A/N: EDIT: Flames will be flames, and trolls will be trolls.

Happy Holidays, I suppose. Fun times for all. T_T

Added some more content, too.

Soooo...not dead. That's a thing. As ever, we're going by the now infamous Embers rule for this story.

This WILL be deleted if folks don't like it. So by all means! speak up! I'm working two jobs -have been for awhile now- and I don't have time to write something folks don't enjoy. That's why I'm here you see, to write stories that resonate with people, be they happy or sade. So Make yourselves heard! Every bit of feedback counts!

That's no joke!

I really look forward to reading and chatting with you all after a long day working back to back shifts. What little downtime I have is often spent writing these days, and that really has a tendency to wear me out these days.

Now for your questions, comments and concerns! I'll do my best to answer them all:

Q: You best be bringing Rim and Alpha back!

A: No worries there~!

Q: Yesssss, do it! Recruit all the Grimm!

A: As entertaining as that would be...

...well. Read and see.

Q: Are the Ace Ops about to do what I think they are...?

A: Let's just say Ironwood and co. have done their research. In other words, they're not going in blind. They know who Naruto is. Moreover! They know who Lisa is.

And to clarify, yes, only Elm and Marrow are on the ground in Mountain Glenn; though we know Ironwood's...not nearby, but he is close; close enough to see everything they're recording from that little "command post" we mentioned last chapter. That's all I'm going to say. Anymore would spoil things.

Q: Everybody wants Naruto, eh? He really is short on options...

A: In essence, yes. Ozpin wants him contained, if only to preserve the status quo. By contrast, Ironwood sees the potential of such an ability and desperately wants to recruit Salem is pondering whether she wants to recruit this anomaly, or eradicate him outright. Because you see, Naruto's not simply a threat to her, he's made her curious. And as we all know, the curiosity of an immortal is a very BAD thing.

Of course, this means if our boy ever sets foot in Mistral, he's shit outta luck. Salem controls Lionheart, and the less said about Raven, the better...

And Vacuo has the Crown (Organization) who are a right and proper pain to deal with. In short? Nobody likes Vacuo. Maybe the next volume will make it interesting. Books haven't left the greatest of impressions on me. Gillian and Carmine have potential, but Jax needs to be put down and put down HARD.

So where can Naruto go? Menagerie? That might work...until one considers that the blasted White Fang are there!

Kali and Ghira might prove more understanding, but the island wouldn't They'd not take kindly to a walking Grimm magnet, let alone one that can command the Grimm.

Meanwhile we've got poor Summer suffering, and no one knows...

Alright, I've kept you long enough.

I'll let the chapter do the talking for me. Hopefully everyone enjoys it.

As ever, I own no references, quotes, memes or themes. Not a wit or a one. Here we go~!

"My boy, your gift could help save the world...or destroy it.

I can't make that decision for you. No one can.

In the end, you will have to choose.

Go on now. Change the world...

As I could not."

~Merlot.

Who Do You Trust?

Trust, Naruto found, was a precious resource.

Too much, and others take you for granted. Too little and you won't be able to get by in this world. Believe in everyone and sooner or later, you'll be taken for a fool. But the reverse also applies. When you have faith in no one but yourself, you become hardened. Jaded. Cut off from the world at large. In the end, it was all about balance. Learning to listen to others as much as one's self and make your judgement from there. Finding balance with one's self, one's world, was the only way to live.

But right now?

"This doesn't feel very balanced."

"Bah!" Elm slapped his back, nearly sending him stumbling forward. "You worry too much! You're doing great!"

"And you not enough!" Naruto didn't open his eyes; if only because doing so meant he might lose control over the Grimm he was currently commanding. "Don't do that again." he shot a scowl her way all the same, though his closed eyes couldn't properly convey his anger. "I need to focus and that hit hurt."

A low growl pierced the air, promising pain. "Do that to him again, and you arm comes off."

Naruto felt the ghost of a smile touch his lips. "No biting, Rim. These are our guests."

He heard her huff. "Not even a little nibble?"

Marrow gulped. "She's joking...right?"

...no."

Three hours after the Operative's arrival, they had retired to a worn outcrop of a building, the better to direct his efforts. Rim had returned shortly thereafter -thankfully in her human form- to guard him, while Alpha saw to a sleeping Lisa. It gave him time to focus. He needed to concentrate here; marshal his flagging focus while he could to make a perimeter. He would no let anyone sneak up on him again. If the Grimm were watching in every direction -both earth and sky alike- then they wouldn't be taken by surprise a second time. He refused.

"I'll be damned." Marrow whistled a ways behind him. "You really can control them."

Naruto bit back a sigh. "Thought that went without saying...

Of course, Elm didn't let that go. She never did.

"I didn't mean to hurt ya." he heard the frown in her voice. "You really don't have aura?"

"Never had." he shrugged, pushing down the sting of regret. "I've asked people to try unlocking it before. They only drain theirs."

Her silence proved telling; he was sure Elm didn't believe him. Why would she? Everyone had aura in some form or another, awakened or otherwise. It was an unwritten rule of this world. In most cases it was merely a matter of finding someone to unlock it, or barring that, releasing it under great stress. And yet for all that, Naruto knew he lacked Aura. No magical force-field to protect him, no precious barrier between life and death, and certainly no Semblance. Only this uncanny ability.

He was strong, but not in the traditional sense of a Huntsman or Huntress. His strength came from other sources.

"You're welcome to try, if you don't believe me." he spoke into the void that stretched between them. "Go ahead. It won't work."

...think I'll take you up on that."

He felt her hands settle on the back of his shoulders. Heard her mutter the words. Something about strength and resolve. They washed over him in a soothing wave with her Aura, to no avail. His own didn't spark; didn't ignite beneath hers. On the contrary. Naruto swallowed it whole. Like pouring light in a black hole, so too was the Aura she pushed into him devoured. Something deep inside him latched onto the link between the two of them and guzzled greedily, growing stronger with each passing moment. He shivered. Stop.

Elm rasped. "Whoa!"

Blue eyes snapped open, pupils gone slitted, irises glowing a baleful red. He felt...not quite full, but sated. As if he'd gone days without eating, only to offered a veritable feast. And yet some dark part of him hungered for more. He'd been running on empty. How had he missed that?

She needed to stop.

A groan tore out of him. "Stop...!"

Marrow gasped. "Elm! Let go of him!"

Naruto heard other words, but everything was muffled; as if he'd taken a deep plunge underwater. All the while, Elm's aura continued to pour into him, revitalizing what he'd lost. It was so tempting to hold the connection open. To drain her dry. He was so very tired. Wasn't he owed this? A rest? A reprieve-NO! With a snarl he shoved the urge down and wrenched his body to one side, both freeing himself from her grasp shattering the link. The hammer-wielding warrior stumbled back half a step, eyes wide.

He raised a hand after her. "I didn't mean to...

Marrow shoved him into a wall. "The hell was that?!"

"I told her to stop." This close he could taste his fear; feel it as the man gripped him by the collar. "She didn't listen." He could see his eyes in the older man's gaze, burning bright red. "Now let go."

"Like hell I will!"

"Rim."

A casual backhand swatted the Faunus in the ribs, flinging him into his partner. Elm caught him righted herself with an effort. Naruto flicked a gaze their way. He could taste her terror but it was muted, lesser, dampened by the knowledge that he hadn't meant to harm her. With one arm, she reached behind her back. Naruto tensed, half-expecting her to take a swing at him; to ruin the fragile trust they'd built.

She dropped her weapon at his feet, producing a harsh clang.

"You were draining my aura." it wasn't an accusation, merely a statement. "How did you do that?"

"I was." here at last he felt the faintest touch of guilt. "Its not something I can control; it only works when someone willingly pushes it into me." he flexed his fingers, humming a little at the strength -her strength!- even now coursing through him. Power old and familiar. Strength,like he'd had in his last life, the life Merlot insisted he'd had, the life he could barely remember. "I'm sorry. I did tell you to stop...

"S'fine. I'll survive." she muttered, thumbing her chin. "That's not a Semblance, then. Different from the Grimm thing, too. Maybe its hereditary...?"

"Does it matter?!" Marrow was all but beside himself. "He's a freak! We need to leave!"

Naruto scoffed. "You're welcome to do so...

"Hell if I know!"

Drawn by the chaos a lone Beowolf padded by them, tongue lolling out its mouth like an affectionate puppy. Without a second thought, Naruto reached out to scratch its ears. The beast stopped what it was doing at once and plonked down on its hindquarters. Its right leg began to twitch. Naruto smiled fondly at the noise it gave, but made no effort to convert it, only to give it a nudge. His fingers scraped the underside of its chin before sending it off with the rest.

...but I have work to do." when his gaze found them again, it was pure steel. "With or without you."

Rim moved to flank him. Marrow and Elm exchanged a tense glance. In the end, they seemed to come to an accord.

"If its all the same to you," Elm managed, "I think we'll stay. This is our mission."

"Speak for yourself, " Marrow muttered blackly.

Naruto favored him with a bleak look.

Of course the Faunus was terribly twitchy about all this. As well he should be. Anyone in their right mind would. His control over the Grimm wasn't absolute. He could order them away but they would always return within an hour. Nudge them and run the risk of losing control. Even the act of dominating them didn't sit right with him; not only because of the headaches it caused him, but the conundrum that split his soul. These were living creatures. They had wills of their own-no matter what some might say. He'd seen it firsthand.

Ordering them about like a pack of dogs just rubbed him the wrong way, but it was necessary. For now. The perimeter only need last long enough until they were away from here.

He turned find Elm lingering, looking after the

"Any chance you could get one of those things on a bullhead?"

Realization dawned, and it wasn't a pleasant one for Naruto. He felt hackles rise on the back of his neck.

"You want me to give you a Grimm?." his lips pursed in a thin line. "I still haven't decided if I'm going with you."

Marrow crossed his arms. "Not like you have anywhere else to go."

...you're really not making a very good case for yourself right now, doggo."

Marrow opened his mouth to protest, but Elm -ever the mediator!-intervened before he could. "Take a walk around the perimeter, kid."

The faunus bridled, tail thrashing. "Elm?! You can't be serious! I'm not leaving you alone with him!"

"I'll be fine." She planted a palm between his shoulders and shoved. "Take. A. Walk."

Marrow flicked a baleful look at her, but faced with her silent fury -and Rim's toothy smile!- his resolve wilted. Naruto winced as the operative's accusing gaze sought him out once more. His hands balled into fists at his side, but with a less-than-pleasant curse he did as he was ordered; ripping the weapon from his back and stalking away.

'What did I do?!'

"I'm sorry about him." Elm grimaced. A tan hand rose to scratch the back of her head. "Marrow means well. Really, he does. He's just...a bit too enthusiastic sometimes."

"Easy for you to say." Naruto looked away. "Why defend me in front of him. Ya trying to win my trust or something?"

"No," she hummed. "I just think you're a good person."

Rim tilted her head. "Good...?"

Naruto bit his lip, but it was too late.

A harsh bark of laughter ripped out of him as he bent double, clutching at his sides.

Good? Naruto didn't consider himself a good person. He hadn't for quite some time now. This city had fallen because of him. His hubris here had doomed many. He'd reunited Ruby and Yang with their mother, sure, that was a point in his favor, but in truth he just wanted to be left alone. To live in peace. But Ozpin wouldn't allow him that, and so he must persevere. That meant sticking with Lisa to reveal the truth. A good deed does not wash out the bad, nor the bad the good. And yet for all that, Elm believed he was just that. Good.

It was just so funny that it hurt.

"If its Grimm you're after," he straightend, "We don't need one. Alpha and Rim are more than enough."

"We?" A hopeful smile dawned on her face "Does that mean you're considering our offer?"

...only considering!" He held up a finger even as her smile broadened.

Naruto sighed.

His gaze strayed to an Ursa, the great giant that had been following him around for some days now. The very same beast who hadn't strayed far from he side. Sensing the weight of his regard, the great bear looked up. It tilted its head to one side to regard him with a questioning whine.

Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose.

This went beyond reckless, buuut...

"I have an idea..

"They can certainly come, but many wouldn't believe your story." she offered him a winning grin. "Best to have proof, no?"

Rim made a displeased noise and bared her fangs anew. Naruto gestured her for calm once more. No one here knew she could flit between forms as she pleased. Best to keep that card up his sleeve until the last possible moment. He still wasn't sure why she could, when Alpha had no such ability, yet the fact remained. Maybe it had something to do with her being an Ancient Grimm?

Not an Elder, but Ancient. He was going to need a chart one of these days. Normal, Major, Greater, Elder, followed by Ancient.

If there were other categories out there, he was afraid to find them. He wasn't sure what to categorize Summer as. She'd clearly been a person before someone melded her with that Grimm, and the Hound had been far from normal. Major, then? Did that make Alpha a Greater? Ugh, he could feel a migraine coming on.

"If its proof you're after," Lisa's voice saved him and he turned to see the bedraggled reporter stumbling up, supported by Alpha. She brandished her scroll like a flail. "I have all the proof you need."

Elm's eyes sparked. "You have footage of a transformation? Let me see!"

"Ah, ah, ah!" Lisa darted back with surprising speed for a civilian. "You'll see it when I blow this story wide open." she lost said respect when she ducked behind him and Alpha for cover. "Not before!"

Elm planted one hand on her hip. "You do realize I could just take it from you, no?"

"You could~!" she sang. "But I don't think my associate would like that."

Every Grimm glowered at them as one mind and body.

"Fair enough." Elm winced and steered the subject to safer waters. "So, am I to understand you've only converted two...?

"Three technically." Naruto jabbed his shoulder, happy for the change of pace. "Four if you count the little guy."

Elm blinked, somewhat taken aback. "Little guy?"

Naruto whistled sharply. Casper popped out of his shoulder and waved its claws at her. At full size, the Geist might've been intimidating. As it was, its voice was a mere squeak. Any sane individual would have jolted back with a shriek, crying out about ghost and Goblins. Not Elm. She merely blinked.

"Well, aren't you just precious." She edged closer. "May I...?"

Naruto shrugged. "Sure, go ahead."

She poked the miniature Geist with one finger. Casper hissed and flailed -his?- claws at her.

"Its like a baby Grimm!" the Operative cooed happily. "Is this one a person, too?"

Lisa scoffed. Alpha and Rim made angry noises. Elm frowned at them.

"Was it something I said...?"

Naruto meanwhile, found himself somewhat taken aback by her line of questioning. Casper rolled its shoulders in a shrug. Truth be told, he didn't know. The little ghost had been one of the very first Grimm he'd met when his ability had awakened. It was larger than, though it had since shrunk itself to fit in his body. He managed to not tame, because this wasn't really taming them at all...convince? Was that the right word? Help? Soothe? Maybe the last one fit best. Some Grimm Whisperer he was.

If there really was a person in that mask, they weren't keen to reveal themselves.

And maybe that was a good thing. He had his hands full already.

He settled for a shrug. "If that's all, I really need to rest-

Everyone jumped as shrill sound of a ringing Scroll pierced the dead city.

"Sorry!" Elm flailed in her pocket. "That's mine! Just a second!"

Lisa balked at her. "How in the hell are you getting reception out here?"

"Connections!" the Operative tutted, snatching it up. "Yes, hello? I'm here sir. Wait, now?" her brow furrowed. "No, sir. I'm not questioning orders. But is that wise...?"

Naruto heard a harsh negative, nothing more.

...yes, sir." Elm wilted, looking every bit a naughty child with their hand caught in the proverbial cookie jar. In the same movement she held out her Scroll to him. "Our superior wants to speak with you."

Naruto made a face. "Who?"

She hummed. "General James Ironwood."

Lisa went white as a sheet. "Best answer that."

...he probably should. Trembling hands picked up the scroll and pushed it to his ear.

"Hello." a low, baritone voice came through. "Might you you be Naruto...?"

...I am."

"Then on behalf of Atlas, I'd like to apologize for the conduct of my...associate." Ozpin. He meant ozpin. "He means well, but I believe he's overreached himself this time...

Talk was cheap. Actions spoke louder than words. His brow furrowed. "Could say the same about you."

"You could." The man -Ironwood?- adopted a conciliatory tone from the start. It didn't do much, but he supposed the sentiment counted for something. But unlike him, I am not your enemy." his voice did not waver. "That much, I can promise you; you've nothing to fear from me. I simply believe your gift should be used. Cultivated. Is that not what you want?"

"What I want," the Scroll creaked in his grasp, "Is everyone to stop hunting me."

"Elm and Marrow here to protect you, not hunt you."

"Sure by sending two Ace Operatives after us." Lisa planted a fist on her hip. "Coulda fooled me."

"I understand your concerns. His words ironed out. "Rest assured, Elm and Marrow are an extension of my will. Use them as you see fit."

It was almost too good to be true. "And what do you get out of this?"

"Hope." His reply was sincere, earnest even. "That you might use your gifts for the good of mankind."

The silence was telling.

"I am not here to force you into anything." Ironwood hastened on at a brisk pace, "I ask only that you consider the options before you, lest you act recklessly. Ozpin has already put out a warrant for your arrest. Vale is closed to you. I suspect Mistral will soon be as well. Lionheart has ever been his man, and Menagerie isn't likely to take kindly to a human. Unless you have friends in Vacuo...?

Naruto scoffed. "No one likes Vacuo."

"There you have it." James tutted. My offer is genuine. I do not ask for you trust; for trust must be earned. But I am on your side. Elm has already said the words, but" he coughed once into the receiver, clearing his throat, "I'll say them again. We're still prepared to offer your sanctuary in return for your assistance...

Naruto pinched the brow of his nose. "You're up to something...

"I am not." Ironwood's response proved instant. "I ask only that you

A bolt of something ripped the Scroll from his hand, shattering it on the spot. He spun, palm stinging.

"Hey!"

What he saw there stole his breath away.

"My, my," a new voice crooned, "This is all very touching, but I'm afraid I must interrupt...

There was a woman there, only yards away, standing among the Grimm. A pale-skinned beauty with ashen hair clad in robes of darkest ebony. Her eyes were pure balefire, red against black, set in a scarlet-veined face that regarded him intently. She tilted her head and smiled. Not at the others. No, no, no. Her smile was for him alone. It was not a pleasant smile.

There were others behind her, but he couldn't look past her. He didn't dare take his eyes off her for a moment.

"Our long-awaited meeting has come at last." her words were sin itself. "You're everything I hoped for and more." she touched a finger to her cheek. "I believe you lost your dog, by the way."

Only then did he see the burnt, battered, broken body she was dragging behind her. She cast it forward. It struck the ground with a groan, bounced once, then skidded to a halt at their feet. Against his better judgement, Naruto found himself looking down. He soon wished he hadn't. Fingers of ice crawled down his spine. He recognized them.

Elm hissed out a breath. "Marrow!"

"Was he yours, then?" the woman tutted. "My apologies. He attacked first. I was forced to defend myself...

Naruto's throat closed. They hadn't heard a damn thing. Just who was she...?

Her gaze slipped past him, eyeing his motley crew of allies.

...curious." she remarked. "Grimm, and yet not Grimm."

Casper squeaked and retreated into his shoulder with an audible plop. Naruto almost found himself wishing he could do the same. Instead he was forced to stand his ground as Lisa shrank back behind him; as Elm reached for her hammer. Behind him, Alpha and Rim physically recoiled as though they'd been struck. And so he stepped before them instead.

He was going to regret this, every bit of it, he just knew it. But what choice did he have. "Who are you?"

"Dear boy," The intruder offered him a saccharine smile. "Don't you know?"

She spread her arms wide, and the very shadows lengthened.

"I am Salem."

A/N: HELLO SALEM. Lets get along, eh?

The plot thickens! And so does the pairing! Feels nice to try something I don't usually do. Maybe that's why I feel so invested in writing this story...and others.

As ever, we're going by the Embers rule. This'll be deleted quickly if folks don't like it.

So speak up! Make yourselves heard! Every bit of feedback counts! Seriously!

Strange at it may seem, I can't write without reviews. That's no joke.

Worry not, we haven't seen the last of Summer or the rest.

Didn't see that coming now, did you?

Aaaand there we go. As ever, reviews keep me alive. Without them, I cannot write.

So...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...

...Review...Would You Kindly?

Have some new previews!

As ever, a disclaimer:

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

THAR BE SPOILERS AHEAD!

BEWARE!

(Previews!)

He'd been a fool. He had stayed. Painted a target on his back...no, all of their backs.

"Are you one of mine, I wonder? No, I think not. I would remember having a son. You are not of my blood." she tutted once.

"Don't be foolish, boy. You're outmanned, outnumbered, and outgunned. Surrender."

Naruto tilted his head. "Is that what you think?"

Lisa shivered.

"You can talk?!"

"I could always talk. You just didn't listen."

"Masks!"

"Fine, have it your own way." He stabbed his arms backward into the dying Grimm, the faint spark of its soul already nearly gone "You want masks? I'll show you a mask! MASK!"

Deep inside him, a scarlet eye opened.

Black tar flowed up his limbs.

"COPY."

His shadow loomed large.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT THING?!"

A line of blood ran down his nose.

"Naruto...?"

"Its nothing. I'm just...not used to guiding this many. Now get back!"

"Lets see what you're capable of."

The bird cawed once. Then it took flight after them.

Take. The. Girl.

The whispers were getting louder.

Summer grit her teeth. "Shut...up...!"

Ruby jolted in her lap. "M-Mommy? But I didn't say anything...?

Blast it all! She'd said that out loud. "Not you, sweetie. Mommy's got a bit of a headache...

R&R~!