Note: There is mentions of performed suicide in this chapter.

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"Mr. Arc, I wasn't expecting you. Is there something I can help you with?" Oobleck asked with a smile. Talking normally with a professional air instead of spewing words as he tended to do during lectures. Taking a sip of his thermos Oobleck looked over him. "I must say the change of attire comes as a surprise. A welcome one however, it suits you."

"Thank you." Jaune said, small smile on his lips as he stood marginally taller. Who didn't like getting complimented? Jaune himself wasn't a stranger to them, his family often showering him in empty praise back home. But having a professor compliment him was something he had never had before. Usually getting berated for tit and tat instead. "But I'm here to deliver my assignment. I… I don't think I can make it any better, and I would rather not fight a losing battle with my patience."

"A wise choice. Well Mr. Arc, mail me your work and I will give it a cursory look." Oobleck said with a soft smile. And for once Jaune wasn't bothered by the yellowish-green colour that sometimes blossomed from Oobleck.

Waking up and seeing glimpses of what could only be emotions, together with colour that rested over body areas was not something he expected when waking up this morning. 'And my insight is only ten, what will I see at twenty? Thirty? Forty or fifty? What about sixty… or more?' He didn't know, and he wasn't looking forward to finding out.

Sending his assignment over he felt his nerves return. However, this anxiety wasn't like the one he felt in Yharnam, where terror and horror was rife. No it was a bubbling anxiety that he couldn't really do anything about. He doesn't think the faculty would take it kindly if he were to apply his 'Yharnam problem solving skills' on one of them. No matter what his guts and nerves screamed out at him.

Nervously fidgeting he felt the walls closing in, the shadows growing deeper. His entire being screamed at him to move. To draw Crocea Mors and bring down swift retribution on what monsters his imagination had conjured. Because the walls weren't closing in, the shadows weren't dancing up the walls and reaching towards him.

"Hmmmm… this is surprisingly well done." Oobleck must have noticed his shock, because he looked up from his scroll and gave him a kind smile. "It is well done Mr. Arc. And I will admit to being a bit surprised. At how you jumped at it I thought you would take it as a 'get out of jail card' if you will, you certainly wouldn't be the first. But this is good, nicely structured paragraphs, concise and not overly fluffy, and it's clear as day that you have given the matter thought. Well done, Mr Arc."

Jaune only smiled weakly. Because he had taken the assignment as a get out of jail card. But if there was something Yharnam had drilled into him early, then it was that half-hearted work only led to unnecessary deaths. It was one thing for him to die but he will never forgive himself if his orders lead to his teammates dying.

Not to mention the assignment had been a great way to keep his mind of things. If only for a little while.

"For delivering something that isn't plagiarism, you will get at least a B-." Oobleck calmly explained, eyes glued to his work as he scrolled up and down while humming lightly to himself. "At least a B-, with potential for upward growth should your work be solid. Well done, truly. You have outdone yourself."

"Thank you." Jaune breathed out as felt the tension ease out of him. Giving a nervous smile as he felt light as a feather. Hand over his chest as his heart thundered in his ears.

"No, thank you. Between the two of us, I'm looking forward to reading your work." Oobleck smiled kindly as he sat down his scroll and started cleaning his glasses. "However… Mr. Arc. While it's not my place to pry. How are you?"

Jaune looked at Oobleck, gulping as his throat felt as dry as the Vacuoan dessert. The tang taste of blood at his tongue. Opening his mouth he waited for the familiar lies to come flowing forth. Only for nothing to come but a stray tear that brokenly made its way down.

"I… I don't know." The word tasted like dirt as he wiped away the tear. Looking at the kind eyes of Oobleck, Jaune only wanted to curl up in a ball away from the world. Away from his responsibilities as team leader and hunter of Yharnam. He was thankful for what the dream had made him, yet he hated the dream with his very being. 'It shouldn't have been like this. I just had wanted to be someone his family could be proud of. Not the uncaring murderer that The Dream gave me no choice but to become.'

"Do you want to talk about it with a teacher?" Oobleck asked carefully. Not wanting to press, but to reassure. Knowing a volatile moment when he saw it. Having sat at the opposite side after that mission.

"I…I have brought it up with my team… so they know..." Jaune sighed out, looking up at the understanding eyes of Oobleck. Blinking, not knowing if he should be relived that someone understood, or if he should be irked, because how could someone understand?

"That's good… great even. Clear communication is critical in any team. I can't say how many teams have fallen apart due to faulty communication." Oobleck said softly as he leaned back. The familiar smell of cigarette smoke tickling his nose. Shaking away the memories he slid a piece of paper towards Jaune. "Should you ever want to talk to any teacher. Just send a message to this number with your name and the name of who you want to talk about."

Pocketing the slip of paper, Jaune felt a familiar numbness well up inside of him. Looking up at Oobleck and wishing he could be anywhere else but here.

"Now, on a completely different note. Did you know that Beacon applies a loose university model for its curriculum?" Oobleck asked, sighing, and continuing when he saw the blank look on his face. "It means that you don't have to come to lectures. If you pass your midterms and finals, you will still graduate. This comes with some caveats however, should you fail to pass three exams, you will be expelled. That is the same should you fail to pass your mandatory assignments as well. So don't take this as an offer to slack off. However, should you feel overwhelmed I recommend taking some days of to simply decompress."

"Thanks… I really should read up on the school rules when I have the chance." Jaune said with a soft smile. Taking some days of from lectures, and just coming to terms with things would hopefully help him.

Maybe that was just what he needed? Some rest, and the ability to simply breath out.

After all, he had more than enough Quicksilver bullets, he should be able to take four, maybe five days away from Yharnam and the hunt. Spending them relaxing or whatnot in the dream instead. Not to mention he had some echoes as well. He had shot up in 'Level', but he knew it was just a temporary thing. After all, it was always easier to learn something when you were beginning, than when it was to become a master. His growth was bound to slow down sooner rather than later.

"Now… if that was all I would say we are done here. I have an interesting reed before me, and I don't think you would like to spend more time than necessary here. It's a Friday evening after all."

Jaune didn't need to be told twice, and with a soft nod he was out the door.

#####

"So any plans for the evening or are we just going where our feet led us?" Nora asked excitedly as they stepped off the bullhead. Jaune for once in his life not feeling his motion sickness. Having taken a detour by the hospital wing before stepping onto the bullhead. Not regretting it for a second.

"I don't really mind what we do, however I would love the chance to either dance or go to a karaoke later." Ren said, smiling slightly.

"That sounds grand. I have never gone out dancing with friends before." Pyrrha said with a sweet smile.

"You poor, poor summer child." Nora said as she looked at her friend. "But what about you fearless leader? Anything special you want to do?"

"Well… there's no rush really, but I want to buy a proper razor by tomorrow at least." Jaune sighed as he ran his hand over his prickly stubble. He could always try for a beard. But on the same time he really wasn't looking forward to the 'half-beard', 'half-stubble' period before the beard really grew in. Not to mention he didn't know if he really would look good with a beard either. He rather liked his clean shaved, component hunter vibe he gave of in his hunters garb.

"I want to get my hands on a tarot deck as well, and if I can, I would like to see if I can get a crystal pendulum. Maybe some 'new wave healing crystals' as well." Jaune shrugged.

"I didn't know you believed in all that 'new wave medicine' thingy fearless leader." Nora said, hiding a giggle behind her hand, and failing miserably. Full-blown smile on her face.

"I don't." Jaune shrugged. Not at all minding. Knowing full well he was of the same mind before initiation and the dream. "It's more that… well. 'The dream' have hinted more than once to something 'more'. And given that arcane is a stat… and that blood rites are some kind of pseudo magic… I'm willing to bet my left knee on there being some magical mumbo jumbo at play. No idea how it works, but as far as 'magic' goes, learning how to lay a spread of tarot or dream divination with a pendulum sounds like a fun way to get my mind of things. And if it works…"

"Forewarned is forearmed." Ren added in from the side. "If you get some success with your 'magic', do you think you would get the same result with Mistralian magic? If so, you should check out Onmyo magic."

"Oh! OH! What about Atlantan shamanism! We can sacrifice goats!" Nora said excitedly from the side. A little bit to loud as their group were getting more than a few looks.

Chuckling weakly, Jaune scratched idly at his neck when he felt the stares. Taunt nerves screaming out in protest. 'Is this how dad felt? Is this why he decided to settle down in a more quiet area?' He couldn't help but wonder. Having noted a rising trend in successful and acclimated hunters settling down in more rural places after five to ten years of active service. He had no idea why, but as his nerves and instincts screamed at him to move, he could make a good guess why.

"I don't even know if it will work. Or if I can only learn magic related to the arcane or blood. Not to mention I have no idea what 'arcane' even means." Jaune said, bursting Nora's bubble. Earning himself a pout, something that was quickly rectified when he continued. "But a quick shopping trip and we can spend the rest of the evening bar hopping, going karaoke, or whatever it is you want. I'm down for anything… mostly anything."

Quickly amending his words, lest his friend dragged them of to try something unique. Looking past his friends megawatt smile, he saw a store he knew sold razors. Taking a quick step inside he found what he wanted. A proper straight steel razor, something his dad used, and something that only needed the occasionally sharpening. No interchangeably razor heads. It was a bit on the expensive side, but good quality was good quality. And this type of razor could last a good ten years if properly cared for. Maybe longer if he took exceptional care for it.

"Huh. That really was quick." Nora said absentmindedly when he stepped out, seeing that it hadn't taken more than five minutes.

"If you go into a store with a clear goal in mind, and not get distracted. Then shopping can be done fairly quickly." Jaune whispered as he shivered. Looking up at the sky with a thousand-yard stare as he remembered all the time's he 'willingly' joined his sisters on a 'quick' shopping trip. Shaking of the shivers he stepped forward and sneakily ringing his bell. Smiling when his pocket felt lighter.

After all, if you had a place to store all your items. Why carry them with you?

"Sooo any idea where you can get a tarot deck?" Nora asked, looking around like they were sailors on a ship. "Yes. Actually." Jaune said as he led way. "Lily, my twin sister had a bad 'Goth' phase not so long ago. Sacrifice goat kind of bad."

The team looked at one another before Pyrrha stepped forward. "Jaune… did you sister actually do that?" She asked, as Nora and Ren looked stupefied on.

"Yup." Jaune said, popping the p as he continued down the street. "Lily has always been really into the occult and mysticism as far as I can remember. It was right after Saphron, my eldest sister, skedaddled away with her wife. So Lilly performed a 'ritual of marital bliss' for them. Why it required the sacrifice of a goat, I'm as clueless as you. But goat stew is surprisingly good."

Jaune managed to take five seps before buckling over in laughter. Looking at the gobsmacked expressions of his friends faces. "Oh man! You should have seen your faces." He said with soft laughter as he smiled.

"Har har. Very funny." Ren said as Jaune looked back with a cheeky smile. "The goat sacrifice was a lie. But she is into the occult and have dragged me with her once or twice. And we did eat goat stew. Not because it was sacrificed, it was given as a gift. Goat ate something wrong and had to be put down."

"It should be around here." Jaune mumbled, looking up at a sign that read 'Wand's and Witches'. Sighing as he looked back at his friends. Nora going as far as to give him a knowing wink. "It might sound at a lot like a sex toy shop, but it's only because the owner has a bad sense of humour."

Stepping inside, the shop was as spooky and creepy as last time. Eyeballs floating in large jars, what looked to be a hand of glory, bones and skulls of men and beast alike. This shop had it all.

"WWOOHHAA." Jaune was brutally pushed to the side as Nora flew in. Looking star struck as she flew from around the shop in a blur. Touching anything that managed to snag her interest for more than a second before flying to something else. Even Ren and Pyrrha looked around curiously. Ren finding some charms interesting while Pyrrha just smiled and looked around at her friend antics.

Looking around Jaune grabbed a full deck of tarot cards, minor arcana included. While also grabbing a silver pendulum, looking at the hand of glory before shaking his head and going to the counter. Because, if the hand worked. He wouldn't know what would shock him the most. That he had an ability to use 'magic' or whatever arcane was. Or that he had lit the pickled hand of a hanged criminal.

One outcome was arguably better, but it would be a lot like finding out you are mildly allergic to nuts after having snaked on them for years and learned that the 'itching' wasn't normal. Jaune was still a bit miffed about that. 'Maybe I can get rid of allergies and such by increasing my stats?' He mused ideally as he paid the cashier.

Pocketing the items and making his way outside where the rest of his team waited. Jaune trusted Nora with a lot, but not money. The girl was empathetic to the nth degree, outgoing as outgoing was and had a literal heart of gold. She however didn't understand money. Sure she knew what to pay and was deft at haggling, but she didn't understand the value of money.

If that was because she treasured other things like friends and family over money, he didn't know but he could guess it was something along that.

"So… I have never been to karaoke before." Jaune said, earing a sweat. "Me neither, this is going to be so fun." From Pyrrha as she gave them and earnest smile, almost bouncing from her excitement.

"And that is something we will rectify. No Mistralian should ever be excluded from the sacred art that is Karaoke." Nora declared as her eyes burned, Ren vigorously nodding along from the side. "Follow me! You might be our fearless leader Jaune-Jaune. But momma is queen of the mic."

With the fury and determination of a raging storm, Nora dragged her friends towards the closest karaoke bar. Unfortunately the sacred art of Karaoke wasn't as popular in Vale as in Mistral. But after a bit of poking around the scroll net they eventually found a karaoke bar packed cosily around some alleys not too far from the docks.

Stepping inside they let out a sigh of relief. It looked better than expected, clean walls, tasteful décor, a large bar with a just as large wall of alcohol, not to mention that there were some free tables.

Quickly crashing down around a free table she read over the rules. Shrugging with a smile when she found them only a standard fare. Instead she read over a list of all songs. Smiling brightly and turning to Ren with a smile. "Renny, they got your song."

"Tequila?" Jaune asked, giving his friend a raised eyebrow.

"Tequila." Ren nodded stoically.

Dragging her friends down onto the sofa Nora gave them all a serious look. "Ok, before I set you lose. Quick karaoke etiquette 101. Don't mic hog, don't force anyone to sing, don't boo anyone, don't stand in front of the screen, and don't abuse equipment. Capeesh?"

"Should be simple enough." Jaune said with a nod as he looked trough the list of songs.

"Ehh… Nora? Why is there an entire section to game ost's?" Pyrrha asked curiously. Flinching when the orange haired bomber looked at her in abject sadness. Wiping a stray tear away, Nora took Pyrrha's hands in hers. "It's okay, Pyrrha. I understand that becoming a champion requires sacrifice. But rest assured, by my dying breath. I won't teach you why game ost's are here. Instead, you will experience their glory yourself."

"Ooooookay?" Pyrrha chuckled nervously, looking around for help. Finding Ren nodding and giving her a thumbs up for support. Jaune just shook his head, shrugged, and gave her a good-natured smile. Having no plans whatsoever to bother with that.

"That reminds me. Oobleck told be something interesting today." Repeating what he said, Jaune looked around at his team. "If everyone is up for it, I was thinking to book one of the arenas to get some team drills in. It's not a must or anything, but I would feel more comfortable if everyone at least knew what everyone could do and act around that."

The first to answer was Nora, who was fidgeting nervously. "I would love to… but… but I'm struggling with most written assignments. I really don't want to be expelled."

"And that's fine." Jaune reassured her with a smile. "Everyone studies at their own pace, for some it's a sprint, others take it bit by bit. It's a suggestion, I might be 'team leader' but I'm not going to force you to do anything you don't want to do. But if you really need help, I won't hesitate to help you with your assignments. All you need to do is but ask. I'm mostly finished with mine after all."

"Then I'm all for it." Nora nodded with a radiant smile. "OH! Why don't we all do our assignments together in a study group?"

"Great idea." Jaune smiled. All for it. "That sounds grand." Pyrrha said with a smile, before frowning slightly. "But when should we have our 'study group'?"

"What about Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening? Or if we were to finish up all assignments by Monday evening, we will have the week free to do what we want. More time for training, be it personal or team exercises. Or just time to relax." Ren added from the side. Clapping and getting up when the rest of the team nodded. "That settled? Good, then it's time for song."

Getting up on the stage, Ren piked his song of choice, sat down on the barstool, and raised the mic to his mouth. The music ringing out in the bar as the other patrons turned to Ren who was grooving along to the music. "Tequila."

As Ren vibed away to the song and hit every note. Jaune allowed himself to breath out, smiling tiredly as everyone shone in various shaded of red, orange, yellow, and white. All positive colours, passion and excitement, warmth, happiness, and brightness bathing his aching heart like a gentle balm. People from all walks of life just enjoying the music. There was no malice here, just people having a good time. Allowing themselves a moment to rest from their otherwise busy lives.

"TEQUILA!" The entire bar shouted together when the song came to it's end. Even Jaune sat up a bit straighter as he joined them. The soft buzz of conversation picked up after the song ended and Ren joined them. Sipping softly on a glass of tequila with a content smile.

"So who's next?" Nora asked excitedly, looking around. When no one answered Nora jumped up on stage and grabbed the mic. Gitar coming out, for an electric buildup.

"Thunder!" The karaoke bar thundered, again and again as the song picked up speed.

Jaune just smiled and allowed himself to have fun. Hand idly falling into his pocket where the tarot deck sat. Bobbing along as Nora rocked away, singing surprisingly well, with more energy than the original singer. Giving her a thumbs up and stomping his feet to the beat. Not before long the entire bar was joining him.

The bartender sending him an aggrieved look as bottles and glasses clinked.

"That was amazing!" Nora said as she sat down after the song came to an end, almost vibrating in place. Looking ready to fly back up on stage had it not been for another patron making her way up and beginning to sing.

"We have the entire evening before us, Nora. Let the others have some fun. No one likes a mic-hog." Ren said plainly as he sipped his tequila. Making Noa pout slightly before she headed over to the bar and bough herself a drink.

Taking his tarot deck out of the wooden box, Jaune read the little instruction pamphlet that came along. Nodding to himself as it told him what he already knew. Shuffling the deck Jaune meditated on a simple question. 'My past, present and future.'

Setting the deck in front of him and cutting the deck in three piles he took of the top card from each pile.

Looking at the card that represent the past he flipped it over, revealing a reverse Moon card.

"What does that mean?" Nora asked curiously, Ren also looked on cursedly while Pyrrha simply hummed along to the music. With a soft smile on his face, Jaune began explaining. "Well, the Moon card often represents hidden thoughts, feelings, doubts, and fears. And it being reverse, and representing my past, it most likely represents that I have recently overcome some sort of period of confusion and uncertainty. It this context… well, I did decide earlier to give the little girl a chance. So it might be that. I don't know. A lot of 'divination', if it even can be called that, is vague and subjective, there are no hard rights and wrongs."

Flipping over the card that represented present, Jaune felt ice in his veins. An upright Moon card lying on the table. "That… that shouldn't be possible." Quickly flipping over the last card representing future he saw a third Moon card.

Quickly gathering all the cards he counted and found all twenty-one major arcana accounted for, the same went for all minor arcana. When he looked through the cards, he only found a single moon card, as it should be. Sighing he gathered up all the cards and shuffled again, meditated on the same 'My past, present and future' statement. Cutting the deck, flipping over the tree top cards. Only to look completely dumbfounded as three moon cards again lied harmlessly on the table. Shaking his head, he gathered the cards and did it again and again.

Three Moons for his past, present, and future comping to the top constantly.

Shuffling the deck for the nth time he looked at Ren. "Ren, I'm going to try and divine your past, present, and future. Because something is going on." The stoic ninja of JNPR nodded, looking more than a little curious. Having counted the cards, and just like Jaune he had only found a single moon arcana, and not three that Jaune got. While not one to believe in the superstitious, he did enjoy a good mystery every now and then.

Flipping the card for past, Jaune let out a sigh of relief as The Chariot showed itself. "The upright Chariot means that in your past have been marked by a sense of determination and control… I think. The Chariot represents victory trough willpower and focus. What it means for you is up to your own personal interpretation, as I have no clue what it can represents. You won a game? A tournament?"

As Ren was lost in thought he flipped up the card for the present, revealing The High Priestess in upright position. "The upright High Priestess represents you attunement to your intuition and inner wisdom. And as far as I know, I'll say it's pretty spot on."

"You are the wisest of us after all." Pyrrha added in from the side as Nora furiously nodded, stars in her eyes.

Flipping the last card, representing future. Jaune didn't know what to feel as the upright form of The Hanged Man showed itself. "The Hanged man represents pause, surrender, letting go and new perspectives. It's not inherently negative, but it can mean that you will need to let go of old patterns or viewpoints and embrace a new perspective."

"You really were right when you said it was vague." Ren sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Hey, Nora, why don't you try divining my past, present and future? Just shuffle the deck and think really hard on 'Jaune's past, present and future.'" Jaune said with a smile as he sat the deck before Nora.

Not one to say no to something interesting, Nora grabbed the cards and began shuffling. When she had shuffled for a good while she cut the deck in three and flipped the card for past, revealing a reverse Moon arcana. Flipping over the two other cards, Jaune felt ill, as three Moon arcana's once again laid on the table.

"Okay… That's not normal right?" Nora asked as she flipped up all other cards and began counting. Just like Jaune she ended up with a full suite of major and minor arcana. No signs whatsoever of two other moon arcana's. "Fearless leader… you wouldn't happen to be… cursed?"

Giving her his flattest look Nora cringed. Knowing full well that Jaune was indeed cursed. Sighing Jaune pocketed the cards. "Well… good news is that my semblance indeed is connected to the supernatural. The bad news is that my semblance is connected to the supernatural."

"Why couldn't I just get a cool, simple semblance?" Jaune sighed defeated. "Aura amplification sounds great, buffing my team. What about healing, even a semblance that makes me able to predict the weather would have been better than this 'dream'."

"You know… fearless leader. What you need is to go on stage and just let it all out." Nora said, not at all liking how the kindest person she knew had the worst semblance in the his tory of semblances. She still had nightmares of him spontaneously shooting blood from his neck. Yet nothing had prepared her for the horror of knowing that it was a standard everyday fare for Jaune in the dream. Knowing full well that if she and Jaune had switched places, she would have broken sooner than later.

Nora was not a fan of loneliness. She needed to be around people. She needed conversation, even if it was just about the weather. Sure she can go on long trips from town to town, settlement to settlement. But she had always had Ren by her side, and as long as it was the two of them, she had no fear.

"Maybe I should, maybe I should." Jaune said, getting up seeing the empty stage. Feeling butterflies in his stomach as he picked a familiar song. "Just a small-town girl~"

As he sang, Jaune allowed his tense shoulders to relax. Allowing himself to just enjoy. Letting his heart and soul into the song. Not noticing the few tears that trickle down, nor the sweat that tickled down his back.

When the sang came to an end he looked around, blinking stupidly at the silence that hung over the karaoke bar. Before thunderous applause rang out. Blushing he hurried down from the stage and back to his team. Nora giving him the brightest smile he had ever seen.

"That… was… AMAZING." She shouted in awe, as she reached over to pull him into a crushing hug. "I will certainly say I was pleasantly surprised. You have a beautiful voice." Ren called out with a nod. Giving him a thumbs up.

Taking a seat he smiled and took a sip from his glass he had ordered earlier. Taking a sip of plain water, while he had drunk alcohol before. His nerves would never allow him to drink it again. Not that he was complaining. Never liking the taste of alcohol.

"Since mom and dad couldn't take most of my sisters to their clubs or what they wanted, I stepped up instead. Dancing, singing, painting, swimming, and whatever it was Jade did. Sure I picked up some things here and there. But it never was thing I wanted; you know." Jaune sighed with a shrug. "My sisters were always allowed to have fun, go out with their friends, chase their interests, but the second I asked to try something I was met with harsh refusal. I mean… mom and dad were more supportive for Lilly when she said she wanted to be a witch, than they were for me when I said I wanted to take up woodwork."

"Oh dear." Pyrrha whispered under her breath. Echoing the sentiment of the rest of the team. She had sacrificed a lot to become champion. Having almost no friends since she first won with overwhelming ease. Being hoisted up on a pedestal as invisible walls seemed to materialize out of nowhere between her and her then friends. The only thing that pushed her trough the lonely hours in the dojo as she drilled the basics again and again was her parents love and support.

She couldn't even begin to imagine what it felt like for someone as talented as Jaune. For he was talented, able to pick up things surprisingly fast. Wining boardgames he had never played before, thoroughly humbling them in 'Revenant the Game'. He could sing and dance really well, she would even go as far as to say he could chase both carriers professionally if he only wanted. And his own family had seemingly gone out of their way to stifle his talent and forcing him to settle for mediocrity. Her insides burned just thinking about such injustice and blatant disregard.

"But enough of this sentimental stuff. We went out to have fun, not to bring up old wounds." Jaune shrugged, having spent years before he had seemingly gotten over it. In a way he could understand why his family was overprotective of him, he was the only son in a group of eight children after all. But just because he understood, didn't mean he liked it.

"Sooooo what games do you all of you like?" Nora asked, shifting the topic to something else. Not that anyone minded. With that light conversation began again and Jaune joined with a smile.

As the hours ticked by, their conversation was interrupted as thunder rang out as the entire building shook. Jaune was the first to fly up followed by his teammates. While the teeniest bit tipsy, that was pushed through as they all followed their leader.

"Calm Down! We are huntsmen-in-training we will go out and check what has happened. Please remains seated." Jaune bellowed out, forcing the other patrons to calm down. Not at all caring for the myriad of weapons that shone in the dimly lit bar. "Send the tab to Beacons team JNPR." He said to the bartender before he grabbed his top hat.

With his top hat on, Jaune the hunter of Yharnam stepped onto the streets of Vale. Spotting a large black cloud rising from the docks. Looking back at his team they, he gave them a nod before taking off, dashing down the streets like bats out of hell. Jumping over stuck traffic and ducking past panicky civilians as they sprinted down. Team hot on his trail as they followed him.

Only slowing down from their mad sprint when they came to the docks. "Ren, call the police, give them a clear as possible overview of the situation as we take stock. Nora, call Beacon, the same as Ren. And ask for reinforcements if possible. I hope this is just a bad accident, but my gut is telling me otherwise. When you are done, join me and Pyrrha inside, we will look and see if we can help anyone if they are hurt. If the situation is hot… try to knock out and disarm… and if that don't work… as team leader, I allow anyone on my team the use of lethal force. I hope it won't come to that… but I would rather anyone of you live to see another day."

Drawing both of his weapons, Jaune brought down his blade and stepped through the opening. Not wanting to see the looks on his teammates faces. As the sound of a roaring bullhead took of over them.

Cautiously turning around a shipping container only to step into a scene of utter carnage. It looked like a battlefield, large bullets holes pocketing the ground, bullheads cut to pieces littered the dock. Groaning coming from the ships. "Pyrrha, look around for survivors. Gather up anyone you can for when the police get here. If anyone is wounded, make sure they are stable."

Jaune barked orders as Nora and Ren came up behind them. Going green when they saw the carnage. "Team, focus!"

Ignoring his teams distress, Jaune dashed into one of the destroyed bullheads. Face an ice-cold mask as he took in the dead pilots, dashing back into the cargo hold he found some survivors. Looking over them, he sighed relived. They were badly shaken, some broken bones here and there, but they would survive.

Gently carrying two white fang terrorists out he sat them at the open ground before diving back into the bullhead until it was empty. Giving Ren a sharp nod when he saw he had begun performing basic first aid. Seeing Pyrrha and Nora coming out of two scraped bull heads of their own, Jaune dashed back into the bullhead and carried out the rest of the wounded.

"I will look around. Continue what you are doing." He said as he began looking around. Stepping over wounded men and women who had fallen from the bullheads when they were cut. Some were bruised badly, some tried getting up and grabbing their weapons. They were brutally beaten down with the flat side of Crocea Mors, knocking them out as effectively as possible. Others were dead, having landed headfirst or on their necks.

Stepping around a container Jaune heard the familiar moaning of someone on death's door. Stepping over a row of cut down terrorists, cut perfectly in two from the stomach. Luckily most were dead, some even had had the strength to lift their weapons and take their own lives.

"Mommy… I want mommy." A terrorist cried out, and Jaune felt a part die inside when he saw the dying form of a teenager, no older than Ruby lie cut in half on the ground. Tears trickling down from his mask as he cried out. Stepping over to the teenager Jaune took a deep breath and steeled himself. Mortem Ignis coming up with the hammer pulled back.

"Jaune no!" A familiar voice called out, but it was too late.

Mortem Ignis thundered out as Jaune put a mercy round trough the terrorists forehead.

Sighing and looking up he came face to face with the eyes of his team. They at least looked understanding, even if they all seemed to fidget uncomfortably. Eyes trailing to the right he came face to face with the horrified eyes of Blake, who looked at him like he had just killed her lover. The understanding eyes of a blonde faunus, who looking ashamed. A pair of lime green eyes that just looked on blankly, bearing an inhuman coldness in them.

Yet the worst of all was the absolute heartbreak in the silvery eyes of Ruby.

####

"He executed a person!" Blake shouted out in outrage inside Ozpin's office.

The flight back to Beacon had been both tense and silent, no one daring to make a sound. With many of the prospective huntsmen and huntresses mulling over what had happened. Nora herself had been twiddling her thumbs in the silence, sending glances at Jaune the entire flight home.

The bomber felt like everything had been a blur since the moment Jaune put a mercy round trough that terrorist. She knew what he did, she knew why he had done it. And, if she ever found herself in the same situation. She hoped someone would do the same for her.

Unfortunately Blake hadn't seen it like that, and had it not been for the blond faunus beside her, she would have long since attacked Jaune.

Fortunately, however Professor Goodwitch soon arrived together with the headmaster. The police not far behind. The professor had been just like Jaune, all kindness and warmth gone and replaced with a cold, cold heart as she went along barking orders. Cleaning up the scene with liberal use of her semblance before shepherding them into the bullhead. But not before giving her and the team a "Good Job, you handled yourself well."

The second they had sat foot in the headmasters office Blake had exploded in outrage.

"He put a mercy round trough the head of a lethally wounded terrorist. There is a difference between what you are saying and what you are implying, Miss Belladonna." Ozpin said calmly as he stepped around and sat down. Gesturing for everyone to step forward. Team JNPR walking as one towards one side, Blake going to the opposite tailed by the blonde faunus. Ruby and the girl who introduced herself as Penny left in the middle.

"As far as I am concerned however, Mr Arc and his team handled themselves exceptional well. I have noting negative to say, and they will be getting no detention or other punishments. Unfortunately the same thing can't be said about the rest of you."

"He executed a person!" Blake continued; belly full of anger as she gestured at Jaune. Not understanding why he was getting away free while she was punished.

"Miss Belladonna, I do so hate repeating myself." Ozpin said calmly, making Blake shut up. Not willing to test what patience Ozpin had as he gave her a tired look. Instead she sent a scorching glare at Jaune.

"Mr Wukong and Miss Polendina, I have sent a missive to your respective headmasters about your involvement in this case. As such your punishment falls to them. Rest assured, you will not be expelled, however you have awaiting detentions and punishments when you return home after the Vytal festival. For now Beacon will gladly host you here until the rest of your teams arrives." The blond monkey tailed faunus breathed a sigh of relief at Ozpin's words. Penny gave a quick salute before stepping back.

"Miss Rose, as your involvement was minor you will also get away without punishment. However I will give you a warning. Should you ever step into a similar situation, remember, above anything do not take you attention away from the fight." The red reaper cringed at the reminder, her uncle and father would never let her live that down. Not to mention Yang.

"And lastly Miss Belladonna. You as well will not be expelled; however you will be sitting detention with Miss Goodwitch." Lifting a hand before Blake could begin her outburst, Ozpin calmly continued. "I understand tempers are running hot at the moment, and you did your best in a tense situation. However it was a situation you never should have been in. The second you noted that the white fang was working with one Roman Torchwick you should have made your escape, not taking a hostage. Taking Torchwick hostage was an escalation that the white fang answered with an escalation of their own."

"What were you thinking!" Glynda finally snapped. Glaring bloody death at Blake. "Going after a terrorist cell without a plan? Using normal subduing methods on someone known to have aura is a recipe for disaster! Not to mention you have nothing to show for your little venture expect what we already knew."

"Wait… you knew? And you did nothing?!" Blake shouted outraged.

"Yes, we know someone have Roman on a leash, otherwise he wouldn't be willing to break his 'brand' and the safety it offers. We have monitored the movement and activity of the Vale white fang cell and noted an increase in activity after a certain Adam Taurus was handed leadership. Why the two have decided to collaborate is unknown, and it's also something you as huntsmen-in-training have nothing to do with. You should instead focus on your studies and be your best selves when you graduate instead." Glynda explained as she looked over the students.

At her words Blake looked fit to explode. Furiously marching away and taking the elevator down. Glynda looked infuriated at her student as Ozpin sighed tiredly. "Let her go, she has had a trying day, and so have anyone else. To you I will say good work, the situation could have easily been worse. The white fang has killed fully trained and educated huntsmen in the past. However you are all dismissed for now. Oh, and Miss Rose, remind your teammate that she will be on house arrest here in Beacon until she has calmed down and can be trusted to enter Vale without hunting rampantly for white fang activity."

As the students awkwardly waited at the elevator Ozpin sipped calmly on his calmly. Noting with a saddened heart the rift that had formed between Ruby and Jaune. When the students were gone. Glynda looked over to him with a sigh.

"Accepting her was a mistake. She is too volatile, to set inn her 'Only I can fix this' mentality. Not to mention she is arrogant enough to fully believe it. She fully believes that we are in the wrong for withholding information from her." Glynda said calmly as she looked at the elevator, even if an undertone of sadness and bitterness clung to her words. Having unfortunately seen the same song and dance in a myriad of other students. All dying early.

"Yes, as it stands now, she is too caught up in her past to look around her to see that she has friends she can trust." Ozpin said calmly as he sipped his coffee slowly. "If she doesn't follow Miss Schnee's example of at least trying to become better. Then Miss Belladonna will unfortunately find herself in a shallow grave with her team none the wiser. Hopefully her friends can open her eyes to what is around her."

"Unfortunately I can't see Miss Belladonna opening her eyes before it is to late." Glynda sighed sadly.

"Yes, that is unfortunately true." Ozpin said with a sigh as he spun around. Looking up at the broken moon as he sipped from his empty mug.

"If there is nothing else, then I will take my leave." Glynda said, taking her leave when she noted that Ozpin was lost in thoughts.

When the elevator was gone Ozpin let out a broken sigh as he stood up. "Why? Was it not enough to torment me and my wife? Why must you take and torment another soul as well?" As usual only silence was his answer.

####

Note: Classes begins on Monday, so chapters might be a bit sporadic after that.

Note: This chapter was harder to write, if only because it felt like it was a lot of 'filler' with the tarot and what not. But those who have played Bloodborne to the end will hopefully get what I'm pointing at. If not, don't worry it will be clearer later.

Note: And the prologue as well as 'season 1' is over at the same time. Don't worry, I will do my best to change the 'cannon' plot as the story progresses. And I'm sorry for shitting on Blake. She is fun to write, but before she has a 'wakeup call', she won't get along with Jaune. Not to mention she had a strong emotional and personal connection to the White Fang, and as we know feelings aren't logical.

Note: Karaoke songs: Ren, Tequilla-The Champs, Nora, Thunderstruck-AC/DC, Jaune, Don't stop believing- Journey.