As pointed out in a review. This story is not great with trying to imply feelings of caring and remorse.
In particular the characterization of Pyrrha is very off cannon.
This MAY recive an entire re-write to better achieve a more balanced story.
Wraith
Horror – Hurt /Comfort
Jaune Arc/ Pyrrha Nikos
Jaune was struggling to try an achieve his dream; but still he pressed on. At least until the secret of how he got into Beacon was revealed. Hurt and isolated he turned in upon himself, until everything became to much and he made an extreme choice. The one friend he held in the highest regard. The one person that he was deep feelings for.. pushed him with a single regretful action; to the edge.
/==/
Jaune sat on his haunches as he fiddled with his scroll. He was working to make sure it was supported properly so he could do what he planned hands free. It had been two weeks since he told Pyrrha his secret, and it wasn't even a day before his own team; and people he thought were his true friends lashed out at him. Of course at the same time Cardin and his ilk upped up the abuse they historically lumped upon him. Not longer after Ruby and her team began to distance themselves from him. He knew Pyrrha had told them of his indiscretion. Then came the rest of the school.
Under the constant barrage of hostile comments and actions, coupled with the indifference, of his once friends, he began to isolate himself. He wouldn't return to the dorm; sure in his mind that no one wanted him there; and unwilling to weather their looks of disgust and contempt. So he camped out where he could. Empty dorms, vacant classroom, the roof, the library. He avoided everyone. Slowly he even vanished from attending classes. He went back to what he was known for in High School; being unnoticed.
A week to the day; the picture came. It ripped a hole in his heart when he received it. Of course Cardin was the one to send it; yet it was the contents that truly ripped him apart. Deep down he knew he had the stirs of attraction to his goddess like partner. He owed her so much, and to see it... her eyes closed, chest bare, an erect cock laying across her lips. It destroyed him.
His mind was full of tumbling thoughts. He berated himself, insulted himself, pushed down everything he had tried to do and accomplished. He was a failure, and a disgrace. He ran from home to try and make his dream come true, and like a spider-web, it was all torn asunder. He wouldn't go home broken, he wouldn't bow and been driven off... no that was wrong. He was too weak to do either of those things. Shame and loss filled his heart. He couldn't look anyone in the eyes, he couldn't be near anyone. He was a shadow, he had no substance. He was nothing. He was an embarrassment.
The plan basically wrote itself in his mind after receiving the picture. He would come clean to the entire school. Then he would make his amends. He would stop the pain in his heart, and erase the thoughts in his mind.
Jaune lacked in many areas of the skill set required to be a huntsman. He was way behind in abilities; but he was skilled in other areas. He was domestic, he could care for himself. He was a competent outdoors-man. Knowing the ins and outs of camping, basic first aid, and survival. Those things would have helped him in his chosen career.; but they were not what was valued here. Skill, and strength was all that mattered at Beacon. Intentions were feeble and ignored. He knew from the idle chatter, and even the admissions of his own circle of friends. They all wanted to be the best, the strongest. To face great evils, and receive the accolades that would surely follow such accomplishments. Even though she tried to hide it, Jaune could see that same drive in his partner. She didn't want to be see just as a champion of fighting tournaments. No she wanted to be seen and adored for being the best huntress.
It all pulled at him, as feeling false. Yes he wanted to be a hero. He wanted people to know of him. Yet the greater drive was the want to be strong enough to protect those in need. To save those who couldn't fight for themselves. In the end it didn't matter. It was all noble bullshit. He was the weak link of his team. He was the failure that would cost everyone what they wanted.
He had slipped into the dorm a few hours ago, when everyone else was gone to class. He stripped himself of his Beacon uniform and pulled on the clothes he had first arrived in. Before, he had go to the locker area, and retrieved his weapon and armour. Piling them reverently on the bed he once used, he stepped back; and nodded.
"Someone will send you home." he muttered to himself, before turning and leaving, the door quietly locking behind him.
Without anyone noticing him, he moved through the hallways, and up to the spot were he had confessed. No one would come up here; no one ever did. He spent the next little while attempting to set up things the way he wanted. There was something else he was very competent at. Computers. He was no were near a genius when it came to manipulating code, but he was far above the average. Plus there was his sister-in-law. She had given him tips to add to his years of playing with, modding and compiling his own programs. His hands one night to fluttered over the on screen keyboard and input the codes he needed. He had access to the CCT, in a limited capacity. Just enough to broadcast to the entire school, without them being able to shut it down, or trace his location; at least easily that is.
Still on his haunches, he took a slow and deep breath. Blinked back the new tears that threatened to fall. He reached forward and hit the record button... starting his broadcast.
/=/
The entirety of Beacon was astounded as every scroll,tablet and monitor suddenly showed a blond hair framed face. They all saw the pained smile etched on his boyish features, and the most telling his empty blue eyes. Staff started to rush about looking for the location and a way to end the broadcast; while many of the student body tried to turn off their own devices. RWBY and (J)NPR sat in utter surprise. Feelings of dread building in their guts and chests.
For the last week and a bit the seven had been driven to try and find him. It began after the fifth day of him not returning to JNPR's dorm. They needed to find him. To tell him they were sorry, and that they wanted to help. That even though they had been angry at first,and that they didn't want to hear his reasons; the situation had changed. They missed him. In his absence they all began to understand that despite his faults, he did mean something to them.
"So, this is either working, or I'm just going to be talking to myself." he gave an empty chuckle. "Either way it is also recording so at the end of this, someone can find my scroll and let's those who want to know see. it. There are also two video files saved to it. One for my parents and one for... Pyrrha. Please make sure they get them."
Pyrrha's hands were shaking as she saw him; her heart hammered in her chest as she listened to him speak. The tone in his voice was all wrong.. He looked and sounded so defeated, so lost. She didn't hear the rest of her team or RWBY talking to her. She didn't react when Nora tried shaking her to get her attention. So they left her there sitting at their customary table as the other six split up and took off. She didn't hear anything, or feel anything aside from the growing feeling of remorse and regret at what she had done in a moment of anger.
"So I guess first off... all the rumours about how I was able to gain admission into Beacon are true. I applied using fake transcripts. How they got through I have no idea. Maybe the Professors can tell everyone. But that doesn't matter. In the end, I'm nothing more that a liar and cheat. I didn't earn my spot, and to be honest I probably took the place of someone who did deserve to be here."
"I wanted to be a hero. That is why I did it. I wanted to become strong; so I could protect those I care for, and help those who were in need. I have no illusions that I would have become the strongest; but if I had been able to continue here at Beacon I was sure I would be more than competent to succeed in my goals."
RWBY, (J)N(P)R, and few other teams began to search. His face was blocking the whole screen, so they couldn't get an idea of where he was, but they tried anyway. Lockers, bathrooms, classrooms, storage rooms, and dorms where ripped open. There was a sense of unease in those that were searching. Something was going to happen at the end of the video.
"I wasn't able to get training like everyone else. Even though my grandfather was a hero, and powerful; that had been in his youth. So he couldn't help me achieve my dream. My parents didn't have the time, or the skills to do it either. With such a large family it took everything we all had to make things comfortable. They run an inn, and work our small family farm. I'm from Ansel by the way; but I doubt anyone cares."
"There are no combat prep schools there. It's a small but secure hamlet. We have a retired huntsman, and huntress who run the local militia. But they both stopped taking apprentices years ago. So I had nothing but some old books, and videos to try and use. Not that they did me much good. When I got here I saw how outclassed I really was."
As the others continued to search, Pyrrha just sat there. Her legs weak, her whole body shaking. She had no strength to rise, no ability to pull her tearing up eyes from staring at the screen and face before her.
"I'm a disgrace, and failure. I saw the looks of disgust on people's faces after my secret starting making the rounds. I saw the same in the looks in my team, and friends as well. It hurts, more than hurts if I'm being honest. I betrayed them. Belittled everything they struggled to accomplish. I can't take back what I did, but to RWBY and (J)NPR I am sorry. I wish Everything had happened differently. I hoped everything would have worked out, but it didn't. I'm sorry for disappointing you."
"No... no... no... we... we... were just angry. Shocked. You don't have to be..." Pyrrha whispered as she watched the screen.
"It is obvious I can't remain here at Beacon. I'm not ready, I'll never be ready. I also can't go home. I ran away to try and make my dream come true. I know my family loves me, but they don't deserve to have to take care of a failure. A nobody." The image on the screen shifted. His face slid away to be replaced by a view of his jean clothed legs. "I thought I could weather it all. The disgust, the anger, the resentment, but I can't. I wanted to hold out, wait until things calmed down, but I can't. I'm not strong enough."
"The roof!" Pyrrha shouted, as she finally found the strength to get to her feet. Dropping her scroll on the table she took off, pushing herself as hard as she could to make it.
Others caught on as well. Ruby vanishing in a burst of rose petals, as the others turned about and rushed towards the stairwells that would take them to the top of Beacon.
"It was confirmed I wasn't strong enough when that picture was sent to me. A person I cared for, had so much contempt for me being so useless she actually went to my bully... I want to say I forgive you Pyrrha... but it hurts too much." Those not taking part in the search watched as his legs moved away from the screen. The witnessed his whole body slowly coming into view, as a clear sky and the rough gravel coating of the roof framed him. "This is what is for the best. I can't stay and I'm not worth going home. I'm sorry."
The realization of what was about to happen, caused panic to race through the rooms and halls of Beacon. Jaune stood there his feet slightly apart as he slowly raised his arms from his sides. Once they were extended, with his palms facing the sky, he closed his eyes, and leaned back. He vanished over the edge. The sound of a door being smashed open, followed by the scattering of gravel; and the image of a red haired woman diving for the edge.
"JJJJJJAAAAAAUUUUUUNNNNNNEEEEEE!"
The scream was full of heartrending anguish, and for several long moments all anyone still watching saw was the image of the Invincible Girl, reduced to an utter mess. Other bodies quickly joined the display; crowding towards the edge. Before one of them mercifully turned off the feed.
/=/
The crack of flesh upon flesh, followed by the thud of a body and the clatter of a chair hitting the floor echoed about RWBY's dorm. Pyrrha laid sprawled out on the floor, her left hand pressed against her cheek. Tears of pain in her eyes.
"WHAT THE FUCK WEISS!" screamed Ruby at the Schnee heiress' attack.
Before Weiss could do anything else Yang and Nora grabbed hold of the enraged Heiress and dragged her away from the cowering form of Pyrrha. As they pulled her away, Ruby dropped to the floor next to Pyrrha's quivering form in an attempt to console her. That was until Blake dropped to her haunches before Pyrrha with Jaune's scroll in hand.
Blake had been the one to shut off the feed, but due to all the chaos was forced to hold onto it, while the staff of Beacon tried to regain control. The professor's started clearing the hallways and grounds, sending all the students to their respective dorms; while medical staff under the supervision of Professor Goodwitch worked on Jaune. The group didn't know what was being done for him. All they knew was that he wasn't with them and might not be ever again. So she decided to check his files. See if there was more to why this happened.
She easily found two video files on the desktop. One marked "Family" the other "Pyrrha". It was another though. A simple image file, and the thumb nail caused her to stiffen. Was this the picture Jaune had mentioned? Knowing she was invading his privacy she hesitated, but something told her that she needed to check the file.
She choked on air, when she opened it. Weiss rushed over to her as the others were trying to help Ruby with Pyrrha. Blake had never seen anyone so livid. Without a word, or any hesitation Weiss acted.
"Who and why?" Blake asked, a hint of anger in her voice. She and Jaune might not have been the greatest of friends, but no one deserved what she found.
Ruby's eyes went wide when she saw the image. She slapped her hands over her mouth as she stood up and backed away from the downed spartan. Yang and Nora were struggling to control the petite form of Weiss as she twisted and yanked against their firm grip. Ren moved in to assist, touching her on the shoulder, bringing her under the effect of his semblance. Pyrrha turned her face from the picture, closing her eyes, wrapped her arms about her chest and just started to cry even harder.
"Who and why, Pyrrha?" Blake snapped, her nerves shot, and any thought of patience gone.
"Blake?" Yang asked as she and Nora finally got Weiss to sit on Yang's bed. "What's going on? Why'd Weiss..."
Blake tossed Yang the scroll before returning her full attention to the broken girl before her. Yang's eyes went wide. She tossed the scroll to Ren and Nora before rushing over and pulling the now hyperventilating Ruby away. The scroll clattered to the floor and Blake found herself knocked to the side. Pyrrha offered no resistance as Nora hauled her to her feet and slammed her against the wall.
"We were going to find him! We were going to apologize to him! We were going to support him, and train him!" Nora screamed causing the red head to visibly flinch, "YOU FUCKING LOVED HIM!"
"Nora..." Ren started to move forward as Nora once again slammed Pyrrha back first into the wall.
"Ren... DOOR!"
"Nora?"
"Open the fucking door, this fucking slut can go wallow in fucking pity somewhere else! Door... NOW!"
The rest of them said nothing, as Ren moved to the door, and opened it. Pyrrha was a mess, and stumbled across the floor as Nora bodily dragged her away from the wall. Nora half shoved and half threw Pyrrha out into the hall. She stumbled and collided with the far wall, before collapsing to the floor.
"Go somewhere else away from us." Nora hissed, "Fearless Leader didn't deserve that, no one deserves that. Get the fuck out of my sight."
Pyrrha flinched as Nora slammed the door shut, leaving her alone crumpled on the floor in the hallway.
"Nora..."
"No Ren. No. She stays gone." Nora glared at everyone. "We might not have been the best to Jaune recently... in fact we were scum to not give him a chance... but her... if Jaune doesn't come back to us. If he can't give us a chance to make things right... I'll fucking break that whore in half."
"So what are we going to do?" Yang asked as Ruby was slowly calming down in her arms.
"We wait, and hope Jaune is okay." Ren replied.
"No." Weiss cut in. "We take this to the Headmaster."
"How is that..." Blake tried to ask.
"I might have found Jaune, idiotic, annoying and insufferable... I was and I am, still disgusted by what he did, and how that makes everything I went through to get to Beacon; trivial." Weiss pointed towards the scroll that Ren was holding, "but that... that broke him."
"We broke him." Ren corrected, "There's nothing to say..."
"Jaune said it himself." Weiss countered, "His... his plan came together after he received that. I'll admit right here, and now, I was being childish and petty with him. But that is malicious and vindictive."
"Weiss is right..." Blake cut in before anyone else could talk, "This is too serious, the Headmaster and Professors should know."
"Are we able to find out who sent it to him?" Yang asked, "I doubt P-mo... I doubt SHE would have. But we should know for sure."
"I...I... want to know." Ruby added in a small squeak of a voice.
The rest of the group looked between themselves, before each nodded. Ren licked his lips and proceeded to open Jaune's message history. He doubted Jaune would have saved the chat string that had contained the image, but there was a chance.
"Find anything?" Weiss asked.
"Cardin." was his answer.
"Then we take it to at least Professor Goodwitch. Agreed?" Weiss asked, as she stern icy eyes scanned the room.
"Someone should watch Pyrrha. Make sure she doesn't do anything... rash." Blake brought up.
"Why bother?" Nora snorted.
"Because she is... or was important to Jaune." was Ruby's response.
"I'll watch her." Ren offered.
"Are you sure?" asked Yang.
"I'm the best choice." he replied, "My semblance will keep me from getting too upset with her."
"Then it is settled." Weiss concluded.
/=/
Pyrrha basically crawled the short distance from where she had been tossed to the door of JNPR's dorm. Pulling herself up with the help of the door knob, she fumbled with her scroll before getting it unlocked and staggering in. All her actions and thought since Jaune's reveal flooded her mind, accompanied with a tidal wave of emotions. Thoughts of what she had almost done, and with who overwhelmed her. She dropped to her knees and vomited. The remains of her lunch hit the floor, splattering onto her hands. She coughed and gagged; before spitting. The tips of her long red hair dragged through the mess as she fought to get to her feet.
She again fell to her knees upon seeing Jaune's armour and Crocea Mors neatly laid out on his bed. Tears once again freely flowing she crawled forward, and with a shaking hand reached up. Trembling fingers closed upon the hilt of Jaune's sword. She had almost no strength to pull it towards her, but some how she was able to manage. Drawing it to her chest, she wrapped her arms around it, and hugged it as if her life depended upon it.
Ren entered a few minutes later. He took in the state of the room, and then focused on the lone figure huddled against Jaune's bed. She had Jaune's sword clutched between her breasts, held there by her arms and knees. Her head pressed against the hilt. He could easily see the red rimmed tear filled emerald eyes, and her mouth speaking silent words. He chose not to address her, but instead skirted the pool of vomit, and moved to sit upon Nora's bed. He took a slow breath and allowed his semblance to roll over him, numbing his feelings; keeping him in absolute control.
/=/
She woke up drained and exhausted. She had fallen to sleep on the floor next to Jaune's bed, his sword still clutched against her chest. Slowly she sat up, the blanket that had been draped over her sliding free. She looked around and found herself alone. Pulling one hand free from her death grip upon Crocea Mors, she used it to help her get to unsteady feet. Swaying she attempted to make her way around Jaune's bed, to her own, only to be interrupted by someone knocking on the door. Turning from her original destination she shuffled and stumbled her way to the door. Jaune's sword still clutched against her.
"Professor Goodwitch?"
"Ms. Nikos. I'm here to escort you to the Headmaster."
"The Headmaster?"
"Yes, Ms. Nikos. Headmaster Ozpin wishes to have a word with you about yesterday's incident. So if you'll follow me."
"Is... is... Jaune.."
"I am not at liberty to discuss that with you. So come along now. I have other matters that also require my attention." Professor Goodwitch informed the dishevelled young woman. "You can leave Mr. Arc's weapon behind."
"Of course." she responded meekly.
Pyrrha struggled to put the weapon back on Jaune's bed; and then to follow Professor Goodwitch through the halls of Beacon. They were strangely empty. She wanted to bring it up, but thought better of it, and remained silent for the rest of the journey. Professor Goodwitch excused herself after seeing Pyrrha to the elevator. The heartbroken young woman rode the carriage to the top floor, her mind replaying everything that was said during Jaune's transmission. When the doors slid open she stepped through and into the expansive office. The grey haired, green suited, bespectacled man stood leaning against his desk. A cup of coffee in one hand and a scroll in the other.
"Headmaster." she greeted him with a soft submissive tone. "You wished to see me?"
"Yes I did, Ms. Nikos. Please have a seat." he took a sip from his mug before adding, "Would you like anything to drink?"
"No sir."
"Very well. On to the matter at hand. Do you know why I wished to speak with you?"
"It's about Jaune, right?"
"In a way yes it is."
"In a way?" Pyrrha eyes started to tear up, "Is...is... is he okay?"
"I will not be discussing Mr. Arc's condition with you at this time." Ozpin held up the scroll in his left hand. "Do you know what this is?"
"It's a scroll."
"It is, in fact it is Mr. Arc's scroll. Now do you know what I have found on it, after it was given to me by concerned students last night?"
Pyrrha didn't answer, tears now starting to run down her cheeks.
"It contains, a message thread, three video files, a picture file, and multiple entries in a diary application. Now the first video file is the recording of his broadcast yesterday. The other two are for specific people. One for his family, and one for you." Ozpin took a break as he took a sip from his mug, "Now the contents of those two video files, are not known. They are for specific individuals and as such we will not be looking into them, however the diary application and the image file we have accessed. Do you have an idea what those contain?"
"I... I... think... so." Pyrrha whispered, her teary eyes dropping to focus on the floor.
"The image file shows you in a rather compromising position. Which to be honest is not of our concern. What you do in your private time, or with whom is your choice. What is a concern is that after receiving said image, the entries of Mr. Arc's diary took a very drastic and dark turn."
"Am I in trouble, sir?"
"Yes you are."
Pyrrha lifted her head, her eyes wide in shock, even as tears continued to roll down her cheeks.
"Due to the nature of the image, the time it was delivered, Mr. Arc's subsequent diary entries and broadcast; it could be possible for you to be found complaisant in Mr. Arc's suicide attempt."
"What? How?"
"I have statements from RWBY and the remains of JNPR, corroborated by Mr. Arc's own diary, about an issue that has caused all of you to be estranged. During that separation, Mr. Arc's mental health declined dramatically. He was finally pushed to an extreme choice by an image that Mr. Winchester sent to him. An image that features you in a compromising position." Ozpin set down his mug, and Jaune's scroll, before crossing his arms before him. "Now the fallout from the reveal of his transcripts is unfortunate, as was his treatment by you, his friends and the general student population. We can currently do very little about that issue; however as we investigate this incident, which will include a conversation with Mr. Winchester. Should we discover that this image was created due to a wish to hurt Mr. Arc for some type of petty vengeance the consequences could be very severe."
"Severe?"
"Yes Ms. Nikos. If our investigation determines that you and Mr. Winchester had an intent to cause Mr. Arc emotional distress with this image, you could find yourself charged with a crime, along with expulsion from Beacon."
"Crime? Expulsion?"
"Yes, Ms. Nikos. A crime. Attempted Manslaughter, or actual Manslaughter; It all depends on if Mr. Arc survives." Ozpin stands up from sitting on the edge of his desk, looking down at the shaking young woman with a stern glare, "Now, please give me the truth. WHY did you and Mr. Winchester take this image?"
"I..."
"Ms. Nikos, I want an answer. Mr. Arc and his family deserve an answer. So why?"
"I... I..."
"Ms. Nikos. Being open and honest is the best course of action. So one final time why?"
"I... was angry, and embarrassed. What he did spit on all of my sacrifice and struggles. I wanted to get back at him. I wasn't thinking. Cardin heard me when I was venting in an empty classroom. He approached and said he had a way for me to make Jaune feel like I felt."
"So you agreed to Mr. Winchester's suggestion?"
"Yes, I did; but..."
"There is no but in this situation Ms. Nikos. You were a collaborator in the creation of an image that seems to have been the deciding factor in Mr. Arc's decision."
"I told him not to send it. Told him to delete it!" Pyrrha yelled as tears streamed down her face. "After he took the picture I felt so dirty, so worthless, that I couldn't go through with it. I tried to stop it!"
"Well Mr. Winchester didn't delete the image, and he did send it." Ozpin moved around his desk and pulled out his chair to take a seat. "How long after Mr. Arc's transgression, was the image taken?"
"A couple of days."
"I see."
"I didn't mean for any of this too happen! I was mad and stupid. Please... please... I didn't" Pyrrha choked as she slid from the chair to the floor.
"Ms. Nikos, I suggest you get yourself under control." Ozpin waited until it seemed like Pyrrha had settled at least a small bit. "I will be speaking with Mr. Winchester to get his version of events, but also be aware that there will be an internal investigation, that could lead to a criminal one. So until further notice, you are suspended. You will no longer be attending any classes. You will no longer have access to your weapons, or equipment. All our training facilities are closed to you. Also you are until further notice confined to your dorm room. You can only be absent from it during scheduled mealtimes, if you have been summoned by a member of the staff; or if you are in need of medical treatment. Understood?"
"Headmaster..."
"Is what I have told you understood?"
"Yes."
"Good. Do you have any questions before your return to your dorm?"
"How is Jaune?"
"I figured you would ask that, if given the chance." Ozpin leaned forward onto his desk, his hands clasped before him. "Currently Mr. Arc is in critical but stable condition. He has yet to regain consciousness, and the nature of his injuries may render his goal to be a huntsman, moot."
Pyrrha gasped, and fresh tears started to roll down her cheeks at the utterance of that final statement. Her heart was torn when she posed for the picture, it broke when Jaune fell, and now it finally shattered. Her actions could cause him to lose his dream. No, they had driven his dream away.
"Ms. Nikos, you may return to your dorm. You again are to remain there unless it is a scheduled meal time, you are summoned by a member of the staff, or you require medical attention."
"Yes Headmaster." Pyrrha replied, choking on her own words and feelings, as she rose to her feet to leave.
"And Ms. Nikos," She turned to face Ozpin, "I will be sending you a copy of the video file that he created for you., and if it provides any further indications as to Mr. Arc's mental health please let us know."
Pyrrha just nodded before stepping back into the elevator and leaving.
/=/
By the time she had return to JNPR's dorm, she had received a notification on her scroll. It was a video file. The video file that Jaune had created for her. The one that the Headmaster had said they would send to her. Her hands shook as she looked at the screen. Her breath came in rapid little gasps. All she had to do was touch the icon, and it would play. She would see a message from him specifically for her. She wanted to right then and there, just outside her dorm room; but she couldn't. She was afraid to. So she scanned her scroll over the lock and entered the room.
She was alone. Neither Ren nor Nora was there. Tears welled up in her eyes, as she noticed the pool of dried vomit, along with Nora's missing mattress. Everything had just gone so wrong. So long she had held everything in check, stayed calm and controlled; and now everything, because of one angry, stupid, disgusting decision it might be all for nothing. She knew with the missing mattress she would be alone for the night, and probably for a much longer time as well. She stumbled, but caught herself before walking over to Jaune's bed.
She stuffed her scroll into her pocket, before reaching down and picking up Crocea Mors. She cradled it to her chest, seeking comfort from holding something of his that was so cherished. It was cold and hard; but still she held it tight. Her lips moved as she uttered silent words to it. It was an heirloom of the Arc family, which meant it was special; and if she could let it feel all her remorse, regret, fear and sorrow maybe it would help Jaune come back to her. So as she continued to soundlessly whisper; she made her way to her own bed and laid down.
/=/
She woke with a start. Her heart fluttering inside her chest. A sheen of sweat coated her face and neck; her breathing was shallow and rapid. She had seen him fall again, and again. Each time she tried to cover the distance from the door to the edge faster and faster; but it was never fast enough. She failed, she always failed. Slowly she sat up, leaving Crocea Mors laying on her mattress. The room was dark, and cold. Looking out the windows she could tell it was still night. She had slept the day away, and still felt drained.
She shivered, her breath becoming white mist as she exhaled. She crossed her arms over her breasts and started to rub her shoulders. Why was she so cold all of the sudden. It was like all the heat in the room and her body was being drained away. She thought about getting up and pulling out some extra blankets so she could warm up. She wanted to sleep more; felt like she needed to sleep more. There was nothing really more for her to do. She couldn't go out for a walk, and it was well past any scheduled meal time.
Her teeth began to chatter, and her legs shake. Standing up she moved to the closet, and dug inside to pull out some of the extra blankets stowed inside. Once she was away from her bed, the chill feeling faded away.
"Hey, Pyr?"
"Yes, Jaune." she replied without thinking as she began to turn around to return to her bed.
"If dreaming of sucking Cardin's cock is so scary; why'd you do it in the first place?"
"What?" Pyrrha's eyes snapped fully open, her emotionally drained mind now only recognizing the voice speaking to her, and the words that had just been said.
The blankets dropped from her nerveless hands, as she saw him. Sitting on the foot of her bed, dressed as he had been for his broadcast, but instead of being solid, he was wispy, see through. As if his body was made up of dust or mist. Her words gurgled in her throat as she watched him rise from the bed. He moved without making a sound, and as he closed upon her, she could make out even the smallest details of his face and clothing. It was also then she noticed the growing chill in the air.
"I suggest you watch the video I made for you." he said as he reached out and brushed the side of her face with the back of his hand.
She screamed bloody murder at his touch. It was like an icy fire was ignited with in her flesh. It intensified even further as he stepped through her. She dropped to her knees all her nerves feeling like they were being ripped from his body; the feeling fade as quickly as it came. But still she screamed. It was an agony filled, hysterical sound. She fell to her side, and curled up upon herself. Tears rolling down her cheeks, whimpering sobs wracking her body.
The door to JNPR's dorm was flung open. Ren and Blake rushed inside. Her scream had been clearly heard through the walls in RWBY's dorm. Fearing the chance that they would lose someone else that had been close to them; they rushed to check on her. They found her curled upon on the floor.
"Jaune... Jaune... Jaune..." she muttered in a hysterical tone.
"Why is it so cold in here?" Blake asked, her amber eyes scanning the darkened interior.
"It doesn't matter." Ren said as he closed on Pyrrha's downed form. Hesitantly deciding that it was for the best; Ren touched Pyrrha and let his semblance flow. "Contact Professor Goodwitch."
Blake just nodded as she reached down to pick up Ren's dropped scroll. She quickly went to the staff directory and pressed the contact link. Standing in the corner near the bathroom, Jaune watched unseen. He had someone else he wanted to visit, but for now he needed to make sure Pyrrha was settled. He couldn't lose her yet. They had things to discuss. Things he wanted answers to; and one way or the other, he was going to get those answers.
/==/
So this is my take on the "Dead Jaune/Jaune Dies" theme. I hope it's actually readable, and entertaining. I have a couple more "Possibilities" I need to get out of my head, and then I promise to get back to my other stories, and update them. As always, comments, suggestions, and critiques are are more than welcome. Hope everyone had a great New Years. =8D