A/N: This is it for the intro or prologue. I hope you enjoy it and don't be shy. I'm curious what your thoughts on this little fun fic I thought of while half asleep.
Ozpin has seen many things. How could he not? It's a curse, one that he would trade in an instant. So when Qrow decided to bring a child who shares a similar fate; Ozpin can't help, but pity the boy. After some small discussion, Qrow left to continue his investigation. Leaving him with his younger counterpart.
"Do you need anything?" Ozpin noticed the hesitation. "I mean you no harm. As a matter of fact, I believe you and I can understand each other."
"Qrow said something like that." August said, rubbing his wrists. "Said that you're kinda like me."
"Well, situations are similar," Ozpin dragged out the word, thinking of a better explanation. "But I want to understand how your 'condition' works. Can you help me understand?"
"I can try?" Ozpin can tell by a glance that not even the boy understands.
He was thankful.
After a short explanation, Ozpin should've guessed it would have been, he understood more or less what happened.
"So unlocking your aura after finding out about your 'situation', all three of you were able to unlock your aura's?" The boy stared, half through biting the muffin.
"I-Huh?" Ozpin shook his head, smiling.
"It means you're special. A boy who has three individuals in the same body, all with different aura. You said you kept it a secret?"
He looked uncomfortable, orange eyes looking around the room. "Yeah, I was called weird a lot. So when we unlocked our aura, we thought it was best to keep it secret."
"How did you find out?" Him and the boy weren't the same, yet so similar.
Ozpin couldn't help, but feel less lonely, knowing someone else somewhat understood. While his case is more forceful, August's seems more symbiotic, a partnership. He only spoke with this version, but there's two more.
"I found out when a protest rally got out of hand in Menagerie." Ozpin noticed the flinch, but did not question. "My aura broke. Then…"
He trailed off. Ozpin raised a brow. Three people in one body, all having aura. None share, so what would happen if one broke? The headmaster could feel his curiosity rising, then the child spoke.
"Honestly, I'm not that great at explaining." Ozpin laughed, seeing the boy awkwardly scratch the back of his head.
"It's fine, no need to try and explain."
"No, I meant it might be easier to show you."
Before Ozpin could ask what August meant, a red aura flashed over the boy. His relaxed expression hardened, a glare now on his face as his eyes changed red in an instant. Just by looking at this August, Ozpin can sense hostility.
"We switch." His voice is definitely different, a bit deeper.
"You switch?"
Ozpin's eyes scanned the boy's face. On edge, high alert, as if thinking he's going to get attacked. Before Qrow arrived, he sent a small summary of the two personalities he met. One more timid, nervous, and kind. The second is more relaxed, more knowledgeable, a negotioator. Qrow mentioned there was a third so this must be it. Or him. August was looking at the door behind Ozpin, then the table in between them. Studying the area. Ozpin smiled, noticing the movements.
"So you three switch if one breaks." Ozpin repeated. "Is it automatic?"
"No." Not a talker.
"So it is permission then?" He said nothing. This one will be difficult to understand. "I just want to understand more of your condition."
Silence was his response. "Qrow mentioned you know a bit of combat."
His eyes narrowed.
"Protesting is dangerous and from what my friend said, you could care less for it."
"...You're right." He looked away, still examining the room.
"Then I have a proposition." Ozpin clapped his hands together. "You can deny it and I can have a bullhead bring you back to Menagerie. You can forget being here and continue to live how you want."
August's eyes narrowed, a scowl formed at the last mention.
"Or you can be here. Beacon Academy. To learn how to fight, protect yourself or others and be a student. Well, no, you can't be a student, due to your… condition."
"So no freedom." A growl escaped his throat.
"No, you can leave whenever you want. If you do leave, I would like to stay in contact, in case you wish to change your mind or simply to share experiences. You are welcome to come and go."
His expression slightly relaxed, seemed to be in thought. Ozpin can tell just by this version of the boy that he's a fighter. Although the reason? He can't quite understand. Other academies might want to turn him into a soldier or professional huntsman, but Ozpin frowned at the thought. He's forced to fight a waning hidden war. Why should someone similar to him do the same? No, Ozpin simply wishes for him to know how to defend himself. Make choices with his own strength.
"How do you know how to fight?" Ozpin suddenly asked, worried about the answer. "I mean, who trained you?"
The boy bristled. "No one."
"You trained yourself?"
A simple nod was received. "Is there a reason?"
"I'm a faunus."
Ozpin mentally scolded himself, of course he'll know how to defend himself. "I apologize if I came off rude."
Silence returned. Ozpin knew he himself could be cryptic, but this one simply dislikes talking. Only judging.
"Your answer? For the offer, I mean."
He stared at the headmaster, yet Ozpin could tell he was actually looking at him. Thinking perhaps? Then August sighed, orange August appeared, shaking his head.
"We'll try it. I just want to see what could be offered."
Ozpin looked around the room, as if questioning where he was. "In Beacon? Vale's very own prestigious huntsman academy? Now that I think about it, it might not suit you."
August rolled his eyes. "Ha Ha."
"So is that a yes?"
"Is it? Maybe it sounded like a no."
Ozpin couldn't stop the smile. "Then I welcome you."
He offered his hand as August hesitantly shook it. "Thanks to be here, I guess?"
"There's just one thing."
August sighed, as if he knew it was coming. "A catch. Great…"
"No, well, not one you might be used to. I simply wish you to avoid changing…hosts around students. It would be terrible if knowledge of your condition were to spread."
"Huh, easy enough. Deal." August went to stand, finishing the muffin. He stopped furrowing his brows together. "Wait, you said 'not as a student'. Then what am I?"
"A janitor." A deadpanned look spread across the young boy's face. "A teacher aid more like. An assistant. Help around the classes and also learn some new interests. A professor should be here soon to show you around, first your room."
"My own room?" August smiled, already liking the arrangements.
"Yes. I asked Qrow to leave a spare scroll in the room. I or the professors will send you schedules for the week. Weekends are your own day."
Ozpin could practically feel the boy bursting with glee.
"You got it!"
"Great." Ozpin clapped his hands as he stood. "I hope you enjoy your stay with us. You will not regret it."
"I hope not." August waved off as he and the headmaster exited the room.
They both walked toward and elevator, taking it down. The silence seemed to make August more awkward.
"So...I heard you make weapons here."
"Usually students make their weapon when attending a combat school, but I could have you create one. Professor Port might be able to help."
"Oh cool." Silence filled the small space. "Who's Professor Port?"
"A-Oh, you'll find out." August nodded.
The doors opened as they stepped out. A man with frantic green hair was standing not too far waiting and drinking a mug. The man noticed and with a slight jolt, he was in front of them, startling the young boy.
"I received your message, headmaster." He took a quick sip. "Is this the boy? Quite young, and a faunus! Rare to see them attend."
"He is, although not a student, Oobleck." Ozpin corrected, stepping away. "I will send a report to all the staff, keep it confidential. Please escort him to his dorm room. I'm sure he would love to explain himself."
"Wait, what?" August looked at Ozpin, a hint of betrayal.
"Splendid!" The professor already started leaving. "What is your name, boy? I'm sure you and I are going to get along nicely!"
August looked frantically at Ozpin and the professor. After steeling himself, August shot a playful glare at Ozpin. The headmaster returned it with feigning ignorance.