A/N: Not my best chapter, but I'm writing this while sick and in pain, to say nothing of my current mental state.

I'm also stressed OUT OF MY MIND because today's the day I'll be told if I still have a job or not.

Granted, I have two jobs, but this one actually pays more and I like it...or rather, I used to.

Apologies in advance if, this chapter isn't up to my usual quality/length.

As ever, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story for the time being. Sad as it might sound, if folks don't like this,...well, we won't continue it. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? If folks don't like it? Done. So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard!

As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. I'm working two jobs, trying to keep a roof over my family's head, and at the end of the day this is very much a HOBBY. I simply don't have time to write a story no one likes, and feedback sustains me...

Of course, reviewing is your choice. I can't force you.

Now lets move onto your questions, comments and concerns~! We'll keep it short this time, though the questions are a bit varied:

Q: Why is Amber alive?!

A: In essence...butterfly effect. Naruto's presence changed many things in Remnant.

Q: Naruto needs to be a better dad.

A: Naruto is learning parenthood as we all do; sometimes ya got let your kid leave the nest. He can protect them all he likes; but that won't allow them to learn now, will it?

Q: WHO WON THE FIGHT?! Naruto?! Saphron?! Neither?!

A: Read and see.

Q: Where in blazes is Sun?

A: He's around. Timeline's changed a little.

Alright then, I think I've kept you long enough.

You didn't come here to listen to an old man's ramblings, after all.

As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes. Now off we go. Hope you're ready~!

Now for the surprises. I do hope your ready.

"I have to do this on my own!"

"That's what I thought too, at first."

"But you're not alone. We're friends, aren't we? Let me help."

~?.

Just a Little Discord

Well, well, well.

Was this what defeat felt like?

It was a rather curious sensation, all things considered.

Truth be told, Naruto had almost forgotten what it felt like anymore; it came as something of a surprise when he opened his eyes, only to realize he couldn't move properly under his own power. There was no panic on his part. Just a faint sense of surprise, chagrin, followed by bemusement. The bed creaked beneath him when he tried to rise and for a spasm stopped him in his tracks. Really, it was his own fault. He'd let his guard down at the last second, thinking Saphron would hold back. She hadn't. His dear daughter had blasted him full on.

This was the result.

He winced as his injuries protested anew. He was almost proud.

Unfortunately said pride was overshadowed by all this unyielding pain!

"Damn," he smacked his lips aloud, producing an audible pop. "She really got me that's what I get for underestimating her...

He'd heal from this, he knew he would. It just might...take a bit. One did not tank a Bijudama and walk away unscathed after all. He certainly hadn't.

Mentally he took stock of his injuries:

Three broken ribs. A punctured lung. A bruised heart and fractured spine alongside a missing leg well below the kneecap, accompanied by some rather nasty burns an' a black eye besides. He'd regenerate most by the end of the day. Granted, the leg might might take an extra day or two, maybe a week to properly reconnect the chakra coils there, but then-

"Then what?" Kurama interjected with a vengeance before he could finish that thought. "Hunt Jaune down and drag him back by the ear?"

Naruto clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes with a mild sight. 'Ohhh, now you show up!'

"Don't give me that. I had to come back. How else would you heal?"

Silence stretched between the two of them.

.

..

...how's Jaune?" his voice echoed in the empty bedroom, yet for all that, it did nothing to muffle his own anxiety.

"Well enough, no thanks to you. Penny finally found him. I take it that was your doing?"

His brow furrowed. 'I just want to make sure he's safe.'

Kurama huffed. "He's quite fine where he is. I've been keeping an eye on him.

"Its not about me!" he tried to rise, only to hiss as his injuries protested. 'Not anymore. If he had run away to live a normal life on a farm or something, I could've let that slide. Beacon's a different story. If he goes spilling shinobi secrets there, out into the world...

"You do realize he'll run the moment he sees you, if not fight outright.

"Good thing I don't plan on fighting.'

Saphron had given an idea. Something him something to think on. He wasn't sure when or how it had come to him, only that it had. Maybe she'd knocked some sense into him, or maybe there had been a part of him that wanted her to win. He wasn't sure anymore. He'd gotten a glimpse in the mirror and he didn't like what he'd become.

The door creaked open.

Naruto lifted his head with a groan.

He caught a familiar blond braid in his peripherals. Grimaced now as its owner shut the door behind her. Locked it, too.

uniper Arc didn't look happy.

Kurama fled with a whimper. He'd find no help on that front.

"Hey, honey." he managed a smile as she stalked up to his bedside. "I can explain-

Her palm swung in a streak of gold-on-red. Fire flashed across his face, snapping his head to the side.

"Alright." he grunted. "I deserved that. Probably a few more, if we're being honest.

Juniper yanked on his ear, dragging his face back to hers.

"Ow!" Naruto winced now, managing a fractious smile. "Okay, maybe I got carried away."

"Did you, now?" His wife was always at her scariest when she smiled, and she did so now. "Not only did you ruin our yard and scare the children, but Saphron's been holed up in her room for the last two days! She thought you were dead!"

A blink. "Oh. Was I really out that...?

Juniper waved her first before his face with intent. "Finish that sentence dear husband, and I won't be held responsible for what happens next...

"Alright, alright." he sighed. "I'll apologize to her. Didn't mean for things to get that out of hand.

Her head butted against his. "You certainly will! And as for Jaune...

Naruto set his jaw. "I'm not giving up on our son."

"I'm well aware." Juniper pinched his cheek. "I'm not telling you to, you silly man. We're still going to Vale the moment you've recovered. I owe that boy a spanking for worrying me sick!" He opened his mouth to protest, to say he could do it alone, only for her to pinch his lips shut. "If it comes a test, I'll be the one administering it. Not you."

Naruto couldn't help but wince at that. He'd intended to drag Jaune back.

But if his Mother wanted to assess his skills...oh, dear.

"Sweetie, you'll go easy on him, right?"

Juniper's smile was all teeth.

"We can't leave the kids by themselves." he tried to protest in vain. "Who knows what they'll get up to without supervision-

Her smile said she'd sussed him out. "I'm sure they'll love the Vytal Festival. Won't you, girls?

A ragged cheer went up behind the door. Cheeky buggers.

Well. That would certainly work. Maybe. Hopefully. "I knew there was a reason I married you."

"Still not sweet talking your way out of this, dear.

He offered her a weak smile. ""Can't blame a guy for trying.

She kissed him, biting hard. "You're sleeping on the couch tonight, mister."


(.0.0.0.)


Dad was coming.

Jaune could feel his heart pounding in his chest; a steady thump, thump, dump that echoed his own thoughts with every step through the streets of Vale.

In summary? Shit, shit, shit.

Dark clouds loomed overhead, threatening rain. He almost wished they'd get on with it already. At least then he'd have an excuse to hide.

...no, he knew better. There would be no hiding from this. He was foiled, fried, finished, filleted, f****d and many other words that started with the letter F. Really, it was all he could do to keep walking, to absently search for Blake with one eye while the other kept watching his back.

Dad would come for him. No doubt about it. Child wouldn't fight him. Hell, she might even help. Was he strong enough to face him alone? He knew the answer. No. He'd gotten stronger, learned new tactics, teamwork, but it wasn't enough. In a fair fight he would lose.

'But do I have to fight fair? I'm a shinobi. Dad always said to look underneath the underneath...

He couldn't drag his friends into this, much less his team. There would be questions, inquiries he wasn't ready to answer. This was his battle to fight, his life to live. Maybe if he had his Semblance...assuming it was anything useful. No again. Gimmicks wouldn't save him here, even if his was something absurdly powerful. Fight with your head, not your fists, Dad always said. Your mind is your best asset. He'd like to believe that, and maybe he might've, if his own wasn't a frazzled mess.

'Don't suppose you have any ideas, Kurama?'

"...Naruto's never been one for grand tactics. If you catch him off guard...

Ha! Fat chance of that!

"You might have a bit more time than you think. He had and Saphron got into a tussle recently."

Jaune nearly missed a step. 'Over me?"

...you were a part of it, yes."

Guilt crashed down on him.

With an effort he choked down his anxiety and tried to marshal his thoughts.

Its fine. Everything is fine. Just calm down. He isn't here yet. You still have time. Focus! Think! Remember you training!

His mind bleated otherwise. First rule of Dad's training! Do not talk about Dad's training!

Not! Helping!

Really, it wasn't fair. He'd been so careful, too. Trying to hold himself back, keeping his power in check, not giving anyone chakra, trying to fit in...he liked to believe he had for the most part. Everyone thought he was just a strong huntsman candidate, a warrior in training. He'd been able to coast by on that excuse for awhile.

And then she'd come around.

...why are you here again, Penny?"

"Why wouldn't I be, cousin?" His so-called "cousin" granted him a guileless smile as she walked beside him. "If you are searching for your friend, then I will help. That's what family does."

And this girl was part of his family how?! He'd never met her before! Did she have something to do with Uncle Pietro? He didn't think the old geezer had a kid...

"We've stopped." A pale hand tugged at his sleeve. "Are you alright, cousin?"

...damnit, Ruby. Why did you have to fob her off on me...?'

"Its just, I'm not sure Blake counts as my friend-

"Oh." Penny's smile only grew. "Then shall I take you back to Grandfather? He is very anxious to see you.

Jaune gulped and felt his heart skip a beat. "...I'm sure he is."

High above them, the sky rumbled with thunder.

"Jaaauuunee...

He could see it now in his mind's eye, the old man looming over him, face carved from stone, cracking his knuckles. No escape. Stall! Delay! Deny!

"Blake is my friend!" he all but bleated the words. "Definitely my friend! We're the very best of friends! Absolute besties!"

Green eyes brightened. "Sensational! I look forward to meeting her! Perhaps she can be my "bestie" as well!"

A lead weight settled in the pit of his stomach. There really was no getting away from hr.

That settled it. He had to find Blake first. Before anyone else.

Time to pull out all the stops.

'Kurama...a little help?'

"Really?" A hearty sigh filled his mind. "You do realize this is cheating."

'I'll do whatever you want!'

"Is that so? I'll hold you to those words."

An awful pause swelled between them. Jaune counted to three. And then:

"Six blocks down, hang a right, take the third alley you pass near the docks. Might be able to outrun your "cousin" if you move fast.

Fast? He could do that. But first...sorry Penny. Its nothing personal.

Jaune stabbed a finger into the sky. "Look! A nevermore!"

Penny's head whipped to the right. "Where?!"

He absolutely blurred.


(.0.0.0.)


It wasn't fair.

Blake tucked herself down against a dumpster, knees into her chest. Her eyes stung. She tried to tell herself it wasn't from the tears; that she'd been up all night. That was surely why. She didn't cry. She refused to cry. She absolutely did not cry. Anyone who said otherwise was a filthy liar.

Her hands tightened atop her knees.

...damnit."

High above she heard the distant rumble of thunder. With it came the rain; softly at first, then falling harder now, spattering against her head and shoulders.

She drew herself back further into the alcove, seeking shelter from the storm. It wasn't comfortable, but at least it was dry...relatively speaking. She'd rest here for the night and chase her leads tomorrow. She was close to a breakthrough, she knew it, she just knew it. She had to be. If she could just prove the White Fang's innocence, that all these robberies were Torchwick's doing, then she could rest easy. Even...even if it meant she'd never go back to Beacon, or Team RWBY, or-

A shadow fell over her. "So this is where you where."

"...!"

Blake heard them before she saw them.

Lightning crackled, lighting up the alley. She jolted.

Took him in at a glance now; soaked from head to toe, blond hair lank over his eyes, clad in familiar armor. Sword at his side.

Jaune...?

"Hiya, Blake." he managed an awkward wave, every bit as harmless as a wet puppy. "You look like you're having a bad day."

She nearly scoffed. Understatement of the century, that.

"Got room for one more?"

She shrugged one shoulder halfheartedly. He squirmed in after her.

"You know why I'm here, don't you?"

"I do." Blake glared golden daggers at him. Don't trust. Mustn't trust. He had secrets, too. "I'm not going back."

Jaunr didn't say anything. Didn't speak. Didn't judge her. Somehow, that was so much worse than anything she'd expected. It forced her to speak. "You don't understand! I didn't just hurt them! I betrayed them! I-

"Ran away?" Jaune tilted his head. "Yeah, I pretty much did the same. Wasn't a terrorist, though. You've got me beat there. So, about this crusade of yours...

No. Her very soul tensed. He'd tell Ruby where she was; or barring that, drag her back. She'd have to fight him.

Could she win...?

Her eyes flitted to his weapon. She'd seen the saber of light it could become; just as she'd seen him fight. Even unarmed he was a formidable opponent. He wouldn't go quietly. She didn't want to kill him either; which meant she'd have to knock him out. Not an impossibility, but she'd have to get the drop on him...

Her shoulders tensed. A hand twitched toward Gambol Shroud.

...you want some help?"

Blake blinked. "Eh?"

"Help." Jaune offered her his hand, almost pleading. "Do you want it?"

Her mind whirled. "Didn't Ruby tell you? You know what I am...what I've done...!"

"Meh, its fine."

Blake's jaw clicked open, ears twitching atop her head. "Excuse me?"

He'd ferreted out her secret and that was all he had to say? It was almost laughable.

"I mean, I ran away from my family, too." Jaune shrugged. "We can be runaways together. "Let me help you."

Did she dare trust-no! She clenched her teeth. "I can do this by myself!"

...you really can't. Even I can see that."

Her lower lip trembled.

"Blake? You alright?"

"No." she warbled. "I'm not...

He hugged her.

It was such a sudden thing that she didn't even think to prepare herself for it; by the time she did he was upon her, gently drawing her head into his chest. The faint scent of leather and sunlight filled her nose, alongside another, softer smell she didn't recognize. A hand massaged the small of her back as Dad once had when she was very small, and she found herself hiccuping despite herself.

"Let me go, blast you!" she thumped his back, to no avail. "I want to be alone!"

Jaune didn't, damn him. "...no, I don't think you do."

Strong arms wrapped around her.

"People really should talk to other people everyday. "Jaune held her close, despite her struggles. "Even if it's just small talk. Otherwise their hearts grew dark and sullen." his arms tightened around her, not harmful, not firm, but gentle all the same. "Talking to others build bond of friendships and relationships, it broadens the mind and it makes you feel grateful to be alive. That's the kind of creatures we humans are. So," he swallowed a little, "Talk to me. I know we don't know each other very well, but I want to hep."

She sniffed into his shoulder. "You're just full of wisdom, aren't you?"

"Nah, my dad told me those words." he beamed. They fit, right?"

Tears burned her eyes, a crack in her resolve. "Maybe a little...

"You can cry if you want. I won't tell anyone."

She warbled and the floodgates opened.

"I...its just not fair...

A/N: Torchwick incoming.

I've been itching to write that sarcastic bastard again~!

As ever, we're sticking with the tried and true "Embers" rule.

If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular, if folks don't like it...well, I'll not continue it. So by all means, speak up! Your voice matters! Make yourself heard! As ever, reviews are the fuel that sustain me. Without them I cannot write a single word. Simple as that. I'm working two jobs, trying to keep a roof over my family's head, and at the end of the day this is very much a HOBBY. I simply don't have time to write a story no one likes, and feedback sustains me...

Once again, reviews are my fuel. Without them I simply cannot write.

So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...

...Review...Would You Kindly?

And enjoy the previews.

POTENTIAL ONES!

Soooo! Tell me what you want to see~!

(FUTURE! Previews)

"Cinder? What should we do?"

...nothing. He'd kill you if it came to a fight.

That kid? He's an idiot. No way would he stand a chance-

Her eyes flashed.

"Yes, ma'am. Sorry, ma'am."

The Fall Maiden was here. She had to be. The power would be hers.


Penny?!

"Do not worry, cousin!" she bounded backward on her heels, ducked under a blade, then kicked its owner away. I am combat ready!

Twisting and spinning she moved among them, more a dance then a real fight. It was like watching Pyrrha. No, not quite Pyrrha, but different. All flowing grace and right in your face. The White Fang didn't stand a chance.

Gonna let her hog all the glory?

"Nah." He raised Crocea Mors, still in sword form, and banged the blade against his shield. "Hey! Over here!"

"You hero types. Always so noble." Torchwick had the good grace to grin. "Unfortunately for you, I'm not alone." he slammed two fingers into his mouth and whistled. "Neo!"

Jaune heard the sound of shattering glass behind him and whirled.

A pair of mismatched eyes filled his vision.

Then she was on him.

Neo was good. Very good. In terms of sheer agility she'd give his younger sisters trouble.

However!

He caught her by the wrist and she folded it around gracefully, twisting her body in a manner that just should be possible to kick him in the face. He took the blow on his chin and slammed a knee into her solar plexus, sending her hurtling away.

"You're pretty good.

She landed and sketched a bow.

He didn't have time for this. "Do we have to fight...?

She touched a finget to her chin, considering. He sighed. "What do I have to do make you go away?"

Her eyes lit up. Her finger swept up to her cheek.

Torchwick tugged his hat down.

"These kids just keep getting weirder...


"Jaune?" What did she mean by take you back.

Geh. Leave it to Ruby to notice.


Nora made a noise reminiscent of wedding bells.

Jaune felt his face flash with fire.

Even he wasn't that dense.

R&R~!