A/N: EDIT: CEASE WITH THE FLAMES! Can't we all just get along...please?
Sorry for the delay! Let the daily updates roll on!
As ever we're still sticking to the "Embers" rule here, folks.
I don't want this to meet the fate of "Titan" or poor "The Drunken Huntsman" but I'm a man of my word.
Every review no matter how large or small, keeps me writing. No reviews? No inspiration. No inspiration? No story. So speak up! Your words matter!
Now then, lets answer your questions. A handful should do this time:
Q: When are you going to post the new stuff you promised?!
A: I am really, really, REALLY trying to hold off on that; if only because I want to finish some stories first.
So yes, you may well "Take the Girl", in which Naruto raises a young Yang, along with "Weapon Master of Remnant" the NarutoxTenten in Remnant story I teased weeks back, and then "Trickster of Beacon" in which Naruto essentially TEACHES at Beacon with Tyrian as his loyal ally, a ways down the line. But right now I'm doing my best to hold back.
Q: Does this story have a pairing?
A: It does indeed, and its an absolute doozy. Won't say more than that for fear of spoiling things.
Q: Well, Raven better start saying her prayers.
A: Naruto's headed straight for the bandits, yes. At this point, canon never really established when she got the Maiden powers. We KNOW it happened after she left Yang with Tai of course, but not much more. Sure, the Spring Maiden came to her tribe, but we don't know WHEN Raven killed her; only that it must've been before the fall of Beacon; because she used those powers like a aster.
That's given me...ideas.
Q: Has Naruto changed? He seems pretty calm thus far.
A: Naruto's in his prime and then some. Being dragged across worlds...well. It left a mark on him. In a good way. All this stress he's dealing with..
...well...
...it might drive him quite mad.
Q: Any Resident Evil references in this story?
A: Nah, I think I'll hold off for now. Then again, you never know...
Alright then, I've kept you long enough. Lets get on with the delightful madness that is this story. As ever I own no reference, quotes, themes or memes. Not a wit or a one. Really, it would be easier if I did, but that's that. Minor verbatim on my part for Raven's appearance here and there. I can only describe her so many times.
Now, then. Here. We. Go.
"OI! Raven Branwen! I want a word with you!"
...you know me?"
"No, I don't. But then again I don't need to know you to get the measure of you. You're the leader of these bandits, right? Good. That makes things easier. Tell me, how does it feel preying on people who can't fight back, eh? Attacking a settlement recovering from a Grimm attack. Bet it makes you feel real good, doesn't it?
"Their fate is of no concern of mine. The strong thrive. The weak serve the strong. Such is the the way of the world."
"Really? I'm so GLAD you said that! So if I beat you into the ground...
"Uh-oh."
"That means you're weaker than me, right?"
~Blond meets Branwen.
Feel the Thunder
"Are you gonna smash the bandits?"
Never change, Nora.
Never ever!
Naruto tried not to smile and failed spectacularly as he sauntered down the dirt path. Really, he couldn't help but smirk. In her eyes, life was simple. Good guys always won. Bad guys got smashed. That was how the world worked, and nothing could change her mind. He almost envied her naivete. Because at the end of the day life wasn't simple, was it? With an attitude like hers, he'd have to see his way to giving Nora a hammer someday. She seemed the sort to make good use of it.
"Yes, Nora." in the end, he grinned up at the girl sitting on his shoulders. "I'm gonna smash the bandits."
The little ginger beamed back from her perch. "I can watch you fight, right?"
"Yup," the wayward warrior forbore to sigh. "You can watch."
She grinned and hugged the back of his head.
"Best semblance ever!"
"I keep sayin', he ain't a bloody semblance." Their captured guide -who had only reluctantly identified himself as Bronn- grumbled ahead of them. "If anything, he's a god . Stupid girl. She's absolutely cracked...
Nora glowered at his back. "I heard you!"
"Hey!" Naruto growled and shoved him between the shoulders. "Don't talk about her like that! And keep walking!"
"Yes, m'lord." The poor sap rolled his eyes yet hastened on nevertheless. "At once, m'lord."
The blond's scowl redoubled. "And stop calling me that!"
"Of course, m'lord."
"Aaaargh!"
As the ex-bandit led them on in stoic silence, Naruto felt his thoughts begin to unspool.
Part of him felt anxious leaving Kuroyuri behind; let alone venturing out into the wilds like this in the first place.
He couldn't leave the village unprotected; nor could he leave his ward behind. Such was his intent in the beginning, but Nora pitched such a fit that he had to bring her along, if only to stop her tears. He never wanted to see a tantrum like that again. Poor girl. She'd cried so hard; been so distraught. Perhaps this was for the best. Who knew what trouble she might get up to if he left her behind? Conversely, Ren wished to stay and look after his mother, lest she wake from her coma to find him gone. Naruto had yielded to his wishes as well and left the boy behind.
In the end he'd dipsatched a battalion of clones -easily three dozen strong!- to guard the village. They were left with strict instructions not to let any intruders past the gates.
And so, with none but young Nora at his side, he had set out to deal with the bandits.
He'd made all the necessary preparations earlier this morning; checked his knives, sharpened his shuriken, even found a comfortable wool cloak for the morning chill. He'd even been given a new weapon by the villagers, a great gaudy thing that he didn't know how to use, yet had accepted out of gratitude nonetheless. Even now its weight rested comfortably against his back, clinking softly with every movement. He was still surprised they'd forged it for him at all...
His lips twitched at the memory...
(.0.0.0.)
...this is an ax."
"Aye." the smith replied. "It be an ax."
Blue eyes narrowed. "Samson, WHY am I looking at an ax?"
"We made it for you, m'lord." The blacksmith of Kuroyuri wiped a bead of sweat from his bearded brow as he set the gold-and-silver embossed weapon down before him. "It was a bit of a rush job, but me and m'girls were able to cobble it together. In your hands, I'm sure it'll be right as rain."
Naruto frowned at it. "I can't accept this. I should at least pay
"Nonsense!" sturdy hands pushed the coin pouch into his palm. "You saved our village. Sapphire and Scarlett wouldn't be alive if not for you. My daughters are worth more to me than gold."
The blond peeked around the corner of the forge and spied two young women looking back. He understood the names immediately. One had hair of deep, dark blue, while the other's flowing tresses rather reminded him of Kushina. Each had eyes of striking silver. Like actual silver. That was certainly something. The redhead saw him and flashed him a jaunty little before their mother dragged her back out of sight.
Eh. Probably nothing important.
"Well, go on, then." he gestured to the weapon at his feet. "Give Rhitta a swing or two."
Naruto blinked. "You named it?"
"After a local goddess of these parts." the forgemaster seemed oddly amused by that "Goon. What're you waiting for?"
"I don't really use a weapon, though...
"Begging your pardon m'lord, but folk respect a man with a weapon. And its safer for ya." he gestured to the grand, gilded thing with w girn. "You can fight Grimm well enough with your fists and those fancy tricks, but sooner or later, you'll risk losing a limb to them. Better safe than sorry. You've that girl to look after now. Think of her.
Naruto did. Firm fingers closed around the heft.
He hefted at the giant golden ax and gave it a swing. "Ha! Simple! I like it."
Kurama rolled his eyes in mild derision. "You would. Bloody showoff, you have no subtlety!
(.0.0.0.)
Maybe he should start using it after all.
Naruto spared the ax a brief glance over his shoulder and frowned at the reflection he found within its edge.
His eyes were glowing once again.
He wasn't using chakra, yet he could see golden flames burning from the edges of his blue eyes. What did that mean? High above them the sun burned bright in the sky, shining its face down upon them. Beneath its kindly gaze he felt stronger than ever. Like he could cut a mountain in half. Why was that.
Kurama mimed a shrug in his mind. "Your guess is as a good as mine."
"Naruto?" Nora tugged at his hair. "Why did we stop?"
...its nothing." Naruto muttered. "Lets move on."
In the end, he shook such thoughts off, looked away from the sun and kept walking. Although he couldn't claim to have much in the way of experience when it came of weapons -let alone knowing how to use an ax- he'd accepted it out of gratitude. Couldn't be too hard to use. Just hit 'em with the pointy end, right. Easy.
Still... never seen this ax before.
...so why did it feel like the weapon was calling to him?
He was still pondering such thoughts when, quite suddenly, they stumbled upon the Branwen Tribe.
(.0.0.0.)
This was a bad place.
Nora knew it long before she saw the sentries at the gate; their jeering stares only served to further cement her suspicions.
Not hard to find thanks to the schmuck guiding them but ramshackle all the same, the Branwen Tribe looked a ramshackle and dismal place; just the sort a band of killers might make. She wrinkled her nose at the sight as much as the smell. Bandits couldn't create; they could only take; as such the crude wooden gate and palisade spoke for themselves.
"Nora." Naruto whistled sharply. "Off."
She clamored down off his shoulders and latched onto his good hand for dear life. His palm was warm to the touch; warm and gentle, like the father she'd never known. He looked down and granted her a small smile, just the sort a parent might give their child. Her heart skipped a quick beat. That was silly. He was her Semblance. She would've remembered a dad like him...wouldn't she?
Her pale face flushed as he pulled her into his side.
"Stay close to me."
His eyes were glowing again, burning with curling golden flames. Nora wondered why. He looked awake, alive in a way she'd never known; positively bursting with energy. The air felt...hot around him. And he was a little taller than before? Surely that was her imagination. People didn't spontaneously grow during the daylight. That just wasn't done.
Their guide led them to the gates, no doubt intending to open them.
At least he did, until Naruto thumped the sentries upside the head, knocked them out, and ripped the gate from its hinges. Timber sprayed into the air, followed by startled shouts as he flung it aside. Nora whistled at the casual display of violence. Once again. Best. Semblance. Ever!
"I'll...just wait outside, shall I?" Bronn saw the thunderous look in the blond's eyes and dithered at the entrance.
"See that you do."
Naruto tucked Nora back into his side and waded in without another word, making a beeline for the center of the camp. The bandits didn't take kindly to their approach. Some balked at them, others brandished weapons, but none dared challenge them. A handful parted before them, each edging aside with fearful growls. The rest learned from the actions of their fellows; they took one look at his face and ran hollering for their leader. Nora couldn't help but feel relieved at that.
Maybe these dummies would just back down...yeah, right. Still, child that she was, she wanted to hope.
In short order they found the largest tent of all, all red and black with a wooden ramp.
Naruto glared at the massive structure and stormed toward it with purpose. A particularly bold man moved to block him and was summarily slugged in the face for his bravery. His stunned form went spinning into the dirt. An angry ripple passed through the camp, but once again, none dared to come near.
"OI! Raven Branwen!" his voice boomed, low deep and so very, very angry. "I want a word with you!"
She emerged from the largest tent of all, and Nora realized just what -who!- they faced.
Startling red eyes glared back at them, set within a pale-yet-haggard face framed by a thick curtain of dark hair. Clad in red and black she approached them, one hand upon the hilt of her sword. Nora found herself taken aback at the sight. No mere bandit was she. This was a huntress. Or a former one at the very least. She moved with deadly poise and grace, her movements bellying skill polished skill. And that blade at her side...well. By the look of her, she clearly new how to use it.
...you know me, stranger?"
"No, I don't." Naruto shook his head. "But then again I don't need to know you to get the measure of you. You're the leader of these bandits, right?" When she didn't deny him, the ghost of a smile tugged at his lips. "I thought so. That makes things easier."
Raven frowned. "Did you want something, or did you just come here to flap your gums?"
Nora felt her temper stir, but clamped down on it. She didn't dare speak. Not with so many eyes upon them.
"Tell me," Naruto barreled on, heedless of her anger, "How does it feel to prey on people who can't fight back?" Her lips parted to answer, only to be silenced by a raised hand. "Attacking a settlement recovering from a Grimm attack. Bet bullying Kuroyuri made you feel real powerful, didn't it?"
"That village still stands?" her brow furrowed. "I had heard it fell to Grimm."
"Reports of its demise are greatly exaggerated." Nora's protector took a step forward, forcing her to follow or be left behind. "Kuroyuri stands. And your men," he stabbed a finger at her, "Came demanding tribute. They hurt plenty of good people." his eyes burned and the air around him grew muggy with heat. "My people. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Raven tilted her head. "That we'll expect bigger tribute next time."
Naruto went curiously still. "Excuse me...?"
"Tribute." the dark woman repeated with the air of a mother talking down to a stupid child. "Since you beat my raiding party, we'll expect more of you next time."
Low laughter ran through the ring of bandits. Nora whimpered. Naruto growled.
"They don't have anything left to give!"
"Their fate is of no concern of mine." Raven tossed her head, sending the dark curtain of her hair swaying. "The strong thrive. The weak die. Such is the the way of the world."
Nora saw the moment Determination turned those gentle blue eyes hot with wrath. "You should surrender while you still can."
"Yeah, that's a hard no." Raven folded both arms before her chest. "I refuse."
Naruto swung an arm back. A shadow clone materialized behind him and yanked Nora to safety. As such, she had a prime view of what happened next. Her "Semblance" stepped forward, climbed the steps, and rammed his head forehead against Raven's burning golden-blue eyes met red. Neither yielded.
"I'm so GLAD you said that." Naruto's grin grew, taking on a bitter edge. "So if I beat you into the ground...
Uh-oh. She knew that look.
...that means you're weaker than me, right?"
A black brow rose. "Care to say that again, hotshot? You wanna fight me?"
"Fight you?" his smile was just the wrong shade of vicious. "No. I wanna beat your ass black and blue."
"Do you have any idea who you're talking to, boy?" With a low click, the woman's blade slid free from its sheathe, exposing a blood red blade. "Who do you think you are?! I have half a mind to-
An almighty thunderclap shook the camp.
Raven's body slammed into the ground, bounced once, twice, then thrice before finally gravity reasserted itself. Nora winced when it did. The bandit queen hit the dirt at speed face first and found herself dragged across camp like a flung stone. A deep smoldering furrow scarred the earth in her wake as momentum had its wicked way with her. Finally she struck the outer wall of the camp. It didn't hold. The flimsily made wooden palisade shattered against her back as she shot through it and kept going, tearing an ugly line through the trees in the distance.
"The name's Naruto. Remember it." The blond lowered his right fist, knuckles dripping with blood. "I'm the guy who's gonna put some dirt in your eye."
An explosion of trees answered his surly statement.
Raven howled into existence behind him.
"DIE!"
Naruto reached back, casually caught her blade, and reeled her in like a fish. His elbow slammed out, driving the wind from Branwen's lungs. She folded over his outstretched limb and retched for air. All around them the Tribe, once so angry and surly, had fallen deathly still. None spoke. None dared to move.
"I'm two for two now, birdie." Naruto pulled Raven close, snarling in her ear. "Care to make it three~?"
She spat in his face. "Screw...you...!"
"Alright," he shrugged. "Have it your own way."
Nora knew Naruto could have finished her there. Perhaps he should have. But he didn't. Even as his prey doubled over, he simply gave her a shove. The mighty Raven Branwen tumbled down the steps and landed hard on her rear, looking every bit a little girl beaten in a schoolyard brawl.
And once again, Naruto didn't pursue.
"Alright you crazy bird, I'll give you one chance to surrender." a hand came out, fingers splayed, palm upturned in a gesture Nora didn't understand. "Turn yourself in now and your tribe with you." the other finally tugged that mighty ax off his back. "If you don't, I won't be held responsible for what happens next."
She dove at them and they fell into a flurry of blows. Steel struck steel. Raven's blade fractured and she drew another.
"Not bad." Naruto hummed. "Weapon's actually pretty light. I'll have to thank Samson later."
"Don't mock me!"
They closed again in a whirl of steel, two monsters fighting faster than the eye could see. Their clash seemed to stretch on for an eternity; when in truth, Raven lasted all of a paltry three seconds against Naruto before he got inside her guard and kicked away, sending her skidding back.
"...Raven, was it? Look, I'm really not in the mood for this." he rolled his shoulders once, and Nora swore she saw the fabric begin to burn away beneath some unseen heat. "Tell you what." glowing golden eyes regarded her like an ant beneath his boot. "I'll give you one free shot. But I'm warning you, if you waste it...
Raven's blade slammed into his neck and shattered, the impact snapping his head to one side.
His gaze shifted.
...you're gonna regret it."
Raven balked. "What the hell is he?!"
Nora tittered merrily. "He's my semblance, silly. He shines. Like the sun."
Naruto grinned and brought a fist crashing down. The ground didn't just buckle. It BURNED.
Raven crashed back, clothes smoldering. For the first time since she'd seen her, Nora saw fear burning in those blood-red orbs. Then the dark-haired woman flung out an arm, tearing a crimson portal into existence not a pace away. She pivoted in a whirl of red light and roared into it.
"Bring out the Maiden!"
Nora didn't get a good look at her; all she saw was two men shove an angry-looking girl with rust-colored hair through the tear in reality; whomever they were still they did Raven's bidding. Another bandit. No need to feel guilt. Naruto certainly did not; he rolled a shoulder, brandished that massive ax, then vanished in a streak of gold.
The stranger saw him coming, shrieked fearfully and flung a bolt of lightning into his face.
He scoffed, slapping it away with an open palm...and it recoiled.
That could be the only word for it; before Nora's very eyes the bold bolt of light folded back in on itself, bending before the sheer strength of its aggressor. Unprepared for such a response, the unknown girl had all of an instant to balk; then her own attack speared her through the chest. This so-called "Maiden" didn't fall. She crashed backward. Nora saw the hole in her chest long before they landed...
"Huh?"
...right at her feet.
Glassy eyes stared up at her, blinking slowly. Nora stared back, just as terrified.
"No!" Raven took a stumbling step forward. "What have you done?!"
Naruto shrugged, not seeing the peril. "Defended myself?"
"You fool! Get her back! Now!"
Poor little Nora didn't truly see what happened next. But she felt it. One moment she was minding her own business; the next she was staring into the eyes of a dying woman. A trembling hand clamped down on her ankle even as she struggled to escape. Naruto's clone lashed out and kicked her away, but it was too late. Nora heard a threadbare whisper, carried to her on the air.
"At...last...release...no more...fear...
Light burst from the woman's chest and struck Nora.
It.
Struck.
Nora. Valkyrie.
Someone was screaming. It took her a handful of seconds to realize it was her. Then came the pain.
Fire! Fire, fire, fire! It filled every cell, raced through her every pore, burning with power she'd never known before. She doubled over to clutch at herself, howling as sparks skittered between her teeth. Too much. It was just too much. Everything hurt. Pain everywhere, so much so that she her very soul fracture. All around her the wind picked up. Frost flickered at fingertips as her aqua blue eyes shimmered with heat; thought she could not see them, she felt the azure flames stemming from her eyes.
"NORA!"
And then quite suddenly, Naruto was there, catching her as crumpled to the floor.
Nora blinked up at him with bright burning eyes.
...I," she coughed, "Don't feel so good."
Then she fell into blackness.
Sleep came swiftly.
A/N: As ever we're sticking the "Embers" rule. I don't want this to meet the fate of other discontinues stories, but I'm very much a man of my word. So by all means, speak up! Make yourselves heard! Your words matter!
Surprise~! Meet your new Spring Maiden~!
Leonardo scene had to be cut until next time, wouldn't want to spoil things.
At this point, Raven didn't have the Spring Maiden powers. She still had the previous Maiden with her.
And in a cruel twiste of Naruto accidentally killed her. He's not used to holding back and the people in Remnant are...well, fragile compared to him. That's act may come back to haunt him. Then again it may not. Unfortunately, the Maiden power interprets death very loosely. Thus, the power went to the last female in her thoughts.
Congratulations, Nora! You leveled up!
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review...Would You Kindly?
And have some previews.
(Preview)
An Ren opened her eyes. "Where am I...?"
She felt a small weight crash into her chest. "Mother! You're finally awake."
"You know what they say. A king must have a queen."
"Why the hell is the Headmaster of Haven here?"
"Maybe he heard about the situation and came to supply aid...?"
Naruto looked over the wall. Negativity clung to the headmaster like a cloud. "Somehow, I doubt that...
"No, no, no," Naruto shook his head. "That's not a weapon."
He hefted the ax on his back.
"THIS is a weapon."
Lionheart whimpered.
"Do I have to teach you everything?!"
"Maybe." Nora tilted her head, regarding her with burning eyes. "What's a vault?"
Raven groaned. "This is my life now. Someone kill me."
R&R~!