Amplify (A RWBY Story)

The Walk to the nearest village took a while. Ryder didn't fly because he honestly needed a break from flying and needed to stretch his legs. But along the way to the nearest village that had a train station, Ryder and Oscar talked. Ryder broke down what the Dragon Balls were and why they were so significant without mentioning Salem. But it turns out, Ozpin already told Oscar about Salem. So, Ryder was free to tell him why the Dragon Balls were key to defeating Salem.

But the more he talked about the Dragon Balls Ozpin was secretly listening to this and was growing concerned for Ryder. He can tell Ryder is not okay and that worries him. Ryder is his student, his pupil so of course he's going to be worried about him. Ryder is also one of the biggest players in his war against Salem, he cannot let him be consumed by his emotions or whatever trauma he's suffering from. 

By the time the duo arrived at the village, it was already down pouring rain. So, they rushed to the station to get a ticket to get on board. Ryder gave Oscar some Lien that he had managed to secure from doing side quests for villages in his travels. He needed money to sustain himself, so he opted to do some mini quests for villages. Oscar uses the money and attempts to gain access to two tickets for himself and Ryder. Now you may be asking, why isn't Ryder just flying himself and Oscar to Mistral? That's simple. Ryder's been flying for so long he wants a break and this is his chance. Besides, he can afford it. As Oscar used the funds to buy tickets, the machine glitched out and denied them. 

"Just our luck." Oscar mumbled. 

"First the rain and now this. Great." Ryder said, clearly irritated. 

Ryder then felt his magic spike in warning. Oscar noticed Ryder's facial expression change. 

"What is it?" Oscar asked. 

{Be on your guard.} Ozpin said within Oscar's mind. 

"What do you mean?" Oscar asked, clearly spooked. 

Little did they both know a tall man in green was walking towards them. Ryder spots him in the corner of his eyes but doesn't look at him. But Ryder prepares for combat. The man was Hazel, but they didn't know that. 

"Here..." Hazel said as he walked closer. 

Oscar looked over with Ryder doing the same. Hazel arrives and raises his fist. Oscar flinched and Ryder clenched his fists. But Hazel slammed his fist onto the machine causing it to make noises and then spit out two tickets. Oscar knelt and picked them both up as Hazel walked past them both, stepping back into the rain. The man soon stopped and looked over his shoulder at them. 

"Don't let such a small obstacle block your path." Hazel said. 

With those words, Hazel kept walking away not bothered by the rain. Ryder watched him off before he heard Oscar talking. 

"That man. I felt... who is he?" Oscar asked. 

{Someone from my past. Someone who should not be taken lightly.} Ozpin warned. 

Another train then rushed past the station causing wind to stir around them. Ryder then looked at Oscar. 

"Let's get onboard before we're left behind." Ryder said. 

Oscar nods at him before he and Ryder make their way to get on the train. Once on the train, they immediately take their seats. Ryder looked into his satchel and looked at the Dragon Balls. He still couldn't believe how close he was to finishing his main quest. Oscar got a look at the orbs and was in awe at their design. He still couldn't believe that wish orbs actually exist. Ryder closes the satchel and leans back in his seat. 

"Are you okay?" Oscar asked. 

"Just tired is all." Ryder said as he closed his eyes. 

Soon after, the train starts moving. The train ride is long, but Ryder gets the chance to catch up on some sleep. Not for long though as he quickly wakes up due to a nightmare. He's been having them a lot lately and they aren't good. Every time it's about his friends in danger or worse being killed. Oscar watched on as Ryder just attempts to go back to sleep. 

{this is not good.} Ozpin said. 

"You're worried about him, aren't you?" Oscar asks. 

{I am. If you saw how he was before the Fall of Beacon, you would be worried as well.} Ozpin answered. 

"What do you mean?" Oscar asks. 

{He was... how should I put this. Bright. Like the sun.} Ozpin said. {Always with his friends and always fighting with them. But now, a shadow looms over him. Like the dark in the night.} 

"He's changed." Oscar points out. 

{Yes. And I fear for the worst.} Ozpin said. 

For the rest of the ride, things were silent. As the sun's rays soon shined into the train car, Oscar looked at a poster that was advertising Haven Academy. He then looked at Ryder who was still sleeping. He then heard a voice over the PA System. 

"Approaching City of Mistral." The voice said. 

Oscar then looked at Ryder who soon woke up. Ryder looked outside and then at Oscar. 

"How close are we?" Ryder asked. 

"The PA System just announced we're approaching the city. So not far." Oscar said. 

"In hindsight, we would've gotten here a lot faster if I flew us to the city." Ryder said. 

"You did say you wanted a break." Oscar mentioned. 

"Yeah, your right. I did." Ryder said, nodding his head. 

Eventually the train came to a stop and both Oscar and Ryder got off the train. With Ozpin's guidance, they moved through the city to find Qrow. Ryder still had no idea how Ozpin knew where to find Qrow but didn't bother to ask. It took them some time to move through the city due to its layout not being a normal city. Ryder was in awe at everything around him but focused on the task at hand. They eventually arrived at a bar and honestly, he wasn't surprised. From what he knew about Qrow, the guy drinks a lot. The duo enters the bar and there isn't really anyone inside the bar. Ryder looked around and eventually saw Qrow sitting up at the bar counter deep in thought. Oscar walked up first, and Ryder followed him. 

"Excuse me." Oscar said, trying to get Qrow's attention. 

Qrow turns around in his seat and sees Oscar first and doesn't notice Ryder until a second later. He was surprised to see Ryder with some random kid. 

"I hope you know that kids are really allowed in places like this Ryder." Qrow said. 

"Just listen to what the kid has to say." Ryder said, crossing his arms. 

Qrow raised a brow before looking at Oscar. Oscar shifts around nervously before speaking. 

"I'm supposed to tell you... I'd like my cane back." Oscar said. 

Qrow was surprised by this but soon after he nods. He gets off the stool and stood before Ryder and Oscar. Oscar stepped back, clearly nervous. An awkward silence followed before Qrow grabbed the handle of a cane from his belt. 

"It's good to see you, Oz." Qrow said. 

Qrow then tossed the handle to Oscar who caught it resulting in the cane extending to its full length. 

"You too, Ryder." Qrow said. 

"You as well, Qrow." Ryder said back.