The Knight and the Fox.
Disclaimer: This is a fictional fan made story and thus is not canon to anything mentioned. I do not own any of the properties that are also mentioned in this story. They all belong to their original creators and I highly suggest you go check them out and support them.
Chapter One: The Discovery and Promise.
Jaune Arc, a 13 year old boy with a black hoodie, walked along the woods near his home. He was currently on his way back from his secret training spot. Why was it a secret you may ask? It was because he was working hard to achieve his dream of becoming a Huntsman.
Not because he wanted fame or glory but because it was the right thing to do. To help and protect the innocent against the creatures that plague his world. The creatures of the Grimm. That was his dream.
However, his family had wanted a different path in life for him. They wanted him to live the civilian life, get a normal job, meet a girl and start a family of his own. He knew why they didn't want him to become a huntsman, he wasn't stupid, he knew that that profession was incredibly dangerous. With the high chance that he might not come back home at all. But being normal was something that Jaune wanted in life. He knew that he was meant to do great things, he just didn't know what.
"Man, what a long day." Jaune stretched his arms, "I think I'm getting better, though I still have a long way to go before I become a huntsman." He said.
The blonde continued to walk home, until he stopped. His ears twitch ever so slightly, it was faint but he could hear it. The sound of an infant crying.
Jaune turned to where the source of the crying was and ran towards it. The wails of the infant got louder and louder as he got closer. His mind went back to when his youngest sister cried, it always brought out the protective side of him. Now, there was an infant all alone in the woods. An infant that needed his help
After a little while longer of running, Jaune finally reached where the cries were coming from. He let out a gasp at the sight before him. There was a woman with red hair who was bleeding profusely from the chest. In her arms was the baby that was crying.
Wasting no time, Jaune ran towards the two. Once he got closer, he knelt down in front of her, placing two fingers on her neck. There was a faint heartbeat, but by the looks of it, she wasn't going to make it. He then turned his attention to the baby, moving aside the blanket that covered part of his head, he saw that the baby had blonde hair and whisker marks on each cheek.
Jaune then heard a groan, he turned to see that the woman had woken up. "Where am I?" She asked weakly.
"Are you alright?" Jaune asked.
"Who?" She asked, trying her best to stay conscious. The cries of her son made her look down. She smiled warmly as tears started to form. "Naruto. My sweet Naruto, thank kami you're okay." The woman brought Naruto closer to her in a tight embrace. She looked up to see the concerned Jaune. She didn't know why but something told her that he wasn't a threat.
"Young man, what's your name?" She asked.
"Jaune. Jaune Arc." Jaune answered.
'What a strange name.' She thought before giving him her name, "Kushina Uzumaki." She then coughed up some blood, thankfully none of it landed on Naruto.
Jaune reached out and gently lifted her up, careful not to hurt her.
"Jaune." He looked at her when she called his name. "I want you to promise something."
"What is it?" He asked. He was then surprised when Kushina handed Naruto to him.
"I'm not going to make it, there's no denying that." Kushina solemnly admitted. "But please, promise me that no matter what you will always protect my son."
Jaune was stunned, he had no idea what to say. Here was a random woman, a stranger he didn't even know, making him promise to take care of her son.
"I know you're asking yourself why, but the truth is, I don't know myself. However, I can tell you have a good heart. So please, protect my son. Can you do that?" Jaune looked at her before giving Kushina a determined nod.
"I promise to always protect your son. I'm an Arc and an Arc never goes back on his word."
Kushina gave him a teary smile before looking down at Naruto. Who at this point stopped crying and fell asleep. Jaune noticed this and brought him closer to Kushina. The red head then planted a gentle kiss on Naruto's forehead. "Naruto," She whispered. "I want you to know that mommy loves you with all her heart." Her eyelids started to feel heavy, her body becoming colder by the second. "I will always be with you, never forget that." With one last breath, Kushina's eyes finally closed for the last time.
Jaune looked on in shock, for the first time in his life, he witnessed death. He grew saddened by the loss of life. It reminded him of painful memories. He gently placed her down, and stood up. He then looked down at the sleeping infant, he smiled as he gently stroked his cheek.
"From this day on, I promise to always love and protect you, Naruto."
To Be Continued.