A/N: I am back once again with another update to this story. Life has been keeping me very busy especially with how things are but I'm not here to talk about it, I am simply here to provide you guys the update to this story so enjoy.
NOTE: IF YOU HAVE NOT READ REMNANT OF DESIRES AND REMNANTS OF DESIRES: AFTER THE FALL, READ THEM BEFORE YOU START READING THIS STORY. THANK YOU.
Third Person View
'Thought'"
Greeed/Yummies
I felt the same sensation that welled up in me. My eyes beckoned to open and I did. When I opened my eyes, I found myself in the familiar throne room, again.
Only difference was the presence of the Full Combos (minus BuraKaWani, PuToTyra, and Super TaToba) who were now standing beside the throne. The previous Multi-King tiredly sat on the throne, his head craned down again while he held the rusted sword. Again, why did he look tired? It looked like he was nearly… drained of his life.
Almost like he was barely hanging by a thread, waiting for the right moment to pass on. His breathing was nearly exhausted and his stance was slouched against the throne that was his.
Taking in more of the surroundings the condition of the void wasn't like it was before. Its marble floors held more cracks as did the walls that were almost fragmented but remained hovering close to the area within the void we were in. The stained glass behind his throne was losing its colors too.
"You either thwart… or rule." He finally spoke again. "You conquer… or you protect."
Solaris craned his head up slightly, peering at me. "Yet you fight… but you fight not for yourself."
I swallowed slightly as he continued his hoarse yet critical words. Solaris' shoulders lifted before relaxing in ease upon his calmness.
A brush of cold air brought me out of my focus and noticed someone standing next to me.
I gasped when I witnessed it was PuToTyra who stood beside me staring up at Solaris. It wasn't budging a single inch from the spot it stood on. Turning my attention to Solaris, he once again gave me the scrutinizing gaze that pierced into my very soul.
The tyrant raised a hand, pointing at me. "Answer me. Where do you really stand in this cruel world that is not your own? As a Multi-King? Or as a Kamen Rider?"
Remnants of Desires: Edge of Avarice
Chapter 6: A Huntsman's Mission, The Chance, Robyn Hill
My eyes snapped open and I sat up, breathing rapidly. Looking around, I was in the dorm room I was assigned in. I grasped my head from the dream I experienced. The armor of each Full Combo was seen but now, PuToTyra stood by me; the King asking that very same question as before. I grimaced before hearing the soft sound of breathing, my eyes trailing to the left of my bunk to see Blake still asleep with the blanket covering her bare form.
I sighed heavily and tiredly after experiencing that damn dream. I can't let it bother me right now. All I want to focus on is the task each of us had and spend my spare time with Blake and the others.
Since the Yummy attack caused by Kazari, Ironwood was on full alert given the Feline Greeed was here and ready to satisfy the people's desires to make. They dreaded the possibility that Poseidon finds a way through the embargo to find us, more importantly me. There will be chaos if he comes here. He may have lost a small portion of his power, that doesn't mean he will go down easily.
Not to mention being part Grimm means he could have some control over them much like Salem. It was one of his powers as a Greeed.
At least now with the Yummy incident over yesterday and with Weiss' mother in the base, it was going to be well for Weiss and Winter. Looking at the time, I knew it's another day to do work in Atlas. I woke up earlier than originally, however, due to the dream. Was it really a dream or something else?
"Mn…" Blake whined slightly, arousing from her slumber. "You woke up?"
"Yeah…" I rubbed the bridge of my nose.
Blake moved slightly to sit up, noticing my brief bitterness. "Is everything okay?"
Glancing at Blake, her amber eyes were full of worry and lying to her will only create more concern. "Solaris." I confessed.
"You saw him again?"
"I understand you didn't want me to bring it up Blake, but whatever is going on, something like this is almost frightening for me. It really didn't feel like a dream at all." My eyes drift to the O-Driver on the desk. "It's as if… he is waiting for an answer."
If my knowledge was correct regarding the series, the previous Multi-King's body was turned into a tomb and O-Driver as the seal to hold the Greeed prison. If that were the case, wouldn't that mean a fragment of his life is within the buckle itself? After all it was his body that sealed the kaijins thus it would have used his life to keep the seal intact. There were questions but it was something out of my expertise. Hell, the factor of it might differentiate it from the OOO series. I wasn't sure.
A tug to my cheek made me stop my train of thought but I yelped. "Bwake! Owowowowow!" She stopped the pulling pinch, allowing me to rub my cheek whereas Blake sent a small yet noticeable frown at me.
"You said you wouldn't think about matters involving it." My fiancée chastised.
"I know. I know…" I lowered my hand. "It's not something you wanted to hear."
"Please… don't focus on that." Her hand gently rested against my heart, "Remember you are you, Enrique. Just focus on what is important right now, not anything regarding that."
I inhaled for a second. "Alright…" Our fingers intertwined. "I won't bring it up again."
The ravenette's lips gently pressed against me. "Let's get dressed before the others ask where I am." She advised with a small giggle.
"Oh, right."
A few days have come and gone and to say the least, we have gotten ourselves situated in our stay in Atlas. The few times Blake and I used what time to spare to spend time on several dates. Or, on certain occasions we spend a night together. We all got our routines set and were adjustable which was no problem. Some parts were a little tiring but some of us weren't complaining given our roles as Huntsmen. Ruby being one who has not complained one bit about it.
I came to learn Jaune had recently volunteered to be a crossing guard for children going to and from school. It may not be the most glamorous job but he had gotten pretty popular among the young mothers in Mantle. He had brought back a casserole after each time he returned over the past four days.
And boy, was Pyrrha jealous when she saw how it was for Jaune. Pyrrha's Semblance might have been Polarity but Jaune was turning into quite the MILF magnet.
…
… oh god, now my jokes are becoming as bad as Yang's puns. I'm such an idiot. I am going to blame her for this.
I seem to recall Pyrrha actually liking Jaune's new hairdo. The two were still trying to adjust to the state of their relationship due to her previous death.
Our days were spent going on mission and training. Not a lot has changed, except that we had a schedule and also we had access to a state of the art training room. Whenever I had spare time, I would use it to spend time with Blake or the others for leisure.
Being a Huntsman meant we had to work almost every day. Now I know how my dad felt when he had to work in the military. Early morning wake up calls being one of them. While there were times he went on deployment, the other times he was at the base with his usual work that didn't involve combat.
With free time to enjoy our time off as we see fit as Clover once told us, it provided me such time to either spend time with my fiancée, hang out with my friends, or train.
The latter of which I am doing. A friendly spar if you will.
Ankh, Gamel, and I were joined by Oscar as we had a sparring match with Team FNKI. The Beast Greeed attempted to crush Neon but the Faunus used her rollerblades to glide away from him.
"Never miss a beat! Never miss a beat! Can't catch me!" Neon taunted.
"Come back here!" Gamel chased after Neon like it was a game of tag. He did not allow any of the obstacles to stop him as he bashed through the walls. It looked like he was having fun.
Ankh made use of his wings to glide over our opponents while hurling fireballs. Flynt rolled to the side to evade but immediately noticed me with my dual swords. He moved back but I used my feet to kick him in the stomach. He aimed his instrument at me but with the help of the Batta Legs, I hopped over the sound waves.
With the musician distracted, Oscar took the chance to hit him with the cane.
Ivori used his whip which caught Ankh by his ankle but that was a bad call. He felt the devious grin from the bird. "Uh oh." The Bird Greeed took to the air, taking the Atlesian along for the ride across the training arena. "WOOOAAAHHHHH!!!" The Huntsman held on for his dear life, trying to not let go otherwise would fall.
Oscar attempted to attack Kobalt with his cane. However, Kobalt caught the cane, removing it from his grasp, and tossed it away. He then grabbed Oscar's head and lifted him up but the farm boy slammed his boot into the chest and flipped away.
The cat-tailed Atlesian skidded to a stop with her roller skates, seeing Gamel now standing across from her. She withdrew her nunchakus in giddy preparation.
"Alright guys, let's get 'em all at once!" The Faunus earned silence. "Guys?" She ducked when Flynt crashed into a pillar. Then Ivori landed on the ground, wheezing out, "Ow…" before Neon watched as Kobalt slid across the floor, groaning in pain.
With her teammates thrown across from her, the Faunus turned her head, only to see an incoming green boot that was mine. "Oh."
"Ha!" I kicked Neon, taking her by surprise. The Faunus was flung through the wall. I landed on my feet, twirling my two swords back to their sheaths. However, I heard no response from the hole in the wall. "Uh… Neon? Are you alright?"
Now I was concerned. Shit, did I put too much force to my kick? "Neon?" I called.
The Faunus hopped out of the wall, sporting a shine over her eye but she paid no attention to it as it healed. "Man that was so awesome!" Neon cheered as we all regained ourselves from the fight. "You two are so cool with the flames and charging head on!" She praised Gamel and Ankh. Then she was suddenly in front of me and Oscar. "Including you two!"
"It comes from experience, I guess." I rubbed my neck.
"Definitely! You really improved since we last saw you in the Vytal Festival! Especially with the cute farm boy having a few surprises for us too." Neon winked at Oscar. The said teen blushed at the Faunus' flirt.
Huh, it seems Oscar already has a fan. I chuckled, nudging Oscar's arm which made him more embarrassed than he already was.
Flynt cleaned his trumpet with a cloth he plucked from his pocket. "I have to agree with Neon. You really changed and improved way more than we last saw you. You always use a sword and that nifty armor. Now you are wielding two swords with one having a gun function. Hell, you got style when it comes to the fighting skill set to top it."
I parted my lips open for a moment before closing it. "You could say there were some things that made me realize I had to move on. To change and better myself as a person."
The musical member of Team FNKI whistled. "Guess you really have changed a bit."
Ankh heard his Scroll ring, making him disgruntled. "A message Ankh?" I guessed.
"Yeah. Gamel and I have to perform yet another round check for any activity connected to Kazari." The Bird Greeed sounded irritated. I can understand how he felt given he and Gamel were basically doing watch. I may be capable of it but it isn't as strong of a detection like the two Greeed who can detect and sense Core Energy near or far unlike me with moderate level.
"Maybe next time you guys can join us for some lunch?" Flynt offered.
"Ooh, that's a great idea Flynt!" Neon agreed before turning to us. "How about it you guys!?"
"Food! Food!" Gamel nodded eagerly.
"Sure. What do you think Oscar?"
"It… does sound like a good idea to hang out." Then we looked at Ankh. The blonde Greeed rolled his crimson eyes, "Not interested in it you idiots." He walked ahead.
"Sheesh, still hardass at times." The cat Faunus pouted.
"I heard that!"
After the long spar, Oscar and I relaxed as we both sat on the ledge of the facility. We both had bottles of water in our hands as we watched the ongoing activities.
"You did pretty good in the spar, Oscar." I complimented him.
Oscar gave a shy chuckle. "I wouldn't call myself that good… Ozpin-er Ozma's muscle memory is still there but I still have more to learn." He waved his hand. "Plus you, Ankh, and Gamel are way better than me."
The young farmer saw how well the three fight compared to his current skill set.
"Don't cut yourself short on it, Oscar." I patted his shoulder. "I believe you are doing great. Just keep giving your best and believe in yourself."
Oscar pursed his lip for a moment, his fingers drumming the bottle. It looked like he had something in mind that he wanted to say. "Say um, Enrique? There's something I've been meaning to ask you since now is the good time…"
"Yeah?"
The former farm boy tapped his drink. "I… heard from Ruby and the others how you once lived a normal life before you got dragged into the situation with the Greeed. Did you… ever regret it? Taking the mantle and fighting as OOO?"
I thought long and hard about the question. I honestly didn't expect him to ask that. "To be honest, at first, I didn't have a choice because when I ended up here, I was scared out of my mind. I did it to survive at first." I admitted, recalling how I first felt when I arrived in Remnant. I was scared, confused, hell, I was shocked when I had to fight as OOO. "After that, I wanted to help others when Ozpin offered me the chance to join the school. That's what I wanted to do. To help people. So to answer, I don't regret it."
I glanced at him when he said, "We both had our normal lives but I guess fate had other plans, huh?"
"Maybe our fates are written in stone," I remarked. "But then again, we have the power to write how it goes."
"I'll drink to that." Oscar raised his water.
"Here here." I tapped my bottle of water against his.
The both of us were given something we never asked for. Eventually, we chose to use what was given to us. Perhaps this was one of the reasons why Oscar and I got along so well. We used to live as civilians until we were dragged into situations that made us fight against evil.
After our respective drinks were emptied, I stood up and stretched slightly. "I don't know about you Oscar but after that long spar, I'm pretty sure we both require much needed showers." I suggested.
Oscar wrinkled his nose slightly and sniffed his sleeve before he gave a sheepish look. "Y-Yeah good point."
I felt relaxed after taking a hot shower from all the sparring. Man, it really has been a while to feel the adrenaline in a fight. Sure we had to fight Grimm but to fight students brought back memories of the time in Beacon. With such granted relief, I was exploring more of the exterior of the base. The landing pad being large enough for approximately a dozen or so airships. Well that was my best guess so I wouldn't know the exact number.
The sound of chirps earned my attention, making me look up and to my surprise were a flock of Taka Candroids. They were carrying a box and they began to descend to me. I honestly didn't expect the Candroids to even be here. With the box close to my reach, the Taka Candroids carefully set it on my hands.
… I knew what it was, knowing the shape of the box.
It was a cake and it came with a Scroll that had 'PLAY ME' stuck to it.
I picked up the Scroll and pressed 'PLAY'.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Kougami shouted on screen. His secretary stood beside him blowing on a noisemaker with a deadpan expression. "I've heard that you've all received your official licenses as Huntsmen and Huntresses! Congratulations! So I made you all this cake! Please, enjoy! Oh, and I also sent this Scroll along. You may keep it. Once more! Happy Birthday and Congratulations!"
I inwardly facepalmed. How on earth would - on second thought forget I even was going to say it. This was Kougami we're talking about. The man was bound to have ways to get around Atlas security.
I imagined the Taka Candroids were able to sneak the cake through. The Candroids were practically the size and designed after an actual bird. But then, who knows really? Kougami definitely has many surprises.
"By the way, I heard some things about restoring a certain coliseum!" He smiled joyfully. "Restoring the tower to bring back worldwide communications! What an amazing desire! I look forward to seeing the results of it! Good luck!"
As the recording ended, I looked at the cake the Candroids left behind. Well… knowing Ruby and Nora, they would be delighted to eat the cake made by Kougami. It has been a long time since they've eaten one of Kougami's cakes.
Carrying the cake, I walked back into the facility and since it was still dinner, I am sure the others are in the cafeteria.
I had earned a few looks of confusion upon carrying the box but paid no attention. Within those next few steps, I entered the mess hall and laid my eyes on my friends. "Hey guys," I smiled.
"Oh hey, Enrique! Oscar told us the awesome fight you guys did with Team FNKI!"
"I-It wasn't that awesome, Ruby." The fellow raven-haired boy sheepishly corrected.
"Your explanation gives evidence to it! That's awesome in my book!" The red-cloaked Huntress countered but in a positive light.
The farm boy smiled slightly at her praise. It was more genuine rather than embarrassing.
"Jaune's back!" Nora noticed. Oh right, Jaune went to do another task at Mantle. We noticed Jaune but he was slumped and embarrassed due to one obvious reason.
"Pffft, wow Jaune, you sure are getting popular with the women in Mantle if you are getting meals from them every day." I teased, trying to hold back my laughter.
In his hand was another tray of casserole. That has got to be the ninth one already. Or was it tenth? Meh, I lost count so don't judge me.
"What about you? What is it you got?" Jaune threw back the jab. He really didn't want to talk about his predicaments as it was embarrassing for him since it was first to be popular with the girls, though the girls in question being the young mothers of Mantle.
"Oh, just a cake that was sent by Kougami." I announced, revealing the food in question from the box. Immediately Nora and Ruby stood by the table, seeing the treat.
"Kougami Cake!" Nora and Ruby drooled upon seeing the dessert made by Kougami. Of all the cakes we ate, I had to admit, Kougami made the best ones given his hobby of baking.
"Cake?!" Gamel poked in between the two, seeing the dessert; he too drooled at the sight of the dish. "Mine!" He was about to hog it all but Ankh pulled him back.
"Don't even think about it." Ankh warned Gamel. "Save some for the others."
"I want a lot of cake!" Gamel whined.
"You have to share."
"How did Kougami even get it sent here?" asked Yang, baffled by the sight of a cake made by the CEO of Kougami Foundation.
"You really want to know? This is Kougami we're talking about." I gave a deadpanned look.
"Point taken…" Blake sighed. "How he hears news about us or back at Menagerie still baffles us."
"I have an educated guess." I glanced at the Candroids we currently own. Given he holds the master key that controls the Ride Vendors in Vale and the Medajalibur, it was evident it included the Candroids be it near or far.
"Of course...he's watching us even now isn't he?"
I shrugged as Nora took a slice of cake as did the others. "Beats me." Honestly I don't have a single clue but if I've learned anything from the CEO regarding his company's use of Core Energy to create such a variety of technology with it, he would have been capable of learning our achievements. If that were the case, I hope the guy understood the meaning of serious privacy.
"At least we got the better cake!" Nora chimed.
Another day came and to say the least, it was another day of work for me. Was I irritated? Nah, I've gotten used to working and waking up early in the mornings due to work back on Earth.
Thankfully with it, I was able to select a mission from the selection meant for me and my friends. The mission was simple. Find and eliminate Grimm… in the sewers beneath Mantle. I cringed to the smell but kept going. Given the mission can be done in pairs, I asked Blake and she tagged along. Ankh and Gamel in one area while Blake and I handle another location in the sewers. Although, Blake hated the putrid scent as much as I did. I handed her the cloth, allowing the Cat Faunus to take it and shield the lower half of her face.
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it." I replied. "They never told us it was in the damn sewers."
"It's the easiest place for Grimm to breach the walls." Blake reminded me.
"... I guess you have a point." With Mantle's defenses still not well, there had to be 'holes' the Grimm could sneak through to enter the city. "I just wished it wasn't in the sewers."
"It's a dirty job but it's still something we have to do."
"Yeah, I kinda wished I switched with Jaune right about now."
"What do you mean by that?" She asked with suspicion.
"What? His job seems way more simple than this." I pointed out. "Reminds me of how it was in elementary school."
"Elementary school?"
"School for little kids who go through grades 1-5th. Even we had to cross the road similarly with the help of a crossing guard."
"I see." She murmured. My fiancée was still learning a lot regarding things about Earth. The same applied to my friends as there were various things Earth had or experienced that Remnant does not.
What was she assuming anyway? It wasn't like I meant anything — oh. "Were you thinking of Jaune's funny situation?" I realized.
Immediately Blake replied in denial, "N-no, I'm not."
"You certainly did." I teased. "Don't worry, I am already engaged to a beautiful woman. Her name starts with a B and ends with E. She has a pair of cat ears and likes to read books as I do."
Blake blushed, her cat ears reacting to her emotion once again. She knew I was referring to her. "Flatterer."
It was cute to see her like that.
My grin grew slightly but the sound of movement in the sewage waters stopped us. "Blake."
"I heard it too." We slowly grabbed the handle of our weapons. There was a lot of movement. Then, we saw the several pairs of crimson eyes that were beginning to draw near us - A pack of Sabyrs.
I quickly moved my hands to the sheaths and pressed the buttons. The mechanism in the two sheaths ejected the two swords, the pommels hitting the first Grimm's chin. With the Sabyr pushed from the amount of force used in the ejection, I held both swords in a reverse grip and swiftly struck the creature of darkness. The Grimm fell apart into four pieces as Blake readied her Gambol Shroud the moment we saw more Grimm.
I twirled the two swords, "Ready Blake?"
"Ready."
Our time traveling from Vale gave us enough time to hone our teamwork. While I used to rely on single swordplay and close-combat with ice, I had to learn dual-wielding after obtaining the O-Calibur.
The Sabyrs dashed towards us but we reacted faster as I used my Semblance to conjure a wall of ice and shoved two of the Grimm. The distraction allowed Blake to leap over and strike one across its head. When she saw the other pounce, I quickly brought up a sharp thorn of ice to stop it.
With the new obstacle created, she used her ribbon to spin around the icicle and kicked a Sabyr's head. Our teamwork consisted of agile swordplay mixed with deadly precision to the Grimm. Fast and swift. Seeing the next beast aiming for me, I was pulled to the right thanks to Blake before I sliced the monster in half. I changed the Upgraded Medajalibur into its hand cannon mode and shot a pouncing Grimm. Its left front leg was missing but I lodged the O-Calibur into its jaw to fully end its life.
As we continued our fight, I tapped the earpiece. "How's everything on your end, Ankh?"
"Simple and- GAMEL! Don't even think of starting an earthquake!"
"Aw… but I wanna stomp the meanie Grimm!" I heard Gamel whine.
"You want to bring the ground onto us and have us covered in sewage you idiot?! Just pummel them without using your damn seismic stomps!"
"Yay! Smash Grimm!"
"I am guessing Ankh and Gamel are handling it as well as we are?" Blake asked with amusement.
"With a bit of arguing." I chuckled, ducking from a Grimm's claws.
"Figures." She mused, shooting a small Sabyr. "We should expect a few more coming in the front."
"Right back at ya." I opened a vial of ice Dust from the back of my belt and changed them into sharp projectiles. With a wave of my hand, the ice soared through the tunnel and into three Grimm. I soon slashed through the nearest Grimm once it got too close.
My eyes noticed two stragglers, seeing them run. "Crap! Blake! We got two heading to the entrance!"
"Got it!"
We made haste and chased after the two Grimm. "Ankh, Gamel, if you guys are done on your end, we got two still roaming!"
"Just deal with them quickly!"
The both of us continued to chase the two fleeing Grimm but they were getting out of our sights. I would have swore under my breath but an idea came to mind. I grabbed the O-Driver and picked out the Taka, Tora, and Cheetah from my pocket. "Good thing I carried Cheetah!" I quickly placed the Core Medals onto the buckle. "Henshin!"
TAKA!
TORA!
CHEETAH!
With the armor formed, I looked at Blake. "Pardon me for this, Blake."
"Huh?"
I carried her in my arms before using the Cheetah Legs and gained speed towards the Sabyrs. The two beasts skidded to make a turn but I did so as well. "Blake, wrap your ribbon on my arm!"
"Got it!" The ribbon was wrapped around my arm, keeping it tight to prevent it from snapping off from my armored limb. "What's next?"
I chuckled nervously. "You might hate me for this. I am going to launch you to one of the Sabyrs."
"What?!"
"Just trust me, okay?"
Blake sighed, "Alright."
After making another turn, I focused on my Aura to my arms while I focused with the Taka Helm for the aim. "Now!" I poured my Aura and threw Blake towards the Sabyr on her right. With the speed from Cheetah, it caused an extra push as she was on top of the Sabyr. The ribbon on my arm quickly pulled me by her tug and I landed on the other Sabyr.
I quickly remove the ribbon as Blake caught it before we respectively behead the two Grimm. The bodies fell and vanished into black specks while we landed on our feet in time to see the entrance to the city of Mantle.
Seeing the problem handled, I pushed the buckle back to its original position. "We did it."
"Yeah." Blake agreed before she lightly punched my arm. "And that was a crazy idea, Enrique."
I rubbed my arm and said, "S-Sorry."
"It's alright." The Cat Faunus assured. "Let's report our completion to Clover."
"Good idea. Gives us a good excuse to finally not deal with the smell of sewage." That and a much needed shower because good god I hate the smell!
The key was pressed, rewinding the footage of the battle by the mines. Her Happy Huntresses had watched everything unfold, several moments they had to take cover due the stray gunfire.
The woman in question had violet eyes against her tanned skin. She has a beauty mark under her right eye and another on the left side under her lips. Her light-blond hair was tied in a ponytail.
She wore a black sleeveless coat with gray accents over a red double-breasted sleeveless vest, a brown high neck shirt, and a light gray short-sleeved shirt with one right short sleeve that has a black cuff whilst the other sleeve is longer. She also wore a brown belted waist cincher with matching brown pants tucked into black knee-high boots with dark brown cuffs. Around her neck hung an olive green scarf with tattered looking tails behind the accessory. Her black gloves embraced her hands with the index finger area of the cloth being missing, revealing her bare digits.
She was Robyn Hill, leader of the Happy Huntresses and currently running for Council.
The woman stared at the recording her two members captured, already reviewing it for the fourth time out of habit. To say, the Atlas soldiers stood no chance against the monster. She would have mistaken it as a Faunus due to its animal traits but its prowess, full animalistic appearance, and power was beyond a normal Hunter she had seen. A pity of their deaths but it was one of the reasons why Mantle deserved to be under a better order.
When she thought it was over, the angle of the footage directed to the right upon the sight of an armored man and those young Hunters arrived. It was the monster's gain at first until two other monsters fought it. They spoke and it was hatred towards the feline. The power was concerning from both sides when they displayed their full might. The red one is similar to a bird with intense flames that melt the snow. The gray one cracking the earth with the mind of a child, which was odd.
What kind of power created these beings? The armored man was using some kind of belt she had never seen before, powered by three coins within it. Each coin granted him a different type of power to the armor judging from recent witness accounts from her contacts.
Such displays, the terrifying might the Faunus-like beasts unleashed, all of it was a major concern. What if they caused such incidents within Mantle? What of those fearful of them? So many questions crossed her mind but there was one thing for certain.
She has to speak to the one called OOO to seek answers.
"When will it ever end…" I mumbled. It was constant no matter what. I get that it's a daily thing for a Huntsman but I needed to have a break once in a while. If I do too much work I will definitely break under the pressure of exhaustion.
At least now, I didn't need to do another mission. Well, unless my Scroll receives a notification again. Ankh was elsewhere and Gamel was with Pyrrha and the rest of Team JNPR. My eyes glanced at the people who were walking about in Mantle. As much as I wanted to explore more of Atlas, I chose to explore Mantle. It wasn't anything personal but it was how these people live. Some didn't look happy about the military presence nor did they enjoy the embargo. It was harsh but it shouldn't be this extreme and not have people rise in uproar of the conditions much like in the French Revolution.
I know that Ironwood had his reasons, but the embargo has taken a big toll on the citizens of Mantle. I just hope it doesn't get worse as it is.
"Excuse me." I stopped and raised my head to see a familiar woman from the campaign posters for the election. "Can I speak to you for a moment?"
"Uh, sure. Is something the matter, Ms. Hill?" I asked, trying to be polite. Knowing how politicians act, it's best to be polite. And if I had to vote between the prick Jacques or Robyn? The latter would be the right choice given her care to the people here.
The woman stared at me for a moment, making me uncomfortable. Did I do something wrong to her?
"You're one of Ironwood's guests, am I right?"
"Er-" I froze when she presented her Scroll that showed me in my OOO armor in the tundra by the mines.
"Who is also this combatant?"
Crap. She's been watching the fights of me as OOO all this time. Robyn must be wanting to search for me ever since the Yummy attacks.
"That's…" I sighed, finding it pointless to even lie to her. "That… would be me. What do you want with me?"
Robyn pocketed her Scroll and glanced at the surroundings. She then turned her attention back to me. "I want to know if the one you fought would be causing havoc here in Mantle."
She must be referring to Kazari and his Yummies.
"Well...yes, unfortunately. That monster, Kazari, isn't any average monster since…" I bit my lip. Should I even tell her of what Kazari really is? There will be panic if it's exposed to the public of the Greeed being a monster disguised as a human, seeking the desires within the human hearts.
"Since…?"
"It's complicated." I admitted bitterly. "All I… can tell you is the fact he is dangerous and a schemer."
"A schemer, I see. Can you tell me what he planned to do after sending that monster after Jacque Schnee?" She caught my rigid look. "One of my own saw the monster run through Mantle and they noticed you and the young Schnee chasing it."
I grasp my shoulder, rubbing it. "It was for the sake of saving someone my friend knew." I couldn't admit why since she would have probably used the revelation of Mrs. Schnee's problem to overthrow Jacques. But, can I tell what the Yummy is made of? Perhaps. "That monster...was created by Kazari using the desires of humans."
"Desires in monster form?"
"Yes. That monster is created from someone's desire who wanted Jacques gone for good. There are people who despise him." Well, it was a half truth since it used Mrs. Schnee's desire. But I can't tell that the Yummy is actually controlled by it. I could probably tell her after the election has passed.
"And what about what Atlas has been doing with the Amity Tower? Why are they putting resources to it?"
I opened my mouth for a moment but closed it. I was told to not explain the reason since it was going to be used to tell everyone about Salem. "I… I can't explain why. We were told not to. Look, Ms.Hill, I can't explain any more information than I already have. I can't risk myself getting in trouble." I walked around her and was about to leave.
"Can't or won't?" She asked, stopping me. "You help others when others can't, don't you?" I froze as her violet eyes glanced behind her. "To reach out to people when they are in need of help?"
My fingers curled at those words. It was a personal question that made it obvious.
"Ms. Hill, I understand that you want to know this info out of concern for Mantle but there are things too dangerous to be told to the public."
"Is it for the sake of Atlas or for your own concern?"
I held my tongue. "I understand where you're coming from. I know the people of Mantle are in need of help." I gestured to our surroundings. "But I just can't put too much not for selfish needs but for me to do some good. That is why I kept taking missions in Mantle and the Tundra. People here deserve some freedom. Yes, I agree but we have to protect them too. Be it from the outside or from within."
I took a moment to lick my lips after having to say the small speech.
"Kazari will always come after me since I'm his main target. In your eyes, I may be troubled but…" I looked at her. "People always have made questionable decisions in order to do the right thing. You have done the same thing during your days as a politician, right?"
I may have killed Adam but I regretted it. But he went too far and Blake and I had to protect ourselves from him. It was our life or his. I was risking my sanity the more I used the O-Driver and obtaining more Core Medals.
The woman closed her eyes and begrudgingly sighed "I...I understand your words. Doesn't mean I have to like it either for being left in the dark." Robyn informed. "But...I would appreciate it if you would tell me soon."
"I… can't make any promises." Just those words left a sour taste in my mouth. I made promises to my family and fiancée and never went back on them. But to not keep a promise to someone who is trying to help the locals? It made me feel bad…
I watched the blonde politician leave but what I was doing really didn't feel right. I shut my eyes for a minute with a bite of my lip. Then, I called out to her. "M-Ms. Hill, wait!"
The woman stopped and looked at me. "I know I can't do anything but… what if I help with security?"
"You'd be willing to?"
"Yes." I nodded. "It may not be much since I am with Atlas but I want to help people in need despite what I can't do. At the very least, we will keep the people of Mantle safe."
Robyn snorted but the woman gave a thin smile. "Alright then." She accepted. The man in front of her may not tell her why Ironwood has been diverging resources, he was willing to lend a hand to help protect the people of Mantle be it from a mission or not. "Can I count on your help when the election day arrives?"
"I'll do my best. Just… . be patient and careful. Kazari might turn what you desire into something twisted."
"I'll take your warning into account." Robin waved her hand, leaving me where I stood.
To hide the truth from Robin sent a pang of guilt and shame. The fact that we had to hide it and wait until the tower is complete. The woman wanted answers but I couldn't tell her anything.
And I hate this feeling…
CURRENT MEDALS:
Blazing: Taka (x2), Kujaku (x3), Condor (x3)
Scorching: Lion (x1), Tora (x2), Cheetah (x1)
Strongest: Kuwagata (x1), Kamakiri (x1), Batta (x1)
Legendary: Kobura (x1), Kame (x1), Wani (x1)
Water: Shachi (x2), Unagi (x1), Tako (x1)
Gravity: Sai (x3), Gorilla (x1), Zou (x2)
Invincible: Ptera (x1), Tricera (x1), Tyranno (x1)
Cold: Seiuchi (x1), Shirokuma (x1), Penguin (x1)
Ultimate King: Super Taka (x1), Super Tora (x1), Super Batta (x1)
(NEXT TIME)
"You want me to join you girls in the mission?" I repeated.
The girls held their weapons close as well the moment we stepped foot onto the snowy path. "Ooh, I am so excited! This is our first big mission together!"
"But… what did she mean by the remnants of his life force trapped in the seal?" asked Yang.
Next Time: Team Mission, Summit, Secrets Unveil
A/N: Things have now become complicated for our protagonist as his journey has reached its first obstacle. Alas with it means there will be more to come for him. As you may have noticed in the preview of next chapter, the next one will be the start of the Arrowfell arc! So look forward to the beginning of that arc. That said don't forget to favorite and follow this story as well as leaving a review. See you later everyone!
