Disclaimer: I don't own the RWBY franchise, I'm only borrowing them for this story.

"It is our ability to connect to others; our ability to find hope and understanding of others that allows us to stay strong." - Unknown

However - our actions can lead to violence.

They can change people - they can lead to things that we don't expect.

Our ideals blind us; they make us judge others by depending on our morals.

Chapter IV: Velvestice

Beacon's Cafeteria

Part I

Not a specific POV - goes from character to character:

Ren and Nora were looking at each other - staring at each other in what seemed as a stare contest - Jaune nudged Ren; before getting him to cough and apologise: "It's fine, Ren; it's been a long while since life's been normal." Jaune chuckled - rolling his eyes at his friend. It was a nonchalant day; Jaune was playing Chess with Ren - whilst Nora was yelling about being the queen of pancakes.

"ALL HAIL PANCAKES!"

A mountain of pancakes were instantly devoured.

The trio were on their own; Pyrrha was training in the gym. Jaune was getting quite a few stares. One of the examples had her bow twitching; her eyes were slowly widening as she registered the book: "Ninjas of Love" appearing in his hands. Ren gave a quiet chuckle; watching Nora devour the pancakes with a god-forsaken enthusiasm and his porn-reading friend, Jaune, enthusiastically gazing at the pictures. Once in a while - Ren swore that Jaune was quietly giggling.

Giggling.

'To be frank - I regret letting Blake introduce him to that series. He turned from an innocent man-child to a sex-obsessed warrior for the first week after.'

Ren and Nora cooked enough pancakes to cover all of Vale by the weekend; only as a fortress to defend themselves - his jokes were traumatising.

Ruby devoured the cookies.

The Arc was terrified.

Jaune swore that people were whispering about him; with a few giggles. Weiss was staring at Jaune with disgust - shaking her hand at the boy: "Honestly, that buffoon." Weiss grabbed the bridge of her nose - shaking her head: "First, he mocks the Schnees and now? He's reading a disgusting book!"

Blake raised her eyebrows; looking at Weiss as she did so: "He had a point, though."

"What was that-?"

Yang chuckled: "Listen, Weiss-cream." Weiss glared at Yang for the pun, who was giving surrendering gestures with a smirk on her face. "Jaune can do whatever he likes. Though; it seems that you were paying attention to him before Initiation." Weiss gave Yang a frosty glare; before giving a quiet sigh of frustration.

Blake chuckled - shaking her head in amusement - her bow slightly twitching. Ironically, Blake was reading the same book as Jaune.

Nora was still eating a lot of pancakes; with the fervour of a drunk dancer. She was openly laughing her head off; Jaune was awkwardly chuckling when he realised what he was doing. Of course, Jaune shook his head; continuing to read. Ren was half-tempted to just ask him for a game of Chess.

It's hard to not be in disbelief over how they were the same - after so long. In a way, they were the same people; but with more experience and regrets.

Ren shook his head; simply sighing at the two of them: 'I end up time-travelling with an amusing, perverted, but very amusing friend. Woe is me.' Ren gave a chuckle as he continued looking out the window - in a profound ponder; the two of them silently doing their own things in peace. He proceeded to walk over to Jaune's opposite side; putting a chess board on the middle of the table.

He could also hear Ruby giving a political speech; with Yang stating a pun; only to have an apple thrown at her. Ren looked at Jaune; who nodded. Ren flipped over the table - slicing the apple in half with a knife - grabbing the apple pieces - only to throw them across the hall into the bin.

Jaune's mouth dropped; with Nora still focusing on those pancakes. Noticeably, Nora's hand began to travel onto Ren's hand.

Ren gave Nora a look of guilt - giving her an apologetic look.

Nora shook her head - squeezing his hand.

Yang was raising an eyebrow; with Blake still focused on Jaune's edition of 'Ninjas of Love'. If anyone was carefully observing her; they would've noticed how her bow kept moving in a complex manner.

"Stop it!"

Jaune stood up - looking around him - before noticing Cardin's team.

'Velvet and Team CRDL.'

The man slowly walked towards them.

Part II

Jaune's POV:

Jaune was looking at Cardin Winchester; once again.

It had honestly felt as if nothing had changed; he noticed Velvet's ears being picked by CRDL - led by Cardin Winchester. Why Ozpin decided to name the teams after two students; he was not aware. However, he had other concerns. Jaune had closed his book - asking Ren to leave it there for him - whilst nodding at Nora. Nora gave him an assuring look; before devouring her pancakes.

'Thanks, Nora. I can always count on you to let me stand up for myself.'

A sad smile appeared on his lips; disappearing the second after.

Jaune was slowly walking towards Cardin; watching as his friends laughed at Velvet; his hands clenched in rage - frustration - everything. Cardin hadn't changed; another clear example of what'd happen if people were too blind to notice how the Faunus were clearly sentient.

It affected the up-bringing of the next generation and turned into this.

Jaune knew that the conversation would go along the same lines; as to save the act. Ren was carefully watching him - subtly checking him to see if Jaune Arc would crack. To his relief, there were no red flags.

However, Ren would be wrong - this time around.

Velvet isn't going to stand there and take CRDL's bullying.

He gazed at the rabbit - nodding at her - before trying to calm down.

Jaune remembered Velvet.

But - he didn't need to talk about that right now.

Part III

Jaune coughed a few times; looking at Team CRDL.

They stared at him; Jaune stared at them; the entire hall was staring at both of them.

Nora was eating her pancakes - but soon stopped to watch.

Ren was face palming himself whilst staring at the chess board. Shaking his head - he stood up to walk towards Jaune - only to find out that plan was going to fail horrendously. Why?

Jaune proceeded to step right into Cardin's face, simply slapping him across the face before he could use his own monologue: "You're a dumbass; Cardin. Why are you trying to insult every sentient person on this planet by mocking a person based on their genetic makeup? You don't realise that Faunus deserve to have equality - to be alongside humans as equals."

Cardin growled: "The difference between an animal and a human is that an animal is easily taught tricks - we're better than them-!" He slapped him again. "What kind of an idiot are you? A human is an animal as well - that makes no sense."

A swipe of a fist forced the Arc to swerve to left: "Do Faunus have thoughts?" Jaune swirled to the right: "Do the Faunus have feelings?" Jaune punched Cardin straight in the face in kind; Cardin went back slightly - only to give a sneer.

Cardin went for a punch - Jaune flipped to the side - jumping from his chair before landing besides him. Jaune began to whisper to Cardin - quietly speaking to him; the crowd paying rapid attention to the duo: "I don't know why you do this, Cardin. I really don't." Another punch, another dodge. Cardin was increasingly frustrated; his punches becoming sluggish: "Why do you do this, Cardin? Think about it - are you saying it for your sake - or your parents?"

Team CRDL proceeded to step forward - cracking their knuckles - scowling at the boy before them.

"Team - let's deal with the loser." Cardin stood; an expression of rage appeared on his face. He wiped blood from his mouth - before shaking his head.

Dove ran at Jaune; who swiped various punches at the boy. Jaune continued to read his book; only to throw it into Dove's face and trip him over with his legs. Dove fell to the ground - before getting hit in the face by a roundhouse kick - falling onto the ground.

The Arc grabbed his book; before reading a few pages: "Now that I think of it - I really need to ask Blake if we could read these pages together." He had a small grin on his face; reading a few more pages: "Ren - do you think that's a good idea? She likes the book - I like it too - it gives entertainment."

"No."

Jaune shrugged: "You're not Blake."

"Why did you ask me?"

"You're the most logical person in our team - what advice would you give me?"

"It's your choice - you should decide."

"Fine; I'll ask her later."

Team RWBY proceeded to look at Blake; who was hiding her face by reading one of her other books. A quiet sigh escaped her lips.

"Ninjas of Love is a shit book!" The Arc proceeded to turn to gaze at Russel - who had a look of frustration on his face - as well as amusement when he noticed the Arc's anger.

Blake stood up - glaring at Russel with an uncharacteristic anger.

"What did you say, you little shit? Ninjas Of Love is more relevant than your team!"

Blake sat down before reading 'Ninjas of Love'.

Jaune rushed at the team - ducking under a punch from Cardin. He kicked the man down; slamming his head into one of the tables. Sky Lark threw a punch - which Jaune dodged - before dropping to the floor as Russel swung himself with a roundhouse kick. Jaune jumped backwards; almost getting hit in the face. He stepped back - grabbing one of the chairs to grind against the floor in an attempt to slow down.

He panicked when he wasn't slowing down; only to feel someone grab him from behind.

Ruby - who had a look of determination on her face.

"Listen, misters, stop this fight right now - or you won't only have me to deal with."

Then, Yang stood from his seat - before walking towards Ruby with a frown on her face.

Ren and Nora proceeded to walk by Jaune's side; Nora frowned - having grabbed her plate of pancakes. Ren had a calm look; but he was shaking his head at them: "I'd recommend that you leave our Fearless Leader alone, Cardin." Nora glared at the team: "I'm in the mood for breaking legs, you know."

Cardin went for another punch; only to have his fist covered by Nora's hand. Nora kicked Cardin straight in the face; who dodged right at the last second.

The two of them glaring at each other; before a series of steps interrupted their charade. They were both still - Glynda was walking towards the two of them and crossing her arms: "Mr Arc, Mr Winchester," Glynda glared at the two of them, "I wouldn't say that arguing in the middle of the hall is a grand idea."

"With respect - regarding to the staff here at Beacon - I would like to call bullshit." Everyone gasped at the noise - Glynda turned to that of Jaune Arc who had a glare of defiance on his face: "Do you expect me to watch as a person is bullied by these idiots? To adhere to the rules by watching someone being bullied?" Jaune's eyes narrowed at the crowd: "Cardin and his team were blind enough to bully Velvet because of her being a Faunus - you didn't stand up for her - and some of you even enjoyed it. What's wrong with you?"

The crowd seemed to have numerous expressions: from shame; sadness; anger; to confused and thoughtful.

He noticed that along the Faunus - there were looks of confusion and respect.

Glynda proceeded to talk - before Ozpin began to speak: "Still; it wasn't necessary to argue in front of the entire student body within the halls - do you realise that doing this would bring consequences?" Ozpin looked at Jaune, straight in the eyes. Jaune looked at Ozpin - shaking his head: "It's always the same isn't it?"

Ren shook his head: "With all due respect, Headmaster." Ren paused as Ozpin looked at him with an eyebrow raised: "Our actions will always bring consequences; we thought that it was right to defend Velvet. I don't believe that it's a good idea to leave a girl to be bullied because of her ancestry."

Nora looked surprised at how talkative Ren was - before shrugging with a bright smile on her face.

"Tell me, Cardin." Pyrrha proceeded to stand straight - looking at Cardin in the eye with a cold gaze: "Why do you and your friends believe that the Faunus are inferior to humans?" Then, her gaze turned into that of a gentle look: "No, that's the wrong question to ask." Pyrrha thought for a few moments; looking back at Team CRDL: "Do you believe the Faunus are inferior to humans?"

Then, there was silence.

For a few moments, Cardin and his team were struck silent.

Silence reigned amongst the tension - everyone waiting; holding their breathes in the suspense.

Pyrrha shook her head.

Ozpin walked between Cardin and Jaune, sighing: "I'll set up a match in Miss Goodwitch's class - a few weeks into the term - if that's alright with you, Miss Goodwitch?" At this, Miss Goodwitch nodded, proceeding to add more: "Any conflict between you two must be resolved outside of the public eye; keep it between yourselves, next time." Ozpin looked at the two of them; daring them to say something. He nodded at Glynda; who was keeping an eye on the two students.

A few moments later - a chorus of whispers broke the silence.

Team JNPR and Ruby held their hands out; Velvet sighed: "Thanks, guys. I don't think I'd have been able to do anything; I don't like hurting students."

Ruby smiled: "It's alright - you won't need to worry about being bullied. Us two losers," Ruby pointed at herself and Jaune; the latter possessing a sheepish grin on his face: "Will make sure that those mean people will stay away from you."

"Wow; Ruby. I'm still a loser? Woe is me!"

"Come on, Jaune-Jaune. It's not like as if you hide a rabbit onesie in your wardrobe!"

"It was interesting."

"Dammit, why are all of you so antagonising towards my onesie!"

Then, there was laughter.

Meanwhile, a bow twitched. A small smile appearing on the person's face.

Part IV

Vale:

Time: 4:00AM

Beacon Academy

Jaune's POV:

Jaune woke up at the blast of noise within his hears - realising that he had worn headphones - the alarm going off. Jaune grabbed the edge of his bed; turning off the scroll - before beginning to stretch his arms out and yawn.

He looked around him - noticing that to his relief - nobody was up, yet. Sighing in relief - Jaune proceeded to get dressed in the bathroom; washing up the windows and the mirrors - being the kind of person who wanted them immaculate.

Could anyone blame him? It's been a while since he's been in comfortable arrangements.

Noticing that the bunny onesie was still in his bag - Jaune proceeded to put it on one of the hangers in his wardrobe. Jaune had noticed how the team formed two bunk beds - with Lie Ren and Jaune having one to themselves and vice versa with Pyrrha and Nora.

'Thank Dust that Nora isn't awake right now.' Jaune knew what it was like seeing Nora waking up - and it absolutely decimated his mind for life: 'No more screaming about pancakes, please.' He sighed; before walking outside in his uniform.

Jaune was walking into the cafeteria - simply getting some toast with pancakes on top. He noticed that there was nobody around: 'Wait, nobody was around?' Jaune smirked - realising that he could have fun with this: 'Sorry, Ozpin - but it looks like I'm going to have fun for once.'

The boy gazed at the cookies in the kitchen; a note appearing on the top of the counter.

'A celebration for having a good first week; cook some pancakes for Nora for me. It'll be returning a favour of sorts.'

'Also - make sure that Ruby knows. She'll love them.'

-Lie Ren

Chuckles were all that were heard in the cafeteria.

Part V

Vale:

Time: 6:00AM

Beacon Academy

Ozpin's POV:

Ozpin was simply walking into the cafeteria - going up to the coffee machine - with three sugars. In his defense; this year was going to be interesting - to say the least. He'd need the sugar right now.

Especially since he'd noticed Mr Arc creating a fortress of cookies, chairs and pancakes.

Honestly, what kind of maniac drove themselves to make a fortress that covered every section of the tables in the cafeteria? What was even going on with Mr Arc? Who was he, really?

Ozpin coughed. Jaune was concentrated on making his fortress - squinting his eyes as he finished the fortress: "Finally - I'm done. After two hours of perfecting the fortress; the Team JNPR Food Fortress is established!" Jaune was having a chuckle; looking around the place before freezing when he saw Ozpin.

"Mr Arc, what are you doing?"

Jaune shrugged: "Nothing much - I got bored studying ahead after waking up early - so I made a fortress. But before I could get there - I got lost on the road of life and a black cat crossed my path-" Ozpin tapped his cane on the floor; getting Jaune to shut up: "What are we going to do with this 'fortress' of yours, Mr Arc? Do you realise the consequences?"

"I'm aware, Headmaster. If anything - I was simply bored out of my mind and I couldn't wait for two hours. Besides, the next class is with Professor Port. I'm sure you know how he is with his anecdotes." Ozpin chuckled; shaking his head: "I swear, you have the enthusiasm of Miss Rose - who has an obsession with weapons and cookies."

Jaune decided to give himself a face palm - making Ozpin smirk a little at the sight: "I presume we're having poor life choices - correct?" Jaune nodded at the man.

"Well, in that case - how about we have a talk?" Ozpin began to frown at the boy: "I'm certain there has been a few concerns about what happened in Initiation - correct?"

The boy sighed: 'I'm fucked - if I flee; Ozpin will become more adamant on figuring me out. If I do talk to him - he's going to have to know a few things.'

Jaune nodded - before Ozpin motioned for him to walk to his office.

Part VI

Vale:

Beacon Academy:

7:30AM

Ozpin's Office:

Jaune's POV:

"Alright, then. We'll talk - but what do you want to talk about?"

In an instant; the entire atmosphere changed. Ozpin gazed at Jaune with a fierce look; gripping his cane tightly: "If I may ask, Mr Arc, without offense?" Jaune nodded at this - inwardly cringing: "Why did you use fake transcripts if you had such stellar skill?"

Jaune blinked at this: 'That's it?' Jaune was sighing in relief: 'I thought he'd ask me about any information - information that was linked to anyone who was important.' "I used the fake transcripts because I felt that my skills were unworthy - I wanted to become a hunter just like various people in my family had. It was either not going to Beacon or using the fake transcripts."

Ozpin's eyes narrowed: "So, you confirm that you went to Beacon Academy - deliberately cheating with fake transcripts?"

Jaune nodded with a look of shame: "I did. I didn't tell anyone. None of the students are aware of my predicament." He was trying to stay calm at this - he couldn't let Ozpin know that his team knew.

Today was a fortunate day.

Ozpin crossed his arms - before sighing: "Normally - this is the part where I'd have you expelled for breaking the rules." Ozpin paused for a few seconds, allowing the statement to sink in. "However - your skills in Initiation were stellar - you passed with flying colours. You were able to lead a team with confidence after your fluke with the landing. You were lucky to be saved."

He stood there in silence; before quietly speaking: "Don't be the one who needs to be saved, Mr Arc."

Then, it was quiet.

A minute passed.

"I presume that means I'm staying?"

Ozpin nodded. "You're staying. Now, I suspect you'll need to head to Miss Goodwitch's class - though why did you disappear into the courtyard?" The man rose an eyebrow at him, before Jaune responded: "I was pretty busy sorting myself out for the past few days - I had to deal with a few experiences from the Emerald Forest."

A moment of silence announced its presence in the office - Ozpin gripped the desk in exasperation. "Mr Arc, don't be offended by this." Ozpin breathed for a few moments. "Do you know how irresponsible that was? What if your team wasn't as powerful - and they died for it?" Jaune sighed - gripping his shield a bit harder than before.

"I did it because even though I'm not as powerful as people like Pyrrha or Yang - there's going to be people out there who need someone to save them. There's going to be innocents dying because of the actions of others; whether it be huntsman, organisations, genocidal megalomaniacs or the Grimm." Ozpin held his breath for a few moments. "The moment that someone steps over that line - I'm going to stop them. Being a huntsman was a dream - I'm not giving it up, now."

"Even if it means that you have to do the worst things - just to save lives?"

Jaune paused at this; staring at Ozpin who had a pensive look on his face. He looked as if he was thinking over something - before turning to the students below the chasm. "You see those people down there? The people - Faunus and humans alike?" Ozpin nodded. "I want to protect them - I need to make sure that those people are safe. The Grimm are troublesome; the criminals make it worse."

A sigh escaped his lips.

"I hate doing things that are horrible; Headmaster. There are times when I did things - to save others - that made me who I am. But it's better to be me doing these things than the rest of my team."

Both of them looked weary.

He sighed - before shaking his head: "Listen, Mr Arc, just don't skip classes again. Now - go to class - I believe Miss Goodwitch's class is in the auditorium or in the main hall. Then again, I'm in desperate need of tea once more."

Jaune waved - before jumping out of the window.

"A curious boy - for sure."

"Glynda - what files do you have on Jaune Arc?"

"I thought that Qrow gave you enough information?"

"Yes; but we'll need to check his files, regardless."

A series of soft clacks were heard across the floor.

Then, Ozpin sipped from his cup.

Blake Belladonna's Philosophy:

All of us - inevitably - run away from a problem.

It's something that I always do; I'm not blind to deny it.

No matter who we are; Faunus or Human; we always face something that we can't win against. Something that we always fail to defeat - to conquer.

It was simple; everyone seemed to act with their own quirks from there.

But with people like Jaune Arc and Lie Ren - things aren't so simple.

The two of them seem to share moments where they talk to some of their peers, Ruby Rose and Pyrrha Nikos mainly, then look at each other with a profound sense of sadness.

It's confusing - they hide their own feelings - yet face problems for other people.

Jaune helped Velvet; when people aren't watching - Lie Ren helps Ruby by making her feel as if she belongs.

Yet, here I am, hiding.

Still, he defended Velvet.

I need to talk with Jaune Arc.

Call it a character flaw, I hate the idea of not figuring someone or something out.