A bit of a sequel to my other one shot 'The Soldier' but it's not necessary to read to understand what's going on since it's a loose sequel.

A more in-depth summary:

After giving the ultimate sacrifice to help end the war against a terrorist group known as 'The Grimm', Huntress 683 - Ruby Rose left behind a legacy carried on by her friends and family.

Phoenix Xiao-Long Belladonna, the 22-year-old daughter of Yang and Blake, had decided to honor this legacy by commissioning as an Officer and Fighter Pilot in Vale's Air Division of their military. She entered the service around the same age as Ruby did, at the tender age of 17. It took some time to complete all of her training to become a Fighter Pilot, but it was worth it as Phoenix now looks to the skies in excitement.

Rose Schnee-Vasilias, currently 25 years old and pursuing a path to inherit and carry on the rich legacy and tradition of the Schnee Dust Company. Her drive to work hard and to help out with the company comes from the stories she's heard of the fallen Huntress who gave it all to keep everyone safe. She's determined to show that the name her mother has given her will be carried on in high regard.

The two offsprings had done some considerable amount of growing up together, and now that the two have set about the path of adulthood, they are going to have to confront something that's been boiling beneath the surface of their childhood friendship - The romantic feelings that have been developing through their ever growing bonds with each other.

All Ruby Rose can do from up above is smile fondly at the two as she too recalls what it means to be young, in love, and unsure of what to do.

"It's been almost 30 years now, huh?" Yang Xiao-Long Belladonna over looked the scenery as the forests on Patch were beginning to turn in color.

Thus kindly I scatter. - Summer Rose

July 3005 – January 3038

Yang smiled fondly as she brushed off the leaves that had decorated the top of the headstone. The stone was becoming slightly worn down with the passing years, the blond looked over the words once more.

The Xiao-Long Belladonna was 54 years of age, but the years had been extremely kind to her as her hair showed no signs of graying just yet. Her face had become sharper in it's features and the years of detective work had introduced her to some of the darker aspects of life as it would some times show when ever she was deep in thought.

"Blake and I are well off Mom. We just finished paying off the house in Vale and now we're officially debt free." Enthusiasm and pride filled Yang's senses, "I feel like I'm starting to get a grip on adult life, you know? What else…" The detective thought about what else to tell Summer. "Oh yeah! We're getting a fresh batch of recruits from 'The Zoo' soon, I'm supposed to be in charge this time around of showing them the ropes. Look out for them Mom, cause they're gonna need it." A devilish smirk.

With a silent prayer she turned her attention to what was next to it – a second head stone.

For those I love, I will sacrifice. –Ruby Rose. Huntress 683

May 3033 – October 3056

Detective Yang Xiao-Long sighed she had done her best to carry on through out the passing years.

"Hey baby sister." A smile that was tender as it was woeful broke through Yang's previous blank expression.

"Phoenix just came back today from her first deployment… granted, it's not nearly as crazy as it was when you were in the service Rubes. And what's even better is that her home station is a lot closer to Vale." A small smile, "Nix just kept saying that they ran a lot of resupply missions – she's definitely my daughter, the cheeky bastard would whine about how she wants some action and to put to use her combat training as a Fighter Pilot and not run over watch missions with her Airship." Yang placed a hand on the headstone that still looked pristine and new despite some of the leaves that had fallen on top of it, a certain heiress insisted on getting the best materials together for the headstone. "I'm sure you could have talked some sense into her."

Yang felt the chilling autumn wind pass through the trees and consequently into her open jacket. She shivered slightly before crossing her arms as she looked up at the changing scenery. "It's almost that time of year again, huh?" Autumn had become one of Yang's least favorite seasons as that same cloudy October sky would always come back around, it was the same sky she looked up to when she heard the news about Ruby.

"I believe in you sis, you're the best."

That small voice pierced through her memories as Yang recalled old conversations she had exchanged with her baby sister in the years they spent growing up together.

"Blake wrote another novel, she took a break from the usual stuff of writing about the Faunus Equality Movements and her other fiction works… some crossing that smut line." Yang smiled wickedly at the memory of her leafing through her wife's drafts that covered in detail steamy encounters between the main characters. "But anyway, you'd be happy to hear this one – she wrote her novel detailing the rich history of the Huntsmen. She made her focus on the unit in Vale of course, your unit. I think you would have liked it. She mentioned you, as well as Jaune and Pyrrha… Every year in October the Huntsmen always send a bottle of whiskey – the top shelf kind too. Its really good stuff."

Yang had brought back a bottle or two to her home in Vale now, "Of course, Uncle Qrow has helped himself to it, although he hasn't touched that very first bottle of whiskey that was sent to the house in Patch. Dad's been letting that one sit in his study ever since, it's still unopened."

"Oh yea, Weiss says hello, she's sorry she hasn't been able to fly out – it's been harder for her to sneak away from her responsibilities as CEO of the Schnee Dust Company." Yang fished something out of her pocket.

"She wrote you a letter." Yang chuckled to herself, "It's sweet, she asked me to read it to you – and then to forget all the contents of it right after I do. She still has that adorable side to her that you liked so much."

The letter was unfolded as the detective cleared her throat.

"'Ruby, you dolt.'" Yang howled in laughter, "Wait, there's more." She let out, "I just thought it was hilarious how she starts off with that."

September 23, 3085

Ruby, you dolt.

I still have your precious 'round metal object' and am waiting for you to come pick up this gaudy thing you call a 'coin'.

Rose is doing well – she's 25 and is currently learning the ropes for the company. She's shown a lot of interest in business as well as international relations, Father is very proud of the legacy she will leave behind for this company. Thank Dust she doesn't have her father's flirtatious tenacity, although I will admit she does have the Schnee cunning in her, she closed out a business deal in Mistral that Neptune had been struggling with the past few months. I say that because she's definitely turned quiet a few heads, even some of our partners have prompted their sons to her in hopes that they could marry into the Schnee named

It's amazing how fast my little white rose has grown up, if only you could see her.

Stay safe…

-Weiss

Yang finished recounting the letter as she looked it over again, "It looks like she was going to write a bit more after that 'stay safe' bit, but I imagine it's something that she'd rather tell you in person." The letter was tucked back into her coat pocket.

"I hope you're keeping Mom company, tell her I said hey and that I miss her." Lavender eyes looked over both of the headstones as she said her goodbyes once more. "I'm going to Atlas tomorrow to visit Weiss, I'll be back during the holidays and I'll be sure to bring along Nix and Blake too."

Another gust of wind blew threw the chilling air which made Yang's wild blond mane to dance about in the wind. The detective smiled as she caught sight of some rose petals that floated about before landing on the headstones.

"See you later Rubes."

The deep orange hues that intertwined with the dashed of purple had become a favorite sight for the Lynx-type Faunus. There was something about autumn sunsets that no other season could come close to replicating.

"Nix, are you ready?" Golden eyes looked over her daughter who was upstairs in her childhood bedroom peaking out the window, Blake Xiao-Lang Belladonna smiled fondly at her offspring.

Blake had aged wonderfully as well, though there were some slight wrinkles starting to come through in her 52 years of living. Her luscious black locks that her wife loved running her hands through were beginning to gray a bit, although this didn't really bother her as much. It seemed as if it was only yesterday when they had graduated from Beacon University and she moved in with Yang.

"Yea Mom, I am." Phoenix stood to her full height, which was a bit taller than Blake; she definitely inherited her height from Yang. Dark blond hair that seemed to be on fire in the hue of the sunset was kept short at a pixie cut was a bit curly like Yang's. She did inherit Blake's sharp amber gaze as her eyes scanned the room for the jacket she wanted to wear out while dressed in comfortable jeans. Phoenix usually kept a calm and cool composure – she worked well under pressure and her combat training as a Fighter Pilot for the top of the line military Airships had honed her senses to have the ability to process extreme amounts of information in a short amount of time while being able to make tactically sound decision that would keep her and her airship alive. However, her face did give off a rogue like impression, and her wild looking short mane didn't help that fact either.

22-year-old First Lieutenant Phoenix X.L. Belladonna (she had chosen to initialize Yang's last name since it wouldn't all fit on her name tags for her uniforms) had gotten into a few scrapes while in training because of her looks. Some would misinterpret it as her being rebellious or snarky. Nix was quick to put them into their place as she was no slouch when it came to quick fights or brawls, Yang had made sure of that since she taught her how to fight when Nix was a kid. Albeit, Blake would also drive home the point to always think things through before rushing in.

Phoenix threw on the dark grey leather jacket as she followed her Mom downstairs since they were going to meet up with Yang at the airship docks and take a red eye over to Atlas where they were to have a reunion with her parents other friends.

Nix's lynx ears twitched as she felt gentle hands on her collar, "M-Mom."

"Settle down, your collar was folded in. I'm not going to have my child walk around like a fool." Blake berated as she giggled at her daughter's embarrassment.

"I… I'm not a little girl any more." Nix pouted as she gripped the two bags she carried, one belonging to her and the other belonging to Blake.

"You'll always be my little girl." The writer planted a quick kiss on Nix's cheek, "I'm just happy you're back safely."

"I told you guys, it's really not that bad down range in the Vacuo desert anymore. All we're really doing is standing by for any emergency mission that's like a natural disaster or doing air patrols to make sure any roving thieves band don't get too close to the villages." Nix sighed, the war with the Grimm terrorist group that ended over 20 years ago ushered in an era of peace – or at least an era of no war since all it seemed like now a days was that the military was used as more of an extended police force to deploy to and patrol remote areas in order to protect those villages without a police force from small pockets of thieves or other evil-doers.

But Nix wasn't really complaining, she had yet to know the loss of life for a comrade. Once she was 17 and decided to commission into the military as an officer and pilot did Yang sit her down and tell her of some of the experiences her Aunt Ruby had gone through before making that final sacrifice.

Phoenix Xiao-Long Belladonna was born 7 years after and never had the opportunity to meet her Aunt.

Nix thought to another person, this person was given her Aunt's namesake 4 years after her death.

'Rose…' Nix thought to herself as her tired amber eyes glanced down to the hand made dark red bracelet made out of paracord. In return for this gift, Nix had given Rose something considered sacred to almost all pilots in Vale's military Air Division – their first badge of silver wings given to them upon completion of pilot training. Every pilot wore this badge on the left side of their uniform above the nametag while in their dress blues. The significance behind the first badge of silver wings was that a senior pilot who you looked up to gave them to you during an age old 'Pinning On' Ceremony.

That ceremony included that senior pilot 'pinning' those silver wings directly on to your chest. Nix slightly winced at the process, but tradition was tradition. She now sported two small scars on the left side of her chest from the puncture marks those wings left behind.

If anyone had found out that she had given away her silver wings, Nix would never hear the end of it. For now, she had simply bought another set from the military clothing store while Rose held on to those wings. Of course, Nix made sure to tell the white Rose the importance behind those wings.

'Rose…' Nix looked over the bracelet, 'It's been almost 7 months, but I'm back now.'

Nix was indeed back, and excited to see her best friend, someone that she had practically grown up with. Rose even tried to get her to apply to Atlas University for a degree, but Nix ultimately decided to join the military through the Officer Commissioning Program and ultimately try to get a pilot slot through Vale's Air Division.

And she was glad she did it, there was nothing comparable to the flying she learned to do and the flying she had done. The adrenaline rush as she would feel the agile fighter airship break the sound barrier, or the excitement she would get when she would do mock airship fights during training exercises.

But there was something missing, especially after leaving home and after not seeing Rose for the longest time since they were both busy with their lives. Something Nix couldn't quite put to words… or rather accept.

'She couldn't possibly… she's in a different position than I am.' Nix put to rest her thoughts as she decided to let it be.

She was already content with having the opportunity to use this week of leave spending time with her best friend.

The pieces of the shattered moon still did an excellent job of shining its midnight rays through the window of Rose Schnee-Vasilias' room. The updated room had forgone some mementos from her childhood as they were packed into boxes and moved into storage in the Manor's basement.

Long silky strands of white hair were splayed out across the pillows on the soft bed Rose's body laid out on. The ends became naturally tinted in soft hues of sky blue, a trait inherited from her father Neptune. Her eyes matched her mother's in their snowy color that often held a sharp gaze, especially when conducting business. Rose's figure remained lithe through out her late teens and early twenties, Rose firmly believed in keeping up a healthy life style.

She turned over on her side as she looked over the item she had been turning over constantly the past few days.

Underneath the soft glow of the moonlight was the badge of silver wings.

Her mother told her that Nix had made it back to Vale, where her unit's home station was based out of, earlier that week. Her parents had invited Nix over with the rest of her family to come hang out for a few days to celebrate Nix's return from her first deployment.

Rose was just glad that her best friend was safe.

But there were some second thoughts about that, always creeping in the back of her head. All Rose had done about it ever since they started surfacing was just push them aside. She knew that her Grandfather especially wished for her to marry someone successful that would help expand the business, like what her Mother did when she married Father.

'I'm 25 years old and currently not in a relationship. Despite the fact that Father and Mother got married at this age, they're not really pushing me to get married. At least, not the way Grandfather is.' Rose thumbed at the silver badge in hand as she went through her late night thoughts. 'Maybe it is time to settle down, I know that I've got more suitors than I know what to deal with from our business partners. Perhaps it's time to actually give them a chance.'

A slight frown, Rose knew that whoever she chose she'd end up spending the rest of her life with them.

"For better or worse, till death do we part." Weiss finished the vow as a beaming smile was shot from Neptune. Weiss was stunning in her gown as her newly wedded husband was absolutely dashing in his traditional black and white tux.

The scroll the video played on paused as the camera panned out to the crowd, there was a particular individual there who stood next to Yang and Blake.

Ruby Rose looked sharp as ever in her dress blues and Weiss was glad to have seen the sight at least once in her lifetime. The Huntsmen Special Forces Sergeant wore a huge smile as she clapped her hands at the newly wedded couple.

Weiss closed the video with a small smile.

"Hey Snow Angel," A smooth voice called out to her followed by a pair of hands gently rubbing her shoulders.

The Schnee Dust Company President leaned back into the embrace of her husband of 30 years, "Hey." Weiss smiled fondly as she peered up into those ocean eyes of Neptune Vasilias. The man was clad in comfortable pajama pants and a shirt; his hair was slightly damp, as he had just finished taking a shower in time for bed.

His hair was beginning to gray at the sides and Neptune had definitely filled out with a more defined jaw and cheek line. Like Weiss, he remained vigilant in working out every day and kept his body healthy. He always detested the idea of getting that 'dad bod'.

The two leaned in for a quick kiss.

"You planning on getting some sleep soon?" Neptune questioned as he sat on the heavy wooden desk in the Study. He had his own study right across the way for the assignments and projects he was responsible for.

"In a bit." Weiss sighed, "I'm a little apprehensive because I think I misplaced my necklace some where, I spent a good amount of time looking for it."

A slight chuckle, "You mean this one?" Neptune held up worn leather throng that was strung to a case holder for that round metal object. "Your secretary gave it to me before I left work today." Gently he brushed aside the long locks that were left down and put the necklace over his wife, before moving her hair back in place did he plant a kiss on the Snow Angel's neck. "You should keep better track of that, it's not something we can replace."

"Thank you, Neptune." Weiss placed a quick kiss on her husband's cheek, she frowned slightly as she looked down at the coin in hand, "I'm sorry… it's been so long and I'm acting childish over a cheap piece of metal-"

"It's not cheap." Neptune interjected, "Despite all that happened, I cared for Ruby too. I've told you this before; I married you while full well knowing that she's a part of you. And I also fell in love the you that was in love with her. I hope you take that in some kind of twisted romantic way." A dumb grin was plastered on his face.

Weiss giggled at the comment before placing a hand, "Don't you have a way with words?"

"You love me for it." A charming smile.

Weiss leaned up and planted a soft kiss on his lips; "I do love you for it."

"I'm glad, even after all these years we can still act like children." Neptune joked, "I was worried I was going to grow up into a boring old man."

"You'll never grow up with that flirtatious attitude of yours." A cheeky grin as Weiss recalled some of the stunts Neptune would pull at the company. Like cancelling a 1 o'clock meeting so that they could do some…. mid-day stretching. "I just thank Dust that Rose isn't like you."

"She can be, I just think she needs to meet that right one." Neptune smiled fondly as he thought of his daughter, "Or be more honest with her self." A chuckle as Neptune thought of a certain Faunus.

"What do you mean honest?" Weiss raised a brow, slightly perplexed at her husband's musing.

Neptune shot an incredulous look, "You don't see it?" A mischievous smirk broke out.

"See what? What in all of Remnant are you referring to?" Weiss loathed the shit-eating grin on her husband's face and he knew it, which is why he would keep doing it from time to time.

"My dearest Snowflake, I'll let you figure it out on your own." Neptune planted a final kiss on top of his wife's head and proceeded to walk out of the study.

"It has something to do with our daughter you imbecile! Tell me!" Weiss called back in an irritated tone.

"I love it when you're feisty." Neptune quipped back before closing the door.

"That… dolt." Weiss blushed as she thought to the only other person she's called a dolt.

Her hand went to a small drawer at the bottom of her desk; a small metal box with a latch was taken out and placed on the desk.

Absent mindedly she ran a hand down the soft scar on her cheek, she too was beginning to show wrinkles with the passing of time, but she always prided herself in the fact that she looked younger than she actually was.

'Usually I'm not this nostalgic.' Weiss mused as she ran her fingers over the worn lid with the Vale's Huntsmen trademark engraved on it. Yang had given it to her after Ruby's passing, saying that it was only right for Weiss to hold on to these. When she first opened them she cried uncontrollably, and after some time she decided to put hers in there as well.

Now the box contained all the letters that Ruby and Weiss have sent to each other.

The letter on top had been opened and closed many times, Weiss found a lot of comfort in this one, especially on nights when she thought of the fallen Huntsmen.

"It's probably because Yang's coming over and Phoenix is back from her first deployment. I guess it does run in the family, military service for your country." Weiss let out with a sigh as her hands picked up that top letter.

October 4, 3056

My Dearest Weiss,

I'm leaving for a mission, or rather I left for a mission.

I left this letter with a trusted confidant before I went out on our objective – I think you'll hear about it in the news, especially if we're successful. And I have no doubts what so ever that we were successful.

I volunteered for this one – we all volunteered for this one.

Do you remember how you would always tell me to 'Keep safe'? I try, but I also have to remind you that I would always quote 'For those I love, I will sacrifice'.

For you, I will sacrifice.

For my family, I will sacrifice.

For my Team I will sacrifice.

I remember the promise I made to you, to some how let you know if anything happened that you'd be one of the first to find out. I remember a lot of promises I made to you.

Just know that I will always be watching over you, that I'll always be in that soft place in your heart that you have reserved for just me. I've never forgotten all of our times together, and I hope that you won't forget me as you go on with your life. I have no doubt you're in good hands with Neptune by your side. Tell him to see things through properly.

On your wedding day, I thought you were the most beautiful one of them all. You always have been, and you always will be.

Weiss Schnee-Vasilias, I love you.

Forever yours,

Ruby Rose

"I haven't forgotten you, I don't think I ever will." Weiss neatly folded back up the letter and placed it back into metal box. Quietly, she slipped out of her study and treaded softly to her bed where a sleeping husband was waiting for her.

"Ma!" Nix scolded as she watched the blond dart out of the cab and towards the front door of Schnee Manor, "It's still early! Call them on their Scrolls first!" Nix berated as her Mom merely laughed softly at the sight before gracefully getting out of the cab unlike her married counter-part.

Blake squinted slightly as the early morning rays peaked over Schnee Manor, she looked back as she watched her off-spring grab the bags from the back of the cab.

The mother shrugged as she left the younger one to it.

"Mom!" Nix whined as she realized she'd have to carry all 3 bags up to the front door.

"Don't they teach you to stay in shape in the military Nix?" Blake pointed out as she followed her wife up the steps.

Nix groaned outwardly as she closed the trunk of the cab and proceeded to pay the driver for taking them from the airship docks to this side of town.

"I swear, whenever we go anywhere now they always insist on not acting their age." Nix growled as she lugged the bags up the steps.

Yang checked the time on her scroll, it read 7:15 AM, she smiled wickedly as she placed the item back in her pocket.

Brashly, a string of doorbelling and hard banging on the door echoed throughout the manor.

"I can only guess who that is." Neptune grumbled as the bundle next to him rolled away while taking all the blankets from him.

"Go fetch them, Dear." Weiss let out sleepily as she curled up in the sheets.

"Do I look like a dog?" The blue haired man raised a brow.

"Fetch." Weiss waved her hand to dismiss him; Neptune glared, but sighed as he let it go.

"Coming!" Neptune called from the top of the Manor's steps.

"Neptune! Look at your hair! You're turning into a silver fox like Blakey." Yang pointed at the sides of his head as Neptune shook his head; he caught sight of Blake who was doing the same thing.

"Long time no see," Blake greeted as she stepped through to the foyer.

"Yeah, it's been a while, hasn't it?" Neptune stepped aside to let everyone in. He caught sight of Nix coming up with the bags and almost went to go help her. Nix was young and she's in the military, she can handle it.

"Thanks for the help everyone." Nix sighed as she closed the door and set the bags aside, she say down on the bench in the foyer as her parents talked animatedly with their friend.

"Weiss will come down in a bit, you guys know how she likes her sleep." Neptune began walking towards the kitchen, "We dismiss the staff during the weekends so that we can have the place to ourselves, try and be normal people." A small joke.

"I'm just glad all that Lien you guys have been making doesn't go to your pretty boy head of yours." Yang followed her friend as she rubbed her stomach, "You should make those waffles you used to make when we were all in Beacon."

"That'll get so messy! Especially with you here…" Neptune's voice trailed off as they went into the kitchen.

Nix took a moment to take in the sight of the manor, which always blew her away. High vaulted ceilings and the grand staircase that led to the second floor of the manor. There was a left and right wing; she remembered that the left wing was where the family's rooms were while the right wing was usually accommodated for guests.

'I don't know how Ma is always so casual when coming over here, a lot of this stuff is probably more expensive than our whole house.' Nix mused as she arched her neck to look up at the chandelier.

Nix's sensitive ears caught soft footsteps; she figured it was Aunt Weiss (they weren't really related, but Yang and Blake insisted to call Weiss and Neptune, Aunt and Uncle since they were basically like family, having gone to school together and keeping in touch after all those years.)

"Uncle Neptune took everyone to the kitchen for breakfast," Nix lowered her gaze from the ceiling to the top of the staircase, "Oh."

Hair like snow with ends that seemed to be kissed by the very sky Nix flew in was tousled slightly from a good night's sleep. Glossed over tired white orbs looked into Nix's golden ones before blinking a few times to a much sharper gaze. The lithe form broke out into a smile as Nix approached the base of the staircase and casually put a hand on the railing. Rose spotted the red paracord bracelet on her wrist; slowly she revealed badge of silver wings in her hand which caught Nix's eyes.

"Phoenix." Rose spoke softly as she returned a steady gaze to the now seasoned Fighter Pilot before her.

"Rose." Phoenix returned a tender smile as she looked up at the older woman before her. "I'm back."

"Welcome back." In a flash, Rose raced down the steps as Nix easily caught her in a strong embrace that lifted the Schnee Princess off the ground.

It was silent as the two friends clutched at each other, a silent tear fell to the ground as Rose held onto Phoenix as long as she could before the Fighter Pilot put her back on the ground.

"Hey now, you're gonna make me cry too." Nix nearly choked out in a whisper as she held back her tears.

"Okay." Rose made a move to wipe away her tears, but Nix beat her to it as a thumb swiped at the teardrop.

"Let's go eat, your Dad does make the best waffles. And Ma is notorious for not waiting for everyone to get their share." A light laugh as Rose nodded her head and closely followed Nix to the kitchen.

A moment after the two disappeared into the kitchen did the final member of the Schnee-Vasilias family step out from the hallway at the top of the grand staircase.

Weiss smiled devilishly as she finally caught on to what her husband was hinting at last night.

Hope you enjoyed the read.

Cheers,
DevylRed