I sidestepped a stab from Pyrrha as I attempted to bash her with my stock. She ducked, leg sweeping toward me as I blinked away. I reappeared again, hitting her with a shot against her shoulder as she threw her shield toward me. I ducked under it, rolling forward. Fixing my aim, I noticed her hand outstretched. I quickly moved to the side, her shield barely missing me.

She caught her shield as she smiled. "I think we should take a break."

"Agreed." I stand, dusting my poncho off. "You're getting better."

"I think you're the only one improving."

"That's not true. You're quicker."

"And your reaction is faster."

"It's the same thing!"

"It's not!" She laughed, putting her weapon away.

I waved her off as I smiled. Since the dance, Team JNPR has been inviting me out more. No offense to Ruby's team, but I like team JNPR's atmosphere a bit more. Though, I find myself closer with the leader herself than the rest of her team. I mean it's not really my fault since Ruby is most of the time the first to speak to me.

"-if you don't mind me asking?" Pyrrha caught my attention.

"I-What?" I nervously laugh. "Say that again, I wasn't paying attention."

She smiled. "It's fine. Something on your mind?"

"Just surprised how the years get different every time."

She stepped beside me. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing, it's stupid." I felt my stomach knot up.

'Sorry, that was me!'

Of course it was. "I don't think it's stupid."

I stop, taking a glance at her. She stood there, adorned with her armor, with a genuine smile. Is there a way out of this? Embarrassment swept across my face as I cover the lower part of my face. I turned away from her, a sigh escaping me.

"Don't do that." She attempted to peek at my face with a surprised look, but I was quicker.

"Don't do what?" A light laugh escaped her as she continued to try and peek at my misery.

"You!" I threw my arms up, her laugh being contagious to me. "You. Stop being you! This is embarrassing enough as it is."

"Oh, you're embarrassed?" God damn it August, shut up! "Why are you embarrassed?"

I sigh, dragging my hands down my face. "Just…Just that I noticed I made a lot of friends this year."

I turned toward her, seeing her facing a way with a hand covering her lower face. "You're laughing at me."

"No!" She turned toward me, that liar. "Just surprised. This is the most heartfelt I've seen you. It's pleasant."

"Well it ain't happening again!" I turn away as she tries to convince me otherwise.

We talked for a bit. Nothing else happened other than talking about the future and how the first years are going to be able to take on a mission. I never kept my hopes for those. I used to always ask, but now I'm kinda contempt. I honestly enjoy being here more than going on some mission.

"Oh you gotta be shitting me?" I say to Ozpin.

"Language." He calmly drank from his mug.

"Oh, fuck that!" I turn away from him. "Why all of a sudden?"

"It's because I believe you are ready." The blank look I gave him made him continue. "Think of it as a test. I want to see how prepared you are for the real thing."

"After almost four years, really?" I slump in the chair in front of the desk. "I just assumed that I wouldn't ever do a mission."

"And I'm sorry to have made you think that." I glance at him.

I sigh, no use getting all upset. "All right, what's the mission?"

He smiled as he fixed his glasses, turning toward the screen. "You will be alone doing the assignment. However, you will be accompanied by a Professional Huntsman."

"Okay, so I'm doing it alone, but I'm being watched." I cross my arms. "You know I get stage fright, right?"

"I'm sure you'll do fine." I saw a faint smile, though it disappeared as quickly as it came. "The huntsman will tell you the details. They are currently waiting by the docks."

"Got it." Is something wrong? "Is there anything else?"

He hesitated. "No. Stay safe and don't do anything rash."

I frown, seeing his reaction. "I will, you know I will."

"That I do."

Silence kinda hangs in the air. Suddenly, we switched.

Ozpin watches as yellow aura glistened off of August. Ozpin always admired the difference in the colors. The way yellow looks so pure that at a first glance it might look white, yet if paid attention to, anyone can notice the vibrant shade of yellow. August opened his eyes, giving an awkward smile. Ozpin couldn't suppress the small smile that stretched.

"How are you, August?"

"Worried." He said, glancing at the elevator. "About you."

"August, I'm old, but not fragile." The assistant let off a suppressed snicker.

"I know." The smile disappeared. "Is something wrong? You seem more worried."

Ozpin smiled, seeing that this version of August is more attentive. Aware. It makes things harder in the long run. Then again, maybe it will turn out fine.

"Worried about the Vytal Festival." Ozpin relaxed in his chair. "With the appearance of the Atlas fleet, I fear that the citizens of Vale will become anxious."

August nodded, arms crossed as he tapped his finger against his arm in a rhythm. "Why did Ironwood bring the fleet?"

Ozpin began to speak, but quickly stopped himself. He can't bring himself to involve August. Especially since this is his last year. It's not right, yet it's necessary. Suddenly Ozpin's eyes widened, an image overcasting his student. August still sat in the chair, still watching Ozpin with a small smile, but wounds covered him. One of his arms was torn, and a part of his face burned. Blood seemed to have covered most of his body.

A squeeze startled Ozpin, his body jumping a bit. Ozpin's eyes landed on August, seeing the worried expression detailing his face. Ozpin took note of the lack of wounds, a habit he gained from the beginning of his adventure.

"I'm fine, just remembering that I need to speak with the General to also find out." August didn't seem convinced, but Ozpin beat him to it. "I will let you know after the meeting. Don't let the Huntsman wait any longer than she has too."

August didn't move for a few moments, then nodded as he made his way to the elevator. Ozpin watched as the doors closed, before sighing and dropping his head on his desk.

After getting everything, I slung my rifle over my shoulder as I headed toward the docks. Before I could even actually see the docks, something slammed into my back as its legs wrapped around my waist. Before I could even turn, arms around my neck as a familiar laugh sounded behind me.

"August!" Ruby smiled widely when I glanced back. "I heard you're going on a mission!"

I rolled my eyes, but couldn't help smirking. "Yeah, jealous?"

"Hardly." I heard behind us. I looked past Ruby and noticed Weiss, standing with her arms crossed.

"Woah." I can't help, but be surprised. "I didn't expect you to see me off."

Weiss placed a hand over her chest. "I can care, you know."

"I know." I felt Ruby get off. "Just didn't think you did."

She rolled her eyes. "How little do you think of me?"

"Other than height? Not at all."

Surprised, a slight bit of pink dusted her cheeks. Then her mouth fell open, realization forming in her eyes and she squinted into a glare.

"That was backhanded." I shrugged, as she rolled her eyes, though with a smile on her face. "Slightly a bit envious of your mission."

"It's just a simple mission." I glance back toward the bullhead. "You have selection tomorrow if I'm right. I'll probably be back soon. Until then, train and improve. You have the notes I gave you for Goodwitch."

Ruby's eyes suddenly sparkled with anticipation. "You'll fill us in on the details right?"

"I will." I noticed Professor Peach approaching the airship. "I'll bring back some snacks, gotta go!"

I waved at them as they waved back. Professor Peach was looking over a scroll when I stopped behind her. A few clicks later she suddenly pointed toward the airship. I glanced between her and the ship before slowly stepping on board. I waved to one of the pilots, who returned a thumbs up, as I took a seat. Peach entered as she nodded toward the pilot and took a seat.

"Okay, August." She started, fixing her coat. "This is your first mission, how do you feel?"

"I guess I'm a bit nervous." She gave a small smile.

"It'll be fine." The bullhead began to lift off, the roar of the engines getting muffled as the doors closed. "I've watched you become an excellent huntsman. After the test, you'll have to wait a bit for the results."

"Thank you." She smiled as she leaned back.

"Okay, so the mission details are to hunt a specific grimm." She tapped away on her scroll before handing it to me, a set of images displaying the creature and damages. "A Sabyr. Ozpin believes that it accidentally arrived by passage on a boat or it drifted along the ocean. Pushing past the details, it has caused trouble on some of the main roads. Ozpin believes you should be able to handle it as I do."

I nodded, looking through the images. Wagons are damaged, wounds on some victims, and a slightly clear image of it. The bones are a bit bigger, spikes are cracked and dulled. It looks older than regular Sabyrs. In one of the photos, I could see that there was a glimpse of it in the bushes. So it's smart, great.

"It's old." I glance up at her.

She smiled, doing a slight clap. "It's good that you noticed. Glad to see you're still sharp. Yes, but that also means it's more dangerous than usual."

I nodded. "How many died?"

"Only 2 of the 5." She took back her scroll. "The latest one said it's also quick. From what the trader stated, the road was blocked."

"It's smart enough to do that?" I glanced at Content. "Then it might be older than I realize."

"Remember, hunt it down." She glanced at the time. "If it proves too difficult, there's no shame in retreating. Huntsman should never go alone if there's others willing to help."

"I understand."

She nodded before motioning toward a case nearby. "Good. I'll be watching you with a drone. You should get some rest, it'll be awhile. Hopefully, we'll get there before nightfall."

"Please don't jinx me." I laid against the seat, closing my eyes as I listened to the engine's hum.

I was jinxed. When we arrived, we landed at a village nearby. The sun had already set, and some of the villagers were still awake. I glanced back at Peach, who gave me a confident smile.

"You got this, August." She opened the case, revealing the drone. "Like I said, I'll be watching so you aren't technically alone."

I stood by the door, checking my equipment as I tried to shake the nervousness away. "Okay, that makes me a bit better."

She gave me a reassuring smile. "Remember, don't take unnecessary risks."

I gave a thumbs up, the door opening as I stepped off. Some children who were awake approached the bullhead. The moment they saw me, they quickly ran away, fear in their eyes. I couldn't help, but feel a bit guilty. I noticed some of the villagers were watching me, judging me even.

I took a breath. I began, making my way over to one of the villagers who were sweeping in front of a shop. The moment I got close, his eyes hardened.

"We're closed." His voice, rough enough to sound brittle.

"I'm not here to buy, I'm here-" He stepped close, a look of loathing.

"I said we're closed." He said again. "Go back to that island you came from."

"I'm a huntsman!" I quickly say, a look of surprise washed over his face. "I'm a huntsman. I've been tasked with handling the issue with the grimm."

He scoffed, turning away. "Couldn't they have brought a regular huntsman?"

I clenched my poncho. "They sent me. I am here to help."

"Help, huh? You can help by bringing a real hunter."

I glanced around, noticing the drone. It's quiet, barely even noticed due to a small light. I guess Peach realized since the light turned off.

'We could always speak with someone else?'

What if they're the same? The village ain't that big. Worst case scenario, this prick is the most calm.

'We're being watched. Can't force it either.'

That won't make the situation better. It's better to change their mind.

"Look, you hate faunus." He stopped for a moment. "I'll be honest, I was from the Fang."

As if it was an alarm, he turned toward me. "But, I left!"

"That means shit to me!" He growled out, fists clenched.

"For fucks sake, listen will you!" I shouted.

He stopped, staring up at me as he flinched at my words. Damn it, look what you did.

'He stopped, didn't he?'

He did, just not the way I wanted. "Look, I'm just trying to help. Please, I may be a faunus, but I'm not the Fang. I just want info. If you help, it'll get me closer to leaving."

He watched me, a cold sweat on his face. He suddenly cleared his throat, waving me off.

"F-Fine. If you take the road at the end of the street into the woods, you'll come across a knocked over tree. That's all I know, at least."

I sigh, turning without another word. The village people were active. Some had come out of their homes, with farm tools and only a few rifles. The intense glares told me all I needed to tell what would've happened if things had gotten physical. Nobody moved, but from a few glances I can they're a bit twitchy. I took a test. I inched forward and nobody moved. I slowly made my way over to the road, sneaking glances. The moment I made it to the road, I blinked away.

I reappeared by a tree nearby, glancing back towards the small village. The people continued, though some stayed to keep an eye out. Not my first time dealing with this, just kinda used to it. I glanced at my palm, slightly shaking it, as I took a breath.

The road was empty, though tracks were definitely visible. A trap, maybe? Either way, this isn't my level of expertise. Go ahead, switch when you see anything weird.

'Fine.'

"You're more nervous." Glynda questioned, setting down a small packet of papers. "More so than ever."

Ozpin had been watching the footage for the past half hour. The screen showed August moving through the forest and foliage with immense speed, however there are moments where he stops and leans close to the tracks.

"Nervous?" Ozpin questioned, pulling up August's medical file. "What gave you that idea?"

"Well after assigning teams, you sent a message to Professor Peach and asked for a live feed." She lifted an eyebrow. "Then you quickly came to your office and immediately began watching the footage."

"Oh, that's…" Ozpin trailed off, as August arrived a wagon wreckage. "Is August farsighted?"

Glynda frowned, pulling up a similar medical record. "August 'Fall' is the one that's farsighted. August 'Blush' is nearsighted. August 'Sun' has near perfect vision."

"So I see Blush has improved on tracking."

Glynda turned toward the screen seeing the colors of August's aura change. "He has."

The two found themselves watching as August dropped from the tree he was perched from.

Two wagons. Busted, beyond repair. A familiar scent filled my nostrils. Blood. I firmly gripped Content, slowly approaching the first wagon. There was a body, perched on its side against the tipped over wagon. There were some claw marks on the driver side, some blood smeared against it. I glanced around, kneeling beside the body. I pushed his shoulder, raising his body up. A bite wound, tore and broke his neck. From the looks of it, a quick death.

I felt a slight tug at my heartstrings.

'I know, I'm sorry.'

Don't say sorry. I know, but this kind of stuff happens. Hopefully there's at least somebody. As if answering my unannounced prayers, a weak wheeze filled my ears. I snapped up, looking toward the sound. I squeezed the dead man's shoulder, before quickly making my way over. I couldn't contain a smile from forcing its way on to me as I saw the breathing person.

I noticed a few other blood pools, but no other bodies. As I got closer, I noticed a blood trailing leading toward, now a woman, the body. She must have dragged herself. I knelt down, feeling him take over.

The woman felt a slight pressure on her shoulder, as her body began to become lighter. Her eyes slowly opened, noticing a figure with bright yellow eyes above her. Her vision slowly focused as she noticed the aura coming from his arm. She could feel her strength returning, her eyes beginning to brim with tears.

She slowly began to sit up, much to August's distress. She suddenly wrapped her arms around him, small sniffles and whimpers escaping as she clenched on to him as if he would wash away like a dream. Slowly she felt the huntsman's arms wrap around her as well, small pats against her back soothing her.

Suddenly the woman pulled away, her expression crumbling away. She went to speak, but her voice cracked and her words became inaudible. Despite her trouble, she forced her voice to not betray her.

"It's okay." August reassured. "No need to push yourself."

The woman tried again, her voice forcing her into a coughing fit. Her eyes, pleading, looked up toward the young huntsman. A sudden movement from the trees caused her to panic, pointing aggressively. August quickly hugged the woman as her eyes widened, face to face with a row of serrated fangs.

Suddenly, the two appeared beside a tree not far. August placed the woman against it, before disappearing. A gunshot rang out as August appeared behind the Sabyr, firing off a shot as it cracked against its armor plate. It roared before jumping into the foliage. August, wracking in another shot, sidestepped a swipe from it. With the sudden motion, August used the blade on the stock as he sliced up, the blade penetrating and cutting the limp deeply.

The Sabyr rose to its hind legs, ready to pin August. Maneuvering, he used the moment from his attack and turned, Content aiming from under his armpit as August kneeled. Another shot rang off as the left side of the Grimms mask broke off, forcing the creature to slam onto its back. The Grimm limped to its feet, August blinking away in its state of confusion. It looked around, seemingly noticing the threat. With a quick decision, it suddenly sprang toward the wounded woman, who was watching with astonishment. The woman fell back, eyes widening as it pounced.

She closed her eyes, yet all that happened was the ground shaking as a gunshot rang out. She opened her eyes, seeing the huntsman pinning the, now dead, grimm under his boot. The barrel of his rifle was smoking as he wracked a fresh round into it. Slowly, the Grimm began to disintegrate, piece by piece as August pushed off, making his way toward the woman.

"Are you okay?" He knelt down. "I boosted your aura, so you should be fine soon enough."

He reached around, unhooking a flask from under his pancho. "It's water."

She hesitantly took the drink. She took a sip, but soon enough she had drunk the entire flask. August smiled, glancing around the wreckage. He pulled out his scroll, gauging his Aura. The Grimm, surprising, had slightly damaged his aura. It dropped to ninety-eight, so not by much.

"T-Thank you." A quiver in her voice. "Thank you s-so much."

August glanced toward her, seeing the tears stream down her face. August glanced back at the wreckage, filling in the details.

"Did you know anyone?"

She slowly lifted her hand, finger pointing toward the only corpse. "Brother. My brother."

August mentally smacked himself. "I'm sorry I wasn't here quicker."

She shook her head, looking up at him with puffy eyes. "You came anyway."

August stood up, watching the tree line. "There's a village nearby. Do you think you can make it on your own?"

August was suddenly pulled forward, the woman now hugging his waist. "P-Please don't leave me here."

August looked down at the woman, noticing small details. She looked older, older than he was anyways. His lips curled into a frown. Something he never really understood, people older depending on their juniors. It should be the other way.

"Don't worry." August finally said. "My main mission as a huntsman is to protect people. That's what I'll do."

She squeezed tighter. A muffled word of thanks escaped her. August waited for a few moments, before helping the woman off her feet. He dusted her off before turning toward the corpse. He turned toward the wagon as he began to take small supplies as the woman watched. Tears began to brim again, noticing the slight burial.

August returned toward the women. "Something to keep him safe. Until you can properly bury him."

She nodded, steeling herself this time. From the looks of it, she hasn't been here for a full day. Recently attacked from the looks of it. A few hours most likely. She also looks like a trader.

"If you don't mind me asking, what were you and your brother transporting?"

She opened her mouth as a voice answered for her. "Dust."

The two turned, seeing the man who spoke along with three other individuals. August's eyes narrowed, as the woman slightly stepped back.

"W-White Fang?" She questioned. "Why all of a sudden?"

The four were definitely fang, with the three wearing regular uniforms. The man who spoke up however, he's wearing a different style, similar mask just with red markings.

"Why is a faunus helping a human?" He asked.

"Why shouldn't I?" August retorted.

"Because they are radical bigots." He answered. "Surely you have been a target to discrimination."

August frowned. "I have, but that doesn't matter."

"Doesn't matter?" One of the others growled. "How could you say that? Do you have any idea of what you're condoning!"

"I'm not condoning anything." August defended. "I've been discriminate against-"

"Then why not get justice?" The red haired man said, most likely the leader of the group. "They've done horrendous things to our people. Why aid them, when they wouldn't do the same for us?"

August glanced toward the woman, who flinched from his eyes. A look of realization crossed his face, reminding him of the recent event at the village. Once again, he was reminded of why his earlier thought was a silly one. He had the strength not a lot of people had.

"You're right." August slowly said. "Hell, I was also in the fang."

"Then you must know who I am?" The leader loosened his grip on his weapon, which was now in view. "Then why did you abandon your brothers and sisters."

"Wrong." August suddenly said. "I don't know who you are and I wasn't the one abandoning anyone."

The man frowned. "I recognize you. I don't know your name, but I know you."

August stayed silent, stepping in front of the woman after noticing one of the members eyeing her.

"My name is Adam Taurus." Suddenly he halted. "You're a huntsman, right?"

August's posture changed, practically seeing the venom drip from Adam's words. "And what if I am?"

"Do you know someone named…" He paused. "No, it doesn't matter."

August slowly stepped back, lightly pushing the woman back.

"Why betray your people then?" Adam hand rested on the hilt of his sword.

"I'll get my justice just like everyone else. Not by murdering or rabid nature."

"Rabid?" The leader fang slowly repeated.

Suddenly, Adam rushed forward with frightening speed. August quickly shoved the woman into the shrubs, raising Content. Sparks flew into the air as August blocked. August pushed against Adam, successfully pushing him back. Taurus quickly regained footing, unraveling a barrage of slashes. August, pushed to defense, looked for an opening. Suddenly, August parried the blade, pushing Adam ahead of him. He fired a shot, aiming to impair the leader. Adam's speed caught him by surprise, his blade blocking the bullet.

August's posture changed again, realizing the situation. He disappeared, using his semblance just in time as Adams blade sliced through the swarm of leaves. Once again, he blocked another shot.

The woman peeked from behind the tree watching the two lock into a duel. Her eyes could barely keep track of her savior's movements. Especially since autumn leaves practically covered the area in the typhoon. The occasional sparks and gunshots alerted her toward the movements.

Something gripped onto her arm as she realized one of the Fang members had caught her. "Keep still, parasite!"

She screamed, attempting to free herself. A back hand had sent her to the ground. She looked up, eyes frantic as she raised her arms in defense. Before the member could raise his weapon, a bullet pierced through his arm. He screamed as looking toward his arm, only to notice a stub. The two turned, noticing the arm laying a few feet away from its owner. The White Fang member let off a hissed scream, clutching his amputated limb.

The woman quickly turned toward the huntsman, seeing his rifle raised. She felt the familiar astonishment after seeing his fight with the grimm. The appreciation welling inside her heart, yet something else that causes her to grit her teeth. August turned , but wasn't able to properly block the strike as he was slashed across the torso. August stumbled back, blinking away. August reappeared beside the woman, the white fang member quickly backing off and retreating toward the others.

"I thought huntsmen were supposed to be elite warriors." Adam taunted. "How underwhelming."

August glanced at his scroll, seeing the huge amount of aura that had depleted. More than half had disappeared. Judging from the reaction speed and the strength of the swings, this one matches his current fighting style.

"Are you all right?" The woman attempted to stand only to halt as August held out a palm.

"I'm fine." He said simply. "Stay down. If you can, try to make it back to the village."

Before the woman could protest, August's aura shifted. Red aura completely enveloped the young huntsman. His posture changed as he gripped Content. With a sudden twist, the frame split apart with mechanical clicks. The axe part of the weapon extended, forming two hand axes. Adam stopped, sheathing his weapon.

Adam would normally attack, but the sudden change halted any movement. The fact that the huntsman's eyes didn't leave him. Reminded him of the khan, with the way the chains fell to the floor. The chain was connected, yet August held it like it was a separate weapon.

Then there were his eyes. They changed from orange to red, similar to how grimm's eyes were. Before Adam could continue the assessment, one of the axes flew by as he barely dodged it. Adam dashed forward, opening with a slash. With a flick of his wrist, the chains snapped up deflecting the sword followed by a counter from August. Adam ducked under the attack, stabbing toward his side.

The chain wrapped around the blade as August tugged it. Forced forward, Taurus received a knee to the gut, his feet planted into the ground. Adam watched the huntsman as he spun his axes around his wrist fluently. As if it was another limb. Sudden gunshots sounded off as the other White Fang members began to open fire. Moving like a dance, bullets were deflected as August seemed to easily handle the slight distractions. Adam quickly joined in and launched his sword from his sheath. August turned quickly at the sound, although too focused on the gun fire. Adam noticed the speed drop from the launch, but it still stunned August.

The woman watched as she hid behind the tree helplessly. What could she do? She doesn't have strength, yet she yearned to do something. Watching the huntsman, a faunus at that, risk his life so that she wouldn't get hurt. August deflected another barrage of bullets, kicking the chain up to block the blade again. One of the Fang members raised her rifle, but another gunshot sounded off. The bullet pierced her side as she screamed, clutching onto her new wound. Everyone halted as Adam turned toward the new attacker.

August saw the rifle shaking in the woman's hands as smoke escaped the barrel, most likely from the amputated member. Before Adam could attempt to express his disdain, a chain wrapped around his neck and pulled him from the ground. August slammed the leader into the ground as he raised one of his axes and knocked one of the weapons out of members hands. One of the members, one equipped with a sword, charged with a yell. The yell was cut short as the blade of one of the axes buried into his neck.

The remaining members watched as the body crumbled toward the floor. August swung the chain around his wrist as some of the blood had peppered a part of his face. Adam seemed ready to attack again, but an alarm sounded. The amputated man struggled with the scroll and quickly hissed.

"Torchwick says there is a problem at the crater!" Adam glanced back at the member, before he turned back toward the huntsman who seemed to be ready.

"I have more pressing matters to attend to." Adam suddenly sheathed his katana. "Be sure to remember this feeling."

August's eyes widened as the sky and the surrounding area darkened. Adam's hair glowed as he entered the stance again. Before August could attempt to interrupt, a rush of energy escaped the sheathe as Adam sliced in the air. A wave of energy, sharper than any razor, barreling toward August as he raised his hands. The attack slowed, but contact was made.

Adam sheathed his blade again. A smirk on his face as he took the gunshot wounded member and dashed away. The woman dropped the rifle as she shakily stood. The words were caught in her throat as the chain that was also extended in defense separated. A clean cut through the chain as August's aura flickered. Slowly, it broke as August stumbled. The woman attempted to help, but orange aura replaced the red.

With a slight shake, August turned back toward the woman with a smile. "Let's hurry back."

She couldn't help, but feel relieved. "Y-Yeah, thank you."

August looked around once again before helping the woman leave the area.

What the fuck was that? What do they feed the White Fang? I glanced at my poncho, noticing a tear. I had the woman on my back, carrying her. Her aura's healing her, but I ain't taking the risk if a nearby grimm decides to come visit. The village was just up ahead, although I could see someone running deeper in the village. I glanced around not noticing the drone. Did she lose me? Maybe I'm still being tested.

A group of the villagers appeared, armed. They stopped at the entrance, holding the same weapons as before. They seem more fidgety though, I felt the woman stir a bit.

"Did you kill it?" I recognize the voice. "The grimm."

"Yeah, and I have a survivor."

I slowly placed the woman on the ground, watching as she stepped forward. Slight gasps escaped as some villagers turned toward the same man who spoke. I watched as his eyes widened, dropping his rifle.

"Jenny?" He said, his own voice betraying the worry. "What happened to you?"

"Uncle…" She whimpered. "Baer, H-He's…hes…"

The man quickly rushed over, hugging her as the two stayed in the same position. Soon she began to tell the story. Experiencing it, I made my way past them, earning some looks, but ignored them. I didn't care. Mission's a success and news to report to Ozpin. A sudden hand gripped my shoulder, my heart pounded for a minute. I let off a sigh, glancing back seeing the woman's-Jenny's uncle.

"You killed a faunus to save my niece?" The way he said it, made it seem like it was more than just a question.

"I did." I pulled my shoulder away. "I'm a huntsman. Safety of the people is more important."

I turned away, seeing the bullhead begin to land. "I'm sorry."

I stopped. "For what?"

"For judging you." Me?

"Please don't judge faunus."

He didn't say anything, so I continued. I approached the airship as the doors began to open. Professor Peach appeared at the doorway as the drone flew in and landed on one of the seats.

"I won't. Not anymore."

My hand halted as I stopped reaching for the door. I glanced back at the uncle as he stood there. No words, yet I can tell that he was grateful. Jenny waved at me as I smiled at the two.

"Then I'll take that as repayment." I entered as I closed the doors.

I sat down with a huff, glancing at the window. The sun barely was rising. The airship began to lift off as the village began to get smaller and smaller. My reflection spoke volumes as I wiped some of the blood off. I didn't clean it.

"Take it easy." I heard Peach say. "Once we dock, I'm sure the Headmaster would like to speak to you."

I was going to laugh, but I was interrupted by beeping from the cockpit. The pilot answered as I turned back toward Peach.

"You know, I think I'm gonna splurge in the cafeteria." She laughed, relaxing in the chair.

"I wouldn't hold it against you."

One of the pilots leaned his back. "Professor. The headmaster has requested that there is an emergency in Vale. Please be fastened in your seatbelt and prepare to arrive in Vale."

I sighed, glancing at the ruined chain in Greed. Do you think you'll be fine?

'Soon I'll be.'

That's good enough for me.

"Are you sure that's wise?" Glynda asked, worry lightly staining her voice. "He just completed a mission, not only that, but fought against a leader of the White Fang."

"I need to be sure he can handle himself." Ozpin answered "I need to be sure he is ready."

Ozpin watched the area where Oobleck would arrive. In his words, 'spectacular show'. Sure enough, an explosion echoed in the distance as a cloud of smoke engulfed the air. Ozpin glanced back toward Glynda.

"Some of the students I sent should have arrived. Please go and assist them." Glynda nodded before turning toward the elevator.

Ozpin watched the spectacle. Faith in his students.

Ruby had come minutes ago. Immediately after regaining consciousness, she had to defend people who were caught in the crossfire. Grimm was pouring in from the tunnel and there were a lot of them. Ruby sliced a beowulf in half and shot another that was approaching. She shot herself in the air as she quickly fired three rounds into some of the grimm before slamming her blade into the head of a boarbatusk.

She looked around watching her team and Jaune's team continue to slay the grimm. Even a few students arrived to help. She felt confident, but there's still a lot of civilians. Oobleck said to hold out since more help would come, but fatigue was starting to go against her. The school was a good distance away, but maybe they can arrive.

Ruby sliced another and pierced another skull as she fired into it. She twirled her scythe, blocking a beowolf's claws. She jumped and spun in the air as her blade had sliced through the torso. She landed blocking a strike. Before she could counter, a shot punctured its skull.

It fell, disintegrating. Ruby turned toward the owner, but a beowolf pounced. She entered her stance as she prepared to decapitate another. A familiar huntsman landed on it, pinning it to the ground as its skull cracked. Ruby sighed as she looked up.

Her eyes widened as she recognized her friend. "August! Thank god you're here!"

He shot another shot into another grimm that was charging. He landed beside her as she realized the striking difference. The red eyes and the different weapons. Ruby could tell its Content, but now it was twin hand axes. She could even make out a hand cannon mod on one of them.

August turned toward her, the freckles of blood now evident. "Stay focused."

With the quick words, he fired a shot that passed by Ruby's head, penetrating a boarbatusk's skull. Before she could say anything, August had quickly darted toward a group of grimm. Ruby watched for a moment as she quickly composed herself and joined.

Soon enough, professors and other huntsmen arrived, ending the horde of grimm. With the tunnel blocked, the remaining grimm were dealt with. Pyrrha had pulled her blade from a grimm that was beginning to disintegrate. She turned toward her team, a smile stretching across her face. Jaune practically flopped to the ground with fists raised. She turned noticing some students, along with half of team RWBY, staring in a direction.

She turned, seeing August examining his weapon as he began to walk past them all. The small freckles of red against his face answered several unspoken doubts. Suddenly his eyes changed from red to orange in an instant. A familiar smile, that seemed eerie with the blood, curved his lips as he let off an exasperated sigh.

"Thank god." He put hands against his hips. "Good job everyone! Be sure to rest for the upcoming festival."

With that he began walking, frowning at his broken chain. Several confused looks were shared as everyone began to arrive as Atlas troops began to arrive. Torchwick, who is currently arguing as he is being levitated, is the reason.

"I get it!" He shouted. "Where's my hat? Can you at least get my hat?"

Ruby watched for the moment before joining her teammates. As she approached she looked to where August went, she noticed him board an airship. A faint wave he gave as the doors closed.

A/n: A decently long one. Hope you all enjoyed it! I'm currently in college so updates might be slower.