A/N: Once again, I have brought the weekly update for this story. Work has been driving me crazy due to the summer. Putting that aside, I want to clear out some stuff regarding some assumptions. The first being regarding the pairing. It will remain as OC x Blake, NOT OC x Blake and Yang. The bond Yang and our protagonist share is akin to brother and sister. While Yang does harbor feelings for him, if you all read the previous chapter (chapter 18), they forgive each other but there are still some they have to fix. I hope that clears some questions regarding how things are for the characters. As to why I am uploading this chapter on a Sunday? I will be extremely busy with work for the next few days so I will be occupied with a mountain load of work. With that said, let us begin the chapter.

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

Third Person View

'Thought'"

Greeed/Yummies

A pair of lilac eyes revealed themselves, the eyes belonging to Yang Xaio Long. She moved herself off before stretching. The buxom blonde relaxed slightly and stood up. She brushed her hair with her hands and took a moment to breathe.

With the things that happened in Haven, even confronting her mother left more to her mind but some gave her closure. Alas, there were a few things that still bothered her. Primarily… regarding two people she knew. Blake and Enrique.

A part of her was glad the two were here now but there was still the tinge of abandonment. She had to know… From him. Why did he choose to go with Blake? And why couldn't he just join them or even her? Things needed to be resolved otherwise this pain in her heart won't leave.

She remembered the talk she had with him. Sure some things were resolved after talking to him but the pain was still there. She didn't want him to leave again. He may have made a promise but she was concerned if he would break it again.

This… was her last chance to get things resolved… for the both of them.

Putting her gear on, she took a deep breath and focused on the new day. For now, she will have a chance to make up for lost time with everyone before they depart.

Remnants of Desires: After the Fall

Chapter 19: The Questions, Conversations, The Talk

A new day in Mistral. Man, time sure flies by now that I realized it. It's been almost two weeks since we foiled the attack on Haven Academy and now, we have to get ready since the departure is in two days. Being with everyone again, it made me happy to know I'm with my family just like old times.

At least now, things were going smoothly for everyone. Ruby was already adjusting to the close combat during the practice run.

"Oof!"

Well, almost.

Ruby landed on the ground while I remained standing, without the need of my OOO armor.

"I thought we agreed on no Semblances in this part of the training, Ruby?" I questioned her, as she was using her flower speed yet didn't help too much as I would prevent it with my ice.

"Um… I forgot?" She said, trying to hide the fact that she just wanted to have one win on me.

I shook my head and flicked my hand, making her squeak when she was pushed back onto her feet with the help of my Semblance. The girl paused for a moment and looked at me.

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

I raised my shoulders. "Comes from further understanding of my Semblance." Cryokinesis was more than controlling the cold air, but it was the air itself. Just as I did by creating the icy armor and greaves during the battle of Haven, the walls during the attacks in Menagerie, and removing the cold elements from Ilia when she saved me. I can create and remove cold elements into any form.

"Like what?" She asked excitedly.

I focused and Ruby watched as ice gathered onto my arms and lower legs. The sharp ends of the fingers while the ridges were sharp but the ice was durable as steel. "This being one example. I learned how to use the ice defensively and offensively over the years. Hell, I could create an ice construct as a decoy if someone were to attack me. Similar to Blake's Semblance." I explained. "I think this Cyrokinesis is more akin to Cryomancy of sorts given PuToTyra commands ice." Since the violet medals were a part of my Semblance, the control of ice was the reason I can perform the other half of my Semblance.

"So cool!!" Ruby beamed with excitement and eagerness towards my Semblance.

I chuckled but we heard the alarm, notifying us training was over. "Well, it looks like training is over for the day."

"Yes!"

"But we will continue next time." I sneered.

"Aw man…"

"Look on the bright side, you're improving." I assured her.

"If you say so…" She pouted out before sighing in relief. The red hooded girl brushed her skirt before she walked back inside while I chose to do the same. I swiped my hand, allowing the ice to erupt and launch my weapons back to my hands. I placed them onto their respective places and rubbed my shoulders.

Ruby really has grown since I last saw her. It's hard to believe she is already 16 while the others are practically adults now. Not much to celebrate given the events we endured. I chuckled dryly, reminded that my own sister's birthday was coming up. I paused and looked over to the room I stayed in. I entered it and looked for my bag.

When I did, I zipped it open and rummaged through until I found what I was looking for. It was the old toy I gave her years ago. I never left it behind even after Beacon fell. It wasn't as white as it was when I first gave it to her when we were little. Its white color was slowly darkening due to its age. My thumb brushed across the old stuffed bunny, hearing the small jingle and squeak inside.

I fell onto my rear, reminiscing the good memories, not the sad ones. "... I've already moved on for you guys… but… I still miss you." I murmured. "All the good memories…" I wiped away a tear. "I cherish them with my life. I just… I'm just happy I'm with everyone again. I wonder… if it was you guys who guided me to Ruby and the others here in Mistral."

I set it back into the bag and took a deep breath to ease my mind. I may have moved on and let them go, but I can never forget the memories I held of my late family. Pushing myself up, I left the room but gave one last look at the bag then continued onward.

I could hear chatter outside which made me smile inwardly. Once I was a step away from entering the balcony, I noticed Ruby's uncle staring while taking a sip from his flask.

"Hey Qrow."

"Oh hey, Kid." I felt my eyebrow twitch at the nickname. I am starting to dislike it given I am 20 and not a kid for crying out loud. "Didn't notice you there…"

"Your drinking can do that."

"Sure it does." The man drawled. "You are starting to sound like Akira with those remarks."

"Meh, it was more on Zack's remarks of how he says things to people."

Qrow raised an eyebrow before he clicked his tongue. "Ah right, friend from that other world." He caught my surprised look. "Squirt told me everything."

I walked over and rested my arms on the railing to watch my friends. "So you know huh?"

"Damn right." Qrow sighed. "It's hard to believe you come from another planet that's different from this."

"Why else I couldn't explain much? People would find it crazy."

"And unbelievable." The Huntsman added. "But it explains much of your name. Doesn't mean much here in Remnant."

"My mom preferred names that held some importance to their meaning. Been like that on her side of the family." I shrugged. I often wondered if my mom had a thing for history as much as I do given she wanted our names to have meaning. Sure my name sounded as it is, but even names on Earth have a meaning to the families. Even if it's another language. "My dad on the other hand, he is the type who doesn't screw around but does pranks or jokes to us at times for the fun of it for us."

Qrow gave a deadpanned loom. "A jarhead and a jokester? I'm surprised he hasn't got in trouble."

"It's called being an adult." I glanced at Qrow who took another sip of his flask. "And you should lay off on the drinking."

The man snorted. "Giving me a lecture?"

I rolled my eyes. "Qrow, the way you are doesn't help much. Drinking will kill you eventually. It's better to live life than drown in the mistakes you made in life."

After losing my family, I had no methods to ease my pain and guilt. All I did was bottle it inside me and let my sleep do the work in the past. It didn't help but it was the only way to ease my mind in the daytime.

Qrow leaned his back against the railing, watching the group below as they all talked to one another. His eyes drifted to his flask for a moment and heaved a heavy sigh. "Kid… there's something I want to ask you."

"Sure, what is it?"

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

The request startled me. I never expected to hear that from Ruby's uncle. A man who was considered one of the best Huntsmen in Vale. "W-Wait, me? Qrow, shouldn't that be something you should ask Ankh?" I asked.

"Birdbrain may be a dangerous and formidable guy but I know he isn't the type to look out for you all when he has other things to worry about. Especially when it involves his real form." I held my tongue at Qrow's point. Ankh may be looking out for us, but he was more focused on getting his body. "Listen, I heard from squirt about you and your determination to protect them ever since you met them at Beacon. You may be OOO, but I can tell that family means a lot to you."

"… You really are serious about this?"

"Like you said, it's better to live life. You atoned your mistakes and I bet my flask here is you have seen the true colors of the world on both fronts."

"…" I wasn't an idiot to know the things that go on back home and here. While articles and reports talk about the grim things, the death of my family dreadfully showed me how cruel the world can be to any individual.

"I just want to make sure. Cause after that fight with that Salem's follower, I thought I was actually going to die. So, just in case my Semblance finally takes me down, I rather know that I can count on you to keep them safe." Qrow said.

I sent a glance at the others below and lowered my head. It was a responsibility but I wasn't one to shy away. If Qrow is placing that much trust in me, then I will abide by it as much as I can. I exhaled briefly and replied, "Alright… You have my word, Qrow."

"Glad to hear. That at least gives me some relief." Qrow said with a sigh of relief, pocketing the flask into his pocket. "Now, how about we change subjects. I'm curious as well to know about this… Ear-th, you come from?"

"It's pronounced 'Earth', Qrow." I stated.

"Then why does it have an 'A' in it?" He questioned back.

"It's called vowels, ever heard of that?"

"… smartass much?"

I shrugged. "It depends on the question. My dad was like that at times."

"Like father, like son." The man drawled. "Talk about being a soldier boy."

I froze to the name, my mind immediately replaying old memories of middle school and first year of high school. The torment and bullying I experienced growing up after losing my family. That very nickname I was called all the time.

Qrow noticed as he seemed slightly worried, "Hey, kid? You alright?" He asked.

I shook my head to clear my head for that moment. "Yeah, yeah. I'm alright." I rubbed my wrist out of an old habit given what I used to think of in the past.

Though, it seemed the veteran noticed as he had a slight frown, "I'm sorry if I brought up bad memories, kid. Wasn't trying to hurt ya." He apologized to me.

"The past is the past. Right now, the only thing that matters is the present." I assured him. "With how things are now, I just want to do as much as I can to help."

"Whatever you say kid."

I rest my arms on the railing again, staring at my friends enjoying their time. Given everyone was reunited, it made sense to talk about their adventures over the past year and make up lost time.

"By the way."

"Hm?"

"What drinks did your world have?"

I sweatdropped and shook my head in disbelief. "Seriously Qrow?"

"Can't blame my curiosity. Ruby wouldn't say anything so might as well ask you."

I facepalmed. Qrow may be the best Huntsman in Vale but like the others, he has his quirks. And it involves drinking.

Might as well humor the guy but something told me this was going to be a long conversation.

"Hey Blake can-" the leader of Team RWBY immediately noticed Blake wasn't in the room. "Huh...she's not here."

Blake was supposed to be here last she recalled. Deciding to check with the others, Ruby walked down the hall and found her sister and Weiss but not Blake. Okay… this was getting a little odd for her.

"Uh guys, have you seen Blake?" Ruby asked. "She's not in the room."

Weiss glanced at Ruby after maintaining her rapier with new Dust canisters. "Last I recall, she went out."

"She went out?"

"Probably going to buy some supplies since we have to leave soon." Yang murmured, loading a few shells into her Ember Celica.

"Or...she is going somewhere with Enrique." Weiss corrected. "We are leaving soon, so that's my best assumption right now."

"My guess is on a date. I can imagine them being so close right now." The blonde said with a bitter murmur. "We can tease her on how it went when she gets back."

The memories of teasing the Faunus brought nostalgia for the blonde. She remembered always teasing Blake about her infatuation with the young Multi-King. Although Blake didn't like the fact they spied on her once… or the other times Yang herself spied on them, before Blake delivered swift punishment to her. She shuddered at that.

In fact, a year has passed since then. She could guess that they have done many intimate things during their travels before Pyrrha joined.

The Multi-King… the blonde remembered her talk with him a few days ago. While she forgave Enrique after hearing his reasons, she couldn't help but see how much he has changed since she last saw him. Before the Fall, he was all about helping everyone in the school, reaching out. Be it Faunus or Human. She couldn't help but remember how she had a crush on him back in Beacon.

Now? All she saw was the same person but there was the way he did things. How he wasn't willing to back down nor give up in times of need or in a fight. He embraced the burden he has but not alone. A person who let go of his past and focused on now and the future.

Back then, he was just someone who ended up in this world by Gara. Now, he was a Huntsman who fought every time a Grimm or Yummy appeared. As a Kamen Rider he once mentioned.

"Kamen Rider OOO…" She chuckled to herself. It did have a nice ring to it.

"What was that?" Weiss asked.

"Nothing. Nothing." Yang waved off. "Should we prepare the teasing for Blake later?"

Weiss rolled her eyes and said. "Only you would suggest something like that."

"Can't blame a girl," Yang then grinned mirthfully, "Ice queen."

"HEY!"

Yup. Just like old times.

It's been an hour since my talk with Qrow and that guy was unbelievable when it came to the questions. Such as the types of drinks Earth had, the customs the countries have, etc.

Seriously, it just gave a sense of deja vu when I had to explain to Ilia of my origins and whatnot. With that said, with ourselves having two weeks left to prepare for the trip to Atlas, I thought it was fair Blake and I have time to spend together on a date.

"Why don't we hit the restaurant first? I heard they had a special seafood menu today." I suggested.

"Seafood…" Her eyes brightened up at the food. Yup, it was easy to get her attention with any kind of food that comes from the sea. "You knew I wanted that, didn't you?"

"It seems obvious from how long we've been together." I smiled, making the cat Faunus slap my shoulder. "Besides, one huge meal won't hurt. We just went through a big battle almost a week ago, after all."

"I guess...but didn't we celebrate with the others a while back?"

"I know that. I just wanted this to be for the two of us. Like on our previous dates back at Vale. We barely had a chance in Menagerie, remember?" I reminded her.

Blake smiled, her fingers intertwined with my own. Seems she does remember the both of us rarely had the chance to go on a date at Menagerie due to the issue of the near-constant attacks. That and Ghira keeping an eye on us.

At least we have a chance now so we had to make the most of it before we depart. "So… how are things so far with you and the others?" I started.

"Well, with Weiss, Ruby and JNPR. Everyone seems well and much more mature than ever before. Though…. With Yang…" Blake began before she slightly lowered her head, "I… still think she has trust issues with me. But I can't blame her either…"

"Did you get a chance to talk with her?" I remembered advising her to try during our time alone.

"I have… but… it seems she still needs more time…" Blake sighed. "But I'll try to talk to her again."

I rubbed her hand with my thumb and gave her a thin smile. Looks like she has been trying her best. "Doing something is better than doing nothing as they say."

"Another quote from your world?" She guessed.

"You'll be surprised how many prominent figures made inspirational or important words to others in my world." I chuckled. Given how much history my world had in the seven continents, there were people who made quotes that brought inspiration to people. Some are forever etched into books, even television.

"You honestly should let me learn as much as I can, so I can be somewhat ahead of the others." She giggled in response.

"I'll try my best on that. Then again, you did have a tendency as a bookworm." I laughed when Blake playfully pushed my arm.

"Same can be said about you being the same with history and leisure."

"And yet you don't seem to mind that." I caught Blake's cheeks turning pink slightly at the remark.

"You shush." She said shyly but with a slight smile.

I chuckled at the response. I know how Blake is. It was cute to see her reactions here and there given how she was back then.

As we walked past a few people, I began to hear their words whenever we walked by them. Their eyes looking at us primarily.

I almost forgot the fact that the Faunus are discriminated against by humans. After staying in Menagerie and seeing how I was first treated there, it's like looking at two similar sides of the same coin.

When you hate someone who has mistreated you, you become the same as them. Unlike them, I wasn't like that. To me, every person regardless of race is equal.

"What is he doing with that Faunus?"

"Acting lovey-dovey...disgusting. Why is he loving that animal?"

Now the insults began to pour in. My free hand twitched but I kept calm, preventing a single hint of anger from showing.

"He should have gotten rid of her."

"Yeah. He's simply a stupid sympathizer."

I felt a tinge of growing frustration at the insults thrown not just at Blake, but myself as well. Okay, they were crossing the line. I stopped before looking back. "Why don't you guys just shove it!" I shouted at them.

"What's your problem, kid? We're just expressing our opinion." One said with a smug smirk.

I hid the gritting of my teeth and my fingers slowly curled into my palms. The anger within me was slowly boiling and I was close to losing steam.

"She's an animal, just like the rest of them. They caused the attack on Beacon and shouldn't even be allowed outside anymore."

"At least the Faunus did what was right to fight against the White Fang." I seethed. "At least there were people who cared about others unlike some heartless bastards like yourself."

"What did you say?!"

I wasn't sure if it was due to the suppression of my negative feelings, especially anger, but it never felt right to bottle it inside. It wasn't healthy nor was it to commit something you will regret.

The people murmured to each other, hoping it wouldn't end in a fight. Blake quickly tugged my arm. "Come on, Enrique."

I glanced at her before I sighed. "Okay." I replied and walked with her. Once we were away from them, I looked at her after taking a moment to calm down. "Sorry about my outburst, Blake. Hearing the insults about you, I just…"

"I know." She gently rubbed my hand. "You stood up for me. That's what matters. You… looked like you were close to punching him." She nudged my hand as emphasis

"… I was." I admitted bitterly, relaxing my fingers.

"Well, I'm glad you didn't. As you've said, we have to be better." She smiled before she leaned in to peck my cheek. "Just keep that in mind, okay?"

"Okay." I sighed.

"About that restaurant you said, we can go there right?

I looked at her before I nodded. "Yeah, of course." I decided. "Let's go."

Our dinner at the restaurant was eventful and memorable to say the least. Upon being seated and taking our orders, we began to discuss things. Not of the fights but rather the bonds with the others. Blake giggled when I once told her of a faint memory of the time my sister and I would roll down the hill.

"It sounds like you were quite the bubbly one alongside your sister." She commented.

"It's how things were. It was kinda dumb since we would end up dizzy at the end." I chuckled.

We noticed the waiter with our plates, my girlfriend's cat ears twitching upon the sight of her meal which was of course, the special seafood they had.

"Here are your orders." The waiter informed us politely. "Enjoy your meals."

"Thanks." Blake thanked before the waiter walked away. She took the fork and plucked a piece of the salmon. She paused. "By the way, I've been meaning to ask."

"Hm?" I cocked an eyebrow while eating.

"Is it true?"

"About…?"

"I talked to Ruby yesterday and she told me you used to… see your sister in her place."

I swallowed and noticed her softened look. I sighed and set my fork down. "Well, Ruby and Marie practically look identical. Same look, personality. The only difference… is the eyes and hair color." I fiddled with the locket. "Felt like…"

"Like a second chance, only it wasn't."

"It was." I briefly caught Blake's confused look. "I know Ruby isn't my sister… but a part of me wanted to at least support her whenever possible. She has a responsibility, especially as a leader to the team you are in. To redeem a part of my past and help Ruby."

Ruby has grown a lot since we separated. While there is still more for her to understand about the responsibility and the colors of the world, she has grown a bit to understand the path she walks.

"Well, I know she's very glad to have you with her, Enrique." Blake reassured me as she smiled. "She even told me that she truly sees you as the brother she never had."

That I didn't expect but looking back at how it was between me and Ruby, it dawned on me. Was that why Ruby often looked up to me?

"I… never thought to hear that."

The Cat Faunus smiled and took a forkful of her food and ate it. "By the way, have you seen Ankh?" She asked after swallowing.

"Knowing him? Probably perched on higher elevation, either mumbling about us being 'idiots' or the people around Mistral." I quipped. "Grouchy bird he is at times."

"Achoo!" Ankh sneezed. He rubbed his nose, a gut feeling someone was talking behind his back "Who the hell is talking about me again?"

The former Beacon student nearly laughed but she covered her mouth to suppress it. "Come on, you have to agree." I admitted. She nodded in agreement while hiding the brief laughter she had.

"You are right about that."

When the both of us finished our meals, we paid for the lunch and left the restaurant. Blake grasped my arm, in which I smiled. Taking a glance at her, I saw the happiness she held. It reminded me how things were between us. We have grown much closer over the past year and it will soon be two years.

My free hand gripped the item I kept in my pocket for a very long while since we left Menagerie. The talk I had with Kali still lingered in my mind.

"Everything alright?" I abruptly looked at Blake.

I quickly released my hold on the item in my pocket. "Yeah. Yeah. Say um, Blake, how about we stop by to see how your parents are doing? I'm sure they wouldn't mind a visit."

"Hmm? Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt too much." Blake noted before she nodded to my request.

"Coming!" Kali walked to the door and opened it. Upon opening the door of the room, she saw Blake and myself as I waved slightly. "Blake! Enrique! I never thought you two would stop by."

"We thought it wouldn't hurt to visit since we've been talking to our friends most of the time." I shrugged.

"Well, I know I'm glad that you did. Please come in, I was just about to brew up some tea." Kali smiled.

"Thank you." I thanked her before Blake and I entered the room. It wasn't much given we were only here for two weeks so it was temporary.

"Is Ghira around?" I inquired.

"As a matter of fact, yes. He just finished talking to Ilia regarding their next step of the White Fang. He's in the other room."

"I'm gonna see him if that's alright."

"Not at all. It gives Blake and I much time to talk!" Kali chimed. "I want to hear what you two have been up to."

"Mom!" Blake flustered in embarrassment.

I chuckled inwardly and went to the other room. Approaching the door, I tapped my knuckles against it.

"Kali, is that you?" I heard Ghira's voice.

"It's me actually, Mr. Belladonna." I corrected.

The door opened and looked surprised at my visit. "I didn't expect you to drop by. Everything alright?"

"Yeah it's fine. Blake is talking to her mom. But um..." I rubbed the back of my head. "Ghira… can I ask you something? More like if we can talk at a restaurant?"

"Of course." The man followed me as I decided we both could eat. With a restaurant being a viable option for my conversation with him, I needed to do so in order to bring up the request.

Blake's dad was sitting on a stool while I sat beside him. He had a drink in hand while I was tapping the glass of water.

"If you're nervous about something, just speak up Enrique. You can trust me, after all." Ghira stated.

"I-Er-W-Well…" I swallowed heavily. "I-It's… something important."

"Is it advice about anything?"

"N-No… more like… a question. Er, a request."

"Well, then speak. You've done so much, listening to your request is the least I can do." Ghira stated to me once more.

I was nervous as hell. I mean, this was Blake's dad we are talking about! This was a question that I was pretty sure would make any man nervous, especially when it came to asking the father for permission.

I took a deep breath to calm myself and said, "Ghira, I wish to ask for your blessings to marry your daughter, Blake."

Ghira stopped, the cup not even touching his lips the moment I made the request. The man slowly set his glass cup down, his eyes now looking at me. The type of look that showed he was studying me and gazing into my soul. I mentally swallowed at the critical stare he was giving me.

Now I can relate to how my dad felt when he asked my late grandparents to marry mom.

"You wish to marry my daughter?" Ghira repeated carefully.

"Yes sir." I managed to say without any stuttering. Thank god for that. "Blake means so much to me. I understood how she felt and she understood me. I don't care what people think of how it is between me and Blake due to her being a Faunus. She gave me a meaning to live. A meaning to finding my desire, saving me. To me, Blake Belladonna is the girl I love to my very soul. That is why I wish to have your blessing to marry her." I bowed my head slightly. I didn't raise my head nor did I move a single inch.

I heard Ghira take a deep breath. "Raise your head, Enrique." He said, making me wince.

I slowly lifted my head as Ghira finished the last of his drink. "Let me ask you this first. She truly means a lot to you?"

"With all my life, sir."

"Are you willing to stand by her and protect her no matter what?"

"To the very end. When I make a promise, I don't back out on it." I answered firmly. "That very promise is what I made to Blake and I won't break that promise."

Ghira closed his eyes and inhaled. "Enrique, after seeing your actions over the past months and understanding who you are as a person, I believe in your words." He looked me in the eyes. "You have my blessings."

My eyes widened at his words. He was giving his blessings.

"But remember, do anything to hurt her and you will regret it."

I swallowed at the threat. "Y-Yes sir!" I squeaked.

Ghira chuckled at first before he laughed, patting my back. "Now, let's talk about the possible wedding plans. I can tell you have bought the ring, where will you hold it?"

"A-Actually, I'm planning to have it at Kuo Kuana once everything's settled." I answered. "I-If that's alright?"

"I don't mind at all." The Faunus smiled. "We'll prepare it for you. I have no doubt the villagers would do that to repay you."

"I-I see…" I mumbled. "Er… Ghira?"

"Hm?"

"Won't this mean... uh…" I scratched my cheek with my finger. "You will be my father-in-law soon?" I totally forgot the fact that once I marry Blake, Ghira and Kali would be my in-law parents. The realization made me wonder how my parents would have been if they were here. To see me have a future with the girl I love.

"Yes it will. Which also means should any harm come to her that you caused? I'm first in line." He smirked at me.

I swallowed heavily and I was sure my stomach and heart fell along with it. "Ehehehe…" Note to self - never piss him off.

The week had gone by as everyone was already anticipating the eventual departure. However, there was something I had to do. One last thing before we leave for Argus. I was walking on the pathway with my bag over my shoulder, glancing at the town of Mistral. I wanted to find a spot that would be right for this moment. Looking ahead, I saw a tree that stood near the cliffside of the hillside.

I saw the town below and the wind brushed against my coat that swayed. My eyes met the tree and reminisced how things were in Menagerie - the things I experienced. The dream world and the enduring of the poison. Both involved one thing in common - my past and myself as a person.

I knelt down, planting my hand on the morning grass against the tree. I set my bag down and removed a few things from it. A candle, a photo, and the old stuff bunny.

I used a small match, staring at the small ember before placing it onto the candle. With the old toy set beside it, I crossed my legs and looked up at the branches of the tree.

I closed my eyes and hummed the tune. This day… it was my late sister's birthday. To finally let go of the last remnant of my past.

Throughout the humming, I felt tears leave my enclosed eyes. My heart wrenched at the good and cherished memories of my family but I didn't stop humming. I could remember the smiles my family shared with me. The ones after my dad died, regardless of the bad experiences and distancing from them, there were times we smiled together.

I took a quick inhale and hummed a little more. I felt the wind brush against me again before I finished. The fire in the candle didn't wither by the wind but kept going.

"Happy birthday Marie…" I whispered. It was hard to stop the tears from falling but I allowed it to fall. The memories of my family will forever be with me, and to let go of the last thing that's connected to my past - my guilt and sorrow. I slowly stood up and turned around to leave but I stopped mid-step upon seeing Ruby.

The red-cloaked Ruby walked up and simply smiled as she held out her hand to me, showing that while she may not be my sister, she had her spirit in a sense. It only made me smile as I walked over to shake her hand. "Thank you, for everything, Ruby." I let my hand slip away and walked ahead.

Ruby looked at the small memento and slowly walked up to it. She didn't want to move anything, so she knelt down and saw the old photo. The family of her friend. She gently pressed her hand against the toy, hearing its soft squeak.

"I promise… I promise to watch Enrique for you three." Ruby vowed. She understood how much they meant to him. Always blamed himself after the death of his mother and sister but no more. She and the others will continue to support him every step of the way.

She brushed the grass off her cloak and was about to leave but stopped the moment she raised her head. Her eyes nearly bulged upon seeing a little girl across from her, her form transparent but it felt like she was looking at a mirror when she was little. She looked just like her but the hair was longer.

The little girl held a transparent form of the same toy that rested against the tree the moment it was touched.

She mouthed a few words and when Ruby blinked, the girl was gone.

'Take good care of my big brother.'

Ruby gently touched the crest of her cloak, reminding of her mother. She smiled thinly and muttered softly, "I will…"

She left the offering behind to catch up to the Kamen Rider.

The wind brushed against the candle and toy. The buttons on its eyes glimmered while a soft squeak was released upon the wind pressing it one last time.

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)

"Argus huh…" I murmured. "Looks like it's back to travelling again."

Being in the train, it was surreal since it was my first time being in one.

"Wonderful." She hummed. "Tell me, what knowledge do you seek?"

Next Time: Farewells, Train, Answers

A/N: Now with the chapter concluded, we will be reaching the volume 6 arc next time! With our protagonist finally able to let go of his guilt and sorrow, this will put him in another step of his path. Question is where will the path lead him from here? You all just have to wait and see. I hope you all enjoyed the emotional ending to this chapter and its development.

Now, with this finished, don't forget to leave a review, favorite, and follow this story. See you all later!