A little epilogue for this piece requested by Tom! It's definitely deserving of a little prequel!

Disclaimer: I do not own RWBY.

Epilogue.

It's been several years since team RWBY has been back to Menagerie together.

A lot has happened since the last time they'd been here. Their journey to bring peace and safety to all of Remnant is still far from over, but they've made leaps and bounds in improvements over time.

They continue to hunt Grimm and fight evil side by side, though sometimes it's a bit difficult to get the whole team together.

Weiss had successfully taken over the Schnee Dust Company two years ago, effectively turning the business around and becoming a significant and powerful advocate for Faunus rights.

And she didn't have to do it alone, either.

Blake had rejoined the White Fang and changed it from the bloodthirsty cult Adam had turned it into, back to the peaceful protest organization she'd once known it to be. She and Weiss would often attend the same meetings and events together, and even meet with Ghira himself from time to time.

But it's been so long since the whole team had gotten a weekend off to travel together.

There was plenty of room for them all at the Schnee mansion, and Tai Yang never minded having them over at Patch. But in the end, they decided on Menagerie, mainly because Blake had told them of how Kali had been pouting for weeks, asking her daughter to bring her friends back over.

And so they'd all packed a few bags and boarded the next ship to Menagerie together.

Presently, they spend the flight chatting and catching up with one another, until the familiar islands are in sight. Blake straightens up a bit.

"We're here. Brace yourselves. My dad's at a meeting so we're going to be defenseless against her."

Weiss rolls her eyes and takes her girlfriend's hand as the ship lands.

"Please, Blake. Your mother's an angel."

"It'll be nice to see her again," Yang says. "It's been a while."

"Yeah!" Ruby agrees. "I wonder if she'll notice my hair grew out a bit!"

"Oh, she'll notice," Blake promises.

As they pick up their bags and exit the ship, the sunny shores of Menagerie grin back at them. The island that was once exclusively Faunus is now intermingled with humans as well.

And the people responsible for that tandem peace have just arrived.

Almost everyone recognizes Blake and Weiss right away, and a crowd begins to form.

"It's Miss Belladonna and Miss Schnee!"

"I didn't know they were coming here!"

"Schnee Dust has really turned around since she took over."

Weiss and Blake meet the crowd with smiles as Yang and Ruby flank them, politely making their way through.

"Geez," Yang whistles. "Almost forgot I was traveling with celebrities~"

"Oh, hush," Weiss snaps. "You and Ruby were the ones getting flocked at Haven because of the hoard of Grimm you took out, remember?"

"Yeah!" Ruby pipes. "That was fun!"

"All right." Blake sweeps her gaze around the group to get their attention. "We've got to move a bit quickly. I told her we'd be there by noon and if we're a second late she's going to come looking for us and we'll never hear the end of it."

So the team of huntresses gently waves off the crowds and hurries along down the dirt foot paths toward the Belladonna residence. They're all thankful for the shade of the trees to diffuse a bit of the heat.

As soon as the house is in sight, Blake is filled with a wave of nostalgia. Her grip on Weiss' hand subconsciously tightens.

The pressure draws Weiss out of her own trance for the moment. There's been something weighing on her mind for weeks now, and today she's finally going to address it.

They only let go of each other's hands when they reach the steps and need to hoist their luggage up.

"Just brace yourselves," Blake warns. "You know how she gets."

"Oh, please," Weiss chuckles. "Your mother is adorable, Blake."

Once they reach the top, the others stand back as Blake goes to knock. Almost instantly, the doors open inward, and an excited and almost tearful Kali appears.

"Blake! Oh, I was getting worried!" She throws both arms around her daughter and knocks most of Blake's breath out of her. Blake rigidly tries to hug her back.

"Mom, we're not even late..."

"But you almost were! Oh my, have you gotten taller? You've got to stop outgrowing me! I can't have you shooting up to the ceiling like your father! You've got to stay on my side. How has the Fang been? When was the last time you ate?"

"Mom!" Blake blushes and pries herself back a little. "I'm fine. Everything's fine. Please don't cry."

Kali already has tears clinging to both eyes. She wipes them and sniffles.

"You know I can't help it, dear... It's so good to see all of you again." She gives another squeeze to hug her daughter, and this time Blake drops her bags and reciprocates.

"I missed you too, Mom."

Kali takes a long moment to be close to her daughter, still amazed by how much and how quickly she's grown. It's a bit difficult to let her go, but her other girls are waiting.

Once she releases Blake, Kali goes to Ruby next. Ruby's been waiting with a grin.

"Hi, Miss Belladonna!"

"Oh, Ruby! How many times have I said it? Call me Kali!" Kali pulls her in next, and Ruby eagerly squeezes her in turn.

"It feels like it's been forever!"

"It does indeed. I love what you've done with your hair. You've grown it out a bit, haven't you?"

"Yeah! I knew you'd notice!"

"Of course I did." Kali eases back, smiling. "I'm very glad to see you haven't changed much, Ruby. You're still the same clever, skilled huntress, but you've held onto that endearing optimism and that unwavering sense of justice."

"M-Miss Belladonna, you're making me blush!"

"Oh, I beg your pardon." Kali lets her go, but not without giving a soft ruffle to her hair. "Forgive me for asking, but... have your eyes changed since I last saw you? I can't quite place my finger on it, but..."

"Oh, yeah! I can use them really well now and control them at will! Wanna see?"

"Whoa there, lil' sis." Yang stops her with a hand on Ruby's shoulder. "No need to go there right now."

"Aww..."

With this, Kali moves onto her next guest.

"Yang. My goodness, look at you." Kali moves in to hug her next. Yang blushes slightly and wraps an arm around her.

"It's good to see you, Mrs. Belladonna."

"Oh, not you too! I feel so old!"

"Sorry."

"No matter. You're still as smart and strong as ever, if not more so. Definitely more than when we last met. You could give my husband a good spar and best him in no time, I'm sure."

"I'm not sure about that, ma'am."

"Oh, but I am. Don't tell him I said this but he's been getting a bit rusty lately. You could definitely show him a thing or two." She reaches up to ruffle Yang's hair as well. Yang smiles back.

"I'll see what I can do."

At last, Kali turns to Weiss, who has been patiently waiting her turn next to Blake. Kali can't even think of words right away, and just hugs her first.

"My goodness, Weiss! You're as beautiful as ever. I'm sure Blake thinks the same."

"Mom-"

"Thank you, Kali." Weiss is the only one of the group comfortable enough to call her by her first name. It's partially due to the fact that she's started dealing in business ventures more and more, and that using people's first names as a sign of camaraderie now comes more naturally to her. The other reason is because she's been over enough times with Blake to have gotten on a first-name basis with her parents.

Kali steps back to look into Weiss' eyes, which show the same symptoms of almost tearing up. Kali takes both of her hands and squeezes gently.

"I know I must sound like a broken record, but I've just got to say it again. Thank you so much for all you've done to turn around the Schnee Dust Company. My husband comes home from many meetings nowadays to tell of the impact you've made on your end. You're just as remarkable as ever, Weiss."

"Trust me," Weiss says. "I'm very glad to hear it. But there's still a long way to go."

"Indeed there is. But we'll all get there together."

With this, Kali invites them inside, helping them with their bags so they can settle in.

They spend the afternoon catching up around the tea table, discussing their individual progress in their fields, as well as their collective successes. Blake helps Kali prepare supper as the others take turns showering and unpacking what's necessary.

Weiss had planned in advance when to make her move, and she ensures she gets the opportunity now. While Ruby and Yang are up in the bedroom unpacking, and Blake takes her turn in the shower, Weiss approaches their hostess in the kitchen. She clears her throat and offers a smile.

"May I help with anything, Kali?"

"Oh, Weiss! Actually yes, could you please stir the pot for me?"

"Of course." Weiss does what's asked of her, but keeps an eye on Kali as she hums and makes her way around the kitchen. Weiss' heart feels tight in her chest, but she's come this far, and she isn't about to back down now. She speaks up rather softly this time. "Kali?"

"Yes, dear?"

Weiss gives the pot of warm soup one more stir before turning away, giving her full attention to the Faunus woman.

"There's... something I've been meaning to ask you..."

Kali can tell by her tone of voice that this is serious, so she stops cutting vegetables and turns fully to Weiss.

"What is it, dear? Is something the matter?"

Weiss' gaze flicks to the ground.

"No, nothing like that. I was just... I simply had a question to ask you."

"Anything, dear. Ask away. I'm all ears." She gives her Faunus ears a flick and chuckles. "Ghira always rolls his eyes when I say that."

Weiss chuckles a little bit; she knows Kali is trying to lighten the mood and put her at ease, and she's grateful for that. Weiss takes in a deep breath.

"Kali, I... Blake and I have been making a lot of progress together, in more ways than one. I've thought it over and over again, and I have a lot of things worked out-" She stops herself, trying to get back on track. "What I'm trying to say is... I'd like to ask for your blessing..."

For a long moment, there's no sound in the house other than the soft gurgling of the soup pot. Kali's eyes have gone wide and begun to waver.

Weiss feels like she's about to collapse, but she holds her ground and Kali's gaze, without breathing.

A tear drips down Kali's cheek, and before Weiss knows it she's being crushed into a tight embrace.

"Yes," Kali whispers. "I couldn't possibly say it enough, Weiss. You have my blessing. You have every blessing. I know you'll make her happy."

Weiss nearly chokes on her relief as she squeezes her back. Her legs start to tremble, and Kali is the only thing keeping her up.

"Thank you-" she rasps. "I swear I'll make her happy, Kali. And I'll keep her safe. No matter what happens, I'll-" Weiss' voice tapers off in a whimper as Kali cradles the back of her head.

"I know," Kali murmurs. "I know you will, Weiss. Thank you..."

They remain in their embrace for another moment or so, until Weiss gets her bearings back and draws in a deep breath.

"Thank you, Kali. And... I might need a little time before I can speak to Ghira about it..."

"Oh, don't worry about him! He'll cry even more than I did once you bring this up!"

The two of them wipe their eyes and get back to making dinner. The intangible weight Weiss has been suffering under has now finally lifted.

When Blake and the others return for dinner, Weiss can't help herself from pulling her girlfriend into a sweet kiss. Blake's ears perk up and her cheeks flush red, but she doesn't ask questions.

They all gather around the dinner table and take their time enjoying themselves. Weiss is particularly talkative due to her mixture of nervous and relieved feelings, but Kali always has a response for her.

Once they've finished eating, Blake prepares tea for everyone, which they all sip at long into the evening.

It's well past dark by the time the girls start yawning, and Kali gently puts her foot down.

"You four have had a long day getting here. I think you should go rest up. We have the guest room set up, if you don't mind sharing."

"Mind?" Yang laughs. "Mrs. Belladonna, the four of us have shared a room for about ten years. We can handle it."

"Glad to hear it."

They push themselves to their feet and help each other up before all heading to the stairs. Kali leads them to the guest room and flicks on the light. Two beds have been pushed together and covered with blankets to make one.

And in spite of their age, Team RWBY is a little bit eager to pile into bed together like old times.

Blake turns to her mother and gives her a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks, Mom."

"Don't mention it, dear." Kali kisses her cheek in return. Then she ushers Weiss over and hugs her as well, murmuring so only she can hear. "I won't say a word to anyone."

Weiss simply nods her thanks and smiles. Kali kisses her forehead before easing back. She does the same for Ruby and then for Yang, wishing them all sweet dreams.

Ruby climbs into one side of the bed, then Weiss after her, then Blake, and then Yang, keeping the soon-to-be engaged couple in the center together.

Kali waits for them all to settle before turning out the light.

"Sleep well, girls."

For Blake, it's a revisit to all of her warm, comfortable childhood nights of her mother always caring for her.

And for Ruby, Weiss, and Yang, it's a bittersweet reminder of their own lack of care from absent mothers.

But it sure feels nice tonight.

They all sleep well, and Kali knows her work is done for now.

Until she'll be able to start planning the wedding.

A/N: I was glad to expand on this Kali fic a little bit more, especially if it means proposal talk~ Thanks for reading!

Please review!