A/N: What is up everyone! I am here with the 24th chapter of OOO and this is where the 'The Return' arc begins! 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., but no Birth [Maybe]).
I hope you all enjoy the start of The Return arc and with volume 4 coming out next month, I will be putting more time focusing on this story than the others but don't worry the other stories will be updated followed by this possibly every 3 days or so depending how I am. Also for my upcoming God Eater 2: Rage Burst story will be released soon as well, probably by the end of October or in the beginning of November.
The first half of this chapter will be one of those relaxation kind of scenes but the second half will be the battle against a Yummy. Which Yummy you ask? Well, you all have to find out.
Don't forget to check out my other stories as well.
Henshin!
Third Person View
'Thought'
Greeed/Yummies
Blake had been going over her thoughts for quite a while now. Ever since he told her and the rest of Team RWBY about his past, her feelings for Enrique started to grow more. She knew she had developed feelings for the young Multi-King at the docks at the end of the first semester before she realized it herself during the dance, and now it was more comforting than she ever felt in a long time.
He was different than most people due to his personality. Being kind, caring, understanding but a little naive at times. However it was what made him unique along with what he did. He could've easily become cruel and uncaring, lashing out at the world that had been cruel to him. Yet, he still maintained his kindness and selflessness. He would reach out his hand out to help people, no matter what.
He helped those around him and helped them see that they should cherish what they had instead of desiring for something more.
It was the one thing that made him unique. And it was the one thing that made her affections for him grow more and more with each passing day. But the one moment that changed her was when he went after her after her secret was revealed.
He didn't care, he didn't care about her past and what happened then, only caring about her now and that was what made her realize her feelings.
She had to tell him how she felt about him, but whenever she had the chance, she just ran away. She was afraid of possible rejection, even more now with how that Cinder girl was talking to him. The feelings of jealousy surfaced whenever she saw the other girl talk to him.
She decided to do one thing that might be her first step to get closer to him.
Blake Belladonna was going to ask him to go out on a date with her.
Remnants of Desires
Chapter 24: First Date, Spying, Bird Yummy
"You wanna ask Enrique out on a date!?" Yang cried out.
"Could you be any louder?" Blake deadpanned as she narrowed her eyes at her partner. They were alone in their dorm room. Weiss had taken Ruby out to give their leader a bit of tutoring. Being advanced two years ahead, the red-hooded girl needed to catch up with her peers. "I just need advice."
"Dating advice, huh? Sorry, but I never been on many dates," Yang said with a shrug.
"I find that hard to believe."
"Coz of my looks? Sorry, Blake, but my dad and Uncle Qrow usually scared them off and I once punched a guy down there." She answered. "That's why I don't know anything about dating. What about you?"
Hearing this made Blake quiet. "Well…" she muttered. "I used to be in a relationship…"
"You used to be in a relationship?" Yang asked, curious. The faunus nodded.
"There was someone before, but we didn't really part on good terms." She answered. She had left her old partner on their last job together. She just couldn't stay in the White Fang anymore with how he was leading it and the path it was going.
"From your days in the White Fang?" The ebony kunoichi slowly nodded. "So why are you so nervous about asking Enrique out when you used to be in a relationship?"
"I never really went out on a date from my previous relationship…" Blake admitted. They went out, but the missions she went out with her old partner didn't count as 'dates'.
A pregnant pause followed from her answer.
"Wait, seriously?" Yang asked incredulously.
"It's complicated, Yang…"
"Oh…" Yang 'ohed'. "Then how about you just ask him? There's nothing wrong with just asking him out, right? Besides this could be your chance to admit your feelings to him."
"I-It's just that…" Blake tried to find the right answer. "I'm nervous about asking him out. What if he declines…?"
"Come on, Blake." Yang grinned, putting an arm over her shoulder. "You do realize that Enrique is into you. He's just a little oblivious is all, plus he never experienced something like this. Remember?"
Yang proved a point since Enrique grew up without a family for the past 5 years, so he never experienced what love was like after that trauma that befell him. "Just ask him and I'm sure he will accept it," the blonde brawler assured.
Blake looked at her partner for a moment before giving her a small smile. "Thanks, Yang."
"What are partners for, Blake?" the blonde brawler smiled. "Though you should ask him now before Cinder has the chance. It's not everyday you see a guy like him here at Beacon."
Blake glared at her partner upon hearing the last part. Before Yang knew it, Blake left the dorm room while the busty blonde grinned and got out her Scroll.
"Ruby, Weiss, come back to the dorm. There's something I need to tell you."
Oh how much fun she was gonna have once Blake came back to the dorm.
It had been a couple of days since I woke up from my exhaustion of using the TaJaDol Combo. Not to mention, Ankh was still wondering why he hadn't regained his real body after taking the Core Medals. For some reason, I felt like there was something to it, but I couldn't remember. I mean, sure, I had seen the series but that was nearly 2 and a half years ago. I know there was a reason to why Ankh didn't get his body, but what was it?
Why were their gaps in my memories?
Right now, I was heading back to my dorm since Akira was at the Kougami Foundation, getting the weekly maintenance for the Birth System while Ankh went to visit the Sara girl. It made me happy to see him talk to someone, being nice to someone for once. Although, he was still pretty much a jerk to us. Remembering how he was in the past, maybe Sara would be able to help Ankh reawaken the kindness he used to show back then.
"Enrique," a familiar voice called out.
I stopped before seeing Blake walking up to me. "Oh hey, Blake." I smiled. "What's up?"
"There's something I wanted to ask you…" she responded.
Hearing this made me blink, wondering what was wrong.
"What's wrong, Blake?" I asked her.
I took notice of her blushing as she looked at me. "E-Enrique…. I-I was wondering…."
"Wondering what?"
Her blush intensified before she said, "I-I was wondering if... you wanted to...go out with me…. on a date…"
Wait, did I just hear that right?
"Y-You're asking me out on a date?" I stuttered, even feeling a blush rising up. I mean no girl had ever asked me out on a date before, and now Blake was asking me out. This took me by total surprise.
She nodded shyly.
"W-Well…" I rubbed the back of my head, trying to come up with a good answer. Man, I was really nervous, I never expected for Blake to ask me out on a date. I was trying to ease the nervousness that I was already before before I looked at her. Not to mention, the voice back of my mind was telling me one thing.
Say yes, damn it! Go out with her! Don't you dare chicken out!
For some reason, my inner voice sounded like Ankh's. Weird.
I looked at Blake who was waiting for my answer. "S-Sure… I-I don't mind going out with you…" I accepted with a nod. I was stuttering like an idiot! Okay, I gotta calm down. "So… how about we go out at 5pm…?" I suggested, trying to ease the tension.
Her expression changed to a small smile, "Sure."
"A-Alright, see you then," I said before Blake walked away leaving me where I was.
I… I can't believe she agreed to it and this was gonna be my first date too!
Once I was out of eyesight, I leapt into the air and cheered. However my cheering stopped when a thought came to my mind, realizing something.
'What am I gonna wear on our date!?' I realized in thought.
He accepted her request. She felt happy inside, but nervous since this was gonna be her first date with the young Multi-King. She never went out on an actual date since her previous relationship was… one-sided. But she rather not remember her previous relationship, right now she wanted to focus on her upcoming date with Enrique.
When Blake made it back to the dorm, she saw her teammates who were looking at her as if they were waiting for her to tell them something. Yang had a sly grin adorning her lips, Weiss had her arms crossed, and Ruby was twiddling her fingers.
"Did something happen…?" Blake asked, wondering why the three were looking at her like that.
"Yang told us," Weiss replied. "Why didn't you tell Ruby and me that you were going to ask Enrique out on a date?"
"I-I only asked Yang since I thought she knew a few things about dating," Blake answered.
"Well… If you are gonna go out with him then I suggest we help you find the appropriate attire," the heiress declared.
Just from hearing that, the ebony kunoichi didn't like where this was going.
"Alright girls, let's help Blake find the perfect outfit to wear for her date!" Yang announced to Ruby and Weiss, a grin plastered on her face.
Yep, she was not gonna like where this was heading.
They were going shopping!
Meanwhile in the dorm that Cinder, Emerald, Mercury occupied, they were all on their respective beds while Mercury had his hands behind his head as he decided to speak up.
"So the OOO guy is going on a date with the ex-Fang girl," Mercury commented. He heard the conversation when he was heading back to the dorm, and thought it was necessary to inform Cinder.
Upon hearing this, Cinder stopped typing on the special Scroll before her eyes narrowed. She turned her head to Emerald who took notice.
"Emerald, I want you to follow them but don't get caught," Cinder ordered. Seeing as how the kunoichi was getting closer to the young Multi-King, she knew that it would cause the young man to have another purpose. She could not have that.
Emerald nodded. She wouldn't question Cinder. It was always best just to obey.
"Why do you want that guy on our side anyway?" Mercury asked, confused. "Don't we have that cat man, Kazari helping us?"
Cinder turned to him, the brawler flinching upon seeing her eyes glowing. "The person of interest is unique." She answered. "The Greeed may be powerful but something about the young man has piqued my interest along with his power." She went through her scroll for more information. "He has no Semblance but his skills have been improving due to the Bird Greeed… even more his name."
"You mean the 'OOO' title thing?" Mercury asked. "What's so special about that odd title?"
"Not the title…. his name." She grinned. "His name has no meaning due to the history of the four kingdoms."
"Could just be a odd name his family gave him?" Emerald shrugged.
"There aren't any records of him either," she added.
"Then what is it?"
She pondered more upon the student. He has no known records, only the fact that he showed up out of the blue. 'Who are you really…?'
I took a deep breath as I looked at the attire that I chose to wear for the date. I was now wearing a short sleeve white-collared shirt that was left unbuttoned, revealing a black shirt underneath it. I was also wearing dark blue pants along and gray shoes with black laces.
Seeing as I was properly dressed, I had to think over to where I should take her. From what I could tell, she liked reading books and enjoyed fish a lot (she was a cat Faunus after all). I could imagine how many plates she would eat if we went to a seafood restaurant.
A bookstore also sounded good but it won't be a good place to go to for a date.
"Where should I take her…" I muttered, trying to think of a good place. Wait, I wonder if they have sushi in this world. Maybe that could be a place I could take her to. After all, she did like seafood and it be pretty nostalgic for me since I often ate sushi back in my home world. I turned on my Scroll and began to search for any sushi restaurants in Vale. I smiled as I found one that specialized in it.
After I finally found a place to take her to, I got up from bed, getting myself ready to leave my dorm. Although, I was nervous since this was going to be my very first date ever.
"The first date…" I muttered as I looked at my dog tags. I put them in my pocket along with my Scroll before heading out of the dorm room. I closed the door behind me and approached Team RWBY's dorm. I was about to knock when the door opened, revealing Blake.
Instead of her usual attire, she was now wearing a chinese styled black shirt with a white skirt and black heeled shoes while leaving her bow on. Overall she looked very cute.
"Enrique?" she asked, getting me out of my stupor.
"You look cute," I admitted, feeling a blush coming up.
Blake blushed in return, "Thank you, you don't look too bad yourself."
"How about we both grab a bite to eat? I found this new seafood place that just opened up."
I think I saw Blake's bow twitch. Her ears did that and they were so cute.
"Ready to go…?" I offered my hand to her.
She nodded before getting hold of my hand, a blush appearing on her cheeks along with my own. We made our way out of the hall before we heard Yang shouting out, "Have fun you lovebirds!"
Hearing that made the both of us blush. Why did Yang have to say that out loud?
Yang watched the two depart and once the pair was out of sight, she let out a sigh. She could tell that they were nervous. For Enrique and Blake, this was their first date and they didn't have any dating experience to fall back on.
The blonde looked back at Enrique and Blake who were at a distance.
"Alright, Ruby, Weiss, we are gonna follow those two!" she declared with a cheeky grin.
"What?" Ruby blinked.
"Why are we following Blake and Enrique?" Weiss questioned.
"So we can make sure their date goes well," Yang replied. "Besides you saw how those two are. We just have to make sure it ends well with a good night."
"So we are basically gonna spy on them?" The heiress raised an eyebrow.
"Come on, wouldn't you want to see how their date goes?" Ruby asked the heiress.
"No," she crossed her arms. "Besides, it is something for the two to do together. I think we shouldn't meddle with their date or spy on them."
"We aren't gonna interrupt their date, we are just gonna… spectate if you will." Yang assured with a grin.
Weiss looked at Yang for a moment before she sighed in defeat. "Fine…" she answered.
After making it to Vale, we were walking around as I tried to find a place for us to go to before dinner.
"So, movie?" I asked.
"You didn't plan much, did you?" Blake asked.
"I'm that obvious, huh? I was just hoping to wing it, you know. The usual stuff seen on TV and movies," I admitted, nervously. "A-And this is my first date too…"
"Oh…"
Now we were both walking in awkward silence. I took notice of what looks to be a restaurant with sushi. It was the one I found on my Scroll. I guess they really do have sushi.
"How about we go there?" I suggested, pointing at said place.
She looked to where I was pointing at, her bow twitching. Seriously, I have to admit that is was cute.
"Sure ," she smiled.
We made our way to the restaurant and entered the building and saw what it looked like. It looked traditional, bringing in the peaceful vibe as we saw some people eating their respective meals. It really was nostalgic since I've seen restaurants like this back home.
I knew Japan didn't exist in Remnant, but there was obviously some similar culture here in Remnant. I mean, Blake reads about ninjas and Ren looked oriental. So there was probably an equivalent to Chinese and Japanese culture here.
"Ah, welcome," the greeter smiled. "How may I help the nice couple?"
I blushed from hearing what the greeter said. "A-A table for two, please." I said.
"Certainly, if you two please follow me to your table." She gestured the both of us to follow in which we complied. We eventually made it to our table as the greeter allowed us to take our seats. "Your server will be with you shortly. But first, would either of you like a beverage?"
"Tea please," I answered
"Same here." Blake added.
The greeted nodded with a smile before walking away to get someone to bring us our drinks while we looked at the menu, wondering what to order. Some of the food that was listed was similar to the ones back home. Then again, Earth and Remnant were similar in certain aspects.
Heck, they even had a Big Belly Burger restaurant here.
"So… Blake, what do you think of the academy…?" I asked, trying to initiate a conversation with her.
"It's nice… except those that are mistreating the Faunus like Velvet…" she answered. Oh man, that was a bad start for me. Okay, gotta think…
"Blake, what's your favorite thing about reading books?" I asked, curious.
She stopped looking at the menu before looking at me as I notice a small smile adorned on her lips. A server came with our drinks. She took our orders before she left us so we could continue our conversation.
"It's the meaning behind the stories," she answered.
I smiled. "Reading a book does inspire some people," I mused. "I mean, when you read, it feels like you are seeing the events with your own eyes. Imagining that you are seeing it in person." I smiled, "More importantly you feel like you can understand the main character of the story."
"I do immerse myself in them quite a bit," she admitted. Ninjas of Love was her favorite. Though lately the male figure in her fantasies had recently been replaced by Enrique. She just hoped he never found out.
"I like to read a bit too. History, mostly." I took a sip of my tea. "It's good to learn about the days in the past, especially the place you are from…" I trailed off upon those words, memories of home coming back. After so long, I just realized that I haven't mentioned home at all. To be honest… it was starting to feel like that Earth was no longer my home… Being here in Remnant, I made a lot of friends that I was slowly forgetting my home world.
"Where did you come from anyways?" Bake asked, "You haven't mentioned your home once."
Hearing this made me look at her, knowing that I never told anyone much about where I was from.
"Did something happen?" she asked
"It's not that…" I took a deep breath.
"You're feeling homesick," she concluded.
"Sometimes I miss home but it's not only that, Blake…" I pulled out the items I kept with me and handed it to her. The items I gave her was old photos of places I have been to back at my world. Blake looked at each photo, looking confused to the different backgrounds in the photos. "I miss my family too…" I looked out the window. "Even after the accident, I could never forget what happened… I miss them every day…. And everytime it rains, I am left with nightmares of that dreadful day…"
"Enrique, these places you have been to… I never seen places like this," She looked at the photos.
"That's because there isn't a place like those here in Remnant…" I lowered my head, making Blake raise her head.
"What do you mean by that…?"
I took a deep breath as I mustered the courage and turned to look at her, "That's because… there isn't, it's not from this world… I'm not from Remnant either…" I admitted.
I then began to tell her about Earth and the country I was born in, the United States of America. The kunoichi was quiet the whole time I talked to her as I even told her some of the history of my home as well as how I ended up here in Remnant. After I finished my story, I finally took a breath and pointed at the photos. "And that is how I ended up here before I met you and the others..."
She stared at me, making me let out a sigh, lowering my head. "You think I'm crazy don't you?"
Her answer to my surprise was her shaking her head. "I believe you," she answered.
"You do?"
The cat Faunus nodded, "It's your eyes. There's no deception in them. You are telling the truth."
Hearing this left me rather happy to hear that she believes me but also surprised about upon her answer.
"Who else knows about your origins…?" she asked.
"Ruby, Ozpin, Goodwitch, and Ankh," I answered. "And now you know."
She smiled softly at me, "Enrique… I'm so touched to hear you tell me your secret…. It means a lot to me… Even after telling you mine awhile ago…" Blake said, holding her hand against her heart.
"You wanted to know so I have to be honest with myself and tell the truth sooner or later," I responded.
"Thank you, Enrique."
I smiled before we noticed our meals now on the table.
"Here are your orders. Please enjoy," the waitress smiled before walking away.
"Let's eat," I smiled.
From the other side of the restaurant, Yang, Ruby, and Weiss were spying on the two, making sure the date went well as the three were wearing different choices of clothes, disguising themselves so that Enrique and Blake wouldn't recognize them.
"Looks like everything's going well so far for those two," Yang smiled.
"Think they'll kiss?" Ruby giggled.
"Who knows?" Yang smirked. "Hopefully we will get to see it happen."
"Can't we go now? It's obvious they're fine. We don't need to spy on them." Weiss crossed her arms.
"Not until we make sure their date ends well," Yang argued.
Weiss turned to Yang, "Aren't you being a bit overprotective of them? Or just jealous that's not you in there with him?" she smirked.
Yang huffed as she lowered the menu the three were reading. "I'm not. Haven't you two seen how they look at each other? Besides the whole school knows about it remember?"
"Only cause you told everyone…." Ruby muttered. "But you do have a point."
"Ahem…. Are you going to order or what?" the waiter asked them impatiently.
"Oh, right." Yang realized. She looked at the prices of the items and sweatdropped. "Hey, Weiss, do you mind...?"
After a while, I paid for our meal before both of us left the restaurant together to explore Vale. The both of us were walking in the streets of Vale, enjoying our time hanging out together. It felt… nice to be honest. I enjoyed our dinner and it felt nice to just walk with her, but I had noticed something since our date started. I felt like someone was following us, watching us. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't being paranoid, but I was really sure as a shiver ran down my spine as a nagging feeling told me someone was spying on us.
I choose to ignore it since I was having fun hanging out with Blake.
"Where… to now?" Blake asked me.
"Hmm…" I pondered for a moment as I looked around until an idea came up. "Come on, I know a place you might like." I unknowingly held her hand and pulled her along with me.
After a short walk, I lead her to a place I often used to relax since it reminded me of home. The both of us went to a hill as I looked at Blake.
"This is one of the few places that reminds me of home." I gestured her to look behind me, now seeing the city lighting the night as she saw the entire city from the hill. The cool breeze brushing past us as I sat down, seeing the city as I took notice of Blake mesmerized by the sight. "Cool huh?"
"This is… amazing!" She smiled, turning to me, "How did you find this place?"
"I came across the hill when I was exploring the town," I explained. "When I wanted to relax, I found this place and when the lights came up in the city at night… It was one of the things that reminds me of how I used to see my hometown at night." I patted the ground, gesturing her to sit so she could view the city with me.
She nodded, sitting down next to me, looking around at the view. "This is a nice view Enrique… I'm honored you showed me."
I glanced at the Faunus kunoichi and smiled. "If you ever want to relax and have some peace and quiet, you are always welcome to come here to the hill."
"I'd like that, Enrique…" She smiled, leaning on my shoulder. "But… only if you join me too…"
I looked at her, seeing her kind smile in which I nodded, "Sure thing, Blake."
Blake and I made our way back to the dorms as I escorted her there. When we made it to her dorm, I looked at her.
"It was fun going out with you, Blake," I admitted with a smile.
"Yeah…" She returned a smile of her own. "I had a nice time…"
I looked at her as a blush rose up my cheeks upon staring at her eyes. Her eyes… it felt like I was getting drawn to them...
My dark brown eyes meeting her amber eyes… I didn't know why but a feeling in my heart and mind was racing more like before. Even more it was telling me one thing…
Kiss her...
I unconsciously got hold of her shoulders as the both of us moved closer. Blake was always… beautiful. We were close enough to feel each other's breath until I slowly closed the distance… and kissed her. It was a gentle, soft kiss as I felt my heart race uncontrollably to the point that it felt like it was about to burst.
It was that same feeling I had been experiencing whenever I was around Blake.
After a minute, I pulled away from the kiss as I became flustered to what I did.
"W-Well… I'll see you later…" I stuttered slightly. "L-Later, Blake."
I went to my dorm room and once I closed the door behind me, I slid down to the ground as I went over what I just did.
I actually kissed Blake… Why would I allow myself to do that?
"What is going on with me…?" I muttered to myself.
From the corner of the hallway, Yang and Ruby squealed in joy upon witnessing the kiss while Weiss was flustered.
"He kissed Blake!" Ruby cheered, only loud enough for Weiss and Yang to hear. "Does that mean they are together?"
"Not yet," Yang grinned. "That was just the second step."
"B-But still! I mean, I thought he was a little oblivious to that!" Weiss pointed out. She knew how their friend was. He may have a good heart to protect people and his friends but in that brain of his, he was a little oblivious to certain things. Even explaining it caused him to be flustered.
"Yeah, he is, but it does mean he will confess to Blake soon,"replied the blonde.
"And when will 'soon' be?" the heiress questioned the blonde.
Yang laughed nervously, "I actually never thought about that."
With Blake, she was still standing where she was before she slowly placed her hand close to her face, her fingers gently touching her lips.
"He…. kissed me…" She smiled brightly before she jumped upon her bed, hugging her pillow as her cat ears began to move happily.
She never expected for him to do that but she was happy he did.
She heard the door to the dorm open as she saw Yang, Weiss, and Ruby enter the room.
"Hey Blake, how did your date go?" the blonde asked.
"It…. was perfect…." she smiled, still hugging her pillow as it covered her blush.
"I knew it!" The blonde cheered. "Pay up, ice queen, I told you their date would go well."
Weiss rolled her eyes, paying the blonde her money.
"Wait, you betted against her?" Blake's brow raised.
"Only after they followed you two!" The trio turned to see a grinning Nora.
The aura changed as the three slowly looked back to see Blake, angered and embarrassed.
"They what?" She asked.
"They followed you two. You know, sneaking around, watching from afar, or in that restaurant!" Nora beamed, "After all, me and Jaune were doing the same thing!" she pulled the blond Hunter out from behind the doorframe.
"I-I told her we shouldn't have…" Jaune tried to defend himself.
Blake stared at the five before she said, "I'll give you a five-second head start to run." She warned. "One."
"Blake… come on! We just wanted to make sure nothing bad happened on your date!" Yang raised her arms in defense.
"It was suppose to be just me and Enrique," she frowned. "Two."
"We didn't mean to harm! We were just uh…" Ruby tried to think of something to say.
"Three."
Jaune, Ruby and Weiss bolted out of the door first.
"C-Come on Blake… you know we wouldn't have interrupted your date and that kiss!" Yang covered her mouth once she realized what came out.
Blake's frown grew as her bow twitched, showing her anger. "Four." She continued.
Yang and Nora both bolted as well, the JNPR member using her hammer to get as far away as she could. Yang turned to the now running Ruby, Weiss and Jaune.
"What do we do now?" Ruby frowned.
"I told you, this was a bad idea!" Weiss huffed.
Behind the fleeing group was Blake with her Gambol Shroud. "You all are gonna regret spying on me and Enrique!"
"We're sorry Blake!" Ruby apologized, blinking before smacking her head, using her semblance first to run away.
"Ruby! How could you!" Weiss cried out.
"Sorry!" Ruby responded from a far as the others were getting chased by an angered Blake.
"HAHAHAHAHA!" Ankh laughed to the point that he fell off his bunk. The reason for his laughter was when he found me both flustered and in thought the day after the date. I told him what happened and this was the result.
"I-It's not funny, Ankh!" I flustered.
"You're right. It's highlarious!" He laughed more.
It was really weird seeing Ankh laugh, but that probably proved that he had a much wider range of emotion than he showed.
I turned away. "Says the one who hangs out with Sara, acting all nice and all to her," I countered.
He quickly smacked the back of my head.
"What was that for!?" I yelped as I rubbed the back of my head.
"Shut up and run 20 laps right now," he ordered.
"Seriously?"
"Now!"
I groaned as I grabbed my black tracksuit before heading to the bathroom to change. I walked out wearing it before I left the dorm. As I was walking down the hallway, I realized I wasn't alone.
"Hello, Enrique…" I turned my head to see Cinder there in the hallway, leaning against the wall.
"Oh hey, Cinder," I greeted with a smile. "What brings you here?"
"Just wanted to have a talk. Mind if I join you?" She smiled.
"Uh… Sure," I shrugged. "Ankh wanted me to do 20 laps anyway…"
"Then give me a moment. I'll change and run with you." She smiled with a wink. She went off to her room and after awhile came back in running clothes. "Ready?"
"Yep," I nodded before the both of us went outside and began to take a jog around the school. "So how is it with your team?"
"About as useful as any other. But I'm happy to be with them." Cinder replied, "What about with you?"
"Well even though I'm a solo team, hanging out with Team RWBY and JNPR is nice." I answered. "They are good friends to be with."
"Thoughts about any girlfriend?" She asked with a soft smirk.
The question made me fluster a bit. "I…"
She then took my hand, making me stop before dragging me behind a corner, "Well then? Enrique?" she asked, a sly grin on her face, pushing me against the wall.
"C-Cinder, what are you doing?" I asked, now feeling a blush rising.
"You know Enrique…. I think I can help you out with that problem..." She smirked.
"Huh?" I blinked, tilting my head. "What do you mean by helping me with my problem?"
"Enrique! Enrique, are you here?" Blake's voice rang out.
Cinder scoffed, "Well, looks like our time is up. Think about it, Enrique…" She winked, heading off away from me.
I was confused to what she meant but I shook that thought away before I turned around to see Blake.
"Hey, Blake." I smiled. "What's up?"
"Have you seen Yang anywhere? Her punishment is due now…" She crossed her arms.
"Huh? What do you mean by that?"
She flustered, "Do you remember our date yesterday?"
"Yeah? And?" I asked.
"Yang, Ruby, Weiss, Nora, and Jaune spied on us during our date…"
I groaned softly, holding my head. "I figured someone was….." I sighed. "I think I saw her out near the gym…"
"Thanks." She smiled, pecking my cheek before running off towards the gym.
I blinked upon the contact, causing my face to heat up after realizing what Blake did. Just like at the dance…
"Man, isn't she fierce." Yang said, popping out of the bushes.
I turned around to see the busty blonde. Remembering what Blake told me, I showed a fake smile. "Hey Yang."
She noticed the smile, "Aw come on, not you too! We were just making sure nothing bad interrupted your date." She huffed.
"But still…" I reminded, crossing my arms. "Why did you have to spy on us?"
"We were just looking out for you two is all!" She replied.
I stared at her before I sighed. "Look I do understand but it was suppose to a date with no one to bother us…"
"Sorry…. But hey! Least you kissed the girl." Yang chuckled.
"Y-You saw that!?" I stammered.
"Uh…. I think I'mma go now…." Yang started to back up.
"Now hold on! Why did have to watch what I did!?" I demanded.
"Um… N-No reason….." She chuckled softly.
"There you are, Yang…." A familiar voice called out.
Yang turned pale, slowly turning to see Blake there. "U-Um… mercy?"
Blake got her ribbon of her weapon as she tossed it, wrapped around the blonde who tried to move but fell to the ground.
"Oh come on!" She whined.
"I already got Ruby, Weiss, Nora, and Jaune, Yang," the kunoichi informed as she grabbed Yang. "You are coming with me to the dorm with the other four. We are going to have a long talk about respecting people's privacy."
"C-Can't I be an exception? I mean… we're partners…." Yang pouted.
Blake pondered for a moment before she said, "No."
"Please Enrique! Convince her to let me go!" she pleaded to me.
"Uh… Well…" I rubbed my neck.
"Please!?" She pleaded, giving me a puppy dog look.
I looked at Blake then at Yang then back at her. "Come on, Blake. She didn't mean to spy on us. I mean… Sure it's something to be upset about but you shouldn't lash it out on them for doing that."
Blake turned to me, frowning, "You do know, that they told CFVY about this right?"
"Eh?"
"I-I… uh…. Don't know what you're talking about…" Yang looks away.
I looked down at Yang. "Who else did you tell?" I asked.
"Umm… n-no one…."
"Yang," Blake warned.
"M-Maybe… Sun and Neptune…" She muttered, "Or more…"
"..."
I stared at Yang for a moment before I said, "I pray for mercy for whatever Blake does to you," I said as I walked away, hiding the now embarrassed look on my face.
"Enrique! Please don't do this! I-I'll help you out with your training! Do your homework for a year! Be your maid!" Yang pleaded, trying to think of something that would work as Blake dragged her off to where the others are at.
I pray for whatever happened to them. Blake was really upset, so it was best to never anger her.
"Hmm… What should I do now?" I asked myself.
I then recalled the Vytal festival that was coming up and the tournament. Maybe some practice wouldn't hurt? Making my decision, I went back to my dorm to grab the Medajalibur and made my way to the training room to practice. I swore I heard yelps from Team RWBY'a dorm when I passed by but I chose to ignore it since Blake was the reason.
Making it to the training room, I got to the center of the arena before I slowly unsheathed my blade. Once out, I began to practice my strikes and swings.
You know.. It was funny. When I first came to Beacon, I barely knew anything about fighting and now with the second semester almost at an end, I had learned so much about fighting thanks to Ankh.
Learning from the 'First Huntsman', I learned quickly due to his teachings. I had to thank Ankh for teaching me.
"Ha!" I exclaimed as I delivered another strike to the air at a fast pace.
"Seems everything is going well, Enrique?" I turned to see Ozpin walking into the room.
I chuckled nervously as I sheathed the Medajalibur. "Yeah. Despite the Greeed… It's not so bad until reality can hit you."
"Indeed."
"Hey Professor." I raised my head.
"Hm?"
"Ever since that day when I arrived here, not just this world but this academy." I gestured to the surroundings. "I first thought I wouldn't be able to fit in knowing what happened to me in the past but… As days past, being with my friends… Even fighting to protect and reach my hand out… It's like… It feels like I found something that gives me a reason to protect those around me. Not as OOO, or as a Huntsman…. But as myself for who I really am."
"As time goes on, many thoughts and idea change as we continue and grow," Ozpin said, "At first, it was an idea to find a way back home, and now? You're finding that you want to stay and protect those who have helped change you."
I smiled sadly, "it's funny… Earth was my home, the place I was born..." I looked at the sword. "But here… in Remnant, it feels like it is home too… but also a place where I have friends, people I care about. Even meeting people I can relate to..."
"Then I suggest you start thinking clearly… you may never know when something you want can change," Ozpin noted before walking away.
"Something… I want…?" I repeated to myself. I was never asked that question for five years… Not after what happened to my family. I never even asked it to myself. I was selfless, I never cared about what happened to me. I cared about helping people. If they were okay then I was okay.
I… I never wanted anything….
Letting a sigh escape my lips, I placed my sheathed sword on my back before leaving the arena. Maybe I can find my reason… just what is my actual reason for fighting…?
Elsewhere in the city of Vale, Ruby was moping after what happened earlier. Blake punished not only her, but Weiss, Nora, and Jaune while Yang got the worse punishment. It came to show that you should never spy on Blake when she wanted to spend time with Enrique.
"She didn't have to punish all of us… It was Yang's idea…" Ruby frowned, rubbing the spot that Blake struck.
Deciding to relax, she reached in her cloak for her emergency cookies and pulled out the bag, opening the bag and began to devour its contents.
However as she ate, she didn't know that she was being watched from a tree as the dark figure was moving its arm around as if it was adjusting to its movement, red feathers blowing across the wind as the feathers followed.
But she did feel something, standing up and pulling out her scythe, gulping from this odd presence.
"H-Hello?" she called out. She heard a childish chuckle, making her look around more. "O-Okay, it's not funny. You're creeping me out," she warned.
Searching for the source, the wind brushed past her as red feathers landed on her hand. She blinked as she looked at it, even more they look mesmerizing.
"Ooooohhh…." she said in awe as she gently touched it, her fingers brushing across its texture. But as soon as one fell into her hand, a claw reached forward from behind as it held a Cell Medal close to her.
Ruby froze as a slot formed behind her head, fear overtaking her as she felt it, tears in her eyes as well. A childish giggle was heard from behind as the sound of a metallic clink could be heard as well, showing that whoever did it placed a Cell Medal inside her.
The young Huntress-in-training's eyes became clouded as she fell to her knees, a red void forming on her back as a Yummy that was her size crawled out, landing with a soft thud on the grass. It slowly got up as it looked back at Ruby.
"I will grant your desire…" the Yummy moaned before it vanished.
The figure turned to the unconscious Ruby, looking at her before it let out another childish giggle that echoes into her ears before the figure vanished, leaving behind a red feather.
With the Yummy it was walking around until it noticed its target.
A bakery.
"Gather… collect… savor…." It muttered before it made its way to the bakery to start its gathering.
In Beacon, Ankh was fiddling with the Core Medal until his senses kicked in… only the aura of the Yummy was familiar as if it came from… He darted his head to the window, seeing the city from a distance. It couldn't be. A Yummy with a familiar trait and type?
It was that to a bird.
He got up before he opened the window and left in search of the source of the Yummy.
I was in the cafeteria as I was eating lunch with the others but also Akira decided to join in and eat oden.
"Wait so your 'Birth' armor can be used by others?" Jaune asked.
"That's right," Akira nodded with a grin before taking a bite of his oden. "Though it takes guts to use it and fight."
"I've got guts and more!" Nora smirked, flexing her muscles.
Akira chuckled upon the answer as he presented the Birth Buster. "This here is the Birth Buster. And the recoil is a nasty one," he informed.
"Oh yeah, how bad can it be?" Nora beamed grabbing hold of it.
"Oi, oi! Don't pull the-" the orange spitfire pulled the trigger, only to be sent flying across the cafeteria. "...trigger."
She popped out of the mess of cans and food, grinning from ear to ear, "That. Was. AWESOME!" She beamed.
Ren and I facepalmed upon Nora's antic with the rifle until we were interrupted when the Gorilla Candroid popped out from Akira's pocket and began to move around, alarming him.
"Oh? Looks like a Yummy is around." He grinned before he soon ate the rest of the oden in one go and got up. "Come on, Enrique."
"What about Ankh?" I asked.
"I'm sure he'll catch up knowing that bird." He waved off before he carried the milk tank full of Cell Medals and the Birth Buster from Nora's hand.
"Aw! I wanted to shoot more…." she pouted.
"Nora, you're not playing with that gun again," Ren warned.
Akira and I left the cafeteria and headed to the bullhead in search for the Yummy. When we made it to the city, we looked around for the Yummy until we heard the sound of glass shattering. The both of us looked at one of the shops, only to see a Yummy which prompted us to put on our respected Drivers. However when we got a good look of the Yummy, it was carrying… bags of cookies?
"Huh?" I blinked, "Uh… is that Yummy carrying bags of cookies?"
"Never thought they would like actual sweets…." Akira noted.
It took notice of Akira's Birth Buster, causing it to look at us.
"Gather… collect… savor…" it groaned.
"Welp! Time to earn the Medals," he smirked, pulling the trigger, but as he did, the Yummy flew right by, leaving feathers behind him. It reminded me of something, but I couldn't figure out what. "Oi, that was mine!"
It looked at the weapon before placing it in the bag it carried on its back. "Gather…" Red energy bubbled from its body.
"That can't be good…" I hissed.
"Collect…." It began to screech like… a bird? Before we knew it, the wrappings on the yummy fell of its hide to reveal a black feathered humanoid with a crow motif to it. It had some armor on its arms with two wings on its back. Its head was also humanoid only the head of a crow acted as a headdress with the blue eyes granting its vision. "SAVOR!"
Wait… a bird-type Yummy!?
"Did it just collect my weapon?" Akira growled. He took out Cell Medal and placed it in his Driver before cranking the knob while I placed in the three Cores into the O-Driver and scanned the medals. "Henshin!"
TAKA!
TORA!
BATTA!
TA-TO-BA! TATOBA! TA-TO-BA!
Akira transformed into Kamen Rider Birth before he took some more Cell Medals to activate his other weapons while I was donned in the OOO armor.
CRANE ARM!
DRILL ARM!
"Wait, Akira! That is a Bird-Type Yummy!" I yelled.
"So?"
"So… each Yummy is created based on the Greeed." I explained as we ducked when it tried to strike us from the air. I looked around, and finally spotted Ankh who was staring at the Yummy but in his eyes was the look of surprise.
"Ankh! What's going on?" I asked, avoiding another attack while Birth charged in to get his weapon back. The Bird Greeed was silent as he stared at the Crow Yummy. "Ankh, why is that Yummy a bird-type!"
Hearing my voice again got him out of his stupor before looking at me then at the Yummy, continuing to ignore me. I swear, I knew I remember something like this but from where!?
"Look out!" I turned around, only for Akira to crash into me as the both of us fell to the ground. "Man that Yummy is a tough one…" Akira groaned before the both of us got up to see the Yummy escaping.
"It's getting away!"
"It has my gun!"
The two of us looked at each other then at the fleeing bird before we made haste and chased after it. However, the Yummy was going farther and farther to the point we couldn't catch up and the kaijin vanishing from our sights.
"Damn it…" I cursed before tilting the buckle back to its original position. Looking back at Ankh, I marched up to him. "Alright, what the hell is going on, Ankh?! Why is there a Bird Yummy around!"
The Bird Greeed huffed before looking at me. "How should I know?"
"How? It's a bird for Pete sake!" I waved my arms.
"So?" He asked. "It's a Yummy and a Yummy means more Medals. Besides that Yummy has the scent of that Ruby girl's desire.
"WHAT!?" Akira and I shouted.
Ruby slowly opened her eyes and yawned, feeling like she had a weird dream.
"What hit me…" she groaned before she looked around and noticed where she was at. She was in a warehouse but she was in a giant nest! "W-What's a nest doing here!?" She got out until her nose picked up the sweet scent of cookies. The scythe wielder turned around to see large amounts of cookies but there were also several weapons. Ones she hadn't seen before and a few she had seen from her friends.
Slowly reaching for a cookie, the creaking sound of window was heard, forcing Ruby to pull away upon seeing a Yummy but she was shocked to see that it was a Bird Type Yummy.
"Gather…" it presented a bag full of cookies and weapons for her. "Collect."
"Who….. are you?" Ruby asked, reaching for her weapon holster, only to find it empty.
It poured the cookies and weapons down in front of her. "Savor…" It continued.
Ruby looked all around more and saw that the warehouse was filled with the stuff… she likes. She slowly looked at the Yummy and realized what it was here for.
It was made from her desire.
"No…. NO! This is all wrong!" She stood up, stomping her feet to get the Yummy's attention. "Disappear! Shoo!"
It tilted its head before it approached her. "Must gather favorites…" it presented black feathers before placing them on her cloak. The scythe wielder looked at her cloak and noticed it had more feathers pinned to it. "To collect and savor your desire."
"But you are stealing! I don't want any of this!"
It got in front of her, pointing at her heart. "You do want this… You desire these…"
"Not anymore! I desire to be happy with my friends and see you Yummies and Greeed (except Ankh) disappear!" She glared, finding her Crescent Rose as she quickly grabbed it. Once unsheathed, she charged in, ready to slice its arm off.
She panted only to see that she couldn't, remembering that she needed a Cell Medal to use Core Energy and cut through it. It grabbed her weapon and tossed it with the other weapons.
"It is what you desire…Gather. Collect. Savor."
"Not anymore!" she growled, punching it, only to tend to her sore fist. "Just stop!"
It shook its head, denying her plea before it flew to the window and left, continuing with what she desires.
For Ruby… She hugged her legs as the sound of whimpering was heard from it. She never thought that what happened to Nora, Weiss, and Jaune would happen to her.
"Yang…. Enrique…. Someone… help me…" she pleaded.
The three of us made it back to Beacon but with the current tension right now, it was ominously silent for us. When we made it to Beacon, the others were wondering what happened and were shocked to learn that a Bird type Yummy was around and it came from Ruby's desire.
But Yang… she was nothappy. She was pissed.
How do I know?
*WHAM!*
I winced as I saw Yang punch Ankh, sending him flying to a tree until he got up and scoffed before he perched himself on the branch above.
"You better have some explanation before I rip your feathers out of your skull!" Yang growled, her eyes already turned red as her hair boils with flames.
"Should I?" he huffed, looking at his Greeed arm. "It isn't my fault for someone like her to have a desire."
Her hair flared, her eyes burning with anger until I got in front of her.
"Yang, calm down!" I shouted. "Ankh wouldn't make a Yummy after so long!"
She turned to me, "And how would you know huh?! He is the only Bird Greeed! There's no one else who would do this!" she shouted.
"You all remember what he said? He wouldn't waste a single Cell Medal from his own arm!" I pointed out. "Why would he make a Yummy when he told all of us he wouldn't waste a Medal since it only wastes his power."
She poked my chest, pushing me back from her, "Then explain to me why there is a Bird Yummy, running around with Ruby's desire?!"
"I…" I tried to find a good answer. "Look, I know Ankh. He has been with us these past two semesters. I know he can be a jerk but he would never do something like this, Yang."
She growled before striking the wall nearby, shattering it before turning to me, "You better find Ruby… And if she is hurt or worst… I will personally introduce you to the ground… And believe me…" she cracked her knuckles, "It will be intimate."
She turned away until I got hold of her shoulder. "Yang wait! This isn't my fau-" before I can finish, she punched me in the chest. She sent me sliding across the ground, causing me to cough upon the amount of force she put in the punch.
"SAVE IT!" she shouted, walking away from us.
I tried to reach out to explain to her but she was gone from my sights before I lowered my head.
"It… It wasn't my fault…" I muttered. Memories of what happened to my family came back in my head… The familiar feeling of the guilt and the blame I put on myself in the past …
I raised my head to the branch Ankh was perched at. "You have to know something Ankh! Why is there a Bird Yummy around!?"
"I don't know," he answered.
"Don't know? DON'T KNOW!?" I growled. "It was made from Ruby's desire! She is going to get hurt for Pete's sake!"
Ankh jumped down from the branch and pointed at me. "It's the consequence to having desires, Enrique. They have to live with it."
I tackled him to the ground as I held his collar. "I have to find her, Ankh! I can't risk losing someone again!"
"Then go find her instead of shouting like an idiot." He scoffed, tossing me back.
I stared at him before I began to make my way back to the bullhead. "One moment," I turned around, only for Ankh to toss me the the Core Medals for TaJaDol Combo, surprisingly.
"Why do you want me to hold onto them?" I asked.
"Just go before I change my mind." He crossed his arms.
I slowly nodded before making my way to the bullhead.
Ankh watched his charge head to the city before he turned around to see Yang who was glaring at Ankh, making him assume she saw the argument between him and Enrique.
"Having the need to punch me again?" he huffed.
"Thinking about it…" She glared. "I swear…. If you are responsible, Akira and I will put you in the dirt…" He rolled his eyes before walking to another bullhead. "And where do you think, you're going?" she asked.
"To Vale," he answered. "I want to see something."
Yang frowned before she got in front of him. "I'm going with you."
"Why should I allow that?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Cause if you don't, then I'll break you again…" she glared at him. "Maybe even eat all of your ice cream too…"
The Bird Greeed scoffed, "Whatever. Do what you want." He walked around her and made it to the bullhead with Yang following.
When the two made it to town, Ankh looked around in search for something. "What are we even doing?" she asked.
"Wait for it."
She glared at him before the sound of glass shattering made her look forward and saw the Crow Yummy.
"Collect. Savor," it said to them, eyeing Yang's Gauntlets. However when it saw Ankh, it growled. "You… hand over the Red Cores."
Hearing this made Yang blink in surprise. Yummies, based on the type, would never demand the Cores from the source, and since the Yummy was a bird then it wouldn't demand Ankh for the Cores. Just what was going on?
She then turned to Ankh, with a confused yet concerned look, "Does that mean there's another Bird Greeed? Was there a secret one made that you didn't know about?" she asked him.
"How should I know?" he answered calmly but behind his eyes, he wanted to know what was going on. "And you thought I was the one responsible for using your sister as a Yummy host."
She lowered her head slightly, realizing she was wrong and blamed him for nothing. Even more punching Enrique for protecting Ankh.
She looked up, "Wanna take this thing out together and make sure whoever made it knows not to mess with us?"
"Won't be enough," he informed. "It has gathered enough desire that it is already stronger as it is."
"What do we do?" She asked as she got herself ready to fight the approaching Yummy.
"How about four against one?" A familiar voice asked. They turned around to see two familiar people, one that Yang was glad to see.
15 Minutes earlier…
I was driving around the city in search for Ruby but every lead I got about the Yummy, it was back to square one. Feeling upset, I stopped the RideVendor and slammed my hand against the handlebar.
"Damn it…" I cursed.
I had to find Ruby…
The sound of cawing made me lift my head to see a black feather in which I looked up in the air to see the Yummy flying away as it was carrying its latest steal.
I looked at the feather in my hand before I closed my hand and I revved the engine. I followed after the Yummy. I remember how the Bird Yummy's always brought what the host desired to an area, right where the host was.
If what I remember was correct, then Ruby must be where the Yummy was heading to. I drove faster, not willing to let it escape from my sights until it eventually lead me to a warehouse.
Turning off the engine, I got off the bike and took cover, spying the Yummy as it was heading to a window. Seeing it enter through the window, I got closer and hid behind the wall before peeking from the corner to watch.
What felt like minutes, it finally left through the window and flew back to the city. I looked at the doors and saw they were boarded off but I wasn't letting it get in my way as I unsheathed Medajalibur and struck the wooden planks and lock.
Building up some of my Aura, I kicked the doors open. I was greeted by a large stash of cookies and weapons, no doubt the Yummy brought them here.
And then I heard crying…
Rushing down the hall, I made my way deeper into the warehouse until I was greeted by a giant nest. It was fairly large, like the nest of a Nevermore. Inhaling the air and exhaling, I got hold of the branches before I climbed up but slipped a few times. Getting annoyed, I reached in my pocket but I didn't have the Batta Core Medal with me since Ankh had the other Cores.
"Damn it…" I cursed before I attempted to climb up the nest again but every attempt made me fall down.
I didn't want to give up…
'Promise you'll be there, big bro?' The memory of my little sister came back, causing me to grit my teeth.
I am not gonna repeat the same mistake… Not again. Mustering more strength, I climbed up more as I ignored the splinters I got from climbing or the tearing on my knees. After reaching the edge, I caught hold of it before I finally climbed over and rolled into the nest. There in front of me was a crying Ruby with her back facing me as she was hugging herself.
My eyes soften upon seeing her like this. The Yummy brought so much stuff that she liked, it made her realize that she was having too much and the Yummy must have told her about what she desired, making her cry. I slowly approached her but when my foot landed on a branch, she shivered.
"Please… I don't want it anymore…"
"Ruby, it's me." I called her.
She flinched, slowly looking up as she turns to me, tears run down her face as she jump at me, hugging my chest as she sobbed into it.
"I'm here Ruby, I'm here." I assured softly as I hugged her. "Everything is gonna be okay…"
"E-E-E-Enrique…" she tried to call my name out, but she was too scared to finish her sentence.
"Ruby, look at me." She slowly looked at me as I saw her eyes watery from the crying. "I won't let this happen to you again… I lost my sister already but I don't want to lose someone who reminds me too much of her. I am getting you out of here and we are gonna teach that Yummy who it's messing with." I presented her Crescent Rose. "You are a leader, Ruby Rose. Let's show that Yummy how the leader of Team RWBY fights."
She looked up at me, wiping her tears as she smiled, nodding as she took her weapon, getting it ready along with me.
"How are we gonna get out of this nest?" She asked.
I pondered for a moment until I remembered I also have the three red Cores. Wait… So that was why Ankh gave them to me… He knew that the Bird Yummies make large nest. Reaching in my pocket, I grabbed the O-Driver and placed it on my waist, the belt forming before I grabbed the three Red Cores.
"Enrique, you still aren't used to that Combo." Ruby got out, concerned.
"It will be alright Ruby. As long as you are okay then I'm okay." I assured before I placed in the red Cores and scanned them. "Henshin!"
TAKA!
KUJAKU!
CONDOL!
TA~JA~DOL!
The blazing aura surrounded me before I was donned in the TaJaDol combo.
I spread my arms out with wings forming on my back. I looked at Ruby before I picked her up in a bridal hold. "Hang on tight." I informed.
Ruby nodded, gripping around me as tight as she could, to make sure she didn't fall. I took to the air and flew through the window to head back to the city. Ruby slowly opened her eyes as she saw the view below us.
"I'm sorry…" Ruby looked at me, confused. "I… I'm sorry I couldn't be there to prevent whoever made you a Yummy host… if I had known sooner…"
"Truth be told… I didn't even see who planted it inside me…. All I could hear… was what sounded like a child laughing." she told me.
"A child laughing…?" I repeated. She nodded. Wait so whoever placed in the Cell Medal… I recalled the memories of myself when I was 17, watching the show as I recalled one Greeed taking the form of a child….
It can't be… could it?
Shaking my head, I looked at Ruby.
"Did you remember anything else?" I asked.
"There was that red feather that flew off in the wind." She pointed out, "Why?"
"I… I don't know…" I responded before I took notice of the area below, seeing Ankh and Yang going against the Crow Yummy. "Ready, Ruby?" I asked the young huntress.
"Ready!"
I smiled under my helmet before I landed on the rooftop. "How about we make this a four VS one fight?" I suggested to Ankh and Yang, the two looking up to see Ruby and I.
"RUBY!" Yang smiled, sighing in relief as the young huntress jumped into her arms, the two hugging quickly before she placed her sister down. As she did, Yang handed her sister some Cell Medals to help out as the scythe-wielder placed a Medal in the slot of her scythe. The Crow Yummy glared at us, still focused on Yang's gauntlets as it tossed its feathers at them, the feathers speeding through the air like daggers as the three dodged them in time, as they impale on the wall behind them.
I made the peacock tail feathers appear behind me as the Yummy produced its feathers before the both of us tossed our respective projectiles at each other. However, with the energy-shaped feathers, it was useless as the Yummy had the speed necessary to 'outgun' the energy I shot at it. When the feathers hit me, sparks casted off my armor as I stumbled a bit.
"Back off!" Yang glared, as she and Ruby sent rounds of Core Energized Bullets at the Crow Yummy as some Cell Medals flew off its body. Ankh quickly reached the Yummy as he slashed, punched and struck the Yummy, making more Cell Medals fall off before kicking it away.
"Gather… Collect… must savor…" It growled as it tossed more feathers at us causing us to take cover as it was tossing its feathers at an alarming rate.
"Great, how are we gonna get through that chicken's sharp feathers!?" Yang called out.
Ankh pondered before reaching in his jacket and pulled out the Medal Book, seeing the Core Medals inside. He looked at each Combo we currently had before grabbing Shachi, Unagi, and Tako.
"Oi, Enrique!" He tossed the Medals to me. Seeing the combo in my hands before replacing TaJaDol with ShaUTa. I began to feel more exhaustion from my body since I would be using two combos in a row but I chose to ignore it and scan the Medals.
SHACHI!
UNAGI!
TAKO!
SHA-SHA-SHAUTA! SHA-SHA-SHAUTA!
Now in the Marine Combo, I got up as I focused on the Combo's power, the feathers flying through me as they only phased through water. I charged through the barrage of feathers before using the Unagi Whips to lash out on it. Each hit was very effective as the next hit caused it to release its bag of stolen weapons and cookies before it decided to retreat.
"Oh no you don't!" I called out before using the whip to grab hold of its leg, delivering a shock to its body. Its body began twitching before sparks flew off of it's body, making more Medal drop before it send out a torrent of feathers, not caring where it went and who it struck.
"Incoming bogies!" Ruby pointed out, several feathers flying towards them.
I immediately focused on the power again but more exhaustion was overcoming my body, causing me to realize that I will pass out if I don't finish off the Yummy soon. Using some of the remaining breath in me, I quickly scanned the Medals in the Driver.
SCANNING CHARGE!
I used the other whip to grab hold of the Yummy before I took to the air as the Tako Legs formed. I pulled myself towards the yummy and delivered a drill attack to it, finally piercing through it as it exploded into Cell Medals.
I landed on my two feet and breathed heavily upon the usage of the two Combos before I fell to my knees as the armor dispelled to reveal myself.
"Woah there! Easy cowboy." Yang said, holding me as she helped me by, draping my arm around her neck. "No more Combos for the rest of the day, young man."
"R-Right…" I responded weakly before looking up at Ankh.I handed him back his Cores. "I understand why you… lent me the three Cores… you wanted me to use them… to save Ruby…"
Ankh, took the Cores, turning away as he began to walk towards the pile of Cell Medals, staying silent before stopping, "I am a teacher…. It… is my job to protect you all as well…"
"So you do care about us, bird brain." Yang teased.
He glared at us, "I am only doing this to make sure none of you screw up." He then turned away to pick up the Cell Medals that were on the ground.
Yang giggled, "He's worried." She said to us, rubbing Ruby's hair playfully. "Come on, let's head to the dorm." We nodded as Yang helped me walk as Ruby was ahead of the both of us. "Hey Enrique."
"Yeah?" I asked the blonde.
"Thank you for saving Ruby," She thanked.
"Didn't I tell you before? She's your little sister," I reminded. "I rather not see you suffer if anything were to happen to her."
"True." she smiled, looking to see Ruby ahead. "Heh, wonder if Blake will try to be your nurse for today?"
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" I blinked in confusion.
"Oh, you'll find out once we're back and she sees your state," she chuckled.
"Whatever…" I sighed weakly but I was still left with questions to what was going on. How is there a Bird Yummy here? I swear, I know I saw this before but I just can't remember it.
XXX
Up upon a tower, a figure was watching from above, seeing the city below, the curiosity in its mind to see such wonders. It kicked its legs in the air before letting out a childish giggle. As feathers flew in the wind, a glimpse could be seen from its arm. It was an arm that was identical to Ankh's, only this was a left arm.
"Where is it…?" the voice wondered before it vanished in a cloud of red feathers.
The four of us finally made it back to Beacon as the others were relieved to see Ruby okay but after what happened, she wasn't in the mood to stuff her face with cookies or geek out over weapons. To be honest… it got me concerned. Sure she likes weapons and cookies but right now, I wanted to do something to help her. But sadly… I couldn't right now since I had to recover from the use of two Combos, one being the TaJaDol and I still had to get use to its power. With Ankh, Yang and the others even Akira apologizing to Ankh for blaming him on making the Yummy from Ruby.
I sighed, relaxing on my bed as I decide to rest up for now, but as I rest, the door opens as Blake came in, a soft smile on her face as she walked over and sit on the edge of my bed.
"How you feeling, Enrique?" She asked me.
I chuckled softly, "I'm okay… I just need rest is all since using TaJaDol and another Full Combo took a lot out of me…"
"You really shouldn't use too many Full Combos one after another…." she cautioned with a worried frown.
"It was either do something or make Yang more worries about Ruby than she already is."
"I know…. but who knows what long term exposure could do…" Blake said to me, "I… don't want you to get hurt…."
"I'll be fine, Blake…" I assured. "If everyone is okay then I'm okay."
"But I won't be!" she shouted, surprising me from hearing her tone for once. "I know you care about everyone…. But if you got hurt or worse, I…. I don't know what I would do…"
I looked at Blake, surprised to hear something like that from her. "Blake…" My eyes soften upon her statement. Not one time, anyone had ever said something like that to me.
Not once.
"So please…. Don't ever think like that… You're important to everyone, to me Enrique…" Blake said softly, hugging me gently as she could.
I looked at Blake before I slowly wrapped my arms around her. "I… I promise I will stay alive…" I responded. A soft purr could be heard, as she crawled into the bed, resting with me as well. A blush on my face as I smile softly at her.
"B-Blake?" I stuttered slightly.
"I…. just want to.. rest here with you… Is… that a problem?" she asked.
"I-I..." I tried to find the right response before I gulped. "Well… a-alright... "
She smiled, holding me closer as the purring grew louder. I didn't know why I would accept it but the unknown feeling I have been having kept coming back when she was close. And now, my heart was beating fast…
What was this odd feeling?
CURRENT MEDALS:
Taka (x2)
Kujaku (x1)
Condor (x1)
Lion (x1)
Tora (x1)
Cheetah (x1)
Kuwagata (x1)
Kamakiri (x1)
Batta (x1)
Kobura (x1)
Kame (x1)
Wani (x1)
Shachi (x1)
Unagi (x1)
Tako (x1)
Gorilla (x1)
Zou (x2)
(NEXT TIME)
"You hold an interesting desire, General..." Uva presents a Medal. "Let's see how strong the Yummy will be, born from your desire for power, to be a stronger force."
We watched as cell medals were visible on its chest, a green glow surrounding its body. "What in the world is going on with the Yummy!?" Weiss asked.
I slammed my fists together as I felt the familiar surge of power course through me, "Time for a beatdown!" I declared.
Next Time: Strength, Destroy, The Gravity's Return
A/N: Well that is it for this chapter folks! I hope you all enjoy the first chapter of The Return arc. I know you all can guess who was the one who placed in the cell medal on Ruby and now, the bond between Blake and the Rider is growing. What will happen now? Well, you all have to find out next time. Don't forget to check out my other stories and look forward to my upcoming God Eater story, The Path of a Blood. Stay in the shadows everyone!