A/N: Hey everyone I am back again with the update to this story. Sorry for the late update from the usual schedule, things had got me very occupied. I am pretty sure you guys may have watched the past few episodes of Volume 9 as of recently and let me get into some things about it. The pairing of our protagonist and Blake will remain do not worry. And as for the events of ep8 of Volume 9, which let me shocked of how it went, there will be some differences given the involvement of OOO into the mix so there is bound to be some things that will differentiate from canon events.
Also, I want to let you know my other stories will be updated very soon. Can't clarify the exact date but rest assured they WILL be updated.
Now, let us get to the start to 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
Arthur Watts was a man who held a genius mind as a scientist. Well, former scientist after he was disowned. Many topics that caught his interest were one he takes pride in. However one such matter regarded one topic his Queen told him and the others.
OOO.
To discover there was a kingdom 800 years ago was a wonder but what made it more interesting was such use of alchemy to create beings that are nearly invincible with their full power. It was one of the reasons why he invested some research involving the Greeed and of course, OOO. The new one who Salem saw as a threat being the new OOO. Unlike the previous Multi-King who craved power, the boy was the opposite - Selfless.
After all his years of research, he couldn't understand how the boy was able to control such power. The power that could have eventually made him a god. The control of elements, create tsunamis and earthquakes, everything in his grasp.
Even the concept of desire. The Medals are powered by a person's desire, that everyone has. It was one of the reasons why he seeked Kougami. However it was that moment it revealed some information that was important for his Queen.
Flashback, one month ago…
Kougami hummed 'happy birthday' as Felix and Aria followed behind. Oh the wonder of discovery after learning OOO arrived in Atlas. After his enlightening talk with Pietro through the Batta Candroid about the development of a new Ride Vendor, the mention of a red gauntlet made him joyful. Day by day, OOO was nearing the grand moment, the grandest of all for the world to see. A glorious birthday which he is proud to say.
Aria and Felix were happy about the return of Nathan Westborn knowing they were both affiliated with him. Ah, reunions were such moments, catalysts of new things to be born.
Making their way to the office, Aria and Felix opened the doors for him but noticed an uninvited guest situated on the seat. It was Arthur Watts himself.
Seeing Watts, Felix aimed his weapon at him but Kougami raised his hand to stop him from pulling the trigger. "So you're alive after all, Watts. I suspected as much." The CEO of the foundation hummed, taking a seat behind his desk.
"You're more crafty than I expected, Kougami. Suppose it's expected from someone who brought peace back to Vale with the technological marvel of core enrrgy."
Kougami wouldn't deny that due to the Battalion he created when he established his company years ago.
"Seeing you're here, I bet that you're making a threat towards me." He announced. "And that little group you're working for."
Kougami caught the change of Watt's body language.
"Oh? You think I didn't know?" The man declared cheerfully. "Akira's been gathering info for me for the past year on your group. And the fact you're looking for ancient items within the academies and OOO's own as well."
Watt's grip on the cup tightened slightly. While the maidens' Four Relics were of importance, his Queen told them of the young OOO in possession of most of the King's Relics. Only one remains, and no one knows what will happen if he collects them all. A dangerous variant he may say.
"In other words?"
"I'll have to refuse your offer." Kougami declined without hesitation. "You're planning to destroy the world, which is the desire of destruction. I can't have that happen. If the world is destroyed, there are no desires to be made."
"You think my employers are working towards that goal?"
"Who doesn't think that? You're trying to keep the Kingdoms divided." Kougami reminded him. "While I admire the desire, there are still desires of unity. Both sides of the same coin. No reason for letting it die now, wouldn't it?"
'Is he planning what I think he is...?' Watts began to realize Kougami's own agenda.
"Now! I am afraid this short meeting must end. If you don't mind heading to the exit." The moment Kougami said it, Felix cocked his weapon and aimed while Aria's hand gripped a weapon she kept close to her Scroll.
"Or my associates will happily escort you out."
Flashback over…
Watts was unsettled by the words Kougami said to him before. He wasn't a fool to notice it. Kougami has been making sure the new OOO was to find all the king's relics in order to become king and unite all under one banner. A king isn't without his prized possessions and with the boy having the sword and gauntlet, it just requires one last item; the supposed cloak.
He also had the Purple Cores in his control which destroys any form of desire, and from what it can do. It could have the power to even damage or worse, destroy the Queen.
It was why his Queen wanted OOO under her whim or dead. But now...he had the feeling it won't be easy at all. If they tried to kill him, it would definitely result in an all-out battle with their plans possibly being derailed in the end.
'OOO will unite the world, either through force or peace no matter what you do. Anything goes for him.'
Watts knew Kougami had something further planned for the young OOO. If he's planning that…
Then they cannot let that happen.
Remnants of Desires: Edge of Avarice
Chapter 4: Jacques, Amity Arena, Huntsman
With the mission done and Kazari retreating, the military transports began to arrive alongside the Amity Arena that slowly hovered across the air. I glanced at the tarps that covered the bodies. My eyes saw some of the troops' bitter looks as they covered the dead patrolmen. Kazari may have retreated thanks to Ankh and Gamel, he still left his mark on a few of the fallen.
"I have to admit, Qrow's right about you being the unlucky one who got targeted by these Greeed." Clover stated. "And that was one of them, not one of their creations."
"Be lucky Gamel and I were here for this mission." Ankh flexed his hand after earlier. "Despite Kazari missing the Cores we have in our possession, he can still fight without problems."
"So it seems from what we saw. Although." Clover looked at me. "I didn't expect you could draw a weapon from the earth. I thought your Semblance was Cryokinesis?"
"Well, yes it is but it is also the three Medals that fused to my Aura." I clarified. "A dual purpose given its elemental representation of ice."
"Those Medals are the cause huh?"
"In some way, yeah." It was the simple answer regarding it. My Semblance may be capable of calling forth the violet Core Medals, it primarily focused on ice. "But seriously though, the way you guys fought that Geist was badass."
"Perfect complementary teamwork! Oh, yeah, I want to have my friends' backs just like that." The scythe-wielder praised.
"Friends?" Harriet chortled.
Her teammate chuckled. With a sling of the weapon over her shoulder, Elm added, "This isn't the school yard kid."
"But I mean, when you go through so much with someone, it kind of changes things doesn't it?" Yang inquired.
Harriet placed a hand on her hip and raised the other. "We get along well enough, sure. I count on them to keep me alive. They do the same. But that's the job. We don't confuse the two." She replied.
With her answer, the Ace Operative rejoined her squad. The girls' moods changed into pity.
"Don't be so down about it." I assured the four, diverting their attention to me. "I can understand what she is saying. They may not call themselves friends, but they are comrades." I told my friends. "It was something my dad told me. Sometimes, they would go to hell and back to watch each other's backs in order to come home safely."
"Your dad really was one of those people huh?" Yang asked, crossing her arms.
I raised a hand to placate the four. "Look, what I'm saying is she may be right but that doesn't mean it's entirely true. My dad knew good people in his regiment. Yeah they became friends but they are reminded of how dangerous it can be in the field."
My dad had friends in the Marines but losing a good friend who is a comrade is the worst thing to experience. Like they say, brother (or sister) in arms are bonds forged through battle.
"Speaking of the job," Clover glanced at the General who was in the midst of speaking through communications. "Duty ever beckons. You all hang back a second."
"Clover, wait." I stopped the Ace Operative. "I… want to say thanks. For giving Ankh and Gamel some support when they were fighting Kazari."
The leader of Ace Ops brushed a thumb across his crest. "It's no problem. Your friend needed the perfect opportunity for a good strike and it worked."
While Clover had bore witness to the powerful prowess of a Greeed, the monsters were no laughing matter unlike Grimm. One mere Greeed was capable of such raw power. He was reminded of how serious and problematic it can be should he and his team face one. They were lucky to have Ankh and Gamel here to stall Kazari. Otherwise the body count would have been higher.
"And I appreciate it, really." I thanked. "Semper fi, Clover."
Clover raised an eyebrow and repeated, "'Semper Fi'?"
"It means 'always faithful'. It's something my dad taught me. He was a soldier too." I explained.
"Always faithful." Clover seemed to take note of the phrase. He chuckled and smiled. "I like it. Sounds fitting."
He looked over his shoulder before he clicked his tongue. "Can't keep the general waiting." He joined the rest of his squad to talk to Ironwood, leaving the rest of us as the only teens aside from the two Greeed and Qrow.
"What do you guys want to do when we get back to Atlas?" Ruby asked us four. "Sightseeing? Oh! What should we visit first?"
Blake yawned, "How about our beds?"
Ruby whined and said, "Oh come on guys! This is a great time to go exploring?"
"I hate to say it Ruby but we could use a rest." I admitted. "We traveled on foot through a continent then on ship to another. The only thing some of us need is rest." I rubbed my shoulder. "Hell, I could use some sleep given what happened especially after Kazari fled earlier."
The young scythe wielder winced, her silver eyes drifting to a few people carrying the bodies Kazari left behind earlier. "O-Oh…" She murmured, forgetting the fact Ankh and Gamel fought Kazari after the Feline killed a patrol group to find us. We were lucky to send him running but he will come back with a better strategy.
"I think we all need some rest. The Ace Ops have seen what a Greeed can do." Weiss agreed. "I gotta agree with Enrique on the need for sleep."
"I bet they're gonna ask me questions on how to deal with them or even Yummies the next day…" I groaned as I scratched my neck. "I have enough problems to deal with."
"Gee, and you dealt with the same problems in Beacon." Weiss said
I rolled my eyes, "Very funny, Weiss."
"Come on! Please! We only did the boring parts!" Ruby pleaded.
"We almost died, Ruby." replied Yang.
The scythe-wielder winced at her sister's tone. Sadly, Yang wasn't wrong. We all nearly got killed by Kazari. Yang more so as Kazari would have cut off her arm. We were glad Ankh and Gamel intervened and from the fight, we are sure it drained a good portion of Kazari's cell medals but in turn it applied the same to the Bird and Beast Greeed.
I gave a brief glimpse at Yang, noticing her hand shaking slightly. Kazari's words really did bring up bad memories.
"Maybe after we settle down, okay, Ruby?" My words seemed to have lifted her spirits though not by much based on her facial expression.
"Hey. Heads up." Qrow pointed his thumb over at Ironwood, who was talking to Clover while the other Ace-Ops walked away. Though from the looks of the general's body language, something happened.
"Can I get the team leaders over here?" The leading Atlesian requested. "There's something I like to discuss with you. You too, Qrow."
Obliging the request, myself, Ruby, Jaune, and Qrow approached general Ironwood. His focus was briefly on Clover and said to him, "I need you on the ground, but be subtle. If people see too many Huntsmen milling around, they'll get nervous."
Clover saluted in acknowledgment to the order before he made his departure, leaving us three team leaders and Huntsman with James.
"And Clover. Don't take Marrow." The leader of Ace Ops chuckled and nodded before he joined his team.
"New problems in Mantle?" inquired Qrow.
"More of the same, unfortunately." The general deployed his Scroll and allowed it to generate a hologram in front of us. What earned our attention was the mugshot of a man unfamiliar to us but the photo on the right displayed a grim image of his corpse.
Seeing the holographic photo, Gamel's eyes widened. "It's that nice man!" He shoved Jaune, me, and Ruby down a bit the moment he rushed to us upon seeing it. Ironwood felt a little annoyed upon Gamel interrupting the conversation.
"You know him?" Jaune asked with a grunt.
"He was chained like me! Nice person!"
"In other words, arrested?" Qrow asked.
"Yup!" Gamel coughed when Ankh had to pull him away from us.
Ironwood took a deep breath. "As I was saying, he was one of the public leaders who spoke out against Atlas. He was found murdered…"
"Murdered?" I asked.
"Yes and this is the third one this week."
"The opposition dropping dead isn't exactly a good look for you, is it?" Qrow realized.
Ironwood lowered his hand. "I'm not really worried about my public image but it is causing unrest. I believe someone is trying to frame me for this and by extension Atlas. And it's working..."
"Seeing the state of Atlas, I can believe that." I agreed. "Could Salem's group be attempting to cause unrest? They've been trying to divide the kingdoms ever since the beginning."
"I hope it isn't that case. Things have been hard to manage lately for Mantle."
"Well, given the embargo, people wouldn't have been mad." Jaune stated, before clearing his throat. "...Sir."
Ironwood sighed tiredly, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I'm not blind to the issues. In fact, that's what I want to talk to you about." The general looked back, his eyes staring up at the mobile communications that is Amity Arena. "With the mobile communications tower and tensions down at Mantle, I think there is a lot of good your teams can do."
Suddenly his earpiece earned his attention, making him respond. "What? Already? Here?" Ironwood grimaced. "No, it's fine. Let him land."
"What's going on?" I asked.
"More Mantle problems?" Qrow guessed.
"No. This one's Atlas' problem." We noticed an airship soaring down but I briefly caught the logo on it. The emblem of the SDC.
Well, crap. I have a feeling who the general was talking about. We approached the landing zone before the ship made its landing. The ramp set itself onto the ground and the doors opened, revealing Weiss' dad.
He looked pissed than he was during the time me and Ankh went with Kougami to take the orange Core Medals. His ice blue eyes glaring at the general himself with unbrittled frustration.
"So let me get this straight James. In addition to this nonsensical embargo of yours crippling my business. You've also decided you have the authority to commandeer private property? When the Council hears about this, you will never-!"
Ironwood cut him off and said, "Actually, I have already informed them. As this is now a classified military operation, it didn't require a vote."
"Didn't require a vote?" Weiss' dad repeated incredulously.
Ironwood moved his hands behind his back and added, "You might want to brush up on Council law before you lose the upcoming election, Jacques. Now, I've allowed you to land here once as a courtesy. The next time, it won't be a friendly reception."
Jacques scowled at the fellow Atlesian with a glare. "Lately, you seem to forget who your friends really are. I'm going to get that Council seat, James, and maybe then, you'll–" From the corner of the CEO's eyes, his eyes widened when he finally noticed Weiss was here. The two stared at each other for a moment but I took heed of the unease in my friend's eyes. She was doing her damn best to hide it from her father. "You roped my missing daughter into these schemes of yours, too?"
The head of the SDC angrily turned around to face Ironwood, the frustration only increasing towards the general. "How long has she been back in Atlas? Did Winter know about this?!"
Now Weiss became annoyed by her father's demands and stepped forward.
"It was my decision to come here. Just like it was my decision to leave. Or have you forgotten all about that?"
"If you think I'm one to forget anything, girl, then you've misjudged the man your father is."
"Believe me, I know exactly the kind of man you are."
And it clearly angered Jacques as his face contorted into a scowl. "How dare you speak to me that way!? I have half a mind to-!"
"Half a mind to what, Jacques?" The general asked from behind. Jacques narrowed his eyes, adjusting his cuff link while he elicited a frustrated sigh. His eyes were still aimed at Weiss.
"You know… your mother was devastated when you left." The tone of his voice sounded more direct and almost insulting the Schnee of Team RWBY.
My eyebrow twitched. The male Schnee was starting to push my buttons by saying every negative word that came out of his mouth. A part of me just wanted to punch him right in the face.
From my peripheral Weiss visibly became upset upon him mentioning her mother
"Didn't leave her room for days. You know how… she gets... when she's upset."
Jacques put up a sad facade while he spoke, taking a moment to peek at Weiss whose eyes glimmered with sadness. I had also caught the damn smirk on the man's face.
Okay, what he said was completely uncalled for. That son of a bitch. Ruby and Yang glared at him as did my fiancee.
Myself on the other hand, my fingers slowly curled, my teeth gritted underneath my concealed lips. My arm nearly moved with an outburst but my wrist was held tightly. From a glance, a hand secretly gripped it to prevent it - Weiss's hand. The glare however in our (Ruby, Yang, Blake, and I) eyes increased.
"I knew one day, you would overextend your reach. I didn't come here to beg for an abandoned mine. I came here to thank you… for personally handing me the noose to hang you." Those words were aimed at Ironwood. "You'll regret this.
It's official, the CEO was a complete asshole.
The snow-haired man gave his daughter one last look. "So these are the little friends you threw everything away for?" The CEO insulted.
Weiss glanced at her team and myself before looking at her father with defiance. "Not friends. Family."
"Hmm…" His eyes laid on us four in question but his brows knit slightly when his eyes laid on me but for a second I swore they looked down at the O-Driver on my waist, more particularly the Core Medals of TaToBa and behind it were full of surprise but the guy hid it. With a scoff, the CEO retreated to the airship and it flew off.
With it out of hearing, my body laxed as the grip on my wrist loosened.
"No offense, Weiss, but your dad is honestly a total prick." I admitted, watching the ship leave. Mentioning Weiss' mother like that just to hurt Weiss was low. The first time I saw the man during the BuraKaWani hunt, he was professional towards Kougami but after seeing his true colors now? Dude only cared about his company, not to his own daughter or family which pissed me off.
"I… don't think you're wrong on that…" Weiss sighed bitterly.
Ankh huffed, his hands gripping his biceps. "That man though… now that I sensed his desires." He then frowned. "His greed… is as strong as that damn bastard."
Weiss looked at Ankh. "Who?"
"... The late Multi-King before Enrique." We all looked at him. Before we could ask him for further details, one of the military transports before the door opened to reveal Winter who noticed the retreating ship.
"Ah Winter." Weiss noticed. "You're arrived."
"Yes, and I noticed that he was here." She observed as the Specialist walked out the transport. "Did he do anything to you?"
"No, he didn't. He's just upset that we stepped onto his property." I declared.
"I can't blame him for that. He is always trying to assert control."
"He is a meanie like the mean OOO back then!" Gamel said.
"Yes, and he's trying to beat the Kougami Foundation who always refused his deals of cooperation." Winter admitted. "I only heard a few rumors, but seeing the Foundation has a better reputation and power than his own is setting his anger off sharply especially after the embargo."
"I can see why. That prick was seething over losing control." Ankh scoffed. "His desires are becoming more sinister the more he craves."
"That's… bad, right?"
"Compare him to his majesty when he first craved power." Jaune swallowed heavily while Weiss felt unsettled to the comparison. "Sooner or later, he'll fall to his own greed and die."
"I...guess you have a point." I replied, trying to stop the comparison. "I hope we don't have to deal with him again."
Weiss pinched the hem of her battle outfit. "You and I both…" her tone was bitter yet melancholic.
Suddenly we were taken by surprise when a familiar android came crashing down, landing on one knee. The force from her landing sent Team RWBY flying with a small scream, while Winter, myself, and the two Greeed steadied ourselves against the shockwave. Penny straightened up and threw her hands into the air, the word "CONGRATULATIONS!" appearing above her head as a green hologram, with bright green hologram confetti spawning from it with a party horn sound.
"Surprise!" She chimed. Her green eyes blinked, noticing Team RWBY on the ground whereas Ankh looked a bit miffed and Gamel waved his hand over the hologram that vanished. "Uh… did we not start yet?"
Huh? Briefly looking at the general and the specialist, I noted their reactions. Winter pressed her finger against her forehead whereas Ironwood grimaced upon being reminded of something important.
"Apparently we haven't." the older Schnee elicited an exasperated sigh.
"Start what?" Ruby and I inquired.
Being in the arena, I could remember the time the tournament was held here. The moments where each of us climbed up the ranks to fight other teams from other schools. But now, Team RWBY, JNPR, and myself were gathered to face Ironwood, Winter, and Penny (who was holding a Scroll). Ankh, Qrow, and Gamel stood on the sidelines to watch.
"It goes without saying this arena holds significance to all of us." Ironwood stated, taking a few steps forward. "It's only fitting that we should be able to reconvene here."
"Now, when the world needs to be brought together more than ever; the road you traveled from our first meeting hasn't been easy." The general walked to our left. "You fought for your school and your friends at Beacon. You fought for the world and the innocent at Haven Academy and beyond. You faced down terrors people can't even fathom. More importantly, facing the ancient menace that came back to haunt the world." He referred to the Greeed such as Uva, Kazari, and Mezool. "That's not the behavior of students." The general looked at us nine. "It's the behavior… of Huntsmen and Huntresses."
General Ironwood nodded to Penny who approached and hummed. One by one, she stopped by each of us while tapping the Scroll she held.
Each of us looked at our Scrolls, seeing what caught us off guard. Our student licenses were no more. Instead, they were official Huntsman and Huntress licenses.
"W-Wait, these are…" I noticed.
"You are being granted your official licenses, today." Winter announced.
I was surprised, as were my friends. After Beacon fell, it did not seem like it would be possible.
"Is this legal?" I asked. "We're not Atlas Academy students."
"I know this is sudden but Brothers know you deserve it." Ironwood explained to us. "I only regret that I couldn't do something a little more ceremonious for the occasion."
My eyes stared at my Scroll in disbelief. No longer were we students. We were now officially classified as Hunters.
Are you the Multi-King? Or... are you a Kamen Rider?
Solaris' tired yet strained voice rang in my ears.
I was reminded of those words in the dream. The question that made me silent. That very question still brought me confusion and fear. I didn't want to suffer the same fate Solaris did. To become mad with power and ruin the world as he did centuries ago.
To die by my own greed.
"I-We… we're honored General Ironwood, but you reall-" Ruby started but James politely raised his hand, "Please. With the threat of Salem still out there and tensions rising in our kingdom, I certainly could use more trustworthy fighters by my side. I should be so lucky to have all of you."
Ankh snorted.
The general noticed our reactions that remained unchanged. "It's okay. It's a big moment. And what better way than to honor it here. When this tower is ready and communications are back up and running, we'll tell the world about Salem and face down whatever comes at us after that, together."
"What about Poseidon, Uva, and Kazari?" Ruby asked.
Ironwood took a deep breath. He was reminded of the enemy Greeed alongside the abomination that is still around. Reminded of the world's lost history that involved a fifth kingdom that caused destruction to the four kingdoms centuries ago.
"While that is a concern, we will be prepared." He looked at me, Ankh, and Gamel. "With all of your help."
"Er… thanks, General Ironwood." I murmured.
"Miss Nikos." Pyrrha perked up at the call of her name. "Your license will be under a different name, I'm afraid. The world still believes you are dead. Having you alive may create serious questions for them thus you are required to keep the faux colors you kept before whenever you are out in the field."
The redhead pursed her lip before nodding in acknowledgment of the explanation. "I… understand, general."
"Now… I know it's a bit… off putting for this moment. And what better way than to celebrate here? When this tower is ready and communications are back up and running, we'll tell the world about Salem and face down whatever comes at us after that, together."
We could only stand in silence.
Ironwood sighed, "That's… just about all the pomp I have in me." Awkwardly adjusting his tie, he added, "If you'll excuse me, I have to get back to running this operation. Um…Well, then. Enjoy the cake." before walking away, with Winter following. Penny waved in appreciation to the retreating duo.
RWBY, JNPR, and myself look at out licenses. "After everything we've been through, I almost forgot this is what I wanted in the first place." Yang started.
"When Beacon fell, I didn't think this would even be possible." Blake murmured.
"It almost feels trivial now." Weiss agreed.
Qrow on the other hand tried to lighten the mood. "Geez, guys, lighten up a little. Enjoy yourselves for a change. You've earned it."
Nora threw her arms into the air in relief upon hearing Qrow's opinion. "Finally! Someone said it. Let's kill some cake, huh?" She moved forward, throwing a fist in the air. "Because I can eat two slices before Ren even eats one. Who says I can't? Who says it, huh!?"
Ren pinched the bridge of his nose upon his girlfriend's comment. "Nora, nobody is arguing with you about this."
Eventually complying with Qrow, everyone decided to have the dessert but I didn't. Sitting on the seats of the arena, I stared at the others who were busy getting a slice of cake. I wasn't in the mood for such but I briefly noticed Gamel attempting to hog all the cake until Pyrrha and Jaune stopped him. I chuckled lightly but nonetheless seeing the arena brought back memories.
Some good… Some bad.
"Everything alright?" I noticed Blake walking up the steps.
"Yeah...just a bit taken back from the celebration." I admitted, showing the huntsman license.
"It's a lot to take in isn't it?" She sat down next to me. The cat Faunus however pursed her lip. "We're officially huntsmen now, but it doesn't feel any different…"
"With all things considered…"
Blake caught my thoughtful look. "What's wrong?"
I looked at her then at the arena below. "I am not sure… where I really stand."
"What do you mean?"
My eyes drift to the empty spot beside me. I was reminded of the dream I experienced during the flight. The question Solaris gave. The position where I stand in this world.
"When I fell asleep on the way to Atlas, I had a dream… but it ominously didn't feel like one either." I explained. "I saw Solaris."
Blake's reaction was swift and sharp. "You… saw him?" she gasped.
I bobbed my head vertically. "His voice sounded tired… sad even." I slowly gripped the O-Calibur, seeing its glory once again out of its sheath. "He asked me, am I the Multi-King or a Kamen Rider? He never asked if I am a Huntsman. It makes me wonder… just… where do I really stand now?"
"Enrique…"
"It bothered me now that I saw we are official Huntsmen. I don't want to be like Solaris, the previous Multi-King. I am trying my best to be a Kamen Rider and yet… it feels like I am not after what I have been doing."
From originally attending school to fight monsters to traveling across several continents just to escort a Relic and fighting against an immortal foe.
"You are a Huntsman." Blake made me look at her. "You told me that despite a Kamen Rider making choices, doesn't a Huntsman do the same to protect others? I know things have been different… and what we did back at Argus..." Her cat ears folded slightly, her hands even shaking a bit as they clenched as well at what she was referring to.
The day we both killed Adam Taurus. "I know you said a Kamen Rider shouldn't kill anyone who isn't a monster… but-"
"There are monsters in human skin." I murmured in bitterness. "Did I – did we do the right thing?"
"You said so yourself. You had to stop him at every moment and we nearly died." She gently rested her head against mine. "But what I know, to me, to others, you are a Kamen Rider to us."
"You think so, Blake? It still doesn't feel like that to me." I pointed out.
"It's never easy on the choices we make… it was the same when I was in the White Fang." Her amber eyes look at our friends. "It can be difficult to find out where we stand but as long as we are with the people who are our family, we find where we truly stand."
Seeing the others, I was reminded of them saving me during the Greedification incident. That moment they saved me by finding my desire. The reason why I kept going. People who are family to me.
"I'll...think about it." I responded with a sigh. "But, thanks. Really. That cleared my head a bit."
Blake rested her hand on my own. "Just don't too much about it, okay? Promise me you won't bring it up again?"
"Okay." I nodded to her. "…Well, let's go eat some of the cake before Gamel eats it all."
My fiancée giggled but agreed nonetheless. As we walked to rejoin the group, I felt Blake's hand brush against mine. With a thin smile, we interlocked our fingers together.
"Hope you saved us a few," I hummed as we approached the gathering.
"We did!"
"Though Nora had the idea of her and Gamel stuffing themselves with it." Ren snorted.
"Ren~! It was supposed to be a surprise!" Nora pouted. "Gamel and I were going to do a cake version of chubby bunny!"
"Yeah!" Gamel agreed.
Ren pinched the bridge of his nose, a sigh escaping through his lips. Some of us find it humorous given Nora and Gamel almost think alike when it comes to these types of antics.
"Hey Enrique! How about a picture for the occasion!" Yang wagged the Scroll in her hand.
"Of being a Huntsman?"
"Not just that!" Yang laughed. Her laughter died down when she noticed my raised eyebrow. "Really? You and Blake don't remember?"
Now Blake and I blinked with puzzled looks.
"You two are engaged after all, so why not have one with all of us and another of just the two of you. That way we can celebrate with that included."
Now that Yang brought it up, Blake and I never had an opportunity to do something that would serve as a memory of our engagement. I proposed to her back at the farm but we didn't do much after because we were mostly focused on getting to Atlas and not getting killed.
"Sure why not?"
Immediately our friends gathered with us while Qrow being the one to use the Scroll to take the picture. Ruby brought Penny into the mix, allowing the older Huntsman to take the picture.
With that done, it was just myself and Blake whereas Ruby held my fiancée's scroll to take the photo. "Alright you two! Bright smiles and a good pose!"
The both of us stood very close to each other as suggested. We may be equal height, Blake rested her head on my shoulder and held my left arm with both of hers. With the curl of our lips to give our most positive smiles, Ruby snapped the photo and squealed in joy at the result.
She handed the device to her teammate, granting the cat faunus the opportunity to see the picture from her Scroll. Even I joined her in seeing it and to say the least the image was perfect. It displayed the happiness the both of us held and our show of affection upon the hold. "It's a great picture Ruby," I praised.
The scythe user pumped her fist. "Yes!"
Blake on the other hand hid the lower half of her face in an attempt to hide the pink hue on her cheeks.
"It… would be nice to have the picture for another pendant…"
The moment Blake said that, the buxom blonde's lips turned into a cheshire grin. Oh boy, looks like Yang has another card up her sleeve.
"Whoa-hoho~, is Blake thinking of getting a similar locket for that picture to match with Enrique?" Yang teased.
The cat Faunus' cheeks gained a pink tint and shoved her hand against Yang's shoulder, earning a laugh from the blonde.
"Aw, I don't hear any denials~."
I chortled a bit at the ongoing interaction between my fiancée and Yang. At least things between the two are mending. My eyes drift to each one of my close friends before looking down at the slice of cake on the table. I smiled and put a fork to take a small piece and began to eat.
As I savored the fluffy and sweet texture, my eyes scanned how everyone talked to one another. If I have to be honest, I missed this familiar liveliness. It brought so much memories of our days in Beacon.
In the end, this was something for all of us to remember.
It did not take Kazari much effort to break into the Schnee compound. Honestly, their security was a joke.
"Now to find a target," Kazari said as he flicked a Cell Medal. There was Jacque Schnee. The man's greed could spawn something powerful but the Greeed could detect an even stronger desire. It wasn't the son. No, it was someone else that caught his attention. It is what led to his arrival here the moment he took a whiff of the scent.
Kazari gently rubbed his torso, still reeling from the fight. He was barely lucky he got out with his Core Medals unscathed. He never expected Ankh to regain his full form nor the fact having one of the Lion Core Medals within. It irked him with frustration but that can hold for now. He had a Yummy to make.
Approaching the study room, he pushed the door open and found who he was searching for.
He found the woman completely alone and intoxicated. But beyond the alcohol, he caught a strong scent of her deepest desire. She was gazing at an old family photograph which reminded her of a time before everything fell apart.
"Family is everything to you, isn't it?" Kazari hummed. "Then your husband broke your heart and slowly brought what you held dear into ruin."
The Greeed lazily leaned against the wall. "A pity to see such a nice family now in shambles. A greedy husband, a son who is being groomed to be like him? And daughters who took their own paths? Doesn't that frustrate you so?"
He approached the desk and leaned forward slightly, grinning.
"Tell me, what is it you desire the most out of everything in your life?"
The intoxicated woman slowly lifted her head then her eyes drift back to the photo. "To restore… my family… and its birthright…" Mrs. Schnee slurred.
With the Cell Medal in hand, he tossed the trinket the moment the coin slot formed on the woman.
"Follow what you desire." Kazari whispered before he vanished.
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)
Unidentified Combo: Seiuchi (x1), Shirokuma (x1), Penguin (x1)
Ultimate King: Super Taka (x1), Super Tora (x1), Super Batta (x1)
(NEXT TIME)
"M-My mom is the host?" Weiss uttered.
"Oh… it's a Candroid, isn't it?"
SEI! SHIROGIN~! SEI! SHIROGIN~!
Next Time: Schnee Family, Ride Vendor 2.0, The Cold Combo
A/N: Seems things are about to get interesting now that our characters have become Huntsmen/Huntresses. Alas that also meant challenges as our protagonist has been given his first obstacle upon the reminder. I'm sure you guys may have noticed the preview of the next chapter, you know things are going to get more exciting with the inclusion of certain combos you guys may know of.
Until then, don't forget to follow and favorite the story as well as leaving a review. See you guys later!
