A/N: Hey all! I have returned again with yet another chapter! I know you all expected me to have uploaded this chapter on Monday (May 31st) but it was Memorial Day thus I wanted to take a day to respect the fallen who fought to protect the nation. Sure people had barbecues but it was a day to respect the fallen soldiers, to remember them. I do apologize for not updating my story on that day. But don't worry I am still following my little schedule of updating this story every Monday as I promised. So, let us begin the new chapter to this story.

NOTE: IF YOU HAVE NOT READ REMNANT OF DESIRES, READ IT BEFORE YOU START READING THIS STORY.

NOTE 2: RATING WILL CHANGE TO 'M' STARTING IN CHAPTER 16

Third Person View

'Thought'

Greeed/Yummies

In the ominous looking room, the small device projecting a blue hologram with the text "MESSAGE END" deactivated. The room was brightened by the cancles, and decorated with White Fang banners hanging along the walls. Corsac and Fennec Albain stood in front of a painting as they waited patiently for the arrival of their guest.

"Your thoughts?" Fennec asked his brother.

"Are of no significance. If this is how High Leader Taurus wishes to proceed, then we shall make it so." Corsac answered.

"Of course, brother. Still… I am not sure how the matters will go given our High Leader Taurus is being aided by Kazari." The two brothers heard a knock of the door behind them. "Come in."

The door opened, allowing the two to notice Ilia entering their domain. "Sister Ilia, thank you for meeting with us." Fennec greeted the Chameleon Faunus.

The Chameleon Faunus kneeled down as she lowered her head to their authority, "How may I be of service?"

"Please, stand." Ilia did so upon Corsac's insistence. "We have wonderful news."

"What is it?"

"We finally received a message from the Mistral brotherhood: the operation was a success. Adam Taurus has claimed his place as the high leader of the White Fang."

Ilia nodded, internally glad for the information. "Good. And… Sienna?"

"Buried… with honor. The other branches of the Fang have been given the story that was agreed upon." While Kazari dealt the hand, it was still good progress despite the feline's schemes.

The Chameleon Faunus sighed, "A necessary sacrifice. We won't forget everything she did for us."

"Indeed." The brothers bowed to Ilia.

"Your maturity and understanding in regards to this matter is appreciated, and it is why we've summoned you here this evening." Corsac started.

"The White Fang is experiencing… a transitional period."

"Growth requires change."

"And change can be painful."

Ilia's brows furrowed. It seemed there was some trouble. "If it's for the betterment of the Faunus…" Her eyes hardened. "Then it's a pain we can endure. What's our next mission?"

Corsac was the first to answer her question. "Containment. With the CCT Tower still inoperable we have the luxury of control over the flow of information."

Fennec was the next to continue in his brother's speech. "News of Adam's ascension has yet to reach Menagerie but when it does, the citizens of Kuo Kuana will undoubtedly react poorly now that the chieftain has spoken against us."

The Chameleon Faunus chewed her lip in regret. "It's my fault the Belladonnas had any ground against us."

Corsac raised his hand to give assurance to the young Faunus. "Do not concern yourself with past failures, Ilia. Focus on the future. We have an opportunity for redemption."

The brunette perked up at the revelation. If this was to show everyone then she was ready to act. "What do you need me to do?"

"The Belladonnas are the only threat to Adam's assault on Haven Academy."

"And so. They must be silenced."

"S-Silenced?" Ilia was taken aback by the task.

"Yes. They have become… too troublesome to keep around. Your brothers and sisters will be at your side but your relationship with their daughter makes you an intrical part of this operation."

"Blake?"

"We know how close you are with young Blake. Rest assured, High Leader Taurus has requested she be taken alive but we cannot risk having her present to defend her family."

"But, the people of Menagerie-" Ilia was interrupted by Corsac who said, "Will come to understand what happens to those who speak against the White Fang."

"And will be left without a leader until our victory is complete."

"... What of the three humans, especially him?" The Chameleon Faunus inquired.

"He too must be captured and his devices revoked for High Leader Taurus wishes to put an end to him by his own hands, not by ours." Given what OOO had done, it was the best option to bring him to Taurus - It was his direct orders. "It is why your brothers and sisters will be vast in this task. It's a necessary sacrifice, Sister Ilia."

Ilia briefly thought on the matter but given the necessary circumstances for the task to be upheld, she had no choice. Without a word, she left the room.

With the Chameleon Faunus gone, the brothers remained as the only occupants of the room. "She's right to worry about the citizens. It's possible they may come to see Ghira as a martyr." Fennec stated.

"It is a risk we must take for our High Leader."

Corsac reactivated the device from earlier, projecting a blue life-sized hologram of Adam and his message.

"I will not allow them to ruin this! The Belladonna name has brought me nothing but grief! Especially that human OOO for what he had done to me!" Visibly upset, Adam brought his metal hand to his face to compose himself. "You've done well in finding the deserter. Bring her and that cursed OOO to me, alive. But not before you've slaughtered the rest of the Belladonna family and their companions. I have a promise to keep."

With the holographic message ended, Fennec said, "He seems... unwell."

Corsac replied, "He carries with him a tremendous burden after his initial loss against that human. It is only right for him to slay OOO as his objective." With OOO being seen as a human who saw Faunus as equals, he was also seen as an obstacle to their plan. With the young man responsible for the loss of Adam's arm, the new High Leader wanted the human dead by his hands. Thus it was best to strip the human of his power to transform and bring him to Taurus.

This night will be the time to rid the obstacles once and for all.

Remnants of Desires: After the Fall

Chapter 14: The Ambush, The Hatred, Ilia's Redemption

You know, it sure has been awhile since I last recalled the good things that happened here in Menagerie. The locals being kind to us, the placed the island has for everyone to use for leisure. Weather was nice, the ocean waters were calm. I was with Blake as we took a moment to relax with our respective drinks in hand.

"Heh, the way you're like that? It's like we're on a tropical vacation." Blake giggled softly.

I paused and noticed how I was drinking my beverage. I set it on the table and said, "Uh… what gave you that assumption?"

The Cat Faunus leaned back against her seat and teasingly gestured to the sea-area of the village.

"Har har." I drawled.

"Just be glad I didn't give a pun." Blake snickered, only to pause. She lowered her head the moment she gave a thought, no doubt about her partner. "Think… Yang still hates me for leaving her and the others?"

Looking at her crestfallen look, I took a deep breath to ease my tone. "I talked to Ruby again through the Candroid." Blake briefly looked at me. "They are doing alright."

"And… Yang?"

"She's alright too."

"But… not much else from her, right?"

I wanted to say something but Blake would k ow if it was a lie so I had to be honest on her question. "Yeah…"

Blake soon set her drink down as she gently hugged herself, "Then… she must still hate me…."

"Blake, you seriously can't mean that. I know it's been a year and half since we last saw them but she would have a lot of time to realize why." I consoled her. "Doesn't the calls at least give us some assurance they are alright?"

"But what else is there? I mean, yes Ruby said she was 'fine', but we haven't truly tried to call Yang nor her wanting to call us back. We both have the means, we just… don't… and that makes me think that's my answer to the question…" Blake argued as those thoughts of doubt began to emerge again.

"Blake…" I tried to grasp her hand but she stood from her seat and left. I lowered my head and grasped my face.

"Yo!" I raised my head after moving my hand away from my face. I saw Sun plopped onto the seat that was recently left empty. "What did I miss?"

I only gave the Monkey Faunus a flat look.

"... I showed up at a bad time didn't I?"

"As usual." I countered with a groan.

"It can't be that bad right?"

The next answer I gave him was my head slamming onto the table.

After having to deal with the usual shenanigans caused by Sun, and also what occured before he showed up, I returned to the residence. I took a moment to think over something to talk to Blake about but my only guess was screwing up like before.

With a brief exhale after arriving in front of Blake's old room, I raised my knuckles but paused. I chewed my lip and reminded myself why Blake has been like this. I have been trying to do my best to support her but the incident in Beacon left a change in all of us. Some of us returned into our shells we built out of fear caused by our pasts.

'No more running, okay?'

The incident I suffered against Spider put a sense of frustration to my nerves. I wanted to help but there were times it can be difficult for me. I would only screw things up.

"Just give her some more time, Enrique." I looked to my right and noticed Kali, "She's still in doubt. After all, time heals all wounds."

I rubbed my arm uncomfortably. She had raised a pretty valid point… it took time for some of us to move on. Other times it took longer. My case with my late family being a prime example.

"I know you want to be there and bring her back up. But sometimes we have to go through our thoughts, ourselves in order to move onward. Trust me, she'll be okay." Kali reassured as she patted my shoulder, "Now, how about we just sit down, have some tea, and talk?"

"I guess." I accepted before following Kali. We entered the dining room and sat on soft cushions. Once tea was prepared, we had our respective cups in hand.

"Pyrrha mentioned how you were often… wary." She tried to properly say. "You know, as in close to drawing your blade?"

I looked at my hands and enclosed them tightly. "It's… just how it has been since Poseidon showed up." I murmured admittingly. "Given what the late alchemist tried to do to me…"

"A part of me feels on edge because Poseidon isn't messing around from what he did several times. It's not paranoia but…"

"Your mind keeps assuming that Greeed is about to attack you because he wore the armor of someone who brought you here to Remnant and tried to turn you into a monster." She summarized.

My eyes met the minor reflection in the tea. "Yeah…" Back then, I was always focused on reaching out to people. Helping them without needing anything in return. I didn't give a damn about myself. But being in Remnant, a part of me wanted to have a chance to start over, to make amends. I continued to help as I did before but made friends and all.

I knew how cruel reality is after losing my family. The anger I felt bottled down. It was there and when I was used as a vessel, the power of that combo only made me go berserk. To fully release all the rage and wanted to end it all. It wasn't just a combo that can make one go berserk but releasing all the emotions hid deep down.

I felt fear. Doubt. To know I was brought into this world by a man who wanted me to become a monster to end it all. Yeah, I faced the darkness of the violet Cores and Gara was gone but instead of victory, it came to bite back as Poseidon, used by the Grimm Greeed was filled with negativity of Gara's emotions and the desire to become a god by killing me due to Gara's desire.

Not to mention the Fall of Beacon. The pain and sorrow I felt. The hesitation of becoming close to people again because I dreaded having my past repeat itself.

All it led to how I am now. Just a guy who had harbored a power that could drive me mad; being set on edge constantly whenever I am alone.

"I see…" Kali nodded before taking a sip, "I personally think, as of now, you can afford to start letting go of that grip of yours to your worried heart. You have Blake, yes. But also so many other friends who'll be there for you. True, some you need to reconnect, but if their bond meant anything to you, you'd take that chance. Otherwise, wouldn't this 'Gara' be right about you?"

My muscles clenched at the memory of Gara's words. To have nothing and die as nothing. My fingers dug into my palms tightly, nearly drawing blood and the bangs of my hair shadowed my eyes.

That was the one bitter thing about it. The one thing I felt scared about. To lose everyone again-

My brows immediately knit in surprise upon realization. I ran from them because I was scared of losing them. It was the same thing I told Blake when we left the others the day after Beacon fell.

Kali must have noticed as she smiled thinly. "Now there's a realization." She giggled softly. "Both of you have various similarities but you too have to notice that you must have time to heal yourself. Just as you did when you fell into the dream, saving everyone who was poisoned, and also…"

"And what?"

"Being here with people you care about."

"I… I guess you're right about this…"

"Of course I am." she giggled, "The question is now, do you want to pursue it or keep sitting here hoping things get better?"

I lowered my head before my eyes hardened and my decision was set.

After a few hours, I had to be patient and managed to ask Pyrrha about getting Blake. I waited in the dining room, remained seated with my arms crossed and my eyes closed. Ankh was leaning against the wall by the door with an ice cream in hand. After discussing with him about recent things involving the White Fang, I swore he had a glint in his eyes. A look that showed he planned to do something but I chose not to press for an answer.

Hearing footsteps, I opened one eye to notice Pyrrha, Blake, and Sun.

"We're all here," Sun saluted. "Uh… where's big and gray?"

"Right now with Kali." Ankh huffed. "Big lug has been mulling over something but I don't care."

"Geez, can you at least have a heart?"

"Do I look like I have one given what I am?"

"Uh…"

"Exactly."

"Guys, stop." I spoke up and opened my eyes. "Right now, I want to do something far more important than bickering like idiots."

"HEY!" The two blondes exclaimed.

"He's not wrong." Pyrrha sheepishly admitted.

"Since when did you have the guts to say that?" Ankh demanded, earning my glance.

"After a long moment of thinking and realization." I focused on the others. "We have been trying to get people in this village to help us go against the White Fang and yes, we failed numerous times because they don't want to raise their hands against their own." Blake's cat ears flattened bitterly. "However, after much thinking over the past few hours, I decided this: If we can't convince them, then we just have to prove to them."

"Huh?" Everyone spoke in confusion except Ankh.

"You mean to draw out the White Fang." Ankh hummed. "To show the village the reality of the group they once acknowledged."

"Yeah, I do. Otherwise they'll be scared to even fight, or just be guilted into joining Adam's efforts," I slammed my hand against the table and stood up with determination. "We know they have been trying to stall us. If they want to do that?" I grinned. "Then we just have to fight fire with fire."

Ankh tapped his bicep with his claw while the three were surprised by my statement. "It… just might work. I'll be damned." He murmured.

"Enrique…?" Blake called.

"I know we've done as much as we could but it's about time we give them our own share of a fight. We aren't leaving nor are we backing down. One person once said this back in my world, 'There's nothing to fear but fear itself.' We may be scared, concerned even, but if we just stay like that, it will only drag us back down. I say we not get dragged down and stand up to do the right call."

Blake's brows raised in surprise and planned to speak but Sun beat her to it. "Sign me up!" The blonde punched his fists together. "I'm all for this if you are. Didn't expect you to be this determined but hey, I say we knock em dead! Oh uh, figuratively of course."

"Count me in as well." Pyrrha smiled, placing a hand on her hip. "It's starting to sound like you are acting like a true team leader now."

I merely shrugged. "Ankh?"

The said Greeed rolled his crimson eyes. "Whatever you say. If it's to get these Faunus to open their damn eyes, then do what you want."

"Hehe, we know how you feel Ankh, so no need to be a tsundere." Sun snickered. He raised his hands in defense when Ankh raised his fist, on the verge of punching the Monkey Faunus.

My sights set on Blake. "Blake? What about you?"

"I-I… um…." Blake seemed a bit worried. While he was right, she was more worried what this could mean to her family again and her team should they reunite.

"Trust me on this Blake."

The cat Faunus closed her eyes and took a deep breath before opening them. There wasn't a sliver of doubt displayed in her amber eyes, only focus. "Okay."

"What's the plan then?" Sun asked.

I grinned. "Here's what we are going to do."

Blake leaned against the railing on the balcony of the house. She looked up into the night sky, recalling the conversation she had earlier. She never thought the Rider would make such a statement. Guess he had much thinking to have been that determined.

"Hey, Blake! Are you ready to go?" She suddenly heard Sun call out.

"Be right there!" The cat Faunus replied.

Her fingers felt a note taped to the wooden railing of the balcony. She grabbed it and read the message written down.

'B. Things are going too far. Not sure what to do. Find a quiet spot, I'll find you. Come alone. Please. -I'

Blake looked around a bit before hearing the sliding door open and noticed Sun. The Cat Faunus quickly hid the note in her coat.

This would hopefully give her an attempt to talk some sense into Illia before things indeed got worse, so she made her way to a spot she knew would be secluded from sight.

"Are we recruiting or what? We've got the entire nocturnal section to hit up!" Blake merely stared which Sun caught. "You alright?"

She sighed. "I'm fine. I just need to take care of something first." She made her way out and went in search of a secluded spot. The village was quiet with the occasional guards but when she made it to the darkened alleyway, she called out to the fellow Faunus.

"Ilia?"

"I'm here." The voice of the chameleon Faunus reached her ears.

Immediately the cat Faunus drew her Gambol Shroud, finding Ilia with her hands raised while dismissing the camouflage.

"Ilia, I know you're scared but you don't have to be. My family and I, we can keep you safe."

Ilia closed her eyes. "I'm sorry."

"You can make it up to me by helping us stop Corsac and Fennec." She tried to assure her former friend. However Ilia's apology wasn't one as her tone turned hostile. "No. I'm sorry."

With the curl of her right hand, the chameleon Faunus gave the signal. Blake's ears picked up more sound to more footsteps which made her look up and saw another Faunus. She couldn't attack as it was sudden and took her by surprise. The Bat Faunus landed on her back, forcing her to the ground.

The dark weapon slid to Ilia's feet as Blake struggled to get up. From the top of her vision, she saw two more Faunus joining.

"Wait-!" She was wrapped in webbing made by Spider Faunus, restraining Blake. Satisfied with the results, Yuma handed Ilia her weapon. "Ilia, what are you doing?!"

"I tried to warn you Blake. I'm sorry."

Blake gritted her teeth and yelled back, "Don't tell me you're sorry!"

"But I am. I am sorry it has to be this way, but you and your family are holding the Faunus back!"

"If you were truly sorry, you'd realize how wrong, Adam is! And how twisted his ideals are now!" The Belladonna Huntress argued. "In what world do you live in where attacking innocent people is the right thing to do?!"

Ilia scowled at her former friend. "The same one as you! There's no such thing as innocent! There's no right thing to do! Only what's best for us! There's the humans that still hate the Faunus and there's the others who stand by and let the hate happen! But you know what snuffs out hate? Fear. I don't like hurting people. But I'll tell you this…" She pointed her weapon at Blake. "It's gotten us results."

"Yeah, look where it's gotten you."

The brunette's eyes widened slightly before she clenched her jaw and shook her head. "We all have to make sacrifices for the greater good. No matter how much it hurts."

"And you think killing me is really for the greater good?"

"No. But getting rid of your family is."

This alarmed Blake, sending a wave of fear down her core. "You wouldn't! My family has nothing to do with this!!" Blake shouted out. "I won't let you do this!"

"I know. That's why you're being sent to Mistral. To Adam."

Blake dreaded at the thought of returning to Adam. It frightened her immensely. She can't go back to him. She can't!

"As for your human companions, they will have to pay the price as well. Especially when Adam wants that OOO dead." She had her orders. To bring Blake to Adam, kill the Belladonna family and the humans but also incapacitate OOO for Adam to kill.

"You leave Enrique out of this!" Blake snapped.

"I was always jealous of the way you looked at Adam." Ilia's spots turned pink. "I wanted you to look at me that way." She closed her eyes, and when she opened them, they were suddenly pink. "But we can't always get what we want! To know that when you abandoned him, abandoned us, you eventually had to be with a human! The very race who mistreated us!"

"Are you blaming Enrique? He never did anything to you." Blake argued. "After what he did to help you, are you still considering him the same as the others?"

Ilia ignored Blake's words and looked at her fellow kin. "Yuma, with me. You two, get her to the docks." With the orders given, she and Yuma left as the Spider Faunus and the companion tugged Blake. However the Cat Faunus remained stationary after Ilia and Yuma left.

"Let's go traitor."

"Now!" Blake called.

"Huh?"

"HAA!!" A voice shouted.

"HAA!!" I landed on the Faunus's face before using the Medajalibur to free Blake. The Spider Faunus reacted but Blake punched her with a right hook, knocking her unconscious. "The plan worked but are you alright?" I asked Blake.

"I'm fine. But my parents! They are in danger!"

"Don't worry. The others won't let anything happen to them. Sun is already going to authorities to inform the situation as well." I assured her. "Ankh's with Ghira, so we can count on him."

"And Gamel and Pyrrha?"

"Well… knowing Gamel…"

Back in the Belladonna residence, the White Fang soldiers had the perfect opportunity to strike and kill the family but they ran into some trouble.

One grunt was thrown through the wall, leaving a human-shaped hole behind.

Big trouble.

"Shoot that monster!!! Fire at it!!!" One of the White Fang demanded fearfully.

The Beast Greeed was with Kali and the guard when the White Fang attacked. Gamel shielded the two women to give them time to find cover as Dust rounds bounced off his skin. With six Core Medals in his body combined with his beast motif, and Cell Medals he gained from several (Grimm) Yummies, he was tough.

"Get out of this house!!!" Gamel shouted in anger, seeing the Faunus in white trying to kill his friends! He was going to hurt them for trying to do so!

When a Faunus grabbed onto his back, Gamel grabbed him by the scruff of the jacket and tossed him to the ground. The angered Beast Greeed pounded his chest with a bellow and charged towards another like a rhino.

The Faunus panicked when the bullets weren't hurting the monster before being rammed into the wall that cracked upon impact. The Faunus fell to the ground, unmoving with Gamel throwing the body to another insurgent.

Gamel grabbed another grunt by the head and swung him like a baseball bat towards another. "Get away from my new friends you mean Faunus!!!" The Greeed roared at the grunts, their bullets unable to penetrate the Greeed's sturdy hide at all. Gamel stomped the ground, spreading a shockwave that toppled the White Fang.

They had no idea they would run into this situation at all.

Kali and the guard peeked to see the Beast Greeed literally beating them to a pulp, the bullets only angering the Greeed further in his temper tantrum.

"Meanies, meanies, MEANIES!!!!" Gamel bellowed.

The Beast Greeed lunged and one by one, they were down by his brute strength and toughness of his hide. Their bones broke from his punch, their blades crushed, and guns twisted like string. He was bringing his playful version of hell onto them.

Just as one attempted to throw a grenade at Gamel as a last resort, it stopped mid air. The grunts were flabbergasted until they noticed the cause.

"Hello," Pyrrha greeted, her hand out towards the grenade. With her Semblance, she tossed the grenade out the window and at a safe distance, the grenade's explosion heard outside with no harm to anyone in or outside the building.

Running to Khali, the redhead kneeled down to her and the guard. "Are you two okay?"

"Yes, thank you Pyrrha." Khali thanked her. "Is...Gamel going to be alright fighting that many?"

"Normal bullets and weapons won't put a scratch on a Greeed when they have six or more Core Medals. He'll be fine." Pyrrha explained. "I'll guard you both in the meantime."

Her Javelin changed into the semi-auto rifle mode and fired back. Her eyes widened and ducked when another insurgent flew above the three and out the window. "Gamel! Be careful!"

"They are meanies! I won't let them hurt anyone!!"

"Yes, but you could hurt us with your attacks! Keep your distance!"

Gamel would have argued but a sword that slammed onto his head. Sadly, the impact only made the weapon bend and shape as the Greeed's head. The White Fang member stood back, shuddering as he saw the condition of his sword. The gray Greeed's head twitched while scratching his scalp. Then, a brutal punch that drove the poor soul through the wall.

"RAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!"

Seeing all the White Fang soldiers attack the Belladonnas made Gamel angry. They had welcomed him and his friends into their home. Kali was also nice. She reminded Gamel of Mezool.

And these meanies were trying to hurt them!

Then Gamel will hurt them right back!

The gray Greeed slotted a couple of Cell Medals into his forehead to spawn two heavy beast Yummies. One resembled a rhino while the other resembled a gorilla.

"Kill the meanies wearing masks! Beat them up!" Gamel commanded. The Yummies obeyed, following his desires. The White Fang grunts panicked in fear of the incoming trio.

The three girls winced and had to close their eyes a few times when Gamel and his two summons brought total mayhem towards the attackers.

However with the three beasts distracted, Yuka the Bat Faunus flew through the window and kicked Pyrrha and the guard away from Kali.

"Mrs. Belladonna!" The redhead cried out.

Before Yuma could kill the mother, a shadow barged through to stop if.

"Knock knock!" Sun joked as the Monkey Faunus barged through the shattered window and tackled the Bat Faunus before he had the chance to hurt Kali.

Yuma skidded with a grunt, groaning but a foot stomped onto him. His eyes slowly looked up to see Gamel whose shoulders were rising and lowering. However it wasn't from lack of breath… but fury.

"Playtime."

Ankh kicked the table towards the brothers when they tried to shoot him and Ghira. The blonde and chieftain took cover as Ankh flexed his Greeed arm and began checking his Scroll.

"What are you doing?"

"Shut up for a second." The blonde hissed.

The chieftain grunted when their cover was getting torn. "Alright that's it!" With a heave, he bashed his cover and had his claws out. Ankh felt irritated and decided to continue his assistance.

"Seems it's us two against them."

"Indeed, brother."

While Ghira was angered, Ankh merely held a malicious grin that sent warning bells to the two Faunus. "You want to kill us?" His Greeed arm formed. "You just made a big mistake."

"Yeah, what he said. Let's take them down." Ghira agreed. The two dashed towards the brothers who did so in return. When Fennec aimed for Ankh's chest, the Bird Greeed used his right claw to stop it. What baffled Fennec was there was no blood and the Aura wasn't traveling to the bird arm.

"What the?"

Using his human hand, Ankh used the blunt end of his shortsword to bash Fennec in the nose.

"First using the Yummies as a method, now trying to strike in the night? You two are losing your edge." The red Greeed mocked.

"Don't make a mockery of us!" Fennec went for a stab but Ankh caught it. The Emissary brought his knee up to hit Ankh but the Greeed caught it with the other hand and slammed his forehead against Fennec.

The blonde adjusted his jacket and wiped a speck of blood from his forehead.

Suddenly, they heard yells and screaming of anguish. "What was that?" Ghira heard after evading Corsac's blade.

"Gamel already slaughtering the White Fang assassins." Ankh raised a few fingers. "I say about… 7? No…" They heard another loud thud and bellowing. "Ah, make that 10."

"What? Get him to stop actually killing them!" Ghira hissed.

"It's Gamel. You really think the big lug can stop his temper tantrum when there's many armed people trying to kill his caretaker and a woman who reminds him of someone?"

"You allowed a monster here?!" The brothers demanded.

"Monsters? Please, if anything you two made a deal with Kazari. Allow yourselves to be nearly consumed by them."

"If it's to-"

"Be a necessary sacrifice? Please. I've seen bigger convictions where I'm from. You know where you went wrong?" Ankh grinned. "Too many meat shields and not enough fighters."

The two injured emissaries growled at the insulting words.

"You never expected Gamel to be here when average weaponry can't harm him." The Bird Greeed continued. "You came in blindly without realizing it. You thought you had only OOO to deal with. But now? You are dealing with me. Gamel probably finished killing all your grunts and used their bodies to make a nice little fort."

"Why are you siding with the former leader?! Don't you want to take the White Fang into something greater?!"

"What I see are a group of zealots who remind me of the King's followers. Like them, you all believe conflict is the answer to equality. I find it total bullshit."

The two scowled angrily. "The death of the Belladonnas will be the answer for everyone to know what must be done!"

"Answer? More like stupid, foolish denial that this big lugg here is a better man than you two and that Bullheaded Faunus are." Ghira's eyebrow twitched furiously at the nickname.

A Batta Candroid was on the wall and it got everything the brothers said. With a bit of hacking, the footage was being sent to the scrolls of every faunus on the island. Ankh was one to plan ahead for the Greeed he is. He was the strategist that aided King OOO.

"You might have some sympathizers, but what about the ones who just saw you trying to kill the chief and his whole family?"

"What are you talking about?!"

A Taka Candroid dropped a Batta Candroid that had a blinking red light. "Say hello to the camera assholes. You're live all over Menagerie." Ankh enjoyed the look on their faces. "What's the matter? Caught between your tails?"

"You…"

"I always come up with a plan," he drawled. "And now? You are both screwed. No one will support you after this."

"You traitor!"

Ankh huffed dismissively and released the Candroid to allow it to hop away. "News flash, idiots. I am not a Faunus." He grinned deviously, raising his Greeed arm that ignited with fire while the right spectral wing was seen on his back. This alone made the brothers realize who Ankh really was. "Like Gamel and Kazari, I am a Greeed!"

The Bird Greeed released a blast of fire, causing the two Faunus to dodge at the last second. They darted to Ankh but he was already in front of them. Using their weapons, they aimed for Ankh's vital areas but due to the human host adjusting to the Greeed's prowess after a year, Ankh caught one with his Greeed arm and the other with his shortsword.

Ankh pushed the swords upward before he punched Corsac in the face. The Faunus held his face in agony from the burning pain by the Greeed arm.

"Brother!"

"Hurts doesn't it?" Ankh asked darkly, his right arm flickering with flames. "You think destruction to a family is the answer? To show the Faunus race violence is the answer?"

Fennec looked at Ankh, the blonde's red eyes gleaming darkly. The Bird Greeed hated this action. The attack reminded him of his past. To see the family, the girl he couldn't protect died. He failed to protect that family…

He won't fail to protect another especially when it comes to Sara back in Vale.

"This time, both of you will earn the pain."

Ghira didn't know what was going on but Ankh was a man who was not messing around.

I ran into the house as Blake joined my side. Already we heard the ongoing fight with the insurgents before we progress further. The both of us looked around but Blake's eyes were staring. Looking at her direction, I saw why.

Ilia.

I glanced at Blake for a moment, placing my hand on her shoulder. I knew the look in her amber eyes and I was willing to let her do this. "Go ahead. I'll find Ghira and Ankh." I stated. "You want to open her eyes on what she's doing, right?" Blake nodded. "I know that you can do it." I gave her assurance before progressing. I know this is a fight between her and Ilia so I had no qualms joining.

"Okay, Ghira and Ankh would be in the main office room." I muttered to myself. "Gamel and Pyrrha are probably helping Kali."

Gamel was not alone which was good. For Ankh? Knowing him, he would be beating the intruders to a pulp. All I have to do is-

"Shit!" I ducked from an incoming blade. The weapon itself was embedded in the wooden wall. I regained my bearings and noticed two Faunus of the White Fang. "Oh great." I groaned.

"Die human!" One shouted, rushing at me with a hatchet in hand while the other had a spear.

I quickly pulled Medajalibur from the sheath on my back and the O-Calibur from the hip. With both blades in hand, I stabbed the ground as a stationary spot and swung my legs up to kick both of them in their torsos.

Now that I had some distance, I used my Semblance to throw several ice shards, making them evade from the projectiles that slammed into the wooden floors.

Pulling both blades from the floor, I spun them and held them in reverse grips. "I may be outnumbered, but I can still take you both down." I proclaimed.

The two assassins scowled and went for a lunge. My eyes quickly kept track of their movements around me. One looked to be a Frog Faunus given the movements across the wall on my right while the other must be a Cheetah Faunus due to the tail.

I dug my heels in and barely managed to stop them. Sparks slid across my blades, narrowly avoiding the opposing edges across my arms but it tore through the sleeves a bit. I ignored the small cuts across the fabric and focused on the situation at hand.

I blocked their attacks with my two swords before I focused on my Semblance. Ice erupted upward and onto their legs before I kicked them away from me. Quickly, I placed my O-Driver on my waist.

"Don't let him activate it!"

I made an ice wall erupt between us before I swiftly loaded in the King Combo and scanned them before saying, "Henshin!"

TAKA

TORA!

BATTA!

TA-TO-BA! TATOBA, TA-TO-BA!

I kicked the ice wall, my Semblance allowing it to be pushed to them. They dodged the obstacle but I had my swords ready and struck the first one across the chest. The Cheetah Faunus sped towards me and leaped for a stab of the spear. I frowned and jumped back, the spear caught in a frozen construct of my form. A little something I learned from Blake.

"RAAHH!"

"Shit!" I tried to move away at the last second but the hatchet loosened my grip on the ancient relic as it flew before it stabbed into the wall. The Cheetah Faunus grunted, pulling the spear out of the ice. Okay… I have to improvise. The Taka Helm studied them, carefully tracking their movements and battle style.

The Frog Faunus began to jump from place to place as he was using his Faunus features to gain momentum as the Cheetah Faunus started to get faster as he began to rapid chip away at the ice. They were getting more serious than before.

Think. Think. I looked at Medajalibur then at the ground. I grunted and focused on the second function of my Semblance. My lenses turned violet and dug my fist into the earth, releasing a purple glow in the cracks and pried out the Medagaburyu. I coated the amethyst blade in ice to dull it and threw it at the Cheetah Faunus who dodged it. Flicking my arm, the Tora Claw on the same arm that threw the battleaxe extended and caught the spear while stopping the Frog Faunus.

"Nice try, human!"

"I wouldn't think so." I grinned under my helmet. With the hand that held the extended Tora Claws, I flicked my fingers and the ice-coated Medagaburyu fell back and slammed against the Cheetah Faunus, disorienting him from the blunt impact.

I twisted myself to punch the Faunus behind me before using that other fist to punch the one in front of me. Kicking the violet weapon up to my free hand and changed it to bazooka mode and aimed it at the two. My aura channeled into it, causing it to glow before pulling the trigger. The violet beam slammed into the two Faunus, earning screams of pain and fell unconscious.

"Phew… I'm so glad that worked and didn't kill them…" I said with relief, worried that the cannon mode would do so, but it seems I was able to hold the power back enough to where it was just a normal attack.

I jumped to the sounds of ongoing gunshots and the brightening flames. That was where Blake was fighting Ilia! I rushed back to the place I left Blake.

A few minutes earlier...

Blake faced Ilia as she stood on the balcony in her father's study.

"Did you come in here to hide?" Blake said to her old friend.

"I told you," Ilia shook her head, "I didn't want this."

"But you're still here."

The Chameleon Faunus scowled. "I don't have a choice!"

"Of course you do!" Blake shouted back. Ilia gripped her weapon tightly and turned her head. "Just stay out of my way." She glared at Ilia and started walking away.

Ilia descended from the balcony, and slashed at Blake, destroying Blake's shadow clone instead. Seeing the real Blake, she cracked her whip, forcing the cat Faunus to dive behind a desk for cover, before running on top of another desk, dodging Ilia's next two attacks. Once the Cat Faunus landed on the ground, her opponent cracked her whip again, but Blake used Gambol Shroud to deflect the attacks, before using her ribbon to drag Ilia by the arm towards her and then pushed the chameleon Faunus away with a jump kick.

With the brief opening, Blake ran towards her and the two locked blades.

"Why do you feel like we have to hurt people to get our way!" Blake shouted.

"Because it works!" Ilia argued.

"It doesn't make it right!"

Ilia pulled the trigger on her whip, sending an electric current through her weapon and electrocuting Blake causing her to drop Gamble Shroud.

As Blake rushed to grab it, she used the sheath to block Ilia's attack, as Ilia used the side of the desk to springboard her roundhouse kick, sending Blake flying towards another desk. However the ravenette used a clone to evade another strike, before sliding behind another desk, where she saw Ilia's mask on the floor.

"Stop lecturing me!" Ilia shouted before dimming the lights.

Blake quietly retrieved Gambol Shroud while Ilia snuck around camouflaged in the dark. After Blake pointed her gun after hearing a creaking sound, Ilia kicked her before she had to pull the trigger, sending her tumbling on the floor. After Blake got back up on her feet, she fired several shots towards Ilia, with the muzzle flash illuminating the room as Ilia ran and dodged the bullets.

"Why couldn't you just leave?!" Ilia angrily demanded.

"Because I ran away too much." Blake confessed after activating Gamble Shroud's blade mode.

Ilia struck her whip twice from above, forcing Blake behind cover again. Blake pulled out two magazines full of Dust rounds, one with Fire Dust, the other with Ice Dust.

"Sorry Dad." She apologizes as she fired a round at the upper balcony, igniting the room and illuminating the area, revealing Ilia's position.

After realizing her position was compromised, Ilia used a desk as momentum and somersaults over Blake, landing behind her, knocking Gambol Shroud away only for Blake to grab it mid-air and parried Ilia's attacks in a reverse grip, before grabbing Ilia by the hand and spinning her around. After Ilia recovered, Blake dodged a low sweep attack from Ilia's whip. Blake blocked another blow before grabbing Ilia's wrists and forcing her weapon down on the floor.

Blake tried to slash Ilia with her sword but the fellow Faunus dodged out of the way and sent two more attacks towards Blake. The incoming assault forced her to dodge as Ilia spun her whip around for a wide attack, but Blake sidestepped out of the way and then fired several gunshots.

"Quit taking pot shots and FIGHT ME LIKE YOU MEAN IT!" Ilia barked angrily and deflected the shots as Blake retreated all the way up on the balcony with a low attack.

"You used to see things the way I did, the wat ADAM did!" Ilia said, "If no one's going to do anything to stop the humans that attack us, then the only choice we have left is to attack back!"

Blake used this opportunity to reload, and fired several shots at Ilia, who deflected all of the shots, and prepared another attack, but there was one problem. Her weapon had been frozen from the Ice Dust bullets.

Blake then used her ribbon to disarm Ilia before pinning her to the ground.

"You're wrong," Blake retorted, keeping Ilia pinned down as the chameleon Faunus struggled in the cat Faunus' grip "there's always another choice."

Ilia ignored her and struggled more. "Ilia, please." Blake pleaded, "You're a good person but you're making all the wrong decisions."

"SHUT UP!"

"Is this really what your parents would've wanted!" Blake shouted.

"I don't know what else to do!" Ilia shouted before she started breaking down sobbing. Her eyes filled with tears. "I don't know what else to do." She cried

Blake got off of her and heard a familiar voice.

"Blake, are you alright?!"

"Blake, are you alright?!" I slowed my pace upon seeing Ilia who remained on the ground defeated and crying.

"I'm fine…" My girlfriend replied softly.

We heard a rumble, and then the wall across from us shattered as Corsac rolled across the ground in pain. I saw the burns on him, his hood singed and severe burns across his arm. We raised our heads to the wall but ducked when Fennec was next to be thrown as he had claw marks while clutching his shoulder to a stab wound.

I slowly looked at the wall and saw Ankh who cracked his neck and flicked his Greeed arm to dismiss the flames he conjured in the limb.

Ilia stopped sobbing and saw the carnage the brothers had - all caused by the Bird Greeed. His crimson eyes gave a look of a superior bird who had swooped down for the kill. She was in disbelief.

"You… monster…" Fennec growled painfully.

"Don't care what I am." Ankh huffed as the chieftain followed behind him. "I did what was needed." He raised his talons. "And I will unleash more if needed."

Fennec frustratingly gripped his Dust wand before he managed to grab the other his brother dropped. Seeing the balcony above the chieftain, then a glance at the pillar behind him, he decided a plan. He took a shot at Ankh who dodged the bullet and unleashed a fireball in retaliation.

"Ankh, wait!" It was too late as the fireball destroyed the pillar Fennec evaded from.

The fireball destroyed it, causing the balcony above Mr. Belladonna to fall.

"DAD!" Blake yelled.

Ghira looked up to see the falling balcony. Suddenly, Ghira was shoved down and someone stopped the falling debris to our surprise.

"Gamel?" Ghira recognized the Beast Greeed in his kaijin form. He wasn't struggling whatsoever, his feet cracked the floor and slowly glaring at Fennec.

"Kazari said my friends will abandon me…" Gamel murmured, his feet digging into the wood but then said, "But I saw my new friends would never do that! They are good! Not meanies! I will protect them, just like I did for Mezool!!!" We gasped when we saw him lift it up with his might.

Gamel was the powerhouse of the Greeed and always tough but to witness this… this surprised us greatly since he only had six of his Cores within him. This strength must have been drawn from himself, not his power.

With a considerable amount of force, Gamel threw the debris at Fennec. The Faunus's eyes widened in horror before it collided with him as we shielded our arms when it not only crushed him, it exploded due to the Dust daggers he had. Gamel bellowed, pounding his chest before taking heavy breaths.

"Hey, Gamel. Calm down, it's over." I stopped him, my hand on his shoulder. "Thanks to that, the insurgents have finally surrendered."

"Mm…"

I then asked. "Gamel, was it true? Did Kazari visit you?"

"He said you guys will leave me alone when Uva and him are gone… like Mezool…"

"Hey, we would never do that. I brought you back didn't I?" Gamel nodded. "Not because of your power but because you can help like Ankh has done for us. Sure he can be a jerk but he still does."

Gamel's form changed back into his human disguise, now giving a giddy smile and hugged me. I coughed from the tight embrace.

"New OOO is better than the mean OOO and Gara!" Gamel praised until Ankh bashed his fist against the top of the Beast Greeed's head. "Gweh!"

"Damn brat."

"What have you done…" We darted our attention to Corsac who regained consciousness. "You ruined…. EVERYTHING!" I was about to grab Medajalibur but a familiar whip ensnared the Faunus, electrocuting him and knocking him out.

Ilia was responsible for it. She felt her tears return before crying.

It was troubling but we managed to gather the unconscious bodies of the White Fang while the ones Gamel killed… well, we couldn't do anything given what he did. He was provoked but calmed down. We exited the burning home and dragged the unconscious assassins with us. We saw the villagers gathered close by as the guards began barking orders as they took the assassins from us.

The Faunus, Saber, approached Ghira. "We came as soon as we saw the broadcast." Ankh scoffed while he dragged Corsac. "And Fennec?"

"Dead." Ankh spoke. "You won't find much in there aside from others who tried to kill us like these bunch we had to drag out or the officially dead bodies inside. Self defense mind you." His eyes glanced at the lone brother. "With your own desires to kill the Belladonna family, look where it got you - Your end. Tell me, was it worth it?"

Corsac looked down, defeated. As the commotion continued, Blake shared a brief look with Sun and Ilia before looking at me. I gave her a nod. Blake took a deep breath as she climbed down the steps. Ghira noticed his daughter walking away, stepping towards the crowd.

"Blake!"

I stopped Ghira and said, "Hold on, sir."

"But-"

"Just believe in your daughter." I insisted.

Ghira and Kali briefly looked at each other for a moment before looking at Blake.

Blake stopped at the last halfway of the steps, her eyes staring at the crowd. She closed her eyes for a moment before opening them. "Humans didn't do this." My girlfriend pointed at the smoke coming from the house. "We did this: Faunus. We did this to ourselves. We are just as capable of hate and violence as the humans, but I don't think any of us would jump at the chance to point that out. So why are we letting Adam do it for us?! By doing nothing and staying silent, we let others speak and act in our place. And if we're not proud of the choices they make, then we have no one to blame but ourselves. This is the message that Adam Taurus will bring to the world if no one stops him. But we can stop him! You have to understand that all of you are looking for simple answers to a very complicated problem. And I can't give that to you. I don't know how to make hate go away, I don't. But I know that this kind of violence is not the solution. I understand that to ask you to leave your homes and protect Haven Academy is asking you to put your lives at risk. But that's what's at stake. So I'm going, and I'll stand by myself if I have to."

"I'll stand with you!" Some of us turned around with a surprised look as Ilia stood up. She was the one who spoke. Her pained expression then looked down. "If... if you'd have me."

"Isn't that the White Fang girl?" One Faunus noticed.

"I thought she hated the Belladonnas?"

Despite some of the crowd's murmuring amongst themselves, Blake smiled at her old friend. As Ilia proceeded forward, Saber stopped her. "You're not going anywhere!"

"Let her come." Blake allowed.

"Huh? You're just going to forgive her? After everything she did?!" Saber questioned.

"I am."

Saber looked to Ghira, who nodded to let Ilia go. The Chameleon Faunus continued to walk down the steps to stand next to her friend. "What does she think she's doing?"

Ghira smiled and said to Saber, "She's learned a lesson that evaded me until I was much older: That there is strength in forgiveness."

Blake placed a hand on Ilia's shoulder, the two sharing a smile together.

"I'll go!" We heard a Faunus shout, noticing him step forward and raise his hand. Then, we begin to witness more hands and shouts from each Faunus willing to help in stopping the White Fang.

"Seems that speech worked." I observed the people of Menagerie raising their arms in agreement to her words. "We finally got the support of everyone."

"I say it's about time." Ankh huffed in annoyance, crossing his arms above his chest. "Just like last time, it took an incident like this for those idiots to open their eyes."

"Not everyone is an idiot you know?" Sun stated.

"I can name this big lug here being a prime example." Ankh jabbed his thumb to Gamel.

"I'm not dumb!" The Beast Greeed pouted.

"Just ignore him, Gamel." Pyrrha waved off.

Ghira and Kali walked down the steps to join us in the conversation. Ghira said, "We have about two weeks before Adam's attack on Haven. We're going to need shields, training, whatever we can do to protect as many people as possible."

"We'll need transportation too. For everyone." Kali added.

My friends and I glanced at each other before smiling. "I think we know a ship captain who owes us a favor." Blake stated.

"And as for the training." I glanced at Ankh with a grin. "I'm sure Ankh wouldn't mind training them. Right Ankh?"

"Why put me in this?!" The Bird Greeed demanded.

"You trained me and the other students back at Beacon, they can use your expertise." I pointed out.

"Firstly your training was different from theirs and secondly, like hell I would continue with training others!"

"Come on Ankh. Just like old times." Pyrrha put her two cents in.

Ankh's eyebrow twitched. I swore he was going to pop a vein from this. Then he closed his eyes and growled, his arms trembling and gave in. "Alright, fine! I'll train these Faunus!" He then jabbed my chest. "You and kitty cat are going to owe me big time."

"I'll take note of that. I'll buy you another popsicle pack." I shot back with a grin. I knew how Ankh makes his agreements. Yeah sure I had to owe him a few times so this was no different than the previous moments.

"I don't know how you are handling his attitude when he teaches you during your classes." Ghira noted.

"Meh, you'll get used to it." I waved off. "Now, we got ourselves some preparations to do. Are you guys ready?"

"Yup!" Sun grinned.

"Aye!" Gamel saluted.

I chuckled but nonetheless glad. I glanced at Blake who took notice and gave a smile. At least now, we can prepare ourselves to stop Adam and prevent the attack on Haven Academy.

This time, we will be ready.

CURRENT MEDALS:

Blazing: Taka (x2), 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 (x3), Gorilla (x1), Zou (x2)

Invincible: Ptera (x1), Tricera (x1), Tyranno (x1)

Ultimate King: Super Taka (x1), Super Tora (x1), Super Batta (x1)

XXX

(NEXT TIME)

"I can't believe I have to endure this shit for two weeks." Ankh grumbled irritably while scratching his head with his talon.

"I… I want to apologize for what I did to you."

"So the Faunus can see what a real fight is. Most of them probably never witnessed one nor experienced it." Ankh explained. "It is why they all will watch a duel." His crimson eyes looked at me. "You will be sparring, against me."

Next time: Training Day, Forgiveness, the Similarity

A/N: We have seen an end to Corsac's and Fennec's plans regarding the Belladonnas! With it, now the group will finally continue their next move to stop the White Fang but we all know it will be quite a trial for what is to come. Now with this chapter complete, I wanted to announce I am in search of Beta Readers for some of my stories. I had already found Beta Reader/editor for Kamen Rider Eternal: Song of Eternity, The White Dragon of Fiore, A Wizard's Fate, and A Specter's Testament but not for some other stories. If you are interested in being interested in being a Beta Reader/editor of these following stories:

Chalice: the Wild Card Chronicles (Kamen Rider Blade x High School DxD)

Final Fantasy: The Lost Warrior (Final Fantasy XIV x Final Fantasy VII)

A Reincarnated Journey (Final Fantasy XIV)

Dead or Alive in Paradise (Kamen Rider Faiz x Dead or Alive)

The Armored Taimanin (Kamen Rider Shinobi x Taimaninverse)

Counting the Sins of the Disease (Kamen Rider W x Triage X)

Feel free to let me know in Private Messaging if you are interested in becoming a Beta Reader/Editor to any of the listed above. However you must have immense knowledge of the show(s)/game(s) mentioned. So do remember that.

Now with that, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and look forward to the next one next Monday! Don't forget to favorite, follow, and please leave a review of this chapter. Stay in the shadows everyone and stay safe!