Xenoblaze here with another installment of KHRWBY. Yes, so soon after the last chapter. I've been on a tare for this fic lately. Now, let's get to it.

As usual, I own nothing.

AN: Now betaed by Squeegeman.


(Flashback)

It was dark. No matter where she looked, all Sapphire could see was darkness. Her mind was hazy. The last thing Sapphire remembered was defeating Ansem with Sora, Donald and Goofy. After that, nothing.

Sapphire looks around in a daze before seeing a young girl with her back turned in the distance. The girl has shoulder length black hair and wears a dark sleeveless tank top with a white collar with a red belt that has a red side skirt cover over a black pleated skirt. She also wears long black socks and black shoes, red gauntlets and black gloves.

The girl turns slightly to face Sapphire, revealing that her eyes are blue in color and her face looks similar to the bluenette.

Suddenly, a bright light shines, blinding Sapphire. However, the bluenette can hear someone calling out to her.

"Sapphire!"

"Who is...?" Sapphire asks.

"Sapph!" A squeaky-like voice says.

"Sapph, wake up!" A boyish voice says.

Sapphire opens her eyes to see herself floating in what looks like a pod. The pod then splits open to reveal three people Sapphire is familiar with. Upon seeing them, the bluenette becomes wide awake. She then launches herself out of the pod and crashes into her three friends.

"Sora, Donald, Goofy!" Sapphire says joyfully.

"Nice to see you too, Sapph." Sora says with a grin as he picks himself up.

Sapphire sheepishly rubs the back of her head as she, Donald and Goofy pick themselves up. The bluenette then looks around. Not knowing where they are.

"What is this place?" Sapphire asks.

"Dunno." Sora says with a shrug.

"Jiminy thinks we've been sleepin'." Goofy says as said cricket pops out of Sora's pocket.

Sapphire crosses her arms in thought with a hum. "Does anyone else's head feel kinda foggy? All I remember is us defeating Ansem. Then we went looking for Riku, right?"

The boys nod their heads.

"All we have to go on is this message in Jiminy's journal." Sora says.

"What's it say?" Sapphire asks.

Jiminy pulls out his journal and opens it. Displaying the message.

"Thank Namine?" Sapphire says in confusion.

"Do you know who that is?" Sora asks.

Sapphire shakes her head as Donald sighs.

Sapphire frowns before looking to her friends. "Well, we should find out where we are first."

"I was thinking the same thing." Jiminy says.

"Come on!" Donald says.

Sora, Donald and Goofy walk out of the strange room after Jiminy goes back into Sora's pocket. Sapphire starts to follow after them but senses someone behind her. The bluenette looks back to see...nothing. Sapphire raises an eyebrow in confusion while tilting her head.

"I could've sworn..." Sapphire says.

Sapphire shakes her head before quickly following after her friends. Not knowing that a faded image of a blonde-haired girl with blue eyes was watching them leave.

(Flashback ends)


Ozpin and Glynda watch from Ozpin's office as passing a large and unnerving ship as it descends upon a landing pad. Two Bullheads fly by as the camera slowly lowers to show ant-like swarms of people on the paths around Beacon.

"Ironwood certainly loves bringing his work wherever he travels." Glynda says dully.

"Well, running an academy and a military makes him a busy man." Ozpin says. "But yes, those are a bit of an eyesore."

Ozpin looks over his shoulder to see his two guests. He sees Sapphire and Rhexia talking amongst themselves. The headmaster then frowns slightly as he remembers the conversation he had with Sapphire after the fight at the docks.


(Flashback)

A few moments ago, Sapphire had reported everything that happened today. From discovering that villains Sapphire encountered during her journey have set their sights on Remnant, to finding Blake, to fighting the White Fang, Torchwick and the Heartless and finally Weiss becoming a Keyblade wielder.

"So, miss Schnee has become a Keyblade wielder." Ozpin says. "Honestly, I had a feeling she might. Along with the rest of team RWBY, miss Schnee has proven to be exceptional."

"Well, I know one thing." Sapphire says while crossing her arms. "I'll have to up Weiss' training like Ruby's."

"I have full confidence that miss Schnee is up to the task." Ozpin says.

Sapphire frowns, making Ozpin concerned.

"Is something the matter, miss Rose?" Ozpin asks.

"What are you hiding?" Sapphire asks with narrowed eyes.

Ozpin's eyes widen slightly before he quickly regains his composure.

"I'm not sure what you are implying." Ozpin says.

"Accepting Ruby into Beacon two years early is one thing." Sapphire says. "But me and Rhexia? Making us assistant teachers? Not telling us about Jaune's transcripts or that Blake is ex-White Fang?"

Ozpin closes his eyes as he folds his hands on his desk.

"I may be fifteen professor, but I'm not blind." Sapphire says with a pointed look. "The three years I spent off Remnant took care of that. I don't like being kepted in the dark."

"That wasn't my intention." Ozpin says while opening his eyes. "Regardless of what you may think of me, I hold the safety of the students and everyone else in Beacon at first priority."

"I really want to believe that professor." Sapphire says. "But with everything that's happened? We've already lost CRDL and despite how they were, I don't want to lose anyone else. And with Maleficent and Pete bringing the Heartless here, I can't help but be concerned."

"I understand that." Ozpin says. "To be frank, I knew about mister Arc's transcripts the moment he applied for Beacon. As for miss Belladonna, I wanted to give her a chance. Just like mister Arc."

Sapphire stares at Ozpin. After a moment, the bluenette sighs as she slightly relaxes.

"Okay." Sapphire says. "I understand. But still, there are things I'd like to be made aware of. Being a Keyblade Master means I'm responsible for Remnants safety. Having the Huntsman and Huntresses just lightens the load."

Ozpin nods. "You have my word that I shall do everything in my power to aid you in our shared goal. However, please understand that there are some things I cannot tell you. At least not yet."

Sapphire stares at Ozpin for a few seconds before sighing. "Alright."

Ozpin gives Sapphire a grateful nod. "Thank you."

Sapphire turns to the elevator. Before she can take a step, the bluenette turns back to Ozpin.

"You wouldn't happen to know where the Keyhole is, would you professor?" Sapphire asks.

Ozpin stares at Sapphire as the Keyblade Master stares back. The stare down last for a few more seconds before Ozpin relents.

"...No." Ozpin says while closing his eyes. "But once I discover it, I'll alert you."

Sapphire stares at Ozpin for a moment before nodding. Before she can leave, Ozpin stops her again.

"One more thing, miss Rose." Ozpin says. "General Ironwood will be arriving in a few days as security for the Vytal Festival. I'd like you and miss Rhexia to meet him."

"...Does he know?" Sapphire asks after a pause.

"No." Ozpin says, getting Sapphires meaning. "There are a lot of things I trust the general with, but I think we can both agree that the secrets of the Keyblade and other worlds should be kept between us."

"Okay." Sapphire says with a nod. "I'll let Rhexia know."

Sapphire turns around and walks to the elevator.

"Goodnight, professor." Sapphire says.

"...Goodnight, miss Rose." Ozpin says.

(Flashback ends)


"I'm sorry girls, but there are things that I'm not ready to disclose." Ozpin thinks. "Though... that may soon change."

A chirping beep sounds repeatedly. Ozpin turns to see a hollow-message "Access Requested" on his desk. The headmaster pushes a button on his desk to confirm the guest entry.

"Come in." Ozpin says.

The elevator door opens, revealing a tall, imposing man with black hair with greying sides, onyx-colored eyes, a white military uniform and one white glove on his right hand. This is General James Ironwood, headmaster of Atlas Academy and general of it's military.

"Ozpin!" Ironwood says cordially.

"Hello, General." Ozpin says while standing at attention.

"Please, drop the formalities" Ironwood says while shaking Ozpin's hand. "It's been too long!" Ironwood looks at Glynda as she approaches. "And Glynda! It has certainly been too long since we last met."

"Oh, James!" Glynda says with a false happy tone. She then turns to Ozpin. "I'll be outside."

Ozpin and Ironwood watch Glynda leave.

"Well, she hasn't changed a bit." Ironwood says. He then notices Sapphire and Rhexia. "And these two are...?"

"James, allow me to introduce Sapphire Rose and Rhexia Xaio-Long." Ozpin says. "The two of them scored exceptionally well enough during the initiation exam to earn spots as assistant combat instructors."

Ironwood blinks twice in slight shock as he looks at the two Keyblade wielders. He then regains his composure.

"Really?" Ironwood asks. "So young and yet so gifted." Ironwood shakes Sapphire and Rhexia's hands. "Regardless, it's a pleasure to meet you both."

"Likewise, sir." Sapphire says. "Unfortunately, we have to cut this meeting short. Me, my sister and my twins team are part of the committee for the Beacon Dance and I have to make sure they aren't goofing off."

"Sounds like a big job." Ironwood says.

"Yes, well, my twin, older sister and their friends started a food fight the other day." Sapphire says with a sweet smile that looks anything but. Causing Rhexia to give an uneasy smile and even make Ironwood flinch. "They're lucky this is the only punishment they're getting."

Sapphire walks towards the elevator with Rhexia quickly following behind her.

"It was nice meeting you, General." Sapphire chirps.

As the two assistant teachers leave the room, Ironwood let's out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"Well, miss Rose seems... pleasant." Ironwood says. "A bit different from what you've told me about her twin."

"Miss Sapphire has the makings of a professional chef." Ozpin says. "She takes her craft very seriously."

"I see." Ironwood says with a nod. "I wonder if she's up for catering for the dance." Ironwood face becomes serious. "Do they know?"

Ozpin sighs before sitting at his desk. He then picks up his mug and a kettle. The Beacon headmaster pours tea into the mug and offers it to James, who accepts it.

"No." Ozpin says. "But I am considering bringing them into the fold."

Ironwood raises an eyebrow as he reaches into is coat pocket. He pulls out a canteen and pours its contents into his mug.

"You think they could be candidates?" Ironwood asks.

"More like guardians of our candidate." Ozpin says. "As I've said, miss Rose and miss Xiao-Long have done much for the academy."

"Prodigies, huh?" Ironwood says after taking a sip of his drink. "Reminds me Summer Rose."

Ozpin's expression becomes sullen. "Yes."

Summer Rose. Ruby, Sapphire and Rhexia's mother along with being Yang's stepmother. One of the brightest and gifted students Ozpin has had the pleasure of having at Beacon. Her team, STRQ, was one of the best teams in Beacon's history. Which is why it hit Ozpin hard when the team broke up. And when Ozpin sent Summer on the mission that cost her life, the headmaster couldn't help but feel responsible. Because of his actions, a family lost their mother and wife. Like many before.

Ozpin shakes his head to clear his thoughts. "Now, as much as I'd like to take this opportunity to catch up, the small fleet outside leaves me concerned."

"Well, concern is what brought them here." Ironwood says.

"I understand that travel between kingdoms has become increasingly difficult." Ozpin says after taking a sip from his mug.

"Oz, you and I both know why I brought those men." Ironwood says.

"We are in a time of peace." Ozpin says patiently as Ironwood sets hit mug down. "Shows of power like this are just going to give off the wrong impression."

"But if what Qrow said is true-" Ironwood says.

"If what Qrow said is true, then we will handle it tactfully." Ozpin interrupts as he holds up an index finger. "It's the Vytal Festival. A time to celebrate unity and peace. So, I suggest that you not scare people by transporting hundreds of soldiers halfway across the continent."

Ironwood frowns. "I'm just being cautious."

"As am I." Ozpin retorts. "Which is why we will continue to train the best Huntsmen and Huntresses we can."

"Believe me, I am." Ironwood says before turning and walking away. He then stops near the door and looks back at Ozpin. "But ask yourself this: Do you honestly believe your children can win a war?"

"I hope they never have to." Ozpin says solemnly.


In the library, Ruby and her team are seen playing Remnant the game. Team JNPR was there as well. Sitting at another table finding ways to entertain themselves.

"Hmmmmm..." Ruby hums. "All right... All right!" Ruby points at Yang. "Yang Xiao Long, prepare your kingdom for battle!"

"Bring it on!" Yang exclaims with a fist pump.

"I deploy the Atlesian Air Fleet!" Ruby exclaims while slamming a card on the table. "Looks like I get to fly right over your Ursai and attack your walls directly!"

Yang gives a dramatic gasp before pointing at Ruby. "You fiend!"

"And since Atlas is part of Mantle, my repair time is only one turn." Ruby declares smugly.

Ruby's smug look quickly changes as Yang laughs arrogantly.

"Pretty sneaky, sis, but you just activated my trap card!" Yang says as she shows her card to Ruby.

"Whaaat?!" Ruby cries.

Yang slams her card on the table. "Giant Nevermore! If I roll a seven or higher, fatal feathers will slice your fleet in two!"

"But, if you roll a six or lower, the Nevermore will turn on your own forces!" Ruby retorts while pointing at Yang.

"That's just a chance I'm willing to take." Yang says as she and her sister glare at each other.

Yang throws the dice... and it came up seven.

Yang cheers.

"Nooooo!" Ruby cries. "My fearless soldiers!"

"Eh, most of them were probably androids." Yang says dismissively.

"Goodbye my friends, you will be avenged." Ruby weeps.

"Not until I draw my rewards!" Yang says. "Which are double this round thanks to the Mistral Trade Route!"

"Bah!" Ruby says.

"Oh, and what's this?" Yang asks as she gathers her cards. "The Smugglers of Wind Path?"

"Bah!" Ruby says. "Bah, I say!"

"I say, it looks like I'm taking two cards in my hand!" Yang says.

"Have you no heart?" Ruby asks as she collapses on the table, groaning. "Nooo!"

Yang ignores Ruby's waterworks as she looks at Weiss. "Well, Weiss, it's your turn."

The heiress looks at her cards. "I have... absolutely no idea what's going on."

Yang slides up beside Weiss. "Look, it's easy! You're playing as Vacuo which means that all Vacuo-based cards come with a bonus."

"That sounds dumb." Weiss says with a frown.

Yang starts looking through Weiss' cards. "See, you've got Sandstorm, Desert Scavenge... Oh, oh! Resourceful Raider! See, now you can take Ruby's discarded Air Fleet-"

Ruby interrupts with a sob.

"...and put it in your hand!" Yang finishes.

"...Okay." Weiss says unsurely.

"And since Vacuo warriors have an endurance against Natural-based hazards, you can use Sandstorm to disable my ground forces and simultaneously infiltrate my kingdom!" Yangs says as she points a finger at Weiss while returning to her seat. "Just know that I will not forget this declaration of war."

"And that means..." Weiss asks with a raised eyebrow.

"You're just three moves away from conquering Remnant!" Ruby sobs.

Weiss stands while laughing maniacally. "Yes! Fear the almighty power of my forces! Cower as they pillage your homes and weep as they take your children from your very arms!"

"Trap card..." Yang says nonchalantly with a card in her hand.

"Huh?" Weiss asks dumbfoundedly.

Yang shuffles the pieces on the board, Weiss' pieces disappearing in a puff of smoke. "Your armies have been destroyed."

Weiss slumps in her chair, cries and whines. "I hate this game of emotions we play!"

Ruby hops into Weiss' lap. "Stay strong, Weiss! We'll make it through this together!"

"Shut up!" Weiss says while hugging Ruby. "Don't touch me!"

"Alright Blake, you're up!" Yang says while looking at said teammate.

Blake jumps slightly with a start. "Oh, um, sorry, what am I doing?"

"You're playing as Vale, trying to conquer the Kingdoms of Remnant!" Yang says.

"...Right." Blake says with a frown.

Weiss frowns in concern. "Are you okay?"

Blake looks to the side to avoid her teammates gaze. She then flinches slightly in surprise as she feels a hand touching her own. Blake looks to see Weiss' concerned expression.

"Remember what I said before?" Weiss asks. "If something is bothering you, you can tell us."

Blake looks around to see her teammates giving her an encouraging nod. Seeing her friends care about her causes the secret Faunus to give a small smile.


While team RWBY was having their chat, Sapphire and Rhexia had bumped into someone while walking down the hall. Someone familiar to Sapphire.

"Wow, I had no idea you were learning to be a huntress." Sapphire says.

The familiar person happened to be Sundae who shrugs her shoulders.

"Did you even ask her?" Rhexia asks with a raise eyebrow.

Sapphire responses by sheepishly rubbing the back of her head.

Rhexia looks at Sundae. "So, your team's from Haven, right?"

Sundae nods. She then types on her Scroll and shows it to the two teaching assistants.

"You hate the uniforms?" Rhexia asks. She then chuckles. "Yeah. I'll admit, they are a bit much. Even the uniforms here." Rhexia pats her shirt. "Sapph and I don't have to worry about that since we're assistant teachers."

Sundae blinks in surprise. She then grins.

"Lucky you." Sundae types.

Sapphire and Rhexia giggle as the group reaches a dorm room. Sundae opens the door and waves at the two girls before walking inside her room.

As Sundae closes the door, Sapphire and Rhexia continue on their way.

"She seemed nice enough." Rhexia says.

"Yep." Sapphire says while popping the p. She then gasps. "I forgot to ask how her bouillabaisse turned out!"

Rhexia shakes her head in amusement. "You can ask her some other time."


Back in Sundaes room, the girl blinks with her eyes switching from green to pink and brown.

"I see you've gotten chummy with the Master."

Sundae narrows her eyes as she turns to face the dark figure. She then folds her arms in annoyance. Causing the black coat to chuckle.

"Come now." The black coat says. "Is that anyway to treat your teacher?"

In a flash, Sundae dashes towards the dark figure and aims a umbrella with a blade at his face. Sundae glares at the black coat while said figure simply scoffs.

"I get it." The dark figure says while moving the blade away from him with his finger. "You trust me about as much as Cinder and her group. Still, you can't deny the benefits of my training you."

Sundae continues to glare at the dark figure. After a moment, she steps back while retracting the blade in her umbrella.

"Just be careful around the Master and her apprentices." The black coat says. "That girl can sense the darkness in a person's heart. While your Semblance offers you some protection from her, Cinder doesn't have that luxury. Thankfully, I've given her a little trinket that'll dull the Masters senses around her."

The dark figure walks towards the window and looks out of it.

"The rally's tomorrow night." The dark figure says. "Roman wants you there to watch his back. I believe that witch will pull something. She's been snooping around Vale and has already set her sights on Mercury and Emerald."

Sundae nods.

"The real fun will soon begin." The dark figure says with excitement in his voice. "Just remember your part in this little play, Neo."

The black coat vanishes in a corridor of darkness. As he leaves, a shimmering light appears around Sundae. The light soon fades, revealing a girl with half pink, half brown hair with matching eye color. Roman's right hand and partner in crime, Neopolitan.

Neo rolls her eyes at the dark figures words.


And done!

So, Sapphire and Rhexia have met Ironwood. Sapphire knows that Ozpin is keeping secrets but wants to believe that he can be trusted. Ozpin is also considering bringing Sapphire and Rhexia in on a few matters. Then we get a little bonding with team RWBY with Weiss reaching out to Blake when she notices her teammates focus elsewhere. Sundae and Sapphire meet up again with Rhexia meeting her as well. Then some foreshadowing during a conversation with Sundae, now revealed as Neo and mister black coat.

See you next time. Until then, ja nee!