"Speaking"
'Thinking'
"Attacking/Beast"
Volume 0: Chapter 5. A Fated Meeting
(Two Months later)
Taking slow and even breaths, Naruto was sitting cross legged at the edge of the Emerald Forest. However, within his hands were both his weapons Helios and Selene, but Naruto wasn't actually holding either weapon. In fact Naruto's palms were pointed to the ground and his fingers were completely stretched outward. Despite this it didn't stop Naruto's two weapons from defying gravity and sticking tightly onto his hands.
Naruto himself didn't fully understand the reasoning behind this, but he knew this was somehow correlated to his semblance. A discovery Naruto had found when he began to meditate to train his semblance more, as he often found his body sticking onto the ground like some sort of adhesive. This of course made the curious scientist test a few theories about what he was experiencing.
It first started with Naruto trying to stick his hands and feet to the ground to see if he could control which parts of his body would stick onto surfaces. Finding he could control that variable, Naruto began to take small objects like pebbles and leaves, while using them as objects to better grasp the control of his sticking capabilities. Of course he had managed to grasp a mastery over that and worked his way up to bigger objects like his weapons. However, Naruto found this training a little harder than the pebbles and leaves. Despite this Naruto was starting to get a grasp over larger objects, which was the last hurdle before Naruto's next step of training. That of course being the use of this new found ability to stick onto vertical surfaces like walls and trees.
An ability that in theory should work, as Naruto not only had the ability to control what parts of his body would stick onto objects, but he also had the physical prowess to hold his body in a vertical position.
"And that makes ten minutes." Naruto mumbled to himself with a small grin of satisfaction, while taking a tight hold onto his weapons. "I think tomorrow I will finally start trying to stick myself onto trees and walls."
Beaming with anticipation, Naruto was extremely excited to take his next steps in his personal training. Yet he still knew this ability he was training wasn't what he had used when he lost control of himself back at Atlas. This of course made Naruto theorize there were even more possibilities and potential with this strange power within himself. Though this didn't deter Naruto, but instead sparked a new drive he hadn't felt in quite some time. Considering now more than ever, Naruto wanted to push his boundaries and get stronger than he ever was before.
"Let's see here." Naruto began softly, as he placed Helios and Selene at his hip and reached into his pocket. Then by producing a small, old and worn out notebook, Naruto began to write down a few notes. A habit he had developed over the years from working with Doctor Polendina. "Check off the combined weight and size of Helios and Selene as objects I can stick onto my body. Then tomorrow I can work on theory number seven and try to walk and stand on vertical surfaces. After that I'll trying hanging upside down off horizontal surfaces and from there I'll focus on a few other theories I have."
Naruto tucked his notebook away with a smile, as he was proud of the progress he was making on his own. Though he often wondered if he could be doing better, which was thoughts that mostly stemmed from the fact that Naruto trained alone. Something he knew wasn't optimal, as it was always best to have another mind to give a second opinion or different perspective. Hell this was even more true because Naruto wouldn't even be this far along if Amber didn't help him with meditation.
Yet over the past months Amber had remained her usual distant self and didn't really make an effort to communicate or help Naruto often. However, there were a few occasions Amber did seek Naruto out, but all those instances were like their first encounter and were sparked by Amber needing Naruto for something. This of course made Naruto start to believe his teammate only sought him out when she needed him and simply helped him to ensure neither party owed one another.
Still their encounters were not as cut in dry as that. Since at times it felt like Amber was randomly making up excuses or reasons she needed Naruto. Almost as if she wanted to help him, but used the excuse of returning a favor for a favor to mask her true intentions. For Naruto, figuring this out was frustrating, as he found there were multiple layers to the girl he didn't understand and she wasn't the sharing type. Regardless Naruto was at least grateful that he and Amber got along moderately well, which was something he couldn't say about Roman.
Ever since the two butted heads and Naruto pressured the teen with his authority. There had been a tension between the two that was obvious for everyone involved. It was an issue that Naruto desperately wanted to fix, as it really pressed a wedge in their teams' already abysmal synergy. However, every opportunity Naruto took in order to fix the issue failed miserably. Leaving Naruto to wonder if his team would ever become a well rounded unit like Clover's team back in Atlas.
Unfortunately with a mysterious girl who keeps to herself and a selfish asshole for teammates, Naruto knew achieving the same level of teamwork as the ace ops was near impossible. Especially with Naruto's lack of experience as a team leader. Though at least Naruto's third teammate Gretchen wasn't an issue for him. Mainly due to the girl's friendly nature and personality blending well with Naruto's. A positive that left some spark of hope for the young group of warriors.
"I should probably head back to the dorms." Naruto began softly, as he turned towards the direction of the academy. "Today is an off day from classes. So maybe I can try to get some team bonding done!"
Grabbing his scroll and flipping through his contacts, Naruto quickly found Gretchen's name and pressed the call button.
"Hey leader! What's up?" The larger than life woman asked instantly, making Naruto smile at how fast she answered.
"Well I was finishing my daily training and thought today would be a good day for some team bonding. So why don't you find Roman and Amber then the four of us can go explore Vale a little."
"Sounds like a good time to me! I'll grab them and meet you at the dorms!"
Naruto smiled. "Alright I'll see you there Gretchen."
(City of Vale)
Moving together in a loosely formed group, Naruto and his team walked around the rather large city with different expressions. Amber seemed like she didn't want to be anywhere near the city, while Roman looked completely bored. Gretchen on the other hand was a simple country girl and had never really experienced the big city before. So she, like Naruto who wanted to see what Vale was like, was clearly impressed.
"So why exactly are we walking around this cesspool?" Roman asked, which earned a snort from Amber.
"I don't know why you're so upset, shouldn't you feel right at home here?" Amber began softly, while folding her arms. "Though I can't say that I exactly want to be here either."
Naruto looked over his shoulder with a frown. "It's team bonding! It wouldn't kill you two to spend some time with each other."
Gretchen leaned into Naruto with a snicker and whispered into his ear. "Well they may kill each other."
"What was that brute?" Roman yelled in frustration, while Naruto sighed.
"Guys can we just spend time together for one hour without fighting or arguing?" Naruto asked with exhaustion behind his words.
Amber lifted her brow. "One hour of complacency and then we can leave?"
Bringing his hand to his face, Naruto sighed and simply nodded. "Sure, one hour of actual team bonding and then you can go about your own way."
"Well let's get this over with then." Roman began as he walked forward, while Amber merely followed closely behind.
Naruto lowered his shoulders and asked himself if this was even worth it? Yet as Gretchen rested a hand on his shoulder, the blond looked to the grinning girl.
"Don't let them get you down Naruto. I for one am glad you are trying to bring us together as a real team."
"Thanks Gretchen, that means a lot."
Nodding with a friendly smile, Gretchen walked after their teammates with Naruto following her side. The group didn't have a real destination and were just walking aimlessly around the city, while absorbing all the sights and sounds around them. Something that caused Naruto to almost zone out and focus on everything happening around him.
"Man I'm going to be late for work!"
"Hey are you excited for this year's Vytal Festival?"
"Excuse me what's the quickest way to Canyon Blvd?"
"Hey did you see that little girl earlier?"
"Yes! She looked awful, her parents should be ashamed!"
"Best hotdogs in all of Vale right here!"
"Taxi! Taxi!"
"Hey let's go check out that new shoe store downtown!"
"Woah look at her dude!"
"Faunus are equal, not less! Faunus are equal, not less! Faunus are equal, not less!"
Hearing what sounded like loud chanting from a large crowd, Naruto suddenly tuned closely into the noise and started to walk in the direction of the chanting. His team seeing this had rather mixed emotions.
"Just what is the Ice King doing? Does he not know what's going on that way?" Roman asked, while he followed Naruto.
"Only forty nine more minutes." Amber added in as she walked after Naruto.
Gretchen followed in the rear and rounded a street corner with her team. Where to the girl's surprise a cluster of Faunus were gathered with signs in hand as they shouted at the top of their lungs.
"Just what is going on here?" Gretchen asked softly, as she had never such a thing before.
Roman folded his arms and kept a rather neutral expression. "It's a Faunus rights rally. You would think having equal rights would be a no brainer, but that's not the world we live in. However, we should keep moving. These sort of things always end up hostile in one form or another."
"But can't we help them?" Gretchen asked, as she leaned into the group with her hands held out.
Amber frowned and shook her head. "It's quite sad really, but there is nothing we can do. We are just simple students with no real power or influence."
Gretchen tightly gripped her fists together. "There has to be something."
Naruto heard the conversation between his team, but instead of participating or speaking his mind kept his eyes on the protesters. They seemed like somewhat of an organized group and to Naruto's surprise there were even small children within their ranks. Showing how important these issues were to the younger generation of Faunus. Yet as he watched the group he knew Roman's earlier warning held a solid amount of truth.
However, this wasn't attributed to the protestors, but rather a group of rather hostile humans forming in direct opposition.
"This could get ugly." Naruto began as he glanced around to see if any of the city's law enforcement was around to stop a potential scuffle. Yet Naruto couldn't see any near or around either group. "I've seen this happen a few times back home in Atlas."
"Like I said, we should walk off." Roman urged while he started to walk away. "The last thing we want to do is get involved."
Gretchen was about to voice her opinion on the matter, but a sudden voice caused her to freeze.
"Fuck off you stupid monsters!"
"Go back to whatever cave you crawled out of!"
"We don't want you here!"
Gretchen was horrified as she watched the humans begin to grab rocks and bricks from the ground before throwing them into the crowd of protesting Faunus. Roman merely lowered his head and looked away, as though he could hear the insults from the humans and cries of fear from the Faunus he didn't want involved. Amber herself tightened her fists in anger, as she saw the protesters were not fighting back. Instead they simply shielded the young and weak, while trying to endure the abuse directed their way.
However, as a single brick went sailing between the two groups, time seemed to slowly come to a halt. This was because everyone saw the target that the brick was aiming for. That of course being the small girl with black hair and cat ears. Who was still boldly shouting out her cause without fear and trying her hardest to hold her sign high. Yet as the brick came mere inches from her face she paused in fear and flinched to brace herself for the pain. A pain that oddly enough never came. Instead as she opened her eyes, she saw the brick had been caught by a tall blond teenager with two guns at his hip. A teenager who was of course one very furious Naruto Ironwood.
"You're not hurt are you?" Naruto asked in a soft and caring voice, which caught both groups off guard. In fact the scene had completely froze from Naruto's sudden intervention.
"No." The girl replied softly, which made Naruto nod without looking at her.
"Good." The teenager began before crushing the brick within his hand. Stunning everyone who watched him open his hand to allow the crushed dust to flutter into the wind. "Now to deal with the actual monsters."
The crowd of humans stepped back in fear at Naruto's piercing gaze, as they were all shocked the moment the boy grabbed one of his weapons. Then without wasting a second the pistol snapped and shifted into a sword.
"Please young man, don't resort to violence." A large Faunus with black hair called out desperately. "The White Fang despite a few outliers is a peaceful group, we don't condone violent acts."
Naruto looked over his shoulder, seeing dozens of Faunus protesters bleeding from multiple injuries caused by the humans. A sight that made his grip tighten in frustration.
"I just don't get you bastards." The general's son began, as he turned his vision back to the humans. "You repress and hate these people behind me because they look different. Yet on the inside-. . ." Naruto twirled his blade around and stabbed his own hand and then by extending his now bleeding hand outward. He clenched his fist and allowed the blood to leak from his hand and trickle onto the ground. "We all bleed the same blood."
The two groups were both stunned for completely different reasons. One out of sheer shock for what Naruto had done, while the other looked to the blond with respect and admiration. Gretchen of course was smiling wide and more proud to call Naruto her leader more than ever. Even Roman who wouldn't ever do what Naruto had done approved of his intentions. Yet out of Naruto's entire team it was Amber who found herself not only the most impressed, but also inspired by the boy's words and actions.
"However, If anyone wants to step forward and challenge my claim. I would be more than happy to show you what your insides look like." Naruto declared in a firm voice as he rested his blade by his hip and the crowd of humans all stepped back in fear the moment Naruto's eyes flashed red. "Oh no volunteers? Then get lost."
The crowd all quickly jumped away and began to run off in different directions, a reaction that made Naruto snort. Though as a firm hand rested itself onto his shoulder, Naruto found the large black haired Faunus from earlier looking at him with a beaming smile.
"On behalf of the White Fang I would like to thank you, but." The man paused and looked to the small girl by his side. "As a father I can't repay you enough for what you've done."
Naruto smiled and waved the large Faunus off. "It's nothing, I'm just glad I could jump in time to save her."
The Faunus laughed and shook his head. "While I'm grateful for that, it's not what I meant." He began softly, while softly rubbing the top of the girl's messy black hair.
Naruto lifted his brow. "Then if you don't mind me asking. What exactly did I do?"
"You've shown my daughter that not all humans harbor hatred for our kind. It's a powerful lesson that can spark hope for our cause and future generation." The Faunus then turned his full gaze to his daughter. "So tell me, stranger, what's your name?"
Naruto extended his hand out. "Naruto Ironwood."
His ears slightly twitching at the name, the Faunus accepted Naruto's hand all the same. "Ghira Belladonna, leader of the White Fang and this is my daughter, Blake." The large Faunus then nudged Blake forward. "Please thank this man sweetie."
Blake lowered her head. "Thank you."
Naruto bent down to be eye level with the Faunus he had saved, while a warm smile graced his lips. "There is no need to thank me, I'm glad I could help, but I want you to promise me something."
"Promise you?" Blake asked softly, confused by her savior's words.
Naruto smiled and reached out and lifted the sign in Blake's hands up. "Always hold your cause up high and never let your voice be silenced. You're the future for Remnant and you can't let beliefs of others belittle what you're fighting for." Promise me that you will fight until real change happens."
Blake nodded with a steadfast resolve. "I promise!"
Laughing and ruffling the girl's hair, Naruto stood up and gave an infectious wide grin. Yet before he could say anything more, he felt someone grip onto the hand he had stabbed. Then with a decent amount of force, Naruto's hand was pulled up close to the personal space of Amber.
"Really? Did you have to go this far?" The girl asked with clear frustration behind her voice, while to Naruto's surprise she was wrapping his wound with a piece of torn fabric. "Stabbing yourself was completely idiotic."
Studying his teammate as she worked, Naruto was at a complete loss for words. Since for the first time ever, Naruto saw a look of concern on Amber's face, which was clearly reflected by her current actions. Making Naruto almost swear something had gotten to the girl to make her act in such a way. Yet at the same time seeing this made the blond happy, as it showed they were growing closer.
"Well ya know, my old man always said. If you're gonna send a message, make it a damn memorable one."
Amber sighed and finished covering Naruto's injury. "If you say so, but I have to at least give you credit. You impressed me."
Gretchen suddenly appeared by Naruto's side and slung an arm around the boy's neck. "Yeah I'm with Amber! That was one of the most badass things I've ever seen. I'm just jealous I didn't get to join in!"
"While I don't particularly agree with poking your way into matters that don't concern one's self. Even I can say what you did was at least respectable." Roman added in.
Naruto grinned as his team gathered around him, while thinking maybe he was finally starting to win them over just a little bit.
(Five blocks away)
Running and weaving through the crowds and obstacles of Vale. A single girl ran with every ounce of strength that her little weak body possessed. Her hair a mismatched color of both pink and brown fluttered behind her, while making her an easy target for those running after her to spot.
"Get back here you fucking brat!"
Gritting her teeth and tears running down her face, she wanted to scream. She wanted to call for help, but unfortunately she couldn't. Yet even if she could cry for help, who would come? She had spent months running and begging for help. However, those she reached out for couldn't understand her and those that could didn't want anything to do with a small and dirty child like herself.
She was alone and she knew that, but regardless she didn't want to die. She wanted to survive! An ambition that made her ignore the splitting pain in her thighs and the shortness of her breath. Because if she truly wanted to live to see a better day, she couldn't give up now. She had to keep running while hoping, no praying someone would finally hear her silent cries.
(Atlas)
Sitting with a heavy air of silence that could nearly suffocate someone, Winter sat with her legs crossed and arms folded. Meanwhile practically mirroring the young girl's posture was her mother. The latter of whom was sipping on a cup of hot tea across the opposite side of their table.
Winter herself moved her eyes off her mother and gazed around their family's private outdoor garden. An area that Winter knew her mother liked to frequent with her day drinking. Yet oddly enough, not only did Willow request her daughter to meet her here, but she was not intoxicated. Instead the woman seemed more sharp and calculated than usual, something that Winter hasn't seen from the woman since she was a small child.
"You should drink your tea Winter, Klein made a rather wonderful batch."
Winter narrowed her eyes to the cup laying before her, while thinking the warm liquid would help warm her in the rather cold weather. However, despite reaching out to take a drink, Winter instead looked at her mother.
"Why did you call me here Mother?"
Willow scoffed and took a sip from her cup. "Is there something wrong with me wanting to see my eldest?"
"Do you want my honest answer?"
"Please don't be crass, it's one of your more undesirable traits."
Winter lifted her brow. "Better crass than an alcoholic. Speaking of which mother dearest, why aren't you three bottles of whiskey deep yet?"
Willow closed her eyes and sighed. "Your Father left yesterday for a three day trip for the company. You should know I'm always in better spirits when he is gone."
Finally reaching for her tea, Winter took a small sip and closed her eyes. "So it would seem."
"Yes, but please tell me how you're doing?"
"Fine as always Mother, I'm currently ranked top in my class within the academy and General Ironwood has shown great interest with me and my team."
"That's not what I meant child. How are you! Are you happy? Are you eating enough? Have you made any new friends?"
Slightly caught off guard, Winter sheepishly looked off to the side. "I'm quite happy and I am eating plenty."
"That's wonderful to hear, but you didn't mention any new friends. Please tell me you're not still driving people away with your rather childish behavior?"
Winter's eye twitched at her mother's question. "No Mother, I have not made any new friends and it has nothing to do with my personality. I'm just not in the mood to get myself distracted with needless attachments."
Willow sighed and closed her eyes. "Now that doesn't sound like you at all. In fact you're starting to sound like your Father. That couldn't be related to Naruto Ironwood attending a different academy would it?"
Winter snapped her eyes to her mother, the latter of whom simply let out a lighthearted laugh.
"Who told you about Naruto? I haven't talked to you about him in months!"
Willow slightly opened her eyes and sipped her tea. "So he is the problem, but if you must know Weiss told me a great deal. Though she really didn't have to do so, as you two were always inseparable. So even I could notice his obvious absence by your side. However, that's besides the point. You're clearly having issues with a boy and as your Mother I will do everything I can to help you."
"Thanks, I would love help from the woman with a model marriage."
"There you go being crass again darling, but you do make a good point. Your Father isn't a great husband and our marriage reflects that."
"Then why do you stay with him?"
"Because I love him."
Winter didn't reply, as her Mother's words were sharp and came without any hesitation. Though the girl did see a slight crack in the woman's expression.
"It may sound foolish, but I truly love your Father. However, over the years I've slowly learned his initial love for me was just a simple facade to worm his way into the Schnee family. I was nothing more than a means to an end."
"Mom don't talk like that." Winter began softly, as she could hear the hurt behind Willow's words. "I'm sure Dad does love you. You know how he is, he's-. . ."
"Not the affection type?" Willow cut in with a soft chuckle. "Please don't lie for his sake, we both know how he truly is."
Winter simply hung her head. "He's a bastard."
Willow nodded in agreement. "Yes he is, but all the same he's someone who captured my heart. Yet over the years he's merely tossed me to the side, while I've tried dozens of times to win him back over. Telling myself day after day that he does love me, but knowing deep down how he has always felt."
"Mom-. . ."
"You know I've always been quite jealous of you and little Naruto."
"Huh? Why would you be jealous of me and that imbecile?"
"You two have something that your Father and I never had. That of course being true and unconditional love."
Winter turned bright red, which of course caused Willow to laugh. "Me and that imbecile are not in love! I can't stand the sight of him!"
"Oh Winter you're an abysmal liar. You two have always been attached at the hip since you first met, but your relationship goes even deeper than that. I should know I've watched you two over the years and neither you or Naruto treat anyone else like you do each other."
"Yeah we fight, argue and can't agree on anything! If anything we have the most hate filled relationship in all of Atlas!"
"Yet behind closed doors when you think no one is watching you have tender moments that show how much you mean to each other. It's the small things like picking each other up after a bad day or surprising the other with a small treat. Even the small laughs you share together when you think you're alone is enough to prove my point."
Winter bit her lip. "Okay, maybe you're right, but that doesn't mean we are in love!"
Willow simply shook her head. "You can stop trying to lie in front of me darling. I know how much that boy means to you and I approve of him ten times over. After all he treats you the way I wished your father would treat me. So tell me what's going on with you and Naruto?"
Sighing in defeat and lowering her head, Winter subconsciously rubbed her hands together. "Before Naruto left for Beacon, he told me that he planned going there for a long time before telling me."
"And that upset you?"
"It did and we fought and left on bad terms, but things only got worse from there-. . . See me and Naruto got caught up in an incident and as a result I got my injuries. Naruto blamed himself and wouldn't speak to me for weeks. I eventually caught onto the fact that he was avoiding me, so out of spite I completely shut him out."
"So the last time you two spoke was months ago?"
"No, Naruto has called me dozens of times from Beacon, but I also ignore him. I usually answer, give him a look and hang up after a minute or so."
"Oh Winter that's not making anything better."
"I know that, but I want him to see how I felt! He not only left me, but he completely ignored me! I want him to realize how much hurt he put me through."
"I understand that completely darling, but you must realize this. Yes you're giving Naruto a taste of his own medicine, but you're hurting yourself by doing this. Instead of fixing the issue between you and Naruto you're only causing more damage, which affects the both of you greatly."
"So I should forget and forgive?"
"Yes and no. You can forgive Naruto and you can even apologize to him, as relationships need effort from both sides. However, the most important thing is honesty. Tell him about how you feel and that should make him understand your actions better. It may even draw you two brats closer together."
Winter took a moment to think her mother's words over. "So I should call him?"
"Well either that or speak to him in person, as issues of the heart are better dealt with face to face."
"I see. . . In that case during the Vytal Festival this year I'll fix this."
Willow smiled softly. "That's a good plan and it's only three weeks away! Let's just hope Naruto doesn't find a new girl to love!"
"Huh?!"
(With Naruto)
Walking with his mind reflecting on his previous encounter, Naruto was essentially leading his team on autopilot and wasn't paying attention to his surroundings. However, as he turned down a corner and walked down the sidewalk, Naruto had enough awareness to feel Roman's hand tightly grab his shoulder.
"Something up?" The blond asked, as he glanced over his shoulder to the orange haired delinquent. Who to Naruto's observation seemed slightly on edge, which wasn't in character for the normally cocky teenager.
Gretchen and Amber both stopping along with their leader looked at Roman, as like Naruto they could tell the boy seemed off.
"Wrong turn Ice King." Roman began softly, his eyes already combing their surroundings.
Moving his eyes off Roman and taking a moment to observe his environment. Naruto could instantly tell they were slowly approaching the more rough and sketchy part of the city. An observation that made Naruto look back to his teammates with a curious expression.
"Bad part of town?"
"To put it nicely." Roman replied quickly, while he tried to motion for his team to turn around. "Trust me it's better off if we end this little tour now."
Gretchen folded her arms with a frown. "It's just a few blocks, how bad could it be?"
Amber huffed and rolled her eyes. "He is probably afraid of running into someone he's crossed."
Roman made a sarcastic laugh and flipped the girl off. "For your information sweetheart, we are a group consisting of one country bumpkin, an Atlas prude, a semi-attractive girl and a devilish handsome rouge. We make for quite the easy mark in a place like this, so I'm just trying to avoid any more conflicts."
"That makes some sense actually." Gretchen began before looking to Amber with slight shock. "But Amber I didn't know you grew up in the country too."
Amber sighed and looked at the large woman with an annoyed look. "I didn't, he was calling you the country bumpkin."
"Why you!" Gretchen began, but was stopped by Naruto taking a deep sigh.
"Just drop it and all of you need to relax. Just because I'm from Atlas doesn't mean I've never been in a rough neighborhood before. In fact this place is a lot like Mantle back home. So we should be fine!"
Saying nothing more on the matter, Naruto started to walk forward, while Gretchen smiled and followed the blond. Amber merely shrugged her shoulders and walked as well, while Roman groaned in annoyance and slowly lagged behind the group.
Yet as the group turned down a corner, Naruto suddenly had the wind taken from him. This was because a small child rammed her head straight into his stomach. However, Naruto was strong enough to shake the blow off and take his attention to the small girl. Who unlike Naruto was clearly dazed by the impact.
"Hey are you okay?" Naruto asked softly, while bending down to meet the girl at eye level. Then as Naruto's cerulean eyes gazed into the frightened mismatched pair, Naruto could see the tears streaming down her face. Tears that were slowly smudging the dirt and grime on her cheeks.
In fact as the girl remained silent, Naruto could see her clothes were in tatters, her hair was a mess and she had an absolute putrid smell to her. Despite all of this, she didn't make a single sound, but instead began to look around in a frantic panic. Something that Naruto instantly picked up on.
"What's wrong? Why are you in such a hurry?" Naruto asked as he placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Can I help you?"
The girl turning to Naruto with a look of desperation mixed with frustration swiped her hands through the air and made a few quick signals. 'It doesn't matter! No one understands me!'
His eyes growing wide in interest, Naruto softly signed back to the girl with ease. 'I do.'
Her eyes nearly popping open in disbelief at the blond's actions, she instantly replied back. 'Please help me!"
Naruto smiled. 'I would be happy to, but first what's your name? Mine's Naruto Ironwood.'
'Neo.'
'That's a lovely name. Now tell me Neo, how can I help you?'
'They won't stop chasing me! They killed Momma and Pappa!'
Naruto hardened up at this revelation, as this girl was clearly afraid and running from dangerous people. Yet Naruto's team being the onlookers to this situation finally decided to voice themselves.
"Okay what is going on here?" Roman finally asked in annoyance.
"And since when do you speak sign language?" Amber added in.
Turning to his team, Naruto kept himself close to Neo to support the scared girl. "This is Neo, she is running from some very nasty people and we are going to help her."
"Oh for fu-. . ."
"As for knowing sign language." Naruto cut in, as he stopped Roman from swearing in front of Neo. "Winter insisted I take a few classes to learn how to sign back in combat school. She always said it would be a useful skill to have. I'll never let her know it, but she was right."
"Who is Winter?" Amber asked softly, while Naruto waved her off.
"That's not important right now. Right now we need to-. . ."
"There you are, you little shit!" An aggressive voice yelled out, which caused Naruto to snap his eyes to the side. Finding two individuals running right at him with their sights placed completely on Neo. The latter of whom was completely trembling at the man and woman who had been chasing her for so long.
"Neo, are these the bad people you told me about?" Naruto asked softly, while his anger started to build slowly the moment the girl nodded in conformation.
"You really thought you could escape us forever brat?" The woman asked in a frustrated voice, while she and her partner stopped a few feet away from the group. This of course caused Roman to see the spider tattoos on their bodies. Making the teenager realize just what type of people they were up against.
"Ice King we need to get-. . ." Roman began, but froze the moment he saw Naruto's eyes flash red.
Standing to his feet and not even bothering to draw his weapons, Naruto merely glared at the two individuals before him. These monsters were chasing a girl who was malnourished, tattered and afraid. A girl who's parents these two most likely killed.
"I don't know who you are or what you're after, but if you want to harm a hair on this girl's head. Well then you'll have to kill me first."
The man chuckled and drew a small knife. "That can be arranged quite-. . ."
The man paused, as Naruto blurred forward at speeds no one could follow, while his fist was already a mere inch from the man's face. Then what followed next was an impact that not only completely shattered the man's aura, but sent him rolling backwards like a rag doll down the street he came from.
"What!" The woman screamed in disbelief, while Naruto didn't even skip a beat and spun around and kicked her hard in the stomach. A blow that broke her aura as well and sent her rag dolling much high and farther than her male companion.
Naruto watching both individuals land and remain downed looked to his hands. Having to admit that he even surprised himself with that burst of speed and power. Wondering if the personal training he was doing was having such a drastic impact on his strength. Regardless Naruto shook those thoughts off and turned back to Neo. Then with care behind his bright blue eyes, he kneeled before the girl and smiled.
"There is no need to worry Neo, I'll keep you safe."
Neo's lip quivering at what the blond had said and done for her immediately barreled into Naruto for a strong hug. An action that made Naruto laugh softly and return the girl's embrace. Yet this small moment was short lived due to Roman making his opinion known.
"Do you have any clue who you just attacked?"
Glancing at his teammate with a blank look, Naruto didn't even bat an eye. "Scum."
"Cute response, but you don't understand what you just got in the middle of." The teenager replied in a frantic tone as he started to pace and massage his face.
Amber lifted her brow. "But you obviously do. So care to explain what's got you so worked up?"
"The spider tattoos on those two mean they are members of Lil Miss Malachite's gang."
"Oh." Amber added in a moment of realization.
"Who?" Naruto asked in response, which made Roman groan and throw his hands into the air.
"Of course the Atlas boy is clueless!"
"Hey I've never heard of this person either!" Gretchen began, as she voiced herself.
"Yeah so why don't you enlighten us Roman."
"Ok fine, Lil Miss Malachite is the biggest crime boss in both Vale and Mistral. I mean seriously Ice King this woman has her claws in almost every aspect of both kingdoms. She's a terrifying woman who you've now crossed."
"Well I'm not intimidated by some person I've never met, but more importantly Neo. Why were these people after you?"
'I don't know.'
"I see, do you have anyone who I can take you too?"
Neo sadly shook her head. 'All I had was Mommy and Daddy.'
Naruto nodded and closed his eyes, while his mind ran through his options. "Roman what's the odds of Vale's police force being corrupted by this Malachite lady?"
"Absolutely one hundred percent, but it's not like those idiots are helpful anyway. Why?"
Taking a deep sigh, Naruto grabbed a handful of Lien and handed it to Gretchen. "I want you and Roman to pick up a few different outfits that would fit Neo. She shouldn't have to stay in those nasty clothes. Can you do that for me?"
Gretchen nodded. "Absolutely!"
Roman lifted his brow, as Naruto didn't answer his question and he was suddenly giving orders. "Ice King what are you doing?"
Naruto stood by Neo and smiled, while his hand rested on the girl's messy hair. "Neo has nowhere safe to go if the police are corrupted by some gang, but Beacon operates outside the jurisdiction of Vale. So we can protect Neo until we have a more permanent solution."
"You have to be kidding me! We can't just start a fight with the biggest gang in Remnant like it's nothing!" Roman screamed as he looked up to the sky in disbelief. "And what if Ozpin isn't for us keeping Neo around? Have you thought about that?"
"I'm sure Oz won't have an issue with us keeping Neo for a while. However, if he does my Father is the most powerful man in Atlas. One quick call from him would be all we would need."
Amber stayed rather silent through this exchange, but she knew right away Ozpin wouldn't mind helping Neo.
"That's a great idea Naruto, but while we get clothes what will you, Amber and Neo do?" Gretchen asked.
"We will clean Neo up and get some food in her stomach. After that I'll talk to Ozpin and explain the situation and come up with some sort of plan. Is that okay with you Neo?"
Her eyes wide in disbelief and tears slowly leaking out, Neo merely nodded her head. A response that all four teenagers could understand.
"Well that settles that!" Naruto laughed loudly, while he hoisted Neo up onto his shoulders. "Let's get going!"
(Team NGRA's Dorm)
Smiling softly and running a large brush he had borrowed from Amber, Naruto carefully combed through Neo's long, wet and messy locks. Amber watching from the side simply observed the two with a small amount of disbelief, as her team leader was actually quite good at the task. Though she also had to fight back a frown, as while Naruto worked on Neo's hair. She was busy stuffing her face with any bit of food the two were able to get for her. Showing how deprived and starved the girl truly was, but she took solace knowing she and Naruto were able to get Neo clean and fed. They even managed to find some temporary clean clothes for the girl. Sure they were Amber's oversized shorts and shirt, but they were at least better than what she had.
"You know Naruto, you're strangely good at brushing hair." Amber teased softly, which made her leader snicker.
"Yeah Winter used to make me brush her hair sometimes, so I got rather good at it." Naruto admitted with an honest chuckle. "It was either get good at brushing hair or get insulted for doing a poor job. Actually come to think of it, she insulted me no matter how good I did!"
Neo lifted up her tiny hands and smiled. 'I think you're doing great!'
"Hah, thanks Neo."
Smiling at the two having their moment, Amber took a seat on a bed adjacent to Naruto and Neo. "So this is the second time today I've heard you mention this Winter person. Is she your girlfriend or something?"
Turning red at the question, Naruto quickly looked to Amber. "N-no! It's nothing like that!"
Finding some slight amusement in Naruto's reaction, Amber folded her arms and gave Naruto a smug face. "Oh is that so? You're blushing really hard there leader."
"I am not! Listen me and Winter have just been friends for a really long time! There is nothing else going on with us okay!"
"Hmm, I'm not buying into that one bit. What about you Neo?"
Smiling with a mouthful of food, Neo slashed her hands through the air. 'I think Naruto is in love!'
"I am not in love with her!" Naruto yelled in his defense, which made Amber chuckle.
"Thanks for translating for me, leader, but there is no need to be shy. You can tell me and Neo the truth, I don't talk to the others and Neo can't talk to the others. So all your secrets are safe."
Closing his eyes in annoyance, Naruto swore no matter what kingdom he was in he couldn't avoid being teased about Winter. Yet at the same time he didn't hate talking about Winter, as Naruto really missed his best friend more than anything. However, Naruto also didn't want to give Amber any ammunition to use against him. Especially when he knew absolutely nothing about the girl before him.
"You're one to talk about sharing secrets. The only thing I know about you is your name." Naruto cut in, as he opened his eyes and looked directly at Amber.
"That's fair." Amber replied in a matter of fact tone, while crossing her arms. "How about if you answer my question I'll answer whatever you want to know. Sound fair?"
Surprised by this outcome, Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "Sure why not."
"Alright, so let's start simple. What does Winter mean to you?"
"Besides my father, she is the single most important person in my life."
"So you love her?"
"I thought we only get one question each?"
Amber giggled. "My game, my rules."
His eyes twitching, Naruto slightly sucked his teeth, but decided to play along regardless. "I mean we have been best friends since we were five, so I guess I do love her, but I've never really processed what that love means."
"Care to elaborate for me?"
"Well I love my Dad because he is my family and we have that bond, but there are also other people I love like Dr. Polendina or even Uncle Clover. Yet the feelings I have with Winter just don't feel the same like they do with everyone else."
"That's probably because you love her romantically, seriously are you that dense?"
Naruto opened his mouth to argue, but he paused and took a moment to think to himself. Recalling his memories with Winter and thinking of all the fond moments he had shared with the girl. Asking himself for the first time if he really did have feelings for Winter? Yet Naruto didn't stop there, as he began to even process the way he felt when he was both with Winter and when he was away from her. Coming to a quick conclusion that he loved being near Winter and hated being away from her.
However, as his chest began to beat faster Naruto began to think even more about his closest friend. Realizing how much he missed her voice, her laugh and especially her smile. Hell Naruto even missed having her around to insult him over every little thing he did. Making Naruto come to a long and overdue realization.
"Oh no, I'm in love with my best friend."
Amber laughed and held her hands out. "See isn't it good to let the truth out?"
Naruto sighed and closed his eyes. "Not as much as you would think, but now it's my turn to ask you something."
"Ok fine, what's your question?"
"Well uhhh." Naruto began as he furrowed his brow and tapped his forehead. Finding it harder to ask the girl a question when he had no real place to start from. "I don't really know what to ask. I mean I don't know that much about you! So how about you tell me about your life before coming to Beacon?"
"Well that's not much of a pleasant tale to share." Amber replied softly, while she slightly shifted her body and looked off to the side.
"I won't pry then."
Amber quickly shook her head. "No it's fine, my story is actually quite similar to little Neo's here."
Neo's ear's slightly perked up, while Naruto himself looked to Amber with a downward expression. Since he was able to piece together a bit about Amber already.
"You lost your parents as well?"
Nodding her head, Amber gave Neo a sympathetic smile. "My parents were killed when I was around the same age as Neo, but I was far more fortunate. Since I was saved by professor Ozpin and a few of his huntsmen. From that day on Ozpin has watched over me and insisted I join his school to keep me safe."
"I see, that explains a few things I've noticed, since you seem to be more familiar with Ozpin than most students."
"You're pretty sharp leader, but yes I have a decent connection with Ozpin that should work in our favor. After all, I can convince him to help us with Neo with ease."
Naruto smiled. "That would make things easier."
"Yup." Amber began as her eyes drifted to Neo, noticing the girl had finally finished eating. "In fact why don't we go talk to him now?"
"Yeah we should let Ozpin in on everything going on." Naruto replied in a casual voice, while standing on his feet and looking at Neo. "Ready to go?"
Simply nodding her head, Neo quickly took a place at Naruto's side, while Amber lagged behind. From there the trio took a short walk across Beacon's campus and made their way towards Professor Ozpin's office. Then by taking a small elevator, the two teenagers and small child found themselves standing at the entrance to their headmaster's office. Where Ozpin was seated alone at his desk, while a rather curious expression overtook his face.
"Amber and Mr. Ironwood, this is a rather sudden surprise." The man began in a slow yet tactful voice, while his eyes dialed in on the girl hiding behind Naruto's leg. "And who is your little friend?"
Nudging Neo forward with a grin, Naruto walked further into the office with the girl. "This is Neo, we found her while my team was exploring Vale."
Ozpin nodded with a friendly smile. "It's a pleasure, I'm Professor Ozpin."
Neo nodded and shyly signed towards the man. 'Nice to meet you.'
Lifting his brow with even more interest, Ozpin moved his hands through the air. 'And what brings you to my office Neo?'
Neo was stunned by the man's actions, while Naruto was impressed. Amber on the other hand could only think that of course the man would have learned sign language over his many years. However, despite the three's reactions, Naruto cleared his throat and stepped forward.
"Neo's parents were killed by a very powerful criminal organization for reasons that Neo doesn't know. She had been running for months with no proper food or shelter until my team found her today. We saved her from the goons chasing her and brought her here for food and safety."
Ozpin folded his fingers together and rested his elbows on his desk. He didn't say much, but his posture was enough to explain the anger the man was feeling. Despite this Naruto continued his explanation without skipping a beat.
"This criminal group has connections all over Vale and Mistral. Leaving Neo with no one to keep her safe except for a place where this group's power can not reach."
"So you wish to have Neo take refuge within Beacon?" Ozpin asked in a monotone voice, while Naruto nodded.
"Yes, it's not a long term solution, but I know my team can protect her until we find a permanent way to keep Neo safe."
Ozpin closed his eyes, as his mind was already made up. Yet he still wanted to hear something. "Amber what is your opinion on the matter?"
"Her situation might not be exactly like mine, but you should know it's close enough for me to make my choice on the matter."
Nodding his head, Ozpin opened his eyes with a small frown. "Well I don't need any convincing, as you're training to be defenders on the people. So what better preparation could I give than allowing you to protect someone in need?"
Beaming with relief and excitement, Naruto lowered his head in gratitude. An action that Neo just so happened to copy. "Thank you Professor, I can see why my old man speaks so highly of you."
"Oh so James does have nice things to say about me, I'll have to hold that information over his head at another time. However, there is no need to thank me, but instead I want you to dedicate yourself to this. I'm officially making this a mission exclusively for Team NGRA to protect Neo and find a permanent solution to keep her safe."
Standing tall and striking the same military salute his father had drilled into him, Naruto displayed his absolute confidence. "As team leader I will accept this mission and promise nothing less besides overwhelming success."
Ozpin merely smiled and nodded his head. "Of course if you need any help I will assist where I can. However, I would like to use this as a way to see what you and your team are capable of."
Amber lifted her brow at this, while Naruto grinned wide. "I'll give it my all, but I think I should get Neo back to our dorm. I'm sure the rest of my team has found some more comfortable clothes for her by now."
"My office is always open if you need anything."
Naruto nodded and turned towards the exit with Neo, but Amber merely stood still.
"You two go on without me. I'm going to talk to Ozpin alone for a moment."
"Alright sounds good to me, I'll see you back at the dorm later then."
Watching both Naruto and Neo leave the office, Amber quickly shifted her attention to the headmaster of the school. Her eyes holding a small glimpse of skepticism, while Ozpin merely kept a neutral expression.
"And what can I help you with Amber?"
"Make me understand what is going on here Ozpin." Amber began in a stern voice, while she crossed her arms. "I can understand why you're helping Neo, sure she isn't a Maiden like in my case, but she needs help and you're an empathetic man. However, you and I both know leaving my team strictly on protecting Neo and resolving this situation is messy at best."
"I see, you want to know why I don't just assign Neo to an actual huntsman?"
"Putting it simply? Yes."
Ozpin sighed and adjusted his posture. "I've been debating on pulling your team into my inner circle. However, before I tell them about Salem, Maidens and the Relics. I wanted to give a test to gauge if they are ready for such a massive step. My plan was to wait until your second or third year, but it would seem fate had much different plans."
"So that's your angle." Amber replied in a slightly annoyed voice.
"You disagree with my decision?"
"Yes and no."
"Oh? Care to explain?"
Amber merely sighed. "I've grown to respect Naruto as an individual and leader, he's someone who I feel should be brought into your circle. However, considering who his father is, that shouldn't be a surprise. Gretchen and Roman on the other hand are two that I don't hold in such high regards. Gretchen is a little naive and reckless for my liking. Roman on the other hand is a self centered ass."
"So you feel only Naruto should be considered and not the other two."
"That's how I feel at the moment, but I also don't appreciate how you're using my team and Neo as a test. You're essentially allowing everyone involved to take unnecessary risks just so you can secretly judge my team."
"With all due respect Amber, your team is aware of the stakes at hand. I'm not hiding anything that could pose any danger to anyone involved."
Amber merely shook her head and began to walk off. "Well you sound confident. Let's just hope that confidence doesn't come back to bite you in the ass." Amber then stopped right at the exit of the man's office, turning around to give Ozpin one piercing gaze. "Remember, not all of us get to come back from the dead."
(Chapter End)
Man that took awhile, but it's finally done! Anyways I hope you guys liked the chapter and the inclusion of Neo! Things are moving fast, but we are on pace to get into a timeskip within the next 3-5 chapters and finally get into Volume 1 territory, but before that I still have a LOT to both set up for the story going forward and things to pay off from what I've already established. Side note I'll give a little update for my other stories since I'm always getting asked. So as of the day this was uploaded here is the status for each story.
A New Start: Chapter 2 is in the works.
Jump City Assassin: I've reworked the first 12 chapters, which will be uploaded when I finally finish chapter 13. Which is almost done.
The Father of Asia: I took a small break from this story, started the next update. Hated it. Deleted it and am now working on a new draft of chapter 11.
The Lucky Branwen: Working on the next update, but it's on the bottom of my priority list for now.
The Pirate Prince redux: Giving it a similar treatment that I did for Jump City Assassin. So a new update may take some time, but should be worth it.
Anyways that's all I have for now, thanks for reading and stay safe!