/==/ Chapter Nine /==/
"So Noir, you are being assigned operational control of you cousin..."
"Pardon me father, but Jaune is my sister. She'll always be my sister."
"Very well." Nathaniel Arc chuckled at his middle daughter Noir Arc. She stood before him, in a crisp ASDF officer's uniform, and crew cut blond hair. Her deep blues eyes hinting at her sharp wit. Noir had taken to her role and training with gusto. Even going so far as to petition her parents for permission to join the ASDF four years early. "Walk me through your decisions. Unit choice, deployments, and rules of engagement. Defence Minister Flores will be observing. We will both provide feedback and critique once you have finished."
"Very well Father. Minister Flores," Noir turned to her left and saluted the uniformed red headed woman,, before tunring back to the large table in the centre of the small conference room. It was cluttered with papers, several tablets, a map of Vale and a set of blue prints detailing compound that was the Arc estate in Vale. "Rules of Engagement are simple. An party that launches an aggressive action against the Estate, the dignitaries under our protection, our staff, personnel or the family will be met with lethal force."
"That is a little ruthless, don't you think Officer Cadet Arc?" Minster Flores asked as she like Lord Arc surveyed the items arrayed on the table. "One would think you would want to use a gentler hand. Considering you will be guests of another kingdom."
"I understand, and agree that under more normal circumstances a Capture and Detain order would be preferred, however..."
"However?" inquired Minister Flores.
"The to be confirmed Lady Arc is an only child, and anyone looking to destabilize Ansel will find her a tempting target. In addition the information we have received from the current Lady Arc, is that Beacon and Vale are less welcoming or hospitable that assumed. They have let multiple incidents to take place, and that needs to be stopped."
"So you feel a brutal show of force against anyone who tries something against your cousin..."
"Sister, mam." Noir corrected the minister.
"My apologizes no disrespect intended." Minister Flores gave the young officer a nod of her head. "But the question remains, what is you justification? Such an aggressive stance can cause more harm than good."
"The base situation mam."
"Explain."
"Beacon has failed, and endangered Lady Arc to be, and her mother. Vale is currently suffering from a crime wave, and serious White Fang activity. So it is reasonable to assume that someone could use such chaos as a cover to attempt action against Ansel." Noir took a moment to glance from her father to the minister, and then back to the marked up map of Vale. "If there is an attempt I feel it will be three pronged. Two feints to cover an actual attack. With a lethal force order in place our personnel can suppress the feints quickly, possibly causing the actual attack to be called off."
"While I can see you reasoning, you need to adjust you RoE." Lord Arc spoke, offering his advice. "We don't need civilians being gunned down in the street if they happen to throw a rock at our gates. So I suggest you use our standard RoE. If fired upon our personnel are allowed to return fire."
"I agree with Lord Arc. Not all reactions require the aggressor to be slaughtered, but I also understand your reasoning. But I will supersede your order with a more blanaced Roe.
"Yes father, minister."
"No pouting, Officer Cadet. This meeting is to iron out your plans. Corrects are to be expected. You are still learning after all."
"I see you have arranged for a platoon. Why?" asked Lord Arc.
"To equally match Atlas's delegation. With equal numbers personnel can be spread out further and duties jointly shared equally. I wish to have each shift of the protective detail consist of half ASDF and half Atlas forces."
"I see no inherent negative issues with that arrangement." Minister Flores commented, "Which platoon have you selected?"
"The Rough Necks." Noir answered.
"Interesting choice. Highly competent, and decorated, but also one of our roughest units. Is there a reason you chose them?"
"Their combat record, is second to none, along with what you have already mentioned, Minister Flores. If my sister is to be protected than I will use the best resources Ansel and the ASDF have at their disposal. The Rough Necks are the best."
"I take it you have already informed Lieutenant Rico of this new assignment."
"I have, and a squad departed last night to act as escort for Ms Kali Belladonna."
"I have also arranged for a section of our Air Calvary Division to provide transport and air support. I have assigned four UH-144 Falcons for transport and support operations. There will also be four AV-14 Hornets on station at the Estate. "
"Reason?"
"Atlas will have at least a section of their own fleet assigned to their contingent. While their bullheads are a superior design to our aircraft; ours are battle tested and reliable. I also do not wish our forces to be dependant on Atlas for air support if needed."
"Acceptable, though Vale may have an issue with so much military hardware and personnel with in their walls. What will be you response to such an objection?" ask her father, Lord Arc.
"I will inform them that our forces and the Atlas contingent will be stationed on what is acknowledged as Ansel's sovereign territory. They are there for the protection of our delegation, and will not be armed on, or patrol Vale proper unless prior authorization has been given; or there is an emergency requiring immediate response." Noir replied. "Off duty personnel will remain in uniform and will be held accountable under Vale Criminal and Civil statues if there is an altercation involving them.
"Good." Minister Flores commented. "I assume you will have ASDF and Atlas on patrol of the grounds, as well as stationed about the estate."
"I will, and I have already had the BlackWatch sweep the estate ground for bugs, wires, and possible IEDs."
"Transportation to Vale has been arranged?"
"Yes. The Falcons will make the trip themselves, with out their flight crews. The Hornets, and the Rough Necks will be transported via Condor Dropship to Vale's air port. Upon arrival the Falcon's will ferry our personnel to the compound, with limited assistance from the Hornets."
"Supplies?" her father asked.
"Already on site. The BlackWatch and a hand picked number of our own house staff have taken care of those arrangements."
"Transfer of Jaune and Glynda from Beacon?" Minister Flores inquired.
"Falcon transport with Atlas bullhead support. They will be escorted to and from the Falcon's by Rough Necks in anti-personnel modded combat suits." Noir answered, "Mother, and Violet will receive the same treatment after Jaune and Aunt Glynda have been installed at the estate."
"Very well I am satisfied with your preparations. You will coordinate all efforts with the Atlas Commander, and also Lieutenant Rico. Listen to their advice whenever possible." Lord Arc addressed his daughter. "Minister?"
"I am satisfied. Officer Cadet Noir Arc, I officially recognize you as the operational authority for this undertaking. Though you are in charge, I do hope you will heed the advice of your senior officers as it is offered, during the course of this operation."
"As Lord of Ansel, I approve of this appointment. Officer Cadet Noir Arc, as a citizen of Ansel and an Arc, your word is your bond. By accepting this appointment you are giving your word to serve the interests of Ansel and uphold the honour of the office you now hold. Do you accept?"
"I, Officer Cadet Noir Arc, by my word accept this appointment." Noire responded as she stood at attention and saluted the pair standing before her.
/=/
After having extracted Glynda, Violet, Cocco and Jaune from the clutches of some upset infirmary staff; Jasmine had them all move to back to Glynda's apartment, where they found the twins Vert and Jade playing a game of cards at the kitchen table. The game was instantly forgotten as the pair instantly rushed Jaune and scooped her up in a hug between them. Glynda suppressed tears at a sight she never thought she'd see again. Violet rolled her eyes at the antics of her younger sisters, while Jasmine had to laugh as Jaune the taller of the three was surrounded and physically lifted off the floor by the combined efforts of the two girls.
"Girls, let Jaune breath." Jasmine finally spoke up noticing the flustered look Jaune that was crossing Jaune's soft features. Once Jaune was free, Jasmine spoke up again. "Vert, Jade why don't you go with Violet and get us all something nice and greasy from the cafeteria? Coco feel like playing tour-guide? Just to make sure they don't get lost on the way there and back."
The three huntress trained women knew what was up, and Coco was quickly able to read the room. Jasmine wanted to speak with Glynda and Jaune alone. Without saying anything real in return, the trio quickly vacated the apartment with Coco in tow. Glynda eyed Jasmine, who only gave her "sister" a warm smile in response.
"Jaune, why don't you go get a shower or bath? Take you time, I just want to speak with Aunt Glyn...I mean your mom about so things that wouldn't interest you. Sound like a plan?"
"I guess." Jaune replied with little energy. She was still tired after everything that had happened, and Jasmine could tell the poor girl was still on pins and needles. Too much had changed in her world, much too fast.
"Thank you sweetheart." Jasmine inclined her head towards the sofa, as Jaune entered her room to get a change of clothes. "Care to join me Glyn?"
A strangled cry from Jaune's room, followed by the sight of the obviously angry young woman stalking out of her room with a change of clothes, told both women, that something was wrong with in Jaune's room. Deciding to take a look after they heard the click of the lock to the bathroom engage; the pair of mothers had to suppress a giggle. As powerful and stalwart that Vert and Jade were, they were also complete and utter slobs. Jaune however was almost OCD when it came to her things. The room was an absolute disaster zone.
"Should we step in when they get back?" Jasmine asked. "It is your apartment after all, and Jaune is your daughter."
"No, let it happen. Jaune needs some reminders of how things were and proof that things haven't really changed between her and the girls." Glynda responded as she took a seat on the sofa, followed by Jasmine. In the background they heard the shower start. "What do you want to tell me Jas?"
"You remember me telling you that once you are well enough to travel we are moving you and Jaune to the Estate, right?"
"I do."
"We that is happening tomorrow." Jasmine reached out and grabbed Glynda's hands clasping them between her own. "Everything is in place, and ready. Our security details should be here by tomorrow afternoon, along with the contingent from Atlas."
"But this is..."
"Glyn, your place is beside your daughter, and that is even more relevant now than ever."
"What have you and Nat done?"
"We're moving up the Right of Passage. I told you this the other day. Jaune Arc is soon going to be Remnant widely known as Lady Jaune Arc of Ansel."
"No... I wont... it'll be too much for her. She's just now starting to..."
"It's happening. It can't be stopped. Things went into motion as soon as we knew she had been exposed... in more ways than one." Jasmine gave Glynda's hands a comforting squeeze. "We are also putting things in place to support her in her new position."
"Like?"
"Ozpin on Beacon's behalf offered us the opportunity to accept some willing members of Teams RWBY and JNPR in to Jaune's service as Retainers."
"He what?" Glynda's eyes instantly narrowed as she growled her question.
"We are taking the opportunity to interview three of them, to see if they will accept the position."
"Who?"
"Ms Nikos, Ms Belladonna, and... Ms Schnee."
"I'm definitely accompanying you when you speak to Weiss." Glynda snapped.
"You will be there for all three interviews, you and Jaune."
"You want to reveal her to them. Show her as she really is."
"I has to be done. They need to know, so they can make a decision as to if they wish to take the position being offered."
"They're going to have to leave Beacon!" Glynda gasped.
"They will, and which is why you also need to cut all ties with this place. Not only do you have a duty as Jaune's mother to train her with this power, but to also guide her on her journey towards becoming a Head of State. Nat and I laid the foundation, now it will be up to you to build upon it; with our assistance of course." Jasmine gave Glynda a warm smile, "Also you should know that part of the offer to those three young ladies is going to be you also training them along side Jaune."
"So you're poaching me."
"No... we... yeah I guess we are." Jasmine giggled, "Serves that old fuck right."
"Jas, Oz has been very good to me over the years."
"I know, but so much he's done has put you and Jaune at risk. That's hard to overlook for me."
"But can you try?"
"Only if you agree to come back home to Ansel with Jaune."
"Jas..."
"Jaune will need to be in Ansel. You NEED to be with Jaune." Jasmine cut Glynda off, "There is no reason to remain here, separated from the best thing in your life. You know this. You KNOW this."
"I..."
"I know it's a lot. The move back to Ansel will not be for awhile. So there is no rush, but you do need to be with Jaune. You can't keep hiding from it. I know it's hard, and we've talked about it before. Glyn... it's time to really be her mother."
"I see so much of him in her... but now..." Glynda started to tear up, "I see me in her too... she... she..."
"Glyn?"
"She has my semblance." Glynda cleared her throat trying to gain control. "I discovered it during the incident in the infirmary. She has inherited my semblance, and has Jonathon's aura reserves."
"She's the perfect combination of both of you." Jasmine whispered as she pulled Glynda into a tight hug as the woman couldn't hold on and started to once again cry. "It's a good thing Glynda. It's a good thing."
The sounds of shattering glass accompanied by a panicked scream had both woman on their feet, Glynda didn't hesitate reaching out with her semblance and ripping the bathroom door free as if it was nothing but a piece of wet paper. Jasmine stayed to the side as Glynda sent the door careening through the air to shatter against the far wall. With the door gone the two woman saw a sight that would forever haunt them. Jaune naked, water droplets still clinging to her skin shards of shattered mirror floating about her, their dagger like ends aimed directly for her.
"Jaune!" Jasmine and Glynda screamed in terror, as they watched the shards expand outward in a circle around her. Before they could move further Glynda lashed out, wrapping her own semblance around the deadly projectiles.
"NO! GET HIM OUT! GET HIM OUT! GET HIM OUT!" Jaune screamed as tears began to flow down her cheeks. Jasmine could see the strain showing on both Jaune and Glynda's faces as the mother and daughter fought each other for control of the shards. A battle that Glynda was slowly loosing.
"Jaune! Baby Please?" Glynda begged as she pushed even more of her aura into her semblance. "Please don't!"
"GET HIM OUT!" Jaune shrieked as her soaked hair and the very droplets of water that sat on her bare skin began to float into the air.
Jasmine had to make a choice and fast. She could boost Glynda, empowering her and allowing her to overwhelm Jaune's semblance, or she could make a charge for Jaune. Break her concentration, shatter her focus. Neither woman heard the door open, or the gasps of shock. What they did notice was the brown streak that flew past them.
Coco wasted not a second in acting. Dropping the food she had been carrying she performed the very same move that allowed her to save Jaune the first time. She bull rushed her. She paid no attention to Glynda, of Jasmine. The Twins and Violet were completely forgotten. She even didn't register the girl she was falling for, was standing stark naked before her. No all that mattered to Coco was Jaune was in danger, and needed her.
Glynda gasped as she finally lost the telekinetic tug of war. Her grasp on the mirror shards slipping. Coco's body impacted Jaune's a second earlier. Twisting about as she carried Jaune off her feet Coco took the impact of their combined body weight, as she crashed into the bathroom wall. The snapping click of glass shattering against tile filled the little room. Not risking anything, and even as her body protested, Coco rolled putting turning herself into a human shield, just in case. Below her cradled in her arms, bare breasts pressed into her own chest Jaune shivered and sobbed.
"Jaune!" Glynda cried out, and Coco felt a set of strong hands pull her back and off of Jaune. As much as she wanted to check jaune out, Coco averted her eyes. She was surrounded by the family of the woman she was falling in love with, and it seemed like the safest course of action.
"Thank you." Jasmine's words were whispered and breathless, but Coco heard them clearly as she felt herself pulled into a tight hug. "Thank you."
"What happened?" Coco asked as she took the chance to let her eyes roam. Glynda was on the bathroom floor rocking Jaune in her lap, a blanket; most likely ripped from one of the bedrooms draped over them.
"She was fine." Jasmine started to speak, as she released Coco and then took her by the hand and lead her to the sofa. Coco noticed that the twins and Violet set about cleaning up the various messes. "She was having a shower, while I was talking to Glynda. Then we heard her scream and the sound of breaking glass."
"I take it Professor G took care of the door." Coco only half asked.
"She did." Jasmine let a very weak smile cross her lips, before it died. "She was surrounded by shards of broken mirror. She was screaming, Get Him Out." Jasmine paused looked directly at Coco, "You have no idea what that means either do you?"
"No, I don't."
"Coco!"
"Professor Goodwitch?" Coco stammer as she stood up from the sofa.
"I want you to watch over Jaune. The girls will stay with you."
"Are you sure? Where are you going?"
"To pay someone a visit." Glynda hissed as she yanked open her apartment door and stalked out into the hall, still in her pjs.
"Girls you heard your Aunt." Jasmine turned to look at the confused Coco. "We will be having a talk very soon. There are things you should know... but... thank you."
Coco only nodded in response. Jasmine gave her girls one last look, seeing Vert and Jade helping the blanket draped Jaune into her own room, while Violet eyed Coco. Taking a deep breath she rushed out of the apartment. Glynda had come to a conclusion about something, and was letting her maternal instincts control her. Jasmine was certain she knew who the focus of Glynda's rage was, and as much fun as it would be to watch him squirm... Jasmine really did not want to have to deal with a potential murder charge; on top of everything else that was happening.
/=/
Trifa was nervous as she stood next to Kali Belladonna waiting for the transport that would take them on their diplomatic mission. It hadn't been much for her to pack, she didn't have much in the way of personal items. In fact the kimono she was wearing was one Kali had given her to replace the Enforcer Uniform she was used to wearing. Subconsciously her hand rose to touch her throat. The words and warnings from the discussion she and High Leader Khan still fresh in her mind. She had to use her scroll to look up what sedition actually meant.
But she was ready for a new start to her life. As much as she lived for the White Fang, things were becoming noticeable to her. She felt guilty about it, and had admitted it to Sienna, she was loosing faith in the cause. She wanted equality that wasn't the issue. It was just with all the Fang had been doing, every action and mission they took... nothing seemed to change, it only seemed to be getting worse. Of course there was her own situation. She was a rare faunus. A spider faunus and that set her apart from the others, making her feel secluded.
She was glad the kimono covered her arms and chest fully. The silvery veins that marred her appearance made her self conscious. Yes she could hide them, to a degree, but that in itself set her apart from the other Fang as well. She had heard the comments, when no one thought she was listening. About how she could pass as human, how she was a pretender. It hurt, to hear such things uttered about her, by people she trusted. She had told this all to Sienna, and more, and Sienna had listened. The offer had surprised her, as did the conditions required for her to take hold of it. Sienna assured her that wanting and seeking equality was not tied to being a Fang member. So Trifa, even as part of her felt like she was betraying the cause signed the statement, and severed her ties with the Fang.
The long distance bullhead appeared from the low clouds and started its descent. Kali reached to her side and gave Trifa's hand a light motherly squeeze.
"Everything will be okay, so relax. Ansel is a beautiful place, and very welcoming."
Trifa gave Menagerie's Chieftianess a weak smile. That was the other part that she was worried over. She had sat in the Belladonna mansion to use their connection to file the required request for immigration. She was sure she had messed up multiple times with the application, unable to provide many of the details required. It was an utter shock to her when she received a response, that held attached documents. Stored safely on her scroll Trifa had proof of her Landed citizenship status with Ansel. The ship landed, the backwash from its engines causing a slight sand storm, which quickly settled.
Trifa took a step back, and was only kept from making a run for it, by Kali's grip on her wrist, when the hatch opened and out stepped two heavily armoured figures. In their hands they carried some-type of automatic weapon with a second gun attached under the barrel of the first. Their faces were hidden behind rather intimidating looking helmets.
"Trifa relax. You are my escort, and officially a citizen. They are not here to hurt you."
When the helms folded back upon themselves revealing a black haired, dog faunus, and a brown haired human Trifa felt slightly relieved. She had imaged of robotic monsters under the armour. She knew she needed to stop reading those sci-fi horror comics right before bed. The pair of obvious soldiers nodded to both women, before moving and picking up their limited baggage and escorting them on to the transport.
"Trifa Crescent?" asked the female solider as she approached the young spider faunus before she had a chance to take a seat. Trifa winced at the name. She didn't know her original surname, no one seemed to know, so after some prodding from Mrs Belladonna to have a last name; Trifa looked up the most common ones assumed by those with a need for a surname for Ansel. So she chose Crescent.
"Yes, is there a problem? How can I help you?"
"No problem, mam." the solider responded, before reaching into her right hip pouch and withdrawing a small tightly wrapped package. "I was asked to deliver this to you, and instruct you that upon reaching the Arc Estate in Vale you are to speak to Matron Primrose"
"I don't understand."
"Matron Primrose will explain it all after you report to her."
"And this?"
"It contains hard copies of all the required cards you received electronically. Do not loose them, as there are programs that require an actual physical card to be presented over an electronic image."
"Thank you?" Trifa responded as she took possession of the small package.
"You're welcome, and let me be the first to welcome you to Ansel... even though we won't be going there directly."
"Thank you, again?" Trifa stammered. The soldier gave Trifa a warm smile, before activating her helmet, and hiding her face behind a stern metal visage. Trifa settled into her seat, and placed the small box in her lap.
"I suggest you try to get some sleep dear." Kali offered as she took her own seat close by. "We'll be travelling for several hours, with not much to do. Aside talk or nap."
"Can I ask?"
"Ask what Trifa?"
"Why are you doing this?"
"Ansel, and the Arcs in particular have been VERY supportive of Menagerie. They are also good friends, who we did spend large amounts of time with. Jaune, the young lady we will be meeting used to be best friends with my Blake. They were nearly inseparable, and so cute together."
"What happened?"
"Life happened. Issues with the White Fang, challenges with Menagerie. We just ran out of the free time to spare for such... pleasantries. What do you know of Ansel, or the Arc family?"
"Aside from the fact I'm now a landed citizen, nothing."
"Would you like to learn?"
"It is a long flight, right?"
"It is."
"Okay."
"Where should we start?"
/=/
Cinder rolled her eyes and let her shoulder slump. Adam's hours long rant had drained three years off her life., or at least that;s how it felt; but it had been a required sacrifice. She had lost much of the White Fang in Vale. The cells simply shutting down. From her, lack of a better word, conversation, with Adam Taurus she had an idea what was going on. From her limited research Cinder understood the Arc family was connected, and with Ansel behind them... powerful. She was just shocked that they had enough clout to order the Leader of the White Fang to pack up operations in a city that wasn't even theirs.
But it wasn't a total loss. Adam was still fully committed to the attack on Beacon, which Cinder was trying to still come up with reasons to have. While Lionheart was unable to get them access to this Jaune Arc, they were now officially Beacon students. They knew Amber was at Beacon, probably housed in whatever sub-level held the aura transfer machine Leo had told them about. As students they had a reason to be on the grounds. Which meant they had more time to discover where Amber was actually being held.
When that is uncovered, all it would take is a simple distraction in Vale, to draw staff and attention from Beacon. A well placed kick or bullet later... Cinder would be the full Fall Maiden. The issues now however was what the distraction should be. The work at Mount Glenn had basically stopped. It is possible that Adam could drum up more volunteers, but the delays now, meant the plans to breech the old train tunnels and release grimm inside Vale was no longer viable. They had been pushing it as it was to try and make it happen. There was the plan to airdrop grimm into Beacon and Vytal, that could be adapted, and was plausible to accomplished even with the vastly diminished numbers of Fang that held loyalty to Adam.
Cinder sat at the table, and drummed her fingers on the burn scarred surface. Of course there was still this Jaune Arc to deal with. Cinder would not be allowed to leave behind a second maiden for Ozpin to influence and control. While it would have been a boon to capture the power from her, Cinder was certain that outright removal of her was the best course of action. If she could have it done in a way to throw the suspicion around then even better.
"I will have to rely on that imp of Roman's" Cinder growled to herself. "She's the best chance we will have for success."
Cinder continued to drum her fingers on the table as she looked at her rather beaten up scroll.
"Atlas will be here, Lionheart has confirmed that. If we implant the virus, sooner we will have access to everything Atlas has access to." she stopped drumming her fingers and picked up her scroll, "Mercury and Emerald will be at Beacon, they are skilled enough to get into the CCT after hours, to implant it."
Cinder slowly rose from her seat and began to pace, letting her mind slowly fit fragments of various schemes into a new one. A twisted grin crossed her seductive features, as it all slowly started to fall in place.
/=/
Ozpin grabbed for his cane as soon as the elevator doors slid open, but it was in vain. The cane spun out of his reach, actually embedding itself in the wall next to the elevator doors. The next second he found himself being crushed against the wall behind his desk. She slowly stalked forward, his office furniture being tossed aside as if they were nothing. His chest burned, making him want to scream in agony, but he couldn't. He couldn't draw breath. He felt as if someone was actually reaching into his chest crushing his lungs. He tried to focus his brown eyes through his glasses at the enraged green ones regarding him.
"What did you do to my baby?" she hissed, sounding almost inhuman through her snarling mouth.
Ozpin found himself face first on the floor, all the pressure that had surrounded him vanishing instantly. He hacked and coughed, spit and phlegm splattering the floor as he tried to force his abused body to his knees. He could taste iron in his mouth, and had no doubt something had been ruptured inside him. He tried desperately to call up his powers, only to find himself slammed into his book cases before being launched into the air and thrust into the floor.
"She's tried to kill herself twice! She sees HIM in the fucking mirror! She thinks he's inside her!" she screamed at the top of her lungs never hearing the ding of the elevator doors open. "What the fuck did you my BABY!"
Ozpin wanted to talk, he wanted to defend himself. To offer a possible solution, yet he couldn't. He felt something snap in his chest as he was whipped from the floor and into the wall that his desk used to sit before.
"Answer me!" she spat as she moved right up to his face to scream at him! "Answer me you FUCK!"
"Glynda enough, you'll kill him!" Ozpin tried to keep focus, but his vision was beginning to swim. He knew he was terribly hurt. "Enough Glynda!"
Ozpin collapsed to the floor. His lungs burned for the air he was gulping down even as sharp pains ripped through him. His body convulsed followed by violent coughing as blood, spit, a phlegm oozed from his mouth. Ozpin was no a stranger to excruciating ways to die. He had more than once in his eons of years, suffered such fates numerous times. But he was certain this would be his first beaten to death by an enraged mother.
"Answer me!" Glynda screeched like a banshee as she struggled against Jasmine's grip. Her rage so focused on him, that she was incapable of countering the simple hammer lock Jasmine was using. "Answer me!"
"The ritual, failed." Ozpin hacked, and choked, his voice barley above a pained whisper. "Must be... residual energies..."
"I almost lost her tonight because of you!" Glynda's rage was burning out being quickly replaced with utter despair. "I almost lost her!"
"I can fix it." he gasped as blackness started to edge in on his vision, "Pull... pull... the energies out ..."
He heard Glynda's screech as he felt his chest begin to lock up. He couldn't let this happen. He had to fight, to remain. He could at least make this right. He could do it. A wave of comforting warmth washed over him, instantly making his body feel just a tad less broken. His vision still swam some, as he opened his eyes. Jasmine Arc was kneeling beside him, on hand on his head, the other on his hip, white light flowing from her hands into him.
"Medical help is on the way. I called the infirmary right after Glyn passed out." Ozpin weakly swallowed. He wanted to respond, but he was just unable to. "Hold in there. I'm boosting you as much as I can, so hold on. Help will be here soon."
/=/
Pyrrha's hands shook as she sent a third message to Jaune. She had received no responses from him, and it was starting to eat at her. She heard about the Arcs being at Beacon, but no one was saying anything about him. Watching the chat box for any indications that he was getting her messages she watched, her knuckles slowly turning white, from the force she was gripping the device with. No read indications appeared. He wasn't check or near his scroll. A part of her felt it had been taken from him. Jaune was in trouble, she was sure of it, and if the Arcs were here at beacon she had to speak to them about him. Maybe they knew something she didn't.
"I'm going to find and protect you Jaune." she whispered into the empty dorm room, before she proceeded to type out a fourth message to him. "I need your advice Jaune. I don;'t know what I shoudl do."
/=/
Vert and Jade stepped aside as Coco entered Jaune's room. She gave them each a glance before focusing her entire attention on the huddled form in the centre of the twin bed housed in the room. Saying nothing she pulled off her sunglasses and beret; dropping them unceremoniously to the floor. Stopping to remove her shoes, she also just tossed them aside, before padding forward. It was twice now that Jaune had almost been lost to her. She didn't care what Jasmine had to say, she wasn't goign to waste anymore time. She needed Jaune, and she knew Jaune needed her.
Under the watchful eyes of the twins, Coco climbed onto the bed. She kept herself above the covers, but scooted herself close enough to easily draw the huddled form into a tight embrace. Coco felt her shift around under the blanket. Coco gave her a soft warm smile when she saw those deep blue eyes that she could lose herself in peak out at her.
"Hey Angel? Mind if I stay the night?"
"Mom might say something."
"Which one? Glynda or Jasmine?"
"Both?"
"I'll suffer through it, as long as I get the chance to hold you again."
"I would like that."
"Then come here, Angel." Coco's smile grew warmed as she adjusted how she was laying to allow for Jaune to scoot closer, only for her to stop and start hauling at the part of the blanket Coco was laying on. "Jaune?"
"You might get cold. Here." Jaune replied as she freed the edge of the blanket by almost rolling Coco off the bed.
"Are you sure?" Jaune just nodded as she continued to hold the blanket up for Coco to climb under. Coco took a look at the twins stationed by the door of the room. She saw them both nod, and with that approval Coco shifted her body around so Jaune could drape the blanket over her.
"Hold me?" Jaune asked in a soft voice.
"I plan to." Coco replied as she slid her hands about under the blanket. Her fingers grazing Jaune's bare flesh. Jaune turned away so Coco could gently pull her close. After a few more adjustments, Coco was the big spoon to Jaune. "I could get used to this."
"Which part? The holding or me being naked?"
"Both," Coco replied nuzzling into Jaune's still damp hair. "Don't leave us like that Jaune. Please?"
"I'm scared." Jaune replied in a whisper.
"I know." Coco acknowledged, as she gave Jaune a light squeeze; followed by a kiss to the top of her head. Coco stiffened, when Jaune pulled away from her. Fear that she pushed to hard, rising in her chest. Until she felt a soft set of lips touch her own.
"Will you be here when I wake up?" Jaune whispered as she laid her head down on the pillow and gazed directly into Coco's eyes.
"I will." Coco replied.
/==/
So I'm off plan. No fully, just things I thought I was going to have happening by this chapter haven't happened yet. So might be a delay while I review my notes an tweak time lines.
I find it so much easier to write violence or pain, so I'm hoping my effort to end with a "sweet/happy" scene with Jaune and Coco works.
Might be one more chapter before we leave Beacon for the Estate, and we'll see which of the "chosen three" agree to join Jaune on the journeys to come.
I'm going to see how Noir having command is received. I know it's "strange" and would like to see how I've set it up to allow for it, sits with you guys/gals.
Thanks for sticking with me, and as always... comments/suggestions/critiques are always welcome.
Sincerely;
Jeremy.