A/N: EDIT: Flames will be flames and trolls will be trolls, I suppose. T_T
Added some more content, too, but no one ever seems to notice that...really hurts...
Bit of a fragment this time around; needed to include a vital bit for the up-and-coming arc without falling behind...
As ever, holidays are insanely busy and ze Embers rule persists.
If folks don't like this, poof! Away it goes.
As ever, reviews are my fuel, my fire, my life.
Without them, I lose all inspiration, all hope, all ability to write. That's no joke. I have so little time to write these days with two jobs, and silence hurts. So by all means, speak up! Make yourselves heard! Every bit of feedback, no matter how small or large, matters! Really, it helps a lot. Its a joy to talk with you all and bandy ideas back and forth; it really is. Sorry if this seems shorter than usual, working on a tight schedule here.
Now, lets answer your burning questions, comments, and concerns:
Q: Your lack of Salem in this story...worries me. What's she up to?
A: We all know she likes to play the long game. A very long game indeed...
Q: Are you gonna write THAT scene?
A: The heck are you on about?
Q: *sees the cast of characters going to the tournament* Well, Menagerie be fucked
A: Right in the down under.
Q: Methinks I see Cinder forming a team.
A: *cackles* Oh, you have no idea. But you'll see.
Q: Is Raven going to go nuts and jump Naruto? What about Summer? Kali? And in what order will the kids be born!
A: Winter first, Weiss second, Whitley third. I thought about changing up the order, but that would be too much of a drastic alteration for the story.
I will say this, though.
Naruto's children will be spoiled as all hell!
Alright then, I've kept you long enough.
As ever, I own no references, quotes, memes or themes.
Not a wit or a one. Ought to be reeeaaally bloody obvious by now.
And yes, I went there with that title, its a big honking references, though I'll not say to who!
"What do you stand for? Who do you love? Which will you protect?
That's the measure of a god as much as a man.
~?
Smooth Criminal (Fragment)
Naruto grit his teeth. "I hate planes."
Willow bent double and groaned into her bag. "I hate them more...
"There, there." Cinder's small hand massaged her back. "Just take deep breaths...
Heeding her advice didn't much help either of them. Certainly not Naruto. White-knuckled fingers bit into the armrests of his seat hard enough to warp the frame beneath the cushions. This was hell. Pure, unadulterated hell in the worst sense of the word. No doubt about it. Whoever came up with the notion of stuffing people into a flying metal bird, deserved to be thrown into a pit of snakes.
Because as far as he was concerned, that was exactly where they were going - right into the viper's den. Armed and armored to the teeth perhaps, but it didn't change their destination.
The turbulence wasn't helping matters any. His stomach lurched everytime they hit a rough spot. Willow wasn't faring much better in her pregnancy. He stole a look at her, only to find her expression even more pinched than his. Cinder's back rub didn't seem to helping overmuch. Abruptly, her eyes widened.
"Sienna!"
Quick as a flash, the young tiger Faunus thrust a fresh bag at their Mother.
Naruto looked away as Willow lost her breakfast. It was only an ironclad will that prevented him from doing the same.
Not for the first time he cursed himself for getting aboard this thrice-damned airship. It had to be one; if only because no planes flew to Menagerie -there was nowhere to land- and their party was too large to risk at sea. They numbered nearly a dozen altogether. First their little their family of four, followed by an eager Team STRQ then Arthur and Alma, to say nothing of Pietro...and his project. None of them were rattled by the weather or the flight in the least. Just the two of them.
.
..
...well, three.
"Urp." Kurama groaned in the back of his head. "Never again!"
Naruto wholeheartedly agreed. If this was a private craft, how bad were public planes?! Both biju and man shivered as one.
Worse, he knew precious little about Menagerie beyond the painful picture Kali and Ghira had painted him. Things might be better for Faunus-kind in Atlas, but it didn't change the fact that a number of them were confined to the island. According to them things were...better there now, but he still didn't expect a warm welcome.
Therein lie the rub.
They'd made their plans as best they could. Everyone had worked themselves to the bone, even the children. Arthur and Pietro had done their research and developed tools to aid them through the trials to come. But no amount of science or training could prepare them for dealing with the people of the isles. They'd have to wing it.
"Because that's worked so well for us...
A flash of a white cloak in his peripherals heralded Summer's arrival and a blessed escape from his dark thoughts.
She slid into an adjacent seat, grimacing a little as her best friend heaved again. He couldn't help but notice the way she leaned away from her...and the smell. No love lost there. Besties-better-than-the-resties they might well be, but Willow wasn't in the best state at the moment.
"How're we doing?"
Another spot of turbulence rattled the craft. Willow flipped her off and heaved again. Sienna deftly disposed of her bag and offered her another. The Schnee all but ripped it from her hand, freeing up Cinder to escape. And escape she did right into Naruto's lap. The blond tutted a little as he balanced her on his knee. Such a daddy's girl. Oddly enough, having her near helped settle his nerves, and with them his stomach.
He frowned a little when he noticed a smudge on her cheek. "Hold still. You've got some soot, there."
"Eh?" Cinder squirmed as thumbed away a bit of dirt from her face. Her eyes widened as she realized what he was going. "Daaaad! Stoppit! She slapped at his hands, to no avail; he wouldn't be budged. "You're embarrassing me!" Her protests fell on deaf ears. "Quit it!"
"There we go! All better."
Summer cooed a little as Cinder squirmed free. Her scroll flashed, telling him she'd snapped a photo when he wasn't looking.
Sienna leaned over her shoulder and sniggered. "Ooh, nice snapshot~!"
Was it? Maybe he should ask for a copy?
Cinder made angry Cinder noises to that effect; little growls of anger that promised bloody retribution at a later date. What was the saying? Vengeance will be mine? Yeah, that fit her to a T right about now...
For her sake as much as his, Naruto sought to steer the conversation to safer waters. "How're Raven and Tai doing?"
"Restless." Summer crossed one leg over the other as she laid her head in the lap. It reminded him of an affectionate puppy begging for attention. "This is a big ship." sparkling silver eyes beamed up at him, half-lidded with mirth. "They're sparring down on the lower deck." she chortled a little when he didn't get it. "They dragged Ghira and Kali into it, too. Ooh! Right there. That's the spot" A pleased noise escaped her as his natural hand began to absently massaged her head, each action drawing a cross look from Willow. "Something about them not being up to par and needing proper training. They're trying to bring them up to speed."
He blinked. "But they're not Hunters."
"Exactly." Summer snapped her fingers, "Maybe if they were, they could have fended off this problem themselves. Its not like they can tinker away all day like Watts and Pietro. At the end of the day, their physical skills are what keep them alive."
A crashing noise somewhere in the back of the bullhead echoed her words.
"Eureka!"
Alma's laughter mirrored her father's.
"Well," Naruto shrugged, "So long as they're enjoying themselves...
"He has a point." Willow managed to straight with a sigh. "Now get your head out of his lap, Summer. That's my spot."
"Awww, but I'm comfy!" she whined. "S'ides, I can really admire his arm from this angle~!"
Cinder huffed. "I don't see what's so great about it in the first place."
Sienna shrugged. "Its good for punching, I guess?"
"But its got so many gadgets!"
Naruto rolled his eyes as they jabbed one another. Raven and Taiyan's idea of "par" likely involved a thrashing as much as training. Still, if it kept that baffling bird and crafty cat out his hair, who was he to complain? He settled in instead, content to let their voices wash over him and lull him to sleep.
"Just checked in with the pilots." Qrow flounced into the seat opposite them before he could. "We're gonna be making a brief stopover in Mistral for refueling. Thought you should know."
Cinder and Sienna cheered as only excited girls possibly could. No doubt they wanted to go shopping or stock up on Dust.
"Only for a little bit!" Qrow rounded on them. "Mistral ain't a nice place. Don't go wandering off, you hear?"
Sienna saluted. "Sure thing."
Cinder seconded her with a grave nod. "As you say, Uncle Qrow."
All the adults winced at the gut punch; Qrow more than most. The surly bird grunted and clutched at his heart. "Never gonna get used to that...
"Not another delay." Willow whined, clutching him short. "Can't we just fly straight through?"
"Sure, we can." Qrow took a swig from his flask to steady himself. "If you fancy swimming all the way back...?"
There was a silence. All eyes turned to Willow.
She wilted. "Nevermind."
Naruto pulled a face regardless. Just enough time to land, catch their breath, and then they'd be off again. Maybe he should leave a clone or two behind before they did. Make a distraction, you know? It likely wouldn't last long, but it might throw Salem off their trail. If she saw him in two places -or more!- at once, she might be given pause. Enough to make her think twice about...whatever the hell she was doing. He didn't like being on the back foot like this. He wanted to take the fight to the enemy; if only he knew who the enemy was.
"Assuming this is her work at all."
Naruto perked up. "What makes you say that?"
"Just a feeling. The timing for this is...suspect to say the least."
He knew next to knowing about this supposed Queen of the Grimm, but from what precious little Oz revealed -and he suspected there was more he wasn't telling!- this didn't seem like a wise move on her part. Why wait so long to strike at him again? Why provoke him now of all times? She had to know he'd have his guard up. Was she trying to split his attention? And if so, for what? This so-called Mythic Dawn...were they truly under her control or some third party at work? A rogue faction he hadn't anticipated? Things were supposed to be better for Faunus these days.
So why was this happening now?
Wilow squeezed his hand, tugging him back to reality.
"I'm sorry," he blinked. "Spaced out for a bit. Did you say something?"
She favored him with a wan smile. "You can't be everywhere at once, dear."
He really could. Sure, it would mean spreading himself thin, but if it kept his loved ones safe...?
Yes, the more Naruto thought of it, the more the idea of a diversion appealed to him. The last time he'd done something like that his boys bumbled into Ironwood and Sienna. That had only transpired because he'd left them alone without orders. While things had worked out well in the end, he wasn't willing to tempt fate a second time. If he did leave a clone or two behind, he'd have to give them very strict instructions. Tenets for the lot of them to obey, lest they run rampant again.
He'd already left one behind with Nicholas; the doppelganger wasn't to let Willow's father out of his sight. No matter what.
If that crazy witch thought she could strike at him while they were away, she had another thing coming.
They would get through this. One way or another.
(.0.0.0.)
"Visitor for ya, Hazel."
A guard rapped the bars of his cell with a baton, commanding his attention.
The chained giant raised his head. Blinked. Scowled, nnow.
He could see a shadow behind the bars.
...who are you?"
(.0.0.0.)
Naruto wanted nothing more than to leap out the moment they touched down.
It was only decorum -and concern for Willow's condition- that prevented him from sprinting down the ramp. Even then, they had to wait nearly a full hour for everyone to get their gear together before they could entertain the idea of leaving. Most -Watts, Pietro, and team STRQ- chose to simply wait aboard the craft rather than risk being seen in public. Perhaps that was for the best. Better safe than sorry.
Willow, at least, looked grateful for the fresh air. Thank heaven for small miracles.
In a rare lapse she let him guide her down the ramp, hand in hand. Summer's sroll clicked once, drawing a scowl from both.
The landing zone really wasn't all that much to look at; just a simple landing pad on the outskirts of the city; with only the most basic of buildings nearby. Many looked to be in sore need of repair. He tried not to focus on them. If he let himself be distracted by Mistral happenings, he'd lose sight of his goal again. No time for detours here.
"We'll only be a few hours, sir." a guard saluted them. "You'll receive a call when we're ready."
"Good." he replied. Don't let anyone near the craft. Detain anyone who tries."
The man grimaced under his stern gaze. "About, that sir...
Just like that he felt a migraine coming on.
..there's been a bit of an incident."
Naruto frowned a little. "What incident?"
"Why you filthy little fletcher!"
A commotion near the back of the vessel drew his ear before the guard could answer. His head swiveled in that direction just in time to find another guardsman grappling with...who was that? A boy? A girl? Their clothes were a ragged tent around them, diverting any attempt to discern their identity. All he could see from here was a bright shock of orange hair. Actual orange. That, or a very bright strawberry-blond. He'd not seen that hair color before. Fascinating.
"Well," Kurama mused. "If that's not a sign, I don't know what is."
Willow saw him looking and nudged him with an elbow. "Go."
He spun back to look at her. "I didn't say anything."
"I know you." her smile was soft. "Go on. I'll be right here."
Well, if she didn't mind...? On a whim he leaned over. "Cinder?"
His daughter -he really did love the ring to that word -perked up at once. "Papa?"
"With me." he gestured curtly.
Her eyes lit up. "Coming!"
Pausing just long enough to make certain she followed him, he headed in that direction, leaving Sienna to fuss over Willow. Just as well; because a reedy yelp of pain had his blood boiling. Nine quick strides brought him over to the back of the craft, and with each passing moment, the shouts grew louder still.
"Lemme go!" the small figure rasped. "I didn't do nothin' wrong!"
Naruto reached out and raised his voice, part
"What's all this?"
"A stowaway, sir!" the guard wrenched their arm. "Found this one trying to hide in the landing gear while we were refueling."
He certainly looked slight enough to fit up there. Gaunt, verging on anorexic, yet for all that his eyes were bright and lively. Real survivor, this one. How was he still alive? Closer inspection revealed that this was indeed a member of the male persuasion-thin and gaunt not quite a man, but neither a boy at that. Probably somewhere around Cinder's age.
...good job. What's your name?"
The guard saluted sharply. Unfortunately, that meant letting go, and that meant said stowaway made a run for it. A flick of his arm birthed a golden tether of chakra. He snatched them up and reeled them in. They kicked and struggled, but it was all for naught. He dropped down on his haunches, the better to look him in the eye.
"Do you know who I am?"
The boy blinked at him. Noted his hair, the whiskers, and his metal arm. Realization dawned in his eyes. Horror, mixed with awe and fear.
"You're that Schnee, ain't ya?"
Naruto stifled a sigh and let him go with that very hand. He dismissed the guard with another.
...I am." he'd given up trying to correct people long ago, even if the title irked him. Instead he granted the little lad a nod, careful not to make any untoward moves lest he try to bolt again. "And you? Why were you trying to sneak onto my ship?"
"Because I want out of Mistral!" The boy snarled, a wild light in his eyes. "Yours was the only landing pad that wasn't guarded. I need to get out of the city. Today." he paused and squinted up at the sun, frowning. "Or was it yesterday? Doesn't matter." his gaze snapped back to him. "Everyone says you're a good person. You are, right?" when he didn't contest him, the boy barreled on. "Help me out! I'll make it worth your while!"
Kurama creaked an eye open. "Demanding brat...
Curiosity reared its head. "Alright. I'll bite. Who are you?"
"Roman Torchwick, at your service." He sketched a shallow bow, somewhat offset by his ragged outfit. "You need a guide? I'm your guy! This ain't my first rodeo in Mistral."
"He's got spirit." Cinder hummed, thumbing her chin. "I like that."
Roman beamed. "That a good thing?"
Naruto's brow darkened.
No, no, no. They were not doing this. His little girl was not, not, not showing interest in boys. Absolutely not! She was much too young for that! She always would be! His first instinct was to snatch her up, stalk back to the ship, and seal the cabin door. It would be the prudent thing to do. He didn't sense any negative intent from young Roman beyond ambition and hunger. The kid didn't seem dangerous, and he looked even worse off than Cinder had been when he'd found her. His heart twitched, conscience jabbing him something fierce.
"Why did you want to get out of Mistral so badly, anyway?"
"I...may have pissed off a few people." Roman scratched the back of his head.
Of course. Nothing was simple in this world. He already didn't like where this was going. "How many is a few?"
"Just a couple gangs." His smile was utterly unapologetic. "Not my fault. If they didn't want me to steal their stuff, they should've guarded it better."
Naruto and Kurama exchanged a bland look within their minds. No smooth criminal, this.
...
The former looked down on Roman and exhaled in a long-suffering sigh. "You certainly don't lack for ambition, do you?"
"I call it grit." came the boy rejoinder. "Us regular folk do what we have to 'ta survive."
...you should help him." Cinder's voice was soft. "Like you helped me."
Roman perked up at those words. "Now you, I like!"
Naruto scowled at him. "You do not!"
Still, he could feel Cinder looking at him expectantly now, waiting for him to make the right choice; the choice she knew he would ake. She'd already made up her mind with that remark. Blast. When had she come to believe in him? If he turned him away now in this time of need, he'd disappoint her as much as himself. Maybe a meal and a quick ride out of Mistral would help him. It certainly couldn't hurt. He told himself he wasn't adopting him. No. Surely not...right?
Another orphan under his wing, if only for today. Fine. Surely there wouldn't be any harm in humoring him. "...I'll handle it."
"Wha-really?!" Roman balked. "I mean...sure! Go nuts!" a nervous laugh escaped him. "Kick their asses for all I care!"
Cinder rubbed her hands together with a black look. "Oh, we'll do more than that...
Naruto cast his eyes to the sky. Sage save him from surly children!
"Slow down, both of you." Only a child would swing first and ask questions later. "We don't have time for a gang war. And besides, violence rarely solves everything, ya know." He took Roman the shoulder and steered him away, keenly aware of Cinder's pleased hum as she took hold of his free hand and trotted after them. "For now, lets get you something to eat and some proper clothes, yeah?"
"Yeah, mean sure, you're the boss...buuuut," Roman tilted his head and cocked a dirty brow at him, "You would be amazed at the amount of problems violence has solved..."
"I concur." Cinder agreed wholeheartedly. "Violence solves all the problems. It has for us."
"See?" Roman grinned. "She gets it. You could learn a thing or two from her."
Naruto gave Roman a light swat upside the head. "Less talk, more walk."
Torchwick snapped of a snarky salute. "Yessir, bossman!
Another swat. "And stop calling me that!"
A/N: PLEASE READ THIS NOTE, WOULD YOU KINDLY?
Say hello to Little!Roman, snark and all.
As we all know, Neo -who isn't quite Neo, yet!- is still in Vale. Roman's origins were always a little murky, so I was able to tweak things a bit. Roman WAS born in the Kingdom of Mistral, however, as "Roman Holiday" states. That's an indisputable fact.
Hell, his mother abandoned him at an orphanage! What the hell?!
As ever, reviews are the fuel that keeps me writing. That's no joke. I'm sorry the chapters are shorter, but silences hurts more than any flame...
Without them, I can't write a single world. Seriously! So speak up! Every word -and every review!- really does matter!
So in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...Review, Would You Kindly?
And enjoy the previews.
Potential ones...
...but still!
As ever!
WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!
SPOILERS AHOY!
BEWARE!
(Previews)
He didn't budge.
"How are you still this strong?! You should be nothing without that arm!"
"Strength comes from experience, not the hand that holds the weapon." Naruto wiped a thin line of blood from his lip. "That's true on on any planet, any world, any reality. Did you thinking disabling my arm would make this any easier?" Something ugly stirred in him as he tilted his head. It felt like anger. "You're wrong."
His natural arm swung back. "Dead wrong."
One punch sent his contender flying out the ring.
"I cam here to face your champion! I AM STILL WAITING!"
A knock echoed on the cabin door. Arthur poked his head out and caught his eye. "A word?"
Naruto nudged Cinder off his lap and climbed to his feet. With her absence his stomach pains returned, but he shoved them away.
He led him to the back of the craft; more a mobile command center,
Pietro was there too, hard at work.
"You're sure about this?"
Quite." Watts reached out and clasped Naruto's hand. "You may not be able to bring an army to Menagerie...
He wiggled his fingers and a sea of drones behind him lit up in lab.
...but I have ways around that."
"Watts, this isn't a competition between you and Pietro."
His ally bristled a little. "Of course not. My creations exceed his in every way. Hardly fair for him, I'd say."
"Well!" Willow shrugged at his side. "You tried."
Alma released her and danced back, face alight with joy.
"Oh, I see! Is this what they call a vacation?"
Willow smiled. "In a sense, dear."
...best auntie ever!"
"Eureka!"
"Well, she's still a prototype...but...well. Say hello, darling."
"Salutations!"
...you had to do it. You just had to do it."
Alma shot to her feet. "Did I just get a little sister?"
Watts looked positively nauseous.
"I won't do it.
"Yes, you will. Or she dies."
Qrow whistled. "Someone's mastered the art of showmanship."
Willow preened. "I promised to fill in his gaps, as he did mine.
Summer balked. "Wait, you taught him how to act?"
"Yes, why...?"
"Scary Schnee is Scary...
"So we've got a C and an R with an S." Sienna counted on her fingers. "All we need now is an N and wed have team CRSN"
"Crimson." Cinder smacked her lips. "I like the sound of that."
"Sweet gig you got here." Roman kicked up his feet onto the table. "What's a guy like me gotta do to get in on this?"
Sienna saw now reason to lie to him. "Mug a Schnee."
"Really?" he saw the deadpan honesty in her eyes. "Holy shit. You actually did that?"
Cinder winced.
Looking back, it probably wasn't a wise choice to steal from someone armed to the teeth.
Roman kicked up his legs, grinning fit to burst.
"Cinder, I think you and I are gonna get along just fiiiiine...
EDIT: Once more, it seems folks aren't happy with the length of recent chapters, judging by the flames.
I only have so much time to write these days, I'm sorry I'm letting everyone down T_T
As ever, reviews are my fuel, my fire, my life.
Without them, I lose all inspiration, all hope, all ability to write.
That's no joke.
...
...
...really, it isn't.
R&R~!