Unfolding Fate

Chapter 1, Episode 6: Behind the Facade

Time-skip to lunchtime a week later

Shadow sat with Team JNPR and Team RWBY, just generally talking over their recent class, Combat class, where Jaune got decked by Cardin. Jaune Arc wasn't very talkative about the situation, as if something or someone was messing with him. Shadow wasn't paying too much attention to Nora's story, as he was showing concern for Jaune.

Shadow: Hey Jaune...are you alright?

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! *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 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.

Shadow: Well, First off when you were on your way to class, he intentionally knocked your school books out of your hands, then while walking into one of your other classes, he walked by you and hit the button that turns your sheath into a shield, getting you stuck at the door, and finally, he pushed you into one of the lockers and sent you flying away from the school!

Jaune: Come on, I didn't even land that far away!

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

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

Jaune: Guys, really, it's fine! Besides, it's not like he's only a jerk to me; he's a jerk to everyone.

They all looks 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.

Rabbit Girl: 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 Thrush: *still guffawing with his teammates* What a freak!

Pyrrha: Atrocious. I can't stand people like him.

Blake: *staring daggers* He's not the only one...

Yang: *sadly, leaning her head on her hand* It must be hard to be a Faunus.

Shadow said nothing, but he knew he had to step in. Shadow got up from his seat, face full of anger as he makes his way to Cardin and his group.

Blake: Shadow?

Dove: Hey Cardin, cool boy is making his way to you.

Shadow walks up to Team CRDL, crossing his arms while Cardin still has his grasp on the bunny girl.

Shadow: Let go of her, now!

Cardin: Yeah right! Like you have authority over me! Why don't you go back to your friends, since none of this is your business?

Everyone is watching the events unfold, staying completely silent.

Shadow: *Eyes turn red* Last warning...Back...off...NOW!