Well, everyone seemed to like this concept from my Drabbles, so let's give this a shot.
I do appreciate that support, so let's get a first chapter shall we?
The night's air was frigid as the sea breeze chilled all on the deck to the bone. The temperature was rapidly dropping as they sailed to their destination…
The coldest continent of the world, Solitas.
A pitiful sigh escaped as deep azure, almost violet eyes fluttered at the shattered moon, brilliant red hair flickering in the wind. Fourteen years… It would be fifteen in a few months. It had been that long since she arrived here with her baby boy cradled in her arms…
On death's door.
Gazing up into the mood, her eyes shimmered.
She should have died…
Her husband attempted to fight off that Masked Man who grabbed her baby boy right after she had given birth. He had snatched him back, but she was taken instead… He attempted to rip the Nine-Tailed Fox from her body. That was his goal all along, and her baby boy was but a distraction.
Yet the fox was cunning.
He didn't want to escape to fall into someone else's hands… So he separated his chakra in half and left a part of himself inside her unbeknownst to the Masked Man…
And then the fox kept her alive after the incident.
She didn't understand what had happened, but he attempted one last time to claim the fox as Minato used the Reaper Seal. Her memory was foggy, and all she could remember was a bright light…
And she was lying in the middle of a cold, concrete street with her baby boy in her hands under this shattered moon.
And for some reason…
A thick, crimson appendage with a white furry tip swished in annoyance behind her. They had become this? Something she learned from the people of this world to be called a Faunus… A race that was actively discriminated against, making adjusting to life here a living nightmare.
Could always be worse, maggot.
Shut it, Kurama. Don't wanna hear from ya. Kushina scowled and squinched at hearing the fox's voice echoing in her mind, only for it to sneer back.
Do not speak to me like we're friends, woman. Only HE may call me by name.
Agitated, her tail fervently swished behind her, and she furrowed her brow. You contacted me, so don't expect a warm response…
I only did it to snap you out of your pathetic little pity party. MY BOY is here.
"Mom, you okay?" Her baby boy's voice resonated behind her. "Don't we have a long day tomorrow? Shouldn't you be getting some sleep too?"
Whirling around from the railing, Kushina's eyes fell onto her orange-cladded boy, a color he chose to represent he was their child, worriedly tilting his head at her. His little fox ears curled on his spiky mane of blonde locks, further expressing his concern. At least he inherited his father's good looks…
"I'll be there in a minute, Naruto." Kushina faintly smiled at her handsome young man before closing her eyes. "Was just reminiscing… We're coming up on fifteen years now…"
Naruto's expression soured into a scowl, and Kushina sighed. It wasn't a surprise he didn't like that she hung onto the past, outside of memorializing his father.
This was his world. He was raised here. Even if he was different from those that originated in this world, this was his home.
She couldn't blame him for that.
"I guess I understand…" Naruto sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, still frowning. "I get we should never forget Dad… But I think Dad would want us to move forward and keep pushing on, ya know? At least that's what I think…"
Kushina smirked at her boy before scoffing. That is what Minato would want them to do. He really did inherit a lot from his father…
Just wished he did pick on her verbal tics and her unyielding fury!
"So, you given that Huntsman a call yet?" Naruto chirped as he joined his mother at the railing, a broad grin gracing his features. "What was his name again… Qrow or something like that? …Think he was into ya…"
"Get to bed, dattabane!" Kushina vividly flushed before lightly shoving her son on the shoulder and scowling at his attempt to change the subject. "I'll call him when I'm good and ready!"
"Mah, fine, fine!" Naruto bellowed with laughter, annoying Kushina further as he waved, trailing toward the cabins. "But ya better! Don't think Dad would want you to spend all this time living in the past!"
Boring her gaze into the back of her retreating son's skull until he had disappeared, a forlorn expression faded onto Kushina's face as she exhaled. Gazing back up at the moon, she basked in its rays. "I know…"
"But I'm still not ready to move on…"
The day had been long…
Exhausted and weary, all she wanted was to sleep. Yet it wouldn't come. Sleep was always a battle she could never win.
The floor was cold and hard. Her sheets only provided minimal protection. And it was dark… Too dark for a basement filled with clutter.
There was barely enough space for her to curl up. The space she had created to train with Rhodes had been piled back on…
She hoped he would return soon. Take her away from here. She just wanted to leave this place after four…
She scoffed, amber eyes glistening wistfully. Had it been four years since she was adopted and brought here? Four years without the warmth and comfort of a bed?
…Since she had anyone she could talk to. While she didn't get along with the others at the orphanage… She missed their company… It was pleasant compared to her sisters and the Madame.
She had thought the day she was adopted was the best day of her life. An aristocratic owner of a luxurious hotel on Atlas that only served high-end customers and Huntsman who had two young daughters her age?
Work was expected, given her occupation, but she would gladly accept the task if it meant a cozy place to stay and a family that cared about her. That was all she ever had wanted…
Amber eyes bitterly burned in the darkness. How naive she had been to believe that was the case. Madame was strict and demanding, bordering on cruel… No, it was cruel. She worked long days. Openly criticized and punished for any mistake she made or if something wasn't perfect.
Given only these sheets and allowed leniency to be allowed to sleep in the basement so that she wouldn't blemish the Glass Unicorn's reputation. Meanwhile, Madame and her daughters slept on lavish beds in rooms with plenty of space and luxurious trinkets.
Oh, and her sisters were the worst. Always picking on her and taunting her with their daily lives. Calling out every little mistake… Doubling her workload… Actively sabotaging her work!
Her eyes dimmed further as she curled deep into her covers. When was the last time she had a day off? She couldn't remember… …Ah, it was when she came down with the flu and couldn't be around customers…
The creak of the basement's door caused her to wince. Rays from the dimly lit outside stung her eyes even as she shaded them with her arm.
"Up." Madame's voice sternly resonated with a simple command. "We have a big day today. It's the first day of the Vytal Festival, which means our patrons will expect perfection. There is no time to laze about. Get to work, Cinder."
Obediently sitting up with a subdued expression and dull eyes, Cinder numbly nodded. It was what was expected of her… This was her fate…
It wasn't like her prince would come and sweep her away from this pit of despair. No… She would have to claw and fight for her freedom…
But for now… She listened and obeyed.
"Yes, Madame."
"Here you are," A young lady with vibrant amber eyes served two plates filled with exquisite dishes before them. "I hope you find them to your taste! If you need anything, please call for me!"
"Thank you. It looks delicious." Kushina flashed a radiant smile toward their young hostess while Naruto bowed his head in thanks. "Please give our compliments to the chef, Miss…"
"Fall." Cinder graciously bowed, a subtle rosy flush spread across her cheeks, eyes flickering toward her son whose gaze had been fixated on her. "I will give her the message. …Have a pleasant rest of your evening."
"We will." Kushina continued to beam as Cinder left, her gaze shifting to Naruto and smugly grinned. "Oh, my? My boy is growing up, is he?"
"Ah, no, that's not…" Naruto choked and burned brightly at his mother's accusation before glowering. "You suck!"
Kushina giggled at his reaction, taking her fork and knife and cutting into the steaming roast. If he was gonna tease her, she would do it right back. There were always plenty of pretty girls around…
A silence befell the two as she took a ginger bite of her meal, contently sighing. It wasn't ramen, but it was delectable nonetheless… Besides, it didn't seem that there were many Ramen stands in any of the Kingdoms…
A shame.
"Mom, why are we here?" Naruto whispered in a weary tone, meagerly taking a bite of the delicious food they had been served while scanning the room and scowling.
This establishment… Hotel… Was to… What was the word? Posh? Nah, that didn't sound right… It was too rich for 'em!
Every guest gathered was so finely dressed in comparison to them, besides a couple of individuals who he could recognize as a Huntsman or Huntress. They stood out here…
"If we're going to be staying here for the next month during the festival, I would like to be comfortable for the duration we're staying for. This is the best establishment in Atlas, and my earnings are more than enough to cover it," Kushina responded, exhaling as she could see her son's nervousness. "And I refuse to bend to this world's stigmas. I will stay where I want."
Naruto recoiled at his mother's sharp tone. He couldn't help but agree. He wanted nothing more than to show up the racist bigots and put 'em in their place… He just didn't think staying here where Faunus weren't allowed to stay was a good idea.
Having to hold his transformation to hide his features felt… Wrong.
His head snapped alertly as a shattering sound echoed within his ear, followed by a weak cry. Ceramic? Did the server trip?
Cerulean eyes darkly shimmered as one of the other blonde-haired hostess passed by their hostess. He scowled, seeing a deviant smirk gracing her features, shifting her hips to the side before casually walking away from the scene.
Did she trip her on purpose?
"Again?" A dark, feminine tone resonated, and the Madame dauntingly strode towards dispirited Cinder kneeling before the mess. "How many times has this happened? Young lady, this is unacceptable! If I weren't giving you room and board, you would be fired, you understand?"
"But she…" Naruto was about to protest loudly, having caught the signs of something underhanded.
Only to feel his mother's foot tap against his calf, drawing his attention. Her face was stern and steely, but her azure eyes seethed as she shook her head.
He knew what the lock she was giving him meant. His body trembled, but he shut his mouth. They were guests here… Causing a scene in front of this many influential individuals would only give them trouble.
Naruto scowled, clutching his fists into tight balls. His gaze focused on the other hostess, who continued her job with a content expression. Nah, he wasn't gonna let this slide… Oh, she would get it…
"Yes, Madame…" Cinder reluctantly groveled at the Madame's feet, mist glinting her gaze as she shivered beneath the Madame's stern glare.
He shared a glance with his mother, and he understood why she picked this place to stay. This wasn't a vacation and to enjoy the Vytal Festival…
This was Fang business.
"Clean it up again!"
Amber eyes shimmered bitterly like a scorching flame as filthy mop water splashed and dripped all over the floor she had just finished scrubbing clean.
Yet the haggard young teen refused to show the resentment building toward the smirking young blonde teen. Hanging her head to the side, she dutifully bent over and picked up the bucket without a word.
She knew better than to show any form of defiance. To her… Her sister… Her mother. It all ended the same.
She still had the bruises from the last time.
Instead, she picked up the bucket and trained her intent on the backroom so she could fill the bucket again. The floor had to be clean before any customers woke from their slumber.
Today was an important day for business, apparently. Something about the openimg ceremony for Vytal Festival?
She would care if she ever was allowed to watch any festival. This was no different than any other to her…
It was just another day. One where she would have to work harder to please the Madame of the hotel…
"And don't forget to make it shine! It's almost dawn! " The Madame's daughter snarkily retorted, calling her to a stop and forcing her to acknowledge her, a broad smirk spreading across her twisted features. "Wouldn't want to let mother see you working so slowly on a day as momentous as this! Ah, if only Ana and I could bring a strapping, young Huntsman back with us today…"
"As you wish, Driza. It will be spotless." She kept her tone obediently low and submissive along with her posture despite the swelling and bubbling she felt in the pit of her stomach.
They were going? They were leaving her alone with her mother?
Gnashing her teeth after turning her head, she clenched the bucket tightly, the item creaking in his grasp as she hastened her step. This was outrageously unfair! They got the day off like usual to go to a festival!
Her face shifted to a downtrodden expression as she entered the backroom, moving to the industrial sink to fill her bucket once more. With a turn, steaming water came out and poured into her back.
And as the water rippled, she let out a silent sob, her eyes glistening as she shed tears. She would do anything to return to the orphanage instead of being here! This wasn't what she thought her life would be when she heard she was adopted! Couldn't things…
"Ah! Get away from me, foul vermin!"
"Driza?" Cinder's head snapped up and toward the commotion outside, several loud yips following her sister's terrified scream
With a quick turn of the knobs, she burst from the backroom. What could be causing her sister…
Amber eyes flickered as she watched her sister sprint hurriedly as a fully golden fox nipped at her heels. Until it leapt and bit her sister right in the…
"Ah!" Driza screamed as sharp teeth punctured her rear, getting a large mouthful of her rump.
A short chortle escaped before Cinder slapped her hands over her mouth. She couldn't be caught laughing at her sister's dismay.
It was amusing to watch her scream and run to the front of the building. However, the fox let go and seemingly gagged after the bite. Most likely going to fetch Madame…
"Ugh! She tastes as foul as her mouth!" The fox spat, its tongue rolling in its mouth, its face contorting in disgust before its eyes narrowed. "Don't know what I was expecting, to be fair…"
Blanching back, stumbling and tripping on her feet, amber eyes gazed in shocked wonder while Cinder stared at the fox before her, sitting just a head above where the creature's gaze could meet hers. It talked…
"Ah, sorry about that!" A large volume of smoke dispersed around the golden fox before a hand was held out for her from within. "Forgot I was still transformed! Let me help ya up!"
Gazing into the settling smoke, amber eyes were lost in a blue ocean, and the most dazzling smile she had ever seen that she hardly recognized accepted the gesture and was pulled to her feet.
It was him! The boy she was flirting with last night! He came to help her?
"I saw what she did to ya, and I couldn't stand it! So I gave her a taste of rightful comeuppance!" He flashed a handsome grin before clenching and shakinghis fist.
A vivid flush filled her cheeks. This dashing young man with expressive cerulean eyes and brilliant blonde spiky locks did that for her?
"Thank you…" Cinder timidly responded before cursing that she let those words escape her lips.
If Madame or either of her sisters heard her say such a thing…
"Mah, don't mention it! She got what was coming for her! …Wish I could do more…" He responded with a broad and dazzling grin before frowning and muttering.
Her expression lifted at those words. She let out a hardy giggle while fidgeting with the black buns she tied her hair into, trying to straighten them. A young man that rode on in and saved her from her torment! She wanted to look her best!
This could be her Prince Charming!
"It is more than enough, thank you." Cinder fidgeted, warily glancing behind to see if Madame was rolling up on them. If she caught her not working and consorting with a boy…
"So you came to attend the Vytal, sir Huntsman?" She curiously inquired, feeling calmer seeing they were alone.
"I'm not a Huntsman, but mom's a Huntress. I only started training a few years back. I'm here with my mom as she wanted to use this as a demonstration and learning trip." He shook his head and nervously chuckled.
Her head slightly depressed to hide her frown. He was here with his mother… She thought he was older than that…
"Name's Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki!" He beamed, scratching the back of his head and chuckling. "Say… I'm not good at this… Do ya want to go watch the festival with me?"
Recoiling at his statement, amber eyes flickered while her face flushed crimson. Was he… Did he ask her…
Cinder's expression soured and turned downtrodden. There was no way she could! Madame would never! This was horrible! The worst! A boy finally asked her out, and she couldn't accept the invitation!
Cruelty was thy name!
"I'm sorry, I can't…"
"What? Because of her?" Naruto squinted and scrunched his nose, turning his head down the hall. "Mah, forget her! I can cover for ya if you want! I got a technique to cover for ya! Watch!"
With another plume of white smoke, amber eyes gleamed as she stumbled back again at the image before her. She tripped over her two feet once more, only to be caught from behind.
There was a mirror image before her! How was he able to do such a thing?! What magic was this?!
"Naruto, what have I told you about showing off, dattebane!" The firm voice of an irritated woman echoed from directly above her as she settled back onto her feet.
And she stared up to see a woman with popping red hair combed straight to her hips, although it began to lift and break into nine separate strands.
"Ah, mom! Sorry! I was just…"
"I know what you were doing!" Kushina deeply scowled as her son recoiled and hunched before her very presence.
Rolling her eyes, she sighed and held her hand on her throbbing temple. "You could just tell her what you think, dummy… She is cute… Reminds me of Mikoto a little when she was younger."
"Eh?" Cinder jumped from the woman who caught her, nervously flipping her hands through the few bangs she couldn't tie into her buns.
She thought she was cute… Wait…
He thought she was cute?!
"That is not the reason!" Naruto bellowed, cheeks heatedly stained red.
"Of course, it's not." Kushina flippantly waved, much to Naruto's chagrin, knowing her son all too well before her gaze turned toward her. "I saw you working here last night… Do you live here? I can talk to the Madame if that's the case if you want to go…"
"She won't let me…" Cinder interrupted the woman, hanging her head softly and biting her lip.
She was never allowed to go to such things… Four years since she was adopted by her, and all she did was work her to the bone!
Deep azure, almost violet, eyes narrowed, daggers held within the gaze—a foreign intense pressure built.
It was challenging to breathe…
Yet everything calmed as Kushina let out an exasperated sigh. "Allow me to talk to her then…"
"I can be very convincing." Kushina strode forward, her hair once more wavering behind her, braiding into nine separate strands on their own accord.
"Whoever the Madame is… She needs to run…" Naruto gulped, sensing his mother's mood, and withdrew.
Cinder could only nod in agreement. His mother was genuinely frightening… And she didn't have to get physical to prove it!
Perhaps she could teach her a lesson or two?
"So, eh, yeah…" Naruto anxiously scratched the back of his head. "Since Mom is handling that… Ya wanna go? Heard there are a lot of vendors selling an assortment of stuff, and there will be a lot of displays of combat… Might be fun…"
Staring into his eyes once more queerly, she was at a loss. She wanted to, but…
A grin crossed her features, and amber eyes burned fiercely. Why did she have to listen to the Madame… She wanted to go. He wanted her to go…
So she shall.
"I do." Rolled off her tongue before she knew she had answered.
"Cool!" Naruto beamed excitedly, ready to bounce ahead, before frowning. "Hey, I never got your name…"
Calmly stepping beside him, feeling a sense of ease she had never felt before, amber eyes locked with cerulean. This day would be something she would remember forever…
Her grin turned manic, and she giggled. "My name is Cinder."
"Cinder Fall."
I hope you enjoyed the first fleshed out chapter!
Please, if ya want to see more, let me know as this still very much in concept phase.
This story along with Phantom Prince of Hearts received the most attention from my drabbles so I feel they at least need to be explored.
So your input will keep this story thriving!
I hope you have a good rest of your day and for those that are having an off day, I hope this brought ya a smile!
Till next time my friends,
Peace.