A/N: What is up everyone! I am here with the 28th chapter of OOO! I am so excited for the release of Volume 4 of RWBY that is coming out in 12 days! Also, I would like to announce that I will be making a Kamen Rider Ex-Aid x Hyperdimension Neptunia story soon. If you wanna know, check out my profile for more details. Along with that, Chapter 8 of Chalice: The Wild Card Chronicles (Kamen Rider Blade x High School DxD) will be released very soon. Remember, I will be following not only the RWBY episodes with some additions but also the OOO series (The Greeed, meeting Ankh, introducing Kougami, etc.)
Don't forget to check out my other stories as well.
Henshin!
Third Person View
'Thought'
Greeed/Yummies
Another day went on with Beacon, though today seems to be a really bad one…. Not only due to the fact that Enrique got a new deadly power, but Ozpin, Glynda, and Ironwoods have heard about it. And speaking of the General, he seemed to be demanding something from Ozpin, and it wasn't good.
"You have to hand him over, Ozpin," Ironwood demanded. He was told about the incident a few days ago, and hearing how the Cores inside the young Rider actually turned him into an invincible, berserk warrior.
"You know much as I do James that it isn't necessary for this,"
"It is necessary for the safety of the people." Ironwoods said, "He needs to be quarantined."
"He wouldn't harm anyone as long as he remains close to his friends," Ozpin denied.
"You do not know that, Ozpin. A young adult he may be but he can't control it. If he was able to, he wouldn't let this happen."
"It's not his fault, James." Glynda frowned.
"He still needed to see this coming. One reason why he'll be accompanying me to Atlas."
"You are not taking him away," The two headmasters turn to see Ankh with a frown that showed he was beyond pissed.
"He is now a danger to this city. In fact, with that kind of power, he could destroy everything. He either comes with me now, or I get the council involved." Ironwoods demanded.
They swore they saw his right wing form behind him as a small amount of heat emits from him. "He is no danger unlike the other Greeed. After all… kitty cat is the only one who calms him, stopping that damn Combo that Gara placed in him."
"It was just a lucky coincidence. He needs to be examined so those dangerous Cores can be removed." Ironwoods said, "He is nothing but a security risk and needs to be stopped."
"You know what I think about you, general?" Ankh asked. "You are nothing but a man who cares about 'safety', not caring about an individual's choice of what they want to do. All you care about is having more power just to protect people but to me, it's nothing but bullshit."
"Now see here-"
"No, you see here, Ironwood," Ankh growled, his Greeed arm present as he pointed at him. "There will always be a force stronger than your military. No matter what, there will always be something stronger than you might expect. Enrique may be an idiot…" he swallowed a lump in his thrust as he was about to hate himself for saying this, "but he is my pupil and charge."
"And what makes you think you have any authority over me?" Ironwood asked, "You're just as dangerous as those Greeed…"
"So what? That doesn't mean I can still kick your ass." He scoffed.
"Threats won't work, 'Ankh', not today." He turns to Ozpin, "I expect a decision later today, otherwise he will be coming with me. You know as well as I do, that this is the best for the safety of the people."
"You take him away, I won't hesitate to prevent it," Ankh threatened. "Subtle threats from you doesn't intimidate me."
"If you do, you'll be in the same situation as him, monster…." Ironwoods said, walking out of the room.
Glynda groaned, "What are we going to do? When he is like this, he will get his way one way or another…"
"Smug bastard is ignorant, arrogant to know that my charge won't lost complete control," Ankh scoffed.
"What do you mean?"
"Kitty cat seems to be the soother to those Cores, preventing him from losing further control," the red Greeed said.
"And as long as she is with him, I'm positive they won't activate.." Ozpin nodded.
"But James won't allow this," Glynda pointed out.
"I have something…" they looked at Ankh. "I am gonna hate myself for doing this… I am gonna see how deep Kougami's pockets are to stop this from occurring."
"Just please, do your best to help him Ankh." Glynda asked, "Spite what you say or think, we all can agree that him being here is for the best."
"Whatever…"
Remnants of Desires
Chapter 28: The Choice, Lost Bird, Revelations
The sun rises into the room, beating on my face as I slowly wake up. I blinked as I smiled softly, turning to my side to see a sleeping Blake. Heh, I forgot, we kissed and now a couple. I… I never thought that this would happen with me being in this world.
This was new to me… after we both told our feelings a couple of days ago, we have been spending as much time as possible. And… I couldn't be happier than ever after all that happened to me.
Blake hummed, nuzzling into my chest as she opened her eyes slowly and smiles, "Morning Enrique…" She said, a soft purr being heard.
"Morning Blake." I smiled at her, "Have a nice dream?"
She giggled softly, kissing me gently as she pulled back, "Yeah… And now I know it wasn't just a dream…."
I smiled softly before we sat up from the bed as I yawned slightly. I was the first to get out of the bed before looking at the top bunk, and the surprising thing was that he wasn't there. Usually he is still asleep at this time of day. Looking out the window, I was left in my thoughts about Ankh.
A jerk he may be but if it wasn't for him… I wouldn't have been able to learn so much about fighting, even surviving in this world when I first arrived here. To be honest, I know he wouldn't turn his back on us, it was a feeling that he would continue to help.
He is great mentor too… even if he is a jerk.
I blinked when I saw small white feathers flowing in the wind. Those were the same feathers that Ankh's arm often has.
"Is everything okay, Enrique?" Blake asked, causing me to snap out of my short trance.
"Huh?" I blinked. "Uh, yeah I'm okay."
"Is it about those… Medals…?" She asked worriedly. She was worried about me whenever the others ask how I feel or mentioning those Purple Cores. It was one of those topics I didn't want to talk about ever since that day the Full Combo showed up.
"It's not that…" I assured. "Just thinking is all."
"Are you sure…?"
"I'm sure, Blake." I smiled. "Besides, right now I just have to focus on today, not… those things…"
"Alright then." She said, kissing my cheek, "We better hurry and get ready for class."
"Oh right," I realized before I grabbed my uniform and went to the bathroom while Blake went back to her team dorm to get ready as well.
Once I was done, I walked out wearing the academy uniform, adjusting the tie a bit before exiting my dorm. Outside, Blake stood there waiting, a soft smile on her face as she wraps her arms around mine. Smiling softly we then begin to make our way to our classes, though… I can't shake this feeling that we're being watched….
Ignoring that thought, the both of us made our way to the classroom.
Inside the class, the rest of the team was there. Yang turns and gains a devious grin, "About time the happy couple came in. We were wondering if you two also secretly about to do-"
"Don't even dare say that…" Blake glared, a blush on her face as Yang whistles away.
"Whatever you say," The blonde shrugged, "Say, where's Ankh anyway? Doesn't he come in with Goodwitch to help out with class?"
"I don't know, he wasn't at my dorm when I woke up," I answered.
"You think it is about what happened with the Bird Yummy…?" Ruby asked, shivering slightly upon the memory of what the Yummy did.
"I… I don't know… but I'm sure there is a reason why he is not here right now. Besides you all know how he is."
"Other than being a stuck up jerk? Yeah." Weiss agreed.
"Regardless, we should keep our guards up." Pyrrha said, as the rest of JNPR sits down next to us. "We also have to worry about… him."
I turned away slightly as I held my arms, feeling the slight trembling of the memory, remember who she was mentioning. Gara. The man who not only turned himself into a monster but was the one who made those five Purple Cores enter me as its vessel, causing me to lose control in the PuToTyra armor.
The doors then open as none other than Pro- I mean… Doctor Oobleck walked in with his papers and coffee. He sat it down before he chugged it down. A heavy sigh escaping his person before he begins to pour another large cup of it. Seriously, how come he hasn't crashed yet from that much caffeine?
"Alright, class. Today we are going to do a study on the advancements of technology and the cultures of each kingdom." Oobleck stated, drawing a precise map of Remnant on the board in mere seconds.
Just another day for us in his class.
After a couple of hours, the bell rang as we all got up and the students made our way out. When I got up from my seat, I looked at Oobleck who seems to be examining something. Curious as I was, I approaching the Doctor. "Doctor Oobleck, what are you looking at?" I asked, curious.
"Oh Mr. Alderete. I was examining this fine feather I discovered," he presented… a familiar red feather. "I have never seen such interesting feather have this design. At the dull end, you can see the small curls it has, even more this feather feels warm, never losing its temperature."
I looked closely at the feather, I squinted to get a better look, but oddly enough… It looked… familiar. I don't know where I've seen it before, but… wait a minute…
I reached in my pocket before presenting Oobleck the red feather I found when I was finding Ruby. "I have one as well" I stated.
Before I knew it, the feather was out of my grasp, Oobleck looking at it. How did he even get it that quick?
"Amazing! Simply amazing!" He turned to me, "Where did you find this?"
"I found it by the park, not too far off the shopping district."
"Amazing! It could be a whole new species of bird, or maybe even a new Grimm? I must find out right now!" He said, speeding off to the shopping district. I reached my hand out before I slumped, letting out a sigh. Still, that feather… why does it feel so familiar? Shaking my head, I walked out of the classroom to meet up with the others at the cafeteria.
"Enrique! Over here!" Nora waved, a slab of meat in her hand that she waved.
I sweatdropped before approaching the table and sat down with the two teams. "Where have you been?" Jaune asked.
"Well I stayed in class for a bit since Oobleck recently found a red feather, similar to the one the day we fought the Bird Yummy" I answered.
"Really? Think there could be a new bird around Vale?" Ren questioned. "Do u still have the feather?"
I reached in my pocket and presented it to them. "It must be a big bird for a feather like that." Yang commented.
"Yeah but…feel the temperature." I handed it to the blonde. "After a few weeks, it is still warm."
Yang felt it, surprised. "Wow, he isn't kidding." She looked at Weiss, "Hey Ice Queen, you touch this feather." She handed it to Weiss.
"Why would I want to touch it?" She asked.
"Uh, because you know the cold feeling," The blonde teased.
She glared at the busty blonde before grabbing hold of the feather. When she did, she stared at it surprisingly. "It's… it's warm…" she got out, gently brushing her fingers against the bristle of the feather. She seems to be mesmerized by it.
Only… it was stopped when a familiar hand took it away, that person being Ankh who snatched it out of her hand.
"I suggest you all forget you saw this…" He glared at them tossing it into the trash near by.
"Hey! I wanted to feel it too!" Nora huffed.
"No," Ankh warned. "You are to never mention, see, or speak of that feather."
"Why not? Oobleck has one too you know?" I responded.
"What?! That caffeine addict has one?!" He growled. "Where is he!?"
"Uh… The shopping-" And like that Ankh raced off, and what looked to be a fire trail of anger followed after him.
"Wonder what that was all about?" Blake blinked.
"Maybe since he's a bird, it offends him seeing people treat them like they were objects." Ren pointed out.
"Wait…" I realized. "Red feathers… you guys, remember Ankh's arm is red? Even more being a Bird? You saw how he looked at the feather, it was like he saw a ghost."
"You think whoever made….. The Bird Yummy is trying to get to him?" Ruby asked.
"Don't know…" I muttered.
Ruby looked at us for a moment before she placed her hands on the table. "All in favor of heading to the shopping district to see what Ankh knows? Say Aye!" She announced.
"That's a bad idea Ru-" I started until Yang spoke up.
"Count me in! I wanna know what Ankh is not telling us about that feather," She volunteered.
"It would be nice to see what he's keeping away from us…" Weiss was in agreement.
"AS are we!" Nora shouted, Ren trying to pull her down as Jaune and Pyrrha facepalm at her adding them into this too.
I sighed in defeat, "Fine... I guess I'll tag along too…"
"Then let's get going!" Ruby cheered.
All nine of us made our way to the shopping district of Vale as we began our search for Ankh. Since I remembered the park, I told my friends about it and so we made our way there, only to see Ankh has he was gathering some feathers that he found, preventing Oobleck from grabbing them.
"These feathers are gonna be thrown away! I am not letting you humans see them!" Ankh said to the doctor.
"But these are a remarkable discovery! They must be studied to figure out where they came from?" Oobleck argued.
"Never!"
We rushed up to Ankh, "Ankh, just what is with you? What is it you know about those feathers?" I asked.
"Like you would care," he argued.
"Ankh, look, just what is your connection between you and those feathers?" I asked once more.
"Just mind your own business!" He shouted at us. "You are never to speak of this or I will wring your ne-" he suddenly stopped as if he sensed something.
"Ankh?" I asked until I suddenly felt something as if… the Purple Cores detect another source of Core Medals… How…?
Ankh looked around frantically, making us confused while I held my head from the feeling.
Suddenly he slowly looked behind him, the rest of us following his line of sight, greeted with something that surprised all of us.
Perched on the tree was a bird-like creature. Its head looked like someone had slipped a falcon's head over its own for a helmet with a green visor in its mouth. On the right side of its head was what seemed to be like orange hair covering the bird's eye like it was stylized. Under the bird's beak was an orange-skinned mouth, probably the only thing about it that seemed remotely human. The creature wore a red vest which covered most of its torso while its legs looked like proper leggings, albeit with bird-like feet coming out at the bottom. However, his right arm and the right half of his head was purple, like it was missing something.
"Is that…?" Blake got out, shock upon seeing the Greeed in front of us.
"A Greeed….." I responded.
"Che, and just when I thought I could get away with this, without you being here….." Ankh growled.
"Wait it is like a bird!" Ruby noticed before we along with Oobleck looked at Ankh. "Ankh that's…"
"My real body, what do you think you idiots?" He growled. "The feathers were from my real body!"
"Then why is your real body…"
"I don't know okay!?" He snapped before we heard the other bird Greeed giggle like a child.
"I'm… I don't know…" It said, looking at his purple arm, his voice was that to a child. It looked at us before seeing the arm on Ankh. "I'm missing…"
It slowly jumped off the branch, the right wing allow by it to land. It stumbled a bit upon landing before looking at us.
"Me," The red Greeed pointed at Ankh's Greeed arm. "I'm missing me."
"Ankh? What does he mean?" Ruby turned to him.
Ankh growled until the other Bird Greeed slowly raised its arm at Ankh. "I want... me…" an energy ripple formed in its arm before Ankh's eyes widen as he suddenly did the same, as if he was challenging the Bird Greeed in front of us.
We watched as the energy was fusing as if Ankh was trying to regain what was his. Suddenly, cell medals were escaping his arm and into the other Bird Greeed to our shock, as I suddenly remember what was going on!
Ankh is being disconnected from his host!
"Ankh!" I shouted before I rushed up to him and shoved him away from the energy rippled.
The other Bird Greeed stumbled as it reeled back. It was like the way it was acting, it was like it is a baby bird, flying aimlessly to wherever the wind takes it to.
"My... Cores…. You disappear…." It said, taking a few steps towards us. "I… I want me back…"
Ankh held his Greeed arm in pain due to the loss of cell medals while myself and the rest of us looked at the Lost Bird. "Fight it…" I turned back to realize Ankh was the one who said it.
"Just fight it and get my real body back! NOW!" He demanded.
"But-"
"NOW!" He barked angrily. We never saw Ankh display this much level of anger at us.
"Right…. Let's go guys!" I shouted to them. The others nodded as Yang and Ruby began to fire upon the other Greeed. Blake and Ren tried to get close, only to be smacked away as Pyrrha, Nora and Weiss shot as well.
Even for something that seemed, well Lost and confused, it knew how to fight. The other Bird Greeed was about to unleash a fire ball, only for Weiss to cast her glyph to freeze it.
"It's… what is it…?" It muttered before the ice melting from the heat it was emitting. "It… went away…?"
It stared at its arm a little more before blocking Ren's kick. Birds were considered agile in some cases, and seeing this, it is an agile fighter.
"We need a new strategy!" Ruby turned to me, "Enrique, you need to use OOO!"
"What?! I-I can't Ruby!" I refuted as I avoided the lost Bird's attack. "I told you guys… I can't… I don't want to end up in the armor again."
"But you need to fight! If we don't Ankh will…." She turned to the struggling Greeed.
I frantically shake my head, "I can't, I can't!" I shouted, blocking the lost one's attack with the Medajalibur.
"If you w-won't fight… then leave!" Ankh growled at me.
"I'm not gonna leave my friends behind, Ankh!" I argued as Yang delivered a few punches to the lost one, the latter dodging a few.
"I… I can see where it is…" It said to Yang, managing to block a punch to its face. "Don't… be mean… I want… me…"
"Just shut up!" Yang replied, smacking it with her free fist. It was sent to a tree and impacted it. It shook its head for a moment as it saw us ready to continue to fight.
"I'm… I don't know… do you know…?" It asked, confusing us. "Where is… me? Who am I?"
"You're nothing but a ghost! A fake!" Ankh shouted to it.
"I'm…" It started until he slowly stood up. It wanted to repeat more until it shook its head and unleashed a fireball at us. Weiss quickly raised a glyph to block the attack, forming smoke.
When it died down, the lost bird wasn't here. "It got away," I muttered before we looked back at Ankh.
"Alright Birdman, spill it." Yang frowned. "What happened really? What happened 800 years ago of that body of yours?"
"I…. don't know….." He replied softly.
"You don't know? You have to know something!" Weiss asked.
"All I know is that when the damn Multi-King scanned all the Core Medals from each of us Greeed, he caused himself to be a seal for us. I tried to get back my Cores, only for my arm to get dragged into the tomb."
"Hold up! You mean you, as an arm, were trapped in the tomb while your real body was still around?"
He growled in annoyance, turning away from us before standing up and walking off, presumably towards the other Ankh.
"Hold up! Where do you think you're going?" Yang crossed her arms.
"I'm getting my body back….." He growled. "It holds the rest of my Cores."
"But Ankh, you're injured and you lost cell medals to be able to fight." I pointed out, worried.
"Mr. Alderete is right," Oobleck nodded. "You look to be in no condition of fighting for the moment being."
"That's my body out there! My Core Medals! I have to get back what is rightfully mine!"
"Even if you could lose?" Ruby asked, worried.
Ankh growled, turning his head away.
"Ankh… what happens if one of you do succeed in getting back the real form?" I asked.
"The weaker one is wiped out for good, there existence… will vanish." He answered lowly.
"But if you go after it, you'll… you'll die!" Ruby said, worried as some tears form in her eyes.
"Like it matters to all of you! I am a Greeed! We feel nothing!" He showed his Greeed arm. "The only reason of these is because of this stupid body of a human!"
*POW!*
The others gasped upon seeing myself punch Ankh in the face. I gritted my teeth as I stare at Ankh. "You don't have nothing Ankh! I know what it is like to have nothing! Just look in front of you for Pete sake!" I yelled. "You have us to be there to help you! Even Sara!"
The Bird Greeed's eyes were filled with rage as he grabbed my neck with his Greeed arm, causing me to gasp for air. He stared at me in anger before what felt like forever he shoved me to the ground as I cough for air with Ankh looking down at me in anger.
"Just shut up…" he replied before leaving towards Beacon.
Blake kneeled down, helping me up as she frowned, "Just…. Give him some time…. Okay?" She said softly to me.
I looked at Blake before I slowly nodded. "Okay…"
We made it back to Beacon as I rubbed my neck from the grip Ankh performed. It hurt like hell too… "What should we call that other Bird Greeed anyway?" Pyrrha asked.
"He did sound lost… confused to who 'he' is," Weiss noted, crossing her arms.
"Lost Ankh?" Jaune questioned.
We all blinked upon his suggestion.
"That is Ankh's real body…"
"And he sounded lost…"
"Then that declares the name for it," Oobleck concluded. "Now if you all excuse me, I have matters to attend to!" He sped off.
"Ever wonder just how much coffee he drinks?" I asked my friends.
"Too much…" They all said in unison. I chuckled before we all laughed. It's always one of those times to have a good laugh once in awhile, this being one of those times.
"Let's call it a day and relax for now," Ruby decided. "I'm sure by tomorrow we will find out where that lost birdie went."
"Actually, Enrique won't be joining you all." We all turn to see Ironwood's with a few Atlas soldiers and robots as they begin to approach us.
"W-What's going on?" Ruby asked nervously. "We didn't do anything wrong."
"I know." He turned to me, "Enrique, the council has decided that due to your new power, you are a danger to everyone in Remnant. And until those Medals are gone, you'll have to come with me to Atlas."
"What?" I got out. "I-I can't."
"Enrique is not a danger!" Yang growled. "He won't hurt anyone like before!"
He turned to her, "and how do you kids know? He said so himself, that should he use that armor he would lose control. Due to that, it is obvious he doesn't have enough will to take control." He argued, "And it is my mission to protect Vale and Beacon. And should any of you resist…" The soldiers and robots pointed their weapons at us, "You'll not only be expelled from the Festival, but in jail for disrupting a task sent forward by the council. And you will be in jail… And even Schnee's name wouldn't be able to stop it…" he turned to Weiss after that last bit before back to me.
"I won't use the O-Driver! That is the only reason why that armor shows up!" I argued. "If I don't use it then it won't appear again! Why don't you understand that I won't hurt anyone as long as I don't use that belt!"
"I'm sorry, but this is the order of the council." He turned to his soldiers, "Take him…"
My friends suddenly got in front of me, their arms out. "You guys…"
"He is no a monster!" Blake growled.
"Enrique is a good person! I know he won't hurt anyone again!" Ruby continued. "We care about our friends. Sure the tournament is one thing but friends are more important than that!"
"I don't care what you say, he is our friend and I will protect him!" Weiss added on.
"He helped so many of us out, he isn't what you think!" Pyrrha denied.
"He saved me, he saved so many other students from the Greeed, can't you let this pass?" Jaune argued.
"Come near him, and I'll break your legs!" Nora beamed.
"She will… Please heed our advice…." Ren sighed.
Ironwoods looked at them, surprised and somewhat proud of what they stood for… But the order has been issued. "Take them all then…." He sighed sadly.
The two teams and I flinched until the sound of a bullhead was heard, making us look back to see one with the Kougami Foundation Logo. When it landed, the doors opened up to reveal a few RideVendor soldiers who glare at the Atlas soldiers with Felix leading the RideVendors but next to him was Ms. Haven and none other than Kougami himself.
"Oh Ironwood, it has been quite a while," he smiled.
"Kogami. What brings you here?" He asked the elder man.
Kougami smile grew, before handing Ironwood a paper. Ironwood raised an eyebrow before looking at it until we saw him clench the edges a bit. "He will be watched over by one of our trusted RideVendor Soldiers."
"Who…?"
"Yo!" We turned around to see Akira with a smile. "So… who do I watch over again?"
Ironwood did not look happy knowing that Akira is the one who helps us along with being a family friend to Ruby and Yang. "How did you know about this Kougami?" Ironwood asked, holding back anger.
"Oh… a little birdie told me."
He growled, "You know by doing this, the council will be making a much harsher rule for him…." He scoffed, walking off with his men, leaving all of us sighing softly with relief.
We all looked at Kougami, "Don't worry children! It will be handled! After all two members of the council are old friends of mine. I'm sure they will… 'look the other way' if you say." He smiled.
"So this 'little birdie' who is it?"
Kougami pointed at a tree, making us look to see Ankh eating his ice cream. "He told me. I can't let one of my amazing contracts go away."
I smiled before looking at Ankh, "Thanks Kougami." I thanked.
"SUBARASHI!" He then went back into the bullhead with the soldiers following along with Felix and Ms. Haven before departing.
"Man, Kougami must have a lot of connections…" Yang commented before we approached Ankh.
"What is it you brats want?" He asked before eating his treat.
"Just wanted to say…." I started before lowering my head and smiling softly at an idea, "That would you like to go get some ice cream with us?"
He finished off with his treat before tossing it to Nora's head who was completely oblivious to it. The Bird Greeed jumped down from the tree before he stared at me. "Whatever…" he scoffed.
"That's a yes then?" Yang smirked.
"Don't say it," he warned.
After that little 'fiasco' we all went to the ice cream parlor and when we entered the building, the employee took notice of Ankh. "Ah, Ankh! Good to see you again! I take it the usual?" The employee smiled before noticing the rest of us.
"Actually…." He muttered, "I…. would like to not only treat these kids… But… your...special…" He said softly.
The employee nodded as they began to work.
"It sounds like you come here often, Ankh," Weiss commented.
"Oh! Oh! I think it's because he-" Ankh stopped Ruby, giving her a glare. "Never mind…"
"Here you go." He handed Ankh a large ice cream bowl, on it was several peanuts, crushed up and scattered around it. It had some bananas, strawberries, and red syrup around it too… It kind looked like an ice cream resembling Ankh. "So, what do you kids want?"
"Hmm… Cookie dough ice cream!" Ruby beamed.
"I'll take mint," Weiss answered.
"Give me the banana sundae." Yang smiled.
"Red Velvet." Pyrrha smiled.
"Vanilia." Jaune added.
"Strawberry!" Nora beamed.
"Chocolate." Ren smiled, "You traitor…" Nora huffed at him.
"I'll have blackberry…." Blake said, turning to me.
"Hmm… well I would like to have vanilla along with blackberry as well" I answered.
"Alright, take your seats kids and I'll have to you soon." The owner smiled, getting to work on it.
"Aw, ain't that precious? To have the same flavor as your girlfriend." Yang teased us.
I flustered as I turn away from her. "I sometimes get that flavor back home…" I admitted. "Sometimes I try other flavors of ice creams when I was little."
"You can't fool me." Yang smirked, rubbing my arm with her knuckle playfully, "You just wanted to get the same flavor as Blake, why else would you wait last?" She smirked.
I used my jacket to hide the blush on my face, making Yang laugh. "Oh how fun it is to tease." She said, poking me.
"I-It's not funny," I stuttered.
"Come on…" Blake said, taking my arm as she dragged me away from Yang, glaring at her.
Blake dragged me to the corner part of the ice cream parlor as we sat at our own table while the others took their own tables as well as teams.
"I hate it when Yang does that…" I sighed before my eyes met with my dog tag locket once again. I slowly placed my hand on it before pressing the switch, opening it to reveal the old family photo when I was little… before it all happened. My eyes soften as I stare at the image.
"Hey…" Blake placed her hand on me and smiled, "Everything will be okay…"
I slowly nodded before closing it. "R-Right… sorry… just old memories…"
"Of your family?"
"Yeah.." I admitted. "It will be 6 years since I lost my mom and sister and 9 years after my father died…" I lowered my head. "Even more, my birthday…"
Blake hugged me softly, "I'm sure they would be proud of you…." She said softly before we both heard some 'Aw's' from Yang and Nora. We turned to see them giggling away at us.
It was a little annoying to be quite honest, making Blake glare at the two. They stopped and whistled before the owner started bringing our orders to us. Ankh was first of course, and in the end, me and Blake were last as everyone began to eat it happily.
I grabbed the spoon and grabbed a spoonful of the ice cream, savoring the taste as I smiled upon the familiar feeling of old memories of how my family would take me and Marie to an ice cream parlor.
"E-Enrique?" Blake called to me softly.
I got out of my trance before looking st Blake. "What's wrong?"
A light blush on her face forms as she holds up a spoon of her ice cream, looking at me, as she raises it to me. I blinked in confusion until I realized what she was trying to do. She is trying to feed me some ice cream.
"S-Say… 'ahh'..." She said softly, not wanting the others to hear or see this.
"A-Ahh.." I responded, opening my mouth much to my embarrassment. I chew the ice cream slightly as it melts before swallowing it.
She still had a blush on her face, as if she wanted to try that out for awhile before turning back, luckily enough no one took notice of it as she sighed softly. "S-Sorry… I… kinda wanted to.. Always try that out…." She admitted.
"O-Oh…" I noted as I went back to eating my treat. "Its okay." I assured nervously.
She smiles softly, eating her ice cream again as she sits a bit closer. And in the end, after our treats, we head out, Blake though hand in hand with mine.
The now dubbed Lost Ankh was on a rooftop staring down at the citizens below. It was kicking its legs again upon seeing the people below.
Despite his… loss of getting back… 'himself, he was learning. It looked at its arm once more, recalling how the one with 'him' somehow used a human form. He remembered how people scream when they see 'monsters'.
Even more so the reactions from his other half and those kids he was with. Their looks of confusion and terror made the child Greeed confused.
Maybe like the other one, he could try and look human to what those people are called.
He stared down at the humans seeing each one looking different than the other. Some didn't look right for him.
"Mommy! Can we go see Beacon later?" Lost Ankh looked to the right as a young boy with red hair was being carried by two of it's parents happily. It tilted its head upon watching the child.
It kinda reminds him of himself… a child minded being. It watched more until it made its choice. Coins shaped it's body before assuming the form is saw, only difference was that the left eye was red and the other purple and the clothes were white and gold, with a single long sleeve that was purple.
It blinked as it looked over it's new body, being that of a child. Once ready it jumped off as it landed in the alley near by. It began to walk out, and surprising the confused Greeed, no one was running, screaming or afraid. Everyone looked normal for once.
It blinked before having to walk off, seeing what else this body it has can do for now?
"That's was really fun! We need to do this again." Ruby smiled.
"Yeah, I'm game for that too." Yang added.
I smiled in agreement, as I place my hands in my pocket. "Say, about the Vytal Festival," they looked at me. "What else is there to it? I mean, it is gonna be my first time for something like this."
"It's basically a battle royal between the kingdoms. Teams fight for honor of their school, as well as even some recognition from either companies, other hunters/huntresses, or even deals, like with Pyrrha and her fame" Weiss explained. "Does your world have festivals?"
"Depends on the county of course," I responded. "For my country, we do hold festivals, some involving an important day, honoring the military for their valor and courage, others involving the history of certain cities. Like my hometown, it has a long history due to the fact that one city was considered the first settlement of the east."
"So…. your festivals don't have tournaments?" Ruby blinked.
"That sounds dumb…" Nora groaned with boredom.
"Nora…." Ren sighed at her.
"Well they do hold tournaments but for another thing."
"What?"
"Video games." I answered with a chuckle.
Ruby gasped as she speed up to me, "You have games there too?! PLEASE tell me you have some with you!" She beamed, jumping up and down.
"All assortments of games. Some for kids, teenagers, and adults." I answered much to her glee. "The game tournaments involve major video game franchises with the best players playing on teams. The prize being money and team recognition."
"That's awesome!" Ruby shouted with glee.
"Wow, even we don't have something like that. Even I'm curious on what games you have?" Yang smiled.
"VIDEO GAME NIGHT!" Nora shouted.
I chuckled, "Well the games I play are with friends or sometimes multiplayer online. Some fighting games."
Ruby grabbed my shoulders, "I… must… play them…. ALL…." She said, her face showing her leader side and competitive side as well.
"If you consider some games rather… violent in terms of some certain franchises." I tried to calm her down.
"Enrique, you forget where you're at." Yang smirked, "We can handle violent games. We face monsters and cut them into bits..."
"True," I noted. "Sadly, Ruby I didn't have any games with me when I ended up here."
Both her, Nora and Yang frowned sadly, the trio of fighter girls, 'Awwing' at the same time.
"But I can tell you which games I have played and the lore," I pointed out.
"Better than nothing." Yang smiled.
"STORY TIME!" Nora shouted once more, Ren having to pull her back so she didn't jump too high.
"Let's see…" I pondered before I began to tell them a game I played back at my home world called Warframe, explaining to the three about how players play as a race of 'ninjas' called Tenno and how they have to do tasks and such to obtain better gear or Frames to progress each level aka, planet.
Blake seemed the most interested due to Ninja's and who she is. I even told them about Overwatch where they play as heroes or villains against other players, competing to win. Ruby seemed to like that one the most, due to the many different weapons.
"So which one you play often?"
"Meh, depends on the day. Most of the time it's often Warframe." I shrugged. "But overall, we do have tournaments just to those in the gamer expertise. Believe me, there are very major players back home and they play well."
"Sounds like you do something like that," Yang smirked.
"No, my friend Zack does."
"Who is Zack?"
I smiled softly, "He was my only friend back home." I reached in my pocket before showing them a photo of myself and my best friend. To them they see a young man my age with messy brown hair, brown eyes and slightly pale skin. He was wearing a white dress shirt that was rolled up to his elbows while wearing a black vest and short black tie. He was wearing dark pants and shoes, giving a peace sign alongside me.
"Oh, he's a cutie." Yang chuckled.
"He may be my only friend back home but he is also a bit of a ladies man." I chuckled on the old memories. "If you wanna ask how much? Compare him to Neptune."
"Pfft eas-"
"Times 100….."
"Oh…." they all said in unison, surprised.
"Yep, that's how much he flirts. He knows his way around to make any type of girl blush." I confirmed. "Sometimes he fails but the other times he wins them over."
"What else?" Jaune asked.
"He may be a ladies man but he often helps me out. He was a good friend too," I smiled. "Besides, you guys are my friends too and I'm glad to have met all of you the day I came to Beacon."
"Don't get mushy on, Enrique." Weiss turned slightly.
I chuckled, "Hey, I'm being honest."
"Weiss just doesn't want to drop her… What was it again? 'Tsundere' attitude?" Yang grinned.
"She is one," Ankh huffed, still eating his treat as we walk.
"Hey!" Weiss frowned, offended.
"Hehe, told ya," Yang pointed at Weiss.
"You're not helping!" Weiss said to the blonde.
We all laughed as we made our way to the shopping district.
Lost Ankh was looking around, seeing the view from the ground. Who knew that everything looked tall from here? Even though he was taking form of a child, it was so interesting to him.
Although, he was receiving glances from the humans that he walks by. He heard some say about 'where were his parents?', 'Why is he alone?' , and etc.
He was confused to why would the humans ask themselves those questions? He was only taking the form of a child?
Near by, an Atlas patrol notices him as they walk over, "Hey kid!" One of them called out. The small patrol approaches him.
He blinked as he was now in front of these… soldiers to what people call them. He tilted his head to the side, confused to why they stop them?
One of them, looking like the leader kneeled down to him, "Are you okay, son? Where's your family?" He asked, showing concern.
"Fam.. ily?" He blinked in confusion. "What... do you mean by… that?"
The leader sighed, turning towards the others, "Another orphan… I swear people can be heartless to their kids…" He turned back to him, "Come on, we know a place you can stay and be loved." He offered, with his hand out.
Lost Ankh stared at the man, confused once more. Orphan? Heartless? Kids? What is all that? And what is this.. Loved?
He looked at his arm that has the purple sleeve then at the soldiers. He simply walked past them, wanting to continue to explore the place and maybe see if there are other high places to stay at and see the city view like he always does.
"Hey kid, hold up!" The leader grabbed him, "You can't go running off on your own. And if you don't' have parents, we need to put you in a safer place."
"Safe…?" He repeated. "I… I am… safe. Don't be… mean. I want... me."
"I'm sorry kid, but we can't let you go off on your own." The leader denied.
"I am missing… me…" he continued. "I'm… I don't know… Do you know where is me?"
"You think this kid is suffering some trauma?" The soldier whispered.
"I think so let's just get him-" When they looked where he was, he wasn't there! Only a small red feather that is emitting warmth.
"W-What in the…?" The leader got out. "Where did he go?"
We all began exploring the shopping district. Ruby and Nora went to the weapons shop and knowing them, they would get some items needed for their weapons with Yang going with her little sister.
Weiss, Pyrrha and Jaune following suite, went towards that of the clothes portion, while Ren, made his way towards what looked like to be a sauna. Leaving me, Blake and Ankh only. Ankh wanted no part of being with us as he walked away from us, most likely to get his ice cream again.
"Guess… it's only me and you…" Blake smiled.
"I guess so," I chuckled. "Ankh seriously has to stop acting like a jerk."
"It's just who he is…" Blake smiled, taking my hand, "Come on. I know a place where we can relax ourselves…"
"Really?" She nodded before she tugs my arm and I began to follow her. She lead me to what seemed to be a green house, but inside a dome as we made our way inside, even some birds and small animals littered the inside of the dome as we found a little spot under what seemed to be a cherry blossom tree.
"I come to this place once and awhile, it's very peaceful…." She smiled at me.
"Wow…" I got out in awe. "No places at home have a place like this." I sat down on the bench.
She sat next to me, leaning against my shoulder as she held my hand. That same purr being heard as she sighs happily next to me.
I smiled, enjoying the peace with her until I felt my eyes flash purple for a moment. It was like it did before. I quickly sat up upon the feeling of sensing the nearby presence of Core Medals.
"What's wrong?" She asked.
"I… I think something is nearby." I answered before rushing out of the building. When I exit the building, I looked around, trying to find out where it was until I noticed someone in the crowd who seems to be staring at me.
"Enrique," I heard Blake's voice as she now stood by me. "What is wrong?"
My response was that I pointed at the person who was staring at me.
It was a young boy with red hair, his eyes being red on the left and purple on the right. He was wearing a white shirt with gold and red trimmings with the right sleeve being purple. He was also wearing dark pants to go with it.
"Do you know him?" Blake asked.
"I don't know," I answered until my eyes flashed purple again upon the detection. My eyes widen upon seeing how the source was coming from… "the kid…"
"What?"
"He has Core Medals… Ankh's Core Medals..." I clenched the Taka Core I carried with me in my pocket.
He tilted his head at me as his eyes shined, forming into his Greeed form as the people notice and begin panicking. Backing away from him as others began to run in fear.
"Give it to me….." He said, walking towards me, extending his hand out as if he wants it back. "I'm… missing me… I… I want me…"
"H-How did he gain human form?!"
I was wondering myself until I realized a thing about birds. "Blake, he has the motif of three intelligent birds. In other words…"
"I… I need me back…"
"Lost Ankh is actually learning what to do and at a quick rate." I finished.
"You need to get out of here, Enrique." Blake said, drawing out her weapon as she stood in front of me.
"I'll be fine Blake," I refuted, unsheathing Medajalibur. "I know I said I won't use the O-Driver after that day but I am gonna fight no matter what." She wanted to argue at first until she saw how serious I was to fighting without the armor.
"Just…. Be careful…." She said with worry.
I nodded before the both of us charged at Lost Ankh. When Blake brought down her blade, the child Greeed blocked her attack but since she was using a cell medal to power her sword, she caused Lost Ankh to lose medals.
It used its wing to move away before looking at us. "Don't be… mean… I want me…" He said before blocking my attack and punched me away. Its arm began to conjure fire making it 'blink' before aiming at us as it unleashed a flamethrower like attack.
We dodged in time as the torrents of flames hit the side of the wall, melting it like it was plastic as it began to walk to me once more. He seemed angry, and a lot more powerful than Ankh. If that attack hit me…. I don't know if my Aura could handle it….
I looked around until I noticed a fire hydrant, making me look at the Bird Greeed as it slowly reached its hand out. "I… I want me."
"Have this," I quickly struck the side of the fire hydrant, causing pressurized water to hit the Lost bird, sending it flying upon the pressure of the water burst. The water starting to become steam due to its fire ability.
"Blake use Ice Dust, hurry!" I shouted.
She nodded, forming her sword into it's gun mode as she shot two large blasts of Ice Dust at it. Upon contact it froze and made a large glacier from the water torrents. Inside was that of Lost Ankh, but it began to glow as cracks formed around it. It broke out of it like it was nothing. I swore it could be just as powerful as the others, if not more.
'I was the most powerful of all the Greeed,"
I recalled what Ankh told us about being more powerful than the others, even without the nine cores. He wasn't joking at all…
This wasn't good.
It aimed its arm at us but when it did, only a puff of steam poured out, making it tilt its head. It tried again but it was the same result. We saw droplets of water on its body, even with the melted ice, his feathers must have absorbed the water.
"I… I just want me…" He said again, trying its best to use its power but with his feathers soaked, he couldn't.
"Stay where you are!" Lost Ankh turned its head to see Atlas soldiers, their guns aimed at him.
He turned to them, then back at us. It struck the ground, creating a smoke screen, before it dissipated, showing a hole where it once was…. It got away.
"He must have used that smoke to its advantage…" I got out. "Lost Ankh is learning fast…" I informed Blake, getting up. "If he learns how to fight more and fully understands what he can do with his Cell Medals … we are gonna be in trouble…"
"What should we do?" Blake asked.
"We have to tell the others so they can be aware that Lost Ankh is learning quickly…" I answered. "Ankh said he was powerful in his real body… makes you wonder when Lost Ankh realizes it."
Lost Ankh was in an alleyway, looking at his arm. It… It couldn't get back a part of him… but he learned how to do that flamethrower attack. His feathers and armor was soaked so he went into his human form, his clothes still a bit damp from the water earlier.
He lowered his arm as he looked at the sky. He saw birds flying in the sky. Just like him… freedom, their wings wide as they fly with the wind.
He slowly stood up before peeking from the corner, seeing anyone around. Seeing it clear, he walked out of the alley to see his surroundings again. From afar, many Atlas soldiers were searching around for him, and this caused a crowd as they gathered around to see what happened?
He knew he did the fighting but at least they didn't know his disguise. He decided to leave the premises to avoid suspicion from those… soldiers. "Where is… me?" He asked himself, looking at his hand. He remembers the arm that the other person had but he is barely seen. Where did he go to?
"Are you lost, little one?" Lost Ankh blinked before raising its head to see a young woman with hair white as the snow that is styled into a bun, wearing clothing that matches her hair and eyes. Her aura showed that of authority like those 'soldiers' he was confronted by.
He tilted his head, confused. "Lost?" He repeated. She kneeled down and handed him some candy, a soft smile on her face.
"Yes. You don't look like an orphan, your clothes are too clean. Did you lose your family?" she asked him.
"Fam… ily?" He blinked. Why would this person think he has this… 'family'?
"You don't know what a family is?" She blinked, a bit surprised.
He shook his head before walking past her. Why do people confront him? Sure he scared people earlier with his other form but he was only searching for himself. He looked around more, "Where is… me?" He muttered.
She patted his head gently, "If you're in trouble, I'll be happy to help you out." She said caringly.
The young Bird turned around, seeing the woman patting his head, was this some form of harm? "Don't… be mean…" he muttered.
"Heh, I'm not being mean. I'm being nice and helping you." She said. "This is just a 'pat', a form of touching softly without harming."
He tilted his head. Touch? He doesn't feel it. Even the candy in his hand, there was no description to how it felt. "I'm… I don't know… do you know where is me? I am missing me."
"Would you like me to help you then?" She asked him.
He looked at his purple sleeve before looking at her. "Where is me?" He asked again.
Winter noticed a red feather falling out of his sleeve and flown away. Strange. He didn't look like a Faunus, he looked completely normal. "Why don't we go find 'him' then?" She offered.
Finding himself? Would it be good to have help? Maybe this woman must have a nest for him to stay. Sure high places were areas he stays at, evidence being nests made by him in certain areas. It looked at Winter before he asked, "Do you… have a nest?"
"Heh, I believe I do. Come, I can show you." She smiled, holding her hand out to him. It was rather odd for him to call home a nest. Lost Ankh slowly reached his hand out before grabbing hold of her hand.
What Winter didn't know was that she was bringing home the other Bird Greeed, Lost Ankh.
Blazing: Taka (x1), Kujaku (x1), Condor (x1)
Scorching: Lion (x1), Tora (x2), Cheetah (x1)
Strongest: Kuwagata (x1), Kamakiri (x1), Batta (x1)
Legendary: Kobura (x1), Kame (x1), Wani (x1)
Water: Shachi (x1), Tako (x1), Unagi (x1)
Gravity: Sai (x1), Gorilla (x1), Zou (x2)
Invincible: Ptera (x2), Tricera (x2), Tyranno (x1)
(NEXT TIME)
"The second phase is finally beginning…" Gara grinned.
"The Purple Cores are initiating... a process called Greeedification…" I announced, confusing them until I decided to say its meaning. "The Cores are slowly turning me… into a Greeed…"
"I am gonna fight!" I declared, the Tora Claws unfolding and ready to fight.
Next Time: Second Phase, Greedification, Steel Resolve
A/N: Well that is it for this chapter folks! I hope you all enjoy Lost Ankh's debut. I know that in the show, Kazari takes Lost Ankh in and teaches him but from what I recall some birds learn on their own. Hence force why Lost Ankh will be learning and with Winter taking him in, he will learn far more quicker with the older Schnee unaware of who he really is. Look forward to the next chapter everyone!
Also, the next chapter will bring forth the start of a certain process. What will happen next? You all have to find out. Stay in the shadows everyone!
