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. 12

Crossing through the portal and emerging on the other side, "another world . . . ."

At first you wouldn't think they had gone anywhere as it seemed like any other place you'd find in Remnant. But the closer you looked it was easier to tell that this was not their world.

Buildings.

People.

Technology.

Culture.

Everything was so radically different as this was a different world!

Being the first people in Remnant to step foot in another world was beyond exciting as there was just so much to see and do. They didn't even know where to begin!

Weiss immediately wanted to check out the fashion trends.

Blake wanted to see what kind of fish she would be able to eat.

Yang was curious if there was anyone worth fighting out here.

"Along time ago . . . ." as Ruby was looking up as her team looked to her. "There was no such thing as other worlds. We all used to live under one sky . . . . One destiny . . . ." Reaching out her hand, "but because of our avarice, the world fell to darkness. However, from the light of pure hearted children, the worlds were reborn. Yet they were never to come back together as to not repeat our mistakes . . . ."

"Ruby?"

Blinking out of her trance, "hmm? Did I say something?"

Yang shook her heard. "Never mind, anyways where are we exactly?"

With a huge sunny smile spreading across her face, "welcome to Radiant Garden! This is a bit of a pit stop as there are a few things I needed to get here before we go anywhere else".

Walking through town, the group was giddy about everything pointing out anything they saw.

"It must be really nice here" Weiss commented, "not having to deal with grimm and all".

"Oh no, they exist here too" Ruby answered off handedly.

"Wait! They do?!"

"Yeah, grimm exist in every world out there or at least something like them. They go by quite a few different names depending on where you are. On Remnant we call them grimm. Other places just generically call them monsters. Some call them shadows. For every warrior who had rose up to fight them, they were known as heartless".

"Well I guess every world has its problems" said Yang.

"Oh, where is it? Where is it? It has to be here somewhere. I don't know what I'll do if I lose it". Before the girls could continue on their way, they had come upon a very peculiar scene. Though not uncommon as this particular individual was desperately looking for something on the ground. But the fact that this individual was an anthropomorphic duck wearing a blue coat, a top hat, glasses, and holding a cane.

Feeling something break inside her, "it's a talking duck . . . ." Weiss muttered.

"Yeah, that's definitely what it looks like" Yang answered in surprise.

"It's a talking duck . . . ."

"Yes, I can see that" said Blake as she was trying to absorb that fact.

"It's a talking duck . . . ."

"Don't be feel so surprised" smiled Ruby. "We are going to be seeing a lot of new stuff for a while. So, things like this is going to be pretty normal".

"It's a talking . . . . duck . . . ." as the poor Schnee heiress had no idea how to process that.

Shrugging, little red approached him. "Excuse me sir, is everything OK?"

"Of course not! I lost something very important! I'll be ruined if it's gone!"

"What did you lose?"

"My lucky dime!" Not familiar to what that was, the well-dressed duck went on to explain that it was the first thing he had ever earned. Hence his attachment to it. Thus, his frenzy in trying to find it.

"That is pretty sad" Ruby frowned as she understood his sentiments. Then putting on a warm smile, "hey! We have some time on our hands! I'm pretty sure we can help you find it!"

"Oh that would be wonderful! I was walking around in a few places. I might have lost it there. If you find it you can find me here. Just ask for this name" as he soon walked off looking elsewhere.

Looking at the card, "Scrooge Mcduck". Turning towards her team, "well you heard him. Let's go look for a coin!" much to the confusion and surprise of Weiss, Blake, and Yang.

~ Twilight Town ~

Although they were in the middle of a request, it didn't stop them from enjoying their time as tourists as they walked around the marketplace.

Interestingly enough they had also encountered cat like creatures with cute little bat wings. They were known as moogles as they operated many businesses on many worlds. Seeing some of the technology and wares they possessed, it was difficult imagining just how advanced they were for such a cute little species.

Since they didn't have any local currency the moogles were fine with buying anything of interest on them. In particular, they took a certain interest in dust which they bought for a high price as they considered it an exotic good. With having 'munny' to use, they had a few essentials they needed to get.

First, they obviously needed to replace their scrolls. Since they were outside their home world, they were going to need a way to communicate with each other. Thus, they bought gummi phones.

For worlds like Radiant Garden, having gummi technology was a good indicator at how cutting edge a world was. It was a unique material which was easily malleable and capable of bonding into different substances creating interesting effects. This in turn led to the development of technology capable of inter-dimensional communication and travel.

Frankly the girls would have been at a loss about any of this with how far out of their element they were. Yet Ruby seemed to know all about it thanks to her alternate memories as they were just following along.

But nonetheless the girls found a few things that caught their eye which they ended up purchasing.

However, with gummi blocks, Weiss ended up exchanging a good deal of her dust for as many as she could get her hands on. Well, she was the daughter of one of the biggest companies back home. Hence her team kind of figured she was planning to do something interesting with them.

"Sorry to tell you this Weiss" as Ruby gave her an awkward smile. "But you got to keep this technology a secret".

"Are you kidding me?! You know how this can change Remnant?!"

"It's precisely for that reason. We're not supposed to interfere in the natural order of the worlds. Only to preserve and protect it".

"But I . . . . " as Weiss then stopped as she saw Ruby's calm yet stern eyes. Sighing as she rubbed her head, "oh fine. I'll keep it just between us. I might be able to do something interesting with-it anyways".

"Good" as they continued on their way.

~ Radiant Garden ~

Wondering around town, they were having a good time seeing the sights, sampling the food, and chatting up the locals.

Wandering out to the woods, team RWBY saw a group training.

Two of them were sparring as the others were observing.

For those sparring, one had a monstrously massive sword while the other fought with pure close quarter combat. After a few quick exchanges, they were quite skilled with their styles of fighting as neither were able to land a clean hit on the other.

"Hey! No need to be shy! You want to come closer and watch?!" as a girl with short black hair and a bubbly personality approached them.

"Huh?" as Ruby was startled. "But we . . . ."

"Come on!" as the girl dragged them over.

"Oh? Who is this?" asked the other girl who had an air of calm and serenity about her. But then putting her hand to her cheek, "though it's generally polite to introduce oneself before asking others". Putting on a charming smile, "hello I am Aeris".

"Name's Yuffie! Nice to meetcha!" the other girl energetically proclaimed.

Noticing the new arrivals, "Barret. Good day for a walk huh?" answered a tall muscular man.

"I'm Cid" as the blond man puffed his cigarette. "Rather be back at my workshop working on stuff".

". . . . Vincent" the mysteriously rogue dressed in red answered indifferently.

"And that's Cloud and Tifa" as Yuffie pointed them out.

"Ruby".

"Blake".

"Weiss".

"Yang" as the fiery blond pounded her fists together. "Mind if I have a throw down?" as her blood was boiling wanting to see how tough the warriors of another world were.

Before her friends could dissuade her, "sure!" Yuffie chimed. "Who do you want to fight? Gotta warn you though. We all are pretty tough!" much to the chagrin of her group being dragged into this.

"I want to fight the strongest one here".

Among them, it was endlessly debatable who was stronger than who depending on skill, strength, equipment, and situation. "Why don't you start with me and see how things go from there?" as Tifa walked up with a grin cracking her knuckles.

"Sounds good to me" as Yang put her hands up as her friends could only sigh.

"Let's see what you got" said Tifa making the first move throwing out a punch.

Mirroring her opponent, the fiery blond did the same as their fists connected. Bouncing off each other they re-engaged. Exchanging hits with her, she was indeed one of the most skilled fighters she had ever faced with how polished her moves were with not one wasted shot. "I'm glad I took this trip".

"Not bad" Tifa praised. Yang was still rough around the edges. But with some time and more practice, she would certainly grow up to be one of the best fighters out there. She also found her unique ability intriguing. Every time they exchanged hits; she was getting stronger which forced her adapt her strategy. But after a few more minutes, "pretty good. What else you got?"

"Oh? You think you can handle it?"

"I want to see what your best looks like".

"Alright, you asked for it" as Yang called out Ember Celica.

It was then that Tifa and her group reacted upon seeing the weapon in her hands. "A keyblade . . . ." as she then looked to Yang's friends. "You're all keyblade wielders, aren't you? You girls are definitely not from around here".

"You know about the keyblade?" asked Ruby.

"We've had a few come through here at one point" Yuffie shrugged. "Nice folks".

"So, you've also been fighting those pesky heartless too huh" Cid spat.

"I guess you can say that" said Ruby.

"They're troublesome. But they aren't that bad to deal with" Weiss shrugged.

"Over-confidence can be a rather dangerous thing" Cloud then warned.

"Haven't encountered anything yet I couldn't beat up" Yang smirked.

"Is that so?"

"Sure am" Yang nodded.

"Then are you interested in a bit of a challenge?" then asked Yuffie.

"Like what? A bout against all of you?"

"As interesting as that would be, I was thinking something more like this". Going into her bag, Yuffie pulled out a glowing marble like object. "Then let's put that confidence to the test". Holding the object out, "Come! Bahamut!" Forming from ethereal blue light, what took shape could only be described as a humanoid like dragon which easily stood three stories tall. Standing proudly on its hind legs, it waited for it's summoner to give it orders.

"Well things just got interesting" as Cid and the others started backing off to give this little scuffle some room.

Without even scanning, team RWBY could sense how powerful this beast was as it was radiating. "Ugh, you just had to say it" sighed Weiss.

"Feel free to sit this out if you want" Yang grinned pounding her keyblade knuckle guards together.

"I think it would be better if we take this one together" as Ruby called Crescent Rose.

"Not expecting how my first day here to be" Blake shrugged calling out Gambol Shroud.

"Guess we're doing this" said Weiss summoning Myrtenaster.

"Just take it easy on them" Yuffie commanded as she withdrew from the soon to be battlefield as Bahamut roared.

Team RWBY were strong as individuals. But they have also developed combination attacks based on their strengths and skills.

Against an opponent this big and powerful, they only really had two options. Lay back and study what it can do or blitz it. Both choices had their pros and cons. But in this instant, they chose the latter. "Checkmate! Sun Flower!"

Blake and Weiss were the first to move binding it both physically and magically with chains of light and shadow. In that exact moment Yang and Ruby attacked from opposite sides. Maximizing their damage output, the sisters also did a form change in relation to their own aesthetics. Yang's key formed around her right arm becoming a giant gauntlet while Ruby's key took the form of a scythe.

Yet contrary to its situation, Bahamut roared again thrusting out it's wings and arms creating an impulse.

Blasted back from the shockwave, they were all stunned from the hit. "Definitely should have stayed back on this one" as Ruby sat up rubbing her head. Scanning her friends, that attack just now also casted full break and slow that damaged their speed, strength, and defensive power. However, this was not the time to be idling and they needed to get back in fight. "Bumblebee! Ice Flower!" she shouted.

Quickly adjusting formation, Yang and Blake took vanguard leading the attack as Ruby and Weiss were rearguard providing support and offense spells.

Bahamut's impulse strike was only the tip of the iceberg as it had a few more tricks of its own. Aside from being physically strong, it could also perform magic. If dodging explosions, icebergs, and lighting wasn't bad enough, it was also immune to magic that would affect its abilities as they couldn't slow it down or weaken it.

After fighting it for about half an hour, "alright! That's enough!" Yuffie called out as Bahamut soon dissolved back into ethereal blue light. The group walked up to them to see team RWBY's condition. Though it varied, they were all quite exhausted after battling that dragon. "You girls did pretty well all things considered".

"But you do have a bit of a ways to go" then said Tifa.

"Are you kidding me?!" Weiss huffed still trying to catch her breath. "We just fought a dragon and lived! I think we should get full marks for that!"

"I wouldn't pat my back too soon kid" as Cid breathed out a puff of smoke. "If you were having that much trouble against the big guy then you aren't going to fair too well in some of the worlds out there".

"Wait . . . . Are you saying . . . ."

"I'm afraid so" Aeris sighed. "Even Bahamut has tasted defeat at the hands of the heartless".

Putting that into perspective, just how powerful can grimm become if even a dragon like that could be beaten? With the many worlds out there, just what kind of opponents were they going to face?

"That was a good exercise" Yuffie chimed. "How about we all get some sea salt ice cream! My treat!"

Walking back into town, the two groups had a delightful chat.

Tifa gave Yang some pointers.

Yuffie talked enthusiastically with Blake about many of her favorite ninja tools.

Weiss and Aeris talked in dept about magic.

Ruby just couldn't stop admiring Vincent side arm as she committed it to her memory.

Once they got there they met up with a common acquaintance as Scrooge was also at the stand looking for his lucky dime.

But as it so happened it turned out Yuffie had it this entire time as she happened to have picked it up off the street that day.

Although it was supposed to be a minor stop, team RWBY ended up staying for a week.

Scrooge grateful for the return of his coin generously rewarded them. Aside from a good sum of munny, the old duck had a map of the many worlds the gummi highway connected too. Not to mention gifted them quite a few sample items that could benefit them along their trip.

Taking their ques from these veteran warriors, they learned a few useful tricks.

However, it soon became time for them to move on a they bid farewell to Radiant Garden as the Avalanche crew saw them off.

Opening another portal, team RWBY began their tour to other worlds.

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: After thinking about it for a while I decided to cut down on the trips to other worlds as I'll only be doing the next two chapters before they return back to Remnant. The beginning of both chapters will just briefly mention where they were, what they were doing, and what they had learned. This is all in preparation for what is about to go down in Vale.

In the Kingdom Hearts universe or even in any of the Final Fantasy ones, the distinction between magic and technology is never quite clear. In some of the series it's a hybrid of both. Otherwise it was never clear where one began and the other ended.

Also the rules behind keyblade bearers seems to be loosely interpreted. They are not supposed to interfere in the natural order of the worlds they go too. But I assume they are only supposed to get involved when the heartless are present. Otherwise there have been quite a few cases of keyblade bearers doing a lot of interfering with non-heartless related matters.

When it comes to traveling between worlds it was never explicitly made clear if it was like outer space with planets out there or they were separate realities altogether.

This has been bothering me ever since Kingdom Hearts 1. But why does no one react to the Disney characters? As a kid I didn't think much of it. But now I'm just wondering why no one was losing their minds over anthropomorphic creatures. Sora just reacted to meeting Goofy and Donald like it was a normal occurrence. But anyways according to lore, Scrooge was the richest duck in the Disney castle. But not being satisfied with that title he expanded his business as he's responsible for the development of the gummi highway that leads to other worlds. This was all in hope of promoting sea salt ice cream which would make him the richest duck in all the worlds.

When I think about it, dust and materia are pretty much the same thing as they are sources of energy that have been heavily refined for human use.

Canonically Cloud, Tifa, Aeris, Cid, and Yuffie has appeared in the game. Barret and Vincent have not. And I know I didn't mention RedXIII and Cait Sith. From what we know Radiant Garden seems to be the home world of the Final Fantasy characters for at least the cast of 7 and Leon from 8 apparently. I'm still leaving the time line ambivalent. Thus meeting them could have happened before KH1 or after KH2.

The Bahamut I used was from FFX as I loved the hell out of his design. If anyone saw the FF7 remake gameplay I can't wait to see how the other summons work. Ifrit was awesome. But more then anything else I can't wait to see knights of the round join the fight as we beat the ever-loving crap out of Sephiroth. Damn that was a good summon.

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.