Tobias: The War Hammer
The metallic hum of Virtuoso's base filled the air as Tobias stepped into the armory, his eyes widening at the vast array of weapons lining the walls. Swords, staffs, and other gleaming tools of combat shimmered under the cold overhead lights. In the center of the room stood Virtuoso, her pink-bladed lightsaber ignited, casting a soft glow across her sleek black fur and red eyes.
“Welcome, Tobias,” Virtuoso said, deactivating her weapon with a crisp hiss. She clipped the lightsaber to her belt and gestured to the armory. “It’s time for you to choose a weapon.”
“A weapon?” Tobias asked, his tail flicking nervously. “Why do I need one?”
Virtuoso’s gaze remained steady. “You’ve shown courage, but courage alone will not protect you from what lies ahead. A weapon is more than a tool for battle—it’s a symbol of your resolve.”
Martha and Bruno stood nearby, watching with interest. Bruno tilted his head. “Do we get to pick weapons, too?”
“In time,” Virtuoso replied. “Today is Tobias’s turn. His training begins now.”
---
The Selection
Tobias walked along the rows of weapons, his eyes darting from one to the next. Each one seemed to tell a story—a long katana gleamed with a deadly elegance, while a staff pulsed faintly with embedded energy nodes. Tobias paused at a heavy war hammer resting on a pedestal. It was enormous, with a steel head adorned with intricate carvings and a leather-wrapped handle.
“This one,” Tobias said, pointing to the hammer.
Virtuoso stepped forward, her red eyes narrowing. “The war hammer is the heaviest weapon here. It requires strength, balance, and precision. Are you certain?”
Tobias nodded. “If I’m going to fight, I want to hit hard.”
Martha’s floppy ears twitched in surprise. “Tobias, that thing is huge! You sure you can even lift it?”
Bruno smirked. “Go big or go home, right?”
---
Testing the Hammer
Virtuoso motioned for Tobias to approach the pedestal. “Lift it, then.”
Tobias gripped the handle with both hands and pulled. The hammer was heavier than he’d expected, and his arms trembled as he hoisted it off the pedestal. For a moment, it felt as though the weapon would topple him, but he adjusted his stance, steadying himself.
“You’ve got this, Tobias!” Bruno cheered.
“Don’t hurt yourself,” Martha added, though she couldn’t hide her grin.
Tobias swung the hammer experimentally. The motion was clumsy, and the weight nearly pulled him off balance, but he refused to let go.
Virtuoso observed him silently, then ignited her pink lightsaber. “The war hammer is a weapon of raw power,” she said, twirling her blade effortlessly. “It is not for the swift or the precise. It is for those who endure. Are you prepared to master it?”
Tobias met her gaze, his tail swishing determinedly. “I’m ready.”
---
Training Begins
Virtuoso deactivated her lightsaber and took a smaller training staff from the wall. “We begin with the basics. Balance, control, and stance. Without these, the hammer will work against you.”
She demonstrated the proper stance, showing Tobias how to shift his weight and swing the hammer without losing control. Tobias mimicked her movements, his arms burning with effort.
“Good,” Virtuoso said after a few attempts. “The hammer is an extension of your strength. Let it carry the weight for you—don’t fight it.”
Tobias nodded, his grip tightening. Each swing felt more natural, though the strain was still evident. Martha and Bruno watched from the sidelines, offering encouragement.
“You’re getting better already!” Bruno said, wagging his tail.
“You’re stronger than you look,” Martha added with a smirk.
---
A Symbol of Strength
As the training session ended, Tobias leaned on the hammer, his arms aching but his spirit unwavering. Virtuoso stepped forward, her lightsaber once again clipped to her belt.
“Why did you choose the war hammer?” Virtuoso asked, her tone curious.
Tobias looked up at her, his ears twitching. “Because I want to protect the people I care about. If I’m going to fight, I want every hit to count.”
Virtuoso regarded him for a moment before nodding. “A wise choice. The war hammer is a weapon of resilience, a testament to strength and determination. But remember, strength without purpose is meaningless. Wield it wisely.”
“I will,” Tobias said, his resolve firm. “I’ll master it.”
Virtuoso’s red eyes glimmered faintly. “Then your training begins now.”
As Tobias left the armory, the weight of the hammer in his hands felt less like a burden and more like a promise—a promise to protect those he loved and stand strong in the face of any challenge.
