Underneath The Shattered Moon [RWBY X OC]

Chapter 26

The air in Ozpin's office crackled with tension, the aftermath of the previous night's events hanging heavy. General Ironwood, his usually impeccable composure frayed, leaned forward, his voice a low growl.

"They were here..." he stated, his voice rising. "Ozpin, they were here!"

His fist slammed against the polished surface of Ozpin's desk, a sharp, angry sound that echoed in the otherwise silent room.

Glynda Goodwitch, ever the voice of reason, interjected smoothly, "We're very much aware of that, James. Thank you."

Ironwood's frustration flared. "Fantastic! You're aware! Now are we going to do something about it, or should we just stay the course and continue to ignore what's right in front of us?!"

A soft chime cut through the tense atmosphere, the elevator announcing the arrival of its passengers. Ozpin, his face a mask of calm amidst the storm, simply said, "Come in."

The doors slid open, revealing Ruby Rose and Aebelle Runemind. Ruby, her normally vibrant energy slightly dampened, offered a sheepish smile.

"Sorry it took so long," she said. "Someone accidentally hit all the buttons on the elevator on the way up. It wasn't me." She added the last part quickly, almost defensively.

Ozpin, ever the enigmatic headmaster, concerned himself with their wellbeing. "Thank you for coming, girls. How are you feeling?"

Ruby's smile faltered slightly. "Okay, I guess. I'd feel better if my bad-guy-catching record wasn't O-for-three."

A heavy silence descended upon the room. Everyone stared at Ruby, her face flushing slightly under their scrutiny. Aebelle, unable to withstand the pressure, let out a nervous, shaky laugh.

"Okay, so that's the tone we're going for, got it," Ruby muttered, trying to lighten the mood and failing.

Ironwood, however, seemed determined to counter the gloom, stepping in with a rare display of praise. "Ruby, I feel it's appropriate to let you know that I think what you did last night is exactly what being a Huntress is all about. You recognized a threat. You took action. And you did the very best you could."

"Thank you, sir," Ruby replied, genuine gratitude in her voice. "But why is Aebelle here? She wasn't with me last night."

Ozpin, addressing the elephant in the room, explained, "Now, the general here has already informed us of the events that... transpired last night, but now that you've rested, we were wondering if you had anything to add."

Glynda, keen to gather information, pressed further. "Was anyone else with her? Did she look familiar to you at all?"

Ruby pondered for a moment, trying to recall the details of the confrontation. "I... I don't know. She was wearing a mask, and she never said anything to me. But I know she fought with glass. I don't think that was her Semblance, though. Her clothing lit up whenever she attacked."

Glynda's eyes narrowed in recognition. "Save for the glass, that sounds like the woman I fought the night we met Ruby."

Ironwood, ever the pragmatist, interjected, "Embedding Dust into clothing is an age-old technique. It could have been anyone."

Ruby's brow furrowed. "Wait. You think this girl is connected to Torchwick and the White Fang?"

Ozpin's response was measured, cautious. "It's possible. But we still lack the required evidence to link the two together."

Ruby's memory flickered, a sudden recollection sparking in her eyes. "Actually, I... I think I remember her saying something about a hideout, or something, in the southeast. Just outside the Kingdom."