Meeting

Ruby blinked in confusion at Ozpin's unexpected request. "Wait…You want to meet my brother?"

Ozpin smiled faintly, the kind of smile that suggested he already knew something others did not. "Let's just say I've heard of him long before I met you, Miss Rose."

Ruby tilted her head, puzzled, while Yang leaned forward with a curious look. "Heard of him? From who?"

The headmaster surveyed the group around him, before focusing on Yang and Ruby "A trusted friend and ally of mine. Someone who is usually stingy with praise described Crimson as… a monstrous prodigy."

The table was still silent, disbelief spreading across everyone's faces except Ruby and Yang were curious to hear what comes next. Ozpin continued, "He claimed that even without formal training, Crimson could be handed a Huntsman license today and would still be regarded as one of the strongest huntsmen in all of Remnant."

Weiss's skepticism was written all over her face, and Blake raised an eyebrow. Even Pyrrha, who was often the epitome of composure, seemed surprised.

Ruby and Yang laughed in pride and turned to the group with a `Told you!' look.

Ozpin, amused by their reaction, continued " And I assure you, my friend is not one to exaggerate when it comes to such matters."

"Monstrous prodigy?" Weiss echoed, frowning. "If he's so talented, then why isn't he training to be a Huntsman?"

"I suppose you'll have to ask him yourself," Ozpin said.

_________________________

Some days later at the bustling Vale docks. Team RWBY, joined by Team JNPR and Professor Ozpin, stood amidst the crowd waiting for the ship to arrive. The girls were animated with anticipation, while the rest observed with quiet curiosity.

Everyone's gaze focused on the approaching ship. As it docked, a figure emerged from the passengers—a tall young man, his presence serene yet commanding.

Crimson's appearance immediately drew attention. A handsome young man with sharp features, his long, spiky black hair with red tips that he keeps in a ponytail, framing his sharp, symmetrical face. His striking deep crimson eyes seemed to hold a depth of wisdom far beyond his years, captivating anyone who met his gaze.

He wore a closed purple jacket adorned with intricate patterns of two hexagonal designs. The first was jet black, while the second was a rich purple, with each hexagon divided into crescent moon shapes, creating a mesmerizing contrast. His black jeans, subtly accented by two faint purple lines running along the sides, added a sleek touch to his composed and dignified appearance.

There was an air of serenity about him, a quiet confidence that exuded tranquility, making it almost impossible to look away. Every step he took was deliberate, each movement imbued with an elegance that seemed second nature.

Ruby and Yang broke into a run, calling his name. Crimson turned, a small smile tugging at his lips as his sisters collided into him for a group hug.

"You're finally here!" Ruby exclaimed, beaming.

Yang pulled back and grinned. "Took you long enough. What, the orchestra keeping you locked up?"

Crimson chuckled softly. "Something like that."

The rest of the group approached, their eyes scanning him with varying degrees of curiosity and disbelief. Weiss, in particular, was shocked to see him in person. How could Ruby's brother exude such a commanding aura of refinement and dignity? The contrast between the two is too much to believe they are twins.

Ruby took the lead, her enthusiasm impossible to miss. "Crimson, this is Weiss and Blake—together, we make Team RWBY. And over here is Team JNPR."

Crimson nodded politely, his voice smooth and composed. "It's a pleasure to meet you all."

"And this," Yang added with a grin, "is Professor Ozpin, the headmaster of Beacon Academy."

At the mention of Ozpin's name, Crimson's eyes briefly focused on him, a faint glint of recognition flashing in their depths. While many knew Ozpin as a legendary huntsman and the esteemed headmaster of Beacon, Crimson saw him differently—as the man who had sent Summer Rose on that ill-fated mission. A subtle wave of dislike washed over him, but his expression betrayed none of it.

Ozpin extended a hand, and Crimson shook it firmly. "Crimson Rose," Ozpin said, his tone warm yet measured. "It's nice to finally meet you. I've heard much about your abilities."

Crimson's expression remained neutral, his tone modest. "Thank you, but I'm afraid those stories might be exaggerated."

Ozpin's smile didn't falter. "Somehow, I doubt that."

After a few polite pleasantries, Ozpin's tone shifted to one of quiet persuasion. "Crimson, I'd like to formally invite you to Beacon Academy. With your talent, you could make a profound difference in the world."

Crimson's response was immediate and firm. "I'm honored, but I have no such aspirations. My path lies elsewhere."

The sudden invitation and the blunt refusal left both teams visibly stunned, though Ozpin seemed unsurprised. "A pity," the headmaster replied, a note of regret in his voice. "It's not often we encounter someone with your level of potential. Perhaps you might reconsider?"

Crimson's resolve didn't waver. "I appreciate the offer, but my answer will remain the same."

Ozpin paused, his thoughtful gaze studying Crimson. Then he spoke again, his tone more casual. "Miss Rose mentioned you're staying in Vale for a week. Perhaps you could join us at Beacon as a guest? It would allow you to spend more time with your sisters and get a sense of our academy."

Crimson, already poised to decline, was interrupted by Ruby.

"Please, don't say no!" Ruby's voice was filled with urgency. "Crimson, you've been away for so long. We miss you, and it'd be amazing to have you stay with us, even if just for a week."

"Yeah," Yang chimed in, her tone encouraging. "It's not like you'd be signing up as a student—just a guest. Besides, wouldn't you like to see how we're doing here at Beacon?"

To everyone's surprise, Weiss joined in. "This might not be my place to intrude, but I think you should reconsider before refusing. Both Ruby and Yang have spoken about you constantly and were eagerly waiting for your visit. It wouldn't be fair to them if you declined."

Ruby and Yang turned to Weiss in shock. Yang, smirking, quipped, "See? Even the 'heartless ice queen' is on our side!"

Weiss huffed, her cheeks reddening. "Yang Xiao Long!"

"There's no harm in saying yes," Ozpin added with a knowing smile.

Crimson remained silent for a moment, his gaze shifting to his sisters. Their pleading eyes tugged at him, and with a resigned sigh, he finally relented. "Fine. A week."

The sisters erupted into cheers, pulling him into another hug.

Ozpin chuckled softly, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Excellent. We'll ensure you're well accommodated. Who knows—you might find a new calling while you're here."

"I won't," Crimson replied firmly, leaving no room for debate.

As the group made their way back toward Beacon, the students couldn't help but steal glances at Crimson. The legendary stories Ruby and Yang had shared about their brother seemed almost mythical, but now, meeting him in person, they could sense an undeniable air of extraordinary skill and presence about him.

_________________________

After settling into Beacon, Crimson spent the rest of the day with Team RWBY. The dorm, usually a whirlwind of activity, felt oddly harmonious with his calm presence.

During a quiet moment, Crimson turned to Weiss and Blake. "Thank you," he said, his tone earnest.

Weiss blinked in surprise. "For what?"

"For taking care of my sisters," Crimson replied, his gaze steady. "I know they can be a handful sometimes, but it's a relief to know they're in good company."

Blake tilted her head slightly, intrigued by his sincerity. "They're our teammates—and our friends. It's only natural that we look out for each other."

Weiss nodded, though her expression softened. "They've spoken so much about you. It's clear how much they look up to you."

Crimson's lips curved into a faint smile. "They mean everything to me. Seeing them thrive here at Beacon reassures me I made the right decision letting them pursue this path."

As the evening unfolded, Weiss and Blake found themselves drawn to Crimson's calm and respectful demeanor. Despite his modesty, his confidence and wisdom were evident in every word he spoke. It became increasingly difficult for them to reconcile this composed, refined young man with the lively, chaotic energy of Ruby and Yang.

By the time the night fell, both Weiss and Blake silently admitted they were beginning to understand why Ruby and Yang held their brother in such high regard. Crimson wasn't just extraordinary—he was profoundly different.