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. 10

"Are you alright?" asked Blake seeing a yawning Ruby.

"You completely slept in" Weiss then complained. "We were late for class because we had to drag you out of bed".

"Not really like you sis" as Yang rubbed the back of her head. "Are you really alright?"

"heh heh, just fine" Ruby smiled. After reviving Amber, she was not completely out of the woods yet. Since the unknown enemy was aware of who Amber was, she would never be safe. From there a few arguments came up about what she should do from now on.

Ignoring Ozpin and uncle Qrow, she asked Amber what she wanted.

Although she wanted to live up to the legacy of the maidens, she wasn't sure if she could anymore after the ordeal she went through.

Considering all the factors, Ruby chose her own solution. With permission she removed the source of Amber's magic as she used a necklace as a medium to store it in. Of course, this didn't really solve much as Atlas would demand answers to how Amber was revived? Why she wasn't the fall maiden anymore? And etc. But she left the politics up to Ozpin to handle. As for the now former fall maiden, Ozpin had a few connections to let her be on her way without needing to be worried about looking over her shoulder.

But concerning the replacement of the fall maiden, whoever wore the necklace would be next to inherit the power. She trusted they would choose a worthy successor.

"Hello? Anyone home?" as Weiss waved her hand in Ruby's face.

"Huh? What?"

"There you go droning off again" Weiss then sighed. "Anyways we better hurry as we have an appointment to keep".

"It seems rather unnecessary" Blake said shaking her head. "Why do we need new cloths?"

"If it's alright by you I'm fine with what I'm currently wearing" then said Yang.

"What are you guys complaining about?" Weiss pouted. "I am paying for all of this out of my own pockets. Mind you, there is a limit to my allowance".

"Why do we even need new cloths?"

"To be stylish of course" as Weiss flipped her hair. "We got to look our best when we take the number one spot in the festival".

"And" as Ruby added on. "These cloths are going to be special as it will be made from dust woven fibers".

"Really?" as Blake's eyebrow rose. "Isn't that a little old fashioned?"

"Perhaps" Weiss continued. "But when combined with magic, it's the best armor I've ever seen as dust acts as a very good catalyst for it. Since I'm putting a rush order on this it should be done by time of the festival".

"Like I need such a thing" Yang chuckled. But seeing Ruby give her a puppy dog look, "but if you insist, I'll wear it".

~ Beacon academy ~

Two things of note happened that day.

First, Taiyang would be out for a while and thus sent the family dog Zwei to them. The sisters along with Weiss were ecstatic to have the cute little corgi with them. But Blake for obvious reasons was quite apprehensive. Though she denied it, her team swore they heard her hissing at him from time to time.

Second, today's class session was going to be special as they were going to do some field training.

Each team would go on an official mission with a veteran as they would guide them through what to expect when they were out on the field. The one they got stuck with was Beacon's own history teacher professor Bartholomew Ooblek. A man who literally ran on caffeine as there wasn't a time you didn't see him guzzling down coffee every couple of minutes.

For the mission, they were off to investigate an abandoned city as there were reports of unusual activity in the area.

Off to their destination, team RWBY pretty much did all the fighting while professor Ooblek just surveyed the situation while drinking his coffee.

Along the way they were given extensive history lessons about why the city was abandoned and the ancient grimm that lived on the borders of the kingdom.

Much to the mixed reaction of the group, Ruby had brought Zwei along.

But then came the real lesson professor Ooblek wanted to cover by the time night came. Sitting around the fire, "why do you want to be huntresses?" he asked them all. In his many years in teaching at Beacon, he had seen many types of young men and woman come and go from the academy. Some desired fame. Others wished for glory. For a few it was just simply a job. But becoming a huntsman or a huntress was not a profession to take lightly. There was no telling what could happen on the field as you were risking your life everyday as there was a good chance you might not have a tomorrow. Thus, if they did not have the heart for this job then they should quit now and find something else to do.

But for each of the girls much to the surprise of Ooblek had a sincere answer. After their dive to the heart there was no deception in who they were or wanted to be.

Yang desired a life of freedom.

Weiss wished to prove her worth to herself.

Blake only known to her teammates wanted to make amends for past mistakes.

Ruby being the most simple and innocent just wanted to be a warrior of justice and righteousness.

At hearing each of their reasons, Ooblek chuckled. "What splendid answers. You all will make fine huntresses".

Calling it a day, the team set up shelter in one of the abandoned buildings. After dinner and deciding on their shifts, they were off to bed. Working in two-hour shifts, it was Ruby's turn as she looked out the window while absentmindedly petting Zwei as he was resting in her arms. But soon the corgi abruptly woke up as he jumped out of her arms as he ran out.

"Hey Zwei! Where are you going?" as Ruby gave chase. Running after him she soon discovered he was doing his business. "Really Zwei? This place is abandoned. You could've done that anywhere" only for the corgi to bark in response.

"Hey, did you hear something?"

Alarmed at the sudden voice Ruby quickly grabbed her dog as they took cover. Peeking around the corner they saw two white fang soldiers.

"You're just hearing things".

"I could've sworn I heard a bark".

"Probably some grimm. Come on, let's get out of here. This place gives me the creeps as it is".

Watching them leave Ruby quietly tailed them as she snuck around corners keeping a safe distance where she could watch them without being noticed. Before long they had entered a passage leading down.

"Well I guess this was the suspicious activity" as Ruby and Zwei watched them leave. Looking around to make sure the coast was clear she quickly ran back to her team waking them up as she related what she had learned.

"Of course! Of course!" Ooblek exclaimed. Recalling the history of the city and making conclusions based on the present information. When the city was cut off the survivors had no choice but to build downwards as another city was built underneath the surface. However due to an accidental breach, grimm found a way in as no one was spared. Going to the entrance the White Fang soldiers used, Ruby did a wide scan mapping out what might be down there.

"What do you see?" Yang asked.

"It's a bit cluttered. But it's quite big down there. Weiss? What do you think?"

"I'm sensing a lot of activity" as Weiss performed a scan herself. "Maybe around a hundred people I think?"

"Let's go in quietly and see what we're dealing with first" said Blake. Getting in line, they placed their hand on the shoulder of the person in front of them. "Professor, you might want to do the same". Using her new skill, their presence had completely vanished.

"Fascinating" thought Ooblek. Before taking this mission, he had been called to Ozpin's office concerning team RWBY. There he heard quite a bit about how promising they were. Aside from not to be surprised about what he saw, he was also to maintain confidentiality. Whether it was his way of being humorous or not, Ozpin chose not to tell him why team RWBY was so special. Of course, on their trip here their combat ability was incredible as they were clearly above what was considered average.

However, that wasn't even the tip of the iceberg as each of them were exhibiting abilities that shouldn't have been possible. When asked what their semblances were, they weren't even limited to one. Was their potential limitless? Just how powerful were they going to get? It was mind boggling as even he couldn't wrap his head around it. However, he truly looked forward to what kind of future was ahead of them.

Under Blake's cloak, they entered the underground network unnoticed. Even literally walking right by a few sentries as they failed to notice them as Ruby made funny faces at them as they passed by.

Now at the lowest level, they needed to find a safe spot as Blake had to recuperate her magic after cloaking five people.

Spying outside, this was some sort of White Fang operation. Not exactly a base, but more like an outpost. Apparently, they were loading equipment, weapons, and munitions onto a train.

"But that doesn't make sense" as Ooblek started going into overdrive talking fast as he was trying to understand. "When the city fell, the underground train networks were cut off too. They shouldn't lead anywhere. Just what are they planning?"

Hearing the train whistle, "all aboard!" called out a familiar voice.

"Torchwick?!" as the girls knew it after there unpleasant encounters with the disreputable man.

"Come on! Come on! All aboard! We got a time schedule to keep after all" Roman announced as the train had started to move.

As the train was being boarded, "We're not going to let them off, are we?" questioned Yang as she pounded her fist in her hand.

"Indeed" Ooblek said rubbing his chin. "We can't exactly ignore what's happening here".

"Looks like we got a train to stop" Ruby smirked.

With the time for subtlety being over, the group raced out.

"Intruders!"

"Open fire!"

"Don't let them get aboard!"

"Don't stop! Keeping going! Protect!" Ruby shouted as the bullets bounced off her shield.

Yang soon slowed taking mid guard position. Supplementing her strength with her magic she took the hands of her teammates as she threw them onto the train one at a time.

First to go was Blake as she created shadow clones clearing out the enemy making room for her team.

Next were Weiss and Ooblek as they gave fire support.

"Hold on Zwei" as Ruby held her dog tightly as they were next to be thrown.

Using a whip chain for Yang to grab hold, in one good tug she was pulled aboard.

With enemy forces alerted, "intruders are on the train now!" a White Fang soldier reported.

"Well why are you all just standing around for?" Roman asked with a hint of irritation and condescension. "Grab some cargo and get them off".

Arming themselves, crates were popped open grabbing rifles as some jumped into the paladin combat mechs.

However, these soldiers were simply out of their league against the combined power of four keyblade wielders as they came at them in waves.

Ruby skillfully converted Crescent Rose between blade form and duo pistols as she adjusted for distance.

"Haste" Weiss chanted altering her time. Moving four times her normal speed made quick work of her opponents with simple fencing techniques.

Blake used a mixture of acrobatics and several different weapons as she was throwing people off.

As for Yang, she was just going for a good old fashion slug fest punching anyone in her way as she plowed through enemy attacks which were only making her stronger.

Meanwhile Ooblek with Zwei were investigating the train carts only to discover its contents were filled with explosives. Soon enough the carts were beginning to uncouple as they exploded punching a hole into the surface. "Oh dear. That can't be good". Checking the next carts, they were the exact same as they uncoupled one after the other which forced the team to move up.

With White Fang dealt with for now they didn't understand what they were trying to achieve with destroying the tunnels. But that answer became quite apparent soon enough. With the disturbances and violence attracting the grimm, the shadow creatures had started filling in the caves as they were following in right behind them.

As the train was not slowing down in the slightest and knowing the trains destination, "definitely not good!" as Ooblek now understood. "Why didn't I figure it out before!"

"What is it professor?"

"They are trying to lure grimm into the city! Using the passage here to bypass the cities natural barriers the train will be used to punch a hole creating a direct route in!"

Alarmed at this news they had no time to waste. They needed to stop this train now or else there was going to be a grimm outbreak.

But then came the second wave as more White Fang soldiers emerged followed by paladins.

"We'll have to split up" as Ooblek gave the plan. "One will keep them distracted up top while the others will make there way towards the lead".

"We're going to have to get through them first" Blake pointed out.

"If we're going to go big, let's go big!" as Ruby looked to her sister.

"Are we doing that?" Yang asked as little red nodded.

It was a technique they created a long time ago as it was something they did as a joke only to become one of their most powerful attacks. Combining the powers of Crescent Rose and Ember Celica, the two keys transformed together forming a massive cannon. Jumping on top of it, Zwei entered the loading chamber as the slide closed around him.

"The Zwei cannon is good to go!"

"Ready!" Yang shouted.

"Aim!" as Ruby aligned the shot.

"Fire!" as the little corgi was wrapped in the power of their two keys. Erupting with a massive shockwave the entire second wave was annihilated in an instant as Zwei soon came to a stop unharmed. However, the next wave was already on its way. But that opening was all they needed.

"You guys take the lead. I'll hold them off here" said Ruby.

"Are you going to be alright?" Weiss asked.

"I have a feeling that they are about to experience a lot of bad luck". Attaching her uncle's keychain, her blade changed appearance. Fully embracing this power, Crescent Rose took on the form of a scythe. "Get going! I'll take care of this!" as the rest of her team soon left. Tapping the scythe against her shoulder, she pushed the power of probability to it's max as the soldiers were already experiencing its effects.

Some of their rifles strangely jammed.

Others had butter fingers as they somehow dropped their ammo clips.

Even the paladins were experiencing problems with software glitches to the missile pod hatches refusing to open.

The only drawback was that this power affected everyone. Meaning even her allies would be susceptible to negative probability. Thus, this was an ability best used when fighting alone.

However, the fun part about this skill was how everything would naturally work out in her favor if her opponent lacked the skills to compensate.

As evidenced, her opponents were tripping over each other causing more harm on to themselves. It only got worse as Ruby jumped into the middle of their formation. Just casually dodging they ended up attacking each other by mistake with bad aim and lack of control as they clumsily tried to retaliate.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team was making their way through the train.

"I'll keep them at bay here" as Ooblek coffee cannister turned into a flame torch as Zwei barked as they would keep pursuers from following.

This left Yang, Weiss, and Blake as they sprinted through the carts as whatever was left of the enemy forces tried to stop them.

But it didn't slow them down in the slightest as they continued to run.

Even what appeared to be a high-ranking White Fang officer with a chainsaw didn't last long.

Weiss froze his weapon in place as she ran pass.

Blake then bound his arms with shadow chains racing right behind her teammate.

After absorbing so much energy prior, Yang cloths-lined him as her strike was powerful enough to completely shatter his aura while knocking him out as she continued on her way.

In the next cart Roman was waiting as he prepared to greet them. As the door to his cart opened, "It seems you've done well to make it this far. How about you listen to my proposal about . . . ."

Just like the last guy that tried to stop them, "Move!" as Weiss froze his weapon running past.

"Not interested!" as Blake chained him up following from behind.

"You really talk too much" as Yang gave a one hit knockout.

Finally arriving to their destination, they pulled the breaks as the train was screeching to halt.

"We're still moving too fast!" Yang exclaimed as the blast doors were coming up fast.

Thinking quickly Blake created anchor chains attaching the train to the tunnel walls as chunks of concrete were being torn out.

At the same time Weiss created ice road blocks. "Come on! Work!" Just meters away, they were slowing down as the Schnee heiress reinforced the blast doors with a very thick pillar of ice. Crashing right into it the train finally stopped as the blast doors just barely managed to hold up.

"Everyone alright?" Yang asked.

"Still alive" Blake coughed out.

"Let's never do that again" said Weiss.

At the same time Ruby was cleaning up the grimm that were following them as Ooblek and Zwei joined her.

Though this mission had a lot of twists and turns, all things considered everything went off well.

They stopped an attack on Vale.

Lots of White Fang were captured.

And the notorious arms dealer Torchwick was back in prison again.

As good as all this was, team RWBY still felt something was off about this. Just what exactly was coming to Vale?

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Here's another chapter and here is some commentary.

After the episode 'Lost Fable', it messes up my presumptions a little bit about how the moon was destroyed. But it doesn't really disrupt my story much as I have a work around method.

It's something that was never explained, but couldn't Ozpin just take back the magic he gave the maidens all those years ago? He had to consider the possibility that one day someone might get their hands on it and use it for evil purposes. So, it seems kind of bone headed to just give his magic away without some kind of fail safe in place should it fall into the wrong hands i.e. Salem.

Concerning the new cloths, the real purpose will be made apparent much later.

It's been noted that all living things had a semblance. It's been theorized that Zwei's semblance might be the fact he's indestructible. Examples of this is how he was mailed or used like a cannon ball by Ooblek or even head butted a grimm without hurting himself. Of course, some of it could be cartoon physics. But it would make sense for Zwei's semblance to be something like that.

As shown in KH3 (awesome game btw), when Sora's key takes on the characteristics of the keychains they came from they can then transform into weapons that matches the aesthetics of its originator. Thus, Ruby's key becoming a scythe when she fully took on Qrow's ability. But as noted above some characters should be able to overcome bad luck if their skill level is good enough to offset the difference as noted in the fight between Qrow and Tyrian

With the four of them being keyblade wielders they shouldn't have any issue plowing through all these fodder characters and successfully stop the train.

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 read as well.