Cardin's POV

All I wanted, starting today, was just to be left alone. To figure out how to solve my problems the way I wanted to. But fate tends to catch up and come back stronger than ever,like my anger,like my pain. I've never felt so broken before, so vulnerable from my emotions, so... Stupid. No, that's just what it is. I'm so stupid. All the years of torturing faunus's, bullying people into what I wanted from them, fright and depression. Why did I keep on and on until this month ? What was controlling me to do so ? What's this beast inside of me ?

Do I have a soul ? Do I have any morals ?

Obviously not. I'm nothing but scum. I let myself and those who believed in me down. No friends. Russell, Dove and Sky don't count. Those are only chumps who go with what the crowd does, true friends don't back each other up for the wrong reasons, especially when they leave you for dead. That doesn't make me the better man though, I probably deserved death. Would I have done the same thing, run away from my problems and let people take the consequences ? I don't know. I really don't know. What's my purpose in life ?

All these questions and aching pain, it tears me apart. And that's when I finally realize, I haven't cried like that since I was 7. If it wasn't an accident of me being hurt, it was the whipping from the old man, no acknowledgement from my mother, cigarette burns that wouldn't heal the normal child. I'm not normal. I carry the scars, and yet it makes me weaker. What doesn't kill a man, makes him stronger. But for me, I die even more. Each passing day is a new day for survival. I'm pissed that I finally have woken up to reality.

I've been given a dose and I'm hungover, my eyes sore and puffy, my throat dry as my luck. No willpower to move on. I was a mess. A large disappointing mess.

I was a bastard at birth, a misguided boy all the way up to now, a wandering soul in search of a motive to live. What kind of person is supposed to live knowing all he's done in his life was nothing but pain giving as well. I've suffered and let others feel my pain, no. That's not right.

They haven't felt my pain, only what they would call harassment. Nothing that would encourage them to function. My pain is unbearable, so much it made me brainwashed into thinking I was royalty, something. I thought I was something.

Despite it all, my breakdown was barely the least of my worries. I laughed in spite of myself. I was so done with my life that... Maybe Suicide wasn't such a bad idea. A slap to my head said otherwise as I started thinking straight again. I still felt horrible, as if it was hunger. I ate today, so it was what I dreaded that was afflicting me. Regret and guilt.

No good in just eating dirt while sulking, now is there ?

I brought myself up with only a little bit of hesitation chaining my legs down, but I got up. I took the time to finally breath in and out. 'Calm yourself down, man. No matter what, remain calm and focused.'

I muttered the mantra aloud now to ease my troubles. I was better now, honestly I even felt wide awake despite the night time.

'Wait ? Night time ?'

I was aghast to see how quick it felt from my escape to me standing up right now. I must have slept it off, I do that when I'm usually upset. Especially... When I'd be sent to my room after a beating. You try relaxing in bed with a black eye and your body into hysterics, your heart beating faster than a jackhammer. Glory, it made me excited. Not in the good kind of excited either, just shaken up, that's all. I didn't know what time it was, but considering it was after 4 in the afternoon when I arrived back at Beacon, it was getting pretty close to late at night. Definitely not midnight, not yet.

I felt like a fool though, like as if I didn't need to do what I did back there. I was thinking it was childish, although this only comes to me in hindsight. You don't have as much as control as you would think in the heat of the movement. What happens just does, you can't change the past and you sure as hell can't make it seem like it was nothing. You have to face it one way or another. All lead to tragedy. Before it came to me as interesting, I was already walking back to where I had ran from. I let out a sigh and felt tired, mentally and physically. I guess I would just have to worry what would happen tomorrow. I mean, I'm not in trouble, that's for sure, but I might deal with only the students, mostly that Ruby girl.

I was angered by the reminder of her existence. 'Don't, there's no use in making it worse by letting them get to you. You're a man, so act it.'

Finally calming down, I could see Beacon from 5 yards away. I was back home. 'Home ?'

I shouldn't have kid myself.

My feet weren't even close to making any sounds of disturbance as the nighttime creatures took over, 'Thank you Mr. Owl.'

I could only describe walking in the moon's reflecting lights as only something I'd feel in a dream. Unreal and an amazing experience. I felt like was about to commit a crime, even if I was showing up back to my dorm where the other students might find me later than usual. So what ? They're nothing in my life, not yet.

I walked back inside the dorm, walking down the hallway in case anyone was out for some reason. Fortunately for me, there wasn't anyone in sight. So steadily and slowly, I crept down the halls. I was only about 14 feet away from my dorm room. Just so close. But my body froze as I could voices coming around the corner next to my door to my room. They were very close, as in 1 step away close from about to see me. I couldn't move. I could only hear a female's voice and instantly I believed it to be Ruby and the girls. The sound of footsteps were just a sec from me.

'Shit, time to face the music then I guess.' I thought as I closed my eyes and swallowed down my nervous lump.

No more steps as someone or more had stopped , I could tell.

"Oh, it's you, Cardin."

Wait.. It was a guy's voice now. I opened my eyes to see Jaune, some loser I messed with for kicks. Along side him was none other than Pyrrha Nikos, a very known student throughout the school and pretty much everywhere. If I had to be completely honest, the chick was smoking hot, a real life goddess that you could come across sooner than you could ever. The green eyes that she possessed had an uninterested style that also hinted annoyance. I really couldn't blame her though, if you were left to deal with someone's arrogant behavior for... Um, I think it's been like what, 4 months. 'Glory, I'm a fucking dick.'

I turned my attention back on them.

"Yeah, hey, Arc."

We stood there in silence. Just me, Arc and the Niko's girl rolling her eyes to the left with her hands on her hips, seemingly waiting for whatever trouble I was going to give. Today was their lucky day, but I had no intentions to do so at the moment, or at all. I just looked to the ground, tired with sleepy worn out eyes. I only did nothing, waiting for what they did next.

"So nothing then ? No taunts, no manhandling me ?" he said in a confused tone. Even the girl herself turned to me with a quizzical look.

"Sorry to disappoint. Just not in for it today, but I guess you could tell for these past weeks."

"Yeah ? So, are you done harassing me ?"

"Looks that way."

That seemed to come off to him as he took it with a stunned look. However, Niko's seemed to scowl again. Just like that Belladonna girl. I pictured her green eyes with Amber. I shivered physically and winced with my eyes tightening. As if cold water was splashed on me, it felt cold.

"What's with you, Winchester ?"

I took it to be Niko's voice asking.

"Don't call me that."

"I most certainly feel as though saying your first name wouldn't be any different."

As right as she was, it wouldn't have meant anything, let alone it be reminder of my existence.

"Well," I started off, shaking off the moody tone of mine, "Let me put it like this. You won't have to ever use that name or even have to remember me. Maybe one of these next days I'll be dead."

Now Niko's was looking at me. "What?" She sounded somewhat as if she was lecturing me.

"You heard me. I'm sorry for wasting your time and being a nuisance, that's all I was right ? Big bad and stupid Cardin fucking up everyone's day."

I left before they could say anything else, however I did catch a glance at Jaune in small shock and Pyrr- I mean, Nikos, looking at me with her mouth agape. Her eyes are what made me slightly interested, I really hoped she didn't start feeling bad for the enemy. God forbid.

I closed the door, not giving a rats rear if it was a little loud, I just took my shirt off and fell dead on the bed, plunging my face into darkness. Maybe this time I can wake up, feeling better at least.

Gosh. What a day. First I get back on the Bullhead to come back, get one of the worst moments that I never wanted to face in a wrong way and cried. Don't ever think of the crying, man, I thought. I just tried to sleep. The nap didn't help at all, I'll tell you what. I found out later on that I couldn't sleep for a couple of hours.

I could see my vision clearing up as I could make out the surrounding of my dorm room. I groggily stood up, regretting it soon as I moved too fast for me to feel weaker. Nonetheless I got up. I didn't want to have to tell the other three what happened last night, but thank god they weren't in the room. During these weeks, we just drifted apart. When I would stop bullying the rabbit girl or Arc, they would look at me as if I was nuts. Screw them. I'm not like them. I'm not. I received a message that was left seemingly left 2 hours ago, it was 9:35 right now. Headmaster Ozpin had left a text saying, 'I would like to discuss some urgent matters with you as soon as you wake up. Do not head to your classes first. No further questions.'

I thought of the many scenarios popping in my mind, Detention. No, I mean I really did nothing wrong. So this time, I knew it would be anything but punishment. But if I was wrong, then that meant I would be automatically be handed bouquets of flowers and praises from every students. We all know that wouldn't be happening anytime soon. So I decided to just put on my uniform with the same shirt. I took my time heading to his office. I had already missed my first too classes, so it was worthless to just head in there unexpected with a scold and lecture from Goodwitch. It was hard to walk in a straight line while rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. I finally stood in front of the door that lead to his office.

Finally just going for it after sighing exhaustively, I entered. In fact, it was the first time I stepped in here, and it so wasn't what I had expected. If anything, it wasn't some place where I'd want to spend my free time, I'd take the forbidden forest in a heartbeat. Waiting there, coffee mug in hand, was Ozpin. His gaze towards me promised a serious session for what ever to happen. I'd be respectful this time and just do as he asks. What else was I to do ?

"You wanted to see me, Professor?"

"Yes. I should hope you know why I called upon you, Mr. Winchester."

The voice in my head said 'Of course'. I told it to shut up, it's bad enough I was a smartass, I didn't need to go crazy and have myself toy with me. Okay, that didn't sound right. Ew.

"No sir, I have a good idea." His eyes hadn't broken their focus on me, I could practically feel his stare. It wasn't exactly nice.

"Take a seat."

I did so.

"Cardin, I'm never one to sugarcoat so I'll just get to the point. You were afflicted yesterday afternoon."

I looked at him and down to the floor with eyes that agreed but were soaked in shame.

"I know. But please, you gotta believe me I-"

"I know already, Mr. Winchester. In fact, Miss Rose had already explained, everything."

I felt the pin stuck itself in my stomach as the news had felt like utter dread.

"Oh..."

"Yes. The rest of team RWBY had finally decided to speak right after. They let me know quite well. And here you are, do you know what it is that ties with you ?"

The moment of truth, huh? Guess I was really being punished. Damn it. I felt my world crumbling down again, instead, it wasn't ending with tears. It was only ending with me embracing it and let it eat away on the inside. Here goes nothing.

"Yes, sir. During my time here at Beacon, no, all my life to be exact, I've caused trouble. You don't know what I've done during my time. I've brought only pain among others, trouble, harassment. I bully faunus', normal students. I've neglected the responsibilities given to me. I've only done what the voice inside me tells me to do. Go with the crowd. Embrace ignorance, face away from the consequences. I know what I've done."

Ozpin was, to say the least, a bit surprised, his eyes were widening during every second of my monologue. But I wasn't finished.

"So it came as to no surprise as to what was happening for the first time, being given a dose of reality can come out of one of two ways. For the worst or for the better. I can honestly only see it as the worst. But right now, as in this very second. It's for the better. I'll be straight with you too, Sir. I broke yesterday, it led me to cry. Cry like I never have in the past. I think somewhere, in maybe another world, there's one where it never has any trouble. No Grimm, no evil White Fang members. No more Winchesters. The legacy of stupid junk should never have any role anywhere within people's lives."

Now Ozpin was shocked to see me like this, I didn't know why. Ozpin was about utter something but I caught on.

"Please, Sir. I'm not finished. Please just hear me out and you can send me away."

I breathed in and out.

"Look at me. 17 years old, been here for lord knows how long. Causing trouble. Doing nothing that a true Huntsman would do. I serve no purpose here. I'm nothing, just another loser who gets in the way for those who truly have a goal. Where does mihead?d ? I got a few hunches. Home, the settlement where I was born. Juvenile hall, for well... You know. And if not those first two, then... There's Hell. I'm done, Sir."

Ozpin had to press his glasses back closer. He only stared at his desk for a minute before turning his head to Cardin, who was only looking down at his feet with emotionless eyes.

"Cardin."

"Yes Sir," I said nonchalantly. I didn't look at him, rather I was in another world. And even though I couldn't come to face that I wasn't in there, I went with the happy thoughts. I imagined the sun casting down to the earth, the skies were as blue as my eyes were. Clouds were barely around and people could happily gaze upon the sky without having fear of a nevermore cruising by. I could see people on about their business. They were happy, and no sense of pressure was put on them. It truly was glorious. In fact, somehow, I could see them shining with gold aura surrounding their each and every action. It wouldn't go away. The beam of hope was embedded in them. I saw kids running around, pulling at the pants of their parents, pointing at the source of their interests. Food stands, toys, posters of upcoming movies. The happiness was enough to make a war driven man light up like a Christmas tree. I was most certain every time something good happened, new life was brought. Babies were crying, for attention. The tears that welled up in the parent's eyes.

The beam of hope was embedded in them. I saw kids running around, pulling at the pants of their parents, pointing at the source of their interests. Food stands, toys, posters of upcoming movies. The happiness was enough to make a war driven man light up like a Christmas tree. I was most certain every time something good happened, new life was brought. Babies were crying, for attention. The tears that welled up in the parent's eyes.

Everywhere I could see, the vast land was peaceful. The wildlife wasn't covered with ash colored skin, red eyes or white boned armor. They sided with the lighter side of nature. A mother bird was sitting with her young, they chirped happily at the arrival of the protector. Each life form has a purpose. To do right, no matter what. I was never religious, but I could believe this world to be heaven. No trouble in sight, but true paradise. Something caught my eye. I was looking down at a boy, no older than 11 facing away from my view. His front unrevealed. His hair was burnt orange. He looked. Sad...

"Cardin!"

I jolted up, my ears were forced to spread wide. A chilling heat somehow washing over my body, perhaps my back was stiff. I was still in the office. Sitting with Ozpin. His eyes were rather no longer irritated, but truly angry, but only because he probably was trying to get my attention. His eyes were settling down and were soon normal as well as his signature smile that us students had seen at the initiations. Now I was truly baffled.

"I think you were dreaming about something. Something good. Now my dear boy, would you like to hear what I have to say."

"Yes, Sir."

"I think... you need some time to get used to a second chance given by yourself." He said with a smile. But I was getting no clue of what he meant.

"What ?"

"What I'm trying to say is that you've proven to accept the release of your inner demons grip. Although I admit you're still walking away in a shaken manner, you'll find a way to escape from it for good. Cardin, you truly have enlightened me. Would you like to know a secret ?"

I nodded my head.

"I knew you were starting to come around, even when I first saw you, something inside you was being tampered with by fate, and out came the true you. The better you."

"Really ?"

"Yes. I'm giving you the day off to cope and set aside from your burdens. And it will be mandatory as well, you've earned it."

I didn't say what I wanted to. I wanted to tell him that wasn't necessary but the voice inside told me to shut up.

"Okay, sir. I really do appreciate it. Thank you, Professor."

"No, thank you. You've shown to prove that life has its many surprises. We just have to see it to believe it. Well, if there's nothing else to discuss, I suppose you can leave whenever you would like."

I got the hint and decided to head back to my dorm, hopefully, I could catch up on sleep.

"Thank you, Professor. Have a good day."

"As to you too, Cardin. Oh and please do me one favor ?"

"Oh.. Yes sir, anything."

He looked at me with a frown and saddened eyes, "Don't run off like that again. You even had me worried. I was even going to send out a search party for you in case you hadn't shown up."

I was more than astonished to know that he cared about me, but this was all so much that I decided to go with it.

"I promise, Professor."

He smiled once more. "Very well. Enjoy yourself, Cardin."

"You too, Sir."

Normal POV

Cardin was enjoying his day so far now, it was 6 hours after his talk with Ozpin. Now, he was gazing off at the statue once more at the statue at the front entrance. He was going back into his new dimension that he had entered during his time with Ozpin. He would so-call 'float' above the towns of light. As if he were a bird, he could see their miniature sizes but could still see their enlarged pure happiness.

He decided he had enough and was going back to his dorm to sleep since there really was nothing else he thought of doing. He was walking back to the dorms, looking to see many students minding their own business. If he had to be honest, he felt okay. It was nice, quiet and peaceful. Although there were moments in his life that weren't bad or interrupted by negative means, he still favored the present instead of the past. Perhaps, today was the new start. The new age for the new Cardin Winchester, just maybe.

"Better perk up, kid"

What the...

He turned around to see if anyone was there. He had gotten away from the students, and no one was in sight. Just to humor himself, he spoke,"Hello?"

No reply.

"Huh. I must be losing my marbles."

He walked again and was about to enter through the door to his room until someone stopped.

"Hey, Winchester !"

It was the sound of the voice that had made his mind go blank. The voice that turned his world into shit not too long ago.

It was Ruby.

And with eyes the size of a mouse's, he turned to see team RWBY and team CFVY. Coco Adel herself with a smug smirk and eyes that showed off her good looks that would make most men's hearts flutter, but not Cardin, it rather pissed him off.

Nobody had a calm expression, all were stern, except for Velvet Scarlatina and Coco, in which the rabbit faunus had a worried look like she always did when trouble was around. Especially Cardin.

"Oh, come on..."

"You really know how to kiss ass, you teacher's pet."

A Xiao Long's voice isn't always good. It's problematic. And the voice will echo and spread to alert their presence. But not like a Winchester's.

He spreads like Wild Fire.