Rage & Hope: A RWBY Story

Chapter Eighty One - A Night Off

After constant missions and vigorous training sessions, Razer and Aya along with Saint Walker and the rest of Ruby's Group were granted a night off. The group decided to attend a party celebrating the election win of Robyn Hill. On the way to the party, Ren discusses the threat of Salem.

Ren: We spent so much time worrying about how Ironwood will react to the truth about her, but have any of us considered how we're even going to beat her if we manage to work past that?

Nora: Jinn said she can't be beaten.

Ruby: Jinn told Oz that he couldn't destroy her.

Nora: But maybe someone else could?

Saint Walker: Perhaps there was more to Jinn's words than we initially thought. Words can sometimes have different meanings.

Blake: What do you mean by that?

Saint Walker: As Ruby said, Jinn told Ozpin that he couldn't destroy her. Perhaps that means that he is not meant to destroy her. Perhaps that responsibility belongs to another. Who that is, I cannot say.

Ren: But how do we know this?

Saint Walker: I suppose we'll know when the time comes. 

The situation soon became tense as Ren and Nora became frustrated with each other. It was at this point that the group split up. Blake and Yang would go to a club while Weiss, Oscar and Jaune go to a movie. Razer, Aya and Saint Walker remained with the rest of the group. As they arrive at the party, they are greeted by Penny.

Penny: Ruby, Nora, Ren, Razer, Aya, Saint Walker!

Ruby: Hey, Penny.

Penny: I am so glad you made it. It's just Marrow and I tonight, so more friends means more fun. Where are the others?

Nora: Weiss is out with the boys, and Blake and Yang are off doing their own thing...again.

Ren: At least they're back to being friends.

Nora: Friends, huh? Just friends?

Aya: The General gave us this night off to rest and unwind. We may not get another chance to have these moments. Let's not waste it bickering among ourselves. 

Razer: That is exactly what the enemy wants. 

Ren: I thought you of all people were taking this seriously. I guess I was wrong.

The group simply remained silent as the group entered the building and attended the victory party for Robyn Hill where it was projected that she would win the council seat. As the guests mingled with one another, Razer and Aya spoke to one another. 

Aya: Ren seems more tense than usual. 

Razer: I can't say I blame him. Given the situation, I understand where he is coming from. The threat we face is a grave one.

Aya: Do you speak of Salem or the Red Lanterns?

As Aya asked that, Razer fell silent for a moment. He couldn't decided who was the bigger threat: Salem or the Red Lanterns. The fact that the Red Lanterns have yet to make their move after the death of Vice deeply concerned him. It wasn't long before he noticed Ruby who was stressed out. 

Razer: Is something wrong, Ruby?

Ruby: Razer....are we....are we doing the right thing?

Razer: We're doing the best that we can with what we are given. That is all any of us can do.

Ruby: Do you think Ren's right? Are we just wasting our time?

Saint Walker: Ren has some good points. His heart is in the right place.. But we cannot dwell on what might happen. Remnant needs us. If we do not believe in ourselves, then how can we expect others to believe in us when the time comes? All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us. 

With those encouraging words, Ruby found her confidence. Despite not knowing what would happen, Ruby felt confident that she would lead her allies through the journey. Razer, Aya and Saint Walker then continued to observed the party. Soon enough, they spoke with Robyn Hill.

Aya: Congratulations on your victory, Miss Hill. You must be very proud.

Robyn: I didn't do this for the glory. I did this to help the people of Mantle. The people here need someone to help them since Ironwood doesn't give a damn about them.

Razer: Then let us hope you live up to your word. 

Robyn: You three seem like good people. 

Saint Walker: As I said earlier, we are all on the same side. 

Robyn: Maybe in another life, you three could've been Happy Huntresses.

 Razer: I am content with where I am. 

Soon enough, Fiona Thyme addresses the crowd.

Fiona: I want to thank everyone for going to the polls today. This is Mantle's moment. I know that, like me, you're all thrilled that we chose Robyn as our voice in Atlas. No one has fought harder for Mantle than she has. And...I know Robyn will continue that fight on the Council. Will you share a few words?

Robyn soon takes center stage and addresses the crowd who began to applaud for her.

Robyn: I've never been much for public speaking, probably wasn't my best idea ever to go into politics. Thank you so much, everyone, for choosing me. You said you believe in me. But I'm the one who believes in all of you. You've proven to me that as individuals, we are strong. But together, we're unstoppable. So no matter what happens tonight, win or lose, we will continue to fight for our city, because it is this city that brings us together.

As the results of the election are about to be announced, Ruby notices a hooded figure among the crowd. A prosthetic tail could be seen on the individual. At the same time, Razer and Aya along with Saint Walker notice the same individual. Before Razer, Aya, Saint Walker and Ruby could intercept the individual, the lights in the room suddenly shut off. In that moment, a threat would soon reveal itself.