Chapter 1

She stumbled forward, one hand holding her side as she winced with each step she took. Her ribs were definitely bruised, perhaps even broken as a stinging sensation traveled through her body like a jolt of electricity each time she shifted her weight.

Got.. to find.. civilization

Was the sole thought that ran through her mind. Her vision was blurry as she hadn't come as unscathed as she had hoped. Okay, she hadn't thought she'd end up unscathed but not this bad either.. But it was necessary. It was no longer the same, not him or the organization she had once been a proud member of.

The ears on top of her head twitched as she could hear faint sounds in the distance, it fueled her will to continue as civilization was near. She was this close to freedom and she be damned if she wouldn't give it her all!

Slowly continuing her way, her foot got caught on a root of a tree that had been sticking out, forcing her harshly to her knees and adding to the pain she was already suffering. She bit her lip to refrain from crying out and cursing as she slowly got back to her feet.

It couldn't be far now. She was content with collapsing once she was somewhere where she could easily be found as she knew she wouldn't be able to sleep these wounds off.

When she finally managed to reach the road, she let a shaky smile form on her face. Her breathing was slow and heavy and she lost what little strength she had in her legs. Surprisingly she didn't meet the ground like she imagined she would. Instead she felt two arms wrap around her, holding her up followed by a pair of deep blue orbs that looked at her with concern. It was the last thing she saw before she lost consciousness.

The person that caught her looked at her with worry, especially after seeing the wounds on her and from how he was holding her could tell her ribs were definitely bruised. He quickly scanned his surroundings if anyone's there, human or Grimm, the action had a few of his blond locks move from his face before he stood back up with the girl in a bridal carry.

He looked at her for a moment, inspecting her and finding her rather pretty even with the dirt and small specks of blood that covered her before he began walking to his nearby residence to take care of her, glad he decided to take the long route of his casual stroll for who knows who might've found her otherwise.

Where.. Where am I? She wondered as she was slowly waking up, finding herself in what had to be the most comfortable bed she's experienced the past couple years.. At least.. she wiggled a bit, finding that her body didn't hurt as much as she last remembered. There was still a slight ache but it confirmed that she was indeed lying in a bed.

Slowly she parted her eyelids, her amber orbs blinking as she got used to the light shining directly at her. When she had regained her senses for the most part she began scanning the room she was in.

It was big, much bigger than the rooms they were assigned back when she was a part of the White Fang. Cozy as well as she took note of the painting hanging on the wall and a bookshelf filled with books, she even recognized some titles in there.

How did I.. Ah, she remembered. Before passing out those blue eyes that had been staring in her soul. Did they bring her here? It was then that she realized she was no longer wearing those same clothes, now wearing something looser. Her eyes then widened before her hands shot up to her head, ignoring the jolts of pain she felt as she reached to where her bow rested, only to find it not there as her fingers made contact with her ears.

Fear began to fill her as her mind worked overtime. They knew, whoever that saved her had gotten rid of her bow and knew she was a Faunus. Would they think and treat her differently now?

She wanted to say 'No', considering they were taking care of her but she had personally seen the change some people underwent when finding out someone they considered a friend revealed themselves to be a Faunus.

Her attention was then focused on the door leading to the room she was in was opened and someone entered. The first thing she noticed was that he was male, looking to be around her age with spiky blond hair. Deep blue eyes, the very same she remembered seeing back then when she passed out and a warm smile on his face as he carried a bowl of water and a small towel.

However, his expression morphed into one of surprise when he saw that she was awake and staring at him as he quickly put the bowl and towel on a nearby dresser before making his way over to her. She closed her eyes when he began approaching her, already fearing for the worst. So imagine her surprise when she didn't feel any pain of sorts but a warm hand against her forehead and hearing him sigh in relief.

''Thank god you're okay.. Almost though something was wrong considering you're up earlier than I expected..'' She caught him mumble before she felt a wet towel being placed on her forehead, making her peek her eyes open and stare at him and inconspicuous as she could, which she was failing at as he had caught her glance but kept silent.

She was likely on alert already and he didn't want to add to it.

''You were quite banged up, you know?'' She heard him talk as he rubbed her head softly with the towel. ''Wonder what brought you there where I found you. After all, there's not much around aside from forest and the rail tracks close by.''

She didn't answer and that was fine with him as he continued looking her over.

Though, as time progressed she seemed to become less wary of him as her eyes fully opened as she took the time to inspect his face. His eyes especially as they're said to be the window to one's soul and was surprised to see nothing, not even an ounce of disgust for her being a Faunus but full of concern instead.

Her breath then hitched as she followed his arm to the hand attending her, resting on finger or rather the ring that was present there. She recognized it as soon as she laid her eyes on it. And how could she not? Everyone knew of that red spiral, one that was present on most technology present throughout Remnant, the family crest of the Uzumaki. Him wearing that ring meant he was part of the main family.

If she could've she likely would've been hyperventilating at the fact that she was in the prince's home and that he was taking care of her. The knowledge did remove most of the remaining fears she had as the Uzumaki and Kingdom of Uzushio were known throughout the other Kingdoms to be accepting of Faunus and Humans. Discrimination was highly frowned upon and punished by being expelled.

As expected of the Island often called a paradise by those not living there.

''Ah.. You noticed, didn't you.'' He chuckled sheepishly. ''Guess there's no point in hiding then. I'm Naruto Uzumaki, though you knew my last name already judging from that reaction.''

''...Blake, Blake Belladonna.'' She responded and he smiled at her for answering him.

His smile then turned into a thoughtful look as he raised an eyebrow while looking at her. ''Belladonna? Where have I heard that name before…'' The fear that had previously left her returned with vengeance in hopes he didn't know of her family name. ''..Hmm. Can't seem to remember. Oh well.'' Blake released a breath she wasn't aware she had been holding upon hearing that.

''So.. Umm, thanks for helping me.'' She said after a moment of silence, not meeting his gaze as her pale cheeks held a red tint to them.

He surprised her with a soft chuckle. ''It's no issue. My parents would've probably skinned me alive if I'd let you there. Who knows what sort of creep might've run into you, especially if they held a dislike towards Faunus.'' Blake's eyes dimmed a bit at his words, knowing them to be true even if she didn't like it. Though, it made her curious.

''Can I ask what you're doing around here? I mean, you're part of the royal family of Uzushio and we're quite some distance away..''

''It's fine,'' He told her with an easy going smile. ''I would be curious as well in your shoes. But to answer your question it's something my parents told me to do. While it's not widely known, I'm set to inherit the throne once they no longer wish to rule. Hell, I doubt my siblings know though they might have an idea. Anyway, my parents told me explore Remnant and get a better idea of what life is like in the different regions. Something about making sure I stay humble and appreciate what I have.''

Blake seemed to nod at that, somewhat understanding of where his parents were coming from. It wouldn't do anyone much good if he'd become a selfish and arrogant ruler and destroy what his parents and the generations before him and build. ''Wait, I thought the oldest usually inherits the throne?''

He sent her a smile. ''You said it yourself, usually, yes. But it's different for us. I'm not revealing in what manner but it's why I'm chosen over my brother… Even at the expense of ruining our relationship.'' The last part was a mere whisper but her sensitive hearing caught every word.

''Anyway,'' Blake was a bit taken back by the sudden 180 he did as he regained his smile and his eyes regained their brightness. ''I saw you glancing at some of the books I've got here. I still haven't finished most of those so you got any recommendations?''

The Faunus blinked a few times at the weird direction their conversation was now going. Nonetheless, she didn't see an issue with helping a fellow bookworm out, especially since he's been taking care of her. So she nodded. ''I do actually. You have a wide variety which I recognize some titles from. Like the one up there, Samurai of Love, second in the series but a much appreciated sequel that has a good mixture of action and..'' Her cheeks burned red as he looked at her to continue. ''..It's a bit embarrassing but trust me, it's a good read. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I actually have not read that one yet but heard good things and it's on my to read list… Oh, the Hidden Remnant series is also a good read, especially since I heard the third in the series is going to be released soon.'' She wanted to continue but a yawn interrupted her.

''Guess you're still tired. I think it's wise if I leave you be, at least till you're back on your feet. It's getting late anyway. Umm, I'll probably make something for you to eat.. any preferences? Something with fish I assume?'' He looked at her ears before back down at her.

''...Anything's fine.'' Blake answered him as her ears flattened against her skull, a light blush dusting her cheeks.

''Alright,'' The blond got up and made to walk out, pausing to grab one of the books she recommended and looking her over once more before leaving. ''Have a goodnight, Blake.''

''You too.'' She said to him as he closed the door behind him. Once she was alone Blake took a deep breath and exhaled loudly, still a bit dazed from the situation she had found herself in.

She, Ex-White Fang member being taken care of by the prince of Uzushio.. It was a situation she thought could only happen in one of the books she enjoyed reading. Still, she doubted she could've been found by anyone better. He was kind and welcoming with a presence that warmed up the room. It helped that he was easy on the eyes as well as despite his clothing she could see the compact muscle with his every movement…

Blake shook her head and rid herself from those thoughts. Fantasizing over someone she barely even knew.. Even if that someone saved her life and took her in with no issues about her being a Faunus..

...Aaaand it was time for sleep. Definitely sleep.

She managed to turn off the nightlight beside her bed before making herself comfortable underneath the soft and warm blanket. She was asleep in minutes and having one of the best nights rest she could remember.

Blake awoke the next morning well rested, a part of her not wanting to leave the comfort her bed offered. But she had to as her stomach rumbled, yearning for food. So with much regret she pushed the blanket aside as she sat up, bringing her hands up to rub at her eyes.

Tentatively Blake got up, her bare feet meeting the wooden floor which wasn't as cold as she thought it would've been. She looked aside to find a yukata which she guessed she could wear as her current outfit was a bit on the revealing side.

Putting it on, Blake marveled at how soft it felt against her skin. She could tell the fabric it was made out of would've cost a fortune as she tightened the sash so she was hiding her goods.

Once done she left the bedroom and entered a large open area where she soon found Naruto who was sitting at the table, one hand holding onto a sandwich as with the other he was typing on his scroll.

He acknowledged her being there with a brief pause where his eyes locked on hers, a small smile greeting her before he went back to whatever he was busy with as she sat down as well. The silence that followed was a bit awkward until it was broken as he pushed a plate in front of her, her nose twitching at the smell of fish.

''For me?'' A nod was her answer.

''Mhm. Tuna sandwich I made for you.''

''Thank you.'' Blake mumbled softly as she took a bite. She fought down the urge to purr at the rich, delicious taste. How a simple sandwich could taste this good she had no idea, perhaps it was because she had her last dish days ago but she devoured them with ease.

She did have the decency to look a bit embarrassed as she glanced at him to see him still focused though there was an almost unnoticeable smile he now held wish made her blush harder.

''So,'' Naruto was done as he shut off his scroll to focus solely on her. ''What are your plans after… well this.'' He motioned to their surroundings.

A thoughtful look appeared on Blake's face as she furrowed her brows together before her ears curled downwards. ''..I'm not sure.''

Naruto furrowed his brows at her answer. ''You have any parents who may wonder about your whereabouts?''

''I do, but..'' She trailed off as she began tapping her fingers on the table they were seated at.

Seeing she wasn't going to finish he came to her help with an easy going smile. ''No worries. I know what you mean, especially around our age. I couldn't wait to get off the island either. Not to mention the total freedom… Back to the question at hand though.''

Blake exhaled before she shrugged. ''I have nothing in mind. Perhaps explore Remnant for some time, finding myself. I may be interested in joining one of those Huntsmen Academies.''

''Oh?'' He curled an eyebrow. ''A huntress huh?'' He looked her over before giving a soft hum. ''Guess signing yourself up to fight Grimm is the hot thing to do. Never really understood why'd you have to go through the academy for it, though.''

''It's to learn proper ways of handling them.'' Blake answered only for him to wave his hand.

''Meh. I haven't had any trouble disposing them since arriving here and I haven't been to those academies.''

''But you've had personal training. Many people here have not.''

''That's true. Still, you'd expect everyone to be taught so. We don't even have Grimm at Uzushio but everyone is still given mandatory training incase they'd leave for any of the other Kingdoms.''

''...Not everyone's lucky enough to be born there.'' She mumbled at his rather carefree thinking. ''The other Kingdoms aren't as fortified either..'' True, Uzushio being as advanced with technology as it is was considered an impenetrable island floating in the air. It was surrounded by water which made the only way to access it by air. The only Grimm that were a threat were those capable of flight or ones in the water but those were taken care of by the MAC system which consisted of Magnetic Acceleration Cannons that were surrounding the island; one mile from the coats and almost a thousand hundred feet in the air firing a payload that shredded through any Grimm close enough and any potential aircraft that could be deemed a threat.

Uzushio had given the other Kingdoms a demonstration after the system had been active and request immediately flooded them as they wanted those for themselves. They had refused, something that had made many less than happy and had put a permanent strain on the relations they had with the other Kingdoms.

''You're right. I forget sometimes how different life is here.'' He excused himself to her after which she nodded. ''Urgh.. Would you mind tagging along with me?'' Blake widened her eyes and stared at him. ''I mean, I would be lying if it weren't a bit lonely moving about by myself. Just for a bit until you've decided on what you want to do next.''

''..Are you sure? I don't wish to impose. We hardly know each other!''

''I'm offering am I not? I wouldn't be doing so if I didn't want to. As for the latter we have some time. I mean, we know the basics and you don't seem bad, a bit rebellious maybe but not bad.''

Blake closed her eyes as she sighed before nodding. ''Fine.''

''Sweet.'' Naruto said before he got up. ''I'm going to freshen myself up. If you're still hungry there's some more in the fridge.'' She perked up at that even if she didn't verbally respond, her golden orbs watching him leave. When she heard the water run Blake got up from her seat and made her way over to the fridge where after opening it she found the sandwiches he was talking about.

Mmm. They taste as good as the previous ones.

The two stayed in the apartment for a few more days. It was mainly on his insistence of wanting to be sure she was back to full health and the two surprisingly hit off. Their love for books making a great conversation starter that made them less tense among another.

Blake had come to find out he was actually on the last leg of his journey having done Mistril, Atlas, Vacuo and now Vale in that order. She'd be lying if she didn't find it interesting listening to some of the stories he told. She always did want to explore the other Kingdoms but her circumstances prevented such.

''..A bow?'' Naruto questioned her as he eyed the piece she wore on her head.

She gave a soft nod while securing it. ''I don't like how people treat me without.''

Naruto made a soft noise of understanding. He had seen how Faunus were treated by the general population here, another reason he didn't hold the other Kingdoms in high regard. ''Alright. We're going south, south-west where I agreed would be the end of my trip.''

Blake mulled this over before nodding in compliance ''That's fine with me. Is everything you need really in that small backpack?''

''Yup! It's bigger on the inside, trust me on that.'' He then gave the apartment he had stayed in one lasting glance before he began to move along with Blake. Thankfully the sun was out with very little clouds though the temperature wasn't abnormally high which made for the perfect weather to walk long distances. ''We're going to part of the forest all the way over there,'' He pointed ahead of them where she could make out rather thick foliage at the edge of the town they were in. ''Going around will be a waste of time. We may encounter Grimm though so be ready just in case, okay?''

''Of course.'' She assured him as she adjusted the weapon that was secured on her back.

Giving her one more look over Naruto nodded as he was satisfied with how she looked. No doubt she had some combat experience with how she carried herself but how much was a question he was keen on finding out.

It was night.

The trip so far has been without any hassle. No Grimm had been sighted which was a positive thing.

With Blake's help the two had made a makeshift camp high up in one of the tall trees. It was safe from most Grimm and away from any bugs she did not like.

And while that was all nice and well.. Naruto had found himself in somewhat of a predicament as he moved his eyes downwards to the mop of black that filled his vision. Perhaps it was the cold and her being a Faunus made her gravitate towards the closest heat source but somehow Blake had managed to roll over a few times before coming to stop against him, all without waking up.

A part of him found it impressive even.

He really hoped she wouldn't freak out in the morning. He was almost sure she wouldn't but not a hundred percent which wasn't optimal.

Still, it wasn't completely unwelcome. It felt actually quite nice with her body pressed against his. She radiated warmth much like he did. He took a moment to inspect her face which was in a state of rest. She was rather beautiful, now that he thought about it. A few rays of light originating from the moon landing on her pale skin that contrasted well with her raven hair.

His heartbeat paused for a moment as Blake shifted a bit, an murmur he wasn't able to decipher leaving her before she went silent.

A soundless yawn then left him, a sign that it was time for him to close his eyes as well. He could only hope he wouldn't be awoken by a scream in a few hours..

End Chapter.