Rumors about Jaune's semblance had long since spread. Everyone was thinking he unlocked it due to the change in his attitude. He even seemed up beat and happier. However with my own semblance evolving it was now proof that Professor Mars knew what he was doing. Even I was feeling a little giddy just thinking about the improvement to my semblance it was something I hadn't expected.
A pair of arms wrapped around me. "Awww! Ren, you didn't dodge me."
I pulled Nora up from her limp hug around my waist. I smiled back at her, "I feel good today."
Nora smiled back and poked my nose. "Glad to hear it, Boop!"
We were heading to the lunch room. Pyrrha and Jaune were usually late to lunch. I believe Jaune is training with Pyrrha. "Let's save a place to sit down."
Nora nodded, but when we turned the corner we bummed into team RWBY. Nora waved, "Hiiiii! Guys! What's up."
Ruby gave the same smile Nora had. "Getting Lunch. Are you guys gonna save a seat for Mr. and Mrs. Serious?"
I guess Ruby was talking about Jaune and Pyrrha. Weiss punched Ruby in the shoulder, "Some people take training seriously... Though I will admit Jaune has seem more focused on his studies. I didn't expect much from him after his one on one with Mr. Beau."
Nora nodded, "Ren just came from there! Everyone has been talking about his class."
Yang shifted taking a defensive stance. "You know Weiss, most people just call him by his name."
Weiss sighed, "He relatively knows what he is talking about. I hate to admit it, but my control improved over my semblance. I can control the shape or complexity of my glyphs now. Though it doesn't really change how they work."
I thought for a second and decided on revealing my own improvements. "I think his understanding of semblances is amazing. He managed to evolve my semblance into a much better version. I can freely decrease and increase emotions! I can even share senses with people feeling what they feel."
Everyone looked at me awestruck. It felt nice, I wasn't really one to bask in glory or self-improvement. However this time it really did feel good to improve my semblance. Blake asked, "Do you share all their senses?"
I nodded, "Sort of, I could, uh... I haven't really tested it. I only felt it briefly and listened what he told me. I guess he felt the change more than I did since he is the cause of the change."
Ruby and Nora clung on to me. "How? What happened!" They split off into two different questions. "Do think I could get stronger? Think I could get faster?"
I backed away from them and Yang pulled her sister back while Nora stayed still. Blake interrupted them, "That's obviously up to the professor. It is entirely up your potential and whether or not he can actually help."
I gave a light nod, "Let's stop talking about this and get onto eating."
Nora patted her belly, "I know I am hungry!"
With that we all started traveling to the Cafeteria. The small talk was mostly about classes, but as we sat down and started eating Jaune and Pyrrha arrived. Pyrrha looked frustrated and Jaune was apologizing.
Nora whispered, "Look the love birds are fighting."
Yang laughed, "Knowing Jaune its likely about Cardin."
Everyone at the table felt uncomfortable. We all knew Jaune was being bullied. However from what was understood, students had to solve their own problems. It was entirely up to Jaune to stand up for himself. Though a rumor had also spread amongst the students that Cardin was being backed by someone. So everyone except his teammates stopped interacting with him. Even then his team excluded him from some of their hang outs.
I've seen a couple of his teammates messing around in the library. Cardin was becoming outcasted and I don't think he has even noticed it. Even now as he ate beside his teammates they ignored him mostly. I sighed, and took a bite out of my sandwich.
It wasn't long before everyone started getting done with their meals. Nora tapped my shoulder, "I am gonna go take a shower. See ya later Ren."
Yang and Weiss got up as well. Yang smirked as she caught up with Nora. "The showers sound great." Weiss followed it up, "I need to wash off all the sweat from sparring today."
I looked at Blake and Ruby. Both of them were still eating and in fact ate a larger portion than Yang and Nora. Blake was eating mostly fish while Ruby stuffed her face full of the same sandwiches I had gotten. I got up, "I think I'll join them."
Ruby gave a thumbs up, "See ya later Ren."
Jaune jumped up and ran over, "Hey uh... Ren?"
I looked at Jaune and he continued, "You are a good listener right? You see Pyrrha is mad at me about letting Cardin bully me. She says I can beat him, but I don't think it is about beating him. If I fight and win he will either double down to make things worse or move onto someone else. However if I lose..."
Ah, Jaune was trying to be a martyr. I thought for a moment and grabbed his shoulder. I activated my semblance and suppressed his worries. "Jaune, let your self breath. I doubt the teachers will let Cardin continue down his current path. Everything at beacon is either a test or an opportunity for self-improvement. Usually this would be awful advice, however in this situation..."
I patted his shoulder once more, "Do nothing..."
He blinked, "Do nothing? Wh-Why do you say that?"
I laughed slightly and stopped using my semblance. I could see he had control over his self-doubt now. "Because the teachers likely know you are training on your own. So I have no doubt you are being watched. When your skills improve..."
Understanding dominated Jaune's emotions. "They will eventually have us fight or put us in a situation to test me."
I smiled, "Not just test you, but to test Cardin too."
Jaune smiled and nodded, "Thanks Ren."
Jaune ran back to the cafeteria. I sighed in relief. My semblance has gotten stronger now, I can even feel the emotions of others. I guess I am doomed to be a counselor.