Chapter 18: Throwing Shade
A/N: New Arc: Vytal Festival at Shade Academy. Technically Arc 3?
If you have ideas, let me know! I actually used a few comments as inspiration!
Shorter chapter, but I felt this was enough. At least it's an update!
Chapter START
"I think," Naruto started, slumping into his office chair, "that I have a problem."
Glynda gave a dignified snort from her spot across his desk, a sound that she'd only make around a select few trusted people. Her eyes were trained on her Scroll as she analyzed her spars against the members of her year. They had returned to Beacon only yesterday night. All of them retreated to their rooms to sink into their comfortable mattresses immediately, hardly hearing the pilots promising to find new career paths on their exit. Now, with daylight slowly creeping over the windowsill and edging its way across the velvety carpet, it reminded the two how early in the day and how short their respite from the waking world was.
"I believe 'having a problem' is a constant state of being when it comes to you. I am impressed that you are thinking, though." Glynda paused. "Well done," she finished, her tone unflinching.
The blond leaned back and sighed, tossing his feet onto his desk as he swayed from side to side in a slow rhythm. The ceiling was the same as always, but it felt like home compared to the rough and sterile white of Atlas' housing and board. Brownish with a hint of eggshell that gave the room the slightest hint of hominess and old.
"The teams for Beacon at the Vytal Festival are supposed to be submitted today."
"That's true. Do you have your teams submitted?"
"Yes and no." His eyes crinkled when he heard her hair whip up. He minimized the wince that came to a tiny eye twitch and body shudder, disrupting his constant movement in the rotating chair.
"And what does that mean?" He could hear the irritation underneath the subtlety of calm. He met her gaze and saw a veneer of patience. Not so much as an eye twitch or slip on her lips.
"So I have the three teams prepared, but I know that they won't be approved."
"And why is that?"
Her Scroll dinged with a notification of a message. At his gesture, she looked down and saw.
From: Naruto
Team 1: Summer Rose. She solos the second best team of first year Beacon students through her enormous speed advantage. She has high tactical acumen and adaptability, able to break the mold of the battlefield within a moment. She is capable of matching most fourth years.
Team 2: Raven Branwen. She solos as well. She has incredible Aura control for her year, high technical prowess with her sword, and incredible battle awareness. She is also capable of matching most fourth years.
Team 3: Team STRQ. It has Summer and Raven. The other two members on the team, Qrow Branwen and Taiyang Long, are ranked fifth and eighth in the combat class, respectively. Albeit most likely unable to combat directly against fourth years or Huntsman due to a lack of real combat experience and missions under their belt, I would expect them to easily place first in the Vytal Festival for the first year bracket.
Glynda sighed, rubbing her forehead. "I can't believe you actually added reasoning to this when you know that it'll be rejected immediately. You can't have single member teams in the Vytal Festival, professor."
Naruto shrugged. "It'd be fun though."
"For you and for team STRQ. The rest of the class wouldn't think so. Neither would the other academies and their citizens when they actually get defeated by a single person in the same year."
"That sounds like a 'them' problem."
Glynda rolled her eyes, somehow even making that motion look graceful. "Yes, it is. But it would also quickly become an 'us' problem when this event is meant to provoke peace and excitement amongst the Kingdoms."
The Vytal Festival, Naruto mused, was a biennial tournament filled with activities that were meant to show the world that the four Kingdoms were still bonded as one. In humanity. There were many activities and competitions that ran throughout the month-long festival, but the main attraction was the week-long combat tournament that showcased each Kingdom's best Huntsman-in-training.
To participate in the tournament, there were a few stipulations. One, they had to be a student from one of the four main Academies. Two, they had to be recommended by multiple professors of their year, although the combat professor held much more sway than the others. Finally, exceptions could be made to teams with fewer squadrons, but four was the absolute max. There would be no exceptions to exceed that number. Having an unequal number of teammates would simply tip the scales too much, and if a team was pushed forth to participate with less than four, that was on their professors' judgment.
'And the students' prowess and ability to showcase it in front of millions of people without failing to live up to expectations. No pressure at all.'
Naruto didn't say any of that, however. Instead, he pointed to a different thought, eyes still trained on the ceiling. "If Shade Academy was so upfront about creating a welcoming environment and the unity of the four Kingdoms, then why are they only allowing the other Academies to enter their premises now? There's only a week until the Vytal Festival starts, and the tournament is in two weeks."
"That's simply their culture. In their minds, strength is the most important factor." Naruto really wondered why Raven and Qrow didn't go there instead. "They probably want to hide their tactics and teams until the last minute."
"They're missing out on reconnaissance for any other teams by doing so."
"Clearly, they think it's worth it." Glynda hummed, the sound coming out somewhat prideful and amused. "But I suppose they would be, considering how I almost defeated all of the opposition of my year on my lonesome. They must consider me to be the largest threat for the fourth year bracket and are most likely failing to consider that there are some other incredible underclassmen in Beacon."
Naruto blew a raspberry, amusement lilting his eyelids. "Ah yes. The classic 'underestimate the Beacon professor who is younger than the graduates.' You only need to see it so many times before you start to question at what point will they actually think why I was given this position."
Glynda sniffed. "Well, you did only turn seventeen last month." She paused, letting the sound of the much warmer autumn breeze sift through the cracked open window. "I see their perspective, even if it's wrong." The blond grinned and straightened in his chair, eyes matching Glynda's with fervor.
"You're making me very, very tempted to actually submit those three teams."
"It'll get rejected," Glynda drawled, waving a hand as if she was tossing away the very notion.
"Ozpin has the final say. You know how weird that man is when it comes to unconventional things."
"I would think that you're probably the most unconventional person I know. But also…touche. Ozpin would consider it, if you had an argument." There was a glimmer in his eye that made her lean forward. "You have one already, don't you. Of course you do. Just remember that the submissions will be final, so if they get rejected and the other professors overrule you, then the top three teams in your class will simply get locked in."
"Of course."
Glynda sighed, but she allowed her lips to curl upwards. It was always more exciting at Beacon ever since this strange professor joined the ranks of the staff. And she had to admit, it was more fun to be in on his hijinks than to be out and have no clue how it ever happened in the first place.
With that in mind, she decided to push him and let him start his little drama. "So what is your plan to convince the other professors and Ozpin?"
Naruto's smile was predatory, baring his teeth to the rest of the world. "As Ozpin says, Remnant always needs more heroes."
Qrow came to a horrifying epiphany that had him shaking the second the revelation came to him.
He was average in comparison to his team.
Qrow Branwen liked to imagine that he was a well-adjusted individual. He found many of the jokes in Vale hilarious and could slap his knee just as well as any other student while cracking up. The black-haired stormy eyed first year also finally found his place in the team after nearly three months and no one in the school was even suspicious of his or his older sister's upbringing. He had plenty of friends, was invited to hang out with a few on outings and meals, and sparred with plenty of other teams.
Socially, he was perfectly fine. Except his teammate was Taiyang Xiao Long, who still called him brother (which he returned), especially during tabletop nights.
Now that his brother caught onto his groove again and started building back some self-confidence, he was brash and just a smidge cocky, but Qrow knew it to be a way to keep Taiyang's mood and motivation up in the agonizing schedule that Beacon expected out of every student. He was immensely popular in his class, with his warm and vibrant personality. By the actual Brothers, he was probably friends with everyone in the year, and Qrow was certain that some of the friends he made was because of Taiyang. In fact, most of his invites were when he was tagging along with Taiyang so…maybe he wasn't doing so hot in the social department.
Hey, at least he was getting invited back with somebody, unlike Raven. Right?
'Not that she'd ever care.'
The team leader of STRQ, Summer, was…Summer. Cookie fiend, dictator and sometimes queen of all board games, romanticist, nerd, and the first in their team to get a month of detentions. Also, absolutely oblivious. You could drop her in hell with all of its horrible, torturous heat and twisting tornadoes of licking flames, and devils whipping the damned. And she'd still wonder where in Remnant she was.
It didn't stop him from admiring the girl. She may not have been strapping or burly, but her body was definitely peak in form when it came to athleticism and lean fitness. Her work ethic may not have been as impressive (insane) as his sister's, but she put in the hours. There was no doubt about her willingness to commit herself to the grind, and she had improved in incredible strides. Which was slightly frightening, considering how strong she was when she first came to Beacon. That first fight with weapons in Naruto's combat class had permanently changed not only the way he saw the girl, but the way everyone on Campus regarded her. Overnight, she'd been recognized. She'd gone from a nobody to literally everybody's 'top twenty students to avoid in the Vytal Festival'.
Did he find that the student body was blowing things out of proportion? Absolutely. They were just sensationalizing Summer's solo victory against a team of the same year students. The fight had started with the two teams standing too close in the beginning. It wouldn't happen if they had stronger first years and they knew about her speed and prepared for it.
Except he did not account for one thing. The professor made sure that every single one of his students became stronger. That all-inclusive word meant that Summer was also improving. And unlike Taiyang, the girl lacked self-confidence when she first stepped onto Beacon's campus. Now that the blond professor was helping her with her self-image and improving her in every combat stat that mattered, he had to admit -
'No, no, no. I think the other students had a point. She's crazy and I would most definitely not want to fight her as well.'
The moment their names were called out for a team spar, the room's decibel level would plummet to subzero, falling into a roaring hush. Perhaps today would be their team's day to show their capability, especially with the upcoming Vytal Festival looming closer. Every single team had trained to prepare themselves against the one woman army…except that despite every other team's efforts, it happened again. And again. At some point, she had started speed blitzing them so hard, smoke would rise from her combat boots. She was more a blur than visible in the more current battles, so students would only watch her fights on replay if it had the highest possible frame rate on their Scroll. Otherwise, it was a useless endeavor to rewatch.
Then again, most students stopped watching them entirely. It just killed the mood and he swore that every other student's belief themself just tanked whenever they were called up. Absolutely nosedived. Took a solid swim in the dirt. Definitely lower than Summer's initial poise when she first stepped into Beacon's grand halls. He was sure that there was a stats picture floating around somewhere with two linear lines very, very clearly portraying a longitudinal study of how Summer's composure improved over time whereas every other student in their year did the opposite, just far more aggressively.
So yeah. Summer may not be the hardest worker when it came to her studies, and not the diligent workaholic that his sister was, but his team leader had absurd talent. And she was always invited to random dessert runs and karaoke nights. The girl would always return with a fresh smile after those nights.
Which brought him to the last team member of team STRQ.
Raven. The least social, the most combat fixated, and the most studious of the team. She literally was second in the combat course because first was in the same team and a freak of nature. Somehow, though, his sister had taken to the books with the same fervor a bandit would for good money.
See! He was so average in comparison to his team, and a Branwen did not do average! His heart did a flip, and performed a valiant flop. It felt like a dying fish.
"Ugh," he groaned, falling back onto his bed, letting out a poof on contact.
He felt his sister's sideward glance towards him, but she quickly refocused on her downward slashes with Omen. He knew what she was thinking. As a Branwen, he should be able to handle his own problems. Talking about it would just be admitting to his own weakness and inability to solve his own problems.
'What a drag.'
Thinking about it wouldn't do a thing. Pushing himself out of his bed, he stepped over and opened one of the windows, letting the autumn night chill break through the small gap he allowed and seep into the room. Twin exclamations of disbelief and irritation arose instantly from Taiyang and Summer, but they quickly grabbed an additional layer to wear. Summer threw a blanket over her shoulders, just for good measure. Raven didn't say a word. She probably enjoyed it, considering the sweat that was slowly falling through her furrowed brows.
"Ah screw it, I'm going to pack." He shrugged off the attention from the other three, pulling his suitcase from under the bed frame and started tossing fistfuls of clothes.
Summer and Taiyang shared a glance, cobalt hues meeting soft metal silver. "We don't know if we're chosen until tomorrow. And we have the whole week off, so packing shouldn't be a problem if we are picked as a team."
Qrow released a huff of air, then pointed a finger at his sister and Summer without looking at either. "Really?"
"I mean, he's got a point, Summer," Taiyang said. Qrow could feel the shrug the other male was making from the words. "It's not like Beacon will miss this chance to throw their best first year team into the mix."
Summer didn't seem to think so. "I'm just saying that we don't know until we know for sure. It's possible that other teams in their missions impressed the other professors enough that they would recommend them." She let that sink in for a moment. "No offense, Raven."
And there lie the crux of the silent rift that had been pervading and sinking its claws into this team's camaraderie. Ever since Raven decided to go to Atlas instead of going on the mission with the rest of team STRQ, the other two had been walking on eggshells on how to address their lack of training as a team. They finally had a chance to use their combat maneuvers and combinations on Grimm and see how it would work in the real world. That dream had been shredded in their faces when Raven chose to go on her own, leaving the other three to fend for themselves and limiting their team functionality.
Not that it really mattered, considering how few Grimm they actually saw on their patrol. They were first years, and they were given first year responsibilities. Which was to say, not much at all on their first mission. But Qrow understood the other two. It was close to the Vytal Festival, and teamwork mattered to them.
Unfortunately, Qrow felt that his sister was in the right completely. Whereas the other two felt that she was as well, he didn't harbor any ill feelings at all. She had returned with something far greater than they had in that short seven day span. They could all feel it, however miniscule the presence may have seemed. It was a whisper that crescendoed into a roar the more they looked for it.
Raven gave a noncommittal sound and continued to swing her sword. Above her head, then straight down until it was level with her hips. Again, raised so that its tip was aimed at the stars. A vicious slice that could've cut through the awkwardness that entered and sat amidst their uncomfortable team dynamic.
Well, it's not like it was really his problem.
Qrow shoved another shirt into his bag.
Qrow was drowning. He didn't know why, but he was sinking away from the surface. The weight of inadequacy tugged him down, down, down, despite him knowing that he was already doing exceptionally well for his year. Well, that didn't necessarily help his feelings, since he also knew how his team was the best of their year without even using any of their coordinated movements. Their individual stats were simply too high compared to the others.
He was ignoring the stupid part of his brain that was whispering that no matter how hard he tried, he wouldn't catch up to Summer. That Taiyang was now showing his true potential, and despite how happy he was for him, it still hurt to see the gap closing day by day. That his sister had created a chasm of a gap between the two in strength somehow, without him even noticing in the past six months they've been at Beacon.
He knew she was training every day, but so was he. He'd seen her becoming stronger and he'd begun adding more training to his normal schedule, but that wasn't enough. Maybe that was the start of this. He'd been floating, going along with the curriculum and taking things day by day, but when he put his head down, his mind would focus solely on improving. At some point, when the small chink between the two in strength still widened, and his mental addled minutely.
What was the point? Why was he thinking these words? He hated the fact that he was questioning it. He just needed to try a bit harder, no? But this entire endeavor felt so predetermined. Why even -
A wooden sword plopped horizontally against his bag. He looked up, broken out of thought, and caught his sister's eyes from her spot on her bed. She raised her eyebrows in the middle of pulling from her water, then looked away. She'd been swinging it for the past thirty minutes, and he'd just finished packing.
He let himself drift his focus back down at the practice sword, uncertainty mired in his head and tricking down his spinal cord. Qrow reached out for it shyly. The grip was smooth with use.
Qrow knew his sister better than anyone else. That also went the other way. She may as well have been giving him a glaring neon sign that told him 'I CARE' in her terms. Summer and Taiyang couldn't tell; they were still chatting away about the upcoming activities they'd try to experience at the Festival. They didn't know her sister like he did.
He stood up with the sword, and then he began cutting away at a bit of the cobwebs in his head. One slice at a time.
One side of Raven's lips tugged up.
No one was surprised when team STRQ was chosen along with the second and third best teams of their year. There were plenty of congratulations from the students at Beacon, including those in other years.
The week had gone quickly, slipping by in a blink of citrine haze. Raven had only seen Naruto once. He'd knocked on their dorm room to give them the news of their participation as the chosen first seed representatives of the first year Beacon students. He had a wide smile and glimmering eyes full of pride. Summer rushed and hugged him, Taiyang let out a whoop in celebratory fashion, and Qrow had shrugged with a very 'I told you so' look slapped on his features.
Raven remembered the way when Summer released him from the hug, he locked eyes onto her. As if she'd hug him as well. And then suddenly, his arms were around his waist and she was lifted off the ground in his embrace. She had spluttered, cheeks dusted the color of ruby, and pushed at his shoulders in a weak attempt to pry herself away, but he held tight and filled the room with his laughter.
When he let her down, he then informed her and Summer how they'd been nominated as the two first year students of Beacon. For what? Apparently, he had jokingly, not jokingly, suggested them as two teams individually. Raven accidentally let out a bloodthirsty Cheshire grin.
He had been immediately summoned to the headmaster's office, and somehow they had come to a conclusion that was more compromise than rejection. There'd be a small tournament before the main event, where each school would present the best two students of each class. Thirty-two students would fight for exhibition purposes and to showcase to the world that civilians could trust the new generation.
The very next day, that information went public and the general feedback was enormously positive. One more thing to watch and get excited for the populace, and one more way to show off an Academy's students. One more way for betters to make money, and another way for the Councils of each Kingdom to see where their money was going.
The official release had revealed the thirty-two students with their name, year, and school affiliation. That was all. Somehow, however, the tabloids were all over the students, discussing anything and everything under the sun that they could about each one. That came easier for the third and fourth years since they were present in the prior Vytal Festival at Atlas, but that's where the accuracies ended.
She could ignore the articles that incorrectly guessed her weapon of choice, and she could wave away the postulations at her Semblance since hardly anybody knew. But she was mildly irritated when they started trying to get into the campus and question her on her relationship status and who her interests were.
"Fuck off." Raven raised her right hand and gestured at the five reporters that had their mics all pointing at her, the cameramen trailing them focusing their lens on her body.
"Ms. Branwen, are you saying that the person you're seeing is named Fuck Off?" One smooth-brained reporter cried out when she was just about to turn away. That question glued her feet to her spot and she leveled a deadly glare at the man.
"All of you." She stared straight at each camera. "Fuck. Off."
And then she walked away, into the halls of Beacon Academy.
That had gone viral. The same night of the release of the new exhibition bracket, her name was famous. Every participating student knew her face, and anyone with a Scroll with a smidgen of interest in the Vytal Festival knew of her. Comments cluttered the video.
"Mood." 35,877 likes. 532 comments.
"Go slay, girl!" 2,540 likes. 22 comments.
"I'm so disappointed that this new generation of Huntsman acts this unprofessionally. As a citizen of Atlas, the militaristic method always produces proud protectors of …Read More" 188 likes. 40 comments.
"What a bitch." 50 dislikes. 2 comments.
"Is she a student of that new professor at Beacon? The one that only responded with his name when asked questions last year? They kind of give the same vibe." 4,900 likes. 721 comments.
"Wait, she's kinda hot. I wouldn't mind her stepping on me." 69 likes. 69 replies.
"I wouldn't want anyone asking me that kinda shit before a competition. I'm trying to fight and train, not be juicy gossip and part of a stupid flavor of the month…Read More" 1,480 likes. 288 comments.
So on and so forth. Mixed responses. Most of the Huntsman and students generally agreed with her curtness, whereas citizens and people unaffiliated with any of the Academies were taking a harsher stance.
She ignored it all, although the message of a thumbs up from Naruto was amusing. If people had nothing better to do with their lives than to comment on her choice of words to bumbling idiots that attempted to wedge their way into her life, they could go eat moldy cheese.
The days went on. On Wednesday, they all boarded the Bullheads for the long flight to Shade Academy. Unlike the bullhead she had ridden on the flight to Atlas, the bullheads were commercialized and meant to handle over a hundred passengers each with room and board. Every single student was going, as were the professors. A few alumni from Beacon would stay on campus for safety purposes.
Even on the three day flight, she had never run across the blond professor. There were training rooms, but he had made it quite clear that he wanted every one of his students to rest. Those were occupied by only a few students at a time, and most of them were using it as a place to lounge around or to get away from the main lounge and their room. Team STRQ took some time to use the room while it was relatively vacant, trying out new strategies that Summer had come up with during their mission while they had the chance to practice without prying eyes. Those three days actually helped bring up the team atmosphere back to where it was. They were eating and laughing again, inviting her to play with them when they brought out the tabletops and hung out with other teams. She rejected them all, of course, but they took it in stride knowing that she most likely would.
The blond professor was mostly simmering on her mind. She'd mindlessly wander around the bullhead on her own. She knew that he was on the bullhead, since this one was held all of the first years and its professors. The main lounge was full of students on long, comfortable couches and a few professors sitting next to the bar counter, chatting with electric energy. The Vytal Festival seemed to have that effect on everyone. Except her professor, who was oddly missing. Raven even saw Glynda chatting with her team for once at her spot near the center of the room. They'd made eye contact and waved, and then went straight back to what they were doing. One walking, the other talking.
The days went by. Forest gave way to taller plants, then to shrubbery. Then grass. Intermittent plants with areas of low vegetation. And then the desert, with sand as far as the eye could see, somehow shining like a sea of gold under the bloody eye of the sun.
Hills crested near the horizon without a cloud in sight, leaving each person to take in the wonder of Vacuo. The bullhead did not fly over any small towns or miniature civilizations. Whether that was intended on the path they took, or the climate simply didn't allow for random towns to pop up in the desert, really didn't matter to Raven. It just was.
And then they approached the main city of Vacuo. A large wall towered higher than any of the buildings she saw once they crossed over, blocking the wind and sand from entering the city. Thousands of buildings sprouted into view, their circular domes and pointy, shining tops shimmering against the star that beat down harshly in every season. The streets twisted and sprawled out sporadically, as if no engineer had taken part in the city's planning and everything was left to the people to figure out themselves.
Shade Academy rose above every other edifice. Even from the edge of the city, the multi-tiered Academy, each layer rimmed by curtain walls, was in clear view. Shaped like a pyramid, with each floor smaller than the one below, Raven could spot the open areas with tons of green filling them out. An oasis to the side of the Academy spilled water into a reservoir that led to both the city and the school.
Summer buzzed with energy, practically shivering with all the pent up zeal that came from cabin fever. She was practically vibrating next to Taiyang, who looked just as eager to take his first steps in a new Kingdom. Qrow stood with an aloof expression, but she knew her brother. He was just as excited as the others, but he knew how to hide his expressions.
Raven wouldn't lie to herself. All of the vivacity and liveliness that had filled every conceivable space for the past few days had gotten to her. She was even looking forward to the month-long event that brought together the four Kingdoms.
The bullhead touched down at Shade Academy where thousands of other students were just getting off on the dock. The pilots said their little speech and welcomed them to the Kingdom of Vacuo and wished them a happy Vytal Festival. And then the hatch was released, and the carrier released its cargo of students.
Qrow would have to admit, Shade Academy was something special. Different from Beacon, but beautiful all the same with its rustic brown. It felt old, but it was still here. There was a history here that stood the test of time, and it was enough to make him drop his bag and spin in place while looking up with a bit of wonder in his eyes.
There were hundreds of palm trees with grass and beautifully trimmed bushes that glowed green in the dock. Some students near them took the time to stand on the grass and take photos as a commemorative moment.
"Wow," Summer breathed next to him with the same wonder that he knew that she felt. "This is…this is amazing."
"Yeah." Taiyang stepped forward a bit to not block the path of exiting students. "We're a long way from Vale, that's for sure."
Qrow chuckled. "You said it." He spotted an open hole where they might be able to stand near a tree. "Come on, let's go over there before we head to our assigned dorm."
Summer caught on and pointed at the tall tree. "Team photo!" Her voice sounded like bubbles, with a shining edge that had listeners enraptured with happiness. She turned to face them, a smile so wide that it creased on her cheeks. Then it slipped off. "Where's Raven?"
Taiyang surveyed the immediate area but came up empty. A conflicted emotion etched itself across his features. "Huh, wasn't she right next to us? Don't see her, and I don't think we'd be able to hear her through all this noise." There was nonstop chatter that filled the dock to the brim, overflowing with so much noise like water in a tub. They shouldn't have been able to recognize Raven's voice.
But there, to the right of them about ten meters, a throng of people blocking their way, there was something in the air that crackled with heightened excitement. And Qrow couldn't help but slap his face when he heard -
"I will literally cut you," in what he knew had to be his sister's voice as the crowd around her let their opinions be known by making a racket.
Summer paled. "Oh dear."
Taiyang was already moving. "We really should stop her."
Qrow slapped a hand to his forehead audibly enough that students nearby flinched. "Come on," he groaned. "Let's get my sister before we get kicked out of the tournament and removed from international soil or something like that."
Raven felt the fire that was stoked behind her heart fanning harder, fueling the molten heat that coursed through her narrow veins and spewing out of her mouth, so hot it could split lips and burn tongues.
She had been next to Qrow and had watched her brother turn in what could only be called amazement. For the first time in a long, long time, she'd seen her brother's mask fall and show his true feelings. She allowed a small smile for that.
Her Semblance tugged at her, and her eyes flicked to her right. Then it caught onto a mop of spiky blond hair attached to an angular face with a single, ocean colored orb in view. Raven looked over to her team who were still taking it all in and trying to digest how it felt to be on foreign lands. Guessing they'd be busy for a time, she took off to the right.
"Professor Naruto," she called in a pitch too high to her liking. She had almost even waved over the crowd like one of those horrid, rabid fangirls at concerts. Raven slammed shut the dopamine factory and strode over, only showing a smile when she shouted her combat teacher's name again. He still didn't turn, but she was getting closer. His mouth was moving.
" - the professor from Beacon, Naruto Uzumaki, right?" That was a distinctively female voice.
"That's my name, yes," he replied, all smiles, despite the ravine Raven saw under his eyes. "How can I help you?"
"Did you teach Glynda Goodwitch?"
Through a narrow gap, Raven saw Naruto's singly visible eyes widen with glee. "I did! She's one of my favorite students. You know about her?"
"Of course! She kicked my ass last time and I'm looking to return the favor this year." The voice changed suddenly, one that made Raven stop in her tracks when she spoke again. It was almost husky and wanting. "How about a bet, professor. If I beat her, you stay at Vacuo and you…teach me. And you can teach me a lot of things." The world stilled, and only the sand was moving in Raven's eyes. "And I mean more than just school related activities."
Raven's body moved before her mind could catch up. She pressed through the crowd in her way, ears shut to the annoyed and surprised yelps. She only heard the nervous chuckle from her professor and his awkward "Uhh…"
"Oh come on! It'll be fun." Raven was almost behind Naruto. A set of arms wrapped around and Raven saw the two wrists pressed on his back. "We can start off like this and…do more."
And that's when the low flame that had been simmering cautiously caught on a entire barrel of oil, whipping it up in a terrific frenzy. Her fists clenched, nails digging into her palms sure to leave half moon imprints as she stomped forwards.
'Okay, I'm killing someone today.'
Raven gripped the two hands and tore them off, throwing the offending appendages in opposite directions, delighting in the "Hey! What the hell?" that was shouted. Naruto finally, finally saw her when he turned, but she was too focused on something else at the moment. She passed him so that she was in front and facing the girl. Tall. Long red hair that curled in locks, falling along a pretty face. Dark skin that reflected bronze, only ever accentuated the more due to the revealing white clothes that were obviously meant to stave off the heat, if the three other girls dressed similarly next to her gave any indication. A light top that showed a full stomach and midriff, and an almost see-through skirt that waded down to the knees, the fabric soft and flowy like the wind.
Raven didn't care.
"I will literally cut you," she snarled, far more aggression in her voice than she had meant to show. She didn't give a damn. Fuck this girl. "Back the fuck off my professor."
The student slid into stance, eyes narrowed and teeth almost showing in provoked belligerence, but that was oddly replaced by angry amusement. "Wait a second, I recognize you. You're Raven Bratwist, the girl that everyone's talking about."
Raven shrugged nonchalantly. "That's me. And you're 'fuck you, literally no one cares.'"
That was a lie. Raven knew who she was immediately. Kuuma Velt. Third year student that participated in the most recent Vytal Festival during her first year and, as she correctly said, was absolutely given her ass handed to her by an overpowered Glynda Goodwitch who practically single-handedly took on her team. A user of dual scimitars and quick footwork once she used her speed to get personal. Physically, she looked stronger now with tighter muscles, and possibly grew a few inches. Perhaps horizontally in some areas, too.
Kuuma grinned, white pearls revealing sharp teeth. "Oh, I'm going to enjoy crushing you if you make it past the first brackets in that new event."
"Not if your lungs get crushed first." Raven crossed her arms, flexing her biceps to show that she was equally toned.
"Hmph. You better make it to me. Otherwise, you're just all talk and no walk to it weakling."
Strength to prove who's right. She can get behind that. "Same to you."
They stared, holding each other's glares. Neither wanted to be the first to let go. Slowly, Kuuma straightened her back, and then looked over to Naruto with a smile far different from the feral one she held when speaking to Raven. "I hope to see you later as well, professor."
Raven couldn't see him, but at least he didn't say anything in response. When Kuuma and her team walked away far enough so that her bobbing head disappeared towards the Academy's entrance, Raven spun around, facing Naruto with her head tilted up a hair's breadth. He was looking straight at her, those same ocean-orbs threatening to swallow her whole. Something in her stomach churned, and the same fire behind her heart that had been used for rage was now cooking for a different feeling entire.
She liked him looking at her like that.
"You are my professor. Not hers. I will beat the shit out of her to prove it." Three resounding slaps to the forehead to her right. Naruto made it four, dragging his skin down. His - beautiful - eyes were hidden behind the lids.
"...You don't need to beat anyone for me to be your professor. That's not how this works. That's not how any of this works." He didn't even sound upset. Just exasperated, especially since they were the center of attention of a growing crowd.
"No. I will beat her. And I will prove to her that you're mine." The crowd that had simmered to a murmur found new fuel to revitalize itself. Gasps and quick inhales of surprise audibly shook the air.
Naruto's shoulder flinched, and he seemed to wilt at the narrowed focus the two of them garnered. "Phrasing, Raven," her professor groaned through his hands. She smirked, completely aware of her next words as possession marking her soul.
"I know what I said. You still owe me dinner. And until I beat you, you're mine," she growled hungrily, emphasizing the final word by pressing a finger against his chest.
And to what they both knew were the sounds of recording Scrolls, tittering girls who squealed and awed guys letting out breaths of admiration, Naruto simply let out a sigh that pierced through it all.
"I'm going to lose my job."
"Then you could be my private mentor."
"...Ughhhh."
Chapter End.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed reading! As always, leave a review of thoughts or criticisms if you feel the need. I'll be working on Yelan's Lifeline next.
Probably won't go too deep into detail for the Vytal Festival. Probably just a few fights, but mainly Team STRQ shenanigans with Naruto tossed into the blender in Vacuo.
Review Responses:
ChangeMe: Another one!
YeTianshi: I'm not sure if entitled, but they definitely have some degree of self-confidence that can border to that level. I think you have a good point for Naruto's perspective actually. I'll try to see what I can do there for the Festival.
Riba Nyabom: I thought it was dead, too. But I think I can finish it in...maybe ten chapters? We'll see.
mahouka9: I'm glad that you enjoyed the read!
Tanya von Degurechaff: You know...he just might've. I didn't think of it like that.
LadyOfWar: Wow...that's just so nice to hear. Hopefully this story will be completed though. One day.
Monster King: Awesome reader
nut in the hut: Yeah, used google doc for this one.
Samuel Santillan: Thank you! I has been a long, long time. Almost two years, I think.
theotakuboy: Only 11 days!
Guest: You too! Have a good year.
Crimson Riot 01: You just compliment me to smiles. I'm so glad that you feel I'm still adequate at writing. Hope you enjoy both this and Genshin's story.
Archangel Xireon: Absolutely clapped on.
Hecatonchir of Athena: Absolute bars
TheSlySage: Yeah, life is tough. Tech is kinda on fire right now for hiring. Talking Naruto is Naruto. I'm still deciding how a fight would go, but I'm glad you think I took the correct route!
RadBman21: Naruto rolfstomping everyone was soooo ten years ago. (This Naruto kinda stomps most people though)
Hirameki Kitsune: Thank you so much! Haha, both endings were fun to write, but the one I decided to keep I thought flowed better.
cryyyonz: Haha, I can definitely understand how you feel. I'm going to try to work on both simultaneously for now.
The Faceless Wordsmith: Lol yeah. The classic underestimate Naruto. Raven and child Winter? Yes!
stormyasf: Glad to be back. Could be better, but not the worst.
J. Theois: Thank you for still reading. I really appreciate it. Writing feels so much easier when I know people will read my work.
caua issao: I gotchu.
bardockssj4: It's a new Arc time! slow burn in Vacuo's heat
Dragonpikelz: Love to see this story still has people willing to read it. Always makes me happy
and wet: i think most people didn't haha
Lone survivor1: Gotta mix life with seriousness and comedy. And Naruto could probably break parts of a mountain? I'm not sure about slicing, since that's rather precise.
R-king93: Awesome reader, though. And leaving a comment. Much love!
Pyrokinetic52: Glad that you agree! Also, that second line was a great suggestion. Organized chaos helped me figure out how to start this chapter.
Mythic Imagination: Aww thank you! I hope this one was fun to read and that you stay healthy and wealthy!
asmodeus666: Holy crap you reread everything? This is a loooong story. Thank you so much!
ApolloDog: Done
D3vi1Chi1d666: Damn, that's some high praise. There are some goooood stories in FFN and AO3, and some incredibly talented writers on both sites.
Vincent dark-fire: eh...soon...
Nogi: wow, thank you! And nope, just 11 days! Took longer than I'd have liked, but life takes time away from me.
MogtheGnome: Hope you liked this one, too! And yeah...job market. Ughhhh
Phsycres Wolf-Brother: Will definitely leave a warning for next time. And glad you agree. A fight with Salem this early doesn't really make sense, so the one written as canon in this story is a lot more logical. Glad we agree!
bad-luck-charm27: Haha happy early, early Christmas! Glad to hear you enjoyed it and still quality to you!
ishiah: Life's hard, man. But also, fanfics are everywhere! I think it's just FFN that's slowly dying. AO3 is thriving, though. Tons of good writers there.
demissedwaifu: I'm just glad you're still reading and willing to keep following the story. And ohp, Salem finally entering the picture?
Guest: Haha, I hope you enjoy the last chapter and the little surprise that you'll have another one soon to read (as in right now)
Um: I'm honored that you left a review! Time flies. 2 years ago...2021. Haha, I honestly don't even remember what I was doing. The days just spread to years in a stream out of nowhere.
Also wow, thank you. Well wishes to you and your health, and I'm grateful that you're so invested into the story! I hope that I can match expectations and eventually (also very hopefully) finish this story in a timely manner.