"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent."

-Teacher

/

His eyes fluttered open to see the moonlight of the broken celestial body above peering through the window. It was quiet outside. The only noises his ears were able to hear were the cars driving down the road, and the occasional group of people that were being loud without a care in the world.

Shifting himself where his eyes stared at the ceiling he had a look of curiosity.

This was a strange feeling for him.

He never understood dreams.

Of course he knew how they happened, but he never understood why his dreams were what they are. The few times he could recall having a dream he felt nothing. Most people when talking about dreams painted them to be some glorious realm of endless possibilities. A hidden paradise that was just out of their grasp.

He was a person where even in the face of death he felt nothing. Was that normal? A child, not caring about the fact that their life could end at any second? Clearly not in this world if people become Hunter's at what, twenty-one? Be it some exceptions like Ruby.

It made him wonder, with a similar history of warfare and death, what had changed between the two sides of the world to have such different outcomes. One where death by human hand was a norm, and one where it was a sin to the highest of degrees.

He shook his head, he was getting off topic. If he wandered to far away from what had awoken him; he feared it would be swept away from the clutches of his mind.

So how come the dreams of the past always awoke that underlying emotion he felt so very few times?

There were only a handful of times where he could vividly remember that gut wrenching feeling.

The Kyuubi attack was one of the earliest.

He could never forget the engrained smile of his parents as their souls left their bodies with a gaping hole in their chest. He would never forget the words they had told him. Or the look in their eyes.

Happiness…

Why were they so happy?

A question that had been itching at the back of his mind since that day.

He knew they didn't want to die, and the most reasonable answer would be that their children were safe. But, could you really consider your child safe when a brother is ripped away from his sibling? That same brother watching that sibling from a distance as people hated every bone in that little boy's body?

And what had he done to help him?

Nothing.

He left his brother all alone to face the world. A harsh one created by those that were supposed to love and cherish him. He hated admitting it, but it was something he hated his parents for.

For dying.

For leaving him in the mess that he was in.

For leaving him.

His parents weren't stupid. They knew their lives weren't going to be perfect. He had heard it straight from their mouth when they were drawing the last of their breaths.

So why… why the hell were they so damn happy?

There were other things that haunted him as well. Broken promises, friendships ending, and other horrors he had witnessed.

Most lives were half-written stories, or simply unfinished sentences as his teacher once told him.

That was a thought for another time.

Sticking his arm into the air lazily he moved his fingers around. He could faintly hear the sounds of birds chirping, but couldn't tell if that was either a memory or from the outside.

His hand fell on top of his chest where he closed his eyes. That dream was a strange one. He never had one like that.

One where he wasn't frightened, not scared, not waking up drenched in sweat.

But one that left him feeling calm. Almost like he was listening to the rain again.

Was that his fairy tale?

/

Ozpin was a man who knew many things, but a normal man he was not.

He would've loved to have lived a normal life, follow the simple steps of going to school, getting a job, a family eventually, and then retiring to the fruits of his labor. Sadly, in whichever way you looked at it, he was destined for something more. This life of his was going to make some progress to his goal. Be it a step or even a grain.

Walking through the empty halls of Beacon, that were filled to the brim with students just yesterday, he couldn't help but smile. A new year had started, and he had gotten not just one but two aces in his sleeve to use.

Perhaps if he was lucky enough he could take two steps more?

"Oh! Headmaster!" a cheerful young voice chirped through the halls.

There was one of them right now.

His eyes landed upon her silver ones. Eyes that according to legend could kill a grimm by just a glance. A tale forgotten by all, except those who rode with the wind of time.

"Well if it isn't the young Ruby Rose," he greeted, "I hope you've been enjoying Beacon so far. I expect it's everything and more?"

"Yep!" she chirped with a two finger salute, "Perfect!"

That raised a brow, "Perfect?" he repeated, "Trust me Ruby, not even Beacon is perfect."

She faltered at that. Beacon seemed pretty perfect to her.

"Surely there was something or had to have been a moment where this school wasn't 'perfect' as you put it."

She scratched the back of her hand nervously, "Welllllllll, when you put it that wayyyy," she drew out while fidgeting with her fingers, "The teachers are kinda… uh…"

"Unique."

"That's the best way to put it."

He chuckled at the girls attitude, "Well despite their quirks and kinks they're the best of the best, and I hope you can tell despite how they act at times."

"Mhm," she nodded, "I'm pretty sure I shouldn't be telling you this, but Professor Ports stories sometimes get me a bit...well… you know…" she looked sheepish enough with the way she looked at the ground and held her hands together behind her back, "sleepy."

She stood there not wanting to make eye contact, but the chuckle she heard before he spoke surprised her.

"Well i've heard all of them at least what? Three or perhaps five times a year. Lucky you only have to see him for one class period and not work with the man," he said, placing both hands on his cane for support, "Tell me which story are you on right now? The one where he made a King Taijutu eat the other, or when he challenged a boarbatusk to a 'roll off' as he put it?"

Her face took on a mixture of shock and curiosity, "Are you serious?"

"It all depends if Port was."

"Ah," she exclaimed looking a bit disappointed.

The faintest of smirks appeared on the headmaster's face. Port's stories were known to be very absurd to put lightly.

"So," the teen started, "What are you doing up this early?"

Taking his cane by the hand he started walking through the halls where the girl quickly followed suit.

"It's a fine time to take a walk after the weather from yesterday, don't you think?"

She looked out the window where sure enough the sun's orange rays shone upon Beacon giving it an almost magical look. Trying and succeeding in entering whatever space it could from it's angle, which cast a rather long looking shadow to those few who were up and about.

It was what? Eight?

Not even her team wanted to get up from their soft cozy blankets, let alone be bothered by her. Blake even… hissed at her?

Oh well, some people just weren't morning people.

"And you?" she heard the older man question.

"Oh you know, just going to the library," she said jollily.

Getting a raised brow from the Headmaster she let out a nervous chuckle before scratching the back of her head.

"I'm surprised. Most students wouldn't be up this early to go study."

She shook her head, "I'm uh… you now… " she blanked before looking at the man, "... Two years behind."

"And yet two years ahead at the same time.."

She sweatdropped at the man's remark. She hated cryptic sayings like those.

"I hope you're aware that there's another student around your age."

"Really!?" she perked with excitement at that.

Finally! Someone who could understand her struggle! Maybe she could even study up with them.

"In fact, I believe you already met him."

So it was a guy.

"Really?" she asked a bit curiously before adopting a thinking position. With her hand cupping her chin she rubbed it in thought.

There was Jaune, but did he look fifteen? Nah!

'Let's see, let's see…'

There was Ren? She didn't know much about Ren.

"It's young Namikaze," he interrupted her line of thinking.

"Who?"

"Namikaze-Uzumaki," he repeated again.

"I don't think I met a guy called Namikaze or with the last name Uzumaki," she replied with some disappointment.

Damn, she really wanted to know who it was.

She heard the Headmaster chuckle before they approached the doors to the library, "It's his last name," he said before departing, "However, I believe you know him by Naruto."

She let out a small groan, and here she thought it would be someone she could make friends with.

/

He groaned in his sleep as he turned over in bed. The slight feeling of pressure on his right arm slowly awoke him. Opening his eyes to the real word light invaded his senses.

Covering his eyes with his left arm he stretched his legs, letting a moan escape his lips.. His bones popped back in place as his muscles relaxed. However, the constant rhythmic pressure remained.

Had he done something to his arm when he was sleeping?

Moving his hand around he was surprised to feel a hand on his arm. Shaking the other, to make sure it wasn't his own, his eyes shot open to see the same drunk man from last night.

"Damn kid," he said almost in admiration before giving it a squeeze, "You must have a hell of a throw." he looked at his shocked face as if nothing was wrong.

In fact, he smiled at him.

His upper body rose where the blanket fell revealing more of his scarred skin.

"Scars too," he whistled, "Holy shit lots of em'! Damn kid, must be getting all the ladies flaunting those off. Or are you just a Huntsmen noobie?" he asked still squeezing his bicep.

The hit came a lot quicker than the man expected it to.

"Ow, ow, ow," he whined, "Ok, ok, not a newbie. NOT a noobie!" he repeated, seeing the kid was getting ready to throw another one.

Caressing his cheek he could already feel a lump forming under his fingers. That was a hell of a punch.

He smirked before getting up from the floor still in the clothes from the night before. Extending his hand he looked at the blond, "Names Ashen kid, your drunk bestie."

Looking at the hand wearily he accepted it before opening his mouth. It was a simple task really. All he had to say was 'Naruto', there was no way he could mess this up.

Except when he tried to speak the only thing that came out was empty wind and a pain in his throat. He coughed up nothing but dust where he attempted to speak again, and like last time was a failure.

"Are you a mute or something?" Ashen asked, "Funny, I think I read something like this on the internet?"

He tried to speak again only to let out a violent cough.

Looking at the man he seemed to have an amused smirk on his lips.

"Trust me kid, I'm enjoying this as much as you are."

Naruto looked at the man once more. The fury of a guy in his fifties touching him while he was sleeping half naked bubbled up inside of him. He wanted to yell desperately but settled on thrashing at the man.

"Ow,ow,OW! Stop that!" he yelled in retaliation.

Stop he did, but quickly kicked him sending him flying straight through the door where he ran up and quickly slammed it shut. Locking it he slapped his forehead out of his stupidity.

How did he forget to lock the door?

Smacking himself once more he slid down the door before letting out a groan. He should've just walked back to the station. Getting wet be damned, at least he would've been able to talk.

Letting out a long sigh he definitely overstayed his welcome. Grabbing his pants from the floor he sat on his bed putting them on. Grabbing his shirt he shook it a little only for the door to open.

"I heard yo-" Lav's voice was heard as she opened the supposed 'locked' door only for her eyes to land on him. A pregnant silence ensued where both just looked at the other. Her brow raised in curiosity, "You know I'll just tell you downstairs." she told him before closing the door.

He blinked, and blinked again. His mouth dropped slightly as he stared at the wooden floor.

/

"Are you blushing?" Ashen's voice rang out throughout the empty bar. He was already seated ready to play his piano until his favorite lavender haired girl came walking down the stairs.

She looked at him blankly, not a blush evident on her face, "Were you feeling up an underage child?"

"Ok you know what! That's not what that was, and you know that…"

"So if that kid goes to the cops, and tells them that he woke up to a forty-year old man feeling him up. You're gonna tell them 'no it's not what it looks like?'"

"Alright so I might need to you know…"

"Not get arrested for touching a child? Smart idea."

He looked at the floor with a downcast look, "You know what I was doing, and I think I found the one."

That got a surprised look out of her.

"Really now?"

"Yep!" the man chirped doing a complete one-eighty, "To lighten this place up a bit, ya know. Get some music going for when I'm passed out on the floor."

She blanked, "And here I thought you were being serious," she stated looking around.

"I am."

"To what?" she asked a bit harshly.

"Anything and everything," he smirked.

"I hate riddles."

"Not the only one," he replied while glancing towards the now clothed blond coming down the stairs.

"Ah! Blondy!" he exclaimed getting up from his seat before throwing his arms out for a hug, "Now I know we got off on the wrong foot bu-"

He didn't get to finish as his shin was kicked by the very blond.

"Ok, ok, I deserve that…" Ashen weezed, "But trust me… it wasn't me tryna get a hard off on a-"

The instant pain that came from Lav's hand connecting to the back of his head was more then enough to make him quiet.

"OW! OW! OW!" he yelled, sending a glare to the lavender haired girl, "Jeez abusing adults now? Your generation really doesn't have a single ounce of respect for your elders."

"Oh, cut the crap you drunk," the girl spoke with a twitch to her brow.

The blond seemed to be in a similar state when the noise of knuckles being cracked caught his attention. Letting out a nervous chuckle he took a step back, "Now, now children… can't we all just be friends? Sit down and have a couple beers-"

"He's underage… again."

"Ok maybe some apple juice from some sippy cups."

The glare Naruto sent his way was enough to make him sweat.

"Or uh… you know…" he started choosing his words carefully, "...tea?"

The blond looked at Lav before she let out a sigh.

"I'll get some tea," she stated before looking at him, "Let me guess can't speak?"

Without a moment of hesitation he nodded.

"And honey," she added before looking at the adult of the room, "Can I trust you to not-"

"Oh! For god's sake, yes!"

Giving the man a calculative glare she nodded before looking at the teen, "He does anything to you all the cops."

"WOW!"

Ignoring him she saw the blond give her a stern nod. Glancing at Ashen once more she grabbed her purse that was dangling off the chair before leaving.

In an instant Naruto walked towards the opposite side of the room of the man before crossing his arms under his chest. Taking a seat he glared at the man.

Seeing this Ashen couldn't help but sweat drop. Licking his hand he slid it across his hair before approaching the blond.

He pushed the chair against the floor getting further away from the man for every step he took to get closer.

Ashen stopped. His arms slumped to the side before giving the kid an annoyed look.

"Really? You're really gonna act like a little child?"

As if he wasn't expecting it the blond furiously nodded while his eyebrows scrunched up giving him an even more childish appearance.

He blanked giving the kid what he dubbed a 'Lav stare' before a strand of his fair fell between his vision. Blowing it out of the way he took a seat on the opposite side of the table from the kid. Whistling he leaned his head back before his mouth started singing.

His eye cracked open when he saw the kid giving him a curious stare.

"What?" he asked.

The blond simply looked away.

He let out a long exhale before his eyes glanced around the room. From the chairs to the bar to the neatly organized glasses that laid behind the counter. However, there was one that brought a spark in his eyes.

The piano.

Glancing at the kid he couldn't help the smirk that formed, "Say kid," he started getting Naruto's attention, "You ever play the piano?"

A frown.

The hell did this kid have to frown about? Especially about pianos?

/

The library of Beacon was vast and large. Containing all forms of knowledge from the earliest known history of all four kingdoms of Remnant to bibliographies of the greatest minds of the recent world. Books of fairytales and life of Hunters, all waiting to be opened. To pass the knowledge through an undefined time to those who seek it.

Books were a marvelous creation. Informing generation after generation of the discoveries and wonders of the entire world.

There were no half written stories, or unfinished tales.

However it's a shame that most didn't share the same view.

"What the hell am I reading?" a voice spoke more to itself than the few people who were around her. Her voice clearly irritated as she rubbed her eyes.

How long has it been? At least half the day had to have passed?

Turning on her scroll her face stared blankly at the flashing time. Only two hours had passed? How the hell was that two hours?

She flipped through her pages as she read through her notes. Marking the pages with a number before finding the end of her writing,

"Seventeen pages…"

Ok, maybe she deserved a break. A long break.

Clicking her pen closed she slouched in her chair while throwing her head back. Groaning, she closed her eyes. Feeling her conscious slowly start to slip into the blissful form of sleep.

"No… no Ruby…" she muttered to herself.

She had two options here.

One, was to fall in her desires and just say screw it, or two work her ass off and study the material she missed. Weiss was being kinda nitpicky with her the past week, and she wanted to show the Schnee heiress that she could be trusted.

Slapping herself, her eyes opened meeting that of liliac.

"Oh, hey Yang," she said with a lazy wave.

"Sup lil-sis," she greeted back before taking a seat next to her.

She grabbed one of the few books that laid open before skimming through it. Hearing her sister let out a whistle she looked at her.

"What?"

"I honestly did not think you got this far. I mean before we went to Beacon you were what? Over like a fourth way done with what you skipped?"

"Mhm," she hummed before slouching her head back.

"Ruby?" Her sister called her name with interest, "Have you been studying late at night too?"

"Mhm…"

"Damn… honestly if it was me I'd leave it last second."

"Mhm…"

"Probably be looking for some guys instead to be honest."

"Mhm…"

"Who was that one guy you had a mad crush on? I called him 'Stairs'... Stepon? Oh! Stephen!"

"WHAT!" she screamed, slamming her hands on the table before frantically looking around, "Stephens here!"

"One, calm down it's a library," Yang said motioning towards the others that were looking at them, "Two your childhood crush is not here. In fact, if he was I wouldn't let him a block near you."

"You really don't like him that much, do you?"

"If I had to pick between beating up Naruto or Stephen. I'd beat up Stephen and give Naruto a bat to help me."

Ruby gringed, "Really?"

"Yes. Ones a perv the others a straight and utter asshole. Trust me sis, with my experience those types of guys aren't afraid to take… let's call them risks."

"Oh come on he's not that bad."

Yang blanked, "Yes, yes he is."

She looked to the side, not being able to meet Yang's eyes. She was over exaggerating, she just had to be.

Glancing at Yang she looked back at the book opened in front of her before stretching. Letting out a cute little yawn she licked dry lips.

"You know there's another person here around my age?"

"No shit? You being for real? Someone else had enough talent to match the mighty Ruby Rose?" she teased.

Lightly blushing at the praise she glanced around the room; all but while fidgeting with her fingers, "Yeah…"

"Well lil-sis if that was me i'd find them right away. That way you can have a bracelet buddy when we go out to bars and all," she spoke before glancing at the books piled upon one another, "Hell! You could even be study buddies.." she said passing over one of the books to her sister.

Ruby looked at the book in front of her. Maybe that wasn't such a bad idea?

/

"I swear to whatever god or gods can hear me if you miss that note one more time I'll slap you so hard you'll see those notes flying around your head!"

His response was the exact same in the form of an angry teen that flipped him off.

"Again! And please, please, please, do it right this time!"

He sat down impatiently. His hands held together with his fingers intertwining to rest his chin on. Observing the blond with surveying eyes he listened to the blond play.

The melody was slow. Slow enough that it could play upon the listeners imagination to form a story of their own. However, one thing was clear right from the get-go. This story wasn't one that would end with a 'happy ending'. Yet, it would start at the happiest moment of one's life.

A couple getting married.

A rose blooming.

A child being born.

Or simply a fox wandering the forest.

He watched and the teen played and played. Ashen raised a single eyebrow as the kids mess up from before came nearer and nearer. He had expected himself to jolt up and yell at the teen like he had done so moments before, but when it came he had played it as if he had done it many times before.

He relaxed into his chair as his muscles eased like the music was a remedy. Yet despite the stories ending coming closer and closer he smiled. For the tune would still play, and life would continue on. It drew nearer, and nearer, and nearer… until it was about to en-

"GOD DAMNIT!" he yelled face palming right into his two hands, "YOU WERE SO CLOSE! SO,SO, SO DAMN CLOSE!"

He peeked through the small slits between his fingers to find the blond fuming. His arms crossed with an annoyed look. The message was clear.

You should've let me finish.

Calming down a little he moved the strands of his hair behind his right ear, "Ok… ok… it was good. Almost perfect, but I'ma be honest with you kid it was… ok."

The faunus's face looked surprised at that. He mouthed something, but Ashen knew what he was saying.

"Yeah I said it was 'ok'. Not spectacular."

The bird was all he received.

"Everytime you flip me off is gonna be another day added to you working behind that counter."

He looked a bit bewildered by his statement.

"Oh yeah, you gotta pay off Lav somehow kiddo."

"No. No, he doesn't." a voice answered as bells rang from the door.

The two looked at the source only to find Lav carrying two bags.

"Well what about Em?"

The blond noted her name in the back of his mind.

"Kindness of her heart."

"Oh, we both know that's bullshit. Em's heart has nothing! And I exclaim! Nothing! But pure darkness! I mean have you seen how much she overcharges me!"

Two blank Lav looks later, the middle aged man was already grumbling something to himself about the two.

The other two in the room shared a glance before meeting up at the closest table. She placed the white plastic bag on top before taking out the contents. A green box filled with tea packets, and sure enough a sealed jar of honey that matched the color of the stars in his eyes.

He had somewhat of a sweet tooth/

Waiting in silence he sat tapping his fingers on top of the table while looking around. Ashen slid up a chair next to him, which he responded with scooting a tiny bit farther from the man. He heard his continued grumblings, but luckily enough Lav came at the perfect time.

She slid him his tea much to how she had slid him his hot chocolate the night prior. Looking at it he saw the steam dance around the rim of the cup before disappearing into thin air.

"Don't be stupid like last time," he heard come from Lav.

Looking her right in the eye he had the courage to flip her off getting her to crack a mischievous smirk from her usual stoic face.

"Wait, what happened last time?" Ashen asked.

"He decided it was a smart idea to chug down some fresh hot coco."

The man hissed at just the thought of that before rubbing his throat, "He really is stupid."

If he could yell he would've, but the only thing he could do right now was to send threatening glares. That probably made him look more like a pouting child than a professional Hunter.

Deciding to ignore the two he blew on the surface of his drink before wrapping his fingers around the handle. He lifted it up and placed it upon his lips where he could feel it slide right through him. A feeling of delight followed the trail of the liquid. He hadn't known how sore his throat actually was until just now.

Letting out a satisfied sigh his eyes twinkled a little where his eyes met pink.

"You should probably leave before Em comes by," Lav started getting a look of confusion out of him.

Oh right. She wanted him gone as soon as possible.

"Be a funny story to tell your friends, so in case we don't see each other again… see ya." she stated before grabbing her cup and leaving to go upstairs.

He followed her form, staring at the back of her head. Feintly hearing the voices of devil him in the back.

Do it~

Slowly, his eyes started finding themselves going lower and lower. Blinking, he shook his head before snapping it forward. Meeting eyes with Ashen the drunk had a mischievous smirk on his face.

"I saw nothing kiddo. I saw nothing." he spoke before taking a swig from a canister, "Once you finish that up feel free to leave. If you miss the lil ol' me, i'll be here either drunk, on the piano, floor, or in my bedroom in that particular order." he winked.

Just like that he stumbled slightly towards the piano before playing. He had to admit the drunk was good. Staring into his cup he saw his reflection staring back at him.

What was the saying?

April showers bring May flowers?

It was June though.

Where the sun shone brightly burning everything into a crisp.

/

Stepping into his dorm room, with a heavy weight to his step, he never knew how happy he would be seeing that damn makeshift bed on the floor.

Unlike the other three of his teammates he hadn't taken up any of the closet space. He believed that the more luxury he gave to them then perhaps they could open up to him.

He was mere seconds away from falling after the horrendous walk he had to make. When he had left the bar he had greatly underestimated just how far the station that goes in and out of Beacon was.

Very.

That blasted sun didn't help out either.

He looked at the table that had Cardin's bag on top of it. It lay unopened, and for the worse of him he shouldn't open it.

He didn't listen.

Just like he decided to take the boys clothes he had decided to rummage through the older teens bag. It was just… a precaution? Yeah, a precaution. In case he had anything that could get him kicked out and whatnot.

His hands landed on papers that he decided to look out. They were Ports. Homework that was supposed to be turned in on Monday, and Cardin hadn't started a single question on it. He glanced at his bed and at the papers again. Back to his bed and finally on the papers.

He would help Cardin out. If the older boy was going to keep being an ass about things then there was only one thing left that he could do. To be a good Captain, and to actually make some sort of connection to all his teammates.

Letting out a dry chuckle he hoped the boy would appreciate this.


Not really sure how to feel about the first half of this chapter. There's just something off about it to me, and if anyone can point it out that'd be greatly appreciated. I'd definitely go back and rewrite it. Expect the next update around two weeks from now, and I hope you guys did like the slight change in character for Naruto. Looking back on the upcoming chapters there is development in how he acts around others. I'm curious as to how you as the reader feel about the OC's. I will admit right now Onyx and Teal won't get some time on here for a couple chapters and that's completely my fault. I will say that there is going to be an original arc that's going to greatly develop Naruto's character and show off a bit of the powers sealed in his sword. Anyways, thanks for for reading! Till next time!