Chapter 5. The Unlucky Valkyrie
Naruto was sitting on his bed with his legs crossed, his thoughts were brought to the conversation he had with Ozpin two weeks ago.
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(Two weeks ago)
Ozpin, who was seated alone in his office had his attention placed onto his scroll. He was starting preparations for the Vytal Festival which was growing closer as time went by. Though as he placed his scroll down and took a sip of coffee, he debated on calling it a night. Unfortunately that wouldn't happen, as an all too familiar red portal formed in the center of his office.
"Raven?" The silver haired man called out.
"Try again Oz." Naruto replied, as the blond haired Branwen walked out of the portal.
Ozpin narrowed his eyes, it wasn't common for Naruto to come to him. Especially not in this particular fashion and time of night.
"It's good to see you Naruto, is there something I can help you with?" Ozpin asked, while he motioned for Naruto to take a seat.
Naruto sighed and took a seat across from Ozpin, he then crossed his arms and shook his head. "I just had a talk with my mother and things are bad Oz."
Ozpin folded his hands together and leaned over his desk. "Care to enlighten me?" The man asked.
"It's Salem." Naruto began, causing Ozpin to grip his hands tightly together. "Mom came to me and said her forces are gathering and moving towards Beacon. She also mentioned the White Fang and criminal underground having involvement with her. Mom warned me to leave because she believes Beacon is going to fall."
Ozpin temporarily removed his glasses and massaged his eyes, this wasn't the news he wanted to hear. However, at least this warning has given him time to prepare.
"What other intel do you have?" Ozpin asked as he put his glasses back on. "Do you know how much time we have to prepare?"
Naruto frowned and shook his head. "No mom just came to me so I would leave. I refused and said I was going to stay here and protect my friends and family. So she left without saying anything else." The blond explained in a saddened voice. "But if I was Salem I would attack during the Vytal Festival."
Ozpin raised his eyebrow. "That would be foolish, our security would be at its highest and there would be huntsman and huntresses from all the other kingdoms present. An attack on the Festival wouldn't make sense."
"Or would it?" Naruto argued. "For starters our guard would be down from the distractions of the Vytal Festival. And if an attack is successful she could not only take Beacon, but would also weaken the other kingdoms for future attacks."
Ozpin rubbed his chin and thought over what Naruto had said. Thinking that the blond made some good points.
"Okay say Salem will launch an assault during the Vytal Festival. That gives us a couple months to prepare for whatever plan she has cooked up. It also purposes the question of should the Vytal Festival be canceled. We could surely cut down on casualties if her plan is to attack during the Festival." Ozpin began, while looking to Naruto for his input.
"The Festival must go on, we know regardless Salem will attack. So having the support of the other kingdoms could save Beacon from being annihilated." Naruto pointed out.
Ozpin nodded. "That's true, but I should at least warn the other headmasters of the danger. And for the time being should place a larger focus on combat training for the students. Salem will bring a war to our doorstep and we need everyone prepared."
"No arguments there, but I have one last thing to say Oz." Naruto began, his crimson eyes looking at the older huntsman with nothing besides sheer determination. "I've decided to pick up where my mom left off and work for you. Like my uncle I will become your agent in the field whenever you need me. I'll show Salem if she wants to threaten the safety of those I love I will take the fight to her."
Ozpin smiled at the blond's words, as he remembered a young Raven saying those exact words in the past.
"Under normal circumstances I would deny your offer, but you're not a normal teenager. You're already stronger than most well seasoned huntsman I know. In fact I bet you could give your Uncle a run for his money." Ozpin declared with a small chuckle. "So I wouldn't feel as bad sending you out into the field. So I will call for you when I need you, just don't tell your parents. They would have my head."
Naruto grinned. "I didn't plan on working for you against Salem at first, but for those I love there isn't anything I won't do."
Ozpin smiled, there wasn't much his school could teach someone as skilled as Naruto. Though one thing Beacon has done is give him relationships he would fight for. While also giving him friends who would stand by his side regardless of the danger.
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(Present day)
'It's been two weeks and Ozpin still hasn't Needed me.' Naruto thought to himself, while he cleaned his weapon Kitsune with a small cloth. 'I guess that's good in the regard that Salem hasn't been making any moves. Though that also means she is busy preparing for something big."
Naruto moved his gaze off of his weapon and looked over to Nora. The orange haired girl was lounging on her bed with a pair of headphones over her head. He then glanced over to Pyrrha, who like him was busy cleaning her own weapons. Finally Naruto looked to the empty bed of his leader and sighed. Over the past two weeks Jaune had been rather scarce around their dorm, as he was spending most his time with Cardin of all people.
The young blond didn't know why Jaune was spending so much time with a jerk like Cardin. Naruto even confronted Jaune about his new found friendship, but his leader played off Naruto and acted like nothing out of the ordinary was happening.
"Hey Naruto." Nora called out to her partner while she removed her headphones. "Are you as bored as I am?"
Moving his attention to Nora and his thoughts away from Jaune, Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, wanna go cause some mischief?" The blond asked.
Nora grinned wide and took a leap off her bed. "You know it!" The hyper active girl cheered before looking to Pyrrha. "Wanna join us Pyrrha?"
Releasing a soft laugh the redhead nodded. "I would love too." Pyrrha admitted, as she enjoyed spending time with her friends.
Nora grinned wide and ran to the door. "Well all we are missing is Jaune then!" She pointed out. "We should hunt that goofball down!"
Naruto walked over to Nora and sighed. "Good luck with that Nora, he's been rather scarce since he started spending time with Cardin." The blond began before he opened the door to their dorm. "I don't know what Jaune is thinking."
Pyrrha frowned and walked past Naruto and Nora. "I'm sure our leader knows exactly what he is doing." The girl spoke in a slightly frustrated tone, as Pyrrha and her partner have not been on good terms the past couple of weeks.
Naruto nodded as he lead the two girls out of their dorm building. "You might have a point, but what would you guys like to do?" The blond asked.
Nora placed a finger to her head and squinted her eyes. "I don't know, any ideas Ren?" The girl asked, causing Naruto and Pyrrha to sigh.
The two strongest students glanced to one another and exchanged a silent conversation with one another. This of course prompted Naruto to wrap an arm around his partner, while they walked through the courtyard of the academy.
"We could always head into town and see what there is to do." Naruto proposed in a lighthearted tone.
Pyrrha nodded. "That sounds like a wonderful idea." The girl agreed.
Nora grinned wide at her teammates. "Alright it's decided, the four of us will hit the town!"
Naruto let a small sigh pass his lips, while he looked at his bubbly partner. He like Pyrrha knew there was only three people present, but neither teenager had the heart to tell Nora that.
"Yeah, seems like it." Naruto mumbled in a low voice, while he forced a soft smile.
"Yo Bro!" The loud voice of Yang called out.
The three members of team JNNP turned around to see Yang waving her brother down. While the rest of team RWBY followed closely behind.
"Hey sis." Naruto replied casually as he tossed a hand up in the air. "How have you been?"
Yang grinned and placed both her hands behind her head. "Busy!" The girl replied in an exhausted tone. "Ruby's been making us run a bunch of team training exercises to improve our teamwork."
"Hey we gotta get ready for the Vytal Festival!" Ruby pointed out to defend her actions. "If not we won't kick everyone's butt!"
Nora titled her head to the side. "You guys practice outside of class?" The orange haired girl began, before she made a slight pout and looked to Naruto. "Why don't we do stuff like that?"
Naruto shrugged his shoulders. "I don't need the practice." The blond replied confidently. "Plus we haven't had a leader around to plan practice sessions."
Pyrrha nodded with a slight frown. "If I recall our leader was against the idea of practicing to improve anyway."
Team RWBY looked to their friends with awkward looks, as they could all notice the odd looks and behaviors Team JNNP had. Pyrrha was obviously frustrated for some reason, while Naruto seemed annoyed. Though Nora, well she was just Nora.
"Well maybe instead of going into town the four of us can train together!" Nora purposed in a carefree tone. "I mean you two don't need the practice, but we could work on cool team attacks!"
Naruto laughed as he saw the gleam in Nora's eye when she mentioned team attacks. His partner definitely loved to create destruction.
"Wait four of you?" Weiss began, while glancing to the three teenagers. "Aren't you missing your leader?"
Pyrrha looked down sadly, while Naruto scoffed and looked to the side. As both teens had different reactions to the question involving their leader. Nora on the other hand looked to Weiss with a confused look.
"Can't you count Ice Queen?" Nora began with a soft laugh, while she started to point to the people she called by name. "Naruto makes one, Pyrrha is two, I'm three and Ren makes four. So say sorry to poor Ren for not including him."
Team RWBY all looked to Nora with surprised faces, as it finally dawned upon them who Ren was. Which finally solved the mystery that has been bugging the four girls.
"I see, well… uhhh I'm sorry?" Weiss spoke to the empty space beside Nora. Which caused the hammer wielding girl to smile.
Ignoring Nora for a moment, Blake looked over to Naruto and Pyrrha. "So where is your leader if you don't mind me asking?"
Naruto scoffed once more and shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows." The blond replied. "Probably off somewhere with his new best friend Cardin."
Yang frowned at what her brother had said. "Why would Jaune hang out with a jerk like Cardin?"
"Who knows." Pyrrha answered in a displeased tone.
"Err, well you could always ask him." Ruby began, while the black haired girl pointed off to the distance. Where Cardin and his team could be seen walking, while Jaune who was carrying all of their possessions was lagging behind.
Team JNNP frowned at the sight they were seeing. Though Naruto and Pyrrha didn't move or make a comment, but Nora on the other hand called out to her leader and ran towards him.
"Hey Jaune!" Nora shouted loudly, causing the boy to flinch and turn to see all of his friends.
Naruto sighed and placed his hands into his pockets and then along with the rest of his friends followed after Nora.
"Um hey guys." Jaune mumbled in a nervous voice, while Cardin looked over his shoulder and sneered.
"No time for talking Jauney-boy." Cardin instructed, as he made a gesture for Jaune to keep walking. "We've got places to be."
"Got it Cardin." The boy quickly yelped, as he started to walk off.
Though he didn't make it very far, as Nora stopped her leader by grabbing the back of his hoodie.
"Hold it right there buster." Nora began in a strict tone. "You've been ditching us for Cardin a lot lately! Me and Ren want to know what's been up with you?"
"It's nothing serious, just making new friends." Jaune lied.
Nora narrowed her eyes as she didn't like the answer she was given. So she placed her hands onto her hips and huffed. "And what about your team! We are your friends Jaune." Nora argued back, while she sent a glare at Cardin. "And you're brushing us off for those shit pushing gay boys."
Cardin and his team growled in anger, Pyrrha and the members of Team RWBY giggled. While Naruto leaned into his sister and grinned.
"I taught Nora that one." The blond whispered in a proud tone, while he wiped a tear from his eye.
Yang narrowed her eyes and punched her twin's shoulder. "You're a worse role model than mom and Uncle Qrow." She scolded.
Cardin tightened his fists and glared at Nora. "Why you stupid little bit-.." Cardin stopped as he headed the sound of metal being unsheathed.
Slowly turning his focus to Naruto, the bully started to tremble as he looked at the young Branwen. Naruto had his hand over one of his blades, while his glowing crimson gaze was staring Cardin down. His eyes begging the boy to finish the insult he started. As absolutely no one insulted the people Naruto cared about in his presence.
Cardin gritted his teeth and seethed. "Jaune let's go, your team is getting on my bad side. And you don't want to be on my bad side, right Jauney-boy?"
Jaune flinched and closed his eyes, as he knew the hidden meaning behind Cardin's words. "I understand Cardin." The boy mumbled.
"Oh no." Nora began, as grabbed the back of Jaune's hoodie once more. "Me and Ren both agree you're acting funny. Ren says it's all because of that bitch's bastard's whore over there."
Naruto wiped another tear from his eye at Nora's insult. "The student becomes the master." The blond mumbled proudly.
Yang leaned into her innocent sister Ruby. "Never repeat the words our brother tells you." The older sister instructed in a stern voice.
Cardin who was now shaking in anger glared at Nora and the nervous Jaune. "Maybe you and this Ren should stay out of things that don't concern you." The bully advised, while he took a slight step at Nora. "Or else."
Naruto tilted his head to the side, while he released a light laugh. "Or what?" The blond asked in a joking manner, before his eyes shifted into a fierce glare and his voice turned more hostile. "You even think of making one more step towards my partner or even keep looking like her like that. And I promise you'll regret it."
Cardin took a step backwards, but the prideful bully didn't want to look weak in front of his team for a second time. So he turned around and jerked his head high into the air. "Hurry up and ditch the losers Jaune." Cardin instructed before he started to walk off. Though while Cardin walked off his legs were shaking in fear. Showing that he acted high and mighty, but he was terrified of Naruto.
"Got it." Jaune replied, while he tried to break free of Nora's grasp. "Let go Nora!"
Nora's face shifted into a pout, while she held the boy back with her superior strength. "No, you're going to tell us what's going on. You're not acting like the Jaune we know. Me, Pyrrha, Naruto and Ren are all worried about you." The orange haired girl admitted.
"I'm fine, just leave me alone." The boy snapped.
"No you're not." Nora snapped back.
The remaining members of Team JNNP watched their partners argue in silence. As neither Naruto or Pyrrha wanted to step into the argument.
"What do you know?" Jaune asked in a slightly angered tone. "You're always too busy paying attention to Naruto and rambling about Ren to even notice what is happening!"
"This isn't about me, or our friends. This is about you Jaune! So don't bring Naruto and Ren into this!" Nora yelled back before she gripped hard onto the boy's hoodie and twisted him around to face her. "Please talk to us Jaune! Even Ren's noticed your odd behavior lately."
Jaune started to shake, as his anger was finally starting to boil over. Which meant his rage was starting to cloud his rational mindset.
"Will you stop talking about Ren!?" Jaune yelled in rage, while the boy pointed to the empty space by Nora. "There is no Ren! He is a figment of your imagination. So could you please stop living in your own make believe world? Because some of us have actual problems!"
"Jaune." Pyrrha called out, while reaching out for her partner to stop. Though Jaune held his hand out to block the girl.
"No." Jaune snapped while looking at Nora, the latter of whom was frozen still. Her eyes were as wide as saucers, while her body was shaking. "She needs to realize that there is no Ren and there never was. I don't know about you guys, but I'm sick of pretending like there is someone here just because Nora still has an imaginary friend. It's pathetic and I'm done! Nora needs to grow up and stop acting like such a child!"
Nora slowly released her hands off of Jaune, tears slowly forming around her eyes. Though she quickly looked down so no one would see her crying. "You think I don't know Ren isn't here?… you don't know…." Nora stopped as her words got choked up, so the girl brought a hand to her mouth and ran off.
Pyrrha watched her friend run off and tried to call out to her, but Nora didn't stop. She continued to run away from the group of friends. Jaune watched this action and immediately regretted his actions, the stress of dealing with Cardin was getting to him. So he took it out of one of his friends, who was just trying to help him.
Team RWBY looked between each other with awkward looks. As the argument turned out to be a little more nasty than anyone could have expected. Though the outcome did enrage a few members of Team RWBY.
"Way to go Jaune." Yang growled in anger, as the blond had really grown fond of Nora due to how close the girl was to her twin. "Way to be the world's biggest idiot."
Weiss huffed and crossed her arms, while she glared at the boy. "I agree with Yang, that was completely uncalled for." The Ice Queen pointed out.
Ruby looked in the direction Nora ran off and brought a hand up to her face. "Should we go find Nora and see if she is okay?" The girl asked.
Blake nodded. "We should all break into groups and look for her." The girl purposed. "She couldn't have got far."
Pyrrha agreed with that idea, and moved her eyes to Naruto. He was her partner and closest friend, so she wanted to know what he thought they should do. However, when she watched Naruto stalk over to Jaune she tensed up.
Jaune looked to his friend and noticed his emotionless face. It for some reason sent chills down Jaune's back. He knew Naruto and Nora were close, and Jaune had hurt Nora. So the leader of team JNNP felt remorse for his words. "Naruto I'm so sorry-.."
"Shut up." Naruto growled, while his hand gripped onto the front of Jaune's hoodie. Then showing his impressive strength Naruto lifted Jaune high into the air with one arm. "I don't care what bull shit you're going through, figure it out yourself. But you will never treat Nora like that again. Cause that will put you on my bad side. And trust me Arc, being on my bad side is a lot worse than being on Cardin's. So think of that whenever you go running back to your new little friend."
With that being said Naruto tossed Jaune back a few feet, making the leader fall onto his backside. "I'll see you guys later, I'm going to go make sure Nora is okay." The blond Branwen declared before walking off.
"Hey bro need help?" Yang called out, while she watched her brother walk away.
Naruto tossed a hand in the air and waved the girl off. "Don't worry I got everything handled." The boy replied in a casual tone.
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(With Nora)
Nora was sitting on the roof of her dorm, her legs dangling off of the edge. While her focus was placed onto a green box in her lap. She was sobbing uncontrollably while she gazed at the continents of the box.
"I miss you so much." The girl muttered in a low voice, while her trembling hands grabbed a small picture out of the box.
The portrait was of a younger Nora, who couldn't have been older than eight years old. Her younger self was perched on the shoulders of a smiling man with spiky orange hair. While a woman with a small sweet smile and blue hair stood beside them. The photo was a little damaged, showing it had been through quite a lot as time had passed.
"Mom… Dad." Nora mumbled in a low voice, her fingers tracing over the picture.
"Hey Nora you up here?" The voice of her partner called out.
Hearing the voice of Naruto, Nora placed the photo overtop two green objects and closed the box. She then attempted to wipe away the tears around her eyes. She didn't want her friend to see her crying like this.
"Yeah I am." Nora replied in a soft voice, before she felt a soft hand touch her backside.
"You okay?" Naruto asked in a low voice, while he took a seat beside his partner. He looked her over and noticed Nora had the box he had found on accident a little while ago.
Nora nodded and tried to fake a smile, but she did a poor job at doing so. "Yeah, I'm okay."
Naruto made a strange face and wrapped his arm around Nora. "Liar." The boy accused before pulling her in close. "Would it make you feel better if I told you I broke Jaune's legs? Cause I didn't, but I could if you want. He's quite fragile."
Nora giggled and allowed her partner to comfort her. "No that's fine, I'm mad at Jaune, but he made some good points. I've been living in denial for too long." The normally energetic girl explained in a calm and steady voice. "It's just I've been through alot and I never been good at coping with pain. So pretending Ren was with me helped me keep living on. I've known for awhile that I should stop, but I'm not strong enough to do it."
Naruto nodded and grabbed his flask and looked the small container over. "Everyone copes with pain in their own way. Some look to others for support. Some run away from their pain and others drink." The blond explained before tossing his favorite hobby off of the roof. "Maybe it's time we both move on."
Nora's eye grew wide as she watched the blond's action. "What are you doing?" The girl asked.
Naruto smiled. "We are partners, but more importantly you're the first friend I've ever had. So instead of leaning onto alcohol for support I'm going to lean on you. Just like I'll let you lean on me instead of pretending Ren is with you."
Once again tears started to roll down Nora's eyes, but these were tears of Joy not sadness. "You're the best partner." Nora mumbled, while she wrapped her arms around Naruto and gave him a strong hug.
Naruto smiled and patted Nora's head. "Well it's one thing to say it, but let me actually help you. So why don't you tell me why you made up this Ren individual?"
Nora backed away and frowned. "It's a long story, but first you should know Ren is a real person. And just like my parents he is no longer with us."
Naruto matched her frown. "I'm so sorry Nora." The blond began, but Nora shook her head.
"It's okay, but let me tell you about me." Nora began in a sad voice. "I grew up in Mistral, I lived with both my parents in a secluded cabin in the forest. My parents were both hunters, so we never worried about Grimm. But there is more dangers in the world than just Grimm…"
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(Flashback, Nora age 8)
"Nora it's time for breakfast!" A gentle and sweet voice called out.
Stomping through her house like a herd of wild beasts, one Nora Valkyrie came barreling her way towards the voice.
"Yay!" The cheery voice of Nora shouted, before the young girl rushed over to her family dining table and jumped into a chair. "Pancake time!"
The older woman in the room placed her hand to her mouth and stifled her laughter. Said woman had short hair like Nora, but unlike Nora the woman had blue hair. She was dressed in a simple short sleeve black shirt and matching black shorts. The woman didn't really try to dress to impress as she was home alone with no one besides her daughter. Though her attire did have a little flair thanks to the small blue flower in her hair.
"No pancakes today honey." The voice of Nora's mother Konan Valkyrie explained softly, while placing a small plate in front of Nora. "Guess eggs will have to suffice."
Nora's face shifted into a small pout. "Awww mom you know I hate eggs!" Nora whined, while she pushed the plate away and crossed her arms.
Konan shrugged her shoulders and took a seat by her daughter. "That's fine." The calm and composed mother began before she grabbed a fork and began to pick at Nora's breakfast. "More for me."
Nora's eyes grew wide as she watched her mother place a forkful of eggs in her mouth. Followed by Konan giving her daughter a small eye smile.
"Hey what do you know, I make some good eggs." The blue haired woman declared.
"That's my breakfast!" Nora complained as she reached out to take the fork and plate from her mother.
Konan opened one eye and smirked. "Oh is it? Then why am eating it!" The mother asked, while she continued to eat away at the food.
A vein popped on Nora's head as she started to grind her teeth. "Bad mommy! You're being mean!" Nora whined childishly.
Konan giggled. "I'm not that bad, i'm sure there is much worse mothers out there."
Unknown to both Valkyrie women, while this conversation was happening. Hundreds of miles away one Naruto Branwen was making breakfast for his hungover mother. Who had just woken from her drunken slumber by sneezing loudly.
"I'll believe it when I see it." Nora replied stubbornly as she jerked her head to the side.
Konan laughed and held some eggs towards her daughter. "I have an idea, why don't we share?"
Nora glanced to her mother and cracked a small grin. "Sure mom!"
Konan smiled victoriously as she had convinced her daughter to eat the breakfast she made with little difficulty. In fact from the smile on Nora's face while she ate, it was obvious to tell that the girl actually enjoyed her mother's cooking.
"So what do you think?" Konan asked sweetly?
Nora grinned with a mouthful of food. "It's no pancakes, but they are delicious!" The small female replied, spitting some eggs around as she talked.
Konan giggled and wiped away the mess her daughter made. "Nora honey use your manners and don't talk with your mouth full." The blue haired woman scolded. "You'll never get a boyfriend acting like that."
Nora scrunched up her face. "Ewww boys are gross, I'll never get a boyfriend!"
Down at the Branwen residence, one Naruto Branwen sneezed before he started to yell at his drunken mother to get off her ass.
Konan smiled wide. "Not all boys are bad, like your father for example." Konan looked slightly down, as her husband had left for a mission two weeks ago and hasn't returned. He should have been back by now, so it made the woman slightly worry about the man she loved.
Nora noticing her mother's sadden look frowned. "Cheer up mommy!" Nora ordered in a happy voice, while she held both her hands out.
Konan watched as a mixture of ice and snow swirled around her daughter's hand. Then in a fraction of a second a heart made of ice fell into Nora's tiny hands.
"Look what I learned how to do!" The small girl shouted, before presenting the heart to her mother. "It's for you, because I love you!"
Instead of looking pleased or proud of Nora's accomplishment, Konan looked to her daughter with a disappointing look. She then snatched the heart out of her daughter's grasp and crushed the ice in her hand.
"Nora what have your father and I told you? You are to never use your abilities. I don't care if you're alone or around others, your father and I have told you hundreds of times it's forbidden!" Konan scolded in an angered voice, one that made Nora flinch and look away.
"I'm sorry." Nora replied in a low voice, while a tear trailed down her eye. "I just wanted to make you smile."
Konan released a soft sigh and placed her arms around Nora. "My darling daughter just being around you makes my world. You're more special than you will ever know and I along with your father just want you to be safe. That's why you must promise me you will never use your powers again."
Nora started to sniffle and wipe her eyes. "But why?"
Konan smiled and cleared away Nora's tears with her fingers. "Like I said you're special, so special that people would want to hurt you if they discovered what you can do. So promise you will never use your gifts. I don't want to lose my precious daughter after all."
Nora looked up to her mother and nodded, for her mother she would do anything. "I promise mommy."
Konan kissed the top of Nora's head and grinned. "I love you my little winter child."
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(Present day)
Looking to his partner with confusion, Naruto raised an eyebrow. From his perspective he had been listening to Nora's tale and it's left him with so many questions. However, the one that was bugging him the most was the ability Nora mentioned. The one Nora's mother forbid her from using.
"Hey Nora." Naruto began, as he interrupted his partner's story for the first time. "What is your gift that your parents didn't want you using?"
Nora stopped speaking and bit her lip, she then glanced to her partner. She trusted the blond more than anyone, as he was the only one person left alive that she held dear to heart. So she knew he could be trusted with the important knowledge she held about her power, but that wasn't the main issue.
"Listen Naruto." Nora began in a low sad voice, while she began to fiddle with the box in her hand. "It's not that I don't trust you, it's just because of what I am people die. My mom, my dad and even Ren. I bring bad luck to those for just being around me, I don't want to lose you like I lost them. In fact you should probably stay away from me."
Naruto reached out and placed his hand onto Nora's own two hands. He then gave the girl a confident smile once she looked in his direction. "Well if you bring bad luck it's good I'm the luckiest man alive. So why don't you tell me Nora? Besides if you didn't notice I'm kind of a badass, I won't go down easy."
Nora giggled and smiled wide at her partner, just like her family and Ren. Naruto just knew the right things to say to her.
"Are you sure you want to know?" Nora asked.
Naruto gave the girl a cocky grin. "Absolutely."
Nora nodded and held a hand outward, causing a small vortex of snow to swirl in her hand. "Do you know most fairy tales are actually true? For instance, have you heard the tale of the old wizard and the four sisters?"
Naruto's eyes grew wide, most people wouldn't know what was happening right now. Though Naruto wasn't most people and he instantly knew what Nora was.
"You're the Winter Maiden!" The boy shouted in shock.
"You see long ago there was-... wait what?" Nora replied in a shocked and flat voice, while cocking her head to the side. "How do you know about the maidens? Ozpin told me not many people know about them!"
Naruto looked to Nora with a gaping mouth. "My parents and uncle use to work for Ozpin. Hell I work for him now, but you mean to tell me you're the Winter Maiden and he knew?"
Both partners looked to each other with a great amount of surprise and confusion. As it appeared they both had been keeping secrets from one another.
"Wait you work for Professor Ozpin? Do you know about Salem as well?" Nora asked.
Naruto nodded. "Yeah my mom told me all about Salem and the maidens. And I decided to work for Ozpin a few weeks ago. But he never told me my partner was a freaking maiden!"
"Well he never told me my partner worked for him!" Nora replied.
The two shared a look and growled. "That old four eyed bastard/meany!" Naruto and Nora insulted in unison.
Naruto waved his hand around in the air. "Okay I can yell at Oz later. Knowing him he probably wanted you to tell me you were a maiden yourself. Though for now tell me what happened to your parents and Ren."
Nora nodded. "Well a few weeks later my father finally returned home from a mission. He came home seriously injured and was barking orders for me and my mother to run away. I don't remember much of that day besides being the most afraid I've ever been. And I didn't understand till a few years later when Ozpin told me everything, but my parents died because of me."
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(Flashback)
"I'm telling you to get out of here Konan!" A stern male voice commanded. "We were betrayed and now the enemy knows about Nora!"
"I'm not leaving you alone, you're half dead as it is Yahiko!" Konan argued back stubbornly.
"Will you listen to me Lionheart has-..." Yahiko stopped his rant and looked to the stairwell. Where he could spot his daughter looking down to him, she was shaking and obviously scared. "Nora come here, you and your mother are leaving."
Konan growled and poked her husband's chest. "Like hell we are! There is no way I'm leaving you behind to die."
Yahiko's stern features shifted into a soft and loving look. "I will not let harm come to the two women I love." The man declared with conviction. "So don't make me ask again, please leave and escape. The enemy is almost here."
Nora who was trembling looked up to her father, the man who she idolized was beaten and bloodied. It looked like the orange haired man had been through absolute hell. It actually terrified Nora to think of what was to come, because she thought her father was invincible. Though just from looking the man over it was clear to see how bad their situation really was.
"Dad I'm scared." Nora admitted in a low voice.
Yahiko bent down and gave his daughter a small grin before placing his hand onto her head. "Nora there is nothing to fear, I will always be here to protect you from danger."
Konan smiled and joined her husband in comforting her daughter. "That goes for both of us." The blue haired woman declared. "That's why Nora will run and I will stay here with you Yahiko."
Nora and Yahiko shared matching looks, as both father and daughter hated the idea.
"Absolutely not!" Yahiko shouted.
"Mommy no!" Nora cried as she barreled into the older woman. "I don't want to leave you two."
Konan gripped onto her daughter ignored the protests of her two loved ones. "Nora do you remember how to get to Kuroyuri village? You know the one we go to for supplies?"
Nora nodded. "Yeah."
Konan smiled. "Good, I want you to run there and hide. Stay there and wait for me and your father to come get you."
Yahiko sighed in defeat and decided to go along with his wife's plans. After all they didn't have time to argue. "Run fast and remember don't trust the hunters of Mistral. Mommy and daddy won't take long and then we will bring you home."
"Wait what? I don't wanna!" Nora cried out, as she gripped tightly onto both her parents.
Konan smiled and stood up. "Stay out of trouble and remember to hide what you can do." The mother instructed. "And don't forget to eat food besides pancakes."
Yahiko smiled and joined his wife's side. "And always brush your teeth and stop hiding your messes under your bed."
Konan giggled and held a finger out. "And always remember to use your manners young lady."
Yahiko laughed and shook his head. "And if you get involved with any boys you better make sure they can take on your old man."
Nora started to cry, as her parents words didn't sound like they planned to ever meet back up with her in Kuroyuri village. Their words sounded more like those of a final goodbye.
"We love you Nora." They both whispered in a low voice.
Tears rolling down her cheeks Nora started to sniffle. "I love you too."
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(Present day)
"And that's the last memory I have of my parents." Nora explained in a low sad voice. "From there I ran to Kuroyuri village and lived homeless in the streets for weeks. That was until a massive Grimm attack wiped out Kuroyuri village."
Naruto was speechless, as he didn't know what to say to his partner. He himself has never lost a parent, so he couldn't imagine the pain Nora has carried all these years.
"I'm so sorry Nora." Naruto mumbled, as sorry was all he could say.
Nora leaned into her partner and placed her head onto his shoulder. Thinking of her past always filled her with so much pain, but with Naruto she felt at peace.
"It's fine Naruto, it happened a long time ago. I never knew who killed my parents or how they did it. But a few years after I met Ren we returned to my old house." Nora tightened her fists and the air around her and Naruto turned ice cold. "Whoever killed them just left their bodies there to rot. I'll never forgive whoever killed them."
"If they were after you, whoever did it worked for Salem." Naruto pointed out in a low voice, his own anger showing through. "I swear I will be the one to end that bitch, but I'm curious. How did you meet Ren?"
Nora frowned and looked down. "Ren was from Kuroyuri village. You see during a large Grimm attack the entire village was slaughtered and the only two survivors were me and Ren." Nora bit her lip and balled her fists. "It was my fault that the Grimm came in the first place. Neither Ren nor I knew it at the time, but a few years later after I met Ozpin he explained everything. He told me how Grimm are attracted to negative emotions, but the negative emotions of a maiden are a hundred times more potent than the emotions of a regular human. So I was the one who brought the destruction of Kuroyuri village."
Naruto's eyes grew wide, he knew Grimm were attracted to negative emotions. Though he would never have thought the negative emotions of a maiden could be so strong.
"Nora." The blond mumbled in a low voice. "You can't blame yourself for losing your parents and having to live in the streets. Anyone in your shoes would have felt absolutely miserable, that couldn't be avoided."
A small tear broke down Nora's eye and she shook her head. "That's why I'm always so cheery and positive. I don't have the luxury to express my negative thoughts for too long, because if I do it would be Kuroyuri village all over again. That's why I always pretended Ren was still with me, it helped keep my mind in denial. That way everyone around me would be safe."
Naruto placed his hand on Nora's own and gave it a soft squeeze. "Well I say let your emotions out and if the Grimm come. Well I'll fight every single one myself."
"Why would you do that for me?" Nora asked in a low voice.
Naruto grinned wide. "Growing up I only had my mom. Sure I was raised in our tribe, but no one there really liked me. So I never had many close attachments to anyone, but my mom always told me to fight for those who are dear to you. That's why when I met you, Yang and Ruby I made my choice to do everything to protect you three. I finally had people besides my mother who I would lay my life down to protect. I would die if it meant keeping you three safe."
Nora scowled at her partner before slapping the back of his head. "Idiot you're not doing anything to get yourself killed. I'm not losing you too."
Naruto laughed, but as he saw the serious look on Nora's face he merely smirked. "I promise Nora, I'll always be right here by your side."
Nora puffed out her cheeks. "Promise?"
Naruto nodded. "You have my word."
Smiling wide Nora nora released a soft laugh, one that made Naruto's heart melt. "Ren would have liked you." The orange haired girl admitted.
"I'm sure I would have liked him as well." Naruto replied honestly. "But after Kuroyuri village fell, what happened?"
Nora sighed. "Well me and Ren started traveling together and over the years he became kinda like my big brother. He always watched out for me, made sure I ate, didn't forget my belongings and other things. He was one of the best people I had ever met."
"He sounds like a wonderful person." Naruto pointed out.
"Yeah he was, but like my parents he died because of me…. see when we were fourteen we started helping people as amuture huntsmen. We traveled all around helping different people who needed us. But one day some guy came to us, he kept spouting a bunch of crazy shit about finally finding winter. Though after everything I learned about what I am, I figured out he wasn't so crazy."
"He was after you, could he be the same person who killed your parents?" Naruto speculated.
"Who knows, what I do know was that guy was powerful. He completely outclassed me and Ren and almost killed me. Though Ren was hard set on protecting me, so much so that he died fighting our attacker." Nora explained in a flat voice. "After I saw that man jab his scythe through Ren I lost it. According to the man who found me I used my maidens power to fight the man off."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Who found you?" The blond asked.
"Some old drunk that works for Ozpin." Nora explained in an offhand tone. "His name was cow or something, I don't remember. But he brought me to Ozpin and that's when I learned about what I really was. And from there Ozpin placed me in a combat school to watch over me. Then a few years later here we are, and that's the tale of the winter maiden who brings bad luck to everyone around her."
Naruto nodded. "So Ren was murdered and my Uncle Qrow found you. Heh guess I owe that old drunk a thank you when I meet him."
"Cow is your uncle?" Nora asked in surprise.
Naruto laughed and nodded. "Yeah Qrow is my mother's twin."
Nora grinned. "Now that I think about it you and Cow have the same red eyes." The maiden pointed out.
"That we do, but I have one last question." Naruto began while pointing to the box on Nora's lap. "What's with the box?"
Nora smiled and opened the box. "It was Ren's, it's where I keep all my valuables. Like this photo of me and my parents." She explained, while showing the picture to Naruto.
"You look a lot like them." Naruto replied, but something else in the box caught his eyes. "Are those weapons?"
Picking up the two identical green handguns, Nora let a soft smile grace her lips. "these were Ren's weapons StormFlower."
Naruto looked at his own reflection off of the blades that were attached to each weapon. "They look in excellent care."
"Thank you." Nora replied while placing the weapons back in the box. "They are my most precious possession, so I try to take care of them."
Naruto grinned wide and reclined back. "Well I guess I know all about you now. So maybe I should tell you about me some more." The blond began as he looked up into the sky.
Nora closed the box in her lap and looked over to her partner. "Well I do have one question." The winter maiden began. "Well it's more of a request."
Naruto glanced over to his partner. "Ask away."
Looking down, Nora traced her hands over the box in her lap. "You said that you work for Ozpin now because you want to protect everyone." Nora began causing Naruto to nod. "Well in that case could you tell Ozpin you can't work for him… I don't want to lose you like I've lost everyone else."
Naruto let a soft grin pass his lips. "Sorry no can do."
"But!"
Naruto placed his hand to Nora's lips and gave the girl a fiery gaze. "Don't tell anyone this, but my mother told me Salem plans to attack Beacon." The blond revealed, causing Nora's eyes to be filled with fear. "That's why I made a promise to myself to protect everyone by fighting back. And now that I know she is after you. I can't possibly stand down, I will destroy anyone who tries to harm you Nora. That's a promise of a lifetime."
Tears started to roll down Nora's face at the blond's declaration. "Idiot." The girl mumbled.
Shrugging his shoulders Naruto laughed. "I've been called worse, but don't worry about me Nora. I made a promise to you already that I won't die and I never go back on my word. I'm going to fight Salem and win, because I'm not fighting for myself. I'm fighting for you."
Nora looked fondly into her partner's eyes, she had a slight build up in her chest as one word danced around in her mind. Though as she opened her mouth and poked Naruto's nose, something else came out. "Boop."
Naruto laughed and wrapped his arm around Nora, making the girl blush by their closeness. At first Naruto was just a friend to her, but Nora couldn't lie to herself. She loved her partner, but she didn't have the heart to tell him. The young maiden feared losing her friend if he didn't return her feelings, so she decided to keep them to herself.
"Hey Nora why don't we go get something to eat?" Naruto asked in a low voice. "I could make you some of Naruto Branwen's famous pancakes."
Nora nodded and looked up a large smile on her face as she looked into the sky. 'Mom, Dad and Ren. You can rest easy knowing I still have someone to watch over me in your place. But this time I'm gonna do everything to watch out for him too.'
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And that's a wrap! Man this one took awhile and I hope everyone enjoyed everything I did with Konan and Yahiko being Nora's parents. Decided to give her a little more back story. And speaking of Nora, bet no one anticipated I would make her the winter maiden in this story. Its an idea I've never seen and it brings an interesting dynamic into the story.
Now next thing to come is Jaune's character arc coming to a close and Team JNNP making amends with one another.
Then there is Naruto's first mission for Ozpin and after that we will be moving into Volume 2.
As always thanks for reading! Follow, favorite and review!