Freak
Jaune Arc / Pyrrha Nikos / Lie Ren / Nora Valkyrie
Snatched from his family by the White Fang in an ill fated attempt to force the Faunus supportive family to apply more pressure to the SDC and Kingdoms to meet their demands for equality. Jaune suffered indignities no youth should never have to face. Abused and broken, he was rescued. After years of being a captive; can friendship help him move past the terrors that haunt him?
/==/
Ozpin sipped from his mug as Beacon's medical staff rushed in and out of the room. His brown eyes watched every action and reaction. It had been two years since anyone had seen the figure that was at the centre of the medical maelstrom; and Ozpin would be damned if he gave one of the singularly most influential families any reason to turn their vast resources in his direction. As soon as it was confirmed that the young man they had found was whom they thought he was; Ozpin had sent word. Now he was going to use what resources he had available to make sure when his family did come to collect him, that he was in perfect health. The Arcs paid their debits, and having not only access to their resources but their backing would make future plans much easier to enact.
"How is he?" Ozpin finally asked the on-call doctor as she stepped away from the activity surrounding the young blonde man.
"Some minor issues physically. Malnutrition, low body weight, some signs of physical punishments and abuse. No sign of serious infections, or indications of serious diseases. It's his mental health that has me worried."
"How so?"
"He's scarred shitless. Worried they are going to come get him."
"Shitless? Is that a medical term?"
"It fits the situation. He's a mess mentally." the doctor rubbed her hands over her tired face, "He was missing for what a few years?"
"Five to be exact."
"Well he's borderline feral, and he has been abused, possibly sexually in addition to whatever mental fuckery they plied him with. He's going to require years of therapy, and possibly several prescriptions for various medications."
"Any good news for me to pass on to his family?"
"Gave it to you already." she replied with a sigh. "I want to move him to the secured observation room, and he should be sedated. Just enough to help him sleep a full night."
"If you believe it would be for the best, then make the arrangements." Ozpin looked up from the doctor's plain features and gazed at the grime coated blond mane spread over the clean white pillows. "We're lucky that tip panned out. It was actualy a surprise that we did find him."
"Oh yes, there is one thing you should be aware of."
"And that would be?"
"His aura is unlocked."
"Indications of a semblance?"
"Don't know. He's lucky he did have it though, because that raid wasn't as clean as someone is going to try and report."
"Friendly fire?"
"That or someone tried to kill him just before he was found. His aura tanked most of the hit, but it was still touch and go to fix the damage."
"You said he had only minor physical issues."
"He does now." she replied. "He's okay, but it's going to take a long time to for him to be considered fully healed and healthy."
"Thank you." Ozpin nodded as he spoke giving her a genuine smile, "Make the arrangements you feel are necessary for his continued treatment. Please keep myself and Professor Goodwitch informed on his condition."
"Of course."
Ozpin turned and left the room, and then the infirmary completely before pulling out his scroll. Locating Glynda's contact he thumbed the call icon. answered on the second ring.
"Ozpin."
"He's going to make it, but he has a long road ahead of him for a full recovery."
"Oh, thank the Gods for small miracles."
"Yes, thank them." Ozpin replied flatly, before changing his tone to a more business like one, "I need you to call in one of the teams. I would prefer one that is on leave, but one that is close will work as well."
"Reason?"
"We lucked out in recovering him. I don't want to be unprepared in case there is an attempt to recover him."
"I understand. One team?"
"Make it two, and authorize security to offer over-time. I would rather pay to be over staffed for the next week or so, over having to tell the Arcs that we lost their son."
"I'll take care of it right away."
"Thank you. I'm going to contact Lady Arc directly once I return to my office, and relay what the doctor has told me, and to offer Beacon's hospitality for when she finally does arrive."
"I'll make arrangements for one of the guest rooms to be prepared and held ready." Glynda offered.
"Thank you."
"My scroll is on if you need me."
Ozpin nodded before hanging up the call. Putting his scroll away he retrieved his cane from under his arm, and started to make his way towards his office. The click of his cane's metal tip, accenting the clack of his heels on the same tiled floor.
/=/
Ozpin sat at his desk, trying to will energy into his overtaxed body. It had been a very long night, and not in a good way. Jaune had woken during the night despite the sedation. His reaction was understandable, considering what he had possibly suffered through during the last three years. The result of attempting to deal with his reaction was eye opening in more than one way. It had confirmed that he had a semblance, a useful and powerful one. One that Jaune knew how to apply in a very unorthodox manner. The malnourished and sickly seventeen year old had managed to incapacitate two full fledged hunters, before more sedatives could be brought into play.
Of course the altercation had also generated more questions and confirmed a few theories. His mind was fragile, almost fractured; but it was also sharp. He was not a trained combatant, but he knew how to fight in a manner to give himself avenues of escape. Taking a long drink from his mug, hoping the caffeinated beverage would bolster his energy reserves, Ozpin allowed his mind to start working over options. Plans with in plans rolled about his slightly foggy mind.
Setting his mug down, Ozpin reached up and massaged his temples as he tried to sort through everything he had witnessed last night. Jaune having a semblance was confirmed, and a few other discoveries were made. Inhaling sharply, Ozpin forced his eyes to open wide, before moving to activate his holographic terminal. The footage should have been processed and uploaded. He wanted to review, and make sure he was remembering things the way they had happened. He was sure he was; because it would be doubtful that anyone could forget what happened.
As he accessed the uploaded file in question, he made a mental note to speak with everyone involved. It would be best to keep it all under wraps for the time being.
/=/
A week had passed, with another to go before the official start of the fall term. Three days before Ozpin had played host to Jasmine Arc from Ansel. It started out tense but after couple hours of level headed discussions, that had followed a several hour long reunion between mother and child; things did work out. Ozpin was pleased with himself, as one of his newest gambits was taking shape. Jasmine for as much as she wanted her son home, with the rest of her family. A family that after Jaune's now obvious abduction; had become introverted and extremely guarded, accepted that possibly it would be in the best interest for Jaune and his abilities to remain at Beacon at least for a year.
Ozpin agreed to many considerations, including that Jaune would not be trained as a combatant. His whole reason for attendance; was to gain control and focus, while also receiving training that would improve both his physical and mental health. Though Ozpin was clear that Jaune would be expected to be a member of a team; and in consideration for what the poor young man had suffered Ozpin had agreed to just assign him a partner, and forgo the whole initiation portion of the curriculum.
With verbal agreements having been made and recorded, to be later translated into written contracts, Jasmine Arc left the Headmaster alone, so she could spend the remainder of her visit with her son. Alone, Ozpin pulled up his current list of confirmed registered first year hopefuls; to begin his search. A search for an individual that would be an asset to Mr. Arc. Someone who could boost his fragile mental image, but also physically protect him if needed. Someone Ozpin could confide in, and trust wholly.
/=/
Pyrrha Nikos, the Four Time Mistrallian Champion, wandered Beacon's almost empty halls. She had arrived early; wanting to acclimatize to what would be her new home for the net four years. She was bored and disappointed. She was civil to those other students that were there prior to the start of the term, but she felt isolated. She had hoped the change of kingdom would at least give her some relief from her fame; but it was all for not. Her status as a celebrity was still an issue. Like always she had people approaching her in awe in most cases, with a few trying their hand at gaining her confidence and by extension her influence.
So she did what she always did. Plastic smile and noncommittal responses. She however did have to acknowledge that it wasn't as bad as it would have been if she had gone to Haven. She was impressed with the level of security that was present, which had thankfully stepped in and removed more than one photographer looking for candid photos of the champion. Yet, it still seemed like overkill, even with her and some other notable candidates looking to attend the prestigious academy. She was drawn out of her thoughts when she heard the slap of bare feet against tile.
The source of the sound, appeared moments later. A young woman, about Pyrrha's age, but sabout a head shorter came tearing around the corner. One look at her pretty blond hair framed face, told the Champion that something was wrong, seriously wrong. Her look, and wide blue eyes, showed that she was terrified. Pyrrha stepped forward as the girl's bare feet slipped on the tiled floor, threatening to cause her to slam face first into the hard floor. She caught herself and scampered forward, sliding to a stop as she finally noticed the tall red head standing in the centre of the hall.
"No, no, no,no,no,no, stay back... please... stay back..." she half cried half whispered as she pressed herself up again the wall, almost if she was attempting to meld her rather shapely form with the very structure of the school.
Pyrrha was about to reach out and try to calm, the clearly hysterical young woman; when she heard their approach. Pyrrha turned her attention from the young woman, to the pair of rather slovenly looking young men who walked around the corner. A whimper from the girl, told Pyrrha all she needed to know. The pair closing upon them were the whole reason for the young woman's distress.
"There you are..."
"Leave." Pyrrha simply stated, cutting off the raven haired prospective student. Her voice was hard and cold, leaving no room for any doubt that she was upset.
"What? Hold, on we're just..."
"I said... Leave." The slam of a door, followed by an audible click of a lock being engaged, reinforced Pyrrha's assumptions.
"We're we just trying to be friendly." commented the raven haired, browned eyed prospect.
"She obviously is not interested... in being friends." Pyrrha voice grew dark, as she noticed the smug grin, on the young man and his companion's faces.
"Well, maybe we could..."
"I'm also NOT interested." Pyrrha snapped. "I suggest you walk away."
"I don't..."
"Is there a problem?" came a stern female voice. The three turned to see the approach of an obvious Huntress. "I really hope these is no problem here... especially one I would have to get involved in."
"No, problem..." Pyrrha replied returning her attention to the pair of young men. "They were just leaving."
"Were they, now?" the huntress asked raising a cinnamon coloured eyebrow above her light green eyes.
"Just leaving." the pair of prospective huntsmen agreed, before, turning about and striding off.
"Are you and your friend okay?" the huntress asked Pyrrha.
"I'm fine. She'll... she'll be okay once she knows they're gone. Thank you for your assistance."
The huntress nodded, and then proceeded to walk off, following the route the two young men took. Pyrrha watched, and once she was sure there was no one else around, she moved to the door; that she was sure the young woman had locked herself behind. From the look of it, she guessed it was a janitorial room. Lightly she knocked on the warm looking wooden protal.
"You can come out now."
"No." came a soft, more masculine voice.
"Your safe. No one is going to bother you." Pyrrha responded, even though her mind was trying to understand the change in voice, from what she was sure had been a young woman earlier. "I'll step back, to the far side of the hall. Okay?"
"Promise?" the voice was shaky.
"Promise." Pyrrha replied as she did just as she said, and backed away from the door, to the point of pressing her own back against the wall.
Pyrrha's eyes narrowed slightly, in confusion as the lock clicked and then slowly opened. She was greeted by a rather boyishly handsome young man's face; rather then that of a young woman. The eyes were the same though, as was the manner of dress; she was sure of it. He appeared to wearing some type of loose pyjama like top and bottoms. Holding the edge of the door, he looked about the hall, and seeing no one else around, he stepped out; and bolted. Pyrrha wanted to call after him, but she held back.
Questions rolled around her mind. She was positive she had seen a young woman, but a young man emerged from behind the door. She noted that even with her rather quick look at the figure that he was wearing the exact same clothes the girl had been dressed in, and for some reason she felt that he bared a striking resemblance to the young woman. Pushing the questions aside, she returned to her walk. If she saw either figure again, she would reach out; and maybe then she would get the answers she sought.
/=/
It was a couple days later that Pyrrha found herself moving through beacon's corridors with a purpose. She had been summoned via her Beacon issued scroll to meet with the Headmaster. She wasn't sure of why she received such a request, and seriously hoped she hadn't caused any issues for the staff. Another thought passed through her mind. Maybe during this meeting she could ask about the young man and woman she had run into. She had seen them at a few odd times over the last couple of days. Often it was in situations that had the figures watching her from around corners; and every time she attempted to approach; they fled. Pyrrha was starting to feel as if the unnamed pair, who she only saw individually were something of bashful fans. It would explain their behaviour, at least partially.
Pyrrha let those thought leave her mind, as she entered the elevator and hit the button for the top floor. She focused on the possibilities that would required the Headmaster to speak to her in such a private way. She couldn't come up with any real reasons, and just settled on that the Headmaster would inform her, for the reasons of the meeting. The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. Pyrrha had been in the rather large office one before. It was upon her early arrival to Beacon. She stepped out in the Headmaster's office and made a point of pushing the ticking of gears into the back of her mind. She wasn't sure how anyone could handle hearing that all day. She was sure if it had been her, she would have been driven mad in a day.
"Ms Nikos." Headmaster Ozpin greeted her, from his seat at his desk; as she stepped into the expansive room. "Thank you for joining me on such short notice. I do hope it hasn't caused you any inconvenience."
"None at all headmaster." she replied, in her cultivated neutral tone.
"I'm sure you are wondering about the reason, or rather in this case the reasons for my requesting for this meeting. That will all be answered forthwith, however firstly how are you finding Beacon?"
"I feel a little like I'm standing out, but other than that it has been pleasant." Pyrrha replied, still relying on her well school public persona.
"That is good to hear. I was afraid that you might have felt... underwhelmed."
"No, of course not." Pyrrha once again replied, "It is a nice change from what I know would have happened if I had chosen to attend Haven."
"Well I do hope your stay for the next four years will be as uneventful in that regard, as it has been for these last couple of weeks." Ozpin leaned forward clasping his hands before him on his large dark wood desk. "Now I do have a few things to ask of you Ms Nikos, but you are under no obligation to accept them if you do not wish to."
"I see." Pyrrha's mind instantly went to the possibility that Ozpin was going to ask her to do some publicity for the school. She felt let down, feeling that Beacon would have not followed the tune of what the other Academies would have surely done.
"I have a person of... interest that I believe you have met, during a recent altercation, and was wondering if you may be interested in taking them under your wing... so to speak. Sort of a mentorship if you will."
"Mentorship?"
"Yes. We have a special individual currently residing on campus, who is in need... of someone to look after them."
"That is sounding more like you want someone to babysit..."
"You could look at it in that way, however that is not the case. This situation is delicate, and unique. I believe you have the skills required to succeed with this task, but do to the nature and identity of the subject..." Ozpin's eyes grew stern, "I MUST be absolutely certain you are willing to see this assignment through to the end."
"How can I do that without knowing what this is all about?" Pyrrha countered "Who this is all about?"
"That I cannot tell you, unless you willingly take this assignment on, but I can tell you what is expected of you, if that would suffice."
"It might."
"Well mostly you will be as I said, mentoring this individual. You will help them socialize, along with moderate physical training and assisting as a tutor with their education."
"Education?"
"Yes, this individual is rather behind in their contemporaries in regards to schooling; for reasons I am not willing to discuss at this point."
"Is this person the reason security is so high right now?"
"Yes, they are." Ozpin replied, "Unlike you or any of our other outstanding applicants; they don't have the ability to defend themselves as you do, and considering their history... there are risks that must be limited."
"So if I agree, I would also be expected to be a bodyguard of a sort, right?"
"Yes, you would."
"Can you tell me anything else?"
"Not unless you take on this extra responsibility, though I can let you know that if you do agree to this arrangement, you will not have to take part in initiation, as this individual would be your partner."
"What? I thought..."
"Ms. Nikos, everyone here at Beacons and probably all of Remnant know you will have no issue passing initiation. So giving you a pass on the exercise is of no issue."
"So I'm being assigned a partner. What about my possible team?"
"You will be paired with an unmatched duo."
"This isn't right. There will be accusations of favouritism."
"Those are the least of my worries." Ozpin countered, "If you do not wish to take on this assignment, then none of these considerations will take effect."
"I see."
"There is no need to make a decision at this moment. You have time to considered your options, though I will need an answer the day before initiation."
"So four days."
"Yes, four days." Ozpin leaned back in his chair. "No if you'll excuse me, I have another meeting to attend to. I wait you response to my offer."
Pyrrha nodded. As she rode the elevator back down, her mind reviewed what Ozpin had told her. Stepping out in the main lobby, she barely noticed the raven haired, amber eyed young woman waiting for the elevator. She gave her a polite nod as they stepped past each other. The door slid closed as Pyrrha made her way into the hallways of Beacon and towards the cafeteria for lunch.
/=/
Ozpin leaned forward, clasping his hands upon his desk as the elevator signalled it's arrival. The doors slide open and Ozpin nodded to the figure who stepped out into his office.
"Ms Belladonna, thank you for joining me. Firstly I would like to extend the appreciation of the Arc family. The tip you provided was an immense help in starting to repair a broken family."
"They don't know, that it was..."
"No. I kept your name out of any conversations in regards to the tip." Ozpin smiled, "But I do have some questions about the situation in regards with the circumstances. So please have a seat, I believe you will be here for an extended period of time."
"Headmaster?"
"Please have a seat Ms Belladonna."
She took a seat, her posture obvious showing her apprehension with the current situation she was finding herself in.
"Now," Ozpin unclasped his hands and leaned back in his chair, "Why did the White Fang target the Arc family? It seems to be a rather self-defeating to target such outspoken supporters of Faunus rights and Labour Reforms."
"Leverage," Blake replied. "From what I understand, we wanted; hoped that ransoming him back to his family could have them put excessive pressure on the SDC and Atlas to honour the current laws."
"I see, but then why did the White Fang not publicly take credit for the attack? Why were there no ransom demands made?" Ozpin sighed, "This again all seems as if there was another reason for such a drastic action. The White Fang actually made an influential enemy, and you know what I'm speaking about."
"Yes, the Arc Act, that Atlas and Mistral supported and enacted."
"Exactly. Mandatory life sentences for anyone caught with proven ties to the White Fang. Though you're are quite aware how loosely Atlas and Mistral stick to the proven portion. So again, why?"
"I'm not sure, all I know is the rumours."
"Rumours, are currently a very valuable commodity."
"From what I hear, his semblance activated during his capture; and the leadership thought it was more important to keep him and make use of it..."
"Even though it robbed them of valuable ally? Again seems very self-defeating." Ozpin's shook his head, "I doubt you are aware, but recently the Arc family has stepped up their actions against the White Fang, and fanus in general. They are even proposing sanctions against Menagerie. Very severe sanctions, I would dare say crippling ones."
"They can't! Menageries had nothing..."
"Do you think that means anything to a grieving family. A family that feel betrayed by the people they had supported. They want to punish those involved. Menagerie was were the White Fang have their largest base of support. So for a family that can force laws to be enforced or even created, it is an obvious target." Blake's whole body slumped, in defeat. "However with his recovery, and some placating words from myself and other more sympathetic individuals, they have withdrawn from that action."
Blake visibly relaxed.
"Were you involved with Mr. Arc during his 'stay' with the White Fang?"
"I had limited access to him."
"Did you abuse him?"
"NO!"
"I do hope for your sake that is the truth." Ozpin's face grew incredibly severe, "I am taking a great risk in allowing you to attend Beacon, I in fact should be turning you into the authorities. If the Arcs discover I am harbouring an ex-member of the White Fang, this could turn very difficult for Beacon and myself."
"I can leave." Blake offered, her face showing her obvious distress.
"There is no need for that. I understand your reasons, and applaud you for coming to Beacon to make amends. However you need to understand the seriousness of what is happening. The Arc family are still hurting, and if you are found out, or IF I discover you had something to do with Mr. Arc's abuse, I will not protect you. Understand?"
"Yes."
"Good." Ozpin allowed his features to grow softer. "Now, tell me what you know about Mr. Arc."
"Why? I only had minor interactions with him." Blake counter asked.
"You were a valued member of the White Fang, and despite what you want me to believe I know your name alone would have given you special privileges Ms Belladonna." Ozpin narrowed his brown eyes, "So even if you only had minimal interactions with Jaune, you would have still been privy to information about him. So, please what do you know about Mr. Arc?"
Is there anything specific you want to know?" Blake asked as she fidgeted in her seat. "I don't think you want me to tell you every rumour or story I heard, do you?"
"You are right. Let's focus our discussions. His aura. Who unlocked it?"
"From what I understand, no one did."
"Spontaneous activation." Ozpin nodded, "It has been know to happen when someone is under great duress; and being kidnapped would cause such feelings. What about his semblance?"
"He had a cell mate. A dog faunus that was labelled a traitor." Blake bit her lip before continuing, "The report I saw, said they caught Jaune healing him."
"Why would Jaune... they were torturing him." Ozpin watched as Blake just nodded, "What happened when he was caught?"
"He was punished."
"How?"
"I don't know."
"I think you do Ms Belladonna. How was Jaune punished for his act of kindness to a fellow cell mate?"
"They... they beat him, nearly to death."
"And after the beating?"
"They began to test him."
"To find his limits?"
"Yes?"
"Do you know what they discovered, if anything?"
"He can boost semblances, and gift people aura."
"Gift Aura?"
"That's what the report called it."
"Did this report go into any detail, about this gifting?"
"He could add aura to other aura users, and..."
"And?"
"Give aura to those without it unlocked."
"Interesting. What does this gifting do to those without aura, do you know?"
"It's passive, shielding them, and if I remember correctly; it boosts natural abilities."
"I see." Ozpin raised his hand and tapped his index finger against his lips, "So I assume they started having him charge your membership. How long do these gifts last?"
"A few hours, less if the recipient is active."
"So, the fang started using him to empower soldiers prior to raids?"
"Yes."
"Did you ever receive one of these gifts?"
"Yes."
"After initiation I want you to go to the meet with Professor Goodwitch, and then head to the infirmary. I want you to give the doctor there along with Professor Goodwitch a full report on what it feels like, what it does, and any side-effects."
"There is something you should be aware..." Blake looked at the floor, obviously with indecision about what to say next.
"And what would that be?"
"He has a second version of his semblance."
"Does he now? What would that be?"
"He can... tear away aura. Shred someone's soul." Blake looked up at the Headmaster, her eyes showing some fear in revealing this about Jaune. "He can reduce someone's aura to zero in seconds... he can even use it on..."
"On people with no Aura."
"From what I hear, and saw... they used to force him to help with... interrogations."
"So torture." Ozpin stated, with Blake nodding in response. "How was this other side of his semblance discovered?"
"When he was..." Blake once again stopped, her displeasure and sadness about remembering something cutting off her voice.
"Ms Belladonna I need to know everything you know so I can help Mr. Arc. So I'm sorry if all this dredges up uncomfortable memories, but it is necessary."
"He was... he was... gang raped."
"I see. Please continue, as there is obviously something more you wish to say."
"He killed two of them. The others three were discovered in the act, and were... punished."
"Killed?"
"Yes, sir?"
"How?"
"We're not sure. Our camp's doctor thinks the shock of suddenly having their aura ripped away caused complications."
"You said they were caught in the act."
"He..."
"I've seen it, so you have no reason to withhold that information."
"He changed... and after he killed the first two, they beat him... her unconscious and continued with their assault." I passing member heard the shouts of our other... captives, and discovered what was happening... even though it was stopped, they broke him... and her."
"That is very... unfortunate. It appears he is more traumatized than we thought." Ozpin sighed, his mind already forming plans to assist the young man in dealing with the horrors he suffered. "So as he can boost or gift aura, and she can take it away, and seems to be able to cause death."
"He can do the same." Blake offered.
"What?"
"He can kill as well."
"That makes no sense. I can understand the rapid removal of aura would cause severe side effects, but boosting it?"
"I saw it happen."
"Please explain."
"The three that had survived the attack were being publicly... punished. They brought him out to heal them so they could heal and suffer further... I think he overloaded them... when he used it on me, it was a trickle, like a small brook flowing into me... when it happened in front of the camp... it almost looked like he dumped his aura into them..."
"Describe what happened."
"He touched the backs of their necks, and then suddenly grew brighter than I ever saw... they began to convulse... blood tricked from their noses, and eyes... they tried to scream, but nothing came out... he was pulled off, but the two he had touched just dropped to the ground, twitching. The doctor wasn't able to help them... she said they were dead before they hit the ground."
"So he took four lives. That is troubling." Ozpin removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. "What happened after that... incident?"
"They isolated him... and I think they beat him even more." Blake shifted in her seat, obvious in her discomfort in relaying the information, "He wasn't used to boost our fighters anymore."
"So what was done with him?"
"I was at an interrogation... they used him for it." Blake unconsciously raised her hands to her ears, "The screams... I still hear them."
"How long did they force him to do that?"
"A couple of years, if I remember correctly."
"Why was he kept in the camps? Why not house him in your base of operations?"
"They wanted to keep him mobile. They moved him constantly. He was a tool. Anywhere they needed to extract information he was sent... plus it kept him safe, and prevented anyone an easy chance to locate him."
"So how did you know he was going to be where we found him?"
"The Fang had discovered we had some defectors here in Vale. The plan was to use him to teach everyone a lesson about what happens if you try and run... before I left I made sure he had just arrived in Vale... to give him a better chance to be rescued."
"I thank you for that, Ms Belladonna. His family is very relieved to have him now safe." Ozpin adjusted his glasses before continuing. "Will he recognize you, if he sees you?"
"I'm not sure. Maybe."
"I need to ask this, and I want an honest answer." Blake just nodded, "Did you cause him any harm, or give him reason to be fearful of you?"
"No." Blake replied resolutely. "Though after everything that has happened to him, I doubt he looks at any faunus in a favourable light."
"I would assume so as well."
"Is this all Headmaster?"
"For now. Go get some rest. We'll speak more after I have a chance to digest the information you have given me."
Blake nodded and left.
"It would seem we have some work to do," Ozpin spoke out loud as he activated his terminal and once again viewed the footage from the incident in the infirmary. "but the question is how do we help you... Mr. AND Ms Arc."
/=/
Velvet stood ram rod straight. Embarrassment and shame flooding her as before her curled in the fetal position on the floor was a whimpering and shaking young man. His pitiful state pulled at her heart strings. It had been an accident, bumping into him while she was distracted looking for a place to seat in the cafeteria. She had always shied away from attention, and now she was the centre of it. His terrified and horrified reaction making her want to slink away into a corner and hide, yet she knew she couldn't just run away. He needed help. Yet she had no idea what she should do.
/==/
So another gender-swapish fic chapter. It's rough and needs much more love; but as the poll has told me. "Monster" is to be my priority to finish, even though it has "officially" been called a *shitfic*. Not sure if I should take that as a compliment or insult. Though I will probably keep popping out little snippets like this just to break up my writing sessions. So yes there is another chapter for "Monster" just about done, and if nothing comes up might have it out by Monday. I do wish I was good enough to have a real posting schedule.
On a side note, I will be moving (at some point) my other one shots from my main profile to "Possibilities." Just to clean up my profile.
Anyway, comments, critiques and suggestions are always welcome. Hope you enjoyed this offering.