Well, it's time to see the second chapter of this short story, I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 2

65 years earlier

Many things in Weiss' life were memorable, some because they were sad, others because he wanted to forget them, but in a special corner of his mind, he always kept those moments that he would treasure for a lifetime.

No doubt he would count among them the time his life exploded over a little Red Riding Hood.

Meeting a black cat and his dragon protector would add to the list.

The invocation of his first knight.

Having reconciled with his brother and mother.

Achieving a family in everything but blood

Some moments were undoubtedly special, whether comical, emotional and euphoric, many will be more chaotic and funny than others, but that's not to say they matter more, they were all worth the same to Weiss...no doubt today would be among them.

Weiss' attention was jolted at the nasal sound of the person to her left, she couldn't help but laugh at the tearful Ruby Rose who was wiping her nose and eyes that were wet, honestly, she couldn't blame her, she herself felt like she was about to release her own tears, it was impossible not to at the sight in front of them.

- Do you, Blake Belladonna, wish to receive Yang Xiao Long as your wife, and do you promise to be faithful to her in prosperity and adversity, in sickness and in health, and thus to love and respect her all the days of your life? - The smile on Blake's face at the priest's question was undeniable.

-Yes, I accept- Blake replied without a hint of hesitation.

At this the priest continued - Yang Xiao Long do you wish to receive Blake Belladonna as your wife, and do you promise to be faithful to her in prosperity and adversity, in sickness and in health, and thus to love and respect her all the days of your life? -

Yang's smile said more than a thousand words -Yes, I accept-

With both answers given, the priest smiled, - Then, with the power vested in me, I declare you happily married, you may kiss each other.

No one was surprised to see how Yang wasted no time in kissing his now wife with such passion.

The atmosphere erupted in a mixture of applause and laughter, as Weiss watched the passionate kiss between Blake and Yang. Tears threatened to overflow in her own eyes, infected by the joy and love that filled the place.

Ruby, who was still recovering from her emotional crying, let out an amused laugh and joined in the applause. Weiss couldn't help but laugh too, infected by the happiness of the moment. It was a moment of elation and celebration, one of those moments she would treasure in her heart forever, the war with Salem had cost enormously, which is why she treasured these glimpses of happiness even more.

Seeing Blake and Yang unite in marriage represented the unwavering love they had built throughout their relationship. It was a testament to their commitment to each other, to their desire to be together through all the challenges and joys that life threw at them, they both deserved it without question.

All the people exited the church behind the newly married couple, Ruby and Weiss were the last to leave, both seeing the smiles of the married couple.

-You know Weiss... I never thought I'd see my dad so happy.- Weiss' eyes couldn't help but look at Tai at Ruby's comment, he had big tears in his red eyes as he snapped pictures non-stop... not helped by Yang's desire for attention as he posed, hugged and kissed his wife. He also couldn't help but notice Blake's parents who were hugging their daughter in a sea of tears, their daughters had finally sealed the deal and neither could be happier about it.

-To tell you the truth, I never expected to see Yang cry so much- he said. I had honestly lost count of how many tears Yang had shed at the ceremony.

-It's not every day you get to marry a sneaky cat- they both shared a warm laugh, - It's lovely to see everyone so happy- said Weiss when the laughter died down, - They've been through a lot and they deserve it.

-We all have- Ruby replied calmly, her eyes watching the sky. Weiss didn't say anything else, but hugged her friend with her right arm.

-Ruby, Weiss- their attention snapped back to reality when Yang called out to them. She waved her arm excitedly, her smile still on her face: - Come on, the party won't start until all four of us are in the hall, so run!

-I guess that's our call- said Ruby as she moved forward to her sister who hugged her tightly, both wearing huge smiles, Blake on the other hand laughed at the pair of sisters. Weiss looked at the three of them for a moment... their family.

Present

Weiss sighed softly, returning to the present as she kept her gaze fixed on Ruby. Her eyes filled with nostalgia and affection as she finished narrating some of her most precious memories.

- I have many memories Ruby, but without a doubt Yang's wedding day is one of the best, I have never seen them as happy as they were that day... - Weiss began, her voice slightly trembling with emotion. - It still brings me warmth to remember that embrace at the end of the ceremony... we hugged each other so tightly, as if our hearts were about to burst with joy. At that moment, I felt that we were a real family, that we had overcome so much adversity together and had found happiness in the midst of all the chaos.

The silver gaze looked warmly at the woman lost in memory.

- It was such a powerful and comforting moment- Weiss continued, with a nostalgic smile. - In that instant, I knew that we would always be there for each other, that no matter what, we could face any challenge together.

Ruby nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. She understood and shared her friend's feeling.

It was in the middle of the conversation that Weiss' eyes glazed over and she said: -That's why I felt like a piece of my soul died when the two of them left this world- she still remembers the helplessness she felt in those moments.

-But they are not gone- said Ruby as she took Weiss' right hand, who could not say a word, - They still live on in our memories... but, above all, they are still attached to you and your soul.

- What are you talking about? - Weiss couldn't help but ask

-Come on Weiss, I always thought you were a little smarter, haven't you noticed? - Ruby smiled a little at the innocence on her friend's face, she hadn't seen that look of a doubtful child for years -Even if you deny it, you have always been the most special, but you could never believe it... your whole family is something unique, not because of strength or abilities, but because, no matter how far or close you are to your loved ones they still stay with you- even with the overexertion, Ruby could touch her friend's chest with her free hand -Right here, in your soul-

-My semblance- whispered Weiss at her partner's suggestion, - You're not implying what I think it is, are you? but I can only summon Grimm.

Ruby's shrug was clear -You said it... you can summon anything that comes to mark you and leave a mark on your soul after you have left this world, or am I wrong... Have you ever tried it? -

Weiss did not waste time and tried what she suggested, she closed her eyes and concentrated her aura, a glyph appeared in the middle of the room illuminating her, the memories of her friends went through the mind of the summoner, she should not miss any detail, from her face, body, hair, smell and soul, everything to form the perfect image of what she wanted to bring to the world, with every thought and feeling, the glyph shone brightly, fueled by the power of her aura... unfortunately it is not the same to perform an invocation when you are young than when you are an adult, time takes its toll at the end of the day.

Ruby watched as the glyph dimmed to finally break into several particles, her eyes focused on her friend who was breathing heavily, her body was spasming every couple of seconds, that's why with determination and renewed energy she got out of her bed, her legs trembled with every step she took, the tubes connected to her body to administer medication hurt, each needle scraped her veins, she did not care, she did not stop until she could hug her friend who clung to her as soon as she felt her arms around her.

-I couldn't bring them, I felt they were so close, but I couldn't- the tears were flowing from the blue eyes. It hurt to feel that hope slipping away

-Shh, shh, calm down, it was only the first try- the calloused fingers wiped away the tears that soaked her friend's cheeks, the fingertips touched in detail every single wrinkle, - Your knight was not created on the first try... I'm sure you will succeed.

-You don't understand Ruby- Weiss tried to deny what her friend said -I felt like something was blocking me, it's not the same to bring a Grimm to a person, the first one is a mass without soul and only instincts, while Yang or Blake are entities with memories, personality and particular souls, simply putting all those variables together is something impossible... I could never do it- The way of self-deprecation was cut by a blow in the forehead.

-They say that with age comes wisdom, but I don't see any of that right now- the silver eyes were serious, - I know it's hard and you're frustrated right now, but don't give up so easily. The semblance you possess is powerful and has evolved over the years. You have always found a way to overcome the challenges that have come your way, and I am sure this will be no exception... so please don't give up... please don't... don't give up on putting Team RWBY back together again... please.

Weiss' eyes widened at her friend's plea, it was then that she remembered that she was not the only one who missed them, Ruby had also lost her family.

-I won't, I promise, I'll get us back together no matter what- said Weiss with conviction.

Ruby smiled warmly, - Thank you- she whispered. At the same time her legs gave out from lack of strength, the arms around her were the only thing that kept her from falling, - I'm sorry, I think I overexerted myself.

A trademark Schnee smile formed on Weiss's face -Dolt, what would you do without me- both women walked slowly back to the bed, Ruby held Weiss's cane who gave it to her to use as a support.

-Eat a million cookies- replied the younger woman as she touched the bed.

His listener shook his head in amusement -You're 88 years old, will you ever stop being a child? -

-Nope- the way he remarked the - p- made Weiss laugh.

Laughter filled the room, filling the space with a warm and comforting energy. Despite the difficulties and challenges they faced. As they sat on the bed, Weiss watched her friend fondly. Ruby had grown and matured over the years, but she was still the same brave and optimistic soul she had always been...even from suffering so much she was still a light in the night.

- How is it that you always stay so cheerful? - Weiss couldn't help but ask

Ruby for her part saw her with a warm smile, did not answer immediately, but lay down on the end of the bed and touched the empty spot, the request was obvious to both of them.

- You know we are going to get scolded, don't you?...this is a hospital and there are rules- tried to object the W of the team.

-We are war heroes, I'm sure you can make an exception- the answer was good enough, or at least Weiss thought so as she lay down next to her friend and hugged her as she laid her head on her chest. -It relaxes me to listen to your heart.

-Weiss' fingers caressed her friend's hair, which was already weak and brittle, and from close up she could see how the gray hair was already staining her black mane and how the red at the ends was dulling.

- Do you remember Ever After? - the question stopped for a few moments the caresses on her friend's hair -While I was falling after drinking the tea Neo gave me I considered that my life was worthless, that they would be better off without me... silly, I know it now, but at that moment I considered it the only option, I saw how everything around me collapsed and in my selfishness I believed that only I was suffering... I never thought about what you felt when you lost your entire kingdom or what Jaune felt when he was alone for decades, I was selfish- the slightly stronger grip on Ruby's hair was proof that she was being listened to attentively so she continued: -It was when I was in the tree that I realized how wrong I was, it's foolish to believe that all the weight falls on you, that only shows how blind you are by not realizing the pillars that help you, that's why, as I was leaving the tree, I promised myself something... that I would never go back, that I would value every moment no matter what it is- -I promised myself something... that I would never go back, that I would value every moment no matter what it is-

- Even the bad times? - Weiss asked

-Yes, even the bad ones, it still hurts to remember all those we lost... Pyrrha, Ren, Nora, Jaune, Qrow... Blake and Yang- the woman got up from her friend's chest to stare at her -But even with all that I wouldn't change anything, since it's thanks to our past that our present exists... to reject it would be to reject oneself... I already did it and I promised myself not to do it again, and it's something I will do until my last day... so, please, don't ever regret anything.

The knot formed in Weiss' stomach at the tenacity in her partner's tone, for a moment she stopped seeing the current Ruby and instead saw a younger version, she couldn't help but notice that, although the body was different... the glint in the eyes was still there, this was even more noticeable by the moonlight illuminating the room -I'll never do it Ruby... I promise- they both stared at each other for a few more moments.

-Well- Ruby whispered as she leaned back against her partner's chest.

-Ruby... even if I like to be your pillow, it's time to go, it's too late- Weiss tried to move, but she couldn't in front of her friend's grip -Ruby? -

-Stay... please, I don't want to sleep alone- said Ruby as she tightened her grip.

For his part, Weiss raised his eyebrow, - That's not allowed, and you know it.

-At that moment, Weiss knew it was a losing battle, and with a sigh he laid down in the right way.

-I hate to abuse our hero title- said Weiss with an accusatory tone.

-Bored- Ruby replied.

Weiss's face made an offended grimace-I'm serious Ruby, last time you make me break the rules... promise me-

Ruby on her part let out a tired laugh, - Relax hehehe, I promise- the silver eyes stared into the blue ones, - I love you Weiss- she said.

-Me too, Ruby- Weiss answered without hesitation.

With that they both went to sleep in a warm embrace.

The following day

Ruby kept her promise not to make her break the rules again...Weiss wished she hadn't.

Two women went to sleep... only one woke up.

Weiss's eyes did not stop crying as she watched the white blanket cover her friend's body... once again she was alone

And cut

I hope you liked it, please leave me your opinions in the comments.

Until the next chapter