Chapter 2

Blake scrunched up her face as she could feel the light shining on her even with closed eyes. She let out a soft hiss as she desperately tried to do anything but wake up after the wonderful night's rest she had. She curled up in herself, bringing an arm up over her face.

It was then that Blake felt that she was lying against someone which had her eyes widen in panic and abruptly turn around. Her cheeks turning crimson and her earlier fear dissipating and was replaced by a mix of embarrassment and apprehension as she watched the sleeping face of her blond travel partner.

She tried to understand how she ended up like this and her amber orbs narrowed as she thought he may have tried something. That however was quickly thrown out of the window when she looked around and noticed he was still on his side of their makeshift sleeping spot. It was her who had moved all the way over to him.

Her blush deepened upon that realization.

''Mhrgh..'' Her eyes snapped upwards to his face which was scrunched up as he gave a light shake of his head before his eyelids slowly fluttered open. His deep blue orbs were a bit unfocused which after blinking a few times slid downwards to meet hers.

''..Morning?'' He asked in a questionable matter as he took note of their position and remembering how this happened last night.

''Morning..'' Blake returned as a soft mumble before rolling onto her back and moving to sit up as she averted her gaze. He could still see the red hue that contrasted greatly with her pale skin.

Using his arms Naruto pushed himself into a sitting position as well and scratched his cheek. ''So.. Do you need to refresh yourself or can we continue.''

''Not really but can it wait for a bit? We've just woken up and I've not yet gotten rid of my tiredness.''

''Oh, sure.'' He shrugged as he moved to roll up the thin blanket he used as Blake copied him with her own. He shuffled around in his bag before retrieving two neatly packaged sandwiches, handing one over to his companion as she came to sit beside him.

It was nice. Having their breakfast, more of those delicious sandwiched Blake had come to already love while watching the sunrise in the distance from their spot high up. Already she felt much more at ease than the past few months with the White Fang.

Just thinking about them brought a brief pang of pain as she regretfully remembered what the organization had turn into. She wasn't blind to see that the initial vision of Faunus being treated the same as everyone else was long since past.

Protest turned into robberies and other actions that were frowned upon. Though, to her the worst was the lack of care about any lives that would be lost. The last words her previous partner spoke to her still echoing through her mind.

''Hey?'' She blinked a few times before turning her head to her left where Naruto was now standing. ''Since you're done you want to head out?''

Blake sent him a small nod as she got to her feet, dusting off her legs before seeing him placing their blankets in his bag. She really wondered how it all fit as it looked way too small for everything he had pulled out of it.

Nevertheless, she hopped down after him as they continued their trek.

Hidden by the bow on her head Blake's ears would twitch with each new sound she heard, discerning them as being simple birds and wildlife that inhabited these woods. Though, her eyes did catch her blond travel companion tense even if it was for a second or perhaps even less.

Did he notice something she hadn't? Even without an answer it didn't stop her from sliding her fingers towards the hilt of her weapon.

Though her answer came in the form of a loud sound a mix between a roar and screech that echoed for several miles and she felt small tremors through the ground. Immediately Blake unsheathed her weapon and got ready. Her eyes flickering over to Naruto to see him looking rather calmly though she could tell he was definitely on guard.

Several Beowolves shot out from the dense forestry around them and circled them. While the number was quite big, she was more than confident they could handle it. Yet, their worries were more for the Grimm that was either hiding or making its way to them for these Beowolf were not the source of the echoing roar that they heard.

The Grimm appeared to be communicating with another as they launched themselves at the two in groups of three or four.

They were slow and predictable and Blake had no trouble ducking beneath one as it jumped at her. She rolled and unsheathed her weapon and sent it out with a flick of her wrist as she leaped up and spun around as her weapon shredded through the small group and allowing her to land gracefully.

It also allowed her to glance over and see how Naruto was doing. She'd be lying if she weren't curious to see how he'd handle himself, especially after his unintentional boasting a few days back.

Well, at least she could tell he was able to back his words up as she watched him casually dodge three Beowolves at the same time. A simple step to the side, the slight lowering of his head and a casual hop showed her that whoever trained him had done a good job.

Yet, her mind wandered on how he was going to respond for she saw he had no weapons on him- Her internal thoughts were put on a hold as she blinked to see if she was imagining things but no, she was not and there really were golden particles forming around his hand.

It got brighter and brighter and her eyes, more sensitive to light than a regular human were forced into a squint. When the brightness died down Blake's eyebrows rose and her lips were slightly parted as she laid her eyes on what had to be the most beautiful sword she had ever seen.

She tried to get a better look at it but her attempt resulted in failure as a massive pillar of light erupted from where stood. ''N-Naruto?!'' Blake screamed for him as a hint of worry filled her. It was for naught however as when it died down she was presented with the sight of a scorched earth surrounding him on all sides for around twenty feet in diameter. Not a single speck remained while Naruto looked unharmed as well.

Blake felt a surge of relief travel through her but could only watch as he lifted his sword above his hand and reflecting rays of light as he brought it down with a slow swing. At least that's what it felt like to her as when it made contact with the ground another explosion followed, one much larger than the previous one and even enveloped her!

''Hey! Keep your eyes open!'' She heard him say to her and she complied, taking in the destruction he had caused as a rather sizable part of the forest was now a barren wasteland. It however also revealed what was likely the leader of the pack of Beowolves.

It was an Ursa. A much larger than normal but heavily wounded one as it was stumbled with each step it took towards them. It was actually interesting to see their one track mind. Even wounded as it was it still headed to them as opposed to retreating like any other animal would. It also showed why they were such a threat towards regular civilians.

The Ursa growled at them before catching them off guard as with a sudden sprint it was within their range and went for a downwards punch. Blake felt herself being pushed to the ground where she quickly recovered to see a shocking sight of Naruto holding back the Ursa's descending fist with the flat side of his sword.

It was putting a strain on him, she could see that as the ground at his feet cratered. Not wasting anymore time Blake sprung into action as she ran to the Ursa and up its large body while slashing at its thick hide with her weapon.

It didn't do much but what it did was enough for Naruto to push it back with a grunt of exertion. Flipping over the Ursa, Blake landed and immediately attacked again as she swiped at its face, its eyes more specific and actually succeeding as the Ursa gave out a howl of rage as it began slugging its arm around wildly.

''Blake move!'' Hearing his shout she didn't hesitate as from the corner of her amber orbs she caught sight of him holding his weapon with two hands in a thrusting motion, the tip of his sword glowing. She caught his lips moving, mumbling something she wasn't able to hear or read before thrusting his weapon forward at the Grimm, resulting in something she'd describe akin to a laser of pure light shooting forward at blinding speeds, completely evaporating the Ursa and what she'd estimate be a mile or so of forest behind it.

She actually gave him a deadpan stare when she saw him nodding in satisfaction from his attack. ''Overkill much?''

''Nah. There's no such thing as overkill. In our family we have a saying, 'rather a bit more than too little,'''

''...Really?'' She looked sceptical.

''Nope, I lied.'' He admitted with a shrug and Blake almost stumbled over her own feet at his admission.

''You know what, let's just move on.'' She nodded in agreement with herself and was the first to walk. Naruto blinked at that, his eyes shifting from the path of destruction he had caused over to Blake. His blue orbs briefly flickered down before smacking his own cheek and running after. ''A-ah, wait!'' She didn't though it wasn't completely bad as the view was rather nice from back there..

They walked for hours after their encounter with the pack of Grimm and hadn't encountered any more. It was night out and stars filled the sky above them. The moon, broken as it was, was fully out there and shining on Remnant beneath it.

Blake could tell that even without saying it he was impressed with her stamina as they kept going. She herself was surprised by his stamina as well. Yet, her feet were aching as she bit down on her tongue to refrain from hissing as by now she was dragging her feet along while he looked completely fine.

''Something wrong?'' She inquired of him as he stopped abruptly.

''There's a small fishing village up ahead. We'll spend the night there as it's close to where my journey will come to an end.''

''Oh..'' Blake muttered. ''I see.'' For some reason she felt upset upon hearing his words. The past few days spent in his company had been rather enjoyable. It was different. He was mature, they could talk with another about topics they both had interest in, books in their case and he was one of the few humans that treated her with respect despite her Faunus heritage.

''Uhm.. You still good for a few minutes? I noticed you look rather tired.''

''I, I'm good if it's just a bit longer.'' She assured him and after looking at her for a handful of seconds he nodded.

''You sure? I don't mind carrying you for this short distance.''

Blake blushed at the images that formed in her head before quickly shaking her head. ''No, let's just continue as I could use a comfortable bed and a shower would be nice as well.''

''Alright. It's like a ten, perhaps fifteen minutes walking at our pace.'' Blake gave a nod but offered no further words. It wasn't like it was needed given that he took that as her sign to start.

True to his words, just a bit over ten minutes and Blake found herself entering a small village. Even despite it being rather late and dark out there were still plenty of people outside, talking with another as she could hear some people bursting into laughter.

''We'll check in there,'' He pointed her towards a decent sized building that had bright neon lights which said Inn on top. ''If we're lucky they may still serve dinner though even if not I don't think we'll have much of an issue getting food otherwise.'' As he eyed the rows of small carts serving food that were stationed in the same street they walked through.

Entering the Inn they were met with a rather cozy atmosphere as they were welcomed by an old lady. ''Oh! What do we have here, a young couple looking for a room?'' Both blushed and shook their heads.

''No, we're just acquaintances.'' Naruto told the older woman as he fought down the heat that rushed to his cheeks. ''Though we are looking for a room, two if possible else just two seperate beds.'' While he wouldn't deny it was rather comfy having someone sleeping next to him, he'd prefer if it was with a girlfriend he might one day get or out of their own doing.

''Oh, I'm sorry it's just we often have young couples coming by. Excuse me for a moment while I'll see if we've got any spare rooms left.'' The older woman fumbled around with her Scroll, swiping through it before stopping and giving them an apologetic look. ''Sorry, I just checked and noticed we only have one room left. It does have two seperate beds though if that's okay.''

''It's fine with me, you?'' He looked at Blake who gave a simple nod. ''We'll take it then.'' Naruto retrieved a small card from his bag which he handed over to the older woman whose eyes widened briefly upon seeing the spiral on the back before scanning it with her scroll.

''There you go you two. Your room is number 11 on the second floor. The code is 7881. I assume from how you two look you haven't eaten yet, have you?'' The two shook their heads. ''Well, there's still some food left if you two want. It's nothing extravagant but should you want to it is available.''

''Erhm.. I think we'll check out our room. It has been a long day, you know?''

The woman offered them a kind smile. ''Of course, I'll be down here for the next hour or two if you need anything don't be afraid to come by!''

''We will.'' He responded before motioning over to Blake who followed after him.

''Let's see.. What was the code again?''

''7881.''

''Ah, right.'' He heard a click followed by being able to push the door open as he entered their room for the night followed by Blake.

Their room wasn't anything too special. At least compared to what he was used to it was honestly below average but it was better than no room so he didn't voice any complaints as he walked over to the rather large window and peered outside.

Behind him Blake had picked out her bed where she sat down on, testing it's springs and finding it more than adequate. There was a towel and a simple night robe which had her blush a bit as unfolding it showed it was rather revealing. Yet, rather wear it as opposed to her current clothes in which she had been walking all day.

''Naruto.'' She called out to the blond who turned around and faced her with a raised eyebrow.

''Hm?''

''I'm going to take a shower, or do you want to go first?''

He waved his hand. ''Nah, you can go first. I'll go later. You want me to check up on what food they might have while you do that?''

''Um, I'd like that, yes thank you.''

''Alright cool. I'll set out and do that while you take your shower. I won't stay out for long.''

''Of course.'' She sent him a nod which he returned as he left her to her own devices. Blake sat there on her bed for some time, her mind just wandering about what she'd do once he'd reach the end of his trip.

She'd be on her own then and would honestly miss his presence. Likely be looking around for any school to train in becoming a Huntress which was now her goal. To help out humanity by fighting Grimm, if only to repay for any damage she has caused during her time with the White Fang.

Blake let out a sigh as she got up. A shower was definitely needed as she sniffed herself and scrunched up her face. Yes, most certainly.

Feeling refreshed, Blake exited the bathroom around fifteen minutes later, clad in the rather the night robe that she felt like was revealing a bit too much.

Immediately upon doing so her nose twitched as she scent of food reached her nostrils, fish specifically as her eyes darted over to the source to see Naruto sitting at a small table in their shared room eating from a plate of his own while another was ready for her.

''The food here wasn't anything I'd eat so I went ahead and got something from a nearby cart.'' He told Blake as she sat down on the other seat.

''I understand, thanks.'' She dug in without a care. Her stomach was growling at her the entire time she had been showering and now it was rewarded. She refrained from moaning outright as she could tell the fish that was used in her current dish was caught recently, the ears on top of her head twitching in eagerness as she devoured her food with gusto.

Once their dinner was finished it was Naruto's turn to shower, leaving Blake by herself as she made herself comfortable on her bed and grabbing one of the books her companion had brought along.

Not too long after that Naruto reappeared, this time wearing clothes that were more comfortable for sleep as he sat down on his bed. ''So, tomorrow's likely the last day we'll spend together. I assume you've figured out what you'd be doing next?''

''Yeah, I'm going to sign up to become a Huntress.'' She told him with a small smile

''Ah, any idea which one?'' His eyes flickered over to her form.

''No, but I think I'd go for the one here in Vale.''

''Mhm. I've heard good things from there. At least from the few stories I've gotten from some I spoke to that graduated from there.''

''So you'd recommend it, then?''

''I mean, I wouldn't say you should go there but that academy definitely has produced some of the best Huntsmen out there. If I had any interest in becoming one, Beacon would be my first choice.''

''I see.'' Blake mulled over his words, not paying much attention to the book she was holding which unknowingly she had closed. Still lost in her thoughts, Blake only noticed when Naruto had gotten up to turn off the lights as it was rather late and they needed to be up early tomorrow.

''G'night Blake.'' She heard him say as he pulled the covers over him.

''Goodnight Naruto.'' She returned softly as she placed the book on the nightstand beside her and made herself comfortable as well.

End Chapter.