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. 4

Late this night, a man with a black bowler hat in a white coat was on a mission. Along with his henchmen he had spotted his prime target as they entered the store which was attended by an elderly clerk.

"Do you know how difficult it is to find a dust shop opened this late?" asked Roman Torchwick, the leader of this group. Right on cue his thug brandished his gun pointing it at their victim.

Startled raising his arms in surrender, "please just take the money and go!"

"Shh shh shh, calm down" as Roman took certain joy from this. "We're not here for your money" as he looked to his underlings, "grab the dust". Having done this many times before, they brought out their equipment as they started cleaning out the stores supply. Looking back to the elderly clerk he placed a container on the counter. "crystals, firm, uncut".

Complying without hesitation he started to empty out his counter.

Waiting for his goons to finish the theft, everything was going according to plan. Dust was an absolute essential for human civilization to flourish. It functioned as it's central pillar holding up everything humanity has ever built. For without it, the whole of their existence would fall apart. This was just the start of the plan by causing scarcity which in turn would cause panic. From there it would lead into the grand opening act with the grimm invading Vale. But that was just the beginning as it was a means to an end for achieving their ultimate purpose.

Of course this was a monstrous act which was going to result in the deaths of many.

But frankly he didn't care as he was only looking out for himself. Though the money was good he wanted to make sure that when things started to go bad that he was on the winning side.

He would have continued playing with the dust shard in his hand until he noticed one of his goons flying right by him. "A hero wannabe huh?" giving a head nod to his underling to go deal with it. Like the one before him he too was sent flying through the front window followed by a red and black blur. With another one of his men down the rest of them had quickly gone to look through the new opening to see a teenage girl with a strange looking sword in her hand as she faced them with a grin on her face. All looking to their supposed attacker, it was certainly not what they were expecting. "OK . . . ." as Roman looked to all his men, "get her" as the last three men went out to attack.

Watching her opponents approach, Ruby was all too excited to bring evil doers to justice. As the two men attacked with their machetes, her keyblade had easily smashed their blades into harmless shards before knocking them out with another swing. As the third henchmen started firing with his gun she easily swatted each of the bullets away with her key. With her opponent out of ammo trying to reload, she threw Crescent Rose knocking him out as she then recalled it back to her hand.

He had never seen a weapon do that before. However as curious as he was, it was about time for him to leave. Rolling his eyes at his fallen men, "you were worth every cent. Truly you were" Roman noted sarcastically. "Well red" dropping his cigar lighting in out, "I think we can all say it's been an eventful evening" as the sound of police sirens could be heard in the cold night air. "As much as I wold love to stick around" as he raised his cane ready to attack. "I'm afraid this is where we parts ways". Pulling the trigger, a large explosive fireball flew right at his target.

Not even phased by the attack, "protect" as Ruby uttered that one word as a hexagonal barrier of light appeared. As a physical shield of magic, the opposing attack was completely stopped.

In that short distraction, Roman made a run for it dashing to a nearby ladder making his way to the rooftops.

Of all the thoughts that should have coursed through her head, "wow he's pretty fast" as he was already on the roof. But against her speed, he wasn't going to get that far as she almost appeared immediately right behind him with little effort from her semblance.

"Persistent" as his tone reflected his annoyance. Appearing right next to the building, his plane had lifted up as he was about to make his escape. Jumping on board, he turned around with a large smirk on his face. "End of the line red!" as he threw a dust shard. Taking aim at the crystallized force of nature, his aim hit it's mark as it exploded into an immense blaze.

Before Ruby could use her magic, a gorgeous woman with blond hair dropped out from nowhere shielding her from the blast. Just from first glance, little red knew exactly who she was as she was starstruck. "A huntress!" as she could barely contain her excitement upon meeting one of these brave warriors.

However there was no time for that as she was now locked in a battle with a woman in a red dress as they traded attacks with each other. Trying to knock the plane down, the elder blond huntress created a giant spike from the destroyed concrete only for her opponent to shot it apart piece by piece. Adjusting her tactics with her telekinesis semblance she took the concrete shards to attack it from every angle.

Though in counter the woman in red knocked them all down before they could touch the plane.

Finally pulled back from her awestruck moment, Ruby was ready to step in. Transforming Crescent Rose into rifle form, she fired a shot as it punched a hole right through the plane.

Shocked at the power of that shot, the woman in red and the elder blond huntress were stunned at who is came from.

"I got this!" as Ruby fired again as she began punching holes in the plane.

"You mind doing something about that!" Roman shouted as he was having trouble stabilizing the plane in order to make their escape.

Quickly retaliating the woman in red fired bigger fireballs.

Before the elder blond could shield them, "protect!" as the same barrier from before fended off the blast. Firing another shot, the magical bolt punched right through one of the plane's turbine engine as it started to whirl out of control. Seeing the impending massive collateral damage, "oh crap sorry about that" Ruby squeaked out.

Not having the time to be angry, the female huntress used her semblance to move the plane somewhere else to lessen the damage. However she wasn't sure she was gong to make it in time due to the weight and proximity it was to other buildings. Exerting all her focus, she had managed to stop the plane. However it seemed to be lighter then it should be though unsteadily being held up. Looking to her side, she saw as the young girl had her strange sword pointing out to the plane as well. "Is this her doing?"

"Give me a moment I'm still not used to it yet" said Ruby as she tried to steady her focus to keep the plane leveled.

"She can use my semblance?!" However she didn't have time for questions as she started barking out directions. "Follow my lead! Move the plane to an open street! Avoid causing any unnecessary damage!"

"Yes ma'am!" Ruby exclaimed cheerfully.

"Definitely was not expecting my night to be turning out like this" as Roman took out a fresh cigar. "Cinder, you mind doing something about this or else we'll both be caught!"

The woman in red glared at him as she didn't care much for his behavior. As much as she would have liked to roast him, they were still allies as he had resources they needed. So much to her apprehension, "I will keep them busy. Make your escape at that time". Staring at the two who were moving the plane, she decided who her main target would be. She didn't want to flaunt this ability so early. With her stolen half of the fall maiden's power, it was somewhat detrimental constantly eating at her consciousness wanting to be complete. But against an opponent like her, she needed to fight with everything she had. After the power she displayed she might become a danger to their plan as she needed to be dealt with now. Backing up, she gave herself a running start as she launched herself out. Moving at blinding speed to her distracted opponent, she tackled the young girl as she dragged her away to another area.

"No!" the female huntress could not pursue as she needed to deal with the plane first.

Landing a few blocks away, Cinder tossed little red down onto the street.

However Ruby was able to safely land converting Crescent Rose into her roller blades before converting it back to her key.

Not taking chances, Cinder distorted her face with magic to hide her identity as she was ready to face off against her opponent.

"Come quietly" Ruby called out, "or you will be taken by force!" Sitting in her guard stance, "and I really hope you don't mind being taken by force".

Cinder found her overwhelming confidence beyond irritating. She was going to enjoy crushing her as she would show the difference between them was like heaven and earth. With her power as the fall maiden, how could she lose? Seeing her opponent charge straight at her, "amateur". Just at her thoughts alone several fireballs formed around her as she launched them in continuous volley. Even if she tried to escape or go for cover there was no where for her to run.

Seeing the incoming flames Ruby was not even the least bit worried. As the first fireball was right in front of her followed by many others that filled the entire street they were no match against her semblance. Regardless of their numbers they could still be dodged. She had learned long ago how wasteful her movements were by just using her semblance for just running. So learning proper footwork with her abilities, she was untouchable when it came to attacks like these. All that can be seen from her movements were the rose petals she left behind as she nimbly moved past the wall of fire balls.

But it wasn't just her ability to move at high speed but also perceive it as that was relativity at work. The moment she started moving everything else almost seemed like it was standing still. It had pretty much come to a point where she was able to bend the physical laws of the world. If she was moving fast enough she could even use the air around her as a foothold to run on the air itself.

Moving past the fire balls, she was getting closer to landing a hit on her opponent.

Cinder was baffled that she couldn't hit her target after everything she threw at her. "What is she?!" as there was no conceivable way she was able to dodge all her attacks. However her enemy had a weakness that allowed her to adjust her tactics. Regardless of how fast she was she left behind those illusionary rose petals. That in turn allowed her to somewhat track her movements. Setting up explosive traps she was going to capture her soon.

Just as Cinder anticipated Ruby had tripped those traps as they exploded beneath her. Quickly jumping into the air she escaped the detonation as she kicked off the air escaping one blast after another. But once she was high enough the final trap was released. Looking around her in surprise she was completely surrounded by several layers of fireballs as the woman in the red dress had her arm raised out with her hand open.

Clenching her hand into a fist, Cinder concentrated all of it right at Ruby as it ignited into a powerful explosion destroying the buildings adjacent to it knocking down walls, collapsing floors, or shattering windows. ". . . . Hmph" she smirked as nothing could have survived that.

But after a moment allowing the smoke to clear, "wow! That really did take me by surprise for a moment there!"

"What?!" Cinder exclaimed absolutely dumbfounded as her opponent casually walked out from the smoke, dust, and debris patting herself off.

"I better finish you off now before you cause anymore damage" as she started to charge at her.

As the situation had finally sunk in, Cinder took a step back. "What kind of monster is this?!" She had witnessed and fought things of nightmares as she never dared to back away. But for what stood before her now, she was paralyzed where she stood. Seeing her hand shake as she felt cold sweat slide down her face her anger had started to flare. "I'm . . . . Afraid? . . . ." Clenching her fist in rage, "Me?! Afraid?! Impossible!" Seeing her opponent charge at her again she was brought out of her stunned state as she released a continuous flame that covered the entire road.

"Oh no! You're not doing that again! Aeroga!" as a torrent of wind twisted around Crescent Rose. Throwing her keyblade into the wall of fire as it spun like a saw it forcibly dispelled the flames with a powerful vacuum force as it flew right at her target.

Cinder overwhelmed dodged as the strange blade hit the spot where she stood when she was struck by a strong gust of wind.

The moment she threw her blade, Ruby followed right behind it with her semblance. Once it struck the ground she had gripped the handle as she was once again on the attack.

Summoning her own blades, the two started trading hits as their weapons clashed against each other. However Cinder knew her defeat was imminent. If her opponent was truly aiming to kill, this battle would have been over by now. Escape at this point was practically impossible. However the only thing on her mind right now was why was she going to lose? Even if she only had half of the fall maiden's powers she should have been more then a match to about any hunter or huntress out there. Yet here was this young girl who should have been considered a novice. However at this very moment she had her completely backed against the wall. To add insult to injury she was not even fighting at her absolute best.

For the short time she had observed her, her abilities surpassed her own.

"What power could possibly be greater then that of a maiden?!"

"You're finished now!" as Ruby ducked under her opponent's strike. Lowering her bodies center of gravity she blitzed in landing the finishing blow as the blunt force of her keyblade caused the woman in red to hold her stomach while dropping to her knees. Wheezing out a painful cough she fell completely on the ground as her consciousness had started to fade. But for the few moments she had left she saw the weapon her enemy wielded. Remembering a story from long ago as her vision began to go dark, " . . . . Keyblade".

~ Dark room ~

"Good grief" Glynda Goodwitch sighed as the elder blond huntress walked out of the interrogation room. A good number of them had noticed the theft of dust as Beacon academy's faculty were mobilized to catch the one responsible. Of course it couldn't have been some small petty criminals as the coordination and quantity of the thefts were too large to simply be just that.

Keeping night watch as the teachers had their own areas to patrol they got a hit as Glynda was the first to arrive. Upon arriving she had discovered a young huntress in training currently engaged in battle with them. As much as she wanted to ridicule her, it was thanks to her efforts that she was able to catch them in time.

But as the battle continued she found herself absolutely at a loss for words at how immense her power was. In all her years as a huntress and a teacher, she had never seen so much talent in an individual before. What further shocked her was that she was able to use her semblance. Of course it was possible for some people to possess similar semblances. However this young girl seemed to have had more then one. A feat that should not have been possible.

Though what happened next almost completely unhinged her jaw. Pulling up the street cameras she saw the fight she had with her opponent. Frankly it was completely unbelievable that someone who wasn't even a fully fledged huntress could be so powerful at such a young age.

As she was diving further into her thoughts, "so what did you think of her?"

Glynda looked up to see the principal of Beacon academy and fellow hunter Ozpin. Coughing to recollect herself, "I gave her a thorough lecture about her reckless interference. Though she said she would reflect she kept on asking for my autograph. Other then that . . . . I honestly believed Qrow was just being drunk exaggerating or bragging about his niece. But after tonight . . . . I think his description was watered down as she already surpasses anything that I can imagine".

Calmly drinking his coffee, the white haired hunter nodded. "Ruby Rose hmm? Don't you find her weapon rather interesting?"

Glynda could only sigh. "I still find it hard to believe that keyblades are real even after seeing one. It would have been fine if it was some sort of new dust weapon. But if the legends are real . . . . There is no telling how it would affect the world".

"For the time being it's fine. According to Qrow, not everyone can just get one as it requires specific conditions to be met. If anything she would be an immense asset for the future battles to come. Those silver eyes . . . ." as Ozpin rubbed his chin. "She is certainly going to be a rather interesting student".

"Student?" as Glynda was surprised at what he was suggesting.

Chuckling to himself, "this is certainly going to be an interesting year". Taking a tray of cookies Ozpin entered the room meeting Ruby for the first time offering her a place at his school.

~ somewhere ~

Captured and chained, Roman and Cinder had not anticipated this as a possible outcome. At this time they were both in an escort ship currently being shipped off to prison.

Clicking his tongue in annoyance as he flailed a bit in his chains the crime boss looked to his side with frustration. "You mind doing something about this?"

As much as she tried to concentrate, Cinder couldn't conjure anything. The guards were thorough not missing even the dust that was woven into her cloths. But more so was the fact she couldn't use her magic. The moment she had awakened she realized the sensation of the maiden's power gone. As much as she tried to focus, she couldn't feel the power anymore as it wasn't with her anymore.

However that was impossible. The maiden's power could only be transferred after she died. The only other possibility was that it was stolen from her the way she had stolen it from her predecessor. Remembering her last thoughts before she was knocked out, her anger started to boil again. A brat had actually defeated her in battle. But more so was the fact she wielded a mythical weapon that shouldn't exist.

But if the legends were true, her current predicament could be considered only a slight detour. With the power of a keyblade she would be unstoppable as world domination would easily be in their grasp.

"The chains?" Roman asked once again annoyed only to receive a glare from his partner in crime. "Well whatever that kid did, she really did a number on you huh? No matter, that's why I always have an extra card to play". Right on cue a commotion could be heard up front before becoming quiet. They soon felt their ship being redirected as they landed. Coming out from the front was a young girl dressed in a guards uniform. Removing her hat, she had usual hair as it was a mix of brown and pink with her eyes being heterochromic. Staring at the two, she gave an innocent smile. "Good timing as usual Neopolitan, so do you mind?"

Being released from their restraints, Cinder was fully focused on one task now. Not only would she get her revenge she would do whatever it took to achieve the power of a keyblade.

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Hope this chapter was OK and here is some commentary.

Thinking about the keyblade, Sora had become quite powerful as he had taken on some of the biggest baddies of the Disney/Final Fantasy world. Assuming the time frame of the story, he was able to do all this in under a year. So for Ruby and Yang who had years to train, practice, and experiment they would certainly be more powerful/experienced in comparison to Sora. As this story goes, they are just getting started with busting out one trick after another.

However they won't have identical abilities as they will have different skill trees. As noted by the development of Terra, Aqua, and Ventus they can't learn all the same things due to the difference of skills or affinities they have for abilities. For example with Ruby's stronger magic affinity in comparison to Yang, she could learn telekinesis while her sister can't since she is more of close quarter combat type.

For the use of spells that Ruby used, to get a better idea in how she used them just watch 'Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy 15'. It's shows how awesome the protect spell is in visualization and effect. The final battle was epic as Nyx was taking on Glauca while the old wall of Lucian kings were fighting off the deamons and the Empires airships. Thinking about it, team RWBY might even end up going there right in the middle of that war lol.

As you should have guessed, Ruby is now in possession of the Fall maiden's power. Seriously, the keyblade in itself is a cheat item that let's you learn/steal the skills or abilities of others.

If there any questions or concerns feel free to ask as I'll try to answer them.

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