A/N: Lesgo~!
Long have I waited! Long have I prepared! Long have I held this chapter back, polishing it, preening it, but no more! Lets rumble!
As ever the Embers rule persists, 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: Can we expect some new Elden Ring stories, soon?
A: Please don't tempt a mortal man beyond his means. I've got a bunch buzzing in my head. Naruto reborn as Miquella, a young Naruto discovered by Marika/Radagon/Godfrey, a Naruto who takes it upon himself to burn the Lands Between and rule as a God Emperor...the list goes on and on. I've actually written them, and the plot bin's driving me mad.
I need to finish my other works before I dive deeper into that hole.
Someobody even asked me to do a Jojo's Bizzarre Adventure crossover!
*head spins*
Q: We gonna get a talk no jutsu or a fight?
A: Read and see. I'll spoil nothing.
Q:...just how many bones/heads is Naruto going to beak if it comes down to a brawl?
A: Recall what Madara did to the Allied Shinobi Army. Got the image in your mind? Great~!
Q: Where are Watts and Pietro?!
A: Already answered this. Still aboard the ship. Working on a little...surprise.
Q: More action! More world-building! More, more, more!
A: Funny you should ask that; because the upcoming chapter cranks everything up to TEN.
Q: Didn't you say Naruto's hair went white from his misadventures? Why call him blond at all anymore, then?
A: I did. As stated, Naruto's hair has gone mostly white, but there's still a tinge of blond in it. Ergo, it works.
Q: Elden Ring references in this story?
A: Nope. I'm trying to keep that contained to its own stories.
Q:...methinks there will be blood, no?
A: Don't push papa Naruto. Don't threaten his family. Or his kids. Really, you think taking his artificial arm away makes him weaker? No, no, no...
Q: Give the guys some more screentime, damnit! They need a chance in the spotlight!
A: ...?
Alright then, I think I've kept you waiting long enough.
As ever, I own noooo 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!
"Lemme tell ya Neo, it was a sight to see!
The crowed bayed for blood, and boy, did they get it! Fists flew! Bodies hit the floor!
But what came next! That took the cake right and proper. Just one of the reasons you don't piss off the Old Man...
~Torcwhick (Future).
Are You Not Entertained?
"I'm going out there with ya."
Naruto sighed as he shed his shirt. "Qrow, no."
"Qrow, yes!" He heard the braying Branwen snarl as the fabric left his shoulders. "You heard that lunatic; you're gonna be fighting dozens of people!" tossing the blue-on-white fabric over his back rewarded him with an angry grunt from his friend. "You can't do this alone! They'll kill ya. Someone has to watch your back in that melee."
Kurama scoffed. "They really think we're that weak. Adorable."
Rather than answer, the shinobi hummed softly to himself and continued his preparation. Everyone thought he was walking into a trap...everyone, sans Willow. And why wouldn't they? One arm meant weakness. It was an unspoken rule. You couldn't fight half as fast or hard when you were down a limb. You'd be slower. Off balance. In truth, his mechanical arm was, in and of itself, a handicap for his enemies. With it he felt compelled to use his new array of tools. But without it? He fell back on his tried and true tactics. Tricks that had felled a goddess.
Knocking a few louts about would be child's play by comparison.
He couldn't outright tell Qrow that of course; not when he had his best intentions at heart. Raven's brother was trying to help him here. He understood that. Respected it, even. Qrow was one of three people in this world he genuinely trusted to have his back in a brawl. The first was Willow. The second was...well. That would be telling.
Stifling a sigh, he stole a lazy glance over his shoulder. "I appreciate the sentiment Qrow, but really, I'll be fine."
...with one arm? C'mon. You're good, but you're not that good. Right?"
Naruto paid him no heed and continued to get changed.
The silence that followed proved telling indeed.
"You're kidding."
"Nope." he smacked his lips with an audible pop as he kicked out his trousers. "You'll see in a few minutes." pausing, he considered the new ones that had been laid out for him on the bench. "Seriously? Kali wants me to wear these? Black's and white's not my color, ya know...
Kolgrim and his...associaed had loaned him a changing room of sorts just outside the arena; a spartan space tucked just below the arena, close enough to hear the crowd roar above. Bloody bastard was probably up there stoking them into a frenzy right now. What was his angle? He tried not to dwell too much. If they wanted a fight, they would get one. Nothing else mattered.
Evidently a certain bird thought otherwise; because he heard Qrow cough behind him. "Some might call that staking a claim, kid...
"Nah." although he still couldn't see his face from this angle, his tone said it all. "She ain't like that. She's got Ghira. Just like Raven has Taiyang."
...right, sure. Whatever you say." what was that beat of hesitation just now? Surely it was his imagination. "Be straight with me, though. Think you'll win this?"
"Of course I'll win." Naruto dragged on his new vest with a low chortle, not struggling at all for his lack of a limb. "You kidding me? If I lost here, the kids would never let me live it down."
Far worse things would happen, but he wasn't about to dwell on those, either. Thoughts like that could shackle a man. Drag him down to the depths. He refused to succumb to such. His clones were already spreading out through Menagerie, carefully concealed in countless disguises. They'd find the bombs and the detonators. The cultists...would be dealt with, if and when they refused to surrender. He hardened his heart to the oncoming slaughter. If forced to choose between the lives of his family and a bunch of madmen, there was no choice at all.
...they say killing gets easier after the first time. They were right. Frighteningly so.
"Why are ya laughing?" Qrow wasn't much pleased with his smirk just now. "This is life and death we're talking about here. We screw this up and the island's gone."
"Being a parent is life and death. Try being a father sometime." he bit back another snicker. "You'll understand then."
"Psssh!" He caught a rueful grin in his peripherals. "Not a chance. I'd make a terrible dad."
"This from the guy who gave Cinder a ride on his shoulders earlier?"
"Hey! Don't ruin my rep!"
"You know, I thought I'd make an awful parent too." rolling his shoulders, he took a moment to admire himself in the mirror. "Didn't know a damn thing about raising a kid-any of that stuff." Bright blue eyes beamed back at him, not once revealing the anxiety lurking just beneath the surface. "Then wouldn't ya know it? Cinder came along."
"Yeah, well I ain't in the habit of picking up strays and urchins. I'd rather be the cool uncle, thank ya very much."
"Hmm." he reached for his belt, struggled only a little with his one hand, then finally managed to wrangle it into place. "Maybe have one of your own." catching sigh of Qrow's pensive reflection, he took a chance to needle the surly bird while he could. "You and Summer, maybe? You'd make beautiful children together."
Mission accomplished. Qrow choked on his whiskey and spat it out.
"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?
"No, no, no!" sure enough a hand latched onto his shoulder and spun him right round, letting him see his handiwork, up close and personal. "We are not having the conversation you blond bastard!" a finger jabbed at his forehead, seeking his brain, currently cackling with merriment. "I'm not taking relationship advice from you of all people!"
"I dunno," Naruto thumbed his chin, whiskered cheeks creasing in a grin. "Ruby Rose has a nice ring to it."
Qrow made a strangled sound caught somewhere between a wheeze and a whine. "Stop!"
No chance in hell. "Or maybe Ruby Branwen? Kinda like the first one better, frankly...
An angry fist whistled his way, and he slapped it aside. Still he pressed the attack. "How does Sparrow strike you?"
A stool shattered harmlessly on his head. His aura didn't budge an inch.
"So you and Summer aren't...?"
"No!" Qrow physically recoiled, looking like he'd been slapped. "Gods, no! She's like a sister to me! A little sister!" He emphasized when the blond waggled a brow at him. "I could never...it ain't like that! Ugh!" Up came the flask again, from which he drank deeply. "You're gonna make me an alcoholic at this rate!"
"You aren't already?"
Qrow reached for Harbinger. "Say that again. I dare ya."
"Alright, alright." Naruto held up his hands. "I give. You win."
"Good!" Came the growl. "And besides, she has an eye for someone else."
Curiosity twitched within him. He couldn't help but feed that little seed. "Really?"
"Yes!" Qrow all but flung up his arms. "And before you think to, don't ask who. I ain't steppin' on that landmine for all the whiskey in the world."
...Taiyang, ain't it?"
Credit where it was due, Qrow Branwen was a man of his word. He didn't say a word. Couldn't even get a read on him at that. Shame, too. He wanted to put the fear of the Sage into them. Anyone courting Summer better not break her heart or he'd be breaking them. In half. She might be crazy, but she was Willow's friend and that made her family by default.
Besides. Cinder loved her Aunt Summer.
He let Raven's Brother stew a little while longer before he piped up again.
"I know you didn't just come here to offer your help. Out with it. What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. You can poke and prod me all you like, but you ain't gonna talk me out of this." Much to his chagrin, the aspiring huntsman set his stance and crossed both arms before his chest, refusing to give an inch in the face of his scowl. "Raven would have my hide if I let you walk out into that death trap without knowing you could handle yourself."
Satisfaction bloomed with Naruto, dark and triumphant. And so the broody bird reveals herself! "She put you up to this?"
"Pretty much." Hardly forthcoming, that, but then again, this was Qrow. "She'd be here herself...if she weren't keeping an eye on Willow and the kids."
So that was her angle. Blue eyes rolled in mild annoyance...and relief. It was a little sweet if he was perfectly honest with himself. She'd help Summer watch his family, Tai would keep a weather eye on the Belladonas at all times, and Qrow...Qrow had been saddled with him. Team STRQ was pulling their weight and then some. Warmed his heart, it did...even if the latter bit wasn't necessary.
Qrow's elbow sank into his back. "You done getting dressed or what?"
"Yeah, yeah, hold yer horses...
Naruto pivoted and took a moment to regard himself; in truth, he almost didn't recognize the stranger smirking back at him.
At Kali's behest he'd...reluctantly shed his Schnee colors for the occasion in favor of something altogether more tribal.
Supposedly it would make a mark if he worn wearing the colors of the isle, or so she'd said.
Looking at himself now, he could understand what she meant. Gone was the crisp and curt businessman he'd styled himself as, in his place stood a warrior. Clad in a pair of dark trousers bearing a white stripe down each leg and an open-chested sleeveless black vest in the likeness of Menagerie, he looked like he'd stepped out of the battlefield itself. He'd even gone so far as to break out his old headband for the occasion, wearing it proper for the first time in ages.
...heh. Looking good."
He felt like a shinobi again. As if he'd taken a glimpse back into his past, and the boy he'd once been. His past self seemed satisfied with who he'd become.
Naruto laid a hand on the glass.
A small smile touched his lips. "Hello, old friend."
If you'd told him he'd stand where he was now, he would've laughed. But seeing was believing. He had something to fight for now, more than he ever could imagine. All the more reason for him to win this horrid farce of a tournament and go home with Willow. They'd root out whoever was behind this. Together.
"Hey, not bad." Qrow slapped his back, snapping him back to reality. "You look like one of those Mistral martial artists."
"You have no idea." His lower lip curled. "And a martial artist? Really? Roman might have something to say about that, seeing as he's from there."
Silence stretched between the two of them. When Qrow didn't take the bait, it fell to him.
"Qrow, you can't come with me."
A bristly brow rose. "Think you can stop me?"
Yes. All the yes. To say it aloud would've wounded his pride, and so he held his tongue.
"For what its worth, I appreciate the help, but you'll only be in the way out there. Ain't your semblance," he clarified quickly when the latter's face fell, "What I'm about to do ain't subtle."
"Buddy, subtle or not, you've only got one arm!"
"Enough. Show him."
"About that...
As he spoke, the stump of his right limb began to burn a bright and blinding gold. Something erupted from it with an awful noise. Qrow's gaze widened. Bulged now, as its fell shadow swelled up in the room, taking on the likeness of something familiar. Something ghastly. To call the thing jutting from his arm human would have been a kindness. It wasn't. It was monstrous. Of course it was. It was meant to be. Intentional. Anyone who came in contact with it would remember that hideous appendage forever.
Quick as a flash that grisly thing retreated, vanishing into fading motes of tarnished gold.
"Oh." Qrow muttered. "Ohhhh. Well, they're screwed, aren't they?"
Naruto's grin was all teeth. "Up, down, an' sideways."
The door clicked open before his comrade could get another word in. Cinder poked her head through. "Dad? Do you...have a second?"
Seeing the need in her eyes, his expression softened. "Hey, sweetie." then, realizing they had an audience, "Mind giving us some room, Qrow? This won't take long."
Branwen waved a little and walked back the way Cinder had come. "I'll be outside. Hope you know what you're doing...
The door closed behind him. Cinder dithered.
Naruto sighed into the stifling silence that followed. Stubborn girl.
"Well?" he opened his arms. "What are you waiting for, the next ice age? Give me a hug."
His daughter didn't waste a moment. The very second he spoke, she struck. Her body hit him at speed, head slamming into his stomach even as her arms fastened 'round his waist. For once, his clever little girl didn't say anything. No clever quips, no snarky comments. She just clung tight. He gripped her with his good arm and sighed softly. Her emotions were a seething cauldron. This close he could feel the anxiety weighing her down, a dark wet blanket stifling her better thoughts. He pushed a thread of golden chakra through her and the pall lifted, if only a little.
"I heard them." her words were muffled against his torso. "Kolgrim's people. They were talking. They want to do such awful things to you...you'll win, won't you? Right?"
Anger sparked in his chest, and not towards her.
"What kind of question is that?" he feigned dismay instead, causing his darling girl to wrinkle her nose at him. "Course I will."
"No, I mean you'll win." she gripped his sleeveless arm, staring up at him with wide, golden eyes. "You have to win." her voice warbled, if only a little; even now she seemed too proud to break down completely, but he knew she would if he pressed her. "You're not allowed to die out there, do you understand?" he felt her fingers curl against his vest. "Don't lose. Don't get hurt. Kick all their asses and then we can go home."
"Language."
She reared back and slugged his shoulder with surprising force. "That isn't funny! Don't die!"
His throat closed a little and words failed him. She hadn't shown her vulnerable side in a while, but that didn't mean it wasn't there. At the end of the day she was still a child. Even if she acted twice her age. She could put up a brave front when Roman and Sienna -and even Alma!- were around, yet here in this moment he got a glimpse beneath the facade. She'd discovered her self worth long ago; it made all the more fearful to lose those she held dear; to lose him.
"Its alright." He knelt and laid a hand on her head, mussing her dark hair the way he knew she secretly enjoyed. "All things must die. Sooner or later. Even me."
Her face twisted in abject anguish. "But...!"
"Oi." he flicked her forehead when she made to protest. "Lemme finish, squirt." his forehead kissed hers, azure orbs glaring into gold. "I won't be dying today. It'll take more than some jumped-up cultists to take me down today. I don't care what Kolgrim's feeding them...or what he's got 'em on.
"Kali did mention that semblance-boosting drug a while back. Think its made here?"
On a small isle like Menagerie? Unlikely. If it was anywhere in Atlas, he would've ferreted it out by now. He'd wager Mistral or Vacuo. Perhaps even Vale. They'd probably run into it sooner or later knowing their luck. And then there was the matter of these madmen. Were these people connected with Salem? Or was it some other dark god they were following?
Cinder did not sniffle. If he called her on it, she'd deny it. "Promise you'll be okay?"
"Definitely." he yanked her into another hug. "Have some faith."
"If anyone hurts you, I'll kill them." Heat flashed in her eyes, and they almost seemed to glow. "I'll burn them to ashes...!"
This time, the air clogged in Naruto's throat for an altogether different reason. A chilling reminder of her ever-evolving semblance. He was beginning to think Cinder's gift wasn't glass at all, but rather heat related. The fact that she could both make and manipulate the element after the fact was remarkable enough. Under normal circumstances, she kept that well in check. She could temper what she made, harden her heated glass until it was like so much steel. But when stressed...
With her gift, this girl could forge unlimited blades...or burn everything down.
"Hey, hey. Everything will be fine." he took her head in her hands and steered her gaze up to meet his, even as his forehead touched hers. "You're okay. You're safe. Breathe."
Wild golden eyes blazed into his...and the heat within slowly began to abate. He held her until the temperature dropped once more, then a moment longer for good measure.
Finally she looked away, gripping one arm . "I'm sorry...
"Don't be sorry." he flicked her nose as he stood. "Think happy thoughts."
Times like these, he was glad Willow had become the Winter Maiden rather than Cinder. He didn't want to think what the little firestarter might become with that kind of firepower at her beck and call. Her gift was volatile enough without a bunch of magic juice coursing through her veins. Gods above, she was going to be powerful when she hit his age.
A bell chimed above. It was time.
Naruto held up his fist and walked out the door.
"Watch closely now, Cinder." he called without looking back. "Watch and see how your old man fights."
(.0.0.0.)
He'd given her his arm.
Her. Summer Rose.
Just like that.
Naruto had handed it over to her without a second thought, without so much as a by-your-leave. It lay in her lap now, a constant reminder of the duty she'd been entrusted. She wasn't sure how she should feel about that burden; honored or appalled? Both? For so long she'd sought to get her hands on this grafted gizmo, to see what made this marvel of Schnee and Watts engineering tick. And yet with it finally within her grasp..? Now that it was in her hands, entrusted to her for safekeeping?
It felt hollow. Well, that, and strangely warm.
Honestly! What was that idiot thinking?! Why give her this?! What did he expect her to do?! She couldn't even muster up the nerve to lift her head as the noise rose around her. Surely he had a plan. He must. He wouldn't just walk down into that arena and let himself be killed...would he?
All around her the stands swelled with life, the hustle of bustle of those who had been promised a spectacle. The entire island had turned out for this fiasco. Some didn't look much pleased by it. Others...the less said about their bloodthirsty expressions, the better. They wanted to see Naruto suffer-no, they wanted his head.
That didn't make a lick of sense either!
She knew for a fact that The SDC had taken great strides for Faunus lately, not just in Atlas, but around the world; Mantle was being expanded, the mines had never been safer, and more often than not, Faunus were paid more than most laborers, owed in no small part to their night vision and other skills.
So why had this cult sprung up?!
Summer's brow furrowed as she pondered the matter further. She was missing a piece to this puzzle here. Had to be. Was this really Salem's work? On the surface seemed like something she'd do, and Kolgrim's talk of a goddess appeared to be in line with that, but something was off about this. Salem had been silent lately. Too silent. She'd always been so subtle before...why make a move like this? This would draw the ire of Atlas, if not the world itself, so why-
Qrow returned with Cinder before she could twist her thoughts into another knot.
"Sorry we're late." the lazy bird waved a hand, ushering Naruto's pride and joy into her seat." Had some business to take care of."
Raven rounded on him, eyes flashing. "Why are you up here?! You're supposed to be down there with him!"
Taiyang arched a brow. "He was? That's news to me."
"Relax, Tai. He's got this."
...I hope he does."
A sullen Cinder plonked down between Raven and Willow in search of comfort. Everyone closed ranks around their little firebreather. Sienna wriggled into her stepsister's side. Alma hopped onto her knee. Roman gave her shoulder an awkward pat, afraid to do much else. Even in her despondence, Summer found herself scooting a little closer.
Golden eyes sought hers. "He'll be alright, won't he?"
Summer flinched. She wanted to say yes. She really did. But...
"He'll be just fine, dear." Kali spoke before she could. "I'm sure he has a plan."
"Quite so." Ghira echoed the sentiment. "He's proven himself a capable warrior in the past."
"Ditto." Roman tugged at his hat. "I've seen the look of a doomed man, and his ain't it. Have some faith."
Summer clicked her tongue, not at all liking his tone. "This from the boy who only just met him?"
"What can I say?" he grinned. "Boss made me a believer."
"Speaking of faith," Ah, crapbaskets. She'd almost forgotten about the resident black sheep of their little group. "May I just say how nice this is? You're like one big family. Thank you for welcoming me~!"
"We didn't welcome ya." Qrow fought down a full-body shudder. "You sat with us."
Tyrian Callows tilted his head. His tail mirrored the motion. "Am I not welcome among you?"
Raven touched a hand to Omen's hilt. "You're welcome to my sword if you keep pushing your luck, bub."
"How kind of you!"
"Let him be." Cinder muttered, burying her face in Willow's shoulder. "If he betrays us we can just kill him."
Tyrian cackled. "Spoken like the true child of a God!"
Willow sighed. "He really isn't."
"You're right!" the merry madman clapped his hands, giggling to himself. "He's better!" Summer yelped as he leaped up and struck pose. "A deity who lowered himself to mortality so that he might teach us his ways; he who walks among us, bleeds for us, lives for us!"
Taiyang's ring finger circled his head.
Well, they say you can't reason with crazy...
Raven still tried, bless her birdie brain. "Buddy, that boy ain't a god...
"Your humbleness is noted, oh soon-to-be consort of the Golden One, but my faith holds strong." the madman swept a humble bow with a titter. "You'll see soon enough, just as I have."
Summer squeaked.
Raven blinked. "Golden...?
Willow sputtered aloud. "Consort...?!"
"Aha!" Kali burst upright. "There he is!"
All eyes turned at the cry. More than a few widened.
Summer's eyes got really, really big. "...what is he wearing?"
Naruto sauntered out into the arena as if he'd been born in it; a swagger in his step, chin held eye, a defiant spark burning in those bright blue eyes, a roguish grin plastered across his face. The screens above the arena made certain of that-they caught every inch of his expression. The crowd stilled at the sight of that smile, their cries faltering as they finally laid eye on him. Or perhaps his arm, a lack thereof. Summer felt her spirits lift, just a little, as he came to a stop in the center. Roman was right, the brat. That wasn't the look of a desperate man. If anything he looked quietly pleased with himself.
It was the look he always wore just before he knocked her senseless in a spar.
Which in turn begged the question.
What was he up to...?
"Well, well, well." Raven made a pleased noise, unintentionally echoing her own thoughts. "Would you look at that?" she leaned forward just so, Willow mirroring her. "Where'd your Atlas gentleman go, Schnee?" An elbow ribbed the pregnant woman's side. "Looks downright tribal to me."
Willow's face had gone a bright cherry red to match her own. "What the hell is he thinking, going out like that?!"
Kali purred. "I think its quite striking."
Summer cottoned on at once. That sly little minx!
Willow rounded on her, eyes alight with blue blaze. "Care to say that again?"
"Greetings, one and all!" Heedless of their squabble, Kolgrim raised his staff on the podium, full of pompous poise. "We are gathered here beneath the eyes of our Goddess, to purge the heretics, to slay the nonbelievers, to do away with-
A pebbled bounced off his head, cutting his diatribe short.
Kolgrim rounded on the culprit, face gone an ugly shade of puce.
Naruto tossed a fresh stone in his palm, grinning like the cat that caught the canary and slaughtered its entire race. "Get on with it, ya bearded bastard!"
"So be it!" his staff crashed down. "You will take on all comers. Fight or die! Stand or fall!"
With a ponderous groan, the gate nearest to the bedraggled blond creaked open.
A great giant of a man trundled through, dragging a monstrously large behind him. Summer's spirit quailed at the sight; both the weapon and its wielder alike. Was that thing even human?! His biceps looked larger than her head! She couldn't even see his face at that; it lay hidden behind a full bone-on-white helm seemingly carved in the likeness of a wolf.
And behind him came yet more.
Cinder felt her eyes widen as she counted. One...three...a dozen...no, more...! Men and women clad in red, each masked, their faces hidden behind differing helms. All armed to the teeth, some with mechashifts. Knives, whips, lances, swords, shields...
Alma squeaked. "That's a lot...!"
Raven hissed. "Regret leaving him alone yet, Qrow?"
"You know what they say," The younger Branwen clicked his tongue. "They bigger they are...
Someone in the crowd -likely a Mythic Dawn plant- hooted and that was it; the rest of that contingent was away, filling the air with raucous catcalls and cheers. Even if everyone didn't echo them, even if more than a few faces wore expressions of concern rather than adulation, the sentiment was loud enough in their own right.
Summer held Naruto's false arm close to her chest. "You better win..."
Right on cue the blond inhaled deeply, filling his lungs to the brim with life giving air.
"People of Menagerie!" His voice cut through the din, startling the lot of them. "Lend me your ears!"
(.0.0.0.)
Cinder disdained festivals.
Truly, she did. She absolutely loathed any meager celebration or functions-unless they were a private affair with friends and family. Cake and presents were always welcome of course, but as a rule, she preferred to avoid large crowds if she could help it. Perhaps in time she'd grow to appreciate them as she grew older.
But this?
She'd make an exception for this.
"People of Menagerie!" Because her Papa had just used that voice of his; such that caused her to sit ramrod straight in her street. "Lend me your ears!"
The arena fell silent. Cinder never knew why and frankly she didn't need to. When her Father spoke, people listened.
"Yup." Sienna smacked her lips, "Kolgrim's screwed."
"Wait, already" Roman tilted his head. "Why? He's not done anything."
"You'll see, dear." Willow tutted. "More fool he. They gave him a chance to use his silver tongue...
"This is not the way to peace." He turned to face the stands, willingly presenting his back to those he faced. "Whatever your problems are with me, whatever's going on here, we can talk this out. I promise. I've done my best to try and do right by you-for awhile now! You know that." His gaze pinned one in particular, a slender rabbit faunus who appeared to be missing half of his left ear, poorly healed. "Why follow this man?" the target of his ire gave a flinch. "Why listen to him? Anything he promises you will be ashes in the end. You have to know that. What did he offer you? Wealth? Fame? Power?"
Qrow whistled. "You weren't kidding."
"But if you listen to me," Naruto continued, offering his hand to them, "I can promise you that we'll continue to make things better. Don't believe his lies. Don't fall for his hatred. Don't give into old dogmas and petty prejudices." again his gaze swept out, piercing each of his would-be killers in turn. "Do you want your children to grow up in a Remnant like this?" those words warped into a snarl. "A world where might makes right? Where every Faunus is viewed as some wild, rabid monster to be burned at the stake?! Because that's what you'll get if you follow this man!"
Cinder heard Sienna hiss out an angry breath, but couldn't bear to turn her gaze from the sight before her. None of them could, she was sure.
"Join me." his very voice tugged at her senses, inspiring belief. "And together, we can make a better world. Don't you want that?"
"Do not falter!" Kolgrim's voice broke the tableau. "We are blessed by the Goddess! He is the heretic here! Not us!"
"And yet you hold your people captive while this 'heretic' offers an olive branch." came the rejoinder.
"Silence, knave!"
Bah. Compelling words. She wondered if they would listen. Certainly a few seemed to hesitate...there! The rabbit faunus had cast their sword down into the dirt. Their mask joined it soon thereafter. Bright eyes burned out of a pale face, framed by dirty chocolate brown hair and a fearsome scowl.
"No! He's right!" Well, well! Not a man at all, this! T'was a woman! "I'll have no part in this madness anymore!"
Kolgrim's face darkened with the coming storm. "Choose your words carefully, sister Meg."
He received a single finger salute. "I ain't your sister, ya sanctimonious piece of-
Somewhere in the stands, a crossbow barked its retort.
Cinder closed her eyes.
"Don't mind me." an all too familiar voice hummed near her ear. "Just dropping this one off. Catch, Qrow!"
Cinder's head whipped around with a yelp as that very same Faunus came crashing down onto a very startled Uncle Qrow. The pair squawked and went down in a tangle of arms and legs. Naruto was already gone by the time they scrambled upright again; a strangled shout told of the archer's fate...as did their corpse, flung down now into the arena with an awful splat.
"Ha!" Tyrian pumped a fist, grinning from ear to ear. "Vindication! Only a god can move faster than light!"
Alma clapped her agreement. "Pretty colors!"
"You get me~!"
"Thank you oh-so-much for proving my point." Naruto alighted soundlessly upon the stadium floor, stomped over the still twitching body of the would-be assassin. "Is this the kind of loyalty you inspire? Where questions meet a dagger in the dark, a bolt in the back?"
An angry murmur passed through the
Another pair
A stray bolt clattered to the arena floor.
Naruto didn't stop smiling. Not once.
Kolgrim blanched. "We shan't listen to your lies!"
...fine. Blind idealism it is!" Naruto clicked his tongue. "You know, sometimes I think people actually want to see cruelty." He planted his fist in one pocket and stood his ground, all eyes on him. "They want to be barbaric. To give into their desires, and set their hearts ablaze. Peace can be such a wonderful thing." he took that hand and thumped it against his chest. "I cherish it with all my heart; I'd gladly give my life for it. I'm sure most of you would, too. Am I right?"
A ripple of disquiet passed through the stands as men and women looked to one another. Cinder felt her own nervous energy rise with it.
"But apparently something about it is lacking." thumbing his chin, he turned to glare at Kolgrim. "Losing touch with life and death, perhaps? Way I see it, we oughta live like this might be the last day we've got. That's the only proper state of mind for living things." his peace said, he lowered his arms. "I'm ready to accept it when that day comes for me; because I've faced this cruel world head on and deepened my understanding of it. Do I feel remorse for what I'm about to do? Of course I do. I'm a father, a lover, a brother.
Pivoting anew, he turned to face Menagerie's champions.
"I'll fight tooth and nail to protect those dear to me, just like you would." blue eyes rose to meet the hulking brute-then those lurking behind him. "Let me give you a warning, from one fighter to another. Throw down your weapons and surrender. Right. Now. If you're being paid to do this, I'll double it. If you're being forced against your will I'll save you." here at last, his face darkened. "But if you're here just to hurt others, to pillage, reave and ravage...stop. Because if you don't? I'll be the one to stop you."
The big brute with the ax lunged at his exposed back.
Naruto didn't move. To say so implied that Cinder had seen said movement. She had not. Not at all.
No. Papa didn't move in that manner.
He was a yellow flash.
BAM!
One moment his foe stood opposite him; in they ceased to exist in that space. All that remained was a faunus-shaped hole carved through the opposite end of the arena. Realization dawned. He'd punched them clear out the ring; likely into town, if not the ocean proper. Aura or not, they were probably dead. Just like that. He'd taken a life.
Cinder shivered.
Naruto lowered his fist. A furious blue eye shown over his shoulder, gleaming at the alarmed men and women meant to face him.
"Next."
Someone screamed and brought a mace crashing down on his head. Blue eyes pulsed with killing intent. They froze halfway, arms raised, unable to deliver what would've surely been a debilitating blow. One hand reached up. Plucked the weapon from their grasp as one might take a toy from a child. And then.
He struck.
An awful crack filled the air, followed by an inhuman shriek. His would-be attacker toppled to the floor, clutching at their ruined face. He'd stove it and the helm in with a single blow.
Naruto cast the bloody mace down, whirling to face his another opponent-no, Cinder realized, another victim.
Men and women stumbled away.
Ghira winced. "He's angry now, isn't he?"
Raven rolled her eyes. "Noooo...whatever gave you that idea?"
"Insolent pup!" Atop the podium, Kolgrim trembled with rage. "What are you waiting for?! Send more! As many as it takes!"
The gate opened anew; a quartet of armed men and one woman waded out to meet him.
Cinder couldn't see the Faunus properly thanks to their masks; perhaps that was a mercy. Because her Papa flickered again. Bones cracked. People screamed. Four fell before his fist, unable to do anything else. They'd not landed a blow. A pall of silence fell over the arena as the audience -some hostages and otherwise- began to realize they would receive the bloody sport they'd expected...and yet not all in the way they wished. The same could not be said of her. It was all she'd ever wanted to see and more.
Jab!
Hook!
Uppercut!
Naruto wove among the men and women of the Mythic Dawn in a whirl of black cloth, lashing out at their vital with indiscriminate violence. No jutsu here. Only raw strength. Men crumpled where he struck. Women hurtled into the air. Weapons used against him were repurposed, beaten into their masters, then thrown away as he whirled onto the next.
It was a maelstrom of death.
Cinder felt a tiny trickle of shame pool in her gut. She'd been afraid? Of this?! He was massacring them! They couldn't touch him!
Dangling one such victim by their skull, Naruto squeezed. Firm fingers bit down and the helm shattered, exposing the battered, bloodied face of a Faunus within. Still cradling them he whirled and bashed their head against a wall. His victim passed out with a gurgle, eyes rolling back in their head. He cast them aside, ready to face the next, only to find the battlefield empty of all but one.
"Are you not entertained?!
"HOW?!" Kolgrim's shout split the silence once more. Cinder wondered if he'd leap down himself. "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 cheek. It wasn't his own. "That's true on on any planet, any world, any reality. Did you thinking disabling my arm would make this any easier?" Something bright stirred in Cinder's heart as her guardian tilted his head. It felt like pride. "You're wrong."
His natural arm swung back. "Dead wrong."
One punch sent his final contender flying into the stands.
"I cam here to face your champions!" A fist stabbed upward in their wake. "I AM STILL WAITING!"
Raven whistled. "Seems 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...?"
Roman craned his neck. "Scary Schnee is Scary...
A cry of pain split the silence. For once, it didn't belong a Faunus.
Cinder whipped around, alarmed to find Naruto down on one knee, clutching his head. No. Not his head. His ears?
Someone else had entered into the ring when she wasn't looking. A man in red robes like the rest, but his mask was black. He walked slowly from the gate, almost languidly, even. She didn't pay anymore heed than that; because the bastard lifted the lower half of his mask, shouted, and her father snarled in pain.
For as long as she lived, Cinder would remember that sound...and the ugly laughter from Kolgrim that followed.
"Good, Zeke! Kill him!"
Those words had her surging forward, up out of her seat, blades in hand. "Dad!"
Others were moving, rising around her, but she paid them no heed. Someone tried to grab her. She never knew who. She flared her semblance, burning them. They jerked back with a gasp; giving her the chance to surge forward, vault the divide, then rush down the stands.
Kill him! She'd kill that bastard, cut out his eyes, burn him alive for even THINKING of hurting...!
Naruto held up a hand where he knelt. Pointed her way, fingers splayed, just before she could leap into the arena. His intentions were clear. She froze.
"Do you see now?! It doesn't matter how strong you are." his oppressor stomped a boot down on his back, unaware of his. "Your inner ear, your organs...those can never be hardened. Hurts, doesn't it!" Another stomp, all but forcing a grunt out of the blond. "Feel our wrath!"
"Ha!" Naruto took the blow and laughed, even as he bled from his nose and ears. "You're right! It does hurt! It hurts so bad!" his head snapped up, teeth bared, eyes wild. "It hurts, it hurts, IT HURTS! Feels like I'm dying! I'd almost forgotten what pain felt like! Thanks for that!"
"Why are you laughing?!" a hand gripped his hair.
Papa didn't answer. Instead he stabbed forward with his "useless" stump. Pushed it against his attacker's chest. At first, nothing happened. And then.\:
.
..
...He's all yours, Kurama."
A massive golden maw burst from his ruined limb, the teeth of a great beast made manifest. They caught the man flatfooted and all but bit him in half on the spot. Bones cracked, muscles tore. An entire differently scream filled the arena. Cinder had no doubt he could've killed him, then and there.
Instead he cast him down to the ground, letting him crawl away.
"Hey, you didn't think you could beat me with a sneak attack, did ya?" he shuffled forward, grinning. "Poison? Sound? I've dealt with worse. But you...I really hate folks like you." her father reached down, caught his prey by the ankle, and reeled him back in. "I let you get one lucky attack in, and all of a sudden you think you're hot stuff."
"Stay away!" the man's rasped, voice a mere fraction of its former self.
"Can't even fight back without your Semblance, eh? Can't be a man without yet superpowers, eh?" he drew them closer, crouching down over them. "What's the matter? Go ahead. Come on, kill me." No such attempt was made, for good reason. "No? Didn't think so. There's no way you can beat me. Because unlike you...I'm a real monster. And I'll kill to keep what's mine.
A fist swung out, obliterating a wall. Rubble crumbled to the floor, obscuring him for a moment. An instant. Nothing more.
And then he was upon them.
Furious red eyes filled them vision.
"Here." A firm hand closed around their face. "Let me show you what real pain feels like...
They tried to speak. Tried to beg. Plead for mercy. Naruto showed them none.
Blood spattered the arena. Cinder didn't look away. Not once.
She watched the slaughter.
And smiled.
A/N: Little!Cinder getting lessons on what it truly means to terrifying someone. Yikes.
That's what happens when you push a good man too far, take advantage of his kindness at his every turn.
Last, yes, that was Meg Scarlatina. Ain't pairing her with Naruto, though I thought that pretty obvious.
Here we go, getting back into the swing of things, as it were.
As ever, reviews are the fuel that keeps me writing. That's no joke. I'm sorry the chapters are shorter, but silence 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?
Here, have some previews.
Lemme know what you think!
References from Ascendance of a Bookworm...
(Previews)
Naruto tilted his head. "You had enough? Or...?"
"Intermission! I demand an intermission! Stop slaying my followers!"
Watts flung up his hands. "I've finished! Ha! Beat that, you foppish fool!"
Pietro considered the masterpiece before him.
"Quite nicely done."
Penny would still be far better, in his mind.
Raven chuckled. "How's your lady friend?"
Qrow choked on his own spit.
"I won't do it.
"Yes, you will. Or she dies."
Tyrian grinned. "Child, you and I are going to get along SPLENDIDLY."
Willow clicked her tongue.
Raven found herself looking at a towering spire of ice.
"Riiiiight. Maiden. You know, that shit is just plain unfair...
Kolgrim's smile was pure grease. "Your friends and family will remain safe in the stands of course. As for her-
Naruto's hand caught his wrist.
"Hey now, just cuz I'm playing your little game, don't assume I'm gonna let you have your way completely. You threaten them and I might just take my chances."
Willow was pleased to see the color drain from the fool's face. Cinder shivered a little.
Just a look and even madmen quaked in their boots.
Scary...
"This is the end! Here's where you die!"
"YOU FIRST!"
"Enough. Don't you dare lay a hand on my mom and dad. You invited us here. To your island. To have a discussion. Is this what you call a discussion?
Her victims gurgled and choked, terror writ across their faces.
"Cinder! Get your semblance under control! You're suffocating them! Control your emotions!
Her head tilted, just so. "How am I supposed to?"
He tried to touch her, only to recoil. Her shoulder was blazing hot. "Like you always do!"
"How?" She looked to him at last, face gone eerily blank, much like the glass she could create. "How am I supposed to quell my rage towards a man who wants to execute my mother, my father, and my unborn sister? My aunts, my uncles, my everything?"
If you keep going, you'll kill them! You won't be able to take that back!
Those blazing golden eyes swept back to the ringleader. "He was ready to kill a person. I'm sure he was ready to risk his own life, too...
Surprises await~!
R&R~!