As Vader and the smuggler arrived towards the river docks of Mistral, a ship came into view.

Vance: I don't think I have introduced myself properly, have I? Name's Vance

The smuggler introduced himself, silently asking for Vader's own name.

Vader: You may refer to me as Vader, smuggler.

Vance: You're just gonna keep calling me smuggler, aren't you?

Vance's question went unanswered and, as they finally reached the entrance to the ship, he talked again.

Vance: Here it is! The Prideful Eagle, the love of my life

Vance told Vader as they were boarding his ship.

Vance: She's a Dustship, she's got some strong cannons to kill off the marine Grimm"

Of course, Dust, the mineral fuel of Remnant, just like any other mineral extracted sources of energy, is bound to run out someday, and in a world so dependent on their only source of energy, if Dust runs out, it would be a matter of time until the Grimm destroyed every last bastion of civilization.

The ship, The Prideful Eagle, was a cargo ship, outfitted with some hidden cannons and other weapons at the side, it was big enough to carry large cargo and probably the smuggler hid the contraband between the legitimate cargo.

Vance: Alright friend, I told ya it would cost. How about 500 Lien?

Vance informed Vader of the price he would have to pay.

Vader: I shall pay you inside.

Vance: Alright, I must warn you, you'll be traveling with some... unsavory individuals. There is White Fang presence here in the ship, they are not the most cordial of people, so be careful

The smuggler's warning was met with Vader's breathing, who walked right into the ship, paying no mind to the smuggler that had been beside him.

Vance: Whatever

He murmured and walked into his ship behind of Vader. Vader's stride was stopped when the smuggler talked once again.

Vance: So, since you're paying me quite a hefty amount, I can offer you one of the private rooms of the ship, it's not much, but it should be enough

Vader paid the man with the Lien cards and was led by the smuggler towards a room.

Vance: This here are the captain's quarters, let me get your keys.

The smuggler said as he looked through his belongings.

Vance: Alright, here they are (The smuggler said and gave Vader the keys. '038' it read.)

Vance: Up the stairs, continue through the main hallway, the last suite in the right is yours. I'll be in here; the deck is over there.

The smuggler said as he pointed to a big door behind them. Vader listened to the information and started heading towards the room he had been given.

Vance: Hey, we'll be sailing in a few minutes, good luck.

The smuggler told the former dark lord.

Vader: I do not need luck

Vader answered as the smuggler shrugged, and he turned back towards the stairs.

As he went up the stairs and made his way towards the suite, he spotted a group, they were wearing a white tunic with a black suit. They all wore hoods and what looked like Grimm masks, oddly reminding him of Raven Branwen. What Vader noticed the most were the clear animal traits almost all of them had, horns, cat ears, tails.

They were Faunus, a race that resembled humans with animal traits, heavily discriminated against.

Vader walked up to them, as they turned, they saw his black figure staring at them. A brave one decided to approach Vader.

White fang member: You want something?

One of them, using a false bravado to mask his uncertainty, asked.

Vader: No

Vader replied to him, the White Fang member took a step back at Vader's mechanic voice and the coldness in it. Vader turned from the White Fang members.

White fang member: What the fuck? Isn't that the one from the video?

Vader heard one of them ask his comrades.

White fang member: I think so

Vader ignored them and kept going through the hallway until he reached the room the captain of the ship had given to him. He finally arrived at the room marked as 038 and walked inside.

He used the key and opened the door, it was nothing remarkable, a bed and a mat, along with a desk. Vader had never been one for material possessions anyways.

There were also some boxes at the corner of the room, no doubt they were the ones in which the simple furniture the room had was transported in, it seems the smuggler hadn't been able to finish furnishing the room.

Vader sat down on the ground, crossing his legs in a meditating position. He closed his eyes and wandered into the force as he called for his most extreme emotions.

He opened his eyes once again and watched as red electricity danced around his left arm, force lighting cruised through his restored limb. Vader extended his hand towards the empty boxes and watched as the lightning shot out of his hand and vaporized the boxes within moments, leaving simply ash in its wake.

He looked at the surge of electricity coursing through his arm and stopped it. A technique he was only able to call upon when he immersed himself deeply in the force, since if he had used it, he would have short-circuited his suit, and essentially killed himself. But now he did not need the life support.

He closed his eyes again and disposed himself to meditate for the trip that would await him.

2 Hours Later

As Vader was continuing with his meditation, he felt something try to break into his mental walls, it was not an attack through the force, it was different, but at the same time, it was weak.

To try and attack Vader with such a pathetic effort was the equivalent of trying to bring a Star Destroyer down with a handheld blaster.

This wasn't dissimilar to the Magick of the night sisters of Dathomir, but it did not rely on the use of the dark side of the Force.

This was an act of Remnant's magic, and this lost art was wielded by very few in Remnant.

Voice: You possess strong mental walls

A female voice spoke. Vader instantly recognized it through Raven's memories, Salem, the mistress of the Grimm.

Salem: Besides, you have a power unfamiliar to me, you remind me of him

Vader: Your efforts are useless, Salem

Vader told the master of the Grimm through the telepathic connection she had, apparently, created between them, it was weak and could be easily severed by Vader, though.

Salem: Oh? You know who I am. Interesting. I simply wished to know who was unleashing such power and with such carelessness

The ancient woman replied to Vader's remark and, when Vader kept silent, she continued.

Salem: The fact that I wasn't able to put a dent in your mental defenses impresses me, you certainly are an interesting one, I do so hope you enjoy the company

She finished, as the telepathic link was instantly severed.

Vader's eyes quickly shot open, as Vader felt a Grimm approaching, probably ordered to approach the ship by the master of the Grimm herself. He could feel the utter despair that the ones that traveled on the ship felt.

Vader quickly got up from his meditation position and burst the metal wall that separated his room with the force, with a hole big enough, Vader leaped from his elevated position.

As he fell, he heard the screams of utter terror of those unfortunate enough to be on the deck when the Grimm attacked.

passenger: SEA FEILONG!

One of the passengers managed to shout before being obliterated by a ray of lightning from a flying beast.

Vader landed and turned to see the captain of the ship shooting another one of the giant Grimm with a rifle, a futile attempt, the smuggler was about to be killed by another surge of lightning when Vader pulled him towards him with the force.

The man flew through the air and, before he made contact with the ground, Vader slowed down his fall. Even then, the smuggler hit the ground roughly.

As he raised his head from the ground, he saw Vader walking towards the Grimm attacking the ship

Vance: Is that fucker crazy?!

Vance asked out loud as Vader, who wasn't wielding any visible weapons, walked towards the Grimm that had suddenly attacked the ship. They were 2 gigantic Grimm that was flying over them, attacking the ship with bursts of lightning, Vader did not seem preoccupied in the slightest of them, was he a huntsman?

Vance watched Vader approach the Grimm without a care in the world, a small cylinder flew to his hand. One of the Feilongs saw him and, to Vance's surprise, made some distance between them, as if it was considering its options.

The Grimm then prepared a surge of lightning from its mouth, directly aimed at Vader with the intent to pulverize. Vance watched in awe as Vader stopped in front of the levitating form of the Grimm and extended his left arm towards it.

After moments of preparing its attack, the Grimm finally let loose the ray of energy, the barrage of lightning flying at impossible speeds towards the armored man, Vance watched in disbelief when Vader met the energy attack with an attack of his own.

Red lighting touched the yellow-ray of energy and it seemed that they were at a stalemate for a moment, the brutal clash of attacks created a great shockwave which made the ship tremble and sent Vance to the ground once again. But the stalemate was broken when in mere moments the red energy completely overpowered the Grimm's attack.

When Vader's attack finally reached the Grimm, it let an incredible roar of pain, Vance saw as the lightning was turning the Grimm to dust, the bone mask and bone armor that covered the Feilong quickly melting at the power of Vader's attack.

Vance: What kind of semblance is that powerful?

Vance asked as he watched the spectacle unfold before him.

The cries of pain from the Grimm stopped, as did the surge of red lighting that assaulted its body, it seemed the Grimm couldn't take so much punishment and had finally died. Vance watched amazed as the Grimm's body, now mangled and emanating large quantities of smoke, fell to the ocean water below.

This all had happened in less than a minute, and, before the smoking remains of the Grimm hit the ground, the other Feilong had already turned its attention to Vader. It also prepared a surge of lighting towards Vader and let it lose, this time, however, Vader activated the cylinder he held in his right hand, allowing a beautiful red blade to be free, and disappeared.

The surge of lighting that the Grimm had used hit the area where Vader had once stood, decimating everything in that part of the deck, at least it hadn't hit anything critical.

The Sea Feilong tried to reposition itself, its gigantic wings sending waves of wind everywhere. Vance looked around, searching for Vader, and finally spotted him atop one of the highest points in the ship. The Grimm kept flying, frantically searching for Vader when Vance saw Vader throw his weapon in the air.

The red blade spun through the air, and the Grimm noticed, as it increased the speed it flew at, but to no avail, as Vader's weapon reached the base of its wings and clipped them with ease. The weapon stopped in midair and flew back to Vader, while the Grimm fell to the sea. When the weapon reached Vader's hand once again, he deactivated it.

Crewman: It's still alive!

One of the crewmen that had been manning one of the cannons called out, as the Grimm continued to swim below the ship. At that, Vance regained control of the situation and began barking orders.

Vance: Everyone, to the cannons! Abigail, let loose the sea mines. Jack, man the anti-air turre-

Vance started giving orders when he was interrupted by Vader.

Vance: The mines will not be necessary, prepare your men to fire the turrets.

Vance: Huh? How are we supposed to hit it underwater?

Vance asked, did Vader think he could pull the Grimm out of the water? Ridiculous. If Vader used his lighting semblance to blast the water he could easily kill them all.

"You will not hit it while it's in the sea" Vader answered cryptically, of course.

What? How? Vance's mind raced with questions, but he didn't voice any of them, as he instead referred to his crew.

Vance: Everyone prepare to fire

He gave the order to the crew that was still alive after the Grimm attack.

Crewmember: Yes Captain

Came the quick response from one of his crewmen. With the order given, he turned towards Vader, who had outstretched an arm once again. The ship shook once again when the Grimm hit the hull the ship.

Vance stumbled but kept his footing, he turned his head to look at Vader once again and saw as he closed his outstretched hand. After that, out of nowhere, the wingless Feilong that was hiding underwater floated out of the water, its body drenched in water as it struggled against the invisible grip that held it in the air.

Vader: Destroy it

Vader told him, Vance had his mind once again racing with questions, wasn't his semblance the lightning? Regardless, he quickly spoke to his crew again.

Vance: OPEN FIRE!

He screamed with passion, forgetting about the queries in his mind and remembering the lives the Grimm had taken in their attack.

The levitating Grimm was hit by dozens of turrets at the same time, it didn't even have time to cry out in pain, as death was delivered immediately.

When the smoke from the barrage of fire finally dispersed, all that was left of the Grimm was its tail, Vance saw as Vader let go of it and it fell to the sea like its other Grimm comrade.

Crewmember: Holy fuck

One of the men from the crew said, voicing the thought everyone had in mind. The relief Vance felt washing over his body was refreshing and very needed.

Abigail: The huntsman saved us!

This time it was Abigail, one of the women in his crew. Following that, almost everyone that was left started cheering towards Vader, who wasn't showing any reaction, as the only sound he made was his infernal breathing.

Vader: I will need another room

Vader told the captain of The Prideful Eagle, a quick glance at the wall of the room Vance had assigned Vader and he understood, as the metal wall was open in a way that seemed some high-grade dust explosive had been used. He would worry about the busted wall later.

"Of course, what else can I do for you, friend?" Vance asked Vader, after all, the man had just saved their lives.

"Do not disturb me" Vader said simply.

Vance: Uh, alright then,

Vance told the man. He quickly went back to the captain's quarters and retrieved another set of keys, for room 039. He handed them to Vader and the man took off towards the new room as if nothing had happened.

Vance: Hey, at least let me return your lien,

Vance told the black-armored individual that was walking away from him.

Vader: I'll collect it when we disembark

He said, not stopping his walk.

The man had just saved their lives but didn't care about any recognition, odd. Another thing he would worry about later.

Vance: Where is Cerule?

Abigail: Captain (This time it was Abigail who talked.) Cerule was killed by the Grimm.

Vance: Abigail, get us on course to the docks, then

He said to the only remaining woman of his crew.

Abigail: Captain, we have strayed quite a long way from the docks, the only place we would be able to disembark would be in one of the small coastal villages.

Vance: Then we have no choice but to land there. Where are the bodies of the ones killed by the Grimm?

Vance asked, while deep inside he already knew the answer.

Abigail: No bodies I'm afraid. They were instantly evaporated when hit with the lighting (She told Vance, confirming his fears.)

Damn, he would have liked to give them a proper burial.

But he would grieve later, right now they would celebrate they were alive. Wait, where is the White Fang?

Vance: Abigail (She perked up at the mention of her name) Where are the White Fang members?

At hearing this she looked like she had just remembered something important.

Abigail: In the chaos, they stole all of the escape boats

Oum-fucking-damnit

Vader reached room 039 and opened the door, locking it behind him. He noticed how none of the White Fang members were in the spots he had seen them earlier. They had apparently fled a wise decision.

The crew of the ship thought him their savior, and while that was partly true, the Grimm wouldn't have attacked if he hadn't boarded the ship with them.

The room was almost the same as the one he had been in before, the only difference being a mirror and a table that stood close to the bed in the room. Vader took off his mask, the pressure escaping it, and stared at it for a moment before laying it down in the table. Vader continued to take off the suit that had once been his personal prison.

The only times he was able to take off the suit and ease his never-ending pain was when he immersed himself in his bacta tank or in his pressurized meditation chambers. But with his body restored, there was no such need for a bacta tank to keep him alive out of the suit.

When he was done, he finally looked at his reflection in the mirror. His blue orbs staring back at him, as he looked down, he saw his bare and muscular chest, a result of his Jedi training and the years spent fighting in the Clone Wars. His eyes drifted towards his right arm, the union between flesh and his custom mechno-arm being the most prominent feature.

Why was his right arm not restored as well? Why did the force see fit to give him his body, but deny him his arm, a reminder of what he had once been, perhaps?

He let his left arm drift to the scar in his right eye, another gift from the clone wars, one given to him by the assassin Asajj Ventress.

Vader then sat down and tried the basics of Jedi meditation. Of letting go of one's emotions and letting the force fill the void. But it was fruitless, as someone who had embraced his emotions for the better portion of his life, it was impossible for Vader to let go of his emotions.

Vader stood up and put on the suit, the one that had caused him so much pain, the one that was no more than a suit of durasteel armor with life support that kept him alive once. Now it wasn't needed anymore, Vader thought of disposing of it, but, somehow, it didn't feel right.

His train of thought was silenced when someone knocked on the door.

Man: Vader, sir, we are about to arrive to the continent of Sanus

A male voice called out from the other end of the room.

Vader did not answer but acknowledged it, he unlocked the door and stepped out, the one that had knocked at his door was a dark-skinned young man, he took a step back to let Vader out of the room and nodded.

Vader: I shall prepare myself, then

Vader told him, he nodded once more and went on his way.

Vader went out to the deck, this time using the stairs, and stared at the sea, it made him remember the Battle of Kamino. He continued to stare at the sea when he spotted land. As the vessel continued to get closer to the continent, he noticed some smoke rising from what seemed to be a village.

The sound of drunken laughter from the celebrations the crew had started to celebrate their survival were lost in Vader's ears.

They finally came to a halt in the surprisingly large pier of the village,

Vader: It must be a trading hub.