Disclaimer: Don't own either Rwby or Type Moon. So enjoy or don't
Chapter 7: Becoming Part of MenagerieA couple of months had passed since Shirou Emiya arrived in Kuo Kuana. The bustling port town on Menagerie had slowly embraced him as one of their own. Initially met with curiosity and caution, Shirou's consistent acts of kindness had gradually dissolved any lingering skepticism. The Faunus inhabitants of Kuo Kuana now saw him as an invaluable member of their community.
Shirou's day began at dawn. He moved through the village, offering help where it was needed. His first stop was the fish market, where he assisted in unloading the daily catch. The fishermen, initially wary of the outsider, soon came to rely on his steady hands and tireless work ethic. "Morning, Shirou!" they'd call out, grinning as he approached.
Next, Shirou would make his way to the carpenter's workshop. The smell of freshly cut wood and the rhythmic sound of hammers and saws filled the air. Old Master Hano, the head carpenter, had been one of the first to accept Shirou. With Shirou's help, the workshop flourished, producing fine furniture and essential repairs for the village. "A good apprentice, that one," Master Hano would say, nodding in approval as Shirou expertly handled a tricky repair.
As the day progressed, Shirou found himself at the harbor, where the sea breeze carried the scent of salt and seaweed. He helped mend fishing nets, a meticulous task that required patience and precision. The harbor workers, a tough and tight-knit group, soon welcomed Shirou into their fold, appreciating his diligence and cheerful disposition.
In the afternoons, Shirou visited the market square. He assisted merchants with their stalls, helped elderly villagers carry their groceries, and even mediated disputes with a calm, level-headed approach that earned him admiration from all sides. The market, once a place of wary glances and whispered speculations about the newcomer, became a hub of friendly greetings and warm smiles directed his way.
Shirou's evenings were spent at the community center, where he volunteered his time teaching basic skills. He helped with reading and writing, shared cooking tips, and even introduced new methods for improving crop yields. The villagers marveled at his vast knowledge and his willingness to share it freely. "He's like a walking encyclopedia," one villager remarked with a chuckle.
His tireless efforts and humble demeanor earned him widespread respect and appreciation. Shirou never sought recognition or praise; his satisfaction came from the smiles of those he helped and the knowledge that he was making a difference. His integration into Kuo Kuana was complete, marked by the strong bonds he formed with the community and the deep sense of belonging he felt in return.
Shirou's willingness to lend a hand with any task, no matter how small, became legendary in Kuo Kuana. He carried heavy sacks of grain for the elders, fixed broken pottery, and even helped rebuild a small house that had been damaged in a storm.
One memorable afternoon, an elderly Faunus woman named Sera approached Shirou with a worried look on her face. Her roof had developed a leak, and with the rainy season approaching, she feared for her home's integrity. Without hesitation, Shirou gathered supplies and spent the entire day repairing the roof. By evening, the leak was fixed, and Sera's gratitude was immeasurable. "Thank you, Shirou. I don't know what I would have done without you," she said, tears of relief in her eyes.
Shirou also dedicated time to improving the community's infrastructure. He organized a group of volunteers to clean and repair the town's well, ensuring that the water supply remained clean and reliable. His leadership and hands-on involvement inspired others to pitch in, fostering a stronger sense of unity and cooperation among the villagers.
In another instance, a young Faunus boy named Taro had accidentally broken his leg in a fall. Shirou, with his rudimentary knowledge of first aid, carefully set the leg and created a splint. He then carried Taro to the local healer, staying by the boy's side and comforting him until his parents arrived. Taro's family was profoundly grateful, and word of Shirou's quick thinking and compassionate nature spread throughout the village.
Shirou's acts of kindness extended beyond practical help. He took the time to listen to the villagers' stories and concerns, offering a sympathetic ear and wise counsel. Whether it was a widow mourning her lost husband or a young couple seeking advice on starting a family, Shirou's presence brought comfort and reassurance. His empathy and willingness to engage with the community on a personal level deepened the villagers' trust and affection for him.
It wasn't long before the children of Kuo Kuana took notice of Shirou. They began to follow him around, fascinated by his unique abilities and the way he always seemed to know how to fix things. Shirou, in turn, found their curiosity and innocence endearing. He made it a point to engage with them whenever he could, often performing small tricks or telling stories to capture their imaginations.
Shirou's skill with Reinforcement magic was a particular source of wonder. With a mere touch, he could mend a broken toy or sharpen a dull blade. The children would gather around, wide-eyed, as Shirou repaired a cracked doll or a splintered wooden sword. "How do you do that?" they would ask, and Shirou would smile, giving a simple explanation that left them both amazed and bewildered.
His ability to summon weapons from thin air also captivated the young Faunus. On one occasion, during a playful bout of storytelling, he conjured a beautiful sword made of light, its intricate designs shimmering in the afternoon sun. The children gasped in awe, reaching out to touch the ethereal blade. Shirou laughed, allowing them to hold it before it vanished, leaving them chattering excitedly about the "magic sword."
Shirou's patience and creativity endeared him to the children. He would craft small, makeshift playthings from scraps of wood and cloth, turning them into cherished treasures. One afternoon, he built a set of miniature wooden animals, painting them with vibrant colors. The children loved them, carrying the tiny figures everywhere and incorporating them into their games. "Look, Shirou! My bear is the strongest!" a boy declared, holding up a brightly painted bear figurine.
After finishing his daily tasks, Shirou would spend his evenings playing with the children. They played games of tag, hide and seek, and other classic games that brought laughter and joy. These moments of levity and connection only deepened Shirou's bond with the community.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Shirou organized a game of capture the flag. The children split into two teams, their excitement palpable. Shirou joined in, his agile movements and strategic mind making the game thrilling for everyone. The village echoed with the sounds of laughter and shouts of victory as the game unfolded.
On another occasion, Shirou introduced the children to a game called "Red Light, Green Light." The children quickly picked up the rules and played with boundless energy. Shirou, acting as the traffic light, couldn't help but laugh at their exaggerated, often comical attempts to freeze in place when he called "Red Light!"
Shirou's interactions with the children also included moments of gentle guidance. He taught them the importance of teamwork, fairness, and perseverance through their games. "Remember, it's not just about winning, but about having fun and working together," he would remind them, his words leaving a lasting impression on their young minds.
Even in quieter moments, Shirou found ways to engage the children's creativity. He organized drawing sessions, bringing out paper and crayons he had managed to procure from the market. The children eagerly drew pictures of their favorite animals, heroes from Shirou's stories, and scenes from their imagination. Shirou praised each drawing, encouraging their artistic talents and boosting their confidence.
As the sun set and the children began to tire, they would gather around Shirou, eagerly waiting for a story. One evening, after a particularly exciting game of tag, a young Faunus girl tugged at his sleeve and asked, "Shirou, do you know any stories?"
With a warm smile, Shirou agreed and gathered the children around. "Have you ever heard the story of Charlemagne?" he began. The children shook their heads, their eyes wide with anticipation.
Shirou launched into the tale of Charlemagne, the great king who united much of Europe and became the first Holy Roman Emperor. He spoke of battles and bravery, of wisdom and justice. The children listened, enraptured by his words, their imaginations painting vivid pictures of the ancient world.
Shirou's storytelling was more than just entertainment; it was an opportunity to impart valuable lessons. Through the adventures of Charlemagne and his knights, he taught the children about courage, honor, and the importance of doing what is right. "Charlemagne was a great leader because he cared for his people and always tried to do the right thing," Shirou explained, hoping to inspire the children to adopt these virtues.
The story of Charlemagne came alive with Shirou's vivid descriptions and animated gestures. He described the vast forests and towering castles, the clashing of swords and the trumpets of victory. The children hung on every word, their eyes sparkling with excitement. Shirou's voice rose and fell, capturing the drama and grandeur of Charlemagne's journey from a young warrior to a revered emperor.
Occasionally, Shirou would pause to ask questions, engaging the children further. "What do you think Charlemagne did when he faced the dragon?" he asked, prompting a flurry of imaginative answers. "That's right," Shirou nodded, weaving their ideas into the narrative and making them feel like a part of the story.
At the climax of the tale, when Charlemagne faced his greatest challenge, Shirou's voice took on a solemn tone. "He stood alone on the battlefield, his sword gleaming in the moonlight," Shirou recounted, his eyes reflecting the children's awe. "With a mighty roar, he charged, his heart filled with determination and courage."
As the story drew to a close, Shirou spoke of Charlemagne's legacy and the lessons he left behind. "Charlemagne taught us that true strength comes from kindness and justice," Shirou concluded, his voice soft and warm. "He showed that even the greatest heroes must care for others and do what is right, no matter the cost."
The children sat in a hushed silence, absorbing the story's moral. Finally, one of them broke the silence. "Can we hear another story tomorrow?" a boy asked, his eyes shining with anticipation. Shirou chuckled and nodded. "Of course. Tomorrow, I'll tell you about the adventures of King Arthur and his knights."
As the children dispersed, chattering excitedly about Charlemagne, Shirou felt a deep sense of fulfillment. These moments of storytelling were more than just a way to pass the time; they were a means to inspire and educate the next generation. Through his tales, Shirou hoped to instill values of bravery, kindness, and integrity in the hearts of the young Faunus.
Unbeknownst to Shirou, someone else was also watching him. From the shadows, Ilia Amitola observed the scene with keen interest. A member of the White Fang, Ilia had been tasked with monitoring Shirou and reporting back to her superiors. Her orders were clear, but as she watched Shirou interact with the Faunus and the children, she couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt.
Ilia noted every detail: the way Shirou's face lit up when he talked to the children, the genuine kindness in his actions, and the joy he brought to the community. She observed how he moved seamlessly among the villagers, offering help without expecting anything in return. His actions were sincere and selfless, a stark contrast to the image of humans that the White Fang often portrayed.
One evening, as Shirou told the story of Charlemagne, Ilia hid behind a nearby building, her chameleon-like abilities blending her into the shadows. She listened intently, captivated by the tale and the children's reactions. Ilia felt a strange sense of warmth as she watched the children laugh and gasp in wonder, hanging on Shirou's every word. It was a scene of pure, unadulterated joy, and it stirred something within her.
Ilia's conflicted feelings grew stronger with each passing day. She had been taught to see humans as the enemy, oppressors who could never be trusted. Yet, here was Shirou, breaking all those preconceived notions with his actions. She couldn't deny the positive impact he had on Kuo Kuana, nor could she ignore the genuine affection the villagers, especially the children, had for him.
Her mission was to remain unseen, but the warmth of the scene before her stirred something within her. She knew she had a duty to the White Fang, but the longer she watched, the more conflicted she became. Ilia had joined the White Fang to fight for the rights of the Faunus, to stand against the injustices inflicted upon them by humans. But now, watching Shirou, she questioned whether all humans were truly the enemy.
Ilia's inner turmoil was evident in the way she gripped the edge of her cloak, her knuckles white with tension. She was torn between her loyalty to the White Fang and the undeniable truth of what she saw before her: a human who genuinely cared for the Faunus, who treated them with kindness and respect. It was a truth that challenged everything she believed in, leaving her with more questions than answers.
As she slipped away into the night, Ilia's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Her reports to the White Fang had become increasingly vague, omitting the full extent of Shirou's positive influence. She knew she couldn't keep this up forever, that eventually, her superiors would demand more concrete information. But for now, she continued to watch and observe, grappling with the growing conflict within her heart.