/==\ Chapter Eight /==\

Pyrrha couldn't sleep, and as a consequence neither could Nora or Ren. So the pair of longtime friends sat up and did what they could to comfort the distraught young woman. It took a couple of hours, but eventually that were able to get Pyrrha into a semblance of being collected; it was then they asked the questions they knew all their friends would want answers to. The trio was on Pyrrha's bed. She had her legs drawn up to her chest, her arms hugging them as Nora sat behind her, and Ren sat before her.

"Pyr-Pyr, what happened?" Nora asked while rubbing the champion's back softly.

"I broke down as soon as I got into the room, and she... comforted me. Calmed me so we could talk."

"Did you... talk?" Ren asked, and only continued after he saw Pyrrha nod from behind her cradled legs.. "So did you argue?"

"Not really..."

"Not really? What does that mean?"

"Jaune accepted my apology, or at least part of it... then I brought up my feelings for her...how I loved him, and couldn't see myself with her."

"I take it that didn't go over well." commented Nora.

"No it didn't. Our voices got raised a little bit, she told me how long she's had feelings for me... it's had been almost as long as I had feelings for him... told her I felt lied to. She didn't like that, and that's when she started getting angry."

"You know she has no control over what was done... right?" Ren asked.

"I do, and I told her that. Told her I understood that it wasn't her fault, but that I still felt like I did."

"Was that all?"

"She started to rant about how she never wanted what was happening. Never wanted the power... she called it a curse. How she never agreed to the magic used on her." Pyrrha pressed her forehead into her knees. "I've never seen Jaune so angry. She wasn't angry at me per say, but my actions were targeted."

"Did you?"

"No... I let her get it all out. I took it, because I deserved it. I deserved the blame."

"That is not correct, and you know it. You didn't cause this, you are as much a victim of this all, as Jaune is." Ren offered.

"I..."

"No Pyr-Pyr." Nora cut in, "You are right you've been lied to, but not purposefully. We all were, but Jaune isn't like that. This whole thing was probably eating up her inside, the whole time."

"Nora's right," Ren reached out and gently laid his hand on Pyrrha's clasped hands. "We've been with Jaune a short time, but you've seen how she was as him. He's kind to a fault, and if he had any say in all this... he would have told us."

"Still I feel that way."

"Which is understandable. But the question is do you understand that it wasn't Jaune doing it purposefully?"

"I... I think I do, but it's still hard, still hurts."

"Pyr-Pyr... was that all that happened, before...?" Nora asked as she continued to rub circles on Pyrrha's back.

"No. She calmed down a bit, and I tried to change the topic..."

"About the choice?" Ren asked.

"Yes... I started to then she doubled over grabbing at her stomach as if in pain." Pyrrha paused, and took a deep breath, "She started to really cry, and shake. She kept saying No, and Not now."

"She was changing." Ren informed his teammates. "I saw her react similarly when Blake and I fallowed her one night."

"What happened then Pyr-Pyr?"

"She locked herself in the bathroom, and started to scream... it hurt to hear... her voice changed, grew deeper... she kept screaming No..."

"And?" Ren prompted

"I heard a crash. It must have been the mirror. She... he smashed it." Pyrrha started to sob again, her shoulders shaking as she continued, "Then it grew really quiet. I went up and tried the door. I tried to get a response by asking if she was okay. There was nothing, then I heard..."

"Heard what? What did you hear Pyrrha?"

"Crying... soft crying, and what I thought was her talking to herself, then there was..."

"Pyr-Pyr?" Nora probed.

"I heard a... thump. Like something heavy hitting the floor." Pyrrha looked up at Ren, her emerald green eyes looking into his pink ones, "When I didn't get a response, I used my semblance and ripped out the door knob, and bashed the door in... there was so much blood."

"You called the infirmary first, and then me?" Pyrrha just nodded, "Then what?"

"I grabbed the first thing I could... a towel I think... I wrapped it around his arm, and held it above him... I tried to stop the blood... there was just so much."

"You saved Jaune. If you hadn't been there..."

"I caused this!" Pyrrha snapped choking on her own words, "If I hadn't upset her..."

"You know that's not how it works. Her emotional state is not the trigger. Ozpin explained that. So you are not the cause... believe me. You might have upset her... but you didn't cause the change."

"But... if I..."

"Aside from loosing control when you first found out, you are not the cause. You heard her in the Headmaster's office. She's been suffering for months... she was bound to lash out... without you... we would have lost her."

"You need some rest Pyr-Pyr." Nora calmly stated, "Come on, let's get you into bed."

"I don't want to be alone."

"You're not going to be." Nora informed the emotionally compromised girl, "I'll stay by you all night, and every night you need me to."

"Really?" Pyrrha asked as Nora helped her to her feet, as Ren moved to pull back the covers on her bed. "Why would you...?"

"You're a friend, and friend who is hurting."

"I'm still your friend? But you both said..."

"We were angry, and we're sorry for doing that to you." Ren offered. "Now try and get some rest."

Once Pyrrha climbed into the bed, and moved over making room, Nora climbed in with her, and wrapped the red head in her strong arms, as Ren pulled the covers over both of them. He and Nora shared a look, having another silent conversation, before he moved off and climbed into his own bed. He had been tempted to use his semblance on her, but part of him knew that was not what she needed. She needed comfort, and understanding not something numbing her emotions. He watched the pair, until he was certain they had drifted off, before allowing his own eyes to close. He was going

to sleep lightly tonight. Just in case.

/=/

In CFVY's dorm a similar scene was playing out, but with just a different focus. Yats and Fox were at a loss as what they could really do to help, so the pair just sat in front of the dorm's door to prevent the overly emotional Cocco from making a dash for the infirmary. They sat by as their team leader lay on her bed, curled in the fetal position, her head cradled in Velvet's lap; gasping and sobbing. Mumbling about how she had failed her. That she didn't want to lose her. That she was angry with her, that she wanted her to be with her. They knew Cocco was smitten, and her current postures and words pulled at their hearts. They had known Cocco for over a year. She had always been good to them. A strong and caring leader. In control of herself, and ready for whatever challenges they faced.

Her being so broken, and not being able to fix the issue bothered them both; so they waited. Ready to step up and assist if Velvet asked them to. Velvet didn't say much, she just softly cooed, as she stroked the fashionista's hair. Cocco's sunglasses lay on the floor next to her beret, where they had been discarded when Velvet got her back into the dorm. Only Velvet could hear what Cocco was saying, even though Yats could see her mouth moving.

"I almost lost her... I love her..." Cocco mumbled while tears rolled from her eyes. "It hurts... I love her..."

"It's okay, she's safe, you can tell her. She's not gone. She's waiting for you." Velvet whispered.

"Why? Why would she... I love her..."

"She was hurting too much to think. You need to tell her what you feel. Show her... I know she'll be happy... I've seen her smile while she's near you... she loves you too."

"But why? Why would she?"

"She's hurting Cocco, hurting deeply." Velvet cooed, "Show her, tell her... give her something good to focus on. Something warm."

"I love her..."

"I know you do." Velvet gave her team leader, and friend a soft smile, "I know you do."

/=/

Glynda had a nearly sleepless night. Every time Jaune moved she woke up, and checked on him, hoping her baby was finally awake. Every time a nurse came in to check vitals and readings, she watched. No one was going to harm her baby, her angel ever; and she didn't care who was around her. Almost loosing her, snapped something inside. Memories of loss, heartbreak and regrets. She had made the decision during the night she was going to come clean with Jaune. She was going to to give her the truth, all of it. She feared what her response would be; but it was for the best. Jaune deserved to know.

She also resigned herself to make the call to Jonathon and Jasmine as soon as she knew Jaune was awake. They had raised her, they needed to know what was happening, and Ozpin be damned; they were going to get the whole truth as well. There would be no more secrets, not with regard to Jaune, and the situation she was in. Glynda gently brushed the hair from Jaune's eyes, and squeeze his hand gently. She wasn't religious, but she prayed none the less. She prayed Ozpin's plan would work. She prayed Jaune would accept the truth she was about to hear; and she vowed to protect her with everything she had at her disposal.

She drifted off, in the very early morning. Her hands still clasping Jaune's, and her head on his lap. She felt Jaune's warmth, and let her mind wander to all the soft moments she had had with her daughter; even though she was only thought of as Aunt Glynda. She dreamed of Jaune's first ballet recital. She had take unpaid leave to be there, and quietly cried through the whole performance watching her angel glide about the stage. She remembered other firsts, that she had made time for, and the few that she missed. She was going to make it up to her. If Jaune accepts the truth about her, they would be the family they always should have been.

"Mom?" came a raspy voice as the very first rays of sunlight began to filter through the blinds. Glynda despite being nearly exhausted, was up in an instant. Her green eyes wide and watery as she looked at the glazed dark blue eyes that she had fallen in love with at first sight. "Mom?"

"It's okay, baby. Everything is going to be okay." Glynda spoke in a hushed tone, "Do want anything?"

"Thirsty." Glynda moved to the night stand and pour some water in a plastic cup. Placing a gentle hand behind Jaune's head she eased him up, and placed the cup against his lips. After he took a few swallows, she took the cup away. "Aunt Glynda?"

"I'm here Jaune." Glynda forced a smile. Being called mom even if it was by accident caused her heart to flutter. She knew she had made a mistake in not being even more involved with Jaune's childhood. It was a mistake she hoped she could over come. "Do you need anything else?"

"I can't move. Need to use the washroom." Jaune croaked out.

"I'll get a nurse." Glynda informed him, before brushing her lips against his forehead; and then heading out to get her baby some assistance.

/=/

Jaune was embarrassed. He was trying to take care of his business, and the nurse wouldn't leave. While she did stand with her back to him, it was still distracting to have a woman in the bathroom with him, when he was well a him. So as he sat there, trying to relax; he thought about last night. Everything after they had strapped him down, and injected him was a haze. He could clearly remember struggling against them as they tried to treat him; even as weak as he had been; the minute they tried to sew him up he had lashed out. He didn't want to be this way anymore, but now. He knew they'd be keeping a close eye on him, just not this close.

The words he had half heard filtered through his thoughts. He was sure the two voices he had heard were nothing but a dream, but still. His mom always told him he was a spitting image of his uncle Nicholas. Were the words the voices spoke true. Was Nicholas his dad? No his dad was dad not an uncle he never knew; but still the way one of the voices spoke. Finishing up, he washed his hands, and splashed some water on his face, before returning under escort to his room. Inside he found Aunt Glynda waiting.

"Jaune, how are you feeling?"

"I'm... okay."

"Don't lie. How are you really feeling?"

"Upset."

"I can imagine. You had quite the night... and scared the hell out of me and your friends. Especially me." Glynda scowled at Jaune.

"I'm sorry?"

"You better be, young lady." Glynda then rushed forward and scooped Jaune up in probably the tightest hug she'd had ever given him. He could feel wetness on his cheek as she spoke again, her voice a broken whisper, "Don't you ever do something like that again... I can't loose you too."

Jaune was taken aback by the statement, as it brought back the half understood words he heard last night. Shaking he reached up and wrapped his arms around his Aunt returning her embrace.

"I'm sorry, but it hurts so much." he whispered into her ear.

"I know, baby, I know. I'm going to make it all better, I promise." she replied, tightening her grip, "Just stay with me, I love you too much, please don't hurt me like that."

"I'm sorry." he choked., "I'm sorry."

"It's okay, baby, it's okay. You're still here, that's what's important. That's the only thing that matters."

The pair held each other for several minutes; taking the time to gain control of their emotions, before they slowly and hesitantly separated. Jaune moved over to the bed and sat down, as Glynda watched.

"I heard things last night."

"Are you sure?" Glynda asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"I think so." Jaune rubbed his bandaged arm. "I'm pretty sure, I couldn't make it all out... but I did some of it."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Maybe later."

"Whenever you want to, just let me know." Glynda responded as she sat down on the bed and took his hand in hers.

"Am I interrupting?" came a voice that made the pair of blondes both scowl. It was at that point that Ozpin was indeed sold on the truth of Glynda's confession last night. Even as a male Jaune perfectly emulated Glynda Goodwitch's glare. "I have some news, that I'm sure both of you would like to hear."

"And that is?" Glynda asked, her motherly instincts in full force. She may have shared with Ozpin in a moment of weakness, but that was then, and this was now. Now was her time to protect her precious.

"What we talked about, after the incident. A temporary way to reverse the transformation, until I can fully prepare the counter ritual." Ozpin replied as he stood in the door of the room, both his hands on the top of his cane. "But to be sure we need to test it in a controlled setting, like the infirmary."

"Is it true?" Jaune asked his voice filled with hope, as he shifted about in the girl's uniform he had been in when the change had occurred; though it was short one full sleeve.

"We hope it is. We'll be giving you an injection. It's a cocktail of hormones, that are naturally present in a woman who is with child."

"What?" Jaune asked confused, he was expecting magic, not whatever this was.

"The stability of you current form is tied to your reproductive cycle. Even though you are male, you body still processes and produces hormones as if you were female. Hence the break of the transformation when your menstruation is triggered." Ozpin remained at the door watching the reactions of both Glynda and Jaune. He had mentioned it to Glynda last night when she was caught up in a fit of rage, so he wasn't sure if she had fully understood what he had proposed. "So we are going to attempt to fool your body, and make it revert to your proper gender by give you hormone injections; and if this works we'll continue it until I can finish the counter ritual."

"Are you sure this is going to work, Ozpin?" Glynda questioned as she made a small adjustment to how she was sitting, putting herself in a more direct line between the headmaster and Jaune.

"I'm positive it will, but there is always a chance." Ozpin replied, as he took note of Glynda's movements, "This is a best guess based on what we do know, so there is a chance I'm just wasting everyone's time. However, we wont know unless we try. So the question to Jaune is... are you willing?"

"Yes."

"Very well." Ozpin tapped his cane on the floor, "I will proceed with some final arrangements, as we will have to do this away from the notice of others. SO give me an hour or so."

"So I just wait?"

"For now yes, but there are a couple people who are in the waiting room desperate to see you, so maybe you should take care of that while Glynda and I take care of a few things. Sound fair?"

"Yeah." Jaune looked at Glynda and gave her a weak smile, he could see there was a longing in her eyes, and he decided once he was back to normal he would ask her about it. "I'll go out and see them, if I'm allowed."

"Be careful." Glynda commented. "Don't push yourself."

Jaune just nodded, and headed towards the door. Ozpin stepped aside letting the young man pass, before returning his attention to his Deputy Headmistress.

"I think he heard us last night. But he's not sure if it was real or a dream."

"Well he will know it was real soon, or will he?"

"I have to talk with Jonathon and Jasmine first. They need to know what happened, and what I want to do."

"Glynda, I know recent events have not made me your favourite person, but take this advice." Ozpin leaned forward on his cane and gave her a soft almost fatherly smile, "Tell him. Don't risk loosing the chance. The truth will be good for him... and you."

"You mean her."

"Hopefully if my theory is correct, yes... her."

/=/

Jaune's bare feet slapped against the cold tiles of the floor as he made his way to the waiting room. Pushing through the swinging doors he was greeted by the semi smiling faces of Pyrrha and Cocco. Before he could say or react, Pyrrha rushed forward grabbed him by the sides of his head and crushed her lips against his. Jaune was shocked at the display, and the raw emotion contained with in the gesture. Part of him was overjoyed by the action, the other was dreading what Cocco was going to do.

The slap that followed the breaking of the kiss caused his eyes to water.

"Fucking asshole!" Pyrrha swore at him, her smile replaced with a vicious looking frown, and wet eyes. "How could you do that? Do that to your friends? To Cocco? Do you know how much we all care for you?"

"I'm sorry... I am. I lost it, and made a nearly unforgivable mistake." Jaune tried to defend himself. Over Pyrrha's shoulder he could see Cocco and her stance told him he was going to be on the end of another tongue lashing, and not the fun kind; after Pyrrha finished with him.

"We all know you're suffering Jaune, but don't make choices that takes you away from us. We're here for you, even if..."

"Some of you have your own feeling about me to sort out?" Jaune cut her off.

"And have done things we're sorry for."

"Was that..."

"No... I've been wanting to do that for months; and with almost losing you... I couldn't not take the chance."

"So you?"

"Yes I like you Jaune, but..." Pyrrha looked over her shoulder to the smouldering Cocco, "I don't think as much as others do. I'll always be there for you Jaune... from this point on no matter what."

Pyrrha gave Jaune a weak smile, before backing away; and then turning to walk over to Cocco. The crimson haired champion placed a hand on Cocco's shoulder before leaning in and whispering something into the beret wearing fashionista's ear. After a nod, Cocco moved forward. Jaune tensed waiting for Cocco to explode; which she did, just not in the way he thought. Cocco burst into tears as she rushed the last few feet between them. She pushed her head into his chest, while snaking her left arm around his waist and futilely banging her right fist against his chest. With nothing else he could, do Jaune just wrapped his arms around her and pulled her in close.

"I'm sorry..."

"Don't talk." she sobbed out, "Just don't talk."

Jaune just nodded his head.

"I almost lost you... you tried to..." Cocco started to shake, unable to keep any of the storm of emotions with in her contained. "I... love you. I fell for your hard, and I want to be with you."

Jaune stiffened at that admission. He knew he and Cocco were growing closer and closer, but he never considered. In response he just tightened his grip on her.

"I'm not ever letting you go... if...if... you had... I would have followed you." That single statement had Jaune grow cold, and tighten his grip even further. He couldn't even fathom Cocco doing such a thing. She was so full of life, had so much potential; and to just abandon all of that because he made a rash choice to try and escape all his pain.

"You can't... to many would miss you."

"It's the same for you. Exactly the same for you."

/=/

While Jaune was out in the waiting room, Glynda placed a scroll call to Ansel, from the privacy of the room Jaune had been recovering in. She was tense, and grew further anxious when she heard the voice of Jasmine Arc; the woman that had always treated her as a sister. Glynda broke when she started to relay everything that had been happening with Jaune. For her part Jasmine just listened; letting the woman that was basically an Arc in all but name let everything out. If the mother of seven had any shock over talk about magic and body transformations, she hid it well. Once Glynda had exhausted herself, Jasmine spoke.

"I agree, it's time to tell her. She needs to know, and I'm boarding the first flight there." Jasmine spoke in a soft and reassuring tone. "You are not going to be alone when this is done, so hold on until I arrive. Okay?"

"I think I can do that."

"I know you can. Your a strong woman Glynda, and if things had been different, You and Nicholas would have been great parents. Jaune is a sweet girl, I see so much of John's brother in her, and I also see you in her."

"I almost..."

"We will be discussing that with her as well; along with the eighty thousand lien bill we just received." Jasmine's tone took a distinct motherly tint. "I'll be there in a day, two at the most. Keep an eye on your baby."

"I...I will."

"One to two days." Jasmine stated, "Let her know I'm coming, and that we're going to have a serious talk with her. One to two days Glynda. I'll be there for both of you."

"Thank you." Glynda choked out.

/=/

"The others are waiting in their dorms for news about you." Pyrrha informed Jaune as he continued to comfort the still distraught Cocco. "Are you ready for them, or do you need more time?"

"More time, please." Jaune asked, before adding, "They might have a short term solution to turn me back. I want to see if it works first. You think that will be okay? I want to be me when I see them."

"I'll let them know." Pyrrha replied, "Is it going to work? This solution?"

"Ozpin doesn't know, but I want to try." Jaune replied, "What about you? Still want to talk about... you know?"

"After we discuss your recent actions, and if you're up to it, yes please."

"You're making whatever it is you two are going to talk about sounds... very serious." Cocco commented her arms still clutching Jaune, her head leaning against her chest. She wasn't in to this current incarnation, but she would deal with it. She knew the one she had deep feelings for was just hidden inside, and with any luck she would be free; very soon.

"It is." Pyrrha responded gravely.

/=/

The trio returned to Jaune's infirmary room. Cocco sat on the bed with Jaune, her hands wrapped around his left hand. Her head on his shoulder. Pyrrha sat in a chair a little distance away, and watched the couple. Professor Goodwitch had to excuse herself, due to responsibilities for her classes. SO they just sat there in silence, after having made a short call to the rest of their friends to inform them of what was going on. All of them were holed up in RWBY's dorm room, waiting for Jaune to return; and Jaune was apprehensive to what he would be walking into when he got there.

It was about half and hour since they took over the room before Headmaster Ozpin, entered. In his hand a syringe. He looked at the trio, and appeared to be considering something, before speaking up.

"This may or may not work. You understand that, right Jaune?"

"I do." Jaune replied, "So are we doing this now?"

"If you are willing." Ozpin responded before asking, "Is everyone staying?"

He watched as the two other occupants of the room, fixed him with stern looks, and nodded their heads.

"Okay then. Let's see if my theory is correct." Ozpin moved forward the needle ready, "Which arm, Jaune?"

/==/

Hope this chapter makes up for the trauma the previous one caused.

As always, comments, suggestion and critiques are always welcome.

Hope you enjoyed.