A/N: What is up everyone! I am here with the sixteenth chapter of OOO! I hoped you guys enjoyed the previous chapter as well as the retrieval of the BuraKaWani Core Medals. Remember, I will be following not only the RWBY episodes with some additions but also the OOO series (The Greeed, meeting Ankh, introducing Kougami, etc.). Also Chapter 3 of The Divine Providence of the Three Kingdoms will be done either by the end of this week or by the beginning of next week.
Henshin!
Third Person View
'Thought'
Greeed/Yummies
It was another day for the second semester at Beacon and I was in the training room with Ankh as he set the training bots to an intermediate level. When I first started the training against the drones, he set them at beginner and I sucked back then. After the first semester ended, it was now the intermediate level but I am sure Ankh is gonna increase the level later on to increase my combat skill.
I was right now in my casual clothes as I looked at the four drones around me while I held my grip on Medajalibur.
"Try not to get your ass kicked," was the only thing Ankh told me before he started the training session. Speaking of which, Ankh was now wearing a black shirt under a black leather jacket that has a short, dark red sleeve on the right with a couple of chains. He was also wearing red pants with black shoes.
I sighed with a nod as I got into my stance.
Without the armor, my stance was keeping my sword down with the tip of the blade barely touching the floor as I stood my ground. I learned that keeping the sword close can provide openings but keeping it low, it can provide me with ways to block an attack. How I learned it, let's say that several brutal punches from Ankh and a strike from Ruby taught me that.
The first two drones charged forward, causing me to go on the defensive, blocking the two attacks. I then kicked back the drone on my right before using the Medajalibur to strike the second drone to send it away from me. When I saw the third drone going around me, I quickly evaded its attack before striking it with a vertical strike and kicked it away. The fourth one was charging head on, causing me to sidestep and deliver a slash on its side, sending it away from me.
When the drones circled me, I was ready but Ankh called out. "Enough," he said.
The drones stopped moving as Ankh walked up to me. "You may have done well," this made me let out a small smile, "...but you still have a long ways to go if you are ever to easily beat the other Greeed."
Geez, way to kill the praise you gave me.
"The other Greeed are not at full strength, which is good for us. Using their powers use up Cell Medals. But if they ever got all their Cores back, then it won't matter anymore." He informed, "This is it for your training today. Go do whatever you do."
He walked to the door before I called out. "Ankh, why do you want to help me be a better fighter…?" I asked. "I know you said it can help me be on par with the Greeed, but why give me more training than the others, other than the fact I am using the OOO armor?"
This stopped him. "Some answers are not for free," He turned his head with his right eye looking at me, using his signature look. "I am not telling you why I am teaching you. Just focus on getting the Cores." He then left the training room, leaving me the only one in the room.
I sighed as I simply walked to the bench and put on my collared jacket that I got from Ruby and the others. I grabbed the sheath of the Medajalibur but the moment I turned to the door, I saw Cinder in her academy uniform. "Surprised to see you here, Enrique."
"Oh, hey Cinder." I waved as I flicked my blade and giving it a twirl before I placed it back in the sheath. "I just finished up my training. Ankh wanted me to fight four drones at an intermediate level."
This made her raise an eyebrow. "Four at an intermediate level? Seems a bit excessive don't you think?"
"Nah, it helps me fight better." I waved off. "Ankh wants to make sure I can handle multiple, tough opponents at once."
"Sounds interesting."
I shrugged before saying, "When I was first enrolled in Beacon, I was a newbie to the fighting but thanks to Ankh, I have gotten better since the previous semester. I gotta thank him for teaching me." I placed my fist to my chest. "After all, my dad once told me that a man stays strong no matter how weak they are."
She giggled, "You sure are one of a kind."
I flustered a little from her comment. "I-I'm not that special." I responded, rubbing the back of my head. "I am just doing what is right."
She walked up to me and cupped my chin with her hand. This caused my blush to intensify as our eyes locked.
"You know, fighting against training droids is one thing, but when was the last time you had decent spar?" she asked.
"A...spar...?" I asked and she smiled before she backed away from me and entered a fighting stance.
"The Vytal Festival is coming soon. We do need to keep our skills sharp," Cinder said to me. "Are you up for a five minute spar with me, or are you too tired after your training with those machines?"
"Well…" I rubbed the back of my head.
"If you want, I could take it easy on you."
"Alright, I accept your challenge then." I responded.
One minute I was on my feet, and the next I was on my back with Cinder straddling me. She had my shoulders pinned down with her hands as she gazed down at me with her smoldering eyes.
"And look what I've just caught," Cinder smiled.
"Enrique, Ankh told me you were..." Blake started as she entered the training room, only to trail off into silence at the compromising position I was in.
"Blake, wait!" I called out as I gently got Cinder off of me before I ran out of the training room. Why do I have to get into situations like this?
Remnants of Desires
Chapter 16: Hijack, Mega Greeed, Legendary Combo
Ankh was perched on a tree branch as he was watching footage of the Kougami Foundation on his Scroll. After that heist, he became suspicious of the old man and so he sent a Taka and Batta Candroid to record the old man's future meetings as he was eating his daily meal of ice cream. Knowing his student is now buying him three boxes a day, it felt like he can eat all he wants.
As he watches the live footage, he heard Kougami telling that mysterious biker hunter about a van delivering 7000 Cell Medals and Dust, causing him to look at the footage.
"Felix, I want you to be careful once you and the RideVendor squad transport the Cell Medals and Dust. Knowing the Greeed will sense them." Kougami informed.
"Yes sir." the said Huntsman nodded.
"And one more thing…" Kougami said as his assistant brought Felix a tiny box and opened it, causing Ankh, who was watching the live footage from his Scroll to drop his ice cream and gripped the device with both hands.
"That bastard! He has my Core!" Ankh growled. In the footage, he was seeing a red coin with the image of a peacock; it was the Kujaku Core Medal.
"You are to keep this safe as well." Kougami then gave Felix a device. "This will prevent the Greeed from detecting it."
"I won't fail the task, Kougami." Felix vowed before leaving the room with his weapon.
Ankh ended the footage as his upset expression changed into a victorious grin. "Oh… I am getting my Core back alright, Kougami. You may be a sneaky bastard for hiding it from me…" He looked at his Greeed arm. "But I now know what you are doing with my Core."
I was looking around for Blake and I am sure she was upset from what she saw. "Where is she…?" I muttered. Searching for her, I decided to check the library in which she wasn't there until I remembered the courtyard is where she often reads as well.
Once I made it to the courtyard, I saw her by the tree, reading her book. "Blake." I called out as I approached her. She was ignoring me as she continues to read her book, like I wasn't here. "Blake, look I can explain what happened. Cinder offered to spar against me and I wanted to expand my skills." I explained and cringed on how Cinder beat me quickly within a minute. "And with the Vytal Festival coming up, I thought it would be helpful for me to spar with someone." I sighed as I rubbed the bridge of my nose. "It wasn't like that, alright? Ankh wanted me to train."
Blake shut her book, got up, turned away and stormed off.
"Oh, come on!" I went after her before getting in front to face her. "I'm trying to say that it wasn't like that at all, okay? Believe me, I didn't expect her to beat me in a spar that easily." I explained more. "I'm sorry, okay?"
Blake looked me in the eye, trying to find signs of deception. She then sighed, "I'm sorry too. Really, I guess it makes sense that she beat you in a spar."
"Thank you..." At least she forgave me. "Um, do you think we should find Ankh because when I saw him, he was acting as if he hit a jackpot."
"I guess so. He did seem a bit… off after I noticed him looking at his Scroll." she nodded.
We then left the courtyard in search for Ankh knowing that Blake mentioned his 'victorious' expression. Seriously though, why was Blake acting like that anyway?
"Cinder, we've been waiting for you," Emerald greeted as Cinder came down to have lunch with her associates.
"Thank you for saving me a seat," Cinder smiled.
"So, where were you?" Mercury asked.
"Oh, just getting closer to a person of interest," Cinder smiled as she popped a cherry into her mouth.
"You mean that guy that the cat man talked about…?" Emerald asked. She still didn't trust the Feline Greeed, even if he is her new partner.
"He's trained, but still leagues below any Huntsman without that armor of his," said Cinder. "He's also fun to tease."
"Sounds like you found yourself a new toy to play with," Mercury commented.
"The dance is coming soon. You should ask him to be your date," Emerald suggested.
"That might be a good idea." she smirked before her expression narrowed. "However, it seems his teachings from this Ankh person creates a way for him to advance quicker. This Ankh eventually will be aware of what is going on." She couldn't forget how Ankh looked at each student. His eyes showed he was seeing how strong they were and when the Bird Greeed looked at her, it felt like he was staring into her own soul, sensing the strength she has. Kazari even explained to the three about what he is capable of as well when he explained about each of the Greeeds' capabilities.
"Should we deal with him?" Mercury suggested before taking a bite of his food.
"Avoid him," she ordered.
"But Cinder we can-" Cinder's eyes glowed as she looks at the two, causing Emerald to flinch. "We will stay away from him…" she corrected herself, not wanting to anger Cinder.
"Good," she smiled before she continued to eat her meal.
Meanwhile in the Kougami Foundation, the RideVendor squad began to place the Cell Medals and Dust into the three vans as Felix got on a RideVendor. The formation was that he takes rear guard while two takes the front, two take each side; surrounding the three vans to protect the cargo. In each van was two guards in the front seats while there is one to keep watch of the cell medals in the back.
Felix kept the Core Medal in his pocket knowing that Kougami told him that the Greeed won't detect it due to the device it is on. "Alright let's move out!"
Blake and I continued our search for Ankh until we saw him heading to the Bullhead. "Hey Ankh, wait up!" I called out.
We ran up to him as he turned to us. "Where are you going?" I asked.
"To get my one of my three Kujaku Cores." He smirked. "That sneaky old man, Kougami actually kept one of my Cores and he gave it to that Huntsman. I'm getting back what is mine."
This caught the two of us by surprise as he continues, "And since you are here, you are coming with me. I have the feeling that the other Greeed are gonna go after a large amount of Cell Medals that they are transporting, 7000 medals to be exact."
"That is a large amount to transport," Blake noted.
"They are also transporting Dust," Ankh added. "Now let's go get back what is rightfully mine." He walked away as I looked at Blake.
"Can you help me out with this?" I asked her. "If what Ankh said is true, then the other Greeed will be going after the Cell Medals. We should ask that Huntsman for the Core instead of Ankh forcing him to hand it over."
"Knowing Ankh, I will help." Blake nodded. At least she can help me out if it gets worse when we make it to the vans that are delivering the Cell Medals and Dust. We both followed Ankh before we got into the Bullhead and headed to Vale.
The RideVendor squad was continuing transporting the cargo as Felix was on the rear, continuing to drive the RideVendor with his weapon on his side. As they were driving close to the exit of the bridge of the highest, he took notice of something in the distance. Squinting his eyes to see what it was, he saw it was a White Fang soldier. "AMBUSH!" he shouted.
The White Fang soldier fired a rocket towards the first RideVendor soldier, causing the latter to immediately get off as the vehicle exploded from the blast. They saw a van approaching them before White Fang soldiers began to exit the vehicle and begun their attack, causing the RideVendor squad to prepare themselves as they were now armed with their weapons.
When the front was about to shoot, they were greeted with a certain Greeed. "Give me the Cell Medals, meanies!" Gamel demanded before punching the first RideVendor soldier away as the other was gonna shoot the Beast Greeed but was immediately stabbed by Uva.
"Greeed!" Felix shouted, causing all the RideVendor soldiers to quickly place in Cell Medals into their weapons, powering them with Core Energy. What made them shocked was that the White Fang were assisting the Greeed!
Felix gritted his teeth behind his helmet as he load a Cell Medal into his twin swords before combining them to the rifle. Now, not only they have to protect the cargo from the White Fang, they have to deal with the Greeed that just killed one of the RideVendor soldiers.
Ankh and I were on the RideVendors while Blake sat behind me as we drove, following the Taka Candroid to where that Biker Guy Huntsman is. I took notice of Ankh's arm revealing its Greeed arm.
"Looks like the Greeed are already attacking," he smirked. Why can't he just care about human lives for once in his life? I know that he lost someone in the past but he should stop pushing others away when they are trying to help him.
My thoughts were interrupted when we can now hear gunshots going off, no doubt that the group that is escorting the Cell Medals and Dust are under attack by the Greeed. "That doesn't sound good," Blake informed.
"My thoughts exactly," I responded as Ankh and I revved the vehicles to drive faster. Once we made it to the bridge, we were treated with a shocking scene. Both the White Fang and Greeed attacking from what looks to be a RideVendor squad. "The Greeed and White Fang are hijacking the vans!?" I shouted in both shock and confusion. How are the White Fang working for them!?
"This isn't right, the White Fang may mistaken them as Faunus but they certainly don't work with them," Blake explained.
"I can have two guesses," Ankh stated, "One: Uva, knowing him, he may have dueled the leader of the White Fang and won the leadership."
"And the other…?" Blake asked, rather nervous.
"Killed him however, Uva would prefer to have more workers." he answered, giving Blake some relief but upset, remembering how Ankh told us how the other four Greeed treat the Faunus. He looked at me, "You know what to do."
I nodded before putting on the O-Driver, placed in the King Combo, and used the O-Scanner to scan the Medals. "Henshin!"
TAKA!
TORA!
BATTA!
TA-TO-BA! TATOBA! TA-TO-BA!
Now in the TaToBa armor, Blake got out a Cell Medal and placed it in her Gambol Shroud and the both of us began to assist the RideVendor squad. Using Batta Legs, I jumped over the vans and landed in front of none other than Uva, Mezool, and a squad of the White Fang.
"OOO-boya, surprised to see you here." Mezool remarked as the White Fang soldiers aimed their guns at me and the RideVendor squad behind me.
"I am not letting you guys kill that Huntsman's squad," I responded as I got into my stance. "And you won't get what you are after."
"Let this place be your grave then," Uva said as the two charged at me with the White Fang about to shoot me.
I blocked a kick from Mezool before I used my right leg to block Uva's bladed forearm. Once I blocked both strikes, I pushed them away before using the Tora Claws to strike Uva then used Batta Legs to kick Mezool away.
I took notice of the White Fang aiming at me but I eventually saw Blake using her Gambol Shroud and struck them away but with not much force knowing that she didn't want to hurt the people she once belonged to. As I parried Uva's next attack, I looked back at that Biker guy. "You and your men get your cargo out of here!" I stated. "We'll try to hold them off!"
He looked at me for a moment before he nodded and looked back at his teammates, "You heard him! Don't let the White Fang get to the cargo and head back to HQ!"
They nodded as they fired rounds to the White Fang soldiers that began to take cover as Blake and I handle the Greeed and White Fang soldiers. When one RideVendor soldier was about to enter the first van, Gamel stopped him and threw him to the other soldiers. "This is mine!" he pouted.
"Dammit," I cursed as I tried to block an attack from Uva but Mezool used her water ability as she blast an orb of water onto me with Uva using his horns to deliver an electric attack, doubling the effects. It was very painful even with my Aura was doubled.
I took notice of two White Fang soldiers getting into the van. "Blake, don't let them steal the van!" I said as I blocked Uva's claw with Tora Claws.
"Got it!" she responded as she used her ribbon to get the to White Fang soldiers away from the first van. The other two vans managed to retreat back as the Biker Guy was getting to his RideVendor. The two Greeed were proven to be hard to fight but I was at the defensive as I often counter some of their attacks.
When the Biker Guy Huntsman got on his RideVendor, he was thrown off by none other than Ankh. "Ankh!? What are you doing?!" I demanded as I blocked Mezool's punch and pushed her away.
Ankh ignored me as he demanded, "You! Hand over my Medal!"
"I don't know what you are talking about," the Hunter replied. Ankh however, his expression changed into irritation as he grab the Huntsman's battle vest.
"You know exactly what I am talking about!" He growled. "I watched what Kougami gave you!"
I kicked Mezool away before looking at Ankh, "Damn it, Ankh! Just let him go!" I shouted before I took notice of Uva and Gamel getting inside the only van that the RideVendor Squad couldn't retrieve, along with the White Fang squad entering the van and began to drive away. Just great.
Blake defended me from Mezool's next strike as I ran to Ankh and pulled him away from the Huntsman. "Let him get away from here!" I shouted.
Ankh grabbed the armored collar on my armor and pushed me away, "Not until I get back what is mine!" He argued. The Bird Greeed took notice of something before he pushed me away as something struck his arm.
"Gah!" He cringed as he clenched his Greeed arm. Blake, Ankh, the Huntsman, and I looked to see who did it and saw Kazari.
Oh come on! I just fought two and now I have to fight another!?
"Kazari…" Ankh stated.
The Feline Greeed hummed in amusement as he looks at his palm, seeing his new score; two Tako and the SaGoZo Combo Cores.
"Looks like I got Mezool's and Gamel's Medals," the Feline Greeed said, but he didn't sound too disappointed. "Maybe I'll get my Medals back with the next one."
"Che," Ankh hissed as he held his arm.
I looked back at the Huntsman and saw that he drove away, much to my relief but I still have to fight Kazari and Mezool. Before I can attack, I saw Blake charging towards Kazari. "Blake! Wait!" I reached out.
The moment she was gonna strike, Kazari caught her blade. "Impressive, Kitten." He mused before forcefully lowering her blade. "But not enough for the weak Faunus you are."
This made her eyes widen as Kazari blasted her with a mini cyclone, sending her over the railing. "BLAKE!" I shouted as I jumped over the railing myself.
I quickly reached my hand out as the two of us were falling. "Grab my hand!" I shouted.
She reached her hand out to me as I did my best to grab hold of her. Once she got hold, I pulled her close to me before I used my own back as a shield before we plunged into the water as my vision became nothing but darkness.
Kazari watched both Blake and OOO fall out of amusement. "Cute," he commented before he and Mezool turned to face Ankh, who was getting up.
The Bird Greeed looked at the two that he was facing while clenching onto his arm knowing that Kazari took two of the Tako Cores and the SaGoZo Combo. "Never thought you would show up, Kazari." he commented. "But I sense there is something more to this."
"It doesn't matter, Ankh." Kazari yawned before looking at him. "After all, you're done here."
Just as he thrusted his arm out to emit a cyclone attack, Ankh took the initiative and jumped over the railing to prevent him from getting more damage and landed into the water. The two Greeed watched the water to see if Ankh will come out but no luck so Kazari simply walked away. "Let's head back." he said as he walked away, only for Mezool to confront him.
"Kazari, I am starting to have my suspicions about you." she informed. "You suddenly came back the moment we were gonna raid those vehicles for Cell Medals. Where have you been for the past 4 weeks as well?"
"You don't have to be so cruel, Mezool." Kazari responded. "Do you really think of me as suspicious? Is that what you think of me?"
"Just what have you been doing?!" She demanded for an answer.
"Who knows?" He responded as he turned around to approach her. "After all…"
Mezool suddenly felt an arm enter her stomach, causing her to slowly look down and saw Kazari's arm inside her as she can feel that he got hold of the rest of her Core Medals. "You won't expect it." He then pulled away, taking a step back as he watched Mezool fall to the ground, reverting to her human form as Cell Medals occasionally spill from her wound.
"Kazari… what…?" Mezool gasped as she felt all of her power lost as she watched the Feline Greeed hold onto her Cores.
"Sorry, Mezool, but I have better plans than being with you, Uva, and Gamel." He turned around as he turned his head a bit. "See you later."
He walked away, leaving her as she watches the Feline Greeed disappear from her sights. Fortunately, he left at least one vital Core Medal for Mezool, but now she was severely weakened.
"Gamel...help me..."
Darkness. Darkness was all that I could see after what happened. I used my own body to shield Blake when we were falling off the bridge after Uva, Mezool, Gamel, and Kazari attacked. I didn't want another incident like before with Gamel to happen again for that was the reason I saved Blake; I was willing to risk my life to save her.
"...riqu…!"
I then began to hear a voice.
"Enri…!" The voice shouted. "Pleas…. Wake…!"
I slowly opened my eyes, as my vision was blurry as I heard the voice a bit more clearly.
"Enrique, please get up…!" It was now a familiar voice.
My vision cleared up before I was met with Blake's amber eyes, showing tears. "...Bl..ake…?" I muttered weakly.
Her clothes were damp, her hair was matted to her hair, but otherwise she was fine.
"You...you're OK..." I uttered, happy and relieved. I slowly sat up and saw that the buckle was back to its original position. I felt pain on my back but my Aura and the Core Energy began to heal it thankfully. "How long was I out…?" I asked.
"Almost half an hour…" She responded before having a guilty look. "This is my fault…"
"No, it's not your fault," I refuted.
"But… You could've died…"
I shook my head, "Blake, I will always be there to help my friends. Even if it means to save them from death." I responded. "I lost my family already, I don't want to lose my friends who mean a lot to me." I looked at her, "Like I told Ren, if there is a hand reaching for help, and I don't reach out when I can, the regret would make me wish I were dead...I reach out my hand, because all I want is to help."
Blake's expression noticeably changed. She smiled and then put her arms around me in a gentle hug. Not seeing a reason not to, I returned the hug. We were having a pretty tender moment.
And then Ankh had to show himself.
"Good, I found you. Let's go," he ordered.
Blake, offended, asked, "Aren't you going to ask how we are?"
"You're both alive. I can see that. Now come on, we need to go get my Core Medal back."
"Ankh, I don't think we'll be able to get your Core Medal back right now..." I responded. Immediately, Ankh shoved Blake off me and he grabbed me by my collar.
"Don't you get it!? Because of your stupidity, I lost some Core Medals and also lost the chance to get one of my Cores back. Now, we're going to get it and I'm not taking no for an answer!"
I balled my fist and then I did the unexpected as I punched Ankh in the gut. He grunted as he released me. I then punched him across the face.
"IS THAT ALL YOU CARE ABOUT!? YOUR DAMN CORES!? BLAKE ALMOST DIED!" I shouted at him. "FIRST YOU RISKED OUR LIVES TO FIGHT GAMEL AND HIS YUMMY AND NOW THIS! IS THIS HOW THE PERSON YOU LOST WANTS YOU TO BE!?"
Ankh quickly got up and tackled me to the ground as he got hold of my collar again, "Don't you ever mention her!" he demanded. "She has nothing to do with this!"
"Her…?" Blake repeated.
I looked at Ankh as I forcefully push him away as he glared menacingly at me. He got his Greed arm out and points at me, "Listen here, Enrique! I may be dealing with the stupid nonsense at the academy and the idiotic activities you, Team RWBY, and Team JNPR do. But if you ever, ever mention the person of my past." He got closer and got hold of my neck, feeling the need to snap my neck like a twig. "I will kill you, got that!" He shoved me away as Blake glared at him in which he has no care for.
"Try it, Ankh." I shot back. "Remember that you said to me that I am the only one who can help you get the Cores back?"
His expression changed into frustration before he walked away, knowing that I proved a point once again. I gently rubbed my neck as I took a couple of breaths. I can't believe I punched Ankh twice.
I slowly got up before walking up to Blake and reach my hand out. "Let me help you up," I insisted.
She let out a small smile before she got hold and I helped her up. "We should head back to Beacon," I said knowing that the sun will be setting soon and we would need rest since we fought. She nodded in agreement before we began our walk back to Beacon with Ankh going in the same direction we are heading to.
As the van made it to an abandoned warehouse, the White Fang soldiers, Gamel, and Uva got out of the vehicle as they began to unload it and place it in two other vans; one for dust while the other for Cell Medals. "Gamel, you go with them, I'll wait here for Mezool."
"Okay…" he said as he got into the other van as the first half of the White Fang soldiers left with him.
Uva heard noises before the Insect Greeed looked back and saw Kazari in his Greeed form who looks to be clutching his chest in pain.
"What happened?" Uva asked.
"OOO got to me… He already defeated Mezool." He informed.
"WHAT!?" He roared. "Damn that OOO." he marched right past the Feline Greeed so he can go after OOO.
However, Kazari stopped his acting before extending his claws as he approach Uva. The Insect Greeed heard the approach, causing him to go into his Greeed form but was slashed across his chest, spilling Cell Medals. "Kazari… What's the meaning of this?!" He then realized what Kazari actually did. "You got Mezool didn't you!?"
The Feline Greeed hummed as the White Fang soldiers aimed their guns at the Insect Greeed. "You see… I learned something, Uva." Kazari responded as he leaned against the van. "It is because the humans and Faunus advancing, they basically evolved from what you can see." He gestured to the weapons and the city itself. "And Ankh proved one thing to us…" He glanced a look at Uva. "We need to do the same, we need to evolve. So, the White Fang is actually under mine and Adam's command. It seems better than just devouring the world."
"You son of a bitch!" He slowly got up as he clutched his chest. "You will regret for your treachery!" He walked away, limping from the attack he recently received. Now with the White Fang by Kazari's side, the Insect Greeed would now have to go back to the old mansion.
Kazari chuckled in amusement before motioning the White Fang soldiers to stand down. "Let's go."
They looked at each other before they nodded, "Yes, sir." they answered as they got in the van along with Kazari as he went back to his human form.
We made our way back to the city as the three of us were walking back to the bullhead so we can head back to Beacon as the sun was already setting. My back was still sore, I pissed off Ankh, and we lost the SaGoZo combo and two Tako Cores.
When we made it to the bullhead, I looked at the sunset as we waited for the Bullhead to land at Beacon. I reached under my shirt before pulling out the dog tag locket. I opened it, thankfully the photo wasn't moist nor messed up so I closed it and placed it back under my shirt.
After 10 minutes, we made it back to Beacon as the three of us headed to our dorms. Once we got close, we saw Ruby, Weiss, and Yang.
"Enrique! Blake! Where have you guys…." they took notice our clothes slightly damp. "What happened to you three?"
"We had to fight Mezool and Uva." Blake answered, receiving shock from the three. "And Kazari eventually attacked us."
Hearing that name, made Yang frown. No doubt that she still wants to give Kazari the beating of a lifetime. "How did it go…?"
"We lost the SaGoZo Combo and two of the Tako Cores to Kazari…" I answered with defeat.
"And it gets worse… the White Fang are helping the Greeed." Blake added as this new information shocked the three upon hearing this.
"What are we gonna do?" Ruby asked.
"We just wait until one of the Greeed decide to make a move." Ankh said before he entered the dorm room and got to his bed.
I looked at the girls then sighed, "We just need rest for now, I am still sore from what happened earlier." I sighed before going to my dorm. "I'll see you girls in the morning."
Once inside, I closed the door behind me, grabbed my pajamas, and took a hot shower knowing that my back is sore. As the warm water hit my skin with each droplet, my thoughts began to ponder from what Ankh said after I said those words to him.
"Don't you ever mention her! She has nothing to do with this!"
Ankh may be a total jerk but I felt guilty inside for what I said to him earlier. When he said 'her', it made me think there was someone important in his life that he once protected, someone he possibly considered a very close friend. And learning from Ozpin, how Ankh had the look of loss behind his eyes, it made me wonder if Ankh and I weren't that much different. Like Blake and Weiss, Ankh and I are opposite sides of the same coin.
Ankh lost someone and became a jerk, pushing others away from him. For me, I lost my father and pushed others away then lost the only family I had left as I promised myself to help people, helping them see that they should cherish with what they have now. The one thing we have in common: We both lost people that were close to us.
Then there was the girl he helped. The way he acted towards her in that footage. It was like a part of him that he was in the past is still there, not to mention him telling me that he was gonna train me. This makes me wonder if this was a way for Ankh to seek redemption for what he has done in the past.
I sighed as I turned off the water before drying myself and put on my pajamas. When I looked at the mirror, I placed my hand over my face, remembering how I masked my sadness, grief, and pain in a way during the first semester. Now, I haven't done that in a long while knowing that I have friends who are there for me, looking out for me.
Was this somehow a way of redemption for me as well…? Being here in Remnant?
Shaking my head, preventing more thoughts, I walked out of the bathroom and got on my bunk before covering myself with the blanket and let the onset of sleep take over.
As the night continues, Mezool struggled with each step. She was at risk of becoming nothing but a pile of Cell Medals as she tried to maintain her form.
She cursed Kazari for his treachery. She lost her balance as she got hold of a bench.
"I need...I need to find...Gamel..."
She got some of her balance as she walked in search of the Beast Greeed.
In the White Fang base, the White Fang soldiers were getting the Dust out of the van while the cases that held the Cell Medals were left inside as Gamel sat on the edge. He was eating his snack that he carries before noticing Kazari, in his human form, walking up to him as he carried a small plate that held Medals that he recognized.
"Those are Mezool's Medals!" Gamel identified as Kazari showed them to him.
"I'm sorry, Gamel. OOO destroyed her. I only managed to save most of her Core Medals," apologized Kazari.
This made Gamel frown in anger but Kazari continues, "I'm sure she would want you to have them." He gently handed them to the Beast Greeed. "Oh and I believe these are yours." He presented Sai, Gorilla, and Zou.
"My Medals!" Gamel cheered. "Thank you, Kazari!"
Kazari grinned before walking away until Adam stopped him. "What is it you are up to…?" he asked.
Kazari looked at him with a toothy grin before pulling something out of his pocket, a small, old booklet. "I have saved this for a long time and I thought it would to be time for it to be of good use." He responded. "I wanted to make sure the theory from this book works." He continued. "After all you got back your leadership with me as the second leader."
Kazari swept Adam's hand off his shoulder before continuing his walk as Gamel placed in Mezool's Cores and the Sai, Gorilla, and Zous through his forehead, absorbing them. Arcs of static covered parts of his body before disappearing, with the Beast Greeed completely unaware of what is about to happen. He looked at Adam, "I am gonna go find OOO! Bye, bye!" he walked away in search for OOO to get his revenge.
Adam raised an eyebrow under his mask upon hearing the name. It was a strange name to go by until he remembered the news that mentioned an armored warrior fighting the beasts that the Greeed create. How can a simple person be able to beat them?
With Kazari, he walked to the van and saw the cases were still there as the two White Fang soldiers tensed upon his presence. "You two, get the van ready." He ordered. "Follow Mezool and when I give the mark, release the Cell Medals out of the van."
The two nodded quickly before they got inside the van and drove away to search and follow Mezool.
It was now morning as the alarm clock went off, signaling me to turn it off. I sat up and stretched. Once I did, I got off bed and took a shower. After I was done, I put on my casual clothes and placed the O-Driver in my pocket. I looked at Ankh who was wide awake, eating his ice cream. He paid no attention to me as he was also on his Scroll, searching for anything about the White Fang since they are now helping the Greeed.
I looked at him for a moment before I spoke up, "Ankh, I know your past was… harsh and I don't blame you."
Ankh stopped pressing keys on his Scroll, beginning to listen to me.
"I know what it is like losing someone." I continued, trying to not push the wrong buttons. "But you and I are not that much different. You may be a jerk to me and my friends but I am the opposite, being nice to my friends."
Ankh looked at me.
"Like I told Weiss, we are the opposite of the same coin. We both lost something but we chose different paths as a result." I looked at him. "I don't care if you are a jerk but eventually you have to change your acting for the good. I know there is still a part of you that seeks redemption for what happened 800 years ago. I hope you can understand that." I walked to the door and opened it only for a familiar hand to stop me with a firm grip on my shoulder.
I looked back and saw Ankh with his usual look. "Tch, it doesn't matter how we live our ways." he scoffed. "Don't lose any more Cores."
I nodded as we both left the dorm. When we made it to the landing zone, we someone call out to us.
"Enrique! Ankh! Wait up!"
We looked back and saw Team RWBY approaching us. "What do you girls want?" Ankh questioned with an irritating look.
"We wanna help you guys out." Ruby said. "We know you don't want us to get hurt by the Greeed but we know we can beat them if we don't try."
"Besides, like you said Enrique, we help each other out." Blake smiled.
I looked at the four before having a smirk. "Right." I nodded. "Then let's go."
We entered the Bullhead and headed to Vale. Once we landed, we walked out and began to look around for anything involving the Greeed.
For about an hour, we had no results or leads and we were about to call it a day until Ankh spoke up, "I sense Gamel."
This caught our full attention. "Where?" I asked.
The Bird Greeed was looking very carefully, until he pointed at our right. "There."
Looking to where he said, we saw Gamel entered the shop that sold pastries. His eyes glowed and he started to grab the good and eat it. The baker saw this and immediately went to stop him.
"Hey! You can't do that! You need to pay for those!"
Gamel responded by backhanding the baker into another shelf. "Go away!" he said to the Baker. He grabbed more food and began to eat it as he left the building as sparks covered his body. He looked at his newly obtained snack, remembering how Mezool often treated him with pastries. "Mezool…." he began to shed tears. He missed her. "Mezool! Please come back!" he shouted to no one in particular.
"Something's wrong with Gamel." Ruby noticed. "It sounds like he… lost her."
"Mezool!" he cried out, walking as tears came down his eyes. Ankh and I took notice of sparks of energy on his chest before they disappeared.
"We need to follow him, something tells me there is something waiting to happen." Ankh ordered. We nodded as we followed Gamel.
We eventually followed him to the park and watched the Beast Greeed cry as he yelled out for Mezool. He knew she was gone, but he missed her so much.
"That guy sure has it in for Mezool," Yang commented as we watched the Beast Greeed walk towards a fountain.
However, we all say sparks of energy surround Gamel. "That can't be good…" I muttered. Gamel unleashed a roar as he morphed into his Greeed form, only this time he was covered in thick armor.
"Did Gamel get all of his Medals back!?" I asked as we now saw him in a complete set of armor. This got us very worried and in a state of panic as we saw the Beast Greeed in his full form.
"No, he hasn't," Ankh answered. He could sense the Core Medals inside Gamel. "He's holding Medals beside his own. He's unstable right now."
"Holding other Medals?" Weiss repeated. "Whose Medals would he hold?"
"Whose do you think?" Ankh huffed.
The girls and I looked at each other until it clicked, "He's holding onto Mezool's Medals!" Ruby realized. "Wait, how did he get them if she has her own Cores?"
"Kazari," Ankh responded. "Knowing that scheming punk, he must have stole them… right out of Mezool."
"But why? What purpose would that serve?" Weiss asked.
"I think we're about to find out..." I said as I saw Gamel struggle with himself.
Ruby couldn't help but feel pity for the suffering Greeed, "He looks hurt, scared and confused..."
"Ruby?" I asked and all of a sudden she zoomed towards Gamel. "Ruby, wait!"
"Mezool..." Gamel looked at the fountain and for a moment he thought he saw Mezool's face in the water. "Mezool!" He splashed the fountain and her image vanished. "Mezool...I miss you...Mezool..."
"Hey...big guy..." Ruby said softly and Gamel turned towards her.
"You!" Gamel raised his fists.
"Wait! You miss Mezool, don't you?" Ruby asked and Gamel slowly lowered his arms and began to wipe his eyes.
"Mezool is gone...OOO killed her..."
He fell to his knees and turned back into his human form as he wiped his tears. Ruby knelt down and gently patted his head.
"Look, it's OK. It's OK." Ruby reached into her pocket and pulled out a plastic bag filled with cookies. "Here, you can have these if you want."
Gamel looked at Ruby who had a kind smile then at the cookies before he slowly reached for the bag. However, arcs of energy spread around his body, causing him to feel pain.
"Are you OK?" she asked.
"Grh…" he cringed before it took effect as Cell Medals surrounded his body once more, "GRAHHHHHH!"
The amount of energy he was emitting pushed Ruby back, causing her to land next to us with Yang running up to her.
"Ruby, what were you thinking?" Yang asked.
"I thought I could talk him down! Maybe convince him to not be evil anymore!" Ruby answered.
Ankh quickly looked where Gamel was, as if something caught his attention. "She's here."
We looked and saw none other than Mezool in her human form, limping as Cell Medals spilled from her body occasionally. Gamel turned his head and saw her. "Mezool!"
He walked towards her as she smiled, "Gamel, I finally found you." she said. "You saved them, didn't you? My Cores."
Gamel nodded as he got closer to her. "Mezool, I thought you died!" He fell on his knees with Mezool walking up to him. "Mezool! Mezool!" sobbed Gamel as Mezool gently embraced him.
"It's alright, Gamel. Just give yourself to me," she asked.
He didn't deny her as his body broke down into Medals that were absorbed into her body. Along with his Core Medals, she felt her own Cores return to her, restoring her complete self.
"We'll be together, forever..."
We watched as arcs of energy surrounded her as she too felt the pain. Blake took notice of something in the air, "Look!" she pointed at the direction.
To where she pointed, we saw large clusters of Cell Medals flying towards Mezool. "How are there Cell Medals!?" Weiss asked.
"Over there." Ankh informed.
The two White Fang soldiers had been watching as Gamel got into contact with Mezool.
"That's our cue."
The back of the van was open, revealing a huge pile of Cell Medals. As if attracted by a powerful magnet, the Cell Medals flew towards Mezool.
We watched as Mezool screamed in pain as the Cell Medals drowned her before they began to take shape of a large form. Mezool's new monstrous form the body of an elephant with blue skin and light blue markings all over its body and sharp spikes along the spine. It had large and sharp tusks as well. Instead of legs, it had long octopus-like tentacles. Finally, the elephant's trunk ended with an eel-like head filled with sharp teeth.
The Mega Greeed let out a bellow, floating around the fountain before it landed on top of it. Once it floated again, we saw the damage it made; a very large crater where the fountain used to be.
"Oh my god…" I uttered before we looked at the giant Greeed as it took notice of us. That's not good. "Ankh, I need the Cores!"
With that said, he presented the King Combo. "This will be a major payload for us." he smirked as he tossed them to me. I placed the King Combo into the Driver and scanned them. "Henshin!"
TAKA!
TORA!
BATTA!
TA-TO-BA! TATOBA! TA-TO-BA!
I got out the Medajalibur before looking at Team RWBY. "We need to keep it at bay in this area. If it roams more, it will devour the city."
Ruby nodded and turned to Weiss, "Weiss, can you set up an ice barrier big enough to contain that thing?"
She pondered for a moment before a grin appeared on her lips. "With pleasure." she answered as she used her Semblance, creating a large glyph that was on top of the area before a large ice-like dome was now covering the area. Weiss took a deep breath knowing that it used up most of her energy.
"Alright, now let's stop this thing!" Ruby said before we charged towards the Mega Greeed.
I brandished Medajalibur as we dodged its tentacles left and right before I used Batta Legs to jump onto the Mega Greeed's body and strike it. However, every time I delivered an attack, it didn't make much damage nor spill any Cell Medals. It used one of its tentacles to grab hold of me before throwing me to the ground. It was painful from how much force it used to throw me to the ground.
Ruby and Yang shot rounds onto it as it barely managed to pierce its hide but not much Cell Medals spilled from its body. When the Mega Greeed looked at the two sisters, it attempted to gobble them up but instead they dodged it quickly but the Mega Greeed used its tentacle to smack them away like rag dolls.
"Ruby! Yang!" I exclaimed. Weiss, Blake, and I looked at the Mega Greeed before it did the same attack to us, sending us flying until we landed next to Yang and Ruby. We didn't want to give up against the beast knowing that it it breaks through the dome, then the whole city will be devoured. "We have to keep trying! I know we can do this!"
The girls nodded as we continued our assault against the Mega Greeed. As we continued our attacks, we were struggling against the Mega Greeed. It's skin was just too thick to cut through and we don't have the SaGoZo Combo to get through its skin. Team RWBY were having a hard time as well as we were feeling the onset of exhaustion.
"It's too strong! How can we stop it!?" Ruby exclaimed.
I had to think, I had to do something. If I don't then lives will be lost, just like the incident at the first semester. No, I can't let that happen again. I am not gonna give up! Then it hit me. The Cores we recently got! A crocodile has a strong biting force and if that Core and the other two can change the tides, then it just might work. "Ankh! I need Kobura, Kame, and Wani! Just hand them to me, hurry!"
Ankh looked at me for a moment before he presented them. "Catch!" he informed before throwing them to me. I caught them before I switched the Cores and scanned them once more.
KOBURA!
KAME!
WANI!
BURAKA~WANI!
The Medals danced around me before the three orange ones appeared in a vertical line before combining into one and fusing with my chest. My armor instantly changed with a new appearance.
My head had orange armor markings along the side and on my face which resembled a beard and sideburns. Wrapped around the top of my head was a turban-like headdress which looked like a snake's body coiled around my head with a snake's tail coming out where a ponytail would. On top of my helmet was a dome-like area which resembled a cobra's hood. Just below the hood on my helmet was a purple gemstone which matched the eyepieces to my helmet.
My shoulders were covered with thick, slightly curved armor which was split into hexagonal sections. Orange lines running down my arms connected with my forearms which was completely shielded by large portions of armor which looked like a tortoise shell split in half, completed by orange squares on the back of my hands.
My legs had deep orange armor on my thighs that was ridged with black lines on my inner thighs, making them look like necks of a crocodile. The armor on my shins which went from knee to ankle and looked like half of a crocodile head with sawblade-like teeth running along my calves. With the Driver announced its name, this was BuraKaWani.
This power… it felt like my body was healing instantly and behind the lenses, I can see the heat everyone was emitting, like that of a snake. My legs… man how can I describe it? It felt like it has the urge to kick and tear things apart. So this is what its power can do. Now… time to test it.
"Hey sea-freak!" I shouted.
This caught its attention as it looked at me, snarling. "Come at me!"
I lunged its head at me before I heard the sound of a sea turtle. Testing it, I brought my arms up as the armor plates combined, forming a shield as the Greeed's head came in contact, causing it to reel back in pain. Damn, Kame Shield is very tough. With the sounds of a Crocodile, I delivered a kick to its head as the image of a crocodile appear as it actually pierced the Mega Greeed's skin, spilling a load of Cell Medals.
I ran to Ruby and the others as I knelt down. "You guys, I think I know what this can do." I stated as I placed my hand on Ruby's shoulder.
Ruby felt her exhaustion and her pain going away as she looks at me. "The combo heals us!"
I placed my hands on Yang and Weiss, as they too began to feel their exhaustion and pain being lifted. I then placed my hand on Blake's shoulder. "Like I said Blake, I will always be there to help my friends." I smiled behind my helmet as her body was healing.
They stood up and joined my side as we looked at the Mega Greeed, ready to fight it once more. "Ready, Team RWBY!"
"Let's show this monster what we can do as a team!" Ruby declared as we charged towards the Mega Greeed.
It bellow before it used one of its tentacles to hit us. "Get behind me!" I shouted to the four. They nodded as they took cover behind me before I used the Kame Shield to block the attack, releasing orange energy. Now Team RWBY took this chance as they fired their rounds that were filled with both Dust and Core Energy, causing the tentacle to spill a lot of Cell Medals before falling off, making the Mega Greeed to roar in pain.
"If we shoot off the tentacles, we can at least cripple its long-range strikes!" I informed the four as we continued our very best to fight the Mega Greeed.
Kougami was on a video chat with Ozpin, presenting the live footage of Team RWBY and OOO fighting the Mega Greeed. "It seems like this is the birth of a new power for OOO!" Kougami announced. "Team RWBY is doing wonderful work!"
Ozpin watched carefully and saw that Kougami was right. The teamwork between the five was certainly well done. Enrique was using the new Combo's power as both offense with his kicks and helmet's ability as well as support, providing Team RWBY with defense as well as healing. Seeing how much determination the huntsman-in-training has to protect his friends and the lives of others… He was on his way to be something great.
Or something dangerous.
Only time would tell.
We continued our fight against the giant Greeed as it delivered another attack on us, sending us back a bit. I ran to Weiss as I used the Combo's ability to heal her. "Thanks, Enrique." Weiss thanked. I nodded as she charged forward with both her and Ruby jumped and delivered a slash on its tentacle, amputating it. "That's three down!" Yang informed as she avoid its teeth. She then took notice of something. "Enrique! Look out!"
I looked and saw the Mega Greed's tentacles were going after me, prompting me to avoid them or use the Kame Shield. Hearing the sounds of a Cobra, I grabbed a flute-like object and placed it close to the mouthguard of his helmet as I began to play a tune, causing the 'ponytail' on the back of my helmet to grow into a large cobra. It rose into the air with a mighty hiss.
"Now it's not the time to play music!" Weiss exclaimed, dodging an attack. The cobra continues to grow until I decided to change the tune the moment the Mega Yummy was gonna use its tentacles to attack me. Rather than sway about, it moved with purpose and struck like a Cobra would, at speeds not that many could follow.
It was striking each tentacle that tried to strike me before the cobra head caught one and bit through it, amputating yet another tentacle.
We were giving it our all as we continued our fight against it before we finally cut off the last tentacle from its body. The Mega Greeed roared at us, enraged for amputating its limbs and it was now in a weak state. "It's time to finish this!" I declared before I grabbed the O-Scanner and scan the Medals.
SCANNING CHARGE!
Three floating orange rings appeared as OOO start running towards the Mega Greeed but before I can reach the first one, I leaned back and began sliding across the ground, feet first. Rather than stopping, I was moving like a snake. I passed through the first ring, then the second, and then the third, collecting power for the next strike as I went. I kicked off the ground and flew at the Mega Greeed for a kick just as another crocodile head appeared on both legs, much larger than before. It grew larger as I got close before my kick soon came in contact as I completely went through the Mega Greeed and landed on my feet but lost my balance while the Mega Greeed exploded as Cell Medals, Gamel's and Mezool's Medals rained down on us.
Ankh reached out with his Greeed arm shooting out to grab the Cores. However, two other individuals showed up and got their share as well. We saw both Kazari and Uva with their backs on us before turning around to look at us.
"This is enough for now." Uva said, looking at the Cores he has before he left.
Kazari hummed in amusement as he looked at his share before looking at us six. "Interesting, OOO." Kazari said. "Especially seeing that Combo you are in."
I panted under my helmet, glaring at the Feline Greeed.
"What are you up to!?" Yang demanded.
"None of your concern, hothead." he yawned, making Yang furious. "But you now know this, the White Fang are under mine and my other partner's command."
I took notice of Blake having a shocked look.
"I had my fun already, you can take the cell medals." He turned around as he waved off. "See you all later."
Yang looked like she wanted to tear Kazari a new one but Ruby stopped her. "Let it go, Yang." she pleaded. "I know you still want to go after him for what he did to us but you know how dangerous he is."
Yang looked at her little sister before she calmed herself down. "Alright.."
Ankh looked at his share and saw we got Gorilla and Unagi before absorbing them in his arm and began to collect the cell medals that were spread around the area. For me, I felt the effects of the new Full Combo hitting in as I fell on my knees until Ruby and Blake helped me up. "Thanks you guys." I weakly muttered.
"It's the least we can do for you helping us beat that Mega Greeed." Weiss said.
"Yeah and now two are gone which means that Uva and Kazari remain." Yang added. "Too bad they are now enemies to each other."
"It won't matter," Ankh huffed before he had a smirk. "Now we know what the new Combo can do; Healing, strike, and defend." He began to walk away before saying, "Let's go."
Ruby and Blake helped me walk but I looked at Ruby who seemed down. "Ruby, are you okay?" I asked. "Is it about Gamel?"
"Yeah… it's just that he seemed so lonely without Mezool." she answered. "And when I showed him kindness… he reacted."
"Reacted?" Blake asked.
The young scythe wielder nodded. "I think he is really not that evil. Mezool is the reason why he attacked us."
"He's gone now so no moping." Ankh said from the front.
Ruby looked down but I can understand what she was trying to do and she may have a point. Gamel is a child-minded Greeed and Ruby was nearly close to helping Gamel feel better. It makes me wonder, is Gamel a Greeed who can have a purpose, good or bad?
At least now, both him and Mezool are gone and we still have to deal with Kazari and Uva. Hopefully, we can get through the challenges that will approach us.
CURRENT MEDALS:
Taka (x1)
Lion (x1)
Tora (x2)
Cheetah (x1)
Kuwagata (x1)
Kamakiri (x1)
Batta (x1)
Kobura (x1)
Kame (x1)
Wani (x1)
Unagi (x1)
Gorilla (x1)
(NEXT TIME)
"Aah… it's good to be back in Vale." The man said as he hoisted up the milk tank he carries.
"Mr. Akira!" Ruby and Yang said, happy to see him. Wait, they know him!?
"Y-You're his brother…." I muttered in shock to what Felix said.
Next Time: Reunion, Familiarity, Siblings
A/N: That is it for this chapter and the introduction of the BuraKaWani. Plus, I hoped you enjoyed the preview of the next chapter for I will be bringing in a familiar character to the story. Don't forget to check out my other stories as well. See you all later!