Summary/disclaimer: Time for another chapter of Shadows of the Force. Enjoy the 1500-word chapter. I don't own RWBY and Star Wars. Monty Oum, Lucas Films, and Rooster Teeth do.
(Vale embassy, Remnant 11:00AM)
Lerek looked at the building in question with a nod of approval. He and Blake slowly walked up the stairs, pausing to look up over at the building.
"So, as you said, they don't store the information on holobooks?" Lerek said which got a nod from Blake. "Huh, now I'll be interested. Books are rare back home, Jedi do nothing but record it in holobooks that line the walls… Remnant gets more interesting every day." Lerek said while he used the force to open the door.
"Follow me and try not to be weird," Blake said while Lerek chuckled.
"Don't think I can, odd is normal for me," Lerek said as the duo started to pass through the doors.
"Are all Arkanians like this?" Blake questioned while Lerek shook his head and hummed.
"No, most of them are arrogant, cocky… I'm just cocky." Lerek said before slowly peeling back his hood. "Do you recommend any books? You're the literacy expert." Lerek said while crossing his arms.
Blake hummed and led Lerek deeper into the library. Blake watched the Arkanian take in every book with interest. She blinked and then guessed that Lerek was NOT joking about enjoying literature.
"While you're mentioning it? Arkanians DO like knowledge, guess I've got that from my people." Lerek said as Blake pulled up a chair. "What do you suggest then?" Lerek asked as he removed his robe and placed it upon the chair.
Blake hummed and scanned the shelves around her. Lerek pulled the holodisk from before and placed it upon the table. He sat in the chair, gazing at Blake every few seconds as he tapped the table with interest.
"Well, Ms. Belladonna?" Lerek jokingly questioned as Blake hummed and sat up.
Lerek watched Blake vanish into the rows of books. The Arkanian Jedi could only guess she would return with her arms laden with books. It wouldn't surprise him, even if he liked the holobooks? Lerek often would sit in a chair, his station cluttered with dozens of data tapes, books, and every other form of literature.
"Blake?" Lerek questioned, leaning back in his chair. "Why do I get the feeling I did something stupid?" Lerek asked as he crossed his arms.
It was then Blake returned; her arms full of what had to be a dozen books. Lerek was more impressed that the Faunus hadn't collapsed at the weight of the objects.
'Ok, note to self? Blake is far stronger than she looks.' Lerek thought to himself as she placed the books next to him.
"You know, you could have asked for me to help," Lerek said with a smile. "Sides, I have to repay you for putting up with being my guide," Lerek said as he dusted off one of the books.
He looked at it, the worn leather told a story all its own. Lerek looked with interest at Blake who said nothing and took a seat.
"When did the author publish this?" Lerek asked, running his gloved fingers over the cover. "Blake, what book is this?" Lerek questioned with sincere curiosity.
Blake watched as Lerek started to look upon the book with such interest. He slowly turned it open, dust fluttering into the air as the Arkanian turned the book over, laying it upon the table slowly.
"You asked for a book on the Faunus," Blake said while Lerek gazed at the Faunus with interest. "That book is from the end of the great war… 100 years ago." Blake added as Lerek raised an eyebrow.
"A century ago?" Lerek asked and started to look through the pages. "You know that's just making me more curious when it comes down to it… And you should know I'm going to read this ENTIRE book." Lerek stated while he hummed and nodded to think about what this book had contained.
Lerek could only ponder what this book would contain at the moment. He slowly started to look over the book with far more interest. Lerek was quite curious as Blake was interested in how this would happen.
"Do you like this book?" Blake questioned as Lerek continued to slowly think over the book.
"I'm just curious how this book survived 100 years," Lerek said as he slowly began to digest. "Has nobody touched this? This dust looks like it's been here over 50 years." Lerek said while he settled on reading it.
"You'd be surprised how little people care for history," Blake said as Lerek paused and looked up at her.
"You'd be surprised by how many planets I've seen people trample over history on," Lerek said and turned to her. "You ARE trying to make the world a better place for Faunus, aren't you? You act like caring about your people is selfish… Why?" Lerek questioned with a raised eyebrow.
Blake was silent, Lerek could tell that he had touched on something sensitive. He trusted the Faunus and he could sense that she hurt.
"Blake, I've seen a lot of suffering as a Jedi. Don't think I'm too rude to have a heart." Lerek stated while he continued to skim over the next chapter of the book.
"There's… People I used to be close to, they wanted respect for the Faunus at the cost of anything else." Blake said as Lerek hummed. "They used to be above this, but now? They care more about forcing people to adore the Faunus, even if it means killing." Blake added with a frown.
"You can corrupt any ideal, Blake," Lerek said while continuing to read. "The separatists want to be free from the republic. I can agree with SOME of their criticisms of the republic… But they've targeted innocent people who have NOTHING to do with this war." Lerek said, pausing to flip the page.
"Why serve in the republic if you're fighting for something different?" Blake questioned and watched Lerek look at her.
"Why hide what you are if you're not ashamed of it?" Lerek responded and watched Blake look at the table.
"Blake? Everything has its flaws, that doesn't mean they don't have merits." Lerek said a moment later. "The republic gave me friends, it helped me reach people I want to help… If your former friends corrupted your ideals? Then don't act like the IDEALS were wrong, think about how you approach carrying out the ideals." Lerek said as Blake hummed.
"Pretty deep for a general," Blake said as Lerek shrugged.
"You listen to enough lessons? One of them is going to stick." Lerek said while looking at Blake. "There's a century in here? I'm starting to wonder if you're just messing with me, you could beat someone to death with this thing." Lerek said and flipped another page.
"There are plenty of books like that, I just found the biggest one I could find." Blake pointed out with a smirk.
"Well played, Belladonna," Lerek responded with a smirk of his own. "You know? You're taking all of this crazy stuff a little calmly…" Lerek muttered to his friend.
"You get used to it on Remnant," Blake said before the holodisk lit up.
"Sir? Professor Ozpin told me to inform you we will have a new arrival to these talks." Drifter stated as Lerek went to speak. "Trailblazer just identified about a dozen warships approaching. Professor said there from a kingdom called Atlas. We're busy talking now. Just thought I'd keep you in the loop." Drifter stated before the transmission went dark.
"Every second is an adventure," Lerek muttered and sighed before turning to Blake. "So, any chance you can help me take some of these to read? I'm used to holobooks which DON'T classify as a deadly weapon." Lerek said as he slowly sat up, closing the book as he did so.
Blake hummed and flashed a library card as Lerek nodded. Lerek brought up his comlink to his mouth, contacting Drifter in the process.
"Drifter?" Lerek stated while he retrieved his cloak. "Can you pick us up in 10 minutes? I'll talk to the Admiral when we return to the Trailblazer at the moment. How are the peace talks at the moment?" Lerek questioned as Blake started to pick up the books.
"They're going to continue tomorrow," Drifter responded as Lerek hummed and nodded. "They said you, Ms. Belladonna, and General Kenobi needs to be here," Drifter reported as Lerek shrugged and turned to take the books from Blake.
The duo had work to do at the moment.
Author Notes
Phew. Another chapter is done! I want to point out that the next chapter will be longer and such. I also want to point out this marks the start of season 2 of 6-8 I will be putting in the show. I am also having a Mando character due to my friend… But they're not the main character. The next chapter is in 2-10 months and will show more talking bonding… And show the Separatists regrouping and their first plan for Remnant. Until then, Lighting Wolf out!
P.S: Next chapter is 900-5500 words Friday. Ruby 900-1200 Monday, Emerald 900-1500 Friday, Cinder 900-1200 Friday, Elm 1200 Saturday, Penny 900 Tuesday, Yang 900-1200 Thursday, Raven 900-4500 Saturday, Winter 900-1500 Saturday, and Pyrrha 900-1500 Saturday.