A/N: Had to split this chapter up into three pieces, else it would've taken forever to publish.
On a more somber note, my aunt has passed away.
It happened suddenly, caught me by surprise, and sent me spiraling down into a dark place. Funeral will be soon, so if I vanish for a few days, that's the reason. Sorry, all.
Still, here we go. FIVE chapters for this story in ONE MONTH. Hope you enjoyed them; I'm utterly exhausted.I wanted, and still want this to be good story, not a simple "Naruto bangs a, b, c, d, yadda yadda yadda." His actions have consequences; his words and will shape the world around him; I wanted every chapter to reflect that.
Hopefully, I succeeded.
RWBY may have been canned by Warner Bros, but we fanfiction writers are out here trying to keep the light alive, as it were. So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. Your feedback determines the fate of this tale, and many others.
As ever, I own no references, quotes, themes or memes. They're tributes to legends far greater than little 'ol me and made solely for entertainment and the sake of laughter.
This, and the following chapters will have some fun references to the following; Fallout, Hazbin Hotel, Genshin, Shogun, Epic the Musical, Avatar, alongside Sonic.
...and later, Land of the Lustrous. If you haven't seen the last one, it fits perfectly with RWBY.
There's also a line from the song Smile Like you Mean it, by Paranoid DJ.
You all know them well~! Now that we've gotten that out the way...
We're breaking the title theme here, just this once.
"If I became the monster and threw my guilt away...
...would that make us stronger, would it keep our foes at bay?
If I became the monster to everyone but us, and made sure we were safe again...who would care if I was unjust?
Then I'll become the monster! I will deal the blow! Yes, I'll become Mistral's MONSTER! Like none you've ever known!"
~?
The Smiling Monster
"Gimme back my birdie! RIGHT NOW!"
Ozpin dragged a hand across his face to stifle a sigh. "Summer, plase...
No such luck; she wasn't in any such state to hear him, let alone heed his words.
"Do you hear me, Salem?!" Ruby's mother wholeheartedly ignored him and continued to rail at HIS scroll, having snatched it out his hand not a minute before to holler her lungs out. "I am talking to you, you pale bitch!" Her rage was towering in its majesty and, if he was honest, more than a little frightening. "Bring my teammate back this instant, or I will personally march up to your tower and shove my ax where the sun doesn't shine!"
There was no response. Only static. White noise.
Oz knew the sound well from years of experience; someone had smashed Qrow's scroll to cover their tracks. There would be no response, no matter how Summer might wish for one. Stepping close, he gently pried his phone from her fingers and took it back. She didn't resist, no doubt realizing the pointlessness of her endeavor.
"Its Salem," she babbled at him with wide eys, fear sinking in. "It must be. Who else could've done this?"
A great many people, but Ozpin dared not say that, lest he alarm her further. He exchanged a concerned look with Taiyang over her shoulder, but the man appeared to have gone catatonic on him again, lost somewhere in the depths of his mind. He pitied the man. He'd not been the same since they'd lost Raven and this tragedy would hamper his road to recovery.
And all the while, the clockwork gears of his office ground ever onward, precious seconds ticking by.
War never changes. And neither did time. Summer's conclusion was rational for irrational reasons. He could understand the need to blame Salem for such, but it was simply implausible.
"We do not know whether she was responsible for this," and this would be brazen, even for Salem, "but we must not jump to conclusions-
Summer shouted him down. "It doesn't change the fact that he was taken! And we don't even know where he-
"Patience!" He held up a hand to forestall her mounting anger. "Qrow was in Mistral at my behest; I sent him to Haven to speak with their headmaster on my behalf."
The silver-eyed warrior bridled. "You don't think he...?
"I do not. This "Headmaster of Hell" is a dangerous man but he does not strike me as the sort to kill senselessly," Despite the suspicious circumstances surrounding his ascension to Leo's position, he'd heard nothing but good things about Naruto Uzumaki. The man was a tried and true teacher, if nothing else. "Nevertheless, he may know something, so we shall begin our search there...
"I'm going."
He frowned. "You are not."
Summer stamped a foot. "I am!"
"And what of Ruby?" where reason failed, he appealed with emotion instead. "She's much too young to be left alone."
That got her to pause, if only for a moment. "Glynda can look after her. She's done so before."
Ah, yes. Auntie Glynda, as Ruby called her these days. The little lass was admittedly fond of her. However! "Summer, this is reckless-
"No!" she slapped his hand away. "I won't lose Qrow the way we lost Raven and Yang!"
Taiyang twitched in the background.
Ah, the arrogance of youth. They thought themselves invincible...until they weren't. "If this IS Salem's doing, it may be a trap to lure you out again-
Summer glared silver daggers at him.
Ozpin stood firm. "That didn't work when you were a student and it certainly won't now-"
She crossed both arms over her cloak and kept staring, even the patience of an immortal had its limits.
"What would you have me do?" he flung up an arm when she didn't respond. "The Vytal Festival is right around the corner. We cannot afford to leave ourselves open at this crucial juncture."
The stare persisted.
"...Very well." he knew when to accept defeat. "She will be well guarded by Glynda and Oobleck. Perhaps Port as well."
"Not Port! He'll fill her head with silly stories."
"As you wish. Taiyang?" He looked to Yang's father, belatedly remembering the dazed man was also in the room with them. "You haven't said a word this entire time. What do you think of-
"...!"
The blond brawler walked past him without a word, accidentally shoulder-checking him as he strode to the elevator.
"Where are you going?"
He looked over his shoulder, a single blank blue eye regarding him. "...to dig up my gauntlets."
"Those things?!" Summer balked and ran after him, latching onto his arm. "Tai, no! You buried them for a reason!"
"Tai, yes!" He rounded on her with a snarl, pain etched across his face. "I'll do whatever it takes to bring my little girl home!"
"And Qrow, right?"
He grunted something unintelligible as he shrugged free of her grasp and that was that.
Summer whined and looked fit to run after her husband, but dithered, looking to Ozpin for direction.
For once, he wasn't quite sure he could give it. Instead he heaved sighed, paced back to his desk, sat down and began making calls.
So be it. It seemed this was the path they were embarking upon, for better or worse. It would take them days to make it to Mistral, maybe two, perhaps longer if Taiyang's weapons required maintenance after being forsaken for so many years. He did not look forward to seeing those destructive tools in action once more. And that was to say nothing of other preparations. As much as Summer and Tai might wish to, they could not simply go charging into Mistral overnight.
This would've been so much easier if Raven were still with them. She had a portal to Qrow; a quick flick of her blade and this would've been solved.
Nothing was simple these days. He missed her.
...I shall liase with the Headmaster there as quickly as I can."
Summer darted into the elevator and shouted after him as the doors closed. "We have to hurry! Who knows what horrors Qrow's being put through as we speak!"
(.0.0.0.)
Qrow awoke with a start as someone dumped a bucket of water on his head.
"Time to rise and shine, my fine-feathered friend!"
Rise, he did. Shine, he did not. Glare, he did.
Naruto smiled at him. "Sleep well?"
He didn't dignify that with a response; instead he used the precious seconds to shake his head and blink moisture from his eyes. A cursory shift of his limbs confirmed his worst fears; his arms and legs were shackled by glowing golden chains, his body bound down to a heavy chair. A lone lamp dangled on a cord overhead, swaying to and fro, casting wicked shadows on the wall.
His host smiled at him. "I'll take that as a no."
Qrow turned his head and spat on the floor. Bastard must've brought him to a cellar of some sort; he recognized the make of the walls; better yet, he could tell by the pipes overhead; one of 'em was leaking and wouldn't ya know, the damn thing was dripping right on his trousers. Was his semblance to blame for that? Yesterday he might've said yes. But now? He didn't know.
The uncertainty gnawed at him, riddling his heart with doubt.
"Don't pout like that, birdbrain." a tan hand tousled his hair. "You'll get wrinkles."
Qrow glared at Naruto. The Headmaster of Hell smiled right back with that eerie toothy grin of his, dragged a metal folding chair into the light, sat down to fold one leg over the other, and...
.
..
...offered him his very own flask. "Thirsty?"
Against his better judgement, Qrow looked down.
Sure enough, his flask was nowhere to be seen. Prick! That was a gift from Taiyang!
"Why you little...!"
No. Don't get angry. He wanted him riled up, distracted, off his game; that was exactly what he was after, so he took a deep breath to master himself and glowered at the chains binding him instead. "Lemme guess, this is your semblance?"
Much to his surprise, Naruto offered him the flask and let him drink. If it was tainted, he couldn't tell.
He waited until he was about to swallow and then:
"Nope."
Qrow choked. Gagged. Forced himself to swallow now. "Whaddya mean no?! Its gotta be. People can't create chains like this!"
"Even so, that's not my semblance. Not even sure I have one, really." The Headmaster took back the flask and had drank deeply before continuing. "Strong stuff. Packs a punch."
"What the hell are you?"
"In two words? The solution." he stowed the flask in his belt, ignoring the annoyed noise he made. "I've had to learn so many things since I came to Mistral. I'm not the best at seals or these chakra chains, but like the eight gates, I've had plenty of time to learn 'em...
Seals? Chakra? Gates? What was he on about?
...but if you're anything like a certain birdie I know, we can't have you flying the coop now, can we?" a blue eye winked his way.
Shock froze Qrow's blood in his very veins, bringing with it hope...and so much fear. "Raven?! How do you know her?"
Something flickered across that whiskered face, there and gone in an instant before he could quantify it.
"Please." He leaned forward, straining against her chains. "I'm her brother. Is she...
...alive?" the Headmaster finished. "She is, but you might not recognize her."
Damn this bastard for being coy! "What did you do to her?!"
"I?" Funny how a single syllable can convey so much anger. "I'm the reason she's still alive. If it weren't for me, she would've lost her life to a certain scorpion in the rain."
There were blocks of solid ice in his blood now, sending chills shooting down his spine. "Tyrian."
"That's the name." the headmaster snapped his fingers. "Real nasty guy."
"You don't know the half of it. Tell me you killed him."
Because if Salem knew...!
"Don't worry," the blond leaned back in is chair. "He's definitely dead. I can guarantee that."
Qrow released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. That...that was good. Really good. They'd been wondering why that psyhcopath hadn't shown himself lately. Oz would be happy to hear that...assuming he was ever able to tell him.
Against all odds, that was looking likely. This "Naruto" guy coulda killed him a dozen times over by now. That he hadn't yet gave him hope.
"Alright," he allowed with a growl. "I owe you for that much. But it still doesn't change what you did!"
The lamp overhead dimmed. "What I did, hmm?"
Uh-oh.
"Hm, hmm, hmmm." The Headmaster of Hell hummed once last time, thumbed his chin, and leaned forward to loom over him. "Why don't you tell me exactly what it is you think I've done; beside save the life of your dear sister and your niece, of course."
Urk. He had him there. But still! "You played me."
"No," Naruto tapped his forehead, smile still in place as he jerked back against the chains. "You played yourself. I specifically waited for you to follow me once I knew you were Raven's brother. I knew your obsession with your family would give you tunnel vision. I knew you'd do whatever you could to keep an eye on me. And thus, I knew you'd expose yourself." steepling his fingers, he shook his head. "Did you honestly think I would let you near me without taking some precautions?"
His spirits sank. "You actually thought that far ahead...?"
Naruto's smile would've made a Grimm cry. "I've made my mistakes. One of them was being naive. I'm not anymore."
"You won't get away with this-ow!" His words piqued into a yelp when the blond plucked a single strand of hair from his head. "Cut that shit out!"
"Little man, what makes you think you have any say in the matter?" he took said hair and wrapped into into what looked like a strange paper charm of some sort, tucking it away for later. "I have entirely too many lives to look after here. I don't have time for your petty grudges, or whatever you believe I've done, so I suggest you shut your mouth and listen. I've killed people for less than what you've done. I want you to understand I'll do what it takes to keep my daughter safe.
Qrow gnashed his teeth and slammed against his chains. "She ain't yours!"
"Maybe not by blood," the blond allowed, "But she is in every way that matters. I raised her. Fed her. Changed her diapers. Taught her to walk and talk. The entire REASON I became Headmaster of this godforsaken school was because of her. Do you have any idea how many assassins I've fended off since then? How many idiots I've dealt with for her sake? And now you've come knocking. Just as I knew you would. Or should I say a certain wizard has?"
He knew, damn him. "You trying to prove you're not afraid of Ozpin?"
"What's to be afraid of?" Naruto flung himself back down into his chair and spun it round so that the back faced him, laying his arms upon the latter. "This world is full of heroic men and women, beings that fight a single great evil. That's why you don't scare me. I've seen monsters. I've fought them. Conquered them. And you? You're not one."
"That's your answer to it all? Fighting monsters with violent takeover and anarchy?
"Not anarchy or takeovers, but strength." a lone finger rose. "I maintain order in this kingdom, despite it being a thankless task."
"You trying to intimidate me? Kinda falls short with you, ah," he shrugged his bound shoulders, "Leaving me alive like this and all.
...I am not your father, Branwen."
Qrow balked. "'Scuse me? You wanna run that by me again?"
"I said I'm not your father." out came his staff, smacking him on the knee to draw a yelp from him. "I can't tell you what to do, or make up your mind for you. Frankly, I'm glad I don't have to. I'm too busy fighting a war every day, and when my day comes, I won't go quietly. And while you may not care about what happens to me, I guarantee that Yang will be very upset. So think carefully before you try to break out of those chains and start a fuss.
...damn him.
Naruto considered him for a long moment. "Tell you what. Lets make a lesson out of this. Do you know how many headmasters Haven has had since it was founded?"
What kinda question was that? "I dunno...dozens?"
"Try hundreds." his response left him reeling. "Cities are like people in that way, they all have their dark sides. And in Mistral...well." he tapped his staff against the ground. "She's a bit darker than most; y'see, she likes to offer you hope before she destroys you. Hope can be a cruel thing. It tempts and teases, torments and tricks. But what matters is not hope, but the power inside, one's will and desire.
Qrow found himself answering unbidden. "The heart."
"Precisely!" Naruto's face lit up in a rare moment of joy, one that was quickly quenched by reality. "And like the heart, every headmaster is different. We are each of us shaped by the demands of our times. Some of us are strong, some are weak, others are traitors, and some are Fathers.
Fine. Two could play this game. And which are you?"
Naruto spun around. "The latter, of course."
"Bullshit. You're a kidnapper."
The Headmaster rolled his eyes. "You're being impossible."
Qrow grit his teeth. "No, that'd be you!"
"Really?" Haven's Headmaster sat down again and took another swig from his flask. "We're using the "no, you" line now? Grow up. My good man, you don't know what's possible. But you will. I'll show you. Impossible? Ha! He snorted softly and shook his head. "Don't make me laugh. I've been making the impossible possible from the moment I set foot into this world."
He didn't believe him, and some of that disbelief must've shown through on his face; because the Headmaster actually did laugh them.
"I'll give you a few examples." out came his hands again, conjuring small wisps of light between his palms, shuffling each from one hand to the other as he spoke. As he looked on, they took on the shapes of myriad people and places, like flickering fireflies in the gloom. "Do I save that person? Can I redeem that person? Do I kill my enemies? Do I spare them? Where does Haven's funding go? To the students, or the orphans? Who do I recruit? Do I entertain an audience with the White Fang while they're still peaceful, or do I cast them aside and risk them becoming violent? Who I protect? Who do I kill? Do I make war? Offer my enemies the olive branch? Or do I butcher everyone that dares to cross me? And that's just one city! You have no idea what I've had to give, what I've sacrificed to protect places like Wind Path, or Kuchinashi, and don't get me started on Kuroyuri!
Qrow almost pitied him for a moment-almost. He'd seen folks like this before. "Sounds like you've tossed aside your morals; that makes you a monster."
Something seemed to snap in Naruto, then, like a bridge he'd worked so hard to build, only to watch it crumble in his hands. It wasn't his mind that went-he could tell the blond bastard had full control of that; he seemed brutally, painfully aware of his every action, of the fury boiling beneath his veins. He almost wished he weren't.
Mindless fury would've been preferable to the beast bearing down on him.
"...monster, am I? You wanna know what it means to be the Headmaster of this shit-stye of a city?" a hand seized him by the chin and forced him to meet his gaze. "It means being a warrior." Gloved fingers bit into his face, causing aura to crackle ominously. "A mighty, merciless warrior. A terror." a bead of blood welled up under his thumb, staining his cheek rose red. "I help those who cannot help themselves and because of that I need to be so many things! Guardian, general, mediator, guide...father. Those roles require strength, discipline, force of will. But you...
Wuh-oh.
"You can't see the forest for the trees!" he swept a hand out and released him with a flourish, sending him rocking back on his chair. "You throw the word "kidnapper" around like it means something, when in truth I saved a dying mother and daughter that day, as I've saved other since. Would you rather I let them die? Would that soothe your conscience?
"I mean, no, but...
Naruto headbutted him, sending stars spiraling before his vision. "Where I come from, we don't make excuses! We protect the ones we love! At all costs! I lost my home, my best friend, my mentor, my dad and my mom!" a hand slashed out when he made to speak, silencing him. "This can't go on! I have to protect my family! So if I have to fight through hordes of Grimm and Huntsmen, I'll make sure Salem won't reach me, and if I have to kill every enemy so my loved ones won't die?! Then I'll become the monster!" a fist thumped down, inches from his face, forcing a flinch. "I will deal the blow! I'm Mistral's MONSTER! Like none you've ever known!"
Releasing him, he planted a foot on his chair and leaned closer, teeth gone sharp, eyes blazing red, lips just a breath fro his ear.
"Be grateful this monster is on humanity's side; because if I wasn't?"
He leaned closer, voice dropping to a low, animalistic growl.
"I would've burned Haven to the ground by now.
A quick kick sent the chair -and Qrow- skidding back.
He shuddered against his chains, stunned. "...you mean this ain't an act?"
"Now you're getting it." Naruto snapped his fingers. "There is no act. What you see with me is what you get. I'm loyal to Yang. As are you." Qrow dipped his head and tried to look away, only for the Headmaster's staff to smack his knee again. "Remember what I said earlier about one warning?" When he refused to answer, he shrugged. "Well you've used that up, but you haven't exhausted your second chance. Bit of a conundrum, really.
In a flash of bitter insight, he understood. "You're insane."
Naruto's smile cracked, and too late, he realized his mistake. "What did you just say?"
...to hell with it. He was about to die, might as well go down with one last jab. "I said you're off your rocker, loco, batshit crazy."
He expected another explosion of anger, murderous rage, an attack at the very least.
Any moment now, a knife would find his throat and that would be the end of it...
.
..
...nothing happened.
He dared to creak an eye open and found the Headmaster there, smiling at him, hands planted on either side of him.
"Why does everyone keep saying that?" he shook his head and leaned back slowly, setting his bangs swaying side to side. "I'm not insane. Gods, I wish I were sometimes; madness is the emergency exit, one I can't afford to take. I've got kids to look after, ya know? Where would they be without me?"
"You can't just adopt everyone you meet...
A blond brow quirked in mild amusement. "Seems to have worked out rather well for me so far."
"Yeah, well, it won't!" His comeback sounded hollow even to his ears. "Sooner or later, this is gonna backfire on you."
"Will' it?" he tapped out a quick rhythm with his staff, one-two-three as he looked on. "I'm not Atlas, I don't force children into the military. I'm not Vacuo, where so many children starve and struggle to survive, and I'm definitely not Vale in any way shape of form," his eyes narrowed to red ruby slits, "Where an immortal wizard uses people like chess pieces and casts them aside just as easily."
Shit, so he knew about Oz. That...might be a problem. But he wouldn't be a Branwen if he went down without a fight.
Fine, he wanted to go that angle did he? "Aright, I'll bite. What are you?"
"Mistral." Naruto beamed. "Do forgive the pun, but I'm also the Monster, the Headmaster, the Father. Judge, Jury and Executioner. Sword, Shield and Staff. And I," Down came his weapon, not in an attack as he'd first feared, but to send a skittering scarlet spark shooting across the floor. "Would sooner slit my throat than abandon those who need me. Likewise, I'll kill any disrespectful WRETCH," he leaned forward, teeth bared, "who dares to force such a choice upon me. Are we clear?
Qrow gulped. "Crystal."
"Lovely." A hand tousled his hair and then he was gone, sauntering away, hands clasped behind his back. "Good talk! I'll see you in a bit.
A wise man would've let it end there.
Qrow was many things. Stubborn, strong, soused. Wise was not one of them.
"You do realize Oz can't die, right?" he catcalled at the blond's back. "He'll just reincarnate. Kill me if you want, but he'll get you for this sooner or later."
Naruto paused, one foot on a wooden step; it creaked as he placed his full weight upon it. "Can't die, you say?" A blood-red eye reappeared over his shoulder. "Neither can Salem."
Of all the things he'd expected to hear...well, that hadn't been one of them; those words struck Qrow like a full-body slap.
"Yeah, right. You're lying." He had to be. "I don't believe you."
"Oh?" The Headmaster of Hell spun back to face him with that terrifying grin of his again. "You didn't know. Raven was right. Ozpin really didn't tell you anything, did he?"
Qrow gulped. "What're you talkin' about?
Quick as a his namesake, the baffling blond marched back to him and jabbed a finger against his chest. "Why do you think your sister took Yang and ran? Because she was a coward? Just out of the blue like that? Did you even try to talk to her about it?
"She didn't give me a chance!" he thrashed against the chains that bound him, to no avail. "She just left!"
For a fleeting instant, that eternal smile became sad. "And again, why did do you think she did?"
He tried to speak, but the words would't come.
Damn whiskered brat did the talking for him. "I was afraid once too, you know. But I mastered my fear. Don't look at me like that." he tutted once when Qrow tried to stomp on his foot. "You're not a bad guy; your heart's in the right place, and that's a rare thing. Honestly, I'd let you go, but you'd fly right to your master, and I can't have that. Still, I'm a nice guy, and you're technically family so...
He offered him his hand.
...let's make a deal, shall we?"
Qrow eyed those fingers as one might a king taijitu. "What kinda deal?"
Naruto's smile didn't waver and that was his first warning. "Its simple. if you can get past me in the span of oh...lets say a minute, then you're free to wander around the mansion as you please. But if you can't...
His red gaze flicked down to that outstretched palm and then back again. "You'll kill me?"
"Heavens, no! That would make Yang sad. She's ever so eager to meet her uncle."
Qrow damn near choked on his own spit. "You told her?!"
Here at last, the Headmaster grimaced. "You didn't leave me much choice after that unsightly display last night. She had questions, and what kind of parent would I be if I didn't answer them?"
The words stung hi, rousing him to anger. "She's not yours!"
Red eyes flickered back to blue long enough to roll in annoyance. "This again?! I already told you, I consider her mine in every way that matters."
"Taiyang is her father!"
"He is." A hand found his throat, cutting him off his retort with a squawk. "And I might even let him meet her if you BEHAVE."
There it was, the gauntlet thrown down at his feet, waiting to be picked. A gnarled thorn of doubt wrapped around Qrow heart. He didn't want to believe what he was hearing, what this bastard was saying; but maybe he had him figured wrong. Despite his anger, wasn't acting like a kidnapper, or even one of Salem's people.
Maybe if he made a good impression here...?
...fine," he grumbled. "So what happens if I lose?"
The hand left his throat. "You remain here in Mistral and do not contact your friends until such a time as I release you." he paused, considering, then laughed a little. "Also, I tie you back up for the rest of the day. With a gag this time."
Not a snail's chance in hell! "And you'll really let me loose when I get past you? Just like that?"
"If, not when!" a finger rose. "I'm a man of my word. That much hasn't changed. Here."
The chains holding him slackened, freeing his arms, but not his legs. Out came Naruto's hand again, ready to shake and let bygones be bygones. Qrow's right hand twitched toward it. Hesitated. He found himself tempted to slap it aside and grapple with him, but where would that get him? Even assuming he managed to get the better of the bastard, his legs were still bound. And there was no telling who he had waiting on the other side of that door.
What did he have to lose? Only his life. But what he stood to gain...!
If he played this right, they could get Yang back.
He seized Naruto's hand. "Deal!"
The moment he did, a shard of icy pain shot through his wrist. It was agony, it was pain, it was binding, he felt something crackle in his aura, sear in his very soul. The chains binding his legs finally fell away, but he barely noticed them, stunned as he was. This feeling...was it his semblance? No, it felt stronger than that, more powerful, olderaaaaaaandwhatinthehellwasthat?!
For a terrible moment, he glimpsed a massive crimson fox looming over him, grinning ear to ear at him like he was lunch.
"Don't be be clever, birdbrain." its voice sent a shiver shooting through his soul. "It won't end well.
He blinked and it was gone. "What in the hell was that...?"
"Splendid!" Naruto yanked his hand forward to draw him into a crushing embrace before clasping his shoulder and pulling away. "I see big things coming your way, yes sirree~! Now onto business. Your weapon awaits."
He stepped aside with a showman's bow and belatedly Qrow looked past him to find Harbinger resting against the wall. Had his blade really been there the entire time? Was he hallucinating again? He found himself taking a step toward it, eager to have his treasured tool back in hand once more.
"Go ahead." Naruto beckoned him on. "Pick it up."
He hesitated then, realizing just how close the blond bastard was.
His captor rolled his eyes anew, unamused by his fear. "For the love of-I'm not Ann. I won't attack you while you're unarmed."
"Yeah, right. I've heard that shtick before. You'll wait until I turn my back and-
The blond bastard shook his head, marched over this blade, snatched it free and tossed it his way with an exasperated cry. "Pick. It. Up!"
Qrow dove, grabbed his blade, and tumbled into a crouch. No point holding back now; might as well go all in. His fingers found Harbinger's trigger and the gears within shifted, whirring to life as the weapon's edge cracked backward to form his weapon of choice. Hefting it over his shoulder, he gave his transformed weapon a whirl and brandished it at the blond.
"A scythe!" He didn't miss the man's delighted cry. "That makes you . Maria's gonna love you."
Qrow growled. "We gonna fight or what?"
Naruto took three steps to the right, placing himself firmly between him and the door. "Certainly."
And yet despite that, he made no effort to conjure his staff.
"What, I don't rate that special staff of yours?"
"I'd rather not kill you...so no." the baffling blond clasped both hands behind his back and stood his ground. "I won't use any dangerous jutsu either. Who knows?" he shrugged a slim shoulder. "You might actually stand a chance if you come at me with everything you have."
Cheeky bastard. "Have it your way."
He lunged at Naruto in a flying leap and brought Harbinger howling down on his shoulder; much to his surprise, the madlad actually took the scythe full on. The ground cracked underfoot as they collided. Aura flexed and his smile became just a touch more pointed as he grinned up at him. He hadn't budged. Not even an inch.
A bead of sweat ran down Qrow's brow. "Ah, shit-
"Engarde!" Naruto spun and drove a heel into his chest, launching him backward. His spine struck a cement wall and his aura shrieked in protest.
'Alright,' he bit back a groan as he surged forward, 'Faster than he looks. Nothing I can't handle-bwack?!'
"Ole~!"
A fist found his chest and launched him into the air.
Rather than risk being smashed into the ceiling and lose more of his aura again Qrow changed into a bird out of sheer instinct and raced toward and the leaky pipes above, seeking a better vantage point.
It was not to be.
No sooner had he taken flight than he fought himself caught him between his hands.
Naruto's smiling face dominated his vision. "Do you have any idea how easy it would be for me to crush you right now?"
Qrow cawed weakly.
"I thought so. Back you go!"
He tossed him down into the chair, forcing him to revert.
The instant he did, chains of wicked saffron light latched onto him and in an instant he found himself bound once more.
"You huntsmen." Naruto alighted before him in a pointed crouch and stood, shaking his head. "So single-minded. You didn't have to fight me, ya know. You just had to get past me. But you chose to fight."
Qrow grit his teeth. "You wouldn't have let me walk past...
"I might have." somehow he had the feeling he'd been tested just now, and worse, that he'd failed said test. "Ask yourself this. What kind of man wields power in a land where criminals stalk the streets? The one who schemes in the open? Or the one you never see?"
He tilted his head, irritated by the wordplay, but refusing to be silenced; he hadn't been gagged just yet. "The second one...?"
"Correct." Naruto's face lit up. "There's a saying out here in Anima, that every man has three hearts. One in his mouth for the world to know," he touched a finger to his whiskered face, "Another in his chest, just for his friends and loved ones," that hand graced his collarbone, "And a secret heart, buried deep where no one can find it." he spread his arms wide, miming the act of holding something that could not be seen. "That is the heart a man must keep hidden if he wants to survive in a city like this."
His brow furrowed. "I don't get it."
"You'll understand soon, Qrow." Naruto patted his head, drawing a fresh growl from him. "And who knows, maybe your Semblance brought you here for a reason. Maybe you'll live long enough to find out what it is."
This prick was even more arrogant than Salem, wasn't he? It rankled him in the worst of ways. "You think you've got everything figured out, do you?"
"Unfortunately." Naruto's smile became a bit sadder, somehow. "The man who stands at the highest peak has the best view; even if he's the loneliest in the world."
He spat at his feet. "Aw, you pitching m some sob story now? "I ain't about to fall for that."
"Not at all. I just want you to understand my position."
Riddles upon riddles! "And what position is that?"
"That I have a duty to this school, to this city." he walked to the steps, placed two fingers to his lips and whistled at the door once, a sharp piercing note that was doubtlessly heard by whomever lurked on the other side. "If you threaten that, then you're my enemy. Please don't be my enemy, Qrow."
"They'll come for me,you know." he tried for a bluster he didn't quite feel. "You might've smashed my Scroll, but Oz knows I'm here. He'll find me...and you."
"Good." Naruto smiled; it was not a nice smile, entirely too many teeth for his liking. "I'm counting on it. Or should I say we?"
The door opened behind him and the wooden staircase creaked again as someone descended the steps.
"You always were a stubborn one, little brother."
Breath caught in his throat. "Raven...?"
"Hello, Qrow. You look like shit."
So did she.
She'd lost both an eye and an arm; he could see the scars on her body, the way she held herself with the faintest limp. Time had wounded her in more ways than one. Yet for all that, she also seemed...dare he say happy? She walked right up to Naruto and leaned against him, trusting in him wholeheartedly. She seemed wholly at her ease, even with that metal contraption where her lost limb used to be. The last time he'd seen her like that had been ages ago, before she'd gotten pregnant with Yang.
"What happened to you?"
"Life happened." she granted him a scowl. "We have a lot to talk about."
"Mom?" someone knocked on the door behind her. "Can I come down, now?"
Raven turned toward it, all smiles. "Just a second, sweetie. Mommy and Daddy are busy."
A whine answered. "Awwww, but you said I could meet him!"
"And you can, daughter of mine, but not just yet."
Naruto beamed. "Ah, right. The gag. I'd nearly forgotten."
Raven's smile gained an edge as she removed her boot. "Why don't you use this...?"
Qrow snarled at them. Of course his shitty sister would use one of her freaking socks! "Don't you ducking dare-
Too late; they bound his mouth with ease.
Naruto looked toward the door. "Come say hello, Yang~!"
The wooden frame swept open and a familiar blonde blur barreled down the steps, taking them two at a time.
Seeing her up close, knowing without a doubt that it was her, was worse. So much worse. He looked at her and saw his long lost niece; she looked at him and saw only a stranger.
Yang tilted her head and planted a tiny fist on her hip. "Soooo...this is my uncle? Why is he tied to a chair? Why's he got a sock in his mouth?"
Qrow thrashed against his bindings and howled imprecations into his gag, to no avail. "Mrrrhrmmph!"
"Ooooh, that's why."
It would prove to be a long evening...
.
..
...and not just for him.
(.0.0.0.)
"My lady, I have news. It would seem that a certain bothersome bird has paid Haven's Headmaster a visit."
Salem opened her eyes and looked up from her throne to regard Watts, knelt patiently before her.
Ozma had made his move at long last. Too little, too late, as usual.
The old fool; there were so many moves she had yet to play.
A smile tugged at her lips. "Tell me everything."
A/N: And so it begins.
Would you like another early update next week? Do let me know!
We'll be picking up here, but with the notifications down, I really need to hear from you here.
RWBY may have been canned by Warner Bros. but we fanfiction writers are out here trying to keep the light alive, as it were. So here we go. The fate of this story depends on you, the reader. Your feedback determines the fate of this tale, and many others.
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And enjoy the previews!
Potential ones at that.
Also, references.
And as ever:
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
SPOILERS AWAIT THEE~!
YE BE WARNED~!
(Previews)
It is indeed a dark day, when a good man...or woman...should go to war. For there is no wrath greater, no fury stronger, no hatred purer, than one so kind and so caring, should they take up the sword.
For there will be no kindness, no forgiveness, NO MERCY."
"Demons run when a good man goes to war. Night will fall and drown the sun when a good man goes to war. Friendship dies and true love lies, night will fall and the dark will rise when a good man goes to war Demons run, but count the cost. The battle's won, but the child is lost."
Pickerel raised his gun and blew smoke from the barrel. "I bet all that aura makes you feel like a big man, don't it? I did too, until I fought a bastard that cut right through it. Y'see, there's just one problem with aura. Most people I know, they have to consciously keep it active. I wonder if you can manage that?
One of his attackers fell with a bloody gurgle.
A grin split his face. "I guess not."
Then he was among them.
Guns blazed in the dark.
Ren, my friend!" Roman slung an arm around his shoulder. "You and I are the only men in this menagerie of women. We gotta stick together.
Easy for you to say, Roman. You're older.
"Wiser, too!"
EDIT: Avatar reverence is obvious...and fitting, given Ozpin.
Time. Ozpin chuckled once. Time's a funny thing. The past, the present, the future, for me, it all mixed up. There's only one way to keep it straight. By remembering what really matters. Of course, keeping sight of what's important can be had. Sometimes it feels like we will always be alone and the only thing keeping us company is our own pain. We tell ouselves we are the problem. Especially when things we can't control come our way. Tha's why we must let go of our pain and regrets and remember what is we are really fighting for. The ones we love. Let that be the light that guides you through the most treacherous of times...and the darkest of nights.
Its amazing how far we'll go to hide our true selves from others; because we don't want people to know how much they really mean to us, which is funny, because the truth is, we would do anything for them. We travel incredible distances, risk our lives, fight monsters. But I suppose it can be scary to admit you need people; some might see that as a weakness, a liability. After all, what greater pain is there than losing someone you love, or worse, discovering someone you love has left you behind. I suppose that is why we feel the need to hide away and protect ourselves at times. So we put on a mask Its hard to understand why, almost as hard as knowing that sometimes...the mask is who you truly are.
So, you thought you had all the pieces right where you wanted them.
There are so many moves I've yet to play.
You should've stayed away.
"Team SLVR." he greeted them at a glance. "Shiro Wan, Lin Fucshia, Victor Farrow, Rory Andrews. By all means, come in! He granted each of them a smile. "How are you settling in?
Team HCIN, welcome. Heather Shields, Nova Carillo, Ivy Altham, Inigo Nash. Tell me, how do you feel about entering the Vytal Festival?"
Team CBLT. Carmine Escalados, Bertilak Celadon, Lali Choi and Caroline Teale. I take it you're here to enter the Vytal Festival?
"I'd almost forgotten. The weak always get taken from. Thats how it works here. Which means you guys understand how it works too, right? Those who prey upon others should be prepared to be preyed upon themselves.
"I'll give you whatever you want! Please! Just let me live! I'll pay you double, two times-
Three times.
"What?"
Three times you tried to kill me. Did you think I'd forget? And now you want mercy...? No. What happens in Mistral stays in Mistral...
The single quality that is common across every living creature on this planet.. is Fear It's funny then, that as common as fear is. We so easily underestimate its power Fear of growing close to someone. A subsequent fear of loss, a fear of failure. And as more people depend on you. Those fears can take on greater power. But fear itself isn't worthy of concern. It is who we become while in its clutches. Will you be proud of that person? Will you forgive them? Will you understand why they felt the need to do the things they did? Will you even recognize them? Or will the person staring back at you be the very thing you should have feared from the start?..I suppose we all find out sooner or later
"You call yourself a Headmaster?! What is wrong with you?! How can you be so broken inside...to shatter our lives, our team, and then rub it in our faces like its something to be proud of! All with that damn smile on your face! I'm gonna make you pay for what you did! Do you hear me?! Well?! SAY SOMETHING!
...please stop shouting. You're scaring Yang, and I don't even know who you people are."
It was not the response he wanted. "SAY THAT AGAIN! I DARE YOU!"
Blue eyes widened. "...you're Taiyang, aren't you? I'm so sorry."
Too little, too late. He saw red.
EDIT: Hey, thanks for reading!
Feels good to write another chapter for this. Hope you enjoyed it!
So by all means, speak up! Raise your voice! Make yourself heard! Your reviews matter!
Hope you have a great day~!
R&R~!