Jaune's never-ending nightmare

by herjoh

Beacon was suposed to be his chance to be a hero. It was his chance to live up to his families legacy and become a hero. Unfortuantly Jaune wasn't a lucky man and on his first night in Beacon, he finds himself waking up in a weird place called the 'Hunters Dream' And the night is long and cruel. But maybe, just maybe he could be a hero.

63. Chapter 63

"Come in." Jaune called out when he heard knocking on the door. Not a second later Bloom opened the door and marched in. Leading the legion of sisters with Ruby holding up the rear. Giving him a nervous little wave as she slipped inside and closed the door after them.

"Sheesh. So this is where you are living now? You really moved up in the world, huh?" Saphire smiled, excitedly looking around the room. Her eyes dating back to Ruby, then over to him as she gave him a cheeky wink. Her hand shooting out to land on Jade's shoulder the second their sister saw Pyrrha. Jolting her back to the land of the living. Garbled noise came from her mouth as she words failed her. Her cheeks blushing crimson as he swore he could see steam escaping her ears.

"Just let me finish up, and I will bring out some refreshments." Jaune replied with a roll of his eyes. Dunking another glass under the water and furiously scrubbing. Bloom trotting over to his side, only to stop and look around in confusion when she didn't find Violet.

"Violet is taking a mid-morning nap." Jaune explained, gesturing at his bed where a small form was wrapped in blankets that gently rose and fell. He coulndt quite put to words the emotion he saw he saw dancing in her spirit, but he knew when she pouted. Neither did he miss the way she stomped away.

"I don't know if I should be happy that she has finally made a friend. Or if I should feel sorry for the poor girl." Mari muttered as she made her way behind him. "Where are the glasses? I'll help." She continued, throwing a curious if cautious glance over at Ren and Nora. Acting like the introvert she swore she wasn't.

"Belated happy birthday. There is a gift wrapped in the corner cabinet." Jaune smiled, ignoring her little squawk as she instantly darted to the cabinet. Any thoughts of helping all but forgotten. Tearing open the cabinet door and pulling out the package. Tearing into the wrapping a second later. "You are thirteen years old now. You know you can afford to take it slow?"

"Thirteen?" Ruby gasped, silver eyes instantly darting to his sister. The pout came a second later. Ruby laying herself flat on the kitchen table as she grumbled under her breath. "She is taller than me. Why is everything so unfair."

"!" Mari exclaimed in disbelief and glee as she held the ballgown high for all to see. It had cost him some echoes to get it out and permanently separated from the dream's influence. But it wasn't like he was going to use it again. 'And it's wort it if only to see her smile like that. That some things from Yharnam can bring joy…'

"I know how you said you want to dance on a stage-" Jaune didn't finish his sentence before his sister had him wrapped in a crushing hug. Vibrating in joy as pinpricks of tears welled up in her eyes. Words failing her as she hugged.

"Is that an Arc thing, or?" Nora asked, looking between Jade and Mari before looking back at him. "Getting so emotional you can't make words? But where is super bitch anyway? After yesterday I thought she would do everything to lay into fearless leader."

"Out with some 'friends'." Saphire shrugged. Falling into one of the couches. Dawn sitting down beside her.

"Playing bedroom bingo?" Nora shot back instantly, wiggling her eyebrows as she grinned.

"Locking lips and hips." Saphire shot straight back, wiggling her eyebrows back at her.

"Girls." Ren sighed, running a hand down over his face. Looking up from his bench and giving them a tired glare. "If Lily want's to 'spread the love', let her. It's none of our business what she gets up to under the covers."

"Wait. Is Lily a slut?" Dawn asked curiously from beside Saphire. Kicking her legs curiously over the edge as she looked around. Curiosity sparkling in her eyes, yet she clutched her sister's hand like a lifeline. The bags under her eyes hidden by a light smidgen of makeup.

"Yes."

"Jaune!" All his sister's shouted instantly. Rolling his eyes, he drained the water from the sink. "Dawn, Lily isn't a slut, per se. It's more that she has a high libido and likes to… spread the love as it is. With little care of who that recipient is."

"That… is exactly what a slut is." Ren clarified. "The exact specification to be precise."

Humming to herself, Dawn nodded. Seemingly satisfied by his explanation.

"Either way. It's good that you didn't bring Weiss with you Ruby." Nora continued unashamedly. Giving Mari and Jade a once over. The twinkle in her eyes never leaving.

"Nora."

"What! It's not my fault a thirteen-year-old have a bigger chest than her." She instantly defended. Ruby choking loudly at her words. "I know she is insecure. But come on. Ren and Jaune have bigger boobs than her."

"I… I don't know how to feel about that." Jaune whispered. "Should I be happy? Or?" Throwing a glance over to Ren, his friend in the middle of doing his best impression of a human bluescreen.

"Don't think too deeply about it." Mari said quickly. Shooting a nasty glare over to Nora. Before she carefully but the ballgown back into the box. It was still too big for her as it was, but she would grow into it. And if she didn't, she just needed to take it to a tailor.

"How come we are talking about Weisses boobs. Or lack of?" Ruby asked curiously, a hint of silent disbelief in her voice as she looked around. Eventually locking eyes with him. "Does this happen often?"

"Nora speaking her mind, or talking about boobs?" Jaune asked, turning around and opening the fridge. Pulling out some soda's. Not wanting to know if Nora had filled or emptied her alcohol cabinet. "Because one happens far more than the other."

"What! It's not like I'm wrong." Nora huffed and crossed her arms. "It's not my fault her nose would hit before her chest if she were to walk into a wall!"

"Who want's soda!" Jaune spoke over her. Coming out and with a tray of glasses in one hand and some bottles under his free arm. Setting the tray down on the coffee table.

As his family settled down on a couch, he made his way to his bed. "Sorry about this princess." He whispered, wrapping his arms around Violet and his blanket and lifting her up. Violet instantly wrapping her arms around his neck as she nuzzled closer. "None of that now." He whispered gently, jostling her slightly. Both to get a better grip and to wake her up. Rolling her eyes when she dug her face deeper into his neck.

Sitting down on a coach, Bloom instantly sat down beside him. Dawn following along and sitting down on his other side. Curiously giving Violet a light poke. Giving her another when she grumbled something into his neck.

"Is that Violet? Why is she wrapped in a burrito?" Jade asked, sitting as far as possible from Pyrrha. The blush never leaving her cheeks.

"We did morning exercises. Then had breakfast." He shrugged. Jostling Violet again as she grumbled more.

"And why is she dead to the world?" Mari asked curiously, leaning over the side of the couch and giving Violet a little poke. Finally pushing his apprentice over the edge. In a flurry of moments the blanket was thrown to side. His sister saving her finger just in time from being a victim of Violet's chompers. A loud and empty clack ringing out as she glared at Mari.

"Who are you?" Violet demanded. The anxiety quickly bleeding out of her as he gave her a moment to properly wake up. Her eyes bouncing between Bloom and Dawn, before she threw an inquisitive glance at Mari and Saphire before her eyes stopped on Jade. With an innocence only children could pull of she spoke the first thing that came to her mouth. "You are weird."

"Not as weird as horny." Mari butted in. Rolling her eyes at the glare her sister gave her. Neither did anyone miss the furious blush that raced from the tip of her ears and down to her chest.

"And not as subtle as she thinks." Pyrrha coughed with a twinkle in her eye. Instantly Jade's embarrassment transformed into outright mortification. A whimper escaping her as she did her best to imitate a puddle. Slouching against the couch, clutching onto her glass and giving it a death stare.

"It's flattering, don't get me wrong." Nora continued, gleefully twisting the knife even deeper. "But there is a difference between staring and staring. One is cute the other is creepy. It's a thin line, and it differs from person to person."

"She's dead Nora." Ren sighed out, reaching forward and taking a glass. Pouring his health goop into it without a second of hesitation. "Killed. Murdered in broad daylight."

"Please kill me." Jade muttered in mortification.

Dawn nodded to herself. Pointing at her sister like she was a god delivering judgment to a sinner. "Slut."

"No." Jaune exclaimed, setting his foot down before the conversation could derail further. "Jade isn't a slut. She is a teenager, with a high and active libido. She is not going around dropping her skirt the second someone asks. And she is keeping her fantasies to herself. She might be a bit of a pervert-"

"Ey!"

"- but she isn't a slut." Jaune finished. Holding up his finger before his sister could say something he continued. "The reason I call Lily a slut, is that our family would be bigger by one or two if we hadn't gotten creative with a coat hanger. That she had five new boyfriends in two weeks just the icing on the cake."

Taking a moment to blink, the deafening silence around the coffee table quickly settled over them. All his sisters stared at him with varying degrees of surprise on their faces, surprise that quickly morphed into mortification. Ruby looked like she wanted to be everywhere but here, leaning back into the couch as she mentally went over her life's decisions up until and including this point. His team took it the 'best', if only because they all had something different on their minds.

"So she wasn't a big titty goth girlfriend, but a goth mommy." Nora muttered to herself, yet in the silence she might as well have shouted in their ears.

"Nora. I will pay you to never hear those words ever again in my life." Jaune said flatly. Leaning back on the couch and wondering if he should try the Lobotomy ritual on himself. 'It's not like a you need all of your brain to work. I could do without my short-term memory. Maybe throw in the ability to feel shame as well.'

"Uhh, Saphire, right?" Ruby started nervously, twitching slightly as she looked around. "Where are your parents?"

"Busy talking with the headmaster." Saphire sighed before giving Ruby a smile. The look she gave making it clear that they would be having words. "Thank you for showing us the way. I'm sure we would have found it eventually. But…"

"It's nothing." Ruby squeaked quickly, wildly waving her hand before her. "I was on my way here on my own. Because apparently-"

"Huh, never thought you could be snarky."

Ignoring Nora, Ruby continued unashamedly. "- my bestest friend of friends had an awesome semblance that let him pull weapons out of his pockets. And her never shared it with me."

"I just found out about it recently." Jaune shrugged, pulling out his repeater pistol from his vest and throwing it to Ruby. Is friend catching it clean out of the air, instantly she began humming to herself. "They are good, but I like the revolver we made better."

"OhOhOHHooH." Saphire began, eyes darting between them. "No. We are not dating. Your just as bad as Jade." Jaune shot down instantly.

"But why are your parent's talking with the headmaster?" Pyrrha asked from the side with a little hum.

"Probably trying to convince the headmaster to get me out." Jaune shrugged, saying the only thing he could think of. Wilfully ignoring the coals of anger that sat in his stomach. "And no." He continued before pandemonium broke out again. Rolling his eyes as he took a sip. "There are only two ways I can get out. By being expelled or by dropping out." Taking a moment, he blinked. "I guess there are three, if you include failing to graduate. But while concerned parents can push, they can't pull their children out of Beacon."

Looking at his scroll and checking the time, he nodded to himself. Giving Pyrrha a little nod. "But we have our own meeting with the headmaster today. Should we get going?"

"Is that a code word or something?" Saphire chuckled, rolling her eyes and waving away the look they both gave her. "Don't mind me, go 'meet' the headmaster or whatever. Just, you know dad is going to be pissy if you are gone."

"And I'm going to be pissy if he is here." Jaune shot straight back, the coals in his belly burning warmer by the second. "But it's about the tournament. It won't or shouldn't take long. Do what you want, just don't burn the room down. I'm putting you in charge Ren. And Violet, play nice."

Was he fleeing, yes. A hundred percent. Jaune wasn't in any way shape or form ready for having his confrontation with his father. He wasn't in the right headspace, not with Pyrrha maybe walking to her death. He wasn't sure what he felt, still feeling everything and nothing all at once, the coals in his stomach notwithstanding. Neither did he want to expose his team and his sisters to another shouting match. 'They don't deserve that.' He knew from the bottom of his heart.

Something must have clued Pyrrha in. The gentle twinkle in her eyes, meant to support, instead only fanning the flames and making guilt swell. 'Why do you care so much for me, when it is your death, we might be walking to.' He had thought he had grown familiar with guilt in Yharnam, but it seemed he was wrong. 'Who would have thought there were different flavours of guilt. Weight too.'

Smiling back to her, he gave his sister's and team one last wave before opening the door. His eyebrow twitched, the coals in his stomach burning hotter as he stared into the crystal blue eyes of his father.

"Father." Jaune said with all the fake politeness and venom he could muster.

"Son." Titus replied just as sharply. A big man, looking even dressed in plate and mail. His weapon a longsword that reached all the way up to their chests. The doubled edged blade matt with chips and chinks, yet still razor sharp. Short blond hair tickling down to his ears, with cuts and other scars marring his face. A piece of his right ear missing. "May we come in."

"You may, however me and my partner were on our way to a meeting with the headmaster." Jaune said sharply, taking a step forward only to be stopped by his father putting his hand on his chest.

"No you are not." His father said calmly. "Your partner might, but you are not."

"You are right." Jaune replied, ignoring the surprise he saw in his fathers eyes. The gentle hope in his mother's eyes only making his anger worse. "I'm forgetting something."

With that said he turned on the spot and marched into the kitchen. Pulling some cabin doors open with enough force to almost destroy the hinges. The silence inside the dorm only growing more defending when he pulled out the first crate of explosives. The white fang logo spray painted on the side shinning in the light as he sat it on the countertop. Before pulling out three other crates.

"Would you mind carrying one or two Pyrrha?" He asked as he pulled out a fifth one. Bending down and hefting it onto two others as he bent down to lift all the crates. Carrying the crates over to the door he gave his father a flat look. "Thank you for reminding me, now, can you please move to the side."

"Be back in five." Titus relented, glaring at him as he stepped to the side.

"No." Jaune drawled with venom. "We will be back when the meeting is over. Try at least to be a good guest while we are gone. And if you want to destroy or take with you all my clothes, my wardrobe is the one by the window. The right side is mine."

"Is that the tone you speak to your father with now?" Titus replied sharply, voice just as hard and uncompromising as he. "I thought I raised you better than that."

"You have to be present to raise someone." Jaune snarked right back, not stepping down the slightest. In an instant he was back home, a screaming match already brewing between them. Yharnam and Beacon just distant memories in the inferno of anger and memories. "You are right in the regard that I can never repay you enough for giving us a roof over our heads and food in our belly growing up. But when was the last time you were there for me? What is the last time you made time to celebrate my birthday? You are there for Lily when we celebrate her birthday, but the second we celebrate mine, it's as if you never exist."

Jaune didn't care if he crossed a line or not, glaring defiantly into his father's eyes. "How come you always where there to belittle me, but never there when I needed help?"

Pushing past him, Jaune stopped right in his tracks. Turning his head over his shoulder and glaring bloody murder at his father. The hand on his shoulder feeling far more belittling than any word his father could say.

"Son, you watch your tone." Titus hissed through gritted teeth. "You have no idea what I have sacrificed for our family. And it better stay this way. You are not some hero in one of the countless fairytales you read while young. Life isn't some fairytale with happy endings. And the quicker you learn that the better. Now set down the cases and pack your bags. You are coming home with us."

"No." Jaune said quickly and concisely. Shrugging away his father's hand as he glared. "No, I don't think I will. If you can get mom pregnant at seventeen without grandpa coming and dragging you home. Then-"

"You keep your mother out of your mouth." Titus barked sharply. "This isn't about her, nor my parent's for that matter."

"But my life is to be dictated by you." Jaune shot straight back, venom and anger seeping into his voice. Bloodlust polling in his stomach, mixing with the burning coals of anger. 'Murder doesn't solve all problems, but it would solve this.'

"Jaune, we have to go, or we will be late." Pyrrha chimed from the side. Pulling him out of his rapidly darkening thoughts. Not even having noticed Violet coming sneaking out of the room and hiding behind him.

"We will continue this conversation later Jaune." Titus barked sharply.

"What conversation?" Jaune snarked back as he started walking down the hallway. Not knowing how he felt by exposing Nora and Ren to his pissed of dad. But also not wanting to spend a second longer to think about him. With a little mental flex, Violet turned to specks of moonlight. Appearing with a quiet giggle on top of the crates.

"Your father has a misplaced sense of duty." Elizabeth pointed out from the side. Idly floating through the air and giving his father an inquisitive glare. Her eyes constantly bouncing between the two of them. "He reminds me of most nobles in my court. Proud, inflexible, quick to push the blame onto something else, yet incensed when their opinion is not given the importance they think it deserves."

"That doesn't make him any less shitty." Jaune muttered under his breath, glad that his mother hadn't chased after them. 'Probably doing her best to smooth over things with Ren and Nora.' He loved his mother, he really did. But everytime she stood to the side, compliant or unable to pick a side, he felt a little bit of him wilt inside.

"I don't think I like your dad." Violet mussed softly from on top of the crates.

"That makes two of us." Jaune snarked, glaring at every passerby. The coals in his stomach growing hotter instead of colder. Exhaling deeply, he blinked. Not at all liking the realisation he stumbled upon. "Between the two of them, I honestly think Gehrman have been the better father figure."

"The concky old man in the dream?" Pyrrha asked gently from the side. Her eyes burning into him.

"Yup." Jaune nodded, not entirely sure how he felt about it. "Same man who handed me a gun and said 'Go kill some beasts. It'll do you some good.' And honestly, in hindsight, he wasn't exactly wrong per se."

"How?" Pyrrha started, shaking her head and giving him a once over. "No, maybe the question is why?" Sighing deeply and giving him another glare. "Jaune, you need better role models and father figures."

"Pyrrha. I think that goes for our entire team." Jaune snarked back. Exhaling deeply again and trying in vain to get the coals in his stomach under control. His partner didn't deserve his anger spilling onto her. "Probably the entire school if we were to be honest."

Turning around the corner, part of him wanted to turn on the spot even if it meant another argument with his dad. The steely look the general gave them only serving to fan the flames even more. Jogging his memory of the times his father used his semblance on him. Even if it didn't hurt or harm him, the feeling of betrayal and heartbreak wasn't something that simply disappeared because his father said some half-hearted platitudes.

The only thing stopping him was the crates in his arms, and Pyrrha herself. She didn't say anything, neither did she look at him. But Jaune would never forgive himself if he backed away now. Convincing Nora that not everyone could come had been a fight and a half. Throwing a look over his shoulder he was half expecting to see his friend tailing them.

"I see you brought what we requested of you yesterday." Ironwood said flatly when they reached the headmasters elevator. With a gesture of his hand, a dozen soldiers came and took the crates of their hands. "I expect that nothing is missing or otherwise tampered with."

"Can't promise everything there." Jaune said, trying his best not to let what he felt for his father slip out. Blatantly ignoring the way Ironwood raised an eyebrow at him. "We didn't take anything if that's what you are asking. But neither did we check if everything was there. Beside knowing it wouldn't blow, we didn't touch anything."

"That is unfortunate, but also not entirely unexpected." Ironwood replied curtly. The picture of professionalism as he waved down another soldier and shared some quick words with them. The soldier giving a sharp salute before disappearing down the hallway.

"If that is all, we have a meeting with the headmaster." Pyrrha said resolutely. Understanding flashed in Ironwood eyes for a second before disappearing. Yet it was enough to figure out they hadn't run into him out of sheer coincidence.

"Ozpin mentioned he wanted to take something up with me about the tournament." Ironwood mussed to himself, giving him and Violet a raised eyebrow. Something flashing in his eyes when the two of them locked eyes, but it was restrained and measured.

"Why don't we continue inside the elevator?" Jaune said sharply, daring Ironwood to turn him away. He was going to fight tooth and nail to be there for Pyrrha. Even if Ironwood stood in his way, he would find a way to be there. 'I'm sorry Penny, you are a good friend. But I won't hesitate to throw you under the buss if it means being there for Pyrrha.'

"That's not a matter for me to decide." Ironwood stated professionally, throwing a quick glance over to Pyrrha before giving the smallest of nods. "Personally I'm not against it, however, should your headmaster turn you away. Don't hold it against him."

"You are far more accepting than expected." Pyrrha mentioned as they stepped into the elevator. Violet snaking her hand in his, choosing to instead hug his midsection when they rose up.

"I will choose to take that as a compliment." Ironwood deadpanned, idly letting his eyes wander over them. Softening when he looked at Violet. The scare of the sudden ascension gone as she marvelled curiously around.

'Huh, maybe there is a man under the general.' Jaune thought idly. Giving Pyrrha a smile in support. Not missing how she tapped her feet, how she crossed her arms, how she twirled her ponytail through her fingers. She gave him a smile, a little one, not quite reaching her eyes. But it was enough. The nervousness, while still there, eased from her shoulders. Her smile straightening out. The confidence she displayed in the arena slipping through.

Not a second to late, a ping rang out, signalling their arrival.

"Ah, James. And Miss Nikkos." Ozpin said with a smile, looking up from his paperwork with a little hum. "I see you brought Mr Arc and Miss Gascoigne with you as well."

"I hope it's not a bother." Pyrrha smiled politely. Her nervousness returning slightly when she turned around to see him and Violet having fallen a step behind.

"Don't mind us." Jaune smiled supportively. Seeing nothing wrong with taking on a background role. This wasn't his decision, and he wasn't going to pretend he knew better for her. While he was angry, and he wouldn't hesitate to jump into her defence if he felt they were pressuring her into the decision, he wouldn't take her choice away from her. Neither would he make it for her. "We simply wanted to be here for you. If you still want to go through with it, or if you are having second thoughts, we won't say anything expect stand by your side. No matter what."

"Miss Nikkos, you could never be a bother." Ozpin chuckled with a grandfatherly smile. "If anything, I'm happy for you. It warms me to know you have someone in your corner. If they are here, I take it they know?"

"Yes." Pyrrha started, her voice wavering in uncertainty for a brief second. "I trust them, I know what you said, but I stand by what I did."

"I know what I said Miss Nikkos." Mirth twinkled in the headmasters eyes as his smile dipped down. "I warned you against sharing with people you don't trust. As unfortunate as it is, it's not uncommon for Maidens to find themselves isolated due to no fault of their own."

"We all wanted to be here, but eventually settled on that one would be enough." Jaune shared quickly.

"And I repeat myself, I'm happy for you Miss Nikkos. While I know some may see the Maiden's power as a boon. A power to be won and wielded for its own sake. Most Maiden's don't see it the same way." The headmaster explained gently. "Poor Amber never stayed in the same place twice. Always traveling, never making friends. While we don't have any real records, I believe she suffered from a deep depression. That you have someone in your corner is wonderful. It warms my heart."

"Did, or does, the Maiden in Atlas feel the same way?" Pyrrha asked, throwing a look over at Ironwood. Beyond a raised eyebrow, the general's face was as if carved of stone. Only sharing a look with Ozpin, who's eyes twinkled with mirth and pride both.

"Fria have never forgiven herself for accidentally killing her newborn daughter." The general shared with a sombre look. "A power so intimately tied to the soul, of course there would be complicates during something so emotionally turbulent as childbirth."

"Do… do you think it would be possible for me to meet her?" Pyrrha asked gently. Standing straighter the longer they were in the headmasters office. Her confidence returning by the second now that she had gotten over the first obstacle.

"I think she would love to." Ironwood smiled gently. A genuine soft and gentle smile on his lips. A smile Jaune hadn't expected someone so hard and stern capable of.

"I must say, I'm pleasantly surprised that you have taken it so well." Ozpin chuckled gently. "I wasn't expecting an answer till after the tournament, and even then, I expected you to be doubtful at best."

"Well, the world is a big place." Pyrrha began, letting her eyes drift around.

"You don't have to explain yourself." Ozpin said, the grandfatherly smile never leaving him. "But let's not wait around on ceremony. Amber might have some time left, however time is still of the essence. There is no need for her to suffer needlessly."

"Is that why you wanted to perform the 'transfer' now instead of tonight?" Jaune asked, butting into the conversation for the first time.

"A little bit of yes, a little bit of no." Ozpin answered as he came around his desk. Leading them back into the elevator. "I understand why you would think that way, but…"

"Haste makes waste." Violet chimed in.

"That is true." Ozpin acknowledged, opening the elevator and waiting for them to step inside before flashing a keycard over the buttons. Quickly tapping in a long string of code that made Jaune's head feel mushy. "Yet haste can also put us before the competition. And in our situation, haste allows us to catch up." He lectured, giving Violet a little smile as the elevator began descending. "And Mr Arc, I trust that I don't have to remind you that this can't be shared with others outside your team."

"Of course." Jaune replied quickly, doing his best not to be snappish. "We are not stupid."

"I never took you to be." The headmaster replied gently. "You don't need to force yourself to be here. I can clearly see the tension between you and your father. No one would think less of you if you needed to sit this out."

"I would." Jaune said matter-of-factly. "I would." Whispering the answer again, he did his best to ignore the look shared between the two headmasters. The spell newly branded spell matrix on the inside of his right bicep itching. Having branded himself with anther spell matrix last night, having begun filling it out as well.

Wanting to separate the spells from the one on his right hand. If his hand was where he anchored his 'core' spells, spells he coulndt go without. This new matrix was for the more miscellaneous type of spells. Rituals he was uncertain if he were going to hold again. And instead of 'muddying' the rapidly disappearing space in his other matrix, he decided to simple anchor those spells another place.

'Still, I already slotted the only two spells I think could help Pyrrha.' Jaune thought, a bit miffed. Running a finger over his palm. Not knowing what to feel about finding nothing on soul rituals. 'How come blood magic, something that is malicious at best and openly depraved at worst, don't have a single way to interact with the soul? Beside using souls as fuel to breach the cosmos that is. Out of everything, the beasts, the atrocities, the soul is where they draw the line.'

There was only one person he knew was somewhat versed in blood magic related to the soul. And she was trapped in his blade. 'You care enough for her to ruin all of Vale's political relations with Atlas. But you don't care enough about her to ask the only one who can help. Shame. And I who would have offered it freely should you only have asked.' With a flex of his spiritually, the chains around his sword clamped tightly. The Queen's miasma dragged back into the blade. Jaune knowing better than to trust her.

Yet that didn't make the doubt he felt any less crushing. Guilt gnawed at him inside, everything he felt coming together to just make him want to be angry. It was easier to be angry than to feel anything else.

A chime rang through the elevator, the doors opening as Violet slid her hand into his. Looking up at him with concern in her eyes. What he felt must have been written on his face, for even the headmaster and the General both sent him looks of concern. Thankfully Pyrrha was also too caught up with her own thoughts, he would hate for his gnawing guilt to affect her.

"Miss Nikkos, if you have any second thoughts, this is your last chance." The headmaster said gently, as they walked to the large machine in the basement. The room barren of everything, sickly green flames held up by wrought iron lanterns the only light. Together with the haunting beeping from the aura transfer machine, this felt like the setting of a horror movie instead of a schools basement.

"There is one thing." Pyrrha said, bringing out a neatly folded note and handing it to the headmaster.

"This is your last will." The headmaster whispered softly.

"Please. If I'm not well… me when I step out." Pyrrha whispered gently, handing a similar note to him.

"I don't think I can do that, Pyrrha." Jaune whispered gently, crumbling the note in his hand. The words forgive me written in her scrawl choking his heart.

"I will do what I can." The headmaster promised gently. Pocketing the note in his breast pocket. "However, if the two of you gentlemen and little lady could please step a bit back, I would like for Miss Nikkos to enter the chamber. I can't say with confidence how long the transfer will last; however if it should help you can think of everything you see or experience during the process as noting but a bad dream."

Pyrrha gave him one last look, giving the headmaster an apologetic look before stepping down and pulling him into a crushing hug. Something flashing in her eyes, a wobble in her lips when she tried to give him a reassured smile. Bending down she pulled Violet into another hug.

"Please don't go." Violet's little whisper echoing though the basement. A shudder wrecked through Pyrrha.

"I'm sorry." Pyrrha whispered gently back, breaking the hug and planting a chaste little kiss on her forehead. Violet throwing her arms around her neck with all her might. Betrayal and heartbreak flashing through her eyes as Pyrrha ever so gently pried her arms of her.

Rising up and walking back to the machine with determined steps. "I'm sorry, I'm ready now." She said, taking a deep breath before stepping into the chamber.

Ozpin looked to have something to say, a gentle apology, a smidgen of knowledge, instead he sighed heavily. Giving Pyrrha a gentle nod as he started the machine. In an instant a lightshow lit up. Amber's, the chocolate girl in the other chamber, eyes flew wide open. A string of saliva trailing from the corner of her mouth.

Jaune had never felt so helpless, nor so confused. Feeling as if he was going to have an epileptic seizure at any moment even if he didn't have epilepsy. His spirit vision going crazy, explosions of impossible colours and shapes washing over him. Yet the strangest part of it was that he didn't feel that familiar warmth from his rune mark. No matter how impossible the visual spectacle was. It wasn't enough to push his insight from the forty-nine mark and over into fifty.

"There is something I can't help but ask." Jaune started, never taking his eyes of the lightshow only he could see. Trying to force his vision aside, so he could burn the maybe last moment of Pyrrha into his mind. "With this power, this transfer, what makes a man good? Because it feels like we passed the point of no return a while ago."

"Loyalty." Ironwood answered instantly after he shared his question.

"To whom? To what?" Jaune shot back just as quickly.

"Mr Arc, ask questions like that, and you will see yourself getting Philosophy as your other elective chosen for you." Ozpin chuckled, his smile faltering as he sighed. Stepping down the little platform and joining them in looking at the machine work. "Forgive me my attempt at lightening the mood. It was insensitive of me, rather obvious in hindsight. However, I will stand by what I said, we need people asking such questions."

"That's not an answer." Jaune replied flatly.

"You would be correct, it's not. However, it's not a question that deserves a simple answer now, is it?" The headmaster replied with a hint of a smile. Leaning on his cane as he turned to look at the machine. "I like to think of a good man as someone who understands the weight of his choices and bears the consequences with humility and resolve. A good man strives for the greater good, not out of desire for recognition or power, but out of duty to those who cannot protect themselves."

"Who's greater good?" Jaune asked flatly, never taking his eyes of Pyrrha. Doing his best to ignore the revulsion that settled in his stomach. Amber's soul, beautiful in it's own right, was forced and stitched onto Pyrrha's soul. Looking like a tumour, a patchwork of strings and spirit. "What greater good? Is it really that great if it requires so much sacrifice?"

"Now isn't that the question of the ages." Ozpin hummed to himself. Sharing a look with Ironwood. "I'm afraid I don't have the answer you seek, or any answer at all. It's a question that I find often keeping me up at night. But and do forgive an old man his curiosity. What do you think makes a man good?"

Beasts roared in his ears; the smell of blood tickled his nostrils. The train flashed through his mind. The thunder of Djura's gatling gun not leaving him alone. Eileen's cynical words echoed in his ears. Gehrman's apathic eyes looked at him with a judgmental gaze. His father's semblance rooting him to the spot. Arianna's pleading choked his heart. The chapel dweller's begging. The old woman's spite. Gilbert. Iosefka. Aurora giving him a gentle smile over her shoulder, walking hand in hand with Death. The madness that corrupted and consumed Gascoigne. The gentle words of the doll. The chilling grip of the dozen ghosts that clung to him. The loyal warmth of his blade mixing with a twisted chill.

"I don't know." Jaune whispered softly, feeling his voice shake slightly. Forcing a cheeky smile onto his lips, he turned to the headmaster. The gentle and understanding grief in the headmaster's eyes only serving to fan the raging storm of emotions inside even more. He didn't want pity, didn't deserve it either. "It's why I asked you."

Jaune's head snaped to the machine when he heard a little beep. Moving at blazing speed when the haunting sound of a flatline rang out. He barley registered Amber's passing. Catching Pyrrha in his arms when the door of the pod opened. His partner stumbling out, her hands shooting to him. Grabbing him with such strength even though her legs were shaking.

"I can hear her." She whispered. Her head jerking to the side, her hand coming up to clutch the side of her head. "She's screaming, pleading." With another jerk of her head, her eyes changed completely. They were still the familiar emerald's, yet their warmth was gone. Replaced by spine chilling fear as she looked at him as if he was the scariest thing on the world.

"No. Please." Pyrrha pleaded, her voice not her own. It was the same, yet it lacked warmth. Instead filled with desperation as she tried in vain to push him away. His hands shooting to hers. A flame burning from her eyes as she threw a look over his shoulder. "Please, you have to save me."

"I'm sorry Amber, but I care for Pyrrha more than you." Jaune said flatly, his hand shooting to her stomach. Fire exploded around him, yet Jaune stood staunchly. Letting the heat wash over him. Pushing past the fire to lay a gentle palm on Pyrrha's stomach and activating the exorcism spell. A jolt shoot through Pyrrha as she fell towards him. Shooting her arms around his neck as she struggled to stand.

"I still hear her screaming." Pyrrha whispered into his neck. Voice breaking as fire came to life and died around her eye again and again. "Raving, crying, begging, shouting. There are ants under my skin. Gnawing, burrowing, screaming, praying."

"I'm sorry Pyrrha." Jaune whispered, his voice quiver under the mountain of guilt. "But I care more about you than I do her." With that he cast the cognitive purge spell. In an instant Pyrrha sagged in his embrace, just as the headmasters reached him.

"Mr Arc please step away from Miss Nikkos." Ozpin barked.

"No, no, don't. Please." Pyrrha's voice echoed through the basement. His aura shining as fire wrapped around her arms. "She… she is quiet now." Pyrrha whispered, her voice breaking as she spoke. "I… I feel her."

"Amber?"

"No, not her. Her." Pyrrha replied as if it meant something. "She is moving, moving fast."

#####

Note: Ironwood's a hardass. But there is a heart inside there somewhere.

Note: The soul being 'untouchable/uncorrectable' is the fatal flaw of Blood Magic. Unless it's as fuel to breach the cosmos, the soul is otherwise untouchable or overly difficult to interact with. Basic soul magic is the as complicated as other 'master' tier spells. As of right now, the Queens ritual isn't soul magic, but other aspects that mimic soul magic. I'm unsure if I'm going to clarify it further, or just leave it as a MacGuffin or plot hole. For now it's Jaune's personal devil on the shoulder.

Note: Honestly, this entire chapter feels like a test of 'how many emotions can I make people bounce between' and the answer is yes.

Note: And did anyone honestly think the soul transfer wouldn't be without complications and consequences? If the people of Yharnam, of all places decides that the soul is holy, it's for a damn good reason.