/==/ Chapter One /==/

"I'm not comfortable with this. It to be frank it is a ridiculous and asinine idea." Glynda regarded Ozpin over the rim of her glasses, "I brought this to your attention because her family came to me looking for help... this is not the help she needs."

"This is the best option. Her safety is our primary concern; and considering what happened with Amber any method that keeps her hidden is the best option... no matter how asinine you think it is."

"Just let me train her."

"Amber was trained, and she was not new to her abilities. Whomever almost killed her is obviously powerful... too powerful to leave her safety to chance." Ozpin turned from the window and regarded Glynda, "I know you have a special attachment to her, and you are looking out for her best interests... but the threat is out there and as exceptional as you are in teaching... the risk is too great."

"I can protect her. She wont be alone..." Glynda paused as if looking for the words to say, "Make her my TA. Then she will always be near me. You know I can keep her safe. She is already moved into the guest room of my quarters. I'm already looking out for her."

"Are you really?"

"Yes..."

"Then where is she right now?"

"She..."

"She's in Vale... shopping."

"She needed..." Glynda's eyes narrowed, "How?"

"I understand Glynda, I do." Ozpin returned to looking out the window taking in the bird's eye view of the Emerald Forest. "I have Qrow shadowing her."

"I wont... her parent's wont accept this."

"It is for the best. It will give her freedom, and keep anyone from noticing her. She'll be able to move around... it's the best idea... hiding her in plain sight." Ozpin returned to look at Glynda, making note of the conflicted look etched upon her face. "Again let me underline the main point... Amber was overpowered by an assailant or assailants unknown to us. You know what that means in the larger picture."

"She's making a move."

"She's been oddly quiet and then this happened. Yes, she is making a move and we have to counter it to the best of our abilities." Ozpin once again returned to look out the large arched window of his office. "I know her and what her end game is; as do you... and I have an inkling as to why the attack happened..."

"She wants the relics."

"That is the only answer."

"Do the other Headmaster's know about this? About Amber? About..."

"I have made my concerns known to the others, but" Ozpin returned his attention to Glynda and smiled, "I have not made mention of our Summer Maiden. That is going to remain only known to you, Qrow, and myself."

"Bart and Peter?"

"I'm keeping them in the dark... I think it's necessary. To many powerful individuals closely watching the same single person would defeat the purpose of this plan. It would draw notice to her... which is what we don't want."

"If they find out..."

"They will understand."

"I still have to object to this plan. Again it's ludicrous, and you have no idea how that artifact really works." Glynda crossed her arms beneath her generous chest. "It could cause her distress, or hurt her. You promised to keep her safe... her family holds promises in a very high regard."

"I understand all that, and I appreciate you voicing your concerns... but unless you have a better option, we'll go with this option."

"I mentioned one. It would allow her all the same freedoms you are saying your idea would."

"Except she would draw notice. You known as well as I do, her family is widely known. Even if we could keep her new found abilities under wraps... just her being here would raise suspicions." Ozpin moved from the window to his desk. Picking up his mug he took a sip before continuing, "While your option is viable I don't feel there is enough protections built in. While being your TA would make sense to a degree... but she would still draw notice... too much notice for me to be comfortable with that situation."

"But you don't even plan to change her name. How does that make sense?"

"Names are known to run in families. The child from a lesser branch of the family... which is what our records will show.. would not raise the interest that she would."

"So you're going to falsify records? If that is uncovered..."

"It will besmirch Beacon's reputation, which is of little concern. Reputations fluctuate all the time... we're already getting flack from Mistral..."

"Yes I've seen the headlines. They think we poached her from Haven."

"We did and we didn't; but again it matters little... the end result is what is important."

"You're planning something else... Ozpin?"

"Ms. Nikos is exceptional... I feel she is the best candidate for our other plan."

"I know you..." Glynda's eyes narrowed as Ozpin took another sip from his mug, "you're considering something else as well."

"I am. Ms Nikos will need a partner, a little tweak of the pads, and we can almost guarantee specific pairings."

"Two maiden's on the same team is a massive risk..." Glynda's eyes narrowed even further; Ozpin could tell his Deputy Headmistress was suppressing some obviously hostile emotions and thoughts, "You are NOT putting her through that farce! I'm putting my foot down on that. Find another way because I will NOT allow you to fling her into the forest to look for a fucking chest piece!"

"Glynda please calm down." Ozpin spoke in a placating tone slightly taken aback by the uncharacteristic curse uttered by the normally reserved woman. "This whole plan requires keeping up appearances. She needs to participate, and she needs to become a member of a team. She needs to blend in with the rest of the student body. No exceptions."

"She's not trained! She doesn't even have her aura unlocked! You're just putting her in unnecessary danger!"

"No I'm not..."

"You fucking know you ARE!"

"I have it planned out." Ozpin took another sip as he filed away Glynda's emotional response to the situation facing them. "You are going to train her, and unlock her aura."

"Newly unlocked aura and a couple months of training will not bring her up to the standards or levels of the other applicants. This plan of yours is getting more and more stupid!"

"She is not completely untrained. I know she has some abilities and talent in regards to defending herself. Build on that."

"No. I refuse." Glynda actually snorted; and obvious sign to Ozpin that the reserved woman was close to completely loosing her considerable temper. "She is going to stay with me and be my TA, and during my free time I will be training her."

"Yes you will be training her, but the plan stands. We will hide her in plain sight, discussion over."

"No this discussion is far from over..."

"We are done here, Glynda the discussion is over." Ozpin placed his mug down and gave Glynda a knowing but stern look in return. "I'm going to leave explaining the whole situation to her up to you."

"So not only are you not going to consider my fe... my reservations about this, you're putting it on me to explain this whole plan to her."

"I am." Ozpin sighed, "You have a connection to her and her family. It's obvious you deeply care for her, and that is understandable. You are basically a member of that family."

"How?"

"You spend every chance you get with them in Ansel. Plus there is your obvious and passionate concerns about her. She is important to you, and I am considering that, but in the end regardless... this needs to be explained to her by someone she has implicate trust in... I am not that person."

"If anything happens to her..."

"If this all goes as arranged... nothing will." Ozpin reached down and pushed a small ornate box across his desk. Glynda moved to the far side and picked up the offered object. "I will contact Qrow and have him escort her back to Beacon."

"I'm warning you Ozpin... if she comes to any harm..."

"She won't. Follow through with my plan and she'll be safe. You have two and a half months to work with her before we need to have her hide." Ozpin picked up his mug and took a sip. "I know you will use that time wisely."

/=/

Qrow sat on the edge of a roof, legs dangling out over the street below. He had his flask in hand, and was in the process of taking a sip when his scroll rang. Taking a swig as he pulled out his scroll he thumbed the accept icon.

"Qrow."

"Oz."

"What is your situation?"

"Don't you mean how is the babysitting spoiled princess with Daddy's credit card going?"

"Qrow... please."

"You do know I have other things I should be doing besides watching some rich kid waste money, on shit I can't afford."

"Qrow, we went over this and you know why I called you back, she is more than just some rich girl wasting money."

"I know, I know." Qrow took a swig from his flask, "So everything is quiet. Aside from making some salespeople very happy no one has approached her, or is following her. She is perfectly content and safe."

"Good to know."

"So was that the only reason?"

"We're going through with it. Glynda will explain everything to her when she returns to Beacon."

"Seriously? You're going with that idea? I thought that was a joke."

"No, it wasn't a joke; and yes we are going through with it."

"You know that whole idea sounds like something a bad fan-fiction writer would use as a plot device."

"What?"

"Nothing." Qrow took another swig before putting his flask away. "So what do you need me to

do?"

"Escort her back to Beacon. Glynda will pick her up from the bullhead pads."

"This whole gig is so much like babysitting... don't even deny it Oz. It is exactly what I'm doing."

"Qrow, just bring her back to Beacon."

"I will. I will." Qrow stood up on the edge of the roof. "Let Glynda know we should be back in about half and hour."

"I will."

Qrow put his scroll away as soon as Ozpin ended the call. Moving away from the edge of the roof, he allowed his body to shift. Soon where there was once stood a dishevelled man was now a rather prime looking crow. It hopped a few times along the gravel covered roof, before taking to the air and circling around toward the street; aiming directly for a nearby secluded alley.

/=/

Ozpin sighed and allowed his shoulders to slump as Glynda stalked back and forth before his desk. For the last almost three months she had been coming into his office at least once a week to complain about the plan. To push her own option and to vent and fume at him. He knew there was something more going on with Glynda than just being concerned and unhappy with the agreed upon course of action.

"She's not ready and she is refusing to even be near that damnable medallion. We need to use my idea Ozpin. This experiment of yours is a failure."

"Glynda I've heard your objections to the plan for weeks. Nothing is changing. This is the best course of action, and it has the most protections available for her." Ozpin retorted his own temper fraying. "Impress on her the need to comply with my wishes."

"She doesn't like how wearing that piece of junk makes her feel!"

"I know, you've told me it makes her uncomfortable, but her safety is a little more important than pampering her."

"It's not pampering her!"

"Glynda, you've been in my office at least once a week speaking on this very issue. You are coddling her. I know you have connections to her and her family, but enough is enough. She is almost an adult, and she needs to start making compromises like any other adult."

"Her comfort is not up for compromise!"

"It is, if it is the only thing keeping her at risk. You will get her to understand the need to wear it, regardless. Her safety is paramount, even with your training she's not fully capable of protecting herself yet. We need to hide her."

"Why wont you..."

"I've been listening to you Glynda. I have. You have brought these same concerns to my attention weekly. It's time to stop and follow through with what we agreed to. What her family agreed to."

"And initiation?"

"She is still going to take part, and you are going to do what I have asked."

"Use my semblance to assist her descent into the forest."

"AND guide her into the path of Ms. Nikos. They need to be paired up."

"You think a first year student, even if she is a championship fighter is better protection than me?"

"No, I think someone her age needs to be near others her age; and knowing what I know of Ms. Nikos there is potentially a chance that she will step up and help with training."

"Ozpin..."

"I know all of your concerns, and every objection to this plan. I have heard them, I understand them and I have considered them... but at the end of the day this plan has the greatest chance of allowing her the freedom to grow and gain more control of her abilities." Ozpin clasped his hands before him on his desk, "I made a mistake with Amber. I wont make the same one a second time. She will get the time to become proficient with her powers and ability to defend herself. We will not rush her, we will support her fully."

"But you're still going to make her go through with this farce."

"I am."

"I can't change your mind can I?"

"No, I'm sorry Glynda but no. We are following the course of action I laid out almost three months ago. It's for the best."

"I swear Ozpin... I swear."

"I know Glynda, I do. If anything happens to her... I'm answering to her family."

"No..."

"No?"

"You're answering to me." Glynda gave the Headmaster a glare that he could only describe as heart stopping, before she turned on her heels and stalked out of the office. Ozpin let out the breath he had been holding. That look unnerved him, and confirmed there was definitely something more to this situation than he was currently aware of.

/=/

Jaune was miserable. The stupid act she was having to put on, was grating on her nerves. All these little things, she had to keep doing to make sure no one caught on to what the real situation was. None of what she was having to take part in, lived up to anything she was led to believe. Which was undermining her mood even further. Everything felt like it was falling apart. She was sure someone was going to notice and out her any day now.

She squirmed in his armour. It was becoming almost unbearably uncomfortable, though her Beacon uniform was a close second. What she wouldn't give to be in bed, wrapped in her slightly oversized hoodie, and the matching pair of sweat pants. That was the only time the dull pain that filled her body and over sensitivity of her skin didn't bother her as much. Currently she was in the locker room, pulling off her armour. She unceremoniously was tossing it into her locker, on top of her family's heirloom blade. It had been another loss in combat class. Another match against Cardin, and her getting knocked around like the loser she felt she was.

She hated the damn board and sword with a passion, not that she could let that be known by anyone else. Pulling on her Beacon uniform, she snorted. Professor Goodwitch's class was the last one for the day, and she needed to get back to the JNPR's dorm. She needed to change into something comfortable. She needed to come up with an excuse, and soon or everything was going to fall couldn't keep this up for much longer. Pulling out her scroll she sent her team a quick text. Telling them she'd meet them at the cafeteria, after going to the dorm to get changed.

She got back to dorm without much issue, and quickly got changed. Sighing about being in something actually comfortable, she pulled out her scroll, and thumbed to her hidden application. With a couple presses and the entry of a pass-code she opened the encrypted chat program. Picking two of the three contacts in the program, she sent a quick short text.

"I can't keep doing this. It hurts more now. I need a break, and I need an excuse."

"Glynda, can you handle this?" came Ozpin's reply.

"How long can you hold out?"

"Maybe a couple days, but it's driving me crazy... everything is so uncomfortable, and it's hurting more each day."

"You know you can take it off during the night." Ozpin offered.

"That doesn't help, plus you said I can't let anyone know... I have two team mates who get up freaking early!"

"Can you hold on for two more days?"

"Maybe, but it's getting bad... I need a break... a good long one. It's really starting to hurt."

"I told you Ozpin! I told you! We have to stop this, and go with what I suggested."

"We can't. I would raise too many questions. We have to stay the course."

"It's causing her physical pain... don't you hear that!"

"I do, and I will look into a way to alleviate it while she takes this break."

"You are not filling her full of pain killers!" Glynda responded.

"That is not what I'm considering."

"I can do one more day... I'm due then anyway."

"Tomorrow night, meet me in my class. I'll have everything ready for you."

"What's my excuse?"

"I'll get your mother to call you and ask for you to meet her in Vale. You can tell your team and friends that you'll be visiting family to discuss some private matters." Glynda posted.

"Will I be in your quarters again Aunt Glynda?"

"Yes, you'll stay in my quarters like you did last time. I have the spare room ready for you."

"I agree with Glynda. That is still the best option."

"Can we come up with something different, then this? I'm tired, and it hurts all the time."

"Can you explain?" asked Ozpin.

"It just hurts. Starts out dull and I barely notice but as time goes on... the longer I wear it, the greater the ache becomes... it's distracting and like right now it makes me so uncomfortable."

"Ozpin?"

"I will look into it, and like I said I will find an acceptable solution."

"I'm tired of this whole act. Can't we do something else?"

"This is currently the best option. We can discuss alternate plans at mid-term break." Ozpin replied.

"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. 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. Though she and Jaune had never really interacted, she was observant; and right now she could tell that Jaune was suffering some serious discomfort.

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, Pyrrha. 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 had slowly started to get worse as the weeks since initiation passed. He could see that his leader was in obvious discomfort and in fact he was surprised that no one else in their small group of friends was making any note of the change in Jaune's personality. There was a physical component to what was afflicting Jaune. It had not passed Ren's notice that Jaune would instantly once classes were over change into the loosest and baggiest items of clothing he owned. He let his magenta 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; let alone an entire week has passed... 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, really hurting. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and the dull ache that was his constant companion these last couple of weeks was now much sharper. He thought he could hold out for one more day, but not like this. It was unbearable. Gasping through a sudden pang of pain centred around his gut, he rolled to the side of his bed and gingerly placed his bare feet on the floor. Even that caused him to hiss in discomfort. It was too much, he couldn't bear it any more. Reaching for his scroll he sent off a quick message, and then waited breathing in quick shallow breaths watching for a reply.

Getting a response, he closed his scroll and gritting his teeth rose to his feet. Wincing he slowly made his way as quietly as he could to the door. He paused, waiting a momment, 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 pale pink 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 heard each and every gasped and pained utterance that Jaune had made. That alone cemented in ren's mind that his leader was seriously suffering; and needed help. But why he wouldn't come to his teammates was a troubling thought that passed through his mind as he picked up his own scroll and sent a quick text, as like a shadow he rose from his bed and closed on the door. With almost supernatural silent grace he opened the door and moved 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. They easily caught up with the slowly moving blonde. Ren's concern peaked. Jaune was in more distress than Ren originally assumed. He was taking multiple breaks and leaning against the walls.

"He's in a lot of pain." Blake whispered.

"He is... but why come this way? The infirmary is in the other direction." Ren commented.

"Why doesn't he just call for help?" Blake asked in a hushed tone.

"I don't know." Ren replied in an equally quiet voice.

The pair of ninja wannabes continued to shadow the blonde figure on his slow trek through the halls of Beacon. They noticed they had moved through the dorms and into the section of the school that housed the classrooms. This confused them, but still they kept their focus and continued to follow Jaune. They held themselves back when Jaune dropped to his knees before them. They clearly heard his groan of pain as he doubled over pressing his forehead against the tiles of the floor. They watched him struggle to open his scroll and apparently send a message to someone.

"We have to help him." hissed Blake. Even with as limited interactions as she had with jaune, she was not willing to watch someone suffer needlessly.

"Let's..." Ren stopped and yanked Blake back with him into the shadows. Blake was about to say something when they heard a heavy door slam open.

"Professor Goodwitch?" Blake whispered as she and Ren watched as the most authoritarian figure they had ever met rushed forward and instantly began to assist Jaune from the floor. They remained where they had hidden themselves as the professor almost carried Jaune into the classroom she had just vacated. "I don't understand, Jaune is obviously sick by why come here instead of the infirmary? Why call Professor Goodwitch instead of the on duty nurse?"

"Question is do we get closer or leave this be?" asked Ren.

"We haven't discovered what is going on." Blake replied, "I mean are you satisfied with what we've found out?"

"No, but that is Professor Goodwitch's class and she is with Jaune. This might be something we shouldn't get involved with." Ren offered, "We could just speak to Jaune tomorrow about what we've seen."

"And hope he gives us an explanation instead of being upset that we followed him?"

"It's that or we walk into that room and deal directly with Jaune and Professor Goodwitch."

"That is something I really don't want to do... but you agree there is something going on with Jaune?"

"I do."

"So?"

"Let's talk with him in the morning?"

Blake just nodded in agreement, and after the pair spent a few minutes watching the door to Professor's Goodwitch's classroom; they prepared to leave. The opening of the door made them both freeze. Still cloaked in the shadows of the hallway they watched as Professor Goodwitch exited the classroom with her arm around a young woman. A tall young woman wearing the exact same clothes that Jaune had been wearing earlier. The pair remained perfectly still as the young woman was assisted by Professor Goodwitch down the hall away from where Ren and Blake were hidden.

"This makes no sense." Blake whispered as the professor and woman vanished out of sight. "Who was that girl?"

"Better questions; why was she in Jaune's night clothes, and where are she and Professor Goodwitch headed?" offered Ren.

"I want to follow..."

"But Professor Goodwitch."

Blake just nodded.

"I do believe it is well past curfew Ms Belladonna, and Mr. Ren." came a voice from beside them that they hadn't heard since initiation. "Care to explain, or should I look the other way and let you return to your rooms... without informing Professor Goodwitch about this?"

The pair turned to see Headmaster Ozpin standing not far away, both his hands on the top of his cane as he stood in the centre of the hall looking directly at them.

"Headmaster... we... um..." Blake was at a loss for words, and Ren could offer none.

"Well?" Ozpin let his eyes narrow slightly getting Blake and Ren to move out of the spot in which they were hiding, and start making their way back towards the student dorms. "Good choice."

/=/

About twenty minutes later Ozpin was standing in Glynda's living room, waiting for the authoritarian professor to join him. She was currently in her guest room, with Beacon's resident doctor. He chewed on his lip, as he waited. He knew Glynda would not be in a good mood. A quick glance from her as he entered her apartment told him more than he needed to know about her current mental state; which was not good.

Leaning on his cane with both his hands clasped on the top, he watched as Glynda followed the doctor out of the guest room. Ozpin remained silent, waiting for the report from the doctor. Glynda stayed by the door of the guest room as the doctor approached the headmaster.

"How is she?"

"Comfortable, for now. I gave her a shot of painkiller, muscle relaxant and a light sedative."

"Diagnosis?"

"I'd have to give her a full physical, but my cursory examine would lead me to believe extreme muscle strain."

"Muscle strain?"

"Every major muscle group in her body is causing her pain. Just touching them caused her to seize up and cry out" the doctor placed her tablet her medical bag and adjusted her grip on the handles. "I don't know what she has been doing to cause that much strain, but she needs to stop it. She's lucky she didn't tear something."

"I see. And if she can't stop this special training... what are her, our options?"

"Stopping it is best, but more rest breaks between sessions. Preferably two days on one day off. But right now she needs at least a week of complete rest. No training, no strenuous activity. The more bed rest the better."

"Thank you, and I'll stop by tomorrow after you've had a chance to give her a proper examination." Ozpin commented.

"Glynda if anything crops up during the night, don't hesitate."

"Thank you Doctor Primrose." Glynda responded, a weak smile on her lips. Ozpin took note of the pained almost suffering look etched on Glynda's features. "I will call if anything happens that needs..."

"No, call if ANYTHING happens." Doctor Primrose spoke, underlying her words by pointing directly at Glynda with her free hand, "I don't care how minor. Call. Understood?"

"Understood."

"Good." Primrose adjusted her grip again on her medical bag before turning and making her way to the door, "Headmaster, Glynda. I'm only a scroll call away... and I expect to see her tomorrow morning prior to classes starting."

"I will make sure she is there." Glynda answered, "Again, thank you."

Doctor Primrose just nodded, before opening the door and stepping out into the hallway. The door had barely even closed before Ozpin felt the flat of Glynda's hand against his cheek. Ozpin weathered the blow without complaint. He figured he owed Glynda some type of outlet for her frustrations.

"The plan is over!" she snapped, or more realistically growled. "Take that medallion and shove it were the sun don't shine!"

"Please, Glynda... calm down. I know..."

"You know nothing." she hissed.

"I know there are considerations we need to make."

"Considerations? Are you seriously suggesting we continue to make her wear that cursed thing?"

"To be blunt... yes."

"You're a bastard!"

"Glynda, look at the bigger picture... consider her safety."

"I am! That damnable thing is hurting her! That can't be allowed to continue... you heard the doctor..."

"I did, and I will listen to her further once she has fully examined Jaune, but right now I need you to calm down and think rationally. We have just started the school year, and Jaune is a team leader. We can't suddenly have him vanish. It would raise questions... ones we can't answer."

"Who would notice? Students drop out all the time."

"His..."

"Her."

"Her team for one, and do you think all those people who are following Ms. Nikos..."

"Her rabid fans."

"Wouldn't start digging if her partner suddenly vanished. We need to stay the course, but we also need to make some adjustments."

"Adjustments... like?"

"Moving JNPR to a new dorm... one that would allow for individual privacy."

"So she can take the medallion off during the night."

"Exactly."

"And how are you going to sell this change? The only rooms that we have like that are the dignitary suites."

"Let me figure out that..."

"Just let her stay with me." Glynda offered, "It would achieve the same result, allowing her to take that fucking thing off at night."

"And how would you explain that away to her teammates and friends?"

"Simple... late night tutoring, she's already well behind her contemporaries... it would only make sense that I step in and start offering additional training to her."

"It is a probable solution to this situation... though there will be times Jaune will be required to spend the night with his... her team."

"I'll schedule the training to take place during the week, so it would only be the weekends when she wouldn't have a break from wearing it."

"Will you be training her?"

"Yes I will. She's gained some control, more than I thought she would have... but she's still not able to manifest without a long delay and considerable concentration."

"Are you okay?"

"No." Glynda replied flatly, "I still think we should abandon the whole plan and just let her be her. She can stay with me... the guest room is actually now her room. It wouldn't be much for me to..."

"But her team. People will notice, and that is something we need to avoid. Even this late night tutoring is going to raise questions... but those are ones we have reasonable answers for."

"It's hurting her."

"I understand, and I am sorry about that. I didn't realize the cost of using that artifact." Ozpin gave Glynda a weak smile, "Oh and we will need to have a little discussion with Mr Ren and Ms Belladonna."

"Why?"

"They saw you and Jaune."

"Saw? How?"

"I believe they were following him... which is understandable as they are the two more observant members of both teams, and more than likely noticed something was wrong with or bothering her."

"So what should we do? You don't want others knowing..."

"Put the fear of Ms. Goodwitch in them... that should rectify that issue."

"Any other surprises, as I am rather tired... it's been a long day."

"No, I believe we are completely caught up. Take care of yourself Glynda." Ozpin responded as he gave her a second weak smile, before heading to the door and walking out of the apartment.

Glynda moved to her couch and collapsed. She was drained, both physically and emotionally. She had not been lying to Ozpin when she said it had been a long day, and she knew it wasn't over yet. Sighing she forced herself from the couch and made her way back into Jaune's room. She moved over to the side of her bed, and crouched down. She ran her fingers gently through the sleeping girl's golden blonde locks.

"I'm sorry Jaune... I'll keep you safe... I promise sweetheart. I promise."

"Mommy?" Jaune muttered as she shifted in her drug assisted rest.

Glynda let a weak smile cross her lips, as she ran her fingers through Jaune's golden hair a few more times, before rising and heading out to her own room. It was late, and her day was going to start early.

/==/ Notes /==/

So this is the start of the revamp. The main points of the original (which is still up if you are interested in reading it.) will remain. I am changing things up, and I will be stretching things out a little bit, or attempting to.

Feel free to let me know which one you prefer.