A/N: Chapter 1 of RWBY Opera. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters except my own OCs. RWBY belongs to Monty Oum and Roosterteeth.

Special thanks to the reviewers and to the readers who Fav/Alert this story, I really appreciate it.

Chapter 1: The Little Rose

Somewhere in Patch...

"Little Rose, please don't climb too far up! You'll skin your knees if you fall! You know your mother doesn't like it when you get hurt!"

"Okay Dad~" A twelve-year old girl replied, grinning down at the worried parent below. She was wearing a light colored tunic tied together by a sash around her waist. Her black and red hair swayed lightly with the warm breeze. "Wow! I can see the village from waaay up here! They're like little ants!"

"Please come down now, your mother's waiting for us back home!"

"Okay...But you're gonna have to catch me!"

Oh dear...Summer's gonna have my head if I don't catch her...She's already on my case for drinking a lot..."I'm ready for you–Eh?!"

"Today's the day I'm gonna fly!" The child jumped, her arms spread out to the side like an eagle. "Ahahaha!"

"Ahhhh! My little rose!" He freaked and held his hands up, catching the giggling girl. Holding her up to eye level he frowned at her. "Seriously, no more tree climbing for you Missy. If I don't die from overdose your foolhardy antics probably will."

"But I want to learn how to be a bird! Just like you!" She pouted in response, beaming proudly at him. "You still have yet to teach me...or did you forget?"

"Maybe later, your old man will be sprouting gray hairs faster than you could say, 'Uncle'." He said, carrying her back to the house. Turning the knob he pushed the door open and announced, "Summer honey, we're home!"

"Was she climbing trees again?" A soothing voice answered and a woman stood near the entrance of the kitchen. She had on a white dress that flowed out behind her. The laughter in her eyes told him that she knew all along what their child was doing. Holding out her arms she hugged her daughter close. "Look at you, you got all filthy."

"Sorry Mom!" Ruby smiled as her mom proceeded to wipe the grime off her face and legs with a damp cloth. "But today's a great day for tree climbing!"

"At least I was there to watch her otherwise she'd fall." The dark haired male spoke as he closed the door, releasing a sigh before shuffling into the kitchen. "I need a drink..."

"Did she try to fly again?" Summer asked, watching him open the refrigerator.

"Yup." He replied, closing the door shut with his favorite drink in hand.

"What have I told you about jumping off trees?" The woman puffed out her cheeks with a frown, removing the cloth and pinched her child's cheek lightly. "You could have gotten a serious injury! What would have happened if your father wasn't there?"

"Dad's fault for not teaching me how to be a bird." The child replied and her father spluttered. "You know he could teach it to me and I'll nail it quick!"

"I promised I'd teach you but now's not the right time..." Qrow said, giving Summer a quick glance. Even though they've been married for quite awhile and she trusted him with all her heart, he wanted to make sure he had her approval because shape shifting was risky if not done properly. "It's not as easy as you think it is."

"...are you just saying that so Mom wouldn't have to lecture you?" Ruby questioned, planting her hands on her hips. "I've yet to see you tremble in fear before her."

"Trust me, your mother is really scary when you make her mad."

"Oh you stop it, I'm not that scary." Summer pouted, feigning hurt when they obviously know she was in the room with them. "Why are you painting me like I'm the villain here?"

"Honey you know we're just teasing right?" Qrow smiled and saw the corners of her mouth perk up as well. "You see? Now there's the pretty rose I fell in love with."

"Ew gross. Mom, I want to go out again." Ruby stated, tugging on Summer's cloak to get her attention. "Can I go? Can I go?"

"You're not off to climb trees are you?"

"I wanna go to the market!" Ruby beamed. "I saw there's a lot of people out today so I wanna see what it's all about."

"The market?" Summer thought for a minute before looking at Qrow. He was already taking another sip of his drink but paused when he felt her stare. "What do you think?"

"She's twelve already and I'm sure she'll be fine, as long as trees aren't involved." He said encouragingly, wiping the back of his mouth with a hand. "If she's anything like you I'd feel sorry for the folks down there!"

"Hush you! Alright you can go Sweetie but before you do...You need to wear the symbol of our clan." Summer knelt down and attached a pin to her daughter's clothes. It was a rose, the symbol of her heritage. Qrow had a symbol of a bird on the back of his shirt when he was younger but that changed when he married Summer. Of course he still wore his old clan's symbol from time to time but he had a rose sowed on his vest right over his heart. "Are you going to see the elder? I'm sure she'll appreciate your visit. Your father and I have a few things to discuss."

"Will you come after me once you finish speaking with Daddy?" The younger girl asked, watching as her mother adjusted the pin so it wasn't crooked. "We can play hide-n-seek once you're done."

"Yup. I'll come and find you."

"You promise?"

"Pinkie promise." Summer smiled and wrapped her pinkie around her daughter's. She loved everything about her child and it was like Qrow mentioned, Ruby definitely took after her from the appearance down to the minuscule traits. If there was one thing she took after her father it'd be her love for weapons. "Now be good, mind your manners and be aware of your surroundings at all time. Don't give the vendors any trouble okay?"

"Okay!" Bidding her parents farewell the young child skipped towards the town with a bright smile upon her face. Once Summer could no longer see her from the window she turned around with a worried expression upon her face. Walking to the cabinet she pulled out what seemed to be an envelop and handed it to her husband.

"It's been awhile since we received an email from Beacon. That mean Ozpin has fallen hasn't he..." Qrow mused as he placed the letter down upon the table, a thoughtful expression upon his face. "I wonder how the other two are doing these days..."

"Yeah, Tai and Rae haven't stayed in contact since we attended their wedding." Summer smiled as she thought back on the memories of her time as a student, when the four of them were placed in the same class. "Lucky for us they are living on the other side of Patch because Tai owns a home out there. It surprises me that you haven't gotten anything from your sister."

"Raven tends to be someone who doesn't bother herself to talk to others unless needed." The man replied with a stern expression, a whiskey flask back in hand so he could take another swig. "When our little Rose comes back perhaps we can all go and visit them to see if they are okay. What say you?"

"That would be lovely dear." Summer replied, walking over the sit beside him on the couch.

"I won't lie I have had this feeling like something bad happened." He sighed, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "And given my semblance...it wouldn't come off as a surprise."

"Qrow, I didn't marry you because of what your semblance entailed. I truly love you from the bottom of my heart. Even when Tai attempted to win my affections you were the one who caught my attention." To prove it she gave him a quick kiss on the lips. "Those feelings haven't changed."

"I feel the same way about you." He smiled, pulling her face closer so he could give her a longer and deeper kiss. They stayed close, their bodies melting into one another to perfection. "And besides he ended up with a pretty good women himself!"

"Now there's a compliment I haven't heard in awhile. When was the last time you said something nice about your sister?" Summer teased, pulling away slightly to prod his chest with a finger. "A long time hasn't it?"

"You know I don't hand out compliments...especially not to her of all people. They'd either have to earn one or beat one out of me!" Qrow wiggled his eyebrows and felt happiness bubbled within his chest whenever Summer laughed. "My compliments aren't cheap by any means...well when it comes to you, they're always free."

"Oh stop it you tease!"

Knock~ Knock~

"Huh? Our little Rose returned already? She really did pick up your speedy trait, we haven't even gotten to the good part yet!" Qrow mused when he picked up the sound of a knock on the door. Leaving Summer's side after planting a kiss on her cheek he rose to his feet and shuffled towards the door. Making sure he looked presentable he opened up and addressed his daughter. "You're a little early don't you–"

"Qrow watch out!" Summer's warning came too late and then everything turned black.

In the village...

Most of the buildings were made out of slabs of rocks and the inhabitants were merchants that sold what they made for profit. Since it was a small community everyone knew everyone so saying greetings were of the norm. Sights and smells bombarded Ruby as she frolic through the streets, gazing at everything and anything.

"Hurry! Hurry! Get 'em while they're hot!" The smell of food tickled her nose and she couldn't help but salivate. "Once they cool you're out of luck so get 'em hot!"

"You won't find a sweeter deal! My prices are the cheapest! Finest materials in all of Patch!"

"If you need something polished, I'm your person! I'll polish the dirtiest thing you got for a low fee! Don't be shy, step right on up!"

"Wow, today there's a lot of people. A lot more than what I'm used to anyway...and I'm always with Mom..." Ruby gasped as she watched the villagers come and go at their own leisure. Giggling to herself she decided to look around and see what was available. Since the recent attacks on Vale the other nations closed up, afraid of doing any trading in case Salem decided to attack. So the inhabitants took it upon themselves to survive, learning how to trade and make money with either locals or those from a neighboring village.

"Can I interest you in some fresh fruit little lady?" A male's voice asked and she happened upon his fruit stand. "Bananas, Oranges, Melons, you name it!"

"Have you gotten anything...more exotic?" asked Ruby, looking at a crate of lemons out of sheer curiosity. "Something that isn't home grown?"

"Sorry about that but you know the law nowadays." He shook his head with defeat, glancing left and right before whispering, "Since you know who took over...all the waterways and other transits that goes from nation to nation all closed down." It was strictly taboo to speak of such things in the open.

"That's too bad." Ruby said truthfully. "If we had those open we'd have a lot more variety."

"At least we've been getting around on our own and making ends meet one way or another." He nodded his head in agreement. "It's a wonder we haven't fallen ourselves but everyone here in the community pitched together. Why be a part of a community if you aren't willing to lend a hand am I right? Ohoho!"

"That's right Mister! Say, is the Elder in? I always find her stories of lore inciting!"

"She's around, I'm sure I saw her this morning when I was setting up myself." The man pointed down the street with a finger. "Just a few stalls that away and you'll see her. With a woman such as her, you can't miss! Just don't let her stories go too far into your head!"

"Thank you very much!" She said and continued on her way. Because there were a lot she had to make sure she didn't bump into anyone, Summer taught her not to cause anyone problems and if she did she would have to apologize. There were people who she had never seen before and there were those who bid her a good day. She remembered that her mother once told her that some came from other nations but were unable to go back home so they had to make a living in Patch.

"Would you like your fortunes told?" An old voice spoke up, catching her attention. Looking through the walking bodies she spotted a stall where an old woman sat upon a stool, a fan in hand that she kept to beat the heat. "It's never too late to have a palm reading!"

"Elder!" Squeezing her way through, Ruby hurried to the stand, looking at the woman with shining eyes. "I don't want my palms read but what stories do you have for me today?"

"Well if it isn't little Ruby coming to pay me a visit. Your mother is my favorite costumer but I see that she isn't here with you today." The woman's eyes widened and she smiled, showing her gums but a majority of her teeth were already gone. "I got a story to tell you if you were interested in listening for a bit? Business is slow nowadays anyway so I'm sure I could spare you one."

"Sure!" Ruby sat opposite of her, folding her hands over her lap. "Lots of action this time please!"

"Why don't I recount the history of Remnant? I'm sure you'll find it interesting for it's been told from generation to generation and now it's my turn to tell it." Breaking a toothy smile despite a small groan from her only audience, the elder began her tale. "A long long time ago Remnant was a place of paradise. Everyone lived in harmony and no one fussed about anything. The leaders of each continent oversaw everything. Then one day, a blanket of darkness fell upon the unsuspecting citizens of Vale and the creatures of dark emerged. Like an influenza the curse spread and more and more creatures began to roam around. Holding out for one last miracle the leaders sought a way to turn their citizens back to what they once were. They traveled across the lands, noting how much the darkness had deteriorated the lifestyle of the innocence."

"Howls of those who delved in the dark haunted their footsteps until they came across a patch of light, a light that seemed to be unfazed by the sea of clouds. Climbing up the tower the leaders found their miracle and used it to combat the dark. They soon realized that the light had the power to revert those who were changed and restore Remnant back to its natural self."

"Who were powerful enough to conjure up that light?" asked Ruby, leaning forward in her seat with anticipation. "Surely there couldn't just one person to make a light bright enough to pierce through all that murky darkness?"

"The light came from the strength of four maidens. Their combined strengths resonated across Remnant, dispelling the darkness and turning those who were turned into beasts back to their original selves. There was a time of peace "

"Who were the maidens?"

"They're quite the legends are they not? It wouldn't be an over exaggeration to say that they created the world we live now...however there was one maiden in particular who despised the rest. We never talk about the fifth maiden because the archives never documented her. Constantly surrounded by darkness and negativity she gave birth to what are now known as 'Grimm'. The other maidens quickly used their Auras to trap their own sister and banished her to an unknown land where she wouldn't be able to hurt anyone ever again."

"What about the other maidens? How does one become a maiden in the first place?"

"One who shows boundless amount of empathy towards other, ties a team together through kindness. One who turns loneliness into strength, able to deal punishment without hesitation. One who burns a yellow glow, unwavering loyalty and emitting bravery upon the battlefield. Last but not least, one who strikes from the shadows. A sound mind and strong beliefs, the voice of reason that cuts through any disputes. Through harmony the maidens kept peace throughout Remnant and this is why we celebrate the four seasons year around."

"Elder, have you seen these maidens with your own eyes?" Ruby asked.

"I haven't. If I ever laid eyes on them well...that'd be the best day of my life!" The older woman replied with a throaty chuckle. "To become a maiden no one knows exactly how it is achieved. All I can say is let fate decide, nothing is set in stone."

"So then what happened in the end after the war?"

"Nothing much has been said, the four maidens disappeared once we entered a peaceful era. However, should Remnant fall into such darkness again it is said that the maidens will revel themselves in due time."

"Then...I could potentially be one of those maidens right?!" Ruby leaped to her feet with giddiness. Hearing the story has gotten her blood pumping and she just couldn't sit still anymore. "Saving lives, dispelling the darkness, that just sounds amazing!"

"There's more to being a maiden then what's let on by a fairy tale." The elderly woman chuckled at the girl's enthusiasm. "Besides up-holding the image of pristine heroes, you must also show other kind of qualities: Honesty, Integrity, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy and Judgment. Of course not one maiden is capable of any one trait, only by being together can the maidens fully conquer and squash the darkness."

"Maaaan, that sounds like a lot of work..." Ruby scratched her head before snapping her fingers. "Oh right! Is there anything the maidens left behind? Some kind of sign that they were here?"

"A sign huh?" The old lady mulled over the idea, muttering to herself before smiling a toothless smile. "A bell."

"Huh? A bell?"

"That's right. My mother used to say that one of the maidens always carried a small golden bell with her. Its sound is pure and could never be tainted. Anyone who hears the bell will be rid of the anger that rose within them, any negative thoughts blown away. When a Grimm is created it is because its host harbors ill feelings and malice, hatred and a sense of bringing pain to others. Thus the bell soothes all."

"No offense but that sounds like fortune cookie nonsense. I don't believe that a tiny bell could hold that much power on its own."

"One day you'll understand. One day you'll know what I'm talking about." She rested a feeble hand upon Ruby's head and ran her fingers through the locks. "Oh yes I sense some potential within you. Now then run along, I've kept you waiting." She peeked out and observed the sky for a bit. "Hmm...looks like it's gonna rain."

"Then, I'm gonna go!" Ruby smiled and waved her arm. "See you around!" She was eager to tell her mother about the story but there were other stalls she had yet to explore. Not everything in the market place was all fruits and meat, there were toy shops as well. Firecrackers and some very small knickknacks that weren't worth much...less than one lien.

"Oi, if you ain't paying then scram!" The old coot, a man with a buck tooth protruding from his upper lip snapped at her. "You're holding up my customers."

"Ha, what customers?" Ruby asked, looking left then right and then behind her. "I don't see anyone..."

"A little smart alack huh? Get lost!"

"Fine...sheesh...no need to get your panties in a twist." Forming a pout she walked off, stink-eying the vendor. "What crawled up his pants and died? I was just looking around what's the harm in that?"

"Run!"

"Monster!"

"It's a Grimm!"

"Huh? Grimm?" Ruby tilted her head in wonder as she entered an area where the villagers started to flee in panic. Chaos erupted in the streets as people hustled back into their homes, barricading the doors and closing the windows. Soon the place was empty. "Where? I don't see any Grimm...are they blind or something?"

"Grrrrrrrrr..."

"Eh?" Ruby blinked before turning around and looked up with huge saucer-size eyes. A massive Grimm, its lips pulled back to reveal the rows of massive fangs, stared down upon her. The bristling black fur that covered its body made it look intimidating. To Ruby it looked like a giant bear wearing a skull mask. "...oh..."

"GRAAAAAAORRRRR!" The Grimm let out an ear splitting roar, spraying the girl with spit.

"Wh-What is a Grimm doing here?!" She screamed before turning around and took off running, the breath of the Grimm hitting her heels. They continued their chase of cat and mouse while the others holed up within. Thanks to her agile body she was speedy, able to weave through narrow alleyways to allude the predator. However it was cunning as well, using its nose and climbing up buildings to spot her from higher ground.

"Grrrrrrr!"

"Whaaaa!" She narrowly escaped the jaws as the bear took a good chunk of the wall she was hiding behind. Spotting her chance when a plan formulated in her mind she took refuge in a dead end and faced her opponent, her hands curled into fists by her side. "C'mon you giant bear! Come over here! Come and get me!"

"Roaaaaarrr!" Taunted by the words the grimm surged forward and swiped at her with its giant claw. The attack sent Ruby crashing back into the open, a tear in her clothing and the Rose pin clattered onto the tiled rocks. Suddenly aware of its surroundings the bear couldn't react fast enough as the overhead arc came falling down.

"Ouch...did I do it?" Ruby groaned, lifting her head to see that the structure collapsed right on top of the bear. She smiled and wiped the sweat on her brow. "Heh...I did it! Now it won't come after me anymore!"

"Grrrrrrrr..." A shadow directed her to the presence of another creature. The Grimm was exactly like its brethren and it wasn't very happy seeing the one get crushed underneath the rocks. Rising to its hind legs it raised a claw into the air with the intent to squish Ruby against the pavement.

This is the end right? I'm dead for sure! Ruby thought, her legs knocking together. And I have so much left to live for! When the claw descended she immediately closed her eyes and awaited death. It never came. Peeking a little bit she realized she had been saved by another, a girl with flowing yellow hair and calming lilac eyes.

"You alright? I'm impressed that you decided to take one of these guys on yourself! Takes real guts!" Her savior spoke, looking at Ruby with a grin on her face while still holding up the Grimm's claw with just her left hand. "No need to worry though cause Yang is here to save the day!"