"So what is the 'special' class you go to during combat class?" asked Yang between bites of her supper.
"Just a supervised time to do my mental exercises." replied Jaune between bites of his own.
"Like what?" asked Ruby
"Yeah tell us Fearless Leader." commented Nora
"You don't have to tell us if you're not up for it Jaune." Pyrrha added.
"It's okay." Jaune said between another bite of his supper.
"So?" Nora and Yang nudged.
"It's nothing really. I just practice casting and keeping some simple spells active."
"You mean like that Thunder Crash?" Ruby asked excitement in her voice.
"No nothing like that. More like this." As Jaune spoke he held out his left hand and a small bright orb appeared. Ruby instantly looked defeated. "They're simple cantrips. Basic everyday use spells."
"What's an everyday use spell?" Blake spoke up, a little intrigued by his display. She noted to herself that something like that would be useful to read at night. Especially on those nights when the sky was covered in clouds.
"Just what the name implies. Simple spells that do basic things that are useful in everyday run of the mill ways."
"Can you teach me that?" ask Blake getting more and more interested in the little ball of light hovering in his hand.
"I guess I could try, but I'd have to ask mom how to go about doing it." he replied.
"So who supervises you?" Ren asked taking the conversation away from the ball of light.
"The Headmaster." Jaune replied as he dismissed the small orb.
/=/
"So how did the first session go?" Glynda asked Ozpin as she sat down across the table from him.
"Good. Spent more time talking theory than anything else."
"Theory?"
"I may know a thing or two." replied Ozpin.
"Well that young man is becoming quite the talk about campus." interjected Peter, "Reminds me of my first days as a young hunter. Oh the talk about my prowess."
"He is very unique. I don't believe I've ever seen someone with his skill set before." commented Bart.
"Mister Arc is a very special young man indeed." Ozpin added, "Someone who will need our acute and undivided attention."
"What are you saying Oz?" asked Bart
"You've all heard the stories of the small villages never needing a hunter to attend to them, as you are all also aware of the maidens."
"Aye, I've heard the stories." commented Peter.
"As have we all." injected Glynda. "Back to the question Ozpin, what are you getting at?"
"Are you suggesting others may take a keen interest in the young man?" asked Bart
"That is exactly what I fear may happen."
/=/
"Stop playing with those toys Emerald." Cinder snapped over her shoulder. "We have work to before our meeting with Roman tonight."
At that Emerald pocketed the pog she had been rolling between her knuckled and rose to her feet. Cinder and Mercury called them toys, and in fact they were; but to Emerald they had been a way to pass the long cold hours on the street. They had been a distraction on those hungry days, and friends during times of pain.
"Roman has fallen behind. We need to impress upon him the reason to keep to our timetable."
"How we going to do that boss?" asked Mercury standing at the far side of the table.
"A show of force." was Cinder's reply.
"So what are we going to beat up the Ax gang he hangs around with?" asked Emerald.
"No my dear, sweet girl I'm going to give him a little show. A show he should not soon forget."
"And us?"
"You, and Mercury will be there to support me as you always have."
/=/
Jaune was on his scroll after spending a couple hours on the roof with Pyrrha and Ren. She had been right when she told him they would be going right back to the basics. While he should have known Pyrrha would have asked for the ninja of their little group's assistance he was still surprised to see her get in line next to him as Ren slowly went through some basic stances. Tomorrow would be weight training with Nora. He wondered how much that was going to hurt as he waited for the other end to pick up.
". . ."
"Yes mom its me."
". . ."
"No nothing is wrong, and I didn't want to use it."
". . ."
"I just didn't."
". . ."
"Calling to say hi, let you know I am training; and to ask a question."
". . ."
"A friend of mine wants to learn a cantrip. Is it possible for me to teach her?"
". . ."
"So it is?"
". . ."
"I don't know if she has any skill."
". . ."
"I guess I could have her sit in on a call with you, she's already seen the mirror."
". . ."
"She ended up spying on me when we had the conversation in the garden."
". . ."
"No mom she was not stalking me."
". . ."
"Okay I'll tell her. Tomorrow night."
". . ."
"Love you too."
Hitting the call end icon, Jaune sat down on his bed. He'd have to go tell Blake about the call tomorrow night. But he was tired, and still need to take a shower. Setting his scroll on his desk, he stripped off his gear. Grabbing a towel as he walked into the bathroom and closed the door.
/=/
Next morning at breakfast Jaune let Blake in on what his mother had told him, and the need for her to be a call with her.
"Ooohhhh, Blakey is already meeting the parents!" Yang teased.
"It's not like that Yang." counter Jaune as Blake sat there shaking her head. While she was glad that Jaune was going to try she just wished he had been more tactful about mentioning the call to his mom.
"Then what's it like Jauney?" Yang had a huge grin on her face, which she morphed in one of utter surprise. "No don't tell me! You have to give his mom some important news? How is our team going to make it with only three members during the festival? Tell me Blakey why? Why? Why?"
"What are you blathering on about Yang?" Weiss finally asked her annoyance clearly visible.
"What do mean only three?" asked Ruby.
"Don't listen to her." replied Blake, "Her chest is restricting the flow of blood to her brain."
Nora, Ren and Pyrrha just listened and watched. None wanting to get involved. Jaune had told them that he'd be working with Blake tonight so they put off his weight training until tomorrow. They continued to eat in silence as they watched Jaune give up and return to his own meal as Yang continued to poke at Blake with suggestive comments.
/=/
Grimm studies was a chance to almost catch a nap, as Professor Port spun a grandiose tale of him facing a six head beowulf. A creature none knew could exist, and the whole class knew probably never had.
"Could you create a card like that?" asked Nora in whisper just as Jaune was about to nod off, "but make it a sloth?"
"I don't know Nora,." Jaune replied.
"You did say you made that one . . . card."
"Yeah, but my mom helped me do it when I was like twelve."
"So ask her to help you create a six headed sloth, please?"
"Okay Nora, I'll ask." Jaune returned to Professor Ports tale wondering what part he missed while the professor was expounding the virtues of learning to use one's feet, as he was forced to hold one of the creature's vicious heads at bay with only the use of his big and little toes wedged in the foul beast's nostrils.
After Grimm Studies it was History. Which was as it always was a rapid fire test of one's ability to take notes. Having taken the advice of an exceptionally help full fourth year, Jaune and Ruby were being good team leaders and recording the lecture for play back by their teams later that day during study hall. Just in case they missed something.
Combat Class was next, and like the day before Jaune was excused for his special studies. Jaune arrived to find the Headmaster again waiting for him.
"How are we this afternoon mister Arc? Well rested I hope."
"I'm good."
"Perfect. So today I think we'll actually get some practice in."
"No theory?"
"Not today. I suggest we split the times between both, if you will. Theory and discussion one day and practical practice the next. Sound fair?"
"I guess."
"Good." Ozpin waved Jaune into the center of the room while he moved to stand back by the entrance. Flicking off the lights and bathing them in darkness he spoke. "Please illuminate the room Jaune."
Jaune could still see the silhouette of the Headmaster, do to the light coming through the door from the hallway, but he understood the request. He was going to have to conjurer his light orb spell, multiple times. Taking a quick breath he focused and began. One after one little balls of light floated into the air from his outstretched hands.
The room was dimly lit by the the time the twelfth ball of light floated into the air. Jaune was feeling the strain at that point. The already created balls of light began to flicker and dim. He tried to recenter his focus but he could feel it slipping.
"I think that is about enough for toady Mister Arc." Ozpin called out as he switched the lights back on. "Very impressive."
"Not so much." Jaune responded as the orbs winked out one by one. "I should have been able to do more."
"With time Mister Arc with time."
/=/
It was after supper, in a private study room that Blake was once again privy to the ritual she had witnessed in the garden so many days ago. Then like now it was a beautiful site to see. She stayed a couple steps back as Jaune performed the actions needed to not only form the mirror but activate it. A few seconds later she was once again looking at the beautiful blond hair framed face of Jaune's mom.
"Hello sweetie." she greeted Jaune. "Introductions?"
"Mom this is Blake Belladonna. Blake this is my mom."
"Missus Arc."
"Miss Belladonna." Jasmine Arc greeted the young faunus girl. "So, what is this about you spying on my little baby?"
"Mom."
"er, I . . ."
"Are you keen on him my dear? Because I must say there are better ways to garner a young man's attentions and affections other that stalking them."
"MOM!"
"It was an accident." Blake defended herself. "I was out in the garden to think and I saw Jaune, and I didn't mean to."
"Mom?"
"So you have no interest in my little baby?"
"We're just friends." replied Blake a flush coloring her cheeks.
"Mom enough now. Please?"
"So Jaune tells me you are interested in learning to use some magic. Is this true.?"
"Yes."
"What and why?"
"Its a little orb that glows. I liked to read but it's hard an night, so I felt I could use that to read by without disturbing my teammates."
"So you wish learn Orb of Light, and for a very mundane purpose. You know scrolls have flashlight functions that would accomplish the same task."
"I do, but they're awkward."
"Mom?" Jaune tried to inject.
"Not now Jaune. I'm trying to assess your possible pupil."
It had never occurred to Blake that asking Jaune to teach her a spell would make him her teacher. It also brought forward the concern of not giving anything back to him for his time and effort should the teaching take place. She'd have to think of something; it was only fair.
"So Blake, your interest is not unique, but I will admit that your reason is interesting from the fact you are looking for help in solving a small problem for you; without inconveniencing your teammates. So if you can pass a test I'll be happy to help Jaune instruct you."
"Test?" Jaune and Blake asked in unison.
"What test mom?"
"You would barely remember it Jaune. You took it when you were at most five and your father had to get involved. But for all purposes it is basically an aptitude test. If you can pass it, even just barely you have the basic ability to learn some magic. Jaune passed his in seconds with no . . . serious issues."
"I understand. I will do my best."
"Very good my dear. Jaune summon the chest I have it all prepared."
Blake took a step back as Jaune closed his eyes and performed the complex hand and finger motions required, and like in the garden a foot locker sized wooden box materialized. A trace of his fingers on the top and the latch unlocked and opened. Lifting the lid Jaune pulled out a single sheet of paper with an elegant design drawn upon it.
"This is a magic circle. If you can even in the slightest make it glow, you have an aptitude of magic, and Jaune can teach you the spell you wish to learn. Jaune place it flat on the top of the chest."
Closing the lid Jaune did as his mother bid, and then stepped away.
"Now Blake I want you to hold your hands above the paper and close your eyes. As you do that I want you to see in your mind the circle glowing. Can you do that?"
"I'll try."
"That is all I ask."
Blake stepped up to the paper and held her hands out over it. Taking a few deep breaths she closed her eyes, and visualized what Jasmine had explained. For five long minutes Blake could see the circle glowing in her mind. But as Jaune and his mother watched and there was no response.
"Blake I'm sorry my dear."
"What?" Blake asked as she opened her eyes.
"You have no aptitude for magic."
"So I failed." Blake sighed.
"Don't fret dear. It is only a small portion of the entire population of remnant who can get a reaction of even the smallest degree."
"I'm sorry for wasting your time."
"Time is never wasted if you learn something." Jasmine corrected. "So you've learned you have no ability. No big deal my dear. I've learned something too."
"What?"
"That Jaune has friends who show an interest in learning from him; and helping him; instead of using him. I could see you thinking when I mention you being his pupil. You were thinking of a way to pay him back. A way you could help him as he was going to help you. Am I right?"
"I was."
"And because of that I think I now of a way we can help you with your little problem. Jaune?"
"Yes?"
"Do you still remember how to do infusion?"
"I do, but only sort of." seeing his mother's disappointed look he quickly added to his statement, "But I'll figure it out. Once I start doing it it'll all come back to me."
"It better, or I'll be sending training materials for Glynda to make you use."
"I'll remember once I start. I will."
"Blake."
"Yes Missus Arc?"
"If you can get yourself a plain band style ring. It can be copper, silver or gold. Preferably silver, but any of the three will work."
"I think I can manage that. Can I ask why?"
"Of course you can. Jaune will make you a ring of light with it. That way you can still use Orb of Light without having any ability in actual magic."
"He can make magic items?" Blake was more than a little shocked. Her books always contained magic items, and now she knew someone who could make them for real.
"He can as long as he remembers his lessons."
"I'll remember." Jaune pleaded.
"So what do you think Blake? Is this an acceptable solution?"
"More than. Thank you."
"Your most welcome dear. Jaune send back the chest, and call me when you get the ring. I want to watch you."
"Yes mom."
"Love you."
"Love you too."
With a wave of his hand the image faded. Blake hung back as she watched Jaune put the test paper away, before making the chest fade from sight, followed by breaking down the mirror to fit in his ornate pencil case.
"Sorry Blake."
"Its okay Jaune. At least I learned something." Blake responded, "Let me ask you something. Well a couple of things."
"Go ahead."
"How did you test go, if you don't mind me asking."
"I don't really remember it, to be honest; but I do remember my dad having to use a fire extinguisher on the kitchen table."
"Seriously? You don't remember your test but you remember you dad and a fire extinguisher?"
"Well my mom was there with me at the time. It was kinda scary."
"Did that happen when you were about five?"
"Come to think of it, yeah it did." Blake hoped she was miss reading things, but if Jaune had set the kitchen table on fire with his test at the age of five; she wondered how powerful was he. "You wanted to ask me something else?"
"Yeah." Blake paused for a moment, "Is there anything I can help you with seeing as you've gone out of your way to do all this for me?"
"I don't know. My team is already helping me with my extra training."
"Well if they ever need a break, let me know and I can sub in for one of them."
"I'll let them know."
With that Jaune and Blake left the private study room; going off in their separate directions.
/=/
Ozpin opted once again for the light orb exercise. Jaune did better this time around but only barely.
"As you've had three days with me Mister Arc tomorrow as per your mother and Glynda's instructions is to give you a day of rest." Ozpin spoke as he turned on the lights and approached Jaune as let the remainder of the orbs fade from sight. "So tomorrow you'll just stay in combat class. Understood?"
"Yes." Jaune hesitated for a moment before asking, "What about the days I have to spar? I mean I know I'm suppose to do this two days on and one day off, and I know we've done three in a row, but what if its a day to training, and she chooses me to spar?"
"Professor Goodwitch will plan your spars around you free days. So there is no reason for concern. In fact I would rest up because more than likely you will be sparing tomorrow."
/=/
It had also turned into a free day from his extra training with his team, so Jaune took the down time to laze on his bed, idly manipulating his collection of cards minus the one Neko had taken. As he drew, shuffled, and fanned the cards he wondered; how he was going to get it back. A knock at his door brought him out of his thoughts. With a motion of his hand and wrist the cards vanished.
With the rest of his team out doing errands, he rose from his bed and answered the door. Blake stood in the hall waiting.
"Blake."
"Hi Jaune. I have it."
"It?" Jaune paused before he remembered, "Oh the ring. How'd you get it so quickly?"
"My free and lunch were next to each other so I just went down to Vale. And picked on up. Here." Blake reached out an put a plain silver band into his outstretched hand. It had cut into the little bit of funds she did have stashed but she'd work around it. "Will it work?"
"Is it sized to your finger?"
"Yes. I figured if it was being made for me, that it should fit me."
"Then it'll be perfect. I'll call my mom and get this done right away."
"Could I watch?" she asked out of the blue.
"I guess. Don't know why you would want to though?"
"I think it would be interesting. I mean I read stories all the time that have magic items, and magic; and here you are about to create one. It's interesting, and I'm sure anyone else on our teams would like to watch if given the chance."
"If you say so." Jaune responded as he stepped back and let Blake inside. "Let me get setup and we'll be underway."
"Take your time." Blake commented as she took a seat on the foot of Jaune's bed. She watched as he pulled out the pencil case, in addition to a ornately decorated piece of what looked like black silk. He laid the silk upon his desk and placed the ring in the center. After which he open the pencil case.
Pyrrha entered the room with a shopping bag just as the mirror finished taking shape. Jaune paused in his inscription of the calling rune.
"Hey Pyr."
"Jaune. Blake." Pyrrha moved towards her own bed and set her bag down, "am I interrupting something?
"No." replied Jaune.
"No." replied Blake, "Jaune was just about to call his mom."
"Call his mom?" Pyrrha's mind wasn't processing what she was hearing with what she was seeing. "Where is his scroll?"
"This works better." was Jaune's reply as he traced the rune with his ring finger.
Pyrrha watched as the half moon shaped mirror's surface twisted and rippled before an image began to appear. She noticed the family resemblance instantly. So this was Jaune's mom, she's beautiful; she thought.
"Mom."
"Jaune. I see Blake is there. How are you dear."
"I'm well. Thank you."
"And who is that lovely young lady hiding in the back?"
"That is Pyrrha Neikos, my partner."
"Ah yes, you mentioned her. A four time champion I believe was what you said."
"That's her."
"Come on now dear, don't be shy let me get a look at you."
Pyrrha shuffled forward. The image was so real and life like. It was if she was right there in the room with them. Once she rounded the end of Jaune's bed, she stopped and inclined her head towards Jaune's mom.
"You are a sight to see, my dear. I'm starting to think I know why my little baby ran off to a hunter academy."
"Mom, not now please?"
"Enough now Jaune. How do you do Pyrrha?"
"I'm well and you Missus Arc?"
"I'm peachy." Jasmine replied, "Your sisters are going to be so mad when they hear I actually talked to Pyrrha Nikos."
"Mom, please?"
"Hush up. So is Jaune keeping up in his school work and training? Tell me honestly."
"Yes he is Missus Arc." Pyrrha replied, "We're all helping him with it."
"You as well Blake?"
"Not yet. I've offered to step in if anyone needs to take a break. To be a substitute I guess is what you'd call it."
"Good. Good. I hope you all keep on him about his training. He'll need a push every so often."
"We will" both girls replied in unison, with Pyrrha having a slight flush to her cheeks.
"Now on to the real reason for his call. What do you have ready?"
"I have a plain silver band ring, that Blake just gave me, and I have the binding cloth laid out."
"Good. So what's the next step?"
" I place the object to be enchanted upon the bonding cloth and fold the corners of it over so they are touching each other as well as the object."
"Good. Next step."
"I cast the spell to bound but hold off on the final release so I can link an activation word or phrase."
"Excellent. Now what is the final step?"
"As I speak the phrase I press down with my hands and force the spell into the object."
"Top marks my boy. No let's see you do it."
"Yes mom."
"Don't yes mom, just do it."
Jaune nodded and prepared to mimic his words with actions. Placing the ring in the center of the cloth, he folded the corners over, just as he described. Holding his hands palms down over the neatly folded package he closed his eyes. A slight glow appeared under his hands. Opening his eyes he lowered them as he spoke a single word.
"Illuminate."
His hands pressed down and the glow flowed around to encase them. He continued to press down until the glow slowly faded. Lifting his hands he set about unwrapping the ring. Picking it up both girls wanted to say it seemed to glitter.
"Done." Jaune declared.
"No, you are done once it has been tested. Give it to Blake." Jaune turned slightly and reached over to hand the ring to Blake. Taking it she looked up at the image of Jaune's mother. "Just put it on and speak the command word. Illuminate."
Blake nodded and did as she was bid. Sliding the ring over her right ring finger she set it against the base of her finger.
"Illuminate."
A glow surrounded the ring, and a second later a small orb of light drifted up and then down to settle near the ring.
"Turn your hand palm up and you can move it to where you want. Turn your hand palm down and it'll stay where you want it." instructed Jaune.
Blake again did as she was bid. Turning her hand over she began to move the little orb around. Once she moved it to near her lap she flipped her hand over and moved it away. The orb hovered right where she had placed it.
"You did it Jaune. I'm so proud of you. Is this acceptable Blake.?"
"More than." she replied.
"Just say the command again to deactivate the affect." Jaune instructed.
"Illuminate." Blake spoke and watched with wide eyes as the orb faded away.
"Very good Jaune. Excellent in fact." praised his mother. "Seeing at how well you retained your lessons, I'll leave you in the care of these two fine ladies. Pyrrha, it has been a pleasure. Blake like wise."
The image of Jaune's mother faded away, leaving the trio alone. Pyrrha was speechless. The whole event and result surreal to her. It was beautiful to watch Jaune work, and amazing to see the result. She moved and took a seat on the foot of Ren's bed.
"Thank you Jaune, this . . . this is amazing."
"Jaune what else could you do that with?" Pyrrha final spoke as Blake once again activated her ring.
"With what I have here, some other types of jewelry, other small items; maybe a rod."
"Rod? What's a rod?" asked Blake as she once again deactivated the spell.
"Best way to describe it would be a magic wand." replied Jaune. While Jaune answered, an idea had come to him. He had been troubled about finding a way to thank Pyrrha; and his whole team for that matter. This little exercise had given him the way to do it.
Turning around he took a seat at his desk and made the motions to disassemble the mirror. Blake could never get enough of watching the elegant show. Pyrrha for her parts took a sharp breath witnessing the sign for the first time ever.
"Thank you again Jaune." Blake spoke as he snapped the pencil case closed., "If there is ANYTHING I can do please tell me."
"It's okay Blake. It was my pleasure."
"Jaune?" Pyrrha's voice took an almost desperate tone as she spoke, Jaune missed it; while Blake instantly caught onto it, "What are you doing at Beacon?"
"What do you mean Pyr?" asked Jaune in reply.
"I mean why are you here. With all this . . . this stuff you can do, why spend your time here with us. I mean you are obviously more powerful that anyone in the school. You would have no problem defeating grimm on your own if you chose too. So why even attend Beacon?"
With Pyrrha asking the question, one he'd heard from others before; he didn't know what to say. All his reasons seemed pale and flimsy, everything he could think of just sounded wrong in his head. He wanted to say "Be a hero." but the way Pyrrha spoke about his abilities he could already be that to someone in need. So really was was he here.