3rd Pov

A zoom-up of Nora's turquoise eyes as she tells an unbelievable story to her audience...

Nora: So! There we were, in the middle of the night...

Ren (off screen): It was day.

Nora continues to tell the story as Blake is paying no attention as she is lost in her book, and Yang, who is hanging on her every word with her hands cupping her face.

Nora: We were surrounded by Ursai...

Ren:*holding a coffee cup* They were Beowolves.

Nora: Dozens of them!

She screams this as she stands at the table of both Team RWBY and JNPR, where Weiss is ignoring Nora and filing her nails, Ruby and Pyrrha are listening politely, and Jaune is messing with his food.

Ren: Two of 'em.

Ruby and Pyrrha now look at a distant Jaune with concern.

Nora: But they were no match... And in the end, Ren and I took them down and made a boatload of Lien selling Ursa skin rugs!

Ren:*sighs* She's been having this recurring dream for nearly a month now.

Pyrrha:*looking at her leader* Jaune? Are you okay?

Jaune:*snapping out of it, turning back toward them* Huh? Oh, yeah! Why?

Ruby: It's just that you seem a little... not okay...

Jaune:*as the others stop their distractions and stare at him* Guys, I'm fine. Seriously! Look!

He holds up a thumb while laughing nervously until his attention is focused on the members of Team CRDL, standing around a girl with brown rabbit ears jutting from her hair as Cardin laughs at her and Sky Lark holds up his hands to his head in a mock interpretation of her unusual features.

Pyrrha: Jaune, Cardin's been picking on you since the first week of school!

Jaune: Who? Cardin Winchester? Nah... He just likes to mess around! You know, practical jokes!

Ruby: He's a bully.

Jaune:*scoffs* Oh, please! Name one time he's 'bullied' me.

Jaune is seen on the way to class as Cardin is going the other way down the hall. When the two pass, Cardin knocks his arm into Jaune and makes him drop his book, then continuing on his way with his hands out as if daring anyone to challenge him.

Jaune: Ah, come on!

Jaune and Cardin are about to pass through a doorway, but Cardin clicks on Jaune's sheath and extends it into its shield form as he's going out, causing him to run into his own defense and have it block the exit.

Jaune:*grunts in frustration as he tries to lift his shield back out* Come on...!

Glynda is in the locker room with several students, gesturing at the devices.

Glynda: Each of you will be assigned one rocket-propelled locker to store your weapons and extra armor. Additionally, your locker can be sent to a custom location based on a six-digit code.

Hearing this, Cardin looks at Jaune - standing between him and the only open locker in the room - and the cliché plays itself out as Cardin quickly pushes a shocked Jaune into the small dark space and closes the door on him, pressing random buttons on the pad right after that.

Jaune: What?! No, wait, wait! You've gotta get me out of here! Please! Don't! Don't! Don't do it!

It's too late to protest when the locker scrunches down and launches up with a burst of blue fire coming from its base. Cardin watches as the locker slowly soars across the sky.

Jaune:*still heard from within the locker* Ahhh, coooome oooooooon...!

The others are totally focused on him now.

Jaune:*attempts to laugh it off* I didn't land far from the school!

Pyrrha: Jaune, you know if you ever need help, you can just ask.

???: Exactly.

Everyone turn to see Y/n with a large amount of food on a tray.

Y/n: You all don't mind if I sit here?

The members of Team RWBY and JNPR quickly make space for Y/n to join them, the atmosphere lightening up with his presence.

Nora: Mr. L/n! Join us, join us! We were just sharing some interesting stories.

Y/n: Thank you, Nora. I'd be happy to join in.

He settles down at the table, placing the tray of food in front of him.

Y/n: So, what fascinating stories have you all been telling?

Ren: Well, Nora was just regaling us with her heroic tale of battling hordes of Ursai in the middle of the night.

Nora: They were Beowolves, Ren! And I totally took them down!

Y/n chuckles, amused by Nora's enthusiasm.

Y/n: Ah, the bravery and excitement of your adventures, Nora. I can always count on you to entertain us with your stories.

Ruby: Speaking of adventures, Mr. L/n, have you had any exciting ones?

Y/n smiles, his eyes sparkling with memories.

Y/n: Oh, I've had my fair share of adventures, Ruby. From soaring through the skies as a dragon to facing off against powerful adversaries. Each one has taught me valuable lessons and shaped me into who I am today.

Weiss: That must be incredible, Professor. To have experienced so much and learned from it.

Y/n: It truly is, Weiss. But remember, every one of you has the potential to create your own remarkable stories. Life is full of opportunities and challenges waiting to be faced. Embrace them with courage and determination, and you'll find yourselves on your own extraordinary journeys.

Jaune, who had been quiet throughout the conversation, finally speaks up.

Jaune: Professor L/n, what do you do when you're faced with someone like Cardin Winchester? He's been... less than kind to me.

Y/n's expression turns serious as he looks directly at Jaune.

Y/n: Ah, Cardin Winchester. I've had my fair share of encounters with individuals like him. Bullies thrive on exerting power and control over others. But remember, Jaune, true strength comes from within. It's not about physical prowess or popularity. It's about being true to yourself and standing up for what is right.

Pyrrha: And if someone like Cardin targets you, Jaune, don't hesitate to ask for help. We're here for you.

Y/n nods in agreement.

Y/n: Pyrrha is right, Jaune. Never be afraid to reach out to those who care about you. Surround yourself with true friends who will support you and help you through tough times. Together, you can overcome any obstacle.

Jaune looks at his friends, his expression filled with gratitude and determination.

Jaune: Thank you, Professor L/n. I won't let Cardin or anyone else bring me down. I'll stand up for myself and for others.

Y/n: That's the spirit, Jaune. Remember, you have the strength within you. Believe in yourself, and you'll find the courage to face any challenge that comes your way.

Nora: Ooooh!*gets up from the table and presents her diabolical plan with a not-entirely-sane grin* We'll break his legs!

Y/n: Nora, no.

They all look over as the laughing grows louder, mixed in with cries of pain from the rabbit girl when one of her ears are tugged on by Cardin.

Velvet: Ow! That hurts!*stops struggling and grimaces as she says* Please, stop...

Cardin:*continues laughing as he turns to his cronies* I told you it was real!

Russel:*still guffawing with his teammates* What a freak!

Cardin and everyone stops as they felt a dangerous arua of Anger. They all turn to see Y/n in his dragon form. Staring at Cardin with a glare.

Russel:*peeing himself* Cardin I think you should let go. Like now.

Y/n's E/c eyes narrow as he takes a step forward, his imposing presence sending a shiver down everyone's spines. The room falls silent, and all eyes are on him.

Y/n: Cardin Winchester, your actions are not only unacceptable but also despicable. Bullying and mocking others based on their differences is a display of weakness, not strength.

He takes another step closer, his scales shimmering with an ethereal glow.

Y/n: I will not tolerate such behavior in my presence or anywhere within this academy. Every individual, no matter their faunus traits or any other characteristic, deserves respect and dignity.

The room grows tense as Cardin tries to speak, but no words escape his trembling lips.

Y/n: Consider this a warning. If you ever dare to harm or harass any student in this academy again, you will face severe consequences. Do I make myself clear?

Cardin can only manage a weak nod, fear evident in his eyes.

Y/n: Good. Now release the young lady and leave. And remember, true strength is not found in tearing others down, but in lifting them up.

With his message delivered, Y/n's presence diminishes, and he transforms back into his faunus form. The room remains silent as Cardin quickly releases Velvet and stumbles away, followed by his embarrassed teammates.

Ruby: Mr. L/n, that was amazing!

Weiss: I've never seen anyone put Cardin in his place like that.

Y/n smiles at the students, his fatherly demeanor returning.

Y/n: It's important to stand up against injustice and protect those who may not be able to defend themselves. Never underestimate the power of compassion and kindness.

Pyrrha approaches Velvet, offering her a supportive smile.

Pyrrha: Are you okay, Velvet?

Velvet nods, a mix of gratitude and relief on her face.

Velvet: Thank you, Pyrrha. And thank you, Professor L/n.

Y/n: It was my pleasure, Velvet. Remember, you should never be ashamed of who you are. Embrace your uniqueness and let it shine.

Having gotten up from the table, Jaune looks back at his friends and sighs to himself before moving on with his tray table.