RWBY: Moon Reflection

For three relentless months, Crimson Rose moved across the snow-covered expanses of Solitas, never staying in one place for too long. With the attraction orbs strapped securely to his side, he drew the continent's darkest nightmares to him. Grimm, numbering in the tens of thousands, converged on his location only to meet a swift, brutal end. Each battle was a spectacle of power, with Crimson as the unyielding force at its center.

The pace of the operation grew with time. The mobsters who had sown chaos and misery in Mantle were crushed. The attacks on the city that once left its citizens in constant fear ceased entirely. With these victories, the Ace Ops, Atlas' elite huntsman team, were freed from their duties in Mantle and joined Crimson in his mission along with many other available huntsmen and huntresses.

But they weren't the only ones. Team RWBY, Team NPR (with Pyrrha, Nora, and Ren), Penny Polendina, Qrow Branwen and even Raven Branwen joined the fight. The combined strength of these skilled warriors turned each encounter with the Grimm into a one sided annihilation. Military ships and soldiers followed closely behind, scanning the cleared areas for any remnants and ensuring no Grimm were left behind.

This was not just an operation. It was the largest-scale military effort in Atlas' history. The sheer ambition of it left even seasoned soldiers awestruck. When word began to spread that the goal of the operation was to rid the entire continent of Grimm, it sent shockwaves through the kingdom. For generations, the Grimm had been an inescapable part of life, a constant shadow hanging over humanity. To consider the possibility of a Grimm-free Solitas was unthinkable—and yet, under Crimson's leadership, it no longer seemed impossible.

As the operation progressed, strange developments began to unfold. The Mosset Grotto mines, once dormant, roared back to life. Dust and resources were extracted at an unprecedented rate, but instead of bolstering the kingdom's economy, they vanished. All of it—along with significant financial resources—was funneled into the top-secret project in the heavily restricted area.

The secrecy surrounding the project fueled speculation and paranoia among the citizens of Mantle and Atlas. People whispered about Ironwood's growing influence and wondered what the general was planning. Was it a weapon? A new military base? Or something far more dangerous?

The Happy Huntresses, led by Robyn Hill, were among the most vocal critics. They had long opposed Ironwood's policies, seeing them as heavy-handed and authoritarian. Yet even they found themselves unable to act. The operation against the Grimm had won over the majority of the population, and the people of Mantle, who had long suffered under constant attacks, were overwhelmingly supportive of Ironwood's leadership.

Amidst the chaos, one name rose above the rest: Crimson Rose. Once a relatively unknown specialist, he was now the face of the Grimm-clearing operation. His deeds were recounted in every corner of the kingdom, from the bustling streets of Mantle to the grand halls of Atlas Academy.

To many, he was a hero, a symbol of hope in a world that had long been defined by fear. His reputation spread like wildfire. Songs were sung about the "Crimson Hero," and children in the streets played games pretending to be him, felling hordes of imaginary Grimm with a single strike.

But not everyone saw him in the same light. Among those who opposed Ironwood, Crimson's name carried a far more ominous tone. They called him Ironwood's "ultimate weapon," a blunt instrument of destruction unleashed upon anyone who defied the general's will.

Rumors spread, painting Crimson as an unstoppable force that Ironwood would unleash at the slightest provocation. "If Ironwood is annoyed by something," people would say, "he'll just send Specialist Rose. It doesn't matter if it's human, Faunus, or Grimm. Everything in his path will be destroyed."

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Crimson, however, remained largely indifferent to the chatter. His focus was solely on the mission. Every Grimm he destroyed, every mile of territory he reclaimed, was a step closer to a continent free of grimm.

Still, the weight of his growing reputation did not escape him. The stares of admiration, the hushed whispers of awe or fear—it was a lot for one person to carry.

One evening, as the group rested after another successful operation, Pyrrha approached him.

"You're becoming a legend, you know," she said with a soft smile.

Crimson raised an eyebrow, leaning back against a crate. "A legend? Sounds exhausting."

Pyrrha chuckled. "It's not all bad. You're giving people hope. That's something they haven't had in a long time."

"Hope's a dangerous thing," Crimson replied, his tone quiet. "It makes people expect miracles. And I'm no miracle worker."

Pyrrha studied him for a moment before speaking. "Maybe not. But you're doing something no one else could. That has to count for something."

Crimson didn't respond immediately, his gaze distant. After a moment, he sighed. "We'll see."

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As the months wore on, the operation began to show tangible results. Areas that had been uninhabitable for years were now safe. The military established outposts in regions that had been overrun by Grimm for generations. Slowly but surely, the people of Solitas began to imagine a future without the constant threat of monsters lurking beyond their walls.

In Atlas, the mood was one of cautious optimism. For the first time in decades, there was a sense that progress—real, meaningful progress—was being made.

But in the shadows, questions lingered. What was Ironwood planning? What was the purpose of the secret project that had swallowed so many resources? 

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Winter Schnee and General James Ironwood stood side by side on the aircraft platform, their breaths clouding the crisp morning air of Atlas. The sun cast a golden glow over the snowy expanse, but neither seemed particularly concerned with the weather. Both wore subtle smiles, a rare sight for the stoic pair, as they waited for the incoming ship.

It had been three months since Crimson and the others departed on their mission to rid Solitas of the Grimm. In that time, neither Crimson nor anyone else from the group had returned to Atlas. Reports of their progress were scattered and brief, but each one spoke of monumental victories and grueling battles. The continent was almost entirely cleared of Grimm—a feat previously thought impossible.

Ironwood had insisted on being here to greet them in person, a gesture to show how deeply he appreciated their efforts. Winter, ever the dutiful specialist, joined him, though she too couldn't deny her anticipation.

As the ship came into view, its engines roaring in the distance, Winter adjusted her posture, standing even straighter than usual.

"They're finally back," Ironwood said, his voice carrying both relief and pride.

The ship touched down with a hiss of steam, and the ramp lowered slowly. One by one, the group emerged, and Ironwood and Winter's expressions faltered as they took in the sight before them.

The group looked nothing like the polished warriors who had left Atlas three months ago. Their exhaustion was palpable. Clothes were torn and dirtied, armor scuffed and dented, and their hair was a tangled mess. They carried themselves with the heavy steps of those who had pushed far beyond their limits.

Ironwood's eyes lingered on Qrow and Clover, who had always made an effort to look presentable, even in the harshest conditions. Qrow's usually spiky hair was taller and unkempt, and he had grown a scruffy beard that made him look older. Clover, always the picture of composure, now looked disheveled, his hair in disarray and a tired slump in his shoulders.

Even Harriet, who prided herself on her neat appearance, had let her short hair grow out, strands now sticking out awkwardly. The Ace Ops, usually vibrant and confident, seemed as if the life had been drained out of them.

Winter exchanged a glance with Ironwood, both silently acknowledging the toll the mission had taken.

Ironwood cleared his throat and stepped forward, composing himself. "Welcome back. You've done incredible work. The entire kingdom owes you a debt of gratitude."

Qrow let out a dry chuckle, his voice hoarse. "James, I never thought I'd say this, but I actually missed you. I even missed Atlas. Never thought I'd be so happy to see this place again."

Clover, however, didn't share Qrow's sentiment. He barely spared Ironwood a glance before muttering, "Excuse us, General. We need to rest." Without waiting for a response, he walked away, the rest of the Ace Ops following closely behind.

Ironwood watched them go, frowning slightly. The once-unstoppable elite huntsmen looked as if they'd been through a storm, their exhaustion and silence speaking volumes.

The last two to step off the ship were Crimson and Penny. Though Crimson wasn't as visibly battered as the others, he was still far from his usual sharp and confident self. His hair was disheveled, his clothes torn in places, and there was a faint shadow of fatigue in his eyes. Penny, ever the optimist, stood beside him. Though her state was also less than ideal, she managed her usual bright smile, her energy seemingly untouched.

Winter, her concern evident, stepped forward. "What happened? Why is everyone in this state?"

Penny answered cheerfully, her voice as chipper as ever. "Everyone wanted to keep up with Crimson and me! It was months of nonstop fighting. There wasn't much time for rest, self-care, or anything else."

Winter raised an eyebrow, glancing at the retreating backs of the Ace Ops, Qrow and the others. She could see how that might have happened.

Ironwood, meanwhile, turned his attention to Crimson. "And you?"

Crimson gave a tired smile "The operation was a success. The continent is grimm-free—or as close to it as we can hope for. We've cleared more than anyone thought possible." He gestured to Penny. "You can get the full reports from her. Right now, I need a bed."

Ironwood chuckled, nodding. "Fair enough. You've earned it. Go rest, specialist Rose. We'll talk later."

Crimson gave him a small wave before turning to leave, Penny bouncing along beside him.

As the platform emptied, Winter remained standing beside Ironwood, her hands clasped behind her back.

"They've accomplished something extraordinary," she said quietly, her voice tinged with both admiration and concern.

Ironwood sighed. "I just hope we're prepared for what comes next. They've done the impossible, but this is only the beginning. Clearing Solitas of Grimm is one thing. Keeping it that way...that's a challenge we have never faced before."

Winter nodded, her expression steeling. "Then we'll rise to meet it, sir. Whatever it takes."

The general smiled faintly.