Fifth day, the final day of posting 5 chapters in a weak.
If you want to support my work, on my Ko-fi I have 5 chapters ahead of this one for subscribers: ko-fi(dot)com/avipbr
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Finally the last chapter of the Menagerie Arc, an important Arc because the protagonist lost his V-Card-.
I MEAN!
He helped the faunus... yep that's it.
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[Jaune Arc]
The first thing I feel as I begin to regain consciousness is a strong smell of ether and cleaning supplies invading my nostrils. Then, the constant beep of machines echoes in my ears. Finally, my vision begins to clear, revealing a white, sterile ceiling.
I try to sit up, but a sharp pain in my chest makes me give up. My right hand, wrapped in bandages, throbs. I look around-, the room is spacious, with several empty beds lined up. It looks like an infirmary, but not the one at Beacon.
"Where am I?" I murmur, more to myself than actually expecting an answer.
{{Take it easy, kid.}} says the AI, appearing on my chest the size of a Happy Meal toy. {{You're not in danger, but you still need to rest and recover your Aura.}}
"My body hurts like I was run over." I complain, sitting up in bed and looking around again. "I don't see my Scroll or my StarkTech watch. How are you communicating with me?"
{{Your brain has become capable of receiving wi-fi, remember?}}
"That's amazing... and terrifying." I comment, shivering.
{{Don't complain, you were the one who asked me to make as many modifications as possible.}} Church repeats, his voice firm. {{I followed your instructions to the letter. Your body is now stronger, faster, more resilient, and I can assist you better in battle.}}
"True." I add, remembering the battle as if it had just happened. "That speed Armor Enhancement was really op during the fight, wouldn't have won without it ."
{{Armor Enhancement?}} Church questions, confused. {{Bitch please! That was just an overclock. If you had a regular Armor Enhancement, you'd be even faster, and most importantly… it would have fucked up your body less.}}
Before I could ask more about the enhancements, the infirmary door opens, revealing a familiar figure carrying a bucket and towels.
"Jaune!" she exclaims happily.
Ilia enters the room, her green eyes glowing with a mix of relief and concern as soon as she sees I'm awake. The chameleon faunus drops the bucket and towels on the floor just to run toward me, her tear-streaked face pressing against my body as she hugs me.
Her body trembles, and I feel the warmth of her tears on my neck. The intensity of her relief is palpable.
"Ilia..." I try to speak, but my voice comes out weak.
"I thought you weren't going to wake up." she says, her voice cracking.
Her chameleon marks pulse in shades of red and purple, reflecting her emotion.
"I'm fine, Ilia." I murmur, trying to calm her.
"You saved us, Jaune." she says, her voice steadier now. "But you almost died in the process. Don't ever do that again."
She pulls away slightly, her eyes red from crying. Her hands still grip my shoulders, as if afraid to let go.
Wanting to change the subject, I decide to bring up something more casual.
"But tell me, what are you doing here?" I ask, smiling, trying to ease the tension. "Came to keep me company while I was unconscious?"
Ilia swallows her tears, trying to compose herself. Her green eyes, still wet, meet mine.
"I came to give you a bath." she explains, her voice now firm. "I give you one in the morning and one at night."
My eyes widen at the information.
"Bath?" I repeat, my voice louder than I intended. "And twice a day?"
Ilia nods, the chameleon marks on her face shifting to a softer shade of blue.
"Every day since you were brought here." she responds, without looking away. "Besides the bath, I also cleaned you... in the intimate parts."
The information catches me off guard. I look down, pulling the blanket slightly. I notice I'm not wearing pants, and instead of underwear… I'm wearing a diaper.
[Marrow Amin]
I feel calm walking through the corridors of the battleship's . The sound of the engines resonating beneath my feet. My first officer, a man with black hair, walks alongside me, his expression serious.
"Despite the first impression not being good..." I comment, remembering the wary looks from the faunus of Menagerie. "The mission was a resounding success."
"As expected." adds my first officer to my left.
"The extreme situation of the population ended up helping us be at least tolerated."
He nods beside me, adjusting his uniform.
"Affirmative, Captain. The help with the wounded and the supplies made a great difference. They didn't expect us to be so... human."
I let out a short laugh.
"Human?"
The officer tries to correct himself, but I raise my hand to stop him.
"I know what you mean. They expected cold soldiers, not individuals willing to help."
We stop in front of a hatch, the metal gleaming under the corridor lights.
"And your interactions with the local authorities?"
"Chieftain Ghira was easier to deal with than I imagined." I say, remembering the meeting. "He already had all the reports and documents ready. Made our job easier."
My officer agrees.
"I've heard of him, from when he was the leader of the White Fang. He's a fair and honorable leader who knows what's best for his people."
"Exactly." I reply, opening the hatch. "And that saved us time. We're taking all the paperwork back to Atlas, our actions will surely improve relations between our people, now that Faunaria will be recognized as a sovereign kingdom by Atlas."
I continue down the corridor, the echo of our steps reverberating through the metal.
"And what about the boy, Jaune Arc? Any news?" my officer asks.
I stop, turning to face him.
"I spoke with the ship's doctor earlier. He said Jaune could wake up at any moment."
As if waiting for my statement, a scream echoes through the corridors.
"WHY THEY PUT MY ASSASSIN TO WIPE MY BUTT?!"
...
"I believe he's awake, Captain Amin."
[Jaune Arc]
"I already apologized." Ilia grumbles, crossing her arms. "Stop living on the past, Jaune."
"It was only five days ago." I retort, rubbing my neck.
Ilia huffs, her green eyes glowing with a mix of frustration and concern.
"Five days?" she asked, looking at me sympathetically. "Jaune... it's been more than that, you spent three days in a coma."
I raise an eyebrow, surprised.
"Coma? What are you talking about?"
Ilia sighs, her tone softening a bit.
"After the fight with the Dread Shadow, you passed out." Ilia began to speak with emotion caught in her voice. "Menagerie doesn't have a hospital with resources to keep someone in a coma for long, but luckily the Atlas ship that came at your and the Chieftain's invitation had arrived."
I frown, trying to remember what invitation that was, but Church appears in my vision once again to speak.
{{I was the one who made it, we'll talk later.}}
Ilia continues, her voice firm, but with a touch of concern.
"We wanted them to treat you on the island, but..." She hesitates, looking down before continuing. "The risk of contamination was too high. Audra, Ghira, Kali, and even Sienna wanted to visit you, but the captain only allowed one person to come aboard to take care of you. Since they were all busy tending to the wounded, I took responsibility."
I sigh, tired, understanding the situation and Ilia's commitment to my health.
"Sorry, Ilia. I didn't mean to be ungrateful. I appreciate you taking care of me."
Ilia looks away, her chameleon marks changing color, revealing a mix of relief and embarrassment.
"It's fine. Just... don't push yourself too hard."
I nod, feeling a pang of guilt, but I respond honestly.
"I promise nothing."
Ilia stares at me for a second, surprised by the response, but then she laughs, thinking I wasn't being serious.
The infirmary door opens, revealing two men. One of them, human, has black hair and a serious look. The other, a familiar faunus with a furry tail, steps forward.
"Good to see you awake, Doctor Arc." says the one who seemed to be in charge. "I'm Marrow Amin, captain of the ship." He finishes speaking in a formal tone, extending his hand to greet me.
I recognized the name immediately, finally connecting the face to the original series character who was supposed to be a member of the Ace-Ops.
'Canon's totally screwed.' I think silently. 'Beyond repair.'
"Jaune Arc." I respond, shaking his hand firmly.
Marrow nods, his eyes evaluating me with curiosity.
"I've heard a lot about you. Doctor Polendina and General Ironwood speak wonders of your work. I knew you were young, but seeing in person... it's impressive."
I smile, a bit embarrassed by the compliment.
"Thank you, Captain. I'm glad to know my work is being recognized."
Marrow continues, his voice serious.
"You're revolutionizing the entire energy matrix of Atlas. That's quite an achievement for someone your age."
Ilia, by my side, watches Marrow with a stern face but remains silent. Marrow looks at her, acknowledging her presence.
"As always, a pleasure to see you, Miss Amitola."
The teenage faunus replies only with a nod, moving closer to my side.
'She's probably suspicious of a faunus with such a high rank in the Atlas military.' I theorize silently.
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Jaune. But I need to send my reports to Atlas, something possible thanks to you for having built a CCT tower in menagerie.."
"Of course, Captain. Feel free to use our resources." says Ilia in a bitter tone.
Marrow nods and heads for the door, but before leaving, he turns to me.
As soon as Marrow exits, Ilia grumbles beside me.
"Fake faunus."
I sigh, tired, and turn to Ilia.
"You should have learned by now, because of what you did to me, not to judge people without knowing them."
Ilia changes color, her chameleon marks revealing a mix of shame and embarrassment. She tries to justify herself, her voice low.
"It's different with you, Jaune." She hesitates, searching for the right words.
"I know..." I reply, shaking my head in understanding. "I'm awesome!" I conclude, laughing aloud.
Ilia laughs a bit, her green eyes shining with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"I'll get your breakfast. Be right back."
She leaves the room, leaving me alone with my thoughts.
"I'd better heal up soon." I murmur, creating a senzu bean in my hand using magic.
As I consume the grain, I immediately feel all pain and fatigue leaving my body. I rise from the bed, testing my legs and arms, feeling energized.
"How many points did that hellish bird give me?"
Curious about my gains, I open the system, only to freeze at the number displayed.
Multiverse Crafting System
What would you like to do?
Magic: 1,642,125 Points
Aura: 100%
"By the beards of Gary Gygax and David Arneson!" I exclaim, shocked.
{{How much is it?}} Church asks, appearing in my vision. {{I know it's a lot, but I can't see the exact value.}}
"How do you know it's a lot?"
{{I have access to your vital signs through the implants. You're literally aroused by the value.}}
"Remind me to block you next time I have sex."
{{Agreed.}} the AI concurs. {{Now stop stalling and tell me the value.}}
Smiling, I respond:
"One million, six hundred forty-two thousand, one hundred twenty-five."
The surprise is so great that Church's rifle in the hologram fires.
BANG!
{{Sorry,}} says the AI, embarrassed. {{I swear this has never happened before.}}
I chuckle lightly, still surprised by Church's reaction.
"It's okay, man. I'd be surprised too."
{{What are you going to spend it on?}} the AI asks, its holographic eyes glowing with curiosity.
I scratch my chin, thoughtful. The number of points is absurd, but I need to be strategic. No impulsive or immature spending.
"M.C.S., make megazord."
Multiverse Crafting System
This will cost 5,000,000 Magic Points.
Magic: 1,642,125 Points
Aura: 100%
"Son of a bitch!" I curse, nervous. "I need almost three and a half million more points."
{{Which reminds me,}} says the AI in a threatening tone.
ZAP!
"Son of a—!" I scream in pain from the shock to my body, causing me to fall.
The pain from the shock still reverberates through my body as I get up from the floor, looking furiously at Church. The AI, impassive, floats in front of me, its hologram glowing with a soft light.
"What the hell was that, Church?" I demand, rubbing the chest where the shock was most intense.
{{I needed to get your attention,}} responds the AI, its voice calm and controlled. {{You almost fucked up.}}
"Fucked up what?" I question, incredulous. "I just woke up from a coma, man. Give me a break."
{{No,}} Church insists, his tone serious. {{You have responsibilities, Jaune. Menagerie, Atlas, your friends, your team... they all depend on you. You can't afford to be impulsive with such a precious resource and spend it all on a fucking giant robot.}}
I sigh, running a hand through my hair, frustrated.
"Okay, okay. I get it," I murmur, trying to calm down. "But come on, a shock? Seriously?"
{{It worked, didn't it?}} Church responds, a touch of humor in his voice. {{Now, sit your ass down and think better about what you're going to do with those points.}}
"Fine..." I grumble, lying back on the bed.
Then the infirmary door opens, with Ilia carrying a tray with a bowl that smells awful.
"Hope you like rehydrated military rations," says Ilia, smiling awkwardly.
...
"How about I make some waffles and—"
{{No!}} the AI cuts in with an irritated tone.
[Ghira Belladonna]
"Silence, please!" I rise, my hands pressed against the solid wooden table. The murmur of the crowd diminishes, all eyes turned to the stage. Seated at the table with me are the most important members for this long-awaited ceremony.
Around us, Jaune Arc's spherical drones are recording and streaming live to all of Remnant.
"Today is a historic day," I begin, my firm voice echoing through the large covered courtyard of Golden Valor, the city named in honor of the young human who built it. "We are here to celebrate the founding of Faunaria, a nation that represents hope and unity for all Faunus." I pause, looking at each face in the audience. "Faunaria is not just a territory; it is a symbol of our past struggles and our bright future."
A round of applause follows my statement, but I silence them to continue.
"I want to thank everyone who made this possible and present the council that will govern our nation." I continue, gesturing to those present at the table. "Audra Taurus, our former commander and now general, is responsible for the armed forces and the country's security. Kouka Brasa, our high judge, who will judge and supervise the legal system. Ben Kenobi will be our Master of Coin, controlling the country's finances, taxes, and trade."
Each member at the table stood and made a small bow when called, so the population could associate the individual with their position.
"And I, who will serve as the elected king of our kingdom, reminding everyone that since I am an elected representative of the people, I can be removed from office in six years through an election, or by their dissatisfaction."
Once again, the public clapped. This time I let them continue as long as they wished.
"I would also like to thank the envoy from Atlas, Captain Marrow Amin." The soldier stood and gave a formal salute before sitting down again. "Whose presence allowed Atlas to recognize Faunaria as a sovereign nation. And before I stop talking so you can finally eat in peace—"
The crowd murmurs, laughing at my typical politician's joke in this kind of event.
"I thank Jaune Arc, whose vision helped us walk toward a future of peace and prosperity." I comment, seeing many nods of agreement with my statement. "I don't blame my people for not having welcomed him with open arms the first time young Arc literally fell upon our shores, because if it weren't for my dear wife Kali, I myself would have expelled him from the island instead of welcoming him into my home."
Shame colors the faces of many in the audience, remembering how they had treated the human.
"And how did he respond to our threats and lack of hospitality?" I say, raising my voice to capture everyone's attention. "With patience, humility, respect, and solidarity."
Seated at the table, Jaune turns red and lowers his head, embarrassed by the attention. His eyes avoid mine, but I notice a slight smile of gratitude. The crowd, once noisy, is now silent, all eyes fixed on him. The tension is palpable, but there is also a feeling of respect and admiration in the air.
"Jaune Arc." I call with my voice soft but firm. "You deserve every one of these words and much more. Thank you for everything." I finish my speech with a deep, respectful bow in Jaune's direction.
The silence is broken by a murmur of approval. One by one, the members of the table stand, imitating my gesture. Audra, with her imposing posture, gives a martial bow, keeping her gaze fixed on Jaune. Kouka, with a warm smile, inclines her head in a sign of respect. Ben, always discreet, makes a subtle but meaningful nod.
The crowd follows the example, every faun present rises, making bows or nods of acknowledgment, a collective recognition of what Jaune has done for us. Even Sienna, with her stern expression, inclines her head slightly, a gesture worth more than a thousand words.
Jaune, still red-faced, slowly gets to his feet, his eyes shining with a mix of surprise and gratitude. He looks around, taking in the scene, and then gives a deep bow, thanking everyone.
"It was a pleasure to help you," Jaune begins, his voice trembling with emotion. "And now that you have one of these," he says, pointing to the tower in the middle of the city, "whenever you need me, just call."
The crowd erupts in applause, a deafening sound that echoes through the courtyard. Jaune, still standing, looks around, his eyes shining with a mix of surprise and gratitude.
"Thank you, Jaune," I say once more. "And now, without further delay, I officially declare the Faunaria founding feast open!"
The applause turns into cheers of celebration. The crowd, previously silent and respectful, now buzzes with contagious energy. The tables, filled with food and drink, are quickly surrounded by faunus eager to celebrate. The sound of laughter and toasts fills the air, a joyful contrast to the solemnity of the speech.
[Jaune Arc]
Audra pulls me into a tight hug, her body trembling with held-back sobs.
"I'm going to miss you, Jaune," she says, emotional. "And please, forget that I asked you to bring Adam back. It was just a stupid wish."
I feel the wetness of her tears against my neck, her voice choked. I return the hug, firm but gentle.
"I'll keep my promise, Audra," I speak in a firm tone. "I'll bring that idiot back tied up, whining and kicking if I have to."
She squeezes me once more, whispering thanks, and then lets go when the Belladonna couple approaches, with Ghira speaking first.
"I guess you must be tired of hearing me thank you, but I'll never get tired of doing it," says the king of Faunaria, laughing. "You're more than welcome in my country and in my home, and if you ever need political asylum, you don't even have to ask."
"Ghira!" Kali exclaims, feigning outrage. "Jokes aside, dear, you're always welcome in our home and..." The matriarch of the Belladonna family pauses for a second, swallowing hard. "Please, deliver our message to Blake."
With a determined look, I nod to her, reaffirming my promise as Marrow steps forward and salutes.
"Doctor Arc, we didn't have much time to talk, but it was an honor to meet you in person. Rest assured we loaded the Black Bird with the payment you agreed upon with Doctor Polendina and General Ironwood."
I frown, confused by the statement, only for Church to whisper in my ear with an explanation.
{{This is my doing. Besides greasing the political machine to recognize Faunaria, I got a few things for you.}}
Ah! I exclaim mentally. That's good... though it's a little scary that my AI has so much autonomy without my knowledge.
"Thank you, Captain Marrow."
Marrow replies with a smile that contrasts with his military posture.
Before boarding the Black Bird I turn around shouting to everyone.
"I'd love to stay longer, but my suspension is over and I've got class tomorrow!"
My smile is genuine, but I feel a tightness in my chest. Leaving is always hard, especially when I leave behind people who became important.
With one last wave, I board the Black Bird, the engine already roaring, ready to take me back to Beacon. The door closes behind me, and I feel the familiar vibration of the aircraft taking off. I look out the window, watching the figures grow smaller until they disappear from sight.
"It was a nice vacation, but... " I murmured to myself, a determined smile on my face. "It's time to get ready to kill Salem."