A/N: PLEASE READ THIS NOTE, WOULD YOU KINDLY? Lots of juicy questions answered here.
EDIT: Really class with the death threats and flames, trolls. Bah. I've seen worse.
First, a warning. While chapter involves a lot of heated words and debate, it is, at the end of the day, a work of fiction. Think of it what you will.
As ever, reviews keep me writing. Without them, I lose all inspiration. So by all means, speak up!
It makes a world of difference with all the back-to-back shifts I work.
That's no joke.
Call that what you will, but I write for feedback; that, and the joy of chatting with you all. That's the long and short of it. Now more than ever in this hectic time, its fun to bandy ideas back and forth, respond to fan mail and just interact with you all.
Silence...silence hurts more than words.
Well, I've been ordered to bed rest by my doc, which I suppose is a good thing...? Gives me time to write a longer chapter, even if I can't move too well. And make no mistake, this chapter needed to be longer; if only because of the sheer VOLUME that happens here.
Now then, lets answer your burning questions, comments, and concerns!
Q: Naruto stoooop! You know not what you do!
A: Alas, though our doesn't know it, his actions are actually HELPING Salem at this point. Why would he? He knows nothing about Salem, the Maidens, or even the Relics at this point. He's doing his own thing, and reacting to everything that comes his way. As a Discontent for Beacon and Atlas are building, and with Haven under Salem's thumb...
Sure, right now, the people have faith in him. They see him as a hero, a revolutionary, a savior. But as a certain goblin once said to a certain spider...
"The one thing they love more than a hero, is to see a hero fail, fall, die trying."
Time will tell if that happens.
Q: Sasuke's ghost is a sassy bastard, isn't he?
A: Death has a way of...unshackling you from morality and giving you a new perspective. It happened to Naruto in "Wolf" and its happened to Sasuke here. As to whether others can see him, or if he's even real...well. I'll leave it to you go guess.
Q: Will we see more of those captured soldiers from Atlas? You're not the sort to drop names and then leave 'em hanging.
A: Oh, there are more names beside Rex. Allow me to drop a few.
Thorn. Fives. Gregor. Cody.
See what I'm planning, now?
Q: Jacques must be seething now. He's lost all those resources, and his hit squads keep failing.
A: Glad to see someone remembers it. That wasn't a throwaway line; Naruto IS being hunted by the SDC. Don't think they've given up.
And yes. We'll see the Schnee family. All of them. I won't say when. Wouldn't do to spoil things after.
Q: I'm sure you've said this before, but can we have a list of pairings?
A: Not quite, but I WILL reiterate it. Those who've shown interest in Naruto are as follows: Neo, Satin, Sienna, and now Glynda. Salem is...curious, but at this point she feels no need to try and involve herself in the affairs of Naruto and company.
Of course, she's not above fanning the flames a little to make Ozpin suffer.
Summer? Firmly an enemy. Not sure she'll ever be able to accept what he's doing.
Kali knows jack all about him, and she's happily married, to say nothing of Little!Blake running around. No NTR here!
Q: Hoo boy, the Belladona family is here. This bodes poorly.
A: Does it? I've been holding back for the sake of this chapter, restraining myself lest I spoil things.
No more! Now comes the second arc and its gonna be one helluva doozy! So many plot threads held back for this chapter, so many characters, enough to make your head spin!
Q: With this reach the events of the most current volume?
A: Yes, this story will eventually reach canon. All the way to the end.
Q: Is...is Naruto about to seize control of the White Fang?
A: See, that's the thing. He doesn't want it. He's busy enough as the "Flame" -ohhhh, how he hates that title!- and he really has no desire to run the organization as a whole. That's not to say he doesn't sympathize with Sienna, of course. She's his ally. Of course he'll stand with her. Ghira and Kali really don't know who they're messing with...
Q: Salem's probably laughing her ass off right now, isn't she? All this madness, and she hasn't even lifted a finger.
A: Quite. Hunters are being scrutinized through Vale, Summer's on lockdown, Glynda's on leave, all wile Ironwood is being dragged through the mud. Meanwhile, Ozpin looks incompetent by allowing Naruto and the White Fang to set up shop on what is essentially his doorstep. She's a very happy queen.
Alright then, I've kept you long enough.
As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes.
Hope you're prepared; because this is where the story takes off.
"I've recently come to something of a realization. Nothing is true, everything is permitted."
"Isn't that a bit cynical?
"Not really. Its it isn't doctrine. Merely...an observation. To say that nothing is true is to realize that the foundations of society are fragile, and that we must be the shepherds of our own civilization. To say that everything is permitted is to understand that we are the architects of our actions and that we must live with their consequences, whether glorious or tragic. I live with mine. I understand that I've made mistakes, some of them bad, some of them good, but I own them now.
You see, when I was a young man, I had liberty, but I did not see it. I had time, but I did not know it. And I had love, but I did not feel it."
You've asked me many questions, Ghira. You too, Kali. Now, let me pose one of my own...
...are the two of you doing the right thing?"
~An Argument of Ideals.
Partners in Revolution
Salem considered the newspaper sprawled on the table before her.
She regarded it keenly with red eyes rimmed in black as she drank in each and every word. She blinked. Once. Twice. Thrice, now. And then. Ever so slowly. She smiled. It was a rare thing indeed, that smile. Not the smile of a madwoman, nor the grin of an an anarchist, nor the leer of a psychopath bent on world annihilation, but an honest-to-goodness smile.
The headline made her warm in the worst of ways; that was truly saying something.
"General James Ironwood court-martialed for opening fire against unarmed Faunus civilians! Successor promises full review of the tragedy!"
Her smile stretched further still, turning what was otherwise a menacing visage into something surprisingly...soft. Looking back she'd only ever worn such an expression twice in her life. Once when she'd first met Ozma. A second time, when their children were born. This promised to be the third.
Because this headline was sweet, sweet music to her ears.
'Oh, Ozpin. You utter fool...you're being led by the nose and you don't even realize it...
"Well, gentlemen." she leaned back upon her throne and steeped her fingers. "It would seem our "friend" has been busy. What say you?"
Muffled laughter arose from those seated at the table before her. Yes, she decided, her minions certainly liked that news. As they should! Watts certainly thought so; he was grinning from ear to ear. She supposed he had the right to be smug. His was the smile of man who'd nursed a grudge for the better part of a decade; the smirk of a disgraced scientist who had sown the seeds of vengeance long ago and only just now seen them bear fruit. This, was why he had joined her in the first place. For recognition. For vengeance.
And yet his first taste of it had come not from her, but from an outside force. He'd provided her no shortage of updates on the Flame. She'd have to watch that.
Tyrian mirrored the madman's with one of his own; but really he was a devout follower of all things chaotic. News of Ironwood's fall from grace pleased her, and thus, it pleased him. He had been nothing when she found him and his faith in her was without question. She had no fear of his loyalty. Why, even now his tail was all but swaying with glee.
Hazel alone dissented with his frown.
"They've made Ironwood a scapegoat for forces beyond his control." he regarded the paper with melancholy. "Now that he's exhausted his usefulness, Ozpin's likely left him out to dry, as he has so many before." a mighty hand touched itself to his brow. "I pity him."
"Ha!" Watts crowed! "I certainly don't! This is only the beginning! Let him suffer more!"
Tyrian tittered. "Yes, the more the merrier! Its always so nice when they squirm.
Salem hummed. Their glee aside, she saw opportunity in this.
With dear Ozma distracted by this...interloper, she was free to conduct her schemes in the shadows as she saw fit. Now if only she had a proper maiden candidate...but no the girl wasn't ready. She wouldn't be for quite some time yet. To other plans, then. She had plans for Vacuo yet. Mistral remained a non-factor until Tyrian found their wayward Maiden. Atlas would be in turmoil for months, if not years over Ironwood's disgrace. Vale was on high alert what with the Flame's actions, but perhaps if she was quick and careful...
She considered her minions.
"Watts."
The scientist perked up. "My lady?"
"I believe a visit to Mountain Glenn is in order."
She expected protest. A complaint, at the very least. His smile...worried her.
"Great minds think alike. I've been rather eager to meet him myself." he stood and briskly smoothed a crease in his jacket. "I will make ready at once." a pause followed as he thumbed his chin, considering. "Shall I make an overture to him on your behalf?"
Salem nearly said yes.
It was so terribly tempting to bring him into the fold. The things he could do for them...the sheer havoc he could wreak...her knees twisted beneath the table, legs rubbing together in thinly veiled glee. He was powerful, of that she was certain. Perhaps some of his feats had been exaggerated; perhaps there was some form of trickery at work; in truth she knew not. But she did want to meet him.
Soon.
'Do I want him?' She touched a hand to her face, mildly alarmed by her body's response. 'My, my. That's rather surprising. I thought it impossible...
But no, she'd made her decision and her plans mattered more than some flight of fancy. For now, his motives ran parallel to theirs.
"Not yet. And make sure no one kills him." she added almost as an afterthought when Tyrian began to twitch. "He serves no purpose to us as a martyr. Give him a nudge. If he can drive a wedge between Vale and Atlas, all the better." Tyrian made a noise of discontent, and she cut in quickly before his protests could build up steam. "Tyrian, you will continue your hunt for the Spring Maiden. Meet with Lionheart while you're there." her smile twisted, becoming cruel. "I think its high time we reminded him whom he serves." next her gaze sought Hazel. "I have need of you in Atlas. Keep pursuing the lead you've found."
...and the girl?" Blast him and his soft heart.
"You needn't worry." Salem concealed a scowl behind the back of her and. "Leave her to me."
He nodded. "It will be done."
Tyrian preened. "As my goddess commands."
Watts nodded in conclusions. "I shall leave within the hour."
"You all know your tasks." Salem flicked a pale hand at the lot of them. "Go."
They went with nary a word, closing the door behind them.
She waited in silence, listening as their footsteps receded into the distance. Finally, when she was certain she was alone, she turned her attention back to the paper. Pale fingers glided over it, turning the page to find a second face awaiting her within. Red eyes focused on the image, his image, as one might a fine piece of art. Yes, she decided the potential was there. If he could be turned -and he would, if she had anything to say about it!- he would make a powerful ally.
"Naruto Uzumaki." Salem tapped the picture with a smile. "I have high hopes for you."
High hopes indeed. The next few years would prove...interesting.
The castle echoed with her laughter.
(.0.0.0.)
"What were the two of you thinking?! Have you gone mad?!"
Sienna clicked her tongue. "Here we go."
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Lovely."
"Did you hear that, old friend?" Sasuke's specter drawled in his ear, voice dripping with derision. "They're dissapointed in us." his friend swooned back, one hand clutched over his ruined visage. "This is the end! Woe is us! How will we ever go on?!"
Naruto flicked a lazy glance his way.
"Alright, I'll bite. What's got you so riled up?"
"Hypocrisy." the ghost rounded on him, lone eye burning red as blood. "I can't stand people who say one thing and mean another. These two reek of it."
The weary blond refrained from a sigh, but only just.
In its current sate, Mountain Glenn held precious little in the way of any really accommodations; least of all for two visiting dignitaries from Menagerie and their staff. It had taken them the better part of an hour to scrape something together...if only just. Now, safe and secure in the local townhouse -one of the few buildings to have survived the sack of the city- he found himself seated at the head of an worn oak table, Sienna beside him, with Ghira and Kali positioned opposite them. Neither looked much pleased to see him. He couldn't much blame them for it. They'd come all the way from Menagerie to meet him. That was halfway across the globe.
Still, he was grateful for the privacy afforded them and the chance to speak his mind in relative comfort away from prying eyes.
Of course that wasn't to say he was alone per se. Nor were they.
Only a fool would come to a meeting like this unguarded.
"Yeesh," a more corporeal voice sighed over his shoulder. "Tough crowd."
Ghira frowned at the one responsible. "And why is he here? He has no place here at this table."
"Because this is Mountain Glenn, bub. All are welcome." Roman tipped his had just so, concealing his eyes, but not his smile. "Even ungrateful pricks like you."
The Chieftain quirked a dark brow. "And you're...what, its king?"
"King?" Roman chortled. "Kingpin, more like-ow!" he growled as Naruto swatted his arm. "Okay, okay! Can't I have a little fun...?"
"This." Sienna groaned under her breath. "This is the company I keep."
Naruto found he didn't much mind; if anything he was grateful.
Torchwick might less than pleased to be sitting at his right, much less dealing with this quandary, but he'd come to prove his loyalty once more. He suspected Satin would've been here too, if she weren't sleeping off all that wine. Perhaps that was for the best. He didn't want to expose her to Ghira's and Kali's questions. She shouldn't have to relive that hell again. Because thus far?
The meeting was proving ever bit as torturous as Naruto had feared.
Sienna drooped on his left, looking every bit a scolded child beneath Ghira's withering glare. At a glance the young woman seemed fascinated with the floor. She was not. At such close proximity he could feel her anger reaching a boiling point; all that silent pressure pushing up under a thin lid, ready to boil. He sympathized with her. Her ire was his ire, her anger his anger. Who were they to come all the way out here just to speak ill of them? They hadn't done anything wrong.
Well, at least this fiasco had one bright side...
Blue eyes swiveled to the other occupant of the room, a young girl with dark hair and golden eyes sitting in Kali's lap. A tiny little thing she was, all wrapped in black and white. She looked about fearlessly, utterly unafraid despite the severity of the situation. At a glance this hardly seemed the place to bring a child, then again he had his own suspicions as to her identity.
"And you must be Blake!" Naruto's put on what he hoped was winning smile for her sake. "Adam's told me all about you."
Kali tried to draw her daughter aside, but it was too late.
"He's here?" The little girl stared up at him with grave golden eyes. "Where's is he? Give him back! Right now!"
"Blake!" Ghira hushed her.
Roman whistled. "Kitty-kat's got some spine."
Sasuke chortled softly as he swept past. "Mouthy little thing."
"Give him back?" Naruto clamped a hand over his mouth to stifle a smile of his own. "That was Sienna's doing. Not mind. I didn't take him anywhere. In fact," he pulled away, sweeping an arm toward the battered door at the end of the room. "He's just outside."
The girl scowled at him. "Prove it."
"Happily."
Placing two fingers to his mouth, Naruto whistled sharply. Two of Sienna's men opened the door in lockstep. They slammed their halberds once against the ground, saluted once, then stepped aside to make way for their charge. No sooner had they done so then a small bolt of red and black shot into the room.
"Blake?!"
The little girl all but leaped from her mothers lap and dove on him. "Adam?!"
Sienna leaned back with a pleased smile, the first he'd seen from her since she entered the room. And why shouldn't she smile? Two kids hugging it out, babbling like old friends as they embraced one another. Warmed his heart. They looked so happy...
"Why don't the two of you go outside and play?" he cajoled them. "I'm sure Velvet and Emerald would be up for a game of tag...or two...
Adam made a squelching sound. "Tag? That's a children's game."
Roman sniggered. "Last time I checked, you were a kid."
The redhead huffed. "I should be training."
"No, you should be enjoying your youth while you have it." Naruto held firm in the face of the boy's resolve. "Go play, and I'll teach you that quick draw technique you've been badgering me about."
Adam sighed, recognizing the bribery for what it was, but knowing better than to argue further.
Blake all but lit up at the prospect. "Can we, mama? Pleeeaaase~?"
Kali touched one hand to the side of her face. Her eyes met his across the way and she recognized the proverbial olive branch for what it was. While the children were away, the adults could play. Better to have the tykes out of the room before they got down to business, not after. Almost reluctantly, her gaze sought Ghira's. The larger man deflated with a sigh.
...perhaps that would be the best."
Sienna sighed. "Whipped."
Blake didn't need anymore nudging; she grabbed Adam and scarpered. The boy flashed him a pitiful look over his shoulder and shook his head frantically, all but begging for help. Naruto shook his head and waved him off. Poor boy needed to enjoy life, not spend every moment of it trying to become something he wasn't. Maybe the girls would help him open up a little.
The door clicked shut as they padded away. He counted the seconds that followed. Three. Six. Nine-
"Well?" Ghira's voice finally broke through the pall of silence that had fallen over them. "What do you have to say for yourselves?"
"You seem to be laboring under a misconception." Naruto steeped his fingers and laid his chin atop them. "Unlike Sienna, I don't work for you. Which means?" he raised his right hand and snapped his fingers. "I don't give this about your feelings, and I certainly don't answer to you." his gaze flicked between each Belladona with intent. "Watch your tone."
"Lets not beat about the bush, then." Kali backed up her husband. "You're a criminal."
Naruto was ready for it. "Whatever gave you that idea?"
Ghira growled. "Your actions speak for themselves!"
He blinked once. "What actions?"
"You work with gangsters and mobsters-
"Oh, those?" he flicked a thumb over his shoulder. "Those are just Juniors men. They haven't committed any crimes here. They're good, hardworking citizens."
Roman bit his lip to stifle a laugh. Sienna was somewhat less successful.
Kali sighed. "And the attack on the Atlas fleet?"
"They fired the first shot, not us." If they were going to throw accusations at them, he was going to hurl facts right back. "Check the footage. I could have taken down their flagship, even executed the prisoners I took, yet I didn't." was it wrong to feel vindicated when they faltered? Maybe so. He bulled on regardless. "You're more than welcome to talk to Rex, Fives, and those serving under them." when they didn't interrupt, he allowed the smallest of smiles to touch his face. "They'll confirm my story."
"Look," Roman put in, "I know you're going for the whole disappointed parent act here, but really, he's not who you think he is."
Kali touched a hand to Ghira's arm, quelling his response. "And what are you?"
"In all honesty?" Naruto dared a shrug. "Just a man. I'm nothing special."
"You needn't be so humble." Sienna nudged his hip with hers. Sharp amber eyes sought those of Kali and Ghira alike. "If they can't see what you're doing here, then the fault lies with them."
"Fault?" Ghira's brow darkened. "If anything the blame lies with you."
Sienna's ears stood ramrod straight. "I beg your pardon?"
"Now, now," Kali drawled, "We're all friends here-
"Are we?" A switch flipped in the back of Naruto's mind. His face twisted into a scowl. "You're not treating us like friends at all." He wanted to shout at them, shake them, make them see, but he restrained himself at the last, unwilling to stoop to mindless violence. "In fact, I think you've already condemned us."
"Not at all." Kali's voice was soft as silk. "We wanted to get the measure of you, dear. You certainly have some steel in your spine."
"Perhaps a bit too much." Ghira laid both hands on the table, palms splayed. "Attacking SDC convoys is one thing, but-
Roman's head snapped toward Sienna with an audible crack. "You what?! I thought that was off the table!"
Sienna scratched her chin even as he ears drooped. "Surprise? We needed supplies...
"Roman, leave it. What's done is done."
Naruto grimaced even as he said the words. That explained the constant influx of food, dust, and medical equipment. She'd been dodgy about where she'd acquired them. Now he understood. Well, the SDC already hated their guts. No love lost there. He wasn't about to fault Sienna for holding up her end of the bargain. Really, what was Jacques going to do? Raise the bounty on him even higher? Ha!
"The White Fang," Ghira continued, "Our White Fang, doesn't countenance this. It needs to stop...
Naruto refrained from speaking, not trusting himself with words.
For a flash of fury had stolen his breath away.
Sienna saw it and shrank a little in his seat. Roman yanked out a pair of cigars and lit them with fumbling fingers. Both knew what he was capable of when roused to fury. Kali and Ghira didn't. He tried to remind himself of that crucial, indisputable fact. Whatever they might've seen of his footage clearly hadn't been enough to sway them in the least. It was almost amusing to be underestimated.
Amusing...and infuriating.
"We know its not your fault, son." Kali prattled on, blissfully unaware of the match she'd just lit. "Sienna has always been something of a...problem child; she means well, but her methods can be too heavy handed at times. "She's clearly corrupted you-
"No."
Naruto raised a clenched fist to silence them.
"You misunderstand everything." He stood slowly, rising to his full towering height. "Sienna hasn't corrupted me." From there, he leaned forward and planted both hands against the table. "If anything," he swept a hand back to the Faunus in question, "I've corrupted her. She's proven my point. Words are all well and good, but at the end of the day, the world needs action."
Ghira mirrored the motion, looming over him with ease.
"Watch your words."
He would not!
"In case you haven't noticed, I'm in the middle of restoring and protecting a dead city." he raised a hand, showing the scars there. "There's bound to be some hiccups."
Ghira's stormy expression didn't waver.
"Yes...hiccups. Murder, invading Beacon, petty theft from influential citizens in Vale...these are not actions we -nor the White Fang!- can condone." There was an edge to his voice now, a bite that hadn't been there before. "You have shown no contrition for your crimes." Why did he feel like he'd just wandered into a trap? "Do you even deny what you've done?"
Naruto lifted his chin. "Not at all."
"Then you bring disgrace to the name of the White Fang."
"I fail to see how that's our problem." Roman interjected. "We're not part of the White Fang."
"That's true," Kali's head bobbed in agreement, "But Sienna is. Many of these crimes happened under her watch."
"Bullshit." Beside him his ally bridled. "Everything I've done has been for the good the Faunus."
Ghira hung his head."Which makes this all the more painful, dear."
Golden eyes widened. "You can't!"
"I'm afraid we must." Kali straightened just so, a glint of steely flashing in her honeyed gaze. "Sienna Kahn. Henceforth you are barred from the White Fang." as they looked on, she drew a knife and pressed it into the tip of her thumb, drawing forth a bead of blood. It splashed down on the table between them, and yet Sienna recoiled as though she'd been struck. "So I swear by the blood of my hand and the blood of those who came before me. You will no longer be welcome on the shores of Menagerie. Those serving under you will be likewise punished for aiding and abetting-
Naruto's world went red.
All around him, their words trailed off into an endless animal bleat. Everything seemed sluggish. Slow. He watched the scene unfold in slow motion. Roman slammed to his feet and started shouting, but he couldn't hear what he was saying. Ghira was waving his arms about, butting his head against. Kali shook her head in pure disappointment. Sienna had all but sank into her chair, her face gone ashen. It was all falling to pieces.
Sasuke glided past him. "And so it all falls to chaos. Can't say I'm surprised."
...are you with me?"
His old nemesis grinned. "Always."
Right, then. Play the part. He had tried to be nice. Really, he had. Tried to play the good host, modest and and humble. No one could fault him for trying to solve this with words. However.
It.
Wasn't.
Working.
An open palm snapped up and discharged a snarling Rasenshuriken into the ceiling with an awful crack, shocking everyone into silence. The blast pierced plaster and mortar alike in a mournful howl, rocketing up and away into the air before erupting completely.
Sienna jerked back.
The Belladonas jumped.
Roman hissed. "Bloody hell!"
"I'm sorry," Naruto tilted his head as dust rained down on them, "Did I break your concentration? Good." He slammed an open palm against the table, splintering it down the middle like so much rotten driftwood. "Because I'm talking now. You?" he stabbed a finger at Kali and Ghira. "You're going to listen. I'm the one you really have a problem with, not her!" When Ghira tried to interrupt, he shouted him down. "Don't excommunicate the poor girl for doing what she thought was right. Her heart was in the right place!"
"It most certainly was not-
"I! AM! TALKING!" he laced his voice with a hint of killing intent and watched them go still. "You're listening! I've been a patient and tolerant man thus far. But you clearly aren't. I am not your enemy. Why can't you just see that?!" His arms flung up, not in despair but sheer fury. "I do not want to be your enemy. So sit down. Shut up. And listen! And if you can't...?!"
His visible eye hardened like so much ice.
...then you will be detained."
Sienna shivered.
Roman sighed. "There goes her switch...
Kali flinched back. "You wouldn't dare! We're guests!"
"Guests?" Naruto all but spat the word, nearly wild in his indignation. "You come into my home, my place of business, and try to dismantle all that I've built. That is not the act of guests." a clawed finger stabbed at her as she recoiled. "That, is the act of an enemy! Maybe you're the ones who need to change!"
It took everything he had to reel himself back, but somehow, he did.
"As I said before, I'm not the monster you think I am." his shoulders slumped. "Stay a few days. See what we're doing for yourselves. Make your decision then."
Ghira crossed the table to face him fully. "You would hold us against our will?"
"Yup," Naruto continued with a hum, "I'm just going to detain you until you understand what I'm doing." his craggy visage softened. "This is for the best. I want you to understand that. So yes, you're under arrest. Sorry, not sorry."
"This is madness!"
"No," the blond shook his head. "This is a revolution."
Naruto crossed his fingers before Ghira could hope to get a word in edgewise. Chakra pulsed. Smoke flared. Ghira recoiled and Kali, suddenly faced with an battalion of angry clones. Any defiance they might've mustered drained from him like a broken sieve. Roman hooted a ways behind him, and he distantly he heard a sigh from Sienna.
Both sides stood at an impasse, neither willing to budge, nor relent. Time stretched on.
Ghira conceded first. "As you wish. Just...don't harm my family."
Naruto beamed. "Wouldn't dream of it."
(.0.0.0.)
Neo couldn't laugh.
She had a wicked sense of humor, make no mistake, she simply couldn't vocalize it. Most of the time she settled for body language, the occasional sign when wanted, or even her scroll when she was feeling impish. But no, never laughter. Such a shame really; because if she could laugh she would be absolutely cackling right about now.
Instead she settled for a smile as she skipped through the streets of Vale and listened to the sirens wail. Music to her ears.
And the sweet jingle of lien in the sack slung over her shoulder? Why, that was just the cherry on top.
She'd really hit a big client this time. She was the best in town! Nothing could keep her down!
A tiny hand tugged at her sleeve, catching her in mid-skip. "Help...!"
Mismatching eyes whirled. Narrowed, as she frowned at her.
Burning eyes met hers, wide and frantic. "Hide me...!"
No, her eyes were literally on fire.
Neo sighed. 'Why me...?!'
She had all of an instant to take in the child's-for this was very much a child!- bloodied and bruised face, framed by dark skin and darker hair. At least she assume they were dark. Hard to tell with the amount of mud she was covered in. She could've been anyone. Her clothes were a tattered mess. One of her eyes was swollen shut. And as she dithered, balking at her, the sirens were coming closer. No time to do anything else but react.
Neo swore soundlessly and tucked the little girl into her side as best she could.
From there it was a simple matter to weave a seamless illusion around her.
Well, the boss wasn't going to be happy with her once this was over.
Or was he? Hard to tell sometimes with that one.
He'd understand. She'd make him see.
A/N: Aaaaand there we go.
Naruto really has no idea what he's unleashed, but there's no turning back now.
As ever, reviews are the fuel to my fire, without them, I can't write a word. That's no joke.
Not to much to say this time, I let the chapter speak for me.
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review, Would You Kindly?
Here, have preview!
Future ones, at any rate.
Been watching Invincible as of late. Its given me...ideas...
(Previews)
Velvet folded both arms before her chest. "My papa's the best!"
Blake huffed. "No he isn't! My daddy's the best!"
"Nope." Emerald smacked her lips with an audible pop. "Our dad's the best."
She groweled. "Adam, tell them!"
The redhea balkd.
Glynda tugged up her hood.
She was just inspecting Mountain Glenn.
This meant nothing. She was just curious. Yes! That was it.
Naruto frowned. "Who's this, then?"
The stranger bowed low and deep at the waist.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Athur Watts...
Summer slammed to her feet. "Enough!"
"I need to be stronger. Stronger than those cowards. Strong enough to protect everything I hold dear."
Naruto quirked a brow at Adam. "And what makes you say that?"
"Ghira...Kali...I looked up to them." His apprentice all but bulled his way to the table, eyes flashing like fire. "I respected them! Yet they just let the humans trample us. Why?!"
"I'm sure its not that simple-
"But its true!" the youngster rounded on him with an anguished cry. "They hide away in Menagerie while the rest of us suffer! You've done more good for our kind than they have in years!"
Right. Our kind.
One of these days he'd really have to come clean about that. But not this day.
"Alright." he rose from the bench with a sigh. "I suppose we have time for one more lesson...
"We're on schedule, sir."
"Don't call me "sir", Fives." Naruto smacked his head against the wall. "Makes me feel old...
"Getting REAL sick of your shit, Jacques...
"Take not from a man whom has nothing to lose, for all he has, is a life he no longer yearns. And he can give it to you, by taking yours with his."
Salem smiled. "What so you think of him my dear?"
Cinder stirred from her hiding place in the corner of the room.
Golden eyes glowered back her from the dark, regarding the paper she'd been given. "He's strong."
R&R~!