Trigger Warning: This chapter bring's up some themes that can be uncomfortable for some. I have tried to handle it as carefully as I can, but the point stands.

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"I don't think Violet likes me."

"Ruby. I don't think Violet likes anyone much. Expect Jaune. She adores Jaune, tolerates his team, and dislikes everyone else." Yang shrugged, ignoring her sister in lieu of stuffing her face with food.

"Don't badmouth Violet behind her back Yang, you are better than that." Weiss commented from the side. Eyes never leaving her scroll. "But I'm sure Violet will forgive you if you apologize. She is kind like that."

Looking up from her dinner, Ruby looked over to where Team JNPR sat. Nora and Pyrrha were talking together while the boys were of in their own worlds. Ren reading a book, while Jaune was idly scribbling notes into his journal, Violet glued to his side like always, happily munching along on her mashed potatoes.

It was unnerving how quickly Violet's expression fell as she turned and scowled at her. Shooting her a look that could curd milk while violently biting down on her fork for each and every bite. Nothing but petty anger burning in her eyes.

"Sheesh sis, what did you do?" Yang whistled, noticing the look Violet was sending her.

"Heh…" Ruby chuckled hollowly, fidgeting in her seat. "Well… I might have failed both Oobleck and Port's tests…"

"Really? How?" Yang said, biting into a piece of sausage and quickly swallowing. "I know you, sis. There is no way you could fail that. It was just repetition. While it wasn't a free A, it was a free passing grade at least. You should have learned everything back in Signal."

"Yes, Yang. Should." Ruby huffed. "But since I skipped two years, I also skipped two years of schooling. So excuse me for being blindsided when nothing I studied for was on the test."

At that Yang had the decency to smile sheepishly. Whatever sharp retort that was brewing on Weiss tongue swallowed as her partner chastised herself under her breath. While they were far from the duo Pyrrha and Jaune were shaping up to be, Weiss had decided to also extend the hand of friendship. So while they weren't the bests of buds, they were well on their way.

"And… well… So I figured I could ask Jaune for help." Ruby shrugged. "Not to mention his grades are good, even after mentoring Violet his grades aren't close to slipping. So I figured asking him to tutor me too would be a safe bet. Violet took exception to that."

"Snrk." Yang snorted loudly, a lopsided grin on her face. "Yeah, that would do it." With an infuriating smile that screamed 'I know more than you, but won't tell you', she got back to her dinner.

"Yang!" Ruby whined, a massive pout on her lips. When she noticed Yang wouldn't budge, she huffed and went back to her dinner with gusto. Glaring at her sister the entire time.

"Ok, ok." Yang grumbled, eventually relenting as she always did. "Sheesh, ruin my fun will you. But anyway, it's simple. Violet adores Jaune, as much as, or maybe more, than you adore Crescent Rose. I take it they were alone when you stumbled upon them?" At her nod, Yang gave herself a pat on the back. "Then it's simple really, you got in the way, stole Jaune's attention away. A lot like you when someone interrupts you while you are cleaning Crescent Rose."

"Crescent Rose deserves her weekly pampering." Ruby instantly came to defence of her beloved weapon, scandalised at what her sister was saying. Completely missing the point that no one called a complete disassembly and through cleaning pampering.

"You bit me." Yang deadpanned.

"You startled me!" Ruby shot back. Crossing her arms with a huff.

"You were twelve." Yang said through gritted teeth. "And it was my turn to use the workbench."

"You are never going to let me live that down, are you." Ruby pouted, bristling at the shit eating grin Yang sent her.

"No." Yang grinned. Before shrugging. "But as I see it, there is little you can do if you still want to get help from Jaune. The fact of the matter is that no matter when you ask, he will have to split his attention between the two of you. Especially since Violet can't be more than ten meters away from him, if what Nora said is true. So unless you manage to convince him to stay up after Violet has fallen asleep, Violet is going to be there."

"Uhghghhghh." Ruby groaned in defeat. Throwing a petulant look at her sister.

"Sucks to be you sis." Yang shrugged. As much as she wanted to help her sister. She was self-aware enough to know what her strengths were.

"You do know that I would have said yes to tutoring you if you had asked, right?" Weiss asked from the side. Looking up from her school for the first time this dinner.

"Well… yes?" Ruby chuckled sheepishly, doing her best to not wilt under her partners stare. While Weiss was trying to be a better person, her words, she was still quick to judge, even quicker to say something hurtful, even if she didn't mean to. It was clear to see that she was struggling, she was getting better, but it was an uphill battle.

Thankfully it wasn't a battle Weiss had given up on.

"Then if there is no problem, I will help you catch up with what you should have learned. But don't think for a second that I will do your homework for you." Weiss was quick to add.

"Who do you take me for? Yang?" Ruby stated mater of factly. Not flinching in the slightest at the playful swat Yang gave her.

"I will admit that your sister may have coloured my perception of you slightly." Weiss, ever the diplomat, said with a polite smile.

"Sooooo~ After dinner?" Ruby asked. While she didn't dislike studying, she could think of a thousand better things to spend her time on. And Crescent Rose only took up a bit over half.

"That works for me." Weiss said nonchalantly, going back to her scroll.

And Ruby had to stop herself from sighing. Blake hadn't looked up from her book once the entire dinner, the same with Weiss and her scroll.

She honestly didn't know what was worst, a team that was constantly at each other's throats, or a team that pretended the others didn't exist. However that didn't mean she didn't have plans. And Weiss had fallen hook, line, and sinker. For if there was something the heiress couldn't stand, then it was being overlooked.

With Weiss offering to tutor her, the first step of plan 'Getting the team together' was in motion. Now she just had to find a way to turn it into a team activity. Soon they would be talking, having fun, and all be bff's. They wouldn't know what hit them.

Looking away from her team so they didn't see anything on her face, her eyes naturally wandered over to Jaune and Violet. Jaune, as always, was busy writing in his journal, while also talking softly to Violet. The cafeteria was far to noisy to even attempt to eavesdrop, and even if it had been empty, she don't think she could have heard what he said. Jaune was terribly good at keeping his whispers low.

"What do you think they are whispering about?" Ruby muttered absentmindedly. "Do you think they are designing Violet's weapon? Oh the poor dear, can you imagine if she doesn't have a weapon yet?"

"Only you Ruby, only you." Yang muttered with a good-natured smile. Giving her a little shoulder bump, Yang gestured towards Jaune and Violet. "But if you are so curious, why don't you just ask them? The worst thing that can happen is Violet glaring at you, as if that is something new. Who knows, maybe you can win her over."

Ruby didn't have to be asked twice, grabbing her tray she quickly made her way over. Clamping down on the impulse to use her semblance, it was second nature after all. But given what happened last when she used it around Violet, she tempered her impulses. 'At least Jaune saw it proper to give Violet a gun.' She grumbled. The memory of having to dodge a bullet after waking up not one she could ever forget.

Neither could she forget the clear terror that shone in Violet's eyes when she had come bursting in.

'I guess Weiss isn't the only one who needs to try being better.' Ruby grumbled to herself. While she had never gotten any detentions, she had been reprimanded a dozen time about appropriate semblance usage. She hadn't taken any of their words to heart then, but maybe it was time she started curbing down on her semblance use. If only to make sure she would cause anymore accidents.

'What if I had been too late to dodge, what if the bullet had hit someone.' Her mind whispered, bringing up scenario after scenario that thankfully didn't happen.

Coming closer, she saw Jaune look up from his journal, a soft smile lighting up on his face. A stark contrast to the scowl Violet wore. Nora and Pyrrha also stopped their conversation, but instead of looking angry at being interrupted, they smiled brightly and scooted over. Giving her space to sit down.

Ruby wasn't blind to the team having some secrets, after all, who didn't? Not to mention that the festival was coming up. With them having Pyrrha as a team member, she couldn't imagine all the pressure they were under. The tabloids would tear them to pieces if they felt for a second that they were weighing Pyrrha down. It didn't help that the bookies were already advertising them as the winning team with their odds.

A quick glance around the table showed everyone else giving them wide breath. Shooting her weird looks, ranging from looking her up and down, to complete dismissal, some transfer students not seeing her as a threat in the slightest. Not that she bothered with them, they would see what she and Crescent Rose was capable off come morning.

For the first time was she happy that the first period on Monday was combat. She couldn't wait to wipe the looks of some faces.

But with everyone out for their blood, it wasn't weird they had secrets. 'Probably some winning strategies' she mussed. Clamping down on the impulse to simply ask them.

"Hi." She said, cringing as the words left her mouth. Wondering if she should just explode into petals and don't bother reforming.

"Hello to you too." Jaune chuckled, pocketing his journal. Ruffling Violet's hair, he lifted her up into his lap. Smiling as Ruby sat down next to him.

"Come on Violet, be nice." Jaume whispered to his scowling apprentice. Earning himself a little huff.

"Wait a minute… you knew Violet was angry at me this entire time?" Ruby huffed, crossing her arms and giving her best friend a petulant look.

"Well… yes." Jaune said nonchalantly. Earning a little giggle from Nora. "Ruby, if you have beef with a nine-year-old, no amount of milk will ever help you. Just saying."

"Gah." Ruby gasped, dramatically bringing her hands up to her heart. "To think my best friend would wound me so. Oh this life is a cruel one."

"Har, har." Jaune said drily, absentmindedly bringing up a handkerchief from a breast pocket and cleaning up some ketchup around Violet's mouth. "But anyway, how's the team? We haven't heard any shouting, so that's good, I think."

"Uuurhhrh." Ruby groaned. Sending her best friend a long-suffering look.

"That bad huh?" Jaune chuckled.

"Well… they went from constantly fighting, to ignoring each other instead." Ruby sighed, throwing a look back to her team. It was as if three strangers shared a table instead of three teammates. "But I got Weiss to tutor me after dinner today, and I think I can leverage that into a full-blown team study group."

"Good, communication is key." Jaune said with a nod, blatantly ignoring the pointed stares his team was giving him. "Just remember that you shouldn't be the only one putting in effort to repair your team. Yes, you were made leader, but you can't help someone who doesn't want to help themselves. Instead take it up with your team, and if that don't work, bring it up with the teachers. You shouldn't force yourself to keep the ship afloat when everyone else is already jumping off."

Ruby stared at him as if he had grown another head. Earning herself a scowl from Violet. "Huh, I didn't know how much I needed to hear that." She eventually managed to say softly. "I… Well I guess as team leader I always thought my team collapsing was just because I was lacking…"

"Nah, you were just given a bad hand." Nora added from the side. "You, and your entire team for that matter, all have strong personalities. There wasn't a question of if but when your team would fight. Especially with how much of an idealist Blake is when it comes to the fang. She and Weiss were, I don't want to say destined, but they were bound to clash sometime at least."

"Thank you." Ruby smiled. A monumental weight of her shoulders. "It's nice to know it isn't my fault. And to have people in my corner."

"But anyway." She started; mood significantly better than just a few moments ago. "Does Violet have a weapon? If not, I was thinking of helping to design one."

Instantly Violet lit up like a light, bringing out her right hand, mystical silvery light appearing in her hand. Only for it to be ruthlessly scattered by Jaune snapping his fingers.

"What have I said Violet? No weapons at the table." Jaune lectured, ignoring the massive pout Violet had or the sigh of relief that escaped Pyrrha. "But yes, Violet has a weapon. However, we may or may not take you up on that offer."

"Why can you have your sword at you at all times, but I can't summon my weapon?" Violet huffed, glaring up at Jaune.

"Do as I say, not as I do." Jaune said, ignoring the little huff that escaped Violet. "But finish up your dinner. There are some other combat basics I want to go over with you. I also thought up some homework for when you join us in tomorrow's classes. I don't think Miss Goodwitch would even let you close to the arena before skinning my hide. So I cooked up something to do while spectating that hopefully will help you out in the long run."

Never in her fifteen years of life, had Ruby seen anyone so eager at the prospect of 'homework'. But with how infectious Violet's grin was, she couldn't say she also wasn't a little bit curious. 'Just what was Jaune teaching her?' She wondered.

'Violet will hate me for this, but…' "Do you think I can join?" Ruby asked, ignoring the scorching look Violet suddenly sent her.

"I don't see why not." Jaune shrugged, giving her a kind smile. Hand automatically coming up to pat Violet's head, calming her down. Even if her scowl remained, she only huffed and went back to eating. "It's not going to be a physically demanding session, more a theoretically inclined one. It's Sunday after all. Rest is just as important as training."

"Says the workaholic." Ren quipped good naturally from the side.

"Well… yes… maybe." Jaune started, huffing at the smug look Ren sent him. "But my muscles recover faster, so I'm not overworking myself."

"Faster? Non-existent is the word you are looking for fearless leader." Nora ribbed with a good-natured huff.

"But Ruby. I'm not saying this because I don't want your company. However are you sure Weiss will be happy that you suddenly plan something new after getting her to tutor you after dinner?" Jaune suddenly asked ignoring Nora rolling her eyes at him.

"I'm sending her a text." Was her immediate answer. Thankfully Weiss was a fast texter, so she got an immediate answer. "She says it's fine. She wants to take a look at what I skipped to see what else I might not have learned and don't blindly jump in."

"Sounds like Weiss alright." Jaune chuckled good naturally.

"I'm finished." Violet called eagerly, setting down her fork and eagerly looking up at Jaune.

"Then let's get going." Jaune started, lifting Violet from his lap and setting her down before grabbing both of their trays and wiping up after them. "Game night is still on later tonight?"

"Yes, but we are not playing Remnant the Game again." Nora huffed. "We all get way to competitive."

"Heh… Maybe not Remnant the Game, then." Jaune chuckled, a sheepish smile plastered on his face. "But let's get going. See you later."

With that said, Jaune took Violet's hand in his, balancing their trays on the other. Quickly depositing at the designates spots, before leading them out of the cafeteria.

It was a quiet walk, Jaune whistling a quaint melody, Violet eagerly skipping forward. If she were to be completely honest, Ruby felt a bit like a third wheel. It was just that both Jaune and Violet seemed to be in their own little bubble that it was easy to feel out of place. But she wasn't going to let that deter her. That she could see what weapon Jaune got for Violet was just another bonus.

Laying his scroll on the doorhandle, it beeped and let them in.

The smell was the first that hit her. Giddily looking around, she took in the studio. While it wasn't overbearing, the all too familiar smell of sweat still clung to the room. Many would have been, if not disgusted, put of at least. But for Ruby, it almost felt like home. She had practically grown up in Signal's multiple gyms even if she had made the forge her home away from home.

"So what are you working on?" She asked, hands clasped behind her back, eagerly looking around as Jaune rolled out a training dummy. Before unceremoniously plopping down on the floor. Violet was quick to sit down with him, pouting when Jaune didn't let her climb into his lap. Sitting down, and tucking her knees to her chest, Ruby waited curiously.

"Well. I have had Violet working through the six basic strike zones." Jaune started, nodding towards the dummy. Neither of them missing the scowl Violet suddenly adorned. Not that Ruby could blame her, she herself had been there. Nothing was worse than drilling the basics time and time again. It was important, don't get her wrong, the basics were the basics for a reason. But that didn't stop it from also being incredibly dull. "We will of course drill them more at a later date, but not today."

A massive sigh of relief escaped Violet.

"Today we will be focusing something just as important, if not more, than combat ability. Namely battle sense, the ability to properly leveraging your combat ability to come out of most fights, if not unscratched, at least victorious." Jaune explained, smiling at Violet as she beamed. "Now, this isn't something that can be taught in the traditional sense. Instead it's something you learn after sparring time and time again. But that doesn't mean we can't cultivate a healthy mindset that can serve as a foundation."

"Huh, you really have given this some thought." The words left her mouth without thinking, only leaving her time to cringe when her mind caught up with her mouth. Thankfully Jaune only smiled good naturally at her, knowing her words weren't malicious in nature, only stemming from heartfelt curiosity. Violet didn't think the same, glaring bloody death at her.

"Violet's education is just as important as ours." Jaune began. Before he turned back to Violet. "Now, for your homework. Tomorrow is combat class, and you will be sitting with us for the entire class. I want you to observe the fights and note down the combatants fighting styles. I want you to write down how they fight, openings you spotted, mistakes, everything. We will be going over your notes together."

Violet practically vibrated in place, a blinding grin on her face.

"Now, let's get started with some combat scenarios, shall we?"

####

Ren hummed quietly to himself. Grinding ink with well-practiced hands. The ink stick effortlessly slid over the inkstone, combining with a dash of water to become proper calligraphy ink.

It was a soothing practice, meditative in a way.

He was a still pound, unbothered by the world around him. Completely unaffected by the chaos and unpredictability from life. No matter what noise his teammates made, he was calm, focused, in control.

"Jaune. No. Don't to this to me. Anything but this. I'll do your homework. I'm willing to do your chores for you. Please. Anything but this." Nora begged.

"I'm sorry Nora. Plus four, and I'm changing colour to red." Jaune said calmly, completely unfazed by her grovelling.

"…I'll have my revenge. It will be sweet; it will be glorious. You will rue the day you slighted me like this." Nora dramatically threatened. Pulling the cards with a huff.

Shaking his head with a smile, he looked down at the ink pool gathering in the ink stone. Feeling that he had enough ink for three talismans, he gently placed the ink stick to the side. Placing the inkstone to his right, beside his calligraphy brush. Finishing up the preparations he gently sat down a piece of empty talisman paper at his workstation.

Closing his eyes, he breathed out all anxiety, stress, and worries he kept inside. Taking a deep breath filled with new vitality. Grabbing his brush, he sank deeper into the still pound. Everything was tuned out, he didn't hear Pyrrha ley down her cards and win, he didn't hear Nora groaning, or Violet eagerly reaching for the cards to shuffle the deck again.

It was just him, his brush, the talisman, and the word, light.

Gracefully he began the first stroke, a vertical downwards stroke starting a bit arched before righting itself out. The brush gliding smoothly over the paper.

The second stroke was a slightly inward curved line, curving from the first stroke.

The third stroke was another inward curved line, this however started to the right, and curved towards the first line. With each stroke, Ren felt himself move closer and closer to a 'zen' state where everything flowed in perfect harmony.

The fourth line was a slightly horizontal rising line, moving right from left and rising slightly, connecting with the end of the first stroke. The brush flowing over the paper, turning his vision into reality.

The fifth stroke started below the horizontal line, a bit to the left. It was a vertical stroke gently arching out towards the left. A drop of sweat raced down his brow, yet he was unbothered.

Dipping his brush in his ink, he prepared for the sixth and last stroke. A downward L with a little bend upwards towards the end. As one, he and the brush moved. Finishing up his first ever complete talisman.

Gently laying down his brush, Ren felt a bone deep exhaustion slam into him. Letting out a shaky breath, he wiped his bleeding nose with his sleeve. Moving to stand up, he felt a heavy uncalloused hand gently shove him back down.

"Sit and breathe." Jaune ordered gently. Offering him a sip from his pocket flask. Taking a quick sip, he felt the confusion melt away. Nervous twitches he had grown accustomed to supressing finally settling down. "You strained your spirituality, throwing it out of balance. It will pass, but before your spirituality settle down, don't move, just breathe and relax."

"What happened Fearless leader?" Nora asked nervously. Panic shoot through him as he looked up at Jaune, who gave an understanding nod.

"Ren pushed himself a bit too much. He unbalanced his spirituality. It's nothing dangerous in itself. His spirituality will settle down with rest." Jaune said softly, easing Nora's panic.

"How… how do you deal with it?" He managed to rasp out, the simple act of speaking feeling like he spat up a thousand knives.

"Eh, you get used to it after a while." Jaune chuckled with a hollow smile. Running a hand along his neck. "Truth is, while it's uncomfortable, it is nothing compared to having my spirituality so unbalanced that it might collapse at any second. That's not me saying I enjoy it, but it's more… If Nora, Violet and Pyrrha are on the beach, still not having gotten their feet wet. Then you are playing around in the shallow water, just having been knocked over by a sudden wave. Only dangerous if you stay under. And compared to almost drowning, well let's just say I have been forced to learn to swim."

"Huh, you know… I can't help but feel that maybe you underplayed the dangers of spirituality slightly." Ren chuckled, feeling 'something' begin to settle. He couldn't put a finger on it, but he felt his mind ease, nervous twitches and cold sweat disappearing. Taking a deep breath, he tried standing up. Hurriedly reaching for his desk for support when vertigo came crashing into him.

Nora and Jaune was on him before he knew what had happened. Hoisting him up and carrying him over to his bed in a flurry of movements. While it was weird being on the opposite end, usually being the one who worries, Ren couldn't deny that he did feel grateful. It was the little things that made life worth living, after all.

"Sooooo~ What did you make?" Nora asked sitting down by the edge of his bed. Worry and curiosity warring in her tone. Nervously twiddling her fingers, looking one second from tying him down until he was completely recovered.

"Whatever it was, it's a success. If the 'heaviness' of the infused spirituality is anything to go by." Jaune said, strolling to his side and handing him his finished talisman.

Instantly Ren felt all exhaustion be swept away by excitement. Sitting up, he took the talisman from his friends hands. Looking over at in wonder. While he couldn't feel the 'spiritual weight' Jaune was talking about. The old Mistralian kanji seemed to shine with an almost unnoticeable light.

"It should create a light source." Ren said, not quite able to hide his excitement. Answering Nora's earlier question. Even if he could admit to feeling nervous. It was his first-time handling dust all over again. He didn't know if it worked, or it would blow up in his face.

"Go on. Test it." Nora grinned, eagerly egging him on.

"Now, maybe we shouldn't test it inside?" Pyrrha cautioned, only a second to late. He had already been swept up by the excitement. Holding the talisman between his fingers, he felt his spirituality 'pulse' for lack of better word. The kanji shining bright white for a slip second. Just long enough for him to know he had made an enormous lapse of judgement.

"Gah!"

"ARRH!"

"Ughh!"

"MY EYES!"

Right before five eager pairs of eyes, the talisman exploded into a corona of blinding white light. 'Thankfully it was silent.' Ren thought to himself as he blinked the spots out of his eyes, thankful for small mercies.

"Ok. New rule. I'm not brewing potions in the dorm, so you don't get to test your talismans here." Jaune ordered the moment he blinked the spots away, looking the most unaffected by the sudden flash bombing, looking no worse for wear. Followed by Pyrrha who came a close second, bloodshot eyes and tears the only result of the bright light.

Compared to them, Nora had fallen of the bed, furiously blinking her eyes. He himself felt the spots rapidly fade away. Violet was hiding behind Jaune leg, glaring at him with bloodshot eyes. Not that it was something new. Nor was it something completely one-sided either.

Ren didn't like Violet. No, that was wrong. Ren liked Violet the person. He just hated what she represented. It had been simple before she came along. The dream had been just that, a dream. And the waking world was the waking world. They were two separate entities.

But with Violet coming along, the line between the two had become blurry. He constantly saw it in Pyrrha and Nora, the thought that if Violet could follow Jaune here, then it should be possible for them to follow him to Yharnam. A dangerous line of thought. Unfortunately they didn't think of it like that. Instead seeing it as a way for them to help Jaune through a tough time.

'But the path to hell is paved with good intentions.' Ren mussed, knowing full well what kind of person Jaune was. If Pyrrha, or Nora for that matter, somehow followed him to the dream, he would see it as a failure on his part. That he couldn't keep them safe from whatever horrors they themselves wanted to protect him from. It was a mess, with no right answer. But Jaune was already spreading himself thin between training, the dream, studying, and mentoring Violet. If he suddenly had to worry about Pyrrha and Nora as well, then something had to give. And Ren would rather not find out what.

However, above all else, Ren disliked her simply because she was a constant reminder of the dream. A constant reminder, that even here, in the waking world, the dream had power over Jaune.

Taking a deep breath, he looked over to Jaune. Shaking away the familiar spiralling thoughts. As always, he would keep his feelings locked inside, Violet had done nothing but exist to earn his ire. He wouldn't hold her accountable for being a mere pawn for powers beyond their understanding. "That sounds fair. However I would like to add a caveat of my own. Please stop with the casual self-mutilation, if it's a prerequisite for your magic, then please don't practice it in the dorm."

"Yeah, that's fair." Jaune nodded. Throwing a sheepish look around. "I… I have gotten so used to it while in Yharnam that I forgot how uncomfortable it used to make me. Sorry for that. But, whenever we are having meetings and can't afford to be overheard, I will set up the anti-spying ward, if only to make what we are talking about a secret."

"That's more than good enough. Just because you have gotten immune to gore, doesn't mean we are used to it." Ren said, getting a vigorous nod from Nora. "And seeing you so carelessly hurt yourself, well it's a bit unsettling."

"Understatement of the century." Nora huffed from the side. "But are you ok now Renny? Please don't scare us like that anymore. We didn't know anything was wrong before Jaune sprang to your side."

"Yes. I'm better now." Ren chuckled. While still a bit nauseous, it was mostly dizziness. While he wouldn't be in top condition, he felt he was able to fight. Not fight good, per se. But at least put up a fight. As if to demonstrate, he got up from bed. The dizziness was back in full force, but it didn't face him much. It was an old friend if anything, often going hand in hand with hunger.

Nora gave him a relived smile, scooting over to his side. Her shoulders falling as she allowed herself to breath. Her nervousness quickly hidden by a bright smile.

"So… another round?" Jaune stated, cringing slightly as the words left his mouth. Even as socially inept Ren was, he was thankful to change the topic away from his almost collapse and first successful talisman.

"Jaune, I said it earlier, I will say it again. I'm down for anything but Uno or Monopoly. That's where I draw the line. Everything but those two." Ren said, feeling more secure on his legs. Earlier dizziness gone.

Jaune only shrugged, moving to pull out Remnant the Board Game.

"No!" Ren, Pyrrha and Nora exclaimed as one.

"Come on. It's fun." Jaune pouted.

"Bleah!" Violet taunted from behind Jaune, sticking out her tongue and pulling down her eyelid at them with smug satisfaction.

"Yes, it was fun in the start, until Vale suddenly had hegemony over the whole world." Nora huffed with arms crossed.

"You say it's like it's my fault you all suck." Jaune shrugged nonchalantly. Eyes twinkling with mischief.

As one, Ren, Nora and Pyrrha shared a look. Nodding as one they moved towards the table. They might not win, but they would make sure Jaune couldn't win either.

#####

"Poor fool. What did they do to you?" Jaune mussed to himself, shaking of the blood on Crocea Mors with a swift swing. The empty eyes of the 'mindless' stared up at him. Part of him thought he could spot a glimmer of gratefulness in those empty eyes.

"Church doctors? Church servants more likely." Jaune spat disgusted. Shattering a persons mind, innocent or not, completely wiping away the ego and turning him into a puppet. All in the name of healing the sick was not something he could stand. The only thing he felt beside disgust was cold fury.

Because he knew those rituals. He knew what was needed to create a 'mindless thrall'. It required torture, it required the shattering of the mind, it required the targets soul to be washed clean of all taint. It was hundreds of small rituals set up in a way that completely broke down the mind, the body, the soul, before the final metamorphosis ritual that would force the thrall to rise. Completely at the casters mercy.

"At least your suffering was less compared to those who became giants." He mumbled, stepping over the corpse and continuing down the alley. Ignoring the gargoyles eyes trailing after him. He had long grown used to Yharnam's gloomy architecture, finding it charming even. In its own gothic way.

His steps echoed down the alley, the only sound keeping him company beyond his breathing. A gentle mist parting around him when he sat foot down in another dank alley. It wasn't the first alley he had visited tonight, neither would it be the last. Thankfully he had a rather good sense of direction, or else he would have long since lost himself.

Twirling Crocea Mors around, he heard small talk die up. A terrified silence descending over the back alley. Cautiously looking around, it took him a minute before he came to the shocking, and truthfully hurting realisation. The small talk hadn't died up because there were any madmen or beasts about, it came from terror. The people living here were terrified of him.

With a shake of his head, he bottled up the hurt he felt, focusing on why he came here. To hunt and explore, and if he were to find someone he could lead to the chapel, then that was just an added bonus. He hadn't given up, neither had he lost hope that there was someone out there in Yharnam willing to move to the chapel for the night. But he also had to be realistic. Many in Yharnam would rather take the gamble and wait the night out in the safety of their homes than take the words of a stranger and move to a safer location.

Sighing, he sheeted his sword. Feeling a hundred scared eyes following him as he moved towards the closest window. Knocking on the window, he heard the scramble of movement behind the window before a crass voice broke the silence of the night. "You… You are not from around here are ya? An outsider who's come to join the hunt? What a pathetic idea. Away with you! You are not welcome here."

*Clack.* The words died in his mouth as he snapped his mouth shut with a clack. Patience long since having run dry with the constant ridicule and curses from the Yharnamite's. "Then so be it. Goodnight and good life to you sir."

"What! You think you can come here and threaten me!? Off with ye! Go die to a bloody beast! That's what all you outsiders are good for anyway." The crass voice screamed out. Full of vitriol and anger.

"And fuck you too, I guess." Jaune spat, wondering why he kept doing this to himself. Shaking the budding anger away, he walked towards the door further in. Taking a deep breath, bottling his anger like he always did, before knocking on the door.

"Oh, are you a hunter, dear? I'm afraid to say I'm off during nights. Neither will my petal be able to service you." A musical voice called out from behind the door.

"Excuse me? No? Thank you? But I came to inform you about a haven. The Old Oedon Chapel has its doors open to everyone in need of aid." Jaune called out. Glad that someone wasn't throwing insults at the first opportunity they got.

"Truly? Thank you. The night has been long, and I was beginning to run dangerously low on incense." The musical voice called out.

"Think nothing of it." Jaune said with a smile, leaning on the doorframe. "Take what you think you might need; I will wait until you are ready to leave. I.. cleaned up most of the path towards the chapel, but I'm not sure if I missed something. And I would rather be safe than sorry."

"My my. A gentleman, in this day and age? I never thought I would live to see the day." A beautiful pear of laughter rang out from behind the door. "But thank you, while I'm confident I could make it there on my own. Unfortunately I have my petal to care for as well."

"And you will both make it safely there. Arc's honour." Jaune swore. He would never be able to wash the blood off his hands, too many had already fallen to his hand. But he would be damned if he ever let someone under his protection die.

It didn't take long for the sound of movement and hushed whispers died down. Replaced by eager, if hesitant steps moving towards the door. Stepping away from the door, so they wouldn't feel boxed in or threatened, Jaune waited for them to finish up. Eager to get a move on. The many stares of the scared Yharnamite's becoming tiresome.

Then with a hesitant hand, the doors were pushed open. The first out was a young woman. Hair of gold flowing down her shoulders, soft but noble features. Her skin was pale, and she wore an air of sophistication like an expensive perfume. She was dressed in a flowing red dress that accented her figure. Yet the most striking thing about her was her eyes. Cloudy blue that you could get lost in if you stared too long.

"Hunter." She said, performing a little courtesy after stepping out. In her hand was an incense burner. Puffs of mist falling in great waterfalls. Bringing with it the familiar smell the Oedon chapel was steeped in. "Thank you for giving us time of your night. I'm sure you have more important things to do than guide a humble prostitute and her petal to a haven."

"Many of my fellow hunter's might think it a waste of time." Jaune nodded. From his few interactions with other sane hunters, the hunt, and always the hunt, had been their first, second and third priority. "However, the night is still young. The more time we spend outside, the larger the chance something stumbles upon us. I can, and will, defend you and your, petal? with my life. But I would rather get a move on."

"Save your strength, hunter. Woman I may be, but I'm not completely defenceless." The woman said with a little smile. "But where are my manners. Please call me Arianna dear."

"Jaune Arc at your service." Jaune introduced himself with a little bow. "Now, where is your petal? We are burning time."

As if summoned, a young girl came into view, stepping out into the alley. She was a lanky thing, in the midst of puberty with acne hidden under a thin layer of makeup. With eyes of familiar blue, and golden hair tied up in a ponytail by a white ribbon. She couldn't be more than a day over twelve. Her mary janes clacked against the stone pavement as she huddled in on herself, her dress not doing much against the nip in the air.

Giving her a quick once over, his eyes were immediately drawn towards the black eye and swollen lips that marred her features. Before he could ask, Arianna moved to stand protectively before the girl. He could taste her fear in the air even as she put up a brave front. "I'm afraid to say that her services aren't for sale yet, hunter. Should you desire relief, while I don't offer my services at night, I can refer you to some contacts of mine, should it be what you desire. But my petal is off limits."

"Excuse me?" Jaune asked scandalised. Shooting Arianna a disgusted look. "What? NO! She looks familiar, that's all. She is young enough to be my sister, for goodness sake. Thank you for the offer, but no. I must strongly decline."

A massive sigh of relief escaped Arianna after his outburst. Her shoulders relaxing as she dared breathe again. "My apologies, hunter. I had a… rowdy customer early. Drunk as he was, he demanded to 'pluck' the petal. Not taking no for an answer. Excuse me for being quick to colour you with the same brush. While she is not mine, I do care deeply for her."

"I take it that customer is the reason for the smell?" Jaune asked. The all too familiar of shed blood and rot wafting out of the house. If it even could be called one.

"You jest hunter." Arianna laughed; her unease played off with a soft smile. Her petal had a long way to go before inheriting her mentors grace. Blue eyes locked at him, terror wafting of her in great waves.

"Let us be on our way." Jaune said, taking control of the situation. Instantly a tense nervousness settled over the women. "Follow me, I know the way. If we are quick, I might even be able to cook up something to at least ease the sweeling for her lip."

"Thank you but don't worry about me, please." The young girl pleaded, sending a scared look too Arianna begging for help. Arianna for her sake also looked put off, but for different reasons than her petal. Her eyes bore into him, trying to make heads or tails of his words.

"This is a kindness, no strings attached." Jaune said slowly, realising what his words could be interpreted as. Carefully choosing his words, he quickly tried to squash the misunderstanding as quickly as possible. "I have no interest in your services, neither now nor in the future, if that is what you think. I simply want to speed along the healing process."

"You really are an outsider, aren't you." Arianna said with shake of her head. "Kindness is a luxury few in Yharnam ever experience. Something fewer even offer."

"Mercy and kindness are the rights of the strong, do with your strength what you wish. Or at least so my master told me after he gave up on trying to make me change my ways." Jaune chuckled softly as he led the two women up the staircase he came from. Ready to pull out his revolver on a seconds notice. With all the kills he had raked up by simply pushing people downstairs he wasn't taking any chances. "And… well. With how suffocating this night is, Yharnam and her people would have some good of a little kindness here and there. It doesn't cost me anything but a few minutes either."

"And this is what you chose to do with your strength? Guiding a whore and her petal to a haven?" Arianna asked. Frowning and kicking the dead church's servant's heads off to the side when she stepped past it.

"Someone has to after all. It's important to remember why we hunt. Lest we will be no better than the beasts we are hunting." Jaune said softly.

"Then you are already a better man than everyone who have shared my bed while calling themselves huntsmen." Arianna said softly. Before turning to give her petal a look. "Aurora, isn't there something you have forgotten?"

Aurora looked up at Arianna with furrowed brows, gears turning in her head as she tried figuring out what Arianna meant. A mortified eep escaping her when they sat foot in the open plaza.

"Please forgive my manners." Aurora said, cheeks blushing furiously as she gave a little courtesy. "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Aurora Gascoigne. Pleased to meet you."

####

Note: Incomprehensible horrors beyond the cosmos aren't the only type of horror in Yharnam. And this chapter was the first 'dip' in that theme. For in Yharnam many horrors are comprehensible.

Note: Aurora is a character I have wanted to write in a long time. That she is a petal is more to tie into why she kills herself at the end of the questline, instead of just chalking it up to 'madness'. It also explains why she left her sister alone.

Note: Petal is Yharnam slang for a young prostitute who is still too young to sell her body. Think 'maiko' being apprentice geisha in Japan.