Ruby sat uncomfortably next to Naruto, who had Blake resting her head on his shoulder, as they all watched Pyrrha take on Team CRDL single handedly. Noticing this, Naruto moved his free hand onto Ruby's and held it.
"I'm sorry if seeing us together makes you uncomfortable," apologized Naruto.
"It's fine," thought Ruby, "So… when did you guys start dating?"
"Well, as I was healing Blake, we talked and I took her out for coffee," explained Naruto, "We really hit it off and have been together ever since. I also have to give her follow up treatment and help her around in case she isn't able to walk. Hence, one of the reasons your team can't compete in the Vytal Festival."
"Yeah, that sucks," said Ruby with a depressing sigh.
"Mr. Branwen," said Goodwitch after Pyrrha had finished her fight, catching the attention of the trio, "You've been rather quiet the past couple of classes. Why don't you…"
"I'll do it," said Mercury as he raised his hand.
Naruto raised an eyebrow before he grunted in pain and held his hand.
"You okay?" asked Blake as she looked up at Naruto.
"Yeah," said Naruto as he stood up, "I just need to get some fresh air."
Walking out of the amphitheater, Naruto passed by the concerned members of the rest of his team that were sitting in the back, before leaning against a wall for support. His left eye turned into that of a Grimm's and he smiled.
"Looks like I managed to get a little traction," said Kronos as he began walking away.
From the shadows, Sasuke watched as Kronos walked about before following from the darkness.
(Several Minutes Later)
Everyone filed out of the amphitheater and saw a huge amount of the Atlesian soldiers and all of the students that were there visiting from Vacuo running around.
"What's going on?" asked Yang curiously.
"Didn't you hear?" asked Sun as he walked up to the group, "The Prime Minister of Vacuo is coming."
"Prime Minister?" asked Weiss as she turned to Sun, "I thought Vacuo had a council like the rest of the countries."
"They did until about a month before the school year started," said Hana as she and Team NYHT came outside, "The King and Prime Minister united the tribes of Vacuo and overthrew the council with the backing of Shade Academy."
"It's been awhile since I've heard Gaara's voice," said Tamao as she turned slightly pink, "I wonder how he's doing?"
"Wait," said Ruby as she went up to Team NYHT, "You guys know the Prime Minister of Vacuo?!"
"Yeah," said Yuna as she folded her arms, "He's an old friend of ours and Pyrrha's."
"Pyrrha knows the Prime Minster of Vacuo?!" exclaimed Team RWBY and Sun as Pyrrha approached.
"What's going on?" she asked as she wiped the sweat from her brow.
"We told them you know the Prime Minister of Vacuo," said Tamao.
"I do?" asked Pyrrha like she didn't understand.
"Gaara," added Hana.
"Oh," said Pyrrha as she realized this, "I met him once. Before he was Prime Minister obviously."
The students from Vacuo began running toward the landing platform as did the Atlesian soldiers.
"Guess he's here," said Hana, "You all want to meet him?"
"Yes!" exclaimed Ruby, "It's the next best thing to meeting a prince or a king."
Pyrrha smirked but grabbed Tamao by the sleeve to keep her back while the others went on ahead.
"Since when is Gaara the prime minister of a country," she asked seriously.
"Since the commander became the king of a country," stated Tamao calmly.
"Are you kidding me?" questioned Pyrrha angrily in a hushed tone, "You guys slaughtered the entire Vacuo Council?"
"No," said Tamao as she recalled that day, "We just surrounded their building and forced them to hand over power. I can assure you it was a bloodless coup."
"What else is going on in Vacuo that the world doesn't know about?" questioned Pyrrha as they started walking.
"You'd have to ask Naruto or Gaara," said Tamao as they headed toward the landing platform together, "Gaara wasn't even supposed to be here."
All the students from Vacuo stood at attention while the Atlesian soldiers stood on guard as an airship landed at the end of the landing platform. The walkway lowered and several people in suits exited followed by a boy of about 17 years of age with red hair and large dark circles around his eyes wearing a crimson long-sleeve shirt with matching pants and a small gourd attached to his left hip. Ozpin, Goodwitch, and General Ironwood walked toward Gaara and they stopped a few steps from one another.
"Prime Minister, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," said Ozpin with a smile.
"The pleasure is all mine," said Gaara in monotone as he looked at the surrounding students, "You're all dismissed."
The students bowed then headed off.
"The students of Shade Academy certainly have a lot of respect for you," remarked General Ironwood.
"They are just showing respect to one of the people that united their homeland," said Gaara before looking back at Ozpin, "There is a matter I'd like to discuss with you in your office."
Ozpin and Goodwitch stepped aside and Gaara walked with them toward Ozpin's office. However, they stopped when ¾ of Team NYHT, all of Team RWBY, Sun, and Pyrrha got in their path.
"It's been awhile, you four," said Gaara in the same monotone as the members of Team NYHT approached.
"It really has," said Yuna with a smile as she and her teammates took turns giving hugs to Gaara.
"Hey, Gaara," said Tamao timidly with red cheeks.
"Hey," said Gaara as he ruffled Tamao's hair with a smile before looking at Team RWBY, Sun, and Pyrrha.
Pyrrha and Gaara locked eyes and everyone could feel the tension between them.
"Hello, Prime Minister," said Weiss as she stepped forward and curtsied, "I'm Weiss…"
"Schnee," said Gaara in monotone, "Your sister killed Naruto's father."
Weiss froze before quickly retreating in embarrassment.
"Blake Belladona, who Naruto says is into some kinky things," said Gaara as he looked over the other members of Team RWBY while Blake a shade of red nobody thought could happen, "And Naruto's sisters. Yang Xiao Long and Ruby Rose."
"That's us," said Yang cheerfully.
Ruby remained silent as she stared at Gaara in disbelief.
"Nephilim…" she muttered extremely quietly.
Gaara narrowed his eyes then continued on his way with Ozpin and his group, not even bothering to acknowledge Sun.
"By the way, Miss Rose, I hear you used to sing," said Gaara as he stopped for a moment, "I look forward to hearing you during the dance in two days."
"Huh?" asked Ruby as Gaara left, "But I haven't sung in years."
"I'll help!" exclaimed Weiss as she dragged Ruby along.
"What do you and Naruto do when you're alone?" asked Yang of Blake as she, Pyrrha, and Sun turned toward the cat Faunus.
(Ten Minutes Later)
"So, what did you want to talk about?" asked Ozpin as he took a seat behind his desk with Ironwood and Goodwitch on either side as Gaara sat on a chair made of sand.
"The fact that you've been allowing Kronos to move about unchecked," said Gaara.
"How do you know…" questioned Ironwood.
"I hired Taka to keep an eye on him," stated Gaara, "Did you know that he's been taking control of his host periodically since Miss Rose returned to being a student?"
"Are you serious?" questioned Goodwitch.
"Kronos has always been… different among Nephilim," stated Gaara, "His ability to control the flow of time has made him dangerous over his various appearances throughout history."
"Just who is Kronos?" asked Ironwood.
"Kronos is the one Saint Noctus fought and that forced the moon into that state," said Taka as he appeared against the wall, "When Salem first created Nephilim, she warped the body and mind of a young Faunus woman whose family had been wiped out by humans while she was on the verge of death herself. The woman, in her final moments asked anyone to help her live as long as she could get her revenge."
"And that girl became the first Kronos," said Ozpin.
"Exactly," said Gaara, "During the process, Salem had turned the entire dying population of that woman's village into Nephilim but a small child, barely having reached the age of seven, managed to resist Salem's influence and later became known as Saint Noctus, the Emperor of the Grand Pantheon."
"But how does this relate to Kronos taking over his host?" questioned Ironwood.
"During the final battle that destroyed the moon, Noctus cursed himself and Kronos to an endless cycle of transmigrating with the last Kronos ending up being sealed beneath the ice of Atlas 1,000 years ago," stated Taka, "He was never meant to freed but the Schnee Dust Company, their minds overtaken by greed, began mining over Kronos' tomb and he entered Naruto's body."
"Those with silver eyes like Miss Rose and her mother are able to suppress Nephilim which is why Kronos hasn't taken over his host's body yet due to him having one of their eyes transplanted into him," added Gaara, "However, Kronos is clever and has been slowly carving a path to free himself. That's been what's causing the host's headaches over the past couple of days."
"Then we should quarantine him," said Goodwitch.
"That won't do any good," said Gaara, "With him have hidden the Relic of Choice as well as the ability to freeze us in time, only the Artifact and Saint Noctus would be able to confront him."
"Then the only choice we have is the Artifact," said Ironwood.
"Absolutely not," said Ozpin, "The Artifact is immature at this point and can easily be swayed."
"Then that leaves us with finding Saint Noctus," said Goodwitch as she looked at Taka, "Have you found him yet?"
"I have a hunch," said Taka, "But other than that, the only person who could possibly control him to some extent is Hela."
"Which would mean Miss Nikos would have to get close to the host," said Ozpin.
"Can we stop?" asked Ruby in dismay as she massaged her aching throat.
"We've only been going for a few minutes," said Weiss demandingly, "If you want to impress the Prime Minister, you're going to need to work on your vocal pitch. Again."
Taking a drink of water, Ruby began going through the vocal exercises Weiss had given her. However, when she got louder, her voice cracked and Weiss covered her ears.
"No!" exclaimed Weiss in anger, causing Ruby to flinch, "That was all wrong!"
Taking a deep breath, Weiss sat down in in dismay on a bench as Ruby sat next to her.
"Maybe we're going about this all wrong," suggested Weiss as she looked at Ruby, "What made you want to sing when you were younger?"
Ruby looked at the ground and fidgeted with her hands.
"There was… a boy," said Ruby as she struggled to remember, "I think. I went to an opera once and was amazed by their singing so I asked my dad if I could have lessons. I was getting frustrated that I was having trouble hitting high notes and almost quit when this… I guess you could call him an angel, encouraged me to keep going."
"An angel?" asked Weiss curiously, "And then what happened?"
"I had a recital but someone fell from the rafters and I haven't sung since then," said Ruby nervously, "Every time I try, I just keep picturing that moment."
Ruby stood up and ran away with Weiss's shouts falling on deaf ears. From around the corner, Naruto, or rather, Kronos heard the entire conversation. Holding up his hand, a black mist formed his mask and he stared at it.
(The Following Day)
"So, what do you think Naruto's going to wear to the dance?" asked Yang as Team RWBY and ¾ of Team NYHT set up for the dance that night.
"Now that I think of it, I've never seen Gin in a tux," said Hana as she hung up one end of a streamer before looking at Yuna, "You ever seen him in one?"
"Nope," said Yuna, having caught sight of Hana talking out of the corner of her eye, "Gin never was one for putting on fancy clothes during events."
"I've honestly never seen him in one either," said Tamao jokingly as she taste tested the food.
(Several Minutes Later)
"Are you sure?" asked Pyrrha of Sasuke and Gaara after Pyrrha had managed to give her team the slip.
"You're the only that may be able to get through to Kronos," said Sasuke, "We can't risk Summer's safety and until we confirm Noctus' identity, you're our only choice."
"But what about Blake?" suggested Pyrrha, "Or Yang? Or Ruby?"
"While those are valid choices, you are the only one to have gotten this far into a relationship with Kronos since his transmigration cycle started," said Gaara, "Right now, Naruto is in control but should Kronos step in, you're going to have to step up."
Looking down at her hands emitting a black mist, Pyrrha closed her eyes.
"I took a big risk helping Ruby try to open her Gate of Trial," said Pyrrha while Sasuke's falcon landed on his shoulder, "I was lucky Salem wasn't paying attention at the moment but if I were to be in proximity of Kronos, she'd definitely know."
"That's a risk you'd going to need to take for not only your sake, but your family's and the world's," said Sasuke calmly.
Pyrrha closed her eyes and headed downstairs, deep in thought. Memories of happy times with Naruto flooded her mind as she was deeply conflicted when she passed a classroom with the door open a jar.
"What do you mean Naruto's not going?" asked Yang's voice.
Pyrrha doubled back and listed at the door.
"I asked him shortly after Ruby returned but he declined saying that he didn't deserve to go," explained Blake.
"What could he mean by that?" poised Yang.
"I have no idea," said Blake in a slightly hurt tone, "Maybe I did something wrong? Maybe he did something he knew I wouldn't like."
"It's not because of anything like that," said Pyrrha as she pushed the door open, "It because he's afraid."
"Afraid?" asked Yang as she and Blake looked at Pyrrha, 'Afraid of what?"
"Every person he's ever loved has either died or gotten hurt in a way," said Pyrrha in shame as she lowered her head, "His father. His old girlfriend. His… daughter."
"Daughter?!" exclaimed Yang and Blake.
"4 years ago, shortly before his girlfriend died, the pair had had a child because they were both stupid," explained Pyrrha as she looked away, "However, several days later, his girlfriend had died because of a mistake he made and left him and their child without her. He became so depressed that he left their daughter in the care of some friends then returned to his mother."
Yang clenched her hand at this before Pyrrha looked at Blake.
"Naruto is afraid of losing you like he lost them," said Pyrrha, "He believes that just like his uncle, he's bad luck and will hurt you in some way. He's lost so much that he cares about and doesn't want to lose any more of that. No one can even begin to imagine what Naruto's lost. No one will ever be able to feel the pain he felt. All we can do is try and give him comfort and as much love as we can."
With that, Pyrrha left the room while Blake and Yang were left thinking about what she had said.
(That Night)
Naruto, wearing a suit, stood on a balcony near the dance hall but away from everyone while the moon shone down on him. Pyrrha came up behind him and leaned against the opposite end of the balcony but kept her eyes away from Naruto. Both stood in silence for a few minutes before Pyrrha decided to break the ice.
"You're not the only one to have gotten hurt by everything that's happened," said Pyrrha.
"I know," thought Naruto with a sigh as he hung his head, "Why did we have to end up like this? It just feels like I'm cursed because of Kronos and everything tied to him."
"You're not cursed," said Pyrrha, "The rest of us are just unlucky."
"The only reason I haven't died yet is because is because I have to die at the hands of one specific person," thought Naruto sadly, "The one person who can end the transmigration of Kronos."
"Saint Noctus," muttered Pyrrha.
"And Kronos knows who Saint Noctus' transmigrant is," thought Naruto in dismay.
"He does?" questioned Pyrrha in surprise, "Who is it?"
"I can't say," thought Naruto, "He threatened to kill her if I say her name."
"Is it Blake?" asked Pyrrha urgently.
Getting a shake of the head, Pyrrha let out a sigh of relief before she noticed Naruto holding a hand over his silver eye. It then dawned on Pyrrha who Naruto was referring to.
"Ruby?" questioned Pyrrha in disbelief.
"Kronos believes he can remove Noctus' spirit from her by getting her to fall in love with him," thought Naruto, "But doing so would kill her. I can't let that happen. But by having him fall in love with her will have one other side effect."
"Ruby falling in love with you," said Pyrrha as she went up to Naruto, "But I thought she already confessed to you."
Everything seemed to lose color but them and space seemed to distort, sending them into the Emerald Forest. A large fire was going while Naruto stood over the sobbing Ruby with his old dust sword raised. Naruto yelled in anger and threw the sword away. Falling to his knees, Naruto held Ruby's head like he had done with Pyrrha's with his thumbs on her forehead. Ruby looked into Naruto's eyes and saw panic.
"Noctus, you need to listen to me," said Naruto urgently, "I'm going to erase Ruby's memories of this night. If Kronos comes for Ruby, you need to protect her. I'll establish a back door for you to take control for a short while in case that happens. Please, do everything in your power to protect her."
"Naruto, what are you…" began Ruby before she fell back, unconscious.
Everything returned to normal with Naruto and Pyrrha standing back on the balcony.
"You love Ruby as well, don't you?" suggested Pyrrha.
Naruto remained silent before heading down to the party with Pyrrha following right behind. Looking down from the balcony, they had both apparently just missed the other members of Team NYHT singing as the trio had left a small stage that had been set up. Ruby got up onto the stage at Weiss's urging with a handless microphone and looked out at the sea of students. Noticing something wrong, Naruto made his way down from the balcony and put on a microphone himself then joined Ruby on stage. Taking the surprised girl into a hug, Naruto closed his eyes then began singing.
No more talk of darkness
Forget these wide-eyed fears
I'm here, nothing can harm you
My words will warm and calm you
Pulling back, he stared into Ruby's eyes with his own sad and conflicted ones as he brushed her bangs aside.
Let me be your freedom
Let daylight dry your tears
I'm here, with you, beside you
To guard you and to guide you
Ruby continued to look into Naruto's eyes as she also began singing.
Say you'll love me every waking moment
Turn my head with talk of summer time
Say you need me with you now and always
Promise me that all you say is true
That's all I ask of you
Naruto then took Ruby off the stage and began a slow dance with her while continuing.
Let me be your shelter
Let me be your light
You're safe, no one will find you
Your fears are far behind you
Ruby leaned into Naruto and continued.
All I want is freedom
A world with no more night
And you, always beside me
To hold me and to hide me
Naruto lowered his head lovingly and rested it on Ruby's.
Then say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime
Let me lead you from your solitude
Say you need me with you here, beside you
Anywhere you go, let me go too
That's all I ask of you
Ruby looked up at Naruto and smiled happily.
Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime
Say the word and I will follow you
Naruto then joined Ruby.
Share each day with me, each night, each morning
The duo then placed their foreheads against each other intimately and closed their eyes.
Say you love me
You know I do
Love me, that's all I ask of you.
The music picked up and everyone began cheering as Naruto hugged Ruby tightly and spun around with her. They then parted and stared lovingly into each other's eyes.
Anywhere you go, let me go too
Love me, that's all I ask of you
Everyone cheered and clapped as Ruby leaned in for a kiss but Naruto just ruffled her hair playfully then walked off.
"Naruto…" began Blake as she attempted to talk to her boyfriend.
"I'll talk to you in the morning, Blake," thought Naruto as he left the room.
He walked back to his room and passed by a short girl in a Haven Academy uniform with brown hair and green eyes.
"I'm being watched," thought Naruto as he projected his thoughts to the girl, "Do your thing."
The girl smiled as Naruto entered his room and got ready for bed.
(Half an Hour Later)
"Anything?" asked Gaara as he conversed with Pyrrha and Sasuke casually next to an open window.
"Naruto confirmed Ruby is the transmigrant of Saint Noctus," explained Pyrrha without looking at either of them.
"Until Saint Noctus awakens, we can't do anything," said Sasuke when his falcon landed on the ledge next to them, "Naruto's going to bed right now."
"Then who is that?" questioned Gaara as Naruto walked in and up to Mercury and Cinder.
"Those are Salem's agents," said Sasuke quietly as Naruto danced with Cinder.
"Why is Naruto dancing with her?" questioned Pyrrha.
"I don't know," said Gaara before he looked off to the side, "Apparently, she just fought Ruby at the CCT Tower."
Ironwood and an ashamed Ruby walked in shortly after and Ruby sat down while Ironwood went to speak with Ozpin and Goodwitch. The power suddenly went out and everyone groaned in annoyance. A loud crash was heard before the lights came back on and Ironwood had been thrown through a table while a chandelier fell in the middle of the dance floor, freaking everyone out.
"General!" exclaimed the soldiers that had been guarding Penny as they rushed over to Ironwood.
Insolent man, this slave of power
Basking in your glory.
Ignorant fool, this brave soldier
Sharing in my triumph
Recognizing the voice from long ago, Ruby timidly looked around. Something began appearing in the glass of the windows as the soldiers helped Ironwood up.
Flattering child, you shall know me.
See why in shadows I hide.
Look at your face in the window.
I am there inside.
Ruby turned to the nearest window and saw Kronos with his coat and mask on staring back at her while countless others appeared in the other mirrors. All the students between Ruby and Kronos were pushed away to make a clear path for Ruby to walk to the window. Yang ran toward Ruby, who seemed to be in a trance, but hit and invisible wall as Sasuke, Gaara, Pyrrha, Team RWBY, and Team NYHT tried to get Ruby's attention.
I am your Angel of Music.
Come to the angel of music…
"Ruby!" called out Yang as Ruby stepped onto a chair that was against the wall and reached out for Kronos's hand that was outside the mirror, "Ruby! Ruby, stop!"
I am your Angel of Music.
Come to the angel of music…
Ruby took Kronos's hand then stepped into the window and vanished with Kronos while everyone fell forward and Yang ran to the empty window. Eyes turning red, Yang yelled in a rage before shattering the window.
Ruby sung and held a high note as Kronos steered the boat they were on into a cave just outside of Vale City. Once safely docked at the lair where there were countless candles, Kronos disembarked and helped Ruby off the boat. Raising his hand, Ruby went silent as Kronos went over to a small desk and began writing something. Ruby, meanwhile, regained some life in her eyes and they gained a hint of gold inside of them.
"Been 1,000 years, Kronos," said Ruby in a voice that wasn't her own.
"Didn't think a snot nosed brat like you would bother to keep count," remarked Kronos as he continued writing, "Even if my host allowed you a chance to speak, you still don't have your powers."
"All too true," said Ruby as she looked around, "I see your tastes have changed."
"What do you expect when the humans force our kind to do their bidding?" questioned Kronos as he kept writing, a little more angrily now, "We need to adapt to what they offer us."
"You're just as misguided as you were back when our home was slaughtered," remarked Ruby.
Slamming the pen on the desk, Kronos took several deep breaths and glared at Ruby.
"I'm misguided?" questioned Kronos furiously as he stormed over to Ruby and grabbed her by the throat, "I was fighting to avenge those that the humans killed and enslaved. You, however, chose to blindly follow what you had been told by those inferior beings."
"And look what's come of the world because of your actions," stated Ruby calmly, "You've enabled Salem to flourish and stopped Ozpin from defeating her countless times. You're just as heartless as you were back then."
Kronos held a fist up to strike Ruby but yelled in annoyance before casting her to the floor. Scraping her hands, Ruby's palms bled as Kronos turned away.
"You know nothing of what I've been through this lifetime," said Kronos in a hurt tone.
"Now this is something I never thought I'd see," said Ruby as she got up, "You showing genuine remorse."
"It's not mine," snapped Kronos, "It's my host. These are his emotions."
"Say what you will, but I know you actually have something to care about this time around," said Ruby before she staggered forward.
Kronos caught her as the young girl groaned in pain.
"What?" asked Ruby weakly, "Where am I? Why do my hands and legs hurt?"
Taking a deep breath, Kronos helped Ruby over to a chair and silently began healing her legs. Ruby watched as Kronos kept his eyes off her but showed concern.
"You're Kronos, leader of the Black Fang," said Ruby.
Kronos remained silent and continued healing the girl.
"Why did you take me from school?" questioned Ruby.
Again, Kronos remained silent before moving onto Ruby's hands. Quickly healing the scrapes, he remained silent and where he was.
"If you want the power to change the world, I can give it to you," said Kronos as he stood up and went toward the boat to look out at the ocean outside the cave, "But in doing so, I would be breaking my vow."
"You're vow?" asked Ruby as she remained sitting.
"The powers of that mask you currently use are temporary," stated Kronos as he kept his eyes off Ruby, "I could make them permanent. But know this. You'll experience a pain far greater than humans will ever know. The voice of the Mistress of the Grimm will forever be in your mind."
"Salem," said Ruby as she recalled what she had seen in the warehouse.
"Her voice is fatal to those who aren't of the Faunus race," explained Kronos, "However, with him inside you, you may be able to break the chains that she keeps on you."
"Why are you doing this?" questioned Ruby.
"Beacon will fall," said Kronos as he turned to Ruby, "I am offering you a choice. Let Beacon fall to ruin and stand by as countless others die. Or obtain a power that could be used to stop it."
"What do I have to do?" asked Ruby as she stood up but used the chair for support.
"If I give this power to you, you must eventually do something for me," said Kronos seriously, "This isn't a game. The fate of the world rests on this decision."
Ruby lowered her head as Kronos went back to his desk, working on the design of a seal.