To say that Pyrrha had slept badly was to say she had managed to catch some sleep at all. Like she hadn't spent the entire night tossing and turning, mind running rampant.
Checking her scroll for what had to be the nth time in thirty minutes, she sighed at the number that shone back at her. 5.00 am, and like clockwork, Ren started stirring. Yawning once, and with a type of willpower she never could have, he got up without a complaint. Stretching as he hummed a little tune to himself.
"Pyrrha? Are you awake?" Ren whisper asked. Looking at her like she had grown another head. After all, she was both the heaviest sleeper and the one who had the hardest time getting out of bed. So seeing her awake so early, gave him almost mental whiplash.
"Yeah. I'm sorry, it's just I had a lot on my mind." Pyrrha said weakly, the lie as brittle if not more so than the smile on her face. Ren's frowned at her, having caught her on her lie. He was about to ask something before some sort of other revelation dawned in his eyes.
"Is… it that time of the month?" Ren asked, face as if carved from stone, even as worry laced his tone. Pyrrha couldn't help but let a soft pearl of laughter out. A bright smile, unlike the brittle one earlier, sprouted on her face as she smiled.
"No, no. Nothing like that." She giggled out, giggling harder when Ren let out a visible sigh of relief.
"If you say so. If you need anything give me a call. I will help with whatever it may be." Ren said kindly before disappearing into the bathroom. Not noticing how her smile turned brittle at his words.
'How can I ask you when it's you and Jaune I'm worried about?' Pyrrha thought to herself.
Pyrrha didn't know what Ren and Jaune had talked about the morning after Jaune showed them some of the monsters he was fighting in the dream. Whatever it was they had talked about left them on sour terms. Almost as if the two of them shared a secret only they were privy to. She had caught glimpses of shared glances and head gestures.
And while she didn't know what they were hiding, it was the first time she had seen Ren angry. Even with Nora's constant pestering, some stray comments from Cardin and his group, even when Yang sometimes let her mouth move before she could think with some insensitive teases, he had never showed any anger. So whatever they had talked about that made him angry, together with the guilty looks Jaune had subtly thrown everyone in the team, she didn't know what to make out of it.
It hadn't come to the point where their conflict spilled into the rest of the team, for as much as Jaune might feel guilty about something, and as much as Ren was angry, both were able to set aside their personal feelings and continue working as a team when needed. But as things stood now it was only a matter of time.
The thing that started to grind her gears was that neither of them was willing to talk to the other. It was like two squabbling children pretending the other didn't exist, throwing glances the other's way when they thought they could get away with it. And when they did lock eyes, it was almost as if they had a language only they could understand made up from slight head gestures and subtle glances.
It was only so long she could wilfully ignore it, hoping in vain they would sort things out between themselves. Even if they had only been at it for four days, it was starting to drive her up against the wall.
So with a tired yawn she sat up, tiredness wrapping around her like heavy chains, lulling her to lay back and close her eyes. Not before long, Ren stepped out of the bathroom, giving her a little smile before heading out on his morning run. How someone could get up at 5.00 am, and just decide to go on a run still baffled her mind.
But she didn't think much of it, because the second she was sure he was gone. She got up of bed and scooted over to Nora's bed. Glaring bloody daggers at the hole in the window, fall was on the horizon, if not already here, so the fresh morning breeze was bone chilling.
"I'm sorry." She whispered before gently poking Nora's cheek. She didn't get an instant reaction as she had hoped for, instead only incoherent mumbling escaped her overly energic friend. But after a few more pokes with increased strength, Nora's eyes started to flutter.
Eventually Nora let out a long, pained groan, before she sat up and deadpanned at her. "What is it Pyrh-Pyrh?"
"Well… It's just… I was wondering if you have noticed the friction between Jaune and Ren?"
"Pyrrha. If you woke me up at the ass crack of dawn just to ask about if I have noticed Ren throwing glares at Jaune. I'm going to scream." Nora promised softly, fighting against a yawn as she glared at Pyrrha.
"I'm sorry… it's just…" Pyrrha sighed out, sleep deprived brain not finding the words she wanted.
"No. I get it. I really do." Nora sighed, sitting up and wrapping her warm blanket around her. Tired eyes glaring at her. "Don't get me wrong, I have noticed, and I would love nothing more than to get to the bottom of whatever it is, so we can just set it behind us. But it's the first time in forever since I have seen Renny afraid."
"Afraid?" Pyrrha asked, half disbelieving. "I thought he was angry at something Jaune had said, or not said for that matter."
"Nope." Nora said, popping the p as worry crept into her eyes. "I know my Renny, and Renny isn't as much angry as he is afraid. Afraid for us."
"But why? What is he afraid of? What could Jaune possibly be hiding that makes Ren afraid for us?" Pyrrha asked the silent room, staring into her friends eyes.
"I don't know. If I had, we wouldn't be having this conversation." Nora pouted. "I mean, I can guess. My bet is that Fearless Leader is not telling the whole truth about something. What that something is, I can't even begin to imagine. But Ren must have figured it, or something, out. However Fearless Leader isn't stupid either, I think, hope, he has a good idea for not telling us, and it's not just his martyrdom complex acting up."
"Jaune have been rather tight-lipped about his semblance. And while I feel bad for pushing for answers, I don't regret doing so even if I still have nightmares about that Cleric Beast." Pyrrha shivered at the mention of that monsters name. Knowing it had somehow been a person just rising her hackles further. It was just something deeply wrong about it that made her instincts scream in a way Grimm never had.
"I don't blame Jaune-Jaune." Nora whispered hollowly. "To be forced to die over and over, night after night, alone. I… I can't really imagine what he goes through every night. That he hasn't broken down or anything like that is honestly a miracle. I couldn't have done it… without Renny, you, or anyone really that I trust… I would have long gone insane. I understand why he doesn't want to talk about it."
"I know… it's just… Nora, why is there a child in Jaune's bed?" Pyrrha asked, suddenly fully awake, laser focusing on the small form lying beside Jaune, clinging to him like a koala. Dressed in a miniature version of the outfit Jaune was prone to wearing.
The girl went stock still at her words, jaggedly turning her head around. Blue eyes framed by dirty blond hair wide open in abject fear. Darting from face to face, trying to take in the room. Soft breaths quickly running raged as she started to hyperventilate. Only her grip on Jaune's hand stopping her from having a full-blown panic attack.
Then, a second later, as if a spell was broken, she reached into her coat and pulled out an old pistol. Shakingly levelling it towards them with alarming familiarity. Finger on the trigger, ready to fire the second any of them moved.
"Whoa-Whoa" Words tried escaping Nora's mouth as her hands flew up in surprise. She could, and had, taken rounds to the face before, but just because she had aura didn't mean she was hungering to experience it again.
"Why don't we all calm down? Take a step back?" Pyrrha said, trying to placate the clearly terrified child to no avail.
"Who are you?! Where am I!? What have you done to master!" The little girl demanded, her words coming out a jagged mix of accents as she did her best to not act scared. Even if the pistol in her hand was shaking.
The tension was quickly rising, the two huntresses sharing a glance. Both not wanting to attack the clearly panicky girl, even if they had to quickly disarm her before the situation spiralled even further.
"Now, why don't we all take a second to breath?" Jaune asked, hand on the pistol and gently pushing it down. Popping the tension, the little girl throwing the pistol away before throwing herself at Jaune. Crying her heart out as she vomited out words in between sobs. "You are safe now, no one will hurt you. They are my friends. They are safe. You are safe." He whispered softly, the little girl visibly deflating at his words. Even if she threw them a quick glance before diving behind Jaune. Tentatively looking over his shoulders, clinging to him tight while shivering.
Pyrrha glanced over at the girl, cringing as she retreated further behind Jaue's back. Big fat tears in her eyes, shaking like a leaf in a storm, hiding behind Jaune like he was her bastion of safety.
"Am I really that scary?" She whispered to herself. Nora breaking her out of her thoughts as she almost shrieked. "Jaune. Why on this godforsaken earth, is there a child in your bed? You better have a good explanation, or I'm going to take some knees."
"Oh boy." Jaune whispered as he looked at the bubbling volcano ready to explode that was Nora. Nervously licking his lips as he carefully chose his words. Knowing the truth, no matter how bizarre, was the best way.
"The crux of the matter is that I, or the dream most likely, may have misunderstood one of the clauses regarding Violet's apprenticeship." Jaune whispered, carefully looking back at Violet who seemed to hang onto his every word like it was gospel truth. Carefully lifting her up and plopping her in his lap. Her little squeak of surprise making a smile bloom on his face.
The way Violet melted into his touch, acting as everything suddenly was right in the world, wasn't lost on either one of them. Neither was it to Jaune, a gentle smile on his lips but a burning resolve in his eyes.
Licking his lips nervously, he smiled gingerly at them. "The fourth clause of our apprenticeship: 'As Master, Jaune Arc will provide adequate training resources, including access to weapons, and all other required means of study, together with ingredients for blood rites, magic, and arcana. Also giving her access to the dream and all the benefits found therein. He will ensure Violet's safety during training, crafting, hunting, and offer as healthy an environment for her to grow, as he is able.'"
"And the choice of wording made 'the dream' understand it in another way than you intended. And because of that, Violet is somehow dragged, or manifested, here. When she is in truth inhabitant of the dream, or a part of it at least." Pyrrha summarised, trying, and failing to figure out something like that could happen.
In her experience, all semblances were singular in their abilities. They did one thing, and only one thing. Even the Schnee family's hereditary semblance was singular in its ability, everything stemming from its glyphs.
Semblances could evolve, but it wasn't as much a full evolution as it was breaking past one's limits and simply gaining new mastery over it. She herself had gone from tearing everything metallic towards her, to being able to minutely steer an oncoming blade to the side. Same application, only completely different in mastery.
Unfortunately, Jaune's semblance, if it even could be called that, didn't fit into the mould in any way, shape, or form. It was a jargoned mess that pulled out new surprises the moment you let your guard down. From being able to increase his 'attributes' like a video game character, to dying over and over, facing monsters that Grimm would be wary of, to apparently summoning scared little girls as apprentices.
"Why couldn't you just have a normal semblance?" Nora groaned, echoing a shared sentiment. "Creating an impenetrable shield or something, maybe throw some fireballs if you are feeling spicy. But no~~ You just need to have the most convoluted semblance in history of semblances. I mean, even Weiss's semblance at least begins making some sense when you are down five bottles."
"You make it sound like I wanted this." Jaune sighed out, taking the wind out of Nora's sails. "I didn't. But it's not like I could spend everyday wallowing in pity either. I just have to do the best with the card's I'm dealt, no matter how shitty."
Mute silence hung over them as his words sunk in. Nora sharing a nervous glance with her, chuckling mirthlessly as Jaune sighed heavily. Violet glaring daggers at them from her place in Jaune's lap.
"I'm sorry…" Nora said sincerely, knowing she had poured salt over open wounds. "But… on a completely different note. What do we do with her? Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying to kick her out or anything like that, but we can't hide her forever either."
"Nora, I woke up less than five minutes ago. Believe it or not, I don't have all answers." Jaune deadpanned at them. "I mean… I have an idea. A stupid one at that. Like may or may not get us in hot water kind of stupid. But Ren need to be here. He is a part of the team, and as such we shouldn't discuss something like this without him."
Both girls nodded at his words, Pyrrha already sending a quick text to Ren.
An uncomfortable silence settled over them as they waited for Ren to get back from his morning jog. None really knowing what to do or talk about now that there suddenly was a child in their midst. Violet still looked skittish, only Jaune's presence calming her nerves. No one wanted to be the one to open their mouth and make Violet have a panic attack.
Until the most unlikely of them broke the silence. "Where… where is the bathroom?" Violet whispered, voice quiet as a mouse. Pale skin flushing rosy, flushing even redder as Nora audibly cooed at her. Earlier wrath having melted out of her. Bad memories from the time on the road washed away as Violet cutely tried squirming out of Jaune's grasp.
Doing his best to not let his amusement show, Jaune quickly freed Violet from his hug. Pointing towards the bathroom door and smiling kindly. "The toilet is inside there. It should be the same way you are used to. And if you need help or are otherwise confused, just ask for help and we will help."
Violet gave Jaune a hesitant nod, before quickly scurrying of to the bathroom. Making sure to stay as far away from the girls as possible, not even daring to show them her back.
The second she locked the bathroom door behind her, Jaune let out a massive sigh of relief. Running a hand through his hair. "Fuck me… why can't things ever be simple." He cursed under his breath.
Echoing a sentiment Pyrrha wholeheartedly believed. She loved her team, she really did. But sometimes it felt like she was on a roller-coaster. Things she didn't think possible coming out of the woodwork once a week.
"Is she…" Nora started, throwing a glance at the bathroom door.
"Yup."
"The one whose…"
"Yep."
"And she knows and is now your apprentice?"
"Correctomundo." Jaune sighed out, casting a tired look over them.
"Ok. Let's all take a second to breath. I'm going to get dressed. You should probably do so as well. Then we will wait for Ren and take it from there." Pyrrha said, firmly setting her foot down. Both her friends nodding at her as she flexed her semblance, climbing under the covers to get dressed.
####
"Jaune. That is a stupid idea. Maybe your stupidest till this day." Ren said the second he had been caught up to speed. Jaune had to do his best to not sigh. Feeling Violet throwing cautious glances from behind his back at Ren. Not that he could blame her.
Violet was quick to catch up on the disagreement between them. Violet's presence only added fuel to the fire. Ren wanted Pyrrha and Nora in on what could and would happen to them should they ever gain Insight. Whereas he simply wanted them to enjoy what 'normal' time they had left without having to worry about what they saw.
Free from whatever type of vision they would have to learn to live with.
"I never said it was a smart idea." Jaune said somewhat defensively. Knowing how stupid what he proposed was. It could go wrong in so many ways, but he also didn't have any other alternative. "Do you have a better idea? I know telling the truth is a stupid idea. That's why we won't tell the entire truth. We will give them just enough to whet their appetite, enough to get them to stop asking questions, but not the entire truth."
Looking around at his team, no one spoke out. A tumultuous mood hanging over them.
Eventually Ren sighed out in defeat. "It's a stupid idea, but it's also the best one in the long run. Go for it. It's your semblance, you have the final say."
"So we are all in agreement then?" Jaune asked, getting a nod from Nora. Starting a chain reaction as Pyrrha's shoulder relaxed. Ren sending him a glare, before sighing, giving a curt nod.
"Good." Jaune said, a little smile splitting his lips as he stood up. Giving his hand to Violet, she gingerly took it, standing next to him nervously. "We are going to talk to the headmaster, you can think of him as another Gehrman, a kinder one at least."
"Will he also try to get you to break the contract?" Violet whispered nervously.
"Maybe, maybe not. Ozpin is… enigmatic." Jaune settled on, doing his best to give a supportive smile. "I think he will honour our contract, as we are technically not breaking any rules. Just making use of some old rules that were used back when the Academies were new. But if anything, I'm more worried about what stipulations he might have."
"But we will cross that bridge when we get there." Nora chipped in. Looking caught between nervous and exited as she bounced from foot to foot.
"Let's not keep the headmaster waiting. If are we lucky we can smooth this over and still be in time for breakfast." Ren said softly. An unreadable expression on his face. Shooting a stray glance at Violet and getting a glare in return.
"Do you really think the headmaster is awake now? It's just half past 5. I don't think the headmaster is in his office so early." Pyrrha asked after checking her scroll.
"I mean, we can always just make it to his office and wait for him there. Spend some time to get our lies, or truth, in order. Catch up on some sleep, play some games, or whatever really." Jaune shrugged. Giving his team a glance before opening the door and walking down the hallway. The others quickly following behind him.
A smile split his lips as he glanced down at his apprentice. Her big blue eyes darting all over the place. A soft gasp escaping her as she stepped onto the carpet. Eyes almost popping out of her eyes as she saw how clean everything was. Nervously glancing at some other early birds, sighing in relief when they were too caught up in their own world to care about her.
His heart broke when he saw her act so carefree. Oohing and ahhing at every little thing that caught her eyes. Squeezing his hand again and again, scared that was she was experiencing was just a cruel dream.
Knowing that this little moment of carefreeness would become a cherished or hated memory when she got older. What could be worse than showing her a world she would never be part of?
The dream was cruel like that, as it always was.
Every act of good, every act of kindness the dream gave freely was nothing but poison. But it was a beautiful poison, a poison you couldn't help but want to drink again and again.
Pushing the depressing thoughts out of his mind he did his best to share his apprentice joy. Humming a light tune as he just enjoyed the moment. Allowing himself to for just a moment be Jaune, just Jaune. Right now, at this moment, he wasn't some hunter stalking between warriors, he wasn't a hunter in training, he wasn't team leader, he was just Jaune. A seventeen-year-old boy, enjoying the morning air.
Unfortunately, it didn't take long before they reached the headmaster's elevator, and he couldn't be just Jaune anymore.
Looking back at his team, he gave them a nod and pushed the button. Suddenly all too aware at how his foot tapped the ground. Restless energy cruising through him. Eyebrow twitching as he took a deep breath to no avail. Dancing fingers brushing over the pocket where he had his Calmative Brew stored in a pocket flask. But it wasn't just a pocket flask, it was an 'Enhanced' Pocket flask. Able to hold ten litters, even if he had only filled it up with one.
Sighing he fished the flask out and took a quick sip. A soft blanket of calm settling over him, his shoulders slumping as his restlessness was muted.
PTSD, stress, a sort of 'combat' mode, instincts, or just pure paranoia. Jaune didn't really know what it was. But whatever it was he didn't like it. He didn't like how Yharnam had changed him, tearing pieces from of him. Moulding him to become the perfect killer for purposes unknown. Even when he was safe inside Beacons hallowed halls, he felt like beasts were hiding behind every corner, breathing down his neck, waiting for a chance.
*Ding*
The elevator chimed, its doors opening, inviting them in. Stepping inside, Violet's marvel helping to ease his mood.
"You ok there Jaune? You seem… tense." Pyrrha asked politely, eyes bloodshot from a lack of sleep. Stifling a large yawn behind her hand.
"I think I am, at least." Jaune replied a little bit unsure. Leaning against the elevator, a tired sigh escaping him. A quick glance around the elevator showed he couldn't lie his way out of this, or he could, but his team knew him good enough by now to catch him in his lies. Another part of him was just so tired with all the lies, his team deserved better than that.
"It is… it's just that it gets harder to get out of my 'Yharnam' mental state. Beasts hidden in the corner of my eyes, monsters in the form of kind people. In Yharnam everyone is just out for themselves, they can turn hostile at the flip of a coin. That's without mentioning all the beasts. Nothing is at it seems, and if it is, you are either lying to yourself, or being lied to." Jaune softly explained, eyebrow twitching at the looks of pity his team gave him. He knew they meant well, but he didn't need pity.
His teams looks may have frustrated him. But it was Violet's that made his heart break. The way the light in her eyes softly died, big blue eyes looking at him, tears welling in her eyes. "Will that happen to me too?" She asked, nervously biting on her lip, idle fingers playing with the edges of her coat.
The lie was so familiar on his tongue 'No, everything will work out right'. A lie he had told his sisters, his mother and father again and again. But as he stared into the sorrowful eyes of his apprentice, he knew he couldn't lie. Not to her. She was his apprentice, and if anything, she deserved to know the truth.
"Yes." He said softly. Ignoring Nora's sharp elbow that smashed into his rib. Pyrrha's stiletto slammed into his foot, but he paid it no mind. Neither did he show anything when Ren swatted him in the back of the head. Standing steadfast, giving Violet the kindest smile he could. Ruffling her hair as he continued. "The hunt is not kind, you of everyone should best know that. It changes people, sometimes for the better but most often for the worse. But at the end of the day we strive to be good."
Violet hiccupped, drying her tears and snot on her sleeve. Her lower lip trembled; she was a second from breaking into tears. But she gave him a resolute nod, taking her hand in hers.
Pride blossomed in his chest, standing just a bit straighter. Throwing a glance at his teammates, there girls were cooing at her bravery, sending him stinky looks when their eyes met. Even Ren's mask of stoic calm was crumbling at the edges. Eyes unfathomable as he looked at the little girl.
A gentle jingle rang out, and the doors open to the headmasters office. A specious office, framed by large open windows.
"Glynda, it's far too early, please tell me nothing has happened. I have yet to finish my morning coffee." Headmaster Ozpin answered almost reflexively, looking up from his mug and looking at them curiously. "Team JNPR, I must say I wasn't expecting you. Not to say your company isn't welcome, but please do come back later. I know Beacon have an open-door policy that extends to all staff, myself including. However if it isn't something of critical importance, please do come back later. After breakfast to be exact."
"It is important. Kind of, I, we, think it is at least." Jaune started, not knowing what to make of the headmaster. The first person who his spirit vision failed on. Quickly recomposing himself.
"Go on, I'm listening." Ozpin said calmly, shooting him a look that screamed off forced curiosity.
"Heh, well you see." Words had a tendency to fail him, Jaune had noticed. But sometimes, when truth was stranger than fiction, explaining was easier said than done.
Thankfully, or unfortunately, Nora didn't pick her words. Instead blurting out the first thing that came to mind.
"Jaune-Jaune is with child." Nora excitedly blurted out, skipping into the headmasters office like she belonged there.
Ozpin merely raised an eyebrow at her words and turned to him. Sighing, shrugging, and deciding to just roll with it. Stepping to the side, he supportively placed his hand on Violet's back, the poor girl having frozen completely. "This here is Violet; I woke up with her in my bed when she hadn't been there when I woke up."
"I didn't notice her, or she hadn't appeared yet when I went on my usual morning training." Ren added helpfully from the side. The team filling into the office, nerves wound tight.
"I, or we, think it's due to either my semblance evolving, or me just figuring out a part of it I didn't know existed." Jaune said, a wry smile on his face as Violet dove back behind him. Peeking her head out from beside his back, scowling suspiciously at Ozpin. "Either way, we thought it best to bring this to your attention as quickly as possible. However if you would like, I think I have a way to prove my words."
"That would be much appreciated Mr Arc." Ozpin said, hand coming up to rub his glabella. "This is not me doubting your words. I do believe I have a good grasp of your character. But I must say your story do seem a bit farfetched. However, only do that test of yours if it doesn't harm her. We have other ways to clarify your words, should it be needed."
Nodding, Jaune turned to Violet, kneeling down before her with a soft smile. "Violet, I need you to be a big girl and step over to the window over there. Can you do that for me? I will be going to the opposite window. Think of it as a test of bravery, if you need to. You are safe here, but we can never be too cautious."
Violet gave him a cautious look, throwing a glance over at Ozpin who gave her a patient smile in return, before she looked him in the eye and gave a resolute nod. Puffing up her chest and walking over to the window, throwing her head over her shoulders multiple times, as if afraid she would turn her head and find herself alone.
Watching her go with a proud smile, Jaune stood and turned. The further she got from him, the more he felt a part of him strain. It wasn't hurtful, instead it felt like a rubber band was tethered somewhere to his spirit. A weird sensation that he had had since waking up. It was almost as it had always been there, he had just noticed it for the first time today. The farther apart they were, the more the band stretched, with the opposite being true as well.
He didn't get to walk more than five steps before a horrified gasp rang trough the office. Hastily turning around Jaune felt his heart break. Violet stood surrounded by soft silver clouds, light passed trough her as she wildly looked around in abject horror.
Ignoring the headmaster, Jaune quickly dashed to her side. The closer he got, the less the band stretched, until the clouds disappeared. A Violet shaped missile crashing into him the second the clouds were gone. The sound of soft sobbing the only thing to be heard in the office. Whispering soft apologies he gentle panted her on the back.
"It was good of you to come to me, even if she hadn't been the result of some sort of semblance, she is still someone who shouldn't be on campus." Ozpin said cordially. "We don't need unjust accusations thrown around either."
"That's not everything… Headmaster." Jaune said with a sigh, turning to Violet who had gotten her sobbing under control. "Why don't you show the headmaster the beautiful light you showed me?"
Violet looked up at him, blinking once in confusion before clarity shone in her eyes. Throwing a quick glance over to Ozpin, who smiled softly, Violet found her courage. Taking his hand in hers, holding the other out towards the headmaster and bringing forth her aura. Soft light like the rays of dawn shining from her hand, slowly traveling up her arm before she shone softly.
"Oh my." Ozpin muttered softly. Throwing a look into his coffee mug before going back to giving Violet a soft scrutinizing look. "This, changes things."
"Whadya mean?" Nora asked energetically from the side. Tearing her eyes from the soft lightshow Violet was putting on, looking at Ozpin with unbridled curiosity.
With a grandfatherly smile, Ozpin leaned back in his chair. Gesturing for them to come closer. Clicking on a button on his table, five chairs suddenly appeared before his desk. Quickly taking a seat, they waited for the headmaster to start explaining.
"Miss Valkyrie, to answer your question. While there have been some 'manifestations' type semblances like Mr Arc are in possession off through the years. Never before have a manifestation been able to utilise their own aura. It is, or was more precisely, unheard off." Ozpin explained grandfatherly, a weary smile on his lips as he directed an incomprehensible look at him.
"However, manifestation type semblances are extraordinary rare. They stem from the huntsman or huntresses desire for something they don't have or have lost. It is not rare for hunters of such rare semblances to go off the deep end. That is if they don't take more drastic measures to manifest what they have lost." A grimm look briefly settled over Ozpin.
"But why? How?" Pyrrha asked nervously, throwing a stray glance his way.
"That I can't say, a person's motives are often their own. I can and have of course speculated on the topic before. After all, a teammate of mine had such a semblance. Unfortunately, it manifested after tragedy had already struck. Sometimes I do wonder if his semblance was a last cry of help, before he did what he did." Ozpin said softly before shooting a look towards Nora. "And no, I will not elaborate. Somethings should stay dead and buried."
Nora had the decency to blush. Chuckling to herself somewhat nervously under the look Ozpin gave her. Shaking his head with a mirthful smile, Ozpin leaned back in his chair and looked at Violet. Who sat somewhat fidgety in his lap. Her sleaves were wet with tears and snot.
Not that Jaune could ever blame her. She had a trying night, getting a transfusion, becoming a proper apprentice, even meeting Gehrman for the first time. Then she had woken up to completely foreign people and surroundings. He wasn't much better himself his first nights in the dream. Only a burning desire to not die again spurring him on, until he eventually got some kind of head on his shoulders.
"Now, back to the matter at hand." Ozpin smiled softly. "I didn't mean anything bad when I said that…"
"Violet Gascoigne." Jaune helpfully supplied. Earning a soft smile from the headmaster.
"Thank you. I didn't mean anything bad when I commented on Miss Gascoigne here having a soul. If anything, it helps ease many of the concerns I had. However, that's not me saying there won't be complications." Ozpin said. Sighing and sitting straighter he looked into the headmasters harsh eyes. "While Miss Gascoigne here may be a manifestation trough your semblance, she is a person. Something her aura attests to. I will not hear anything about you, or your team abusing her. That is final. There will be no second chances."
"Of course." Jaune replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "We wrote a contract and everything. And even if we hadn't, I would still have treated her like another sister. Arc's word."
"Thank you for putting an old man's worry to rest, Mr Arc. Your grandfather couldn't be prouder of the man you are becoming." Ozpin smiled kindly. "However, may you explain what you mean by 'contract'? For something as sensitive and complicated as the matter at hand, I would like to have an as clear as possible picture of the entire situation."
Sharing a glance with his team, he ran a hand through his hair. Looking back to the headmaster, ignoring the stone in his gut with practiced ease. "Well you see…"
With that, as planned, he shared what he was comfortable with the headmaster knowing. Having seen no other way to explain Violet's sudden appearance. They couldn't hide her in the dorm room forever. She would need to eat, exercise, walk around, and everything else a goring girl needed. Locking her up like a prisoner wasn't possible.
Especially given that no one in Team RWVBY apparently knew to knock before entering a room.
As promised earlier, he glossed over the morbid details of the dream to the best of his abilities. Not comfortable with Ozpin knowing his semblance forcing him to kill and to die ad nauseam.
While he was sure Ozpin could understand, that didn't mean he would agree.
Ozpin hummed along as he explained, only raising a brow somewhat when he skirted around some bloody topics.
"Fascinating. Never have I heard of such a unique semblance." Ozpin said after he finished explaining. Looking at the headmaster, it was clear as day he was playing along. Having noticed the areas he quickly glossed over but had decided to play ball.
For now, that was.
"Would it be possible for me to see the contract? Only if you are able to manifest it, of course." Ozpin asked politely, wearing his usual grandfatherly smile.
Caught between a rock and a hard place Jaune looked down at Violet. An innocent curiosity he had never seen her with in Yharnam shining through as she looked around in wonder. What they were talking about flying over her head. From the corner of his eyes, he saw Nora was much the same. While Nora tried staying invested in the conversation, it was clear she wanted to be anywhere but here.
Snapping his fingers, a roll of parchment materialised in the air before the headmaster. Ozpin looked as nonchalant as ever, only humming as he read the contract. When he was done, the contract disappears in a puff of crimson smoke.
"Thank you for allowing an old man his curiosity, Mr Arc. It was an enlightening read, even if I wasn't able to read some of the clauses." Ozpin said patiently after having read trough from start to finish, giving Jaune a second to catch his breath. "And congratulations are in order as well Mr Arc. To you, and to little Violet as well. Taking an apprentice is a practice that have fallen out of practice, the academies having removed any need to do so, even if every huntsman or huntress in training have the right to do so. As the sitting Headmaster of Beacon, I do validate the apprenticeship. Violet Gascoigne will be in your care."
Jaune collapsed back in his chair in relief, wincing only slightly as Nora whopped in joy. Violet froze for a second, before the festive mood brough a shy little smile to her face. Even Ozpin wasn't completely unaffected, a soft grandfatherly smile on his face as he leaned back and sipped from his cup.
"While I can understand the excitement, we are unfortunately far from done." Ozpin said, popping Nora's excitement like a balloon. "Firstly, your dorm will be supplied with bunkbeds, as adding another bed will unfortunately make the dorm to cramped. While you could be given a larger dorm room should it be needed, that will have to wait till after the Vytal festival. Your team will also get an increased stipend; however a part of the money will be reserved for Miss Gascoigne. That is non-negotiable. She will also be given access to the rest of Beacon's facilities through you."
"Secondly." Ozpin started, a little smile on his lips at the loud groan that escaped Nora. Violet gave her a look and huffed slightly. Jaune catching Violet mumbling about 'Unbefitting behaviour for a lady'. Something that brought a smile to his face. He was glad that she felt safe enough to comment on Nora's behaviour.
"Yes, Miss Valkyrie. I have some clauses, that must be fulfilled. Like having the broken window in your dorm fixed." That shut Nora up quickly. Jaune didn't need to look over at her to know that her jaw hit the floor.
"You knew?" Nora shakily asked.
"Yes, we have known for quite a while know. Don't worry, the repairs won't be taken from your stipend. I think having a hole in the window for a good month serves as punishment enough." Ozpin smiled kindly. "However, your presence isn't strictly required here right now. Should you feel the need to be elsewhere, you are free to leave. I'm sure Mr Arc will catch you up to speed later."
"No, we came like a team, we leave like a team." Nora said resolutely as she sat back down. Giving him a supportive slap on the back as she did.
"Then thirdly. Mr Arc, you will be required to bring Violet to the nurses office. Unfortunately, as much as it pains me to say, Violet doesn't exist in the typical meaning of the word. For us to get the paperwork in order she will require a full check-up. She will also be required to sit a test coming Friday, that is for you as her Mentor, or Master, even if the later word is more commonly negatively perceived, to get an overview of her current educational level. She will also sit the same test in three months, where she will need to pass, or at least show significant improvement." Ozpin explained patiently.
Jaune sighed heavily. He had been expecting something like this. He only hoped that the contract would make sure no secrets could be stolen from Violet's blood. That was a rabbit hole he didn't want to go down to. But it wasn't like he couldn't find a way to destroy the blood when they left. It also wouldn't be too hard to have Isolde spirit the blood away either.
"Now that we have gone over what will happen and be required of Mr Arc and his apprentice in broad stroked. It's time to get into the nitty gritty." At the headmaster's kind words, Jaune just knew they wouldn't make it to breakfast.
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Ozpin allowed a smile to show on his face as Team JNPR plus Violet scurried out of his office.
Jaune stopped before the elevator, turning to look at him win an unreadable expression. "Is… is that all? It seemed so little. So quick and easy."
"Would you have liked it to be overly complicated?" Ozpin chuckled. Jaune cringing under his gaze, the confusion still clear in his eyes. Not being one to let up an opportunity to teach, he sipped from his coffee and looked the young man in his eyes.
"Mr Arc, even as unique as your semblance is, there is only so much that can be done. No one has died or otherwise harmed. Neither has there been no destruction of property, nor is this a matter that will even reach the news, and if it does its will be a feel-good story. I can understand that you were worried coming here, thinking about all the things that could go wrong." Ozpin smiled kindly. "I am not James; everyone has their right to have secrets. I will not take a clearly terrified child from her only pillar. All I ask of you is that you take your duty as Master and Mentor seriously."
"One's Master for a day is one's father for life?" Jaune asked, realisation dawning on him.
"An old Mistralian saying, but undoubtedly true in this case. After all, little Violet have none but you. Your team way be there for you and her both. But she is not bound to them as she is you." A heavy look settled over Jaune as he took in his words. Gently running a finger over the back of his apprentice's hand.
"It still feels almost too good to be true. I just can't help but feel like the other shoe will drop soon." Jaune sighed, even if he stood tall and straight, an invisible weigh threatened to crush him underfoot. He wore the look of a man who couldn't believe good things were allowed to happen to him.
"Believe it or not Mr Arc, sometimes good things happen. This is one of those times."
Jaune looked gobsmacked at his words. Before a tired smile barley graced his lips. Unfortunately, what he was about to say died in his mouth, Team JNPR's whirlwind of energy having run out of patience. A soft eep escaping him as he was yanked into the elevator. Nora giving him a little smile and wave as the elevator's doors closed.
Shaking his head at their antics, Ozpin was glad the youth of tomorrow had moments of peace where they could act their age. Even Violet, as terrified as she had been at the start, had allowed the littlest of smiles to grace her lips.
Unfortunately he didn't know if such peaceful times full of merry would last. Salem was making her move. Some stray whispers to set alight the fires of ambition, and chaos would undoubtedly follow in its wake. Allowing her agents free reign to perform whatever their tasks may be.
As predictable Salem's MO was overall, it was undoubtedly effective. A whisper of betrayal into a paranoid king's ear, the promise of something more for the oppressed, a whisper of wealth to the greedy, a whisper of love to the passionate, and the Great War followed a decade later.
Amber was just the first casualty of many. Even if she was not dead, she was dying. The aura transfer machine not able to stave off the inevitable. Her aura growing brittle and frail as days passed by.
A new maiden would have to be chosen, and quickly at that. Salem wasn't one to let loose end's go. There was no doubt in his mind that she would send some agents of hers to finish the job. The problem was how, were they transfer students from the other academies? Were they already students of his? Had her whispers reached some of his staff? Swaying them to her side with whispers of honey? Maybe they were members of the council? Or maybe they were some other third party. Junior had a stranglehold on the underground, a stranglehold he had allowed him to keep. But there were many vicious criminals who wanted to prove themselves.
Sighing, Ozpin felt the all too familiar weight of too much on his shoulders. Better men than him would have long since crumbled under its weight.
He had.
But eventually he had picked up the pieces of broken dreams and hope's, daring to try once again. A man, no matter how strong, could not hold up the sky alone. A lesson he had been forced to learn after uncountable betrayal's.
Yet he was trapped. Secrets broke trust, destroyed relationships, and isolated him from those he called comrades. However, truth was just as terrible, if not worse. Truth crushed allied under its weight. Raven was just another name in an ever-growing list. The loss of her stung, her semblance being invaluable in some situations.
A part of him envied the comradery in Team JNPR, another part hated them. Old faces taking their place as jokes were thrown around. But most of all, he wished them well. Wishing that their comradery would survive the coming tribulations.
"All we can hope for is that the children of tomorrow will be ready to pick up the pieces." Ozpin mumbled to himself, taking a sip of his coffee. Throwing a look back to the elevator. Ignoring the haunting memory of how much Violet reminded him of his second daughter. He may have had many children in his life, but not many of them where 'his', the same way his daughters with Salem had been.
"It won't do well to dwell on memories." Ozpin sighed, getting ready to start his day properly. He had much to do, and because of Team JNPR's visit, he was behind schedule.
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Note: I rewrote this chapter so many times before I was satisfied. Violet, as much as I have ideas for her, really threw a wrench in my plans.