Amplify (A RWBY Story)

Ryder stood by the railing of the patio connected to the House. The patio didn't have anything on it. It was empty and had a patch for duels. A few trees were off to the side but other than that there wasn't much on the patio. Ryder came here to be alone and to catch some fresh air. He shouldn't have snapped at Ruby like that. He just got frustrated. All he wants is to keep his friends safe. He doesn't want to lose them like he lost Pyrrha. Yet here Ruby and the others are, in Haven and now they know about Salem and the secret War. They are now at the front of this conflict meaning they're in dangers way. They could get seriously hurt or worse, killed. Ryder doesn't want that. He then hears someone walking up behind him. He didn't turn around as he figured it was Ruby. 

"Look, Ruby. I didn't mean to snap at you." Ryder said. 

"I'm sure she understands, Ryder." Qrow said. 

Ryder looked over his shoulder and saw Qrow standing behind him. Qrow then steps closer and stands beside Ryder and looked out at the view the patio gives them. Ryder turned his head away from Qrow and at the view. 

"Look. I don't need another-" 

"Just listen to what I have to say." Qrow said, looking at Ryder. 

Ryder spares Qrow a glance. The Professional Huntsmen then returned his gaze to the view. 

"Your isolated approach to looking for the Dragon Balls. It's... dumb." Qrow said, bluntly. 

"It's better this way." Ryder said. 

"Is it?" Qrow asked calmly. "I mean, look what it's doing to you." 

Ryder didn't respond and stayed quiet. Qrow gave a soft exhale. 

"Look. I know what loss is like, what it can do to your brain." Qrow said. "There was someone close to me who I lost years ago. Ruby lost her too." 

Ryder had a good idea who he was talking about. Summer Rose. 

"She left for a mission and never returned." Qrow revealed. "Every day since then I always considered the what if scenarios. Like, what if I was with her? What if she didn't go?" 

Ryder spared Qrow another glance. 

"What if she didn't do it alone." Qrow said, with a somber tone before he collected himself. "My point is. We all face loss. We all handle it differently. But Ruby and Yang lost someone important to them already. Twice." 

This time he was referring to Summer and Pyrrha. 

"And you lost someone too." Qrow said. 

"Pyrrha." Ryder said. 

"You aren't the only one who lost her. There were other people who loved her, cherished her. Her friends, her team." Qrow said. "How do you think they'll react if they lose you too?" 

Ryder then thought about it. He's never considered it before. He was just so caught up in his desire to find the Dragon Balls and stop Salem that he never thought about what would happen if he died. Ruby, Yang and the others would be devastated. He's been so focused he never thought about his friends and how they feel. 

"I did what I did because I just want them to be safe." Ryder admits. 

"And they will be. I know it didn't sound like it when I told you about Tyrian. But trust me, all Ruby and your friends need is training and they'll be able to throw hands with the best." Qrow said. "Just give it time and they'll be able to protect themselves from anything Salem throws at them." 

Ryder hesitated and Qrow could tell. 

"Hey. They'll be fine. They got me and Ozpin to train them." Qrow said, assuring Ryder that it'll be fine. 

Ryder just nods. 

"Okay." Ryder said, his anxiety still attacking him. 

Qrow let a smile come to his face as he looked towards the great view they had. 

"Well. Let's head back inside." Qrow said. "As much as I like this view. There's a lot of work that needs to be done" 

Ryder nods silently and turns away from the patio edge and walked back towards the house. Qrow eventually followed him. In the living room, Ruby and the others were waiting for Qrow to return. Ozpin did tell them that they'd be training with him to get prepared for the battles ahead. Ruby was worried about Ryder. It was clear that he changed and his isolated approach to finding the Dragon Balls is hurting him. The group hears footsteps approaching and they all look towards it to see Qrow and Ryder entering the living room. Ruby stood up and approached Ryder. 

"Ryder, I-" 

"Don't. Qrow already gave me a talk." Ryder said, calmly. "I really don't feel like going through another." 

"Oh. Alright." Ruby said. 

Ozpin assumed control of Oscar's body to speak. 

"So, still adamant on keeping your friends out of danger?" Ozpin asked. 

Team RNJR looked at Ryder. Ryder hesitated for a few seconds before sighing. 

"I'll let them help." Ryder said. "But only if they train and take it seriously so that they can protect themselves." 

"I already planned to train them in preparation for what's the come." Ozpin said. "Your free to join us if you please." 

"I will. Mostly because a certain someone needs to actually learn hand to hand combat and not rely on her weapon." Ryder said, directing it at Ruby. 

Ruby laughed nervously as she knew what was coming. While Ryder still wanted his friends safe, this time, he'll be by their side to keep them safe.