It's been a month since the start of the semester. It's been peaceful, for the most part. A trip to forever fall happened, much to the dismay of August who had to help Professor Peach with her experiment. Then with the upcoming Vytal festival, the students are in an uproar. Though some seem to be focused on milder topics.

"You said the cereal doesn't taste good." Weiss suddenly asked. "What did you think of it?"

Pyrrha laughed awkwardly, remembering the past. "It tasted like unflavored sugar…"

"But it's great with milk!" Jaune, feeling the need to defend his taste in cereal.

"Wait, sugar has a taste though?" Yang questioned, snacking on her lunch.

"Exactly." Pyrrha deadpanned.

Some laughs escaped Nora and Yang, as the conversation continued mainly about lives or so on. Weiss and Ruby seemed to be doing okay, with Ruby attempting to look over her shoulder at her notebook.

"Did you hear?" Jaune suddenly said. "Apparently there's a rumor about a match happening in Goodwitch's class. I didn't really hear a rumor, but if somebody wins, there's gonna be a prize!"

Yang raised a brow at the blonde boy. "Goodwitch? Yeah, I know for a fact that ain't true. If it was a reward it's probably just not having to join the matches."

Pyrrha suddenly turned toward her leader. "Speaking of matches, how are you doing in training?"

Jaune choked on his food before responding. "Great! I can definitely feel myself getting stronger, hehe."

His team, along with Yang and Ruby looked at him unconvinced. The ladder, slowly rising from Wiess's head to get a better angle. Fearing that this topic might repeat with yesterday's topic of him slacking off on training. He quickly avoided eye contact, luckily finding his salvation.

"Hey, August!" The two teams turned, watching the teacher's assistant stop with a tray of food. "Come sit with us!"

Both teams watched as he suddenly became stiff, his eyes lighting up. He quickly shook himself as he glanced at his food.

"I-Sure, I guess?" He hesitantly walked over looking for a seat.

The teams spoke with him on separate occasions, but never actually had a full conversation with him. Other than the two leaders and Weiss. He sat down in between the two teams making sure not to take up too much space. Placing his tray down, he turned toward team RWBY, who he's already acquainted with. Though most due to half of them struggling on tests.

"What's up?" August nodded toward Weiss and Blake.

"Nothing much." Yang answered, holding out her fist, receiving a fist bump. "Just something about class."

August nodded, smacking Ruby's hand from his own cookie, giving playful glare while she returned it fiercely, blowing a raspberry.

"August!" Jaune suddenly called out. "Is Professor Goodwitch planning something for class? Like a game…?"

The assistant raised a brow with a smirk. "Now where'd you hear that? The only thing she has planned is to make sure you get stronger. Also like a two hour video about aura."

A groan escaped most of the students, leaving August with a mischievous grin.

"Eh, it's not THAT bad." Yang pointed an accusing finger at August's words.

"Yeah, for you!" August raised his hands in defense, a grin still on his face. "You don't get to do it, teacher's pet."

"I wouldn't say that." He snacked a bit. "I went through the same things, though a bit worse."

It was Pyrrha's turn to speak up. "How did you become an assistant?"

They all could tell that the question took him off guard. He glanced around, making sure no one was around. This piqued everyone's interest, especially Ruby.

He leaned close, whispering. "Would you believe me if I said I was secretly a vampire?"

Immediately Yang punched his arm smiling, while Nora's eyes were wide. "Really?"

"No, Nora." Ren answered, giving August a small smile.

"You never know." August waved, dismissively. "I could be half Grimm or even an alien. Nah, but seriously? I was just lucky. Plus it's not like it's a secret, Ozpin found me and gave me a choice, it's not that interesting."

"He personally trained you?" Ren asked.

"Oh no, he's too busy for that." He tapped the table. "Mainly the other professors."

"Oh! That reminds me! " Ruby asked. "How come we never see you around a lot?"

"Oh that?" August shrugged. "I've been busy with the upcoming festival. You know? Being an assistant."

"Oh, right." Ruby awkwardly smiled, scratching the back of her head. "Hey, you should come with us!"

"Huh?" August said, about to take a bite of his food. "Where?"

"To the city, duh." Ruby smirked at him. "You practically never leave school."

"Of course I do!" August defended. "You guys just never see me."

"You don't even join the matches in Goodwitch's class." Yang pointed out with a smirk. "What? Not that strong?"

"No." August smirked back. "Just it would be too much for you."

"Is that a challenge?" Yang leaned on the table. "We can have a match now if you want."

August and Yang locked eyes, as if sizing each other up. Ruby was excited, hoping this was going where she thought it was going. Nobody ever really sees August and when they do, he's always doing something assistant related.

August sighed defeated. "You called my bluff. I ain't fighting you."

Nora and Yang booed him. "I knew it, scared. That's what you are."

"Oh yeah." The assistant simply waved her off. "Terrified. Timbers have been shivered."

Yang laughed, wrapping an arm around him. "You know, August?. We have got to see you fight, at least once. You got to be strong if you're trained by the professors. Hey! Why don't you join us in the city?"

August laughed, pulling away. "Yeah, sorry, no thank you. Plus I got training. I need to see if I got rusty."

Pyrrha suddenly had a bright idea. "Why don't we join you?"

"Really?" August and Jaune said in unison.

"Of course, with the Vytal festival coming I think it would be lovely to practice."

"Ah no!" Nora suddenly exclaimed. "Me and Ren can't join you. I kinda have to explain to Peach why I ate some of the sap."

Nora nervously laughed, Ren speaking up. "I'm joining her so she doesn't try again."

"Oh looks like just the three of us then." Pyrrha smiled.

August scratched the back of his head. "I guess that could work. Don't expect a spar, though."

Pyrrha simply smiled. "That's fine if you don't want to.'

"Jaune, tell me everything that happens." Yang practically demanded.

Jaune just gave a salute, surprising himself. "Uh, sure thing!"

"Well you guys have fun." Ruby said. "C'mon team! Let's go see what's in the city!"

"Yeah you guys have fun." August stood up as the table began to separate.

Why did I agree to this?

'Because we're nice?'

'Because you didn't know how to say no.'

You know what? Forget I asked.

"Hey Pyrrha?" I suddenly said.

"Yes?" She jogged up to be beside me.

"I've been meaning to ask, how come you joined Beacon? Didn't Haven try really hard to have you join them?"

She looked surprised. "How do you know that?"

"Oh you know, magic?" She giggled, hand lightly covering her mouth. "Nah, but remember I handled students and helped them integrate."

"Ah I see." She smiled, looking forward as we walked. "I'm guessing you're wondering how an undefeated champion decided to attend an entirely different school from her home."

I look at her surprised. "Champion? Now that's a new one. I knew you were strong, but I didn't know you were a champion though."

"Wait really?" She looked astonished, did I say something wrong? "You didn't know?"

"Nope." I shook my head. "I never really got into tournaments. Never interested me."

"I know right!" Jaune suddenly said beside. "I only knew her from the cereal."

I glanced at him, then at her. "Oh my god, I see it now."

She blushed looking away. "I'm starting to regret taking that sponsorship."

"No!" I said. "Don't be. It's just another thing to tease you with!"

She covered her face, mostly from embarrassment. "If you keep this up, sparing will be on the table."

Okay, time to ease up. "Fine, fine. I surrender."

"Don't bow!" She laughed.

"Do it again!" Jaune encouraged.

I laughed as she playfully glared at him and me. "Don't you dare!"

While Jaune and I tried to, horribly by the way, to diffuse the situation. I didn't even notice we arrived. I opened the doors to the training room. It's smaller than the main ones so technically it's my training room. I flicked on the lights, the room lighting up to how I left it.

"Jaune and I will be right back," Pyrrha said. "We need to get our equipment so don't start without us."

"Oh I wouldn't dream of it." I said, slowly pushing inching toward the control panel.

She rolled her eyes as she and Jaune left. Now then, my equipment. Getting my equipment in the locker wasn't hard, just a rolled up sleeve shirt with some straps. One over my shoulder to hold Content and Greed, and a belt that holds some spare magazines. I slip on my hooded poncho as I walk out. Just in time to see Pyrrha and Jaune back.

"Hey, welcome back to my humble abode!" Jaune smiled as he awkwardly waves.

Pyrrha stifled a laugh. "It's nice, although decorations are a must."

"You think you can do better?" I question, typing up some targets and a dummy.

"Well…" She eyed the color of the walls. "Maybe so red?"

I roll my eyes as I walk over to my weapon locker. "Red? Your entire scheme is red."

"No, that's Ruby." She smiled triumphantly.

I was about to debate her, but… "Actually? You're right, damn."

"Does that count as a point?" Jaune questioned.

"No!" I opened my locker, seeing my baby. "I just didn't expect her to be right."

Jaune walked over as I got out my equipment. "You know? I don't think we've ever seen you with a weapon. What's your weapon?"

I smile as I hold up Content and Greed. "A semi automatic sniper rifle. High caliber too. Also, it has two axe blades. One on the stock and the other by the barrel."

I hold it up for them to see. Although the color practically makes it look like it's definitely painted after fire. I should've stayed with regular old black and white. It's simple.

"The color is unique." Pyrrha suddenly said. "I like it, it reminds me of a fireplace."

'Told you it was nice.' Oh shut up, I didn't even agree to it.

"Wait," Jaune said. "Is it like Ruby's? Does it change into an axe?"

Damn, he's kinda smart. "Well-I-Yesn't?"

They both stare at me like I had a stroke. "I mean, yeah? But I don't really use it."

"You don't?" Pyrrha asked. "How come?"

"Yeah, like aren't you supposed to know how to use it?" Jaune, please stop questioning me.

"Hey, your weapon just gets smaller so I don't want to hear it!"

Jaune back tracked awkwardly. "You know what? You're right, sorry about that."

Great, it sounded a bit too rude there. "Eh, don't worry about it. I was just kidding anyway."

We started to train. Jaune mainly lightly sparred against Pyrrha while I focused on my aim. I glanced back at Jaune, watching him slice at the dummy while fixing his posture whenever Pyrrha corrected him. Man, it's been a while since I trained with other people. It's…kinda nice. Reminds me a lot when Ozpin kept correcting me and my stances. I quickly looked away when Pyrrha noticed me.

I took my stance and began to fire on the targets. Not too bad, some slightly off target. How long has it been since I trained? After reloading, I adjusted my stance and sight. I began to rapidly fire, gun smoke getting denser, bullets pinging off the target. I lowered Content, pressing the button to allow the target to approach. Okay, some slightly off center and others tightly pressed together. Not bad at all.

'Could be better.' Yeah, I get it.

"You're a talented marksman." I jumped, glancing back at Pyrrha. "Do you always practice shooting quickly?"

I scratch the back of my head. "I mean, yeah? I kinda have to if Grimm is going to rush at me. I need to be able to shoot quickly."

She smiled. "Well could I join you?"

I glance over at Jaune, seeing him taking a break. "I don't see why not? Just don't show off, okay?"

"I'll try not to." She giggled.

And so we trained. Pyrrha offered me tips and vice versa. During the session I kinda noticed how she kept glancing at Jaune. Although she also glanced at me a couple of times.

'She might be worried about him? I also think she likes learning.' I was never really subtle anyways.

"You worried about Jaune?" I ask, smirking after seeing her fumble her rifle.

She blushed. "What makes you say that?"

"You keep glancing at him. Worried he might not be cut out for this kinda thing? I've also noticed you've been giving him lessons."

She sighed. "Oh, that. No, I'm not worried about him. I know he'll be strong, better. He has a lot of potential."

Man, it's nice to see someone warm. Rare, but there's definitely more of them this year. We trained a bit more until I noticed she stopped. I stop, reloading as I noticed her watching me.

"Something on your mind?" I asked, cocking a brow.

"Just wondering if you'd like to spar?" She smiled.

"Me? I don't think I can handle you. Jaune maybe." Her smile didn't disappear.

"Then how about sparring with Jaune?" Why must you do this to me?

I glance at Jaune seeing him begin to walk over, smiling widely. I mean I could, but I don't want to embarrass myself if I lose. She's not helping with that smile either. Plus I've noticed he's been getting better in Goodwitch's class. Decisions.

"Fine." I sighed. "I need to break off the rust anyways."

"Great!" She turned toward Jaune as she began to explain to him the situation.

"Wait, really?" I noticed his face get a bit paler. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." She smiled. "Also, August? Can you avoid shooting?"

'I thought this was sparing?' Hey, he's still technically learning.

"I don't know," I weighed my options. "I could be convinced to, if let's say, I could get your pumpkin pie on Friday?"

I noticed her flinching, smile not leaving her face. "How about half?"

Damn, that's a good deal. "Fine, I'll avoid shooting him in the face."

"Wait, wasn't it at all?" JAune frantically said.

"Don't worry about the details." I wave him off, stepping onto the training platform.

Jaune reluctantly joined August on the platform. Jaune gulped, getting into his familiar stance. He watched August shoot and, hopefully, glad Pyrrha asked him not to shoot. August was simply adjusting his rifle, yet he didn't transform the weapon. The two stood on the platform, neither making a move yet both waiting for the other. Pyrrha was standing off the side, watching, making sure this didn't escalate.

August was the first to move, taking a single step. Autumn leaves suddenly replaced him, taking his form. Jaune's eyes widened, clearly not expecting it. He suddenly slammed into the ground, sliding a bit of feet away due to some force. Pushing himself off the ground, Jaune turned toward August charging him, axe on his stock raised.

Jaune raised his shield, blocking the strike. He waited, but nothing happened. Glancing over his shield, he noticed August was simply beginning to circle him, as if studying him. Glancing around, he noticed Pyrrha giving him thumbs up, encouraging him. He smiled, small bits confidence filling him.

Jaune swiped at him with his sword. August sidestepped it, countering with his own strike. Blocking again, Jaune pushed against the assistant. August was forced back, slightly surprised. He raised his rifle, blocking Jaunes sword just in time as sparks flew. Suddenly his eyes widened, along with Jaunes and Pyrrha as he ducked under Jaunes shield.

Jaune felt time slow, watching August do the splits. He thought he could get a strike in with his shield, stun him even. While doing the splits, August used the barrel of Content to swipe Jaune's legs from under him. Jaune fell onto his side with a grunt. He rolled onto his back only to feel weight on his waist as he looked up to see the barrel of August's weapon.

Jaune stared up at the lion faunes, orange eyes peering down at him as Jaune could see his eye through the scope. August was sitting on his waist. Eyes wide yet focused.

Pyrrha watched the match end quickly with only one hit being exchanged. Pyrrha guessed August was strong and skilled, being an assistant at a young age. He also mentioned being trained by the Professors, full fledged Huntsmen.

"Almost got me, Jaune!" I pat his back, smiling. "You're definitely getting better. It's good that we went a couple more rounds, I could practically feel myself unrusting."

"Thanks, I guess?" Jaune awkwardly smiled. "But I didn't get a hit on you though…"

"Don't worry about the details!" I wrap an arm around him, motioning forward. "You don't have to hit someone to know you're strong. Sometimes you gotta be smart and that shield attack WAS smart. Rarely anybody does that."

"You think so?" Jaune slightly glanced at me.

"Pyrrha!" I called out. "Tell him how much he improved!"

"He's right." She smiled, peeking from behind my shoulder. "You're getting better at decision making during combat."

He smirked, standing proudly. "You know what? You're right! I'm gonna go find Ren to tell him the news!"

And with that Jaune left me with Pyrrha. "And there he goes. I'm kinda wishing I let him hit me."

I shook my head, stretching a bit. I glance over at Pyrrha since we're the only ones in the hall right now. She's thinking, I can tell by the fact that her brows are furrowed. I glance out one of the nearby windows.

"You okay?" I ask, poking her shoulder.

"Huh?" She turned toward me, confused. "Oh, no, I'm fine. How are you?"

Weird. "I'm good? Something on your mind?"

"Just thinking is all. What's it like to plan the festival?"

"Oh that? Stressful. Ozpin has me look at all the attending students. From all the academies."

"Must be some good things right?"

I smile a bit. "Yeah, seeing teams be excited to show off their skills."

I could feel her eyes watching me a bit, but I can't help but enjoy remembering all the times I've watched teams get better.

"You're kind." Her words caught me off guard, embarrassing me.

"No!" I playfully glare at her. "I just like seeing people excited! Don't be weird."

"I'm weird?" Her expression deflates.

"No! I mean-That's not what I-" Damn it, what do I say?

Her hand lands on my arm, her expression soft and lightly laughing. "I'm joking. I didn't think you could get embarrassed."

'I can't believe you fell for that…' Shut up.

'When was the last time you were embarrassed?' Both of you shut up.

I look away, grumbling. "Isn't your team waiting for you?"

Smile still on her face, her hand slipped away. "You're right. It was nice training. Let's train again sometime."

"Fine by me." I smile a bit. "But I'm not fighting you!"

She laughed walking away. "Don't worry, I'll take it easy on you!"

She walked away as I shook my head. Man, it's nice to train with someone again. I turn back to head toward my dorm.

I'm regretting everything. I shouldn't have come here, I should've gone to hang with Jaune and Pyrrha. I'm outside in the hall hearing yelling coming from team RWBY's room. Shouting and arguing. Maybe I can sneak by? I attempt to make it past their door, only to hear it calm down.

The door burst open as Blake slammed into my gut as we both fell, me holding the wall as support and her on the ground.

"Wait, Blake!" I hear Ruby call out.

Blake looked at me, sorrowful eyes that could only mean one thing. She quickly pulled herself to her feet before I could even say anything. I pushed myself off the wall, watching as she turned the corner. Glancing behind me, I see Ruby staring.

'What did they do?' Keep yourself under control.

I walked over, stepping in front of their door allowing them to see me. Yang was confused, shocked even. Ruby looked so guilty and distraught. Weiss was angry and hurt. Yang and Weiss noticed me, Yang opening her mouth only to be caught off.

"What about you?" Weiss pointed an accusing finger at me.

'She has some nerves.' NOT helping!

"What about me?" I asked, taking a step.

"Are you hiding something too?" She shouted, also stepping closer. "Were you a part of some terrorist group!"

So that's what this was about. "Weiss, you're angry. You don't want to be mad-"

"Don't tell me how I'm supposed to feel!" She yelled. "Answer the question!"

I could feel him getting angrier. I need to settle this quickly.

"Hey!" Yang intervened. "He hasn't done anything! Don't start this again!"

"Yeah, Weiss, please just calm down." Ruby spoke as well, stepping in front of me.

"I'm sorry," Weiss began. "Am I supposed to forget what just happened? How one of my own teammates was keeping something like that from us? From me?"

"I'm sure whatever she was hiding was for a good-" Weiss whipped back around toward me.

"Don't you start." She gritted her teeth. "What's something you haven't told us? You've been the biggest mystery here!"

Ruby intervened again, trying to calm her teammate. I've been here trying to calm ourselves down. Why is it so difficult? Would it be better to just say it?

'They DO deserve to know.' But not while everyone is stressed!

"I know!" Weiss suddenly said. "I know I'm upset! How are you two not?"

Silence filled the room, Weiss abruptly sitting on the bed. Ruby just watches her while Yang tries calling someone, most likely Blake. Nows a better time than any.

"I was in the White Fang." I suddenly say.

Ruby turned toward me, surprised. Yang took a glance before turning toward Weiss. Weiss just stared at me, eyes basically not surprised. Yet her glare wasn't as strong.

"Was?" Ruby said.

"Yeah, was." I said, taking a deep breath. "Look, I'm not ashamed of what I did. Hell, I wasn't even doing the more violent stuff that today's Fang was doing. I'll be honest, I don't regret it, because I wouldn't be here if I wasn't in the Fang."

Weiss just watched me, before scoffing as she lay on the bed, back facing us. Yang sighs as she tries to call again. Ruby awkwardly stood there, I'm guessing not knowing what to do. I sigh, this was a terrible idea. I wonder if Ren will make me something if I stop by. Something grabbed my wrist. I glanced down to see Ruby motioning outside.

I followed her outside, closing the door as she spoke. "Sorry about Weiss."

"Don't worry about it." We stop outside in the hall.

"She's confused, I guess." I glance at her. "I mean we all are and I don't know what the White Fang actually did to her family, but I know Weiss is just sad."

I smile a bit. "Yeah, I know."

We kinda just stand in silence. Although it's not awkward. I hope not. Never mind, it's awkward.

"So," she began. "You were in the White Fang?"

Great, this was what she asked? "Yeah, though I only stayed for two and a half years."

She nodded, looking up at me. "Did you do terrible things?"

"Nah, mainly protect." I wince at the memory. "Defend. Supply wagons or protest rallies."

"So you never killed anyone?" Damn, did not expect that.

"I didn't." She didn't say anything.

I could tell she's trying to read me. Her eyes just kinda flicked from mine to elsewhere.

"I believe you." She smiled.

I laughed. "Good. Cause if you didn't, I would have thrown you into the fountain."

She snorted as I snicked. "Hey! Don't do that, I haven't done my laundry!"

I raise a brow at her. "Really? You do know that you still got tomorrow, right?"

She waved me off. "I mean, yeah, but Blake is still out there."

I shook my head, glancing down. "You gonna let go?"

She stared at me confused, doing the same. Her eyes widened as she snatched her hand from my wrist, a blush appearing.

"Gah!" She yelled out. "I'm sorry!"

I wrapped an arm around her, giving her a noogie. "Eh, don't worry about it!"

"Stop, I didn't brush my hair!" I did not listen.

The hall just filled with her pleading as I evilly laughed. It only stopped when she used her semblance to get out of my grasp. Although I did chase her.

A/N: 3 new chapters? I know right! I surprised myself. Being honest, I just wanted you all to get a feel for August. Judge him how you want, theorize about him or you know get to know him. Since after this is Volume 2, I know the chapters are gonna get longer. So I hope you enjoyed it!