RWBY: Moon Reflection

The buzz of excitement after the intense match still lingered as Crimson reunited with his sisters and their friends. Ruby and Yang were practically glowing with pride, their earlier nervousness forgotten.

"That was awesome, bro!" Yang said, clapping him on the back. "I've never seen anything like that before!"

Ruby chimed in, "Seriously, the way you moved! And that flip? So cool!"

The others nodded in agreement. Jaune scratched his head. "I've got to admit, I didn't think anyone could go toe-to-toe with Pyrrha, let alone beat her like that."

Nora, her eyes wide with admiration, added, "You're like...some ancient hero or something! That was incredible!"

Weiss, however, crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful. "It's a shame you're not aiming to be a Huntsman. With talent like that, you could become one of the most famous Huntsmen in history."

Crimson shook his head, his expression unreadable, and didn't respond. Instead, he looked away, clearly uninterested in the topic.

Blake broke the brief silence, her golden eyes focused on him. "Why did you threaten Professor Port during the match? It seemed out of place and excessive."

Crimson exhaled slowly, his voice calm but firm. "I don't like being turned into a spectacle. That sparring match felt like I was an animal in a cage being put on display."

The two teams exchanged confused looks. Yang raised an eyebrow. "But you're amazing! If anything, that match made people see how awesome you are, they will even show you respect. What's wrong with that?"

Crimson's gaze remained distant, his tone calm. "Respect gained like that is worthless" he sighed and continued "Never mind me, you wouldn't understand."

The mood grew awkward, and the conversation shifted to lighter topics as they returned to Beacon's dorms.

________________________

Later that night, the group gathered outside Crimson's room. Ruby and Yang led the charge, a board game tucked under Ruby's arm.

"It's his last night here," Ruby whispered conspiratorially. "Let's make it special!"

Nora knocked enthusiastically on the door, calling out, "Crimson! We're here for some fun!"

There was no response.

Ruby frowned. "Oh no... I just remembered—it's a full moon tonight."

Yang groaned, facepalming. "Ugh, how did I forget? Of course, he's not here."

Pyrrha tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Ruby explained, "Crimson has this weird hobby. Every full moon, he spends the night moon-gazing and meditating. He's probably on the roof right now."

Weiss raised an eyebrow. "Moon-gazing? That's...unusual."

Ruby nodded. "Yeah, and it's not just that. He's obsessed with the moon. He's got all these sketches of its phases, and he even imagines what it'd look like without any cracks."

The group exchanged puzzled glances. Blake's curiosity piqued. "That's...strange, even for him."

Pyrrha broke the silence with a suggestion. "Why don't we go up to the roof? We can invite him to join us. It's worth a try."

The group agreed and made their way to the roof.

________________________

As they emerged onto the rooftop, they found Crimson standing alone, his back to them, gazing at the moon. His silhouette seemed heavy, as though an inexplicable sorrow weighed him down.

"Crimson!" Ruby called out softly.

He turned his head slightly, acknowledging their presence with a brief glance before returning his gaze to the sky.

"We were going to play a board game," Yang said, her tone light, trying to coax him. "Come on, it will be fun."

Crimson shook his head. "I don't feel like playing. You all should enjoy yourselves."

The sisters exchanged a look and, without further protest, turned to leave. Their friends hesitated, clearly surprised.

As they descended back into the dorms, Nora broke the silence. "Why didn't you insist like you usually do? I thought you would drag him along no matter what."

Yang sighed. "It's pointless. When he starts his moon-gazing ritual, he's...different. He doesn't listen to anyone. We thought maybe, with so many people, he would change his mind this time. But nope. Convincing him is hopeless."

The group shared puzzled looks.

"The more I learn about Crimson," Weiss murmured, "the less I feel like I understand him."

Blake nodded in agreement, her golden eyes thoughtful. "It's like there's a part of him we can't reach, no matter how hard we try."

Pyrrha glanced out a nearby window at the glowing moon and sighed. "Maybe...we are not supposed to."

________________________

The sun had barely risen over Beacon Academy, casting long shadows across the courtyard. Team RWBY walked alongside Crimson, the air heavy with the knowledge that he was leaving. Ruby and Yang flanked him, their expressions a mixture of reluctance and sadness, while Weiss and Blake followed close behind, both quietly reflective.

"It's hard to believe the week's already over," Ruby mumbled, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.

Yang gave a small, bittersweet laugh. "Yeah, it feels like you just got here."

Crimson remained silent, his steady strides unwavering.

Weiss spoke up, her voice polite but genuine. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Crimson. Thank you for all your help over the past week. You were...impressive, to say the least."

Blake nodded. "I couldn't agree more. You have given us a lot to think about."

Crimson gave a faint nod, acknowledging their words but offering no response.

As they turned a corner toward the main entrance, they were greeted by the familiar figure of Headmaster Ozpin. He stood with his cane in hand, his calm, knowing smile as welcoming as ever.

"Good morning," Ozpin greeted, his voice warm. "Heading out, I see."

Crimson inclined his head slightly. "Headmaster."

Ozpin gazed at him as spoke "I trust you enjoyed your time at Beacon. I hope you found it worthwhile, and perhaps even learned something to take with you."

Crimson nodded. "Your hospitality was appreciated, Headmaster. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to stay close to my sisters for this week."

As they continued toward the academy's entrance, Ozpin's voice followed them, rich with sincerity. "You are welcome at Beacon anytime, Crimson. Should you find yourself with time in the future, I hope you will visit us again."

Ruby and Yang brightened at the words. Ruby turned to her brother with a hopeful smile. "You heard him, right? Come visit often, okay?"

Yang added with a grin, "Yeah, don't be a stranger."

Crimson gave a faint smile at their enthusiasm but said nothing.

Ozpin, ever perceptive, added thoughtfully, "And should you change your mind about your career path, you would always have a place here at Beacon. Someone with your skills and potential could bring immense good to the world as a Huntsman."

The mention of becoming a Huntsman made Crimson sigh audibly, his usual stoicism faltering for a moment. He stopped walking, turning to face them all.

"I appreciate the sentiment, but I have no desire to become a Huntsman," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "In fact, I despise the profession."

The group was stunned into silence, even Ruby and Yang.

"What?" Ruby's voice was barely above a whisper, her silver eyes wide with disbelief.

Yang frowned, looking equally shocked. "What are you talking about, Crimson? Why would you say that?"

Crimson's gaze remained steady, his expression unreadable. "I support you both because it's what you want. It's your path, your choice and I have no right to convince you otherwise. But as for me... I have never seen the life of a Huntsman as something to aspire to."

Ozpin, ever curious, leaned lightly on his cane. "Why do you think so, Crimson? Huntsmen dedicate themselves to protecting others, to making the world a safer, better place. It's noble work."

Crimson's eyes darkened slightly, his voice calm but tinged with something deeper. "Huntsmen are nothing more than glorified soldiers. Their lives revolve around fighting, always on the frontlines, risking everything for people they have never met. They spend days, weeks, or even months on dangerous missions, often with no guarantee of returning. And while that might be for the good of others, it's a life of sacrifice with little in return."

The weight of his words hung in the air, leaving the group momentarily speechless.

"Think about it," Crimson continued. "How many Huntsmen live to grow old? How many have stable lives, families, or peace of mind? Their work may be noble, but it's also relentless. They fight battles they can never truly win, sacrificing their lives for a world that doesn't even remember their names."

Ruby's voice trembled as she spoke. "But... isn't it worth it? To protect people? To make a difference?"

Crimson's expression softened, just slightly. "For you, maybe it is. You are a kind soul, Ruby. You believe in people and in making the world better. That's what makes you you, and I respect that. But for me... I am selfish, I want to have a family, I want to get old with them, I want to be remembered by them. I don't wish to live a life where I end up leaving everything behind"

Ruby, ever optimistic and hopeful, insisted on her opinion "But you still can do that while being huntsman. You are strong! incredibly so"

Crimson went silent for a moment, he didn't want to repeat his past, to spend his life fighting and killing but he couldn't tell her that.

He sighed and said after making his mind "Our mom chose the life of a huntsman, she chose to fight for a better world for everyone. She might have succeeded in making the world better for others, but what about us? Was it better?"

Ruby went silent completely, she looked hurt. Even Yang's spirit seemed to be dampened by his words. He knew it was cruel to use their mother like that to end this topic but he couldn't think of a better one.

Crimson sighed and said in a low voice "Just give up, this is not for me"

Ozpin studied Crimson carefully, his usual enigmatic smile replaced by a thoughtful frown. "I see. You have put thoughts into this, Crimson. And while I may not fully agree, I respect your honesty."

The group fell into an uneasy silence. As they reached the main entrance, Crimson turned to face them one last time, his stoic mask slipping just enough to reveal a flicker of warmth.

"Take care of yourselves," he said, his voice quieter. "And stay out of trouble."

Ruby stepped forward, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. "You better visit us soon, okay?"

Yang followed suit, clapping him on the back. "Remember, don't be a stranger, bro!"

Blake and Weiss offered polite farewells, though both were still pondering his words.

Crimson gave a final nod to Ozpin before stepping away, the morning sun casting his shadow long against the academy grounds. As he disappeared down the path, Ruby watched him go, her heart heavy, his last words echoing in her mind. Yang, as if sensing her sister, placed a hand on her shoulder.

Ozpin, standing nearby, gazed thoughtfully at the horizon. "Perhaps, one day, Crimson will see the world differently. Until then, we can only hope his path leads him to where he needs to be."