Something electric hung in the air when he came to. An almost palpable tension draping itself over the room. Yet none of his instincts screamed danger at him. Leaving him with the somewhat confusing feeling of knowing something was going to happen, but also knowing it would be harmless. Which was a foreign feeling to say the least.

Cracking an eye open, Jaune allowed a soundless sigh to escape him. Simply basking in the tranquil silence of the morning, listening to his teammates soft breathing. Closing his eyes, he cursed silently. Hating that his investment into Vitality made it impossible to just bask in bed. Unfortunately, due to his ridiculous vitality compared to the average person, when he was awake. He was awake. Nothing could possibly make him fall asleep again.

Taking a deep breath, he gently allowed Violet to slide down from his chest. While he wasn't opposed to her crawling into his bed, instead finding it a bit endearing. He couldn't for the life of him understand why she chose to drape herself over his chest.

A little whimper escaped her as he got out of bed. Hurriedly grabbing his workout clothes he disappeared into the bathroom. Changing out of his onesie with well-practiced haste only someone who shared a bathroom with eight other girls could understand. A fond little smile on his lips when he noticed the usual droll stain on his chest. Thankfully it wouldn't take more than five minutes to wash it. The same couldn't be said for the drying process.

Stepping out of the bathroom he hurriedly made his way back to his bed. Scooping Violet up into his arms as gently as he could. The soft whimpers that escaped her quickly dying down. Disappearing together with the pearls of tears that had welled up in her eyes. Gently whipping them away, he smiled as she drove her face deeper into the nook of his neck as he carried her into the bathroom.

"None of that little lady." He whispered as he sat gently sat her down before the sink. A large yawn escaping his apprentice as she leaned back into him. Another yawn escaping her as she rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.

Stepping up on the little foot stool so she could look into the mirror, Violet looked seconds from falling asleep where she stood.

But that was something a little bit of cold water could fix. Helping her wash her face, he grinned slightly at the petulant look she sent him. Glad that Violet was comfortable enough around him to allow herself to simply be the child she was.

Grabbing a brush, he carefully ran his fingers through his apprentice's white hair. Gently brushing it as Violet preened.

"Do you like it?" He asked carefully, looking with her at her reflection. Two pairs of blue eyes looking at white hair full of knots and tussles. He hadn't gotten a good look last night, seeing nothing but her bangs and some stray loose strands falling down. Humming to himself he couldn't say it didn't suit her. If anything, he wasn't the only one who liked it. Especially if the wonder in Violet's eyes as she ran her fingers through her hair with a look of disbelief was anything to go by.

"I'll take that as a yes." Jaune hummed. It would take a little while before he would get used to her white eyelashes, but it wasn't something that looked ugly on her. The same was true for her white eyebrows. Instead they served to give her a pixie like cuteness, even if the impact was a bit lessened without the fireplace casting dancing shadows over her.

With dextrous fingers he straightened out the last knot, laying the brush to the side as he began to expertly braid Violet's hair. Finishing up by bunning her hair.

"And there you go, a fancy braided bun for the little lady." He teased with a little grin. Violet pouting even as colour crept up her cheeks. "Now, why don't you get change into your workout clothes. We are going to the gym when the others wake up." Jaune smiled, handing her her workout clothes. A light blue t-shirt and black training pants.

Leaving her to change, he stepped out. Rolling his shoulders as life slowly returned to the dorm. Ren sitting with his legs thrown over the side of his bed, doing his early morning breathing exercises while Pyrrha and Nora snored away.

He hadn't given much thought to how to explain away Violet's sudden hair change. He had planned to come clean to his team, partly to brag, and partly as a gesture of trust. Showing that he was willing to lay their earlier spat to rest, hoping they would be willing to do the same.

'I mean, I could always just go with the spontaneous achromotrichia. Or maybe I could explain it away as Marie Antoinette syndrome.' At that he cringed. There was one thing to say her hair just turned white. Saying her hair turned white from either stress or trauma was something else entirely. He didn't believe for a second that the headmaster wouldn't come down on him like a ton of bricks.

'Even saying we finally managed to wash out all the grime in her hair would be a better excuse.' He mused. Knowing his own hair quickly turned a dirty golden colour when he didn't wash it properly. His hair had never been so dirty it changed colour, unless he counted the time he got pushed into a mud pit, but there was a noticeable tone shift when he didn't clean his hair. So while farfetched, it wasn't utterly ridiculous.

"Violet partook in a ritual last night, it gave her some boons, but it also turned all her hair completely white as a side effect. I will fill you in about it later." He said softly as Ren began his morning stretches. Only getting a soft nod from Ren before he continued.

Shaking his head with a smile he sat down on his chair, grabbing his journal and humming quietly to himself as he began noting down his experiences on a new page. Writing down the entire ritual from start to finish together with his personal experience, thinking on all the ways he could have done it better.

Despite all the knowledge and ingrained instincts the crystalised spider lily in his spirituality had given him, it wasn't quite the same as doing the ritual himself. It lacked a hidden nuance that only came when doing something yourself.

The quiet of the dorm letting him work in peace. It was weirdly eerie how different the dorm was in the morning when it was just him and Ren awake. Just two friends basking the comfortable silence together.

"Don't even try it." He said, not even needing to take his eyes from his journal to know Violet was up to something. After stepping up and being the pseudo dad for all his youngest siblings when his father was away at work, he had long since unlocked a power many thought was only reserved for mothers. Having eyes in the back of his head.

"Hmmp!" Violet's little harrumph all the confirmation needed to know she was up to something.

Half a second later Pyrrha's alarm rang. Thankfully it wasn't some terrible foghorn capable of waking the dead. Instead a catchy little jingle rang out, slowly growing louder and more intense, but never hurting the ears.

"Five more minutes." Nora mumbled sleepily to the uncaring alarm. With a loud grumble she launched her pillow towards the scroll. Pillow crashing into Pyrrha's desk, but not silencing the alarm. With another a loud grumble a head of orange looked over the bedside railing, staring bloody death at the innocent scroll. Pleadingly she looked over at Jaune, doing her best puppy dog expression in hope he would throw her her pillow back up.

"Don't look at me." Jaune replied nonchalantly, the faintest of teasing smiles on his lips as he looked up at her. "You wanted top bunk, and you got top bunk. Now you got to live with it."

"I hate you fearless leader." Nora mumbled tiredly under her breath, fighting a losing battle against a monstrous yawn. Eventually loosing and throwing her legs over the railing. "Jaune… why is Violet's hair white?"

"A ritual she underwent, it turned her hair white consequently. I will explain more when Pyrrha is up, so I don't repeat myself over and over again." Jaune explained, looking over to his side where Violet was sitting at her desk. Hearth leaping in his chest when he saw the flamesprayer in her hands and her eyes shining with unbound curiosity.

"Violet!" He whispers hissed. Startling the little girl as he reached for her. Panic shone in her eyes before it was squashed away by determination. With a speed he didn't think her capable of, she opened her mouth around the nozzle and pulled the trigger. The fires roar silenced as a stream of fire shot directly into her mouth and down her throat into her stomach.

"Nonononon-" Jaune mumbled as he tore the flamesprayer and Violet from one another. Almost collapsing in relief when he saw Vilet completely unharmed.

Cackling gleefully, Violet cradled her stomach with a grin. Letting out a little burp as a puff of smoke forced its way out. Violet's expression falling rapidly as she let out a loud belch. A stream of fire reaching to the other side of the room escaping out of her. Dying out mere inches from a very confused Ren who had just stepped out from the bathroom half dressed when he had cried out earlier.

"She is immune to fire. The ritual made her immune to fire." He said, answering his gobsmacked friends unasked question. Whisking the flamesprayer away to his cache with a ring of the bell he sat down and took his apprentice into his lap. Mulling over what to say as he looked down at her.

"Fire tastes weird." Violet said with a little grin as she looked up at him. Gleeful excitement rapidly drying up as she didn't find him sharing her excitement. Instead he looked at her with a face carved from stone.

"Now, Violet." He started with a soft but hard tone that brokered no way for her to try and wiggle out. Knowing full well he needed to handle this carefully if he didn't want her to retreat back into herself, but also wanted her to know that she had stepped out of line. Gently wrapping an arm around her, he noticed the pearls of tears already welling up in her eyes. "I want you to know what you did was wrong."

"But!" Violet called out indignantly. But he quickly shushed her.

"The flamesprayer is a weapon, an exceedingly cruel one at that. It is something that never, should be pointed at yourself or someone you don't plan to inflict grievous harm to before they die. That you used it in an enclosed room is even worse. That nothing has caught fire is a miracle in of itself." He lectured softly, but with a harsh tone that helped drive the point home. "Fire isn't a toy. It isn't something that simply can be played with. Just because you are immune to fire doesn't mean we are. And just because you are immune to fire doesn't that make you immune to smoke. If something really had caught fire, there is a chance that the whole dorm could have burnt down with all of us trapped inside."

He might have been exaggerating slightly, but he also needed to drill home how dangerous what she had done was.

Tears were pearling up in Violet's eyes, making him feel like shit. Especially when he could see clear as day the effects his words had at her. Joyful yellow and orange drowned and consumed by a glum black. Only a few strands of purple and blue shining through, and even they had lost their usual lustre.

But as much as the words hurt to say, they were also things she needed to hear. Violet needed to know that there were consequences for her actions. She may have been raised in Yharnam, but he knew that Gehrman would have grabbed his cane first thing altogether for what she had just done.

"It's okay." He whispered gently, enveloping her in a soft hug. Letting her tears fall freely onto his side. "You are a child; you are allowed to make mistakes. It's just, some mistakes leave you with a scrapped knee at worst, while others can end with fire devouring entire buildings."

Knowing he needed to lift her mood, he let out a little chuckle. "You know, I was also a little shit when I was younger."

"You said a bad word." Violet mumbled into his side, two puffy blue eyes looking up at him.

Letting it slide this time, he just smiled down at her. Choosing instead to finish his little lecture. "I wouldn't have given a second thought to eating fire if I also had been immune. Who wouldn't? But there is a difference between striking a match and licking the flame, and pointing a weapon that spews gouts of fire into your mouth."

Violet gave a little nod, drying her tears into his side.

Looking up he saw Ren giving him a thumbs up. Rolling his eyes at his friends antics, he let his eyes slide over to Pyrrha's bunk. Knowing just what he needed to give Violet a little push to work over her emotions.

"Now, why don't you go and wake Pyrrha? I think I heard her alarm going off earlier." He said gently, giving her a little nudge and pointing up at where Team JNPR's resident redhead still somehow slept.

"You don't think Pyrrha can teach me some of her magic?" Nopa asked curiously. "I mean, how can she still sleep when a flamethrower."

"Flamesprayer."

"Flamesprayer" Nora corrected, rolling her eyes at him before continuing. "-light up the entire dorm?"

######

"Come on Violet. Just then more seconds. You can do it." Jaune called out encouragingly with a smile as great waterfalls of sweat poured from his apprentice. Violet doing her absolute best to hold the plank for just nine more seconds.

It was Wednesday, and that meant a shared team morning workout. He couldn't trust Violet with lifting weights yet, so the two of them were doing calisthenics and other body weight exercises off by the side in the public gym. Part of him had been disappointed in finding it empty, just so Violet could get some experience with being around some other people that just him and their friends.

Focusing back on his apprentice he saw her fighting on for dear life as the seconds dragged by. Cheeks rosy with extortion, her arms shaking wanting to give up. Only determination holding her up.

Finally her arms betrayed her, sending her face first into her sweat pool with a heavy groan. Half a second before he called out "Time."

"Well done. Take a well-deserved five-minute break." Jaune smiled at her, continuing to hold the plank. Feeling the familiar burn that had only intensified as the minutes passed by. Not having taken a single break since they started their shared sets.

Since he didn't trust Violet with lifting weights, she had to do something else. It wasn't that she couldn't lift. There was no evidence for it stunting growth, not to mention all the primary combat academy students that pumped iron on the daily. It was more that Violet didn't much have any muscles to speak of. There was no way he was going to teach her proper lifting form when he didn't know if she could safely get the bar up and down.

Of course he would teach her when she began packing some more muscles, but until then her regime would simply be a scaled down version of his regime. The only difference being that all lifting exercises were changed to body weight exercises that targeted the same muscle groups.

A tired, un-lady like, groan escaped Violet as she huffed and panted for air. Rolling over to her side and looking at him like he was mad or insane. A soundless whine escaping her when he didn't back down.

Only stained red glowed in his vision, showing a healthy level of exhaustion. Not at all the level of exhaustion she imagined. He would push her, knowing her limits better than herself, but he would never push her until she broke. Something Pyrrha had talked to him about when they designed Violet's regime together.

Filling his head with horror stories of coaches who picked up a prodigy and pushed and pushed them to be the best of the best, until their bodies simply gave up on them. While the spirit was willing, the body was broken.

Something he would do the best to make sure never happened to Violet.

"It's your last set. I know you can do it. I'm proud of your progress Violet. Just this last obstacle, and you are free to relax while we finish up our exercises. You can do this." He said sincerely, meaning every word. Noticing how the red in her glowed just a bit brighter. 'Exhaustion is a thing of the mind as well'.

Looking over at his apprentice he couldn't help the stray thought forming. 'Wonder if I should introduce her to the Doll soon.' Frowning and shaking the thought away. For while she was making good progress, he wanted Violet to grow into a healthy mindset when it came to exercise and obstacles, not just defaulting to the blood when she faced with an obstacle she couldn't overcome first try.

Blood echo infusion was a shortcut, a powerful one, but a shortcut nonetheless. The last thing he wanted wat for Violet to begin thinking along the lines of 'I need more blood echoes' instead of 'I can do this' when she eventually was faced with an obstacle she couldn't immediately overcome.

While that was a major concern, it wasn't the only one. While he wanted Violet to be able to stand on her own two feet. He hadn't quite figured out the relationship between blood echoes and attributes. When his attributes had been low, it had only taken a small amount of echoes to make his attributes leap forward. But that could just as likely be because he had never used blood echoes before. Being more of an 'empty vessel' sort of thing.

"I'm going to give myself a migraine trying to map out that now." He mumbled under his breath, idly looking to the side. Pyrrha was spotting Nora while she was trying for a new squat pb. Even when her semblance was mostly 'inactive', just her bioelectricity was enough to push her towards being the teams physical powerhouse. 'Not that she hasn't worked for it.' He absentmindedly thought as she began a new rep.

Ren was off in his own corner, doing whatever it was Ren did. Jaune honestly didn't know if he was doing some form of martial arts, acrobatics, or yoga individually or all at the same time. The only thing he really knew was that he would pull something if he tried the same.

"Huh, yoga. Maybe that's something we could wiggle into your regime. Maybe gymnastics or acrobatics depending on what you like the most. But something that can help developing your flexibility is something to add to the list. Flexibility is always something that is just good to have." He said to Violet as the gears in his mind started turning.

A little bit miffed that he had no way to boost his own flexibility. His Skill attribute was more focused on boosting his physical coordination. Making him more in tune with his instincts and senses. Allowing him to do what he wanted with the least amount of wasted movement.

Even if it was his currently lowest stat, it was also the one who tended to grow the fastest without him infusing blood echoes into it. The better prepared he was, and the better his approach to combat, the faster it grew.

But part of him wanted there to be a Dexterity or Agility attribute as well. Feeling like the odd man out when he saw all the acrobatics his friends could pull out of their asses on the drop of a hat. Even Yang and Nora, who were both akin to bettering rams were more acrobatic than him. Able to freely dance trough the air while he was shackled to the ground.

Violet didn't as much voice her displeasure, instead showing it. Forcing herself up on shaking legs and sitting down on his back. Using the twenty-kilo weight plate as a seat. She wasn't heavy, far from it. But an extra thirty kilo was an extra thirty kilo.

"Didn't like that, huh." He groaned, feeling the familiar burn intensifying. Time coming to a screeching halt as seconds crawled by.

A heavy clan rang through the gym, immediately followed by Nora whooping in joy. Denting his focus as he let out a shaky breath. Throwing a glance their way as Nora hung over the weigh rack with a proud smile. Having beaten her previous pb. Her excitement and pride were infections. And he felt a small smile spread over his lips.

Like always he felt an ugly part of him rear it's head. 'That could be you. Just some more echoes.' It whispered, tainting the pride he felt of her accomplishment.

And maybe it was right, maybe if he invested more into his Strength attribute, he could catch up to her in record time. And maybe if he dumped every echo he had into Skill, he could match Pyrrha's disgusting amount of raw talent.

But investing all his echoes for the arbitrary reason of 'catching up with them' in their element, wasn't something that sat right with him. But it would also make the achievement feel inconsequential. And he would be falling into the exact same rabbit hole he wanted Violet to avoid.

He would of course invest into them when they were trailing far behind, or when he wasn't up to task. But for now he would continue the true and tested method of pumping vitality and endurance.

They had served him loyalty so far, and no matter how strong or skilled he was, it didn't matter if he was too tired to go on fighting. Yharnam was as much as a marathon even if it felt like it was a sprint at times. Having had some time to think about his recent loss, a clearer state of mind helping immensely in picking apart all the small wrongs that led to him being planted in the cathedrals floor.

And all it came down to was that he was mostly taken of guard by the Vicar's ability to heal.

While they weren't the same cleric beasts, he also wasn't the same hunter who had walked up that bridge unprepared.

Already were there some ideas churning around in the skull of his. 'At least fifteen aurora tipped bullets. The cost is wort it for the extra oomph they bring. Fortify Crocea Mors and Mortem ignis to the highest twin blood stone shards can push them. If I had cleaved of the beasts knee, the Vicars healing wouldn't have mattered. And slot some better gems while I'm at it. Finish up by finally finding a way to anchor my rituals as spells. With all that done I know I can take them all on and win as I am now.'

Deep in thought as he was, he didn't notice Nora sitting down on a bench close by, towel over her shoulders, until she called out to him. "So, fearless leader. When were you going to tell me you could make somebody fireproof?"

"Gee golly Nora." Jaune started, feeling his entire body burn as he gave her a dry stare. "Why didn't I think of that. Let me just draw this ritual circle that cover our dorms entire floor. Oh, and while I'm at it I can't forget all the ingredients we would need to set the ritual up properly up for someone in our age group. Maybe I can forgo some of the two hours of concentrated focus to get them before someone smears a rune accidentally. And then you can explain you the headmaster why me and Ren exploded into bloody clouds when Ruby decided to drop by unannounced."

"Sorry." He spat out through gritted teeth after finishing his little tirade. "But excuse me, I have a little troublemaker sitting on my back. A mischievous little scamp that was too tired to voice her disagreement but apparently wasn't too tired to climb onto my back."

"Want me to get her off you?" Nora asked from the side, a gentle smile on her lips as she leaned forward, resting her arms on her legs.

"No, let her be. Part of me is just happy she feels safe enough around us to act out occasionally." Jaune said, not needing to turn his head to know she was raising her eyebrow at him. "Every child needs to test boundaries, playing around and stepping over the line. And every child also needs to grow out of that phase. How else is she supposed to learn what is okay and what isn't? As long as Violet listens to me when she needs to and pays attention when I teach her. I won't stop her frow playing around and testing boundaries. And when she eventually steps out of line, or stumbles and falls, I will be there to tell her. But she can never learn where the line is if she never gets to push those boundaries."

"You will make a fantastic dad, Jaune." Nora said softly. Eyes taking on a cloudy look as she lost herself in fantasies of 'what if'. A look he had sporting time and time when he was younger. Fantasising about all the times his father said yes and began teaching him to be a huntsman. Unfortunately those fantasies had died as he grew older, so he took fate into his own two hands. Taking the gamble of his life.

And it somehow paid off.

He was surrounded with friends that helped him be the man he always wanted to be. None of them criticising him for even daring to dream. Instead they were supportive as he forged his own path against his families wishes.

'But that didn't matter now.' He thought to himself. "Come on now, of course I would make a great dad." He called out somewhat teasingly. Doing his best to plaster a smug little smirk while his muscles burned. But it was all worth it as Nora snapped back to reality. "I mean, have you seen our team? It wouldn't be wrong to rename our team, Team Trauma and Pyrrha."

That got a laugh out from Nora. An ugly laugh, with ugly tears streaming down her face. But it didn't stop the edges of her lips curling up into a soft smile.

And honestly, Jaune counted that as a win.

"What's trauma? Do I have it?" Violet asked curiously from her place on his back. Making him sigh. "Yes Violet, you have trauma. I think so at least. Some of your behaviour can be explained away by being raised in another culture, but somethings stem from trauma of some kind."

Shooting a desperate look towards his scroll, his heart sank when only two minutes had passed. He had four minutes left until he was done with his set.

"But going back to your earlier question Nora." Jaune said through gritted teeth, needing something else then the burning in his muscles to focus on. "Maybe I can key the ritual for four people. However it's going to take well over a year, give or take, to calculate everything for the four of us. Not to mention, while we can. If the four of us suddenly get a permanent hair colour change, people are going to ask questions."

"Yeah, I can see that happening." Nora let out a weak chuckle.

Two slender arms came dangling down around his neck, some stray strands of white hair falling around him as Violet laid herself flat on his back. Sucking in a sharp breath of air as he felt his muscles burn while she moved, a heartfelt sigh of relief escaping him as he felt the weight on his back lessen.

"Master? What is false life? You said it yesterday but didn't explain it." Violet asked curiously. Her innocent question echoing loudly in the mostly silent gym.

Instantly Jaune felt three pairs of eyes zero in on him.

"It is a catch all term for all life that is created by other means than reproduction." He replied, hoping that using big words would sate her curiosity. He really didn't want to explain the birds and the bees now.

"Jaune. Isn't that… you know… playing with the power of gods?" Nora asked with a disbelieving whisper.

"No more than parents do when they decide to have children." Jaune replied with a bit of heat. "Nora. I can shit myself."

If the earlier silence had been tense, now it was downright awkward. Nora giving him her best glare while also doing her best to keep the smile of her lips. Ren's snort echoing through the gym together with Pyrrha's coughing as she slammed her fist into her chest.

"But I don't, because I was know better. It's the same with this. Yes, I can create false life. But it's not something I ever can see myself doing." Jaune finished. It probably wasn't the best metaphor, but it got the point across.

'Not to mention it isn't as much creating 'life' as it is creating a biological android, or a brain-dead zombie, that could only follow the set of instructions it was implanted with during creation. The only real difference between a homunculi and those paladins Atlas was tooting about is that one is created by flesh and blood, the other by steel and wire.' Jaune thought to himself with a grimace. The only way to really 'create life' as it were, would require the creator to also have such great mastery over the Usupration aspect that they could create a mind out of nothing.

But there was another criteria if the creator wanted to create 'true' life and not just a hollow replica. And that was a soul to fill the vessel. But not just any soul at that, a pure soul.

The type of soul that only existed in newborns who had yet to even begin experiencing life.

While he wouldn't call himself pious, some things were holy. And the soul of children was just that, holy.

"You know, your tongue gets real sharp when you are grumpy, fearless leader." Nora whistled from the side. Breaking him away from his grim thoughts.

"You try holding the plank for twenty minutes straight with twenty kilos on your back." Jaune snarked, throwing another look at his watch before calling out to Violet. "Violet, get ready, your last-minute starts in thirty seconds."

Violet reluctantly got down from his back, grumbling the entire way down. But even if she grumbled, the second the second ticked by, she sprang up in plank without hesitation.

"Don't you have some reps to get back to?" He snarked, muscles burning. Jaune was well used to pain. And while he would never call himself a masochist, he had tasted many different flavours of pain in Yharnam. From overwhelming pain that made you white out, cold pain as you bled to death, and warm pain as smoke filed your lungs. But there was a special place in hell for the sick individual that first thought up 'the plank' as exercise and not torture.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll get out of your hair." Nora quipped as she stood up and stretched. "What do you think Ruby and the girls are up to? I heard some noises from their dorm when we headed over."

"Knowing them it was just Weiss or Blake doing something to make Yang stop snoring." Jaune replied without thinking, never having seen any of the girls awake before the last quarter of breakfast. "I mean, it's what? Half past six? Breakfast isn't served for another hour."

As if to prove him wrong, the gym doors were pushed open. A tired but exited Ruby hearing her grumbling team members into the gym. All three girls shooting him dirty looks, making him think that something he said had led to this development.

"Huh, guess even pigs do fly." Nora mumbled to herself. Saying his thoughts for him. Heading over to them with a grin, Nora called out. "Girl, what did you do to get the lazy butts up so early?"

"Well, I just said we were falling behind. And if there is one thing my team is, then it's competitive." Ruby smiled at her. Making him and Nora share a wince.

And while it wasn't entirely true, it was true enough.

At the start of the semester their two teams had mostly been neck in neck. Be it in grades or just the number of wins in combat classes. With him and Pyrrha occupying the two extremes of the bracket overall. But since his first foray into Yharnam, and ever since he got his team to join him in their shared study sessions, all their grades had begun climbing even further before plateauing at the upper spectrum.

Even Nora, who wasn't extremely academically inclined, managed to rake in B's thanks to him or Pyrrha explaining thinks to her in a way that just made things 'click'. Together with him beginning to rake in some wins of his own. It wasn't a lie to say that they were the best of their year overall.

Jaune wouldn't say they were the worlds most close-knit team, able to say everything with just silent gestures. And while there had been a disagreement that did spill out to the rest of the team, they had managed to work trough it together.

Compared to them, team RWBY were four girls that shared the same dorm.

But he wasn't as arrogant to dismiss what was happening to the team now. While they still had some ways to go, not that his team was any different, he saw glimmers of what could be. Locking eyes with Ruby for a split second, he couldn't help but give a little smile and nod. No matter how much it burned. The dazzling smile she sent him being worth it.

It wasn't much, but it was progress. It was good progress. And four years of good progress would add up to whole lot.

Looking back over at his scroll, he saw the second-hand tick closer and closer towards the goal. Joining Violet in glaring death at the scroll. Demanding the seconds to go by faster. Each second feeling torturous.

The moment it struck zero, master and apprentice collapsed against their mats. Jaune letting the weighted plate slide of his back as he breathed.

"I can't feel my stomach." Violet groaned, rolling onto her back and panting like a pig. Trying to sit up, but falling back onto her back as her muscles screamed in protest.

"It's bad now, but it will be a bit easier the next time, and even easier after that." He explained as he felt his muscles burnt. While it burnt now, he knew he would be good as new right after dinner. He even could push in an evening workout if he really wanted to abuse his vitality to the max.

"But why don't we go say hi to the girls." Jaune said, pushing past the burn and standing up. Gently helping Violet get up. Already feeling some of their confused gazes as the girls looked at Violet's new hair colour.

Yang was the first to say something when they got closer. Violet eliciting a raised eyebrow, but she did a double taken when her eyes landed on him. "Damn vomitboy. You on steroids or something? No way you can fill out so quickly without some extra help."

"What? No." Jaune shot back, truthfully feeling a bit offended. He didn't stoop to using blood echoes, why would she think he would use steroids? Thankfully Nora came to his defence. "You think we wouldn't have noticed fearless leader shooting something up his butt? Come on, we are practically living on top of each other, we would have noticed ages ago."

"I said it before, didn't I? My muscles heal faster." Jaune said, feeling the need to defend himself. "Instead of the normal forty-eight till seventy-two-hour rest period, I only need eight. Give or take some more if it was a particularly demanding workout. Add eating healthy on top of that, is there really a surprise that I'm filling out? I mean, Violet went up about five to six kilos by just beginning to eat healthy."

"Yes, but there is one thing to just say it. With how baggy and large your coat is, is there really such a surprise when you suddenly look so big? I don't even think I can call you vomitboy in good faith anymore. You have herby been promoted to vomitman." Yang teased good naturally, even if she conceded the point. Clicking her tongue and giving him a once over. "But damn, you have no idea how jelly I am."

"Why is Violet's hair white?" Weiss asked, interrupting what more Yang was about to say. Appearance as immaculate as ever, even if it was early in the morning. Marching over to them, ignoring how Yang clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes at her before going over to warm begin warming up.

"It's a side effect of her semblance manifesting." He answered, going for a hopefully believable little lie. Gently placing a hand on Violet's shoulder when she was about to spill the beans. Holding a finger over his lips, eyes twinkling with mischief when she looked up at him.

An impish little smile stretching from ear to ear. Out from the corner of his eyes he saw Nora hiding a snigger behind her hand.

"And I take it you aren't going to tell me what her semblance is?" Weiss sighed with exasperation.

"Of course not, it's a secret." He shot back with a cheeky wink. Getting a huff from Weiss as she rolled her eyes at him. "Of course it is."

#####

*Knock Knock*

Two soft, hesitant, knocks rang trough Team RWBY's dorm. Weiss took one look around the dorm and felt her shoulders fall. A sigh escaping her.

Ruby had crashed face first into bed the second dinner was over, the tiredness of waking early slamming into her. Together with a full stomach it made a dangerous combo that had sent her into a mid afternoon nap. Blake was off in her books like normal, while Yang was getting some extra practice in. Wanting to take another shot at Jaune in the ring. Also having mentioned that she was going to bring bumblebee out for a ride when she was done.

*Knock*

"Coming." She called out when another nervous knock rang out. Already knowing who was at the other door, and not wanting to wait Violet wait any longer. Huffing when Blake had the audacity to roll her eyes at her before going back to her books.

Making herself presentable by straightening out her combat skirt before opening the door. She made sure to give Violet her 'softest' smile. Wanting to come off as safe and approachable. Something she was glad she did. Especially with how nervous and out of her element Violet looked.

Twiddling her thumbs, fidgeting with the hem of her shirt, having forgone her coat and vest. Periodically throwing glances over her shoulders, finding support in Jaune and Nora's encouraging smiles. The two of them lounging in their doorway.

"Hello Violet. Is there anything I can do for you?" She asked politely. Having picked up on how Jaune always gave her the power to choose. No matter what, even if it was something as mundane as what she wanted to eat, or where she wanted to sit in the library. Jaune always made sure Violet had the power to choose. Giving Violet some semblance of control, even if it could be an illusion at times.

Violet threw a nervous look over her shoulders, looking half a second from escaping, her courage wilting. But an encouraging smile from Jaune made her puff up her chest.

"Master said you are one of the best when it comes to dust." Violet whispered, voice no louder than a mouses squeak. Throwing another look over her shoulders for, her courage drying up. But a small smile from Jaune was enough to make it blossom. "He said, that since he doesn't have need for dust, that I could ask you to teach me the basics. So I at least know the basics if I chose to i-implement it into my fighting style… that's if you want to teach me…"

"I would love to teach you." Weiss said with a sincere smile. It felt good being sought after by her own accomplishments and not her wealth or name. "Please come in. Do make yourself at home while I grab some dust vials."

Violet nervously stepped into their dorm, a look of horrified awa falling over her as she took in their bunkbeds. Gently closing the door behind her, not wanting to slam it close and make Violet think she was trapped here. Gods knew how many times she had been in that exact situation when growing up.

"Now, please take a seat while I go and grab some dust vials. I won't be catalysing any of it. However it should help having something to touch and see while I explain." Weiss explained, making sure to always keep her tone soft and gentle. Growing up she always had been taught to be conscious of everything she said and how she said it. But she didn't feel anything of the usual annoyance while she spoke to Violet.

Quickly opening one of her many dust briefcases, she brought out a vial of dust for the four most common types.

'Maybe it is because Violet don't really want anything from me? Being here more at Jaune's behest than her own? Or maybe it's just because Violet looked up to her?' Weiss thought to herself, deciding to push her line of thought to the side. Knowing she wouldn't get any answers that way. Not that she really was looking for any.

"What does 'cat-catalysing' mean?" Violet asked, stumbling over the complicated word. A look of confusion and eagerness washing over her face as she looked between the vials of glowing powder and her.

"It's the correct terminology for activating dust." Weiss explained matter-of-factly. Giving Violet a little smile and sitting down beside her. "It's the term scholars and scientists use, even if the most common saying for it is simply 'using dust'."

"Words are weird." Violet huffed petulantly, scrunching up her nose.

"It's not like you are wrong, but let's get back on track." Weiss said gently, steering the conversation back to dust. Taking the vial of fire dust, this time checking that the stopper is on properly. Even if Violet had aura, she wasn't keen to repeat her first moments in Beacon.

"Now, dust is in essence just a naturally occurring energy propellant that can be catalysed by aura." Weiss said softly. "Don't worry about big terms or words, we can return to them at a later date if you want to know more. The only thing I want you to take away from our little lesson is this."

Breaking her word, Weiss opened the vial of wind dust. Taking some grains of powder onto her pinkie nail. "And that, is this. Dust is power, dust is the essence of nature made manifest."

Flicking her finger, Weiss catalysed the dust. A fresh little breeze manifested in the room. Ruffling Blake's papers and making their hair dance. Preening at the look of awe in Violet.

"There are four 'primary' types of dust. Fire, water, electricity, and wind." Weiss lectured, putting her finger on each of the vials. Not thinking more of it, after all, she had been just as taken with ice dust in the beginning. "There are also unfathomably many types of dust. Some combinations are short lived, steam dust being one. The result of catalysing fire and water dust. Then there are other dust mixtures, such as gravity dust that can be found naturally. Of course, adjusting the weight distribution of dust can allow you to produce different types of steam or other not naturally occurring combinations that doesn't exist in nature to suit your needs. But that isn't something we will be touching now. Just know that it exists."

"But if dust is so powerful. Why don't master use more of it?" Violet asked innocently.

Weiss noticing Blake bristling at the word 'master'. Leaning back in her chair, she mulled over the question. For as questions went, it was good one. She had often noticed spots where Jaune could have easily won his fights if he had simply used some dust.

"I'm afraid I don't have a good answer for that." Weiss replied after a little while. "I am personally of the opinion that every good huntress, or huntsman, should be incorporating at least some dust into their arsenal. It is an invaluable tool; it can easily change the tides of combat if used properly."

"I take it you have seen some of my fights?" Weiss asked, shifting gear's a bit. Violet gave a little nod, uncertainty still in her eyes. "Then you have seen how I incorporate dust into my fights. Using ice dust to both hinder and attack, together with my glyphs to control the playing field. Giving myself the edge I need to win, while also hampering my opponents at the same time."

"But… but…" Violet started, fidgeting in her chair. Throwing glances between her and the door. Working herself up, trying to find the proper words.

"But if dust is so miraculous, why don't master use it?" Violet asked, repeating her earlier question.

"I'm sorry, I can't answer that for you." Weiss replied softly, knowing just how much Violet looked up to Jaune. It was impossible to not notice really. Especially given how Violet tended to act like the world lost all colour when Jaune wasn't around.

Honestly, that Jaune had somehow managed to persuade Violet to come and ask her questions without him being around was a minor miracle in of itself. 'So he isn't blind to her adoration. Taking steps to make her grow more independent. Good for him.' Weiss thought to herself, throwing a little look up to Ruby's bulk. Catching herself before she started unfairly comparing Ruby and Jaune as leaders.

Knowing full well how it felt being on the receiving end.

While Team JNPR's dorm was just right over the corridor, Weiss knew that Violet would never willingly be in a room without Jaune. Having overheard Nora telling Ruby that Jaune had to stand right outside the toilet while Violet did her business in the beginning. She was still visibly nervous, fidgeting with her fingers the second he stopped explaining dust to her. But she was taking her first steps to becoming more independent, and that was something deserving support.

Which was why she sent a bone chilling glare to Blake the second she knew she was about to open her mouth. She still slept with one eye open. The only reason why she hadn't tried taking drastic action was that there was no way the Headmaster didn't know about her terrorist background. 'He had to know, right? Right? There is no way that there is a terrorist in our midst without him knowing. A terrorist from an organisation that have spent much of its time focusing on me and my family.'

Just thinking about the blood on her teammate's hands made her sick.

But there was no way she was going to allow Blake to destroy what budding confidence Violet was showing. Instead she would stand up for her, doing what she whished her mother, and later her sister, would have done for her. Before one retreated to the bottle and the other escaped to the military.

Blake snapper her mouth shut, choosing to go back to her book. But not before rolling her eyes at her.

'The self-righteous hypocrite.' Weiss thought to herself. Where she was actively trying to be a better person, doing her best to step out of her fathers shadow. She hadn't seen Blake as much as try.

"Violet! No!" Ruby shrieked, making Weiss snap back to Violet. Her heart leaping into her throat.

Violet had uncorked the fire dust vial, a little pile of red dust innocently laying on her tongue. The dust catalysing into a little pile of fire that was quickly swallowed. Smacking her lips and burping out a little puff of smoke. Looking no worse for wear.

With a huff, Weiss angrily stomped over the door. Ripping it open and glaring up at Jaune. "Do you think you are funny?"

"She ate fire again, didn't she?" Jaune sighed out. Making Weiss come to the startling realisation that this was going to become a common occurrence. "For what it's worth, I do apologise. I wanted to push her out of her comfort sone a bit, and I figured she would feel safest around you. At least she took my earlier lecture to hearth." The last bit was said under his breath, but Weiss felt the hairs on her neck rising nevertheless.

A little form pushed past her, Jaune bending down and lifting Violet up as he stepped into their dorm. Closing the door behind him. "So how did fire taste little lady."

"Warm." Was Violet's immediate reply. Furrowing her brows as she tried finding words. "Warm, and spicy. A bit hard? But also soft and gentle? It tastes weird, but not in a bad way… if that makes sense."

Jaune hummed noncommittedly. Shooing then an apologetic look. "Again, apologize for that little scare. Her semblance makes her immune to fire and heat, and well… we woke up to her trying to eat fire as well. She stepped out of line, but I'm glad she managed to temper her impulses."

Setting her down, Violet sent another curious look towards the dust vials. Quickly grabbing them, not waiting a redo, she gestured for Jaune to follow her to the corner she kept all her things. Placing them back into their respective briefcases as she mulled over what to say.

"You said she stepped out of line. Did… you tell her?" Weiss asked quietly. While it wasn't her place to pry, especially when it came to how he should raise his apprentice. She didn't think she could ever look at him the same if he took a page out from her fathers book when it came to discipline.

"Yes, I took it up with her as gently as I could." Jaune replied softly, looking over his shoulder where Violet was doing her best to explain the taste of fire to an overexcited Ruby. Putting her worries at ease. She almost felt stupid for having felt that way. Given how much Jaune cared for Violet, she could never see him hurting her. Even if the little voices in the back of her mind had whispered just the opposite.

"She feels comfortable enough around us that she is beginning to test some boundaries." Jaune whispered. "I didn't think she would try, but I should have known better. But know that this was much tamer than this morning."

That didn't ease her worries nearly as much as he might have thought. Instead she felt alarms blaring 'What happened?' Her mind screamed at her.

"Jaune!" Ruby shrieked in excitement, slamming into Jaune from behind. Interrupting what she what about to say. "Why didn't you tell me you had a flamethrower?"

Her leaders words making all the pieces of the puzzle slot into place. Making her want to scream.

"Flamesprayer." Jaune tried weakly. Already preparing himself for the word vomit.

"You have a flamethrower, and you never told me? You best friend. Your bestie-better-than-the-restie?" Ruby continued on, completely ignoring his feeble attempts correct her. "Can I try her? Or is it a he? I always wanted to build a flamethrower but none of my teachers ever let me. Do you think I can build one now? Should I give Crescent Rose a brother, or maybe a sister? But can I really betray my baby like that. Oh I know, I can just design a new upgrade for Crocea Mors. Oh my baby is going to just love this."

"This is why I didn't." Jaune mumbled under his breath, rubbing his glabella. No doubt feeling a headache forming. Not that she couldn't blame him. Weiss had done the mistake of asking Ruby about Crescent Rose once. 'Never again.' She shuddered remembering the hours she never would get back.

"I was planning to bring Violet down to the range after Weiss was done. However… if say… someone promised not to include any dangerous or ridiculous to their weapon, I could bring the flamesprayer." Jaune answered, quickly turning to Violet who lit up. "And no, you can't eat the fire, Violet."

"Promise." Ruby promised without a second of hesitation. Sharing a glance with Jaune, they both knew she still would try. Hopefully she would be over it in a week. Flamethrowers had always been better used against infantry instead of grim.

"Let me go grab my gear." Jaune sighed, Violet following him over to the dorm. Ruby hurrying to grab some rounds before meeting them in the hallway. "Are you coming with us?" Jaune asked, pointing his head into their dorm, just as she was about to get back to her homework.

"Excuse me?" Weiss replied somewhat taken aback. "While I appreciate the sentiment, I don't use any type of firearm, so going to the range do seem a bit redundant."

"Are you sure about that?" Jaune asked, sharing a glance with Ruby. Making her know that her plans for the evening, finishing up her homework and reading up on next week's subjects, would be pushed to the side.

"So you are saying batter aim wouldn't help you with aiming your icicles?" Ruby asked innocently. Making her brow twitch.

"Like how that girl from Mistral weaved around all your icicles?" Jaune continued. "Just because icicles encounter more air resistance is that no reason to allow your aim to be sloppy."

"Fine." Weiss spat. Glaring at the two troublemakers who knew exactly how to rile her up. "I will join you at the range and I'm going to show you how my aim is more than just good. In fact I'm willing to bet on in. You got your revolver recently, didn't you?"

"You're on." Jaune grinned, something hungry flashing in his eyes for a split second.

Still angry at her friends, Weiss absentmindedly noted another team coming down the corridor. Not paying them any mind, marching with a heart filled with frustration and determination.

"Ow." A hushed whine rang out as a girl with brick coloured hair bumped into Violet, knocking her onto the floor. Tears welling in her eyes while she glared up at the girl. "Watch where you are going." She said coldly, sneering down at Violet before continuing down the corridor.

"I'm so so sorry for my teammates behaviour." Nebula apologised, Weiss recognising the girl from the few classes they shared. Extending a hand to Violet and dragging her up before Jaune even had a chance to bend down. Her grip just hard enough that a painful whine of pain escaped Violet.

"Again, I'm sorry about Octavia. She hasn't settled in completely yet." Nebula said with an apologetic smile. Completely brushing away how Violet shied away from her, hiding behind Jaune. "I'm sorry, it's just your … semblance looks like someone she had disagreements with growing up, and she still isn't over it." Nebulas eyes trailed over to her before focusing back on Jaune. "Just be carefully with your semblance, okay. It's easy for someone to get the wrong impression. Especially when you have it constantly following you around."

With her piece said, Nebula hurried down the corridor to catch up with teammate.

Weiss feeling her hackles rising at Nebulas particular choice of words. Not to mention what she insinuated. She was just about to march over to the woman and give her a piece of her mind for her thoughtless words. Thoughtless words uttered in an extremely public setting at that. When she shot a glance up at Jaune, her words died on her tongue.

She had never been scared of Jaune, for how could she?

Jaune was just a lovable goofball. While he had some problems settling into Beacon in the start, she could say with a hand over her heart that he was the one who took his training the most seriously. Maybe even more seriously than Pyrrha. Circling between working out, reading, or working on whatever it was he had in that notebook of his before Violet came along.

She had never seen Jaune angry. Even when he sparred against Yang and completely brutalized her, he had gone at it with nothing but cold efficiency, it didn't come from a desire to see her hurt as she had heard whispered behind his back.

Instead she constantly saw him go out of his way to make Violet settle in. Always laying down his journal when Ruby dropped by. Always up to acting as a workout partner for Yang and Nora. Always having a kind smile on his lips and a gentle warmth in his eyes.

It was the first time she had ever seen Jaune's eyes lose their warmth. His expression falling into a carefully collected blankness as he gently wrapped an arm over Violet. The sky blue in his left eye slowly giving away to a sickly yellow filled with nothing but cold cruelty.

A cruelty she never had thought someone as kind as Jaune capable of.

And as she looked down the corridor, Weiss saw Ren and Nora staring hollowly at Nebula's back. Having no doubt looked out from their dorm to see what the commotion was about.

Yang's earlier words echoing in her mind. 'Can you imagine? An angry Nora? Actually going through with her threats. Or what about an angry Ren? Something cracking that apathic exterior? Or what about an angry Pyrrha?'

But Weiss didn't need to imagine. Because she saw in real time someone picking a fight with Team JNPR.

And what she saw set her on edge like nothing before. It was just something inhuman in Jaune's eyes.

####

Note: Appel's alarm sound is a war crime.

Note: Is Jaune exaggerating while talking about Beacon's sprinkler system? Absolutely. But it is also the 'gentlest' way I can think of Jaune actively scolding Violet for misbehaving. No laying hands on lil girl here, no sire.

Note: I'm not really a big fan of the 'kill and immediately lose innocence' trope. It's not something that can be lost like that. Instead it, together with many other factors, chip away at the rose-tinted glasses bit by bit. I hope I'm capturing that good enough with Violet. She had grown up in Yharnam, her rose tinted glasses are a bit different than ours. And they will come off with time, but now she is in a warm place and have been given the chance to bring down her walls for the first time I forever and just be the child she is.

Note: Team RWBY is healing, but they still haven't completely worked over their issues. This is not me clowning on the Team, I rather like them. But it isn't before the latter seasons they start stepping up as a team.

Note: And the term catalysing is easy worldbuilding, because of course scientists have other words that the common folk can't be bothered to use.