A/N: PLEASE READ THIS NOTE, WOULD YOU KINDLY?
Sorry for the delay!
Kept you waiting, huh? This chapter is told from multiple perspectives and hoo boy, its a wild one. Looking forward to your reviews~!
Once again, I'm sorry for the wait, this chapter was delayed due to multiple reasons, including Covid, a car crash, and finally surgery. I had to rewrite this chapter three bloody times before I was satisfied with it; which proved difficult given that I only have one functional arm and eye at the moment. Hmm. Is this how Cinder felt after Ruby beat her ass back in Beacon? At least I'll regain full function in them eventually...
So lets answer a few questions, eh?
Q: Can we have a Little!Neo story, preferably with Naruto adopting her? You know, give it a Mandalorian vibe or something, since she can't talk and all. Just think of it! NarutoxNeo! They'd be a riot! PM me for details. Hell, I'd be willing to help you write it!
A: Must...resist...
Q: Is Roman's mother -Sapphire!- an OC of your own making?
A: Well, we know Roman had a mother and if rumors are to be believed, she was quite notorious in the underworld. Vanessa was a far easier matter; we've already seen Pyrrha's mother, so it was merely a matter of giving her a name to go with her face. She's...well, I suppose I'll let this chapter do the talking for me on that front. Long story short, Sapphire was someone I had to create from scratch, though she was admittedly fun to write.
Q: Naruto has a lot of kids in this story, doesn't he?
A: To quote, more than you think, less than you'd expect. And they all seem to be redheads so far! Well, bar Yang. Eh, she can set her hair on fire and her eyes turn red! It counts!
Q: I see those hints, boy! Is Nora his kid or not?! Don't even get me started on Adam and Ruby! You can't fool me!
A: *zips lips*
Q: Felt good to see Naruto and Raven cut loose last chapter. After all, they're monsters. Monsters with hearts mind you, but monsters nonetheless. When do we get to see them go full John Wick on Cinder and her cronies? Well, I suppose its just the one now that Mercury's bitten the dust...
A: Why, dear reader! If I told you the when, where, and why, I'd be spoiling an entire arc!
Once more, I own no quotes, references, or memes. Not a wit or a one. NOPE!
Papa!Naruto is best Naruto, and woe betide anyone who hurts his kids.
"Naruto, you cannot threaten someone with adoption."
"Can! Am! Will! Hear that, you little punk?! You're adopted! ADOPTED! Now go to your room!"
~a future discussion.
Wizards and Women
Mercury had yet to return.
Cinder wasn't sure if she should feel dissapointed or validated by her minion's absence. Unfortunate and irritating certainly, but no great loss. On one hand his failure told a tale all its own; if dear Mercury was not here in the dorms with her and Emerald, it meant he had been delayed, captured, or perhaps even killed by a far greater foe. When the dawn came and still he did not return, Cinder became more and more certain. He had failed, then. Unfortunate. No matter. His was no great loss. He could be easily replaced.
She laid one leg over the other and languidly drank from a flute of wine, considering the matter further.
Had Roman found him spying and killed him? Unlikely. He would not dare harm Mercury for fear of rousing her ire. A quick text confirmed that Torchick -and that little minx of his- were quite alright and ignorant where Mercury was concerned. If they knew she'd set them up to fail, then they were playing their cards remarkably close to their chests. Neo, perhaps, could have slain Mercury, but that would've endangered Roman. No. She wouldn't dare. And so Cinder Fall removed her from the list of suspects as well.
Just as well, really. She already had her suspicions.
It was probably that blasted baker. He struck her as the capable sort. Now that Naruto...he would make an admirable replacement, if he could be swayed to their side. And he would be. It was merely a matter of finding the right...leverage. Everyone had a weakness. She would find his, sooner or later. Perhaps his was the Branwen woman. Or perhaps...
A thought occurred to Cinder then, which in turn birthed a slow smile. Ah. Now there was an idea.
Mercury Black had not been disloyal per se; but neither could he be called loyal, either. Unlike young Emerald, he served by his own whims and with insufferable snark. Such a wastrel was useful in his own right, and even an easy scapegoat should things go south, yet ultimately, she'd always intended to sacrifice him. If not in the Vytal Festival then later. So long as she kept Emerald in line, their scheme would proceed. And sweet, sweet Emerald was putty in her hands.
Even now could feel the poor girl staring at her back, waiting for answers.
"Ma'am?" her pawn probed hesitantly. "What're we going to do? Is the plan still viable?"
Cinder took another long drink and schooled her face into an impassive mask. Setting the glass aside, she turned to face the fawning girl.
Such a useful pawn. Such a useful Semblance. She'd been wise to snatch Emerald off the streets. A touch here, a caress there, and she'd follow her anywhere. Mercury's untimely departure may have thrown a wrench into their plans, but his end would not derail them. It was too late for that now. The die had been cast. It was only a matter of time. The might of the Fall Maiden would be hers...just as soon as she found where that little bitch was hiding. Ah, but little Emerald was looking to her for guidance, and she must give it to her.
Cinder graced her forehead with a chaste kiss. The girl shivered in delight. As well she should!
"I have a task for you, Emerald. Listen well, for I'll not repeat myself...
Perhaps a visit to the bakery was in order.
(.0.0.0.)
"Hey, mum. How are ya?"
Sapphire Torchwick did not rise from her coma to answer her son's call. She did not blink. She did not move from her bed. She didn't do much of anything beyond breathing, really. The faint drone of a heart monitor filled the room with a low, steady bleat. As ever, the faint rise and fall of her chest was her sole response to his inquiry. That was alright. Roman hadn't expected an answer. It was the thought that counted. So long as she still drew breath, well that was more than enough for him.
"You know, I've had a busy night." he chuckled to himself. "Real eye-opener. You wouldn't believe it. Even got a new job."
"..."
The pale woman did not answer. She could not.
Her once long hair had been cropped short just below her chin, her once lively face now pale and sunken, a breathing tube forced down her mouth to keep her lungs going. She was in every way a shell of her former self; a wraith clinging to life. Sunlight slanted through the window, further highlighting her pallid complexion. She seemed broken and shriveled in the light, a single gasp from death's door. Like one good nudge would send her crashing through.
A shiver shook the thief and he steepled his hands against such thoughts.
"So...I met dad." he spoke into the silence, shifting restlessly on his folding chair. "Turns out he's a right snarky bastard. Don't know what you saw in him. No fashion sense at all." though there was no response, he bulled on in a desperate bid to stave off the silence. "Even said he can heal you." something tightened in him at the thought. "Ain't that a lark? I'll believe it when I see it."
Neo laid a hand on his shoulder. Mismatching eyes regarded him with rare concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine." he brushed her off. "Just need a minute-
Someone kicked the door down.
"I AM HERE!"
Roman whirled on the sound, clutching at his heart. "Bloody hell! Don't do that you sonuva...!
Naruto Uzumaki grinned back at him, utterly uncaring for the scene he'd made. Bastard hadn't even bothered to get rid of his apron. Cheeky prick.
Torchwick deflated at the sight. "How the hell did you find me?!"
"You're my son. How else?" stupid old man; saying that like it answered everything. When Roman scowled at him, he deigned to elaborate. "You have chakra. Now that I'm aware of it, I can sense it." a beat of bemused silenced fell between the two of them as he sauntered into the room. "Also, I put a tracker on ya." he scratched the back of his head when his sown glowered at him. "Wasn't hard to do. You were pretty distracted last night after all...
That got him a thumbs up from Neo, to which the blond sketched a low bow.
Roman scowled at her, then squinted when he saw how carefully his "father" was carrying himself. "Are you the real deal?"
"Nah, I'm just a clone." the doppelganger waved him off. "The original's terribly busy at the moment with another matter, so he sent me in his place...
Neo yanked on his wrist, pivoting him so that he might see Sapphire's prone form. His smile fell away.
...oh." he finished eloquently. "You weren't kidding."
Three quick strides carried him to her side. Roman scooted aside to make way for him, but even that wasn't necessary; for the blond sensed his foul temper and gave him a wide berth. Neo nudged his ribs with her elbow. He looked back to see her anxious expression. When the blond began cracking his knuckles, however, Roman couldn't help but flinch at the sound.
"What're you doing?" he asked.
"Healing her." He pushed a hand out and laid in on Sapphire's pale forehead with infinite care.
Unutterable relief welled up in his heart. "So you weren't bullshitting me?"
"Nope. never. In the past I once lost someone very dear to me; because back then, I couldn't heal like this." he spoke the words softly, his focus gone somewhere else as he focused on the malady within her fragile form. "They died in my arms. I wasn't able to save them in time. So I studied. I learned." Faint green sparks spun from his hands, building into a gentle jade glow. "I took my talents and devoted them to healing." that glowing tide spread outward as he raised his hands further. "I can't raise the dead, but so long as she draws breath...
Green light stemmed from his fingers in silence.
"Well?" Roman nagged, unable to bear it. "What's wrong with her?"
"Poison." the answer was immediate, if baffling. "She was sick to begin with, but this...this is something different. Organs don't atrophy like this." he cocked his head to one side like a wary fox. "These are rare toxins I've encountered once before. Frankly, its a miracle she's alive at all." his brow furrowed, and a bead of sweat ran down the length of his jaw. "Damnit, girl. Always said she was too stubborn to die...can't believe this happened to her...
Roman tugged at his hat.
...sounds like you've got a suspect lined up."
"I do." Blue eyes burned a sinister shade of red. "Callows."
He spoke the name with such anger, such venom, that even Neo shrank back.
Roman gulped despite himself. "That a name I should know? Sounds like a pretty big fish."
"Tyrian Callows. Someone I killed ages ago. Someone who should be dead." his father's voice was stern, his words clipped, all humor drawn from his face. "Someone who, apparently, cheated death." an air of palpable menace swelled in the room as he spoke. "I may have to rectify that in the near future. If I'd known he was still around...
Neo made a slashing motion with her right hand.
"Sure." Naruto read it easily. "You're welcome to help me find him."
Roman sat a bit straighter in his chair, unable to find his voice, such was his rage. Tyrian Callows. The name burned in the back of his mind like a red-hot brand. He remembered it now. Some madman wanted for murder back in Mistral and Vacuo. That rat bastard was responsible for this? His fingers twitched, longing to find the madman's throat.
There would be blood for this. He swore it.
But for now he was forced to watch, to waited, then wait some more. Seconds dragged on into minutes. It felt like hours but it could've been less. Or more. He wasn't sure. Time had no meaning here. He stared until his eyes ached and his head strained. Life bled back into his mother. Sallow skin regained life and vigor. Her eyes twitched restlessly beneath her lids as her thin hair regained its natural color. It was like watching time flow in reverse; within moments she was just as he remembered her. Better, even.
And then, quite suddenly, it was done.
"There." Naruto pulled his hands away with a g asp, and the green glow of chakra reluctantly abated. "All done. I've plucked out the worst of it; the rest is up to her now." a tan hand wiped a fresh bead of sweat from his brow. He drew himself back. "It might take a bit for her to wake up...
Dirty green eyes fluttered open with a groan.
...or she could do that now." he palmed his face with a sigh. "Damnit, Saph. You never make things easy, do you?"
Her bleary gaze shifted, bleary eyes not quite comprehending him for a moment. But only a moment. A tiny gasp fled from her lips and her gaze locked onto him like a laser. Roman saw a spark of recognition burn bright there. Followed by confusion. Dread. Joy. Concern. Eventually, it settled into an emotion he knew all too well. Relief. She did not last out, she did not shout, and she certainly didn't look at him like he was a stranger. Her lips parted again for a rusty peal of laughter.
"Hello, lover." she whispered, voice gone hoarse from years of slumber. That would fade in time. "You look like shit. Come riding to my rescue again, have you?"
"Didn't miss that foul mouth of yours." Naruto clicked his tongue. "You don't look much better...here." he pulled a pitcher of water and a glass from gods-knew-where. "Have a drink."
Roman nearly choked on his spit as the man who claimed to be his father pressed a cool glass of water to his mother's mouth. He swore yet again when she allowed the close contact and drank greedily. Shit. He hadn't been lying. Mum wasn't the sort to let others get close to her, not unless she knew them. When she laid her head against his shoulder, the thief released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. So. This was it, then. Whiskers had told the truth after all. A weight fell from his shoulders.
His voice went with it and betrayed him. "Hey, mum...
Sapphire Torchwick shifted among the pillows and briefly blinked up at him, blinking away the cobwebs of slumber. She blinked once. Twice. Thrice. Then her eyes widened. Recognized him. Beheld the blood on his jacket; last nights clothes he'd not bothered to change out of. Too late, Roman realized his mistake. A change of attire might have aided him here. His mother went terribly still, the full weight of her gaze falling upon him like an angry Ursa. Oh dear. He knew that look.
His mother did not move; because she blurred.
Her body all but exploded out of the hospital bed. A firm hand latched onto his right ear, and yanked his forehead down to hers.
"Who are you," she snarled at him, "And what have you done with my son?!"
Faced with such a fury, Roman could only conjure a singular response.
"Owowow!" he cried! "Mum! Quit it! You're embarrassing meee~!"
Naruto's laughter echoed long and through the room.
Neo clapped her hands in merry approval.
(.0.0.0.)
Three hours had elapsed since Vanessa's untimely arrival.
One hundred and eighty minutes on the dot. Then thousand, eight hundred seconds. No more. No less. That was precisely how long it took for all hell to break loose. Raven had stormed downstairs, taken one look at her competition and challenged her to a duel then and there. Angry barbs were exchanged. Insults flung about like daggers. Word spread like wildfire and once more the backyard of Baker's Dozen transformed into an arena, just as it had been some days before. With one notable exception.
"Fight! Fight! Fight!"
"A hundred lien on the black-haired beauty!"
"I'll take that wager! The redhead's got this in the bag!"
"Open a bakery, they said." Naruto bit back a long-suffering sigh as yet another wad of lien crossed his counter. "It'll be fun, they said." his head came down in his palms, muffling the groan that followed. "A simple life, they said. Lies, I say! What the hell was I thinking?" A second bundle of lien came his way. He counted it once over to make sure said bettor hadn't shortchanged him and then palmed it off to Deery. "Might as well make this place a fight club for all the good they're doing me."
Under his watchful eye Deery checked and palmed the money off to Nora, who in turn took her own turn at counting it for good measure. Better safe than sorry, or so the saying went.
"Look on the bright side, boss." Nora preened, waving the thick stack below his nose as she spoke. "You're making a killing. We're gonna be rich!"
A blond brow rose in feigned dismay. "We?"
Deery found her voice at last. "W-Well, you're still paying us, aren't you?"
It was just too easy to tease the poor thing. He couldn't help himself. "Am I, now? Huh. Forgot about that."
He immediately regretted it when the waitress hung her head and made a tiny noise of discontent. Urk. She looked so sad and small and pitiful that he couldn't bring himself to hold the ruse a moment longer. By the sage, it was like kicking a baby deer. The antlers made it worse. He felt like a scrooge for even making a joke like that. Deery wasn't quick on the uptake when it came to jokes. He'd nearly forgotten that. Oh, dear. Were those tears in her eyes? They were! No, no, no! No waterworks!
"Don't cry! I'm only joking!" His hand moved of its own accord, seeking the space between them to tousle her hair. "You know what? I think you deserve a raise. I'll double your pay. How about it?"
"Double?!" Deery's head bowed a little more under the pressure and she tucked her chin into her chest. "Really? I haven't been here that long...
"Nonsense!" Naruto was having none of it. "You've already got room and board here. I doubt you'd wanna live in the attic forever."
Her posture bent a bit more as her eyes sought the floor. A faint flush lit her cheeks. "I wouldn't mind it, you're nice."
Nice, was he? Try as he might to stamp it down, the parent in Naruto reared its head at those words. Such a good girl. Maybe he should see his way to teaching her a bit of self defense. Wouldn't do to have her encounter someone like Cardin again on her own. And why stop there? She clearly didn't have any family to speak of. Poor thing. Why not look after her? Could you adopt someone on a whim? Was that a thing? Raven would kick up a fuss to be sure, but really, what was that harm-
"Hey! Nora butted her way between them before he could ponder the matter further. "What about me?!"
Naruto pulled back and rolled his eyes in a good-natured way. "You can have a raise too, Nora."
"Ha!" Blue eyes flashed in triumph as pumped a fist. "Bitchin'!"
"Still, this is ridiculous." With the matter settled he leaned back and kicked out at a nearby stool as he watched yet more onlookers trickle into the stands. "I just wanted to bake some cakes. And cookies. Not play host to this insanity."
Somewhere down below, he could've sworn he heard Ruby holler her agreement from the stands.
Yang was probably somewhere down there, too...aha! There she was. Her golden hair stood out in the afternoon sun, clear as day. Ruby must've dragged her along with the rest of their team and...oh, my. That was quite the thunderous look on her face. He'd really have to deal with her sooner or later. He had a feeling she'd been avoiding him.
Raven really had given him a troublesome daughter, even if Yang didn't know the truth of her parentage.
From here one could see the elder Branwen waiting in the yard with sword drawn; all but basking in the crowd's adulation while she could. Silly bird. Always did like the limelight, that one. At least Vanessa still had the wherewithal to stay hidden until it was time. Or perhaps that was Pyrrha's doing, wanting some time with her mother. He didn't deny that some small petty part of him took some satisfaction in this; it wasn't every day two warrior women fought over someone. The rest of him was rather shamefaced for it all.
Really, did this have to be so...public?
His impromptu bout with Pyrrha had been more a personal affair than a real skirmish, one few were privy to. Right now, it felt like half of Beacon was crammed into his backyard. Maybe more. After all, it wasn't every day Vale saw a bout like this. The people loved their spectacles, students and bystanders alike. Apparently you couldn't have two sanctioned huntresses go at it without attracting attention. No, no, no! Couldn't have that now, could they? If he tried to shut things down now, he'd have a horde of angry people to deal with. No, thank you!
Nora giggled behind him. That was his first warning.
"Weeell," when he looked back, the redhead's smile was all too telling. "I wouldn't say no to smashing some heads together myself right about...ow!"
"Nora, no. Bad Nora!" Quick as lightning, two fingers flicked out and found Nora's forehead, turning her words to a startled yelp. "We are not enabling those two!" he jabbed her again when she made to protest. You certainly aren't joining them, young lady!"
"Alright, fine!" She pouted, massaging the tiny mark he'd left behind. "Grumpy old man."
Naruto snorted patiently. "Don't be sassy, or you'll lose your pancake rations."
She gasped and reeled back, clutching her chest. "You wouldn't dare!"
Deery giggled behind her shoulder.
"Can, am, will." Naruto snarked back and swatted her on the shoulder. "Go find Pyrrha and her mother, will you? Sounds like Raven's ready to get started."
Her pale face dusty "Yeah, sure thing da-urk." she clamped down on the word, face flaming. "I mean boss! C'mon, Deery!"
With a quick bow and a rare smile, the faunus raced after her partner in crime.
Naruto watched the girls scamper off with a bemused smile. He hadn't missed that slip there at the end. Now that he dwelt on it, Nora really did resemble him. Not merely in attitude, but other ways as well. It was not something he'd wanted to consider. She reminded him of Sapphire. And yet Nora was clearly younger than Roman by a good bit. Saph couldn't possibly be her mother...could she? If so, that didn't make any sense. No. No, no, no. That was a can of worms he wasn't opening today.
Redheads. Why, why, why did his kids have to be redheads? Really, Yang was the only exception to the bunch, but she could set her hair on fire for crying out loud! It counted!
Somehow, he had the feeling his parents were smiling down on him from the afterlife.
He put his face in his hands, grin gone rueful. "What is is about Vale that makes everyone so crazy? Must be somethin' in the water...
"Quite so." a familiar voice hummed. "Flirting was far less destructive in my day."
Naruto looked up. Ozpin smiled back at him, leaning upon his cane with languid ease. He wasn't alone. Baffled as he was, it took the ageless shinobi a moment to place the stern young woman beside him. How odd. He noted her keen green eyes and dark glasses, wondering if he should recognize her. One never knew these days. Eternal youth had blessed him an interesting life with many children. Who was to say he didn't have more before he'd met Raven? Honestly, he was beginning to think every blond and-or-redhead was descended from him.
Wasn't that a lovely thought?
...how long have you been standing there?" he asked at last.
"Only a few moments." the headmaster confessed. "Rest assured, Glynda and I won't tell a soul."
His deputy sniffed and adjusted her spectacles. "Speak for yourself, sir."
With a laugh, the blond pushed himself upright, cleared the counter in a single bound and moved to meet him. A hand was offered in friendship. Ozpin clasped it immediately and Naruto took the chance to draw him into a brisk embrace. Today was just a day for old friends and familiar faces, it seemed.
"Old age suits you!" he laughed, drawing back to clasp his shoulder. "All that silver in your hair! You look downright distinguished!"
"And you haven't aged a day." the wizard clapped him one on the shoulder. "I'm pleased to see that some things haven't changed."
Naruto grinned despite his own reservations. "What brings you here?"
A slivery brow rose. "Can I not visit an old friend?"
"You can." The shinobi quirked one of his own to match him. "But your 'friend' has been back for ages now. And you haven't paid him a single visit until today." his head tilted, a rare frown plucking at his lips. "Whatever might he think?"
The ghost of a smile plucked at Glynda's face, though she said nothing.
"My apologies." his fellow warrior had the good grace to at least appear abashed by that remark. "Work kept me away."
Ozpin was...Ozpin. Erratic, enigmatic, eccentric, and many other words that started with E. He'd given up trying to understand him ages ago. The man did what he wanted, where he wanted, how he wanted. So long as he fought for the sake of humanity and never against it, he was prepared to give the immortal the benefit of the doubt. They might have words about his methods in the future make no mistake, but that was neither here no there. More pressing matters demanded his attention.
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Work. Right. Why are you really here? Raven't won't be happy to see you."
Glynda coughed into a fist and pointedly looked away.
"That's part of the reason why I'm here." Ozpin hedged, stealing a glance over his shoulder. Naruto followed it and found the object of his attention. "News of Raven's return was...unexpected." A shadow paused just short of the doorway and hung back. He flicked a glance toward it, but whoever it was scarpered before he could call out to them. Keen eyes caught a flash of gold. Yang? He shook his head, turning back toward Ozpin. His old friend was still speaking.
"Yet you convinced her to stay all the same."
"I did." he hedged. "And you know she's here because...?"
The wizard granted him what passed for a benign smile. "A little bird told me."
Naruto slapped a hand to his forehead. Damnit, Qrow! In truth, he'd forgotten about him in the chaos of Vanessa's arrival. He was totally spiking the bastard's booze for that. Maybe he could bribe Neo into playing a prank or three. She seemed the sort to enjoy some much-needed mischief.
"I'm sure it was." the blond felt his own smile begin to wither away as he realized what his old friend intended. He planted his feet and stowed both hands in his coat pockets. "I didn't exactly call her here myself." a rueful smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth in spite of the tension. "She hunted me down like a prize stag. You know how she is when she wants something."
That drew a chuckle from his erstwhile ally. "I do, indeed."
A pall of unwieldy silence feel between the two men.
Naruto broke it with a shake of his head.
"She's done with that life, Ozpin. So am I. We're not going back."
Ozpin opened his mouth to retort, but Glynda bulled forward and beat him to the punch. "Will you not reconsider? With your power-
"Quiet, child." he slashed an arm through the air and glared her into silence. "The adults are talking." His gaze swept back to Ozpin, rooting him where he stood. "I didn't come here to dig up old memories." They came anyway, and he grimaced against them. "Summer believed in you." Her hand on his face. "Summer lived for you." Don't cry, she says. "Summer died for you." Boys don't cry. "She kept throwing herself against impossible odds until her final moment." I'm scared. her final words to him. I don't want to go. "I held her. I mourned her. I avenged her."
The memory threatened to hollow him out again. He shoved it away.
"That's enough." a shake of his head finished it. "Let it be."
Ozpin would not, blast him. "Will you not fight for the sake of your daughter?"
"My...what're you on about?" Naruto set his jaw into a mulish line. "Ruby ain't mine. She's Tai's. You know that."
"And yet she's quite possibly the fastest being on Remnant." his ally put him on a hook with but a look. "Second only to you."
She was? A trickle of alarm shot through him. That too, he stubbornly nudged away. "Eh, speed semblances are tricky. There's no way to be sure."
Ruby was Taiyang's daughter, through and through. They'd been a good friends once upon a time. Still were, despite their differences. Even now he'd gladly leap to Tai's defense if someone attacked him. There was a very real chance that Yang might not be his, but Ruby? Oh, sweet baby girl. Doubt was poison. It would destroy her. Truth or not, Tai had been a better father to her than he could've been back then. Sticking his nose in their business now would ruin their happy family life. No. He would not doubt. He refused to let it take root in his heart.
"And what of miss Xiao-Long?"
Naruto's gaze cut back to Glynda with frightful intensity, thoughts awhirl. 'And how do you know about that...?'
Outwardly, he kept it all lidded under a smile.
"What about her?" the same applied to that little spitfire. Yang was happy as she was. She didn't need him to rock the boat. "I'll fight if she comes for me and mine." he was prepared for the challenge when it came and let it wash over him like water off a duck's back. "But I'll not go picking fights where there's none to be had. And you know my opinion on Salem."
"Ah. I feared as much." Here at last, Ozpin slumped in defeat. "You still think she can be saved."
"Everyone can be saved. Even those too stubborn to take no for an answer."
The slow, satisfied sound of clapping swelled in the air. "Well said."
Damn. He really was getting soft these days.
All eyes turned to find Raven Branwen leaning against the doorway. She wore a familiar smile about her, the insufferable grin of a woman who'd just had her deepest darkest desire handed to her on a silver platter. Naruto knew her well enough to know what the smile meant. It boded poorly for Glynda and Ozpin. She continued to clap for another second or so before a pointed look got her to cease. That wasn't the end of it. She strode into the bakery with aggravating slowness, hips swaying with every step.
"How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough." her hip brushed his as she took her rightful place at his side. "I got tired of waiting." Blood red eyes flicked past him. "Didn't know the parasite came to play."
Ozpin saw his chance and cleared his throat to speak. "Raven-
She shook her head, still smiling. "Nope."
"If you would just-
She crossed her arms. "Nope."
"You know, this is very unbecoming of-
"Nopenopenopenopenope." the bandit queen talked over him and stalked forward, drawing her blade in a savage flourish. "You know what? I'm noping you right out of here."
Ozpin blinked.
...excuse me?"
"There is no excuse for you." her hand lashed out, grabbing him by the collar. "Goodbye~!"
Before anyone could hope to react to that ominous statement, she tore open a portal with the flat of her blade then shoved the startled headmaster through it. Caught unawares by the sudden strike as much as the sheer force behind it, Ozpin toppled backwards and vanished into the inky red tether with nary a sound. A muffled thud echoed from the other side as he crashed into something. Or someone. Another crash chased the first and was summarily followed by a chorus of angry shouts. Raven sheathed her blade and cut away her Semblance, silencing them entirely.
An awkward silence fell over the bakery.
Naruto pinched the brow of his nose. "Where did you send him?"
"To the tribe, where else?" her grin was infectious. "Mistral oughta keep him out of our hair for a few days."
...you do realize he's going to be quite cross with you."
"Maybe," she smacked her lips. "But I'll burn that bridge when I come to it-
"What have you done with him, Branwen?!" A sharp cry cut them off and commandeered their attention all at once. "Bring him back at once! He's needed here!"
Naruto dug a finger into his ear to rid of the ringing. Oh, right. He'd forgotten all about Ozpin's deputy. Now that the danger had passed, Glynda looked positively distraught. Almost made him pity her. Almost. A faint itch of sensation tingled at the back of his brain again. He squinted at her, trying to place her face. Had he seen her somewhere before? She really did look familiar...but from where...?
Unfortunately, Raven rose to the challenge before he could reach an epiphany. "And if I don't?"
The huntress flicked out her crop. "Then I shall make you."
"Ha! A little fight in you, eh? I like that."
Nope. Not having it! Naruto boldly shouldered his away between the blond and blackette before they could make good on their threats. One fight was more than enough today! Raven was wise enough to retreat when his shoulder checker hers. Glynda, knowing precious little of him beyond what Ozpin might have told her, held her ground like any true huntress would. He respected her for that, even if it would not change the outcome. His forehead pressed against hers and she winced not an inch.
Still, he tried to be reasonable about things. "I think that's enough, don't you agree?"
Green eyes met blue and refused to yield. "It will be enough when your friend brings the headmaster back to Vale."
"Bring him back?" Raven rolled her eyes. "Fat chance of that. I'd sooner cut off my own leg. He can catch a bullhead if he's that keen to return."
A muscle jumped in the older woman's jaw. "Impudent little...!
Raven tugged at an eye and stuck out her tongue.
Glynda tried to get around Naruto and throttle the cheeky bandit for that, only to be intercepted by a raised arm. He shook his head. She scowled at him. Quick as a flash she darted to the left and found herself blockaded yet again. Another attempt to sidestep him on the right met with similar results.
"Enough." Blue eyes hardened into chips of ice, frosty and intent. "I'm not above taking you over my knee if you keep acting like this."
Just like that, Glynda's confidence -and her smile!- died an ugly death. "You wouldn't dare. I'm a representative of Beacon!"
"And I'm old enough to be your father." A blond brow bristled with subtle menace. "Don't test me, young lady."
Raven leaned back against the counter, content to watch. "She won't. After all, she's weak-
It was the straw that broke the camel's back.
Glynda's crop lashed out with frightful speed, bringing a rush of light and her semblance. Naruto ducked under it with languid ease, stepped into her guard, and swept her legs in the same moment. Unprepared for the sudden maneuver, his fellow blond lost her footing and fell backwards. Rather than pursue, the whiskered warrior dropped down to his haunches and bent a knee to catch her. His hand found her purple cape and tugged, dragging her across his now-raised limb.
An elbow came down on her vulnerable spine and pushed down, leaving her draped across his knees like a naughty child. Her unprotected flank hung in the air. Vulnerable. Exposed.
His right arm swung back with ponderous intent. For a moment Goodwitch could've sworn his eyes absolutely glowed.
Green eyes widened in mortification, no doubt realizing what he intended. "Please, don't."
Blue orbs flashed. "Too late. You were warned."
His hand blurred down, becoming a liquid blur to the untrained eye. Glynda Goodwitch made a very unladylike sound as an open palm struck her rear. The impact caused her to jump in his lap. Her face went crimson from humiliation. She growled and renewed her struggles but his grip was firm and her snarls availed her naught.
Worse, a finger wagged at her in mild consternation. "Bad girl."
She bristled. "Did you just-?!"
His arm was already swinging back for a second slap.
"Bad Glynda!
Another smack followed.
"Bad girl!"
Another yelp.
"Bad!"
Glynda whimpered. Somewhere in the background, Raven howled with laughter. A scroll flashed. Naruto was fairly certainly it was his own; she must've pocketed it when he wasn't looking. He couldn't bring himself to try and chastise her for it. That'd make him a hypocrite. His arm swung back again in silent threat and Glynda flinched at the unspoken threat. Poor thing. She wouldn't be able to sit down properly for a week. The photos that Raven had took would prove a more dire threat, he thought.
"Now then," he granted her a cheshire grin, causing her struggles to cease entirely. "Have you learned your lesson, young lady?"
"Aw," Raven sulked. "And it was just getting good, too...
"Honestly." Naruto clicked his tongue. "Your parents should've taught you not to bite off more than you can chew; some people back up their threats, ya know."
Goodwitch went curiously still in his lap.
...wish she'd never met you...
His ear perked up.
"Pardon?"
She would say no more.
Perhaps that was the father in him; he wanted to teach Glynda a lesson, not break her. She really might well be his daughter or granddaughter for all he knew. Raven hadn't been the first lover he'd taken to bed; just the first he'd fallen in love with. These days his offspring tended to be redheads or blondes; and Glynda had already shown a very familiar temper...who knew? Regardless, he decided to let her off easy. Just this once. Blood relation or not, he rather liked her spirit.
"Well?" he held his hand high, just in case she got uppity again. "Do you give up? I can do this all day, you know...
Glynda looked fit to spit or use her Semblance on him and then some. His arm twitched-
"No!" she wailed! "No more! I concede! Will you release me now?!"
"That depends entirely on you. Are you done?"
Glynda nodded mutely in kind.
"Off you go, then."
With his point made, there was no more need to hold her captive; she didn't so much stand as she did stagger when he let her up. If looks could kill, he would've been ashes at her feet. Raven stomped a foot and dreading a one-way portal trip for herself, the deputy headmistress was quick to make her escape. Just as well, too, because that's when all hell broke loose.
"They're finally ready~!"
Nora stormed downstairs in a whirlwind of motion, all but dragging poor Deery behind her. By contrast, Vanessa emerged at a more sedate pace with a bemused Pyrrha in tow. The champion took one look at the retreating Glynda, noticed her limp, and frowned.
"Did we miss something?"
"Nope." Naruto clammed right up.
"Not all." Raven's grin was all too vicious. "Not a thing."
Naruto swung his gaze back around with a smile of his own. Well. Someone had found their armor. Vanessa looked good in it even, after all these years. All red and gold and blue with matching boots, leaving her legs and shoulders bare. Her crimson hair had been let down to spill over her shoulders, burning in the slanted sunlight like a living flame. Were her eyes burning too? Or was it just a trick of the light? Impossible, of course. All the Maidens were accounted for. He frowned at that and shook such thoughts off. She looked just as he remembered her. A warrior. A fighter. A wonder.
She caught him looking of course.
"Not bad, huh?" she hefted the golden shield bound to her back. "I've still got it."
A low whistle left him. "I'll say..."
"Yes, yes, very nice." Raven saw the look in his eyes and bridled. "Outside. Now. Time to eat dirt."
Pyrrha bridled. Her mother, however, took the insult with poise and grace. "This from the woman who's been squatting in a tent for the last decade? How quaint."
Now it was Nora's turn to whistle. "Daaaamn!"
"Alright, outside! Go find your seats!" Naruto planted a palm between her and Deery's shoulders and started guiding them toward the door before someone could say something truly foolish and start a brawl outside the ring. They went begrudgingly -and with the promise of two dozen pancakes to satiate Nora's appetite!- but went they did.
Unfortunately, that left him alone with Vanessa and Raven.
And Pyrrha, of course. One mustn't forget Pyrrha.
He flicked her an anxious look and she went to join her teammate.
Now well and truly alone, he stood his ground against them both. The silence that followed was stifling indeed.
"If you're waiting for my blessing, then you have it." Naruto flicked a hand outward when they started to talk over one another. "Try not to kill each other out there."
Raven manged to look a little chagrined about that, at least.
"Not my fault this is happening." she huffed and tore her gaze away. "Everything was fine until she showed up! I was first!"
Vanessa saw the opportunity and pounced like the champion she was. "First to run away, dear."
The bandit queen made a keening noise between her teeth. "Why you...!"
Naruto bit back a treacherous chuckle. Who would've thought it? Raven Brawnen, Bandit Queen, Spring Maiden and Terror of Mistral...could actually be quite clingy when she wanted to be. Adorable. He still wasn't used to this side of her. Just went to show that you couldn't judge a book by its cover.
"You were." he conceded with a nod. "We've been over this. You left." A look of anguish flashed over her face and he was quick to mollify it. "You came back." his words had her preening all over again. "Your position isn't being threatened here. I'm not sure why you think it is."
She scuffed a boot against the dirt.
"M'sorry...
"Honestly, if I had a lick of sense, I'd be running for the hills right now hollering at the top of my lungs. However!" he slashed a hand through the air before either could protest. "I'm taking responsibility for my actions in the past. The two of you can do the same at the very least."
Vanessa raised a vambrace-clad arm. "To be fair, I'm quite willing to share~!"
Raven absolutely roared. "Piss off, red! I told you I don't swing that way!"
Naruto pinched the brow of his nose. "Not helping, Nessie...
(.0.0.0.)
Cinder settled into the stands to wait.
Even from here, one could hear the squabbling coming from the bakery.
A small, sultry smile played at the corner of her mouth. Her eyes flashed. "How very quaint...
Pyrrha was the Invincible Girl.
It was a title she'd both carried and cursed in equal measure; a looming shadow that seemed to stalk her wherever she went. She was Mistral's champion, the apple of their eye. She'd come to Vale to escape that. For the most part succeeded. She had a team now. Friends. Family. She'd reconnected with a father who loved her dearly. Mother was over the moon with joy.
Life was good.
But here, now, in this moment? She felt that specter looming over her again.
More than a few patrons had come out to see
She'd seldom seen her mother in full kit before. Not like this. Vanessa had armed herself to the teeth.
Wearing a golden circlet round her head, Vanessa strode down into the ring, hefted her swirled shield, and drew her sword. She took a stance that her daughter remembered all too well. Pyrrha couldn't help but notice the golden cord looped low near her blue combat skirt. Three then. She'd A sword. A shield. And her lasso. brought her entire arsenal with her. None of her weapons were a mechashift. Mother never used one. She had no need of them, nor did she name her weapons. There was no need.
After all Mother -Vanessa!- held a title of her own, a name some still whispered to this day.
For what came after a girl, but a woman? Who could be better than an Invincible Girl? Her mother had been a woman of wonder to be sure, but in the fighting circuit that phrase had taken on a life of its own. The people of Mistral longed for a name that rolled off the tongue, and so they'd devised one of their own for Vanessa Nikos.
They'd called her Wonder Woman for her feats; because Mother had never lost a fight even after her retirement. She was truly invincible.
Mother raised her sword into the air. The crowd ate it up. Someone started stomping. She didn't know who. Within moments, the bleachers were shaking. Few knew Raven Branwen, but Vanessa Nikos? She was a bloody legend. A hue and cry went up, buzzing in her ears like a storm of angry rapier wasps. It didn't take long for the chanting to start.
"Nikos! Nikos! Nikos!"
"G-Go, Raven!"
Pyrrha's head snapped toward the sound. It was that faunus girl, even now ducking her head at being found out. She vaguely remember her. This one worked at the bakery. Well, at least someone was cheering for Raven and surely that was better than nothing...
"Ha!" a familiar crowed over it all. "I heard that! Good on you, brat!"
For her part Raven Branwen cared not a fiddle nor a fig for the crowd's fickle attention; rather than sulk, she slammed a one-finger salute at the lot of them. She only had her eyes for her prey. No more. No less. Her eyes seemed to shimmer in the afternoon light, almost as if they were lit from within. She'd not seen her duel before, but she seemed the sort to fight dirty. The type of woman who would do anything to win. And there was an anger burning in those blood red orbs, one Pyrrha knew all too well. Raven had a grudge to settle, and wouldn't be satisfied until her debt was paid in blood.
'Go, mom!' Pyrrha willed the word at her mother in a rare moment of anger. 'Kick her ass!'
"You, ah, alright there, Pyrrha?"
She shrugged a stiff shoulder in Jaune's direction, unwilling to look away from the spectacle below. Team JNPR was with her of course. She loved them for that. But she didn't want to be distracted right now. Not when the bout might begin at any moment. She had to focus. She mustn't be distracted.
"So," his voice ventured warily again, "Are we still on for training this evening or...?"
His leg bumped up against hers. Just a little. Just a touch. It was enough. A bit of heat rushed to Pyrrha's cheeks and crept down the back of her neck. She caught him staring out of the corner of her eye. Training. Ahem. Yes. Right. That was what they would be doing tonight. Nothing else, certainly! Nothing untoward. Nothing that would have Daddy hunting Jaune through the halls of Beacon with a dust shotgun. Nonono! Not at all!
Anyone who said otherwise was a liar and a cheat.
Really, it was all her fault. She'd been so delirious with joy after finding Father on that fateful day that, well...she hadn't been able to help herself. She slipped and said something she shouldn't have; which in turn caused Nora to cry foul. She'd locked the two of them in a closet and not let them out until they'd settled things. It was the most awkward hour of her life, but in that at least, it had proven a fruitful one. Daddy mustn't find out about this. He struck her as the protective sort.
Instead she flashed her paramour a winning smile. "That sounds grand."
His hand tentatively touched hers. Pyrrha squeaked and dared to thread her fingers through his.
"My, my, handholding!" Nora leaned over her shoulder, crooning into one hand like an old woman. "How bold~!"
They jerked apart, faces flaming.
Team RWBY and Yang -who might very well be her half sister!- could be conflicted over Raven all they liked. That was a can of worms they'd all have to open sooner or later. But for now? This? This was hers. And if Nora was cackling...well. Pyrrha pretended not to notice. She steadfastly ignored Ren's subtle smile. Traitors. The both of them. Maybe she should lock the two of them in a closet until they sorted out their issues. See how they bloody well liked it!
Below the bleachers, Naruto stepped into the arena and placed himself between the two huntresses. An arm rose.
"Alright! I know better than to have you fight to first blood. Neither of you will be satisfied that way." At their shared nod, he barreled onward. "Conversely, you've both got aura for days. We'll be here all day if it comes to that. So you'll fight until ring out or yield. That good?"
Raven cocked her head, ebony tresses falling over one eye. "Works for me. I'll have her begging for mercy."
He patted her once on the cheek for that remark. "Say that after you win, hotshot."
She glared bloody red daggers at him. "I will. Just watch me."
Vanessa flourished her blade. "Well said. Shall we begin?"
A beat of dreadful silence filled the arena.
Naruto's arm slashed down.
Someone moved.
Omen carved a crimson swathe through the air, seeking Vanessa's head in a vicious stroke. Rather than evade like any sane huntress would, the champion stood her ground and brought her shield to bear with a grin. Raven's blade struck it with a sonorous clang and bounced back as if repelled by a physical blow. Her arms were forced high, and her blade flew from her hands as her feet lifted briefly -almost imperceptibly- from the dirt floor. Pyrrha saw the opening and knew what was to come.
Mother was merciless.
A quick step brought Vanessa well within the woman's guard. Her shield flicked out again and cracked the Branwen woman across the jaw in rapid succession. Once, twice, thrice. That should've been the end of it. Raven was stunned and utterly unprepared for a fourth blow. Surely she'd go flying out of bounds...?
She did not; an armored hand arrowed out and caught the shield to stop her cold. Angry red eyes peered over it, narrow and intent.
"First blood to you." Raven commended her with an eerily calm voice. "My turn now."
Her head jerked forward, slamming into Vanessa's nose. The champion reeled back with a cry, narrowly warding the follow through with her blade. Raven let her retreat. She could have pursued her; could've pressed after her, attacking all the while. Instead she knelt to retrieve her blade and brandished it once more, arm across an elbow. Vanessa climbed back to her feet, wiping a thin line of blood from her nose. She took her stance once more, an unmovable shield wall in the face of the coming storm.
Raven scowled at the sight and surge in, sword trailing across the ground. Sparks skittered from its naked edge.
"You think you know how to fight. You don't." when Vanessa's shield blurred in again she slapped it away with a crackle of Aura, uncaring of the damage she sustained. "You were probably taught by the finest instructors, yet you know nothing." their blades crashed together with an awful shriek of metal. "You were taught to stand, to duel with dignity. Bah! Honorable little champion!" A sonorous clang went up as they clashed again, and many covered their ears against it. "Have you ever fought in the wilderness before?"
Raven's blade flicked out, carving an angry red line across Vanessa's cheek. They locked weapons, straining against one another.
"I care nothing for foolish honor." Raven spat in her face, startling the redhead and opening her up for a brutal knee to the ribs. "I cut my teeth on Grimm and huntsmen alike." a blind jab followed and was summarily, transitioning then into a parry that left the latter on the back foot. A rousing roundhouse kept her there. Pyrrha felt sick to her stomach at the sight.
Down below, unseen to others, gentle green eyes flashed with a rare anger.
"Enough!"
Vanessa's fist slammed through Raven's blade and found chin, snapping the younger woman's head back in a sudden spray of blood and shattered steel. Pyrrha felt a little thrill shoot through her at the sight. Her mother raced in, ramming a shoulder into her foe's collarbone to knock her off balance. What followed was a beating, left, right and center. Body check. Ram the hilt of her blade into Raven's throat. An angry gurgle greeted her as she tried to fight back. Too slow. Grab her head, slam it down into a knee.
Throaty laughter greeted her.
In spite of her wounds, Raven calmly pressed a hand between Vanessa's breasts and pushed. Wind howled, breaking the redhead's combo to hurl her away like a straw doll in a storm. It was only a momentary escape, but it gave the red-eyed warrior time to slam her hilt into its sheathe and draw a fresh blade from within. Pyrrha grimaced at the sight. Just how many of those did she have?
Vanessa must've thought the same; because she hesitated. It gave Raven a chance to retaliate.
Their weapons clashed anew, Vanessa's longsword slid down the length of Raven's katana, spitting yet more sparks. Raven swayed aside, uncaring as it opened an angry red cut just below her right eye. Braving her blade with both hands she cut down, forcing her foe to bring her shield to bear once more or risk losing an inordinate amount of aura. This time, she was ready for the counter that followed.
Branwen leaped away, grinning like a madwoman.
"Not bad."
Tanking the strike on one knee, she chambered a kick and launched her away, sending her shield whirring after her. Branwen skidded back yet again, digging a deep furrow in the yard. Her eyes snapped up.
"Wait. I've seen that style." Raven had a second to realize -recognize!- the legend she was fighting. "I thought it seemed familiar."
Vanessa staggered upright and stabbed her sword into the ground. From there she slung her shield onto her shoulders and took another stance, arms crossed in a familiar x-shaped formation.
Raven groaned. "Aw, fuck me."
Her foe smiled cheerily. "We'll save that for later, dear."
With a cry straight out of a hero's story Vanessa Nikos reared back and smashed her golden vambraces together. Pyrrha recognized her mother's Semblance with a wince. It was a simple one. The more she hit someone, the stronger she grew. Raven had no such luxury. The sheer shockwave that followed ripped the swordswoman from her feet entirely and catapulted her into the air. The world held its breath, certain of a Nikos victory once and for all.
Yet again, Raven saved herself from an ignoble ring-out.
"Oh, screw this!"
Just in time, a pulse of flame hissed through the air and caught her at the ring's edge. Incredibly, Raven stayed there for a moment, hanging aloft like some fallen angel, dark hair swaying about her like a black cloud. Red eyes burned with living fire, hot and angry as she held herself aloft, fire flicking at her feet. Her right hand rose, sparks crackling within.
"You're toying with forces you don't understand, Nikos." she held her palm forth, ready to strike. "This farce is over. Give up!"
Higher up in the stands, no one heard Cinder Fall gasp.
"Oh?" Vanessa craned her neck and looked up, green eyes gone cold. "You can do that too, can you? Fascinating. I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one." As everyone looked on, her long lashes fluttered in a slow blink and briefly drifted shut. "You're right. Maybe I should take this seriously."
Raven frowned in stoic silence. "What're you on about...
When next Vanessa Nikos opened her eyes, her gaze shimmered with green fire. Furious flame, held within her sight.
...oh." the Spring Maiden balked, anger draining away into a new, foreign emotion. "Well. I didn't expect that...
Neither did Pyrrha! The younger redhead balked. That wasn't Mothers semblance...!
Cinder nearly keeled over on the spot.
Vanessa took her stance, and a pulse of white fire raced up her blade to the hilt. Another shimmered across her shield, sheathing it in holy splendor. Pyrrha saw it. The spectators saw it. Everyone did. A confused murmur passed through the crowd. Raven's confused scowl became something far deadlier; a slow, satisfied smile spread across her face. Vanessa mirrored it with one of her own. There was no fear to be found her in their shared gaze. Only breathless anticipation. Naruto saw those blazing orbs and swore softly.
Raven shot down with a pulse of fire, howling for vengeance.
Vanessa leaped up to meet her with cry of her own.
And the battle was joined anew.
A/N: Spring? Meet Summer.
Now, I'm sure you're very confused. Worry not! Next chapter will have the answers you seek. And the brawl continues next chapter. Didn't think I'd leave it there, did you?
Damnit, I'm falling behind on my update schedule. Being sick doesn't help, and I think I'm losin' my mind. Such as it is.
Writing while ill is nooooooot fun.
One would think isolation would help with that; on the contrary, its only made things worse. My body wants to rest despite my best efforts, and its hard to muster up any energy. Bloody maddening, this. Still, I'm trying to push my way through, come hell or high water. Must not give up! Must...persevere...!
As ever, reviews are my lifeblood. Without them, I cannot write.
So In the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Revieeeeew, Would You Kindly?
They keeps an old man alive.
And enjoy the previews.
As ever:
SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!
PLOT DETAILS AHOY!
YE BE WARNED!
Get ready to smile~!
Obvious references are obvious~!
(POTENTIAL! Previews! What can I say? I've been busy.
"WE HAVE A WINNER!"
"So you want to date my daughter, do you?"
Jaune quivered beneath Naruto's stare.
"Um, yes...sir?"
"I understood you knew my mother."
Naruto spat out his coffee. "Fuck's sake, Winter...
...you're not going to let go of me, are you?"
"Don't wanna." Sapphire yawned against his shoulders. "Sleepy...
"Nope!" Ruby laughed. "Nah, that's silly. There's just no way mom would...
The silence was her answer.
"D-Dad?"
Salem was no fool.
Some might say Vale was ripe for the picking. Cinder certainly thought so. She knew better. Just as she knew not to stick her nose where it didn't belong. Not while that fool was prancing about. Blast it. And here she'd thought he finally vanished off the face of Remnant. Fate it seemed, was unkind.
And so she would stay away. Lest that fool infect her with his madness as well.
But that didn't mean she wouldn't watch the madness. No, no, no!
This chaos had proven terribly entertaining...
Cinder glared golden daggers at the letter. Within lay but three lines of dialogue:
Dearest Cinder Fall,
I fucking quit.
~Taurus.
The letter turned to ash in her grasp. "ADAM!"
R&R~!