Co-Author/N: So, this is FledgelingHawk2012. I appreciate your patience as I heal from the illnesses that have been plaguing me for the past several months. I will admit that I have gone a little lax in my editing of the past two chapters so please forgive me. I'm so glad to be alive and here to be able to edit, but please be forgiving of any major mistakes that I miss. I am trying, but it is definitely a healing process. Thank you so much for your continued support.

WPRT (Updated 2021)

XXIV

Choices We Made

Jo:

My brother finally dropped the bomb.

"I didn't just hear Count Dooku say he was going to say he was betraying Jango, or that he had a master. I heard his thoughts…"

If the pressure I felt from the beginning was strong, it was nothing like this moment. Even our friends seem to bore holes in the back of his head. Nobody said a word his way.

Why am I sitting by like this?! I promised myself at the arena that I am not leaving my brother in the action alone from now on!

"It's not just that…"

I drew the attention from everyone in the room.

"I have been seeing things."

Yoda seemed intrigued and said, "Oh?"

"Not just things, but things before or as they are happening. Sometimes it takes place close by or elsewhere. Like watching a video through a filter and having no sound."

The man who called himself Master Windu drew the conclusion, "You can see the future?"

Although that wasn't the best way to put it, it was close enough. I acknowledged him by adding, "That is only how I knew Dooku was going to kill Jango."

This sat on the council's mind before Yoda declared,

"Believe you, we do."

Disbelief came from our friends, as well as most of the council members.

Plo Koon asked a question that the rest of the council had, "We do?"

Yoda chuckled and reasoned with his brethren, "Noticed have we, young Shepherd. Use his ability at this meeting, he has. On us, no less."

Many of the members looked at each other disturbed.

"Worry not. Heard only our present thoughts he has. Correct, this is?"

My brother conceded while raising his hands in a surrender position while answering,

"Yes it is, though I have no real control, it only tells me what they are thinking right then."

My brother lowered his hands and turned to Boba while saying, "You asked me on Tatooine how I knew…"

The little kid seemed to think before exclaiming, "Is that what-?!"

The boy covered his mouth as he remembered that he shouldn't yell at a time like this. As Boba slowly removed his hand, Aaron turned swiftly to Anakin.

"You said in that cell, the Force IS with me."

"But I didn't-."

The same realization came across his face as he seemed to understand what my brother was getting at. Whatever it was.

Aaron then moved closer to Bariss and leaned in to whisper something which I could make out but just barely.

"You have friends Barriss, no matter what you think."

Her face seemed to contort to amazement. Whatever my brother meant by that, it seemed to do the trick.

Aaron turned back to face the council and stated, "We don't know exactly why it happens, or where it came from. All we know is that it started with some dreams we had the first night at the Lars' farm. It has been getting stronger since then. I had an episode when we arrived here."

"Episode?"

Barris clarified for the man, "He was overwhelmed by the Force from the planet's people."

Ahhh so that's what- wait what?

"I see, well it must not have been bad if he is standing here now."

"Yes Master, I helped ease it for him."

I have no idea what they are getting at. What do they mean? He just used… Oh…

"So do you mean that we have these powers because of the Force?"

The human master agreed, "Yes Miss Shepherd, it ties into it. It's safe to say at this point that your people have had no contact with the force at this point. People with the force don't magicly gain such power over night. The force has a purpose and reason."

My brain absorbed the information as I started to formulate a question.

Then why do we have it?

"Have your people heard of Midichlorians?"

The question proposed by the Zabrak was foreign to us. My brother answered what we already knew.

"Can't say we have, although if you are referring to Mitochondria, we have those."

Yoda gave a "hmm" before responding, "Perhaps further analysis on the source can be done after the meeting. Purplexes this does, small your power started, but grew it did. Stable it seems now, more than last time, it does. Any other abnormalities you feel?"

My brother and I looked at each other before I responded.

"No sir, everything seems normal. Aside from our sanity holding up to this point."

The green goblin laughed at my comment and had the meeting move ahead.

"Passive skills they are, and adept you are in them. Whether you admit it or not. Other skills, harder, they will be."

Most of the faces of the council showed their unease with Yoda's remark. I couldn't tell if it was out of distaste or unsureness, perhaps both.

"Nonetheless, learn you did, a master, Dooku had. His intention for Jango, made clear to you, it was."

"Yes sir, Dooku was focused enough on the battle that I was able to knock the back of his head with the blaster I was using. The two droids up there were disabled by the said blaster and I scared off the other party members."

The long headed Jedi seems curious, "I have been wondering why you didn't just kill him. From what I understand you had no obligation not to do so."

My brother thought hard before saying, "Killing is not the first thing on our minds really. All the killing up to that point was because we didn't want to take any chances. Also, I had hoped he would have been out longer than he was, we were leaving no matter what."

I nodded in agreement with my brother as the council members seemed satisfied.

"A good thing it was. If a killing intent he sensed, killed you he would have."

The two of us gulped.

Brother remarked, "Noted…"

He then scratched at his beard and continued, "So, I had explained the situation to Jo and Bossk. We agreed to split up with my sister and Bossk giving me cover fire from the arena pavilion. I used my climbing gear courtesy of Jango and entered the battle from there... Oh! I relieved the Count of his lightsaber, then Master Coleman's saber when I entered the arena. I used a mix between using my guns and the Saber to make it to Jango in time."

"We saw that. Although our focus was on the battle, a few Jedi not here made comments on your actions. Saying you used slug throwers?"

"Yes sir, our people haven't moved past them yet."

"Yes, however yours appeared to be more advanced than what ours progressed to."

And yet they have blasters?

I took over for my brother, "Why is that?"

The man nodded his head and continued, "In truth, most worlds switched to blaster tech when people reverse engineered the technology from an ancient empire known as the Infinite Empire."

He said WHAT NOW?!

"An empire?! What happened to them?"

Yoda had the answer, "Long before any government was formed by any of the races, there existed an empire of a now lost race of slavers."

The younger Jedi were profound by this information, it was as if they didn't know.

They didn't know, or didn't look it up before…

"Many races they took. Moved to other worlds they did. Our only explanation for worlds with mixed races, it is. Constructions they made, centuries ahead they were, even to this day we do not have a fraction of what they knew."

Like a big melting pot…

"The galaxy was theirs. The remaining information we have on them was that they were cruel taskmasters. Cannibals they were, and experiments on species the empire performed. Even Masters of the force they were. Yet fall they did."

Sounds like a scenario where Nazi Germany won, master race and all of that evil. At least they're gone.

"How did it fall apart?"

"Unknown it truly is. Whether by the plague that befell them, or rebellion that rose against them. What is certain is that they came to an end."

My brother ate up all this information with fascination, "And their technology lasted that long? Then again I shouldn't be surprised at this point."

"Yes, the foundation of our society, it is. To see ones such as yourselves to progress so far without it is most curious."

It was then that I understood the pretense of our world compared to the rest of the galaxy. We took a route differently than others, making us more independent than the rest. Something the Republic would fear.

But we don't know where our world Is! I hope our family doesn't hurt themselves looking for us.

Plo koon took note of my fears and commented, "Worry not, young one. We will try to find your world with all we have. You can be sure of that."

I gave a sigh of relief.

Why am I always like this? I know Aaron said he would handle most of the meeting, but I feel like I need to do something. I need to show that I can do this too. I need to be strong.

"Thank you Master Plo. I needed that. Aaron? Would you like me to go ahead and take it from here?"

"Go for it. I only have a few questions left to answer and ask."

I thanked him and took a deep breath.

"So after my brother ran off, Bossk and I gave covering fire…"

XxXxXxXx

The Arena:

Bossk moved over to the ledge as fast as he could. The normal grin that he held was gone. This was a creature ready for a hunt.

"Jo? What has been your experience in long range shooting?"

"O-oh just a few shots at the range with a pistol. I hadn't used a shotgun until a few days ago, or well, effectively. Only really close."

I thought back to the mishap of my shooting at the range my brother took me to. It wasn't pretty, all but a few of my shots hit the paper. When I had used a shotgun, it flew out of my hands. The scolding I got from my brother wasn't fun as the gun almost blew off his head.

Thankfully we both agreed to never tell our parents. I tried it a few times again and made it to the point where I was able to hold it after a while. But I couldn't hit the broad side of a barn to save my life. That is, until a few days ago where I could hit point blank.

"Well you're going to have a free lesson from an expert right now."

Bossk motioned me over to him and I did just that. He placed the gun in my hand over the ledge and sternly said, "Keep the blaster balanced here to prevent your gun from swaying much."

"A-alright."

"Now we are going to do some target practice, you see that droid standing still on the far left?"

I looked down the scope at the area Bossk said and saw a droid shooting from a standing position.

"I think so."

"Try taking your best shot at it."

"Ok?"

I took my best aim with it and missed at least a few feet over its head as the gun lightly recoiled up.

Crap…

But Bossk didn't make fun of it and said, "That's pretty good for this distance. Besides the fact that these blasters aren't meant for this kind of range. Take your time and aim with less tension. So don't strain your arms by making them stiff, it will only make it harder."

I took a deep breath as I thought back to the time I went to the range with Aaron and Eugene. We had rented a bolt action rifle to use for a couple of hours. The one thing they drilled in my mind was to fire the rifle when you breathed out.

I took one more breath and I let go…

The bolt soared across the stadium and landed dead center of the torso, making the machine fall flat.

"That's great Jo! Now keep it up! Your brother is making his move!"

Sure enough, I looked down to see my brother running into the fight.

"Quick! Take out the droids on the left Jo! I got the right!"

I fired as fast as I could and landed a decent hit on a couple of them. My brother made up for my lost time and took out the last droid in his way.

"Alright! It looks like he broke through, we need to take out anyone that could go after him."

At Bossk's command I started firing at will, taking out any threat that would get in my brother's way. I missed here and there, which didn't matter too much as I would always follow up with another blast at each of my targets. The big blue ones needed more hits for them to go down the father they were away. The turret ones were tricky and always moving in their roller forms, I gave up trying to take them out and focused on the weaker tan droids. If I was having trouble, Bossk would give me advice on my aim. This would go on for a few minutes until I heard a dreadful click.

"You're out?!"

A click then proceeded from his blaster.

"Me too! Frag it! I hate civilian power cells! We could have had an extra two hundred - three hundred blasts! Here! This is how you reload-!"

He stopped himself as a groan came from the downed figure next to us.

Dooku!

Bossk's anger went to fear and grabbed my arm and pulled me along with him as we got our equipment. My brother then came on the line.

"Jo! You and Bossk get down here NOW!"

"You don't have to tell me twice! Forget reloading! Run! Don't look back Jo!"

I didn't look back once…

We ran down the hallway that had led us to the pavilion. Where once I had felt safe, I only felt dread turning each corner waiting for our now enemy hosts. My fears became true as we turned around a corner only to be met by a patrol of bugs. I aimed my blaster at the guards when I heard the dreaded click again…

NOOOO!

I froze waiting for death to take me. But before they fired, two blasts fired by my side. Bossk still had his pistol.

"That was a close one! I think we gave ourselves enough distance from the Count. Let's reload our-... Jo?"

I was still frozen with the thousand yard stare leaning against the corner. My blaster fell out of my hands.

Why?! What am I doing here?! Why do I have to fight?! Why-?!"

I was awakened by a slap across my back. Bossk had just hit me…

"Sorry Jo, we don't have time to wait around. We need to-."

He didn't finish as I rested my head in my hands and cried while shaking.

"Jo?"

"WHY CAN'T I BE STRONG?!"

The Trandosian said nothing as I continued sobbing, "Ever since we have been here, my brother has made up for me being slow or falling behind. I couldn't help but pretend that everything wasn't wrong! Why should the older sibling do that to the younger? Why am I so weak?... I'm still shaking from the killing I've done…. I can't get it out of my head... The screaming?! The blood?! I still have nightmares that one day my brother is going to be one of those dead that haunts my dreams every night and it's going to be my fault!"

Bossk then proceeded to back slap me again, almost putting me off balance all while taking the wind out of me.

"OW! WHY DID YOU DO THAT!"

"Sorry Jo! I put a little more force into it than I wanted to!"

"You could have been nicer about it!"

"Yeah, that's not my style really. If you want to be strong, you need to stop feeling sorry and worrying all the time. Look at the bigger picture. Make a choice. You just can't stand there like a womp rat in the headlight."

What he said was true…

Then how do I choose?

Bossk unholstered his rifle and reloaded it. He motioned for me to do what he did all while handing me what I assumed was a "Powercell."

I picked up my blaster and slowly copied what he had just done step by step. Both of us were silent as I finished. I showed him the gun to check. He nodded his head while saying, "You did a good job, but you made one mistake."

"What's that?"

"You had the barrel aimed at me when you did it."

"Oops."

He handed the blaster back to me.

"Just make sure you do it with your barrel aimed down or at your target. Don't point the barrel at someone unless you mean to kill."

I laughed a little, "A-aaron says that all the time when I go to the range with him."

"Well it's common sense really. You must be pretty bad if he has to tell you all the time."

I was getting mad at the implication the reptile was giving me. My hands snatched the rifle from him.

"Are you calling me stupid! Because I get enough of that from my brother!"

"There! That's the Jo we need right now! One who is ready to kill! Now let's go help your brother!"

Ready to kill?

He took the lead and started running down the hallway. I shook my head in frustration as I ran after him.

We were blessed with no other patrols on our way to the arena floor. We rushed down the final set of stairs that led to a long hallway that had flashing lights at the end of it. Neither of us said a word as we ran once more, knowing that the fighting was that direction.

We were about to hit the scene when all of the blasts stopped as we made it to the arch entryway. Bossk rushed to the side of the entryway and had his back hug against it. The bounty hunter had a hard stare at the scene dead ahead. I slowly copied him on the other side of the archway.

My eyes widened as I saw not only my brother and Boba's father, but the sword wielder who would have killed the said father.

What did we miss?!

My question was left unanswered as I heard a familiar voice I didn't want to hear.

"You have fought gallantly. Worthy of recognition in the history archives of the Jedi Order."

The Count! And he sounds mad.

"And you, 'Guns'..."

Oh boy…

We could barely see a droid in the crowd walk up to my brother, taking the silver hilt in his hand. The old man continued.

"I'm sorry for your ignorance in choosing the wrong side. Maybe you and your sister would like a second chance? If you choose to join us, we will pretend this never happened and you will be allowed to live. I will forgive you for knocking me out and taking my light saber."

W-would he really? I-i mean he wouldn't just- NO! Bad Jo. He wants us to believe him! He's lying… but what if he's not?!

"I don't believe for one second that you would just let that go. If we worked for you, we would just have a target on our backs the rest of our lives. I don't want to live like that, and I know my sister doesn't want to live like that."

My brother was not wrong. I shook my head in frustration.

Stupid! Why would I think it would work out! Bossk's right. I need to stop worrying.

Aaron continued, "But I have a question for you. And I think I know the answer. Why did you betray Jango after all he has done for you?"

"I don't know how you found out, but he fulfilled his usefulness. Jango didn't fit in our plans. He knows too much to be left alive."

Why wouldn't they need him anymore?! He is a freaking bounty hunter who is known as one of the best. This is stupid!

"And by we, you mean you and your master's plan. Right?"

What? He's not even the head honcho?!

I could hear the man's voice almost tremble as he said, "I don't know how you know that. But it doesn't matter. If you all surrender now, your lives will be spared."

ALL OF THIS IS STUPID! What can we do?!

"We will not be hostages to be bartered, Dooku!"

"Then I am sorry, old friend…"

My mind was rushing with thoughts as to how to save everyone. No matter what I came up with, I couldn't see anyway we came out on top.

I lifted my head to ask Bossk what we should do, only to be stunned by what I saw. Bossk's legs were shaking a bit, along with a scared look on his face.

This was his biggest challenge yet, one where he would not come out on top any way he would see it. Instead of scaring me any more than I was, it made me think back to what Bossk said earlier.

I can't stand in between the headlights. I- no, WE need to go! We have to do whatever we can… no turning back… I know the cost of abandoning someone in need…

"Bossk…"

I grabbed the Trandosian's attention, albeit he was still trembling.

"I'm going now. I'm getting my brother and Jango out of here. You don't have to come, we'll understand. But I need to try…"

The bounty hunter proceeded to slap his face hard, making himself get under control.

"Sorry! I'm back. Don't think for a second I'm going to ditch Jango and your brother. Not after everything we have done."

"Then let's go!"

"Right behind you."

We broke from our over and charged the army firing our blasters. All of my shots missed...

My stomach dropped when the army turned towards us. But it fell more when blasts came from overhead on the surrounding army. Explosions were coming left and right and all of the droids were distracted by the overhead ships. It made things hard to make out.

Where did they go?

Bossk got my attention and pointed towards Aaron and Jango. They were running to us. We did the same towards them.

We each met halfway and sprinted to the ships now in the arena. All of us made it to a ship that opened up to let us in. After the small creature had us enter, we took off.

As the ship left the arena, I clutched onto my brother like never before.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Present:

"And that is more or less what happened on my end in the battle."

The Jedi in seats shared looks to each other as the rest of us were anticipating a response.

Finally, Yoda cleared his throat and said, "Brave you were to charge out there. What would you have done, if no army we had?"

"I would have done what I did and fought. I had to try."

"Determined you were, a very admirable trait. Both you and your brother showed this when you joined my venture to save Skywalker and Kenobi."

"We couldn't just stand by. If we caught Dooku, we could have gone after Boba faster."

"But got away he did, yes? What would you have changed? By a thread you blocked it, a sliver of less strength would not have been enough. Eager you where to fight, but was it worth it? "

The master's question was a good one. One that I hadn't thought of.

Well, if we-? No, but-.

I bowed my head in shame.

Were we really needed?

I was going to respond, but my brother took up the mantle.

"It was. One, we proved ours, Bossk's, and Jango's willingness to cooperate with the Republic. Two, I managed to hit Dooku with one of my 'slug throwers.'"

The ears of the council twitched at the last part.

"You hit him?"

"Yes, Master Windu. As he destroyed the support in the room. Debris knocked my sister unconscious. I wasn't the one who started shooting, but I was the last. My entire magazine was almost emptied just to hit him once. The falling rocks made good protection from bullets and blasters."

"Where did you hit him?"

"On his back shoulder. He probably needs some surgery to get it removed if it didn't make an exit wound. If you could check medical-."

The man cut off my brother by raising his hand and said, "I'm sure the Separatists have their own medical facilities. Even though their army is mostly mechanical, they would most likely have personal hospitals for their leadership. And even if they were to use a public hospital, all of the records would be cut off from us as he would head to a separatists planet."

Right… different spectrum.

I spoke up again, "Then is there no way to track the man?"

"Not unless he shows himself again. It could be today, it could be tomorrow. It could be a year. In all respects, his resources are virtually unlimited. All while their army is the same way."

Man…

"This is the reality we have to deal with. Now, if you recall, you Shepherds were brought aboard one of the cruisers for medical support and questioning from us. We rescheduled until all of us could be here to decide where to go from here. You went back down to Geonosis for Jango's son. Could you brief us on what happened those days leading up to now?"

I opened my mouth to continue, however I was stopped by Bossk speaking up.

"If it's alright, I can explain the rest from here."

Aaron and I looked at each other and shrugged.

"We have no problem with it if the council approves of it. My brother and I can always answer the questions along with it."

Many of the council members sighed with Yoda stating, "Allow this we will."

Bossk then proceeded to clear his throat before beginning, "Jo had just recovered when Windu told us the meeting location. I wasn't going to go with them until Jango had suggested it. He wanted Boba to have me around so he wouldn't get too upset. It was then when Padme was sent in and offered to take the shepherds, plus four."

Bossk raised both his hands to show the number and lowered them as he continued.

"Boba wasn't with us as he was still planet side, so we went to the arena to start our search. Anakin had Aaron lead the way as he didn't know the place as well as we did."

Anakin chose to add to it, "Any one of them would have been fine, Aaron was the one who volunteered."

The council accepted this as Bossk continued, "We made it to where the animals were being kept and found an Acklay egg-."

"You What?!"

All of us looked to the source to see Obi-wan looking down in shame.

"A problem, have you Kenobi?"

"No master. *ahem* Forgive me."

Everyone gave him a weary look while an image flashed in my mind perfectly. It was Obi-wan fighting the Acklay from the arena. He was struggling with his cuffs at the time dodging left and right. After the image came and went in my mind, I realized what had happened.

That's already happened! Why was it like I was there?! I was at the pavilion then-... right… dah force...

As I had my answer internally, Bossk continued.

"Anyway, we noticed an elevator in the cage room. We figured it would take us closer to Boba, which it did. Sadly it brought us to a small army of the bugs that stood in our way. We got lucky they were transporting explosive waste from who knows what. It caused enough destruction to at least half their numbers. I will also say it was convenient for us that Boba had control of the spaceship and blew what little power they had away."

I remember the pressure I felt from it. That feeling wasn't fun. Hopefully I will never experience that again… right?

"News this is to us of another confrontation you had. With assurance, sources told us the arena was all but abandoned not an hour after the fighting began. Grateful we are, in one piece you all are. Especially the padawans acting guards throughout all of it."

The padawans bowed their heads while Barris responded.

"Thank you master, it would have been harder if we were one man short. The mission taught me a lot."

"Oh? Glad I am, my assumption was correct. What did you learn?"

"That I still have much to learn."

"Always learning, us masters are. Strive for competence, we do. No man can hold the water of perfection for long, not until it bursts at the seams."

Save for One…

"But moving on, tell us what transpired next, young ones. Assume I am, that nothing else transpired on your journey?"

Bossk took charge again and patted my brother's back, "Only one more thing happened, Aaron here has been inducted into being a Mandolorian warrior."

None of the members made any sound, but I swore for a second that I heard a cricket somewhere in the room.

"Care to explain?"

Aaron walked forward not faltering to the stares he received and explained, "On the cruiser, Jango offered me a place among his people. I learned a lot about what mandolore was from Boba and Jango the last few days here. From his standpoint, I met all of the qualifications needed to become one. I took the offer. It is after all how I obtained this armor set."

I noticed my brother looking at the snake like Jedi when he said that. The said Jedi only scoffed and turned his attention to the other council members, "You see, now we have wasted our time! We cannot possibly allow them to join us now!"

What?

Eeth Koth suggested something else, "Perhaps we can take the woman then, she isn't mandalorian."

Master Windu tried to calm them down, "Now everyone let's not-."

Master Billaba interrupted the man, "Why are you alright with this Masters?! As I recall, you and Master Yoda rejected Anakin at first because he was too old! There is more than a ten year difference with this case!"

"There is a vast difference, that much is true. What really sets this from Anakin's case is that Anakin was a true unknown at the time, his future was clouded. But since the Shepherds showed themselves, for the first time Anakin seems more at home. More 'honest'."

"You have something they lack."

Yoda nodded, "Well put Master Master Windu. Young they still are, fast learners they have shown to be. Destiny it is. The path of a Jedi is open to them if they choose to accept."

Even Piell spoke for both parties, "Perhaps we should take it to a vote! The implications for such an allowance into the order would be perceived by the rest as an undermining of our council's fortitude."

"Look at them arguing…"

I heard a foreign voice in my head, my mind seemed some way distant for a moment as I accepted the ancient voice.

"They haven't changed since my time, always missing the bigger picture."

"I think we all need to agree on this matter…"

"I thought we agreed that we would give them the offer at the end of the meeting?!"

"Does it matter?!"

"When real trouble came, they were weak…"

All of us watched the council in awe as the arguing started to grow. It came to the point where it was so unsettling that I looked away as they talked.

"I could teach you so much if you let me…"

The voice had now set me over the edge, along with a chill I felt over my shoulder. The arguing had to stop if I wanted to think.

"I think that-!"

"*Phwwwwhhht*!"

The room turned towards me after I made the whistle sound, my brother held a look that screamed 'show off'.

He wishes he could do that…

"Thank you Jo, I'll take it from here…"

My brother then proceeded to walk forward, "I'm speaking for both my sister and I when I say, we decline your offer..."

He proceeded to let our answer sink in before continuing.

"Although we think it was nice that some of you wanted us to join you, it just wouldn't work. Jo and I have learned a lot about your rules and regulations. I'm pretty sure you wouldn't allow us to take Boba in if we joined…"

The memory of us becoming godparents rushed in my mind.

"We would have to give up seeing our family or world again. All we would have really done is trade one enslavement for another."

I thought back to Dooku and his lies trying to trap us.

"Your order would mostly reject us, we experienced some of that already."

Early Memories of Barriss and the padawans in the cafeteria came to mind.

"Our culture would really clash with yours. Your demands would be too much in regards to our beliefs that we would be cast out from you. Any contradictions you make will be pointed out."

I thought back to the house on Naboo when Bariss tried to kill us.

The council took everything we said into consideration. However Oppo Rancisis wasn't completely satisfied, "Oh? And what of you being a Mandolorian? What would you do if it's culture gets in the way of yours?"

"I would turn my armour in then. But that's a what if. It may never happen."

"Would you swear it?"

"My word is my bond."

"Suppose you then had to set out to the galaxy on your own? Do you think you could survive, let alone find your world again?"

I now walked forward, "We can, and we will. We can find work. If not, we will learn new skills. We are not afraid of the working world. Not after this last week."

This managed to shut him up.

It was true. If we could fight off raiders, if we could defeat slavers, if we could stand up against sabers, how hard would it be to make a new life?

The rest of the party most likely had mixed feelings at the moment, but I had only guessed as my back was to them.

It was Oppo Rancisis who broke the ice he had formed himself with a tired sigh, "I don't think everyone will agree with this. Even I think this is crazy. But perhaps they can-... Master Vos?"

All of us turned around to see the said man with his head down and holding Aaron's gun in his hand. He said nothing except walk forward.

Kit Fisto reached out for his arms to stop him, but Kit's arm was pushed back, by what I now know to call the force.

Nobody had time to react as he suddenly sprinted towards me and my brother. As he neared us, he lifted his head for the two of us to see.

His eyes were not like before. Like a deep abyss of white.

Then something diverted our eyes. A light seemed to have cracked from my brother's gun.

People in the room yelled "Stop!", but it was useless.

The man proceeded to push us to opposite sides of the room. My back slammed hard against the metal frame of the windowed room.

My brother clutching his throat was the last thing saw before a light seemed to envelope my mind, then it went black.

My mind was nowhere yet existing at the same time. It felt like my mind was being swallowed up.

Out of nowhere, I heard the old voice from before.

"Let me show you what you can be…"

In the darkness I saw a door form.

I reached for it and it opened up to a big open chamber with an old woman sitting in the center with white shaded eyes.

She was blind.

"Welcome..."

I had no choice as I exited the darkness like a drone.

When I was finally able to speak, I asked one question.

"Who, are you?"

End Chapter

(A/N: We are near the end of the first Arc, the title of which is yet to be announced. Please leave a review and please give your opinion on where you think the story should go and if it is heading in a direction that makes sense. Silence is the great divider, so I need your criticism.

I have recently received some that has shown me that I might need to re-work some chapters at a later date to make it simple. So please be patient with me.

Also, let me know if you would like to have bonus chapters within chapters more often.

Not all of them will be important plot points, some will be humorous moments and interactions that have popped in my mind that really didn't fit in the main plot.

Anywho, here is another chapter from the Shepherds' past.)

Bonus Chapter:

Tales from the glory days ll:

Jo's POV:

It has been four months…

Four months since Eugene's brother died…

I had only met James a few times over the years I knew him. He was a genius that had his whole life ahead of him, a scholarship to any college of choice, a fiancee, and a family that loved him.

All of that changed because of one wrong turn. He didn't die a heroic death, he didn't die of an incurable disease. He drove his car off a bridge on his way home from a college interview. Nobody was around to see what exactly happened, but it was assumed that James swerved to avoid hitting a deer and lost control. Him along with his soon to be wife.

To say that it was a dark time was an understatement. The last time I had seen Eugene was at the funeral. It was a closed casket ceremony that was served with reverence I had never experienced before, save for my grandmother's years later. The couple were laid side by side forever more.

"Loving son of Karen and Benson Fisher, loving brother to Eugene and Zelda Fisher." Was engraved on his tombstone.

I remember when we left the funeral, nobody said a word. Aaron just stared out the window. He had known James longer than me and was just as much as a friend to him as he was to Eugene.

For the next few months, Eugene was silent at home. While kids talked behind his back, Eugene just did what was asked by his parents and friends. His only reply was,

"Ok..."

Aaron got back to normal after a couple of months, he would stay in his room most of the day doing who knows what. Within that time, he yelled at a kid and broke him down verbally. Aaron was lucky that he left the principal's office with a warning.

From the story I was told by our mom that night, all of the kids were talking 'bad' behind Eugene's back this time. Saying that his brother should have taken Eugene with him on that ride…

As Aaron left the cafeteria that day, one of the undergraduates asked him for a pencil. The rest is history.

A few times I think I could hear him cry when I walked by his room.

Aaron was now fine, but one question remained. Could Eugene ever be the same again? I found that answer the day he returned to school four months later.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Now everyone, make sure you finish your reports by next week. I want at least a thousand words. Any less will be 70 percent or less. Have a good day."

With that, the 5th period was over.

World History… better than math in my opinion.

Up next was the best class to have, English. Thankfully, due to the layout it wasn't a long distance. I needed to go down the hall to avoid the rush. But this time, I saw a familiar face looking downtrodden.

Eugene?!

"Hey Eugene!"

If he heard me, which he did, he didn't show it. He walked on by.

At this point I should've been used to it. Eugene is however my brother's friend so I wasn't going to give up on him that easily.

I would find some way to help. Somehow...

I resumed my trek down the hall and took my seat in the well organized room just in time before all of the students came in.

Wait, something is wrong…

It took me a few moments to realize that our teacher was not in the room. This did not go unnoticed by the other students as the usual banter followed suit.

"Hey! Where's Miss Sherrie."

"I don't know, but you all know the 15 minute rule."

"That only applies to colleges."

I mostly Ignored the conversations as I was actually concerned as time went on for the next 40 minutes.

I'm what you would call a "teacher's pet." Having close communication with the teacher via Email and cellphone for questions. Yet there we were, waiting.

Here I was getting excited for class. We'd be lucky for a lesson at this point.

No sooner did I say that in my mind, the door opened to reveal a very nervous teacher with a student behind her.

"Students. I know you are all eager to leave for your next class. But we have a new student we would like to introduce to you. This is…"

"My name is Thomas, Thomas Stone."

"And he is from Washington."

"Washington state."

Everyone noticed the teacher sweat nervously as she continued.

"A-and why did you and your father move to Indiana?"

"He is a journeyman electrician and came to Indiana for the job opportunities here."

"Indiana is known for that. And what are some of your hobbies?"

"I do some martial arts…"

"...and what kind?"

"A few."

Miss Cherrie cleared her throat before turning her attention to the classroom, "Well that was interesting. Any questions the class would like to ask?"

Just as soon as she said that, a girl blurted out, "Are you single?"

Most of the room was laughing with each other. However, a few noticed something strange. He wasn't laughing. He just yawned.

All the while the teacher grabbed the room's attention again.

"Now students, the principal has asked that a student should show Thomas around the school. Now since-."

Before she could finish, a student rudely interrupted her explanation, "Excuse me! Miss Cherrie! Since I'm on the student council I have to show him around."

Nobody could deny her logic, but her intent was obvious.

"Now that would be the case, however the student council has a meeting after class for the rally."

"Oh…"

After she was shot down, another girl spoke up.

"Then we should put it to a vote who should."

"As I was saying before, the principal randomly selected a student and chose Jo."

Finally, maybe we can move forward-... WHAT?!

"THAT'S NOT FAIR!"

Was the shout from every girl in the classroom, including me.

I composed myself before adding, "I humbly decline showing Tom around the school."

"Thomas."

I ignored the kid's remark and continued.

"Besides, what about the rest of-."

The glare I received from the teacher made me change my tune.

"Alright…"

"Good now everyone, class dismissed."

I sat in my seat as all of the girls of the class gave me death stares while leaving.

The last thing I needed…

"I'm ready for my tour of the compound."

Eeh?

"As much as I hate having to deal with lots of rules here. This school is far from being a prison."

He scratched the back of his ear, "Right, a prison. I meant a prison."

I can't even…..

I stopped the direction the conversation was heading.

"Just follow me."

The tour was a rather uneventful 30 minutes that I wouldn't get back. I had thought it would be slightly entertaining with questions he would have. The problem was that he had none. All he had to say was "I see.", and Thomas appeared to look at every door and window as if he wanted to leave.

As the tour came to a close, we stopped near the hallway that led to the gym that was full of students for the rally.

"Well that's everything~. Please leave your name and email address to save 50 percent on Joanne's tour guides. Next tour will be 'never.' Have a nice day~."

He did nothing except stare.

"That was a joke."

"Oh. Ok."

He still stared.

"You're free to go."

Diddo.

"Go to the rally."

"What rally?"

"The one taking place in the gym."

"Well where are you going?"

Now he wants to ask questions?!

I tried to keep my composure.

"I'm going to the study hall. I'd rather do homework than watch people get pumped up for sports that I could care less about. So get going."

He scratched his ear again and asked.

"Have I been annoying you?"

I sarcastically replied, "Why no.~"

"Oh good."

Woosh…

"Look, just go to the rally."

"Maybe I don't like rallies."

"Look Buster. The study hall is meant for people who have work to do. Not for loiterers. There is no way you are getting out of THAT rally."

"JO!"

I turned to the direction of the voice I recognized as my brother. He looked scared.

"We got to go, Jo! Eugene left the school and I know where he is!"

"Well why do you need me!"

"You're the only one with a car."

Is that all I'm good for?!

"Alright, come on!"

We ran down the school's halls out to the full parking lot that was packed side to side. On The other side of it was my car parked near the basketball court in the grass.

Why do we have to park out so far?!

I opened the door quickly to my Saturn Vue. All the while my bother stood there dumb founded.

"Do you need an invitation? Get in!"

He did just that.

"Now where is he?!"

"Where do you think? The Taekwondo studio downtown."

Geeze…

"Buckle your seatbelts."

With that we drove off.

I waited a minute before asking my brother what happened.

"We were in the cafeteria today and the kids talked about him like he wasn't there, if you know what I mean. It pushed him over the edge and he ran off. Until the rally I thought he was in the restroom. But I heard from one of the other freshmen that he ran off the campus."

Great…

"Aaron what did you mean by 'where else?'"

"W-well that's what he has been doing since-, well you know. I should have stopped him there… but I didn't."

"Don't start doing that now! We at least know where he is."

"Ok… but who's that?"

I looked in the rearview mirror to see what he was talking about.

"Oh that's just Tom, he's-."

'Tom' corrected me, "Thomas."

"Right, and he's a new student that started today and is back at the rally right nowOHMYGOSHWHYAREYOUHERE?!AAAAAHHHH!"

My eyes were off the road long enough to almost run through a red light. As the car came to a stop, I turned around with all of my fury and fire shot through my eyes at him. Melting his face away…

Or that's what I wished happened. Instead the boy was completely unphased.

"Why! Are! You! Here?!"

"You said 'come on.' So I followed you to the car, then you said 'get in.'"

I banged my head on the steering wheel as all of the pieces came together.

"Ok. Aside from the fact I will probably get suspended or worse for this, I need you to not make my day any worse. Got it?!"

"Ok."

As the light turned green I floored it.

Fifteen minutes passed by with my eyes on the road while Thomas and my brother talked about who knows what before we arrived.

We parked right at the entrance and lo and behold, Eugene was pounding away at the punching bag.

"Ok, do you have it from here Aaron?"

"I don't know. I mean, what do I say?"

"Fine. We will go with you."

"We?"

"All things considered, Tom would just follow us."

Both of us proceeded to look at said kid who seemed to stare at Eugene.

"Hey!"

He looked our way, "You need something?"

"You're coming in with us Tom,-."

"Thomas."

"Whatever, and you are going to say nothing, and do nothing."

"Ok."

With that, we got out and walked to the building that showed the boy's rage in the window.

Aaron led the way as it was his friend. He waited at the entrance and took a deep breath before entering the dojo.

Not five seconds in I saw Thomas walking away.

Why me?...

"Aaron you go on ahead, I need to knock some sense into him."

"Alright, just don't make a scene, we're in public now."

"I'd roll my eyes if I weren't so stressed out already."

I then walked straight up and tapped the mentally obtuse teen at the desk retrieving what was what I assumed was an application.

"What do you think you are doing?"

"I'm applying to join this dojo."

I whispered to him, "I can see that! I meant why are you doing this?! Because I know you understood what I said in that car not even one minute ago!"

"Well I did say I do martial arts. And I need to keep up practice for what I do."

"Do?! You're a student in highschool!"

"Right."

I can't even… AGAIN!

"Alright, alright. Let's just stay out of their hair, alright?"

"Ok."

I mentally sighed as I turned around to see that my brother didn't even approach Eugene yet.

What are you doing? Talk to him!

But my brother turned around to look at me like he didn't even know where to start. But I was having none of that and motioned him to get it over with.

I was glad we were somewhat helping Eugene,

But he cut into study time. As well as ruining what good relations I had with any of the teachers for ditching school. All in one setting.

As my brother finally made his move, I turned to face my new "friend." He was now getting all buddy buddy with the Teacher of the studio. I only heard the end of the conversation.

"I must say, it is an honor to have someone of your caliber to attend this dojo! A 6th Dan Sabeom Nim, not to mention a black belt in judo, and karate! Heck, I should be asking to hire you!"

"I got a work permit if you will have me."

"Then let me hand you this, 'Sensei.' Write down what hours you can work and try to get me in touch with your school."

So this guy is some sort of prodigy…. And yet this guy can't take a HINT!

As soon as the instructor entered the main office, I pulled the new employee to the side.

"Alright, I am going to ask this one more time. What is your deal?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, look at you. You're a scrawny teen that has mastery in multiple fighting styles. WHO HAS TIME FOR THAT?! Not to mention your lack of social skills!"

To my suprise the kid looked down, rubbing his neck in shame.

"I-I'm sorry, I guess I hadn't noticed. Ever since I was little I was alway going to places with my dad for work. It just worked out that I had time for those sorts of things."

Jo, why do you do this to people?…

"But what about the people you trained with?"

"That's… not something I'd like to talk about."

"Look, I know you may not think you don't have time to make friends. But you need them. Today just proved that you need to learn how to talk to people more for others to understand you. Learn about others, ask questions. I mean hey, you already talked with me."

Thomas seemed to shake his head then agreed, "So were friends then."

"Yes I- wait a minute…"

"Great. This makes things easier."

"No hold on- wait, what do you mean easy? Are you insinuating-!"

"SHUT UP!"

Both of us quickly turned to the angry yell to see Eugene looking right at my brother with a face I thought I would never see. Hatred.

"Eugene calm down!"

"I was fine till you showed up. Leave me alone."

"We just want to help!"

"You want to help? Let me do what I want!"

"But if you miss any more school days you'll get expelled! Don't let what other kids say-!"

"That I should have died?! No! They're right!"

I couldn't stop my jaw dropping as he continued, "I should have been there. I could have done something to save them. Even at the cost of my own life…"

Eugene's face slowly leaked tears from his eyes as he fell forward.

Aaron took a breath and knelt to his level before saying, "He was my brother too, I understand. If something happened where I think I could have done something to help someone, I would like to believe I'd say the same. But what I do know is that he loved you."

"But what kind of life is this… what do I do now?"

"You fight it."

Thomas stunned us by his interference while Eugene wiped his face.

"W-who're you?"

"Thomas, Thomas Stone. I'm a friend of Jo, and your soon to be instructor."

Like what I thought before, Thomas looked scrawny. Apparently the girls at school saw something in him, but not me. His face seemed wrong. Disinterested.

"Oh yeah? Show me."

"Only if you promise to shape up for now."

"You have to beat me first."

The unchangeable face changed, it was focused. So serious...

"Ok."

Tom then proceeded to pull off his carhartt shirt as well as the hiking boots he had. He did appear muscular, but no different than what Eugene had.

"Let's take this to the mat Eugene. And lets forgo the standard hit rule. Go for knockouts."

The said mat was bigger than an average mat used for aerobic exercises. The area was blue surrounded by a red border. Whatever the tournament rules were, I wouldn't even begin to comprehend them.

"Uhh, won't we get in trouble."

Thomas then spread his hands outwards…

"No judges here, we can fight with no restraints."

It was true. The one adult went to the back room and who knew when he would be done.

Tom explained the rules one more time.

"The first to three knockouts wins. Hit anywhere, go for the kill."

They then stood across from each other and took stances foreign to my mind. Granted, any stance would be way over my head. This was my first witness to a match in person.

So, when do they start?

My brother decided to walk somewhat on the mat and held his hand out.

"On three...One….Two…. THREE!"

Aaron removed his hand and they started moving.

I noted how they never took their eyes off the others. They strafed around the other waiting for an opening. Then Eugene out of nowhere threw a swift kick aimed for his chest. Thomas however countered this and moved away with more than enough time and seemed to spin his body all the while outstretching his leg to deliver a blow to his chest. The force alone kicked Eugene from the mat.

Eugene tumbled backwards as he fell on his butt. I rushed over to pick him up. He just as quickly whispered to me.

"Did you see that JoJo!"

"You getting one shotted?! And I told you to never call me that!"

"No, he stumbled on that spin! That was impressive. But he isn't that perfect."

Ok? I guess he's getting into it… Wait?… YES! This is what he needs right now!

Before I could think any further, Eugene rushed up to his side again.

Aaron started the countdown again. Like before, they strafed around each other. Eugene struck again with a kick. Thomas chose to block that time and was pushed further back as Eugene continued his assault. Thomas kept blocking until he was pushed back enough that Thomas moved to the side. It appeared that bit was Thomas's plan all along. Eugene led himself off the mat face forward.

Eugene got back up once more and shifted to another stance. Aaron began once more. Unlike before, both fighters appeared to be shifting through different footwork and stances. Like a big dance off. I didn't understand the significance of each pose, but I did know whoever moved out of step would lose.

Eugene broke first with a firm kick aimed at his opponent's gut. Thomas decided to move swiftly out of the way and grappled him by the shoulders. Thomas proceeded to pull him straight down hard.

Well, that match was one-sided.

Shockingly it was not the end, Thomas got up and simply stated, "Sorry, that didn't count."

Pardon?

Thomas then helped Eugene up and elaborated, "That was a grapple I just pulled on you. Sorry if I come off as arrogant, but I'm more or less used to using mix moves from the other ones I have done, more so in Judo."

The "Teacher" then walked to the other end of the mat and got in a fighting stance.

"As your soon to be instructor, I'm sorry for not showing self control. That point goes to you."

It's still on?

Eugene wasted no time getting up to the other end to start the match.

As the match started this time, Eugene appeared more hesitant. Thomas struck first with a swift kick of his own. The kick hit it's mark right at Eugene's chest, but he didn't stumble too far back. He took up a stance again and actually managed a counter with a kick of his own.

Yes!

My internal cheer was short lived as Thomas moved very little while Eugene fell flat off the mat.

Oh…

Thomas walked over once again to Eugene to help him up.

My expectations of Aaron's friend was that he would go back to being upset again. It turned out it was just my imagination as he went up to shake the same hand that lifted him, eagerly.

"Well, I was out of my league I guess…"

"Not entirely Eugene, you have potential for more ability. But you lacked one thing in that fight. Patience. You charged me with no real thought out plan."

Thomas seemed more sympathetic than scolding as he continued.

"Though I can understand why, you lost someone important to you recently and you have trouble with processing your feelings. I- We lost our mother when we were little, me and my brother. We found comfort from the training we did. It was easier for us because we had each other. Don't you have someone at home?"

Eugene thought for a second before a revelation hit him as he raised his hands up in frustration to his head.

"My sister! I haven't talked to her since the accident! Oh man! Some brother I turned out to be!"

Aaron calmed him down, "It's not too late Eugene. Just talk to her."

Eugene finally relaxed with a deep breath,

"Right, I guess I better go do that. Thanks for the practice Thomas. "

"There'll be more where that came from next session."

"O-oh, right…"

Eugene's color drained from his face as Tom said those words.

Tom turned to my brother and I with his restored emotionless face and asked a daring question,

"Do you both mind giving me a ride home Aaron and JoJo?"

"Might as well… wait?! What did you call me?!"

Eugene and Aaron did a bad job at hiding their laughter.

"Well Eugene did call you that during the fight."

I huffed as I puffed up with my face, "Well he only calls me that because of some dumb anime."

Both my brother and his friend had fake looks of disgust.

Eugene did a hand salute, "FffffffOOL!" (Stroheim from JoJo part 2)

Aaron put a finger from his right hand to his head, and pointed at me with his left hand and said, "Your next line is 'Shut up dorks!'"

"Shut up dor-!... Shut up!"

They didn't as they started laughing harder than they had before.

"Look, the point being is you do not call me JoJo."

"Then don't call me Tom."

"But your name is Tom. Tom is short for Thomas."

"But Thomas has an H."

"The H is silent!"

"Just call me Thomas."

I proceeded to rub the temples on my head from the stress I had been given that day so far.

"... Fine, Thomas."

"Thank you, Jo."

By this time, Aaron and Eugene had calmed down. Both appeared ready to "break this popsicle stand."

"Alright, let's go before our parents get worried."

Yeahs broke out from the group as we headed for the door. As we left the dojo, Thomas asked one daring question.

"What's anime?"

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

That question alone opened a door to many things in the future. They inducted Thomas to many things the following weeks. Anime (They made him a JoJo fan!), Video games (Dark Souls, Halo, Etc.), Reading (Which I thankfully was able to get him into.), And my least favorite activity (Camping!) Although he already knew a great deal about it, and then some.

Thomas seemed to know a lot of things that you wouldn't expect someone to know, all the while he would seem to be ignorant to social interactions and other things you wouldn't expect a person to not know.

It was irony at its best. He seemed to have everything, looks and talent. But if you wanted to have a normal conversation with him, it would be straight to the point or rather obscure. Nobody is perfect after all, save for One.

The only people to really have a conversation with him would be the people in our small niche. Me, my brother, Eugene, Eugene's little sister Zelda, and the little brother Thomas had talked about, Judah.

What did we get out of this experience?

Thomas was now a part time instructor. Eugene talked to his sister and they finally accepted their brother's passing. Aaron got better control of his emotions from the experience. As for me, I believed I made a friend naturally.

Finally...

End Bonus Chapter

(A/N : As of now my editor/ Co-author is still very sick, I hope you will like the chapters made from the previous months. Again, please forgive any major errors. As she heals, the quality will go back up).