Okay... we are in the final stretch of this story, practically in the penultimate chapter, I hope you enjoy it.
By the way, I changed the title of the story to - Epitaph- , I felt it was more in line with how the story goes, I hope I don't cause problems to all my readers.
The sun was beginning its slow descent into the horizon, painting the sky with a palette of golden, orange and pink hues. Its rays stretched over the - New Republic- city, illuminating the buildings and bathing the cityscape in a warm, parting light. In the midst of this scene, a chapel stood in the center of the city.
Inside the chapel, a lone figure stood near a tall window on the second floor of the building. It was a quiet, sacred place, with polished wooden pews and colorful stained glass windows that let in the evening light, tinting the space with soft, ethereal hues.
The person, wrapped in a dark jacket, was absorbed in contemplation of the horizon. Her blue eyes were lost in the majesty of the setting sun, while the breeze played with her whitish hair. It was a moment of peace and connection with the ephemeral beauty that surrounded her... a sad beauty that she contemplated alone, apparently loneliness was the fate of a Schnee, it will always catch up with them no matter what they do.
Those blue eyes watched as people tried to enter the building calmly, many to give their beloved condolences... everyone wanted to say goodbye to a heroine of a time gone by, in the distance I heard the priest give some words of farewell.
-Dear brothers and sisters... today we sadly gather to say goodbye to a person who could only be described as a pure soul at her best, a hunter, a heroine, but above all a person to be admired... Ruby Rose gave her all so that we could be sitting here - Weiss' fists clenched with every word he heard, he did his best to undermine the noise and concentrate on something else... anything that would not remind him of the sad reality that Ruby was now with the rest of her team
Weiss closed her eyes, allowing the last rays of sunlight to caress her face. A sigh escaped her lips as she absorbed the serenity that only the sunset could offer her in these situations. Although it really wasn't helping in the face of the torment brewing in her mind.
Melancholy gripped Weiss as her gaze remained lost in the fire-tinged horizon. As the sun slowly sank, a lump formed in her throat, reminding her of Ruby's absence from her life. The priest's words echoed in her mind, speaking of the accomplishments and sacrifice Ruby had made in all her years as a hunter, but none of it mitigated the emptiness that now dwelled in her heart.
The muffled sounds of people entering the chapel faded in her mind as she became immersed in her own thoughts and memories. She saw Ruby in her mind, brave and passionate, with her reaper's scythe and red cloak billowing in the wind. Not only her, her mind formed images of how she was embraced by Blake and Yang in a beautiful forest, without noticing, she extended her right arm trying to reach that image and join them in what was undoubtedly a warm embrace... but reality is cruel, it always has been, because when she was about to reach them they disappeared, only to be replaced by the window in front of her, a sob escaped from Weiss' mouth, in her 90 years of life, she had never felt so old as now -Why did you leave Ruby? her head leaned back against the window
The priest pronounced the last words of farewell and those present rose from their seats, ready to say their last goodbye to Ruby. She sincerely did not want to go down... she knew that as soon as she said goodbye the situation would be real, at least this way she could imagine that this was a cruel dream from which she would soon wake up... she was sure that as soon as she opened her eyes she would see her companion lying on her chest while she hummed some melody in that hospital bed.
Her sobs continued for a few more seconds, but at the end of the day the pain and loneliness can be cut off... your silent cries for help can be heard by a helping hand, you are not always alone, even if you think so.
That reminder hit Weiss in the form of a jacket draped over her shoulders, the sob was cut off as arms wrapped around her, she was never alarmed, she knew who was coming to embrace her, her gaze turned to see the person, her eyes tracking every detail of the man beside her... Oscar Pine... that farmer who followed them across the world to save him, one who just as a child was burdened with a weight that no one could understand, no matter how hard they tried, and who in spite of that continued to stand solemnly.
But left behind was that scrawny boy, in front of Weiss was only a man who had seen countless stories, the once brown hair was now only white, similar to the shade she had, his face was riddled with wrinkles and the weight of his body was supported by a cane similar to her own... though she was sure she had never needed it, at the end of the day it was an ingrained habit from her time with Ozpin. His attire was an all black suit matched with a coat of the same shade, one that now rested on Weiss' shoulders.
-You know you don't have to cry alone, don't you?... here I am-with that the dam broke again, but now in its entirety.
Weiss' arms went around his friend's waist, - Oscar... Ruby is gone... she's gone- he said in a broken voice.
-I know- Oscar answered. There were no more words he could say, in the end the reality was harsh, only the two of them were left... a remnant of what was once a group of heroes.
In silence, Oscar held Weiss while she let out all the pain accumulated in her heart. He knew there were no words that could ease the emptiness they both felt, but he hoped their presence could lessen it.
After a while, Weiss managed to calm her sobs and slowly pulled away from Oscar's embrace. She looked at her friend with gratitude in her tired blue eyes.
-Thank you, Oscar. Thank you for being here and not leaving me alone- she said softly.
Oscar returned a sympathetic look and gently squeezed her shoulder. -I will always be here for you, as I promised them all many years ago and I won't fail now, I didn't leave Blake when he lost Yang, I didn't leave you and Ruby when Blake left... much less will I leave you now. We have been through so much and have always supported each other. No matter how much time has passed, we're still a family-
Weiss nodded sadly, recognizing the truth in Oscar's words. Despite the losses and changes they had experienced over the years, that farm boy had stuck by them. They were the last of their team
Hazel heat eyes took a detailed look at her friend, it pained her to see how sadness broke those features, which, though old, were still beautiful, an ethereal old age was always how she considered the entire RWBY team.
-Weiss-the girl's attention was focused on her friend- - Why don't you come and live at my house... just for a while, it would be good for both of us to be together-
That proposal made a sad smile form on his face, for a moment he considered the idea, he really did -I'm sorry Oscar... I really want to be alone right now, but thank you for the proposal- -I'm sorry Oscar... I really want to be alone right now, but thank you for the proposal-
Oscar nodded sympathetically at Weiss's response, respecting her desire to be alone at that moment. He knew that everyone processed pain differently, and some people needed their own space to reflect and heal. Though he didn't want to say it hurt any less, he really...didn't want to be alone, it hurt too much.
Hardening my heart I reply: - I understand, Weiss. If at any time you change your mind or need company, you know where to find me. I'll always be here for you- Oscar assured me kindly,
Weiss smiled gratefully at him, acknowledging his constant support. Although loneliness was her companion at that moment, she felt comforted by Oscar's presence, someone who had been by her side in countless difficult situations.
- Thank you, Oscar. You are a true friend, and I value your support very much. Knowing that you are here comforts me, even in the darkest moments- Weiss expressed sincerely.
The two remained silent for a few moments, sharing a quiet, comforting connection. Despite the adverse circumstances, they had become a support to each other in the midst of sadness and loss.
With the sun already setting completely on the horizon, Weiss and Oscar parted, although the feeling of warmth and friendship lingered in the air. They knew that, despite the difficulties they faced, they had the comfort of each other at that moment and in the uncertain future that lay ahead.
Weiss said goodbye to Oscar with a nod and a slight smile, before heading towards the exit of the chapel. But before going down the stairs Oscar stopped her with his words -She told you, didn't she? -
That question stopped Weiss who turned to look at his friend who was looking at the ground -Yes- he answered sadly.
-I see- said Oscar as he placed both hands on his cane, - It's a pity... although I understand now your desire not to accompany me- a sad smile adorned the man's tired face, - In the end it would be playing the odds as to whether or not I would wake up the next day- said Oscar.
A lump formed in Weiss' throat and she painfully replied: - I don't want to wake up again and see another friend vanish from my life... I'm not strong enough to do it...-
-Yes, neither do I- said Oscar regretfully.
-I love you Weiss-
-I love you Oscar-
Both said those words at the same time, both expressed a feeling of love that had been generated for decades... one that is only meant for the one you consider a brother... a family. With that, they both gave each other one last smile before leaving... although, they couldn't help that it felt... like a farewell.
2 weeks later
15 days since she said goodbye to her best friend.
14 days since she said goodbye to Oscar in that chapel.
13 days since he has not left his home.
Although if Weiss was being honest...she felt she had spent years
Currently she was in her room, surrounded by silence and darkness. Since Ruby's departure, she had cut herself off from the outside world, immersing herself in her own pain and loneliness. Each day seemed like an eternity, and sadness enveloped her like a lingering shadow.
Time seemed to fade away for Weiss, who could barely remember when she last got out of bed or ate anything. Her body was screaming for her to go out and eat well, maybe younger she could stand it... but she wasn't anymore. It was when she left the room heading for the kitchen that she heard the doorbell echoing through the house, interrupting the monotony and sadness that enveloped her as she walked.
With slow steps she walked to the door of her house, she did not know how long it took her to get there, although it was probably a few minutes. When she opened the door she did not find any person, she honestly did not care, she was more focused on a modest sized box, easily her height, she turned to look everywhere, but did not find any person, with a shrug she activated a glyph under the box and with it she began to move the box inside the house, when it was in the living room she deactivated her semblance.
His eyebrow rose in curiosity when he saw a note on the right side, without waiting he took it to read its contents... his eyes widened at the message
" Dear Weiss
If you are reading, it means that unfortunately I am no longer with you. I know you must be feeling sad and guilty right now... I can't blame you hehehehe... you have always been like that, wanting to carry the team on your back, that's why you were always the brains.
The truth is that I have no words to dull the pain in your heart, but I need you to remember that no matter what, you will never be alone... we will always be in your soul.
I hope Oscar will give you this that will undoubtedly remind you of my words and make you see that we will always be with you no matter the time or the place where we meet.
Here is our last request... no matter what, the RWBY team will never be separated.
With love and kindness I disperse
ATTE Ruby Rose"
The paper of the letter slowly began to get wet before the tears that fell from that pair of blue eyes that had recovered a little of their brightness, after recovering a little she opened the box with haste
As the lid of the box fell off Weiss saw something that left her speechless, a lump formed in her throat -Dolt... even in death you are still helping me- in front of her was a piece of her companions.
Ember Celica
Gambol Shroud
Crescent Rose
A sob escaped from her mouth as her knees gave way to emotions, her fingers gently touched each of the weapons, they were still completely polished and without a trace of dust -Even when sick you always took care of them, didn't you, Ruby? - the pair of blue eyes traced every detail
"Our weapons are extensions of our souls Weiss."
To her mind came a feverish memory of Ruby's words, words said in her first year at Beacon... it was at that moment that that memory gained more weight in her life, in front of her were the last pieces of her family, only something was missing to complete it.
It was at that moment that an icy breeze flooded the room, the white hair shook with force, her soul cried out in longing, at her back she felt a presence... her faithful knight was kneeling before the one she swore to protect, he was holding an object that shook Weiss' being.
Myrtenaster
With trembling hands he took the weapon -Even after all these years you still take care of me- that corporeal being raised his eyes towards his owner, so many emotions crossed as he saw his reflection in the steel plates, Weiss felt that after so many dark days a smile formed on his face -My faithful knight... Would you help your mistress one last time? -
The answer I received came from the knight standing up and wielding his sword with one hand, while offering the other to help her up -No matter what, you were always by my side- warm hands touched the armor -No matter how much you were hurt you never flanked- a touch to the sword was what followed -You were not only a summoning- Weiss' hands were placed on her knight's chest -You were my friend and guardian... That is why I thank you for your service and kindly release you from your duty.
The two of them stared at each other, little by little the armor began to glow, blue particles began to form... it was the farewell between two friends -Farewell- with those words the invocation exploded in particles leaving its master alone once again.
Weiss's hand gripped her weapon tightly, her eyes refocused on her friends' weapons, her soul screamed for release, a renewed fire spread through her body.
Mirror, tell me something
Tell me who's the loneliest of all?
Her voice was heard throughout the house, after decades she was once again freeing her soul to the only comfort that made her feel free in her childhood.
Mirror, tell me something
Tell me who's the loneliest of all?
Memories of her childhood came to her mind, of that castle to which her soul had been confined and shattered.
Mirror, what's inside me?
Tell me can a heart be turned to stone?
All her childhood she felt like a doll that could be moved at her master's whim, no matter how much she protested.
Mirror, mirror, what's behind you?
Save me from the things I see!
I can keep it from the world
Why won't you let me hide from me?
She remembered how the dream of that little girl was to escape, how she wished to make those gray days take color... she never expected them to be illuminated in red, yellow and purple. Her soul cried out loudly at that fact, the aura of her body lit up as it had never done before, each memory evoked so many sensations inside her... a cry of the soul that responded to them. Every drop of strength gathered to believe a miracle... Ruby believed in her and she would not let her down.
Mirror, mirror, tell me something
Who's the loneliest of all?
I'm the loneliest of all
She has never felt like a puppet since her feet touched Beacon...her beacon of hope. She has not been alone for 73 years, nor will she ever be again.
With a last scream her aura exploded shaking the whole house, all to leave a silence in the place. Weiss' body cried out in exhaustion and her eyes were slowly closing, she could no longer stand alone... but she was no longer standing alone, 3 pairs of arms held her tightly. Her eyes lit up at the sight before her.
Ruby Rose
Yang Xiao Long
Blake Belladona
Each one looking at her with a smile that reminded him of his youth, he had done it, he kept his promise.
-Team RWBY forever- whispered Weiss as his eyes closed, he had completed his last task.
With a last sigh the 3 invocations embraced their friend, they slowly began to glow until they exploded into blue particles, leaving Weiss lying on the floor with a warm smile and her eyes closed.
With one last heartbeat she set off on a journey to join her team, she was no longer that lonely girl... she now had a family to return to
Wow I can only say that this chapter made me feel several emotions, something that I had not felt in a long time, when I least thought my feelings exploded. That's why I hope you enjoy all this story that I have captured with my soul.
Please leave me your comments and opinions, you have no idea what it would mean to me.
Without further ado, I wish you all the best and see you in the next chapter which will be an epilogue to this story.
