RWBY: Moon Reflection-Chapter 99: A Symbol to Defend

With the communication reestablished and General Ironwood's broadcast echoing across Remnant, the world found itself buzzing with activity. Scrolls lit up in homes, academies, and streets, with calls pouring in from every corner of the globe. The message had been clear, and the implications profound. For the first time in years, the entirety of Remnant shared a singular conversation, a unified focus.

Atlas, which had braced for widespread panic following the revelation of Salem, found itself facing an unexpected outcome. Instead of fear, hope swept across the world. The announcement that Solitas had been entirely cleared of Grimm—a feat no one thought possible—sparked something long absent: belief.

In the streets of Mantle, people gathered in groups, speaking excitedly about the possibility of a future free from the constant threat of Grimm. In Mistral, shopkeepers, farmers, and scholars alike shared in the optimism of rebuilding what had been lost. Even in Menagerie, where Faunus had long faced oppression and distrust, the broadcast bridged divides. For once, it wasn't about humans versus Faunus, but survival and unity against the darkness.

Hope became a balm that patched the cracks in a fractured world, and for the first time in centuries, it felt like there was a chance for true progress.

________________________

Far away, in the land of darkness where light dared not touch, the atmosphere was anything but hopeful. In the ominous throne room of Salem's stronghold, Doctor Arthur Watts stood rigid, beads of sweat collecting on his brow. Before him loomed Salem, her presence dominating the room like a thundercloud before a storm.

Watts swallowed hard, choosing his words carefully. "It seems the situation has escalated, my queen."

Her glowing crimson eyes bore into him. "Speak plainly, Arthur."

He exhaled, shifting uncomfortably under her piercing gaze. "The broadcast from Atlas. They've reestablished global communication, spreading your existence to the entire world."

Salem's expression darkened, her eyes narrowing. Watts continued, his voice strained.

"They've also declared that Solitas has been cleared of Grimm under the leadership of Crimson Rose. Completely." He paused, watching her reaction. "The people are rallying. The broadcast is being met with hope, not fear. The kingdoms may begin to unite under this... new banner of strength."

Salem's clawed hand gripped the edge of her throne, the stone cracking beneath her fingers. "Hope," she spat venomously. "Fools clinging to fleeting delusions."

She rose from her throne, the air growing heavy with her anger. Watts resisted the urge to take a step back, his heart pounding.

"My pawns in Haven... my maiden," Salem began, her voice calm but dripping with malice, "all of them... gone. You returned alone, claiming you were not needed there. If you had stayed, perhaps this outcome would have been different."

Watts felt the sting of her words, but he dared not reply. His survival had hinged on his calculated retreat, but now, standing before her, it felt like a gamble that might cost him dearly.

Salem began pacing slowly, her eyes glowing brighter as her thoughts took shape. "This... Crimson Rose," she hissed. "His actions have set a dangerous precedent. An entire continent free of Grimm? No mere huntsman could achieve such a feat."

Her voice turned cold. "This is not Ozma's doing. In all his lives, he never dared to attempt something so bold. No... this is different. This is new."

She stopped, turning to face Watts. "And now, they rally. They dream of victory. But I will remind them why they fear the dark."

Salem's eyes glowed fiercely as she raised a hand, her voice echoing with an unnatural resonance. "It is time for me to act. Atlas will be the first to fall. And I will ensure its destruction with my own hands."

Watts felt a chill run down his spine at her declaration, but before he could voice his thoughts, black tendrils erupted from Salem's hand. They snaked through the air with terrifying speed, wrapping around his arm.

"Wait, my queen—!" Watts cried out, but his words turned into a scream as the tendrils tightened, their dark energy searing his flesh.

The room filled with his anguished cries as Salem watched impassively, her expression unreadable. The tendrils pulsed with energy, a visible manifestation of her fury and intent.

When the tendrils finally receded, Watts fell to his knees, gasping for air. His arm bore dark, vein-like marks that seemed to writhe beneath his skin.

Salem stepped closer, her voice low and commanding. "You will not fail me again, Arthur. Ensure you prove your worth in the days to come. If you do not... there will be no mercy."

Watts nodded weakly, clutching his arm, his pride and defiance shattered. As Salem returned to her throne, her glowing eyes fixed on the horizon, her voice echoed through the chamber like a vow carved into stone.

"Atlas will fall, and hope will crumble with it."

________________________

The meeting room in Atlas Academy was filled with a quiet hum of conversation as the key players of the kingdom gathered. General James Ironwood stood at the head of the table, his posture relaxed but commanding. Beside him were Winter Schnee, Crimson Rose, and the members of Ace Ops. The tension that had previously plagued these meetings was noticeably absent, replaced by a sense of accomplishment.

Ironwood's face lit with a rare smile as he addressed the room. "The council members are furious," he said with a chuckle, "angry about being left in the dark throughout this entire operation."

Harriet Bree leaned back in her chair, a sly grin crossing her face. "Maybe we should just imprison the lot of them for potential corruption and be done with it."

The room erupted in laughter, though there was an undertone of agreement in their amusement.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Winter Schnee replied with a small smile. "But I have to admit, the results have been far better than we anticipated. The people of Atlas are happy. The protests have died down, and they've stopped doubting us at every turn."

"Even the Happy Huntresses have gone quiet," Elm Ederne added. "Robin Hill's been vocal for months, but now? Not a peep."

"It's a refreshing change," Clover Ebi remarked, his pride evident. "We've finally got some breathing room."

Crimson, seated calmly with his arms crossed, turned to Ironwood. "So, General, how does it feel to go from being labeled a paranoid, corrupt leader to being admired as the guardian of Atlas?"

Ironwood laughed, the sound genuine and light. "I won't lie—it's nice. For the first time in a long while, I'm starting to like this job again."

The room shared the moment, but Crimson's expression remained neutral. "And how does it feel to be known as a hero, Crimson?" Ironwood asked, his tone playful.

Crimson groaned, leaning back in his chair. "Annoying. People keep staring, whispering. It's like they expect me to walk on water or something."

The group chuckled, though Ironwood's expression soon turned serious. He clasped his hands together, leaning slightly forward. "All humor aside, the next phase is going to be critical. We've built momentum, but maintaining it without stretching ourselves too thin is going to be a challenge. And we can't just stop here. We need to help the other kingdoms."

Crimson nodded thoughtfully but soon broke the silence with a statement that shifted the room's atmosphere. "We should prepare ourselves to be targeted next."

Ironwood's sharp eyes turned to Crimson, intrigued. "What makes you say that?"

Crimson leaned forward, his voice calm but deliberate. "With the broadcast, we've essentially painted Atlas as the symbol of hope. A banner for people to rally behind. If I were in Salem's position, my next move would be obvious: destroy that banner or tarnish it."

The weight of his words hung in the air as everyone processed the implications.

Ironwood's brows furrowed. "Go on."

Crimson's eyes darkened slightly, his thoughts drifting. "Salem thrives on fear. In Vale, she used the fall of Beacon to spread chaos and panic. But here in Solitas, fear won't work the same way. There are no Grimm left in this region to exploit. So, what does she do next? She leads an army straight to us. If she throws everything she has at Atlas and destroys this symbol of unity, it's worth the cost to her. She's immortal. She can rebuild her forces while the other kingdoms remain divided and weak."

The room fell into a heavy silence. The Ace Ops exchanged uneasy glances, and even Winter's normally composed expression faltered.

Crimson's voice softened. "It's the same strategy someone like Muzan would use."

"Muzan?" Ironwood asked, frowning.

Crimson nodded. "A tyrant in an old story. He targeted a specific family—a symbol of resistance—because he knew that breaking them would shatter any hope of standing against him. Salem's current situation mirrors that. If she destroys Atlas, the rest of Remnant loses not just hope but direction."

Ironwood leaned back in his chair, his hand stroking his beard as he mulled over Crimson's words. "So you're saying we should prepare for a direct assault?"

Crimson nodded. "It's the logical move. And to achieve her goal, it won't just be a standard attack. She'll make it devastating. Something that leaves a mark on the world."

Ironwood's jaw tightened, and he turned to Winter. "Continue ramping up production of weapons and androids. I want our forces prepared for anything."

Winter nodded firmly. "Yes, sir."

Ironwood then addressed the entire room. "We will begin regular scouting missions in the surrounding areas and oceans. If she's gathering an army, we will see it coming. And if she thinks she can catch us off guard, she'll learn otherwise."

The determination in the general's voice lifted the room's mood slightly. Clover clapped a hand on Crimson's shoulder. "Good instincts as always."

Crimson shrugged. "Let's just hope it's enough."

The meeting concluded shortly after, but the weight of the conversation lingered. As they filed out of the room, Crimson remained behind for a moment, staring out the window at the snowy expanse of Solitas.

Atlas stood tall and strong, a beacon of hope for Remnant. But in the back of his mind, Crimson knew the storm was coming. And when it did, they'd have to be ready for anything.

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