Happy new year, everyone! Welcome to the first KHRWBY chapter of 2025. So, last chapter was the end of the Vytal Dance. Blake and Yang have Keyblades, meaning that team RWBY are all Keyblade wielders now. Cinder plants her virus in the CCT while she and her friend in the black coat confront Ruby. Not to mention Salem and Maleficent meeting as well as the reveal of Remnants Keyhole. We're getting closer to the end of volume 2, so let's get to it!
As usual, I own nothing.
(Flashback)
Sora, Sapphire, Donald and Goofys next adventure led them to Halloween Town. Only, things didn't look as spooky as usual. For some reason, it looked as though Christmas came early. Even the resident Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington was in a Christmas mood. Their old friend was on his way to see Santa Claus, which made Sora and Sapphire excited to tag along. Who knew there was a door to Christmas Town in the woods?
Upon meeting Santa, Sora was disappointed to find out that he was on the naughty list. Though, Sapphire, Donald and Goofy were in the clear. Shortly after, the resident troublemakers, Lock, Shock and Barrel arrived to do what they do best. However, Maleficent was in their corner and had brought Oogie Boogie back to life! The bug infested monster wound up kidnapping Santa but Sora and the gang defeated him with Jacks help.
As it turns out, the Santa suit Sally made for Jack was the key to the heroes next adventure.
Sapphire really got to know her wild side in her next adventure. In the Pride Lands, the bluenette was transformed into a cheetah cub with Sora, Donald and Goofy being a lion cub, hornbill and turtle respectively. Learning how to walk and run on all fours was about as tough as using a Keyblade with your mouth or tail.
Once reaching the Pride Lands, the gang was confronted by hyenas. Luckily, someone by the name of Scar called them away. Sora and the others then saved a lioness named Nala from some Heartless. The lioness asked something that surprised the gang. Take out their king. Scar, the previous kings brother was ruling his subjects to an early grave and the pride was soon starve. To make maters worse, Pete was helping Scar.
After escaping Scar, Nala revealed that the son of the previous king, Mufasa, was next in line to lead the pride. As it turned out, the gangs old friend, Simba was Mufasa's son. However, he was missing and thought dead by Nala, who was Simba's childhood friend.
The gang soon found Simba who was living with his friends, Timon and Pumba. The lion had no desire to become king, blaming himself for his fathers death. After meeting his fathers spirit, Simba was ready to claim his throne. When confronting Scar, he revealed that he killed his own brother to gain the throne! Before they could fight the evil lion, Sora and the gang had to get through his hyenas, Shenzi, Banzai and Ed.
Simba thought he had beaten Scar, but his evil uncle had become a Heartless. With Sora, Sapphire, Donald and Goofys help, Simba was able to defeat Scar and claim his throne.
Sealing the Keyhole in the Pride Lands led the gang to Atlantica. Ariel hadn't let go of her dream to see the outside world and it was affecting the annual musical. On the plus side, Sapphire discovered her singing voice.
Prior to the gangs arrival, Ariel had saved Prince Eric of the surface world. Ursula, who somehow survived the gangs last encounter, cast a spell that made the mermaid human. At the cost of her voice. Prince Eric officially met Ariel and the two fell in love after spending some time together.
However, Ursula, who had taken a human form, used Ariels voice to bewitch Eric. That didn't last long thanks to Sora and Sapphire. Part of the deal Ariel made with Ursula was that if she couldn't get Eric to kiss her in three days, the evil sea witch would own Ariels soul. King Triton volunteered to take Ariels place, giving Ursula his trident.
With Prince Erics help, the gang managed to defeat Ursula. King Triton accepted his daughters love for Eric and allowed the two to be together. The musical went without a hitch, much to Sebastián's joy and the gang said their farewells. Not knowing that Organization XIII was still plotting in the shadows.
(Flashback ends)
While the Beacon Dance was a success, no one knew that things were moving in the shadows. Thanks to Rubys intervention, Ozpin, Glynda and Ironwood were able to learn that their enemies had infiltrated the CCT. For what purpose, the group didn't know. Which led Sapphire and Rhexia to being in their headmasters office the next morning. One thing to note was that Sapphire decided to keep the hairstyle she had during the dance.
"They were here..." Ironwood says. He then Ironwood angrily slams his fist against Ozpin's desk. "Ozpin, they were here!"
"We're very much aware of that!" Glynda says in exasperation. "Thank you, James."
"Fantastic!" Ironwood says sarcastically. "You're aware! Now are we going to do something about it or should we just stay the course and continue to ignore what's right in front of us?!"
"But why attack the CCT tower?" Rhexia asks.
Sapphire frowns in thought. Suddenly, an alert sound plays. Signifying that someone has arrived on the elevator.
"Come in." Ozpin says.
Ruby steps out and into the room.
"Thank you for coming, Ruby." Ozpin says. "How are you feeling?"
"Okay, I guess." Ruby says nervously. "I'd feel better if my bad-guy-catching record wasn't O-for-three."
Everyone stares silently. Making Ruby realize now isn't the time for jokes.
"Okay, so that's the tone we're going for, got it." Ruby says while rubbing the back of her head.
Ironwood approaches Ruby. "Ruby, I feel it's appropriate to let you know that I think what you did last night is exactly what being a Huntress is all about." Ironwood pats the girls shoulder. "You recognized a threat. You took action. And you did the very best you could."
"Thank you, sir." Ruby says with a nod.
"Now, the general here has already informed us of the events that... transpired last night." Ozpin says. "But now that you've rested, we were wondering if you had anything to add."
"Was anyone else with her?" Glynda asks. "Did she look familiar to you at all?"
"She was wearing a mask and she never said anything to me." Ruby says. "But I know she fought with glass. I don't think that was her Semblance, though. Her clothing lit up whenever she attacked."
Glynda pats her riding crop against her palm in thought. "Save for the glass, that sounds like the woman Sapphire fought the night we met her Ruby and Rhexia."
"Embedding Dust into clothing is an age-old technique." Ironwood says. "It could have been anyone."
Ruby fidgets nervously. "...She wasn't alone."
Rubys words get everyone's attention. Causing them to look at Ruby.
"There wasn't anyone else when I arrived." Ironwood says. "Why bring this up now?"
Ruby takes a deep breath before looking at Sapphire and Rhexia. "Because I wanted Sapph and Rhexia here for this."
"Why us?" Sapphire asks in confusion.
"...Because the other intruder was someone in a black coat." Ruby says.
Sapphire and Rhexias eyes widen in shock.
"A black coat...?" Rhexia asks with dread.
Sapphire pulls out her Gummiphone, taps on it and shows Ruby an image of someone in a familiar coat. "Like this?"
"Exactly like that." Ruby says firmly.
"...The Organization." Sapphire says in shock.
"But how?" Rhexia asks.
Ironwood narrows his eyes. "Organization?"
"Organization XIII?" Glynda asks. "Wasn't that the group you defeated during the Keyblade War? Could one of their members have survived?"
Sapphire paces in worry and thought.
"I don't know." Rhexia says while shaking her head. "The only surviving members are the ones who switched sides during the war. Me, Roxas and Xion were given vessels. Axel, Saïx, Xaldin, Zexion, Lexaeus and Vexen were recompleted and sided with us in the end. ...There is Demyx, but I doubt it's him. He hates fighting."
"Whoever he is, he knows you two." Ruby says. "He told me to "tell the Master I'll see her soon."
"So, it IS someone we fought in the war." Rhexia says. "But who?"
"I'll call Ienzo and the others later to see what they think." Sapphire says as she stops pacing. She then looks at Ruby. "Is there anything else you can tell us, Ruby?"
Ruby rubs the back of her head as she tries to recall what happened last night. Suddenly, the red colored girl remembers one detail.
"Well, when I saw them, there was this... black stuff around them." Ruby says. "At first I thought it was their Aura, but it looked... weird. Kinda scary even."
Sapphire and Rhexia glance at each other. The former then sighs.
"I guess that settles that." Sapphire says.
"What?" Ruby asks in confusion.
Sapphire points at her eyes. "Remember how I said my eyes can see light and darkness? Looks like you're starting to see it now too."
"Really?" Ruby asks.
"Guess that's just something else to add to your training." Sapphire says with a laugh.
Sapphire suddenly frowns as she recalls a certain memory. One she would like to forget.
A test. Dream Eaters. A dragon. A friend disappearing in a pool of darkness. A young mans cruel smirk. A massive headache coupled with an intense burning sensation in her eyes. Then finally, a white flash.
As quickly as the memory surfaces, it fades as Sapphire shakes her head.
"I wonder." Sapphire thinks. "Could Ruby do THAT too?"
"Wait, you think this girl is connected to the maiden thief?" Ruby asks. "Or Torchwick and the White Fang?"
"It's possible." Ozpin says. "They may even be one and the same. But we still lack the required evidence to link them together."
"Actually, I... I think I remember her saying something about a hideout, or something, in the southeast." Ruby says. "Just outside the Kingdom."
Sapphire and Rhexia side glance each other. Realizing where Ruby is alluding to. Subsequently, Ozpin gains an understanding look as well. Having a good idea what the young huntress is planning.
"Interesting." Ozpin says.
"I thought you said the intruder never—" Glynda says.
"Thank you for your cooperation, Ruby." Ozpin interrupts. "Why don't you go and spend some time with your team? You have a big day ahead of you." Ozpin looks towards Sapphire and Rhexia. "Oh, before I forget."
Ozpin takes out his Scroll tablet and after a series of taps, Sapphire and Rhexia hear a notification on their tablets. The two look at their Scrolls and are surprised and shocked by what they see.
HUNTRESS LICENSE BEACON
Name: Rose, Sapphire
LN: 63800 - 32002 - 72020
Place of Issue: Vale
Authority: Beacon Academy
Restrictions: Class A
HUNTRESS LICENSE BEACON
Name: Xiao Long, Rhexia
LN: 63800 - 52009 - 72020
Place of Issue: Vale
Authority: Beacon Academy
Restrictions: Class A
"These are..." Sapphire says is disbelief.
"Huntress licenses?" Rhexia finishes in equal disbelief.
Hearing this, Ruby gasps before looking at her sisters Scrolls. Her eyes sparkle in awe as the brunette-red haired girl sees the information.
Ironwood however...
"Oz?!" Ironwood asks in shock and confusion.
"As I've said before, James." Ozpin says calmly. "Sapphire and Rhexia are at a level most Huntsmen can dream of. And after everything that's happened lately, this has been a long time coming."
"But-" Ironwood says.
"While I'm reluctant on giving who are technically first year students their licenses, I can't help but agree." Glynda says. "They deserve this much."
Ironwood looks incredulously at Glynda. "You too?!"
Ruby hugs her sisters with a cheer. While Rhexia gives an uneasy smile, Sapphire couldn't help but be stupefied at the news. She's already looked at her Scroll several times, but things just weren't sinking in.
"This is unreal." Sapphire says dumbfoundedly. "All my life, I've dreamed of this." Sapphire looks at Ozpin. "I... don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything." Ozpin says. "As I mentioned, this has been a long time coming." Ozpin then gains a solemn look. "Just think of it as an... apology for recent events."
Sapphire gives a slight gasp at Ozpins words. The brunette-blue haired girl then closes her eyes for a moment before opening them with a small smile and a shake of her head.
"Hakuna matata." Sapphire says.
Everyone present, baring Rhexia who shakes her head in bemusement, is confused by Sapphires words.
"...Excuse me?" Ozpin asks.
"A phrase some friends of mine taught me." Sapphire says. "It means no worries. Sometimes bad things happen and there's nothing you can do about it. When that happens, you gotta live for today and put the past behind you."
Ozpin takes a moment to process Sapphires words. He then gives a small smile.
"Wise words to live by." Ozpin says. "That'll be all, ladies. And please try and be ... discreet about this matter."
Sapphire, Ruby and Rhexia nod before leaving.
"The past shapes the future." Ironwood mutters in confusion. "How can you just forget it?" Ironwood takes a breath as he loosens his collar. "Well, there we have it. We send as many troops as we can to the southeast, find out exactly what's going on and eradicate any forces that stand in our way."
Glynda growls in frustration. "Why must your answer to everything involve a triumphant display of military bravado!? You treat every situation like it's a contest of measuring di—!"
"Glynda!" Ozpin interrupts.
"Well, he does." Glynda says with a scoff as she crosses her arms.
"She's right." Ozpin says. "As much as I too would love to end this situation once and for all, we must remember that this now goes beyond Vale. Beyond Beacon. Perhaps even beyond Remnant. And if this truly is part of some master plan for which we know not the final move, we mustn't be so bold. Nor can we risk the spread of panic."
"I have served you faithfully for years..." Ironwood says with frustration. "But if you mean to tell me that your plan is to really hold the defenses and wait while two inexperienced children—!"
Ozpin abruptly stands from his chair. "It is not! You're a general, James. So, tell me, when you prepare to go to war, which do you send in first? The flag bearers, or the scouts?"
After their talk with Ozpin, Glynda and Ironwood, Sapphire, Rhexia and Ruby made a quick stop at Sapphire and Rhexia's dorm room. After the brunette-blue haired girl grabbed the book given to her from Yen Sid, the girls made their way to team RWBY's dorm. Relaying the other members of their group the information the just learned. Needless to say, Yang was both surprised and proud of Sapphire and Rhexia receiving their Huntress licenses.
When the news of a member of Organization XIII still alive came, team RWBY couldn't help but be concerned. Sapphire had already made a call to Radiant Garden and while Ienzo, Even and Ansem the Wise were worried about a possible past enemy on Remnant, they couldn't do much. All of the other Guardians were still looking into finding Sora. Riku in particular had made a breakthrough in the data he, Cid, Leon, Yuffie, Aerith and Merlin were working on. But the call was out and help would arrive as soon as possible.
Weiss crosses her arms. "That was a risky move."
"No, I think you handled it well." Blake says.
"I hope so." Ruby says.
"I think this is part of why Ozpin gave us our Huntress licenses." Sapphire says. "He's giving us the go ahead."
"Still, with a member of Organization XIII running around, we'll need to be careful." Rhexia says.
Sapphire opens the book she's holding and searches it's contents.
"This is the book Master Yen Sid gave me." Sapphire says. "Now that all of you can use the Keyblade, there's a spell you have to have."
After looking for the specific page, Sapphire places her hand on the page and channels her magic. From out the book, four green orbs shoot out and dive into Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang. The huntress team looks at their bodies in confusion.
"That was the Cure spell." Sapphire says. "Now you can heal yourselves. Just remember, it won't work on your Aura. ...I'm still confused on how Refocusers do the job."
"These'll come in handy." Yang says with a grin.
Yang walks to a desk and picks up a cylindrical package the length of her forearm.
"And hey, maybe whatever dad sent can help." Yang says.
"Ooooh!" Ruby says. "Something from home!"
Ruby zooms over to Yang and wraps herself around her older sister, trying to take the cylinder from her. The package opens and another cylinder, hairy and black, falls out onto the floor and starts to shake. The object suddenly transforms into a familiar corgi. Team RWBY, Sapphire and Rhexia lean in, staring at it.
Zwei barks twice and while Weiss and Blake react with great shock, Ruby, Sapphire and Yang react excitedly, with the twins jumping in the air.
"Zwei!" Ruby and Sapphire exclaim excitedly.
"He sent a dog?" Blake asks in shock.
"In the mail?" Weiss asks incredulously.
"...How did he fit?" Rhexia asks after a pause.
Ruby hugs Zwei to her chest as the corgi licks her.
"Oh, he does stuff like this all the time." Yang says with a shrug.
"Your father or your dog?" Blake asks after retreating to Ruby's bunk.
"Are you telling me that this mangy..." Weiss says incredulously as Zwei looks at her. "Drooling..." Zwei tilts his head at Weiss. And this action causes her to give into the corgis adorableness. "Mutt is going to wiv wif us foweva? Oh, yes he is, yes he is! Oh, isn't he adorable!"
"Please keep it away from my belongings." Blake says flatly.
Suddenly, Glynda Goodwitchs voice is heard over the intercoms.
"Would all first-year students please report to the amphitheater?" Glynda asks.
Ruby sets Zwei down and he walks over to Blake still on the top bunk and barks. Seeing her friend uncomfortable around the corgi, Rhexia scoops him up in her arms. Zwei then licks the former Nobody.
"Well, we can't exactly leave him here while we're gone for the week." Weiss says.
"Look, there's a letter!" Yang says as she pulls said letter from the package. "Dear girls, I've got to leave the island for a few days, so I'm sending Zwei to you to take care of. Enclosed is all the food you should need. Love you both, Taiyang."
Dozens of cans of dog food spill out of the small package, piling up on the floor. Much to Rhexias confusion and befuddlement.
"What is he supposed to do with that?" Weiss asks.
A can opener falls from the package and Rhexia sets Zwei down. The corgi then rushes into the pile of cans.
"Well, that settles it!" Yang says while tossing the letter and package. She then moves towards the door. "Come on girls, Zwei will be here when we get back!"
Blake jumps down from Ruby's bunk and jumps across the table, avoiding Zwei.
Sapphire pets Zwei as she and Rhexia leave.
"We better get going too." Sapphire says. "We're needed on stage."
Weiss pets Zwei as she leaves. Her speech deteriorating into incomprehensible baby talk.
Ruby stares at Zwei for a moment, before smiling sneakily.
Ruby enters the auditorium wearing a large backpack with other students. She then puts it down next to other students luggage before rejoining her team, who are standing in front of Team JNPR. On stage stands Glynda, Ozpin, Sapphire and Rhexia.
"Quiet!" Glynda says. "Quiet please. Professor Ozpin would like to share a few words before we begin."
Glynda, Sapphire and Rhexia step off the stage. The latter two joining teams RWBY and JNPR.
"Today we stand together, united." Ozpin says. "Mistral. Atlas. Vacuo. Vale. The four Kingdoms of Remnant. On this day, nearly eighty years ago, the largest war in recorded history came to an end. It was a war of ignorance, of greed, and of oppression. A war that was about much more than where borders fell or who traded with whom, but about the very idea of individualism itself. We fought for countless reasons, one of which being the destruction of all forms of art and self-expression. And as you are well aware, that was something many could not stand for."
"As a result, those who opposed this tyranny began naming their children after one of the core aspects of art itself: color. It was their way to demonstrate that not only would they refuse to tolerate this oppression, but neither were the generations to come. And it was a trend that is held to this very day."
"We encourage individuality, expressionism and unity through diversity. As I have said, today we stand together, united. But this bond cannot exist without effort. Which is why today, while the rest of the world celebrates peace, Huntsmen and Huntresses will work to uphold it. As first year students, you will be tasked with shadowing a professional Huntsman or Huntress on a mission."
"Some of you may be taken out of the Kingdom for several days. Others may work within the walls for the rest of the week. But no matter which path you choose, remember to be safe, remember your training and remember to do your very best."
And with his part said and some applause, Ozpin steps away as the students all begin to file out of the amphitheater.
"This is perfect!" Ruby says. "All we have to do is shadow a Huntsman working in the southeast!"
"Yeah!" Yang says with a fist pump. "We'll follow them around by day and give them the slip by night!"
"Let's check "search and destroy"!" Weiss says.
"Don't have to." Sapphire says smugly. "Now that Rhexia and I have our official licenses, we can choose the missions. I've already signed us up. Though, Ozpin said another Huntsman would be joining us. ...He wouldn't say who."
Rhexia steps forward with her arms folded. "And while you guys are investigating, I'll be with team JNPR."
Team RWBY grins at the news.
"Then it looks like we're all set." Ruby says.
Sapphire and team RWBY are seen leaving the auditorium. The mission the brunette-blue haired girl had chosen was in Quadrant 5. Suddenly, a student runs past the team.
"Hey, team CFVY is back!" The student exclaims.
Looking up ahead, Sapphire and team RWBY see Beacon students gather around to witness the return of Team CFVY. Blake goes up to Velvet Scarlatina.
"Velvet?" Blake asks. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Velvet says. "I had Yatsuhashi to look out for me."
"Your mission was supposed to end a week ago!" Weiss says. "What happened?"
"Nothing happened." Velvet says with a shake of her head. She then looks down in thought. "It was just ... there were just so many... And... it looked like more of those things that CRDL turned into were there."
"Heartless." Sapphire says grimly.
Yang throws her hands up in annoyance. "Great. Just great."
"Well, thanks for the heads up." Sapphire says. "We'll be sure to watch each others backs." Sapphire gets close to Velvet and whispers. "I left some snacks in the usual spot. Have fun."
Velevt perks up with a smile and a nod.
"Right." Velvet says. She then jogs away with a wave. "Be safe out there. Oh! And congratulations on your promotion, Sapph!"
"We can do this." Ruby says. "We've never backed down before, and we're not going to start now."
"Right." Blake says with a nod.
"Besides, it won't only be us out there!" Ruby says. She then side hugs Sapphire. "We'll be fighting alongside a genuine Huntsman AND our awesome Keyblade Master!"
"Yeah!" Weiss, Blake and Yang exclaim.
The girls enthusiasm didn't last long after seeing who will be joining them on their mission.
"Why, hello girls!" Profes- DOCTOR Oobleck says. "Who's ready to fight for their lives?"
Out in Quadrant 5, otherwise known as Mountain Glenn, a few Beowolves are seen roaming the city ruins. From up above, a group of Fluttering Heartless soar through the skies.
From behind a destroyed building, a young girl the size of a pixie peeks her head out. She has long blonde hair, green eyes, a blue headband, red scarf and wears a yellow and orange outfit. After looking around, the girl hides behind the building again. Where two other fairy-like girls await her.
One girl has brown hair with a long strand tied at the back, blue eyes and wears a mix of white, light blue and pink clothes. The last one has grey hair, red eyes, black wings and dark clothing with a red belt.
These girls are the Gullwings. Or as their individually known, Yuna, Rikku and Paine. Avid treasure hunters and otherworldly travelers.
"Are they gone?" Yuna asks.
"Yep." Rikku says with a nod.
"Those guys are such a drag." Paine says with her arms crossed.
Rikku gives a overdramatic sigh. "Why did we come here again?"
"Because, old cities like these are bound to have treasure buried somewhere." Yuna says.
"Well, so far, our search has been one big bust!" Rikku says.
"It's been nothing but those monsters and the Heartless since we got here." Paine says. "We should probably find another spot."
Rikku looks at Yuna. "You really think we'll be able to find some clues here?"
"Yeah." Yuna says. "I'm sure this time." Yuna crosses her arms in thought. "...Something about this world is telling me that we have to be here." Yuna looks up to her friends. "But Paine's right. We should find another spot."
Rikku and Paine nod as the trio flys away. Not knowing that their paths would cross with a certain Keyblade Master and her friends.
And done! Welcome to 2025 everyone! So, a lots happened in this chapter. Sapphire, Rhexia and everyone in the know at Beacon are now aware that someone from Organization XIII is on Remnant, Ozpin gave Sapphire and Rhexia the Huntress licenses, Sapph gave team RWBY the Cure spell, which is definitely gonna come in handy in future battles. Zwei is back and the girls are heading to Mountain Glenn with DOCTOR Oobleck tagging along. Lastly, we have the return of the Gullwings! What exactly are they looking for on Remnant? Find out next time!
Until then, ja ne!
*Fun fact, I based Sapphire and Rhexia's Huntress IDs on the release dates for Kingdom Hearts 1 and 358/2 Days as well as when this story first started*