Puppeteer's Requiem

by Zacatecas

It was done in less than a year, the total genocide of a people, wiped clean from existence. But, as with most stories, there exists one survivor. With abilities still not tested and a connection between his people and the Grimm, Jaune ventures forth in life searching for the answers as to why his people were marked for death.

3. Shared Home

-7 years later-

In the years following, there was peace, so to speak. The reports of Grimm attacks had lessened, small settlements had prospered, if slowly. Though, the world was still in its own turmoil, small as they were compared to the Eradication. The Faunus has grown tired of their treatment, from all corners of Remnant, the white fang's ideals had radicalized, and their actions grew violent to the point that they were soon appropriately branded as terrorists. Many former members, ones who sought equality through peace were quickly demonized by their former kin, whilst also seen as threats in the eyes of humans. In short, there was no escaping the hatred of either side. Though, in Menagerie, only one former member regained respect amongst his people, even if he stood down from leading the organization.

Ghira was many things, but the leader of such an organization he was not. Remaining as chieftain of his people, he led the small continent of Menagerie into neutrality, taking neither the side of the kingdoms, nor that of the organization that sought equality and change through force. Yet, while his view of new White Fang had settled with his people, there was one he had yet to persuade. To those who knew the family, the Belladonna chieftain had two children, his daughter, Blake, who was still an active member of the White Fang, leading protests and demonstrations whenever she could. To many, she was almost a mirrored image of her father, although, her willingness to embrace the newer ideals of the organization left the old Belladonna with a sense of constant worry for his child. Blake was, by all means, dedicated to her people, though, the way in which she fights for them was perhaps leading to more problems than it was for solutions.

As for the second, while it was made clear the child was taken in by the chieftain, the boy was still treated as he was the Belladonna patriarch's own flesh and blood. And, in a surprising twist, to many at least, when asked to join the White Fang with his 'sister' the blond responded 'I don't seek to be a part of someone's personal vendetta.' Or rather, something along those lines, considering he was still working off his accent. He knew the language well enough by know, but his accent left him with a few roadblocks in terms of communication. Still, his words rippled, mainly in annoyance to one particular member; the one who personally recruited Blake. The red-haired Adam Taurus, loud and rash; a man of action. Perhaps that was the reason many took to him.

Regardless, Jaune refused to partake in 'his White Fang' as he dubbed it, rather, the boy held with him the old banner of the White Fang, standing by the original intention; to gain equality through understanding, rather than force. It would be a long process, and if it worked, he might not live to see true equality, but he stood with it. Something many, including Ghira, greatly admired. Although, it was through this that he and Blake walked separate paths.

The two would often speak, but it never ended well, mostly due to Blake attempting to convince him of how the new White Fang would truly make a change, whilst he simply ignored her and remained with his stance against their new ideals. If Ilia were still around, she would've easily taken Blake's side, though, given what had occurred between her and Taurus, he doubted Ilia would be on anyone's side for long.

Nowadays, as to where they could be found; Blake would go to meetings mostly, or take on combat training with Taurus. Jaune on the other hand, feeling the need to make himself useful, and with Kali's blessing, after many weeks of convincing, took on a small job at a restaurant near the port.

For the most part, all he did was serving and occasionally cooking, gaining a good relation with the workers at his place of work. The only downside was the occasional drunk or onlooker. The drunks were to be cut off, or, if they caused too much of a disturbance, thrown out. The onlookers were more of a trouble, mostly due to his uniform.

See, the boy was made to wear a black tunic shirt with golden flowers near the neck and adorned across the waist. As per the tropical climate, he wore shorts that went past his knees, with two small black ribbons tied to the side. As per the finishing touch, a little mole was neatly painted on a place just under his right eye. His hair wasn't too long, but there was enough for a single a small braid on the left side. All in all, as per the modern term; he was a trap. And, in every meaning of the word as well. One would think his uniform was due to a little teasing from his coworkers, well, not exactly.

Sitting at the restaurants bar, two women sat patiently waiting for Jaune's shift to end. One was smiling contently, while the other was visibly worried at seeing the boy dressed as he was.

"Remind me again, why did you order him to dress like this, Kali?" The baby blue-eyed woman asked.

In turn, the ever so smiling Belladonna responded. "Well, he said he wanted to earn his own, so I agreed he should. As for the attire...well, it's rather adorable, wouldn't you agree?" She gushed, even after the many cloths she had Jaune try on over the years; this one was perhaps one of her favorites.

"While I agree, I can't help but feel like you're enjoying toying with my little one too much." The woman mumbled, seemingly withholding a bit of annoyance from seeping into her tone, while also fighting the urge to, as well, gush over how well her boy pulled off the attire.

"Calm yourself, Winny, he's in good hands. As you can see, per my orders, all eyes are on him, so nothing can happen without someone noticing. By the way, the snow is seeping." She muttered that last bit, causing the woman to reach up and adjust her hair to keep the milky white from showing. "I'm surprised at you." The sudden proclamation caught Winter by surprise as she was in the midst of adjusting her wig when the Belladonna matriarch complimented her.

"What for?" She asked, confused and curious.

Kali smiled and turned her attention back to Jaune. "When you started visiting, I assumed you'd eventually get too 'busy' and no longer come. Imagine my...surprise..." she seethed out. "When you announced you'd be adopting him." There a sliver of fear that remained, remembering how the woman reacted to the information. "And even when all was said and done, when you...took him from us..." The way Kali spoke felt as if she were speaking to a mistress whom her child had taken a liking to more than her. "You still left him in our care, rather than being a good mother and raising him yourself."

Having been mildly accustomed to the woman's threatening tone, Winter was able to withstand the initial portion, though, she still felt herself under fire throughout the rest of it.

"I-i understand...I should've taken him with me, but it's not safe right now..." Her voice softened, Kali glanced around before leaning towards the Schnee.

"Explain."

Winter recalled the news she received from her commanding officer, of the many funerals she was asked to attend in the last month. Of the fear she held for her family's safety in the span of a month alone. "My family...we're being targeted...by the White Fang." She muttered with as much venom as her body held. Kali's eyes had widened, realizing the situation at hand. "It pains me..." Winter mumbled as he eyes drifted back to the blond. "I only get to see him when I have shore leave, the most I've held a conversation with him was over scroll. And I can't even give him my family name without the fear that he'll be on someone's hit list shortly after. And to top it all off, he has to live in the epicenter of the entirety of it." Winter glanced towards Kali with a faint smile. "I feel like a divorced father." She attempted to lighten the mood.

Kali's eyes drifted to the boy as well, the two forced a bit of laughter before aimlessly gazing towards their drinks. "That's...actually not funny."

"I know." Winter acknowledged. "But..." Her tone seemingly cheered at the moment, oddly enough, causing Kali to turn back to her. "I have a two month leave coming up, and I intend to take him with me on a trip."

"Oh? Where to?" The Belladonna asked, the tension easing ever so.

"Perhaps Vacuo, they have excellent beaches there, though he might like hiking in the Valen mountains...of course, he might also enjoy the festivals and culture of Mistral. I'll let him decide, I suppose. Do you think Blake would like to come?"

"Well, if she does, no doubt she'll want to go to Mistral." The two women shared a moment of laughter as they recalled when the young Belladonna's taste in one particular culture.

At a counter for the waiters and waitresses, Jaune fished up a few receipts and tips whilst a coworker next to him watched the two women socialize. "Lady Kali and that woman give off some really disturbing vibes." The blue-haired girl commented, her fluffed tail seemingly coiling around her left leg. "One minute Lady Kali looks like she's threatening her, then they're both moody, and now they're laughing like old friends."

"Don't pay them no mind, Haqua. They won't cause trouble, I promise." Jaune commented casually.

"Looks like you've got quite a bit of tips this time, huh? I'm jealous, you pull off that outfit better than most of the girls here." Haqua joked, receiving a small blush and smile from the blond.

"Guess so, can't say I don't enjoy it, it's pretty breezy and flexible." He admitted. The two laughed for a moment before a fellow waitress came up to them, though, the worried expression on her face was what halted their little jokes.

"Jaune, the lady at table three is asking for you." She whispered, "She's White Fang. From what I see; enlisted uniform. But some of the folk have whispered about seeing her as a part of Taurus' personal entourage". The weight of Taurus' name was well known and equally feared and respected in Menagerie. Though, those in Jaune's village knew of his open defiance towards Adam's White Fang. So, for one of the man's personal puppets to ask for him, meant one if two things; they'd try to convince him to see things their way and join, or they'd 'ask' him to cease his rhetoric. The boy nodded, and walked calmly towards the customer, all the while his fellow coworkers kept their eyes on him, spreading the word to keep an eye on the White Fang being waited on by the blond. As he approached the table, the first he took notice was the long red hair tied into a ponytail, the freckled, tanned skin, the familiar harsh glare she aimed at no one in particular...it was then that it hit him, he knew her. He sighed, tiredly, he'd hoped not to deal with her antics or teases anymore after she moved, but it seems she's back. Whether for a visit or to stay was still to be seen. As he stood in front of her table, she kept her eyes on the menu, seemingly not even noticing him. Though, something about the way she stared aimlessly at the menu bothered him.

"Hello there, welcome to Ai Laau's, how may I help you?" He asked, to which her gaze was faintly gazing at him, before fully snapping her head towards him. Her eyes widened at the sight before her; a blond boy dressed in a manner she assumed he would've outgrown. Although, she couldn't deny he pulled it off, but she'd never admit it openly. A faint smile emerged from her lips as she snickered softly to herself.

"Nice to see some things don't change. Been a while, hasn't it, blondie?"

"Ilia." He greeted. "How's life in Atlas?"

The smile she had faded almost instantly, replaced again with a sorrow-like expression. Feeling incredibly uncomfortable, and, thankfully, having finished his shift, the blond wouldn't have to deal with her. "Well, I'd be happy to take your order, however, I'm currently not on duty so if you want I can get another waitress to-"

"Then join me." She gestured to the empty seat in front of her. Her tone was demanding, not like it usually was, but rather, one of sullen. "I need...someone to talk to." She forced out that last bit rather hesitantly, though, why she'd want to talk to him was beyond the blond. Especially if she wasn't feeling well.

"I can get Blake if you want." His offer was met with a simple, yet hastened, response.

"No."

While he could easily walk away from this, something in him made the blond take the seat. The two of them never really got along, but they weren't on bad terms either. Rather, after he opened up in one instance about his home being burned, Ilia toned down her hostility, though, the two weren't exactly friends afterwards. Jaune still kept to himself, and Ilia remains friends with Blake, but the two rarely spoke to one another. It was only once in a blue moon the two would interact, and even then, their conversations were short and awkward with neither having much to say.

Drumming his fingers absentmindedly, he kept his eyes from meeting hers. But, since neither was talking, he took the initiative. "So, how've you been?"

"Shitty." She exhaled, brushing her hair with her fingers. Her attention then turned to the rest of the restaurant; she took immediate notice of some of the staff keeping an eye on her, and a few civilians as well eyeballing her mask. "So, what're you doing here? Always thought your first job would be with politics, the chief always did take a liking to you, more than he did with Blake." She muttered that last bit with disdain aimed, in no subtle way, towards the blond. His expression was, as always when talking to this girl; unchanging.

"Politics aren't my thing, and I didn't want to depend of the chief and his family's influence, I decided to make a name for myself. And for the record, Blake has her own interests, as does her father, the fact that he and I share some and we speak more doesn't mean he's more inclined to side with me than his own daughter...I can't say the same for his wife though." He mumbled that last piece whilst gesturing to his attire.

Ilia snickered at his remark, crossing her hands while easing her expression. "True, Lady Kali always had a soft spot for you. And you picked up on our language pretty well. Last time we spoke...well, you barely said anything."

Jaune smiled softly before turning his head away. "Doesn't mean I couldn't understand most of what you said."

Again, an uncomfortable silence befell on their conversation, with both parties seemingly unable to look one another directly in the eye. Awkwardly, Ilia attempted to divert the conversation unto another subject, or at least she tried. Her words hitched in her mouth as she felt something land atop her head. She heard the soft clanking sound of wood. Followed by a similar cold shiver crawling up her spine. She glanced up slowly, her eyes meeting those of silver, seemingly glass, eyes. She recoiled, nearly falling out of her chair in the process. The object fell forward, landing in front of her, she took notice of the doll's features. This one had peach toned skin, silver eyes, and a mop of raven hair with red tints near the tips. Her clothing drew attention as well, the first thing she took notice was a white cloak around the doll, accompanied with a gothic black and crimson attire. Complete with combat skirt and stockings. This was nothing like the doll she remembered in their earlier years, but, she felt the same ominous feeling. Did she generally dislike dolls, or was this one somehow connected to the other? She had hoped the latter was just an overreaction.

"Well, you've been busy. Made yourself a new toy, huh?" She asked.

Jaune held his palm out, the doll arose, dusting herself off before walking over to her owner's hand and sitting peacefully atop it. "No, same doll, I just gave her a new style."

'Her?' The Faunus girl pondered on many things, the more pressing issue was the fact that he would refer to his doll as a 'she'. Though, given he's made similar toys in the past, some for his own purpose, others as gifts, she shouldn't really be surprised he'd refer to his creations in such a way.

And yet, she took notice of the doll's brows, narrowing at the sight of her. This was nothing new, she remembered Jaune mentioning adding new features to his doll, but, she found it eerie how the toy often seemingly moved on its own accord. At times that she believed even Jaune was unaware.

Or was he?

"Well, you did more than just give it a new style. Almost like you gave it a whole new identity." Ilia commented.

"Summer."

"What?" She asked, caught off guard by his sudden interruption.

"Her name is Summer." He repeated, only with more clarification.

"You named it." Ilia facepalmed, realizing where he stood over the doll.

"Something like that." He muttered, instantly gaining the attention of the girl in front of him. His eyes were glued to his doll, as were hers apparently.

For a moment, the two remained silent, that was until the blond cleared his throat and placed Summer on his head. "So, what did Adam send you to get from me? Cooperation? Threats? Surrender?"

Ilia's eyes widened as his accusation. "No one sent me."

"I find that hard to believe." He responded, seeing her eyes narrow, Jaune spoke up first. "You've never liked me; I wasn't that stupid or naive to ignore the signs." He watched as the Faunus girl's initial attempt to interject crumbled. He continued. "So I'll ask again, what do you want?"

Ilia remained silent for far longer than she should have, though, in her defense, the blond was right to an extent. She avoided eye contact, keeping her focus on anything but the cold gaze aimed her way. Reluctantly, she glanced back to the blond, sighing before responding. "I need a job."

And just like that, it was Jaune who was relatively speechless. Although, he was able to muster up one solitary word. "What?"

Knowing she'd have to clarify, and obviously irritated by what she had to admit to next, she swallowed her pride regardless. "I was stationed here, in this town, but since I told them it was my hometown they assumed I'd have connections. I was given a bit of lien, told I would be called upon if needed...but..."

"You're a reserve." Jaune finished, getting a clear hint at what she was aiming for.

"Yea." She admitted. "Look, I know we've never gotten along, but...I really need a job. I'm not picky, I just want something to keep my afloat until I can make a name for myself."

With a small hum, and a subtle nod, Jaune turned his eyes away, only the doll's remained on Ilia. "Why come to me?" He asked.

"Blake." The single name was the cause of both great joy and growing resentment in the blond. He had tried to convince his childhood friend of the dangers of Taurus' ideology, but she wouldn't have it. She was stubborn in her convictions, and it irritated him to no degree. On the one hand, he gave Blake respect in the sense that she wouldn't give up her stance so easily, but to take a path of hatred and violence was one he couldn't walk with her. Even if she asked him, again. "Blake told me that you still lived here, and that you might be able to help me find work."

For a moment, Jaune leaned back, a finger tapping lightly against his chin. The doll's eyes broke away from Ilia and glanced downward towards the pondering blond. It only took another small moment for the blond to think on it before glancing back to the Faunus before him. "Any work?"

"Within reason." She clarified, knowing that there were jobs she wouldn't take.

One thing about Kuo Kuantan that very few outsiders knew; people and jobs were equally scarce and bountiful. Point being, there were many positions for folks to take up, problem was, few took up the menial work needed, while other positions had an overwhelming applicants. And, like the individual kingdoms, Menagerie had its own culture, its own laws, and its own views. Meaning, for someone Jaune's age to be working was relatively normal. Though, at the moment, the job market wasn't exactly all that appealing given that the town's residency had been on the rise in recent years. There wasn't much work to begin with, and hell, the current work he had at the moment was only cause of the endorsement Lady Kali gave him. Still, there was one place he could try, since she wasn't being so picky.

"I know a place." He arose from his seat. "C'mon, I'll take you."

Ilia's eyebrow raised at his question. "What about...?" She gestured behind him towards the bar, to which he noticed his mother and Lady Kali seemingly drinking their body weight. He groaned, albeit lightly, as he reached for something in his pocket. All the while, with only Ilia taking notice; the doll's expression...changed. As if, it was reacting similarly to him. The mouth remained as stoic as how she remembered, but, something about the way the doll acted always disturbed her. Regardless, Ilia did her best to avoid eye contact with the thing. As odd as that sounded, at times she would glance towards the toy and find it starting back at her. As if it were an actual person, it didn't help that her eyes were eerily designed to look realistic.

Once Jaune sighed and placed his scroll back in his pocket he turned to Ilia and tried to smile. "Taken care of...for now I hope." He mumbled. As they stood, the Faunus girl took quick notice of some of the staff shooting wary glances at her. Thinking little of them, she brushed off their hostile stares and instead stood by the entrance, waiting for the blond to return from whatever he was doing. She noticed him talking to one of the staff for a moment before rejoining her. He gestured her to follow him, to which she did, stopping only once at the feeling of a icy cold glares. She turned ever so to find herself locked unto but he glared of both the Belladonna matriarch, and some unknown sitting beside her. Without giving it a second thought, she walked out of the restaurant and joined the blond.

The two walked calmly, and quietly, around the market district. The sights and smells were all different, the time Ilia had spent away from her home showed. New shops had opened up, old ones replaced, most of it felt foreign to her. An odd thing, she returned home, and yet she felt as if she were a foreigner to her homeland. There were even folks speaking different languages as well, some she recognized as tribal dialects from some southern settlements in Vale, others were just odd sounds to her ears.

She allowed herself to be distracted for a moment before the blonde stopped in front of a wooded, two story shack by the pier.

'Driftwood' the name of the shop read. It wasn't small, but it wasn't as grand as the other shops along the docks. As soon as she peered through the glass window, the young girl's heart sunk, as did her stomach twist. There were rows of varying dolls on display, alongside a few other wooden crafts, namely statues of bears and, oddly enough, panthers. Everything looked as if produced by an expert craftsman, which didn't surprise the Faunus when she realized how the blond was quick to think of this place for her to work in. Though, one thing bothered her; Jaune would love to work here, and yet, he brought her here to help snag her a job. Before she could think on this further, Jaune quickly unlocked the front door and walked in with her not far behind. The place was well kept, though, the stairs behind the counter were a possible indication that the owner lived in the store. Perhaps Jaune knew the shopkeeper, this store was more to his liking than the restaurant. Of course, Ilia assumed.

Jaune placed the keys to the shop on the counter before turning to the Faunus girl. "Alright, couple questions; are you good with people?" He dove straight into the interview, perhaps as a way to prepare her for the owner's own interview.

"Y-yes." She half-lied, though, he didn't need to know that.

For a moment, Jaune appeared skeptical before resuming his interview. "How often will the White Fang call for you?"

"I'm still an enlisted, so not really much at all right now."

"You have a place to stay?"

Ilia shook her head, only to have a set of keys thrown at her. She caught them with just enough grip, glancing at the pair she noticed one of silver and the other copper.

"Your room is on the second floor, to the left. The copper key is your room key, and the silver if for the shop. Store opens at nine in the morning, closes at five. I finish my shift at Ai 'Lauu around one so I'll be by to help if you need it. Most of our business is pick-up orders or delivery. Oh, and in case I didn't make it clear, congratulations, you're hired." As Jaune rambled on, Ilia was, for lack of a better word, stunned. She had just been handed, tossed really, a key and told she'd be living in the two story shack. Not that it didn't look nice mind you, but the confusion of the sudden revelations left her in a near stunned state.

"Wait." She managed to muttered out, still trying to process what exactly was happening. "I'm hired?" She asked, her mind had begun wrapping around the only sound reason as to why he'd say those words, but a piece of her wasn't exactly willing to accept that possibility. He was too young, probably only barely started working, how was it he was able to own a shop, let alone have time to craft most of the things on display?

"Yea, isn't that what you wanted?" He asked, raising an eyebrow at her attitude towards getting a job.

"Well yes, but..." And for the life of her, she couldn't find a valid argument against his sudden decision to hire her. Though, in a bustling town filled with tourists and refugees, surely he wasn't short on workers. Or, perhaps he was picky over who he hired. After all, he had just given her a room in the shop.

Which in turn brought up another issue; where she was staying. She couldn't exactly say she had a place to stay in Kuo Kuana, her intention was to rent a room while she worked and possibly move up from there.

"But?"

"...nothing." She decided instead to keep to herself. Jaune wasn't one to act on impulse, that was certain. So, he might've been doing this simply for Blake. The two did grow up together, thick as could be...until she met Taurus. Even Ilia knew of the falling out Blake and Jaune had when she joined the White Fang. A little tangent of gossip her mother picked up from friends she still had in town. And while she didn't see eye to eye with the blond, Taurus wasn't exactly without a few loose screws, even to that extent she could agree with. Still, working in a doll shop wasn't her first choice, but, then again, she did say she wasn't picky.

"Alright then, go get settled in. I'll be in the back." And with that, the blond disappeared towards the back of the shed. Taking in only what just occurred a few moments later, Ilia was, for lack of a better word, confused. Yes, she wanted a job, and made it clear she wouldn't be picky over what she was given; after all, she needed to maintain herself now that she had joined the White Fang. In all honesty, given her natural abilities she assumed she would've already been given a good rank. Though, there was a system, she'd have to work her way up the ranks. As for her job, apparently, judging by what Jaune ranted in about, her job was simply to look after the shop. Sell a few of the toys, and occasionally have to deliver a few of the purchases. Toys were the majority of what the blond made, but there were other items present. Before getting the chance to head upstairs, the ringing sound of metal against metal caught her attention, particularly coming from the back. Curiosity getting the best of her, she took a quick peek out the back and saw what appeared to be a small yard with little grass, and forge at the other end of the yard. All of this was a bit much, especially for Jaune. Yes, he had connections, but even he, in the little time Ilia knew him, wouldn't so easily take handouts from Ghira. Pondering this thought further, she turned back towards the stairs, leaving Jaune alone with his thoughts.

The blond glanced only once to where his new guest had peeked at him. His eyes stayed on her spot for just a moment more before turning his eyes back to his work, only to come face to face with a floating doll. The small one he called Summer, glaring intensely at him with her silver eyes.

"What?" He asked, the doll not answering, but rather, her brows shifted and eyes averted momentarily to where Ilia once stood. Taking a hint of what she was attempting to express, the blond sighed and spoke while continuing his work. "I know, I could've gotten her a job at Ai' Lauu's, but I need help running the store here too." The doll's head tilted towards him, coming into view of his eye sight. Jaune rolled his eyes, sighing annoyingly. "I know you don't like her. This is just temporary, I'm pretty sure she's not exactly thrilled about this either. If she didn't want the job, she would've rejected it and asked to help her search elsewhere. She needs the work, and I wasn't going to turn her away." He attempted to avert her gaze, only to have her slip right back into his sights, only this time, a mere few inches from his face. The blond wasn't taken aback by her actions, but rather, the 'words' that followed.

"Can't…trust…her…" The doll struggled to speak. Beforehand, she managed one word at a time, and as Jaune grew older she was able to utter a few more words at a time.

"I know that…" Jaune responded, his irritation growing as her companion continued nudging the idea of Ilia's unwavering loyalty to the White Fang cause, as well as the blond's not to subtle response to Taurus' ideology.

"Then…why…help?"

Jaune stopped his work, turned to Summer, and with an ever so faint downtrodden, gazed right at the eyes of his creation. "Because for once…I really hope I'm wrong."

Feeling the need to argue, the doll seemed to prepare for a rebuttal. Though, a small gasp echoed in her hallowed shell as his attention was directed towards the shack. He turned slowly, expecting Ilia to be standing at the doorway with widened eyes. Instead, he found no one, or rather; he heard a faint call from inside the shop. A woman's voice, older than Ilia, but not as old as Kali, but perhaps around that of his mother's. Gesturing Summer to return to his shoulder, the doll instead lay atop his head, as she normally did, and went limp, as to appear lifeless.

The blond left his work table and walked to the shop. Upon entering, an unnerving sense of fear crawled up his spine for some unknown reason.

"Excuse me?" He heard from within the shop, just a ways peeking over the counter. Treading carefully to the front, the blond took notice of a dark skinned woman, dressed in clothing most folk used to cross the desert regions on foot. Covered almost entirely from head to toe, save for her face. There were a few distinct marks on lower neck presumably extending to other reaches of her body. Her orange eyes resembling that of a feline, though the only odd trait was the jewel on her forehead. Scarcely had there been folks who displayed similar attire to what she wore, fewer that passed through Kuo Kuana alone.

Believing Ilia to still be upstairs and settling in, the blond decided to welcome the potential customer.

"Hello, welcome to Driftwood, how may I be of service?" Jaune smiled as he approached the woman, only to be met with silence as her eyes were locked to the toy on his forehead. The design of Summer was unique, for this part of the world, but it wasn't exactly something that merited attention, and an uncomfortable five minute silence.

"I'm…" The woman began. "…looking for someone, a mister Jaune Belladonna." The blond didn't cringe, but he wasn't exactly ecstatic about being referred to as Belladonna. It wasn't that he had anything against Ghira or Kali, but he wasn't exactly one to welcome the rumors and gossips that floated around the town over his and Blake's verbal, and physical, debate over what the White Fang had become.

Unbeknownst to the woman, the dolls around her shifted, ever so slightly, with Summer, while appearing lifeless, held a blade under one of her sleeves in case this newcomer tried anything. "So I'm a Belladonna, huh? Can't say I'm thrilled, if I'm honest. Especially with what will happen next." He muttered, knowing full well she would hear him.

"And why is that?" the woman asked, her hand gliding downwards to her waist, attempting to grip a weapon she failed to find. She made no frantic movements, nor did she take her eyes off him. Rather, she waited with her guard up as to what would happen next.

The blond smiled, reaching beneath the counter and sliding over the marble table; a jagged edged dagger, still in its sheath. There was a reaction, albeit faint, from the woman from having her weapon swiped without even noticing how.

"I'm not a big fan of terrorism, believe it or not." The woman's reaction to his words was still subtle, but the anger itself could be felt from the faint growl she threw his way. "I've said it to Taurus and I'll say it to you; I'm no interested, and I'll never forge weapons for your group. So just buzz off."

The woman was silent for a moment before hardening her glare. "Do you know who I am?"

The blond shook his head, still with the faint grin plastered on his lips. "Don't care. Leave."

The woman was about to respond when she noticed the dolls around her had moved, her eyes widened as she took notice of the toys wielding weapons they'd taken from the cases around them. Atop their heads was a faint glowing blue string, seemingly leaning towards the blond store owner. It only took a moment for the woman to regain her senses before retrieving her weapon, cautiously, and leaving the store without another word.

Waiting only for a few minutes after she left, Jaune flexed his fingers about, moving the dolls back to their former positions. Truth be told; this wasn't the first time he had a White Fang confronting him. Though, he wasn't exactly so sure he made the right decision scaring her off after realizing who she was. He'd seen her before, on a few occasions when she visited Ghira at his office.

"Hey." Jaune's focus turned to Ilia walking casually down the stairs. "I heard voices, did I miss anything?" her question was answered when she noticed a dagger atop the counter.

"No." he half lied, knowing full well the woman would recognize him as well. Or rather, the showcasing of his abilities in order to defend his store. Yes, he might've gotten a bit carried away, but this faunus was not someone he wanted to fight head on. His dolls might've given him an advantage, but the woman's strength and power would keep him at bay. Still, that didn't mean he was going to sulk about revealing his powers, she now knew who he was. If she bought the threat, shed leave him alone. However, unbeknownst to him, Jaune had just made himself a new prime candidate for their organization, and given his track record, they weren't exactly going to ask nicely the next time around.