Okay, this time we will deal with Jaune's Pov again. Once again it will focus on the reactions to Atlas's actions and how Jaune handles them. While we as of now looked at people disagreeing with Atlas occupation this time it will take a look at the other side of the coin. Sympathizers that support the aid of Atlas and want to help.
Attention: This chapter has now been updated as well. As with most of the chapters that I have updated it changes quite a lot about it. Aside from grammar fixes, I have changed much of the content so it would fit better into this kind of story or simply makes the situation come over better.
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Jaune wasn't sure what to do. Someone kept sabotaging them constantly. It was never anything important, just what was unimportant enough to be left lightly or completely unguarded. But even if they did not cause any real material damage moral was a completely different thing. The damages where insignificant really but that was not how the soldiers and civilians saw it. All they saw was blows being struck and left unpunished. To let this go would be unacceptable.
It would do no good if people thought that Atlas would just let others get away with messing with them like that. They needed to show that they were in control of the situation. Yet Jaune simply didn't have the manpower to protect everything at the same time. many of his men, himself and Ren included were busy eradicating the Grimm most of the time. Most of the others were making sure that no Grimm got to close to either the village or the camp. Once again he cursed the fact that the Salvation, who carried most of his troops, was still only too return in four days but nothing could be done about that. She had been desperately needed to secure the save retreat of the heavily damaged Heart of Iron.
It also did not help that he had decided to make the camp open to the villagers as a sign of good faith. But he couldn't take that back again, it would sour relationships. Talking with Weiss had been no help either, smart as she may be, she was not exactly the best at getting people to like her. Not that he was dumb enough to tell her that.
He was pulled out of his musing when he suddenly got a call from the soldier that was on duty guarding the camp entrance. Quickly he took it.
''Are there any problems?''
''I am not sure sir.''
Well, that was vague as hell.
''What do you mean with that soldier, is there or is there not?''
''Well, I have this kid here that requests to speak with you, one of the villagers.''
Okay, that was definitely not the answer Jaune had been expecting.
''A kid?''
''Yes sir, he says that he has information about the incidents.''
''The incidents being the sabotage acts we have kept quiet about?''
''Yes sir.''
Of course those incidents, why did nothing ever work out for him?
''Just keep the boy there, I will speak to him, better to hear what he has to say.''
''Yes sir!''
And with that, the connection was cut off.
Opening the door of his improvised command center, a quickly erected bunker, and making off towards his destination he was surprised to run into Ren.
''I didn't expect you here Ren.''
Ren gave him a small smile as a response.
''I have managed to finish my tasks earlier than expected and hoped that we could use the rest of the evening to spend some time together.''
Jaune let out a small sigh.
''That really sounds nice but sadly something came up. With any luck, it will be resolved quickly tough. Want to come along?''
Ren just nodded and fell into step with him when he started to once again make way to his destination.
''So, what is it that has come up Jaune?''
''Well, I was informed that some kid wants to speak to me.''
Instead of asking another question Ren simply raised a single eyebrow.
''It seems he has something to say about those sabotage acts. It is probably nothing but who knows, maybe he will at least say something that will lead us closer to the culprits, anything to stop this annoyance.''
''Maybe he is involved with them?''
He could just sadly shake his head.
''I really hope not but I thought about that possibility as well. We will have to wait and see.''
They spent the rest of their short walk making small talk until they finally reached their destination. Jaune took a good look at the kid, he really was young, maybe 10 and he looked beyond scared.
He gave the guard a careful look, making sure to give him a discrete hand sign before starting to speak in a loud tone.
''Leave us alone.''
''Of course sir.''
And with a respectful salute, the soldier left the three of them alone, or at least he made it seem that way. Jaune was completely confident in his and Ren's abilities of course but it never hurt to have backup. He gave the boy a kind smile, hoping to get rid of a bit of his obvious fear. It seemed to work because the boy stopped fidgetting and looked at Jaune in determination, even if his nervousness what still clear.
''I heard you wanted to talk with me.''
The boy answered so fast that he almost stumbled over his words.
''YessirIamverythankfullthatyoutookthetime-''
''Whoa, slow down there, you remind me of my old teacher.''
This caused the boy to blush in a bright red and shutting up before finally speaking up again, this time much slower.
''Sorry about that. I came here because I know who is attacking you guys.''
Jaune and Ren shot each other a look.
''You do?''
The boy nodded.
''Yes. Yesterday I decided to sneak out to take a look at the camp by night-''
He looked at them uncertainly, probably not sure if he was in trouble for that. Jaune just gave a small laugh while waving it off.
''Don't worry, you are not in trouble, believe me, I have done far worse than just sneak out at night when I was your age.''
Not that he would ever tell anyone what it was, just as he would forever continue to deny that it was him that had destroyed his mother's dress.
Looking happy at not being scolded the child continued.
''Well, here is the thing, when I was sneaking out of the village I could see those three guys who were sneaking around just like me. I was wondering where they were going so I followed them carefully. After a few minutes, they reached one of the watchtowers in construction. After waiting for the Patrol to leave they, set some kind of explosive to it and quickly ran away. I- I was really scared so I ran as well, I was not sure what to do.''
This was simply wonderful. If that kid could recognize the ones responsible it would hardly be any trouble to take them into custody. There was just one thing he was not sure about yet. ''Why did you? Speak to us I mean.''
At this, the nervousness seemed to vanish a bit more and with a determined voice, the boy started to speak
''Because it's the right thing to do. I can't believe how so many of them are talking about you. What did you do to deserve their hate? Would it not be for you, dad would maybe already be dead by now. He was really sick but that far out here it's hard to get proper medicine. Each day we had to fear him not making it, I was so scared that I would lose him. But then you guys appeared and without asking anything in return helped him. Because of you I and mum don't have to fear for dads live anymore and I just want to repay you somehow.''
This was not the answer Jaune had expected to hear but he was pleased about it.
''We are helping because we want to, no need to thank us. The reason we are here is to make sure that things like this will not happen. We will bring order back to this land and drive back the Grimm, that is a promise. We will forge a new future for humanity and you have just helped us greatly. Now, do you believe you can recognize the ones that blew up the watchtower?''
He could see the kid give a careful nod. Slowly he listed all the features he could remember of the three saboteurs and even managed to give the names of two of them. When he was finished Jaune gave him a warm smile and put on hand on his shoulder.
''That is absolutely wonderful, this will be a great step towards securing the peace.''
Seeing the smile that engulfed the kid's face he continued.
''You know what, I think the whole thing calls for a reward. What do you think would your father say to the position of major of this town?''
He had not thought that it was possible for the boy to smile even brighter but he had been obviously wrong.
''Really? My dad the major? But all I did was trying to repay you for what you did.''
Beside him, Ren just shook his head slightly and addressed the boy.
''Many others would not have had the courage to speak with me as you did, you can be really proud of yourself.''
Before any of them could do anything else they were suddenly interrupted.
''INDIGO!''
And the next second a woman had thrown her arms around the boy, probably his mother.
''Thank the gods you are here, what the hell were you thinking to go away without telling us?''
She quickly turned around to Jaune and Ren and bowed her head.
''I am so sorry for my son's behavior, please forgive him. I promise he won't do so again.''
Jaune was quick to explain the situation to her.
''There is absolutely no reason to apologize mam. The opposite really. Your son was a very brave little man, in fact, we were just talking about the possibility for your husband to fill the position of major as a reward for your son's brave actions.''
The woman just looked dumbly at him before finally asking.
''You are serious, aren't you?''
He gave her a small nod.
''I wouldn't joke about something like that. Your son has happened to stumble upon very important information and selflessly took it upon himself to get that information to us. He was obviously raised very well by his parents.''
His words didn't seem to calm the women down.
''Important information? Is he in danger?''
He quickly shook his head.
''Not at all, I can assure you that the people involved won't make any more issues after tonight.''
His assurance seemed to calm down the women.
''Just take your son home mam, we will handle the rest.''
''Of course sir.''
And with that she quickly she took her son's hand and turned around to go home. After a few steps, Jaune called her one more time, causing her to turn her head in question.
''Don't be too hard on him, he did some real good today.''
This caused her to give him a kind smile before nodding and continuing on her way.
''Well, that was certainly not how I expected this to go.''
Jaune could only nod at Rens's words.
''But Jaune, isn't making the boy's father major like that really a good idea?''
Jaune let his gaze wander over the horizon for a bit before answering.
''I believe so yes. From what I gathered they have every reason to feel positive towards us and having one of the villagers in the position will make it easier to get the others to follow in line. Not to mention that their son sees us as his personal heroes it seems. One more reason they will stay loyal to our cause, especially when they see how much good we do. Though I say we should keep an eye on the kid, Atlas always needs loyal soldiers, who knows, when he is a bit older he may fit this role.''
He could see Ren think about his words for a bit before nodding. ''Sounds like a good plan. Well then, I will gather a few men and take in those three saboteurs, what should we do with them?''
''Send them to our closest prison camp, let them repay the damage they caused.''
And with those words, Jaune turned around and made to leave. After a few steps, he stopped and once again turned his head around.
''And do hurry will you, I still want to spend that evening together. I will try to cook up something nice.''
He could a small smile on Ren's face.
''Will do fearless Leader.''
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Well then, another chapter is done.
So, why did I change so much? Honestly, because I really did not like how it was originally. I mean really, such obvious sabotage of people that are clearly way to open about it? It really made Atlas look incompetent which was not at all intended. So I changed a bunch of stuff so that it actually makes sense that they did not simply catch them alone.
Also, I changed the whole reward thing because well, it kind of came over a bit cartoonish I guess you can say? I mean really, a fucking medal for a small kid? A civilian kid I might add. The way it is now the reward is way better and also a calculated move at the same time. After all, a leader always has to take everything into account, which includes how to make sure that a newly conquered place stays compliant.
Anyway, like always every review is welcome as are tips on how to improve the story or certain chapters.