Rage & Hope: A RWBY Story

Chapter Six - Forever Fall

One day, Glynda Goodwitch leads some of the teams through a forest. The groups included Team RWBY along with Team JNPR and Team CRDL. Joining them was Razer. Razer's presence made the members of Team CRDL uneasy. As they walk through the forest, Glynda speaks to the students.

Glynda: Yes, students, the forest of Forever Fall is indeed beautiful. But we are not here to sight-see. Professor Peach has asked all of you to collect samples from the trees deep inside this forest, and I'm here to make sure none of you die while doing so.

Glynda then pulls out a jar and presents it to the students.

Glynda: Each of you is to gather one jar's worth of red sap. However, this forest is full of the creatures of Grimm, so be sure to stay by your teammates. We will rendezvous back here at 4 o'clock. Have fun!

With that, the teams began to split off to explore the forest. Jaune split off from the group to join with Cardin's team. It was clear to everyone that something was wrong. As Team RWBY and Team JNPR began collecting sap, Razer used his Ring to rip the trees from the ground and siphon the sap from it. 

Razer: This hardly seems like a challenge. 

Yang: Says the guy ripping trees out of the ground with his ring. 

Razer says nothing as he ignores Yang's comment. Razer along with Team RWBY and Team JNPR continued collecting the sap without much incident. Suddenly, roaring was heard in the distance.

Ruby: Did you guys hear that?

Suddenly, the members of Team CRDL minus Cardin began running the other way from the roar through the other students.

Russel: Ursa! Ursa!

Yang: What?! Where?!

Russel: Back there! It's got Cardin!

As Russel said this, Pyrrha drops her jar of sap, knowing that Jaune was with Cardin.

Pyrrha: Jaune!

It was in that moment that Ruby went into leader mode.

Ruby: Yang! You and Blake, go get Professor Goodwitch!

As Yang and Blake followed Ruby's orders, Pyrrha turned to Ren and Nora.

Pyrrha: You two, go with them! There could be more!

Razer: Finally! A challenge worth my time!

With that, Razer joined Ruby, Weiss and Pyrrha as they made their way to where Jaune and Cardin were. They soon saw them facing off against a large Ursa Major attacking Jaune and Cardin. They watch as the Ursa leans over the helpless victim, raising its paw and swiping it down only to be blocked by Jaune's shield, Crocea Mors. He struggles to defend a stunned Cardin from its attempts to lean on him, but Weiss lifts Myrtenaster as she prepares to go help.

Pyrrha: Wait!

As Jaune valiantly fights off the Ursa, Pyrrha uses her Semblance to help Jaune out. 

Ruby: Uhhh... What?

Weiss: How did you....

Pyrrha: Well, Ruby has her speed, you have your glyphs. My Semblance is polarity.

As Pyrrha said this, Razer noticed a group of Ursa Minor making their way to the area. 

Razer: We've got company. 

Ruby: That's a lot of Grimm.....

Razer: They're mine. 

Without hesitation, Razer charged up his Ring and flew into the direction of where the Ursa Minor were. Ruby, Weiss and Pyrrha stayed behind to help Jaune. As Razer ran into the fire, he was attacked by an Ursa Minor who bit his right arm. Razer managed to kill the Ursa Minor with by crushing it's skull with a construct of a clawed hand. Fighting through the pain, Razer used his anger to press on. The former Red Lantern soon found himself surrounded by Ursa Minor. Despite being surrounded, Razer stood his ground as he formed a construct of two swords from his hands and began hacking his way through the Grimm. As he held his ground, one of the few remaining Ursa Minor got the drop on Razer, throwing him against a tree. As the Ursa Minor goes to attack, Razer rolls out of the way and grabs the Ursa Minor. He then vomits plasma blood from his mouth, killing the Grimm. Razer got back on his feet and prepared to make his stand.

Razer: Come and get me if you want it!

Suddenly, a loud roar was heard, causing the remaining Ursa Minor to run off. Without hesitation, Razer ran to the sound of the roar. To his surprise, he sees Jaune standing tall over the Ursa Major's corpse. Razer couldn't help but smile at the fact that Jaune finally showed his strength. Soon after that, it was decided that it was best that they kept the details of this incident to themselves. After that, all teams were able to gather the sap needed to pass. Later that night, Razer was preparing to head back to his room when Team RWBY approached him. 

Razer: What do you want? 

Ruby: We really need to talk. 

Razer: There is nothing to talk about. I killed the beasts. That is all.

Yang: Look, we're getting worried about you, Razer. You seem....angry. 

Razer: Aren't you the detective. Congratulations. You've cracked the case. 

Weiss: We're simply trying to help! Do they have manners on your planet?

Razer: Do not speak of my planet, Schnee! 

As Razer lashed out at the members of Team RWBY, he took a moment to note their actions at the Forever Fall. He couldn't help but respect them.

Razer: You were all foolishly brave today. 

Ruby: Um....thanks? I guess?

Razer: Perhaps you're all not as hopeless as I assumed. But that is far another time. I am tired and I would very much like to sleep. Good night.

With that, Razer entered his room. While Team RWBY were far from cracking Razer's shell, they at least had his respect. Only time would tell if they would be able to call Razer friend.