It had been a month since the exorcism, at the completion of which Jaune had been escorted soaking wet from the small home unceremoniously. Jaune figured it was bound to end that way when he locked Jacob out of the bathroom and proceeded to almost drown his only child. Sitting in the finished and now furnished basement he poured over his codex. On the facing far wall the beginnings of a large runic circle had been carved into the wooden wall. On his left was a set of tables and shelves holding his alchemy equipment, and reagents. On his right a set of shelves holding more books from Index; in addition to some unique items. One held the jar of black dust; a mounted shard of mirror; and a chunk of broken tub. The mirror and tub came courtesy of Laura.

A ghest and ghast skull took a shelf of their own. Gifts from Index, who had applauded Jaune, Neo and Amber's efforts in their continued studies. It was a grim gift, but Index had insisted, stating something alone the lines of they needed trophies to show their accomplishments. Behind him the stairs leading to the main floor. He sat at a simple desk, on an average office chair. His codex opened to the section on portals.

He had a plan. or the start of one. If he could create a permeant portal glyph, minus the destination rune they would have access to any of the realms Index could send them too, in addition to any places he needed to go for reagents.

On the main floor Neo was dancing. Hidden away in her room she was following her own lessons. Standing at the foot of her bed she read, and then copied what was shown. In another of her private session with index she was instructed to start master this skill. Though Index did indicate it would take months to get the basic movements down to memory.

Amber lounged in the room she shared with Jaune. More the room Jaune used to sleep that also held the doll house Neo had purchased for her. Everything was he size, and though nothing was real in the kitchen or bathrooms, she did have a elaborate bed to call her own, and a jury-rigged scroll to be a tv for herself.

Things overall had moved forward slowly but steadily for them and the residents of the city. The defensive wall cutting the lower parts from the devastated area near Beacon had gone up in record time; a large part to the assistance of hunters and huntresses who scoured the area day and night slaughtering any grimm who approached the work sites. There was even a newly formed militia like group. Hunter trained, Atlas armed and tasked with patrolling the walls. Eyes ears and teeth to prevent any grim from encroaching into the lives of those who had returned.

/=/

Glynda walked the streets. Her tasks at helping with the organization of the militia training, and hunter patrols having lessened to the point where she could take time to herself, and the search for her wayward students. First and foremost on the list; one Jaune Arc. She mulled over how he had gotten into the school, how unprepared her had been and the promise he had shown. Even though his parents said he was fine, and there was no need; she set herself to the task.

He wasn't the only one to have run. Several of the first year, and a few second year teams had up and disbanded after the fall. She had her eye out for them as well. It wasn't that she was intent on forcing their return to training, or even punishment; she was worried about them. How were they getting along. Were they safe, were they happy with the choices they had made in haste.

She kept her wandering to the market districts. She figured if any were still in Vale she would eventually run into them when they needed to shop. besides she needed some groceries for her own small dwelling. Might as well kill two nevermore with a single stone.

/=/

Progress was slow on the runic circle. Jaune was hesitant to carve anything into the wood unless he was absolutely certain he would complete the desired structure perfectly. Using chalk to outline he drew, erased and drew again, and again. It needed to be perfect to prevent any accidents. Mistakes could not happen.

Neo's progress was also painfully slow. But she continued to practice, following the diagrams and Index's own instructions. She practiced each motion and pose, but paused between each. Index having told her never chain the motions together, until she was perfect in each. Something to do with the end result of the dance's power.

Amber sat on the roof of the home. She held out her hands and allowed balls of crackling electricity to gather and the harmlessly disperse. Index had taken her aside as well.

"You need to be more effective and accurate." Index told her. "You need to be able to call from within and not just from around you."

Hence the open air practice session. Amber could easily draw from the very sky above her and unleash a torrent of destruction; but that was not what she was suppose to learn. She needed to be useful in those situations where the open sky was not available. To be more than a blitz of razor like claws.

So the three spent the time apart, in individual study; only gathering to share a meal and chat idly about the passing of time, and lack of activity.

/=/

Amber had a learned a new trick and now employed it with relish as she sat upon Jaune's right shoulder. She had learned to mask herself from everyone, though it never seemed to work on Neo or Jaune. But she was happy, no more did they have to leave her behind when the went out to meet with their growing company of contacts. Laura was the first and foremost of the small group. Still a member of the VPD, she had access to more information than most, though the return of Junior's crew and Neo's ties to him also gave them a shadier avenue for information.

Currently the quartet sat in the small cafe that had become their general gathering point for the off duty sessions with Laura. Neo sat to his right sipping on a cup of tea, her ears and tails hidden by her own dual semblance. Laura sat across from him nursing a cup of strong coffee, while Jaune shared his cup of coco with Amber. Of course Laura was unaware of her, and just thought it slightly odd that every so often Jaune would dip his index finger into his cup; bringing it up to his lips. She didn't see Amber of the tiny doll cup she held. A drip from jaune's finger filling the miniature dish.

"So nothing out of the ordinary I take it."

"Nothing worth having you look into." Replied Laura.

"Good news and bad." Responded Jaune.

"We've gotten some reports of strange happening out in some of the nearby settlements, but Hunter teams have been dispatched to investigate."

"Would have thought that type of things was outside VPD jurisdiction."

"It is, but we've been operating so closely with the hunter teams since the fall, that it has become second nature for all requests to pass through us first. Almost feels like they've become a division with in our department."

"That is a good thing I would assume."

"More good, but there is some issues."

"Issues?"

"Paperwork." Laura took a sip from her cup, "Seems hunters are not so accustomed to filing reports."

"Who would have thought."

"So I guess then this is just a social call."

"Yep." Responded Laura as she took another sip, "But it you know if something comes up I'll let you know."

"I do, and it's nice that everything is so quiet. Gives us more time to work on side projects." Jaune took a sip from his own mug. "Nothing reported, and you've sensed nothing as well I take it?"

"Not really."

"Not really?"

"Down on the docks during a routine patrol I got a shiver."

"Shiver?"

"Yeah, the feeling you get when like some one is watching you; like staring at you."

"Could be nothing."

"Probably was, but it was a strange feeling."

"Where about?"

"In and around that building you were camped in before."

"Think we should check it out."

"You don't have to." Laura cut in, "Like I said it was just a shiver. Nothing more."

"You ever had it before?"

"Not like that."

"Then we should check it out. Probably nothing, but still worth a look."

At a table in another far corner of the cafe, a blonde haired stern looking woman watched. She was out of earshot, so none of the conversation trickled over to her through the din of the busy little business. It wouldn't have matter to her anyway. She was studying the scruffy looking blonde young man, and the tri-colored hair young woman. She knew them both from somewhere, she was sure of it. Tapping her foot as she sipped her own tea, she flipped through her memories trying to remember.

"Jaune." It had finally came to her. he looked different, the couple days of beard growth, the long hair, and the different clothing had stumped her, but now she remembered. Glynda ignored the girl, her attention fully focusing on the young man. Her student, her wayward student.

She looked away and used her cooling cup of tea to help shield her features as Jaune and his companions rose and prepared to leave. She waited until the chime of the little bell on the door indicated their having left before paying for her own drink and quickly heading outside.

Glynda had timed it well, to a point. She saw the VPD officer heading down the street, but saw no sign of Jaune as his obvious partner until they had just started to turn a corner and vanish from her sight. Rushing forward across the street in the direction that had vanished she rounded the corner and found no one. Turning upon her heels, she sighted the woman that had been speaking with them and started a brisk walk after her.

/=/

Junior was well accustomed to Neo's ability to just appear, and didn't even bat an eye when suddenly she and her friend were standing in his private office.

"Neo. Jaune."

"Junior." Replied Jaune., "Have a couple minutes for a question or two?"

"Depends on the questions."

"Nothing serious just checking something out, before we go an check it out."

"Okay. Shoot."

"Couple nights ago, did you have anyone shadowing one of the VPD patrols down by the docks?"

"Why you asking?"

"We have a friend who said she felt someone watching her. So did you have anyone down that way. Don't care what for, just wondering if you did."

"Nope."

"Sure?"

"Positive. Nothing down that way for me or my boys to get involved with." Junior replied before adding, "Besides I don't need to shadow VPD, I have other ways to know where they are or might be headed. If you catch my drift."

/=/

"Guess we're checking it out then?" Asked Neo right after the trio had appeared in their shared dwelling.

"Looks like it."

"Thoughts?"

"Don't know. Though I doubt it's anything serious. Probably nothing."

"Nothing doesn't make you feel like you're being stared at." Neo responded.

"Just cause you feel stared at doesn't mean your are being stared at."

"But still."

"We're going to check it out tonight, so we'll see."

/=/

Glynda had gotten her confirmation from the officer. She plied the distraught about a missing friend, and how the young man the officer had been with looked like him. It took several minutes but she got a name, the name of Jaune. Glynda knew the chances of there being two people who looked identical with the same name to be impossible. She had found the missing Jaune Arc; and lost him again. She pursed her lips as she walked away from the officer. She needed a way to find him again. She could stake out the coffee shop; but there was no telling how often he frequented the establishment. The officer had been less than forth coming with the reason why they had been meeting or how often they do meet up. Glynda had let that line of questioning drop. She had what she needed. Confirmation.

/=/

The trio appeared, unseen out side the warehouse they had called home, and by the looks of it, someone else was making use of it. They had figured that was going to happen with Vale Council making moves to try and bring people and business back. Ignoring the occupied building they started off down the street in the general direction of the address Laura had texted them. She had wanted to confirm it from her notes, hence the late delivery of the information.

Proceeding in silence Jaune and Neo walked side by side while Amber sat perched with her legs dangling on Jaune's right shoulder. Just in case of onlookers Neo was making ample use of her dual semblance to cloak them in the shadows they were walking through. Even with the rebuilding the streets here were mainly dark. The city work crews having yet to move into the area and fix the burnt out or broken street lamps.

"This is it." Jaune informed as the trio stood outside a very dilapidated looking building. A sign near the front indicated it was condemned and was scheduled for demolition a few weeks from now.

Stepping forward Jaune raised his left hand and uttered a couple quick words. A second later a small glowing ball of light formed and rose to hover just above his left shoulder. It had been one of the few spells he forced himself to master. One never knew when a source of light would be needed, and not having to rely on carrying flashlights or using scroll apps would free both his hand for other work. Neo followed suit summoning on of her own spirit orbs to function in a similar manner.

Moving along the side of the building they found a broken and ajar door that would let them inside the structure. Adjusting his satchel Jaune squeezed through the opening behind Amber who had flitted inside ahead of him. Neo brought up the rear.

Inside the place was empty, but surprisingly clean. Jaune felt it as soon as they entered, that sense of being watched. Looking to Neo, he received a nod indicating she felt it too. Stepping away from each other, but still with in sight they started to search; looking for signs that there was actually something here.

"Okay." Jaune spoke aloud as he came upon a very neat and orderly pile of debris. "Neo?"

A few seconds after being called she too was staring at the pile. Not far away she noticed a second pile this one of dirt and dust.

"This is strange."

"Strange or strange?"

"Strange." Jaune replied as he fished into his bag and pulled out his grimoire. Having no idea what they might find he had thought it best to bring the heavy tome. Flipping through pages he muttered to himself as he tried the index, "Neat piles, sense of being watched."

Neo waited and took that time to scan their surroundings as Jaune flipped back and forth through pages of the book. On her scan she located a third pile, this one entirely made up of litter and garbage. Tapping JAune on his shoulder she brought his attention to it.

"Whatever this might be, they appear to be somewhat of a neat freak." Was his comment as he returned to the grimoire.

Neo shivered slightly, as the sense of being watched grew more and more acute.

"Signs of inhabitation include a intense sense of being watched coupled with neat piles of detritus located in the centre of rooms." Jaune read aloud. Neo listened and letting her orb grow slightly brighter she nodded. They were about in the middle of the large main floor. Looking up from his book Jaune continued. "Looks like we have a Nothing."

"A Nothing?"

"Yep."

"What is a Nothing?" Neo asked as Jaune tilted his head down to read from the grimoire.

"A Nothing is a virtually harmless limbo based entity, that occasionally slides into the natural world." Jaune continued to read aloud, "While virtually harmless, it has a habit of attracting more active and possibly hostile entities. While this can take months to years to occur, the threat of possible infestation by a hostile being is not to be underestimated. On occasion the being drawn has been demonic in nature."

"So this Nothing could draw a demon to this place?"

"That's what the books says."

"Are we sure it is a Nothing?"

"Nothings can and will take up residence in decrepit, and derelict buildings, with rare cases happening in occupied residences." Jaune continued to read, even as he felt the sense of being watched become more pronounced. "Nothings must be chased off into the limbo realm least they draw other beings. Destruction of the inhabited structure will not cause relocation."

"So even when they knock this eye sore down it'll stay around, unless we chase it back from where it came?"

"Again that's what the book is saying." Jaune returned to his reading. "methods of expulsion include, recitation of a somatic cleansing ritual, burning of incense or sage, application of sanctified waters or paints to the floor."

"We don't have water, or incense." Commented Neo.

"Then we have to use a somatic cleansing ritual." Jaune confirmed as he closed the grimoire and placed it back into his satchel, and then fished into his inside pocket to pull out his small exorcism book. "This should have something."

A yelp from Amber caused them both to wheel about. She was glowing and they easily spotted her zipping around through the rafters of the building, almost as if she was being chased. Diving she b-lined towards them, only to pull up and ver off at the last possible moment. There was an audible thump followed by the pile of trash being scattered across the floor as if something had slammed into it.

"Virtually harmless?" Asked Neo as the pile of dust suddenly exploded into the air causing her to cough and choke.

"It's Amber, she's an abomination in the eyes of other entities." Responded Jaune as he watched Amber's chaotic flight through the air. "I'd say her presence has enraged it."

"Well what are we suppose to do? I can hit something I can't see." Replied Neo as she summoned forth a couple more of her spirit orbs.

"The ritual." Was Jaune's response as he turned his attention from the glowing zipping form of Amber to the book in his hand.

"I'd hurry." Neo commented as Amber let out another yelp. "This keeps up she's going to lose her temper."

"Give me a second." Jaune snapped in frustration as he flipped through the small book. Unlike his codex or grimoire it did not magically open to what you sought. No this muddle of pictures, diagrams and text had to be looked through the old fashioned way. "Think I have it."

Jaune stood up straight, and help his left hand aloft as his right kept the small book open to the proper page.

"Hear me and take heed. Though the shadows of darkness crowd I shall not fear. The still waters shall cleanse, and the calm air shroud, as I call upon the light of the most high and bless this place with their righteous might!"

Jaune's shouted words echoed about the walls and roof, as Amber continued her rapid flight through the rafters above. Seeing and feeling no change Jaune continued.

"I say unto thee, the shadows of darkness shall not hide any transgression or trespass against even the least of us. It be by those most high I call to shroud this place in the holy light and cast out that which should not dwell here!"

Again his words reverberated around the building, but this time something felt different. The feeling of being watched faded, and while Amber still raced around through; the air grew lighter.

"I think it might have worked." commented Neo as she allowed her orbs to shed even more light.

"Amber!" Jaune shouted, his hand still holding the book open to the page he had been reading from.

"What!" she shouted back as she continued to zig zag through the air.

"Are you okay?"

"Angry!' was her reply.

"I think its gone you can stop now!" shouted Neo as she watched, with a slightly amused expression. So far in all their little trials or adventures things had gone mainly after her and Jaune. It was just a bit entertaining to be ignored while something had chased after Amber.

"You positive?" Amber asked as she appeared to slightly lessen the speed of her flight.

"Yes!" replied Jaune, "Come on down."

Without saying another word Amber spun in midair and zipped down to land on Jaune's shoulder. It was obvious she was more than unhappy. She was definitely angry like she had said. Her small scowl got even deeper when she noticed Neo's look.

"Not funny!"

"I'm not laughing." Neo defended herself.

"You want to!" Amber countered.

"That's enough." Jaune snapped, attempting to cut off any chance of a altercation between the two, "It's done. Are you okay?"

"Yes, but it hurt."

"Well it's done. If it was a nothing or something similar it's gone now."

"Home?"

"Yeah I think we can go home."

"Good."

"Neo?"

"Whenever you're ready."

/=/

Having no other leads to the whereabouts of her fugitive student; Glynda staked out the little coffee shop where she had first spotted him. Not that it was a bad arrangement. The place offered a variety of various tea blends, tasty finger foods, and deserts; and a warm welcoming atmosphere. But still she was on a mission and every chance she had spare or free time she was there. Sampling the offerings and watching the door.

It was about a week in that she noticed the young woman; an officer in the VPD enter and head to the back table. Maybe this was it, Glynda thought. After all this time waiting and searching she would have her chance, to confront him, to ask him why he had run. She held her breath involuntarily when he and his companion entered.

What happened next was not part of what she had planned. Upon entering Jaune scanned the small room, and froze. A second later he bolted, much to the surprise of Neo, Laura, the other patrons and Glynda herself. She was shocked that the sight of her would incite such a response from one of her students; but it had. Tossing some lien on the table she got up to follow, only to find her path blocked by Neo.

Glynda had no idea who the young woman was, or why she was suddenly in the way. She assumed that it had something to do with whatever relationship the pair had. Glynda gasped as she had a sudden thought. Relationship, he had run because of a girl.

"Excuse me?" Glynda asked, only getting a shake of the woman's head as a reply. "I need to speak with Jaune."

Neo took a step back, this woman knew Jaune, and additional seemed awfully familiar to her as well. Then it dawned on her; she was a teacher from Beacon. Laura having seen the commotion rose from her table and approached.

"Is there a problem."

"Ah . . . yes and no."

"Which is it? yes or no?"

"I needed to speak with that young man; and this young lady is blocking my way."

"From what I saw it doesn't look like he wants to speak with you mam." replied Laura.

"He was just shocked."

"Why would he have been shocked to see you?"

Neo continued to stand between Glynda and the door while Laura and she conversed. All the while she was trying to place exactly which class she taught. Something was telling her it had to do with combat, but then again how would she know for sure. Her tenure at Beacon was short; and she had to admit she had paid little attention to the general goings on when she was there.

"I'm not sure."

"Try."

"Maybe because I am, or was his teacher at Beacon."

"Beacon?"

"Yes, in fact I was his combat instructor."

"And what would his former combat instructor want with him now?"

"He ran from the school, abandoned his team; right after the fall."

"Seems like that I've heard that happened a lot during that time."

"It did, but I'm trying to find all my wayward students and see if they would come back. return to their training."

"And if they don't want to?"

"Then they don't have to. I'm only asking."

"Well I think he just gave you his answer, by running away; don't you think?"

"No, I don't."

"Then I think you need reassess that thought, because it looks to me like he's not interested."

"I need to hear it from him."

"Your needs are not important."

Neo pulled on Laura's sleeve to get her attention, and motioned that she was going to leave. Laura just nodded and adjusted her own position to be between Glynda and the door.

"So I suggest, Glynda" Laura continued "that is the name you gave me the other day, correct?"

"Yes, I am Glynda Goodwitch."

"Well Miss Goodwitch, I suggest you return to your seat, finish whatever you were having and leave Jaune alone. Do I make myself clear?"

"No."

"Let me put it another way then." Laura took a stern official sounding tone before continuing, "If I hear or see you continuing to approach Jaune I will have you brought in under suspicion of stalking. Understand?"

"Completely." Replied Glynda not used to someone else using her tone tactic on her.

"Good. Have a good day, Miss Goodwitch."

"You as well officer." Responded Glynda as she turned and returned to her seat. Her tea was cold, but she chose to make a show of finishing it for the officer's sake.

Content with having diffused the situation for the time being, Laura turned and walked out of the coffee shop.

/=/

Jaune's heart was beating a mile a minute. The sight of Miss Goodwitch had shocked him; and he did the only thing he could thought of in the second he had noticed her. He ran, and ran. He wasn't sure why he ran, just that it felt like a good idea at the time. He had always know there was a chance that he would run into his old professors, or even former fellow classmates, but until this time that was never a reality.

No it was. She had been there, she had seen him. His breath hitched, had she recognized Neo for whom she used to be associated with? Was that why she had started to approach. Was Neo in trouble? He shook his head to dispel those thoughts. Neo could hold her own against anyone, probably even Miss Goodwitch; if she used her new abilities; then again Neo could always just escape. She was good at that as well.

Calming down, and starting to walk normally along the sidewalk he tried to come up with a reason why Miss Goodwitch had appeared to be looking for him. He doubted she just wanted to talk. He knew it wasn't to find him for his family; they already knew where he was and how he was. NO it must have been for something else. But what? Punishment, no that couldn't be. he was no longer a student, he was a civilian; she wouldn't have the right to. Bring him back to school; again he doubted that. Beacon was lost. There was no school to be taken back to; besides he was her worst student when it came to combat class. There was no reason to bring him back.

Stopping and looking around he figured his location using the repaired sign posts and altered his direct. Neo was probably home by with Amber waiting for him.

/=/

After the coast had cleared Glynda left the little shop and made her way down the street. She thought about the altercation with Jaune, and the officer. It was clear there was some sort of possible working relationship between the two; but she for the life of her couldn't figure what that would be. There was no need of a police officer to be meeting with a former Beacon student. A student that when he ran left behind the very grimm slaying tools he was being trained to wield. Was it something more? Was Jaune the victim of a crime? Was he an informant? To Glynda there was just something out of place. It was obvious not a romantic relationship; thought the officer did seem protective of her former student. Then again she seemed even at their first meeting when Glynda had tried to get information out of her; the type that would protective of anyone she knew.

So Glynda continued to walk, wishing and hoping for another chance to speak with Jaune. turning several streets she entered the merchant district. It was slowly becoming more and more crowded with shops and businesses reopening on what seemed a daily basis. She walked past the window shoppers towards the end of the street; only to finally stop in front of a private training gym complex, in the middle of renovations.

Stepping through the entry way she was greet by workers busy with various tasks. It had been almost a miracle that Vale City Council had donated the small complex to the Beacon staff. Citing a need for them to continue with their mission to train and shape the hunters and huntresses of tomorrow. The complex would suffice, at least until they were able to take back Beacon itself. The top two floors where being turned into class rooms, the bottom would be reception and the combat class arena.

The building next door that featured what used to be a bottom floor law office, with apartments above would become the dorms and infirmary. They would never be able to handle the amount of students that Beacon could, but than again with so many having set off on their own, transferring schools, or just quitting entirely they wouldn't need as much space. The fourth and third years that had remained were all paired with active individual hunters or teams for their continued training. This school would work with the first and second years that remained.

It was by far a less than perfect solution but it was what they had. After checking in with the site foreman, and confirming the general time line she walked deeper into the building taking a self guided tour. She was the one appointed to run this extension to Beacon, what Port and Oobleck were calling the Lamppost. Glynda chuckled. It was a cute name, and fit with what they had become. Now if she could only get some of her more promising students to return.