Chapter 9: Duel in the Emerald Forest, Rowan vs Jacen (Complete)
Jacen had timed it perfectly, a dash from the top of a tree to the branch of another, then, catching another branch, swung from it, then landed gracefully on the ground, standing as though he impressed a crowd.
The sound of Skipper's booster rockets combined with a tone that rang with the notes of "Show off."
"I've always enjoyed a good forest jump," he said as his droid companion came to his side.
"Think your sensors can map out the area?"
In response, Skipper deployed a scanner disk from one of its top access panels, and within a few minutes, a 3D holo-map projected onto a bear patch from Skipper's holoprojector.
Studying the map, he had a fair idea of how wide the forest stretched from where they stood.
"Good, now mark our position and show the closest route to the ruins," Jacen said as though he were mapping out a battle plan as he'd often done during the Clone Wars.
A tiny blip indicating their position showed up on the map, and a line traced itself from there to the location of the ruins.
"It's a bit further than I'd thought, but doable," with a nod, he gestured for Skipper to follow him after he turned off the holo-map.
Scanning his surroundings, he was briefly hit with a sorrowful thought; he had to remind himself that he didn't have a squadron of clone troopers or the Phantom Squadron.
Still, he hoped he'd be able to meet up with Yang, knowing she was already a capable fighter, not to mention it would also give him a chance to explain his true story fully.
However, he sensed that Yang and, consequently, Ruby were farther away from where he was; thankfully, he wasn't near Weiss, whom he felt was about to encounter either Ruby or Jaune.
He stopped mid-stride as the Force resonated with alarm at the presence of incoming danger.
"Dank Farrik," he had time to say just as a spear-like weapon sang past him, striking a nearby tree that exploded in a cascade of electric dust.
Moving out of the way, he activated his lightsaber and moved into a ready stance. Then he heard the same spear weapon whistle past him again, and he quickly ducked as the spear returned to the owner's hand.
"Are you insane?!" Jacen asked angrily.
Rowan caught his weapon and gave it a quick flourish; then, it became a sword.
Rowan whistled, "Ya have sharp reflexes, lad," Rowan said.
"Surely ya remember what I said in the locker room, especially since we'll be on the same team for the next four years."
Getting into his accustomed Ataru-ready stance, he prepared for whatever Rowan was about to do.
"I'd hate to see that weapon get damaged," he said, trying to bring a bit of humor to the situation.
Inwardly, Jacen wondered if huntsmen or huntresses forged their weapons with a component that made them resistant to lightsabers.
Rowan slightly grinned, "Don't worry, ya won't lay a scratch on my Gae Bulg." With a dash, Rowan had his sword ready.
Diving into the Force, Jacen brought his lightsaber forward to contact with Rowan's blade, and to Jacen's surprise, his lightsaber didn't cut through it, likely due to the Aura surrounding it.
Clearly, aura did more than simply provide huntsmen or huntresses with a force field protecting them from damage that could kill ordinary people.
Speaking of which, he felt like Rowan's Aura was emitting menace and being a palpable sensation of battle spirit, or more likely, bloodlust.
Jacen noticed that Rowan had transformed from a mildly friendly acquaintance to a severe threat. He was reminded of the aggressive behavior of a wolf confronting another predator or wolf. Rowan would back down when either he or his enemy was defeated.
He brought his lightsaber to bear as it stood, blocking Rowan's incoming strikes and dodging blows that slipped through his defense.
Both their blades locked, and Rowan gave a definite expression of enjoyment.
"What do ya know, ya sure as hell fight like a real warrior," Rowan said with an almost feral grin.
"What the brix is wrong with you?" Jacen shouted as he broke away from the lock and flipped backward to gain distance, only for Rowan to come at him with his weapon in its spear configuration.
"I want to see what kind of warrior you are, lad," Rowan thrust his spear forward. Jacen noticed markings engraved on the spearhead, which glowed and crackled with visible lightning.
"Talking doesn't give me any direct answers, while action speaks volumes about one's capabilities."
He quickly brought his lightsaber to redirect the spear's path to the ground, which gave off electric discharges.
Jacen attempted to back away only to avoid Rowan's fist, which struck a nearby tree barely, and his fist went entirely through it.
By the Force, Jacen thought, any punches from this dangerous warrior would quickly deplete his aura.
Rowan was a fearsome warrior; if Yang's strength was anything to go by, Rowan had it in spades, and even now, Jacen felt that he wasn't going full force.
However, Jacen finally got a fair distance, so he decided to employ a different approach.
"I have to say, you're strength is incredible," he said, holding his lightsaber over his head and aiming the other hand outward in a Soresu stance, not unlike how he'd seen Obi-Wan Kenobi use during the war.
He even adopted Obi-wan's grin, "However, strength alone isn't everything."
He saw Rowan give an intrigued look, "What manner of fightin' form is that?" he asked.
Jacen gave a slight grin, "Why not find out?" He invited.
Rowan gave his weapon a flourish in its spear configuration.
"I've seen my share of real warriors and fighters, but I've never seen anything like ya, lad."
Jacen arched an eyebrow that sounded like a compliment.
"Well then, I'll do my best to make a good impression," Jacen said, giving his hand a come closer gesture, and Rowan approached him again.
Now, utilizing Soresu, Jacen redirected Rowan's oncoming attacks, sacrificing none of his additional strength but trying to wear out Rowan's.
However, Jacen noticed that Rowan's strength, rather than decreasing, was steadily increasing.
Once again, they got caught in a lock, and Rowan, looking even more feral than before, proceeded to head-butt Jacen, and he flipped backward.
"Sorry to tell ya, lad, but life ain't a tournament," Rowan said, his voice having gone noticeably cold.
"Reality doesn't have rules; that's especially true for those wishin to become huntsmen or huntresses."
Jacen was stunned; technically, Rowan was correct. Real life was cruel in how it reminded people that rules are often broken or nonexistent. The Clone Wars showed Jacen that much.
"Let me guess; you thought you could use that little defensive maneuver that would tire me?" Rowan asked with more fascination than condescension.
"If ya thought I was strong before, lad," Rowan clenched his fist, showing a feral grin.
"Wait till I bring it up to about 10 percent."
Suddenly, Rowan's aura began to flare up, and Jacen noticed that Rowan's muscles were becoming more pronounced; now, Rowan seemed even more imposing.
Jacen barely had time to slip back into his defensive position before Rowan closed the distance in a fraction of a second.
Only Jacen's awareness ensured that he wasn't in the way just as Rowan thrust his spear forward, which hit a tree behind Jacen, and the force of the impact completely obliterated the lower trunk of the tree, which collapsed onto its side.
The trees behind it caught the brunt of the lightning discharge and had sizable cracks along their trunks.
If Jacen didn't want to get hit before, he didn't want to be struck with this level of force.
He caught Rowan turning his head and noticed that his eyes had gone from emerald green to feral yellow.
For that instant, Jacen had the haunting memory of the last time he had seen such eyes.
He remembered the burning yellow he saw in Palpatine's eyes.
Rowan Conall was a monster underneath his noble warrior façade, yet even with that, Jacen had to admire how one man could have such strength without being the size of a Rancor.
Likely, this resulted from his semblance letting him tap into greater levels of strength and speed, though it was clear that Rowan was becoming more vicious and feral as it increased.
Still, he couldn't keep this up forever; at this rate, he'd get exhausted after a hard blow from this beast of a warrior.
It's time to turn things up a bit.
As Rowan readied himself for a confrontation, Jacen extended his hand, and with the power of the Force, he lifted several large stones from the ground. With precision and ferocity, he hurled them toward Rowan, who was hit with such force that he stumbled backward. However, Rowan's resilience was remarkable, and he quickly regained his balance, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
With fierce determination, Rowan sprinted towards Jacen, his eyes on his opponent. However, Jacen was quick to react, using the power of the Force to halt Rowan's charge. Jacen's face contorted with exertion as he struggled to maintain his hold on Rowan. With a sudden motion, Jacen thrust his other hand forward, unleashing a powerful surge of energy that sent Rowan hurtling through the air and crashing into a nearby row of trees, splintering wood echoing through the forest.
He breathed deeply and tried drawing on the Force to keep him centered.
Incredible, Rowan had just been thrown into ten large trees, and he was managing to get back on his feet.
Jacen prepared to defend himself, stopping when he noticed, "Is he laughing?"
Rowan's feral and almost maniacal laugh seemed to resonate throughout the forest.
Then he turned those cold, feral eyes upon Jacen with fascination or a new kind of respect.
"I apologize," Rowan said, aiming his spear at Jacen.
"I knew you had the inner fire of a true warrior who's seen real battle before, but I wanted to see it myself."
His face then took on a more focused look, with Rowan seeming curious rather than feral, "Your name?" He asked.
Jacen seemed puzzled, "Pardon?" He replied.
"I want to know your name; I gave ya mine before, lad; surely you can return the courtesy," he said, demonstrating his code of honor.
If nothing else, Jacen was grateful that Rowan wasn't the type of warrior who relied only on brute force. It was better to have him as a friend than as an enemy.
Meeting Rowan's gaze, Jacen Horne introduced himself: "I am a Jedi Knight, Jacen Horne. I hope to appeal to your sense of honor."
Rowan showed a feral grin, "Well, Jacen Horne," he said, giving Gae Bulg a flourishing spin.
"Ya have the honor of facin Rowan Conall of the Hounds of Cu, once proud and mighty warriors who fought in service of the King of Vale."
Jacen let amazement appear on his face. Now, Rowan had given his name and identified with whom he was affiliated.
Jacen's gaze was immediately drawn to the sash draped over Rowan's shoulder, and a realization began to sink in. As he looked closer, he recognized the emblem on the sash - the Green Sash of Valor, one of the most distinguished accolades a member of the Hounds of Cu could receive. This honor was only bestowed upon those who had demonstrated exceptional bravery and courage in the face of danger, and it was a testament to Rowan's skill and dedication. Given the prestige associated with this coveted award, it was no wonder that the Hounds were sometimes referred to as the Emerald Hounds.
Rowan gave his weapon a quick flourish, "While I've never heard of a Jedi Knight before, I hope we'll be able to reach our goals together," he said, aiming the tip of his spear toward Jacen.
"Gae Bulg has been my faithful companion for many years, given to me by one of the greatest warriors who'd ever lived," he continued with a level of pride.
Jacen didn't want this fight to go on any longer than it already had, but Jacen knew how to make Rowan follow him to the ruins, even if it seemed underhanded.
Talk about going into a Sabacc game with high stakes, but he was willing to take a chance, especially if it meant earning Rowan as an ally.
This could result in a pure sabacc, an Idiot's Array, or a Bomb Out.
Appealing to Rowan's response concerning his weapon, Jacen felt compelled to respond in kind, "My lightsaber has been a traditional weapon of my clan," he replied, giving his weapon a quick flourish before bringing it to the ready.
He could see Rowan appreciate the gesture, "Well then, let's continue where we left off!" He lunged forward just as Jacen got back into his defensive form, only now he was adopting quick blocks and evasions, with just enough effort not to make it seem like he was retreating.
Reaching through the Force, he felt how far he and Rowan were from the ruins, then maneuvered the fight forward.
They'd just gotten to the outskirts of the ruins when Jacen felt a familiar ominous presence.
Rowan must have noticed it, too, because he stopped his advance and began sniffing the air, but then that feral grin returned.
"There's no mistake what that scent is," Rowan said in his unsettling voice.
Jacen knew it too; despite Ozpin's words, there was no doubt Grimm were inside the forest.
At the same time, Rowan and Jacen turned their backs toward each other as two fledgling beowolves lunged toward them.
Jacen moved swiftly, igniting his lightsaber and slicing through the beowolf approaching him. At the same time, Rowan thrust his spear into the other beowolf, which passed through it and suddenly caused the creature to burst into miniature geysers of black ooze. The beowolf then fell over dead.
Jacen had time to turn and see the result of Rowan's attack.
At first, Jacen wanted to use the Force to recall Rowan's weapon to him, but it came right back into his awaiting hand.
Seeing how it wasn't through the Force that Rowan had done so, he took a closer look at Rowan's vambraces and noticed a faint glow on them.
Rowan had modified his weapon to return to his hand when through via a control function on his vambraces.
"Don't let your guard down," Rowan shouted as more beowolves charged forward.
Jacen and Rowan seemed to be in perfect synchronization, with Jacen working with Rowan's strengths as the two managed to cut down a pack more enormous than the one Jacen himself had fought.
"So much for those anti-Grimm defenses, the old man mentioned," Rowan said, returning his weapon to its sword configuration and sheath.
Suddenly, it seemed his eyes had lost that feral yellow, and he returned to his average stature, though it was clear he was breathing heavily.
Inwardly, Jacen wondered what Rowan could do if he let his semblance be unleashed at 100 percent; the image of Yang using her semblance at full came into mind.
Rowan had learned only to use what he needed.
"That's a lot of beowolves," Jacen said as the bodies evaporated, leaving only their fangs and claws.
Rowan agreed, "Yeah, though we should probably watch for something bigger like an Ursa or a Death Stalker."
Jacen stretched out with his feelings and let out a gasp.
Rowan hadn't been wrong, where there were only the natural animals within the forest; now he sensed the presence of the Grimm within the forest, and two of them felt especially old.
"So, do we make our way to the ruins?" Jacen asked, then stopped when Rowan whirled on him.
For a moment, Jacen thought Rowan was going to attack again. Still, Rowan seemed to ponder that question before answering, "We'll make for the ruins so we have more open ground," he said, regaining his earlier rationality.
"From there, we'll grab the relics like we intended to."
Jacen saw Rowan turn to him, his eyes once again in their emerald green color. Jacen held out his hand, "So, this means we're partners now?" he asked.
"Aye," Rowan said. "You showed your mettle, and I would be honored to be on a team with someone of your caliber."
Both of them shook hands and made their way to the ruins.
Ozpin had been watching the fight from his scroll atop the cliff.
Rowan had the potential to become a great huntsman, even though he was rough around the edges.
Jacen, though, how he cleverly used his tactics to maneuver them closer toward the ruins spoke volumes about his capabilities as a strategist.
He recalled Jacen's words regarding him and his fellow Jedi fighting in a war to defend their Republic against a group called the Separatists, only for their ancient adversaries, the Sith, to emerge victorious and transform this Republic into an empire.
He grimaced slightly as he saw Rowan and Jacen fighting against a massive pack of beowolves.
It would have been impossible if the defenses had been active, though this would have been an even more meaningful learning experience.
He flipped his scroll to show that Ruby Rose had teamed up with Weiss Schnee, and the local squirrel monkeys were chasing them after Ruby made the tactical mistake of getting in the way of Weiss's attack, thus setting a portion of the area on fire from Weiss's fire dust.
"I don't care what his transfer papers say," Glynda said in a rather stern voice.
"That Jaune Arc boy simply doesn't belong here."
Ozpin's eyes went to the monitor where Jaune had teamed up with Pyrrha Nikkos, and they were making their way toward not the ruins but a cave.
He continued watching his monitors and noticed young Gray Tuman running with his weapons ready, only to stop in a clearing.
The boy had a look that Ozpin couldn't decipher, and he thought he was scared.
However, when Ozpin's monitor followed Gray's trail, his eyes widened.
There were the fading remains of a King Taijitu and about three Ursa.
While Gray seemed injured, he'd left a swath of dead Grimm behind him.
END