The Weapon

Hell. That is the best Ryder can describe his training. While he expected his training to be harsh, just not as harsh as it was. Taiyang really pushed him to his limits. At first, he couldn't handle it as his body just wasn't used to this kind of pressure. But as the days went by, he got used to it. His daily routine was strict, and he had to follow it to the letter. But as 2 weeks went by, he got used to it and began to see some genuine growth. He got better at fighting but had a head start thanks to the fighting knowledge he already had from playing VR Fighting games and his time in Karate. not much, but at least It's something. Taiyang also encouraged him to adopt a standard fighting style to base all his moves off and since Ryder isn't much of a fighter and more of a pacifist, he opted for a fighting style that focused on Defense, Disarmament and counterattacks. Waiting for his opponent to strike first and follow up with precise landed strikes and blocks. When he told Taiyang that's what he seeks in a fighting style, Tai knew what to do. Their training wasn't like his and Yang's. Tai understood that Ryder was a novice in combat. One of the flaws Tai pointed out was Ryder's body. 

He wasn't in shape, but he managed. Tai was impressed with how quickly Ryder picked up some things and how determined he was to get stronger. While he trained to get stronger, Ryder kept his suffering to himself. Being so far from home with no way to return, he'd come to the realization that he had lost his way home. He couldn't get back to Earth and was permanently stuck on Remnant. While that did make him lose the motivation to keep going, he tried to look past it and find a diamond in the rough. He forced himself to have hope that there was some way to go back home. But knowing all the dangers of this world, ideally the Grimm, he doesn't want to be some helpless boy anymore. He was sick and tired of being this helpless child. So that served as a motivation to become something more than what he was. Becoming a Huntsmen seems like one clear way to do that. He could be a hero and a warrior. 

Other than training, he's continued to work on his stories. One time Ruby brought up weapons and Ryder honestly forgot that he'll most likely need a weapon. But since he doesn't really want to kill anyone, he's unsure what kind of weapon to use. So, he's been brainstorming what kind of weapon he could use. He's been thinking about using batons or a bow staff, but he has no idea how to use them. He then thought about his fighting style and wondered if he could wear special gloves and boots. Kinda like Yang's weapon which are a pair of gauntlets. Ruby's weapon is a large Scythe that turns into a sniper rifle. He discovered it after Ruby enthusiastically showed it to him. Her weapon also has a name as does Yang's. Ruby's weapon is Crescent Rose and Yang's weapon is Ember Celica. Taiyang does have a weapon, he just doesn't know where he put it. He's also been doing some research on Grimm and other things in the world. He learned that Atlas has the most powerful military in the world, and it reminded him of the United States of America. His home nation. He then remembered how he wanted to join the Military when he was young. 

Oh, how naïve he was back then. Just so small and innocent. Now he's been tainted by the rough edges of the world and its problems. He wished he could go back to when he didn't know about the world's issues, back to the years when he thought everything was bright and happy. An unrealistic and unhealthy way to live, but at least his anxiety and fear wasn't as prominent as it was now. But maybe his life on Remnant can be different than his life on Earth. Only time will tell. Right now, he was relaxing after an intense training session with Taiyang. He had taken a shower about a few minutes ago so his hair was still wet a little bit. He looked at his hands that were still shaking after the training session. His whole body was shaking. Thankfully he was drinking water so that should stop sometime soon. Though, the aching pain he felt wouldn't go away with just some water. Thankfully his Aura works its magic to help deal with it. He had gotten used to his Aura rather quickly, despite how odd it was to have it. Back on Earth, stuff like that was just fantasy and science fiction. But here he is, basically wielding magic. 

He is launched out of his thoughts when he hears the front door open and close. He looked behind him and saw Taiyang. 

"Hey, Tai." Ryder greets. 

"Hey, Ryder. How you holding up?" Tai asks. 

"My body still aches from that training session, but I can feel my Aura kicking in to handle that." Ryder answered. 

"You're really getting the hang of your Aura, rather quickly I might add." Taiyang notes, sounding impressed. 

"Is that good?" the Earthling asks. 

"Oh of course. Ruby and Yang managed to get the hang of their Aura, but not as quickly as you." Tai answers. 

"Speaking of Ruby and Yang, where are they?" Ryder asks. 

"Sparing. Yang's trying to teach Ruby hand to hand combat, unfortunately she doesn't pick it up as fast as you do." Tai explains. "Thus, she's too reliant on her weapon." 

"ah, I see." 

"Speaking of weapons, what do you have in mind?" Asks Tai. 

"oh, uh. I'm not sure. Something that works with my fighting style I guess." Ryder said. 

"I see. So, something like Yang's weapon?" Asks Taiyang. 

Ryder nods. Yang has a pair of gauntlets, but he doesn't want something like that, he wants something that's unique. An idea then pops into his head. What if he could have a pair of gloves/gauntlets and boots that can channel various types of Dust? Since every weapon is apparently named, he has a good name for his weapon. But he needs to get his weapon built first. 

"What are you two talking about?" Asks Yang. 

Ryder looked over and saw both Yang and Ruby enter the room. 

"Oh, nothing too serious. Just talking about Ryder's weapon." Taiyang said. 

Ruby's eyes then light up with excitement. 

"Oh, oh, can I help make it?" she asks, happily. 

Taiyang looked at Ryder who just shrugs his shoulders. 

"I don't see why not. Sure." said Ryder. 

Ruby then gets all giddy. Yang sighs before letting Ryder know something. 

"You just opened the flood gates." she said. 

"What do you mean?" Ryder asks before he realized. "Oh crap." 

He forgot that Ruby is a weapon nerd. She treats her weapon as if its her child. He was a bit weirded out at first but eventually got used to it. Now he dreads to think about what she'll do when she makes his Weapon. 

"So, what kind of weapon are you looking for?" Ruby asks. 

Ryder thought about it for a second before answering. He wanted something non-lethal that compliments his fighting style. He also was inspired by Yang's weapons. It then dawns on him. He knows what his weapon can be, or well, what he weapons can be. 

"I... I want a pair of gloves/gauntlets and boots. They'll be able to channel various types of dust through them. This way I'm not using a lethal weapon and it'll compliment my Martial Arts." Ryder said. 

The three look at each other. Taiyang then grabs his chin, thinking about the weapon. 

"Gauntlets and boots. Definitely a unique combo." Tai comments. 

"it's also sounds like fun to make." Ruby adds. 

"I don't want to be too demanding of you, Ruby. If it gets difficult you can always go and do your own thing." Ryder said, sounding concerned about being a burden. 

"it's fine. Besides, I'd love to help you make a new weapon. Especially one as unique as this." Ruby said, downplaying Ryder's worries. 

Ryder smiles. He's happy that he's with good people and those that are willing to help him. Back on Earth, it was often him helping others. It feels nice to get help from others. He might miss his home and want to go back, but maybe his time on Remnant won't be so bad.