RWBY: Moon Reflection

The training hall in Atlas Academy had seen countless moments of determination, camaraderie, and challenge, but today was different. It was filled with people who had achieved something extraordinary. Team RWBY, Nora, Ren, Penny, Crimson, Pyrrha, Qrow, Raven, and the Ace Ops stood together, still carrying the marks of their grueling three-month mission. Though exhaustion lingered in their eyes, the atmosphere buzzed with curiosity as they waited for General Ironwood.

Ironwood entered the hall with his usual commanding presence, though today, his expression was softer, his eyes bright with pride and gratitude. Winter followed closely behind, standing at his side as his ever-reliable right hand.

Ironwood took a moment to look around the room, his gaze sweeping over each of them. His voice, calm but carrying the weight of emotion, filled the hall. "You all stand here today as heroes. Together, you accomplished something that many thought was impossible. Team RWBY, Nora, Ren—you fought side by side with the best of the best. You proved yourselves in the greatest operation this kingdom has ever seen. The kingdom owes you a debt it can never repay."

The group stood a little taller at his words, pride flickering in their tired faces.

Ironwood's smile grew brighter. "For everything you've done, you've earned the right to be called Huntsmen and Huntresses."

Before the words could fully sink in, a soft buzz echoed through the hall. Team RWBY, Nora, and Ren instinctively reached for their Scrolls. As they pulled them out, their eyes widened in unison. There, on the screens, were their Huntsmen licenses, proof of their hard work and dedication.

"You are more than qualified," Ironwood continued, his voice firm yet warm. "I wish we could do something more ceremonial for you, but I hope this will suffice."

For a moment, there was stunned silence before a wave of excitement and joy swept over the six. Ruby clutched her Scroll to her chest, her silver eyes shimmering with happiness. Yang grinned broadly, nudging Blake, who smiled softly. Weiss tilted her head back, a rare expression of unrestrained joy on her face. Nora cheered loudly, practically bouncing on her feet, while Ren allowed a small, satisfied smile to touch his lips.

Around them, the others offered their congratulations. Qrow clapped Ruby on the shoulder, pride evident in his smirk. Raven, though reserved, nodded approvingly at Yang. Pyrrha smiled warmly, her emerald eyes glinting with genuine happiness for her friends. Penny's cheer was as energetic as ever, and the Ace Ops, though weary, gave nods of acknowledgment.

And then there was Crimson, standing slightly apart but smiling as he watched the group celebrate. His quiet approval spoke volumes.

Ironwood allowed them a moment to bask in their accomplishment before he continued. "Thanks to your efforts, Project Amity is complete. Months ahead of schedule, and without a single significant issue."

The room quieted, attention snapping back to the general.

Ironwood turned his gaze toward Crimson. "Inviting you to join Atlas was the best decision I've ever made as a general. Your leadership, your dedication, and your willingness to shoulder the impossible have been nothing short of extraordinary."

The group nodded in agreement, murmurs of approval rippling through the hall. Crimson, uncharacteristically, looked slightly embarrassed, scratching the back of his neck. "I just did what needed to be done."

Ironwood smiled knowingly. "You've done far more than that, Crimson."

The general took a deep breath before delivering the next piece of news. "Tomorrow, we will launch Project Amity. We will reestablish communication with the other kingdoms, something we haven't had since the fall of Beacon. And, as part of this broadcast, we will tell the world about Salem."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over everyone like a heavy blanket. The world would never be the same. The truth about Salem, the immortal threat looming over Remnant, was about to be exposed.

Ruby clenched her fists, determination flashing in her silver eyes. Yang and Blake exchanged a serious glance, while Weiss straightened her posture, her usual composure returning. Ren placed a calming hand on Nora's shoulder as she shifted nervously. Even Penny, always cheerful, adopted a more solemn expression.

Ironwood studied their faces, noting the resolve in each of them. "The world is about to change forever. But thanks to all of you, we're ready to face what's coming."

The general gave a final nod and turned to leave, his expression firm. Winter followed closely behind, her presence as steady as ever.

As Ironwood reached the exit, Crimson stepped forward. "General, do you have a moment?"

Ironwood stopped, turning back with a curious expression. "For you, Crimson? Always."

Winter paused as well, watching the interaction with interest.

The three of them left the hall together, their footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor. Crimson's expression was serious, his mind clearly turning over something important.

Behind them, the training hall buzzed with renewed energy. Team RWBY, Nora, and Ren were surrounded by their friends, their licenses clutched tightly in their hands as they celebrated their achievement. Despite the challenges ahead, for now, there was joy—a moment of light in the darkness.

_______________________

The meeting room in Atlas Headquarters was eerily quiet, the weight of the topic at hand hanging heavily in the air. Crimson sat at the head of the table, his arms resting on the polished surface, his expression calm but resolute. Ironwood sat across from him, his brow furrowed as if already bracing for the conversation. Winter sat to the side, her posture rigid, as she observed the two men.

Crimson began without preamble. "Before I left for the mission, I learned something... troubling. Something we can't afford to ignore any longer." He leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with Ironwood. "The day before I left, Raven told me something about Salem. My mother's last mission was to confront Salem."

The mention of Summer Rose drew a flicker of emotion from both Ironwood and Winter. They had both heard the stories of her heroism and sacrifice, but there was something in Crimson's tone that hinted at a deeper truth.

"Salem," Crimson continued, his voice steady, "is indestructible. Nothing we do—no weapon, no power—can kill her. That's why my mother never returned. She gave everything trying to find a way to end her, but it was all in vain."

Ironwood's eyes widened, and he sank slightly into his chair, the revelation hitting him harder than he'd anticipated. His shoulders slumped as he stared at the table. "Indestructible..." he muttered, almost to himself. "Then how... how are we supposed to win?"

Winter's expression didn't change, but the tension in her stance betrayed her thoughts. The idea of an unbeatable enemy was one that shook even the most composed soldiers.

Crimson, however, remained unshaken. He leaned back, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Destroying her has nothing to do with winning," he said firmly. "We're not fighting to destroy Salem. We're fighting for mankind to continue. Not all battles are won through destruction."

Ironwood looked up at him, his eyes searching for clarity.

Crimson continued, his voice calm but persuasive. "Salem can't be killed, but that doesn't mean she can't be stopped. We just need to think differently. Find another way to neutralize her threat. That's why I wanted to talk to you about the Relic of Creation."

Ironwood's brow furrowed. "The Relic of Creation?"

Crimson nodded. "The relic can create anything, right? What if we use it to create something that can trap her? Send her to the moon, or some distant corner of the universe where she can't be a threat. Or maybe imprison her for eternity."

Ironwood's expression shifted, the light of hope flickering back into his eyes. "That's... an interesting idea," he admitted, sitting up straighter.

Crimson leaned forward again, his tone serious. "You're the one who understands the relic best, General. Tell me—how does it work?"

Ironwood nodded, gathering his thoughts. "The Relic of Creation summons Ambrosius, a being who can create anything you desire, as long as you're specific. He's bound by a few rules: he can't resurrect the dead, he can't destroy, and he can only handle one task at a time. If a new task is assigned, the previous creation is undone. That's why Atlas floats—it's Ambrosius' creation."

Crimson frowned slightly, considering the limitations. "So using the relic again means Atlas will fall." He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "The relics... they're powerful, but they're almost useless in most scenarios. The Staff of Creation can only handle one task, and the Lamp of Knowledge only answers three questions every century. It's frustrating."

Ironwood chuckled softly, his tension easing slightly. "And that's why I said you're worth more than a relic, Crimson. You think differently. You have enormous strength supported by wisdom." He leaned back in his chair, a faint smile on his face. "Thank you for sharing this with me. I'll have our scientists start exploring the idea of creating a prison for Salem—or maybe a way to send her far beyond Remnant."

Crimson shook his head, standing. "No need for thanks. We are facing her together. The only way for mankind to win is to stand united."

Ironwood watched him with a mix of admiration and respect. Crimson's resolve and determination were unwavering.

Crimson glanced at the clock on the wall and smiled faintly. "Now, if you'll excuse me, General, I've got a license celebration to attend." With that, he turned and left the room, leaving Ironwood and Winter alone.

Winter, who had been silent throughout the entire conversation, finally spoke. Her voice was quiet but thoughtful. "Specialist Rose... and you, General... you seem more like partners than a superior and a soldier."

Ironwood chuckled, the sound low but genuine. He leaned back in his chair, folding his hands together. "You might be right, Winter. When I work with Crimson, it doesn't feel like giving orders. It feels like we're working toward the same goal—as equals."

Winter nodded, her respect for both men deepening. Crimson's perspective had shifted the way they thought about the battle ahead. Though Salem's immortality was daunting, his determination to protect mankind, no matter the odds, was a reminder of what they were truly fighting for.

Ironwood's gaze lingered on the door where Crimson had exited, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "He's not just a soldier. He's a leader. And when the time comes, I know I can trust him to do what's right."