So this was originally posted in "Possibilities" and I've been having so much fun writing up additional chapters for it; so I decided it needed to be a stand alone story. This has been edited, and a few things tweaked to better sit the situations. Hopefully I got most of the typos.
There will be no Author Notes on any of the previously posted chapters.
Anyway Enjoy. Comments, suggestions, and critiques are more than welcome.
/==/ Chapter One /==/
"Are you sure about this Ozpin?"
"I am. It's necessary."
"But the risks."
"I am aware, but considering the alternatives, this is the best option."
"I'm not comfortable, Ozpin. The others should know."
"They will, to a point; but you are going to be the one, I want the most involved. The one I need to be the most involved."
"Still, what is the cover story?" Glynda asked as he continued to give Ozpin, one of her legendary stern looks. "It has to be plausible, just in case."
"I have an idea, though a portion of it will require, Beacon to look slightly incompetent."
"So you'll allow Beacon's reputation to be tarnished?"
"In the greater picture, its a small price."
"And what of the others? They should know."
"For now it will be, Qrow, you and myself. Something about what happened to Amber, seems off." Ozpin leaned forward on his desk, clasping his hands before his chin. "Until we can figure out the circumstances leading to the attack, I feel we should be even more cautious, than normal."
"I still feel the need to object. You are undermining the normal procedure, which you personally created, for situations like this, and you are taking a chance with someone I care about."
"I am aware of that fact. I will personally take responsibility for any backlash from the others. If it comes to that. The risks are by far easier to mitigate this way than any other."
"What about protection? I can... I mean... the staff can only keep and eye out, during school hours, but even that will be limited. Evenings and weekends it will be almost impossible without rousing suspicion."
"I have a plan, to cover that situation."
"Care to share?"
"We'll make a little adjustment to the launch pads. Increase the chances for an encounter with one of our more talented applicants."
"This better work out, Ozpin, or you'll answering to me before anyone else."
/=/
Jaune was miserable. The stupid act he was having to put on, was grating on his nerves. All these little things, he had to keep doing to make sure no one caught on to what the real situation was. None of what he was having to take part in, lived up to anything he was led to believe. Which was undermining his mood even further. Everything had almost fallen apart, the third week in. He had been able to ad lib a plausible situation, but the exact same issue was coming up again very soon. He doubted the same act would work a second time.
He squirmed in his armour. It was becoming almost unbearably uncomfortable, though his Beacon uniform was a close second. What he wouldn't give to be in bed, wrapped in his slightly oversized hoodie, and the matching pair of sweat pants. Currently he was in the locker room, pulling off his armour. He unceremoniously was tossing it into his locker, on top of his family's heirloom blade. It had been another loss in combat class. Another match against Cardin, and him getting knocked around like the loser he had to play.
He hated the damn board and sword with a passion, not that he could let that be known by anyone else. Pulling on his Beacon uniform, he snorted. Professor Goodwitch's class was the last one for the day, and he needed to get back to the JNPR's dorm. He needed to change in something comfortable. He needed to come up with an excuse, and soon or everything was going to fall apart. Pulling out his scroll he sent his team a quick text. Telling them he'd meet them at the cafeteria, after going to the dorm to get changed.
He got back to dorm without much issue, and quickly got changed. Sighing about being in something actually comfortable, he pulled out his scroll, and thumbed to his hidden application. With a couple presses and the entry of a pass-code he opened the encrypted chat program. Picking two of the three contacts in the program, he sent a quick short text.
"It's going to happen again, soon. Need an excuse."
"Glynda, can you handle this?" came Ozpin's reply.
"How long?"
"I have maybe a couple days."
"Meet me in my class in when it starts. I'll have what you need available."
"But an excuse? Going to need something better than isolation at the infirmary for the flu."
"We'll say your visiting family, in Vale. Glynda can you file a Leave of absence request?"
"I can have it done, tonight." Glynda replied.
"Where am I going to hide? Can't be in my dorm."
"You'll stay in my quarters like you did last time.. I have the spare room ready for you."
"You sure?"
"It's the best option." Glynda responded.
"I agree with Glynda. That is still the best option."
"What about next time? Don't think this excuse will work a second time."
"We'll work on that after we deal with the current issue." Ozpin replied.
"Tired of this whole act. Can't we do something else?"
"This is currently the best option. We can discuss alternate plans after the current situation is dealt with."
"Fine. Have to go, or my team will start wondering."
Jaune closed the program, before sending a quick "On my way" text to his team. Putting his scroll away, he rubbed his stomach, and sighed. Taking another quick breath, he let it out slowly. Moving to the door, he walked out into the hall; and made his way to the cafeteria and his waiting team.
/=/
Blake knew something was up with Jaune. What it was, she wasn't sure of, but he was acting much like he had a couple weeks into the school year. As much as everyone thought she was engrossed in her chosen literature, she was using it as a cover of sorts. It allowed her to observe without notice; and right now her attention was on the blond haired leader of JNPR. His meals had been unusually light these last few days. He winched every so often, and shifted uncomfortable about in his seat.
Something physical was bothering him, and she was getting curious as to what it was. Not enough to come right and ask, but enough to focus her powers of observation upon him. Something was up with him, and she wanted to make sure it was nothing that would impact her. She considered bringing her concerns forward, but she hesitated. Who would she approach?
Yang wouldn't take it seriously, would probably make insinuations that Blake has some feelings for the clumsy blond. Ruby was too close, and would in someway alert Jaune to Blake's suspicions. She had the same concern in regards to his partner. She could see there was something between them. Even if it was only one sided. Weiss was out, cause to be honest, she just didn't trust the Schnee. As for the other two members of JNPR, Ren and Nora. Nora would let it slip. She was just too open about everything. As for Ren, he was closest to her own personality, secluded and watchful. Which would mean he would be suspicious of her bringing it up; like she would if anyone brought something to her attention.
No she was best to follow this up, on her own. If she found out something that could be a threat to to either team, she would bring it to their attention, but for now. She would have to go it alone. It was for the best that way. She let her amber eyes travel along the collected teams, and noticed Ren looking straight at her.
/=/
Ren was noticing something was off, with his team leader. He was slightly standoffish, and to be honest bitchy; which wasn't normal. It was much like what happened near the beginning of the term. In fact he was surprised that no one else in their small group of friends was making any note of the emotional change. Added into the obvious sights of physical discomfort. Jaune would instantly once classes were over change into the loosest and baggiest items of clothing he owned. He let his pink eyes scan the assembled teams. The on going conversations were the normal fair for their group, though Jaune appeared to be less interested in any of the side conversations, and was idly pushing food around on his plate.
His eyes focused on Blake. He could tell she was paying a little more attention to Jaune than anyone else. Maybe she noticed the changes as well. He continued to regard her, and when he met her eyes, he nodded towards her. It was slight, but he could tell she noticed. After a long pause she returned the gesture with a minute one of her own.
"So VB." Yang's playful tone cut through all the side conversations, bringing them to a halt.
"What Yang?" Jaune asked in a distracted and disinterested tone.
"You over Weiss-cream?"
"What?"
"Yang." Ruby tried to warn her sister.
"Are you over her? I mean you haven't even tried to woo her today. No pick up lines, no poems, no..."
Jaune snorted, and openly gave her a very hostile glare, causing her to lean back as if struck. Then without a single word, Jaune shoved his tray rather roughly away from himself, stood and stormed off.
"What just happened?" Yang asked a little stunned by Jaune's reaction, much like everyone else at the table.
No one said anything as Blake and Ren, unseen by anyone else, both nodded. They had struck a silent accord. Together they would figure out what was going on with Jaune.
/=/
It was two in the morning, and Jaune was hurting. It was happening earlier than he expected, and he had to get out of the dorm now. Sliding out of bed as quietly as he could manage in his baggy night clothes, he grabbed his scroll from the night table; and slowly made his way to the door. He waited a moment, listening to make sure that no one had been disturbed by his movements. Hearing no indication, he cautiously opened the door just wide enough for him to slide out, and close it behind him.
A pair of green eyes opened. Ren had decided after a quick back and forth text conversation with his new associate, to sleep as lightly as possible. He had remained still, and kept himself still his breathing steady; feigning sleep. As soon as he heard the latch of the door click, his eyes were open and his scroll was in hand. A rapid, and short text was fired off, as he got up, and with the stealth that was granted to him, by his almost supernatural grace, he moved to the door and out into the hall. Out there he was met by Blake. They nodded to each other in greeting, before Blake pointed, indicating the direction she had seen Jaune take.
Through the dimly lit hallways they moved. Using the shadows cast by the nighttime cycle of the hall lights, to their upmost advantage. Add in Blake's more sensitiveness hearing, able to easily pick up the rushed sound of bare feet slapping against tile. Ren jumped back around a corner, with his arm out holding Blake back.
"What is it?" she asked in a whisper.
"He stopped, and is bent over nearly double. It's like he's in pain."
"Maybe he's sick and going to the infirmary?" Blake offered before correcting herself, "But this is the wrong way."
"He just went into Goodwitch's classroom." Ren commented as he slid just far enough ahead to peer around the corner.
"This is making no sense."
"Let's go. The coast is clear." Ren whispered before silently moving around the corner.
The pair padded forward, making almost no sound, as they closed on their target destination. Finding the door, not fully latched, they peered through the crack, and seeing no one they turned to look at each other. With mirrored nods, they made the silent decision to venture inside. The door made no sound as they pushed it open. Ren entered first, followed by Blake who took a moment to ease the heavy metal door closed without a sound. Last thing they needed was for the loud bang that normally accompanied its closing.
"There's no one here." commented Blake. "He should be here."
"Maybe the locker rooms?" Ren offered "It's the only place he could be, or we'd see him."
"Then I guess we should check?"
"We've come this far."
They made it to the centre of the fairly large room, before the door to the women's locker room opened, and Professor Goodwitch stepped out. Her bright green eyes snapped open wide at the sight of two of her students standing in the centre of her classroom. Moving faster than Ren or Blake could react, she snapped out her weapon and unleashed her semblance holding the pair in place. They had tried to bolt, but were caught before they could even start to turn.
"Jaune don't..." Glynda never got to finish.
"What was..." Jaune asked before stopping in mid step. Dark blue eyes opened wide. "Shit."
/=/
Minutes after the discovery in Professor Goodwitch's class, Ren and Blake found themselves seated in front of the Headmaster of Beacon. Ozpin regarded the pair of students before him. To his left Glynda stood, arms crossed; her riding crop in hand. The room was silent aside from the tick of gears and the click of heels on the hard floor.
"Jaune could you..." Glynda started to ask.
"No." came the almost laughing female voice. "I've been stuck in that disgusting body for a month. I want to enjoy being free again."
Ren and Blake still couldn't fully comprehend what was happening. They had followed the leader of JNPR in an attempt to find out what was bothering him, only to discover they really didn't know much about the kind and clumsy goof. Considering the female version was currently walking about the Headmaster's office in five inch stiletto heels without any issue. The figure was what they would have to agree as graceful feminine beauty. She was a cross between the girl next door, and a pure seductress.; underlined with a sort of youthful innocence. All her curves accentuated by the yellow trimmed with royal blue evening gown style dress she wore.
Blake knew the young woman walking around the room, was comparable in bust, hips and behind to her. While Blake was noting her figure, Ren was watching her face. The resemblance to the Jaune they knew was there, just softened. More lady like. The biggest change being her hair. What was once a messy mop of blonde, was now a waist length waterfall of shimmering blond, almost golden hair. However what concerned him was the almost maniacal grin of joy on her face. He shivered inwardly, remembering what Nora would do when sorting that same look.
"Ms. Arc. Please. There is a much we have to discuss, and not much time for us to do that." Ozpin spoke up, as he indicated a third chair arranged beside Ren and Blake. "I know you are happy to be back to your original form, but this is an issue."
"What issue?" Jaune asked as she walked to the indicated seat and gracefully say down, crossing her slender legs at the ankles. "They know, so tell the rest of RWBY and JNPR, and then let me be free of that horrible transformation."
"Jaune, that transformation is for your protection." Glynda sighed, indicating to Ren and Blake that she has probably had this exact conversation multiple times. "Anyone searching for you would not expect you to be a young man. They are looking for a young woman."
"I don't care! It's not fair. I have to parade around, totally useless, tripping over my own feet. I'm tired of hiding in the shower so I don't see anything that would scar me for life. Only to be ME once every month." Jaune's voice echoed the annoyance that her body position was showing, "I'm not clumsy and useless. I can defend myself."
"No you can't." Ozpin stated flatly, "You are still new to your abilities. You need training."
"Training! You call me being a flat-footed loser, flailing around with a stupid sword, training?" The annoyance in Jaune's voice, moved to agitation. "I can dance and move in this body. I have balance and grace. I could even beat Cardin! Let me train with this power, maybe then I could actually succeed at something in this place!"
"Succeeding in combat class is not a concern. Your safety is the priority." Glynda spoke her tone stern and stiff.
"Then why was I thrown into the Emerald forest at initiation, or why even give me advice on a weapon I don't want to use?"
"It's part of the facade. You need to appear to be a student. Which means going to classes, doing homework, and having me critique you." Glynda informed the frustrated young woman. "I know this is difficult. But it is for your own good."
"Difficult? You get turned into a guy for a month, and see how you like it? Once a month I get to be me, but no I have to hide away. I can't even go out, and get my own clothes, or books, or comics, or anything!" Jaune slouched in her chair crossing her arms under her breasts.
"Once a month?" Blake spoke up. "So this transformation ends every time Jaune has her period?"
"That is correct Ms. Belladonna." Ozpin answered, "The change in specific hormones makes holding the transformation almost impossible, so we let Jaune discard it during that time."
"I don't understand, headmaster." Ren spoke up, "You keep saying this is all for her protection. What are you protecting her from? Why are you protecting her?"
"That is what I was going to discuss with you both." Ozpin addressed the pair of students, "But until Ms. Arc calms down, we can't"
"I am calm!"
"Jaune, no you're not." Glynda commented, "I've been a friend of your family since before you were born. I can read your moods. So please calm down. The sooner we discuss things with Ms. Belladonna, and Mr. Ren. The sooner we can return to your room."
"No, you mean the spare room in your apartment, where I have to hide for the next five days or so."
Jaune pouted. The look causing both Blake and Ren to almost break. Ruby's puppy eyes, had nothing on Jaune's.
"You were saying Headmaster?" Ren spoke up, hoping to get the discussion going towards a point in where he could gather some semblance of an idea as to what was going on.
"I doubt you will be aware, but Ms Arc is a member of the Arc family."
"As if my last name isn't a give away." Jaune snorted.
"What I mean is she is the middle child of THE Arc family. One of the three founding families of Ansel. Her great-grandfather served with distinction during the Great War, while her Grandfather served with Honours in support of the faunus during the Faunus Revolution. They have a long history of producing remarkable warriors and tacticians."
"Yeah!" Jaune commented in a dismissive tone. "The great and noble Arc line. Hurrah us. Dad's the Magistrate of Ansel, and has to weigh marriage proposals for all of us, to balance out cost versus gain."
"You're not proud of your family's history?" Ren asked.
"Of course I'm proud, but that doesn't mean I want to hear about it repeatedly."
"Be that as it may, Ms. Arc's family is fairly influential... in fact you could say with their holdings and estates they would be considered the Local Nobility of Ansel. She actually has the right to use the title of Lady." Ozpin tried to continue.
"This is not the reason." Blake cut him off. "You wouldn't go to this much trouble just to protect one daughter from something. There is something else going here."
"You are correct, Ms. Belladonna." Ozpin confirmed, "Let us say, Ms. Arc is rather unique. So unique that special accommodations needed to be made for her safety."
"Accommodations, he says." Jaune snorted, "More like prison."
"Ms. Arc, please."
"Jaune, enough." Glynda admonished her, "Your mother and I taught you better than that. Act like the Lady you are supposed to be."
"As I was saying before I was interrupted. Ms. Arc is unique in a way that makes her a valuable target to certain parties, that wouldn't hesitate to either kidnap, or kill her."
Blake and Ren blanched at that statement. As much as all of this was confusing them, and partially going over their head. To hear that someone you knew could be killed just for being them, was disturbing. It was doubly so, when the realization that Weiss was probably in a similar situation, with regard to the White Fang.
"If that is the case, why is it only Jaune you are providing this protection to?" Ren asked, "I mean wouldn't Weiss be in a similar situation?"
"While you are technically correct, this situation is slightly more severe. Jaune please show them."
Jaune sighed and then sat up. She held out her right hand, palm up, her eyes narrowed in pure concentration. Ren and Blake noticed a almost golden flame appear around her eyes, before a small ball of flames appeared to hover above her hand. The ball switched through various colours until finally settling as a ball of pure white. After a moment the ball winked out, to be replaced by a flickering ball of lighting striking at her palm. Before the light faded from her eyes and her display dispersed.
"Ms. Arc has developed a powerful... semblance. It is exceeding rare, and very coveted." Ozpin commented, "Coveted so much that those who develop this ability are often hunted, in an aim to force them into service, or to kill them to prevent that from happening."
"So she is really in trouble." Blake whispered, shocked by the information being presented. "And I take because Ren and I now know her secret, we have to help?"
"That is correct Ms. Belladonna. To be blunt, you and Mr. Ren are now being drafted, and will be serving as Ms. Arc's bodyguards; in a sense."
"And that means?" Ren asked.
"You and Ms. Belladonna will attempt to keep Jaune out of trouble, and if trouble finds her you will endeavour to get her and yourself away from it, while also calling for aid."
"And how..." Blake started to ask.
"You will both be given a specialized encrypted chat program, with contacts for those who are also aware of Jaune's situation." Glynda answered, "In case of an emergency, you are to call for help and then get yourselves and Jaune out of harms way, by ANY means necessary."
"Do we have a choice?" Blake asked.
"No you do not." was Ozpin's reply. "You both wandered into something that should have best been left alone, and now to make sure you understand the serious of this, you will help us out."
"We are not able to always watch over Jaune, so with both of you being close to him at most times, it will give us peace of mind." Glynda added, "You are to help when and if needed. You are not her servants, or at her beck and call; and if she tries to treat you as such... feel free to contact me."
"What about the rest of our teams?" Ren asked, "I mean if they knew, that would be even more people capable to assisting; or even just his partner Pyrrha?"
"Can we?" Jaune asked, a smile appearing on her lips.
"Jaune even IF we told the remainder of JNPR and RWBY about the situation you would STILL need to use the transformation." Ozpin informed her, causing her smile to falter. "The best way we have to protect you is to make it so no one can find you."
"Fuck!"
"Jaune, I know this isn't what you wanted. It's not what your parents wanted, but it is for the best. I wish you'd believe us."
"Believe what?" Jaune asked, her face turning to a pout again, "I have no freedom. I can't go Vale because its dangerous. I can't be me, because its dangerous. I want to be able to walk about, like how I am now. I want to be able to dance. I have nothing."
"Jaune, we're sorry, but we need to keep you safe, honey." Glynda pleaded, an odd touch of emotion invading her voice, "I wish it was different, but for now it has to be this way."
"It's not fair."
"I know, I know." Ren, Blake and Ozpin watched in almost shock as Glynda walked over to Jaune, and dropped to her haunches. Her hand reaching out and cupping the young woman's cheek. "I made a promise to your parents, it's the same promise I've made for every one of your sisters when they were born. I would always be there to help you, be ready to protect you. Right now this is the only way I can do it."
"Then why not train me with this... this power? Then maybe I wont be so much a burden." Jaune sniffled.
"In time." Glynda told her, "You've only had that power for a couple months. We need you to be accustomed to it, before you can really use it. That's why I gave you those meditation exercises. Master those, and then we can help you master this... power."
"I guess... I still... still want to dance. Why can't I?"
"We'll talk about it, when we get to my apartment. Okay?"
Jaune just nodded, and Glynda rose to her feet. She turned to look at Ozpin, and upon receiving a nod from him she helped Jaune to her feet. Blake, Ren and Ozpin were then treated to the sound of two pairs of heels clicking against the tiles of his floor. Once the elevator dinged signally that the pair of blonde had left, Ozpin turned his full attention to the two students before him.
"Do either of you have any questions, before I let you return to your dorms?"
"Is it really the best choice to put her through all this?" Blake asked. "She seems so alone, and disappointed. I mean she was literally laughing to be able to walk around in heels. Which to be honest considering how she is as the other Jaune is utterly amazing."
"For now it is the best option we have to keep her safe." Ozpin replied. "We are trying to come up with other options, but none of them currently have as much protections in place for her as this current one."
"I still think we should tell our teams." Ren commented.
"Explain?"
"This affects them all, as well as Jaune. She needs support, and if they all knew then there would be seven of us that can watch her, and maybe when she is in her true form she wouldn't feel so isolated, she could be around her friends instead of hidden away."
"To be honest, I feel that would put her at more risk, but you are also correct. Currently she is very isolated, and maybe it would be in her best interest for her to have more peer support."
"So you'll consider it?" Ren asked.
"I will consider it." Ozpin replied, "But for now things will remain as they are. Until you hear otherwise from me or Professor Goodwitch directly you will continue to leave your teammates in the dark as to the true situation. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Headmaster." Blake and Ren replied in unison.
"Both of you shall report to Professor Goodwitch's office tomorrow after classes. She will have the secure chat program available to install, and activate for your scrolls." Ozpin informed them, "If there is nothing else, you may leave."
/=/
The first thing that came up at the dual team breakfast was the lack of Jaune. A ping later to Pyrrha's scroll gave them the answer, an answer that Blake and Ren knew was a complete load of shit. But it worked to placate everyone else, though Nora and Yang both hinted at going to Vale to "find" him; which Blake and Ren both reigned in. Which if any of the rest of the twin teams had been more observant should have raised a question or two. The rest of the day was a slog of routine.
Blake and Ren made excuses and vanished from their teammates right after the end of their final class. With the promise to meet up at the cafeteria later on in the evening. They made the trip to the staff offices, and stopped in front of Professor Goodwitch's door. Ren knocked gently.
"Enter." came the voice from behind the door.
Blake turned the handle and pushed the heavy wooden door open. She entered followed by Ren, who closed the door behind them. The office was neat and crisp. Nothing out of place. Behind an organized desk sat their combat professor. She regarded the newly "drafted" pair over the rim of her glasses.
"Scrolls."
The paired over the requested items and stood in silence as the Professor hooked each in turn to her tablet. A few minutes later and a couple of instructions about setting a pass-code and the pair were officially in the loop for any communications in regards to Jaune.
"So that is everything. That program is fully encrypted, so if anything of importance comes up in regards to Jaune's situation or safety make use of it."
"We have a small issue." Blake offered.
"What type of issue?" Glynda asked.
"Some of RWBY and JNPR feel like it would be fun to go and find Jaune in Vale, to meet his family." Blake replied. "We distracted them, but they might still try and do it."
"I see." Glynda remarked, "Anything else?"
"How is Jaune?" Ren asked.
"She is okay." Glynda replied, while reaching up and pulling off her glasses so she could pinch the bridge of her nose. "But not okay, if you understand what I'm trying to say."
"She's lonely and bored, isn't she?" Blake inquired.
"She is." Glynda sighed, "It's hard to see her like this. I used to watch her and her sisters when I made trips to Ansel. She was always energetic, always positive. She's not wrong in calling this whole situation prison like."
"What did she like to do, before all this happened?" Ren asked.
"She liked to dance. She's good at it too. Classical, ballet, even some contemporary." Glynda put on her glasses, and let a small smile grace her stern features. "Give her enough room, and she would move all over, and go for hours."
"Then why not let her dance?"
"It's not that simple Ms. Belladonna. My apartment really doesn't have the room to allow her to really give herself to it."
"What about one of the private training rooms?"
"Ren's right. One of those has lots of room, and it is auto-locks locked to keep anyone from interfering." Blake commented.
"That is correct, but the question is how to get her there and back without anyone noticing." Glynda countered, "This whole exercise to keep her safe is about no one noticing she is here. Going to and from one of those rooms would pose too much of a risk. If someone where to see her."
"Hide her in plain sight." was Ren's comment.
"Explain."
"Put her in a Beacon uniform, make her look like the rest of the student population. I doubt anyone would notice a lone student on her way to the training rooms." Blake spoke up catching on to the gist of Ren's idea. "Ren or I could escort her, act like we're showing her around."
"Like a visit from a potential transfer student." Glynda added. "That could work, and at least give her some freedom."
Glynda picked up her tablet, and started to tap at the screen. Ren and Blake stood there in silence, not sure if they needed to wait for her to finish, or if they could leave now. A minute or so later, Glynda put down the pad.
"I've booked room three for tomorrow during combat class. Ms. Belladonna you will act as Jaune's escort."
"Me?"
"Yes, you. I plan on having Mr. Ren to spar tomorrow, which means you are the only one of the two of you I can excuse from class." Glynda clasped her hands on her desk before her. "Now on to a new point of business to discuss with you both."
"Business?" the ninja pair asked in unison.
"Yes. I have been informed by the Headmaster that he is considering your suggestion, however he requires more information than we have at our disposal."
"Information, as in?" Ren inquired.
"Personal observations, in regards to extracurricular actives." Glynda regarded the pair before her, "So in that regard, the Headmaster has tasked me to task you with preparing individual reports on all members of your circle of friends."
"He's giving us homework." Blake deadpanned.
"In a way, yes; yes he is. With that said, there is no rush in completing this assignment. Jaune will only be in her current form for maybe four or so days. You'll then have a full month to work on it, before her next... episode."
"Will this potentially lead to Jaune just being able to be herself?" Ren asked.
"Doubtful, but there is a chance."
"But there is a chance?"
"There is a chance, Ms. Belladonna. But it is a serious consideration, because eliminating the transformation will put her at greater risk, and by association you and your friends." Glynda's look grew stern and hard, "Following this line of action will basically make your teams, Jaune's first and last lines of defence. So be honest in your observations. They will be a lynch pin in the decision. Understand?"
The duo nodded.
"With that said, Ms. Belladonna can you go and check on Jaune. Mr. Ren please return to your team and try to keep them from upsetting Vale authorities with an in vain search."
Again the pair nodded, before turning and leaving the room. Outside in the hall, they stood quietly for a minute or so, before nodding towards each other and heading off in separate directions. It took Blake a good ten to fifteen minutes to reach the staff dormitory, and another five to locate the door of Professor Goodwitch's apartment. A couple of short raps on the door she waited for a response.
"Who is it?" came the slightly more musical version of the voice she was more familiar with.
"It's Blake, and use the peep hole to confirm it!" Blake then stepped back so she was in full view. A minute later she heard the click of a lock being disengaged,and then watched as the door opened a crack.
"Come in."