A/N:
Turbosa22c- I honestly can't wait to see Verde's reaction to finding out Jaune's her dad. I have a feeling she's gonna go crazy next arc.
Trust me, she's in for a RIDE! Especially since, spoiler alert: . . . I'M NOT GONNA BE THE ONE TO WRITE IT! *maniacal laughter* MY SISTERS SLEF-INSERTED THEMSELVES INTO SO HEAVILY THAT THEY'RE PRACTICALLY CONTRACTUALLY OBLIGATED TO WRITE THE ARC FOR ME! VICTORY FOR ZIM!
Dredgon -Damn. Didn't Expect for Joto to be dead. Though, it makes sense. I mean WHY would Verde be in the outside world? And after learning about Joto's responsibilities to her kingdom, it wouldn't make sense for her to send off Verde to Jaune. Can't wait for the Kiburi Squad to discover Verde, and for B&Y to discover the true origins of Verde. Blake is gonna through another fit to learn that Jaune 'abandoned' another Faunus child lol.
Yeah, she's gonna be PISSED! True, Blake loves her daughter, but she's still going to be FURIOUS when she finds out a close friend of hers technically abandoned his Faunus daughter (whether he knew it or not)
V2 Boa Jade and Vinsmoke Julie-Jade and Julie: also should've mentioned that Giza changed his name too, but meh. It'll be told later on so its fine
Meh. You two will fix it when you write the arc. Mwahahahahaaa!
Guest-Yeah I don't really believe you when you say he's the strongest huntsman when easily lost To This So Called Adam
Jaune Took A L
Adam had prep time, gear, tools, and the element of surprise (somewhat). He had more than enough cards up his sleeve to kick the Strongest Huntsman's ass. But yeah, Jaune took the L in round one. Round two when he awakened his powers? You gotta admit that was unfairly one-sided.
Guest-Oh man, i cant wait for when Jaune, the arc family and for the xiao-long belladonnas and Verde to find out about Verde's true lineage XD
Jaune is gonna be in SO much trouble! XD
Guest-Ooh it's about to go down!
After the long-ass Menagerie Arc, of course.
Guest-In her dying breath she was not only revealed with the truth. But whispered her loves name too. This is just heartbreaking sad
Giza's alive?! His family has no idea, but take they're about to find out! That reunion is gonna be something!
So that's how Blake and Yang found Verde and Jaune is with his daughter with no idea
The twins are furious! Go kill her!
That last heartbreak was added by the twins. Ain't they sadistic? I'm so proud of them.
Indeed!
At least he technically got to help raise his daughter.
They REALLY want to!
Guest-Hate that my account is down, but it's denniskorares
That's how Verde is found her family
I saw that! They had Giza pull an Ronin from Avengers Endgame, loved that scene with Clint!
Speaking of Giza, he pulled an Bardock! Non-canon version, but still. He lived while his teammates and former love died, while he lived. Whoa
The twins really do share some of Simba's traits along with Verde, Maji and Mchanga finding them maybe a bit of Nala too, but doubt they'll be Verde's love interest big sisters at most and they'll all find Verde too. They're all gonna come after Kovu!
You're the second person I know who had that problem. Hope this doesn't become a trend.
Yup.
We're a family of geeks and nerds.
Verde's about thirteen, just a few months younger than Sparrow herself. The twins are close to their early twenties in the story, so yeah. No romance!
AND THE FIGHT WILL BE GLORIOUSLY EPIC!
Turbosa22c-I truly do wonder how Verde will react to finding out that Jaune is her dad.
I am betting that she'll be happy. Considering she seems to have a good relationship with Jaune already.
But I can see Yang getting angry.
Also side note on Yang. You mentioned Jin being compared to Toya Todoroki but I had an idea for a future arc involving Sparrow, Raven and Yang.
We know that Yang hates Raven for abandoning her and hates Sparrow for being the child Raven raised instead of her. That sound awfully similar to Toya's situation.
Yang wants Raven to acknowledge her as a daughter.
So hear me out. Yang finds out what Sparrow did with Oceanus and Raven's Reaction and is PISSED.
So Darkness takes advantage of that. Manipulating Yang's mind (listen he's an almighty god...mind control shouldn't be that hard) and convincing her that if she kills Sparrow. Raven will actually love her instead. And Darkness could give her Dabi's power.
Of course in the end Raven and Sparrow talk no jutsu her and she's saved. Personally I think this could give Yang some closure with her abandonment issues.
My Yang and Raven got closure with Raven realizing she was wrong to abandon Yang and apologizing, while also working to make amends. But it's obvious that yours will go a different way.
Oh, yeah. It wouldn't be a spoiler to say she's going to be happy knowing Jaune is her father since she already loves him like a dad.
But yeah, Yang would be PISSED!
Oh, mind control is one of his favorite tactics, so it would work.
"Hey, hero, Ghira's in the main hut! He wants to talk about what you saw in the desert," Howl called.
"Oh, thank my goddess of a wife," Jaune went in relief.
Meanwhile, at the Belladonna estate, Nimueh sneezed. "Wait, I'm a Spirit. I don't get... Jaune's talking about me."
"Do you know what he's saying," Kali asked.
Nimueh concentrated before looking away with a blush. "He's praising me."
"Aw. He loves you so much," Kali said with a smile. "But is it alright if-"
"NO," Nimueh answered immediately.
"Sorry, doc, but I gotta talk to the big guy. Nice meeting ya," Jaune said before speeding away.
"NICE MEETING YOU, TOO," Sweet called. "Ow," he went after Tia yanked his ear.
"You've got to stop doing that."
"Doing what?" Tia sighed. "Now, how about your famous gumbo? I haven't had anything healthy the entire trip. Haven't even seen anything green since we docked."
"Oh, Cookie," Tai said as she face-palmed. "Come on. Let's get some actual food in you, Mr. I-Hate-Fish."
"I only hate the fish you don't make," Sweet said as he followed his little sister.
Jaune followed Howl into a hut, Ghira sitting down, waiting patiently. "Ah. Jaune. No worse for wear, I see."
"Unbelievable, trust me."
"The desert's that bad, eh," Howl asked.
"No. It's not the desert. It's what's in it, or rather in the sand."
Ghira looked serious as he leaned in when Jaune and Howl sat down. "Explain, son."
"It's better to show than tell," Jaune said as he took out his scroll. "King's Glaive has a camera that records up to a year's worth of data. Automatically erases when it gets full but always warns me before doing so. Fortunately, the last reset was last month," Jaune said as he placed his scroll on the table. "Glad it did so I didn't have to try and explain this."
The scroll then activated its hologram video feature to show the men the sand foxes that attacked Jaune.
"What are those," Howl asked.
"Nothing important. Nor is the big one."
"Big one," Ghira asked before the giant sand fox lunged out at Jaune. "Oh."
"That's a big fur coat chasin' after ya, bub. How is that not important," Howl asked.
"Because I'm more worried about what killed it," Jaune said as he fast-forwarded the video.
The Faunus's eyes then widened when they saw the giant monster burst out of the sand, the large sand fox squirming and screeching in agony in the monster's mouth before it was crushed between its massive jaws.
"I-It can't be," Ghira went.
"You know what that thing is," Jaune asked.
"That thing is supposed to be a myth. Some lunatic's dehydrated rambling," Howl went.
"What?"
"Years ago, long before you even heard of our island, some brave Faunus tried to explore the desert. Try to find water or a safe part of the desert to colonize. There were about ten who went out. Only one came back. But he came back a broken man. His hair was white from stress and terror. He was a redhead, bub. Can you imagine how freaky it is to see a guy with red hair come back white as a ghost? And his diary was even crazier. You're making exploring the desert seem easy thanks to those superpowers, but this guy wrote about the Sand Sharks, Mole Crabs, and sand pits like they were nightmares. The Diablos sightings were made to be terrifying too."
"But none of it compared to the most terrifying monster he wrote about," Ghira said as he paused the video when they got the best look at the sandstorm-hidden monster. It still wasn't totally visible, but you could still tell it was a terror. "The Mo'o."
"Mo'o," Jaune asked.
"The guy's journal described it to be a massive dragon of a monster that swam through the sands as easily as a Diablos could. According to what he wrote, even Devil Dragons are bugs compared to this thing," Howl said.
"No," Jaune began. "I saw this thing up close. It's even bigger than that. This thing could be in the same class as a Kingdom-Level Grimm."
"Such as the Elder Ice Dragon you fought in New Mantle," Ghira asked.
"Or that ugly octopus with wings you beat in the ocean," Howl asked.
"Exactly. Whatever this Mo'o thing is, it's powerful."
"Well, we don't have much to worry about," Ghira said. "We have you, after all."
"Yeah. You've beaten big and ugly monsters before," Howl chimed in.
Jaune sighed. "I'm going to be honest with you two, ever since I got these powers, I've fought four giant Grimm... I've only been able to beat one of them on my own."
The men looked shocked.
"But the Elder Ice Dragon," Ghira began.
"Wasn't beaten by me alone. New Mantle had to send nearly all of their newly created giant robots to help me take that thing down. Without their help, there's no way I could have beaten that thing alone, except with Nimueh. The only problem was that there was a swarm of Grimm that would have prevented me from charging the necessary amount of Aura needed to kill something that big."
"Well, what about your next big fight," Howl asked.
"Honestly, I was holding back for that one. It wasn't mine to kill. But the one after that? The Grand King Thulu? I didn't have Nimueh with me. It took me out like I was nothing. I needed a God Leviathan's help to beat it, though it's more accurate to say I helped the Leviathan and it saved my ass."
"Wait, if you were able to tame a Grimm as mighty as a God Leviathan, why not tame the Mo'o," Ghira asked.
"Because it's not a Grimm."
"SHUT THE HELL UP," Howl went in surprise as he shot up to his feet. "You're saying a monster that huge isn't a Grimm?!"
"Preaching to the choir, Howl. Last time I saw an animal that huge was in the deep ocean. I never thought I'd see a monster that big that WASN'T a Grimm. I can't Conquer it. If I'm going after it, it will be a full-on Elimination Mission."
Ghira groaned as he rested his face behind his closed hands. "An Elimination Mission. I haven't had to approve of one of those since the Devil Dragon Invasion. Very well. I'll start the necessary paperwork and send it to the Huntsman's Gu-"
"No."
"What?"
"This Mo'o creature is at too high of a level for any of your Huntsmen to take on, Ghira."
"What about your team," Howl asked.
"ESPECIALLY them. I'd rather not drag Ilia and the others into this. And no, you can't convince me otherwise, Ilia," Jaune said as he glared behind him. Howl and Ghira looked confused before following Jaune's gaze.
Then, Ilia walked off of the wall, lowering her camouflage. "Busted, huh?"
"Ms. Amitola, you were eavesdropping on us? I can't say I approve," Ghira said.
"What, you didn't know? I could smell her the entire time," Howl said.
"Not everyone has a sense of smell as sensitive as yours, Kimo."
"The hero knew she was here," Howl said as he pointed at Jaune.
"I sensed her. I didn't smell her," Jaune said. "Grimm can sense negativity, remember, including worry."
"What do you have to be worried about," Howl asked Ilia.
"Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact a giant legendary dragon is swimming around in our desert? Ooh, or how about the fact that it's not a Grimm so my leader can't just make it into a giant pet? Ooh, wait, how about the fact that it's A KINGDOM LEVEL THREAT ON A SMALL ISLAND?!"
"Alright. Point taken," Howl said.
"That's not even the start of my point," Ilia yelled before looking at Jaune. "How could you?!"
"You're going to have to elaborate on that, Ilia."
"Why are you excluding us?! I thought we were a team! You think Yuma and Trifa are just gonna lie down while our leader, whom we've been helping improve Menagerie, risks his life fighting a monster while we sit back and sip out of coconuts?!"
"Sounds like an idea to me."
"ABSOLUTELY NOT," Ilia yelled as she slammed her hands on the table. "We're a team, Jaune. We need to stick together. Help each other out. You're strong, but not even you can protect Menagerie all on your own. I mean, you're not going to be on this island forever. Don't you think we need to be able to handle crazy crap like this without you?"
"I'm hoping you'll never deal with crazy crap like this after I do leave the island."
"But what if we HAVE to? What if this isn't the only Mo'o on the island?"
"Darling, if we have two of those massive things swimmin' around, I doubt we'd be able to build Moana," Howl said.
"No, she might be right," Jaune said contemplatively. "The Mo'o was described to be big in the journal, but given the context, not as big as what tried to eat me. What if they're slow growers?"
"What, like an inch every year or something," Howl asked.
"That would make sense," Ghira said. "This is a naturally born creature, not a Grimm. Grimm can emerge from the depths at impossible heights, but living creatures need time to grow, especially at such grandiose levels."
"No way can we keep calling you every time one of those things jumps out of the sand," Howl said.
"Still, I'd rather not drag my team into this. We know next to nothing about the Mo'o. It's weaknesses, its habits, its abilities; we're in the dark. Yuma would be great for reconnaissance, but I'm not sure he'd be able to escape fast enough. That thing was able to keep up with King's Glaive. Is there anyone fast enough to escape that thing?"
"Sure. I'm married to her," Howl said.
"Lady Inai," Jaune asked.
"Fastest flier on the island," Howl said proudly.
"It's true. Yuma has tried to race her plenty of times, but never once came close to beating her. One time, she was sitting at the finish line drinking tea," Ilia said while stifling a snicker. Howl, on the other hand, burst out laughing.
"Oh, by the Animal God, I love that woman," Howl said.
"Can we rely on her," Jaune asked.
"For a chance to improve Menagerie? Hell yeah. Still, there's only so much you can learn from the sky."
"I'll handle the ground," Jaune said. "Tia and Audrey plan on repairing my bike. Audrey said some of the repairs would take weeks, but if I can convince her to fix the essentials-"
"Easier said than done, hero," Ilia sighed. "That woman would sooner bite your hand off before stopping her repairs. The most you can do is convince her to upgrade your ride further."
"So I'm without a bike? Rain isn't going to be on this island for another week so that rules out my new car." Jaune sighed before looking at his hand.
"Jaune, no," Ilia went.
"It's an idea."
"A BAD idea! I'm betting you're fast, but in the desert while being chased by a monster that can swallow up our villages like they were candy pieces?! Do you even know how fast you can go?!"
"Good way to find out. Ow," he went after Ilia smacked him.
Ilia sighed before she got an idea. "Kala. We can make Kala do it!"
"You really think Kala is gonna help us out, Darlin'," Howl asked.
"He'd be helping out Menagerie. It's a great way for that idiot to make something of himself."
"I'm sorry to say, Ilia, but Kala isn't like you, Yuma, or Trifa," Ghira said. "You three saw the errors of your ways."
"Well, when it comes to Yuma and Trifa, only after I beat the hell out of them," Jaune muttered, but Ilia still heard him, the chameleon beauty pulling his cheek. "Ow, ow, ow."
"The fact that he resides in the Outskirts is proof of this."
"He's still the fastest Faunus on the island. If anyone can outrun a giant sand monster, it's him. There has to be a way we can convince the idiot."
"How about a date with you," Howl suggested.
"Nevergonnahappen," Ilia snapped at Howl without missing a beat.
"Hey, it was just a thought. He did have the hots for you, Darlin'."
"Never. Going. To. Happen. I feel like I need to remind you I tried to date your daughter. Eep," she went after Howl raised his hand, and brought out his claws.
"No, you don't."
"Y-Yes, sir. The point is, I don't date guys, not even as a reward. I'm not into men at all," she said with her arms crossed.
"Not at all, huh," Howl went in a suspicious tone.
"And what's THAT supposed to mean," Ilia asked with an annoyed look.
"It means you've been getting awfully close to our hero here."
"Nah," Ilia went, her spots turning pink. "He's my leader! We're friends! That's it!"
"You're awfully close to your 'friend' right now," Howl teased.
Ilia turned even pinker as she stepped away from Jaune in embarrassment.
"Hm," she went when she heard Jaune blowing. She looked to see he was creating a bat made of ice before handing it to her. Ilia gave a sweet smile as she accepted the gift. "Thanks, boss."
"Anytime," Jaune said.
"Uh-oh," Howl went, especially when Ilia raised the bat above her head, her eyes shinning dangerously.
BONK-CRASH!
"OOOOW!"
Kala sighed as he sat back in his chair, balancing as he had his foot on the table. "Man, I'm bored," he said. "A lot quieter around here without Creed around. Hey, Misty, got any jobs for me?"
"Not unless you want to patch my ceiling or clean yesterday's dishes," she answered as she was cleaning a glass.
Kala groaned as he leaned farther back. "Wonder what Pulu and Toad are up to?"
"Probably licking their wounds after Nishi kicked your asses," Misty answered as she took stock of the drinks she had at her bar.
Kulu nearly fell out of his chair, flailing his arms to land safely with a sigh. "You knew about that?"
Misty looked at him like he was an idiot. "You really think the news about the daughter of the Strongest Faunus being in the Outskirts wouldn't reach my bar?"
Kulu laughed nervously. "Good point." He then rubbed his head. "That kick of hers, man. I thought she broke my skull."
"Oh, don't worry. You're too thick-headed for even her kicks to do any damage."
"Hey! I'm not dumb! Yeah, I'm not exactly smart, but I'm definitely not Toad!"
Misty rolled her eyes. "Are you going to do my dishes or not?"
"Yeah, yeah," he said as he stood up. "Hm," he went when his scroll rang. He didn't even look at the phone when he answered it. "Yo, ya caught Kulu."
'A difficult feat, I'm told.'
"HIGH LEADER," Kala went nervously, Misty actually looking up at him in curiosity. "I mean, Chieftain! I mean, Mr. Belladonna! I mean, Ghira! I mean... how are you, sir?"
'I would like to speak with you.'
'Please, don't be about Blake. Please don't be about Blake. Please don't be about Blake,' he mentally chanted while sweating bullets.
'How would you like a temporary Huntsman's License?'
Kala's eyes popped open. "Come again?"
'It will only be valid for this single mission, but you should be at least a Substitute Huntsman instead of a civilian.'
"Wait, is this a dangerous job? It sounds like a dangerous-"
'The pay is two thousand lien.'
"I'LL TAKE IT!"
'Good. Meet us in the main hut of Lani Village. Your team will be waiting for you.'
"Team?"
'Don't worry. This is just a reconnaissance mission. You won't be doing any actual combat. If all goes well, anyway.'
"Wait a minute, what does that last part mean?"
'I'm hoping to see you soon, my boy.' Ghira then hung up.
"Chieftain? Cheiftain, what did that last part mean?!" Kala looked at his scroll and sighed.
"Are you still here?" He looked at Misty, seeing her with her trusty notebook out, probably writing down what she needed to order to fill her bar. "Don't you have a job to get to?"
"B-But it sounds kinda dangerous."
"And being in my bar isn't," she asked as she held up her throwing hand, filled with knives so sharp and polished they gleamed menacingly.
"POINT TAKEN! DON'T WORRY, I'LL FINALLY PAY MY THOUSAND LIEN TAB," he went as he rushed out of the bar so fast, that he made a wind that blew Misty's beautiful red hair.
"It's a thousand and ten, you idiot," she said as she heard a crash. She looked to see it was a pile of dishes Kala's wind speed knocked over. "Thousand and five hundred."
Kala ran at top speeds, reaching the hut right after Misty said "five hundred". He then walked in. "Hello? Chieftain?"
"Ah, Kala, even earlier than I expected," Ghira said.
"Yeah, I take pride in myyyyyyyyyaaaaAAAAAAAAH," he went after he saw Jaune. "Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-YOU'RE THAT HUMAN OUTSIDER!"
"Outsider, yes. Human, debatable."
'Oh, crap, oh, crap, OH, CRAAAAP. THIS IS DEFINITELY ABOUT ME HELPING CREED TO ATTACK BLAKE,' Kala mentally screamed.
"Jeez, dude, I get that I'm scary but any more fear out of you will- Hey! Down boy!"
Kala looked confused before he looked behind him. He screamed like a little girl when he saw the head of a Devil Dragon popping through the doorway.
Jaune appeared in front of the Grimm, petting its snout. "I know it's an intoxicating smell, but that's a no-no. No. No more eating fear-ridden allies. Only the bad guys, remember? Go on. Go."
"Wait a minute," Ilia began. "THAT'S MY DEVIL DRAGON," she yelled as she ran up and comforted the Grimm.
"How can you tell," Jaune asked.
"See that little pink spot on its forehead?"
"Pink spot?" Jaune looked to see the mark Ilia was talking about. "You painted a Grimm?"
"Well, yeah. Gotta let us know whose Grimm is whose, you know? But I know a surefire way to tell it's mine." Ilia then rubbed the Grimm's neck, making it purr.
"Devil Dragons purr?"
Ilia looked up at Jaune with a raised eyebrow. "You're their King, and you didn't know that?"
"Well excuse me for not being the foremost expert in Grimm, despite having my powers for less than a year. I haven't even mastered half of my powers."
"Oh, boo-hoo. I bet you can't even outrun by baby," Ilia said as she hugged the still-purring Grimm.
"Please. I've mastered my body enough that I can outrun practically anything... except for my motorcycle. And Kala. And possibly the Mo'o."
"THE WHAT?!" Everyone looked at Kala. "DID YOU JUST SAY THE MO'O?! THE FREAKIN' LEGENDARY MYTHOLOGICAL GIANT GODDAMN DRAGON MONSTER MO'O?!"
"Yup," Jaune and Ilia went in unison.
"It's why you're here, bub," Howl said.
"We need your speed to further study the beast, Kala," Ghira said.
"ARE YOU INSANE?! THAT THING WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A GHOST STORY TO MAKE KIDS MORE TERRIFIED OF THE DESERT, AND YOU'RE TELLING ME A MONSTER BIG ENOUGH TO SWALLOW A CRUISE SHIP IS ACTUALLY OUT THERE?!"
"Actually, it's big enough to swallow Lani Village," Jaune said.
"THE SAME LANI VILLAGE WE'RE AT RIGHT NOW?!"
"Yup. I think the only reason it hasn't tried to is that it's territorial, and its turf is at the very center of Menagerie, the area with the most sand, and from what I can tell, the largest of the oases. That thing is in the way of the full development of Menagerie."
"AND YOU WANT ME TO HELP YOU KILL THAT THING!?"
"Absolutely not," Ghira said, getting the Faunus's attention. "As I said, this is only reconnaissance. We're researching the beast to gather more information about it. Its natural offenses, its defenses, its size, its power, and most important of all, its perceived weaknesses."
"This isn't an Elimination Mission," Jaune said, getting the Cheetah Faunus's attention. "It's a Research Mission."
Kala was babbling before he shook his head. "Am, uh, am I going alone?"
"What? Don't be an idiot," Howl said. "Like we'd trust something this important to just one guy, especially to someone from the Outskirts."
"Kimo," Ghira said in a disapproving tone. He just sucked his teeth.
"Come on, Howl. We're trying to get along here," Ilia said. "At least it's not your brother."
Howl laughed. "Like that asshole would want to help with this. It's a miracle he's still part of the Menagerian Guard. I swear he was going to slit some throats when I got promoted to captain. He's still just a sergeant."
"Wow. You REALLY outrank him," Jaune said.
"At least he doesn't rub it in Creed's nose anymore. The number of fights that needed to be broken up," Ilia sighed.
"Uh, Creed aside, who else is helping me on this mission? Please tell me it's the guy with the superpowers who is basically an Ultra Faunus."
"Ultra Faunus," Jaune asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No, Jaune will not be joining this mission. He'll be taking part in the Elimination Mission," Ghira explained. "Two others will be joining you."
"Two," Jaune asked.
Everyone heard the thunderous flap of large wings. Moments later, Inai entered. "Hello, everyone," she said with a smile.
Jaune blinked at her. "When did my teacher get here?" He then looked at Howl, who held up his scroll, Jaune seeing the text on it. "Wiseass."
"That's my husband," Inai giggled.
"I'M DOING A MISSION WITH ONE OF THE STRONGEST FAUNUS ON THE ISLAND?! HOLY CRAP," Kala went.
"Ah, Kala. I see you're reforming," Inai said in a proud tone. "I'm sure Charles would have been happy to see this."
"Uh, yeah," Kala went with a nervous laugh. 'Though, not so sure how my old man would have reacted,' he said, thinking of deceased Magnus. "Wait, who else is going with us?"
"Oh-ho-ho, that would be me, youngin."
Everyone looked to see the little old lady next to Inai.
"L-Lady Mahina," Jaune went in shock, everyone but Inai and Ghira just as surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"Isn't it obvious, young king? I'm here to help in the reconnaissance mission."
"Oh, come on," Kala went. "A grandma is going to help me out?" The next thing Kala knew, he was flat on the ground, body covered in strikes, his Aura turned off by order of Creed to keep the secret. He blinked twice, staring at the ceiling. "What just happened?"
"What happened is that you underestimated your opponent, youngin," Mahina said, using her staff to pat her own back. "There's a reason I'm still the Wolf God at this age."
"Wait... Mahina? You're THE Mahina the Wolf God?! YOU'RE one of Menagerie's greatest fighters?!"
"Don't be so surprised, youngin. Martial Arts is all about subverting expectations and accomplishing incredible feats at any age. Even with your impressive cheetah speed, I can tell that you're no match for me at your current state."
Kala couldn't believe it. He had to agree with the old lady. If he could use his Semblance, Double Time, which made him even faster, he'd be able to handle this old lady easily. But with his base speed? He didn't stand a chance against this granny.
"Still, that isn't the most important thing right now. I'm more disappointed in you, young king!"
"Hm? Ow," Jaune went after Mahina wacked him with her stick. "Still relying on that fancy toy of yours. You're supposed to be faster than that bunch of bolts. What's this I hear about the Mo'o almost eating you?"
"Me outrun my King's Glaive? I'm pretty sure most Speed Semblances couldn't keep up with it. OW!"
"You're underestimating yourself again, boy! Dear oh dear, all that talent and power, and you don't even have a CLUE on how to use it properly. You have all those fancy Grimm powers, don't you? And you're learning how to use the Wolf God Style, right?"
"Uh, yes, ma'am."
"THEN USE THEM! There are many Grimm in this world faster than most of those fancy smanshy doodads being built in New Mantle. You have their abilities being their king, don't you?"
"It's a bit more complicated than that. I need to Conquer a species of Grimm to get their powers. The Grimm I've Conquered so far are fast, but not King's Glaive fast. I've yet to run into a Duma (Cheetah Grimm), so I'm not as fast as they are. They're indigenous to Anima and parts of Vaccuo, but I haven't been to those parts."
"And why do you need to Conquer these Grimm when you're already their King," Mahina asks.
"Uh... because," Jaune goes sheepishly with a shrug.
Mahina sighed before looking at her fellow Beast God. "He underestimates himself."
"Oh, severely," Inai agrees.
"We have much to teach."
"Especially if he wants to learn from Byakko."
"Oh, Byakko would eat him alive."
"Nishi would as well."
"Ah, Nishi. That youngin has grown well. She's going to make a fine Beast God."
"She's a bit too strict for my taste."
"Ahem." Everyone looked at Ghira. "I'm assuming our conversations are at an end?"
"For now," Inai said.
"Um, no," Kala went, getting everyone's attention. "Three? Seriously? Isn't it usually a team of FOUR?! This is the Mo'o we're talking about! A badass monster of a monster THAT ISN'T EVEN A GRIMM! I'm glad we don't need to fight it BUT IT'S STILL A GIANT GODDAMN MONSTER! HOW ARE THREE FAUNUS SUPPOSED TO HANDLE THAT?! I VOTE THE SUPERHERO JOINS US!"
"As I already stated, Jaune is going to be a part of the Elimination Mission."
"WHY CAN'T HE BE PART OF BOTH?! He can fly, can't he?!"
"Sorry, Kala." Kala looked at the hero. "But I need to prepare. I might not be able to get the needed tools to fight this thing, but I can get backup."
"Backup," Kala went.
"Ooh." He looked at Ilia. "You're going to Conquer more Grimm."
"Bingo. The Mo'o seems to only care about the center of the desert, the rest is fair game. I'm almost positive I found the nest of the Alpha Devil Dragon. It's at the very end of the island. If I can Conquer it, every Devil Dragon on the island will be on our side and ready to fight against the Mo'o."
"Okay, that's great to hear, BUT THAT DOESN'T CHANGE THE FACT WE'RE DOWN A TEAM MEMBER!"
"Kala, calm down already," Ilia said. "It sucks, but the fact remains that the three fastest Faunus on the island are in this tent."
"That's it." Everyone looked toward the voice, which came from the entrance. Moments later, Yuma walked in, standing next to Inai. "I'm getting tired of listening to this crap. I volunteer to be a part of the Research Mission."
"Yuma," Jaune and Ilia went in unison.
Ilia elbowed Jaune. "How did you not notice him," she whispered.
"Actually, I did. I just didn't expect him to make an entrance."
"Well, boss man, I am. Just like I'm volunteering to be a part of the Research Mission."
"My boy, this is an extremely dangerous mission," Ghira began. "This Research Mission alone could be categorized as an S-Rank Mission."
"Then the pay's damn good. What better excuse to join besides that," Yuma asked with his arms crossed.
"How about surviving?" He looked at Ilia as she sternly glared at him while walking up. "Don't you see what kind of heavy hitters we're throwing at this thing? TWO BEAST GODS! We're sending two of our most powerful warriors out into the desert just to STUDY this thing! They're also our fastest. This mission needs speed, and as much as I hate to admit it, there's no one faster than Kala. He's probably faster than Jaune, and we all know how much of a powerhouse he is! The only reason he's not joining the Research Mission is that he's joining the Extermination Mission."
"Then that leaves an open slot for me to take. Most missions need a four-man team, right? Well, I'm number four."
"Haven't you been listening? This is the Mo'o we're talking about! A massive sand dragon! This thing was fast enough to keep up with Jaune's motorcycle!"
"And you don't think I'm that fast," Yuma asked in annoyance.
Ilia realized she stepped on a landmine. "Uh... well... in my defense, you're not as fast as Lady Inai."
Yuma sighed. "You're right, I'm not."
"Then you understand why-"
"I'm not YET. Seems like a damn good chance to try and surpass her."
"Seriously?! This is a mission to try and take down a monster that's a threat to Menagerie!"
"And there's another reason I need to do this." Ilia raised an eyebrow. "Menagerie's my home. I messed up years ago like you did, but where it feels like you totally redeemed yourself, I still need to atone. Yeah, I've helped Jaune improve our island, but it feels like HE'S done most of the work. He won't be around forever, Ilia, but I will. I want to be able to protect my island. To do some good for it. Helping to figure out how to take down a giant sand monster sounds like a great first step to me, don't you think?"
"Yuma," Ilia began.
"Besides, you're kinda pissing me off, saying how I'm slower than Lady Inai. I get it, she's fast, but I feel like helping out the Ultra Faunus there has been making me stronger."
"Again with the Ultra Faunus," Jaune went with a raised eyebrow.
"Think about it, we took on a Diablos."
"We needed Nimueh to save us," Ilia retorted.
"But we were still giving that thing hell before she saved our asses. Think about it: it was just you, me, and Trifa against a legendary monster, and we did more damage to that thing than it did us." Ilia looked down, remembering the fight. "Come on, Ilia. You really think I can't handle a giant sandworm? I've been flying with that guy," he said as he pointed his thumb at Jaune. "The same guy who can fly up above the mountain range in just a few minutes where it used to take me half a freakin' hour before. He and Lady Inai have been motivating me like crazy to get stronger, better, and faster. Trust me."
Ilia wasn't responding.
"But then again, I guess I should be asking you for permission, eh, boss," Yuma said as he looked at Jaune.
"Well, more than just me. In the end, you should be convincing him." Everyone looked at Ghira, who was still sitting down but had his hands clasped together, staring at Yuma with analytical eyes.
Yuma gulped before walking over to the table and kneeling down in respect, close to groveling. "High Leader Belladonna, I realize I've made a lot of mistakes, including crimes against your family, but I'm asking you to trust in my skill."
"Trust in you? Trust in the same man who attacked my wife over fifteen years ago? The man who helped the Devil Dragons attack our village just ten years ago where Jaune himself had to save my wife while I was off fending off those beasts? Trust in the man who was a member of Adam Taurus's White Fang, nearly caused the destruction of our village, and very well nearly killed the father of my precious grandson?"
Yuma was wincing at each and every word. He felt as if Ghira was slashing him with his claws. It didn't help that nothing Ghira said was wrong. Yuma did all of those things. It was only after Jaune literally beat the sense into him and Ilia herself vouching for him that Yuma got to repent and atone for his actions. Maybe he didn't do nearly enough.
"Very well."
Yuma looked up at Ghira in shock and surprise.
"I give you permission to join the Research Mission, under one condition."
"Sir?"
"Do. Not. Die." Yuma's eyes widened. "You still have much to atone for, my boy. You cannot pay your debts if you are dead."
Yuma bowed his head, still kneeling, but now it looked more like a knight bowing before a king. "SIR!"
"That goes for all of you. None of you are to lose your lives in this Research Expedition. Am I clear?"
"Of course, sir," Inai said.
"Oh-ho-ho, this old wolf has no plans on becoming a throw rug anytime soon," Mahina said.
"Ugh, I still don't wanna do this," Kala said. His eyes widened when Jaune held a lien card worth at least a thousand lien.
"Think of it as a bonus," Jaune said. "Of course, if you take it, you can't back ou-"
Kala swiped the card out of Jaune's hand, staring at it. "My tab is as good as paid," he whispered. "WHEN DO WE START?!"