Rage & Hope: A RWBY Story

Chapter Twenty Four - A Brawl In The Family

Later that day, Razer left the Emerald Forest after hours of isolation. As he was walking back to Beacon, Razer took a moment to reflect on his last interaction Aya. He soon felt remorse for what he had said to her. When he returned to Beacon, ships were seen flying above them. The airships bore the insignia of the Atlesian Military. 

Ruby: Hey, Razer! 

Razer said nothing as a large crowd gathered at Beacon's courtyard where they saw Atlesian troops exiting the ship along with a woman. 

Weiss: Winter!

They soon see Weiss approaching the woman. She's excited, but she soon becomes courteous. It didn't take long for them to realize what was going on. Winter Schnee and a squadron of Atlesian Knight 200s arrive at Beacon Academy. Winter Schnee and a squadron of Atlesian Knight 200s arrive at Beacon Academy. Ruby drags Razer along to meet with Winter. After Weiss greeted her sister, Weiss began to inquire.

Weiss: So, what are you doing here?

Winter: Classified.

Weiss: Oh, right. Well, how long are you staying?

Winter: Classified.

Weiss: Of course.

Winter soon glances over to Razer. The two stared each other down in a moment of uneasy silence. Suddenly, Qrow Branwen comes in and decapitates some of the Atlesian Knights. Seeing this caught the crowd off guard.

Qrow: Yeah, I'm talking to you, Ice Queen!

Winter: Halt!

Weiss: Excuse me! Do you have any idea who you are talking to?!

Qrow: Sssshhh. Not you.

Qrow then pushes Weiss out of his way and confronts Winter.

Qrow: Saw that gaudy ship of yours in town. I guess you're here, too.

Winter: I'm standing right before you.

Qrow: So it would seem.

Winter: You realize you just destroyed Atlas Military property.

Qrow: Oh, oh I'm sorry. See, I mistook this for some sort of...sentient garbage.

At this point, a brawl had broken out between Winter and Qrow. During the course of this fight, Qrow and Winter exchanged blows with each other. Winter then propelled herself towards Qrow and prepares to take Qrow down, but a commanding voice ends the fight.

Ironwood: SCHNEE!

Winter stops and turns to see Ironwood standing next to Penny

Winter: General Ironwood, sir!

Ironwood: What in the world do you think you're doing?

Winter: He started the altercation, sir!

Qrow: That's actually not true. She attacked first.

At this point, Ironwood realized that Qrow was right. He looked upon her with disappointment while Winter bowed her head in shame. As tensions were high, Ozpin: Headmaster of Beacon Academy arrived to calm the situation. 

Ozpin: Now, now, everyone. There is a sanctioned fight happening just around the corner at the Colosseum, that I can assure you has better seats...and popcorn.

Goodwitch: Break it up, everyone! We will take care of this mess.

Ironwood: Let's go.

Winter then walks away with Ironwood. Joining them was Penny and Aya. It wasn't long before Razer and Aya made eye contact. Nothing was said between the two. As the crowd dispersed, the group walked up to Qrow as Ruby leaps giddily onto Qrow's arm, shaking her legs in delight.

Ruby: Uncle Qrow!!! Hi. It's so good to see you! Did you miss me? Did you miss me!?

Qrow: Nope.

Qrow soon glances over to Razer. The Red Lantern quickly becomes annoyed. 

Razer: Is there something you need?

Qrow: Nah. You're an odd looking one. 

Ruby: This is Razer, he's an alien! Like from outer space!

Qrow: Is that right?

Razer: Do you have to go announcing that to everyone you meet, Ruby? 

Ruby lets out a nervous chuckle as Razer simply glared at her. 

Ozpin: Qrow! A word, please.

As Ruby drops from Qrow's arm, he turned to his niece with a smirk on his face.

Qrow: I think I'm in trouble.

Ruby: You did kinda tear up our courtyard.

Qrow: Yeah, I did. Catch ya later, kid.

With that, Qrow began walking away. Razer looked around the mess caused by the fight between Qrow and Winter.

Ruby: You okay, Razer? You seem kinda....broody. 

Yang: Razer's always brooding. 

Ruby: I mean you seem more...broody than usual. 

Razer: Nothing that concerns you. 

Yang: One of these days, you seriously need to drop the attitude. 

Razer said nothing in response to Yang's words. He glanced to his Red Lantern Ring. Fueled by anger and shame, Razer clenched his fists. Ruby could clearly see that something was on Razer's mind. After a moment of silence, Razer sighed. 

Razer: I....I know you're trying to help. I know I can be...difficult at times. 

Ruby: Don't worry about it, Razer. I know you want to do good. You know you can tell us if something's bothering you, right?

As Ruby said this, Razer's mind fell to what he said to Aya. A sense of guilt fell over the renegade Red Lantern. He also thought of Vice and how he roamed Remnant in a twisted hunt for Razer. 

Razer: I just....need some time for myself. 

Ruby: We'll give you time. 

With that, Ruby and the others left Razer alone in the courtyard. As Razer was left alone, he glanced over to the mess caused by the fight between Qrow and Winter. It reminded him too much of the destruction he witnessed on Volkreg. He glances around the courtyard, remembering the day he first met Razer. He had just been a victim of a brutal beating at the hands of one of the warlords. As Razer writhed in pain in the alleyway, Ilana approaches him, offering him help. 

Ilana: Are you okay?

Razer fell silent for a moment, stricken by her beauty. After a moment, Razer speaks. 

Razer(Past): I'll...I'll be fine. 

Ilana: Let me help you. I have some medicine at home to help heal your injuries. 

Razer(Past): Your name....I would like to know the name of the kind soul offering me help. 

Ilana: Ilana. My name is Ilana. 

Razer(Past): Ilana...my name is Razer.

As Razer recounted that memory, it was a bittersweet memory. While Razer cherished that memory, he knew that it would ultimately end in tragedy. After reflecting on that memory, Razer left the courtyard, with much to think about.