RWBY: Moon Reflection

The halls of Beacon Academy buzzed with anticipation as word spread of an upcoming dance party. Ozpin, ever enigmatic yet perceptive, had agreed to the event as a way to boost morale among the students. With missions and Grimm fighting looming on the horizon, the Headmaster believed the students deserved a moment of joy and respite. The news traveled quickly, lifting spirits across the academy as everyone began to prepare for the occasion.

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Far from Beacon, Crimson sat in his art studio, meticulously carving the final details on the biwa he had been recreating. His focus was interrupted when Cyan, a fellow member of his orchestra, burst into the room, practically glowing with excitement.

"Crimson!" Cyan exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet. "You won't believe this! We've been invited to perform at Beacon Academy!"

Crimson raised an eyebrow, setting his tools aside. "The Huntsman academy?"

"Yes! the one and only" Cyan beamed. "It's a huge honor! A performance for all the students there and from the other kingdoms! This is a milestone for us!"

Crimson leaned back, his expression skeptical. "Beacon is hosting a dance party, and they invited an orchestra to perform? At a combat school?"

Cyan nodded enthusiastically, unfazed by Crimson's doubt. "Apparently so! They wanted something special, and I guess someone suggested us. Isn't it amazing?"

Crimson rubbed his temples, trying to process the oddity of it. "I'm not saying it isn't great for the orchestra, but... does an orchestra really match the theme of a dance party? Especially at a school for Huntsmen and Huntresses?"

Cyan waved off his concern, too thrilled to care. "Who knows? Maybe they want something elegant to set the tone. Anyway, it's happening, and we'll be representing the school, so we have to give it our all!"

Crimson nodded slowly, his skepticism lingering. After Cyan left, Crimson pulled out his scroll and dialed Yang's number.

Yang answered on the second ring, her cheerful voice instantly recognizable. "Hey, bro! What's up?"

Crimson cut straight to the point. "Yang, what's going on at Beacon? I heard you're hosting a dance party, and somehow there's an orchestra involved?"

Yang laughed. "Oh, that! Yeah, we're one of the organizers. It's been pretty crazy putting everything together."

"An orchestra at a dance party, though?" Crimson questioned, his tone skeptical. "Doesn't that clash with the whole vibe?"

Yang chuckled. "Yeah, but we made a deal with some of the upperclassmen, and it worked out, the orchestra will be the opening of the party only. Professor Glynda actually loved the idea. Turns out she has a thing for classical music, so she was all for it."

Crimson sighed, shaking his head. "Leave it to you to convince everyone to go along with something like this"

"Relax, we've got it under control," Yang said confidently. "It would be great to have you here! okay gotta go, bye!!"

In the recent events, Beacon's staff showed clear negligence toward the students, and now this party handled in such a manner and the staff actually agreeing, Crimson began to lose his faith in Beacon reputation.

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As the call ended, Ruby and the rest of the team entered the room, Ruby curiously asked "What was that about?"

Yang smirked. "Oh, Crimson wanted to know why we're having an orchestra at the party. He thought it was weird for a combat school."

Ruby tilted her head. "How did you convince Team CVFY to agree to this, anyway? Coco doesn't seem like the type to go for something so... classical."

Yang's grin widened as she leaned back in her chair. "Oh, it was a fair deal. She agreed to my idea to bring the orchestra, and in return, I will help Velvet take a photo of Crimson."

The room fell silent for a moment as the rest of the team processed her words. Blake's ears twitched as she spoke first. "That's weird... Could Velvet have a crush on Crimson, and Coco is looking out for her?"

Yang shrugged, clearly unbothered. "Maybe. Who knows? Not my problem."

Weiss pinched the bridge of her nose. "That's a ridiculous reason to agree to anything. What if it compromises the party's theme?"

"It won't," Yang said breezily. "Professor Glynda loves the idea, and honestly, I think an orchestra will add a touch of class. Velvet gets her photo, and we have Crimson join us regardless of his opinion"

Ruby frowned slightly. "Do you think Crimson will be upset if he finds out?"

Yang shrugged again. "Eh, he probably won't care."

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Two weeks later, the grand night of Beacon's dance party had arrived. The once somber and serious halls of the academy were now alive with warm lights, laughter, and anticipation. Students from Beacon and other kingdoms had adorned themselves in elegant formal attire, a stark contrast to the school uniforms they usually wore. Amid the festivities, Crimson and his orchestra group arrived at the academy gates, their instruments in tow.

Crimson walked alongside Cyan, his dark formal suit a rare sight. His typically casual, serene demeanor seemed slightly restrained as he adjusted the cuffs of his jacket. He doesn't particularly enjoy formal events, but these performances were important for his career, and he had committed to it.

The group moved toward the grand hall where the stage was set. Along the way, they encountered Weiss and Yang, who were headed in the same direction. Yang's golden hair was loose behind her, and her white dress suited her well. Weiss, ever the picture of elegance, wore a pristine white gown that shimmered under the corridor lights.

"Hey, bro!" Yang called out, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Look at you, all suited up. Formalwear actually suits you!"

Weiss eyed Crimson up to bottom "She's right. You look… impressive"

Yang raised an eyebrow, smirking at Weiss. "impressive, huh? That sounded suspicious, Snow Angel."

Weiss's cheeks flushed slightly, and she huffed, crossing her arms. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm just stating a fact. Anyway, I have things to do. Excuse me." She turned on her heel and headed toward the hall, clearly eager to escape Yang's teasing.

Crimson shook his head softly at the exchange. "You haven't changed a bit, Yang."

"Why would I? Teasing Weiss is half the fun," Yang replied, winking. "Anyway, break a leg up there. I'm sure you'll do great."

Crimson nodded before continuing with his group.

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In the grand hall, the orchestra took to the stage and began setting up their instruments. The room was magnificently decorated with shimmering lights and flowing drapes. A polished wooden dance floor dominated the center of the hall, surrounded by tables and chairs draped in Beacon's colors.

As the orchestra began their first piece, a hush fell over the crowd. The music, a harmonious blend of strings and woodwinds, filled the hall with a serene and elegant ambiance. Couples soon drifted onto the dance floor, moving gracefully to the melody. Among them, Crimson noticed General Ironwood and Professor Glynda. The pair danced with practiced elegance, their movements precise and disciplined.

Seated at the edge of the stage, Crimson played a delicate melody on his flute, his keen eyes scanning the crowd. He couldn't help but notice how different some of the people he knew looked in this setting.

Yang stood near the edge of the dance floor, a proud smile on her face as she watched the event unfold. Ruby and Jaune sat on the side chairs near the hall entrace, sipping juice and visibly out of their element. Ruby fiddled with her glass nervously, while Jaune was gloomy looking around.

Pyrrha sat alone at another table, her usual confident demeanor replaced by a faintly sad expression. Nora, in stark contrast, dragged a reluctant Ren across the dance floor, her enthusiasm impossible to contain.

Blake danced with a boy Crimson didn't recognize—a Faunus with monkey-like tail dressed in a less than casual, streetwise outfit. Despite his attire clashing with the formal setting, Blake seemed at ease, enjoying her dance.

Lastly, Weiss stood near the corner of the hall, her attention fixated on a flower vase. She seemed lost in thought, a subtle melancholy clouding her usually composed face.

Crimson found it strange seeing them like this. The group dynamics he had observed during his time at Beacon—energetic, chaotic, and vibrant—felt absent tonight. There was an odd sense of disconnect among them, as if they were out of place in this grand setting.

For a moment, he considered what might be going on in their minds. But he quickly pushed the thoughts aside, focusing instead on his performance. The music was their contribution to the event, and he intended to give it his all.