RWBY is owned by Monty Oum and by extension, Roosterteeth.
Looking down, the boy felt nothing but silence. His eyes were glued to the stone on the ground.
It was cold. He felt empty. He felt that his entire soul and very being was questioned.
And he was just about to give in.
"Ren."
The boy felt a hand on his shoulder.
Nora. His childhood friend. She had a weary smile. Her eyes colored red.
"He would've wanted you to move on."
The boy looked back down to the ground.
It was a terrible day for rain.
The boy stayed silent as droplets fell to the ground.
"Ren."
The boy felt another hand on his shoulders.
Jaune. And behind him was Pyrrha.
They both had reassuring faces. But their cheeks gleamed with water.
"He would've wanted you to live for him."
The boy looked away back to the ground. His thoughts conflicted.
Can he?
Does he really deserve the right?
The boy shuddered. His face felt cold. His fists trembled.
"You're still here. Remember?"
The boy heard his childhood friend cooed softly.
The boy nodded.
She was right. He's still standing.
But for how long?
"Don't think, Ren. Do."
The boy heard Pyrrha spoke.
There was a moment of silence.
Then a sniffle.
Wiping his face, the boy looked up to see the sun setting.
Its bright and brilliant light shined all over Remnant.
The orange sky was filled with slow drifting clouds.
Not a single sound except for the hollow wind blowing in his ears.
The boy recalled some words he's kept to heart.
'Can you match my resolve?'
'Never let anyone tell you that something is impossible.'
'Keep going and don't let anyone tell you otherwise'
'Just keep at it. And I'll keep going too.'
Another stray tear ran down.
But then, the boy relaxed.
He looked down at the stone, and smiled with new resolve.
Nora's right. He would've wanted him to move on.
Jaune's right. He would've appreciated it if he would live on in his stead.
Pyrrha's right. There's no more time to think about the past anymore.
There's only the present and future to look forward to.
Now.
Now, all he can do is live. And live his life to the fullest as possible.
The boy chuckled, then kneeled before the stone.
Placing his hand over it, the boy took his silence.
Then, the boy spoke.
"Thank you," Ren softly said, "Old friend."
Then, the boy stood up and turned.
"Let's go." The boy softly asked.
"Right behind ya." Jaune nodded.
"Of course." Pyrrha smiled.
"Yeah!" Nora sprang in her step.
As the group of friends walked towards their future, a flock of birds flew overhead, straight into the sunset.
A black feather, unnoticed by all, fell subtly next to the stone of the man who was loved by all.
Monty Oum
June 22, 1981 – February 1, 2015
Friend. Lover. Role Model. Animator.
Author's Note: I don't have much to say. This tribute is as much I can properly convey without gushing.
This story isn't much, but it's enough in my eyes.
The Roosterteeth community has lost someone irreplaceable.
But we must learn to move on and live for Monty. We must show him that we are the community that he is proud to know who's got his back.
Today on February 2, 2015, we may mourn. But tomorrow and the days after that, we will keep moving forward and from that, we will honor Monty's memory.
Rest in Peace, Monty. Your legacy is in safe hands.