AN: Once again, another two day chapter. You can probably thank the reviews, more interaction means more motivation!

As always, review responses for chapter 3 are at the end if this chapter. Let me know what you think about this chapter.

Vader followed as the man led him without a word, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. Though his weakened connection to the Force frustrated him, his natural instincts remained sharp. He could feel the unease in the air, the tension radiating off the man, though he tried to mask it well. It didn't bother Vader. In fact, he preferred it that way. Fear—whether acknowledged or not—was a tool, and one he knew how to use well.

For now, he would follow. The man in front of him, this "Taiyang" as he had eventually introduced himself as, seemed more capable than most he had encountered in the past. And though his usefulness had yet to be fully proven, Vader was willing to play along—for now.

The sun rose higher, its light filtering through the trees, casting long shadows across their path. Taiyang kept the pace steady, his mind working through the situation. He hadn't asked too many questions yet, partly because he wasn't sure what he would get in return. This stranger—this man who had appeared out of nowhere, fought a Grimm, and demanded answers—was clearly no ordinary person. Taiyang didn't know where he came from, but he knew trouble when he saw it.

Still, Taiyang wasn't about to leave someone to die out in the forest, not when he had the means to help. The guy might be dangerous, but he was also in rough shape. There were too many unanswered questions to simply walk away.

After some time traveling in silence, Taiyang finally spoke up.

"Soooo…. You didn't answer my question earlier." he said, turning around and walking backwards while looking at Vader. "Where are you from?"

Vader's eyes flicked to him, but his expression remained cold. "That is not your concern."

Taiyang sighed inwardly. He had expected as much, but he had hoped for at least something. The guy clearly wasn't interested in sharing.

"All right, I won't push," Taiyang said, turning back to the road, his tone carefully neutral. "But people are going to ask questions once we get there. Showing up naked and demanding things isn't exactly going to go over well."

Vader said nothing, but Taiyang noticed the subtle tightening of his jaw. It was clear the man didn't appreciate being told what to expect, but he wasn't wrong. Patch was a small, tight-knit community. Strangers weren't exactly a common occurrence, and someone like this guy was bound to raise eyebrows.

Eventually, they came to a small clearing, and Taiyang paused, turning to face Vader fully for the first time since they had started walking. He crossed his arms, his expression hardening just a bit.

"Look," Taiyang began, his tone more serious now. "We're about the same size, and I've got some spare clothes in my pack. You'll want to put them on before we get to town, public nudity being illegal and all."

He reached into his pack and pulled out a simple set of clothes—a worn shirt and pants, nothing fancy, but serviceable. Taiyang held them out, waiting for the stranger's response.

Vader regarded the offering for a moment, his eyes narrowing. The idea of accepting help grated against his instincts. Quite honestly he hasn't had to worry about clothing in some time, his suit was all he usually wore. And yet, walking into a populated area in his current state would only complicate matters. He had no use for unnecessary attention—not yet.

Without a word, he took the clothes from Taiyang's hands. The man had kept a neutral face, but Vader could sense his guarded curiosity. This man knew there was more to him, but wisely chose not to pry. Good, he wasn't a fool.

Vader turned his back on Taiyang and slipped into the worn clothes with quick efficiency. They were a rough fit—looser than he preferred, the fabric unfamiliar against his skin—but functional. He would need proper attire soon, but for now, this would suffice.

Once dressed, Vader straightened and turned to face Taiyang again. The man nodded, as if satisfied with the change. "That's better," Taiyang said. "Let's get going."

They continued walking in silence, but something had shifted between them. Vader remained distant, his mind focused on regaining his strength and assessing his surroundings, but Taiyang's offer of clothing hadn't gone unnoticed. The man was smart enough to realize that pushing for answers wouldn't yield anything useful—not yet. For that, Vader could respect him, at least for the moment.

As they moved closer to the edge of the forest, the faint outline of a settlement began to appear in the distance.

The settlement was small, unremarkable. Wooden and brick houses dotted the landscape, their chimneys releasing thin trails of smoke into the morning sky. People moved about with quiet efficiency, unaware of the presence approaching from the woods. Vader's eyes scanned the area, taking in every detail. These were not soldiers or warriors—they were simple folk, content in their routines. Weak. Easily controlled.

He had no intention of lingering here longer than necessary, but he needed supplies. Weapons. Information.

Taiyang led the way, keeping his pace steady, though Vader could sense a subtle tension in the man now that they were nearing civilization. No doubt he understood the disruption a figure like Vader would cause in a place like this. The people here, accustomed to their simple lives, would react poorly to a stranger with his presence. They wouldn't know the power he wielded, but they would feel it.

Vader's eyes flicked to the sky briefly. The air here was clear, unpolluted, untouched by the machines and technologies that filled the galaxy he knew. There were no signs of starships or advanced transport. The buildings were clearly well constructed, but had no signs of greater technology than saws. This place seemed primitive, but he hesitated to dismiss it just yet.

As they neared the town, a few of the locals finally took notice. A woman hanging laundry outside her home stopped and stared, her eyes darting nervously between Taiyang and Vader. Others paused in their tasks, watching them with a mix of curiosity and unease.

Vader ignored them. They were irrelevant.

Taiyang slowed his pace as they approached what appeared to be the town's central market. The open area was small but bustling with activity—traders selling their wares, villagers exchanging goods. Vader's presence caused an immediate ripple. Conversations halted, and more eyes turned toward him, whispers spreading quickly through the small crowd.

He felt their fear. It wasn't overt—these people had no reason to be afraid of him yet—but the undercurrent of unease was unmistakable. His towering figure, his stern expression, and the strange air of authority he carried with him all spoke to something otherworldly. They couldn't place it, but they knew instinctively that this man didn't belong.

"Stay here for a moment," Taiyang said, his voice low as they entered the market square. "I'll get you some food and supplies."

Vader's eyes flicked toward him but gave no response. He watched as Taiyang moved toward one of the stalls, leaving him alone in the square. The people around him kept their distance, pretending to be absorbed in their business but always casting furtive glances his way.

Vader stood still, observing. This town, this place, was insignificant. He would get what he needed, and then he would leave. But as he waited, his mind drifted back to the creature he had fought—the Grimm. They were drawn to darkness, to fear, to hatred. The same forces that fed his power. In some ways, they were like the dark side itself, twisted manifestations of emotion..

That troubled him. They were a threat, yes, but not one that couldn't be overcome. Still, their existence meant this world had forces that operated outside of his experience. If these creatures were drawn to him because of the darkness within him, then they were both a danger and an opportunity. If he could find a way to control them—bend them to his will—they would be a powerful asset.

His musings were interrupted as Taiyang returned, carrying a bundle of clothes and a wrapped package of food. He tossed the clothes to Vader, who caught them without a word, and gestured toward a shaded area near the edge of the market.

"Here," Taiyang said, "you can change over there. Eat something too. I don't know where you came from, but you'll need to blend in if you're going to walk around here without causing a scene."

Vader glanced at the clothes, then back at Taiyang. The man's words were practical, but Vader detected a hint of something else—a desire to keep him in check. Taiyang wasn't fool enough to trust him, nor did he want to draw attention to the stranger in his company. It was understandable, but unnecessary. If he wished, he could fade into the background without much issue, using the force to cloak his presence.

But now was not the time to test that. Not yet. His strength was returning, but he still needed more. Resources. Weapons. Answers.

Without a word, Vader turned and walked toward the shaded area. He quickly changed into the clothes—simple but functional—and scanned the market as he did. Taiyang had been right about one thing: for now, blending in would keep things moving smoothly.

The food, a simple loaf of bread and some dried meat, was unremarkable but sufficient. He ate quickly, the meal filling the gnawing emptiness in his stomach. Though he refused to think about it, he enjoyed the seasoning of the meat.

When he was done, he returned to Taiyang, who was leaning against a nearby post, watching the crowd warily.

"Now," Vader said, his voice low and steady, "you will take me to a place where I can acquire weapons. Armor. I will not be unprepared again."

Taiyang met his gaze, his expression serious but resigned. "All right," he said, standing up straight. "But let's get one thing clear. You're not going to start any trouble in my town. We'll get you what you need, some simple weapons and armor, but after that, you move on."

Vader's eyes flashed with cold amusement. This man thought he could dictate terms. But for now, he let it slide. His focus was clear. He would get what he needed, and soon, he would no longer need anyone's help.

"Lead the way," Vader said.

Taiyang hesitated for only a moment before nodding and turning back toward the village center. As they walked, Vader's mind began calculating the next steps. The moment he acquired proper weapons and armor, he would be able to defend himself against whatever this world threw at him. But there was more to consider. The Grimm were a threat—yes—but they were also a key to understanding the dark forces at play in this world.

As they moved further into the village, Taiyang spoke quietly, his voice steady. "There's a blacksmith down the road. Small operation, but they can get you what you need. You'll have to pay for the materials."

Vader made no reply. The notion of payment was insignificant. If needed, he would simply take what was required, but for now, it was easier to let Taiyang play out his part. As they approached the blacksmith's shop, a familiar weight of authority settled into his posture. He could feel the eyes of the villagers on him again, watching, whispering.

A part of him welcomed it. Let them fear me. Let them know who I am.

They arrived at the blacksmith's shop, a modest but functional building. The clang of metal on metal echoed through the air, and as they entered, the heat from the forge washed over them. An older man, thickly built and with soot-streaked skin, looked up from his work. His eyes lingered on Vader, wariness flickering there, before he nodded to Taiyang.

"Tai, what can I do for you today?" the blacksmith asked, wiping sweat from his brow.

"This one needs a set of weapons," Taiyang replied. "And armor if you can manage it."

The blacksmith eyed Vader, his gaze sliding over the stranger's towering frame. "What kind of weapons are we talking about?"

Vader's eyes glinted, and he stepped forward. "A sword, for now. Something durable." His voice left no room for discussion.

The blacksmith nodded, though he seemed uneasy under Vader's scrutiny. "A sword it is. Might take a little while to get you something that suits your size. You'll need to stay nearby."

Vader's eyes narrowed, his impatience simmering beneath the surface. "How long?"

The blacksmith hesitated, scratching the back of his head. "About a week or so."

Vader's expression darkened. A week? He had no interest in staying in this insignificant town for that long. "Explain the delay."

The blacksmith shifted uncomfortably under Vader's glare, wiping his hands on his apron. "Material shipment's late. Supposed to arrive a couple of days ago, but… well, they likely got hit by Grimm. Happens more often than we'd like. Without the proper metal, I can't get started."

Taiyang, who had been watching the exchange silently, sighed and stepped forward. "I'll cover the upfront commission for now," he said, handing a card of something to the blacksmith. "But the rest of the payment is on you when it's finished." He glanced at Vader, his tone firm. "We're not running a charity."

Vader's gaze flicked toward Taiyang, momentarily registering the firmness in his tone, but the words held no power over him. Still, for now, he would play along. The longer he remained in this town, the more he could observe, learn, and—when the time was right—take what he required. He gave a small, dismissive nod, as if to acknowledge Taiyang's comment, but his mind had already moved on to more important matters.

Vader turned back to the blacksmith, his eyes cold and calculating. "And armor? You will need to craft something suitable for me."

The blacksmith hesitated, glancing at Taiyang before responding. "Armor? Well, around these parts, it's mostly useful if you're dealing with bandits or the occasional skirmish with other folks. But if you're planning to fight Grimm, armor won't do much good. What you'd really need is—"

Taiyang cut him off sharply, stepping forward. "That's enough for now," he said, giving the blacksmith a pointed look. "We'll deal with the rest later. Just focus on the weapon."

The blacksmith, clearly picking up on Taiyang's signal, nodded quickly and said no more, though he looked confused.

Vader's eyes narrowed, noticing the deliberate avoidance in their conversation. They were hiding something. His anger flared briefly, the dark side within him stirring, hungry for dominance. But then, in the midst of that rising fury, an image flashed in his mind: Luke. The moment on the Death Star, when his son had stood before him, refusing to give in to the darkness. It was enough to jolt him from the edge of his temper, just for a moment.

The anger simmered but didn't boil over. Vader's gaze hardened, but he let the matter drop—for now. Taiyang had been useful so far, and despite the urge to crush the defiance he detected, there was no need to jeopardize the fragile cooperation between them. His control returned, cold and steady. "Very well," he said, his voice as controlled as ever. "I will await the weapon."

He turned to leave. There would be a time for answers.

Taiyang followed in silence, his presence marked only by the steady crunch of dirt beneath his boots. Vader knew the man was watching him, studying his every move, just as Vader was assessing Taiyang. But Taiyang had proven useful, and for now, that was enough.

As they approached the outskirts of the village again, a flicker of movement caught Vader's eye. He didn't react, but his senses sharpened. Someone was watching him—he could feel the gaze upon him, lingering, curious. He allowed his peripheral vision to catch it: a flash of red, barely visible between the houses. His steps slowed for the briefest of moments, but he didn't turn to look directly.

Whoever it was, they weren't a threat. Not now, at least. The presence was light, almost hesitant. It didn't carry the weight of danger. A local, perhaps—someone too curious for their own good.

"Something wrong?" Taiyang's voice broke the silence, drawing Vader's attention back to him.

"No," Vader replied, his voice as cold and distant as ever. His mind was already moving on from the faint presence in the distance. It didn't matter. Not now.

Taiyang didn't push further. They walked in silence through the village, where the murmurs and stares had only grown. People eyed them from windows and doorways, keeping their distance but whispering among themselves.

They passed through the village's market again, where vendors hawked their goods in the early morning bustle. Taiyang, clearly uncomfortable with the growing attention, gestured toward the inn. "This is where you can stay," he said, his tone neutral. "I'll arrange for a room. Food will be brought to you, and you can wait there until the blacksmith finishes the sword."

Vader's yellow eyes flicked to the inn, the simple wooden building standing in stark contrast to the grandeur of the imperial halls and starships he had once commanded.

He followed Taiyang inside, ignoring the way the innkeeper stiffened at his arrival, clearly unprepared for a guest of Vader's demeanor. Taiyang, ever the mediator, stepped in before the man could ask too many questions. "He's with me," Taiyang said quickly. "Just make sure he's not disturbed."

The innkeeper nodded hurriedly, his eyes wide as he handed over a key. "Room's upstairs. Last on the left."

Without a word, Vader took the key and ascended the stairs. The wooden boards creaked under his weight, and though the setting was primitive compared to the metal corridors of the Death Star, it was functional. He could hear the faint murmur of voices downstairs as Taiyang exchanged a few more words with the innkeeper, but Vader had no interest in the conversation.

The room was small, sparsely furnished, but that didn't matter. It was a temporary stop, nothing more. He closed the door behind him, blocking out the noise from below. The silence in the room was heavy, pressing down on him in a way that felt both familiar and foreign at the same time.

He moved to the small window, peering out at the village below. The people moved about their daily lives, oblivious to the power that stood among them. He could, however, feel the tension building in the air, the curiosity about him spreading like ripples in water.

As he observed the villagers, something caught his eye. A young man walking along the market square pulled a small, rectangular device from his pocket. With a flick of his thumb, the device projected a faintly glowing screen into the air. Vader's eyes narrowed, intrigued. The man tapped at the screen with practiced ease, seemingly accessing information or perhaps communicating with someone else.

The technology appeared simple, but its design was efficient. Vader had seen holographic interfaces before, of course, but this was more compact and far more integrated into daily life than anything he had encountered outside the elite circles of the Empire. The device's casual use suggested it was common among the population here, which piqued his interest further. Despite the primitive setting of this world, there were advancements here—subtle, but potentially useful.

He watched the man for a few moments longer, noting how the holographic screen shifted with each tap, revealing different layers of information. A communication device, perhaps? A tool for data access? It was difficult to say with certainty, but Vader filed the observation away for future consideration. Whatever its purpose, it could be a valuable resource—one he might need to acquire for himself, once he learned more about this world and how its technology worked.

His thoughts shifted to more immediate concerns. The delay in acquiring a weapon was a setback, but not an insurmountable one. A week was nothing, though it grated against his natural impatience. He would need to remain in this village for the time being, using the time to observe, gather information, and perhaps learn more about these people and the powers they seemed reluctant to discuss. There was no need to force the issue—yet. Taiyang and the blacksmith's nervous exchange earlier had made it clear they were holding something back, and sooner or later, they would slip.

Review Responses for chapter 3:

Hairypen: "Which kingdom would Vader hate more, Mistral of Vacuo?"

Tough one. On one hand, while Mistral used to practice slavery it is now outlawed, and I'm not sure Vader would care overly much about racism. On the other hand... Vacuo has sand. And we all know how he feels about that.

Noob6: "Man Vader sure is demanding, but he'd be more intimidating if or when he gets his suit back. Will Vader have some Anakin traits, or is he all Vader?"

Yeah to be honest, I'm very amused at the thought that right now hes just a pale 6'2" naked guy. As for if he'll have some of Anakin's traits, Anakin isnt gone, just that part of his personality has basically been suppressed for quite a while. If it'll come back, it will certainly take some time.