Chapter 9. Even if I Were to Die
(With Nora)
To say the Winter Maiden was in a difficult situation was an understatement. The young huntress was short of breath, on her backside and bleeding profusely. Though the brave girl still had enough strength to slightly prop her body up with her forearms, which allowed her clear vision of her assailant.
Salem bore a wide grin on her face as she overlooked Nora. Showing the amount of sick and twisted pleasure she got from tormenting the young huntress.
"You're a pathetic excuse for a Seasonal Maiden." Salem began in a condescending tone, before the woman stepped over a patch of ice. "However, you do show promise and I am in high spirits today. So I'll give you an opportunity to live."
Nora trembled as she watched Salem stop moving and stand still only a few feet away from her.
"Here is my offer, join me and become my Winter Maiden. If you serve me not only will you live, but you will have power, wealth and anything else your heart desires." She revealed before holding her arms out, as a gesture for Nora to come to her and join her. "What do you say girl."
Nora looked up to the woman with a mixture of fear and confusion. As so many questions ran through Nora's mind, but as Nora thought to herself. She remembered something crucial about the Seasonal Maidens, something that brought a little more confidence in the young woman.
"Heh, I get it now." Nora chuckled out in a low voice, while she slowly pushed herself to her feet. "You want me to join you because you can't kill me. Because if you do the Winter Maiden's power will just go to someone else."
Salem smirked and shook her head. "You greatly overestimate your worth girl." Salem retorted, before a black tendril grew out of Salem's arm and slapped Nora into the air. The same tendril then wrapped around Nora's leg and slammed the girl into the ground, causing a large cloud of dust to fly into the air and Nora to scream in pain. "You see I can easily take your power, kill you and then transfer that power to one of my loyal followers!"
Coughing and taking deep and heavy breaths, Nora looked to Salem. While her confidence from earlier was quickly fading. "You're lying." The orange haired girl accused.
As a loud laugh came out of Salem, the vile woman held her hands up into the air. "Oh trust me girl I'm not lying, but I will give you one more chance. Will you join me or will I have to kill you?"
Gritting her teeth in pain, Nora weighed her options. She could either take Salem's offer and betray her friends. Or she could try to fight back and maybe escape, but realistically Nora knew she would die trying. Though while Nora thought over her options, she pondered what her partner would do.
Thinking of her partner Nora smirked and looked up to Salem. "Fuck you." The girl spat out, causing Salem to shake her head. "I'd never help a miserable bitch like you!"
"You really wish to die don't you?" Salem began with a slight laugh behind her voice. "You stupid girl, I'm going to enjoy breaking you."
Holding her arm out, Salem sent a wave of black tendrils at Nora. The latter of whom could only watch helplessly as Salem's attack crashed into her side and sent her rolling.
Off to the side of the battle, the workers who Nora had saved watched their savior get beaten around with sadden expressions.
"We need to help her!" One of the workers shouted to the rest of the Faunus present.
"But what could we do? That woman is a monster, we are only miners not huntsmen!" Another worker pointed out.
The female Faunus that had talked to Nora earlier gritted her teeth. "That girl saved all of us twice, so we need to help her!"
"Yeah, besides we greatly out number that woman!" A miner pointed out.
"Let's go-. . ." A miner began, but the Faunus quickly fell to his knees in exhaustion. "Why do I feel so tired?"
The female Faunus looked around and noticed all her fellow miners falling down in exhaustion. Then before she could voice her concerns, she fell down to her knees. "What's going on? Is that woman doing this?" The Faunus asked herself, but as she looked to Salem her eyes went wide. "Or is it him?"
Over with Salem, the red eyed woman was slowly stalking towards Nora. Completely unaware a new intruder had invaded her space.
"Well girl, it's been fun." Salem began while she looked down to Nora with a small glare. "But I think I'll kill you now."
Nora's eyes were wide with fear, as the girl tried to crawl away from her attacker. However, she made little to no progress in creating distance between herself and Salem.
"Stay away!" The girl shrieked in fear.
Salem grinned and held a hand out towards Nora, causing a small Grimm like bug to grow out of her hand. "Oh I do love to hear you scream, but I've become bored with you."
Nora froze completely still, but her fear filled eyes instantly turned to shock. As the young maiden noticed one hand clamp onto Salem's jaw, while another firmly grasped the top of her head. Then in one shocking display, Nora watched as Salem's neck was tightly twisted and her head fully flipped upside down. Causing the vile woman to cough up a large amount of blood.
"You mind repeating that? I didn't hear you the first time." Naruto spoke in a smug tone, while he glanced down to Salem with a blank face.
Making some gurgling noises, Salem was unable to form a proper retort. So Naruto decided to take action.
"Fox Hunt!" The teen shouted, while swiping his hand through Salem's chest. Pulling the woman's heart right out of her body. Then by slamming the organ onto the ground, Naruto crushed her heart followed by the young blond punching Salem in the face. Using enough force to send Salem crashing straight into a storage building.
Looking up to her partner, Nora brought a hand to her mouth and started to sob. Just when she needed him most, Naruto came to her rescue.
"You idiot, didn't you hear me calling for you? What took you so long?" Nora asked, while a large grin graced her face.
Naruto scoffed at his partner and smiled. "Idiot? That's big words coming from you. Quit trying to act all cool."
Nora laughed as the tears kept pouring down her eyes. "You're the biggest idiot I know." The girl declared.
Naruto flashed Nora his canines and placed one hand on the Relic on his hip. "Well like they say, idiots get along best!" The boy retorted before holding a hand out. "Now why don't I help you up?"
Nora accepted the hand and was pulled to her feet, but the girl was still weak. So she lost her balance and fell into her partner's chest.
"Thank you." The girl sobbed in a low voice, while her hands firmly gripped the boy's clothing. "I was so scared."
Naruto grinned and placed one arm around Nora to comfort the girl. "I told you I would keep my promise. I will never let anyone hurt you."
Looking up to her partner with a blush and a loving gaze, Nora slowly brought a shaky finger to her partner's nose. "Boop." The Winter Maiden mumbled in a weak voice.
"Why don't we get the hell out of here?" Naruto purposed, while he scooped Nora up into his arms.
Turning bright red, Nora laid in her partner's arm bridal style. "Did you find the relic?" The girl asked weakly.
Naruto gave his partner a cocky smirk. "Why of course! It was a pain in the ass, but I got it. And it just so happens I am the one who can use its powers."
"That's amazing!" Nora replied with a small amount of energy. "Though this is you we are talking about! So it should be no surprise you can use the relic."
Naruto beamed with pride at Nora's complement. "I am pretty great." The blond declared in a smug tone.
"Don't get too full of yourself." The voice in Naruto's head advised.
Naruto rolled his eyes and moved his line of sight away from Nora. Almost like he was looking at someone else. "Shut the hell up, what are you my Jimmy Cricket?"
Nora looked up to her partner with a bewildered face. "Is everything okay?" The girl asked in a concern filled voice.
"You do realize only you can hear me? So you look a little bit crazy talking to someone who is not there. Though you're hearing a voice in your head, so maybe you're crazy." The voice pointed out.
Choosing to ignore the voice, Naruto looked back to Nora. "Heh, sorry got caught up talking to myself."
"If you say so, but let's just get out of here. I'm already missing Beacon." Nora admitted.
Grabbing one of his two blades used to form his katana, Naruto swiped the air to his right. Though when nothing happened he was left riddled with confusion.
"Something isn't right." Naruto mumbled in a low voice. "I have leftover dust for my teleportation technique, but I can't create a portal."
Nora raised an eyebrow. "Maybe you're doing it wrong." The girl purposed.
Naruto shook his head. "No that's not the problem, it's almost like I don't have the ability to use my family techniques anymore."
"Your semblance was altered once you channeled the power of the relic. Perhaps your family techniques were altered as well. Or maybe you no longer have the ability to use them thanks to the relic. It's something we should look into later." The voice explained.
Thinking what the voice said could be true, Naruto placed his weapon away and sighed. "Well looks like we are walking back to our ride home." The blond began before he started to move. However, his instincts kicking in Naruto's jumped quickly to the left. Moving in just the right time to avoid a black tendril that had pierced the ground where he once was.
"What the hell was that?" Naruto yelled, while he looked at the tendril.
Nora who was still in Naruto's arms looked over the blond's shoulder. Her eyes growing wide in fear as she noticed their attacker. "Naruto, we need to run now!" The Winter Maiden instructed.
Noticing the fear in Nora's voice, Naruto looked down to his partner and gave her a comforting look. He then moved his gaze to the direction of their attacker, causing his eyes to be filled with disbelief. As the young Branwen noticed Salem standing only a mere twenty feet away, her head slowly twisting back to its original position.
"This can't be possible, I broke your neck! I even ripped out your fucking heart! You should be dead!" Naruto shouted in anger.
A twisted grin escaping her lips, Salem placed a finger where her heart should be. "Trust me child, you will have to try much harder than that to kill me."
Slowly backing away, Naruto held Nora tightly to his chest. "What kind of monster are you!"
Salem released a soft laugh. "Why I am the pinnacle of human evolution. A being far beyond your simple comprehension. To me having a broken neck is a simple fix. A removed limb can easily be reattached in seconds. Having my heart ripped out of my body, well who said I only have one heart? I know I never did!" Salem declared before pointing at Naruto and Nora. "Now be a good boy and give me the relic and the Maiden. And who knows I might grant you a painless death."
Nora was visibly shaking in her partner's arms, as she was absolutely terrified of Salem. Plus it didn't help not having any strength to stand, let alone fight back. So it left Nora feeling completely helpless against Salem.
Naruto on the other hand grinned and slightly leaned forward. "Man this bitch freaks me the hell out." The blond admitted in a lighthearted tone. "But don't worry Nora, we will be fine."
Nora closed her eyes and gripped onto her partner's shirt. "How can you be so calm?" The girl asked in a weak voice.
"Well, I have something important to protect." Naruto declared in confident tone. "That's how."
Her eyes snapping open, Nora looked up to her partner and meet his fiery red gaze. While her mind going back to what the women she spoke to early had said. "Important." The orange haired girl mumbled in a low voice.
Naruto smiled wide. "Yes Nora, you're very important to me. And I promise you I will always protect you, even if I were to die doing so."
A tear trailing down her face, Nora opened her mouth to mumbled two simple words. However, the condescending laughter of Salem stopped Nora from speaking.
"Oh trust me boy, you will die today." Salem declared in a matter of fact tone. "But those red eyes of yours, you're a Branwen. So tell me, are you Raven's child or Qrow's? Or perhaps I made an error and left a few more of your kind alive?"
Naruto glared at Salem with a rage filled expression. "Will you do me a favor and shut your stupid fucking mouth? You arrogant old bitch."
Salem chuckled and shook her head side to side. "You're Raven's child, there is no doubt about that."
Naruto scoffed. "What gave it away? Did you notice I have her sparkling personality?" The blond asked before he grabbed the relic at his hip and pointed it at Salem. "And the names Naruto Branwen, remember it! Because that's the name of the man who's gonna kill you."
"That would be a neat trick. Why don't you come over here and try it?" Salem taunted in a low voice.
Naruto smiled and didn't move. "Oh I'd love to hack that grin off your face. However, I can't fight while holding Nora. And if I let her down you would just attack Nora while she is defenseless."
"You seem to be in quite the predicament then." Salem commented arrogantly. "It seems like luck just isn't on your side."
"I wouldn't say that." Naruto replied. "Being lucky is sorta my thing."
"Well, how about we test the extent of your luck." Salem began before she held a hand out, summoning a wave of black tendrils straight for Naruto and Nora.
Leaping backwards, Naruto held tightly onto Nora with one hand while using his relic to slash and hack all the tendrils. However, unknown to Naruto a single tendril slithered along the ground and quickly wrapped around his leg.
"Shit!" Naruto cursed as he felt the large tentacle tighten around his ankle. Though as Naruto brought his sword down to cut himself free, Salem sent the blond flying into the air and tossed him like a ragdoll.
Doing a few flips in the air, Naruto instinctively wrapped his body around Nora to protect his partner. He then landed roughly into a large sand dune and gritted his teeth, but fortunately his landing was soft enough to avoid any serious injuries.
"You okay?" Naruto whispered in a low voice, while he glanced down to inspect his partner.
"Yeah I'm fine, thanks to you." Nora replied in a low and weak voice. "But you need to worry about keeping yourself safe. At this rate you'll get seriously hurt trying to protect me!"
Naruto smiled. "I'll be fine, your safety is my first priority Nora. Like I already said, I'll protect you even if it means I will die doing so. . ."
*slap*
Naruto looked at his partner with surprise, as he didn't expect her to slap him.
"Don't say that." Nora ordered in a stern yet fragile voice. "You promised me you wouldn't leave my side and get yourself killed. Don't break that promise Naruto. . . I would be lost without you."
Naruto looked over his partner and noticed her serious expression, though she did appear on the verge of tears once more. So the blond smirked and gave his partner a tight squeeze. "I'll always be right here Nora." The red eyed boy declared. "After all someone has to help maintain your pancake addiction."
Nora grinned wide and nodded. "I do love your cooking."
Naruto laughed and slowly laid Nora down. "Well in that case." Naruto began while standing to his feet. "Stay here and watch me kill this bitch. Then afterwards I'll make you some of Naruto Branwen's famous pancakes."
"Go get her partner!" Nora cheered in a low voice.
Naruto nodded and faced down Salem, the latter of whom was watching him with an amused face.
"Are you quite done?" The woman asked in a bored tone. "You're only delaying your deaths."
Naruto held a hand out towards Salem and grinned wide. "Physical Hunt!" The teen screamed, as his upper body nearly tripled in size and Salem slightly slumped over in fatigue. However, Salem only showed signs of exhaustion for a brief moment before returning to her normal state.
"Was that suppose to do something?" Salem asked in a bored tone.
Naruto grinned ear to ear and blurred towards Salem at speeds the woman was incapable of following.
"Wha-. . ." Salem began in shock, but as a fist buried itself into Salem's mouth she was silenced.
Naruto gave the biggest grin he could muster, while he started to beat Salem down with a flurry of punches. "How does it feel? To have your own power used against you!" Naruto yelled as he punched Salem so hard the woman went skipping across the ground.
Laughing to himself, Naruto ran around Salem and kicked the woman before she could come to a full stop. Then after repeating the process a few times over, Naruto eventually used his new sword to cut Salem in half.
"Tch, where is all that cocky shit you were spouting earlier?" Naruto asked in a smug tone.
Tendrils shooting out of the split portions of Salem's body, the woman slowly pulled herself back together. "I am going to enjoy killing you."
"Well I'm right here, so show me what you got!" Naruto challenged before running back at Salem.
Summoning more tendrils, Salem went on the offensive trying to damage Naruto. However, with the blond's increased speed and power it was nearly impossible for Salem to do anything. Since Naruto would just avoid or simply hack away anything she threw in his direction.
Eventually Naruto started to close in on Salem and get within striking distance of her body. A feat that caused the woman to scowl in annoyance.
"Haven't you learned boy." Salem began as she watched Naruto prepare to attack her. "No matter how many times you cut me in half, nothing will kill me! I can't die by conventional means!"
Naruto smirked and swiped his sword in a horizontal arc across Salem's chest. "Fox Hunt!" The red eyed boy yelled, before he removed his blade from Salem's chest. Then by flashing his weapon to the woman, he grinned at the two hearts that were resting on his blade.
"You said you had more than one heart." The young Branwen began in a smug tone. "That's three down so far. Now how many more until I can finally get you to shut the hell up?"
Salem finally allowed her calm and collected composure to slip, as now her anger was at its peak. "You pathetic little insect, I'm going to rip you piece by piece. Then I will feed your rotting corpse to-. . ."
Salem was silenced by a strong fist to her face courtesy of Naruto. "Well that's one way to shut you up." The blond mumbled in satisfaction, while he watched the vile woman go toppling backwards.
Off to the side, Nora watched her partner in amazement. She rarely got the opportunity to see her partner fight for real. Plus with the added power of his relic, Naruto's abilities were even more amazing to behold.
"He might do it." Nora mumbled in surprise. "He might actually beat her. . . Go Naruto!"
Hearing his partner's cheer, Naruto smirked and looked over his shoulder. He then flashed his partner a quick thumbs up, showing his confidence in the fight.
"Hehe. Let's finish this bitch off for good." Naruto began before looking back over to Salem, the later of whom was just picking herself up.
Running directly at Salem with all his speed, Naruto raised his sword back for a powerful slash. However, as Naruto ran his body started to ache and tremble. then before the blond knew what was happening, Naruto found himself falling face first into the ground.
"Naruto!" Nora shrieked with worry in her voice.
'Shit. Why do I feel so exhausted?' Naruto thought to himself.
"I feared this would happen." The voice in Naruto's head admitted. "You've exhausted all of your strength and the strength you stole from the miners and Salem. Your new powers are fierce, but now you are feeling the repercussions of over using your powers."
"Well this is bad." Naruto groaned, as the blond tried to push himself up onto his feet. "I can't even summon the strength to move."
"Yes this is quite bad. I assume with practice and experience you can improve your abilities. However I fear Salem won't give us that opportunity." The voice pointed out.
"What's the matter boy." The voice of Salem spoke up. "Having some trouble are we?"
Naruto looked up towards Salem's voice, but before the blond could even catch a glimpse of the evil woman. A strong and firm foot planted itself into his chin, causing Naruto to go flipping into the air.
'Fuck.' Naruto thought as he went ragdolling into the sky. However, his momentum was quickly halted by a black tendril wrapping around his leg.
"This is going to hurt." The voice spoke up in a grim tone.
'Oh shu- . . .' Naruto began in thought, but he stopped once Salem slammed his body into a pile of rocks. "Gwahh!"
"Naruto!" Nora shouted out, as she tried to pick herself up. Though the girl only managed to stumble forward and fall onto her chest.
Groaning to himself in pain, Naruto gripped tightly onto the relic in his hand. Then by summoning all his remaining strength, the blond severed the tendril wrapped around his leg. Unfortunately right after doing so his body went completely limp and he coughed up some blood.
'Was that Nora's voice?' Naruto asked no one besides himself.
"Yes, that was Nora. Remember Naruto you cannot lose! Because if you die that means Nora will perish as well!" The voice yelled inside of Naruto's head.
"Man you're annoying." Naruto mumbled in a weak voice. "Don't you think I already know that shit?"
"Then think of something!" The voice responded in desperation.
Nora looked forward to her partner and tried to crawl her way to his location. "Please be okay." The girl mumbled weakly to herself, but as she caught a glimpse of Salem walking towards Naruto she froze.
Naruto who was trying to think of anything he could do to defeat Salem noticed the woman standing over top of him.
"So boy, any last words or maybe you have a snappy one liner in mind?" Salem asked, while she raised her arm high above her head.
Naruto watched helplessly as a black substance engulfed Salem's arm. The same substance that she used to create tendrils for attacking and repairing her body. However, this time the black substance formed a giant synthetic blade around her arm.
"What's the matter boy?" Salem began, as Naruto just looked at her with an emotionless gaze. "Where is that Branwen charm of yours?"
Naruto remained silent, while Nora watched on in horror. "Don't do it." The orange haired girl begged in a helpless voice.
Salem looked down at Naruto with pure hatred. "This is the end, you pathetic insect." The woman insulted before she quickly brought her weapon down onto Naruto.
Time seemed to slow down as Nora watched Salem bring down the final blow onto her partner. Her mind instantly going back to when Ren was killed. Back then she was unable to save her friend and history was about to repeat itself. Though just the thought of losing the boy she had come to care so much for ignited a spark within the young Maiden.
"I said don't you fucking hurt him!" Nora shouted with more fury and power behind her voice than ever before.
Naruto watched in shock as Salem's attack was stopped by a hand made of pure ice, which absorbed the blow for the blond.
"What is this!" Salem snarled in anger, while glancing over to Nora. "What is this power!"
Naruto looked over to his partner, who was slowly staggering herself to her feet. "N-Nora. . . Is that really you?" The blond gasped in surprise as he noticed his partner.
Nora who was now fully on her feet glared at Salem with eyes that were glowing brighter than any star. On her head a small blue ice flower was slowly taking shape along with two large wings made of ice on her backside.
"That's her alright." The voice began in a proud tone. "Nora doesn't even realize how much power she possesses. However, when she is fighting for someone she loves. That's when her true strength shines through."
Naruto couldn't help himself from smiling. "She's amazing, even I can feel her overwhelming power. It's hard to believe that this is my partner."
"She's only ever used this kind of strength once before, but that was after I was killed. It seems the thought of losing you brought forth that power once more. You truly are a lucky man Naruto Branwen." The voice admitted with a small laugh.
"So you want to try and fight me again?" Salem asked in an angered filled tone. "You're a persistent Maiden, I'll give you that!
Holding her hand out, Nora looked at Salem with a blank expression. "You could beat me, insult me, you could even try to kill me and I wouldn't care." Nora began in a monotone voice, before a large ice spike shot out of her hand and impaled Salem's chest. "But you tried to kill someone who means everything to me. That's a sin I could never forgive."
Spitting out a large glob of blood, Salem looked at the Winter Maiden with wide eyes. "How dare yo-. . ." Salem began, but was silenced by a large ice fist that grew out of the ground and batted her away.
"Don't talk." Nora ordered, while she flew over top of Salem and held her hands down at the woman. "Just die already."
Naruto watched in amazement as his partner created a hailstorm of ice spikes that rained down upon Salem.
"She's like an actual Valkyrie." Naruto gasped while he laid motionless on the ground. "She's beautiful."
Temporarily halting her assault, Nora waited for the dust and debris to clear in order to see if Salem was even still alive. After a moment Nora got a glimpse of the panting and bleeding woman, she was still alive and was already repairing her body.
"Hmm, seems that won't do. Guess I'll have to try harder if I want to actually kill you." Nora mumbled before raising one hand high into the air.
Naruto looked up and noticed the large black clouds slowly forming in the sky. He also noticed that the hot and humid desert air was quickly approaching freezing temperatures.
"What is she doing?" Naruto mumbled in confusion.
Nora looked down at Salem and clenched her fists. "If I cannot kill you, then I will just freeze you for eternity." The young maiden declared, while a strong gust of chilling wind blew past her.
Salem frowned and glared at Nora. "You're lying, you cannot do such a thing!" Salem retorted in a confident tone, but the bead of sweat trailing down the woman's face showed she actually believed otherwise.
Nora lifted her eyebrow. "Well let's find out if I'm lying." The girl replied, while a large twister of snow swirled around her body.
Sensing the rapidly growing power of Nora, Salem merely shook her head and laughed. "To think you had this much power. Heh, I'll admit my defeat for today, but mark my words girl. I will destroy you and bring your entire world crashing down. After all, I now know who you are and what your weakness is." Salem then glanced over to Naruto. "That boy will be your undoing."
A large orb of blue magic swirling in Nora's hands, the girl watched as a portal formed around Salem's body. One which the woman slowly sunk into.
"Oh no you don't!" Nora yelled, as she tossed her magic right at Salem.
Unfortunately by the time her attack made impact and detonated onto the ground, Salem was already gone.
"Damnit." Nora cursed, while she looked down at the giant glacier of ice under her feet.
"She did it." Naruto mumbled, while his eyes slowly got heavy. "Good job Nora." The blond finished before he saw nothing besides darkness and went limp on the ground.
Taking her attention away from Salem's escape, Nora looked down to check her partner's condition. Her eyes quickly growing wide in worry as she noticed his eyes closed and body slumped over.
"Naruto!" Nora cried out, while she flew down to her partner and landed by his body. Then as the ice flower and wings on her body started to break, Nora quickly grabbed Naruto's arm and checked his pulse. "I can't feel anything! Naruto wake up!"
Tears forming around her eyes Nora shook her head. "No not again, not like this!" The girl yelled in a nearly broken voice. "I've lost my parents and Ren, I can't lose you Naruto! You promised me you wouldn't leave me!"
Nora stood still for a moment and overlooked her partner. Tear flowing down her face as she feared just like everyone else Naruto was taken from her. Though while Nora sobbed over her partner, she was unaware of the sound of footsteps approaching her.
A hand gripping onto Nora's shoulder, the young Maiden finally looked behind her. "W-who are you?" The girl asked.
The person looked at Nora with her deep crimson eyes and sighed. "I'm that idiot's mother, Raven Branwen." She introduced before reaching over and checking her son's pulse. "He's weak, but alive."
"Don't worry Nora." The voice of Taiyang spoke up, revealing his presence. "Naruto will be fine, I'll make sure of it."
Nora looked up to the blond haired man and smiled wide. "Mr. Xiao Long! I'm so happy to see you. . . Wait how are you here!"
Tai smirked and folded his arms. "Long story, but a better question." The father began before looking around the area. "What the hell happened here?"
"I don't even know where to start." Nora admitted.
Raven glared at Nora with a hard gaze. "How about you tell me who managed to hurt my son."
Nora gritted her teeth and looked down. "It was Salem."
The blood of both parents ran cold and they exchanged looks. Truly Nora had a complex story in store for them.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
(One day later)
Slowly Naruto opened his eyes, at first his vision was blurry and he was heavily disoriented. However, after a few minutes his senses started to kick in and he started to gauge his surroundings.
'Well I'm alive.' Naruto thought to himself before he glanced around his environment. Instantly noticing his body was covered in bandages and he was in an unfamiliar bed. 'But now the question is what happened and where am I?'
"Well for starters you're in your father's house. Shortly after Salem fled and you lost consciousness, your mother and father arrived and took you and Nora here." The voice explained to Naruto.
The blond nodded his head and looked to the wall, where he saw pictures of his sisters. 'So this is dad's place, it's nic-. . . Wait did you say my mom and dad? As in together?'
"Yes both your parents are here, along with Nora." The voice explained.
'Just what in the hell happened while I was out? And you know what's a better question, just who the hell are you! And why are you in my fucking head?' Naruto yelled at the voice.
"Ah where are my manners, my name is Lei Ren. As to why I am in your head I do not know to be honest. The day I died my mind or maybe a better description would be my soul went into your body. And for years I watched you live your life without being able to interact with you or do anything. Honestly it was slightly miserable, but after you touched your relic it's like a gate has been opened for me. I now have more freedom within your mind and we can now communicate." Ren explained to the blond. "Maybe professor Ozpin could shed some light on what is going on with us."
'Wait hold up, you mean to tell me you're the Ren who was close to Nora. The same Ren who died years ago and just happened to be placed in the body of the guy who would later become her friend and partner!' Naruto shouted in his own head.
"Well when you put it like that, it seems like a bunch of unlikely coincidences." Ren replied calmly.
'No shit!' Naruto retorted.
Ren's laughter echoed inside Naruto's head. "Whether it's chance or fate one fact still stands."
'And that is?' Naruto asked.
"I was the one who watched over Nora for so long, but now that role has been passed onto you. Though my relationship with Nora was more of a sibling affection, while yours seems much deeper than that."
'Seriously what are you going on about? Damn you're annoying.' The blond growled in a low voice.
"Just take care of her. And remember if you don't, well then I'll go out of my way to annoy you."
Slowly lifting himself out of bed, Naruto rolled his eyes. "Great." The blond mumbled before approaching a mirror. "I'm gonna really hate having you in my head, I can already tell."
"I disagree, to me this feels like the start of a beautiful friendship."
Looking at his own reflection, Naruto snorted at Ren's optimism. He then took notice that he was wearing nothing besides sweat pants, while his entire upper torso was covered in bandages. However, a small tint of red coloring was noticeable under his bandages. So slightly curious, Naruto removed the bandages and to his surprise on his left side slightly above his waist there was an unfamiliar tattoo. Actually to be more precise the tattoo was a fox, the same fox symbol that was on his relic.
"Where did this fucking thing come from?" Naruto mumbled in surprise.
"Well after you lost consciousness your mother attempted to grab your relic. However, it turned into a small red light and disappeared into your body, shortly after that the fox tattoo on your body appeared." Ren explained in a matter of fact tone.
Naruto raised his eyebrow. "So where the hell is the relic then?"
Ren released a soft chuckle. "You're looking at the relic. From what I can tell it's powers and abilities are now fully fused with your own. So in a sense you are the relic Naruto and its abilities won't leave until you die."
Naruto glanced down at the fox mark on his body and smirked. "That's pretty nice." The blond admitted to himself before stretching. "But enough chit-chat, it's about time I go check on Nora."
"That's a good idea." Ren replied.
Naruto nodded and left the room he was at and entered the hallway of the house. He then looked around aimlessly, trying to find out where to go next. However, the sound of voices gave Naruto a decent idea where to go. So walking towards the voices, Naruto found himself eventually standing at the entrance to a family dining room. Where Nora and both his parents were seated at a table enjoying a nice breakfast. Though once the three individuals caught a glimpse of Naruto they halted their eating.
"Hey-. . ." Tai began in a chipper voice, but was cut off by an orange blur that shot out of her seat.
"Naruto!" The Winter Maiden yelled happily before she tackled her partner into a hug, sending them both onto the ground.
Naruto laughed and glanced up to his partner, who like himself was heavily bandaged. "Hey Nora, glad to see you're okay."
Tears slightly building up in Nora's eyes the girl smiled wide. "You're one to talk! You had me worried silly buster."
Naruto reached his hand around Nora's head and pulled her forehead close to his own. "I told you once already, I'm not leaving your side."
Nora blushed red and slightly backed away from her partner. "Yeah you kept your promise, even though I had to save your butt." The girl replied, while giving Naruto a wink and sticking her tongue out.
Naruto grinned. "Well just shows how lucky I am to have such an amazing partner." The blond retorted in a cocky tone.
Nora smiled wide at her partner's praise, but a crude huff momentarily ruined their moment.
"You know we are here as well." Raven pointed out in a monotone voice.
Naruto looked around Nora and narrowed his gaze at his mother. "Dusty old bird, I'm aware you're here. A good question is why?"
Raven huffed and jerked her head to the side. "Arrogant little brat, I don't have to tell you anything."
Tai chuckled. "Your mother was worried shitless about you, so she asked me to tag along and make sure you were okay." The blond father explained, which earned a glare from Raven. "But we weren't much help. If it wasn't for Nora you wouldn't be here right now! Though why don't you two come over here and take a seat."
Naruto and Nora both stood to their feet and walked over to the table. Then by taking their own seats Raven was the first to speak.
"So brat, how did it feel to fight Salem?"
"I've never faced a foe like her before." The blond began in a low defeated tone, while he balled his fists. "I mean even with my power and relic I was no match for her. Plus I couldn't help but feel like she was holding back. And one thing about her has been bothering me."
Nora titled her head. "Are you sure about that?"
Naruto merely nodded. "She was toying with me the whole time we fought. And why wouldn't she? She's obviously powerful and has lived centuries without anyone to challenge her power. She probably gets some kind of sick pleasure out of prolonging a fight and tormenting her opponents. Besides all she did during our fight was use her strange tendrils and regenerate her injuries. Who's to say she doesn't have more tricks up her sleeve? Honestly she might be unbeatable. . ."
Tai and Nora frowned at how defeated Naruto sounded. Though his mother had a less compassionate reaction to his behavior.
"Ninth rule of training with mommy." Raven began in a low voice.
Naruto shuddered at his mother's tone, while Nora and Taiyang looked at the mother and son with confusion.
"You talk like a little bitch." Raven began in a soft and almost too sweet voice. "You'll get beat like a little bitch."
Nora deflated. "Oh not this again." The girl mumbled.
Tai lifted his eyebrow. "Again?" The father asked, causing the Maiden to nod.
Raven gave her son a condescending smirk and leaned over the table. "Or should I bring up rule three of training with mommy?" The woman asked with a slight amusement behind her words.
Naruto held his hands out and started to shake them wildly in front of himself. "No, no, it's okay mom. I get the point."
Raven smirked and folded her arms. "Good, now let's move on. Your little partner already told me everything that had happened to you. However, I want your perspective of the whole ordeal."
Naruto sighed and began to recollect the accounts that lead up to his battle with Salem. Everything from his fight with the Faunus to him obtaining his relic. Naruto eventually finished his story with how Nora had saved him from Salem and his relic fused with his body. However, Naruto didn't share with anyone that Ren was inside his head. Since Naruto didn't know what to make of that situation yet.
"Hmmm." Tai mumbled while scratching his chin. "That's quite the tale Naruto. To think you are one of the four relic wielders. Heh that's my boy!"
Naruto grinned at his father's praise and leaned back. "Yeah I'm pretty great." The blond replied, earning a laugh from Tai and Nora. While his mother simply rolled her eyes. "But what's next? Does Oz even know about what happened during our mission?"
Nora leaned into her partner and sighed. "I've already told Professor Ozpin about what has happened. He was glad we were mostly unharmed and managed to secure the relic. He wants us to stay here for a few days and regain our strength before heading back to Beacon." The Winter Maiden explained.
Naruto nodded. "Alright so I get a few more days off from class. No complaints here!"
Tai chuckled and gave his son an eye smile. "Nora left one key thing out! I've recently quit my job at Signal to accept a new job!" The proud father began in a happy tone. "You're looking at the new teacher for combat training and advance weapon theory!"
Naruto looked at his father with a gaping mouth. "You're going back to Beacon with us? To be a fucking teacher?"
Tai folded his arms. "Language young man, you're in the presence of a young lady. . . And Raven." The older blond began, which earned a glare from one Raven Branwen. "But yes it has been brought to my attention that Salem will be making an attack on Beacon. So since my three children are students at that very school I asked Ozpin for a position!"
"I see." Naruto mumbled in a low voice. "You plan to stay around to help fight Salem's forces off at a moment's notice."
Tai nodded. "Exactly."
Naruto grinned and looked to his mother. "At least one of my parents is helpful."
Raven narrowed her gaze. "Ungrateful brat, if it wasn't for me you would have bleed out in the desert. Besides I plan to gather the tribe and assist protecting Beacon during the festival."
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Yeah up yours too you- . . . Wait did you say you were gonna help?" The blond asked in a surprised and almost happy voice.
Raven slightly nodded her head. "Yes I will be there, I won't let anyone hurt my two children."
Nora grinned wide. "You're mom is so nice Naruto!" The young girl declared.
Raven scoffed. "Why of course, I didn't buy myself all those world's best mom shirts and coffee mugs."
Naruto snorted. "Of course you didn't, your drunk ass stole all of them."
"You know what? Yang is now my favorite child!" Raven declared in an angry tone.
"Wow I'm so hurt." Naruto replied in an uncaring voice before leaning into Nora. "But who needs an old hag when I have my sweet partner Nora!"
Raven's eyebrow twitched. "Brat."
Naruto gave his mother a smirk and shrugged his shoulders. "Call me what you wish, but I've got a serious question to ask you." The blond began with a hard gaze, one that instantly grabbed his mother's attention. "What happened to our family? You and Uncle Qrow were raised with bandits, and Ozpin mentioned there being a reason for that. Even Salem mentioned something about killing off members of our family."
Raven sighed and interlocked her fingers, she then leaned forward and tried to gather her thoughts. "For centuries our family has been one of the most powerful and influential families within Vale. However, over a hundred years ago members of our family began to experience horrible deaths. Some appearing to be freak accidents while others were just straight out killed by unknown attackers. You are probably assuming by now Salem is behind these incidents. And you would be correct."
Naruto raised his eyebrow. "But why would she have an interest in killing members of our family? I mean I understand we have the potential to use the power of the Relics. Though we are not the only group that fits that requirement, so what makes us so special?"
"Well for starters Salem has been known to target others who have the potential to wield a relic. However, our family was once a massive accumulation of strong fighters, wealthy nobles and other great people. In a sense our family was a major threat to her. So she had us systematically killed off one by one to fix that potential threat." Raven explained in a matter of fact tone.
Naruto nodded. "So she thinned out the Branwen bloodline into two alcoholic siblings and their offspring."
"Pretty sad huh? We were once proud warriors who served directly by the former royal family's side. Now we are two drunks and their three kids." Raven grumbled in a low tone. "Fucking bitch."
Naruto sighed and stood to his feet. "Well I'm gonna go walk around and stretch my legs. A lot has happened and in need to clear my head." The blond admitted as he stood to his feet.
Raven watched her son walk away and frowned, as her son still seemed troubled. "Hey brat." The woman began in a low tone, causing her son to face her. "I'm glad you're okay."
Naruto allowed a small smile to slip by. "Thanks mom." The boy replied before walking off.
Tai sighed and slowly pushed his chair back. "I should go talk with him. He still seems troubled."
Raven titled her head and folded her arms. "And what makes you think you should talk things out with my son?"
Tai scoffed and leaned over Raven. "Well considering I'm his father seems like a good reason. Besides it's obvious to tell something is bothering him. So step back and let me show you how a pro parent handles things."
Raven released a small condescending chuckle. "Please you may have raised two little girls, but raising a boy is a little different."
Tai glared at the mother of his children. "And what is that suppose to mean?"
"It means he won't open up to you dumbass." Raven replied in a blunt tone. "Hell that brat probably won't even open up to me."
"Then tell me, what should we do then?" Tai asked in an annoyed tone. "Not help our son?"
"Precisely." Raven answered without skipping a beat, before her gaze drifted to Nora. "The girl will go."
Nora who was silent through most of the conversation pointed to herself. "Me?" The girl asked nervously.
Raven nodded. "Yes you." The woman replied with a fierce gaze. "Now don't just sit around, get going!"
Nora jerked up straight at Raven's tone and took off. While this happened Taiyang watched the girl exit his house with a curious gaze.
"What makes you think Nora has a better chance with Naruto than either one of us?" The blond father asked.
Raven reclined back in her seat and smirked. "Because every stupid boy needs a strong woman to put him in his place." The mother began before glancing over to Tai. "You said it best after all, Naruto is your son. So look at your own relationship history."
Tai sighed at his former lover's reasoning. "I guess you have a point, except Nora is actually a nice girl. Plus she isn't an over aggressive alcoholic."
Raven brought her hands behind her head and closed her eyes. "Sticks and stones Tai, sticks and stones. Now make yourself useful and get me a drink."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
(With Naruto)
Perched on a large branch, Naruto sat high above the ground. His crimson eyes gazing out towards the vast forest landscape before him. A lot has happened in the past few days, but one detail of his exchange with Salem has bothered him since he had awoken. Naruto knew if he told his mother his observations she would brush them off. While his father just wouldn't understands, maybe his Uncle would listen to him. However, Naruto had no clue where that old drunk was.
"Those eyes and her obsession with Branwens." Naruto mumbled in a low voice. "It can't be a coincidence, or am I over thinking this?"
"Wanna talk about what has you so troubled?" Ren asked in a concerned voice.
"Not now Ren." The blond replied in a soft whisper.
"Have it your way, I'm only trying to help." The disembodied teen replied.
Naruto ran a hand through his blond locks and sighed. "Then there was her teleporting escape, but . . ."
Naruto stopped speaking as he heard a twig snap, followed by footsteps. So looking down, the young Branwen noticed his partner under his feet.
"Nora?" The teen mumbled in confusion.
Looking up the orange haired girl grinned wide. "Naruto there you are!" The girl shouted happily.
Naruto watched his partner begin to scale up the tree he was on and raised his eyebrow.
"What are you doing out here?" The blond asked.
Pulling herself up onto the branch by her partner, Nora giggled. "Well I came to check on you silly, you seemed pretty down in the dumps after all."
Naruto smiled at his partner. "Thanks Nora, I don't deserve to have such a great partner."
Nora matched her partner's smile and blushed at the compliment. "I could say the same!"
Naruto chuckled and fell into a soft silence. His mind trying to think of something to say to his partner's. "Soooo." The blond drawled out awkwardly. "You really did a number on Salem. I didn't know you were so powerful."
Nora's mouth shifted into a small half grin, while the girl looked off into the distance. "Honestly I don't know how I did it. I was so afraid that she was going to kill you and I don't know. . . It was like a switch was flipped and I turned into someone else. I probably couldn't do it again."
Naruto nodded and leaned backwards. "Regardless you have that power within yourself, we just need to find a way to harness it. Honestly some training would help us both."
"Yeah, maybe when we get back to Beacon." The Maiden purposed.
"If we want to get ready for Salem we will have to. After all she is probably making plans for us as we speak." The blond pointed out. "We will have to be on our toes from here on out."
Nora looked to her partner and frowned at the troubled face her partner bore. So she slowly placed her hand over her partner's and gave it a small squeeze. "We will be ready for her." The girl declared boldly. "As long as you're with me, I'll be ready for whatever Salem has planned."
"Me and you against that bitch. Heh, I like those odds." The blond admitted in a smug tone.
Nora grinned wide at her partner's words, causing Naruto's heart to skip a beat. He then looked into his partner's eyes with his fiery red gaze. The two then shared a small silent moment, before their heads slowly inched closer.
Nora instinctively closed her eyes, while a large blush appeared on her face. Naruto watched this action and leaned in some more. However, right as their lips were mere inches apart. Naruto's face became as red as his eyes and he placed both his hands on Nora's shoulders.
"Ren's in my head!" The boy declared in a flustered voice.
Opening her eyes Nora looked to her partner with confusion and a little disappointment. Since she really wanted to kiss her partner, due to the feelings she had for the blond. Ren on the other hand merely sighed inside Naruto's head.
"Smooth Naruto, she is probably upset with you and thinks you're lying." Ren pointed out in a monotone voice.
However, to Ren and Naruto's shock the girl placed her hands to Naruto's ear and peered inside. "Ren can you hear me? It's me Nora!" The girl declared in a happy voice. "Hello! Are you ignoring me?"
"She believes you?!" Ren shouted in Naruto's head.
Said blond cocked his head to the side. "Wait you believe me? Just like that?"
Nora gave her partner a funny look and nodded. "Yeah why wouldn't I?" The girl asked before laughing to herself. "I can tell when you're lying. Hehe, you do this little cute thing with your nose when you do!"
"I do not!" Naruto replied loudly, while his nose rotated to the right.
"There it is!" Nora laughed loudly, while she pointed a finger at the blond.
Naruto grumbled and jerked his head to the side. "Okay you might have a point."
"There is no question about it, Nora is right. Though the whole cute thing is debatable." Ren argued in a flat voice. "I think you look a little goofy."
"Fuck you Ren." The blond mumbled in an angry voice.
Nora giggled at her partner. "Sounds like you two get along." The girl pointed out. "Mind telling me how this happened?"
"To be honest I don't know." The blond answered. "Ever since I touched my relic a bunch of strange stuff has happened. I can't use my family techniques and Ren being in my head is some of the main ones. I figure Oz would be able to help me figure out what is happening."
Nora nodded and placed her legs on the branch, then by releasing a loud laugh she started to hang upside down. "Well whatever is happening I'm glad!" Nora declared in a cheerful voice. "I got Ren back, sorta. And he's in the body of my best friend!"
Naruto nodded. "Yup." The blond replied in a emotionless tone, while his gaze was focused directly towards Nora exposed pink panties.
"Don't look you pervert!" Ren yelled loudly.
Naruto laughed and kept his gaze down. "I have no clue what you're talking about Ren." The boy replied.
Nora looked up as she heard her partner, but as their eyes met the girl turned completely red. "Ahhhhh! Stop looking!" The girl shouted as she pushed her skirt up.
"I wasn't!" Naruto lied, as his nose moved to the right.
"Liar!" Nora and Ren shouted together. Though to be honest only one of the two actually cared about Naruto sneaking a peek. That of course was Ren, while Nora was actually glad she caught her partner looking at her unmentionables. It at least meant he had some kind of interest with her. Which worked well for the girl who had serious feelings for her partner.
"Okay maybe I looked a little." Naruto admitted with a slight chuckle.
Nora took a leap off the branch and looked up to her partner with folded arms. "That's not a very good apology buster. You owe me some pancakes!"
Naruto shrugged his shoulders and took a jump to the ground below. "Alright fine." The blond replied.
Nora grinned. "And if they are good enough maybe you'll get another peek." The girl replied with a small wink.
Naruto was left behind with an open jaw. While Ren was left speechless inside Naruto's head.
"Don't get any ideas Naruto." Ren instructed in a stern voice.
Though it was too late, as the young Branwen already got plenty of ideas inside his young mind. Then we he coupled it together with every interaction Naruto has had with Nora. The blond asked himself one question, did he really have feelings for Nora.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Chapter End.
And here is next chapter of the story and the wrap up for volume one. A lot has happened and I'm getting excited to start the next chapter which will be the transition into volume 2! Also some of you may notice some Seven Deadly Sins elements. Truth be told I love that series and I was torn between making a RWBY or SDS crossover. As you can tell I made the Lucky Branwen, but I decided to include some things into the universe. And before you ask yes there is more, as one person is already being hinted to become a man who stands above all others.
For now I will be focusing on finishing the update for Jump City Assassin. So that should be out soon.
Finally don't know if any of you have read my Fairy Tail crossover, but I'm doing away with it. The series has really annoyed me for awhile and I can't find myself to write that story anymore. So with that being said I would like to keep 3 stories going on at once. So I was wanting to get your guys opinion on a new story. Here is a few ideas I have.
A Naruto story. (Basic summary)
AU where Kushina was Itachi's Jonin sensei. After killing his clan to avoid a rebellion within the village, Itachi flees. However, he remembers a promise he made to protect his sensei's son. So seeing the neglect Naruto endures without any intervention from the Hokage. The young rogue Uchiha takes Naruto away from the village. Taking him under his wing and as a result makes Naruto into one of the strongest Shinobi to ever live. While at the same time they work together as criminals whose soul purpose is to bring peace to the world.
Naruto X Fu
ItachiX? (Konan) (Yugao) (Yugito) (Mei) (suggestion)
Second idea Naruto and Hunter X Hunter
(Basic summary)
Naruto was born as an orphan from Meteor City. He was a weak boy who was always being protected by his best friend Machi. A girl that he came to admire and love. But when she abandons him to join the Phantom Troupe he is determined to crush the spiders to save the girl he loves from walking down a self destructive path. However Naruto is too weak to do anything, that is until an old man with a heart t-shirt takes him as an apprentice. Modeling Naruto into the world's strongest man. Picks up right at the Hunter exam arc where Naruto will be a mentor for Gon and Killua. While he also has a small past and odd friendship with Hisoka.
Naruto x Machi
Or Naruto X (suggestion) depending on where I would take the story.