Anima...

After reuniting, Yang and Ace decided to take the weird guy up on his offer. He rode on the back of Bumblebee as Yang sped down the path, with Ace directly behind her on his motorcycle, all the while keeping a close eye on the guy, making sure he didn't try anything with Yang while she was focused on the road.

Yang: "How much further, pal?"

Guy: "This should just about do it." Ace raised an eyebrow and looked ahead past Yang, spotting an open area. The two motorcycles came to a halt in the middle of this area, with the guy unmounting off of Bumblebee. "You two wait here. I'll go up ahead and make sure the coast is clear." He said as he began to jog off in a certain direction. Yang and Ace just blankly stared at him with the blonde peeking over her aviators.

Ace: "It's definitely a trap."

Yang: "That much is obvious."

Ace: "Well, we might as well take advantage of it." Shutting down his bike's engine, Ace unmounted it and rolled his shoulders while yawning. Yang decided to do the same, shutting off Bumblebee before getting off. She removed her gloves and all of her other accessories before stretching.

Yang: "How... *grunts* did you find me all the way out here, bro?"

Ace: "Hmm? Well I saw you drive off the Ferry when it docked. I saw the direction you were driving and figured you were trying to find mom and pops. So I followed after you. You drive fast, you know that?" the blonde lightly scoffed and rolled her eyes.

Yang: "Sorry you can't keep up."

Ace: "Pfft. Still as sassy as ever." He shook his head before he leaned against his bike and looked up. "I'm sorry I worried you... I did try to call you guys, but the CCT had just gone down and I wasn't aware that Local communication went back up afterwards." He was stopped by a metal fist coming at him fast, to which he immediately caught.

Yang: "Save the apologies and explanations for when we meet up with Ruby. I don't want you getting all soft on me at this moment and time, you know." She gave a slight smirk to her brother, who, after a bit of slight bewilderment, chuckled and returned it.

Ace: "Back right at ya."

This moment of sibling bonding however, would abruptly be interrupted as there was a gunshot, with Ace quickly reaching for Liberator and using it to block the shot. The two teens looked in the direction the shot came, only to see the Guy from earlier, this time with multiple Bandits around him.

Ring Leader: "I can't believe you both were dumb enough to let me lead you here." The bandits completely surrounded the two, but neither seemed concerned in the slightest.

Yang: "Is this everyone?"

Ring Leader: "Yes, little lady. This is it. Well, unless you want to count the whole rest of the camp back that way." He gestured behind him.

Ace: "Oh? That way, huh?" He followed his gesture by pointing in the same direction with a raised eyebrow. The bandits all glanced at each other, a bit confused.

Ring Leader: "Yes, that way."

Yang: "Good to know. Thanks."

Ring Leader: "Now to pay me back for this tooth, we're going to take both of your bikes. And you're going to take your lumps."

Ace: "I didn't even do anything to you..." He deadpanned but shrugged before cocking Liberator, its gunbarrels extended on its blunt end, while Yang activated Ember Celica on her left arm, surprising the bandits, who got ready to attack. The ringleader of this mini group pulled out a revolver, with a knife strapped to the handle of it and aimed it at Yang.

Ring Leader: "You got the jump on me last time, sweetheart. But you really ought to think twice about fighting all—" He was cut off as Yang activated the hidden feature of her mechanical right arm, causing a gunbarrel to pop out of its surface while Ace pressed a second trigger on Liberator's handle, causing its large, curved blade to pop out from its back end, startling the group. 

Ring Leader: "Alright... Get them!" On his command, the Bandits charged the two siblings.

There were 6 total bandits, not including the ring leader. One would think that the best solution for them would be to split up and take on 3 each. However, Ace and Yang already knew that they didn't need to think too far into this. They've fought stronger and more skilled people before after all. Some lackeys with guns and machetes were at the bottom of the difficulty tier for them.

They stuck together this time, raising both of their arms as they stood back to back as the bandits closed in on them. The first one tried to throw a kick, but Yang countered easily with a kick of her own, knocking him off balance and allowing her to sweep him off of his feet and punch him in the face. A second tried to slash her with his Machete, but Ace parried the attack with Liberator's curved blade, before he used his free hand and grabbed the bandit by the arm, throwing him over his shoulder and kicking him in the face.

The ranged attacks came in quickly however, forcing the two to raise their arms in defense, with Ace raising Liberator and Yang using her metal arm as a shield. Yang looked at Ace, who merely nodded and grinned. He aimed Liberator's barrels at the ground and fired, creating a surprise dust screen that Yang immediately used to her advantage. Feeling the gunfire slowly becoming suppressed, she dashed out, using one of the bandits as a stepping tone before flipping in the air. With three ranged Bandits distracted, they attempted to aim and shoot at her, only for Ace to be in front of them, with him slashing down with Liberator, striking their knees causing them to buckle a bit, before he did a roundhouse kick and send them flying back.

Yang took on a female bandit, dodging a left hook before retaliating with a hard right hook, knocking her down before she quickly raised her mechanical right hand, blocking an incoming attack from the bandit that tried sneaking up on her. She quickly spun around and uppercutted him away and immediately stomping on the ringleader's foot, causing him to yelp in pain before he was thrown back by a kick to the chin. Three tried to sneak up on Yang together, only for her to immediately spin around with a kick, knocking them down.

The ring leader gritted his teeth and began to get back up, while aiming his gun directly at Yang, who was preoccupied. The moment he pulled the trigger, a fiery bullet flew towards the blonde, but it missed its mark as Ace quickly sped in the way, deflecting the shot away with Liberator. Yang saw this and glared daggers at the guy as he tried to shoot again, only to realize that he was already out of ammo as he forgot to make sure he had full ammo.

Before the last two standing bandits could jump the two from behind, they both got backhanded in the faces by Yang and Ace simultaneously before the two siblings shot themselves forwards towards the ring leader at top speed, the man quickly preparing to strike with the knife strapped to his gun. However, as he swung, Yang fired Ember Celica at the ground and leaped over his head while Ace slid underneath him. Before he could fully react, the two punched him straight in the face, sending him flying into one of the bandits, knocking them both down and ending the fight in that moment.

With her left hand trembling, Yang gently grasped it to keep her nerves down before she shuttered, feeling a hand on her shoulder. Thankfully it was just Ace, who gave her a reassuring smile.

Ace: "Good to see you're not rusty, sis." With a calming deep breath, she returned the smile, with a small chuckle.

Yang: "Same to you, bro." Coughing from the Ring Leader however, caught their attention.

Ring Leader: "Who are you two...? It doesn't even matter. When Raven and Vergil find out what you two did, you're both dead!" The two paused as Yang just seemed indifferent. Ace merely shrugged and glanced at him.

Ace: "That so? Well you can be right, but you're probably wrong too. I am their son after all. And she's..." he pointed at Yang, who was walking towards the bikes. "Raven's daughter. So think again, who's the one that's gonna be dead now?"

With a small smirk and a finger gun motion towards the male, Ace began making his way towards the bikes. The Ring Leader remained silent as he processed what he said, his eyes slowly widening in shock and terror.

Ring Leader: "...I'm dead."

>Chapter 44: The New Gundam<<

Selena's House...
Mistral...

With the plan in motion, Qrow and Dante were out, recruiting Huntsman while Selena was also out, shopping for not only groceries but supplies. Meanwhile, Team RNJR, Setsuna and Oscar have been busy training in the backyard of the house.

Currently, Ruby and Oscar were locked into a sparring match, while Nora, Jaune and Setsuna watched. Ren however, was focusing on meditating. Despite it being a clear sparring match, both Ruby and Oscar's hand-to-hand capabilities definitely had a lot to desire. Their swings were wide and slow and their footing wasn't the greatest. But they were steadily improving.

Jaune: "Man, Oz wasn't kidding. Oscar's picking up on this stuff fast." The moment he said that, the farm hand landed a direct punch on Ruby's face, causing her to stumble back while holding it, but she soon gave a scary glare.

Oscar: "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" However, while he was distracted, Ruby countered with a left hook, sending Oscar crashing back, making her the victor of their spar and causing Jaune, Nora and Setsuna to wince.

Ruby: "Ha, yes! I did it!" She cheered before looking back at him. "Oscar?"

Ozpin mentally: "You forgot to engage your Aura, again."

Oscar: "Why didn't you tell me?" He questioned in frustration.

Ozpin mentally: "Because this method makes you less likely to forget." While Oscar tried to come up with a retort, he couldn't. Ozpin was right at the end of the day as if Oscar banked on relying on Ozpin to remind him every time to activate his Aura, he would never be able to make decisions on his own. As he began to get back up, Ozpin spoke again. "Mind if I give it a shot?"

With him offering up control, Oscar and Ozpin swapped places once more, with the Headmaster of Beacon now addressing the argent-eyed girl with a smile.

Ozpin: "Not bad, Ms. Rose. But Oscar doesn't have the years of training that you do. Or I do." The moment he engaged his Aura, everyone immediately knew that Ruby's days were numbered and she knew it too as she began to back up slightly, while letting out a few nervous laughs.

Ruby: "Oh, ha, well, m-maybe we should uh, t-take a break?"

Ozpin charged her, regardless of her protests and threw a few punches at her head which she was able to block, with her arms before the last one struck her in the left side of her face, causing her to stumble back. He then leaped towards her and landed a hit on her face, knocking her back. Gritting her teeth and punching the ground, Ruby got up and went on the offensive this time, leaping and trying to land a left cross but Ozpin ducked underneath it and head butted her in the chin, knocking her over and out of the fight.

Nora: "Ouch..."

Ozpin: "The next time you want to throw a left cross, remember to push off with the appropriate foot. And as always, do be aware of any openings."

Ruby: "Got it..." she said dizzily. As he handed Oscar back the controls, the farm hand fell to his knees while panting. Ruby and Setsuna both immediately rushed to his side.

Setsuna: "Are you okay?"

Oscar: "How is this so exhausting?"

Ren: "Your body isn't used to this kind of training, not to mention generating a defensive Aura on your own. It takes intense concentration at first, but in time it will become second nature, allowing you to deflect attacks and gradually heal your wounds. After that, you can begin focusing on your Semblance, whatever that may be."

Oscar: "Semblance?"

Nora: "You know, like your own superpower! Everybody's got one, it's just a matter of finding it and mastering it. Ruby moves super fast, Setsuna can increase all of her senses, speed and strength, electricity makes me stronger, Ren can mask emotions and Jaune can... uh, um... hmm..."

Jaune: "I... can't do anything—"

Ruby: "Jaune's like you!" She took Oscar's hand and led him over to Jaune "He hasn't found his Semblance yet, but we all know he will and you will too. We all just have to try and help each other get stronger."

Oscar: "Cool."

Ren: "A common philosophy is that a warrior's Semblance is a part of who they are. Some say your personality and character can define your Semblance while some claim that it is the other way around. Of course, there are still many who don't see a connection at all."

Nora: "It's hard to know when you know sometimes. Ren's semblance was unlocked from intense stress."

Ruby: "Mine kicked in during training."

Setsuna: "And Setsuna got hers from losing control of her temper." She said, rubbing the back of her head as she looked off, remembering the night she unlocked her Semblance.

(Flashback)

Setsuna stood there, tears streaming down her face with some blood coating her Ice Wolf Claws. She stared up at the shattered moon, which on this particular night, was a blood red color, while all around her were countless bodies of humans she massacred out of pure rage.

She was so immersed in this feeling of power, of relief, that she didn't even realize that two particular figures were approaching her—a black-haired Wolf Faunus and a red-haired Bull Faunus.

Akito: "Setsuna!" Hearing his voice eased her nerves. She slowly turned to look at the two, with a smile stretched across her face, her eyes still glowing a bright blue color before that glow faded from her eyes and her vision went completely black.

(Flashback End)

Setsuna would never forget that day. It was a reminder to her that she had become strong. To her, it was the day she truly was born.

Oscar: "*looks at Nora* What about you?"

Nora: "Oh. Struck by lightning. Didn't die. Crazy Thursday."

Jaune: "I just don't understand what's wrong with me... I train, I meditate..." he looked down before Ozpin took control of Oscar again.

Ozpin: "Don't worry Mr. Arc. Your journey is far from over. And the same might be said for all of you. Unlocking your Semblance isn't the end. It can still grow and evolve. Take Ms. Setsuna for example, from what you've all told me, she's now able to produce blue lightning and the effects of her Semblance seem to rapidly increase while she's using it. Providing you're willing to put in the work, who knows what could happen."

Ruby: "Then let's get back to it!"

Branwen Tribe...

Raven: "We meet again, Akira."

Akira: "Raven... Where are we?"

Raven: "My tribe's camp, of course. I had Vernal patch you up." She answered as she walked over to him, holding a cup of tea. "It's understandable that you don't remember. We have changed locations since you last visited with Yomi." Akira remained silent, staring as the woman crouched next to him, holding the cup of tea towards him. He accepted her little token and blew on it gently before taking a sip. "Though I must say, I'm surprised that Vergil and I found you in Anima of all places. I had word that you attended Atlas Academy."

Akira: "Where is Vergil anyways?"

Raven: "Doing his own thing. You know he was never one for socializing."

Akira: "You're one to talk." he deadpanned as the ravenette lightly chuckled.

Raven: "You really are just like Yomi. Deadpan sarcasm was always her specialty." She spoke in a way of fond nostalgia before her smile faded for a moment. "I... heard of what happened to Yomihime. I'm... sorry. I tried to warn her..."

Akira: "Don't try to pity your way back into my life, Raven." He answered, coldly as he lowered his cup and glanced at her. "You always say that—you 'tried' to. But... it's whatever, really. I'm making my peace with it all."

Raven: "Is that so?" She raised an eyebrow, not sounding convinced. "That 'cursed' scythe of yours has been growing stronger the more you use it and its influence over you is strengthening. The way you were mumbling in your sleep is proof enough." At that, Akira merely scoffed and crossed his arms. Raven gently sighed and reached towards him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Akira, listen... I—"

Vergil: "Raven." His voice cut her off, causing both her and Akira to look towards the side entrance of the tent, where Vergil poked his head in. As he did, there was an audible commotion going on outside of the tent. "They're here."

Raven: "They?"

Vergil: "You know who. You've been watching them after all." It seemed the realization hit the swordswoman as her eyes widened in surprise for a moment before a slight laugh left her.

Raven: "It's about time. Vernal!" She stood up and reached for her Mask as another young woman holding Weiss' Myrtenaster entered the tent.

Akira's thoughts: "Myrtenaster...? Does that mean Weiss is here too??"

Raven: "Stay with Akira for the moment. We'll go handle this."

Vernal: "Understood."

(Vernal)

Akira: "I can handle myself you know." He rolled his eyes as Vergil left the tent, with Raven starting to follow after him, but paused. She slightly sighed and nodded.

Raven: "I know. But knowing you, you're the type to do something despite being injured. I'm only doing what Yomi would have done." With that, she equipped her mask and left the tent, leaving Akira silent as he just scoffed.

Outside of the tent, it turned out that the commotion was Yang and Ace as they forced the Bandits they ended up beating up to take them to their parents' camp. They walked down the main path, three bruised bandits escorting them, as many of the bandits around them just stared daggers at the two.

Ace: "Well ain't this a warm family reunion." He mumbled sarcastically while glancing around, while Yang remained focused on the large tent in front.

As they stopped before it, two familiar figures to them emerged, that being of Raven Branwen and Vergil Sparda, the former dawning her Grimm Mask. Upon seeing their parents, the two teens narrowed their eyes.

Yang: "Mom, V."

Ace: "Sup Mom, Pops." The ravenette removed her mask and looked at them, with a smile.

Raven: "Yang, Ace." She replied while the white-haired man merely stood with his sword by his hip, a small hum leaving him. A typical response that Ace expected as he rolled his eyes. "So, after all this time, you both finally decided to visit us." Yang felt her left arm trembling again as she immediately clutched it with her mechanical hand.

Yang: "You know that I... we searched for you. We spent years looking for you both."

Raven: "And you've found us. You both were patient, determined, and strong enough to make your dream a reality. Well done kids, but did you two have to be so rough with my men?"

Ace: "You know for a fact that they were the ones that started it by fucking around and finding out."

Vergil: "And you two finished it, as expected." The two teens just stared at them silently, with Ace crossing his arms. Raven just sighed.

Raven: ""Right, I'm sure this is all very overwhelming, but I must admit that you've both proven yourselves. So any questions you have we'll be happy to answer. You can stay with us tonight. I'll even have the cooks whip up something for you. " She began to turn to re-enter the tent, only to be stopped by Yang's voice.

Yang: "That's not why we're here."

Raven: "What was that?" She asked, slightly irritated.

Yang: "I'm not here for you. Ruby is somewhere in Mistral. She's with Qrow and Dante and they're going to need our help. We just need you to take us to her."

Vergil: "Oh? And exactly, why would we do that?"

Ace: "Why? We're family, aren't we?"

Raven: "Family... Only coming around when they need something... I have to say, I'm disappointed. After all, you found us, didn't you? Why not take those drives and use it to find your little sister if she means that much to you two?"

Yang: "Because you're going to save us time. Ruby was heading to Mistral, but there's no guarantee she made it there. Looking for her in Anima could take ages."

Ace: "Luckily for us however, you both have Semblances that can make our lives much easier." Raven glanced off as Vergil just raised an eyebrow.

Yang: "You both can bond to certain people, and when you do, you can create a portal that takes you straight to them. You had one for Akito's mom, you have one for my dad, one for me, one for Ms. Selena Yaeger... and you both got one for Qrow and Dante."

Ace: "And unlike my Semblance, you two have no limit of the distance you can travel. Meanwhile, the checkpoint I made in Mistral has long since expired."

Yang: "They promised me they'd watch out for Ruby before they left, and we trust them."

Ace: "So, make a portal to our uncles and sister, and we'll be on our way. Sounds simple and easy right? We'll be out of your hair faster than either of you can say Deathstalker." While Vergil remained indifferent to the idea, Raven seemed to just be more annoyed by the demands than anything.

Raven: "You know... it takes real strength to march in here and demand such a favor from us. I've got to say, I'm impressed. It's very noble to want to help out your sister, but if they're with Qrow and Dante, then she's already a lost cause."

Yang: "What does that mean?"

Raven: "Neither of you want to get mixed up in all of that. Ozpin is not the man you think he is, and both Qrow and Dante are fools for trusting him. I would know, I trusted him once too. V trusted him too, as did Claret, and look at where that got her."

Yang: "I don't care what you think."

Vergil: "Well you both have your own choices, of course. All we're suggesting is that instead of getting wrapped up in something that's clearly too big for either of you, that maybe you should take a moment to wonder if you're already where you belong. After all, neither of you did too well during the Fall of Beacon."

Ace: "Tch, the mere fact that we survive that is more than proof that we can handle crazy shit thrown at us and the two of you are not gonna keep us from seeing Rubes again."

Raven: "Well, aren't you two stubborn."

Yang: "I wonder where we get it from."

The tension in the air got thicc as the parent and children pairs stared each other down, with Yang and Ace slowly clenching their fists, showing that if necessary, they were ready to get what they wanted by force. Vergil knew this all too well. Despite Ace being his son, he always picked up on Dante's tendencies more and since Yang looked up to both Qrow and Dante, she was the same. Raven just scoffed.

Raven: "Well, if that's how you two feel, then it sounds like we're done here. Take them away." The bandits slowly began to crowd around the two as they both glared at their parents, with Yang's eyes turning red.

Ace: "You fucking kidding me!? Didn't you just hear us!?"

Yang: "Send us to Qrow and Dante, damnit!"

Bandit: "That's enough! You watch your mouths in front of our leaders!" Ace and Yang just glared back at the Bandit with a dangerous glint in their eyes.

Yang and Ace: "Make Us."

The bandit gritted his teeth and began charging at the two, leaping to make a swing downwards with his machete. However, while Ace dodged to the side, Yang ducked underneath and uppercutted the male, sending him upwards, where Ace would follow up with a right hook, sending him flying back into a smaller tent, collapsing it and revealing a cage that held... Weiss Schnee.

Weiss: "Yang!? Ace!?"

Yang: "Weiss!?"

Ace: "What the fuck is this? Why is she here!?" He questioned in confusion, looking at his parents who both glanced at the Ex-Heiress, then at him.

Weiss: "Well alright then. All subtlety is thrown out of the window." She turned around and gave a small nod to the Small Arma Gigas she had summoned earlier. The micro-sized knight kneeled before it started to grow back to its normal giant size, blowing off the roof of the cage. Now free, Weiss rushed quickly towards her two friends, with the Arma Gigas following.

Ace: "When the hell could you do that!?"

Weiss: "Long story! Have either of you seen Akira!?"

Yang: "Akira!? He's here too???"

Weiss: "I don't know, but I have a feeling! But him aside, what are you two doing here!?"

Yang: "Well, that's our parents and they can take us to Ruby." Raven and Vergil just stared at them as Weiss' eyes widened in shock.

Weiss: "Your parents kidnapped us!?"

Yang and Ace: "You kidnapped them!?"

The bandits began to crowd around them even more, ready to battle. As the tension began to skyrocket even more however, there was a sudden cold gust of wind, followed by walls of ice erupting around the three teens and the Arma Gigas, protecting them from the bandits.

???: "Enough!" That voice rang out as everyone went quiet, with Yang and Ace becoming surprised while Weiss just had an expression of pure relief.

Weiss: "Akira! You're okay!"

The black-haired male stepped out of the tent, with his jacket hanging from his shoulder, his eyes glowing a frosty blue color, with Vernal following behind him. Raven and Vergil both looked at him.

Akira: "Raven, Vergil... while I may be thankful that I was treated with such... hospitality ever since ending up here, I will not allow either of you to harm them. We're heading to Mistral, and you two are the only ones capable of doing that. So, please, make this easier for everyone here. If not, then I'm afraid I'll have to force your tribe to relocate again, this time without any of their supplies." He said, raising his hand as a dangerously cold frosty aura projected from it. He then stared directly at Raven. "Both you and I know that I don't bluff."

Raven: "Tch... You really are just like Yomi..."

Vergil: "That's enough." He spoke up as everyone looked at him. "At this rate, Grimm will be crawling this place with the rising tension. You three, in our tent now. You too, Akira."

Raven: "Vergil—"

Vergil: "You too know this is the best option, Raven. For all of us." He stared at the woman he shared the title 'leader' with, who merely looked away while rubbing her arm. "Vernal, give the Schnee back her weapon." Vernal blinked in surprise before sighing and tossing Myrtenaster over to Weiss, who caught it.

Ace: "Why are you suddenly doing this?"

Vergil: "If you're truly that serious about going after your sister, then you're going to need some information to prepare yourself, a reason to start asking questions once you get there. A reason to be wary of everything Ozpin says, and Akira's aware too." The three teens looked at the black-haired male who merely narrowed his eyes. Vergil turned around and began to enter the tent but paused and glanced back at the teens. "If you truly believe you've changed since the Fall, then here's your first lesson."

With that, he entered the tent. Raven stayed silent and signaled for everyone to clear out, before entering the tent as well. Akira just sighed and slid back on his jacket as he began to calm down.

Yang: "Sorry about—" She would be cut off as Weiss threw her weapon down and leaped onto Yang, bringing her into a heartfelt embrace.

Weiss: "I missed you so much...!" The blonde was originally surprised, but smiled and returned the embrace.

Yang: "I missed you too."

The two teammates held the hug as the Arma Gigas slowly disappeared behind them. Ace watched with a smile as he crossed his arms before glancing at Akira, who stared at them silently, then he turned back towards the tent and began to walk inside. While the blue-haired teen didn't know what was up with him, it would only be a matter of time until not only he, but also Weiss and Yang learn more about him, a part he actively avoided to say when telling Weiss about magic back on the ship.

It was going to be something that determined how they saw him from this point forward.

Belladonna Residence...
Menagerie...

Maya: "Woah! So this is your house Blake?? It's so massive!"

With the leader of Atlas' Team MYLC making her appearance in Menagerie of all places, the Belladonnas took her into their hope. She was busy just completely admiring the main room, her eyes sparkling in complete awe of everything she saw. Blake just scratched the back of her head and sheepishly laughed.

Ghira: "Who is she again?"

Blake: "That's Maya Arc, leader of Team MYLC from Atlas Academy and a Gundam Meister, like Akito."

Kali: "Oh? I didn't expect for a Faunus to choose to study at Atlas."

Maya: "Mm?" She looked back at them before smiling as she shook her head. "Well I'm actually not a Faunus. These horns aren't real. They're just a part of my outfit, cause I think they're really cute! I always loved how the Faunus had certain traits of animals, I always found it adorable! In fact, it's always been a dream of mine to come here, but since I'm human, I'd obviously not be welcomed. If it weren't for these horns, I probably wouldn't be here right now! Hahaha." In the mists of her rambling, the Faunus in the room just stared at her silently. Realizing that she had all eyes on her, the blonde girl blushed sheepishly and looked off while rubbing her neck. "I-I don't mean any of you harm by the way!"

Sun: "She's also like, super over the top."

Kali: "I can see that. I like her too." She smiled.

Blake: "Oh mom..."

Akito: "That aside, what are you doing here of all places Maya? Shouldn't you be in Atlas?" With her embarrassment fading away, she retained her proud and quirky nature.

Maya: "Hehe! I'm here on a special mission! I'm your delivery gal!" Akito raised an eyebrow and tilted his head.

Blake: "You're here to deliver something to Akito?"

Maya: "That's right! But first, where's the Exia?"

Akito: "Over there." He pointed to his left. Maya followed his gesture as her eyes immediately widened. She heard of the Gundam Exia being damaged but she never thought it would be this bad.

Maya: "Oh... you poor thing..." She walked over to the damaged Gundam and gently reached up to touch the cracked orb in its chest. "Does it still operate? How's the Drive looking?"

Akito: "So far so good. I can fight in it, but I don't have any of its weapons anymore aside from the main one, and I don't think using Trans-Am while it's in this state is a good idea."

Maya: "I see... Well, luckily for you, I'm here to help you with that!"

Sun: "Wait, what do you mean? Can you fix that thing?"

Maya: "Mmm, not necessarily... But first things first, you're gonna need both arms." She pointed towards the one-armed Wolf Faunus, who glanced at where his left arm should be. He just scoffed, feeling like this was some sort of poor attempt at humor, but he'd then become surprised to see Maya reach in the bag she had and pull out a long horizontal box, with the Atlas Logo on it.

Ghira: "It's from Atlas." He pointed out as the blonde placed the box on the table before them.

Maya: "Mhm! General Ironwood had this made just for you, Akito. Hope you'll like it!" Akito only blinked but watched in shock as Maya began opening the box, revealing an entire mechanical arm painted in that classic Atlas silver.

Maya: "Whatcha think? This arm was made with the finest materials to make it as durable as possible, all the while not making it weigh a ton. It'll feel completely natural." While everyone was shocked, most turned to Akito to see his reaction, with Blake having a large smile on her face. That smile only grew when she saw the reaction her boyfriend had, which was a combination of being speechless, and amazing.

Akito: "Wow... I... I really don't know what to say..."

Maya: "Don't say anything yet! Cause it's not over!"

Kali: "You mean there's more?"

Maya: "Mhm! With how badly damaged the Gundam Exia has become, it's no longer fully safe to operate. So, how about an upgrade?" She pulled out what looked like a Gundam Core from her pocket, one that looked very similar to the one Exia had. "This new suit's been in the works, ever since the Exia and Eclipse were stolen. It was meant to be the Exia's successor unit, better than it in every way. Stronger, faster, more durable and more deadly. But recently, after Akito here was officially made the Meister of Gundam Exia, General Ironwood had some modifications made to this beast of a Gundam. It was completed to be tailor made specifically for you, Akito."

With her clicking on the Gundam Core, it began to glow as a figure appeared next to the Exia, taking the Faunus in the room by complete awe. He was slightly taller, by probably an inch, than the Exia and was colored exactly the same as it was. However, its design was completely different. Sporting two binders that hung from both of its shoulders, with one GN Drive in the right binder while the left binder remained empty. Attached to those two binders were two shield-like bits, while holstered on both sides of the waist, were two Swords.

Sun: "Woah..."

Blake: "It's... a New Gundam..."

Maya: "Mhm! Meister Akito Zara! This is your personal suit. GN-0000 also known as..."

"The 00 Gundam."

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Next Chapter: Reunited