I own nothing in Star Wars or PJO. If I did, I wouldn't turn wrenches for a living…it would be a hobby.
The following is the second half of chapter one. When typing it up, I saw that it was a perfect break because of the vast change in subject.
Chapter 2
I Don't Care Much for Prophecies.
As the Council meeting was devolving into chaos dinner was being served at camp. Jedi and trooper were led to the guest seats at the Staff Table. Once dinner had died down Chiron got everyone's attention, "I am certain that you all have noticed our guests that…dropped in today." A few nervous chuckles were heard among the children. "Allow me to introduce Jacks, Knight to an organization called the Jedi Order; and his head of security, Jaks. No relation." Jacks stood up and gave a small bow as Jaks merely gave a small wave. "They will be here at camp to learn more of Earth's Culture and Customs as a research project for the Jedi. Feel free to ask questions and speak with them starting tomorrow." Chiron paused a moment then continued, "Now, prepare yourselves for the weekly Capture the Flag."
Back on Olympus the gods observed the children preparing and separating into teams. Poseidon leaned forward observing the projection and asked, "Athena, which one is the Jedi?" "The one in the brown robe next to the armored homunculus." She answered. Hephaestus paused from his tinkering and looked up, "He is well made." Then continued with his tinkering. The gods then drew silent to watch the match.
"Would you like to participate?" Annabeth asked Jacks. "Only if you provide a weapon." He answered, "Mine is…unsuited for friendly sparing." Holding up a metal cylinder. Annabeth cocked her head to the side and raised a brow. ("Ha! Looks like you Owl-Head!" "Shut up Kelp-for-Brains!") Jacks smiled gently and ignited the turquoise blade a gentle hum like the waves of the ocean emanating from it. He stopped her hand before she could touch it. "Unless you wish for a cauterized stump, I would advise against that." Annabeth retracted her hand with a bashful chuckle.
On Olympus Hephaestus leaned forward, "Intriguing, I shall have to talk with this Jedi." "Ha!" Ares laughed, "That's a stupid color. It should be red!" Poseidon hummed then said frankly, "He's awfully to be my son Athena. But I sense a connection between us."
They watched as Jacks looked inspected the weapons, finally deciding on a staff. Annabeth walked up to him, "Would you mind guarding the river in this area?" Pointing to a place on the map. "It's your plan." Jacks answered, "Whatever you think is best." He walked through the woods to the bank and kneeled with the staff in his lap. "What kind of lousy defense is that?" Ares mocked. "I guess we will find out brother," Athena replied with a smile.
Back at the camp Clarisse with a group of Ares children approached brashly. "Well, it seems Annabeth was right." Jacks said standing fluidly. The group surrounded him, and at an unseen signal, attacked. The Jedi ducked, spinning the staff deflecting and parrying the multiple weapons with ease. (Athena hummed at the impressive sight.) "Alright! Back off!" Clarisse ordered, "He's mine!" Jacks spun the staff with one hand into a vertical position against his back, a hand raised palm out in front of him at the ready.
Clarisse adjusted the shield on her arm and readied her spear as the others formed a circle around the two. She rushed forward a thrust the spear at Jacks. He responded by spinning to the side and striking her head which she blocked. "Hmm…" Jacks cocked his head, "Spear and Shield. An excellent combination for groups and formations. However, in a one-on-one fight the attacks would be limited in variation." "What?" Clarisse responded confused. "You sacrifice attack potential for a better defense." He stated simply. "Admirable for someone with a protective spirit such as yourself."
A low whistle went out from Apollo, "He has a keen eye." "Indeed," Dionysus said, "Right down to the letter." Ares was shaking in his throne, "Is he lecturing my kid in the middle of a fight?" "No, you meat-head," Athena scolded, "He is teaching her different ways to fight."
During this exchange Clarisse had dropped her shield and was performing a series of thrusts, jabs, sweeps, and blocks all while Jacks provided criticism on her form…. "You should widen your stance there….Step forward into the attack with that move….Don't just block, anticipate the direction and deflect you'll use less energy." And other such advice. They became so engrossed in the lesson the group failed to notice that Luke Castellan had run over the boundary with the Ares Flag.
They finally noticed the crowd around them and stopped. "Thanks for the lesson." Clarisse extended a hand. "It was my pleasure," Jacks replied looking at the hand and went to take it. "It seems that some gestures are univ…" he stopped suddenly dropping the staff and drawing his saber igniting it. He leapt over the crowd as a blood-curdling howl ripped through the night. A large black hound made of fire and smoke stepped from the shadows, snarling, and frothing at the mouth. As it lunged in the air Jacks performed the same spinning move from earlier while twirling the blade decapitating the beast in almost an instant.
The children began to murmur to each other about the border defenses. Chiron stepped forward, "Children, please return to your cabins. Head counselors, we will meet first thing in the morning." With that the building panic died down and they made their way back to the main part of camp. Chiron turned towards Jacks, "We have a guest quarter in the Big House you and your companion can use." "I wouldn't want to impose," the boy replied. Chiron countered, "You wouldn't be young man." "Then I graciously accept." Jacks said, bowing deeply.
The next morning while Jacks meditated a gentle knock on the door was heard. "Sir," Jaks' voice sounded from the other side, "Someone is downstairs to see you." "Very well," Jacks answered, "I will be down shortly." A few minutes later the young Jedi walked into the meeting room. 'These clothes are a bit restrictive.' He thought. "My apologies for the wait." He bowed. "Knight Jacks," Chiron gestured to the young girl by the fireplace. "May I introduce Lady Artemis. Goddess of the Hunt, Maidens, and Childbirth." Jacks gave the deepest bow he could, "It is an honor my lady." "My time is short boy," she snipped. "I have a request from Olympus. As Athena explained to us, you are a peacekeeper; we want you to find the Master Bolt. You have 3 weeks from today or Olympus will enter a civil war." She turned, walked out the door and a flash of moonlight shined briefly through the frame.
Chiron looked to Jacks, "When the gods 'request' something. It always means 'you will do this'" "Do not worry sir." Jacks replied, "This meeting was merely a formality. I had already agreed to this when Lady Athena visited." "Knight Jacks," Chiron sighed pinching the bridge of his nose. "Names have power. You would do well to remember that before casually saying the names of gods and monsters." "To call anyone by anything other than their name and title would be an insult upon the person." Came the reply. "Very well," Chiron huffed a bit. Being caught flatfooted by the logic of said argument. "It is customary to consult the Oracle of Delphi before starting quests given by the gods. She resides in the attic if you wish to go see her." Jacks smiled, "When in Coruscant. Which way is this attic?"
On Olympus Artemis walked into the council chamber. "Athena, why did you send me to deliver this message to that boy?" "You were the one available." Came the curt reply. Artemis huffed and sat down watching the projection showing Jacks enter the attic. He came across the husk of a woman's body and heard, "Approach, Seeker of knowledge and ask." Jacks composed himself and inquired, "Where is the Master Bolt?" A thick green mist formed and took the shape of a tall, red-skinned woman in plain but regal robes and what appeared to be large white decorated horns upon her head. "Master Ti," Jacks whispered in shock and awe. "You shall go west and face the god that has turned. You shall successfully see what was stolen returned. A taste of Darkness you shall feel. To rise or fall this world shall be free or shall kneel." With that the mist cleared. "So, he will succeed." Hestia said, "I'm glad." "Yes," Athena responded, "but the last two lines worry me." "Yup, that ain't a pretty future sis." Apollo shuddered. "Let's not mention this to father," Athena suggested. Those present all nodded in agreement.
Jacks returned to a waiting Chiron and Mr. D. "I don't much care for prophesy." Jacks said, "The only clear thing in that was I need to go west. Which I already sensed." Mr. D snorted, "Mortals always have bad ends trying to ignore or change prophesy." Jacks frowned slightly, "I just trust in the Force to show the path. Should this prophesy play out then so be it, but they are always double ended. "Alright," Chiron clapped once. "I will help you pack so you can make it across the country."
The centaur gave the Jedi a quick rundown on currency, customs, common laws, and signs while helping him pack for the trip. "Now quests are done in teams of three." Chiron said, "I would recommend at least one camper with you though to help as a guide to the country." "Clarisse or Annabeth," Jacks said, "I planned on Jaks coming with me." "Well," Chiron said scratching his chin. "I don't see why you can't bring both since Jaks isn't a demigod." "Very well," Jacks turned towards the corner by the door. "Annabeth, would you give Clarisse the good news then." Said girl appeared with ballcap in hand. "Fine," she huffed, irritated at being discovered again. "Thank you for the opportunity."
Annabeth made a dead sprint to the training grounds where the Ares cabin was holding sword lessons. "Clarisse!" she yelled getting the girl's attention. "What do want Owl-Head?" "Get packed! We're going on a quest!" The War-Child's eyes widened and began to sprint back to the cabins with Annabeth. "What quest?" She asked. "To find the Master Bolt," Annabeth answered. "HELL YEAH! Some action!" They doubled their efforts and upon reaching their respective cabins packed for the journey ahead.
