DISCLAIMER: I own nothing RWBY related

The rest of Jaune's day concludes without further incident, along with the next several weeks. He falls into a comfortable daily routine: morning training and meditation, though he makes little headway with regards to the Paifang, classes, then spending time with RWBY and his team.

For him, life was good and comfortable. For the most part, at least.

Once a week, combat class would take place, headed by Glynda. It remains particularly annoying for Jaune as Cardin's obnoxious voice had grown grating over the past few weeks. What makes it worse is Glynda's refusal to put Jaune into the arena, claiming that the issue with his Aura readings would put him in danger.

What utter nonsense. Obvously, Glynda fears that Jaune may accidentally maim or kill whoever is he matched up against.

Jaune crosses his arms against the railing and rests his head on them, completely bored of watching these children fight. Aside from his own team members and RWBY, the rest were painfully average, though in Jaune's eyes his friends have their share of issues with their combat styles.

'These children focus much too heavily on flashy moves while sacrificing substance...'

Jaune mindlessly pokes at his lunch with his fork, pondering about the status of his Paifang. Its mystery and purpose has been plaguing his mind constantly for the past several weeks.

A sudden hostile change in mood at the table grabs his attention and he looks up. His team and RWBY are all directing their gaze at something behind him, and whatever it was did not make them happy.

"That must really hurt," Ruby sympathizes.

"That... asshole!" Yang grits her teeth and clenches her fist, bending her fork at a 90 degree angle.

Blank makes no comment, but her narrowed pupils and raised hair speaks volumes.

'It continues to boggle my mind that no one has yet to figure out Blake is a Faunus...'

Jaune allows curiosity to get the better of him and turns his head at the scene behind him. Several tables away, Cardin can be seen tugging on a rabbit Faunus' ears while mockingly laughing with his team.

When Jaune gets a good look at the Faunus girl's face, he feels his body go cold.

'Ying Yue...'

Jaune abruptly stands up, shaking the table and grabbing the attention of those around him.

"Jaune?" Pyrrha asks with concern.

"Ying Yue..." Jaune whispers to himself.

'Ying Yue? Is that a name? What language is that?' Pyrrha wonders.

Paying no attention to the looks he's receiving from his table, Jaune strolls towards the source of the commotion. His eyes narrow and grow cold as he nears.

Cardin tugs hard on Velvet's ears.

"See? What'd I tell you guys? They're totally real!"

"What a freak!"

"Ow! That hurts! Please let go..." Velvet whines.

A hand suddenly grips down on Cardin's offending arm.

"Let go," a chilly voice calmly commands.

Cardin looks down at his arm, then up at Jaune. He scoffs and tightens his grip around Velvet's ears, causing her to yelp in pain.

Giving no further warning, Jaune clenches his hand, crushing down on Cardin's arm. He lets go of Velvet's arm due to the pain.

Jaune tosses Cardin to the side like a ragdoll. He looks down on the rabbit Faunus, and his eyes soften as he glances over her features.

'Her voice, eyes, nose, and ears. They are so similar to Ying Yue...'

Jaune sighs.

'I let my emotions get the better of me.'

"You're a dead man Jaunie!" Cardin yells before pulling a fist back.

Without giving him a glance, Jaune catches his fist and pushes him back with a single hand.

'What kind of fool yells out before attacking?'

"Combat class. We will settle it there," Jaune calmly says.

Cardin blinks once, then cruelly grins.

"You said it now. With everyone here who'd heard your challenge, there's no running away."

Jaune ignores Cardin's taunts, currently preoccupied with staring at Velvet.

Scowling, Cardin spits on the ground and storms out of the dining hall with his team.

"Fucking Faunus lover."

'Brother! Look what I can do!'

Jaune's eyes gaze into the distance, reliving old memories.

An 8 year old girl appears out of thin air next to Jaune. Her long brown hair flows gracefully in the wind, and she looks up at him with a starry eyed grin.

'Wasn't that amazing! I came up with it myself. Aren't you proud of your little sister? Praise me!' She giggles.

"Jaune!"

Jaune snaps back to reality, finally noticing that Pyrrha had called for him repeatedly. The members of JNPR and RWBY stare curiously at him, while Velvet fidgets nervously.

He gives them a small smile.

"I was distracted. Just pondering..."

'That wasn't just pondering...' Ruby and Yang exchange looks. The expression on Jaune's face is one they'd seen on each other's countless times.

"I apologize for making you uncomfortable," Jaune politely says to Velvet. "Are you okay?"

"U-um... yes! Yes I'm fine! Thank you for the help!" Velvet gives a nervous smile, then feigns a look a surprise. "Oh look, there are my teammates. Goodbye!"

With a flushed face, Velvet bolts towards the dining hall entrance.

"What an intriguing little rabbit," Jaune smiles.

Blake silently watches Jaune with some interest. Normally, when humans referred to Faunus' animal traits, there is malice or mockery. But there was none of that with Jaune. Rather... his tone seemed endearing?

'He is an oddity.'

"You sure it was a good idea to challenge Cardin like that, vomit boy?" Yang asks with a grin.

"You think I will lose?" Jaune asks.

"Well... seeing how you handled him like that just now, probably not. But to be fair, no one's seen you in action. Emerald Forest was a team effort, and though Cardin is a complete ass, he has a point about your victory in Port's class." Yang shrugs. "But honestly, I just want to see a good fight."

"Cardin is a brute, but in terms of the class ranking, he is above average," Weiss points out. "By no means is he a weakling."

"I think Jaune will do just fine," Pyrrha voices her support.

"We should hold a bet!" Nora exclaims. "Think about how much Lien we'll make!"

"Nora," Ren starts, then reconsiders. "Actually... that is not a bad idea."

"That means I can buy more parts for Crescent Rose," Ruby drools. "I'm in."

Weiss facepalms.

*** After lunch ***

Jaune steps into the Beacon Tower elevator and presses the button for Ozpin's office. Once he arrives at the top, he glances at the camera above the door, raising an eyebrow. The doors unlock, and Jaune strolls inside.

Ozpin looks up from his desk.

"It has been quite some time since we'd last spoken. What suddenly brings you here?"

"I'd prefer not to waste any time. I know that you've been keeping a keen eye on me for the past several weeks, trying to learn of my capabilities. I also know that you are well aware of what transpired between Cardin Winchester and I during lunch."

Ozpin crosses his fingers and places his hands on the desk.

"Surely you understand why we can not simply ignore you."

Jaune nods. Of course he understands. Despite the oaths, it would be foolishness of the highest degree if they'd let him roam about without taking precautions. Honestly, he would have completely disregarded the possibility of allying himself to Ozpin if that were the case.

"As for the altercation, yes, I am aware. That was quite the scene you'd caused," Ozpin lightly chuckles. He presses a button to call Glynda up to his office.

"You desire to be matched up against Cardin Winchester during Glynda's class?"

Jaune crosses his arms, "Match me up against team CRDL."

"You wish to face an entire team alone?" Ozpin asks, intrigued.

The office door slides open and Glynda strolls in.

"You called for me Professor?" She pauses upon seeing Jaune.

"Yes," Ozpin nods. "I'd like you to organize a match between Jaune and team CRDL during your afternoon class."

"Excuse me?" Glynda asks, surprised. "With all due respect, is that a good idea?"

Ozpin takes a sip from his mug with a hint of a smile.

"This is a good opportunity to see Mr Arc's true capabilities. So long as he does not permanently maim or kill them, I see no problem."

"Those boys need to be shown their place. Especially that Cardin fellow. I have been generously patient with his ongoing behavior, and have yet to seen anyone take the steps to correct it." Jaune says.

Glynda turns towards Jaune with a stern glare.

"If the situation spirals out of control, all blame will be placed upon you. Also, you may not complain if I choose to step in. Am I clear?"

Jaune calmly meets her gaze.

"Crystal."

"In that case, what should be do about the rules? The issue with your portrayed Aura levels is a problem."

"Simple," Jaune sighs. "CRDL will follow the standard rules. As for me... if they are able to land a clean hit on me, consider that their victory."

'That is not mere arrogance,' Ozpin thinks to himself. 'Unmatched confidence, as if he were simply stating a fact.'

"Very well," Glynda curtly responds. "If that is all, I'll be taking my leave."

She shoots Jaune a final glare before leaving Ozpin's office.

'She has quite the temper. If looks could kill, I would be dead several times over.'

*** Combat Class ***

The room bustles with energy and excitement. An official duel between two who hold grievances against each other. What better scenario could one ask for to lead up to a fight? This will surely be an entertaining show to watch, and word had quickly spread through the students. Glynda does nothing but stare at the additional stream of students coming in to witness the fight between Jaune and Cardin, though she is clearly annoyed. When the final students find their seats within the stands, she slaps her riding crop against her palm, instantly silencing the crowd.

"I am seeing quite a few new faces today," Glynda makes stern eye contact with those not enrolled in her class. The majority of the students in the room shrink back and laugh nervously, hoping she would not kick them out.

"So long as you do not cause a scene, we can move on. To begin, the first match of today will be Jaune Arc... vs Team CRDL."

Those in the room glance at one another and begin to lowly whisper.

"Wasn't it just suppose to be Jaune vs Winchester?"

"A 4 vs 1? How is this even fair?"

RWBY and NPR are baffled, then turn their heads towards Jaune who is beside them. With an impassive expression, he stands up and makes his way down the stairs into the locker rooms.

"Against an entire team?" Weiss exclaims. "Are the professors insane? If this was Pyrrha, I would understand. But Jaune?"

"I'm... sure the Professor knows what she is doing and has everything under control," Pyrrha says with little confidence.

"Professor Goodwitch will step in before anything bad can happen," Blake calmly states. "We should do our part and wish him luck."

'Not many seemed to notice earlier, but the killing intent Jaune was emitting in the dining hall... No amateur could do such a thing.'

After several minutes, Team CRDL step into the arena, grasping their weapons and donned in their armor. On the opposite end, Jaune steps in wearing nothing but loose fitting clothes. Crocea Mors is slung across his back. Mortal level armor provides no benefit for Jaune, therefore, he decides to simply forgo it. At this point, his body is comparable to the metal armor the members of CRDL are wearing.

Glynda glances at both sides, when announces the rules of the duel.

"The rules are as follows: Team CRDL will be following the standard rules of a tournament. A knock out from the ring, or insufficient Aura is an elimination from the match. As for Jaune Arc, he is considered eliminated should he be knocked off the stage, or suffers a significant blow. Do both sides acknowledge and agree with the terms set?"

Jaune calmly nods, while Cardin nods with a savage grin.

"Then, you may begin on my mark."

The members of CRDL shift into stance.

"Begin!"