Here it is, the little finale to wrap up this fic! Thanks for sticking with it, you guys!

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.

Epilogue

New Beginnings

Lithe feet carried Blake quickly through the forest, and though she might not have had wings like a certain someone, she felt as though she were flying anyway.

She was so excited to see Weiss again today.

It had been several days since they'd returned home to their territories together. Since then, the war between their species had been voided, and an agreement had been made between the beasts and the fairies that it had been unnecessary in the first place.

Weiss and Blake had suffered the exact same lack of knowledge as their entire respective species had.

Until the two peoples had gathered together to learn from one another, they had truly known nothing at all.

The fairies now knew why the beasts hunted and killed certain animals – for the sole sake of eradicating disease.

And they understood that not every beast had backed up the ambushes on the fairies in order to steal their stones. In fact, only the smallest fraction of them had been, but the fairies' own rumors had expanded the number to encompass the entire clan.

In reality, the beasts were very intelligent, resourceful people.

And the beasts now understood that the fairies' role in the forests was absolutely essential.

They were the only ones who could use magic properly, hence their painstaking journeys to search for stones and gems. It was their magics that protected the forests from natural disasters. The beasts realized their huts and dens would have been destroyed many times over from bush fires or heavy storms had it not been for the fairies' magics.

But it wasn't just their magics that made them essential.

The fairies taught the beasts how they constructed little homes for birds and bats to keep them safe, how they interacted with and befriended animals, how they healed and helped them and bonded with them.

The fairies gained much knowledge from the animals, and now they could share it with the beasts as well.

If there was a sick creature in the woods, the fairies would do their best to heal it. But if that failed, they would coat it in a barrier that wouldn't allow it to feel pain when the beasts began their hunt.

And the beasts helped the fairies in building homes for their animal neighbors. While the fairies kept to the wood-carving of the trees for arboreal creatures, the beasts used fallen branches, roots, stems, and tall grass to construct little homes for land-dwelling animals.

It hadn't been very long since they'd come to their understanding, but the forest was already teeming with life much more so than it had been when the environment had been threatened by their petty war.

Naturally, the fairies no longer confided themselves to the highest tree tops, and they no longer needed to fear being ambushed when they descended to collect water from the river. All of them drank freely now and without concern.

When the fairies touched the water, it purified it to an extent, making the minerals inside healthy and drinkable. When the beasts drank, they recognized the difference in the crispness of the water.

The river was sparkling again before long, shining brighter than ever before now that there was a newfound peace.

When the fairies and beasts put aside their misunderstandings and forgot about their misgivings, the entire forest felt it, benefited from it, and flourished.

Of course, those who had started the problems in the first place had been punished.

Blake's clan had debated what to do with Adam and his lackeys for nearly an entire day. But they'd all agreed that sending out a group of troublemakers into exile wouldn't bear any kind of good fruit for anyone.

So they'd decided to keep them under strict supervision at all times, limiting their freedoms until they'd proven to have learned their lessons.

In addition to having each species learn about the other, the past several days had been heavy with celebration.

The beasts had gathered the best fruits from the ground, and the fairies had gathered them from the trees. The magics helped the food regenerate swiftly, so there was a bountiful harvest to go around.

They feasted during the days, and held other festivities during the evenings. The fairies would sprinkle their dust to make the air glow, and then everyone would dance and sing.

It was rather hard to believe that only a few days ago, they'd all been shooting arrows at one another, and now they were all laughing and working together.

But it was a change no one was opposed to.

As Blake reflected on all of these events and new occurrences, she finally pushed through the last few bushes, until she arrived at a familiar, riverside clearing.

There were a few groups of fairies and beasts gathered on the shoreline. The beasts were teaching the fairies the best ways to fish – but not to eat the fish, only to gather a single scale from each before releasing it. They used these scales to make jewelry, which they then offered to the beasts as a sign of friendship.

As the younger ones played in the river, the adults were discussing their next project together. Blake emerged and greeted them, and they all paused to do the same.

"Meeting the princess?" one fairy boy guessed.

Blake blushed a little and nodded.

A delighted chuckle swept through those gathered.

While some had been hesitant about accepting a romantic relationship between the future Fairy Queen and a beast, they understood what Blake and Weiss had learned from one another. That – simply put – love knew no boundaries.

Even now, after only a few days of their peacemaking, Blake had seen several other intermingled couples of all kinds.

With the peace came new chances, new beginnings, new opportunities, and no one could ever hope to oppose that.

Blake stopped walking in the center of the clearing, then gaze up overhead. The sun was almost at the center of the sky, and she knew it wouldn't be long before-

"Oh, Blake!"

Right on time.

The beast girl scanned the treetops to where her ears had detected the voice. She spotted Weiss instantly, fluttering down toward her with an excited whirr of her wings and a beaming smile on her lips.

Blake smiled as well and opened her arms wide.

Weiss landed perfectly against her chest, giggling merrily as she peppered affectionate kisses all over Blake's face.

"How've you been this morning?" Weiss wondered as her toes finally touched the grass.

"I've been wonderful," Blake purred. "But now that you're here, I'm much better." She kissed the fairy's nose and Weiss pecked her cheek.

Once they'd exchanged their flirtatious greetings, the two took a step back, their eyes still shimmering with joy.

"Right," Weiss said, clearing her throat in an effort to sound more professional than she was feeling. "So how are things going on your end?"

"Fine," Blake answered. "We've already built several dens for the deer to take shelter in when it rains. We've set up borders on the western side of the forest and the wolves are honoring them."

"That's a relief," Weiss sighed. "Things are going splendidly up high, as well. We've actually discovered a whole new patch of berries! They're very good. I'll have to fetch some for you later."

"Or better yet, just take me up."

"That is a possibility."

Blake hadn't been too fond of flying the first few times, but by now she was more than used to it. Despite Weiss' petite form, she was a very strong flier, even with Blake in her arms. Recently, she'd been working on a new spell that would help keep a fairy's wings protected from water, so that they may fly even when it rained.

Blake took the girl's hand and inquired as to how her studies were coming along.

"Oh, it's almost finished," Weiss reported proudly. "It should only be a few more days now."

"That's great," Blake purred, leaning in for another kiss. "Then we can go out together even when it rains."

"So long as it's not thundering, I'll take you up high," Weiss decided. "As soon as the sun breaks, you'll be able to see the rainbows up close."

"That sounds incredible."

As the two made plans for their future dates, they presently headed off on a little walk together. Keeping close to the river, they sauntered at a leisurely pace, un-rushed and carefree.

The forest was alive with the usual birdsong and movement of the squirrels above and rabbits below.

But to their surprise, the pair was soon coming to a halt as Blake's ears picked up on the sound of something larger. She tugged Weiss a step back, and the fairy opened her wings, preparing to gather Blake and fly if need be.

But it was soon made clear that they wouldn't have to do that.

"Ugh, Yang! You fuzz-brain!"

"Who you callin' a fuzz-brain, you nut?"

"Yaaanngg..."

The familiar bickering was unmistakable.

A certain bear emerged from the undergrowth, carrying a red-furred squirrel on her back. The squirrel was presently sweeping her bushy tail across the bear's eyes, causing the cub to paw at her playfully.

Weiss and Blake lost their wary stances and their expressions immediately softened.

"Yang! Ruby!"

"What a pleasant surprise."

At the sound of their names, the two animals stopped in their sisterly squabbling and promptly looked up. Their eyes lit up, and big smiles curled their cheeks.

"Blake!"

"Weiss!"

They charged and scampered forward, and the beast and fairy had little time to react. Yang jumped at Blake, bowling her over and pinning her down into the grass, where she licked her face. Weiss was much luckier and was only tackled by a squirrel, whom she caught easily in her arms and cradled against her chest in a small hug.

"It's so good to see you again, Ruby. We were hoping to find you again soon."

"Yeah! Us too!" Ruby squeaked. "I mean, it's been three days since you guys left, and we hadn't heard or seen any fighting, so we figured it would be safe to come looking for you guys again. And boy, are we glad we did! The whole forest is happy!"

"That's a relief to hear," Weiss said, kissing the squirrel's head. "There won't be any more fighting between the fairies and beasts."

Ruby chittered excitedly and climbed onto Weiss' shoulder. From there, she looked down at her sister where she was smothering Blake in the grass.

"Yang, come on!" Ruby whined. "You're gonna crush her!"

"Whoops." Yang promptly climbed off the beast girl, and Weiss now giggled at the sight of her lover. Blake's long dark hair had been ruffled and licked into a tangle, her clothes were ruffled, and her face had been coated in slobber.

Blake groaned as she sat up and shook herself off. Weiss leaned down to take her hand and pull her to her feet.

"Geez..." Blake huffed. "Thanks, Yang. How am I supposed to kiss my girlfriend now that I'm covered in bear spit?"

"Girlfriend?" Yang and Ruby repeated in unison, their tones high with interest.

The two girls both blushed, nodding shyly.

"Yes," Weiss murmured. "It's official."

Blake's ears flicked and she smiled bashfully, kicking one foot in the grass a bit as she took Weiss' hand. Weiss tugged her closer and nuzzled against her cheek.

Ruby's and Yang's faces were both covered by fur, but had it been possible to see blushes on their cheeks, it showed now.

"That's great!" Ruby cheered. "Congratulations!"

"Yeah, it's about time!" Yang laughed. "I mean, back when we were traveling, you two were always gettin' so buddy-buddy-"

"Yang, shuuush!"

The two continued bickering for a moment, while Weiss and Blake got their bearings, smoothing out hair and clothes.

"Geez," Blake sighed. "Just throw me in the river. I'm covered in bear spit."

"No need."

With a wave of her hand, Weiss emitted a small stream of magic onto her girlfriend. It sent a cooling sensation through Blake, almost like a tiny, personal shower had come over her, but she wasn't wet at all. The magic cleaned her off within seconds, leaving her feeling refreshed and worthy of contact from a princess.

"There," Weiss hummed. "All better."

She kissed Blake's cheek sweetly, and the beast girl let out a purr.

By then, the sisters had finished their playful banter. Yang turned back to the girls and shook herself.

"Welp, we'd just wanted to stop by for a visit and make sure you guys were doin' alright. But we'll head out now."

"Head out?" Blake repeated. "You're not going home?"

Here, Ruby and Yang both shared a look. The squirrel replied.

"We don't really have any specific place to call home. We just wander wherever."

Blake felt a pang of sadness pass over her heart, and she felt Weiss' grip tighten on her hand as well. Clearly, the princess was having none of that.

"Nonsense," she snapped. "Perhaps that was the case in the past, but not anymore." She released Blake's hand so she may kneel down in front of the sisters, wrapping her arms around Yang's neck and patting Ruby's back.

"We'll make you a home. Right here in our territories. Blake and I can make it together, and our friends will help. We can make you a den of your own right beside Blake's, and right beneath my tree."

Here, she pulled back, her lips forming the most endearing of smiles. "You two will always have a home here."

Blake hadn't ever known a bear or a squirrel to cry before she'd met these two, and Weiss' words of promise made her tear up as well.

Yang and Ruby both wailed words of thanks and pressed themselves close to Weiss. Blake soon knelt beside them and joined in the embrace.

At last, she and Weiss directed Yang and Ruby where to go.

"Just follow the path we came on," Blake instructed. "You'll end up by the river near our homes. Once Weiss and I get back, we'll start building you a den."

"Waah, thank you thank you!" Ruby squealed in excitement. "Yang, we're gonna have a home!"

"Yeah, we are!" the bear grunted, nudging Ruby up onto her back. Yang turned back to the others and dipped her head. "See you guys there. And thanks."

"Don't mention it," Weiss smiled. She got to her feet and pulled Blake up beside her.

Together, they watched their friends lumber back the way they themselves had come, chatting excitedly together about the prospect of their new home with their new friends.

Blake's ears flicked fondly as she watched them pad out of sight.

"I'm glad they found us."

"Me, too," Weiss agreed. She then took both of Blake's hands in hers, twirling around to face her. "And I'm glad I found you," she murmured, lacing their fingers together.

"Actually, I believe it was me who found you," Blake teased.

"Technicalities."

Weiss wrapped her arms around Blake's shoulders, instead threading her fingers through that thick, black tangle of hair.

Likewise, Blake's hands found their way to Weiss' waist, looping around the small of her back beneath her wings, her fingers slipping over the smooth silver of her hair.

Their eyes met – crystal blue and sunrise gold – and without a word, they pulled one another into a tight embrace.

For a moment they were still and silent, savoring one another's warmth, her breath, her heartbeat. Fingers stroked through hair, eliciting blissful sighs as their minds took them back on a journey of memories from the past several days and nights.

Not long ago, they'd been mortal enemies for no reason at all.

But now here they were, kindling a sacred love that had never before been seen – the first of its kind.

It was a love that would carry on for eons to come, bringing peace, warmth, and light to the forest they dwelled within.

They pulled apart a moment later, only enough to share a heartfelt kiss.

Their lips pressed together fully, eyes closed and hearts soaring. Blake's tail found its usual spot at Weiss' hip, curling around her, ears perked tall in contentment. Weiss' wings unfurled, naturally fluttering to demonstrate her joy.

They held tightly to one another as they were lifted up. Weiss twirled Blake a few times, and Blake placed kisses everywhere she could. A veil of glowing dust spiraled down to the ground beneath them, causing the once-brown earth to sprout tiny buds and blossoms.

Weiss kissed her again.

Blake kissed her again.

"I love you."

"I love you."

They landed, sharing smiles and another embrace.

And then, hand-in-hand, they continued their walk together – the beast and the fairy.

A/N: Ahhh it's over! I just remember how many days I spent writing this, all the weeks I waited to post new chapters for you guys. I know it was a little sloppy at times, but I hope you enjoyed the ride!

Thanks again to Dash for letting me write about her AU!

If you like my work, you can support me on as Kiria Alice!

Please review!