I shut the door as I made my way toward the desk. Content and Greed's chain was, dare I say, utterly destroyed. Split in half by that Adam guy. I don't know his semblance, but I have a vague idea of how he used it. I held the chain up, a fine cut through the metal, and unlatched it. I put it away for later, getting a fresh chain from a drawer.
'Do you think there are stronger metals?'
Only if Atlas has it, Ozpin supplies us with the metal, and it's tough as shit. Which is why I'm surprised it broke at all.
'Maybe it's time to switch metals.'
Ha Ha, very funny. Would you like to tell Ozpin that?
'...'
That's what I thought. I shook my head, connecting the new chain and attaching it to the handle. I joined the two parts and twisted only for the pieces to do the opposite. I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. Damn it, it always does this.
'I think we'll get it this time!'
Always the optimist, thank you. I'll need to take it back to the workshop. Carrying them to the workshop could have been more comfortable, especially when some students approached me and tried talking to me about the breach incident. After trial and error with the students, I've finally made it to the workshop. I grabbed a set of tools and began to take apart Content and Greed.
"I'm telling you, August was kicking ass out there!" Yang said, standing from the table.
"Well, he is technically a full huntsman." Weiss flipped through her notes, glancing at everyone as they watched her. "Just a suggestion."
Ruby, however, was focused on other matters. Recalling the events, she can't help but notice the shift in August. However, she's not the only one. Pyrrha glanced at the young leader, having similar thoughts about the August they saw at the breach.
"Ruby, you talked to him, right?" Yang suddenly questioned. "What did he say?"
Recalling the event, Ruby shuddered at the appearance of August. "We didn't get to talk…"
"Boo." Nora frowned and gave a displeased look. "Well, why don't you?"
Ruby opened her mouth but couldn't argue. She deflated as Yang snickered.
"Well, go do that!" Yang laughed. "Oh, and ask if he wants to join us at the festival."
"I don't even know where he is!"
"Probably in his dorm," Blake suggested. "I can't blame him either since he was on a mission."
Ruby pouted before reluctantly getting up. "Fine."
"I'll go with you." Pyrrha suddenly stood up.
A few surprised looks escaped the table as Yang smirked. "Why? Need a to 'train' again?"
Pyrrha rolled her eyes as a bit of pink dusted her cheeks. "No, I want to know what his mission details were."
Yang waved her off. "Oh yeah, I'm sure."
Pyrrha turned away, a darker shade spreading across her face. "Let's go."
Ruby followed as Yang's laughter died down.
Soon, they arrived at his dorm room and knocked. Silence was the answer as they shared a look. Ruby struck again, adding a rhythm to it. No one answered the door, causing Ruby to open the door. It creaked, showcasing the room and its furniture. The young huntress stepped in, glancing around as she called.
"August?" Her eyes searched the room, moving over to his bed. "You here?"
Pyrrha glanced around, taking note of how similar the dorms were. Even though he was an assistant, he still kept things simple. Minus the spare magazines in his desk drawer. Her brow raised as she moved the ammunition aside to reveal a broken chain. Ruby popped up beside her, chin resting on her shoulder.
"Whatcha find?" She stood beside her. "Hey, isn't that August chain? For Content and Greed."
"You recognize it?" Pyrrha glanced toward the young leader.
Ruby sheepishly laughed, a hint of punk dusting her cheeks. "I might have asked him to see his weapon. A lot…"
Pyrrha giggled as she glanced back at the chain. "Oh! There's another one here!"
Pyrrha turned, watching Ruby hold out the other half of the chain. The two were suddenly reminded of August's fighting style during the breach. Pyrrha, who remembered him as a guardian who deflected Grimm from huntsmen in training and civilians, and Ruby, who could only remember the way he slaughtered the Grimm. Pyrrha smiled at the thought as Ruby turned toward her.
"Wait, wouldn't he be at the workshop if his chain is broken?" Pyrrha nodded, agreeing to the guess.
"You two must be close." The sudden words caused Ruby to wave her off.
"Well, duh." They began to make their way toward the academy's workshop. "On the first day of school, he helped Jaune and me where to go."
Pyrrha smiled as she turned toward her friend. "Yes, he is very kind."
Ruby nodded, putting her fists to her sides. "Yup, plus he's hilarious. But he does seem weird. Like there are times he doesn't seem like…August."
Pyrrha turned toward her, eyes wide as she laughed. "You noticed, too? I thought I was the only one."
"So he is weird!" Ruby declared, the two giggling at her theory. "Have you noticed that his eyes change color? I thought it was because of his semblance, kinda like Yangs."
"I have noticed it as well."
The two continued to talk as they arrived at the workshop. They opened the door, allowing a student to leave, as they glanced around the different sections of the rooms. It didn't take long since August had a unique hairstyle, as Ruby quickly used her semblance to stop beside him. She promptly wrapped her arms around his waist as August let off a startled yell.
"What the?" August quickly looked down, seeing Ruby's wide eyes. "Ruby-What are you doing here? Don't scare me like that!"
"Hehe, sorry." She quickly apologized. "Just that we were looking for you."
"We?" His eyes landed on Pyrrha, who returned an awkward wave. "Pyrrha? Why were you two looking for me?"
"It's a funny story. Well, I-" Ruby gave a short pause. "I don't remember."
Pyrrha laughed, finishing her friend's thought. "The others wanted to invite you to the festival."
"Oh," August tried to connect his weapon, only to lock again. "I would love to, but my weapon is jammed, so I can't go."
"Why don't you leave it for now?" Ruby said, watching August take apart his weapon. "You know, save it for later?"
"Can't," August said. "Don't like leaving unfinished work. It'll bother me until I fix it or fix it enough that it won't affect me now."
Pyrrha nodded, watching as he made sure to oil each part. She glanced at his eyes, seeing the same orange that she was used to. Maybe it was due to his semblance or something similar. Ruby watched as well, although mainly his work.
"If you guys can tell them, that would be great." He said. "I just don't think I'll be able to go now."
"Does this happen normally?" Pyrrha asked, stepping to the other side.
"Only when I change its form or replace the chain." He began to put the parts together.
"Isn't this gear too big?" Ruby suddenly asked as she held up the gear. "And the bolt, it's kinda small for the frame."
August turned and eyed the parts that she mentioned. "No, it's just- wait a damn minute. But it's- wait, hold on."
A grin slowly spread across Ruby's face as she leaned over the table. "You're not great at making weapons, August?"
"What?" August turned his head toward her. "No, of course not! I just-"
His words died as his eyes suddenly snapped to yellow. The two huntresses shared a look with Ruby, unable to contain that dimpled smile. Before Pyrrha could speak, a buzz was heard as she glanced at her scroll. She quickly excused herself, responding to the message. Ruby turned back, watching as the full-fledged 'assistant' hid behind his hands.
A smug look replaced her expression. "Do you need help?"
"Me?" August quickly waved his hands. "No, no, I'm fine!"
Her expression didn't falter. "Well, how did you know what was wrong with it?"
Her smile practically reached her eyes. "Oh, you know, it's kinda my hobby."
She walked over to a drawer labeled 'Parts.' Pyrrha's voice suddenly drew the two toward her as she began searching. She approached with an apologetic gaze.
"Sorry, but I need to return to my team." She said, looking toward Ruby. "Be sure to fill me in once you've finished what you were doing."
Ruby received the hint, giving an enthusiastic thumbs up. "You got it!"
"Don't worry, we will," August said, still wincing at his mistake.
Pyrrha smiled before taking her leave. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be fine."
Pyrrha waved, the door closing after her. Ruby continued grabbing the parts before glancing toward Content and Greed. After gathering all the parts, she placed them on the table before noticing that her outfit had already begun to have a smudge on it.
"Ah, crap." She said, glancing down at her uniform. "I'll be right back, gotta change!"
Before August mentioned the spare apron and gloves, Ruby used her semblance and vanished from the room. The door didn't even begin to fully close as Ruby quickly entered in a flutter of petals. She slid to stop, light panting escaping her. August couldn't get a word in as she stood straight with a bit of laughter.
"Now I'm ready!" She posed as if showing off her outfit.
It adorned her colors, as she had a tank top with welding goggles. Baggy pants fit her as August glanced at her shoes. His arms crossed, a teasing look in his eye.
"Crocs?" Her smile disappeared as she awkwardly scratched the back of her head.
"I forgot my boots at home…"
"Why didn't you just wear your combat boots?"
A look of realization hit her as she turned toward the door. "Be right-"
August smacked the back of her head. "C'mon, let's get to work."
She pointed and reluctantly walked over toward the weapon. With a glance around, a lightbulb turned on in her head. She glanced over at August, watching him tie back his hair more. Her eyes darted from him to his weapon as she glanced over the material.
"August?" the voice sounded.
August didn't turn as he examined the parts. "Hm?"
"How come you don't use the second form?"
Ruby watched, seeing August become somber as he continued with the pieces. "I do. That's how it broke."
Ruby mentally flicked herself. "Right. What were you fighting for it to break?"
"Grimm."
Ruby paused, fully turning toward him. "Grimm?"
"Yeah," He continued. "I…didn't expect it either."
Ruby watched him. "What kind of Grimm?"
"Sabyr- What's with the questions?"
August turned his head with a raid brow. Ruby turned away, swiping her hair back. With the way things are going, she might need to be blunt. Then again, she is Yang's sister.
"Why do your eyes change color?" She suddenly asked.
The sudden question caused August to drop the chains. He paused, eyes trailing Ruby as he could see the gears turning in his head. Suddenly, he shook his head, picking up the chain.
"You wouldn't believe me." He said, turning toward the table.
"What?" She asked, stepping beside August. "I will!"
"No, you'll think I'm insane." He gave a smile. "Trust me, it's not the first time."
"Well," Ruby paused. "I can try?"
He gave a blank look. He sighed as he noticed the eagerness in her eyes. August glanced around the workshop, seeing no one else. He blinked around, making sure no one was there.
"You ain't gonna drop it, are you?" Ruby's eyes widened, a smile forming.
"Nope!" She suddenly sped up to him.
He pinched the bridge of his nose before motioning toward the table. "Let's talk and work."
The two made their way over, picking up where they left off. As the two worked, Ruby waited for his reasoning. Silence seemed to last for an hour as she was about to speak up. August beat her to it.
"I'm not alone." His sudden words startled Ruby.
She watched briefly bit, her eyes softening, before placing a hand on his shoulder. "Of course, you're not alone."
"What?" His tone was confused as he looked down at her. "Of course, I'm not 'alone' alone! Though, thanks for saying that."
Her face flushed as she backed away. "Ah, sorry about that."
August laughed, turning back toward the parts. "I meant, I'm not the only one in my soul."
She turned toward him, mouth agape, yet the words caught in her throat. August turned toward her, now adorned with yellow eyes and an awkward smile. He gave a small wave.
"Hi." His voice is lighter yet soothing. "I'm also August, but different? It's been a while since we had to explain this. There's another one, but he doesn't want to come out."
She couldn't even express her confusion nor the amount of questions as the 'new' August's eyes reverted to orange. He turned back toward the table as he held out a gear. Ruby stared at the moment but quickly smacked herself as she took part. The two continued to work as Ruby continued her questions.
"How," Ruby tried to piece together the words. "How does it work?"
"I guess it works kinda like roommates. We share a body and all that."
"So there's three of you?" Ruby looked over the metal conditions.
"Actually, yeah." August turned toward the whetstone. "Although, here at Beacon, I have to be one person in front of others. So I'm the one you're mainly talking to."
Ruby smiled. "What are they like?"
"Well?" August looked toward the ceiling as he thought over his answer. "The yellow one, he's shy and doesn't like fighting. He is also really nice."
Ruby nodded as she was reminded of August with red eyes. "And the red one?"
August turned toward her, blinking at her question. "How did you know the other one's red?"
Ruby crossed her arms under her chest. "Really? I've seen the red eyes a couple of times. Like with Cardin, the first sparring match with Pyrrha, and the breach!"
August awkwardly laughed. "Oh, right."
"'Oh, right.'" Ruby mocked as she laughed. "But I did think it had to do with your semblance."
August chuckled, helping Ruby with the chain. "I'm glad I'm not that obvious."
The worked as Ruby continued to rethink everything August had just said. Although a surprise, she had a different opinion.
"That's so cool!" She suddenly shouted, startling August.
"Wha-Hey!" He shouted, eyes alert. "Keep it down!"
"R-Right, sorry." She smiled as she looked up at him. "It's just really cool."
August let off a laugh. "Well, thanks, I guess."
She lifted the frame, and she held it toward him. "No offense to the others, but I'm glad you're the one I talk to often."
August's face flushed as he kept glancing away. "All right, you didn't have to say all that."
"But I wanted to." Ruby laughed as she bumped her hip against him.
August, who kept his eyes elsewhere, laughed as he returned the jester. "You can't even reach!"
"Shut up!" As the two continued their shenanigans
It would be a lie if it didn't take long for them to finish as the two finally stepped away from the table. Both covered in sweat and grime due to the metal works, they both smiled at the finished version of Content and Greed. It was fully operational, with the axes sanded and chiseled to smaller axe heads. The frame was a bit sleeker, and the entire rifle was a bit longer. August lifted Content above his head as his eyes suddenly turned red. With a quick motion, it was unlatched, and the chain freely flowed.
August spun the chain around his forearm, continuing before lightly wrapping it around his neck. He let go as the motion carried the weapon. With a move, extending his wrist and flicking it, he spun as one of the axe blades embedded itself into one of the tables. With a tug, it dislodged itself as he quickly grabbed the handles and realigned the parts. Ruby shook with excitement as she smiled widely, hearing the familiar sounds of the mechanisms connecting.
August continued to inspect the weapon, a huff escaping him. "Adequate."
Ruby smirked as she stood confidently. "I know, I'm good."
August side-eyed Ruby as his eyes flooded with orange. He placed the weapon down, a smile slowly stretching across his face. He suddenly pumped his fist in the air and sighed in relief.
"Oh, thank god." He laughed, his fingers brushing across the frame.
"Happy?" Ruby looked smug as she leaned against the table and wiped the sweat off her.
"Happy?" He said, looking up at her. "I'm fucking thrilled! You have no idea how long it took me even to scratch the damn surface of the problem, but all I needed was you!"
The sudden words flushed Ruby's face. "Huh? Wait-!"
She was suddenly thrown in the air as she let off a scream. August caught her as he ruffled her hair. She stood there, her face darkened in crimson. August extended his arms out, motioning toward Ruby.
"Roses, you're practically a god with those hands!" Ruby attempted to pull her hood across her face, realizing she had left it in her room.
"You can stop now!" She exclaimed.
"Okay, okay." August laughed, his arms raised in defense.
August glanced toward Content and Greed. He examined it for a moment longer as he suddenly spotted a symbol. On the stock, it was adorned with a rose engraved into it. He raised a brow as he lifted his weapon and showed it toward the huntress.
"Care to explain why there's a rose on my gun?" August smirked, seeing her wince.
"I just thought it would look cool…" She gave an awkward shrug.
He shook his head, walking past her. "Well, don't worry about it. I like it."
She watched him for a moment, slightly shocked at his response. She quickly composed herself as she quickly followed. The two walked down the hall, seeing that the sun had already gone down. She pulled out her scroll, seeing the messages her team had left and some from Jaune's team.
"Ah, crap!" She exasperated. "My teams were wondering what's taking so long, and it was an hour ago!"
August glanced over her shoulder to see the flood of messages as she began to send a response. "I mean, we were there for a while."
"I mean, yeah." The two arrived at the dorm. "The whole thing was supposed to be Me and Pyrrha inviting you to the festival."
"Ah," August answered. "Well, you helped me with Content and Greed, so I owe you. How does tomorrow sound to you?
She smiled. "Yeah, I'm sure that'll be fine with everyone."
August nodded as he opened the dorm. "I'll see you all tomorrow, then."
"Finally, you're coming with us!" Ruby attached herself to his side as he fumbled to keep himself from dropping his weapon. "You're going to have so much fun! Plus, there's a ton of food!"
"I know, I know!" August laughed, shuffling over to his desk and placing down Content. "I helped with the festival, y'know!"
"Oh yeah, huh." She let go as she glanced around again. "Wait, does that mean you know who's fighting?"
August paused for a moment, glancing at his scroll. "Kinda? I have an idea, but I'm waiting for the Headmaster to send me the information."
Opening the scroll, he noticed there was a message from Ozpin. He requested his presence in his office tomorrow. Ruby glanced over his shoulder, catching a glimpse as August sat on the edge of his bed.
"Guess I'm meeting with Ozpin." He sighed.
"But the festival." Ruby pouted.
"Maybe it has to do with the festival?" August shrugged. "Don't worry, it'll probably be a short meeting."
Ruby nodded as she stepped toward the door. "Well, hopefully it is. Catch you later!"
August waved, getting ready to get out of the clothes.
'Well, it can't be that bad, right?'
I hope so, too. The elevator dinged as the doors revealed Ozpin standing, his back facing me as he watched the festival in the city. The atmosphere is alright, but it is heavy. I wiped the sweat off my palms as I exited the elevator.
"Headmaster Ozpin, you requested me?" My voice caused his head to turn, but it was hard to tell.
"He did." A familiar, raspy voice.
Qrow, dramatic as hell. He stepped out of the shadows with a smirk. He raised his arms in some gesture. He raised a brow, seeing the expression on my face.
"What's with the look?" He dropped his hands. "We haven't seen each other in two to three years?"
"Why were you in the shadows, waiting?" He shrugged. Are you kidding me?
"Had to come up with an entrance, am I right?"
"And you chose a creepy one?"
He waved me off as Ozpin finally turned toward me. I felt my body straighten; the neutral look on his face was something I'd known when he was serious about something. He noticed my posture as a small smile appeared.
"Ah, I apologize." He raised a hand. "It's nothing bad, I assure you."
I relaxed, a sigh escaping me. Qrow snickered a bit as he sat against his desk; even though he said that, it didn't make things less awkward. Wait a damn minute?
"Why are you here?" I crossed my arms.
"What, I can't visit my nieces?" I rolled my eyes.
"He's here for a separate reason," Ozpin answered.
"But I couldn't miss this," Qrow smirked at me, taking a swig from his flask.
Ozpin's eyes trailed over me. He did the same thing when assigning me my first mission. A sigh escaped him as his expression cracked. His eyes suddenly downcasted away from me, his hands behind his back.
"August," He suddenly voiced. "How long were you an assistant here in Beacon?"
I counted. "Four years? Give or take a couple of months."
"Then that means you have been here, learning, studying, and assisting students the same amount of years as huntsmen graduate." His eyes finally met mine.
I glanced toward Qrow, the same smile still on his face. Ozpin rarely brings up the time I've been here. The times he had, it was to ask if I had any plans.
I held my hand up. "Ozpin, I'm happy here. I've made friends that I hope last a lifetime. Helping people is a major plus, so if you're going to ask me to–."
"Just," Qrow cut in. "Listen to the man, kid. He's more nervous than usual."
My eyes switched between the two. This is different. I wipe my palms against my pants, fixing my posture. Ozpin watched, a feint smile appearing as he suddenly grabbed his cane. He walked toward me, stepping around and watching the clock tick.
"August." His words lightly cracked. "This year would be your last."
He turned toward me, a smile on his face. "This year, you will become a full-fledged huntsman. You will be graduating."
His words knocked out any questions or ideas I had. Before I could digest the news, Qrow wrapped his arms around my shoulder, shaking me from side to side. My face betrayed me as Qrow cackled at my expression.
"Look at his face!" He patted my back. "That's priceless."
He pulled his scroll out, snapping a quick photo of my face as he smiled at the camera. He smirked, ruffling my hair.
"You're kidding." My voice came back. "I'm graduating?"
"You are, son." Ozpin patted my shoulder, grasping it firmly. "You will become the best of us. Now you should go and celebrate. Visit the festival or accompany friends. Relax, August; you deserve a day off."
Qrow's brow raised. "Wait, Oz–."
"Not now, Qrow." Ozpin guided me to the elevator. "I will contact you for any news about your future."
The moment I stepped into the elevator, the doors closed, and the last thing I saw was a sympathetic smile. I stood in the elevator, listening to the jazz. I pumped my fist as I quickly pulled my scroll. They searched the contacts, a grin etched into my face. The scroll rang, the two profile pictures staring back. The screen changed as both Roses and Jaune were looking down.
"August?" The two said in unison.
"Guys, are all of you busy?"
Jaune set his scroll down as I heard his voice fade out. "Yang took Blake to the festival, so I'm here with Weiss."
She switched the camera, facing the heiress. Weiss brushed her hair as she looked in the reflection, spotting me waving. Blood rushed to her face, making her scramble out of the camera's view. I snickered as Ruby switched the camera back.
"So, why'd you call?" Suddenly, her eyes flashed. "Wait! Are you ready to go to the festival?"
"Exactly." The elevator dinged, and the doors opened. "Tell Weiss to finish up and meet me by the landing pads."
Jaune came back as he picked up his scroll. "Yeah, we're not busy."
"Great, 'cause tell your team to get ready and meet me by the landing pads." Jaune smiled as he turned but paused.
"Wait, does that mean me, too?" He rubbed the base of his neck.
"No, you stay there." His eyes briefly filled with shame. "Yes, you too! Get ready, we're going to the festival. Consider it on me because I've got news!"
He sighed in relief. He said his goodbye as he hung up. Ruby followed as I quickly blinked down the hallway and headed to my dorm.
A/N: I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. It's mainly because we're nearing the end of volume 3, and we all know what happens there. August is graduating! Ozpin keeps stalling! Who knows what else might happen? Wait, no, I do.
Either way, I hope you all enjoy it! Give me feedback cause I love that shit.
