Glynda surveyed the crowd, her stern demeanor masking the turmoil within her. She raised her voice, commanding attention. "At this moment, please proceed to your dormitories. We'll address any questions you might have, but grant us the time to collect ourselves."
The students hurriedly obeyed, dispersing to their rooms. Qrow led Ruby inside, accompanied by Yang and her friends. Ozpin and Glynda ascended the tower's elevator, their steps heavier than the atmosphere demanded. They reached the large desk by the window, their footsteps resonating in the silence that prevailed during such tragic moments.
As notifications poured in from the student body, Glynda hesitated before pressing the call button. Her breath was shaky, and her throat felt constricted. She took a deep breath and cleared her throat. It seemed like hours had passed in those few seconds.
"As many of you are aware," Glynda began, her voice filled with sorrow, "Cole Valentine left Beacon some time ago, and Remnant discovered his true nature. Unfortunately, not many chose to accept him as he truly was-a human burdened by deep pain and a tumultuous past. He was treated unfairly by most when he deserved compassion."
A heavy sigh escaped her lips as she continued, "Cole was a cherished student within these walls. He was intelligent, ambitious, a loyal friend, a fierce warrior, and a survivor. Today, it pains me to say that Cole wasn't my son, but I wish he had been."
Ozpin took over, allowing Glynda to regain her composure. "He possessed kindness, love, and a heart of a true hunter. It was fragile, but he cherished those within it like family. However, his life was tragically cut short." His voice quivered as he fought back tears, "We failed to rescue him in Mistral, resulting in the loss of an entire base and half a city's worth military personnel from all four kingdoms."
The a"dienc"'s reaction was mixed, with murmurs, gasps, and differing opinions. Some thought it was a lie, while others believed Cole deserved better.
Ozpin continued, his voice laced with anger, "We don't know who was responsible, but we do know they used a new type of fire dust crystal that turned an entire Mistralian base into glass, leaving those inside and around it charred and burnt alive."
Unexpectedly, Ironwood took the microphone, his tone filled with bitterness. "As you knew from the start of your journey, we, as hunters, failed to save these precious souls-individuals who didn't have the opportunity to love, live, and grow. Some of them won't have the chance to start loving families of their own."
Glynda stepped forward, needing to take two steps back to finish. "We will be canceling school for the rest of the month to hold a funeral for Cole. Instead of a traditional grave, his room will be his final resting place. Only those closest to him will be allowed inside, while others can leave gifts near or on the entrance."
Yang's realization hit her like a ton of bricks, and she exclaimed, "But that's not fair! Ruby and Weiss were the ones closest to him!" Blake couldn't hold back her tears of regret, and soon, the others joined in, overwhelmed by the gravity of their actions.
Yang bowed her head, her silent tears falling freely. Nora and Ren consoled each other, while Jaune's anguish manifested in clenched fists that drew blood as he fell to his knees. Pyrrha held Jaune from behind, crying alongside him.
Ruby, overwhelmed, hung her head and walked over to Yang, shouldering her way past, storming out of the room and slamming the door hard enough to crack the frame.
Weiss retreated to the bathroom, a whirlwind of regret and remorse consuming her thoughts. She turned on the water, splashing the icy liquid on her face in an attempt to wash away her tears. As she gazed at her reflection, she heard herself say, "Wow, Snow Angel, you really messed up bad this time," followed by a self-deprecating laugh. Subconsciously, she clenched her fist and shattered the mirror, cutting her hand deeply. She forwent the towel on the counter, tearing a piece of her skirt to wrap around her bleeding hand and knuckles.
Throughout this emotional turmoil, no one spoke, allowing each other to grieve in their own way. More students followed suit, and soon, all of Beacon was either crying, hanging their heads in shame, or offering quiet apologies.
Ozpin spoke solemnly, "No one is to blame for their deaths except those who dropped those bombs in the first place." He grabbed a bottle of bourbon and took a long swig. "Preparations for his funeral will begin in the morning. For now, get some dinner and rest up; these next two weeks will be busy."
Cole's funeral: three hours later*
The morning sun shone brightly over Beacon Academy as the students and staff gathered outside, dressed in somber attire. The courtyard was transformed into a makeshift memorial, with flowers and candles arranged around a platform where Cole Valentine's casket lay. It was a beautiful day, but the atmosphere was heavy with grief.
Ruby, Weiss, and Yang stood near the casket, their faces pale and their eyes red from crying. Ruby held a bouquet of white roses, while Weiss clutched a small portrait of Cole, and Yang had a framed photograph of the four of them together. The other members of Team RWBY, JNPR, and other close friends of Cole stood nearby, each holding a token of remembrance.
Amidst the somber gathering, Velvet stood at a distance from the casket, holding a cherished picture in her hands. In the photograph, teams CVFY, RWBY, CRDL, and JNPR were captured in a moment of camaraderie. In the center, Cole stood, his battered and dirty combat armor a testament to the battles he had fought.
The centerpiece of the image was a tender moment-Cole, still in his battle-worn gear, kissed Weiss sweetly. The kiss conveyed the love and deep connection they shared, even in the midst of danger and conflict. It was a memory that warmed the hearts of those who had witnessed it.
As the choir sang their mournful melody and the casket was lowered into the ground, Velvet carefully placed the picture beside it, ensuring that it would accompany Cole on his journey to the afterlife. She stood there for a moment, gazing at the image, before stepping back to join the others in their final farewell. The photograph was a testament to the love, courage, and resilience that Cole had embodied in his all-too-brief life, and it would be a lasting memory for all who knew him.
Ozpin, Glynda, and Ironwood took their positions on the platform, their expressions solemn. A hush fell over the crowd as Ozpin stepped forward to address the gathered students and faculty.
"We gather here today to say our final goodbyes to a remarkable young man, Cole Valentine," Ozpin began, his voice filled with sadness. "He was a valued member of our Beacon family, a student who showed not only extraordinary intelligence and skill but also a deep capacity for kindness and compassion."
Glynda stepped forward, her voice steady, "Cole touched the lives of many here at Beacon. His loyalty, friendship, and unwavering dedication to his fellow students will not be forgotten. He was a fierce warrior, a protector, and a symbol of hope in a world filled with darkness."
Ironwood took the microphone, his voice firm, "We may not know who was responsible for the horrific events that took him from us, but we do know that we must stand together to prevent such tragedies from happening again. Cole's memory will inspire us to be better, to protect those who cannot protect themselves."
Weiss stepped forward, her composure regaining some semblance of steadiness as she spoke. "Cole wasn't just a fellow student; he was my boyfriend, my love, and my anchor. He showed me a world beyond my own, and I'll forever be grateful for the love and happiness he brought into my life. His strength was unwavering, even in the face of the darkest challenges. He taught me to be a better person, and I'll never forget the sweet moments we shared. He will always have a special place in my heart, and I'll cherish the love we had for as long as I live."
Ruby stepped forward, her voice quivering with sorrow. "Cole was more than just a friend; he was the one who truly saw the real me. He didn't just see a Huntress in training but a person with dreams, hopes, and quirks. He taught me about the importance of being true to myself, of not letting the world define me, and of never giving up. He was the only one who understood how to balance the life of a Hunter with the life of a regular person. I Relearned that from him, and he learned from me. He was my friend and the one who knew the real Ruby Rose, a woman behind the huntress".
Velvet stepped forward, her voice trembling with a mix of sadness and respect. "Cole and I shared a unique bond centered around photography. He helped me find the courage to embrace my passion, even when bullies tried to diminish it. Through the lens, we saw the world differently. What makes his memory even more poignant is his transformation. He evolved in a unique way; Cole showed me that change and self-improvement are possible, that we can overcome our inner darkness.
His memory will alwayss remind us to be true to ourselves, live authentically, and recognize the profound impact one person can have on many. Cole, you were an extraordinary friend, and your legacy will forever live on in our hearts."
Jaune stepped forward, his voice heavy with sorrow, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Cole's passing has weighed heavily on my heart, and I find it hard to put my feelings into words. The truth is, I wasn't a friend to him; I was more like his antithesis. I was partly responsible for the path he took that led to his departure from Beacon.
I was consumed by jealousy and rivalry, unable to see the kind of person Cole truly was. I couldn't help but resent the qualities he possessed, which I lacked. As I believed it was my responsibility to protect those around me, and I failed him in that regard he wasn'ta threat…I guess I was the problem.
I want to beg for forgiveness Cole. I wish I could turn back time and change the way I treated you. I wish I could have been a better person, a better leader, and a better Huntsman. I wish I could have put our differences aside and embraced the kind of friend you deserved.
I know that you would want us to be strong, to carry on, and to continue the fight against the darkness that took you from us. I promise to honor you, I'll start by fixing to be a better person, by learning from your example, Rest in peace, Cole. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten, and your forgiveness is all I can hope for."
Ren and Nora stepped forward, their heads bowed and expressions weighed down by guilt and sorrow. Their connection with Cole was complex, for they had known him but not as well as others. They approached the front of the gathering, hand in hand, ready to speak.
Nora began, her voice heavy with remorse. "Cole's presence in our lives was brief, and we didn't always understand him or the pain he carried. We stood by and allowed him to suffer, and for that, we will forever carry the weight of our inaction."
Ren continued, his voice filled with regret. "We could have been better friends. We could have done more to help him, to understand his struggles. But we failed him when he needed us the most."
Together, they concluded, "Cole's absence leaves a void that can never be filled. We will always regret not doing more for him. His memory will be a constant reminder of the need for compassion, understanding, and the importance of being there for one another."
Weiss stood there, her gaze locked on the casket as it was slowly lowered into the ground, her eyes brimming with tears. The finality of the moment hit her hard, and the weight of her grief threatened to crush her. She watched as the earth covered Cole's resting place, her heart heavy with the loss.
As the ceremony concluded, Weiss couldn't contain her emotions any longer. She turned and, with Ruby, Yang, and Blake close behind, ran off, bawling uncontrollably. JNPR, understanding the depth of her pain, followed close behind.
Blake, knowing the depth of Weiss's pain, stepped forward to offer some comfort. She gently reached out to touch Weiss's arm, but before she could say anything, Weiss turned on her, her grief and anger consuming her.
Weiss's voice quivered with rage and anguish. "Don't you dare try to console me! Cole… he… he hated you the most! You were the root cause of his pain! You and your secrets! You never let him in, and now he's gone, and I'll never forgive you for it!" The accusation hung heavily in the air, the pain and resentment in Weiss's words impossible to ignore.
Weiss's tears flowed freely as her grief and anger overwhelmed her. In her despair, she turned on her remaining teammates, her voice trembling with a mixture of sorrow and rage."You all stood by and let him suffer!" Weiss shouted, her words like knives cutting through the air.
"None of you did enough to help him, and now he's gone, and we can never get him back! We were supposed to be a team, and you failed him!"The weight of her accusations bore down on them, and Weiss lashed out, her pain manifesting as anger at her teammates for their perceived inaction. Her outburst was a heart-wrenching expression of her grief and her desperation to make sense of the loss they had all suffered.
As Weiss's accusations hung in the air, and the group felt the tension in the moment, General Ironwood, who had been present but silent throughout the funeral, stepped out from the corner of a building. His stern façade softened as he approached Weiss, understanding the immense pain and anger she was experiencing.
Much like a father would comfort a grieving child, He reached out and gently pulled Weiss into a heartfelt hug. The hug was a simple but profound gesture of compassion, offering solace in the face of overwhelming loss. Weiss clung to him, her sobs echoing through the somber gathering, as her anger and grief began to find a semblance of release.
After a while, he gently pulled back, looking into her tear-filled eyes, and spoke with a fatherly warmth."Weiss, I can't take away the pain you're feeling, but I want you to know that we're all hurting right now. Cole was a bright soul, and his loss is a tragedy that touches each one of us. We may not have been able to help him as we should have, but we can honor his memory by learning from our mistakes and supporting each other as a team."
Weiss's anger began to give way to a sense of understanding, as Ironwood's words resonated with her and the group.
General Ironwood's expression shifted from warmth to sternness as he addressed each member of the group individually. "I need each of you to grasp the gravity of the situation. What you did to Cole was a grave injustice, and his suffering was a direct result of your actions or, in some cases, your inaction. From the moment he first arrived at Beacon until the day he died, you held a share of responsibility for his pain."
His words were a firm reprimand, a reminder of their collective failure and the consequences of their actions or lack thereof. Each member of the group felt the weight of Ironwood's words, and the guilt for what they had done to Cole hung heavily in the air.
General Ironwood's expression remained stern as he concluded his address. "From the day he walked through the doors of Beacon to the day he died, you all had a hand in his suffering. You should all be ashamed of yourselves."
His final words were a stark reminder of their collective failure and the deep shame they should feel for what had happened to Cole. The group stood in somber silence, each member bearing the weight of their guilt and the harsh reality of their actions.
Glynda Goodwitch, who had been quietly observing the situation, stepped forward, her expression serious. "General Ironwood is right. We, as the staff of Beacon Academy, bear the responsibility for what has transpired. We should have recognized the signs of Cole's suffering and intervened sooner. It is our duty to protect and guide our students, and we failed in that duty."
Ozpin, though visibly uncomfortable, nodded in agreement. "Glynda is correct. We must take responsibility for our failures and ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again in the future."
General Ironwood and Glynda, who had been at the forefront of Beacon's leadership, acknowledged their accountability. The group understood the seriousness of the situation and the need for accountability. Ruby, Velvet, and Weiss, who had shown genuine care for Cole, were exempted from the blame, but the rest of the group was left to confront their role in the tragedy.
Ruby and Velvet, understanding the depth of Weiss's grief, gently escorted her to Cole's room. The atmosphere in the room was heavy with memories of their lost friend, and Weiss's tears continued to flow as she stood there, surrounded by his belongings.
The three friends, Ruby, Velvet, and Weiss, walked silently down the hall towards Cole's room. Each step felt heavy, a reminder of the void left by his absence.
Weiss's voice was shaky as they approached the door. "I can't believe he's gone. It feels like a nightmare."
Ruby squeezed Weiss's hand. "I know, Weiss. I can't believe it either. But we're here for you, and we'll get through this together."
Velvet nodded, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Weiss, we loved him too. We're here to remember him, to honor his memory."
They entered Cole's room, and Weiss's tears flowed freely once more. She moved to his desk, where a photograph of the three of them together stood. "Remember this? This was one of the best days of my life."
Ruby smiled, though tears welled in her eyes. "Yeah, we had so much fun that day. Cole knew how to make us laugh."
Velvet picked up the photograph, her voice soft. "He had a way of making even the toughest days better. I miss him so much."
While they were in Cole's room, Weiss slowly lifted her shirt, revealing a scar that ran along her back on her left under her ribs and just abovea kidneycole had givenherto replace the one she lost, with a matching one on her stomach. She turned to Velvet and asked softly, "you see something you like?"
With a tearful chortle Velvet's eyes widened as she looked at the scars, and asked "What happened, Weiss? How did you get these scars?"
Weiss took a deep breath, her voice steady but filled with the weight of her memories. "It was a few years ago during a recon mission. We were ambushed by Grimm, and May Zedong shot me. I was left wounded and bleeding, but Cole… he ran to my side, and he… he used his lightning to close the wounds."
Weiss's voice grew more animated as she continued, describing the experience. "It was like… like spider legs crawling over my skin, melting it closed. The pain was excruciating, but it was also… comforting, in a strange way. I knew he was there, fighting for me."
Tears welled up in Velvet's eyes as she listened to Weiss's story. She reached out and gently touched Weiss's scars, a silent gesture of empathy and understanding.
Ruby took a deep breath and continued, her voice filled with vivid memories. "I remember that day when Weiss got wounded. The moment May Zedong shot her, Cole's rage was like nothing I'd ever seen. He fought with a brutal intensity, his eyes aflame with anger and determination. He was relentless, and he took down May with a fierce determination to protect Weiss."
As she spoke, Ruby's eyes shone with a mixture of awe and sadness. "I had never seen him like that before. He was ready to do whatever it took to keep us safe, to keep Weiss safe. It was a side of him that we didn't often see, but it showed just how fiercely he cared for us."
Velvet listened intently, her own memories of that day flooding back. The room was filled with a heavy silence, the weight of their shared experiences with Cole palpable. It was a bittersweet moment, remembering his strength and the love he had for his friends.
Weiss sighed, a mixture of emotions in her voice. "Cole was always there to protect me, to comfort me, and to love me. That's what made him so special. And now he's gone, but I'm sure we'll always carry his memory in our hearts."
In writing this chapter, I wanted to explore the deep emotions that accompany loss and grief. Cole's memory and the impact he had on the characters are central to this story. I hope the chapter captures the sadness and complexity of farewells and the strength that can be found in shared memories. Thank you for reading.