AN: Warning, a fair bit of skipping around at the beginning of this chapter. It's supposed to be a bit of a time skip, so…
Anyways, here's the next chapter! Not as long as previous chapters, but we are getting to the proper story now. Responses for reviews of the last chapter are at the end of this one.
A week had passed since Ruby first agreed to become Vader's apprentice, and their training sessions had become an intense part of her daily routine. Each day, they met at dawn in the same secluded clearing where she had first witnessed the true extent of Vader's powers. The mornings were spent in vigorous sparring sessions, where Ruby learned not just to anticipate and react to physical attacks, but also to channel her burgeoning Force abilities into her strikes.
Vader was a stern and exacting teacher. He instructed Ruby to tap into her emotions during combat, to let her feelings of frustration, determination, and even anger flow through her and enhance the strength of her attacks. As Ruby swung her scythe, he guided her to feel each emotion, to use it as fuel that fed into her physical exertion, creating a loop that made each subsequent attack more powerful.
"Let your emotions drive your strength," Vader instructed, his voice firm over the clash of metal. "Feel them, use them. They are tools that can enhance your power."
Ruby, eager to please and to make the most of her training, followed his advice, finding that her strikes did indeed grow stronger as she allowed her feelings to merge with her physical actions. She felt a surge of energy, a rush that was exhilarating and empowering, with each swing fueled by her swirling emotions.
However, as the training session wore on, Vader observed the increasing intensity of Ruby's emotions with a growing sense of discomfort. He saw the raw power she unleashed, the way her eyes flashed brighter with each hit. It was exactly what he had intended—pushing her towards the edge where the Dark Side beckoned, yet a part of him, the distant echo of Anakin Skywalker, recoiled at the thought of pushing her into a darkness that could consume her.
His inner conflict escalated as the session neared its end. Ruby was reaching a critical point, her emotions amplifying to a peak that could push her over into recklessness, potentially unlocking a path to the Dark Side he knew all too well.
At the very last moment, as Ruby raised her scythe with a fierce cry, driven by a surge of anger and power, Vader stepped forward. His hand shot out, stopping her mid-strike. The sudden interruption caused Ruby to stagger, her eyes wide and her chest heaving from exertion.
"Ruby," Vader's voice was unusually tense, and he struggled with his words, fighting against his own desires to let her fall easily into darkness. "You must be careful. What I teach you... it is powerful, and it can overwhelm you. If you lose control, it can lead to terrible things. You must learn to manage this power, to not let it manage you. Do not lose yourself."
Ruby's breaths were sharp and ragged as she tried to process Vader's warning, her body still thrumming with the raw energy of her emotions. The residual anger and frustration did not dissipate easily; they clung to her, clouding her thoughts and tinting her perceptions with a harsh, critical edge.
"I understand," she said tersely, though her tone suggested she was still grappling with the intensity of what she had felt during training. She turned away briefly, trying to regain her composure, but the emotions churned within her, difficult to suppress now that they had been so fully awakened.
As they walked away from the clearing, Ruby's footsteps were heavy, her mind replaying the session. The power she'd felt was addictive, a surge that made her feel unstoppable, and the sudden pullback left her feeling abruptly hollow, frustrated by the boundary Vader had imposed.
"Why stop me?" she snapped, her voice sharper than intended as they made their way through the forest. "I was just getting to understand it, to really feel it. You say it's dangerous, but isn't that the point? To push the limits?"
Vader stopped, turning to face her. His response was measured, his voice a controlled calm that contrasted with her agitated state. "Pushing the limits is necessary, but losing sight of them is perilous. You must learn to walk this path with caution, Ruby. The power of the Force is not something to be trifled with. It demands respect, discipline. Without these, it will consume you."
Ruby's eyes flashed with a mix of defiance and confusion. The words made sense, but the storm of emotions made them hard to accept. She felt a sting of irritation at being curtailed, at being reminded of her inexperience.
"I was controlling it," she insisted stubbornly, her words more a reflection of her wish than reality. "I can handle it."
Vader regarded her quietly for a moment, the depth of his gaze seeming to pierce through her bravado. "Today, you were fortunate. I was here to stop you. But what if I had not been? Think, Ruby. Reflect on that power, how quickly it grew, how swiftly it could have overwhelmed you."
The reminder of her near loss of control sobered her, the initial rush of anger beginning to wane as she considered his words more fully. Vader's presence, imposing yet steadying, reminded her of the seriousness of her training.
"Alright," Ruby conceded, her voice softer, the heat of her anger cooling into a reluctant acknowledgment of her situation. "I'll think about it. I don't want to... I don't want to lose myself."
Vader nodded, "Good. Reflect on this, learn from it. We will continue tomorrow, and you will learn not only to harness the Force but to master yourself as well. That is where true strength lies."
Vader strode away from the training site, his form rigid, the cloak of his frustration nearly as palpable as the Force he wielded. The emotions within him roiled tumultuously—a storm of anger, disappointment, and an unexpected twinge of relief battling for dominance. He had been on the verge of achieving a significant victory in his plan to draw Ruby closer to the Dark Side, to have her embrace it with the raw, unchecked passion he knew could fuel such a transformation. She was so close, teetering on the edge, and he had the power to push her.
Yet, as she neared that critical point, something within him faltered. Despite his intentions, despite the cold calculations that had marked his approach to her training, he found himself pulling her back from the brink. The warning he had given her was against his better strategic judgment, a spontaneous act driven by a deeper, almost buried instinct.
Every time I'm about to win, I see his face.
Luke's face, on the Death Star, filled with conflict yet resolute, haunted him. The memory of his son's refusal to fall to the Dark Side, even in the face of certain doom, was a stark mirror to the situation with Ruby. He could not shake it; it was as if Luke's spirit was there, reminding him of the path he himself had once rejected but now seemed to wish on another.
Vader stopped, his silhouette stark against the setting sun, his breathing mechanically steady yet somehow heavy with emotion. He clenched his fists, the leather of his gloves creaking softly. It was a moment of profound internal conflict, where the vestiges of Anakin Skywalker made their presence felt against the dark will of Darth Vader.
Why did I warn her? Why can't I just let her fall?
The frustration was maddening. He was Darth Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith, and yet, he had hesitated, compromised by the very human remnants of who he once was. This was not just about training a potential asset in the Force; it was a battle within himself, a battle between the remnants of the Jedi Knight he had once been and the Sith Lord he had become.
He gazed out into the growing darkness, the trees of the forest mere shadows against the twilight. The night was calm, but the turmoil within him was as tumultuous as ever.
Tomorrow, he would continue Ruby's training. He would push her again, test her limits and his own resolve. But tonight, he would wrestle with his thoughts, with the ghosts of his past that refused to be silenced. Tonight, he would remember that despite all his power, all his control, there were still forces within him that he could not fully command.
Weeks passed, and the intensity of Ruby's training sessions with Vader fluctuated. She had heeded his warning, working diligently to control the surge of emotions that so powerfully fueled her use of the Force. Each day, she practiced channeling her feelings into her strikes without allowing them to consume her, learning to maintain a delicate balance between power and control.
Despite her progress, Ruby couldn't shake the sense of being constrained. She knew the power she could wield if she let her emotions run free as Vader had initially instructed—how formidable, how unstoppable she felt with that raw energy coursing through her. But the memory of nearly losing control haunted her, and she feared crossing a line from which she could not return.
The training, while effective in teaching her discipline, left her feeling paradoxically weaker. Each controlled exercise, each tempered reaction felt like a suppression of her true potential. She understood the dangers, the slippery slope Vader had warned her about, but deep down, the frustration of holding back gnawed at her.
One evening, as their training session came to a close with the sun dipping below the horizon, casting long shadows through the clearing, Ruby approached Vader with a hesitant step.
"Vader," she started, her voice a mixture of determination and regret. "I won't be here for training tomorrow night."
Vader turned to her, his interest piqued. "And why is that?" he asked, his tone neutral but probing.
Ruby shifted her weight from one foot to the other, her gaze firm. "It's Yang's birthday. I'm going into Vale to pick up something special for her. She's been... I want to make sure I do something nice for her."
Vader regarded her silently for a moment, his face betraying no emotion. Yet, internally, he assessed the implications of her decision. Training was paramount, but he recognized the importance of familial bonds, especially as motivators and anchors. Perhaps, he considered, this was another aspect of Ruby's life that could be leveraged to deepen her commitment to their shared path—a reminder of the stakes involved, of the personal connections that her power could protect or, if necessary, avenge.
"Very well," Vader finally said, his voice even. "Ensure you manage your time effectively. Your training is important, but so are the people you care about. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on what you are learning, and why."
Ruby nodded, a small smile of gratitude breaking through her disciplined facade. "Thank you, Vader. I will."
The next morning dawned clear and bright, a refreshing break from the grueling regimen of training. Ruby awoke with a sense of purpose, eager to get her chores done early and make the most of her day in Vale. She moved efficiently, cleaning up around the house, helping with breakfast, and making sure everything was in order before she turned her attention to her own preparations.
In the quiet of the workshop, Ruby set Crescent Rose on the workbench and began the familiar routine of maintenance. Her weapon, her constant companion, had seen a lot of action lately, especially with the intense sparring sessions against Vader. The metal bore scuffs and a few deeper scratches from Vader's formidable blade, reminders of their rigorous practice.
As she cleaned and adjusted the mechanisms, Ruby realized that she was running low on Dust rounds. The thought made her pause, her mind drifting back to several weeks ago when she had borrowed her father's emergency lightning Dust for helping Vader. She hadn't yet replaced it, a lapse she now regretted.
Can't keep putting that off, she thought, chastising herself for the oversight. Need to make things right.
She made a mental note to stop by a Dust shop while in Vale. It would be a simple errand, but it was important to her to restore what she had borrowed, especially since her family had always stressed the importance of responsibility and making amends.
Feeling more prepared, Ruby packed up her tools, secured Crescent Rose in its travel form, and slung it over her back. With a final check to ensure she had everything she needed for Yang's birthday surprise, she set off towards Vale, her spirits lifted by the prospect of a day away from training and filled with familial love and celebration. The brief respite was welcome, but even as she stepped out, her mind was already planning the tasks ahead—replace the Dust, find the perfect gift for Yang, and maybe, just maybe, a little time to relax and enjoy the city.
Ruby made her way to the ferry, the rhythmic sound of her boots on the path blending with the morning's natural chorus. As she approached the waterfront, the gentle swaying of the boats and the distant call of seabirds greeted her, bringing a sense of calm that contrasted sharply with the intensity of her recent training days.
Once aboard the ferry, Ruby found a quiet spot on the deck, leaning against the railing as the boat began its journey across the water towards Vale. The cool breeze off the water was refreshing, and as she watched the shore slowly recede, her thoughts inevitably drifted back to her training with Vader.
She reflected on the powerful, often overwhelming sessions that had both challenged and changed her. Learning to channel and control the Force was unlike anything she had ever experienced; it was exhilarating and terrifying in equal measure. Vader was a demanding teacher, pushing her to her limits and beyond, teaching her to tap into deep reservoirs of strength she hadn't known she possessed.
Yet, there were moments during their training when she felt a darkness hovering at the edge of her consciousness, a whisper tempting her to let go and immerse herself fully in the raw power Vader encouraged her to harness. It was a seductive pull, and resisting it took more effort than she anticipated. His last-minute warnings echoed in her mind, a reminder of the potential dangers that such power could bring if not carefully controlled.
Ruby sighed, turning her gaze to the horizon where the city of Vale was beginning to come into view. The skyline sparkled under the morning sun, a stark reminder of the world outside her training—a world of vibrant life and color, of everyday joys and challenges. It struck her just how much she had been caught up in the whirlwind of Vader's teachings, and how this brief trip was a necessary step back to balance her life.
As the ferry docked with a gentle thud against the pier, Ruby stepped off with a renewed sense of purpose, her boots clacking assertively on the wooden planks. The lively hum of Vale greeted her—a mixture of chatter, laughter, and the distant hum of airships. It was a bustling, vibrant city, and Ruby felt a surge of excitement at being back among its throngs.
Before diving into her search for Yang's birthday gift, Ruby detoured to a small bakery she frequented on her visits to Vale. The warm, sweet aroma of freshly baked goods enveloped her as she pushed open the door, the familiar jingle of the bell announcing her arrival. The bakery was cozy, with a welcoming display of cakes, pastries, and an array of cookies that made her mouth water.
"Hi, Ruby!" greeted the baker, Mrs. Marigold, who recognized her from her many visits. "The usual?"
Ruby nodded with a smile. "Yes, please. A dozen of your chocolate chip cookies. They're Yang's favorite."
As Mrs. Marigold busied herself packing up the cookies, Ruby glanced around the quaint shop, her eyes lingering on the photos of Vale and various thank you notes pinned around the counter. It was a small reminder of the community and connections that made Vale so special to her.
With a neatly tied package of cookies in hand, Ruby thanked Mrs. Marigold and stepped back out into the city. The streets of Vale were alive with activity, people of all ages bustling about their day. Ruby took a deep breath, enjoying the energy of the city as she headed towards the commercial district, her eyes scanning the various shops for the perfect gift for Yang.
She wanted something meaningful, something that would not only celebrate her sister's birthday but also express her gratitude for Yang's support—especially now, as she navigated the complexities of her training with Vader. Ruby's thoughts wandered through the possibilities: perhaps some new gear for Bumblebee, Yang's beloved motorcycle, or maybe something unique and handcrafted, a piece of jewelry or artwork.
...Nah, Yang wouldn't care about art. Motorcycle stuff it is.
With a new resolve, Ruby made her way to a well-known motorcycle shop renowned for its high-quality accessories and parts. The gleam of polished chrome and the scent of leather and oil greeted her as she stepped inside, a grin spreading across her face as she envisioned Yang's delighted reaction.
She browsed through the aisles, her eyes catching on a sleek, custom-designed helmet displayed prominently on one of the shelves. It was bold and stylish, much like Yang herself, adorned with flame motifs that seemed to dance in the light—a perfect match for Yang's fiery personality and aesthetic.
Ruby picked up the helmet, examining it closely. It was sturdy yet lightweight, the craftsmanship impeccable. She could already picture Yang wearing it, the helmet a fitting complement to Bumblebee's gleaming yellow and black.
Convinced she had found the perfect gift, Ruby made her way to the counter, her excitement building. After completing the purchase, she carefully placed the helmet in her bag alongside the cookies, after she fished one out and ate it of course. The delicious chocolate chip treat was just the boost she needed to continue her day in Vale with energy and a smile.
With Yang's birthday gift secured much quicker than anticipated, Ruby found herself with a fair amount of time to spare. The city of Vale was bustling around her, full of life and activity, and it presented a perfect opportunity to just enjoy the day. She decided to wander through the city.
Eventually, Ruby noticed the sky darkening, the warm hues of dusk settling over Vale. She checked her watch, realizing it was time to head to the Dust shop. She still needed to replace the lightning Dust she'd borrowed from her father, and she wanted to ensure she had everything ready for Yang's birthday celebration early the next morning. It would also be Yang's going-away party, since she'd be heading to Beacon Academy later that same day—a bittersweet occasion Ruby knew would be emotional for both of them.
The streets were growing quieter as she made her way to From Dust Till Dawn, a small but well-stocked Dust shop on a quieter street. As she entered, a bell chimed, and the familiar, slightly musty smell of the shop greeted her. Shelves lined with colorful containers of Dust crystals and canisters stretched before her, each one holding a different elemental potential: fire, ice, gravity, and, thankfully, lightning.
Ruby walked up to the counter, where the shopkeeper was sorting some merchandise, and offered a friendly smile. "Hi! I need to get some lightning Dust, please," she said cheerfully, pulling a few lien from her bag.
The shopkeeper looked up, glancing between her and the Dust containers. With a small nod, he silently gestured toward the lightning Dust on display. Ruby selected a small, neatly packed container, sliding her lien across the counter as he took it, giving a small grunt of acknowledgment.
As she pocketed the Dust, Ruby's attention drifted to a rack in the back of the shop. There was a small display of magazines, some of which had intricate pictures of weaponry and engineering on their covers. Her interest piqued, and she looked back to the shopkeeper.
"Mind if I stick around for a bit?" she asked, gesturing to the magazines in the back. "I just want to look at these while I'm here."
The shopkeeper gave a half-shrug, not seeming to mind one way or the other. Ruby took that as a yes, her excitement bubbling up as she moved toward the display and picked up a magazine on advanced weapon engineering. She grabbed her headphones from her pocket, turning on some music to listen to while reading, and happily opened the first magazine.
As Ruby flipped through the magazine, lost in the intricate diagrams of custom weapon modifications, a strange sensation began to creep over her. It was subtle at first—a faint, tingling awareness at the edge of her consciousness. Her brow furrowed slightly as a feeling of unease settled in, as if something in the air had shifted.
She glanced around briefly, pulling one of her headphones down for a second, listening to the quiet hum of the shop. Nothing seemed out of place, and the shopkeeper was still up at the counter, idly arranging some of the Dust containers on display. Dismissing the feeling as nerves, Ruby pushed the headphone back on and returned to her magazine.
But the sense of danger didn't fade. Instead, it grew stronger, a low thrum of warning pulsing at the back of her mind. Her training with Vader had sharpened her awareness, teaching her to recognize subtle signs through the Force. And right now, every instinct told her that something was wrong.
A moment later, the bell above the door chimed, and several heavy footsteps echoed through the shop. Ruby's muscles tensed instinctively as the sense of danger spiked. She could feel it now—an undeniable presence of something malevolent.
She cast a cautious glance over her shoulder. Three men had entered, each one clad in dark clothing that screamed trouble. They looked around with a smug confidence, as if they'd already decided this place belonged to them. Ruby clenched her hand around Crescent Rose, steadying her breathing as she prepared for what might come next. As a second thought she turned off her headphones, allowing her to hear anything that might be said.
Then, another figure stepped in behind the others, drawing all eyes to him. With a stylish hat perched on his head and a cane in hand, he had a self-assured, almost theatrical air. He strolled up to the counter, taking his time, as though savoring the unease his presence inspired.
Ruby kept her head fixed ahead on the magazine in her hands, but her senses were fully tuned in to the group that had entered the shop. She could feel it—the tension in the air, the weight of danger settling over the room like a heavy fog. The shop was too quiet, and she knew that the situation had shifted the moment the man in the hat had sauntered in, accompanied by his thugs.
Out of the corner of her eye, she watched as one of the grunts pulled out a gun, aiming it straight at the shopkeeper. She could see the shopkeeper's face grow pale, his hands trembling as he raised them defensively. Ruby's grip on Crescent Rose tightened instinctively, her heart pounding as she mentally mapped out her options.
The man in the hat leaned against the counter, his voice smooth and dripping with false courtesy. "Do you know how hard it is to find a Dust shop open this late?" he drawled, flashing a toothy grin that was anything but friendly.
The shopkeeper swallowed, clearly terrified, and Torchwick's grin only widened as he watched the man's fearful reaction. Ruby felt a spark of anger flare up within her. This wasn't just a robbery—Torchwick was enjoying this, savoring the fear he was creating.
Without a second thought, Ruby stepped forward, her boots thudding softly against the floor as she closed the magazine and set it down. She kept Crescent Rose hidden for now, but her eyes were locked onto Torchwick and his group.
"Hey," she said, her voice firm but calm, drawing the attention of the entire group. Torchwick glanced her way, his expression one of faint surprise that quickly morphed into amused interest.
"And who might you be, little lady?" he asked, his tone mocking. "Out a bit late, aren't we?"
Ruby met his gaze, her heart racing, but she held steady. "I think it's time for you to leave," she said, her voice carrying an edge of warning. "This shop's not yours to mess with."
The man chuckled, clearly entertained by her defiance. "Is that so?" He raised an eyebrow, glancing at his men, who smirked and rolled their eyes, amused by Ruby's attempt to stand up to them. "I think you'll find that we're the ones in charge here."
One of the thugs decided to step forward, aiming his gun at her. Ruby's instincts kicked in, and she moved with a speed that took them all by surprise. In a single fluid motion, she swung Crescent Rose around, its blade gleaming as it unfolded. Before the thug could react, she brought the flat side of the scythe up and knocked him back, sending him sprawling into a display of Dust canisters.
The rest of the group stiffened, no longer laughing. The man in the hat raised an eyebrow, impressed but now a little wary. "Well, looks like we've got ourselves a fighter," he murmured, his tone shifting slightly, a hint of caution seeping in.
Ruby didn't wait for them to recover. She darted forward, dodging another thug's swipe and sending him flying with a well-placed kick. She could feel the Force humming in her, her training with Vader guiding her movements with precision. Each strike was quick, calculated—no wasted energy, just clean, powerful moves that left her opponents on the floor before they knew what hit them.
Torchwick— for now that she had seen him for a minute she recognized who he was— took a measured step back and out of the shop door, watching Ruby. The Dust shop was filled with canisters and containers of volatile Dust, a perfect recipe for disaster if things got out of hand. And while he enjoyed a bit of chaos now and then, he had a schedule to keep and knew better than to risk a fight with all that explosive material around. Getting caught here, in a blaze of Dust-fueled destruction, was not on his agenda.
As he took another step back, Ruby swept forward, her grip on Crescent Rose steady as she advanced on him. With a flick of her wrist, she sent the last remaining grunt sprawling to the ground. The thug groaned and didn't get up, leaving Torchwick alone and cornered.
Torchwick let out a dramatic sigh, glancing down at the fallen men around him. "You were worth every cent, truly you were," he said, sarcasm dripping from every word as he looked back up at Ruby, an exasperated expression crossing his face.
With his grip on his cane, Torchwick shot Ruby a sharp glare. "But, unfortunately for you," he said, his smirk returning, "I don't have time for a real fight." He twirled his cane once, giving her a mock salute, and then pressed a hidden button on its handle. A thin grappling cable shot out from the tip, latching onto the edge of a nearby building.
Ruby's eyes widened as Torchwick was yanked off the ground, swinging upward with surprising speed. She barely had time to react before he was already halfway up the wall, quickly scaling to the rooftop in a single, fluid motion. The man had clearly done this before, and he wasn't about to let himself be cornered so easily.
Not one to back down, Ruby sprang into action. She ran out the shop door and crouched, summoning the Force to boost her leap, and launched herself upward in pursuit. With annoyment she realized that she had misjudged the amount of Force she needed to gather to leap the distance, and so she fired a shot from Crescent Rose to add to her momentum.
The additional force from her shot propelled her farther and faster than she'd intended, launching her past Torchwick as he was halfway across the rooftop. She landed in a low crouch in front of him, skidding to a stop and blocking his path just as he turned around, his eyes narrowing in frustration.
Torchwick's surprise was evident as he took a quick step back, his plans momentarily foiled by Ruby's swift, unexpected move. He gritted his teeth, his gaze darting past her for a moment as if searching for something—or someone. Ruby frowned, not fully understanding his intentions until she heard the unmistakable whir of engines overhead.
A Bullhead rose from behind the building, its sleek black body glinting under the dim lights of Vale. The ship's heavy, ominous weaponry rotated to aim directly at her, and Torchwick's scowl quickly morphed back into a smug grin.
"Looks like my ride's here," he drawled, his confidence restored. "Sorry, Red, but I'm on a tight schedule. I'd love to stay and chat, but I have places to be." He gave her a mocking tip of his hat, his fingers twitching around his cane as he calculated his next move.
Ruby glanced up at the Bullhead, her grip on Crescent Rose tightening as the realization hit her—Torchwick had backup, and they weren't just there to pick him up. She could already see the weapon mounts on the Bullhead's underside shifting, adjusting to aim directly at her.
Her training kicked in, her senses sharpening as she prepared for the oncoming assault. Torchwick was slipping past her, taking advantage of her distraction, but she couldn't afford to let him get away. She'd need to keep him on his toes and somehow avoid the Bullhead's weapons.
Just as the Bullhead's cannons fired, Ruby rolled to the side, narrowly dodging the blasts as they struck the rooftop, sending bits of debris flying. She sprang up, using the Force to anticipate the next shots, her mind focused and steady even as she felt the rush of adrenaline coursing through her.
Torchwick used the chaos to make his way toward the edge of the roof, hoping to climb up onto the Bullhead's side as it hovered close. Ruby, however, was hot on his heels, her movements quick and agile as she closed the gap between them.
Ruby darted forward, forcing Torchwick to stumble back as she closed the distance between them. The Bullhead, hovering ominously, tried to adjust its angle, but with Ruby pressing so close to Torchwick, he effectively blocked its line of fire. She kept herself positioned between Torchwick and the edge, her presence forcing the Bullhead to circle around in search of a clear shot.
Torchwick's smirk grew as he realized her predicament. She was too close for Crescent Rose's full reach to be effective, leaving her in an awkward position. He, however, had no such disadvantage—his cane, designed for close-quarters as much as ranged attacks, was perfectly suited to the tight proximity. With a sharp grin, he twirled the cane in his hands, bringing it down with a series of quick jabs that forced Ruby on the defensive.
"Not quite your scene, is it?" Torchwick taunted, his voice low as he lunged at her with quick, precise strikes. Ruby blocked as best as she could, feeling her weapon's weight and reach hindering her ability to respond effectively. She was used to fighting at a distance, to leaping and swinging with her full momentum—but here, so close to her opponent, Crescent Rose felt almost cumbersome.
She took a step back, attempting to angle herself for a better maneuver, but Torchwick moved in faster, pressing his advantage with a series of swift attacks. She ducked, twisting to avoid a blow that came dangerously close, the tip of his cane missing her by mere inches. She could feel the Force pulsing within her, her instincts sharpened by Vader's training as she anticipated each move, managing to dodge by a hair's breadth.
Torchwick's smug grin only widened as he saw her struggling. "What's the matter? Not quite the right weapon for the job?" he mocked, taking another swipe at her. Ruby's frustration grew, her grip tightening on Crescent Rose as she forced herself to remain calm, not to let her emotions get the best of her.
Instead, she focused on the training Vader had drilled into her. Control your emotions, channel them. Her anger at Torchwick's arrogance, her determination not to let him win—it all fed into her movements, sharpening her reactions.
She sidestepped another jab and, with a burst of speed, threw herself into a tight spin, using Crescent Rose's shaft to knock his cane off-course. Torchwick blinked in surprise, and she seized the moment, landing a quick strike with the butt of her weapon against his side.
But her advantage was fleeting. Torchwick quickly recovered, twisting his cane back into position. He forced her backward with a sweep of his leg, pushing her back into the space between him and the Bullhead. The aircraft, having circled around for a clear shot, lowered its guns again, its barrels pointed directly at her.
Ruby grit her teeth, her mind racing as she calculated her next move. She had to keep close to Torchwick to avoid the Bullhead's fire, but that left her in an even tighter bind. She was boxed in, her weapon at a disadvantage. Torchwick's grin only grew as he sensed her uncertainty.
Torchwick's eyes narrowed as Ruby pinned his cane. He paused, just for a moment, his gaze calculating, and then a sly grin spread across his face. With a quick, forceful twist of his wrist, he yanked the cane free, knocking Ruby off balance. In the same motion, he swept his leg low, catching her in the ankles and sending her tumbling backward.
Ruby hit the rooftop hard, Crescent Rose slipping from her grip momentarily as she tried to steady herself. Torchwick didn't waste any time. He aimed his cane upward, firing his grappling hook into the Bullhead hovering above, which immediately began to rise to meet him. Torchwick was lifted off his feet, a triumphant grin on his face as he ascended toward the aircraft.
As he neared the open hatch of the Bullhead, he glanced down at Ruby, who was struggling to push herself back up, and tossed a gleaming Dust crystal in her direction. Ruby's eyes widened as the crystal arced through the air toward her, the deadly potential of it dawning on her in an instant.
Torchwick's voice rang out, dripping with mockery. "You've been a wonderful audience, but I'm afraid it's time for the grand finale!"
He aimed his cane downward, poised to shoot. Ruby's mind raced, the Force flaring within her as she calculated her next move. She knew the moment he fired, the crystal would explode, sending a powerful blast of Dust energy across the rooftop. There was no time to grab her weapon. Instead, she summoned all her focus, feeling the flow of the Force sharpen her instincts.
As the Dust crystal tumbled through the air toward her, Ruby clenched her jaw, instincts kicking in. She extended her hand, summoning the Force and reaching out with every ounce of focus she could muster. The crystal halted midair, just a few feet from her, caught in her invisible grip.
Torchwick had already taken aim, his finger tightening on the trigger. Ruby could see the flash of light as he fired, the shot speeding toward the crystal. But before it could reach her, she threw out her arm, directing a powerful Force push at the crystal, propelling it back toward the Bullhead.
Torchwick's eyes widened, his shot hitting the crystal just as it arced upward toward the open hatch, and the Dust ignited with a deafening explosion. Ruby didn't let up, keeping her Force push steady and controlled, forcing the blast to remain directed at the Bullhead. The explosion surged upward, flames and shards of Dust energy slamming into the open door, funneling into the interior of the aircraft.
The Bullhead shuddered under the impact, the entire frame shaking violently as smoke and fire poured from the open hatch. Torchwick's aura shattered as he stumbled backward, bracing himself against the wall as he was momentarily lost in the billowing smoke. The pilot scrambled to control the Bullhead, the engines whining as it dipped slightly from the sudden damage.
The Bullhead began to pull back, its engines sputtering as flames and smoke billowed from the open hatch, Torchwick forced into a retreat. Ruby's heart raced; she had managed to turn his attack back on him, but it had taken all of her focus.
But before the Bullhead could escape, a sudden, powerful blast of icy blue light arced across the rooftop and struck the aircraft's engines, freezing parts of them in thick ice. Ruby whirled around, eyes widening as she saw a tall, authoritative figure standing on the rooftop behind her—an elegant woman with a long riding crop, dressed in a sharp, tailored outfit and wielding what looked like Dust-infused power. Ruby didn't know who she was, but it was clear from her presence and skill that she was a Huntress—a real Huntress, not just a student.
"A Huntress!" Ruby whispered in awe, her earlier excitement replaced by genuine admiration. She barely resisted the urge to run over and ask for an autograph, trying to focus as the woman took aim again, sending another blast of ice Dust toward the Bullhead.
But then, movement caught her eye in the smoky haze of the Bullhead's open door. Another figure appeared, stepping calmly to the edge of the open hatch, obscured by the thick smoke. Suddenly, with a flick of their hand, glowing shards of glass shot out from the figure, arcing toward Ruby and the Huntress with deadly precision.
The shards shattered upon impact with a shield the huntress threw up, falling to pieces onto the ground. Suddenly, the shards began to glow, before sending a brilliant burst of light and shockwaves across the rooftop. Ruby shielded her face, staggering backward as the explosion left her dazed. She caught a glimpse of the Huntress doing the same, the powerful blast distracting them both.
By the time the smoke cleared, the Bullhead was already pulling away, speeding off into the distance. Ruby watched in frustration as it disappeared over the rooftops, the sound of its engines fading into the night.
As the smoke and sound of the retreating Bullhead finally dissipated, the tall Huntress turned her gaze toward Ruby, her expression stern yet composed. Ruby, still reeling from the encounter but filled with a bubbling excitement, looked up at the woman, awe-struck.
"You're… you're a Huntress," she said, her voice soft with admiration. And then, in a sudden burst of excitement, her voice shot up an octave. "Can I have your autograph?"
AN: And there it is, the story has officially begun. I spent a lot of time attempting to figure out how the fight with Roman would go down, and came to the conclusion that while she does have the force and a month of training, the best she could likely do would be stalling him for a bit longer and doing some damage. Roman right now is a fair bit above her level, and his win condition was leaving while hers was capturing him. A bit of a difference in difficulty.
Review Responses:
Abyss Reaper: "This is the point when everything goes down, this vader is a total arrogant idiot."
Yes. That is entirely what Vader is, in canon as well. Vader is intelligent, don't get me wrong, but he is also a depressed arrogant idiot who felt that he was so irredeemable that he might as well continue being evil, and that he was so powerful nobody could challenge him. His way was the correct way, according to his thoughts. He knew what was right for the galaxy.
Grand Chaos Master: "Will we see a Revan story?"
Perhaps! Revan is likely one of my favorite characters in legends, so I would love to write a story involving them. Side note, considering KotOR is canon and you can choose to be either male or female in that, I've always thought of Revan as a badass evil chick. I know the canon is that he was male, but meh. If I do write a Revan story, I'll have to make a hard decision and see if I do a male Revan or Female Revan.
And of course, all of this will be done after I finish writing this story and is purely hypothetical until then.
That's all for now folks, see you again fairly soon! Probably.