Underneath The Shattered Moon [RWBY X OC]

Chapter 8

Ozpin's POV:

I gazed absently at the Scroll before me, my mind a labyrinth of thoughts. The footage played out before my eyes, capturing the trials and tribulations of our new students as they ventured into the treacherous Emerald Forest. Nora Valkyrie and Lie Ren, an unlikely pair destined to clash. Pyrrha Nikos and Jaune Arc, their path fraught with peril.

Glynda's Voice:

"I don't care what his transcripts say. That Jaune fellow is not ready for this level of combat."

Her words echoed through my mind, but I remained silent. My focus was drawn to another pair, one that had sparked my curiosity. Aebelle, a young woman of extraordinary abilities, had found herself entangled with the enigmatic Blake Belladonna and the fiery Yang Xiao Long.

Glynda's Voice (continued):

"I guess we'll find out soon enough. They should reach the temple within just a few minutes at their current pace."

Ozpin's Thoughts:

What secrets did the relics hold this year? What challenges would these students face? I turned my gaze to Aebelle, her eyes shimmering with an intelligence that belied her years. In her, I saw a potential that could rival even the greatest of our graduates.

Ruby's POV

The Emerald Forest stretched out before me, its canopy a tapestry of vibrant green. Beside me, Weiss paced anxiously, her pristine uniform contrasting with the untamed wilderness.

"It's definitely this way," she declared, confidently. Then, with a hesitant pause, she turned left. "I mean...this way! It's definitely this way."

She stopped abruptly, her face a picture of exasperation. "Alright, it's official: We passed it."

I stood up, my patience wearing thin. "Weiss, why can't you just admit that you have no idea where we're going?"

"Because I know exactly where we're going!" she protested. "We're going...to...the forest temple!"

I sighed, my frustration evident.

"Oh, stop it!" Weiss snapped. "You don't know where we are, either!"

"Well, at least I'm not pretending like I know everything," I retorted.

"What is that supposed to mean?" she demanded.

"It means you're a big, stupid jerk and I hate you!" I exclaimed, my voice dripping with sarcasm.

Weiss grimaced, her lips pursed in annoyance. "Just keep moving!" she commanded.

Ignoring her, I mimicked her voice in a high-pitched imitation. "Oh, just keep moving! Hurry up! Waaaah! Watch where you're going!" I concluded in my normal voice. "Why are you so bossy?"

Weiss turned to face me, her patience at its end. "I'm not bossy! Don't say things like that!"

"Stop treating me like a kid!" I retorted.

"Stop acting like a kid!" she shot back.

"Well, stop acting like you're perfect!" I challenged.

Weiss's expression wavered. "I'm. Not. Perfect! Not yet... But I'm still leagues better than you," she declared before turning on her heel and striding away.

I watched her go, a sense of loneliness weighing on my heart. "You don't even know me..." I whispered to myself.

Aebelle's POV:

As we emerged from the dense undergrowth, the desolate clearing spread out before us, revealing the crumbling stone temple. Its once-magnificent structure now lay in ruins, save for the shattered platforms lining the interior. Scattered upon these platforms were peculiar objects that glimmered in the dim light.