AN: Heya everyone, here's chapter 13. Thank you for all the wonderful feedback from the last chapter! I really appreciate your support. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates it!
Oh, and I have been told I am going to have to shill for my- *Clears throat*- P̷̧̫̆ǎ̵̗́t̸̙̱̾̍r̵̲̔ͅe̸̜͕̊ǫ̴͐n̷̨̞̍͝. Because I have one, under the same name as on here. And money is nice.
Review responses for the last chapter at the end of this one!
As they walked into the house near midnight, the quiet settled around them, broken only by the soft click of the door shutting. Ruby glanced at her family, still catching her breath after the whirlwind of emotions and revelations from the night.
Yang had been the first to react when Ruby had nervously revealed the news of her invitation to the Beacon entrance exam. Her older sister's initial shock had quickly turned into pure excitement. She'd wrapped Ruby in a tight hug, practically lifting her off the ground as she laughed, her pride and joy evident.
"Ruby! You're going to Beacon—with me! We're gonna be Huntresses together!" Yang had all but squealed, the thrill of them sharing the same dream shining in her eyes.
Their father, Taiyang, had worn a smile of quiet pride, though his eyes showed a flicker of worry. "I knew you had it in you, kiddo," he'd said, ruffling her hair. "Just… remember, it's okay to take things slow. You're still young."
Ruby had nodded earnestly, her heart full. She felt Taiyang's lingering concern, but she couldn't help the excitement bubbling inside her, the same thrill that had set her sister alight.
When she mentioned that Vader had also been given a position at Beacon, however, the tone shifted slightly.
"Oh." Yang's enthusiasm had dimmed just a little, her smile tightening around the edges. "So, uh… he's gonna be there too?" She shrugged, trying to keep her expression positive, though the worry was clear in her eyes.
"Yeah," Ruby had replied, her voice quiet but confident. "He'll be teaching technology. It's part of the deal for him to stay and, um… keep training me."
Yang managed a smile, though the brightness was somewhat forced. "Well, that's… that's cool. I'm really happy for you, Rubes." She pulled her sister into another hug, a bit more subdued than the last, but Ruby still felt the warmth there.
Taiyang sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he looked between his daughters. "Well, we don't have long to get you ready, Ruby. It already took us a few days just to pack everything for Yang, and that was with time to prepare." He gave her a sympathetic smile. "You might have to leave a few things here for now."
Ruby's eyes widened. "Oh! I didn't even think about that." Her mind raced through a mental list of her belongings, trying to figure out what she absolutely needed to bring and what could wait.
Taiyang chuckled softly. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to send anything you leave behind. Once you're settled in at Beacon, just let me know what you need, and I'll get it there somehow. It might be a bit tricky to manage deliveries, but I think I can handle it." He gave her a reassuring wink.
Ruby felt a wave of relief, her initial nerves settling. "Thanks, Dad," she said, managing a small smile.
Yang nudged her shoulder playfully. "Well, at least we'll be there together. I'll make sure you don't leave Crescent Rose behind or anything super important like that."
Ruby laughed, nudging her back. "As if I'd ever forget Crescent Rose! But, you're right… we'll be there together." She gave her sister a grateful look, feeling comforted by the thought.
Taiyang placed a hand on each of their shoulders, his expression soft but a bit melancholy. "It's… it's hard for me to see both of you going off at the same time. But I'm proud of you—both of you. You're going to do amazing things." His voice was filled with conviction, his pride clear.
Ruby and Yang shared a smile, the excitement settling between them again. There was so much left to prepare, and the time was short, but Ruby felt a renewed sense of purpose. This was really happening. She was going to Beacon.
Bidding her family a good night, Ruby stepped into her room, the familiar scent of her belongings and the quiet stillness of her space washing over her. She looked around, taking in everything: her workbench where she'd spent countless hours tinkering with Crescent Rose, the shelves lined with books and little trinkets she'd collected over the years, the posters of famous Huntresses on her walls. A small pang tugged at her chest. This would be the last night she'd spend here for months.
She walked over to her bed, tracing her fingers along the quilt her father had given her last year, then lay down, pulling the blanket up as she stared at the ceiling. She tried to close her eyes, but sleep didn't come easily. Her thoughts were a rush of excitement, nerves, and a thousand different "what ifs" about the days to come.
After several restless minutes, Ruby sighed and sat up. She wasn't going to be able to sleep, not with everything swirling inside her. Instead, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, steadying herself. She'd learned a lot from Vader's training—how to channel her emotions, to let them fuel her, heighten her focus. Maybe she could use that now, in a different way, to help calm herself.
She relaxed, her breathing steadying as she let herself sink deeper into the flow of her emotions. She allowed herself to feel everything she'd been holding inside: the happiness, the thrill of heading to Beacon, the wonder of finally starting this journey she'd dreamed of. She held onto the hope of what lay ahead, the excitement buzzing in her veins, and a quiet, faint ache that rose as she thought of her mother.
I wish you were here, she thought, a gentle warmth filling her at the thought of Summer. She imagined what her mother would say, her encouragement and pride, her wisdom. Ruby could almost picture her, a soft smile and warm eyes, the way she might place a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
The emotions pulsed within her, blending into a tranquil rhythm. She let herself drift deeper, feeling as if she were floating on the current of her thoughts and feelings, each one threading through her and strengthening her, filling her with a sense of calm purpose. There was no fear here, no doubt—only the knowledge that she was on the path she was meant to follow.
Time slipped by as she meditated, the quiet hum of the night fading into the background as she held herself steady in this calm, focused space.
Vader returned to his room at the inn, his footsteps heavy but purposeful. He gathered his meager possessions—a few rough supplies he had bartered for, each one small but essential. These had been obtained through careful trades using low-quality materials produced by his Molecular Furnace, and each scrap, wire, and casing represented countless hours of refinement and experimentation. They were little more than rudimentary components, but for now, they were all he had.
With his items packed, he placed the key to his room on the inn's counter, giving a curt nod to the innkeeper on his way out. The morning air was crisp and quiet as he strode down the winding paths that led away from the village and into the thick of the forest. He made his way past the secluded clearing he'd claimed for Ruby's training, and then farther still, until he reached a small, well-hidden area beyond the clearing.
He knelt down, brushing aside the leaves and sticks concealing a rough tarp. With a tug, he pulled it away, revealing his Molecular Furnace—a crude, functional device with components crafted from whatever metals and minerals he could source. The casing, now reinforced with sturdier materials, was significantly stronger than the original scrap he'd cobbled together in those first days. It was still imperfect, of course, but he could see how each minor upgrade had improved its resilience.
Vader inspected the machine with a critical eye, running his fingers along the edges where he'd reinforced it. He was still limited by the quality of the materials he could produce—an unfortunate drawback he couldn't ignore. Turning wood or stone into wiring was possible, but the result was inferior, prone to breakage or loss of conductivity. What he needed was true ore or precious metals, materials he could rely on to increase the Furnace's efficiency.
He made a mental note to seek out resources, to look for a way to secure higher-quality materials once he arrived at Beacon. Even if his role there meant teaching, it might also afford him access to better resources, laboratories, or even equipment.
As he finished his inspection, Vader straightened, his mind already calculating how best to proceed. Once at Beacon, he would need to assess their technological resources and secure a private workspace, ideally somewhere isolated. With the limitations of his Molecular Furnace constantly hampering his progress, gaining access to the academy's supplies and equipment would be essential to refining his work. He also needed to consider the materials he would need to request or procure discreetly—metals, electronics, and any rare elements he could not fabricate himself with the rudimentary resources available here in Patch.
The requirement to teach a class complicated matters. Having to address Beacon's students on modern technology, whatever that might entail, would undoubtedly eat into the time he had intended to devote to his apprentice's training. He suppressed an annoyed sigh, feeling a familiar surge of irritation at the thought of dealing with children—unfocused, untested, and likely unworthy of any skill he might impart to them. Yet, he knew that losing access to Ruby would be far worse. Her potential, the bond he felt, and her increasingly steady rise in skill all made her a critical asset. She was still young, yes, but she was devoted, unlike any pupil he had encountered since…
He shook the memory off, his focus hardening. This arrangement, as irritating as it might be, would have to work. His role at Beacon could serve as a means to secure what he needed, to continue guiding Ruby, and to expand his influence over her development. With careful planning and a strict schedule, he could navigate the academy's demands without allowing them to impede his true purpose.
Vader sank to the ground, crossing his legs as he settled into a meditative stance. The dense quiet of the forest pressed in around him, the sounds of nocturnal creatures fading into the background as he closed his eyes, reaching into the darkness that stretched out within him. Anger, hatred, and bitterness rose to the surface—the familiar currents of his power, the wellspring that had always fueled him.
He allowed his mind to sift through old memories, ones that stirred resentment and cold fury. Images of the Emperor's betrayal, the long years of servitude under his master's cruel rule, and the faces of those he had lost in pursuit of his ambitions flashed through his mind, each one an anchor to the darkness. His breathing slowed, deepening, as he drew on the cold fire of his anger, letting it burn through his mind and body, fueling him as it always had. He let it wash over him, steadying himself in its familiar, consuming embrace.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and he would be ready.
The morning sunlight filtered through the trees as Ruby and Yang made their way to the airship dock, Taiyang trailing behind them with an air of both pride and reluctance. The morning was cool, the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze accompanying their steps. Ruby carried her small but well-packed bag on her back, her weapon, Crescent Rose, folded neatly at her side. Yang had a larger pack slung over one shoulder and her gauntlets secured at her wrists.
As they reached the dock, Taiyang stepped forward, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. His expression was soft but firm, pride mingling with a hint of sadness.
"I can't believe I'm sending both of you off at the same time," he said with a faint smile. "It's gonna be a lot quieter around here without you two."
Yang grinned, pulling him into a hug. "Don't worry, Dad. We'll come back for the holidays—and we'll send you plenty of pictures!" Her tone was cheerful, but there was a slight catch in her voice that betrayed her own hesitation at leaving.
Ruby hugged Taiyang tightly, her smaller frame pressed against him. "Thanks for everything, Dad," she said, her voice a little quieter than usual. "I'll make you proud. I promise."
"You already do," Taiyang replied, his voice warm. He pulled back to look at them both. "You've got a big adventure ahead of you. Make sure to stick together and watch out for each other, alright?"
Yang and Ruby both nodded, sharing a smile. Ruby's excitement was palpable, though she glanced over her shoulder, her expression flickering with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. She could feel Vader's presence nearby, his imposing figure standing a little apart from the small crowd of families and students waiting to board.
Taiyang's expression darkened slightly as his gaze followed hers, landing on Vader. He frowned but held his tongue, knowing Ruby's mind was already made up. "You sure about this guy?" he asked, his tone low but not harsh.
Ruby looked up at him, her resolve clear in her eyes. "I am. He's taught me so much already. I think… I think he can really help me become the Huntress I want to be."
Taiyang sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Just be careful, alright? I trust you, Ruby, but… I'm your dad. It's my job to worry."
She smiled, leaning into him for another quick hug. "I will. Promise."
The announcement for boarding echoed across the dock, and the three of them turned toward the waiting airship. Its sleek design gleamed in the morning light, the engines humming faintly as students began to file inside. Yang and Ruby gave Taiyang one last wave before heading toward the ramp, their father watching them go with a mix of pride and melancholy.
Vader, who had remained silent and still during the farewell, followed a short distance behind. His cloak billowed slightly in the breeze, and his presence drew a few curious glances from the other students. The whispers started almost immediately as they noticed the tall, cloaked figure boarding the airship alongside two girls clearly meant to be students.
Yang nudged Ruby as they moved toward an open seat near a window. "Well, looks like someone's making a first impression already," she whispered, glancing back at the small groups of students stealing glances in Vader's direction.
Ruby stifled a nervous laugh. "Yeah… he kind of has that effect," she murmured, her own gaze flicking back to Vader. She couldn't quite read his expression but there was something oddly reassuring about his silent confidence as he scanned the airship's interior. She muffled a giggle as the ship jerked, beginning to take off, and she watched him stumble slightly before frowning at himself.
The airship hummed as it soared through the skies, filled with students standing in small clusters or leaning against the walls. The space buzzed with excitement, nervous energy, and the occasional bursts of laughter. The view through the wide windows was breathtaking—rolling green hills gave way to the glittering coast as the airship made its way toward Beacon Academy.
Ruby stood near the window, her eyes gazing out at the horizon. She tapped her fingers lightly against the cool glass, her thoughts a mix of excitement and apprehension. Behind her, Yang stepped up, her characteristic grin softening as she regarded her younger sister.
"You nervous?" Yang asked, crossing her arms and leaning casually against the wall beside Ruby.
Ruby blinked, breaking her gaze from the view to glance at her sister. "Not really," she replied honestly. "I mean, not about fitting in or anything like that. I'm just… worried about keeping up with my training."
Yang frowned, the playful light in her eyes dimming. "Training with him again?" she asked, her voice dropping a notch. "Ruby, you're about to start at Beacon, one of the best Huntsman schools in the world. You don't need him anymore."
Ruby turned fully to face her sister, her brow furrowing. "It's not about needing him," she said, her voice steady but firm. "Vader's been helping me with things I never even thought about. He's… different from what they'll teach us here. I can't just stop now."
Yang crossed her arms, her golden hair catching the soft glow from the overhead lights. "Different, huh?" she said, her voice tinged with skepticism. "Different how, exactly? By being super secretive and acting like he knows everything?"
Ruby's shoulders stiffened, and her gaze dropped to the floor. "It's not like that, Yang. He's… focused. He knows things—about combat, about discipline—that I don't think anyone else could teach me. I've gotten stronger, faster. Crescent Rose feels more like an extension of me now." Her voice softened as she added, "He's just… helped me a lot."
Yang sighed heavily, her irritation giving way to something softer. "I get it, Ruby. You're serious about this stuff, and that's awesome. But you're going to Beacon, not Vader's Academy of Doom and Gloom." She nudged Ruby lightly with her elbow, trying to lighten the mood. "Just don't forget to, you know, talk to other people. Make some friends. Vader's not exactly the buddy-buddy type."
Ruby gave a small smile, though her brow remained furrowed. "You know that making friends isn't my strong suit, but… I won't forget, Yang. I promise."
The moment was interrupted as the airship's speakers crackled to life, and a professional news anchor's voice echoed through the cabin. "This is Lisa Lavender with VNN, bringing you the latest updates on the Vale region."
Both sisters turned their attention to the large holographic screen that descended from the ceiling. The image showed a split-screen of Roman Torchwick, his smirking face instantly recognizable, and a grainy logo of the White Fang.
"Recent reports indicate a troubling alliance between the wanted criminal Roman Torchwick and the radical group known as the White Fang," the anchor said. "The White Fang, historically an advocacy group for Faunus rights, has shifted toward violent extremism in recent years. Authorities are warning that this partnership may signify a new wave of organized crime."
Ruby felt a chill creep down her spine. "Torchwick and the White Fang? Together?" she muttered.
Yang frowned, her jaw tightening. "That's bad news. The White Fang's already dangerous, and if they're working with someone like Torchwick…" She let the thought hang in the air, her expression darkening.
The broadcast continued, showing footage of a Dust warehouse with shattered windows and scorch marks along the walls. "Witnesses report seeing Torchwick fleeing the scene of the latest Dust heist, though authorities have yet to confirm the full extent of the White Fang's involvement," the anchor concluded.
Before either sister could say more, the news abruptly cut off, replaced by the emblem of Beacon Academy. A crisp, no-nonsense voice came over the intercom.
"This is Professor Glynda Goodwitch," the voice announced. "We will be arriving at Beacon Academy shortly. Please prepare yourselves and gather your belongings. Disembarkation will proceed in an orderly fashion."
The students in the cabin began murmuring excitedly, the buzz of anticipation growing as the airship neared its destination. Ruby exchanged a glance with Yang, the weight of their earlier conversation momentarily pushed aside by the thrill of what lay ahead.
"I guess we're almost there," Ruby said, her voice tinged with a mix of excitement and nerves.
"Yup," Yang replied, her grin returning. "Ready or not, Beacon, here we come."
Ruby sighed, her eyes drifting back toward Vader, who still hadn't moved. She shook her head and turned back toward the landing platform as the airship finally came to a halt. The engines hummed down, and the doors began to open with a hiss of pressurized air.
Ruby stepped off the airship, her silver eyes wide with wonder as she took in the sprawling majesty of Beacon Academy. Students milled about in every direction, their excitement palpable as they chattered and explored the grounds. Ruby felt a mixture of awe and nerves bubbling in her chest but took a deep breath to steady herself.
"Wow," she whispered, letting the energy of the moment sink in.
Yang gave her a quick side-hug before grinning. "Alright, Rubes, I'm gonna go find some of my friends. You'll be fine, okay?"
Before Ruby could respond, Yang was off, weaving through the crowd with the confidence of someone who already belonged. Ruby, on the other hand, felt her stomach twist. She adjusted Crescent Rose on her back and started forward, trying to get her bearings. The crowd of students was massive, the energy vibrant but also overwhelming.
She was moving cautiously when she felt a faint, familiar pull at the edge of her awareness. The feeling quickly focused, guiding her attention toward a striking girl in white nearby. The girl held a pristine case filled with glowing vials of Dust, and her immaculate posture gave off an air of perfectionism.
Ruby's eyes immediately caught sight of a disheveled boy in a white sweatshirt stumbling through the crowd, his messy blonde hair bobbing as he swayed unsteadily in the girl's direction. She could already see what was about to happen.
He's going to bump into her. The dust…
The boy collided with the girl, sending the case spinning out of her hands. The air seemed to freeze as the lid popped open, spilling the glowing Dust vials into the air. Without hesitation, Ruby thrust out her hand, reaching out with the Force. Her instincts took over, and with a sharp focus, she caught the vials mid-fall, halting their descent.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as the vials hung suspended in the air, trembling slightly as Ruby struggled to maintain her focus. Her outstretched hand shook as she kept them from falling, the faint glow of the Dust illuminating the tension in her expression. The girl in white spun around, her ice-blue eyes widening as she caught sight of Ruby's effort. For a moment, she seemed stunned by the display, her gaze flicking between the floating Dust and Ruby.
Then her expression snapped into one of cold fury, and she turned on the disheveled boy who had caused the accident. "You absolute imbecile!" she barked, her voice sharp enough to cut through the murmurs of the crowd. "Do you have any idea what you've just done? These are volatile Dust vials—do you even comprehend the concept of 'combustible'?"
The boy stammered an incoherent apology before fleeing toward a nearby trash can, where the sound of retching followed soon after.
Ruby let out a strained breath, her focus faltering as the tension in her arm peaked. The vials wobbled slightly before the girl turned back, stepping in quickly. She reached out and plucked each vial from the air, depositing them back into the case one by one.
Once the case was secured, she snapped it shut and turned to Ruby, her expression a mix of begrudging respect and lingering annoyance. "Thank you for stopping these from hitting the ground," she said curtly, brushing invisible dust off her pristine jacket. "If they'd fallen, we'd be having an entirely different conversation right now."
The girl turned back to Ruby, her expression curious and still carrying a hint of that initial irritation. "So," she began, crossing her arms, "was that your Semblance just now? Catching the vials like that?"
Ruby blinked, caught off guard by the question. Her mind flashed back to a similar inquiry from Glynda Goodwitch at the police station, and she felt the same sense of unease rise in her chest. Explaining the Force was not an option—not here, not with so many people around. The crowd's eyes were already on her, some watching with mild curiosity while others had quickly lost interest and moved on. Ruby felt the weight of the girl's gaze and nodded quickly.
"Uh, yeah! Yep, that's my Semblance," Ruby said, doing her best to sound casual. "I, uh… I can move stuff. You know, telekinesis and all that." She forced a small laugh, hoping it didn't sound as awkward as it felt.
The girl raised a brow but seemed satisfied with the explanation. "Well," she said, her tone softening, "it was impressive. And helpful. Without your quick reaction, those vials might have shattered. Dust is not something to be handled carelessly."
Ruby rubbed the back of her neck, a sheepish smile on her face. "Oh, uh, no problem! I'm just glad I could help. Would've been bad if they hit the ground."
"Very bad," the girl agreed, glancing at the case of Dust in her arms. Her tone shifted to one of restrained gratitude as she added, "Thank you. Truly. That could've been a disaster."
Ruby brightened at the words, her earlier nervousness easing. "Oh, it's no big deal," she said, waving a hand dismissively. "I just did what anyone would do in that situation."
The girl's expression grew thoughtful as she studied Ruby for a moment longer. Finally, she extended a hand. "Weiss Schnee," she said, her tone formal but polite. "I suppose I should introduce myself properly."
Ruby hesitated only for a moment before taking Weiss' offered hand. "Ruby Rose," she said, smiling warmly. "Nice to meet you, Weiss."
"Well," Weiss said, shifting the case of Dust in her arms for emphasis, "thank you. I'd better get this stored away before something else happens. I'll see you at orientation, Ruby."
With that, Weiss turned and walked away, her steps precise and deliberate, the case of Dust clutched protectively to her chest. Ruby watched her go, feeling a mixture of relief and pride. She hadn't exactly planned on making a first impression like that, but it seemed to have gone better than she expected.
Ruby turned her head, scanning the crowd for the boy who had thrown up earlier. Her brows furrowed as she wondered how he was doing. It had been a pretty nasty display, and while she wasn't sure what caused it, the concern nagged at her. After a few moments of searching, she spotted him standing off to the side, leaning against a nearby pillar.
To her surprise, he looked completely fine. His face was no longer pale, and he seemed calm, like he hadn't just lost his lunch in front of everyone a short while ago. He wasn't talking to anyone, just fiddling with the scabbard at his hip, his expression somewhere between awkward and determined.
Ruby made her way over, her boots clicking softly against the stone path. "Hey," she said, giving him a friendly wave as she approached. "You okay? I saw you earlier, and, uh…" She trailed off, unsure how to phrase it delicately. "You didn't look so great back on the airship. Even worse before you bumped into that girl."
The boy blinked at her, caught off guard by her sudden attention. He turned to face her with a sheepish smile. "Oh, uh… yeah! I'm fine now," he said quickly, rubbing the back of his neck. "It was, uh, just motion sickness. Happens sometimes when I'm flying."
Ruby tilted her head, studying him curiously. "Really? You look like you're totally fine now. Like, not even a little queasy."
He shrugged awkwardly, his smile turning a bit self-conscious. "Yeah, it passes pretty quick once I'm off the ship. Guess I'm lucky that way."
Ruby couldn't help but grin at his casual response. "Well, I'm glad you're feeling better. Motion sickness sounds rough." Her gaze dropped to his hip, noticing the oddly shaped scabbard. "Is that your weapon? It looks... different."
The boy glanced down at his hip, his expression brightening slightly. "Oh, yeah! This is Crocea Mors," he said, patting the weapon. "It's a sword and shield combo. The shield folds up into the scabbard when I'm not using it."
Ruby's eyes lit up with interest. "That's so cool! I love versatile weapons. Crescent Rose is my baby, but something with history like that is awesome."
The boy scratched the back of his neck, looking a little sheepish. "Yeah, it's been in my family for generations. I'm, uh… still getting the hang of using it, though. Definitely not as fancy as some of the weapons here."
"Don't sell yourself short," Ruby said with a grin. "A good weapon is as good as the person wielding it, and practice makes perfect. We're all here to learn, right?"
He seemed to relax at her words, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Yeah, I guess you're right. Thanks, uh…" He hesitated, realizing he didn't know her name.
"Ruby," she supplied with a friendly smile. "Ruby Rose."
He nodded, his smile growing less awkward. "Jaune. Jaune Arc."
"Nice to meet you, Jaune," Ruby said brightly. "Good luck at orientation!"
"Thanks! You too!" he called out as Ruby turned and waved, rejoining the main flow of students. She couldn't help but feel a little lighter after the conversation. Despite his awkwardness, Jaune seemed nice, and it was reassuring to meet someone else who seemed a bit out of place in the midst of all the grandeur and confidence around them.
As the airship began its descent, Vader stood near the rear of the cabin, his dark cloak concealing the small pack slung over his shoulder. Within the bag lay his few belongings, including his upgraded Molecular Furnace. He had taken no unnecessary items; everything in his possession had been carefully chosen for practicality.
As the ship landed with a soft jolt, the other passengers bustled with excitement and nervous energy. Vader remained still, his eyes scanning the crowd as they disembarked. He moved with purpose but without hurry, his presence alone enough to clear a path in the dense throng of students.
Once on solid ground, Vader observed the sprawling campus before him. Beacon Academy rose like a fortress of grandeur, its pristine towers cutting into the sky. A faint frown crossed his face as he considered his next move. Ozpin had left him with no directions, no assistance, no signposts to guide him to his office.
Typical, Vader thought, his expression darkening. He could almost see the headmaster smirking to himself, satisfied with this subtle power play. The lack of instruction wasn't accidental—Ozpin had deliberately left him to navigate Beacon alone, a silent reminder of whose domain he now occupied.
But Vader wasn't so easily unsettled. A man like Ozpin is predictable, he mused. From their brief interaction, he had gleaned what he believed to be the essence of Ozpin's character. A man who saw himself as the sovereign ruler of this institution. Someone who inserted himself into every situation, whether necessary or not. A man who bent the rules of society to his own ends and considered himself beyond reproach.
And where would such a man place his office? Vader's gaze swept upward, settling on the tallest spire of the academy. Above it all, of course.
He adjusted his grip on his pack and began walking toward the central tower with long, purposeful strides. The students nearby instinctively gave him a wide berth, their chatter fading into hushed whispers as they watched the imposing figure make his way through the courtyard.
Vader entered the central tower, the impressive structure designed with a clear intent to awe. He ignored the grandeur, his focus solely on locating the elevator that would take him to the headmaster's office. It didn't take long to find—a sleek, metal door with a glowing touchscreen inside it.
He stepped into the elevator and examined the screen. Lines of text scrolled across it, and while Vader couldn't decipher them, the layout was clear enough: the top button was likely the one for the headmaster's office. He pressed it without hesitation.
The screen blinked, and an artificial voice chimed. "Please press your Scroll against the screen to identify yourself and state your reason for visiting."
Vader's eyes narrowed. Of course. Another unnecessary layer of bureaucracy. He had no Scroll to comply with the system's demand. A low growl of frustration escaped him as he considered his options.
He moved to leave the elevator, unwilling to waste further time with this charade. Just as he stepped back, the doors slid shut, and the elevator began to ascend. The AI's voice returned. "Your request to visit the headmaster has been accepted."
He straightened his posture as the elevator hummed, its ascent smooth and deliberate. His frustration simmered beneath the surface, but he let it pass, focusing instead on the encounter ahead. Whatever games Ozpin thought he was playing, Vader would ensure he had the upper hand by the time this meeting concluded.
As the elevator doors slid open, Vader stepped into Ozpin's office, his imposing figure framed by the sleek, modern interior of the space. The circular room offered a commanding view of Beacon Academy and the surrounding landscape, the floor-to-ceiling windows designed to inspire awe.
Ozpin was seated behind his desk, his demeanor as calm and composed as ever. He offered a polite nod, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his lips. "Ah, Vader. I see you managed to find your way here. I must apologize for the oversight—I forgot to provide you with directions last night. I trust it wasn't too much trouble?"
Vader remained silent for a moment, his gaze lingering on Ozpin before he took a measured step further into the room. He allowed the apology to pass unremarked, neither acknowledging it nor dismissing it outright. Instead, he spoke with his usual calm authority. "Your message was clear enough. I am here to fulfill the next step of our arrangement."
Ozpin's smile widened slightly, the apology slipping from the forefront of the conversation as he gestured to the room. "And I am glad to see that you've arrived. Please, make yourself comfortable, though I understand you may prefer standing."
Vader inclined his head slightly but did not move to sit. His dark cloak swept the floor as he came to stand before Ozpin's desk, his imposing presence filling the room. "Time is not a luxury I intend to waste. What are your expectations of me, beyond instruction?"
Ozpin leaned back slightly, his hands clasping the ever-present mug in front of him. "My expectations are straightforward: to provide our students with insights and skills they may not find elsewhere. As for the specifics of your role, you've already made your focus on technology clear. I see no need to expand beyond that unless you wish to do so."
"Unnecessary," Vader replied. "My expertise in that field will suffice."
"Excellent." Ozpin nodded and took out a piece of paper, his tone thoughtful as he continued. "We'll start with a weekly lecture for the students, covering both theoretical and practical elements. You may structure the curriculum as you see fit. Of course, should you require resources or assistance, you need only ask. Please sign here, and everything should be completed. I managed to work through the rest of the paperwork myself last night."
Vader's posture remained rigid, his tone sharp, even as he raised the provided pen to the dotted line. "I require autonomy in my teaching methods. If I am to instruct, it will be done without interference."
Ozpin inclined his head, his expression thoughtful but serious. "I will respect your autonomy in teaching for the most part. However, there are boundaries that must be made clear from the outset." He set his mug down, clasping his hands on the desk. "Beacon Academy is a combat school, and I understand that rigorous training sometimes requires pushing limits. Yet, there is a line that must never be crossed."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone gaining weight. "You must not injure or disparage your students without very good reason. This includes physical harm, beyond what is typical in combat exercises, as well as mental or emotional harm. Combat training involves discipline and stress, yes, but there is a difference between teaching and breaking someone."
Ozpin's eyes met Vader's unflinchingly. "I trust you understand. Any action that constitutes true harm—physical or otherwise—will be met with the harshest consequences Beacon can impose. Is that clear?"
Vader regarded him in silence for a long moment. His posture remained rigid, and his expression betrayed no hint of reaction to the warning. When he finally spoke, his voice was measured. "Your conditions are noted." He signed his name on the dotted line, and turned to leave.
As Vader turned toward the elevator, Ozpin's voice cut through the silence, calm but unyielding. "And are they accepted?"
The words hung in the air like a subtle challenge. There was no hostility in Ozpin's tone, but the sheer weight… In that instant, the Force surged through Vader with an intensity he hadn't felt in some time. A warning. An undeniable flare of danger.
Vader froze. For all his calculations and observations, for all his belief that he had Ozpin figured out, this moment felt like a cold spotlight on his misjudgment.
Slowly, he turned back toward the headmaster, his expression carefully blank, his mind working swiftly. The dark side coiled within him, its cold tendrils seeking clarity. What have I overlooked?
Ozpin's gaze was steady, unblinking. There was no visible aggression, only the quiet confidence of a man who, for reasons yet unclear, held far more power than appearances suggested.
Vader's voice, when he finally spoke, was slow and deliberate. "Your conditions are… accepted."
Ozpin gave a small, satisfied nod, as though that answer had been expected all along. "Excellent. I look forward to seeing what you bring to this academy, Vader."
The Force settled slightly, the sense of danger receding but not vanishing entirely. Vader understood this was no longer a negotiation of equals—Ozpin had subtly asserted control in a way Vader had not anticipated.
He turned back to the elevator, his posture stiff as he stepped inside and the doors slid shut. As the cabin descended, he closed his eyes briefly, letting the Force swirl around him as he processed what had just happened.
This headmaster is more than he seems, Vader thought. I underestimated him.
And for the first time in a long while, the Sith Lord felt the faintest flicker of uncertainty.
AN: Now, before I get comments about a certain headmaster being manipulative... People are allowed to forget things. Vader is an unreliable narrator, his thoughts and conclusions are wholly his own and do not necessarily represent reality.
Review Responses for Ch. 12:
DevilHunter4764: "When will Vader learn how to use aura if at all? And if he does learns it, what kind of semblance would you have in mind for him?"
Interesting question my friend, and one that shall be answered in time. I haven't had Vader think about getting his aura unlocked quite yet for two main reasons: 1) Even without Aura he's basically untouchable if he was at his full power, against the vast majority of people. 2) He still hasn't fully adapted to this world and really has only been thinking about ways to integrate himself and return to his previous level of strength.
As for a semblance, I have no idea yet! Even if he gets his aura unlocked there's a chance he will be like Juane was for a good while, not knowing what it is. There's a chance he just never finds out. To be fair, not like he needs it.
Ltbutterfly287: "The light side is far better at healing than the dark side. Another thing is, I personally can't see why this is a dark side Vader quite literally just went through his spiritual redemption and has returned to the light."
Correct, the light side is better at healing, though the dark side is able to use it to continue fighting and keep themselves full of energy. I'm not sure if I explicitly said anything about it, but I would believe Vader still likely has a scar from the grimm attack. As for Vader being dark side, like I explained in previous responses I never agreed that he actually had a redemption. At least not a good one. One moment of saving his son does not a redemption make, nor would it make up for decades of murders.
This is also an important thing: He believes that he is being good, that his strength and will to do what is necessary is important. He is trying to do as Luke would have wanted him to, and for the most part believes that Luke would be proud of him. He is working to return to power, to rule over the galaxy and keep people safe, to do it right this time.
Guest: "Will Vader expect Ruby to create her own lightsaber as soon as he can remake his own?"
It is a right of passage, so almost certainly. Rather she would do so or not is a different story.