Chapter Text
It's amazing what people can do when they regain their freedom.
Those were Weiss Schnee's thoughts when he saw the infrastructure of Vale located in the center of the city, although continuing to call it Vale would be incorrect... he still remembers when the city changed its name to - New Republic- A utopia generated from the population union of all the kingdoms, something that had been inspired by Vacuo, the first city to mix 2 cultures so different, and although the idea had to be created by the exodus when Atlas and Mantle fell, it never failed.
It was for this reason that decades later, Oscar proposed the idea of creating the Republic, a place that would serve as the union of the ancient Valerean culture and the mixture of the other 3 kingdoms.
A smile formed on Weiss' mouth as he remembered his team and how they reacted when Oscar proposed the idea that represented the union of their friends' cultures and the last bastion of humanity that was Vacuo in his final struggle.
-Excuse me... excuse me- Weiss's attention was brought back by the voice of a teenage girl who had carefully tapped his shoulder. She couldn't help but check out the girl in detail, if she didn't miscalculate she looked about 15 or 16.
The girl was wearing a simple, but elegant outfit, with vibrant colors reminiscent of the Remnant kingdoms. Her hair was short and of a dark blue tone, with some silver locks that stood out. She could see how the girl surpassed her in size, something simple due to her short stature... it still pained her to accept it.
- Hello! How can I help you? -Weiss answered kindly. The girl shifted her feet nervously at the attention, that behavior reminded her immensely of her team leader.
- Are you Weiss Schnee? - ser's white eyebrow raised in curiosity.
-Yes... How can I help you? - Ruby would be proud of the delicate tone in which she answered the question.
The girl gave a high-pitched scream at her confirmation -God, I can't believe it, I'm seeing my heroine- the emotion with which she spoke was contagious, attracting several people who began to whisper when they recognized her...
- Isn't she the former owner of the Dust Company?
- Wasn't she on the team that saved Remnant? -
-They say she is the Empress of Atlas.
-Please, I heard that you have full control of Atlas.
-How could she not make it after being recognized as a heroine of the world?
- Was it not she along with the ruler of the kingdom of Menagerie who promoted the Faunos treaties?
Weiss rolled her eyes at all the whispering and not at all discreet talk, honestly it shouldn't have surprised her at this point in the game, as an heir she lived through a lot of this, something that was only intensified by being part of the group that saved Remanant from Salem so many years ago.
- Can I have your autograph? - asked the girl who had recognized her, who quickly formed a small portal where she put her hand and pulled out a record, Weiss recognized it quickly, it was one of the first records that her father released when she began to sing in her events, if she remembered correctly, she was 15 years old when the record came out.
-Sure, no problem- Weiss took the disk from the girl's hands along with a pen that was also given to her -What's your name? -
-Ragna... Ragna StarDust... although my friends call me Chibi-Ragna- Weiss wrote the name on the disc along with a few words of thanks, and when he finished signing the disc he returned it to his fan who activated the portal and placed the disc inside.
-That portal is interesting... is it your appearance? - Weiss asked.
The girl blushed in sorrow -Yes, it allows me to connect my aura to objects so I can bring them to me when I need them, although I have a limit- the young girl scratched the back of her neck -And honestly it's very tiring the bigger the object-
Weiss nodded at the information, - In my years I've seen a lot of looks, honestly yours has a lot of potential- she complimented. To which Ragna became more nervous - Are you training to be a hunter? -
-Yes, that's been my dream since I was young, that's why I'm training to join New Beacon in 2 months- the pride with which she said that brought a slight smile to Weiss' face.
-Many no longer wish to be hunters since the decline of Grimm's in recent decades- Weiss' tone sounded hollow, his mind drifting to the memory of his hunting las and how his profession is slowly dying out.
-A hunter is not only for fighting beasts- Ragna's harsh tone surprised Weiss who watched her with intrigue, - Hunters are heroes who always look out for the weak, people who do not seek their own benefit, but the welfare of every living being regardless of race, age, sex or age, you and your team taught me that, I have read each of your stories, Team RWBY and Team ORNJ. The heroes of Remnant and those who commanded the last defense of the world against Queen Salem- Ragna's arms opened at each end -Thanks to all of you is that the world continued to exist, you are heroes... my heroes, and that is why I want to follow your steps- Ragna's image changed for an instant to the image of a young woman with silver eyes and black hair with reddish tones, the smiles were identical.
Those similarities brought a pure laugh from Weiss -Thank you Ragna, it's been a long time since I've heard words from the heart like yours, you'll go far- -Thanks Ragna, it's been a long time since I've heard words from the heart like yours, you'll go far-
- Do you really think so? - the hope in Ragna's voice was palpable.
-Yes, without a doubt- Weiss answered confidently.
- How can you be so sure, you don't know me- the young woman could not help but ask doubtfully.
At this Weiss gave her a smile and placed her hand on the girl's shoulder and said: -Trust me, I have a hunch about it- suddenly the amusement on Weiss' face formed -Let's say being 90 years old gives you the experience to back up my intuition- a laugh escaped from the former Schnee heiress.
At this Ragna gave a dazzling smile, - Thank you very much.
Weiss opened her eyes at the abrupt embrace she received, only for this sensation to quickly disappear as Ragna realized the action she had taken -I'm sorry- cried the young woman with regret.
-Don't worry- Weiss dismissed carelessly.
Ragna, seeing that there was nothing more to talk about, decided to leave -Thank you very much, really, your words mean the world to me- with that Ragna said goodbye.
Weiss stared at the place where the girl was for a few more minutes, the people around her had stopped paying attention to her, that talk she had brought back so many memories of her youth. He was glad to see how the new generations did not live in fear at the hands of any Grimm, all the struggle, traumas, pains and effort he made together with the people he loved had been worth it.
With a slow step she began to resume the path she had decided on before she was pleasantly surprised. Moments like those were the ones that made her happy to go for a walk and exercise her old bones, although these were already hurting more and more with the passing of the years, to the point of orillarla to use a cane to support her weight... and to think that she was making fun of Maria Calavera, no doubt the old witch is laughing at her at this moment. Though the old woman would no doubt envy how she did if she aged with class and didn't turn into a raisin like the old reaper. Her reflection in one of the windows of a building on the street proved it to her.
Her hair had been cut to shoulder length, she had started following Ruby's style years ago, it was much easier to manage her hair at her age. Her clothes had changed too. She no longer wore the elegant white suits characteristic of her lineage, but opted for more comfortable and practical attire, without losing her touch of sophistication. A soft white sweater with his family crest on the chest, this combined with his baggy sky blue pants with blue sneakers, these no longer had a heel, his feet would no longer support it, his right hand held the matte black cane with the bone-colored handle.
Weiss couldn't help but touch the scar on her eye, a mark she had proudly worn for decades, this was accompanied by the wrinkles on her face, as well as her whole body... no matter how many cosmetics she used, the reality was obvious, time had caught up with her... like many other people, it was an undeniable fact of life.
As she walked along, she passed several stores in the city center, some of which became familiar to her, such as the Crosshares clothing store. A franchise that revolutionized the fashion industry worldwide. She still remembered how Coco had a party that lasted several days when she founded the first branch with Velvet so many years ago, her designs always seemed innovative, so much so that more than half of the outfits in her life were designed by the brand, if she remembered correctly, almost 10 years ago the company had passed into the hands of Nicolas Adel, the eldest son of Coco and Velvet, this when his 2 mothers Velvet and Coco died of old age. Nicolas had said that they had gone to sleep together one night and never left the room again, the next morning the 2 were cuddled up in bed... neither was breathing anymore, a sad and beautiful death for both of them.
That memory brought back many more, his body moved on autopilot. As he walked through the streets of New Republic, Weiss reflected on how his life and the lives of his teammates had evolved. After defeating Salem and restoring peace to Remnant, each member of Team RWBY had gone their own way. Blake had become a prominent leader in Menagerie, promoting faunus rights and working for equality. Yang, meanwhile, had accompanied Blake and in the city of beasts had founded a combat academy and trained the next generation of hunters. And Ruby... well, Ruby was still Ruby, the sparkling, courageous leader she had always been, going everywhere saving people and helping settlements recover from the war.
Weiss, on the other hand, had taken over the Dust Company, or at least what was left of it after the fall of Atlas. Honestly the help from his mother and brother was a relief. More so after having to raise the company from Vacuo. He had also used his influence to support Faunus' treaties and encourage diversity and inclusion in Remnant.
As she made her way through the streets, Weiss observed the people around her. There was a sense of vitality and hope in the air. The citizens of New Republic had found the freedom they had longed for, and it was reflected in their architecture, their smiles and their determination to build a better future.
So much work, not only hers, but also that of her team. It still brought a smile to her face how after decades they had all decided to move permanently to New Republic, the place where they had chosen to live out their retirement.
Blake had decided to stop ruling her kingdom; Yang soon followed her, they both had families they wanted to enjoy, children and grandchildren.
Ruby left her hunting days behind... it was a sad day when the crimson hope hung up her scythe.
She retired from the company and left everything to her brother and his family... he had earned it after so many years and efforts without leaving her alone.
Weiss' train of thought stopped when he reached the center of the city, he didn't like to pass through that area... it always brought him sadness, but he had to do it to reach his destination. The sun was slowly setting. What made the lights of the city began to turn on. These lights began to illuminate something specific, that point of attraction for everyone, a place that was respected and cared for with dedication.
Weiss took a deep breath. Team RWBY... The four of them decided to live as it should always be... a family, but time is not eternal, sooner or later it will catch up with you, no matter your status, wealth, or being a hero, it always catches up with you... in front of their eyes was the monument that represented those who brought a change... and who should always be remembered after death.
Weiss's eyes watered as he looked at each of the statues, first there were 4 statuses that started at that monument so many decades ago.
Lie Ren and Nora Valkyrie... both died protecting Blake and Yang from a Salem attack in the last battle... they never stopped holding hands even after they died. Something those polished gold statues represented, their two friends looked happy in the eternal image, Nora's hammer on her back and the pistol in Ren's hand, both of their hands were clasped
Weiss' eyes caught sight of the third and fourth figure. Jaune Arc, his shield in front of him, being held by his 2 hands, on his shoulders a pair of hands embraced him warmly... Pyrrha Nikos was resting on Jaune, their eyes staring at each other... the Amazon and her knight, the 2 immortalizing their affection... he would always thank Jaune for having saved her and Ruby from Cinder, who in spite of his wounds could take with him the one who took the woman of his life away from him.
The JNPR team proudly posed as pillars, their sister team and their second family.
Weiss's right hand touched the next statue, her feet unable to keep her from approaching.
Winter Schnee, her sister and who could be called as her second mother. The person who commanded the last defense of Vacuo, the maiden of winter, many dubbed her as the true - Ice Queen- and who was also the most powerful woman in the world. The watery laughter formed on Weiss' face when he saw the image of his sister, her serious countenance did not show the white-hearted woman she was with her family... God, even after 20 years have passed since her death he still misses her as if it was the last day he saw her with a smile on his face.
It hurts, like you have no idea. Wiess' tired eyes saw the last 2 statues that broke his heart.
Blake Belladona... the protective shadow of Remant
Yang Xiaolong... the sun that illuminates Remant
The two looked young on that monument, each captured in their prime. Yang pointed to the sky with his robotic arm while with his other arm he held the waist of Blake's statue who had his 2 hands on his wife's chest. A beaming smile could be seen on both faces... just as he remembered them.
Night and day, both represented him, the perfect union that protected the world without hesitation. Unfortunately the sun can go out and the moon can hide. It still seemed incredible to her how 5 years ago a flu extinguished that sun, it was laughable how the hunter with the strongest body could fall before something so simple, but the reality was that time had taken its toll, strength and endurance would not always be the same, she had to learn it the hard way... that image still hurt, to see how that golden hair was dulled and her right hand lost strength, her left hand was held by Blake who cried out in pain at the loss of her sun. Ruby was crying as she hugged her sister's chest who would not get up... the rest of her family was crying for her in the room.
Blake left a year later, not holding on for long, heartbreak can be worse than she imagines, deadly stuff no doubt. She still remembers that last dinner, Ruby and Blake and her having dinner, one last conversation and one last goodbye before sitting in the chair where he always read a new story to his wife. That night she had started reading a new book...in the morning this one was lying on her friend's unmoving chest...the story was not finished.
Everyone saw this monument as the hope of the world...she only saw it as a reminder of all the family she has lost...she would hate it with every part of her being, if not for all it represented to people.
Weiss took a step back before continuing on his way, but not before taking one last look at the monument.
20 minutes
That was how long it took her to reach her destination, her eyes swept up and down the building that was lined with windows to give them a comfortable view of all the people inside, the influx of people was large, and many in a hurry, no doubt most of the employees and staff were behaving as if the situation was life or death...ahead of her was living Ruby Rose, their fearless leader.
Without waiting he passed through the folding doors, he quickly arrived at the reception where a woman dressed in white was checking information on her scroll, the woman must have felt his gaze, as she quickly turned around.
-Central Hospital, where I can... Oh.... Mrs. Weiss, as punctual as always- the sick woman recognized her immediately, it was impossible not to, she had been visiting this place on a daily basis for the last 3 months.
-Clara, a pleasure, my dear- Weiss greeted politely.
-Let me give you your pass- Clara quickly handed him an identification card, - Mrs. Ruby will be pleased as always with your visit, she has just been given her medication and is already resting.
-Thank you very much- Weiss thanked Clara for the ID card and headed toward Ruby's location. She walked through the halls of the hospital, watching the doctors and nurses bustling about, and the people waiting worriedly for their loved ones. The atmosphere was tense and emotionally charged, but Weiss was used to it.
Finally, he reached Ruby's room. He opened the door carefully and entered quietly. The room was quiet, illuminated only by the dim light of the lamp beside the bed. Ruby was lying down, her face pale and her eyes tired, her hair already looking dull and with some white spots, her face full of wrinkles, but still showing a faint smile at the sight of Weiss.
-Weiss...- whispered Ruby in a weak but loving voice. -I'm glad you're here. -
Weiss approached the bed and took Ruby's hand gently. -I'll always be here, Ruby. Always. - The older Schnee woman's hands pulled a clear bag out of her clothes.
-Cookies- Ruby whispered happily as she saw the treats inside the bag, without waiting she quickly grabbed a couple and ate them without complaint. Ruby gave a satisfied sigh as she felt the sweet taste of chocolate, her back resting on the pillow she had placed. Her silver eyes watched her teammate in detail, no trace was lost in her features. Without wasting any time, he offered a cookie to Weiss who accepted it with a smile.
-Oscar came today- said Ruby as she finished her fifth cookie.
Weiss raised an eyebrow, she was barely halfway through hers -I thought he would be resting with his wife and children-
-He told me he dreamed of Ozpin- Weiss said, - that answer froze Weiss in his tracks.
- What?- Ruby laughed at the surprise on her friend's face, - I thought he'd stopped having them decades ago, Ozpin was supposed to have left this world when we locked up Salem. The gods had given him their forgiveness.
Ruby nodded at this, she also believed the same thing -Oscar feels it is a warning-
- A warning? - Weiss's stomach clenched, even more so as she watched Ruby cough.
-He thinks he's in the final stretch of his life... he thinks Ozpin is coming to warn him about it.
-That's it... -Weiss had no words, it was the reality, only Oscar, Ruby and her were left... the others had already left, to think that she was close to leaving hurt her... who would have thought that a small farmer would become someone so special...
The silence in the room stretched, neither of the 2 knew how long it lasted, the bag of cookies was almost over.
-Weiss- she turned her attention to her friend, - Do you remember Yang and Blake's wedding?
An unladylike snort came from the ivory-haired old woman -It's impossible not to remember the orange suit your sister wore, my eyes are still suffering from the after-effects of such color horror-
Ruby laughed uncontrollably at the way her friend spoke -Yes... it took Blake years to forgive her for not wearing the dress they had prepared together-
-With good reason, that thing should have been a crime- Weiss laughed as well.
-Heh heh heh heh... it was a joke, my dad helped her organize it... he said she had to get married in the most Yang way she could- a snort was heard from Weiss- I'll never forget the smiles from everyone-
A sad smile formed on Weiss's face -Neither me Ruby, nor I-
Ruby stared at her partner with the same sad smile -Why don't you tell me your favorite memory Weiss- Ruby laid on her side to stare at her partner who didn't look away -I'd like to hear you-
Weiss's hands clenched the chair where she stood, with a breath her mind plunged down memory lane.