Rouge could hardly believe her eyes, both Rowan and Jacen were walking beside each other.
Dressed in the same clothes she'd been in during the battle in the Emerald Forest, she ran a hand over the brim of her hat.
From what Gray had told her, she half expected to find Jacen and Rowan broken, requiring her to administer all of her medical knowledge to care for them.
"I see my concerns were unfounded," she said once they were near her.
Jacen was the first to speak, "Nice of you to have those concerns," he said with some exhaustion.
"Thought you said sleep was necessary," Rowan retorted.
Rouge pursed her lips, "You two were gone for hours," she said in an almost chiding tone.
"I take it you've worked out everything?" Rouge asked.
"Well," Jacen began.
"Not everything."
She saw Jacen look toward Rowan, "For example, we don't exactly know what's for breakfast, though I tried seeing if Jacen could use his magic to see what it would be," he said.
Rouge's eyes widened slightly, "I take it you know what I and Gray know about Jacen?" She inquired.
Rowan nodded, "Yay, now you, me, the history nerd, and Jacen's blonde girlfriend know," he added sarcastically.
In response to Rowan's use of the word girlfriend, Jacen's face went red.
"It's not like that," Jacen said with noticeable embarrassment.
Rouge laughed at Jacen's sudden flustered domineer, "Technically, she is indeed your friend who happens to be a girl," she said slyly.
"For example," she gestured toward herself, getting just close enough to Jacen that she could look into his eyes.
"Am I not also that?" She added just a touch of flirtation, making Jacen blush even more.
"Y-yeah, you are," Jacen managed to say.
Rouge found Jacen's flustered attitude almost adorable, but she knew when to draw the line, even though the scent of Jacen's blood was practically intoxicating.
She wondered whether it was the result of Jacen being a Jedi that made his blood something unique.
She'd even investigated the blood samples from the flask Jacen had given her under a microscope and found nothing unusual about it.
Was it possible that the Force that the Jedi used affected a Jedi's physiology?
She was about to ask Jacen, when she picked up the resonance of a pair of footsteps and the sound of feet being dragged across the floor.
She also caught the faint and unmistakable scent of alcohol mixed with gastric juices often kept in one's stomach.
Turning, she was greeted with the sight of an older girl with brown hair ending in caramel streaks, wearing a barrette, sunglasses, and an overall outfit that seemed to complement every part of her.
At the sight of the familiar form of Yang barely hanging to the other girl's shoulder, she was clearly intoxicated.
Jacen must have noticed, too, and his voice asked, "What happened to Yang?" He asked.
Jacen had to rub his eyes to ensure he didn't see things, but it was beyond doubt that Yang had once again gone to another bar and gone overboard again.
He was only familiar with the girl that was carrying Yang by reputation.
Coco Adel, the leader of a second-year team known as team CFVY.
The rumors about her apparent flare for fashion definitely weren't an exaggeration.
She walked with a purpose while also making sure to make a statement with her appearance.
Though, it was clear she wasn't too happy with having to carry Yang.
When she finally got closer to Jacen, Coco looked to regard him, "So, you must be the Jedi I've heard about," she inquired in an accented voice.
Jacen blinked in surprise, "Yes," he said.
She lowered her glasses slightly, showing her eyes as she studied him, "Ruby wasn't kidding when she said you had the same hair she has," she said thoughtfully.
Jacen's eyebrow lifted, "You know Ruby?" He asked.
"Professor Ozpin felt that team RWBY needed a bit of guidance, so me and my team have been working to get them into proper fashion," she explained.
"Ruby said you actually helped her regain a bit of confidence, but she and I have spent time from one leader to another."
Jacen was grateful that Ruby was at least regaining her confidence, and he sensed that Coco had her wisdom to share that would help Ruby grow as a leader.
Though Jacen noticed Coco was frowning a bit when she looked at his clothing, "What look are you going for with that? Street thug, motorcycle punk?"
Jacen looked at his overall appearance, perhaps it was time to get rid of something that made him look like a down-level dweller of Corusant's 1313 level.
With a sigh, he admitted, "I'm open to finding a new look," he said.
"Ugh," Rowan's voice was filled with disgust.
"What is that stench?"
Adopting an unamused look, Coco gestured to Yang.
Even Jacen recoiled slightly, Yang smelled like she'd been sleeping in a sewer, and she also had the distinct smell of vomit on her.
"I found her this morning lying out on the sidewalk," Coco said, slightly livid.
Jacen felt his face grimace; he'd hoped that Yang wouldn't be so reckless, especially when Ruby was beginning to rebuild her confidence, but evidently, and unsurprisingly, Weiss was once again making things difficult.
"What did the Ice Queen do now?" Jacen asked.
"Well, according to what Velvet told me, she simply sees the entire team as the problem, she even talked about changing to a different team," Coco's voice didn't betray disappointment.
"That sounds like a typical Schnee thing," Rowan said gruffly.
"Excuse me," Rouge's voice cut in.
"Are we going just to leave Yang in that disgusting-smelling outfit, or are we going to get her up on her feet?"
Rouge's forthrightness took Jacen aback.
Still, she had a point, "Rowan, help me grab Yang," he said.
"You've got to be kidding me, she smells like a sewer," Rowan griped, but ultimately ended up taking one of Yang's arms and placing it over the back of his neck while Jacen did the same.
"As I know, Yang will undoubtedly be having a hangover, Rouge, we'll let you handle that part," Jacen said, and Rouge prepared to lead the way when Coco stopped her.
"I must say, I like your outfit," she said.
Rouge took a moment to tip her hat in Coco's direction, "Thank you," she said graciously.
"Oh and Jacen, if time permits, I'll lend you assistance in finding a better look for you," Coco said.
Jacen showed her an appreciative thumbs up then helped get Yang to her room.
Rouge was somewhat impressed by Ruby's creative inspiration for arranging the four beds in the room into bunk beds.
Though she was considering most of it to be potentially dangerous despite how sturdy it might look.
She instructed Jacen and Rowan to set Yang down on her bed while she took off her jacket and hat, then rummaged through the Silver Crucifix compartment holding her medical equipment.
"Jacen, I'm going to have you draw the bath and add this to the water," Rouge said, handing him one of her therapeutic oils.
He stared at it for a moment, "Mistralian Winter Harvest?" Jacen asked.
"Best way to get rid of a hangover is to make sure she's hydrated, the next step is in giving her a therapeutic oil bath to help her sober up better," she said.
Rowan actually sniffed it, but it was clear he wasn't a fan of it, "Why do you need so much mint, rosemary, and green tea leaf extract?" He asked.
"All three have a particular effect in alleviating a hangover while also helping them relax," Rouge answered.
She heard the sound of Jacen turning the water on then began to take Yang's jacket off.
Yang fell forward onto her, and she moved sluggishly, embracing Rouge.
Rouge actually blushed slightly as Yang's chest was pressed against hers, but she gently positioned Yang back into her chair, where she moved slightly to her side.
"The bath is ready, Rouge," Jacen said from behind her.
Adjusting her hair into a ponytail, she picked Yang up and moved her toward the bathroom, though not before giving Jacen and Rowan an icy glare, "Don't any of you go peaking in here, got it?"
Rowan gave a "feh" noise while Jacen, ever the gentleman, promised that he wouldn't do such a thing.
She grabbed a pair of clean clothes from Yang's closet, and then closed the bathroom door.
When Rouge finally closed the door, Jacen took in the room where Ruby and Yang had been set up in.
He could sense a faint echo of actual companionship when Ruby made the crazy suggestion for the bunk beds.
However, he could also sense the underlying tension, most of it radiating from Weiss's side, though there was just as much from Blake's side, no doubt from having to share a room with a direct family member of the Schnee Dust Company.
Speaking of Blake, she had a shelf lined with certain books that he'd gotten from Tukson's bookstore, though his eyes fell on a rather infamous book titled "Ninjas of Love."
Evidently, Blake's reading list consisted of several varieties, mainly aimed toward the exotic.
Jacen was about to reach for it out of dangerous curiosity when Rowan coughed slightly.
"Well, I didn't think Jedi were into dirty books," Rowan said mockingly.
Jacen grimaced, "We don't go through our extensive libraries looking for an erotic subject," he explained.
Rowan laughed slightly, "I forgot, you Jedi were taught to disconnect from your emotions," he said.
"That didn't stop us from having them," Jacen said.
Rowan seemed to have his attention on the bathroom door, and before he tried moving toward it, Jacen grabbed him by the tail.
"Ow ow! Let go!" Rowan practically shouted.
Jacen reflexively let go, feeling slightly ashamed, but encouraged, "We're not supposed to stare," Jacen said.
"Come on, Jedi, don't you want to break out of that shell of yours?" Rowan asked mockingly.
"Not at the expense of my own life," Jacen answered curtly.
Jacen immediately sensed that Rowan was in imminent danger, and he reached through the Force just as Rouge opened the door to deliver a devastating punch to Rowan's gut to cushion the impact and catch him.
"You really should listen to Jacen, Rowan," Rouge warned before closing the door again.
Rowan growled slightly, "Given that we both saw Rouge rip out a Nevermore's throat, I think I'm willing to concede to your point, Jacen," he said reluctantly.
"Good," Jacen said, though, after a while, he decided to sit on the floor to meditate on a few things.
Rowan noticed, too, and seemed curious, "Is that more of your Jedi rituals?" He asked.
Jacen could practically see Rowan scanning the room to ensure Jacen didn't send ripples of the Force to move objects.
"Meditating, it helps the Jedi center themselves and lets them focus on the currents of the Force," Jacen explained.
"Just, don't make this room look like a hurricane blew through here," Rowan said deprecatingly.
Jacen made sure to keep that in mind, but it wasn't exactly up to him whenever he meditated.
He closed his eyes and sank deep into the Force.
Rowan sat cross-legged on the floor as he watched Jacen go into his meditation.
He was familiar with certain martial arts clans within Mistral that practiced strengthening the body, mind, and spirit.
To a degree, Rowan found Jacen's Jedi traditions to mirror those he'd seen in Mistral, though Rowan still couldn't grasp what exactly the Force was that gave Jacen his abilities.
He didn't refer to it as though it were a power within him, and Rowan already guessed it surpassed what someone could do with a semblance.
If indeed the Force was more like what his mother had told him in stories going back whole centuries ago regarding magic, how it made normal humans into something between a mortal and a god.
Jacen's posture suggested an almost tranquil atmosphere, which seemed to make Rowan relax a bit, but not enough to make him sleepy.
As it happened, Rowan saw the books on their shelves shuffling and he saw smaller objects lifting into mid-air and beginning to revolve around Jacen.
What is the Force? The question repeated itself in Rowan's mind.
"The Force," Jacen's voice seemed to resonate from inside his head, and he noticed that Jacen physically didn't talk.
"Is made up from all forms of life, it's what gives the Jedi its power, it surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds things together," Jacen said.
"Those not familiar with it regard it as magic or sorcery, others still simply believe that it's superstitious nonsense.
Despite Rowan's wariness, he felt compelled to know about this philosophy surrounding the Force as one other thing the CĂș Warriors often did was study the cultures of various warriors throughout Remnant.
"From what I've seen, you speak of the Force as though it's alive," Rowan said thoughtfully.
"In a way, it is," Jacen said as he opened his eyes then, with a wave of his hand, the objects that had been levitating returned to their original positions.
"The more the Jedi study the Force, the more we realize that we haven't even come close to uncovering its mysteries," Jacen explained.
"You might want to move Rowan," Jacen advised.
Then, as if on cue, the door to the bathroom opened with Rouge assisting a freshly cleaned Yang on her orange night shirt and shorts.
Rowan wisely moved aside to let them pass as Rouge led Yang to her bed.
At least she didn't smell like a sewer, but the scent of Rouge's therapeutic oils was potent to his sense of smell.
It suddenly dawned on him that Rouge was trying to usher him out of the room.
"What the hell?" Rowan tried to resist, but Rouge was clearly using her blood rush semblance to press the issue.
"They need their space?" Rouge practically whispered, casting her red eyes on him.
Rowan normally would have used his own semblance, but Rowan was smart enough to know that Jacen and Yang needed to have their patch-up session just as he'd had.
Without argument, he left with Rouge closing the door behind them.
For a heartbeat, Yang just sat in her bed, almost ashamed.
"I'm sorry if I keep on plunging into excessive drinking," she said regretfully.
"I keep doing that to escape the stress," she confessed.
"It has to do with you trying to cope with the feeling of abandonment you feel from your mother not being around," Jacen said.
Yang probably shouldn't be surprised that Jacen had a grasp on her personal issues, given what he'd told her about the Jedi and how some had empathetic abilities that saw one's feelings.
"Plus, the Ice Queen just loves to preach about how everyone else is dragging her down, and it's only adding to the stress," she said bitterly.
True, Yang noticed that Ruby was getting more confident, and even Blake seemed to be more open from her conversations with CFVY's Fox Alistair, even though Fox seemed to be as introverted as Blake was.
She'd even tried getting on the same page when she and Yatsuhashi Daichi were in the middle of a workout.
However, while it seemed like everyone else was starting to improve, Weiss was stubbornly insistent that she should have been the leader and that she wasn't the one at fault.
That only put more of a wedge between Ruby and Weiss, with Ruby actually managing to stand her ground while under Weiss's mocking gaze.
Unable to find any other solution, Yang simply relied on her usual method of coping.
Coco had actually called her out on how excessive drinking wasn't a viable solution.
"I don't suppose you have a Jedi solution," Yang inquired.
"I can't just change Weiss's personality with a wave of my hand," Jacen said, motioning with his hand in the demonstration.
Yang raised an eyebrow, "What about that mind trick thing you used before the initiation?" She asked.
She saw Jacen wince slightly, "That works best when the suggestion is something someone else actually wants to do," he said.
"I probably could dominate her mind, but that's not exactly a Jedi thing to do," he added.
"Such people end up being mentally damaged or even left in a perpetually catatonic state."
Yang winced herself, "Are there limitations to how you can influence someone?" She asked.
"If a person is strong-willed or if they're immune to it," Jacen answered.
"In Weiss's case, she's less likely to be influenced a second time."
So much for that idea, Yang thought.
"Although, I might have a better outlet for you that doesn't involve you getting black-out drunk and ending up with a hangover the following morning," Jacen said with a touch of humor.
Yang looked at him with amusement, "What exactly do you have in mind?" She asked.
Jacen held up two fingers, "You can consider it both a physical exercise and a training opportunity," he said.
"Training for what?" Yang asked.
Jacen grinned slightly, "To help you be able to develop your semblance so you don't burn out like a candle during a fight," he answered.
For a moment, Yang was almost irritated, but then again, maybe Jacen had a training method that would help her master her semblance so she didn't keep using it at total capacity all at once.
"When do we start coach?" She asked.
"As soon as you get yourself ready, we'll meet in the dueling arena," he answered.
Yang wasn't sure what Jacen had in mind, but if it helped, "I'll make sure Ruby and Blake come too," she said.
"I'll make sure my team is there too," Jacen said, then stood to head for the door.
Jacen stood in the center of the arena as everyone began to gather.
He took a fraction of relief to see that Ruby wasn't in that dismal funk she had been after her fight with Weiss.
Though her aura still imitated some anxiety, it was overshadowed by an eager interest in what Jacen would show Yang.
Even Blake seemed to be curious, and Jacen hoped he gave an excellent impression to one who had been a member when the White Fang went from peaceful protests to violent actions.
Gray was naturally intrigued when Jacen mentioned that he would demonstrate an exotic fighting style unknown to anyone in Remnant.
Rouge and Rowan were prepared to observe with keen interest.
Perhaps most surprisingly, Coco and one of her teammates, Velvet Scarlatina, a rabbit Faunus who reminded Jacen of a sweeter and less rugged version of Dusky Jones.
From what he knew, Velvet had a hobby for photojournalism, if the antique camera she carried with her was anything to go by.
He'd actually read some of Velvet's articles and noticed that she was devoted to telling stories based upon truth, a rare quality in news articles as he recalled the HoloNet wasn't exactly known for its factual accounts.
He guessed she'd learned about Jacen's actions during the Emerald Forest battle.
Didn't even have time to make myself look good for the camera, Jacen thought with some humor.
Yang had positioned herself in the center as she stretched in preparation for what Jacen had in mind.
If she was serious about trying to fight the empire if they came here, she was going to have to learn a few new tricks that he had honed or observed during the Clone Wars.
However, Jacen decided to start small and give Yang a baseline before moving on to more advanced levels.
"So what are you gonna show me?" Yang asked with enthusiasm.
Jacen could appreciate Yang's enthusiasm at what he was going to show her.
"It'll be a hand-to-hand combat training," Jacen said as he used the Force to detach his lightsaber from his belt then move it onto the floor beside the arena.
In answer, Yang removed her gauntlets and crossed her arms over her chest, "Thought you were more a swordsman than a fist fighter," she said thoughtfully.
"As someone who fought in a war, I've used more than just my lightsaber during combat, whether it's a blaster or my own hands," Jacen replied.
"Speaking of which, what I'm going to show you is a martial arts style known as Echani."
Jacen could hear the whispers within the room.
"What's unique about that?" Yang asked.
Well, no harm in giving a general idea, Jacen thought.
"Echani is more than just an exotic martial art, in a way, it's also a form of communication," Jacen explained.
"Communication?" Yang asked in confusion.
"You're a hand-to-hand fighter, Yang," Jacen began.
"Imagine if, in a single exchange, you knew everything about your enemy than you would in a conversation?" Jacen asked.
He saw Yang's eyes widen with inspiration, "Reading an opponent through combat, that sounds useful," Yang said.
Jacen nodded, "In this way, we can give your fighting style more versatility while you obtain information from whoever you fight," he said.
He got into a ready stance, "For this demonstration, I'll only be using Echani while you use your combat style," he grinned slightly.
"I won't be using the Force for this either."
He saw Yang show a relatively confident grin, "Fine by me, spaceman," she said as she got into her customary ready stance.
Well, we know she can handle herself against thugs, let's see what areas I can help her improve, he thought.
In a heartbeat, both he and Yang engaged in their hand-to-hand combat.
As Jacen had already known, Yang was a skilled martial artist who emphasized powerful kicks and punches.
As he promised, he wasn't using the Force, he was reading her fighting techniques.
She definitely had the strength to match a Wookiee, though without being as tall as one and she used her mixture of combat styles to keep the enemy guessing.
Jacen also utilized the forms of echani to block, strike, or evade Yang's combat style.
With her gauntlets, the force of her punches was amplified, not to mention she had a kind of long-range capability.
All well and good, except for one thing.
Yang had fallen into the classic warrior trap.
Tactical tunnel vision, which was likely what often led to her drawing on her semblance for a quick end to the fight.
Unfortunately, due to this tactical tunnel vision, once she used her semblance at its full capacity, it left her vulnerable and open to an attack from another enemy.
Naturally, Jacen had just enough sense not to make any of Yang's hair fall out.
He might have aura now, and he could use the Force to cocoon himself, but he was pretty sure that Yang's punch when she used her semblance would definitely leave a mark on him.
Still, he had to show Yang what would happen if she opened herself.
Soon enough, she'd extended and with a swift leg sweep, Yang staggered backward then Jacen brought his fist close to her face then stopped short and gave a light thump on the forehead, causing her to land on the floor.
"Gotcha," Jacen said, extending a hand to help Yang up.
Yang was sweating from the fight just now, "Well," she said between deep breaths.
"What did you learn about me?"
"You're fighting style indicates a focus on power, often translated into your kicks and punches," Jacen explained.
"You mix forms to keep your opponent guessing, and you always look for advantages, but there's a critical mistake that you end up making as the fight continues," he added.
Yang looked puzzled, "What's that?"
"Whenever you continue in the heat of battle as you feel your semblance beginning to build, you develop tactical tunnel vision wherein you only focus on taking out one opponent in one full blow, thus leaving you open to a secondary attack," Jacen explained.
Jacen saw Yang give a frustrated grunt, "I could barely read your moves," Yang said.
Jacen held up a calming hand, "Don't worry, Yang, I didn't expect you to master it in one session," he said.
"We'll continue to work on that on the physical end," with a slight flourish, Jacen sat on the floor, crossing his legs.
"Have a seat," Jacen beckoned, then looked at everyone else.
"Anyone who wants to is welcome to join this part," he said invitingly.
He saw Ruby and Blake slowly walk forward, then Rouge and Gray made their way toward the arena.
"What exactly are we doing?" Blake asked.
Jacen waited for them all to sit down, he also wasn't ignorant that Velvet had been taking photos with her camera, and now she, along with Coco, had moved closer to the arena.
"We've gone through the physical process, now we focus on the spirit," Jacen said.
"In my younger years, whenever the Jedi masters had us finish training, we would sit in a group and meditate to clear our minds of doubt while focusing on the Force," he explained.
"Will this work for those of us that aren't Jedi?" Gray asked.
Jacen nodded, "I'm familiar with Mistralian methods of finding serenity and peace, not to mention, tea helps to aid with the meditations," he answered.
"Whenever any of you feel discouraged or feel that you're losing your way, focus on the core of your goals."
He motioned to each of them, "Whether it's pursuing a dream of learning from history, becoming a doctor to save lives rather than take them, finding someone you've lost, upholding a noble legacy," he paused when he looked at Blake, but he gestured to himself, though his words were meant just as much for her as for himself.
"Looking for a new purpose after the one you followed was lost," he said.
He was surprised to see that Rowan had even joined in the group, though he sat opposite from Blake.
Inwardly, he wondered whether the old adage of cats and dogs not getting along with each other applied to feline or canine Faunus.
"Or seeking to redeem the honor of one's people," Jacen added thoughtfully.
He invited them to close their eyes, but the Force told him to observe Ruby.
There wasn't any physical change, and he could sense that Ruby's mind was filled with happiness as she focused on the core of her goal.
However, the Force was issuing some kind of warning, as if, something was about to happen too soon.
Jacen's eyes noticed a silver glow briefly flicker around her eyes then disappear.
Briefly, he recalled how Ozpin had remarked on Ruby's silver eyes.
Acting quickly, he took a deep breath and cleared his throat, making everyone open their eyes looking at him with confusion.
"Just never let anything lead you astray," he said, trying to sound nonchalant.
From somewhere, he heard applause and turned to see Coco clapping her hands.
"That's a good practice and motivation," she approved.
He noticed that Velvet was examining his lightsaber, "I've never even seen anything like your lightsaber," she said with keen interest.
Yep, she definitely had a similar accent as Dusky, though she didn't have that gruffness.
"It's a one-of-a-kind weapon," Jacen replied.
Jacen suddenly felt an all too familiar icy chill from the far side of the room, and Weiss stood with her arms crossed over her chest.
"What brings you before us today, Your Royal Highness?" Jacen asked sardonically.
"You may have sucked everyone else in with your weird metaphysical nonsense, but I'm not buying it," she said severely.
Jacen was about to say something, only for Ruby to step between Jacen and Weiss.
"Jacen has been using that power to help us," she said with noticeable confidence.
Weiss scoffed, "I bet he's just messed with your mind like he did me," she said indignantly.
"You really don't deserve to be a leader for letting yourself be mentally controlled."
Ruby aimed a finger at her, and Ruby's anger surprised Jacen, "You've done nothing but blame me or complain about you not being the leader," her voice was surprisingly controlled.
"I'm doing my best to make myself into a proper leader, but why aren't you helping to be better rather than blame everyone."
Weiss was so taken aback by Ruby's boldness, coupled with the fact everyone else was aiming accusatory looks at her.
Jacen almost felt sympathy for Weiss at being on the receiving end of so many derisive stares, though she'd brought this on herself with her arrogance.
Unable to hold the stare, Weiss backed away and left the room.
However, Jacen wasn't blind to the fact Weiss had shot him an icy glare as though marking him as a dead man.
For a brief moment, Jacen waited for the tension to pass.
Then suddenly, Ruby had turned toward him and actually hugged him.
"For a moment, I was afraid that I was going to forget my reasons for being here, but you helped me remember," she said warmly.
Jacen could sense her genuine sincerity, and he returned the hug, "You have a noble goal to pursue, Ruby," he said.
"Never forget you have support."
The sound of Coco clearing her throat made him turn around.
"Speaking of support," she said, looking Jacen down from head to toe.
"Let's see if we can find you a new look."
Jacen saw her gaze shift to the others, "If anyone else wants to join, the option is open," she said.
Predictably, Blake and Rowan bowed out.
Gray decided to go to the library to study the new material from Professor Oobleck's class.
Which meant Jacen would be hanging out with Ruby, Yang, and Rouge.
"You mind if I bring my droid?" Jacen asked.
Coco looked at him as though he'd said something weird, "Your what?"
Jacen nodded toward the door, and Skipper came rolling in on all three treads.
Velvet's ears shot upward in surprise, "Oh Coco, this is that robot from the initiation battle in the Emerald Forest," she said, then took a photo of him, making Skipper swivel his head at her.
"Who decided it should be designed like a trash can on three wheels?" Coco asked, earning an annoyed tone from Skipper.
"His model is meant to be smaller so he can move about, interface with computer terminals, and ensure my ship is ready in the field," Jacen explained.
"I mean, you can tag along little guy, though I don't think I'll be able to find you a new look," Coco said.
Too bad Vale doesn't have something that could be found in the Lyparsion Way on Coruscant with several droid repair and droid spas, Jacen thought as his group followed Coco.
Skipper had been many things during the Clone Wars: a starfighter interface module, an information collector, a code breaker, and even a straight-up fighter whenever things got hot.
So, how was it that he ended up acting as a tag-along while the one named Coco was taking them on a shopping spree?
Moreover, why was it that whenever the people of this world saw him, they immediately compared him to a mobile trash can?
Inwardly, Skipper thought, or rather what passed for thought in droids, if anyone else compared him to a trash can, he'd use his electro-prod on them like he did with that Jaune kid who threw up on him.
Now arriving at the seventh clothing store, Skipper stood by as Jacen went from one outfit to another based on recommendations.
Rouge, Ruby, and Yang seemed to be more welcoming to the whole thing, though they had misgivings about Coco's methods for selecting clothing.
Skipper swiveled his head, enhancing his photoreceptor on Velvet, who had been taking various pictures as everyone went from outfit to outfit.
He could hardly believe that Velvet was the same species of Faunus as the rough and hardened Dusky Jones from Tukson's shop.
"You typically go by material or color?" Jacen's voice asked in curiosity.
Skipper turned his head to see Jacen in a white suit with a deep blue shirt and an azure necktie.
Skipper issued a series of clicks and whistles that sounded close to mocking laughter as he could manage.
Jacen turned his head toward him, looking annoyed, "Laugh it up, Tinny," he said.
"It's not just about the fabric, color or material," Coco's voice answered with an instructive tone.
"It's all about presentation, how you as a huntsman or huntress can make a statement while also giving people a good impression of you."
In a technical sense, Skipper recalled how the clone troopers or even the Jedi had attire for occasions, though it didn't always generate a good impression, especially if they ended up on a Separatist-occupied world.
"Hey, I think he looks rather sharp in that," Yang said, placing a hand on Jacen's shoulder.
"What do Jedi typically wear?" Rouge asked.
Now it was Skipper's turn to show something, and he projected the image of a few examples of what Jedi typically wore compared with their Clone Wars era robes.
"Anything from badge to light brown, though the standard always included a tunic, sash, breaches, soft boots, and a brown hooded robe," Jacen explained.
Skipper noticed that Coco was studying the various designs of Jedi attire.
"There's a unique quality to the designs," she said thoughtfully.
She looked at the remains of Jacen's tunic, and then a thought occurred to her.
"I take it this is more a traditional attire with some sentimental value," she inquired.
Jacen nodded, "Sadly, it's not what it used to be, and the rest of the outfit I got came from a smuggler who happened to be about my size," he explained.
"Wait, you took those clothes off a smuggler?" Yang asked.
If Yang could understand what Skipper said, he would have told her that the aforementioned smuggler was about to turn him over to either the empire or to the Hutts.
"What exactly did your attire look like beforehand?" Coco asked.
With a nod from Jacen, Skipper brought up two life-sized images of Jacen both in his armor and in his standard robes.
"I noticed your attire matched one of the others I saw," she said thoughtfully.
"My later inspiration was to combine the look my master Draco Jedite wore, and the one Anakin Skywalker typically wore," Jacen explained.
Skipper remembered working alongside the legendary Jedi Knight and his equally famous droid R2-D2.
Jacen had actually looked to Anakin as though he were a kind of role model, much to the dismay of Obi-wan Kenobi.
"I think I can come up with something," she said.
Jacen seemed to adopt a look that was equal parts interest and concern.
Skipper shut off the holo-projector and sounded close to a laugh.
Jacen felt a bit apprehensive as Coco was taking his measurements.
Despite his attachment to what was left of his tunic, he had to admit it was probably best to find a better look for himself.
However, his white suit reminded him too much of what he'd seen as the common trend in Atlas.
Yang was observing the kinds of outfits Ruby was trying while Rouge playful placed her hat on Ruby's head.
"I think it looks good on you, Ruby," Rouge said in compliment.
Yang laughed at the fact the hat covered Ruby's eyes.
Velvet was taking more photos, and Jacen couldn't hold back a question, "How long have you been into photography?" He asked.
Velvet stopped and pondered the question momentarily, "I've actually been into it since I was young," she explained.
"A picture can say a thousand words, and I found that I could actually create a story through the photos I take."
Jacen admired her view on something she had a passion for, "I noticed you also have a keen eye for photojournalism," he said.
Velvet was modest, but she was flattered, though as he noticed her rabbit ears, he winced inwardly, "Do you often get called out for being a Faunus, being called anything from long ears to thumper?" He asked, hoping he wasn't being insensitive.
"Um, sometimes," she admitted.
"However, if I react to violence given to me, how does that make me any better?" She asked rhetorically, then added.
"An eye for an eye makes the world blind."
Jacen had even more appreciation for Velvet.
"Still, that doesn't mean I'll stand by while Velvet is getting bullied for being a Faunus," Coco said with an undertone of threat.
The mention of photojournalism rang in his head when he recalled something he'd read regarding the going on in Haven.
"Are you familiar with someone called Ash Autumns?" Jacen asked.
Velvet's eyes held notable recognition, "She's been a recent writer from out of Haven, but lately, it seems most of her work focuses on the negative side," she said.
Ah, even here, there are news reporters that either only covered half the story, over-exaggerated, or were spreading false information, just like what typically happened during the war with the HoloNet, often doing more harm than good.
"Every story has two sides," Velvet said.
Jacen could hardly argue the point.
His attention was drawn to his scroll ringing, indicating an incoming call.
Taking it out, he saw the symbol of a book with a capital T in it.
Tukson, "Hello," he asked.
"Is this a good time, my young Jedi?" Tukson asked over the scroll.
Everyone seemed to look at him in concern, and he simply showed a reassuring look, "I'll be just a moment," he nodded toward Skipper, who followed him outside to a nearby alley.
"What do I owe the pleasure?" He asked, though, making certain no one was nearby.
After that lunatic who tried to take the books Tukson used to make his ciphers, he wanted to make sure there wasn't anyone who might be a White Fang member eager to know that Jacen was talking to the person helping deserters disappear.
"I know that you've been going through your books since your classes at Beacon began," Tukson said in a business manner.
"Are there any other reference materials you need to help you conduct research?"
Jacen raised an eyebrow, while that option wasn't a bad suggestion, he could easily access the library at Beacon.
However, he sensed there was more to Tukson's tone than offering to give him additional research material.
"As it happens, I could use more material regarding history and philosophy," Jacen said, matching Tukson's tone.
"How soon could we meet?"
Tukson paused momentarily before answering, "Would Friday evening be too soon?" He asked.
Jacen thought about it for a moment; he didn't see any problem with it, and if nothing else, it would give Coco time to prepare his new outfit.
"I'll look forward to it," he said.
With an approving sound, Tukson ended the call.
Skipper intoned a series of whistles, posing a question.
"I think, it's time we visit an old friend," Jacen told him.
Without another word, he motioned Skipper to follow him back to the clothing store.
Night had fallen in Vale, and Dusky wasn't in a good mood with Tukson's decision.
"This is insane, Tukson," Dusky said, pacing back and forth in the space in Tukson's safe house underneath the shop he used as an office.
"Yes, he's a unique case, but what we've been doing doesn't concern him," she added.
Tukson was currently looking over various files that he was sorting.
"It's because of his unique abilities and experience that make him a valuable ally," Tukson said, then motioned toward a file labeled Nightingale, the code name for one of Tukson's contacts.
Dusky looked at them and realized it was a collection of documents regarding, Jacen.
"How'd Nightingale get this?" Dusky asked.
"I wanted to see what exactly Jacen could do in action, and from what Nightingale has told me, it certifies his capabilities from his time during the Clone Wars," he explained.
"He has the skills of a warrior, the tactics of a commander, and he even has a strong sense of honor."
Dusky scoffed, "The White Fang doesn't care about any of that, Tukson," she said.
"I was tracking where those other two members I took out came from, and this is where they came from."
She opened her scroll in its landscape configuration, pulling up a map, and then she aimed a finger at a spot up in a mountainous region outside of Vale city close to the sea.
"The Fang have set up shop in the Black Citadel," she said with seriousness.
Tukson narrowed his eyes, The Black Citadel, was a well-armed and defended prison that had held everything from standard murderers to traitors or war criminals during the Great War.
It wasn't exactly a topic that most people in Vale wanted to talk about, given what was said to happen to people who were sent there.
It had been abandoned for years after the Great War at the insistence of the King of Vale, who'd deemed its use far too brutal.
If the White Fang had taken it for themselves, they were preparing for something in Vale.
"They already have people locked up in that hell hole," she said with no shortage of contempt.
"All the more reason to bring him in," Tukson said with noticeable strain in his voice.
Dusty pulled out another cigarette and lit it, "Let's say he is as good as the information Nightingale gave us leads us to believe," she finally said.
"If he screws this up, I'm going to deliver on my promise," she said.
Tukson looked at a framed picture on his desk, which showed a younger Dusky beside Ghira's daughter Blake and a younger Adam Taurus wearing a patch over his eye.
Ghira himself stood behind them as though Dusky and Adam were as his own children.
Dusky looked at it, too, and a feeling of distant memory flashed into her mind.
Little Blake was a youthful optimist, while Dusky and Adam had seen human cruelty firsthand.
Even at a young age, she knew what path Adam would take, given the several incidents that occurred years later.
Dusky had plenty of blood on her hands, but she never considered how Blake felt about the new direction the White Fang was taking.
It was one reason she knew she couldn't ever show her face to Ghira in Menagerie.
She'd practically alienated herself from Ghira's guidance.
She let out a puff of smoke, forming a ring as she adjusted her hat, "Alright, if you think there's a chance, but I'm going to be watching him the whole time," she said severely.
She knew Tukson didn't always approve of her methods, but he knew she was devoted to the cause and that she was seeking redemption.
"We'll see what our esteemed Jedi can do," she said.
END
