Rage & Hope: A RWBY Story

Chapter Twenty Five - A Day At The Fair

As the Vytal Festival continued, Razer sought to continue training, but was dragged to the fair by Team RWBY. As Team RWBY tried to get Razer to gave fun, Razer resisted. Suddenly, Penny ran over to Ruby and hugged her in a tight bear hug which Ruby was barely breathing.

Ruby: Penny.....can't breathe....

Penny quickly releases Ruby from the bear hug. Upon spotting the rest of Team RWBY, Penny smiles.

Penny: Salutations!

It wasn't long before Aya joined Penny. As Aya made eye contact with Razer, the Red Lantern sighed.

Razer: Aya.

Aya: Razer. I would like to apologize about what I said to you earlier. I...I was insensitive. I didn't....

Razer: There is no need for you to apologize. You...you couldn't have known.

As Razer and Aya spoke, Yang takes a peak. With a smirk on her face, she gestures Team RWBY and Penny to quietly walk away, leaving Razer alone with Aya. By the time Razer realizes what's going on, they were already gone.

Razer: I swear Xiao Long will be the death of me.

Aya: Perhaps we should explore the fairgrounds.

Razer: If that is your wish.

Left with no other choice, Razer joined Aya in exploring the fair. It was packed with people much to Razer's annoyance. As they walked the fairgrounds, they came across a shooting range.

Game Vendor: Shoot all the targets and win a prize! Hey, mister! You look like a sharpshooter!

Razer: And what if I am?

Game Vendor: Then step right up and shoot the targets. Shoot all the targets before the time limit and win the grand prize for your lady!

The game vendor then points to a large teddy bear. Aya lets out a small smile while Razer lets out an annoyed sigh.

Razer: Not interested.

Aya: Come now, Razer. I'm sure it'll be fun. Give it a try.

Razer sighs as he reluctantly agrees to play the game. Razer takes aim with the gun given to him. As he takes aim, he nods to the game vendor. When the targets began popping up, Razer shot at them. Razer utilized his Red Lantern training to hit the targets. When the last target was shot down, he still had five seconds to spare.

Razer: I believe I've won your game.

As Razer proclaimed victory, the game vendor hands Razer the teddy bear. The teddy bear was a lot heavier than he expected. As he was given the teddy bear, he hands it to Aya who smiled at him.

Aya: Thank you, Razer.

Razer said nothing as he and Aya continued walking the fairgrounds. As they walked, Razer spoke to Aya.

Razer: You said earlier that you and Penny were the first first synthetics capable of generating an Aura.

Aya: That is correct. Our father created us by transferring his Aura into both of us. In a way, he gave us a part of his soul.

Razer was skeptical about this. While it was clear to Razer that Aya and Penny were different from typical combat androids, he did not believe that droids were capable of feeling emotions.

Aya: One day, it will be my job as well as Penny's to save the world. But we still have a lot left to learn.

With that, Razer and Aya continued participating in various rides and games throughout the fair. When the Sun set down, Razer and Aya parted ways. Razer then made his way back to his room. It wasn't long before he was approached by Team RWBY.

Yang: So how was your date, Razer?

Razer: You have a lot of nerve pulling that stunt, Xiao Long. You're even bolder showing your face to me.

Weiss: It was Yang's idea. We just went along with it.

Yang: Aw c'mon, Razer! Aya's totally into you! And don't think I didn't catch you eyeing her!

Razer: I do not have time for childish games. I'm going to bed.

With that, Razer closes the door to his room. Once he was left alone, Razer glances over to his Red Lantern Battery. Seeing that his Ring needed charging, Razer walked over to the Battery. As he prepared to charge it, a knock came at the door. When Razer opens it, he sees Aya.

Aya: Hello, Razer. Have you finished your recharging ritual?

Razer: No.

Aya: I have something that might help. I ran a detailed analysis on the rhythm and meter of your Red Lantern oath and have created an alternative.

Aya then hands Razer a piece of paper. As Razer reads it, he sees that the alterative oath was indeed like the rhythm and meter of the Red Lantern oath. Razer then raises his Ring towards the Battery and began reciting the alternative oath.

Razer: The power of the crimson red, Can lead your soul away from dread, And heal the deepest wounds of hate. Let no one else decide your fate.

As Razer recited the oath, Aya analyzed him.

Aya: I detect no change in your metabolic rate. Have you recharged?

Razer: Yes. Thank you, Aya. Your concern is....appreciated. I should rest. Good night, Aya.

Without warning, Aya hugged Razer. Razer was taken aback by this. Aya then leaves Razer alone. As Aya left, Razer sighed.

Razer: I wish it were that easy...

Razer then raises his Ring to the Battery, revealing that the alternative oath did not work.

Razer: With blood and rage of crimson red, Ripped from a corpse so freshly dead, Together with our hellish hate, We'll burn you all--that is your fate....

As Razer recharged his Ring, a feeling of shame and resentment overwhelmed him. But another feeling was felt. One touched by the kindness of another. Only time would tell of what that kindness would bring.