RWBY: Moon Reflection

As the night deepened, Summer Rose closed the fairy tales book, her voice soft and soothing as she finished the story. "And on the wind, Alex heard one more question, what are you?" She lingered for a moment, her gaze sweeping over her daughters and son. Their breathing had slowed, their peaceful expressions bathed in the faint glow of the nightlight. She leaned forward, whispering gently, "I love you just the way you are… always."

She placed the book down carefully on the bedside table, ensuring not to disturb them, and left the room with a final glance. Her steps were light, her movements practiced, as she descended to the lower floor. Once there, she paused by the window, gazing out at the broken moon hanging low in the sky. Its pale light illuminates the dark night, casting an ethereal glow over the quiet forest. Her silver eyes carried a distant look, her thoughts weighed down by unspoken worries.

Moments later, Taiyang Xiao Long descended from upstairs, his heavy footsteps breaking the silence. "It's not like you to rush off on a mission in the middle of the night," he said, his tone a mixture of concern and curiosity.

Summer turned to face him, her lips curving into a faint smile as their eyes met. "You know how Ozpin is—mystery after mystery," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation.

"And when it turns out to be another mundane patrol?" Tai teased, a playful grin spreading across his face.

They exchanged a knowing look, and almost in unison, they said, "I always prefer discretion." Laughter followed, light and familiar, easing the tension between them.

Summer stepped closer to Tai, wrapping her arms around him. Her embrace was firm but tender, as if seeking reassurance. "I will be back soon," she promised, her voice steady yet soft.

"I know," Tai replied, his tone calm and filled with quiet confidence.

They parted reluctantly, and Summer walked slowly toward the door. The chill of the night air greeted her as she stepped outside, her breath forming small clouds in the cold. As she moved toward the edge of the forest, a voice from behind startled her.

"This isn't like the other missions, and you hid that from Dad, didn't you, Mom?"

Summer turned sharply, her heart skipping a beat. Crimson stood a few meters away, his crimson eyes sharp and unwavering as they met hers. His calm demeanor belied the intensity of his gaze, which seemed to see right through her. Her initial surprise quickly gave way to a frown.

"Crimson, you…" she began, but her son's steady voice interrupted her.

"Your voice didn't feel right while reading, and you seemed anxious when talking to Dad. Even your steps were heavier than usual… you're worried about something. Afraid, even."

Summer stared at him, momentarily at a loss for words. [Am I really that obvious? Even Tai didn't notice.] The thought unsettled her. Crimson continued to watch her, his unrelenting gaze demanding a response.

Pushing her thoughts to the back of her mind, she collected and replied firmly, "You're mistaken. I just don't like night missions." Her expression hardened as she added, "You should be asleep now, not eavesdropping on me and Tai or following me."

Crimson frowned slightly, his tone steady as he spoke again. "Family should come first before any mission or goal. Missions are endless; you can always pick another."

[I know that better than anyone… I abandoned my family in a blind pursuit,] Crimson thought bitterly, his words reflecting his unspoken regrets.

Summer felt the weight of his words, her heart aching at the truth behind them. She stepped closer, kneeling to his level, and wrapped him in a tight hug. "This mission is important," she said softly but firmly. "It will make the world a better place for you and your sisters. I'm sorry I worried you, but everything will be fine. I'll complete it and come back to all of you." Her resolve was clear, even as her voice quivered with emotion.

She pulled back and looked into his eyes, her smile warm and reassuring. "Go back inside. I promise I'll come back."

Crimson held her gaze for a few moments before sighing deeply. "Please be careful. If it gets too dangerous, abandon the mission. There's no shame in preserving your life."

Summer laughed softly, ruffling his hair affectionately. "Stop talking like an adult."

He returned a small, soft smile before turning back toward the house. After a few steps, he glanced back at her one last time. His gaze shifted momentarily to a nearby tree where a raven perched, its dark silhouette hidden between the tree branches and the shadows they cast. His eyes lingered on it briefly before continuing inside.

Summer watched him until he disappeared into the house. Only then did she turn back and continue toward the forest.

A few minutes later, the raven flew down before her, its wings cutting through the crisp night air. As it landed, its form shifted and morphed into a woman with flowing black hair and piercing red eyes. Raven stood before her, her expression unreadable.

"Your son is quite something, isn't he?" Raven said, her voice carrying a hint of curiosity.

Summer's lips curved into a proud smile. "Eavesdropping on a mother and son talking isn't nice, Raven. But yes, I'm proud of him. He's the best son in the world."

Raven hesitated, her gaze faltering. "I know you said he's too smart and perceptive for his age, but this… this is beyond that. He's not normal, Summer."

Summer's smile faded slightly, her silver eyes narrowing. "He's just smarter and sharper than other children. I don't expect you to understand, not after what you did."

Raven flinched at the unmasked jab, guilt flashing across her face. She looked away, her voice quieter. "I know. Family life doesn't suit me… but it's not just about how smart or sharp he is. He eavesdropped on you and Tai, followed you undetected, and the way he spoke…"

"Enough, Raven!" Summer's tone grew sharper. "I won't let you bad-mouth him just because he's different."

Raven hesitated again, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "When he was leaving, he turned and stared at me in my raven form. His eyes… they didn't feel like a child's. They felt wrong… dangerous. It spooked me."

Summer's expression softened into amusement. "Are you serious? Crimson is the kindest, sweetest boy I've ever known. And you're telling me you were spooked by him?" She gave Raven a skeptical look.

Raven sighed, brushing off the tension. "Never mind. Let's just focus on the mission."

Summer's resolve returned as she walked forward, her steps firm and purposeful. "Let's finish this once and for all."

Raven followed silently, her unease lingering as they disappeared into the depths of the forest.

_______________________________________

Back in the house, Crimson lay on the bed next to his twin sister, Ruby. The soft moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting faint silvery patterns across the room. Ruby's quiet breaths rose and fell in rhythmic harmony. Yet, Crimson couldn't find solace in the peaceful scene. A long-forgotten emotion began to stir within him, clawing its way to the surface. Worry. Unease. These feelings were foreign to him, emotions that hadn't touched his heart in centuries.

His mind replayed Summer's actions and their brief but heavy conversation. Her odd behavior, her unsteady tone, and, most notably, the faint but unmistakable smell of fear emanating from her—these details worried him. He, who had faced and slain more humans than any other demon in existence, knew that scent too well. Except for Yoriichi, every being who had dared to stand before him had reeked of fear. Even the indomitable Hashira were no exception. That smell had etched itself into the deepest recesses of his mind, an inescapable signature of vulnerability and mortality. And tonight, for the first time, Summer had carried that same scent.

The realization disturbed him more than he was willing to show.

Crimson had confronted her, his observations sharp and precise, but he had refrained from pushing too hard. Her demeanor, the resolute look in her silver eyes—it told him everything. It was a look he had seen countless times before. A look worn by warriors, survivors, and martyrs who were willing to pay the ultimate price to achieve their goals. No matter what he said or did, Summer had already made her decision. She was going on that mission, come what may.

He let out a quiet sigh. He could not ease her burdens or help her, but offering a small reminder to value her life, even in the face of danger, was all he could do.

His thoughts wandered to the forest and the raven that had perched in the shadows. There was something different about that bird. It had stared at them the entire time, its unblinking gaze too intent, too aware. When Crimson had focused on it, the raven's eyes had gleamed with an unnatural intelligence. [Could it be this world's equivalent of a Kasugai Crow?]

Suddenly, his musings were interrupted by a small hand slapping against his arm. Startled, he turned to see Ruby, her face scrunched up in an expression of sleepy annoyance. She shifted restlessly in her sleep, her crimson-tipped hair splayed out across the pillow. Hyperactive even in slumber, she always insisted on sharing his bed, despite his gentle protests.

A small, genuine smile curved his lips as he watched her. She had an innocence and warmth that felt almost alien to him, yet he cherished it deeply. Looking back at the ceiling, he whispered softly, "I pray for your success and safety, Mom."

His voice barely disturbed the silence, a quiet pray carried into the cold winter night. For a moment longer, he gazed at Ruby's peaceful face, as if drawing strength from her presence. Then, he lay back, closing his eyes, though sleep felt distant. Somewhere out there, beneath the broken moon, his mother was walking into danger.

All he could do now was hope—and prepare for what might come next.