A/N: Hey guys I am here with the newest chapter for my OOO story! I am sure you are wondering why I didn't update ky Chalice story is because a new idea popped up after reading the latest volume of DXD. Plus I wanted to reread the other volumes as well (It was a long day of binge reading). Anyways, we are getting sidetracked, I want to assure you guys that I will update my Chalice story soon and after that is Wizard. So look forward to that!
NOTE: IF YOU HAVE NOT READ REMNANT OF DESIRES, READ IT BEFORE YOU START READING THIS STORY.
NOTE 2: RATING MAY CHANGE TO 'M' IN THE FUTURE
Henshin!
Third Person View
'Thought'
Greeed/Yummies
As dusk goes on, I stare at the stars in the night sky from the window, contemplating. It has been a long day for me. Resting my head on the pillow, I slowly drifted to sleep. An odd warmth beckons me to wake up, my mind wanting me to open my eyes. Doing so, upon opening my eyes, I found myself in an odd room that resembled one of the temple ruins that I recall seeing back at the Lost Kingdom a year ago; only everything looked restored.
"Huh?" I observe my surroundings in confusion. What was going on? Just as I walk, I stopped mid-step upon witnessing a scene in front of me. I was in the throne room of the Multi-King; the Royal alchemist and the rest of his loyal subjects kneeling before the late Multi-King. A tattered black cloak over his dominant form, a mighty sword in hand that stabbed the ground, and a dark red gauntlet that acts as metal talons covering half of his right arm. Over his face was a golden crown/helmet, revealing azure blue eyes.
"Those of the Four Kingdoms shall know who they are fighting against. They will unite under my rule."
"My liege, are you sure it's wise even to try to do that?" One of his servants asked.
The king stood up, "Of course I am! This is what I wanted! To show who is a god, to show who is the mighty king of Remnant!"
"But, my king! This will only have them all turn on you! You should strive for peace, not war!" The Servant asked, only for the greedy king to glare at his servant.
"Peace has never been achieved! The only way is through conflict! With the power of my Core Medals, they will all be mine to rule over." He looks at the others. "We will show the other kingdoms just who they are messing with!"
I witness the scene change into the day the Multi-King faced the Greeed.
"You honestly think you, my loyal generals and creations, can defy a god?" The Multi-King asked the Greeed.
"If it means to make us feel whole, we will," Uva said before they lunged, but before they could, a blast of fire forced them all away. In front of the king was the once completed Bird Greeed Ankh.
"Ankh? You're betraying us?" Mezool gawked with shock.
"What do you think?" Ankh huffed.
All four Greeed prepared themselves for the fight against the duo.
"I will show you what I can-" Ankh felt pain in his back. His body stiffened before glancing over his shoulder, seeing the Multi-King with the Tora claws in his back.
"Thanks for the distraction, fool." The Multi-King grinned, ripping out the last few cores he needed. Tossing them all into the air, he swipes the O-Scanner across each one in his collection, every single one. Each crest fused with his body; however, it leads to disastrous results. The king screamed in pain while a vortex surrounded his body. His greed for power and godhood was finally killing him.
"T-This... Shouldn't be happening… to me!" The king grunted, falling to his knees in pain. The vortex begins to lift all the Greeed, each one becoming large clusters of cell medals while Ankh held on for his dear life, only for his arm to be the only limb the vortex pulls in.
Once it all merged with the king, there was no sight of him, only a large stone chest with the O-Driver acting as a seal.
My eyes snapped open before seeing it was the middle of the night. My eyes travel to my bag that held the O-Driver.
"So… that's how it happened…" I muttered softly. "This is how he died and became the coffin for the Greeed…."
It looks like his fate was the same as the one I saw in the show, the only difference being in Remnant. It made me wonder what will happen if I ever ended up like that man.
I shuddered at the sheer image of ending up like him. I have to make sure I don't end up like him: being greedy for power.
Remnants of Desires: After the Fall
Chapter 4: Ancient Relic, Tyrian, New King
It has now been a week since we have stayed in Menagerie. It has been relatively peaceful for us in the Belladonna residence. While I was getting along with Mrs. Belladonna very well, Mr. Belladonna was slowly warming up to me. Only a bit since he is still reserving judgment on me. At least he doesn't see me the way he sees Sun. The Monkey Faunus sure left a wrong first impression on the man when we met. Right now, I was in the village market to grab a few needed items to bring back to the residence. I volunteered to help around the household, and they appreciated the work.
Pyrrha was with Gamel, who was hanging upside down on a tree, clapping his hands. I was still surprised that Ankh gave Pyrrha the Proto-Birth Driver. She told me how she felt when she used the armor to fight that Yummy. While it was new to her–being a Kamen Rider–she seemed to consider using it in case we have to deal with any more Yummies or if we ever encounter the Greeed later on.
That being said, it was a typical day again in the Faunus village. The locals didn't seem to mind me, Pyrrha, or Gamel (in his human disguise) being around, plus we were the only humans around. For Ankh, they think he is a special Faunus due to his Greeed arm. Now that I think about it, his arm is bird-like so it makes sense they would assume that he is a Faunus.
But I did notice some of the locals glaring at our group (mainly at me, Pyrrha, and Gamel). White Fang sympathizers? I still remember how everything was after that incident in Beacon. A small frown marred my features at those memories. Taurus was a guy who was very cruel to the world, Faunus and Humans alike. With racism, it led to what he became. Comparing myself to him, it felt like we were complete opposites. Adam's just a freedom fighter who lost his way. The reason for his hatred towards Blake was for leaving his cause. The one he trusted the most abandoning him in the past.
I grimaced at the immediate realization. If I didn't become selfless and lashed out instead, I would have ended up like Adam.
Getting the thoughts out of my mind, for now, I managed to buy the rest of the needed groceries.
"Here you go, Enrique." The shop owner smiled, her fox ears twitched happily before handing me the groceries. "Hope you make your girlfriend something tasty tonight."
"Hehehe, I appreciate it." I took the bag in hand and handed her some of the Lien for payment. "You have a good day." I waved, walking back to the Belladonna Residence.
My eyes took stock of the bustling market. It sure is crowded at times. No matter where I look, I see Faunus and their activities. However, I noticed a few Faunus walk in front of me, each one glaring at me before the one possibly leading them stepped forward, landing a punch to my cheek, hard and myself onto the ground. "You think you can come here and not receive punishment for your kind?!" He growled.
I rubbed my jaw to ease the pain while my Aura heals it. It looks like some of the Faunus still hold grudges against humanity's mistreatment in the past.
"Hold him steady; I want to make him feel every pain his kind placed on us Faunus." He ordered as the other two stalked towards me before holding my arms and keeping me still.
"Look… I know it doesn't mean much but-"
"Shut it!" He growled, punching me in the stomach, hard. Damn, that was a punch. This moment brought up a memory of Cardin and his cronies beating me back at Beacon. "You will pay for everything human! Those White Fang people should wipe you all out as they did with Beacon!"
I frowned heavily. I knew the group was taking their anger out on me, but it still hurts to see them view humans as nothing but trouble for the mistreatments.
"Stay away from him!" The three Faunus noticed a few other Faunus, some of them being the shop owners and others I met during the stay. "He hasn't done anything wrong!"
"Nothing wrong? His whole race has done everything wrong!"
"That doesn't mean it's his fault!"
"Human sympathizer!" He barked, almost ready to fight with those who are defending me.
"That is enough," Some of the locals notice Mrs. Belladonna and her daughter walking over. Blake's mom held a frown that made me swallow what I had in my throat; it was scary as hell. If her glare was chilling, I do not want to know how she expresses her anger.
"Stay out of this! This human deserves everything coming to him!" The Faunus accused, trying not to be intimidated by her.
"He didn't do anything except help around here," Kali narrowed her eyes further to slits. "He is different than the others. You can't judge him for what others did when his actions displayed nothing but reaching out to others no matter who they are."
"But this is a human! They've done so much to us and deserve punishment!" The Faunus argued, pointing at me accusingly.
"So you want to act just like those who hurt us?" she questioned, causing them to flinch, "Acting in anger will be the same as becoming those you hate. You need to forgive and move on, not hold it onto your heart."
The small crowd looked at each other before they all dispersed, giving me relief. I used the sleeve of my jacket to wipe the speck of blood on my lip. Guess they landed a few good hits on me.
"Are you alright?" Blake asked, helping me up as she looked me over to make sure I was alright. "Enrique… I'm so sorry for what they did…"
"Enrique, I do hope you don't take their insults seriously. There are still some Faunus here who are still hurt and backlashes from what others have done." Kali said with a soft frown. "They're still scared and unsure of what to do."
"I know," I nodded. "But I don't blame them for how they feel towards us. Things like this tend to happen."
"Still, they shouldn't take it out on you…"
"I'll be okay, really," I assured the two, picking up the bag of groceries. "I understand how things are. Back where I am from, in the past, racism was an issue. It took almost a few hundred years to get the equality settled. But even then we still have our fair share of backlashes."
"At least you know where the lines stand." Blake smiled, "Want me to join you?"
Kali giggled, "Ah, young love. I can't wait to see my grandchildren will look like?" She said, earning a bright blush from both of us.
"Mom!" Blake blushed at her mom's words.
"What? I know things, and I can already tell you two already did the deed." She said with a smirk, "I even got plans for your wedding dress too!"
Blake grabbed my arm and dragged me away, wanting to prevent the further embarrassment from her mom.
"I even have some cute names for both a boy and a girl if you're ever interested?" Kali shouted out, only embarrassing us for fun as she giggled.
"Your mom likes to torment us…" I said to my girlfriend with a sigh.
"I know…" Blake sighed, "Sorry about that…"
"I-It's fine," I assured, raising a hand. "Sometimes, parents tend to do that just for the fun of it."
"Still, she's overthinking already. Us having kids? W-We's still not ready for that…." Blake said with a blush, but also ignoring what she said about the dress, hoping Enrique wouldn't notice about having those thoughts already.
"I-I know. Let's ignore what she said and pretend it never happened." I suggested.
"R-Right…. Pretend…" she said, muttering that last part.
I noticed a shift in her tone. "Blake?"
"I-It's nothing to worry about." She reassured, "So where to?"
"Well, I was thinking we-"
"Will have to wait."
We stopped before looking up to see Ankh perched on a tree branch. Finishing his treat, he tossed the stick aside and landed in front of us. Talk about littering. "Right now, he is going with me to investigate."
"Can't that wait?" Blake asked. She wanted a chance to get away from everything ever since we left Vale.
"In case you haven't noticed, Enrique here was attacked by a Yummy. Second, we have no idea to who sent it since it somehow ended up here." He pointed out. "There had to be a source, and from what monkey boy told me, it appeared from the forest you locals don't explore."
"But-"
"Blake, I know you mean with the best of intentions, but he is right. What if another one comes and attacks others? It would be best to figure who is behind it and stop them before it gets worse." I said to her.
Blake frowned before she sighed and nodded, "Alright…."
"We will be back by sunset," I assured.
"Please be careful," Blake cautioned.
Deciding to search around for a bit, Ankh and I begin to explore the outskirts of Menagerie since others didn't want to go beyond due to the dangers. Both of us chose to check it out and see what lies outside of the border of the village. I mean sure it is dangerous, but hey, people tend to explore the unknown back on Earth and believe me, some tend to do the darndest things to find answers and wonders.
"Things have been hectic…" I sighed, my lips feeling dry for a moment.
"No kidding… a new type of Yummy and the unknown source of whoever sent it… Kazari couldn't make it, neither can Uva. Based on the Yummy, it was some dark creature, almost like a Grimm and yet it acts in desires as any other Yummy..." He crossed his arms, his fingers strumming across his biceps. "This doesn't make any sense…"
I clicked my tongue, scratching the back of my head, "Hopefully we will find answers from the area outside of the village since it did came from around there. So how much farther do we have to walk? We can't let the others get worried."
"I think exploring is more advisable so we can find the source of where the Yummy came from." He glared at me. "Unlike you who screwed Kitty cat within the past year before our travels."
Sputtering from his words, my face was beet red from those memories. I so wanted to punch Ankh for saying that. What Blake and I did was intimate, and we did not regret it. Let's leave it at that. Shaking my head in irritation, my eyes turned to the Greeed I was following. While the 'expedition' was getting a little boring since there was nothing but trees, trees, and more trees, I still wonder how far do we have to go. Seriously, how long would this even take?
I shoved a branch aside, feeling more annoyed as Ankh was leading. "Geez, this is taking forever," I groaned. "Any ideas of how far we have gone, Ankh?"
I received no response only to notice the Bird Greeed standing still as a rock. Odd, what was he looking at?
"Ankh?" I noticed him staring at something, and his eyes are very focused. I followed his line of sight before seeing what he was staring at. In his view was an ancient temple entrance, the rubble, and debris scattered around as some vines and statues look to be degrading from the exposure to the weather and changes of the environment. However, the reason why it caught his attention was the symbols written. "What is that?"
"... one of the lost Kingdom's temples…"
"Huh? But I thought the Lost Kingdom we went to was the main location?"
"Yes… however, during the damn Multi-King's tyranny and greed, he built temples that honor him, to show everyone he is a god."
Seeing the temple, I turn my focus back to Ankh, "So… you think we should check it out? Maybe the Yummy came from there?"
"I doubt it. However, we should look into this." Just like that, he walked ahead, earning a call from myself, "Hey, wait up, Ankh!"
Following after him, he revealed his Greeed Arm before snapping his fingers against a torch, the contents seemingly useable to ignite. Once it is lit up, we progressed into the temple. To think the Multi-King's servants made this here in Menagerie.
The stone halls looked like they were slowly crumbling, the age of the stones wearing down and the sight of cobwebs everywhere. But as we dwell more in-depth into the temple, slivers of light were drawing close to us before we were greeted with something that amazed us.
The center of the chamber was a large room for my amazement. There were four tall statues in the shape of knights with helmets that represent the kingdom the Multi-King once ruled. Each one faced the object that was in the center of the room. In the center of the place seems to be a rock with a stone sword embedded in the center of it. The object in question made Ankh drop his jaw in disbelief and astonishment.
"It can't be…"
"You know what that is?" I stared at the stone sword.
"That… that is the O-Calibur…"
"You mean like the Medajalibur?" I raised an eyebrow.
"This is different, Enrique. The sword we are seeing is the very sword the Multi-King used. Its power is much different than the Medajalibur."
Curiosity got the best of me. A sword that the Multi-King once used? It made me wonder how powerful it is. "How powerful is it?"
"Let's just say that damn king was able to kill an entire army with one swing of that blade, stronger than the Medajalibur's Scanning Charge."
"EEHHH!?" I gawked. "You are telling me that the sword can do that!? T-Then how is it here in Menagerie, outside of the village borders!?"
The Bird Greeed rolled his eyes, "As I said, the former Multi-King ordered builders to make these types of chambers not just to honor him but to show everything he owns and rules everything. Menagerie was one of the first few places he conquered. I didn't need to inform kitty cat's parents about it since they shouldn't know..."
Marching up to the center, there was something about the stone. While it was shaped like a sword, it was attached to the rock it was embedded in. There was just something about it. It felt like something was drawing me to it.
My feet took one step at a time, drawing closer and closer to it. It wanted me to grab it. Just as I was in arm's length, I heard Ankh's voice. "Enrique! Move!"
"Huh?" The sound of rumbling rocks echoed in my eardrums before quickly seeing one of the four statues coming to life. Not asking questions, I quickly moved away to avoid its attack. At a reasonable distance, we began to notice the other three statues being animated to life.
"Golems!?" I gawked in disbelief.
Ankh clicked his tongue in annoyance. "The alchemists must have made a failsafe in case anyone else tries to get near or take the O-Calibur."
"Oh, now you tell me!?"
He rolled his eyes, "Just focus and fight them!"
Not wanting him to tell me twice, I revealed the Upgraded Medajalibur and got into my stance. Tilting my blade, I struck the first golem that drew close before rolling to the side to avoid the other golem's attack.
When one of them noticed Ankh, it lunged at him, prompting the Greeed to evade the sword it brought down.
"These golems don't want us here."
"Figured the alchemists would set these up in the past," Ankh said with a huff.
Dodging a stone fist from one of the golems, my weapon becomes the handcannon mode, aimed at the opponent. With a bullet loaded, I fired a round into its large chest, but it only pushed it back. Glaring at me, it raised its arm before backhanding me to the center of the chamber. I coughed from the strength it put to it. Man, even with my Aura, it hurts like hell.
My Medajalibur slid across the ground, away from my reach. I could use the O-Driver, but with the golem, it won't provide enough time to use it. I had to do something!
The large shadow loomed over me, earning my attention to see the golem. I raise my head to see the construct with its sword ready to kill me. Darting my head to the stone, I quickly grabbed the handle of the blade. Suddenly, when I did, time suddenly stopped. I couldn't move an inch but… I begin to hear a voice.
Why do you continue to help others when you have so much power?
His words felt like the very words that Cinder told me during the Fall of Beacon. I did have a lot of power. Cloning, Speed and Sunlight, Water manipulation, A Phoenix's Flames, Gravity, Invincibility, Cyrokinesis, and Spatial Manipulation. All of that power, but I was not one who craves it.
You wanted more to protect these weaklings, I can see it in you.
My body became tense.
It… was true. Reminiscing the Purple Core incident, it reminded me of my desire; the power to protect my family and everyone around me.
But these people were innocent. For those who couldn't fight, I fight. 'They are not weaklings. They are people who have to be protected from evil.'
Then why not use all of that power to eliminate your enemies and rule over all?
'I am not one who is mad with power. I am one who wants to continue to protect everyone.' I growled. My blood boiling as I could feel my fingers twitch, slowly beginning to move.
Will you fall into greed as I have?
'Not a chance… I won't give into greed. My only desire is not only to protect Blake and my family…'
Slowly gripping the handle of the sword, I felt my grip tighten.
'I DESIRE PEACE!'
I roared as I finally pull the sword out of its prison and struck the golem as it flew past me and rolled across the ground.
With the stone sword in hand, I stared the golems down. I put on the O-Driver and slotted in the Taka, Tora and Batta Core Medals before slanting the buckle. I felt the sword vibrate in my hand as I grabbed the O-Scanner and swiped it across the Core Medals.
The sword echoed each of the chimes as I called out, "Henshin!"
TAKA!
TORA!
BATTA!
TA-TO-BA! TATOBA TA-TO-BA!
As the holographic medals flew around me and merged to form the Tatoba crest, the sword began to crack. As the armor fully developed, the cracks spread across the surface of the stone sword, glowing with a mix of red, yellow, and green light.
Ankh looks at the new blade in my hand as the stone slowly cracks further before shattering, revealing a pitch black blade as the edges of the blade were a pure crystal blue color as the flat part of the sword held a mechanism but different. A slot mechanism was in the module itself, near the hilt; like I could slide them in instead of placing in one by one like I do with the Upgraded Medajalibur. The handle held a small crest of the Multi-King while black leather wraps around the grip.
"Well, I'll be damned…" Ankh muttered in surprise, seeing the sword.
I look at the sword for a moment, remembering what the original Multi-King said to me. I won't give in to the lust for power. The only thing that mattered was to protect my team, my desire for peace.
"Alright, let's do this!" I declared, holding the new sword.
The golem swung its blade at me but using the O-Calibur, I blocked the attack, the sword holding against the enemy's weapon.
I gnashed my teeth under the helmet before I let out a battle cry, slowly pushing the golem's sword before using the Batta legs to hop over it and slice clean through its stone hand. It crumbled to the ground before it glared at me.
It looks like they aren't going to stop. "Any ideas, Ankh?" I asked.
"Use the King Combo for the sword! It will initiate a Scanning Charge with the Scanner!" The Bird Greeed ordered.
Not wanting to question him, I grabbed the three Core Medals and slid them into the sword. The 'circuitry design,' similar to the buckle, revealed themselves glowing with same colors before fusing into a golden color. Grabbing the O-Scanner, I swiped it across the new sword.
TATOBA! SCANNING CHARGE!
I tilted the blade and slowly got into my stance. "HAA!" I swung the sword as it released the energy of the Core Medals.
First, a giant red hawk attacked the golems, slicing at them with its wings. Then, a yellow tiger lunged at the golems and slashed at them. Finally, a green grasshopper performed a roll and smashed them with its hind legs.
The sheer power it displayed was unbelievable! The energy obliterated the golems and the area around it, leaving behind nothing. I lowered my blade and took stock of the aftermath. "Damn..."
And boy, my jaw dropped from seeing the damage. I noticed half of the temple was blown off, the sunlight fully gleaming. The trees in its way were nowhere to be seen. Just everything from my view was nothing but rubble, pebbles, and debris.
"Shut your mouth before you let the flies in," Ankh smacked the back of my head.
Shaking my head in agreement, I closed my jaw and looked at the sword in my hand. I never got a chance to admire its design, and the blade feels just right to use. Man, it is pretty cool if I had to admit. While the sword was something I never saw in the show, to see the actual item in person, it was pretty cool — a relic of the ancient past.
"So… what now?"
"Might as well head back to the village. We have gone far enough as it is," Ankh advised. "And another thing…" he glanced at me with a neutral look. "Make sure you take care of that sword."
"R-Right," I nodded as I placed the new sword and its sheath to my hip while the Upgraded Medajalibur was still kept on the magnetic clip on my back. "At least we tried."
"Yeah…" he grumbled, still wondering just who sent the Yummy.
XXX
Our trip back to the village was quiet for both of us; the pathway was a little confusing. Well… almost.
"We are lost, Ankh," I deadpanned.
"No, we're not." He denied.
"We passed that boulder ten minutes ago." I pointed at the said rock.
"No, we haven't. It doesn't have the markings." He denied again.
"And I thought you would know the way to go since you have the motif of three intelligent birds." I quipped.
"I don't see you are coming up with any ideas!" he snapped.
"Hey, you told me you could handle this!" I waved my arms in annoyance. "But look at where we are now!"
"Why you little…" Ankh growled until he stopped. He looks around, his eyes focused and alert.
"Ankh–?" He clasps his hand over my mouth.
"Someone is watching us…" He whispered, his tone laced with caution. With his other arm, the Greeed arm, it produced a fireball before launching it towards a tree.
The figure jumped away from the attack as Ankh continued to blast, trying to hit him before the assailant shot a few rounds at us, causing the two of us to dodge quickly. Regaining our bearings, we took stock of the assailant.
He is a pale man with gold eyes and a brown ponytail braided to resemble a scorpion's tail. He wears a white sleeveless jacket with leather belts strapped to it, along with white pants. His coat is left open, exposing his bare chest, which is crisscrossed with prominent scars. Over the white jacket a dark brown coat which he wears open the same way, he does with his white. His arms are covered with purple bandages and leather vambraces. He also wears leather boots covering his entire shin with knee guards. On each earlobe is a silver, ring-shaped earring, and near the top of his left ear is another matching earring.
"Who the hell are you?" Ankh frowned, his hands resting on the hilt of his two swords upon seeing the man.
"Oh, just a humble servant, serving his queen." He grinned, as I frowned.
"Cinder…"
"HA! Only in her wildest dreams!" He spat out.
I quirked a brow. He doesn't work for Cinder? But this 'Queen'? Wait a minute… the way Cinder was back then and this man's words…
Cinder was working for someone.
Someone else was the reason that leads Cinder to plot the Fall of Beacon.
"So someone else is calling the shots," Ankh said. "Smelling your desires, you desire to satisfy the Queen you mention."
"Heh, very good! Very good." The Bird Greeed frowned, his arm igniting in flames with slight irritation present.
"Why don't you just scram," Ankh threatened.
"Oh, as much as I wouldn't bother with you both, I have a mission to uphold." He sighed. "You do interest me, Phoenix," The man pointed at Ankh before he looked at me? "As I only matter to you, OOO."
My eyes narrowed with a glare. How does that man know about OOO? More importantly, what does he want from me? Whoever he is, something wasn't right at all.
I slowly held onto my Medajalibur with my eyes filled with caution. Ankh was the same way, his left hand holding the sword while his Greeed arm was ready to burn him.
"Whatever intention your dumb 'queen' has for my charge, you made the wrong choice," said Ankh.
"HAHAHA! Excellent! Time for some fun…" He grinned deviously.
"Ankh… I got a bad feeling about this." I grimaced, unsheathed the Medajalibur from my back.
"Then let's deal with it," Ankh lunged at the man while I followed. The Bird Greeed swung his sword at the man, but he used wrist blades that were shaped like the pincers of a scorpion to block it. Ankh's arm ignited as the edge was slowly turning red from the intense heat.
"Oh! Spicy!" The man cackled, knocking his hand with the sword away before firing at him. He then jumped just before I could swing at him as he kicked my shoulder before shooting in my face, forcing me back.
Growling, I grabbed the O-Calibur from the sheath on my hip and held both blades. The modern sword and the ancient relic.
"Hm? She never told me that you had two weapons. Oh well, what will one little new blade even do?" He shrugged.
I lunged as our respective two blades clashed in sparks. Even from Ankh's teachings, this guy was a tough opponent. Suddenly, I noticed the odd rope around his waist twitch.
"No peeking…" He grinned before something shot out, smacking me away. I skidded to a halt before we looked up to notice that there was now a scorpion tail sticking out of him.
"This guy is a freaking scorpion!?" I ducked from the stinger that would have pierced me.
"A Scorpion Faunus no doubt," said Ankh. "Watch out for his stinger."
"You think!?" I argued as we avoided his attack. "Ankh, provide me some time so that I can suit up!"
"Fine!" He lunged at the psychotic scorpion faunus with his short swords, the duo fighting with their blades as Ankh was dodging a few of his attacks along with avoiding the stinger.
Seeing him distracted, I placed the O-Driver on my waist, the belt forming around me. Once in place, I decided to grab Kobura, Kame, Wani, and put them into the O-Driver, slanted the buckle and scanned them with a swift swing.
KOBURA!
KAME!
WANI!
BURAKA~WANI!
The Medals danced around me before the three orange ones appeared in a vertical line before combining into one and fusing with my chest. My armor instantly changed with a new appearance.
My head had orange armor markings along the side and on my face which resembled a beard and sideburns. Wrapped around the top of my head was a turban-like headdress which looked like a snake's body coiled around my head with a snake's tail coming out where a ponytail would. On top of my helmet was a dome-like area which resembled a cobra's hood. Just below the hood on my helmet was a purple gemstone which matched the eyepieces to my helmet.
My shoulders are covered with thick, slightly curved armor which was split into hexagonal sections. Orange lines running down my arms connected with my forearms which was entirely shielded by large portions of armor which looked like a tortoise shell split in half, completed by orange squares on the back of my hands.
My legs had deep orange armor on my thighs that were ridged with black lines on my inner thighs, making them look like necks of a crocodile. The armor on my shins which went from knee to ankle and looked like half of a crocodile head with sawblade-like teeth running along my calves. It was BuraKaWani the Reptile Combo.
I slammed my fists together and grabbed the Cobra Flute. "Hey, Scorpion-wannabe!" I called out, earning his undivided attention.
Hearing the sounds of a Cobra, I placed it close to the mouthguard of his helmet as I began to play a tune, causing the 'ponytail' on the back of my helmet to grow into a giant cobra. It rose into the air with a mighty hiss.
The sight of the Cobra made the man's eyes widened upon the serpent. He quickly dodged the cobra's bite before he looks at me with anger as I play the flute to control the cobra. The tune is going at its pace while the man tries to avoid the cobra. It looks like even as a Faunus, a scorpion would fear its natural predator.
"Well, aren't you cheeky?" He growled at me.
"Nope, just playing smart," I changed the tune again as the cobra spits its venom at him. The man managed to dodge the spit of poison before glaring at me.
"You lousy brat…." He growled only to lunge at me. He dodged my swipes and the cobra before tripping me, only for me to see the tip of his stinger as it was ready to pierce me. "DIE!"
I quickly bring up the Kami shields, the stinger hitting the orange energy barrier. He reared his tail again but felt someone grab onto it. That person being Ankh.
"Why not pick on someone else!" Using both hands, he pulled and began to spin around until he released his grip, sending the man crashing into a tree. I stood back up while Ankh kept his guard up, both of us facing the man who stood up as well.
"Who is this Queen you keep mentioning?!" I demanded.
"Someone who you'll meet soon enough!" He declared before he shot at us.
We were about to defend ourselves once more, but the sight of a dark portal and a familiar sword block the attack.
The wielder none other than the masked woman who confronted me after the Breach.
"Great, another annoyance. How about you beat it and I'll let you live?" He scoffed until he looked her over, and his eyes widened in realization with a scowl. "You…"
The masked woman unsheathed her sword in a threatening gesture, tempting the Scorpion Faunus to challenge her. From the looks of it, the man did not seem happy to see her around. Were they enemies perhaps?
The Scorpion Faunus' scowl grew before he retreated into the scenery. Ankh and I focused on making sure he was gone. Using the Kobura lenses, I saw no signs of infrared heat from him, thus showing he was gone. With relief washing over us, Ankh and I turn to the masked woman, the same woman who confronted me when I was recovering from the use of TaJaDol.
"You again…" I recognized as the woman sheathed her odachi. I kept my guard up since she tried to kill me at first back then. I was wary of her. I did not know whose side she was on.
"You know this chick?" Ankh asked.
"Yeah, she somehow sneaked into Beacon and confronted me, thinking I was a threat," I replied, not changing my gaze from her. I never expected her to be here. Was she following us since we left Vale?
Ankh looks at the woman as she was looking at us both. "So what brings you here?" Ankh asked with a frown.
"To see if you have survived." This earned a raised eyebrow from us both.
"Why do you want to know?" I questioned. "You held a sword to my throat back at Beacon after the Breach. So why should I answer?"
She was silent before glancing at the sword in my hand, "… you unsheathed the original sword of that king from its prison…"
"... yeah I did," I replied, but I knew she was trying to change the subject. "Now tell me why you are here. I find it odd for you to be here in Menagerie and add the fact that you are here in front of us both. You want something, so spill it."
"Hmph, sorry. But I do not need to answer your question," she said.
"A little bitchy if you ask me," Ankh scoffed, almost mockingly.
"Says the chicken who can't even fend off a Faunus." she glared at him. "I'm surprised you could still fight with such a weak power. Maybe Cinder truly is better than you."
"Watch your tongue, human. I am searching for my body to regain my full power. I am not one who desires to achieve her own goal, especially abandonment."
"Abandonment?" I repeated.
"Speaking of my daughter at a time like this? Hmph, you're so like Qrow more than you care to admit." She noted.
"Oi!" Ankh growled.
"Daughter…?" I trailed off. She even mentioned Qrow. I then realized who she is. "You are Yang's mom, aren't you?" I realized without hesitation.
"About time you figured it out," she noted, taking off her mask as it indeed looked like Yang, but with black hair and the iris always being red instead of lilac. Holy crap, I did not see this coming. Forget resemblance; she would have passed on as Yang's twin sister.
"Why? Why haven't you told Yang?" I asked her.
"She doesn't need to know, nor do I care to let her know," she responded.
I frowned in disgust under my helmet to hear such words. Her mom doesn't care about her. "You are nothing but a heartless woman," I stated.
"Please, save me your pity and anger, boy." she frowned. "The only real reason I saved you was because you could provide something useful to me later on."
"Why should I do that?" I questioned. "I don't trust you at all."
"Because sooner or later I know you'll come to me for help."
"I already have help. My friends and my team." I responded firmly. "They are the only ones I trust."
"They'll fall, just like Ozpin and Pyrrha." She said coldly.
I was about to step forward, but Ankh prevented it. "You know, it is funny coming from a woman who is a coward."
This earned silence from her. "You spilled blood, and you let the rest take care of the mess you only 'damaged.' I can see you have committed sins but not directly. You abandoned those that get too close and the 'weak.' You deem the survival of the fittest as your needs. To prove one can be reliable, but after efforts, you waste to help, you let them die. That is no warrior, that is a lowly, cowardly thief."
She glared at the Greeed, drawing her blade out and holding it against his neck, "I may be a thief, but I am no coward. I warned Ozpin and Qrow, and look what happened when they didn't heed my warnings. Beacon fell, and you lost two lives. I knew what was coming and you fools didn't heed to it. If anything, it is your fault."
"One close friend, you mean." This made the woman frown under her mask. "The redhead is still with us. Don't believe me? Ask my charge."
"Why should I believe words from a monster of desire?"
"With the right methods, anything is possible, thief." Ankh challenged, using his Greeed arm to grab the sword and moved it away slowly. "You seek my charge because you see him as something valuable for you. That won't happen. Your words against my own."
The woman stared before she moves her sword away, anger radiating under her calm visage. Tilting the blade, she cuts open a portal before entering, leaving us behind.
"She is a strange woman," Ankh crossed his arms. "Something tells me she will attempt to ask again."
"What do you think I should do?"
"I say to decline. We can't trust her."
I can understand why Ankh wants me to. The woman had motives to ask me of all people to help. So, I might as well comply with his choice.
"We should head back. It has been a long day, and we need a chance to relax," I sighed before we followed our way back to the village — this time on the right path instead of getting lost again.
After returning to the village, the sun was finally starting to set, the sky being an orange-yellow color. Everyone wondered how our progress went so we told them about having some trouble, leaving out the encounter of that woman or that Scorpion Faunus. I did not want my friends to get worried. Ever since the Yummy attack, I had to remind myself of my new resolve and not give up on fighting.
At least now I was given a chance to relax. It turns out the village has a hot spring. I use that opportunity to rest in the water, feeling it soothe my muscles. Across from me was a wall that separates the guys and girls. A sigh of relaxation escapes my lips, finally relaxed from all the stress I had. It has been a very long time since I ever felt this much relaxation.
Looking at the sky, I could see the stars in the night. It seems wonderful...
I still couldn't believe I obtained the sword the Multi-King used. It makes me wonder what other items he hid away. I did remember in one of the episodes when Kougami talked to Shintaro Goto about the origins of the Greeed, and there was a damaged paper that held an image of the Multi-King in the OOO armor. Wait… then that sword was the very same one I got now.
So the possibility of the cape and whatever third item he had with him is now high. It makes me wonder where else they are since the O-Calibur was here in Menagerie. I would have to look into the history in the old journal Ankh kept.
Spreading my arms out, I rested them on the stone and took a deep breath. You know, I realized that after everything that has been going on here, it was changing me.
From a young man with nothing and held a void to someone who has a reason to live. "Things can change, huh?" I muttered. From living on Earth to Remnant. Everything changed for me. Makes me wonder what will approach.
However, an unsettling thought still bothered me. The Queen that crazy guy mentioned, just who is she and what does she want from me? Was it due to my power as OOO? Was there something else to why they attacked Beacon Academy a year ago? Just what is the real reason behind it?
"Man… I need just to relax…" I sighed to myself, letting the water of the hot spring to relax my body. I really shouldn't think about that. Right now, I just needed to keep my mind off things for the time being.
As I relax in the water, I could hear the water moving on the other side of the hot spring, behind the wall. Guess someone went to the girl's section of the hot spring. I wonder who else showed up at the hot springs?
On the other side of the wall, the girls of Team ENBA were enjoying their time of relaxation. Blake and Pyrrha were in the warm water, the warmth soothing their skins and relaxing their bodies.
"This feels amazing…" Pyrrha sighed with a smile. She has never been in one and now? It was refreshing.
Blake nodded in agreement as she too was enjoying the relaxation. "Yeah, it has been such a long time since I had this, especially in Menagerie." She said.
"Speaking of things, how's the relationship?" Pyrrha asked, wanting to know how they're doing together.
The Faunus's cat ears twitched slightly, her gaze shifting to the water. "It has been going very well." She smiled softly. "But Enrique seems to be nervous being around my parents."
"Well, your dad nearly scared him."
"Dad really should stop being so overprotective of me." The Faunus huffed with annoyance. "Enrique already proved himself too many times to earn my heart."
Pyrrha chuckled at that, knowing it to be right before she leaned back to look at the night sky above them. Blake allowed herself to look at the night sky as well, "Say Pyrrha…"
"Yeah?"
"What do you plan to do if you see Jaune again?" The question caused Pyrrha to become silent. As of now, she was a homunculus until they find a way to make her human again.
"I… I don't know…" The redhead admitted. "I am nervous to what he will react when he sees me again… and scared to what will happen…"
"You like Jaune, don't you?" Blake understood the feeling of love due to her serious relationship with Enrique.
"I love him but after Beacon Fell… it... hurts. It hurts that I had to say goodbye to Jaune. I don't know how he will be when he sees me again."
"If anything, I'm sure Jaune will just hug you and give you some scolding." Blake chuckled, "He's not the type to hate you or push you away."
"What if he does hate me?"
"He won't, Pyrrha," Blake looks at her teammate. "If I learned anything, he won't judge you for who you are now. You are still here and alive."
Pyrrha looked at her friend and smiled, "Yeah… I guess you're right." She said.
"Of course, I am." Blake smiled.
"What about you?"
"Huh?"
"What will you do once everything has settled?" Pyrrha asked.
For once, Blake was left quiet for a good minute. What will she do once everything is settled? The Faunus has her relationship to think about… she and her boyfriend have been together for a year, and things have been going so well. Even the times they were fully intimate during their moments of privacy. She felt the blood rush to her cheeks at the memories. While she used to read those books, the experience was more…
She quickly shook her head to get herself out of those thoughts. While it has been a while since they last been intimate in private, being here, they couldn't since her dad had a watchful eye on the young Multi-King.
"I-I uh… um well... It's hard to say what I want…." Blake said embarrassingly.
"Oh, don't give me that." Pyrrha noted, "You want to have a wonderful future with Enrique, don't you? I heard what your mother has been trying to do."
"Y-You heard?" Blake's cheeks reddened in embarrassment.
"Mhm, and I kinda agree that having a future with him would work." she nods, agreeing with her friend's mother.
"But with everything that has been happening…?"
"Well, maybe she feels like you should also be thinking of other things as well? Sooner or later, everything will come to peace."
The fellow member of Team ENBA averts her gaze from the redhead, contemplating over her words. What if her mom and Pyrrha were right? While she does want to get away from everything that happened a year ago, she still tried to find her resolve. Just like her lover did when he had to let go of his family entirely. "I… I don't know… would Enrique even bring that topic up?" The kunoichi asked nervously.
"If I know him? He would be embarrassed and shy at first, but that thought will remain in his head before he truly does accept for that to happen." Pyrrha said, "He'll be delighted to marry you."
"You think so…?"
"Of course." She smiled in response. "He's been taking care of you all this time."
I was left silent as I heard the conversation from the other side of the wall. My eyes are meeting the reflection of the water. A future with Blake… I often had thoughts about it. Don't get me wrong, I love her very much, and I would do everything to protect her. She is the reason why I became the person who I am now. The reason why I am no longer alone; She helped me feel alive. We both made a more significant difference in each other's lives. To feel alive and feel the happiness we lost in the past.
To marry Blake…?
I was nervous. Nervous to ask Blake about it.
I do want to spend my life with her… She means so much to me. I'm also worried if we're moving too quickly as well. She is the world to me, and I don't know what to do or what the future will bring for us. Will we stay the same or… grow apart? Those are the thoughts that keep me stagnated on our relationship. Spite my heart saying to do it….
"Ugh… why is love so complicated?" I groaned out, slowly moving my body into the warm water as only my head is visible. I blow bubbles out of confusion. It confuses me while leaving me with questions.
I needed to focus on something else, not on the doubts. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and decided to calm down. Keep my mind relax and calm. Like a fire, keep it dim and calm.
My body's muscles slowly begin to relax, no tension whatsoever — the peaceful relaxation.
I hope Blake will decide with what to do next soon.
On the other side of the island of Menagerie, the cloaked figure was gazing at the ocean waters, sitting on its human-made raft that was on the sandy shores of the island, his spear held high. It felt a little upset about the loss of a Yummy yesterday. Well, it wasn't a big deal to him. It still had its Core Medals in its body and belt.
Lowering its gaze to the water coming up on the sand, it could see groups of gleaming red eyes in the water.
The cloaked figure's large yellow 'eyes' turned blood red and the underwater Grimm fled. They don't escape unless ordered. A hum escapes through the hood, the cloaked being tapping the raft with the lance. A rhythm; a small tune to those who worship the gods. He will be a god and look down at the pests. To kill OOO.
"In time… we will soar like fire. To the land, we are the clear water. Within the sky, we are the sun to sire." The assailant hums. "To the earth, we are the faith that shakes those that are near. To all, we are an army to rule."
Raising its hand, it produced another Cell Medal and chucked it into its body. A black void opens on its back before a shadowed Yummy reveals itself.
"Keep an eye on their activities. When it is time, eliminate OOO for power," the cloaked entity ordered.
"Yes…. master…" The Yummy bowed before jumping away, heading towards OOO to watch and eliminate him.
Meanwhile, in Salem's stronghold, she watches Cinder attempt to regain her strength. But she could see the occasional fear in her amber eyes. Emerald was by the corner, using her Semblance to help Cinder try and eliminate the 'opponents.'
Ruby Rose and OOO.
While she was slowly getting well with that, she couldn't make progress when she faced an illusion of OOO in the PuToTyra armor: The power of invincibility. Every time Cinder sees it; it instilled fear and hesitation into her. One: she pissed him off when she killed Pyrrha and resulted with her eye being kept with a patch and two; the Invincible Combo. Nothing could go through the invincible armor, nothing.
'Not yet… I'm not ready to fight him yet again.' Cinder said in her thoughts as she incinerated the illusion of Ruby. The PuToTyra armor of OOO was too powerful to go against. She knew he had all the Full Combos to stop anyone.
"Cinder, enough," Salem's voice reaches her ears. "It seems you are still hesitant on this part of the training to face the new OOO."
"Sorry…." Cinder bowed softly, "I… just don't think that it's right to keep him around." Emerald said for her.
"Doubt is seen, but you must know the damage it causes. Eight hundred years ago, OOO nearly had all the kingdoms under his rule with that power; changing the tides alongside those four generals." Salem stated firmly.
"What does this have to do with OOO?" She questioned, only to be glared, forcing the corrupt Maiden into silence.
"It all depends on the one who uses it. A king like him, he wanted to control and godhood. But for the boy you mentioned, it is all about being the knight. A protector and a fighter to stop those who wish to erase the peace."
"Then.. what can I do to overcome him?"
"The only thing is to bring him here."
They heard the doors open, seeing Tyrian. "Tyrian, have you captured the first target?"
"I… I am sorry my Queen… OOO and the Phoenix retaliated."
The word Phoenix brought her attention with a small frown. "Was his body to that of a phoenix?"
"His arm does."
"The Phoenix was the king's aid before he betrayed him…" She frowned darkly.
"And Cinder didn't mention of him carrying a second sword."
This made them look at the Faunus with concern, "A second sword? He only has one." Emerald noted.
"This was as black as a Grimm, diamond blue edges to the black blade, unlike the main blade."
Salem's calm demeanor darkened. "He found the O-Calibur, the original Multi-King's sword."
"I.. didn't know there was such a weapon," Emerald said for Cinder.
"That is because his most powerful artifacts locked away from everyone else," Salem stood up and walked over to the glass window. "The O-Calibur, the Cloak of the King and the Gauntlet that holds power similar to the Phoenix. Three artifacts that only the Multi-King can use."
"What do we do now?" Emerald asked.
"He must be brought to me. If this continues, then, a new Multi-King will rise." She answered. "Tyrian, go and capture the girl. Don't disappoint me again."
"Y-Yes my Queen…" He bows before heading out as quickly as possible.
When he left, the Seer sneaked its way through and floated over to Salem. She looked over to it before frowning as she turned back to Cinder, "Cinder…. Are you sure you finished off Ozpin?" she questioned.
Cinder tried to speak through her rasp and glanced at Emerald to try and talk. "Answer me! Did or did you not kill Ozpin?" The Grimm leader ordered.
"Y-Yes…" She said, straining her voice. Salem stared critically at her loyal subject.
Her Seer floated up again to earn her attention. She looks into the Seer before noticing something.
Something is wrong.
She could see a cloaked figure with a red lance. It gazed at the ocean waters, but when the underwater Grimm approached it, its large yellow eyes under the hood turned red and caused the Grimm to flee in obedience.
'What in the world is this abomination?' She questioned in her thoughts. She did not make this Grimm, yet it exists…. An abomination to her power and one that will be disposed of.
The aura it expels was not just negativity that the Grimm is born from but desires, similar to the creatures of Desires. Focusing on her connection with the abomination, she could sense it detecting her thrall. Through the Seer, the cloaked entity's hand gripped the lance tightly as if it was resisting the connection.
"Do not control me. I am the one who will become a God. Just like my source. I will feel complete to become a God and kill OOO."
Through the Seer, the entity's Core Medals responded and unleashed dark power to shield itself from the control and Salem soon saw nothing only to find herself back in her domain. Whatever the abomination is behind that cloak, it was acting on its own accord, seeking the desires it needs to feel complete.
She growled lowly in anger as her allies could feel the malice from the leader as she looked at the Seer. Whatever the cloaked entity was, it was seeking revenge towards someone — seeking godhood.
That someone it was seeking to kill being the young OOO.
She needs to find a way to stop OOO and the entity before it becomes a complete threat to her plans.
OOO strived for unity and peace, something they would see true. She will not let that boy achieve that, not after everything the gods did to her.
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)
"She is still scared… Scared that Adam could show up and attack. As well as those monsters you face finding us here…. She's scared that she'll lose us like she nearly lost her friends. She didn't want to leave, but she had no choice since she wanted to protect them from Adam. Almost like she is blaming herself..."
"I can protect myself, Blake," I assured her, making her look at me. "I know you are scared. Things have been difficult after what happened. But I promise I won't let nothing happen to me."
I fiddled with an item in my pocket, but I told myself I had to be patient. I needed more time to think.
Next Time: Doubts, Thoughts, Futures
A/N: Well! There you have it, folks! It seems our rider has discovered the Multi-King's relic, the O-Calibur. However, he is now being targeted by Salem to prevent him from achieving a goal. What will happen to our Rider and what of the mysterious character who can also command the Grimm? We will have to see soon. Hope you all enjoy this chapter and see you all in the next one. Stay in the shadows, everyone!
Oh and also, one crucial thing, as you all know, the Heisei Era is over, and the Reiwa Era has already begun. Let's all look back at all the moments we had of watching the Heisei series. To see every single Heisei Kamen Rider from Kuuga to Zi-O. To think so many years since Kuuga has gone by but now a new generation has begun. Our memories of watching the Heisei generation will be remembered. The first ever Kamen Rider series I watched was OOO before I went straight to Kuuga (after realizing he was the first Heisei Rider) and watched the generations chronologically. It was a good time and let's see what the Reiwa Generation Riders have in store for us?
