Rage & Hope: A RWBY Story

Chapter Sixty Three - Conviction

After Yang resisted Vice's Red Ring, she watched as the Ring blasted off into the sky and then go in the direction they had just come from.

Yang: Where is it going now? 

Razer: In search of a new host. You may have resisted the Ring, but there may be others who may not have that strength in conviction.

As Razer said that, Yang turned to the rest of the group. Tears built up in her eyes as she was overcome with shame about the things she said. 

Yang: I....I'm sorry....I....I....

Ruby: It....it wasn't your fault, Yang. It....it was that Ring. The Ring made you say those things....

Yang: But what I said....a part of me believed it....still believe it. The things I said....what I was about to do....

Saint Walker: You have nothing to be ashamed of, Yang Xiao Long. It was clear that you had rage deep within your heart. But you had the strength to not allow that anger to control you. 

Saint Walker's words brought some level of comfort to Yang. But when she looked back at Ruby and the others, she couldn't bear to look them in the eye. The shame she felt brought her to tears as she dropped to her knees. Without hesitation, Razer got up and approached Yang. 

Razer: For the longest time, I was lost in my rage. Even now, the rage in my heart still burns. But ever since I left Atrocitus and the Red Lanterns, I found myself wondering what might have happened had I refused the Ring. I....I accepted the Ring because everything I held dear had been stolen from me. My heart was so gripped with rage that I would've sacrificed anything just to have the power to exact vengeance on those who took everything from me. 

As Razer said this, his mind fell back to the day he lost Ilana and the day he accepted the Red Lantern Ring. He looked down at the Ring in his hand with shame in his eyes. Aya could see the pain on his face and place a hand on his shoulder. When Razer looked at Yang, he couldn't help but see himself at that moment. 

Razer: But in taking the Ring, I nearly sacrificed my soul. Every time I close my eyes, I find myself back in my home world on the day I accepted the Red Ring. A part of me believed that I was doomed to this fate from the start. But what I saw today proved me wrong. You....you showed me that it was not only possible to resist the Ring's call, but to outright refuse it. We....we are not so different, you and I. The rage in our hearts burn and sometimes threaten to pull us into that abyss. But when the time came, you showed the strength that I lacked. You proved to me that had I had that same strength, perhaps my path would not have led me down this dark road. And for that, I thank you, Yang Xiao Long. 

Razer then extended his hand to Yang. After a moment, Yang took Razer's hands as he helped her up. Yang then walked towards her team and hugged them tightly. Razer smiled as Yang and the rest of Team RWBY hugged one another. Saint Walker soon approached Razer. 

Saint Walker: You did a good thing, Razer. 

Razer: I only sought to prevent her from making the same mistakes I did. 

Saint Walker: And in doing so, you saved her soul. 

Razer: I did only what was necessary to safe my friend.

Aya: I agree with Saint Walker. You should be proud of this. There's no telling what would've happened to Yang had she accepted Vice's Ring.

As Aya and Saint Walker said this, Razer couldn't help but think of his late wife Ilana. He glanced up to the sky, wondering of she was looking down on him. Razer closed his eyes and smiled, feeling that he did a truly good thing. He had prevented Yang from accepting the Red Lantern Ring. However, Razer had another belief. 

Razer: I cannot take sole credit for this. My words alone did not prevent Yang from accepting Vice's Ring. It was her friends who truly anchored her. I was simply the final push she needed to see that accepting the Ring was not the way. If anyone deserves credit for anything, it's Ruby Rose, Blake Belladonna, Weiss Schnee and all those who stand with us on this journey. 

Saint Walker: Wise words, my friend. I couldn't have said it any better myself. 

Aya: What now, Razer? 

Razer: We continue on with our journey. 

With that, Razer and the others finally continued their journey to Argus. Despite the recent trials they had faced, they were able to rise above it. Meanwhile outside Argus, Cinder Fall and Neopolitan were walking a desolate road on the way to Mantle. Suddenly, a red light illuminated them. At first, Cinder believed it was Razer or even Vice. But instead, it was neither Razer or Vice. Instead it was Vice's Ring. As the Red Light shined on both Cinder and Neopolitan, the Ring approached Neopolitan.

Red Ring: Trivia Vanille of Remnant, you have great rage in your heart. You belong to the Red Lantern Corps. Give in....the ring knows your anger. 

As the Red Ring flew towards Neopolitan's finger, her mind fell to the rage within herself. Her mind fell to the day Roman Torchwick was killed during the Fall of Beacon. Her mind falls on the two people she believe were responsible: Ruby Rose and the Red Lantern Razer. Without hesitation, Neopolitan accepted the Ring. She lets out a silent scream as she underwent the painful transformation into a Red Lantern. Her clothing were converted into a Red Lantern uniform which was immediately shaped into what she normally wore. Cinder watched with interest as Neopolitan had accepted Vice's Ring and had become a Red Lantern. And this would send ripples that would be felt far beyond Remnant.