyone stopped. They looked at Makoto and Weiss as things were starting to heat up between them.

"It was an idea and at least, it's better than you just calling out names!" Weiss replied.

"Oh yeah? Well at least, I know how to judge people by listening to the full story unlike you!"

"And I know when we hear it, you'll all realize I was right!"

"Right about being a judgmental bi-!"

Ruby and Tiber looked at each other and nodded before they got in between Makoto and Weiss to break up the fighting.

"Guys! This is not helping!" Tiber said while Ruby nodded in agreement.

"Remember, what's at stake here!" Ruby said, reminding Makoto and Weiss that they're here to find their teammates, not to fight. "I think it would be a better idea for us to split up."

"And I think Weiss's hair looks wonderful today!" A female voice said and everyone turned around to see a girl with short, rather curly orange hair that came down to her chin, and she wore a pink bow on the back of her head. She also had bright green eyes, light skin and freckles. She wore an old-fashioned blouse with short feminine overalls, as well as a black and green collar with a matching pair of stockings. She also had green neon lines on her clothing.

"Who are you?" Makoto asked, having never seen Penny before in his life.

"My name is Penny! It's a pleasure to meet you!" Penny happily greeted, unaware of the atmosphere of the situation. "I'm a friend of your friends!"

Makoto looked at the twins and RWY before looking at Penny.

"Nice to meet you, Penny. I'm Makoto and well, we're in a bit of a situation." Makoto explained, gesturing to the worried Ruby.

"What are you up to?"

"Uh…" Ruby started as she didn't know where to begin but thankfully, other people do.

"We're looking for our friends, Blake and Kiba." Yang said to put it bluntly.

"I don't anything about a Kiba but Blake…Ooooh, you mean your Faunus friend?" Penny said, surprising the others that she would know something like that.

"Wait, how did you know that?" Ruby asked.

"Uhh, the cat ears?" Penny said as pointed to the head where the cat ears would be located and sounded like it was obvious.

Yang and Echo laughed a little.

"What cat ears? She wears a bo-ooohhhh…." Yang said as she and everyone else realized what Penny realized. They now felt a little dumb as silence of realization took place. Soon a tumbleweed blew past them, making things a little more awkward.

"She does eat tuna a lot…" Ruby recalled before Penny decided to steer this conversation back to its original point.

"So, where is she?"

"We don't know. She and our other friend Kiba have been missing since Friday."

"Well why would your friend Kiba go missing?" Penny asked out of pure curiosity.

Ruby looked at Makoto to talk since this was his teammate that they're talking about now while Makoto just shrugged at it.

"You honestly got me there but maybe he's helping her because he cares about her. That's the only reason that I can come up with but it doesn't change the fact that he and Blake are missing."

Penny just gasped.

"That's terrible!" Penny then approached Makoto and Ruby. "Well, don't worry, my friends! I won't rest until we find your teammates!"

Ruby just did her best to smile while Makoto sweatdropped at little at this girl's determination and enthusiasm.

"Uh, that's really nice of you, Penny, but we're okay! Really! Right, guys?" Ruby asked while Makoto noticed something.

Ruby looked at Penny while still waiting for an answer from WY and TE but Makoto made Ruby look to see that they were missing. They must've left while she and Makoto were talking to Penny. Soon another tumbleweed blew past them in the silence.

"It sure is windy today!" Penny remarked and on that, they can agree on.


(With Kiba, Blake, and Sun)

As Blake and Sun were paying for the tea at the café, Kiba was outside calling Leo as he just came up with an idea to earn Leo and Dark Decade's trust. He was now talking about it with Leo.

"So what do you want us to capture this girl again?" Leo asked, wanting to make sure he heard everything right.

"She is a close friend to the other Riders here. You can demand for a ransom." Kiba explained, thinking about how MYE would be helping Blake's team in finding her.

"Huh…These Riders are always willing to do what's right which means valuing lives over their own." Leo said, getting at what Kiba is saying. "Alright, how should we proceed with this?"

"From the sounds of it, Blake is most likely going to investigate White Fang activity. And given that I saw White Fang members with you a couple days ago…"

"Yeah, I see where you're getting at…Alright, we're offloading a huge shipment of Dust at the docks tonight. I and a few extra men will be watching from the rooftops. When your girl makes her move, then so will we." Leo said and Kiba nodded at that.

"Roger." Kiba then hung right before Sun and Blake came out.

"You guys ready?" Kiba asked and both Faunus nodded. They started walking down an alley before Sun, with his hands behind his head, looked at Blake and Kiba.

"So, what's the plan now?"

"I still don't believe the White Fang is behind these robberies. They've never needed that much Dust before." Blake said but Kiba could tell that she knew the truth. It's an expression that he wore before.

Sun then widened his eyes.

"What if they did?" Sun wondered as he started thinking while pacing in front of Blake and Kiba. The two looked at each other before looking at Sun. "I mean…the only way to prove that they didn't do it, is to go to the place where they most likely go to if they were to do it, and not find them there! Right?"

Blake and Kiba understood what he meant. In order to catch a group of Dust thieves, they have to think like Dust thieves.

"What about the docks?" Kiba asked, putting up the bait. "I mean, it's almost completely empty at night and there could be fresh shipments of Dust coming in at large quantities.'

Sun looked at Kiba and felt as if he read his mind.

"Well, while I was on the ship, I heard some guys talking about offloading a huge shipment of Dust coming from Atlas."

"How huge?" Blake asked.

"Huge." Sun emphasized. "Big Schnee Company freighter."

Blake seemed a little unsure but it was the best lead they got.

"You sure?"


(With WY and TE)

Yang and Echo were talking to a merchant in the shop for information regarding Blake and Kiba while Tiber and Weiss waited outside. As they were waiting, Tiber looked at Weiss.

"So be honest, do you really think Blake is a criminal?" Tiber asked and Weiss seemed a bit sad. "You remember Bianca? My friend, not my weapon."

Weiss nodded.

"She was an Orphnoch too but Smart Brain killed her." Tiber told Weiss as he remembered his time with the original Bianca. "She helped me and my sister escape to Vale but at a huge price."

Weiss said nothing as she knew where this was going.

"Don't you think Blake is the same?" Tiber asked.

Weiss just had a sad look as that thought came into mind as well as several others. She looked like she was about to say something before the others came out of the shop. Yang waved at the person inside.

"Thanks anyways!" Yang said and judging by that, there has been no luck in finding either Blake or Kiba. Yang then sighed. "This is hopeless."

Echo then noticed Weiss who was looking around and didn't seemed to be worried.

"Ok, you really are cold, if you still don't care if we find our friends or not." Echo presumed, now getting a bit sick of Weiss's uncaring look. "I mean, do you even care anymore?"

Weiss looked at her with an annoyed look.

"Don't be stupid; of course I do. I'm just afraid of what she'll say when we find her." Weiss said, revealing that she does care about Blake and does fear the worst case scenario. Having enough of this, she decided to continue the search before looking back at the others. "The innocent never run, guys!"

She was soon out of sight with the others a bit perplexed at the thought that Weiss might've accepted Blake had she not run away.


(With Makoto, Ruby, and Penny)

The three were still looking Blake and Kiba before Makoto stopped in surprise as he saw Auto Vajin in front of the supermarket playing with the automatic door and surprising the others…except Makoto was seemed downright annoyed.

"Auto!" Makoto called as the robot looked at him.

"Oh Master!" The robot nodded while Makoto looked a bit annoyed while Ruby and Penny just watched.

"What are you doing here? And how did Naoya or Hal let you out?" Makoto asked as Auto thought back how easy it was to leave.


(At Hal's home)

Hal and Naoya were staring at the spot where Auto Vajin used to be before looking at a hole in the garage door that was big enough to fit a motorcycle.

Naoya just looked at Hal, who was pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Why can't he just build a gun instead?" Hal wondered.


(With Makoto, Auto, Ruby, and Penny)

"I thought fresh air would do me good and didn't think they would mind." Auto explained.

"And have you been spending the time playing with doors and be honest with me." Makoto said as he was now acting like an annoyed parent.

"No, not fully…" Auto Vajin answered….before pointing at people taking pictures of him. "I've also been taking pictures with the tourists of this Kingdom. Something about me being a 'cosplayer' or just a cool guy showing off."

Makoto just looked at the people.

"Get out of here! Show is over!" Makoto said the people groaned in disappointment as they just left. Makoto then started scolding Auto while Penny just looked at Ruby.

"So are those two friends?" Penny asked out of pure curiosity.

Ruby lightly smiled at the humorous scene because she needs a bit of that now.

"Yeah, I guess you can say that." Ruby answered.

"So, are Blake and Kiba your friends?" Penny asked, unknowingly placing Ruby back in her original mood.

Ruby sighed.

"Yes, Penny."

"Are you mad at either at them?" Penny asked and Ruby shook her head.

"I'm not. Weiss is mad at Blake." Ruby explained.

As she and Penny were discussing about friendship, Makoto sent Auto Vajin to join the girls before he felt a mysterious presence nearby. He felt a sense of familiarity from it and looked around to try and find it but he couldn't.

On the top of a roof, Ash was watching Makoto with an animal-like grin before Makoto unwillingly shook off the feeling of uneasiness and walked back to the robot and girls.

"Can't way for the perfect moment to get you…my old friend." Ash said in a vicious tone before he decided to shadow Makoto and his friends until he can find the perfect time to strike. He even got a strike team ready just in case.


(With Blake, Kiba, and Sun)

The sun soon set and it was now nighttime and the two Faunus and Orphnoch were overseeing the shipment of Schnee Dust containers. Right now, it was just Blake and Kiba watching while Sun was scouting the area. He soon arrived.

"What'd I miss?" Sun asked and Kiba looked at him while Blake was still keeping watch.

"Nothing much. They've offloaded the crates from the boats but they haven't done anything else besides sitting." Kiba answered before Sun offered a green apple and orange.

"Cool, I stole you guys some food." Sun said and Kiba and Blake just stared at him. Actions like these are what get other Faunus discriminated.

"Do you always break the law without giving a second thought?"

"Hey, weren't you in a cult or something?" Sun said back at her and the cat Faunus just gave an angry glare as a response.

"Dude, too soon." Kiba remarked before the wind blew around them and the three looked up to a Bullhead hovering with its searchlight pinpointed at the Dust crates. It descended in the middle are before extending a ramp, allowing a black hooded figure with fanged metal mask to emerge.

Blake had a worried and sad look.

"Oh no…"

"It's them, isn't it?" Kiba asked as Blake stared at the White Fang symbol on the man's outfit.

"Yes…It's them."

Meanwhile the White Fang soldier looked at his comrades emerging from the aircraft.

"Alright, grab the tow cables!"

"You really didn't think they were behind it, did you?" Sun asked as he saw Blake with despair rising.

Blake just looked sad at the scene before looking back at the guys.

"No. I think deep down I knew. I just didn't want to be right." Blake revealed as she just hung her head in shame. She thought there was some hint of the White Fang that she grew up with was still there but no, they're reduced to nothing but thugs and thieves.

"Hey! What's the holdup!?" A new voice said and it got Blake's attention.

She and the others soon saw Roman Torchwick coming down the ramp and he seemed to be in a rush.

"We're not exactly the most inconspicuous bunch of thieves at the moment, so why don't you animals try to pick up the pace?" Roman asked with a very impatient tone while Blake just shook her head at the White Fang taking orders from Roman. They would never take orders from a human, regardless of who's leading them.

"This isn't right. The White Fang would never work with a human. Especially not one like that." Blake said as she decided to do something about this. So she stood up and took out the katana part of Gambol Shroud before getting of the roof.

"Hey, what are you doing!?" Sun asked, alarmed before Kiba got off and looked at Sun.

"Don't worry, I'll watch her." Kiba said before following Blake and noticing Leo, transformed at Psyga, was waiting at the top of an industrial crane with a several other goons equipped with rifles and jetpacks. He smiled at the fact that his plan could possibly work.

He soon stopped behind Blake as she took cover behind a container. She peeked to see Roman scolding a White Fang Member who was holding a coil of rope.

"No, you idiot! This isn't a leash!" Roman scolded before Blake took the opportunity and got him as a hostage with her blade against his neck. "What the-Of for f-."

"Nobody move!" Blake said right before Roman can finish that sentence. As a response, all the White Fang soldiers nearby readied their guns and swords but aimed to do nothing else as they noticed Psyga and his men getting down quietly.

Blake then removed her bow, revealing her cat ears.

"Brothers of the White Fang! Why are you aiding this scum?" Blake asked with a tone of shame while some of the White Fang soldiers unsure what do since they are working with a human criminal. But it didn't matter because Psyga was directly behind Blake and Roman knew that so he laughed. Psyga was waiting for the perfect time to get him while Kiba was just watching this play out. He was also looking for a good opportunity to join Psyga,

"Oh, kid, didn't you get the memo?" Roman asked with a cocky voice.

"What are you talking about?" Blake asked with seriousness. It was obvious that she was in mood for games.

"The White Fang and I are going in on a joint business venture together!" Roman revealed which only pissed Blake even further. Clearly a lot of things have been happening since she left the organization and they were things that she didn't like.

"Tell me what it is or I'll out an end to your little operation…" Blake said and as if on cue, the air was soon filled with the sound of more turbines.

"I wouldn't exactly call it a little operation…." Roman said as he and Blake looked up to see more Bullheads hovering the area, much to Blake's Horror. "By the way…."

Psyga poked Blake on her back and her eyes widened before she turned and was met with a punch in the face. She fell onto the floor, knocked out.

"We smelled you coming here a long time ago." Roman smiled before looking at Psyga carrying Blake.

"I'll take her to our warehouse." Psyga said before flying into warehouse. Kiba needed to get in without anyone else noticing him.

Sun was nearby and wanted to do something before seeing Kiba transformed into the Horse Orphnoch. Sun stared at the Horse Orphnoch with widened eyes.

"That's new." Sun said before the Horse Orphnoch turned his leg into horse hooves. "That's also new."

The Horse Orphnoch galloped at high speeds and went through Roman and the others. Roman just saw the Horse Orphnoch gallop into the warehouse.

"Well…that's not my problem anymore." Roman said before noticing Sun trying to follow. "That…could be mine."

Roman aimed his cane as it went into its gun mode before firing at Sun.

BOOM!


(With Makoto and the others)

The two heard that and turned to see smoke emerging from the docks

"Oh no…" Ruby let out as she feared that Blake could be in the middle of all that.

Makoto sensed it as well before looking at Auto Vajin.

"Auto, we're going to the docks." Makoto said before Auto nodded and transformed into his motorcycle mode.

Makoto got on and gestured Ruby to get on. Ruby did and wrapped her arms around Makoto's stomach, making him blush a little. Ruby blushed a little too but that immediately died down when she felt Penny's hands wrapped around her stomach. Makoto noticed Penny on as well and was a little worried, considering that Auto Vajin wasn't exactly designed for three people.

Makoto was about to tell Penny to get off but upon realizing that she would either stay on or have her feelings hurt. Besides, more help is good so Makoto just revved the engine and drove into the docks.

Ash saw all of that and got on his Scroll.

"Target is heading to the docks. I want people there now." Ash said before looking at the smoke. "Assume that there are hostiles there, not just the target."

Ash then hung up before performing some parkour over the rooftops to the docks.


(With Blake)

Blake stirred and opened her eyes before his vision readjusted itself. She looked at her position to see that she was tied to a chair. She noticed her weapon on the table nearby and Blake tried to use her Semblance to create a Shadow clone of herself. She then heard beeping and was shocked. Blake looked down to see a shock collar wrapped firmly around her neck.

"Don't make this as painful as it has to be, Blake." A familiar voice said and Blake looked up to see Kiba.

Blake's eyes widened.

"Kiba…you've set me up?" Blake asked with a look of disbelief before Psyga appeared besides Kiba.

"It was never my intention to put you in harm's way." Kiba said calmly as Psyga was just watching the door. "I'm only doing what's necessary."

"And what about your team?" Blake asked as she was still processing this information. Finding out that the White Fang was working for Roman was bad enough but Kiba having a role in her capture…. "What about everything you've been through with them? Doesn't that count for something?"

Kiba sighed as he looked at a laptop screen before closing it.

"I understand how this may seem selfish and evil to you but getting my team hurt or killed is the last thing I want." Kiba said as he genuinely felt close to MTE but he did have an objective to complete and he aimed to complete it. "I'm only here to follow orders…"

This got Blake curious.

"Orders? What do you mean orders and from who?" Blake said before her collar electrocuted her again.

"Haven't you heard that curiosity killed the cat?" Psyga asked as he made himself visible. He then opened the laptop as he wanted to shock Blake again but Kiba stopped her.

"You said you wouldn't harm her." Kiba said with a sharp tone

"Did I?" Pysga asked in a dumbfounded tone, pretending to have no recollection. "I don't think I did."

Kiba squinted his eyes as Psyga just chuckled in response.

"Relax, I'm just kidding with you. I won't harm her." Psyga said as he walked around the area before…

BOOM!

Psyga and Kiba checked the warehouse entrance and saw Riotroopers attacking the White Fang while Roman was busy fighting Sun. It looked like complete chaos followed with explosions and deaths.

"Aw great, here come the parasites."

Kiba looked at Psyga as this could potentially be a threat to his plan. He soon the threat become more endangered when he saw Makoto, Ruby, and Penny arriving on Auto Vajin. Kiba quickly looked back at Psyga.

"Deal with them." Kiba said and Psyga just shook his head.

"Do you think I'm that stupid? You're coming with me." Psyga said as he grabbed Kiba by the arm but Kiba pushed him back before pointing at Blake who was struggling in an attempt to escape.

"Someone has to watch her." Kiba reminded and that itself was a good point. "Just hold them off long enough for me to move her to safe area."

Psyga reluctantly nodded before using his jetpack to fly off towards to battle. Meanwhile, Makoto and the girls got off before Auto Vajin went into his robot form. Makoto looked back at the three.

"Alright, get yourselves to-." Makoto was then interrupted before he was tackled by the flying Rider.

"Makoto!" Ruby yelled as Psyga took Makoto to a fair distance. He tackled him against the wall of a container before Makoto kicked him off.

"You!?" Makoto recognized from the last time they met before he spent the next few several minutes dodging any punches before grayish bear claws got into Psyga's jetpack.

"What the-?" Psyga looked back to see the Bear Orphnoch while said Oprhnoch tore so many circuits that Psyga lost control of his jetpack and flew off into somewhere else with no control whatsoever. Makoto then stared at the Bear Orphnoch while recomposing himself.

"Makoto Inui…" The Bear Orphnoch let out as Makoto adopted a serious face as this was one of last people he'd ever wanna meet.

"Ashrei…" Makoto said, calling him by his full name.

"Hello, old friend…how long has it been? 10 years, was it?" The Bear Orphnoch asked while Makoot just kept his serious face on.

"Tell me; did they send you or did you volunteer?" Makoto asked as he placed his Faiz Driver on.

"I was sent here but I would've volunteered in a heartbeat." The Bear Orphnoch said as he got closer to Makoto while Makoto himself got the Faiz Phone out and opened but he didn't press anything yet.

"I can understand your feelings but I don't wanna fight you." Makoto said but it seemed the Bear Orphnoch was intent on fighting.

"All evidence to the contrary…such as the fact that you've betrayed us. Betrayed me." The Bear Orphnoch said with venom in his tone.

"I didn't betray anyone, Ashrei. I was only doing what was necessary. What needed to be done. Nothing more, nothing less." Makoto explained as he tried to leave. "Now, step aside, I don't have time to deal with-."

The Bear Orphnoch just pushed him down and Makoto immediately got up along with his guard.

"These 10 years turned you soft." The Bear Orphnoch said as he readied his claws.

"I don't wanna fight you but…I will if I must." Makoto said as he typed the code into his phone and pressed Enter.

"STANDING BY!"

"I've been waiting for this." The Bear Orphnoch said as he got his claws readied while Makoto did his pose after getting his sword out and stabbing it into the ground.

"Henshin!"

Makoto then inserted the phone into the slot and into the buckle.

"COMPLETE!"

Makoto's body was surrounded in red neon lines before bright red light took place, transforming Makoto into Faiz. The Rider then did his patent flick of a wrist before pulling his sword out. The two had a staredown before charging at each other.

Meanwhile Auto Vajin was fighting Riotroopers and White Fang Members at the same time while Ruby was doing the same thing. Penny was just watching, a little confused of what to do.

"So Ruby…these aren't friends?" Penny asked.

"No, Penny! They are not-!"

Just then Psyga crash landed in between the two before getting up and Ruby immediately recognized what was around his waist.

"You again!" Ruby recognized before Psyga unstrapped himself from his jetpack and pulled out his tonfa before looking at Ruby.

"Hello, Little Riding Hood…" Psyga greeted while Penny tilted her head a bit as she was still a bit confused over who's who.

"Is he your friend, Ruby?" Penny asked as Ruby immediately shook her head.

"No, definitely not." Ruby said before she pulled out Crescent Rose before clashing her scythe with Psyga's tonfa before Psyga managed to headbutt her, putting her down on the ground. Penny looked at this scene and the glared at Psyga who was ready to fight her if need be. Penny then got in between Ruby and Psyga. "Penny, wait! Stop!" Ruby said as she tried to get up because Penny seemed defenseless.

Penny just looked back at Ruby with an assuring smile.

"Don't worry, Ruby. I'm combat ready!" Penny said before her backpack mechanically opened up and a singled folded-up sword emerged before it extended…and multiplied into several swords.

Psyga just looked at his two tonfa before looking at Penny's multiple swords. He now felt insignificant in terms of combat

"Huh…Well about that." Psyga stated as Penny then charged and cut Psyga with multiple swords. Ruby finally got up and just watched Penny fighting with an astonished expression as she never saw anyone fight like that.

Psyga was doing his best to try and dodge all of Penny's blades but she was moving them at near-inhuman speeds.

'How is a girl like this so fast!?' Psyga thought as he half-expects her to be an Orphnoch as he knows no human who could fight as efficiently as her.

Meanwhile Auto Vajin saw this fight and scanned Penny as she too caught his attention. He was scanning her before noticing Faiz having trouble with the Bear Orphnoch. Faiz noticed his robotic companion nearby and remembered one other thing he did besides making Auto sentient.

"Auto, toss me the prototype. No time for a test run!" Faiz said before the Bear Orphnoch kicked his sword out of his hand before the rider dodged a tackle.

"But master, it's too dangerous!" Auto Vajin said as he fired the machine gun on his shield on some Riotroopers.

"NOW!" Faiz insisted as he jumped over his old associate. This was no time for a debate, if the blueprints indicated the device is powerful enough, then Faiz needs it now to stand a chance.

Auto nodded before opening one of his storage compartments after throwing a White Fang onto a crate, breaking it. Auto pulled out the device and looked at it before throwing it to Faiz. Faiz got far enough from the Bear Orphnoch to catch the device and looked at it.

It was a watch that was mostly gray/silver, but it had two red lines on each end and a silver Mission Memory with a red phi symbol and the line was silver.

"Okay." Faiz took a deep breath as he just made this fairly recently and has no idea what it does. "No fear! Let's do this!"

Faiz removed the Mission Memory from the watch and removed the default one in his phone to replace it.

"COMPLETE!"

With Faiz's red lines turning silver and the eyes turning red, the Fullmetal Lungs splits apart and travels to his shoulders now acting as shoulder pads and reveals a core in the center of his chest. This is Faiz Accel Form.

Just the underneath his helmet, Makoto was being fed information about this form via HUD. Faiz then looked at the Bear Orphnoch who didn't seemed to be impressed.

"Don't think you can intimidate me, Makoto!" The Bear Orphnoch said as he charged for Faiz.

Faiz just seemed calm.

"Just do me a favor…don't blink." Faiz said before he pressed the button on the watch.

"START UP!"

Just then everything started to slow down for Faiz before he started charging at the Bear Orphnoch. He stood in front of the Bear Orphnoch before giving him a powerful uppercut and he flew up in the air. Faiz made a quick run for his sword and grabbed it before running to where he left the Bear Orphnoch and used his enhanced speed to slash the Bear Orphnoch multiple tomes before giving him one last good hit that send him flying into a warehouse.


(With Kiba and Blake)

Kiba was keeping watch while Blake was still struggling out to get out of the binds and collars before…

BOOM!

"TIME OUT!"

"What the hell?" Kiba took out his sword and went to investigate before he saw a hole in the wall. He looked down and saw the Bear Ophnoch pinned down with Faiz in his Accel form. Faiz seemed ready to finish him before…

"Kiba?" Faiz recognized and looked at the tied up Blake. He assumed that Kiba was here to rescue Blake but just then his belt blinked.

"DEFORMATION!"

Faiz reverted back to his original form.

"Oh crap." He said before the Bear Orphnoch grabbed Faiz by the leg and tossed him away. Faiz got up and looked at Kiba. "Kiba, I could really use some help here!"

The Bear Orphnoch then got Faiz before he slammed him on the ground multiple times while Kiba looked. Blake just had a serious looked on her face.

"Kiba, do something! You said it yourself that this is something the last thing you want! Prove it!" Blake urged as she knew Kiba was Makoto's only hope now.

Kiba just stared at the scene before he placed his belt on. He then took out his phone, typed in his code, and pressed Enter.

"STANDING BY!"

"Henshin."

"COMPLETE!"

Kiba then transformed into Orga before getting his sword out and charging at the fight while Blake was still struggling to get out. She then looked at the fight to see that the two Riders were fighting the Bear Orphnoch and they seemingly have the advantage.

"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" The Bear Orphnoch said as he looked at his bleeding wound, brought by the two Riders' swords. Speaking of which, Faiz and Orga charged and jabbed the Bear Orphnoch again in the chest. He stumbled back as he actually felt that. Despite seeing that he was clearly outmatched, he couldn't help but chuckle, confusing both Riders. "The other Rider…I admit, you look impressive. It's a real shame too."

The two Riders stopped as they seemed a bit confused but the Bear Orphnoch looked at Faiz. He dodged the next set of attacks before throwing Orga aside.

"So…is this really the best you had to offer…I expected more from you after 10 years. At least, not standing behind other."

The Bear Orphnoch then tightened his grip on Faiz's throat.

"You know...things would've been different had you not turn your back on us..."

The Bear Orphnoch used his free hand and channeled his power as blue flames surrounded his claw.

"I guess this is goodbye...Farewell, you-"

The Bear Orphnoch was then given a hard knee to the skull by Orga which resulted in the Bear Orphnoch being launched out of the warehouse. The Bear Orphnoch tried to get up but felt too injured to move. Two Riotroopers noticed and helped him up before leaving the scene.

Orga then looked at Faiz who was gasping for air. After a few seconds, Faiz regained his composure as he stood up and looked at Orga.

"Thanks Kiba. For a second, I thought I was-"

Just when he was thanking him, Orga gave a hard slash across Faiz's chest with his Orga Stlanzer which shocked both Faiz and Blake.

The slash did some damage as Faiz stumbled back.

"K-Kiba!? Wh-What are you doing!?" Faiz questioned.

Orga didn't respond as he charged towards Faiz. He then transformed his sword into rifle mode and fired multiple times.

Faiz tried blocking but a majority got him good on the chest before Faiz fell and struggled to get up.

"What is the meaning of this!?" Faiz shouted.

"I didn't want to have it come to this. It was the very last thing I wanted…but you left me no choice."

Orga then walked over to Blake and pointed his rifle at her head as Faiz was standing up and regaining his composure. Orga wanted time to make a ransom video to show to the others but at least one belt would be better than none.

"Hand over your belt or Blake gets it."

Blake was stunned at Orga's actions as Faiz was absolutely flabbergasted with what he was witnessing.

"Kiba, why are you doing this!?" Faiz questioned as he wants to know what influenced his friend to do something as drastic and hurtful like this.

"I'm only following orders."

"You said that before! Orders from who!?" Blake asked as she and Faiz grew very curious about that.

"That is irrelevant now. Give me the belt." Orga demanded while Faiz shook his head.

"If you think for one second that I am handing over this belt, then you are sorely mistaken."

"This is not a negotiation." Orga emphasized he pushed his gun to make his point.

Faiz got into a combat position.

"Then we're done talking…" Faiz said before quickly remembering Blake's predicament.

"I am not kidding" Orga repeated as Blake was still trying to get out. "Blake, Inui, I hope you two understand that I'm not doing this out of personal gain. I came here with a mission and I intend to finish it." Orga repeated once more.

"And what mission is that?"

"Giving this world guidance." Orga answered as both Faiz and Blake were confused at that.

"Guidance?"

"We aim to conquer this world and guide towards peace." This did not help the clarification.

"We…who's 'we'?"

"You think you guys are the only Riders? That they only came from Smart Brain technology?" Orga answered and that may have been the most straightforward answer that Faiz and Blake got from him but it still wasn't enough.

"Start talking sense, Kiba!" Faiz demanded, only making Orga sigh as he shook his head.

"I know you wouldn't understand…" Orga said.

"At least tell us why you're taking part in this!" Blake demanded, getting Orga's attention. "You owe us that much at least!"

Orga sighed once more as they did deserve that much after everything that they've been through.

"It's because I owed them my life. I've died a third time and don't intend to stay that way." Orga explained, surprising the two.

"What you mean by that? You weren't supposed to be alive?" Faiz asked and just when he asked that questions, Psyga crashed through the warehouse and ran over Faiz. Outside, Penny was about to go after him before the two Bullheads nearby targeted her, occupying her.

Back inside, Faiz got up and looked at Psyga.

"You…" Faiz got out as Pysga looked at him.

"Oh…Well look what we have here." Psyga said before looking at Orga and since they aren't pretending to fight, it could only mean one thing. "So I guess your jig is up, huh?"

"Seems that way." Orga nodded.

"Good, in that case…" Psyga then shot Orga in the back of the head, making him fall over.

"Why!?" Orga questioned as to why he's being shot in the back despite this plan to earn Dark Decade and Leo's trust.

"Your use ended." Psyga answered.

"What!?"

"What did you think Dark Decade and I talked about after you left?" Psyga asked as he then revealed what happened that led to this.


(Days ago)

"So…we're good?" Kiba asked a little nervously as he knows that Dark Decade has always been unpredictable. This pleasant conversation could just turn into Kiba's third death. "Will…that be all?"

"Yes, you're free to leave."

Kiba nodded before he left, leaving the other two Dark Riders by themselves. Leo looked at the monitor.

"What do you think?" Leo asked and Dark Decade just stared at him.

"It's only a matter of time before his memories fully return." Dark Decade answered as Kiba was one of the least evil or diabolical Riders unless he has a justified reason. His incomplete memories were the reasons. The missing memory was his reconciliation with the original Faiz that allowed him to rest in peace and reaccept his dream of coexistence. "By the looks of it, it might happen sooner than expected."

"Should we erase his memories again?"

Dark Decade thought about it before shaking his head.

"No, the same will happen and I do not wish to prolong the inevitable." Dark Decade said, not wanting to waste power on something that's going to happen again. Might as well, let it.

"So what should we do?" Leo asked as he was prepared for anything at this point.

"Dispose of him when you feel it necessary." Dark Decade ordered as Leo nodded in acknowledgement.

"As you wish…"


(Present)

"And truth be honest…I was gonna dispose of you anyways." Psyga admitted as he happily agreed to do this.

"Memories? What memories?" Orga asked as he was wondering what was so jeopardizing that it could lead to this. Orga stood up before receiving a spinning kick to the head, putting him on his back.

Psyga was about to shoot Orga before Faiz slashed the white Rider and kicked him away. Faiz was now fighting Psyga as Orga was in utter confusion. Faiz then grabbed Psyga and threw him into some crates before looking as Orga.

"Why? After everything I've done…" Orga let out as he felt a bit underserved since he just attempted to hold a girl for ransom just for three belts.

Faiz looked at him and offered a hand.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely mad at you but…you're my friend and teammate." Faiz explained, making Orga look shock underneath his helmet before he reluctantly took Faiz's hand before he was pulled up. They soon looked at the recovering Psyga.

"I'll get him, you free Blake." Faiz said before he charged at the Dark Rider while Orga went over to Blake and got onto the laptop nearby. As Orga was working, he noticed Blake staring at him.

"Going to say something or laugh sat my misfortune?" Orga said as Blake just looked at him with a sad look.

"No, I just wonder what memories were locked away."

"I don't-Arrgh!" Orga held his head in pain. That kick that Psyga did must've done more damage than he thought. Blake looked really concerned and wanted to help but she can't due to the fact that she was stuck.

"Kiba, are you okay!? Kiba!" Blake called as Orga held his head which was being filled with voices and images.

Orga just moved around as he heard several voices but there's one keyword among them; dreams.

"Dreams? Did I have a dream…?" Orga wondered. "I-I've lost my dreams…"

"Then you must find them! Your memories! Your dreams!" Blake said as she wanted to help her friend because he wasn't evil, only misguided like her when she was a part of the White Fang. She then decided to relate to Kiba and tell him to better help him. "Everyone has a dream! I have one too!" Blake yelled. "I have a dream of this world being shared peacefully with human and Faunus alike! And…perhaps with the Orphnochs too!"

That was when Orga heard himself confess the same dream.

"My dream…my dream…" Orga started as he stood up. Memories started pouring into his mind as his past life is revealed to him in full. That was when he fully remembered everything and looked at Psyga and Faiz fighting. "My dream is…"

Orga then fired his rile at Psyga, making him go on his knees.

"What the hell-!?" Psyga turned before being met with a massive punch from Orga.

"My dream is…a world that can be shared!" Orga recalled with resolution in his voice. He then transformed his rifle back into sword mode. "A world where everyone can live in peace!"

Orga then slashed Psyga.

"Humans! Orphnochs! Faunus! It doesn't matter!" Orga slashed Psyga multiple times before Psyga flew and rolled on the ground with smoke escaping from his chest. "And I won't allow this world to be destroyed by the likes of you or the other Dark Riders!"

"Damn it…should've killed you days ago." Psyga said before summoning and escaping through a Gray Mirror before it vanished,

Orga then rushed to the laptop and shut off Blake's collar. At long last, Blake was free as she finally used her Semblance, allowing her shadow clone to appear. She helped untie the real Blake before she vanished. Blake then went to the table to grab her Gambol Shroud while Orga was helping Faiz up. They soon looked at the cat Faunus.

"Now go get Torchwick." Orga said as Blake nodded.

"I will."

Blake was about to leave before…

"Blake, thank you." Orga said and Blake looked back at the black Rider before smiling at him. She then resumed going back after Torchwick. When outside, she saw Roman retreating on a Bullhead while Ruby was taking care of a downed Sun. Penny was only defeating the remainder of both forces that stayed behind.

"He's about to get away!" Blake said before Faiz looked at Auto who was nearby.

"Allow us to help." Faiz said. "Auto!"

Auto looked at them and approached them.

"Yes, Master?" Auto asked and Blake was just simply surprised as this was her first time seeing sentient Auto Vajin.

"It can talk now!?"

"It's a 'he'. Anyways, Auto, I need you to help Blake get Torchwick before he escapes." Faiz instructed before Auto nodded and transformed into his vehicle form.

"Shall we, Miss Belladonna?"

Blake nodded as she got on and drove towards the Bullhead.

"These kids just keep getting weirder!" Roman proclaimed,

Blake transformed Gambol Shroud into its gun mode and tried firing at Roman but he easily dodged the bullets.

"Please stop that man, White Fang!" Blake begged, hoping they can see reason but no one did a thing before Roman smirked as he shut the door. The Bullhead then took off into the air as Blake just reached it. It then flew out of view.

Blake just sighed but in her mind, this wasn't a complete loss. She managed to turn Kiba back to their side and genuinely too.


(Later)

The police had already arrived and Makoto, Kiba, Ruby, Blake, Sun, and Penny were sitting on boxes while Auto was just examining the police and their vehicles due to this being the first time he saw the local authorities. Blake and Kiba explained to everyone what happened and Ruby was just glad Kiba didn't go through what he did while Sun and Penny didn't know Kiba too well to make a decision. After the whole

They soon noticed Weiss, Yang, and the Setimus twins arriving on scene. Weiss, however, didn't stop as she was walking towards Blake and Ruby tried to explain everything.

"Look Weiss, it's not what you think, she explain the whole thing. See, she doesn't actually have a bow, she has kitty ears and they're actually kind of cute…"

Weiss ignored her before she and Blake were face-to-face. Blake had to deal with this and she wasn't going to run this time.

"Weiss, I want you to know that I'm not longer associated with the White Fang. Back when I was with the-." Blake started but…

"Stop! Do you have any idea of how long we've been searching for you?"

"…"

"Twelve hours. That means I've had twelve hours to think about this. And in that twelve hours, I've decided…"

Everyone looked worried as Weiss can be blunt with words especially with how she feels.

"I don't care." Weiss declared as everybody was surprised except for Tiber who just smiled. This was nothing like the Weiss from this morning.

Blake was just surprised.

"You don't care?"

"You said you're not one of them anymore, right?"

"No, I-I haven't been since I was younger-." Blake started before Weiss raised her hand between them.

"Ah-bah-bah-bah-bah. I don't want to hear it. All I want to know is that the next time something this big comes up…you'll come to your teammates. And not some…" Weiss and Blake then looked at Sun before each other. "…Someone else."

Everyone was touched by this as they see Weiss have a pleasant change of attitude. It is unknown if she still feels the same about Faunus but at least, she's subtle about it.

Blake just smiled, happy that things are going to be better between them.

"Of course." She nodded.

They just stared at each other as everything was back to normal.

"Yeah! Team RWBY is back together!" Ruby cheered as she waved her arms in joy.

Weiss looked at Sun and pointed at him.

"I'm still not quite sure about how I feel about you." Weiss said, making Sun laugh nervously.

Makoto then looked at Kiba with a smile.

"And MYTE's back too…" Makoto said, surprising and slightly confusing WY and TE.

"I'll explain later." Kiba said before Makoto looked at Auto.

"Auto, I'm taking you back to Hal's." Makoto said before Ruby looked around.

"Hey, wait a minute…where's Penny?" Ruby wondered.

Unknown to them, Penny was watching this from the window a limo nearby.

"You should know better than to go running around in a strange city." The driver scolded while Penny just looked sad.

"I know, sir."

"Penny, your time will come." The driver said as he drove off. Meanwhile, Makoto and Auto made off while Ruby decided to go with them because she can tell something is bothering Makoto and it wasn't about Kiba.


(Later at Beacon)

Kiba was sitting on the roof to get some fresh air after he just finished explaining to the others. The Setimus twins and Yang did the same thing that Makoto did, they just simply did one free punch each which Kiba felt which was the least he thought he deserved. They then forgave him. Weiss just scolded at him for a good while. Kiba then heard someone nearby and turned to see that it was Blake.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be sleeping?" Kiba asked, considering that today has been one hell of a night. Sleep would be the best thing to have now.

"I was doing to but I thought I'd come up here to clear my mind." Blake answered, using the same reason as Kiba's.

"Did you know I was here?" Kiba asked, thinking that Blake would talk about what happened.

"This is just a coincidence…but since you're here, there's some stuff I'd like to talk to you about." Blake said.

"Such as?"

"I really appreciated what you did today." Blake responded.

"I should've known I was being used from the start. At least you served with the White Fang willingly for a time, at least." Kiba said, looking at his dark coat. A part of him wanted to get rid of this since it was just a horrible reminder of being a former Dark Rider but he didn't have any other clothes. "Everything from the start was a trick by my old boss. I want nothing to do with him."

"Who is your former boss?" Blake asked.

"Dark Decade and it's not who he is, but WHAT he is." Kiba clarified with some fear in his voice but he didn't regret betraying him.

"What?"

"It's hard to explain but he…is no enemy you want to fight. If someone were to ask me if I'd rather fight 1000 Grimm Orphnochs by myself or Dark Decade…I would fight the 1000 Grimm Orphnochs because I have a better chance." Kiba explained, surprising Blake with the fact that there could be someone that powerful and dangerous out there.

"Is he truly that powerful?"

"Powerful enough to travel different dimensions." Kiba said, shocking Blake a bit.

"What?" Blake got out before Kiba sighed and decided to talk for a bit.

"I trust that you won't say a word about this to anyone else?" Kiba asked, making Blake worry a bit but she did nod before Kiba started explaining everything. The different worlds, the Dark Riders, and Dark Decade. To say that that they were unbelievable was an understatement but granted what Blake witnessed today, she would be willing to believe it.

"That's…remarkable." Blake let out as this was a lot of information to take in.

"I know."

"So…if your coat is a uniform of the Dark Riders, then why do you still have it?" Blake asked, wondering the same thing Kiba did.

"These things can be useful." Kiba explained. "Plus, I don't have the time for a wardrobe change."

Blake then thought back to another thing that Kiba said.

"Different dimensions…so the multiverse theory is true?" Blake asked and Kiba nodded.

"That is correct, each one has their own unique Rider and right now Dark Decade is trying to influence them by planting his Dark Riders in each one." Kiba explained as Blake looked up in the stars and wondered about each of those worlds.

"Is there anything we can do to stop him?"

"He's not our concern or at least, not now. Psyga, Smart Brain, Roman, and the White Fang are out main concerns." Kiba explained.

"What about you?"

Kiba sighed.

"I'm an official traitor to Dark Decade now. He'll probably want my head on a pike. I'm lucky that I have teammates-No, I have a family." Kiba said as he remembered how everyone accepted him back despite the initial tensions regarding what happened.

Blake smiled at this. She loves how Kiba now knows not to take what he has now for granted just like she does.

"I'm happy that you feel that way now." Blake said before Kiba looked back at Blake with a smile.

"Thanks, what about you? You and the others are going to be okay now?" Kiba asked, wanting to be sure what he saw at the docks wasn't for show.

"Yeah, I think we are." Blake said as she touched her bow and it twitched a little in response.

"Good for you." Kiba said and with that, there was nothing else to say but enjoy the atmosphere.

Blake smiled before the two resumed watching the stars. After what seemed to be a while, Kiba felt Blake's head on his shoulder.

"Blake?" Kiba looked at Blake to see that she was having a hard time keeping her eyes open.

"Sorry…I just…feel really sleepy…zzz..zzz…"

Kiba merely smiled as he found Blake's sleeping face to be quite cute. He then picks her up bridal style as he carries her back to the RWBY dorm.

On the way back, Blake managed to open her eyes and saw the position that she was in.

Kiba didn't notice that Blake was awake yet but Blake didn't say anything and quickly shut her eyes. Kiba then quietly opened the dorm as he found WY sleeping. Kiba successfully got Blake in her bed as he tucked her in. At the same time, Blake, who was now pretending to sleep, was surprised at Kiba's actions.

"Goodnight, Blake." Kiba whispered before doing something Blake didn't expect; he kissed her forehead. "Thanks for making me believe again."

Kiba then quietly left without disturbing WY. Blake then opened her eyes as she blushed over what just transpired.

'Kiba…'


(With Makoto and Ruby)

The two were walking back to the air docks to head back to Beacon after dropping off Auto Vajin and having dinner with Hal and Naoya. And despite pleasantries, Ruby still sees that Makoto was sad about something.

As they were walking, Ruby just stopped in her tracks, getting Makoto's attention.

"Hey Ruby, is something wrong?" Makoto asked as he looked at her.

"That's a question…I should've asked you!" Ruby said as she pointed at him. As she had enough of this, she wanted to wait for him to tell her but clearly that wasn't the case.

"What…?"

"You've been acting sad ever since what happened, despite Blake and Kiba being true to us. I just want to know what's gotten you like this." Ruby said and Makoto just looked the other way with his head down.

"It's complicated." Makoto replied, frustrating Ruby a little.

"Kiba working for some dark group and Blake being a White Fang member, I don't think things can get more complicated." Ruby explained. "Please Makoto, you can trust me. You know that."

"…I fought a friend today." Makoto said, making Ruby feel sad and a little bad about pushing him like this.

"Oh Makoto…" Ruby turned him around and gave Makoto a good hug. Makoto didn't move at first but he responded by giving her a hug back. It felt like he was holding onto her for dear life. They soon looked at each other's face to see that Makoto was slightly tearing up so Ruby wiped his face while they were in each other's embrace. "Fighting Kiba must've been hard."

"It's not about Kiba." Makoto replied and Ruby seemed confused.

"The Bear Orphnoch, his name is Ashrei and he's part of Smart Brain's Lucky Clover, an elite group of Orphnochs." Makoto explained and Ruby's eyes widened as to realizing who Makoto was referring to. But the weirdest part is that…

"How did you become best friends with him?" Ruby asked and Makoto took a deep breath.

"Because…he and I were in the same training program. I was supposed to be a Lucky Clover member." Makoto revealed, shocking Ruby.


(At Smart Brain HQ)

In the labs, there was a table and on it was a dark gray belt that looked very similar to other Rider Gears and next to it was a phone that had the Epsilon symbol on it.

The CEO entered the room and took the belt.

"Fine…I'll deal with this myself." The CEO said with a sinister smile as he placed on the belt.


AN: And there it is guys, the final for Volume 1 of RWBY: Enter 555. This is by far the longest chapter which is also why it took so long to publish. I also have a couple things to announce. One, regarding this story, there will be a special arc to bridge between this and Volume 2 so don't expect me to go straight to Volume 2 just yet. Second, I'm considering making an anthology of all my stories. It won't be up on this site thought, it'll be on my DeviantArt page under the name, "xXAgentWashingtonXx" so keep an eye out for that.

One more thing, I want to get out. It has occurred to me that a guest reviewer, "SonicHeroXD" has been trolling this site and bashing people's other stories. What annoys me is that the REAL SonicHeroXD, who has an actual account here, is practically being framed for it. I want to set the record straight by saying that the guest reviewer and the account here are two different people with the guest reviewer being the imposter. If you ever get a guest review from the imposter, I would advise deleting it as soon as possible. The REAL SonicHeroXD is a good friend of mine and even helped me come up with that cute scene between Blake and Kiba so I'm taking this personal. If you do not believe me, go to SonicHeroXD's profile here on this site and check out his Apologies announcement to see his side of the story.

So, you guys know the drill. Be sure to review or message me with questions or comments regarding the story. And don't be afraid to check out my other stories as well. Alright, I'm done, goodnight.