"Speaking"
'Thinking'
"Attacking/Beast"
Volume 0: Chapter 8. Prologue End
(Three years later, with Naruto)
Walking with an air of caution, Naruto slowly made his way down the long narrow tunnel that had haunted his dreams for years now. Or at least he thought these were his dreams, as he knew he wasn't awake, but this sewer always felt so real. Especially with what awaited Naruto at the end of the tunnel he was walking through. That of course being the large metallic gate that caged some sort of beast. A cage that always had some sort of degraded and worn paper with strange writing keeping the gate shut.
Naruto himself had never really gotten a solid look at whatever was caged behind those gates, as all he had ever seen were those piercing crimson eyes. Naruto being the man of science that he was, theorized what he would see was a mental manifestation of his trauma or perhaps his semblance. Regardless of what the true explanation was, Naruto would normally be shifted back into the real world before he could delve deeper into the situation. An occurrence that always pushed him to try and reach deeper into this tunnel and finally discovered what awaited him behind that gate.
Yet as a low and deep growl echoed throughout the area, Naruto couldn't help himself from taking a pause. As the noise held enough power behind it to shake the walls of the sewer. However, as the noise and shaking slowly died down Naruto was left standing there silently. Waiting ever so patiently for something else unexpected to come. Then without warning a pair of large crimson eyes burst to life within the darkness of the large cage.
"H-uman." A deep voice bellowed, while sounding as if the speaker was struggling to speak. Almost as if the language Naruto spoke and understood was forgien to the beast.
"What are you!" Naruto called back as he swallowed his growing nerves.
A low growl vibrated every part of Naruto's body and made the blond tense up. "I'm creature beyond your knowing."
Lifting his brow at the unknown crimson eyed creature's broken dialect, Naruto contemplated stepping forward to get a better look at whatever the beast behind the cage was. "Well I'm a smart guy, help me understand what you are!"
A large claw smacking against the bars of the cage, Naruto flinched backwards and marveled at the large dark orange paw with claws that could tear the largest of Grimm to shreds.
"I the mighty Ky-." The beast began right before Naruto was suddenly propelled backwards and thrown back into consciousness.
(Atlas, Naruto age 20)
Coming back into reality, Naruto groggily opened his eyes and gazed up at the ceiling. Noting that his bedroom was filled with light, indicating to the young man that morning was here. Yet the blond's thoughts still lingered over the encounter within his dreams.
"It always feels so real." Naruto mumbled softly, as he stretched outward. Frowning ever so slightly as he felt nothing besides an empty void at his side. So turning his head, Naruto looked to a vacant spot in his bed that was obviously previously occupied by someone else.
"Glad to see she took off without waking me." Naruto grumbled in a bitter tone before slowly making his way out of bed.
Stretching his arms and releasing a deep yawn, Naruto stalked his way to the large bedroom window across the room. Giving the blond vision of the entire city of Atlas in all its beautiful morning glory. A sight that easily placed Naruto in high spirits, as he never got tired of waking up to the view of the city.
"Well might as well go shower and get dressed." Naruto mumbled softly before making his way into his master bathroom to get his morning routine out of the way.
After taking a nice hot shower and grabbing a fresh pair of clothes, Naruto stood before a large vanity mirror and observed his appearance with a small smirk. "I don't know why she's always nagging me to change up my wardrobe." Naruto began as he adjusted the edges of his jacket. "Can't go wrong with an Ironwood classic, besides it beats the military uniform she always wears."
Walking to his night stand, Naruto grabbed his two weapons and placed them on his hip. He might not be a soldier or huntsman, but he was still highly skilled and always ready for anything. "Well let's get this day started!"
Walking out of his bedroom and into the hallway of his house, Naruto moved by a wall decorated with numerous pictures and family photos. A large grin popped on his face when he stopped and looked at a wedding photo of himself and Winter on their wedding day. Finding it hard to believe that the now twenty year old had been married to his best friend for over a year now. They had come a long way over the years, but somehow the two of them always made it work.
Yet Naruto was brought out of his daze by an aroma coming from downstairs. So making his way through his house, Naruto arrived into his kitchen to find his wife and daughter cooking breakfast together.
"Good morn-. . ." Naruto began before his eyes went wide at the knife that was hurled in his direction. Forcing Naruto to clap his hands to catch the blade before it pierced his skull. "What the hell!"
"Don't say good morning to me." Winter scowled as she was already reaching for another knife.
"What did I do!" Naruto yelled back as he pointed a finger at his wife.
"It's what you didn't do, imbecile! Today is your day to cook breakfast, but since you refused to wake up here I am slaving away like some mediocre housewife."
"You could have just woke me up!" Naruto replied before dodging another kitchen knife. "And quit trying to kill me!"
"You're a grown man! I shouldn't have to wake you up!
Rolling his eyes and looking at Neo, Naruto held his hands out. "Help me out here."
'Don't let Mom trick you, she planned on making breakfast for you this morning.'
"Neo, that's enough!" Winter warned in an embarrassed voice.
'But unfortunately she forgot she was a spoiled rich kid growing up and couldn't even make a bowl of cereal right! So I came to save the day.'
Chuckling at his wife's expense, Naruto lowered his head from his amusement. "That's actually sweet and pathetic!"
A blush dancing across her face, Winter folded her arms and began to pout. "See if I ever do anything for you again!"
Shaking his head and walking over to his wife, Naruto placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "You do plenty enough, so why don't I help salvage this breakfast?"
Smiling and leaning into Naruto, Winter dropped any signs of her earlier frustration. "That's okay, Neo has everything practically finished anyhow. Besides, you need to hurry and get to your lab. . . Your assistant has been driving me insane all morning with his calls."
Naruto groaned and backed away from his wife. "It's always something."
Giggling at her husband's reaction, Winter folded her arms over her chest. "To be fair you start more projects than you finish and not to mention working under you must be miserable with how you are always late."
"Hey I'm always working on important projects that can save lives!" Naruto fired back in an annoyed voice. "It's not my fault that the only staff I've got is my assistant!"
"Oh I'm sure it's not your fault at all." Winter replied in a teasing voice, which made Naruto roll his eyes and look at his adoptive daughter.
"Big talk coming from you, I hear your little assistant can't stand to work under you." Naruto fired back, which made Winter's mouth drop and her head snap to Neo.
"Sweetie don't tell me that's true!" Winter yelled loudly, while Neo quickly pointed a finger at Naruto.
'I've said no such thing!' The mute girl replied back in her own defense, which did make Naruto chuckle.
Considering since they adopted Neo, neither Naruto or Winter were keen about the girl joining a huntsman academy. So instead she was given the opportunity to shadow Winter and was trained to fight by both of her parents.
"Well you might not have said it, but you did sign it." Naruto laughed, which caused Winter to slap Naruto on the head.
"Will you just eat and go pester your assistant!"
"Alright, I'll stop. Let's enjoy this breakfast while it's still nice and hot!" Naruto replied as he took a seat at the table with his wife and daughter.
(Naruto's Lab)
Walking down a clean and bright white hallway, Naruto slowly made his approach to the entrance of his lab. Making his way through a pair of sliding metallic doors and coming into the main area of his workshop. Where dozens of machines, wires and components were strung all about. Showing the sheer magnitude of projects that Naruto was currently undertaking.
"Dr. Ironwood! I'm glad you're finally here!" A chipper and excited voice shouted, which made Naruto turn to his assistant.
"How many times do I have to tell you it's not necessary to call me Dr. Ironwood. Just Naruto is fine, besides we are family after all."
"Oh right! I'm very sorry!"
Taking a deep sigh, Naruto watched as his assistant took a bow before him. An action that caused Naruto to pat the boy on his shoulder as he walked by. "It's fine Whitley, just bring me up to speed on what's going on. Winter said you were calling for me all morning."
Jumping up and quickly following Naruto, Whitley began to tap on the tablet within his hands. "Well the test runs for the next generation of the Atlesian Knights are showing some remarkable progress."
Grabbing the tablet from Whitley and glancing over the data, Naruto quickly returned the device. "Their mobility and targeting is still under performing. I won't be satisfied until they show numbers that can at least rival a rookie huntsman. So fixing their frames and trying new software should be our next priority."
Whitley nodded. "I'll make a note for us to rework the targeting software and improve the Knights body frames."
"That's good, what about the Atlesian Paladin prototype?"
"Progress is slow with all our other projects, but I've gone over your schematics. The Paladin is a brilliant idea that will greatly bolster our forces."
"Which is why we need to try and focus more of our time and resources on getting a workable prototype finished."
"Of course! I'll make another note, but we really need more staff if we want to raise our efficiency. Stretching everything between the two of us and Dr. Polendina isn't exactly ideal. Especially with how busy he is with the P.E.N.N.Y project."
Stopping at a large monitor, Naruto began to type and open various programs and files. "How is the P.E.N.N.Y project coming along? I haven't spoken with Pietro about the matter in quite awhile."
Whitley looked sheepishly off to the side. "About the same as last time you asked. Dr. Polendina is having a hard time making progress with his disability and lack of help. I try to provide as much assistance as I possibly can. However, he really needs someone of your caliber."
Naruto frowned at his young assistant's reply. Over the years Naruto had neglected helping Pietro and instead placed his focus into better arming humanity with weapons and technology that could strengthen the battle against Salem.
"I understand how limited Pietro is, but he's one of the most capable men I know. He will find a way to make his life's work a reality. In the meantime I need to focus on making weapons to save as many people as I can from the Grimm."
"I completely understand! Our work is very important for humanity's survival!"
Naruto nodded and grabbed a small soldering iron and began to work on a large circuit board with dozens of components laid around in a complete mess. "But I do agree we are a little under-staffed. However, with Atlas constant expansion and my Father's growing list of projects. Most of our top personnel are stretched very thin."
"You know, with all the projects you have that are still in the testing stage you don't have much room to talk." The youngest of the Schnee children pointed out in a joking tone.
Sighing at Whitley's words, Naruto knew the boy was speaking the truth. Yet what he didn't know was that Naruto and James were both fighting a shadow war and doing everything they possibly could to save and protect lives.
"What can I say? I take after my old man." Naruto replied back in a casual tone.
A loud beeping echoing throughout the room, Whitley placed his attention to his tablet and raised his brow. "Speaking of the General, he's currently calling."
"Now what could he want?" Naruto groaned as he dropped his tool and turned to Whitley who quickly answered the call.
"Naruto." James began in a strong and commanding voice.
"Good morning Dad, I'm a little busy and behind on my work. Can I call you back?"
"That's a negative, I need you to report to my office immediately."
Without so much as a reason or anything else to say the call was cut off by James. Making Naruto toss his head back in frustration and slowly stalk his way to the exit of the building. "It's always something! Whitley I'm counting on you to hold things down for me while I'm gone."
"Of course!"
(James office)
Quickly stomping his way through a set of sliding doors and making his way into his father's office. Naruto quickly noticed the lights were dimmed like usual, but unlike usual his father wasn't the only individual within the office. As both Clover and Winter were standing by the General's desk in a postured stance.
"Well this is a surprise." Naruto began as he stopped in the middle of the room. "Uncle Clover, nice to see you."
"Naruto." The man replied with a small nod.
Clearing her throat and slightly bouncing on her heel, Winter closed her eyes and waited for her husband to address her. Unfortunately Naruto completely ignored the woman and placed his attention onto his Father.
"So tell me Dad, what exactly is going on here?"
A vein popping on her forehead, Winter debated on strangling Naruto. However, her professional nature kept her at bay in the presence of her superiors. Meanwhile James knowing exactly the eventual mess his son was intentionally trying to start with Winter merely sighed and pressed a button. Making a hologram of an Atlas cargo freighter come on full display before Naruto.
"There was an incident that now requires the attention of myself, my best soldiers and my top scientist." James explained in a very serious voice that made Naruto understand his Father didn't have time for any jokes.
Folding his arms and rubbing his chin, Naruto analyzed the hologram with great interest. "That's an Atlas freighter we use to transport civilian resources along with military assets, correct?"
"Was an Atlas freighter that we used for those purposes. What you're looking at is a diagram of the ship that we just recently lost at sea." James explained, which caused immediate alarm within the room.
"Those freighters are the same model the Schnee dust company uses for their transports. How can something that massive with the best navigation systems be lost?"
"Cause it wasn't lost." Naruto answered as he was already placing the information together. "The ship was sunk wasn't it?"
"That's correct." James replied in a low voice that sent chills down Clover and Winter's necks.
"But those are military operated vessels. They are always heavily armed and come with a few huntsmen on crew." Clover cut in with worry in his voice. "What could have taken a ship like that down?"
"Please don't tell me another Kingdom attacked us." Winter added with worry in her voice, as fear of war trickled into her mind.
"No, nothing of that nature." James explained as Naruto knew immediately what happened.
"So some type of Grimm sank the ship then."
"That's preposterous! What kind of Grimm is large enough to take something that big down? Don't even forget to think about all the weaponry and trained huntsmen on board!" Winter shouted out, but her tone held a slight amount of fear.
"The ocean is big and if I'm being frank, quite fucking terrifying." Naruto replied softly as he looked directly at his Father. "So my question is what exactly took that vessel down? Were there any survivors?"
James merely sighed and clicked a button on his desk. "Last night we received these transmissions."
Naruto, Winter and Clover all watched with interest as several poorly recorded videos began to play. Showing the group the rough sea that was kicking against the large vessel in the middle of the night, where only the ship's lights were the only source of illumination to show anything. Yet the group could see the panic of the crew along with the desperate huntsmen fighting something that was just out of frame. Yet something that was even more haunting than the wails of terror from the crew was the piercing roar of a Grimm that no one present had ever heard before.
Followed by a massive shadow overcasting the camera's perspective. Then in one swift instance a massive clawed and webbed hand ripped through the ship and the video quickly cut out. Leaving the room in a pause of silence and shock.
"What was that?" Clover finally asked, as he had never seen anything like what the footage had shown in his many years as a huntsman.
"I've already shared this with Ozpin, he's very. . . Well versed on things of this nature." James explained in a rather matter of fact tone. "He believes the creature to be something called a Leviathan. A creature of Grimm never documented or killed professionally. However, there are dozens of old fishermen tales that detail the creature, but until now it was mainly believed to be a folktale or story told to scare away rival fishermen from sailing the same waters."
"Well the Leviathan obviously isn't some made up story, but tell me Dad. How many survivors were there?"
Hanging his head in sadness, James gave everyone the answer right away. "The entire crew was lost and the Leviathan's whereabouts are currently unknown."
"That's a terrible loss, but I know you too well and I have to ask what you called us here for. I know it wasn't just to tell us of a massive Grimm in the ocean."
"You would be correct Naruto, I called you here for the danger this Grimm holds for our future interests." James explained as a map of Mistral suddenly came to view. "Our ship was heading to Argus as the city is one of our largest trading partners in Remnant. However, the ship was sunk approximately 300 miles out from the docks of Argus."
Winter folded her arms. "So you're concerned with our trade routes being in jeopardy?"
"That and the city of Argus itself. Since it's a port town that is frequently attacked by small scale Grimm. However, over the years more Atlas citizens have made Argus their home to the point of us having our own military presence within Argus."
Clover nodded. "There have even been talks of making Argus an Atlas territory, but that's mostly rumors."
"Which is why the idea of the Leviathan migrating close to Argus waters worries me. I've got reports of lost ships over the years, but never had a cause for their disappearance." James explained as an ocean map filled with red dots came on display. "Now I'm starting to believe that this Leviathan is responsible and it's pattern of attacks keeps getting closer and closer to Argus."
"So essentially we need to figure out a way to better ensure our trade routes are safe and most likely help bolster the defenses of Argus." Naruto summarized, which made James nod.
"I've already made preparations to make most of our high priority transports be shipped through the skies. Then for our lower priority shipments I'm demanding they take navigation routes away from the Leviathan's last known locations."
"A reasonable solution, but what about Argus? They are not properly equipped to deal with a Grimm of that size." Clover pointed out.
"Yes and as a settlement built along a large cove of water they are a prime target for the Leviathan." James added.
Looking at the hologram of the Mistral map, Naruto kept his focus on the geography of Argus. His mind quickly formulating a decisive measure to solve the issue. "Actually the layout of Argus is perfect for a defense against the Leviathan."
"How so?" James asked, as Naruto had his full attention along with everyone else.
"Well the city being built within the cove means all water traffic has to come through a central point right here." Naruto began as he started to point to the map. "So in theory we could build pylons that when activated would generate a massive arclight wall that would defend Argus from any incoming Grimm."
"The wall could even be deactivated at times to allow any ships to cross through the waters." Clover added in, as he was liking Naruto's idea.
Naruto nodded. "Motion sensors and sonar devices could also be added to give the pylon operators information about approaching Grimm."
"Tell me Naruto, how long would you think it would take to build a defense measure like this in Argus?" James asked which made Naruto rub his chin.
"Well considering the size and number of pylons needed to make a full wall of arclight I would say a few years. Of course that's not accounting the resources needed along with having someone present who is familiar with arclight technology to build the pylons properly. That being a rather steep hurdle since the only Atlas personnel well versed in arclight is myself and Dr. Polendina." Naruto explained as he took a deep sigh and closed his eyes. "Then to add even more complications with Dr. Polendina's disability taken into account he really can't be a proper candidate to build the pylons. Not only would his movements be hindered, but he can't protect himself from Grimm or bandit attacks. Both real possibilities that could happen outside of our kingdom."
"And we wouldn't want to lose a great mind like Polendina, but that leaves you still as a possibility." James pointed out with his brow raised. "You're a brilliant mind with excellent combat abilities. If anyone could get this project done it would be you."
Naruto lifted his brow, while Winter felt a slight tightness in her stomach. "Are you hinting at the idea of sending me to Argus to build this arclight defense? I'm already drowning in my current project load."
"I am and I also understand the volume of projects you're already working on. However, I fear if we don't get a jump start of bolstering the defenses around Argus we could lose the settlement for good." James explained in a matter of fact tone, which made Naruto sigh.
"I get what you mean dad, but it's asking a lot for me to just uproot my plans and life here and move to Argus for a few years." Naruto shot back as his mind instantly clinged to Winter and Neo.
"I understand completely, but you would be busy building the pylons and would require an elite squad to protect you and your building team. Winter, would you be capable of overseeing a protection detail?"
Her eyes went wide as she realized what the man was saying and quickly nodded her head. "Of course General! I wouldn't let a single threat near the project!"
James smirked and held his hand out. "Well in that case, Naruto and Winter Ironwood. Would you accept a new assignment in Argus?"
Sighing and rubbing the back of his head, Naruto looked at his wife. "I'd have to let Whitley know I'll be gone for a while and place a hold on all my projects, but I'm sure Dr. Polendina would be glad to take him as an assistant while I'm gone."
"Also Neo would do well to travel outside of Atlas and see more of the world." Winter added in, which made Naruto nod.
"Well then it looks like we are moving to Argus for a little bit." Naruto mumbled loudly as James smiled with approval at his son's decision.
(One week later, Argus)
Finally adjusted to his new surroundings, Naruto was currently walking through the streets of Argus with a small sense of where he was going. The young scientist had finished helping his wife and daughter pack into their new temporary home and decided to take a stroll near the cove to get a better lay of the area before he began his assigned project. Yet as Naruto slowly made his way through the small settlement and towards the outskirts where the buildings met the forest. A sudden sound reached his trained ears and made the blond look out into the forest in the direction away from where he was intending to go.
"What was that?" Naruto mumbled softly, as he swore he heard the sound of metal striking wood only a short distance away. So his interest peaked, Naruto started to walk to where the sound came from.
Quickly hearing the sound of slashes and fast strikes cutting through the air. Sounds of battle that were accompanied by soft panting and heavy footwork. Yet as Naruto broke through a small brush line he was surprised to find the source of the noise to be a young girl.
The girl unaware of Naruto's watchful gaze was a young redhead. Dressed in a tan overcoat that had crimson fur lining her neckline with a pair of long pants that matched her coat. Yet the most eye catching feature was the two red and gold weapons she was using, which were some sort of javelin and shield. However, as Naruto observed and silently criticized her fighting style. He accidentally took a step onto a branch that created a loud enough sound to alert the girl of his presence.
"W-who is there!" The girl yelped with a small amount of fear, as she turned to Naruto's direction.
"Woah easy there kid!" Naruto called back as he threw his hands up into the air. "I heard sounds of fighting and came to see what was going on. Wanted to make sure nobody was in danger."
The girl watching Naruto with a careful eye saw the two weapons at Naruto's hip and raised her brow. "Are you a huntsman?"
Laughing and shaking his head, Naruto slowly lowered his hands. "Not exactly, I have huntsman training, but I'm not a licensed huntsman like my wife or old man. The name is Naruto by the way, Naruto Ironwood."
"Pyrrha Nikos." The young redhead replied as she lowered her guard.
"Well Pyrrha it's nice to meet you. I take it you're a huntress in training?"
"You would be correct. I'm actually practicing for a small fighting tournament for young huntsmen and huntresses in training."
Naruto nodded and folded his arms. "Well with what I saw I'm sure you would only slightly embarrass yourself."
"What?" Pyrrha mumbled in shock.
Grabbing one of his weapons, Naruto snapped his pistol into a sword and with a quick flourish held a fighting stance. "Your footwork is wide and clumsy while your combat style is unrefined from fighting nothing except for trees. Since they make good targets, but poor sparring partners. However, the worst of everything I saw was the fear behind your movements."
"Fear?" Pyrrha mumbled as she was surprised by the blond's words.
"However, you're young and have no experience. I was actually a lot like you when I was your age." Naruto continued as he started to slowly go through a few sword strikes. "A young child with clear talent and nowhere to go except for up, but that talent means nothing when you're held down by fear. Fear of failure, fear of killing, fear of watching someone die or even fear of dying. Senseless fear is the biggest distraction that leads to most huntsmen undoing. It's a lesson I learned far too late in my life."
Listening and watching the man before her, Pyrrha lifted her brow. "Well could you teach me a few things?"
Caught off guard and freezing in place, Naruto looked at the young girl by his side. "You want me to teach you?"
"Yes, if you would please." Pyrrha replied by taking a bow of respect before Naruto. "You clearly have plenty of insight and could help me grow as a huntress."
Groaning and scratching his head, Naruto looked off to the side. "Listen kid, between my job and family I'm pretty busy. So I don't know how much I could actually show you."
"Please, I'll do anything!" Pyrrha declared boldly, which was followed by Naruto's stomach growling.
Looking at the young child Naruto couldn't help himself from seeing a little bit of himself in the girl. She was young, hopeful and determined, but without question was walking down a path that would only end with her demise. In a way she even reminded Naruto of his late teammate who he had lost all those years ago. Making Naruto sigh as he didn't want this girl to share the same fate as Gretchen. Since her death was a regret Naruto carried for all these years. So perhaps giving this girl proper training to help her avoid an early grave could be a way for Naruto to avoid his past failure.
"You know what kid? Treat me to ramen and I'll show you a few things."
"Really!" Pyrrha shouted with excitement, which made Naruto snicker and hold his sword up.
"Yeah, I'll make a world champion fighter out of you yet."
(Five years later, Naruto age 25)
Walking down a hallway that led to his father's office, Naruto merely had his attention completely onto the scroll in his hands. His eyes glanced over a news article that held the picture of a very familiar redhead.
"World champion Pyrrha Nikos confirmed to have committed to Beacon Academy. When questioned Miss Nikos was quoted saying she picked the school to follow in the footsteps of her teacher and mentor." Naruto mumbled loudly as he couldn't stop himself from laughing at what he was reading. "How many times did I tell that brat? I never finished school at Beacon, but she seems as dead set as ever to attend the same academy as me."
Sighing and closing his scroll, Naruto had to admit it was strange to think it was five years since he first met Pyrrha. A lot has changed since then from Naruto completing the arc light defenses in Argus and moving back to Atlas to Pyrrha becoming a world renowned fighter. The latter of which was something Naruto took a large amount of pride in as he had trained Pyrrha into the warrior she was today.
"Can't believe it's been a year since I last saw Pyrrha, but at least she is still doing well for herself. Maybe when I get some free time I can take Winter and Neo with me to give her a surprise visit." Naruto mumbled as he drew closer and closer to his father's office. Eventually coming through the metallic doors and finding his father seated at his desk like usual.
"Naruto I'm glad you're finally here." James spoke up, as Naruto lifted his brow.
"Well what was so urgent I needed to run to your office?" Naruto asked as he leaned against the metallic wall and lifted his brow at his Father. "I'm a busy man just like you Dad. Couldn't this have been an email or something?"
Taking a sigh, James pressed a button to close off his office from anyone entering or exiting. An action that made Naruto realize he and James were the only ones in the office.
"Amber has been attacked." James declared in a bold tone that caught Naruto off guard.
"What! Is she okay?" Naruto yelled loudly as his eyes went wide in shock. "Was it Salem?"
"I don't know all the details as of yet, but from what Ozpin shared this is what I do know. Amber had been attacked and lost a portion of her maiden powers."
"This isn't good."
"No it's not, currently Amber is in Ozpin's care and on life support." James explained as he interlocked his fingers and sighed. "She has shown zero response to anyone and could die in the next day or next several months. However, due to the severity of her condition Ozpin has decided to keep her within Beacon and avoid transporting her anymore than he already has."
Naruto held his hand out, "but she could recover right?"
James shook his head. "According to Ozpin, when Amber lost a portion of her powers she also lost a part of her aura. Her very soul was essentially broken and no form of modern medicine can cure that."
Slamming his fist into the wall, Naruto managed to dent the metallic wall. "Son of a bitch!"
"I know this is frustrating, but now is the time for action. If Amber dies the rest of her maiden abilities will go to whoever stole them, which isn't something we can let happen."
"What are you thinking then?"
"Well from the P.E.N.N.Y protect you and Dr. Polendina were able to build a device that transfers aura. So theoretically we could use the same technology to transfer Amber's maiden powers and aura to a new host."
"Wouldn't that kill Amber in the process?" Naruto shot back as his mind began to race through different outcomes. "Plus we don't even know if the transfer would carry the maiden powers!"
"Amber is already lost." James yelled back with a sharp tone before gritting his teeth. "All we can do now is take a gamble and hope it will pay off."
Tightening his fist to the point his nails were digging into his palms, Naruto merely lowered his head. "I'm guessing you want me to build the device and oversee the aura transfer then?"
"Correct." James replied with a low sigh. "You and Dr. Polendina are the only two with the knowledge of this technology and since the transfer needs to take place from Amber's location someone has to leave the kingdom. So just like before you're the best candidate available."
Taking a deep breath and rubbing the side of his head, Naruto merely nodded. "Okay Dad I understand and even though I don't want to go near Beacon again I'll do this since it's so important. However, you can lie to my wife and explain why I'm going back to Beacon and will be gone for an extended amount of time for no real reason."
James slightly winced at his son's words. "Well I guess that's only fair."
Turning and walking off, Naruto gave his father a wave. "I'll go collect my things and inform my assistant I'll be missing from the lab for an unforeseeable time. Have fun talking to your daughter-in-law!"
Taking a deep sigh and pressing a button on his desk that connected to his secretary, James leaned forward with a dreadful gaze. "Could you inform Winter Ironwood to report to my office."
(Beacon Vault)
Slowly stepping his way into the secret vault of Beacon Academy, Naruto silently followed Ozpin without saying much. Since the young man didn't want any conversation with his former headmaster and instead just observed his surroundings. However, Ozpin himself wasn't one for the quiet atmosphere and decided to look over his shoulder before speaking.
"I do appreciate you coming so quickly and on short notice."
Naruto merely nodded his head and placed his hands into his pockets. "It is a hassle, but considering the stakes of losing Amber's powers something had to be done."
"Yes the situation is quite dire." Ozpin replied with a rather disappointed tone. "I hoped our paths would cross once again, but just not under these circumstances."
Naruto simply nodded in agreement and spotted a large life support system in the distance. One that currently held Amber, who from Naruto's point of view looked much older than before and on death's door. So wasting absolutely no time, Naruto approached the tank keeping Amber alive and held his hand against the glass.
"I'm sorry." Naruto whispered softly, as he knew it was only a matter of time before another member of his original team would meet their end.
Ozpin, walking by Naruto's side, kept his hands behind his back and looked at Amber with regret behind his eyes. "There is no need for apologies Naruto, I'm the one who is at fault for what has happened to Amber."
"It's been eight years since I've last seen Amber and in that time I never once tried to reach out or make sure she was okay." Naruto mumbled in response. "So you're wrong Ozpin. I absolutely need to apologize for once again being the worst leader and friend possible."
"We all have regrets Naruto and trust me. . . I have more than any man I've ever met. However, we can't dwell on our past failures and what if's. We need to keep pushing forward. Even if it's painful or feels hopeless, we can't let the sacrifice of those who came before us be for nothing."
"You sound like my old man."
Ozpin nodded. "Where do you think I heard that speech from?"
"I should have known, but looking at Amber with my own eyes I should be able to make an aura transfer machine in a month or two. However, there are still two hurdles, the first of course being how much time I actually have to build the machine with her current condition."
"And the second?"
"Who is receiving Amber's aura?" Naruto asked with a dangerous tone behind his voice.
Sighing and closing his eyes, Ozpin knew Naruto wasn't going to like the answer. "We need a young woman. So I was going to pick a candidate from Beacon's roster of upcoming female students."
Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, Naruto wanted to lash out at the man. However, Naruto was smart enough to know arguing wouldn't solve anything. So since their options were incredibly limited the only real option was the one Ozpin proposed.
"I hate the idea, but it's not like we have the luxury of options."
"Naruto." The voice of Amber pierced through Naruto's mind. Catching the blond off guard as he was suddenly floating in a black void with Amber's body being the only thing within eyeshot.
"Amber? What's going on!" Naruto yelled loudly, as he couldn't see Ozpin anywhere.
"I'm using my maiden powers to communicate telepathically to you. Listen I don't have long to talk, I'm using every shred of my abilities to extend my life and avoid my powers being stolen."
"Amber, I have so many questions! Who attacked you? Maybe I can find them and get your powers back!"
"That's only a waste of time! I need you to listen to what I'm going to say!"
"Okay what?"
"I don't want Ozpin to pick who inherits my powers! I want you to be the one."
"Amber, are you kidding me? Why would you want me to pick?"
"Because I don't trust Ozpin, but I trust you! I know you're a kind soul and a good judge of character. So I can die knowing my successor will be the right choice because she will be picked by you!"
"Amber I!" Naruto began before realizing he was back in the real world and shouting at the girl's unmoving body.
Ozpin, confused by Naruto's outburst, looked at the young man with worry. "Are you okay?"
"I was talking to Amber just now." Naruto revealed to a stunned Ozpin, who knew the young man wasn't one for joking or lying in such a situation.
"You did! What did she say?"
"She wants me to be the one to pick who inherits her powers." Naruto explained as he held his hands out. "It's completely ridiculous! I don't know anyone from Beacon who could inherit her powers! Plus I'm a horrible person to make such a massive decision!"
"Actually I agree with Amber on this." Ozpin replied with a calm aura behind his voice. "You're a remarkable young man and excellent person for this task. I actually can't believe I didn't think of having you be the one to help decide who takes Amber's aura."
"Are you both insane?" Naruto yelled loudly.
"Perhaps, but how about an offer?" Ozpin began with a sly smirk. "While you work on the aura transfer machine you take a position as a teacher at my school. It would allow you to find a suitable successor to inherit Amber's power while also helping the next generation."
"Ozpin are you not listening to me? I can't do this?"
"You can't or you're afraid of failure?" Ozpin asked, which made Naruto click his teeth in response. "Because I know you're much better than you give yourself credit for."
"I. . . Ugh damnit fine! I'll be a teacher at your stupid school and I'll find Amber's successor!" Naruto yelled back, which made the man smile and hold his hand out.
"Then welcome to Beacon's teaching staff Naruto, I'm sure this year will start off great with you around."
Taking the man's hand, Naruto rolled his eyes and looked to the side. "God Winter is gonna kill me when she finds out that I'm staying here longer than I said."
(Volume 0 End)
And boom volume 0 is finally done and now we can finally start volume 1 with Naruto being sucked back to Beacon as a teacher! I hope you enjoyed the chapter as I really blitzed through the key points I wanted to hit, since I wanted to really get rolling into volume 1, but there was just sooooo much I wanted to write for volume 0. Anyways until the next update take care!