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. 6

"Heh, only one person I know who can do that" Yang grinned. It was hard to miss a thunder storm in the middle of the forest. Especially on a nice sunny day like this. "But I can't let my baby sister have all the fun".

Just behind her were many devastated trees having been broken in half like twigs.

At this moment Yang had a ursa grim head locked under her arm as it struggled to get free. Hearing growling behind her she looked back to see she had apparently attracted more of them. Flashing a smile, "well the more the merrier!" as she crushed the grim in her arm as it evaporated into black smoke.

With her semblance she really didn't need to dodge. But it was still good practice to do so anyways if she ever came up against something she couldn't absorb. With all the power she had accumulated in her little skirmish so far this was just a nice warm-up.

As the grim attacked they didn't even last a moment against their opponent. All it took was one punch before they were annihilated.

At the start when Yang engaged them they could still at the very least injure her if she was careless. Thus she had to be cautious. But once she had absorbed enough energy they couldn't even make her flinch. Her strength grew spontaneously the more she absorbed. At a certain point even her skin had gotten so hard that their fangs and claws broke off them which acted as a second layer of defense behind her semblance. She was a literal juggernaut once she started going.

Although Yang at times felt she was invincible Ruby would usually keep her grounded that even the best shields had a weakness. Hence it was a chore to keep her ego in check when she hasn't faced anything yet that made her feel even remotely a little scared.

Rampaging against the grim a certain fanus was watching the battle from the tree tops.

Blake easily made it safely to the ground since being launched. There was no need for her to engage in any battles against the grim as she stealthily avoided them as she continued on to her destination. But in accordance to this exam she did have to eventually meet up with someone as they would be partners for the rest of the school year. This was a decision that couldn't be made lightly.

Reflecting on her life, nothing was easy. Even now she was still running and hiding from her problems as she wasn't sure who she could trust or even what she should do. Thus why she always seemed closed off and aloof to others. As she continued to be locked in her own thoughts she was startled at seeing a full blown thunder storm not far away.

"What kind of dust are they using?" as Blake felt the tremors of that attack even from as far as she was. But before long she had also noticed another battle occurring as trees were being knocked over. Curious as to who would be so reckless to make so much noise she had to take a look. Standing a safe distance away she couldn't believe what she was seeing. "What is she doing?!" as Blake's eyes became wide.

A lone girl was fighting off a herd of grim all on her own. Any normal person would have ran away or caved in to fear at such overwhelming odds.

But with the way she fought her strength was incredible, possibly immeasurable. Even as more grim appeared she didn't look the least bit tense or scared. Fighting her way through these creatures she had never once faltered. Continuing to observe this amazing battle she couldn't help but feel her heart tremble. Inspired and awed by her power. But it was more then just her physical ability but rather the greatness of spiritual one. She was the defining word of strength as never once her confident smile left her lips.

Looking around Yang then patted her hands. "Well I think that about wraps things up".

But then noticing one last grim behind her she turned around only to find that it was defeated with a blade sticking out of it's back before being pulled back to it's owner. Dropping down from the trees was that girl from yesterday. "Blake right? I totally had it covered".

"I'm certain you did".

"But before that . . . ." as Yang had suddenly threw her weapon.

Reacting on instinct Blake dodged just to turn back to see a grim get itself decapitated as Yang's weapon forcibly parted it's head from it's body and had only stopped after being impaled into a tree.

"Sorry about that" giving a strained chuckle. "Kind of reacted at the moment" as she rubbed the back of her head.

"Don't worry about it" said Blake as she grabbed Yang's weapon. Giving it a good tug she freed it from the tree. Now with a better look, ". . . . A very interesting weapon. But isn't this just a big key?" No matter how she looked at it, it really just looked like a big key. It had nothing that resembled any kind of projectile weapon. No slots for dust to be inserted into it. "How does she fight with this?" Unless she had a remarkable semblance you couldn't find any hunter or huntress out there who wouldn't have at least these two basic things in their weapons. But not one to pry she handed it back to her only to receive a heated look. ". . . . Is something wrong?"

Yang didn't think much of it if Blake grabbed her keyblade. The moment she pulled it, it would have returned to her hand. Yet on the contrary it didn't disappear as the mysterious girl was able to hold it firmly within her hands. Ruby had explained it to her before about inheriting this magic sword. When it came to choosing, the keyblade was never wrong.

Choosing a partner that was going to be with you for the rest of the school year was a really big decision. If the keyblade found her worthy, why shouldn't she? Unable to contain her own excitement at finding another keyblade candidate a wide warm smile spread across her face.

"Want to be partners?" Of course there were other ways to work yourself into that question. But Yang will always be herself. Always direct about what's on her mind or what she wants.

Startled, Blake wasn't sure what to say at how sudden it was. But shrugging, she figured why not. Meeting her and her sister yesterday they seemed like good people. Having someone as strong as her as a partner would definitely make things easier in the long run. "Sure" as there was no need to give this a second thought.

Taking a calming breath Yang released all the energy into the air as she was back to normal. Raising her hand, "partners then. Let's had a good time while we're here" as they shook on it.

~ Beacon academy ~

Making their way to their destination Weiss and Blake had a long talk with their respective partners.

It was strange really for both of them.

Weiss was well aware just what kind of person she was as she wouldn't deceive herself in thinking that she was an overall nice person. If someone didn't have what she wanted she wouldn't bother wasting a second on them. It just so happened that Ruby was the next best thing after Pyrrha. Although her initial impression of her was poor as some bratty kid who talked too much she couldn't help but feel herself loosening up. Though they argued, it felt light hearted. Almost playful as she couldn't feel anger or irritation towards her. If anything she felt more at ease as she was able to talk to her without holding back. Though her words may have sounded angry and hostile Ruby would just smile back paying them no mind.

Blake's situation was complicated. Her parents were the original founders of the White Fang. An organization designed to help fanus to fight the prejudice of humans. But as her parents stepped down and new leadership took over, the organization then had a more aggressive approach choosing action rather then words to solve problems. Of course these methods had it's charm. However her parents were appalled by them which in turn caused her to see them as cowards for not doing what needed to be done. But overtime she felt her own morality being challenged. Thus the final straw was seeing how indifferent her former partner Adam was to innocent humans. For that she turned her back on the White Fang. With what happened with her parents, she felt she couldn't go home either.

So trying a different path, here she was at Beacon academy attempting to become a huntress. For the time being she imagined that she would only be part of a team in name as she didn't want to get close to anyone. Yet regardless of her preconceptions she met someone who was like a guiding star within the darkest night. Yang's aura felt bright and cheerful. That no matter how bleak things may seem, she somehow still felt hope for the future. Something she hadn't felt for a long time.

Reaching their destination they had just made it in time to see Pyrrha and Jaune team up with Lie Ren and Nora. Together they defeated a death stalker grim under Jaune's command as the monstrous scorpion was soundly defeated.

With the threat over, each pair picked up a chess piece which signified the team arrangements.

As such new teams were created and announced as they were going to be together for the rest of their time at Beacon.

"Team RWBY!" Ruby cheered as she was excited. "We're going to be the greatest team in the entire world!"

"That's for sure" said Yang pumping her fists.

"I still don't see why you get to be team leader" then said Weiss. "If anything I should be the one more qualified for the role".

"Well I'm sure the headmaster had his reasons" as Blake continued to read her book indifferent as she walked with her group.

But spinning around as she folded her hands behind her, Ruby gave Weiss and Blake a warm smile. "I wasn't joking when I said that we are going to be the greatest team. You were able to hold our keyblades. The both of you have what it takes to become an inheritor".

"Inheritor?" said Blake curiously looking up from her book. "Keyblade?"

"Is this supposed to be some sort of weird club thing?" Weiss quirked.

Yang shook her head. "You'll understand soon enough".

"What are you talking about? Are you two into some weird stuff?"

"It's a bit difficult to explain" Ruby continued as she maintained her soft expression. "But if there is something I can tell you then don't be afraid and let your heart guide you".

Blake's brow rose at this while Weiss shrugged it off as just some crazy talk.

For the coming days, it was just normal routine of going to class, training, and team building. But at night, that's when the strange dreams had started.

It was hazy at first. Scary even as neither Weiss or Blake had experienced such a thing before. It was the feeling of drowning and falling at the same time. Feeling like your very existence was going to melt away within that darkness.

Weiss of course was on the side of skeptical thinking of this as some sort of practical joke being played on her by her team mates. But the more fantastical part of that story was what the keyblade was.

But to prove her claim Ruby had even summoned Crescent Rose in front of them and demonstrated a few of her spells.

But even at such a display Weiss still couldn't believe it. "Magic? Really? It has to be some sort of new dust technology. Maybe someone's semblance. Do they think I'm some gullible child who believes in these kinds of things?" Simply none of it made any sense. Such a thing challenged everything she knew about the world. Magic wasn't real as they were just legends and fairy tales told to children as night. But as the dreams became clearer the more she wanted to struggle. Fight against the pull that was dragging her down into the depths. It had almost gotten to a point she was a little afraid to go to sleep at night.

Soon it was starting to show as Weiss's eyes grew dark from restlessness. Her school work was beginning to lag as she was losing focus during her training.

On this night as the girl's were readying themselves for bed, the Schnee heiress watched her team happily talking among themselves. Apparently ignorant of her plight. The more they were happily in their own world the more it grind against her self-control. For the most part she had been keeping her problems to herself due to her pride. But having to endure this for several days, she had reached her breaking point. "I can't take it anymore!" Weiss shouted as she angrily looked at Ruby. "Whatever you did to me take it back right now!"

"You need to calm down" as Yang tried to interject surprised at the sudden meltdown.

"I won't calm down! Not until this thing is over!"

Ruby was a little taken back by her outburst. But looking her over she understood what was on her mind. Sitting down with her she took her hand. "I understand you're scared and I'm sure we could have better explained things to you. Personally it was a lot to take in in the beginning for both me and Yang. However I assure you that you don't need to be afraid. For what you're experiencing is known as the dive to the heart. This event is both a journey and the destination at the same time. Once you reach it you will unlock a power far greater then anything you can imagine".

There it was again. As much as she wanted to lash out she couldn't. Weiss felt her anger and resentment dissolve before Ruby's warmth and understanding. Yet she couldn't shake her uneasiness about this entire thing. Letting herself calm down as she looked to her feet, her expression became solemn. "It's literally a dive to my heart right? . . . . What if I don't like what I see?"

"You don't need to worry" Ruby smiled wrapping her arm around her shoulder holding her in a half hug. "A keyblade is never wrong about those it chooses".

"Then what will happen when I get there? What if I can't overcome whatever is there waiting for me?"

With just a warm smile on her face, "I'll be right here for you when you need me" Ruby answered.

Frowning, how could she argue? Even she had admit that Ruby had a very mysterious power about her. Something about her very spirit that no matter how scary or bad things may get she made you feel it was going to be alright.

As Ruby was comforting Weiss, "you seem to be taking all this rather well" Yang quipped to Blake. "You're going through it too, right? The dive to the heart".

Blake rarely let her feelings show on her face let alone tell anyone about them. But for one of those rare moments, "It's actually rather . . . . Comforting".

"Huh?"

"It doesn't matter" as Blake shook her head. Leaving things as that, she left a puzzled Yang as she climbed into bed. Soon after the rest of her team followed suit.

~ Dive to the heart ~ (Weiss)

Back where she started she was dressed in her normal combat cloths as she was still sinking. But unlike before she was going to let it happen.

Taking a calming breath she relaxed her body as she continued to go further down.

Weiss was still on edge about all this as she was plagued with uncertainty. Every fiber of her being challenging the common sense of this world. However for this time she decided to put her faith in Ruby and see where this particular rabbit hole goes.

Continuing to fall deeper and deeper down she had noticed something at the corner of her eye. A small glimmer of light. It's brilliance shined like a lone star within the empty night sky.

Coming closer as the light grew brighter she saw a glass painted portrait of her sister Winter. Seeing the magnificent spectacle, "were these the things inside my heart?" Once she was close enough her body automatically oriented itself as she softly landed on the way station.

Remembering Ruby's explanation she just needed to wait for what happened next.

"The path you choose to walk comes with many hardships . . . ." as pillars started appearing

"Who's there?!" Weiss shouted in surprise. Though she was told about all of this ahead of time it didn't change at how sudden it was.

"However that path doesn't necessarily have to be traveled alone . . . ." as weapons sparkled into existence. "But what form will you power take . . . . Choose wisely".

"Does it really matter which one I choose?" as the Schnee heiress observed her options. She really didn't know if her choice really had any purpose. Although she wanted to choose the blade as she was most familiar with it her heart seemed to have been pulling her in a different direction. Standing before the oddly shaped staff with a crystal end Weiss couldn't help but frown. It was impractical as a weapon. But with how out of touch she was, she just followed Ruby's advice. That was simply to let her heart guide her.

Picking the rod, "the power of the mystic. Inner strength. A staff of wonder and ruin. Your path is set . . . . Now what will you give up in exchange?"

Considering her new 'weapon' she suppose the sword was moot now. Upon touching it not only did it evaporate into light the entire way station shattered beneath her feet as she started to fall again.

"What the hell Ruby?!" Weiss cursed. "You could have at least told me about this part!" But as fast as that was it was over just as quickly as she opened her eyes to find herself on another way station. But this time it was that of her little brother Whitley.

"There will come a time you have to fight . . . . Never allow your light to fade . . . ." as shadows started to stretch onto the way station turning into humanoid bugs. Jumping up to attack, Weiss reacted as the rod reappeared in her hand.

"Damn it! I should have chosen the sword!" as she defended against them. Though she wasn't sure if these shadow creatures were grim or not they didn't seem that strong either. So using her semblance she enhanced her speed and strength. With raw power alone smashed each of the shadows.

Upon their defeat the Schnee heiress found herself plummeting again. And once more,"damn it Ruby!"

Waving her arms and legs in panic she opened her eyes to find that she was . . . . home? "What is going on now?" Looking around she was in her room. Not sure why she was here she quickly exited to find her home to be eerily quiet. Making her way to the living room she found her elder sister, her butler Klein, and . . . . "mom?"

Weiss was clearly shocked at seeing her. After the . . . . 'incident', she became almost reclusive. As the years passed it was very rare she ever saw her. But here she was now. Looking exactly like she did before the incident. Approaching her wanting to talk to her, "what's most important to you?"

Weiss was stunned as she then gave her a solemn look recalling Ruby's explanation. ". . . . She's just a memory . . . . Deep inside my heart". Taking a deep breath, here she just needed to answer honestly. "Independence. To know I was strong enough to walk my own path and not have someone else choose it for me".

Her mother nodded to her response as Weiss then moved on.

"What are you afraid of?" asked Winter.

". . . . Failing to prove I'm more then just my name or my wealth".

With the final person, "what do you want out of life?" then asked Klein.

". . . . To live my own life of that of my own choosing".

Before she knew it Weiss found herself swallowed by darkness as she was falling again. But in the distance was another way station. But this time it was that of her father. The very symbol of her antipathy who shattered her world at a young age by revealing a horrible truth to their mother and the rest of their family.

As she landed on it, ". . . . Free your heart from the past" a voice echoed from the darkness. "and look proudly towards the future . . . . Broaden your horizons as there lies the power to move forward . . . ."

With a loud thump behind her, Weiss was startled turning around to see a giant suit of armor easily three times her height. Not long after a shadow like ghost entered the suit bringing it to life. As it towered over her it drew it's large sword charging at her to attack.

"Arma gigas" as Weiss recalled fighting it or something like it sometime ago. At that time she was able to defeat it. However this time it was different as she didn't have her Myrtenaster or any of her dust. All she had was this lousy staff. Angrily thinking this to herself, "how the hell am I supposed to beat this thing with a useless stick!"

As the Arma Gigas attacked, Weiss instinctively raised her arm up to defend as suddenly a wall of ice appeared.

". . . . What?" Weiss felt it just then. A strange new power that was boiling inside her. At the end of her staff was her glyph semblance. But this clearly wasn't done by dust. At the moment her opponent attacked she imagined what she would have done if she had her standard equipment. Finally calming her racing mind, she felt it. That power from inside her flowing out that created the ice. Quickly thinking it over, "is this magic?"

As the Gigas was about to breach the wall, Weiss resolved herself as she would throw her common sense out the door for now.

Imagining her staff with every kind of dust she had ever studied and used, this battle became very different. All of the elements were at her command. More powerful then anything she had ever used before with her limitation being that of her own imagination. Though she felt exhaustion from using magic it didn't take long for her to be back at full power to resume her assault.

Overwhelmed at the strength of the elements, Arma Gigas was thoroughly defeated. It's armored body were burned and shattered in several places. It's right arm soon fell off as it's sword broke into many pieces.

Not able to fight any longer it dissolved into particles of light leaving Weiss alone on the way station. Then for the first time in many nights or perhaps for most of her life her heart felt at peace.

~ Dive to the heart ~ (Blake)

". . . . It's so calm here" thought Blake as she continued to drift.

Thanks to her semblance, this world inside her felt as natural as breathing. Shadow and darkness were kindred to one another.

As she rested, her worries would simply float away and that was fine by her.

However she had to face what was buried inside her heart. Spotting the light in the distance, she had arrived to her first stop.

The first way station was that of her mother Kali. Landing on it she placed her hand on the painting smoothing her fingers against the picture of her mother's face. She had a lot of time to think about her actions as she was plagued with regret. She chastised them for their actions for not doing more. But with everything she's been through she had finally understood that she had become the very thing she wanted to fight against. Thus she was no better then the humans she fought against.

"The path of the righteous is not an easy one to take . . . ." as pillars appeared as Blake looked up as the voice echoed around her. "But justice can exist in many forms . . . ." as weapons materialized on them. "But what form will you power take . . . . Choose wisely".

Looking around, "but which one?" she asked herself softly. Blake's life was fractured into several paths. Each weapon represented some part of her life before, during, and after her time with the White Fang. Though she was told to follow her heart, how could she with how clouded it was.

Standing in the center of way station, she closed her eyes trying to find clarity in her decision. Concentrating as she calmly inhaled and exhaled clearing her mind, she knew what she wanted.

She didn't want to sit back passively nor did she wish to indulge her anger. She couldn't be the person from before nor did she want to be the person that she was. Of all the weapons, only one represented her two sides of anger and serenity. A long black ribbon with a dagger tied at the end of it. The moment she touched it, it disappeared.

"The power of the guardian. Kindness to aid friends. A heart capable of change to accept all. Your path is set . . . . Now what will you give up in exchange?"

Blake didn't even need to consider this one choosing to rid herself of the more aggressive weapons.

Once her choice was made she continued on with the dive finding the next way station of that of her father Ghira. Like her mother, she had also felt deep regret in turning her back on him due to how young and foolish she was. "There will come a time that you can't run from a fight . . . ." a voice echoed. "Never lose faith in your light . . . ." as grim like creatures had started to appear.

Like instinct, her weapon had appeared in her hand as she was ready to fight. The ribbon dagger was flexible in nature based on what it's user willed of it. Having plenty of practice from Gambol Shroud, she was able to hold her own till the last of them were gone.

Once they were defeated her shadow had stretched out as it began dragging her down. But she wasn't afraid as she allowed the darkness to take her.

Relaxing herself, she didn't expect to see anything but complete blackness. But upon reopening her eyes . . . . She was home. "Wha . . . . What?" Running to the window she looked outside to see that she was indeed back at Menagerie, the country of the fanus. It was very distinctive with several landmarks. Quickly looking around the room, she was indeed home. As much as she wanted to question it all, she eventually calmed down. Remembering simply, ". . . . Just a memory . . . . All of this is just a memory . . . ."

Going to the living room she as was met by faces she hadn't seen for a very long time in the form of her parents and a friend she had left behind. Like the rest of her team, they each had one question for her.

"What's most important to you?" Ghira started standing tall and proud.

This was a question that didn't require a lot of thought as at the base of things this was the one thing all fanus wanted. "A place to belong".

"What are you afraid of?" asked the friend.

"My past . . . ." Blake answered tearfully. "I'm afraid because . . . . It's something I can't face. And I know . . . . It's something I can't run away from forever".

"What do you want out of life?" asked Kali as she was sipping her tea.

"What I want . . . What I want . . . ." as that was something even she wasn't sure about. At this point in her life she was adrift within the sea of uncertainty after everything she has been through. But for now what her heart most yearned for, "clarity. I want to know where I'm going in life".

At her answer the world went dark again as she descended further down. Continuing her dive, she was to confront what her heart had tried so hard to bury away. The very thing she was trying to run away from. Landing on the way station, it was that of her old partner Adam. The man who began to represent her regret of what White Fang was becoming. All their hard work sacrificed on the alter of their spite. Focused more on wanting to harm humans rather then seek peaceful coexistence or equality. That was her guilt . . . . Her regret in letting her anger corrupt her morality.

". . . . A heart that seeks redemption is a worthy path" a voice echoed. "Never regret . . . . Never forget . . . . The power to choose will always be yours to make . . . ." as out from the darkness came the shadow form of Adam.

". . . . I understand" as Blake readied her weapon. She was scared as there was no denying that. Every fiber of her being wanted to run away. However true strength only came from facing your demons. This was her time as she would face her past with conviction. If she wanted to move on with her life then there was no turning back now.

Engaging in their battle, shadow Adam was as strong as his real world counterpart. But win or lose she would see this through to the end. Using her shadow semblance defensively her opponent couldn't hit her as she managed to sneak in a few good counters. After a drawn out fight the battle was concluded as Blake was the only one left.

"Well" as she gave one of her rare smiles, "let's see where this life will lead me".

~ Beacon academy ~

As morning arrived team RWBY welcomed the day.

Though no words were said, Ruby and Yang had noticed a profound change in their teammates.

Weiss seemed calmer now.

Blake appeared to be more at peace.

The two had successfully completed their dive.

Grinning to herself Ruby was excited to see when their keyblades would appear before them.

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Super stoked about Kingdom Hearts 3 coming out this year. Can't wait to learn about the release date by the time E3 comes around. Now onto some commentary.

As things are Ruby specializes in attack with secondary to magic. Yang is attack with secondary to defense. Weiss is magic with secondary to defense. Blake is defense with secondary to magic. Though if you read the game mechanics more closely what weapons you choose/disregard doesn't really have much affect on stats in the long run. In fact it was designed to decide what abilities the character would get at certain levels. But for the case of team RWBY I decided to go with the former then the latter of how their stats would match up with each other.

I decided to cut out the nevermore fight as that only happened because Ruby and Weiss decided to get it's attention by hitching a ride on it. Otherwise the deathstalker fight still happened with team JNPR because of Jaune.

As noted above, Weiss will be very magic focused. Even better then Ruby as she'll have a natural talent for it thanks in part to her glyph semblance. Though concerning her background not much is known about her mother. But as noted her father married into the Schnee name which I'm also assuming the glyph semblance specifically belongs to the mother's side. Not sure about the overall background till more is revealed. But I'm assuming it has to be a pretty big deal.

Blake will be more support/defensive type. However she can fight her own battles as she'll be able to manipulate the shape of her key the best out of her teammates. But of her teammates because of her shadow semblance it does make her more susceptible to darkness by nature. However I have some time to fiddle around with this as I have a few interesting abilities Blake might develop over the course of the story.

Contemplating this, I'd like to think that there are four classifications for keyblade wielders. That be light, dark, twilight, and dawn. The first two are self-explanatory. Twilight are users who are pulled between the two sides. Dawn are users who are walking back towards the light.

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

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