A/N: Hello everyone Nano here. This is my very first story that I have written and as such will have made a lot of errors and things could be worded better. So I'm still learning so any and all criticism and opinion would be very helpful. I would love to improve my writing.

Now a little story on why I wanted to write this. Honestly to me Cardin seems like a redeemable character especially at the end of Forever Falls. But in a lot fanfics Cardin is the bully, the bad guy, or the general asshole. And I'm fine with that, but there was this one rendition of Cardin that really got to me. This was an OC team story meaning that it was an OC team that was thrown into the RWBYverse so that means it's relatable to the show. But this Cardin was not only an asshole. He was also a molester. And this alone literally drove me crazy. I shouldn't have been this defensive about Cardin but since I see him as a redeemable character and this was in a somewhat canon universe it got on my case so hard. So I wrote this fic, not only for that but also because I see Jaune and Cardin possibly being good friends. So with all of that out of the way. I hope you enjoy my story.

In a forest on the outside boarder of Vale.

"Oh yeah, let's go into a Grimm infested forest just so we can get a doll that a little girl dropped on her way here to Vale." Cardin sarcastically said as launched a Beowulf into a tree with a swing from his mace.

Jaune blocked a swing from a Beowulf with his shield and swung his sword only to graze it. "Well I wasn't going to say no. This doll really means a lot to her and she really treasures it." Jaune blocks another hit just to get knocked back and fall to the ground.

The Beowulf lunged at Jaune and he raised his shied to protect himself but Cardin came in and smashed his mace into the beowolf's faces completely destroying it with an explosion. He started checking his surroundings and lifted Jaune back up with his free hand. "Look I'm not saying we shouldn't help her, but maybe it would be smart if wasn't just the two of us! You know some kind of reinforcement would have been nice, the police, or maybe some actual trained huntsmen or huntresses! But no it's just the two of us in this Grimm infested forest. We have walls for a reason."

Cardin put his back up against Jaune's and the both of them kept their eyes on the six remaining beowolves. "Jaune all I'm saying is that today is the day we are supposed to go to Beacon and I would like it if I was able to set foot onto Beacon before I die."

Jaune kept watch on three beowolves while Cardin kept an eye on the other three that were all circling them. "Well no one else wanted to help her so I think we're her only option. Besides these are just beowolves, I have enough confidence that the two of us can handle them." He raises his shield and sword and got into a ready stance. He prayed that Beowolves were the only things they were going to see here.

Cardin lets out a sigh "Yeah that true, but it would have been really nice if there were more people willing to help." He raises his mace over his head ready to strike. "Well Jaune, what do you propose we do now? We are clearly outnumbered and you are clearly out matched."

"Yeah just give me a moment will you?" Jaune said as he completely brushed the fact that Cardin just insulted him. It was a very typical thing they did when they were in combat, either with each other or against each other. After a few more moments Jaune came up with his analysis. "Alright I have a plan. There is an alpha beowolf and it seems to be the lead of this group, it's the one in front on my left." Jaune came to the conclusion because the beowolf was not only slightly bigger than the rest, it was the only one with past battle scars and the others were following its lead. "So if we can take it down the rest should fall without a problem."

Cardin didn't take his eyes off of his three beowolves. "Alright then, since you got that far I'm assuming you have a plan to take it down?"

The alpha beowolf lunged at Jaune but he raised his shield to block the attack. "Cardin! Swing right!" On cue Cardin swung his mace horizontally over Jaune's head, the alpha used its arm to block most of the attack but Cardin sends it flying to the other side where it collided with a tree. Once he was done he returned his attention to his beowolves.

Jaune noticed the beowolves's behavior after the alpha got hit "Alright it looks like they're not going to attack one on one again. We need to end this now."

"Alright then Jaune I'm all ears for your next brilliant plan." He says as he swings his mace overhead ready to strike.

"I say we go for the CAB call." Jaune re-sheaths his sword into his shield. "On my command we rush the alpha."

"Alright then just tell me when." Cardin was getting low and ready to make a move on Jaune's command.

The beowolves started to close in on the duo as the alpha was getting back up. "ALRIGHT! NOW!" Jaune commanded as he made a run towards the alpha.

Cardin slammed his mace into the ground and created a chain of explosions that struck a beowolf and made the others flinched for a moment, but it gave Jaune and Cardin enough time to reach the alpha. Jaune grabbed his shield arm and used all of his force and momentum to slam his shield into the alpha's chest. It forced the alpha back against the tree but it used its left arm and struck Jaune on his right side, sending Jaune to the ground. The alpha looked back up only to have Cardin's mace crush its face.

Cardin lifted his mace back from the tree to see that the alpha is dead. He turned to see that the other beowolves were on edge but were not retreating, so he came up with an idea. He slammed his mace on the ground and caused a chain explosion that struck two beowolves, and then he raised his mace in the air. "YOU ANIMALS WANT A PIECE OF ME?!" He slammed his mace into the ground one more time and made another chain explosion that struck the same beowolf and it made the beowolves scatter and run away.

Cardin made sure the coast was clear before he calmed down and walked up to Jaune and helped him up. "You good there Jaune? It looked like that beowolf clocked you pretty hard there." he asked with a concern look but with a smile at the same time.

Jaune dusted himself off and put his shield back in its scabbard form and placed it on his belt. He looks around. "Yeah I think I'm good." he went and put a hand on his right side that got hit and flinched at the pain. "Ah! Man that hurts. But I think it's just a bruise."

Cardin put his weapon away on his waist. "Well then I'd say we're good then." He looks at Jaune. "But really Jaune, CAB? Do we really have to keep using that dumb code name?"

Jaune shrugged "Well I mean we've been using that name for a while and it seemed to catch on."

Cardin pitched the bridge of his nose and sighed. "Jaune when CAB literally stands for Crash And Bash, it sounds really lame. Plus we made that name when we were twelve. We should really come up with a better name for that."

"Alright, alright we can talk about that later then, but right now we should get going before anything else shows up. I don't think I can take another hit like that." Jaune said as he rubbed his bruise.

"Alright then where do we go? You're the one with the directions."

Jaune pulled out his scroll and looked at the map "Yeah it should not be too far now, just a little forward here."

"I'm more surprised that they were even able to get an idea where that doll fell. I mean they were on an airship when she dropped it, that's a pretty high fall. Even if she says it fell on a very tall red tree that's not narrowing it down very much." Cardin was about to make his way to the destination point until Jaune caught his attention.

"Hey Cardin."

Cardin stopped and turned around to face Jaune. "Yeah?"

"Thanks for coming with me and helping me back there." He said with a sincere smile.

Cardin chuckled. "Hey. We always back each other up. Isn't that how it goes?"

Jaune also chuckled. "Yeah I guess that's how it goes." Jaune raised his right hand in a fist and had the back of his hand facing Cardin. Cardin followed this by taking the back of his left hand and bumping it on Jaune's. This was their special fist bump that they made which was the sign that the two of them are the best of friends and that they will have each other's back.

They started making their way towards the estimate landing point. The duo made it to one of the only red trees in the forest and they were careful to not attract any Grimms on their way there. "Alright, find the big red tree. That was a lot easier than I thought." Cardin stated as he was amazed on how this didn't stick out like a sore thumb when they started on the journey. They searched to find that the doll was stuck on one of the tree branches. It was hard to make out what the doll looked like but they could see that it had a black hood and the hood was caught on the branch. The tree was well over five meters tall.

Cardin slapped Jaune on the back. "Alright Jauney Boy this is where you come in. Good luck up there."

Jaune stumbled forward from the slap, he rubbed his back and he quickly turned to Cardin. "What why me?"

"You wanted to play hero so now here's your chance." He motioned to the doll.

Jaune groaned "Fine then. Stand back let me show you how it's done." Jaune spent a few minutes climbing and falling from the tree before he finally got to the branch the doll was on. He held on to the branch as was shuffling himself closer to the doll and then he got a grip on it. "Alright I got it!" As luck would have it the branch snapped and Jaune started to fall. Cardin thought to himself that if Jaune was screaming any louder, all of Remnant would hear him. Jaune was bracing himself to have a fall of a life time, but that never came. When he opened his eyes he noticed that Cardin caught him in his arms.

Jaune was trying to catch his breath from the heart attack while still in Cardin's arms. Cardin just laughed to himself for what he was about to say. "Hey Jaune." Jaune looked up to faced him "Yeah what?" Jaune replied.

"Just…. dropping in?" Cardin asked with a grin.

Jaune rolled his eyes "Oh my god put me down."

"If you say so" and with that Cardin dropped Jaune to the ground. "Ow! Hey a little gentler would be nice."

"Yeah well you asked for it, so did you get the doll?" Cardin said as he helped Jaune back up.

Jaune took a look at the doll and it was exactly how the girl described it. It was a pale doll that had two big black buttons for eyes, it had grey thread for hair and it had a red dress on along with the black hood and cape, which looked tacked on. But the noticeable thing about the doll was the wolf ears. It looked just like the little girl who asked for help. He looked back to the sky with a smile. "Yeah we got it, now let go back, we shouldn't keep Jaine waiting." And with that the two boy fist bumped on a job well done and made their way back into the boundaries being careful not to fight any Grimms. They arrived at the airship platforms where they met Jaine.

They found Jaine sitting on a bench around the area where they met her, she looked like she was about five or six years old. She was sitting alone and still looked a little down and sad, but her eyes and ears perked up when she saw Jaune and Cardin. When she spotted the doll in Jaune's hand she got up and started running up to them. The closer she got the faster and happier she was, until she finally reached them and looked at the doll with such happiness in her yellow eyes.

Jaune smiled as he got down on one knee to get eye level with Jaine. He looks at the doll before handing it back to her. She grabbed the doll and hugged it with all her might. It was very obvious how much she loved the doll. "Thank you so much big bro." Her eyes were full of tears, but tears of happiness and that put a smile on the boys faces.

Jaune put a hand on Jaine's head and she lifted her head up to meet his eyes. "Hey I'm just happy that you were able to get your doll back. And besides, big bro couldn't have done this alone." He turned his head to face Cardin and she did the same. He turns back to Jaine with a smile and gave her a nod. She wiped her tears with her arm and walked up to Cardin. She looked up to see him and what she did next was much unexpected for him. "Thank you very much Mister." Jaine said with an honest and innocent smile. This made Cardin surprised but very happy at the same time, so much that he extended his hand and patted her on the head. She let out a giggle and Jaune laughed a little as well. There was a nice atmosphere developing with the three of them until it got interrupted.

"JAINE!" The trio looked in the direction of the noise and saw another wolf faunus who looked to be in her twenties running in their direction. Jaine's face brightened up and began waving to the girl. "Big Sis!" When the sister finally reached Jaine she hugged her and glared directly at Cardin which made him back off away from the two. When Cardin was far enough away she held Jaine arm's length. "Why did you leave? I told you to stay at the bench. I finally found someone willing to go look for Mami." She said with a very worried look.

"But Sis look." Jaine held the doll in front of her sister. "Big Bro and Mister found Mami!" She joyfully stated.

It took the sister a moment to register that that was the doll Jaine dropped when they were on the airship. When she realized it she hugged Jaine again. "That's so wonderful Jaine." She released the hug and stood up to face Jaune who was now standing. "Thank you so much for doing this Mr. Arc. This means a lot to the both of us."

Jaune scratched the back of his head. "Don't worry about it, it was nothing. But I honestly couldn't have done it without my Cardin here." He points to Cardin who waved to the sister.

She took a quick glance at Cardin before returning her attention to Jaune. "Well thank you again but we should really get going. Come on Jaine." The two sisters walked off till Jaine turned around and waved at Jaune and Cardin. "Goood bye Mister, bye bye Big Bro!" And the both of them waved back, the big sister turns to look and then gently grabbed Jain's hand and started walking again.

After they were gone Cardin put his hand down and let out a big sigh.

Jaune noticed his sigh and put a hand on his shoulder. "You alright there Cardin?"

Cardin took a deep breath before answering. "Yeah I'm alright, it's nothing new." He depressingly responded

Jaune noticed how depressed Cardin was. "Well if it means anything, I really couldn't have done it without you." He said trying his best to cheer Cardin up.

Cardin chuckled at what Jaune said. "Yeah well that's nothing new either." Cardin looked up to the clear sky before returning his attention back to Jaune. "Thanks for at least having my back though." He said in a much brighter mood.

Jaune raised his right fist. "I always got your back man."

"Yeah" Cardin smiled as he returned the fist bump. "And I got your back too."

Jaune nods and puts his hand down. "Well we should get going. We don't want to be late on our first day."

Cardin slaps Jaune on the back. "Yeah, after you Jauney Boy." And the two made their way to the airship that was heading to their new home.

As the airships full of future huntsmen and huntresses were heading to Beacon, Jaune and Cardin were passing the time by discussing what happened in the forest.

"Alright so how about, SAM?" Jaune suggested in his seat.

Cardin leaned forward with both of his elbows on his knees and his hands on his face. "Okay I'm going to regret asking. What does it stand for?"

Jaune raised both hands as emphasize on what he was about to say. "Shield and Mace"

Cardin took a deep breath and resisting the urge to punch Jaune. "Okay Jaune. How about we don't try any anagrams? How about a code name or a phrase instead? Maybe one that isn't obvious to the enemy and doesn't sound lame?"

Jaune was contemplating on his options till one hit him. "What about Checkmate?" he suggested.

Cardin was shocked. "Wow. That one actually sounds good. Where did you come up with that one?" he asked as he leaned back more relaxed now.

"Well we play chess a lot and the way you win is with a checkmate. You know, when you pin the king right before you beat it."

"Wow I am really amazed, in the fact that you first suggested SAM and that lead to Checkmate. I like it. Although I don't think we'll be using it anytime soon let's keep that in mind. Sure sounds a whole hell of lot better than CAB."

"Yeah I- " Jaune's thoughts were interrupted when the news came on. They were talking about this Roman guy that the boys have never seen before. Then they moved on to some news about some White Fang members and at the mention of White Fang Jaune looked at Cardin and he noticed how hard he clenched his fist but thankfully the news was switched for this blonde person. Apparently she's Glynda Goodwitch but Jaune put his attention towards Cardin instead of what Glynda was saying. Jaune put a hand on Cardin's shoulder. "Hey, are you alright?" He asked Cardin with a concern look.

Cardin relaxed his hands and took a deep breath. "Yeah. I'm good now. Thanks for asking." Cardin stood up and just stared out the window to see the sight.

Jaune was very concern for Cardin, but he was happy that it wasn't bad. When Glynda was done talking Jaune noticed he everyone was going to the windows and Jaune was curious do he decided to also check it out. The sight was great from where they were but then he felt his stomach turn upside down. 'OH GOD!' Jaune thought to himself as he held on to his stomach.

Cardin looked at Jaune and his only thoughts were 'Oh god is he going to-' before he could finish his thoughts Jaune made a run for the door and Cardin thought to himself. "Wow, he told me he got over his motion sickness. I guess there are just some things that never change." He said to himself.

Cardin watched as Jaune stumble pass two girls, a busty blonde and a red head with a red cape. He laughed in amusement when he heard the red head call Jaune "Vomit boy"

"Oh wow, after all these years of knowing Jaune why did I never think of that? It's so perfect for him." Cardin asked himself in amusement.

The Airship finally made it to their destination and Jaune was the first one out the door. He ran to the trash can and threw up in there. It was a very violent experience while the other students were making their way pass him. Jaune felt weak from throwing up and he just stood there trying to recover himself until he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see that it was Cardin who was the last one out.

"So how are you feeling now Jauney boy?"

"Oh god I feel like I'm dying." Jaune said with each breath.

"Oh then that means you're good." He said as he patted Jaune's back. "Jaune why did you look out the window when you have motion sickness?" He asked as Jaune was recovering.

Jaune took some deep breaths before standing back up. "Yeah I thought you know, this was a new year so maybe I could actually look out the window without doing. This." He said as he motioned toward the trashcan.

Cardin gave off a laugh and pats Jaune on the back. "Well it's good to see how some things don't change huh Vomit boy?"

Jaune turned towards Cardin with a confused look. "What?! What did you just call me?"

"I just called you Vomit Boy." Cardin stated as he stood back from Jaune.

Jaune stood up from the trashcan. "Where did you come up with that one?"

"Oh I didn't come up with the name. That girl in red called you Vomit Boy. But personally I think that name fit you very well." he laughed.

"Hey how about we don't encourage that nickname, I would like to go by Jaune Arc. Rolls off the tongue better."

Cardin pated Jaune's back. "Yes yes, well I wouldn't worry too much if I were you, you'll do fine. Come on let's go, we wouldn't want to be late on our first day now would we?"

With that both boys started making their way to check out Beacon while talking about what they plan to do here. That was until they heard an explosion from behind them. Jaune let out a yelp before he jumped into Cardin's arms. Cardin heard an explosion, followed by what sounded like a girl yelping, and the next thing he knows, he was holding Jaune in his arms.

Cardin raised an eyebrow and had a smirk on his face. "You know Jauney, you might want to buy me dinner first. This relationship is going a little too fast for my taste."

"Oh ha ha, very funny Cardin. Now can you let me down? Gently this time please." Jaune got down from Cardin's arms and looked for the source of the explosion. "Hey" Jaune pointed to two girls one with a red cape and the other all dressed in white. "I think they caused the explosion"

Cardin took a look at the source and was a little surprised. "Oh hey look! It's the girl in red that I told you about. You know the one who called you Vomit boy. But right now it looks like she's getting chewed out by that other girl."

The two boys stood there watching the scene play out, they kind of felt sorry for the little red head because they could tell she was scared and confused especially with the girl in white just yelling at her. Cardin could see that Jaune wanted to step in and help the little red head but then they saw a girl with a black bow walk up to the two girls. But what caught Cardin's eyes the most were her bright amber eyes, something about her eyes just seemed out of placed. The girl wore mostly black and white and had a pretty pale complexion so her bright amber eyes stood out like a sore thumb. But Cardin would have to admit they looked really good on the girl.

After a few more minutes of standing around they saw the girl in white storm off while the girl in the bow walked off in the opposite direction. That just left little red all by herself they watched as she fell to the ground onto her back in a more depressing state.

Cardin took note of Jaune's expression. Cardin knew this look, this was the look Jaune had when he wanted to lend someone a helping hand. Cardin knew that there was no way he would stop Jaune from being Jaune but he also knew he wouldn't be of any help to Jaune so he came up with an idea.

He gives Jaune a little shove and Jaune turns around to face Cardin. "You know what Jaune, maybe we should split for now. I'll go see where we're supposed to go because knowing you, we'd be lost. So you go and do whatever you Jaunes do when I'm not around and I'll message you when I find the place. Does that sound like a plan to you?"

Jaune looked back at the girl in red before replying. "Yeah, that sounds like a plan." He said as he held up his fist. Cardin returns the fist bump. With that Cardin smiled and departed. Jaune stood there for a second before taking a deep breath and making his way to the little red head. Cardin turns his head and smiles at the sight of Jaune extending a hand to her. Memories of all the time Jaune extended a hand to strangers started rushing back to Cardin and he lets out a chuckle "Some things really do never change." He said before he started walking again.

The little red head was lying on the ground with her eyes closed until she felt a presence near her, she opened her eyes and noticed that someone was casting a shadow over her so looked up to the one casting the shadow.

"Hey. I'm Jaune." He says with his hand extended.

The girl took a moment before replying. "Ruby" Ruby then extended her hand to grab on to his hand and he helped her up. She let out a snicker "Aren't you the guy who threw up on the ship?" Jaune lets out a sigh remembering the bad experience. Then they began their aimless walk.

While Jaune and Ruby were conversing Cardin was getting a good look at his new home. He was taking notes on the buildings around him, Cardin was always interested in architecture. While he was walking around he took notice on how some of the other students were either staring at him or were trying to avoid him. He didn't bother to try and make eye contact since he knew that would just lead them to an awkward situation.

He finally made his way made his way to the auditorium; he took notes on area around him before realizing that the auditorium looked like a coliseum with two giant doors open for people to enter. 'How the hell can anyone miss this? Even Jaune should have an easy time finding this place.' Cardin thought to himself as he sent a message to Jaune about the location and leaned against the wall. "I wonder how Jauney Boy and little red are doing?"

With an awkward silence lingering around, Ruby tried to break the silence with a conversation. "So, do you always throw up when you're on a ship?"

"Hey! That was one time. I know it might have been a little messy but it wasn't that bad."

"A little? Jaune your puke got on my sister's shoes, and I don't think I've ever seen anyone vomit so violently before."

"Hey look all I'm saying is that motion sickness is a more common problem than people let on." Jaune said defensibly. "Plus I find that Vomit boy comment a little offensive."

"Look I'm sorry, Vomit boy was the first thing that came to mind."

"Oh yeah? Well what if I called you Crater face?" Jaune grinned.

"Hey that explosion was an accident!" she protested.

"Well the name's Jaune Arc. Short, sweet, the ladies love it."

"Do they?" she questioned.

"T-they will." Jaune said defensibly "Well I hope they will. I think my mom always say that uh…. never mind." Realizing what he was about to say.

Ruby giggled. "So~ I got this." Ruby pulls out her weapon and plants it into the ground.

The impact and size of the weapon shook Jaune. "Whoa, is that a Scythe?!"

"It's also a customizable high impact sniper rifle." Ruby declared proudly.

"A what?" He asked completely lost.

Ruby cocks back the bolt action. "It's also a gun"

"Oh. That's cool!"

"So what do you got?" Ruby asked with curious eyes.

Jaune was caught off guard. "OH! Umm" He unsheathes his weapon. "I got this sword"

Ruby's face lit up with amazement for Jaune's weapon. "Ooooo"

"Yeah. I got a shield too." He straps his scabbard to this wrist and it extended into a shield.

"So what do they do?" She asked with curiosity as if she expected more from Jaune's simple weapons. She taps on the shield which made the shield started to retract and expand while it hopped in the air. Jaune was fumbling to catch his shield back until it hit the ground.

"T-the shield gets smaller. So, when I get tired of carrying it. I can just, put it away." Jaune nervously trying his best to play the embarrassing scene off as smooth as he could.

"But, wouldn't it weigh the same?"

Slumped in realization of what Ruby said and spoke in defeat. "Yeah it does."

Ruby could see the look on Jaune's face so she thinks of ways to make the situation better. "Well heheh I'm kind of a dork when it comes to weapons, I guess I did go a little overboard in designing it." She says trying to make Jaune feel a little less insecure.

"Wait. You made that?" Jaune was surprised that someone like Ruby made that.

"Of course, all students at Signal forge their own weapons. Didn't you make yours?"

Jaune looks at his sword. "It's a hand-me-down. My Great great grandfather used it to fight in the War." He spoke with his tone getting lower.

"Well it looks more like a family Heirloom to me. Well I like it. Not many people have an appreciation for the classic these days."

"Yeah, the classic." Jaune had a slight down look.

Continuing their walk Ruby started back the conversation. "So why did you help me out back there in the courtyard?"

"Eh why not, my mom always said that strangers are just friends you haven't met yet."

Ruby giggled. "Well isn't that a strange way of thinking things."

"Hey, it has worked out so far hasn't it?"

"Hm." Ruby took a few seconds to process the idea, and then she came to a realization. "Hey do you know where we're going?"

"Oh I don't know. I was following you." Then it hit Jaune like the ride on the airship. They were lost. "Um, so do you think there's a directory around here, maybe a food court, some kind of recognizable landmark?" Jaune asked.

Ruby giggled, Jaune took that as a sign. "Is that a no?"

"That's a no." She replied.

'Wow I can't we're lost. Well maybe Cardin is having a better time than I am.' Jaune thought, as his scroll began to ring. It made Jaune jump and in turn surprised Ruby.

"Ahh! What was that?" Ruby asked.

"It's a message from my friend." Jaune pulls out his scroll, and reads the message. "Hey Jaune I have found the place we're supposed to meet up. The message has the directions. I'll be here waiting so don't take too long would you."

Jaune let out a sigh of relief that Cardin had his back on this.

Ruby was now curious. "So what was that about?"

Jaune closed his scroll and puts it away. "Oh my friend found the place we're supposed to be at."

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Ruby exclaimed.

"Yeah let's go. Jaune he said as he scratched his head. "Hey can forget about this whole getting lost thing?" he nervously asks.

"Sure thing Jaune." She replied with a giggle.

The two made their way inside and a familiar blonde got their attention. "Oh hey Ruby over here I saved you a spot!" Ruby spots her and turned to Jaune. "Oh hey that's my sister calling. It was nice meeting you." As quickly as she said that, she was gone.

"Hey wait!" Jaune sighs slump his shoulders, "Oh man, now where am I going to find another nice and quirky girl to talk to?" Jaune then made his way to the far wall and he started looking around for a certain someone until he felt a bump on his shoulder to see Cardin.

"Hey there Jauney boy, glad to see that you finally made it."

"Yes well I'm glad I can be here."

Cardin took a step back with his arms crossed and looked around. "So what happened to little red?"

Jaune looked up to Cardin in confusion. "Huh, who?"

"You know, that girl in the red cape you were helping out."

Then it hit Jaune. "Oh! You mean Ruby." Jaune scratched the back of his head. "Well she went to join her sister. Wait, how did you know I was with her?" Jaune asked just realizing that he didn't tell Cardin that he was with Ruby.

Cardin motioned his arms to the door. "Well besides seeing the two of you walk in here together, you're not exactly the type of person to leave someone alone. Even if they were a stranger." He put his hand on his chin. "How did that phrase go again? Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet?" Cardin chuckled. "That's a very strange phrase when you think about it. What if they don't like you?"

Jaune shrugged "What's the harm in meeting new people?" And on cue they hear someone yelling near the center of the room.

"YOU!" The girl in white yelled.

They saw Ruby jumped into her sister's arms. "Oh god it's happening again!" Ruby clung on to her sister for dear life.

"You're lucky we weren't blown off the side of the cliff!" The white girl yelled with her hands on her hips.

Ruby got down from her sister's arms and started explaining herself. As it turns out Ruby's sister was named Yang while the girl in white was Weiss.

Cardin crossed his arms and turned towards Jaune. "Yeah, it looks like a beautiful friendship is going to bloom from this one."

"Hey you don't know, maybe it's just a rough start." Jaune defended.

Cardin chuckled. "Yeah, rough as an Ursa maybe."

Jaune laughed at Cardin's remark. "Yeah okay that too is an option." He then started looking around to see if he recognized any familiar faces, to see that Weiss had stopped yelling at Ruby and was now talking.

"Yeah, and we can paint our nails, and try on clothes, and talk about cute boys, like tall, blonde and, scraggly over there." She sarcastically points towards Jaune with her thumb.

Her words carried through to Jaune's ears, and he took notice of how she was pointing her thumb towards him. Jaune felt a big rise in his confidence. Cardin was about to ask something of Jaune but then everyone went silent when they saw headmaster Ozpin walk on stage with the microphone.

"I'll... keep this brief. You have traveled here today in search of knowledge, to hone your craft and acquire new skills, and when you have finished, you plan to dedicate your life to the protection of the people. But I look amongst you, and all I see is wasted energy, in need of purpose, direction. You assume knowledge will free you of this, but your time at this school will prove that knowledge can only carry you so far. It is up to you to take the first step."

Glynda came up to the mic. "You will gather in the ballroom tonight; tomorrow, your initiation begins. Be ready. You are dismissed."

Cardin thought for a moment. "Hey Jaune, did he just insulted us or was that supposed to be some sort of pep talk?" Cardin noticed that Jaune was a little absent minded, so he tapped Jaune's arm to get his attention.

"Hm?" Jaune now giving Cardin his full attention.

Cardin raised an eyebrow. "So what's on your mind Jaune?"

Jaune looked back at Weiss. "Did you hear what she said?"

Cardin leaned in to look at the girls. "No I didn't and which one?"

Jaune pointed towards Weiss. "Weiss over there, she said I was cute."

Cardin just stood there for a moment. "Okay Jauney Boy you are being very delusional right now. There is no way in hell someone like her would ever call you that. No offense Jaune but a dork like you with someone like her, I don't think so."

"Oh you're just jealous that someone complemented me and not you."

"Jaune your mom still and calls you her cute little baby and I'm definitely not jealous of that."

Jaune blushed but shook it off. "Hey that is not the point here. The point is that I have a chance to make a good impression on her."

"Oh really now?" Cardin said in disbelief. "Then why don't you show us how it's done Jauney Boy?" He dared.

Jaune chuckled. "Alright then stand back and watch. You might learn a thing or two." He straightens himself up and started walking up to the girls.

"There is no way he won't do something to screw this up." He said to himself in disbelief. Cardin was waiting for a crash and burn on this one. 'What is he going to do this time? Is he going to pull a rose out and get on his knees? Is he going to serenade her with a song? Is he going to show us as a knight in shining armor? Or maybe he will just…..'

"I'm a natural blonde you know." Jaune stated as he walked right up to the girls.

Cardin face palmed so hard that he felt as if his face flew right off his head and into another dimension. Cardin had to take a deep breath on this on before resuming his thoughts. 'Maybe he's still the same dork that we all know and love. Why did I think so highly of him?'

Everyone started to leave the auditorium and the girls left Jaune, who doesn't look phased in the slightest. Cardin made his way towards Jaune and tapped his shoulder. "So Jauney Boy, how did that go?" He curiously asked even though he knew how it ended.

"Well if you have to know, I think I made a very good first impression." Jaune confidently stated. He did a double take on Cardin's face. "Dude your face is so red. What happened?"

Cardin put his hand on his face and just sighed. "I'm not going to bother with this anymore." He mumbled to himself. "Don't worry about it. So" He looks back at Jaune. "What do you want to do now? We have a few hours before we have to gather for the night."

Jaune started to think on their options. "Well what about this?" he reached in his back pocket and pulled out a white disc that was six inches in diameter and an inch thick. The center has a camera lens for holographic projection. And surrounding it are smaller buttons with shapes and symbols that resembles games that the device can play. It is called the Game Ark. The holograms can only be interacted with special gloves that Jaune and Cardin only had one pair. "You think you're up for it?" he taunt Cardin.

"Alright then I'm game Jauney Boy, lead the way."

They made their way to a table outside and Jaune put the Game Ark down in the middle of the table. He pressed the "on" button and it lit up. "So, what game should I crush you in Cardin?" Jaune confidently smirked while he strapped on the right black glove.

"Oh you think you'll win Jauney boy?" He retorted as he strapped on the left glove.

Jaune shrugs. "If history has proven anything it's that I am still undefeated Cardin my friend." He confidently stated.

Cardin clasped his hands together. "Oh I can't wait to wipe that smirk off of your face, I'll let you know that I've gotten better since that last time we've played."

"So the usual then?" Jaune motioned his finger over the button with a king chess piece on it.

"Bring it on Jauney boy." Cardin returned with a smile.

After nine games of Chess there was a loud scream that could be heard from the area.

"ARRRRRRGH!" The holographic board and pieces went flying everywhere. Cardin slammed his head to the table. "THIS GAME IS STUPID!" he said with his face still down on the table.

Jaune pressed the chess icon, the board and pieces went back into the Game Ark. Jaune placed his elbow on the table as he took off his glove and rested his chin on his hand. "You know Cardin, you should have kept an eye out for my bishop. Then you might have had a chance in that game. You know just an advice for next time."

Cardin sat up and looked at Jaune. "Keep your stupid advice to yourself. I don't need you rubbing off on me you big dork." He said as he took off his glove.

Both boys had a good laugh. Jaune may have been physically weak compared to Cardin, he does excel when it comes to field strategies, battle tactics, and using his brain. Jaune may have also been oblivious when it comes to casual things but when it came to the battlefield in front of him, he is a completely different person. Jaune was always fascinated in stories where people were outnumbered and outmatched but they always came out victorious because they used their brains to win.

Jaune took a deep breath after their laughing fit. "You think it's a good time to get out of here? I think you've had enough for today." He asked leaning forward in his chair.

Cardin leaned back into his chair. "Yeah maybe we should call it a day. Hey you remember where that woman said we were supposed to meet up tonight?

Jaune went blank. "Wait Cardin, you don't know?" Jaune was looking worried.

There was a silence. "Nah I know where it is, I was just messing with ya."

Jaune sighed in relief. "Just lead the way already." He said as he put the Game Ark away.

The boys arrived at the ball room where everyone will be resting and got set up.

Cardin lie on his sleeping bag which was near the window and away from everyone else as best as he could make it. He lies with his fingers interlaced behind his head and he stares out the window. The night sky was calm and it helped Cardin forget all of his worries. He closed his eyes to take in the calm aura that was around him until he heard footsteps getting closer to him. He looks up and was absolutely surprised from what he was seeing. Cardin was able to get his words out through his surprise. "Are you serious right now Jauney boy? You are seriously wearing that?"

Jaune looks down and to see his light blue onsie pajamas and blue bunny slippers. "What's wrong with it?" He asked.

"Jaune what are you twelve?" He examines the sleep wear again and raised his eyebrow "In fact it looks exactly like the one you had when you were twelve." He just stared at Jaune in confusion.

"Hey there's nothing wrong with it and I'll have you know it's very comfortable."

"Your mom packed that for you didn't she?"

Jaune's shoulders fell and he let out a sigh. "Yeah, but they are comfortable."

Cardin rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say Jaune, so what are your plans for tonight?"

Jaune flops down on to his sleeping bag. "Nothing much I'll just chill here and keep you company."

"Aww isn't that sweet of you for caring Jaune?"

"Oh shut up!" He throws his pillow at Cardin and it hits him in the face and then he picks it off the ground. "You're not getting this back Jaune."

"What am I supposed to sleep on then?"

"You're smart, use your brain." Cardin lies on both pillows. "Well I guess it's time for some shut eye."

Before he could follow through with what he said, they hear some yelling. He sat up and looked for the source of the noise, Cardin grinned when he found who it was. It was Weiss and she was yelling at Yang for some reason. Cardin couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Well you look at that Jaune. Is she just as perfect as you imagined?"

"Yeah, isn't she lovely?" He turns to face Cardin but gets hit with a pillow and falls back down.

Cardin retracts his arm after throwing a pillow at Jaune. "Go to sleep you loser." And he lies back down with his hands behind his head.

Jaune laughed before lying back down.

"Night Jaune, we got a big day tomorrow." Cardin says before closing his eyes.

"Yeah, good night Cardin." And with one last yawn both boys fell into their slumber for their big day tomorrow.