A/N: Read this note, would you kindly? Got some important info.
Another health update. Leg locked up last night. Really weird.
Also cussed out my boss for being an arse, so I might not have one of my jobs anymore *laughs brokenly*
Going for a third chapter here, tentative though it may be. Hope folks like it.
You want weekly updates? Should I upgrade this to M? REALLY need to here from you guys and gals. So speak up!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? Well, it won't be continued. I'm working two jobs -holidays are a'coming!- so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy. 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. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.
Now for your questions, comments, and concerns! We'll keep it brief this time to avoid spoiling things:
Q: Naruto needs a nerf in this-
A: Sorry, that's not happening in this story. Maybe another.
Q: David's got himself a role model?
A: More like a friend.
Q: Soooo...when do we get to see 'ol whiskers cut loose?"
A: Careful what you wish for~!
Q: Lemons soon?
A: Once more, that depends on feedback.
Alright, think I've kept you waiting long enough.
As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes! They're merely tributes.
"Why the hell is he laughing? He go psycho or something?
"No. Its never enough. I see it, now.
Which means...!"
~It Begins.
Never Enough
"Of all the irresponsible shenanigans!"
Yuuup. David found himself wincing beneath the barrage. Mom was mad. Been awhile since he'd seen her this riled up.
An angry hand latched onto his ear, yanking it backwards. "You are GROUNDED young man! Three months!"
"Aw, mom...
Maine laughed. "Huh. She's kind hot when she's angry. Maybe that's what blondie sees in ya...
David absolutely gagged. "Dude! Not cool! That's my mom!"
Gloria rounded on him. "Say that again, mister!"
The big guy held up his hands.
"I didn't say nothin'~!"
(.0.0.0.)
Naruto could hear them shouting.
Must've been real loud if he could catch their words from the rooftop.
The ghost of a smile graced his face as he looked down. Faded now, as he looked out on the cityscape below.
"Flying cars, huh? Definitely not in the elemental nations anymore...
Culture shock was one helluva thing. He'd not had time for it before, busy as he was; first he'd been focused on healing Gloria, then finding David and dragging the boy back by his belt when he passed out. But now that he'd sorted that-now that things had more or less calmed down...
A lonely breeze ran through his hair, mussing his blond bangs.
There was just so much to see. He was afraid to even use Sage Mode again for fear of what he might find-nevermind negative-emotion-sensing. He'd already tried it and nearly gone mad. This so-called "city" was a hotbed of anger and discontent and PAIN-
"Oi. Calm down."
"I am calm." He switched his sixth sense off with a sigh. "Just a bit shocked."
He could still feel it all that negativity bubbling beneath the surface, but muted. Ever present, a ringing in his ears. It wasn't something he could simply ignore. Sirens wailed somewhere in the distance and he resisted the urge to leap down into the fray. Something told him once he started, he wouldn't be able to stop. What now? He'd landed here solely by accident, coasting from one mess to another without a care in the world. If he didn't have a purpose, a goal...
He sat with a sigh. "Why am I even here?"
A door opened. "Thought I might find you brooding.".
Footsteps behind him. He craned his neck back. "Miss Gloria?"
"None of that." she waved a hand and paused, standing beside him. "You're makin' me feel old."
Gloria didn't look old. Tired, yes, but not old. If anything she looked damn healthy. There was almost pleasant glow to her skin now; a sharpness in her eyes that hadn't been there before. Her found himself wondering if he imagined it. The faint scent of shampoo reached his nose and belatedly he noticed the towel slung 'round her shoulders, realized her hair was down; long and wet. Not a bad look for her.
"Huh." she stared at him for a long moment, eyes flashing. "Becca was right. You really don't have any tech in or on you. I don't know if that's brave or just suicidal."
He snorted. "That why you came up here? To tease me?"
"Nah." she elbowed him. "Wanted to thank you...and thought you might need to talk."
Blunt, was't she? "Helluva thing, ain't it?" Words rushed out before he could think to hold them back. "I can run faster than light, punch buildings down, blow a hole in the moon-
Gloria blinked quickly. "What?"
-but I just can't seem to wrap my head around this place." He flung out a hand. "How do you people live out here?"
"We adapt." she shrugged one shoulder. "Don't worry. A bit of chrome and you'll be right as rain."
"No." A strange feeling nestled in his gut. He turned away, watching the skyline. "I'm fine the way I am."
"If you say so." She must've seen the look in his eyes; because she didn't pry. Instead she sat and swung one leg out over the edge, tucked the other into her chest, then laid her chin on her remaining knee. Her eyes sought his once more. "What will you do now?"
That was the question, wasn't it? "Dunno."
She twirled a strand of wet hair around her finger. "Do you have anywhere to stay?"
...he had an inkling of where this was going. "Nope."
"Then its settled you can stay with us." he grimaced a little. She saw it. "I'm sorry about Dee. David's a good kid. Well," She grimaced a little. "He tries to be. He's got a good heart."
Naruto's grimace became a grin. "That why you were hollering at him down there?"
A flash of pink hit her cheeks. "Heard that, did you?"
"Its fine. I don't hold a grudge."
She heaved a sigh. "That's good to hear."
He turned to face her fully. "I'm sensing a question here...
Gloria ran a hand through her damp hair. "He wants to drop out of school and run with a friend of mine. Any chance you can talk him out of it?
"Me?!"
"I've already tried." She looked away. "He won't listen. I want a better life for him. He deserves more than..." a tan hand gestured helplessly to the glimmering city below. "This." five firm finger curled into a fist, nails biting down into her palm. "The things I've done to get him here, the sacrifices I've made...I can't let it go to waste. He has so much potential; the chance to be the very best...he can drag himself out of this cesspool if he just applies himself...
"You really care about him, don't you?"
She puffed out her chest. "I raised that boy. Of course I care."
As she should. A mother couldn't be anything less. "You're a good mom, Gloria. He's lucky to have ya."
Her ears burned. He noticed. Heh. Cute. Nevertheless, her words reached him. "I don't think I can convince David, but I'll give it a try...
Gloria's face lit up. "That's all I ask.
"What am I, your personal valet or something?"
Silence stretched between them, broken only by the wind whistling across the rooftops. In the absence of words, he made his decision.
"I want to learn about this place." he raised his gaze, watching a rocket streak its way toward the moon. "Why the way it is. Maybe I can fix it."
If he needed a goal, that seemed a good one as any. He'd never sensed a such wretched hive of scum and villainy; just thinking about made him twitch. There was good here, he'd seen it firsthand, but all the mayhem and madness threatened to drown it out completely. He couldn't stand it. The more he dwelt on it, the more certain he became.
Kurama agreed, evidently. "Bold of you, I'll give ya that."
"Oh?" Gloria huffed. "Clean up Night City? That's an ambitious goal. You don't do anything by halves, do you...?"
It certainly was ambitious, but when had he balked at that before? "I'll still try."
"It won't be enough," she warned him. "It never is."
He firmed his jaw, refusing to yield.
"Stubborn boy." the single mother hung her head. "If you really want to change this city, I won't stop you. I owe you that much, but you don't know what you're getting involved with." her eyes met his once again. "That's hell you're walking into. Most of the folks here won't thank you for it. You don't know what its like."
It was knowledge he was lacking, then. Understandable. He knew next to nothing about this world. "Then tell me."
Gloria blinked, taken aback by his forthrightness. "You sure? It'll take awhile."
He shrugged. "I've got nothing but time."
"Fine. Make yourself. comfortable."
Naruto stood and made to do just that.
The world went sideways.
"Huh?" he blinked, alarmed to find himself sprawled flat his back once more, the world spinning. "Whoa. M'dizzy...
Gloria laughed a little; it was a rare, tired sound. "Guess you're not fully recovered after all. Here."
She took hold of his head and, before he could think to stop here, steered him into her lap.
"Wha-?!"
Heat speared through his cheeks as he found himself looking up at her, past the swell of her breasts, into dark eyes, half-lidded with intent. Try as he might, he couldn't quite read her intent. His throat went dry.
And then she smiled. "Comfortable?"
He sputtered. "Why're you...?"
"Hush." she booped his nose with one finger. "I owe you this much, at least. If something like this settles even a tenth of my debt to you, I'll be satisfied. Huh." her brow furrowed a little. "...you're warm. You running a fever or something? Did your wound open again?"
Naruto sputtered a little. Apparently she liked to cuddle. Was this a thing people did in this world...?
She leaned down and touched her forehead to his. His brain fizzled.
"Doesn't feel like you do...
A fresh surge of heat hit him. He couldn't say he wasn't comfy; he'd never experienced the legendary lap pillow before. Never thought to, really. Felt kinda nice all things considered. Gloria's lap was just the right blend of softness and firmness, no fat on her, this was a woman who was on her feet most of the day, and it showed.
"Alright." she raised a finger. "You want to know about this city?"
He dared a nod.
"Get ready for a lecture, then. First we have the corporations...
And so she told him. She told him it all...
Nearly an hour later, when his brain was nearly full to bursting, Gloria finally gripped her arm and paused.
"That's enough of a refresher course for now. There's someone I'd like you to meet. Come with me?" He couldn't help but notice she phrased the last bit in the form of a question, almost as if she were afraid he'd refuse. "I promise, he's a friend. I'd stay to introduce you, but well." she granted him a rueful grimace. "Work calls. Have to keep the lights on somehow...
...alright, alright. Twist my arm why don'tcha...
Naruto sat up slowly, bracing himself or another dizzy spell or worse. None came.
Gloria clapped him on the back, opened the rooftop door, and descended.
He followed her down with a frown. Something nagged at him.
He'd noticed it when she gripped her arm.
For a moment. An instant, really.
Strange. For a moment there he could've sworn he felt chakra from her.
Impossible. Utterly impossible.
"Must be more tired than I thought...
(.0.0.0.)
Big.
Such was Naruto's first impression of Maine. Guy was built like a fortress, no saying that was a disservice to him. Man was a mountain. He absolutely loomed over him in Gloria's apartment; his very presence seemed to make him larger than life. No other words would do.
"So you're the one that helped Gloria out." the giant lifted his sunglasses, sizing him up. "Brought the Sandy back in one piece, too...even if its attached to her kid."
David grumbled something to that effect where he lay sprawled on the couch. Maine ignored him.
"Thanks kid, I owe ya one." He offered him his hand. Naruto grasped it, drawing a laugh from him. "Ha! Helluva grip you got there!" sharp eyes flicked him up and down, considering. "You sure ya don't got any chrome on ya? Nothing under the hood?"
For some reason, that irked Naruto even more. 'You have no idea.
"Nope, he said instead. "Must be built different."
David squawked. "That's my line, old man!"
"Oi!" he winged a shoe at his feet. "You lost your right to that line when ripped out your own SPINE and scared your mother half to death."
David subsided with a scowl. Huh. Maybe he'd been a bit too harsh there.
But still...chrome, chrome and more chrome. All this talk of implants was making him feel ill. Why did these people feel the need to mutilate themselves simply to become stronger? Couldn't they train like normal people?
"Are...are you actually angry?"
He was, come to think of it. That came as something of a surprise.
Really, he didn't hold it against anyone, and certainly not Maine, but all this nigh on constant insistence that he do the same had done more than grate on his nerves; they were completely worn down. Even poor David's actions baffled him to no end. Why tear out your spine just to move a little faster? A few pushups, situps, followed by plenty of juice -and a few hundred laps around the city- would have even the weakest civilian moving like Rock Lee.
By contrast all these implants felt like...ugh, what was the word? A shortcut? Aha! That was it!
"This is their world, Naruto." Kurama reminded him, ever the voice of reason. "Not ours. You can't fault them for finding a way to survive. No point in getting angry about it.
...must be a cultural thing. It still didn't sit well with him. But Maine was speaking again, and he must attend. He'd ignored the big guy long enough.
"Heh. You've got a spark, I'll give you that. Becca seems keen on ya, if nothing else."
Blood rushed to his face once more. "That girl again!"
He'd won their bet; she'd kept her word not to call him "kid" anymore, but he doubted he'd seen the last of her. Crazy munchkin seemed to get off on teasing him. No way she was done with him.
"Anyway, you're welcome to lend a hand if you want." Maine clapped him on the bac. Gloria needs the eddies. I'll give you a fair cut.
...What about the kid?"
David flipped them off and rolled over, favoring his still-healing back.
Maine shrugged. "He'll cool off eventually. Might have him work a few jobs with Lucy to make up for the Sandy."
Gloria had begged him to keep David safe. "Nothing dangerous?"
"Nah." Maine waved him off. "Wouldn't risk him like that."
An ugly thought hit him. "He in debt to you guys now?"
"May as well be. That Sandevistan was gonna be mine."
Debt, huh. Wait. He had an idea. An awful idea, but a bad plan was better than no plan at all. "I'll pay off his debt."
Maine leaned back, considering him. "You sure about that? That's a lotta cash."
He stepped to him, matching his stare. "I can carry my weight.
"Don't doubt that from what I heard. Can you kill?"
Naruto stiffened. "Eh?"
"You strike me as one of those noble types." Maine said. "Pure. They never last long in this city...
Naruto pride took the hit with good grace. He wasn't so arrogant as to let a little knock like that rattle him. "What did you have in mind?"
"How fast are you, really?"
A grin split his face. "Wanna find out?"
...ha!" The giant belted out a laugh, startling him.
"Alright, rookie. You've caught my attention. I'll be in touch." His peace said, the massive man ducked back toward the door. "We've got a gig a few days from now; we'll see if you're the real deal then. Keep an eye on the runt in the meantime, yeah? Be a shame to lose him again after all that trouble."
"Yeah, yeah, don't gotta tell me...twice?
Naruto turned to find David rising from the couch. The boy was glaring at him
"Hey, old man. Wanna word with you."
(.0.0.0.)
"Hey, old man. Wanna word with you."
David almost didn't live to regret those words. Something sparked in Naruto's tired blue eyes when he said them. It almost looked like...anger. Frustration roared high in him before he stomped it back down. Almost made him hesitate, that did. Almost. He'd never been one to hesitate before, and he didn't do so now.
"Whaddya want?" he drawled. "And don't call me old man!"
...wanna word with ya."
Naruto waved him on. "We're alone. Talk."
David shook his head and planted both hands in his pockets. "Not here.
"Why the hell not?"
David shrugged one shoulder, not willing to admit the truth. He didn't want to make a mess here. "Best to do this someplace else."
A blond brow rose. "You do realize you're still grounded, right?"
Old man just didn't get it. They had a score to settle. "Won't be long. We'll be in and out before mom gets back. She won't even know we're gone.
Naruto's brow furrowed. "Out of where?"
"Just come with me already!"
...fine. Lead the way."
He shouldered past him.
A long, agonizing. walk followed.
David did his best not to glance back during it. He led him to an abandoned district, an old worn out street, an avenue no one used anymore. Hollow buildings and dilapidated stores marked their way, dimly lit by flickering lights. Closer to gang territory than he would've liked, but it served his purpose.
"We almost there or what?
"Almost. He peeled back a wire fence. "This way."
Together they stepped through.
Steel girders and concrete pillars awaited them in an open lot within, the remnants of what had once been...well, he didn't know what was. Someone had tried to build something here once, and given up hafway. Whoever the poor choom was, he was long gone. Night City ate dreams for breakfast. Same went for lives.
"What's this supposed to be? An abandoned site or something?"
...or something." He paused. Pivoted to face him. "How strong are you?"
He didn't take the bait. "Strong enough."
"No, that's not it. You're faster than me. How?"
"..."
Shit. He was screwing this up.
"I'm asking how you got so damn strong! What you can do, damnit!"
"Let me show you." Naruto held up a lone hand.
David squinted at it, baffled. "The hell're you doing?"
The blond grinned. "Wait for it.
"Wait for whaaaaaat?!"
His words piqued into a yelp as a shrieking sphere burst into existence; one he launched at a nearby concrete pillar. It didn't break. Wind howled as it crumbled to pieces, and then the ground beneath it, leaving a gaping crater behind in its wake. Naruto walked over to the remains and stomped down, cratering them further stilll.
"Satisfied?"
David leaned over the hole with a low whistle. "Damn. How'd you do that?"
"Determination, commitment, and sheer willpower. The blond flicked him a thumb's up. "Its not about how much strength you have, David. Its what you use it for. You thrashed that punk for taking down your mom. That much I can understand. Gotta protect your family, ya know?"
He scowled at him. "What would you know?
Naruto only smiled. "At least you have a mother."
Ooomph. The words hit him like a gut punch. "Your mom's...?"
"Gone? Yup. My dad, too. I'm probably the last of my kind." he gave a shrug. "I try not to let it bother me."
How? Dad was a piece of shit he didn't even remember, but if mom was gone...he didn't know what he would do.
"How'd you even survive?"
"I made friends." he shrugged quickly to hide the flash of pain in his eyes. "Most of them are probably gone now. What I'm saying it this. Its your life, David. Do what you want with it. Just...make it a life worth living. Don't regret any of it. Not for a single second."
No, no, no. This was all going terribly, horribly wrong. He hadn't brought him here to make him all weepy and shit. He'd dragged him out here with the intent of giving him a piece of his mind, or barring that, kicking his ass to kingdom come. Neither seemed possible now; not after a display like that. In desperation, he threw out the first thing he could to break the tension. Something sprang to his mind. He pounced on it:
"Says the guy banging my mom."
Result achieved. Naruto sputtered. "I AIN'T!"
"What," he quirked a brow, "So she's not good enough for ya?"
...you're egging me on."
He grinned, unable to help himself. "Maybe."
Naruto's brow twitched. "You have three seconds to start running-
A hot rush of air cut through his thoughts, obliterating anything else he might've said.
A vessel descended from above, bathing them in ruddy red light. David flung up an arm to shield his face from it, squinting into the glare.
"The hell?!"
Men in heavy tactical armor disembarked, rappelling down from the craft to surround them. It all happened in an instant. Three. Six. Nine. He counted them all in a daze, still not quite comprehending what was happening here; by the time he did, it was much too late. Rifles clicked and he found himself raising his arms despite himself, self-preservation briefly winning out over the anger and confusion.
The large of them barked a command. "Freeze!"
"Hey, wait!" David flailed backward. "We didn't do nothing!"
"David Martinez." their commander intoned. "You will come with us. Now."
Go with an Arasaka hit-squad? He'd never see the light of day again. He said as much. "Hell no!"
A bullet ricocheted an inch from his shoe.
"The next one won't miss." he stiffened, transfixed by countless laser sights. "Don't even think about using that Sandevistan. One twitch and we'll blow your brains out!"
"Sir," another soldier gestured toward Naruto, startling him. "The blond. That's the one on the cameras. The one He wants."
"Its our lucky day." Their commander grunted into his mask. "Take him, too."
The circle closed around them. Someone pulled out cuffs.
'Shit, shit, shit! It wasn't supposed to be this way...!
"Hmm". Naruto took note of their armor. "Arasaka, huh? Gloria mentioned you guys." He blew out a sigh. "Don't suppose we can talk this out-
A round slammed into his shoulder, sending him stumbling back. David swore.
.
..
...but there was no blood.
Wisps of golden light coated Naruto's chest like a vest, blocking the bullet. He picked it out of the faux-wound, pinched it between his fingers. Scowled, now.
Made a flicking motion with his finger.
A horrible noise filled the air. Almost sounded like a gunshot.
The shooter toppled to the floor, bearing a fist-sized hole in what passed for his chest. Cries of terror went up. Naruto laughed at them.
"Why the hell is he laughing?!" one of the soldiers cried! "He go psycho or something?
"No." the blond shook his head. "Its never enough. I see it, now. Which means...!"
He swayed aside, evading another burst of gunfire, still wearing that eerie, blank expression.
"Can't kill...huh?" Naruto blew out a sigh, breath misting in the low light. "That tears it. I'm in a foul mood. Here's a counter offer." he held up a hand, and in the gloom, David could've sworn it started to glow. "Buzz off-do that, you'll live to see another day. Stick around and I let my friend out to play...
Stupid chooms didn't listen. Corpos never do. "On your knees!"
Naruto craned his neck. His eyes narrowed.
He seemed to shift in that instant, standing a little taller. "You first."
A blink and the man's head burst like an overripe melon, spattering them in scarlet. His body crashed to the floor.
David recoiled, gorge rising. "What the hell?!"
"Giving me control, huh?" "Naruto" gazed at a clawed hand. "You've really had enough today, haven't you...?"
Bullets pinged harmlessly of his chest.
"S-S-Surrender!" one of soldiers bleated. "You're surrounded."
"Naruto" raised his head "All I am surrounded by is fear...and dead men."
A golden arm waved. Two more soldiers splattered the ground, sacks of so much dead meat.
"Watch closely now, David." He looked over his shoulder, heedless of the carnage. "I want you to remember this moment. Let me show you...just how powerful I really am"
Then he lunged at them.
A/N: Aaaand scene.
You know Naruto's had enough when he swaps with Kurama.
If you think this chapters was bonkers, you ain't seen nothing yet.
Well? Whaddya think? Should this be a story? Yay or nay? I humbly await your feedback.
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? Well, it won't be continued. I'm working two jobs -might need a third soon!- so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy. 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. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review, Would You Kindly?
And because its a habit!
POTENTIAL PREVIEWS.
If this story stays off the ground.
If not...well. Suppose it depends on you.
(Preview)
"Special, huh?"
Naruto laughed and stepped into the abyss.
"Lemme show ya something." He offered her his hand. "Do you trust me?"
Gloria eyed his hand. Her hand edged out over the gap, fingers threading through his own."Yes?"
"Great." he gripped her palm tight. "Then don't let go.
"Wait, wait! Whaddya mean don't let goooooo~?!"
They vanished in a streak of gold.
"People die here all the time, buddy." Becca shrugged." Dozens a day. You get used to it."
Naruto flinched. "That's not right. Life is sacred, it shouldn't be thrown away like that!"
She eyed him, challenging him. "Whatcha gonna do about it?"
...come with me."
"Don't test my limits. Won't end well for you."
"You have weaknesses, boy. All living creatures do. If they cannot strike at you, they will strike at those near you."
Gloria woke with a start.
"Bad dream?"
"Big guns?"
He flicked her a thumbs up. "Big guns."
"You don't seem to understand. When I said I DISLIKE killing...
Blood spattered the wall, painting his face.
...it doesn't mean I won't."
EDIT: Hey, you made it! Thanks for reading!
Once more, we're sticking with the "Embers" rule for this story, and others. If folks don't like this, it won't be continued. Meaning that if the story itself ain't popular? Well, it won't be continued. I'm working two jobs -might need a third soon!- so I barely have time to write; as such, I cannot afford to write something folks don't enjoy.
I worked really hard on this, and I never have enough time to write these days, even so, I wanted to make folks happy...T_T
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. Working nearly all hours of the day keep me absurdly busy, and I can't bring myself to write something folks don't like.
Looking forward to hearing from you all when I get back from work~!
R&R~!