"It's done." A hollow tired voice announced softly. Grunting slightly Alfred stood up and turned around to take in the appearance of his fellow hunter. Jaune, the man had introduced himself as. It could be his name, it could be a fake name, Alfred was not one to care about such frivolous nonsense.

The hunt was all that mattered, the hunt for the for Vilebloods the only thing that moved him. As long as the hunter who calls himself Jaune never were to carry their mark, he would be a friend.

"What is done, my friend?" Alfred asked cautiously, wondering if he really had gotten so immersed in praying for his masters soul that he hadn't noticed the unmistakable stench of blood. Jaune was covered from head to toe in blood, blond hair dropping with freshly spilled blood, his coat so drenched that it would never get it's dark grey colour back.

"Old Yharnam. The district is free from beasts." Jaune promised with finality. Voice betraying the tiredness inside, deep laboured breathing coming out as Jaune allowed himself to catch his breath.

"Truly?" Alfred asked softly, deeply wishing that Jaune's word was true, but not allowing himself to believe. Not trusting his heart to be able to take such a betrayal.

"Yes. I killed them, every single one of them. But not just the men, but the women and children too. Everything that moved and breathed." Jaune spoke softly as he sat down on a tombstone, bringing up a blood-soaked rag and carefully began cleaning his sword to no avail. The sword was drenched with blood, even the scabbard was full of it, the familiar crimson liquid spilling over as he moved.

"I… I can hardly believe it. I didn't think it possible." Alfred whispered hoarsely in disbelief. His leg's giving away under him, as tears freely streamed down his face. Ignoring them, he forced himself up on shaking legs. Marching over to Jaune and pulled him into a crushing hug. "Thank you. I cannot express how much this means. Truly. The proud citizen of Yharnam is in your debt."

"Please, don't thank me. I only did what was right." Jaune said hoarsely, gently breaking the hug. Not daring to look into Alfred's eyes, lest he see the baby beasts. Those unfortunates to be cursed with a twisted existence. Pregnant women turning into beasts while still pregnant, turning the children along as they changed, or the rare child who absorbed all the beasthood and ate their way out of its mother.

Jaune could never bring himself to look his younger siblings in the eyes again.

"Master Logarius always said; that acts of goodness are not always wise, and acts of evil are not always foolish, but regardless, we shall strive to be good." The words were so familiar on his tongue, but never in all his prayers had the words ever felt as heavy as now.

Laying his hand on Jaune's shoulder, Alfred gave a bright smile. "You might not be from Yharnam, but never let it be said that you are not one of us. Actions speak louder than words, and your actions will echo through Yharnam, bringing with it whispers of hope. And if you would allow me the honour, please call me friend. My friendship, you have earned. I would love to call you brother, but unfortunately that title is only reserved for my brothers in arms."

"Friend huh, never thought I would ever hear that word in Yharnam." Jaune chuckled mirthfully, a sharp smile showing teeth on his face. "Offcomer, stranger, outsider, not to mention the curses thrown my way. You Yharnamites are not the friendliest bunch, huh?"

"The hunt has taken its toll. Be it from its brave hunters, or the citizen who just want the night to be over. Maybe before, Yharnam would have greeted someone like you with the kindness you deserve, unfortunately that time is far gone. And as long as beasts still walk the streets, that time will never come again." Alfred explained, a hollow feeling in his chest as he looked around. His once great home, known through all the world as the centre of healing. Reduced to terrified people hiding in their homes, plagued by something they couldn't cure.

"Honestly, if the constant death and murder hadn't taken its toll, I would really start to question the sanity of the city." Jaune said mirthlessly. Starting the vein task of cleaning his sword again. Blue eyes trailing over him, shining in curiosity. "But as much as I wish it so, I'm afraid I didn't come to talk."

"You are a friend, Jaune. There must be oodles for us to share. Don't be afraid to ask. Unlike some of my brother's in arms, I will not hold your ignorance against you. You are an outsider; you should not be expected to know the ins and outs of our fair city." Alfred said, for once since his master had been denied his right as a true martyr, he felt a weight off his shoulders.

"And should you ever visit my home, I will offer you the same." Jaune said with a smug little smile. As if laughing at a joke only he understood. He was quick to get his feelings under control. Sighing and straightening up. "But, yes. Vilebloods, Executioners. What are they? I have heard the terms thrown around, even having learned about the source of the conflict. But I just can't understand."

"Ahh, yes, I'm sure the grudge between us would seem unreasonable to an outsider such as yourself." Alfred said patiently as he nodded. "I won't ask how you know, instead taking your word for it. But do you know that a scholar from Byrgenwerth betrayed his fellows and brough forbidden blood back to Cainhurst?"

"I thought it was someone who betrayed the church? Stealing both blood and knowledge?" Jaune asked carefully.

"Then you have heard a mixed retelling. Byrgenwerth, an old place of learning, and the tomb of the gods carved out bellow our fair city are two things that should be known to every hunter. For it is there a group of young scholars discovered the holy medium. However, a fellow scholar betrayed them and brough forbidden blood to Cainhurst. And from that blood, the Vilebloods were born. Fiendish creatures who are no better than beasts in human skin. Why their queen is still alive." Alfred explained passionately as he smiled. Passion seemingly doubling as he saw Jaune sit and nod.

"Now, about the Executioners. Firstly, there are multiple types of executioners, even if the most prominent is Executioner of Vilebloods. The branch Master Logarius founded, and I am honoured to be a part of. Then there is the Executioners of Beasts, who's focus is purging the street of unclean scum and beasts. The Inquisitors are tasked with the safety of Yharnam, making sure none of the good citizen are sick." Alfred explained with rapture. Glee giving way to melancholy, tears welling up in his eyes.

"However, ours is a tale with a tragic ending. You see, in his time, The Luminous Master Logarius led his proud executioners into Cainhurst Castle. Unfortunately tragedy struck. In the end, only a handful few executioners survived. Master Logarius holding the rear, and in his last act of defiance against the filthy Vilebloods he performed the ultimate sacrifice. He…" Voice breaking, tremors racked his body as Alfred had to force himself to continue.

"By… by sacrificing his life, he became a blessed anchor, guarding us from evil. But… but it wasn't without cost. And now Master Logarius still stands guard in Cainhurst Castle, not even death being able to reach him due to the Vilebloods foul sorceries. That's why I must free him." Resolve burning at the injustice his dearest Master suffered. "I will free him. He shall finally be allowed to rest, canonised as a true martyr and a benchmark for all us Executioners to strive towards."

"Master Logarius must be blessed to have such a devout disciple." Jaune said after his little sermon came to an end. A shudder racing through him as he contemplated the Master's unjust fate.

"Thank you for your kind words, friend. It has not been easy knowing his unjust fate. I only wish to one day be able to let him rest." Alfred said softly. Quickly wiping some tears out of his eyes, forcing a smile on his face. "But what else are you burning to know? By all means ask away."

"That was mostly what I was wondering about. It feels like others are trying to force me to pick a side." Jaune sighed, grabbing his scabbard and pouring out the blood that filled it on a poor grave.

"While I would be more than proud to call a hunter of your calibre my brother in arms. I do understand that the cloth isn't for everyone." Alfred said sincerely. "However, if the hunt is what you crave, I know of two other groups that would love to take you in. The first is The League. Lead by Valtr, the Beast Eater" Having to do his best not to spit the name out in disgust.

"An outsider much like yourself, he came to Yharnam hunting the beasts. However, as with my Master, tragedy struck, leading him into a fit of madness where he devoured beasts." Quickly gesturing the executioners holy sigil, Alfred allowed his rising disgust to be purified. "What he experienced when he devoured beasts, no one knows. But he came out a changed man. Sprouting about vermin and how they are the source of man's corruption. While I find the reason for the League's conception abhorrent, they are a stalwart group of hunters who freely gives their cooperation to any hunter in need."

"I take it their mercenary ways is another reason they are not as liked? If your tone is anything to go by." Jaune asked, sighing in defeat as he was unable to was away the blood on his sword. Sheeting it with a frown.

"You are right, my friend. Very astute of you." Alfred smiled somewhat grimly. "Unfortunately, many of our righteous crusades have been stopped when a band of confederates, what they call themselves, joined the fight. While I can respect their goal, I can not for the life of me see them in a noble light. They are nothing more than mercenary scum, weakening the Executioners to push their hidden agenda. Compared to The Watchmen, they are nothing but trouble. Not that the Watchmen are innocent either."

"But, The Watchmen, or The hunter of hunters as they call themselves. A secretive bunch they are. No one really knows who they are, expect how they operate. Instead of hunting beasts, they hunt those who have become addled by the blood. If the League is a merry band of mercenaries, then the Watchmen is a group of filthy assassins, only the Vilebloods being worse than them." Alfred spat out. "Best stay clear of them. Killing good hunters at their own discretion."

"Huh, I never took there to be so much infighting amongst hunters." Jaune said, idly spinning his top hat between his hands, looking deep in thought. "Given the difference workshops I thought the worst would be differences in opinions. How wrong I was."

A morose silence settled over them, crystal clear blue eyes idly looking around. Following his eyes, Alfred smiled when he found out where it landed. "Ah, yes, you must be curious. A wheel is rarely, if never, used as a weapon. But the Logarius Wheel is a staple in any executioners arsenal. However don't be fooled by its appearance, it is a fearsome weapon."

"Any weapon is dangerous in the right hands." Jaune said as a sharp smile etched itself on his face. How someone could radiate such malice while also looking so approachable, Alfred would never know. But it only served to inflame his want to bring Jaune into the fold. He had the bearing of a true martyr, he could, no would lead the Executioners into a second golden age. In doing so finishing what master Logarius started.

"Wise words. The Vilebloods would have done good to not underestimate us before it was too late." Alfred said merrily, tone not matching the sinister smile on his face. Running his hand over his Logarius wheel. Shuddering in delight as he felt the untold grudged of dead Vilebloods which permeated it.

The irony that the fiendish Vilebloods grudges fuelled the wheels power not lost on him in the slightest. If anything, it was a righteous retribution for the sins they committed.

"How goes your hunt?" I feel like time ran away from me while in Old Yharnam." Jaune asked good naturally. Not knowing how deep his word cut. Kind smile coming of as mocking.

"It… it goes. As much as I loathe to admit it, the Vilebloods are masters of rites and rituals. Unless you are invited in, one will never be able to set foot in the castle, let alone see it." Alfred spat trough gritted teeth. Shame burning at his inability to help his master.

"If I were to find some other way to circumvent the spell, you will be the first I tell." Jaune said softly, making hope blossom in Alfred's chest. He hadn't dared hope, but it seems the tides of fate had finally shifted. "Thank you, friend, I will pray for your success."

Humming lightly, Jaune sighed standing up and stretching. Joins popping like gunshots. "But as good as your company is, the night is young, and the hunt must go on."

"Be well my friend. May the good blood show you the path." Alfred said gently. Getting a little smile and wave from Jaune as he marched like a man on a mission up the stairs. Blood dripping from his sword, yet he paid it no mind.

Indecision gripped him as Alfred twirled his amulet in his fingers. Feeling as if the beautiful future he foresaw was crumbling before him. He knew his time was limited, prayer, no matter how zealous, could only stave of the beasts temporarily. Every second he sat doing nothing, was a second lost to the beasts ever growing influence. His time was running out, the Vileblood queen was still alive, and Master Logarius had yet to be properly canonised.

He couldn't die yet, not when his purpose was still unfiled.

However that didn't mean he was out of options. As the Luminous Master had passed the torch to him, maybe he too could pass it onto another? His brother in arms might curse his name for daring to think of passing the torch to someone not of the cloth.

But he was out of options, and his fellow executioners left a lot to be desired.

Eventually indecisions gave way to resolve. With a sigh, of relief or of apprehension, he called out. "Jaune, wait, there is something I want to give you."

His words stopping his friend in his tracks, curiosity shining in his eyes while he cautiously made his way back to him. Not holding his friends caution over him, he just smiled. Nodding at his caution, knowing that most of his brothers would do well to learn that caution was always warranted. 'But I guess that is the difference between those born into the cloth, or those who found faith after many months of hunting. They don't know better, and I shan't hold it against them.'

"What is it?" Jaune asked, sheeting his sword, and leaning against a gravestone.

Carefully taking of the amulet, he gently hands it to him. A beautiful golden marvel cradling the runestone inside. A beautiful golden triangle, with a half-closed eye in the middle shining with a soft golden glow.

"Here, the Luminous Amulet. A sign of friendship. And should you ever turn to the cloth, it will serve as my recommendation. No friend of mine should have to be seen with contempt from his would-be brothers." Alfred chuckled, smile growing wider when his friend pocketed it over his heart. Truly he could ask for no better friend.

"Thank you, I will treasure it." Jaune said kindly. "But I'm afraid the hunt is calling my name."

"Then let me not hold you any longer. May the good blood guide your way." Alfred smiled, going back to his silent prayer as the sound of footsteps got softer and softer, until only blessed silence was left.

A part of him felt guilty for tricking his friend, as carrying a Luminous Amulet pinned him as a member of the clergy. But he had to act fast, the fiendish Vilebloods wasn't allowed to get their insidious claws into his friend.

But what was some little white lies between friends?

#####

"I don't much appreciate being secretly recruited into a conflict I have no stake in, Alfred." Jaune mumbled to himself, running a gloved thumb over the runestone that sat in the centre of the amulet. Soft yellow light, just like the rays of the sun, washed over him. It was beautiful if not for the implications.

While he could admit to being an idiot at times, an amulet bearing the executioners sigil couldn't be more obvious. This wasn't as much proof of friendship, as it was proof he was taking 'their' side. A coin or a simple badge would have been more than enough. An amulet carrying a glowing rune in the middle? That was something else entirely.

"I really should have seen the red flags. Half collapsed pupils, the thinning thread of sanity, the way he looked at the blood… He is minutes away from following Gascoignes footsteps, isn't he." Jaune choked out as the realisation dawned at him.

A part of him wanted to march back and put the man he would have liked to call friend down. For that was his duty, as both friend and fellow hunter. Another part of him was tired, just so tired.

His massacre trough old Yharnam had taken its toll, both mentally and physically. After cleansing the streets first, he had gone searching homes. Leaving only rivers of blood in his wake. Despair still weighed his heart down; he didn't have the guts to return to the dream and back to check if the dead was truly dead. Maybe it was the coward in him speaking, but he couldn't bring himself to do that all over again.

"Next time, next time." Jaune promised himself, their friendship might be long since tainted by lies, Alfred not telling, or knowing the whole truth, his zealotry blinding him. And he had the Cainhurst Summoning, something he could easily give his so called 'friend' to have him complete his crusade. Something he couldn't do before he got answers.

Ringing the bell, Isolde spirited the amulet to the dream. Getting the rune workshop tool back was already the next thing on his list now that he had the chalice. The runestone in the amulet being just another reason to get it.

"Now, how do I get there?" Jaune mumbled to himself as he walked up the stairs to the little chapel. The smell of incense greeting him, making his mood lighten just a little, the horrors of what he had done not becoming muted, just being pushed to the side. Beasts were beasts, even if they had been human once upon a time. Part of him understood Ren's horror, but he chalked that up to not understanding.

"Jaune!"

"Hunter."

Violet greeted happily, mary janes clacking against the hard stone flooring as she came skipping down the stairs, a bright smile on her face as she acted her age, throwing herself towards him into a hug. Ignoring his blood-soaked clothes as she rested her head against his midsection. Delicate arms clinging tight, not daring to let go.

A soft smile graced his lips as he gently patted her head, making Violet cling even harder. Soft sobbing ringing out, as Violet looked up at him with her big blue eyes. Tears welling in her eyes, snot hanging from her nose, "I thought you left me." She whispered softly. "I…I woke up all alone and couldn't find you anywhere."

Gently breaking up her hold, he knelt before her. "Never. I would never abandon you." He promised sincerely. With tears in her eyes, Violet threw her arms around his neck. Crying with relief into his neck.

"You made it back in nick of time, hunter. The wee lass was half a second from running out into the streets, again, to look for you." The old crone said dryly. A smile full of mirth on her face as she idly sat on her rocking chair.

'Give it to Yharnam to be the only place in the world to not care when a child is about to get themselves killed.' Jaune grumbled. Shooting the old crone a glare, his eyes eventually trailing over to where a there should be a wall, a hidden passage greeting him instead. 'Welp, looks like I my plans are shifted.'

"Ummm… Mr Jaune?" Violet asked carefully, having dried her tears on the sleeve of her dress. "Do… do you think you can take me as an apprentice now? I finished what you wanted. I... I can even show you if you want."

"I didn't doubt a second you would fail." Jaune said softly, a beautiful smile blossoming on Violet's smile. Small arms throwing themselves around his neck again. Patting her supportively on the back, she let go, blushing furiously as she tried schooling her expressions. Trying to imitate him, wanting to show she took this seriously, even if her heart was fluttering with glee.

"But there are some things we need to get done before I can take you out hunting." Jaune said good naturally, not able to help the chuckle that escaped him as her brows fell and a pout appeared. "Don't worry, I'm not stopping you, just some things that need to be done to become a proper hunter." He said, running a gloved hand through her hair.

"Firstly, have you had a blood transfusion?" Jaune asked, already knowing the answer if the confusion in her eyes were anything to go by. "Ok, contract first, then blood transfusion. You can read and write, right?"

At his words she nodded tentatively. A small sigh of relief escaping him at her admission. Inwardly glad that Gehrman had drilled him on everything to do to set up a proper contract. Flinching as he looked down at her large eyes sparkling with hope and wonder, he could only hope she could look at him the same way should daybreak come.

The dream was cruel, and it would undoubtedly be cruel to tie a child not even ten to its influence. But he didn't want her to die.

Death came so easily while hunting, one second of indecision, a moment of looking left instead of right, a hidden enemy, a dead end. There were untold way's a hunt could go wrong, and even with aura he had far more deaths than he would like to his name.

He would not dig a grave for the young nine-year-old. Who had died under his supervision because he was too weak to crush her dreams.

Was it a curse or a mercy to tie her to the dream?

He didn't know, neither was he particularly in the mood to ponder the ethical and moral dilemmas to bring a child under ten into a life of untold horrors. He had long since made his peace with where he was heading after he died, to the deepest pits of whatever accursed afterlife that would gladly have him.

"Dweller, do you know if the Chapel have tools to perform blood transfusions?" Jaune asked the Dweller. White eyes blazing with newfound purpose looked up to him, furiously nodding. "Yes-Yes, down the stairs, from which you first came, and the little lass practiced her shooting. Behind one of the bookshelves there is a room to perform blood ministration. However… the reverent never allowed me close, but I remember hearing screams coming out… I don't know what he did, and I don't want to know either. Just please be careful."

"Thank you." Jaune said, giving a curt nod before walking down the stairs, dragging his sword, grabbing his hand lantern in the other hand. The all too familiar smell of gunpowder in his nose, and the many, many, marks on the opposite wall proved that Violet had been diligent in the task he gave her. Not that he had doubted her, she was someone with something to prove. There was no way she was going to give up easily.

Looking around the familiar study room, he was quick to spot the hidden drag marks on the floor. Subtly glancing down at his to-be apprentice, a part of him, the big brother that is somewhat an asshole part, wanted to sit down and pull the old master card while having the apprentice do all the heavy lifting. A bit like what he and Gehrman had going. He went out hunting, proving himself, and then Gehrman taught him what he thought was needed.

Unfortunately he didn't think his stressed out and emotionally vulnerable apprentice would take kindly to having that sort of challenge suddenly sprung on her. Maybe if she had been older, but Violet was nine years old. While he would hold her to the same standards, he held himself and his team, she shouldn't feel like she was drowning under expectations. That never ended well.

Looking over the bookshelf for any obvious hidden switches and finding none, he shrugs and lays a hand on the bookshelf, giving it a little push. It wobbles slightly, so gesturing for Violet to take a step back and cover her ears. Lodging Crocea Mors between the wall and bookshelf, he only needed a little push for the bookshelf to come crashing down.

"Please wait a minute while I make sure it is safe." Jaune said to Violet, getting a hesitant, if reluctant nod from her. Quickly scanning the path, he sighed, it wasn't as much a path or secret entrance as it was a literal hole in the wall. With bricks seemingly removed by a sledgehammer.

Channelling some spirituality into his rune, he saw the flame in his lantern turn an eerie blue. Casting soft light into the abandoned room. Walls full of different types of blood vials, an old centrifuge, together with a wall of different chemist tools and beakers. Glass pipes in a marvel of engineering that Jaune wasn't going to touch with a ten-foot pole. He could recognise a condenser and a distiller setup. The rest went over his head.

Stepping around the bloodied hospital bed, ignoring the bloated corpse strapped down with practices ease. Only giving it one look to check if it was dead dead, and not pretending dead. Kicking the skull of a skeleton away and walking up to a workbench he did a cursory read through an open journal.

The reverent's experiments had started out pure, or as pure could be in a city like Yharnam. But as the nights grew longer and the hunt grew worse, once pure ambition turned to something more sinister. From creating 'purer' blood, able to heal more invasive wounds and regrow organs, to creating blood that gave the drinker different beneficial effects. Until lastly, he started to experiment with a different goal in mind.

Creating the ultimate hunters.

The reverent hoped that by fusing the beasts instincts with a human's logic he could create the ultimate hunter and rid the street of beasts once and for all. Only for his experiments to grow more twisted and cruel as he was met with failure after failure. Even coming to a point where he planned to insert a beasts heart into a living person.

Snaping the journal shut; he slid it into his pocket. While he had no desire to follow in the reverent's footsteps, his earlier discoveries were still worth keeping. "You can come in now." He called out, lighting the candles and unfastening the bloated corpse. Setting it down by a shelf containing jars of different beastly materials.

Violet looked unsure, and frankly terrified when her gaze landed on the blood-cacked bed, eyes shooting to Jaune who could only give a reassuring nod as he brough forth an iv stand. "Now, please sit on the bed, it might look uncomfortable, but I promise you no harm will come to you."

Hesitantly Violet jumped up, turning to sit towards him, legs dangling cutely over the edge. Blue eyes darting around nervously, going over all the bloodstained medical equipment, freezing when her eyes landed on a jar that carried a floating heart inside. Fur was sprouting from multiple parts, while words and sigils had been carved on other parts of it.

"Now, before you can get some Yharnam blood of your own. You will need a contract." Jaune said gently. Holding out his dominant hand and snaping his fingers. A roll of parchment appeared seamlessly out of thin air, edges dripping with blood. Unfolding it, blood red letters shone back. Grabbing his hand, a somewhat teasing smile appeared.

"Now, are you a boy or a girl?" His teasing tone helping to ease her nerves. Pouting she brough her knees up to her chest. "I'm a pretty girl." Violet pouted, shoulders loosening as she looked visibly less worked up about the eerie room she found herself in.

"That you are." Jaune kindly replied. "Now, is your full name, Violet Gascoigne? Don't worry, this is the last question before I'll read the clauses of your apprenticeship. After that you will be given to read over the document and sign your name, before I sign last. Finalising everything. There is no going back from this. Are you sure you want to be a hunter? It is not a glamorous lifestyle."

"I do." Violet whispered softly, eyes a glow with resolve as she looked at him. "My middle name is Augustine, after my grandmother."

"A beautiful name." Jaune said softly, before clearing his throat and reading up all twelve clauses, and the sub clauses. All weighed as favourably as the dream would allow in Violet's favour, which was not a lot. Something he had hashed out with both Gehrman's and the Doll's help.

When he was done, he handed the contract to Violet for her to read trough. She gave it one look, confusion shining in her eyes as she signed her name and handed it back.

"Did you read it?" Jaune asked, getting a hesitant nod in return. "Ok, short summary, I, as the Mentor, Master, Teacher, or whatever you want to call me, is to do my best to teach you, giving you access to secrets and techniques that are not to be shared with anyone, unless given my explicit permission. I will care for you, teach you everything I know and more, everything I deem fitting that you will need as a hunter. I will also have the final say in where you are to infuse your blood echoes until you show proper understanding and maturity in the matter."

"As Apprentice, your duty will be to learn too the best of your ability. Don't be afraid to ask questions if there is something you don't understand. This agreement will last for ten years after all, or until a time where I deem you fit enough to set out on your own. And finally, until you are to reach puberty, you will only be required to join the hunt onca a week."

"But… what if I want to join the hunt every time you do?" Violet asked softly when he had said his part. Smiling at her question, he sighed, knowing she wouldn't take kindly to his words. Even if it was for her benefit. "Then I, as your master, will have the final say to bring you with me or not. That is non-negotiable. The duration can be renegotiated after you turn thirteen, but that is the only thing that can be changed."

He had expected Violet to pout at his words, not for her to huff and turn away from him. She had seemed so mature, but only now, that she felt safe did she allow herself to act her age.

"Now, is there anything else you didn't understand, or do you want me to finalize the contract? There is no way back after this." Jaune asked softly, giving her the choice he never got to make. Not knowing what he would willingly do for the chance to just have chosen.

"Yes… I want this." Violet mumbled softly, turning back to him with steely eyes. Penning his name, the letters on the parchment started to glow crimson before blood seeped out them. Drenching the parchment until nothing but a clump of paper and blood landed on the floor. Violet staring at it curiosity, never having seen something like that before.

Jaune smiled at his apprentice's curiosity, a trait that would serve her well, even if she might come to hate what she where to eventually stumble upon. Standing up, he quickly sat up a blood vial, had Violet lie down, as he gently inserted the cannula into the correct vein. Inwardly marvelling at how it almost felt like he had done this a thousand times before.

"Don't worry, I will be by your side the entire time. You might see something strange, but treat it as a mere bad dream." Jaune said softly, taking his apprentices hand in his. Violet squeezed his hand as he turned the valve. Crimson blood starting to flow down the tube. "Please don't leave me." Violet whispered softly as her eyes began to fog over.

"Never." Jaune promised, gently squeezing her hand in support. He had never had a blood transfusion himself, almost as if he was born with Yharnam blood in his veins. But Gehrman had patiently explained that one could see hallucinations when performing a blood. And he should be exceptionally careful with his apprentice after she had gotten hers, as they were rarely done to someone of her age, if ever.

#####

Violet came to with a start. Shotting up as she felt her heart slam in her chest. Only Jaune's hand in hers helped calm her rising panic. Her free hand coming up, patting herself down. Breathing a small sigh of relief when not finding the small, disfigured doll-like beings anywhere.

Squeezing Jaunes hand for dear life, she felt her shoulders slacken. Knowing she was safe with him close. Looking around, she wondered if the dream had been real. Carefully she peeked over to the bloated corpse. Thankfully finding it where it had been. It hadn't moved, spoken, or done anything. It had just been siting there.

'It had just been my mind playing tricks.' She thought to herself as she turned to Jaune, who sat with his nose in his notebook. Pulling his attention from the notebook, he gave her a kind smile.

"You're awake? Good. We have a lot more to do before you are a proper hunter-apprentice." He said with a smile. "Don't worry, it's just to get you sorted and familiar with what our Workshop has to offer. It is… special, you will find. But, before you can even think to set foot on the streets, we will have to get you some proper clothes. There is nothing wrong with what you are wearing, but it's not suitable for hunting beasts. And who knows, if we are quick, we might be able to get some time to hunt."

Nervousness, together with excitement and dread pooled in her stomach. Because suddenly it became real. She knew what she had signed up to when Jaune had asked, but it had always felt so far away. Almost as if part of her didn't want to acknowledge that the innocent time she had spent with her sister would soon be but a memory.

Shaking that thought away, she allowed herself to be lifted of the weird operating bed, almost stumbling when she felt her legs give out under her when she landed. Quickly latching her hand back into Jaune's when she could. Smiling at the feeling of safety he radiated. He was warm and welcoming, not her cold and distant neighbours.

"But there is one little thing we must do before we head back to the Workshop." Jaune said, kneeling before her. A soft smile on his face as he gently placed his hand on her chest and chanted softly.

"It is when everything seems lost, that we rise. Through this, we carry the torch of hope for those unable. Infinitive in magnitude and unbroken by despair. I release your soul, and by my hand, grant you hope."

The words chimed in her ears, something she had never felt before coming bursting out from her. A gasp escaping her, marvelling at her hands, where a soft yellow light shone from the warm barrier around her. It looked like the first rays of dawn, bringing with it gentle warmth, washing away a chill she didn't know had settled in her bones.

Completely gobsmacked, she looked up at her master, the light retracting into her. He gave her a cheeky little wink, a soft and light-yellow washing over her as he summoned up the power he had willingly shared with her.

"Why?" She managed to croak out as tears welled in her eyes. The warmth in her chest filling her with a feeling of safety she had never been privileged enough to feel before.

"Because you are worth it." Jaune said softly, already moving to catch her in a hug before she could throw herself at him. Tears welling down her eyes as she clung to him. "Thank you." She managed to whisper out, not knowing what to say after he had given her the most valuable thing in all of Yharnam. Not something the blood offered, nor money could buy.

Safety.

"Think nothing of it." Jaune said gently as he carefully prided her hands of him. Rising to his full height, giving the room they were in a calculating look, before sighing and turning to her. "Now, can you please be a dear and head down to the tomb? I'm going to seal up this, just in case. Don't worry, I will be quick."

Nodding uncertainty, she stepped through the hole in the wall they had come through before climbing down the ladder. Ignoring the still water that soaked her socks as she made her way down the stairs.

This wasn't the first time she he visited the open-air tomb where her parents had been buried after being offed sanctuary in the chapel. There were only so much time she could spend practicing her shooting before her hands and shoulders burned. The old crone didn't want to talk to her, already having written her off as a naïve girl who was already dead. And while she was somewhat pious, there was only so much she could pray for her master's safety before it felt like the religious effigies grew eyes and stared at her.

During all this the open-air tomb had become something of a safe haven where she could catch her breath. To sit and think of how she could finally chase her dream.

She knew her father would be livid at her choice, the only time he had ever hit her was when she expressed her wish to be a hunter like him. To go out and save people, to know that they could look to her and feel safe.

"Hello Father." Violet said softly as she sat down before the stone pile that marked her parent's grave. She had prepared what she wanted to say, but now, when she had started walking towards her dream, words failed her.

"I'm sorry." She eventually managed to croak out. "I'm sorry, I'm not the daughter you wanted. I'm sorry that I never could understand the religion so dear to you. I'm sorry I can't understand why you wanted me to save other's souls when it would mean nothing should the beasts get to them. I… I just wanted to be like you dad… is that wrong?"

Nothing but a stray wind answered her as she looked at their grave. "I… I may not have been who you wanted as a daughter… but I still hope you will be proud of me, wherever you are now."

Getting up, she stepped away from the grave, giving it one last look as she wiped her tears. The ghostly visage of her mother and father standing behind the grave marker, tears welled in her mother's eyes as she looked sadly over at her, mounting a soft 'I'm sorry'. Her father, even though the bandages over his eyes, radiated pure disappointment, even a little anger. Turned and looked away.

Blinking, they were gone. All the words she wanted to tell them dying in her throat. Leaving her feeling cold and empty. Staring dumbly at where they had just been. Not knowing if her mind were playing cruel tricks, or her parents, even beyond the grave were disappointed in her.

Doing her best to ignore the hole where her heart was, she looked around the tomb. Needing something, anything, to help get her mind of what she had just seen. Not wanting to think about it. Spotting a ghastly white lamp hanging innocently in the middle of the tomb.

Her curiosity getting the better of her she walked, almost as if in a trance, towards it. Blue eyes open in wonder as she tried inched closer to it. Not knowing how she could have ever overlooked it. Heart thundering in her chest she tentatively reached out towards it, as if scared the lamp would grow teeth and attack her. When noting happened, she mustered up her courage and reach towards it.

"I didn't touch it." Violet shouted out almost on reflex, twirling around with her heart hammering in her chest as she looked over at Jaune. Confusion quickly turning to understanding in his eyes when he saw where she stood.

"And here I wanted it to be a surprise." Jaune said with little smile as he quickly walked down the stairs. "As I said earlier, our workshop is special, almost magical in some of its abilities. But don't worry, I will be with you every step of the way. Now, take my hand, and let's start the first lesson. Lanterns."

With confusion and nervousness warring in her stomach, she did as instructed. Taking her masters large hand in hers, looking up to him, wondering what was next.

"You see, there exists multiple lamps like the one before us scatted around Yharnam. Only those affiliated with our workshop will be able to utilise them, let alone see them. Should you find another unlit lantern while exploring Yharnam, you will be able to quickly travel from one lantern to the other." Jaune said, as he smiled down at her. "It is also the only way for us to return to our Workshop."

Demonstrating, Jaune touched the lantern. Violet felt something twist in her gut. A bright light blinding her, a surreal silence choking the life out of all background noise. Leaving her reeling at the sudden tranquillity. Blinking the stars out of her eyes, mouth hanging open as she took in her surroundings.

Gone were the all too familiar stone walls, replaced by twisted, gnarly trees. In the soft moonlight the trees seemed to come to life, cruel and mocking faces caved into them as they danced to an invisible tune. Inviting her to come join them, knowing it would be the last thing she would ever do.

Clinging tighter to Jaune, she tore her eyes from the trees and desperately looked for something else. The lifeless doll, leaning at the old and decrepit workshops foundation not helping her in the slightest. The doll's eyes seemed far too lifelike. Shining with curiosity and wonder as they seemed to follow her. The disfigured doll-like beings hiding in its shadow, peering out at her with open amazement not helping.

Walking up the steps, a sigh of relief involuntarily escaped her when they entered the workshop. The brazier burning, it's warmth wrapping around her like a warm blanked on a rainy day. All amazement she had at exploring the workshop long since gone at the gloomy atmosphere, more fitting the fairy tales she had been read before being tucked in.

"Ah… protégé, you have returned. And I see you have brough someone else with you." A wizen old voice called out. An old man in a wheelchair siting before a little altar. Dressed in a suit that had seen better time, a monocle over his right eye, and leaning on a cane as he looked differently at her. As if she could die right before him and he wouldn't bat an eye.

"Yes. This is Violet Gascoigne. My apprentice." Jaune said plainly. Muttering something about 'shouldn't have gotten my hopes up' under his breath as he ran a hand down his face.

"I figured as much. I'm old, not slow." The old man spat back, looking over at Jaune with somewhat harsh eyes. "Your kindness will be your undoing, protégé. A child, especially one as young as her, have nothing to do with joining the hunt. You should have done the proper thing and turned her down."

"And crush her dream without a chance to even try?" Jaune replied, voice taking on a somewhat heated tone she had never heard before.

"Yes." The old gentleman replied uncaringly. "Children are the hope of tomorrow, they are to be protected, not to be thrown to the wolves. If crushing her dreams will mean she is safe, then it is the proper thing to do. You can still break the contract; she will wake up back in the real world thinking it all a dream. Sparing yourself whatever heartache you will eventually experience when she breaks. It's not a matter of if, only of when."

"No. I gave her my word, and an Arc never goes back on their word." Jaune said, hands on her shoulders in support.

"I knew you were a reckless, hot-headed fool. I had hoped the hunt would beat some sense into that thick skull of yours. But it seems I was wrong." The old gentleman tsked. "Nonetheless, I won't get in your way. You know where to find me."

"Is the reason you are such an unlikable bastard because you don't want to get hurt?" Jaune asked softly, staring at the old gentleman with an unfathomable gaze.

"My apprentice decided to end her life. Not being able to stomach what she had done. The one's I dared called friends are all long gone. With the man I once looked up to being nothing but a corpse having forgotten to be buried. All I have ever loved, have crumbled to dust in my hands." The old man whispered softly. Shooting a sharp look at Jaune. "Don't you dare try to lecture me about matters you have no understanding off. When your little doll of an apprentice shatters like glass in your hands, and you can do nothing but watch helplessly. When once lively eyes turn empty and listless. When you find her with a rope around her neck and a dagger in her chest. Only then can you ever begin to understand, and for your sake. I hope you never do."

The old man's word choked the air, whatever joy and pride she had at joining the Workshop crushed under heel by a bitter old man's words.

"Don't take Gehrman's words to heart." Jaune said softly, giving her shoulders a supporting squeeze. "He means well, he is just unable to show it. But, just because you get a blood transfusion doesn't that make you a hunter. You still need to look the part and get you some other essentials. But clothes first, if you look like a proper hunter, you will feel like one."

With that said, he led her towards a wardrobe, pulling it open and stepping in. A gasp of awe escaping her as she stepped into another world. Mannequins standing dressed in different attires. A charred suit that looked like it had been lit on fire and stitched together. It's neighbour wearing a just as tattered outfit, only difference being that this one was in an ashen colour, the tricone on the mannequins head seemed to have some sort of beastly fur sticking instead of a birds feather.

Her eyes landed on a mannequin that wore her fathers hunter garb, complete with black glasses and wide brimmed hat. Tearing her eyes away from it, she looked over two identical sets. The same type of cloth's Jaune wore, only with two different hats, a top hat and a black tricone. Another mannequin wore a leather trench coat that looked more menacing than inviting.

But the two mannequins that drew her attention was the one that wore nothing but a chest plate and two pauldrons, and one that had blue pants of some material she had never seen before and a weird sweater with a cute bunny insignia on it. Before she could look any closer at it, Jaune sighed and sent her a little look.

"No. Anything but those two outfits. I'm sorry, I should have specified. You can choose any outfit you want here, expect those two." Jaune said softly, expertly ignoring the pout she sent his way. "When you have made up your mind, touch a mannequin and the outfit will automatically be tailored to your size."

"Master?… do… you think I can mix and match?" Violet asked, trying to get into the mind to properly call her Master his proper title.

Jaune stood stock still, not having expected her to call him that, something flashing in his eyes for half a second before he answered her. "Yes, you can. Also… you don't need to call me master. Call me whatever you feel comfortable with."

"But that would be improper." Violet said indignantly, walking up to the mannequin that wore the same outfit as Jaune with a huff and reaching to touch it.

Gasping as the mannequin suddenly wore her clothes. Looking down in wonder, seeing herself dressed in something she would have never been allowed to wear. The leather boots were to die for, perfectly soft and warm in a way her mary-janes had never been. The pants kept her legs warm; she didn't have to worry about a stray wind making her shiver. The undershirt didn't itch but was warm and sat comfortably. The leather vest, while a bit heavy, felt like it belonged. And the long coat left her feeling warm and protected. No rain or wind would ever make her feel cold when she wore this.

Carefully taking of her top hat, she looked down at it. Gut twisting as she glanced over to the mannequin that wore her fathers outfit. Running her finger along the brim of the hat as she bit her lip.

Steeling her nerves, she reached out and touched the mannequin that wore her father's clothes. Looking down in relief when she saw she was still wearing her the same hunter's attire. A smile splitting her lips as she reached up and felt the familiar wide brimmed hat resting comfortably on her head.

Cautiously walking towards the mirror, she took out her mother's red broch. Something she could never bear to let go of. Pinning it to her chest, over her heart, as to never forget them.

Looking at her reflection, she didn't see the scared little girl that had ran out in the street despite better judgment. But an up-and-coming young hunter who looked fit to take on the hunt.

Turning to her master with a bright smile, preening as he gave her a kind smile. Walking back to his side and taking his gloved hand in hers. Marvelling at how comfortable the gloves were, not having noticed them.

"Now, only some small things left." Jaune said, bringing her out of the wardrobe. Their boots making almost no sound as they stepped down the staircase. A glass outdoors table that had clearly seen better days standing beside a bird bath. Multiple weapons leaning against it.

An axe, like the one she had seen her father carry with him when he went to 'work'. A saw-spear and a saw cleaver. A gentlemanly cane leaned against the bird bath. A long spear standing beside it, with a lever coming out from the wood. There was a sword sticking out of a stone off to the side. Lastly a stake driver laid on the glass table. Looking half a second from falling through the table.

"Go on, pick a weapon, but only one. While you can switch later on, I won't give you the blood echoes to buy a new weapon, that is something you have to gather yourself. I will give you everything you might ever need, but I also won't coddle you. I can't hurt you like that." Jaune said, reaching out to ruffle her hair, forgetting the hat she wore, settling on giving her shoulder a pat instead.

Stepping forward, indecision gripped her. Eyes trailing from weapon to weapon, not understanding what half of them even were supposed to be. The weird stake driver and the sword in stone were quickly pushed to the side, no matter how interesting they looked. She did the same thing with the weird spear. Unfortunately having to do the same with the axe, having tried to lift her fathers axe before, only to hurt her back in the process.

But that left her with three choices, the saw spear, saw cleaver, and cane. Looking over her choices, she eventually reached out for the saw-spear, only to be drawn towards the saw-cleaver in the end.

The bandaged wood sat weirdly in her hand, the weapon being deceivingly light. Not at all as she had expected. It still had a hefty weight, and if she wanted to use its other form, she needed to use two hands. Even with all that she felt confident in her choice. Maybe she would change to something else when she grew more as a hunter, but for now the saw-cleaver was more than good enough.

"So that's your weapon huh? A good a choice as any I suppose." Jaune said with a shrug. Pulling out a notebook like his and a fountain pen out of his breath pocket and handed them to her. "Here, a journal with never-ending pages and a pen that never runs out of ink. A place for you to gather your thoughts, ideas, or a diary if you ever feel inclined."

"Thank you." Violet whispered, leaning her saw-cleaver on her legs as she eagerly opened the notebook and looked trough it. Letting out an awed gasp at the clean paper. Pocketing it on her coat's breast pocket with a giddy smile. Having to hold herself back from writing in it.

"Now, there is only one thing left, and you are pretty much done." Jaune said, pulling out a bullet pooch and quickly tied it around her waist. "And done, you have a firearm holster under your arm, but it can be changed if it makes you uncomfortable. Some thirty rounds to get you started and your pistol. A proper outfit, a weapon to get you started with, an emblem, and a notebook. I think we are about done here."

What he was about to say died in his throat as a soft glow enveloped him. Jaune didn't seem all to surprised, it was almost as if the soft glow had enveloped him a hundred times before.

Before she knew what she was doing, she threw herself at him. The silverly glow coming down and enveloping her as well. In a blink they were gone. Warmth enveloping her as she looked around the sudden darkness. Heart jumping in her chest as an unknown voice called out from behind her.

"I know, it's just…Nora. Why is there a child in Jaune's bed?"

####

Note: As of right now, Old Yharnam is free from beasts.

Note: Don't worry, the ten rune slots come with some caveats. Not everything is as it seems.

Note: Chapters will be more spread out as I'm studying for my exams. I'm not going to drop the fic, but it's a warning that some chapters will be more spaced out.