Gilded Wings

Fantasy – Adventure

Jaune Arc / Pyrrha Nikos / Lie Ren / Nora Valkyrie

Jaune had come clean with Pyrrha about his acceptance, then suddenly had become withdrawn from her, his team; and his friends. Deciding enough was enough, she outs his secret to the rest of JNPR.

The fallout from that simple action was more than any of them could have dreamed. Once again, he found himself, scared, weak; and out of his depth.

/==/

Pyrrha was upset, and frustrated. Jaune was withdrawn from his friends, his team and more importantly from her. They all had a feeling that his current worn down state was due to Cardin, and Pyrrha had a suspicion as to why. It had to be due to the secret about his transcripts. How Cardin knew she couldn't guess, but she was certain that it was being held over Jaune. While she tried to be supportive, the transcript issue, to be honest did bother her. It was almost a slap, to all the work and sacrifice she had suffered through to get where she was. But more was his denial of assistance from not only her, but his team.

A team was only as strong as it's weakest link, and compared to everyone else; Jaune was the weak link. But how to get him to come forward, and speak about what was going on. To accept the freely offered help. She doubted cornering him would work, in fact she was pretty sure that would drive him even further away. Yet she had to do something. He was in danger, in more than ways than one. A good partner would protect him from himself. She had to be a good partner. She made her decision as she pushed open the door to JNPR's dorm.

"Ren, where's Nora?"

/=/

Jaune screamed in anguish, as he shoulder the door to JNPR's room,blasting it off the hinges in a shower of splinters. The door flew into the hallway, slamming into the far wall, narrowly missing Ruby who was just on her way back from the cafeteria with a handful of cookies. A split second later Jaune was stumbling past her, his feet slipping on the tiled floor. Pitching forward he caught himself on his hands, and pushed himself up as his feet continued to push against the floor. Finally after a second or so, he found purchase and he ran off down the hallway.

"Jaune!" Pyrrha yelled as she rushed out into the hall, her hand reaching out for him.

"Pyrrha... what... what's going on?" Ruby stammered in surprise.

Drawn by the noise, the remainder of RWBY exited their dorm, around the same time Nora and Ren stepped into the hallway. Pyrrha bit her lip, as she closed her outstretched hand, and pulled it to press against her chest. Ren moved to put his hand on her shoulder as it looked as if any moment the Invincible Girl's legs were about to give out. Before something inside her seemed to snap, and she raced off down the hall after Jaune.

"What is going on?" Ruby asked, as everyone as they stood in shocked silence.

"Yang?"

"Yeah, Nora."

"Want to visit Cardin with me?"

/=/

Pyrrha was panicking. She hadn't meant for the team discussion to get so out of hand. She felt upset at herself for outing Jaune to Nora and Ren, but she still felt it was best for them to know. So they could as a team help Jaune become what he wanted to be. But he didn't take it like that. She had never seen him so frustrated and angry. He started venting, or rather blowing up at everyone and everything. In his rant it was confirmed what they thought. Cardin was behind Jaune's recent absences. Then he went off on his family, his parent's in particular.

He just kept going and going, ramping his own emotions up as he went, until he set his sights on them. He ripped into them, by utterly destroying himself. To Pyrrha it was heartrending. She knew she had feelings for the blond doufus. The hurt she felt at his words, felt like knives to her heart, and it was then she knew her feelings were more than a simple crush. Which made everything so much worse. She pushed some aura into her legs and forced herself to pick up the pace. Jaune had a head start, but she was in better condition. She could catch him. She would hold him, and apologize. She would make this right.

She saw him ahead. Pushing harder she worked to close the distance. He was slowed when he had to force his way through the main doors out into the grounds. She quickly made up the distance, and used her semblance to keep the door open, to prevent the same from happening to her. Her eyes widened as she saw what he was racing headlong for. In a final desperate push, fuelled by adrenaline and aura she thrust herself forward. Her arms wrapped around his legs dragging him unceremoniously to the ground with a soft thud.

Releasing her grip, she quickly used her hands to grab at him, to hold onto him as he thrashed about. Fingers curled into the fabric of his favourite hoodie, while her other hand found purchase on his belt and waistband. She hauled herself forward, almost climbing up his body, trying to use her own weight to help restrain him. His feet dug into the soft turf, churning it up as he continued to try and get himself free.

"Jaune please!" she pleaded as she dragged herself up to his chest. He was really fighting her, in the loosest definition of that term. Nothing he was doing was focused or aimed. It was just random, but the pure strength behind his motions was wearing her out. "Jaune, Please!"

She was finally able to get up far enough on his back to hook one of his arms, and she used it as leverage to roll the two of them over. With him on top. Still trapping his arm she wrapped her legs around his waist; locking her ankles together. She had him completely trapped now. He couldn't keep running, and now to just try and calm him.

"Jaune, please! I'm sorry!" she implored. "I'm sorry! We just want to help you, please calm down, please!"

Juane suddenly stiffed in her grasp. For a moment though she had finally broken through to him. That he knew she was there for him; but then he started to scream. Shocked, Pyrrha released her holds upon him; and watched wide eyed as he rolled off her, and started clawing at his clothing. He looked desperate. His hands yanking and pulling, ineffectually trying to pull his shirt off, as he squeezed his eyes shut. Pyrrha could see tears streaming down his cheeks, as he coughed, gagged and choked, through clenched teeth. Seeing his need, she stepped in to help him. She grabbed the bottom of his favoured hoodie and yanked it up and over his head. It got caught inside out on his arms; but before she could continue to remove the article of clothing Jaune curled in upon himself, screaming in absolute pain. His arms crushed into his stomach, his head pressed against the cool grass.

Pyrrha took a couple steps back, her hand rising to her mouth. Under his t-shirt, she could see two bumps pushing up, right near his shoulder blades. She watched as the bumps became defined lumps, while listening to Jaune continue to gag, and then vomit.

"Help me." Jaune croaked, his voice cracking.

"Jaune?"

"Make it stop, please. It hurts so much... please..." Jaune vomited again.

Pyrrha was at a loss at what she should or could do for him. She could see the agony he was in, She could hear it in his groans and voice. She could smell the vomit, and the bile that had splashed back upon him. She could also smell urine. Jaune was loosing control of his body because of all the pain.

"Please... please..."

In her fear wracked mind she two options appeared, and before weighing either she made her choice. Rushing over and dropping to her knees in the mess before him, she reached out and cradled his face between her strong hands. Gently she edged his face up from the ground, so she could look him directly in his deep welcoming, loving blue eyes. The pain was easy to see, tears rolling down his cheeks. Those once so warm eyes, were pleading with her now. Borrowing into her emerald eyes.

"Focus only on me." she whispered. "Nothing else, just on me."

She didn't wait for his response, as she leaned forward, closing her eyes, and let her lips touch his. She felt his gasp. She tasted his vomit, and tears. Yet she didn't waver. He needed her, more than anything right now, if all she could do was show her feelings as a way to distract him, then that was how it had to be. She parted her lips,ever so slightly, and felt him start to reciprocate. He was also leaning in, giving into the comforting sensation. His lips parted, as well. The slow kiss, grew deeper, longing, passion, fear mixed together with in her; but that was overlapped with just pure bliss.

The thrust of Jaune's hoodie trapped hands against her breasts hurt, and caused her to gasp as she fell back onto her ass. She instantly thought he was rejecting her, and bit her lip, only to hear the tearing of flesh and cloth, while watching as set of great wings spread out from behind him, in a spray of crimson. His eyes rolled up into his head, as he howled in pain, before becoming completely limp and collapsing to his side.

The buzz, of her scroll brought Pyrrha out of her shock and mechanically she pulled it from her pocket. To accept the incoming call.

"Pyr? Where are you? Are you with Jaune? Are you okay?" came rolling chaos of all her friends speaking at once.

"Get Professor Goodwitch."

"Okay. Okay. Is something wrong?" It was finally only Ruby who was speaking.

"Jaune... Jaune's hurt. Cliffs. We... we need Goodwitch."

/=/

"You may wish to wash your face before we continue Ms. Nikos." Headmaster Ozpin commented as he stood with her just outside the infirmary room into which Jaune had been carried, by Yang and Nora; under the direction of Professor Goodwitch.

"What? Sorry..."

"You have some... dirt on your face, that you may wish to wash off. I can wait."

Pyrrha reached her hand up to her face, and touched her cheek. She felt something wet and cool, and when she brought her fingertips away she saw the dark crimson colour. She knew what it was, but she still just stared at it; as if she was trying to process where it had come from. The image of the wings bursting from Jaune's back caused her to stagger for a second. She felt a strong hand close upon her arm, preventing her from falling.

"Please go freshen up Ms. Nikos. We'll sit and talk after that." the Headmaster smiled as he pointed to the door for the washroom.

Pyrrha nodded, and shuffled over to the indicated room. Flipping on the light and closing the door behind her, she regarded her image in the mirror. It was easy to see the splatter of crimson that decorated her pale skin. Running the water she waited for a minute for it to warm up before cupping her hands, and splashing it over her face. She rubbed, and splashed a few more times, before returning to look up at the mirror. The image that greeted her was blemish free. Turning off the water, she pulled on the paper towel dispenser, gathering a handful. After drying off, she tossed them in the trash, and exited the small room.

"Ms. Nikos, I hope you are feeling a little refreshed." Ozpin gave her a warm smile, and with his free hand indicated the line of padded waiting room chairs that sat against the white wall. "Would you like to take a seat, so we can discuss this evenings events?"

"Where is everyone else?"

"I sent them back to their dorms, for now; and informed them that I will speaking to them all with regard to Mr. Arc's condition in the morning." Ozpin paused, as he cupped the top of his cane with both his hands. "You wish to see him?"

"Please?"

"This way." Ozpin turned and walked to the door they had been standing beside. Reaching out he pushed it open. Pyrrha entered, with the Headmaster right behind her.

Inside she saw him. He was asleep, or at least she hoped his was; but the beep of the monitors confirmed he was still there alive and breathing. She had feared after what she had seen, that somehow he would be taken from her, before she could speak to him again. He was laid out on his chest, his wings folded upon his back. Glorious looking white feathers slightly stained brownish red at the tips.

"He's going to be fine, but he's also going to be unconscious for the next few days, at least that is what Doctor Kitsunne thinks."

"I don't..."

"I can't even attempt to imagine how to grasp the amount of pain he must have gone through." Ozpin leaned on his cane, "But according to Doctor Kitsunne, he is safe, he just needs rest as his body and his aura adapt to his new body."

"So this isn't a dream?"

"No it is very real Ms. Nikos."

"So would you like to tell me in your words what happened to lead to this event?"

"He's been so withdraw from us, this last week, and a bit. We knew it had something to do with Cardin and his..." Pyrrha paused, not sure if she should reveal Jaune's discretion.

"We are well aware of his transcripts, Ms. Nikos." Ozpin gave her a warm smile, "We do check things out, regardless of what some individuals think."

"If you know..."

"I made an executive decision as is my right as Headmaster of Beacon. I disregarded his transcripts and instead focused on his potential, part of which lies with his name."

"His name?"

"He's an Arc. The Arcs have a massive history for producing men and women of great renown in both combat and politics. With the right education they have proven time and time again to be some of the most brilliant and tactically minded people I have ever met." Ozpin turned his attention to the young man on the bed before him, "I decided to take a chance on Mr. Arc, and give him the opportunity to achieve his dreams and unlock his potential."

"Well he told me about his transcripts, and it seems Cardin heard him."

"I see. So you believe he was blackmailing Mr. Arc with this secret?"

"We do, or did."

"That explains why, team CRDL is also here in the infirmary, and that Ms. Xiao Long and Ms. Valkyrie have a month of detentions with Professor Goodwitch."

"They didn't."

"They did. Anyway, that is besides the point. Please continue."

"Well I decided to go behind Jaune's back and I told Nora and Ren about his secret. We as a team decided to confront him. To make him know that we were on his side, and that we would help him."

"He didn't take it well did he?"

"No, he blew up, went on a very verbal rant about a lot of things including us, before he just stopped and ran off." Pyrrha took her eyes off of Jaune's sleeping form, and looked at Ozpin, "He literally ripped the door of of our room."

"Interesting." Ozpin shifted his stance, adjusting his weight from one foot to the other, "Would you like to go outside and sit down?"

"No. I'm fine." Pyrrha replied, before returning her attention to Jaune. "I gave chase, and tackled him as he was heading for the cliffs. I had to restrain him, because he was struggling so much; and then..."

"He started screaming?"

"Yes." Pyrrha sighed, "He started clawing at his clothes, so I helped him, and then he started begging for me to help. To make the pain stop."

"So you helped."

"I..."

"You helped. Then what happened."

"They burst out of his back, and he just went limp. I was shocked, and didn't know what was happening. I think Ruby called me."

"That's enough. I've heard from Ms. Rose about the call, and subsequent events. Thank you Ms. Nikos. Please return to your room for the night. I will make sure your team is updated as to his condition in the morning."

"What happened? Do you know?"

"Not really, though I know of similar sounding situations from old stories." Ozpin again shifted his weight. "I guess you could say he manifested his true nature. If I remember correctly, again from those legends and folk tales; Mr. Arc would now be called an Angel."

"Angel?"

"The stories suggest they were direct servants of the Brother of Light. Bless protectors for the benefit of human and faunus-kind."

"So Jaune is..."

"To be honest I don't know. I'm just passing on what I know from old stories. There is no actual evidence, at least modern evidence for the existence of such beings."

"Then how do we explain this?"

"We can't, at least right now." Opzin reached for the door, "It is rather late, so we should retire, and pick up this conversation in the morning. Shall I accompany you to your..."

"I'm staying here."

"Ms. Nikos."

"I'm staying here. He's my partner, I need to be with him."

"If you are sure, Ms. Nikos."

"I am."

"Then I bid you a good night and I shall speak with you and the rest of JNPR tomorrow."

"Goodnight Headmaster."

Ozpin left and let the door swing silently closed. Pyrrha stood there frozen, with indecision. Should she approach him, or should she just stay back. She noticed him adjust his position, so that he was now partially on his side. Seeing his hands, and thinking back to what she had done to ease his pain, she made her choice. Grabbing one of the two chairs in the room, she moved it next to the bed, and sat down. She hesitantly reached out, and took his hand in hers. She felt his fingers curl around hers. It brought a weak smile to her lips.

"I'm so sorry, Jaune. Please be okay." Pyrrha could feel wetness on her cheeks, "Please be okay. Please?"

/=/

It had been two days and Jaune was still unconscious. Doctor Kitsunne confirmed that other than not being awake, Jaune was healthy. There was nothing physically wrong with him, even with the addition of his new appendages. JNPR and RWBY visited between classes as they could, often earning the ire of Dr. Kitsunne who would then chase them all out for causing some kind of disturbance.

It was the third day when his blue eyes opened, and found himself alone. Sitting up, he knew he things were off. He felt off balance, as if there was a substantial amount of extra weight fastened to the top of his back. He reached up and rubbed his eyes with his right hand, trying to focus his thoughts. He could remember the fight, his rant, his running and the pain.

"We kissed." Jaune whispered in awe of the memory,of the feelings that it brought up.

He let his bare feet touch the cold tile floor, and attempted to stand. A wave of vertigo washed over him and he was forced to hold onto the bed. Taking a minute to regain his sense of balance, he tried to stand without holding anything. He allowed himself a weak smile, at the small success. His shoulders felt stiff, so he decided to stretch; and that was went everything when south for him. He felt them spread out from his back, echoing the out stretching motion of his arms. He let out a hiss as the iv was ripped from his hand, and leads were pulled from his body as the monitors where knocked over.

He threw a glance over his shoulder as he brought his arms back. He could feel them, The sensation of their movement. The tactile feelings as the tips brushed against the walls; and that started the panic. He spun, feeling them move with him. The muscles of his shoulders contracted, along with the tendons of his new appendages. The flapped, snapping forward around his body. The sudden push against the air, throwing him backwards to collide with the wall.

"No, no, no... it's a dream. It has to be a dream!" Jaune shouted as he scrambled to his feet, using both his hands and his wings.

"Mr. Arc?" came an unknown voice from the opening door.

"It's a dream. A dream. It has to be!"

"Mr. Arc, you need to calm down." he saw the movement of a white coated faunus rush towards him, her data pad falling to the floor as she reached out for him, "Calm down, please. Everything will be okay."

He reflexively snapped his wings forward again. Once again he slammed into the wall causing another shock of pain to radiate out from his shoulders, into his wings and chest. His eyes widened as he watched the doctor who had entered the room get knocked off her feet.

"No, no.,no, no no..."

/=/

Ozpin stood, both his hands cupped over the end of his cane, while to his side and just behind him was Glynda Goodwitch with an open tablet held against the crook of her left arm. Behind them stood the remainder of team JNPR. Before them a bullhead landed, and the side door opened. A lone figure strode down ramp. She walked with a regal air, her loose long blond hair floating in the breeze. She wore a dress of sky blue, that reached the ankles of her three inch heels. Around her torso and supporting her slightly more than average breasts, was a leather corset.

"Mrs. Arc wel..." everyone took a step back as the headmaster's head was snapped to the left from the viscous slap that Mrs. Arc unloaded upon the Headmaster's cheek.

"You were told! We had your promise, that you wouldn't let Jaune into Beacon!"

"Jasime, I'm sorry, but I couldn't..."

A second slap, once again knocked Ozpin's head to the side violently.

"The we under your new promises, to give you a chance. You help him get stronger. To sharpen his mind! Now I find out his been seriously hurt, and will be unconscious for who knows how long.!"

"Please, Jasmine... there is more to it then..."

"I don't want your excuses! You made us promises, and you are just lucky Johnathon is busy, or you'd be dealing with both of us." Jasmine planted both her hands upon her wide hips, and glared at the Headmaster, "I'm here for my son. Take me to his, so I can bring him home."

"Of course we will do that, but I need..."

"No! I want to see him, NOW!"

"Of course."

JNPR was stunned that the woman who was claiming to be their Fearless Leader's mother, was so willing to without pause not only verbally but physically assault the Headmaster."

"Who are they?" Jasmine snapped, yanking her left hand from her hip, and pointing in the direction of JNPR.

"This is team JNPR, your son's team." Glynda informed the irate mother.

"So, you're responsible for supporting this delusion of his?"

"Mrs. Arc, it's not a delusion. Jaune is a strong individual with a wealth of untapped potential." Pyrrha had dropped herself into her public persona. Plastered on smile, demur stance, and measured words.

"Ms. Nikos, I assume."

"Yes, Mrs. Arc." Pyrrha replied. "These are Jaune's other teammates, Nora Valkyrie, and Lie Ren."

"I see. Well gratitude should be extended to those that have been looking out for my son, even if such care was slightly askew towards his true calling."

"True calling?" Pyrrha asked.

"He was to succeed my husband, as the head of council in Ansel."

That tidbit of information finally explained some of Jaune's strengths. His ability to ace the civics, and planning classes. How he understood the economics of small communities, so easily. Three subjects that Pyrrha still didn't understand why Huntsmen and huntresses need to study.

"So, where is my son? What is his condition?"

"He is in the infirmary. He is stable, but still... correction he is now awake." Glynda reported after receiving a ping on her tablet.

"Take me to him."

/=/

When they opened the door to his room they found it a disaster zone. The bed was knocked on to its side, and all the monitors almost appeared as if they had been flung aside. But the worst image was that of basically a feathered cocoon huddled in the furthermost corner of the room. Pyrrha threw all decorum aside, and shoved her way past Mrs. Arc, the Headmaster and Professor Goodwitch, to slide to her knees before the obviously shivering form.

"Jaune?"

"Pyr?"

"I'm here. We're all here."

"What's going on? What's happened to me?"

"We don't know, but we'll figure it out, as a team... I promise."

She smiled as the wings started to spread, not fully but enough for her to see Jaune's seated form.

"Jaune!" Jasmine are exclaimed as she saw the state of her only son, before shoving also Shoving the Headmaster aside to give her entrance to the room.

Jaune's eye widened as if he was afraid, and much to Pyrrha's surprise, she suddenly found herself yanked forward into Jaune's arms, and then encapsulated; as his warm wings closed about the pair. She was instantly filled with a feeling of serene comfort; as if she was protected from everything.

"Jaune?" Jasmine's voice lost its hard edge, and Pyrrha could picture in her mind, that she was crouched just outside the feather barrier. "Everything is going to be okay. Please look at me."

"I can't" Jaune replied, his arms tightening around Pyrrha. "I'm a failure, a freak."

"You're not a freak. You're my baby boy. Please let me see you."

"You're going to take me away." his voice sounded so small and weak. It made Pyrrha's heart ache hearing in like that.

"I'll be honest, Jaune. I am considering it, but for now that is not important." Jasmine's voice softened even further, becoming warm and motherly. "You're safety, and well being is far more of a concern right now. Please look at me?"

Pyrrha felt the opening of the wings, and when she turned her head, she saw Jaune's mother on her haunches, a knowing smile decorating her face. Pyrrha felt a blush, colouring her cheeks, as Jaune shifted slightly, while also tightening his grip about he waist.

"How are you feeling?" Jasmine asked.

"Confused." Jaune replied. "This is so..."

"It is a big change, and its one we will figure out okay?"

"Okay."

"I'm going to have a chat with Ozpin. I'll leave you to your the care of your friends." Jasmine smiled warmly, "But we are going to have a long talk, alone afterwards. Understand?"

"Yes, mom."

"Ozpin," Jasmine addressed the Headmaster as she rose to her full almost six foot height. "Is there somewhere private we can discuss... options."

"Yes. Please let me take you to my office."

Nora and Ren entered the room, right after Ozpin, Jasmine and Glynda left. At the sight of his friends he flinched, but also allowed his wings to spread further apart. Nora and Ren dropped to their haunches before him, and gave him warm smiles.

"How are you feeling? Honestly?" Ren asked.

"Scared, and a little freaked out." Jaune replied as his stomach growled. "Plus hungry."

"Well you have been basically sleeping for three days." Pyrrha informed him. "You want to go to the cafeteria, or do you want us to bring something here for you?"

"Maybe, let's head out. " Jaune replied, "I really don;t want to be in this room anymore. But it feels funny to walk. Everything is off balance."

"No worries Fearless Leader," Nora commented with a big smile. "We'll help, even I have to give you a piggy back ride."

"Well before we do anything like that, let;s get you to your feet." Pyrrha suggested as she extracted herself Jaune;s embrace and stood up, offering her hand to assist Jaune to his feet.

"I need a shirt, but..."

"A hospital gown could work for now. If we tie it low, and then you tuck it into your pants, it'll at least cover your chest." Ren offered.

While Ren went to get a gown, Pyrrha found herself admiring his body. He was lean, but the foundation was onvious, though his shoulders na chest looked denser. With a little targeted work, he would gain in the proper places, filling out; but not too much. She definitely like his softer boyish look. She felt Nora elbow her lightly in the side. Pyrrha saw the knowing look on her teammates face. Ren returned, and the pair of girls gave him and Jaune some privacy, by stepping out.

"So?"

"Nora, please."

"I saw you checking him out. I a saw how closely he was holding you. Something happened out by the cliffs."

"Something did, and until I have a chance to talk to Jaune about it... privately I'm not saying anything."

/=/

True to his word, Jaune was slightly unsteady on his feet. His wings reflexively, helping him try and adjust his balance, as he walked with one hand on Nora and Pyrrha's shoulders. They took their time making the walk to the cafeteria. Letting Jaune get more and more comfortable with his unique condition.

"This feels so weird."

"Well it will be for a little while." Ren commented, "If you look at it, you're going to have to learn, and adapt to your new centre of balance."

"I meant that, but there's also something else."

"Something else?" asked Pyrrha as she took a look at him over her shoulder.

"I have this... I guess feeling is the best way to describe it." Jaune replied, while looking at his feet, "That I shouldn't even be walking. That make sense?"

"Not really, but that might be something we need to look into, after you get something to eat." Pyrrha replied.

"Maybe it has something to do with you having wings now." Nora offered, "Maybe there's some instinct or drive that wants you to use them to move around."

"Nora has a fair point." Ren agreed, "But like Pyrrha said. We can look into it, after you get something to eat."

The entrance into the cafeteria was met with the sudden fall of complete silence. Jaune shrank back. His wings flexing, as if he wanted to wrap them around himself. Both Pyrrha and Nora reached up, and squeezed the hands he had on their shoulders, showing him their support. He scanned the silent room. He noticed the gawking, and stares. Again unease, and embarrassment rose with in him; then he noticed RWBY. They gave him warm smiles, friendly and accepting ones, as they rose from their seats and prepared to approach.

"You have friends, Jaune. We're all here to support you, no matter what." Pyrrha smiled at him over her shoulder, before her eyes suddenly went wide.

Jaune cried out in pain as he was yanked backwards. His left wing pulled backwards, forcibly straining against the rough hand that was trying to pull it to extension.

"They are really!" it was Cardin's voice, "You are a pathetic freak, Arc. I always knew it. Faunus lovers are always secret faunus."

"Cardin." Pyrrha, Ren and Nora growled, as they tried to move around Jaune". Not fare away RWBy started to rush forward.

Jaune struggled against the pull, and stumbled, while twisting his body. His free wing swung around, buffeting the larger boy, forcing him back, while also allowing Jaune to yank his wing free of his grip. Cardin stumbled, falling into his teammates. Jaune suddenly noticed how small everyone looked. He could feel the movement of the newly adapted muscles of his back, shoulders and chest. He was bombarded by looks or awe, surprise, confusion and a couple of disgust.

Below him he watched as Nora and Yang plowed through the entirety of team CRDL. Scattering them like they were nothing by dead leaves. The press of air beneath his wings was a comforting, and felt almost natural. He continued to hang in the air, gazing downwards, as slowly things around RWBY and JNPR settled.

"Jaune?" Pyrrha called up to him. "Are you okay?"

"I... I think so."

"You can come down, if you want to."

Jaune didn't respond to Pyrrha's comment, but just naturally adjusted his wings. Angling them with a slight curve to slowly glide towards the floor. He stumbled at landing, and tried to process everything that had just happened. All he knew for certain, was he could fly, and it felt natural. Then the self doubt rushed back in. He was a freak. An obvious one. There was no way he could hide his new feature. He looked at his friends, and smiled weakly before starting to sway on his feet. His wings flexed out, knocking things aside, and before his vision completely blurred he saw Pyrrha rush forward, her arms outstretched.

Pyrrha caught him before he could hit the floor. She allowed her legs to bend under her, as she took his full dead weight in her arms and against his chest. Slowly she reached the floor with he knees. Jaune was limp in her arms, and she looked up with fear filled emerald eyes to her team mates.

"Calling..." Ren announced as he had his scroll out and was quickly locating the necessary contact.

/=/

"Please have a seat." Ozpin took his own behind his desk, while Glynda took her customary position just behind and to his left.

"I think I'll stand, but thank you for the offer." Jasmine responded. "So what has happen..."

"If you can wait I minute, Dr. Kitsuinne will soon be here, and she is more qualified to answer any questions about your son's... condition."

"She's been called away." Glynda announced as aping sounded from her data pad. "Jaune fainted in the cafeteria. She's taking personal charge in his care."

"Then we should..."

"Please wait, Mrs. Arc. Let our doctor do her job." Ozpin asked, "She will contact us with her determinations, and his condition."

"So if we can't discuss what has happened to my son, what will we be speaking about?"

"I would like to have a discussion, about him remaining her at Beacon." Ozpin offered, "With your blessing of course."

"I need to know what has happened to Jaune."

"And we will provide you with all that information, and even make accommodations for you to have him examined by a doctor of your own choosing." Ozpin leaned forward on his desk, his hands clasped before him. "So while we wait, let us discuss his continued attendance here at Beacon."

"What are you suggesting? That he stay?"

"I am." Ozpin continued even as Jasmine narrowed her blueish green eyes upon him. "You know he has potential, and we can provide proper transcripts showing his progress."

"Keep going."

"With his continued attendance he would gain the knowledge needed for him to become a huntsman, or" Ozpin raised his hand, "be better prepared for a path in leadership of Ansel; like you suggested."

"He is the leader of his team, and shows remarkable skill in tactics, civil matters, and economics. Though his abilities in combat are lacking." Glynda reported.

"Civics and economics are understandable. He's been receiving lessons in those subjects since he was ten. Him being leader of his team is impressive, but I'm not sold on his continued inclusion in a combat class. He wasn't trained. He didn't even have his aura unlocked."

"Ms. Nikos took care of that, issue, and she is his partner." Ozpin returned to clasping both his hands on his desk, "The indication I have is that his whole team is more than willing to step in and help him overcome his inadequacies."

"Still."

"Then there is this transformation if you will. He will need to time to become accustomed to any new abilities he may have developed. Beacon has the facilities and faculty that can assist in that regard."

"He will NOT become some lab rat for your..."

"He will not be a lab rat. He will have to attend regular medical assessments, which is standard procedure for any of our students who have suffered an serious injury."

"So you want to treat him like he's injured, and not changed?"

"I feel it would be for the best. I know he is under a lot of stress, due to his transcripts, which I will step in and rectify. But I can not imagine what else he is suffering upon discovering how his body has changed. While the staff and his friends will without a doubt support him, he will need time to adjust to be looked at as different; because he is different. He is unique to put it bluntly."

"I see. I wish to remain her at Beacon for the interim. I have things to discuss with Jaune. Family business if you will. I will also be speaking to him about his desires, along with what I feel is best for him, as his mother."

"Glynda will make arrangements to accommodate you, for as long as you feel it is necessary."

/==/

So another sort of "betrayal" story, but not. If/when I continue this one, it will be a much slower to Jaune getting competent with his abilities. I'm also going to try and make things a little more realistic, than he has wings and just can fly. Yes I know he flies in this chapter, but in the next I will try to make it seem logical as to WHY he is able to do it.

Anyway hope you enjoy. I should have another chapter up for "Unleashed" by tonight.

I'm also really tempted to post a couple additional chapters for some of my previous entries. Let me know if you guys think that would be okay, or if I should just keep this as it is. 1st Chapters only.

Again, enjoy. Feed back is always welcome.