Edit: Sorry for the update, just noticed that apprently page breaks are *not* coppied when copying from google docs on your phone, but they *are* when doing it on the computer. Anyways, things should be fixed now and the story should be a bit easier to follow now that the page breaks are back.

AN: I am thankful that so many people are enjoying this story. I'll keep this short, but just wanted to brag that I have finally started writing chapters in advance, and have just finished with chapter 9 about 10 minutes before I posted this one.

Review responses for last chapter at the end of this one.

Vader worked in silence, vaguely aware of the girl sitting on a nearby rock, watching him with what he could only describe as a persistent curiosity. She had taken to observing him, a presence he had reluctantly tolerated so long as she kept her distance. Occasionally, she'd ask a question, but he brushed them off, focused entirely on the task at hand. Her presence was insignificant, yet she lingered, quietly sketching or scribbling in that small notebook she always carried.

Hours passed, and his focus never wavered. The components he was assembling from the scrap pile began to resemble a primitive framework. He was making progress, though the lack of proper tools and materials slowed him down. It was a tedious process, and he was constantly reminded of just how far he was from the technology he needed to truly reclaim his power. But he was persistent, pushing forward.

At one point, he heard her yawn, a soft exhale of fatigue as she set the notebook down. He barely registered the sound, but when his gaze drifted to her out of habit, his eyes caught on the open pages. There, clear as day, was a sketch of his work—his project, laid bare in rough pencil lines. Annoyance flared within him as he realized that she had been recording his progress on the furnace.

His instinct was to reprimand her for meddling in his affairs, but something else caught his attention. On the opposite page was a series of additional drawings, different from the first and far more intricate. Schematics, from the look of them, but unlike any weapon design he was familiar with. There was a long, slender barrel, with a segmented form that suggested some type of transformation mechanism.

Curiosity overcame his irritation as he leaned closer. He couldn't read the notes scrawled around the image, but the drawings were clear enough. He could make out what appeared to be two distinct configurations—one a rifle, the other a scythe. The design was unconventional, yet efficient, almost elegant in its adaptability. It was a weapon meant for both precision and close combat, but he couldn't immediately tell how it functioned. It piqued his interest enough that he forgot, for a moment, his annoyance.

He held out his hand, demanding without words. "Give me that," he ordered.

The girl looked up, momentarily startled, but after a beat, she handed the notebook over. He took it, flipping through the pages with a mix of curiosity and scrutiny. He studied the rough outlines she'd made of his device, noting the way she had captured the details accurately, if crudely. He didn't appreciate her intrusion, but her skill was apparent. Still, he quickly turned back to the page that had caught his eye, where her weapon's design was laid out in more detail.

He examined it carefully, his mind working through the possible mechanisms. Though he was adept at interpreting schematics, the specific transformation mechanism eluded him. The weapon was clearly capable of folding and reshaping, but the exact mechanics weren't immediately obvious. He traced a finger along the linework, intrigued in spite of himself. This girl had managed to craft a weapon that defied typical design philosophies—something more than just a rifle or a blade. There was a craftsmanship here, a sense of purpose that wasn't common in weapons he had encountered.

"What is this?" he demanded, looking up to study her expression, searching for any sign of deceit.

"It's Crescent Rose," she replied, her tone tinged with pride. "My weapon. I designed it myself at Signal Academy. It's a high-caliber sniper rifle that also transforms into a scythe. It can fold up, too, for easier carrying. I was thinking about ways to improve it, and watching you work... Well, it gave me a few ideas."

He regarded her with renewed interest. "And you built this yourself?" he asked, still flipping through the pages, taking in the various modifications she had sketched.

She nodded, seeming to grow more confident under his scrutiny. "Yeah. It took a lot of trial and error, but it works now. I'm always trying to find ways to make it better, though."

Vader looked back down at the sketches. Her drawings were rudimentary, but her ideas had depth, particularly for someone her age. She had an understanding of weapons that extended beyond simple construction; she was a creator, constantly refining her craft. The dual-purpose nature of her weapon was almost admirable, and he felt a sliver of respect, though he kept his expression neutral.

He handed the notebook back to her, his features hardening as he returned to his usual tone. "You may continue to observe, but I expect you to keep these notes to yourself. I do not appreciate my work being documented without permission."

She took the notebook back, nodding quickly. "Understood," she replied, a hint of relief in her voice.

With that, he returned to his work, though he remained acutely aware of her presence. She wasn't a threat, but she was perceptive—perhaps more than he had given her credit for. She had already seen too much, but for now, he would tolerate her. Her ingenuity had piqued his interest, and as long as she stayed within his boundaries, he was willing to let her stay. At least until his work was complete.

Ruby, emboldened by his attention to her sketches, leaned forward slightly, watching as he connected a delicate wire to a small metal chamber. She tilted her head, squinting at the component he was assembling. "What's that part for?" she asked, curiosity overriding any hesitation she might have felt.

Vader paused, glancing at her briefly before looking back at the device in his hands. He considered dismissing her question, as he had done countless times before, but something compelled him to answer. Perhaps it was her persistence, or perhaps it was the sense that she might actually understand part of the answer. His gaze returned to the component, his tone still clipped but finally willing to offer her an explanation.

"It regulates the energy flow," he said, his voice flat. "Without it, the entire structure would destabilize under its own power. I need a way to direct the energy precisely, or the process will collapse."

Ruby's eyes lit up as he spoke, and she nodded thoughtfully, her fingers tapping lightly against her notebook. "So, like an energy modulator? That makes sense. I guess that's why the wiring has to be so specific." She glanced at the intricate lines he was connecting, and then back at him. "Wouldn't it be better to use something a bit more flexible? That wire looks like it could snap if too much pressure is applied."

His gaze sharpened, though he said nothing for a moment, taking in her suggestion. She's not wrong, he admitted inwardly. The scrap materials he'd salvaged weren't ideal for precision work, and her observation was correct—there was a chance that the wire could snap under strain. He would need to find a more stable solution in the long run, but for now, he made a mental note of her advice.

"It's a temporary measure," he replied, his tone still guarded. "This will have to suffice until I acquire better materials. These are... lacking."

She nodded again, clearly fascinated. "I see what you mean. It must be hard building something like this with what's available here. I mean, I thought Crescent Rose was a challenge, but I had access to decent tools and parts. This—" she gestured to his work "—must take a lot of patience."

Vader ignored the admiration in her voice, merely grunting in response as he returned to his task. Ruby seemed to take the hint, and soon after, she packed up her things and left for the day, heading back down the path toward the village. He watched her go, making a mental note of her suggestions about the wiring, but quickly putting the thought aside as he continued working alone.

The next day, as he was sorting through his tools and checking the wiring connections again, he heard the familiar sound of her footsteps approaching. Ruby arrived as expected, her notebook tucked under her arm. She gave him a quick wave before settling into her usual spot, ready to observe.

Ruby settled onto her usual spot, her notebook open and pencil in hand. As usual, she watched the stranger—though she still didn't know his name—work on his project. His movements were precise, almost mechanical, and he barely acknowledged her presence beyond a sharp glance every now and then. But today felt different. There was a tension in the air, as if he had something on his mind.

After a while, he finally spoke, his deep voice breaking the silence. "The sniper rifle component of your weapon," he said, his tone blunt, "is inefficient. Inelegant, even."

Ruby blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Inelegant? Sure, Crescent Rose had its quirks, but she'd worked hard to perfect it. "Inelegant?" she repeated, frowning. "What do you mean?"

He didn't look up from his work, but he continued speaking as if her question was just a formality. "If I had access to more sophisticated materials, I could show you a better design. One that doesn't rely on the cumbersome mechanics you've used."

She stared at him, intrigued despite the backhanded critique. "What kind of design?" she asked, curiosity overcoming her initial defensiveness.

His hands moved steadily as he connected two components, but his voice carried that same distant authority. "An energy-based system. Your sniper rifle is limited by its reliance on solid projectiles and reloading mechanisms. I've worked with weapons that operate on an entirely different principle—using energy and gas canisters to fuel the ammunition."

Ruby sat up a little straighter, her pencil poised above the notebook. "Energy-based? Like Dust-powered weapons?" she asked. It was the closest thing she could think of—after all, Dust was the primary way people in Remnant enhanced their weapons.

He paused for a fraction of a second, his hands stilling for just a moment before he resumed his work. It was so brief that Ruby might have missed it if she hadn't been watching him so closely.

"It's unlikely to be the same thing," he replied, his tone neutral. "Blasters—energy weapons—don't require anything as primitive as solid ammunition. They operate with a power cell, which channels energy into a contained bolt, using gas that ionizes when charged. The result is more efficient, faster, and capable of greater precision."

Ruby's eyes widened as she tried to wrap her mind around the concept. "That sounds... amazing. So, no need for reloading, no solid ammo? Just pure energy?"

"Yes," he said, his voice cool but informative. "It eliminates the need for traditional reloading, and it allows for more adaptability in combat. But I haven't found the necessary components here—no power source strong enough to sustain the weapon, and no gas canisters to fuel it."

Ruby felt a rush of excitement and disappointment all at once. The idea of Crescent Rose using energy-based ammo instead of traditional bullets was... well, revolutionary. It would completely change how the weapon functioned. But then, without the parts he mentioned, it was just an idea. "If you had the materials, though... could you adapt Crescent Rose?"

He glanced at her, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered her question. "In theory, yes. It could be done. But until I acquire the right materials, it remains hypothetical."

She nodded, biting her lip as she flipped to a fresh page in her notebook and began furiously sketching. Even if this idea was out of reach for now, there had to be ways to apply some of what he'd said. Maybe not with energy-based ammo, but there could still be ways to improve Crescent Rose's efficiency and speed.

As she scribbled down ideas, she couldn't help but glance at him again. He had dismissed her earlier attempts at conversation, but now he was offering advice. And good advice, at that. She wasn't sure why, but she had a feeling he saw potential in her weapon—or at least in her willingness to improve it. Maybe he wasn't as indifferent as he wanted her to believe.

After a moment of silence, Ruby set down her pencil, a spark of mischief in her eyes. "You know," she said, tilting her head as she looked over at him, "since I'm already sketching down what you're making, you could just tell me what it is. It'd save us both some time."

He paused mid-motion, his gaze shifting to her with a cool intensity. For a moment, Ruby wondered if he'd dismiss her again, telling her to mind her own business. But instead, he simply stood there, his expression thoughtful as if weighing her suggestion.

Finally, he spoke, his tone even. "I think it would be far more interesting if you attempted to figure it out yourself."

Ruby blinked, surprised by his answer. He hadn't said no, but he hadn't exactly said yes, either. "So... you're not going to tell me?"

A faint hint of something almost resembling amusement crossed his face. "No. I'd rather see if you're capable of deciphering it on your own." He glanced back at the device, and then added, "If you manage to do so, I might even offer you a reward once the machine is complete."

She perked up at that, excitement flashing in her eyes. "A reward?" she echoed, her mind already racing with possibilities. "What kind of reward?"

He only gave a noncommittal shrug, his attention returning to his work. "That depends on what you determine this device is. Let's see if you're as perceptive as you believe yourself to be."

Ruby leaned forward, peering at the half-assembled device with renewed focus. She'd been watching him work for days now, noting every piece he added, every adjustment he made. While she still couldn't piece together the full picture, she was determined to take him up on his challenge. If there was a reward on the line, she'd figure this thing out, no matter how long it took.

"Fine," she said, grinning as she picked up her notebook again. "Challenge accepted."

She started sketching again, her gaze flickering between the device and her notes, already trying to analyze what she had seen. Whatever this thing was, she'd figure it out. And when she did, she was going to hold him to that reward.

Ruby's grin widened as she delved back into her notebook, determination clear in her posture. Her pencil scratched across the page, capturing the shapes and connections he'd pieced together so far. She would figure this out, even if it took days. After all, she'd built Crescent Rose from scratch—how hard could this be?

She stole glances at him as he continued to work, his expression unreadable. He moved with such precision, as though he'd built this machine a hundred times before. Watching him, she could almost see the outline of a plan, a pattern in his movements that suggested a deeper understanding of what each part would eventually become. But the exact purpose of the device still eluded her.

Her sketches began to take on more detail as she cross-referenced each part. She noticed that he frequently adjusted the internal framework, reinforcing certain areas while leaving others almost entirely bare. That seemed odd. Normally, a machine would have its weight distributed evenly, but its design was lopsided, with the majority of the components on one side.

It was almost as if he was planning for it to generate an imbalance intentionally, but she couldn't quite put her finger on why. Some kind of energy converter? A generator, maybe? Or was it something else entirely?

After a while, her curiosity got the better of her again. She glanced up, tilting her head as she studied him. "Is it meant to generate energy?" she ventured, watching for any reaction.

He didn't pause this time, though his expression remained impassive. "It is involved with energy, yes," he replied, his tone still guarded. "But that is only part of its purpose."

Ruby chewed on her pencil thoughtfully, excitement bubbling within her. He'd given her a hint, even if it was a small one. That meant she was on the right track. She scribbled down a few more notes, trying to puzzle out how the machine might actually work. If energy was involved, that could mean a whole range of things: power generation, conversion, maybe even containment. But how did it all fit together?

She leaned back, tapping her pencil against her notebook as she thought. This mystery was more challenging than she'd expected, but she was enjoying the mental exercise. A part of her wanted to press him for more information, but she sensed that he'd only respond in riddles. And maybe that was part of the fun.

He was offering her a chance to prove herself, and that was something she rarely encountered outside of the academy. She glanced over at him again, wondering what he thought of her attempts to decipher his project. Despite his aloofness, he didn't seem completely indifferent to her presence. In fact, she had the distinct impression he was testing her—measuring her capabilities, maybe even her resolve.

"Well," she said, flashing him a quick grin, "I guess I'll just have to keep at it. But I'll figure it out. And when I do, I'll hold you to that reward."

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, though it was gone as quickly as it appeared. "We shall see," he replied, his tone as inscrutable as ever.

Ruby went back to her notes, the pages slowly filling with diagrams, theories, and guesses. She was in it for the long haul now. Whatever this machine was, she was determined to uncover its purpose. And with that reward hanging over her head, she had all the motivation she needed.

From his position crouched over the device, Vader occasionally glanced at the girl, noting her growing intensity as she sketched. Her determination to decipher his work was almost amusing. He had challenged her, expecting either frustration or further distractions, yet she had accepted it with an energy he hadn't anticipated. He could feel her eyes on him as she pieced together her theories, and though he hadn't given her much, he could sense her mind working, turning over the information he provided.

He returned to his task, methodically placing components into their respective slots, testing the connections as he worked. Each movement was calculated, designed to push the machine closer to completion. But the materials were crude, subpar compared to what he was used to, and the makeshift tools were slowing him down. It was infuriating, and yet, he continued without letting it show. Frustration was a tool of the dark side, one he could channel if necessary—but not now. Not yet.

The day wore on, the sun shifting in the sky as they sat in the alley. His focus never wavered, and for long stretches of time, the only sounds were the clicking of metal parts, the scrape of Ruby's pencil on paper, and the occasional distant murmur from the town. She had remained surprisingly quiet since their last exchange, her usual chatter replaced by the quiet sound of thought. He preferred it that way.

Still, he was conscious of how much time had passed. His connection to the Force was growing, but it remained strained, weaker than it should be. The effort of constructing the machine with such substandard tools had drained more of his mental energy than expected. He would need to meditate soon, to draw upon the dark side for strength, to hasten his recovery.

He placed the final component into the frame he was working on, locking it in with a sharp click. The device was still incomplete, but it had progressed enough for the day. For now, his body needed rest, not sleep, but the stillness of meditation. He stood up slowly, casting a glance at Ruby, who had fallen into a thoughtful silence.

"I will stop for now," he said, his voice breaking the quiet. "There is more work to be done, but I need time to meditate."

Ruby looked up from her notebook, blinking. "Meditate? Why?" she asked, her tone lighter than he expected.

Vader regarded her coolly. "Meditation is necessary to clear the mind. To regain focus." He paused, considering how much to reveal. "It also... strengthens certain abilities," he added vaguely, his tone suggesting that he would offer no further explanation.

Ruby's brow furrowed, and she tilted her head. "You mean, like your Semblance?" she asked, clearly trying to connect the dots.

Vader paused, the term unfamiliar. He regarded her with a hint of curiosity, though he kept his expression carefully neutral. "Semblance?" he repeated, the word foreign to him. He would have expected something related to the Force, not whatever this world had concocted.

"Yeah," Ruby replied, her tone brightening as she realized he might not know what she meant. "Your Semblance! It's kind of like... well, an ability, I guess. Everyone's is different. It's connected to your Aura, and it's a unique power that only you have. Like my Semblance lets me move really fast—it's super useful in a fight!"

Vader considered this, weighing her words carefully. "And this Aura... what does it entail?" He hid his genuine interest beneath a cool facade, but he could sense that there was more to this than she was letting on.

"Oh, well, Aura is like your life force, the manifestation of your soul," Ruby explained, her hands gesturing animatedly as she spoke. "It's sort of an energy that everyone has, and Huntsmen and Huntresses use it to protect themselves. You know, like a shield. It also lets you use your Semblance. Some people have Auras that can heal, or enhance their strength, or other things." She smiled, looking thoughtful. "I guess it's kind of like what powers us, in a way."

Vader was silent for a moment, taking in this information. Aura, a form of life energy that provided defense and allowed them to harness unique abilities... It bore similarities to the Force, though it seemed to operate on a different level. It was clearly a system of power that was less flexible and far more individualized than what he understood as the Force.

"And do you require training to use this... Aura?" he asked, the gears in his mind turning as he considered the implications.

"Yeah, usually!" Ruby replied. "It can be unlocked by someone else who has control over theirs, or some people can unlock it on their own. But you've got to learn how to control it and figure out what your Semblance is, because they can be unpredictable." She gave a small shrug. "Most people never unlock theirs since doing so draws more attention from grimm, but for Huntsmen, it's essential."

He nodded slowly, filing the information away. The concept was intriguing—different from the Force, but with enough overlap that it piqued his curiosity.

He glanced back at Ruby, his expression inscrutable. "Interesting," he murmured, more to himself than to her. "I will consider this information."

She beamed, evidently pleased to have been able to provide him with something useful. "Well, it's kind of important around here! Everyone who trains at an academy learns about it. Even my dad uses his Aura, though he's not out fighting as much these days."

Vader didn't respond, already contemplating how this knowledge could fit into his own understanding. If he could master this Aura, or at least find ways to use it to his advantage, it could prove to be another tool at his disposal. But for now, he would continue with his original purpose. He turned away, indicating the end of the conversation.

"Go home," he said, his tone firm. "I have work to do."

Ruby hesitated, as if she wanted to say more, but she simply nodded and gathered her things. "See you tomorrow," she called as she walked away, glancing back over her shoulder one last time.

Vader left the village behind, moving swiftly along the path into the forest. He didn't mind the solitude, finding it preferable to the constant chatter of the village and the curious stares of its people. His focus was entirely on reaching the clearing, the secluded spot he had chosen for his meditations. The trees around him stood tall and silent, their branches arching overhead like a canopy, offering a sense of isolation that he welcomed.

He reached the clearing and settled down, closing his eyes and drawing a slow, steady breath. His connection to the Force was still weak, a frustratingly distant echo of what it once was, but it was there. He focused inward, letting the sounds of the forest fade away as he reached out to the dark side, seeking to draw upon its power. The familiar pull of anger and frustration flared within him, and he welcomed it, letting it feed his resolve.

For a time, he simply sat, breathing in and out, immersing himself in the Force. The connection was tenuous, as it had been since his arrival, but he could feel something shifting. Over the past couple of days, his ability to sense his surroundings had sharpened, the Force growing slightly stronger with each passing hour. He hadn't been meditating as much, yet the change was undeniable. He could feel it now more clearly, stretching further, becoming more refined.

It didn't make any sense.

His progress should have been gradual, dictated by his focus on meditation alone. Yet it was almost as if the Force was stabilizing on its own, strengthening without the constant, intense effort he was used to. He frowned, the thought gnawing at him. He had experienced surges in power before, but they always came from within—drawn from focused training, rage, or the thrill of combat. This was different. The growth felt external, like a steady flow of energy building up from a source just beyond his reach.

He pushed the thought aside, unwilling to let distractions cloud his mind, but the question lingered. Something had changed, though he couldn't pinpoint what. It was as though the Force itself was growing stronger in response to something outside of him, something new and unknown. He had not encountered anything in this world that should affect his connection in such a way.

It was unsettling, and yet... intriguing. He had to admit, he had not felt the Force like this in years, not since his early days as a Sith. The power had always been there, but never so mysteriously steady, as if he were drawing from a source he didn't fully understand. His brow furrowed. He would need to investigate this further, to understand what was causing the shift. Ignoring it would be reckless.

He exhaled slowly, letting the frustration drain away, focusing instead on the sensation of the Force flowing through him. It didn't feel like an enemy; rather, it was a presence, steady and almost patient. He would discover the source soon enough. For now, he would use this newfound strength to his advantage.

As he returned to his meditation, he felt a faint ripple, like a current under the surface, but he dismissed it. There were more immediate concerns—completing the device, gathering resources, and, eventually, reclaiming his power fully. Whatever this was, it could wait.

Ruby hummed quietly to herself as she made her way back home, her mind still buzzing with thoughts of the stranger's device and the possibilities for Crescent Rose. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, casting warm hues across the path as she walked. She replayed the conversation in her mind, still feeling a surge of excitement at the idea of an energy-based weapon. She had never thought about Crescent Rose operating without ammunition before, but now her imagination was alive with the potential.

By the time she reached the front door of her home, the familiar warmth of the evening had settled over Patch. She pushed open the door, stepping into the cozy living room. The scent of something cooking drifted in from the kitchen, and she could hear the faint clinking of dishes as her dad set the table.

"Hey, Dad!" she called out, shrugging off her hood and hanging it by the door.

Taiyang popped his head around the corner, a grin on his face. "There you are! I was beginning to think you'd gotten lost in town. Dinner's almost ready. How was your day?"

Ruby offered him a quick smile, hoping to brush past the topic of her day without too many questions. "It was good! Just, you know, exploring... getting ideas for Crescent Rose."

Taiyang raised an eyebrow, walking into the room and folding his arms. "Getting ideas, huh?" His tone was light, but Ruby could tell he was curious. "You seem to be spending a lot of time on these 'ideas' lately. What's got you so inspired?"

Ruby shrugged, her mind racing for a simple answer. "Oh, you know... just thinking about upgrades and stuff. I mean, there's always room for improvement, right?"

Taiyang chuckled, ruffling her hair as he passed by to set some plates on the table. "You're always thinking about that weapon of yours. Sometimes I think Crescent Rose is your best friend."

Ruby grinned, brushing her hair back into place. "Well, maybe she is! I mean, she's always there for me. I just want to make sure she's the best she can be."

Taiyang nodded, the smile never leaving his face, though a hint of concern flickered in his eyes. "Just be careful, okay? I know you're eager to improve, but don't get so caught up that you forget to take care of yourself."

"I will, Dad," Ruby promised, making her way to the kitchen to help him with the final touches for dinner. She appreciated his concern, but she couldn't shake the thrill she felt about the new ideas swirling in her mind. She'd never had anyone to discuss weapon design with outside of Signal, and now, with the stranger's mysterious project inspiring her, she felt like she was on the edge of something big.

As Ruby and Taiyang started eating, the front door creaked open, and Yang sauntered in, her usual confident grin plastered on her face. "Hey, fam! What's up?" she called, kicking her boots off near the door.

Taiyang smiled, waving her over to join them. "Just in time, Yang! Dinner's ready."

Yang flopped into her seat, pulling a plate toward her with practiced ease. "Awesome! I'm starving." She loaded her plate quickly, glancing over at Ruby with a smirk. "So, little sis, what have you been up to today? Sneaking around with your mysterious 'project' again?"

Ruby stiffened slightly but tried to play it off with a shrug. "Just working on Crescent Rose. You know, same as usual."

Yang raised an eyebrow, a playful gleam in her eye. "Oh yeah? I thought maybe you were up to something more exciting. I mean, who spends all day in town 'working' on a weapon?" She made air quotes around the word "working" with a teasing grin. "Sounds like you're either hiding something or taking forever on something simple."

Ruby's fingers tightened around her fork, a sudden burst of irritation flaring in her chest. "At least I'm actually doing something productive," she shot back, her voice sharper than she intended. "Not like you, who spends half the day lazing around."

Yang's eyes narrowed slightly, though her grin stayed intact. "Ooh, feisty today, aren't we?"

Before the exchange could escalate, Taiyang cleared his throat, his gaze flicking between his daughters. "Ruby, that's enough. That's not like you." His tone wasn't harsh, but it carried a weight that made Ruby glance down at her plate. "Yang was just teasing. You don't need to snap back like that."

Ruby didn't respond. She didn't feel like talking, not when her irritation was still bubbling beneath the surface. She focused on her food, pushing a piece of meat around her plate as she tried to ignore the tension now hanging in the air.

The table fell into an uncomfortable silence for a few moments, and though Ruby could feel her dad's eyes on her, she refused to meet his gaze.

The silence at the table stretched on, thick and uncomfortable. Ruby kept her eyes down, poking at her food and resisting the urge to glance up. She could feel both her dad and Yang watching her, and she knew Taiyang was waiting for her to say something—to apologize, maybe, or at least acknowledge his words. But she didn't feel like apologizing, not when the irritation still simmered in her chest.

Yang, for her part, leaned back in her chair, folding her arms and studying Ruby with a curious expression. "Alright, then," she said, breaking the silence. "You're usually the one telling me to calm down. It's kinda weird seeing you so worked up."

Ruby shrugged, keeping her gaze fixed on her plate. "Maybe I'm just tired," she muttered, though she knew it wasn't entirely true. There was a restlessness in her, something that had been building over the past few days, ever since she'd started watching the stranger work on his mysterious machine. She was itching to get back to it, to figure it out, and the thought of anything else felt... small.

Taiyang sighed, giving Yang a look that said to let it go. "Maybe we're all just a bit tired," he said, his tone softening. "It's been a long day."

He tried to steer the conversation into safer territory, asking Yang about her day and updating them on some of the news he'd heard from town. Ruby half-listened, though her mind kept drifting back to the machine, to the stranger's cryptic challenge, and to all the unanswered questions swirling around her. She felt Yang's eyes on her occasionally, but she kept her gaze low, focusing on Taiyang's voice instead, letting the familiarity of it ground her.

The rest of the meal passed quietly, and though the tension eventually eased, it never fully dissipated. Ruby helped clear the table afterward, still lost in thought. She could feel her dad's concerned gaze on her, but she didn't offer any explanations. The thoughts swirling in her mind were hers alone, and she wasn't ready to share them—not yet.

When the dishes were done, Ruby excused herself and headed to her room, eager for the solitude and quiet. She needed to think, to plan her next steps. Tomorrow, she would return to the clearing, watch the stranger work, and maybe—just maybe—she'd figure out the answers she was looking for.

AN: Temper temper, Little Red.

Review Responses!

Rando Fox -

"How old is Vader in this? He got his body back, but was he de-aged?"

Nope! Still well in to his 40s, I believe he should be 45 right now. Old man.

Hairypen - "What would you rate Luke on that RPG scale by the end of Return of the Jedi?"

Oh, easily a level 70. 80 when he uses his anger to get the upper hand while attacking Vader. At that time, Vader likely would have been around a 73-75.

That's all for now, if you have any questions that aren't spoilers feel free to ask and I shall happily answer! The next chapter will be posted in two days, the 15th of October (2024 for any of you reading in the future), and shall be posted around 5pm EST.