RWBY: Moon Reflection-Chapter 98: New Era of Truth

The next day began with a sense of purpose and anticipation. Crimson, alongside the Ace Ops, made their way to the Amity Project's launch site. This was the culmination of months of effort, secrecy, and sacrifice. As the transport airship approached the location, the immense structure of Amity Colosseum came into view, gleaming under the morning sun.

Crimson stood near the front of the craft, arms crossed as his crimson eyes scanned the colosseum's intricate details. Despite his usual calm demeanor, there was a flicker of unease deep inside him. He had seen the best and worst of humanity in his unnaturally long life, and this moment felt pivotal.

Clover, standing beside him, noticed his pensive expression and smiled reassuringly. "Quite a sight, isn't it?"

Crimson gave a small nod, his eyes never leaving the colosseum. "It is. The scale of this project... it's no joke."

Clover chuckled. "That's Atlas for you. We do everything big." He gestured toward the massive thrusters attached to the colosseum's base. "Once this goes up, it'll be a beacon of hope for the entire world. And you had no small part in making this happen."

As the airship touched down, the Ace Ops disembarked, each taking their positions to oversee the final preparations. The scientists and engineers bustled around the site, making last-minute adjustments and running diagnostics. Crimson's sharp gaze darted across the scene, ensuring everything was proceeding smoothly.

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Back at Atlas Academy, General James Ironwood stood on the main balcony, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed out toward the direction of the Amity Project. The cold winds of Solitas bit against his face, but he didn't flinch. This was the culmination of his vision, and he wouldn't let anything jeopardize it.

Behind him, Winter Schnee stood with a tablet in hand, her voice steady as she communicated with the lead scientists. "All systems are green. Launch preparations are complete. We're ready to proceed on your command, General."

Ironwood nodded silently, his eyes narrowing as he watched the horizon.

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Crimson stood with Clover and the Ace Ops as the final countdown to launch began. The massive thrusters roared to life, and the ground trembled beneath their feet. Slowly, the colosseum began to rise into the air, its gleaming surface reflecting the sunlight in a dazzling display.

Citizens of both Mantle and Atlas turned their gazes upward, startled by the sight of the massive structure ascending into the sky. People pointed and murmured, their expressions ranging from awe to confusion.

"What's going on?" someone asked.

"Is that... Amity Colosseum?" another voice exclaimed.

From the streets of Mantle to the high towers of Atlas, everyone stopped what they were doing to watch the spectacle.

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Onboard an airship, Ruby and her friends leaned against the windows, their faces glowing with excitement.

"This is amazing!" Ruby exclaimed, her silver eyes wide with wonder.

Yang grinned. "You can say that again. Look at it go!"

Weiss watched with a reserved smile, her analytical mind appreciating the engineering marvel. "This is a monumental achievement. The entire world will see this soon."

Blake's amber eyes followed the colosseum as it disappeared beyond the clouds. "Let's hope this brings the change we're hoping for."

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"General," Winter's voice came through Ironwood's earpiece, snapping him out of his thoughts. "The colosseum is in position. We're ready to begin the broadcast. Starting the countdown... Three... Two... One..."

Ironwood took a deep breath as the cameras activated, broadcasting his image to every corner of Remnant. The Amity Colosseum's communication tower had linked the kingdoms together for the first time since Beacon's fall.

"Greetings, citizens of Remnant," Ironwood began, his voice steady but carrying a heavy weight. "My name is General James Ironwood of the Kingdom of Atlas. Many of you know who I am, but today, I speak to you not as a general, but as one of the protectors of our world."

His expression hardened as he continued. "Since the fall of Beacon, my team and I have been working in secret on a project to restore global communication. The Amity Project, as you've now seen, is the culmination of our efforts. We chose to keep it hidden until now because of the events in Vale and the fall of Beacon. It taught us that we underestimated the enemy we face."

Ironwood paused, his gaze resolute. "I want to begin by apologizing—to the people of Vale, to the families of those lost at Beacon, and to the entire world. We did not do enough. And for that, I am deeply sorry."

The citizens of Remnant watched in stunned silence as Ironwood continued.

"But today, I stand before you to tell you the truth—the truth that has been hidden for far too long. The Grimm, the creatures of darkness that threaten our very existence, have a leader. Her name is Salem. She is ancient, immortal, and relentless in her pursuit of destruction.

"For generations, this knowledge was kept secret by the heads of the Huntsmen Academies and their inner circles, myself included. We believed we were protecting the world from fear and panic. But after the tragedy of Vale, it became clear that this secrecy has done more harm than good. The world needs to know that this is not a fight between humans and faunus, or between kingdoms. This is a fight for the survival of civilization itself."

Ironwood's voice grew stronger, more determined. "Today, with global communication reestablished, we will extend our efforts to reach and support every kingdom. Together, we can stand against Salem and her forces. And I am proud to announce that in Solitas, we have already made significant progress. Under the leadership of Specialist Crimson Rose, we have eradicated the Grimm from this continent entirely."

Ironwood's gaze softened slightly as he concluded his address, his voice resolute yet tinged with hope. "I know this truth may be difficult to hear. I know the road ahead will be fraught with challenges unlike any we've faced before. But we are not powerless. Together, we can overcome the darkness. Together, we can protect our home, our families, and our future. Today marks a new beginning—a united Remnant, stronger and more determined than ever. Stand with us, not just as citizens of your kingdoms, but as members of one world. Together, we will endure. Together, we will rise."

The broadcast ended, leaving the world in silence as the weight of Ironwood's words settled over Remnant.

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The news sent shockwaves across Remnant.

In Atlas, the council members stared at their screens in disbelief. Jacques Schnee's face twisted in outrage and shock as he realized the scale of Ironwood's secret project.

"This is outrageous!" Jacques barked. "How could he keep something like this from us?"

In Mantle, Robin Hill and the Happy Huntresses stood frozen, their supporters equally stunned. Robin clenched her fists, realizing the implications. "This changes everything," she murmured, knowing her credibility as Ironwood's opposition was crumbling.

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In Mistral, Cheiron Nikos and Pyrrha's mother watched the broadcast in stunned silence. It wasn't the revelation of Salem or the restored communication that shocked them most—it was the mention of Crimson.

"He eradicated the Grimm from Solitas?" Cheiron muttered, his voice filled with awe.

Pyrrha's mother's eyes widened, her disbelief mirrored in her tone. "In mere months...?"

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They exchanged a glance, the weight of the revelation sinking in. Cheiron leaned back in his chair, his hand resting on his chin as he processed the magnitude of what they had just heard.

Pyrrha's mother broke the silence, her voice resolute. "We need to call Pyrrha. She must know more about all of this—about Crimson and what happened in these past few months."

Cheiron nodded firmly. "Absolutely. If this is true, she's been at the center of something extraordinary."

Reaching for her scroll, Pyrrha's mother began to dial, her fingers trembling slightly with a mix of anticipation and worry. Cheiron placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

As the call began to connect, the room filled with a tense silence, their thoughts racing as they prepared to finally hear from Pyrrha and uncover the truth behind the broadcast's astonishing claims.

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In Menagerie, Ghira and Kali Belladonna watched with equal astonishment as Ironwood's speech came to an end. The weight of the revelations hung in the air, but one name stood out above the rest. Kali turned to her husband, her brow furrowed. "Crimson Rose... Isn't he the same one who attacked us before?"

Ghira nodded slowly, his expression unreadable as he processed everything. "It seems likely," he replied, his tone cautious.

Kali glanced at the screen again, her expression shifting from confusion to determination. "With communication reestablished, we can call Blake," she said, her voice tinged with both relief and longing.

Ghira's tense expression softened, and a small smile formed on his face as he nodded in agreement. "You're right. It's been too long since we've spoken to her directly." He placed a reassuring hand on Kali's shoulder. "Let's reach out as soon as we can. It'll be good to finally talk to her again."

Kali smiled warmly, her excitement at the prospect of speaking to their daughter momentarily overriding the gravity of the broadcast. For the first time in months, the possibility of reconnecting with Blake felt real, and it brought a spark of hope to the otherwise heavy moment.

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Back in Vale, at the remnants of Beacon Academy. Teachers, students, and staff had gathered around screens scattered throughout the campus, their faces a mixture of awe, disbelief, and cautious hope. Ironwood's broadcast had reached even the corners of the shattered academy, pulling every available pair of eyes toward the screens. Among those gathered was Glynda Goodwitch, standing at the front of a large room filled with faculty and students. Her usually stern demeanor was softened, her lips slightly parted in surprise as Ironwood's words echoed in her mind.

"A continent... cleared of Grimm," she murmured to herself, disbelief evident in her tone. The sheer scale of such a feat was almost incomprehensible. It was something even the mightiest huntsmen and huntresses could only dream of achieving. Yet here it was, presented as fact.

[James... what are you planning?] she thought to herself, her brow furrowing. If Crimson Rose had truly been leading such an operation, how had they managed it?

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Back in Patch, Taiyang Xiao Long sat on a worn couch, his gaze fixed on the screen. His usual calm and easygoing nature was gone, replaced by a look of stunned disbelief. His son—Crimson—had been a part of this.

Tai's hands clenched into fists, his knuckles whitening as Ironwood's speech came to an end. Crimson had been out there, accomplishing what sounded like the impossible, while he and so many others in Vale had been left in the dark. He couldn't help but feel a surge of frustration mixed with pride. What had Crimson been through to achieve this? What had Ruby and Yang faced during these months away? He leaned forward, his jaw tight. "I need answers," he muttered under his breath, determination flaring in his eyes.

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Across Remnant, a singular truth became clear: the world was about to change. For the first time, humanity and faunus alike had a chance to unite against the darkness that threatened them all.