A/N: PLEASE READ THIS NOTE, WOULD YOU KINDLY? Bit of a warning. This chapter is...intense.
Well, here comes the harem.
EDIT: Aaaaaand here come the flames like clockwork. I've had enough of this. Maybe the daily updates should just stop... T_T
Sometimes I wonder if its even worth the hassle...
Now then, onto your questions.
Q: Is it just me, or does this Naruto seem a little worn around the edges, exhausted even? Poor chap...
A: Naruto just wants an end. And if he can save the world by doing it...
Ever seen Doctor Who? Its like a bit of that. He's lived too long.
Q: We're nearing the endgame, eh?
A: In a sense. I'd say about five-ten chapters are left here.
Its funny, a lot of my stories are reaching their conclusions soon. "Killing Monsters" and "All Things Must Die" for instance, have only two chapters left. Hard to believe. To say nothing of "Best Served Cold," which, theoretically, could end at the next chapter, if I really wanted it to. But where's the fun in that? You deserve a satisfying conclusion. While we're on the subject, "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing" is just about done as well.
"Remnants of a Shinobi" and "Far From Home" are closer to an end than you think. Same with "Everybody Loves Cookies" that's in the final arc, more or less.
There are others that are nearly done, but I'll keep quiet on that front.
You see, that's the only reason I feel even remotely comfortable posting new stories; because so many of them are ending.
Q: Please don't kill Winter and the Ace ops!
A: Well, they're not the Ace Ops yet. Thankfully, at this point, Cinder wants to recruit Winter, Elm and Vine. Naruto's given her leave to whatever it takes.
Whatever. It. Takes. Does that worry you? It should.
Q: More scheming Cinder, please! She's at her best when she's making plans, not rushing blindly into things.
A: Ohhh, there are plenty of schemes in this chapter, rest assured.
Alright then, I think I've kept you long enough.
As ever, I own no quotes, references, themes or memes. I'm just a writer.
Now then, prepare for the timeskips~!
"That's the terrible thing, you know.
Fury. When you've lived as long as I have...
...well. Emotions tend to get away from you sometimes.
Now there is no power on this earth that can stop me. Goodbye, old friend."
~?
My Chains Are Broken
"That was glorious!"
Arthur Watts was seldom the sort to laugh in private company, but he did so now; a deep, hearty guffaw that saw his head thrown back toward the ceiling with one hand absolutely abusing the poor table he was seated behind. Even as Naruto looked on mad scientist doubled over with a wicked grin and slammed his palm against the worn wooden surface yet again, creating a harsh crack of sound. A steady thump-thump-thump filled the room, like drums from a great hunt, overshadowed only by the lunatic's laughter.
Perhaps that was the whiskey taking effect. Powerful stuff, that. Downright...potent.
Concealed within one of his many safe houses and safe from prying eyes, they were fit to drink as they pleased; to celebrate a job well done. Arthur seemed content to do just that. He nursed his own flagon with more reserve, unwilling to lose himself in drunken stupor.
"Poor, poor James." Watts absolutely cackled. "He must be pulling his hair out right now. And to think, we've only been at this for a few months!"
"That's the plan."
"Is it now? A curious gleam burned in the older man's eye. "Any chance you might tell me what you're after here?"
"Nope." The blond smacked his lips and took another drink. "Not happening."
"Come now!" Arthur clapped him on the back. "We've been at this for awhile now. You can trust me."
Trust. His lips sealed shut around the word. Hrmph. There was one person he trusted in this world. And she was busy. Still, he felt he owed his partner in crime something before he rounded the bend.
"Atlas is a means to an end." he set his drink down. "I won't be here much longer."
"Bah! You can be such a spoilsport sometimes. Why not?"
Watts was a useful ally, but not a friend. Never a friend. He had his uses, few though they were. There was a reason he slew Tyrian so long ago. That one had been a mindless fanatic, and he'd died like one. He'd probably have to kill Hazel before all was said and done. Ozpin and Salem, too. The thought saddened him. The life of an immortal was a lonely one.
On a whim, he decided to drop another hint. Their partnership was coming to an end, after all.
"There's something in the academy that I want." he confessed, tenting his fingers beneath his chin. "No, I suppose you could say someone."
"Hmm? You have an agent there as well?"
Naruto's blood ran cold.
"What?"
"I said I have someone in the academy. Do clear out your ears." Watts took another long drink and prattled on, utterly unaware of the leviathan he'd just jabbed. "Although I can't help but notice young Cinder isn't with you right now. Forgive me for being rude, but I doubt you'd throw her to the wayside after all the trouble you went to train her." Another drink came and went. "Perhaps our pawns will bump into one another...after all, we're both hunting for the Winter Maiden, are we not?"
He didn't see Naruto's legs tense beneath the table. "I don't know what you're talking about-
"Denying it, eh?" Arthur set his own class down. "Fair enough. You do realize I'll have to tell Salem of this. She'd be most cross with me if I kept it from her. Unless...
The blond leaned back, regarding the man like the snake he was. "Unless what?"
"I've rather enjoyed these months of mischief." Watts reclined with a languid smile. "But as entertaining as this has been I'm afraid I simply cannot allow you to continue on as you have been. Salem may not see you as a threat; if only because she doesn't know your true aims."
"..."
Naruto refused to rise to the bait; refused to give Watts the satisfaction of a reaction, even as his mind whirled. Arthur had no proof. Only his suspicions. Blast it all. It was too soon. He'd hoped to acquire the Staff and the Sword before anyone cottoned onto his scheme. He was suddenly intensely grateful he'd hidden Jinn away in the cloest. If he'd seen her...
Well. Best avoid that.
"You want the Relics and the Maidens for some reason." The disgraced scientist drummed his fingers against the table. "To that end, we still haven't been able to find Spring after all these years." the drumming increased that much more. "Strange isn't it...? Little Amber was so very cross about that. Salem promised it to her, you see. And Cinder is of the right age...
Amber?
"Right," Naruto filed the name away for later study as he made to rise. "Time for you to lea-
The cold barrel of a gun clicked against his chest beneath the table and brought him up woefully short.
Kurama whistled in his head. "Bold of him. As if that peashooter could stop us. Say the word and he's dead."
Blue eyes flitted down to the revolver. Back up to Watts.
...you don't want to do this, Arthur."
"I think I do." he heard a click below the table. "But I'm a merciful man. Forsake your apprentice." his smile became sly. "Give her to Salem. Then I'll let bygones be bygones."
Something dark and feral snapped in Naruto's chest and his smile became that much more strained. Oh, if only his friends could see him now; giving into his anger like this. They'd be so dissapointed in him. But they'd understand this, surely. There were some lines you just didn't cross. Watts hadn't simply stepped over that line.
He'd leaped right across it.
A long hiss escaped Naruto, pushing its way through grit teeth. "You won't be telling anyone anything."
With a subtle pulse of chakra, he triggered it.
"No," Watts coughed, "I believe I will, another cough, "Blasted thing." He thumped his chest as he began to choke, "What...is this?"
"Oh, that?" his smile twisted even further. "That would be the poison you've been drinking for the last half hour. Was wondering when that would take effect."
"Poison?!" Arthur stumbled upright, clutching at his throat. "But you drank...?!"
"I did." Naruto casually kicked out his knee, sending him sprawling to the floor. "Toxins don't really affect me these days. Sorry about that."
"You...!"
Arthur's right hand twitched in an uncontrollable spasm. His finger hit the trigger. The revolver barked. A dust round struck Naruto's stomach and burst out his back. He barely batted an eyelash. A lone line of blood ran down his mouth. Another round slammed into his body and still, he didn't move. He simply sat there, unflinching as he emptied a full clip into him.
"Why won't you die...?!"
"Because unlike you, I have a purpose to fulfill." he knelt and and cuffed the man on the jaw, stunning him. "I can't die until its done."
An angry rasp greeted him.
"I have the antidote right here. I thought about giving it to you. Needless to say, I've reconsidered." he dropped it to the floor just of the man's reach, where it shattered like a grande. "You tried to take away what was mine."
He walked over the trembling form with nary a passing glance.
"Goodbye, partner. I'll see you in hell."
Arthur expired a moment later.
(.0.0.0.)
Time moved quickly.
Cinder found herself grateful for that.
Academy life was an utter bore; homework and lessons were one thing, but it was the tediousness the truly tormented her.
Atlas wasn't like Vale, or even Mistral. This city was stern. Unyielding. Rigid. First year students were seldom allowed leave campus, and even then only with a chaperone. Naturally, such visits confined the lot of them to the city and they were confined to the city proper. Family was only allowed to visit on sanctioned holidays, of which there were few and far between.
Cinder hated it.
Every single bit of it.
They weren't even allowed their scrolls!
But for all her hate, this confinement actually expedited her plans; enabling her to twist Winter and the others to her side with great speed. A kind word here, a gentle touch there, a shoulder to lean on in times of need. Simple things. Little things. Encouraging Vine and Elm to take up with one another was one way in which she sought to undermine the academy's authority.
Good soldiers followed orders indeed. Bah! Not on her watch!
As the Leader of Team F.W.Z.E her team respected her and Cinder came to find that she rather enjoyed that respect. That only made breaking their chains all the sweeter. It wasn't their fault that they were so easily led, trapped in bitter hidebound dogma. Atlas did its work well. Protect the kingdom, obey the kingdom, don't defy the kingdom. Never defy the kingdom. And they listened for the most part. After all, they were just teenagers. So was she of course, but her mind was sharp; honed to a razor's edge by harsh training.
She knew their weaknesses within the first month.
By the second she sowed seeds of doubt.
In the third they believed in her.
For the fourth, well...
Her eyes rose from the novel in hand, considering her target with half lidded eyes.
Target acquired.
Winter padded past her as she toweled her hair down, utterly unaware of the golden eyes boring a hole between her shoulders. For once her pale hair had been set free from its traditional bun, left now to cascade down her shoulders in a damp curtain of freshly fallen snow. It contrasted her sapphire nightgown quite nicely this evening.
"Shower's free, if you want it." she pulled the towel down her shoulders. "I saved some hot water for you."
"How kind." Cinder closed her novel and crossed one leg over the other. She couldn't but notice the way Winter gulped. "I don't suppose you know where dear Vine and Elm scurried off to?"
Ice met fire. Was that a flash of jealousy just now? She wondered. In the end, Winter didn't act upon it.
"Out." she shrugged at last. "Another of their dates, no doubt. They have no shame these days."
"Breaking curfew?" the Spring Maiden leaned forward just so. "How bold."
A faint hint of pink crept through Winter's cheeks. She was definitely staring. How adorable.
"I...should get ready for bed. The general wants to see me early in the morning."
At last! Cinder's soul sang with triumph, dark and heady. It would've been child's play to pursue matters; to press her for answers as was her right. She chose not to and forced herself to focus on the pages. Alas, even the enticing material that was Ninja's of Love couldn't keep her distracted for long.
"I see." she crossed her legs over again, watching the girl gulp. "As you were, then."
Winter lingered for a moment. Cinder wondered if she would speak.
In the end, she didn't. Disappointing.
Golden eyes peeked over the pages as the Schnee turned her back.
Winter was attractive in the classical sense of the word; in that she not only had flowing hips and curves, but a figure most would kill for. Her bosom seemed full, yet not too full, just right. She suspected her breasts were larger still, if only because Winter insisted on binding them. She hadn't tonight.
Cinder had never lain with a woman before; never felt the need nor the desire. She didn't feel for her what she felt for Naruto, but the temptation was there. Winter was a curiosity, a walking contradiction. She kept others at arms length, but when with her team she was soft. Almost...vulnerable.
And this would be the candidate for the next Winter Maiden? Unacceptable.
Cinder considered it as she drummed her fingers against the bench. Could she woo her as she herself had been wooed? Now that she knew the pleasures of the flesh, she found herself rather curious. She didn't think anything could surpass that night of bliss, but still the notion persisted. What it was worse? What it was better? Was this a test from Naruto? Away to see how she might fare far from his influence? Of how far she would go to cultivate an asset?
Winter would obey her, not for the stick, but the carrot.
And make no mistake, she wanted a power base of her own; the kind of undying loyalty Naruto had inspired in her. She could have broken the Schnee long ago, made her feel small, like nothing. But where was the fun in that? If Winter came to love her as she loved him...why, that would simplify so many things.
Naruto had told her to do whatever it took to win them over. And so she would.
And if it was pleasurable for the both of them, then what was the harm?
On a whim, Cinder set her novel down and stood.
Let the games begin.
Winter didn't notice her approach at first naturally; she could be oh so focused at times, lost to all else. She was muttering to herself, lost in her own little world. Adorable. Time to snap her out of it. She didn't hear her bare feet padding against the carpet. Didn't realize how close she was as she furiously brushed at her hair.
She certainly noticed when Cinder looped an arm around her waist and pulled her close.
"C-Cinder?" her prey stammered only a little in her grasp. "What're you doing?"
"Winter," she leaned in, warm lips brushing the outer lobe of her ear. "Do you think me a fool?"
"No!" the Schnee stiffened in her grasp. "Never. You're anything but a fool."
"Really?" She bit the girl's ear, drawing a curious noise from her. "You've a funny way of showing it."
A quick twist of her wrist, spun the girl around and pushed her back to the bed. Winter stumbled and landed hard on her rear. Cinder pounced, entrapping her with her arms before she could even think of escape. A knee pushed up against her, all but pinning her where she lay.
"Do you have any idea how long I've been waiting for this?" her forehead touched hers, nose brushing her own as she pushed her back to the bed. "To have you alone, all to myself?"
"I...I...ah, don't understand...!"
Winter's face had gone positively scarlet. Absolutely adorable.
"No?" she tilted her head just do, dark hair falling over a golden eye. "Perhaps a demonstration is in order...?"
A hand ghosted across the swell of her breasts, fingers trailing behind, caressing the skin beneath the thin fabric. Winter made a noise caught somewhere between a gasp and a low whine. She didn't try to escape. Even as her palm ran over her flank, she made no effort to resist whatsoever. Her skin was feverishly warm to the touch, almost molten.
"Why me...?" she whispered.
"Why not?" questing fingers slipped between her legs. The young woman bucked. "Don't you find me attractive?"
"You're -ah!- lovely...
"I know." she hummed a little and kissed her nose. "I've seen you watching me."
Her captive stiffened. "Was I that obvious?"
To lie or not to lie? "...no?"
"Oh, gods." Winter groaned into a pillow. "Kill me now."
"None of that...
Cinder pulled her in and kissed her. Winter's lips tasted of berries and melted ice, of sweet promises and forgotten things. Her head angled into the kiss, startling her somewhat, if only for a moment. Her breath hitched as her hands twitched, settling on her shoulders...
"I...no." then she pushed her back, walls slamming into place once more. "This is wrong. We can't. This is indecent. Improper."
"Is it?" Silly girl. Cinder reeled her back in with ease. "How can something that feels so right be so wrong?"
She rolled her shoulders, uncaring as a strap slipped free.
Winter's lips parted as she stared.
Something like lust flashed in her eyes; Cinder saw the precise moments when her chains, the very restraint of her self, began to buckle.
"You've lived your whole life doing as you're told." She planted a feather light kiss on the nape of her neck. "Isn't it time you lived for yourself?" Another kiss on her chin that had her prey mewling for more. "Be selfish for once in your life. Do what you want." Closer now, her mouth ghosting across hers. "When you want," her fingers locked around her waist, cradling her close. "Where you want." her fingers pushed down the silken straps of her gown down at last, and she began to lavish kisses on her breasts.
Nearly there, now; it only took a little push, a bit of a nudge.
Cinder gave it all too gladly. "Or are you afraid?"
A growl pierced the air. "I fear nothing!"
When Winter went on the offensive, it was glorious thing indeed; she all but attacked with her lips. A fresh surge of warm heat suffused Cinder's body as her head lolled back against the pillow, relishing in these decadent sensations as the Schnee grappled with her. Her fingers fisted against the sheets as she briefly offered her the illusion of control.
Then she smiled, wrapped her legs round her, and twisted.
Quite suddenly it was Winter who found herself trapped, pinned beneath her, wholly unprepared. Blue eyes wide, pale hair a shroud of white at her back, skin slicked with sweat. Cinder kissed her forehead once, then her head drifted lower. Winter made a noise of confusion, not quite comprehending what was about to transpire. Not at first...until hands tightened around her.
"Cinder!"
Soon, Winter was gasping and crying her name.
This? This was power. Cinder rather liked this feeling.
Yes, a girl could get used to this...night after night spent in bliss...
A/N: EDIT: Oh for crying out loud... At this point, Cinder's just messing with Winter.
She loves Naruto, and was literally told do whatever it takes. That's what this is; her aim to throw Winter off her game and prevent her becoming a maiden.
As ever the Embers Rule remains in effect, because, hoo boy, this story gets a lot of flames; moreso than anything I've ever written to date Feedback certainly helps, but flames just heart. So speak up! Make yourselves hard!
Speak up! Make yourself heard! I can't write in silence!
As ever, reviews keep me going despite my health.
So In the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review, Would You Kindly? It means the world to us.
And of course, enjoy the previews. They're...well, startling, to say the least. Also! SPOILERS.
(Previews)
"Do you love me, Winter?"
"Yes...yes, of course I do...
"Is that so?" Cinder cupped her cheek. "Would you kill for me?"
"I think we've made a monster. She's terrifying."
Naruto shrugged. "Could be worse.
...and you're fine that her and the Schnee are...?"
"Why wouldn't I be? I told her to do whatever it took. She did. Simple as that."
He considered the Relic in his hand.
"That makes things...simple." he gave it a twirl. "Very, very simple. "Because now there is no power on this earth that can stop us."
"Let her go. Now."
His enemy clasped both hands behind their back. "You dare threaten me? Do you know who I am?
"Ohh, I do." Naruto started forward, thunder in his eyes. Cinder could see it clear as day behind the glass. "And if you don't let her go." his voice was impossibly thick, even through the barrier. "I'll bring my friends, I'll bring my enemies. Give me a minute, and I'll bring Salem and Ozma." he snapped a finger outward. "You will release her now or I will rain hell on you and yours for the rest of time."
Here at last, Cinder saw the fear in their eyes. "You can't!"
"I can do whatever the hell I like!" his fist snapped out, cuffing them across the jaw, sending them spinning to the floor. "You've read the stories, you've heard the legends. You know who I am. And in all that time, did you ever hear anything about anyone who stopped me?!
Winter clasped Cinder's hand and hid behind her.
"I know your kind." the man staggered upright. "You said your name...was Naruto. A man like you would never-
"Naruto is no longer here!" he howled in their face! "You are stuck with me! And I will end you. Everything you love! Everything you are! Now! Let! Her! GO!"
R&R~!