Chapter 22. The Fall

Slashing downward with all his might, Naruto clashed blades with Salem and gritted his teeth. Considering he found the woman still had a surprising amount of strength left in her. In fact Salem didn't even look impressed with the amount of force Naruto was pressing down onto her with. Instead the woman actually looked bored and was looking around the area at a rather slow pace.

"Now where is little Nora at?" Salem asked with a small chuckle, while her red eyes flashed a bright hue. "It would be shameful for me to kill you without her here to see."

Naruto snarled and rolled his leg around to kick Salem in the head. However, a tendril grew out of Salem's body and wrapped around the boy's leg. Completely halting Naruto's attack and keeping Naruto suspended in the air.

"And who says you get to harm my son?" Taiyang asked, while he brought his axe down onto the tendril that had Naruto constrained. Freeing the boy who simply jumped back by using his sword to push off of Salem's blade and back away. "No such thing is allowed in my presence!"

Salem quickly lifted her blade up and clashed against Taiyang's axe. Creating a small power struggle between the two, but this wasn't a one on one fight.

"You're wide open!" Naruto roared before swinging his sword right into Salem's exposed right side.

"You're an annoyance." Salem replied in a low tone, while another black blade materialized in her free hand. Then with little effort she rose her second blade up to block Naruto's attack.

Engaging in another battle for dominance, Naruto gritted his teeth and used all his strength. However, Salem didn't budge an inch, which surprised Naruto. Considering the woman was managing to hold Naruto and Taiyang back at the same time.

"You're not slowing down are you Naruto?" Taiyang asked with a condescending chuckle. "Come now, I expect more from my own son."

"Well this bitch isn't a pushover." Naruto replied in a low voice, while he continued to struggle against Salem.

Her lips curling into a twisted smile, Salem slowly pushed down onto Naruto and Taiyang with little effort. "I'm starting to grow tired of this." The woman declared in a monotone voice. "So do yourself a favor and just die."

"I have a better idea." Taiyang began softly while he reached out and grabbed Naruto by the back of his shirt. Then with all his might, Taiyang tossed Naruto to the side and away from Salem.

"Dad what the hell!" Naruto screamed in anger, while he was no longer in range to block Salem's second blade. The latter of which quickly found itself buried deep in Taiyang's arm.

"Heh, I'm sorry Naruto, but you were in my way." Taiyang began without any pain in his voice at all, while his weapon began to glow red with fire dust. "So please stand back for a moment."

Naruto rolled his eyes and stood a good distance away from his father. "Alright old man, just don't get yourself killed!"

Taiyang chuckled and gripped tightly onto his axe. "I'm not the one you should be worried about, as the only one dying will be the meaningless and annoying insect right before me."

Salem sneered at the man and tried to shove her blade deeper into Taiyang's arm. "You're such an arrogant and cocky man!"

Taiyang cocked a smirk and his axe was engulfed in a massive ball of fire. "Cruel Sun." The powerful blond mumbled softly, while the fire around his axe began to grow larger and larger.

"W-what is this aura!" Salem shouted in anger, while glaring at Taiyang's eyes. Noticing the man had a rather lazy and bored gaze.

"Get out of my sight." Taiyang ordered in a stern and powerful voice, while swiping his axe forward. Causing the massive ball of flames to clash into Salem's body and send the woman flying backwards into the sky.

Naruto watched this display with a dropped jaw, while Salem and Taiyang's attack flew off in the distance at a remarkable pace. In fact the ball of flames moved so fast and far that Salem was quickly disappearing from view.

"I never knew Dad was so strong." Naruto mumbled in a soft voice, while he watched Taiyang take a deep breath and slam the head of his axe to the ground. "Finally makes sense how he managed to hook up with Mom."

Taiyang glanced over to Naruto and smiled at his son. "So what do you think of that move?"

"Not half bad old man." Naruto admitted, while he walked over to his father and gave the older man some support. "Though it looks like you're drained! What exactly was that move you pulled?"

Taiyang laughed and leaned into his son in order to remain standing on his feet. "Well that was a combination of some fire dust and the remaining aura I had stored up. My weapon let's me channel my aura into my weapon and release it into a single charged attack. It's powerful, but like you can clearly see takes a lot out of me."

"I'll say." Naruto grumbled in response, while he grabbed Taiyang's weapon for him and started to walk forward. "But do you think that attack was enough to finish Salem off?"

Taiyang shook his head. "I doubt it, Salem has some freighting recovery abilities. Plus she's a lot stronger than I first imagined." The older of the two admitted in an exhausted voice. "If anything that blow will force her back to recover and created some distance between us and her. I say we take that time to retreat."

Naruto frowned and looked in the direction Salem went flying. "We could track her down and finish her."

Taiyang laughed and shook his head. "We would die trying Naruto. I've hit my limit and you're slowly running out of steam as well. We need to take this moment to escape and regroup with everyone else."

"I don't like running away." Naruto admitted in a frustrated tone.

"I know Naruto, trust me I want to end this fight with Salem too. However, it took every ounce of my strength just to buy us some time to run away. We need a lot more firepower if we really want to kill her for good." Taiyang reasoned in a weakened voice, while his eyes scanned the area. "I never thought I'd see Beacon in such a state."

Helping his father in their retreat Naruto nodded his head and looked around. Noticing all the rubble and signs of battle, while fires illuminated the darkness around them. "Yeah I know Dad, but it's frustrating. . . after all my effort. . . Beacon still fell and Salem hasn't been defeated."

Taiyang patted Naruto on the shoulder and gave the boy a soft smile. "You've done more than anyone could ask of you Naruto. You're only seventeen, it's not your job to save everyone. Trust me I was in your shoes once, I know what you're feeling."

Naruto hung his head, as he knew his father and mother both use to fight against Salem's forces in the past. However, their fight was much different than the one Naruto has been facing for the past few months.

"Well we should head this way." Naruto began, as he slowly changed the subject. "Nora and Jaune should be in this direction and they can help us escape."

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(With Nora and Jaune)

"Hey Nora." Jaune began in a heavily exhausted tone, while he adjusted his hold on Pyrrha. Who was unconscious in his arms. "Where exactly are we heading?"

Biting her lip and looking around their location, Nora frowned and tightened her hold onto the unconscious Ruby. "I'm hoping to find some form of transport or at least a safe zone to leave you three at."

"I see." Jaune mumbled in response, as he knew what Nora truly wanted to do. "You want to get back to Naruto as quickly as possible."

"Yeah I do." Nora admitted to in a worried voice, while she kept moving forward. "Me and Naruto have fought Salem before, but she almost killed him last time."

Jaune gritted his teeth and held Pyrrha close to his chest. "Just who is she? What is going on?"

Nora sighed. "Jaune it's a long story, but the shortened version is that she is the one who controls the creatures of Grimm. She wants the power of the four Relics and four Maidens. Naruto has the power of a Relic and I'm the Winter Maiden. You are holding another Relic and Pyrrha has half of the Fall Maiden's power. Me and Naruto have been working with Ozpin and the other headmasters in secret to stop her."

"Okay I really don't understand what much of that means, but it explains why you and Naruto have been so secretive. You and him have been trying to protect everyone from Salem." Jaune began softly, while he looked down. "I'm sorry for ever doubting you two."

"It's fine Jaune, there is some more fine tuned details that I'm leaving out. However, right now that's not important. For the moment we need to focus on survival." Nora explained.

"Okay Nora I understand." Jaune replied before he started to pick up pace and walk right by Nora's side. "Let's move quick so you can hurry and get back to Naruto then!"

Nora smiled and nodded. "Yeah sounds good to me!" The Winter Maiden agreed happily.

"I've finally found you Nora." A familiar voice called out, making Nora's eyes grow wide. Considering she recognized the voice calling out to her.

"Mom!" Nora yelled in relief, while she turned to see the stoic mother of her boyfriend walk in her direction.

Jaune leaned into Nora with a nervous gaze directed at Raven. "Um Nora, who is this woman? And why does she look like a pissed off female Naruto?"

Nora laughed at Jaune's comparison. "That's because she's Naruto's mom, Raven Branwen."

"What!" Jaune shouted in surprise, while Raven sighed and walked forward.

"Daughter where is that bastard child of mine?" Raven asked, while folding her arms under her chest.

"He went to find and help Taiyang." Nora explained in nervous voice. "Since according to Jaune here, Taiyang is currently fighting Salem."

"I see." Raven began in a calm tone that Nora didn't expect to see. In fact she expected the woman to be worried or at least angry.

"Are you not worried?" Nora asked in shock, while Raven smirked.

"If Naruto is with Tai then he's okay." Raven declared with a large smirk. "After all I don't fool around with weak men Nora. Tai is the only man to beat me in a fight. So I have faith in that idiot. For now let's get the wounded to safety."

Nora nodded and watched Raven open a portal to her side. "Then we go help Naruto and Taiyang!" Nora cheered happily.

"Yeah about that." Raven began in a soft voice, while she walked behind the nervous Jaune and confident Nora. "You four are done on the battlefield."

"What!" Nora yelled loudly, but couldn't argue as she and Jaune were shoved into the portal by Raven. The latter of whom instantly shut the portal and sighed once she was finally alone.

"Now let's hope Tai and Naruto are okay." Raven mumbled in a rare moment of weakness, as her heart felt heavy. "I'll never forgive those two if they get themselves killed."

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(With Naruto and Taiyang)

Enjoying some casual father and son talk, Naruto and Taiyang were walking together at a relatively slow pace.

"Wait so mom has never beat you in a fight?" Naruto asked with a small laugh, while Taiyang simply nodded. This of course made Naruto throw his head back in laughter. "Wow that's hilarious!"

"What can I say, I'm the strongest man in Remnant!" Taiyang boasted loudly.

Naruto snickered and shook his head. "And mom always went around telling me that she always kicked your ass!"

"Haha your mom lies just as bad as she cooks!" The muscular father declared in a loud voice.

"Yeah you're right about that!" Naruto laughed in response. "Mom's food always tastes like shit! Hell growing up I was always the one cooking for us!"

Taiyang smiled and glanced down at Naruto. "Say Naruto, can't you teleport like Raven? It could save us some walking!"

Naruto chuckled nervously. "Well I can, but it takes some of my aura to teleport and I really can't take other people with me at the moment. I've been working on teleporting other people with me before the festival, but I couldn't get it down. If my abilities hadn't been mutated by my Relic we would have been fine! Though with my new mutated abilities we are out of luck, which is ironic for me!"

"Hmm that's a shame." Taiyang mumbled softly, while he heard the snarls of Grimm all around them. "Considering we are surrounded and I can hardly move!"

Naruto sighed and glared at his father from the corner of his eye. "I think I can handle a few straggling Grimm."

More snarls and growls coming closer to the duo, Naruto and Taiyang noticed the the number of Grimm was slowly growing. Since everywhere from the streets to the buildings around them was coated in creatures of Grimm.

"That's more than a few." Taiyang grumbled.

"You act like I haven't fought large numbers of Grimm before." Naruto began with a small grin, while he slowly prepared himself for an attack.

Suddenly a black streak flew down from the sky and crashed into the path before Naruto and Taiyang with an earthshaking impact. Causing the father and son to tense up and look forward at the large cloud of dust that obstructed their view.

"Now." A familiar and vile female voice began, making Naruto's eyes widen and Taiyang grit his teeth. "You didn't expect I'd allow you two a chance to escape did you?"

Naruto glared forward at the form of Salem, who was still injured from Taiyang's attack. However, was still able to recover enough strength to chase the father and son duo down.

"I really and I mean really fucking hate you." Naruto mumbled in an exhausted voice, while he grabbed Fox Flower and released Taiyang. This of course caused the prideful man to fall onto his back without the support of his son.

"Oh trust me Branwen, the feeling is quite mutual." Salem began softly, while taking a small step forward and chuckling to herself. "But isn't this ironic? Just like our first meeting you're forced to face me and protect someone you care about."

Naruto sighed and placed Fox Flower back onto his hip. "Hey Dad." Naruto began in a low voice, while he grabbed a tight hold on Taiyang's massive axe. "Your weapon can channel aura into attacks right?"

"Yeah it can." Taiyang answered softly, while he glanced up to Naruto with worry. "But that doesn't matter Naruto! You need to escape now!"

Naruto grinned and faced Salem down. "I'll never abandon my family." The blond declared in a bold tone, while he held his outstretched hand to Salem. "Hunter's Fest!"

"Oh, this again?" Salem taunted in a low voice, while a small bead of sweat trickled down Naruto's forehead. "Haven't you tried this little trick enough times?"

Naruto slightly struggled, while his veins began to bulge and his heart began to beat faster than before. "I'm trying something new." The blond admitted in a low voice, while he continued to focus his semblance directly onto Salem. "This time I'm taking your aura!"

Salem staggered forward, while a black cloud of aura floated out of her body and floated straight into Naruto. Coating the young bandit in a black hue of malicious and dark aura.

"Y-you can steal aura?" Salem asked in a surprised voice.

Naruto grinned ear to ear, while he felt the aura move it's way into Taiyang's weapon. "Looks like I can." The Fox Sin of Greed began with a proud smirk, while he lifted the axe over his head. "And I'll use this stolen power to finally kill you."

Salem growled in anger and pointed forward at the blond. "Tear that bastard child and his father to pieces!" The woman yelled in anger, while all the Grimm around Naruto pounced forward.

Swinging the axe in a crescent arc, Naruto unleashed a massive wave of pure energy powered by dust and Salem's own aura.

"Take this!" Naruto yelled as loudly as he could, while the wave of energy slashed trough Salem, the creatures of Grimm and all the buildings surrounding them.

Taiyang looked forward with a stunned gaze, as Naruto had literally erased every single thing within the path of his attack. The Grimm were gone and the buildings were slowly collapsing due to massive chunks being destroyed. However, the most surprising sight was the upper half of Salem's torso falling onto the ground, while he lower half simply fell limp onto the ground.

"And I'm not finished yet!" Naruto declared before lifting the axe high above his head, while the fox mark on his body began to glow a deep crimson. "I'll hit you with all the aura I have!" The Fox Sin of Greed yelled, while slamming the axe downward and unleashed a second attack that sliced straight through Salem.

"You bastard!" Salem roared in complete rage, while being struck by Naruto's second attack. Resulting in nearly nothing left of the woman and Naruto smirking in victory.

"You're done." Naruto huffed out in a low and weak voice, while his body began to feel slightly heavy in exhaustion.

"Amazing." Taiyang mumbled in pure shock, while he watched Naruto slump over and take a deep breath.

"This axe is fucking awesome Dad!" Naruto began in a heavily exhausted voice, while he rested the head of the axe on the ground. "I need to get myself one of these!"

The creatures of Grimm fading away to black smoke, Taiyang watched the small amount of moonlight around them slowly be clouded out and a deep darkness overshadow him and Naruto.

"The axe isn't that special, it's all about the man who wields it." Taiyang began softly, while he stumbled to his feet and looked directly at Naruto. "But I expect nothing less from my own child!"

Naruto turned his body around and looked at his father with a triumphant and happy face. "Well regardless it's over Dad. We finally killed the stupid bitch once and for all."

Taiyang laughed and shook his head, while he wobbled over to his son and rested his hands onto Naruto's shoulders. "There is no we my little maelstrom." The prideful father began softly, while he smiled wide. "Today's victory is because of you and your power. To think you could steal her aura and use it against her. A feat only someone as amazing as my son could accomplish!"

Naruto grinned ear to ear at his father with pure joy, as just a year ago he never knew the man. However, now he had Taiyang in his life and Naruto didn't know how he managed to go seventeen years without his father. Considering Taiyang was what Naruto always wanted in a father and the blond finally had that relationship he yearned for.

"Thanks Dad." Naruto began softly, while he slowly leaned forward to hug his father.

Taiyang's eyes snapped wide in shock and horror. Then to his son's confusion the powerful man gripped tightly onto Naruto's shoulders with his remaining strength. Finally with all his might, Taiyang threw Naruto onto the ground without a single warning and stopping Naruto's attempt for a hug.

Though slowly as Naruto fell towards the ground he locked eyes with his father. Seeing the man had an apologetic and caring expression on his face. One that was quickly replaced with a pain filled expression, as blood quickly shot out of the man's mouth.

"Dad!" Naruto shrieked in a loud and stunned voice, while he saw the massive black tendril that was embedded in Taiyang's chest. One that was slowly twisting out of the man's chest, which caused a large amount of blood to leak out of a large hole in Taiyang's chest.

'My little maelstrom, precious rose and sunny dragon.' Taiyang thought to himself, as he closed his eyes and felt the incredible pain sweep through his body. 'And even the headstrong love of my life.' The man continued in thought, as he envisioned the people who he cared for above all else. 'I love you all.'

Then without a last word or even a warning. Taiyang Xiao Long collapsed backwards, while his last act of love was spent protecting his eldest child.

"Dad! Dad!" Naruto yelled with tears in his eyes, while he dug frantically into the ground and pulled his body closer to his father. Then by placing his ear to Taiyang's body he tried to listen of a heartbeat, but there was none. So gritting his teeth Naruto tried to find a pulse or any sign his father was okay. However, despite the blond's numerous actions and attempts Naruto had no success. Since Taiyang Xiao Long was dead and there was nothing Naruto could do.

Naruto realizing this rested his forehead onto Taiyang's chest and started to sob uncontrollably, while a familiar chuckling reached Naruto's ears. One that filled Naruto with hatred, anger and an unmatched fury.

"You fools will never learn will you?" The voice of Salem asked in a slightly humored tone. Causing Naruto to jerk his line on sight directly at the woman. Tears cascading down his cheeks, while he watched the black smoke of the defeated creatures of Grimm float down into the woman's rapidly regenerating body.

"How are you still alive!" Naruto yelled in pure rage, while he slowly pushed himself up and onto his feet. "There was barely anything left of you!"

"Have you ever wondered why the creatures of Grimm shift into black smoke once they are killed?" Salem began softly, while her body was almost completely healed and normal. "You see I was the one who created the Grimm, but my creations are apart of me. Once they are killed that portion of my power just comes back to its original source. So while all you humans, Faunus and huntsmen die fighting my Grimm. Your forces only grow weaker and dwindle in number. Meanwhile any of my creatures you kill only make me stronger!"

Naruto grabbed Fox Flower in one hand and Taiyang's axe in the other. "I'm going to kill you." The blond bandit began in a low and angry voice, while he gripped so tightly onto the weapons in his hands he began to bleed. "That's a promise."

Salem shook her head and closed her eyes. "I'm going to enjoying breaking you."

Naruto watched Salem create another black blade in her hands and slowly inch her way forward. This of course made Naruto curse himself, as he was out of aura and was using every once of his remaining strength to remain standing. He was in no shape to fight and at the moment his whole situation felt helpless.

The bandit then glanced down to his father. A deep burning anger still swelling inside of him, but there was nothing Naruto could do. He gave everything he had and now all the blond could do was stand there and accept his fate.

'I'm sorry Nora.' Naruto thought to himself, while he slowly loosened his hold on the weapons in his hands.

Suddenly a giant barrier of ice exploded out of the ground and separated Naruto from Salem. Making Naruto's eyes snap wide in surprise at the new development.

"Nora?" Naruto began in an exhausted voice, while he turned to look behind him.

However, he wasn't met with the sight of his beloved girlfriend, but instead the figure of Weiss Schnee. Who had an outstretched hand firmly clasping onto a shard of ice dust. Though what Naruto noticed most of all was that Weiss was covered in cuts, scrapes, bruises and was heavily bleeding. Meanwhile, her elegant white clothing was extremely tattered and stained with blood. So much so that Naruto couldn't even identify if the blood belonged to Weiss or not.

"Thank Oum I've found a friendly face." Weiss yelled loudly, while she quickly ran to Naruto's side. However, the moment she saw Taiyang the young girl froze. "Mr. Xiao Long."

Naruto gritted his teeth and slightly staggered to Weiss. "Ice Queen for once I'm actually happy to see you, but you have to get out of here."

"What is going on?" Weiss asked in a hysteric voice, while she held her hands out. "People are dying and I've been running from a madman all night!"

Hearing the ice crack, Naruto turned around and noticed the wall of ice was about to break. This made Naruto try to move closer to Weiss, but the blond fell forward. However, Weiss was close enough to catch the blond and help support him upright.

"Fuck." Naruto seethed, while he tried his hardest to hold himself up. "I can't even move."

Weiss gripped tightly onto Naruto, while the ice wall suddenly tumbled. Revealing Salem in all her twisted and vile glory.

"Hmmm now who do we have here?" Salem began with a small amount of interest. "A new child to break and torment?"

Feeling the malicious intent radiating off of Salem, Weiss shuttered in fear.

"Weiss just run." Naruto grunted in a low voice, while the blond watched Salem inch closer and closer. "This woman will kill you without a second thought. . . I can at least distract her long enough for you to escape."

"Please you can hardly move Branwen, so I'm not going anywhere." Weiss began in a low and fearful tone. "I've seen enough people die tonight and I'm sick of it."

"Well if you want to die with me you're more than welcome." Naruto chuckled softly, while at this point he was starting to accept his fate completely. "Guess there are worse people to die with."

"Oh I'm going to enjoy killing you basta-. . ." Salem began, but was silenced by a stream of lightning that shot into the woman's chest and buried her into the ground. Then without stopping the lightning kept shooting into Salem and began to push to woman deeper into the ground, while also pushing her farther away from Naruto and Weiss.

"What is happening?" Weiss asked in a shocked voice, while she watched the unnatural lightning beat down onto Salem.

Naruto glanced up to the sky and took a sigh of relief, as floating protectively overhead of Naruto and Weiss was none other than Raven Branwen. Who's red eyes were burning bright red with a deep anger that Naruto has never seen in his seventeen years with his mother.

"Mom." The blond bandit began softly, while he relaxed his body.

"Mom?" Weiss yelled in surprise, while she looked at the woman floating above her. "That's your mom?"

Raven momentarily halted her attack on Salem and glanced down. Allowing her vision of Naruto and Weiss, while observing that both teens looked like they had been through hell. However, what truly furiated Raven was Taiyang. Who Raven saw on his back near Naruto, while a hole was in his chest and his body was surrounded by his own blood. Despite his state Raven shed a tear as she saw the man's trademark grin. The one that made her fall in love with the man and a grin that his children inherited.

"Raven Branwen!" Salem called out like a madwoman, while standing to her feet and looking directly at the Spring Maiden. The latter of whom merely looked back with pure anger and disgust. "So you finally decided to show yourself!"

Raven held her hand outward and a powerful wind swept through the area. "It was one thing for you and your pawns to take Summer from me, but this time you've gone too far." Raven began without any emotions, while lightning began to spark off her fingers.

Salem laughed wildly and held her hands out. "Oh did I kill someone important to you?"

Naruto gritted his teeth in anger, as he wanted to kill Salem more than anything. However, at the same time the blond couldn't even move. Let alone stand without the help of Weiss. So all Naruto could do was watch his mother and Salem without having the ability to do anything.

"Shut up." Raven growled softly, while a stream of lightning blasted Salem back into the ground. Then without stopping Raven created more and more streams of lightning to blast down onto Salem.

"H-how is she doing this?" Weiss mumbled softly, as she couldn't comprehend anything she was seeing.

"She's a Maiden." Naruto answered simply, but still only managed to further feed the confusion that Weiss had.

"Naruto." Raven began in a stern voice, while she floated down to her son and opened a portal. "We are leaving."

"What!" Naruto screamed in anger, while he glared at his mother. "We can't just run away! You're going to let her get away with killing Dad! Do you even fucking care!"

Raven's eyes twitched and she punched her son hard in the stomach. Using enough force to completely knock the boy unconscious.

"Don't ever question my feelings." Raven began softly, while she turned around and lifted Taiyang up into her arms.

Weiss looked at the woman with a stunned gaze, while she struggled a little to hold Naruto in her arms. Considering now the boy was completely limp, but still had a tight grip on the two weapons in his hands. Raven glanced to Weiss and saw the girl standing around and doing nothing. So with an annoyed look on her face, Raven held one of her hands towards Weiss and a strong gust of wind blew Naruto and Weiss into her portal.

"So you're the Spring Maiden?" Salem yelled loudly, while Raven glanced over her shoulder. Allowing the bandit leader to see the woman stagger to her feet and her body slowly regenerate back to normal. "To think a coward like you of all people would have that power!"

Raven gripped tightly onto Taiyang's body. "It might not be today, or tomorrow. . . Fuck it may be years from now, but I promise you this Salem." Raven began with pure anger and confidence behind her voice. "The day will come when you die and I will be there to enjoy every second of that moment. Because I'm done running away, I'm done pretending I can avoid this fight. You've taken the last person I love away. And that sin will be your last."

Salem grinned ear to ear. "You can try, but believe me you'll lose everything. I'll kill your children, your brother and every other person you know or hold dear. I will always win in the end!"

Raven turned her back and began to walk into her portal. "We will see about that." The Spring Maiden repiled, while she along with her portal disappeared.

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(One day later, with Ruby)

Silver eyes slowly opening, Ruby Rose quickly came to the realization that she was no longer at Beacon. In fact to the girl's confusion she found herself neatly tucked into her own bed at her house. She was no longer at a battlefield, but was home safely and it made the girl wonder is everything was a dream or at least a nightmare.

"G-glad to see you're awake kiddo." The slurred and drunken voice of Qrow Branwen began, showing Ruby that she wasn't alone in her room.

"Uncle Qrow?" Ruby began softly, while she perched herself up on her bed and looked at the man. Noticing he was seated in a small chair in the corner of her room, while dozens of bottles were surrounding him.

In fact by the sheer number of empty bottles Ruby figured Qrow had been drinking and watching over her for some time. However, Ruby wondered what caused Qrow to drink so much. She knew the man was an alcoholic, but this was excessive even for him.

"What happened?" Ruby finally asked in a confused voice.

Qrow sighed and leaned forward, while resting his elbows on his kneecaps. "Tell me what you remember first."

"Uh I was with Naruto and Nora." Ruby began, while she squinted and tried to recall as much as she could. "A big Grimm dragon was chasing us and Naruto was about to die. That's all I remember- . . . Wait is Naruto- . . ."

"He's fine kiddo." Qrow cut in with a small sigh. "He's here along with your team and his team."

"So everyone is okay?" Ruby asked in relief.

Qrow hung his head and gritted his teeth. "No kiddo, some of your classmates and Ozpin died. But worst of all was Tai." The man began surprising Ruby and making her bring her hand to her mouth. "I'm sorry kiddo, but he's dead as well."

"Dad is." Ruby choked in her words, while tears began to roll down her cheeks. "He's. . . He's."

Qrow stood up and stumbled to Ruby's beside and hugged the girl. Trying his hardest to comfort the girl to the best of his ability.

"Just let it out kiddo." Qrow began softly, while he felt the girl bury her head into his chest. Then all the aged drunk could hear was the muffling sobs of the girl who lost one father and didn't even know her true father was still with her.

"Qrow." Came a harsh and commanding voice from the entrance of Ruby's room. This made Qrow look over his shoulder, while Ruby peeked her head around to see Raven Branwen standing at the door. "Make your way to my tent, we have some things to discuss. And bring the girl as well."

Qrow narrowed his gaze at his sister. "Ruby just woke up and learned about Tai. Give us some time to talk."

"We are all in mourning brother and the girl will be fine." Raven began in an emotionless tone, while she looked directly at Ruby. Swearing that the girl was a complete copy of her mother Summer. "And besides the girl still has her fa-. . ."

"Not another fucking word Raven." Qrow began in a rage filled tone, while red eyes glared into red eyes. "Ruby. Lost. Her. Father!"

Ruby looked between the siblings with wide eyes, as she could feel the tension building in the room. Raven on the other hand scoffed and turned her back.

"Just be at my tent." The woman ordered, while she left Ruby and Qrow alone.

Qrow snarled at the retreating form of his sister, but the sudden tugging of Ruby's hand made him calm down. "Uncle Qrow. What's going on?"

"Listen kiddo, it's a long story and I'll tell you what I can later." The drunken man began, while standing to his feet. "But for now we should at least hear what my sister wants to say."

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(With Yang)

Finally opening her eyes, Yang Xiao Long noticed three things. First off was that she was back home and in her childhood bedroom. Second was that she couldn't feel one of her arms. Lastly and most importantly there was a black haired Faunus practical staring a hole into her.

"Yang!" Blake shouted in relief, as the cat eared Faunus tackled her partner into a strong hug. "I'm so glad you're awake. I- . . . I thought I was going to lose you!"

Yang smiled at her friend and used her one remaining arm to return to hug. "I'm so glad to see you're okay too, but what happened? Why are we at my house? What happened to that guy who- . . ." Yang paused, while a sharp phantom pain flared itself where Yang's arm use to be.

Blake saw this and frowned. "We were saved, but not before you got seriously injured."

Yang looked to the stub where he arm use to reside. "Well all that matters is everyone is okay, who saved us? Naruto? My dad?" Yang asked, while Blake cringed at the last question. A reaction that Yang saw and felt a slight sickness in her stomach.

"Your mom." Blake explained softly, surprising Yang to her very core. However, for a brief moment Blake gave a small smile. "You should have seen it Yang. Your mom took Adam down without even trying. She was extremely protective over you. She even forced me to stay here and watch you. . . Even threatened to kill me if I didn't listen or ran off."

"My mom saved us." Yang mumbled softly, while a small warmth filled her chest. However, that warmth was quickly overshadowed by a wave of confusion and questions. "But wait? What happened at Beacon? Is Ruby and everyone else okay?"

Blake frowned at this question and looked to the wall. "All members of Team RWBY and Team JNNP are safe and here at your house. Velvet, Coco and Sun are also here. Along with your Mother, Uncle, Winter Schnee, Glynda Goodwitch and General Ironwood. From what I gathered so far by listening to everyone Beacon was attacked and destroyed." Blake the gripped her hands tightly onto the sheets of Yang's bed. "There was also lots of casualties from the attack. The most notable ones were Cardin and his team. All of Sun's team along with Fox and Yatsuhashi. Professor Ozpin and worst of all. . . Your dad."

Yang felt her whole world shatter, it was one thing to lose her arm. However, her father the man who raised her since she was a child. Her best friend teacher and role model was gone. This revelation caused tears to slowly build in Yang's eyes, while sobs began to make their way out of her body.

"My Dad is dead?" Yang asked in a broken voice, while Blake suddenly wrapped the girl into a strong hug once more.

"I'm sorry Yang!" The girl began, as she could feel her best friend tremble in her arms.

"This isn't right, this isn't fair." Yang began in a frustrated, but heartbroken voice.

"The world isn't fair and there is no use complaining about it." The voice of Raven Branwen began in a bold and powerful tone. Making Blake and a wide eyed Yang look to the entrance of the room. Where Raven could be seen slowly making her way closer to Yang's bed.

"Mom?" Yang shouted loudly, as for the first time she was coming face to face with her own mother.

"Tai is gone and that will never change and trust me Yang it pisses me off more than you'll ever know. However, it's a disgrace to such a powerful and great man to bitch and cry like a weakling." Raven insulted in a harsh tone that surprised both Yang and Blake.

"How do you want me to react then?" Yang yelled loudly, while her anger spiked and her eyes shifted into a scarlet red hue. "It's normal to feel sadness when you hear the only goddamn parent you have is dead!"

Raven focused a hard glare at her daughter, but she eventually sighed and dropped her hardened facade. Allowing Yang to see a more exhausted woman behind Raven's cold personality.

"I want you to not allow Tai's death to hold you down." Raven began in a simple voice, while she slowly walked closer to Yang. "If you do let that happen you'll stay the same weak girl you are until you get yourself killed."

Yang gripped her single fist in frustration. "I'm not weak."

Raven rested her hand onto Yang's head and closed her eyes. "Yes you are, but there is nothing wrong with being weak." The leader of the Branwen tribe began softly, while Yang looked up to her mother in surprise. "However, staying weak is a problem. So if you wish to fix your weakness step outside and join me in my tent. We have a lot to talk about."

Blake and Yang both watched the woman remove her hand and walk off. Leaving the two partners alone in Yang's room. However, almost instantly Yang jumped out of her bed and chased after Raven. The girl was an absolute mess of emotions and confusion, but at this point she was wanting answers and her mother was the best place for them.

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(With Jaune)

Standing outside of the Xiao Long household, Jaune was relaxing on a large box. Meanwhile his gaze focused around the area around the house. The surrounding area had been transformed into a safe space and living arrangement for the survivors of Beacon. There was tents everywhere and people could be seen trying to do their best to adjust to the aftermath of Beacon.

Jaune saw two girls who were the only remaining members of Raven's tribe working on some adjustments for Raven's massive tent. Their names from what Jaune has gathered were Ino and Vernal. Apparently Raven had abandoned a majority of her tribe and only taken two of her most valuable members with her.

They were not the only people he saw, as Jaune also saw Sun, Weiss, Velvet and Coco all at a small picnic table. They all had somber expressions on their face and were obviously dealing with the mental toll that the attack on Beacon caused them.

Not much further away from the students was General Ironwood. Who was talking to Glynda and Winter off to the side by a few smaller tents.

"Jaune." The sweet and soft voice of Pyrrha spoke up, which made the team leader glance to the girl. Noticing she was standing by his side with two cups in her hand. "I brought you something to drink."

Accepting the cup, Jaune smiled and moved over to make room for Pyrrha. "Thanks Pyrrha." The boy began softly, while his partner let a warm smile pass her lips. "Did you find Naruto and Nora?"

"I did." Pyrrha revealed in a low and saddened voice, while she took a seat by Jaune. "Naruto still needs some time, but he has Nora with him."

Jaune nodded and took a drink. "That's good." Jaune mumbled, while he looked up into the sky. Finding it hard to believe that the sky could be such a beautiful blue after the nightmare that had transpired only a day ago. "Even I'm having a hard time comprehending everything."

"Yes it is a lot to take in and I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to run away." Pyrrha started off, while she rested the palm of her hand onto the box she was on.

Jaune rested his own hand onto Pyrrha's, which made the girl blush. "The only thing I'm doing is staying by your side Pyrrha." The boy declared with a wide grin.

Pyrrha rested her head against Jaune's shoulder and sighed happily. "Then I'll have to do everything I can to protect you."

Jaune rested his head against Pyrrha's. "And I'll do the same."

While Jaune and Pyrrha enjoyed a small moment together, Raven came storming out of the house.

"Everyone in my tent now!" The bandit leader ordered, causing everyone to look at the woman. Who had Blake and Yang following closely behind and even the duo of Ruby and Qrow following as well.

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(With Naruto)

Looking down with a frustrated look, Naruto Branwen kept his red eyes down at a freshly covered grave. His gaze zeroing in on a makeshift headstone thy simply read.

Taiyang Xiao Long

Loving father and friend who shined brighter than the sun

To Naruto's right was Nora, who had a depressed aura around her. However, she calmed herself by interlocking her hands with Naruto's own. Creating a sensation that eased the young Maiden's heart.

"I can't believe he's gone." Nora mumbled softly, while she felt Naruto's hand twitch.

"It should have been me." Naruto began in a low and angry voice. "I let my guard down and because of that Dad got killed saving me."

"Don't say that." Nora replied softly, while she leaned her body into Naruto. "Your father died protecting what was precious to him. He wouldn't want you to beat yourself up over his sacrifice. Just like my parents I'm sure he was happy to give his life to keep you safe."

Naruto closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, while he tried his hardest to bottle his emotions. "I hardly got to know him." The blond mumbled softly, while he felt a pain in his chest and a sickness in his stomach. "I even use to hate him when I was younger, but now I just want my father back."

"At least you got to spend some time with him and you know he loved you." Nora began softly, while she looked up with a melancholy grin. "That's more than most people will ever get."

Naruto nodded, while he swallowed a lump in his throat. "I'm going to kill Salem." The blond declared with pure conviction behind his words. "She took my father, my friends and made the life for the woman I love an absolute nightmare. Those are sins I'll never forgive."

"And I'll stand by you no matter what you decide." Nora replied softly while she glanced up to her boyfriend. "Taiyang will be the last one she takes from us."

Naruto nodded. "The last one."

Nora smiled and began to walk, while pulling onto Naruto. "Come on, let's head back. Mom wanted to talk to everyone."

"I can only imagine what she wants to say." Naruto replied, while he followed Nora back to the Xiao Long house.

It didn't take long for Naruto and Nora to arrive to the house where the camp had been setup. The duo also arrived at the moment when everyone was starting to gather into Raven's tent. So following suit, Naruto and Nora joined everyone else present inside Raven's large personal tent. Where the woman who had gathered everyone walked over to a large table that had the map of Remnant spread out for everyone to see.

"Alright I'm gonna cut right to the point." Raven began in a cold and serious voice, while she turned around to face everyone. "If you are afraid of fighting a fight that could get you killed leave now."

The room was silent.

"But if you want to avenge the lives of the friends and family you lost." Raven took a pause and slammed her hands firmly onto the table. "Then you will listen to every fucking order I give like it's the goddamn gospel. We are fighting a war and we are doing this my way!"

General Ironwood sighed and stepped forward. "Send me back to Atlas Branwen, I will not listen to the orders of a criminal and killer."

Raven swiped her finger in a downward motion and a portal opened by her side. "Don't let the door hit ya on the way out Jimmy."

The General turned to the room and folded his eyes. "Anyone who wished to avoid a meaningless death can follow me now."

Glynda stepped forward along with Winter, as both women took their place by the man's side. However, everyone else remained still and that made Raven smirk.

"Well looks like the kids have bigger balls than you Jimmy." The bandit leader insulted with a chuckle, while she watched the man seeth. "Which is sad since most of them are girls, well girls, three boys and my bitch of a brother."

Qrow's eyebrow twitched. "It's like you want me to leave too."

Raven huffed. "I surely wouldn't lose any sleep over it."

"Well too bad for you Raven cause I'm here to stay." Qrow replied with a childish tone and a middle finger.

Raven smirked at her brother, but before she could speak Winter stepped forward.

"Weiss come along back to Atlas." The elder sister instructed sternly.

Weiss looked to her sister and the other adults with her, while she thought of Atlas. Bringing fourth memories that were not pleasant for her in the least bit. However, Weiss then glanced to Ruby who was her closest thing to a best friend. A friend who had lost her father and looked fundamentally broken. In fact Weiss didn't like to see her bright and cheerful leader in such a state.

"No I'm staying here with my team." Weiss declared in a firm tone, which stunned Winter. "They need me and I won't abandon them."

"This is not up for debate!" Winter yelled in response, while she raised her hand into the air. "You're returning home!"

"The girl can stay if she wishes." Raven spoke up, while she saw Winter glare at her.

"You will not decide my sister's fate!" Winter began in a harsh and arrogant tone. "And she will not die for you stupid vendetta!"

Raven rolled her eyes. "And she would be so much better off with you fools in Atlas." The woman laughed in a condescending voice, while she gripped her fists tightly. "You idiots along with Ozpin are responsible for everything that has happened. I am going to fix your mess and end this fight once and for all!"

"You bitch." Winter began, but shivered once the temperature in the room dropped.

"It's best you refrain from insulting my mother and leave." Nora ordered in a stern and cold voice, while everyone looked to the normally bubbly girl surprised looks. Well all except for Naruto and Raven Branwen, as both mother and son simply smiled at the girl. "You don't want to help us? Fine, but don't try to control my friend."

"Nora." Weiss mumbled with a tearful gaze.

Raven nodded at Nora and turned to the three adults. "You three should just leave, if not I'll have my children show you out." Raven revealed, while Naruto grabbed Fox Flower and Nora cracked her knuckles.

"Have it your way Branwen." Ironwood growled before walking into the portal. "Let's go Glynda, Winter."

Glynda followed James into the portal, but Winter glanced at her sister for a moment. However, after a quick glance she shrugged her shoulders and walked into the portal, which closed behind the woman.

"Well now that we have that little mess behind us." Raven began softly, while she looked around the room. "We have a lot to talk about and I know you all except for a few have numerous questions. However, let me explain what is going to happen and then I will give you the details that Ozpin has never given you."

Raven then motioned for everyone to gather around her table, which everyone complied to. "Our enemy who attacked Beacon was not the White Fang or simple criminals. They were just pawns used by the woman who created and controls the Grimm, a whore know as Salem."

"She's after the four Relics and four Seasonal Maiden powers." Naruto spoke up making everyone look to him. "Mom can explain what they are later, but what's important is that we have two Relics and one Relic wielder."

"We also have two full Maidens and one with half the power of a Maiden." Nora chimed in softly, while everyone snapped their gaze to her. "Honestly we are pretty well off for such a small group."

"Wait Salem? Relics? Maidens?" Yang spoke up, while she looked around. "Can you slow down and explain a little?"

"Yeah I'm having a hard time understanding everything." Velvet spoke up, as Raven was throwing so much at the teens.

"Salem needs no further explanation, as all you need to know is that she is powerful and controls the Grimm." Raven explained, while she placed the Relic from Beacon onto the table. "This is a Relic and is almost worthless without someone who can wield its powers. Only one person is capable of wielding each of the four Relics. Naruto just so happens to be one for those four and has the power from a Relic he got months ago."

Weiss, Yang, Blake and Ruby all looked at the cocky red eyed boy. Wondering if that was why Naruto has always been so much stronger than all of them.

"Now the Maidens are a little different, but for now you should know that Nora is the Winter Maiden, I am the Spring Maiden and Pyrrha has half of the Fall Maiden's power." Raven revealed shocking everyone present.

"Wait is that how Nora used all those crazy powers at the festival?" Sun asked, while Nora nodded.

"Yeah and that's why Naruto took me to meet Raven before the festival." The Winter Maiden explained. "She helped me better control my abilities. We were trying to prepare ourselves for an attack from Salem, since we knew she was going to attack. We wanted to protect everyone, but me and Naruto were not enough."

"So that's what you two have been up too!" Weiss shouted loudly, as she started to assemble the pieces of their past actions. "All this time you and Naruto have been working in secret to protect us?"

"Yeah we were both working for Ozpin." Naruto admitted in a low voice. "We wanted to keep you all safe and out of the fight, but we failed."

"And we are sorry for that." Nora mumbled softly, while she hung her head.

Yang smiled and hugged her twin. "Don't apologize, you two shoulder a burden for our sake. And we resented and questioned you both the entire time. I'm more than sorry for how I treated you."

"Yes I'm with Yang." Weiss spoke up, making Nora and Naruto smile. "We were quite foolish."

"But we are with you guys now." Blake added in.

"You don't have to be alone in this!" Jaune began in a bold tone, while he rested his hand on Nora's shoulder. "We will back you guys with everything we have now."

"You guys." Nora mumbled with a lone tear in her eyes, while Pyrrha gave her a one armed hug.

"And nothing you say will change that." The powerful redhead warrior proclaimed.

"Well I'm glad you're all so eager, but here is what needs to happen. We still need the Summer Maiden and the other half of the Fall Maiden's power. Along with two more Relics and hopefully three people to use the Relics we gather. Then with that kind of firepower we go and take Salem down once and for all." Raven explained, while Qrow rubbed his chin.

"Okay so what are you thinking?" The walking bad luck charm asked. "You do have a plan don't you?"

Raven nodded. "For the moment we need to recover from the battle at Beacon. Then we need to get everyone here besides myself, Naruto, Nora and Qrow stronger. Because as you're now you will just die, but I will fix that." Raven declared with a small smirk, while pointing around the room. "From there we shall make teams to search the kingdoms for Maidens, Relics and Relic Wielders."

"Vernal, Ino, Coco and Velvet." Raven spoke up, while each girl looked at her. "I'm making you into a team and your focus will be on Atlas when we are ready to move."

Ino smiled and clapped her hands together. "I'm excited to work with you two!"

Vernal scoffed. "At least I'm not stuck with the pep squad."

Velvet looked at the two bandits with a nervous gaze. "I hope to become good friends!"

Coco lowered her glasses and looked each girl down. "What Velvet said."

"Next shall of course be Team RWBY, who shall need the most work before I send you anywhere." Raven admitted, while each of the girls looked down. Showing to the woman how beaten and battered the girl's have been in the past twenty four hours. "However, I have high hopes for you four and have plans to send you searching for potential allies. Since we will need larger numbers than we have. Also Sun since you do not have a team you shall be working with Team RWBY."

Sun hung his head, as he was reminded of the demise of his three best friends. Meanwhile all the members of Team RWBY seemed to still have their own demons. Raven of course planned to fix those issues in the next coming months through training and a little tough love.

"So I guess that leaves Team JNNP." Naruto spoke up, while he looked to his three friends. "Guess our team lives on."

Raven nodded with a pleased smile. "Yes you four are the strongest of the teams I have in mind. I'll want you four in Mistral looking for the Summer Maiden and Relics."

"Seems our team was destined to stay together." Pyrrha pointed out with a large smile, happy they could still be Team JNNP.

"Yeah Team JNNP is the best!" Nora declared in a proud tone, while Jaune smiled.

"We still have a lot of work to do." The team leader spoke up. "I just recently unlocked my semblance, so I gotta learn how to use it!"

"Well we shall spend the next couple of months resting and training. Then when I feel each team is ready I shall send you out when I see fit." Raven began in a stern and commanding tone. "Meanwhile I'll have a contact of mine searching Vacuo for any leads. Naruto already got his Relic from the area, but that doesn't mean that Kingdom isn't worth checking out again. Now with that established I believe I can tell you all a few stories about the world we live in and the truth that has been kept a secret from you."

Naruto rolled his eyes and grabbed Nora's hand. "Heard this talk enough." The blond admitted, while he and Nora left the tent.

"Same." Qrow mumbled, while he grabbed a flask and stumbled out of the tent.

Raven folded her arms and looked around the tent, noticing she still had a decent amount of people looking to her for answers and she was going to give them all she could. As this was her new tribe, her new family and they were going to finally put a stop to Salem.

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(Chapter end)

And there is volume 3 and I hope everyone liked it, I poured everything I had into this to make it great. So please tell me what you thought about the story so far. Now I want to say a few things for everyone.

One. If you're wondering I will be continuing this story if that isn't obvious lol but it will take some different paths from cannon RWBY. Examples would be a focus on a tribe and keeping Team RWBY together for starters and much more.

Two. Many have guessed I'm making the Seven Deadly Sins and many were saying Taiyang was Escanor. Now he was based around Escanor, but I never meant for him to be the Lion Sin of Pride. That title will go to someone else who shines even brighter. However, I did Taiyang like I did to make his death hurt even more as he replaced Pyrrha as the big loss that drives everyone moving forward. Mostly Naruto, Raven, Yang, Ruby and Qrow.

Three. Rejoice as we are avoiding killing characters for awhile!

Now since I've finished three volumes I wanted to do something fun and share some old ideas I canned or thought about doing in this story. Just to let you guys see how this story could have turned out!

Kurama: At one point Naruto almost had a pet nine tailed Grimm fox named Kurama, but I tossed that idea quick. Since it added nothing and I didn't like the idea too much.

Rin: Rin was almost left alive, but I did the dead voice in the head instead. For reasons…

Traitor: at one point I thought about having Nora or Pyrrha be a traitor working for Salem and stab everyone in the back, but I didn't want to fuck with everyone that bad.

Emerald: I was always going to kill Merc, but I thought about if I killed Pyrrha, I would have Emerald get redemption and take her place. Hated that idea tho.

Cinder: so originally when Naruto and Nora have their confession in the bar Cinder was going to be in Nora's place and help Naruto. They would have went to the dance together, but Nora was going to stroll in looking beautiful and that's how they were supposed to originally get together at the dance. Though I hate Cinder so I said fuck that idea.

Raven: So I thought about who would be the big loss of volume 3 and it was almost Raven. It would have destroyed Naruto and even more so Yang, as she would never get any resolution with her mother. However, I went with Taiyang instead to not be such an evil dick to Yang.