RWBY: Moon Reflection

Ozpin sat in his dimly lit office, his fingers steepled as he stared out the large window overlooking the academy grounds. Across from him sat Glynda Goodwitch, her posture rigid and professional, while Professors Peter Port and Doctor Bartholomew Oobleck occupied the remaining chairs.

Ozpin broke the silence. "We are presented with a rare opportunity this week—a young man of extraordinary potential, someone who could be a great asset in our struggle against the darkness."

Glynda adjusted her glasses, her tone skeptical yet intrigued. "You're referring to Crimson Rose, I assume. He does have a presence about him, but he's made it clear he has no intention of becoming a huntsman."

"True," Ozpin replied, his calm tone unwavering. "But potential like his shouldn't be wasted. He's here for a week. We owe it to him—and to the world—to guide him. Even if he leaves unchanged, planting a seed of purpose is worth the effort."

Peter Port stroked his mustache, his voice booming as always. "An admirable goal, Headmaster! A young man of such promise should not squander his talents. We must show him the path of valor!"

Doctor Oobleck tapped his fingers on his armrest, speaking at his usual rapid pace. "Yes, yes, quite so! Exposure to Beacon's finest education might ignite a spark—a spark that could kindle into a blazing flame of heroism!"

Glynda thought for a moment then gave a curt nod. "Then it's settled. We'll use this week to expose him to the principles of being a huntsman. If we can make him see the potential impact of his abilities, perhaps he'll reconsider his stance."

Ozpin's gaze sharpened. "Let's proceed carefully. Crimson is perceptive. He'll see through heavy-handedness. Instead, we should guide subtly—challenge his perspective, broaden his understanding of the world's needs."

The group exchanged determined nods, the meeting adjourned with a shared goal in mind.

________________________________

The morning sunlight streamed into Team RWBY's dorm as the sisters enthusiastically prepped Crimson for his first day.

Yang smirked as she tugged Crimson. "So, big bro, ready for the thrill of Professor Port's class? Nothing screams excitement like long-winded stories about Grimm and monsters."

Ruby groaned dramatically. "I'm so sorry you have to start with that. It's the worst!"

Blake, who was tying her bow, added dryly, "To be fair, every student suffers through it. Consider it a rite of passage."

Weiss, ever composed, huffed hearing her teammates "This is a formal academic setting, the class holds a purpose. Perhaps you all can try to maintain some decorum."

Crimson chuckled softly, amused by their contrasting attitudes. "It can't be that bad."

________________________________

The classroom buzzed with muted conversation as students filed in, taking their seats. Crimson followed Team RWBY to their usual spots, his calm demeanor standing out amidst the animated chatter.

Peter Port began his lecture with his usual exuberance, recounting tales of his heroic encounters with Grimm. As the minutes dragged on, the students' attention waned, many barely concealing their boredom.

Near the end of the class, Port's booming voice broke the monotony. "Ah, but today, we have a special guest among us! Crimson Rose, would you do us the honor of sharing your thoughts?"

The room went silent, all eyes on Crimson. Port gestured dramatically. "You are new here, yet your reputation precedes you. Tell us—what do you consider to be the scariest monster? And, more importantly, what should one do when faced with such a creature?"

Crimson's expression turned thoughtful as he considered the question. Centuries of experience surged through his mind—the endless malevolence he had witnessed, the slaughter he once indulged in, and the vile acts of demons and humans alike.

After a moment of silence that felt eternal, he finally spoke, his voice calm yet resonant.

"A monster," he began, "isn't always something you can see. It isn't just the Grimm you are trained to fight. True monsters can be human—they can blend in, hiding behind the facade of civility while their actions devour the lives of others."

The room grew tense, students leaning forward in curiosity.

Crimson continued, "Imagine someone with the power to kill at will—no weapon, no physical force, but with mere words or the stroke of a pen. A person who sees human lives as tools for their ambitions, as disposable commodities. They don't spill blood with their own hands but orchestrate destruction from the shadows, leaving no trace of guilt. That is a monster."

He paused briefly, articulating his thoughts, then continued in the same calm tone. "There are many types of monsters in this world." His endless experiences rushed back all at once.

"Monsters who will not show themselves and who cause trouble," he said, recalling the cult of Douma.

"Monsters who abduct children," he added, thinking of human traffickers who preyed on innocence.

"Monsters who devour dreams," he said, Muzan's shadow flashing in his mind.

"Monsters who drink blood," he finished, the memory of demon-kind etched into his soul.

"But the worst of them all is a blind hateful monster," Crimson continued, his voice tinged with a quiet sorrow. "They are much worse than any other monster. They truly believe they are virtuous, even as they sin. They speak of honor yet have none. They wish for love but do not realize they've already forsaken it. Their incompetence is always the fault of others, and they find solace in their dark desires, calling it ambition." A faint shadow crossed his face as he concluded.

[I was such a monster.] spoke to himself

Weiss, Blake, and even Ruby and Yang stared at Crimson, taken aback by the weight of his words.

"And what should one do when faced with such a monster?" Port asked, his tone uncharacteristically serious, devoid of its usual theatrics.

Crimson met his gaze steadily. "Walk away. A monster like that will always devour you."

A heavy silence hung in the air.

Port, for once, seemed lost for words. Finally, he nodded, a forced smile breaking through. His usually grandiose demeanor was nowhere to be seen as he spoke in a subdued tone. "A profound answer, young man. I believe I speak for all when I say you have given us much to think about."

The class ended shortly after, students filing out with a buzz of whispered conversations. Crimson, unfazed by the attention, followed Team RWBY as they exited, his calm presence lingering in everyone's minds.

________________________________

As the group walked toward the cafeteria, the silence lingered until Blake finally broke it. "That… was unexpected."

Ruby glanced at Crimson, her silver eyes wide. "Yeah, where did you come up with all that?"

Crimson smiled faintly. "It's just a perspective. Monsters aren't always what they seem."

Weiss adjusted her posture, her gaze lingering on him. "You speak like someone who's seen more than his share of the world."

"I just see the world from different perspectives" Crimson responded, not explaining any further, but the knowing look in his eyes added weight to his words.

When they reached the cafeteria and began settling at a table, Team JNPR approached, their expressions a mix of curiosity and awe.

"Mind if we join you?" Jaune asked, his usual nervous energy slightly subdued.

Ruby grinned. "Of course not! Come on, grab a seat!"

As Team JNPR joined them, Nora leaned forward, her eyes sparkling. "That was amazing in class! I mean, you're like some kind of… wise warrior monk or something!"

"More like a philosopher," Ren added, his calm demeanor mirroring Crimson's.

Pyrrha smiled warmly. "Your words struck a chord with everyone. You have a remarkable way of looking at things."

Crimson inclined his head politely. "Thank you. It wasn't my intention to leave such an impression."

Ruby nudged him playfully. "Well, too bad—you're officially famous now."

Laughter rippled through the group, the earlier tension dissolving. For the rest of the meal, the two teams and Crimson talked. Even Weiss, who was usually more reserved, found herself engaged in the conversation.

By the time lunch ended, it was clear that Crimson's presence had become more than just a curiosity to the students.