A/N: Well folks, we have reached the interlude arc that is set before the main events of Volume 6! You know, it's hard to believe we have reached this far and now we are here, halfway close to the end of this story. With the workload put on my plate, I have been very busy. Especially when it came to two jobs. On the bright side, I am able to find some time (not always) to continue to work on the chapters of my other stories. With that being said, I appreciate your guys' understanding of my delays and my very busy life.

And… ahem, there would be an… interesting scene involving our protagonist and Blake near the end of this chapter. You have been warned as it is one of the reasons for the change of rating to this story.

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

Third Person View

'Thought'"

Greeed/Yummies

Nearly two years had passed since Enrique first took on the mantle of OOO. Meanwhile, Kousei Kougami was in his office putting some finishing touches on a new cake.

"Happy Birthday!" Kougami cheered.

"Wrong expression, sir," Kougami's secretary, Aria Haven, deadpanned.

"Well, then Happy Anniversary, Enrique Alderete, Kamen Rider OOO," Kougami corrected.

The cake was a chocolate cake and it had OOO's default TaToBa Combo symbol done in red, yellow and green icing.

"It's been awhile since we've seen him," said Aria. "What do you think he and his friends are up to?"

"Well, Ms. Haven, I can only assume that young OOO is on a quest to find his destiny! Already, I can tell that he's having a grand adventure with his companions! Ah, to be young and adventurous again! It's unfortunate that I've become too old for such things!"

Yes, too old, but that didn't stop him from acting so eccentric.

"Ms. Haven, have we heard any news from Ghira Belladonna?" Kougami asked. "I was hoping we could make a deal with him."

Unlike Jacque Schnee, Kougami was very pro-faunus. He really didn't see a difference between humans and faunus as they all shared the same planet. Living together in harmony was much better than a strained relationship, but humanity did desire conflict and Kougami could not get in the way of such strong desire.

Kougami had observed Enrique growing stronger, and while the power of OOO was a dangerous one, the young man's desire to protect everyone simply prevented OOO from corrupting him. However, how long would his desire remain pure and strong? Even the best of intentions could be warped by time and tragedy.

Kougami also kept his ear to the ground. With the CCT tower in Vale still under repair, communication with the other kingdoms was impossible. Of course, Kougami took advantage of the situation. He proposed the CCT to be upgraded. While he respected the idea of the CCT towers being a representation of the peace and harmony obtained by the four kingdoms centuries again, it was a flawed design. Just one destroyed tower had shut down the entire system. Fortunately, Kougami was able to convince the Vale Council to let him implement his own communication system which was successful. Alas, it currently enabled the Candroids to do communications with the outside.

Was he taking advantage of a tragedy to make money? Perhaps, but he was offering a genuine service. He just needed funding to get it done.

With Beacon's fall, there were many students who were forced to transfer and attend the other Huntsman academies to continue their education. Team CFVY, for example, had transferred to Shade Academy in Vacuo. Of course, Kougami did extend an invitation to students in their final year to come work for him. At one time, he even approached Oobleck, and Port if they wished to work for him.

Oobleck was easily swayed when Kougami presented him with historical artifacts which had piqued his interest. Oobleck did have a PhD in History. As for Port, however, he still held loyalty to Beacon. Of course, that did not prevent him from sending his agents to aid them. He wasn't a heartless monster, just an eccentric one.

It would take time for Beacon to rebuild and for Vale to recover, and until that day, the Kougami Foundation would do everything it could to help the people.

Remnants of Desires: After the Fall

Chapter 18: Closure, Rekindle, Bonds

My hands grasped the edge of the sink after having to wash my face. Lifting my head, I could see myself in the mirror, almost tired. It has been three days since we stopped the attack on Haven Academy. We were still in Mistral but we still had to make preparations and have to plan on what to do next.

I was trying to adjust to the fact Ozpin was Oscar. Or was it Oscar being Ozpin? ...Ah, forget it. I rather not get my brain into a mess of assumptions right now.

We have to prepare for our trip to Atlas. And I need to find out from Ozpin on why this Relic is important. I never had the chance to ask to find out nor how the hell Ozpin is within Oscar. Two souls in one body.

Ankh was surprised about it originally but then he once gave him a suspicious look. I wonder what that was all about? Maybe he wanted to know how Ozpin first knew about the Greeed. He never included any mention of Kougami when he knew Ankh was Greeed.

That's going to be one of the important questions when we meet. Changing from my sleepwear to my outfit, I adjusted the keychain on the belt loop to make sure it was in place. I rather not lose it since it was a memento; as a reminder. My most cherished desire in physical form. They left it for me to look ahead rather than looking back on the past.

My stomach began to growl, no doubt a sign of hunger. Gotta get some breakfast to start the new day. The building we were in was where most of us have been staying.

From the corner of my eye, I noticed the familiar blonde who was leaning against the wall. She must have taken notice of me because she turned her head to me. Moving herself off of it, she walked over to me and said, "Hey…"

"Hey Yang. What's up?"

"Enrique, can we talk?" Yang requested.

I nodded before the both of us walked and found a place to talk privately. "What's wrong?" I asked her.

The girl chewed her lips for a moment and inquired, "I want to know why you went with Blake and didn't inform us. It was after a few months we heard the news."

She must have gotten my message after receiving the Batta Candroid before I left Vale much like I did for the others when I sent them the other Candroids.

"I…" I tried to find an acceptable answer. It took me a moment to even provide her an answer, her lilac eyes staring at me. "...Yang, look, I had to, alright? I didn't know what else I should have done."

"Then why didn't you tell us after Beacon fell? Why didn't you tell us you were still alive after that day…?" Yang asked, her tone almost a whisper but enough to hear her. A hint of anger was obviously heard in her tone.

"You think I abandoned my family?" I assumed her accusation. "I was scared, afraid of making the same mistake as I did 7 years ago. To lose the rest of my family all over again."

"Then why?" Her lilac eyes were becoming the familiar crimson color. "Why did you go with her and not Ruby and the others? Why?"

"I went after Blake because I don't want to lose her. I don't want her to be alone again like she and I once were." I stated firmly. "If I die, I want to be with her to the very end. If I didn't go with her, I would have never been able to move on. To realize I clung onto my past for too damn long and had to let go someday. To stop running from who I am."

Being in the dream world made me realize I was clinging onto my past, to be with my parents and little sister. However they helped me open my eyes to see the reality; to see I have to let go of my past and focus on the present and future. Then, having to endure the fact I was running from myself for too long and had to accept who I was.

"I know you are upset at me, upset at Blake for leaving you guys. If you want to hit me… go ahead."

For a moment, I thought Yang was literally going to but instead lowered her head. There was total silence while her hand (her human hand) trembled before she looked at me again, the red hue vanishing, her eyes having the onset of tears. "Just… don't do that again…" She murmured. "Got it?"

"I promise, Yang." I nodded, stopping one of her tears from falling. She laughed sadly, wiping away the rest. "What's important to me now is seeing you guys–my family–again after a year. I won't be abandoning the people who saved me."

Yang's mood shifted slightly and said, "Okay..."

I lifted my hand into a fist and Yang slowly returned it with a fist bump. "And another thing." She remembered.

"What?" Yang punched my shoulder, making me wince. "Ow! Yang, I am still sore from three days ago!"

"Sorry about that. Just a little payback."

I rubbed my shoulder, not saying a word. Just her way of saying it was all water under the bridge between us for the time being.

"Come on, I am sure Ruby will be wondering why we are missing breakfast."

"Oh right." I followed her. Reuniting with the entire team, I feel like the old me again. It is refreshing to be honest.

I'm glad to finally be with the people who became my new family once again.

After a much needed breakfast, I remembered I still had to talk to Ozpin regarding his situation. I asked Ankh to come along since he too seemed to be demanding some answers regarding it. He was as surprised as I was upon learning Ozpin's presence within Oscar.

With that said, Ankh and I traversed to the living room before I saw Oscar. "Er… Ozpin?" I tried to guess. "Or Oscar?"

"It's me, Enrique. Oscar allowed me to speak with you."

"Okay then…" I rubbed my head from what I'm currently seeing. "Well the first thing I'm going to ask is: how are you still alive? I thought you died during the battle for Beacon."

Ozpin took a deep breath to ease his voice. "You may want to take a seat." I did as I was told. "You see Enrique, I… am a cursed man."

"Cursed?"

"What I mean is that I have been around for thousands of years in Remnant. Living one life to another."

"In other words… reincarnation?" I noted. "Sounds like something from Buddhism."

Ozpin raised an eyebrow.

"It's one of the religions back in my world. The one I am talking about has beliefs of reincarnation of a person but lived through different lives through each rebirth."

"In a sense, it's similar." Ozpin stated. "Given I still retain the memories of the previous lives I have gone through."

"What happened to you that gave you the curse?" I asked.

"It is because I failed to accomplish what the gods wanted me to do."

"Gods?" I repeated. So there is a form of religion in this world after all. It sounded like there is more than one god much like in the other countries back home. What kind of god was cruel enough to give him that punishment?

"And what of us Greeed? How come you knew about us?" Ankh questioned the man in the boy's body. "I recalled your skills back at Beacon, old man. The way you fought against me spoke leagues beyond any normal Huntsman. You, in fact, have skills that, admittingly and frighteningly, can match me and the rest of the Greeed. And the fact you wanted my charge in the school aside from Kougami?"

"I have seen what the former Multi-King has done with my own eyes during the curse." Ozpin remembered that event. How OOO nearly ruled the world with an iron fist but his desire to be a God changed that. "And now." His eyes drift to the King's old relic on my hip. "You have one of the Multi-King's relics, his O-Calibur." He looks at me. "Tell me, what will you do when you have the rest?"

"The rest?"

"He means the King's cloak and gauntlet." My attention turned to Ankh who frowned at the boy.

"He will become something good… or something dangerous." Ozpin warned.

"... no." Ozpin looks at me. "I get how the Multi-King nearly ruled Remnant but look, I am not like him." I frowned. "I may be OOO and have the Medals but what makes me different from him is the fact that I care. I care about my friends, people I call family."

"I can see that. But don't let that warning go away in your mind."

I was concerned about his words. I get it. He sees me as a good student but the fact that I hold a relic that was forged years ago to change the world? I was practically given two paths no matter how many steps I take.

"I have a question…" Ozpin looked at me. "I overheard Ruby mention Salem yesterday. Who exactly is Salem?"

"Salem…" he took a moment to breathe. "Is the reason why Beacon fell."

"So...she is the one who led Cinder's forces?" I asked.

"Yes and why she has been persistent. You once said you were attacked by a Scorpion Faunus?"

"Crazy, psychotic, and the guy looked like he was ready for blood."

"One of her followers."

"In other words, she tried to send someone to take my charge?" Ankh didn't seem to like the realization, earning a nod.

"Enrique." Ozpin's mood turned serious. "With you as OOO and already in possession of the King's sword, she will do everything in her power to make sure you are either in her clutches, or dead. The King nearly changed the world years ago. With you as OOO, she wouldn't let history repeat itself to have another OOO. Especially one who isn't like the previous."

"I understand." I nodded in understanding.

The Scorpion Faunus was sent by her for a reason. It was me being OOO. She wouldn't let someone like me roam with the former king's power and with the sword made me a large threat to her. If there are two other relics that belonged to the former Multi-King, it meant I had to find them before her followers. The gauntlet and cloak must have a certain standing for the Multi-King. If the sword was one to hold such power, there is no doubt the cloak and gauntlet have something to hold.

This is going to be a three-way war, including that damn Poseidon.

"Ozpin… there is something I have to tell you."

"Yes?"

"There is another Greeed." The man in the boy's body raised an eyebrow. "I defeated Gara nearly 2 years ago, but the Black Cores he made from Grimm and whatever other Cores he kept aside from the Poseidon combo… it created a Greeed that's also a Grimm."

"Are you sure of this?"

"I'm positive. That Greeed is still out there… and will do its best to kill me before it begins its mission for godhood like Gara tried to do."

"I see…" he held a grim look. To learn about a Grimm that doesn't obey Salem and act like a human with a vengeance was unsettling to him. I can't blame him for being surprised. "If you are right about the new situation… we have to be careful. Does this Greeed have any weaknesses?"

"The Purple Cores since his Core Medals are what keeps him intact like the others." I guessed. "But the thing is, he isn't easy to beat." I grimaced at the times I had to fight the Grimm Greeed. "It will be very tough to even expose him from the armor in order to destroy his Core Medals."

"In other words, as long as he remains in the armor, he's safe from having his Cores destroyed."

"Yes," I confirmed.

Ozpin grimaced for a brief moment.

"And it gets worse."

"What is it?"

"At first, we assumed his Greeed powers involved arthropods but instead… we discovered what it really is back on the boat ride here."

"And that is?"

"Controlling Grimm." Ankh announced.

Ozpin's eyes widened slightly. That information now unsettled him greatly. Only Salem was able to command Grimm but now the Grimm Greeed was able to? It was concerning and troubling. This was far worse than he imagined.

"Enrique, there has been something I wanted to ask you."

"Sure, what is it?"

"I was hoping you can help Ruby have a grasp in close combat."

"Eh? Me?" I pointed at myself.

Ozpin cleared his throat for a moment. "Seeing as how you as OOO required much knowledge of close combat for certain Combos, it would be beneficial for Ruby to have a grasp of such skills. I'm sure Ankh wouldn't mind it." The said Bird Greeed snorted.

"He's right. She's practically useless without her weapon. She's been relying too much on her scythe rather than alternative methods should she ever be unarmed." He stated. "A few beatings from you should get some sense into her."

I rubbed the bridge of my nose. "Ankh, you could have said it differently."

"It won't make any difference. I bet a single kick from you as OOO will send her flying to the wall when you fight her unarmed." He crossed his arms, his crimson eyes giving a critical look. "Kitty cat and the others have their alternative methods if they don't have a weapon. She must do the same in case of any situation."

"Right, I get it…" I pinched my nose. Ankh really doesn't mince words when it comes to others. Looking at Ozpin, I decided to comply with his request. "Alright. I'll help her out."

"I appreciate your help." Ozpin stood up from the seat. "I hope everything I explained to you is understandable, Enrique."

I grasped my head for a moment. It was surreal to know Ozpin lived numerous lives while fighting someone named Salem. The one responsible for the Fall along with the reason why I was targeted by the scorpion lunatic.

"I get it...for now. I'm still trying to figure this out since I just found out later than the others." I looked at the former headmaster. "Just… try and at least be honest next time. I mean…"

Ozpin sighed. Just like with Yang. "I will." He left the room but when he did, Ankh scoffed.

"What?" I asked.

"Something about Ozpin doesn't sit well with me."

"About him being around in your era?"

"No." Ankh frowned. "I'd rather figure it out myself than have you interrupt my thinking."

"Of course you would say that." I shook my head. "Well, if you excuse me. I'm gonna find Ruby."

I was the next to leave the room, leaving Ankh where he was.

Ankh knew many things by looking at someone. He can tell the slightest change to a person's behavior and their body language.

'That old man's still hiding something...he is cursed for sure, but the reason is a total lie.' He scowled. 'The reason is even deeper than that...but what?'

Ozpin wasn't telling them the truth. He will get that answer one way or another. Even if it means to beat him to a pulp. For now, he'll still have to watch and see what there is about Ozpin.

With the conversation over, I had to look for Ruby since Ozpin wanted me to teach her. Or was it Oscar? Or… ah to hell with it. I'll just stick to whoever speaks through. Still, Ozpin was a cursed man by the gods of this world. Living for years with a different life.

And the existence of Salem. Someone who is the reason for the Fall of Beacon. The person who wants me either dead or in her clutches. I grimaced.

Salem must have known about OOO and its history much like Ozpin does. The threat the power holds that could change the world.

Even if we transport the Relic safely, what about me? I practically hold a power that is dangerous and powerful. Not to mention the old Multi-King Relics. I have the O-Calibur in my hands but there are definitely more out there. A gauntlet and a cloak.

When all three are collected with the O-Driver, what will happen? I dreaded the fact of what could happen to my body.

Each artifact held power that is dangerous. No wonder the former Multi-King was feared in the past. He was one man who nearly had total control of the world. With and without the help of the Greeed.

I furiously shake my head. No, I can't think of the doubts. I made a promise to help everyone and not become like that Multi-King.

I saw Ruby laying on the grass, looking up at the clear sky. Seeing her, I approached before looming over, her silver eyes moving up slightly. "Hey Ruby."

"Oh Enrique!" She quickly moved herself back on her feet. "Didn't expect to see you. I thought you would be with Blake and her parents."

"I wanted to see how you are doing before I do." I replied. "What about you?"

"Just trying to relax before our trip next week."

Ah right. Qrow told us about the plan by Ozpin's suggestion. Makes sense for some of us needing a moment to relax before we begin the mission.

"Mind if I join in then?"

"Sure!"

I chuckled before relaxing next to the scythe wielder, the both of us basking in the sight of the sky. It reminded me of how it was back home. Gazing at the sky and watching the clouds go by.

Ruby sat up before looking at me, "Hey Enrique."

"Yeah Ruby?"

"On the way here to Mistral… I was looking back at old messages and found one from you on the day of the Single Match."

"You never watched it?" I asked, moving myself up a bit.

She fiddled with her fingers nervously. "W-Well, I never had the chance until then. But… I watched it and…" She reached for her device and looked at the video message. She fast forwarded it before pausing it to the one of myself showing the locket.

"Oh."

"Was… this why you were worried about me back then?" She asked.

I took a deep breath and reached for my locket. Grabbing it, I opened the locket and showed it to her to give her a better image. "To be honest, every time you smiled and your personality… hell, a majority of your appearance, reminded me so much of Marie. Looking at you feels like I am looking at my little sister. She would have been 16 in a few weeks."

"So that's why…"

"Ruby, I am sorry for not explaining much of my sister to you. Back at Beacon, there were times I saw my sister in your place. It wasn't easy to realize how similar life is for some people." I closed my eyes for a moment. "Lord knows I haven't done anything right since."

"If anything, you looked out for me like Yang did." Ruby smiled. "For you to see us as your family is more than enough for us to have from you. Besides, you believed in us no matter how far we were."

"Did you really believe that?"

"Of course I do."

A chuckle escaped my breath for a moment but nonetheless I smiled thinly. "To say, I am proud to see you reach this far, Ruby." I praised her. "You… really have grown since Beacon fell."

Ruby then said, "The same goes for you." I blinked. "Blake told me what happened in Menagerie about those Yummies."

"Ah…" I said, "Yeah… but it is all in the past now, Ruby. What matters is now and the future. I have moved on thanks to them."

She gave a smile until I remembered Ozpin's request. "That reminds me. Ruby, you are still trying to adjust to close combat right?"

"Ehehe… funny story…" Ruby rubbed her arm.

"Well the thing is Ruby, Ozpin wanted me to help you out."

The red-cloaked girl perked up. "Really?!"

I rubbed my neck. "Considering he wants you to get better. Plus Ankh made a few comments about it."

Ruby puffed her cheeks, "I figured. Ankh can be really blunt at times."

"Knowing him, always." I chuckled. "So? What do you say?"

"I'm up for it!" Ruby nodded.

With the training set, Ruby and I were apart from each other. She didn't have her cloak while I didn't have my coat. I place the OOO driver on my waist, earning confusion from her.

"Uh… why are you going to use the armor?"

"Ozpin and Ankh told me to." I quickly replied to her question. I noticed Ruby swallow and said, "O-On second thought, I am tired! I think I should get some rest and-"

"Ruby." I admonished, earning a whine. "Come on, you need to get used to fighting me in this armor. In fact, Pyrrha could do the same thing as me with the Proto-Birth Driver. You know she can use her Semblance to take your weapon away and defeat you, right?"

"Yeah…" She mumbled. "Okay…"

With the O-Driver on my waist, I place in the three Core Medals and scan them.

TAKA!

TORA!

BATTA!

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

With the crests aligned and my armor formed, I prepared my battle stance. "Alright Ruby. First things first. I am sure Ozpin told you before but having a stance can allow you to prepare yourself when it comes to a certain fighting style."

"R-Right." She clearly was nervous about this.

"Just stay focused and it will be fine, okay?"

Ruby took a deep breath before opening her eyes. "Okay. I'm ready."

We stared at each other with a firm gaze, my fingers curling slightly, one arm raised and the other lowered slightly. I was using Eiji's stance as OOO.

With a grunt, I ran towards her, forcing the scythe wielder to dodge my punch but I swept her off her feet. Before she can touch the ground, I watch her swirl in a flurry of rose petals and move around before skidding on her feet.

"Huh, never thought you conjured a new use for your Semblance." I commented.

"Yup!" She giggled. "Surprised huh?"

"Definitely." I push my fist forward, earning a squeak. Just as she was about to use her Semblance, her feet were caught in ice and looked down. "But you gotta realize that using your Semblance for evasion won't help much against someone who can see where exactly you go."

"Oh come on!" She whined.

"It's part of the lesson Ruby." I reminded her and kicked her in the stomach. Her Aura protected her while the ice broke on contact. "Sometimes our Semblance can be used for different tactics. Much like you did just now."

I readied my stance again. "Let's try again. This time, you try to hit me."

"Alright." Ruby used her Semblance to speed her way towards me. Seeing the swirl of petals, I glide to the right and use my leg to make her trip.

"Try again."

Ruby pouted before she ran towards me with her fist aimed at my crest. I grab her fist then the other before flipping her over me. I heard her groan as I turned around and looked down at her. "Almost got it."

The Huntress-in-training frowned but it changed. Huh, I wonder what–

She suddenly grabbed my ankles and slid herself forward and slammed her feet onto my back, pushing me. I took a glance as she quickly stood up with a breath of relief.

"How's that?"

"Now you are getting the hang of it. Alright, let's do this again but remember. Focus on me." I wave my hand, motioning her to attack.

Throughout the sparring, Ankh was leaning against the tree, finishing another ice treat while observing the two with studious gaze.

"Watching them?" The Bird Greeed looked beside him, seeing Qrow, twisting the cap close on his flask.

"Got a problem?"

"Nah, I figured something like this would happen for the squirt." He waved off. "Oz was right though. She needed to learn this."

The Huntsman could see the two sparring as the young Multi-King was giving Ruby advice or pointers to her mistakes. "You certainly taught the kid a lot."

"I only did so he won't screw up once I get my real body back." The Bird Greeed shot a glare at Qrow. "He has already adjusted to the Full Combos as he needed to."

"You sure it isn't just because you are looking out for him? Oz told me you have been teaching him the harsh lessons." Qrow would know it when he sees it. Ankh was teaching the rider much more than others due to his mistakes in the past. That Qrow knew since he himself has had his fair share of mistakes.

"Tch." Ankh scoffed. "Say what you want. I see it as how it is on my terms." He adjusted his jacket and headed inside.

I avoid Ruby's kick with my forearm and use the other to deliver a swift cross, earning a wince. She moved back but it allowed me to jump and deliver a powered kick to her stomach.

Ruby landed on her back, skidding across the dirt.

I lowered my arms. "Alright. We can stop for now. Sounds good for you?"

"Yeah…" The young Huntress groaned, reaching her hand up.

I grasped her hand and pulled her up, patting her shoulder. "Hey, at least you did well. I am sure you will excel in it in no time." Ruby smiled at my praise.

"Seems you did okay, squirt." The both of us notice Qrow.

"Hey Uncle Qrow!" Ruby waved. "We didn't know you were watching."

"Meh, just half of it. You're still going to need to learn a lot more." He shrugged. "The kid's going easy on you since you're a newbie to close combat."

"What?!" She looked at me with bewilderment.

"Qrow's right you know? You need to learn the basics before I can explain more."

"So that…"

"That was just a starter for you." I admitted, making Ruby slump. "Don't worry, we will get to the more advanced lessons later on."

"Okay…"

"Cheer up, squirt. At least it isn't Oz or Bird brain being the ones doing the lessons." Qrow felt a popsicle stick hit the top of his head. The older Huntsman rubbed his head.

"IT'S ANKH, YOU DRUNK JACKASS!" We heard Ankh shouting from the rooftop above us. Wow, Ankh heard it from down here. Seems being called Anko by Akira and Bird Brain by Qrow ticks him off.

"Language!" Ruby responded, using her hands to at least allow her voice to reach him.

"Like I give a shit! You'll learn sooner or later!"

I sighed, looking at the two. "See what I mean? He can be like that." I winced when another popsicle stick landed harshly on my head. "And that."

Qrow whistled. "You weren't kidding. His anger is as bad as Firecracker."

Qrow labeled some of us by certain nicknames. That explains a lot. Firecracker is Yang. Squirt is Ruby. Bird Brain is humorously Ankh. Oz is Ozpin. And… well, Qrow addresses me as 'Kid'. I am 20 and he calls me that? I am no longer considered that, for crying out loud!

After taking a moment from sparring with Ruby, I decided to see how the others were. I was about to see Blake and her parents but I stopped and glanced to see Nora… on Gamel's shoulders. Ren sighed heavily while Jaune held his own hand against his face. Pyrrha, her face was of amusement.

"Uh… am I interrupting something here?" I asked.

"We are doing a body tower!" Nora said proudly. "To see how high we can stack!"

"I can't believe Gamel and Nora can think alike…" Jaune mumbled.

"Nora is fun!" Gamel cheered.

"And Gamel is the strongest!" As did Nora from his shoulders.

"You were saying Jaune?" Pyrrha giggled. "I don't think this will be the end of something like this."

"Oh great…"

"Look on the bright side you guys, Gamel will be helping us out." I said.

"Yup! I will help OOO, Pyrrha, and friends!" Gamel nodded excitedly.

"See?'' I motioned to the Beast Greeed.

"Hey Gamel! Let's raid the food!"

"Food?!" Oh boy. "I want lots of sweets!"

Nora pointed ahead. "Let's get them! Onward to sweet heaven!" With the orange-haired spitfire being carried on top of Gamel's shoulders, the Beast Greeed ran in joy of the two planning to devour all the food they could eat.

"Hey, stop it you two!" Pyrrha called out, grabbing Jaune to chase after them.

Ren sighed heavily, shaking his head. While Nora and Gamel were causing a little mishap, Jaune and Pyrrha had to settle it down. While they do, I lean over to Ren. "Oh and by the way Ren, about time."

"What do you me-" He stopped when he saw my grin. "A-Ah… so you heard."

"It was obvious you and Nora were going to be together someday."

"Not as obvious as your relationship with Blake. You didn't notice her for nearly two semesters back at Beacon."

Okay, he got me on that reminder. "... touche."

"Besides, I bet you have more troubles than me. You did meet her parents a while back."

"At least her dad trusts me now. Sun left a bad first impression when they first met." I defended myself. "Ghira is a good guy if you stay on his good side."

"So I heard. You seem to be nervous should that ever happen."

I swallowed, giving a nervous smile. "Y-You can say that." I remember the threat he made after I woke up from taking the near-fatal hit. Immediately I remembered I was supposed to have lunch with them. "Crap, I can't be late. I'll see you guys in a bit. Oh and just make sure Gamel doesn't take the whole haul. He tends to do that and since Nora is tagging with him."

Without a word, Ren bolted towards where the rest of his team went. I think he figured what was about to happen. I pray whatever happens for them. Pyrrha did warn them about Gamel's childish antics.

Catching up to the destination, I took a moment to catch my breath after squeezing through the crowd earlier. Man, I forgot how crowded Mistral can be. Aside from my time in Menagerie, this sure felt a bit similar.

Looking up to see the restaurant, I sighed and checked the Batta Candroid. Seeing the current time, I had a few minutes to spare. "Just in time." I entered the restaurant, seeing the current customers. I scan the area before I heard-

"Over here!" I saw Ghira, Blake, Kali, and Ilia; the father waving me to them.

The employee escorted me to the table and after giving my thanks, I took a seat beside Blake.

"About time you got here." Ilia stated.

"Sorry about that," I apologized. "Had to hang out with a couple of my friends."

"It's alright. Given you all are reunited, it's fair." Kali giggled.

And on time as the meals were placed on the table.

"Let's dig in." Ghira chuckled.

We all began to eat dinner, the five of us chatting as we ate. Throughout the dinner, it made me remember the times I had dinner with my parents. This however was nice. Just me, my girlfriend, her parents, and Ilia enjoying the temporary leisure.

"How's the people of Menagerie after we stopped the attack on Haven?" I asked.

"They'll pull through. After half dozen Yummy attacks and the attempted assassination, you practically become the only human alongside Pyrrha that is respected in Kuo Kuana." Ghira replied with a smile. He caught my surprised look. "You seemed surprised."

"Y-Yeah, I mean…" I tapped my glass. "Well, I… never thought I would really make that much of an impact on you guys." I admitted. "To your whole village no less."

"It takes one person to make a difference, Enrique." The chieftain stated. "Be it their actions or words. You have done just that for them and proved to them you are not like others."

I looked at my drink, astonished at how the people of Menagerie trusted me. Respected even. It really was unbelievable but if the people of Menagerie believe in me, I won't let that trust fall.

Speaking of the Faunus, I focused my attention back on Ghira again. "So… how is the rebuilding of the White Fang anyway?" I asked.

"It's going to be difficult, since it has gone into disarray after Sienna's death and with Adam's faction being destroyed after the battle at Haven." Ghira explained. "But, I think everyone will try to reform it after that battle."

I scratched my head. "If it's not much to ask… mind if I help you guys out?"

Ghira looked at me in surprise. Ilia and Blake shared the same reaction. "You want to help?"

"Yeah. I mean, I may not be a Faunus but I do know a lot of such problems of discrimination due to where I'm from."

"Not many Faunus share your principles. And I'm not counting the ones at Menagerie." Ghira pointed out. "Are you sure you want to take that risk?"

"I am willing to." I vowed.

Becoming a Kamen Rider, I once thought it was supposed to be normal but as the days passed, I had to open my eyes to the reality of the situation I was in. Being OOO, it meant there were risks given the power was strong due to the use of Core Medals.

Did I regret becoming OOO when I first arrived in Remnant? At first I did but I abided by the duty after meeting Ruby and the others.

"You're really crazy and reckless." Ilia commented. "I can see how you managed to get through to Blake."

"I'm not that reckless." I sighed.

"Really? Blake told me some of the stories you went through. Like the time you and her friends fought a giant 'Greeed' before going to Menagerie."

"That...was more of a fusion." I corrected her.

"She also mentioned you fight Grimm in that… red form? Ta…" Ilia pondered.

"TaJaDor." Blake said for Ilia.

"Okay that was because we were in a bind and we didn't want more Grimm to breach the city."

"And she mentioned you almost turned into a monster thanks to those purple Medals within your Aura."

I winced at that memory as did Blake. That moment was something that scared us, including our friends. Nearly turning into a Greeed was emotionally horrific. Gara was the cause for what happened to me but in the end, I managed to find my desire because my friends saved me. They were my family and that freed me from it.

Yeah it was a bad time for me, but I was glad I didn't die. Death… death was something that scares me deep down.

"Ilia, that time must be a terrible memory for them." Kali gently scolded.

"O-Oh...sorry for bringing it up." The Chameleon Faunus apologized.

"It's alright." I raised my hand. "It's all in the past now. The present is all that matters."

"So, when will you and the others be leaving?"

"In two weeks. We will be going to… Argus right?" Blake tried to remember.

"That's what Ruby told us. And after that, Atlas." I confirmed. "To tell the truth, I still don't have any idea what that 'Relic' is supposed to do once we are in Atlas. It looks like just some old-fashioned lantern."

Then again, appearances can bring misjudgment. As they say, never judge a book by its cover.

After a long and casual day, it felt nice to talk to everyone again. I am pretty sure Ankh, being the grouchy bird he was, is perched somewhere he can relax and probably trying to contact Sara through the Batta Candroid given they were the only useful devices to communicate to Vale.

With the Scrolls, communications were limited to local areas but with Kougami's Candroids? It was a long distance due to the network it uses. Sadly, we barely had enough for all of us. My team and I along with the rest of Team RWBY had the only ones. The others had their Scrolls.

I sighed tiredly, landing on the wooden floor with my back against the side of the bed. My stuff was by the wall as I read the open book in my hand. Blake already got some of her clothes set and made sure her Gambol Shroud was maintained and loaded. Our coats were hanging by the door so it was just us to relax for the night.

"Hey Enrique…" Blake called.

"Hm?"

"Did you really mean what you said? About helping the White Fang?"

"Of course I meant it, Blake." I set the book next to me, one arm over my knee to look at her. "You wanted to rebuild the White Fang to what it once was. It may be a long process but I am willing to lend a hand to help."

"But-"

"I get that I am human, Blake. Yeah, I'm different from others here given my origins of being from Earth and how I nearly turned into a Greeed. But you think I would just stand back and do nothing to help? You know I'm not that type of person."

The ravenette lowered her head for a moment, reminded of everything. She knew he wasn't one to back away to help people. Especially when it comes to her. "You're right about that…" She murmured. Then the corner of her lips curled into a thin smile which I returned with my own.

After a moment of silence, Blake pushed herself up onto her feet. "I'll… be right back, okay?"

"Alright."

My girlfriend walked to the bathroom to take a needed shower, leaving me as the only one in the room.

After finishing the last page of the book I kept with me, I lean my head against the bed in silence. From the way Blake spoke, I can tell something was bothering her. I must do something to give her a chance to explain how she felt. I craned my head, glancing at the bathroom door for a long moment.

With the door closed, Blake's emotions faltered bitterly. The troubles were bound to come and the trouble to fully rebuild the White Fang. It will be a tedious process but hopefully it will work. The Cat Faunus shook her head before starting the shower.

Blake removed her clothes and set them on the basket. Looking at herself in the mirror, her fingers brush against the old scar she got when Adam arrived at Beacon. If it wasn't for Enrique, she and Yang would have died...

Taking a deep breath, she pushed that memory down before moving herself under the shower. Like the Rider, looking back at the past will only prevent a chance to take a step forward.

Blake stood under the spray of warm water, the temperature easing her tense muscles while she kept her head low. Despite her talk with the otherworlder, she still felt a small amount of anxiety grow in the pit of her stomach. Being reunited with her team was something she wanted but... the fact that she is trying to make it up to Yang... it wasn't easy.

Ever since Beacon fell, she felt guilty for leaving them but had to do so to protect them from her troubles. At least now, the White Fang was back in the leadership of her father with Ilia's help.

However, the future was still unknown to them. After learning about Salem, it frightened her. What would happen then if they don't get the Relic to Atlas? Anything can happen in this mission. What if... Adam showed up? The Bull Faunus was after her because she broke his trust and he was lashing out to the world for his pain.

She was afraid of losing everything and everyone again.

Crossing her arms over her stomach, Blake slipped deeply into her own thoughts, her Faunus ears lowered slightly in reaction, silencing the world around her once more. However the girl was unaware of the bathroom door quietly opening and closing. She jumped slightly when a pair of warm, familiar arms wrapped around her from behind.

Blake eased herself slowly into me, hearing her sigh in content as I rested my chin on her shoulder. Not saying a word and just holding her under the warm spray of the shower.

I understood how she was feeling earlier, the fear of another incident waiting for us after all that we had faced thus far. I knew that despite trying to ease her mind it wouldn't be enough until everything was said and done, and all of us ended the fight for good.

"Are you sure you are alright?" I asked her, hoping to comfort her.

"… Just...thinking about things." She murmured before glancing at me. "You know that I'm still showering, right? What if the others hear us?"

"What? And miss a chance being alone with my girlfriend?"

"Fair enough…" Blake acknowledged with a slight giggle. She did miss the times where they were alone. "You know...I'm glad that we're all together again…but..."

"But?"

Her mood deflated, "It's about Yang…"

"Oh...you don't know how to talk to her?" I assumed, knowing what happened between the two of them. No doubt Yang still held some hatred after Blake abandoned her during her time of need.

"I don't know if she will forgive me for what happened...what if we never go back to what it was before?"

My eyebrows furrowed. I understood how she was feeling. "You know, I actually talked to Yang earlier today. Well, more on her wanting to talk to me to be exact." She glanced at me again. "She asked me why I left them." I reminisced about the anger she had but was gone after the long explanation. "She thought I abandoned them too."

"So she was mad at you too..." Her cat ears flattened against her head, her head craning down low in guilt.

"Yeah, but she's not angry anymore, well, somewhat after I explained my reasons." I replied. "You know I couldn't leave you behind. Not after everything you endured. It wasn't right for me to do that."

"Enrique…" Her eyes softened, watching the warm water drip down her body.

"I know she'll forgive you if you talk it out." My hands embraced her tighter. "She knows about your past too, I'm sure she will understand. Just like we all have."

"Thank you, Enrique…" Blake smiled thinly as she glanced at me again. "I needed that…"

"It's the least I can do for you." I smiled back, kissing her on the lips softly before parting.

"You're really romantic sometimes." She commented. "You dared to sneak in here when I'm in the middle of a shower."

"Weren't you the one who offered to take a bath at the hot springs together back at Kuo Kuana?" I countered with a sly grin. "Remember what happened after?"

Blake blushed, not expecting that remark. "I-I'll pretend I didn't hear that." Seems she remembered what happened back at the hot spring.

I chuckled slightly. "Whatever you say." I gently nuzzle my head against her own. "Just know I am here for you, Blake. Okay?"

"Okay." She nestled against me.

The both of us stayed underneath the warm shower, savoring the time we have right now. After the Battle of Haven, we both needed a moment to relax together. Our lives kept going on different turns but it didn't stop us from progressing the path we took together.

The comfort between us was ongoing before I heard Blake speak up.

"Um...do you want to stay a bit longer in the showers…?" She offered.

"...You sure? You did say someone could hear us."

"If you're brave enough to do this, why shouldn't I?" Blake looked at me.

"Alright." I complied as she turned around to face me.

My eyes drift from head to toe of her form, taking sight of her figure like always. However when I saw the scar on her lower left abdomen, I traced my fingers softly towards it. Seeing it made me remember the Battle of Beacon. I first saw it back when we slept together a month after we left Vale. My mood turned bitter. I don't know if I was glad I stopped Adam on that day or scared to know Blake and Yang nearly died.

"Blake...this scar…" I murmured.

The Cat Faunus lowered her head to see the mark. "Does… it still bother you?"

I shook my head. "No… it's just… seeing it every time, reminded me of why I couldn't show up in time."

Blake's hand gently brushed against my cheek, earning my attention again.

"It's okay… the only thing to know is we're here."

"You think so…?" I asked.

"I know it left us with marks… some worse…" Her eyes drifted a bit. "But, we're here, right?" I nodded slowly. "Just think of now and not what happened back then. Isn't that what you once told me?"

I did remember telling her that. I took a deep breath to ease my posture. "Yeah, I did. Sorry Blake, guess you aren't the only one bothered with what's going on."

"We all are." She assured me.

We looked at each other for a moment as the shower continued to run. I slowly felt the familiar warmth and I was pretty sure Blake was the same.

"... You know this could be intimate, right?"

"Isn't… that the point right now?" She asked, her tone soft as the wind.

Oh, it was now definitely and I was going to do so much for her.

I began trailing kisses down the side of her neck before sucking lightly between the neck and shoulder area, leaving a mark on her beautiful skin. "E-Enrique..." she mewled.

"You have no idea how much I wanted to do that to you Blake." I said with a small grin. "To show you are with me… being mine."

She shuddered in delight upon hearing my tone. The Huntress clung onto me, her hands now gripping my shoulders. My eyes stare into the familiar pools of amber. The eyes that always drew me in - Like a moth to a flame.

"Then...it's fair I make my own claim, right?" She whispered.

"Go ahead." I allowed, prompting her to kiss me.

One of her hands moved to the back of my head to keep her hold on me, the other slowly moving across my torso. My hands weren't idle either as I groped her breasts.

"A-Ah…" Blake moaned through the kiss. "Enrique…"

"You're so beautiful… smart… cute… hot." The Faunus shuddered at each word that I described to her. "I don't care if some people think our relationship is wrong. I don't care what they'd think of our relationship as human and faunus… because I cherish this bond with you more than anything. And I love you with every fiber of my being."

My hand moved further down before finding the spot I was looking for. Her breathing hitched when she felt my fingers inside. "E-Enrique…."

"Does this ease your mind?" I slyly asked.

"Y-Yes….!" She didn't move but I could feel her soft bosom against my torso.

"Don't be shy, Blake. Let it all out."

It became harder for Blake to control herself as it did when it came to her undying affection for the young Multi-King. Her Multi-King.

The woman released a soft scream as she climaxed, allowing my fingers to feel it drip off the digits. The shower cleaned it off partially but not all of it. She began to control her breathing before her amber eyes looked at me lustfully, her legs shaking.

I froze when I felt Blake's hand was stroking my member. "Blake?" I gritted slightly to the touch of her hand.

"Can you...take me now…?" She whispered.

The moment she made that request, I immediately obliged. The Faunus released a soft yelp when I moved my hands down and grabbed her rear, hoisting her up slightly and pressing her into the wall of the shower. "Do you really need to ask, Blake?" I replied playfully before slipping into her, burrowing my face into her shoulder.

Blake's arms around my neck tighten the embrace, her nails clawing my shoulders as she mewled. I didn't even bother to use my Aura to deal with the marks.

"It's been a while hasn't it?" I whispered into her ear with a grunt.

"Y-Yes…" Blake moaned slightly before I began to move slowly. "I-It feels so good..."

The both of us never had the chance to share a moment privately. While our time in the hot spring back on Menagerie was a quick one, this was one we would rather not make haste on.

Staying here in Mistral, we tried to find time to be intimate but barely did due to our friends and her parents. But now that we had time to ourselves for the moment. I'll be damned if neither of us have the chance to do this again. We were going to make this last as long as possible with no interruptions from anyone.

"Ahn! Enrique… keep going-AH!"

While it wasn't the first time we had our privacy to indulge each other before Pyrrha joined the group, it wasn't uncommon for us both since. We just didn't find a chance to act.

"I will…" I grunted. The times I share with Blake are memorable. To have her love and the bond we share being latched together. She gave me a reason to live. And I will give her everything she deserves in return. Not just my affection but my love and devotion to her. She is my girlfriend and I won't let anyone hurt her anymore.

Blake had to move her arm against the shower wall behind her while keeping the other over my shoulder. Her moans were music to my ears and I admired her figure again. Her luscious fair skin, her beautiful amber eyes, and hair as black as night.

She had made her claim and that was me.

She pulled herself closer to me and bit my shoulder to muffle her moans, making me wince. I continued to thrust into her but Blake was unable to stop the moans from escaping her throat. Our moans and grunts echoed throughout the shower as we could only hear the sounds of our bodies hitting each other. The sweat on our bodies is being washed away by the water.

Looking at each other in the eyes, our lips met in a kiss again, the water of the shower long since going cold but it was ignored as we lost ourselves in each other. Cherishing our love to our hearts' content.

A wave of euphoria sent her into bliss when I nibbled her cat ear. The Faunus's heart beated uncontrollably. "Oh? Did that make you react cutely?" I teased.

"Y-You're such… ah! A tease!" She managed to pout but her voice released a moan every time our hips touched each other.

"Yet, you don't mind it, don't you?"

Blake moaned beautifully at first but the sudden yet intense kiss again made it obvious to the answer. "You mean-AH~! Everything to me, Enrique."

My heart hammered to the point it would burst.

"Let's change it up then." I whispered in her ear.

I gripped Blake's hips one last time before turning her around. Then, she felt me enter inside her again. Being turned around, Blake had to place her hands on the shower wall as support, feeling each push as I held her hips from behind.

"M-More! Faster!" she moaned out. I picked up the pace and began thrusting a bit faster, gaining more speed. It felt so good being inside her.

I continued plowing inside of Blake, grabbing her breasts and fondling them with my fingers. The Faunus moaned because of my touch.

"Oh Brothers… Enrique…!" Blake gasped when I hit her spot again.

The Faunus remembered how it was whenever they were alone before being in Menagerie. Before Pyrrha joined them. Their intimate moments, the affection they shared for each other. The scent, his embrace. Everything she remembered was forever in her memories to this day. She stopped reading the books as this was no fantasy to her. Her lover was giving her the love she deserved.

"Blake… I'm at my limit!" I grunted as my movements became faster, the feeling of her walls beginning to clamp down on me making it harder and harder to hold back.

"Please… release… it…!" She managed to get out through each moan.

I picked up the pace, moving faster into Blake due to my limit approaching. When I felt myself at my limit, I covered Blake's mouth with my left hand and wrapped my right arm around her bosom before my seed spilled into her. Her scream of climax barely escaped my hand while I held her close, muffling the sound of her voice. Her fingers curled against the shower wall, almost clawing it.

We took a moment and remained motionless, trying to get our breathing back under control. Once we calmed down, I uncovered Blake's mouth.

"T-That was amazing, Enrique…" Blake said in between breaths.

I kissed the back of her neck. "The same can be said about you." Her beautiful form shuddered under the now cold shower. "Think we should clean up?"

"Yeah…" She nodded.

Yang and Weiss hung out in a room together, until a thought came into Yang's mind. "Oh grapes!" She said, "I just remembered something."

"What?" Weiss said.

"We remembered to pack lemons for the trip, right?"

Weiss cocked her eyebrow in confusion.

After cleaning ourselves up (again), we got dressed for the night. We had two beds in the room but we're just going to use one. Currently, both of us are resting on the same bed.

I smiled and said. "I know I said it before, but you're very beautiful, Blake."

"R-Really?" The Faunus blushed heavily at my compliment.

"Of course." I rubbed her cat ears affectionately. "And this makes you very cute."

Her face becomes completely red at my words. It's always cute to see her embarrassed like this. Back at Beacon, she was often calm and reserved. At times, she is more social whenever we are alone.

"I can keep rubbing your ears if you want me to." I teased.

"S-Sure…go ahead."

I chuckled quietly but nonetheless gently rubbed her ear affectionately, she started purring as a result. As I did, I stopped for a moment when I caught Blake's eyes holding a sliver of concern. "Still bothering you?"

"I often wonder…"

"Wonder what?" I inquired.

"When everything will be over… and live through this."

"... I often ask myself the same thing, Blake." I admitted, earning her attention. "When will everything be over. When will there be peace? Will we live through this? That is what I ask myself every night since we reunited with our friends" I look at the ceiling. "And I'm scared too. I don't show it because I don't want any doubts to come up when we already made it this far and reunited with your team. I may be OOO, but deep down, I wonder if I will be okay."

Being OOO meant I was given a dangerous power. A power that can drive me mad with desires and change the world. My resolve prevented it but I am scared of the possibility of it overwhelming me. Power can corrupt people into having malevolent desires.

That is the one thing that frightened me after hearing Ozpin's explanation of the artifacts. What will happen once I find the other two? What will I commit when I have all relics of the Multi-King in my possession?

I just… I just wasn't sure what to do by then. Looking at Blake, my hand gently brushed her back to calm her. "The one thing I am grateful for Blake, is being with you guys."

"Enrique…"

"No matter the odds that come, I will protect you just as you all have done for me." Being in Remnant, I always thought if my life was going to be worse. But instead I met people to call friends. Friends who became my family.

"I'm grateful that I met you, Enrique." Blake nuzzled against my chest.

"Same here." I smiled, hugging her one last time before we drift into sleep.

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)

(NEXT TIME)

"Wait a minute, you did more than just create ice!" She beamed. "You actually made different functions just like I did with my Semblance!"

"If anything were to happen to me, I want you to make sure you watch over squirt and the others in my place."

I rubbed the back of my head. "Ghira… can I ask you something? More like if we can talk at a restaurant?"

Next Time: The Questions, Conversations, The Talk

A/N: To admit, it has been a very long while since I ever wrote a lemon in this chapter. And as you all have noticed the brief presence of fight scenes, it is due to this being an interlude arc so these few chapters will involve development and such between the characters upon being reunited. As I said before, I am trying to find time to continue my work on the chapters, it isn't easy since I work alot. I hope you guys enjoyed the lemon as well as the development between the characters. Don't forget to leave a review, favorite and follow. Remember I will be updating this story every Monday around 4-4:30pm EST. Till then, stay safe everyone!