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. 9


It had been quite some time since Qrow left Patch island.

As much as he wanted to continue watching his nieces grow up he still had a job to do. The world wasn't going to save itself after all. Besides Ruby and Yang had a good handle on things so they didn't need him around anymore to watch over them. Also, Tai was there. So, it was fine.

After much time and needing to report in to Ozpin he was back in Vale. Before meeting up with Ruby and her team, he recounted how his day was going.

But much to his distaste there was an Atlas ship parked at Beacon academy is such a grandiose way for all to see.

Seeing a familiar face, what happened next was unavoidable. Totaling a couple of Atlas robots, he now had her full and undivided attention.

After a bit of bickering they then went right into it.

To put it bluntly, the girl who was trying to stab him was Winter Schnee. Being frank about it there was a bit of history between them as he'll leave it at that.

Though their fight was causing a scene well what can he say? That was how they said hello to each other.

With how things were between them he generally enjoyed having the last laugh as he withdrew his weapon and dared her to attack. Just as she did, old Ironwood reprimanded her for her actions. As much as he hated his semblance it had its moments.

Part of the crowd watching their fight, Ruby immediately came to hug him. Though he wanted to catch up with her he still had some business to see too.

Frankly he was quite peeved with how things were going. Though Ozpin was trying to ready them for the future onslaught, his intentions ended up backfiring on him. He figured getting Atlas involved was the right choice. But it only ended up with Ironwood trying to muscle him out as nowadays you could see their military property littered all over Vale. Such an act put the rest of the kingdoms on alert.

There were plenty of reasons why this was a bad move. But that's what you get from military big wigs who like to think they know what's best only to be blind to the entire situation in front of them.

If they couldn't get Atlas to withdraw, he knew that somehow and someway this would all end up biting them in the rear.

Though he wanted to duke this out some more, Ozpin ended up excusing him as he'll figure a way to fix it.

"Whatever" he thought to himself. Now visiting his nieces' team, he had to wonder if he's been drinking too much or not enough.

After introducing themselves they each ended up summoning a keyblade.

"Now there are four of them . . . ." as Qrow wiped his face. He even squinted and rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't seeing things. But there was certainly now four of them. "Ahh damn . . . ." he sighed to himself.

The last thing he needed was more of these to get out. Equally so the implications of what it meant.

One of them was a Schnee who in turn had deep ties to Atlas. If they found a way to mass produce keyblades he didn't even want to imagine the chaos they would release onto the world. But luckily keyblades were bound to their owners. He highly doubted Winter would let anything happen to her little sister if she were to find out about that magic sword. If Ironwood were to catch wind of it he was equally certain she would do everything in her power to protect them. So, Weiss's situation was fine for now.

But Blake was a bit of a tricky one. Though the world was trying to move towards understanding and equality there were those who were too stubborn for their own good. For a fanus who had attained power that could very well change the world, that's where things got messy. There were going to be some humans who would do everything they could to take her out. There were going to be quite a few fanus who would want her to use that power for certain gains. Yet so long as she kept under the radar she should be able to avoid these issues.

However, it didn't solve the overall problem. Eventually team RWBY will become a force too big and too loud for the world to ignore anymore. He just had to hope that when the time came they would be ready to stand on the grand stage for the entire world to see.


~ Beacon academy ~

After official business was done for the day Winter had gone off to visit Weiss.

Sitting down as they enjoyed a cup of tea and snacks with each other they showed a scene no one would believe unless you saw it for yourself.

The sisters who were usually cold and indifferent towards others acted completely different when they were together. You would never believe they were capable of smiling so brightly and sincerely. Though Weiss was getting along with her team it would be a while before she was this relaxed around them.

After a few pleasantries, "so why were you fighting with Ruby's uncle?" Weiss asked.

Almost breaking the cup in her hand, "why do you ask?" as Winter gave a strained smile.

"I rarely ever see you when you're angry like that".

"Just leave it be. It's something you shouldn't concern yourself with".

"But I . . . ."

"Anyways" Winter interrupted as she forcibly changed the topic. "How has your training been going?"

Instantly Weiss's face lit up as she was all smiles as her eyes were shining. "It's been going great! See!" Extending her hand, a miniature white ghostly knight appeared. "I managed to do it now! I can summon even more then that too!"

Smiling warmly, the elder Schnee nodded in approval. "I'm happy to see your progress. I'm glad you have been working so hard as of late".

"Thank you" Weiss cutely smiled.

"But I wonder how much" as a glint appeared in Winter's eye.

Knowing where she was going with this, Weiss gave a confident smile as she gave her sister a look of daring. For she took pride in earning Winter's praise and acknowledgment. Thus, she wanted to show her just how much she had grown.

Moving to the training ground Weiss pulled out her Myrtenaster.

"When did you get a new weapon?" asked Winter eying the strange new sword.

"Oh, just thought I would make a little upgrade" the Schnee heiress answered whimsically.

"Alright, let's see what you can do" as Winter soon created a thick layer of mist as it completely surrounded her sister. As her usual test the elder Schnee started slow sending in her grim projections. First starting with one, she steadily increased the difficulty as more of them started to appear. If her sister managed to overcome them she would then summon something stronger.

It was rather harsh. But she did this out of love for her sister. The world was unkind. If she truly wished for independence she needed to get stronger. Neither of them was content living by the will of their father's wishes leveraging his wealth and influence. In a certain way they pitied their younger brother Whitley. But that was as far either of them cared to dwell on it as he was free to choose what kind of life he wanted.

As Winter ordered her grim to attack it was as expected. She was aware Weiss was able to deal with the first few waves with ease. However, something seemed different about her now. She seemed more composed and relaxed only exerting the necessary amount of force needed to win. "But could someone improve so much in such a short time?" But if she was acting too calm because this was a training exercise then she ought to correct this misunderstanding.

Ordering her projections to push their attacks, Weiss still maintained her composure. Even as she was approaching her old record the Schnee heiress was still perfectly in control.

Watching her sister perform, a bit of sweat slid down on the sides of Winter's face. Weiss was graceful as usual when it came to her swordplay. She was proud of how much she had improved. However, she couldn't help but feel a little disturbed. This level of performance was abnormal. Her skills reflected that of a veteran hunter or well-trained soldier. Not to long ago she was barely able to handle a small pack of beowolf grim.

Truthfully it was kind of scary just how good she got in a short amount of time. But for this next round whether it was for curiosity or some morbid sense of interest, her projections were going to attack with the actual intent to harm.

Although Weiss was completely surrounded, that confident smile never left her lips. After getting her keyblade she had been learning magic from Ruby every day. It was something about the mystic arts that felt so natural to her like breathing. Like it was some sort of missing piece she had been waiting all her life for. With all the types of spells she could use old habits did die hard as she really liked using ice magic.

But first she needed some room. Raising her sword up, "light!" Weiss chanted as magic gathered around her key. Glowing brightly, a giant blade of ethereal light took shape. With one swing she slayed all the opponents nearest to her. Having enough clearance, she started her next spell. "Blizzara!" as ice spikes hailed down all around her. In that instant the last of the grim were gone.

Without realizing it Winter was stunned as she was slightly slack jawed. How was she able to generate so much power? During the entire session she had not once seen her sister change out her dust. More so her energy output was just unreal. Did it have something to do with her new weapon? Was this connected to her sudden improvement? It seemed unlikely to be a Schnee company product as she knew their father would have tried to profit from this. So how was she able to do this?

Having quite a few questions Winter shook her head. Weiss's answer earlier was apparent that this was some sort of secret. Though she could press her for answers everyone was entitled to a few things that they want to keep to themselves. Obviously, she had her concerns. But when Weiss was ready she will tell her. More so, if she still kept on this path then she didn't have to worry anymore.

Giving a sigh of relief as she walked up to her little sister, "well done Weiss. It seems I have nothing left to teach you" Winter said solemnly as she petted her head.

"No" as Weiss cutely smiled. "I still have a lot to learn. By the way, how long are you staying? Will you be here during the festival?"

Shaking her head, "I'm afraid not. I only came here to settle some Atlas business. However, I will make time to watch your matches. Do your best Weiss and make sure to claim the very top as I expect nothing less from you".

"Yes!" as Weiss's gaze became fiery as her competitive spirit was ignited.


~ Beacon academy ~ (night)

At the dorms, all the students were either asleep or getting some last-minute practicing and studying in before hitting the hay.

But in one room as Weiss, Blake, and Yang were already asleep Ruby was still wide awake as she stared at the ceiling. Since starting here at Beacon as each night she slept she could hear a small whisper. It didn't belong to any of her teammates and it didn't seem to be anything in the room.

After a few more nights she realized this whisper was inside her.

Recently diving into her inner world and standing on a way station, it appeared before her.

In a small ball of dazzling light Ruby reached out her hands as she protectively held it. Sadly, looking to it she understood what it was.

It was a heart or rather a broken heart.

Whose heart it was, she didn't know. But she had a good idea where it came from.

She tried talking to it a few times. However, the heart was too weak to respond. But she could sense how desperate it was to return to its other half. Thinking it over a few days, she was going to help in whatever she way she could. Getting out of bed as she quietly got dressed she took one last look around the room. She considered getting her team involved. But she figured this was something she could handle on her own.

Focusing on the presence inside of her, "let your heart be your guiding key" Ruby whispered as she started walking towards where the ball of light wanted to go.

But after walking for a bit it appeared wherever she was going was underground.

"Some sort of basement? Under Beacon?" Ruby then thought. Obviously, some of the buildings here had lower levels. But feeling where she needed to go, it was something much deeper down. Not sure how to get there she needed to know the exact layout of what was down there. Closing her eyes as she reached her hand up, "scan".

It was a kind of detection magic that deployed your aura over a specific target to analyze it. However, that was a very narrow way to use it. Although it was more difficult, if she deployed her aura over the entire area she would be able to render a three-dimensional map around her. It was very useful reconnaissance technique.

But once the full picture appeared in her head, she was now a little worried. If she was reading the map right there appeared to be a massive vault like structure under the school. More so the only entrance to it was in Ozpin's office.

Feeling her nerves rattled a bit, she might have just stumbled upon a secret she was not supposed to know. Thus, now she was in a bit of a conundrum.

On one point she was already dead set on returning the heart where it needed to go.

But on the other it was going to require some breaking and entering.

Although it was times like this she should have been more mature, her child like curiosity got the better of her. Aside from helping someone in need it wasn't everyday you stumbled on an adventure.

"Sorry Ozpin" as she clasped her hands together in apology.

Making her way to his office the door was locked for the night. Summoning Crescent Rose, the tip of her blade shined a small ball of light as she then heard the door unlock.

It was one of the coolest powers a keyblade had. Regardless of what kind of lock it was, it was able to open them. Thinking back Ruby couldn't help but chuckle as her dad tried to keep the cookie jar locked only for her and Yang to unlock it the moment he left.

Accessing Ozpin's office, she soon enough discovered the secret entrance as her key unlocked the elevator as she took the ride down.

Upon reaching her destination, it was quite a sight to behold with how grand it was. Although there was so much to see down here she decided to put it off for another time as she continued on with her destination. Walking for a couple of minutes she finally reached her destination.

"Is this you?" Ruby questioned. In front of her was a brown-haired girl with tanned skin as she seemed to have been hooked up to a life support system.

"And who might you be talking too?"

Almost jumping out of skin, Ruby turned about to see Ozpin with a raised eyebrow along with her uncle Qrow looking a bit peeved.

"Just for the record" as the scythe huntsmen rubbed the back of his head. "This was definitely one of those things you'd avoid doing to stay under the radar". But after smearing his face and shrugging, "just consider yourself lucky you didn't end up alerting Atlas. They would have been down here in full force guns blazing".

Nodding her head as she gave a thoughtful look it made sense considering this was supposed to be a to secret place. But looking back to the girl as curiosity settled in again, "so who is she? I'm guessing she must be someone pretty important if she's being kept down here".

"Kid . . . ." Qrow sighed, "you don't even know the half of it". With Ozpin giving a nod of approval, he revealed to Ruby who she was. Seeing as little red already knew all about magic and possessed her own then there was no harm in telling her.

The girl Amber was one of the legendary season maidens. But specifically, the fall maiden. For magic was always a part of this world which resided in these four girls. In the beginning they did great work spreading their gifts throughout world. However, it didn't take long for human avarice to rear its ugly head as the maidens were then hunted for their powers. Thus, in hopes of protecting them they went into hiding as eventually they were forgotten by history and delegated to nothing more then myths and legends.

As evidenced by Amber, there were some groups who were still after them.

Of course, there was more to the story. But now was not that time.

"So, tell me little one" as Ozpin stood up right with his cane in front of him. "Why would you go through all this trouble to come here?"

Absorbing everything she was told as she looked up in thought, "I think I might have the other half of her powers . . . ."

"I beg your pardon" as Ozpin was trying to make sure he hadn't misheard.

"How is that possible?" as Qrow had instantly snapped into attention. Amber's protection was supposed to be his responsibility. Yet at the critical moment when she needed help he was too late as her attackers had done her in quite a bit. A guilt that lingered on his conscious. Staring at his niece, he couldn't even imagine how that power got into her hands.

"Actually, it's kind of a weird story" as Ruby recalled the events. It happened late at night in the city when she was loitering as she happened upon a theft in progress. Getting involved she ended encountering a woman in a red dress as she was able to use magic like her. But with the power of her keyblade, after she defeated her she seemed to have taken the source of her magic.

Once she got it she sensed a strange pull from inside her. Upon coming to Beacon that feeling only got stronger.

Responding to that feeling she just followed where it wanted to go as here she was.

With everything Ozpin and Qrow knew, it seemed to match. But the question now was what now? If Ruby became the new fall maiden that would put a lot of people's minds at ease. Yet considering little red's already unusual circumstance it was not a good idea to have too many eggs in one basket. Knowing her nature, she wasn't interested either in going into hiding.

While the adults were busy thinking, "curaga!" Ruby chanted as Amber was completely healed as not even a scar was present on her body. Little red came here for a purpose as she was going to fulfill it. Holding her key in front of her she concentrated drawing out Amber's heart. Soon a small ball of light floated out of her chest as it was sent back where it needed to go.

Now whole, Amber took a deep breath before coughing awake as she leaned against the door.

Stunned at the turn of events with Amber's awakening, Ozpin and Qrow stopped their query as they went to assist her.

"Easy there" Ruby smiled as she helped her out. "You've been asleep for a long time".

Coughing a few more times Amber gave a somber smile. "Thank you . . . ." as tears soon swelled in her eyes. "Thank you . . . ." her voice cracked as her arms trembled hugging Ruby. After her attack she found herself falling into darkness as she never felt so cold and alone.

Then one day she saw a light in the distance as she heard her voice.

That was Ruby as she pulled her back from the abyss as her light and warmth kept her safe. It was thanks to her she was able to come back to the world. For that she couldn't possibly show her just how grateful she was.

"Thank you . . . . Thank you . . . ." Amber continued to repeat crying in full now as she finally woken from that horrible dream.

"It's OK now" Ruby smiled. "It's all OK now"

To be continued . . . .


Author's notes: Hope this chapter OK as I've been very busy as of late. Now onto some commentary.

I'm aware I shifted the time frame a bit. I don't really have any reason for it. But as I said I'm trying to speed up events.

I've seen a lot of fan speculation but it does seem unusual with how easily Qrow gets under Winter's skin. But we can be certain that something happened between them to generate such instant animosity. Although it's wishful thinking on my part, I think they might have been involved in some form or way in the past. Whether that be a simple rivalry or perhaps a lover's quarrel we won't know until more is revealed later.

Weiss's training is based off of the vol.5 Weiss showcase with her practicing with Winter. Based from what I saw Winter was sending in waves of grim with increasing difficulty the more her sister took down. Applying her keyblade abilities, this should have been a cake walk. If anything, I feel that her overall combat style more or less reflects that of Aqua.

Concerning Qrow's speculation, I wouldn't put it past Atlas to try to weaponize and mass produce keyblades. Just as so I don't believe Winter would do anything to endanger her sister. As much of an ice queen as she is when it comes to her military duties she definitely seems to put Weiss first.

Like what Sora did for Ventus is what Ruby did for Amber giving her heart safe harbor. In a way it makes sense since Amber was comatose and her condition wasn't entirely understood. Remembering Ventus condition it could fit. But considering what happened to her I'm wondering if Amber has a nobody running around somewhere or something. Guess we will see.

If there are 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.