Disclaimer: Well I don't anything. Kingdom Hearts and RWBY belong to their respective owners.
A/N: Sorry for the long wait for a new chapter, but I have been busy with starting college and living on my own. I also made the mistake of working on two other stories, probably gonna do other ones before finishing this one. Don't worry though, I'm not gonna give up on my stories. I already have a sad ending in mind for this story.
Ruby's pov:
"Hey Rubes wake up or we're gonna be late to class."
"Huh?" I shot straight up in my bed. I was breathing heavily and I could feel sweat dripping from my forehead. I had to take a few moments to compose myself. Once I settled down, I looked around and noticed I was in my room. That means Aqua must have brought me here.
"No point in going back to sleep," I say to myself. I stretched my stiff body and hop off my bed. I pull the curtains open and see that the sun was barely rising. I decided to enjoy it, since I had nothing better to do at the moment. As I watched the sun rise, I was thinking of the voice from my dream. Every night I the same dream. I was in a strange place, that felt familiar. It was on top of a cliff and there a headstone there. However, I could never read what it said because suddenly a bunch of random pictures would appear before me. I couldn't sort through them since they would flash by very quickly. Then I would wake up by someone saying telling me to wake up for whatever reason. The voices were familiar, but I don't remember where I have heard them.
"Hmmm...Today is Aqua's and Terra's Mark of Mastery Exam. I better get ready and head over there to support the both of them." So I did my morning routine headed out to go cheer on my friends.
Once I arrived at the castle, I saw Ventus and ran to him. However, he looked out of it, so I called out to him, "Hey Ven!"
"Huh? Oh, hey Ruby!" Ventus smiled at me, and I had this odd tingling feeling run through my body. Recently, this has been occurring often whenever I'm with Ventus. I asked Aqua about it, but she just giggled and told me I was growing up. I quickly shake off the feeling and dash towards Ventus.
"Hey, are you okay? You look a little tense," I asked.
"Yeah. It's just..." Ventus didn't get to finish because Master Eraqus had just walked in. Ventus and I immediately stood up straight. Master Eraqus examined both Aqua and Terraa, who were standing before him, and he did a quick glance at me and Ven. Master Eraqus began to speak, but I wasn't paying attention. Instead, my focus was on the man behind him. He gave me a bad vibe, like a sinister one.
"...But I'm sure our guest, Master Xehanort..." I tuned in just in time to hear Master Eraqus introduce the creepy guy behind him. Man does that guy give me the heebie-jeebies. I can feel it deep in my soul that I should be careful around this 'Master Xehanort'. I try to bring my focus back towards Aqua and Terra. I shouldn't worry about some creepy guy, when two of my best friends were gonna finally become Masters today.
This is so epic. I can't wait for the moment when Master Eraqus announce that Aqua and Terra are Masters. Then we can celebrate with a party, where there will be milk and cookies that I can enjoy.
"Then let the examination begin," Master Eraqus states, using his keyblade to start the test.
Ahh, this is so awesome. I am totally giddy right now. I can't wait until me and Ven get take our exam to become keyblade masters.
However, the feeling of complete epicness was short lived. The balls light suddenly had a dark aura surrounding them. Luckily, they didn't miss a beat and quickly charged to dispose of the balls of darkness. However, one of the balls of darkness was heading straight to me and Ven. Ven jumped in front of me and used his key blade to dispose of the ball.
"Ven! Ruby!" Both Aqua and Terra shouted in concern.
"Don't worry about us. You guys focus on your exam," I shouted back to them summoning my key blade.
"But you guys are in danger here. Go wait in your room," Aqua commanded.
Ven took a step forward, with fierce passion and determination in his voice, responded, "No way. I've been looking forward to this, seeing you two become masters. I'm not gonna miss this now."
"Me too," I added, with the same passion and determination as Ventus.
"They can take care of themselves," Terra said, trying to dissolve Aqua's worry. "They've been training out there, just as hard as us."
"That's right," I shouted in agreement.
"Stay sharp, you two," Aqua warned me and Ven.
Aqua and Terra quickly and fairly easily disposed of the balls of darkness. They were able to finish the first part of their test in a short amount of time. Once they finished destroying every last sphere of darkness, they turned to Master Eraqus, waiting for further instruction.
Master Eraqus walked towards Aqua and Terra, "That was unexpected...but one must keep a still heart even in the most trying of circumstances. It was an excellent test, one I choose to let unfold." Terra and Aqua got ready for the next trial. They stood facing each other, standing in opposite sides of the room. They waited for Master Eraqus to tell them when to start. You could see their resolve settled across their face. After a couple of minutes, Master Eraqus started to talk again, "Which brings us to your next trial. Now, Terra and Aqua, the two of you will face each other in combat. Remember, there are no winners-only truths, for when equal powers clash, their nature is revealed. Begin!"
As soon as he said begin, Aqua and Terra charged at each other. It was true what Master Eraqus said, they were both equal in power for strike one made, the other would parry. Their fight was so enticing, it was as if they were doing an intricate dance. It was beautiful really. Then I started to wonder if mine and Ven's Mark of Mastery Exam would be the same. As these thoughts invaded my head, I could feel my cheeks heating up.
I groaned out of frustration, not knowing why I felt like this when thinking about Ven. "Hey, are you okay," Ven asked me. I felt my face heat up even more and quickly responded to him that I was fine and he shouldn't worry about me. Ven had a weird face, and I could tell he didn't really believe me. Fortunately, he let it slide and turned his attention back to the fight between Aqua and Terra. I mentally scolded myself and returned my focus on the fight as well.
It's a good thing too, because right when I looked at the fight, I saw Terra's hand enveloped by darkness for a short moment. I was shocked and I looked around to see if anybody else notice, but it looked like nobody did. Maybe I imagined it, so I ignored it.
Once the fight finished, it ended as a draw. Neither Terra nor Aqua could defeat the other. They were tired, but they still kept a cool composure when standing in front of Master Eraqus. "We have deliberated and have reached a decision. Terra, Aqua, you both performed commendably. However, only Aqua has shown the Mark of Mastery," Aqua gasped in shock and Terra became stiff when they heard this, "Terra you failed to keep the darkness within you sufficiently in check. But, there is always next is all. Aqua, as our newest Keyblade Master, you are entitled to certain knowledge. Please wait here for further instructions." Both Master Eraqus and Xenhanort left.
"Hey-" Aqua turned to Terra to say some words of comfort. Venus and I ran to sympathize with Terra.
"Terra, we're sorry," Ventus said.
"The darkness...where did it come from?" Terra looked like a kicked puppy. I wanted to say something to help get everyone out of this somber mood, but I couldn't think of anything. I turned my attention towards Master Xenhanort who was walking out. The feeling of dread and uneasiness returned full force. I shivered slightly and Ventus placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, with a worry look on his face. I smile slightly and waved off his worry. We needed to be there for Terra and comfort him, not me.
Normal Pov:
As Master Xenhanort was walking alone down a corridor, he approached a young man who was leaning against a wall, and holding a mask to conceal his face. "So what do you think of Ventus," Master Xenhanort asked the young man.
"He ain't gonna cut it. Somebody's gotta break that loser in," the boy responded.
"Not here, you won't. I have to keep up appearances," Xenhanort said.
The boy pushed himself off the wall, and placed the mask on his head. "I know that. He just needs a little incentive to leave home, and I got a couple of ideas of how to go about it." The two began to walk together outside of the castle.
"So who was the red haired girl," the boy asked Xenhanort.
"Her name is Ruby Rose. Not much is known about her, except that she appeared over here out of nowhere. Why do you ask?" Xenhanort glanced at the young man.
"I was just curious. She seems awfully close to that loser, Ventus," the boy shrugged his shoulders.
Ventus pov:
"Sorry, but I need some time alone," Terra said as he walked away. Man this totally sucks. I really thought Terra would become a Keyblade Master. Terra looks so unhappy. I would have went after him to cheer him up, but he made it clear he wants to be left alone. I feel so useless, and by the look of Auqa's and Ruby's face they feel the same way.
"You two should head home. It will be dark soon," Aqua said to me and Ruby. "Ven, do you mind walking Ruby home?" Ruby was gonna protest, but she decided against once she saw Aqua's distressed both nodded and walked towards out respective home.
Once outside, we walked a few feet away from the castle and Ruby stopped. I turned to her. I was starting to get worried about her. Ruby has been acting weird today. I approached her and was gonna ask her what was going on, but Ruby avoided eye contact with me and was bitting her bottom lip.
"Hey Rubes, what's wrong," I ask placing a hand on her shoulder.
"It's nothing really. It's just that-that...I am so sorry Ven."
"What are you sorry for? You didn't do anything wrong."
"I-I gotta go," Ruby said as she ran away.
"Ruby! Where are you going!?" I tried to ran after her, but she was gone in a flash of rose petals. I had man arm outstretched towards the direction she ran. I place my arm down, and decide it's best if I leave her alone.
When I get home, I lay on my bed and play with the wooden Keyblade that Terra gave me. After a while, I hold the wooden Keyblade in front of my face and sadly sigh. Suddenly, I hear the emergency bells. I immediately sit upright, slightly startled. I jump off my bed and run out the door, but before I make it out of my room I hear someone say, "Better hurry up Ventus."
"Huh? Who are you?"
"Or you'll never see Terra again," the guy said, ignoring my question. The guy was leaning on the wall of my bedroom. However, what he said made me confused and frustrated.
"What? Get real. I can see Terra anytime I want."
"Like right now? He's leaving you behind. And by the time you catch up...he'll be a different person."
That really annoyed me, "Look-whoever you are-you don't know the first thing about Terra. Me and him will always be a team," holding the wooden keyblade in front of me, "You trying to pick a fight or what?"
The stranger pushed himself off the wall and began to walk away, "Oh, grow up. Is that what you call friendship? You'll never know the truth, unless you go out and look for it yourself. Come on, what can you possible know when you're stuck here, looking at nothing but what's in your tiny world?"
"Ven are you up there," a familiar feminine voice asked.
I watched as the boy opened a portal of darkness, and began to walk through it. Before he left, he said, "And you better watch over your precious flower, otherwise it will wilt and die."
"What do you mean by that," I asked the masked guy, but he already left.
"There you are, Ven! Why didn't you answer me, when I called out your name," Ruby asked.
"Huh? Oh Ruby, I didn't hear you," I answered, not realizing she entered my bedroom.
She looked concerned for a moment, but she just shook it off with a smile. "Come on we should head over to the castle."
I nodded my head in agreement, and we both ran together towards the castle.
Ruby Pov:
While running to the castle, I tried to engage in small talk with Ventus. However, he was lost in thought, so we ran together in silence. When we enter inside the castle, we saw Terra running off in the opposite direction.
"Terra..." Ven said and ran faster to catch up with him. I was about to call Ven's name, but I stopped when I saw Aqua talking with Master Eraqus. So I hid behind a pillar and tried to overhear their conversation. I know eavesdropping on their conversation is wrong, but curiosity took over my senses. I was shocked to hear Master Eraqus asking Aqua to look after Terra in fear of the darkness taking over him. However, I couldn't stop the smile that spread across my face when I heard Aqua's response that she would bring Terra back as a Keyblade Master.
I decided to run off, before either Master Eraqus or Aqua could find out I was eavesdropping. Unfortunately, Master Eraqus knew I was there and told me to come out of hiding. I came out and could see Aqua's disappointed look. Embarrassed, I nervously chuckle and scratch the back of my head.
Before I get to say an excuse to explain myself, Master Eraqus stops me and scolds me. He asks me not to say anything to Terra or anyone else for that matter. I nod my head in agreement. He dismisses me and Aqua.
Aqua's disappoint has not faded. I mumble out an apology and she tells me what I did was inappropriate and I should never do it again. I feel bad about it and tell her I will not do it again. Then I ask if what she said about Terra is true. Aqua stops walking and she is silent for a few moments. I stop and look to see what is wrong. Aqua looks me in the eye with a fire in her eyes, and tells me with a firm resolve that she meant every word she said. I smile and look at her with the same passion and tell her that I will help her.
She is surprised at first, but she proudly smiles at me and affectionately ruffles my hair. When Aqua does this, her image is immediately replaced with another blonde female with lavender eyes. The girl was familiar, but I didn't really know who she was. However, the image of the blonde quickly dissipated back to Aqua. Aqua looks concerned and asks if I'm alright. I'm confused at first, but then I feel a warm tear rolling down my face. I quickly wipe it off and tell her I'm fine, that it's just allergies and that she should hurry up and catch up to Ventus and Terra. She isn't fully convinced, but agrees and we jog towards the direction Terra and Ventus ran off.
Ventus Pov:
"Terra!" I shouted, seeing him in the distance.
"Huh," Terra stopped and looked at me running towards him. I nearly stumbled and fell, but was able to catch myself. I was breathing heavily and before I get to warn Terra about what the guy said, Terra placed his hand on my head to ruffle my hair, "It's okay." I look up at him and he gives me a firm nod, as if to tell me not to worry. Then he begins to walk away.
I watch as he summons his armor and flies towards a portal. I look down, and in that moment I make my decision. I decide to summon my armor and go after Terra. I transform my keyblade into a glider and hop on it. I quickly follow after Terra.
Ruby Pov:
"Wait, Ven," both me and Aqua shout.
"No! He mustn't," Eraqus exclaims, as we all watch Ven fly off. "You have to bring him back," Eraqus commands Aqua.
"Don't worry, Master," Aqua responds.
"And I'll help too," I add.
"No, Ruby. You must stay here," Eraqus says to me.
"Wait! I can't stay here! I have to go and help Aqua bring both Ven and Terra back home," I tell him. However, Master Eraqus expression doesn't waiver. "Please Master Eraqus! I can't stay here when I know that my friends are out there. Please let me go."
Aqua walks beside me and places her hand on my shoulder and looks Master Eraqus in the eye. "Please allow Ruby to come with me Master. She will be with me and I promise to watch over her carefully."
Master Eraqus's expression softens slightly. With a sigh, he nods and allows me to go. I beam a huge smile at him and hug him. I thank him about a billion times. Aqua thanks him too, and then she tells me that we need to hurry and catch up to both Ven and Terra. I nod my head with determination filling my silver eyes. Aqua and I quickly summon our armor and our gliders to go after the guys.