A/N: Here we go.
Still...not altogether there with my dog gone, and this is shorter than I'd like, but its better than nothing.
As ever, the Embers rule Remains; sad as that may sound, its the truth. If folks don't like this story...well, it won't be continued. Most likely, I'll delete it if it comes to that. I haven't the time to write something folks don't like. Two jobs keep me terribly busy as such that I have barely any time to write.
No days off for awhile, either. I really can't write without feedback, sad as it sounds. Sorry to bother you...T_T
Now for your questions, comments, and concerns.
Q: Where the hell is your Take the Girl update?!
A: Not bloody ready, that's where it is. Right now my muse wants to write Elden Ring. I'm trying to keep it under control but its haaard. I've been updating those stories WEEKLY and I never do that for anything these days! Most stories get monthly updates, and if they're delayed, it usually means a longer chapter is in the words.
Whereas both my Elden Ring stories were updated THREE TIMES-including the first chapter-this month! Must! Resist! Elden! Riiiiiing!
Not to mention I've gotten addicted to helping people in the game's Multiplayer.
But since you're curious, I'll go out of my way to list what I'm working on right now: Archon, Enemy, What Could Have Been, Bones, Eternity, Practice, Untraveled Road and the like. Set Your Heart Ablaze, as well. If I'm able to update EVERY DAY like I want to, it should be fine. It helps that several of my RWBY stories are ending soon, but with losing my dog only a few days ago-and Easter-my usual update schedule got blown clear out of the water.
Q: You're going to include HER aren't you. Now that we know her past...
A: *zips lips*
Q: Can we get more of a Sasuke focus in this chapter?
A: He'll have more screen time, don't you wory.
Q: Any chance Naruto and Sasuke could get Ozpin and Salem to...you know, mellow out?
A: Something to keep in mind, Ozpin and Salem are still actively pursuing their goals at this time; but int he same vein, they're also distracted by the madness of Naruto and Sasuke. Two grown men reborn as kids, and not liking it one bit. If you thought things were crazy before...well. You ain't seen nothing yet.
Alright, I've kept you long enough.
As ever, I own no references, themes, or memes.
And with that said...heeeeere we go! Hope this makes you smile.
Because ready or not, here SHE comes!
"I'm telling you, that boy smarter than he looks. He's up to something.
Nonsense, he's just a child. Let him be.
*whistles innocently*
~?
Growing Pains
Being a kid again suuuucked.
It really did. No matter what anyone might say.
Seriously, Naruto was ready to fight anyone who dared disagree.
Most might be grateful for a chance to live a second life, to continue, rather than go on into the herafter -and really, he was!- but if things continued apace like this, he was going to lose his mind. Maybe he already had? Honestly if he'd come back without his memories or powers it might've been better in the short run. At least then he wouldn't have to knowingly suffer through the hell of diapers and baby formula again. That was not a fond memory-at all! He'd sooner die for real than deal with that a third time!
To go from his physical peak to that of an infant...well, it had taken some getting used to. Five years. Five god awful years.
Even with all his skill and chakra intact, the fact remained that a newborn's body just wasn't made for fighting. He'd had to train mercilessly just to get where he was now-start from the bottom rung and work his way back up to the top, just to make sure an ill-timed leap wouldn't snap him in half.
He couldn't even train properly with anyone yet; Ruby was much too little, and Yang was...well, Yang. She had spirit, but he was terrified of breaking her.
At least now with his Aura finally unlocked he had some modicum of control over his own muscles again; freedom, enough to properly defend himself when need be. Useful enough to be sure, but he still wasn't anywhere near his physical prime. In the same vein he couldn't throw himself wholeheartedly into his regimen without arousing further suspicion. Everyone they expected him to act like a child. Which he was at the moment, but it still bugged him. Aaargh!
"Is something wrong, dear?"
Naruto looked up, idly remember where he was; rather, whose hand he was holding.
"M'fine." he looked down, cheeks burning as he led Glynda lead him along. "Don't worry about it, mom. Where are we going? We've been walking forever."
Her lips quirked a little in the corner of his eye, a sure sign she was up to something. "It's a surprise. I'm sure you'll enjoy this."
Ahhh, so he was being dropped off somewhere. "You and dad want some alone time tonight, don'tcha?"
She sputtered. "Naruto!"
He laughed and let her lead him along, ignoring the chewing out she gave him. He wasn't used to so much...attention. Growing up with actual parents was strange; if only because he didn't know how to respond to all this undiluted love and affection. He'd taken to teasing a a coping mechanism at first, only to realize he enjoyed it. Ozpin and Glynda were great, really they were. He didn't want for anything, but still, it was just so much fun to needle them, and everyone, really.
Abruptly, he realized where they were; rather, whose door Glynda -Mom!- was even now opening.
Dread dawned. "What I have done to deserve this?"
"Aren't you excited?" she ushered him across the threshold, heedless of his chagrin. "Its your first sleepover. Yang's been asking for weeks."
Naruto's head whipped in her direction. "I will remember this treachery."
He heard a familiar shout not a moment later followed by footsteps pelting down the stairs. Points for reaction time; even as a child, Yang was a quick little devil. Naruto knew he could have escaped. But that would mean hurting her feelings. He didn't have the heart for that. And so he stood his ground as his doom came upon him. His fellow blond didn't so much leap from the sofa as she did vault it; physically lunging over the barrier to get at him. Five years old, and she still hit him like a meteor.
"You're back!
She practically tackled him; a blond meteor struck him head on and sent him sprawling.
"Owww..." Naruto groaned at the ceiling. "Nice to see you again, Yang."
If Sasuke wasn't suffering like this, he'd eat his boot!
(.0.0.0.)
"What strange eyes you have, my son."
Sasuke strangled a sigh in his throat as Salem -Mother!- took his chin between her fingers and tilted his head. Left. Right. And left yet again. The motion was firm-yet-gentle, blood red eyes boring into his with intent. He schooled his face into a mask of quiet indifference, letting her regard him intently, turning him side to side like some prize stallion. She wasn't even being cruel about it; rather, her inspection was born more from concern than curiosity. He'd screwed up. Really, it was his own fault; he should've known better than to train out in the open like that.
She'd noticed his Sharingan, blast her.
Should he put her in a genjutsu? Would that even work?
No, he decided. Best not to risk it. He'd blow his cover wide open.
"The tests are fine." Uncle Watts looked up from his lab work. "He's the picture of health."
Sasuke hid a grim smile behind that blank facade. You have no idea.
"Good." Salem bid him a nod. "Check again to be sure."
Naturally he knew nothing was wrong. Outwardly however, he feigned distress. Let her think him the frightened child in this. "I didn't ask for these eyes."
"No." The sympathy in her own was almost painful to behold. "We do not ask for greatness...nor the curses thrust upon us." she knelt suddenly, pulling him into a brisk embrace. "Nevertheless, it would behoove you to try and learn your limits."
Even though he already knew them?
"But enough of work and worries for now." she drew herself up with a smile, one that instantly set his nerves on edge. "I've brought you a gift."
Sasuke's brow drew down. Salem's gifts were ever a tossup. Sometimes they were good, at other times they were...odd. Not quite Tyrian-levels-of-odd, but strange still. Almost as if she'd been a mother long ago, and yet forgotten what it felt like. He'd give her credit for trying if nothing else.
"Not another Grimm, I hope...?"
"Come now," she tutted. "I thought you enjoyed your pet Nevermore."
"I do." he grimaced. "Less so the fact that she repeats everything I say.
"Perhaps I made Ebony a bit too clever then.
"You think?"
"Worry not. This one isn't a Grimm." her smile was telling. "You mentioned you were lonely last week, no?"
Had he said that? He didn't remember. "Yes...?"
"Which is why I've brought you a playmate."
Yup! Bad gift!
Craning her neck, Salem spared a long lingering look to the great door behind her. "Tyrian. Bring the girl in."
Right on cure, The doors swept open and his Faunus uncle sauntered in, ushering a young girl before him with both hands. Frightened golden eyes met his, framed by a messy tangle of dark hair. Clad in little more than dirty rags, she looked like she'd been plucked straight off the street...or worse.
"This is Cinder." Salem swept an arm before her, drawing a flinch from her ward. "She's a bit older than you, but age is just a number after all." he bewitching gaze settled upon her. "Say hello, Cinder."
The girl flinched and bowed stiffly. "Hello...
"What's this?" Salem scowled. "Where's that fire I saw in you, girl? I didn't pluck you out of that orphanage for your meekness. Would you rather I return you?"
"No! Life flared in those dull eyes. "I'll be good!"
"Better." Salem conceded, patting her head. "This is my son, Sasuke." a nudge steered her his way. "You will be his second. Serve him in all things, and I will make you strong."
Sasuke sighed. "I think you misunderstand what a playmate is...
"What was that, dear son of mine?
"Nothing, mother...
Right, he should probably say...something to the new girl.
Offering her a rueful smile, he extended his hand.
"Welcome to the madhouse."
A/N: Not my best work, but as stated, I'm not feeling well and not in my right mind at the moment.
What say you? Did you enjoy it? By all means, let me know~!
As ever, the Embers rule Remains; sad as that may sound, its the truth. If folks don't like this story...well, it won't be continued. Most likely, I'll delete it and consign it to the void it comes to that. I haven't the time to write something folks don't like. Two jobs keep me terribly busy as such that I have barely any time to write.
So...in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review...Would You Kindly!
And as ever, Le warning!
SPOILER! SPOILER! SPOILER!
PLOT DETAILS AHOY!
YE BE WARNED!
Granted, some are pretty far in the future, but still.
Next time: Don't Say a Word.
So here be your previews.
(PREVIEWS)
Naruto belted out a laugh.
"Never change, Ruby."
"Speak, blast you! You're not mute!"
His gaze zeroed in on her. No. Surely not.
He looked on aghast, as her father's hand rose and-
CRACK!
Naruto shot off like a bow loosed from an arrow.
"Oi! Stop hitting her, you bastard! I'll tear your arm off!"
Trivia Vanille. In another life, she would've been known as Neo.
He had no idea whom he'd just befriended...nor what he'd just gone and changed.
...and that, my boy," Arthur preened. "Is how you topple a kingdom. Any questions?"
Sasuke frowned, considering. At length he raised a hand. "What if I want to rule said kingdom."
"Ah! Taking after your mother, are we?" Watts warmed to the challenge. "Well, first you start with hearts and minds...
His son could fight!
It came as something of a shock to Ozpin; moreso the fist in his gut, the clenched knuckles currently grinding against his ribs. He doubled over with a cough, spittle flying from his lips.
The seven year old beamed up at him, tugging up his blindfold. "How's this? Is that better?"
...you've been practicing with your mother, haven't you?"
"Maaaaaaybe."
Salem pinched the bridge of her nose as she regarded the blasted plain before her.
Only an hour ago it had hosted a great many spawning pools, each home to a host of Grimm. Now it was a charred wasteland.
"I want to train," her son had said. "I'm working on a new spell," he'd said."
What manner of magic involves calling a beast of lightning down from the clouds to smite her pets?!
"Why do you do this to me, my son?" she addressed the sullen youth before. "Is it too much to ask for a little loyalty among family? You would to well to learn a thing or two from Tyrian."
Sometime she wondered how she'd given birth to such a powerful boy. But she'd had carried him in her womb nonetheless, and he looked...passably like his sire.
Sasuke smiled softly, that same secretive smile that always baffled her. "Sorry, mother."
He wasn't, the cheeky prat. Not in the least. No matter. Ozpin wouldn't stand a chance once he came of age.
How little she knew.
Two old friends reborn int his world, two stubborn souls determined to make peace.
One way or another."
STAY TUNED! R&R! =D