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. 8

In the following days Ruby was putting Weiss and Blake through the motion teaching them about the keyblade and in turn learning the extent of their capabilities.

As far as things went, little red was quite impressed with the new developments as of late.

Giving Weiss the basics of how magic worked and teaching her a few spells, the Schnee heiress was a complete natural when it came to the mystic arts. She surmised it was probably due to Weiss's semblance that gave her that high compatibility. Frankly there was no doubt in her mind that even with the inherited memories from the ancient keyblade, Weiss would eventually surpass her. If she kept up her studies she could very well be one of the greatest magic users in history across the worlds.

However Weiss lacked the ability to transform her keyblade. But considering her personality, it wasn't a surprise as she was stubborn to a fault. Thus she wouldn't be able to use a keyblade glider or alter it's form to different tools. Yet she didn't seem to mind it much so long as she had her magic. When questioned about how she would get around her answer was simple as she taught herself to fly. It was quite the skill but it ate up a bit of her energy by comparison to a glider. So in the case of long distance she would hitch a ride with one of them.

As for Blake, her keyblade transformations was something else entirely. Aside from firearms she was able to create an array of weapons such as a sword, an axe, spear, shield, a whip, and even a giant shuriken. She was even able to freely alter the shape of her glider for whatever need she required of it. For the most part it was unusual for one's heart to be so malleable. But considering the rich and complicated life she lived, it was understandable.

As for her magic, it was around Yang's level as she used it to suit her needs. But the biggest change for her was the evolution of her semblance. What was once illusions were now solid projections as she was able to create functioning clones of herself. It was quite a big improvement. However she had to use this skill more conservatively. Aside from sapping her energy it also stretched out her consciousness. Simply the more clones she made the harder it was for her to micromanage what they were all doing. But more so Blake was just scratching the surface of what her shadow can do. After a little experimenting she was even able to store stuff inside her shadow which was extremely convenient. However there were always two sides to one coin

Like her sister, Ruby couldn't help but feel worried for Blake. With her affinity being so close to darkness it made her heart vulnerable to temptation. There have been many keyblade wielders who fell to the allure of power or found themselves heading down a dark path where they were consumed by their rage or fear.

Of course these were just her concerns as she was probably worrying about nothing. But if there ever came a day they became lost she will always be there for them to light the beacon guiding them home.

Finishing her thoughts, Ruby set aside her diary. With a chipper smile, "let's have another awesome day! Go team RWBY!" as her teammates cheered as they were right out the door.

~ Beacon academy ~

"I don't know how long you expect us to remain quiet about this. But the moment she finds out it's all our heads".

Entering the academy was Cinder Fall along with her teammates Mercury Black, Emerald Sustrai, and Neopolitan. It was easy enough for them to just walk right through the front door. With the Vytal festival around the corner it wasn't strange for students from all over the world to be coming here. With a few of Salem's agents on the inside it wasn't hard either for them to create fake profiles as no one would question their identities or where they came from.

But with her previous blunder and Neo's activities with Roman, they were both disguised heavily on the off chance someone might recognize them.

Though not so much a problem for Mercury or Emerald as they were sleeper agents till a time they needed to take an active role.

But taking a look back with a tinge of disgust towards Mercury who was voicing his concerns, Cinder immediately cooled off. "It is inconsequential".

"Inconsequential?! You lost the fall maiden's powers! That's hardly what I call inconsequential!"

Neo just kept smiling as she shrugged.

"Quiet!" Emerald glared. "Cinder already has a plan in motion to get everything back on track".

They were just the beginning act in bringing Vale to it's knees. The idea was to create enough negative emotion to lure the grimm here. At that same time the White Fang would begin their assault creating more chaos and fear. For all of it was just a distraction for the sake of retrieving one of the four artifacts that was currently hidden here in Beacon academy.

However the entire plan hinged on the fall maiden as she was the only one who could retrieve the artifact. Without it the entire plan was a bust.

Once the plan started they only had that window of opportunity to act. If they failed to take advantage of that moment the enemy would not be giving them a second chance. To their understanding the only person in the entire world who could match Salem in terms of intellect and strategy was Ozpin.

"The fall maiden's power is currently broken in half" as Mercury thought of the events thus far. "One part is with the person you stole it from and the other is with the one who stole it from you. All things considered it would be easier to steal from the former since officially she's not supposed to be here. If something were to happen to her then not a lot of questions will be asked either. So it's all just a matter now of figuring out where they are keeping her".

But recalling the humiliating defeat she suffered, "no" as Cinder's face reflected her rage.

For her teammates it was both a surprise and a concern. If there was anything she was known for it was her prized calm and coldness to any situation. But if she was still like this then that was something to be worried about.

After her defeat Cinder put every ounce of her focus and effort into knowing everything about the girl who defeated her. Digging up everything on Ruby, it only infuriated her more. She was related to quite a few talented people. But for the girl herself, she was nothing special. All of her school evaluations showed she was just average at best. But obviously she was hiding her real abilities as evidenced by their fight. That's what angered her most that for all her power she chose to hide it away.

In relation to that mythical weapon, no one knew anything about it aside from legends and lore. The only thing they all agreed on was the immeasurable power it granted it's owner. A power that completely outstripped that of a maidens that she learned first hand.

Thinking about little red, she swore she would kill her with that very weapon once she got her hands on it.

Though her teammates questioned Cinder's stability.

With one wrong move there was a good chance none of them were going to be walking out of this situation unscathed whether it be by Ozpin or Salem hand.

But breathing out heavily Cinder was back to her usual self. "I'm going to go meet her personally".

"Why?" Mercury quirked. "I thought the idea was not to draw attention to us".

"Because she can pose a danger to our plan. After all keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer. At least this way I'll be able to learn how to best deal with her. Rest assured" looking to her team, "there will be no issue as everything is still on schedule".

With no further complaints they continued on acting like regular students. At the same time they were probing their security and time schedules as there were a few things that needed to be done behind the scenes.

But after a few days of investigation it was time for them to make their move.

Cinder was growing impatient as it was difficult to set aside her personal feelings as everything had to be carefully done.

So learning team RWBY schedule they made first contact as they were out on the training field. Much to Cinder's interest and irritation, each of them seemed to have a key of their own. The most powerful weapon in history hiding in plain sight. But calming her raging emotion she had to remind herself that this was just business. "Oh I'm sorry for intruding. But I couldn't help but notice . . . ." as she started to flatter them. A simple technique to lower an intended targets guard making it easier to gather information. "We're from Haven and this is my team" as they introduced themselves.

Out of courtesy team RWBY introduced themselves as well.

Not that it mattered much as Cinder knew everything about them as this was just formalities to her. More so she was quite aware of Weiss and Blake identities which could prove useful later depending on how they play their cards.

After a few casual questions Cinder then eyed Ruby's keyblade. "That's a very interesting weapon you have there. Did you make it yourself?"

"Well . . . . I guess you can say that" Ruby chuckled. She and Yang have been lectured many times throughout the years in not discussing the keyblade with others. After growing a little older did they understand the importance of keeping it a secret. Since her teammates were wielders themselves they too understood the importance of it and the kind of trouble it could cause.

"How does it work?"

"Trade secret" Weiss jumped in closing off all discussion. Using her family name and company it was the best way to protect them from any further probing.

"Tsk!" Cinder thought bitterly. Any further delving would definitely rouse their suspicion of her. With Ruby sitting within arm's reach it had certainly crossed her mind to use Salem's parasitic glove. Like how she stole the fall maiden's power the first time she could do so again. Perhaps the possession of the keyblade.

Yet jumping the gun on her end, "if you really want a closer you look you can take a look at mine" Yang chimed in flipping her blade around facing the handle towards her.

Before anyone could refute her Cinder was quick to take her offer. Now holding the legendary weapon in her hand it was overwhelming with true power in her grasp. However those thoughts didn't last long as the blade disappeared from her hand returning to that of it's owner.

At such a spectacle team RWBY started shooting off a few stories about it being some sort of security measure designed by the Schnee company that only allowed it's designated user to wield it. Explaining that it was a new generation dust technology that was being experimented with.

However Cinder knew better from her investigation of the keyblade. One of the few correlating stories were that only the worthy were able to hold one which only meant one thing. "I'm . . . . Not worthy . . . . Of this power?!" as her vision started to go red in rage at being denied her right. Everything she trained for and everything she sacrificed yet she was still considered unworthy!

Noticing that she was about to lose it and blow their cover, "please excuse us" as Emerald started to drag Cinder away. "It's about time we left".

"Catch you all later" Mercury saluted.

Neo only gave a wave as soon their team left.

Watching them leave, "not going to lie but they were very weird" said Weiss.

"Weirder then the usual weird?" Yang questioned.

"I'd say a little disturbed" Blake added in.

"Anyways, are we doing this tonight?" Ruby asked as her team gave a nod. Since that night in discovering the White Fangs involvement of the theft of dust they decided to do some investigation themselves.

Obviously this was a problem they should have left to the authorities and faculty.

But Blake was getting a little restless about what her old organization was up too. Being teammates and friends, her troubles were their troubles. So by the time evening rolled around they were going back into town to see what they can learn.

However they wouldn't be going alone as Ruby had managed to gather some volunteers.

Concerned for Blake, Sun was willing to help as he brought his friend and teammate Neptune along.

With a short conversation team JNPR was also in.

By the time night fell the teams broke off into several groups to chase a few leads.

Ruby and Pyrrha re-investigated the docks.

Weiss and Jaune would loiter around a few dust shops.

Yang, Nora, and Neptune would look into an information broker situated at a bar.

Blake, Ren, and Sun would see if anything was going on within the fanus community.

~ Vale (docks) ~

Though they were on official business it was nice to be out at night next to the ocean feeling the cool wind and tasting the salty air.

Concerning the matter they highly doubted they would find anything of relevance that the authorities or faculty have already found themselves. But it didn't hurt to take another look around.

For the docks were still a bit of mess after what happened as they were still putting things back in order. Thus no one would mind if they moved things around a bit.

Ruby used telekinesis as Pyrrha used her polarity semblance as they moved the storage containers around.

Spending time with the red headed prodigy, Ruby had a better understanding of her.

For all her fame she was a very modest girl. Gaining so much in her life everyone around her just expected great things from her. Although she always rose to meet the challenge she truly wished that people wouldn't put her on such a high pedestal. Over time people just started to see her as more of an ideal or thing rather then a person. A kind of idol to be worshiped or adored. Thus the weight of those expectations put a heavy strain on her heart.

After a bit of talking between the girls Ruby managed to squeeze something juicy out of her much to Pyrrha's embarrassment.

"Please don't tell anyone about this . . . ." she squeaked out shyly. "I . . . . I just never felt this way before . . . ."

"Don't worry" Ruby smiled. "It'll be a secret between us".

Pyrrha had a bit of a crush on Jaune. Unlike most people, he really didn't know who she was and treated her like another person. Even after learning of her fame it didn't change anything between them. Thus she was still trying to figure out how she felt for him.

"But if it's any advice" Ruby continued. "Just follow your heart as it will never lead you astray".

Though the pair didn't learn anything new, it still was a fruitful night forming a bond between them.

Due to her exposure little red learned how to use polarity.

~ Vale (downtown) ~

Weiss and Jaune had all the dust shops and storage's mapped out as they patrolled them.

But considering the recent thefts and how high alert everyone was it was extremely unlikely for anything to happen. Hence it should be a pretty peaceful night. However it didn't hurt to cover all their bases just in case.

But being left with the Schnee heiress, Jaune couldn't help but feel nervous due to their less then stellar first encounter. Trying to cut the tension, "say ugh Weiss, I've been meaning to talk to you about what happened when we first met . . . ."

"You mean that awkward attempt of you hitting on me by acting like a jerk as you arbitrarily called me snowflake without my permission or consent?"

The meek boy couldn't help but cringe as he sagged in defeat, "yeah that . . . . Sorry about that . . . ."

Rolling her eyes, Weiss couldn't help but sigh as she might as well clear the air since they were now talking about it. "Look, it's fine. I don't care anymore about it. But if I may, here is a bit of advice" as she softened her tone as she was trying to be helpful to the poor guy. "There is a difference between being confident and being a jerk. So stop trying to be something you're not. It's a major off putter to any girl. I do appreciate your interest in me. But between us Jaune, we're better off just being friends".

Rubbing the back of his head, "yeah I guess you're right".

"Hey, no need to feel down about it. There are lots of girls who would like a guy like you once they get to know you better".

"Yeah sure . . . ." as Jaune was getting more depressed by the moment.

"Well what about Pyrrha?" said Weiss in a panic.

"Pyrrha? Are you kidding me? She way out of my league. A girl like that can get any guy she wants. I mean let's be real here. It's no secret that I'm kind of a loser".

Truthfully it was kind of hard to debate his pessimism. Observing his performance thus far his skills as a huntsmen was sub par. Knowing what they did of him, it didn't help much he lied on his entrance forms while also being burdened by trying to live up to his family's legacy. Yet when it came to his grades and tactical thinking, that's where he really shined. But it didn't help much when he doesn't do so well under pressure.

However no man was a failure who had friends.

"You won't know unless you try right?" Weiss encouraged. "Just don't jump right into it. Take things slow as friends like invite her out for lunch or coffee or something like that. If things look good then ask her out". Seeing Jaune still hesitant, "just take it from me, Pyrrha is waiting for that right guy to come along and sweep her off her feet. You might just be that guy".

Absorbing what was said, "really?" as his mood improved.

"Really".

Rubbing the back of his head chuckling somewhat, "I know it's not much. But I want you to have this", handing over a little trinket. "My thanks for your understanding".

"This will make a nice keychain. I'll take good care of it".

~ Vale (bar) ~

Neptune was at a complete loss. Standing aside, he wasn't sure or rather didn't want to get involved what was going on.

The moment they walked in it was quite apparent that Yang had left quite the impression with the owner who tried to hide behind the counter. At being dragged out his two female companions got right to work with the interrogation.

Concerning the objective they learned quite a bit as something big was coming with the amount of weapons and resources being traded around. But as for why and who, the bar owner Junior didn't even know.

But how they learned it, well . . . .

"Wow this looks expensive" as Nora examined a glass vase before pushing it over. "Whoops" she shrugged.

Gripping him by his vest and lifting him up to his toes, "so you have an option" as Yang gave a predatory grin. "You can either talk to her or you can talk to me".

"I've told you all I know!" Junior exclaimed in a panic. "I don't want anymore trouble!"

There was no question that the guy was shady and did questionable things. However Neptune couldn't help but feel a little sorry for the guy. Especially since Nora and Yang were playing good cop and bad cop. But I suppose it was more accurate to say they were doing bad cop and worse cop as the poor guy looked like he was close to crying.

"Fine, I believe you" Yang softened up shrugging as she released him as Junior rubbed his sore neck. "But be sure we'll be back and you better have my drink by then".

Walking out of the bar together Neptune was still kind of at a loss. He was still in awe and shock about the entire thing.

"That was fun!" Nora cheered. "We need to do this more often".

"Finally! Someone who get's it!" as Yang slung her arm around Nora's shoulder. "Nothing ever beats a good old fashion beat down".

"To commemorate, here's something from me" as Nora handed over a bit of a souvenir.

Accepting, "nice" as the two battle junkies continued to laugh right out the door.

Sighing to himself, "I hope everyone else is having a better time then me".

~ Vale (downtown) ~

"Run! They're on our tail!"

"Don't look back! Just keep going!"

"How did it even come to this!"

It was supposed to be a simple reconnaissance. However they didn't think they would need to be escaping the next moment with a giant mech chasing after them.

Entering a neighborhood primarily made up of fanus, something definitely sketchy was happening that night. Following the noise they discovered a back alley meeting as White Fang masks were being handed out. Getting to the bottom of it Sun and Blake entered.

Since entering the neighborhood, Lie Ren used his semblance hiding his presence. He didn't personally have any ill will towards fanus. But that probably wasn't so true vice versa. So as not to cause any trouble or draw any attention he hid himself closely following behind them wherever they went.

As such Blake found it quite the interesting skill in being able to erase your presence from the five senses of those perceiving them. With her new power she might just be able to learn it.

Though for a time she wondered if she could learn Sun's semblance. However it seemed unlikely due to the incompatible nature of their powers.

But putting those thoughts aside she and Sun were apparently at a rally as White Fang soldiers and a special guest were on stage. To their surprise Roman was leading the White Fang recruitment much to the confusion of the audience. But disregarding his race the arms dealer appealed to their anger and resentment to humans for their years of mistreatment. Pushing them along was showcasing stolen weapons.

Seeing the weapons being displayed Blake had to wonder just how long White Fang has been in business with such a low life? She would have continued to dwell if they weren't just made as Roman had recognized them.

Needing an exit strategy Lie Ren knocked out the junction box taking out the lights.

With that window of opportunity they all made their escape.

"What are you standing around for?" Roman questioned. "Go get them!"

Jumping into the paladin, a White Fang soldier gave chase.

Thus here they were now as the trio were currently trying to outrun a battle mech on the high way. The idea was to minimize damage. Though it was night there were still people out here on the road. There was no need to get them caught up in this mess.

"Sun! Lie Ren! Buy me some time!" Blake commanded.

"You got it!" Sun exclaimed.

"We'll do what we can!" as Ren started shooting.

As her companions started the counter attack Blake created multiple clones of herself as they started pulling civilians away from the combat area. She also commandeered a few cars creating a roadblock to prevent any other people from getting involved. However it wasn't enough.

Whoever was piloting the paladin was shooting with absolute disregard to life as bullets and missiles flew randomly in the air. But seeing this was a highway they could minimize casualties if they forced it off to the area below.

Having a plan in mind some of her clones keyblades became whip chains as they moved into position.

Understanding what Blake was up too, Sun and Lie Ren lured it's attention to them as it's back was faced towards the edge.

Soaring up into the air the cat fanus created a small army each with an array of weapons as they all kamikaze dived right at the battle mech. Using the force of gravity, terminal velocity, and their own physical strength each of them struck their opponent as the clones on the ground used their chain whips to pull it back.

Noticing what was going on, the White Fang soldiers starting shooting up while also activating it's anti-air defense.

Some of Blake's clones were caught up in the attack.

But she needed to mind how much energy she used as she already used up more then half her magic with all her clones so far. So she decided she would deal the necessary blow. Flying right at her target she converted her key into a shield diving past the munitions being shot at her. Once close enough her weapon then changed into a war hammer slamming right into the mech with enough force as it soon toppled right off the highway.

"Blake!" Sun shouted as he watched her fall off with it.

Hitting the ground below Blake was rattled bouncing off the battle machine as she rolled onto the ground a few feet over. Before she could properly recover her opponent was not down yet as it soon got on it's feet.

However with all the commotion they were causing she would not have to face this enemy alone.

As the paladin started shooting again Ruby and Pyrrha dropped in just at the nick of time generating a powerful magnetic force repelling all the bullets and missiles at once.

"Come on! No time to be laying down on the job" as Weiss appeared pulling her friend to her feet. Emitting a green glow from her keyblade, "heal!" as Blake was fully recovered.

"I bet I can take one of it's arms before you can!" challenged Nora.

"You're on!" as Yang was completely revved up to go.

Watching the battle from above Jaune was analyzing the situation as he studied the target. Watching the changing events he advised Sun, Lie Ren, and Neptune on where to shoot to optimize their damage.

Steadily the mech was being chipped away as it's armor was giving in.

Wanting to settle this in one go, the ground team changed up battle positions.

Weiss and Blake dulled it's movements while Pyrrha focused on defense using her polarity to keep it from shooting anymore.

"Hey, how much electricity can you take?" Yang asked recalling Nora's semblance.

"Don't know. Never bothered to find out" she shrugged.

"Then let's find out together" as the fiery blond nodded to her sister.

Raising her key up as dark clouds started to form, "thundaga!" Ruby shouted.

With a large bolt of lightening falling from the sky as it struck it's target, "oh wow!" Nora exclaimed in excitement as she never have felt so much power before. Absorbing all that raw energy her strength had reached monstrous proportions.

Giving Nora's semblance a try by attaching her souvenir to her key, her weapon had changed shape becoming bigger and more blunt looking with shades of pink. Coupling her semblance with her own, her strength had increased beyond measure as he felt like she could rip that machine apart with her bare hands. Truthfully at this moment she might have been able too.

With the two battle junkies fully charged up the paladin didn't stand a chance as chunks of it was being torn out each time it got hit by either of the girls. Before long it was nothing but scrap leaving a very scared and traumatized White Fang soldier wondering how this happened.

Once the matter was cleaned up the team went to the nearest restaurant to celebrate their well earned victory. However they could not escape that foreboding feeling from everything they learned tonight.

Something big was happening.

Something bigger then White Fang and stolen dust.

Who was this unseen enemy? What was coming to Vale?

As troubling as it was all they could was prepare and enjoy the small moments when they could.

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Hope this chapter was OK. Now onto some commentary.

Knowing as much as we do about keyblades I think this more or less fits in relation to who Weiss and Blake are in terms of personality and abilities.

I'm also speeding along Cinder's infiltration plan. As noted, she didn't take not being worthy very well. Funny enough I couldn't help but imagine Odin from the first Marve's Thor movie yelling 'you are not worthy!' (lol). Anyways because of her characteristics she was not able to hold a keyblade. But who knows how long that stays true.

Also as noted Ruby still has half of the fall maiden's power. But still deciding how I should proceed with it.

Concerning there mission in the city I'm still curious canon wise why no police or faculty showed up when a paladin was running around wrecking the highway. But either way it was dealt with as I paired RWBY with members of JNPR I believed that would have mostly benefited from.

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 if you can review as well.