Winter Schnee stood on the observation deck, arms crossed, her icy blue eyes fixed on Jaune Arc who was taking a sip of his drink. He sat nearby, watching the shores of Kuo Kuana. The protests on the streets were majestic waves of people... simply beautiful.
How this sight happened, she could barely imagine.
"Jaune," Winter began, her voice carrying a playful admonishment, "I can't believe you're still carrying on with this. You have a Semblance that could help you get rid of whatever you drink, yet you persist to remain like this."
Jaune's casual expression faded, replaced by a calm, well-mannered demeanor unlike what he usually showed with the others. He looked up at Winter, his eyes sincere. "I apologize, Miss Winter. This was a necessary. But sometimes, there's only one way to truly understand and connect with people."
Winter raised an eyebrow, her annoyance giving way to a hint of amusement. "You did the same thing in Mistral. Tirelessly talking to people, getting their attention, and when no one listened, you turned to the people. I have to admit, it's effective, if unorthodox. It could do without the drinking though."
Jaune nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I merely listened and talked. People want to feel heard, especially when they're frustrated and angry. Sometimes, breaking down those barriers requires a different approach... and also that people's tongues are looser when they have a drink."
"And I bet you were enjoying the drinking too. I wonder how much of it was actually listening to them and half enjoying the drink?"
"Half-half?" Jaune said. "I will confessed however that sometimes it takes more than one drink to get the Faunus people drunk. Ma'am, I think my liver has been aching and if I didn't have my Semblance. I think would have actually drank myself to death with the amount I was drinking everyday."
Winter sighed, shaking her head slightly. "What now, Jaune? We can't rely on you getting drunk and dancing your way into people's hearts every time there's a problem like this."
"Eh, not my fault it's the most effective, Ma'am," Jaune shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "It's best if the others speak for themselves now. They need to find their own way to connect and show the people that they're sincere. What, were you expecting a revolution? Ma'am, they're just hungry, they've just been through a civil war, and they're more concerned about picking up the pieces and salvaging what's left. They're sick of leaders, and for me to 'lead' them would be to undermine everything I've done. They want to feel in control, to do something their leaders couldn't. All I did was give them the liquid courage and a full belly so they could go out to voice their feelings."
"Still, I thought it would take a long time for you to connect with them. The Faunus when it comes to humans are—"
"Are inherently good, Ma'am. In the weeks I've spent with them. They were more curious than hateful. It's their history that makes them guarded, but it's also the 'causes' around them that make them believe we humans are enemies to fight. You can thank the White Fang for their prejudice, but also because of how they got treated as well. I had arguments with them. But you know what, Ma'am? In all the visits I had in the dust mines and hearing different people. I came to realize that it's both that are suffering. The White Fang simply rose first before the humans ever did."
"I see," Winter nodded. "I admit I had worries you were planning something bigger."
"No, a human leader would be a red flag for them," Jaune then looked toward the outskirts of the city, adding, "It'll cause chaos and accusations. We can't give the Grimm a reason to attack us. A negative bomb like that would be... devastating. Wait. You really think I was trying to?"
Winter stared, but her eyes told Jaune everything he needed to know.
"I'm hurt." Jaune dramatically placed a hand on his chest. "I don't think I'd do that kind of you know? The paperwork alone is giving me a headache. After Mistral? No thanks, Ma'am. I feel satisfied about my position and role as Mediator."
"It could have worked."
"Unless I've actually grown some golden retriever faunus parts, maybe. But I'm human, and despite everything, they still prefer their island to be led by Faunus. Though things would have been a lot easier if I were Faunus."
"Golden retriever," Winter Schnee mused. "I can see it... they might be right."
"What's right? Anyway, it was just grassroots diplomacy, Ma'am."
"I see," Winter nodded, accepting his reasoning. "Nonetheless, good job. I believe that this momentous protest will have a profound effect on the high leaders of Menagerie and they'll finally accept the talks. I do advise that you take care of that suit, Jaune. It's the third one you've ruined this month."
Jaune looked down at his disheveled attire and chuckled. "I apologize for that as well. If I have time, I'll make it up to you with a meal. My treat."
Winter silently nodded, her gaze softening. She turned her attention back to the reports she was receiving about the Atlas Tech imitations they were investigating, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Despite his unconventional methods, Jaune had a way of making things happen, even if it drove her to the brink of frustration. She admired his ability to connect with people in a way that few could. His antics, while often infuriating, had a genuine impact. It was a quality she couldn't help but respect.
The next morning, Jaune joined Winter in the briefing room. The team was already gathered, their faces marked exhaustion. Weiss glanced at Jaune, her expression a mix of annoyance and frustration. "What's the plan today, Arc? I hope it's not dancing and drinking?"
Jaune smiled, shaking his head. "No more antics. Miss Winter had corrected my behavior and had me reflect on myself."
Winter raised a brow at Jaune's statement, but did not comment.
Qrow's staring at him. His eyes threaten to dig into Jaune's face.
Blake looked annoyed at Jaune and ignored him. "The protests have not died down… honestly I'm just glad they're keeping it peaceful. I hope nothing happens that will cause to fight them."
Qrow leaned back in his chair, a smirk on his face. "You hear that, Arc? No partying while this shit is going down."
"Hey, I was socializing!" Jaune laughed, a genuine sound that eased some of the tension in the room. "I promise, and I will, take better care of this one. Honestly, I don't even know how much this suit costs."
"You'd be surprised how much that suit of yours coast, Jaune," Winter commented, the smug smile on her face giving Jaune a sense of fear and pain in his pockets.
"Guys, it's starting!" Ruby gathered their attention on the street.
The morning sun cast a golden hue over Kuo Kuana, its rays illuminating the gathering crowd. The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of anticipation and solemnity, the air buzzing with the harmonious voices of the protesters. Their song wove through the streets, a testament to their unity and resilience.
From a distance, Jaune, Winter, Ruby, Weiss, Pyrrha, Qrow, and Blake observed the scene. The starkness of the briefing room felt worlds away as they watched the crowd, each lost in their own thoughts, worry and hope mingling in their expressions.
At the heart of the protest, Ghira Belladonna and Sienna Khan stood among the local leaders. Their faces bore expressions of deep reflection and perhaps a hint of embarrassment. The local leaders of Kuo Kuana, heads held high, displayed an almost defiant solidarity.
One of the local leaders, a sharply-dressed coyote faunus named Mr. Tan, stepped forward, locking eyes with Ghira and Sienna. "Can you hear our song now, Ghira, Sienna?" he asked, his voice resonating with a challenge and a plea.
Ghira's face softened into a warm but rueful smile. He let out a heartfelt laugh that carried through the crowd. "Yes, Tan, we do now. Loud and clear."
The crowd's song swelled, a powerful chorus echoing through the streets. It was a song of hope, defiance, and a shared dream for a better future. Ghira and Sienna watched, their expressions solemn as they absorbed the sight of their people united in song and dance. Sienna's eyes softened, a rare smile playing on her lips, cherishing the unity before her.
Mr. Tan's voice cut through the music, commanding attention. "We are faunus," he began, his tone firm and unyielding. "We have spent too long fighting and so little rebuilding. The Menagerie Guard, the White Fang — have you forgotten what your cause was for? Why you even fight your enemies in the first place?"
"FOR US, THE PEOPLE!" the crowd roared, their voices a single, powerful entity.
Ghira and Sienna's faces were etched with a mix of regret and determination as they listened.
Mr. Tan continued, his gaze unwavering. "So I ask you, Ghira Belladonna, Chieftain of Menagerie, and High Leader Sienna Khan. Do you remember now who your cause was for?"
Sienna clicked her tongue, crossing her arms defensively. "We do, Tan. You don't have to rub it in," she replied, her voice tinged with both irritation and respect. "You sly bastard."
A grin spread across Mr. Tan's face. "Oh, it's not me asking. It's us who are asking you."
As the song continued, the atmosphere grew more intense. The people of Kuo Kuana, their voices harmonizing in a powerful melody, drew strength from each other. They swayed in unison, their movements synchronized as if guided by a collective spirit.
Jaune watched the scene calmly, pride swelling for the people of Kuo Kuana. He glanced at Winter, who stood beside him with her usual composed demeanor, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion at the sea of people in song and dance that pleaded hope and change.
Weiss's expression had softened, her earlier frustration giving way to a contemplative look. Qrow, leaning back with his usual nonchalance, seemed unusually quiet, his eyes fixed on the crowd. Blake, her annoyance replaced by a sense of pride, watched her father and Sienna with a mixture of admiration and hope that perhaps this will end today.
The crowd's song began to wind down, but the sense of unity and resolve remained palpable. Mr. Tan stepped forward once more, addressing the crowd this time. "We have come together today to remind ourselves and our leaders of our shared purpose. We fight not just for ourselves, but for our future, for the generations to come."
He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "Let this day be a reminder that we are stronger together. That our voices, united, can bring about the change we seek."
Ghira nodded in agreement, his voice joining the crowd. "Today, you have reminded us of the roots of our causes, of the strength that lies in our unity. Let us carry this spirit forward, in everything we do."
Sienna, her arms still crossed, added hers as well, "This unity is what we need to hold onto. It's what will guide us through the challenges ahead. You have shown me all once again that the people of Menagerie are worth dying for."
The crowd erupted in applause, their cheers mingling with the fading notes of their song. It was a moment of triumph, a declaration of their resilience and hope.
Ghira took a deep breath, his voice steady and strong. "Thank you for reminding us of what truly matters. Together, we can build a future where all faunus can live in peace and prosperity."
Sienna's voice followed, her tone resolute. "We will not forget this moment. We will continue to fight for our people, for our home, and for the justice we deserve."
"THERE IS NO MENAGERIE GUARD, NO WHITE FANG, IT'S JUST US. THE PEOPLE OF MENAGERIE!"
Mr. Tan raised their fists up in the air. The crowd responded with another wave of applause, their spirits lifted by the words of their leaders.
As the crowd began to disperse, Mr. Tan stepped forward, shaking hands with Sienna and Ghira again. A mischievous grin spread across his face. "We'll be sending a good friend of ours with these emblems to meet with you," he said, his tone enigmatic.
Ghira and Sienna exchanged confused glances but ultimately nodded, choosing to focus on the unity displayed rather than the cryptic message. They would deal with the mysterious friend when the time came.
The following day, the atmosphere in the meeting room was tense. The high leaders of Menagerie, along with Ruby, Weiss, Blake, Qrow, and Pyrrha, awaited the arrival of this 'friend' Mr. Tan had mentioned. The room buzzed with low conversations and speculation about who this representative might be.
The door creaked open, and in strode Jaune Arc, clad in a sleek black suit with a yellow tie that stood out boldly against the dark fabric. He moved with an uncharacteristic poise, his entrance casual yet commanding. The sight of him drew immediate reactions—Ruby, Weiss, and Blake exchanged bewildered glances, ready to chastise him for what appeared to be another ill-timed stunt. The high leaders prepared to direct him to the exit, assuming he had wandered in mistakenly.
Jaune raised a hand, cutting through the murmurs and halting any impending reprimands. The room stilled, a collective breath held in anticipation. With measured steps, he approached the table and, with a deliberate motion, placed the emblems of the local leaders before him. The metallic clink of the emblems against the polished wood reverberated in the silent room, an unspoken confirmation of his authority.
"Let me introduce myself again, I am Jaune Arc," he declared, his voice resonating with an unexpected authority. "Currently acting Mediator representing the people of Mistral, Atlas, and Menagerie in the ongoing negotiations. My role is to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the conflict and ensure that justice is served for all parties."
His words hung in the air, met with a mixture of shock and skepticism. The faunus emblems, undeniable symbols of his newfound role, silenced any doubts. Ruby's eyes widened, Weiss's mouth fell open in surprise, and Blake's expression shifted to one of cautious curiosity.
The high leaders, faces etched with disbelief, exchanged uncertain glances.
Jaune leaned back, a confident smile playing on his lips. "So, Chieftain Belladonna, High Leader Khan," he began, his tone calm yet commanding, "shall we resume negotiations?"