A/N: What is up everyone! I am here with the 27th chapter of OOO! From where we left off, OOO obtained the Purple Core Medals from the alchemist Gara, with the Rider earning the PuToTyra combo and defeated a Yummy created by Gara. And with the kunoichi somehow stopping him from harming Akira further. Now what will happen? You all have to read to find out.
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.).
Don't forget to check out my other stories as well.
Henshin!
Third Person View
'Thought'
Greeed/Yummies
A couple of hours have passed since the fight against the new Yummy along with the sudden appearance of the unknown Full Combo that somehow formed from the unknown Core Medals. However, the new Combo made the young Rider go berserk, making him go out of control as he nearly killed Akira until Blake somehow managed to make him stop.
As of now, the two teams, along with Akira and Ankh, were at the infirmary as they looked at the unconscious Rider. Enrique was lying in bed, unconscious, and recovering from his ordeal.
"Please tell me you knew that those Medals could do that," Akira asked the Bird Greeed.
Ankh huffed, crossing his arms, "How should I know? Even I wasn't aware of what they could do."
"And what about you trying to grab those Core Medals?" Akira turned to him, accusingly, "Trying to get more power?"
The Bird Greeed looked away, not giving a proper answer, "I'm trying to get a body, what do you think?"
"Yeah right." Akira smirked, before frowning, "Still… This is not a good sign if you ask me. An unknown Full Combo and Core Medals? Plus that unstoppable power makes him a danger…. We need to make sure he never uses them again."
The Bird Greeed scoffed as he looked at his charge. Just what was Gara planning with those Core Medals? At first, he allowed five to enter the Rider's body but why didn't he use all ten…? Why didn't he use them on himself? Was there something that the Bird Greeed himself didn't know? Deciding to ponder the issue and research more later, he got up before heading to the door.
"Hey…" Akira called out to him.
"What do you want this time?" Ankh asked irritably.
"Promise me, you'll protect him too, okay?"
"Che, I am only keeping an eye on him until I get my real body back." Ankh left, slamming the door close behind him.
Akira chuckled, "Yeah, sure you do Anko." He smirked, leaning back on the chair.
Remnants of Desires
Chapter 27: Fear, Comfort, The Lost Feeling
The next day came, with Blake sitting by Enrique's bedside, worried about him as she sat there, watching the unconscious Rider breathe softly, hoping he would wake up. Ever since yesterday's incident, she had been worried about him. Seeing that unstoppable Full Combo, it made the young Multi-King act like an untamed beast. It was like the Combo was much different than the others they had seen in his arsenal. She visited the infirmary every now and then, even after class to see how he was doing.
Gara was responsible for this, for turning Enrique into that Combo… If it wasn't for the mad alchemist forcing the five Core Medals to enter the young man's body, none of this would have happened. But… Gara was also the reason why Enrique was here in Remnant.
"Enrique…. Please wake up…" she pleaded to him softly, hoping her voice would reach him once more.
"You care about him, huh?" The kunoichi looked back to see Akira carrying the milk tank full of Cell Medals.
"I… I don't know what you mean," she responded nervously.
Akira chuckled as he set the small canister down on the floor. "I see how you are with him, Blake. It was the same way when I saw Yang's parents when I was your guys' age. You like him, don't you?"
"No…. I… I love him…" Blake blushed. "He's done so much for me… how could I not fall for him?"
The veteran Huntsman smiled as he leaned back on the chair. "A guy who isn't selfish and helps others around him without wanting any thanks," he recalled. "Even more he reaches his hand out to others without hesitation."
She slowly nodded as she looked at the young man, "He would have become cruel and uncaring after all that happened to him and yet… he is still kind and selfless."
"Just shows he has a strong soul," Akira smiled, patting her shoulder, "He'll realize his feelings soon. Trust me on this."
She slowly nodded as Akira grabbed the milk tank before heading to the door. "If Ruby and Yang ask where I am, tell them that I went to the Kougami Foundation to get the Birth Driver checked on since its maintenance day again for it."
Blake nodded. "Just try to make sure they don't try anything funny…. I'm still mad about those pictures she sent you guys…" she huffed.
Akira chuckled before he closed the door.
The cat faunus looked back as she stares at her crush, wondering if he was in pain after that incident.
After a couple more hours, she fell asleep. Her friends stopped by and when they saw her, Ruby placed a small blanket over her shoulders before leaving. They knew how much Blake cared about him. When the moonlight cast down in the now night sky, Blake was still fast asleep until her cat ears, hidden by her bow, twitched upon hearing a soft groan.
I slowly opened my eyes as I groaned softly from the exhaustion and slight pain in my body. My vision was blurry at first until it cleared up. The memory to how I ended up here returned… I remember what happened… that Full Combo… the same one that made Eiji go out of control in the series…
PuToTyra…the Invincible Combo.
More like the Berserker Combo if you ask me.
Suddenly, I felt someone's hand on my own. I turned my head over slightly to see a slumbering Blake with her hand on mine.
"... Blake…?" I called out softly.
The cat ears in her bow twitched, causing her to raise her head and yawn before seeing me, "Enrique!" She smiled. "Glad to see you're awake…. How… are you feeling?"
"I feel exhausted… and my head kinda hurts but…" I gulped. "I remember what happened yesterday…. Th-that Combo… it made me go out of control…"
"It's okay. It's over now…." She said softly.
"It's not over…" I denied. "That Combo will come back again if I use the O-Driver and fight…"
"What do you mean…?"
"I can't ever use the O-Driver again…" I answered in fear. "I'm afraid of losing control like that again…"
"Enrique, you won't. I know you; you won't let this thing or power overtake you. You've beaten the odds before, and you can beat this," Blake encouraged, giving her support.
"But I can't! I can't fight or that Combo will show up and make me lose control!" I responded strongly. "I can't beat this! Those Core Medals…are inside me...and I don't want to lose control like that again. That's why I can't use the armor… I just can't or it will show up…"
"Enrique, don't say that," Blake frowned, placing her hand on mine, "You are strong, Enrique. You're brave, and you saved us many times…. Are you willing to give everything you've worked for up, just because of Gara?"
"I don't know, okay! I just can't!" I exclaimed. "I just can't…" Blake remained quiet as I turned away, facing the wall as I wanted to go to sleep. "Just go, Blake… let me sleep… please…"
"Enrique, please don't do thi-"
"Just leave me alone!"
Blake flinched, looking away before she ran out of the room, slamming the door shut on her way out. Seeing her leave, I felt guilty for shouting at her but after what happened to me… I was too afraid of turning berserk… I just can't fight with that armor anymore if that Combo takes me over again.
I was really afraid for the second time in my life.
Inside Team RWBY's dorm, Blake was hugging her pillow, her face buried into it as her teammates watched. They wanted to help, but they didn't know what to say to her to make it better.
"I wish there was something we could do…." Ruby frowned.
"Like what? You see how Blake is," replied the blonde. "Besides we all can understand how Enrique is feeling."
"He needs to get ahold of himself." Weiss crossed her arms.
"And how? We all saw what that Combo did to him," Ruby reminded.
Weiss sighed before she said, "Right... I'll go ask Ankh if he at least knows anything about what Gara used to do."
"Good luck with that, Ankh hates that guy to the very core," Yang replied. "I don't think he would want to mention him."
"As do we now," Weiss stated, walking out before the busty blonde followed since she could guess that she would have to hold Ankh back if Weiss ever tried to ask him about Gara. Ruby, on the other hand, stared at Blake before she used the dull end of her Crescent Rose to poke Blake.
"Leave me alone, Ruby…" Blake muffled through the pillow.
"Blake, I'm sure he didn't mean it," the scythe wielder replied. "He's just scared after what happened…"
"He never yelled at me Ruby….He never raised his voice like that before…" Blake responded, "I'm scared that he might leave Beacon…." 'That he might leave me.'
Ruby frowned before she hopped up and grabbed the pillow and moved it away from the kunoichi.
"Blake, I understand. You care about him but he is afraid. He would never leave Beacon since he considers this place home," Ruby informed her.
"But-"
"Up up up!" Ruby stopped Blake from continuing. "But nothing, Blake. How much do you care about him?" She
Blake murmured something that Ruby couldn't hear.
"Louder," Ruby ordered. "How much do you care about him?"
"I.." Blake murmured once more.
Ruby frowned slightly, seeing Blake wouldn't answer clearly. She looked down and saw something, making her grin before she reached down on Yang's bunk to get it. She presented Zwei who barked. Blake's eyes widened, jumping up high, hissing like a cat at the small dog.
"I said, 'How much do you care about him?'" Ruby asked once again.
"Get that 'thing' away from me, Ruby!" Blake hissed, her hair standing up tall.
"Not until you tell me how much you care about him," Ruby refused, the corgi letting out a bark once again.
"I LOVE HIM, OKAY?!" Blake shouted, blushing before she covered her mouth.
Ruby blinked as her grip on Zwei loosened, dropping him. "You… love… him?" she got out, before smiling. Yang and Weiss were not lying when they said Blake has a crush on the young Multi-King. Blake was now beet red as she raced under her covers, hiding her embarrassment with her blanket. "Then why don't you tell him?"
"Because I'm afraid…" Ruby heard Blake. "I'm afraid he might reject me… every time I had the chance, I ran away because I am afraid of the rejection..."
"Blake….We all know he wouldn't do that." She smiled. "Why don't you just help him right now?"
What felt like minutes, Blake moved the blanket away a bit for the leader of the team to see the kunoichi's face. "What?"
"Just help him get through what is happening to him. I'm sure if you do, he will realize it soon." She moved Zwei to the lower bunk. "So! Tell me, Blake Belladonna, what are you gonna do? Stay here all day or help Enrique?"
"I…. wanna help….." She muttered.
"Louder, Blake! What is your choice?" Ruby asked once more, acting like a leader for once.
"I want to help him!" Blake shouted, her face getting redder from this conversation.
"Good!" Ruby beamed before pushing Blake out of the dorm. "Now go help him."
"B-B-B-But!" Ruby presented Zwei once again, making Blake move away, now heading to the infirmary to see the young Rider.
"Good job, Zwei," Ruby congratulated the corgi who barked in response.
Blake walked towards the infirmary, her hand over her heart as it beats loudly. She took a deep breath before she enters the infirmary, "Enrique?"
Noon came but I remained in bed, still facing the wall as I kept quiet the entire time. I was simply too afraid to use the O-Driver since PuToTyra was dangerous and it made Eiji turn into a Greeed. I didn't want to tell my friends about it either… I didn't want them to get worried or panic...
But how long could I keep this a secret from them?
"Enrique?"
I looked back to see Blake. "Blake, I…," I muttered but I couldn't say anything after I remembered yelling at her earlier. "I'm sorry for yelling at you …" I apologized. "I… I'm just so afraid…"
"It's okay…" she smiled, walking over and tugging my arm, "Come on. I think you need a walk."
"What?" I blinked. "A walk… but… why?"
"Because… I think you need it." she insisted, gently pulling me out of the bed.
"I…" I said hesitantly before complying. "O-Okay…"
Blake smiled softly, hugging my arm as she helped me out of the infirmary and towards the school's garden. Even though I was in slight pain, I wanted to make up for what I did last night. It was the only way for me to make Blake happy...
I admired some of the plants that were familiar to me, the sweet scent lingering in them. Just like back home… some of the plants reminded me of home. I slowly reached towards a plant and gently swiped my hand across it, my fingers brushing against the petals. When it brushed against my fingers, the feeling was soft, even smooth.
Blake smiled, "I….. wanted to ask you a few more things about your world…. If that's okay?"
I glanced back at her before I slowly nodded, "I-It's okay… what do you want to ask?"
"Well…. What about the culture?" she asked, curious to learn about the cultures on Earth.
I chuckled softly, "There is a large amount of culture all around the world. Some have festivals like the country that I mentioned, Japan." I then began to explain to her about the culture of my home country along with Japan since I recalled Blake was interested in it. She was listening to every word I said about the cultures I know, even the festivals they have.
"That's….. amazing, Enrique.." she smiled. "If… you could ever return to your world…. Can…. Can I come?"
I blinked before looking back at Blake, seeing a blush on her cheeks before looking away, "If there was a way…" I replied. "Maybe… maybe I can but... for me, there's nothing to go back to, Blake… Everything I had in the past is gone... "
She placed her hand on my cheek, making me look at her, "You have me, Enrique…."
I suddenly felt my heart skip a beat upon her words, my eyes widen upon the statement. "Blake…"
"You'll always have me…. No matter what… I'll be by your side."
My heart began to race much more than before… I stared at Blake as a blush rose up on my face. I… I was completely at a loss for words. I slowly wrapped my arms around her and pulled her close into an embrace.
"Thank you, Blake…" I thanked softly.
She purred, hugging me back as she smiles, "Anything… for you…"
"KISS HER!"
I blushed before we pulled away and looked back, only to see Yang who had become nervous.
"Uh… whoops… hehe…" the blonde brawler gulped.
"Yang…" Blake called out as she got up.
"But… it would've been perfect!" Yang whined.
Blake took a few steps ahead before Yang bolted, running away like it was the end while Blake decided to give chase, leaving me in the garden with a blush still adorning my face. I watched Blake and once she was gone from my sights, I shook my head before I got up and quickly walked away, unaware of someone else was watching. When I made my way to the empty hallway, I looked at the window, seeing my reflection.
"What's wrong with me…?" I muttered to myself.
I placed my hand over my chest, feeling my heartbeat remain slow and steady. It's strange to what I am feeling. It beat faster when I am near Blake. Whenever I talked to her, it felt… comforting.
Why was I feeling this way…?
Why does my heart beat faster whenever I was near Blake? It was beating faster when we were dancing together along with the kiss she gave me on the cheek, even the time when we went out on our first and second date along with myself kissing her on the first date. I felt worried when she was sleep deprived of finding out what the White Fang was planning all those months ago. The regret of me hurting her during the spar.
The regret for hurting her was much more different from the others. It was like I didn't want to hurt her at all. She even prevented me from hurting Akira as if she could get through the berserk nature of that purple Combo, calming me.
Just thinking about her made my heart race again. That was then I remembered the words that Neptune, Yang, and Sun have been saying to me.
'Do you like Blake?'
'You should ask her, Enrique. I can tell by the look in your eyes and it says it all.'
'Dude, you know that look shows you are into her.'
I gripped my shirt tightly. Is it true to what they said? Was it the feeling I never thought to experience or realize? I never thought I would ever feel like this…
Upon thinking about what has been going on whenever I talk to Blake as well as my friends' words, it finally dawned on me to what I now realized.
"I'm in love with Blake…"
I never thought it would happen to me. It was a lost feeling to me. The feeling of love; I thought after all that has happened to me, I thought it was long gone. I was really in love with her...
"About time you said it." I raised my head to see Ankh in the tree before I looked away with an embarrassed look.
"So what if I am…" I retorted.
"It took you almost two semesters for that brain of yours to finally figure it out," he scoffed. "I say it is about damn time. Now I won't have to keep telling you about that oblivious brain of yours."
"I… I am in love with her…" I got out once more. "I… I never thought I would experience it, Ankh… this feeling..."
"Now, you just need to tell her." Ankh pointed out.
"T-Tell her?" I stuttered. "But how… I mean… I just…"
"Just tell her you love her." He groaned, "I never understand why in this generation, you kids think telling them the truth is the end of the world."
I lowered my head upon his statement. How can I tell her? With what was happening to me… I'm afraid of telling her the feelings that I have finally realized. It wasn't that simple for me to just tell her…
"I… I just need more time before I can…. Tell her…" I sighed
"At least it's better than denying it or keeping it secret." Ankh huffed before tossing an ice cream stick into the garbage can from a short distance and jumped off the branch. "And, you should tell the others the truth as well. Otherwise, their worry will only grow."
I lowered my head upon what he was talking about. I remained quiet before I slowly nodded.
"For once it's about damn time you realize things through that brain of yours." He flicked my forehead before leaving. I rubbed my forehead slightly from what he did before I let out a sigh, placing my hand over my heart.
"To think…. You've had a secret power all this, Enrique…." a familiar voice called out.
I turned around to see Cinder in her uniform.
"Oh, hey Cinder," I greeted. "What do you mean by secret power?"
She grinned, showing the picture of myself in the new Full Combo.
"That's what I mean…." she clarified, walking towards me, "My interest in you is growing even more than before…"
My eyes widened upon seeing the photo.
"Y-you saw what happened?!" I got out.
"Yes…. I did…." she said, with a desirable grin.
I gulped as I moved back a bit. "I-I see…" I responded nervously as I took a few more steps back. "Can you not mention that around me…? I… I don't want to remember what happened…."
"Why not? You have so much power. Able to take out any enemy in your way… Anyone who stands against you will be easily and mercilessly swept away," she said, walking towards me, placing her hand on my chest.
"I'm not like that, okay?" I replied, gently moving her hand away. "All I care about… All I care about is protecting my friends.."
"Don't you want to stop the Greeed? The corruption of this world? The White Fang?" she asked several questions, cupping my cheek.
"I'm not selfish… I help those around me," I replied, moving her hand away again. "Please stop… I… I've recently realized something."
"Oh? And what would that be?"
"I… I" I blushed lightly. "I recently realized that I have feelings for Blake…"
Her hand flinched, as a frown appeared on her face, "Feelings? For that Faunus?"
"Yeah… after all-after everything she has done for me… I finally understand, seeing how she felt…" I slowly nodded. "I accepted her for who she is. To me, she is a normal girl who had a difficult life me. I care about her a lot."
"Does she really mean so much to you?"
"Yeah, she does," I nodded once more.
"Even if she is a Faunus?"
"I told you, it doesn't matter what she is, to me she is a normal girl."
She huffed, "I see… I do hope you change your mind…. I find you wasting your talent on keeping it hidden." She said her piece before walking away. I stared at her leave, confused to why she would even say those words to me. Just what was up with her?
After the strange conversation with Cinder, I made my way back into the school halls as I recalled what Ankh told me. I had to tell the others the truth about me not using the O-Driver until we resolved what was happening to me.
Inside the dorm of RWBY, the girls of Team RWBY were there, along with Team JNPR as they played what looked like to be some kind of game. It looked like a Street Fighter in terms of combat and style. Ruby turned her head, taking notice of my presence and smiled.
"Hey! Wanna play Enrique?" she asked, gesturing to the controller. She was using her Scroll as a controller.
"In a bit…" I smiled softly before my expression changed. "Listen, you guys… I have something to tell you…" Hearing this made the others look at me as I took a deep breath. "I… I can't ever use the O-Driver again…"
The reactions I received were 'Are you crazy?' looks.
"W-What? Why would you want to stop?" Ruby asked, shocked.
"If I keep using the O-Driver then that Combo will take over if I fight a Yummy again…" I answered, lowering my head. "I… I'm afraid of losing control like that again…"
"But you can't, Enrique!" Ruby shook her head, "You're… a hero…"
"I can still fight, even without the O-Driver," I assured.
"You'll die if you do. You don't even have your Semblance." Weiss stated.
"I still have my Aura and the Medajalibur," I added.
"And what about the Greeed, huh?!" Weiss snapped, "Without your powers, you won't last long. Especially against Gara."
"I…" I was stopped when she proved a point. "I don't know…" I admitted. "I just can't use the O-Driver… I don't want to lose control ever again...…"
"So then get stronger!" Weiss demanded. "Are you truly this scared? Then you would've given up long ago, Enrique. You're stronger than this!"
"I can't, don't you get it!?" I shouted, making Weiss flinch. "I could have hurt you guys when I berserk! I don't want to use the O-Driver and end up like that! Don't you all understand what will happen if that Full Combo takes over again!?"
"We do…. We do understand Enrique…." Yang said softly, "We know you're scared… but… without you as OOO, I don't think we can win…."
"I can't, Yang… I just can't, okay? I don't want to hurt you guys…"
"You won't hurt us, Enrique… We know you… You can beat this thing…." Blake assured.
"I don't know if I can…" I admitted. "I know I can't use the O-Driver again, but I'll still help,..."
"Just think about it more, alright?" Pyrrha placed her hand on my shoulder with a soft smile.
I only lowered my head, unable to meet her gaze or give response. Why can't they understand that the Invincible Combo was dangerous? I know they said I wouldn't hurt them but they don't know that…I couldn't guarantee it. They don't know just how dangerous it can be.
They don't even know what the Core Medals were doing to me.
Ruby looked at all of us with a soft expression before her eyes lit up as if she had an idea.
"Hey! How about we all head to the school pool?" Ruby raised her hand, trying to lift up the slightly gloomy atmosphere.
I perked up, rather surprised to hear her suggestion, "The school has a pool?"
"Oh yeah! A big one too." Yang smirked, "And I bet Blake would want to show off her new swimsuit to you." she whispered to me. I blushed as I turned my head away. "Let's get out swimwear and head to the pool!"
After awhile, Ren, Jaune, and I finally put on our swimwear as the three of us were waiting at the pool for the girls to get finished changing.
Sun and Neptune somehow learned about the gathering and had joined us.
I was wearing black swim trunks that reached past the knees along with a white shirt with a gray stripe on the left side. Ren was wearing green swim trunks and Jaune was wearing a blue pair of swimming trunks with a sleeveless black t-shirt.
Finally the girls showed up at the pool. You know how girls had a huge variety of swimsuit designs and styles to choose from? Well, the girls showed us that.
Ruby wore a swimsuit that looked like a Japanese school swimsuit, only in red. It did have a blank rectangle on her chest for where she would write her name. To be honest, it seemed to fit her.
It also made it very apparent that, for a girl two years Weiss' junior, she had a bigger bust.
Weiss wore a white strapless one piece with a blue snowflake pattern. It accentuated her slender frame. Jaune didn't seem to be complaining.
Yang wore a yellow bikini. She really knew how to flaunt it and the way her chest bounced with each step she took really got Jaune to shift his attention from her slender teammate towards her. Even Neptune let out a whistle in appreciation.
Blake wore a two-piece as well. It was black and the top looked like a turtleneck but the back was left completely bare with a strap going across her shoulder blades. The bottoms looked like very short shorts. She still wore her bow, though.
Nora wore a pink one-piece with a white heart-shaped cleavage window on the chest. It suited her just fine with her cuteness.
Pyrrha was wearing a bikini that matched her hair with gold trim. She looked like a fashion model with how she strutted alongside the girls.
All five of us guys were quiet, seeing their looks and choice of swimwear. But for me seeing Blake's swimwear and her beauty, I had a blush as my heart raced again. I turn away to calm myself down as I took a deep breath once again.
Once I was calm again, I looked at the other boys (except Ren) who were ogling at the girls before I grabbed a whistle and blew it in front of the three boys, causing Jaune, Neptune, and Sun to cover their ears.
"What did you do that for?" Sun asked, rubbing his ears.
"I thought it was the best way to get you guys to stop staring," I shrugged before putting it away.
"What are we waiting for?" Nora said before rushing to the pool, "BANZAI!" She did a cannonball and landed in the pool with a large splash.
"Banzai!" Ruby and Yang followed along as they jumped in the water as well.
Weiss and Pyrrha stepped in the water as the others. Me and Neptune didn't step into the water. I just contented myself with sitting down by the pool and watching the others have fun.
Neptune seemed to just enjoy sitting on the poolside chair, just watching as well.
"Not gonna join them?" Neptune asked me.
"I don't know…" I replied before placing my hands on the back of my head to act as a headrest. "What about you?"
Neptune flinched as he put on a nervous smile. "Nah, I rather lay back and enjoy the scene."
I raised an eyebrow from hearing his nervous tone.
"It sounds like you don't want to go in the water," I observed.
"What? No way! I just don't feel like swimming, that's all!" he denied defensively.
I stared at him for a little longer before I shrugged, "If you say so, Neptune. But knowing you, you'd rather watch them." He chuckled at my remark since he flirted with the girls in the academy. Seriously, he is like Zack when it comes to the flirting.
"Hey, Enrique! Come on in! The water's great!" Ruby suggested.
"I… don't know if I should," I replied. "I'll just sit by the poolside."
"I got us a beach ball to play with!" she gestured to the said object.
"I'll pass," I denied.
"Come on, Enrique. You should join in on the fun," Yang pouted. "Come on, hot babes in swimsuits are waiting for you!"
"Excuse me, but don't lump me in with the rest of you!" Weiss snapped.
"Says the tsundere," I chuckled, receiving a cold glare from her which made me flinch.
Yang looked at me for a moment before a devious smirk formed on her lips. Why is she looking at me like that? Yang got out of the pool before approaching me.
The way the water dripped down her body...
In just a bikini, I could see how fit she was. I gulped as I blushed before looking away to avoid eye contact with the busty blonde. The footsteps stopped as her shadow was over me.
"W-what do you want now, Yang?" I stuttered.
She suddenly got hold of me, causing me to struggle in her grip. "You let your guard down!" she grinned, as she jumped into the water while dragging me in.
I held my breath in underwater before I popped my head out. "What was that for!?"
"So you can join in on the fun," she grinned. "Besides…" She raised her hand as she held the shirt that I wore. "Now you can't complain about being in with us!" She smirked as she looked me over. "Gotta admit, you are packing well. Guess Ankh's training helped you, a lot." She winked at me.
"Yang!" Blake whined, causing Yang to roll her eyes before my crush swam over to me, "Is there any water in your lungs?" she asked with some worry.
"Wanted to give him mouth-to-mouth, Blake?" Sun chuckled.
"It's not like that!" Blake stammered.
"Y-Yeah!" I agreed.
"Oh? Then why are you two blushing red?" Nora giggled. "Seems to me that they wanna osculate!"
"Nora," Ren said.
"Sorry, Ren."
"Come on, Enrique!" Ruby smiled, splashing me, "Let's just have some fun!"
I looked at them for a moment before a small smile formed. She really does remind me of Marie.
"Sure, why not?" I answered.
"Yay!" Ruby smiled, hugging me before crawling on top of my shoulders, "Time for some chicken!"
"Chicken?" I blinked.
"Oh, you're on!" Nora grinned, sitting on Jaune's shoulders.
"Come on, Enrique! Let's push them in the water!" Ruby declared.
I chuckled, "Alright, here we go!"
I moved forward in the water with Ruby on my shoulders as Nora and Jaune did the same.
"Let's go Jaune! To victory!" Nora shouted.
"You're… heavier than you look… Nora…" Jaune struggled.
"Giddyup!" Nora commanded the blonde.
Jaune grunted, moving forward until Nora and Ruby were at arm's length, pushing against each other, trying to make one of us slip up.
"You can do it, Ruby!" I cheered. "You are a leader after all."
"I-I know… but… Nora is-" And like that, Nora used all of her strength as she forced us underwater.
"You can't handle this!" Nora flexed her arms.
We popped our heads out of the water as Ruby whined, "We were so close."
"You did your best," I assured.
"Bow before the queen, mortals!" Nora laughed before Jaune's legs buckled, the two plummeting into the water.
"It's like the saying, karma hurts," I chuckled as the two rose up as Jaune sighed.
"Just how much pancakes did you even eat?" The leader of JNPR asked the orange haired spitfire.
"I eat till there are no pancakes left!" she beamed. Ren sighed upon hearing her answer.
"En~rique~!" Yang's voice called out nearby.
"What is it, this time, Yang?" I sighed before turning around.
On the edge of the pool, Yang was hugging Blake, almost teasingly as they were very close to each other,
"Like it?" she smirked.
I stammered as a heavy blush was on my face. I mean what do you expect when you turn around to see the two?
"U-U-U-Um…" I stammered more.
Yang chuckled. "He likes it, Blakey." She teased the blushing Faunus.
Sun looked at me before he noticed something, "Uh, dude, why is your nose bleeding?"
I flinched as I slowly placed my hand where my nose is and saw that it was. Why is it… oh…
Yang smirked, pressing closer to Blake. "Truth be told, she asked me to do this…." Yang teased, making Blake blush more.
"E-Eh…?" I stammered more.
"She said something about… 'Wanting to help you out'?"
I blinked in confusion until it registered as my nose began to bleed more, causing me to cover it. "Q-Quit it!" I stammered.
"Aw…. not liking it? I could always remove them?" She smirked.
My blush increased upon the image that entered my head before I suddenly felt lightheaded. Before I knew it, I actually passed out from the nosebleed.
XXX
"Enrique!" Blake grabbed the young Rider, pulling him out of the water as Neptune was quick on the first aid.
"Guess I overdid it," Yang said softly. "Sorry about that." she apologized to her partner.
"You think?" Weiss asked sarcastically. "You made him have a nosebleed!"
"Hey, I was just trying to help out!" Yang crossed her arms defensively. "It's not like you don't even have steamy thoughts."
"This isn't about me!" Weiss argued with a flustered look. "You practically made that mind of his overload."
"So… he has an innocent yet oblivious mind?" Pyrrha guessed.
"Much more so than Jaune's." Yang pointed out.
"I'm right here," Jaune raised his hand from the water.
"We know," the others responded in unison.
"Ugh…" I groaned before I slowly sat up and gripped my head. "Just why did I have to have a nosebleed and pass out?
"Are you okay?" Blake asked, sitting next to me with a worried look.
"I-I'm fine…" I wiped away the specks of blood from my nose before looking at Yang. "Don't ever do that again…" I warned.
"Noted, and sorry," she apologized.
"It's alright," I waved off.
"Still…" Yang poked my head. "You seriously don't know much about that in that brain of yours?"
"Hehehe…" I rubbed the back of my head.
She smiled softly, rolling her eyes, "Though you have to admit. Today wasn't all bad." She winked, leaving me with Blake.
"Where are you guys going?" I asked the others.
"Back to the pool! You're only in the infirmary that is close to the pool. Not that far off if you wanna join us again." Ruby smiled.
"Alright," I nodded before the others left. I looked at Blake. "Should we join them?" I asked with a small smile.
"You think you will be okay?" she asked with worry.
"I'm okay," I assured. "Besides I was enjoying spending time with you guys."
"Okay…" She smiled, taking my hand as she leads me, but not towards the pool, but the other pool area.
"Uh, Blake? Why aren't we going to the other pool with the others?"
"I want this time to be just… us…." she said with a blush.
"Eh? Just the two of us?" I repeated as she nodded softly. She nodded shyly. "A-Alright…"
She smiled, leading me into the indoor pool, it was smaller in size. She leads me into the water, it was much cooler, refreshing than the one outside as Blake was close to me.
"Does… this feel nice?" She asked.
I felt my heart race upon seeing her close to me but it was also comforting. Being near her, it was really peaceful.
"Y-Yeah…" I admitted softly.
She blushed, wrapping her arms around my neck. "Truth... Be told…. You do look good right now…" she said to me.
I felt a blush rising up, "R-Really? I-I mean…" I flustered. "I-I guess it was from a-all the training I got from Ankh a-along with fighting the Y-Yummies and Greeed."
"You… still look nice…" She softly touched my chest. She then looked at me, her eyes shining softly as she slowly leaned forward, her lips getting close to mine. She soon pressed her lips against mine, kissing me softly.
My heart began to race but it slowed down as if the kiss was something that made me feel… loved…and at peace. When Blake pulled away, she blushed realizing what she did as I was left quiet.
"I-I'm sorry Enrique… I….. I just…." It felt like she was gonna run away again before she shook her head frantically before she looks up with a soft smile, "I just love you, Enrique."
My eyes slowly widened. Did she… Did she just tell me her feelings…?
"Blake…" I got out, surprised upon her confession.
"Ever since you helped me out when I revealed my secret, I've had these feelings for you… I didn't realize it until we had our dance…. You have done so much to help us… Even with what you do makes you unique than others… Only now I can't hold it back anymore… I love you, Enrique…."
My eyes soften before I gently made her look into my eyes. "There's something... I should tell you as well…" I responded. "Ever since the dance… I have been having these feelings… To me, it felt unknown after all that happened to me, but now… After what you did to help me for what is happening to me… I finally realized what that Lost Feeling is…" I took a deep breath before I muster up the courage to tell her my feelings. "I… I am in love with you, Blake Belladonna."
She looked at me and before I expected it, she quickly pulled me into another sweet kiss, this one with a lot more passion as she held herself to me, wanting to return my feelings.
After a full minute, she pulled away from the kiss as she looked at me.
"D-Does this mean.. we're in a relationship now…?" she asked.
I nodded, "Y-Yeah… I guess so."
She smiled, hugging me close, "So…. what now?" She asked. "Stay here... and keep it up, or…. go out and tell everyone?"
"W-Well…" I rubbed the back of my head, feeling a little nervous. "I-I guess we can tell the others…"
"Okay…. but… can we stay here a bit longer?" Blake asked. "I'm sure once we tell them, it'll be hard to have time to ourselves until tomorrow."
"Heh, sure thing Blake," I said to her, feeling her hug tighten on me.
"Thank you…" She said softly, nuzzling into my chest.
After some time to ourselves, Blake and I finally walked out and started our way towards the others, hand in hand. Though we both admitted, this was a bit embarrassing. Once we reached the rest of our friends, they took notice and turned to us, Yang being the first one to notice and gasp.
"Hey! Congrats you two!" she smiled.
Blake and I blushed as I spoke up, "Y-Yeah…" I nodded. "Guess it's obvious, huh?"
Yang walked up to us, patting our shoulders. "Just remember. Now that you two are together, you have to watch each other's backs when we're not around. Okay?" For once she wasn't teasing, but giving sincere advice, one that I was glad to hear.
Ruby and the others came over to congratulate us as well, each one felt warm and welcoming. We both felt embarrassed but at the same time happy to hear.
After a while longer of having fun at the pool, we all decided to head back inside the academy as Blake and I put on our regular clothes and went to the school garden, looking at the plants once more.
Since Blake and I had kissed, we had also agreed to take our relationship slowly. After all, I was inexperienced with this matter, having never been in any meaningful relationships with a girl back on Earth.
"I always feel so relaxed here…. Now…. It's just bliss…" Blake smiled, looking at me as we walked. As we do, she was still is grasping my hand, probably to make sure this wasn't a dream, and I couldn't blame her. "Enrique? Did… you ever have anyone back on Earth, like this?"
I chuckled softly, "To be honest, this is my first relationship," I admitted. "I'm new to this…"
Blake smiled softly, "Same here too… I.. might've have had one crush… but after what happened… I had to leave… You're the only one I've kissed too…" She said with a soft blush.
"I-I see…" I rubbed the back of my head.
"But… I'm glad you're my first…." She smiled at me.
"Same... here, Blake," I responded with a smile. "Ever since the dance… I always thought that feeling was something else but when you helped me… it made more sense. Guess… I should thank you for helping me realize my feelings for you." The cat Faunus blushed upon hearing that her help was the reason why I realized my feelings for her.
"I… didn't know you had those feelings before Enrique… That makes me happy…" She smiled, kissing my cheek.
I felt my face warm up upon the contact as I let out a small smile. To be honest, I was happy that I realized my feelings for Blake. It was… a blissful feeling that I didn't want to lose. Falling in love with Blake… it was one of the moments I never want to forget.
"We should head back," I got up from the bench as I stretched. "After all that swimming and such, I deserve some sleep and a fresh shower."
"Yeah…. Same here…. See you tomorrow?" She asked.
"Yeah," I nodded. "Good night."
Blake made her way back to her team's dorm. She was happy… for the first time in her life she truly felt happy. She finally confessed her feelings to the young Multi-King and he reciprocated, telling her his feelings for her.
She helped him realize his Lost Feeling. And now she was in a relationship with him. Sure there will eventually be some things they had to work out but she was happy.
When she entered the dorm, she saw her teammates waiting for her.
"So? How did it go?" Yang smirked at her.
"It was… It was bliss…" She replied, using her pillow to hide the blush on her face.
Yang and the others smiled, with the blonde Huntress patting her friend on the back.
"It about time you two got together. We thought it wasn't going to happen till graduation due to how oblivious he was," Weiss said with a sly smile.
"He told me I helped him realize his feelings…" Blake responded shyly.
"Aw, how cute," Yang cooed. "Guess all that affection you showed him paid off, even if it took two semesters for him to get it.",
"It's so cute how you two are together!" Ruby giggled.
"Th-Thank you, Ruby…" Blake stammered.
"Besides, eventually you two might hit it off if you catch my drift," Yang teases the cat Faunus.
"Y-Yang!" Blake flustered.
"What? Just saying," the blonde shrugged.
Ruby blinked, confused to what her sister meant. "I don't get it."
"You'll learn when you're older." Weiss sighed.
After getting a good shower, I had a towel over my head as I dried my hair. When I was done, my eyes were met with the mirror, seeing myself. A small yet sad frown formed on my face as I realized that I still had those five purple Core Medals inside my body.
Outside of the bathroom, Ankh had an annoyed look on his face, "You need to stop being so depressed…" Ankh scoffed from behind the door.
"You are not the one with those Core Medals inside you, Ankh," I responded.
"Still, you thinking about this will only make it worse," he responded.
"How can I make things worse? How can I stop thinking about I?" I demanded. " I went berserk from that Combo and nearly killed Akira."
"It would have been better since I would have more Cell Medals."
"Oi!" Akira's voice was heard from behind the door. "I have to collect Medals too, you know?"
"Like I care," he scoffed.
I was tired so I chose to ignore the argument for the rest of the night as I put on my black pajama shirt. I opened the door and saw the two now trying to fight over the Cell Medals. One person wanted to gather the Medals for money while the other wanted to get his body back.
"You two act like Beowolves fighting over the last piece of meat," I noted.
"As if you can understand the emptiness of not being complete…." Ankh scoffed.
"But I do understand how it is like to be alone, Ankh." I countered before he gave me one of his signature death glares. Seriously that glare of his really is intimidating.
"Now, now, let's not fight you two," Akira got in between. "Let's just all get a good rest and see how it will be tomorrow."
We stared at each other before we nodded while Ankh looks away. "Good! Now see you all in the morning. We need sleep," Akira smiled before he immediately fell asleep in that sleeping bag of his. How does he even fall asleep that fast? Then again, this is Akira we're talking about.
I turned my head to Ankh who got onto his bunk before turning over with his back facing me.
Letting out a sigh, I approached my bunk and fell onto the bed, placing my arm over my forehead as I go into my thoughts.
I was afraid of using the O-Driver because of the Core Medals that now resided within my body and I also realized my feelings for Blake and confessed to her.
But now… I'm worried about her getting hurt if that Combo ever took over again. I turned away, staring at the wall before I slowly closed my eyes, allowing the onset of sleep to take over.
Within an undisclosed area, Cinder leaned against the wall, waiting for her 'partner' to arrive. She had some questions and she needed to know more about that new form.
"Surprised a woman like you would be out here alone… Cinder," she turned her head to see Kazari who was also leaning against the wall.
"I need some answers, Kazari." She told him.
"Oh? And what would that be?" He asked with a toothy grin.
She showed an image of OOO in the new Full Combo, making his eyes widen slightly. "What can you tell me about this?" she asked.
Kazari stared at the photo before his expression went back to normal as he turned around. "It is something you should stay away from." He drawled. "What you see is something that is… the opposite of us."
"What do you mean?"
Kazari reached in his pocket before pulling out the same old journal he kept with him. "I had this before I was sealed. It once mentioned an antithesis to desires. An end to all things."
"What does that even mean?"
"An end to all things that were made from desires," he chuckled. "Take for example the buildings you see. Or the walls. You, humans, desired places to live in, you built walls in need for survival, the desire to live. Imagine what an antithesis of desires can do?" He approached the woman. "Imagine the antithesis to your desire of that power you 'stole'."
Her eyes widen, biting her thumb, "Everything of that would be erased…." She looked up, "And none of you can stop it?"
He simply shrugged while giving a grin. "I've only read what is on the old journal," he replied.
"So…. nothing can stop it? Once unleashed, it'll keep going until everything is gone?"
He chuckled as he walked away. "Even if a desire has a beginning, there is always an end to it," he hinted before he vanished from her sights.
'What… did he mean by that?' She thought. She pondered over it until she realized what he meant.
Everything has a beginning to an end. In other words, the Combo within the Rider is dangerous, bringing an end to all that is made from desires.
The next day, the sun was shining down in the dorm, causing me to wake up. I yawned while stretching my arms out before getting out of my bunk. I looked back, seeing Ankh on his bunk still asleep and snoring while Akira was still fast asleep in his sleeping bag.
I shook my head with a smile before I grabbed my clothes and took a warm shower. When I was done, I was wearing my usual clothes before I quietly left the room and close the door behind me.
"Morning." I turned to see a smiling Blake standing in front of my room.
"Oh, morning Blake." I smiled softly at my girlfriend. "Surprised to see you awake this early in the morning."
"I wanted to take a walk with you."
"Ah," I chuckled. "A walk does sound nice this early in the morning."
A kind smile graced her lips before hugging my arm as we made our way out towards the campus. As we do, we even stopped by the garden to enjoy the scenery before we made our way to the cafeteria. Luckily enough it was too busy for anyone to notice we were walking in hand in hand.
The both of us went to our usual table and took our seats with our trays set down. Since it was early in the morning, we were glad that our friends weren't at the table yet.
"So… um… Did anything happen after you got back to your dorm?" I asked the kunoichi.
"Sides the usual with Yang?" she chuckled softly, "No. They were happy for me."
"I never thought they would be," I rubbed the back of my head.
"Of course we would, Enrique." Ruby's voice rang out, as we see the rest of Team RWBY walking towards us.
"O-Oh…"
"Besides, we have been noticing this since the day at the docks," she added as they all sat down with us.
"And, unlike with Yang. I'm glad you two are taking it slow." Weiss nodded.
"Hey!" Yang responded, offended by that comment. "I take it slow with my dates….. sometimes…"
"You have never been on a date, Yang," Ruby reminded.
"You're not helping," the blonde pouted. I chuckled as I took a bite of my food.
"Plus, it was only a matter of time before you two either got together or found someone else?" Pyrrha said as this time, Team JNPR walked over.
"Well… Blake was the only person I realize I have feelings for," I responded with an embarrassed look.
"Hey, we all had our first loves. Mine was with-"
"Don't finish that sentence, Jaune." Weiss glared softly at him.
"So, we gotta ask, is Blake really the first person you formed a relationship with?" Yang asked, curious.
"She is," I confirmed. "As I told Blake, I'm new to this relationship stuff, so I don't know much about it."
"Well, just remember, that you two, while are a couple now, also have to look out for one another," Ren stated.
"Right…" I replied but I was also nervous. With the Greeed roaming around, Gara, and the five Purple Core Medals that are inside me, I was worried about her safety. I flinched upon feeling someone hold my hand before I see Blake being the one who was holding my hand, a soft smile on her face.
"Don't worry Enrique…. I know you won't." She reassured me.
"Yeah! We know you, Enrique!" Nora agreed, "You have too much willpower to hurt us!"
I looked at my friends before I smiled softly. "Thanks you guys… It means a lot, really," I thanked.
"Good! Now, why don't you two love birds hurry up with the food and ki-" Before Yang could finish, an apple was tossed at her, with Blake glaring at the blonde huntress.
"Please don't start another food fight," I stated. "You guys remember the last time and we had to clean up the entire cafeteria?"
"Only if she can calm down…." Blake stated.
I turned my head to Yang who was whistling, acting all innocent. "Yang, I think you shouldn't say such things either."
"Oh, you know it's true!" She smirked.
I blushed, "N-No, it's not! I-I mean-" I stammered.
Yang laughed, "Relax, I'm only teasing you two. It's just fun to see your reactions."
I looked away, embarrassed as Yang laughed. It's just a simple day at Beacon. Only now, starting today, I have to try and get through what is happening to me along with being with Blake who not only helped me realize my feelings but also the girl I confessed to.
I just hope that Full Combo won't show up again…
In Vale, the figure was sitting on top of the rooftops, kicking his legs once again, hidden from the sights of people.
"Hehehe…" he giggled like a child. It was all so new to him but…
The figure looked at his arms, seeing one being red while the other purple. There was something missing…
He was like a newborn chick. A lost, baby bird flying aimlessly wherever his wings take him, around and around the town. He used that Cell Medal on the girl because he just wanted to try.
He wondered what happened to that mummy that came out of her back? He shook that thought away before looking at his red arm and reached out to the sky, the red feathers flowing with the wind.
"Where is... me...?" The young voice asked itself as the feathers flow against the wind.
Blazing: Taka (x1), Kujaku (x1), Condor (x1)
Scorching: Lion (x1), Tora (x2), Cheetah (x1)
Strongest: Kuwagata (x1), Kamakiri (x1), Batta (x1)
Legendary: Kobura (x1), Kame (x1), Wani (x1)
Water: Shachi (x1), Tako (x1), Unagi (x1)
Gravity: Sai (x1), Gorilla (x1), Zou (x2)
Invincible: Ptera (x2), Tricera (x2), Tyranno (x1)
(NEXT TIME)
"You have to hand him over, Ozpin," Ironwood demanded.
"Is that…?" Blake got out, shock upon seeing the Greeed in front of us.
"That's me," The red Greeed pointed at Ankh.
Next Time: The Choice, Lost Bird, Revelation
A/N: Well folks that is it for this chapter! Plus, the pairing between the Rider and Blake has finally begun! Hope you all enjoy it and now from what you saw in the preview, the next chapter will debut a certain bird we all know. What will happen next for the Rider and how will be get through the struggle of those Cores within in? Well we will find out next time! Stay in the shadows everyone!