Kaze no Hono
"Flames of the Wind"
Chapter 13
Allies and Enemies: Saga Two
Emerald Forest, Northern Forest
The sun filtered through the dense canopy of the Emerald Forest, casting dappled patterns of light onto the mossy floor below. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint rustle of leaves stirred by an unseen breeze. Somewhere in the distance, the guttural growls of Grimm echoed, a forewarning of the danger that lurked in the shadows.
A young woman stood in the clearing, her golden hair shimmering like a beacon against the dark forest. Her gauntlets gleamed in the sunlight as she unleashed a flurry of explosive punches against a pack of Beowolves. The creatures snarled and lunged, their jagged teeth bared and crimson eyes blazing with feral rage. She met them head-on, her punches resonating with thunderous force that sent shockwaves rippling through the air.
"Come on! Is that all you've got?" she taunted, her voice ringing with confidence as she sidestepped a claw swipe and retaliated with a devastating uppercut. The Beowolf she struck flew back, crashing into a tree with a sickening crack before disintegrating into wisps of black smoke.
Suddenly, another Beowolf lunged from her blind spot. She twisted, ready to counter, but before she could act, a shadow darted in. A glint of steel flashed, and the Beowolf collapsed, a clean slice cutting through its torso. Standing poised with her weapon at the ready was another young woman, her amber eyes calm and calculating. Her blade shimmered in the light, its ribbon trailing like an extension of her movements.
"Nice timing," the first girl quipped, flashing a grin as she dispatched another Grimm with a well-placed punch.
"You looked like you had it under control," the second replied, her tone cool and measured as she shifted to cover her flank.
The pair fell into a rhythm, their movements complementing each other with an almost instinctive synchronicity. The second girl's swift, precise strikes balanced the first's raw power and explosive attacks. When a particularly large Beowolf emerged from the shadows, snarling and snapping, the blonde charged it head-on, her fists blazing with fiery energy. Meanwhile, the other leaped into the air, her blade spinning in an elegant arc that sliced through another Grimm mid-lunge.
The battle raged on, the bluster of growls and impacts reverberating through the forest. The blonde's laughter mingled with the sounds of combat, a stark contrast to her companion's silent focus. Together, they decimated the pack, until the last Beowolf fell, dissolving into ash and leaving the clearing eerily quiet.
The blonde exhaled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Well, that was fun. Thanks for the assist."
The other sheathed her weapon, her expression unreadable. "You're welcome."
As the two began to walk through the forest, the blonde glanced at her newfound companion, her curiosity piqued by the other's reserved demeanor. "So, you don't strike me as the chatty type. Got a name?"
Her companion's eyes flickered briefly before returning to the path ahead. "Blake."
"Nice to meet you, Blake. I'm Yang," the blonde replied with a grin. "What's your story?"
Blake's eyes flickered to Yang briefly before returning to the path ahead. "There's not much to tell."
"Oh, come on," Yang said, her tone light and teasing. "Everyone's got a story. Where're you from? Got any family? Hobbies? Favorite color?"
Blake sighed, her steps steady as she navigated the uneven terrain. "I prefer to keep to myself."
Yang chuckled, undeterred. "Fair enough. But since we're stuck together for now, you might as well get used to me talking. I'm not exactly the quiet type."
Blake allowed a faint smile to tug at the corners of her lips. "I noticed."
Yang launched into a cheerful monologue, recounting stories of her childhood and her time at Signal Academy. She spoke of her dad with warmth and affection, painting a picture of a man who was both her mentor and her rock. "He's a great guy, my dad. Always looking out for me and my sister."
Blake listened in silence, her gaze distant as she absorbed Yang's words. The forest around them grew darker as the canopy thickened, the light dimming to a soft, green hue. The chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves created a soothing backdrop to Yang's chatter.
"What about your parents?" Yang asked suddenly, her tone casual but curious. "Do you get along with them?"
Blake hesitated, her steps faltering for a moment. "My mother is kind of like how you imagined you're father, she's always looking out for me. Always wanting what's best for me. My father... He's... complicated."
Sensing the shift in Yang's tone, Blake retried her approach. "What about your mom?"
Yang's expression darkened, and she shook her head. "I'd rather not talk about her." Yang's footsteps slowed, her usual exuberance fading. "Oh... Sorry. I didn't mean to kill the mood."
Blake waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine."
The conversation lapsed into silence, a heavy tension settling between them. The forest seemed to echo with their unspoken thoughts, the shadows growing longer as the sun dipped lower in the sky. Yang's usually bright demeanor dimmed, her thoughts turning inward as she wondered about her newfound partner during her stay at Beacon Academy.
"You know," Yang said after a long pause, her voice quieter than usual, "sometimes talking about things helps. You don't have to carry it all alone."
Blake's amber eyes met Yang's, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them. But before she could respond, a distant growl shattered the stillness, and both girls tensed, their hands instinctively moving to their weapons.
"Looks like we've got more company," Yang said, her usual cheer returning as she readied herself for another fight.
Blake nodded, her grip tightening on her weapon. "Let's finish this quickly."
The two stood back-to-back as another pack of Grimm emerged from the underbrush, their glowing red eyes piercing the twilight. With a shared glance, they charged into the fray, their movements fluid and precise as they faced their new threat together.
Emerald Forest, Southern Forest
The forest was alive with an unrelenting chorus of natural sounds. The rustle of leaves, the distant calls of unseen creatures, and the faint hum of life coursing through the dense canopy created an immersive atmosphere. Shafts of sunlight pierced through gaps in the treetops, illuminating patches of the moss-covered ground below. The air was cool but carried an undercurrent of tension, as though the forest itself was aware of the trials unfolding within its depths.
Naruto moved with purpose, his sharp blue eyes darting around the forest, scanning for any signs of movement. Beside him, Cinder walked with measured steps, her expression a mixture of curiosity and wariness. She carried herself with an air of confidence, but the silence between them felt heavy, almost oppressive.
"You've been quiet," Cinder said, breaking the silence. Her tone was calm but edged with suspicion. "You don't strike me as the type to hold back."
Naruto glanced briefly at her before returning his focus to the path ahead. "We're in a forest filled with Grimm. Talking too much can get you killed."
Cinder raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Is that why you go by a fake name like Kiaya? Trying to avoid attracting the wrong attention?"
Naruto slowed his pace slightly, his expression unreadable. "Names don't matter here. What matters is getting the job done."
Cinder studied him for a moment, the smirk fading into a more serious expression. "You're not like the others," she said. "You move differently. You think differently. It's almost like... you've done this before."
Naruto didn't respond immediately. Instead, he crouched low, examining a patch of disturbed earth. His gloved fingers brushed against the ground, and his gaze sharpened.
"Tracks," he murmured. "Grimm passed through here recently."
Cinder crossed her arms, curiosity piqued. "You didn't answer my question."
Straightening, Naruto turned to face her, his expression calm but firm. "And I'm not going to. Focus on the mission."
For a moment, it seemed like Cinder might press further, but she let it go, frustration evident in the way she exhaled sharply. "Fine. Lead the way, then."
The pair continued through the forest, their footsteps muffled by the thick layer of leaves and moss underfoot. The trees grew denser as they moved deeper, their gnarled roots creating natural obstacles. Naruto's movements were deliberate, his senses honed to detect even the faintest disturbances. Cinder followed closely, irritation slowly giving way to intrigue as she observed his behavior.
After a while, Naruto stopped abruptly, holding up a hand to signal Cinder to halt. "Something's not right," he said, his voice low.
Cinder frowned, looking around. "What is it?"
Naruto's gaze swept the area, his expression tense. "Go on ahead. I'll catch up."
Cinder's eyes narrowed. "You expect me to just leave you here? What's going on?"
Naruto didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took a step back, his posture shifting as though preparing for an unseen threat. "I said, go. I'll handle this."
Cinder's frustration boiled over. "Handle what? You're not exactly inspiring confidence with all this mystery."
Without another word, Naruto disappeared into the shadows, his movements silent and precise. Cinder stood there for a moment, fists clenched as she glared at the spot where he had been. "Idiot," she muttered under her breath before turning and continuing toward the relic area.
The forest seemed to close in around her as she walked, the shadows growing longer and the air heavier. Despite her irritation, Cinder couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching her. Her hand rested on her weapon, ready to draw it at a moment's notice.
Meanwhile, Naruto moved through the forest like a ghost, his steps silent and his presence almost imperceptible. He had sensed something—a disturbance in the natural flow of the area. His instincts, honed through years of training and countless battles, told him that danger was near. He moved swiftly but cautiously, his sharp eyes scanning for any signs of the source.
As he neared a small clearing, Naruto paused, his senses on high alert. The faint sound of movement reached his ears, and he crouched low, blending into the shadows. A group of Grimm came into view, their hulking forms prowling through the underbrush. But something about their behavior struck him as odd—they weren't hunting; they were waiting.
His gaze narrowed, and he carefully drew a kunai from his pouch. The Grimm were clustered together, their glowing red eyes fixed on something deeper within the forest. Naruto decided to observe for a moment longer, his mind racing with possibilities. Were the Grimm being controlled? Or was this some kind of trap?
The sudden snap of a twig behind him made Naruto tense. He whirled around, his kunai at the ready, but there was nothing there. The forest was silent again, save for the low growls of the Grimm ahead. His grip on the kunai tightened as he considered his options. Whatever was happening, it couldn't be allowed to interfere with the mission.
Back on her path, Cinder pushed forward, her irritation with Naruto giving way to a sense of unease. The forest around her seemed to shift, the trees looming larger and the shadows growing darker. She couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, and her hand remained on her weapon as she moved.
When she finally reached a small ridge overlooking a distant structure that appeared to be the relic area, Cinder paused. Her sharp eyes scanned the horizon, her mind racing with thoughts of Naruto's strange behavior. "What are you up to?" she muttered.
Before she could dwell on it further, a sudden rustle in the underbrush made her spin around, drawing her weapon in one fluid motion. A pair of glowing red eyes stared back at her, and a massive Grimm lunged from the shadows.
Cinder reacted instantly, her movements precise and deadly as she engaged the creature. Her weapon slashed through its hide, and she danced around its attacks with an almost predatory grace. But as she fought, a nagging thought lingered in the back of her mind: Why had Naruto sent her ahead?
As the Grimm dissolved into ash, Cinder stood there for a moment, catching her breath. She turned back toward the forest, her gaze narrowing. "You'd better have a good reason for this," she muttered before continuing toward the relic area.
Emerald Forest, Eastern Forest
The forest stretched endlessly, its dense canopy blotting out much of the sunlight and leaving the ground cloaked in shadows. Ruby darted ahead with boundless energy, her silver eyes scanning the towering trees and the scattered underbrush for any sign of their objective. Her crescent-shaped weapon, Crescent Rose, rested comfortably on her back, its weight a familiar reassurance. Her partner, Weiss Schnee, trailed behind, her steps measured and deliberate.
"Weiss! Isn't this place amazing?" Ruby chirped, her voice cutting through the symphony of rustling leaves and distant bird calls. "I mean, it's kinda spooky, but in a cool way, right?"
Weiss sighed, adjusting her pristine white combat skirt, "Ruby, if you spent half as much energy focusing on the task at hand as you do rambling, we'd probably have found the relic temple by now."
Ruby turned and skipped backward, a wide grin on her face. "But isn't this part of the fun? Exploring a mysterious forest, fighting Grimm, and—"
"Ruby," Weiss interrupted sharply, her icy blue eyes narrowing. "This isn't a game. We're here to prove ourselves as Huntsmen and Huntresses. Some of us take that responsibility seriously."
Ruby's grin faltered, but she quickly recovered. "I take it seriously too! It's just... I think we can have fun while we're at it. Don't you think so?"
Weiss didn't respond immediately, her gaze fixed on the path ahead. The silence stretched between them, and Ruby's cheerful expression faded before returning strongly as she engaged her teammate in another meaningless conversation. After several minutes of listening to Ruby's endless chatter about weapons, cookies, and her excitement about becoming a Huntress, Weiss's patience finally snapped. She stopped abruptly, causing Ruby to halt and turn to her with a confused look.
"Ruby, enough!" Weiss's voice was sharp, cutting through the forest air. "Do you even realize how childish you sound? You're not a Huntress. You're a child playing pretend with a dangerous weapon."
Ruby's eyes widened, and her hands clenched into fists. "That's not true! I've trained just as hard as anyone else! I earned my spot here!"
Weiss crossed her arms, her expression cold. "You're reckless, immature, and you don't think things through. Being a Huntress isn't just about fighting Grimm. It's about discipline, strategy, and responsibility—things you clearly lack."
Ruby's cheeks flushed with anger and hurt. "You don't know anything about me! I'll show you I'm just as good as anyone else. Better, even!"
Before Weiss could respond, Ruby turned and bolted into the forest, her cape billowing behind her like a crimson streak.
"Ruby! Get back here!" Weiss shouted, but the younger girl didn't stop.
Muttering under her breath about reckless partners, Weiss took off after Ruby, her refined steps contrasting with Ruby's wild dash. The forest seemed to grow darker as she pursued her partner, the shadows deepening and the sounds of wildlife fading into an eerie stillness.
After several minutes of running, Weiss spotted Ruby in a small clearing, staring up at something. As Weiss approached, she saw what had captured Ruby's attention: a massive black structure, partially obscured by the dense foliage. At the very top of the structure, a single white feather glimmered, its purity stark against the dark surface.
"Weiss! Look!" Ruby exclaimed, pointing at the feather. "That has to be the relic!"
Weiss frowned, skepticism written all over her face. "A relic? On top of... whatever that is?"
"It makes sense!" Ruby said, already starting to climb the black mass. "It's gotta be important if it's up there."
"Ruby, wait!" Weiss called, but the younger girl was already several feet off the ground, her hands and feet scrambling for footholds on the rough surface.
Sighing in exasperation, Weiss followed, carefully picking her way up the structure. The texture of the black mass was strange, almost leathery, and it seemed to shift slightly under their weight. Weiss's unease grew with every step, but Ruby's determination left her little choice but to follow.
"Ruby, this doesn't feel right," Weiss said as she climbed. "We should go back and report this to the instructors."
"Come on, Weiss! We're almost there!" Ruby called down, her voice filled with excitement.
As they neared the feather, a low rumble echoed through the forest, sending a shiver down Weiss's spine. She froze, her grip tightening on the black surface. "Ruby..."
The rumble grew louder, and suddenly, the black mass shifted beneath them. Ruby yelped as she lost her footing, clinging to the surface as it began to rise. Weiss's eyes widened in horror as the structure unfolded, revealing massive wings that stretched out into the sky. They weren't climbing a structure—they were on the back of a Nevermore.
The giant Grimm let out a piercing screech, its wings beating powerfully as it took to the air. Ruby and Weiss clung desperately to its back, the ground rapidly disappearing below them.
"Ruby, you idiot!" Weiss shouted, her voice barely audible over the roar of the wind. "This is not a relic!"
"I didn't know it was alive!" Ruby shouted back, her grip slipping slightly. "What do we do now?"
Weiss's mind raced, searching for a solution as the Nevermore soared higher and higher. The forest below became a blur of green, and the air grew colder. Their situation was dire, and the odds of survival seemed slim. But one thing was certain: they would have to work together if they wanted to get out of this alive.
Emerald Forest, Northern Forest
The forest began to thin as Yang and Blake moved through it, their footsteps light against the moss-covered ground. Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the trees, creating a patchwork of gold and green on the forest floor. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the faint hum of distant life. As they stepped over gnarled roots and weaved through towering trunks, their movements were fluid, almost in sync, though no words passed between them.
"I think we're close," Yang said, brushing a strand of golden hair from her face. Her tone was confident, but her eyes were sharp, scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.
Blake nodded, her expression calm but focused. She carried herself with an air of quiet determination, her ears twitching slightly as she picked up faint sounds in the distance. "The map indicated the relic area should be just beyond this ridge," she replied, her voice low and measured. "But we should be cautious. It's too quiet."
Yang grinned, cracking her knuckles. "Quiet's fine. Means we'll hear trouble coming before it finds us."
Blake's gaze flicked to Yang, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "You're oddly optimistic for someone wandering through Grimm-infested woods."
Yang shrugged. "Hey, someone's gotta keep the mood light. Besides, you're good at the whole brooding thing. We balance each other out."
Blake's smirk faded into a more thoughtful expression. She didn't respond, but Yang didn't seem to mind, continuing forward with her usual energy. As they crested the ridge, the forest opened up to reveal the relic area below.
The clearing was vast, bordered by ancient trees whose roots twisted into the ground like the veins of the earth itself. At its center stood a raised platform of weathered stone, intricately carved with symbols that seemed to hum faintly with an otherworldly energy. Surrounding the platform were scattered fragments of what might have once been towering statues, their broken forms hinting at a forgotten age of grandeur. The air felt heavier here, charged with a sense of purpose and history.
Yang let out a low whistle. "Well, that's something you don't see every day."
Blake's eyes narrowed as she studied the area. "It's beautiful, but it's also a perfect spot for an ambush. Stay alert."
"You got it, boss," Yang replied, though her playful tone couldn't mask the way her hands flexed, ready to activate her gauntlets at a moment's notice.
As they approached the platform, the sound of rustling leaves caught their attention. Both turned, weapons at the ready, but the tension eased as two figures emerged from the forest. One was tall and lanky, his blonde hair slightly disheveled, and his armor gleamed despite the dirt smudges on it. The other was poised and composed, her red hair a striking contrast against the greens of the forest. She carried herself with a quiet confidence, her every movement deliberate.
"Hey there," the blonde said, raising a hand in greeting. "Looks like we're not the first ones here."
Yang grinned, lowering her fists. "Guess not. Name's Yang. This is Blake."
"Jaune Arc," the blonde replied, gesturing to himself. He then motioned to his companion. "And this is Pyrrha Nikos."
Blake gave a polite nod, her gaze lingering on Pyrrha for a moment longer. There was something about the redhead's demeanor—a subtle tension that belied her otherwise calm exterior.
"Nice to meet you," Pyrrha said, her voice warm but carrying an undertone of formality. Her eyes flicked between Yang and Blake, assessing them with quiet precision. She took in their stances, the way they carried their weapons, and even the subtle shifts in their expressions.
Years of combat training had sharpened her ability to read people, and she couldn't help but analyze the two newcomers.
Yang exuded confidence, her body language open and relaxed but with an underlying readiness for action. Blake, on the other hand, was more reserved, her movements controlled and deliberate, like a predator waiting to strike.
Before more introductions could be made, the sound of footsteps drew their attention. Jaune, meanwhile, couldn't take his eyes off the next figure to appear.
The figure emerged from the shadows of the forest, moving with a grace that seemed almost unnatural. She was tall and elegant, her amber eyes hidden behind a pair of dark sunglasses, but her beauty was unspoken. There was an air of authority about her, though it was tempered by a hint of distraction as if her thoughts were elsewhere.
Jaune's cheerful demeanor faltered slightly, replaced by a wide-eyed expression. He blinked a few times as if trying to convince himself that the woman before him was real. Pyrrha, ever observant, noticed the change immediately. Her lips pressed into a thin line, though she said nothing, filing away the detail for later.
"You made it," Pyrrha said, her tone neutral but laced with something unspoken.
The new arrival glanced at her but said nothing, her gaze sweeping over the group before settling on the platform. "Where is he?" she asked, her voice calm but edged with impatience.
Yang raised an eyebrow. "Who?"
The woman didn't answer, her focus already shifting back to the forest. Pyrrha stepped forward, her posture stiff. "This is Cinder Fall," she said, her tone carefully controlled. "We crossed paths before..."
Yang tilted her head, her grin fading slightly. "Charmed," she said, though her tone held a playful edge. Blake remained silent, her gaze flicking between Pyrrha and Cinder, noting the tension between them.
Pyrrha's gaze lingered on Cinder, her mind racing with memories of their shared history. They had both been regional champions, their reputations towering over their competitors. Though they had never faced each other directly, Pyrrha had heard enough whispers to know that Cinder was a force to be reckoned with.
Then there was a sharpness to her presence, an aura that set her apart from the others. And yet, Pyrrha couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more beneath the surface—something dangerous.
Cinder's attention was elsewhere, her thoughts clearly preoccupied.
Naruto's absence gnawed at her, a quiet frustration building as she replayed their last interaction in her mind. He had vanished without explanation, leaving her to navigate this unfamiliar terrain alone. She hated the uncertainty, the way it made her feel off-balance. But she refused to let it show, maintaining an air of indifference as she stood apart from the group after retrieving two of the remaining relics.
Jaune, meanwhile, continued to steal glances at Cinder, his expression a mixture of awe and nervousness. The boy's attempts at conversation were met with silence, and it wasn't long before he stopped trying.
Pyrrha noticed, of course. Her green eyes flicked to Jaune, and her jaw tightened, but she said nothing, turning her focus to the relic area instead. But the faint tightening of her grip on her weapon spoke volumes. Despite the tension, she couldn't help but continue observing Cinder, noting the subtle cues in her body language and the way she carried herself.
There was a story there, one that Pyrrha couldn't yet piece together, but it only deepened her wariness.
As the group settled into an uneasy silence, the air seemed to grow heavier, the forest's earlier serenity replaced by a palpable sense of anticipation.
Naruto, Western Forest
The night was heavy and thick with the sounds of distant rustling leaves and the unsettling crackle of Grimm movements. Hidden in the bushes just beyond the edge of the forest, Naruto kept his breath shallow, eyes darting between the surrounding trees. His senses were heightened, every fiber of his being tuned into the darkened woods around him.
He had been following the Grimm for some time, and now, he was finally close enough to see them. A massive horde of twisted, dark figures—Grimm—lay in wait, their glowing yellow eyes scanning the forest for any hint of prey. Yet something was different about this group. They weren't moving with their usual chaotic ferocity. No, these Grimm were different.
Naruto's hand instinctively reached for a kunai at his waist, but he didn't move. Not yet. He had to understand what was happening first.
The biggest Grimm of the horde, a towering behemoth with jagged, black spines running along its back, suddenly turned, moving closer toward Naruto's position. The wind picked up, swirling around his face, carrying with it the thick, sulfuric scent of the creatures. His heart hammered in his chest as he held his breath, his body pressed flat against the earth.
The creature's massive, gaping mouth parted slightly, sniffing the air. Its cold, yellow eyes locked briefly on the area where Naruto was hiding, and for a fleeting second, Naruto felt the creature's gaze pierce through the foliage, its senses acute.
The Grimm stopped, its snout twitching in the air, clearly aware of something, but then, just as suddenly, it moved on, its lumbering legs carrying it back into the darkness.
Naruto blinked, shocked by what had just transpired. He could still feel the weight of its gaze, but somehow, it hadn't registered him. There was something about that encounter that gnawed at him—something far too calculated.
The moment of confusion didn't last long. From the shadows of the trees, two figures emerged, their voices hushed but clear.
"We need to move fast," said one, a man's voice, low and grave. "Ozpin is too close to uncovering our plans. We need to strike before he knows what's coming."
"You worry too much," came the calm, measured reply of a woman, her voice dripping with ice-cold assurance. "Ozpin may be powerful, but his surveillance system is nothing we can't handle. The real issue is Cinder. We need her to be captured before anyone else notices." From his position, he had a clear view of the two figures. The man was tall, cloaked in dark armor, his face obscured by a cloaked hood and blank face mask. The woman, however, had a piercing presence and wore no mask, her eyes burning with something sinister. Her dark cloak swayed as she spoke, her movements graceful but deadly.
Naruto's heart skipped a beat. His mind raced as he pieced together the fragments of their conversation. Cinder?
"What's the plan?" the man asked, his voice a gravelly growl. "We can't afford to wait much longer."
The woman's lips twisted into a smirk, her hands clasped behind her back. "Simple. We eliminate the students. No more distractions. Ozpin will be too focused on the chaos to realize what we've done until it's too late. And by then, we'll have the girl in our grasp. She's the key. Once she's captured, everything falls into place."
Naruto's blood turned cold as he heard the words. They're planning to kill the students… and kidnap Cinder. The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. They couldn't afford to let this happen. If Cinder was taken, the entire mission to undermine Ozpin would be compromised.
Worse still, if he didn't act quickly, everything and everyone at Beacon could be in danger. His mind snapped into action. He had to warn her—immediately.
Naruto's mind raced as he surveyed the scene. The figures were discussing their next move, unaware of his presence. Just as he was about to return to Cinder, he heard a twig snapped. His heart froze and he cursed silently.
In his haste, he had made an error.
The figure, the one who seemed to be the leader, turned sharply toward the noise. His dark eyes scanned the area, his fingers twitching towards his sheath blade as if ready to strike.
"What was that?" the man muttered, his voice low and dangerous. He began to move toward the source of the sound, each step measured and deliberate.
Naruto's body tensed, but he didn't panic. The man's eyes narrowed as he reached the spot where Naruto had just been. His hand gripped the air, but Naruto was already gone, his chakra signature already fading like smoke in the wind after swiftly activating the Hiraishin.
"Must've been an animal," the man muttered, turning away and continuing his conversation with the woman. "Focus on the plan. We need to move quickly."
Naruto felt the weight of the moment lift from his chest, but only slightly. The danger wasn't over. Not yet.
He remained hidden for a few moments longer, not allowing himself to move until he was sure the threat had passed. Only when the voices of the two figures faded completely did he dare to move. Slowly, carefully, he shifted out of his position, reactivating Hiraishin in a flash of black.
In an instant, he was gone—vanished from his hiding spot. His mind was already moving faster than his body, already planning the fastest route to her position.
Elsewhere
The wind howled through the air as the Nevermore's wings flapped violently beneath Ruby and Weiss, the sheer force of its movement sending the two of them spiraling in the air. Their hearts pounded as they desperately clung to the creature's back, each gust of wind threatening to throw them off. The massive bird Grimm was flying faster than either of them anticipated, and the world below seemed to blur as they were carried higher into the sky.
"Ruby! Hang on!" Weiss shouted, her voice barely audible over the rush of wind.
"I'm trying!" Ruby called back, clutching onto the Nevermore's feathers as tightly as she could. Despite the fear clawing at her chest, she couldn't help but feel a sense of thrill. The view was breathtaking—the mountains stretched out for miles, the forest below a dense green ocean.
But their exhilaration was short-lived. The Nevermore tilted sharply, sending them both sliding toward the edge of its back. Weiss, ever composed, immediately summoned a platform of ice beneath her feet to steady herself. Ruby, on the other hand, was tossed backward, her arms flailing.
"Weiss! Help!" Ruby cried out in a moment of panic, but before she could fully tumble off, Weiss extended her hand, her ice platform shooting forward like a spear to catch Ruby's falling form.
"Gotcha!" Weiss grunted, pulling Ruby back onto her feet as the Nevermore veered sharply once more.
"Ready?" Weiss asked, her face set with determination.
Ruby's eyes widened. "I thought you'd never ask!"
With a forceful swipe of Weiss's rapier, the tip glowing with a frosty aura, a spike of ice shot forward, embedding itself into the Nevermore's side. The creature screeched in pain, wings flapping wildly in response. The sky around them darkened with the shadow of its vast wingspan as the Nevermore twisted mid-air, attempting to shake them off.
"Hold on tight, Ruby!" Weiss shouted as she conjured another ice platform beneath them. They were now hanging in mid-air, the Nevermore beneath them shaking as if trying to dislodge them.
Ruby looked down. "I... think I have an idea!" With an excited grin, she unsheathed her scythe, Crescent Rose, and with a quick adjustment, transformed it into sniper mode. "Cover me, Weiss!" she yelled.
Weiss didn't need further encouragement. She raised her rapier, summoning a barrage of ice spears that pierced the air, aiming for the Nevermore's wings. As the bird twisted, the ice collided with its wings, but the creature let out another screech, retaliating with a gust of wind so powerful it sent Ruby stumbling back.
In that moment, Ruby took the shot. Her sniper round cut through the air with precise force, striking the Nevermore's eye. The Grimm let out a horrible, almost human-like cry, its flight beginning to falter as the projectile struck home.
"Weiss! Now!" Ruby shouted, her voice urgent.
Weiss nodded, stepping forward and conjuring a massive ice barrier beneath them, a giant ramp that pushed them upward. With the Nevermore disoriented and reeling, the two of them launched off the ice platform, descending like shooting stars.
Ruby, holding onto her scythe with one hand, swung it around, using the momentum to propel herself forward. She landed on the bird's back with a soft thud. Just as she was about to steady herself, Weiss followed closely behind, summoning another platform of ice to cushion her fall.
They wasted no time. Ruby's scythe gleamed as she swung it in a wide arc, cutting deep into the Nevermore's wing. The creature screeched in fury, and for a moment, Ruby thought it might throw them off.
But they weren't finished yet.
"Take this!" Weiss called, raising her rapier high as ice spears shot from her weapon, puncturing the creature's wings and drawing blood. The Nevermore let out a final, gut-wrenching screech as it plummeted toward the earth, wings faltering in mid-air.
With a final slash, Ruby and Weiss both leapt off the creature's back, landing safely on the ground as the Nevermore crashed in a massive explosion of debris.
"We did it!" Ruby cheered, her voice filled with triumph.
Weiss sighed in relief but gave a dry chuckle. "That was a little too close for comfort, don't you think?"
Ruby grinned widely. "But we pulled it off, didn't we?"
Before Weiss could respond, their attention was suddenly drawn to the distant sound of rapid, purposeful footsteps. The thrum of the ground beneath their feet shifted, and Ruby instinctively gripped Crescent Rose tighter, her senses alert.
"Stay alert," Weiss murmured under her breath, her hand instinctively moving to the hilt of her rapier, her gaze narrowing sharply as she scanned the area. She could feel the shift in the air. Ruby's grip tightened, her weapon humming in response to her heightened awareness.
The sound of footsteps grew louder, faster, and before either of them could react further, a group of figures emerged from the treeline, each with a distinct presence.
The first to step forward was the woman with fiery hair—Cinder. Her gaze was piercing, calculating, yet calm. She surveyed them with a small, almost imperceptible smile. "Impressive," she said, her voice steady and cool, the words clipped but not dismissive. "Not bad for a pair of huntresses."
Ruby barely had time to process the words, as a loud, familiar voice broke through the tension.
"Ruby!" Yang's voice rang out with concern as she charged forward, her eyes flashing with both recognition and protective instinct. Before Ruby could even respond, Yang had pulled her into a tight, reassuring hug. "Are you okay? What's going on here?" Her voice was laced with worry as her gaze swept across the unfamiliar group, sharp and defensive.
Ruby's expression softened, grateful for Yang's embrace, but the concern was evident in her eyes. She didn't have much time to answer when, in the distance, a roar split the air, cutting through their reunion. The sound of the Nevermore's screech sent a chill through her spine.
"We've got incoming!" Weiss shouted, her voice commanding as she quickly assessed the situation. The Nevermore was back—its wings beating furiously as it dove toward them with renewed ferocity. The massive creature's beak snapped open, releasing a horrifying screech that sent waves of dread through the air.
Ruby didn't hesitate. "We can handle this!" she declared, jumping into action with Crescent Rose in hand. The familiar weight of her scythe felt like a promise.
Cinder, standing off to the side, didn't move a muscle at first. Her eyes flicked toward the creature with cold calculation, observing the chaotic exchange between the others. But then, with barely a flick of her wrist, she raised her hand and summoned a jagged blade of glass. With a savage snap of her arm, the shard flew through the air, tearing through the Nevermore's wing.
The creature screeched in agony, its wings flapping erratically. Ruby used the opening to her advantage, firing a precise shot from Crescent Rose. The blast pushed the Nevermore back slightly, unbalancing it mid-air.
Weiss was already in motion, stepping forward and lifting her rapier with swift grace. "I'm not letting it get away!" she shouted as she summoned a burst of ice. A thick wall of frost exploded beneath the Nevermore, sending it tumbling from the sky. The creature's large body crashed into the ground with an earth-shaking impact, shaking the very ground beneath them.
Pyrrha was right behind her, her spear in hand. Without hesitation, she lunged forward, launching herself into the air with a fluid motion. Her body soared, the weight of her spear like an extension of herself. She aimed for the creature's vulnerable underbelly, thrusting with impeccable precision. Her spear pierced through its tough hide, drawing a pained screech from the Nevermore.
The group moved in perfect synchronization, a well-oiled machine in action. Yang joined the fray, her gauntlets firing off explosive shots that rocked the Nevermore, causing the creature to stumble and writhe.
Blake, not to be left out, flicked her wrist, summoning her shadow clones to surround the beast. The illusions misdirected the Nevermore, keeping it off balance as she darted forward, her blades flashing with lethal grace. Her precision was deadly, and every strike was aimed to wound without hesitation.
As the Nevermore struggled to regain control, Cinder was again the first to move, flames dancing from her fingertips like living fire. She sent waves of fire dust toward the creature, encasing its wings in a fiery embrace. The Nevermore screeched once more, struggling to escape the searing pain.
Ruby wasn't done. She spun Crescent Rose with lightning speed, firing off another blast that hit the Nevermore directly in its neck. The creature's screech turned into a strangled cry as its body jerked in response to the attack.
With a final, powerful thrust of her spear, Pyrrha made the killing blow. The Nevermore's screech cut off abruptly as the spear's tip pierced its skull, sending it crashing to the ground with a final, shuddering death rattle. For a moment, the group stood in the silence that followed, panting, taking in the aftermath of the fight. Their breaths were heavy, but they had won—together.
However, before they could catch their breath, a frantic yell split the air.
"We need to move!" Naruto's voice broke through the stillness, filled with panic. He burst from the trees, his face covered but eyes wide with urgency. The strain in his voice was unmistakable.
Cinder froze as she looked toward him. "Kiaya? What's wrong?"
Naruto didn't waste time. "Run! Now!" His voice was urgent, a clear sense of worry edging his words.
Before anyone could react, the ground trembled beneath their feet. The low rumble grew, and the trees in the distance began to shake.
The ground cracked and the sky above seemed to darken as something massive charged from the forest—a horde of Grimm, their glowing eyes hungry and menacing. Massive creatures, their forms shifting and swarming, poured from the treeline with terrifying speed.
The air was filled with the scent of danger, and Ruby's stomach dropped as the size of the oncoming Grimm horde became apparent.
End!
Until Next Time Insanitydies~