RJO - The Valen Saga

Secrets in the Vacuo Desert

Meanwhile on the other side of the world

The sands of Vacuo shifted with the wind. A desert stretched as far as the eye could see. In its midst, two figures could be seen traversing the dunes in search of somewhere to rest. These figures had their faces covered with cloth and goggles so that they could be shielded from the harsh conditions. It was only a matter of time before they saw it. Standing there, like a star in the void, was a small settlement. The two figures hastened their approach as they saw it. Once they had entered the settlement, they entered a large hut, presumably a tavern. Inside the tavern, a handful of people turned to look at them, including the bartender. The bartender in particular seemed to recognize one of them immediately.

Bartender: I'd recognize that getup anywhere. Is that who I think it is?

One of the figures undid their face wrap, allowing their face to be shown. It was revealed that this figure was a woman with soft blue eyes and flowing orange hair.

Woman: I'm not here for a long winded chat, Mike. We need information. 

Mike: I hear you, Nora, loud and clear. What exactly are you looking for?

Nora sat down at the bar, the other figure followed suit soon after.

Nora: It's about the Valerins.

Mike scoffed.

Mike: Those guys? Where do I even begin?

Nora: I heard Alban had a run-in with them not too long ago.

Mike: Damn right. Whole town's been shaken up ever since. Handful of those freaks came into town little more than a month ago. Began making a scene about how they were the way to Remnant's prosperity and how the Jedi were a bunch of thugs who wanted to pillage for themselves. Now, Alban owes you in particular a whole lot for the good you've done. So, naturally, most of the folks around here didn't take too kindly to this rhetoric. When people began to voice their frustrations with these newcomers, that's when things went south. I didn't mention this before, but these Valerin thugs came with a big, horse-drawn cart. And as it turns out, this cart was loaded with guns and dust. Our fighters did their best to hold them off, and it paid off... but not before 6 of us were gunned down. I don't care what you do to these assholes, so long as they pay.

Nora: That's what we're trying to do. Now, onto my questions.

Mike: Yeah, sure thing.

Nora: Did you hear anything from those Valerins about where they came from?

Mike: Not for sure, but I did hear one of them talking on their radio once, mentioning Argus of all places. If I were to guess, they've got some sort of outpost in that city that's giving them orders. I don't know if that'll help, but that's all I'm going off of.

Nora: That's more than helpful. Thanks Mike.

Mike nodded and Nora turned to the other figure.

Nora: Looks like Yang's hunch was right.

The figure was about to speak before getting cut off by the sound of the front door violently opening. The two of them turned around to see a robed man holding a sword hilt in his hand.

Man: I will not stand idly by any longer! You filth are going to leave one way or another.

Mike: Andy? What the hell has gotten into you?

Andy: The Valerins were right, the Jedi have done nothing but poison this world!

The sword hilt then ignited to reveal it was a Hard Light Blade. Andy then charged at the two Jedi. Before he could strike, however. The second figure ignited their lightsaber and quickly disarmed their attacker. As the hard light blade left Andy's hand, his combatant kicked him to the ground. It was now that the people in the tavern saw the purple light of the man's lightsaber and realized who this was.

Mike: Wait, that's not who I think it is, is it?

The figure then removed his mask and goggles, confirming everyone's suspicion. Behind that mask was the legendary hero of Remnant. Jedi Grandmaster (Y/N) (L/N). He turned back to Nora.

(Y/N): We should take our leave now, before we stir up any more trouble.

Nora: That's probably for the best.

Nora turned to Mike.

Nora: Thank you for the info, Mike.

Mike, still in a state of shock, responded with a bit of a stutter.

Mike: Y- Yeah... anytime.

The two Jedi Masters then exited the tavern and made their way out of Alban. They still had a long way to go, and they were going to need to pick up the pace if they wanted to get to Argus in time.