A/N: Here we go. Another double update.
Needed to write something nice and sappy after that Boys finale.
Also took some time away to rethink this story's direction, among others.
Of course, it helps that Ice Queendom is out -first three episodes at least- and daaaamn is the music a banger.
Capabilities Unseen is my new favorite jam.
As ever, the Embers rule remains. If folks don't like this story? Poof! Gone! It...well, it won't be continued. That's no joke, folks. I'm so busy these days; basically, I don't have time off. Not anymore. My free time is limited and as such, I can't afford to focus on something folks don't like. Reviews keep me writing in these times, and keep the daily updates flowing. Silence...silence only hurts. I hate having to beg for feedback, but without it...well, it feels like I'm not making an impact.
Q: Is the Maiden power still split between Winter and Penny?
A: Yes. It opens up all manner of possibilities..
Q: Update schedule?
A: Lots of RWBY and Genshin coming in. I'm aiming for a different category every day.
Q: Hey! This iteration of Naruto reminds me of Soldier Boy from the Boys TV show! Well, minus the drugs, less of a dick...
Think about it, they were both at the top of their game before shite went sideways for em'; both put on ice for ages -literally in Naruto's case!- and each woke up to find their word radically changed, struggling to adjust in the aftermath. Hell, you said Naruto's blood can temporarily disable semblances, while Soldier Boy's beam nullifies Superpowers! Brilliant!
A: Huh. Fair point. Although to to be fair, the TV iteration of Soldier Boy didn't exist when I first published this story...but he does now!
That said, Jensen Ackles is one helluva an actor. Last time I saw him was in Supernatural. Guy's come a long way.
But that finale in the Boy's...ugh, it just rubbed me the wrong way...
Q: Wasn't Naruto a little harsh on Jaune?
A: This chapter gets more into that.
It is precisely because he understands his pain that he acted the way he did. When you're in the military and you screw up, people die. Lives were lost because of Jaune. No amount of sympathy can bring them back.
Q: More Winter! I mean for crying out loud, she's pregnant, not dead. Give the girl more screen time!
A: That was always the intent. Showing her last chapter would have defeated the purpose.
Q: Is Kurama dormant/being revived? What's going to stop Naruto from losing his shit if he can't bring his buddy back?
A: Good question. He's been working to keep Ironwood sane all this time, but rip away his support network and things can go south very fast. Thankfully he's got Penny and Ciel to support him, not to mention Winter, who we'll see more of shortly.
Speaking of which, in case I didn't already mention it, the poll was closed awhile ago, and a name for the kiddo chosen.
Wendy Uzumaki Schnee will be the little one's name when she comes around.
Pity the fool that tries to tease her. PITY them, I say~!
Q: Oi! Who's the mystery girl that Jaune saw. It can't possibly be...can it...?
A: *zips lips*
Alright, I've kept you waiting long enough.
As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes!
Now, then. Are you ready? Yes? No? Maybe so? Because! Here. We. Go.
"I fear few things, but fatherhood? That scares me."
~Far From Home.
I Want One (Interlude)
"You want me to meet your mom?!"
To say Winter appeared tired was an understatement; Naruto found the poor woman looked absolutely haggard. She was showing far sooner than she should, her belly rounded around her child. Propped up in bed by a great many pillow, she seemed a sore sight worse than she'd been only a few days before; that her hair lay freed from its severe bun only added to her already disheveled appearance. That alone worried him more than he cared to admit. If she was in any sort of pain, she wasn't saying anything. She'd never been the sort to whine or complain.
Even now, made comfortable and clad in little more than a loose robe, she seemed on edge.
Still, like any good Specialist she pinched the bridge of her nose and soldiered on.
"...yes, my mother wishes to speak with you."
Felt like they had to drag the words out of her, you know? Almost made him feel bad for her-no, he did, but he wasn't sure how visiting Willow Schnee would do anything but exacerbate the situation...and her condition. If she was going to give birth soon -and she shouldn't, because it was too damn early- he didn't much like the idea of moving her.
Still, if she was that keen on it...
Penny and Steel seemed all for the idea, the former most especially, judging by the way she squirmed in place. "Friend Winter, may I...?"
Winter glared pale daggers his way. Naruto coughed into a fist and pointedly refused to speak on the matter.
Finally, she rolled her eyes. "You two won't let this drop, will you?"
The sisters leaned in, eyes all but gleaming with glee.
Winter huffed and leaned back. "Be gentle."
Penny blurred. One moment she stood before her, knees twisting from side to side with anticipation. In the next she was on her knees before her, one ear pressed to the Schnee's exposed belly. Merry green eyes crinkled in a heartwarming smile as she ran a hand over the sizable bump. Her gloved fingers traced that tiny new life with infinite care. It felt strangely...intimate, at least to him.
It had only been a few weeks since the madness of Robin's election, and things had quieted down...for now.
He knew it wouldn't stay that way. Their enemies were massing against them. Another strike would come soon. He was sure of it.
Conflict was inevitable. He almost wished it weren't.
Only a matter of time, really. Tyrian in captivity, the Relics of Knowledge and Creation within their grasp, to say nothing of Winter and Penny's status as Maidens. Salem's forces had no choice but to take the fight to them, by whatever means they deemed fit. Next time they wouldn't be so sublte. They might even strike at Team RWBY or JNPR to bait them out. Jaune was already compromised thanks to that mysterious redhead. Whether she was a ghost, an illusion, or something else, it didn't matter. While he understood Jaune's feelings, really, he did, they just couldn't risk sending him out there.
Jaune would understand. The past was painful. It came back to bite you often; would consume you, if you let it.
In the end you had to fight it off and look to the future. That was the only way to survive.
The past may shape you, but it doesn't define you.
"Hello, little Wendy!" Penny cooed at Winter's belly, snapping him back to reality. "It is so nice to meet you-oh!" With a yelp, she jerked back thrice as fast. "She kicked!" a burning green orb met his, her Maiden powers flaring in her excitement. "I felt her kick! I'm sure of it!"
One of Winter's eyes blazed blue. "Yes, she's rather active. Almost frightfully so...
"I want to hear!" Steel bulled in beside Penny, eager to have a listen of her. Her sibling made way for her as she all but pressed her face against Winter's stomach. "Did she really-ah!" she recoiled with a giddy squeal that made his heart clench. "I felt that one!"
Penny looked to Winter. Back to Steel, even now fussing over the unborn Wendy. Finally, her gaze found him.
Naruto knew that look and subsequently stiffened. His hands rose to ward her off. "Penny, no."
Soulful green eyes met his, all but shining with warmth. "But...I want one."
Four little words. A simple, singular statement. And awaaaay went his imagination. Huh. A kid between the two of them would look rather nice, actually. Maybe a boy...? Of course, he wouldn't say no to a girl; she'd likely have red hair between the two of them. What color would their eyes be? Blue? Green? Some beautiful blend of the two.
Something pricked him. Heat seared the back of Naruto's neck. "Oi!"
Penny clasped both hands before her, begging like the child she wasn't. "Pleeeaaase?"
"Now ain't the time!" he whirled away to hide his blush. "Try being an aunt for a little while first. Then we'll see how things go."
Her face closed down. But only for a moment. "That wasn't a no."
Steel tentatively raised her right hand.
Naruto sighed. "Same for you!"
"Booo...
"I must admit," Winter hauled herself upright, "I find myself somewhat concerned." when his eyes sought hers, she winced. "It hasn't been that long, but she's growing...quickly. Too quickly." she touched a trembling hand against her distended stomach, as though to protect it from all the horrors of the world without and within. "She shouldn't be this far along," her brow knit with worry, "But I can feel her kick at least once a day now, if not more."
An expert on infants Naruto most assuredly was not. It hadn't even been six months yet.
...does that mean she'll be born soon?
Winter blanched. "Gods, I hope not! I've not had the chance to prepare, to pick out clothes, to do anything really...
Right, because he could just imagine Winter picking out baby clothes. Wouldn't that be a hoot? His mind took it further, imagining a tiny girl with white hair cradled securely against her breast. He could see it now. Brilliant white hair, bright blue eyes, and whiskered cheeks...
"Stop that!" His grin must've shown through; because Winter reached for one of her many pillows and hefted it with intent. "Cease your daydreaming or so help me I will thump you."
The temptation was too great to ignore. "Pretty sure thumping is what got us into this mess."
Winter's face turned a love shade of red. For once, she didn't growl. She squeaked and dipped her head to hide from him. Too cute. Naruto couldn't resist. He stepped in, cupped her face, and pressed his lips to hers. She melted into him for a moment, then drew away.
"Let's go now, then."
Winter whimpered. "Naruto, no!"
No way was he letting her squirm away. "Naruto, yes!"
"No, you misunderstand! We're not going to her, I asked her to-
The door clicked open behind them. Naruto felt a presence glaring a hole between his shoulders.
"Ah." an unfamiliar voice crooned. "You're early. good."
He heard heels click against the floor as she approached. Penny and Steel paid precious little heed.
"So nice of you to meet with me." Willow Schnee took a seat beside him. "I understand you knocked up my daughter. Please, explain yourself...
A/N: Aaaaand scene. A bit of sappy, silly, heartwarming goodness in these crazy times.
As ever, the Embers rule remains. If folks don't like this story? Poof! Gone! It won't be continued! That's no joke, folks. I'm so busy these days with virtually no days off. That makes my free time terribly limited and as such, I can't afford to focus on something folks don't like.
Reviews are my fuel. I can't write without them~! Not a wit or a word!
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review, Would You Kindly?
And enjoy the previews!
And as ever:
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
SPOILERS AHEAD!
BEWARE~!
(Previews!)
Ruby was waiting in the hall. "Can we...talk?"
The mask shattered.
"You won't take them. You won't hurt them. You won't touch a single hair on their heads."
"A bold statement. lets see you back it up."
...ya shouldn'ta said that."
"You think you're strong?" he chuckled and shook his head, blond bangs swaying from side to side. "Girl, you're wearing all black." a seamless parry shattered her blade on his nanite-hardened forearm, to which he swept in and blasted the breath from her lungs. "You've got an eyepatch for crying out loud." a casual toss launched her away. "You're just a cheap knockoff of a real Maiden."
"No! Her golden eye blazed with hateful fire as she climbed to her feet. "No, no, no...I'm the upgrade!"
"You want an upgrade? I'll show you one. Steel. Release restraint level."
She cocked her head. "Which level would that be?"
His smile was all teeth.
"ZERO."
R&R~!