Capítulo 26: EAT THIS
[Adam Tauros]
Today, my steps lead me to a nightmare scenario.
A White Fang outpost, once a strategic stronghold, now lies in ruins. The air is filled with the metallic smell of blood and the sickly stench of death as mutilated bodies lie strewn across the ground.
We were responding to a distress signal that requested my help. Something warranted my personal presence, other members warned me that it could be a trap, but I assured them that no human or robot would be able to overcome me in combat.
"Commander Tauros." Says a lynx faunus who accompanied me on this mission. "You need to see this."
I respond with a nod and follow him to the place I'm needed.
My heart beats wildly as I walk through the rubble and dismembered corpses. Pain and fury intertwine in my chest as I recognize some of the victims.
My friends, my brothers in arms, lay scattered across the floor like broken dolls, their faces frozen in expressions of terror and pain. The sight of the cruelty that befell them fills me with helpless rage, a fury that burns through my veins like white-hot lava.
'What happened here? Who could inflict such carnage?' I think in silence.
Further ahead, two of my agents were examining the radio and next to the equipment was the body of a young Faunus.
"The distress signal that called you came from here." He mentioned the technician evaluating the radio.
As soon as I get closer, I stop when I notice the young faunus' situation. He was no more than sixteen years old.
Both legs and one of his arms were cut off. At first glance, it looked like the cut wounds had been cauterized with a hot iron. His horns broken, his skin torn open from brutal blows.
"What kind of monster would do such a thing?" Asks the technician.
"Darksteel?" He suggests the Faunus lynx who accompanied me here.
I remain silent, I let them believe that this was the work of Noir Arc, but the body of the young man in front of me makes it clear that this was not an act of pure sadism.
His legs and one of his arms were cut off to ensure he couldn't get out of where the victim was placed. His arm was spared so he could use the radio and call for help, a cruel but effective tactic.
"How long has it been since he died?" I ask in a dry tone.
"A few hours, probably from shock from the injuries."
I stand up thoughtfully, examining the slaughter.
Doors were broken, but no important structures such as beams, towers or walls were torn down. The place just needs to be cleaned and its doors repaired to be useful again.
'Why so much death and mutilation without causing any damage to the structures?' I think to myself.
I need more information.
"Was something stolen?" I ask no one in particular.
"No sir."
I turn sharply, scaring the agent. He jolts as I walk up to the agent who answered my question and looked at him intensely.
"Are you sure?"
"Y-yes, s-sir." He replies, stuttering. "Rations, weapons, Ammunition, Dust, Vehicles and other miscellaneous items. Everything is here according to the warehouse manifest. Everything the Quarter master logged."
"Shit!" I mumble with my blood boiling. "This wasn't just an attack, someone is trying to send me a message."
[Amber Stone]
"You know, I'm starting to regret coming along." I complain without using the redheaded white girl disguise.
{{For what reason, Miss Stone?}} Delta asks.
"I thought that on the second day the boy was going to do something like blow up the island or declare war, but he stayed all day playing with orphans and healing the wounded."
{{I believe this unit is unable to understand the nature of your complaint.}} Notes the digital voice that sounded more like an emotionless robot than Church. {{But I can send your complaint to Master Arc if it is of interest to you. }}
"Ish... no need." I respond, getting up from the inflatable mattress I've been using to sleep on the ship. "I don't want to be known as the woman who hates orphans and who finds it boring to heal the wounded."
As soon as I stand up, I sigh tiredly and walk towards the cooler that Jaune had left stocked for me.
"It's a shame the kid didn't add some beers." I lament as I pick up a chocolate drink I've never seen before. "Toddynho..." I say the name out loud, trying to remember if I saw something like that circulating, but nothing comes to mind.
I take the straw out of the plastic and stick it in the designated area before the wonder of chocolate milk enters my mouth.
"Huuuuum." I moan out loud, satisfied. "This is really good, huh." I comment, taking another sip of the drink. "I haven't moaned like that since my summer vacation in Vacuo, haven't I, Delta?"
...
{{I regret to inform you that I do not have enough data for a conclusive answer, Miss Stone.}}
I always forget that unlike Church, Delta is not a sentient being.
"Damn, being here alone is already making me nervous." I mutter to myself, as I take another sip of Toddynho.
The sweet, creamy taste calms me down a little, but the frustration with the situation is still present.
I look out the aircraft window, taking in the seaside landscape of Menagerie. It is a beautiful place of mesmerizing deserts and paradisiacal beaches. But it is also a place marked by poverty and violence.
Jaune is determined to help the Faunus of Menagerie. I admire your compassion and idealism, but I can't help but worry. He's young and inexperienced and his plans don't seem well thought out.
"Maybe I'm being too pessimistic." I think out loud. "Maybe Jaune can really make a difference here."
Suddenly, Delta stops me.
{{Miss Stone, I need your attention.}}
"What was it?" I ask between sips of Toddynho.
{{Mister Arc has requested that I inform you of his plans for Menagerie. Since you are apparently here as an escort.}}
"Plans?" I ask, curious. "What kind of plans?"
Delta explains to me Jaune's plan to have Atlas recognize Menagerie as a sovereign nation, similar to the four kingdoms.
I am shocked by the news. The plan is ambitious, bold and even dangerous.
"This is crazy!" I exclaim, spitting out the Toddynho I was drinking, staining my clothes. "He can't do that!"
{{I understand your surprise, Miss Stone. Mister Arc's plan is risky, but he believes it is the only way to ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for the Faunus of Menagerie.}}
"But this is an invitation to chaos!" I argue. "Imagine the reaction of the other kingdoms! They will never accept Menagerie as an equal!"
{{Mister Arc is aware of the challenges, Miss Stone. He is confident that with the support of the Faunus and his allies, he can overcome any obstacle.}}
"I don't know what to say." I say, still in shock. "This is a lot to process."
In addition to the attention of the four kingdoms, he also attracts the eyes of the Queen of Grimms.
{{Miss Stone, Mr. Arc needs your support. He believes in you and your abilities.}}
"I know he believes." I say thoughtfully. "But I don't know if I can help you with that."
{{It's up to you to decide whether or not to help Mr. Arc in his endeavors.}}
"Shit!"
[ORIGINAL POV]
In the house of the Belladonnas I was sleeping soundly, some would say I was sleeping the sleep of the righteous.
{Cobras fumantes, eterna é sua vitória}
That is until that blue asshole plays Sabaton's Smoking Snakes at full volume.
{Rise from the blood of your heroes}
"I'm already on my feet!" I complained, getting up from the futon.
{{Good morning.}} Commented Church from the Scroll next to my pillow. {{Yesterday you missed breakfast with Blake's parents and promised you would cook with Kali in the morning to make up for it.}}
"Thanks." I grumbled to Ai who was enjoying my suffering.
{{By the way, yesterday the children ate so much candy that half of them went to bed with a stomach ache, that koala faunus banned you from going back there for a week.}}
Even though I don't like the idea of children suffering, they need a day of fun and celebration. They had suffered a lot, in addition to having lost their fathers and mothers. In their eyes, it was evident that they were operating in survival mode.
{{If you go back there, think before you distribute candy and junk food.}}
"Believe me, Church...those orphans needed this."
The dark tone of my voice touched Church to the point where he changed the subject.
{{Let's talk about the results of your walk yesterday, did you get the information you wanted?}}
Walking to the bathroom I give a summary of what I learned yesterday.
Shared suffering brought the Faunus of Menagerie together in a way that goes beyond words. They support each other, finding comfort and strength in the difficulties they share.
But even with this mutual help, life is a delicate dance between hope and despair. They live in humble homes, built with love and sweat. Their children play in the dusty streets, laughing and dreaming of a better world. At night, people gather around bonfires, sharing stories of courage and resistance.
This makes it difficult to help them, because whenever I tried to ask directly or offer help to any faunus I was repelled with insults and promises of violence.
If it weren't for Aura and the super soldier serum, I would fear for my life just walking down the streets.
{{They didn't seem so needy to me, especially with such happy children playing in the streets.}}
"Children on the streets have families, their parents suffer in silence for their happiness." I comment in a somber tone.
I finished washing up in the bathroom and put on my Huntsmen gear, since today I plan to visit another Grimms hotspot.
{{What do you mean by parents who suffer in silence?}}
"The majority of children on the streets are well nourished and live a happy life with their families, but many fathers and mothers suffer from anemia, I even saw some elderly people literally starving."
{{How does Ghira allow something like this?}}
"They can't have food for everyone Church." I comment leaving the room. "In a survival mindset, adults go hungry so children can eat well... at least those who are good fathers and mothers."
{{You speak as if you've experienced it firsthand.}}
I breathe tiredly at the AI's insight.
"Am I an open book to you?"
Church responds with a shrug before speaking.
{{The bad thing about having your feelings raw is that others can take advantage of them.}}
I nod my head before opening up.
"I don't remember exactly because I was very young at the time. But in my past life, my uncles informed me about the difficulties my father and mother went through so that my brother and I wouldn't go through the same thing."
{{It may have been difficult for them, but seeing you and your brother happy and healthy was the most important thing in the world to them.}}
"Yes..." I respond muttering with slightly teary eyes. "I'm proud to be their son and I hope the original Jaune was as lucky as me with parents just as wonderful."
I walk slowly towards the kitchen, where Kali is waiting for me with a smile on her face and a pink apron in her hands.
[Kali Belladonna]
The aroma of fresh coffee wafted through the air as I fried some eggs in the pan. Jaune was next to me taking something he made on his own out of the oven, the name of the dish is "cheese bread".
Since he arrived, Jaune had always been a cheerful young man, with an infectious smile and a zest for life that was hard to ignore. But today, his movements were slow and his smile seemed forced, as if he was hiding something.
"Jaune, is everything okay?" I ask, trying to hide my concern.
He looked at me for a brief moment, his blue eyes clouded with a nostalgic sadness.
"Yes, of course." He says, his voice wavering. "Just a little tired."
Of course I didn't believe him. His posture was different, he was hunched over and his radiant smile seemed pale and forced. There was something else going on, something he was hiding from me. But I didn't want to pressure him, so I continued stirring the dough in silence.
I reached out and placed my hand on his shoulder.
"I know we've only known you for a short time Jaune, but you've already done so much for our family and Menagerie." I say, trying to comfort him. "Please, ... you can open up to me."
The boy was standing still, he even seemed paralyzed by my statement. I thought maybe I had crossed the line, that maybe I had forced too much of the intimacy I thought I had with the young human, but as soon as a genuine, but tired smile, blossomed on his face, leaving me relieved.
"Blake is so lucky to have you as a mom." Says the young man smiling, but with a tear running down his face.
Even though his eyes were watering, the genuine happiness in the young man's words and smile was evident.
"Oh, Jaune..." Unable to contain myself at such a wonderful and sincere comment, I hugged the young human. "You can tell me anything."
Jaune sighed heavily, as if he was preparing to exert himself physically.
"I'm sorry, it's just that..." He responds, returning the hug. "My feelings come to the surface easily... in the morning, talking to Church, we talked about a sensitive subject for me."
And then, he told me everything.
He told of the fathers and mothers of Menagerie who proudly go hungry to ensure their children have enough to eat and how this resonated with him as his father and mother had done the same for him and his brother.
DING!
"The oven!" Jaune exclaims, breaking away from the hug.
At first I found the statement strange, the Arc family is very old and powerful, it is impossible that Jaune's parents had been in need. But anyone who had heard the confession from Jaune's mouth would know that he was telling the truth, not only because he has no reason to lie, but his words carry true emotions tied to his past.
"Test one." Then the boy passed me a strange baked white cupcake with a golden crust.
Holding what Jaune called cheese bread, I feel the heat emanating from its golden surface, inviting me to take the first bite. The crispy crust gives way under my teeth, revealing a soft, moist interior that melts in your mouth. The salty flavor of the cheese mixes with the light and airy texture, creating a symphony of sensations that transports me to paradise.
I close my eyes and focus on every detail of the experience. The buttery aroma invades my nostrils, while the irresistible flavor makes me want more and more.
"Huuuum." Unintentionally, I moan while eating the deliciousness.
"I think you liked it."
The boy smiles again as if he hadn't opened his heart a few seconds ago.
"Sir Arc." States Ghira entering the kitchen. "Someone at the gate wants to talk to you."
"Audra?" Jaune asks curiously.
"She too, go ahead and I want to talk to my wife and try one of those cupcakes that smell so good." Ghira responds, reaching for a cheese bread.
Still finding the surprise visit strange, Jaune removes his apron and left the kitchen towards the main gate.
As soon as we were alone, Ghira turns to me and begins talking.
"I heard everything." My husband comments between bites. "You know it's a story full of holes, right?"
"You didn't see him Ghira, he was really emotional, there's no way he could have lied." I reply in a melancholic tone.
With one hand, Ghira picks up several cheese rolls and approaches me.
"Sentimentality cannot blind us Kali, especially with someone we know so little about."
"What are you trying to say?"
"I am grateful for what the young man is doing for us and the Faunus of Menagerie, but perhaps it was hasty of us to welcome him into our home."
"Ghira Belladonna!" I exclaim, pointing my finger accusingly at his chest. "That boy will bring our daughter back and by the grace of the brother Gods and the God of animals, he will be the father of our grandchildren."
The words came out of my mouth with such force that surprised even myself. Frustration and anger were bubbling inside me, and I couldn't stop myself.
Ghira stares at me for a moment, his eyes full of surprise. But soon his expression softened and he sat down next to me, placing a hand over mine.
"Kali, honey." He says quietly. "I know you're upset. But we need to be rational about this. We can't just put all our hopes in a boy we barely know."
"But Ghira, you saw him!" I beg. "You saw the passion in his eyes when he talked about his family, he is such a kind, sensitive young man who knows how to cook and is willing to help whenever he can." I cried out loud. "He's perfect for Blake."
Ghira sighed tiredly.
"Are you sure it's not because Jaune Arc is Adam's opposite that you want him with our daughter? Remember Adam was once like him, no Adam was exactly like him. If weren't that his world view had become so drastically polarized... I believe they could been good friends. People change Kali What will we do once he leaves we can't rely on one man for our peoples prosperity no matter your personal feeling on the matter."
Ghira stands in the kitchen hand holding a scone, his face solemn. Eyes stared blankly into the wall by me, but I know him well enough to know that his mind is alight with what could have been, better times and what is to come with this new foreigner in this land under his protection.
Ghira's words hit me like a punch in the gut. He was right, I was letting emotion get the best of me. Jaune was a brave and kind young man, but I had only known him for a few days. It was crazy to think he was Blake's savior.
"I... I don't know." I reply, my voice weak.
Suddenly I need to sit as Ghira moves to support me.
"I just want my daughter to be safe and happy." I finish.
Ghira hugs me, pulling me close.
"Me too, darling." He murmurs onto the top of my head, hugging me. "Me too."
[ORIGINAL POV]
{{I didn't expect that.}} Comments Church in my ear.
Despite agreeing with the voice that came out through Scouter, I thought it prudent not to say it out loud.
"Greetings human." Says the hooded figure on the left with a fox tail.
"The White Fang salutes you." Completes the hooded figure on the right with fox ears.
They were Corsac and Fennec Albain, brothers with dark skin, dark hair and faunus fox features. In the original series they aren't very strong, despite having an awakened aura, but their cultist vibe added to the sinister stereotype of twins who complete what the other says is giving me chills.
"Hiiiii..." I reply, skin crawling at being in their eerie presence, somewhat embarrassed.
"We learn that his grace, Chieftain Belladonna, has provided you with a local guide." Corsac says in a harsh sound, almost whispering.
"Would such a statement be true, Human?" Fennec completes the question making the word human sound as if something he'd found on the sole of his shoe.
"Ish." I squeak out loud without meaning to.
I didn't mean to offend, but the tone in which they keep calling me human and these two on top of that seemed like a male and Latin version of the twins from "The Shining".
"Yes this is true." Replies a female voice behind them. "And the guide would like you two to stop talking, as if she weren't here."
Audra is overflowing with irritation and aggression and although I didn't wish that discomfort on her, it was interesting to see her irritated with someone who wasn't me, for a change.
Wanting to end this conversation quickly, I responded with a nod.
"Splendid." Comments the twin with fox ears. "We are here with a proposal for you."
"A gesture of good faith by the White Fang, to demonstrate that we can coexist with humans who treat us with due respect." Completes the twin with a fox tail.
They both had a disturbing smile on their faces.
"Okay..." My tone was more discouraged than I thought.
I already don't like these two Manson Family wannabe, but then you add all their pomp and prose of a sinister evil cult trying to pretend to be friendly...
'This is really weird, I'll listen politely to the proposal, but I'll deny whatever shit they say.' I think to myself.
{{By the way.}} Whispers Church in Scouter my ear, without anyone else hearing. {{Since you're playing politician, it's not a good idea to deny these guys without a realy good excuse.}}
...
"Shit." I grunt loudly, turning my face away.
[Ilia Amitola]
The Great Leader Khan ordered the Albain to make an offer to the human, to demonstrate that the White Fang is not against his presence on the island, to offer one of our members as extra security along with the commander who already accompanies her.
From this human's facial expressions of discomfort, I thought he had realized our plan to get someone close to him to get information. But as soon as he heard the offer, he immediately accepted me as his bodyguard.
{Go, go, go, go, go, go, go
Gotta go fast}
Audra Taurus was furious with the proposal. The last thing she wanted was to be involved with the White Fang. Even though I don't agree with her point of view, I respect her for everything she did for Menagerie and the Faunus call the island home. If the human hadn't calmed her down, Audra would have attacked the Albian brothers for helping Sienna lead Adam astray.
{Gotta go fast
Gotta go faster, faster, faster, faster, faster}
"WHY DON'T YOU TURN IT OFF?" The Commander of the Menagerie Guard shouted.
We were sitting on beach chairs on top of a dune, a large canvas tent had been erected to protect us from the sun.
"Because if I turn off the scroll, it will turn on the car stereo at the same time." The red-haired human replied. "Then relax and enjoy the strange, repetitive music, which is probably from a stupid cartoon."
I didn't want to agree with the human, but this song was unbearably childish.
{Moving at the speed of sound
I'm the quickest hedgehog around}
I get up from the chair, moving away from the two of them and that horrible music. From the top of the dune, I saw my target, Jaune Arc. The man I'm supposed to be watching is skating in his Air Shoes across the Savage Sand Sea. Which in itself would be an unusual sight.
However, while Jaune Arc "skates", he is also being chased by a school of Sand Jaws.
[Image]
Terrible Grimms that inhabit this region, the beast looked like a mutation of a shark that, in addition to having the ability to swim in the sand, has arms and legs with claws as sharp as the teeth in its jaw.
"I don't know if he's brave or crazy." I mutter to myself.
As he watched, one of the Dune Jaw charged at the human, jumping out of the sand trying to grab him.
CHOMP!
But the human dodges by doing a pirouette.
"You're too slow." Mocks Jaune in a cartoon voice.
His movements were simple, but his reflexes, response time, and speeds were incredible. He was too fast to be just an apprentice Huntsman.
"He's crazy." I comment looking at the blonde being chased by 7 grimm sharks and with 3 more approaching. "Why is he doing this?"
"Training." The red-haired human responds, drinking chocolate milk from a brown box.
"Training?" I question the answer.
The human gets up and comes to my side and points her finger at Jaune.
"Despite his talent and physical aptitude, the boy did not have a standard education when compared to the other Huntsmen apprentices in Vale." She comments, calmly examining Jaune movements. "With skating, he trains balance and agility, improving his ability to move with fluidity and precision in the midst of chaotic battles. Strength and resistance are necessary due to the constant need to propel oneself with skates and avoid obstacles, strengthening the individual's leg muscles and core, increasing their strength and physical resistance for prolonged combat."
"But why risk being eaten?" I ask in astonishment.
This time it was Audra who spoke up.
"The constant threat of sharks in the sand forces Jaune to maintain a state of high alert, enhancing his spatial awareness and ability to react instantly to unexpected dangers."
Explains Audra as if skating with sharks were a common workout.
"This ability is crucial for anticipating opponents' attacks in combat."
"He is also training in Aura control." Complete the red-haired human. "It feeds the muscles with energy when they need to move away and also prevents things like muscle fatigue and cramps."
I finally understand Sienna's fears and why she suspected he could be so dangerous.
I faced the human deftly dodging another shark that was approaching.
He was more than a fool with resources and time to spare. He is a formidable warrior with unlimited potential, a clever strategist who knows how to make the best use of his time, and is a charismatic figure who is helping the helpless.
I clench my fists as disgust and anger begin to boil inside my mind.
Jaune Arc was shaping his own destiny and he is using Menagerie as a tool to do so.
[Arthur Watts]
I kneel before the imposing figure of Salem, queen of the Grimms. Her ember-red eyes pierce me as she stares at me, assessing my intentions.
"Arthur Watts." She murmurs dismissively. "You dare interrupt my plans with your petitions?"
My hands shake, but I keep my gaze steady.
"A thousand pardons, my Queen, but I came to ask for your permission to travel to Atlas. But there are rumors of a new technology that I need to investigate."
She tilts her head, her night-black hair falling over her shoulders.
"Atlas? Why should I allow you to go there? The plan for the fall of Beacon is at a crucial stage."
I take a deep breath, gathering what little courage I have left for being alone before the most powerful being in all of Remnant.
"But my part has already been completed successfully, your majesty. The Black Queen virus is already in your student's possession." I explain in a respectful tone. "If she can successfully install it on Beacon's CTT Tower, I can support her from anywhere in the world that has coverage from one of the towers, including Atlas."
Salem frowns, looking at me in disgust.
"I'm not known for being flexible or enjoying being contradicted, Arthur. And I'm not convinced that a human toy is worthy of putting my machinations at risk."
From the shadows of his throne two Beowulfs emerge and begin to circle me menacingly.
"P-please, my queen." The words come out before I can stop them. "I have allies in Atlas, people who can provide me with information without arousing suspicion. If my absence doesn't please you, I can then try to contact one of them."
She considers my words as the dark monsters approach, growling towards me.
"Arthur..." She whispers menacingly from the throne. "If you fail in your little project, there will be no forgiveness. The fall of Beacon is our priority."
I nod, feeling the weight of responsibility.
"Understood, your majesty. I won't disappoint you."
Salem rises from the dark throne.
"Go then. But remember that your stability on my advice is fragile like glass. You will be eaten alive if you betray our cause."
With one last look, she grants me her permission. I stand up, silently thanking him. My destiny is sealed and the Arc reactor is my only hope for redemption.
[ORIGINAL POV]
'Today was a productive day.' I think to myself.
Multiverse Crafting System
What would you like to do?
Magic: 85,463 Points
Aura: 100%
Sitting in the passenger seat of the Nomad, I evaluate the points I earned today.
I lost count of how much Sand Jaw I destroyed, but it was enough to recoup what I spent at the Almshouse on lesser restoration potions, senzu beans, food and sweets. Taking into account that every Grimm I killed today gave me a thousand MP, I killed almost thirty of them.
"Same procedure as yesterday?" Amber asks, disguised while driving. "Let's go to the ship and then you get off and walk back?"
"Yes." I respond as if it were no big deal.
The problem is that for the new member of our group this was no big deal.
"Why don't you go into town with this car or your ship?" Asks the chameleon faunus, sitting behind me.
'This annoying girl questioned all my actions for the day.' I thought to myself.
Church even thought I was bothered just because she was a lesbian. Which isn't true, any redhead who wants to hang out with me is welcome and Ilia Amitola is cute.
After she introduced herself as my bodyguard 'Courtesy of the White Fang' she spent the entire day scowling at me with her arms crossed, not to mention her less than subtle interrogation questions.
I just didn't send her home because I'm afraid that the alternative would be to send one of the cultist brothers in her place.
"It will attract attention and generate a lot of commotion, to avoid this we land far from the city where we have tree cover."
"Alright..." She responds in a dry tone.
I admit I'm not the most perceptive guy in the world when it comes to other people's intentions, but even to me it was clear that Ilia was bothered by something.
My train of thought about Ilia's intentions is cut off by a signal coming from the Nomad's dashboard.
PING!
At the same time, car's dashboard zoomed in on the map of the region, focusing on the vehicle's surroundings.
"Do you need me to stop the car?" Amber asks.
"Just slows it down." I murmur analyzing the scanner data. "Interesting."
While I was entertained by the information, Ilia moved, placing her body between the passenger and driver seats.
"What is all this?" Ilia asks.
"I'm not sure before I pass it on to the ship's computers." I say while passing the data on to Church to analyze. "But hopefully a water vein, mineral deposit, or even dust."
Surprised, Ilia raised an eyebrow in confusion, not understanding why I was doing this.
"If there is an easily accessible vein of water, we can install an artesian well. Which would make it viable to build an outpost for Grimm sightings or even a satellite city."
"Satellite city?" This time the curious one was Audra.
"It would be something like a small town with its own identity" I respond without looking back reading Church's analysis. "But administratively it would be under the umbrella of Kuo Kuana and Chieftain Belladonna."
Audra whistles, impressed with my explanation.
"You're smarter than you look, kid."
"Why does everyone say that to me?" I ask irritated.
Audra and Amber laugh at my frustration, but Ilia for some reason sits silently staring at the floor of the vehicle.
"Are mineral and dust deposits important too?"She asks our new member without looking at me.
"For sure." I responded promptly.
"But Menagerie doesn't have the resources to extract those."
As she had returned to her seat behind me, I couldn't see Ilia's face, but her monotone made her look despondent or sad about something.
"That may be true, but exploration rights can be sold." I respond by focusing even more on Church's report. "An outside company comes to do the extraction and, in addition to paying for the right to explore, it shares part of the profits with the country's administrative authorities."
Apparently this region has easily accessible water and indications of magnetic anomalies in the reading. That could be signs of a large iron deposit 5 kilometers to the north.
"Country? What are you talking about?" Ask someone I can't identify, for having my attention focused on the panel.
Without thinking twice, I opened my fucking mouth and spoke the secret that I should have kept away from any member of the White Fang.
"Menagerie will become a Faunus nation with help from Atlas."
The uncomfortable silence and the look of astonishment on all the redheads' faces went unnoticed by me.
{{YOU FUCKING IDIOT!}} Church screamed in my ear.
But before I could ask what the scandal was about, another question came from one of the women in the car.
"What company are you thinking of bringing in to explore Menagerie?"
I should have noticed the hatred and resentment in the tone of that last question, but once again I answered quickly without thinking.
"SDC-Gak...ghkhhh...glrghhhh."
Or at least I started to respond until someone hanged me with a metal cable.
Surprised, I brought my hands to the metal cable wrapped around my neck, cutting off my air supply.
"Glrghhh!"
I struggled and struggled with my hands enough to loosen the cable and be able to ask something.
"Why- Ahhhh!" At least I tried to ask until I got electrocuted.
"Filthy human!" Ilia growls. "You will not take our sanctuary-."
WHACK!
A loud punch sounded behind me, followed by two things. The first was the steel cable loosening completely, allowing me to breathe again.
BANG-CRUNCH-SHATTER!
The second... Ilia flew out, smashing through the car door.
[Ilia Amitola]
My fingers shake as I hold Lightning Lash around Jaune Arc's neck.
'For the greater good of the faunus.' I think silently to myself, like a mantra.
It's what keeps me steady, what keeps me from hesitating. But deep down, I know it's more than that. It's fear that drives me, the fear that I'm right. That this human is just a wolf in sheep's clothing, an infiltrator of Atlas and the SDC who is preparing the ground to enslave us in political plots.
"Glrghhh!"
'But you're not like other humans... at least you seem to care.' I think to myself. 'What if I'm wrong.'
Doubts begin to eat away at me. What if I'm wrong? What if he's just a good man, trying to make a difference? The internal conflict tears me up inside.
'Am I a simple murderer?' I question myself internally.
I'm startled by the steel rope loosening and reflexively I press the electric discharge button.
"Why- Ahhhh!"
"Damn human!" I growled, trying to shake off my doubts. "You will not take our sanctuary-." But I was cut with an impact to the side of my skull.
WHACK!
A punch hits my face, reverberating throughout my body. My eyes widened as the force of the blow threw me against the door of the moving vehicle.
BANG-CRUNCH-SHATTER!
Throwing me out of the car.
"KNEW!" An angry voice roars that I didn't expect. "YOU PSYCHO, WAS THIS YOUR PLAN FROM THE BEGINNING?"
"Audra?" I whisper, lifting my face from the sand.
I'm too new to the island, so I only know Audra by her reputation. And with just one punch, Commander Audra Taurus proved that all the praise stories about her power are true.
{Aura 32.7%}
"Is my Aura already in yellow?" I question looking at my Scroll.
She's a force of nature!
Even though my Aura had absorbed most of the impact, my entire body throbbed in pain, every movement an agony.
With heavy eyes, I watched Audra Tauros approach, her imposing silhouette cutting through the frigid desert night air like a specter of death. Tall and muscular, she was the picture of unbridled fury. In his hands, a huge ax gleamed with the promise of violence.
"Is that all you understand?" Audra asks, looking at me with wide eyes. "Does the death of any human justify your struggle?"
I face Audra with determination, despite the pulsing pain throughout my body, I slowly stand up wielding Lightning Lash. No matter how powerful she is, I will not surrender without a fight.
"You may not understand, Audra." I respond, my voice firm despite the pain. "But this fight is not just for me. It is for all who have suffered at the hands of human oppression, for all who have been treated as less than nothing. I am not cattle, and I will not let you or anyone else think so."
Audra shoots a sharp look, her ax ready to strike as I throw my arm back, giving momentum to my whip.
"RAAGH!" Howls Audra charging towards me.
No matter how fast or strong she is, Audra started her run still far from me, making her trajectory predictable.
With a confident smile, I electrify Lightning Lash and attack, meeting my opponent's body.
In response, Audra raises her right hand, removing it from her ax and allowing it to be wrapped around the whip.
Shock runs through the bovine faunus body, but she just smiles savagely, still advancing on me, ignoring the pain and damage caused to her aura.
I hesitate, taking a step back, but I pull the whip trying to bring her to the ground.
"Idiot!" Audra exclaims, jumping, taking advantage of the momentum of the pull.
The tip of the whip releases from her hand, when I look up the image of the ax warrior eclipses the moon in her great leap.
'How is this possible? How did she jump so high?' I wonder, surprised by the apparent lightness of her body.
My surprise unfortunately left me with my guard open and as if managing to control her speed, Audra began to descend with alarming speed.
Startled, I forced my body to take a step back, but I tripped and fell face first.
"No..." I whispered in fear, raising my hands and closing my eyes.
"EAT THIS!" She screamed, descending like a meteor.
KRAKOOOOOOM !
The impact kicked up sand as if a bomb had exploded,I opened my eyes with morbid curiosity because I hadn't felt the pain in my body.
'Was the cut so clean that it left me numb at the damage member?' I questioned myself, opening my eyes.
The dust began to settle, revealing a strange shadow in front of me. Strange in that it was too big even for Audra, it was the shadow of two people.
"Why do you protect this assassin?" Questions Audra furiously. "ANSWER ME ARC!"
'The human?'
Its form reveals itself when the desert night wind finishes dispelling the dust cloud. The human I tried to kill a few minutes ago was in front of me, wielding his colorful shield, protecting me from Audra's Axe.
"Why did she try to kill me?" Jaune asks in a dry tone.
Audra immediately stopped, confused by the question, but before she could respond, he continued speaking.
"Was she coerced by a Fang member? Did she receive direct orders from Sienna Khan to eliminate me?" The human turns, staring at me with cold, calculating eyes. "Or did she want to kill me on her own?"
My body shudders at the behavior so different from what I had seen during the day.
Gone was the image of the happy and silly human and in his place was a being of cold logic who carefully analyzed me.
The great warrior shook her head, freeing herself from the confusion, only to approach the human with a lowered ax and pointing her finger in his face.
"And does it matter?" Questions Audra out loud. "That's what those crazy sociopaths do, they kill everyone who opposes their 'sacred ideals'."
Audra's mockery tone when she spoke of 'sacred ideas' took me by surprise, I know she's not a fan of Fang for Adam cutting ties with her. But I never thought her negative feelings were so strong.
"At the very least, we need to know if Ilia acted on her own or if I am a target of the White Fang."
Furious, Audra huffed, walking away from Jaune and heading to the car.
Taking advantage of the distraction caused by the tense atmosphere, I slowly got up without making any noise.
'I need to get out of here.'
But just as my body started to change color to camouflage me in the desert, something hit me in the head.
BONK!
"No you don't." Nikos said, pointing a red wooden stick in my direction.
Jaune turned towards us and looked at me with a frown.
"I'm not against second chances, but I'm still going to handcuff her." Declares the red-haired human.
"For sure!" Exclaims the human walking towards me. "I am merciful, not stupid."
{{There is! Good one.}} Said a sarcastic voice coming out of the scroll.
"So..." Nikos said, laughing awkwardly.
The human sighed tiredly.
"Thanks team... I realy feel loved."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
E ai gurizada?
Shorter chapter than usual because this month was a B...
And I'm happy to see that many liked baby Blake with a fish in her mouth.
Daniel_rahn:
Love the story, hey bro i wanted to recomend you a HUGE OP tech for mc, the Tech jacket from invincible universe, its a tech the links for you for life and Upgrades the natural skills of your body 100 times, making a normal human being able to nearly kill a viltrumite, and more importantly it has a function that stops aging, making the user inmortal as long as no one kill him. Its like a Iron man suit but better.
Avip:
This is very interesting.
But I'm not going to give it to the protagonist... I have another character in mind.
Eaglehuntsman:
I thought audra was Adam's sister not mother.
Avip:
Don't worry, there is someone else who is also thinking this way.
Leroy Smith:
Loved the chapter and quality of your work. I sure the only reason Atlas was picked because you have a plot in mind. But I was Hoping that Jaune could created National work force in Menagerie with all the injured ex-SDC employees being healed and working for the Homeland would be a plus. Vaciuo would help easily just to spite SDC.
Next I have feeling by the time Jaune is done in Menagerie, Audra is going to ride Jaune into ground whether Adam Tarus is going to have a little brother or sister I leave that to you. The White Fang are going to have plans to get him on their side especially when the rumor of Jaune having a thing for Fanus girls gets around. And with him improving their nation by leaps and bounds in Medicine and tech, him not being made friend to Fanus is impossible. And lastly I can Jaune being seen as vital figure in politics Marriage proposals, Gold diggers, hero worship etc.
PS as a joke have Jaune 'unknowingly' Flirt with Cinder which gives the villiness Tsudere vibes.
Avip:
Thanks for the suggestions.
As usual, I won't reveal my plans here for spoiler reasons.
BUT!
This whole Arc that I'm writing in Menagerie is because of an idea I had to write a scene, in the future when I get to that scene I'll give you a shout out.
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