What If Reborn Naruto Got Harem | Part 1

hi welcome back guys this is your Sensei back with another fin fiction this is the movie of what if reincarnated Naruto got harim now before starting please give this video a like And subscribe to the channel if you want more videos like this now let's get into the fanfic Marcus black hated his son perhaps hate was too tame a word he loved him he absolutely despised him even the boy's name reflected that disgust Mercury he was poison tainted wrong he'd killed his own mother to come into this world taking the only woman Marcus ever cared about he' loved Melissa like no one else and she was gone now gone because off it he made sure that little bastard knew it too every damn day of his life from the moment he could understand words walk even talk he tried to kill him more times than he could count and yet despite that the little [ __ ] just would not die smother him with a pillow he laughed drowning bastard held his breath blades didn't Pierce him poison tasted sweet to him it took a dozen hits just to make him bruise and dust rounds PL bounced off his body before he even unlocked his Aura afterward not happening little [ __ ] healed faster than he could break him course he never stopped smiling never stopped cracking those damn jokes and so Marcus sought another method if he couldn't break the boy's body then he'd settle for shattering Mercury's mind he beat him disguised at his training wielding the excuse like a blade never letting him rise above who he was he makes sure his so-called son would be broken one way or another this is a crutch every day of training was a beating this makes you weak he never went easy on him you can leave when you get strong Mercury took it without complaint where could he run they lived in the mountains alone there was nowhere for him to go but the boy got strong too strong clever too he started tinkering with things made some weird leg tech for himself rocket boots he called them the better to help with his kicks he threatened to take them once not the boots but the boy's legs swore he'd cut them off at the knee with a rusty saw you can try his son hadn't looked up from his workbench might not like what happens there was something in his eyes when he said whatever it was it spooked Marcus he hadn't hadn't been able to follow through on that threat Mercury kept his legs but hated his bastard boy all the more days bled into weeks months followed by years his boy was getting strong all right too big for his britches so he did what any proper father would do he put him in his place Mercury semblance was a simple thing downright useless really it let him control the wind what use had an assassin of the wind and so Marcus used his semblance to steal Mercury's while he slept it was an easy thing to take someone's semblance catch them off guard or barring that beat down their Ora till it broke and get a hand on them he had done it countless times before amused himself by taking the semblances of powerful people and giving them to the highest bitter anyone was fair game so long as they paid for his Services discreetly of course a gift like his had to be kept secret otherwise he'd have the four kingdoms howling for his head he didn't do that anymore things had gotten too hot there was a reason he hid away in the mountains of veil these days but none of that mattered now now he reached in grabbed his son's semblance and yanked nothing happened the hell baffled he closed his eyes and tried again nothing mercury didn't budge in his bed he continued to sleep like the dead arrogant little [ __ ] even in sleep he pissed him off a third third attempt was met with a third failure and here at last Marcus felt the barest beginnings of dread what was going on here nothing like this had ever happened to him before it was almost like he didn't have a semblance at all his world went black an unfamiliar voice hummed in his ear so you finally figured it out it sounded like Mercury but not him as though someone were speaking over him with him through him he spun flailing in the dark and found himself face to face with a stranger a blonde boy bearing whiskered cheeks blue eyes and a smile so bright and wide that it left him looking more than a little unhinged he had no way of knowing what he done in reaching Inside Mercury to take his semblance he' reached too deep seeing something he shouldn't have what is this Marcus cursed himself for the crack in his voice who are you I am your son The Stranger replied lies I've never met you I am the baffling blonde titered softly or at least my body is my spirit however well he Shrugged one shoulder still wearing that selfsame smile I won't bore you with the specifics of reincarnation you can call me Mercury if you like or Naruto doesn't matter I really got the short end of the stick this time around having a parent like you all my life you've wanted me dead dead anger sparked in the old assassin's chest burning away his fear of course I wanted you dead you rotten little [ __ ] you took the one thing I loved and you refused to die you are no son of mine I am your son the boy seemed almost sad to say it I have always been your son I gave you so many chances to change but you wasted each one I humored you I ped you I even tolerated you because you had things to teach me skills to impart lessons I needed to learn you see he paced away thumbing his chin I never was one for stealth blending into a crowd or trailing a mark a laugh burst out of him you'd think I would know these things after all I was a Shinobi but I didn't so I took the chance to learn Marcus grit his teeth and tried to speak a scathing look silence him but he didn't learn not once his son was speaking again his smile shrinking with each passing instant until only a scowl remained I was willing to put up with a lot but you made one fatal mistake you tried to take away what was mine just now so I'm going to take what's yours a hand found his throat forcing the connection between them wide open that's an awful semblance you've got there the boy hummed just like you all you do is take you call me a poison but you're just plain rotten a leech who steals from the weak you know his grin returned in full force you've given me an idea I don't have a semblance so let's put that gift of yours to good use something tore in his chest cold he felt cold and empty like someone had reached inside him to tear out his heart Marcus looked down half expecting to find a hole in his chest but there was no wound his AA crackled dly as mercury withdrew his hand his eyes were glowing pulsing a deep white so that's what it feels like to have a semblance Mercury muttered to to himself not bad not bad at all I could get used to this and in a single horrifying instant Marcus black knew what he'd lost why you little give it back GE let me think about no the boy dropped him and delivered a crushing kick to his chest Marcus felt a wall shatter against his back another yet another another still now he didn't even realize he'd been thrown outside until his back struck the grass momentum was cruel it dragged him arse over elbow sending him tumbling his Ora crackled dully shielding him from the worst of it until his skull finally struck something solid the world went black yet again Marcus awoken what felt like an instant but it must have been far longer because now he smelled smoke no against his better judgment the old assassin struggled to his feet and found his home in Flames great fingers of fire reached toward the night sky to scrape at the Moon bathing the world in Almighty orange glow the roof caved in with a ponderous groan as he looked on all he watched Mercury walk among the wreckage breathing fire how completing the destruction of the last thing he held there would you look at that his bastard boy belted out a laugh and spread his arms wide some of sasukes Jutsu came in handy after all I'll have to thank him someday what in the God's name was a jetsu no never mind that he'd kill him for this Marcus snarled and lurched forward oh you're still alive Mercury turned to face him silhouetted in The Inferno sorry about that his grin returned and Marcus quailed give me a second Marcus tried to fight back for what little good it did him his son was Stronger better faster he swept through his guard like it didn't even exist as though it wasn't even there a slap on his wrist distracted him a kick to the chin stunned him a vicious punch drilled through his gut and finished him he stood there quavering boing at the bloody arm thrust into his stomach why you little murderer I am what you made me dead Mercury ripped his limb free and then there was pain blood Fountain forth from the wound theere of balance the older assassin pitched forward onto his hands and knees a sweeping kick cut those out from under him and he fell to the ground blood began to pull beneath him tanic mounted his mind death this was death no one would find him here in the mountain he would bleed to death alone and forgotten though not like this he deserved more he was Marcus black bane of Kingdom snatcher of semblances Slayer of hunters thanks for the experience old man Mercury raised a boot over his head for what it's worth you were a good teacher he stomped down on his skull have a nice death Cinder saw the fight from the tree line no that wasn't a fight implied balance this was a Slaughter she saw the older man fall to the younger to his better he was beaten butchered practically beheaded something in her stirred at the sight violence had always been a means to an end for her but watching someone be dispatched sakasi it roused her in her fire like nothing else this was strength this was power this was an individual who wasn't afraid to kill as she Drew near she noticed this young man didn't have so much as a scratch on him his dark hair was uncamp from captivity his pale face and clothes dirty the beyond that he was the very picture of Health promising she'd circumvented the city in favor of coming straight here alone it had been a risk but now she felt it was one worth taking if she had delayed she might have missed such a sorted Slaughter the young man noticed her at last his stance shifted ever so slightly regarding her not as a prey might have Predator but from one Hunter to another good she had no need of fearful welps he considered her for a long moment arms loose at his sides at length he crossed them before his chest and planted his feet can I help you perhaps you can Cinder adopted her most Pleasant smile I'm looking for Marcus black the young man gestured to the corpse At His Feet There He Go I'm afraid he isn't much of a talker her smile became a touch more genuine a sense of humor curious but not objectionable it was a Pity to lose someone who could steal semblances but his skill had clearly been lacking Salem might say otherwise but she didn't have to know about this now did she you're his son the silver-haired lad didn't answer answer I saw your fight from the tree line she spoke into the silence that stretched between them he's taught you well guess so he Shrugged one shoulder can't complain too much he had skills I needed to learn and I learned him well enough he wasn't affected by her beauty not in the least most were this one watched her like a hawk eyes never once leaving hers his stance loose and ready to move at the slightest provocation capable ruthless not easily swayed yet not afraid to speak his mind it made her want him all the more he'd make a useful Pawn what's your name she asked Mercury him Mercury it was all she could do to keep herself from licking her lips tell me are you anything like your father he considered her for a long moment a very long moment indeed Cinder forced herself to be patient and then his smile grew not at all but ya don't strike me as a good person strange for the son of an assassin to say but she chose to humor him no she smiled I am not I know I can tell sense it Mercury tilted his head considering her in a different light one that had her smile faltering eurek she wasn't sure she liked what he implied by that well I guess this works out there's something I wanted to test in any case and I would have felt bad picking on an innocent you'll do cinder blinked For What in the same instant her six sense shrieked a warning she flung herself forward that saved her life it did not however save her from the boot that barreled into the back of her head she slammed forward into the dirt ate a face full of mud and skidded across the ground for several feet until momentum finally took pity on her and let her go she was left there fuming that little chur he dared strike her no matter she put him in his place he would serve willingly or otherwise off man the son of Marcus black lowered his leg why' you have to go and do that it would have been painless if you let me break your aura her temper sparked in her semblance with it she grabbed a fist full of dirt superheated it and flung at his way in a storm of scorching Glass Mercury shielded his face with a grunt retreating half a step had she underestimated him after all is that your best sinder pushed herself upright to sneer at him you're not half the killer your father was you're weak he in truth she'd said the words to irk the boy throw him off his game make him angry and sloppy she wasn't prepared for the laughter it started with a slow Snicker a low sardonic sound as mercury shook his head side to side setting his hair swaying as though she' just told an awful joke why did it feel like she was about to be the butt of one stop it sto laughing pathetic a wide shid dating grin stretched across the boy's face it made him look unnatural and human his eyes glowed like diamonds lit from within Cinder shivered despite herself as he spoke again if you actually believe I'm weak you're so pitiful in fact you deserve a hug the son of Marcus cracked his neck it's true I'm not quite the PowerHouse I once was he rolled his shoulders once and began to bounce in place loosening up his limbs for some reason she didn't understand H Arma didn't follow me into this strange Second Life of mine much as I wanted him to what in blazes was a cama however and hear those black eyes gleam gold just because I'm weaker doesn't make you stronger does it he was still speaking when he brought his right foot down and stomped the Earth shattered for miles around in every direction Cinder leaped back mistakes were made because the bastard met her in the air no above her a fist swung back crackling with power his grin was a manic thing now almost cheerful those golden eyes held her Serene yet Furious warm yet so terribly cold even as she reached back for her blades she knew she wouldn't make it in time sorry Mercury rasped down at her but there's only one way you're getting out of this quietly cuddle up tremble in fear and take a dirt nap one punch there was all it took one punch and she crashed into the Earth like a meteor her Aura didn't break her Aura shattered splintered like so much glass and then Mercury was upon her an open Palm slammed down on her chest spearing her into the dirt she flushed despite the danger pervert oh please pull the eyes rolled at her I'm not even touching them now then quite suddenly those gleaming orbs glowed like incandescent diamonds Cinder felt something clench deep inside her an unseen fist closing around her very soul and then it yanked she tried to resist whatever it was but that only made it all the worse cold why did she feel so cold no not just cold now it hurt it hurt it hurt it hurt she couldn't think couldn't move couldn't breathe just as quickly the agony ended leaving Cinder to cry out and slump forward on her hands and knees wasted and gasping for air she was powerless to resist when Mercury kicked her legs out her limbs buckled as a boot hit her ribs nudging her onto her back she batted at his leg to no avail the bastard didn't budge huh Mercury Rose to his feet and tutted above her so that's what it feels like let's see here as she looked on a guest he grabbed a bit of dirt from the road squeezed his hand around it and frowned heat flared from his fist his hand opened to reveal a crude chest piece carved from black glass shaped in the likeness of a queen why you no Checkmate that that shouldn't be possible Cinder reached for her semblance nothing came she felt only that old and awful cold her eyes drifted back to Mercury watching him fiddle with the glass in his hand realization broke like the Dawn and horror with it a dread she hadn't experiened since she was a small child in Atlas her semblance wasn't gone it was right there in his hand or at least her calm countenance cracked she reached up for him that's mine give it back nope he wagged a finger at her as though she were some naughty little girl I'll be keeping this you won't be needing it where you're going he grimaced for a moment then crushed the glass in his hand and reforged into the shape of a blade you know I never did get your name now no no no no no not like this she was meant for more than this shesh couldn't die Harish had a Destiny she was meant to be a maiden me you look like one of those Vilan strippers probably doesn't matter Mercury Shrugged his shoulder and braved the blade in his off hand dead women tell no tales and all that hold still and I promise to make this painless Cinder crawled backwards like a drunken crab wait I can help you we can make a deal I can give you Rich's power tell me what you want what I want H Mercury paused considering and then he smiled I want you dead the blade of hardened glass stabbed down through cinder's eye into her skull she felt a blinding instant of pain saw a searing second of light F nothing at all huh neat he didn't feel anything Naruto Drew back considering the corpse beneath him killing her hadn't brought him any satisfaction none whatsoever was that a good thing he could feel her semblance thrumming in his veins even now so he supposed she'd been a successful test but still he felt No Remorse only curious just how many semblances could he use at once no never mind that how many could he take a lot had felt like a lot he was sure this world had plenty of people like Marcus and whoever that stripper girl was my name is Cinder for a moment just a moment he could have sworn he heard a lost soul screaming in incoherent Rage or maybe it was the wind me probably not important leaving the mystery woman's body at his feet he never did get her name he turned to face the tree line it was getting awfully dark and he knew that spectacle had attracted attention sure enough a pack of angry red eyes stared out at him from the tree line drawn by the negativity Grim B those were no fun they died too easily a gray brow Rose and with it just a touch of killing intent well come on then test your might hell got to love the old references to their credit the Grim weren't stupid he wasn't wounded and they'd seen him just dismantle someone in record time he'd killed two people walked away and scathed that implied strength even animals knew better than to stick their noses where it hurt most retreated most but not all there was an outlier a massive Beast Rose from the brush with a rumbling growl standing on its hind legs it loped forward and a crude walk to loom over him its shadow alone dwarfed High wheel Naruto whistled up at it almost impressed despite himself you're an alpha ain't you don't see your kind around these parts I it snarled at him but didn't attack him not mindless this one had a spark of intelligence time to give it a push he beckoned with one hand you're feeling lucky punk at lunched devouring the distance between them in an instant up high he jumped over a claw paw down low ducked under snapping Jaws too slow laughed now as it tried to tackle him on a whim he caught its fourth swipe on a metal bracer forcing its arm high he heard the ground Buckle beneath his boots his legs didn't the armor on his legs held reinforced it pushed down on him with both claws trying to overpower him what else could you expect from a monster it might have intelligence but it clearly had no idea how to use it he stomped a foot creating a wave of jagged Glass and its weight to slap it in the face breaking its concentration the alpha Grim staggered lowering its head perfect he pivoted a single high kick brought his boot level with its face gotcha a Twist of his heel ignited the dust rounds within the chambers and An Almighty crack filled the air the Beast head in a good chunk of its upper torso besides burst Beneath The Buckshot what remained cra Das to the ground with a wet thud almost immediately it began to dissolve right he'd forgotten all about that pity he would have liked to take a trophy he stepped over its crumbing corpse and eyed its fellows anyone else want to try their luck I still need to get used to this semblance a grim fled into the trees well all right then if they W going to Hound him he wasn't about to waste energy hunting them which left him with one last Choice he spun on his heel considering the rapidly darkening Horizon we've got Wilderness to the left Wilderness to the right and more Wilderness everywhere in sight a frown creased his pale dirty face lovely the possibilities are endless sarcasm dripped from his every word wherever will I go Remnant held no answers for him no Divine Providence no bolt of light from the blue no declarations from the Divine nothing no surprise there the gods of this world were [ __ ] they didn't care about their people their Creations any of it if they did maybe the world wouldn't be such a shitty place to live hirama would have picked a direction for him by now he missed him more than words on a whim he picked a direction at random let's go north and started walking some might have called called that a poor choice but it was his nothing else mattered it was the beginning of a Mad Journey that would see the four kingdoms of Remnant turned on theirs heads the world had feared the name Marcus black Naruto decideed Mercury would Inspire an altogether different Legacy he was going to banam us he put a spring in his step maybe I'll catch a train somewhere if I can find one in hindsight he really should have skipped the train Naruto needed more more knowledge resources food clothing you name it he craved it perhaps it was greedy of him no it undoubtedly was Marcus black had given him a slim education at best he knew only the barebones about Remnant its sites its people whatever connections Marcus had died with him which left Mercury his so-called son with no wealth fame or power no he had plenty of the last one skill and speed as well he had his name his memories and the new semblance he'd stolen from that rotten golden a woman he'd be adding more to his collection soon taken from other Nells he encountered on his journey sometimes if he listened closely he could almost hear the golden woman's voice sometimes my name is Cinder I will not be silenced hopefully that was his imag ination he didn't much relish the idea of having someone living rentree in his head Pama was the only one allowed that privilege don't ignore me no scroll to speak of either Marcus never trust him with one the old man's phone was a twisted lump of molten metal back in the house he'd have to acquire one of his own that and lean also important couldn't very well spend the rest of his days living in the Wilds now could he well he could but that would be boring he wasn't here to be boring you're going to ignore me aren't you you rat bastard his sensory abilities were still intact at least it wasn't hard to to track down dinner the woods were teeming with life he found big buck and killed it quickly snapping its neck before it even realized it was in danger just like that he'd acquired dinner for the evening he knew enough from his first life to skin a meal and start a fire pit finding shelter was somewhat more difficult given the approaching storm but once again he wasn't without his means or methods nor was he alone for that matter 100 clones were summoned each set to the nearby trees with a will and in an hour he had himself a cozy little Lino built around his fire in which he could ride out the rain and eat in peace just as well he did it that because it started pouring shortly after the lads set the roof and dispelled themselves with an ominous flash of lightning and a peel of dark Thunder the heavens opened up sheets of rain fell forth to drench anyone foolish enough not to take shelter he heard the wind shriek angrily rattling the trees above in childlike protest against the sudden storm H he hummed aloud winds howling from there it was merely a matter of waiting for the venison to cook over the fire not like he had anything better to do but wait the fire crackled he smelled something then a faint Scent of a fall Breeze Rose over the aroma of cooked meat to tickle his nose which didn't make much sense given it was the middle summer he heard something out there in the dark sensed it a powerful presence slogging his way with slow determined strides they must have seen his fire not a predator but a human well well maybe tonight wouldn't be so boring after all Naruto perked up plastered a winning smile to his face and called out into the Gloom hello there stranger Amber was freezing tiny gasps escaped her and little plumes of steam as she clutched at herself with one arm the other tugging her horse on by The Rains behind her so cold so very cold but she couldn't stop here it was too open too exposed with no cover to speak of they had no choice but to slog on and hope for an outcropping of some sort maybe a hollow tree if they were lucky haoo is she kidding she hadn't been lucky for some time now usually she would blame kuro's semblance for that sort of thing but all knock quite tonle curo wasn't here now was he know she was hiding from him now too him and all of Aspen's agents she just wanted to be free was that such a sin Gods she couldn't remember the last time she'd eaten she'd given half of her last Apple to her horse chestnut just to keep her going it had been what yesterday the day before stupid of her she knew horses could graze on grass she knew but there's so very little of it up here she was no Hunter despite her title one could hardly eat a squirrel or bird after it had been blasted apart by a lightning bolt that wasn't meant it was charcoal you couldn't eat bloody charcoal she tried damn it what was the point of having all this power if she couldn't stop a damn storm she could create one well enough but stopping it nope not happening when she first saw the fire it brought Amber both relief and confusion she squinted in the downpour trying to make sense of it how could one be lit in a storm like this it was impossible when she realized it was a Lino she was looking at Amber damn here wept and her luck finally turned for the better it did not as she trapes closer her fears were confirmed it was very much occupied someone sat beside the fire pit turning the carved carcass of a deer on a spit she couldn't see their face but they saw her gray eyes almost silver really Rose and saw hers across they way they almost seemed to Glow in the Gloom not unlike her own they stared Between The Raindrops gazing at one another for a long moment for what felt like forever until finally hello there stranger a r grin plucked at the corn of the man's mouth there's room by the fire if you like Hamber couldn't flung herself inside fast enough she damn near dropped her staff behind her Chestnut nestled against the side of the building using it as cover against the worst of the rain she didn't even stop to think about her poor horse and she'd kick herself for that ladder but for now she needed warmth and she needed it now what brings you around these parts I'm a traveler she forced the words out through chattering teeth as she pressed her hands to the flame got a little turned around in the storm you're a Huntress came the immediate rejoin Wonder please don't insult my intelligence by lying to me Amber wins despite herself too cold to argue the point what gave me away your clothes and armor for one he waved a hand to hers also your staff who else would be out here in the Wilds she sneezed and what about you he tutted and made the stand that's my business paranoia gripped her heart in an iron Vice he'd been right here in the right place at the right time was he one of ospin out came her Steph don't move he granted her a flat look the meat will go bad I said don't move Amber brandished her staff who are you just a stranger passing through same as you a young man didn't look up from the deer he was cooking his eyes remained fixated on his meal roasting in the fire nevertheless he held out both hands revealing open Palms sorry didn't mean to scare you with any sudden movements Fire Light played over a pale whiskered face in the Gloom it's dangerous in these parts Amber's stomach growled as I said there's room for you by the fire if you like he gave the dear carcass another turn on the spit nodded once to himself and started caving it up plenty of this bugger to go around you can let your horse graze outside the storm will pass soon she dithered still torn between food or flight For the Love of the young man uttered an exasperated oath under his breath skittish little thing fine how about this this is my fire you're warming Yourself by which makes you my guest and me the host and as a proper host I promise no harm will befall you under my protection the fall Maiden snorted despite herself that's so cheesy he Shrugged it sounded better in my head he carved off a section of roasted thigh and offered it to her you want some of this deer or not I still don't know you are you want my story a bitter bite lanced its way into his word fine my old man held captive in these mountains he Shrugged one shoulder I killed him yesterday been on my own ever since his casual admittance of murder nearly had Amber choking on her meal she thumped her chest and swallowed quickly your own father in name only he tore off a haunch of meat and started eating he was scum beat me every damn day bastard deserved what he got at least he was able to break his cage and take his fate into his own hands Amber envied him that she wished she could do the same but she never could ospen was watching every town every dock every airport she could hardly fight his agents and killing them would only make him hunt her all the harder no so long as she held these Powers she could never truly be free that was her truth some of it must have sha through on her face because the youth plunked down on the log beside her seems like you were in a similar situation I still him treacherous tongue she hadn't meant to say that I mean you don't have to be he offered her more venison which she accept all too eagerly you could Escape like I did escape a bitter bark of laughter burst from her if only it were that simple I'm not like you There Is No Escape for me bulling [ __ ] he stomped to foot down creating a small crater underfoot there's always a way out you just got to be clever about it clever he said she'd already run away from osen was still running in fact but the man had spies everywhere her host could be one of them for all she knew a spy ready and willing to knock her out the moment she lowered her guard then he' drag her back to Veil back to Aspen back to captivity in that lonely little house she didn't want that anything but that she just wanted to be free I never got your name no he said softly you didn't going to be cheeky was yam Amber Mercury the youth responded or Naruto his shoulders rolled in a shrug haven't decided yet she Guff outed a little on your name well he granted her a Ry grin my old man named me Mercury to be cruel so I might as well use another one where I can right now there was an idea I wish I could do that once again the words escaped her before she could think to hold them back just choose a new name and start over stop being hunted you could and you can he considered her for a long moment eyes flicking up and down the length of her they didn't linger like some Lees she'd know but instead considered her as though imagining something in the back of her head at length he spoke again if folks are looking for you disguise yourself grow your hair out diet wear colored contacts different clothes throw your weapon away and get another abandoner staff Amber recoiled at the thought and reflexively reached back to touch it never or don't Mercury amended at the baleful look in her eyes it's your choice but you'll never be free if let fear hold you back and if people come after me then fight them he booped her nose with a finger drawing a scowl to her lips break a few bones if you have to make an example of them show them you're not one to be crossed if they keep coming afterwards [ __ ] M break them make it too painful to even consider fighting you lightning flashed outside echoing his Shout with a deafening peel of Thunder it sounded so tempting to just let go cut loose and livee free but she was afraid terribly horribly afraid I can't she shook her head it's a nice offer but can't I'm sorry don't be the wood assassin Shrugged one shoulder and leaned back just think about it I've had enough to eat in any case want me to take First Watch no she shook her head still wary of him despite his impassioned speech I'll take first watch as you like Mercury Shrugged and settled down tucking himself into a corner to rest in a matter of moments he was fast asleep Amber watched the storm rage outside just cut and run oh was it really that easy unbeknownst to her Mercury's words had planted a seed in her heart a shiver shot down aspin's spine he felt it an Awakening a disturbance for lack of a better word just now some way someone somehow something had irrevocably changed B it was probably nothing maybe he was coming down with a cold Hamber Departed the next morning she had to if only because she dare not linger any longer if she stayed she was going to get even more ideas and her mind was already churning mercury didn't seem at all surprised to see her go he must have known she wouldn't linger long in a rare show charity he both wrapped and offered her what remained of the venison a good bit yet persisted despite their feast and she was all too happy to accept the gift she could always freeze it with her maiden Powers once she was out of sight it would keep longer that way still she felt she owed him something in return here she held out her scroll towards hm Mercury blinked here what I'm offering you my number silly when he blinked again realization dawned you really don't have a scroll nope he pattered his empty Pockets H captive remember old man didn't trust me with one oh Gods she could feel her face going red then here Hamber handed him her wallet and the generous amount of Leon within you'll need this more than me I can always make more by taking on odd jobs on a whim she withdrew a pen and a scrap of parchment from her belt pouch then quickly scribbled her scroll number down on it there you go she didn't dare look at his face for fear of what she might find there I can give you directions to the next town too if you like it's not all that far off from the forest really the Glee in the young man's voice had her Visage burning an even deeper shade of red thanks he clasped her hands in his and shook them fiercely you're a lifesaver huh she'd never held hands with a boy before was this what it felt like Mercury narut Drew her forward abruptly pulling her into a fierce Embrace his chin came down over her shoulder and she absolutely froze don't worry he patted her head I've got your back I'll get in touch with you as soon as I find a workable scroll steam Hamber could feel her face going absolutely nuclear pink nice meting El see you let her by she babbled out directions followed by a quick goodbye and pivoted away from him before he could think to protest from there she vaulted onto chestnuts back cracked the rains once and they were off she rode hard and fast not once daring to look back a small part of her wondered if she would ever see him again would he keep his word would it change anything no surely not she wasn't that lucky was she oh poor Amber how little she knew Cinder had perished Salem tutted softly from her throne she hadn't reported in for more than a day now which could only mean that someone somewhere must must have killed her the fall Maiden perhaps unfortunate but not expected given her disposition that girl had always been too arrogant for her own good even a relatively untrained Maiden could catch one unaware no matter I'll find another and she would Remnant had no shortage of malleable Souls after all she had nothing but time it wasn't as though anything in this world was a threat to her so this was Vil how incredibly disappointing nuto wrinkled his nose at the smell as much as the people this wasn't even the main city but rather one of the larger town on its peripherals what had they called it slate ugly name for an ugly Place everything here was soy the walls matched the namesake and the buildings more so even the market itself seemed worn down vendors hawked their Wares around him with a subdued air as though waiting for a bolt of lightning to fall out the sky and smite them still this was as good a place to start as any he might be able to get himself a scroll here or swipe one from a passing Thug if it came down to that barring such an action he could at least use a chance to reprovision himself before he set out again why pay when you can take what is rightfully yours and awfully familiar voice oozed in his ear you have power use it nope he was hearing things again craning his neck he regarded a vendor Hawking candied apples they didn't look all that healthy but the journey had wet his appetite enough to risk one five Liam later and he had his prize the delightful crunch soothed his soul it tasted like Freedom it also gave him something to chew on while he planned his next move step one acquire a scroll and get in touch with Amber step two keep an eye out for useful semblances step three profit in truth he wasn't quite sure what he wanted to once he started swiping the semblances from bad guys sure he wanted it all all but to what end what did he intend to do with it start his own Empire take over the world maybe sounded like too much work for him what then where did it all lead to what was his final goal you cannot be serious you don't even a plan do you I died to this that he'd figure something out he felt something settle over his mind without warning a vague tickle in the back of his brain he paused strid slowing he knew the signs by now Jin jetsu know this was more subtle an illusion semblance he felt it fall over his psyche like a shroud or it would have if he hadn't known exactly what to look for true he didn't have kirama to burn out of him but he had other ways it was a simple matter of flooding himself with sage chakra silver gree eyes blazed gold as he looked around and sure enough the feeling faded whoever had chosen him for a Mark had evidently reconsidered but who ah over there he craned his neck and found a girl speaking to a street Jeweler of some sort of portly man who offered her a large ruby ring as he looked on she took it right out his hand and placed it in her pocket the man smiled at her all the while and wished her a good day blissfully unaware of what had been taken from him as though he didn't even see her clever girl the strange feeling came back again and he realized she targeted him again Pride perhaps or maybe she just didn't like him not so clever he feigned ignorance and pretended to consider The Stance sure enough he felt a hand slip into his pocket he let it grin now as tan fingers closed around nothing sorry he turned to face the culprit but I'm afraid you won't find anything there he kept the money Amber had given him tucked beneath his shirt good luck getting that he found himself face to face with a hagger teen nearly his own age red eyes framed by pale green hair and a look of complete and utter tear plastered across her face her breath hitched you can see me sure can Little Miss thief thief the Jeweler cried ways behind them she's the one who stole my ring don't let her go she spat in his face arudo recoiled and let her slip free sure enough she bolted well all right then finally some excitement it wasn't hard to find her once he gave Chase she might have known these streets but right now she was panicked frightened not thinking straight he was faster than her stronger too and wellfed truth be told he could have run her down in less than a minute instead he let her get ahead of him let her lead him away from the angry Jeweler and his friends from there he hurted her into a dead end of her own making soon enough High walls loomed on either side of them leaving only one escape and exit he even now blocked with his body she'd have to fight through him to get out now it was a battle she'd lose he assessed her again at glance tall thin wearing the bottom half of what might have been mud green dungies paired with a faded top she looked lean downright skinny and yet she'd done something incredible he considered taking her semblance on AAR and thought better of it this was no monster or murderer or crazy woman who C Brave power hey this was just a girl trying to survive and besides he was curious how did you do that the girl growled and went for her weapons holstered behind her back don't aruto tutted weaving a warning into his words unless of course you want them to hear you sure enough her hands fell away her angry scow did not what do you want already told you greeny by the brothers that was a bad nickname he'd need a better one mint maybe come on now don't make me repeat myself how' you do it was that your semblance oh yes it was he could see the panic in her eyes now I didn't do anything just leave me alone him him his head bobbed ignoring her demand completely I've known my fair share of liars and thieves burglary is an art of patience coordination and in a pinch slight of hand he flicked a lean card between one finger to another as his smile grew another inch but you didn't take that ring in your pocket her eyes widened as he spoke and she reflexively grasped at her belt to no avail he wasn't finished with her that nasty old Jeweler gave it to you right before my eyes and he smiled she gulped who are you plenty of things none of which he felt like telling her at this moment she could be an asset he should recruit her he ignored the voice again mind was playing tricks on him must be he didn't want to consider the alternative think of me a San interested party he said instead but for now he reached into the pouch behind his back here the wood be Thief scowled at him what the hell is that it's just a bit of bread he held it out to her eat it or starve your choice she hesitated he could see the hunger in her eyes eventually he went out tan fingers curled around the loaf it was still warm fresh from the bakery he'd raided during their shortl Chase she looked to him then the bread back to him again no doubtlessly fearing he'd take it from her when he didn't she ripped it from his hands and all but shoved it into her mouth slow bites now he cautioned her don't choke there's plenty more where that came from she obeyed hesitantly f a girl he patted her head musing up her hair stick with me and you'll never go hungry again what's your name emerald she gasped out the word between famished bites and nam's emerald nice Toma Emerald I'm Mercury let's get along a in that instant he gained any Ally for Life what did mer Mercury want from her Emerald knew he had to be after something he must everyone was they always were and yet this Mercury hadn't made so much as a single demand of her since he'd met her not a one far from a rather than order her around he'd taken her to the first Diner he could find and summarily treated her to a full course meal it was more food than she'd ever seen in her life burgers and steak and even cake cake actual chocolate cake not too sweet or too sugary either the kind with decadent frosting that absolutely melted in your mouth Emerald could barely remember the last time she ate cake she dimly recalled eating some when she was very young but beyond that nothing nor did Mercury stop there not only did he let her eat her fill until she was full but he let her pack up the leftovers of which there was a great deal in neat little containers supplied by the diner a few patrons had scoffed and turned up their noses at her for that but Emerald didn't give a Flying Fig for what they thought you didn't leave good food anyone who was anyone knew that these people had money they could afford to eat here all the time she didn't and she couldn't so she damn well wouldn't waste what she'd been given Mercury just paid for it all of it every bit like it was nothing just how much lean did this guy have on him now with her aching stomach full and her frazzled nerves soothed Emerald stared at herself in the mirror she scarcely recognized the stranger gazing back at her she had new clothes and no idea what to do with them they wear what was the world comfortable yeah that was it she grown so used to wearing rages or whatever she could get her hands on but the seis were nice he' helped her replace her old outfit and pick a new one of her choosing in place of The Battered dirty outfit she'd worn only yesterday she now found herself clad in a mint green crop top with the shoulders pulled back beneath a cropped white quilted leather double breasted jacket contrasted with black Noels and a belt looping at the bottom of the jacket's hem finishing off The Ensemble were white skinny jeans and brown chaps that ended at her thighs with straps on her calves the better to secure her weapons on her back on a whim sheet completed her outfit with a pair of brown ankle boots with metal plating over the toes for added protection she'd even picked out a bit of jewelry for herself at Mercury's behest a deep red ruby pendant that she now wore around her neck is this really me she dared a smile and pivoted a little cocking one hip to the side even as her reflection mirrored her she looked good she looked badass she looked like a Huntress oh gods did he expect her to pay him back with what Panic reared its ugly head in her heart and sent her thoughts into a tizzy she turned a glare on her savior's back trying to figure him out needless to say she failed spectacularly because he baffled her she knew he preferred the name Naruto and used Mercury as an alias but beyond that nothing barely a hint of his intentions whatever they were he had been chipper and jovial with her for the most part after he'd taken her to this hotel not one of those hotels thanked the brothers and just finished dressing himself after a Brisk shower wasn't a bad room either it hosted a shower in its bathroom a small mini fridge near the entrance just large enough to store her leftovers and a television besides she tried the lad it didn't work all in all the room wasn't that bad at all if you like cramped quarters two threadbear beds in Gray slate really was big on Gray Emerald hated gray give her green any day there Mercury stepped out the bathroom idly running a towel though his still damp hair how are you feeling all right she hazarded the word deathly afraid of displeasing him you can use the shower next if you want he plonked down onto the bed opposite her saved most of the hot water for you there's a laundromat downstairs too if you want to wash your old outfit for later later she wasn't used to having a later her every waking moment had been spent in fuel moment well Emerald bobbed her head in a quick nod not trusting herself to words the idea of a shower sounded absolutely Divine as did clean clothes wearing them even more so it still begged the question as to why he wanted her clean she didn't dare ask but she'd damn well take his kindness while it lasted good Mercury took his silence for acceptance and flung himself back onto his bed with a pleased sigh we won't be staying here long if I can help it maybe a day or two at most him he raised his head to look her way you can talk you know Emerald I won't get mad no matter what you say that she could she really could she speak her mind without consequences I through ahead he waved her on take your time why are you being so nice to me the words burst out of her like a damn and that was it she couldn't stop herself anymore fear gave her heart wings and she started babbling you've treated me to dinner bought me nice clothes and now you want me to take a shower what do you get out of this a strong and happy Ally I hope he offered her his hand you have a powerful semblance she cut him off with a glower so you just want me for my ability he startled her with a peel of laughter aano his Mir cut off abruptly with a fearsome frown it was a surprisingly frightening expression look he ran a hand through his hair if I wanted your semblance I would take it those Eerie eyes of his were gold for a moment white the next then suddenly silver again but I don't and I won't you seem to have a good set of skills we can build on those Emerald worried her lower lip between her teeth and not a [ __ ] Nish so feisty Mercury heaved a sigh but remained unflappable as ever even now in the teeth of her suspicion I never said you were one of those I think you're in need of a helping hand I won't force you to do something you don't want to do you're welcome to walk out of here right now I won't stop you she didn't budge no he laughed at her hesitation you should have expected that you're like me a rogish grin tugged at whiskered cheeks you've had a taste of the high life and you can't bear to let it go she really had Emerald like living this way after a life spent on the streets of slate it wasn't something she wanted to give up her semblance had its limits no matter how many pockets she pilfered or jewelry she took the fact remain that she'd come from nothing she couldn't even remember who her parents were or if she even had any her earliest memory consisted of a man running with her in his arms beyond that nothing all her memories were here in this awful town she thought she would die here until now she gulped once tried to swallow her words then lost her nerve what do you want this again he laughed I already told you I want everything her brow furrowed what's everything everything is well everything that grin has gained and ruul Edge all of it I want to change the world I want to live a happy life and most of all I want to find the bastards and monsters of this world and put them down like the dogs they are not you of course he amended with a ruul laugh when she tensed I'm talking about the irredeemable the villains real nasty types who don't give a damn about anyone but themselves you were picking Pockets just to survive I can sympathize with that she almost couldn't believe what she was hearing you can of course I can her savior sat up without warning startling her terribly I know what it's like to be an Outcast something hardened in those silver eyes as he regarded her to not be wanted to be cast out rejected by those who were supposed to protect you quick as can be he leaned forward reached across the space between them and two her hands in his you either die with dignity or Life by whatever means necessary there's no shame and you had did what you had to survive you're not the villain here Emerald you never were don't let anyone tell you otherwise his words were a warm blanket wrapping around Emerald's very Soul she hiccuped a little and sniffled despite herself MK there there Mercury took one hand from hers and patted her head I meant what I said earlier in the world I'm going to create people like you will never go hungry again and speaking of hungry he released her and leaned back a bit considering her I don't suppose you'd know of any gangs in the area not really she squired under his expectant stare Slate's a small town we have the Red Claws and the dynamos but they're small time nobody cares enough to deal with them why would they you didn't survive on the outskirts by following the law Small Time a that got his attention any big fish and nobody I know she stammered out Emerald he sounded almost disappointed in her it hurt more than words are you lying to me no never and she wasn't her semblance allowed her to skirt most of the thugs in town which she avoided like the plague a memory struck her and she pounced on it there was this big bastard came through here a couple weeks back she minded a gesture with both hands trying to recreate the shape she'd glimpsed from the Shadows real big built like a mountain voiced like gravel he was looking for a woman nobody touched him and nobody's seen him since and Mercury Ted once and leaned closer one last thing guys where can I buy a scroll Emerald told him as best she could he paused considering her further you have a favorite color honesty really was the best policy when dealing with someone like this green why no reason he rose from the bed with an impish smile and patted her head idly musing her hair wait here I'll be back in a bit might even have a surprise for you as pie said he paced to the door and summarily flung it open a quick backward glance then he was gone the door clicks shut behind him Emerald slumped down on her bed and took a deep shuttering breath to compose herself she felt as though she' just passed a test an important one loyalty always mattered Mercury had given her food offered her clean clothes warmth and protection she was loyal to him red eyes flicked to the bathroom a shower really did sound nice right about now it was surprisingly easy to obtain a scroll easy but expensive wretchedly so Naruto sighed Softly As He regarded his dwindling funds Amber's money had come in clutch once more but the Leon she'd lent him wouldn't last much longer still this was a purchase wellmade acquiring a foam was an essential step for his future agenda on a whim he'd acquired one for Emerald as well yet another hit to his reserves but also a worthwhile expense he needed a reliable way to keep in touch with her and besides she would be grateful to have something to entertain herself going forward well she did say she likes Green in the end he'd asked after the basic models nothing fancy just powerful to work in any Kingdom and while that he did some of those newer models looked expensive weigh too many zeros at the end of those numbers his silver tongue helped him haggle after the shopkeep named his price they spent the better part of an hour hashing out a deal once it was done Naruto dutifully counted out the Leon as the elderly man looked on his finances had taken a significant hit today but not a moral one still he'd need to find another way to earn lean and soon if things continued as they were he'd be eaten out of house and home he disliked the idea of sinking to petty theft but no there had to be limit he couldn't go around fleecing civilians blind that just didn't sit right with him even here in his strange Second Life he'd need to find an alternative source of income what then the idea of working behind the desk was enough to drive him to distraction he couldn't do it he just couldn't a bounty hunter maybe he liked the sound of that it would be something in the interim my employer would be more than happy to reward you that stripper's voice again my name is Cinder scram already I will not she sounded almost offended you took my semblance killed me and trapped me here did you really think I would go quietly he scowled mentally at her how did I even do that I wasn't trying to I do not know a rare note of confusion threaded its way through her words I don't feel quite like myself perhaps it's my ego perhaps I'm a figment of your imagination perhaps this is a mad fever dream and I'll soon be dead that said and he just hear the sly smile in her voice you did a fine job recruiting that girl Emerald was it I couldn't have done better myself she'll be a loyal Pawn I don't want your praise be quiet very well I'll hold my tongue for now sir crap the clerk was staring at him he plastered a winning smile to his face sorry about that I spaed it out how much do I owe you again he was just finishing up his purchase when he heard the door chime behind him nuto paid at little need focused as he was on getting back to the hotel he stayed focused on that right up until the shopkeeper froze a faint click was his next warning followed by a spike of killing intent snarling through his six sense really Naruto set his hands down on the counter leam momentarily forgotten he heard footsteps Shuffle in behind him 1 2 3 no surely not his luck couldn't be that bad put it hands in the air a gritty voice growled behind him this is a robbery who was he kidding of course it was pivoting on one heel he turned to face the speaker in question sure enough he found himself looking upon an anxious young man with gun in Hand flanked by two cronies three thugs alt together each wearing face masks hoodies and an awful lot of gray even their jeans and shoes were an ugly shade of such he immediately dubbed them gray grayer and grayest in order of said doll color really really he clicked his tongue at them appalled by their behavior as much as his own rotten luck this is a scroll store not a dust shop they don't keep any money here not him you the leader twisted their pistol sideways Beady black eyes narrow in a vain attempt to intimidate him seeing you roaming around town with your [ __ ] big spender hitting up the diner the shops then the hotel and now this turn out your pockets if you know what's good for you oh he tilted his head mildly amused are you robbing me the leader sputtered incoherently what's it look like dumbass like a massacre cinder's annoying voice purred in his head show them what it means to challenge you Naruto ignored her instead squinting at the leader the one he'd casually dubbed gray he could see a faint blue sheen emanating around the young man's shoulders more of a Mist really no one else seemed to notice it he waved a hand at the my Asma fingertips passing perilously close to the man's face sure enough his hand passed right through the Ethereal fog the thug in question jerked back fumbling with his gun the hell you doing man curious there was no mist around his two compatriots or the shopkeeper none at all he puzzled at it for a moment more before he finally grasped a glimmer of understanding could he see semblances now who had them and who didn't fascinating that was a useful ability just kill them his brow twitched I've had just about enough of you hush scowling he mentally reached inside himself found the presence and squeezed Cinder subsided with a pain CER now say from their craned his neck back to the terrified clerk don't suppose there's a bounty on their heads the man shook his balding head H consider this a freebie then gray sputtered at him the hell do you mean s HH HH he pressed a finger to his lips silencing him it'll all be over soon an open Palm touched Gray's chest fingers sped the man made a noise of confusion one that warped into an agonizing shriek as a massive Lance of jagged black glass exploded Through the Wood robbers back in gristly relief his companions recoiled with a shriek even as they did Naruto hoisted him high reached in shunted the man's dying resistance aside and took his gift for his own his so shifted as the new semblance took root deep inside him oh he heard Cinder gasp in his head that semblance feels rather nice Naruto scuffed despite himself some semblance it could barely be called one he felt it Shimmer to life in his chest and experienced a profound swell of disappointment once he realized what he' grasped apparently this particular semblance granted its owner the ability shoot Sparks that is to say an electrical current from their fingertips hardly worth having but once he trained it up boosted it with chakra maybe he could use it to shoot lightning at fools now there was an appealing thought a bullet bounced harmlessly off his forehead and a frightened Yelp Drew him back to reality oh right he turned to face Gray's remaining companions still quivering and covered in their friends blood forgot about the two of you looming over them he brandished his widest tooi grin hopping to unman them entirely yet they did not get one opened fire on him the others screamed profanities and rushed him crowbar in hand it made little difference he raised his right hand and conjured his new semblance sorry about the mess some minutes later he turned to face the day's shopkeep with a bamus grin as they're broken char body smoldered all over the floor I still need to pay don't I just let me get my wallet take them the poor man all but shove the Scrolls into his hands just take them they're already activated I don't want any trouble trouble his brow furrowed in concern now wait just a second you got it all wrong the man frantically slapped something beneath his desk once twice Thrice he heard the answering whale of a siren in the distance inside bloody blasted panic button he should have known better seemed to stay and slate would be a brief one after all 0 00 0 time to go Emerald jolted up UPR right towel fumbling from her hands as mercury burst through the door there was blood all over him but he'd never been happier no he looked downright triumphant she squinted at him what did you do had a bit of an altercation nothing major here he threw a green scroll at her forcing her to catch it her damp hair forgotten don't suppose you know an easy way out of town she fumbled with her scroll with a fist hastily stowing it in her pocket as she stood he was clearly waiting for an answer thankfully she had won this time well there's a train running in the depot she hazarded it passes through forever fall and if a few more settlements sounds Grand he grabbed her hand and bolted for the door we're hitching a ride Amber scroll beeped perhaps that wasn't the right word it went absolutely berserk in her pocket squawking and shrieking at her like some possessed Grim she jolted awake in the saddle and flailed for it nearly falling off her horse and only narrowly managing to write herself at the last moment fumbling fingers Pride it free golden eyes glared at it not quite comprehending a singular line of text awaited her within miss me she shot back a quick text of her own mildly confused who is this a pause and then sorry don't have a deer for you this time will a smile suffice and she smiled hello yourself Mercury he' kept his promise a tear rolled out the corner of her eye it had been so very long since someone kept their promise to her Blake ran sometimes she felt that was all she was good for running fleeing escaping anything that kept her safe don't let Mom and Dad run away don't let the White Fang run away don't want to face your painful past with the White Fang run away run run run run away run far far away she tried to run again today and in doing so keep Adam from doing something horrible from detonating the bombs killing all those people with the dust they'd taken but it hadn't worked it should have been simple she'd thought it would be cut the cable connecting the cars and run like hell she hadn't expected Adam to jump after her in hindsight she should have he was Furious his bloody was up from all those metch he'd slaughtered and she'd gotten in his way did you really think you could leave the White Fang leave me never I won't allow it I have to go my own way she saw her face staring back at her from the edge of his blade felt Cold Steel kiss her neck he'd lost his mind if you're not with me he hissed then you're against me and if I can of you Adam's blade cut down at her as Shadow struck his side and kicked him away Lake toppled to the side clutching her throat for crying out loud an unfamiliar voice drawled in Her still ringing ears the one time I ride a train and someone tries to blow it up wil whistled and at his head it met a metal shot shoe both slid back boots biting into the train car she had time enough to Glimpse her savior's face gray hair eyes nearly gone silver and whiskered cheeks dimpled in a smile then he was firmly between the two of them there was a girl with him and idly she took her in his well noting green hair red eyes and dark skin her face set in a thunderous scowl Emerald the unnamed boy directed stay with the girl would you understood Mercury was that his name hey buddy he turned a winning smile on the still recovering Adam mind explaining yourself now that the two of you are down with your lovers spat Adam scoffed I will not justify myself to you stand the side or die funny you should mention that the boy Mercury cracked his neck I've died before so why don't we just sit down talk this out and clanged Wilt scrapped off a metal van brace narrowly saving his arm arm Adam pressed down on his blade teeth bared in a snarl you're a Fest how could you work with them work for the shne is that why you think he leared back at him sure sure just profile me like that Adam tus right the self-proclaimed assassin considered him for a long moment unfaced as he held his blade at Bay you know my old man mentioned you once or twice I'm afraid we're not the usual Bargain Basement sne guards you've grown used to the spinning kick rocked his head to the side breaking the deadlock Mercury lunged after him you're playing with the big boys now die traitor Adam snarled and became a bloody blender of motion wilth and blush carving a crimson SWAT before him Mercury dodged at all his grin grew with each near mess he was poetry and motion wind given form always moving ever in motion you know he laughed between blows I always wanted to fight on a train on more thing to put off my bucket list don't suppose you'd be willing to back down never violence it is then r g Adam howled in Surprise as a snarling sphere slammed into his chest and smashed him down into a train car leaving a gaping hole behind he came tearing out of the pity a moment later or a crackling teeth bared in a furious snarl semblance flaring his blade met another metal shot boot they went mad from their blade couldn't hope to follow half of its streaks of scarlet and silver of black and white of blood and pain she wasn't sure how long it lasted seconds minutes it felt like an eternity watching them rage back and forth like lunatics something had to give sooner or later surely they couldn't keep this up forever could they kick and Parry repost and counter lunge and stab Mercury was a Marvel of motion and Adam an angry Avalanche what happened when an Unstoppable Force met another unsto Force Blake didn't know she was about to find out someone had to make a mistake sooner or later Adam did spinning away from an axe kick he thrust Wilt in Mercury's face rather than Retreat The Lunatic actually grabbed it spark sizzled up his arm and raced down the length of the blade shocking him Adam recoiled with an angry grunt rubbing his numbed arm more tricks this is fun Mercury kicked backwards and vaulted away putting distance between them his right hand Rose reaching toward the heavens Emerald stand back silvery eyes briefly gleamed golden burning from within then then the heavens rain glass Jagged pillars of it sharp enough Pierce Steel wherever they went Adam vaulted away from the one swatted aside a second only for the third to rake across his back and send him sprawling the fourth found him as he rolled followed by a fifth and a sixth or a crackled dly as he tumbled away trying to Shield his face with one arm the moment he rose a fist caught him in the jaw thought I couldn't use my hands did you Mercury weave back from his counter and drove a punishing knee into his solar plexus too bad Adam garbed angrily clutching his jaw Mercury grabbed him and shocked again driving him down to a knee Lake recoiled for other reasons two semblances that wasn't possible it it just wasn't possible you could only have the one as though sensing that very thought Mercury Moved In For the Kill say that's a nice semblance you got there Adam bucked what Mercury closed in rinning ear to ear the Assassin dodged a black of Buckshot from Adam's shotgun sheath stepped in and raked an open Palm across his chest fingers clenched into a cruel claw Adam tried to twist away for all the good it did him Mercury simple adjusted his aim and struck down bits Vora bled off at his touch and for a moment just a moment Blake saw something Come Away with them something bright a glowing sphere of raw red light the Assassin grasped it in his hand and absorbed it into his palm even as she looked on then it was gone she blinked wondering if she'd imagined it Adam certainly hadn't because he staggered what have you done come and find out horn boy impudent brat Taurus closed with him in an instant Lake noticed the difference straight away he seemed slower somehow more sluggish than before by contrast Mercury moved ever faster weaving in and out of his path delivering brutal blows that rocked her former flame from side to side if Adam was a blender this one was a hurricane a massacre followed Adam defended himself as best he could but anyone could see he was outmatched he was pummeled bones broken a fist slammed into Adam's shoulder at speed nearly sending him spinning off the car and into the forest he corrected himself at the last moment and countered with a slash only for the Assassin to smack it aside and retaliate with a devastating kick of his own naturally he blocked with his blade and dropped to a knee sheathing his blade to use his semblance again nothing happened Mercury feed him a knuckle sandwich for his efforts what is this he recoiled clutching his face what did you do to me I warned you the Assassin Shrugged his shoulder grinning earto ear you wouldn't listen now you'll play the price for the rest of your life what's yours is now mine a cold nugget of coal coest in Blake's heart had he really just no Adam lurched at him slashing wildly no give it back I thin not Mercury simultaneously broke his his wrists and disarmed him with a sweeping kick Wilt and blush sailed through the air he caught the former and thrust it into Adam's side piercing his hip drawing a furious snarl from him with his free hand he caught of Adam's throat and slammed him down forcing him to the ground the train car dented painfully as he pressed him against the metal you're beaten he declared all the mirth gone from his voice no point in kicking a dog while he's down and I don't need another voice in my head leave this place and I'll let you live it seemed like he would to he took the blade from his throat and walked away leaving him sprawl the top the train car Blake froze torn between fight or flight waade Adam wred himself behind them swaying dangerously this isn't over Emerald tutted soft yes it is just stay down and you'll live though Adam was too craz to hear her he only had eyes for mercury why spare me is an obvious Mercury looked back at him a look of annoyance flashing across his face you're weak how could this happen to him all his life he'd lived for vengeance Justice retribution against the humans to be battered about by a fellow fonus to be broken humiliated and Left Alive at the end of it all there could be no greater shame worse still his semblance was gone he was not so foolish as to think himself nothing without it but it was a part of him his fighting style his very Soul it was for all intensive purposes him now that precious piece of him was gone snatched away never to be returned and then his foe Twisted the proverbial knife isn't obvious you're weak His World Went red you're weak it was the wrong thing to say Blake knew at the moment it was said just as she knew the reaction it would evoke Adam twitched then he rushed him with a feral Roar Mercury tutted and turned to face the enraged swordman blade in hand they never learned do they Lake saw it all unfold slowly oh so slowly all the colors of the world bleeding away to a sullen Gray had lost himself to passion and charged him in the Heat of the Moment no weapon his Aura lower stamina and spirit shattered he was foolish Reckless the height of stupidity there could be only one outcome Blake saw it Blake knew it Blake tried to warn him too little too late crunch Adam blinked in Surprise staring down at the blade now jutting from his chest no Blake realized blades Mercury hadn't moved the blades in her beloved's chest weren't red color rushed back as Emerald stepped out behind Adam Wicked sickles in hand she could see the green blades buried in his back jut cutting out his shoulder for a moment she wondered if he might live right up until Mercury stepped in and finished what His companion started his borrowed blade pierced Adam's heart and burst out his back death was quick nearly instantaneous Adam had time enough to cough a weak startled rattle of sound to glare at her in spite in utter hate damn you then he was gone slumping against the Assassin with a soft sigh Mercury and emerald gave him no respit together they ripped kicked him off their blades and cast him away hurling his body into forever fall in a matter of moments he was gone lost among the blurring trees it was in every way an execution Blake couldn't even bring herself to be angry about it not after a fight like that maybe it was the shock the numbness of watching a man she'd once loved Die In Cold Blood she was sure she'd feel it later but right now all she felt was numb Adam had been given every opportunity to surrender countless chances to retreat and he'd wasted them all he would have attacked her or worse she didn't even want to consider it Mercury looked her way good job Emerald thank you sir she prayed beneath his gaze cheeks flushing you know I always wanted a blade of my own he she Wilt with blush and a singular flourish and held the ladder at his side this will do I'm sure he won't mind then he saw her Blake stiffened beneath his gaze it was cold Silver Eyes stared right through her piercing her very Soul Blake tensed ready to flee at the slightest provocation but she couldn't the moment those Silver Eyes met hers her knees locked up she couldn't move couldn't think couldn't breathe because she saw him and he saw her she also saw her there was someone lurking behind Mercury the spectral figure of a beautiful smirking woman clad in a red dress her golden eyes narrow dark hair framing her her face in a bleak Halo for a moment she could have sworn she saw Adam standing beside her she blinked and he was gone and she imagined it run away kitten the woman CED at her unless you want to end up like me a hand closed around Blake's face Blake stiffened ready for death she felt something tug against her very soul and then just like that mercury Let Her Go clone semblance the madman muttered to himself as she tumbled back gasping for air don't need that run along now if you don't want to fight hide in one of the back cars if you have to make something better of your life so saying he turned his back on her if I catch you trying to blow up trains again I will I mean I won't she babbled half met with fear and grief and utter mind theming Terror that she might be next to Die the blowing up part who are you nope he smacked his lips learn my lesson from that run along now kitty cat and don't tell anyone what you saw here like didn't need to be told twice she bolted Adam is dead Sienna Khan took that bit news with all the Fanfare it was due which was to say none whatsoever you see now she laid a fist against her chin and leaned upon it the better to hide her smile as she looked down upon corsac and finck from her throne a shame py the albane brothers didn't feel the same they looked downright AG grieved wounded even she wasn't surprised Adam had been a useful Pawn to them and inspirational figure one the organization rallied tone someone meant Corsa and fenick intended to have usurp her in due time no doubt at the end of the day they'd favored Taurus not for his personality but because Adam was strong because Adam won victories because Adam was a fiend both against the SDC and their enemies at home and far field but their precious Adam wasn't winning anymore now was he nope he was moldering and forever fall somewhere food for Grim so much for their grand Rebellion all those precious schemes were so much Ash in their mouths good she hoped they choked on them and if they had a problem with that too bad get mad so very sad the White Fang was hers she'd rested this on useless band of Misfits out from under klie and gir all those years ago and made them into what they were now something to be feared and she'd be damned if some arrogant pup tried to take from her in turn and now he never would all to the good so far as she was concerned her rival was gone and there was no one with the wisdom or the wick to supplant her a rain was Secure for years if not decades to come if she ever found his killer she'd give them a wet sloppy kiss of course she couldn't say or show any of her Glee not outwardly she led the White Fang and as high leader everyone looked to her for guidance now more than ever he will be missed of course she Fain a Sor a look that didn't quite reach her eyes we hold a candlelight vigil in his honor fenick bowed his head indeed corack kept his hands in his sleeves mirroring his brother may he rest in peace peace sure she would honor Adam today and tonight in the privacy of her Chambers she would laugh herself silly into her pillow rest in pie Adam you won't be missed she had warned the fool of a boy that targeting asdc Convoy and forever fall with anything less than two full squads was a bad idea there was just too much that could go wrong with a raid like that in contested territory the shne were up in their guards the Grim were unpredictable and two people were simply not enough to subdue an entire train worth of dust and people he should have waited for reinforcements he hadn't listened of course he never did now he lay dead doubtless there would be a shift in the White Fang for days to come Adam had been loved by the lower levels of the White Fang the grunts not the leadership not her oh he was a capable commander in the field make no mistake but he'd been growing too big for his britches she practiced targeted aggression Adam favored mindless madness he didn't care who he hurt these days so long as they were human and he brought Vengeance to the Faus targeting SDC convoys was all well and good going after civilians not so much he was becoming a threat in time he would have no doubt challenged her for leadership why with his skill he might have managed to kill her and what if the belladona girl Sienna blinked drawn from her Ry what about her she dropped out of contact shortly after telling us of Adam's death corex applied she did not tell us who killed him only that someone did and now she refuses to answer her scroll Sienna leaked back into her throne with a sigh ah little Blake always so quick to run from her problems she'd been having doubts before the mission no doubt she'd been spooked it didn't matter the White Fang had no need of weel Warriors like her they were better off without her and pursuing her would only invoke gir's best to cut ties with her and let her be leave her see afflict a hand she's of no use to us if she wants to cut ties and run then let her run it's not as though she knows anything useful no her thoughts were with Adam or rather the lack of him so far as she was concerned whoever killed him had done her a favor a mighty favor indeed sien con paid her debts let none say otherwise covertly of course wouldn't do to upset the rank and file why didn't you take her semblance that was the question wasn't it Emerald Oro supposed he could have claimed Blake's semblance back on that train if he really felt like it but he didn't no he didn't want it nor did he need it hers was just a glorified substitution jutsu and didn't that just speak volumes as to the nature of her soul hers allowed her to run away to escape while leaving a fake behind to take the hip for her why waste a semblance Andora when he could already do that without barely a thought know she would make better use of it than him would be given one chance to turn her life around just a one a second chance there would not be a third and if she wasted thatwell he could always snatch her semblance and give it to someone else huh now there was a thought you're smiling again and M he glanced at Emerald clasped both hands behind his back and kept walking oi quitted he heard her hasten after him through the Tall Grass that's seriously a scary look for you come on knock it off they left the train and blak behind and headed back into the wild shortly after leaving forever falo not without taking a few souvenirs as of now they had more than enough dust for the foreseeable future not like the SDC would miss it he wondered if they'd notice a certain faest stow away if they did that wasn't his problem that flighty Catgirl would have to fend for herself in the future all in all he considered forever fall a successful Venture now only had put a lunatic down and nicked a fair bit of dust but he acquired a useful weapon and a powerful semblance at that if it's power you're after you could always pay the sneeze a visit I've heard their semblance is hereditary and quite versatile Cinder in his head again she really knew how to sour his mood if I see a shne I don't like then I'll consider it were you talking to someone no one you need concern yourself with he waved Emerald's concerns away and held up his scroll that it still had signal way out here spoke well to the CCT according to the map anel should be relatively close we'll probably reach it before nightfall good her head bobbed I'd rather not rough it she paused a moment later realizing what she just said and what it implied of him I mean he clicked his tongue at her and gave her a cross look I've told you to speak your mind you've slept outside before I take it one when I pissed off a gang she Shrugged a shoulder wearily giving him her two cents wasn't fun nuto smiled recalling his encounter with Amber it has its own charms by her expression Emerald disagreed I'll take your word for it whatever you say City girl a harsh crack pervaded the air echoing in the distance before she could think topple he crank his neck toward you hear that sounded like a gunshot Emerald inhaled deeply through her nose then scowled never mind the noise do you smell that he did and he dearly wished he hadn't it smelled like fire Ash death Cinder had gone strangely silent in his mind three guesses why first two don't count sure enough he saw a black plume on the horizon just over the nearest Hill he lengthened his stride and jogged up it leaving Emerald to Scurry after him he found anel on the other side a homely Little Village rimmed by a large sturl looking wooden Palisade ending in a large gate one that even now creaked under the sheer weight of the monsters trying to batter their way through to the screaming folks other side for there were Grim at the gates he saw them from afar a small pack of 12 assorted beasts hammering at the walls fended off by a band of Plucky pikem men standing at top them not a large group at all for those on the walls it may well have been a swarm as he looked on an Ursa got a hold of one and managed to drag him down a youth too either foolish or frightened to let go of his spear both boy and weapon pitched into the mass of grim and vanished from sight someone Cried Out J nuto never knew who said the the name he'd already broke into a run the moment the boy went down he heard Emerald shout behind him but by then he was already pelting down the hill at full speed he heard the boy scream and ran faster still one hand grip blush the other thumb Wilt free from her sheath she sang in his hand eager for blood and battle could a sword be sensient nonsense not important right now he hafted her like a spear judge the distance and left her fly with a cry Wilt drilled the nearest baywolf Right Between the Eyes nailing it to the wooden wall with an audible thunk its body slumped down and dissolved in so much smoke one down 11 to go the remainder paused briefly baffled by the abrupt death of their kin they sensed the negative emotions he was bleeding and rounded on him that was all the distraction he needed even as they turned to face him he poured on one last burst burst of speed and leaped at them blush barked like the shotgun it was blasting a hole through a death stalker's torso two down he was among them a heartbeat later vaulting a bore betus before stomping down on its skull with both feet his boots clicked and fire dust flashed forth obliterating its skull and clearing a path in the same moment fur caught fire and every remaining grim went mad falling back to Claw at themselves a grin tugged at the corner of his mouth three down that left nine maybe less if the dust did its work he could have continued the onslaught but his last attack had Gap opened in the pack and he saw his Target remarkably the boy was still alive bloodied with a wicked gash across his forehead but alive he huddled behind a battered shield with both hands clutching onto it for dear life well it had been a shield once it wasn't anymore Rim Claus and PW had rendered the poor thing so much scrap metal still it had done its Duty he wouldn't be alive with without it unbidden he felt a flash of Pride good lad holding out this long ducking a bay Wolf's frenzied paw he grabbed the Plucky Survivor a blonde Boy by the Scruff of his neck and heaved him upward it's your lucky day bub up you go startled blue eyes blinked back at him framed by length blonde hair wait wait what a quick jump brought him to wilt still buried in the gate he hopped off at in a light at at top the wall where 10 startled milici men awaited him he thrust the bleeding boy at them here you go no point in waiting for their thanks there was work to be done he kicked back off the wall SN off a merry salute in midair and crashed down among the Grim again like a meteor leaving a crater in his wake yet another fell to his boots before the rest truly realized what was happening four down he ticked off in his head eight remained a particularly large Ursa saw him coming and pivoted on its hind legs bringing a challenge slow so slow so very slow it was the simplest thing to rip Wilt free from the wooden gate and place the blade directly in the beast's path gravity and momentum did the rest letting him lopped off its paw at the elbow the Grim bed at the ruined stump of its limb not quite comprehending something ugly reared its head in Naruto heart and with it came scorn pathetic GED and swiped at him with its remaining limb Fury lent him strength and Naruto snarled back caught the Paw that swept in on the flat of the blade and let momentum slam him backwards boots biting into the grass as he skidded away he dragged the blade back into its sheath as he went clicking it shut Ora swelled within him shooting into his atoms his now buried blade for a fleeting second his silver hair flashed red a wild grin tore across his face gotcha Wilt tore free from her sheath with a wordless roar Adam semblance already pent up for so long didn't just flash forth it erupted in a singular slash of death a massive slice of energy that seared the world scarlet and scythed down everything before it blowing down five more grim and cutting a deep Crescent in the dirt before finally fading three remained while he grinned at his smoldering blade that settles it I'm keeping you a brutish bear Angel pounced at him without looking back he ducked low hewed its legs out from under it then drove his sword through its chest to left it was short prisingly easy to use Adam's sword not effortless he had to work at it but it was easier than he thought and became easier still the longer he fought had he taken the man's muscle memory alongside his semblance or was there something more Sinister at work there was no second voice in his head yet and he could only assume Cinder was being silent for her own reasons you assume correctly grr just when he thought himself rid of her but at least he didn't have a Brash Bowl in his brain that was Adam's cue if he was still around in some shape or form nothing but the anger persisted was that a good thing he wheeled his left leg back and blocked a paw while striking out with wilt blush barked spraying shotgun shells forcing it back the whistle of a sickle and the sharp crack of a chain heralded Emerald's arrival into The Fray another barel toppled to the Dirk behind tongue nailed to the roof of its mouth and two hooked blades through its brain his partner tumbled off its back eyes wide and chest heaving she'd never fought Grim before he could see in the Panic on her face but she hadora alongside her semblance and had acquitted herself reasonably well just now she met his eyes and dared a tremulous nod between the two of them the last living Grim a baywolf didn't stand a chance together they fell upon it and cut it apart the Beast died screaming it was easy to be confident when you had someone to watch your back killing monsters together felt pretty damn good all things considered in short order the last of them lay dead and dissolving at their feet mission accomplished not bad he gave Emerald's shoulder a Brisk Pat he did well and you threw yourself at them I did not sorry iwag forget it she shook herself and sheathed her weapons trembling a little that that was a lot why were they here negativity attracts Grim he looked past fading Grim to the Village of anel whole bunch of them which means he looked at the gate there's probably a story to this together they approached The Battered gate he heard a commotion and in no time at all an old man's withered Visage leaned over the wall he glimpsed a balding head of silvery hair and brown eyes a scarred Visage set in the scowl lips puckered in distaste for all that they'd saved him and the others he didn't look much pleases for it who goes there he spoke with a faint twang in his voice an audible accent he couldn't quite place the you Bandits nuto exchanged a Ry glance with emerald and looked back would Bandits knock on the gate or save one of your own the man winced but clung to his pride I they would they a right sneaky sort he laughed a little we're not Bandits and you are named Samuel I lead this lot Hunters then are you got your licenses and everything not at all but well better a white lie than a painful truth we're still in training can he fight Emerald tutted better than you he quelled Emerald with a glow we can I'm something softened in that craggy Visage then you're welcome to our village if you mind your manners best be careful though there's a witch hereabouts a witch now it was his turn to scoff let me guess does she have green skin and a pointy Black Cap N she's a demon with a red blade skin white as snow with hair dark as night and eyes the color of blood but didn't you just call her a witch a demon I say the man ranted shouting them down she's hit Villages nearby with her men proper [ __ ] too always picking fights and doesn't give a Flying Fig for who she hurts or what she takes he quirked a brow at him something didn't add up here but not you the Elder shook his spear down at them why do you think we had this many Grim half of us want to leave the other half think we'll be next he seemed to chew on the words a moment more someone nudged him and he heaved a sigh look lad there's a standing bounty on Grim in these parts it's not much but keep it Naruto waved him off we didn't save this Village for the money Emerald whispered in his ear low enough for only him to hear we need Lyn and we'll get it but these people have even less than we do we do not take from the poor was that a glimmer of respect in her eyes just now whatever it was it was gone just as quickly anyone else would have thought their mind was playing tricks on them not him Samuel hollered breaking his concentration are you coming in or not be in or be off with ye he held up a hand just a moment Emerald was waiting for him when he turned to face her we're going to help these people aren't we maybe her scow redoubled still they're hiding something I know they are but what choice do we have best give Amber a call then they could get themselves settled and figure out what the devil was going on here her scroll was banging off again Amber almost didn't hear at first so lost was she in her nightmares but it kept bleeding at her incessantly until at last she creaked a sleep gomed eye open and flailed for it her hand scrambled out of the blankets and poted empty air reaching reaching reaching gravity betrayed her as she reached just a tad too far thump oh the floor was cruel and cold and wooden something Amber hadn't much minded before when she was awake but very much did now that she found her face squashed against it over poor head felt like someone had kicked her skull clean open an angry growl grumbled against the ground as her eyes briefly flickered with Maiden fire blasted in her C was way too small for her liking but it was all she could afford with what little lean she had left still she was grateful to be awake if nothing else the noise had freed from Dreadful dreams she died again trapped in that terrible cold metal tube banging at the glass it was almost always the same she always dreamed of in the tube every time without failed sometimes she suffocated to death sometimes an arrow pierced her heart sometimes the tube turned on sucked out her very soul and sometimes they just left her in there to die alone wasting away his time dragged on that was always the worst screaming and pounding at the glass unable to be seen unable to be heard unable to die but unable to live either she'd had one good dream just the one when she'd shared that campsite with Mercury a reprieve the nightmares had come every night since her Scroll bleeded once more demanding her attention shivering a little Amber sat up on her knees snatched it up ke in her password and took a look her eyes lit up as saw the cinder mercury in an instant she was awake fumbling for the screen her brow furrowed let's see here anel Bandit what has he gotten himself mixed up in well that settled it she'd help him he was what a friend she had so few of those left now she' thought ospen was her friend that curo and Glenda were her friends but they weren't now were they they wanted to contain her control her keep her not in a cage they weren't that bad but they wouldn't let her leave Veil or that awful Mansion she was a Huntress damage she was meant to be free if she'd known the burdens The Perils the pain she would suffer she never would have accepted this power some days she wished someone would just take it away but that was childish thinking even for her she knew that she was stuck with this power until death did them part Mercury now he was free no one could chain him down he'd kill anyone who tried she didn't know what she felt about him he was witty sarcastic and not at all afraid to talk back when need be regardless he'd lit a fire in her reignited something deep inside a feeling she'd lost long ago there had never been time for anything like this not since she inherited this power it was always training or hiding or meetings with ospen always what was best for them for the world never for her never what she wanted not once but back to this feeling it felt like warm butterflies in her chest sunlight on her face the Frantic pounding of her own heart could it be Amber clapped both hands to her cheeks and shook her head no bad girl calmed down girl it was too soon for that way way way too soon wasn't it her gaze flitted back to her scroll reading the messages therein anel that was a few days away wasn't it less if she flew with luck she could make it there quino she could she would she wanted to see him again she must if only to put these dreams to rest anel rolled out the red carpet for them well in as much as a small village on the edge of the frontier could roll out the carpet Naruto appreciated the hospitality rustic as it was really he did but he knew it came with a caveat he and emerald were each given free room and boarded at the end while drinks at the Local Tavern were summarily declared to be on the house better yet the inkeeper was so delighted to put up two Hunters passing through at little cost to them so long as they lent a hand keeping an eye up for more Grim an easy barking this place was full of retired Huntsmen and their fames Warriors passed their prime or those too young to make a meaningful difference they'd had received more than a few kindly nods from the former and odd looks from the latter on the surface it sounded simple all they had to do was face these Bandits if they did indeed exist and send them packing and yet he couldn't help but feel that there was more at work here or was there if these fools cannot fend for themselves then what point is there leave it to Cinder The proverbial devil on his shoulder to pour poison in his ear devil indeed I'll have you know I'm a well gested member of society he tried to recruit me while my house was on fire semantics he shook his head to shutter out anel was riled up there could be no denying that but were Bandits to blame the Grim would say yes they' been drawn near by the sheer negativity of good folk fearing for their lives but was there something more Sinister at work here Emerald seemed to think so then again she could be frightfully paranoid it had taken no small amount of work in spoiling on his part to earn her trust and even then it was a fragile fledgling thing she wouldn't put her faith in others just yet it felt to him to be the voice of reason here both for the village and her but they couldn't stay here they absolutely could not stay here they'd get bogged down and never leave yet neither C he leave these people to their Fates if their lives really depended on him if there really were Bandits if there was some unknown danger to many ifs one a spar Naruto blinked drawn out of his modlin rivy pardon Spar Emerald stared back at him her plate pristine clean he hadn't even touched his and it showed he looked tense and I need she swallowed wants to master herself I need to practice the last bit was said Just a Touch Too Quickly she must have been unnerved by all this too or mby it was the Grim who could say regardless he took her off in the spirit it was given he stood knocked back the plate and scarfed his dinner down sounds like a plan the shadow watched them from afar Hunters actual real live Hunters here an anel they seem like good people maybe maybe they could help Emerald knew her way around a brawl she fought not like a Huntress but like a Survivor Rough and Tumble no hold SP doing whatever it took to win she had been born and raised on the streets and it showed wasn't afraid to fight dirty either the girl was all elbows and knees and not at all afraid to used them when he disarmed her which was often most of her style if one could call it such was clearly self-taught and she fought solely by Instinct here at least Marcus training came in clutch he could see those mistakes in them correct her stance and adjust accordingly they found nice isolated little patch of dirt behind the tavern to do just that in R nuto opened his eyes and swayed backward grinning from ear to ear as her heel passed meere inches from his face he caught her ankle and sent her spinning away she didn't fall instead she Whirled with it letting momentum drag her chain sickles and at his forehead with blistering speed Wilt stabbed down and trapping one even as he caught the other and reeled her in like a fish she realized what was about to happen locked eyes with him and used her semblance quite suddenly he found himself face three of her points for her he told her to use it sparingly where need be and she had but hallucination or no he could sense her all the same his fist found her stomach and she folded like so much wet paper he expected a complaint pain at the very least instead she accepted the blow dropped to her knees and clutched her gut all with Nar and noise he knelled to check her to make sure she was all right and she swept his legs nuto pitched backward with a squawk it was his own fault really he'd let his guard down pity and concern getting the better of him once yet again Emerald took full advantage and tackled him driving him down to the ground practically straddling him she planted her legs on either side of him and shoved a sickle under his throat yield there were a dozen different ways he could have slipped free he chose not to grinning he raised his hands all right I give you're going to get off me now unless you're into that sort of thing Emerald looked down her face went red she tackled him a rustle in the bushes commanded his attention Emerald tumbled off him and rounded on it weapons raised who's there whoa whoa a boy emerged from the brush hands up don't shoot I come in peace Naruto climbed to his feet and assessed the newcomer in an instant blonde hair blue eyes thin scraggly noora ripped blue jeans in a dark hoodie was thought a rabbit on it he couldn't quite tell by the crude armor the boy wore for it was crude make no mistake blasted thing barely covered his chest and shoulders how was that supposed to protect him and why did he look so familiar Emerald hissed you'll leave in pie he should have know this would attract attention belatedly he recognized him I remember you you're the one I plucked out of the Grim yesterday his mind flailed struggling to recall his name John right yeah the scraggly boy flushed and looked away that' be me silence reigned Supreme Emerald didn't lower her thief's respit Nudo laid a hand on the barrels and forced it down did you want something I uh wanted to ask Jon studied his shoes as though they were made of gold are you two H men his lack of Courage was beginning to rankle him where was the spirit he'd shown yesterday where was the fire why say that John kicked at the ground you look like Huntsman we're only a little older than you idiot Emerald she subsided with a sigh we've been training there's a difference Jon perked up hope in his eyes did you attend signal Emerald tilted her head with scorn did you now but I want to be Huntsmen Huntsmen are fools Jon winced but rallied in the face of her and and know they aren't their Heroes she scoffed Heroes die all the time we're not Heroes Naruto's conscience gave him a nudge I want to be somebody Jon wouldn't back down if anything Emerald's insult only seemed to embolden him I'm sick of this place and sick of my sisters I want to help people save people the same way you saved me back there he saw their dead pen expressions and faltered At Last I know I'm weak I would have been dead without you you are weak the nudge became a poke nuto side how many sisters you have seven the Poke became a stab he would have killed for a mentor in his first life granted he'd gotten several eventually but this boy clearly hadn't it might be too late for this boy to make beacon in a few years boot what are you asking of us he sheathed wil with a sigh training do you have Aura at least John looked like he might lie for a moment then thought better of it no of course not are either of your parents Huntsmen dad is no hesitation this time good good and where is this father of yours out on a mission Emerald saw the angle he was taking and backed him up why hasn't he unlocked your or it's not hard John wilted a little under their gaze he doesn't think I'm serious about this Emerald shook her head hair swaying you clearly aren't but I might have armor and a weapon Emerald didn't say anything to Jon she didn't have to instead she pivoted and looked at him Naruto could feel her stare you help me her gaze seemed to say are you going to help every stray we stumble across no he wasn't but surely damn him for being a softy a muscle jumped in his jaw 7 in the morning Emerald sputtered excuse me John faltered come again be here at 7 tomorrow morning sharp he stabbed a finger into the younger boy's armored chest and eat a light breakfast but first come here Jon scrambled closer practically tripping over himself Cinder scoffed in his head coddling the weak hush he laid a hand on the boy's head and closed his eyes the words came with surprising for it is in our weakest moments that we find our strength through this we become a bullwark against the darkness a defender of the weak and forgotten the powerless and misbegotten I'm Bound by morality and and driven by ambition I release your soul and by my shoulder support thee Jon jolted in his grasp with a gasp and he felt the aura surge out of him there he stepped back wiping a bead of sweat from his brow I've unlocked your aura you have quite a lot remember 7 tomorrow don't make me regret this Jon bowed not good enough am I understood Soldier the boy saluted instead sir yes sir he didn't fail to notice Emerald's jealous glare what was Mercury playing it Emerald couldn't understand she wasn't sure she wanted to anel had no strategic value their supplies were meager and they had little in the way of Warriors so why linger here why unlock a civilian Aura and teach him basic sword play at all smacked of kindness and mercy which was nice and all but it wasn't getting him anywhere their funds were still dwindling they'd need to move on instead here they were settling in for the night at this blasted and when they should be leaving he made no mention of either as they went to their CS finally it was too much she couldn't take it anymore why are you helping him ah dear Emerald Mercury threw himself back on the bed with a languid sigh so full of questions I like that she squinted at him what was this some sort of trick you do sure he Shrugged his shoulder you keep me honest she arched a green eyebrow well most honest he amended clasping both hands behind his head her brow climbed higher okay okay he granted her a chesher seag grin relatively honest to answer your question I helped John because he reminds me offwell me when I was younger kids got Moxy are you saying you were weak the weakest there was a Telltale twinkle in his eye as he winked her way hard to believe a it was very much so Mercury had never been weak she refused to believe it she absolutely refused no way in hell he'll never make it to Beacon he might her partner disagreed I've given him a good start he can build off it once we put anel behind us something about those words lit the spark of hope in her so we're not staying here forever he nodded curtly we not not by any means then what are we waiting for a finger Rose who actually I don't get it a friend if she's willing to meet up with us she might not she's not a fan of civilization never mind the big cities Vil he had plans for Vil that's where we're going then in due time uncertainty nagged at her a new gnawing her nerves she didn't want to appear weak before him anything but that yet he'd mentioned some else someone else it rankled her more than she cared to admit you didn't tell me you had a friend I met her before you he held up a hand spark sizzling within then raised another crackling with shards of molten glass it was right after I killed my dad in an annoying broad his casual ad mittance of murder would have appalled anyone else not her mercury didn't kill without good reason don't worry she's good people Emerald twitched she was that whom he texted earlier was she not special after all she though she was with that thought a seed of jealousy planted itself in her chest but enough about her Mercury stifled the two semblances in his hands and rolled over onto his stomach to look at her where do you want to go Emerald froze up she still wasn't used to anyone asking what she wanted me we can see the sights travel the world cause chaos why do you say traveling the world sounds nice she swallowed once to master herself then barreled on before she could lose her nerve this friend of yours what does she look like tall tan with short brown hair there was something in his face as he said it h Emerald looked up from her lap she curled one finger around her pale Tresses like girls with long hair Mercury blinked at that just a little too quickly by contrast his reply took several seconds I do oh that was good to know maybe she shouldn't cut her hair after all Mercury squinted at her noticing the spark in her eyes why did you ask was curious no way was she telling him about that not yet he sighed and flopped off the bed all right G night Emerald I'll take First Watch good night sir I told you to call me by my name the ghost of a smile touched her lips I'll think about it sir she waited until he'd closed the door until his footsteps had receded until he was well and truly gone and then her head hit the pillow narrowly muffling a happy squeal JN had Spirit he was untapped untrained almost utterly unremarkable in almost every way but he wouldn't give up he wouldn't stay down and he just would not quit no matter matter how hard he hit him no matter how many times he knocked him down and out he always found a way back to his feet was it wrong that Naruto took some pride in that probably he still kept pushing him regardless so it past two days in many ways the boy reminded him of himself back in his first life little skill little training little in the way of common sense but determined to prove himself refusing to give up his attitude and confidence needed much work but those would come with time and skill they could fix that R wrong Wilt diverted crosia Moors with EAS sending Jon stumbling past the younger boy SW at him as he went a stray strand of silver hair fluttered by nuto raised his somewhat marginal opinion of the boy by one notch good in the beginning he wouldn't have thought to do that he Whirled and drove a metal shot boot into the boy's back tossing him into the dirt don't swing with all your strength He barked at him move with the weight of your Blade Let It guide you blush barked dust and was summarily tanked by the younger boy's Aura better but then the boy sagged and his face grew stormy no no no he dragged him back to his feet and gave him a shake don't give up you don't get to give up never give up that's your def finding trait John when the boy made the speak he shook him again if you want something you have to fight for it don't sit there and mope you have two years till be can use them the boy drooped in his grasp but this is harder than I thought I if the next words out of your mouth or I can't I will smack you I swear on my sword he felt a dark Ripple of approval in that instant where did that come from shaking it off he fixed his wood pupil with a baleful look listen to me John he took the boy by the shoulders frog marked him over to a nearby stump and sat him down because I'm only going to say this once you're blind to what true power can bring you he slung an arm around his shoulder holding him close I'm going to let you in on a very important secret one I learned when I was younger than you are now you see Power real power doesn't come to those who were born strongest or fastest or smartest no it comes to those who would do anything to achieve it but I'm so far behind fool of a boy fine being calm clearly wasn't working time to appeal to his emotions he mastered his temper and gave him another Shake look at you struggling to have everything you want all while the world tries to make you choose good evil hero villain light dark choose they say choose he snarled the younger boy into silence pick one or the another but not both oh no never both real power means you don't have to choose be who you want to be and so will I he let him go stepped back and assumed a ready stance what do you want to be John the boy stood picked up his sword and readied his battered Shield Naruto grinned it was not a nice smile now try to hit me the bandits came the next morning they found one man waiting before the gates of anel sitting really right out there in the open without a care in the world 50 they were but even they paused in the face of such an unusual sight just as planned there you are Naruto stifled a yawn and Rose propping himself up on his sword kept me waiting one of the bandits stepped forward an ugly balding brute with a scar over his right eye where she give her to us or we'll burn this place down he frowned where is who one brandish a hatchet at him don't play dumb where's the maiden he felt Cinder perk up in his soul he could almost imagine her slow Sinister smile oh what's this Naruto tilted his head Maiden I don't know any Maiden I don't even know what that is for crying out loud why are you after her that [ __ ] pissed off the boss weapons waved his way battered and worn we had to Trek all the way from mistol to get here and now give her up really he thumbed Wilt free from her sheath revealing a gleam of scarlet metal if she's the boss of you lot then I pity you why you little in every group there was always an idiot some blithering bonehead who was either too strong or too dumb to take a hint evidently this little tribe had the ladder one rushed him now hatchets in hand howling like a lunatic a Mad Bull charging anger reared its ugly head in his heart once more but this time he was ready for it he channeled it focused it Master it that's not a sword he tutted softly no wil flicked forth from her sheath quick as Lightning then slid back and Thrice as quickly behind him the man fell apart his body cleaved in twine at the waist this is a sword one of the Bandit stob cried out in a high re whale he killed Burke get him get blush barked and the speaker went down with a face full of dust you know what Wilt scraped free from her sheath fine come and die it was too much to hope they would listen they rushed him again as planned looky here he reached into his belt pouch and withdrew an item I've got a jar of dirt care to guess what's inside it he superheated it in his palm and flung it at them before they could guess I'll give you a hint Thum Cinder semblance flared in the jar or rather the molten dirt within went off like a hand grenade shrapnel sprayed in every direction some of it even skittered off his Aura the bandits weren't so lucky 12 of them died outright six more dropped screaming and three more were stunned the rest couldn't see the forest for the trees but Emerald could have from this distance one Bandit dropped to the ground screaming clawing at their face he ran them though another crashed to their knees gibbering about snakes he lopped off their head with a lazy backswing he was sure she and everyone in anel were watching from the walls she would play the silent support letting him tear through the bandits let him be the one to fight let him give them the hope they craved if any tried to get past him they'd be trapped in their worst nightmares and yet it didn't seem they were they were too focused on him to the exclusion of all else he lobbed another jar of dirt their way and even more fell back into the smoke what was this how could anyone be afraid of this lot he was picking them apart and he was just one man there had to be more than this there just had to and if a new voice barked souring his good mood useless idiots the lot of you back up a woman stroe through the smoke clad in red and black her hair dark as night he couldn't see her face behind a redon white mask White Fang no not quite he could sense the aura within her and deeper within the Telltale flicker of a semblance curiosity had him tilting his head on guessing you're the witch she planted a fist on her hip excuse me no no he waged a finger her way I'm not talking to you while you're wearing that his voice lowered further not unlike a parent speaking to an unruly child that's precisely what she was to him take that ridiculous thing off then we can speak fine an annoy sigh issued forth from the confines of the helm there's no point in hiding it now I suppose remarkably she complied and cast it aside eyes red as blood were skin white as snow hair black as night she might have been beautiful if weren't for her scowl and the lines in her face she looked tired worn exhausted and angry dirty too like she hadn't had a proper bath in days did it have something to do with that Maiden they were on about Cinder was curiously silent in his head I am Raven br brandwin leader of the brandwin tribe the band Queen Drew her Blade with a flourish its Crimson Edge glinting in the sunlight you have two choices before you Huntsman stand aside and give me what I want or die screaming good for you Nudo crossed both arms before his chest I choose the third option the one where I kick your head in throaty laughter was his reward you think you're a hero boy her full lips Pur in a scowl your morals your code it's all a sick joke these people you're protecting she raised a hand indicating the walls of anel behind him when the chips are down your so-call friends over there they'll eat each other just like we're about to dodo you she lunged Wilt met her halfway Scarlet steel sparked against red his boots bit back into the grass tearing a Furrow into the Earth she leared at him over their cross blades bearing him down you know how to use that thing kid funny I should say the same to you his hair flashed Riot as Adam's semblance took hold thanks for getting real close though her eyes bulged Raven flung herself backward braving her Blade with both hands to defend herself too late Wilt yelled a SWAT of Red Dead struck her head on slammed into her torso barreled her back into a tree and Beyond she kept going Vanishing into the woods with an awful crackle of sundered Timber what a joke why did I ever think this was a threat to me when she didn't emerge Naruto turned his eyes on the remaining Bandits of what was once 50 less than half remained ordinarily I'd let you guys off with a beting but this ain't ordinary sorry he granted them a grim look I'm fresh out of Mercy you've made a life of harming people now I may harm you he stabbed Wilt down conjured a pair of Racin shurik into his hands let them fly and closed his heart to what followed when the blood was done flying and the screams dying he waited in what followed was not a massacre massacres implied effort he fell upon them sword swinging it was a Slaughter by the time Raven reemerged from the thicket it was to see the last of her men cut down by his bloody hands he lopped off the last survivor's head and kicked it her way sending it tumbling down to her feet she boed at him with wide eyes no bado now all he saw was surprise shock and a touch off oh yes there It Was Fear he could see the ugly wound in her left shoulder the way she favored her right leg despite that she still held her blade tight and glared at him you me he swept his blade to the side splashing blood onto the grass look at you not so tough now are you he felt her anxiety it warmed something in him something ugly hate spite wrath yes show her do it now a furiously familiar voice hissed in his head snarling over the pounding in his ears it didn't sound like Cinder tell her let her know what it's like to be weak to be powerless to be nothing something was bleeding over into his thoughts for once he agreed with it okay honestly you're a joke he spat at her you want to want to this Village like very other but you don't want things to change his sword flicked out lazily sheathed once more you want everything to stay the same maintain the status quo the strong ruling over the weak how messed up is that tell me how the hell is Humanity as supposed to change if it's not allowed to evolve she tensed expecting an attack and he would just not in the way she expected tell me now what did you call me my morals my Cotto I remember now a bad joke he grit his teeth behind his lips and started forward throwing the words back in her face dropped at the first sign of trouble you think I'm only as good as I believe myself to be you'll see but right now I'm not feeling very good another step now nearly within Striking Distance you think you can just take and take whatever you want whenever you want human even swamped by anger he noticed the word human why was he calling her human but you can't he glared at her teeth bared in a snarl because as long as there are those who remember what was there will always be those that are unable to accept what can be what needs to be what must be Raven skater backwards stay back see now you respect me because I'm a threat he drew Adam's blade again charged with ktic energy and pointed it at her that's the way it works you see I know what it's like to loose to feel so desperately that you're right andly to come up short her face Twisted helplessly as he looked on there it is he tapped his cheek with one finger that's the look I enjoy that look of confusion when an inferior being meets a higher power it's intoxicating wouldn't you agree she didn't answer of course not Cravens were all blessed her and no bite what's wrong he spread his arms wide you were laughing before but you're not laughing now Raven took a step back he stalked after her going to run away coward the word made her Flinch for some reason coward coward he all but spat the word pressing the advantage that's exactly what you are attacking the weak the helpless all those who can't fight back but the second someone like me comes around you up and fold like a house of cards his lips curled in a sardonic spiteful sneer you're worse than my old man at least he died with a semblance of dignity well somewhat oh well he charged forward the second he did Raven cut a tear in the air birthing a red portal between her and him he had to twist aside to avoid rushing headlong into it the sudden stop sent him skidding across the grass tearing a fresh Furrow into the dirt he didn't miss her irked oath clever she'd almost had him there portals how he eyed the swirling Vortex wearily is that your semblance suits a coward like you card three times now he called her a coward three times naturally he had no way of knowing the switch he' just flipped and he never would Raven absolutely twitched hatred sparked in her eyes she cut the portal and rushed him with a Yow I quote him no coward there was Grace even in her rage fire in her Fury strength in her savagery it didn't say her he parried her first strike with blush evaded the second slapped aside the third with wilt stepped aside from the fourth and opened his arms wide for the fifth her blade slammed down on his chest and shattered leaving her clutching a useless Hilt she bed at it taking her eyes off him for a crucial second foolish he placed blush against her stomach closed his eyes unloaded her body bucked his Buckshot plowed into her stomach Naruto squeezed the trigger and fired twice Thrice now Ravens over tax door is shattered at last Triumph blazed in his chest emerging as a growl remember what I promised you he chambered a leg over raven's head held it there a moment more her head snapped up a heartbeat too late his boot swung down and his heel came alongsid it crashing down into her skull burying itself there right between her white eyes blood sloos down her forehead and ran out her nose what are you entirely done with your [ __ ] is what I am he tore his heel free from her skull leaving her to reel helplessly place like a drunkard At Last Call alive or die I don't care Raven didn't even seem to hear him she reached up past him with blank eyes to something only she could see young I'm sorry I'm so sorry he shoved her she slumped sideways and fell at his feet eyes rolling back in her head Naruto tutted angrily o or what was a Yan me probably not important he slammed his hand down on Raven's unconscious Visage and squeezed her Aura lay in Ruins there was no resistance she was too busy bleeding out at his feet her semblance barely put up a fight so much for the Bandit Queen she was either dead dying or very close to it he paid her no mind found what he was looking for in her soul and yanked with that felt something slide into his soul and something clicked in the back of his head bringing with it understanding Scarlet Sparks crackled across his Aura his eyes glowed and just like that he was done another one cinder's voice coed in his head and without killing the host this time well done it's crowded enough in here already this time someone else answered and already is but at least he isn't afraid to kill he had an angry bll hiding in his soul didn't he so much for his theory he ignored them and turned an eye to Raven's weapons her Hill was useless but that she looked special on a whim he snatched up her Broken Blade and pressed it to the holster the word and a click and he found himself drawing a blade knot of bloody red but deepest wintry Blue Frost crackled across it no not simple Frost but dust a sheet that created dust blades his eyes lit up how much must it have cost to create a thing like this it might be the only one of its kind in the world yep taking that he unbuckled the sheath from her belt slammed her blade inside and with a bit of fiddling strapped it to the left side of his waist she had no need for it where she was going and speaking of going him I wonder on a whim he focused his Aura and slashed Adam's blade through the air it snagged on something but but no portal emerged progress better than nothing A second swipe and he felt the air tear Focus an image of emerald burst to the Forefront of his mind unbidden and this time the world answered a crimson portal bloomed before him a Scarlet tether an The Ether on a whim he thrust a hand through it a voice yeled the most familiar voice what the hell Emerald he poked his head through and found her startled face staring back at him Bandits are dealt mine sending some help for the bodies yeah wait a second he most assuredly did not and duck back through too busy gloating over his new gift so that was how Raven's semblance worked it opened a portal to its owner's bonded ones those with whom one had forged either a lasting friendship found themselves attached to or otherwise drawn to a revelation boggled the mind this waset was beyond useful the sheer possibilities it presented were endless if he made a friend in every Kingdom not hard given his personality he could essentially unlock fast travel there make enough and he could zip around the world without even running Cinder offered a smug hum he picked up a useful one this time indeed he had he'd already bonded with Emerald all to the good that it meant he'd be able to find and protect her wherever she was no matter what happened to her but who else had he connected with realization struck like a Thunderclap and his eyes widened in a fit of Glee Amber of course he had a portal to Amber oh she was going to love this but first his gaze strayed to Raven's body she groaned softly he sighed what a drag was she live hard to say the doctor adjusted his glasses and considered Raven's prone form at top the medical bed with a Keen Eye regarding her skull wrapped in bloody bandages head wounds are often tricky things he proed the band at Queen's cheek drawing a soft groan from her she might survive she might not even if she wakes up I doubt she'll be wholly the same nuto granted him an arch look remember his name mustn't be rude Wallace was it mind filling me in nothing simpler the bald man tittered and made a show of stroking the gray whisp of his mustache he rattled her brain and cracked her skull lad people don't just get up and walk away from that she'll be lucky to remember her own name let alone walk and talk I reckon despite himself the reborn Shinobi winced that was no proper way to live might be Mercy to just kill her now still she has Aura and I've seen folks bounce back before what do you want done with her duno Wallace boomed a laugh you really don't do you this here is Raven brandwin scourge of mistol I family over there she's a right Menace a gray brow Rose then what's she doing in Vil the doctor Shrugged carelessly looking to cause trouble I reckon belatedly he remembered her words she said she was looking for something eye Wallace fiddled with the bandages a while not looking his way what might that be a maiden looking for a young lass was she there was no spark of com renson that passed across the man's face nor comprehension not many of those around here unless you count the ark children I'd be wary of that lot a wrinkled finger wagged his way there're a handful all Nick is likely to Tan Your Hide if you try courting one of them without his permission Naruto snorted thanks for the warning he considered Raven's prone form there are bounty on this one's head I the doctor granted him a toothy grin a hefty one in these parts placed by Beacon itself one million Leon alive well well well just like that he had a reason to want Raven alive after all he couldn't write rightly collect a bounty if she was dead now could he he waited until Wallace looked away then subtly placed a hand on her head and sent a healing pulse of chakra threading through her skull not enough to close the wound outright but enough to speed the healing and tear her away from death's door anything more than that might see her up and about before he left which was something he didn't want but with this she'd be out of immediate danger the rest was up to her will the police station pay her Bounty out happily Wallace clapped him on the back you're a hero here lad you and that last of yours are welcome anytime good to know anel was a nice place but it was just a little too homey for him best to collect the money and move on now while they could I'll be going then emeralds probably worried sick she doesn't like the sight of dead bodies few do the old doctor laughed and waved him on you can see yourself out I trust yep we do he nodded and made for the door a woman was waiting for him just outside as he emerged much to his surprise it was an emerald his sharp eyes took the newcomer in at a glance she was slightly older than him by the look of her her wavy dirty blonde hair seemed to shine in the afternoon light and her bright blue eyes were Sharp plad in an orange sleeveless top matched by a base sleeveless vest she wore brown trousers bearing red stitches on each side alongside brown boots a strange a boot lace necklace hung her neck swaying a little as she cocked her head at him you're the one that saved John her voice was soft almost musical his friend right sure why not he Shrugged one shoulder he's a good kid he's my little brother she planted a fist on her hip looking him up and done I wanted to thank you for what you did not just for the bandits but for rescuing him a pause now as she seemed to Grapple with something you talk him a bit didn't you he's been bragging about it mouthy blonde this one and you are saffron orc those deep blue eyes swept up and down the length of him once more considering him you're taller than I thought you'd be at length she Shrugged screw it arudo blinked screw him warm lips pressed against his cheek kirama offered a low whistle Cinder made an appreciative noise as far as rewards went that really wasn't half bad it raised his spirits if nothing else there saffron stepped back and wiped her mouth with a ruul grin and a blush besides got that out of my system damn shame you're not a girl teror would have been all over you still might be once I show her your picture but you don't have a her scroll clicked shooki saffron stowed her scroll and shot him a sidelong look as though searching for something you're a good person Mercury it sounded more like a question than an actual statement was that a dig at him he couldn't be sure as much as I can be he offered her a shrug in return saffron stared and is your friend Emerald she tries to be I trust her it was the right thing to say but John's older sister stared at him looked away gripped her arms close to herself and seemed to wrestle with something for a moment all right this is awkward finally she found her resolve and looked back to him it's me she turned to face him and spread her arms wide I'm the reason those people came here her eyes burned with blue flame hot and heav I'm the one the Bandit Queen was looking for the beginning of a small ruul smile plucked at the corner of her mouth I did some things I shouldn't have and pissed her off because I'm the spring Maiden sorry for involving you in this if she expected that to evoke a startled response in him she was wrong dead wrong nuto tilted his head to the right and blinked once the hell's a maiden saffron's smile shattered you must be joking the storm was brewing osben could sense it from the top of his Tower it wasn't something the naked eye could see the skies remained clear for miles around painted with the light of the Setting Sun there was no sign of Darkness or danger to the uninitiated indeed in so far as Beacon was concerned all was well students went about their lessons without a care in the world no concern but for their homework ending lessons and the approaching weekend all the while Bart Glenda and Peter worked tirelessly to usher in the Next Generation well Bart and Glinda W Peter told his stories some things never changed and yet ospen could taste in the air that charge the anticipation the budding sensation of magic swelling in the distance of course he could sense it that massive magic had once belonged to him after all even now after being separated from it for years on end he could still detect it such was how he knew you see somewhere someone somehow a maiden had leapt into combat here in Veil no not just one Maiden but two the thought left his throat feverishly dry it couldn't be Amber surely surely she wasn't that foolish he already knew the answer his scroll vibrated a heartbeat later against his better judgment the old wizard picked it up the news he received both made him hopeful and left him terrified I see anel was it yes I'll be by to retrieve her shortly he set the phone down a moment later bowed his head and ran a hand through his hair a long draft of his mug followed taking the edge off his ragged nerves only then did he dare retrieve his scroll and make a call of his own it ran once twice Thrice before someone finally retrieved it a garbles hung over growl greeted him too yes it's me I know it's early how would you feel about a family reunion his old friend agreed readily once he gave him the details what on Earth was Raven Brandin doing an anel who had beaten her within an inch of her life this was going to be a long week wasn't it ospen heaved a sigh Rose from behind his desk and snatched up his Cane this bodess poorly take her power take it now nuto heaved a patient sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose it was too much to Hope Cinder would be quiet after saffron's Revelation he hadn't known she was interested in these maidens but the moment saffron finished her explanation well the results spoke for himself she'd been banging about on his head ever since he'd sat down from the very moment he began meditating demanding he' take action holding his tongue only n her louder honestly she was beginning to annoy him her semblance was useful make no mistake but all these shrill shrieks were grinding on his last nerve will you be quiet in there Cinder most assuredly would not for the ruined remnant of a soul she was being quite vocal she'd come roaring back to life and wouldn't be denied that was the power Salem promised me I am OD OD he dropped his smile and his facade as mercury alongside it cheeks dimpling in a bemused scowl you are owed nothing least of all this and if you won't be quiet he flooded his body with Chaka until she shrieked and subsided feel that you have no body no power no nothing all that's left is your ego he heard someone snort in his head I'm sorry did I say something that you found funny Adam Moment of Truth was it really him in his head would he respond my apologies Dan at all that really was Taurus I just enjoy watching her squirm she tried to recruit me too you know all by her Lonesome it didn't end well a sardonic checkle swelled among his thoughts thoughts more is the pity I suppose she had such Grand plant all Ash now just like her namesake Cinder snarled quiet you what will you do fall shriek at me you have no power here neither of us do that was decidedly more calm than he remembered Adam being you're being awfully blasé for a dead man death has a way of sobering you Cinder snarled not me no one asked what you thought woman Adam beat him to the punch delivering a verbal Beatdown as only the damn could no one will remember you not your allies not your So-Cal mistress no one in the end you were a disposable Pawn a SA rifice meant to be used and discarded nothing more Cinder made Angry Cinder noises before she rallied and what of You Blake will remember me if nothing else ah no wonder he was so smug as will Atlas a man only truly dies when he is forgotten and I will never be my deeds will live on with infamy now I'm in the head of the most powerful being on Remnant and I have his ear I could do worse have done worse but you he felt the threads of Adam's ego turn his way your semblance holds the potential to change the world he Shrugged one shoulder not liking where this was going maybe if I wanted to sounded like a whole lot of work for nothing why should he care about any of that you will one way or another the bull fonus couldn't be seen in the traditional sense of the word bua had the feeling he was shrugging nevertheless power begets power and the world will take notice of you now he wins a bit at that hey hey I've been subtle your Deeds were Adam allowed until you bested Raven brandwin and threw her in anel's jail so you do realize she's one of the most powerful huntresses this side of Remnant wanted for countless crimes against humans and Faus alike a nod I do yet you defeated her and this should concern D me because Cinder chuckled suddenly and he had the sudden sinking sensation he'd walked into a trap it should because had Master ospen himself placed that bounty on her head [ __ ] indeed adamu satisfaction I would suggest leaving anel before ospen comes to call he is in the sort to let a pawn Escape his grasp if he can help it if he discovers you and emerald he'd never let them go Emerald's semblance was versatile enough but the ability to swipe semblances and stack them at top one another he'd never know peace even if they escaped his gaze they'd be hunted across the kingdoms that wasn't how he wanted to spend his second life still curiosity reared its ugly head you talk like you know him I know enough the faest made a disgruntled noise he's dangerous we would be able to face him if we took the maiden's power this from Cinder he kept his eyes closed but resolutely shook his head all the same no one is taking anything why not that fool of an arc girl doesn't even want the gift it would be better with Mir I mean us a blonde brow Rose you slipped there I am dead let me have this not a chance give her an inch and she'd try to take a yard and you Adam the dead Faus merely grunted I don't care much one way or another but I would prefer not to spend the rest of my life under that man's gaze speaking of which the blonde woman has been trying to get your attention for the last minute or so now he snapped back to reality saffron coughed above him returning him to the present are you all right I'm fine he creaked an eye open and waved a hand just dealing with some inner demons she looked like she wanted to pry but held back squirming a little under his gaze are you done meditating more or less he drew himself up from his sitting position and pivoted to face her and you I take it you've prepared yourself more or less she clasped both hands behind her hips and sing song Back at him squaring off against her in the yard of Ark Family household seemed a foolish idea but she'd been adamant about this and he'd reluctantly accept it if he was going to know what a maiden was he needed to see what one was capable of what they could do in a fight their powers and their limits and besides it allowed him to put on a bit of a show for The Ark children at least their parents weren't around thank heaven for small mercies are you sure about this not at all saffron Shrugged do you have a better idea Naruto blew out a soft exasperated side of his own not particularly then prepare yourself saffron walked away from him took three steps you want to see what a maiden can do I'll show you maybe then you'll understand why I want to be rid of this power he Shrugged his shoulder all right just remember you asked for this saffron barreled on wincing a little just just keep your ore up all right I can't exactly control the power too well it's still new to me at best I can him it maybe change the weather and push it in a given Direction but that's about it he unheeded Adam's sword and crooked his free hand at her beckoning come on then I'm not getting any younger here Emerald pumped a fist from the barrel she'd claimed for herself again saffron brought her hands together with a shout a cone of fire flooded Naruto's Vision Adam's sword sang as he swung through it flame parting before red a steel like so much butter saffron Came Crashing through it one hand poised to strike he ducked her clumsy punch and drove a kick into her throat to stagger her or a crackl in held his eyes widened she immediately rewarded him with a gust of wind it flung him back being one of the few things he couldn't fight against and send him skidding across the yard he sheath his sword to strike and she flung a lightning bolt his way trying to cut that without chakra was a mistake rockan crackled down his sword arm as every muscle in his body clamped down safron was was on him a moment later already Conjuring another cone of flame between her hands Small Wonder she told him to keep his Aura up he flung it to the four as The Inferno hit him head on almost immediately he felt his reserves nose dive flushing his body with chakra remedied the worst of the spasms and allowed him to regain control of his limbs he raised Adam's sword and tanked the attack drinking it in with his secondary semblance until the blade vibr in his grasp his goal achieved he kicked out to the side and tumbled free from the fire ice crept up across his feet rooting him in place once more that settled it maidens were [ __ ] it didn't stop him from sheathing his sword his hair flashed red for a single blinding instant and the ice at his feet shattered a low grow rumbled through the air block this he warned saffron did all that and more she yelped and flung up her arms Conjuring a thock wall of ice Adam's sword tore free and cut right through melting the ice as it went pierced her Aura and stopped just shy of her throat saffron giggled nerv nervously thanks for stopping nearly lost my head there don't mention it seriously he sheathed his blade and stepped back this never happened all right her teeth chattered a little do you see now I never wanted this power I'm no good with it she actually was the foundations were there but she refused to see them she was too terrified by the prospect of her power of what might happen to her family to wield it properly that was a Shackle in and of itself he almost pied her but clearly family meant more to her than power he could respect that if nothing else she offered him her hand can you take it Cinder practically squealed like a giddy school girl in his head yes we can luto eyed saffron's Palm like a live snake a poison chalice tempting him most so sweetly what makes you think I can don't lie her fingers curled into a fist when she planted against her hip as she glared at him eyes still shining with flames I know what you can do you have Raven semblance I saw her use it before and then you back at the gates to say nothing of that sword trick you just used no one else can do that Su take it she spread her arms wide free me from this curse I wouldn't call that power a curse you know it is she gave him a grim look I'll be hunted for the rest of my days and I can barely use it let alone aim it here at last her expression turned ruul I was never trained to be a Huntress I only got this power by Chance the last Maiden was leagues better than me better it go to someone else anyone else Emerald appeared between then hand raised I volunteer his tribute or he slapped her hand down we don't even know if I can take this without killing her don't you saffron flinched at the implicit promise of her demise enthusiasm cooling you didn't kill Raven That's a completely different ble of fish and you know it he jabbed at her bosom forcing her back with a scowl didn't you tell me the power can only be passed on at death saffron looked past him to the house where her siblings awaited yeah but maybe you're the exception he could hear the Hope in her voice she really wanted to be rid of spring didn't she snatching a semblance was one thing but this power was deeper older even now he could see how deeply intertwined it was with her it wasn't something he could just rip out of her he would have to be careful delicate even can you at least try Emerald was looking at him expectantly saffron clasped her hands eyes shimmering with unshed tears fine he deflated under their shared gaze lower your aura and give me your hand if this starts to kill you I'm stopping please do she offered him her hand fingers Spade I'd rather not die he flicked a look at Emerald talk to Jon and the others please tell them not to breath the word of this she rolled her eyes but did as she was baed realizing just how serious he was he gripped saffron's fingers and threw his semblance at her like a net dra it over her now wrapped his Aur around hers the world blurred saffron had no semblance to take and was fully accepting of him thus there was next to no resistance it was smooth seamless she opened herself to him fully and he dove into her slipping into her skin as a fish with water sights and sounds assailed him accompanied by a mass of myriad emotions he couldn't quite quantify he felt a deep and all-consuming love for someone named Tera memories of rushing into a blonde man's arms her father and being tackled by her siblings peace and joy the thrill of a first kiss happiness tinged by regret and fear because of there it was now that he knew what to look for the power of the spring Maiden burned like a beacon in his mind eye bright and gold and green whatever it was it was drastically different from a semblance he could feel it woven tightly against her soul not seamless not precise but neither could he call it parasitic it didn't seem to be harming her so all right let's try this he reached in with his semblance his soul and wrapped his hands around the pulsing magic in touching it he understood knowledge flooded into him it wasn't some mindless massive magic he was sensient alive it a to be used utilized Unleashed he'd been right thisy wasn't parasitic at all if anything it was a symbiotic relationship the power bound itself to a female host and grew stronger from each one in turn they gained tremendous command of the elements and the ability to unlock vaults the hell was a vault not much detail there I want to play the light sang in his grasp an endless happy Babble akin to that of a delighted child reunited with a long lost parent shaking his head he gently extricated himself from saffron's Soul the power of the spring Maiden didn't like that it sensed his strength his Retreat and tried to cling to him as he withdrew he allowed it grasping a fine tendril with one hand to tether himself letting it latch on as a crude anchor from there he found the fine stitches that bounded to saffrons and one by one undid them her soul shivered under his touch it was slow delicate work it would have been easier to just rip it out of her but doing that would surely kill her where she stood without warning spring came free and all hell broke loose later he would realize his mistake the Maiden Power was currently connected to him and freed so suddenly from its host it had nowhere else to go he thought himself safe from such given that he was well clearly not a girl he was mistaken saffron was currently thinking of him and while he was most emphatically male he also held a whiny noisy shattered Shard of a woman's ego in his head the outcome had never been in question spring latched on and it latched hard heat and fire and wife and life rushed into him with such force that he found himself propelled out of saffron's soul and thrust into the waking world in his own body once more he staggered back in shock and gasp for air that seemed all too slow to come he had the power it was there he could feel it but saffron's Soul was still in in place yet he couldn't use the power it didn't come as a surprise to Naruto if anything he'd been expecting it anything keyed to a woman would be as such whoever had created the Power had been cautious downright paranoid really even now he could feel it buzzing beneath his skin burning his blood singing in his soul it made him feel Restless anxious powerful but also cut off he could not access it and judging by cinder's Angry noises neither could she no it's not fair I can feel it but I can't use it Adam laughed at her perhaps it was for the best too much power often went to one's head and while he wanted it all he didn't want to lose himself saffron claimed only women could properly utilize it maybe that was true maybe it was not maybe he just wasn't meant to use it but he could hold it perhaps even decide who the next successor Orga my hero saffron slammed into him at speed and squashed his head against her bosm drawing an angry squawk from Emerald you did it I can't feel it anymore it's gone oh you are welcome he garbled a helpless reply between her breasts kind ascending conflicting messages here you don't know how much this means to me she Drew back and he finally saw the tears running down her face my family will be safe now hell I can go back to Argus be with Tara And livea normally AR eyes she gasped suddenly covering her mouth with both hands they're glowing nuto heaved a weary sigh and ran a hand down his face they what now see for yourself Emerald held up near Gods knew where she'd gotten it from he peered into it regardless and scowled at what he saw there they were glowing sure enough silver orbs bleeding gray Flames at the edges he touched a hand to them expecting pain they weren't hot at all but rather warm to the touch indeed they didn't burn as he might have expected but he felt at the same well there wasn't ominous at all if this didn't stop soon he might have to invest in a thick pair of sunglasses going forwards or maybe a blindfold so what does this make you Mercury saffron asked reluctantly a maiden he considered his palm for a moment fingers trembling but a little I'm not entirely sure he flung out a hand nothing happened the power sizzled in his soul but remained blessedly inert Emerald sulked why can't I have it because it's a burden a power of the Season she clicked her tongue at him I would have killed for that hell I still would people will kill you for it saffron chided her in return without a second thought that's the problem and why I want nothing to do with it in Truth it was tempting to give it to Emerald it would make her more powerful ensure her loyalty Beyond a doubt but he wasn't sure he wanted to she's right in the end he decided to defer the decision for now this isn't something mankind can be trusted with clearly Emerald looked downright mutinous he could just feel her approval dropping by the second but you can he knew his rort before it even left his lips I'm more than a man sweetheart I'm a champion ug that's so corny Maybe so but after all who better he knew what it was to be a container for a dangerous power that everyone feared or otherwise craved Emerald didn't she only saw the promise of power and what it could do for her power corrupted and absolute power corrupted absolutely but I want to be used Adam and Cinder made startled noises in his head his eyes widened alongside them processing what he just heard oh dear deal with the new voice later best to nip Emerald's anger in the bud while he could he looked to saffron can we have a moment certainly her smile was absolutely beatific and just a shade shy of sultry I need to have a word with my chatter box of a brother Anyway come find me afterward Nudo heard Jon gulp on the sidelines poor boy he was about to get to telling off of a lifetime for running his mouth he'd make for a decent distraction at least while she was thus occupied he drew a sullen Emerald aside to a shady corner of the ark's yard as saffron stomped away in short order they withdrew to the very edge of their property overlooking a homey little garden overlooked by a wooden fence it was here that she finally dared to face him are you angry with me she looked at him with pleading eyes did I do something wrong no no he held up a hand that's not it at all I wanted to explain my reason from keeping this power from you for now her eyes lit up I can be more useful to you with that power sir she pleaded and it was the fact that she said sir at all that alarmed him I can help you I can protect you he saw her expression inside just as he thought then see Mir he drew her closer to him just see Mir she stiffened a little as he wrapped her in a warm embrace but didn't otherwise resist on the contrary she was quite eager to accept the physical affection for what it was and snuggled closer the way she clung to him almost made him think of a small child not a young woman he patted her head with one hand idly running his fingers through her green hair she made a tiny noise and scooted closer I don't want to be left behind you won't be promise yes I do and I'm not letting go good that's goo I don't want to let go either Naruto Shrugged to hide his own Telltale smile and pain he felt a terrible tug on his mind lurching to the east Raven semblance but everyone he had a bond with was here except his eyes widened Hamber hello little girl Hamber leaped out of her sleeping bag with a Yelp nope nope all the nope stranger danger do not want even as she pivoted she heard something thrust out at her in the dark she parried clumsily with her staff and lurched to her feet a boot found her chest and kicked her away sending her sprawling hold steel glinted in the dark stabbing for her torso if it weren't for her maiden Powers she would have died then and there a vicious gust of wind propelled her backwards narrowly saving her life oh boo a merry voice cred and here I thought my ambush was perfect she could barely see him in the Gloom but she saw enough to make her shiver tall and lanky all wiry muscle he was the faest of that much she could be certain the Slender scorpion tail swaying underneath his coat was a dead giveaway even then he didn't look quite right in the head there was a wild almost mad gleam in his eye as he brandished his wrist-mounted daggers there was such a thing as being too friendly and this one was he was one of hers then had to be so it is you after all he cackled happily good good for a moment I thought I might be mistaken Oh Happy Day who are you he hit a titter behind his palm come into my parlor said the Scorpion to the butterfly she gulped and readied herself brandishing her staff with both hands I don't think that's the saying isn't it her attacker tilted his head frowned and touched a finger to his chin oh well I suppose it will do my name is Tyrion dear girl he sketched a deep bow casting his coat aside in the offing as gracefully as a master dancer nice to stab you o You're supposed to say meat not stab he lunged at her with a mad cackle cutting her off Amber didn't have time to correct him after that she was far too busy trying to survive or she was until a crimson portal slashed open ahead of her and a familiar boot barreled through it caught Tyrion dead in the head sending him crashed backwards and then Mercury black stepped through the Crimson ether for the first time since she'd met him he wasn't smiling it was in a single bloody word terrifying nice semblance you got there something was wrong terribly wrong wrong Tyrion felt it in his bones especially his Funny Bone the instant he laid eye on the interloper emerging from that redon black poral truth be told he didn't much like what he felt from the moment he heard him speak he was on full alert and he couldn't quite say why call it Instinct call it intuition call it oh [ __ ] he looks angry or whatever you wish the fact remained nice semblance he got there even with those faithful words the young man standing before him appeared normal enough there were no fancy flashy foolish colors or outlandish weapon to Mark him as a huntsman or a potential aspirant indeed this one seemed to prefer more muted colors of black and blue mingled with gray the better to match his hair he could have been anyone someone he would have walked right past on the street it was only his smile that hinted at anything more the look of a quiet killer masked by a facade of callous snark Madness knew Madness after all he managed to catch him off guard few could claim such a feat what fun oh what fun so yes Tyrion knew something was off it noded at the back of his broken like an infernal itch oh yes it did and just couldn't seem to scratch it giggling softly to himself the merry Faus regarded his attacker a new this newcomer was more than meets the eye oh yes but what was it about hamaha the eyes they were silver oh yes they hated silver the color his goddess despised all the more reason to kill him then he could pluck his eyes out and present them to Salem as well oh yes he rather liked the sound of that Tyrion stood with grin golden eyes gleaming as he rubbed his still etching skull how it sizzled and stung perhaps he could entertain himself with this one before he killed him and brought the maiden back to his goddess such a tale he would have to tell her because you see he recognized those portals or at least the one the lad had come through read his blood swirling with dark promise only one woman on Remnant used those and she was known to his goddess Raven Brandin was against them it seemed a shame perhaps she had never left ospen at all they must have been monitor the maiden all this time waiting for him to pounce well the old fool had played his hand oh yes he had Salem must be warned then the fall Maiden gasped out a name and things got interesting Mercury to his great Delight the young man actually looked away from him so very foolish and laid a hand on her head stay put I'll handle him but how are you here he only smiled I'll explain everything later oh so they knew one another how quaint were the acquaintances friends lovers all right buddy the APPL named Mercury drew his blade laid it against a nearby fence and looked to him with mild annoyance who are you who I am doesn't matter not to you the faest paused and thumbed his chin consider considering well you do interest me but no I only matter to her a finger swayed Amber's way don't I little girl the wound Maiden blinked Still clutching her stomach she looked woozy doubtlessly feeling the Poison's effects coursing through her bloodstream Le such innocent ignorance couldn't be fed you haven't the slightest clue do youo how exciting this must be and it was to be summoned by her graa he remembered when he first received such a summon how lucky this little Maiden was to be selected by Salem herself how blessed Al alas she only looked angry what do you want Al he Fain fear and cringed away for a moment before swaying back in the maiden bites back my dear girl a hand swept forth I'm here to whisk you away with me she recoiled by attacking me well poisoning you and knocking you out he offered her a small shrug all the same thing really Mercury tapped a booted foot down in the dit look pal I'm not sure who you are but you need to leave the lady alone scram and I might let you live oh they were on to names now were they how exciting it might be fun to play this game for a little while after all killing without introducing oneself was terribly Rude why friend my name is Ty and he sketched a shallow bow never once taking his eyes from the prize at hand and I'm afraid that is not possible my assignment from her grace was to retrieve this young girl he licked his lips watching said girl shudder so that is what I must do one does not upset the queen of course I'm sure you understand he expected a demand for answers anger at the very least right you're clearly a basket of crazy Mercury black surprised him by cracking his neck and stalking forward I think we've had enough talk now don't you Tyrion smile thinned impatient pup so full of hot air so eager to rush to the slaughter very well if you're so eager to die then by all means let us dispense with the pleasantries send why couldn't he see it took him a moment to realize why a hand had closed around his face in a flying larat to propel him backwards scarce did he realize that then said hand smashed him down into the ground something popped in his spine and breath burst from his lungs as he gasped for air pain snarling through every fiber of his being how at when where how unable to comprehend this unexpected reversal of Fortunes his Madden mind struggled to understand how he'd gone from grinning at his next victim to being spr crawled out on his back he came up with nothing no less than nothing it didn't make a lick of sense it certainly didn't help that said victim was currently stood over him grinning ear to ear hands planted in his pockets Mercury sneered down at him no longer that seemingly harmless boy hey no Isel to familiar voice crun from on high is that all you've got don't tell me you're done already squinting through a haze of pain Tyrion struggled to rise that's better the boy chortled leaning down to Lear at him it wouldn't be any fun if you went down in one hit now would it Tyrion lunged up at him with a snarl his wrist blade SL asash a log what in the world an iron boot barreled headlong into his back how did that brat get behind him and he found himself launched toward the tree line at terminal velocity most would have panicked faltered and died not him despite his initial surprise he swiftly recovered and gave himself to momentum laughing all the while with a quick pivot he Whirled in midair caught a bow with his venomous tail and swung himself upright toward what he knew to be safety he had The High Ground now no matter how quick the boy was it would take him time to scale this tree his feet had only just settled when a hand burst from the barow and closed around around the back of his head to hell with your High Ground Tyrion was still trying to figure out how Mercury black smashed through a bloody tree to get him when the ladder smashed him face first into the dirt a heavy stomp on his spine pinned him there holding him in place as an ominous wine filled the air above him a fra a fear shot through his heart for the first time in a long time something was wrong something was very wrong something was very wrong indeed he shouldn't be this fast couldn't be this strong what was going on what's wrong old man the boy applied further pressure between his shoulder blades learing down at him once more aren't you going to show me that semblance of yours Tyrion went wild flowing into a spinning Som assault and a slash followed by a series of twirling kicks he struck out with absolutely every facet of his body tail included the resulting dervish of death forced his oppressor to step back if only to avoid suffering the same fate of his comrade even then he managed to Mark him with one hand and bite through his Aura near the ribs the brief Retreat allowed Tyrion to find his footing if only just with armored legs like those and no visible weapon beside that blade he'd set aside Tyrion assumed the newcomer was a kicker one who interposed the occasional grab in his fighting style thus it came as quite the surprise when the little [ __ ] decked him right in the schnos fist plus face multiplied by broken nose equals pain who knew not him he was used to getting hit he was The Hitter not the hit wait was at the right word of semantics not for him these punches and pural pain Hazel was the one who took a pounding Watts was the smart one and Cinder The Expendable container who craved power Tyne was the one you sent in when you wanted someone to die or get kidnapped either or really point being he wasn't used to being battered the right way around he didn't have the aura for it and it showed those last two hits had shaved more than a quarter off his while the brat before him remained fresh as a daisy even with that slash just now he seemed utterly at his ease and Mercury touched a hand to the bloody slice just below his ribs humming now as the wound closed so you really can cut through or fascinating a shiver of dread shot down tyrion's spine as the Silvery Warrior looked at him he didn't like the way the brawler grinned just then I'm starting to find this fun his head tilted just so the ghost of a smile spreading across his pale face let's experiment a little shall we he was still still speaking went stomped down with both feet and launched himself forward whirling into a spinning kick that Tyrion unfortunately made the mistake of blocking the very moment he did his blades buckled bending inward the ground cratered underfoot and he found himself bending backward unable to bring the barrels within to Bear what are your legs made of pure metal mercury didn't rise to the bait at him more AER really and pressed an open Palm into his stomach ringan he declared jovially glass version what in Salem's name was a racing gun why were his ears ringing and why was painter mute in his face Tyrion lifted his head from the ground with a groan covered in countless cuts his arms and legs ate meanwhile his body body felt like it had just been through a blender and back again his Aura levels were down by half now and he hadn't seen a damn thing but he certainly felt it as well as saw the razor sharp shards of glass littering the ground so that's what it does Mercury's voice cred through his ringing ears it's like a shrapnel bum good to know I'll have to experiment more HH he could still Salvage this surely the brat had just caught him off guard yes that was all but he had to know how was he doing this what kind of semblance is that sorry Mercury sketched a stage performer's bow a true magician never gives away his secrets that said it's so nice to have some room to fight he reached up and opened his collar eyes gleaming gold let's use the open space some more shall we he stomped a foot down and a wave of molten glass burst forth forcing him to skip backward or be skewed where he stood wait glass wasn't that Cinders saac his thoughts shattered and breath burst from his lungs as mercury barreled into him driving a knee into his gut Tyrion folded over the limb with a dull weas but the boy wasn't done even as he wed for air a brutal hammerfist rocketed into his face followed by a left hook then a right now a kick to his chest to hurl him away all the while his Aura continued to plummet and his spirits with it this wasn't happening this mustn't be happening this just couldn't be happening he hadn't been manhandled like this in years decades not since Salem hsel Borg an open Palm cracked across his face snapping his head to the side his Aura sputtered weakly he peppered him with gunfire and was rewarded with a bmuse laugh the bullets bounced off his unprotected body with an awful squealing sound skittering away as though they'd struck steel Mercury closed with him a second later grabbed him by the arm and threw him over his shoulder by Grace or blind bloody luck Tyrion managed to snap a kick into his chest as he sailed by more Mercury chided with an a concealed smile Tyrion lurched upright and slashed at him I said more another punch left him reeling like a drunkard At Last Call put more Ora behind it when you strike me clenched Knuckles barreled into his face Mercury ignore the punch like it didn't even exist a hand closed around the back of tyrion's braid and yanked he stabbed him in the chest with his rightmost wrist mounted blade and the blade broke golden eyes creased in a smile what did I just say a toss sent him Ty and tumbling a kick launched him Skyward he was still Airborne when the Fool's fist found him a hammer blow smashed him down into the dirt he red himself Mercury was right there in his face grinning from ear to ear teeth gone sharp eyes glowing with flames at enough with the devil close but not quite he pointed at him with one finger thumb upright forming a gun bang something struck Tyrion in his lowermost hip drilled into his flesh and sent him sprawling on his face he heard the Whirl of energy and tumbled aside of Split Second before something slammed into the dirt and smashed a crater into it rolling frantically he avoided three more it until one caught him in the shoulder and sent him reeling all over again laughter Rose in his ears and for the first time since the brawl began it wasn't his own do you like it really it's simple Twist on a Timeless classic Mercury lowered his finger and blew away the smoke I call it the racing gun name might need a bit of work though finger guns really how childish are you Mercury tittered this from the madman Tyrion snarled wetly a poor baby the Arrogant youth lowered his hand cring at him like the child he no longer was hadn't been for quite some time is this too tough for you do you need a handicap he planted both hands in his pockets raised a leg and whistled at him how's this I won't use my arms for the next 5 minutes Amber hit a giggle behind her hand and with that tyrion's blood began to boil they were mocking him laughing at him just like those awful people on that bad day in vacuo of course we could cut this short his fellow madman granted him a shy dating grin get down on your knees and apologize I might forgive you then the words were the spark that set his temper Ablaze insolent pup Mercury snickered you're the one barking like a mad dog Tyrion saw red a bounding leap carried him forward die Mercury met him with a smile already did that didn't stick he became a hurricane of death but the boy was like water he swayed left then right now left again hopped over a sweep of his legs and tripped him a barrage of kicks followed to break his bones and blast him away the last was particularly humiliating snapping his head back to leave him spitting teeth I knew didn't I he reeled coughing blood from the moment the first blow landed I knew the truth that he was strong stronger that there was a gap in our strength but to think it was to this extent he thought he wouldn't care if he couldn't kill him the maiden was his true objective not this maddening monkey silver eyes or no yet having this difference thrust in his face I'll kill him I swear on Salem I will end this boy or die trying so swearing he spun and snapped off a shot at the wounded Amber trying to distract him it worked albeit not the way he'd intended Mercury seamlessly stepped between them and battered it away with a palm a Ty and tittered at his foolishness sensing weakness at last you only weaken Yourself by defending her she'll slow you down don't worry Mercury swept a hand through his messy hair forcing it upright once more even then a few gray bangs fell over his face concealing his eyes from bu after all tyri and stiffened he wasn't going to say it surely not Mercury was going to you're weake a muscle jumped in tyrion's jaw his ears began to ring he grounded his teeth until he felt something pop in the back of his jaw R he had seen that frenzied color once before already but now no no no his world went white obliterate exterminate annihilate don't underestimate me tired bared his teeth and lunged I leave your corpse for the crows Mercury only smiled let's use the open space some more Amber ducked with a Yelp as tyri and rocketed overhead propelled backward by the sheer force of Naruto's kick to hurdle off the road his back struck a tree and he found himself wedged there but only for a moment as the grinning Warrior materialized to drive a fist into them through his battered stomach the tree burst into a pile of sawdust then the poor fonus was gone launched deep into the forest as one might fling a skipping Stone across the lake she didn't think for a moment that would put him down for good work walked past her with a wink and stroe over to the fence to retrieve his blade where he'd left it his hand closed around the hilt and tyri and callow reappeared with a yell diving upon him in a dervish of death slashing and screaming and spitting like the lunatic he was her savior rolled his eyes and didn't so much as dained to look backward before throwing an elbow into the melee Amber Heard an awful crack the Fawn is crumpled clutching at his face blood seeping through his fingers nuto Mercury turned to face him with an almost disappointed sigh I keep telling you to put more Force into your attacks easta he his words worked into a whale his will flicked out severing his tail before it could reach him Nudo clicked his tongue and smiled when will you learn it was not a nice smile tyrian screamed he was still screaming when Naruto grabbed him by the hair and reeled him into a crushing kick up and down right left and Center he brutally battered his older opponent into the ground there was nothing he could do to stop him it didn't matter if he cut could cut through Aura whatever would he inflicted healed Thrice as fast and only emboldened Naruto to be all the more vicious Don't go breaking on me now tyri and I'll keep playing with you until I get bored Amber watched as he dismantled the Faus like he didn't even exist kind of made her wish she had popcorn he couldn't win it called Tyrion to no end but there it was he' underestimated his opponent he could admit that much now though it g him he was being being beaten badgered and brutalized left right and Center his Aura was all but gone and his body wasn't far behind a fair victory was well and truly Beyond his grasp but he didn't have to win fairly now did he a swollen eye darted toward Amber she was his weakness Tyrion could see it in her eyes the way she watched the brawl intently knowing full well her fate hinged upon this fight for all her fire and fury she couldn't fight at the moment and once Mercury slip it well then he would have her and with the knives and down she went he held back a mad and giggle thinking about it because that would be very rude after all you didn't laugh at a kick dog when it was down it just wasn't done okay maybe a little mercury flung a lazy kick his way rather than retaliate Tyrion doed between his legs and launched himself at Amber Her Eyes widened she was utterly unprepared even now she tried to muster a spark in her hand but in the time it took her to do so it was too late he'd already closed the distance and reared back to strike now what would it be would Mercury sacrifice himself for her or would he let her die or perhaps a crimson flash smashed into his back sending him sprawling past the maiden Head Over Heels into the dirt he was still struggling to write himself when the fool snatched Amber up by the Scruff of her neck then he turned his head and lashed out with his still sheath blade almost immediately a dark tether opened in the air an all to familiar portal leading to salware tyri and blinked terribly confused by the sight weren't those brandman's portals but then how was he oh oh oh that was bad Emerald Mercury hollered at someone on the other side catch take care of her for me then he shoved a ver startled Amber through no Tyrion lunged after her reaching the portal whisk shut in his face leaving him to pass through empty air and Flounder in the dirt Mercury's jaded laughter mocked his failed attempt almost immediately oo so close Tyrion didn't hear failure failure failure Salem would never forgive him for this he had to die Mercury black Must Die nothing else could avenge this humiliation the ground burst beneath his feet as he rocketed forward forward with a wordless scream striking with every scrap of strength left to him an awful clang reached his ears and too late he knew his mistake Mercury had drawn his sword at long last and taking the blow on his blade absorbing it into the steel he wasn't quite sure why but for some reason the sight filled him with a pronatural dread because you see the boy's hair flashed red he looked up at him with a chesher grin Welcome to My Den said the fox to the Scorpion hey that's my line Mercury placed the sword sheath against his chest bringing him up short why do that it was just some stupid sheath it wasn't as though it were weapon a deafening Roar filled his ears Ora buckled fractured shattered now as it unloaded into him once twice Thrice Tyrie and stumbled backward clutching his bloody chest ah he realized his blood ran down his lips a shotgun sheath that is just so BD he was still alive still breathing if only just but he soon wished he wasn't the slash of scarlet steel was his only warning delated though it was Mercury was on him a moment later he was enjoying himself too much far far far too much really he was on a certain level Naro knew it was wrong to lose oneself in a fight if there was one useful thing that Marcus and his incessant beatings had taught him it was essential that you never lose control of your emotions In the Heat of battle you could feel mad or sad or any other thing but you must always keep control he' seen what happened when you didn't when you let your feelings rule you at every given moment he became a bitter shell of a person who delighted in cruelty as such he had gone into this fight determined to control himself his intention was to deal with the threat and get Amber to safety swiftly then yet Cinder had been bad Adam was downright spiteful tyri and he was exactly like his Twisted namesake rotten Twisted tainted to the very core only death could cure him and his would come later rather than sooner because you see unlike Cinder and Adam Tyrie and kows had made one fatal mistake he tried to take away one of his friends nobody but nobody touched his friends let's see how you like feeling weak he slashed off one of his arms leaving him yelling small helpless afraid off went another arm then a leg followed by the other he wasn't even berserk he didn't have the excuse for raving madness he was well past but now into a surreal calm a frigid wrath concealed behind a pleasant veneer akin to a fox playing with its food there was no Escape Tyrion was dead the moment he saw him no the moment he laid eyes on Amber's wound taking the man's semblance was going to be the Cherry at top a sugary sweet Sunday of pain Revenge was a dish best served cold after all and his was going to be glacial it's a lovely night don't you think scorpion he looked up with a small smile the moon's shining there's not a cloud in the sky and there's nowhere for you to hide Tyrion tried to crawl away using nothing but his chin and the stump of his tail here at the end he'd finally been broken Naruto smiled at the sight savoring the moment A fitting end for a Madman time to wrap this up once and for all Adam heaved a sigh within his head I suppose I should count myself lucky at least I died quickly Cinder gred her own Sullen agreement fool he should have run while he had the chance come on now aota loped after Tyrion dragging his feet as the Faus frantically fruitlessly redoubled his efforts to escape keep trying crawl away get up it's been a while since I actually had to exert myself properly reached him and grabbed him by the back of his head pushing him into the dirt what's wrong can't you do that tyri and garbed a sa all that tough talk earlier but you're just a lunatic he gave his head a shake for good measure an animal a Mad Dog doing its Master's bidding he did as you were told and nothing more that hunger to seize your ideals is what you were lacking unlike me a small smile touched his face I've got ambition for days in this life killing you will just be another notch on my belt and I won't stop there you semblance will be a useful tool hell his lips quirked as a thought occurred to him I might even piler those weapons of yours hidden blades are pretty damn useful Amber could use some better weapons Tyrion whimpered Naruto closed both his eyes and heart to it there could be no room for mercy no not here he knew the madman would not change he couldn't change he was incapable of it there was only one end to this story one outcome he would accept the faest had already seen too much letting him live wasn't in the cards he'd just report to his master whomever that was and then he'd have no peace he knew what must be done and yet it was so easy to kill him effortless even was he starting to enjoy this he boed at kill once doit cinder's voice goed him it's what he deserves I never like the bastard anyway Adam made an annoyed noise as much as I hate disagree with fall on anything she actually has a point here this man is your enemy do not hesitate show him no mercy for if your positions were reversed he would Grant you none I know I know Tyrion boed at him who are you talking to damn it he'd heard that stealing himself Naruto opened his eyes no one unique concern yourself with don't cry he CED at Tyrion you know what they say about Mad Dogs in an instant he snatched the score scorpion semblance away forever more claiming it as his rightful plunder Tyrion felt it and gasped they get put down his prize secured he spun the Faus right round and grabbed his face with both hands forcing Tyrion to look at him committing his horrified Visage to memory if he was going to kill him if he was truly going to set out down this blood soaked path then he would at least remember him he owed that much to himself a moment passed another elapsed now a full 3 seconds went by satisfied at last Naruto shifted his fingers ever so slightly thumbs digging into the man's eye sockets with intent Tyrion tensed in blind Terror then he started to squeeze no stop please Mercy Mercy tyri and began to beg struggle weep even it didn't save him Naruto kept squeezing and squeezing and squeezing as the lunatic screamed his cries pitching higher and higher until finally pop goes the Scorpion Tyrion wasn't in his head has all thanked the gods for small mercies nuto noticed it rather quickly as he emerged from the portal if only for the sweet blessed silence that followed the lunatic's demise he had full hold of the Scorpion semblance seea that let him cut through Ora was damn useful but there was no presence lurking within alongside it no un wanted guest as it were ordinarily he wasn't one to look a gift horse in the mouth boot welcome back sir he muttered a half-hearted greeting to Emerald in return and flung himself down in the first chair he found he didn't even have the heart to correct her for calling him sir again much less look for Amber his mind was already elsewhere parsing through his latest acquisition and all the perks that came with it so far there didn't seem to be a downside for this but why his lips pursed at the thought what was the difference here he missed something some small Shard of cinder's Soul had come along for the ride when he killed her and took her semblance yet subsequently when he'd killed that punk with the electric semblance back in the store he didn't get another ning soul in his head but after he stabbed at him and threw him off the train he did appear albe it it took a bit longer than Cinder then he beaten Raven within an inch of her life yet still snatched her semblance so no voice there if only because he'd endeavored to keep her alive Tyrion was very much of the Dead persuasion however yet he had his semblance and no voice meaning he was currently two for five but was his absence such a bad thing really Two's Company thre's a crowd and all that maybe it had something to do with ego or perhaps strength in addition to death Cinder and Adam were both true but they've been somewhat Saye Tyrion wasn't and he had all but broken the Mad Faus even further before bursting his head maybe that was the cause and speaking of voices in his head he could still feel the power of spring simmering inside him not angry but Restless dare he say eager was that the right word it whispered in his ear like a child even now as he sat here longing to be free to whirl and dance and sing to its heart content play play play I want to play yep no ignoring that he'd heard another voice just now it almost sounded like a young girl nope not going anywhere near that landmine the last thing he needed was a kid in his head assuming that's with the power of spring meat no no no stop thinking about it he didn't want to dwell on this problem right now much less solve it we'll play later he muttered I'm busy right now oh he glared at his hand instead frowning as it sparked fitfully still no dice he couldn't call upon the maiden's power Just what was it exactly where did it come from how had it latched onto him why couldn't he use it so many questions and Nar a single answer between them he knew what a maiden was in theory thanks to saffron but this power felt old more ancient than anything he'd encountered before seemed saffron was right it really wasn't a semblance Adam was suspiciously silent Cinder too neither of you know anything possibly the former hedged there are legends passed down among my people of warrior women with great Powers gifts bestowed by the gods themselves absurd Cinder scoffed in his head cutting him off superstitious nonsense this power came from one man and no other she was clearly sulking but couldn't ignore a chance to one up them something used to full advantage by holding his tongue it came from osma or as you now call him ospen I know little more than that Adam scoffed liar you bragged otherwise to me when we first made Cinder made a strangled noise in her throat fools should be silent nuto gave her a nudge this Oz must have been powerful then he was really it was all too easy cing her into speaking in a sense he still is though he was much diminished by splitting his power and you want that power it wasn't a question he knew her desires all too well it is mine by right Mercury the sheer fervor in her voice had reeling back for a moment as she railed at him I had a plan it would have been glorious that illusion girl would have served me well if only I hadn't gone for you first and now you have another maen with you it's not fair tough he Shrugged one shoulder you played your hand and lost deal with it had him offered a low whistle then I need some ice for that one nuto laugh damn theall Cinder made Angry Cinder noises raging impotently against them both of you just you wait this isn't over without warning her once suen voice gained a silken spite that hadn't been there before vibrating with subtle Menace there are Horrors you have no knowledge of monsters you can't comprehend you're strong Mercury I don't deny that but your strength means nothing against her you'll see soon enough and then I'll have the last laugh you'll see would he probably not he wasn't here for any world saving Shenanigans or any mad meddling maidens for that matter speaking of which where was Amber he should have heard from her by now mildly concerned he drew Adam's sword and used Raven's semblance again a crimson tear opened in reality once more as a portal spawned imagine his surprise when the fall Maiden tumbled out of it and landed in a heap At His Feet Emerald snorted into her hand you all right there evidently not because Amber sprang to her feet eyes of Blaze what the hell was that she glared at him with her glowing gaze I'd been falling for 5 minutes have you he scratched at the back of his head with a ruul laugh sorry haven't really ironed out this semblance yet it was the wrong thing to say Amber blinked this semblance might want to sit down it's a bit of a long story Mercury was insane Amber had known from the beginning that her new friend was a bit off but she still hadn't expected him to be quite this broken or so brutally honest about it he made no attempt to hide what he was from her either didn't even make an effort to conceal his abilities let alone what he'd been up to since they last spoke somehow that terrified her even more than any duplicity on his part would have he could snatch semblances the very essence of someone's soul and he could just reach an hand and scoop it out like like it was ice cream or something her throat went dry at the very thought as she sank into the couch she asked her questions and the answers didn't sit well with her I can take the semblances and energy of others there are conditions of course he prattled on as she boed at him I have to shatter someone's aura break them mentally or physically before before I can take a semblance then again compliance is also a factor I had at least someone offer themselves up willingly there was a strange twist to his words just then that got her hopes up but he barreled on before she could grasp it really it's a bit of a pain sometimes but I won't deny that it has its uses steadying herself she crossed one leg over another and how many do you have now well when last we spoke I really only had the one oh good then relief was sweet boot he began counting down on his fingers I've been Petty busy since Emerald snorted tell me about it how many do you have now anyway five six actually he amended with a gentle glare her way just got another her face lit up oo you killed the Scorpion then yep he clicked his tongue producing an audible smacking sound pop goes the weasel Amber's World spun Eve as an Arctic chill shot down her spine why tell me all this because I trust you Mercury's smile was sincere you won't tell anyone I won't hemerald gripped her weapons not if you want alive him Mercury laid a hand on hers no need for that we're all friends here aren't we was that a threat it didn't sound like one to her was he that naive no surely he couldn't be there was an innocence in his eyes Amusement maybe but he didn't strike her as the sort to blindly believe in others at the drop of a hat so why entrust her with such a secret it was maddening she had to know she could fight them and flee she might even Escape she was almost tempted to Mercury's last remark came back to haunt her hesitation is defeat so she wouldn't hesitate but a thought struck her just then she didn't have to fight at all with that power of His she could be rid off eyes that was it well me her hand shot up me me me do me a silver brow Rose and she flushed you know what I mean Mercury tilted his head both baffled and bemused do I Amber wasn't having it she lunged to her feet dodged past Emerald to slow girly and latched onto Mercury's jacket from there she yanked him close all but smacking her forehead against his in her haste to get at him she had no doubt he could have broken her grip seven wasisto Sunday but instead he let her hold him his gaze evenly meeting her own take my power please I may a maiden yes yes I know he waved a hand no need to shout tyrian was pretty vocal about it for the love of I didn't even know what a maiden was yester yesterday and now I've met two of my maiden Magnet or something two that just made her curious and jealous no doubt he saw it in her eyes who was the second he shook his head she's not anymore aha so it does work hey hey he gave her cheek a pinch drawing a wine from her she found me not the other way around I'm already holding the power of one maiden and I'm not keen to go for two at the moment Emerald raised her hand observing the scene with thin lited Amusement I volunteer his tribute again Mercury rounded on her with a splutter boy cut that out Amber spun with him are you sure this power is not a gift it's a curse her lip curled in a sneer I'd still use it better than you wouldn't be afraid of it either why you I was trying to be nice hey and then Mercury twitched Naruto twitched he had good reason to given what just happened a rush of memories flooded his head so poignant and startling that he darn near fell over one of his hidden Shadow clones had just dispelled themselves that wasn't the problem it meant they were doing their jobs no the problem in what said clone had seen what he was seeing even now it's life flashing before his eyes he saw an image of a descending Bullhead and there standing in full view on the ramp ramp a man with a cane osben his eyes widened narrowed then widened again already it was too soon he'd only just collected the Bounty beacons said Master should have taken days to show up nope nope nope all the nope he wasn't getting dragged into his nonsense Adam made an annoyed noise did you honestly expect someone like that to adhere to reason the power of spring stirred restlessly in him leave leave leave Cinder CED Darkly in his head Told You So Nudo slapped a palm to his forehead this is just great no really it is Amber tilted her head wait are you being stic or are you happy because I can't tell I am 100% sarcasm right now time to leave no more anel we're getting out of here Emerald winced but what about saffron and johon we have their numbers sure but shouldn't we at least say goodbye before he brought his boot down hard she must have realized that he put all his strength into said stomp because the ground absolutely burst beneath his foot no more delays he fixed her with a withering glare Aspen is here we're leaving anel Aspen Amber panicked outright we can't stay in Veil he's strongest here has the most influence he won't rest until he's brought me back into the fold by hook or crook don't worry he absent tousel her hair as he moved to pack his things we were already planed on leaving as mine world to the four as he considered their next destination he didn't like sand and the idea of snow didn't appeal to him without warm Garb which they were lacking nager sounded like a good place to be cornered so no thank you my it is then Amber jumped him my hero Emerald wasn't having that and promptly grabbed her leave off you're smothering him time to go he took advantage of their squabble as they wrestled and slashed at the air only to remember too late what it was that Raven's semblance did exactly it created portals to Bonded ones not just his but those Raven held a living bond with really should have thought on that aoto thrust his head through the tether he created and found himself face to face with a blonde mini Raven she jolted upright from where she lay sprawled the mid the grass wide lilac eyes bulging in disbelief who the hell are you nope he jerked backward and slashed it shut before she could think to Lunge in after him another attempt led him to a rather robust blonde bastard singing in the shower he saw things he was not meant to see amidst the steam his eyes he retreated with a mental scream before the brawler could see him and slashed at the air again nothing happened so much for the third time being the charm or he glowered at the air when nothing happened come on you're my semblance now get us out of here anywhere but here no he overcharged it with his chakra and pushed until he felt something twist deep inside him before his very eyes the air shifted taking on a brighter tinge more Scarlet than Crimson curious he poked his head through it and glimpsed to burned abandoned Hamlet ahead wherever it was it didn't look like here worked for him back he came better than nothing come on he swept up emerald and Amber and you go ospen had made many mistakes more than anyone living or dead more than any many woman or child he didn't much enjoy being reminded of said mistakes through said lives though they were worth repeating for he'd learned from each Raven brandwin was one such mistake he had let her EST stray through an action on his part exposing her to secrets for which she wasn't prepared he was the reason she'd gone down the path she had and while it baffled him that she had somehow resurfaced here in Veil right under his nose it didn't change the fact that she remained one of his students in that regard he brought Ciro with him just in case she made the portal out not that it looked like she could or would mind you what with her body sprawled out on the prison cot her head swaddled and bandages and one eye swollen shut all in all she'd taken quite the beating even after all these years his former student was no slouch it would have taken a mighty phot to fell her indeed he turned to address the constable in question a large balding barreled man clad in an Al fitting Sheriff's uniform do we know who did this to her hi the man crossed both arms before his badge an up and coming Hunter beat the brakes off her and her Lads by by himself curiosity reared its ugly head in his herd he always had ey out for talent one boy did all this not a boy a young man the respect he had for him was clear tore through him like a bloody blender ain't never seen alike it was not unheard if he supposed some hunters in training wandered the Wilds for the soul sake of testing their medal likewise it was not beyond the realm of belief that one such individual would stumble upon anel and defend it that one had been nearby well miss Arc would not be pleased when she returned and learned of said close call she might want to have words with said Defender as did he does he live here though came the gruff response he took the bounty on her and moved on unfortunate he proded him ever so gently do you recall what he looked like what's it to you Mercury's done us good service and if you're one of those lot looking for Revenge aspin tried to hold it in really he did a startled laugh burst out of him startling the sheriff and kirao both forgive me he thumbed a mirthful tear from the corner of his eyes and shook his head I mean him no harm AET you have my word he' grown rather used to recognition wherever he went was rather nice not to be known for once far be it from him to jeopardize the a poor fellow um now there's an idea here he pressed a generous stack of lean into the startled man's hands for your trouble you may open the door now credit where it was due the sheriff tried to look Brave he's sure about that if she tries to run rest assured he stood just a little straighter she will not my associate and I are here to prevent such happenstance you're a good one ain't you not always not as much as he wished to be I'd like to think so a pause followed for a great while so long in fact that he thought himself ignored altogether and then silver Aspen paused his hand on the door I beg your pardon you wanted to know what he looked like I the sheriff heaved a sigh and ran a hand through his thinning hair the lad had gray hair and Silver Eyes fought like a right demon had a girl with him too real quiet type that one she had dark skin green hair and bright red eyes they both looked like they knew how to handle themselves they did and just like that ospen found himself intrigued again a silver eyed Warrior how rare this Rose would be delighted well Ruby would once she inevitably entered Beacon some years from now and realized what the true potential of said eyes but that was neither here nor there for now there was work to be done my thanks he opened the cell the very moment he did curo swept past him with a face rot like thunder ospen didn't have a chance to advise caution his agent didn't give him the chance to even consider it his old pupil stormed in and snarled down at his sibling wake the hell up Raven still lay sprawled but at his call she stirred opened her good eye and turned her head to stared at them with her good eye comprehension flickered through that Crimson orb comprehension and perhaps a touch of confusion that much was to be expected doubtless she wouldn't be happy to see the two of them ospen tapped his cane against the ground and braced for the Outburst that was sure to come good morning Miss brandwin Raven blinked blly up at him within her cell and then she smiled at him hey boss hpin paused boss Raven must have been hit harder than he'd thought she'd not call them that in ages she tried to rise only to notice the manacles binding her arms and legs her wounds seemed secondary to her by comparison what's the big idea why am I chained up it was too much for Ciro he stormed forward and seized his sister by the Scruff of her neck do you have any idea what you've done no she tilted her head frowned then looked past him what is this place why am I here where toong and summer grief it hit ospen like a Ursa do what is your last memory Miss brandwin what are very Visage screwed up in confusion what are you on about we had one hell of a graduation party you were there and and as she looked down at herself and boed why am I wearing this getup feels like I got run over by a Goliath perhaps you should see for herself Aspen offered the battered band at his scroll allowing her to see her reflection therein Raven recoiled with a shriek awh am I old her hands flew up to her face flailing in vain I have crows feet with the [ __ ] hero growled low and deep in his throat just how hard did she hit her head she squinted at him the hell do you mean I didn't hit my head your skull is literally covered in bandages Amnesia Asen considered the prospect thoughtfully as the siblings began to squabble it was possible he supposed traumatic brain injuries often caused memory loss and in some cases radically affected the victim's personality but this it was as if her very mind had been reset turned back to that of her teenage years large swats of her memory utterly wiped out but then that would mean Raven stiffened suddenly startling them a new where summer oh dear right screw this Puro stalked out the cell shaking his head I'm entirely too sober for this [ __ ] getting a drink Raven called after him bring one for me Raven no Raven yes she hollered back being old as thirsty work ospen pinched the bridge of his nose in a vain attempt to stifle an impending migraine he did no succeed he'd come here prepared to punish Raven for her crimes or barring that offer her some small form of anesty provided she saw sense and agreed to work with them again F didn't know what to do with this black and white he could handle good and evil made sense but this size was all gray muddled and confusing he didn't know what to do with gray clearly this Mercury fellow had clearly done something to miss branwin and yet he had fled rather than face him head on why had he done this to Raven and how more for whever had he gone where indeed something was wrong Naruto felt it nudging at the back of his mind like a sharp Splinter as he scanned his surroundings from the moment they'd set food in this dead desiccated Village he'd felt something stalking them even now it lingered in the back of his mind like a wraith haunting his every thought setting his every nerve on Ed in all fairness he didn't rightly know where Raven's semblance had taken them only that it was somewhere far far from anel but how could he Anywhere But Here was a rather broad term no that didn't matter right now he braced his right foot and felt his hackles rise he could sense a presence here but what where r e a a r g h something crashed down behind them and he winced as his six sense shrieked a warning just an earsplitting yell of a beast rent the air Amber an emerald world to face the new threat but he'd already beat them to it because you see he knew that noise Marcus black might have been an ass but the bastard was a thorough one he'd made him learn of just about every Grim out there one one had a scream like that ah crap esket knck Levy this one was large even by his standards a ghastly Fusion between horse and man with curving hideous horns and ghastly red eyes besides Darkness itself come to life it shuffled forward on its black Steed crunching bones underfoot heedless of the weapons embedded in its back those wretched eyes were fixed firmly upon them it had only one thought one reason one Reckoning death but he felt no fearly confusion why was such a bees there Adam grimaced in his head well that's unfortunate for him o Amber tugged at his sleeve we need to move before it Emerald held up a finger s HHH he's got this what she said nuto raised his right hand as the Beast barreled forward fingers clenching into a cruel claw his palm sparked with Vivid blue white light as he called upon his second semblance the one he'd snatched from that foolish Thug shortly after encountering Emerald he'd not really had a chance to utilize it properly its original owner hadn't realized even a tenth of its potential but he did lightning leaped from his fingers arcing toward the Grim and torrent of pure plasma the Mindless Beast charged right into it without a care in the world heedless of the danger its baleful red eyes saw only prey and never once comprehend the Trap mistakes were made no sooner had it done so that its every muscle clamped down thwarting its charge as it crashed to the ground the abrupt impact broke one of its hind legs with an awful crack and another scream rent the air eliciting a winse from the lot of them he closed his heart to it and fired off another blast blowing off another leg just to make certain it couldn't run away Cinder hummed Solly not bad I could do better h throwing lightning at fools there really was nothing more entertaining in this world kirama would have enjoyed this as the creature red and spasmed in pain unable to move he looked to Amber what's a greater Grim like this doing here I've heard rumors of this place the fall Maiden hissed aside The Village on the outskirts of mistol was wiped out overnight by a single Grim Emerald winced and what was the name of this Village truri well [ __ ] the name didn't much register with him the Grim did however despite the terror its presence inspired they could leave it be he supposed but that would be disrespectful to the dead and yet he didn't really feel like dealing with it him so F he could kill two never more with one stone here he stepped back you're up ladies Amber blinked the why do I have to Emerald's shoulder barged her out the way step aside I can handle this by myself like hell you can what was that [ __ ] then let's make a game of it he held up his finger diverting their attention before they could come to blows once more first one to kill that Grim chooses where we go once we're done with mistol Amber rounded on him Atlas Emerald was only a heartbeat behind vacuo a offered them a cheser grin don't tell me that tell the Grim Emerald burst forward in a rush of speed before he could finish early bird gets the worm Amber jolted after her hey no fair What followed was a Slaughter simple andwell not so clean the poor knuckley didn't know what hit it they had it down defeated and destroyed in a matter of minutes wasn't hardly worth mentioning really the girl soal duel ended in a tie as both struck the killing blow Amber lopped off the horse's head just as Emerald did that of the riter pure poetry all right he hummed watching the Abomination dissolve to the city things were finally starting to look up here what could possibly go wrong everything was wrong it was every bit Pi's fault of course she'd been the one to pick this fight Gods she was regretting it now a fist whistled past her face to which she clumsily ducked only for her foe to Pivot and bring his leg right leg round to strike at her unprotected flank she tried to block the oncoming attack really she did but she wasn't ready and they both knew it her fo's merciless boot smashed into her guard like a falling star and struck her chin snapping her head back even as she reeled he swooped in and hammered his fist straight into her sternum then her neck followed by her solar plexus leaving her gasping for air pain Stars entire galaxies an open Palm smacked her collarbone and launched her backwards with a startled Yelp unprepared for her sudden flight she crashed out of the room Ora protesting as she hurdled into then through a nearby wall it crumbled like so much Driftwood as did another another and still another the people of mistol just didn't build things to last did they her back struck the ground then momentum dragged her down sending her tumbling out into the foggy Street you all right there Little Miss Champion a familiar voice saying to her through the Mist did I kick it too hard green eyes narrowed she tried to rise only to winse as her flagging Aura protested feebly at the motion in non a it Mercury black emerged hands in his pockets he tilted his head and grinned at her eyes smoldering with menacing silver Flames that's the spirit how had it come to this welcome to mistol nuda quirked an eyebrow at Amber stood in the street as passer by scuttled by arms flung up in the sky towards buildings so high you've been waiting to say that haven't you maybe Mercury she pivoted to face him and her dark face flushed yet darker still as he looked on she linked both hands behind her back swaying in place as she drank it all in I used to visit the city when I was younger before well you know her eyes flickered with the Flames of Fall For a Moment before she doubts them I'm just excited we can sleep in actual beds tonight curious choice of words did you live here in the city maybe she tilted her head a touch to the left and touched a finger to her chin considering her surroundings with unvarnished interest as a child might some long lost toy I don't remember most of my childhood my parents like to move around a lot I think wait are your parents moving on Emerald thrust herself between them wearing a sweet sacarin smile and for once he found himself grateful she'd interrupted it's getting late she grabbed him by the arm and not suply lassoed Amber with the other all but hauling them forward why don't we find a hotel for the evening and get a bite to eat Adam and Cinder made annoy noises in his head At The Mention Of food even as spring CED happily at the reminder oh the fall Maiden perked up so we can plan our next move from there right right Naruto waved a hand flippantly that sure we can do that I guess there words were met with silence he looked down only to find both Amber and emerald staring at him his Apprentice coughed into her fist you do have a plan don't you and he looked toward the setting sun with a lazy yawn not particularly at the moment why he could almost hear their jaws hitting the floor behind him both girls stopped with such force that he physically found himself dragged backward more than a few passer by chuckled at his plight others glowered his way utterly unaware of the predicament he found himself in Amber found her voice first why you mean no means no thought there was obvious we get that did they he didn't think they did maybe he ought to explain himself I don't have any concrete plans Beyond avoiding Aspen and his cronies for the foreseeable future beyond that well he Shrugged one shoulder I already said I want it all might as well enjoy the good life while we got it yeah but how do you intend to take it this from Amber not sure yet he thumbed his noise might pick a few fights here shop around for the odd semblance or two I'll figure it out as we go Cinder purred in his head I like it there's bound to be a few useful ones here are so long as you don't acquire any more voices Amber wilted a little your only taking semblance from bad people right right Emerald coughed into a fist to hide her smile most from people he fights Sue maybe hey hey now he pinched her cheek drawing a petulant wine from The Illusionist just who the hell do you think I am I'm not some mustache twirling villain who snatches ice cream from kids I've got taste and I'll even share if I find some good ones he had a feeling he could to the sensation was already engraved within him if he could take then why not give as well it would be a fine way to keep Amber and emerald safe Emerald's hands shot up despite him still pinching her they on the sparkly fingers I'd love to shoot lightning at fools he crept up the back of his neck as he released her face it's not called that red eyes fluttered shut and open and a quick blink then where do you call it nuto opened his mouth to answer closed it now you know what I haven't really thought of a name for it he held up a hand to temporize when she threatened to pester him just relax I've got this under control Amber scuffed the sidewalk with her shoe and muttered under her breath could have fooled me Mr iave nins he quirked a silver brow her way I'm sorry did you say something Miss Maiden who owes me her life she quailed a little beneath his heated glare shoulders slumping meep meep indeed now come on let's find a place to crash we've earned it still he had the strangest feeling he was forgetting something or was it several somethings nah probably nothing right sometimes the smallest Stone can create the greatest ripples in due time those ripples become a tidal wave and all of Remnant would feel it can I count on your cooperation in this matter my old friend yes yes of course ospen lionard pinched the bridge of his nose and stifled a sigh as he held the scroll to his ear I'll keep an ear to the ground and let you know if I encounter anyone matching their description thank you Leo osman's voice crackled on the other end made slightly grainy by distance I've already informed James and Theodore of our Newfound friends shall we say Havens had Master fought down a convulsive shudder friends he said more pawns for his war against Salem more like more meat for the grinder coward though he might be he was no fool he knew precisely why osen wanted these two more fools throwing their lives away in a battle against a woman who would never know the sting of death everyone looked to the light to him for salvation but none realized just How Deep The Darkness could be sometimes it felt like he was the only sane one left in this rotten World Against All Odds he managed to perpetuate the farce and keep up the act that smile the easy Grace of a man who looked far braver than he truly was excellent that said please don't attempt to detain this Mercury or Emerald should you encounter them his brow furrowed why ever not putting aside the forers combat capabilities there's no telling what might happen any attempt to contain one of them would likely spook the other and then there's no telling what might happen if this boy can be Raven in a pitched battle I dare say he could he could give you some trouble true I'm not the fighter I once was not by Hef he was sure some of his upper class students could best him as he was now students he would send to their death soon enough at the hands of Salem they trusted him and because of that trust they would die for all his preaching he was no better than Aspen coward hypocrite murderer bile flooded his throat he choked it down lest he vomit in any case they might flee in such an event ospen was saying as he came back to himself I wish to reward them most handsomely are you looking to poach them for Beacon perhaps the response might have sounded koi to him once upon a time but it was glaringly obvious to him now leave that matter to me but do let me know if you happen upon them I'll see it done thank you my old friend I knew I could count on you yes of course Aspen leave it in my hands I'll handle things he kept the mask in place maintained his smile right until he hung up the moment he did that strong smile became a fearful frown he hunched low over his desk fumbled for a waist basket and wretched into it heaved until his body had nothing left to give only then once he voided the content of his stomach did he find the strength to rise groaning he sat up and ran both hands through his hair someone who could not only best Raven brandwin but disappear Without a Trace such gifts could prove dangerous in the wrong hands indeed they might tip the balance entirely in this Shadow War for Remnant should his old friend acquire such a useful piece why things might even turn in his favor which meant I have to tell Salem about this don't I well maybe not just yet he was far too stressed right now ignorance was Bliss after all and what you didn't know couldn't hurt you surely she would understand his reasons for this damn that woman she' truly broken him a to be young and fearless again Jon drilled relentlessly tter Perry reposted and stab left right left again pivot faint then counter crosia mois flitted before him in a warl of silvery steel sharper than before his movements infinitely more precise than the clumsy slashes he'd once had he didn't so much destroy the training dummy a crude thing of wood and pillows as he did beat it down through sheer stamina no sooner had he slashed it apart than he moved on to the next raining down blows using the stance he'd been taught on and on he went pushing himself to his limits and Beyond he was making progress not as much as he would have liked not yet but thanks to Mercury he had something to work with now a solid foundation to build on he also had a time limit which was good because that made him want to strive all the more two years two years until Beacon two years to convince mom to train him two years to prove his sisters and allive Anil wrong two years to get accepted at the best damn School in Olive Remnant and become someone no more weak spindly noodle arms John practice makes perfect he could do better he would be better no he would be better maybe he'd even grown his hair out get a Warrior's wolf tail he was going to be someone a huntsman among Huntsmen the very best like no one ever was now why did that last one sound familiar man probably wasn't important unbeknownst to him he wasn't the only Arc to have a turnaround saffron regarded the shattered Boulder before her look to her right hand now back to the boulder the eldest Arc child heaved a sigh shoulders slumping of course I unlock my semblance after he leaves she hadn't even punched the damn thing she'd only touched it and it shattered that darn Mercury she knew this was his fault somehow and he'd left without saying goodbye too she wanted him to meet Tara y screamed mom Raven screamed right back I have a kid tiang smacked his forehead and muffled a groan into another couch pillow for crying out loud he had known this would be a [ __ ] show from the moment ospen broke the news to him he'd known the second Raven had come blundering back into their lives the instant he laid eye on her and she smiled at him that things were bound to go south at some point even so he hadn't expected it to be quite this spectacular maybe that wasn't quite the right word spectacular at least implied some small smidgen of s ity this this was not sane this was a damn disaster Ruby tucked herself into his side and patted his shoulder there there Daddy it's all right he hugged her close bless baby girl best goddam gift summer ever gave him he'd never missed her more than he had in his moment Ruby's mother would have taken charge of the situation by now she would have cracked some skulls sat everyone down on the couch and made them hash things out it would have been just but she wasn't here she never would be again ospen had fled like the coward he was leaving him to Hash things out her o he wasn't of much use right now given he was passed out on the floor bottle in hand bastard wouldn't be waking up anytime soon Su you are really my brat ha Raven stepped forward to regard yand raised her hand and ruffled her hair we made a cute kid Tai a rogish grin curled her pale face and for moment she looked so much like her younger self that had hurt even if you do look old as dirt young wriggled out from under Raven's Palm growling as she went don't talk to me like that why not Raven's retort proed just as sharp on your mom I carried you to term and popped you out probably spent hours in labor two not that I can remember that them Black's daughter gagged and reared back like she'd been slapped I don't want to hear about your damn labor Tong clicked his tongue admonishing her yo long language Raven rounded on him with an incredulous snort you gave her your last name Young brandwin sounds better damn her Amnesia he wanted to be angry with her and he was Furious really but when she looked at him like that acted like that talked to him like they just got so damn nostalgic it reminded him of the good old days you know back when team stq was strong United Invincible when it was just them taking on the world what f as they'd been no one was invincible he'd learned that lesson when summer died but right now Ruby looked lost in y better diffuse that bomb before it blew up in his face listen girls he held up a hand for silence before Yong could haul off and hit someone I don't know how else to put this but Yong your mother she isn't recently lost her memory he talked over her with the patience of a weary father she took a bad hit to the head and was injured we're going to be looking after her for a while until she recovers young planted a fist on her hip is that why she's acting like a teenager Raven glared right back that why you're acting like a [ __ ] okay that was a good one but still you left why would I do that Raven's confusion was too genuine to have been faked I'd never leave one of my own behind youngk's arms drooped at her sides hands balling into Furious Fists but you did Raven spluttered no I didn't young glowered did did did did not not not Raven Raven Raven she never admitted her mistakes stubborn birdie she'd rather die than admit an error even now when faced with the potential parental pain of her past and though she'd abandoned his long lost wife did what she always always did deny deny deny refusing to even acknowledge the mistakes she'd made with Yong even if I had left she rallied which I'm not saying I did I would have taken you with me great young spat because that changes everything thanks ever so much [ __ ] Ora flashed his Raven's Palm cracked clear across the face y reeled Back Eyes Wide they blazed red Tang sat Ruby down and sprang to his feet Y no Yong yes his daughter reared back with a yell semblance flaring and slugged her mother in the face Raven didn't even Dain to dodge she stood her ground and took the blow right on her cheek she must have willingly lowered her Aura at the last second because he saw blood whistle through the air and a tooth besides that was going to be a pain to reattach as her head snapped to the side she staggered back one step grunted now and glared bloody red daggers at Yong he feared the worst Raven never took a punch without dishing one back twice as hard but if she dared to lay a finger on Yang again and then is A's wife pred like her namesake teeth flashing in the low light there's that brandwin Spirit you're one of mine all right young trembled the Roaring flames of her anger dimming that's not fair you're supposed to be angry not happy why wouldn't I be Raven thumbed a line of blood away from her nose and beamed you're strong young Tong's jaw clicked open and hung a gape Ruby politely pushed it shut to keep him from catching flies no never mind that who was this woman and what had they done with his bitter wreck of a wife three long strides carried Raven forward devouring the distance between her and Yong their daughter tensed fearing the worst it came quickly Raven struck like her namesake darting forward to wrap both arms around their daughter's head and all but dragging her face into her bosom as far as hugs went it was a rather nice one especially for a former Bandit she held her close rocking slowly from side to side as one might a small child and to his dismay and Delight actually began to hum under her breath young struggled fitfully at first then halfhazard now and effectually unable to escape finally with a sob she relaxed into her mother's Embrace Raven sigh could I really never hold you like this even when you were a baby what was I thinking young quivered in her grasp but her once strong voice lacked its usual ranker [ __ ] of a mom Surly daughter of mine ruby made a baffled noise and raised her head suo are we good now or Raven tilted her head having only just noticed her H didn't realize summer had a Min him who's the lucky bastard don't tell me it's Ciro the drunken Lous groaned at their feet Uncle KIRO no Tai coughed into a fist she saw well Ruby's mine Raven went terribly still and F eyes bulged summer had a kid with you out came om in a flash of bloody steel that no good cheating [ __ ] where is she I'll teach her to take what's mine she dead All Eyes turned to Ruby what Raven all but croaked at the word the poor girl wilted under her gaze but held her ground young piped up reluctantly still held close mom her Summers died a long time ago Raven blinked shook her head blinked again don't light of me pipsqueak that [ __ ] isn't funny she's dead raven Tang laid a hand on her shoulder she took a mission and never came back Raven shook her head once more no she would never promised something quivered behind those red eyes fractured shattered Omen fell out of her grasp and clattered to the floor TI tensed even then he wasn't prepared is's wife screamed suddenly sharp and shrill clutching her head her legs buckled as as she sank to her knees but even then it didn't stop rather Raven couldn't she kept screaming and screaming until her voice failed her and she coughed blood with that the shock finally became too much her eyes rolled back in her head Raven collapsed at their feet do you understand why I've summoned you here Salem let the words Ripple through the dining hall and passed down the table each word carried the weight of her expectations and her bitter bitter disappointment watts and Hazel studiously avoided her gaze and devoted themselves to their esoph and touched meals neither could bring themselves to eat but neither could they look her in the eye at that she couldn't blame them for their silence it had been some time since she last called such a meeting and with half their number felt at that they knew this wouldn't be anything good no point and blunting the blade then as it were Cinder is dead watt snorted a Pity it seems shova stepped do stop smiling we've lost Tyne as well his smile died an ugly death how Hazel rumbled we've hunted maidens before the current inheritor of fall was no match for Tyrion and yet he lies dead while she roams free like Grim discovered his body her pale lips pursed at the memory what was left of it tyri and Kow had not died well someone had massacred him popped his head like a grape and left his body for the buzzards there was barely anything left of him by the time she tracked him down her pawns tensed because that's what they were to her pawns pieces to move across the proverbial chessboard of Eternity she didn't particularly care about Watts or Hazel one way or another but it was somewhat annoying and timeconsuming to train up fresh Replacements she might have to do that regardless at this rate what with her main Maiden cidate dead and her best assassin a tattered corpse she only had these two Ls remaining mindless muscle and a spy who wasn't was n half as smart as he thought he was they seemed more useless by the day good help was so hard to find these days but she knew the culprit osben is hunting us she steepled her fingers and laid her chin at top them I have reason to believe he was the one who killed Cinder and Tyrion Hazel growled you're certain it's him yes he was recently cited on a bullhead returning to Veil returning Watts bridled his mustache bristling like some great hairy caterpillar he left he did indeed it had been a bit of blind bloody luck really one of her smaller Nevermore had spotted his craft by pure chance and followed where not for that she would have been none the wiser toward her exus been in his little jaunt why didn't you inform me of this Watts he slumped in his seat I wasn't aware no you were not she bit off the words before he could hope to speak them see that you are in the future as an immortal Salem found the very best threats were often those that were best left unspoken the victim's imagination could and would be far darker than any dos she conjured after all nothing broke someone quite like their own fears naturally Watts couldn't keep quite after that where did he depart from she smiled for him it was not a nice smile a homely Little Village known as anel Watts rallied at that well there you have it there are many far-flung settlements out in the Wilds I can hardly have eyes and ears and all of them now can I nevertheless he will visit it and learn why he was there as you wish there it was she could see the anger in his eyes the humiliation but he didn't dare toy her it will be done yes it will ospen is gathering his pawns while wiping out our own she looked to Hazel in return losing Cinder I could tolerate but now tyri and as well it's time to take action Hazel growled again low and deep in his throat you think he's going to to make another push I do nonsense Arthur huffed Atlas has been silent whatever this is Ironwood isn't involved my agents on managerie reported the death of Adam tus some days ago but none have taken credit for it why would Osman stoop to killing a terrorist why indeed who knew osma schemes were many and what a vacuo Hazel back she went to the grumbling Goliath in the room did your search bear fruit Hazel was silent for a long moment perhaps Gathering his thoughts or planning to defect blame onto his compatriot at length he drew himself and spoke I could not locate the summer Maiden Salem's right hand twitched Conjuring a web of shadowy claws at his feet is that so however he hastened to add during my search I encountered a black market group known as crownal by a pair of siblings with rather curious semblances she paused go on there're something of a rogue organization their leaders styling themselves as the next queen and king of vacuo Salem scoffed another group hearkening for the old days of the monarchy how quaint and where these semblances you speak of she had seen many in her eons of existence as Hazel well knew it must be something special indeed to Peak his interest and their names Jackson jilli and AER as he squirmed under her gaze the girl can drain Aura and add it to others but her brother why was he hesitating to spit it out Hazel I haven't all day she most certainly did and more but she wasn't about to tell him that this was something different something new a change in the incessant back and forth of her and osan's little Shadow War For Better or Worse Hazel had unwittingly aroused her interest and she'd be damned if she let him wriggle away now because he wasn't comfortable mind control the words alone had her sitting up straight he can control the minds of others watt scoffed Preposterous such a thing would be magic Salem cred Darkly he cut off with a sputter Salem looked back to Hazel up years have boredom washing away in an instant tell me more this boy and his sister are they trained Hazel dare to nod they recent graduates from shade Academy excellent this way she could acquire both a powerful tool and a useful Maiden candidate with little effort she would have to break the girls bad habits of course cleanse her of her Folly make her strong but this was so much better than raising a run from scratch why she might even be better than Cinder that girl had been far too arrogant for her own good and they fight well enough Hazel rumbled on distracting her from her dos when I confronted them the girl tried to drain my aura and the boy sought to control my mind tried meaning they did not succeed the utter fools doubtless he disciplined them for it Hazel was one of if not the sturdiest warrior in Remnant it was next to impossible for anyone to break his Aura and keep it broken save perhaps her and osben he could try certainly but with those dust crystals of his you'd be the one worst for wear yet there were other ways to lay him low she well knew you see the most effective way to defeat Hazel was not to break his body or even his mind but rather his Spirit not only did his semblance render him impervious to pain but hisor recovered far quicker than most in a fight you had to beat him down hard and fast or let him wail on you until he exhausted himself Immortal as she was she'd gone for the latter option when recruiting him at the time he had and very much still did crave Vengeance for his dear dead sister upon revealing herself to him as the queen of grim he promptly tried to kill her wasted an entire day doing so in fact once he realized the futility of his efforts it was all too easy for her to redirect his anger at osma what fools these mortals were ah but she digressed she had new pawns to claim her head tilted just to I trust you've taken measures to bring them into the fold Hazel bowed low I have begun making the necessary preparations yes I left them with a warning my queen they await your arrival they do not believe me but I suspect your presence will Enlighten them Enlighten them him Salem leaned back with a pleased hum indeed she would immortality had a tendency to make one realize the inevit ability of things mind control was at Hazel's boundless and constantly regenerating Aura most likely protected him from that nasty little semblance but as she had no such defense she would need to take mental measures against it she didn't like the idea of anyone running about with a semblance like that well anyone not under her thumb this so-called king would face a true Queen and if he wouldn't bend the knee he would die and she would make use of his corpse simple as now then there was work to be done for the first time in centuries she found herself rather curious as to the outcome well done Hazel I'm sending you to M to check in on our dear friend lionhart friend really nothing further from the truth the an Brave had master was Far and Away the most Expendable of her pawns but right now he had to use his Haven head Master for now he's been rather silent as of late Watts I expect you an answer by week's end you are dismissed the both of you if Aspen was becoming more active in his recruitment well then so would she this meant War nothing could stop her now nuto sneezed mightily with someone talking about him it would be just his luck if someone was Amber laid a hand on his um you all right there Mercury and I'm fine he pinched the bridge of his nose nothing to worry about sure Emerald rolled her eyes because that doesn't sound ominous at all in that brief moment he closed his own errors were made they were his a hooded figure came barreling around the bend out a nearby alley in that same instant heedless of him or Emerald or even Amber such was their hurry he had just enough time to glimpse a slender form clad in bronze armor startled green eyes a flash of red hair and the faint scent of burnished leather parot with another Aroma he didn't recognize and then look out look out look out she crashed headlong into the three of with a Yelp and down they went sprawling across the sidewalk through ringing ears and a horrible headache he dimly Heard a Voice babbling apologies I'm sorry okay sadly the chapter is over and if you enjoyed just leave a like And subscribe with post notification so when the next chapter is ready you will be notified okay see you in the next video bye

Channel: Sensei Fanfics

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Id: 0xY8B7URtxw

Length: 194min 6sec (11646 seconds)

Published: Sun May 05 2024