A/N: What is up everyone! I am here with the second part of the Rise of Poseidon arc of OOO! I hope you enjoyed the previous chapter of the arc. I know some of you are waiting for the next update of my Chalice story but my mind has been trying to come up with ideas for it but I won't abandon that story! Just hang on and that chapter will be up before you know it! Also, don't forget to check out my newest story, Chalice: The Wild Card Chronicles (Kamen Rider Blade x High School DxD).
I am glad you guys are enjoying the story so far and that I am thankful. Anyways let us continue the new arc shall we?
Henshin!
Third Person View
'Thought'
Greeed/Yummies
With the three months that passed since the Fall, it was gloomy in Vale after what happened. To the enemy, it was a small taste of victory.
For most…
By most, it meant one person was not very happy since that day. That person being the leader of the Vale faction of the White Fang, Adam Taurus.
He was currently staring at his soldiers begin their task while he couldn't fight since his right arm allowed him to wield his Wilt and Blush. His reason to that missing right arm… was because of that human, OOO. After that cursed loss, he wanted to know more about the person he vowed to kill. Only think he was able to learn was he was a human with no record or history. Nothing about him.
He still could feel the severe pain from when OOO beat him. The same sharp, agonizing pain. And that purple form he saw, always followed him through his dreams. No matter what happens, he can always see it… and never stop it. That purple armor gave him invincible power and he couldn't do anything to beat him.
"Still moping?" He raised his head to see Kazari in his human form.
"Get out, you rat…" He growled at the Greeed.
Kazari leaned against the wall, "Three months and you still didn't do anything? That's not you now, is it?"
"I said, shut it!" He shouted, standing up, "My only goal right now is to kill that human!"
"Not in that condition," he pointed at the stump.
"He's nothing but a worthless human… I'll win next time…" He glared.
"A human who had the power to end you if he allowed it," He chuckled. "I mean look at me. If I was complete, I would have been able to take down everyone."
"Heh, sure. Like how you could take out OOO back then." He scoffed.
The bull Faunus gasped for air as he saw Kazari in his Greeed form, lifting him up by the throat without effort. "May I remind you that I am the reason that Cinder lady sees you as a valuable ally?" He brought him close to his menacing red eyes, the claws extended. "Don't you wish to live and kill OOO? If so, then I suggest you, how you say? Choose your words carefully?"
Adma soon gasped with air as Kazari let go of him. He panted as he tried to gain his air and footing back from the Greeed's grip. He hated being used by this monster. And the quicker he gets stronger and finds a way to be capable of harming the Greeed and Yummies, the quicker he'll be to not only take him out, but OOO as well. Along with making sure Blake never defy's him again.
He glanced at his soldiers, "I have a mission for some of you!" His soldiers diverted their attention to him, standing straight upon his voice. "Go find me this human!" He showed the image of OOO along with the image of a certain cat Faunus. "If you see the blade he wields without the armor, it will show he is OOO. You are to bring him to me alive as well as bringing back the traitor."
Kazar hummed in amusement to see the desire of revenge that Adam has.
"What are you standing around for? Go do what he is ordering you," Kazari said to the White Fang soldiers. They all nodded as they quickly rushed out, ready to deploy and find their new target.
Adam then glanced at one of the other soldiers. "And find me something so I can fight again." He ordered. "The sooner I can fight, the sooner I can kill that OOO."
Remnants of Desires
Chapter 37: Lost Kingdom, Last Alchemist, Secrets
Morning has rose, the night since we explored the Lost Kingdom has gone by. I slowly opened my eyes and yawned before sitting up. Stretching my arms out, I felt some relief before glancing at the sleeping bag that Blake was in. Walking over to her, I knelt down as I see her resting peacefully.
After all that went down three months ago, I made sure she was safe after that fight against him. Even my fight against that woman… Cinder.
Flashbacks of that day came back, causing me to shake my head, pushing those bad memories aside. Taking deep breaths, I calmed myself down before I gently sat down next to Blake as she sleeps. I gently stroke her hair, giving her a sense of peace and comfort.
Blake smiled softly in her sleep as that familiar purring can be easily heard. Causing me to smile softly as I continued to stroke her hair as gently as possible.
"Blake, wake up," I called out to her softly.
"Ngh…. comfy…" Blake muttered.
"We still have to keep exploring the Lost Kingdom, remember?" I reminded.
"Ngh… nuuu… Warm…. Comfy…" Blake whined softly, not wanting to move.
I sighed before a sly grin appeared. I focused on my Semblance, forming a small ice cube before gently placing it on her neck.
Her ears shot up before she jumped out of the sleeping bag and onto a small piece of rubble before hissing at me. She then blinked and shook her head before she got off of it, "If you tell anyone about that…. I'm going to deny it." she huffed.
"Your secret is safe with me," I promised with a sly grin. "It was cute to see you react to a small piece of ice."
She blushed before turning away, "I don't know what you're referring to…"
"No need to deny it, Blake," I teased.
Her blush grew until we heard the old door open, revealing Ankh.
"Morning Ankh." I greeted.
He only nodded before he reached inside his bag and grabbed a cold box that held his ice treats on which began to eat one. He looked like he didn't get much sleep but he also seemed… conflicted?
"Is something bothering you Ankh?" I asked the Bird Greeed.
"Nothing is wrong… I'm just thinking over…" He then looked at me. "No more questions, got it?" He then turned away to eat his treat.
We looked at him for a moment and thought it was best to leave him be as we grabbed our own food to eat. "So, where are heading into now, Ankh? Some… central chamber or something?" I asked him,
"Central chamber? Like a throne room or something?" Blake asked.
After taking a bite of his treat he looked at us before looking away. "We are gonna head to the Former Multi-King's castle…" He answered. "His place contains scripts, scrolls, old journals that will provide the answer."
"Wouldn't they have destroyed them?" I questioned.
"They didn't since he was very greedy after all. He hid them away but I know where." He responded. "We will leave in 10 minutes."
"Say, is it me… But is Ankh looking… a little more happy than before?" Blake whispered.
Hearing Blake's comment, I looked at the said Greeed and notice a small yet noticeable smile on his face. He was showing a smile that we can finally notice. "You're right, he does seem a little happier." I agreed. "What made him think over to be like that? Plus we are actually seeing him have a noticeable smile."
"Maybe…. Just being here made him at least a bit happier?" She pondered.
"Possibly," I nodded.
"Are you two coming or what?!" Ankh shouted out to us, the Bird Greeed already outside.
We grabbed our bags before the both of us followed the Bird Greeed.
We continued to follow Ankh as Blake and I was looking at the surroundings. It was very eerie knowing that we are the only ones here in the lost Kingdom.
That was then the howls of beowolves were heard in the distance.
I stand corrected, the only ones here is the three of us and the Grimm that are around the forgotten kingdoms. We remained on guard as we walked through the pathway.
"Oi, we're here!" Ankh called out.
We looked at him as what we saw was an almost, nearly preserved castle. This was the Multi-King's home and it was huge, almost taller than Beacon! This was a surprise, not much of it was destroyed.
"This is…" Blake said.
"The Multi-King's castle from 800 years ago," Ankh confirmed. "The front part isn't destroyed luckily…"
"How is it so well preserved? I thought this whole place was in ruins…." I asked, looking at Ankh.
"It's because the alchemists built this place, to show the world who is the ruler." He explained. "Too bad he never succeeded."
The Bird Greeed pushed open the door, only for it to fall flat on the ground. "Well most of it still intact…" he muttered. Seeing the place, we were surprised to how well-preserved it was. It was like a part of history still standing for others to see. "So this is where the Multi-King lived…" I observed, seeing our surroundings. "It's a huge place."
"This is just the entrance. It gets bigger…." Ankh pointed out.
And right he was for the moment we entered the hall, the place was huge! It was like this entire castle was meant to have a lot of room for one person. The again he was a king so he probably preferred it that way. As we go deeper in the castle, we soon came across two large doors.
Ankh took a deep breath before pushing the doors open, revealing a large throne room as there was colored glass behind the throne. However, there was also a large hole in one side of the wall. "This is the throne room… Before he was sealed away due to his greed for godhood."
"How…. was it opened?" Blake asked the important question of that was being shown right here.
"This is where us Greeed and the Multi-King fought… before he betrayed me in the end. He became a tomb, trapping us Greeed in there for 800 years… As those years past, my arm was the only thing out of the seal. After 800 years, I finally had some strength and grabbed a rock, twisting open the tomb to release the Greeed. The seal…" He pointed at me. "The O-Driver was the seal. In other words, you are linked to it to the very end."
"Then…. That means I must seal them away?" I asked.
"That is if you want to seal yourself as well," he huffed. I shook my head frantically, giving him my answer. "Then you have to defeat the other Greeed with that Invincible Combo. Due to its antithesis, it is the only way to finish them off for good."
"What else?" Blake asked.
Ankh simply approached the throne before twisting the armrest. Once it twisted, the throne shook before it lowered, revealing a large set of stairs that lead into darkness. "If we are to find the answers to killing Gara, it is in there."
"You can't be serious," Blake stated.
"Do I look serious, kitty cat?" He glared.
I got in between the two, not wanting a fight. "Ankh, we get it. And Blake, please don't fight. We have been through enough for the past three months… I don't want a fight between those I care about."
"Che, whatever.." He scoffed before walking away from her, going down the steps.
I looked at Blake who seemed to be trembling slightly as she looks at the dark stairs. I gently placed my hand on her shoulder, causing her to jump slightly. Seeing this got me concerned. "Blake… are you okay?"
"I-I'm fine, Enrique…" She said as I noticed her left Faunus cat ear, twitches. Making me frown at the sign.
"Blake… what did we promise after that day, 3 months ago?" I frowned.
She flinched as she knew what I was referring to. "N-Not… to keep lies or secrets from... each other... " She responded.
I nodded as I stood in front of her so she won't stare at the stairs. "Blake, please tell me what's wrong." I pleaded. "Don't you remember my promise to you? I'll stay by your side no matter what happens. He won't take you back, I will protect you to the very end."
"I'm.. scared…" She admitted, "What… what if Adam does find us? What if he got stronger and was able to take you out? What if he killed Yang and everyone else?!" She kept going, on and on. Her fears showed and she was terrified as she rambled on until I stopped her by embracing her.
"Blake, it's going to be okay…" I gently stroke her hair. "I know you are scared after that day… I am too…" she frantically shook her head. "Blake, look at me."
She was hesitant at first before she slowly raised her head, looking into my eyes. "Do you see him around?" I asked. She slowly shook her head. "Who do you see?"
"You…" she replied.
"Yes, and not Adam," I pressed on. "As long as you know that I am here, you don't have to be afraid. I will reach out to you to help you face that fear."
"Enrique…" Blake got out softly before she pressed her head against my chest before sighing with relief. "Thank you.. I… I needed that…"
I kissed her forehead, "I'm here for you, okay?" She nodded softly. "Let's head down to meet up with Ankh."
We made it down the steps as I stood close to Blake to give her comfort and the feeling of safety. The moment we made it to the last few steps, we were greeted with a large selection of many old scrolls, books, even artifacts! It was like a museum!
"Woah…" I uttered in awe.
"Cover your mouth. I don't want your drool on these scrolls." Ankh glared at me.
I shut my mouth as Blake and I saw Ankh still looking around.
"There is so many old scrolls…" Blake gently brushed her hand against the documents. "The history of the kingdom right here…"
"We are only here to find documents involving Gara," The Bird Greeed reminded. "Not to look into the history of this cursed kingdom."
Blake rolled her eyes before we continue to search for any related documents to the mad alchemist. It was surreal since we were in a room that shows records of a long forgotten kingdom. It was both an amazement but also creepy since the Lost Kingdom was known to fall due to the greed for more.
As I look around more, I saw Ankh reading some documents that look to not relate to Gara.
"What's that Ankh?" I asked.
Ankh folded the scroll, "Nothing important."
I crossed my arms with a frown until Blake called out. "You guys! Over here!"
Hearing her voice, we both walked to where she was, seeing her. "Found something?" Ankh asked.
"If you can call it that…" she pointed at an empty shelf with nothing there.
The look on Ankh's face showed anger as his eye twitches. "That shelf held the information of all the known alchemists!" He shouted, shoving the shelf to the ground. "Damn it!"
"Hold on. That's not all." Blake said as she moved over to the shelf near by and reached her hand into a small opening near it. After a bit of fidgeting around, a click was audibly heard as the shelf near by shifted before moving to the side, to reveal another room.
"Way to go, Blake!" I praised, causing her to blush.
"I-It's nothing really…" she replied.
Ankh shoved us aside as he began to look around the room and noticed some documents. "What the hell?" He cursed.
"What is it now?"
He gestured us to approach and we noticed that there was a candle along with a few open journals. "Someone was here."
"How? This place hasn't been occupied for 800 years," I pointed out.
"Gara doesn't even know about this secret room of the throne either…" Ankh frowned as his Greeed arm formed, touching the candle. "It was recent too…"
We heard the sound of books being dropped along with a gasp, causing us to quickly look back to see a cloaked figure, wearing a similar cloak-like robe to Gara's but an ice blue color. The figure quickly ran for it the moment they noticed us.
"Hey!" Ankh ran after the cloaked figure. "You get back here!"
"Let's go after him," I said to my girlfriend.
We soon rushed after the cloaked person, oddly enough he seemed to know where to go and what to do, as every corner we make, a trap goes off. It was like he knew everything about this place.
"This person is smart," Blake gritted.
"Too smart!" Ankh growled. "No one in this era knows about this kingdom!"
The figure shoved a statue aside and escaped from out sights. The cloaked figure was gone.
"Just who was that?" I asked.
"Your guess is good as mine," Ankh growled, "Whoever that was known about the secret room, the documents, everything."
"But who?"
"We will find out when we find that vermin."
I sighed, even I was wondering who were we're dealing with. Gara doesn't even know about that secret room and his cloaked robe isn't that type of color either. It left too many questions in my head.
Ankh went back to the throne room, untwisting the armrest to hide the secret room. "We are gonna find that person." He said.
"Why?" I crossed my arms.
"That person reeked of cell medals." He informed, much to our shock.
"You're… you're joking, right?" I asked.
"I am not 'joking', whoever that is, reeks of cell medals. That person is a homunculus."
"Do… you think it's Gara?" Blake questioned.
"No…" he huffed. "That robe that person has doesn't match Gara's nor belong to him…"
"Then who?"
"I don't know alright!? That's why we are going after that homunculus and get answers!"
I was about to argue but Blake's bow twitches for a moment. "Blake?"
"I hear… turbines…"
"What? Where?" I blinked.
Her bow twitches softly again before rushing outside of the castle before we followed her. Once outside, we noticed something from a distance. I squinted my eyes before they widened. "Those are Bullheads! Why are they here? Kougami wouldn't send anyone and we have the only bullhead here in this place." I recalled.
"That's because those aren't from the Kougami Foundation…" Ankh growled. "Look closer."
The both of us glanced at the Bullheads, as we soon saw the symbol that made Blake's skin crawl. "T-The White Fang…" She got out, "They.. they found us… Adam found me!" She said, backing up and beginning to vent from the possibility of Adam being here.
"Blake! Calm down!" I quickly grab her shoulders.
"But they're here! He's here! I know it!" She said as tears began to run down her face.
"Blake calm down!" I said. "Calm down and take deep breaths. We don't know that he is here."
"You don't know that! But I do! He's here… He's here…" She repeated as she began to shake in fear.
I quickly drag Blake as all three of us took cover behind some of the rubble. I peeked over, seeing the White Fang soldiers.
"Find that armored OOO and the traitor so we can head back to Vale that way Adam will get his revenge!" The White Fang lieutenant ordered the grunts.
"Roger sir!" They all shouted before racing off to find them.
"Che… lousy puppets…" Ankh spat out, "Now we lost whoever that was…" He then turned to Blake and glared, "And it's thanks to her…. We should just leave her."
"What!? NO!" I defended. "Blake has nothing to do with this, Ankh!"
"If she continues to panic like this, she'll be nothing more than a burden for us," Ankh stated.
"I'm not leaving her behind!" I argued. "We are sticking together!"
"She is the reason why the damn White Fang is here!" He pointed at her. "They were not aware of this place but now they do! You know why? Because she is here!"
"She is my girlfriend! This isn't her fault so we are sticking together!" I growled. "Whether you like it or not, she's staying with us!"
Ankh growled before he scoffed and turned away, "Whatever… She's your responsibility...Not mine."
I wanted to punch the bird Greeed but I had to calm myself down knowing that Blake is scared upon seeing the White Fang. My thoughts were cut off by the whirring sound. "What's that sound? It almost sounds like a chain…" a part of the chainsaw pierced through the rubble, causing me to jump back. "Saw…"
I quickly unsheathed the Upgraded Medajalibur as we quickly moved away, now seeing the White Fang Lieutenant.
"Found you!" The Lieutenant grinned widely as he then began to swipe at me, targeting me first of all things.
"Blake! Ankh! Go!" I shouted, blocking the attack.
"But-"
"Go! I'll catch up!" I countered the saw with the Medajalibur, my arm coating in ice before punching the lieutenant across the face.
"Come on… Get up." Ankh said, gripping Blake's arm as he helped her up. "He has this…"
I witness the two running before I quickly ducked, avoiding the attack that would have cut my head off. Standing back up, I struck his chest, sending him stumbling away as his Aura decreased.
"Adam said to bring you alive… But he never said in one piece…" The Lieutenant grinned, "You humans are nothing more than filth."
I growled upon those words before I quickly placed the O-Driver on my waist. Placing in the three Cores, I scanned them. "Henshin!"
TAKA!
TORA!
BATTA!
TA-TO-BA! TATOBA! TA-TO-BA!
The crests aligned before donning me in the OOO armor. I got into my stance, the Medajalibur back in its sheath and the Tora Claws unfolded. "Bring it on!" I exclaimed before letting out a battle cry, charging at the lieutenant.
"I'm going to enjoy skinning you!" He cackled before he charged in as well, clashing his saw against my claws before I oddly felt weak upon contact before being flung through the wall.
'What… was that…?' I got out in my thoughts.
I shook my head and focused on the Taka Lenses, allowing me to predict his movement as we clashed once more.
Ankh was dragging Blake as they ran, the faint sounds of metal clashing with one another still continuing. "I can't believe I am dragging you to safety…" he grumbled in irritation. "We didn't have to deal with the White Fang for 3 months and now we are back to fighting them! This is just great! All because of you!"
"I'm... sorry..." She said softly, looking away from the Greeed, "I should've just stayed away from Beacon…"
"No kidding," he huffed. "Of everything, it had to involve that stupid group that the person you are so afraid of leads."
Blake pulled her arm away, "I had no choice! He has done enough harm to everyone! He killed innocent people! I had to leave the White Fang because they lost what it truly meant for equality!"
"There they are!" The two looked to the left, seeing some of the White Fang soldiers.
"And there's the traitor Adam that wants back to base!"
"Why can't you leave me? I just wanted to stop hurting people!" she shouted to them.
"It's because Adam sees your true potential... As the Faunus who rid the world of humans!" One of them responded, "You're nothing more than our puppet!"
Ankh frowned greatly, "A puppet… A DAMN PUPPET!? You damn Faunus of the stupid group are nothing more than stupid people who wish to harm even your own species! A puppet is a being with nothing to have control!" he unsheathed his shorts swords as his Greeed arm appeared, the silhouette of his right wing appearing as his eyes were burning with hate and disgust. "I'll show you what a mere 'puppet' can do to you all!" He looked at Blake. "Just go while I take care of these weaklings."
Blake frantically nodded and ran while Ankh rushes towards the White Fang. They fired at him but he was dodging them with ease. When he got close, he grabbed one by the throat before tossing the grunt aside and unleashed a haymaker at another.
"This guy is a monster!" A White Fang soldier grunted out. A few more of them gathered as they opened fired upon the Greeed, trying to take him out.
Ankh leaped onto the edge of a roof before he jumped down and slashed the one behind him. Once knocked out and one remaining, he stopped a blade with his Greeed arm before he spun around, grabbing the grunt by the throat, lifting him up.
"A monster you say? I am a Greeed! It is what I am considered, we were made more superior than your kind!" He squeezed more, slowly making the grunt lose air as a malicious grin crept Ankh's lips.
The White Fang soldier grunted and gasped for air, trying to claw his way out, "M-Mer...cy…."
"You plead for mercy? Weak," he tossed the grunt to the wall, knocking him out. He grinned upon the victory until a faint sound was heard, a slight pinch of pain to his neck.
He winced before he grabbed what hit his neck, only to see it was a needle. "Che, is that what you… got…" he suddenly felt woozy as he turned around to see a couple more grunts along with the Lieutenant who looked to got a beating. He growled lowly and charged up another fireball but with whatever they shot him with, it was making him lose focus.
"What… the hell…" he muttered tiredly before he felt back, knocked out but alive.
"Take him back. I'm sure Kazari would want him alive." The Lieutenant ordered. "Search for the other two so we can leave."
They nodded as two grunts tied up Ankh and began to drag him back to their temporary camp.
Blake watched as she was horrified to see Ankh taken away. And that lieutenant was there with that squad.
Blake kept calm as possible, keeping herself hidden from some of the White Fang soldiers. She was afraid of being taken back to him. After all that happened 3 months ago, she was scared.
Now separated from the other two, she had to do something. Before she could blink a hand shot out and dragged her. She didn't panic because she recognized the scent. It was of normal yet soothing scent she had smelled whenever she was with him. Even the feeling of safety blanketing her. The voice was merely the reassurance who it actually was.
"Blake…" I said to her softly.
"Enrique… you're okay…"
I nodded as I placed my finger close to my lips, motioning silence as I peeked from the narrow spot, seeing some of the White Fang soldiers. "I really didn't expect them to follow us…"
"I-I know… but why here?"
I grimaced, realizing why. Guess that bastard really does have grudge against me. A very big grudge.
"Remember my fight against… you know who?" She nodded. "Well, I used the Invincible Combo to beat him… I even cut off his right arm, the very arm he uses to fight with that sword of his."
"So that's why... " She muttered before turning to me and as I saw her scared look, "But… this is all my fault… If I didn't leave Adam, then you all would be safe! And Ankh wouldn't have gotten captured…."
"Blake, this isn't your fault," I reminded. "You made the choice to leave that group but it doesn't mean it is your fault."
"But it is! Adam is doing this because I left him! It is my fault, Enrique!" She sounded off as she hugged her legs and began to weep. She was terrified and hurt about what happened. And due to Adam's influence, she became his only target to make sure no one defies him.
I stared at Blake with pity before I knelt down, gently placing my hands on her shoulders, with a gentle yet firm grip. She slowly raised her head, her eyes filled with tears that ran down, filled with fear and guilt. The same feeling I went through.
I gently cupped her cheek and rubbed away her tears with my thumb. Before she knew it, I brought her close to me and began to hum a tune I remembered… an old tune that my dad once did for me and Marie.
As she cried, her trembling slowly began to stop as I hummed. She then clung onto me, as her trembling can only be felt upon her contact with me.
"Why… Why do you continue to defend me?" She muttered.
I stopped humming the tune before I look at her. "Because… I understand how much you went through…" I answered. "I know what it is like trying to survive, a chance to redeem for what you have done in the past… and because I care about you. You mean everything to me. I see you as for who you are, Blake Belladonna."
"Enrique…" she looked at me and smiled softly.
I wiped away the remaining tears, returning a smile of my own. "Let's go rescue Ankh." I declared, gently handing her Gambol Shroud.
"Or.. you and the traitor can join the monster?" The Lieutenant said to us both.
We quickly looked back to see him and the grunts, weapons aimed at us. I quickly reached for the Upgraded Medajalibur but the grunts aimed at me, willing to shoot me.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," the lieutenant warned me.
Gritting my teeth, I released my grip on my blade and lowered my arms.
"It's best you give up boy. Otherwise, we'll have to take care of that monster, and your friends when we find them." The Lieutenant grinned.
The grunts slowly approached us both until we heard rumbling. We held onto any supports before the rumbling stopped.
The grunts looked around, confused to the sudden predicament until a large claw, that of an ice color grabbed a grunt, swinging him away.
"What the hell!?"
Another glowing claw grabbed another grunt and sent her to her comrades.
The others aimed at all directions as a large golem like creature in the color of ice rose out of the ground, leaving all of us shocked.
"SHOOT THEM!" The Lieutenant shouted out, pointing to the golems.
They fired but the golems slammed them away, leaving me and Blake shocked to this event.
"Enrique, was that you?" She asked, knowing I have my cyrokinesis Semblance.
"N-No, it's not," I answered, astonished. "My ice Semblance only gives me combat and defensive skills, not conjuring a living golem."
"T-That... Would be due to me…" A faint voice called out behind us.
We turned around to see the cloaked figure from before. "Quickly, this way!" We both now heard the cloaked figure, showing to be a female.
"Who are you?"
"Please, I'll explain later young Multi-King."
Hearing this made Blake narrow her eyes at the cloaked figure. "How can you know about the mul-" One of the golems shattered, showing only two remain.
"Please! I will explain everything, we have to go!" The cloaked figure advised.
"Guess… we should follow her…" Blake said to me.
I nodded before we followed the cloaked figure, as the golems soon went back into the ground as we escape.
After a while of running, Blake and I came to a stop as the cloaked figure was tracing her fingers across a wall. "Look… just who are you?" I asked. "How do you know about the Multi-King."
The cloaked person stopped and pressed the brick, causing the wall to open up. The person entered as we followed but Blake and I were getting impatient, not receiving an answer.
"Will you just tell us who are you!?" Blake demanded, reaching for her Gambol Shroud.
"Please… I mean no harm…" the cloaked figure pleaded. The person reached for the hood that obscured her identity before lowering it, revealing a beautiful woman with flawless fair skin, dark blue eyes, and her hair was like the color of ice.
My jaw dropped slightly upon seeing the woman but Blake pinched my arm, causing me to stop.
"My name… is Glacia Breeze… I was one of the alchemists who helped make the O-Driver and the Core Medals…" she introduced.
"Eh!?"
"A-And you are one of the four Alchemist!?" I added.
She nodded, "After 800 years, the power of the Multi-King has been found." She glanced at the buckle. "At least it wasn't someone like that mad king…" she muttered lowly, shaking slightly.
"Hey, you okay?" I noticed.
"It's nothing I wish to speak about…" she muttered. She then looked up and rushed before grasping my hands. "But at last… the Multi-King has been given new life! I'm so grateful that someone so pure is the new OOO!"
"I-I don't know what to say," I stuttered slightly. Though I turned to see Blake glare as I can hear her soft growls coming from her as the woman was very close to me. "Um… c-can you take a few steps back, Glacia?"
"Oh! Of course Lord OOO." She nodded before letting go and backing up.
Wait, lord?
"What do you mean by 'Lord OOO'?" I asked. "I'm not a king, I'm just me."
"You hold the power of the Multi-King, those who bare the seal are labeled as the Multi-King," she explained.
"Look, I'm not a king and can you at least explain to us why are you here? And why you ran from us?"
Glacia stood quiet, "Because… I thought you were thieves from the outside." She explained. "I… I had to run."
"What about the documents involving the alchemist?" Blake asked. "We need them to stop Gara."
The mention of the name caused Glacia to reel back, her eyes filled with horror as if something happened. "H-he's still alive…?!" She choked.
"H-Hey, calm down," I tried to calm her but she was shaking upon the name as she flinched upon my touch. I noticed some despair and pain in her eyes… almost as if… oh my god…
I slowly walked to Blake, "Blake, I think we should talk to her calmly, just don't mention that alchemist." This confused her at first until her eyes widened, causing me to nod.
"Alright then…" She acknowledged.
We looked at Glacia as Blake and I sat down. "Glacia, please tell us what you know… we understand why you are like this…" Blake pleaded softly. "Enrique beat him once before."
Glacia's eyes widen as she then looked at me, "You… bested Gara? H-How?"
I focused on the other half of my Semblance, my Aura bringing forth the three Purple Cores. "This." I presented.
"I-Impossible… Those Cores…" She got out, "They are meant to be the bomb that will let him destroy this world." she turned to me, "How… were you able to control them? He put dark magic on them so that no one could break his control!"
"But I did," I assured, the Cores returning to my Aura. "It was thanks to… my friends and family…"
"Then… there is hope…" She smiled brightly, "There is hope for you to defeat Gara and obtain the ultimate power of OOO!"
"Huh?"
The female alchemist slowly got up, reaching for a book. "When the Multi-King mastered all of the five combos of the Greeed… he ordered us to create the ultimate power…" she explained. "One that would have permanently change the fate of the other kingdoms to his rule." She pulled the book out, blowing away the dust before placing it on the desk. "The power that would have transcend time and space… Super TaToBa…" she revealed the said image of three Core Medals.
"Super… TaToBa…" I repeated.
Glacia nodded, "Though… it's incomplete… So I don't know if it'll be used to you…" She frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"It has been lost for a long time…" she sighed. "The Cores, while made, weren't fully complete due to the first Multi-King's wrath…. Thus, I do not know if it'll help you, my lord…"
"So we are back to square one…" I sighed.
"Forgive me for being useless my lord… I'll punish myself soon.." She lowered her head as she reached into her pocket and brought out what looked to be some kind of poison.
I quickly waved my hands. "You don't have to do that!"
"But, my lord! I have dishonored you!"
"Look, I am not like the Multi-King," I explained.
"But you are still my lord.. And as my lord, I will take my punishment." She said, about to ingest it until I took the vial out of her hand.
"I don't let friends hurt themselves!"
"F-Friend? What is… 'friend'?" She asked, obvious not knowing the term or language of today.
Blake and I blinked, looking at each other then at her. "You don't know?" Blake asked incredulously.
She shook her head, "I… was told by Gara and the first Multi-King.. That me and the others… are nothing more than monsters and servants.." She said as she took off the rest of her cloak, revealing some old scars across her delicate skin.
"Like him, some of us were to become homunculus by the order of the King…" she explained. "He wanted to make sure we never die so we can continue our work to make more power for him…" she began to tremble. "But… I on the other hand… eventually was forced to.. to…" she fell to her knees, choking upon that word she didn't want to say, covering her eyes and cried.
I knelt down, feeling truly sorry for her. "I'm… I'm sorry…" I said. "Friends are those who help you, not like those bastards… friends are those who help you every step of the way, willing to cheer you up, talk to you, even have good memories." I smiled softly. "You saved Blake and I, that shows you are our friend."
"Lord OOO…" she got out softly before smiling at us softly. "Thank you.."
I nodded before I stood up, looking at the Candroid to check the time. "Damn it… it's already night time…" I grimaced. "We have to get Ankh…"
"The Bird Greeed!?" Glacia gasped. "I thought I recognized that arm…"
"We can get him now, Enrique… you remember the history lesson that Port once mentioned…?"
I grimaced once more, realizing she has a point. If we fight them in the night, they had the advantage along with Blake but I would be fighting blindly. "By morning, we have to get Ankh…"
Blake nodded, "But where can we sleep?"
"Ah! Come with me, Lord OOO and Queen Blake. I know of a place where you two can rest." She smiled.
Blake blinked, "Why did you call me that…?"
"Well, it is obvious you are mated with Lord OOO here. So, it makes sense you are his Queen." She explained.
Blake and I looked at each other before blushing.
"Though, I am confused as to why you two don't have heir's yet?" She pondered.
Hearing that felt like a hit to my gut as I coughed while Blake blushed heavily. "I-It's not like that!" We said to her. "I-I'm only 19, soon to be 20. W-While Blake is about to be 18!"
"W-We're too young for something like that!" Blake nodded.
"Too young?" She tilted her head, "You're both ripe for having heir's my liege. Please, follow me, I'll show you to your room, and fix something up for you to start the process." She smiled innocently.
"No!" We said to her, the redness on our faces increasing ten fold. "L-Look, Glacia, times and l-laws have changed then you didn't even know about," I explained, trying to stop my heart from racing further.
"But in this place, there are no laws. Isn't that why many have forbidden people to come here?" She pointed out.
I facepalmed. This was going to take a long while to explain everything to her.
Meanwhile, in the temporary camp, Ankh was wide awake but he couldn't do much. Why? While he can burn away the ropes, he won't have an easy chance due to the four grunts around the tent, remaining on guard.
"Che… you guys really are scared," The Bird Greeed huffed. "Since I am here and showed what I can do to you lot."
"S-Shut it, monster!" One of the grunts responded before hitting him with the blunt part of their gun.
Ankh huffed, ignoring the pain. "Is that all you can do?"
"I said shut it!" He shouted out, striking him again.
"Enough!" The lieutenant ordered. The grunt stopped what he was doing before stepping away as the lieutenant approached Ankh.
"Guess they had to call the big guy, huh? Weak…" Ankh mocked.
"Save it while you can, monster. We found your friends and they will be dealt with and brought here. Then all that's left is to bring you to Kazari and Adam."
"Tch… the bruises on you guys show you lost… badly. I say my charge kicked your ass."
"It's only a matter of time.. Since we have you, they'll come here to try and save you. That filthy human and puppet of a traitor will fall." He spat out.
"Tch…" Ankh scoffed. He watch the lieutenant leave the tent while the grunts stare at the Bird Greeed. "What a pain…" he sighed.
After a very long explanation to Glacia, she seemed to somewhat understand everything Blake and I told her, giving us some relief. Seriously, why would an alchemist think of that about me and Blake!? I mean sure we are in a relationship but we haven't reached that step and we are too young for kids!
Right now, I was in the room that Glacia allowed us to sleep in. Pushing those thoughts aside, I was calm, thank goodness for that since I didn't want to think too much of what Glacia assumed.
Glacia though, was already fast asleep on a small bed she had in the corner. It must've been her own bed, as it was not only very small and torn up, but looked uncomfortable. Gara must've done his best to drill it into her thought of this being how she must always live, and it was disgusting.
Glancing at her, I couldn't forget how broken she was when we mentioned that bastard. It angered me… But she still kept her usual self present as if she managed to suppress those memories for 800 years. Not to mention, her ability of those golems. When they showed up, they appeared from some runes. Why was it so familiar?
Letting out a sigh, I got out of the bed before reaching into my bag, finding the sleeping bag. I walked over to Glacia. "Hey, Glacia…" I called out.
"Ngh...Lord OOO? What is it?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.
I presented the sleeping bag. "Try and use this so you can sleep better." I insisted.
Her eyes widen but she shakes her head. "I'm sorry my Lord. But I can't accept this gift." She denied, "It belongs to you, I'm not worthy of such an item."
"Glacia, you don't deserve to sleep in this condition," I looked at her bed. "You have been through enough already and you deserve a chance for a better time." I handed the sleeping bag to her. "You need it more than I do, okay? Besides friends help each other after all, didn't Blake and I tell you?"
"But… I'm nothing more than some monster… something that shouldn't exist…" she looked at me, "Why would you care so much for me?"
I sat down on the edge of the bed, "Glacia, look, you aren't a monster. Despite you and the Alchemists becoming homunculus, you are still yourself." I pointed at where her heart would be. "You have a soul, just like me and Blake."
"Lord OOO…." She said softly before she quickly wrapped her arms around my neck, hugging me, "Thank you… my friend…"
I was caught by surprise at first before I smiled, "It's the least I can do. I reach my hand out to those in need of help." I stood up from the edge of her bed before walking over to the bed she lent me and Blake. Moving the blanket, I went under the covers as I felt Blake's arms.
"Sometimes, I wonder if you're too good for this world?" Blake said softly with a warm smile as she cuddled with me.
"You heard the conversation?" I asked.
She nods, "You're very sweet…" She pecks my cheek.
"I reach my hand out to help people," I smiled, stroking her hair. "It is what I promised to do."
She smiles softly before gaining a frown, "Do… you think Ankh is alright?"
"Knowing him, he will be okay…" I replied. "Let's get sleep, okay?"
"Okay.." She nods before cuddling closer to me.
Morning arrived, Blake and I were fully awake as we were wearing our normal attire, the Upgraded Medajalibur sheathed and ready. "Ready Blake?" I asked my girlfriend.
She nods, "Yeah.. Let's end this already." She agreed before taking out her weapon.
Seeing ourselves prepared, I looked at Glacia, the question still buzzing in my mind. "Say Glacia, before Blake and I go, there is something I wanted to know."
"Yes?"
I reached in my pocket before pulling out the Medal Book and showed her BuraKaWani. "Do you recognize these?"
Her eyes widened, "Those Cores…" she uttered, her fingers tracing across the images of the reptiles. "I know these Cores because I made them…"
"And your Semblance?" I pressed on, now realizing who this alchemist really is.
"Glyphs…"
"Wait, I thought only… Schnee's…" Blake's eyes widened. "How did you know?"
"The BuraKaWani Cores were made the alchemist that was the only person who had a good heart unlike the others. Plus, Ankh had the idea of stealing the Three Cores from the Schnee mansion. Even when Ankh told me about how Weiss' ancestor was the very alchemist who made the reptile Cores." I explained to Blake. "In origin, she is the first to use Glyphs… not as a Schnee."
"Amazing deduction, Lord OOO." Glacia got out.
"I learn," I chuckled. "Anyways, Glacia, you should stay here, alright?"
"As you command, Lord OOO." She bowed.
I rubbed the bridge of my nose, "And Glacia, you don't have to keep calling me that. I'm not a king as I said before. Just call me Enrique." I sighed.
"A-As you wish, Lord Enrique." She bowed once more.
I facepalmed. Again with the lord stuff, it was annoying if you ask me. Letting out a sigh, Blake and I walked out of the secret area that lead us out to the plains. The wall closed behind us before Blake and I rushed across the plains.
"So where did they take him?" Blake asked.
"I have an idea," I reached into my pocket before presenting the Taka Candroid. Opening the tab, the can transformed into the candroid, letting out a chirp. "Lead us to Ankh."
It nodded before flying around, it was circling a few times until it stopped and began to fly to the east. "Let's go." I said before we followed the candroid. It was a bit of a long run but we made it to another part of the ancient village and hid behind the rubble.
Peeking over as the sun was slowly rising, we saw a couple of tents with one having the most number of the White Fang grunts.
"Think, that's where he's at?" Blake turned to me.
"You remember how Ankh fights, and knowing that he can detach as an arm, they wouldn't want him to get away…" I responded. "We just have to get to that tent…"
"How?"
I pondered for a moment before an idea came up. "Hey Blake, what type of Dust rounds do you have?" I asked.
"A have a clip holding fire dust, and a couple clips of normal rounds, why?"
"Faunus can see better in darkness but what about steam?" I grinned, presenting Shachi, Gorilla, and Wani. "I can use my Semblance to freeze the water and you can shoot the ice."
Blake smirked, "I think that would work, perfectly." She agreed to my plan.
Placing the O-Driver on my waist, I placed in the three Core Medals into the buckle before I grabbed the O-Scanner and swipe it across the buckle. "Henshin!"
SHACHI!
GORILLA!
CHEETAH!
With the crests aligned, the armor formed before I hopped over the rubble and unleashed a torrent of water to the area.
"Huh?" The grunts noticed until I used my Semblance to allow the water and the air around it to freeze into ice.
"Now!" I called out to Blake.
Blake soon pointed her gun at the Dust as she fired a round. In seconds, steam exploded from contact of the two Dust's as large amount of steam poured into the area.
"What the heck?"
"We're under fire! Stay close!"
The White Fang were either panicking or getting ready for a counter attack, spite them being unable to see anything through the steam.
Switching Shachi with Taka, I scanned the medals once again.
TAKA!
GORILLA!
CHEETAH!
They used their hearing but thanks to Cheetah Legs, they fired at nothing. Using the gauntlets, I punched a grunt in the chest before going after another thanks to the Taka Helm, allowing me to see better.
When one of the grunts took notice of myself approaching, he aimed his gun at me but I ducked before delivering an uppercut, sending him in the air before I noticed the steam was slowly vanishing. I had to make this quick.
Using another ounce of energy, I rushed into the tent before I saw the other three guards. "Hello," I waved nonchalant before using the Cheetah Legs and punched them, knocking them out due to the gauntlets. Once taken care of, I looked at Ankh. "You alright?"
"Hmph… they had it coming…"
I rolled my eyes before he freed himself due to his Greeed arm casting flames. Once free, he rubbed his wrists and looked at me.
"What took you so long?" He asked.
"If you haven't noticed, these guys were in the way from rescuing you," I explained. "Oh and we met that person we were trying to chase yesterday."
"And?"
"Turns out, it was one of the Royal Alchemists by the name Glacia"
He raised an eyebrow before he huffed, "I thought there was something about that alchemist robe she was wearing."
"We can talk later, we have to get going." I insisted.
"You three aren't going anywhere…." The Lieutenant sounded off.
Oh great…
There stood the lieutenant from before, his mask hiding the anger in his eyes as his weapon was ready to cut us down.
"Any ideas, Ankh?" I asked.
"Yeah…" he motioned for Sai and Zou.
I nodded, "Blake, give me cover while I start the Gravity Combo."
"Okay," she nodded before she and Ankh rushed towards the lieutenant to provide me a window to scan the three gray Core Medals.
Grabbing Sai and Zou, I replaced Taka and Cheetah before scanning all three medals.
SAI!
GORILLA!
ZOU!
SAGOZO… SAGOZO!
Now donned in the Gravity Combl, I bested my chest before marching towards the White Fang lieutenant. Upon seeing me, Blake used her Semblance to avoid the lieutenant's attack as I punched the lieutenant in the chest, sending him flying across the area, his back hitting the wall.
The Lieutenant groaned as he got up, shaking off the blow like it was a pinch as he charged back in. He swung his blade, missing Blake but striking me as I was soon tossed into the ground. He then turned and gripped Blake before slamming her against the ground as he began to squeeze on her neck.
"You, are too much trouble, Traitor… I'm sure Adam would understand if an 'accident' should befall you…" He said with a cold glare.
Blake gasped for air, before she aimed at the lieutenant, and fired a few rounds as this caused him to release her. She coughed before avoiding another attack. While she avoided it, Ankh delivered a haymaker to the lieutenant, nearly breaking the mask with the amount of force he used.
The White Fang soldier roared out as he swung his sword down.
"Ankh!" Blake called out.
Ankh didn't say anything as his Greeed arm formed, the blades coming in contact as sparks were casting off and no cell medals. "What the…" the Lieutenant got out but Ankh stopped him as he punched his lower torso then an elbow to the face. The Bird Greeed slammed his knee into the White Fang soldier's face, sending him reeling back.
He wasn't even done as he punched the chest, fire igniting before sending the lieutenant flying.
"Woah…" I uttered. Man, Ankh really wasn't kidding when he said he was strong. I guess with three of his Core Medals, he gave him back fraction of his power.
"Oi! Stop gawking and end it!" Ankh ordered.
I was out of my stupor before giving a nod before I reeled my arms back before thrusting them, the gauntlets shooting out and right at the lieutenant.
He groaned before he took notice. "Oh no…" before he knew it, the gauntlets came in contact, hitting him dead on as he was slammed through the wall.
"Hmph, amatuer." Ankh spat out.
"We should get going before the rest chase after us." Blake noted.
"Right," I nodded before we quickly made a run back to the secret room that Glacia was in.
Upon returning, I knocked on the wall while Ankh raised an eyebrow. However his expression changed when the wall opened up to reveal Glacia, causing Ankh's eyes to shot up like rockets before it went calm.
"Welcome back you tw-" She noticed Ankh and his Greeed arm. "You…"
Ankh huffed, turning his head away. "Yeah, me." He said with slight venom. "Surprised you lived like that damn bastard. It explains why you reek of Cell Medals."
"Ankh, be nice. She's been through too much already," I scolded, only for him to glare at me. "Sorry about how he is." I apologized to Glacia.
"I understand… I knew what happened during that day where the Multi-King fell and the kingdom into nothing…" she looked at Ankh. "Ankh, I understand how much you-"
"Don't you dare speak of that time," He warned. "It was because of the other Greeed and that damn king, the ones who causes nothing but hell to the kingdom! You and the alchemists chose to do nothing to stop the king! You all vanished when he ended up killing himself the moment he scanned all the medals, sealing us Greeed!" He pointed at her. "I rather not forget that time! You know why?! Humans and the damn Faunus got too greedy and caused the kingdom to fall! And for once, this kingdom is what it supposed to be, nothing but ruins!"
"I… I apologize, Ankh…" Glacia lowered her head.
"Sorry!?" He grabbed her by the throat, causing me and Blake to try and make him let go of her. "You don't know that half of being sorry! Unlike me, you had 800 years to look back at what you have done! You have done enough already!"
"Ankh, let her go!" Blake demanded.
The Bird Greeed shoved her away as he then tossed Glacia to the wall, bringing out his sword as his Greeed arm was ignited in flames. He roared out in anger and was about to bring down his sword until I used Upgraded Medajalibur to stop it, the blades locked as sparks cased off.
"Ankh, that's enough! Get a hold of yourself for damn sake!" I shouted. "Just look at yourself! Is this what she wanted you to do!?"
"Like you know how much I lost you stupid idiot!"
"I do know! I know you lost a friend you cared about! I know what it is like to lose those close to you!" I argued. "We both lost people in our lives Ankh! I know you don't show it but inside your soul, there is pain that you only use anger just to lash it out to the world!"
"How would you know!?"
"I WOULD HAVE ENDED UP BEING LIKE YOU!" I yelled, causing him to become silent but his eyes were filled with shock. "After losing my family… so much has happened to me… I was upset… in grief… I wanted to lash out for how much I lost… but I couldn't…" I looked at him, feeling tears running down my face. "I made a promise to my family that I would never do that and reach my hand out to help. To save them from losing what they have left… Ankh, you have to stop this and look into yourself… she wouldn't want you to continue to inflict harm to yourself..."
"Lord OOO…." Glacia got out.
"Ankh… I know you're angry. But it's obvious that the other Alchemists were forced to do this due to the king and him. You shouldn't blame them for everything, especially since they're cursed as well…" Blake told him.
Ankh was silent before the flames slowly died down and he slowly lowered his arm, the sword going back into its sheath. He didn't say a word, only for him to shove me aside and sat on the floor, avoiding eye contact.
I on the other hand, I wiped away the tears upon the memories of the deaths of two of our friends and my family.
"Ankh.. I.. know you hate me and the others for what we've done…" Glacia admitted, "But believe me… * she then looked up at him, "I never saw you as monsters.. I… would argue that I saw you… as one of my own children…" Ankh didn't reply, only to look away.
Looking at the time, it was already noon but honestly it felt like so much happened within the first couple of hours. Leaning against the wall, I could only remember the days of what we lost on that day…
"Are you okay?" Blake asked with concern.
"I… I'll be okay…" I sighed. "It's been awhile since I brought up old memories…"
"Lord O- I mean… Lord Enrique… I… wanted to thank you.. It has been a long time, since I've been with actual company… As well as coming here to find a way to defeat, him." Glacia bowed to us.
I raised my head to look at her, "No problem, Glacia."
"But… I'd… like to make a request…"
"Hm?" I blinked. "What request?"
She soon raised her head and gave a soft smile, "Please…. Destroy me…"
Blake and I looked at her, shocked upon the request. "What...? Glacia… I… I can't do that." I denied. "It's… it's not right…"
"Enrique…" She sighed softly, "I'm basically nothing but an immortal monster…. I can't have children, and my Core can't be destroyed unless it's by those Purple Medals." She looked at me, "I have seen so many lives go by…. I have seen this world changing towards many things…. And I'm tired of it… I never wanted to be around this long. To see so many I love and cared for, vanish from my eyes… I want to rest in peace right now…"
"I can't lose another friend, Glacia!" I argued. Hearing her words was hitting me, I just couldn't end her life. I lost my family and two of my friends, I didn't want to end a person's life, someone who we became friends with for such a small time… "I… I can't…"
"Enrique…" Glacia smiled, placed her hands on me, causing me to see her odd, yet brightful smile, "I'm ready to die… and I want you to help me go in peace…"
My eyes welled up with tears, the painful feeling increasing. I shut my eyes as I slowly focus on the Cores that were brought out from my Aura. Placing them in the O-Driver, I struggled to grab the scanner.
"You can do this, Enrique…. I know you're scared and hurting cause of what you lost… But as one friend to another, I know you can do this." She smiled softly at me, "It was never your fault… And I'm sure your parents are proud of what you're doing right now. I know… I know that I am."
The pang of guilt was building up as I scanned the Cores.
PTERA!
TRICERA!
TYRANNO!
PU-TO-TYRA NO ZAURU~!
Once in the Invincible Combo, I slammed my arm into the ground, pulling out the Medagaburyu. I clenched my hands as I felt more and more pain in my heart. I watched her close her eyes as if she was prepared. My hands were trembling, close to releasing my weapon to the ground. I just couldn't…
"Please… I don't want to do this…" I choked in tears.
"I know you don't… You're scared, and wanting to find another way… But let's face it… I can never truly be more dead, than I was eons ago…" Glacia said to me, "I'm just a faint memory of the past, that should've be gone, long ago."
I slowly raise the axe as she smiled softly. "And do me one other last favor… please defeat Gara…"
I was trembling even more before I said, "O… Kay…" I barely said. I shut my eyes closed and quickly brought down my weapon.
Glacia continued to smile as her body grew grey as she soon, and slowly begin to disintegrate in front of us. All of the pain she has cause, and all of the suffering she has endured were finally being lifted from her shoulders.
"Thank… you…" Those were her last words as the Core broke and the Cell Medals lying on the ground.
I dropped my weapon, falling to my knees and cried. It was just too much for me… I had to end a life of an innocent person… a friend we barely got a chance to know more about…
"Enrique…" Blake kneeled down as she hugged me, comforting me as much as she could. I couldn't say anything for what I had to do.
"Why… Why did I have to do this…" I cried.
"It's because she saw you as her way to give her peace…" Ankh said to me, "As well as try to help you get stronger and overcome your past… she may have been one of the alchemists.. But out of all of them, she was one of the few who realized the mistakes that happened in the past…." He glanced at me. "What's next?"
I was quiet for a moment before I slowly clench my hands. "We have to find those Cores Glacia mentioned…"
"If we find them… what do you plan to do?"
I clenched my hands into fists, remembering what Gara has done and knowing what we have to do. "We are gonna stop Gara once and for all." I declared.
Deep within a secret lab within the outskirts of the ruined parts of Vale, Gara was writing down in his journal with a crazy grin on his face. On the table was large sets meant to create pieces of metal along with blueprints. "More… more…" He said, his eyes showing lust for more power. His Poseidon project was successful! The now called Poseidon Driver worked but he couldn't beat that cursed OOO due to the battalion that patrolled that city. But now, he and the Faunus along with the Bird Greeed were at the lost kingdom, the place where he came from, the place that will give them answers to defeat him.
He didn't want that to happen. He has to achieve the godhood the Multi-King never reached! Looking at a flask, he grabbed a vial from his waist and looked at it. "Now young Amazon… your power will help me." He poured the ashes into the flask as it began to glow, the newly-fused fluid going through tubes, countless as the fluids were going through different tubes until three tubes went into three flasks in which Gara grabbed three Cell Medals from his body before crushing them into dust and poured them inside the three flasks.
They reacted more before he grabbed them and placed them on a heater. The beauty of alchemy was… amazing to see. His career as one never failed to amaze him. The flasks was boiling until a dark color was formed. He poured the contents into a template as the fluid began to solidify. It was a sunset red color to it, while the gold ring surrounded it. Finally, marks began to appear as it formed what looked like a familiar spear overlaying a shield. It glowed softly as a pink hue formed in the center, "W-Where am I?" A familiar voice rang from the Medal.
Gara grinned insanely from this. "Pyrrha Nikos. The 'Invincible Girl' of Mistral. Also called the Amazon. Fell before the woman who has stolen the last half of the Fall Maiden's power." He listed before laughing. "Truly amazing! I have created a living Core!"
"G-Gara?! What did you do to me?!" The Core asked.
"I have brought your soul from your ashes and given you life… into a simple Core Medal." He grinned, grabbing hold of it, examining the symbol on it. "Truly fits for who you were before your demise… And your Polarity will be mine to use."
"You can't do this! You really are an insane monster!"
"Oh you wound me, Nikos." he said. "I am a man who wants to reach the godhood my King never could reach! " He turned his head as five more flasks glowed. "And you will witness this." He gently placed the core on a stand, making it face the table. He poured the flasks into five templates, creating five more Medals to her shock. One had the image of a Panda, the second having the image of a Kangaroo, but the last three were much different. They were black, like the Grimm…
"N-No! Please don't!" She pleaded, unable to do anything.
He grabbed the three black cores and examined them then at the other two. "Magnificent…" He said before slowly looking at the Nikos. "These are Panda, Kangaroo, Scorpion which came from the Deathstalker, Crab from the Pincer, and Shrimp which came from the Ebi Grimm. For the three black cores: Sasori, Kani, and Ebi. A Combo that resembles their nature. Being deadly predators." He laughed before digging his hand into his chest, making Pyrrha 'feel' horrified but disgusted as the alchemist pulled out some Cell Medals out of his chest.
"And now…" He placed his Cell Medals into a cauldron that held more Cell Medals. He placed in the three black cores. "The boy may have destroyed the 6 Purple Cores I worked so hard on… He may have avoided the fate of becoming a Greeed…" He then looked at the Nikos Core. "But with the three black Cores… they are special." He said with each step he took, approaching the Nikos Core. "They can make their own being if…" He was now in front of the display that held the Core of Pyrrha's soul. "... they have a Core that is alive. That is where you come in, my darling Nikos"
"No! I rather be dead than become your slave, monster!"
"Oh Nikos…" He mocked, grabbing the Core. "You will do everything I say. For the first process if I am to make the new being... " He looked at the other cauldron. He walked to it and placed her on top of the other pile. He grabbed a vial that was glowing a white color. "Time to bring you as a Homunculus." He poured the last piece onto the Core and Cell Medals. It glowed as the cell medals flew around before they landed onto one spot, forming the shape of a human being until… it glowed and there stood Pyrrha Nikos, alive.
"Another homunculus now alive!" He announced, his arms spread out like wings.
"Y-You… YOU MONSTER!" She shouted, about to attack him. However, Gara summoned his Poseidon Spear, blocking her punch.
"Hehehe… I have power, young darling…" He informed. Pyrrha fell back as he snapped his fingers. Two Trash Yummies appeared and got hold of the young Amazon as she struggles in their grip. Gara then waked over the other cauldron and poured another glowing red fluid which glowed as the medals and the three black cores glowed. "And you will serve under my rule!"
Pyrrha growled, spitting in his face as he could see her rage.
Gara wiped away the saliva before slapping her harshly, leaving a mark on her. "A king should never be insulted by the likes of you." he informed as the Cell Medals flew around the black Cores. They formed a creature in clustered of medals. It's body opened it, like a cage as Gara looked at her. "And the servant should obey the king's command." He gestured the two Trash Yummies who were dragging her to the cluster of Medals that were opened up. They shoved her inside as the medals closed in on her like a cage as she began to see the medals around her beginning to form a black color as if she will be inside a monster… the same way Enrique was.
'Jaune…. Enrique…. Save me….' Was the only thought she could muster as the clumps of Cell Medals began to form around her, creating a new body. Its body was black like the Grimm but humanoid. It's legs were like an exoskeleton of a shrimp as extrusions were on its shins. The chest and arms were that of a crab: it's right claw being a massive pincer while the other being clawed hand with four fingers. Crab legs pops out of its back with the shell acting as solid armor with the edges curving sideways, but it had a resemblance of a female breastplate. Its head was the most disturbing feature. A large scorpion acting as a headdress but the pincers was covering the eyes, acting like visors with the stinger being an upward ponytail.
"Hahahahaha!" He laughed. "Now… we are going on a trip, my servant. We are heading to my old home." The Greeed Armor nods, bowing to him along with the Trash Yummies. "This is just the start for I will have my revenge and be a God! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"
His laugh echoes all around the warehouse as within the Greeed armor, Pyrrha was now in deep sleep.
CURRENT MEDALS:
Blazing: Taka (x2), Kujaku (x1), Condor (x1)
Scorching: Lion (x1), Tora (x2), Cheetah (x1)
Strongest: Kuwagata (x1), Kamakiri (x1), Batta (x1)
Legendary: Kobura (x1), Kame (x1), Wani (x1)
Water: Shachi (x1), Tako (x1), Unagi (x1)
Gravity: Sai (x1), Gorilla (x1), Zou (x2)
Invincible: Ptera (x1), Tricera (x1), Tyranno (x1)
(NEXT TIME)
"We meet again, OOO," Gara mused.
SU~PER~! TATOBA, TA-TO-BA! SUPER!
"Ore wa… Kamen Raida OOO!"
Next Time: Returned Soul, Final Power, Gara's End
A/N: That is it for this chapter folks! Not only they met one of the few Alchemist who turn themselves into homunculus but also found out the key to defeating Gara.
Not to mention, Gara has brought back Pyrrha, using her as a Greeed heart and created five new Core Medals but there is a reason behind those intentions. Before you argue and such about Pyrrha being brought back, I am about to say a few things.
One, Pyrrha's Semblance will play an important key part later on (Can't tell you when).
Two, Her status as a homunculus will also play a key role into the story along with the use of Panda and Kangaroo.
And so, I am just laying that out there before you guys get upset and such.
Anyways, the next chapter is the final chapter of the first season of my story! Woohoo! I am so excited to show you guys what will approach. What will happen then? We will have to find out soon enough in the season finale of Remnants of Desires! See you all later!
P.S. Once this story is over, I will be uploading a new story a few days after its completion. Which one you ask? You all will have to wait and see.