Ruby's fingers drummed nervously on the sleek surface of Winter Schnee's white desk, her eyes flitting between her teammates.
Blake stood with her arms crossed, a furrow between her brows as she stared out the window, her ears twitching at the distant sound of the crowd's chants. Weiss leaned against the wall, her posture rigid, lips pressed into a thin line as she studied the floor with a furrowed brow.
Qrow, ever the picture of nonchalance, leaned against the doorframe, his eyes narrowed as he watched each of them in turn. His fingers absently traced the rim of his flask, which he hadn't found time to drink from lately. With someone outdoing him, he didn't want to add to their headache for once. A nagging feeling that something was off gnawed at him, especially since this bastard seemed to be imitating the way he took a swig, pissing him off and making him want to avoid looking at him.
Pyrrha stood near the center of the room with her eyes following Ruby's nervous drumming
Winter sat behind her desk, her hands clasped neatly in front of her, her gaze steady as she addressed the group. "It seems tensions have reached a boiling point on the streets and outside the Belladonna Manor," she said evenly, her voice cutting through the heavy silence of the room.
The drones were flying overhead the protests.
The message was clear: "We want food! We want medicine! We want to rebuild!"
Blake paced back and forth, her golden eyes filled with worry. "This isn't good. The locals are getting restless. If we don't handle this properly, things could get out of hand."
Weiss, arms crossed and brow furrowed, nodded in agreement. "We need to understand why they're protesting in the first place. We've been doing everything we can to help, but it seems like it's not enough. I thought we already talked with their leaders?"
"Not these ones, these are new," Qrow, leaning against the wall with a grim expression, added, "The High leaders of Menagerie need to address this quickly. If the people feel neglected, it could turn into a bigger problem. We don't need Grimm adding to the shitshow here.."
Pyrrha chimed in. "We need to speak with the Belladonnas and Sienna Khan then. They might have a better understanding of the situation."
Exchanging nods, the team made their way to the observation deck, where they could see the streets of Kuo Kuana below. The crowd in front of the Belladonna Manor was growing larger by the minute. Some people were holding signs demanding food and medicine, while others were calling for the rebuilding of their homes and livelihood.
The team hurried out of the airship. Kali and Ghira Belladonna stood at the entrance of the manor, looking out at the scene with concern. They turned as the team approached.
"What's going on here?" Weiss asked, her voice tense.
Ghira sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It seems the people are growing impatient, Miss Weiss. We've been too busy taking care of the internal matters, but it's not enough. They feel like their needs aren't being met quickly enough and they are now singing their hearts out."
Kali nodded, her expression serious. "And it's not just here. Sienna Khan's place... her base is also filled with protesters. The people are frustrated and desperate. They want to see tangible results, and they want them now."
Blake's eyes widened. "But we're trying to help. Why don't they see that?"
Kali placed a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder. "It's not that they don't see it, Blake. It's that they need more. The situation in Menagerie has been dire for a long time, and our efforts, while appreciated, haven't been enough to address all their needs."
Ruby looked out at the crowd, her heart sinking.
Qrow nodded in agreement. "You need to get down there and talk to them. Show them that you're listening and you care. We can't let their negative emotions gather Grimm and disrupt the talks now. This could get bad to worst."
Weiss turned to Ghira and Kali. "Can you arrange a meeting with some of the protest leaders? We need to hear their grievances and come up with a plan to address them."
"We can try," Ghira nodded. "I'll see what I can do. But be prepared. The people are angry, and they might not be willing to listen at first."
As Ghira went to arrange the meeting, the group stood in silence, watching the crowd grow. The voices of the protesters were growing louder, and the tension in the air was becoming tense.
"We need to do something, and fast," Blake said, her voice filled with worry and frustration. "We can't let this situation escalate any further. Damn it... why can't they just trust us? We don't need to fight again... we already lost so much do they want to add more! The Menagerie Guard and the White Fang can't fight again."
A few hours later, they found themselves in a large meeting room within the Belladonna Manor. A group of local representatives had been gathered, each one a leader within their community. The atmosphere was tense, and the air was thick with anticipation as they settled in.
It was then that they confirmed that the leaders were none the team previously met, especially how ill-dressed they were compared to the leaders they were talking to before who were dealing with the goods and supplies from Mistral and Vale. Making them assume they were the protest leaders that were selected by their community to face them.
Ghira opened the meeting with a solemn tone. "Thank you all for coming. We understand that there are many concerns among the people, and we want to address them directly."
"Finally?" one of the faunus scowled. "I guess now we're being noisy enough for you that you are finally listening?"
The lack of respect they had for her father made Blake angry. She was about to open her mouth when Kali held her back, prompting her to stay still.
One of the representatives, a middle-aged Faunus woman with sharp eyes, spoke up. "We appreciate your efforts, Chieftain, but the people are tired of waiting. We need food, medicine, and the means to rebuild their lives. You asked us to tolerate our enemy because you don't want more war in our land. Yes, we've been tolerant, patient and kind, but our patience only goes so far. "
Kali stepped forward, her voice steady but earnest. "We do hear you. We know that our efforts haven't been enough, and we want to do better. But please, tell us what you need, and we'll do everything in our power to provide it."
A young salamander-faunus, his expression filled with frustration, interjected. "It's not just about resources. We need to see action. We need to know that you're committed to helping us rebuild, not just in words, but in deeds."
Blake nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "We are committed. And we will prove it. We will work together to create a plan that addresses your immediate needs while also laying the groundwork for long-term recovery."
The Faunus looked at Blake with a shake of their heads, as if they've heard the same rhetoric already.
As the meeting went on, tension thickened the air like a fog rolling over a quiet town. Representatives from different communes sat across from each other, their expressions strained, their voices carrying the weight of their people's needs. Urgent demands were voiced, grievances aired, and frustrations vented. Yet, amidst the flurry of words and impassioned pleas, there lingered a palpable sense of disconnect, as if each voice was merely a whisper in the wind, fading into the void.
Ghira, sensing the growing weariness in the room, rose to speak, his voice calm yet commanding attention. "Thank you for your time," he uttered, his words echoing in the solemn silence that followed.
The representatives nodded in unison, their expressions a blend of weariness and tentative hope. As they began to filter out of the room, their eyes fell upon Jaune, who stood quietly beside Winter Schnee, discussing the security around Menagerie and other concerns.
"I already asked Miss Rockshow to address this matter regarding their stolen tech, Ma'am."
"I'm surprised you know Miss Iona. How did you two even meet?"
"A very long story, Ma'am."
"Jaune, brother!" one of them exclaimed, a genuine smile playing on his lips, his tone carrying an unmistakable note of affection. "Are you joining us for a 'drink' again?"
Unlike the rough attitude that they showed when interacting with the high leaders, there was a warmth and friendly tone in the way they addressed him. Jaune turned them and was about to answer when Winter tapped him lightly on the side with her elbow as if reminding him something.
Jaune hesitated, his gaze flickering to Winter, who stood nearby, observing with a subtle furrow in her brow. For a brief moment, uncertainty clouded his expression before he responded, his voice tinged with regret, "Sorry, Mr. Tan. Not this time."
Winter nodded at Jaune's answer approvingly.
The local representatives, however, seemed unfazed by Jaune's refusal, their expressions remaining warm and understanding. They exchanged friendly handshakes and pats on the shoulder with Jaune like brothers parting ways after a heartfelt reunion.
"Maybe next time!" Jaune called out to them as they made their way out of the room, his tone hopeful yet tinged with a hint of regret at chance for another 'party'.
"We'll hold on to that, Jaune!" one of the leaders replied with a smile, his words carrying a promise of future gatherings. "Bring some 'party supplies' if you can okay?"
"You can count on me," Jaune grinned.
As the door closed behind the departing representatives, Jaune turned to face the team, meeting their disappointed stares with a defiant shrug. "What? I turned down Mr. Tan, didn't I?"
The team shook their heads, their disappointment clear at Jaune's foolishness.
With a shared glance, they silently agreed to focus on the task ahead and then whispered among themselves while they climbed aboard Winter's airship.
Qrow pointed out in a low voice, but there was some suspicion on his voice, like he was trying to figure out something, but can't point a finger on it and then he saw Jaune taking a sneaky sip of his flask, making Qrow click his tongue. "Tsk, we still need to keep an eye on Arc. His behavior could mess things up. We can't let the kid party around with the locals while things are like this. We don't need the locals to hate more on humans more than they do already. Especially while he's drunk and might ended up saying something.."
Weiss nodded. "Agreed. We'll need to keep him in check while we deal with these problems.."
Ruby looked out at the city below, her silver eyes reflecting it. Then she saw Jaune sat on the airship's observation deck, swirling a drink in his hand and staring out at the shores of Kuo Kuana. He seemed distant, the events unfolding below barely registering.
The team, having just finished their tense meeting with the local representatives, regrouped to discuss their next steps.
"We need to address the immediate needs of the people," Weiss said, her tone urgent. "Food, medicine, and rebuilding efforts. We need to show them tangible results right now."
Blake nodded, her expression determined. "We should start by visiting the other communes. If we can get their support, we can create a united front. Ease them down maybe?"
Qrow leaned against the wall, his gaze fixed on Jaune who was staring intently at his scroll. "What about him? He's been a clown since he stopped doing his job, but he's still the 'Mediator' Mistral and Atlas left in charge for this. We have to bring him with us unfortunately."
Ruby sighed. "We'll have to keep him out of trouble while we work. I think Miss Winter can help with that. Jaune listens to her."
They spent the next few hours planning their approach, meticulously detailing how they would present their aid and ensure it reached those in need. The goal was to show the locals that their intentions were genuine and that they were committed to solving their problem.
The following day, they set out to meet with representatives from the other communes who didn't attend. While the group at the Belladonna Manor had agreed to meet, the reception from the rest of the locals was far less welcoming. In a cramped meeting hall, the atmosphere was charged with frustration and anger.
Blake took the lead, her voice calm but earnest. "We're here to help. We understand that things have been difficult, and we want to work together to find solutions."
An elderly Faunus, his face etched with the scars of a lifetime of hardship, slammed his fist on the table. "You think you know us?" he snarled, his eyes burning into Blake's. "While you play politics and feast in your manor, we starve! Our sons and daughters had fought for change, but nothing had changed! You speak of solutions, causes, and ideals as if you've forgotten who is the lifeblood of this city! Whose labor allows your family and our enemies to eat with their bellies full! Now, when we raise our voices, you finally remember us? Is that it? Are we just 'animals' to you, fed only when we start growling and barking? Hoping it will silence us back to our cages!? Is that it Ghira? Sienna!? Are we not as important because you think we cannot fight?"
"Others had come to help! The humans are helping us but instead of accepting it gracefully you want us bark at them as if you'd prefer we'd rather starve and die than accept kindness!"
The accusation hung in the air, and the team felt the weight of his words. They were eventually kicked out of the meeting, their promises of aid falling on deaf ears. The next days were a nightmare. Protests grew more frequent and more intense. The people of Kuo Kuana sang while they protested, their voices filled not with negativity but with a desperate hope for change.
It brought the team face to face with the harsh reality of their task. The hostility they encountered from the other communes served as a reminder of the deep-rooted resentment of those that had been forgotten by their leader. Blake's attempt to bridge the divide was met with a visceral outpouring of frustration and anger, leaving the team reeling from the force of their accusations.
"You made them feel like they were just an after thought," Jaune said casually after the locals left. "What did you expect?"
As Jaune's words hung in the air, the tension in the room thickened like a suffocating fog. Each syllable was a weight, heavy with accusation, crashing against the walls of the meeting room.
Ruby's usually bright eyes dimmed with the weight of the situation, her fingers tapping anxiously against the polished surface of the table. "Jaune, we didn't mean to make them feel that way," she said softly, her voice tinged with remorse. "I just thought they would listen..."
Blake's jaw tightened, the furrow in her brow deepening as she wrestled with the gravity of Jaune's accusation. "But what choice did we have?" she asked, her voice tight with frustration and then with anger. "The situation was already delicate, and we had to tread carefully. And what right do you even have to say that? You didn't do you job either! All you did was fool around Jaune! How could a human like you even begin understand how the Faunus of Menagerie feel? Why are you even here if you can't do something right?"
"Is that so?" Jaune sneered. "It's weird hearing that from a house cat pretending to be a street cat, wearing a paper crown and trying to meow like the strays, all while having a cozy bed and bowls of cream waiting at home. They'd laugh if they know you're saying this you know?"
"Why you!" Blake reached out for Gambol Shroud.
Jaune crossed his arms, unfazed.
"Stop this," Qrow butted in. "We don't need you two fighting either. And would you shut up kid?"
Jaune shrugged nonchalantly, causing Blake to glare at him even more as he leaves the room.
Weiss, usually poised and composed, seemed to shrink in her seat, her gaze flickering uncertainly between her friends. "Perhaps we should have done more," she admitted, her tone tinged with self-doubt. "But hindsight is a cruel master."
Qrow then leaned back in his chair, a deep furrow etched into his forehead, his fingers drumming a restless beat against the armrest while glaring at Jaune and Blake. "We did what we thought was best," he said gruffly, his voice heavy with resignation. "Can't change that now."
Pyrrha, usually the picture of serenity, appeared troubled, her eyes clouded with concern.
Outside, the city buzzed with unrest, the distant murmur of voices rising and falling like waves crashing against the shore.
The streets below were a sea of bodies, banners and placards waving defiantly in the breeze, voices raised in unison, demanding change.
The high leaders found themselves deeply concerned, to the point where they sought assistance from Ruby, Blake, Weiss, Qrow, and Pyrrha in reaching out to Winter for support. However, Winter staunchly refused to intervene directly.
"We must uphold their right to protest," Winter asserted firmly. "Our interference could exacerbate the situation, and I trust in their commitment to a peaceful protest."
Winter's assessment proved accurate. Despite escalating tensions, the protests maintained their peaceful nature.
And any attempt to quell them would likely have sparked a riot.
Because despite their frustration, the people of Kuo Kuana clung to hope for change.
They voiced their unity and resilience through songs, demonstrating unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
Back in the meeting room within the Belladonna Manor, Ghira, Sienna Khan, and the team gathered to discuss the escalating situation. Sienna's eyes flashed with anger as she turned to the representatives from Mistral and Atlas.
"This is all your doing isn't it!?" she accused. "You've come here and try to use our people, turning them against us!"
Jaune, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, was handing a piece of candy to Mrs. Tala's daughter. He then looked at the others, who were glaring at him.
"Okay, um, about you go to your mum for now?" Jaune whispered. "I'll give them to you later."
"Okay Brother Jaune!"
"Come here, lass," the little girl's mother called.
The little girl ran away from Jaune and hugged her mother's leg. Mrs. Tala nodded at Jaune and left with her daughter, having assessed the situation.
Jaune adjusted his yellow tie and coughed. "Pardon me, um, what was the discussion?"
Winter Schnee cleared her throat, her tone firm. "Jaune, please pay attention," she commanded, drawing surprised compliance from Jaune, who straightened in his seat, though his demeanor remained nonchalant. Winter then addressed Sienna with a professional composure. "Throughout our tenure here, we've cooperated solely with the Menagerie Guard, securing settlements and providing support against the Grimm. These documents detail our actions and commitments."
She slid a stack of documents across the table. "Our role here is to oversee the aftermath of the civil war and bring in aid, which, quite honestly, has been met with resistance and has been taken advantage of by some."
Her gaze shifted pointedly to Jaune, who responded with a careless laugh, seemingly undisturbed by the tension.
Sienna's jaw clenched, momentarily speechless at his audacious behavior.
Ghira, his fingers steepled, spoke up. "The situation has reached a tipping point. If we don't listen to the people and address their concerns, their discontent will only grow. And angry people are dangerous because they bring in more Grimm. Now that they have local leaders hoping to get heard. We'd have to deal with them too. Honestly, we don't need more leaders right now while we're still figuring things out."
The room fell silent as his words sank in. The gravity of the situation was undeniable. They needed to find a way to bridge the gap between the leaders and the people before it was too late.
"You need to show them that we're not just here to talk," Pyrrha said.
Blake nodded. "We can start by distributing food and medical supplies ourselves now, directly to the people. Let them see that we're here to help, not just to make promises. Jaune..." she said with some sharpness. "you didn't use them all right?"
Jaune threw his hands up. "Of course, not, there's like still tons in back of the airship. A shame really that we can't use them because, uh, what was it? It might come with strings attached. I really wanted to but I can't do it when they don't want it! How can I insist? And also that Miss Winter won't allow it."
Ghira and Sienna glared at Jaune while the other Faunus listening in perked their ears. Looking at their high leaders with narrowed eyes. Kali Belladonna looked around and said. "Please understand that we didn't want to be beholden to the SDC and MTC's affairs."
"Of course, Madam, I understand," Jaune said. "But even if we wanted to distribute this. We can't."
Winter acknowledged Jaune with a nod of her head. "Indeed. I cannot sanction the release of these supplies without adhering to the appropriate formalities. It is imperative that we furnish documentation affirming the legitimacy of our actions, ensuring that there is no suspicion of misappropriation before the supplies are properly distributed among the masses."
"Then we just have to use it to appease these fools," Sienna clicked her tongue. "They won't calm down if we don't give them something."
"Would that be possible now, Miss Schnee?" Ghira asked to Winter ,trying to press her.
"While I acknowledge your wanting to proceed, it is imperative to underscore the necessity of establishing a formal agreement as a precursor to any further actions or commitments," Winter said, taking a professional tone.
"I think we should also involve these protest leaders in these efforts, Weiss added. "Show them that we're willing to work together and that we heard their complaints."
Qrow, leaning against the wall, added, "And we need to watch out for Grimm. If we don't handle this now we'll have to deal with angry mob and when that happens it means Grimm."
Ghira Belladonna and Sienna Khan took hours until they agreed.
After putting their plan into action, the team, accompanied by local volunteers and commune leaders, immediately began distributing the supplies from the airships accompanying Winter's private airship throughout the communes. They worked tirelessly, going from house to house to ensure everyone received what they needed. While the sight of representatives working alongside locals softened some hostility, there remained a lingering aloofness. Surprisingly, some communes handled the supplies adeptly, seemingly without instruction from the soldiers. The team noticed that some commune leaders were acquaintances of Jaune, which made them question whether bringing Jaune along was necessary, especially as some seemed to treat him with casual disregard, offering him drinks and food without much thought.
"What? It'd be rude not to accept," Jaune reasoned out.
At the end of a long day, they gathered in a small square, exhausted but hopeful.
Ruby glanced around at her friends, her eyes widening. "Ugh, there's so many..." She motioned toward the hastily placed supplies and the throngs of people milling about.
Pyrrha wiped the sweat from her brow, a determined glint in her eye. "We've made a good start. We need to keep this up."
Blake's face was streaked with dirt, her shoulders sagging as she nodded. She let out a deep sigh, her ears twitching at the persistent hum of the crowd.
Weiss, her voice carrying a tired yet unwavering resolve, stepped forward. "We need to keep the momentum going. We can't let up until the people see that we're here for them." Her normally pristine white attire was now marred with dust and grime, a testament to their day's labor.
As the sun set, casting long shadows over the square, the people of Kuo Kuana began to gather around them, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. Murmurs of conversation blended with the rustling of leaves in the evening breeze.
However, their voices continued to be heard in the streets.
The songs they sang remaining the same.
No, it was even louder.