We are the Brave, and we're not Afraid

[Shawn Withers]

Courscant
City Level

I knew I would. I stuck out like a red flower in a field of white. I was different. Having a bow, a Vibroblade, knives, and dressed in dirty clothing, I was visible. Exposed. I had nothing to cover up myself with. I wondered how many people were watching me. Staring at me. I was open. I, and they knew it. I slipped one of my knives from my belt to my hand. Holding it flat against my forearm. The buck knife may look simple, but it was built for throwing. A weighted hilt, and blade made it turn end over end when I needed it to. It was also more balanced when in a knife fight.

My brain was in overdrive. Looking for the exits, places I could run. The best course of action for how to get out of here. I was nervous. If they wanted to attack all at once, I would easily be overcome. I fought the urge to run and hide. I fought the fear that was settling in my bones. The shivers fought against me. My hand clenched the knife as a single bead of sweat raced down the side of my temple.

I continued to walk on from that street alone. Whispers were heard, of what was not known. I fought the urge to rush up to one and strangle them. Yelling my life's story in their face and make them understand that I was different for a reason. I felt... alone. Abandoned.

"You are never alone if you look. Don't forget."

I looked around me. Not seeing anyone at the moment that would even be remotely safe. I decided to run. I walked a little faster moving around the corner into an alley. I moved my back to one of the walls, and looked both ways to see that a total of four men were coming for me. My father died when the odds were better for us. How could I survive?

What could I do? I wasn't going to fade away. I wasn't going to fall into the black. I felt a storm raging. A fierce emotion that flooded my body. With a speed I have never performed at before, I threw my knife. Slamming home into the first man, and with my bow drawn in the blink of an eye to fire two rounds when I turned around. Seeing the last man launching himself at me. Yelling, screaming.

"Come here Lady!"

My hands came up, defending myself, finding that the man never laid a hand on me. His body was floating in the air. He was confused as I was. Taking advantage of this situation, I ran forward. Launching myself up off the wall, into the air, and coming down with an elbow to his head. Sending him to the ground with a loud thump. I stood there. Amused, and then all of a sudden scared.

Did someone else do that? Did I do that? I looked down at my hands and with my raw emotions still fresh, pushed my hand out, and with a clap, the two bodies of the men were sent flying down the ally. My eyes went wide as I was filled with pure terror. I screamed. Looking down at my hands.

What did I do? Why did I do that? Who am I? What am I?

Once more, I was alone.

[member="Jaron Lesan"],

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Something was bothering Jaron. He could not place his finger on it, but this trip was not routine by any means. His scheduled meeting with his contact among the One Sith had been stood up. It begged the question of what had happened to her. Yes, Jaron still kept in touch with certain Sith he had met during his brief time with them. He simply had not been dark enough to let the rage and anger consume him to such a degree. Instead he had abandoned them, and the one called master, and was found by the Ren. Jaron finally knew he could learn from them, and had grown much under their teachings. Even they proved to eccentric at times, but not enough to cause him to flee.

Jaron found himself wandering the streets of the city level. Something drew him, a strong use of the force and a sense of fear. He could smell it in the air as if he were a predator smelling the blood of his prey in the air. His pace quickened as the sensation only grew stronger. He was led to an alley way where the confrontation occurred in front of his eyes. Jaron remained hidden in the shadows as his uncle had taught him when he was training to be a Jedi Shadow. He watched in amazement as the woman, young, discovered her ability to use the force.

Her face said it all, she did not know what she had just done, or how. Adrenaline from fear, mixed with instinct built into her by obvious training in combat, produced something she never thought herself capable of. It was time to make a move and snatch her up before the Sith could. They would not give her much choice, and Jaron could spare her the choice of joining the aSith or being eliminated.

"You've got quite the talent," he spoke, emerging from the shadows. "Embrace the fear, the emotions you're feeling now. They are quite natural to someone who has used the force for the first time. That is what just happened, you are a force user, you know what that means, yes?"

[member="Shawn Withers"]

 

[Shawn Withers]

I turned around with a snap. Hearing a voice that felt almost smooth, yet filled with a magnitude of power that only survivors and hunters could understand. His words didn't register with me at first. Saying I had a talent. I was told to use my fear. I needed to embrace it. My father was one to say that. It was almost as though my father was trying to speak through this man. I could remember when I first started to train as a child. He told me to use my emotions. Fear, Love, hate, and even sadness and anger to push me. I used them. I knew to use them when fighting. Thats why my father said I was so fast. I could move to kick him three times before he could even block once. It was reinvigorating. I felt strong.

I cleared my mind. Looking at him. My face still in shock. I backed away from him. Almost tripping over myself as I shook my head.

"Stay away from me. I.... I cant be one of them."

I didn't want to believe it. I didn't want to allow it to happen to me. Wars were won and lost with them on the front lines. They were the men and women who were powerful leaders and built from the ground up. I wasnt. I wasn't born a leader. I am a scavenger. A scoundrel. Not a leader of me. A wielder of the great weapons of old.

"Just... LEAVE!"

If I could do it once, I could do it again. I thrust my hands out... only for nothing to happen.

I looked down at my hands. Turning them over and over to see they were still the same. Why could I not shove him back like I did the men? I wasn't scared of the man. Weary yes. I just kept moving away from him. And then with a twist set off in a run away from the man. I tripped a little over the first body before making a dead sprint for the other end of the alley. I wasn't going to stay here.

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

They always ran. Why couldn't this go smooth for once. She was scared and Jaron understood that, but she had to accept who she was if she was going to be able to control herself. Control, it was something she wanted by the way she extended her arms out to try and do what she had done before. It didn't work like that, she would learn if she wanted to. The force was pressed to his legs, and Jaron ran to catch her. His movement was swift, agile, and graceful. He moved ahead of her and turned so she would be cut off from leaving the alley way.

"You can't run from it now that you know, and I can help. You're lucky the Sith didn't find you first."

His hand raised and palms were presented outward showing he meant her no harm. Not only did she stick out like a sore thumb, but she had just discovered she could use the force. There was no hiding it now that she had used the force. Her aura would be a beacon to others, and they would find her, it was only a matter of time. Jaron stepped forward in a cautious manner. It was a good thing he wasn't wearing his mask, only the robes which he liked to move about in.

"Others will be able to find you now, and you won't be able to hide. Whether you want to train or not, I can help you learn to hide. In the meantime, I can show you world in which justice and equity can prevail. Imagine a galaxy where those who seek to destroy it no longer exist. It's possible if you want it to be, but not if you don't let me hide you."

The decision was hers, and it was on the spot, but that's how it had to be.

[member="Shawn Withers"]

 

[Shawn Withers]

Others would see me now. Everything started to pour in. And I couldn't filter it or prevent it. Let alone stop it. I had to fight against it, or let it take me. The man had moved faster than I could even follow. it sounded like he took only a few steps. And that made me even more wary of him. He had control of these powers. I was not. His information filled me with worry. They, whoever they were, would now be able to find me more easily. Much like a flower blooming, once it does, its easier to find and see. before such bloom, its concealed, and masked. Protected by a cover. I was that flower. Covered by a veil of innocence of this force, and once revealed, I can never take it back. I had to accept it.

I stopped moving away from him. my hands down at my sides. Lax and immobile. The man, gave me a chance. He wanted to help. At least a little. And right now, with my mind on the fritz, the fear of this force potential, and the possibility of being hunted further than I already am, I had to take it. I nodded my head to him. I closed my eyes and breathed in deeply. I released it as my eyes opened. I could see a little bit more clearly. The man in his robes, likely a lightsaber on him, and the gear he wore was meant for general wear and tear. Nothing oppressive like a battle, and nothing light like training.

"What are you going to do to hide me. Yes do so, but explain. A world of unknowns is worse than a world of the known."

I didn't know if I wanted to expand these abilities, I didn't even know what I could do. Let alone what it was as a whole. if I was even going to use these powers, I wanted to understand it first. To do that, I would need to follow this man. Whoever he was.

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

"Simple, I'm going to show you how to hide yourself. As long as you run around with your aura out for any force user to pick up on, you're a target. Also, I think I need to get you off of Coruscant. I have a ship..." he said to her when she finally backed off from her initial instinct to run.

What was he going to do, Jaron really did not know. The last time he convinced a force user to go with him, he took her to a hideaway on Arbra called Sanctuary Rock. Jaron did not want to do that this time. He had fallen for that redhead, and she only returned the affection with hurt. He had never told the woman how he felt, Jaron assumed she knew from their bond in the force. If she did it was clear he meant nothing to her, or she was afraid of it. Jaron was not going to make that mistake again. Besides, he was trying to win the affections of his pilot. The last thing he needed was to hide a woman in his personal compound.

"In the meantime, we have to make sure you don't stick out like a sore thumb here. I have some credits, but if you're going to run around with a bow, we need to get you armor."

Jaron took another step forward and noticed she looked as though she loved life on the streets. She needed to be presentable, blend in. Whether she was going to like it or not, the woman had to clean herself up. The Ren didn't know her well enough to give his own name, but his title as a Knight of Ren would give him the ability to conceal himself in some semblance of mystery.

"I am Jaron Ren, by the way. Now come with me. Let's get you blending with the environment and then we can move about easier. You don't have to trust me, but you should listen."

[member="Shawn Withers"]

 

[Shawn Withers]

I couldn't find a reason to trust him. Yet I could not find one not to trust him. It was difficult. He showed some concern for picking me up. Almost as though part of him didn't want to. I don't know his story. I didn't know what caused him to be this way. From his words, it seemed he wanted to teach me. he wanted to make me stronger? He may have seen something in me, however, he didn't say. He was offering solstice, and possible credits. Armor though? that can be expensive. He seemed, somewhat trusting. Unlike those who clearly are scraping the bottom of the barrel, I only wondered his motive.

"I'll listen. I'll follow."

I said what he wanted to hear. Yes, I would listen, but I would be judging him and watching his every move. I decided that I should trust him. This may be a way for me to grow further than what my father could teach me. May the Gods bless him. He was the key stone in my life. The one that started this all. And I would love him even unto death. He was the reason I kept going. Pushing back was what I needed to do. if that meant I could push back a little harder by following this man, then so be it.

"Shawn. I can't say more as our... relationship is rather shaky at the moment."

Looks like I would have to clean myself up. Look more presentable. Considering this man looked clean, held together, and actually smelled fairly well considering where we were at, I was guessing that he would be a well put together man. And, since I was a girl, I needed to be more, lady-like. I looked up and down myself. Clothes ripped and torn in a few places. Hardly dressed from the waist up. About the closest thing I had to shirts was a spaghetti strap tank top that had dried blood stains, dirt everywhere, and a few scratch marks of white where the clothing had been folded from the dirt and grime of a few months of not being cleaned. I am sure I smelled rancid.

"Um... sorry about my attire. Been on the run. Not alot of time to stop and shower or clean yourself."

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Jaron nodded about the comment on her attire. He could have commented had he wanted to, but figured it would only end poorly if he did.

"There is a sonic shower on my ship, and the pilot may have an extra set of clothes."

That was all he was going to say on the matter. He led the way back to the ship, and where it was docked. The new prototype had been proving successful, so much so the First Order was going to order up more. The layout was simple, and the footlocker in the back had most of what would be needed. Jaron entered the combination to drop the loading ramp of the ship. His steps echoed as he walked up the ramp. There were others behind him as he was followed. His head bodded toward the fresher.

"The fresher is the third door down. I'll have clothes for you."

Jaron went to [member="Daska Tess"]' foot locker. There was an extra set of clothes, and standard issue undergarments. Hey looked the right size. Jaron wasn't an expert with these things, but a half naked woman running around Coruscant was only going to be disastrous. He set them in the fresher, and went off to the lounge. He could help her mask the aura she had awakened. Then they could decide where to go from there.

[member="Shawn Withers"]

 

[Shawn Withers]

Following the man through the streets of Courscant, I noticed some things about him. He was reserved. Holding his tongue. It seemed as though he wanted to say something, but chose not to. It was... nice to see that some people could keep their thoughts to themselves. He held back. And it was somewhat refreshing to know that somebody could control themselves unlike the mercs and bounty hunters who have tried to take advantage of those who were innocent. Regardless, the Ship he had was a sight to see. Quite different from the vessels that were scrounged up from old ships, and put together like Frankenstein's Monster. This felt all surreal.

His words were almost commanding, but informative. I took the door he mentioned. And began to strip myself of the clothing I had. I had put my gear on a seat that was in the room, while my clothes were tossed upon the floor for now. I felt weird in another persons ship, alone, and naked. Barren of any kind of protection. However, it was necessary. I cleaned myself up. Making sure to wash everything. The clear water was turned to ash and dark from all the soot, dirt, grime, and other nasty things that were in my hair, and upon my body. The hot cleaning process felt good, yet painful in someways. The scars I had burned in my flesh. I cringed slightly, but fought through it so I could be clean.

After it was done, I walked out to find a set of fresh clothes. Simple set of pants, and shirt. Even some undergarments. Where ever he got these from, I found the lower to be slightly larger, and the upper slightly tighter than I wanted. But for now it would work. I took the vibroblade out of the sheath, and put the belt on around me. After securing it, I grabbed all my gear, and brought it with me while I tried to look around for the man. I felt like I should just go to the lounge since it was likely the easiest place to find, and coming through the entry way, I found him sitting there.

"I thank you for your hospitality. Where should I put my gear?"

I didn't just want to make myself at home if I wasn't allowed. It wasn't right of me. And I wasn't going to do that just because he was going to be helping me. I didn't want to overextend my stay by throwing what I had around and giving him a reason to resent helping me.

"Honestly, I am confused about what to do here."

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Jaron was reading over reports of the latest progress from the Ren. Since his promotion to Knight, Jaron was busier with the ner workings of organizing the the cult like group. There were those which found and obsessive servitude to the memory of of certain Sith. Jaron understood things differently. He was balanced, a Dark Jedi in his approach. It seemed since Lothal the Ren had not been as active. There were other worlds to explore, and Jaron noted a few in the reports which were near other worlds he was interested in. Dosuun was still on the top of his list. Another mission listed on the report was a training mission to Endor. There were artifacts there, and the Ren needed them, coveted them. The sound of the water stopped, and Jaron set the datapad down. With a flick of his wrist he set the Caf pot to brew what had been set up already. When the sound of footsteps greeted his ears, Jaron was drinking a hot mug of caf, black.

"Well now you'll blend a bit more until we can figure things out. I know you have questions, but I want you to let me teach you how to mask your aura. Then, perhaps you wish to join me on Endor? I am part of a group called the Knights of Ren. We are not Jedi, nor Sith, and we have our own way of doing things. I can take you to them, or keep you hidden elsewhere for now, but that we can decide later."

He motioned for her to sit. Another mug of caf was waiting for her.

"As for your belongings, there is an empty foot locker back by the boarding ramp. You may claim it for as long as you are here."

The mug was raised to his lips, and Jaron took another sip of the hot liquid. He enjoyed the bitter taste, and the warmth it provided. It was the only vice he currently allowed himself. There had been others, but he had not partaken of them in a while. Jaron was more focused than ever on his own personal quest. The First Order could do what he could not by himself, so had pledged his energy to serve them.

Eyes looked over the brunette in front of him. She was not as dirty as when they met. Her clothes were no longer torn, and she appeared presentable. The most notable change was her hair, and odor. What had been unkept was now untangled and smooth looking, and he fragrance was much more appealing than the musk of a few days of her natural scent.

"I will try to answer whatever questions you have, but in the meantime, I need to know if that was the first time you've ever used the force? Had anything unusual happened before?"

[member="Shawn Withers"]

 

[Shawn Withers]

He wanted to teach me. Masking my aura would be useful. Even more so if this would allow me to blend in with my surroundings. Allowing me to survive longer in this war among the stars. I was also wondering about this Knights of Ren that Jaron spoke of. Was it a cult? was it a new following that would be better than this Sith, or the Jedi who are Galaxy known. This Knight of Ren may just be trying to convert me, but from what he has shown, I could trust him more than others. He had truer intentions than others. I nodded my head as he mentioned Endor. My home. I... I was nervous to say the least.

"Considering I am knowledgeable of Endor, I don't see why not."

This could be a good reason to see more of him. I could earn this man's respect. As well as perfect my training that this man would be showing me. While it may be minimal, it would be better than nothing. I sat my gear down for now while I was told where I could put most of it. Sitting down, I could see a second cup of caffe. I wrapped my fingers around the grip, as well as the cup itself to feel the warmth of the beverage. Listening to the man as I took a sip myself. Tasting the bitter, but refreshing taste. He would let me ask question, but after I answered a few of his own. Nodding my head, he asked if I have done something like this before. I thought for a moment and shrugged my shoulders while swallowing the swig of caffe I had.

"Nothing all too noticable. I mean, I seem to move faster when I need to. Everything seems slower. Either I move faster, or everyone else is just as slow as a Hutt"

I picked up my knife and sat it on the table. Spinning it in a circle while I continued.

"My perceptions seemed slower. I could throw knives more accurately, and my arrows would fly true to my aim. Not even dropping from the weight of the arrow head. The tools of war were weightless when I threw them. I almost seem to know the actions of others before they happen. I have no clue of these things are what you are looking for, but my father said that they were gifts of hunters and the skills of the rare few. I didn't believe him, but now that I am speaking to you, and with what happened.... I think he spoke the truth."

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Jaron reached out with the force and called the knife to his hand. The handle smacked to his palm with a thud. He pondered what she said about her experiences. She'd been using th force for a while, and Jaron knew it. Had her father known the whole time and not spoken to her about it? Jaron set the knife down on the table.

"You've been using the force for a while and never knew it. Seems I just need to show you how to get you to know how to connect intentionally."

He smirked and took a sip of his hot drink. It refreshed him more than he would admit. Eyes closed as he connected to thenforce and brushed his aura against hers. She was stronger than she would admit, or even knew. What he knew was she needed to connect to her abilities. He smiled as his eyes opened.

"Focus on yourself, then spread out. The force is in everything, and when you can find it in yourself you can spread from there and find it in everything else. Now, find yourself, then I can show you how to mask it."

Jaron paused and motioned for her to try.

[member="Shawn Withers"]

 

[Shawn Withers]

I was about the spin the knife on the table once more after I had finished speaking, when it was suddenly yanked out of thin air into Jaron's hand. He then started to play with the weapon himself as he closed his eyes. Stating that I had already been using the force. Even after I spoke my words, I suspected it now. In hindsight, it seemed I was blind and innocent in the ways of the force because my father either hid them to protect me, or he too was innocent of this path I could potentially travel down. Despite that, apparently all I needed to do was to learn how to command this power. Rather than let it be used my instinct alone.

He closed his eyes with a sip of his drink once more while I seemed to have mine almost gone by now. It was refreshing. I felt more alert and awake now that I had drank it. I could assume it was either fast acting, or I had a higher metabolism, or just I was void of energy at the moment, and it happened to be the priority of fuel for me to use. Nonetheless, He opened his eyes with a smile. One that almost made a shiver go down my spine. His instructions were to find myself. To feel for myself. I could only assume he meant for me to meditate. Or to focus on what my signature may be. Once I had done so, then to feel everything else around me. But, I needed to take baby steps with this. I wouldn't want to over exert myself at the moment. Even if I did trust the man to an extent, I wouldn't want to leave myself exposed once more. I closed my eyes like he had done, and began to focus.

Breathing in deeply, I had learned to control my breathing habits as a hunter. To stay silent, to prevent prey for hearing me, to listen for the small whispers of the forest as to what they may do. to steady my aim, and to steel my nerves. I remember to my first animal kill. A simple bug. Done with the bow, I had controlled my aim like my father had grained into my mind, and bones. I smiled lightly at that thought. One that had taken place so long ago it seemed. Yet it felt like it were yesterday. My thoughts shifted once more. Returning to the present as I could feel myself. In the darkness of my eyes, and my mind. I could feel a light. A speck of light that was rather bright even from the distance it was in. I tried to move towards it. Only, I found it began to diminish.

I felt sad. Almost like something was leaving me. When I had noticed, emotions. When I was filled with anger, fear, and adrenaline, I could use the force. When I was calm, relaxed, and to the point of being the center of a hurricane, I was able to be at my most proficient with my bow and weapons. Never missing my shots. Emotions were the fuel to which I could call upon this mystical power of the Force. Calming myself once more, I could feel my body move without my intention. My head rose a little more. My eyes felt relaxed even in their closed state. My body was no longer sore or damaged. It was only... me.

Instead of focusing on that one light, I kept a hold, and looked, or felt around with this new found strength I had. Feeling the vermin held in the cargo bay of the ship. I could feel the breathing of the ships. The pulsating of the engines as they wined with the ever so menial task of idling. But most of all, I could feel him. His light was different. Not bright, but rather darker. Almost as though the light was tainted with color. It was more expansive. Even consuming. Yet beneath all of that, I could see a flicker of true light there. Something that hinted of a tough exterior, yet a soft, and even gentle, core. His pain and suffering hid who he was. His past clouded him. His thoughts were jumbled as though he didn't know what to expect next. I could feel more as he reached out to me.

I welcomed it. Allowing my own to expand upon his. Using his own power and strength to aid in my discovery. I dared to do the impossible. I dared to feel who - No. What he was. I opened my eyes even while still feeling the power coursing through his very veins. The potential held under his delicate human skin. I could see him watching me. Feeling what I may be experiencing. I let it stay there as I spoke. My voice harsh as though I had not spoken for ages, yet was filled with wonder and amazement.

"You feel this all the time. You experience this every second of your life. And yet there are those who hunt you for it. Either to destroy, or to control you. Yet you have taken a different approach. Not letting the Dark taint of your light squander who you really are. Your past haunts you to an extent. May be by a distrust of me. Or just overprotective of yourself. However, the Darkness that covers you is a fabrication of your powers. Using tactics and abilities that some would consider... unnatural to an end. You can sense all life, for the Force, is within everything. Tiny increments are hidden in plain sight. They can be felt and explored. And as you say..."

I could feel myself shut down. A sudden closure and blockage that I had sealed up into. A barrier to prevent others from seeing who I was, or what I was. Enough to see that I was there, but not enough to notice the powers, abilities, and skills that I may have within the hidden chambers of the force. I closed everything off. Using my powers of expanding upon the force, to do just the opposite. Close. To implode on myself even.

"They can also be hidden. And locked away. Forced into dormancy. A seclusion of the mind, spirit, and body. To feel the likes of those who cannot expand, who cannot reach and grasp the concept of the force, it is.... saddening. Yet oddly familiar. Almost reminding me of when I didn't have the skills to defend myself. When I couldn't control who I was, or would become. This Force, is not just who we are, but what we are as well. It helps, or even hinders us from making the decisions we wish to choose. A chaotic battle within the mind and spirit."

I shook my head. Looking at the man as I released the quarantine upon my mind. I felt free, yet exposed to the elements. I could feel myself weakening with every word I spoke. Almost as though my energy was being spent to talk. I had no clue from where all this knowledge came from. Either from my own understanding, or from that of whom I do not know. However, I could feel my power rapidly deteriorating.

"The Force is chaotic. untapped, it can be dangerous. But even more so when controlled and pinpointed to one target. We, you and I, are such individuals who can control, hinder, help, determine, and undermine the creation, destruction, or the longevity of ourselves, and others. We were born, or built to control this. Our minds, our abilities, should not be taken lightly. I... I can no longer feel who I am... and I..."

I could feel my mind slip away. Seeing the darkness of the chaotic force once more. I could feel everything spinning. Almost as though I had been drinking. Only instead of a beverage, I had been gorging myself upon this force knowledge. Consuming so much of it all at once, I felt as though I may black out.

And that's just what I did.

[member="Jaron Lesan"],

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Jaron listened as the potential disciple seemed to ramble on about the force. What he suddenly began to realize was she had taken what he knew of the task he was asking her to complete from his mind. He'd left it unprotected, and that was foolish. She had unlocked something of his aura he had always wanted to keep hidden. It was true his aura was a mix of darkness and light. The dark was what he kept at the forefront, but this one, she seemed to see past it. That was something no one had managed at this point. What was he supposed to do with this information? How was he to help her? In the midst of his questions, she collapsed, blacked out, and fell out of the chair. The mug toppled over with her and shattered on the floor with a loud crash.

He shook his head as he stood, and picked her up. The ground was not a place to wake up, and since this was caused by an overextended use of the force, Jaron had to let her rest. He carried her to one of the spare bunks near the lounge and let her sleep. How she had taught herself to mask her own aura was interesting, but it had come at a high price. When she woke he would ask.

"How did you manage to do that," he asked to know one in particular since Shawn was out.

His feet shuffled as he left the room and off to the cargo hold where he had a gym. Discarding his cloak, Jaron was in his pants and sleveless shirt. He did some of his best thinking while working out, and just because the force enhanced natural ability, Jaron found that no excuse to be lazy. The dark jedi also had to work off his own frustrarion, the result of not having his guard up around the woman. In truth, he would learn the bond was natural as taking her on as his student. The force was in this, but Jaron was a bit uncomfortable. There was only one other he'd bonded to in the force, and it had not been in an educational way. That had not ended well. There was a risk to this.

[member="Shawn Withers"]

 

[Shawn Withers]

I could not feel anything. I felt at a loss of myself. I could feel the pillow under my head. Smooth cloth that made my neck feel cool. A weightlessness for a time. Dreaming of the force. A bright flash of lightning followed by thunder. A snap hiss that could only be revered as a Lightsaber. The soft hums of a choir. Chanting unknown words unto me. The feeling of the wind across my face. The hot blood dripping down my arm. The cold steel of a weapon in my hands. I dreamed of wars that were filled with death and destruction. And with a incoming hum of a lightsaber, my dream ended.

I awoke in a bed. One that felt unfamiliar, yet comfortable. I had changed into clothes after taking my shower, I remember meditating with Jaron for a bit when I blacked out? opening my eyes, I sat up. Remembering everything that I could. But nothing much more. What happened? Did I finish my task? Did I fail? Wait! Did Jaron leave me? I hastily got up to see my bow resting against a footlocker, my clothes cleanly folded on the top of it, and I wore only the clothes that were provided to me from Jaron. Everything seemed... okay. I looked around and opened the footlocker slowly to pull out the vibroblade.

I held it off to my right, balanced in my hand as I opened the door. Flinging the blade in front of me as I charged out into the hall. I do not know if I was left somewhere, or if something happened to me. I went almost from room to room. Looking for anything. Remembering that I had the force, I closed my eyes and focused. Reaching out slowly to feel for Jaron. I remember how he felt. Dark and alone even. But nothing else. He was still hiding something from me, but I had no clue what. Finding him in a room off to the other end of the ship that I was on, I made my way to him. I found nobody else on the ship. Once getting to the room, I opened the door with a hiss, and walked in. Blade held in my hand still, but at my side. Not in a threatening stance, just simply holding it.

"Hello, Jaron? I ah... Did I fail?"

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

Her search interrupted his thoughts. Jaron was unsure of what to tell her. Naturally she had uncovered some of his secret, but not all of it. She would not know everything he kept hidden in his mind. His feelings were not going to betray him. Had she not wondered why Jaron had been in possession of women's clothing on the ship? Had she not been curious about why it was a force user had access to such a ship? Instead she was more curious about her success or failure. She was perfect for the Ren in that case. Jaron smirked as he ended his bench press. The bar was set back on the rack which was meant to hold it. Now he was the one sweaty and dirty. His aroma was likely not a good one either. Likely, he smelled like a nerf herd.

"Are you dead? Then you did not fail..."

His answer was blunt, but it served to be true. Had she gone too far she might have died. Shawn had to learn restraint, and to not overextend herself so quickly. Jaron stood and grabbed the towel off the floor which had been next to his feet. He whiped his face and arms then draped it over his left shoulder.

"You over did it. I told you to focus on yourself, and instead you pressed into my aura, and somehow took from my mind the knowledge to mask your aura. The result was a flood of information and power your untrained mind could not handle. You drained yourself and passed out. You're lucky to be alive. I would not have been able to save you had you gone any further. You needed rest, and I needed to clear my mind."

Jaron looked across to her. He was curious about what to do now. It was time to ask he supposed.

"So, do we need to do some shopping and get some clothes and armor for you so I can bring you with me back to the Ren, or is this where I've taught you what you need to stay on the run and you're going to leave?"

He placed her future in her own hands.

[member="Shawn Withers"]

 

[Shawn Withers]

I watched him. He was still dressed all the same, however now he was in a tank. Seeing the form of his arms and chest were rather handsome. However, the seat stains, and the folds and crinkles in his clothing showed him to be imperfect as I was. it made me feel more human towards him. Like I was something more than just a vagabond on the streets. However his blunt words of me not failing made me feel a little better of myself. Yet it was a second later he went into almost a reprimand. Saying that I had been close to death because I had used too much force all at once. He explained that I had literally entered into his force... bubble I suppose? and learned what I needed to by extracting the force from him. Doing so was deadly at my strength and capabilities. Lowering my head, I held my hands close and just stood there.

"I... I don't remember doing that. I am sorry if I exposed something about you. I... I didn't mean to."

He kind of moved on to ask me if we needed to go shopping for clothes and armor, or would I just leave. Part of me wanted to. Leave and run like I have been for the past four years of my life. It was familiar and something that I had been doing for so long, I just didn't know how to stay in one place. I didn't want to over extend my stay. I already took some of the man's clothing. Very likely a friend, spouse, or just a crewmate that happened to be gone at the moment. But even more so that I had wasted his time. invaded his space, and made him upset. I knew as such because he said he needed to clear his head.

My other argument was for me to stay. Stay to learn more, to become stronger with Jaron. Learn of his ways. Become a Knight or Ren like he was. Form a Teacher and student relationship. I needed to fight. To take a stand from running. I had been doing it for so long that I didn't know how to. I feared of staying in one place. Growing attached to someone, then loosing them like I had with my father, but I could almost hear him. As though he were with me now.

"A life without love, and sorrow, is one that has not been lived."

I shook my head and looked up at Jaron with renewed determination. I stood up straight and looked him directly in the eyes. I would not fail my father. He taught me to fight to protect myself. He taught me to use every asset at my disposal and to magnify them. If that meant staying, then so be it.

"Looks like you will be out a few credits, and I will owe you. Teach me how to control this, how to... Master this. Please."

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

"You will not owe me credits. If I am officially training you, we will have a joint stipend from the First Order which we will share evenly. For now the stipend is mine to do with as I wish, and for now that means getting you outfitted in something I can present you to the Supreme Leader in."

Jaron tossed the towel onto the rack so it could dry. To conserve on laundry he used the same towel until it was no longer usable. He had a few more workouts before he had to toss it into the laundry. Hopefully he didn't smell so bad. There was no time for a shower, unless Shawn really wanted to wait for him. He'd padded dry well enough and had put his chest piece back over the tank. His hooded cape was next, and he was ready to go.

"You do not need to apologize to me. There are certain risks which come when teaching another force user, or learning from one. While we may not trust each other yet, we are going to be open to each other in ways we will never be with others. You will no doubt learn more of my past, and I will discover things about you. It cannot be completely avoided. Just don't go poking around intentionally. My mind is still stronger."

He nodded then walked past her. Perhaps it was the first time he regarded her figure, but he noted it's shape as he walked by. Jaron quickly put that to the side, it was not where he wanted his mind to go at all. The Dark Jedi was closed in a sense to that, though he did entertain the tension from another. Jaron wasn't sure if he should even open himself for that again. He'd been hurt and did not want to be again. His secret, the one he pushed deep, was the affair he had with the last person he agreed to teach and had taken as his lover. She had left him entirely. He'd lost a student, friend, and lover, and he was slightly calloused inside because of it.

The sound of his steps echoed down the corridor as he walked down the boarding ramp once more. It was late now, but perfect for the places which sold what he was after. The nightlife would be a perfect cover for them to trade in black market apparel. After all, no one sold Sith robes. The robes of a Ren, or a Sith, Jaron did not have a spare of those, and if he did they would be his, and she would not fit into them well.

"Tell me, when was the last time a man took you to a nightclub?"

[member="Shawn Withers"]

 

[Shawn Withers]

He proceded to walk towards me after setting his towel down to dry. Considering that he was sweaty, it was likely not as bad as I had been when we first met. I was sure that my clothes would still stink after they had been washed a few dozen times. However, I removed my mind from that and focused on what he was saying. As a Knight of Ren, he recevies payments that he can use to use at his disposal. And likely now that he had an apprentice, he would receive more in justification to provide for me. I do not believe that a government would know what is best for one individual, so instead of getting armor for one person, they hand over the resources to the Teacher to provide. Reasonable.

However what came next made me feel more at ease. He knew risks when taking on an apprentice. I would not need to apologize about it because what had took place, would be only the beginning of what we would learn of each other. For me to learn, I had to learn who he was. Why he taught me the way he did. Even more so about each other so when the time comes, we can depend on each other to do what we are needed to. I may not trust him completely, however, I do trust him more than anybody else at the moment. It was better than nothing, and very likely, the feeling was mutual.

Following him out the door and through the ship as he spoke, I realized I was still carrying my vibrosword. And as force users utilize their lightsabers, I may as well keep this with me. As we passed by the room I had been staying in, I slinked in there after he finished speaking, and grabbed the sheath for the sword and my belt. I looped the belt through and sheathed my sword as we walked down the ramp. My old, and tearing boots were padding on the way down, while his seemed more thunderous, and booming. Once we started walking off of the ramp, he asked if a guy had taken me to a nightclub. Shaking my head I responded.

"Stayed away from those because I was a vagabond. I didn't have credits to spend. Though, I believe we are going somewhere that might be on the shady side."

Considering how the star that the planet orbited was leaving the sky in place of darkness and the constellations, we would be going where it was not desirable. I was barely dressed in clothes, and he was dressed closer to a wealthy man, or someone who carried more power than just your average pirate or scoundrel. I knew better. He was much, much more powerful than he was letting on. His demonstration of speed when we first met, was not even scratching the surface.

"Into the badlands then."

[member="Jaron Lesan"]

 

[Jaron Lesan]

"Well then I'll be the first,"

Jaron nodded. He really wasn't concerned about her sticking out. The seedy places of Coruscant saw all kinds of people and aliens. Jaron knew a few things about the seedy places. His life had not always been with the Ren. There were many times he wished for those days again, and the people in his life that were no longer. He was a Lesan and like all his family, Jaron was prone to feel his emotions deeply and wear them on his sleeve.

He walked down the ramp with [member="Shawn Withers"] on his heels, he hoped. The badlands was not an off description of the place these two were heading. The club itself was notorious for the worst Coruscant had to offer. Twi'leks in cages danced about as they captured the attention of every male in the room. Their alluring shape, and exotic beauty made for quite the eye candy. He knew his apprentice would see the wandering eyes. Jaron wasn't about to pretend he was lifeless simply because of the force. Jaron was not a Jedi, and even if he were, his uncle would have been the last to require celebacy.

"The man we want is in the back. I'll see him about armor for you."

Jaron walked back toward where the Rodian was. Everything was black market. He wondered if she knew anything about the black market. Maybe she did. It was time to find out how she worked under these circumstances.

"Ahhhh Lesan how are you? It's been too long? Where is that pretty... the Rodian eyed Shawn. "New girl? Well that's fine. What do you need."

The Ren smiled.

"You got armor for her, plates, anything. I'll take it, but she has to like it."