A/N: The 23rd chapter. Man, we are one chapter away to the end as the volume 6 arc is nearing its conclusion. I am glad you guys have enjoyed this story and are excited for this one since there is a fight you all have been expecting. Since I am on a five-day vacation, I will be using this opportunity to be quick on updating this story within these five days I have of relaxation.

Now…

*Rings the bell*

Let's get on to the chapter you guys have been waiting for!

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

Third Person View

'Thought'"

Greeed/Yummies


Ever since the Embargo was placed in Mantle, the young bird knew tension slowly grew amongst the populace. He could feel the desires in them grow. A part of him was so tempted to make a Yummy but had to maintain his cover given the security. It didn't bother him. As long as he kept his mother happy, he had already been maintaining one desire.

Over the course of these two years, his mind had already advanced to such a level he had gained an understanding of the Atlas technology. The educational understanding of the books involving warfare, history, and tactics. Some would say he was a gifted child but in reality, he was adapting. He may have had small wings when he awoke in this world but now his wings are prideful and superior. The only goal in mind was to take back his other half… and make his mama happy.

Winter, his new mother, was busy with her work but he can tell she was tired. He knew the reason why, as he glared harshly at a photo of General Ironwood from the high shelf above. He even knew his next step after getting his body back….

To erase Ironwood.

He returned to the book and read it. He was about to flip a page but paused and looked at his right arm.

Lost Ankh sensed it. His other half was not that far away from Atlas. His mismatched eyes looked out the window for a good moment until he stood up. His mind was already set on the mission. After much learning and strategizing, he was prepared to start it.

It was time.

Looking at the high shelf where Winter put the Scroll, his body shifted into his Greeed form and grabbed the device. Pressing a few keys on the Scroll, Rouge waited while he changed back into his child form.

The door opened as an Atlas AK-200 entered the room. Unlike the other drones of the Atlas Military, Rouge had time to plan and make time by preparing himself. One being to reprogram some of the Atlas machines to his command in his spare time. He had to plan, coordinate, and then strike to get back his other half.

"Time to get back what is rightfully mine." He declared and the drones began to escort the child.


Winter returned to her quarters as she opened the door and closed it behind her, entering her place of rest.

She then walked to Rouge's room to check on him given he hadn't been seen. When Winter opened the door she saw something covered beneath a blanket on the bed.

"Rouge, are you awake?" Winter said quietly as she walked to the bed, she then placed her hand on the blanket but felt something was off.

She quickly lifted up the blanket and to Winter's shock it was a pillow acting as a makeshift body double.

After that Winter quickly ran around the base to look for her adopted son. She asked a few soldiers who didn't see him.

"Rouge! Rouge, where are you?!" Winter called out to him but soon realized that he wasn't here.

"Rouge!"


Remnants of Desires: After the Fall


Chapter 23: Crimson Duel, Caroline, Vengeance

It wasn't easy to deal with the fact that not only the old lady Caroline wouldn't allow us to get to Atlas, but practically insulted my fiancée and now Oscar was missing. The reason most likely being because Jaune blew up in his face. After we told JNPR that Salem was immortal, to say they didn't take it well would be the understatement of the century. I don't know which side of the plate was worse, or the fact I was still a little pissed.

… Okay, probably more pissed off than I already was but I kept it down. That said, we separated into two groups to look for Oscar. Qrow, the poor guy was elsewhere drinking away his problems. Never said anything nor do I wish to call him out. I told him once about it and the guy just dismissed it. Aside from that matter, Maria and I were with Team RWBY while Gamel was with Team JNPR. Ankh was still back at the residence.

Sadly though, the search for Oscar got us nowhere.

Ruby looked down with disapproval before she elicited a sigh of disappointment. There was a reason for her disappointment.

"I've never seen him this bad." Yang remarked.

Their uncle was passed out drunk on a small flight of stairs.

"Should I use some ice to get him up?" I asked, although I was a little irritated, their own uncle was like this in front of them.

"No. Yang, mind helping me get him up?" Ruby asked. Yang nodded before the two grabbed their uncle's arms and hefted him up. The action made the man groan and blink groggily.

"Why am I on the stairs?"

"Based on the breath of booze, you passed out drunk." I crossed my arms in disapproval but Blake nudged my arm. "And we've been out looking for Oscar."

"Oscar?" The crow repeated.

We heard footsteps behind us in which we noticed the others plus Saphron, Terra, and their son. The two mothers saw the way Qrow was.

"I'm sure that looks great to the neighbors." Terra commented sarcastically, only for her wife to elbow her slightly.

"Any luck finding Oscar?" I asked Jaune.

"No. What about you guys?"

"No luck so far…" I sighed. "Where could he have gone?"

The door suddenly opened and we saw a familiar farm boy - it was Oscar. "I was wondering when you'd get back."

"Oscar!"

"Where were you?!" I exclaimed but paused. "Wait, you are wearing a different outfit."

Oscar rubbed his head sheepishly. "Well, uh-"

"Is something cooking?" Terra smelled.

"Oh, uh, yeah. I thought you guys would appreciate a hot meal after… spending all day looking for me, apparently."

I looked at Jaune and pushed him forward slightly. The blonde knew why I did it given there were apologies that had to be made to him. "Oscar, I'm sorry for what I did. I was way out of line and what I said-"

Oscar waved his hand. "No it's okay. These past few days, I've been scared of the same things you were. I don't know how much longer I'm going to be… me. But I did some thinking, and I do know that I want to do everything I can to help with whatever time I have left."

We smiled before Oscar yelped when he was pushed aside with haste and we saw Ankh. "Ankh-" Jaune was silenced when he was practically knocked aside as well as Nora and myself. He ran like the devil was after him.

"Geez, what is his deal?" Weiss frowned from it. "Should've expected him to do this, just not so soon."

"Are you okay?" Ruby asked Oscar.

"Y-Yeah… is he always like that?"

"Not always." I rubbed my head.

"He can be mean!" Gamel pouted. "Bopped my head numerous times!"

"I still wonder how you can withstand that." The heiress rubbed her eyes in disbelief.

"I have the hardest head!" The Beast Greeed said joyfully before tapping his skull, as it sounded like hitting an empty coconut against a tree.

"…. not sure how we feel about that." Either Gamel was that dumb or was extremely childish.

"Weiss?" A familiar voice called out. We quickly looked to the right upon the source of the unexpected person.

Weiss was the first to immediately recognize who we saw in the street much to our surprise; it was her older sister Winter.

"Winter?! What are you doing here in Argus?" Weiss asked her sister.

"I am looking for my son." Her tone held concern. She must be looking for him–Wait, she has a son?

"Say what?" Yang blinked. "Weiss, since when did you have a nephew?"

We all knew Weiss mentioned her family but never mentioned a nephew in the picture given Winter wasn't with anybody.

"She introduced him to me once back at Atlas." Weiss replied.

She remembered first meeting the boy. Always studious with a book in hand, but his eating habits were odd due to the stare he gave to the food before consuming it.

"I adopted Rouge a year ago." The older Schnee explained to the rest of us.

"What happened?"

"I saw Rouge taking an airship but not just that. He... somehow managed to take a Paladin and a few AK-200s."

"What? All by himself?" I asked incredulously. "How old is your son?"

"He is only 6. His hair is red and his eyes… one bright red and the other purple-"

I immediately cut her off, "With his left sleeve always being violet and his red hair having a lock of violet colors? Always wearing red and white clothes as well?"

The Atlas specialist paused in surprise. "Yes… how did you know?"

"Son of a…" I uttered. "Damn it! That was why Ankh left so suddenly!"

"Enrique, you don't think…" Blake gasped.

"Woah, woah, what is wrong?" Yang asked in confusion.

"Back at Vale, before the academy fell and before the incident with Gara; Blake, Ankh, and I saw Lost Ankh in a human form. That very form Winter mentioned!"

"What!?"

I turned my sights to Weiss' sister. "Winter, the child you took in, is a Greeed named Lost Ankh, Ankh's real body!" I explained. "And from your explanation… he learned a lot within a year."

"Rouge wouldn't do this. I know him."

"Winter listen to me. Rouge is a Greeed. Has he ever asked you about feeling whole? Ever wondered the food he eats, asking about the taste?"

"I…" Winter felt conflicted. Her adopted son, a monster? Sure he acted strange but she always assumed it to be a quirk of his. He did seem awfully studious and he was very interested in Atlas technology and wanted to know how it worked. However, to discover he was a Greeed was not something she could easily accept. "T-That… can't be… I took care of Rouge… him being Lost Ankh…"

"Winter, just where would Lost Ankh go?" Ruby asked.

"I don't know… I just don't know…"

"I'll find Ankh. If we find him, we find Lost Ankh." I spoke. "Gamel, you ready to find some Core Medals?"

"Aye aye!"

With Gamel and myself able to sense Core Energy, we will find them.


Ankh reached one of the parks within Argus. Growling as he scanned the area. He knew this feeling too well… It was his other half again. After two years, he finally came back. This time though, Ankh will take his full power back. To take it back and…

He shook his head angrily. What was more important was to get his body back! Not about those brats! "Where are you, you little brat…?" Ankh questioned out loud. He marched angrily in search of the child. He was going to get it all back and show that fake who was the true one!

His ears picked up metal footsteps in which he turned around but had to raise his head, greeted with the barrel of an Atlesian Paladin.

"Che, pointless for me." He grumbled, about to ignore them only for his instincts to kick in as he jumped back the moment several shots went off. Ankh looked back at the droids, noticing they all had red visors on.

"So… that's the game you're playing? Pathetic. Why not face me like a real Greeed?!" He called out.

The Paladin pointed ahead in which the robots changed formation and aimed. His eyes widened. He knew that maneuver!

"You gotta be fu-" He jumped to the tree as the gunfire pelted the tree bark. "That brat must have been connected to my memories of the Lost Kingdom!" The war tactics were eerily similar to his but modernized with the Atlas war machines. He'll give credit to the child's ingenuity but he will get back what is his!

He took deep breaths before he frowned and charged ahead. He slid across the dirt, kicking a few drones up before using his Greeed arm to rip the other in half. Delivering a right hook to the other, he took its gun and fired at the other drones, pelting them with bullets before tossing the weapon aside. However the red lines on his body made him notice the Paladin activating its missiles.

"Shit."

Ankh dodged the missile fire the Paladin was unleashing. Taking cover, he growled as the bullets and missiles were tearing his cover.

"I know hide and seek. You can't hide forever, me." The familiar voice echoed from the Paladin's speakers. Ankh recognized it most definitely.

Lost Ankh was inside the Paladin.

"Just give up and give me what is rightfully mine."

Ankh no longer heard gunfire from the Paladin, prompting him to look from his cover. The Paladin itself was immobile but its guns pointed at his cover.

Seeing the now still Paladin, he runs up to it before hopping onto the cockpit. Using his Greeed arm, he viciously rips the cockpit open. "Gotcha!" He exclaimed. However his crimson eyes were greeted with nothing, the Lost Bird was not inside it. "Shit!"

Hopping off it, Ankh looked around, his eyes burning with fury. "Where are you?!" He demanded. "Give me back my body you little fake!"

He vented out in anger. After a whole year, his other half decided to present itself. He wanted to get back what belongs to him!

The Bird Greeed heard giggles, making him look again and trying to locate his remaining Core Medals.

Ankh bellowed in rage, unleashing a fireball at the supposed location and destroying the airship in the process. His breathing was heavy until he saw a shadow in the flames. The homunculus squinted his eyes before seeing a fireball aimed for him. He ducked as the fire incinerated the tree behind him.

Walking out of the flames was Lost Ankh in his Greeed form. The only wing wide with pride as it vanished. Ankh snarled at the other half.

After nearly two years, his real body finally showed itself again.

Lost Ankh pulled a new sword from his sheath, allowing Ankh to pull his twin swords from his person.

"I have learned, me. You have forgotten it." Lost Ankh boasted.

"True, but I learned a lot in this time as well." Ankh glared, "This will end and I will get my cores once more."

"Your Cores? You mean my Cores."

"Why don't I rip them out of you myself!" Ankh lunged with twin short swords in fury. He had them spread out like wings of a bird and jumped with an overhead strike.

Lost Ankh brought his sword up and stopped the attack in which their respective wings appeared before pushing each other back.

"Swordsmanship I have excelled, better than Atlas. Better than you."

"Grrr." Ankh's eyes glared furiously before he ran again but used his right arm that held the Greeed arm to cast a fireball backwards, launching him to the left when Lost Ankh brought down the sword. The green 'eye' saw Ankh's leg and it slammed against his torso, flinging him far and into a car. The said vehicle having to be left behind due to the crash. The people began to run from the sight of the monster while Ankh angrily approached Lost Ankh.

"You are only a fake! What you possess is what is mine!"

The child phoenix pulled himself off the vehicle and brushed off the metal specks on his shoulder. He 'frowned' before gripping the sword with both hands. He lowered his arms and Ankh briefly caught something in the hilt. His eyes widened to the sight of Dust inside it. Fire burst from the sword as did his left arm.

"Oh… shit…"

"At least I possess more to seek more ways to take back me." With a swing, an arc of fire sliced across the pavement and towards Ankh. The Bird Greeed quickly raised his arms to stop the attack but grunted to the harsh blast that damaged his Aura.

His crimson eyes saw Lost Ankh in the air and slammed his flaming arm against his cheek, further damaging his Aura. The punch sent the blonde rolling across the ground, hopping a few times until he hit a light post.

Holding the weapon with both hands again, he made the canister pop out until it revealed an ice element.

"You're done." The Lost Greeed swiftly stabbed his sword into the ground, letting ice erupt like thorns. When the larger one supposedly impaled the blonde, it didn't get him.

Reason was the fire that was unleashed and Ankh's red eyes gleaming darkly. He made his wing appear again, displaying he intended to go all out. The kiddy gloves are coming off now.

"You're the one, who's 'done'." Ankh stated, getting into a new position that confused the Lost Greeed.

"Don't recognize…. Stance form…"

"Because it's new. Something that you don't have. Human Intuition." Ankh smirked and lunged.


Running across the town, we continued our search for Ankh. The explosions, flames, and rubble was enough to know Ankh was fighting endlessly against Lost Ankh.

"Do they have to fight? This is just too much for a child!" Winter yelled, as she still saw the Lost Greeed as her son.

"Tell that to him!" I exclaimed as we jogged. We had to squeeze through the fleeing crowd who ran from the area the two Greeed were in.

"If I can just talk to him, I'm sure I can!" Winter stated.

"Up ahead!" Maria pointed with her cane as she was on Gamel's shoulders.

We skidded to a halt when we saw AK-200s guarding the path. The moment their sights were set on us, their 'faces' glowed red, now aiming their guns at us.

Before they could pull the trigger, I quickly used my Semblance to create a thick wall of ice to shield us from gunfire.

"Winter, can't you override their command?!" Weiss yelled.

The Atlesian Specialist grabbed her Scroll to check but just as she tried, it blocked her out. She tried again but her second attempt failed. Going for the third, it utterly failed miserably and her Scroll sparked and exploded in her hands. "I am locked out of the system… that's impossible! After the incident in Beacon, we had placed tight security measures into the drones' network!"

"In other words?!"

"R-Rouge must have hacked the drones!" She was bewildered that the child was able to control the machines. It explained so much of his time on the Scroll. She should have lessened his time on it.

"Seems to me, he learned more than you thought." Yang noted.

"I-I…" Winter remained shocked by what was happening. "Rouge.. Lost Ankh… I…"

I winced when the bullets were tearing the ice. "I can't hold it for much longer! Ruby, Weiss! You two go to the left and right of this blockade! Jaune, on three, I am gonna need you and Pyrrha to use your shields! The rest of you will follow behind me!"

"You?! How?!" My eyes moved to the Gauntlet. Understanding the message, Blake quickly grabbed the Phoenix Gauntlet and unwrapped the cloth to reveal it. She placed it onto my free arm and the golden lines surged across the red gauntlet.

"Get ready! One!" I started.

"Two!" Ruby readied her Crescent Rose while Weiss prepared her Glyph.

"Three!" On que, Jaune and Pyrrha raised their shields while I used the gauntlet to create a fiery yet solid shield, the three of us blocking the bullets. Ruby and Weiss immediately performed a pincer maneuver in which the drones from the left and right changed aim, leaving the center aisle open for the next phase.

"Nora! Gamel! Smash the center line!" The moment I gave the command, the two held giddy grins.

"Nora!/Gamel! SMAAAASH!" They said in unison as they slammed the ground before Gamel charged ahead and plowed through them, creating an opening.

"Jaune, Pyrrha, move to west and east side as we run! Go!" We bolted forward, forcing the two shield bearers to change positions as the bullets were hitting our shields.

"Blake, Yang! Now!"

"Right!" Blake assisted Weiss on the right while Yang joined her little sister to the left side. The tactic caused the drones to try and aim in opposite directions but it only left them open for Team RWBY to destroy the last of the drones.

When one drone tried to move despite its damage, Yang slammed her fist into its metal head and pulled back.

"Man, did that feel good." Yang smirked, as it gave her the relief she needed from this mess.

"How many drones did Lost Ankh even steal?" Ren asked.

"… 40 of them…"

"And this was merely 3/4 of that. Which meant…"

"Ankh must have been facing the other 10 while fighting Lost Ankh." I uttered, causing me to run ahead.

"Enrique, wait up!" Nora called out while Gamel was using the destroyed robots as a fort. They all followed after me as I felt terrified about the revelation. Lost Ankh was giving everything he got. Just like in the show.

"Come on, please be alright." I prayed. I stopped and shielded myself when a blast of debris and smoke erupted. My eyes winced a bit to the ringing before I noticed the area was crusted in flames. The Atlas drones are destroyed or ripped into pieces, and a Paladin already blasts sparks from the damage it suffered. A few benches and rubble spread everywhere.

I searched around for Ankh before squinting my eyes and saw a blast of fire, causing me to wince to the push of air. I coughed before we found the two we have been looking for.

Seeing the two Bird Greeed, I stopped when we noticed the two had been fighting constantly. Based on the damage, it was very aggressive. "Ankh!" Just as we were about to intervene, Ankh looked at us angrily.

"Stay out of this!" Ankh shouted to us. "This is my fight!"

"But Ankh-!"

"THIS IS MY FIGHT!" He barked before he quickly saw Lost Ankh with his sword, slamming it into Ankh's shoulder. "GRAAH!" He was shoved by the blade piercing him.

"Ankh!"

"Don't even dare! I'm the one who needs to do this!" He warned. He kicked Lost Ankh back and held the sword in his shoulder. He gasped for air and pulled but he grunted painfully.

I wanted to stop this but Ankh would only stop us if we did. He choked for a second and pulled the sword. He yelled in agony, causing some of the others to cover their mouths or wince. The blonde Greeed screamed in rage and finally pulled the sword out from his shoulder, causing blood to leak from the wound while the blade itself held it as well.

"I won't fall… I can't fall…" Ankh panted out, "This is the fight I need… It's to truly determine who I am…."

"Rouge!" Winter called.

Lost Ankh merely glanced at her then at his opponent, striding towards the wounded bird.

"Rouge, listen to me! Stop this!" The woman begged. "Look at what you are doing! Just… Just come home-!"

"I have waited nearly two years for this moment. I am not letting my chance slip away." Lost Ankh spoke, startling Weiss's sister. "I will be whole again."

"The only thing that will happen to you! Is defeat, brat." Ankh smirked.

"Hmph." Lost Ankh scoffed and allowed his wing to slap Ankh aside. He approached before grabbing Ankh by the collar of his jacket. With a talon encased in flames, he jabbed it into Ankh's wound, causing him to scream.

"ANKH!" I had enough and charged towards Lost Ankh. Just when I thought I could hit him, the lost Greeed allowed feathers to fall off his only wing and shoved a fiery cyclone towards me. I raised both arms in haste and released a brief gasp of pain and blown aside.

"When the fake is gone… I will get back the last red Core you have. Two years. Two years, I was lost. Just a hatchling." He slowly looked at Ankh while Ruby rushed to help me. "I have seen more of this world. I saw the things you did centuries ago. I will be the one to win. I will be me. I will be whole and finally be me again."

Ankh groaned before he mumbled.

"Hm?"

"Let. Go!" He punched Lost Ankh in the stomach before bashing his forehead against the Lost Greeed's own.

Ankh grimaced, clutching his shoulder from the stab wound he suffered. With no Aura left, he was on his feet while Lost Ankh stared at his counterpart. Both combatants already on their last stand against each other, both weakened, both at their limits.

I was worried about Ankh. In the show, he lost to Lost Ankh and couldn't get his real body back at first before Eiji had to destroy some of his Cores. I didn't want to do the same thing Eiji had to do.

Ankh was family and a mentor to me.

We witnessed the Bird Greeeds' opposite arms were surrounded in the familiar energy before they thrust their limbs at each other, the vortex colliding in a giant blaze instead of a small blaze. No doubt the two are using all they got to regain the true body.

It was surreal, the power displayed between the two was unbelievable! It looked like they were both on an even match, well, that was until we noticed Ankh struggling.

"Ankh!"

Ankh grinded his teeth, trying to push forward but Lost Ankh stood tall.

"Face it… I will have me and be complete." Lost Ankh said to Ankh. "What makes you think you can win when you nearly lost before? You don't have the strength to win like I do. You're nothing for I am the true half."

Ankh balled his free hand tightly. "You are wrong… I am something."

"Oh?"

"You may think that but it is from these people. These… idiots and a girl who made me see the reality of things. We Greeed are selfish, wanting to feel whole. Being around them, I found the reason."

"What is the reason?"

"My reason? I know one thing…" Ankh slowly raised his head, his red eyes glowing while clutching his shirt, right where the heart would be. "Enrique was right. Sara was right. Everyone was right! I am my own being. I have a soul!" Letting out a battle cry, the energy from his Greeed arm ignited, his only wing flapping with pride. The energy was slowly pushing Lost Ankh's own, inching closer to him.

Lost Ankh couldn't believe this. His counterpart was finally pushing back - Ankh was winning. "N-No…" The Lost Bird gasped as it neared much to his fright. "M-Mama…!" his frightened voice got Winter's attention greatly.

When the blaze touched his body, Lost Ankh was surrounded by a dark red aura unlike Lost Ankh's bright red aura. A bright light surrounded Lost Ankh along with Ankh, the rest of us shielding our eyes.

When the light vanished, we witnessed the body of Nathan Westborn falling back, prompting Yang to catch him before we looked at the body of the Bird Greeed who looked to be fully complete.

We were all cautious about this. Was he Lost Ankh? Or Ankh?

"... Ankh? Are you there?" I asked cautiously.

The complete Greeed turned his attention to me, making me alert until his talon flicked my forehead, "What do you think you moron?"

"You got your real body back!" Pyrrha realized.

"Yeah," Ankh looked at his talons. "After nearly 2 years, I have my true body again."

"So then… what about Lost Ankh?" Blake asked.

The Bird Greeed huffed, giving the obvious answer.

The sound of crying entered our eardrums, the rest of us seeing Winter heartbroken. Shit… I forgot that Winter took Lost Ankh in, adopting him as her son.

"Even if you won… it feels like it led to more than winning your body back, Ankh," Blake said softly. "Look at her."

Ankh glanced at the crying Winter, his green visor gleaming for a moment. He growled but stopped. It felt like a good long minute passed for the Bird Greeed's silence. Hearing him take a deep breath, we witness Ankh plunged his talons into his own chest much to our bewilderment.

"Ankh? What are you doing?" I gasped. The Bird Greeed grunted when he pulled out one of his own Core Medals to our surprise. "Ankh…?"

The blonde gasped from slight loss of power before slowing his breathing for a moment and looked at us, his body becoming the human form he used when he possessed Nathan. "I may regret that but I decided to do something selfless for once in my life after my awakening."

"What?"

"I am giving up this Core Medal."

"You're really going to give away one of your Cores?" I inquired the Bird Greeed incredulously.

"This Core contains the memories of the other me. Like myself, he's found something to fill the void." Ankh placed the Core on top of the Cell Medals. At first we thought the Bird Greeed needed to place in two more, but we were wrong. To our amazement, we began to witness the Cell medals gathering, forming the shape of a child before a light surrounded it. When it dissipated, there lied Lost Ankh once again, only now he wasn't in the Bird Greeed form but the familiar form of the child with full crimson hair. Carrying him in his arms, Lost Ankh was handed to a surprised Winter.

"Take care of the little bird. He deserves a mother who can help him feel loved."

Winter slowly obliged to carry him and looked at her adopted son. His eyes moved under his eyelids at first before they slowly opened, revealing, instead of mismatched eyes, full bright red eyes.

"R-Rouge?" Winter got out.

"... Ma… ma…?" Lost Ankh, no, Rouge tiredly whined to Winter.

Winter hugged her son tightly, the edges of her eyes leaking tears. Rouge will be given a chance to live, to live with a family. The sight made us smile.

"I'm impressed, Ankh. I always thought Greeed were just selfish beings, but you gave one of your Cores away without asking for anything in return," I commented.

"I just didn't want to deal with his voice in my head." He huffed in annoyance.

"But even if you have your Cores, you're still missing one."

"I'll just fill the space with one of Kazari's. Since I have 8 in me, I can use a spare." That being said, he grabbed the Medal Book and picked out the Lion Core, absorbing it into his body.

"Why Lion?" Weiss asked.

"In case you don't remember, Lion Helm allowed Enrique to radiate heat, so why not use that ability for myself."

Ankh did prove a point. He was basically the fire and tactician of the group. In other words, he will be going for anything fire related. We saw Ankh's hand ignite a small ball of fire. "At least now, I can show that bastard how it feels to burn." His grin turned devious and menacing.

"Okay that grin of his is scary," Jaune commented.

The flame vanished before he looked at us while I stepped forward. "Ankh, I remember you said you were leaving us when you got your real body back, so…" I look at him. "Are you really going to leave?"

Silence reigned over the blonde Greeed, his red eyes looking into my dark brown eyes. Ankh scoffed. "No."

"Then I guess this is–wait what?"

"I said I am not leaving." Ankh clarified. "You may not be like that damn Multi-King in the past… but you still need a tactician for the group. Plus, I still have unfinished business with Kazari."

I smiled, happy to see him decide to stay in the team. "Glad to hear that Ankh."

Looks like Team ENBA will stay strong.

"Yay! Ankh is staying!" Gamel picked Ankh up in a bone-crushing hug.

"Let go of me you child-minded idiot!" The blonde bird demanded.

Yup, looks like things are going to go well for us after all.

"Ugh…" We stopped upon the sound of a groan. I slowly looked back to see the unconscious body of Nathan Westborn… was starting to wake up.

"Where am I…?" The young officer noticed his outfit. "And why am I wearing this?"

"Er… Nathan." The officer looked at me. "Remember me?"

"Hey… you were that kid I saw when that weird bug-"

"It's a LONG story but um… we might have to explain to you, like ALLOT."

"Eh?"


"Nearly two years? I was unconscious for that long…?" We, mostly myself, explained to him everything that happened and Nathan grasped his head in disbelief. I don't blame him.

"Ankh had to possess you and he was the reason you are still alive."

The man looked at the Bird Greeed in question. "You're welcome by the way." Ankh huffed.

"Geez, you're stubborn as my brother." Nathan sighed. His eyes widened and quickly stood up. "Crap! I totally forgot about them! What am I gonna do?!"

"Uh, maybe we can drop him off back home first?" Oscar suggested. "I mean...his family haven't heard about him for that long."

"Maybe we should."

I reached into my pocket, grabbing the Candroid. I was about to use it but an idea came to mind. Smiling, I chose to check the contacts and found what I was looking for. Pressing it, I allowed it to go through and handed the metal grasshopper to Nathan. "Here, I think you should be the one to talk."

"Me?" He looked at the Candroid's screen flicker to reveal Felix whose eyes widened in surprise.

"N-Nathan?!"

"Felix! I'm okay! I-I don't know how to explain it but…" I stood back and allowed the conversation to be between family as I gently gestured to the others to leave him be. After everything, it was right to let Nathan have a chance to talk to Felix knowing the brothers are going to be reunited, and soon, being back with the woman he loves.

His troubles are finally over. But for us, we have to keep going to Atlas.


Jaune peeked through the window as the local officials were heading towards the area where Ankh and Lost Ankh fought.

"I truly must thank you, Ankh…" Winter said, "Rouge…. Truly is part of a world I never thought I wanted." She smiled, brushing the strands of hair away from her son's face. The said child fast asleep on her lap.

"Tch…" Ankh huffed, allowing his hand to summon his Cores and made sure they were accounted for. "That doesn't mean I did it for you. I did it for myself." He absorbed his Cores. "At least now, I am back at my full strength." He grinned maliciously. "Cannot wait to wipe off that cocky grin on Kazari's face and tear him a new one."

"Though, if there's one thing I have been unsure of, why are you all in Argus? Wouldn't Mistral be better?" she questioned us.

"Well you see…" Ruby fiddled with her fingers. She began to explain to the Specialist about everything regarding their travels. We didn't include the mention of Jinn given we were unsure how Winter would take it so we included what we went through.

"This is...unsettling to hear…" Winter spoke after hearing the truth. "So Ozpin is…"

"Yeah," I replied. "And he's currently inside Oscar, but... rather we haven't heard a single word from Ozpin since."

"I see…I only know about Salem from the general..."

"And we also found two of the original OOO's relics along the way here." I placed the O-Calibur and Phoenix Gauntlet on the table. "One remains but we'll hopefully find it along the way."

"These are…"

"Phoenix Gauntlet and O-Calibur. Solaris' sword and shield." Ankh spoke. "His cloak, is another story. Not sure where he ordered his men to place it in. It could be around, in the mountains, or far as I know underwater or whatever. Adding the buckle into the mix, it leads to become a symbol to the whole world of the mighty king ready to unite all under his banner. Too bad he croaked due to his selfishness."

Pushing the subject aside, Weiss looked at her sister. "Winter… what will you do now?" She asked.

"I'm coming with you. You're heading to Atlas, right?" Weiss nodded. "It's fair I do the same. Although I am not sure how Caroline would allow us access. The General has been busy and with the incident Rouge caused…"

"We just have to improvise." Ruby decided.

"I might have an idea." Jaune raised his hand. "What if… we steal an Atlas airship?"

I gave a dumbfounded look at the young male blonde. Did he just suggest the most insane idea?!

"Jaune… I am gonna say this very clearly— 'ARE YOU CRAZY?!" I exclaimed, raising my arms. "That is practically breaking military law!"

This brought up reminders when Ankh once suggested it when we had to retrieve BuraKaWani. I was sure as hell not willing to end up in military arrest!

"What choice do we have? I mean how else are we going to get to Atlas?"

"You...plan to steal an airship?" Winter repeated in shock. "That's insane!"

"Considering Ankh blew up the one Rouge took." Jaune gave a glance at the Bird Greeed.

"Oi, I wanted my body back so piss off!"

"Language, there are two kids here!" Pyrrha admonished.

"Like I care!"

"His manners never changed in the slightest, hasn't it?" The older Schnee looked at me.

"Not even the slightest but at least he got what he wanted, well, most of it anyway."

"I'm impressed that you can handle him for a year."

"Meh, you'll adjust in time like the rest of us did." I shrugged. Ankh can be a jerk but we all got used to his ramblings to understand the truth behind his words. He just won't admit it. "You did take care of a small part of him for a year." I glanced at Rouge who was sleeping. "At least he too found a reason to fill the void."

Winter smiled thinly, gently brushing her son's bright red hair. "When I first took him in, I didn't want him to have a mindset of 'finding himself'. I taught him a few things, even studying but eventually I adopted him. Rouge meant so much to me..."

"And now, he does have that chance. To be given a family and be loved." I understood.

"So… all we have to do is find an airship and from there, head to Atlas." Ruby decided.

"Except the old hag won't do anything hence the plan." Ankh reminded.

I sighed irritably, dragging my hand across my face. "I cannot believe I am going to agree to this. Stealing a military vehicle would make my parents roll across their graves. God bless their souls."

I was sure if mom and dad were alive and ever saw me perform such a criminal act, they would be beyond pissed.

"Hey, it feels the same with your crazy plans." Ankh huffed.

"It isn't that crazy."

"Let's see: having the guts to attack that Grimm serpent with ShaUTa, using RaToraTah to chase Shark Yummies and got dragged once with them, or having to deal with the White Fang."

"Well, that's-"

"And you fought that Grimm Greeed when he pulled you underwater."

"Okay, I see your point!" I raised my hands in defeat. "I often get in trouble!"

"Most of the time." I groaned, planting my head against the coffee table.

"You really are a unique bunch." Saffron commented.

"It's who we are." Pyrrha said.

"Alright Jaune… what do you have in mind?"

"Here's what I had in mind…"


With our plan set and everything, there were a few last things to do. One such was learning the officer Ankh possessed was finally leaving. The said man was in a casual attire unlike the ones he wore when Ankh took control.

"So you're heading back to Vale?" I asked.

"Kougami is sending a small transport just outside of town. A few of the Ride Vendor troops would be waiting for me."

Given Argus held an Atlas base, they had to be careful of not raising a lot of attention given what happened nearly two years ago.

"Say Nathan."

"Hm?"

"Er thanks… for trying to save me back then." I thanked him. "A part of me felt guilty when I unknowingly and nearly got you killed by that Yummy."

"An officer has to uphold his duty right?" The man smiled. "If I didn't, I would've felt the guilt instead. I may have been in a coma but when I heard from my brother what you guys have been up to, I say I made the right choice on what I did to protect you."

I smiled and raised my hand in which Nathan got hold and shook it. "An officer was doing his job right?"

"You got that right."

We heard footsteps and Nathan looked back but what neither of us expected was Felix leading the escort. The man slowly approached Nathan before hugging his brother.

"I'm back Felix."

"Thank Brothers you are awake." Felix replied. "Aria was so worried about you. I already told her the news and she is expecting you to come back home…. Amongst other things."

"… A-Ah…" Nathan scratched his cheek in embarrassment.

The Huntsman looked at me. "Thank you for what you have done for my family, Enrique."

"It's the least I can do." I chuckled softly.

"Kougami sends his regards. He learned you got the King's Gauntlet. So…"

"Please don't tell me he made you deliver another cake?"

"Yeah…"

"Goody…" I complained. "Just have your brother here take it."

"Fine by me! I haven't eaten since… well, not sure how much to recall." Nathan took it. Felix chuckled.

"Sir, our window is closing soon. We must go." The Ridevendor Trooper informed Felix.

"Right. Nathan, let's go."

"Got it." The officer looked at me. "See ya, Enrique."

"Later." I waved as the squad left Argus. "Now, time to execute the plan with the others."


Weiss was escorted by her sister Winter while Rouge followed behind. They knew the plan and hopefully it will go well. Weiss dragged the large luggage case. Upon doing so, they were met with Special Operative Cordovan.

"Cordovan." Winter greeted.

"Ah, Specialist Schnee! When I heard you were here in Argus, I never expected you to come and pick up your sister."

"Originally no. But Weiss wanted to come back to Atlas with me. As well as my son here." She gestured to Rouge who remained behind Winter. "He's a little shy."

Rouge peeked slightly and gave a shy look. "H-Hi."

Weiss would have fawned over such an adorable display Rouge did but she had to follow the plan. Plan now, dote on her nephew later.

"So she is going with you to Atlas Academy? That's splendid news!"

"I have heard about the incident earlier as well." Winter frowned, almost criticizing the old woman. "Had there been any casualties?"

"Rest assured, there were none thankfully. Don't you worry, we will investigate further matters in your place."

"Alright then. May we proceed?"

"Yes you may. Oh and please do give General Ironwood my regards."

"I will." Winter promised before she, her sister, and son proceeded to an airship. Once inside, Winter placed a hand to her ear. "We're in."

Weiss on the other hand opened the luggage, allowing Maria out. "Don't even call me heavy… it's all muscle!"

"Got it!" Ruby's voice was heard over the earpiece.

"Let's hurry before Cordovan becomes suspicious."


Ruby studied her Scroll as she saw the signal to Weiss slowly fading from range. Just as planned. "Alright the second Weiss is out of the range of the comms tower, that'll mean she is out of range of the radar too."

"And that's where Blake steps in?" She heard Enrique's voice in the earpiece.

"Right!" She acknowledged.

"Yes! It's going all as planned!" Jaune cheered. Guess his idea really did work after all! He looked at his Team while Gamel was busy munching popcorn. All four minus the childish brute gave neutral looks. He cleared his throat in embarrassment. "I mean uh… roger."

The four shook their heads. "Popcorn?" Gamel offered.

"It will work right?" Oscar inquired.

"… Hopefully." Ruby hoped. "But we'll get there." She looked at her Scroll, noticing the signal to Weiss disappeared. "This is it!" She quickly placed a hand to her earpiece. "Blake you're up!"

However she heard no response. "Blake?" Again she heard nothing. "Enrique, can you hear me?!"

"I read you Ruby, what's wrong?"

"Blake is not answering!"

"What?! Is her Scroll signal active?!"

She quickly checked but saw the signal was still there until it was cut out. Her silence gave enough evidence in which everyone held their ears to the high pitch noise. "Enrique? Enrique?"

Something must have made him remove it the moment he learned Blake wasn't responding.


Blake ran behind cover due to the gunshot she heard earlier. She lost her Scroll during the rush but when she looked next to her, she reeled back in horror to notice a motionless Atlas guard.

When the next gunshot rang out, the Faunus was forced to take cover again. Looking below her, her eyes widened to who she saw.

"It's nice to finally have time to ourselves. Don't you think?"

It was Adam. However, he no longer wore the Grimm mask but black cloth was over his eyes.

"Leave me alone!" She demanded and fired back at the redhead. However the Bull Faunus blocked the attack and absorbed the bullets with his sword

"But I've waited so long for you to be away from them." He sneered.

Blake grimaced and used the nearby cable to zipwire herself down. Alas, it gave Adam the opportunity to cut it with his Semblance, forcing the raven-haired Huntress to land on the platform he's on and stop his crimson sword.

"Why did you have to come to my life and ruin everything?!"

"You stalked me across Anima! I don't want anything to do with you!"

They broke the clash and Adam proceeded forward with his blade. Their weapons crashed against each other but Blake had to avoid a few of his strikes.

"Oh, but that's where you're wrong, Blake. This has everything to do with you and that scum of a human you're with." He hissed with venom in his voice.

The feminine Faunus rolled aside but Taurus grabbed her by the throat and pushed her against the railing. Blake winced but slammed her boot against his foot yet the momentum caused them both to fall over, through a few tree branches and onto the ground below.

Blake coughed to breath and said, "Let go of the past Adam! Do it yourself."

"Just forget it all?" He repeated angrily. "Is that what you did to me?! You just threw our memories away!"

"Adam!"

"I let you go once already, Blake. I'm never making that mistake again."

"Mistake on this, you son of a bitch!" A male voice shouted.

Adam was tackled as he rolled across the ground. He angrily kicked away the person responsible for the tackle. OOO.

"You." His mood changed into a vicious, angered look. His shielded eyes displayed rage towards the person responsible that he recognized greatly.

"Adam." I frowned. "Coming for Blake again? You lost your men from the last time we fought."

"I will defeat you today, OOO. And then I will make sure Blake returns to me after what she did."

"You hurt her in more ways than one. What makes you think she'll return to you?" I asked. "You heard her answer numerous times. She isn't going back."

"She left me alone back there! Just like everyone else did to me!"

I remained silent hearing that. Looking at Adam always feels like I'm looking at a mirror of what I could have become. Every part of him reminded me of myself if I ever lashed out to the world after having everything taken from me. It was the reason why he continuously went after Blake; he trusted her but his ways forced her to abandon him leading to his hatred towards her.

"That doesn't excuse what you are doing." I stated, my hand reaching for the O-Calibur on my hip and the Medajalibur on my back. "Leave us alone."

"Fat chance." He fired a round but my eyes flashed a violet color, making ice erupt to stop the bullet. I kicked the wall forward in which Adam used his sword to cut it away. When he did, he was greeted with me and both of my swords. He had to use his sheath and sword to stop both blades, the metal scraping across each other.

"You are to blame for everything, you scum!" Adam hissed with venom, "If you didn't exist, all of my plans would've worked! But now… all I can think about is what to do with your head…. I swear, you will be gutted for this!"

He shoved my swords up and slammed his knee against my stomach. I grunted before using an ice decoy to take the next blow while I slid backwards to the close call. I panted for a moment before spinning both blades and focused on my Semblance.

Ice danced around me before I made them soar to Adam. I dashed forward with haste. The Bull Faunus sliced away the first two before batting the other aside. He angrily looked at me but I leaped over him and twisted my back to land a boot to his head, shoving him to the dirt.

"Had enough yet Adam?" I asked.

"Not. Yet!" He threw an energy arc from his sword towards me, causing me to stop it but it was only a distraction as Adam kicked me out of the forest and followed behind, causing Blake to frantically give chase.

I grunted as I rolled across the stone grounds I landed on, a waterfall not too far from me as well as the ocean. I winced slightly, allowing my Aura to numb the pain I felt.

"You of all humans, have been a damn thorn on my side!" He kicked me, causing me to roll across the stony platform.

"The only thing you have done Adam is falling under your delusions. Just as Kazari noticed." I taunted. I stopped his sword after creating an icy blade. Forcing the ice to meld onto his back, I forced him away and picked up O-Calibur and Medajalibur. "All I see is a selfish and heartless, bastard."

"Shut up!" Adam was about to attack me but Blake got in between, using Gambol Shroud to stop it. I took the chance and leaped over to strike him.

"Just leave, Adam. This is no longer about you anymore." Blake said, "All of this is just a cycle, and we don't have time for your lies and anger issues."

"Enough of this!" He focused on his Semblance, causing my eyes to widen. Looking beside me, I made the ice throw the wrapped item to my hand and quickly placed it on.

"Enrique!"

I saw the energy Adam gathered being unleashed. My right hand clenched as I was ready. The moment Adam unleashed the attack, I quickly raised my arm and the blast collided.

When the blast dissipated, the Bull Faunus assumed he dealt with the human bastard but he was wrong. A large, fiery shield was in his way, as tall as a human being with the flames shielding not just Blake but the damn human.

I swiped my arm as the flames vanished into the King's Relic. The attack he delivered was powerful. I held back a need to grimace from the attack but kept a calm glare at Adam.

"Are you done?" I asked him. "I thought you were stronger than this. Did that Yummy back on Haven weaken you because of your desire? Your pride after losing that horn of yours?"

Adam scowled at the reminder.

"I will kill you all!" He howled out, rushing towards me with no plan or strategy as he literally was charging like a raging bull.

"Blake, Wild Rush!"

She nodded and used her ribbon to wrap around my arm and pulled me to avoid the crimson blade. Just when Adam was about to use Wilt to release another red strike but with the ice stopping my place, I used the momentum to swing Blake towards Adam, landing a kick to his torso. He buckled painfully before Blake pulled in which the ribbon was the obstacle, knocking Adam to the ground.

The redhead Faunus slammed his fist against the stone he was on before he grabbed my leg and pulled me, landing a blow to my face. I winced due to the cybernetic limb he still held.

Using my left arm to block the Bull Faunus' next strike, I use it as the opening I need. I slammed the burning fist into his face, the gauntlet pushing him away as Adam growled angrily, the blindfold searing in flames. Grabbing it, he tore it off from his face.

When the blindfold he wore was gone, I saw his eyes. His face was scarred. Aside from his right blue eye. his left eye suffered a severe burn. However, that wasn't what caught my attention. It was how it suffered a burn. There are letters 'SDC' over his left eye, like a brand meant for cows.

Deep down, I was shocked to discover this. Was this how far racism goes towards the Faunus? If this is one of the things Adam felt, he could have experienced worse than this.

"Now you see what they did to me." Adam started with a frown. "You don't understand what I've been through. You're just a human with a special power."

"Wrong." His eyes stared. "I do know."

His face contorted into a scowl, "How can you, a human, possibly understand what we have been through?"

"Because it has happened in my world. People were enslaved and discriminated against for having a different culture, skin color and even religion. Even an entire race was driven to near genocide for their religion. They were all human." I revealed to him.

"Your world?"

"What do you think my name means to anyone here? It means nothing here, not even to the culture. Back home, the technology was different than this. Our fuel sources span different sources but slowly pollutes our air." I answered. "Seven continents with different countries exist unlike the main four here. No Grimm, no faunus exist there. Earth being my world, my old home. You may find it ridiculous but I am not lying. Everything I just said is nothing but the truth. Even humans suffer discrimination one way or another much like the Faunus here."

I took a deep breath.

"I'm giving you one last chance to walk away," I warned Adam. "Leave us alone."

Adam frowned heavily at my statement. "Do you really think you can keep your promise? Your promise to her?" He pointed at Blake in question.

"When I make a promise, I don't go back on it." I grabbed three Core Medals, getting ready for one attack with the Phoenix Gauntlet.

Adam closed his eyes. "So you've made your choice…" His scarred eyes opened in fury. "So have I then." He dashed forward and I quickly was about to use my Gauntlet but with his Blush, he fired the medals off my hand.

Blake ran to him with her Gambol Shroud but Adam parried it. He slammed his sword repeatedly against it before it broke her weapon. This left her shock. The last of her Aura was quickly drained when Blake felt a blow to her side, knocking her to the cliff and hung on for dear life.

"Blake!" I called out before I quickly evaded Adam's sword.

I grabbed the O-Driver but Adam immediately kicked the buckle off my grip, allowing it to clatter away from us.

"I won't allow you to use that armor!"

"Shit!" I dodged the sudden appearance of the shadow clones Adam conjured. I didn't know he was able to do this with his Semblance.

I moved left and right, avoiding each shadow before using the gauntlet to shield myself. The blade scraped across the red gauntlet with a flash of sparks. With the other hand, I quickly struck the construct before avoiding the other two with haste.

I locked my jaw and narrowly moved as the sword sliced across the sleeve but not my skin. I ran to Blake but Adam stopped me by making me trip. I rolled over and used the gauntlet to stop his sword from impaling me.

"I won't even let you get near her. She will watch as I tear your heart out!" Adam proclaimed, shoving the blade further down.

I struggled as the tip of Wilt was nearing my shirt. With a grunt, I focused on my Semblance again and punched Adam across the cheek with ice. He staggered to the right and saw my other arm was encased in ice. I panted and swallowed air. That was too close.

Adam wasn't going to back down from this at all. I know killing is something I should never do, but this is my life on the line. My dad has done it as a soldier to protect his comrades. To feel guilty makes us human but we have to make the difficult choices sooner or later.

That choice… has to be now.

My eyes flash purple and plunge my hand into the ground, causing it to crack. Then, I pull out the Medagaburyu from the crevices of the cracks.

The Medagaburyu was anti-desire, and his Semblance was fueled by his desire to end me. Our weapons clashed as Adam snarled in anger, no doubt he was aware of the weapon's power.

I spun out of the way of his swipe and struck him across the back. His Aura sparked when my Medagaburyu hit him and he grunted in pain. Seems the weapon can nullify Aura too. Good to know.

"Last… chance Adam…" I panted. "Drop your weapon… or I will have to put an end to this once and for all."

"Like…. I… said…. Tear… your heart out…" He panted, still ready to fight, "Once you're dead, the rest of her friends are next… the blonde bitch… that heiress….. As well as that little brat with the scythe… All dead… by… MY HANDS!"

The amethyst blade of Medagaburyu gleamed and I picked up the O-Calibur. "Guess anything goes when it comes to this." I grunted before Adam bellowed and charged towards me. I slid one foot to the right and readied myself as his Wilt collided against my two weapons.

Adam gritted his teeth, pressing his weapons against the O-Calibur and Medagaburyu. With a battle cry, I begin to push Adam back before shoving his blade upward. I strike him, the purple blade nullifying his Aura to allow the O-Calibur to damage him.

Sparks flew as our weapons connected again, violently blasting off on impact. Our weapons crashed into each other again and again before he blocked the next attack and kicked me away.

He sheathed his sword, building up the needed energy for his Semblance and unleashed it towards me.

I rolled out of the way of the crimson energy wave and converted the Medagaburyu into Bazooka Mode. I took aim, focusing my Aura into the weapon. The eyes of the dinosaur glowed as I pulled the trigger.

The blast flew towards Adam but he took action and narrowly dodged the blast and his Wilt and Blush was in gun form. He fired, hitting my shoulder as my Aura was depleting and he rushed towards me. I managed to block his sword but not the incoming fist that was slammed against my stomach before a kick to my face, sending me reeling.

I could feel droplets of blood escaping my lips. It hurt like hell. I spit the blood aside and wipe away the rest with my sleeve.

"Without your armor, you're nothing! You use it as a crutch to show off your power, but you will fall like every other human who crosses me!"

Growling, I gripped the two weapons in my hand. "I won't fall." I lunged at Adam as he prepared the block but it was only faint as I used the Medagaburyu to strike his shoulder, cutting through his Aura and through his shoulder as blood stained the amethyst blade. "You have killed enough people! You are just like the Multi-King! You think more is the answer?! No! It's about holding what you have left and cherishing it rather than wasting it!"

"If it wasn't for you humans, none of this would have happened! You are all trash!"

"If you try to conquer humans, then humans will rise up against you! It'll only create a cycle!"

Our blades clashed through the sparks that cast violently. We both were giving our all against each other, fighting to the very end. I managed to strike his torso before slamming my fist that was encased in ice into his face.

We both no longer had any Aura left. Just like in our previous fight. This was all or nothing. My life was on the line.

Evading his crimson blade, I planted my foot on the dirt, the ice trapping his foot and lost balance. With the opportunity, I slammed my boot against his chest, the impact sending him away.

Growling in anger, Adam ran towards me as he swung the sword. I dodged but he grabbed the collar of my jacket and threw me around, making me land on my stomach with a cough.

Seeing the looming shadow, I quickly rolled away as his sword dug into the dirt. His eyes quickly darted to me in fury. "I will enjoy killing you, OOO! If it wasn't for you, my plans to control the White Fang would have worked but you keep ruining everything I planned to do!" Seeing his kick, I braced for it as Adam's boot hit me across the head. I grimaced in pain before he kicked me again to the ground.

Grabbing me by the collar of my coat, the Bull Faunus pulled me up, while I winced. Adam glared at me. "You are only a lowly human who deserves to die, just like everyone else." He spat in venom.

"No… I'm. NOT!" I buried my fist into his stomach before bashing my forehead against his, forcing him back.

I may have relied on my armor but I know that it wasn't just the armor that gave me power. It was my soul. I was the one who gave the armor power. I was determined. Focused to fight for what is right. My desire for peace. My desire to protect everyone.

With a right hook, he tumbled and bruises were already forming. Tackling him to the rock wall, I punched him several times. I took the hits to my back, ignoring the pain and throwing the Bull Faunus over me.

Marching towards Adam, he saw me and went for a punch. I took it and retaliated with a knee to his gut. He tugged my coat but I allowed my arms to move out from the sleeves, taking my coat instead. Quickly turning to the Bull Faunus, I delivered a cross to his ribs the moment he faced me. Adam grunted before I ram him to the ground, punching him repeatedly with all the energy I had.

He hurt so many people, killed them even, severed Yang's arm, and scarred Blake. He threatened my life and was willing to lash out to the world. This has to stop here. To show him he won't hurt any more people.

After punching him numerous times, my knuckles were bleeding but I held back the growing pain. Punching him, the Bull Faunus coughed before I slammed my fist across his cheek again that made him spit blood once more. I ignored the pain coursing through my body due to pushing myself beyond the normal limits of my condition. I grabbed Adam's collar and punched him one last time, before I needed to breathe for a moment from the hits I took earlier and the energy I used.

Adam planted his feet on my chest and shoved me away. I coughed as I witnessed him slowly, albeit painfully, stand on his feet. His face was now bruised and bloodied by my punches.

Looking between us, we saw the King's sword and his broken sword lying on the ground. His eyes must have taken notice of it as well; we were both aiming to grab it. Pushing myself with every ounce of energy left in me, I ran towards it as Adam did the same. Before he could grab both weapons, a bullet whizzed from behind him and pushed the O-Calibur towards me. From the corner of my eye, I saw a familiar Cat Faunus with the Medajalibur aimed.

Blake was the reason.

Bloodcurdling rage filled Adam's eyes and ran towards me with the intent to kill me with a broken piece of his weapon.

Not this time.

"HRAAAH!" I grabbed and thrust the O-Calibur into his chest as Blake used the Medajalibur to stab him into his back, both blades lodged into him at the same time. The Bull Faunus's eyes drift to the blades in his flesh, full of disbelief and shock.

"It's over." I gritted. I ignored the pain I sustained from Adam and now, the fight finally ends here, for him. "You became too selfish… too focused that you blinded yourself to see what you have done. This... is your consequence..."

Blake and I remove our respective blades from Adam, the latter stumbling slightly with each step he took. Falling to his knees, he looked at the waterfall for a moment before falling into the water below.

This alone made me see what I did. I killed someone… there was no turning back from what I've done.

Blake fell to her knees as she dropped the weapon and broke down in tears.

Running to her with the last of my energy, she immediately wrapped her arms around me the moment I was close and cried her heart out. My eyes soften before keeping Blake in an embrace, holding her tightly, allowing her to cry.

"I promise. I won't leave you. I'll never break my promise" She cried.

"I know. And I promise to stay by your side forever, Blake, no matter what happens to me. I will protect you to the very end." I whispered to my fiancée.

Adam was the reason our lives were on the line. He chased after Blake while swearing vengeance towards me for constantly ruining his plans.

Finally, Blake's nightmare was over.


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)

"What the hell is that…"

My eyes turned to Ruby who was on the Lancer flying towards it. 'Come on Ruby… you can do it…' I prayed.

"OOO!"

Next Time - Finale: Leviathan, Silver Eyes, Poseidon's Wrath


A/N: The fight between two halves and the fight between hate and selflessness has finally concluded! With Ankh getting back his true body, and the fight against Adam at its end, this is one chapter full of closure as well as the end of nightmares for our characters. Only now things are reaching its climax as the next chapter will be the finale! Look forward to it you guys because we are about to approach the season finale of Remnants of Desires! Don't forget to leave a review, favorite and follow this story! Till then, see you all in the finale!