Summary/disclaimer: Time for another chapter of Shadows of the Force. Enjoy the 4000-word chapter. I don't own RWBY and Star Wars. Monty Oum, Lucas Films, and Rooster Teeth do.
(Venator Class Cruiser, Trailblazer, Remnant 1:10 PM November 13th.)
Lerek looked at Blake who had become silent for a few seconds. She crossed her legs and feet under her body and drummed her fingers on her legs. She was well aware of the fact that the Arkanian was trying to plan his thoughts out well.
"Are you good?" Lerek questioned as he raised an eyebrow as he seemed to ponder what to do next. "Still thinking about what had happened at the library? There were plenty of soldiers crawling around the place at the time. I know those guys were important to you, it doesn't take a military strategist, a history of learning, or an advanced intelligence to figure that out." Lerek added before he tapped on his legs.
The Faunus leaned back on the bed, sighing as she did so. She ran a hand through her ashy black hair before she spoke once more. There was a beat before she seemed to question what to say or do.
"Yeah. I did." Blake stated before she seemed to sit back up. "The White Fang did know about me. I think I know how they found out about me and sent soldiers to capture me." Blake said as the Arkanian raised an eyebrow.
"Adam Taurus," Blake stated as Lerek gestured for her to go on. "He was my partner when I was still in the White Fang…. We were close. I heard from someone that he might be involved in the local cell of the White Fang." Blake stated which made Lerek hum.
"Then you're telling me your former partner might be after you?" Lerek asked which made Blake nod. "Great. That's going to be wonderful when it comes down to it…. How are you holding up? I thought you'd be passed out by now and thought I'd try and give you some space. We just had a firefight with a bunch of trigger-happy Faunus, last thing I wanted was to bother someone who had a long night." Lerek stated as he rubbed at his temples.
"Like how you had a long night?" Blake questioned with a wry smirk to which the Arkanian chuckled.
"Touché, Ms. Belladonna," Lerek responded as he took a deep breath. "Did you come just to mess with me, or talk? You seem a little more off than usual. White Fang bugging you? I'm not planning to destroy them, I know how bad they are, but I also know how easy it is to manipulate people." Lerek said to which Blake nodded.
"You told me a while ago I believe you hate how Jedi can't get emotionally close to anyone," Blake said as Lerek nodded. "You've never…?" Blake questioned to which he raised an eyebrow.
"Loved someone? No, not that way. I'd take a blaster round for any of my men. Drifter and they are families to me." Lerek said before he brushed off his shoulder. "Why? Interested in what the Arkanian thinks about love? Or are you asking for a personal reason?" Lerek asked with a smirk of his own.
Blake felt her face flush red before she punched him in the shoulder. Lerek chuckled and rubbed at his pained wound.
"I hate you," Blake stated which caused the Arkanian to roll his eyes at her.
"You're special to me as well, Ms. Belladonna," Lerek said before he yawned. "Want to watch a movie? I still have some holos I haven't watched in a while. Honestly, I would have expected something when it came down to it." Lerek stated before he seemed to question before he cracked his fingers.
Blake raised an eyebrow before she hummed.
"Maybe, let's see that book you got before they started shooting at us first," Blake stated as she stretched her legs and slid off the bed.
"Could have just asked for me to get it," Lerek said before he held up his hand and caused the Faunus to blink as she seemed to watch it fly towards her with interest. "What? Forgot I was a Jedi? Sorry, I didn't feel like getting up and doing anything." Lerek said before he waved his hand.
The book flew across the room as Blake twisted and caught it. Lerek only chuckled with amusement and stared at her with interest. The Faunus always made him curious. If there was any Jedi here at the second? He'd be interested in what they'd be capable of.
'Someone who has both Aura and the force? That might be almost unstoppable. Honestly? I'm curious if Blake and the students at Beacon could be Jedi, could honestly be worth staying here after the war if it means learning more about the Jedi at the second.' Lerek stated mentally and waited for Blake to walk across the room.
She elbowed him in the side as he hummed and simply rolled his arm as he waited for her to sit down next to him. He cleared his throat at her and looked at the book.
"Maybe DON'T throw it halfway across the room?" Blake questioned as Lerek hummed. "Hmm? Historical facts about Factions and Faunus?" Blake questions before Lerek shrugged.
"I like Remnant, never seen a planet like this. Second? I've not met the Faunus before." Lerek stated as Blake nodded.
"You could always ask; I've never heard anyone be interested in the Faunus," Blake stated as Lerek hummed.
"I've been asking about them the entire time I've been here, remember? They and Humanity." Lerek questioned before he rolled his arms. "Why? What did you get? I'd have gotten more books if not for the fact we're being hunted by Faunus revolutionaries and battle droids everywhere." Lerek added to himself more than her at the moment.
He honestly seemed to be happy with her for a few more seconds. It made him curious about what was to come when it came down to it. The Faunus looked at the Arkanian and shrugged as well.
"Just some books on the history of Vale," Blake said while she looked around the room. "Secondly? You're not mad they tried to kill both of us?" Blake questioned as Lerek chuckled.
"Blake? A lot of people have tried to kill me, people try to kill me almost every single day." Lerek said while he shrugged and seemed to roll his eyes to himself. "If I held a grudge against every single person," Lerek stated before he rubbed at his temples.
He was honestly interested in what to do next. The fact that there was more on his mind than the White Fang made him realize that this world was taking route in his mind at the second.
He clicked his fingers together and raised his hand towards the holoprojector across the room. He looked at Blake a second later as he did so.
"So, is that a no to watching a holo or not?" Lerek questioned with a smile. "I love how you get to talk around a Republic General so often and easy but you NEVER say thank you I'm letting you read republic books or such. I'm honestly offended at you, Ms. Belladonna." Lerek said while he pretended to dramatically sigh.
"You are a massive dork for a general," Blake said, a smile gracing her lips. "I guess that's alright, I've never seen a holofilm before. Are they any good or are they all the same?" Blake questioned which made Lerek tap his lips.
"There's far too much for me to list if I'm honestly thinking about it," Lerek said while he shrugged and looked around. "Depend. I'll let you pick. There, I'm being nice AGAIN Ms. Belladonna, I hope you're appreciative of my dire efforts to appease the great Faunus warrior of Vale." Lerek stated before he started to roll his eyes himself before he tilted his head.
There was only so much on his head that could become interested in what was going to happen. This had become a far more interesting contest than it seemed. There was so much going on. So much that hadn't yet been decided that it seemed to hurt. Yes, it seemed to ring in his head like a bell that wouldn't stop ringing.
"You don't get to relax that much, do you?" Blake questioned which wasn't an untrue statement. "No, I guess not. I guess I've been pushing myself a little hard as well to try and stomp out the White Fang lately." Blake said as she sighed and ran a hand through her ashy black hair.
"From what you seemed to say? It's not exactly misguided to see that there's more coming this way. Let's entirely be honest. We both know what will happen when it came down to it if they came to the city… Still doesn't mean it's not worth at least trying to." Lerek stated before he shrugged.
He was honestly more amused by her lack of sarcasm at the time. It was clear she was a lot more determined than he expected her to be at the time. she wasn't going to stop pushing his buttons until either she managed to get some answers on how to stop the White Fang, or if she died trying to do it.
That was something worthy of a Jedi which made him question when it came down to it if he should stay, see if there were more people similar to her.
"We need to be ready for this," Blake said before shrugging to herself. "You've never watched any of these holos before now? None of them?" Blake questioned to which Lerek nodded and seemed to look around.
"Considering I'm a general who is constantly on the frontlines of a major war at the time? Yeah, not entirely liking my chances at free time." Lerek stated before he shrugged to himself.
"Not enjoying it that well when it comes down to it. There's only so much that I can say or do. It had been a lot worse when it comes to entertainment. Secondly? Most of these things are terrible from what little we've seen or do." Lerek said as Blake rolled her eyes to herself.
"Sometimes your sarcasm is honestly one of the best things I've done when it comes to amusement," Lerek said before he rubbed at his temples to himself. "Always a pleasure. It honestly made me question if I'm going to be insane sooner or later." Lerek stated while he tilted his head.
"Do you always want to cover your problems up with sarcasm? Because I'm starting to think attempts to be witty is your go-to response." Blake questioned to which she nodded and started to ponder what to do next.
The Arkanian chuckled and brought a hand to his temples. He raised an eyebrow, his eyes gleaming with light as he raised his other hand and sent the remote towards him before flicking it to Blake's hand. She watched as she seemed to question what to do next and flicked the remote over as easily as she would with Gambol Shroud.
It made the Arkanian smirk, watching the motion with a lot more interest as he rubbed at his temples before speaking once more as she tapped the power button.
"You've been trained a LOT in swordsmanship, haven't you?" Lerek questioned to which she turned to him as he shrugged before he sighed. "I can tell someone good at combat when it comes to this. You're skilled at combat doesn't come unless someone trained you or you had a few years alone." Lerek said before he hummed to himself.
"Yes," Blake stated before she flicked the remote for a few seconds. "Droid debate, Twin Suns? Hmm… How about Waves of Mon Cala?" Blake questioned to which Lerek rolled his eyes.
"Oh, this is going to be a long damn day," Lerek said before he rolled his eyes. "Just pick one. I'm going to see if there are any other books I need from the library. It's going to be fun provided they don't shoot at me as of the second." Lerek stated as Blake turned on the console while he seemed to question what to do next.
She tapped a button and set the remote next to him. He had been honestly curious as to if she had any new questions when it came down to it.
"Your friends are probably going to think we're on a date or something," Lerek said as he raised an eyebrow at Blake before she glanced at the screen for a few seconds.
"They already think that when it comes to stuff like this," Blake stated to which Lerek raised an eyebrow. "Yang is taking bets on how long it will take for us to start dating when it comes down to it," Blake said while Lerek hummed.
"I'm going to guess that you are part of it?" Lerek questioned while he tapped to himself before he sighed as of the second. "What? If that is a bet and you win? You're the one getting paid. It's like betting against yourself, all it takes is a few lies and you win." Lerek stated as he smirked to himself and retrieved a punch to his arm.
"You're the biggest dork in this world," Blake stated as the monitor started to turn on. "Are you seriously asking me out?" Blake questioned as the Arkanian shrugged.
"Wouldn't be against it if I'm honest. You're a cool, tough Faunus and I'm interested in your company… When you aren't snarking or punching me." Lerek said before Blake turned to the side while she blinked at the moment.
"I'm picking the film if I go along with that," Blake said, pointing a clawed finger at Lerek who didn't at all seem to be concerned.
"Your making deals on a bet I'm going to help you win this bet?" Blake heard from Lerek as she poked him with said finger.
"I'm also not paying you part of it if I win," Blake said with the same smile.
"Oh, you're breaking my heart to pieces, Ms. Belladonna. What would your parents say?" Lerek asked before a small inkling of a frown crossed part of her face. "Sorry, rough spot?" Lerek questioned as he raised an eyebrow at her.
"You said Jedi don't get to meet their families, do they?" Blake questioned, cracking her fingers. "How did you grow up then?" Blake asked as she stretched her legs for a second and then folded them back under her.
"At the temple, like all the Jedi do. It's a lot more complicated when it comes down to it. there's a lot the Jedi need to give up when it comes to our way of life, Blake." Lerek said before he rubbed his eyes. "Now, if we're going to do something like win that bet? I am going to tell you I told you so at least." Lerek said before Blake hummed.
"You should know I read romance novels," Blake said to which Lerek hummed and tilted his head to the side. "And there's a part of the book where at least 1 group goes from being pretending to not," Blake stated before Lerek shrugged.
"We're fighting droids and people who want to kill you, I think faking a relationship long enough to mess with your friends and win a bet will be pretty easy," Lerek said before he tilted his head. "Also? Go ahead, it isn't like I'm going to pick something. This thing hasn't been used since the ship was created." Lerek stated as he sighed.
"I'm guessing you talked to Ozpin and General Ironwood already like you do daily?" Blake asked as she tapped the button.
The Arkanian nodded, curious as to why she asked that question. It didn't deter him from asking, but he supposed both had a long day, something had to give or change before they went insane.
(With General Ironwood, General Kenobi, Senator Organa, and Professor Ozpin)
"It's becoming clear the enemy is massing for an attack on Vale. These strikes have been troubling, but they're also trying to show more strength given their motives." Ironwood stated as he set his hands on the table.
There was more to question to this simple tale. A lot more. It had become harder for Ozpin to see what was coming. He was constantly trying to change his tactics at the time. He was going to be interested in what came if this wasn't resolved peacefully at the time.
"The Jedi Order is firmly against martial law, General Ironwood. I wouldn't recommend fear." Obi-Wan stated with a sigh. "These Grimm feed on it, just like it seems the Sith do. I am beginning to question what Master Zun would say if he was here at the moment." Obi-Wan stated before he sighed and watched the Atlesian General tent his fingers.
The man bothered him. Someone with all the power in the galaxy and none of the control? He didn't know what the general would do if he was forced into a corner. He didn't wish to be this way, forced into the ideals of politics.
Still? It beat trying to handle things another way, there had been too much blood spilled for him to pass up even a second of trying to end things peacefully. It was sad, but it didn't need to be.
Still? He was a lot more terrified of the fallout should he not end this with a new ally. Fighting a war on a second front would divide the republic more than it had been a few years ago. This had to end, had to be brought to heel.
"Perhaps still on his ship, General. Ms. Goodwitch told me he and Ms. Belladonna had retreated to his cruiser in orbit a few hours ago." Ozpin said, taking a sip of coffee as he did so. "She was the only Beacon student who hadn't gone to the dance. I should have realized he'd be with Mr. Zun at this moment. He and Ms. Belladonna seem to have a very close bond at the moment, it's not at all that hard." Ozpin stated before Bail looked back at the others.
He knew they'd need another Jedi here. The war could end up spiraling out of control. If they gave Count Dooku access to this technology? There's no real telling what would happen when it came down to it. He knew what would happen if they failed, though.
Then again? The fact that he had so much to lose at the time. They could stand to get their hands a little dirty.
"Perhaps it's time Master Yoda sees Remnant. If there's anyone who'd have the foresight to plan for the future? It'd be him." Bail stated before he sighed to himself. "I think Professor Ozpin would like him as much as I would enjoy having Senator Amidala here to help." Bail stated which made Obi-Wan sigh.
If they were brought? He knew Anakin and Ahsoka would come as well. The last thing he wanted was the most reckless Padawan and her Master, once his student, here.
Still? Bail had a point. Seeing Master Yoda would give him some wisdom. He expected the Jedi Grandmaster to know something that he hadn't, a welcome pace compared to the more… Mundane aspects of their duties, one which he didn't know if the man could manage.
He paused to mull over the options, there was a lot that could be done, but he didn't entirely see many problems if this had happened anywhere else.
"Yes, I think it might be a good idea to gain Master Yoda's input on this matter," Obi-Wan stated before he slowly pushed the desk in. "General? Professor? I would like both of you to come to my cruiser. I'll see to it personally that you both meet Master Yoda. Senator Organa? I would ask both Master Zun and Ms. Organa to join you if you're to contact Senator Amidala and Master Skywalker… This matter may become a lot more complicated than it had been a little while ago." Obi-Wan stated to which there was no real answer.
He had known the problems that came with this. Still? He didn't leave this to anyone that he didn't trust, Anakin was many things, but he wouldn't do something reckless unless needed.
And part of the Jedi knew, sensed at least to a degree that this war was coming to Remnant. The sooner this was properly handled when it came to it? the better. The second that he had more intel, the second he could properly deal with this. There was only so much he could say or do to deal with this problem.
"I'll do that as of now, Master Jedi. We need to get a hold on this before something bad happens." Bail stated before standing up.
(Trailblazer, Lerek's room)
Lerek watched Blake swing her feet back and forth as he tried not to get kicked in the face. Only she would do something like turn on a romance movie. He'd ask why this had come to pass later on at the time. it had been a lot more interesting at the time.
Still? There was time for him to complain at a better time. this wasn't the one. He yawned and put his legs under him, honestly curious as to what the woman would do next.
"You don't get to relax often, do you?" Blake questioned, kicking at the pillow next to her.
"Do you?" Lerek questioned they weren't answered by Blake. "Sometimes it's hard to unwind. You're trying to track down an entire army of people who all want you dead. I'm dealing with a war that is probably going to spill out onto this planet." Lerek stated before he rubbed at his temples.
"What are we going to do then when it came down to it?" Blake questioned, laying the remote next to her. "So, you're telling me you've never watched one of these things?" Blake questioned to which Lerek nodded as he hummed to himself.
"No, not if I'm being honest. It's a lot more out of my timetable when it comes to this." Lerek added to himself. "Why? You expected me to have a lot less on my plate? These holos are usually cheesy and romantic." Lerek stated before crossing his arms across his chest.
It had been odd when it came down to it. A lot odder than she expected. She was aware of what to do next. She had been a soldier and she had known a lot more as of the second. It had been a lot more as of the second.
"We're going to be on the ropes for a while if the White Fang is as dangerous as you say. They can lay down more firepower then." Lerek said before he brought a hand to his temples. "What will happen if they try and strike again? Battle droids are easy, they are programmed with simple tactics, they lack self-preservation, and they are concerned with numbers more than any real tactics. People, who can think? Plan? Go underground? That's something else." Lerek stated before he tilted his head.
Blake frowned as she looked around before she watched the movie come on. A blue alien with tail-like tendrils coming from its head filled the screen.
Still? She had been hopeful the White Fang could be stopped. Their entire army was everywhere and if they got the technology from another world? They'd march across every kingdom, burning them all to the ground.
It was then that Lerek's datapad beeped.
Author Notes
Phew. Another chapter is done! I want to point out that the next chapter will be delayed. The next chapter will be in 2-10 months and it will show both Lerek and Blake handling a mission and setting up the romance, Anakin, Ahsoka, and others coming to Remnant and setting up the next arc. Until the 900–6500-word chapter, Lighting wolf out!