Red like Roses

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY, Kingdom Hearts, or the characters associated with them as they are the property of Monty Oum, Rooster Teeth, Tetsuya Nomura, and Square Enix in respect to who they are associated with.

"Talking"

Thoughts

Ch. 3

The keyblade was truly a mysterious thing as Yang was now able to get one. As she proudly showed it off, she had named her weapon Ember Celica.

Frankly Qrow was still trying to wrap his head around all of it so far concerning this mythical item. But after a few shots from his flask he decided not to think anymore into it as it would only drive him crazy.

If anything this provided an opportunity. Instead of teaching Yang, he instructed Taiyang on the basics of how the keyblade works to teach his daughter and see what happens from there. This would help in understanding the baseline of just how far the keyblades abilities branch off.

But for safety reasons the sisters were specifically instructed not to show off their keyblades for now or let anyone touch them. The last thing they needed was this thing to get out of hand and getting unwanted attention.

As the days started to fly by Ruby and Yang just kept growing stronger. Their growth potential practically seemed endless as they learned and executed techniques with little exposure. After another month of practice, Qrow and Taiyang had a light sparring match with them to see just how strong they have gotten. Though they weren't at a level that they would represent a threat to them, they couldn't be careless either. With their physical and magical abilities, they shouldn't be underestimated regardless of their age.

After a few more weeks of training, the pair wanted to see how far their protégés have come. But instead of them, Yang and Ruby would have a match against each other.

Now in the early afternoon on a nice sunny day Ruby and Yang faced each other as they were both excited to see what surprises they had in store for each other.

"Your dad and I will be monitoring and refereeing this little scuffle" said Qrow. "Both of you are free to go all out in whatever way you want. However this match will play out like tournament rules. Any tactic is allowed, but the moment your opponent's aura is diminished or we call for the match to stop then it's over. This entire area will be your ring. But try to stay within our sight. Are we clear?"

"Of course!" shouted Yang pumping her fists.

"Let's do this!" Ruby smiled eager to begin.

"Don't go too hard on each other" said Taiyang. "I want you both to be safe out there".

"OK dad!" the two girls responded.

With everyone getting to their spots, the scythe huntsmen took a quick drink before waving his arm. "Now in 3 . . . . 2 . . . . 1 . . . . Go!"

On that command both Ruby and Yang pulled out their keyblades with little red holding it in a front guard position while her sister held it to her side backhanded.

"Here I come!" With that declaration Ruby had literally exploded into red petals as she closed the distance between them in an instant.

"Too fast!" as Yang had barely sidestepped it as Ruby reappeared coming to a screeching halt as her feet grinded against the ground.

"I'm not done yet!" Ruby smiled as she reengaged her attack disappearing into red petals once again as Yang was only barely reacting sidestepping as she parried with her keyblade. Thus she kept up this assault as she attacked with blinding speed.

Although she was hard to keep up with, Yang was still able to maintain the defensive since Ruby's strikes were too linear allowing her to react without needing to think about it too much.

"Well just goes to show how much experience she's lacking" said Qrow offhandedly. "But I didn't expect the keyblade to be their semblance as well". It was something he had discovered pretty early on. When Ruby had called forth her keyblade it had also awakened her aura. At that same time Crescent Rose was the materialization of her semblance which by the looks of it was speed. Usually it took years of practice for anyone to understand their semblance and how to use them." If most people could . . . ." Qrow thought bitterly to himself. But with the keyblade, it pretty much came to you in a stable usable format. At having such mastery at a young age, the flexibility and control could only get better.

"Ruby better be careful. It's going to get dangerous for her if she keeps that up" said Taiyang.

"Oh?" as Qrow looked over understanding what he meant. "Then what's Yang's semblance?"

"You're about to find out".

Continuing to take the hits with her keyblade, Yang was getting stronger from kinetic absorption. Each time she parried Ruby's attack she absorbed a part of that energy making it easier to defend against her little sister. Having taken enough power it was time for her counter attack. Seeing Ruby coming in for another strike, the young blond recoiled back throwing out a punch planning to beat her offense with an even stronger one.

Blocking with Crescent Rose, Ruby found her momentum completely reversed as she was thrown back. Grinding her feet against the ground she stabbed her blade down to completely stop herself. Resettling as she smiled widely, Ruby was just having way too much fun. "Alright! Let's try some magic then!" Pointing her keyblade at her target, "fire!" as several fireballs erupted out like a projectile.

"Really? Do you really think that will work on me?" as Yang had easily swatted them away. But in the time it took for her to do that Ruby had once again closed the distance as she stood in front of her ready to strike. "Why did she stop here?" recalling her usual strategy. However with movement before thought Yang had already reacted as she threw out her fist.

In that small instant, Ruby had flashed a grin. "She fell for it!" Her attack was a feint as she casted her next spell. "Reflect!" as clear shiny hexagons surrounded her in a barrier. The moment Yang's knuckle guard hit her shield a magical explosive rebound occurred which threw the young blond away as her aura managed to endure it. With her stunned, Ruby went back on the offensive as Yang defended against it. "I'm going to end this now!" Jumping up, she stomped her sister's blade into the ground while swinging her own.

There was just no way could Yang defend against this at point blank range with nothing to defend herself with or so Ruby thought.

Flashing a grin, fiery yellow light appeared in Yang's left hand as a loud clang was heard.

At being stopped Ruby couldn't believe her eyes. "Two?! You have two keyblades?!"

Deflecting her off, the young blond swung her two keyblades as she got back into her fighting stance. "What can I say? I didn't feel comfortable when I'm not using both my hand".

"That is so cool!" Ruby shouted ecstatically. "You've totally got to teach me how to do that!"

"Sure, just right after I beat you" as it was now Yang's turn to attack.

"Ugh, this thing has no end to its surprises" as Qrow rubbed the back of his head as he decided to take a drink from his flask.

"Yep" as all Taiyang could do was nod and awkwardly laugh.

At this moment Yang had Ruby cornered putting her on the complete defensive. As she tried to use her speed to slip away Yang would quickly intercept her not allowing her to escape.

Blocking one attack after another the young blond then swung out her left arm opening up Ruby's defense as she followed in with an uppercut to the gut. Although her aura endured she still felt how powerful that hit was as Ruby stammered back trying to catch her breath. After taking time to breath while the pain dulled away she got back into fighting stance.

"You should already understand now" said Yang. "There is no way you can beat me. So why don't you just give up now" as her tone showed just how self-assured she was. However she then saw a wide smile stretched on her little sister's face. "Or is there something else you want to show me?"

"Of course!" shouted Ruby. Digging her hand into her pocket, "I've got my own trick to show you as well!" Pulling out the small metallic trinket it was a key chain. Attaching it to Crescent Rose the red keyblade's shape started to change. Black light in the form of feathers had engulfed it. Before long the magic sword had taken on a more metallic look with some coloration of red and black in it's designs. But the most noticeable thing with how big it had become which would make anyone wonder how a little girl was able to lift such a thing.

"Qrow . . . . Is that?"

"An interesting ability the kid discovered by accident" the scythe huntsmen explained. "Just some trinket I picked up during my trip that I gave to her. Wanting to decorate her key she had decided to attach it and 'that' ended up happening. From what I can tell since it came from me the new key seems to share traits with me giving Ruby higher offensive ability. Not only that but it seems in that form she can also use my semblance".

"Are you serious?!" as Taiyang couldn't believe just how far reaching the keyblades abilities were.

"Does it look like I'm joking?" said Qrow taking another drink. "In this sense she can borrow other people's powers when she does that".

"That's a scary thought" as Taiyang gave a pensive look. "Just think if she got her hands on some very dangerous semblance abilities. Is there any limit to that?"

"Not that I know of" Qrow shrugged. "Depending on the nature of the semblance, she might not even need a keychain as she could probably duplicate them with magic similar to what she does with dust. But it seems their magic can't copy those self-enforcing types like Yang".

"I also noticed something interesting" as Taiyang looked back to the match between his daughters. "After fighting a number of grimm . . . . I think she can take on the abilities of those she defeated".

Qrow narrowed his eyes at that piece of information. With everything he knew, keyblade wielders were truly terrifying individuals. If one of them was capable of this much he couldn't fathom what an army of them could do. Just a single keyblade wielder could easily become a threat to the entire world. But shaking his head of these thoughts, "well let's see how this match will end exactly".

"Ready or not here I come!" Ruby shouted throwing her key as it span through the air.

Crossing her blades to block it, sparks flew as Ruby's keyblade kept spinning like a saw. "Strong!" as Yang was nearly thrown off her feet.

Reaching out her hand Ruby's key returned to her as she closed the distance between them. From there the battle became even more intense as the sisters traded hit for hit. Though she was slower right now, Yang's constant 'bad luck' kept inhibiting her movements forcing her to fight at Ruby's pace.

But as far as the match was, Yang had the edge in terms of physical ability, combat prowess, technique, and skill. However Ruby was still able to remain competitive with her superior speed and higher aptitude for magic.

After some time both of them were quite tired as they were barely able to lift their keyblades.

Ruby then went in for one final swing as Yang blocked it. Concerning the young blond she was one who never liked to lose regardless of who it was.

As her eyes and hair started to glow, "I believe this match has gone on far enough" Taiyang interrupted. "I believe we should call this match a draw".

"But I can still keep going!" Ruby pouted.

"Yeah dad!" Yang shot back. "We still need to see who won!"

"Listen to your father" Qrow continued. "Just leave it for now. Besides the two of you already put on one hell of a show. If you insist on wanting to see who the winner was it can be decided at another time. Besides its lunch time anyways".

"Ugh fine" both girls whined out.

But in truth it was for their safety. Knowing Yang's headstrong and competitive nature she would have definitely escalated the fight by unleashing the full power of her semblance. In response there was no telling what Ruby would have done in reply. So it was best they ended it before things could get out of hand.

On their walk home Taiyang and Yang were happily chatting away about combat technique while Qrow and Ruby walked behind them.

"I'm worried about her . . . ."

"Hmm?"

"Yang shows immense potential to someday become a great keyblade master".

Qrow narrowed his eyes at his niece. ". . . . So it's her again". For a while now Ruby showed times when she was a completely different person displaying immense wisdom and maturity beyond her own age. It was also during these times she had learned new types of magic such as that reflect spell she used earlier. However even Ruby herself didn't seem to realize it as to her it was more of a passing thought crossing through her mind. But to what Qrow theorized, it might have been the memories from before trying to sync up with her. Thus he figured that as time progressed the two would gradually merge as one. Though he was a little concerned so far he couldn't see any demerits from it. Seeing she was like this he might be able to get a few answers from her depending how long it lasted. "Why are you worried exactly?"

"Yang . . . . There have been many keyblade wielders. Each one who found different purposes for the power they had. But for Yang . . . . I cannot help but feel worried as she draws her power not from connecting with others but from conflict itself. It is not necessarily a bad thing. But great power has proven itself to be a tempting thing that has led many keyblade wielders astray. I hope I never see the day that Yang walks down that dark path. If that day ever comes . . . ." As Qrow was waiting for her to finish, ". . . . What was I just talking about a moment ago?"

The scythe huntsmen could only sigh. "Nothing kid".

"Oh, alright!" Ruby smiled as she ran up beside her sister, "so tell me how you got two keyblades?!"

"Sure! So long as you tell me how you changed the appearance of yours" Yang smiled back.

Watching his two nieces happily chatting away Qrow couldn't help but feel a foreboding sensation hanging in the air. Truthfully he couldn't imagine Yang ever doing something malevolent in nature. But at the same time he couldn't help but see parts of his sister Raven in her who thirsted for power. With a keyblade in hand, who knows just how much destruction she may cause in the pursuit of her ambition. Yet as Ruby had warned . . . . It would be truly tragic if the day ever came that these sisters became each other's enemies. But for now all he could do was watch over them and hope Yang would choose a different path from her mother.

~ Remnant ~

In a blink of an eye, years had already passed.

Although Taiyang was extremely reserved about letting his daughters choose this path both Ruby and Yang had decided to become huntresses. As promised the two girls kept the keyblade a secret to which when asked it was just some new dust technology as far as anyone was concerned.

Attending Signal academy, Yang had graduated recently and was ready to move on to Beacon academy. As a part time she had started her own adventures going out into the world wanting to explore things for herself as she was gone from home quite often. But now approaching her final years of schooling she would train to become a full-fledged huntress as she was excited to see where life would take her.

As for Ruby, she was still two years behind while attending Signal academy. Since the day she got her keyblade, she continued to aspire to become a great huntress in order to become a hero that could save everyone. Though there were her aspirations she was still a kid or more specifically a teenager. As with most teenagers she found great enjoyment in hanging around the big city just doing what other kids her age did with loitering around and having fun. But as a hobby she enjoyed learning about new types of weapons or reading about the exploits of hunters and huntresses in how they were affecting the world.

But out late this night in a dust shop reading a weapons magazine, it was supposed to be just like any other day. However it was on this day that everything Ruby ever knew was going to change. As she was casually listening to music while reading she was interrupted by a shady looking man as he waved his weapon in front of her motioning for her to remove her head phones.

"Give me all your possession right now".

Giving the man an awkward look a small grin couldn't help but stretch on the edge of her lips. "Are you . . . . Robbing me?"

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: After thinking about this for a while now I've have a more or less idea where I want this story to go in relation to the plot. But concerning this chapter, here are some commentary notes.

I think in a way that all keyblades are 'semblances' of those who are able to call one as they are a reflection of their user. Sora and Mickey case are different as their keyblades came from the real m of light and darkness respectfully. Riku Way to the Dawn is a reflection of him returning back to the path of light after escaping the darkness. Kairi case is unusual as her keyblade represents her however she got her key from Riku.

I'm aware Yang's semblance allows her to take on direct hits and absorb energy from it. But keep in mind at this time she was a kid. No kid is going to have the guts to take head on attacks like that. But as she grows older that ideology will change.

The story behind sync keyblades is something I don't quite understand in relation to how this ability is attained. Story wise, Roxas was able to have two keyblades from his connection to Ventus and Xion. Sora is able to dual wield due to the boost from valor, master, and final form. But Nomura actually noted he doesn't necessarily need those forms in order to use sync keyblades. Since Ysang fights with both hands she needed a keyblade pair.

Keychains are in a way a semblance in themselves. Whenever Sora ventures to new worlds and makes new friends gaining a momento from them which becomes a keychain it can become a new power. Attaching them, they change his keyblade giving it new types of powers and abilities as noted by the gaming machanics.

Yet a keyblade wielder has more than one way to attain new powers and skills such as beating a powerful opponent as noted by the gaming mechanics. But from what I've seen so far, keyblade wielders can't use abilities that are self-enforcing types. I know they can use magic do things like telekinesis or projecting barriers. But for abilities like kinetic or lightning absorption, those have always been in the form of equipment to use them. Thus for example if Ruby wants to use Yang's kinetic absorption semblance she'll personally need a keychain from her or borrow her keyblade.

For the magic system I'll be using spells used in Final Fantasy and those used in Kingdom Hearts. But for spells that relate around summoning, I'm going to have to give that more thought in how I want to make that work.

As a bit of a spoiler I'm only giving out two more keyblades for the RWBY characters. I'm pretty sure everyone knows who they'll be lol. I've also decided that they might eventually journey to the outer worlds. But since I haven't picked a time point that this all occurs in within the Kingdom Hearts story line they won't be visiting any worlds that the KH crew have been too. But that still leaves plenty of options all over Disney, Pixar, and Square Enix owned properties. If I decide for them to go out I have one world in mind that I just have to do as it just screams of a heartless battle. If you've watched Moana you'll understand why.

If there are any questions or concerns feel free to ask to which I'll try to answer them. Also any and all ideas are welcomed.

So thank you for reading and I further extend my gratitude if you can review as well.