RWBY: Moon Reflection-Chapter 101: Only Pity

The gleaming halls of Atlas Academy reflected the cold, crisp light of the kingdom's perpetual winter. Crimson walked at a steady pace. The polished floor beneath him echoed faintly with his steps until he turned a corner and stopped abruptly.

There, standing a few feet away, was Oscar Pine, his youthful face marked by a mix of hesitation and determination. Crimson greeted the younger boy.

"Oscar," Crimson said with a faint nod. "It's been months since I last saw you. How have you been?"

Oscar returned the nod, his posture relaxing slightly. "I've been fine, I guess. After you and the others went on your big Grimm-clearing mission, there wasn't much for me to do. So, I decided to spend my time learning combat in some of Atlas Academy's classes."

Crimson gave a small approving nod. "Good decision. You'll need the skills for what's ahead. What about Ozpin?"

Oscar sighed heavily, his gaze dropping for a moment before meeting Crimson's again. "That's actually why I'm here. Ozpin returned briefly, just for a short time. He told me to deliver this to you and General Ironwood."

Oscar reached behind him and retrieved a cane. He handed it to Crimson, who examined it carefully.

"Ozpin said this cane has been storing kinetic energy for centuries," Oscar continued. "He described it as a one-shot, potent weapon. He hopes it'll help us against Salem. After that... he disappeared again."

Crimson stared at the cane for a moment before nodding. "I see. Thank you, Oscar."

Oscar nodded back, his expression a mixture of relief and worry. Crimson gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder before turning and making his way toward General Ironwood's office.

_______________________

Ironwood was seated at his desk, papers neatly arranged before him. Winter stood nearby, ever dutiful, reviewing a data pad. When Crimson entered, the general looked up, his brow lifting in curiosity.

"Crimson," Ironwood greeted. "What brings you here?"

Crimson held up the cane. "Oscar just delivered this. Ozpin appeared briefly, told him the cane has been storing kinetic energy for centuries, and said it could be a potent weapon against Salem. Then, he vanished again."

Ironwood's expression turned thoughtful as he leaned back in his chair, eyeing the cane. "I see. That might prove useful. But Ozpin.... It's concerning."

Ironwood paused, then shifted the subject. "Crimson, while you're here, I want to ask you about the train crash—the one where Ozpin first disappeared. Do you think there's more to the story than what we've been told?"

Crimson shrugged slightly. "I wasn't there, so I can't say. But... probably. It wouldn't surprise me. That said, it doesn't really matter. We have no right to pry into it."

Ironwood nodded slowly, though his reluctance was evident. "Fair enough."

The general then straightened, his tone shifting to a more official one. "I've officially lifted the embargo on Atlas. But with that comes new risks. Salem's pawns might try to infiltrate the kingdom. We'll need to be vigilant."

Crimson nodded. "Understood. We'll keep watch." He paused, then added, "By the way, have you made any progress on figuring out how Vale's systems were hacked back then?"

Ironwood's expression darkened slightly. "The investigation led us to a dead end. We did find a backdoor in the system, and two people worked on it: Dr. Pietro Polendina and Dr. Arthur Watts. Pietro is clean, beyond question. Watts, however, died in an accident years ago."

Crimson paused, his brows furrowing in thought. "Did you ever recover Watts's body?"

Ironwood raised an eyebrow at the question.

Crimson continued, "During the Haven ambush, Ruby told me that one of Salem's pawns mentioned a 'good doctor.' It might be worth checking with her and even Raven about that."

Ironwood's jaw tightened as he processed the suggestion. "You think Watts might still be alive?"

"It's possible," Crimson replied. "If he's alive, and if he's still working for Salem, he could be a serious threat. I'd recommend double-checking any other systems he worked on for backdoors. And keep a close eye on access points. It might be the only lead we have."

Ironwood nodded firmly, his resolve solidifying. "You're right. I'll make it a priority. And I'll reach out to Ruby and Raven for more information."

Crimson gave a slight smile, satisfied with the response. "Good. The last thing we need is for history to repeat itself."

Ironwood placed the cane on his desk, regarding it with a mix of curiosity and caution. "We'll be prepared for whatever comes next," he said.

_______________________

The halls of Atlas hummed with activity as trusted soldiers shared the news. Arthur Watts, once believed to be dead, was not only alive but working as a key agent of Salem. His image now adorned secured channels, labeled Enemy of Humanity and marked for immediate arrest. The sudden revelation sent ripples through the ranks, but Crimson wasn't surprised.

He stood quietly in one of the lounges, sipping tea as he watched the broadcast. A faint smile crept onto his face. His instincts had been correct. The supposed 'accident' that claimed Watts' life was nothing but a cover. It wasn't often he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction, but this was different. Still, he brushed it off quickly—there was always more to do.

He turned away from the screen and continued with his day, falling back into the rhythm of training, planning, and work. Life in Atlas went on, though the air seemed heavier with unease.

_______________________

A week later, Crimson's Scroll buzzed urgently. The message was brief: "Report to my office immediately."

Without hesitation, he made his way to General Ironwood's office. The atmosphere was tense when he arrived. Ironwood stood at the head of the room, his expression grim. Winter stood beside him, her sharp eyes narrowing at Crimson's arrival. The Ace Ops were stationed nearby, their postures rigid.

Crimson's brow furrowed as more figures began to enter the room. Qrow arrived next, followed closely by team RWBY. The room was soon filled with familiar faces, all sharing the same look of confusion and concern.

"What's going on?" Crimson asked, his voice calm yet curious.

Ironwood gestured for everyone to gather closer. "The Ace Ops managed to apprehend Arthur Watts."

Gasps echoed throughout the room.

"We caught him attempting to access Mantle's heating systems," Ironwood continued. "This confirms what we feared—Salem is moving against Atlas, and we need to prepare for the worst."

Before anyone could respond, a sudden noise filled the room. Everyone turned toward the table where a sealed bag rested. It began to tremble violently. Crimson's hand instinctively went to the hilt of his sword as he stepped forward, shielding Ruby and the others.

The bag burst open with a sharp crack, releasing a seer. The Grimm hovered ominously in the air, its tendrils writhing like snakes. The room fell silent as it spoke.

"General Ironwood."

The voice was distorted, but the malice within it was unmistakable. The seer twisted unnaturally before collapsing onto the ground. From its remains, a thick, black smoke billowed forth, filling the room. The smoke coalesced into a massive, humanoid figure.

Salem.

Her form towered over them, her piercing red eyes scanning the room. Her voice, dripping with mockery, broke the stunned silence.

"The brave huntsmen and huntresses bested Arthur Watts. Congratulations." Her tone was icy, her smile unsettling.

No one spoke as she spread her arms. "Poor children. Watts was here only to set the stage. It changes nothing."

Ironwood, regaining his composure, leveled his gun at her. "Stage for what?"

Salem's smile widened. "For me."

The declaration sent a chill through the room. She began to walk forward, her presence oppressive. "Time is not on your side, James. It has always been on mine. The people of Atlas have suffered enough. Surrender the lamp and the staff to me, and they need not suffer any further."

Ironwood's hand trembled as he lowered his gun slightly, fear creeping into his features. He took a deep breath and determination flared in his eyes "that is not going to happen".

Salem lowered herself looking down on him and said "simply accept the futility of your situation" her smile is widening "and this all can be ove"

"Salem!" Ruby's voice cut through the tension. She stepped forward, her silver eyes blazing with determination. "We've seen what you're capable of. The lamp showed us!"

Salem's gaze snapped to Ruby, her interest piqued.

Ruby didn't falter. "It showed us everything. We know you can't be killed, but we also know you've failed before. We don't have to kill you to stop you—and we will stop you."

For a moment, Salem was silent. Then, she moved closer to Ruby, her expression unreadable. "Your mother said those same words to me."

Ruby's breath hitched. "My mother?"

"She was wrong too," Salem said coldly. Her words struck like a dagger, and Ruby's eyes filled with tears.

Before Salem could press further, Crimson stepped forward, his expression calm yet firm.

"That sounds like our mom, indeed," he said, his voice carrying a faint hint of amusement.

Salem turned to him, her gaze sharpening. "Crimson Rose. I've heard of you. I must say, I don't like you." Her smile returned, but it was laced with malice. "I believe Cinder and the others fell to your hands... just like your mother fell to mine."

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Crimson didn't flinch. He nodded slightly. "Understandable. Yes, your people died under my sword. As for me, I don't hate you, I'm not angry at you, nor do I fear you. The only thing I feel for you is pity."

Salem's smile faltered. "Pity?" she repeated, her tone dangerous.

"I understand you," Crimson said simply.

Salem laughed mockingly. "Do you now? Tell me, child—do you know what darkness is?"

Crimson's expression didn't change. "Darkness. When everything that you know and love is taken away from you so harshly. All you can think about is anger, hatred, and even revenge. And no one can save you."

Salem's mocking smile disappeared entirely.

Crimson continued, his tone steady. "You had a path... to find peace... and you abandoned it. It's too pitiful."

Salem's gaze hardened, but she said nothing.

"It is a pity," Crimson said, his voice tinged with sadness, "because the only thing I can do when we meet is to add to your eternal suffering. For that, I am deeply sorry."

Salem stared at him, her composure shaken. Finally, she spoke, her voice low and dangerous. "When we meet, I will kill you."

With that, her form dissipated into smoke, leaving the room in tense silence.

Crimson let out a soft hum. "She is truly pitiful," he said quietly.

No one responded. The weight of the encounter hung heavily in the air as they all tried to process what had just happened.