A/N: Hello everyone! Once again I am here for the biweekly update to the story! As you al may have noticed from the previous chapter how I mentioned the change of our protagonist's new outfit? Well it is going to be introduced in this chapter! Furthermore I have been busying myself with work and it hasn't been as stressful like usual which is good. Thus I will talk more in the author's note in the very bottom, let's get to the start of the chapter!

NOTE: IF YOU HAVE NOT READ REMNANT OF DESIRES AND REMNANTS OF DESIRES: AFTER THE FALL, READ THEM BEFORE YOU START READING THIS STORY. THANK YOU.

Third Person View

'Thought'"

Greeed/Yummies


The oceans of Mantle brushed against the cold landscape. The waters had long been cold due to the terrain. Though it wasn't all that quiet due to silver coins littering the snowy shores.

"I swear… brats these days only litter and litter…" An angered Mistralan fisherman groaned out. He and his crew were informed very early in the morning that a load of coins were starting to sweep onto the shore. This made them work on it, yet the littered coins keep coming nonstop.

"This has to be at least 1k Lien." One worker pointed out how much all of these coins would be worth. "Who would even toss these out?"

"How the hell should I know? I bet these are worthless since all they have is engravings of odd cats."

"What about this one?" They noticed one of them raising a yellow coin that gleamed under the sunlight, different from the silver coins. "It's not like the rest."

"Think we could maybe sell it?" Another worker questioned with glee.

Observing the yellow trinket, the worker noticed it had a symbol of a tiger. It gleamed again before it flew off his hand. "What the?"

"T-The coins!" Peering over, they noticed all they collected were being gathered towards several other yellow coins that hovered, slowly building from the ground up until it created a feline-based monster who stretched, popping a few joints.

"Such nostalgia to do this." It hummed in amusement.

"A-A monster!" One worker cried out, as he was about to take out his scroll to call for help. Only for a swift burst of wind cut the scroll to pieces.

The device fell into scraps, making every individual to look at the monster who had his arm out, chuckling. "That's a bad idea." He stalked them, watching them quiver in fear. "Now, may you be so kind and point where your city is?"

They shakily pointed to the left, making Kazari look over and his sharp eyes noticed a road. Amused, Kazari changed into his human form and walked, following the source of Core Energy that were his last few Medals.

"Time for a little exploring."


Remnants of Desires: Edge of Avarice


Chapter 3: New Mission, A New Look, Ace Ops

You know, with the problems resolved earlier, things have somewhat gotten a little easier. While the private conversation I had with Ironwood regarding myself being stable after nearly two years of using the power of OOO and his faith in me to help was still fresh in my mind, I knew there was a lot of responsibility for my burdens.

Killing Adam was one such burden. To know I spilled blood with my own hands to protect myself and my fiancée.

Then there was the fact that the late King Solaris had hidden his sacred treasures that signify his ruling and as a symbol of his near-godly might against all who tried to face him, including Ozma. The buckle that granted him the armor as OOO, gauntlet that becomes the shield of flames while harnessing whatever set of Medals were placed into the brace, the sword that symbolizes his royal presence while cutting down any with the full power of the Core Medals unlike the Medajalibur, and the lost cloak. Three were already in my possession but the cloak remained elusive from anyone. It left me questions but one that remained aside for now.

What will happen should I gain every piece?

Do I experience the same power that King Solaris had and lose myself? Will I even be human anymore once I gain it? There were too many unanswered questions in my mind about this power that was left behind and it worried me.

Taking a deep breath to ease myself, I noticed I haven't got any sleep since we got here to Atlas. While sleep was something we needed, we have more important matters such as waiting to be called for a mission Ironwood wanted us to do. It was a little bothersome but it was for the best.

So I simply leaned against the seat I was on, flipping my violet Core Medal between my fingers. I watched it move between each of my fingers, even flipping it to the other hand to catch with two fingers.

"Can't sleep?"

I turned my head slightly to see Clover walking over with a cup of coffee in hand and a soft smile as he offered some to me. From what I recall about the guy, he was the leader of the squadron Ironwood created years ago, or was it months? I wouldn't know. I didn't keep track.

"Considering Ironwood wants me, Ruby, and Jaune to be gathered for a mission briefing…" I yawned for a moment. "Soon."

"I'll make a fresh pot then." He smiled before leaning on the wall, "First mission jitters, huh?"

"Sorta…" Unofficial mission I had done which was helping Team RWBY regarding the investigation in Mountain Glenn. Officially however is another story. The briefing would be the first official matter for us. Or rather the teams.

Teams…

The word felt almost foreign given since our separation we haven't really used the original team named again. Sure Blake, Pyrrha, Ankh, and myself were Team ENBA just out of nostalgia of our days in Beacon, I'm sure it's no longer applied now that we reunited.

"Seems you kinda miss a certain dynamic." Clover noted out, as if he read my mind.

"What gave that away?" I drawled, only to notice the soldier flip a crest that was a four leaf clover.

"A lucky guess."

I grunted slightly and stood up from the seat, flipping the Purple Core and made it become mist, seeping back into my Aura. Clover must have took note of it as his eyes were full of curiosity.

"When Ironwood said you are different he wasn't kidding. Never seen a person, well, do what you just did."

"I'm just different is all." I raised my shoulders a bit. Well, different due to the hell Gara put through and coming from a different world.

I walked by Clover but stopped, the back of my mind tickled with childhood memories of my dad. "After all, a soldier has their duty right?" I resumed my walk.

Clover stared but chuckled slightly. "Ain't that the truth kid."


Jaune, Ruby, and I were gathered given we were leaders of our respective teams. We looked at the holo screens as we began to listen to the mission we were about to be briefed on.

"Alright now that you are all here, our mission today is to secure the launch site for Amity Communications Tower." Clover briefed us. "The designated area is an abandoned Dust mine. Since its closure, the Grimm have moved in."

The three of us watched the screen change, displaying a rocky creature but its face was one some of us knew.

"A Geist?" I recognized the Grimm type upon seeing its Petra Gigas form. "The last time we dealt with one, Gamel helped pummel it."

The man raised an eyebrow.

"Gamel is tough when you see him fight. He and Ankh are… well, way more experienced than any of us."

The leader of Ace Ops was about to ask but Ruby waved her hands and said, "Y-You don't want to know how bad it could get." Ruby and I were grimly reminded of how much worse it could be whenever Gamel gained more power much like in Vale a couple years ago. At least now he was helping rather than being used like before. And with Ankh back in his real body, it would be devastation should they ever fight with their powers.

"O-kay, with this Grimm retreating into the mines to clear it for us to also obtain unscratched Dust that can provide use for the launch site, the mission is to eliminate it while your three teams will land in these corresponding areas."

The hologram displayed a map, pinpointing several zones of our landing. "With its retreat, it shows it is old and extremely dangerous. The mine was a labyrinth back in the day. There's all sorts of tunnels and chambers the Geist can move between so if we are going to kill this thing, we have to split up and corner it."

"Seems legit." I noted, agreeing to the reason of us landing in different areas.

The Ace Operative looked at all three of us. "General Ironwood says you've seen your share of combat. I trust the man with my life so tomorrow, I'll be trusting you all too. Let's make it happen people."

"Roger!" Ruby was the first to acknowledge while I stared at the projection, my eyes studying everything of the layout, down to the smaller details.

The words Clover said, almost reminded me of my dad's days on his deployment. Telling me he had to put faith in the fellow troops of the battalion he served in. To trust their lives with each other…

… and look where that led up to. Sacrificing himself to save his fellow marines. I remembered hearing about what happened when we were given the news of his death.

"Enrique, you okay?"

I blinked, looking to my left to notice Ruby. My eyes blinked a few more times and noticed my hand gripped the pendant around my neck. "Uh yeah. Just thinking is all." I responded, releasing my grip on the accessory.

"You spaced out for a moment. Are you sure everything is okay?"

"I'm okay, really. I think we should get ourselves ready. Can't be late on the mission right?" I ruffled her hair slightly.

"Right. Let's do this and get the tower up in the air." Ruby smiled brightly.

My smile grew before we rejoined the others… and to get our much needed upgrades for our weapons. Something Ruby has been looking forward to the most from all of us.


"I reviewed your combat footage and it was… quite complex given your armor's various combinations." Pietro explained to me. "I'm still trying to comprehend how your belt works with those coins to grant you power."

Given I used different forms, it was obvious my style of combat is varied based on the combos I use as OOO. I had initially introduced my gear to the scientist as he was the one providing the enhancements to our weapons.

"It was why you want to speak to me personally regarding this?"

"Yes and I must admit, that sword of yours is unique." He moved across the table, gesturing to the Upgraded Medajalibur. Now that I took a good look at it, it has suffered its fair share of battles. The damage it took after fighting Grimm, Yummies, Poseidon, and Adam. I was glad Kougami made it durable the day it was upgraded. But now? It has begun to show its battle-worn condition; the minor chips on the edge of the blade, the colors wearing down and I was sure the lever for the finisher was nearly to the point it would snap off. "Despite using Dust, its main mechanism has a different function that uses a different energy source."

"Y-Yeah…" I scratched my head. "It mainly relied on Core Energy. Before Kougami gave my sword the upgrade to use a gun mode, it solely used Core Energy."

"Core Energy?" The Atlesian repeated in curiosity.

I took out one of my Core Medals to show Pietro what I meant.

"In this one Medal, there's a lot of power," I told him. "A random Combo would allow each Medal to work in concert but a Full Combo would bring out the Medals' full potential. My Upgraded Medajalibur uses Cell Medals much like this." I presented the other Medal in question. I handed it to him, allowing the Atlesian scientist to study it.

Pietro was a man I can trust regarding the use of the Medal. He was Penny's father after all and his kindness and hospitality was what gave that trust.

"It is quite amazing to learn this, young man. To think that this was used as a source of power centuries ago."

"Believe me, it is useful for some functions in my arsenal. You think the mechanism my weapon holds and the Cell Medal might provide some additional insight to the upgrades?"

Pietro studied the Cell Medal for a moment. "Hmm… it might take some time but it just might work."

I was glad. At least now, my sword will get needed upgrades to improve its usage.

"I almost forgot. I have one last request: I'm going to need a bike."

"A bike?"

I checked my Scroll for a moment before displaying the image of the Ride Vendor. "It's a Ride Vendor but I have been making some adjustments to its functions during my spare time."

Pietro observed the blueprint I made. "Why does it change from a vending machine into a bike?"

"Ask Kougami," I answered. I had gotten used to the eccentric cake boss's antics.

"Kousei Kougami? I never expected his company to design it themselves."

"The guy is full of surprises." I tapped the screen to change the display. "But I made some changes to make it easier for me to carry the bike in the blueprint." I revealed the image of a unique can. "I may not be as smart as you, Mr. Pietro but being around a few people got me to learn a few things."

Given the Tora Candroid's capability of growing in size and combining that function with the motorcycle, it gave me the idea to implement the growth function for the upgrade of a new Ride Vendor prototype that I can use for portable travel.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do." Pietro replied. "I may have to ask Kougami myself knowing his team created the basic design, but I'm sure he'll accept since it involves you."

"Thanks." I presented a Batta Candroid. "This should help provide some communication with Kougami. Works differently than a Scroll."

"How so?"

I chuckled and pulled the tab, causing the can to transform into its Batta mode, hopping across the table. The man laughed. "You clearly are right. Kougami is a man full of surprises."

"Bet you'll learn a few things from him and his researchers of Core Technology."

"Seems so." Pietro tapped the Candroid in wonder. "I appreciate your insight especially with this new design you showed me."

"No problem Mr. Pietro. Glad to help." I smiled.

"And don't you worry, your equipment will be ready in time for your mission." He assured me.

Equipment that I look forward to using soon enough.


I stared at the locket that hung around my neck, seeing the photo of my family. So much time has passed. I closed it, my thumb brushing against the cross on it. Taking a deep breath I took a look at myself in the mirror. Once again, I still saw the scar on my cheek. While the sting was no longer felt, this was a reminder of my fight. Does it bother me every time I see it?

No, but I was lucky I got out alive. Poseidon may have lost three Core Medals, he still had others in him due to the Poseidon armor.

Time will tell when he will meet real defeat. Question is, when and how? It's not that simple given that unlike the other Greeed, Poseidon is protected by the armor that can allow him to harness powers of Core Medals and adding to his Greeed abilities, he was practically more powerful than the other kaijins.

Just when I had enough shit to deal with…

"Enrique, are you in here?" Blake's voice called out to me.

"Yeah, I am." I confirmed.

The metal door slid open and I felt my jaw drop slightly when I noticed Blake entering. However there was a reason why I reacted the way I did - it was due to her new outfit.

Now, Blake was wearing a completely new outfit. It was a black, collared catsuit with a zipper on the chest that hugged her body nicely might I say. A pair of thigh-high black boots wrapped her feet with zippers on the fronts and two kneecaps as protection. Over her catsuit was a long, white tailcoat with dark gray detailing on the chest, sleeves, sides and collar. It has a narrow gray belt around the collar and a wide white belt loosely secured around her waist through the coat's belt loops. The belt around her waist has a white pouch attached. The tails of the coat ended in points, and the inside lining was a vivid purple color.

The front zipper of the coat was upside down and extended to the very bottom of the coat, and there are additional zippers along the sleeves. Around each wrist, she wore a black belted wristband, and I noticed she appeared to have something gray strapped to her back like a backpack.

"Wow…"

"What do you think?" Blake asked, moving herself slightly and it gave me a good view of her slender back.

"It looks good," I complimented. "The outfit suits you."

"R-Really?

I smiled as my answer before I finally noticed one thing: Blake's long hair was now cut down to her shoulders. Seeing Blake's new haircut left me a little speechless by the sight of her new look.

"Is there something wrong?" Blake asked.

"Oh no, it's just you've changed your hair..." I responded as I rubbed the back of my head.

"Well, I just felt like I needed a change. You don't like it?" Blake asked.

"No, of course not! I really like it, and I think it really suits you." I told her.

"You think huh? Thanks for that." Blake said with a smirk on her face.

I nervously chuckled as I scratched my cheek with my finger.

"Still haven't got your equipment yet?" She noticed.

"Not yet. I had to explain to Pietro about my weapon's functions." I responded, falling back onto the bunk. "He said it will take awhile but it will be done in time for the mission."

"Well, your weapons are powered by Core Energy. It's dangerous for anyone to dabble with it." She recalled.

"Especially when it comes to other things regarding it…" I added bitterly, reminded of how Gara nearly turned me into a Greeed.

The small tapping of her heeled boots drew closer before my fiancée was in front of me. Blake's left hand gently touched my scar, brushing it delicately with her fingers. "Thank goodness Poseidon didn't hurt you much more..." She murmured.

Even I was glad I was still alive but I knew this was just a start for what Poseidon will do. The fight with Poseidon was, to say, very intense upon using Super TaToBa. At least now he lost some power, leaving him with six of his Cores and the Poseidon armor.

"You think what I did will delay Poseidon's actions?"

"I…" She chewed her lip, wondering the same. Given how strong the Grimm Greeed was and what he was capable of, none of us were sure if he was planning to infiltrate Atlas or Mantle. We knew how he acts and thinks from the previous encounters - his only desire was to kill me and become god. No matter how much death and destruction he could cause, nothing will stop him from achieving what he desires. While its goal is like a Yummy, its thinking and power practically classified it as a Greeed. One who wants to fill the bottomless yet dark void to become whole.

"I don't know…" She didn't want to lie or assure knowing neither choice would be beneficial. "I know it's not what you want to hear…"

"It's something right?" I intervened to assure her.

She slowly nodded in which I used my hand to gently rub the back of her left cat ear. Her amber eyes closed and a soft yet brief purr was heard. Blake rested her head on my shoulder, her left hand resting on my own. We smiled thinly when our eyes met the ring on her left hand. "Soon, right?" She asked softly.

"Yeah." I responded. "It will happen soon."

While things have gotten more serious between us, our promise to never leave each other's side was something we didn't want to break.

"I'm honestly both excited…. And nervous…" Blake said, tightening her hand onto mine. "What will this future we're fighting for even be like? And… can things remain like they used to be?"

"All we gotta do is try our very best. Doing something is better than nothing as they say." Blake smiled at my quote before her Scroll dinged a few times. She seemed a bit irritated at the interruption but noticed it was a notification. She sighed and moved off from the bunk. "I have to join the others since they are ready for the trip."

I gently nudged her. "Go on. I'll catch up with you guys." I then moved slightly off the bunk and brushed a lock of her hair and whispered. "Besides, we might have some time for ourselves eventually."

A sly smile curled my features when Blake's face lit up like fireworks. Her cat ears straightened by her reaction.

"G-Geez! Did you have to be like that so early in the morning?" Blake questioned turning away with a blush on her cheeks, "Y-You boys… I swear…" But she did have a soft smile on her face as she made her way off to meet with her team. Just before she was gone from my sights, she said, "A day after we are settled… that night." and was gone from my line of sight.

I chuckled slightly. She gave me an answer right before she was out of my sight. The bond Blake and I share made us feel better, to no longer feel that void in our hearts.

Just before the door could close, it slid back open in which I noticed Penny with a large case in her hands. "Ah, good timing! My dad wanted me to give this to you!"

She walked over and handed me the metal box. "It has your Upgraded Medajalibur restored and enhanced alongside the outfit you have requested by design tailored and ready for combat!"

"Tell your dad I said thanks."

"Oh and the bike in a can thingie is still under progress but he wanted me to let you know it will be done very soon!" She saluted happily.

"The good thing is what I have now." I raised the box she gave me.

"I'll let my dad know that you're satisfied. Have a good mission!" Penny smiled as she waved and headed off.

I opened up the case in anticipation, wanting to see how my weapon had been upgraded with Atlesian tech. The Upgraded Medajalibur's condition was fully restored but I could tell it gained some needed upgrades; Atlesian tech implemented into Core Technology.

I grinned slightly and swung the blade, relishing in its restored glory. At least with it, I can use it alongside the O-Calibur for a duel wield again. I have practiced double swordsmanship ever since I obtained the King's relic. Now I can properly do it.

The first official mission… a legitimate military operation.

If my late family saw me now…

I looked up at the ceiling and smiled before looking at the case

"Semper fi," I murmured, grabbing the rest of the equipment out of the case, readying myself for the mission.


The four ships soared across the snowy tundras, each of us getting prepared for the task we were given. I made sure my new equipment was set. I really gotta thank Pietro for this. After explaining to him much of the Upgraded Medajalibur's use, I helped him on a few things and to say, the new upgrades will make it better.

I rubbed my shoulder as the flight was subtle for me and my team. With such changes for all of us, I got rid of my old outfit and replaced it with a new one given the weather in Atlas and Mantle.

Hugging my torso is a light gray sleeveless thermal, high-neck shirt to keep myself warm from the cold temperature of the tundra. Zipped over the thermal shirt was a long-sleeved black jacket (the zipper resting below the collarbone) that reached to the waist, the collar raised below my chin. Two thin white stripes were present on both sides of the jacket itself. On my right arm is a patch that holds the image of a tiger, hawk, and grasshopper that aligned to form a symbol of OOO while the left sleeve held a pouch. The patch is embroidered in silver that glimmered against the light. A set of armored greaves were wrapped on my forearms. Black fingerless gloves embraced my hands.

From my waist hung a removable robe-like waist covering which was gray on the inside but black on the outside, the edges having a white color. The covering was strapped with a white belt to keep the accessory in place. On the belt itself were unique silver sheaths that have a button, locking the two swords in place. On the back of my belt were a set of Dust vials varying of different elements, mostly ice. Near the left sheath is the keychain, clipped to the belt loop.

Under the covering are pants that hug my legs with two belt straps on the left thigh, a pouch attached to the lower strap. A pair of black boots wrap my feet, straps acting as a substitute for laces and the counter of the boots having metal plating.

"ETA, five minutes. All teams ready?" The communications from Ace Ops asked.

"Team Infinite, ready." I responded. With Blake and Pyrrha back with their respective teammates, I figured it was time to go back to the old team names we had.

"Team JNPR at the ready." I heard Jaune.

"Team RWBY locked and loaded!" Ruby's voice was next to say through comms.

I tapped my new sheaths, making sure they were set. I really gotta thank Pietro for the upgrades he made to Upgraded Medajalibur. O-Calibur may be incapable of having upgrades given its an ancient relic, the sheath it is connected to will have a special function added. Especially the sheath for the Medajalibur.

Looking over, Gamel was poking the small toy, popping the bumps to the other side of it in a giggling fit. Unlike the baggy wear he wore before, his outfit was more fitted for the snow region. A big gray jacket loosely hugged his torso as there was a black shirt underneath it. It held the image of a gorilla that gleamed reflectively while having cargo pants much like before. Unlike the ones previously, it had much more pockets to hold his snacks he devours in seconds. To add more, he had gloves that held metal plating on the knuckles given his like to beat stuff up.

Ankh, he wore a crimson red jacket with the hood having fur, a chain linked across the collar area of the coat itself while wearing a green shirt that held the image of Taka but in an array of colors that was red, green, yellow. His black pants hugged his legs but it held a few accessories to add for flair while having boots on his feet. He was rubbing his arm, almost prepared. While he could shift into his Greeed form, his arm was still visible as if he preferred it out of nostalgia of his time as only an arm.

"You guys ready?" I asked Ankh and Gamel.

"Aye!" Gamel saluted.

The Bird Greeed snorted. "Let's get this done."

I looked over my shoulder and hit the button. The door slid open, allowing us to see the view of the upcoming destination. The cold wind brushed against us as I saw the incoming destination. Just as I was about to take the lead…

"Geronimo!" Gamel excitedly jumped out of the ship.

"What an idiot…" Ankh rolled his eyes before he simply stepped off and plummeted down.

I chuckled before I jumped out of the ship. The rush of air hitting my face, the cold air felt but not of the freezing temperatures but of the sense of freedom. I have never done something like this in my life but I could feel my adrenaline pumping in excitement.

I rotated myself and focused on my Semblance, the cold air once again in my grasp. My feet landed on ice as I conjured more angular paths of ice that aim towards the ground below. I was practically sliding across ice to provide an easier landing.

I could see Ankh using his Greeed form, allowing himself to fly downward with ease. His feathers burning like a phoenix gracefully flying in the open air. Gamel, on the other hand, just allowed himself to freefall until he fell flat in the snow, leaving an imprint on his body. Once we landed, he popped out with a smile.

"Let's do that again!" Gamel cheered.

Ankh's Greeed form changed back and pulled Gamel out of the snow. "Not a chance. We are here for a mission and I rather get it done than deal with your nonsense, Gamel."

"You're no fun, Ankh!"

"Don't worry, Gamel. You'll be able to smash some Grimm. That should be fun, right? And if you do well, I'll give you a treat as a reward." I said.

"Yay! Smash and treat!" Gamel cheered.

"Please don't spoil him," Ankh grumbled.

"Come on, we gotta regroup with the others." I pointed to the caves.

"Fine." The Bird Greeed grumbled further and followed Gamel and I to the cavern.


Team RWBY had recently landed on their assigned zone, following Harriet and Marrow. Unlike Team Infinite, the others were guided by the Atlesian operatives.

While Blake's new outfit was already known, the others were a different story.

Ruby's new outfit, consisted of a black red lined lace-up corset with four buckles hanging loose over a mesh sleeveless top over a white low cut long-sleeved blouse, as well as a black choker around her neck. She wears a red pleated skirt that is split at the side with a small brown belted strap across the gap, and bright red shorts under it. On her arms, she wears black bracers with large brown buckled straps around the wrist as well as black fingerless gloves. Around her waist, she now has a brown belt with several bullets with a buckle of her emblem on it alongside a pouch on the right side with a Zwei based emblem and she wears black, thigh-high steel-toe boots with red soles and heels, a single buckled strap, rear seam and a large brown buckled strap with attached pouches near the top, over a pair of brown mesh tights. In addition, her torn cape is replaced with a new cape that has a hood. In addition to her outfit, she too had a change to her hairstyle as it was spikier and choppier, her bangs swept to the right.

For Yang, new outfit consists primarily of khaki overalls, the gold zipper of which is unzipped just below the breast to reveal a white low-cut cropped tube top. Around the thighs of the overalls is a gold zipper and buckled strap that allows for the pants leg to be detached. The right leg is unzipped but still strapped to the overalls but the lower part is partially folded over. Over top of the coveralls, she wears a baggy, dark brown crop aviator styled jacket with fur trim around the neck and black-and-orange straps along the sleeves. Around her waist is a black-and-orange belt with black-and-yellow folded fabric on the sides, which runs behind her with a pouch attached to it and a golden buckle of her emblem. She wears dark brown knee-high boots with black laces and top trim. For accessories, she has resumed wearing her orange scarf around her neck and her purple scarf around her right leg, like she did with her original battle outfit. She also has a black/brown strap with golden trim and a pouch wrapped around her left thigh. Her prosthetic arm had also been upgraded thanks to the use of Atlas technology.

And finally for Weiss, She wears a pale blue sleeveless dress with deep red lining, bow detail fixture, and two diamond-shaped pieces hanging from the corners of the hem, over a white diagonal hem strapless dress. Above which she wears a vivid blue shrug with a raised collar, puffy sleeves and the Schnee emblem on the left sleeve, fastened by a blue, silver outlined strap. On her arms are a pair of long navy blue gloves with silver top trim surrounding a red gem at the top. Over her dress, she wears a light blue, corset styled belt. Around her waist are three white belts with a medium-sized pouch attached to the lowest belt and another pouch attached to the middle belt. The lowest belt crosses over the middle belt. She wears long, pale blue wedge-heel boots with white frill detailing at the top at the front, alongside grayish blue coloring on the toes and navy blue wedged heels. In addition, she wears a pair of ruby earrings that match her icicle-shaped tiara with a diamond-shaped ruby in the center. She too had her hairstyle changed into a more braided look.

The four followed the two operatives into the mines as they were careful and didn't drag behind the members of Ace Ops

Harriet glanced over her shoulder before focusing on the front.

"So that guy you girls know." Harriet asked. "He's special, you know that. We noticed how the General wanted to speak to him and his two pals."

The scythe wielder blinked, realizing Harriet was starting a conversation with them. "Uh yeah, he got involved with various incidents over the past 2 years." Ruby admitted. "Same with us since we helped him out…"

"Given he has that Driver and those colored Medals?" The soldier assumed. The girls looked at her, surprised. "The General also told us about the 'Lost Kingdom' and the Multi-King."

"Yeah, hell of a story. Who knew those things used to be wielded by a tyrant?" Marrow noted.

"Or the fact those two people are actually homunculus who once served that lunatic of a king."

"That much huh?" Yang realized. "Looks like the General decided to make it public to some of you."

"It's hard to believe there laid a 5th Kingdom almost 802 years ago. Normally most dwindle off but for a guy who was a tyrant…" Harriet paused her steps and rested a hand on her hip. "Are you sure it's wise to even let your pal have that thing? From what we heard from the general, that thing is more of a fuel-inducer, fanning the flames until it bursts."

"Enrique's different from the previous Multi-King." Blake frowned. "As long as he has his selfless needs, then he will be in control of himself."

The three members of her team winced slightly. Ever since the incident before arriving at Atlas, she had become protective if not defensive of their friend. While she is engaged to him, Blake has wanted to remain by his side.

"Hm… even so, I don't trust a civilian with such great power…" Harriet noted with hesitation. "It would be best if he gave it to someone who is more qualified to wield something like that."

"It's impossible." Weiss sighed. "Ruby here snuck an attempt to do so and nothing happened."

"Please don't remind me of that…" Ruby groaned out with embarrassment.

"Hmph, don't count Clover out either. I'm sure he'd be able to use it too." Harriet stated.

'Yeah good luck with that.' The four deadpanned.

The one thing about the buckle was it was forever sealed to the person until death. That was something Ankh told them during their time in Beacon.

Blake's ears twitched. "Do you guys hear that?"

"Hear what?"

The rest of the group finally heard the rocks rumbling, setting them on edge. Suddenly the wall beside them exploded, making the six grab their weapons but only heard groans. Seeing the smoke clear, they saw a few familiar faces.

"Uh… h-hey guys."


Several minutes earlier...

Entering the mines was one thing, and a first in my life, the cold interior was another. The rocky tunnels were not as congested but rather spacious. There hadn't been any sight of any Grimm yet but I knew they were lurking about as Clover told us in the briefing. The Geist being our secondary target.

The whole place looked abandoned, the said place being the Dust mines. My eyes traveled across the somewhat dark cavern until my foot stepped on something metal. Looking down, I made the ice vanish on it and saw the letters SDC.

"This place must have belonged to the company before it was closed down." I stared at the three letters and then was reminded of the mark Adam had. I grimaced. Even now, I still regret killing someone.

"Still reeling?" I raised my head, noticing Ankh sending a glance.

"… Not in the mood Ankh."

"It's bound to happen whether you like it or not. It's how this world is the moment you pick up something to fight."

My fingers curled slightly into my palms. "Killing a person is much more different from where I am from Ankh."

"Last I checked, you aren't on Earth anymore. Not for the past two years." He retorted bluntly.

I frowned but looked at my locket. I know it has been nearly two years since I came to Remnant but spilling blood wasn't something I can forget. Nor can I ever wash it off my hands now.

"Ugh… Gamel hungry…." The heavy hitter Greeed groaned out.

…Did he already eat all of his rations?!

"Gamel… did you eat all of your snacks?"

"Bored of talking… Wanted to ignore things until fight…."

I held my face, eliciting an exasperated sigh "Oh great…"

Gamel soon took a few sniffs in the air, as if he smelled something. Well, that's if he can smell knowing the Greeed.

"Cookies!! Gamel wants them!" He cried out, as he turned towards the rock wall.

"Gamel, what are you-wah!" I was immediately put under his arm while Ankh coughed and thrown over the brute's shoulder.

"Hey put me down you childish idiot!" Ankh flailed his arms.

"Gamel shares this time!" Gamel said cheerfully as he charged ahead.

"Wait, wait, Gamel!" I panicked, waving my hands. "WAAAIIIITT!!!"

It was fruitless as Ankh and I were nearing the rock wall. I quickly used my Semblance to shroud my body in thick ice and Gamel barged through but the three of us fell onto the ground.

"Ow…" I groaned. I was glad the ice and my Aura protected me.

"Enrique?!"

I blinked twice, finally noticing Team RWBY alongside Harriet and Marrow.

"Uh… h-hey guys." I waved sheepishly from the ground.

"What happened?" Yang questioned incredulously.

"Ask him." I pointed at Gamel.

"Nooo! Bad Gamel! They're my cookies!" Ruby shouted as the gravity Greeed took her small bag and was devouring her emergency cookies she had with her.

"I smelled medals! And medals lead to cookies!" Gamel spoke with all the cookies in his mouth like it was a game of chubby bunny.

Ankh slammed his fist onto Gamel's head, sending the Beast Greeed to the ground. "This is why I told you to not barge through rocks you numbskull!" The red Greeed barked. "You could have caved in the damn mines from this!"

"You're mean!" Gamel pouted. "Gamel would be fine…"

"Says the brutish ape!"

"I'm Gamel, I'm no ape!"

Harriet rubbed the bridge of her nose. "May we please continue onward? We can't have any delays."

Ankh scoffed. "Tch…" he adjusted his jacket and flicked his arm, causing Marrow to jump when the limb flickered with flames. "Always troublesome being around these idiots.."

"Is he always like this to you guys?" Marrow whispered.

"Everyday…" we sighed.

"I heard that you jackasses!"

"And occasionally foul-mouthed."

"And a male… what was it called again Enrique?" Ruby inquired.

"Tsundere."

"Yeah that. Well, aside from her of course." Yang chuckled, sending a look at Weiss.

"Hm? What was that?" Weiss questioned.

"Oh nothing." Yang followed as I did, basking in the surroundings again while Gamel was following after the cookies that hang over his head due to Ruby's scythe to allow him to pay attention to us.

Blake paused, her eyes observing her surroundings and then her cat ears straightened in familiarity. "Blake, you okay?" Yang asked.

"This place… I know where we are now. This mine was closed after an explosion…"

"I remember this disaster." Weiss realized. "Or rather, how furious it made my father…"

"Ahem." The girls looked at me, my voice reaching to only them. "You do realize that I don't know what disaster happened here."

"Oh right." Weiss realized. "It's… a bit of a rough time to explain given the incident's casualties. You recall the instability Dust can have if not handled? We have the Dust shards but in certain situations-"

"It can react based on the velocity and mass of any form of impact sent into the Dust itself." I finished, recalling the classes in Beacon. "So the explosion…"

"Yeah… and the workers here… all of them were Faunus so you know where that led to."

I grunted bitterly. So Weiss' father has blamed the Faunus workers for that mistake? Had there been enough discrimination?

"I hate to break up the small gathering," Marrow interrupted, "But Harriet found a gap in the rubble. We think one of you could fit through, ideally someone with a knack for seeing in the dark."

… Of course it was obvious Harriet and Marrow meant Blake. Given she was a Faunus like Marrow, she can easily see in the dark. Adding to her heritage as a feline faunus, it made it easier to see the darkness as daytime and squeeze through the narrow gap.

The said Faunus sighed. "Right… of course." She approached the rubble.

"Be careful." I cautioned Blake.

She nodded before entering through the crevice of the rock wall.

"Is there any dust in the immediate area?" Marrow called out.

"Mine carts… debris… no Dust, though." Blake responded, giving me ease.

Satisfied with the answer, Marrow called out again, "Great, then it should be safe to blast our way through."

"Okay, heading-" Blake's voice was cut off as we heard a startled gasp from her and a gunshot, immediately setting me into motion.

"Gamel, smash through the wall!" I ordered.

Gamel scratched his head, confused. "Eh? But you said no more-'"

"Just this one last time!"

"Why are you asking him to do that?" Harriet demanded.

"He's the Beast Greeed for a reason." We witness Gamel shift into his Greeed form and charge towards the rock wall. His head craned down slightly, his fists ready and before we knew it, he shattered the rocky obstacles upon ramming through it.

"... okay, remind me to not be in his line of fire." Marrow gulped.

With the obstacle removed, we ran forward to join Blake, seeing the Geist we have been searching for fleeing. With it, we gave chase.

"Don't let it get away!" shouted Yang.

We continued our chase but suddenly more centipede-like Grimm erupted from the rocky grounds of the mines, stopping us from progressing.

"Oh great…" I grunted. "Guess we gotta fight through these things to get to the Geist."

"Then that means we just have to fight our way through!" Yang grinned. "Time to put the upgrades to good use!"

"You bet!" Ruby agreed, pulling out Crescent Rose while the rest of her team did the same with their weapons as did the two Ace Operatives.

With our weapons ready, we charged at the Grimm that stood in our way to the Geist. Yang delivered the first strike by sending several blows to a few Grimm but in close inspection, they had devices implanted on their hide. She flicked her Ember Celica, allowing the devices to beep rapidly before exploding.

"Heh, like fireworks." Yang smirked at her work.

Weiss used Myrtenaster to send an ice crystal at one of the centipedes, allowing Ruby to behead the other. Despite its body still alive, the scythe wielder smirked and used her weapon's new upgrade to fully rotate the scythe head, allowing it to slam into the ground to fire several projectiles.

Blake used her repaired Gambol Shroud's kusarigama mode to ensnare one before pulling, allowing the weapon to pull the Grimm before it sliced its entire head in pieces. Seeing the next, her Semblance allowed her to evade and trap it between ice. With the Grimm trapped, she merely turned Gambol Shroud into its blade form and killed it.

Marrow was impressed by their teamwork before he darted his head to me. His eyes fully alert.

"Hey Enrique behind-" Marrow paused when a sharp blade of ice erupted into its head. "You.."

"Ice and the cold air is all around. It's honestly very useful." I hummed. Given the terrain we are in, the ice cold air and ice served as a perfect ground for larger use of my Semblance.

I quickly moved Marrow and kicked the other Centipede back. It hissed at me before I sheathed both swords. It lunged but I hit the keys on the sheathes, allowing the blades to eject and deliver a powerful hit that made it reel up.

With a grin, I gripped both blades and pulled downward in a cross-strike, cutting it in an X-formation. I flicked my arms, allowing blades of ice to dance around me while my eyes flared violet.

"Let's get to it." I took one step and with a blaze of ice, and skid slightly, allowing the blades of ice to impale one before I twisted myself to use O-Calibur to impale one before switching Upgraded Medajalibur into its hand cannon form. The gun barrel was bitten but I chuckled, pulling the trigger and the bullet pierced from inside its jaw and out its bone plating.

Ahead of Marrow, a pair of centipedes twist around each other and head for him. He held out his hand and snapped his fingers with a smirk.

"Stay."

The two Grimm suddenly slow to a stop, surprising me. Marrow held his pose. Marrow's Semblance must be the equivalence of obedience.

Harriet sped over to the Grimm, trailing electricity. She brushed her nose with her thumb and smirks before grabbing the two Grimm and slamming them to the ground. She then straightened her composure and used her communicator, "This is Bravo! We found the target, but it fled deeper into the mine. Engaging Centinels!"

So that's what these centipede Grimm are called.

"This is Alpha! We've engaged the target" we heard Clover over communications. "All squads head towards our position!"

"Roger!" Harriet acknowledged. "Everyone let's move!"


After a long run within the mines, the nine of us arrived at what could be the center of the mine itself via the bottom level of the chamber. Looking around, Ruby was the first to see Team JNPR above.

"Any sign of it?" Ruby called out to Jaune.

We heard communications ring again from one of the ace operatives. "Everyone, use caution. This room is highly active with Dust energy. Triggering it could ruin the launch site."

"And vaporize us. How's that always second with you?" Marrow added.

"It has to be around here somewhere…"

A low rumbling noise from above caused everyone to look up. Above, we saw the Petra Gigas Geist clinging to a chunk of ice on the ceiling. It turned to look down at us, showing purple Dust crystals embedded in its body. It leapt down from the ceiling, crashing through a stone arch on its way to the ground in front of Team RWBY and myself.

Ruby gasped, "It added Dust to its body? How are we supposed to-" Harriet suddenly sped passed her, and Marrow followed suit. Elm jumped down from the cliff and ran toward the Petra Gigas, as well.

"Elm!" Vine called.

The man reaches out with his Semblance, pouring his Aura and flexibly solidifying an Aura arm around one of the Petra Gigas' legs. With the other Aura arm, he reached behind him, grabbed onto a support beam and pulled. Elm ran over to the leg, stomped to root herself in place with her Semblance and grabbed onto the leg.

"Vine!"

Vine released his hold on the support beam, leaping off the cliff and used his Semblance again to swing onto a minecart bridge. Then he used his Semblance once more to grab onto one of the Petra Gigas' arms and pulled.

"Marrow!"

Marrow threw his boomerang at the exposed Geist arm between pieces of ice and rubble, severing it. A Dust crystal flies out from the released rubble, and Marrow's eyes widen, "Huh?" The crystal fell toward the ground, and Marrow caught his boomerang. "Harriet!"

The said woman charged her Semblance and then sped after the crystal, maneuvering around the falling rocks. She ran up a rock, jumped off the side of a raised walkway and caught the crystal in mid-air, landing on another walkway. Myself, Team JNPR, and RWBY could only watch the Ace-Ops in amazement as they continued fighting. Marrow sliced off the Geist's other arm, sending another Dust crystal flying through the air.

"Crap!" cursed Marrow

Luckily, the crystal was caught by a familiar hand, who just arrived with Qrow. "What would you guys do without me?" It was Clover.

He tossed the crystal to Qrow, who looked at him with an eyebrow raised. The leader of the Operatives saluted Qrow and jumped backward off the cliff. Harriet sped around Petra Gigas' feet, while Vine swings himself around and punched the Petra Gigas in the chest. Harriet speeds to the middle of the room, whistles and waves at the Petra Gigas, then speeds away when it tries to hit her. Elm takes this opportunity to slam her hammer onto the rock composing part of the Petra Gigas' arm. The rock became stuck, and as the Petra Gigas struggled to pull it up, Marrow severed its arm once again.

With the beast incapacitated, Clover landed on the ground, deployed his fishing rod, and ran over to the Petra Gigas. He jumped off its leg, launching himself into the air. Giving his clover pin a bump with his thumb, he swung his pole and pulled on the fishing line, directing it to wrap around the Geist's mask and hook onto it. Our eyes widened in amazement, when Clover pulled, literally forcing the Geist out of the ice block. Harriet runs into position and uses her Semblance to launch straight up into the air, punching the Geist with her weapon, killing it.

It's official, the Ace Ops are total badasses.

As purple Dust crystals begin raining down, the Ace-Ops catch them.

One crystal however flew through the air on the other side of the chamber. Clover cursed but I quickly extended my hand and everyone saw ice form and grab onto the crystal before it could touch the ground.

Clover looked over to me who chuckled sheepishly. "Had to do something right?" I responded.

"Nice save kid." Clover sent a salute to me.


With the situation finally handled and clearing out the mines of any Grimm as well as obtaining some Dust, we all gathered in the center where the Geist once was, rejoicing in the mission being accomplished.

"I've already informed Ironwood of our success. They will arrive in 20 minutes while our nearby patrol begin securing the perimeter." Clover informed us.

"Sweet!" Yang cheered.

"Seriously though, that was so awesome!" Ruby praised the Ace Ops team. "Your teamwork was cool!"

"Please no autographs." Marrow joked, making a few of his teammates stifle a small chuckle.

"Requesting backup! I repeat requesting-!" We suddenly heard comms screaming.

"What the hell is that thing?!"

"Report, what's going on outside?!" Clover demanded, the sound of gunfire heard. It was ongoing until we all heard static the moment the shots ended. "Come in, what is going on?!"

"Sorry but they can't answer anymore."

Everyone who knew the voice froze, my eyes gaining the purple hue upon sensing the Core Energy.

"Oh fuck…" I swore.

Clover caught my shocked look alongside my friends. "What is it? You know who that voice belongs to?"

"Kazari." Ankh frowned. "One of the Greeed." He clicked his tongue. "Never thought he would reach this far."

"But how?! Atlas and Mantle are protected by the military!" Weiss demanded.

"How else? We can turn our bodies into clusters of medals as a method of transportation. The military would simply see that as just worthless antique coins drifting in the ocean." He looked at his Greeed arm. "It's how we infiltrated enemy lines in the past. Clever bastard to use the old ways again."

"Then we'll be the ones to take care of it. You kids should head back." Harriet suggested.

We ignored them when we immediately rushed out of the mines, earning calls from the Atlesians.

Most of us rushed outside of the mines in a hurry in order to protect the area from the Feline Greeed. We skidded to a halt when we witnessed a soldier fall into the snow, the body holding three large gashes as well as knife marks as if something stabbed him right through. The now corpses of the soldiers painted the tundra red with their blood. Before us was the familiar feline Greeed who yawned as he was sitting on an iceberg, one knee up to him with his arm on said knee looking at the blood on his claws.

"Kazari."

The Greeed looked at us, his 'eyes' gleaming deviously. "It has been awhile everyone."

"Trying to take back your last Cores from us again?" Weiss questioned with narrowed eyes.

"You know me, snow white." Kazari raised his palms with a shrug as he then hopped off his makeshift chair. The blades on his claws immediately extended in preparation and added, "Which is why I am here. After all, I still have things to do and a group to lead."

"Group?"

"Oh you don't know? After the little stunt in Haven and learning bull boy is dead." He caught my winced expression. "You Belladonnas may have taken back the White Fang but there are still other Faunus who believe violence is the answer."

"What're you saying…?" Blake uttered in horror. "That you're leading your own White Fang splinter faction?!"

"Bingo~!" Kazari sang. "You may have converted most of them but there are still plenty of faunus full of hatred and vengeance who want nothing more than to make humans pay for their mistreatment. I can understand that since the Multi-King only saw us as tools centuries ago!"

He hauntingly pointed a finger at us. "For almost 802years things have never changed. People are so full of desires, so gullible to not hide it." Blake, Weiss, Nora, Ruby, and Jaune looked away, slightly reminded of being victims to creating a Yummy. "Will wonders ever cease? Changes are needed and that is when I get back my full power by taking back my last few cores you have." Kazari shouted in glee, stretching his arms wide out as he looked up to the sky. Even his human mouth were visible, he'd be giving the biggest, most insane grin of his life.

"Enough of this! What do you want?" Harriet chimed up, frowning at the taunts of the feline monster.

Kazari let his arms down as he slowly lowered his head, giving a sinister look to Harriet. "I just told you." He flicked the blood off his blades on his knuckles. "My last Cores to be complete."

Reaching in my pockets, I grabbed the O-Driver and the King Combo before placing the belt on my waist. Once the medals are in the belt, I scanned them. "Henshin!"

TAKA

TORA

BATTA

TA-TO-BA, TATOBA TA-TO-BA!

The armor formed, allowing myself to draw out both swords again. The change surprised the Atlesians at first before myself, Team RWBY and JNPR readied ourselves.

"Hm, nine against one eh?" Kazari cracked his neck and then his crimson eyes gleamed. "Good." In a sudden blur, Kazari targeted Pyrrha who gasped and felt a solid blow to her stomach due to the leg he extended.

"Pyrrha!" Jaune saw the three blades in which he raised his shield, only to see three blades impale it. He yelped slightly to the close call before he was raised up by the Greeed.

"In case you forgot. With the faction I'm leading, it means plenty of medals for me to gain. More medals means more strength."

"Jaune! Set him up." Yang called out, as she charged ahead with her gauntlets.

The fellow blonde grunted and moved, swinging left and right before moving left and Kazari saw the punch. The Greeed caught it but not the other. Yang slammed her fist into his torso, releasing a few clicks before she pulled Jaune away in time as Kazari saw small devices on him.

"Bottoms up!" Yang chimed.

The small bombs exploded, sending Kazari reeling if only slightly much to our frustration. With the smoke, it allowed me and Blake to leap high with our blades aimed at him.

Alas the Feline Greeed released a cyclone, sending us flying. Kazari used his speed to jump and aimed for our necks but with my Semblance and combining it with Blake's, the feline only impaled ice constructs while my fiancée and I landed on our feet.

"Now!" The both of us felt feet on our backs, revealing Ruby, Ren, Nora, and Weiss with their weapons.

"Tch!" Wind gathered in his arms and the 'hair' on his head flailed wildly.

That was not a good sign!

Intervening, I quickly used my Semblance and conjured ice between us. If I were to describe Kazari's attack, it was the equivalence of a damn tornado. The snow he stood up was utterly gone, the ice I used shattered into pieces while we all scattered upon landing, groaning.

"Well now, ain't that an annoying power…" Kazari scoffed with annoyance.

I saw the Feline Greeed slowly approach me as I tried to get myself back up. Just as I was about to summon the violet cores, I gasped to see him appear in front of me and slam his paw onto my arm. He wagged his finger. "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Sorry buddy, but I can't let you do that."

"How about you leave him alone?" Yang barked, lunging at Kazari as she knocked him away.

"Yang, wait!" Ruby called out.

The buxom blonde ducked before she planted a few more of the devices and leapt back in time as it detonated. She panted but felt a hand grab her by the face and slammed her to the ground, slowly crushing her skull. She squirmed, trying her best to free herself as there was raw fear in her eyes.

Yang saw the Feline Greeed look down at her with amusement and deviousness. "I wonder how it would feel if you lost another arm, blondie?" Kazari sneered.

Her lilac eyes dilated in fear as Kazari swung his claw down at her but was stopped. Yang noticed who stopped Kazari's claw.

"Oh, Ankh? Guess you're here too. Still trying to search for your real body?"

"Funny story, Kazari…" Ankh grinned maliciously. Kazari watched as the Bird Greeed was surrounded in Cell Medals before he revealed his Greeed form. Seeing the complete form startled the yellow Greeed. "I am back in full swing."

"Impossible…"

"Oh it is." Ankh's arm ignited in flames and punched Kazari across the tundra. "We have unfinished business."

Gamel stood by Ankh, pounding his chest in challenging Kazari. We didn't see it but we felt anger seeping off Kazari. His shoulders rise and lower, his claws extending in fury. There is no doubt he is pissed.

The rest of Team RWBY and Team JNPR were about to intervene but I stopped them.

"Enrique? Why-"

"Ankh told us he has unfinished business with Kazari in Argus. It's best he settles it himself alongside Gamel."

Gamel hated Kazari since he was the reason why Mezool perished. Yeah me and Team RWBY stopped her Mega form but it was because Kazari's manipulation and betrayal that led to it.

The gravity Greeed bellowed and charged towards Kazari while Ankh's wings spread and flew directly at the feline. Kazari staggered at first before growling and met the two in the center.

He narrowly avoided Gamel's headbutt but not a swift right hook to the jaw. Medals spilled from the impact Ankh delivered. Kazari roared and tried to attack Ankh but he leaned back before grabbing the scheming bastard by the face and took to the air for a split second and brought him down to the earth, flames erupting from his talons.

"Guh!"

"Payback is a bitch isn't it Kazari? For the two years I spent without my true form, now I can finally burn you again. And again." More flames erupted, earning a roar from Kazari. The feline extended his claws and sharply struck Ankh across his arm to free himself.

Kazari thrust his arm to unleash his cyclone while Ankh unleashed a blaze of fire, both attacks colliding in fury. However the sound of Gamel's bellow, made Kazari lift his head to see the Beast Greeed with his fists raised.

Stopping the cyclone, Kazari swiftly evaded the fists of Gamel. The gray kaijin's fists broke the earth Kazari once stood on before darting his attention to the Feline.

We lost our footing for a moment due to the tremors in the earth. The harsh wind created by the flames and cyclones was enough to know the fight was serious.

"Holy shit…" Harriet uttered, witnessing the powerful display the Greeed displayed so far. "This is… what they do?"

"That is the power of a Greeed." I grunted. "And that's just a portion. Since Ankh and Kazaei have most of their Medals…"

We winced, holding ourselves to the heat and air slamming against us.

"They are going all out with their powers."

"It's like we're witnessing two forces of nature…" Elm noted. "Three counting the Gamel fella."

Kazari thrust his arm to the ground, using the cyclone to blow snow all around to blind Ankh and Gamel. With Gamel blinded, the Beast Greeed felt a strong blow to his stomach, launching him into the rocky entrance of the mines, denting the boulders.

"Gamel!" Ruby rushed to him. "Are you okay?"

His body shifted back into his human form, raising a finger but groaned. "Dizzy…"

"He must have spent up most of his Medals…" Pyrrha winced.

"But Kazari and Ankh…"

"Ankh did say he has been saving up medals." Weiss murmured in realization. "And adding the medals his real body had…"

"This is the power Ankh had."

With the wings out, Ankh put himself into the air and launched balls of fire at Kazari who returned it with condensed orbs of yellow air. The orbs clashed against each other before exploding.

I briefly notice Ankh's body language shift for a moment. His energy must be dwindling more and more.

"Gotta give Ankh a better weapon." I focused on the second part of my Semblance. I felt the familiar essence of the Purple Core Medals in my Aura. My eyes gained the purple hue again and I plunged my arm into the snow.

The operatives were astonished to see the cracks and glow before I pulled out the battle axe that was themed after the Tyrannosaurus. The Medagaburyu.

"Ankh!" I threw his Medagaburyu to Ankh who caught it in his hand. The Bird Greeed smirked and he swung the axe into Kazari. The feline Greeed howled as the violet blade dug into its body and made him bleed Cell Medals as he staggered from the blow.

"This weapon, this power, is the only thing capable of erasing us," Ankh warned. "Perhaps a blessing in disguise: To get rid of someone like you."

"Never would have I guessed that he unlocked that wicked power… Nor control it." Kazari hissed.

He dodged the next amethyst attack but not the flames that erupted in the other hand and hit Kazari again. Both parties skidded apart, panting heavily from the exertion of their Core Energy. Kazari used his speed to catch up to Ankh and stopped the amethyst blade from digging into his homunculus flesh again.

"I may not have this… but if you can wield that axe to harm me. Wonder what would happen if I take it and do the same?" Kazari grinned.

Kazari slowly twisted Ankh's grip, the Medagabyru's edge turning towards the phoenix. He pushed, slowly forcing its way to dig into Ankh's skin.

Kazari was chuckling deviously as he continued to push before he soon sniffed the air, "Ho? This scent. A human? No… a human girl? Why is such a stench on you?"

Ankh's green eye flared.

"She reminds you of her doesn't she? The sad tale of her guardian angel who failed to protect her."

And that was what made Ankh snap. Immediately fire erupted in a cyclone, startling Kazari and was launched so far it was practically powerful. Ankh on the other hand, his arms surged with flames, his glorious wings glowing and burning with fire instead of feathers.

"You just signed your death sentence!!!" Ankh roared and aimed his own talon at Kazari. The Greeed raised his claws to stop it as it began to burn through him. He winced before aiming a claw to plunge into Ankh's body. Suddenly Kazari noticed his arm couldn't thrust.

"What the?" He pulled but faintly, he saw a line wrapped around his wrist. A fishing line. Diverting his focus, he followed where the line came from and saw Clover as a few of his operatives held onto him to prevent any force from the tug to remove his balance. "Son of a-"

Kazari felt the burning blow to his stomach and it sent him to the air like a twinkle in the sky.

Ankh panted and kneeled slightly, changing back into his human form. Looking up at the sky, he shouted, "NEXT TIME WE MEET KAZARI I AM GOING TO RIP YOUR MEDALS INTO SCRAPS!! YOU HEAR ME YOU SCHEMING BASTARD!!! YOU EVER TOUCH HER YOU ARE DEAD!!!!"

One thing is certain, we have cleared the mines and witnessed one brutal fight with the Feline Greeed retreating.


CURRENT MEDALS:

Blazing: Taka (x2), Kujaku (x3), Condor (x3)

Scorching: Lion (x1), Tora (x2), Cheetah (x1)

Strongest: Kuwagata (x1), Kamakiri (x1), Batta (x1)

Legendary: Kobura (x1), Kame (x1), Wani (x1)

Water: Shachi (x2), Unagi (x1), Tako (x1)

Gravity: Sai (x3), Gorilla (x1), Zou (x2)

Invincible: Ptera (x1), Tricera (x1), Tyranno (x1)

Unknown: Seiuchi (x1), Shirokuma (x1), Penguin (x1)

Ultimate King: Super Taka (x1), Super Tora (x1), Super Batta (x1)


(NEXT TIME)

"No. This one's Atlas' problem." We noticed an airship soaring down and I briefly noticed the logo on it. The emblem of the SDC.

"Start what?" Ruby and I inquired.

Each of us looked at our Scrolls, seeing what caught us off guard.

Next Time: Jacques, Amity Arena, Huntsman


A/N: Aaaannnd there you have it folks! Not only you guys get to see the new chapter but also our character's new attire alongside the fight between Ankh and Kazari. I want to also let you guys know that I will be including the events of RWBY Arrowfell into this story since the game is canon to Volume 7 so be aware of it especially a few surprises in store regarding it.

Finally, I had also mentioned that I will be providing you guys a bit of a concept art of sorts regarding our protagonist's volume 7 attire. It is on my DeviantArt page under the same name. The moment you see this published it is also when I published the image.

Till then, see you guys later! Don't forget to favorite, follow, and leave a review!