Glynda was quite upset. No, upset didn't quite describe how she felt.
She felt utterly distraught after the series of events that her son and friends took part in. She couldn't believe that their path would have led them to cross paths with someone they shouldn't have.
Glynda no longer cared about the damn graffiti they did earlier! It was what had happened that alarmed her and left a sense of dread lingering in the back of her mind.
The way they described what had happened caused Glynda to break into a cold sweat. Pacing uncontrollably, glad that not a single officer in the police station stopped her, she slid into an empty office. She fumbled her scroll in her grasp, swallowing the lump in her throat as she made a call. "Please, don't be drunk and pick up..."
"Ugh... Can't even let me drink in peace?" Qrow answered, flicking on his video of his scroll, looking quite displeased.
"You were right." Glynda quietly admitted, her voice clearly panicked as she glanced over her shoulder to ensure no one walked in.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold, Glynda. I'm a little tipsy here, and I'm a little lost. What am I right about?" Qrow gave a concerned scowl, putting aside the drink he was working on.
"They're here, Qrow. You were right." Glynda hissed, trying to keep her voice under control.
"You can't be serious." Qrow's features tightened. He quickly stepped away from where he was seated, moving into what looked like a bathroom to get some privacy. "Shit! How the hell have you picked up on their whereabouts that quickly! What happened?"
"I picked up on them because my son is a magnet for chaos!" Glynda growled as Qrow's features fell on the other end.
"Don't tell me..." Qrow grimaced, biting his lip as he noticeably tensed.
"I can't even be upset with them! They were causing their typical shenanigans and were heading to that Dust Shop they were using as a hideout when they came across Roman Torchwick! And somehow that miscreant is involved with them!" Glynda exasperatedly let off some steam as she sat on the desk in the office she was using.
"You're telling me... By complete coincidence, my nieces and your son... Ran into the people who assaulted Amber?" Qrow dispondently exhaled before looking upward. "Oum, why did you curse me with this bad luck?"
"It gets worse," Glynda winced.
"How?! Did one of them get injured?!" Qrow exclaimed.
"No, they are somehow fine. We should count our blessings there." Glynda sighed, her gaze faltering. "There were several revelations that were brought to light because of their encounter. We know what they did to Amber... They tried to steal the Maiden's Soul from her... And implant it into one of their own."
"You're kidding me... Fuck, so now we're dealing with someone who has half the power of a Maiden. Great!" Qrow rolled his eyes as he seethed over this information. However, despite his agitation, he noticed Glynda's glum expression. "Glynda... I know you. Something else is bothering you. What else is there?"
"It's because of how well they handled themselves in this scuffle, despite the collateral damage that was left in their wake... I believe Oz is going to offer Naruto and Ruby a place at Beacon." Glynda's emerald eyes shimmered with concern.
"I don't see how that's a bad thing... They might be young, but they're better than most of the kids who get accepted into Huntsman academies. They'll be fine. They're more than ready." Qrow raised his brow.
"It's another of the revelations that was brought to light by this incident. One that involves Naruto directly." Qrow frowned as Glynda's expression soured. "His Semblance doesn't just absorb Dust, Qrow. It can absorb magic."
"And I fear what that may mean for his safety, and the safety of his friends, for they are now aware of that fact."
[ X ]
"Ugh! This is ridiculous! We stopped those guys from stealing all that Dust! Why are we still being held!" Yang loudly complained, rocking on the back legs of her chair.
Annoyed at having to wait in the police waiting room.
"Not without a ton of collateral... That building is missing its top floor." Ruby fidgetted, shrinking in her chair.
"How was I supposed to know that Rage could be countered?! I've never seen that before!" Naruto glowered, smoldering as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
"That's a good point! How did they counter it? It looked like she just stopped the flames and sent them back at you." Yang frowned before crossing her arms and furrowing her brow thoughtfully.
Wanting to know for personal reasons.
"Yeah, that's been bothering me for a while. It didn't feel like she was activating a Semblance or something... It felt like she was controlling my flames." Naruto mimicked Yang's pose before exhaling, rubbing his parched throat. "Gah, can't think like this! I need something to drink!"
"I apologize for the wait." The trio's attention was snapped forward as the door opened to reveal the one person Naruto didn't want to see alongside his mother.
"You." Naruto glowered at Ozpin as he stepped into the room with Glynda trailing.
"Would it be anyone else? I may be a teacher, but I am still a Huntsman who is in charge of Vale's security." Ozpin raised his brow, his lips quivering for a moment at Naruto's gaze before he set down three glasses of milk...
And a plate of cookies that was swiftly disappearing.
Naruto and Yang turned and stared at Ruby, whose eyes dilated and were filled with hearts, before she sheepishly wiped the crumbs from her mouth.
"Down, Ruby. Maybe we want some?" Yang rolled her eyes at how easily simple acts swayed her sister.
"Or maybe it's a trap," Naruto added, returning his gaze to Oz as he set down his glass of milk.
"Says the one who drank one of the glasses of milk I brought," Ozpink chuckled at Naruto.
"I was parched. Ever been enveloped by flames before? My throat hurts." Naruto retorted before glowering as his mother glared at him. "Yeah, fine, whatever... Thanks."
"I heard. It was quite the incident. I'm surprised the three of you came out unscathed from it. Roman has been a menace for quite some time... And this new threat working alongside him has me greatly concerned. It doesn't sound like his usual partner." Ozpin sat down before three of them.
"We already told his mom everything we know. We have nothing further to share with you. Can we go? Dad is already gonna be pissed at me and somehow blame me for this." Yang scowled, tapping her foot impatiently.
"Haha, you are quite something. You know who I am, yet... Do you treat all your teachers this way?" Ozpin couldn't hold back a light laugh as he smiled toward Yang.
"Yes." Naruto and Ruby answered simultaneously.
"Ah, good. I'm glad I'm not being treated specially." Ozpin's eyes twinkled as he returned his attention to Naruto and Ruby specifically. "Yes, you are all free to go. The collateral, while severe, was something unprecedented, and the blame cannot be laid on children as young as you are."
"Cool! Rubes, let's go. I gotta get you back before Dad gets really mad at us." Yang leapt to her feet, waving over at Ruby to follow. "Catch ya later, Naruto."
"Yeah, ah, good night." Naruto blinked, waving at Yang before turning to Ruby as she stood up. "Have a good night, Rose..."
"You too," Ruby awkwardly smiled, uncomfortable saying goodbye. She had almost leaned over for a kiss before stopping herself.
She didn't want to kiss Naruto while his mom was actively watching them! That was... So weird!
"One moment, before you leave." Ozpin stopped the sisters from leaving, his gaze still focused on Naruto and Ruby. "Naruto, you applied to attend Beacon early, yes?
"Uh, yeah?" Naruto blinked, raising his brow.
He knew his godfather rather well. He was a calculated man, for the most part. However, sometimes he could be... Quite mischievous.
It was why he didn't trust him around his mom. His mom was attractive! If he were Ozpin, he'd certainly...
"Ms. Rose?" Ozpin turned his attention to Ruby.
"Uh, yes?" Ruby stood a little straighter as Ozpin addressed her.
"You wish to become a Huntress, correct?" Oz asked, locking eyes with Ruby.
Naruto frowned. He was unsure where this line of questioning was leading...
But he knew what Ruby's answer would be. If there was one thing that drove her...
She desired to become a Huntress. To follow in her mother and father's footsteps. To be the best Huntresses she could be...
To be a hero.
"More than anything in the world," Ruby answered with unflinching resolve.
"I see," Ozpin nodded, standing up and pushing in his chair. "Initiation to Beacon starts in one week..."
"I expect to see you both there."
[ X ]
"I can believe I get to go to Beacon with my sister!"
"Yang... Please... Can't breathe..." Ruby gasped for breath as her sister glomped her in a deep embrace.
A full day had passed since the incident. Naruto was quite surprised he hadn't been grounded after what had happened. Instead, he was invited to a party to celebrate that both Ruby and Yang had been accepted into Beacon.
It was a nice change of pace; however, he felt there was another reason.
His mom was acting strange, and she was spending quite a lot of time in the kitchen with Ruby and Yang's Dad and Uncle...
He wondered what they were talking about...
"Oops, sorry!" Yang released Ruby with a hardy laugh, turning to Naruto as he sat on the couch in their living room. "Hehe... We're gonna cause so much havoc together! Right, partner!"
"You know it," Naruto beamed, cackling under his breath as a multitude of ideas rampantly crossed his mind.
"Hey," Naruto felt death approach him as he felt his orange tracksuit jacket being pulled forward in Ruby's grip. And he stared into two furious silver eyes. "You're supposed to be my boyfriend, got it."
"We can share, Rubes!" Naruto and Ruby's eyes widened, and they started coughing dramatically. Yang only further laughed at their reactions. "Not like that! Ew! I meant as in my partner in crime at Beacon, geez. Get your heads out of the gutter!"
"You better!" Naruto clutched his chest as he recovered his breath, exhaling deeply as Ruby's attention on him had been deflected.
He didn't want her to know that sometimes, in his daydreams, that very thought had crossed his mind...
"I guess... But then, who is going to be my partner? And how do we make sure we end up on the same team?" Ruby anxiously sat beside Naruto and frowned.
"You're thinking too hard about it!" Yang laughed, hopping onto the couch, kicking back, and relaxing. "Worrying about it before we get there and learn whatever initiation is stupid and a waste of energy, ya know? So stop worrying about it and relax! We'll figure it out when we get there."
"It makes sense. We have no idea how we will be partnered and then grouped into teams. Mom won't tell me, so we're gonna have to wait and see. And whatever they've got planned, we'll make it work! Remember, together, the three of us make the impossible possible." Naruto nodded at Yang's assessment before broadly grinning, gently placing his arm over Ruby's shoulders, and pulling her closer.
Ruby brightly flushed at the contact before a faint smile graced her features. "You're right... It's silly to worry about it now. We should be celebrating that we were accepted into Beacon so early! ...Oh no... I'm leaving all my friends behind! And why are so many skipping out? Where are they?"
"Yeah... Friends," Naruto glowered before shaking his head apathetically.
Ruby and Yang happened to be his only real friends at school. He had a few people he could say he was friendly toward, but not really friends.
He would call that mute lady that he hung out with at the ice cream parlor, on occasion, more of a friend than any of them. Naruto even had her number!
...How would he explain that to Ruby if she ever saw that? That he had a lady friend?
...He was friends with Yang, but sometimes she was still jealous of their relationship...
"And we'll be making more in a week. Relax. Friends come and go, ya know? Best not to dwell on those who aren't here and instead on who is here and who we're gonna meet soon!" Yang grinned, placating her manic sister while shaking her head.
Ruby frowned at first, seemingly disappointed for a moment before she giggled. "I think we may hang out together too much. You have started to pick up his cadences."
"I know, right? If I start spouting bad puns, you have the permission to knock some sense into me." Naruto laughed alongside Ruby before paling as Yang cracked her knuckles.
"Oh, I can't wait for that opportunity... It's coming and it's gonna be a Yang." Yang sadistically grinned directly at Naruto.
It was almost unnerving... Until Ruby unleashed a bellowing laugh. "That was so bad! Stop it!"
"I can't help it. It's just who I am." Yang relaxed back onto the couch before scowling. "I'm hungry..."
"Where is that pizza that was ordered?"
[ X ]
"Okay, your concern was valid. Wasn't expecting him to offer them early acceptance like that." Qrow exhaled, sitting at the kitchen table, using another chair as a leg rest as he glanced up and over at Glynda as she leaned against the counter space by the door exit.
"I am rarely wrong," Glynda huffed before exhaling, glancing through the kitchen and living room threshold, and at the three lounging on the couch. "I worry about them and their safety."
"Okay, I know I'm not in the loop any longer, and don't want to be, but I can't help but agree with Ozpin's logic. Beacon is the safest place for them to be if they crossed paths with those people." Taiyang frowned, leaning up against the fridge, and shook his head. "Not only are there plenty of prospective Huntsman and Huntresses learning tricks of the trade, but there are trained men and women who are teaching them. Some of whom know what is happening in the shadows."
Glynda winced as Tai's gaze fell upon her at that last statement, but understood why. It was the same reason she felt more comfortable sending Naruto to Signal...
She expected Qrow and Tai to keep Naruto safe, and now that burden was being placed upon her to do the same for Ruby and Yang.
"The difference is who we are dealing with and how successful they have been in the past. And this year is the Vytal Festival. You are aware of how easy it is to go unnoticed during such an intensive event when our attention is focused on preparing it. We've been rejecting forged registrations the best we can, but if they happened in another academy..." Glynda scowled before grimacing, fearing the worst.
Glynda felt horrible for rejecting one of the recent applicants for the record, which was obviously forged. But the boy didn't seem the type to cause trouble, just someone who wanted to make a change... It would have been one Ozpin would have usually allowed to slide by, even if it was endangering the child.
"Yeah, it's hitting us hard, too. Don't forget that we also receive young kids from the other academies. It's going to be a rough year." Taiyang released a despondent sigh before he glared at Qrow. "And we could really use..."
"I resigned this morning," Qrow grasped his flask from his hip and took a swig of his drink.
"You what?!" Glynda and Tai simultaneously lambasted Qrow's decision.
"You're a good teacher... When you focus! Why?" Glynda added, gesturing her head to the living room and the three children within.
"I helped with them..." Taiyang repressed a snarl at the insinuation.
"You helped with Naruto and Yang... You were too soft on Ruby." Qrow admitted, taking another drink from his flask before setting it on the table. "Look, you both know why. I can't be sitting around when the very person who damn near killed Amber attacked my family and friend's kid."
"All my time is going to be focused on hunting that bitch and praying that killing her will bring Amber back."
[ X ]
What to bring?
What to leave behind?
This was Naruto's primary concern. He had a lot of tools and weapons he wanted to bring that would be important to train with. However, he was staying in a room with three other people. He couldn't burden them by bringing too much of his stuff.
Oh, how he hoped to be in the same room with Ruby... Maybe then, they could snuggle together at night...
Wait... Yang would be in the room too...
Crap.
Naruto shook that thought out. He had to focus. It couldn't all be about his gear and tools. He also had to bring other stuff beyond that and his clothes.
Hygiene products. It was a good thing he had a bag for that.
Some textbooks. He never knew when he needed to research something off topic or when older books came in handy.
Then there were his comics and fictional stories that he enjoyed reading. A good book was what he needed to help him fall asleep on some nights...
When his imagination was running wild...
"Ninjas of Love is a must..." Naruto muttered, slipping the book into his pack.
If everything went to plan, he was going to be in a room with Ruby and Yang. There were going to be times he needed a private moment to...
"It seems you are almost finished packing." His mother's voice reached his ears as he added another book to his pouch.
"Yeah. Still deciding on a few things on whether or not I should bring them." Naruto nodded, running his hand through his locks and smiling back at his mother.
"Don't stress too much about forgetting anything. If you need anything, I can pick it up for you." Glynda sadly returned the smile, longingly observing Naruto before closing her eyes. "It's going to be strange without you here."
"I think you mean relieving," Naruto snorted before noticing his mother's expression.
However, her smile brightened slightly as she scoffed. "Of course. You have been quite the handful. One I'm still going to have to deal with on a daily basis. Don't expect me to go easy on you just because you are my son."
"Heh. I'd expect nothing less. Bring it." Naruto confidently smirked. However, his expression washed away and became bittersweet as he approached his mom. "I'm gonna miss nights like this..."
"So am I," Glynda swept her son into her embrace, allowing the tears welling in her eyes to fall. "I love you so much... Don't ever forget that... And if you need anything..."
"I know, I love you too." Naruto held strong despite the mist in his eyes, gazing up at his mother. "Don't worry about me, okay. It'll be fine... Besides, it's time for me to show that I'm gonna be the best Huntsman around..."
"And they're all going to know my name."