RWVBY

Chapter 2

Young Ruby Rose, leader of team RWBY, stood with her team huddled among the other first year teams in Beacons assembly hall. It had only been a few months ago that she was standing here for initiation and she couldn't help but think of how far her and her team have come. Although they started off on the wrong foot, she and her partner Weiss were becoming besties. Her grades were starting to look up, and their team were talking about incorporating some super cool team moves.

'What could be BETTER!' She thought.

"What do you think the assembly is about Rubes?" Her sister, the buxom blonde brawler, Yang asked. Ruby no longer in deep thought gave a short shrug.

"Perhaps with the Vytal Festival next semester, the assembly will be about that." The young Schnee Heiress pointed out.

"Could be about our break coming up as well," Blake, the resident added to the silent nodding's of her team. The quiet conversations between teams continued on for a while till the sound of footsteps drew everyone's attention to the main stage. Headmaster Ozpin slowly walked up to the podium center stage, followed closely by Professor Glynda Goodwitch. He gave a light tap to the mic causing the sound to echo throughout the assembly hall carried by the many speakers.

"Ah, Perfect. Good morning and attention students." Ozpin greeted the first-year teams. I've called this assembly today to make a few announcements regarding the remaining few weeks of this semester and next semesters Vytal Festival."

The RBY of Team RWBY did a collective eye roll as Weiss looked all to smug having correctly guess the nature of the assembly.

"There will be a change to the upcoming Vytal Festival." Ozpin said drawing some confused looks from the crowd. "The main tournament will proceed as planned, but this year there will be a smaller secondary tournament as well, comprising of one first-year team from each academy. While the main Vytal tournament stands to show the strength of the academy's students through combat, this new event will focus on the strength of your team's strength as a whole on and off the field of combat. It will also be a show of the prowess of the teachers of their respective academy and their capability to pass on knowledge to the next generation."

'Woah! A new event! And one team gets to represent Beacon! This was huge,' The collective thoughts shared among the first-year class.

"I'm sure many of you are wondering why the sudden addition to the Vytal Festival?" Ozpin spoke again. "That is because starting later today we will be introducing a new student among you all. They've come highly recommended by a former alumni of Beacon and they will be joining one of your teams to become Beacons first ever five person team." Ozpin didn't get a chance to continue as a roar of voices started raising up from the crowd.

CRACK!

Any noise was quickly silenced and students remained tight lipped as the all-mighty smack of Professor Goodwitch's riding crop could be heard throughout the whole school. With the ever-looming threat of becoming its next victim no one dared make even a peep.

"Thank you, Glynda." Ozpin said curtly. "Ahem… This five person team, which has still yet to be decided will enter as Beacon's chosen representative for the new Vytal Festival event. The other academies will also be introducing and choosing a team of 5 to compete." Ozpin explained. "Lastly, todays class schedule will be slightly changed. Combat class with Professor Goodwitch will be moved to the final class of the day, where we will be introducing the young individual joining Beacon. With that student, I wish you all a good day." Ozpin finished and began walking off stage. Glynda quickly took his spot at the podium and instructed the first years on what to do next.

Anticipation was at an all time high through the halls of Beacon. Rumors running wild as students speculated on the incoming student. It was all anyone seemed to be talking about, even the higher years were curious when they found out the news. Team RWBY sat in the lunch room about to eat, Blake read her book as usual, ruby and Weiss were currently eating and Yang was about to feed the rumor mill.

"I heard someone saw him in between periods near the teacher lounge." Yang spoke up.

"Well, I heard he was hanging out with the third years to law low until combat class." Ruby said before taking a bite into her sandwich. There was a scenario of every kind to who and where this mysterious student was.

"Hey team RWBY!" The four ladies looked up and saw none other than Jaune Arc followed closely by the rest of team JNPR. Ren had a modest meal on his plate, while Nora's' was staked on high. Pyrrha offered her signature hello again smile and wave as they sat down next to their sister team.

"Hey everyone!" Ruby greeted them.

"You all talking about the new student?" Jaune asked.

"Who isn't at this point." Blake spoke up but not without ever taking her eyes of her book.

"Well, it is big news. Whichever team is picked will have the reasonability of representing beacon at the Vytal festival for the first of a brand new event." There was a moment of silent reflection for Weiss' word. This moment was cut very short as Nora both her hands onto the table.

"I heard they're a 30 year old ringer brought in to secure an easy win for Beacon!" She shouted. Though her usual outbursts tended to be outlandish with all the rumors running around this was fairly tame for Nora.

"Atlas has won the last few Vytal festivals." Weiss said all too proudly and from their conversation devolved into more rumors.

The time had finally arrived, combat class was starting! The combat arena was empty and all first year teams were seated waiting for Professor Goodwitch. As they heard footsteps approaching all eyes were glued to the entrance. As Glynda finally entered behind her was the subject of everyone's attention. They could finally get a look at them, or at least they tried too. It was hard to tell just who this new student was. Any identifying feature was blocked by a long black hooded coat, they could barely even tell if they were a girl or guy. What they could tell was; they looked tall, definitely 6 feet, they had blue jeans, boots, and underneath the black coat was a white shirt.

"Hey look at his hand" Yang whispered nudging her team. The other members of team RWBY focused their eyes and while they didn't notice anything with his left hand, his right however shined as if it was metallic.

"A gauntlet? Maybe its his weapon?" Ruby brought up. Any further discussion was squashed as they reached center stage the new student moved to lower his hood. The new student was in fact a guy as many noticed. He had a sharp clean shaven face, and a mop of brown hair that almost reached his eyes.

"Class I would like to introduce Cassian Vale, from Vacuo. As Ozpin said earlier, he will be joining one of your teams for your remaining time here at beacon." Professor Goodwitch introduced Cassian to everyone. "Today's class will be slightly different. Since Cassian is joinging the semester later he will be participating in all matches today." She explained.

"Now! Who would like to challenge first?" An army of hands raised up. A chance to fight someone recommended by a former graduate of Beacon. Everyone wanted a chance! Glynda peroused the sea of hands before setting on one.

"Mr. Libel, please grab your weapon from the locker room and come to the arena." Glynda called down Ajax Libel of team Jackel (JCKL)

Ajax had taken to the stage shortly after carrying a dust infused sword. The class watched as Cassian reached for his side and from his coat pull out a balisong knife. The blade was curved, and the handle was ornate. He started performing tricks with the blade flicking his wrist and flipping the knife.

"Victory will be decided by aura count, ring out, or submission. You will wait for my call." Ajax was looking confident, holding his sword proudly. Cassian on the other hand looked all too relaxed.

"Begin!" Professor Goodwitch shouted and the match began. Ajax tan towards his opponent while Cassian stood still. He was feeling proud, excited to strut his stuff. To some he looked a little too confident but he had a lot to prove for himself. His sword was raised high ready to strike. To Glynda Goodwitch, who watched closely as Ajax swung down reaching melee distance, Ajax was overextending when he didn't need to. Cassian side stepped to right, but not without jutting his leg out to the left. It was ever so slight enough to trip Ajax, causing him to fall over.

Ajax, face first on the floor, tried to turn over. As he was mid turn he was quickly met with a knee to the chest, pinning him down. He grunted in pain and tried to move but Cassian offered no leeway. Kneeling over Ajax, Cassian took his knife and brought it to Ajax's throat. Even with aura there was little he could do in this situation.

"Yield, it's over." Cassian commanded, low enough that only Ajax could hear him. Not wanting to risk any further embarrassment, Ajax gave in.

"I yield!" Cassian let off his knee off his opponent's chest and offered his hand to Ajax, who begrudgingly accepted. Being lifted up the defeated student awaited his critique from the professor.

"Mr. Libel, you may return to your seat." She motioned back towards the stands. "Students please, I know this is an exciting day but do not rush into combat." Somehow this was worse. Ajax slowly made his back up to his seat greeted by sympathetic mutterings and pats on the back. "Who would like to challenge next?" Less hands were raised this time as Goodwitch called out. "Miss Sunday, you may grab your weapon and approach the arena." Sally Sunday of team Sunday (SNDY) left her seat and went towards the locker room. Making her way to the arena, Sally stood opposite of Cassian and readied her weapon. Hers in particular was a collapsible staff. "Like last match, victory will be decided by aura, ring out, or submission." Both combatants nodded.

"Begin!"

Sally slowly approached Cassian, who like last match stood still flicking his knife in his hand. She was leading with her staff, not planning on making the same mistake Ajax made. When she got in range, she pushed out with her staff with a poke motion to try and hit Cassian. She was far enough where she wouldn't be tripped. The only downside was her attack gave him space to dodge and dodge he did. Sally didn't stop there she continued her poking barrage, slowly forcing him out and back. She was confident in her strategy, she made for a sweeping motion and aimed for his legs. Cassian jumped in response missing the attack. Sally grinned, she had him where she wanted him. As he landed back on his feet, Sally's staff collapsed allowing her to easily pose for a strike while he was recovering. As she was about to connect Cassian brought his knife to his chest deflecting the strike. Sally, not prepared to give up any chance she followed through and continued to swing at Cassian clashing with him and slowly pushing him to the edge of the arena. With the push of a button the weapon returned to its staff form but this time a blade jutted out from the top transforming it into a halberd. With an overhead strike she brought the halberd down. Cassian, blade in his right hand, caught the halberd. The blade seemed to be too much as Sally inched closer applying more pressure, forced him to down to one knee. Sally smiled feeling victory imminent, with a bit more pressure she could push hum out of the arena. 'So much for a highly recommended individual.' She thought. That smiled quickly vanished with what she saw next. Part of Cassian's knife separated and fell towards the ground. With his free left hand, he grabbed the extra knife and took a swipe at Sally's legs, hitting her directly. Even with aura mitigating the attack she still felt the pain. Her leverage dropped, her advantage lost, and with all the pressure applying gone, Cassian swiped the halberd away. Using his left arm, he leaned and kicked Sally right in the gut knocking her back. Sally; back to the floor, weapon out of her hands, found a boot planted into her stomach and like Ajax before her was pinned. This time her own weapon was pointed at her face and with a heavy sigh she admitted defeat.

"I yield."

"Damn, just as the fight was getting good," Yang sounded disappointed, she was hunched over, hands on her cheeks.

"Well, Goodwitch did say they could win by submission," Blake pointed out.

"That was a smart trick separating his weapon like that, Sally didn't expect it at all." Ruby mentioned.

"Thirty year old ringer." Nora whispered in a sing song voice just loud enough for her own team and team RWBY to hear, earning some snorts and light giggles. Though it seems Glynda took notice of this.

"Miss Rose, why don't you come down and be the final challenger for today's class." Ruby's eyes darted to the arena not even have noticed Sally has left. Ruby quickly shuffled to the locker room and after retrieving crescent rose, made her way to the arena. She was slightly nervous as she stood opposite her opponent but Ruby didn't let it show. As she got a closer look at her opponent, she noticed he had three rings on his left hand. "This match will be decided by aura loss only, no submission or ring outs." Looks like Goodwitch wanted to watch a full fight this time as well just like the students.

"Before we begin, if no one's told you yet. Welcome to Beacon!" Ruby greeted him, the kind soul she was. Clearly not expecting that Cassian relaxed and smiled.

"You're the first student to say that, thank you." No longer doing any tricks, he adopted a combative stance, his weapon still in their separated form.

Ruby deployed crescent rose, ready to fight.

"Begin!"

For the first time Cassian ran at his opponent. They both met center stage, scythe and knifes clashed. The two continued to clash as neither made head way. A GO RUBY could be heard. It was probably Yang, not that Ruby noticed. She was too focused on the fight. With no progress on either side. Ruby decided to change things up. While Ajax and Sally fought close quarters, Ruby had crescent rose's gun form to fight from a distance. Using her semblance, she retreated back gaining some good distance, she slammed her scythe down and took aim. Firing she hit him directly doing some damage to his aura. She opened fire again but this time Cassian dodged in time. Ruby wasn't too worried; she was a good distance that she could keep firing and with her semblance she could get a way to reposition should he try and close that distance. Except he wasn't trying to get closer. He joined together his knives to one and holstered it quickly. Cassian raised his right arm and a dust projectile fired out. It was almost the size of a shot from ember celica. Ruby narrowly dodged the blast and quickly repositioned her scythe sniper.

'So, it was a dust gauntlet.' Ruby thought as the two exchanged a small firefight of dust rounds. While Cassian's shots packed more power, Ruby's were quicker. In this war of attrition Ruby's speed would prove the victor. That's when Ruby started to notice something strange. Cassian started to glow grey. 'His semblance?' Ruby stayed observant, ready for anything. Suddenly slightly dislocated off Cassian's body something formed. It was like a mechanical snake, its tail made of chains, and shot at above Ruby seemingly grasping the air. With a tugging motion, the chain pulled Cassian through the air soaring towards Ruby. Even though she was shocked Ruby quickly shifted her scythe ready to deflect the knife now poised to hit as Cassian approached midair. The two clashed and as Cassian landed on his feet he continued his assault, sliding around Ruby's scythe to try and hit from the side. Ruby was quick enough to deflect and with a quick twirl of crescent rose tried for an overhead. Just as she began bringing it down the snack head appeared from behind Cassian and shout out backwards. Just like that he pulled back as he was pulled by the chain safely dodging Ruby's strike.

"A maneuvering semblance? Like Ruby's?" Weiss asked no in particular as she and the remaining class watched intently.

Ruby had to think of something, if he could move around fast like her, that changed things. With an idea in mind, she quickly activated her semblance and traveled through the arena. Cassian tried to keep up with her but found it hard from her sporadic movements and the array of rose petals coming from her. He tried to fire some shots at her but had no luck of hitting. After a bit longer of traveling Ruby reappeared midair, crescent rose in its compact gun mode and fire a shot, this time not at Cassian but at the knife in his hand. Hitting her target, the weapon was flung from Cassian's hand and towards the floor far away from him. The students cheered Ruby on for her good hit. She had an opening now even with his semblance if Ruby could close the distance, he would have no weapon to defend himself and that's just what Ruby did. Rushing in Ruby went to strike. Cassian was glowing again; didn't matter no what direction he'd go flying in Ruby could keep up. Chains formed around each of Cassian's arms, but this time the snake heads connected to them dropped to the ground. As Ruby got close Cassian swung his hands and his semblance clashed with crescent rose.

"So not just a maneuvering semblance, it has combat use as well," Weiss spoke first.

"Is it a summon?" Jaune asked curious how the semblance worked.

"I don't think it's a summon Jaune. I think it's more like a construct, Pyrrha chimed in.

The clash of semblance against scythe continued in the arena. Even without his knife Cassian was not defenseless, as Ruby was quickly finding out. The chained semblance has quite the reach and with the force he was using, he could tussle with Yatsuhashi's great sword, fulcrum. Weaving through this attacks Ruby tried to get closer. As she did the chains around Cassian's arms disappeared, his semblance fading away. She didn't know if it was intentional or his semblance had a limit but she had her opening. Cassian dodged narrowly as she cleaved her way at him. Sooner or later, she would hit him. Just as it seemed she was close, Cassian extended his arm towards the ceiling, thee chains once again forming. The snake head shot out and pulled him up. Ruby turned to follow where he was going to be met with a coat hitting her in the face. Covering her face completely, Ruby was blinded. She had to get it off quickly. One hand still holding her weapon, she used her other to grab the coat and throw it to the floor. Finally able to see again she had no way to protect from the fist inches from connecting with her.

There were some gasps coming from the stands, not from the hit but what the one who threw the punch. With no coat, they could see the clearly oversized white shirt Cassian had. It was long sleeved except the right was completely torn off. His right hand was not a gauntlet after all but a prosthetic arm that reached all the to his shoulder.

Ruby groaned as she hit the floor. Crescent rose was out of her hand, she had no idea where it was. Looking it up she noticed two things. First; the prosthetic arm, and second but most importantly Cassian was holding crescent rose. He did a mock twirl with the scythe trying to copy how she had earlier.

"It's amazing well balanced." He complimented.

"Oh, uh t.. thank you?" Weren't they fighting? "I made her myself." Ruby spoke as she stood up.

"Same here," He flexed his prosthetic.

"Sooo, can I get my weapon back?" Ruby asked sheepishly. That got a small chuckle from Cassian as he raised an eyebrow back at her. Smirk on his face Cassian lowered the weapon to the floor and raised his fists. The gauntlet was thrown down, she wanted her weapon, she would have to come and try and take it back.

"Uh oh," The collective of the remaining team RWBY and JNPR muttered together. Ruby's skill with her weapon was without question. Her hand to hand on the other hand, well the less said about that the better.

Ruby cautiously approached Cassian. She needed her weapon back if she had any hope to win. Cassian wasn't about to let that happen anytime soon. As she would get close, he would go for a punch. Ruby would dodge best as she could but found no opening, she tried getting around him but got kicked in the side for trying that. She tried backing away hoping he would follow, to her surprise he did. After a quick left right jab which she less then gracefully avoided she activated her semblance and made for crescent rose. As she was in arms reach, Cassian's semblance had reached out and grabbed crescent rose bringing it to him. Again, he had her weapon and with his left index finger waved it left and right as if going

'no no no. Wait, what is he doing now' Cassian had his prosthetic arm curled up and from the side a small latch opened. He reached behind himself and pulled out a small purple dust crystal, inserting it into his arm. With a flick of his wrist his hand crackled with electricity. With no warning his semblance shot out towards her and now Cassian was on the assault. Ruby retreated with no success. Gone was the attempt to try and reclaim her weapon, now Cassian was using a strategy she tried earlier when she knocked away his weapon. A flurry of kicks and punches sent her way, she tanked a few but her aura was dipping and wouldn't hold up much longer. He had whiffed a jab and with that Ruby ducked under his arm and made a run for her scythe. She felt tension pulling her back when she looked at her hand, Cassian's semblance latched onto her arm. Cassian tugged back and Ruby was pulled towards him. Cassian charged his palm with electricity and connected with Ruby's midsection. She felt the electricity course through her as she fell. A buzzer went off signaling the end of the match.

"Miss Rose's aura has dipped into the red, the match is over." Glynda called out. Cassian offered his hand to which Ruby accepted and was pulled up. He handed her scythe back to her.

"That was a good fight, your semblance is pretty fast," Cassian complimented as he used his semblance to grab his knife off the arena.

"Miss Rose, that was an impressive display early into the match, but perhaps its best you work on your unarmed combat. You never know when the situation might arise and your weapon isn't available." Ruby nodded to the professor's critique.

"Yes Ms. Goodwitch." Ruby made her way back to the locker room to put away crescent rose and rejoin her team. As she got back to the stands her friends had offered sympathetic smiles.

"You did good Rubes," Jaune offered.

"Yea! Don't sweat the loss Ruby, I'll out you through the ole Xiao Long regime and we'll get your hand to hand up to snuff," Yang bolstered.

"Class, before you leave for the day, I wanted to inform of you a change in tomorrow schedule. Tomorrow's lessons will begin with combat class followed by a continuation of regularly scheduled class. There will be a sign by the door to show the schedule as well." Cassian had already left the arena. Where he went? No one knew. All the first years started to exit the training room and head towards dinner. While the rumors of who the new student had died down it didn't stop him from being the talk of the school. Now it was about which team he would be placed on. The day continued on and now it was past 8 at night. Team RWBY had retired to their dorms, already in their pajamas, doing their own thing. Ruby and Yang talked to each other from across their beds. Blake read her book per usual and Weiss stood brushing her hair. They were disturbed by a sudden knocking on their door. Weiss closest to the door went to open it. Her eyes widened when she saw who was on the other side.

"Headmaster!" Weiss called out. That got the team's attention as they all shot up.

"Ah, Ms. Schnee. I apologize for coming by so late, would it be alright if we come in?" Ozpin asked.

'We?' Low and behold behind the headmaster was none other than Cassian Vale, wearing a different baggy shirt and sweats.

"Of course, Headmaster!" Weiss motioned them in. Her and her team were decent, there was no embarrassing articles strung around, no reason to bar entrance. As they made their way in Weiss closed the door and joined her team by the beds.

"Young ladies, I've come here personally because I would like to choose team RWBY as Beacon's first team of 5 and represent the academy in the Vytal Festival!"

Author's Notes:

I'm in the process of writing the next chapter already so shouldn't be long of a wait.

I will do my best to properly explain Cassian's semblance as well. I used Hazama from Blazblue as a reference for his movement with his semblance and Kratos' Blades of Chaos as reference when he attacks with them.

As usual feel free to comment and review. If there are questions, I will do my best to answer!