Oscar's POV

Qrow took them to the library in Mistral Academy. From the way Amber glowered at the man she wasnt a big reader. Too bad for her he was. There was little that he liked more than a good book. Amber went to one of the tables and pulled out her scroll.

Moving through the bookcases he looked a book on weapon modifications. While he didnt have all the information on Long Memory he wanted to change it. Make it less recognizable to those who knew Ozpin.

Currently his biggest worry was that Qrow or Ozpin would recognize it. He had only made surface changes. Ones that would be seen through if they got a good look at it.

With a frown he found one in the a far corner of the library. It almost seemed to be misplaced as there was nothing like it nearby.

Picking it up he returned to the table where Amber sat. She questioned when she saw the book he carried, "Interested in weapon's crafting Oscar? I'm sure, Oz will help you if you asked."

Oscar shook his head as he replied, "No I dont want to craft a weapon. Just modify my current one."

Interest sparked in her eyes at that, "Can I see your weapon? If you're comfort showing me that is."

Oscar tapped his fingers against the side of his leg. Glancing over his shoulder he checked to see where Qrow was. Too close he decided. He was watching them from just across the room.

Amber looked disappointed when he shook his head. To his surprise and relief however she did not try to force him to show her. In fact she continued straight into her own weapon as if she never asked.

Oscar listened with half an ear as he skimmed the passages. At each design and example he would stop and make note of what was said. Maybe he should find a way to add some Dust to Long Memory. He wasnt sure where he could add Dust and a firing mechanism however.

Putting it in the handle was out of the question. Oscar doubted he could put anything in it without messing up the design. Without knowing all of Long Memory's secrets he couldnt risk it.

Amber asked suddenly, "So how were you hurt?"

Oscar saw the way Qrow discretely stiffened. His eyes were alert and conscious of their conversation. If he answered the question it would need to be carefully.

For a moment he briefly considered not saying anything. It would be the safest option rather than trying to lie. However he couldnt avoid the question forever. Answering it now he might be able to save himself a headache later.

His only problem with it was the fact he didnt know anything about Amber. There was nothing from the memories Ozpin and him shared on her. Was she an ally? Was she an enemy hidden in plain sight? Oscar had learned to be wary of everyone ever since Lionheart had betrayed them.

A gentle hand touched his arm as she said, "Its okay, Oscar. You dont have to tell me if you dont want to. I can tell whatever happened was traumatic for you."

Running a hand down his face, Oscar looked back at her. He said after a moment, "I intended to go to Atlas. Without any money I offered my combat skills to get a flight. Obviously they werent as trustworthy as I thought they were. They cornered me and one shot me out of the airship."

Unconsciously he touched the shoulder that Ironwood had shot. They shook as the memory washed over him. Lost in his thoughts he did not see the way Qrow and Amber shared a look.

Then Amber said breaking him out of his reverie, "I'm sorry I asked."

Oscar shrugged. He couldnt say it was okay because he wasnt sure it was. They fell into an uneasy silence a for awhile. It was only broken when Ozpin came into the library.

Ozpin noted the uneasy quietness but didnt comment on it. Instead he said, "I'm finished with my meeting. Are you ready to go Oscar?"

Slowly Oscar stood and closed the book as he said, "As ready as I can be."

He really did not want to go back go the airship. There was a warmth and understanding in Ozpin's eyes. The young boy knew that he wasnt hiding his reluctance from his father.

What an odd thought. Before now he always thought that his parents had died in the Grim attack. Even when he had Ozpin in his head neither of them knew the truth of it.

A gentle hand found it's way onto his shoulder. It squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. Part of him missed having Ozpin in his head. Being able to confide in the man without ever expressing it into words.

He was grateful for the second chance to try and save Beacon. To prevent the tragedy that hurt his friends. How he was going to go about that? He had no idea.

So lost in his thoughts he didnt notice that they had made their way to the airship again. He was gently pushed into the seat and Ozpin went to talk to Kavar. The blond faunus looked back at him worry in his eyes. Oscar tried to give him a small smile but if the look he received was any indication he failed.

After speaking briefly with Ozpin, Kavar approached him. He bent down so that they were eye to eye.

Kavar questioned carefully, "Would you like me to use my semblance?" At Oscar's questioning look he continued, "My semblance is called Calm. It will suppress your emotions for a short while. It might allow you to sleep the rest of the way to Beacon. But that's only if you want me to use it."

For a moment he considered allowing Kavar to use his semblance. Then he shook his head. No. He needed to face his emotions himself. Allowing them to be subdued would only delay the inevitable.

Understanding crossed the pilot's face before he pat Oscar on the shoulder and returned to the cockpit. A moment later Ozpin sat next to him on his right and Amber on his left. Qrow for his part stood far away from them his eyes watching the outside. Then the airship took off smoothly and they were on their way to Beacon.