"What do you think of the students this year, August?" Ozpin asked behind me.

I glanced down at the scroll. "Eh, pretty good so far. Although I've got some questions."

"Like?"

I turned toward the headmaster. He was sitting at his desk, in Beacon tower. I tapped my scroll, whistling.

"Pyrrha Nikos and Ruby Rose."

"Is there something wrong with them?"

"No, well…" I trailed off. "Pyrrha. I didn't expect her to come here. I thought Haven made sure to convince her to join their academy. You know, the pride of Mistral or something like that?"

"Well, she chose to come here." I stared, raising a brow. "Shouldn't we be grateful?"

"I mean, yeah." I swiped some strands of hair out of my face. "I'm just saying, Lionheart might send a message."

"I'll deal with it when it happens." I clicked on Ruby's profile.

"Ruby's fifteen?" I glanced up at him, sitting on the edge of his desk. "She was still at Signal a month ago, what happened?"

Ozpin sipped his coffee, really slowly for my taste. "She deemed herself worthy to attend early. You weren't older when you joined."

"I wasn't a student." I scrolled through, smirking. "Qrow's niece?"

"Both of them will be attending the initiation." I nodded. "The airship should be arriving soon. Will you prep the auditorium with Glynda and Port?"

I sighed. Great, decorations. "Glynda should be able to handle it with her semblance."

"I need you to keep track of the students, I don't want students to be late or lost to miss the speech."

"Fine, I'll handle it." I waved as I turned toward the elevator.

"Oh and August?" I stopped, glancing back. Please don't say it, I beg of you. "I think you should cut your hair."

He said it. "Come on, it's a small ponytail!"

"Yet your hair is already in your face." That damn smirk. "Just a trim!"

"No thank you!" I quickly left.

The ride and walk toward the ballroom wasn't that bad, plus I can see the airship coming to land. I wonder how many people got accepted this year. Last year there were twenty-four students, so who knows. After a bit, I made it. Just in time to see Glynda verbally chastising Peter. I turned to walk out only to be betrayed.

"Ah! Dear boy, you've arrived!" He nervously laughed. "You should've been here twenty minutes ago!"

I slowly turned, giving my best smile. Even went as far as to show teeth. "Professors! I just got here. Kinda got lost…"

Glynda shook her head at me. "Even though you've been here for three years?"

"I'm forgetful?" I laughed, shrugging.

"At least think of a better lie." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "I feel like you've been using the same one more recently."

"Hey!" I exclaimed. "It's a stressful time of year. New faces, maybe new problems. Hopefully not, I'd rather not deal with another 'food fight' again."

"You remember that?" Port questioned, laughing out loud. "That was the time! You were just a small boy! Couldn't even hurt a small beowolf!"

I rolled my eyes as I leaned against the entrance. "If I remember all right, you were covered in pie trying to stop it."

"A delicious defeat!" He exclaimed, making my eyes widened.

"You lost?" I stared at him, mouth hanging open. I thought he won that fight.

"Can you two focus?" Glynda cut in. "You can finish later. Did you finish making sure the speakers were operating fine, August?"

"I did, actually." I smirked, pridefully.

Her expression softened. "Thank you, August."

"No problem, Professor." She was always strict with me, but I know she cared. She's still terrifying though.

In the distance, I could hear an explosion. My eyes shot up, through the window, seeing a smoke trail.

'An attack?' I hear him say.. Nah, definitely not. Would've been more.

'Then problems with students. Great.' Most likely.

I push off the wall only for a hand on my shoulder to stop me. "I'll handle it."

I glance back seeing Glynda. "Yeah, sure."

How much you want to bet it's actually an attack.

'Let's not bet on that.'

'I get to change the color of Content and Greed if it's not.'

What's wrong with how it looks?

'Too bright.'

…It has white as a secondary color.

'I like it.'

Thank you.

We waited, basically for a while since we did change rooms last time. Students started to appear, with me asking their names and marking them. Although some did get startled by me. I guess it's my eyes. Then there were the ones that I'm used to. The glares. Even the small comments, though they don't bother me.

'They don't belong here.' Settle down, Ozpin would've known. So trust him, yeah?

He said nothing, but man I can feel his annoyance.

After a bit more students. I started to mark some that were missing.

'Might be late?' Maybe…Fine I'll wait.

"Name?" I ask the girl that's next in line.

"Blake." Then she added, "Belladonna."

"Blake Belladonna-" I stop myself, slowly glancing up.

We both locked eyes. Her yellow eyes and my orange ones. Why did that name sound familiar?

'I know! From the Belladonna family on Menagerie!'

The chieftain?

"Is there something wrong?" Her eyes scanned me, worried.

What should I say? I wasn't prepared for the drama!

'Say did she have a family in Menagerie?'

We're faunus…Most likely?

"Sorry, uh, did you have a fam-" She flinched, I'm pretty sure she gulped. "Fam…Famish?"

"Did I-What?" Worry left her face, thank god. "Famish?"

"Uh, hungry?" I'm not cool. "Cause you look hungry?"

Silence filled the air, slowly killing me. "Maybe later, I will be?"

"Good, cause the cafeteria will open in the morning." I'm so damn stupid.

"Got it…" She slowly said walking away.

'Why didn't you ask her?' How do I even ask that? She doesn't know me. Plus that's weird.

Back to business, mainly making sure students were on time. No students so maybe that's it?

'Wasn't there a Ruby?' I smack myself and glance down the hall.

I can see them checking rooms at the end of the hall. They got lost. Her and a blonde boy.

"Hey!" I yell out. "Auditoriums over here!"

Her face practically exploded with embarrassment. The joy of being an assistant.

'Why do you enjoy embarrassing new students?' Cause it's funny.

She stopped with the blonde boy panting behind her. "Sorry! We got lost."

"Eh, it's fine. Name?"

"Huh? Oh! Ruby." She smiled proudly. "Ruby Rose!"

"Jaune Arc!" I mark them down.

"All right, find a place and wait for the speech-"

"Wait, aren't you also a student?" Arc said, which made me stare at him.

"Nah, a teacher's assistant." He looked at me confused.

"You don't look old." Ruby stifled a laugh, watching me with hand covering her mouth.

"I mean, yeah!" I waved him off. "Don't worry about it. Just know I'm not a student."

"Oh okay then." Jaune held out his hand. "What's your name?"

'I like him.' I guess he's cool.

"August." I shook his hand.

"Just August?" Ruby asked.

"You want my autobiography?" I sarcastically offered.

Jaune deflated. "I was kidding! It's Fall. August Fall."

"Well nice to meet you August!" Ruby smiled up at me. Now that I think about it, I'm taller than both of them.

"Nice to meet you two too." I smiled back.

'I like her.' Me too.

'I don't.' I knew it…

"Well go on in. I have to go, so don't cause trouble." I started out the door.

"We won't." Jaune reassured.

"Hopefully we talk again!"

I gave them a two finger salute.

I did not expect that. I was looking at the stream of the initiation and it's definitely been awhile since I last seen something that cool. Man, I wish Ozpin would let me do the initiation. It's for the best though. Probably. Now I just arrived when Team RWBY just got made. Definitely didn't expect Ruby to be made leader.

"Really?" I asked Ozpin. "Ruby the leader?"

"Do you doubt my decision?" Ozpin questioned, smiling.

'Yes.'

"No, it's just unexpected." We were walking toward the elevator.

"Really?" He asked.

"I mean, I didn't watch the entire stream so I don't know why you made the decision."

"Then you just have to trust me."

"Now I'm doubting you." He let out a soft laugh.

We both watched the new teams speaking and congratulating each other. However, of course there's some who aren't happy.

"The Schnee ain't happy." I frown.

I've seen what the family has done to faunus. Though I'm surprised to see her here.

"No, she's not." I turned only to see him already walking.

"Hey!" I call out jogging after him. "It doesn't worry you?"

"I made my choice for a reason." He turned and glanced down at me, smiling softly. "I'm sure it will work out eventually."

"I don't understand how you can just understand things. You know I hate it when you sound like a fortune cookie."

He chuckled while walking toward his office. We walked in silence. I can't understand him. He was always like this, even when we first met. I glance at him. Screw it, I'm asking him.

"I've been thinking." I started.

"Oh no," He sighed, still keeping a smile. "What are you going to ask? And no, I'm not allowing you to fly a bullhead."

"What-No!" I groan. He still remembers that? "And why not-No! That's not what I was asking. I was going to ask why can't I join Professor Goodwitch's class? I'm eighteen now."

He glanced around. Oh yeah, I can't say stuff like this out loud. He turned toward me, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"We both know why." He gave a gentle squeeze.

"Yeah, I know why." It just doesn't make sense anymore. "I mean, aren't I supposed to learn to fight against people too? Plus it's starting to get boring doing the same thing every week."

"I know." He pulled his hand off. Is he sad? Oh god, please don't be. "I don't want to worry about you once news of you gets out."

"Please." I wave him off. "Bandits and Ironwood don't scare me, it's not like you're my dad. Plus you and the professors have drilled into our heads what we need to know."

His expression didn't change, why? "All three of you specialize in your own skill. You never know what is out in the world."

He said nothing else and just walked. I stared at him, watching get further away. Does he think I'm still not ready? He's too confusing.

'He could be hiding things.' Yeah, he could…But it doesn't make sense.

'Maybe he's worried?' Now THAT makes sense.

I shake my head as I hear Ozpin speak out. "You should probably head back to your dorm. Since it is the first day, nothing will be left for you to do."

I sigh in relief. "Got it! See you around Headmaster."

I turn as I start making my way to my dorm.

Man, I keep forgetting first years are always loud. It's the next day, and I'm guessing some people forgot to unpack. My dorm room is the same as everyone else's, just with one bed. It's nice, simple. Plus I kinda let the others decorate it, which is why I have-

Somebody knocked on my door. I glance from my bed staring. Who could be at my door? A student? Professor? I didn't forget to send the updates, right?

'I'm pretty sure we did?' Why is that a question?

'I…don't remember.' Oh great, I'm fucked.

I summon all my strength to deal with being grilled about my possible screw up. I slip on my shirt doing most of the buttons. Hopefully they don't grill me about my unbrushed hair.

I opened the door. "Sorry if I didn't send the update-"

Ruby and I stare at each other. Her face was practically surprised and happy. Mine…

'Our hair!' I could feel him almost take control by accident.

I slam the door shut.

I quickly blink ino the restroom. Thank god I have that kind of semblance. I quickly brush my hair while I brush my teeth. Why was she here? Shouldn't she be farther down? I fix my clothes hearing her shout behind the door.

"August!" Hold on! "Sorry if this is a bad time! Nobody else has rope and I was wondering if you had any."

Rope? I quickly blink back to the door, making sure to wave off the autumn leaves.

I open the door. "Rope? You came to my room asking for rope? Wait, how'd you know this was my room?"

She scratched the back of her head, nervously laughing. "I didn't."

I sigh, "Why do you need rope?"

"Uh, for nothing important!" She's lying. I'm scared why she needs rope now.

"I'm pretty sure I have some?" I check around before walking back in to search. "You're not, like, hiding a body, right?"

"What? No!" She shouted walking in, she didn't even change out of her sleepwear. Thankfully the leaves disappeared. "Of course not!...You wouldn't tell anyone if it was right?"

I glance at her. "Depends if I get rewarded. You know, something to keep me quiet."

So I DO have rope. Huh. "I have a dog you could pet?"

"A dog?" I walk over, seeing her examine my room. "That's a hard bargain. What kind?"

"Corgi?" She takes the rope, smiling up at me.

"Oh that's a steal! Deal." She smiles widely at me.

You know, I didn't expect her to be funny. Qrow, I can see a bit of you here. Wait, she also has a scythe. Qrow, I see a LOT of you here.

"Thanks again." She took a glance around the room. "You live in a dorm by yourself? Oh yeah, you're not a student, right?"

"Oh, you remember?" I plop myself on the bed glancing at the time. "Yeah, no team."

"That's so cool!" Is she jealous? "You have so much space! That's kinda why we need the rope. Thanks again for it."

That makes sense, wait a minute… "Wait, what does the rope have to do with space?"

Why are you looking at me with that smile?

"Rubes! Did you find anything for the bed?" Another voice called out, just as the owner stepped in front of the open door. "Oh nice, you found some!"

"Anyways!" Ruby suddenly shouted, cutting me off before I could ask. "We have to go! Thanks again August!"

She dragged out the new person before she could say anything. I feel like I've seen her too.

'Qrow showed us photos of his nieces, remember?' Oh yeah, Yang right?

I slowly closed the door, contemplating if I should worry about the ropes. Nope, nope, I'm just an assistant. It ain't my place.

After helping through some classes, professors and the occasional student. I sneeze suddenly in the hall. Is someone talking about me?

'You know that's fake, right?' You never know.

I smiled and nodded as a student said bless you, passed by. I wonder how Professor Peach is doing? Isn't she working on a project? I'll swing by and-

"Are you August?" I stopped glancing back.

Weiss Schnee. Great, I can feel him already getting upset. "Yeah, that's me. Do you need help with something?"

"Professor Port-," Damn it, Peter. "-suggested I speak with you. About a…personal problem."

'She's judging us.' I can see that. Keep yourself under control.

"That depends." I motioned for her to follow. "What do you need help with? If it's dust, I'm pretty sure you know more about it than me, though."

She glanced at me, a proud smirk slowly spread on her face. Nailed it. "You're right in that regard. But no, I just need a second opinion. Professor Port told me you know a lot about students and student related problems."

Of course Port sent her to me. "I guess? Plus didn't you just say you needed help?"

"That's beside the point." She waved off.

"Whatever you say." We continue to walk. I'm pretty sure we had something to talk about.

"I think I should've been the leader of my team." I sharply look at her.

Oh god, why do I have to deal with this? We continue to walk in silence. What do I even say? Hey, you're right! Or nah, I don't think you fit. Suddenly I hear him.

'Can we switch?' What? Why?

'Absolutely not.'

'I feel like I can understand her point?' Why is it a question?

"Are you going to say anything?" Oh great, she's judging me.

"I-"I don't have anything to say.

'Please?' I-Fine, quick.

I turn away.

This is refreshing. I turn to Weiss, clearing my throat.

"Why-," I pick out my words. "-do you think that?"

She's looking at me confused? "Are…you okay?"

Oh! My eyes. "Oh I'm fine. Back to the question?"

'Smooth…' I'm trying! I rarely do this.

"Oh, right." She stared at me for a bit. "It's just that I feel like the headmaster made a mistake. I have more experience along with knowledge as well."

I nod, weighing my words. "Have you given her a chance? Ruby, I mean."

She scoffed. "I don't think she deserves one. She's childish, unorthodox, and don't get me started on her behavior!"

Oh this might be harder than I thought. "Then give her one. Ozpin might have seen things that we might not have."

"'Ozpin'?" She questioned. Oh no.

'You let it slip! I'm taking over!' Wait, I can fix it! Probably…

"Are you close with the headmaster?" She raised a brow at me.

"Well…" You're right, maybe this was a bad idea.

'You don't say?' I'm sorry, please take over.

Don't worry, you'll get it eventually. I shake my head.

"He helped me when I was young." I cleared my throat glancing away. "Anyways, don't worry about it. The headmaster might know more, you can ask him personally."

She stepped in front of me, eyes narrowing. Oh god, did she notice? Hopefully not.

She sighed, shoulders slumping. "Fine, you're right. I'll ask him. August, right?"

Oh thank god she accepted it. "Yeah, August."

"You're a faunus?" I knew it was coming.

"Yeah. Lion to be precise." She's not racist, right?

Her eyes watched me suspiciously. Please don't let the rumors be true.

"I've never actually met a faunus before." Oh thank god. "Is there something wrong with your eyes?"

My eyes? Oh. Oh. "They're just like that."

"It's just I've never seen black sclera before." Why is this weirder than finding out she's racist?

"Don't worry about it." I waved off giving a small smile.

The two of us just walked. Mostly because I don't know how to leave.

"Well I should get back to what I was doing." I guess me speaking snapped her out of her thoughts.

"Oh!" She shook her head before walking a bit away. "Thank you for the talk, though it wasn't very helpful…"

Hey, I can't handle that kind of drama. "No problem. Like I said, ask Ozpin. He knows more about this stuff than me."

She nodded walking off, though I did see her shoot a glance. I waited for her to get out of sight as I sighed in relief. That was a mess and a half.

'Remember the bet?' Bet? Oh wait, never mind.

'I have some thoughts on the color scheme.' I don't remember agreeing.

'Is it bad that this school year doesn't sound bad?' No, well, maybe…

I've had the same thoughts.