29Apologies for the long wait. I had things to do and ittle time to myself. Have fun reading.
With the intiation finished, all the students that found a team and made it back were listening as their teams were listed off by Glynda Goodwitch. Some were confused as they expected the headmaster to be there, but was no where to be seen. As Glynda was naming the teams, a select few were looking around and speaking in hushed tones.
"Has anyone seen Vabin? Do you think he's okay after he got stuck with the Deathstalker?", Ruby was whispering frantically, worried he might have been hurt.
"I haven't seen him. Maybe he got picked up by the teachers...", Yang looked around the crowd, but couldn't see him anywhere.
"Might be why Professer Ozpin isn't here. Perhaps he is dealing with anyone that didn't make it.", Blake reasoned.
"Ugh... I just want to know if he is fine. He saved me and we left him behind..."
"Quiet Ruby! Professor Goodwitch hasn't announced my team yet and I want to hear it.", Wiess snapped.
"Your team...?"
Up on stage Glynda had just announced team JNPR . Looking back to the scroll in her hand, she announced the last team, "And for the final team, Blake Belladonna. Ruby Rose. Weiss Schnee. Yang Xiao Long. You four retrieved the white knight pieces. You will now be team RWBY, led by... Ruby Rose."
Both Weiss and Ruby blinked in confusion at what they just heard,"WHAT!?"
"Way to go sis! I new you were gonna be the bee's knees!", Yang shouted, pratically tackling her sister in a hug, Weiss on the verge of an outburst behind them.
"Congratuations everyone, but I have an annoucment to make this year."
Everyone celebrating getting Beacon looked back to the stage, the Headmaster himself finally making an appearance. But their eyes were quickly drawn to the one following him. Clad in armor head to toe, and a large but simple blade slung over his shoulder, Vabin was a sight to behold when compared to all the others at the ceremony.
Taking his place next to Glynda, Ozpin turned to the crowd, "For this year you will have a unique addtion to the student body. You see, on rare occasions there is an applicant that shows extreme potential, but fails to get a team. These people are sometimes still allowed to attend the academy as an Auxiliary, a student that will act as a substitute should any team find themselves down a member. And this year we have one such student. Vabin, if you will?"
Quietly growling in annoyance, Vabin stared at the crowd before introducing himself...
"I am Vabin, tis a pleasure to meet all of thee."
An awkward silence fell on the crowd, even the teachers could feel its weight. Ozpin recovered first and decided it was about time everyone got on their way for the night.
"Well, then, now that that's settled, I suppose I should let you all go for the evening to celebrate. The other teachers will see to your rooms and schedules. And once again, congratulations to all of you for making the first step of becoming a Huntsman."
Turning around, he gestured to Vabin to follow him off stage and back towards the school, "Follow me, we still have buisness with each other."
Vabin was far from happy.
First, he woke up with most of his equipment gone or destroyed in an unknown era. Next, he was strong armed into being a student under command a man far too like Gideon for his tastes. Then he was paraded onto a stage in front people he did not know nor wish to know. Now he would have to play nice with those very people, else he would have to fight his way back to freedom. And the music in the elevator was quickly getting on his nerves!
Ding!*
Sighing in relief, he followed Ozpin into what seemed to be his office. 'At the top of a tower, as if to say he is all seeing. How presumptious.', Vabin thought bitterly
"Please have seat, there is much to discuss", Ozping said, gesturing to the seats in front of the desk he sat behind,"But before we continue, can I ask you to remove your helmut, I'd much rather have this conversation face to face."
"Very well", placing the Fang against the arm of a chair, he sat in it and pulled off his helm, letting it rest in his lap. Looking up, draconic eyes met those of gold.
"Faunus? And you are much younger than I expected."
"Faunus?"
"You do not know? Does everyone in your land have eyes like yours?", Ozpin leaned forward, keen on questioning Vabin.
"No, why would they?"
"Because of their... We are getting off topic, but in short those with animal traits are referred to as faunus. But that doesn't matter right now. What I need is information to make you a viable identity. Name, race, home address, relatives, those sorts of things. Granted, some of those things we can ignore, but I do need to know your last name and age."
"Last name? I am no noble, and as for mine age...", Peering into his polished helm, he could see his features well. Young, but older than he could remember. Ever since he became a Tarnished, he had ceased aging as all tarnished did. For when one is abandoned by the Order, one faces nothing but Stagnation. "... I do not quite know."
Ozpin sighed across the desk, leaning back to think. "For age, I'd say you looked about 20 at most, but for convience's sake, we will say 18 like most of the other 1st years. As for a last name... Aurum. Vabin Aurum. Age 18. Orphan from a colony lost to the Grimm. Simple, but no one will ask any major questions."
Wincing at the suggestion, Vabin did not like it, but it would work. Nodding silently, he continued to stare at his reflection. Pale skin dirty with grime, reddish blond hair filled with dust, and dragon eyes filled gold looked back. Carressing the cloth wrapped around the helmut, he quietly put it back upon his head as Ozpin continued filling out papers, occasionally asking Vabin to sign his name.
"Finally, now that all the paperwork is filled, I can get it put in and you should have an ID ready in a week or so. Now onto our other matter. Where you will be staying, I can't exactly put you in a dorm to yourself. On the other hand, placing you in a room with a full team would be a problem, as the rooms are only meant for a team of four. Not to mention Glynda will have my head for putting an unknown threat with a group of students. I have only had auxiliary huntsman twice before and both times they pre-arranged places to stay as they were already adults. So they only option is put you with another team and deal with the fallout. I would ask your preference, but seeing as you only interacted with two teams you wouldn't have much of an opinion. So, which will it be, team RWBY, or team JNPR?"
Following Ozpin down they hall with a cart that held his new uniform, he memorized the turns and rooms they passed should he need to find a hasty exit. Barely listening as Ozpin drolled on about various things about the history of beacon, Vabin thought on about his coming actions. Without a goal beyond kill the Outer God that stole his victory, he was lost and had no way forward to complete his goal. No Grace to guide him, no Melina to provide knowledge, and no Ranni to distract him from his current woes. He was well and truly lost within this land called Remnant. Perhaps it was for the best he had taken Ozpin's deal. At the very least it would give him direction until he was able to fulfill his own goals. He may even find himself new allies to spend his days with. Speaking of, they had finally arrived at their destination.
They had stopped in front of a dorm like most others beside it. Voices could be heard inside, something about beds? All fell to hushed whisper as Ozpin raised his fist and gave the door two sharp knocks. Slowly the door peaked open before there was a gasp and it was flung wide, revealing Ruby.
"P-Professor Ozpin!? What are doing here? Did my team do something wrong? ARE WE GONNA BE EXPELLED!?"
Wincing, Ozpin waved off the girl's panic, "No, no. Your team hasn't done anything wrong. I am just here to inform you about something. May we come in?"
"Huh? We?", Ruby said before spotting Vabin, "Vabin? Oh right! Come in. It's kinda messy though, we were all just unpacking."
Entering Team RWBY's room, Vabin noticed that 'kinda' was an understatement. It was a mishmash of clashing tastes, clearly being used by four very different people. Not to mention the beds were haphazardly stacked in the center of the room.
Weiss being the first to notice their entry was about to say something before she was silenced by a motion from the Headmaster. Coughing to announce himself to the others, he called them over so he could inform them of their new addition.
"Now then, I am sure we all have much to do this night so I will keep this brief. Vabin here was a bit of a last minute addition this year, so we did not have any accomodations prepared for him. And seeing as you four interacted with him the most you were chosen to be the team he will room and work with the most. I know the room will be a bit cramped, but just consider it a lesson of a sorts. I am sure you have many questions, but they will have to wait as I have a lot of paperwork to deal with tonight. I hope you all have a nice night."
Turning around, Ozpin left the room and closed the door before anyone could utter a single protest. Letting out a sigh, Vabin turned back to the group to deal with the fallout he was abandonned to. But before he could think of what to say a blur of rose petals exploded in front of him, stopping just below what he could see from out of his helmut.
"Vabinyou'reokayIwassoworriedwhenleftyoubehindIwantedcomebackbutthebridgewasgoneandwewereoutoftimeandwehadtogetbackandyourweren'tthereItgoughtyoufailedorwerehurtbutthenyoushowe-!"
Yang fortunately grabbed her sister to stop her rambling, "Woah there Ruby, I think you're confusing him there. Sorry about that Knighty, my sister can get a bit excited. Good to see you made it though."
"Er, tis not an issue. I was merely caught off guard. Wait, Knighty?"
"Yeah, cause you have this whole knight look going on and you never really introduced yourself so... And no need to be so formal, we're all friends here right?"
Off to the side Blake was busy organizing a bookself, and Weiss looked offended but the suggestion.
"Speak for yourself! I want nothing to do with any of you. What is Professor Ozpin thinking? Putting a little girl in charge and now shoving him in here with us."
"Hey! That's my sister you're talking about!"
"Come on guys! No need to fight! We can talk this out. We all got off to a bad start with each other, so maybe we should all just start over, okay?", Ruby jumped in, hoping to stop it from escalating.
Weiss and Yang glared at each other for a moment longer before breaking eye contact, "Sounds like an idea Ruby." "Tch. Fine"
"Great! Since it was my idea, I'll go first. I'm Ruby Rose, I come from the island Patch with my sister Yang. I love weapons, strawberries, and cookies! I don't like being treated differently and bullies. And I am going to be a hero!"
"Alright I'm next! I'm Yang Xiao Long, Ruby's big sister. I like fighting, hot guys, and taking care of my hair. I don't like cowards and hate it when someone messes with my hair. I want to find... I want to get strong enough to beat anyone."
When Blake didn't seem keen on going herself, Weiss gave a sigh before going, "Typical. I am Weiss Schnee, heiress to the Schnee Dust Company. I like being respected and independant. I don't like being compared to my family, and I the hate terrorists that target mu family. I wish keep the SDC's reputation clean."
With a silent glare at Weiss, Blake finally pulled her nose out of the book in her hands as it was now her turn. "I'm Blake Belladonna. I'm from Mistral and I like to read and eat tuna. I don't like it when people abuse their power or use others for their own gain. And I just want to help people who need it."
As everyone introduced themselves, Vabin observed each of them. First was Ruby, with her naive attitude and childish mannerisms. Next was Yang, brash and loud. Filled with a confidence that was too close to arrogance. Then there was Weiss, blooming with pride not her own and a clear need to prove herself. Finally was Blake, a harder read than the others. She clearly did not like Weiss, with the glares she had been sending her way when she though no one was looking. Something too ponder, Vabin thought before realizing it was now his turn.
"I suppose if I am to introduce mineself, it should be face to face." Reaching to his helm, he lifted it off his head before fitting it into the crook of his arm. And when they saw his eyes the reactions were varied. Ruby and Yang seemed to think they were cool, Weiss frowned but didn't say a thing. But Blake seemed quite surprised, though she hid it quickly. Something to look into later.
"I... Am Vabin Aurum. I come from a nameless village long since destroyed. I like music and talking with my friends and allies. I dislike swamps and cliffs. But above all I hate those who believe they can decide other's fate. My goal is to protect the legacy of those I have lost and slay those that would steal that away from me."
"... That... Is... SO COOL!"
Ruby was practically bouncing with energy as she gushed over how heroic his introduction was. Her sister and Wiess didn't seem to care all that much and Blake seemed to be lost in thought.
Cutting herself off, Ruby turned back to the others, "Now that we all know each other a little better, we can get back to organizing."
As they went back to setting up the room Vabin took a seat on the floor, content to let them change the room as they saw fit. Reaching onto the small cart that held what little belongings he now had, he retrieved the Bloodhound's Fang and an old rag, leaving his helm in its place. Laying it on his lap, he began to work away at the layers of rust and grime stuck to its surface. As he cleaned the blade a shine slowly worked its way to the surface, the blade's edge still retaining a bit of sharpness beneath the rust. Evantually the Fang was freed from the dirt, a reflective sheen glowed across it. And in that reflection Vabin could see Ruby peering over his shoulder at the weapon.
"Curious, are we?"
"Oh, uh... sorry. I just really like weapons. And you don't see the classics like your's anymore. I was wondering what it's name was?"
"Tis the Bloodhound's Fang. A fearsome blade capable of brutal aerial attacks. The first weapon I found myself truly dangerous while wielding."
"That sounds so awesome! I wish I had Cresent Rose so I could show you my weapon. She's a High Impact Sniper Scythe. Built her my self too!"
But before Ruby could go on further, Yang interupted, "Wow, not even five minutes and you have her wanting to show you her baby. Smooth. Should I be worried as her sister?"
"Yang! It's not like that!", Ruby denied with a pout.
"I know. But a serious note Knighty, where are you sleeping tonight? You could always join me."
"I... I will be fine here. I hath slept in worse places and the professor will send a cot come morning."
"Whatever, but you should change so you can go put your armor and weapon in your locker for classes tomorrow. And maybe get a shower 'cause you kinda smell like dirt right now. Promise I won't peak!"
Nodding in acceptance to Yang's reasoning, Vabin put what little luggage Ozpin had provided him in the corner. Exiting the dorm, he took at look at the small map given to him with his luggage. Following the directions across the courtyard, he quickly found the building that held all of the student's weapon lockers. Upon entry he was met with silence, no one else there given it was already late evening. Walking along the halls searching for his locker, he evantually came across it at the far end of the building. Swiftly punching in the code, he pulled the Fang from his shoulder. Reluctantly, he placed it within the locker wishing he had another weapon so he wouldn't be completely disarming himself.
Staring at the blade, he recalled the first time he held the blade. He and Blaidd had just killed Darriwil, with himself barely surviving the fight with the fast moving foe. After he had faded to dust, the blade was left behind. He had tried to offer it to Blaidd, as Darriwil was his target, but was refused. Said it was Vabin's to take, along with the Somber Smithing stone he had promised. And so he claimed it, at first he was barely able to pick up the large blade, let alone wield it. It took much work, but the weapon carried him through more encounters than any other. And it will continue to do so even in this unkown land.
Sighing quietly, he began his short trek back to the dorm. It had taken him quite to find his locker, and his reminiscing and took even more of it. Stopping in the courtyard in the center of Beacon with the light of the moon beginning to peak over the horizon, he couldn't help but think of his dear Ranni. Even after her plan failed she wouldn't have given up so easily. Hoping to ease his worry for her, he looked to the rising moon. But what he saw only intesified it.
"Ranni... What has happened to thee?"
For in the sky, sat a Shattered Moon.