Underneath The Shattered Moon [RWBY X OC]

Chapter 10

"Professor Ozpin?" Aebelle's voice was tight, laced with frustration. "Why did you announce to everyone in the auditorium that I'm from another world?"

Ozpin turned, a weariness etched on his face, his gaze fixed on a strange, crystalline object on his desk. "Because..." He hesitated, the air thickening with unspoken anxieties. "Someone kidnapped you on Earth and sent you to Remnant. I don't know how or why. They even used these Grimm-like dust crystals. Something that is impossible to exist, yet it's right here on my desk."

Aebelle's brows furrowed in disbelief. "That really doesn't explain why you announced it to the entire school. Now everyone's gonna either bully me or praise me only because I'm not from this world. It's not like I asked for this!"

Ozpin sighed, his eyes reflecting the weight of the situation. "I understand your frustration, Aebelle. But the truth is... I have no choice. Your arrival, and the methods used to bring you here, are far too extraordinary to keep hidden. We need to understand what we're dealing with, and your presence is a part of that."

"What are we dealing with, exactly? What's this 'Grimm dust crystal'?" Aebelle gestured towards the object with a hand tremoring with nervous energy. "And why am I stuck in the middle of everything?"

Ozpin's gaze remained fixed on the crystals. "Those are questions we're desperately trying to answer, Aebelle. You are not the first person from another world to arrive here. Though the circumstances of your arrival are unique, they share certain similarities. Until we can figure out what is happening, I must err on the side of caution, even if it means placing you in the spotlight."

"So, what, I'm a lab rat for your grand experiment?" Aebelle challenged, her tone sharp. "I didn't choose to be thrust into this world, or this whole 'Huntress' business. I just want to go home."

Ozpin met her gaze, his expression softening with empathy. "I understand your desire to return home, Aebelle. But for now, you are safe here. We will do everything in our power to help you, to understand what happened, and to find a way back. You are not alone in this."

Aebelle stared back at him, her frustration slowly giving way to a flicker of hope. "I... I guess that's something. But what about those students? Do you think they'll actually try to help me, or just gawk and whisper?"

Ozpin gave a small smile. "You are a student of Beacon now, Aebelle. Just like them. There will be those who are curious, but I believe you will find those willing to embrace your differences and offer their support."

Aebelle let out a long sigh. "Well, I guess I'll find out, won't I?" Her voice held a touch of defiance, but there was a glimmer of acceptance in her eyes. "But if I'm going to be a lab rat, at least make sure I get some decent lab coats."

Ozpin chuckles.

The door to Ozpin's office creaked open as Aebelle turned to leave, her hand on the handle. A sudden thought stopped her, and she spun back around, her eyes bright with curiosity.

"Oh yeah, um," she started, a little flustered. "I'm not in a team... yet. How does that work?"

Ozpin, his gaze distant, gave a tired smile. "Ah, yes. You'll be living with Team RWBY."

Aebelle's smile faltered. "Oh... I thought I was gonna get my own room. I'm not really used to having people in a bedroom."

Ozpin chuckled softly, "You'll be fine, Ms. Runemind. Now be off."

Aebelle nodded, her gaze flickering towards the door again, then back to Ozpin. "Is there any way I could have my own room? Just... for a little while?"

Ozpin raised an eyebrow, "Ms. Runemind, this is not a matter for debate. You will be joining Team RWBY." He paused, then added with a hint of bitterness, "For your own safety."