A/N: EDIT: Went back and fixed some things.
Added a few more scenes, made things more emotional and all.
Now, onto more serious matters. I hate, hate, HATE to post messages like this, but...well...I'll just say it:
I...may have a brain tumor, or some other nasty neurological problem that has cropped up over the last week or so. Nothing certain yet, nothing guaranteed, but there's something wrong with my head. VERY wrong. Feels like someone's clamping down on my skull, like my brain's trying to burst out of my temples. Medicine won't touch it, and it comes and goes with the wind. Gonna get it looked at in the coming days, so here's hoping it something minor.
Also.
REMEMBER!
We're still two years out from the events of volume one. Just about anything can happen here.
This chapter is told from multiple viewpoints, hope that doesn't upset anyone. Hope I portrayed everyone correctly.
0_0
Well, I didn't expect this story to get this popular, this fast~!
I'll try to live up to your expectations, as best as I can in the future despite the trolls trying to tear me down. So lets clear a few things up here. No plot armor for Cinder and her cronies. Zilch! Zero! None! Or anyone, really. Everyone's vulnerable in this story. Now, I'm not going to pull a Game of Thrones and start offing people left and right like Martin mind you; but this story isn't going to be all sunshine and rainbows. Some characters will struggle. For that is human nature, is it not? We struggle, sometimes we fall, but we always pick ourselves up again.
I've also been mentoring people in the ways of authoring these days. For free, of course. Bringing new authors into this world is its own reward.
So if anyone wants some help or tips, or wants to get a story off the ground, hit me up. Now-onto the good bits you've all been waiting for.
What, you didn't think Naruto was just going to save Amber and NOT suffer the consequences, did you?
As ever, chapter titles are puns and I regret nothiiiiiing~!
Minor timeskip of a few hours or so ahead.
How many hours, exactly? Twelve.
As always, I hope you enjoy~!
"Wait a minute. You mean...this isn't over?"
"Did you think they would stop after a single failed attempt?"
"Well, no. Its just...the two of us beat them. That'll slow them down, won't it?"
"For a time, perhaps. But they won't stop altogether. My boy, I'm afraid they've only just begun.
Thankfully we have you to thank for her timely rescue. Come now, surely you have something to say about this?"
~A Discussion.
Resolution
"That's quite the tale."
Ozpin considered himself an excellent judge of character.
In all his years and countless lives, the Headmaster had learned to read an individual as one might a good novel. Call it an acquired skill of sorts; a talent he'd garnered over so many painful lifetimes. Ruthlessly cultivated, honed to a razor's edge, he was able to discern hidden truths at a mere glance. The way someone held themselves could tell him a subject's past; from the set of their jaw to the telltale twitch of their hand. Even the merest movement would likewise betray their mental state, whether they were prone to fits of paranoia, angry outbursts, or even sporadic bursts of energy. So yes, Ozpin could certainly read people.
And the young man sitting before him at his desk?
This silent figure refusing to budge so much as an inch from his seat?
His face told of pages upon pages full of anger, volumes of despair, pain...yet also truth.
There was no deception here, no attempts to gloss over some hidden secret. Somewhere deep inside of him, in spite of all his injuries-nor the deep bags lurking under eyes that hinted at something deeper than mere raw exhaustion-this young man still carried some semblance of determination in him. A night's rest had done him good, it seemed. He was certainly a better sight now than he'd been back then. Clad in a simple blue tunic and contrasting dark pants in place of his ruined rags, he nevertheless sat up straight in his seat and met the Headmaster's gaze without flinching in spite of everything.
And to think, just yesterday he'd been sprawled over Amber's shoulder like a rag doll.
Were it not for the fretful Fall Maiden -even now at the whiskered warrior's side, poking and prodding him to speak- Ozpin might have thought the boy mute upon their second meeting. He was clearly choosy about those he trust at that; he'd even gone so far as to refusal medical treatment from anyone but Amber. It had taken several hours to wring this story out of him at all; even then he suspected the young man was holding part of it back. Oz could respect that, at least. Some secrets were best kept in reserve. Regardless, he still seemed very much wary of this brave new world in which he found himself.
"Now then, let me see if I have the right of this. You say you fell...from the sky?"
This whisked warrior, for Ozpin couldn't think of any other term for him, finally groaned.
"See, when ya say it like that gramps, you make me sound like the crazy one in the room here."
Amber promptly jabbed him with her elbow for his temerity. "Sh! What're you doing?! Don't call the headmaster that!"
"What's wrong with it?!" the blond sputtered, flailing spectacularly in his seat. "He's got white hair! It just slipped out, ya know!"
"On the contrary." restraining a small smile, Oz adjusted his spectacles and steepled his fingers together. "I believe you to be quite sane."
"Finally!" much to his surprise, this response actually garnered him a delighted cry from his as-of-yet unnamed ally. "You're only the second person to hear me out and say that!" Amber's quiet blush told Oz all he needed to know on that matter, but before he could think to inquire, someone else did it for him.
"Suuuuuuure. Sane." A gravely growl interjected over his shoulder. "Let's call it that. Why are we listening to this kid, Oz? Falling out of the sky? C'mon, he's clearly off his rocker."
"Hey!" Amber all but shot up out of her chair and bolted to her feet in a burst of fiery light. "That's uncalled for, Qrow! In case you've forgotten, he saved my life!" When no response was immediately forthcoming, Oz knew what would come next. Amber was many things, but her compassion -and by definition her rash of impulsiveness- was nothing short of legendary in Beacon. Sure enough, she proved him right soon thereafter. "And where were you, come to think of it?! You didn't arrive until everything was already over! And are you drunk?!"
"He's always drunk." Glynda put in mildly from her place at his side. Remarkably, she'd barely said two words since they'd convened. Who would've thought she'd stick up for Qrow?
"'Course I am." the clink of half-empty flask sloshed just out of sight. "And those people that attacked you? That brat could be with them too, for all you know."
"You're being paranoid! Why would he defend me, then?!" Amber's rebuttal proved sharp and instant. "Naruto's a good person!"
"And you're being naive."
Oz didn't need to see Qrow's face to sense the suspicions seething in his words; just as he didn't need to look at Amber to know she'd taken affront to him. And so their argument continued to escalate. He already knew his old friend was rolling his eyes somewhere behind him, just as he knew Qrow'd taken up a flanking position on his right in case their guest proved himself hostile. He could all but taste the animosity lurking in his voice, a hair trigger waiting to snap at the slightest provocation. Only natural of story laid out before them was...well, incredible, to say the least. Almost enough to make them second guess everything they knew about their world. It made his office feel small, somehow. But he believed their words to be true nonetheless. As to the series of unfortunate events that had led to this moment...well. Someone would have to remedy that.
"Now, now." Oz raised his arms as the two nearly came to blows. "Calm down. We're all on the same side."
"Are we?" Qrow challenged. "Because the way I see it-
It wouldn't be him. "Enough! Both of you!"
A tan arm shot out like a snake to snare Amber's wrist and jerk her backwards; in the same instant another hand slammed into Qrow's chest with enough force to make the older man stumble back half a pace. Oz blinked, momentarily alarmed by the spectacle. Somehow in the span of one instant and the next, Naruto had somehow managed to wedge himself between the pair and force them apart as though he were a parent disciplining a pair of naughty children. Amber was one thing, but one didn't move Qrow that easily. It was his first real display of combat prowess that day, one that lent further credence to his earlier claims. Moreover, how he'd done it brought the conversation to a grinding halt. Unfortunately, this brief bout of heroics backfired in a way that Ozpin failed to anticipate.
Because now there were two of him.
While one held Amber back, another Naruto had inexplicably materialized in a plume of smoke to give Qrow a harsh shove. When the hunter shoved right back, the second "Naruto" vanished in another misty haze, leaving the hunter gaping in surprise. Oz didn't much blame him. Glynda looked about as mystified as he felt. If he didn't know better, he'd call it a strange Semblance of some sort...except the boy had just openly professed to be from another world. The mystic in him was eager to know more; how many copies could he make? Could they perform menial tasks? How much damage could they sustain? Countless questions buzzed about in his head like eager bees.
"Fascinating." Glynda murmured. "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes...
Utterly unaware of the attention he'd drawn to himself, the original turned a stoic gaze upon Amber. "Look, just let it go, alright? None of this is your fault."
Sure enough, the huntress wilted beneath his gaze. She hung her head. "Sorry...
Then the boy turned his wrath on Qrow.
"Alright, buddy." sure enough, those keen blue eyes locked onto the huntsman harshly as he turned towards him. "Who shoved a stick up your ass?"
Qrow, caught taking another swing of his flask, utterly choked; the noise he made stuck somewhere between a grunt and an squawk.
Ozpin did not snort. No. Not at all. No, not in the least.
Amber, well, proved another matter entirely.
Glynda actually smiled. Just a touch.
Qrow's face...was a study in contrast. Now that his old friend had finally stepped back into view where he could see him, Oz found that his expression proved most telling. He couldn't tell if the man was surprised to have someone stand up to him, or startled by the sheer crassness of Naruto's remark. In short? The poor man looked as though he'd bitten into an incredibly sour lemon while simultaneously being told the greatest secret in all the universe. Honestly, it almost made Oz wish he had a camera. Pity.
Apparently Qrow felt the same; because he knocked his flask back again.
"Well, damn. Kid's got claws after all. Color me impressed."
Lovely. Crisis averted once more.
After yesterdays's events, tensions were running...well, strained was an inadequate word for the way he felt right now. Amber, chief amongst them. Poor girl. She'd been through so much already even before this attempt on her life, now they were subjecting her to this. At least she seemed to have made a friend in the midst of things.
And then said friend had to open his mouth again. "They were trying to take her powers, you dolt! Her life!"
A horrible epiphany struck Ozpin.
His gaze sought out an embarrassed Amber.
"You told him, didn't you." it was not a question.
"Of course I did, sir." the brunette stood at attention, though her face burned red with silent shame. "He should know what he's fighting for."
By the gods, she'd actually gone and done it. "Those weren't your secrets to divulge, Amber."
She wilted with a whine. "I...only told him how I got my powers, that's all."
Naruto's scowl switched targets. "Yeah, about that...
Oz could already feel the beginnings of a massive migraine blooming in the back of his head and massaged his temples in a vain attempt to stave off what he knew would be coming next. While it was true that they hadn't necessarily told Amber everything about the great threat they faced -with good reason!- she knew more than most. Enough to make things rather complicated for Beacon's new arrival. For all his attitude, he'd proven that he was no fool. He'd have questions. Merely being informed about a Maiden's power threatened to paint a target on his back, but after what he'd done...it was far too late for him to back out now.
Even if he were to leave at this very moment, he'd be hounded for the rest of his life out of spite, if nothing else.
Ozpin fought down a small shudder at the thought, a quiet chill shooting down the base of his spine.
By now, Salem likely knew of this man's existence.
She wouldn't take kindly to this sudden setback; even in kinder days she'd never been the sort to stand idly by and allow herself to be humiliated. That was precisely what Naruto had done to her. By Amber's own account he'd made her followers look like rank amateurs. This as well have been a slap in her face for all the good they'd done. She'd try again of course, she always would; be it through force or cunning. Salem had been pushed back before, but she always returned. He knew the way her mind worked. She would think he'd been hiding some secret weapon and speed up her time table; escalate her plans, if not worse...she'd hound this young man to the ends of the earth.
But the blond surprised him yet again.
"Eh? Now wait just a minute," Naruto continued, raising his arms to fend off further inquiries as everyone turned toward him. "What I'm fighting for...I didn't agree to fight for anything else here." when no one objected, he hastened onward, "I helped Amber because she needed it, sure, but she's safe with I just want to get back to my world."
"Be that as it may," And there was the crux of the matter that Oz was hesitant to broach, "I'm afraid we lack the means to help you at present."
Amber stepped to the young man and laid a hand on his shoulder with a feather's touch.
Long eyelashes fluttered up at the baffled blond.
"You're going to leave? Just like that?"
Naruto sputtered. "Well, I mean...
Oh, she was good.
To her credit, the Fall Maiden stood her ground and didn't budge, even in the face of his hesitation. Nor did she let go of him. It was as if a switch had flipped somewhere deep inside her; in that instant, he recalled why she'd been chosen for this power. For all her empathy and compassion, Amber was downright vicious in a fight. Impulsive and rash she may well be, but she knew her loyalties. If she felt she owed someone a debt, no matter how minor, she would do everything in her power to see it repaid. And judging by the way she kept stealing glance at Naruto, she owed him a great deal indeed. No, it might even be the beginnings of...
...well, now.
Oz saw it in her eyes, the way she held herself, preening as Naruto looked at her.
Realization dawned like the coming season and tugged at the corner of his mouth in the form of a small smile. Flirting was far less destructive in his day, but who was he to interfere here? Let the girl follow her heart. Time would tell if the object of her affections felt the same. Say what you would about her lack of combat experience, Amber still had a good head on her shoulders. Better than most, even. While she hadn't mastered her powers -not yet- with an attitude like that and perhaps a better grasp on her, she'd likely fully realize them within a few years. Years they didn't have, he reminded himself.
Naruto was of a different mind on the matter.
He knew next to nothing about Maidens and Grimm, let alone this talk of Semblances and Aura. In his mind he'd done all needed to do already; he'd laid his life on the line for a complete stranger and seen her safely away from those who would do her harm. Amber was clearly safe now, ensconced behind the sturdy walls of Beacon. Ozpin was sure to keep an eye on her now, if only to keep her safe in the future. Surely she wouldn't let herself be caught out like that gain. By rights, he had done all that should be expected of him and more. He owed them nothing. These people had problems of their own. This wasn't his world. Wasn't his home. It sounded as if war was on the horizon for these people.
And he was so very tired of fighting.
But could he really be satisfied with this? Could he really just walk away?
After all he'd said and done, could he forsake his beliefs again and just abandon them?
Risking a glance over his shoulder was a mistake; it gave voice to Naruto's own innermost fears and lent them a face. Amber's face. Even now she was still looking to him for an answer, still holding onto his arm -clinging, really- for dear life. It would've been the meanest thing to tear his arm free from her. Now that he'd recovered, he easily outclassed her when it came to raw strength. But he couldn't do it. For all her power, all her might, all her majesty and magic, she looked small. Afraid. Alone. He'd seen her fling enemies around like rag dolls, call down lightning from the sky like an angry goddess to smite those who dared attack her. Yet here, in this moment, she was as weak as he'd ever seen her be.
"Please," she whispered, regarding him with teary eyes. "Don't go."
"Don't look at me, brat." In response to this inner turmoil opened a slitted eye within his mind. "This is your choice to make."
'Hey!' Naruto blanched inwardly at the blase retort. 'What happened to it being none of our business?'
"You made it our business." came the growl. "When you dove into that fight."
Urk.
He was still dithering when Ozpin made him an offer.
"I understand your plight," the headmaster raised his voice patiently, drawing the blond's attention once more with his soothing tones, "There are many aspects of your situation that you don't yet know; secrets we can't tell you until we're certain you're with us. But consider what you do know for a moment. Our Fall Maiden is in great peril, due in no small part to her inexperience," He raised his right hand toward Amber for emphasis, and the girl, realizing she was still holding his hand, jerked back as if she'd been scalded. "Peril that you helped avert certainly, but that danger is not yet past. Far from it, in fact."
"Wait a minute." the jinchuuriki frowned. "You mean...this isn't over?"
Something ancient and unknowable gleamed in Ozpin's eyes "Did you think they would stop after a single failed attempt?"
Of course not. Naruto faltered half a beat at the kernel of truth lurking in those words. "Well, no. Its just...the two of us beat them. That'll slow them down, won't it?"
"For a time, perhaps." Glynda interjected, capturing his attention before he could pause to dwell on the matter further. "But they won't stop altogether. I'm afraid they've only just begun. Thankfully we have you to thank for her timely rescue."
"And if I hadn't been there...?" he asked.
The teacher didn't hesitate. "She would be dead."
Those cold words struck Naruto like a slap across the face.
"Well." he managed eloquently, blinking at her response. "Shit."
Amber tucked her head and gripped her wrist when he glanced at her, unable to meet his gaze. Her sudden reticence led Naruto to believe she knew something he didn't. Something important. Downright vital, even. His mind flashed back to the incredible display of power Amber had brought to bear upon her would-be-assailants. She'd commanded the very elements themselves and nearly lost regardless. Her powers would've been gone, stolen by a party with...less honorable intentions. Granted, he was confident in his own abilities, but could anyone else could stand against a power like that?
Naruto wrinkled his nose, not liking where this was going. Not in the least. "I...feel like I'm missing pieces of the story here."
Qrow snorted. "That's putting it mildly."
"We could use your help, son." Ozpin prodded.
"What, you want me to be a Huntsman or something?" he frowned. "Doesn't really sound like my thing."
"We're not asking you to be a damn huntsman." Qrow took another swig of his flask. "He's asking you to look after her."
...who? Amber? She can look after herself." confusion scrawled across the younger man's face. "Besides, she'll be fine without me-hey?!"
His words warped into a grunt as the huntsman's hand shot out and seized him by the collar; in the next instant he found himself rammed against the nearest wall.
"What are you, dense as a brick? No. She won't. Whoever did this wanted one thing from her." A stern finger jabbed him in the forehead. "Something you don't know about. They're not stupid. They're not going to stop, and she's NOT going to be alright. You hear me?" the words escaped him in a snarl. "They're gonna try again. And again and AGAIN until they get what they want. She might not be so lucky next time. So, unless you expect someone else to fall out of the sky and save her the next time she's in trouble...
With a grunt, he released him.
...man up and take responsibility for your actions!"
Amber fluttered to his side in a burst of motion, quick to clutch at his hand and help him up. Ultimately, it was her expression that began to tip the scales. She'd never asked for this power. Never wanted it. This "gift" had been forced upon her against her will and like him, painted a target on her back. It almost reminded him of the Akatsuki back in his world-no, it did remind him of that vile group. If this world had their own version of that organization, people seeking to harness and use those abilities for who-knew-what, uncaring of the lives they took...was he really going to abandon Amber to such a fate? Could he?
Didn't stop Qrow from flinging another parting insult at him before he spoke, though. "You're worse than my sister. Coward."
Ohhh how that word burned.
"Coward?!" Amber swung around. "How dare you?! I fought! We fought! Naruto nearly split the sky open when he-mmph?!"
Said blond sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth and clamped a hand over her mouth before she could finish. Too little, too late. Ozpin had already heard and for once, the Headmaster found himself at a loss for words. Qrow was looking at him as through he'd grown a second head. And as for Glynda...well. He didn't know what to make of that half-lidded look of hers. Almost as if she wanted to sit him down and assail him with endless questions just to see what made him tick. This was precisely why he'd wanted to avoid that very subject; a tailed best bomb wasn't exactly subtle even under normal circumstances. He hadn't been subtle back there on the road. Not at all. Not in the least.
"Bah!" Amber wriggled free with a gasp. "Why did you stop me?!"
"Wait." Qrow croaked, suddenly sounding very hoarse. "That was him?"
Gods above, these people were going to think of him as a walking bomb if this kept up.
Worse were Qrow's words; even now they gnawed him like a host of worms, shredding his self control.
Coward.
"I'm not a...!" the words tasted like ash in his throat even as he spoke them. Wasn't he? He'd broken his word once already, buckled when the chips were down. Unbidden, his hand flew to his stomach, remembering that nearly lethal wound he'd only recently recovered from. Coward. Craven. Qrow's words struck at the very core of his being and laid the truth there bare. In the end, he had valued his life more than his principles. When he had finally fought, it was out of a desperate desire to live, rather than uphold his principles. Who was to say he wouldn't break them again? He was afraid. He didn't want to fail. Not again. Never again. Didn't want to lose anymore of himself to the harsh realities of war. He was many things, but a coward? No. Never. Never again.
Naruto didn't realize he'd been had until it was too late; by then he no longer cared. He'd made his choice long ago already.
Perhaps, had he realized earlier just how badly Qrow was playing him like a fiddle, he would've reconsidered.
In time, he'd come to thank the drunken old bird for his challenge.
But now...well...at the moment...
He was seething.
"Alright, alright!" the words burst out of him in a roar as he flung his hands up to the sky. "I'm afraid! There! I said it! Happy now?!" a hysteric laugh bubbled out of him and he clutched at his face in a rare lapse of control and self loathing. "I'm absolutely terrified! Maidens, Grimm, Semblances, Aura...I don't know anything about any of this!" In his peripherals, Glynda shifted half a step forward and he slammed his right foot down, crashing the chair to pieces behind him. "I just survived a war, and by the sound of if, you're ready to throw me into another one!"
"I'm sure Qrow didn't mean-
Ozpin opened his mouth to retort and Naruto snarled him into silence.
"No!" he spat at him. "You don't get to talk. None of you do! Do you hear me?!"
In the same motion, he jerked a thumb over his shoulder towards a now-startled Amber.
"None of you were there to fight for her! None of you! I was! You weren't! Call me whatever you want, but I'm no coward! I'll help you, damnit! But not because of you two and yer damn guilt trip!" He jabbed a finger at a startled Ozpin and Glynda alike, "Because I choose to! Because its the right thing to do! And as for you, bird boy!" temper running hot, he thrust that same trembling finger at Qrow himself. "You'd better shut your mouth before I shut it for you; because this damn girl's the bravest one here-
Thump.
Something warm and soft pressed into Naruto's back before he could finish his rant, momentarily giving the young warrior pause. It took him a handful of seconds to realize it was Amber; another to hear her sniffling. She had rushed him from behind and all but wrapped her arms around his chest with terrible intensity, as though she were afraid he might turn to smoke at any given moment. Even in his frenzied state, it didn't take him long to put two and two together. She was crying, at first for reasons he didn't understand. His spine went rigid, moreso when he realized he was the cause of her distress. By then his blood was well and truly up again. Try as he might, he couldn't think of anything to say.
Say what you would about Amber, but the girl had a grip on him.
Then she started laughing and all sense went flying out the window like a Rasenshuriken.
"Aw, what the hell," he muttered, awkwardly reaching around to pat her head. "I was complimenting you, ya know. Why're ya crying?"
Much to his chagrin, the Fall Maiden only whimpered into his back. "Because I'm happy, you dolt!" she sniffled again. "No one's ever talked about me like that before...
Like a person.
When the epiphany struck Naruto, it hit like a thunderclap. He'd stood up for her, a simple act of common courtesy from one human being to the other, and here she was acting like he'd given her the bloody holy grail. Did it have something to do with her Maiden status? Had she been treated like a weapon all this time? Or had she simply been unable to connect to others? Was she even allowed to have any friends to begin with? All of the above? He wasn't able to make the distinction and it alarmed him more than words ever could. Unfortunately, before he could act on said realization, someone had to speak.
"Well...you certainly seem confident in your skills." Ozpin interjected awkwardly into the ensuing silence. "Perhaps a demonstration is in order?"
Naruto's brow shot straight up to his hairline. "What?! No! I didn't mean I wanted to fight you! You'd get hurt!"
Qrow beckoned in challenge, fingers twitching. "Who, me? Not bloody likely."
"Jeez," Naruto twitched. "Do you want to fight me that badly?"
"Wouldn't be much of a fight." the old crow retorted.
Naruto absolutely twitched this time.
"Alright, that does it!"
Something about Qrow's words -rather, the offhanded manner in which the veteran had spoken- sent a knife of anger lancing through Naruto's head; though he knew not why. He couldn't stand being mocked or belittled by anyone even now, after all he'd been through. Least of all by a stranger who swooped in only after the fighting was done. But there was something more to this. He just couldn't...put his finger on it. Qrow's offhanded comment might've reminded him of a certain Uchiha. Perhaps he simply didn't like his tone. Maybe he was secretly spoiling for a fight? Who could say? And his temper? That was feeling just a touch raw at the moment.
Glynda groaned into a palm. "Boys. Take it outside."
What had she said to them just now? Outside? That sounded like an excellent idea right about now.
"Fine. You and me, bub." he jabbed the huntsman's chest. "Courtyard. Five minutes."
"Need your girlfriend to carry you?" Qrow shot back with a smirk.
Amber made a noise between a whine and a groan.
"Uncle Qroooow! Shut up, shut up, shut up!"
Naruto absolutely hissed at him.
"You'll eat those words."
A/N: Face it, Qrow is everybody's uncle~!
BRAWL IN THE FAMILY NEXT CHAPTER!
WEREN'T EXPECTING AN UPDATE THIS QUICKLY, WERE YOU?!
Naruto's full recovered now; as I've said before, I'm not nerfing anyone in this story. His enemies will have to fight smart in the future. No easy out. No plot armor.
Ahhh, this chapter was truly a joy to write.
Yes, Naruto's going to get himself a weapon. I've been hinting at it. Care to guess?
Oh, and if Naruto does get himself a team...How does N.A.V.Y. (Naruto, Amber, Velvet, Yang," sound to you, dear readers? Or P.A.N.N. (Pyrrha, Amber, Naruto, Neo) is another option. I've got plenty of them. The letters ought to make things obvious. I could do this all day. I'm open to suggestions of course~! I've got big plans and multiple drafts written out already, I just want to hear what you think; as ever, your words are the winds beneath my wings, like long reviews, they keep me flying.
Neo and Winter didn't quite get their chance to shine in this chapter...
...but that's what the next one is for, mwahaha!
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review, Would You Kindly?
And enjoy the previews~!
(Previews)
Fast! That was his first thought as the huntsman blitzed him. He hadn't expected someone, least of all a drunken louse, to accelerate so suddenly. It almost surprised him. Almost. In a tuck, he pivoted and threw a vicious kick at the man's gut.
Qrow grunted in surprise.
Then he flew.
He still wasn't looking, still wandering the streets, when he slammed headlong into the poor girl. There was no evil intent to warn him, no implicit sense of violence to prepare his muscles in time. She didn't make a sound; even when she toppled backward. Not a grunt. Not a cry. Not even a yelp. He barely even caught her, such was his surprise.
"Jeez, I'm sorry about that...
The girl tilted her head.
Naruto groaned. "You...don't talk, do you?"
An emphatic shake of said head answered his question. "So what do I call you?"
A sign snapped up.
"N~E~O~?"
"No thanks. I already told your boss I'm not interested in sharing anything with Atlas at this time." A finger thrust itself into her face, cutting off her diatribe. "And before you go on about how this could "benefit mankind" or save the world, stow it. I've seen what chakra can do in the wrong hands. Until you prove yourselves, you're getting nothing from me.
Scowling, he turned away.
"Leave me alone, Ice Queen."
To her credit, Winter only blinked.
...I'm sorry, what did you just call me?"
Qrow absolutely cackled. "Alright, I'm sold. Kid's a keeper."
"So you're basically able to copy any weapon you take a picture of?"
Velvet wilted, her ears all but drooping. "Well, when you put it like that-
"THAT'S AWESOME! Do me!"
"Wha?!" she squeaked!
"Not like that!"
"But he...
Salem tilted her head.
And the entire world just went...cold.
"You will try again. And again. No matter how many times it takes. Or you will die. Do you understand?"
"Was it all in vain, then?"
A hand settled on Amber's head. "No, never. I met you, didn't I?"
Tears welled up in her eyes, the dam threatening to burst. And then it did.
R&R~!