A/N: Finally, we have finally reached the beginning of the Volume 6 arc! Woo! The final arc to this story folks. That's right, the Volume 6 arc is the final arc to this story! To have reached this far and nearing its end for the soon to be saga. Or is it a trilogy? Can't say but we just have to wait and see now don't we? With this story on its final arc, I have already begun to use whatever spare time I have to work on the chapters to the other stories as well as preparations for the next two stories. With that said, let's get to it and begin the final arc - Volume 6!
NOTE: IF YOU HAVE NOT READ REMNANT OF DESIRES, READ IT BEFORE YOU START READING THIS STORY.
Third Person View
'Thought'
Greeed/Yummies
Crawling out of the water, the Grimm Greeed regurgitated the water from its empty body. It's armor was no longer active due to the attacks he endured from OOO and his companions. Its body was humanoid but pitch black as Grimm, its body shrouded with bone plating designed like a human skeleton, primarily the ribs and spine. Over its knees were bone plating that held similar symbols of the Ebi. Its head being ominous and skull-like with its head curved similarly to the carapace of a scorpion as a pair of red eyes took a moment to breathe.
The Greeed growled in anger before roaring in rage until it calmed itself. Each breath escaped its sharp teeth that was human-like yet held a similar motif to a scorpion due to the two mandibles clicking between its jaws.
Finding itself on the shores of Mistral, it needed more time to follow the source. Standing up, it looked at its own claws before hearing the whispers in its mind. He bellowed in fury, his Core Medals shielding himself again.
Anger, vengeance, and godhood was what kept its mind at hand. Its emptiness needed to be complete by killing his desire.
Panting, its red eyes stare at the horizon. To kill OOO was all that it cares about.. To become a god like his host tried to become. And it will do all of it to be complete. No matter how many bodies, how much destruction, and number of Yummies it has to make. It will do everything inits own accord to become victorious. No one will command him.
Looking up at the sky, its hands clenched before growling again.
"I may have lost to you once, OOO…" The Greeed growled in anger. "But I will make sure that you will perish by my hands… no matter how long it takes!"
Remnants of Desires: After the Fall
Chapter 20: Farewells, Train, Answers
It has finally been three weeks since we thwarted the attack on Haven Academy. However, I know there are still some things to fix knowing myself, Blake, and Ankh were gone from them earlier. At least now, it was going well. Taking one small step at a time.
Now, with the 'Relic' in hand, we had to transport it to Atlas starting tomorrow. By train.
"Argus huh…" I murmured. "Looks like it's back to travelling again."
"Once we take the train, we will be in Argus in no time." Blake replied.
"I still find it curious." My arms were crossed, my head craned down a bit. "The Relic… I never thought something like that existed. Especially after what Ozpin told the rest of us."
It was very hard to ingest the fact Ozpin has been around for years as a cursed man. It was unbelievable and I had to adjust to the fact that Oscar and Ozpin share the same body.
For him to be living for years without ever dying...I can't even imagine what he has been through. Most would go insane by a cursed life like that. He preserved against all odds despite losing allies along the way during his war against this 'queen'.
A thin grimace appeared across my features. The queen was set to either have me dead or under her whim. I never saw her in person but she must be very powerful to fight against Ozpin.
My eyes drift to the O-Driver before shaking my head. I can't think like that madman. I know power is what helped me but craving it would lead to consequences. Like the Multi-King. Like Gara. Like Adam.
"Are you alright?" Lifting my head, Blake looked at me with concern. She must have noticed my mood when I was thinking of my current situation.
"Yeah… just... thinking is all, Blake." I replied.
"I don't blame you." She sat down next to me. "It's been two weeks since the fight."
My head rests against the wall. I can still remember how things were after I defeated Adam again. He was lashing out at the world… something I would have done when I lost my family.
Something tells me that he will never stop until he gets what he wants. If the worst comes to pass, I may have to stop him permanently. Killing was something I have never done. I may have cut off his arm, but to take a life? That was different.
I know he's a bastard and currently powerless after the White Fang was taken under Ghira's leadership again, Adam will definitely come back to hunt me down. The remaining Greeed… Poseidon… Adam… and now this… 'queen'...
I held my hand on my face before moving the former downward with a sigh. Too many problems have been put in my mind. Guess even here, the consequences can haunt me to the very end.
Suddenly my right forearm was held, making me slant my head to the right, seeing Blake with her head resting on my shoulder.
"You need to relax." She whispered.
"Am I that easy to read?" I responded to her.
"I can tell when you're deep in thought." Her amber eyes look at me. "Is something bothering you?"
I sighed, "To be honest? I'm just having a lot on my mind. With the remaining Greeed and now this, including that new Greeed, Poseidon? It doesn't feel easy at all. It just feels like I have been given… too much in my hands."
"Just don't think too much. I know there is so much going on but don't let it get to you, okay?"
"I know." I moved my arm, pulling her closer as it was over her while I kept my head raised to the ceiling. "Hopefully everything will be finished…"
That is the one thing that often comes to mind.
The question is… when?
Hearing the soft sounds of breathing, I glanced again and noticed Blake fell asleep. Seems she was also tired after everything that happened for the past two weeks.
My eyes drift back to the ceiling for a good moment. I wonder when we will get a chance to enjoy some peace and quiet after all this ends.
I suddenly felt a quiet yawn breathe through my mouth. Guess it was a long day for me after all. Slowly, I let my eyelids fall and drift into sleep for the night.
Arriving at the station on the next day, we were finally prepared to travel after packing our belongings. It wasn't uncommon since I did travel by boat even by Bullhead during my time here in Remnant. The others were starting to gather what they needed for the trip. Right now, I was by the entrance of the station with Blake as she was saying her goodbye to her parents.
She hugged the two knowing she'll be leaving them.
"Just be careful, okay Blake?" Kali said.
"And stay safe." Ghira added.
"I promise." Blake smiled at her parents.
To be with them, she was able to fix the bond she has with her parents.
"I'll also continue to expect you to be there for her, Enrique." Kali said with a soft smile. "She will need all the help she can get if she wants to patch things up with her friends as well."
"Got it." I nodded. We still had to make up the lost time we had with them and we would make the most of what we could during our trip to Argus.
"You guys stay safe too." Blake was glad she made up and was with her parents again. Being in Menagerie, she was able to build up the courage to declare the retake of the White Fang which was successful.
"Blake, can we talk to Enrique for a moment?" Their daughter nodded before entering the station with the others.
The two approached me as Ghira extended his hand to me. Taking hold, we shook hands. "It really was nice to talk to you two." I replied.
"Same here." Ghira admitted. "At least you aren't annoying as Sun."
A chuckle escaped my throat at the remark. Yeah, Sun may have left a bad first impression but thankfully it settled between him and Ghira, somewhat anyway.
"If you ever finish this, please do come visit us in Menagerie." Kali smiled.
"Of course I will."
Being in Menagerie, it felt like another home to me. The locals didn't mind me being there ever since the internal conflict settled and I would always help around. Perhaps when everything is over, I could settle there with Blake. There will be a time for me to rest after all the fighting I've done eventually.
Maybe I could ask them about that later. I paused for a moment, remembering the important matter I talked to Ghira about.
"Ghira… about what I asked you two days ago…?"
"Just remember what I said." He reminded me firmly. I nodded in understanding. "And Enrique."
"Yes sir?"
"Be careful out there."
I reminisce about the memories of my family before pushing that aside. I have moved on from my past. The present and future was all that matters now for me.
"I will." I assured them. "And… thanks."
"No problem."
"Oi, Enrique! Hurry up already!" Ankh called out.
"Alright, alright!" I shouted back. I sighed heavily before looking at the two. "Well, see you later."
"Take care of Blake, okay?" Kali requested.
"You have my word." I vowed before following Ankh as he was leaning by the entrance. "Always impatient, aren't you?"
The Bird Greeed held a look of irritation before he entered the station. Looking back at Blake's parents, I smiled and gave a wave which they returned. They have a lot of trust in me to be with Blake. I wasn't going to go back on that promise. Much like my friends, the two became family to me.
"Come on, we better meet up with the others."
Ankh really is impatient. My left hand fiddled with the item in my pocket. I shook my head and pushed that thought aside for now. I still needed time.
Entering the train station, I was amazed to see this many people. The sight reminded me of those moments of the Grand Central station in the television shows. Even the stores felt similar to the one back home.
Looks like this is one of the transports many people use. I felt a tap on my shoulder, making me glance and see Illia. I still remember she helped me fight Poseidon when he was on the boat. I was thankful for her help.
"So you and Blake are leaving now?" She asked as we walked.
"Seems so. With that Relic, we have to get it to Atlas." I rubbed my shoulder. "But my best guess, we might have some trouble along the way."
By trouble I meant the Grimm.
Even the 'queen' Ozpin explained to me and Ankh. That conversation last week was still fresh on my mind.
To think that woman is the creator of all of the Grimm.
Being OOO… it really feels like I have a huge target painted on me. Sometimes I really wonder if being a Kamen Rider is more than it seems to be.
"So?" Ghira looks at his wife. "What did you two talk about exactly two days ago?"
The man stifled a chuckle at the memory of the conversation and the young Multi-King's reaction when he told the Rider of what would happen should he screw up. "He asked for permission."
"Permission? What for-" She paused and it dawned on her. "Ohh." She giggled.
"He plans on asking her the question soon. He wanted to have the marriage at Menagerie."
"How wonderful!" Kali claps her hands in glee. "I can't wait to spoil our future grandchildren!"
Ghira sighed heavily. When Blake and Enrique come back, they're gonna be expecting a lot of teasing from Kali.
The station was bustling with people as we waited for the train to depart. Blake was talking to Illia to say her goodbyes knowing the rest of us had a mission to escort the lantern to Atlas. As for me? I look at the keychain before clipping it onto my belt once again. A future…
My hand grasps the object in my pocket, almost gripping it tightly. Am I ready to ask her that question? To be married to Blake?
I'm not sure if I am prepared to tell her. I got the fact that Ghira and Khali trusted me and gave me their blessings, but I was very nervous. Nervous to bring up the big question.
"Yo!" I jumped a bit and turned around to notice the familiar Monkey Faunus. "Heard you guys were leaving. I didn't want to miss the chance and drop by."
"I take it you saw your team?"
"Yup," Sun chimed. "I told them all the crazy stuff that happened and to admit, have some pride knowing we fought those Yummies."
I rolled my eyes. "And yet you made a bad first impression on Blake's dad."
"I…. suggest you don't tell my teammate…. Please?" Sun pleaded as that would give so much material to them to tease and joke on him.
"Hmm, let me think about that." I quipped. "Maybe?"
"Oh come on!" I laughed at his reaction and said, "Too easy. Relax, I was joking. I won't say a word to them."
"Geez… giving me a heart attack here…" Sun sighed in relief. "But whenever you guys need help, just hit us up and we'll do our best to be there for you, man."
"You got it."
"And another thing Enrique." Sun extends his fist. "Make sure those Greeed guys are beaten."
A small grin curled my lips before I returned it with my own fist. This brought nostalgia, recalling how it was between me and Zack. Good friends who looked out for each other. "You got it, Sun. Take care of yourself on the way to Vacuo, alright?"
"Same goes for you." He smiled. "It may not be as hectic as your journey, but there will be moments to remember."
"Try to get Neptune over his fear of water?"
"If that is possible, sure." The Monkey Faunus chuckled. "But knowing him? I am pretty sure he would turn heel and run."
"Just drag him and throw him in. Yang did the same to me."
Sun laughed. "I might consider that."
"Plan on not saying goodbye to me too?" Illia's voice called out as she walked over to us.
"Oh Ilia, finished talking with Blake?" I inquired.
"I did. So, you are leaving with them as well?"
"I may not be on either team, but they are still family to me." I pocketed my hands. "I'm not giving up on them." Ilia blinked for a moment. "What?"
"You… seem to be a bit different. Did something happen?"
I faintly recalled what I did a few days ago, leaving behind the old toy and photo on the upper part of the hillside further up in Mistral. "Just bringing some closure is all." I answered.
"Oh…"
After taking my step forward after my late sister's birthday, my mind felt more clear and my heart no longer felt that sliver of pain. It brought some clarity. To take my steps of the present and unforeseen future.
"Enrique, come on!" I looked over my shoulder, seeing Ruby wave her arm to me.
"Okay!" I called out.
"Take care, Enrique. And… I at least hope you can consider me a friend who can help you as well." Illia smiled softly, showing she truly was trying to change.
I patted her shoulder and gave a smile. "As long as you remain on the new path you take, I am sure good things will occur. Just as it has for me."
I gave Sun and Ilia a two finger salute before joining the others for our departure.
Being in the train, it was surreal since it was my first time being in one. Especially when the said train has rooms with beds. I was staring at the window while Ankh and Gamel were in bunk beds. The former on the top, unlike the latter who was happily eating a bucket full of sweets we bought for him in the station.
My head rests on my palm, seeing the moving scenery. I was familiar with snow since there were times it snowed in my hometown. But to see it here in Remnant really was nostalgic.
"It won't be long…" I murmured to myself. Reaching in my pocket, I was looking at the small box and took a deep breath before placing it back in my pocket. I'm still nervous about asking Blake that question.
Looking out the window again, my fingers tap on the edge of the seat. It was starting to gnaw at my mind. Looking back at Ankh and Gamel then at the door frame, I sighed. Maybe I can try.
I have to do this or I will regret it later on.
I stand up from the bed before heading out of the room before saying, "I'll be right back you two."
"Fine by me." Ankh waves his hand while reading the journal we kept.
I travel across the train car, passing by a few passengers, before finding the room in question. The sight brought memories of our days in Beacon. I sure miss those days.
Using my knuckles, I tap against the frame of the door to earn their attention. "I hope I'm not intruding." I said to the girls.
"No, you're not Enrique." Ruby pauses the game on her Scroll. "What's up?"
"Can I talk to Blake for a moment?" I requested.
"Sure!" Ruby looks at her teammate. "You can go on, Blake."
The cat Faunus moves from her bunk before following me out the room.
"How's everything with the others?" I asked her.
"It's been alright. At least it is settled, somewhat…" she held her arm.
"Something wrong?"
"Yang…"
It immediately clicked when she mentioned the blonde. "Oh…" Before everything, the two were partners to their team but after what happened when Beacon fell, there must have been some gap between the two. "Is she still upset at you?"
"No… at least not entirely. I'm still trying to make up to her."
I rest my hand on her shoulder, making her look at me. "I'm sure it will be fixed in no time. Just remember-"
"One small step at a time." She finished. I smiled before it faltered slightly upon realizing why I wanted to talk to her.
"Blake… there's something I wanted to tell you."
"What is it?"
I was about to reach for the item in my pocket. "I-" My words and actions were put to a halt when we saw the rest of Team RWBY and Qrow heading to the door of the train. "Hey, what's going on?"
"We've got trouble!" Ruby said.
"What!?"
Of all times, it had to be on a train?! I swear, this is deja vu all over again! Running back to the room, I grab my two swords.
"What is up with you?" Ankh asked.
"We got Grimm heading to the train." I said. "I know you don't like taking orders but can you at least have Gamel warn Team JNPR?"
The blonde huffed, "Fine."
Nodding in gratitude, I ran out of the room and followed Team RWBY along with Qrow to the top of the train.
Seeing the outside, the winds of the snow brush against us due to the train's speed. However our sights were set on the oncoming avian Grimm.
"Guess we have no choice again." I sighed, placing the O-Driver on my waist. I quickly placed the King Combo into the belt and scanned the medals. "Henshin!"
TAKA!
TORA!
BATTA!
TA-TO-BA! TATOBA! TA-TO-BA!
I cracked my knuckles the moment the transformation was completed. "Alright let's do this!"
"Here they come!" Ruby responded, letting Crescent Rose unfold and the others readying their weapons.
The pack of manticores followed the larger one and based on my recollection of the lessons about Grimm, the larger one was the Sphinx. I still felt a tickle of nostalgia given it was named after the Egyptian statue while the Manticores were named after the creatures of Persian myth.
The first few met Qrow and Ruby but their expertise of the scythes allowed them to strike them down with no trouble. I took a glance at Blake and Yang and their teamwork didn't lose face. Blake's swift movement combined with Yang's harsh swings that are added with the blast of the shotgun shells that expel from her gauntlets.
"Enrique, head's up!" Weiss called out as she used one of her glyphs to pull me away just in time as a claw from one of the Manticore's struck the spot I was in. "Pay attention, will you?"
"My bad." I chuckled sheepishly. My lenses zoom ahead of a few heading towards me. A grin curled under my helmet. "Hold that thought."
I thrust both claws into the two Manticores. Seeing one flying towards me, I used my Semblance to impale the former two with ice and slice the incoming Manticore into two. Landing beside Weiss she said, "Seems you got more use and strategies to your Semblance. You clearly haven't lost your touch."
"Call it improvising and training." I glanced at her with a grin at the memory. "And another thing Weiss."
"What?"
I pulled Weiss and spun her around until she was behind me before converting Medajalibur into its gun mode and fired a few rounds into a Manticore's bone plating. While it cracked, I brushed one foot to the side and swung my arm to allow ice to meld together to become a spear. "Heads up!" I tossed it before using my Batta Legs power to kick it, skewering the Grimm who became ashes like the rest.
I glanced at the former heiress. "You should pay attention too."
The snow-haired girl blushed in what seemed to be embarrassment much to my amusement before I returned my focused on the fight.
"We gotta get those people to the other train cars! They'll keep coming if these guys scare them!"
"How?" Yang called out.
The red-hooded paused before her eyes lit up. "I might have an idea how!" Ruby proclaimed. "Everyone back inside! Tunnel dead ahead!"
We all looked back and saw the incoming tunnel. I would rather not be splattered on the wall at this speed. Coming to an agreement, we quickly got back inside the train car as we rushed to join Team JNPR along with Oscar, Ankh, and Gamel.
Yet seemed someone who was out there, got nicked hard and not only dislocated their shoulder but fractured it. Seems one of the on-rail Huntsmen who was meant to watch over the train got too cocky and was hit.
"Amateurs." Ankh spat out in annoyance. "Had to stop this guy from activating the turrets."
"And the other guy?"
"Manticore got him over to the forest a few minutes ago."
"Do you really have to be so blunt, Ankh?" Jaune asked as he was using his Semblance to help the injured Huntsmen.
"I am telling the truth and it's better than lying." For a second, I swore Ankh glanced at Oscar who stiffened.
"Our bigger problem is that after this tunnel we're going to be attacked again." Ren noted.
"And how exactly will we be able to prevent it?"
Ruby opened her mouth but Ankh beat her to it. "I recall Ren's file during Beacon." He pointed at the said young man. "His Semblance acts as a form of camouflage, suppressing the emotions and person themselves. Am I right?"
"Yes but I have never attempted to affect this many people." Ren gestured to the civilians.
"Add it with Jaune's Semblance!" Nora suggested.
I paused. Wait a minute did she say Jaune's Semblance? "Hold on! Jaune's Semblance awakened?!" I exclaimed. "No one told me that!"
"You just now noticed?" Weiss questioned as she pointed to him. "He uses his Aura to amplify someone else's Aura and practically heals them at the same time."
"Like a paladin…" Ankh murmured in surprise and familiarity. "Son of a bitch…"
"Ankh?"
His brows furrowed slightly and shook his head. "Nothing. But the plan would work."
"I'm afraid there's one complication." We looked at Oscar but his eyes showed it was Ozpin who was speaking. "The Grimm are also attracted to this." He gestured to the Relic.
"Why would you hide that information, old man?" Ankh glowered. "Is there truly more to this than you let on? Unlike them, I am not that oblivious."
"I-"
"It doesn't matter right now." Ruby defended. "Every second we're on board this train, we're putting everyone else in danger. Jaune and his team can escort the passengers to the front cars. Gamel will tag with them in case it gets serious. If we cut the back cars with us and the Relic on them, us seven can deal with the Grimm. Can I count on you on that Jaune?"
"Only if you promise you'll meet us there."
Ruby nodded, "Promise."
"Alright then. Let's get to work!" I decided.
Everyone else nodded as those who were going to fight stood on top of the train once we could, while the rest helped get everyone into a safer place for the plan to start. Seems it was Me, Blake, the rest of Team RWBY, Oscar, Qrow, and Ankh.
I slid the door of the train car open, noticing the couplings of the train car. Blake rushed out from behind and quickly decoupled it but paused when she saw something. Her grip on her weapon tightened in which I looked over and saw nothing. "Blake? Everything alright?"
"Y-Yeah… just some nerves getting to me…" She responded before she composed herself enough to cut the link to let the others get ahead.
I glanced at the spot she stared at originally before lowering my head. Something bothered her but I won't press for an answer. Right now, the task Ruby tasked us with is more important.
I heard the Candroid ring in which I popped the cap open to have a visual of Ruby.
"How's the progress?"
"The couplings to the back cars are disconnected!"
"Okay! Meet up with us on top! I'm going to need you for the second phase after I give the signal to Ren!"
"Gotcha." I understood before climbing myself onto the top and ran. I briefly saw the Grimm beginning to exit the tunnels. I hopped across the train cars before I heard Ruby shout, "Now!"
With the message given, there was no doubt Ren and Jaune immediately took action to shroud the front train cars while the rest of us stayed behind.
"Enrique!" I look at Ruby. "On three, use your Semblance with everything you can muster!"
I blinked before my eyebrows were raised. Ah right. With the snowstorm, there was cold air everywhere which means…
I can use my Semblance and greatly expand its use. "You got it!" I accepted and took deep breaths. I focused on the cold air around us as the group continued their fight against the Manticores and Sphinx. I know the uses I do was for defensive and offensive measures, this time was going to be a large offensive tactic to eliminate them in one go.
I felt the small crystals of ice slowly touching my fingers, the air slowly encircling my palms and the ice slowly forming around me. I imagined the shape and range, like a path full of thorns that would erupt from the path it sprouted from, like a plant raising itself out into the surface.
"Now Enrique!" Ruby shouted.
Quickly opening my eyes, I slam my fist to the ground, the cold air in my grasp as rows of ice erupted from below the Grimm, skewering their bodies. The Sphinx however quickly evaded at the last second but that is the opportunity we needed.
Ruby and Qrow launch forward with their scythes, spinning the two weapons rapidly before bisecting the Sphinx in half.
"Thank goodness it's dealt with."
"I'm not so sure." Ankh said. Sure enough, before the Sphinx was about to vanish, it launched the fireball, destroying the rails in front of the train.
"Oh come on!"
Weiss activates her black Glyphs to hold all of us in place as the train derails and crashes into the snow.
"Ugh…" I groaned, slowly pulling myself out of the snow. "Damn Sphinx…"
I don't know if I was glad we survived or the fact that the train car derailed and we crashed into the snow.
"Get up." Lifting my head up, I saw Ankh as there wasn't a single bit of snow on him. My guess, he used some of his Greeed abilities to rid it.
Standing up, I used my Semblance to make the snow fall off me as we took stock of the damage of the lone train car. I noticed Team RWBY, Qrow and the old lady with us. Ruby managed to pick up the Relic from the crash site. Looking at myself, I was already out of my armor and the Core Medals remained in the buckle.
"Is everyone alright?" Ruby asked.
"What do you think?" Ankh grumbled irritably. "Now we have to walk all the way to Argus! This is just great!"
"Hey you're the only one who doesn't like any of this!" Yang shouted, pulling her precious Bumblebee out of the snow. "We're stranded in the middle of nowhere, a third of us aren't here, and we have a defenseless old lady with us!"
"My name is Maria Calavera, and I am not defenseless! I'm just a little hard on hearing. And blind without my eyes, that are in desperate need of repair." The now named lady tapped on the left side of her prosthetic eyes, which opened wide before closing, before opening narrowly again. "Okay, I'm starting to see your point."
"Calm down Yang." I tried to calm her down.
"Kid's right. We have to calm down or we will attract Grimm." Qrow checked his flask but saw it empty and still open. He grumbled.
"Still, how come more Grimm have been attracted to us?"
"Tell that to the old man." Ankh accused. "Last I recall, there weren't many before we had that damn Relic and left Haven Academy."
All of us look at Oscar, or rather, Ozpin. "He's right. This Relic attracts the Grimm."
"In other words, we have huge targets on us with the Relic in hand. Oh how peachy." The red Greeed said with sarcasm. "This will surely draw them in and the fact we still have a Greeed who is also a Grimm out on a grudge fest!"
I winced at the reminder of Poseidon. If his grudge was one thing, being part Grimm will surely get his attention and no doubt put the pieces together of us having it.
"Ankh, relax." I said but he shoved my arm.
"No!" He looked at Ozpin with a glare. "Alright old man." He stepped forward, pointing at him with his Greeed arm. "For nearly a year, you hid your reasons. You may be as crafty as Kougami but I know when there are real lies and truth. You know more about the incidents. To Salem."
This seems to put 'Ozpin' on edge with his eyes narrowed at the Bird Greeed. "You have hid more skeletons in your closet that I can see in you. Us Greeed can see the desires and others within the soul. How else are we able to choose a host?"
"Ankh, stop it. You're going too far." I tried to stop him.
"You know what I think?" Ankh leans forward with a glare. "You don't trust humanity more than you let on." His eyes drift to the Relic. "And I think I will find out more from it myself, liar."
He was about to walk to Ruby until the Bird Greeed was thrown aside from a swing. The red Greeed shook his head and stood up, seeing Ozpin glaring at the Greeed.
"You cannot use that Relic."
"Ankh you have to stop this!"
"Stay out of this!" Ankh barked. "This is another reason why he lied his way." He grabs his short sword. "We may be in feeble bodies, but I do know we learned on our own to adjust to the hosts."
The two possessors circle, the rest of us concerned.
"Is he crazy?!" Yang asked.
"I… I don't know…" I admitted. "We're not going anywhere if this continues…"
We watched with a sharp inhale as Ankh and Ozpin used their respective weapons to clash violently. Ankh gritted his teeth before moving back with a glide, a short notice of the spectral wing. Lifting his arm, he unleashed a fireball that Ozpin evaded.
As I watched the fight ensue, my eyes drifted to the Relic. If the Relic is the reason… "To hell with it!" I grab the Relic from Ruby. Even I was getting irritated by Ozpin's reasons. This had to stop now.
"Enrique, what are you doing?!"
"If this Relic is attracting the Grimm, then it's best to destroy it!"
"WHAT?!"
"Kid, are you insane?!" Qrow exclaimed in shock.
"If this is what Salem wants so badly?!" I set it down and grab the grand O-Calibur from my hip. "Then she won't have it to hurt anyone! This is our lives on the line!"
"Enrique, don't do this!" Ozpin shouted.
"Then tell me! Tell us!" I demanded. "Who is Salem really and why do this!" I point at the Relic with the ancient blade. "We need answers!"
"Use the relic!" I looked at Ozpin but I noticed Oscar was struggling - struggling for control over his body. Oscar was telling me to activate the relic…
"How do I activate this thing?"
"Try calling...Jinn…!"
Looking down at the Relic, I quickly sheath the O-Calibur and pick up the lantern. Okay, this was starting to remind me of a genie based on what he said. Here goes nothing.
"Jinn!" I called.
"Don't!"
Suddenly, the snow stops, floating in midair. The wind stopped blowing too.
"What the?" Weiss looked around in surprise.
The Relic released blue smoke much to our surprise. I nearly dropped it but it actually hovered away from my grasp, all of us watching the cyan smoke gather before it was beginning to manifest. A feminine blue humanoid with gold accessories appears before us. Her ears were pointed and her hair reaching down to her thighs.
"Wonderful." She hummed. "Tell me, what knowledge do you seek?"
"What… the hell…" Ankh uttered. "The Relic… was harboring an entity…"
"This is a shock…" I nodded in behalf of the reaction we all shared. Seems that Relic holds an entity that works like a genie in a lamp. Makes sense seeing what the Relic can do.
"I am Jinn, a being created by the God of Light to aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge." Jinn introduced herself to us. "I've been graced with the ability to answer three questions every one hundred years. You're in luck, as I am still able to answer--"
"That's enough!" We heard Ozpin's voice. We all look to him who has regained control of Oscar's body.
"Two questions this era."
We froze in shock.
"See what I mean?" Ankh said to us. "Old man was lying." He glared at Ozpin. "Like I said, you can't trust everyone when someone hides their secrets."
I slowly looked at Ozpin. Was Ankh right? I know Ankh can be a jerk… and a prick, but was he right? Can Ozpin… really be trusted?
Either way, we need to know everything. This is our chance to get answers.
"Oi!" Jinn looked at Ankh who pushed me forward. I glared at him before looking at the entity. If this was a way to get answers, then so be it.
"Jinn, we need answers. What is Ozpin really hiding from us?" I asked the entity.
"NOOOO!" We heard Ozpin shout. Ozpin was about to lunge but Ankh tackled him as I suddenly found myself in a blank white space.
"Huh?" I look around, seeing no one. "Where is everyone?!"
Everything was starting to manifest into structures by the smoke. Like I was seeing something with my own eyes, a fairy tale.
"Stay calm." I frantically looked around in bewilderment. "Once upon a time, there stood a lonely tower…"
I saw something that was unexpected. The surroundings became a path that led to a castle but then the smoke shrouded my view again.
"…. That sheltered a lonely girl."
The scene changed again, revealing a room but I saw someone humming while sitting in front of a mirror. Her hair was a platinum blonde color and light blue eyes embedded against her fair skin. She wore a white, two piece dress consisting of a sleeveless, diagonally overlapping white backless pleated top with a raised, pale blue halter-top square collar adorned with an aquamarine colored rhombus-shaped crystal on the clavicle, surrounded by two smaller white rhombuses. Her long, high-waisted skirt was white with a faint purple tint - adorned with white diamond emblems and white wavy lines near the bottom hem, ruffled around the waist and completed with a purple sash. For accessories, she wore gray, circular earrings, a pair of dull brown bracers, and a thin leather strip that holds the same crystal over the sash, and her long fingernails were painted pale lilac. If noticed carefully, she also has on faint purple heeled flats obscured by the skirt.
"Her name… was Salem." Jinn continued.
Seeing the blonde woman made me realize who Salem once was.
'Salem… was a human…' I thought, shocked over the revelation. This changes everything as I begin to listen to the tale.
The origins of everything that lead to today.
Throughout the story, I was in total disbelief about Salem's origins, but all of it was due to Ozpin, or in truth, Ozma. It was surreal to see Ozpin eventually knew Salem romantically.
During one of Ozma's future incarnations, he approached the King of a powerful kingdom. Behind the king's throne was a stained glass window which depicted the King's Combo symbol. Ozma had heard about the King's power and requested his aid to defeat Salem.
He learned that the King had been learning the secrets from the previous age of humanity, and had acquired knowledge of magic. Those secrets lead to the creation of the Greeed and the O-Driver by using alchemy.
He attempted to become God itself in order to replace the two Gods that once lived in Remnant.
"The Multi-King was a man Ozma sought out due to his ongoing conflict with Salem."
I heard Jinn's voice again.
"Salem disliked the King due to his generals and tyranny with alchemy. His generals were exterminating the Grimm as they conquered the land under one tyrannical banner."
I watched the devastation the Greeed, in their full power, unleash towards the Grimm. I am sure the others are seeing this and now fully witnessing what would happen if Uva and Kazari regain their full power. My guess? Terrified.
"King Solaris, please, I need your aid against her." Ozma requested.
So that was the former Multi-King's name...
"Why should I? Such matters do not matter to me unless they get in the way or help me to reach my goals." The Multi-King questioned, his metal gauntlet tapping the armrest of his throne, dismissing the man's plea.
Ozma grimaced, seeing the man deny his aid. He could tell Solaris was becoming mad with power. His eyes drift to the belt around the King's other hand, the reason for his greediness and selfishness. The O-Driver allowed him to fight with power equivalent to a god.
"You do realize the enemy you face. It's unlike anything you have seen."
"You claim this "Salem" person is a devil. What is a devil to a God?" Solaris challenged arrogantly. The King stood up from his throne, looking down at the man like a worm. "All that matters is my conquest."
"But you will definitely lose against her!"
"Oh, you think I'm weak?" The armored king huffed in arrogance. "You have seen what my Greeed can do to the Grimm. The soulless beasts are ants while the Greeed and I crush them as the pests that must be rid of." He lifts his hand and curls his fingers into a fist as emphasis.
"But that's not gonna work against her!"
"So? Even if she can't die, we could bury her, tear her to pieces and seal her. There are many ways we can stop an immortal." Solaris accused the man. "The world will change as I rule Remnant, as the new god that all will worship!"
The incarnation of Ozpin stared in horror at the King's plan. "No...you plan to replace the gods?"
"Humanity once ruled with magic given by gods!" Solaris spreads his arms. "Magic that was a gift before they chose to punish them. But, with this!" He gestured to his kingdom and then his O-Driver. "I will show everyone who is their one true god!"
"You can't do that, Solaris! The only way for peace is to bring the two gods back!"
The royal helmet/crown hid Solaris's scowl but his eyes glared down. "Peace has never been achieved." He placed the belt around his waist with three medals already in it. "Only conflict can solve it."
With the O-Scanner, he scans the medals but the sounds were deeper than the ones that sounded on my own.
TAKA
TORA
BATTA!
TA-TO-BA, TATOBA! TA-TO-BA!
"This is the greatest work done by my alchemists. The power of Core Energy imbued in these Core Medals." The King tapped the Medals in his Driver. "When three Medals are placed in this Driver, I have the power unlike you and other kingdoms have ever known. I have nearly conquered the entire world, it is only a matter of time for my grand ruling as god!"
"That power will not be enough, Solaris. Even if you used alchemy to create that armor." Ozma brandished his weapon.
"Then by all means…" He stepped down his throne and brandished the O-Calibur. "Prove me wrong."
Ozma gritted his teeth, as he rushed ahead with sword in hand as he attempted to fight and take down the Multi-King. Though the sword that he carried was easily cut through like paper as it left Ozma defenseless.
"My most glorious blade, O-Calibur. Forged for me by the best blacksmith and with the alchemists, this sword serves as my symbol of being king! My powers as OOO, signifying my role as god!"
The man grimaced before he stopped the next attack by bringing out a second weapon he carried. He was pushed slightly but slammed his knee against OOO who buckled.
"You must see the dangers she will bring to this land!"
"The only thing I see is a pitiful witch! She will be no match to my godly might, worm!" OOO bellowed.
Their weapons clashed again but Ozma wasn't allowing it as their weapons would meet. Ozma ducked from the swing but it dug into the pillar. The Multi-King growled and tugged but saw Ozma charging towards him. With a snarl, OOO unfolded the left Tors Claw and swung it across the pristine ground. Sparks gathered until it was tossed into Ozma's face. The swing startled Ozma who held his face to the sting.
With the whelp distracted, Solaris pulled his sword out and grabbed his Core Medals, placing them into O-Calibur. "You will pay for your insolence, heathen!"
Ozma's eyes widened before seeing the now weakened pillar and the ceiling above. Using a small portion of his magic, he threw a blast into the pillar. The Multi-King snapped his head up to see the debris falling onto him.
Seeing the rubble fall, Ozma waited with a sharp inhale but the debris trembled as the Multi-King bursted out. OOO was now in the all-gray armor of SaGoZo.
"Did you really think I can only use those three Medals?"OOO mocked.
Ozma evaded the soaring gauntlets but sees OOO running with the sword in hand.
"You failed to see what I have done to many of those who defy me!"OOO laughed. "The kingdoms deserve to be mine to rule! All mine!"
I felt frightened to witness such greed and selfishness Solaris had. All from the power he wielded. The same power I inherited.
"This is madness, Solaris!"
"No… it's called my form of unity under one banner!"OOO laughed. "And you! That power is what those ancient texts describe! A wielder of magic!"
The cursed man grimaced.
"You have made this more of an exciting challenge. Let's see if your magic can handle the might of my power!"
"Magic isn't meant to fight!"
"But it will be once I get my hands on it…"
Ozma blocked the O-Calibur but with the things OOO has done, he had to stop the king's madness. His greed would put all the kingdoms into ruin. After OOO changed back into his TaToBa form the reincarnated man swerved to the right but quickly slid back as the Tora claw swung across the air.
The poor swordsman grunted and held his chest. He saw the brief cuts and the blood. His fingers were covered in red but curled tightly into his palms. He had to stop the king.
With the choice given, he dashed towards OOO who was caught off guard. He barely managed to duck and punched the armored king. The magic burst across the Multi-King but the armor minimized the damage.
"You… You dare harm me again?!" Solaris roared in fury.
"This is your last chance, Solaris. Lay down your arms and get rid of that power. Don't you see what it is doing?"
The Multi-King paused before he chuckled… and then laughed. "Give up? You want me to give up this glorious gift?! To lay down my crown?!" He snapped. "This gift my alchemists created will change the world!"
He flicked his wrist and raised two familiar red Medals. He removed Tora and Batta, replacing them with Kujaku and Condor. Ozma gasped before he rushed to stop the mad king. However it was too late as OOO scanned the three red Medals.
TAKA
KUJAKU
CONDOL
TA~ JA~ DOL~
A blaze of fire erupted as Ozma saw the Multi-King rise, his arms crossed and looking down at the man.
"Now do you see? This!" He spreads his arms as feathers spread out and locked onto Ozma. "Is real power!"
He launched the projectiles at the man, each one causing lethal damage to the surroundings. Solairs laughed in joy before he waited. The smoke slowly cleared, revealing the outside of the castle and the debris everywhere. However he saw Ozma on the ground, battered and defeated. An arm missing, a few crimson feathers still on the ground around him. Ozma coughed harshly to the agonizing pain he felt. The mad king landed on his feet before approaching Ozma. The swordsman felt his collar grabbed.
"Hmph. In the end, even worms fall." Solaris scoffed.
Ozma weakly raised his head, seeing the former OOO's red gauntlet making him stare into the crimson orbs of the TaJaDol.
"I have proven what I can do. You will not live to see my final conquest. Everything will be mine."
Ozma witnessed OOO reel his now burning arm before embedding it into the warrior.
Everything turned into blue wisps as Jinn continued the story.
"In the end, Ozma met his next death. By the hands of the Multi-King shortly before he too met his own demise."
"So that was how Ozpin knew about the power of OOO…" I realized.
Ozpin literally met the former Multi-King. It would explain why he warned me after seeing the O-Calibur. Because he knew what happened to the user of OOO years ago.
He was killed by the Multi-King firsthand. I know the Multi-King was cruel during his days of rule. But to see this happen in front of my eyes, even if it's just a memory...
It made me angry. And this is just another moment of one of Ozpin's reincarnations.
He was practically fighting an eternal war against Salem.
The moment the smoke cleared from the last of the 'storytelling', we were back in reality but this time we all held reactions after hearing the origins of Salem and Ozpin, or in actuality Ozma.
Salem resurrected him, in turn making the two gods turn on mankind.
"Salem… is immortal…" Ankh's hand slowly clenched as the tale was finished. He slowly looks at Oscar, or rather Ozpin. "This entire time, it was because of you and the two gods. Her desire for you, led to the mistakes of humanity. Her anger, her immortality, everything!"
Slowly, Ankh grabbed his dagger, his eyes burning with fury. "The Grimm that constantly attacked the Lost Kingdom was for her, seeing us Greeed even the original OOO, as a threat." Oscar lifts his head to see Ankh with the blade raised. "To hell with this!"
Suddenly, the short sword collided with the familiar ancient relic. His red eyes quickly drift to me. "What are you doing?! Ozpin and Salem are the reason why everything is like this! The old man lied to us about everything!"
"I know, but Oscar isn't! He had nothing to do with this!"
He grabs the collar of my coat, his grip harsh and his red eyes glaring. "Don't you get it?! This was exactly what the damn King has been aiming for! If he had those relics, the humans would have been wiped out by his greed!"
"The only thing that matters now is to find peace for all of us!"
Ankh's demeanor turned enraged, "Peace? Peace?!"He grabs me by the neck, his other arm slowly conjuring a ball of fire. "The thing you are seeking will be the only thing that bitch wants gone! If you keep that mindset, she will kill you like any other human!"
"Then I will fight her." I breathed.
The birdman glowered before throwing me into the snow and tossed the fireball to a tree in a fit of anger, causing it to burst in flames. The others however glared at Ozpin including Qrow due to the fact that what we learned about Salem. I wouldn't blame them. Even I felt the same towards the headmaster.
I mean, Salem was immortal and the fact we are doing this against someone who is unkillable? Qrow looked as angry as Ankh is about the revelation. However I was the one who was more surprised given this planet had a hidden history.
Yet every one of us was trying to process all of this new info. The fact that Ozpin was a cursed man, the Salem is immortal, as well as many other things that we were told. Especially the final words when Ozma asked Jinn in the past on how to stop Salem. This was just so much to take in at the moment.
Looking back at the day I met Ozpin, I gripped the snow before standing up. Now that I looked back on it, it was starting to make sense why Ozpin offered me an opportunity to enroll in Beacon.
"…. Ozpin." I droned, earning his attention. "Tell me… tell me and be straight with me…" everyone looked at me as I began to breathe. "Kougami became a benefactor because I was OOO right…?" He nodded. "If he is my benefactor… what am I to you?"
"I… I don't understand-"
"The reason you wanted me to stay in Beacon isn't just because of my potential, is it?" My fingers curled until my hand clenched into a fist. "It's because you wanted to have a way to stop her. After seeing what I did with PuToTyra isn't it…?"
"Enrique, I-"
"You just wanted me to be in Beacon because of this damn buckle!" I snapped.
"This was all a mistake…" Ankh spat out. "This is what I get for even getting close to humans. Being backstabbed by one who isn't truthful. The things you have done Ozma was the worst thing to do for the things you and that bitch brought. It was your fault from the very beginning for saving her from that damn tower."
Ozpin lowered his head in shame. "Maybe you're right…" His eyes glowed before it faded, returning his control to Oscar.
The young farmer blinked. "He's… gone…" Oscar noted.
"What do you mean by that?" I ask him.
"He… shut himself out of me. He basically sealed himself away…" Oscar expanded on his statement. "In my head… our head?" The boy grunted as he held it in pain. "I hate this! I want it to stop!"
"He just left us?" Weiss uttered.
"Good riddance." Ankh said coldly. He pocketed his hands and marched ahead.
"Where are you going?" Blake asked.
"Away from this shit! Once I get back my body I am done."
"Y-You mean you're leaving us?"
Ankh glowered. "Don't you get it?! We Greeed were made all because his majesty found the ancient texts of the previous humanity! Look where it ended up! Look what we did!" He raised his Greed arm as emphasis. "Humanity's desires caused so many mistakes. Conflict. War. All of that bullshit!" He pointed at Oscar. "The old man and that bitch of his caused this mess. His mess, his responsibility. Not ours."
"I didn't have anything to do with this!" Oscar exclaimed. "O-Ozpin-Ozma… he showed up one day in my head!"
"Tch." The red Greeed scowled and was about to leave but Ruby quickly stopped him.
"Ankh, wait! Please, we have to calm down!"
"Tell that to the talon. Now get out of my way."
"Enough!" The old lady shouted. "We need to get a move on, together. It'll be dark before we know it and every one of you is spewing negativity!" She helped Oscar stand on his feet.
I chewed my lip before taking a moment to calm down. "She's right…. We need to calm down so the Grimm aren't lured to us." I said, nodding despite the fact I couldn't blame how everyone was feeling right now as I was the same. But this truly would only make it more difficult for us to do anything.
Yang was befuddled. "Enrique you seriously can't-"
"We're all upset, I know. I… I just want all of us to get to Argus safely." I looked at Ankh. "And you are coming along. Didn't you tell me before? I am your only shot in getting your real body back."
Ankh's eyebrow twitched angrily before he immediately stepped back and remained with us but kept his distance. "Whatever."
With the camp set, some of us were still cold as it snowed calmly outside and already dark due to walking along the trail Maria showed us. Thankfully my idea helped as we were becoming warm. Ankh didn't bother using his own fire to start the campfire. I had to be the one to voluntarily use some Fire Dust to do it. It irked me as the said Greeed was possessing fire abilities of his Core Medals in his arm.
"Good thinking on this." Oscar thanked.
"Back where I am from, there is a place that endures such cold weather that they had to make igloos."
"I… gloos?" Yang pronounced in curiosity. "What the heck is an igloo?"
"Basically huts made from snow to keep people warm due to the insulation within." I simplified into easier terms for them.
"A hut made out of snow?" Ruby asked. "Like a snow fort?"
"No, I guess you can say it is kinda like that, except it's not." I clarified. "It's often done in the snowy regions."
"How do you know something like that anyway?" Oscar asked.
Team RWBY felt nervous as I did. "To be honest, Oscar… ever wondered about my name?"
"Come to think of it, your name… is unique." He may have grown up on the farm but he knew very much about the culture when Ozpin guided him to Ruby's uncle and Mistral.
"It doesn't hold much of a cultural meaning here because I am not really from here. By here - I'm not from Remnant."
"... Huh?"
"Enrique's from… a different world." Ruby admitted. "Ehehehe."
"Well… I guess that wouldn't be the weirdest thing that happened today." Oscar softly chuckled. "So… what is your world even like? More Grimm? Less Grimm? Superheroes everywhere?"
I looked at the small campfire. "Well, where to start? We don't have Faunus and no Grimm either." Maria and Oscar's eyes, well mechanical in the former's case, widened in shock. "As to the question about superheroes, only in comics and movies. We don't have abilities such as Semblances and Aura like you guys."
"Something that surprised me as well." Blake giggled softly.
"None of that?"
"Normal as I once was." I gestured to myself. "I was just a simple guy working and eventually ended up in this world."
Maria adjusted her prosthetic eyes in curiosity. "And of this world, does that too harbor gods?"
I chortled at the question. "It depends on the country. Unlike Kingdoms, we have large assortment of countries with various religions. Those very religions involving gods. It is why churches or religious sites were made."
"As a place of worship." Oscar realized. "You… been to a church?"
"A few times." I recalled the last time I've been to a church.
"Did I say something wrong?"
"Nothing wrong." I assured. "Alas, my world isn't that peaceful. Sure we have police, firefighters, and doctors and such but there's times crime and other bad acts are committed. Especially when my world has a long history of various wars, some being global."
"O-Oh…" This made Oscar uncomfortable.
"Stories aside." Maria moved the fire a bit to keep it going for a little longer. "I believe we all should get needed rest."
"Right…" Oscar yawned.
The others agreed as well as they took their spots to rest. Although I can tell they were glad they were not freezing due to the insulation within the igloo. It was keeping them warm for the night.
I glanced at Blake who rested her head on my shoulder. Her amber eyes sent a look at me. "Everything alright…?" She asked quietly.
"I'm fine. Get some sleep, okay?"
"Okay…" Blake tiredly closed her eyes before she became the second last person to fall asleep.
I stared at the campfire, reminded of the tale Jinn explained. The power Solaris wielded made him become a mas king. Greedy… selfish. It scared me to know that was my possible fate if the power took over. I glanced at the others who were sleeping then at Blake who rested beside me, then at the ongoing fire.
I shook away the brief fear I felt regarding being OOO and allowed myself to 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)
Raising my head, I could see the snowflakes continue to pour. I was sure it was going to get worse by the hour.
"This place looks abandoned…" I observed the area. For a mere farm, it seems to be an estate of sorts in rural terms.
"RUN!" I shouted.
Next Time: Snowstorm, Farm, Apathy
A/N: Looks like the secrets of Remnant have finally been revealed. When I first watched this episode during its premiere, I was honestly surprised of Ozpin's and Salem's origins. But at least it answered us of how it came to be but also the fact how the two gods were. I thought to include an insight regarding how Ozpin knew of the Multi-King and the powers of OOO. Including, revealing more of the late Multi-King's prowess.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Don't forget to leave a review, favorite, and follow this story! Till then, see you all next Monday as usual!