EAT DEMOCRACY

Avip: Just stopping by to let you know that you can see Audra's full photo on my X(twitter), AvipBr. Since not all Fic platforms allow her image.

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[Weiss Schnee]

I faced the CTT terminal with a mixture of apprehension and anticipation. The call with Winter was about to begin, and my heart was pounding in my chest. Although I didn't fear my older sister like I feared my father, I still deeply cared about her opinion.

I took a deep breath and tapped the call initiation button. The screen lit up, and Winter's face, as stern as ever, appeared.

"Weiss," she says with her firm voice. "It's good to see you."

"Winter," I reply, trying to keep my voice steady. "It's good to see you too, sister."

We talked for a few minutes about trivial things like the weather in Atlas, Winter's latest mission as a specialist, and how my academic life had been. But I knew there was something more she wanted to say.

Finally, Winter sighed and got straight to the point.

"Weiss, I need to tell you something important," she says, her voice serious and tense. "General Ironwood wants to talk to Jaune Arc personally when he goes to Vale, during the Vytal Festival."

"The general?" I ask, surprised. "What does he want with Jaune?"

"The general didn't give me details," Winter replies. "But from the rumors circulating in the labs, I believe it's related to what some scientists in Atlas believe that young Arc is wasting his talents. They think he should abandon his career as a Huntsman and dedicate himself to science, where his genius could be better utilized."

I frowned, irritated by the statement that reminded me of my father discouraging me from being a Huntress.

"That's ridiculous! Jaune is an excellent Huntsman-."

Winter raises her hand, silencing me.

"Weiss, you know better than anyone that I don't engage in this kind of conversation," Winter replies, looking thoughtful. "But I would like to ask something. What is your relationship with this boy?"

"Business partners," I reply without hesitation. "Why do you ask?"

Winter blushes and instead of answering, she averted her gaze from the camera.

"You misunderstood," I say embarrassed. "We're not together-together."

After a few seconds of analyzing me, Winter seemed satisfied and continued the conversation.

"Regarding Mr. Arc's competence in combat, it wouldn't be right for me to judge him without even having met him personally," Winter says in a neutral tone. "But I find it unlikely that he's as exceptional a Huntsman as his inventions. That's why I recommend he at least consider being a full-time scientist."

"That's outrageous!" I exclaim in a furious and indignant tone. "Jaune is not an object to be used by anyone! He is entitled to choose his own destiny."

"I understand," Winter says again, her voice still tense. "But it's important that Jaune be aware of Ironwood's interest."

"I'll let him know," I reply curtly. "About what Ironwood wants and what these scientists are gossiping about."

"One more thing," Winter adds in a mocking tone. "If you can, keep your business partner away from unnecessary risks, at least until the General talks to him."

"Don't be dramatic, Winter," I comment, smiling without any concern. "He's not some kind of lunatic that risks his life like that."

[ORIGINAL POV]

"RRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAWWWWRRRRR!"

"What kind of lunatic risks his life like that?" Church shouted in the midst of my leap.

While in midair wielding my shield and flaming sword, the monster advanced with its left arm and intercepted me in the air with its claws.

THWOMP!

{JAUNE!} Amber shouts, while using her disguise, through the Scouter as I was thrown against the rock wall.

CRASH!

{{Aura 87%}} Church warned in my ear.

"Put the Aura level on the Scouter display," I grumble, emerging from the small crater formed on the canyon wall.

Although the claw strike hadn't injured me, the force behind the attack was frightening. I am at risk of being buried in solid rock by the Grimm.

{{Your Aura levels are green, and by my projections, you have the strength and tools necessary to defeat this thing.}}

"But?" I ask, already knowing he hadn't said everything.

{{But you need more speed,}} Church grumbles.

"Speed? I have the enhanced reflex of a super soldier."

{{I'm talking about the speed of-}} Before he could complete the sentence, he was cut off by a weird sound from the monster mouths.

"GRUUUUU!" the creature growled with something bubbling inside it.

"What the hell was that?" I question as the monster opens its mouths.

I stood there paralyzed, fascinated by the grotesque scene. The creature's stomach suddenly expanded, only to shrink soon after, with the bulge formed in its stomach rising to the throat, distorting flesh and skin with the movement. Then, something green and viscous emerged from the Grimm's mouths, bubbling like hot oil.

{Get out of there, or you'll die, you idiotic human!} Audra shouted through Amber's scroll.

"ROOOAR!" roars the monster, firing two acid blasts in my direction.

"MCS make-."

I leap from the canyon wall hole before I could finish speaking, not looking back, hearing the acid reacting, melting the stone.

Even in free fall, I managed to maintain focus and in response, my semblance manifested; a golden mist formed in my left hand as my aura was consumed to create the item.

"Thanks, Glynda," I think to myself. If it weren't for the training with the professor, I'd be panicking, unable to activate my semblance.

Quickly, I strapped my shield to my back and aimed the new mechanical equipment attached to my forearm at the other side of the canyon.

FWAP!

"Yes!" I celebrate as I hit the shot.

The steel cable fired from the gauntlet hit the wall on the other side of the canyon, forming a line from my target to me.

Then, a mechanical buzz from the gauntlet sounded before I was pulled toward my target.

KEEEEEERR!

Even though it wasn't my favorite in the franchise, I had played enough of Halo Infinity to know how a Grappleshot works.

{{You did well, excellent cost-benefit for mobility. I'm impressed.}}

'I'd better not mention that I chose this crap by chance,' I thought to myself, holding on to a ledge.

{{I recommend aiming your attacks on the heads. Most Grimms die when decapitated, except you need to do it twice with this thing.}}

"RRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAWWWWRRRRR!" the furious creature roars, turning toward me.

"I know what to do."

The monster took a breath to send another acid blast, but before it could attack me, I fire the Grappleshot between its heads. The engine in my arm pulled me toward the other side, but before reaching the canyon wall, I detached the cable, causing me to fall between the monster's necks.

"Die, bitch!" I exclaim, plunging the flaming sword into the creature's neck.

"EEAAOWW!" both heads screeched in pain.

The blood-chilling scream was soaked in agony.

The blade pierces deep into the Grimm's black flesh, its flames burning everything around, black smoke leaking from the creature like blood in generous quantities. Confident, thanks to the creature's reaction, I pushed the sword, trying to widen the wound and tear off the monster's head.

"Cut! Cut! Cut! Cut!" I repeat aloud as if reciting some kind of spell.

Filled with euphoria while a sadistic smile spread across my lips, I got distracted, ignoring Church and Amber's warning cries. I only realized the imminent danger when the creature's claw cast a shadow over me.

CRUNCH!

"Argh!" I groaned in pain from the impact.

Caught in the monster's hand, I managed to hold onto my sword tightly, but I couldn't finish off one of its heads.

{JAUNE!} Amber shouts through the Scouter.

My aura absorbed most of the damage, but the Grimm's claw closed, trapping and squeezing my body like an iron clamp. The pain was excruciating; I felt my bones creaking under the pressure. Now I was at the creature's mercy.

I looked up at the Grimm's bestial face, its blood-red eyes staring at me cruelly. Its teeth were like daggers, and its breath burned my eyes with traces of its acidic breath.

"N-not in the face, to avoid ruining the funeral," I retorted, forcing a laugh.

Even though I made a joke, fear was evident in my tone of voice.

"Reeeeer!" the monster growled in a lower tone, staring at me.

I was aware that Grimms sense and are attracted to negative emotions.

But this thing in front of me seemed to be relishing in my fear.

The monster seemed to smirk with its hideous faces, the left mouth opened and came towards me, intending to devour me.

"Oh shit..." I muttered, holding back a groan of pain.

The Grimm's mouth was getting closer and closer, the foul smell of its acidic breath burning my nostrils and making me nauseous. I closed my eyes and focused on my aura, trying to escape this horrific death.

Remembering the extra lessons from Goodwitch and Port, I visualized an energy sphere within myself. As soon as I felt the power poll, I began to pull it, as if it were reshaping into the form of my body.

I felt a wave of strength invading me, like a bolt of energy running through my being. I began to exert force, and as soon as I opened my eyes, I saw, to my surprise, that the Grimm's claw was starting to give way. With renewed hope, I struggled and fought with all my might, using every fiber of my being to free myself.

"URRGHH!" I roar gutturally, managing to exert force with my arms and legs.

{{You can do it, kid.}}

{Don't give up, Jaune.}

More and more, the creature's grip was loosening; a triumphant smile had already appeared on my face.

'I'm will make it,' I thought to myself as I struggled, pouring more aura into my muscles.

"ROOR!" the Grimm roared, moving its other claw towards me.

"No! No! No! No! No!" I repeat desperately.

Using both hands, the pressure of the grasp began to increase.

Instead of the monster doubling the force, it increased the pressure of its grip slowly, as if I were in a hydraulic press.

Fear would have taken hold of me again if it hadn't been for the creature's next action.

"RAAR! RAAR!" the Grimm growled in a peculiar tone.

Even amidst the pressure of the crushing, I managed to distinguish the strange noise the creature made.

"Did it laugh at me?" I question, surprised.

{{Hang on, kid, reinforcements have arrived.}

WHOOM!

From high in the sky, four laser barrages hit the creature's eyes directly.

"EEAAOWW!" both heads screech in pain with their eyes wounded.

The temporarily blinded creature released one hand, but kept the other firm, squeezing me before throwing me against the ground on the other side of the canyon.

CRASH!

{Aura 34.7%}

The impact of my body hitting the ground opened an even larger crater than before.

"Son of a..." I grumbl, getting up.

Standing up, I saw the monster nearly a kilometer away.

"ROOOOOAR!" The Grimm roars as it was attacked.

Four of my Arc Knights, altered versions of the drones from the Iron Legion in Avengers 2 to look like white and golden knights, attacked the Grimm from a distance, diverting its attention, while I composed myself.

[Image]

"Church, answer me a question."

{{I don't think it's a good time for questions, but go ahead.}}

"Can Grimms laugh?"

The A.I. manifested in my HUD just to look at me incredulously before speaking.

{{I'll pretend you're not suffering from a concussion and answer honestly... no.}}

I closed my eyes, staring at the monster trying to catch my drones, like King Kong in the final scene of the movie.

"Are you sure?"

The A.I. paused for a few seconds to think, which was a lot considering that 1 second was equivalent to more than 10 minutes for it.

{{According to Professor Oobleck himself: 'Not every Grimm is stupid, or rather, not every Grimm is still stupid. You see, the Grimm you see before you (Goliaths) are so powerful, so superior to the Grimm you've fought, that they undoubtedly have lived for hundreds of years, and in that time between killing humans and attacking our borders, they did something important: They learned. They learned that when they attack our borders, they're likely to die, and what we lack in strength, we make up for in will, and killing a human will only bring more'.}}

"So... it's likely not, but if it's very old, it may have learned something from hunting the faunus in the region."

{{Yeah, but why do you care so much about that? You just got your ass kicked by a fucking dinosaur. You have other priorities.}}

"I was thinking of running," I shamelessly admit out loud. "But if he's as smart as I suspect, it's dangerous to leave him alive," I comment, looking at the creature throwing rocks at the drones. "Even though he's not a Leviathan-class Grimm, he has the power to destroy all of Kuo Kuana."

Church turned on my HUD, looking towards the Grimm, analyzing the monster before continuing.

{{So instead of just talking, how about you... DO SOMETHING!}} Church yelled on my Scouter.

I flinch at the shout in my ear.

"Damn! Why did you do that?"

{{These drones don't have Arc reactors, they recharge on the ship. The battery won't last forever.}}

"True..." I reluctantly agree.

With my body sore and pride wounded, I walk towards the creature, but just enough to get out of the crater.

{{I'll send your new nerdy sword, so you can finish this quickly.}}

"No!" I respond sharply. "That last beat down showed my limitations and the extent of my Aura's defensive capabilities."

A metallic taste fills my mouth. I turn my head to the side and spit out the blood that had accumulated in my mouth from the last attack.

"Now I want to test how much I can spend of my Aura with my Semblance."

Church wanted to question me, but the characteristic golden mist of my Semblance began to envelop and expand around me.

"You better take note of everything, because I will only use aura on this thing!" I exclaim to the A.I.

I close my eyes and concentrate, imagining what I want to create. The mist responds to my call, shaping itself to my will. I can feel its vibrant energy, ready to be transformed into something grand.

With a determined squeeze, I open my eyes and release my power. The golden mist expands, taking shape and solidifying into a real object.

{{No way!}} Church comments, already having an idea of what I was doing.

The golden mist dissipates, revealing the metal beast I now wield.

{What the hell is that?} Amber asks.

A massive steel weapon exudes power with seven rotating barrels eager to spit out bullets of pure destruction. It was comically large for a gun, and if it weren't for the modifications I commanded in my Semblance, I would be unable to use it outside without an armored vehicle.

{Aura 29.8%}

The robust structure sports a matte black paint that emanates danger and strength. A belt of ammunition, like a metal snake, snakes around the body of the weapon, connecting to a compartment, as large as an oil drum, sitting on the ground behind me.

As I wield this beast, I feel a wave of power course through my body. Even mounted on the ground, I can feel it's comforting weight, a promise of unmatched firepower.

{{That's a GAU-8 Avenger. Jaune modified it to be mounted and used on ground.}}

{A machine gun?} Amber questions through the Scouter.

{{Machine guns aren't 5 meters long, weigh over a ton, or fire Armor Piercing Incendiary bullets larger than a beer bottle at 4,200 rpm.}}

[Image/ Not Mine]

{By the gods, does this thing... 70 SHOTS PER SECOND?} Amber shouted incredulously.

{{Ha!}} Church laughed proudly at my choice. {{Spreading freedom around the world for over 50 years.}}

I grimed maliciously at Church's last comment, which inspired me to shout the perfect phrase before firing with this weapon.

"EAT DEMOCRACY, YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

The deafening roar of the gun echoed across the battlefield as bursts of bullets flew towards the giant Grimm with two T-Rex heads.

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT!

The steel monster vibrated in my hands, reverberating through my bones as I held the trigger. Bullets traced lines of fire through the air, exploding against the massive body of the Grimm, making it roar in pain and fury.

"ROOOAAAAAR!"

{Aura 26.3%}

Each second of the burst caused the Grimm to stagger backward, launching pieces of black flesh and white bone into the air, disintegrating soon after. The smell of gunpowder becomes noticeable and invades my nostrils, but I don't lose focus and remain concentrated on the target.

'I can't let this bastard escape,' I think to myself.

The bullets ricochet off the Grimm's bone armor, but I remedy this by focusing on its eyes, joints, and mouth.

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT!

{Aura 22.8%}

Each impact makes the monster howl in agony, its fury turning into desperation.

"EEAAOWW!"

With a whimper of pain, the Grimm kneels on one leg, bringing its hands to protect its heads.

"No," I say to no one. "There's no escape."

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT!

{Aura 19.3%}

"SKREEEEONK!" The monster screamed when I focus on its left head.

{I can't believe it! Is he winning?} Audra's voice leaked through Amber's Scroll.

The bullets pierced the hand that protected the creature's skull, shattering it into small explosions of fire before hitting its head and starting the mutilation process again.

"SKREEONK-SPLORT!" The creature began to scream in pain but was cut off when pieces of its throat were torn by the bullets, choking on its flesh as it was decapitated.

The fire of excitement within me wavers at the scene. That powerful Grimm, now kneeling without an arm and one of its heads torn off, was on its knees roaring in pain, awaiting death.

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT!

{Aura 16.8%}

This was no longer a fight.

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT!

{Aura 15.8%}

It was an execution.

In a matter of moments, the Grimm fell to the ground, dead. I turn off the Avenger, my arms still trembling from the force of the weapon. I look at the devastated battlefield, at the remains of the defeated Grimm evaporating.

I feel a mixture of pride and melancholy. That monster was too dangerous to remain alive; I saved many lives by destroying it.

...

But in its last moments of life, I could see that it was an intelligent creature to the point of fearing for its life.

Which left a bad taste in my mouth.

After this reality check on my morale, we decided to return since it was already nightfall.

During the fight, I hadn't noticed due to my despondency, but through the visor of my Scouter, Church noticed that the riddling of the Grimm with my weapon revealed an interesting opening in the canyon wall.

[Audra Taurus]

"What a day..." I grumbled as I finally lay down.

Jaune Arc had already proven to be an enigma, someone I should watch closely while he was in Menagerie. But he was also a fool with a lot of talent, money, and free time on his hands.

When he faced the Twin Terror Rex alone, I thought he was crazy. A team of veteran hunters would only confront something with that power if they had reinforcements from other hunters or at least some supporting soldiers.

But Jaune held the monster alone for a few seconds until his robots, which seemed to be on standby to serve him at any moment, descended from the sky firing white beams at the Grimm.

His robots appearing out of nowhere caught me off guard at the time, but those things even made sense. Him having something like that actually makes the situation less bizarre. The human boy wasn't alone on the island; he had an army of drones at his disposal. That's why he's so relaxed.

"But that semblance of creation and that weapon."

I had never seen anything like it, not even in my worst nightmares. The roar of the weapon still echoed in my ears, even hours after the battle. Jaune Arc faced the gigantic Grimm alone and defeated the creature that would require an army to defeat.

"He executed the monster as if it were a rabid dog."

KNOCK! KNOCK!

"Damn it," I grumbled, getting up.

As if this headache from a tiring day wasn't enough, now I receive an unwelcome visitor in the middle of the night.

I open the door and come face to face with the last person I expected to see today.

"Good evening, Commander Taurus."

"Khan," I say in a tone soaked with disgust. "What are you doing here at this hour of the night?"

[Image / Not mine]

"I need to talk to you, Audra," she responds, her voice soft but firm. "Can I come in?"

I clench my fists harder than usual, concentrating to refrain from attacking this damn slut.

"If I can't talk to you in your own house outside of your duty hours, maybe I'll pay you a visit at the Almshouse," Sienna Khan comments sarcastically. "But those easily impressed kids would question you about me if I showed up there."

The last thing I wanted was this miserable woman inside my quarters, but the Almshouse was a place of extreme importance not only to me but to every forsaken faunus needing a roof over their head. It would be worse to find her there.

I step away from the door, making space for her to enter.

"Come in," I say, trying to keep my voice neutral. "But get straight to the point."

"Well, well," Sienna says in a teasing tone. "Is this how you treat your disciple after all this time?"

I chose to respond in silence to maintain the civility of our conversation. Sienna, noticing the tension in my body language, decided to indulge my request and got straight to the point.

"It's about the human you've been accompanying in Menagerie," Sienna sits on the carpet, crossing her legs. "Just by seeing the equipment he provided for your men, I know he's not just anybody. Especially since his weapons seem capable of recognizing White Fang members and denying them access to his firepower."

I can't stop my men from affiliating with the White Fang, but receiving the information, from the mouth of this wretched woman, that someone under my command is loyal to her only adds another layer of shit to this already shitty day.

"I know the Arc family is old and influential in Vale, but they're not known for weapon developments, let alone industry."

'Shit!' I thought to myself. 'I've never been one to follow global politics, and after leaving the Fang, I tried to isolate myself from anything outside of the island. If I had read more newspapers that came with the refugees and traders, maybe I would have recognized Jaune right away.'

"What do you want with him?" I asked, pretending disinterest.

"I'm only concerned with the island's security and its people," Sienna replies. "Since he's here, I need to know his objectives."

"Really?" I question incredulously.

"After all, he's the first human authorized by the Chieftain to visit the island," she replies calmly. "He's basically a dignitary representing humans, at least those from Vale."

Hesitantly, I sat opposite her.

"Sienna... I don't like the way you do things," I comment, staring at her. "You incite violence, and it only leads to more suffering."

Sienna looked at me for a long moment, her eyes filled with an emotion I couldn't identify.

"And you, Master, taught me everything I know," she continued, smiling. "You taught me to fight for our rights, to defend our people-."

"But not to kill!" I interject. "And not to use fear as a weapon."

Sienna leaned forward, her eyes burning with intensity.

"Audra, the world is a cruel place," she comments, smiling sadistically. "Your role on the island is important, but you're isolated. I bet you've never seen the horrors of an SDC operation driven by faunus labor."

I look down, hiding my face, not wanting to give any indication that I agreed with this bitch.

"Faunus are oppressed, discriminated against, and massacred. We need to fight... and occasionally, the fight requires sacrifices."

I stood up, pacing the room.

"Don't hide your actions behind this curtain of virtuous glamor; you've become a murderer," I say to her, my voice choking with emotion. "You're responsible for the path Adam has taken."

Sienna fell silent for a moment, but then she sarcastically laughed at my statement.

"Adam is a hero for our cause," she says, getting up. "You should be proud of him."

"Get out of my house," I demanded, pointing to the door. "I wouldn't tell you anything, even if the boy was an Atlas spy."

Sienna walked to the door, but before leaving, she turned to me, her eyes filled with fury.

"You're a fool!" she exclaims, exalted. "You've closed yourself off from the world, and that's why you don't know what the Faunus are suffering nowadays."

"But I know what it's like to lose," I reply in a low voice. "I lost my husband, I lost my friends, I lost my faith in humanity, and because of you, I know I'll lose my son."

"Then you understand," Sienna says, her voice calmer. "You know what it takes to make a difference. Join me and Adam; you can stand by his side to prevent him from getting hurt."

Now it was my turn to laugh sarcastically.

"You don't understand, Sienna. You killed my son's soul by fueling his hatred," I replied in a melancholic tone. "I just know that I don't want any more violence, whether against Faunus or Humans."

Sienna approaches me, placing her hand on my shoulder.

"I understand and respect your decision," she says, opening the door. "But don't fool yourself, Audra. Humans always have second and third intentions when it comes to Faunus. We're not alike in his eyes. Be wary of this boy."

Sienna turned and left my house, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The moon still shone through the window, but now the light seemed cold and cruel.

"Damn it," I complain, falling onto my bed.

I was already suspicious of Jaune, but now Sienna has made me paranoid.

With that semblance, vehicles, and army of robots, he could take Kuo Kuana or even destroy all the Faunus on the island.

"I hope the Belladonna family isn't in danger."

[Ghira Belladonna]

Normally, I wouldn't allow the sharing of confidential information, especially with a human I met less than a day ago.

"And this is Blake at 2 years old, with a fish still alive that she caught from the pond," Kali says, smiling, with a photo album open on the table.

[Image]

But Jaune brought so much relief to my soul and happiness to my wife that I was willing to make an exception.

"Can I take photos with my Scroll and show them to her friends?" asked young Arc.

"Of course," says Kali, unaware of the sentence she had just given her daughter. "I'm sure Blake will love that her teammates know she has a loving family."

A mischievous smile spread across Jaune's face as he copied the baby photos of my daughter. I would have stopped him if part of me didn't think Blake deserved the inconvenience for not contacting us after leaving the White Fang.

"Do you want to see her photos at 7?" asked Kali, all excited. "That's when she finished her princess phase and started wearing only black."

"I want to see mini goth Blake, but I also want to see her as a little princess," Jaune replies, as happy as a miner who had struck gold.

In his case, gold in blackmail material.

Kali, all cheerful and bubbly, got up with the album in hand and left the room to fetch more childhood photos of our daughter.

"I'd like to take advantage of our privacy and discuss something with you, Mr. Arc," I say, getting the young man's attention.

Jaune looked annoyed. He had already told me he didn't like it when I called him Mr. Arc, but for the sake of our charade, I convinced him to accept the treatment.

"Besides the destroyed Grimms, you mentioned discovering a cave in Dire Death Valley?"

"Yes," replies Arc directly, taking his watch off his wrist and placing it on the table. "But I'll let Church explain."

A hologram of a soldier in blue armor materialized in front of me armed with a sniper rifle.

"I understand that the armor is a preference for aesthetics, but is the weapon in his hand really necessary?"

{{Let's make a deal. You mind your own business, and I'll mind mine,}} replies the blue-clad man irritably.

"Damn it, Church," Jaune complained, facepalming.

"This isn't a regular digital assistant, is it?" I asked, already suspecting something.

"No," confirms Jaune, sounding embarrassed. "And I'd appreciate it if you could keep it a secret."

I reassured the boy that I wouldn't share it with anyone, and he briefly explained the nature of Church's existence, also referred to as Alpha, an artificial intelligence.

{{Now that everyone is up to speed on the details, we can talk about the Dust mine,}} says Church, opening a hologram showing where Jaune fought the Twin Terror Rex. "I took the liberty of sending the other 6 Arc Knights to recon the cave you opened during the fight."

"Nice move, Church," comments Jaune, proud of his AI.

{{It was nothing. But a little heads up, I need to create another VA. Delta wasn't made to control drones and Blackbird at the same time," replies the hologram. {{So don't freak out when you see another one.}}

Despite the AI's actions being beneficial to its master, I'm a little concerned that it has the power to act independently of orders.

{{The drones that the cave is a natural deposit of Dust, iron, and other minerals in lesser quantities,}} he continues, showing images of the location and readings made by the robots.

From the images, the veins of Dust were enormous and close to the surface, meaning they were relatively easy to extract.

'Something so valuable was hidden under our island?' I think to myself. "I doubt humans would give these lands to the Faunus if they knew about this deposit.'

{{But Dust in such quantities is also extremely unstable. If not handled carefully, it can cause devastating explosions,}} Explains the AI, showing projections of mine explosions.

"Without the equipment and specialized labor, exploring the mine is out of the question," I comment to both of them.

[!]{{I don't want to underestimate your people's capabilities, but I recommend selling the exploration rights to a big company,"[!] suggested Church.

I sighed tiredly, closing my eyes and thinking about the situation.

"This discovery is both a blessing and a curse," I say, irritated.

Jaune looked confused at me, while the artificial intelligence had already understood what I meant with my statement.

"The potential of this mine could bring the socio-economic development that Menagerie so desperately needs. But the attention it brings will generate political turmoil among the other kingdoms, leading to more conflicts."

"How can this discovery cause political turmoil?" asks Jaune.

{{International powers may try to influence or control the government of small countries to gain access to resources,}} replies Church.

I nod in agreement with the statement.

"Vale and even Atlas wouldn't do such a thing, at least not openly and directly. Vacuo is far enough away to not be worth involving with our island," I says seriously, looking at the young Huntsman. "But now, Mistral..." I stop speaking, unable to articulate the worst.

{{I imagine that with their history, it's not unlikely for them to try to turn Menagerie into a colony. That could cause another war,}} adds Church.

Even though this artificial intelligence may be right, I can't help but feel frustrated.

"There's also the problem that not just any company can set up an operation so far from their territory, only the SDC," I add to the computer's statement. "Something I'd like to avoid."

And as much as I'm willing to swallow my pride and allow Jacques Schnee to profit from exploiting Menagerie's natural resources, the Faunus wouldn't stand for such an affront, even if that pride costs the development of our island. It would lead to a revolt, which could, as a consequence, have the White Fang taking control of the island and the future of all Faunus.

Jaune lays on the floor, looking at the ceiling in reflection. The young man seemed lost in thought.

"You don't need to do anything, Mr. Arc. You've already helped enough with the equipment, maps, and information about my daughter; don't feel obligated."

"Is Menagerie a sovereign nation?" Jaune Arc asks, cutting me off.

I look stunned at the question posed to me.

{{Yes?}} replies the AI uncertain if that's true or not.

"It's complicated, young man," I say, realizing I would crush his hopes. "We don't belong to anyone, but we're not technically a nation."

"What would it take for it to become a nation?" Jaune asked without hesitation.

{{Simplifying a lot,}} says the hologram, showing a list.

{1 - Declaration of Independence/Proclamation of the republic:

The first step is for the island to declare its independence from any other country or territory. This can be done through an official document, such as a declaration of independence or a proclamation. The document must declare the island's intention to become a sovereign and independent state, with its own government and laws.

2 - Establishment of a Government:

The island needs to create a government to administer the territory and represent its citizens. The government must define laws, power structures, and basic institutions for the nation's operation. This includes creating a legal system, security forces, taxation system, and its own currency.

3 - International Recognition:

To be considered a sovereign nation, the island needs to be recognized by another country. This means that another country must accept the island as an independent and legitimate state.}

"Although steps 1 and 2 are laborious, they are not impossible to achieve," I comment, examining the list. "Now the third one is not feasible in the near future. There's still much work to be done for one of the four kingdoms to even consider the possibility of recognizing a sovereign Faunus nation."

Jaune got up from the floor, jumping up and approaching the list, analyzing it more carefully.

"I think I can get recognition from a nation," says Jaune, as if such a feat were nothing special.

"No matter how influential your family is, Mr. Arc, the Vale Council needs to be unanimous to recognize a nation."

To my surprise, Jaune turned to me with a mischievous smile on his face.

"I'm thinking about Atlas, actually."

Before I could question the young man, Kali returned carrying a box of albums.

"I found Blake's photos in the potty."

[POV Original]

Today was a long day.

Arriving in Menagerie, explaining Blake's situation to her family, killing some Grimms, and storing about 45 terabytes of photos for blackmail.

Not to mention the new points I earned by defeating 20 Capybara, 57 Terror Raptors, 1 Twin Terror Rex.

Multiverse Crafting System

What would you like to make?

Magic: 71.463 Points

Aura: 100%

I spent 10,000 making the weapons for the guard, I got 10,059 killing Grimm. According to Church, each Capybara gave me 0.1 equal to a Beowulf, 1 for Terror Raptor and 10,000 for the Twin Terror Rex.

Apparently, there's no point in farming weak Grimms, I have to go after the big ones, Leviathan class if possible. And for that I need to get stronger.

But this makes me wonder.

'How many points would I gain by killing Salem... or one of the Maidens?'

{{Do you have shit for brains?}}

"AAH!" I yell in a very masculine way, not like a little girl.

{{Are you planning to get involved in international politics, getting Atlas to recognize the sovereignty of a Faunus state?}}

"Look, I know it's going to be difficult."

{{Difficult is tying your shoelaces without your thumbs. You want to do something akin to resolving the conflicts between Israel and Palestine.}}

The worst part is, he's right, but I need to try.

"Ironwood holds two seats on the Atlas Council and is currently the most popular. If I can persuade him, the other members will follow him like sheep."

{{And how do you plan to talk to him?}}

"He's part of Ozpin's inner circle. I'll end up talking to him during the Vytal Festival."

{{Okay, let's pretend Ironwood buys into your idea and agrees to help you. He still needs a big reason to do it. Something plausible for the other council members to support his decision.}}

"Damn it!" I exclaim aloud. "You're right."

As much as Ironwood is on my side, I need a plausible reason for him to want to involve Atlas in such a complex and controversial matter.

"I could use my inventions as an argument."

{{The same ones you've already sent models and blueprints for? The money will start pouring into your account in a week.}}

"Damn it!"

{{Let me review the material you sent, see if I can find any loopholes.}} Church says, falling silent.

The birth of a Faunus nation wouldn't directly help me in the fight against Salem, but it would help put them on equal footing when negotiating with other nations.

I silently mull over some ideas in my head, trying to find something, but the closest I come to a plan is building a CCT tower in Menagerie. But it's worth more just to spend my points investing in infrastructure for them, like schools, walls, hospitals, and roads.

{{I'VE GOT IT!}} Church shouted, making me jump to my feet.

"What??"

{{You sent them the model for the Arc Reactor room, the same one we used on the ship, you lucky mother fucker.}}

"And then?"

{{Then they need the element that Tony Stark created based on his father's work, the famous Badassium.}}

"Seriously, is that the name?"

{{You talk like you wouldn't give it an nerdier name.}}

I chuckled nervously, avoiding Church's inquisitive gaze.

{{If they want to use Arc Reactor technology, they'll have to talk to you to get the element.}} Church says, all excited. {{Someone like Ironwood could sell the idea that the Arc Reactor would cut costs and help the Faunus cause, good for publicity. Leaving just one thorn in your side... a mustached stone that dyes his hair white.}}

"Jacques Schnee," I comment disheartened.

{{The guy monopolizes the Dust market, non-militarized technological research, and also has some tentacles in communication.}} Church says, projecting graphs to prove his point. {{The guy is like a fusion of Zuckerberg, Rockefeller, Musk, Bezos, and Lex Luthor... just less competent.}}

"Jesus."

{{Yep, are you sure the pony tailed snowflake is going to stand up to daddy?}}

"I need to talk to Weiss, see if she's up for this fight or not first." I says in a more serious tone, lying down on the floor. "But I guarantee you, Church, if she buys into our fight, Jacques doesn't stand a chance." I finish smiling, confident in the Heiress's capabilities.

[Audra Taurus]

I walk through the streets of Kuo Kuana, stomping my foot firmly on the ground. Yesterday was an... interesting day, to say the least. I spent the entire time babysitting Jaune Arc, the strangest human in all of Remnant.

At first, I thought he was just any human with too much money and too much free time. But as the day went on, I had the opportunity to realize that he seemed to be hiding something. He asked me strange questions on the way back at night, wanting to know things like Kuo Kuana's infrastructure and what kind of labor we were most in need of.

And the way he looked at me... staring at me intently, as if probing my defenses or searching for something within me.

I shudder just remembering the intensity of his gaze.

To make matters worse, Sienna's surprise visit left me paranoid about the boy I tried to be polite to at first. Now I couldn't shake the feeling that he had ill intentions.

Jaune Arc is not what he seems. There is something more to him, something I can't unravel.

"Good morning, Commander Taurus," says a melodious voice, catching my attention. "I didn't think you'd come today."

I gave a wry smile as I approached the old lady carrying a basket of fish.

"I've told you to call me Audra, Mrs. Brasa."

"Only if you call me Kouka, my daughter," replies the elderly faunus with reptilian scales on her face. "When you call me 'Mrs.,' I feel so old," the lady chuckled ironically.

Kouka Brasa, the most beloved elder on the island, with her turtle scales adorning her arms, a smile always present on her lips, and a serene aura of compassion, she has a presence that instantly calms me.

We stopped for a moment, observing each other. It's been a few days since I had any time off, and the human had the decency to leave me alone today.

"How is the Almshouse?" I ask, curious.

A warm smile lights up Kouka's face.

"It's all well, dear," she replies. "The children are playing, the elderly are resting, and the injured are recovering."

Chieftain Ghira Belladonna is our leader and our voice, but Kouka Brasa is the soul of our community.

"You're an inspiration to us all, Kouka," I say sincerely. "Your kindness and generosity are a blessing to the Faunus of Menagerie."

"Don't put me on that pedestal, Audra," she replies. "We all do our part."

We talk for a few more minutes, enjoying each other's company as we walk slowly toward the Almshouse, until the calm is broken by a cry for help.

"Mrs. Brasa!" shouted a familiar female voice.

I turned on my heels to face Saphi Flaxen, a small, young bat faunus with short light blue hair whom I trained in my spare time.

[Image]

"The Almshouse has been invaded by a human."

"What?" the elderly woman asked, concerned.

I approached the girl, who only just noticed my presence.

"Master Taurus," she says, bowing slightly. "I swear I tried to fight him, but the human was too powerful. He toyed with me and mocked my efforts as if I were a child." Tears of shame streamed down Saphi's face. "When I saw that I couldn't defeat him, I decided to seek help."

Without a second thought, I grabbed Saphi by the arm while charging my leg muscles with aura.

"Saphi and I will go ahead," I say, not paying attention to Kouka's response.

I dashed at high-speed thanks to my aura-energized legs. Unfortunately, Saphi couldn't keep up, so I was dragging her along like a kite, due to her bat faunus trait of wings at the base of her back.

After a few minutes of running, I heard children's screams.

"No!" I exclaimed, charging my leg muscles with more Aura and pulling Saphi closer to my body. "Hold on, Saphi."

THOOM!

In a single motion, I leaped over the building in our way.

"AAAAAAH!" screamed the bat faunus, clinging to my body.

'I can already see from afar the wooden mansion with a wooden fence, just a few more-.'

"I'M GOING TO DESTROY MENAGERIE!" shouted a powerful voice from behind the wooden building.

I ran worriedly behind the mansion and came face to face with the last thing I expected to see today.

"Get the human!" several children shouted, jumping on top of an irritated blonde I was quite familiar with.

"Nooooooo..." Jaune exclaimed dramatically, falling to the ground. "My plans to destroy Menagerie would have worked if it weren't for these meddlesome kids." His tone made him sound like a villain from old cartoons.

I was paralyzed by the situation. Jaune Arc was buried under a pile of children, all laughing and celebrating the defeat of the feared human in their "fight."

He looked at me and waved as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened.

"Good morning," he adds, smiling like the idiot he is.

Saphi detached herself from my body, trembling, and I walked firmly to the human lying on the ground.

"Kids, I need to talk to the human," I say to the group.

Immediately, all the children stopped laughing and looked at me disappointed, starting to complain.

"Nooooo!"

"Just 5 more minutes."

"I want to play a little longer."

"He was going to teach me how to burp my name."

'How did he make friends with them so quickly?' I questioned myself internally.

I grab the human buried on the ground and pulled Jaune from under the pile, lifting him up to chest height. But some children clung to his legs. I lift the human by the arm as if he were a rag doll. I shook him, trying to remove the children. Throughout the process, Jaune stared at me without even blinking.

'Why does he stare at me so much?' I questioned internally. 'He was playing peacefully with the children, and now he's disgusted by me?'

Once Saphi recovered from the trip, she took the children to play elsewhere while I talked to Arc.

"Why are you here?" I started, in an irritated tone. "Why did you attack Saphi? Why were you playing with the children?"

"Saphi?" he questions, confused.

Annoyed by his blasé reaction, I pointed to the girl leading the children away.

"Aaaaaaah!" he exclaims in realization. "When I arrived here, all the kids were afraid of me, except her," Jaune replies, smiling serenely. "She came running toward me, screaming with joy and hugging me."

"That doesn't seem right." I reply doubting him.

"I'm serious. She ran up to me screaming, 'It can't be true! By the gods, a human!' and hugged me so tightly that I was moved."

This boy can't be that dumb.

"I think she's probably never seen a human before and got all excited."

He's that dumb. The difference in strength between the two was so great that Jaune didn't even register Saphi as a threat, even though she had awakened Aura.

"And how did you convince the children not to be afraid of you?"

"I gave them candy."

...

"You can't be serious."

"It's not complicated, Audra," Jaune says in a more mature tone than usual. "They want to play and eat sweets."

I furrowed my brow, irritated by the lesson the human was trying to give me.

"And what makes you an authority on faunus children?"

Jaune smiled sarcastically in my direction and turned to where a group of Almshouse children had gone to play.

"HEY, KIDS!" Jaune shouted, catching the group's attention. "I'M GOING TO GIVE OUT MORE CANDY IF YOU CAN KNOCK AUDRA DOWN!"

All the children turned to me.

"What?" I murmured apprehensively.

Before I could react, a wave of laughter and cheerful shouts filled the air as the children ran toward me. My eyes widened in shock, but an involuntary smile crept onto my lips. The Almshouse children were small, but together, they were a force to be reckoned with.

[Sienna]

Sitting on my throne, I observe Ilia Amitola kneeling before me. The young chameleon faunus looks down, her posture reflecting a mix of respect and fear.

I stare at her, assessing her expression before speaking. I sent her to spy on the human who walks around Menagerie as if he owns the island.

A simple mission for someone with Ilia's skills, so I find it strange the fear that hangs over her.

"Ilia," my voice resonates, laden with authority but also with a touch of curiosity. "What do you have to tell me?"

Ilia lifts her gaze to meet mine, hesitating for a moment, as if pondering how to express what she needs to communicate.

"Madam Khan," she begins, her voice calm but firm. "The human spent the entire day at the Almshouse, and perhaps you won't be pleased with my report."

"I understand your apprehension. But it's vital that you recount everything you witnessed in detail, Ilia," I tell her, my voice maintaining the same calm and authority. "I'm interested to hear what you found out."

Ilia takes a deep breath before continuing, her eyes searching mine for any reaction.

"The human, Jaune Arc, seems to have gained the sympathy of the Almshouse residents. Children, adults, and the elderly." She explains, choosing her words carefully. "He spent the whole day there, interacting with the children and the needy. He distributed candies and medicines that reportedly have miraculous properties."

A wave of incredulity washes over me.

"Miracles?" I repeat, the word sounding almost like an insult. "Continue."

Ilia swallows hard, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.

"The medicines closed wounds instantly, people with difficulty moving were playing with children by the end of the day, and Saphi had her muscles restored."

I raise an eyebrow at the last statement, incredulous with what I was hearing.

"Give me more details about this Saphi."

Ilia nods and begins to explain.

"Saphi is an orphan faunus who arrived at the island not long ago, survived without her parents as a beggar. Due to malnutrition, her muscles and bones did not develop properly."

"A story that unfortunately is common among Faunus."

"Yes," Ilia agrees in a melancholic tone.

I understand the sadness of this young woman kneeling in front of me. Saphi has been through so much.

"Because of her condition, many were surprised when Audra accepted the bat faunus as an apprentice and awakened her Aura." I explain to Ilia. "Although Aura empowers the body, Saphi would never be able to be a decent fighter due to her body condition."

Ilia swallows hard before continuing, as if gathering courage.

"The human healed her."

"Impossible!" I exclaimed, rising from the throne. "Her condition is not a disease or a wound. For any semblance of healing to even have the possibility of helping her, it would have to be something with the power to reshape flesh."

"I don't know what to say... the human gave her the green pill that he had given to heal the other wounded at the Almshouse, but it had no effect on her."

"That makes sense," I added sarcastically.

"But... the human reached out, and a golden mist formed over her." Ilia says in a hesitant tone.

I stare at the young woman curious about the conclusion of this strange report.

"When the mist dissipated, a vial with a strange red liquid was in his hand." Ilia looked down again before continuing.

"Probably a semblance of creation," I commented, throwing logic against the doubts of the young woman.

"The boy must be a charlatan, claiming miraculous cures, when in reality they must be nothing more than a placebo effect."

Ilia shook her head violently, denying my statement.

"The feat was instantaneous; shortly after, Saphi was already jumping and skipping, claiming to be much stronger. Audra did a physical evaluation of her on the spot and found that her muscles and even her bones had been restored from years of malnutrition."

I widen my eyes shocked at the end of the report. Does the human possess a semblance of creation capable of generating miraculous remedies?

"People were impressed with his actions, Madam Khan. Many of them expressed gratitude and admiration for him."

My mind works quickly, calculating the meaning of this information. Jaune Arc was becoming more than just a simple concern. He was now a threat to my authority and the order I fought so hard to establish in Menagerie.

"You've done a good job, Ilia," I say, my voice softening slightly. "Return to your duties, but continue to monitor the movements of this human. We'll need to act cautiously."

Ilia nods, relieved to have completed her mission but aware of the gravity of the situation. As she leaves, my mind is busy with plans to contain this new threat, determined not to let Jaune Arc undermine my authority in my own land.

"I don't know what your plan is, human. But I assure you, you won't do as you please in Menagerie." I speak alone on my throne.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

E ai gurizada?

I was happy to see people agreeing with me, Weiss's Semblance and fighting style would make her an excellent Maiden.

—Robert_Hohman:

"Jaune Arc is a manipulation genius or just a reckless fool."

...it's both XD

—Response= You are right.

—Blazingen1:

Was the stowaway Pyrrha or Amber, Im confused.

Also, I thought Amber had darker skin tones? I see OC has a thing for Amazonian women. A man of Culture I see.

—Response= It's amber using a disguise. One of the new items from the list was an Image Inducer.

—Shirou-emiya-JinMori:

bro got that Hawaiian Ken Barbie drip.

—Response= Best comment about Jaune's new look.

—Mikhail Sharon:

Boudicca? Is that a Fate reference? And is she Pyrrha's sister?

—Response= Sorry bro, I just know the historical figure not the fate character... is she hot?