#and how rex was given the opportunity to grow and change because of her LIKE!!!!!

[queenkinqs]

people love to talk about invincible for it's over the top gore and violence, but i really do think the show's writing is at it's best when it's just two people have a conversation

#LIKE UGH #this scene + 'you dad. i'd still have you' are probably my two fave scenes in the entire show like WOWW #the casualness...the familiarity.....the intimacy........like wow #you can tell just how much rex and eve care for each other despite the fact that rex has hurt eve so deeply #and you can tell how much rex regrets hurting eve just based on how he talks about all of the stuff that eve went through on her own #and how rex was given the opportunity to grow and change because of her LIKE!!!!! #also all the references to the rex splode prequel comic...rex hiding in her room for a year...eve showing rex her family portrait #(which didnt happen in the comic so i am assuming their gonna add it to their eventual adaptation of the comic plz) #AND EVE my beautiful princess who deserves the world and then some #atom eve #rex splode #invincible #shut up birdy #that one oomf who doesnt play abt rex and eve

[tsukarysgrimoire]

ABOUT: Broken and Lost but Healing, chapter 49

Chapter 49 (What's in a name?), along with chapters 47 (The Doctor) and 48 (The Bad Batch), is a perfect example of what often happens when I write: the story gets a life of its own! XD

I started writing what is now chapter 50 (The Nerd Dilemma, due Tuesday 7th May) and was several paragraphs into it when I suddenly realised I'd forgotten one little detail: the conversation between Hunter and Sixt about Omega and her need to see a mind healer as soon as possible! Oops! Never mind, I just had to add it to chapter 47. It had been clear to me for a long time that this conversation had to take place, even if Hunter wasn't ready to accept it yet. I wanted Sixt and Hunter to be alone during this conversation, but I had no real reason for Sixt to agree to be alone with Hunter, considering how little she trusted him. However, I suddenly remembered that Sixt is a doctor and that she had no medical data on the Batch, apart from their official files, which were heavily censored by Tech. A golden opportunity for her to spend some time with each of the Batch members and realise that they'd been through a lot in their short lives.

Thus was born chapter 48, which was not originally planned. I wanted Sixt to warm up to the Batch a bit, to realise the abuse and hardship they've been through, but not so early in the story. Anyway, it doesn't matter, it doesn't change much in the end. The problem is, while writing this chapter, I realised I'd forgotten something else: the moment when Sixt offered to forge new identities for the Batch. This was also something I'd been planning for a long time, and it had to happen before the Batch and Sixt left the moon they were on. I hadn't planned to make a whole chapter out of it, but as I said, the story sort of does what it wants. I had practically no idea about the Batch's aliases, I hadn't even bothered with Crosshair's, the only certainty I had was that Tech would inevitably choose the name of a famous scientist (well, famous in my AU). Hunter taking the name of an explorer and Wrecker taking the name of a character from his favourite movie seemed natural enough. I didn't want any references to the army, the Jedi, Kamino, the war… in these names, they had to be as far away as possible from the galaxy's idea of clones (again, in my AU).

Strangely enough, I had the most trouble with Echo. An homage to Rex, Fives, Skywalker… it just seemed too obvious. But a roundabout tribute, something he shared with Fives but nobody knew about, could pass. So I gave them a shared crush on an actor they admired during the war. The bit about the meaning of Omega's alias wasn't planned either, and I hadn't even thought about giving it one. It just came naturally. Since the little girl was a ray of sunshine and hope in the lives of the Batch, Crosshair and Sixt, it suddenly seemed natural that her alias should reflect that. And what could be better than a beautiful flower, hardy enough to grow in extreme conditions, heralding the arrival of warm weather? A symbol of hope, resilience and a brighter future.

It was also while I was writing this scene that I realised that unlike the other clones, whose names had been chosen to reflect their character or speciality (or had been given to them by their brothers), Omega's name didn't mean anything. I remembered that Bobba was sometimes referred to as Alpha, the first clone, and that Omega was probably named after him because, like him, she was an unaltered clone while being his exact opposite (both physically and morally). I found this unbearably sad. At least Jango had given Bobba a real name, whereas Omega's only patronymic was the name of an experiment, marking her as the exclusive property of the Kaminoans. And though she didn't seem to mind, she deserved much more than that.

Final point on this chapter: the name of the ship, the Raptor, should have come much earlier in the fic, a little after it was hinted that she didn't have one, the first time in chapter 25 (The accident). I'd known for a long time what I was going to call her, but once again things turned out unexpectedly and I couldn't find the place to add it earlier, as Crosshair, Omega and Sixt were too busy trying to survive and find the Batch to sit down for a while and work out a name for the ship. Especially since, up until the reunion, and the events of Chapter 51, Crosshair hadn't really considered keeping the ship once he'd been reunited with his brothers.

[luna-the-moth]

Lucifer, Leviathan, and Satan with a Plant-Loving S/O (SFW)

I accidentally deleted the ask, but here’s what was requested: @hey-its-spades : Hello! For Levi, Lucifer, and Satan if you dont mind uwu . Mc has a knack for plants and has taken it upon themselves to put plants everywhere. ( hanging from ceilings,crawling ivy on outside walls,in the kitchen, library, even luci's study.) All the rooms look a liytle greener and None of them say anything but the student body is saying that it makes the old place look alive and home-y. It makes mc really happy.       

Oh I adore this ask! SFW, with a GN! reader. I’m assuming by student body you mean the HoL residents? Since almost nobody outside the household residents visit there. I got really carried away with Levi and the Lucifer angst as well-

My vampire poll for the OM characters

My ask box is open, but please read my rules and guidelines before requesting! Please send them in my ask box, as I can keep track of requests better.  Reblogs, likes, and comments are greatly appreciated!

Lucifer, Leviathan, and Satan with a Plant-Loving Reader (SFW)

Prologue/basics for all of them:

Ever since you came to the HoL, you decided that it was too....lifeless.

Sure, there were bright candles lighting the halls, but the house was devoid of any life, besides the brothers and Henry.

So you took it upon yourself to decorate, of course!

While many human world plants didn’t fare well in the Devildom due to the poor soil quality, Lord Diavolo had agreed to bring you enchanted soil, guaranteed to grow any plant.

Regardless of temperature or sunlight needs, whatever plant grew in that soil would flourish to its upmost potential.

Asmo had a great deal of amusement with you decorating, advising you on what colors would fit specific areas of the household, and what species of flowers would bring beautiful symbolism as well.

In the house’s entryway, you left a pair of Strelitzia nicolai (giant bird of paradise) plants, as they added a subtle flair.

With long, stemmed leaves, it contributed a touch of elegance and flair.

On the a few windowsills, you had placed Begonia rex-coltorum (Rex begonias), their dark, vivid, colors standing out.

You had planted crawling ivy on the outside walls, making the house seem more inviting.

Lucifer:

Lucifer hadn’t minded your redecoration, as it had matched well with the house’s aesthetic, adding to the beauty.

In fact, he had quite enjoyed seeing you pore over catalogues and books, deciding which one would fit the space best.

Over the next few weeks, he watched as the House of Lamentation became brighter, more colorful.

It was a nice change, he thought.

However, he was surprised when he had woken up in his study, rose bushes in the corners of his study.

Deep, red roses greeted him as he surveyed his study with a pleased smile.

It was no secret Lucifer adored roses, and he was appalled when he had first arrived in the Devildom, as the soil quality was so poor, it could hardly grow anything.

Which meant he couldn’t grow roses, one of his favorite flowers.

The fact that you had thought about him, and wanted to gift him such a beautiful display, greatly moved the stoic demon.

Making his way to one of the bushes, he took off his gloves and knelt down on one knee.

The soft, sweet fragrance immersed his senses, filling him with memories of laughter, smiles, serenity, and Lilith.

Roses were her favorite flower.

As the memories flooded his mind, Lucifer suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of longing, and his vision became blurred.

He remembered the way Lilith used to brighten up when helping him with his garden, an eager grin ever-present on her face.

The way she would make him a colorful bouquet of roses whenever Michael had given him more stressful tasks than usual.

He quickly wiped a stray tear that had fallen from one of his eyes, and calmed himself.

Taking one of the velvety flowers in his hand, Lucifer gently brought his lips to the flower head, leaving a soft kiss, almost as if it was Lilith’s forehead.

The next time you went over to his study for some tea, he brought you into his arms, bringing you close to him.

Kissing your cheek, he lets a small smile break through his usually-serious facade.

“Thank you for the roses, my love. They compliment my study’s aesthetic nicely.”

Placing a small kiss on your neck, he smirked.

“Perhaps I can thank you with a date tonight?”

Leviathan:

Levi actively enjoyed watching you redecorate the HoL.

It was like one of his favorite games, The Grims! (Yes that was a terrible pun for The Sims.)

He had listened with interest as you went off on the best plants that would fit his aesthetic, and would match well with water.

What caught his attention, was when you brought up the topic of bio luminescent plants.

Of course, they weren’t naturally grown in the human world, but scientists had recently found a way to genetically modify tobacco plants.

In doing so, they had spliced the genes with four fungus genes related to bio luminescence, then carefully cultivated them.

From a seedling to maturity, the plants presented a small glow, visible to the naked eye.

The gene modification had no harmful effects on the plants, and the only difference between the lab-modified plants and wild plants, were height.

The entire time you had explained the plant’s origins passionately, Levi sat in awe, watching as you had gestured your hands in an excited fashion.

So this is what you meant when you had said you enjoyed him being so passionate about an anime or game.

At first, Levi had thought you were merely exaggerating to cheer him up, but as he looks at you now, eyes shining with delight, he understood.

You decided that since you were decorating the HoL, you would decorate Levi’s room as well.

You didn’t have access to the bio-luminescent plants, but you decorated his rooms to the nines nonetheless.

So, you had pooled together your money and resources, to create a mini lily pond for him!

You had miraculously gotten him out of the house, for a cosplay con, in which you had ‘accidentally’ forgotten to buy yourself a ticket.

Which we all know is a lie, you had just not bought one for yourself in order to stay at home, assembling the pond with Solomon’s help.

It was small, enough to fit around 6-7 lily pads/lotuses.

You had carefully grown the lily pads in your room, watching as they eventually bloomed into light, almost ethereal flowers.

By the time Levi came home, you had just finished cleaning up, getting the mud washed from your hands and arms.

Upon seeing the lily pond, Levi’s eyes were wide with amazement and shock.

You created and did this, for him?

Absolutely sets down his handfuls of merch, (gently, mind you) and silently steps over to you.

He does his best to hug you like in anime, wanting you to know how much he appreciates this.

Yes, it may be awkward, but it warms your heart knowing that he stepped out of his comfort zone, just to thank you.

He’s too embarrassed to say it while looking at you, but you can hear his voice as he rests his head against yours.

As he pulls away, a blush is evident on his face, his head turned to the side as he awkwardly places his hand against the back of his neck.

“T-thank you, Y/n. It’s a b-beautiful lily pond.”

Satan:

He fully supported your botanical excursion

After all, he’s always had an affinity for plants.

Whether it be for potions, poisons, or mere decor, Satan had a green thumb, through and through.

If his room weren’t full of books, scriptures, and all sorts of literature, he’d fill it with various plants.

So when you had announced that you were going to re-decorate the HoL with various flora, he was buzzing with excitement.

He gathered every human botanical book he knew of, and started leaving them for you on your desk.

Within a week, you had stacks upon stacks of books, knowledge ready at your disposal.

And so you began to research.

Satan was considerate to leave footnotes in a few of them, like what type would pair well with what color schemes, etc.

You smiled while reading through them, seeing Satan’s elegant handwritten flow across the pages.

Within a few weeks, you had skimmed through the books, thoroughly reading a handful of them.

After ordering the plants you wanted on Azukon, (courtesy of Lord Diavolo’s credit card-) you were eagerly anticipating their arrival.

Especially because a few ‘special items’ were in the package.

After all, you wanted to thank Satan properly for his help.

When the various flora arrived, you had carefully cultivated each of them, encouraging their growth.

Satan had assisted you, monitoring their progress, and making sure none of his brothers ruined them.

The following weekend, Satan had a student council meeting planned, as did the rest of the brothers.

Which left you with the perfect opportunity to set up Satan’s gifts.

In his room, you had placed Senecio rowleyanus (string of pearls) plants, their bright green globes spilling over the bookshelves.

Along with that, were lavender candles, with dried lavender crushed inside.

After all, Satan had always (usually) been the most level-headed out of his brothers, despite his title.

He’s much more than the avatar of wrath, and has gone through painstaking time and trials to overcome that.

That’s why you had picked lavender, which without a doubt, would be noticed by Satan.

When he had come back from the meeting, he was already in a pissy mood, as things didn’t go as planned, ending in an argument between the brothers.

However, when he stepped into his room, seeing lavender candles lit, and garlands of plants over the bookshelves, he immediately broke out in a smile.

A real, genuine smile.

Seeing you sitting on his bed, lavender candles lit, plant garlands stringing down from the bookshelves, it was almost like one of the romance novels he had read...

Quickly, he scooped you up in his arms, spinning you until you were laughing for him to stop.

Finally setting you down to gently kabeddon you, he playfully kisses the corner of your lips.

“Thank you my love, these are absolutely beautiful. I shall preserve these for all eternity.”

#my writing #obey me #obey me fluff #obey me x reader #obey me x reader fluff #obey me lucifer #obey me leviathan #obey me satan #obey me lucifer x reader #obey me leviathan x reader #obey me satan x reader #obey me scenario #obey me headcanon #obey me angst

[sparklinpixiedust]

Basic Training

This post has been sitting in my drafts for months now, during which I've come up with a few ways I wanted to write this post. This is what I've come up with.

Basic Training is the episode which made me hate Ben the most. The whole episode consisted him of being a stuck up brat only to be rewarded for it in the end.

This episode was the perfect opportunity to have Kevin in the spotlight and show how skilled and smart he is.

Gwen's presence in this episode was actually fine, there's no change needed for that.

Look, I know the shows named Ben 10 but we have seen Ben be the hero tons of times already.

And Ben being egoistic about his heroism is not something new in the franchise.

There have been episodes on the OS where Ben got a big head, yet I dont ever see anyone complaining about that.

Was is it because he was 10 that we excuse this behaviour? Nope.

15 - 16 is still pretty young and his attitude can be excused at this age as well.

My opinion? It was handled better in the OS.

There were times when Ben wasn't always the main focus.

In Lucky Girl, Ben has his ' who's your hero?' Moment.

They showed Gwen feeling jealous and hurt by the fact she wasn't noticed much.

It was realistic.

Then the epsiode proceeded to focus on Gwen , having Ben being kind of like a sub plot to the story.

Towards the end Ben compliments her.

So yeah Ben got big head, but at the same time they shifted focus so that the audience wouldn't find it annoying.

Gwen was in the spotlight for a bit, giving people a break from Ben.

Secondly  , in Be Afraid Of The Dark, Ben again is shown to be slightly stuck up, but towards the end of that episode he learns and acknowledges Gwen and Grandpa for help and understands his crime fighting is more of a team effort.

In Galactic Enforcers, we are shown there are other heros besides Ben as well.

Ben wasn't the sole focus of that episode. Yes it was about him but also about the Galactic Enforcers.

I don't think he was shown to be over confident here , but it was nice to see some other heros in the scene.

The Ben 10,000 episode focuses on how Ben was too focused on his job and the lesson at that was Ben needed to relax and have them Galactic Enforcers take the lead instead.

Again , his attitude towards everything was brought in focus but towards the end he learnt something.

I recently started watching Generator Rex and I can't help but compare Rex's character to Ben's.

Rex is also proud , rushes into things and considers himself to be a hotshot. But they also show him being down ,having trouble with his nanites and actually voice out his insecurities.

He's still the hero, still has things go his way most times but it's not annoying like Ben.

( I've only seen like 7 episodes so far so I don't know if this going to go down hil or not but so far so good)

The issue with the sequels after the OS was that Ben was the focus a bit too much.

We as the audience were rarely ever given a break from him.

Other than a few conversations here and there about his attitude,  nothing really was done about it.

Gwen should've been appreciated more for saving Kevin and Kevin should've been appreciated for stopping Aggregor.

But they weren't.

If it had been Ben , they would've made sure to show him getting some sort of recognition or trophy.

Back to the Basic Training episode.

We know he's the legendary Ben Tennyson, we know he's a hero. We didn't need another episode on it.

Instead the plot should've focused on Kevin. His skills, his abilities.

Ben would act the same but Magsiter Hulka should've put some sort of cover so Ben couldn't use the omnitrix.

Ben goes on breaking rules,  and having a hard time being a hero without the watch.

Towards the end, it should've been Kevin who cracks the case and saves Hulka. Ben is mad he can't use the omnitrix but instead uses the guns and other weapons he's learnt to use at the academy

He's not amazing at them , but it makes him realise that he is hero , watch or not, something that has been emphasised in the show. Its not impossible for him to function without the watch.

Towards the end, Ben getting a 95 was a stretch. I'm sorry , but the guy wasn't great with using weapons and without the watch I dont think he would've been able to complete that hostage excercise.

I'm thinking more like 89%.

Gwen gets 98, that's fine and Kevin gets a 100.

Hulka comes in and awards the medal (?) to Kevin, suggesting he's becoming more like his father.

( im ignoring the ret con, plus the retcon I'm assuming wasnt thought off at this point by the writers)

Ben is shown to take one of the guns back to earth, because he thinks they're cool and he wants to practice and get better at them.

The whole hostage situation makes him want to get better at making strategies.

Yes he's good at improv, but he needs to learn to properly plan as well.

It doesn't matter if he's never shown to use the gun ever again, and he's back to relying on the omnitrix.

Or maybe some time down the line, he could use the weapon, even if it for a second, to show that he is improving and getting better.

Before you say 'he's already a hero, he doesn't need to learn anything ' sorry but no.

He's 16. He may have saved the world but he still has growing up to do. Different battles are going to arise all the time.

Saying he is perfect at 16 is dumb. Saying he's perfect when he's ben 10k , it'll make some sense. He's been around for a while and is pretty experienced.

The watch is a part of him, but seeing him try to explore other options would've been a fresher idea.

Another scene that made me mad was the court (?) scene in Vreedle, Vreedle.

Ben being a hero shouldn't make him above the law.

Domstol ruling in favor of Ben just because he's the legendry Ben Tennyson was stupid.

After Ben's little monologue , and destroying Domstols desk, the judge should've just informed him that being a hero does not excuse him from following the law.

Kevin could've had his little moment doing some negotiation ( would've been nice to see how he works as con artist) and Ben could've jumped in and helped while making some good points for the argument, showing us he's not stupid.

Then having Domstol rule in their favor would've made sense.

On the way back to earth there could've been a joke about how Ben watches Judge Judy too much which is where he learnt about trials and stuff. Or maybe Gwens dad taught him a thing or two at some point.

All this doesn't mess with Ben's character all that much, he's still the hero of the show, he still has his ego but it makes him more likeable, shifts focus from his attitude, and shows us he's pretty smart and is growing into a good hero.

Ben's not a bad guy. I mean he is the hero of the show. There are tons of scenes which show he's good , like the whole sacrificing thing so the ultimates could live and all.

But little scenes here and there tend to be enough for someone , especially for someone who isn't a super hard-core Ben lover to form negative opinions on him.

Although calling him a psychopath / narc is out of line because I don't find him to be like that. His attitude was magnified by him being in the spotlight too much and writers not having a good balance in writing situations.

Ben being the main character of the show is at risk of becoming hated or less appreciated just because he's the font runner of the show.

Admit it, side characters tend to get more love most times than the main agonist of shows.

I've been watching videos on YouTube on this topic as to why this happens , and what I've come up with is that writers of shows tend to focus too much on main character. Things seem to go their way most times and this tends to get on peoples nerves, consciously or subconsciously because it's not exactly realistic.

Having shows where everything focuses on one person most times tend to backfire.

I don't mind Ben having a big head, I dont mind him making jokes and being so casual.

It's his defense mechanism to protect himself from drowning into the struggles and pressures of being a hero. But always having him be that way isn't good.

The writers should've executed it properly.

( okay this post got really long,  more than I thought it would. If you're read the whole things , congratulations on making it here lol.

I'm not going to stop anyone from replying to this because everyone has different opinions and we all have the freedom to express them.

Although I believe I've made my point and I've made sure to keep in mind all the arguments about why bashing Ben is wrong when he's not a bad guy while typing this out.

I don't think I've directed any major hate towards him , its mostly towards the writers for making the situations like that,but if you think I have you can reply to it.

I'm not gonna reply back though , because again I feel I've made my point.

Any agreements / disagreements you have with the post feel free to share because it is your right.

Any disagreements you have with other members,  as long as its related to the post you can share it.

Any issues you have personally with other members,  please keep them to your selves.

I will not tolerate bullying , harassing,  name calling and petty arguments on my post and blog page.

If this happens I will simply delete this post and re-upload it.)

#ben 10 au #ben 10 #kevin levin #ben 10 alien force #ben tennyson #ben 10 reboot #ben 10 omniverse #ben 10 analysis #ben 10 series #ben 10 critical #ben 10 classic #my take

[hrtiu]

“Give me a heated argument. A good solid disagreement. And also the making up of it later :) I really think this is a hard one”  Thanks to @redsong​ for the prompt!

AO3 link

Strictly speaking, Ahsoka didn’t really need to escort the Togruta colonists back to Kiros. It was a low-risk mission without any need of Jedi support, but Anakin had suggested the trip and Ahsoka had eagerly agreed. Ahsoka so rarely got to see the good that came from their efforts in the war, so rarely got to see the fruits of their labor. Accompanying the people she’d helped free from the Zygerrian slavers—her people—seemed like a good way to wash the foul taste of such a brutal, soul-crushing mission from her mouth.

She and the rest of Torrent Company flew the transports down to the the colonist settlement on the verdant planet’s surface, and the looks of relief on the colonists’ faces as they walked back into homes they thought they’d never see again eased some of the darkness that had settled on Ahsoka’s heart. First Umbara, then Zygerria—these past few months had been particularly bleak.

“Thank you so much for bringing us back to our homes. We cannot express the depths of our gratitude,” Governor Roshti said as he walked with Ahsoka and Rex into the Governor’s residence.

“It was our pleasure, Governor,” Ahsoka said.

“We will be holding a celebratory feast tomorrow. Please, stay and attend as our honored guests.”

Ahsoka glanced at Rex and the corner of his mouth quirked up—his version of an encouraging smile. They were hoping that Kiros would officially join the Republic, so it wouldn’t do to ignore their hospitality.

“We’d be honored.”

---

Ahsoka sat at Governor Roshti’s right hand at the head of the table, Rex on her other side. The table was heavy with Togruta delicacies—thimiar steaks, roasted cepa, even akul stew. She’d never really lived among her people, so Ahsoka didn’t have much of a taste for Togruta food, but she ate as much as she could handle to show her appreciation. At her side Rex enthusiastically bit into another hunk of thimiar steak, his enjoyment completely unfeigned.

“Maybe you were born into the wrong species, Rex,” she said, leaning over towards him. “You seem to fit right in as a Togruta.”

Rex looked up from his steak and sheepishly wiped the savory sauce from his mouth. “Sorry, Commander, I just don’t often get a chance to eat anything besides ration cubes.”

“Don’t apologize,” she said. “It’s flattering to our guests to enjoy their food.”

“Is that a Togruta culture thing?”

Ahsoka shrugged. “I’m not sure. I never spent much time on Shili.”

“Maybe you’ll get a chance to go someday,” Rex said, his eyes crinkling with the suggestion of a grin as he held her gaze.

Ahsoka found herself smiling back at him, a warmth in her chest making her feel light a giddy. She looked away quickly.

It had been like this since Rex had gotten back from Umbara, and it was terribly inconvenient. It had taken his near loss during that campaign to reveal how necessary he had become in her life, how his presence was like light—illuminating and coloring an otherwise dark world. She did her best not to think about it. Thoughts led to actions, and if she ever acted on these thrilling, terrifying feelings, she knew her life would change irrevocably.

She shoved another spoonful of akul stew in her mouth and forced the foreign food down, turning back to the Governor to compliment him again on the delicious feast. Then she took a sip of the madyam wine, easily her favorite part of the meal.

“Are you sure General Skywalker would approve of your drinking?” Rex asked, speaking softly to avoid being overheard.

Ahsoka shrugged. “They don’t have the same rules about underage drinking on Shili. And I’m not overindulging. It’s fine.”

Rex looked a little doubtful, but he let the subject drop.

The feast wound down and Governor Roshti showed them to their quarters. They’d be staying in the house of one of his daughters, in a guest suite that was as luxurious a home as anyone had access to in the colony. The rest of Torrent Company went back to the transport to sleep, but Rex was invited to stay with the family as well, having been heavily involved in the Zygerrian operation.

Governor Roshti’s daughter Daivi, a stately woman with elegant purple montrals, led Ahsoka and Rex to their rooms. The feast had gone late into the night, so the house was dark and the rest of the family already turned in for the night. At least, that’s what Ahsoka had assumed before a little boy no older than five darted out of a hallway and ran up to her, grabbing her hand.

“Are you a real Jedi?” the boy asked, bouncing with excitement.

“Yalit!” Daivi said. “What did I say about pestering our guests?”

“Oh it’s alright,” Ahsoka said with an indulgent smile. She crouched down to the child’s level and patted his red montrals. “I sure am a Jedi!”

“So you can use the Force?”

“Yep!”

“Can you do stuff like this?”

The boy reached out a hand and something in the air shifted. A ball halfway across the room—some toy must have left out—suddenly started rolling towards him, completely unaided. The room fell utterly silent.

The ball reached the boy and he gathered it up in his arms, then looked up at the adults surrounding him, staring slack-jawed. “Did… Did I do something wrong?”

“Sweetie,” Daivi said, her jaw tense, “It’s too late for you to be up. Go to sleep now, alright?”

Yalit looked around him, his eyes wide and his lower lip quivering. “Ok…” 

He hugged his ball tightly to his chest and walked dejectedly back to the hallway from which he’d come. The adults in the room watched him leave, then Daivi moved onward towards the guest quarters.

“Um, your son-” Ahsoka said, shocked that Daivi would just pretend nothing had happened.

“He’s a good boy, isn’t he?” she said with a nervous laugh, still soldiering on towards the door across the room.

“He’s Force sensitive!”

Daivi froze. “We… don’t know that.”

“He moved the ball with the Force! And I felt it—it was definitely the Force and not some random accident.”

Daivi turned around slowly, her white facial markings appearing especially pale in the dim lamplight. “If true, that is a great blessing,” her expression not matching the sentiment of her words.

“He should be brought to the Jedi Temple and trained. He needs to learn how to control his abilities,” Ahsoka insisted.

Daivi bit her lip, and her hands twisted nervously in front of her. She looked at Ahsoka pleadingly for a long moment, but Ahsoka had no idea what she was pleading for. This whole situation was making her confused and uncomfortable.

“Please, Master Jedi,” Daivi said, bowing her head low. “Yalit will be fine with us! He… he really doesn’t have very strong powers. He can barely do anything. It would be a waste of time for the Jedi Temple to train him.”

“That’s just because he’s not trained! If he were trained he’d pick up so much!”

“It… It… He’s too old, isn’t he?” Daivi said, looking near tears.

Was she worried her son wasn’t good enough? That was silly, Ahsoka was telling her the Jedi Council would be pleased to have him. It was strange that they hadn’t picked him up earlier, but she knew that children sometimes slipped through the cracks. The galaxy was such a big place.

“He’s a little older than the Temple usually takes, but I’m sure they’d make an exception-”

“Commander Tano,” Rex said, taking her by the arm and pulling her towards the guest rooms. “It’s late, and our host looks tired. Let’s talk about this tomorrow.”

Ahsoka looked up at Rex in confusion, but his stony expression revealed nothing. She let herself be pulled, though, trusting his judgment.

“Well, thank you so much for hosting us, Daivi. We’ll see you in the morning,” Ahsoka said, following Rex into the guest suite.

“Good night,” Daivi said, her voice small in the retreating darkness.

Rex shut the door behind them and stopped in the middle of the room, his back to Ahsoka. “Are you really going to take that child away from his parents?” he asked, his voice low and calm but with an underlying tension that Ahsoka had learned to pick up on over time.

Ahsoka looked blankly at him, not sure what was wrong. “The Jedi Temple is the best place for any Force-sensitive child to grow up. It’s an honor to go there—a rare opportunity very few people are ever given.”

“Hmm,” Rex grunted, neither agreeing nor disagreeing but simply accepting.

He set their luggage down on the table in the middle of the sitting room and started for one of the guest rooms off to the right.

“Wait up, Rex,” Ahsoka said.

He stopped but didn’t turn back towards her. “Yes, Commander?”

Ahsoka pursed her lips. He was doing that thing. That thing where he disagreed with her but wouldn’t just come out and say it. “Come on. I know you have something to say.”

Rex’s head bowed and he shook it once before turning to face her. “It’s not my place to have opinions about the Jedi, Commander.”

“Well, I’m asking you for it. What are you thinking?”

He looked up, meeting her gaze with his own steely stare. “I don’t think you should take that child away from his family.”

Ahsoka raised her eyebrow markings in surprise, genuinely taken aback. Her first instinct was to say it was Jedi business and he wouldn't understand, but then that’s what he’d said and she’d insisted he tell her anyway. “Oh…”

“As I said, sir. It’s not my place to have opinions.”

Ahsoka’s brow furrowed. She knew Rex would follow whatever orders she gave him, but that wasn’t the point. She wanted him to agree with her. “It’s not like we’re stealing children from their parents, Rex. He’ll have a good life at the Temple—the best life. He’ll have training he can’t get anywhere else, a safe home to grow up in, a place of privilege and respect galaxy-wide. Most parents are thrilled when their children are identified by the Council.”

“Most parents, maybe. But obviously not these parents.”

“What are you trying to say, Rex? That it’s bad when the Jedi Council invites children to go to the Temple?” she said, getting annoyed. “That it was bad when I was taken to the Jedi Temple? That Jedi are kidnappers stealing unwilling children away from their parents?”

“I don’t know if that child is willing or not, but his parents clearly don’t want him to leave them. Are you going to take him anyway? Because if that’s what you’re planning on doing, then yes, I think it’s bad!” Rex said, his voice rising in volume with each word. By the end of his speech his skin had reddened and his golden-brown eyes flashed. Ahsoka had never seen him this angry before. Angry at her. Judging her way of life.

“Have you even considered that if the Jedi Temple don’t train that child, someone else might? Someone with bad intentions? Someone from the Dark Side?”

“He’s made it this far without being noticed by any Force users, so he’ll probably be fine.”

“Look, Rex. This is how it is for all Jedi. I won’t apologize for my people and our traditions.”

“You asked for my opinion, Commander.”

“Well, that was when I thought your opinion might be reasonable!”

Rex narrowed his eyes at Ahsoka and folded his arms across his chest. “You were taken before you could even remember your parents, but that’s not true for this child. He’ll remember his parents, he’ll remember that they willingly gave him up to strangers to be raised on a faraway planet. I won’t pretend that I understand all the Jedi ways, but I know something about not having parents.”

His words cut her like a vibro-blade, slicing right through everything she’d prepared to counter him. Ahsoka had never been one to shy away from conflict, but she’d never been in such conflict with Rex before, and it hurt. She wanted to run away and hide. She needed to find a way to end this conversation now.

“Well I don’t have much of a choice in the matter, anyway,” she said, arms crossed and shoulders hunched up under her jaw. “The Council has protocols for these kinds of situations, and it’s out of my hands. Judge me all you like, but that’s the way it is.”

Rex sighed and unwound his arms, letting them fall to his sides. “Look, little’un. I’m sorry. This is your world, and I trust your judgment. I’ll follow your orders.”

“Thank you.”

With that he retreated to his room, and Ahsoka gathered her things together and went to the bedroom opposite his. Sleep was a long time coming that night, and visions of Rex’s disappointed, angry, sad face haunted her dreams.

---

The next day dawned bright and clear on Ahsoka’s misery. Rest had provided little comfort, since sleep did nothing to fix the disagreement Rex. Yes, Rex had told her he’d follow her orders, but she didn’t want him to follow her orders because he’d been trained to no matter what. She wanted him to follow her because he believed in her and believed in what she was trying to accomplish.

What the night had done was provide Ahsoka with space to consider Rex’s points. She’d been raised at the Jedi Temple, and she knew what that life entailed. She’d rarely missed her parents—barely remembered them, really—and the Jedi masters, padawans, and younglings had been her family. It was a good life, and she knew that firsthand.

But maybe Rex had a point. Her parents had willingly given her up, and as far as she knew, the same was true for the others younglings at the Temple. As much as she didn’t want to accept it, Yalit’s parents obviously didn’t see their child being trained at the Jedi Temple as a blessing. And… well Ahsoka and Rex were both equally parentless in most respects, but he obviously felt differently about it than she did. His perspective was valid, even if it was different from hers.

Ahsoka got up and got dressed for the day, thoughts stewing all the while. Daivi knocked gently on her door and invited her to breakfast, so she emerged from her room and found her way to the dining table. 

The table was set with sizzling thimiar bacon and plom fruit, but Ahsoka found she didn’t have much of an appetite. Daivi and her husband sat at the head of the table, their expressions tight with worry, and Yalit sat next to Ahsoka, smiling and oblivious. Rex was across from her, shovelling thimiar bacon into his mouth and avoiding her gaze.

Ahsoka could speak up. She could explain that the Jedi Council believed all Force-sensitive children should be trained at the Jedi Temple, that it was a great honor, and that Yalit would be well taken care of for the rest of his life. She knew his parents wouldn’t object. The Jedi were a powerful organization in the galaxy, with near mythic status as warriors and defenders of the Republic. How could they refuse?

And Rex would support her. As he’d said last night, he trusted her. It wasn’t just that he had no authority to contradict her, he trusted her. She wanted desperately to be worthy of his respect.

She cleared her throat, and the eyes of everyone around the table turned to her. Daivi took Yalit’s hand in hers and squeezed.

“I think I may have had too much to drink at the feast last night,” Ahsoka said with a weak laugh. “I can hardly remember anything after getting home.”

A confused expression crossed Daivi’s face, then understanding dawned. Ahsoka thought she saw tears forming in the older Togruta’s blue eyes.

“It was a long night, Master Jedi.”

“It’s my own fault. I can’t resist madyam wine, and I’m not allowed to drink it back on Coruscant.”

“Well, you should take some with you then!” Daivi said, getting to her feet with a smile that was heartbreakingly hopeful. She rushed over to the pantry and pulled out two large bottles of wine—drink that Ahsoka knew was a luxury in this fledgling colony.

“Oh no, I couldn’t-”

“Please! Take it!” she said insistently, her eyes intense and pleading. She held the bottles out to Ahsoka, and Ahsoka took them, understanding that this was what the grateful mother wanted.

“Thank you for your hospitality,” Ahsoka said, holding the bottles in her arms and getting to her feet. “We should be on our way—my Master is expecting us.”

Their hosts agreed and helped them pack up their things, insisting on carrying their luggage for them all the way back to the transport. Ahsoka and Rex climbed up the gangplank, and Ahsoka turned back to wave goodbye before getting aboard. Yalit smiled broadly at her from his perch in his mother’s arms, his red montrals jiggling back and forth with the force of his wave. Daivi and her husband clung tightly to each other like they’d just escaped slavery a second time. Ahsoka felt a pang of hurt, that they would be so averse to their child joining the Jedi, but she let the pang pass.

Soon enough the transport was in hyperspace, and Ahsoka hid in her quarters. She sat on the floor in a meditation pose, but serenity would not come. She simply stared at the floor, thinking of everything and nothing at once.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Come in,” she said.

The door whooshed open and Rex walked in, a bottle of madyam wine in each hand. “Can I join you?”

“Sure,” Ahsoka said, still staring at the floor.

He handed her one of the bottles, then opened the other for himself, taking a long pull before setting it on the ground. Ahsoka opened her bottle and followed suit, the sweet liquid clinging to her throat as she swallowed.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Rex said eventually.

“I know,” Ahsoka said, taking another drink from her bottle. “But your opinion means a lot to me. And I could see his parents wouldn’t take it well.”

“Thank you for listening.”

Ahsoka looked up and met Rex’s eyes, daring a small smile. He returned the smile, his eyes crinkling again in that way she loved. “I can’t promise I’ll always side with you,” she said, “but I’ll always listen.”

#rexsoka #fanfic #prompt #rexsoka renaissance #star wars #the clone wars #captain rex #ahsoka tano

[rainydaydream-gal18]

Commander Cody x Reader: Baby Troubs

Author’s Note:  Wow, so sorry that I couldn’t be more creative with the name XD.  This was what I called the document when I was writing it, and I’m too lazy to think of a better one.

This was inspired by my niece who is currently a smol baby that I get to go home to every day.  She is a lot sassier than this fictional baby, though.  My niece cries a lot, bruh.  But she does smile much more nowadays, and it makes me melt every time.  

So enjoy your serving of Cody fluff because I sure am.  I need some good Clone Wars content in my life since that finale.  Oyyyyy.  What does a gal gotta’ do for some awkward Cody being awkward around a baby and secretly crushing on a jedi?  Well, here we are. 

  “It’s...a youngling, sir.”

  Cody sighed at the obvious statement.  He shot the trooper a look through his visor before turning his attention to the bundle in front of him.  The baby lay there quietly, swaddled by someone before being left behind amongst the rubble.

  “Poor thing,” the trooper spoke up again.  “Parents must’ve been taken away by clankers in the raid.”

  “So it seems, Graf,” Cody nodded.

  “The question is,” Graf paused. “What do we do with the kid?”

  “I’m trying to figure that out myself.  Maybe pick her up?  Probably not good for her to be laying on the ground like that… But, how?  Is there a certain way to do it?”

  Graf shrugged.  “Never picked up a baby before, sir.”

  “What’s the hold up, gentlemen?” you walked into the remains of the civilian structure that had been destroyed by Separatist droids.  Your eyes went from Cody’s visor to the trooper’s, and then found the baby on the ground.

  “Oh my goodness, is that a baby? Aw, the poor darling,” you gasped.  As if on cue, the baby burst out crying, attempting to tell you of her woes.  “Why is this baby still on the floor?”  You knelt down and carefully picked the child up, gently supporting the head, and brought her to rest against your chest.

  “We weren’t exactly sure how,” Cody mumbled.  “I’ve never dealt with an infant before.”

  “It’s not too difficult,” you smirked.  “It’s nothing a big, strong commander like you couldn’t handle, I’m sure”

  Graf snickered, but straightened up after a look from the commander’s visor. 

  “Let’s set up camp in this area for the night.  This way, the troopers can rest, and I can tend to this little one.”

  “Good idea,” he agreed.  Cody started barking orders to the men, and they got to work on getting the camp set up.  You walked around, gently rocking the youngling. The group medic came forward and checked her for any injuries or other health issues.

  “She’s in good health,” he concluded.  You couldn’t help but notice the look of adoration on his face.  “However, she may be hungry. I’ll go fetch some formula from the emergency supplies for civilians in need.”

  “Wonderful.  Thank you.”  You nodded.  “I’ll keep an eye on her for a bit.”  After the medic left, you continued talking to the youngling and even resorted to making silly faces to get her to smile.  She flashed you several toothless grins, making you laugh.

  “We should probably start working on a strategy for moving forward,” Cody spoke up behind you.  He had removed his bucket and held it against his side.

  “I’m a little busy right now,” you replied, not even looking up.  Then, you smiled and said in a baby voice, “Commandew Cody is being too sewious.”  The baby giggled.

  He raised a brow.  “I’m just trying to be practical.  One of the medics can keep an eye on her.”

  “No, that won’t do.”  You shook your head.  “I’m not going to kiss this opportunity to be around a baby ‘goodbye.’  I never get to be around them.”

  “But, _________,” he protested.  

  “Cody, relax.  We’re going to work on a strategy.  I just want a little time with her, that’s all.”

  At that, he went silent.  Several minutes passed by as you hummed to the baby.  You figured Cody had given up and left.  To your surprise, he approached and looked at the infant over your shoulder.  He simply watched as you booped her on the nose, and it wasn’t long before you caught him smiling.

  “Isn’t she cute?”

  The smile faltered at the realization you saw him, but he couldn’t keep it hidden for long.  “Yes, she is,” he admitted.

  “Would you like to hold her?”

  At that, his eyes widened and he stepped back.  “I don’t know about that.”

  “Oh, come on.  It’ll be fine.”  You looked at the baby.  “That’s Cody.  He’s a handsome one, isn’t he?”

  The baby cooed in response, as if she agreed.

  Cody was trying very hard to hold back a smirk.  “That’s hardly appropriate.”

  “We’re just having girl talk.  Don’t pretend that you don’t find me attractive too.”

  “W-what?” he sputtered, and it was amusing to see him suddenly get so flustered.

  “A little bird told me you admitted to some of your troops that you find me attractive.”

  “That was a while back,” he defended quickly, looking absolutely mortified.  “We were off duty, playing cards, and someone asked me, and- It does not change the respect I have for you.  I can assure you-”

  “Cody,” you chuckled.  “I’m flattered, not at all disrespected.”

  The baby was smiling her toothless smile as she watched the exchange, completely oblivious to what was being said, but entertained nonetheless.  You rocked her gently and took a stroll around the debris.  

  The commander’s eyes followed you, but he was still too flustered to say another word.  If he was being honest, it was more than just attraction that drew him to you.  You were one of the most light-hearted and understanding jedi he had ever met, but no less skilled and dependable.  You were kind, compassionate, hard-working, and ever hopeful.  He admired you.  He more than admired you.  You two had served together many times and even become close friends, hence your playful banter earlier.  If that were anyone else, he wouldn’t stand for it in front of his troops.

  Seeing you walk around with the baby in your arms wasn’t helping him push away these forbidden feelings. 

  The war raged on.  You were a jedi, and he was a soldier.  There could be no relationship, let alone a family.  Even so, there was no way you felt the same way about him, right?

  You looked up from the baby, a dazzling smile on your face.  You picked up her hand gently and made her wave at him, and he internally face-palmed when he found himself automatically waving back.  You laughed.

  “So, Commander,” you spoke up, smile faltering.  “A deal’s a deal.  When that medic gets back, he can take over with her so we can work on strategy.”

  He wasn’t sure why, but he felt a twinge in his chest.  He hated to be the one who caused that smile to leave your face.

  “Er, I was getting a bit ahead of myself before.” Cody cleared his throat.  “You know how I am sometimes.  We have plenty of time to strategize.  Why don’t you keep an eye on her for a while longer until we locate her family?  She seems to like you.”

  “Are you sure?”

  He nodded.

  There was that smile on your face again.

  “And, um, __________?” he asked.

  “Yes?”

  “Can you show me how to hold her?”  He cleared his throat again.  “In case I ever come across a baby again, that is.”

  “Of course.  Good thinking.”  You approached and showed him how to support the baby’s head.  Cody’s eyes widened as he held her.  

  “She’s so small,” he murmured.  “I’m holding a little person in my hands.”

  “Isn’t it something?” you mused, running a hand over the blonde peach fuzz that was growing on the top of her head.  “She’s sporting a Captain Rex look.”

  At that, Cody burst into laughter.  The baby giggled in response, still not sure what was happening but thought it was funny for some reason.  “You need to take a holo-pic and send it to General Skywalker,” he told you.

  You held up the device, grinning.  “Already on it.”

#clone wars #star wars: the clone wars #commander cody #clone wars imagine #commander cody x reader #reader insert #clone wars reader insert #clone wars fluff

[genderbinaryisforlosers]

everyone on the carte blanche for the ask meme

everyone? oh boy this is gonna get long ajfhdsf

JUNO

First impression: i, like a lot of people who get into the podcast without knowing a great deal about it, was expecting at most an ambiguously bisexual angst machine with a closely-guarded heart of gold. juno being an explicitly bisexual genderqueer angst machine is perhaps the most pleasant surprise of my life. the angst machine heart of gold characters were kind of my type at the time, so i loved him right away

Impression now: every time i think about juno’s arc from depressed mess held together by bad coping mechanisms, safety pins, and a few good strong puns into someone who can talk about his feelings, feel comfortable about being happy, and recognise when he needs to change, i want to cry about it a little bit. the depth of my love for juno steel has only grown along with him

Favourite moment: juno has a lot of great one-liners and i’m still a big fan of the “on the other hand i wasn’t wearing a watch” bit and who can forget such classics as juno finally deciding to stop moping over nureyev and move on only for him to open the door to his apartment and find nureyev sitting in the dark dramatically, but honestly nothing will ever hit me harder than his sudden, pissed-off declaration of “i can’t die yet, i still have shit to do!” in promised land. god.

Idea for a story: oh i have so many and i want to write most of them so no spoilers, but juno accidentally kidnaps a baby during a carte blanche heist and shenanigans ensue

Unpopular opinion: obviously we all know he’s dummy thicc but i feel like a lot of people forget he’s an actual genius, like the stuff he notices and how he strings it together is sometimes so obscure and he’s almost always right. oh, also juno is not skinny and i will not be taking criticism on that

Favourite relationship: this is so tough because every dynamic is so good, but i think it has to be juno and rita. those two are so good! the best best friends in the world!! i’m really a sucker for any dynamic that’s ridiculously in-sync so i loved these two as soon as juno saw rita’s notes in prince of mars and went “makes perfect sense to me” (which it probably didn’t, because rita, but he trusted that she knew what she was doing which is the important part)

Favourite headcanon: this isn’t really a headcanon but i still think about how juno is (was?) deathly afraid of heights but when he heard rex glass coming he still attempted to climb out of the window. either his aversion to working with dark matters/other people in general was so strong is overrided his fear, or his office was actually on the ground floor. not sure which of these is funnier.

NUREYEV

First impression: we’ve all seen the memes about nureyev knowing juno steel for one (1) day and deciding to Risk It All by leaving him with his name, look at this Hopeless Romantic, this utter DISASTER of a homosexual. the fact the very next time we hear from nureyev (at least directly) he’s patiently waiting in juno’s dark apartment to surprise him with a heist definitely supports this image.

Impression now: even after literally being inside peter’s head, i feel like we didn’t get a real sense of who he is until man in glass, where we find out he aggressively compartmentalises everything that causes him stress. he’s also distinctly someone who’s had his heart broken before, i think, which makes those first appearances of his very strange. but it does remind me of what juno says about diamond, and how he decided to provide the trust first and wait for the trustworthiness to grow in (only to get severely hurt), and i think that’s exactly what nureyev did. i am also... very uneasy with how suspicious he’s behaving this season because obviously i want to believe he’ll sort it all out and not betray the crew but... oof

Favourite moment: the beginning of what lies beyond pt1 where he’s affectionately bullying juno into taking care of himself? cleared my crops watered my skin etc etc etc

Idea for a story: i’d love to hear more about his past as a young thief idolising buddy and vespa (i can’t actually remember if that’s canon or fanon but anyway i wanna read it!)

Unpopular opinion: i think people often cling to an image of him that more resembles his first impressions in season 1 instead of seeing the depth that we’ve been given about his character in season 3

Favourite relationship: him and juno but honestly it’s a close call between them and his budding friendship with rita. even though she learned it by accident, his name is still a point of intimacy and it’s one less secret to keep around her which has to be a weight off his shoulders, at least a little? they seem like they could be really good friends once ultrabots is out of the way. juno steel love (and also bullying) zone activates whenever they’re together

Favourite headcanon: i’ve said it before and i’ll say it again - nureyev has never done a household chore in his goddamn life. he doesn’t know the water needs to be hot when you wash dishes.

RITA

First impression: honestly i’m not sure? i don’t remember having a big awareness of her in murderous mask but i remember loving her “note-taking” in prince of mars, i thought she sounded really fun and cute

Impression now: rita is really fun and cute, she’s also an extremely hardworking and dedicated woman who had the guts to throw in with a detective fired from the force and then invest all of her time and money into helping him help people.

Favourite moment: Rita Gets A Knife. enough said

Idea for a story: i don’t know honestly! i really struggle to write rita because her thought processes are so wild and i don’t think any story i could come up with would match mega ultrabots of cyberjustice.

Unpopular opinion: this shouldn’t be unpopular because juno steel himself shares this opinion but all future-jupeter headcanons are incomplete without rita also being a huge part of their lives

Favourite relationship: rita + franny 4ever obviously.. jk it’s juno & rita have you heard rita minute 3 they’re too adorable for this world. im still Soft over their conversation at the end of soul of the people when he said he couldn’t stay in hyperion anymore but he wouldn’t leave with the carte blanche if rita wasn’t coming because he was done leaving her behind, and she threw out all her hesitations on the spot and said call the big guy. speaking of, rita & jet are a close second. instant best friends i love them.

Favourite headcanon: i think this is basically canon now but rita being literally half the height of jet is so good

JET

First impression: “haha lorge funny man puts juno in the trash”

Impression now: jet sikuliaq is one of the dearest characters to me out of anything ever. he is a huge, menacing, polite, kind, sincere man who i would very much like to give me a hug. he’s the best aro ace in outer space and while being generally very levelheaded and straightforward, also takes every opportunity to fuck with juno because it’s very easy and very hilarious to him personally. he is everything my autistic acearo ass needed and i’m so glad to have him

Favourite moment: all of them every single one. him putting juno in the trash is of course a classic and every moment jet chooses to be funny makes my heart happy, but also every piece of genuine advice he gives. i’m a particular fan though of buddy recounting her years in the lighthouse and him saying he became concerned when she didn’t come downstairs at the usual time. “you took the door off its hinges.” “i was deeply concerned.” king of understatement

Idea for a story: again no spoilers for you but..... tools of rust time loop au

Unpopular opinion: this isn’t “unpopular” as much as it is unknown but jet is buddy’s queerplatonic partner and i will keep saying it until everyone believes it

Favourite relationship: jet and buddy,,, just everything about them. the way he suspects when she’s lying, the way she makes tea for him when she expects him to drop by. the fact he comes to check on her when she is 41 seconds late to the family meeting because it’s unlike her to be late and the last time she was late for something her brain was turning to radiation soup. but most especially the way she snaps at him to stay out of her business and he said he could not because he made her promise eight years ago to never stay out of the business of her health, no matter how many times she asked. they r literally in a qpr

Favourite headcanon: i don’t think this is true but i still think it would be funny if the ruby-7 used to be painted red but when jet got it he had it painted green because he Just Really Likes Green (as evidenced by his hovercycle). it’s very funny to me.

BUDDY

First impression: it’s been a minute since i relistened to time gone by but i’m pretty sure the first thing she ever says in the podcast is sliding up to depressed accidental whiskey thief juno and say “that’ll be ten million creds,” scaring the shit out of him, so needless to say i was in love instantly.

Impression now: my love for buddy aurinko has only grown and if it sounds like i already said that in this post it’s because i did about juno and it’s appropriate because the parallels are astounding. the heart of it all gave us such depth to buddy’s internal monologue and why she always sounds like she knows exactly what to say and what that’s like and honestly will i ever be over the heart of it all as an episode? unlikely. i think i’m gonna have a little piece of it in MY heart forever.

Favourite moment: everything she’s ever said is iconic as hell i especially like “in an impressive fit of hubris i’ve decided not to prepare my words for this vow” which made me laugh out loud but once again i must give it up for her iconic “I WANT TO LIVE” moment. honourable mentions to her taking rita out for ice cream and giving juno shooting lessons while she’s in her actual wedding gown. i love her

Idea for a story: buddy and vespa as sun/moon dieties.... that’s all

Unpopular opinion: stop drawing her with a fancy high-tech eye like the theia!! it canonically looks like garbage and it’s described in detail, please, i’m dying, also don’t minimise her scars you bastards

Favourite relationship: buddy and vespa invented romantic love and the entire carte blanche crew’s relationship to her is great but you know by now i’m a slut for buddy & jet out-of-this-world queerplatonic partners. the way she checks in on him during tools of rust to make sure he’s not relapsing and he comes to find her when she is 41 seconds late in the heart of it all to make sure she’s not having a heart problem!! it’s the trust,, the devotion,, the mortifying ordeal of being known

Favourite headcanon: she can sing. absolutely tears it up at karaoke. i’m right

VESPA

First impression: knife lesbian goes STAB. she will heal your wounds but she will be threatening to give you more the whole time

Impression now: she is extremely strong, heart-rendingly tender, and despite being in the older half of the carte blanche crew somehow has unmistakable little sister energy which makes her downright hilarious. i’m so glad she got to marry buddy and they’re official space wives now they’re so good for each other

Favourite moment: both from shadows in the ship, either “GUN!!” “KNIFE?!” (iconic) or when she clocks the dark matters drone pretending to be juno because it called her crazy and juno wouldn’t call her crazy. i’m always a sucker for “shapeshifter fails to fool mark because they Know Each Other Too Well” and it was just *chefs kiss* so good

Idea for a story: i really want to write something about when she was first staying at the lighthouse with buddy post-reunion, and getting to know jet and stuff. i think it would be cute

Unpopular opinion: i know vespa doesn’t canonically have lots of scarring but people who don’t draw her with scarring? cowards.

Favourite relationship: once again, although buddy and vespa invented romantic love, i just love the dynamic between vespa and juno so much. they’ve come so far with each other and their weird sibling dynamic gives me life. at the end of what lies beyond when juno says “we’re not gonna kill her, vespa” and instead of sounding full of Rage and Suspicion she’s like “whyyy notttt?” and he’s like “because i said so!” and that’s just good enough for her even if she’s a bit grumpy about it. i love it.

this took.. a hot minute to do! jshkfjsdgsa thank you dyl ily <3

#michaelburnnham #riley replies #be gay do crimes in space #the penumbra #juniverse

[hellowkatey]

Febuwhump Day 4

Prompt: impaling

Read on AO3

Tally Marks

For Ahsoka, the war never really felt like a war. Maybe it was the fact they fought machines rather than men. Her lightsaber sliced through the durasteel plating of the battle droids as easy as the practice dummies in the Temple. She could pull wires out of their chests and watch the light dim from the bulbs in their eyes and that was about as sentient as it got.

She's only been in this fight for a few months. She has a mental tally of every droid she's personally dismembered, and a physical one on the wall of the clone breakroom next to Captian Rex's. It's a game, in a way. They yell out numbers on the battlefield. Some of the troopers like to use their armor to keep track in real-time. Battles after battles, the tallies creeping down the walls like a life sentence.

At some point, the color of the marker changed from black to blue, and for some reason, she can't get over the idea that their tally marker spent its entire ink supply making only three-centimeter lines, day after day.

Today she reached a milestone. One thousand battle droids laid to rest by the blades of her lightsabers since she joined the war at the Battle of Christophsis. One thousand clankers that don't get the opportunity to fire their blasters again. Ahsoka walks through the center of the now-deserted battlefield with giddiness in her step. A few of the troopers who fought alongside her offer high fives as they pass, congratulating her on her accomplishment.

Ahsoka is beaming. She feels like she is floating, eager to find Master Skywalker and tell him the great news. The young Togruta decides to cut through an alleyway to the next street where she can feel the Force Presences of both Anakin and Master Kenobi. Within the alley, there is a fork, and down the straight path, she can see Captain Rex and Commander Cody standing with their backs to her.

But even so, she stares down the other path. It winds behind the front building to some residential tenements of the small city. Though her Master and friends are ahead, there is something nagging at her to turn that way. Ahsoka senses no danger in the Force, and she taps her fingers against her commlink to make sure it's there. Following her feelings, she goes the other way.

The midday sun provides plenty of light in other places, but the apartments here loom high enough to cast a shadow over her passageway. Ahsoka pulls her cloak around her tighter, glancing into the windows of the evacuated homes.

Broken transperisteel clutters the ground where bombs dropped in the area and blew out the windows of the houses. She steps over the piles of rubble and puddles of who-knows-what until the near groan of pain catches her keen Togruta ears. She stops midstep, tilting her head to hone in on the noise. It's coming from the home at the end of the street. Ahsoka jogs ahead, her heart starting to pound faster as a few drops of blood along her path turns into a trail, and then a continuous line leading straight into the blown down door.

She peers around the corner, and every muscle in her body tenses.

Lying in the far corner of the house is a young boy. His chest heaves up and down in slow heavy draws as his hand clutches his leg. To her horror, a large piece of shrapnel sticks out of his thigh, impaling his leg, and the obvious cause of the blood smeared across the floor. His head rolls to the side, and he stares at her with a glassy expression.

"Hello," he rasps. A casual greeting for such a gruesome scene. Ahsoka finds her senses and rushes forward, falling at his side.

"You're hurt," she says, tearing off a strip of her cloak to tie a tourniquet. As though that fact wasn't readily obvious. To her surprise, he chuckles. Pushes her hand with the strip of cloth away. She looks at him, his big brown eyes filled with what she can only describe as peace.

"It's too late,"

"It's not! I--I'll bring you back to the camp, we have the best medics--"

"No," he shakes his head. "I am ready to die."

Her throat feels like it's closing. She closes the pieces of her cloak in her fist. "You're so young, though."

"Sixteen," he says. "Yesterday, actually."

His face grows paler by the second. Blood is pooling around him, around Ahsoka now, but she doesn't care to move. Instead, she takes his hand, startled by its icy coldness.

"Will you bring them to me?"

"Who?"

"My family."

"Of course, yes. Where can I find them? I'll go as quickly as I can."

He shakes his head. Slowly brings his other hand up to point. Ahsoka follows his direction to a holoimage on the wall. She stands, her knee leaving a clean imprint on the floor before the blood fills the space. She takes the holo off the wall, spotting the boy in the center of a group hug by others with big brown eyes and reddish-brown hair. A mother and father, brothers and sisters with wide smiles and shining eyes.

This is his family home. He is dying in his home.

She brings the picture to him, and he holds it in his lap, staring at the people. Reaching out as though he can touch the holo.

"Where are they?" Ahsoka asks. Hoping, praying they are in a camp somewhere.

"Where I'm about to go," he whispers. His eyes look from the holo to Ahsoka, and he smiles. "Thank you," he says, "for this gift you have given me."

She doesn't tell him she has given him no gift. If anything, she is part of the reason he lies here now. She is merely a bystander in a moment she feels she has no right to be a part of, but yet his cold fingers intertwine with hers. She takes hold of the holoimage that now falls from his other hand, and makes sure he gets to see it the entire time.

Strangely, in a way that feels far too detached to be real, watching the light leave the eyes of a sentient is a lot like seeing the bulb go out in a droid.

She isn't sure how long she sits there. Long enough that when she finally stands again the blood has dried into her pants, and it doesn't flow to fill her absence any longer. She can't stop looking at the piece of shrapnel that tears through the vessels and muscles of his leg.

A piece of a battle droid. A part of the arm, it seems.

Ahsoka feels like everything around her is obstructed by static. Nothing feels real, just like a horrible dream that she hopefully will wake up for at any moment. And yet, when her commlink rings and it's a message from Anakin wondering where she is, she doesn't wake up in her bunk on the ship.

She doesn't know their customs on this planet. Do they bury their dead or burn them? Doesn't even remember the name of the damned planet, which suddenly feels like a pit in her gut. So she does her best. Takes her lightsaber out and cuts the droid arm from his leg. Takes a blanket from the bedroom and wraps him carefully in it, his arms crossed comfortably and the holo pressed between his palms and his chest. When she emerges from the house, the sun is starting to hang low in the sky, the shadow of the alley even darker than before.

And yet somehow, she sees more this time.

She looks through the windows as she passes, not seeing battle anymore but devastation. Ahsoka can see the remnants of what used to be family homes. Holoimages flicker with limited power the faces of the people that escaped the city in the night. They had no time to waste when the call came in, packed nothing but what they needed to survive, and ran into the foothills. Established refugee camps where supplies will be funneled in the weeks to come until their city is rebuilt... though it may never be the same.

Couches covered in soft blankets and pillows where families would curl up on the weekends to watch holofilms. Trinkets lining shelves that probably meant something to someone at one time. Abandoned. Covered in glass and ash. Homes suddenly uninhabitable because of a war nobody here asked for. And as she takes stock of the neighborhood, she also realizes many of the homes have painted names above their thresholds-- a memorial for the names of their dead.

She blinks back tears. Nearly every door has names painted. Many with multiple. Their own tally marks.

Ahsoka runs back to the house of the boy, trying not to look at his bundled body as she searches for paint to at least give him this honor. Her stomach drops when she finds it already sitting next to the door, the brush still wet.

The names of his family already line their threshold.

Jebra

Imi.

Hales.

Yezha.

But as she raises the brush, a sickening revelation makes her burst into tears.

She never learned his name.

#febuwhump #febuwhumpday4 #impaling #i am so sorry #i made myself sad #i told myself i wasn't going to hurt obiwan today but ahsoka didnt deserve this either #prompt kinda had me stumped for awhile ngl #i guess i figured it out??? #i promise this was finished on Feb 4 thursdays are just busy because i am in lab #ahsoka tano

[skywalkersapprentice]

fic: a time to say goodbye

summary: Ezra isn't the only one facing the temptation of change in the World Between Worlds. Just minutes after facing Vader, Ahsoka falls through a portal seventeen years into the past and must relive her final encounter with her former Master without drastically altering the future.

But Anakin Skywalker taught her many things. How to push her luck was one of them.

relationship(s): anakin skywalker & ahsoka tano

word count: 2233 words

rating: t

(read on ao3)

Note: This started as a slightly incoherent tumblr post this weekend, but I’ve added many more words and most of them hurt. If you’ve read the original, hello, I’ve made it better.

Ahsoka runs through the stars after a boy seeking his Master and all she can see is gold.

The crack in the mask. The Sith-gold eye. That voice, once so familiar, now hauntingly twisted beyond recognition.

Her failure stabs at her like a second heartbeat with every step she takes.

Anakin.

Reconciling the man she knew during the war with the terrifying Sith lord she’d heard stories of had proved near impossible for months. The dark side had taken Anakin Skywalker and twisted him into something unknowable. In the Force, he burned like a terrifying slash of red-hot anger. When he spoke, it was cold and slow. He was nothing like the Anakin of her memories, who was bright in the Force like a star, enthusiastic and kind. She was grateful for the mask that Vader wore. It was easier to lift her blades against a faceless man.

But then, a strike to his mask at an opportune time, and-

He’d looked at her with Anakin’s eyes. He’d said her name in Anakin’s voice. It had been enough to make her reckless.

I won’t leave you, not this time.

She’s not so different from Ezra, running blindly after a voice and a chance to save his Master.

Ahsoka won’t get a second chance. Ezra won’t either. But if she were 17, with the opportunity to make things right…

The thought has barely crossed her mind when below her feet, a circle begins to glow. A voice from the stars stands out from the rest.

Ahsoka!

Ahead, Ezra is still running to find his Master. For the second time in a day, Ahsoka has been frozen by the voice of her own.

How are you? Where are you? Are... you okay?

In the space of a blink, the world between worlds dissolves around her in a rush of stars. When reality rebuilds itself, Ezra is gone and a shuttle ramp is opening ahead of her.

Something’s not right. Her skin feels odd, like she’s wearing it wrong. Her clothes fit differently than they had just a moment ago. She brings a hand up to her head, only to flinch at how small her montrals are. And her lekku-

She closes her eyes before the ramp can lower all the way and reveal their welcoming party. Her lekku are short.

They are seventeen years too short.

Of course the ancient plane of all worlds and times would bring her here. The day she spent so many years replaying in her head, wondering what she could have done differently to avoid the horrors to come.

Ezra runs toward his temptation, and she has fallen into her own. But just as Ezra cannot save his Master, there is nothing she can do here. It’s too late for Anakin, for the Republic. It is too late to right any wrongs, to prevent order 66. Any dramatic modifications would have consequences.

Why?  she asks the Force. Do you think this is a kindness? To watch and do nothing?

The Force, calm and silent, has no answers for her.

Always in motion, is the future, Yoda used to say. And many possible futures, there are.

“Let’s go,” says Bo-Katan from behind her. “We don’t have much time.”

One foot in front of the other. She keeps her eyes on Artoo, waiting happily at the bottom of the ramp for her, takes perhaps a moment too long stroking his dome. But she can’t delay forever.

She looks up and there they are.

This Obi-Wan, a little greyer and sadder than he had been before she left the Order, but still with a gentle smile and nod for her. And next to him...

Blue eyes. A smile. Barely contained eagerness. Something in her chest cracks open.

This is not a vision, or a holocron, or a sliver of a man staring at her with Sith eyes. This is familiar. This is who she has been missing for nearly two decades.

“Ahsoka,” Anakin Skywalker from half a lifetime ago says, sincere and heartfelt, “I’m so glad to see you.”

She’s supposed to rebuff him here, to silence him and tell him of “another time” that can never be. There’s nothing in her that wants to.

It was foretold that you would be here. Our long awaited meeting has come at last.

Ahsoka decides. She’s carried regrets about this for too long. If this is a test of the Force, she’ll fail right here to keep him smiling.

“It’s good to see you too, Anakin,” she tells him. A deviation from the script, but the world hasn’t collapsed around her. The Force is calm.

Anakin Skywalker taught her many things. How to push her luck was one of them.

-----

In the war room, Ahsoka recites the information about Maul to Obi-Wan and Anakin from memory.

“I was able to obtain transmission codes from the Pykes on Oba Diah.” This time, she’s prepared for the wary look Anakin throws her way.

“What were you doing on Oba Diah?”

Then, she’d been defensive, thinking he was about to try and lecture her as a Master would. Now, Ahsoka takes the concern for what it is.

“Nothing you wouldn’t have done,” she assures him. A small grin tugs at the corners of her mouth at the familiar exasperated look she gets in return.

The confrontation between Bo-Katan and Obi-Wan goes about as well as it had the first time, which is to say, not at all. Ahsoka of seventeen years ago had carried deep-seated resentment towards Anakin’s former Master for his loyalty to the Council before anything else. She’d seen him as a representation of everything the Jedi were doing wrong, and it had infuriated her. But it doesn’t matter now. Just a few days from now, there will be no Council to be loyal to, no Jedi to protect the galaxy from anything. There is no point in resenting a man who is days from losing everything.

She never did find out what happened to Obi-Wan, beyond what was on Kanan's holocron. Given what she now knows about Anakin, she no longer wants to.

You wouldn’t, would you Anakin? Surely not him, too?

She knows the answer. It’s not something she wants to dwell on.

“You two certainly haven’t changed,” Ahsoka tells Anakin when Obi-Wan and Bo-Katan have left. This time, she means it not as an accusation. Stagnancy is a compliment when you come from a time where everything has changed for the worse.

-----

She falls into step alongside her old friend as he leads her to her surprise and wonders how, how can he be this happy, when his fall is imminent? Reports of Darth Vader were elusive, but could be traced back to the very beginning of the Empire. How is the man at her side mere days away from becoming the monster she met on Malachor?

But- it’s something she never noticed the first time around. The mania around the edges of his happiness. The shreds of normalcy that he clings to like a lifeline. A euphoria born of desperation. Ahsoka understands now, as they walk the corridors of the Resolute. For very different reasons, they’re trying to pretend they’re still the same.

When Anakin unveils his “surprise” for her, she walks around, looks at all the clones wearing her face that will soon be dead. The ache in her chest grows at the sight of a youthful Rex.

He really never learned how to stop calling her Commander. This time, she doesn’t bother telling him not to.

The sirens blare overhead, scattering everyone. To everyone else, they're a sign of an emergency. To Ahsoka, they’re a sign that she’s running out of time. Obi-Wan rushes in with news of the Coruscant attack, and she knows she has just minutes left.

“What about the Chancellor?” Anakin immediately asks. It takes everything in Ahsoka not to react to that because now, more than ever, temptation eats away at her.

She could do it. One sentence to start a chain reaction. The Chancellor is a Sith Lord, she could say, and everything would change. They would know, they could take action, they could-

The Force roils uneasily. No. This is not why she’s here. She is here perhaps as a cruel punishment for failing to stop Vader, but she has not been given a chance to fix this.

She bites her tongue, and stays quiet.

“We can be there within the hour,” Obi-Wan is saying. Ahsoka frowns. She has no desire to argue with Obi-Wan, who she will never see again after this, but she needs to get troops on Mandalore. Perhaps it’s time to take a page out of the Negotiator’s book.

“Master Kenobi,” she says, careful to keep her tone neutral. “Bo-Katan and her people are counting on the Republic.”

Obi-Wan has always been one to react to the tone in the room. Then, he'd met her accusing tone with condescending defensiveness. Now, he replies with a calm, “Ahsoka, surely you understand that this is a pivotal moment in the clone wars. The people of Coruscant need our help.”

Ahsoka thinks but doesn’t say, no. The Chancellor does.

“I understand,” she counters instead, “that Coruscant and Mandalore need help from the Jedi.” She turns to Anakin. “Aren’t there enough forces on this ship to handle both?”

Anakin narrows his eyes in thought. “I’ll…. divide the 501st! Make a new division under Ahsoka’s command.”

There you go, she thinks. They can sort out the rest from there.

Obi-Wan still makes his quip about Maul never staying dead as he heads out, and Ahsoka privately, fervently agrees.

And then it’s just the two of them, for the last time, in a moment she wants to freeze forever.

Perhaps it’s selfish. She knows exactly what this man is capable of. She could strike him down where he stands right now and alter the course of history. She could warn him of what he will do, in the hopes that he won’t fall this time. But the Force has not brought her to change the future.

She understands now. This isn’t a punishment, or even a test. It is a chance to say goodbye.

When Ahsoka faces Anakin for the last time, she gently inclines her head. Not quite a Jedi bow, but respectful all the same. “Thank you. For everything.”

He’ll take it to mean for the clones, the lightsabers, for having her back. She means it to encompass more than that.

That grin again. “That’s what friends are for.”

Friends.

Then you will die.

She can’t look at him like this, exactly as she remembers. She can’t look away, either. There’s an ache in her ribs as she carefully accepts her old lightsabers- they were blue for a time, a detail she’d nearly forgotten- and when she looks back at her former Master, everything she wants to stay gets stuck in her throat.

I miss you. Every day. I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I’m sorry it can’t be different now.

“I have… so much to tell you,” she says softly.

“Me too,” Anakin says. There’s an excited glint in his eye that breaks her heart. “You capture Maul, I’ll take care of Grievous, and with any luck, this will all be over soon.”

“Master Kenobi always said there’s no such thing as luck,” she makes herself say.

“Hmm.” His eyes are still kind. “Good thing I taught you otherwise.”

He begins to walk away- and this is it. In her memory, she quips a “good luck” for old time’s sake, gets one more smile, and then she loses him forever.

You abandoned me. You failed me. Where were you when I needed you?

“Anakin!”

This time, when he turns expectantly, Ahsoka takes five steps and flings her arms around him, lightsabers still in hand. He lets out a quiet oof, then a little laugh and his arms come up over her shoulders.

“Good luck,” she says into his tunic, and gives herself three selfish seconds.

One- to reach out for a Force presence she’s been missing for seventeen years, to find not a slash of anger and fear, but something bright and intense and, for the moment- happy.

Two- to let her expression finally break where he can’t see her, and finally grieve for the loss of one of her oldest friends.

Three- to convince herself to let him go.

When she steps back, she’s smiling again. Anakin hesitates for a moment. His brow furrows. But then he gives her that one last crooked grin.

And she loses him a final time.

In the space of a blink, the world shatters, rebuilds itself into a vast array of starry paths and she’s herself again, running after Ezra through the World Between Worlds as he seeks closure with his own Master.

“You don’t understand what you’re asking me to do!” he chokes out when she finally catches up to him.

“Yes, I do.” A kind smile. A cruel gold stare. Both a pain as fresh as an open wound. “You can’t save your Master… and I can’t save mine.”

One last thing she learned from Anakin- teaching a lesson often requires holding your student to higher standards than you hold yourself.

With the knowledge that she’s holding him to a standard she herself might never reach, Ahsoka tells Ezra, “I’m asking you to let go.”

#the clone wars #anakin and ahsoka #tcw spoilers #ahsoka tano #anakin skywalker #tcw #clone wars fic #writings #ooo it's been an age since i last used that tag #anyway. vibrates w/nervous energy

[leothelionsaysgrrrr]

🌳🍒 for whoever you like! Open invitation ;D

🌳 Compare your OC to themself from 10 years ago. How has their mental state changed since then, how have they aged and grown up? Would they say they’re in a better place than they were back then or do they need help? What advice would they give their younger self? What advice would their younger self give to them now?

(I’ll do this one for Rexus because I have a lot of feelings about this man)

I know I always talk about how Rexus is a trash son bastard man, but 25 year old Rexus was...really just complete garbage in every possible way. He was viciously spiteful, towards everyone, used anyone he felt like he had to in order to get what he wanted, leaned into the work he did for the Magisterium a little too much, just generally gave ZERO shits about anyone but himself.  Need help?  Not his problem, unless you’ve got something he wants, and even then he’ll do his very best to get it from you first and then just disappear without helping at all.  His entire goal in life at the time was to feel powerful, in every interaction with every person, be it through intimidation, sex, blackmail, whatever would give him that feeling that this person was not better than him, that he could be the one shoving someone else in the dirt this time, because the whole world owed him for how powerless he’d been made to feel when his father rejected him for not manifesting magic, made no secret of the fact that he practically forced his mother to have another child solely to replace him, and then threw him out on the streets with nothing.  He’d make his father’s life hell in any way he could, and walk over or bring down anyone he needed to with him to do it.  

(Going under a cut because of course I have no chill about this whatsoever)

35 year old Rexus, meanwhile, has FUCKED. UP.  He’s lived the consequences of his choices and actions and nearly died because of them.  Despite his best efforts, he fell in love, and couldn’t be the person he was and keep that.  He couldn’t slime his way into everything he ever wanted without getting his comeuppance.  The people he wanted to spite got the better of him anyway, and the one he wanted to keep left him at their mercy.  He’s also been shown true kindness, pulled back from the brink by friendship he assumed couldn’t possibly mean as much to the other person as it did. He’s taken stock of who he was and what he’s done and been given encouragement and opportunity to learn and grow and truly become better. And he’s been trying - really trying - to actually do it, not to be forgiven or to feel worthy of anyone’s love but simply because it is the right thing to do. He still fucks up, of course. He’s not done, and he’s slowly accepting he may never be, but it doesn’t mean he shouldn’t try.

There’s SO MUCH older Rex would tell his younger self. So much. Learn who is really on your side and who only says they are to make it easier to use you. Realize what truly constitutes an act of defiance in a place like Tevinter (it isn’t being an asshole to everyone). Find other ways to feel powerful; it feels so much better to lift people up than it does to punch them down. Recognize how truly incredible of a person Silver is and cherish him and his friendship. Learn how to love Emma properly and don’t lie to her to make her love you back; let her go if she wants to go. And for the love of all things holy, it isn’t too late to apologize and try like hell to save your brother. You’ve spent his whole life blaming him for things that aren’t his fault when he’s been used and manipulated by your father just as much as you have, and you could be the difference between him falling into the same old ways and growing into something better. Stop wasting time. There was never any reason to wait so long to decide to be better.

Younger Rex could talk, but older Rex wouldn’t listen.  That guy was an idiot.

🍒 What kind of things do they expect from their relationships? Does this differ between platonic relationships and romantic ones? Is your OC “demanding” or a door mat? What kinds of things do people expect from them in a relationship?

(This one goes to my darling Antivan liebaby Túlio)

Túlio is a prime example of someone for whom what they want in a relationship is vastly different from what they need. He wants someone to appreciate the character he plays for them, tailoring his interests and personality to what he thinks they’ll like, and to validate the effort he took to do so, when what he needs is someone who can convince him he doesn’t need to play a character at all.  He needs to be shown that he, as himself, is worthwhile and interesting and worthy of love just as he is, and he doesn’t have to hide that behind a costume and a character.  He needs patience, to come to terms with things he’s done as a Venatori stalker, but also to be convinced his trauma wasn’t his fault, and who he was during his time with the Venatori was just him adapting, playing another character they forced him to play and not who he really is.  Being that way puts him at risk of being a doormat in a relationship, since he puts more importance on being what will make someone like him the most or think he’s the most interesting than being himself and having them love him for that, but he’s also pretty picky about who he wants to try to have a relationship with and hasn’t actually had that many where they might know him well enough to realize he isn’t actually being himself.  Getting into one, platonic or romantic, where someone else expects him to be honest with them and with himself, and let them love Túlio, not some character he’s playing because he needs everyone to like him so much all the time, is a bit jarring for him, but is really what is best.  

Got any more?

#ask: rexus leventis #ask: túlio aranzadi #jumbo ask game #thanks friend <3 #i have waaaay too many feelings about rexus #he's so bad and sinks so low #never makes it to a point where he's 'so good' but he tries #SO HARD #to get to plain old 'good' #i love him a lot :') #and tu as well #he is a good boy who is so convinced he's the worst and most boring and just needs someone to come along and give him a good shake #snap him out of it #<3 #thereluctantinquisitor

[magicalforcesau]

Dancing With Ghosts in Your Garden~ Chapter 6- Year 1: January

(Ao3 link)

The only thing that kept Anakin from running was his grip on his mum’s hand.

“There’s no need to hurry, Ani, the train doesn’t leave for a little while longer,” And although Shmi was right, it didn��t stop him from bouncing on his toes as they got closer to the divider between 9 and 10.

“I’m sorry, I’m just so excited!” Anakin grinned. He’d had such a lovely break and it was so lovely to see his mum again, but the pull to adventure and magic was growing stronger with every step, “I can’t wait to hear about Rex’s holiday! And Obi-Wan’s. And now that Krell’s in trouble Rex and I are going to have so much fun!”

“Not too much fun I hope, don’t forget you still have classes,” She was smiling a teasing smile though and Anakin just giggled. Her smile did fade though as she brought them to a stop just in sight of the brick portal, “You’re sure you want to go back?”

“What? Of course!” Anakin dropped his mother’s hand to stand in front of her, “Hogwarts is the best! Why wouldn’t I want to go back?”

“Well I didn’t much like to hear about a beast attacking the school,” Shmi knelt down and brought her hands up to gently cup his face. Anakin tried to push down the guilty feeling. He hadn’t explicitly told the whole story to his mother, he wasn’t sure what the professor had mentioned and it didn’t make him eager to accidentally fill in anything else.

“It wasn’t a big deal,” He told her instead, “Qui-Gon and Professor Dooku had it under control. Plus I heard they’re probably going to kill it anyways,” He shrugged and Shmi sighed deeply, but Anakin couldn’t decipher anything more.

“I’m so glad you’re happy, but I want you to be careful, Anakin,” She pressed a kiss to his forehead and he squirmed trying to make sure no one he knew saw.

“I will! I’m careful!” He told her even though he was quite sure she knew of the contrary.

“You’ll be a bright wizard some day,” She smoothed down his hair one more time before standing, “Let’s go make sure of it,” He took her hand once more, adjusting his hold on his trunk with the other and the two marched carefully through to platform 9 and ¾.

The hiss of steam greeted him before he could fully even see the train. He waved a hand to clear some of the smoke out of his face before looking around for his friends. He spotted Satine first, which was a little disappointing, she was standing with what must have been her mum. They were deep into some last minute conversation, he saw her blush before her hair fell blocking her face. Girls were truly a mystery.

Then he saw a much larger group, and with an excited smile to his mother he pulled on her hand until they were both moving in that direction.

“Rex!” Anakin called with a wave and his friend looked up after shoving Echo to the side.

“Anakin!” Rex greeted and waved them over.

“Mum this is my best friend Rex,” Anakin told her excitedly, he’d never had a best friend to show off before and he absolutely didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity, “Rex this is my mum.”

“Hi,” He greeted quietly, but didn’t have to think of much else to say because Anakin charged ahead.

“That’s Cody, he’s head of the Gryffindor’s Quidditch Team,” Anakin pointed to each clone who looked in their direction with a confused smile, “That’s Echo and that’s Fives, and-” He stopped looking up at another brother with confusion, “I don’t know you,” Anakin frowned, but Rex just laughed.

“This is my older brother Hevy,” The Fett in question came over to ruffle Anakin’s hair.

“Nice to meet ya, mate,” He threw an arm around Rex, “Glad my little bro’s made a friend,”

“Shove off,” Rex squirmed out of Hevy’s arms and pushed him with all his strength, which didn’t do much to budge him.

Anakin took the opportunity to look around once more. He finally spotted his mentor standing alone by the train. He was wearing his whole uniform which stuck out like a sore thumb considering even Satine hadn’t gotten changed yet.

“There’s Obi-Wan,” Anakin pointed him out to his mother.

“Isn’t that the young man from Diagon Alley?” She looked at him curiously and Anakin rolled his eyes.

“I’m sure I already told you that,” He pulled them towards him anyways. Obi-Wan didn’t look their way until they were quite close. He turned stiffly, but smiled once he caught Anakin’s eye.

“Anakin, how was your break?” Obi-Wan greeted him before looking up at his mother.

“Obi-Wan! This is my mum,” Anakin told him, using his hands to emphasize his point like it was show and tell.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you again, ma’am,” Obi-Wan twitched forward in a sort of a half bow, and decidedly didn’t make eye contact with Anakin.

“I should thank you for looking out for my son,” Shmi smiled at him warmly and stuck her hand out to him which he took. They shook hands and Anakin watched with interest.

“He’s a bright boy, Ms. Skywalker,” Obi-Wan did look at him then. Anakin looked away quickly, feeling like he was eavesdropping.

“Pardon the interruption,” All heads turned to Satine who was approaching, “But Ben, it’s time for the prefects to begin boarding,” She held a bag quite large which he assumed was because she’d brought much more textbooks home with her than he’d ever considered.

“Quite right, Satine,” Obi-Wan nodded to her as she passed by before giving them a quick dip of his head, “If you’ll excuse me,” And he too disappeared onto the train.

“Ben?” His mother glanced down at him with a curious look.

“Don’t ask me,” Anakin threw up his hands, “Cody says she calls him that to tease him, but he sure doesn’t seem bothered,”

“I see,” His mother had a knowing look on her face as she gazed about, but what knowledge she held was unbeknownst to him.

Anakin ignored it, looking around the platform one more time searching for another person to bother, but instead his eyes fell on her. Padmé was further down the platform, laughing at something one of her friends must have said. As if things were happening in slow motion her hair brushed her shoulder as her head turned. Her beautiful brown eyes, and yes despite their distance to one another he knew they were such, fell upon him and she looked surprised before offering him a small smile before she turned back to her conversation.

“Is that the girl you fancy?” The spell was broken by his mother’s voice and he looked up at her appalled and pressing a finger rapidly to his lips.

“Shhhh! Don’t say that so loud!” He was probably glowing red and turning them both around to face away from her, though really he could look at her forever.

“Don’t worry, Ani dear. Your secret’s safe with me,” His mum laughed and he stared up at her. She was smiling at him and it was warm. The whistle blew and he suddenly felt a rock land in his stomach, “Looks like it’s time to go,” She knelt down and he wrapped his arms around her, not worrying about anyone seeing this time because he’d miss her hugs.

“Summer’s coming soon,” Anakin spoke into the collar of her shirt and he knew she was smiling.

“And I’ll be here waiting for you,” They pulled apart and Anakin stared at her a moment longer.

“Bye,” He said softly and she mirrored him.

“Bye, Ani.”

He was then caught by the pull of the other student’s boarding and soon found himself walking towards the compartment he and Rex had planned to meet in. They both leaned on the window, waving frantically at their family members before they disappeared from sight.

***

Anakin could feel Rex’s confused stare as Anakin pulled out his charms homework. Just like him, he laid out the three assigned worksheets in front of him and hadn’t even forgotten his quillset, which was positioned right beside the notebook Obi-Wan had given him for Christmas.

“I’m sorry, am I delirious or did you do all your homework over break?” Rex leafed through Anakin’s versions of the worksheets and his eyes widened comically, “Including the extra credit? Who are you and what have you done with Anakin Skywalker?”

Anakin rolled his eyes, “I don’t know if you remember, but I was poisoned a few weeks ago.”

“Well, it was a little difficult to forget!” Rex flared and looked both ways as if they were being spied on, “What’s that got to do with your sudden academic integrity?”

“Look, it had to be a grownup, is all I’m saying and who has obviously had it out for me this entire time?”

Rex paused to think and it quite ruffled Anakin that he sat in general dumbstruck confusion to contemplate this question. He smacked him on the arm.

“Windu, dummy!” He hissed.

Rex looked to the front of the classroom, where Windu began to formally collect the homework starting with Mira Bridger. He cocked his head to the side and frowned.

“So, you believe that because you slack off in this class that Windu wants you dead for it?” He sounded even more disbelieving than Obi-Wan somehow, which coiled deep inside Anakin. Why was it that despite being the center of two near-death experiences, no one seemed interested in Anakin’s theories on the matter? Wouldn’t he know better than anyone who would likely have a motive to deceive and kill him?

“I’m not sure what his reasoning for having it out for me is, but I’d really rather not give him much more of one.” Anakin said, “You know, lay low until I find out what’s really been going on.”

“We’re racking up too many mysteries, mate.” Rex said, “We haven’t even solved the Zillo Beast one just yet. Now, we’ve got attempted murder to uncover?”

“Well, you don’t have to join me.” Anakin said quietly, trying not to voice his obvious disappointment.

“Like hell I don’t.” He said indignantly, “It’s personal now.”

Anakin opened his mouth to express his gratitude, but was subsequently cut off by the distracting and expectant gaze from Professor Windu, who stood over him in such a way that the morning light from behind him cast his large shadow over Anakin.

“How was your holiday, Professor?” Anakin tried, while outstretching his homework.

Windu narrowed his eyes, as if expecting some sort of catch to the statement or for pyrotechnics to explode from the parchment. He nodded as he briefly flipped through the homework.

“This looks satisfactory, Skywalker,” His voice was still laced with suspicion.

“Well, people always tell me I should apply myself more often.” He shrugged, not sure why he had to try so hard to look innocent when he was, in fact, innocent.

Professor Windu considered him for a moment longer than necessary, before nodding and moving along to take Rex’s homework. Anakin waited until he was two or three students down the line to release a breath. He turned to Rex, who had a curious look on his face, like he finally understood what Anakin had been getting at.

Was Windu truly surprised Anakin had done all of his homework or was he simply surprised to see him alive?

***

“I believe it’s quite possible this answer key has gotten to Gryffindor house.” Mace Windu said to the other Heads of Houses.

“Did you find one?” Shaak Ti asked.

“Not quite,” Professor Windu said, “But as we discussed, I made my homework over break very specific and included a question with topics unlearned just yet for first years.”

“And?” Dooku asked, looking quite bored over his cup of tea. “Did any miscreants fall for such a question?”

“One did.” Windu answered solemnly. “Skywalker.”

Palpatine frowned, “Anakin is a very bright boy, Professor, who has been through a large ordeal. Is it not possible he simply asked for help from young Obi-Wan?”

Windu shook his head, “Kenobi also would not know where to find this information, since it is only found in Magick Moste Evil.”

“Which is forbidden even in the restricted section.” Shaak Ti gasped.

***

“You’ll be happy to know that I achieved perfect marks on my charms homework.” Anakin chirped as he walked alongside Obi-Wan in the hallway, watching his mentor’s profile for any signs of jubilation. Despite what many assumed, he did want to impress him. He just wasn’t sure how that was possible when Obi-Wan had perfect marks in every subject.

Still, his mentor smiled brightly, “That’s excellent! All by yourself?”

Anakin faltered a bit, “Well, my mum helped a little. I swear Windu puts trick questions in there.”

Obi-Wan smiled a little, but had that look in his eyes that was also a bit sad. It flickered a moment later and was gone before Anakin could even ask. He turned his head forward and quickly admonished two second years who were running in the hallway.

“Professor Windu has always taught an advanced class.” Obi-Wan said coolly. “You could stand to learn a lot from him.”

“Like how to poison someone?”

He stopped dead in his tracks and frowned, “You believe Windu is behind what happened to you?”

Surprisingly to Anakin, he wasn’t really negating this claim.

“I don’t have proof.” He said quietly, “But even Rex has noticed that the guy was eyeing me up real carefully today in class. Not just when I did all my homework either. It was like he expected me to explode or something.”

“Believe it or not, Anakin, Windu has had more troublesome students than you in the past. If the motive behind your near fatality was because the person was annoyed, Hogwarts would essentially be a gravesite.”

“So, what are we going to do? Wait around until he tries to kill me again? You know there’s an expression about third time being the charm, right?”

Obi-Wan did not look like he’d heard that expression before, but shook his head to continue, “I need you to be careful.”

“Why does everyone keep saying that like I’m the one who welcomed being poisoned?” He complained.

Obi-Wan sighed and led Anakin to his next class, “I’m not blaming you in the slightest. Just be wary of your surroundings. Trust your gut, but do not let your unyielding suspicions of Windu cloud your judgment.”

“And if it is Windu?” Anakin asked. “I’m not even sure I know who I would go to about that. I know I’ve only been here for a semester, but the chain of command here is not so hot in terms of reporting people.”

Obi-Wan winced, catching what Anakin was hinting at immediately, “You can trust Qui-Gon and myself to do right by you.”

Anakin knew this much. Obi-Wan had been the one person who utilized his power to catch Krell in a trap and to bring him to justice, forcing Windu to see what he wouldn’t. As for Qui-Gon, Anakin’s mother trusted him, which meant that by extension, Anakin did too.

Was that going to stop the dreams that kept haunting him with the mechanical man all dressed in black?

***

“Qui-Gon?” Obi-Wan hardly knocked on the door before pushing it open. Qui-Gon didn’t mind either way, he knew, but courtesy was deeply ingrained in his mannerisms. Qui-Gon didn’t glance up immediately, but a warm smile on his face was enough to welcome him further into the room.

“And what brings you to my office this evening,” Qui-Gon did look up, allowing a bookmark to slide between the pages of his book as it fluttered shut. Obi-Wan’s eyes skimmed the cover and his eyebrows drew together as he considered the literature.

“You’re reading about potions?” He couldn’t help but ask, tempted to pick up the book for himself to see what was capturing his former mentor’s attention.

“What? I’m not allowed to have broader interests?” He said with a glimmer of amusement in his eyes, but that too faded, “I’m sure you recall the holiday party,” And Obi-Wan’s eyes widened just slightly, “For something so terrible to happen to a student right under my nose, well, I do want to look into it.”

“It’s not your fault, Qui-Gon,” Obi-Wan felt he should say it. Qui-Gon would never let something like that happen if he’d had the means to stop it.

“Perhaps,” He answered slowly, easily dodging any such guilt that he may have, “It never hurts to look into things. If we let our eyes fall shut we’ll miss much more than just the evidence,” He smiled at Obi-Wan who finally sat down on the chair opposite the desk, “You proved such things yourself before the break, exposing injustice that slipped under the radar.”

“Well, it wasn’t just me,” Obi-Wan reminded him, “If it wasn’t for Cody I may not have known anything was amiss, and without Anakin and Rex’s involvement we may have not been able to provide enough proof.”

“It’s not much of an investigation if there are not people to investigate,” Qui-Gon pointed out. Obi-Wan considered that and the two sat listening to the crackling of the fire and the portraits above them making comments. Qui-Gon’s chair creaked as he leaned forward and Obi-Wan’s eyes snapped back to him. He didn’t have to say anything more because Obi-Wan knew he was waiting for him to answer his very first question.

“Anakin has a suspicion,” At his words Qui-Gon’s eyes shot up that had clearly not been what he was expecting, “I’m not sure I fully believe his assumptions since his judgement often seems clouded.”

“Anything is worth being considered here,” He told him, “Anakin almost died. If he has someone in mind then he at least deserves that we hear him out,” Still Obi-Wan hesitated before speaking.

“He thinks it might be Professor Windu,” He admitted, “Though I fear it may just be an accusation based mostly on his own dislike,” Qui-Gon hummed and sat back in his chair, so far in fact that Obi-Wan wondered if he’d fall.

“I’ll admit Professor Windu wasn’t a top suspect, but if Anakin thinks so I’ll have to keep it in mind,” He took a moment to think before looking back to Obi-Wan and smiling, “I’m thankful you came to me with this information, Obi-Wan,” Obi-Wan felt warm suddenly, a feeling he had to assume was pride.

“I can help you, Professor,” Obi-Wan told him suddenly, and Qui-Gon blinked in surprise.

“My dear boy, don’t you have a lot on your plate as it is?” He asked, considering him with kind eyes.

“It’s not as if I can blow off such a matter, Anakin is my mentee,” He stressed, “I was- Well, I was quite worried for him you know. I heard you escorted him home yourself,” It took him a lot of practice to be able to keep his eyes on Qui-Gon’s rather than to look away.

“I was worried for him too,” Qui-Gon nodded to him, “I suppose if I left you to your own devices you’d end up launching your own investigation anyway,” He sighed, “Prefects do tend to stick their noses into things,” Obi-Wan was about to retort, but Qui-Gon laughed, “I’d be happy to have a little help with the reading at least.”

***

School had barely begun being back in session and the halls were already ablaze with discussion on the following year. Satine had found the infamous 5th year letter folded on her bed where there hadn’t been one when she’d woken up. It seemed if you didn’t grow up with magic it would always have a sort of charm to it.

The letter was standard, reminding the 5th years that the classes they chose for 6th and 7th year would be those they took their N.E.W.T.S. for and therefore, extremely important. Before they even took their O.W.L.S. it seemed they’d be making educated guesses about the rest of their lives.

She held the parchment in hand as she made her way into the great hall. There were a few small tables pushed towards the sides of the room making for a large area in the center for students to play games or have indoor picnics; things that would normally happen outside if it wasn’t for the snow that graced the landscape. She still liked to walk around the grounds in the winter, but couldn’t deny it was much dryer to sit on a blanket in a nice warm castle.

It took her little time to spot her boys and just a little more time to dodge a flying hacky sack before she could take her place next to Cody. She’d normally have sat somewhere between Cody and Ben, but Ben was currently lying on the ground staring up at the ceiling.

“Why is this blanket so scratchy?” She shifted from where she’d been leaning on her hand to sitting so that her cloak was the only thing coming into contact with the material. Cody just shrugged, but Ben dragged himself up into a sitting position.

“Really now, you can bring the sheet next time,” He was glaring and that really did explain it.

“Nevermind that,” Satine let it go and waved the piece of parchment at them, “When did you get assigned to meet with the headmaster?”

“I’ve got mine next week,” Cody started and Satine and Ben both winced.

“Doesn’t leave you a lot of time to decide then, does it?” Satine questioned, but Cody shrugged.

“It doesn’t matter what I take as long as it won’t divert my attention away from Quidditch,” Ben looked at him curiously.

“Does it ever bother you not having a back up plan?” He asked and Cody just sighed and gazed over Ben’s shoulder.

“I’d figure something out.”

“What about you, Ben? When’s yours?” Satine poked him in the leg with her shoe and he brought out his own letter from the folds of his cloak.

“Pretty late in the month,” He showed them his letter and Satine compared it with hers.

“I’m a couple days before you,” She hummed, “I guess we’ll have time to think.”

“I’m sure giving the Ravenclaws extra time to think was intentional,” Cody pointed out with a grin.

“You may have a point there, Cody,” She looked at both of the letters before handing Ben’s back to him, “I already know I want to continue in Qui-Gon’s class, but I’m not sure I’m cut out for the advanced Arithmancy classes.”

“You would be brilliant,” Ben argued and she looked up at him surprised, “I mean, you’re already one of the smartest in the class.”

“With the other smartest one being you,” She reminded him with a wink and he floundered.

“I’m not important right now,” He shook a finger in their direction and although it was clear his wording hadn’t been intentional it still made Satine frown.

“How were your holidays, Ben?” Satine asked and Ben stared at her a beat longer than necessary.

“As good as you could expect,” He shrugged, “I’d really rather not reflect on it much. What I do want to know is where you got the impression that you’d be rubbish at Advanced Arithmancy.”

“I never said rubbish,” She narrowed her eyes at him, “But if you must know I just don’t find the subject matter as interesting as History of Magic or Charms. I’m not sure if I’d want to replace it with something else though, wouldn’t that be a waste of time?”

“Well if you are going to change it, now’s the time to decide,” Cody cut in, “It’s nearly impossible to switch classes 6th to 7th year and still score well on your N.E.W.T.S.” Satine stared at him before running a hand through her hair.

“Oh dear, that certainly doesn’t help,” She chewed on her lip as she gazed at the list of possible classes, “At least I know I’m not taking potions,”

“See that’s one thing out of the way!” Cody punched her lightly in the shoulder, “I should probably take this opportunity to drop History of Magic before I fail out, shame there’s no History of Quidditch,” Ben rolled his eyes.

“You don’t need to take a class you could teach,” He pointed out and Cody laughed.

“Then explain Satine taking Muggle Studies,” Cody poked her and she swatted his hand away.

“Even though I’m knowledgeable about muggles that doesn’t mean I’m knowledgeable in the way wizard’s believe muggles and muggle technology to be,” Satine explained, “Someday I’ll show you both some muggle things, I’m sure there’s a lot you’d be interested in that they don’t think are important,” Ben was looking at her in interest and Cody just grinned.

“I’ll look forward to it then!”

***

“Today, class, we are going to be studying the 12 uses of Dragon’s Blood.” Professor Palpatine smiled, “Please open your textbooks to page 77.”

A female Mon Calamari Slytherin by the name of Bant Eerin raised her orange amphibious hand, “Professor, does the Zillo Beast count as a dragon?”

This, of course, got the entire classroom murmuring to one another and Palpatine patiently scanned the crowd of students, clearly not surprised that this lesson plan was going down this path.

“Well, what are the characteristics of a dragon, Ms. Eerin?” He asked.

The large brown eyes at the side of her head blinked slowly as she fought to remember what they’d learned before the break, “Er…”

“No, it isn’t.” Anakin said and then slunk in his seat a bit when the whole class instantly turned their heads to the back of the room.

“Please, go on, Mr. Skywalker.” Palpatine said with an encouraging smile.

Anakin definitely would have lost points in Windu’s or Dooku’s class for interrupting, but Palpatine’s classes were always designed to be more of group discussions than the traditional lecture setting. He quite liked that until now, when he was suddenly on the spot.

“Um,” He swallowed, willing himself to regain his confidence. He found it in Palpatine’s kind gray eyes, “Even though the Beast was large and serpent-looking like a dragon would be, it didn’t have wings and it didn’t breathe fire. It breathed gas.”

“Indeed,” Palpatine smiled, “5 points for Gryffindor!”

Anakin felt himself grinning, which was only intensified by the nudge that Rex gave him. He turned to look at his friend, who made a fist for Anakin to bump.

“So, if it’s not a dragon… What is it?” Tiplar asked from across the room.

“That might be a better question suited for Professor Yaddle, who knows the most about ancient magical entities.” He said, but when the class seemed to sag forward a bit in disappointment, he relented, “I do, however, know enough about the properties of the scales to possibly weigh in some helpful theories.”

Anakin perked up as everyone else did too, feeling as though they were being privy to exclusive information.

“In short, I don’t believe there’s any sub-category that the Zillo Beast could properly be categorized in. Perhaps, if they were given the chance to evolve, there may have been its own bracket. Judging by the durability of its scales, it is virtually indestructible, meaning it had no predators in its food-chain.”

“But it was captured.” Tiplee said from beside her sister.

“Wizards were the only ones capable of destroying such a beast.” He said and smiled back at Anakin, “As the courageous Mr. Skywalker so eloquently subdued it on Halloween night.”

Everyone was back to looking at Anakin, but he didn’t mind this time. He wasn’t sure why he’d been hesitant to share the truth of the story. Their amazed stares felt good. It felt as though he was something to be ogled at, which aside from once having an egg cracked over his head, had never been the case for him in schools before.

“The scales still ooze a toxic element if one should get beneath them to the weaker interior.” He said, “It forms a poison.”

“Poison.” Rex whispered and nudged Anakin again, though he didn’t look at him this time.

“One that is virtually undetectable if brewed and charmed properly.” Palpatine added.

“Charmed?” Anakin suddenly found himself asking with a slightly high-pitched vibrato.

“Oh yes, while mixing potions is essential to a proper solution, the result would be very dangerous if the wizard in question wasn’t an absolute expert at charming the solidity of the blood-coated scale down to a liquid and tasteless property.”

Anakin nodded, but ducked his head below the tall green Rodian in front of him and looked at Rex with alarm.

“Did you hear that?” He mouthed.

Rex nodded a little, seeming to have the same thought as him. Who else would be the most capable at charming a potion than the charms professor, himself?

***

Qui-Gon watched with amusement as his protégé yawned for what must have been the 5th time in the last few minutes.

“Obi-Wan,” he called quietly and the boy turned to look at him, eyes still masquerading as awake as if he couldn’t see his eyelids drifting further down, “If you’re tired go to bed,” His instructions were greeted with a shake of the head and the turn of a page.

“I’m almost done with this stack,” He gestured to the books scattered around him as he was sat in front of the fire. He’d had some free time today and although Qui-Gon was grateful for another set of eyes, especially a set that read nearly twice as fast as him, he was less grateful for the stubbornness.

“Let me rephrase that,” Qui-Gon said instead of scooping up the student and shoving him out the door himself, “Go to bed, Obi-Wan,” When he looked like he’d argue again, Qui-Gon shut his own book and stood, “The books will be here in the morning. Or whenever you next can arrive,” He amended quickly.

“But-” He tried for arguing again, but Qui-Gon lowered himself to the ground next to him and started gathering the mess into some semblance of a stack.

“I mean it,” He told him, “I won’t be the one responsible for you dozing off in your classes.”

“I wouldn’t have blamed you,” Obi-Wan frowned, but tiredness seemed to be the key to beat his stubborn streak.

“Did you read anything of interest?” Qui-Gon asked and when Obi-Wan seemed to deflate he added, “I haven’t had much luck.”

“Me neither,” He admitted and moved to reorganize the piles Qui-Gon had attempted, “I thought for sure we’d have found something by now.”

“Patience, Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon was watching him with some amusement, “Good things will come in time,” Obi-Wan frowned at the comment and Qui-Gon felt his smile fade to match.

“Good things, yeah,” He sat back on his heels.

“Is something the matter?” Qui-Gon asked. Obi-Wan shook his head, but Qui-Gon could practically see a mask slide across to cover his face.

“No, I’m sure we’ll find something,” He stood, followed by Qui-Gon, and brushed what was surely imaginary dust off his robe.

“Obi-Wan-” Qui-Gon tried, but Obi-Wan just yawned again. Face flushing in mild embarrassment as he surely considered such a thing rude, but Qui-Gon was glad he didn’t seem overly pressed.

“I’ll be back soon,” He promised as they both made their way to his office door.

“School, Prefect Duties, and Quidditch come first,” Qui-Gon reminded him and Obi-Wan waved him off.

“I know, Qui-Gon,” He tried to hide the eye roll, but Qui-Gon saw it and smirked.

“Then why do I always feel the need to remind you?” He questioned and Obi-Wan paused as he pulled the door open.

“You just like to nag,” He pointed out with a smile, “Well good night, Qui-Gon.”

“Good night, Obi-Wan,” With a good natured chuckle he waited until his boy was out of sight to let the door swing closed again. He headed back to his desk and held another quite musty book in his hands. Professors after all, could stay up as long as they liked.

***

Satine plopped her crate of supplies at the dining table, jolting a snoozing Obi-Wan awake with a start.

“Yes, Professor!” He ardently interjected before settling into obvious confusion at his not being in a classroom or confronted by a professor. When he looked up at Satine, his eyes were bloodshot from exhaustion. At the rate he was at, he’d be gray long before she could even think of it.

“What have you got there?” He asked around a consuming yawn.

“What’s going on, Sleepyhead?” She asked instead of answering.

“Breakfast.” He groaned and rubbed a hand along his face. “A bit tired.”

“Are you now? Didn’t notice.” She rolled her eyes while she placed some eggs on her plate. “I didn’t think you had the late night patrol.”

“I didn’t.” He said.

“Then, what’s up with you?”

He shrugged and picked at the french toast at his plate, “I don’t know. I’m a student ready to choose what to do for the rest of my life. That’s pretty just cause to be kept awake at night, isn’t it?”

She knew from the warning tones in his voice that he would not go any further into the subject even if she tried and while she normally would try, there was actual life-or-death going on. She made the mental note to suggest an herbal tea before curfew that evening.

“You were right when you said my individual letter would not be enough to be heard by the Ministry of Magic.” She said.

“I know there’s a but coming.” He said cautiously, “Because I’m never allowed to be right.”

“However,” She pointedly ignored him, “Many different voices would be much louder and more difficult to ignore, especially if we hit them in a way that hurts.”

“That doesn’t sound like you.”

“By inconveniencing their daily lives!” She finished with pride. “A picket fence protest!”

“There it is.” Obi-Wan sighed and held his hands up when he received one of her venomous glares that she worked quite hard on making as fierce as possible. “If everyone were more like you, there wouldn’t be wars in the world.”

“If you’re about to play Devil’s Advocate on me, you can save that speech.” She muttered, “I’ve heard enough from half the student body.”

“Satine, it destroyed parts of the school. Children could have died. Anakin, in particular, could have died.” He said, “And nobody knew it was here! That scares people.”

She rolled her eyes, “Fools. They think killing it going to keep us safe here at school? And what of the person truly responsible?”

“People love a good scapegoat.” He said and crossed his arms, “That doesn’t make it right, of course.”

“It doesn’t seem like the Aurors have much of a case.” She frowned. “I suppose until the real culprit is found, people will still blame that poor creature.”

“People do strange things to help themselves sleep easier.” He commented.

“Yes, Ben, I suggest you do something to quell whatever it truly is that’s keeping you awake at night.” She said, “And before you say you’re fine, you look like a soft breeze would knock you over.”

“Nothing gets past you.” He rubbed his eyes, “Honestly, it’s career-related, I swear. Perhaps whatever errands you’re going to send me on will help exhaust me enough to sleep tonight.”

She fixed him with another hard stare, “I’m not going to make you do anything! Only if you truly want to be a part of the conscientious side of history.”

He reached across the table in what she thought would be to take her hand, but quickly diverted to grab the butter tray instead, which was odd since he didn’t have anything on his plate to spread it on. “Why do I feel like you were much less blunt with Cody earlier to convince him to join?”

“Because I told Cody we would talk about Quidditch while we worked,” She shrugged, “I’ve learned to tune it out enough at this point.”

He chuckled, “So, Cody gets to talk about his favorite thing ever and I get a lecture about morality. Where’s the justice?”

“Hopefully in the courtroom on the 27th.” She said ruefully, “Which means we haven’t got much time to drum up an audience.”

“What do you need?” He asked.

She grinned, “How good are you at making posters?”

***

Qui-Gon Jinn was not surprised in the slightest to have his top two students on the floor of his office, arguing about the color of the posters they were trying to decorate and then charm so they would light up when someone walked by.

“Just remember not to make them too distracting.” Qui-Gon reminded them, “You know Rodian’s like Lolo are incredibly sensitive to light.”

“That’s why I’m trying to convince Ben to stop using the brightest and ugliest shade of yellow in the box!” Satine said.

“I thought you wanted them to be seen! Hondo’s dating advice ads are brighter than this!” Obi-Wan argued. “For someone trying to make a bold point, you sure are insistent on using calm colors.”

“I want to be loud, not cacophonous.” She said sharply, “The color pattern of your letters is beginning to resemble your pajamas.”

He floundered at that, gaping a bit before frowning deeply. “Qui-Gon, please tell Satine she’s thinking far too hard into this.”

“Your pajamas? They were quite horrendous, son.” Qui-Gon said as he sipped his tea and flipped through the Daily Prophet. Naturally, Perre Needmo had a lot to say about the fate of the Zillo Beast, including several pointed remarks about how terribly Hogwarts professors handled the affair and also deserved to be put to trial.

“Told you.” Satine stuck her tongue out.

“He didn’t say the poster was horrendous!” He returned.

“But it was implied!” She reminded. “Just like your pajamas.”

“I don’t know why you love to fixate on those so much!” He said, “We are trying to advocate for a living being, after all.”

“And it’s not going to work if the people reading the posters go blind looking at them.” She said.

“Satine, stop teasing. Obi-Wan, that is an ugly pattern.” He chided without looking up and knew from experience that both students turned betrayed glances towards him before getting back to work.

“How’s this?” He fluttered his wand, changing the colors from the kaleidoscope/checkered pattern, to a complimentary blue and silver.

She smirked, flicking his tie with her own wand, “I see where you drew your inspiration, but yes, that’s much better.”

“Where’s Cody, anyway?” Obi-Wan asked. “I thought you goaded him into coming with the promise of Quidditch talk?”

“Late, as usual.” She sighed, “I believe he mentioned something about a very intense Wizard’s Chess tournament over in Gryffindor house.”

“Oh, no way!” Obi-Wan brightened. “I’ve been practicing quite a bit, you know.”

“I don’t think Anakin qualifies as a worthy opponent.” She said slyly.

“He’s also getting better.” He defended, “He nearly beat me last time. I think I’m starting to rub off on him.”

Qui-Gon had to withhold from snickering, but still allowed a fond smile as he continued to read Perre’s affront that there was even debate on keeping the creature alive or not.

“You can go if you want.” Satine said casually- even if it was obvious she didn’t feel casual about his leaving. “I hear they’re hosting it in the Great Hall anyway.”

There was a pause and Obi-Wan seemed to consider this for a brief moment, eyes flickering from his ugly poster and back to Satine, whose posture was immaculately straight, her eyes purposefully cast to the light coloring she was doing to avoid his gaze. Qui-Gon knew it wasn’t his place to interject, but wanted to shake Obi-Wan to encourage him to make the right decision.

Luckily, he didn’t have to.

“No, no,” He waved her off, “This is important. There will be more opportunities for me to lose to everyone in Gryffindor House at a later date.”

While it was painfully obvious she was trying to remain cool and collect, Satine still smiled brightly at him, “It’s Gryffindor, Ben, I think your odds would be pretty good.”

***

The least Cody could do for missing making posters with Satine and Kenobi was to help set them up. He wasn’t particularly bothered with the logistics of what happened to the beast on a personal level, but it was something Satine desperately seemed to care about, so he didn’t have the heart to refuse her.

Plus, they’d made something of a game out of it.

Kenobi trotted from down the hall, presumably because he finished his batch of posters. He looked quite smug about it too.

“You only beat me because I’ve got to reach higher places.” Cody argued. “It’s more effort.”

“You’re taller!” Kenobi laughed, “That’s hardly an actual unfair advantage on my part.”

“Whatever,” He muttered and used the hand that was not tacking a poster to the wall to toss him his robe. “You left this near the greenhouses.”

“Oh, thanks.” He winced and pulled his robe on.

“Hey, Cody, Obi-Wan!” Anakin chirped as he walked over to them, “Whatcha doing?”

“Just hanging some posters.” He said.

“And losing at it.” Kenobi said wryly.

“That’s still debatable.” He said. “I want a recount.”

Anakin ducked past him to read the glowing neon poster that Cody was presently hanging near a girl’s bathroom.

SAVE THE BEAST!

Join the Revolution in Room 77B on Saturday!

See Satine Kryze for More Details.

“It’s cool that they’re blinking lights and all, but does she really think people are going to come to that?” He asked.

“Yeah, I think she does.” Cody said.

“But you don’t.”

“I did not say that.” He pointed and looked around for any signs of his spitfire friend.

“She’s not around, I checked.” Anakin said.

“What do you mean?” Kenobi furrowed his brow and crossed his arms.

“Uh, I looked both ways.” He stuttered and continued to walk alongside them, “I just don’t get why she wants to save it so bad.”

“Satine is strongly against violence.” Kenobi said. “It’s a core tenant of her belief system and always has been.”

“But… We’re wizards, we’ve got to be violent sometimes. Spells either build or destroy, right?” The blond said.

“I agree with you.” Cody said, even though Kenobi was shooting him a warning eye, “We’ve got to be aggressive if we want to achieve something, even if it’s good, right?”

“Right.” Anakin said.

“But even still, approaching things from a peaceful perspective is completely valid and encouraged first and foremost.” Kenobi said, ���You should never jump to violence and should only use it only for self-defense.”

“But Satine doesn’t even believe in that?” He whined, “That beast almost killed me!”

“And yet, it didn’t.” Satine said as she walked from behind him.

Anakin backed away slowly, before remembering that they were discussing how Satine would never act with violence and straightened, “Yeah, but it could have.”

“The beast didn’t kill a single soul that night when we all know it was completely capable of doing so.” She said with crossed arms.

“I had to fight it to get it to stop and you don’t think I should have?” He asked.

“I never said one shouldn’t defend themself.” She said, “I’m not a fool. But the deed has been done. It’s over with. There’s no reason to kill it now other than to exalt cruelty, which is likely exactly what the oppressor wanted.”

Kenobi placed a hand on Anakin’s shoulder, which should have been his cue to back down, but one thing Cody knew about Skywalker was that he didn’t always know when to back down from a fight. He kind of respected that.

“And what’s some stupid little committee going to do anyway?” He asked, “Cody’s right! If you want to save the beast so bad, you shouldn’t be afraid to get in there and break it out yourself!”

“Do not mistake my feelings against aggression and violence as a weakness, Anakin.” She said coolly, “Because it takes strength to resist such temptations.”

The boy actually considered that, but then shook his head, “This is too much politics for me. I’m just here to go to the bathroom.”

When he was out of earshot, Satine turned to them with eyes bright with annoyance, “There should be nothing political about saving a life.”

***

The only thing that could sufficiently distract Anakin from all things Zillo Beast and suspicions of subterfuge was the undeniable beauty of Padmé Amidala, whom he was blessed to see on a daily basis. One of the many pluses of knowing a shortcut to all of his classes was that he could spend more time lingering around the halls, which namely included admiring her chestnut-colored hair from afar.

“Earth to Anakin!” Rex snapped his fingers a few times in front of his face a few times, bringing him out of what was surely a dream-like trance.

“Sorry.” He blushed.

“One of these days, she’s going to notice.” He pointed out.

“Really?” Anakin asked excitedly, “You think?”

“I don’t think you want that, mate.” He patted his shoulder, “She might take you for a little creep.”

Anakin most definitely didn’t want that.

His attention was immediately drawn back to Padmé when a series of obnoxious whistles echoed through the hallway. Sure enough, Sebulba and his goons: Ody and Groff, were leering at Padmé and her friends for longer than was clearly welcomed.

“See that boys, my girl is looking exceptionally fine in that skirt today.” He smiled, showing off a hideous row of brown jagged teeth. Anakin could practically smell him from across the room.

“I’m not your girl, Sebulba.” Padmé said pointedly, clutching her textbooks to her chest. Her shoulders were squared back as she looked up at the Dug in the eyes. “And I never will be.”

“Never say never.” Sebulba inched closer, voice trailing off in a hiss that reminded Anakin of a serpent. “I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Well, you better start.” She bit back, fire in her eyes as she shook off the gangly arm that attempted to pull her into an embrace, “Because I’m not yours to claim. Now, I’ve tried to ask you politely several times to stop so please respect my wishes.”

“She thinks she’s too good for you, boss.” Sneered Groff, who wasn’t the most intimidating boy, given his dim and piggish-looking (in both shape, coloring, and smell) nature. “Who does she think she is? Some kind of-”

He was promptly elbowed in his substantial gut by Sebulba, himself, who never once took his predatory gaze off Padmé.

He stuck out a long finger to poke her chin up and grinned slowly, “You should know by now that I’m not above taking what I want. Sooner or later.”

“What Sebulba wants, Sebulba gets.” Ody chanted with Groff’s nod in vehement agreement.

Anakin went to move to her rescue, but Rex placed a firm hand on his shoulder and nodded towards the girls.

One of Padmé’s friends, Sabé, shoved in front of her, positioning herself between Padmé and Sebulba, “Just try it and see if you’ve still got all of your appendages, slimeball.”

Sebulba frowned and his friends had gone quiet, eyeing their leader with quiet patience to see how he was going to react. He backed away slowly with narrowed eyes and what resembled a snarl painted across his snout. His hunched form looked even more prepared to pounce, but seemed to think better of it giving all of the witnesses.

“You’ll see reason one day, Padmé Amidala.” He said slowly, “Every Queen needs a King, after all.”

Anakin didn’t quite understand the weight of that reference, but Padmé’s spirited anger briefly flickered and she didn’t say anything else. Evidently, she didn’t have to, because he soon retreated with Ody and Groff following shortly behind him.

“That’s it.” He clenched a fist and flexed his other hand around it, “There’s enough trouble around here without creeps like Sebulba walking around and treating anyone how they want.”

“So, what are we going to do about it?” Rex asked knowingly.

“I don’t know yet, but if how Obi-Wan handled the Krell situation has taught me anything,” He began, “It’s that sometimes, you’ve got to get a little creative.”

***

Such an answer came so clearly when Anakin was sitting in the library with Obi-Wan, Satine, and Viz. Obi-Wan and Satine sat side-by-side, discernibly and thoroughly checking their mentee’s astronomy homework. They had to correctly label a map of jupiter including the surrounding moons.

Satine finished quicker, nodding as she slid the parchment back to Viz, who relaxed when he realized he’d gotten them all right.

“And you’re sure I got all 79 correct?” He asked eagerly.

“Positive.” Satine smiled. “Seriously, sometimes I question if there’s anything else I can teach you. I can’t even remember the last time I’ve had to make a legitimate correction on your homework.”

“That’s not true.” He urged, “I’m dreadful at spelling and you are practically a walking thesaurus. And as for my improvement, I can only thank your patient influence for that.”

“I can hardly take credit for your own achievements.” Satine said, but was clearly just bursting with pride in both herself and Vizsla. Though if Anakin could draw any specific conclusions, he’d say it was mostly directed at herself for wielding such a successful mentorship.

Anakin resisted the temptation to roll his eyes, but simply waited for Obi-Wan to finish editing his work and noticed that unlike Viz’s, there was not a bright smiley face written at the top.

“How many moons did I miss?” He asked.

“All of them?” Obi-Wan didn’t sound so sure how that was possible either and scanned them again, “In fact, I’m not quite sure I understand all of these references. Like, what’s ‘Z’?”

“That’s where Emperor Zurg is from in Toy Story.” Anakin said with a shrug, “It felt like it was worth a shot.”

Satine peered over Obi-Wan’s shoulder, “Why did you draw a stick figure labeled ‘boy’ on top of the planet?”

“Because boys go to Jupiter to get more stupider!” He said as though it were obvious but frowned when neither seemed to find it very funny, “Okay, tough library, but really, how can we be expected to know all of Jupiter’s moons when NASA doesn’t even know the names of all its moons?”

“You really need to take this more seriously, Anakin.” Obi-Wan said for what must have been the fiftieth time that year, “These studies will be the formative building block for your later subjects. It might not seem like it matters now, but it will.”

“I’m not going to be an astronomer.” He huffed.

“You’re 11, you don’t have to know what you want to be yet.” He said knowingly, “Don’t go limiting yourself though by withholding your truest effort.”

Not wanting to bear anymore lecturing in front of Satine or Viz, he just nodded and released a heavy sigh.

“Fine.” He conceded.

He took back the paper from Obi-Wan and opened his astronomy textbook to look up the proper answers. He glanced over at Viz for any signs of solidarity, but he hastily turned over his worksheet to prevent him from seeing any of the answers. Again, Anakin resisted the desire to groan. Why did Viz have to be such a goody-good? He guessed it made him the perfect counterpart to Satine, who turned to Obi-Wan.

“Speaking of futures, any clarity on your own?”

Obi-Wan looked like he would rather crawl out of his own skin than endure this line of conversation, but did his best to maintain a casual shrug. “I’m still sorting it out. You?”

“I’m debating politics.” She sighed heavily, “But I suppose it’s a bit ridiculous they expect even the likes of us to truly understand where we want to be when we’re older.”

“That’s a shame, I can’t stand politicians.” He replied with a smirk and it earned him a swift swat on the arm with her textbook, only encouraging more of a laugh from him.

“Funny, since you’re not a bad negotiator, yourself.” She countered.

“I fear I lack your fiery spirit for such a career path.” He said. “For what it’s worth, I think you’d give the ministry a run for their galleons.”

Briefly placated by that comment, they fell into a comfortable silence, which should have allowed Anakin more room to concentrate, but couldn’t based on how distracted he was over the Sebulba dilemma. He briefly considered informing the two prefects, who already had Sebulba on their radars.

Before he could, Obi-Wan already spoke up, “I wish I didn’t have Quidditch practice today.”

“At least that’s one thing we know you won’t be pursuing.” Satine retorted.

“I’d practice for you if I could.” Anakin offered lamely. It was raining pretty heavily outside, but his mentor’s lack of desire likely didn’t stem from inclimate weather. He never would understand why Obi-Wan continued to play if he didn’t share much enjoyment for playing the sport.

Obi-Wan smiled at him, “What? Don’t have a poly juice potion on hand?”

“What’s that?” He asked.

“It’s a potion that allows one to take on the appearance of another for a limited time.” He explained, “It takes a skilled witch or wizard to properly brew.”

“Oh, that’s cool.” Anakin felt a smile slowly fighting its way onto his face, but hid it by turning his head back down to the map of Jupiter on the table. Maybe he didn’t need to tell the prefects just yet about Sebulba’s indiscretions, because he intended on sorting them out himself.

***

Cody was rather good at remembering his friends’ prefect schedules, if he did say so himself. It was something he never really knew when it would come in handy, but it always did. For example, he hadn’t seen Obi-Wan much recently so to rectify such a tragedy to their friendship he went to find him when he knew he’d be patrolling. Such a fool proof plan was only toppled when instead of finding one friend he mistakenly found the other.

“Satine? I thought Kenobi was on patrol?” He swung around to match her strides as they walked through the castle halls.

“We swapped, surprise Quidditch practice,” Satine explained as she drew her wand to relight a fire that had flickered out, “Why is something the matter?”

“Nah it’s just, I haven’t seen him around much,” Cody told her slipping his hands in his pockets and shrugging, “I just thought I’d check in with him,” Satine smiled softly at him as she repocketed her wand.

“You’re really sweet for a jock you know,” She teased and he grinned.

“Oh I’m so hurt! To think my strong Quidditch exterior could be cracked so simply,” He put a dramatic hand over his heart and Satine laughed.

“Are you sure you haven’t seen Ben lately? His flair for the dramatic seems to be rubbing off on you,” Satine shoved him and he was barely off balance for a second before continuing to match her stride for stride. They were quiet for a few moments longer before Cody couldn’t stand it any longer.

“I had my meeting with the headmaster today,” He said and she looked over at him in interest.

“And how’d that go? Please don’t tell me you bored Headmaster Yoda with some Quidditch trivia instead of discussing your classes.”

“I only talked about Quidditch a little!” He defended, “To be fair that is what I want to do. Play professionally I mean.”

“I’d never have guessed,” She rolled her eyes as they rounded a corner, “Do you have a team you want to play for?” Satine inquired as she peaked in an empty classroom, likely checking for illicit activities. Cody felt his very soul light up at such a question.

“If I’m honest with you,” He admitted quietly, “I don’t much care for specifics. I just want to be on a team I can be proud of, you know? Lead ‘em to victory! Fives’ll want me for the Cannons of course, but they aren’t the best at, well, winning,” He shrugged, “I suppose I could help turn them around though.”

“If I’d expect anyone could it’s you,” Satine told him, which really did mean a lot even if he knew her knowledge of Quidditch teams was only what she’d heard from him and seen at school.

“Well, that’s me, what about you?” Cody prompted. He had to wait a minute for an answer though, because Satine spotted a piece of paper tucked under a statue. She tugged it out and frowned at it, “What is it?”

“A piece of an answer key,” Satine tucked it into her robe and they started walking in the direction of Professor Ti’s office as it was closest, “But you’re not supposed to know about that,” She seemed like she was reminding herself, but neither of them were convinced she meant it, “I wish I had as strong a plan as you, but all I know is I want to make the world a better place,” Cody whistled.

“A tall order if you ask me,” He grinned, “But if anyone could do it, it’d be you,” She bumped into his arm playfully.

“You know plagiarism is a crime! As a prefect I could turn you in,” She warned.

“Hey I rephrased it in my own words,” He complained, “You wouldn’t dare!”

“I wouldn’t,” She admitted as they rounded another corner.

“What do you think Kenobi’ll do?” Cody asked as they both stopped just outside of the transfiguration professor’s office.

“I’m... not sure,” Satine admitted, “Come to think of it he has been changing the subject when I bring it up,” A scowl slowly fell onto her face.

“Do you think he’s trying to get on the Wizengamot?” He hesitated in asking, if only because Satine seemed to be stewing over all her recent interactions with Kenobi. His question is never answered however, as the door opened revealing a rather surprised looking Professor Ti.

“Satine? Cody? Is everything alright?” She looked between them concerned, but her eyes turned rather sad as Satine pulled out the parchment she’d found.

“I’m afraid I’ve found another one, Professor.”

***

It was a cold weekend at Hogwarts, but it wasn’t cold enough to deter restless students from making the trip to hogsmeade. Satine herself had been among them, hoping to find a few new books. When she hadn’t seen Ben inside the small store with the looming stacks of books, frustration struck. He was likely trying to avoid her again. She was currently making her way through the flurries of snow towards the old inn which seemed itself to sink under the weight of the snow.

She pushed the sturdy door open and was greeted by a chorus of voices as students milled around between tables, warm frothy drinks held by cold hands. She greeted a few in passing after she waved away an offer for a seat, eyes skirting across the crowd.

“Kenobi’s in the back,” She turned and Cody was grinning at her with a knowing look. Satine ran a hand through her hair, dislodging a few watery snowflakes and tried to pretend that the warmth threatening her cheeks was from the roaring hearth.

“Thank you, Cody,” Satine said instead of babbling white lies like a little girl. He just smirked taking a sip of warm butterbeer, saving her from reflecting on such things. She made her way around tables to a quiet secluded corner where no one else seemed to tread. Possibly because the only occupant could get them detention if they were caught being particularly rowdy. Satine had no such qualms as she only paused a moment to admire how the sun drifted through his hair, painting his face in a soft light.

She slid into the seat across from him.

“Satine,” He greeted without so much as a glance away from the Arithmancy textbook in front of him. Satine rested her head on her hands and watched his eyes skim the text.

“Really, Ben, you came all the way to Hogsmeade, just to study?” Obi-Wan glanced up at her before placing his quill down.

“I’ve come for a butterbeer actually, but it would be troublesome to bring it all the way back to the common room,” Obi-wan gestured to the untouched drink sitting between them on the table.

“So it’s less troublesome to haul your textbooks all the way out here?” Satine picked up Obi-Wan’s drink and stole a sip, causing him to give her a very fake scowl.

“Hardly, I only brought one,” He reclaimed his drink from her and took a contemplative sip, “You didn’t just come here to keep me from my work,” He guessed, “So what is it that you’re seeking me out for?” Satine scoffed.

“What? I can’t come looking for my dear friend and fellow prefect?” She tucked a piece of parchment between the pages of his book before letting it fall closed, “You aren’t mistaken though, I know your appointment with the headmaster is coming up,” She said letting her arms fall onto the table and fixing him with a stare.

“It is,” Obi-Wan agreed simply, opening his book back up.

“Well?” Satine prodded, closing his book again with a little more force than was necessary, Obi-Wan wasn’t getting away from her that easily, “What are you planning to tell him?” He made a half-hearted attempt to open the book again, but she kept her fingers pressed on the cover, to prevent his escape. He huffed in mild frustration before leaning back in his seat.

“My father has recommended I go into Advanced Arithmancy, as well as, continuing my studies in wizarding history,” Obi-Wan stretched his arms over his head, and Satine took a moment to glance away, “I’ll be doing Apparition of course-”

“What about Defense Against the Dark Arts?” Satine pressed suddenly and Obi-Wan’s eyes were now looking anywhere but her.

“My father doesn’t think-” He started, but Satine threw her hands up.

“Ben, I didn’t ask you what your father thinks,” Frustration leaked into her words and Obi-Wan’s eyes glinted in automatic defense as he retaliated.

“Satine, you know my family is counting on me to uphold the Kenobi image. I can’t just do as I please,” Obi-Wan said stiffly, almost as if he was repeating something he’d heard time and time again. Satine took a deep breath, pushing past her frustration and constantly growing distaste for Obi-Wan’s family.

“I didn’t mean it like that,” She started and the tension seeped out of Obi-Wan cautiously, “It’s just,” She waved a hand around in the air as if it could help her gather her thoughts, “You’re naturally gifted in Transfiguration and I know you’re extremely interested in Defense Against the Dark Arts,” She didn’t say she knew this from how his eyes lit up or how he practically vibrated in excitement the first time they got to try a defensive spell for real, “Although you’ve gotten very good at Arithmancy, you’ve never held the same passion for it, and you constantly complain about all the parchment we go through writing for history.”

“Well yes, but I-” Obi-Wan tried, but Satine reached across the table again to place her hand on his briefly.

“I know your family is of status and wants you to follow in your father's footsteps,” She tried her best to say it without frowning, “But they can’t decide your future for you,” Obi-Wan, who had been staring at the hand she’d touched, slowly raised his gaze to meet hers.

“What you say is true,” He almost struggled to agree with her, before continuing cautiously, “I’m not sure how best to go about it, my father was very clear he didn’t want me pursuing Defense Against the Dark Arts,” Obi-Wan admitted and she shifted slightly grabbing his attention once more.

“Didn’t you tell me once or twice that you were interested on being an Auror? That’s still the case isn’t it?” Satine read him with searching eyes, and watched at the slight flinch that he hid too easily.

“Well I-” He tried, “But father is insistent that-”

“So case closed, you have to take Defense Against the Dark Arts then, or you’ll never be in the running at all,” Satine nodded to herself and sat back watching as Obi-Wan fought a mental battle with himself.

“Satine,” He complained, “You act as if it’s that simple,” She shrugged.

“Perhaps that’s because it can be,” They sat in silence for a few moments, Satine tried hard to look firm, or as firm as a 5th year prefect can look and Obi-Wan fought the urge to play with his quill.

“I suppose I could put in a request for a time-turner,” Obi-Wan considered out loud and Satine held up a hand immediately.

“If you do I will personally put in a request for you to be denied,” She argued, the ice returning to her words as he looked like he was about to retaliate, “You already have too much on your plate between Prefect duties, Quidditch practice, classwork, and your mentee. I will not allow you to take on more classes,” He looked away from her and she knew that meant that she’d just won.

“I suppose I could find a way to please father enough that perhaps he’ll overlook my blatant rebellion,” He conceded.

“Oh yes, perfect student, Obi-Wan Kenobi, is such a rebel,” Satine broke the tension between them, with a laugh hidden in her voice.

“Satine,” He chastised, but she could see the hint of a smile threatening to break onto his face.

“Oh no please, Mr. Prefect, do tell me about all of your rebellious ways, did you perchance get an A- on the last Arithmancy test?” She did laugh then and was joined by his quiet laughter a moment later. Worries about the future could perhaps be postponed until after they got back to Hogwarts.

***

“Okay, I think you’re missing the big idea!” Anakin insisted as he and Rex shuffled down one of the hidden tunnels to their History of Magic class. “It’s really not that complicated.”

“It’s incredibly complicated!” Rex insisted, throwing his hands up, “Do you have any idea how difficult it is to brew a polyjuice potion?”

“In case you’ve forgotten, I’m quite good at potions!” Anakin insisted.

“Being good and being the professor’s favorite are two very different things, mate.” He said.

“Yeah, well, I’ll show you.” He wrinkled his nose. How dare Rex suggest that all of Anakin’s success came from being Palpatine’s favorite? Would he say the same about charms where Windu had a clear and obvious bias against Anakin? He still excelled there. Just because he couldn’t identify all of Jupiter’s moons did not make him any less of a wizard than say, Vizsla.

All he needed, believe it or not, was another book. This book, according to Professor Palpatine, could not be retrieved since it was in the Restricted Section, and would require teacher approval for a student to retrieve it. Seeing as Palpatine had already given Anakin a map he likely shouldn’t have, Anakin wasn’t going to ask for another favor of that level. Besides, he had his own ways of getting into the Restricted Section.

He carefully stepped over the space where he’d fallen through the floor on Halloween, even with the knowledge of it being sealed up, and walked over to the “M” section, finding “Moste Potente Potions” with considerable ease. This book, at least, didn’t shriek at him.

Knowing it would be unwise to take the book with him (Windu had eyes everywhere), he simply tore the page with the polyjuice potion recipe clean out of the book and placed it back. He paused, waiting for some magical retribution, but when none came, quickly bolted to the side and back into the path that was formerly disguised by a bookcase.

It turned out, Rex might have been onto something when he insisted that the potion was typically brewed by extremely advanced wizards, because the directions were far more complicated than any of the simple bubble juice potions they made so far.

One obstacle was the matter of obtaining some of the ingredients. The recipe called for a creative array of resources that Anakin didn’t fully understand what they were, let alone how he would obtain them. Determined not to give up on his grand plan, he got to thinking, and realized that everything he could ever need was neatly labeled in Palpatine’s closet of supplies.

It felt a little like chancing fate these days when he meandered the castle by ways of the tunnels, but he’d gotten so accustomed to exploring that he didn’t see any real use in stopping. He didn’t always use the map either.

He did take note that Dooku kept disappearing from school grounds. It certainly drew him to question what he and Palpatine had been talking about the night of the party. This time, however, Dooku wasn’t alone. He was with Windu.

He shook his head, trying to take Obi-Wan’s advice and be mindful of all possibilities. Besides, he was taking care of an entirely different problem anyway. If it concerned Padmé, it was obviously of higher importance.

Another thing, it would apparently take an entire month to properly brew the potion, which Anakin really did not have. Had he taken the time to read the rest of the book, he might have found a workaround, but as it was, he was committed to finding his own. For instance, if he merely used more ingredients, it would likely take less time to brew, right? That made sense to him at least.

***

Obi-Wan sighed as he closed yet another book before setting it on the completed stack with a little more force than necessary.

“I feel like we’re getting nowhere,” he said already feeling Qui-Gon’s questioning gaze before turning to see it, “We’ve looked through practically every book in the library and not a single one of them has mentioned the Zillo Beast.”

“I believe your mentee’s lack of patience is rubbing off on you,” Qui-Gon said with a glimmer of amusement shining in his eyes. Obi-Wan turned away from him to run his hands across his face in frustration.

“Well at the risk of sounding like Anakin, I thought we’d have found a lead by now,” He grumbled, reaching blindly for the next book, but feeling nothing except air.

“All in due time,” Qui-Gon hummed, “Something’s bound to show if we keep our minds open.”

“I’m out of books,” Obi-Wan told him, turning around, “Did you happen to grab any more?”

“Ah there you are, something to do that’s a little more exciting,” Qui-Gon teased as he pushed some parchment around on his desk until he found the one he was looking for, “You don’t mind running an errand for an old man do you?”

“You’re hardly old,” Obi-Wan stood and tried to snatch the list out of Qui-Gon’s hand, but he moved at the last second causing Obi-Wan to miss.

“Perhaps you’re the old man then. Your reflexes seem to be waning,” Obi-Wan snatched the parchment as he tried to move again with a smile.

“Perhaps you are getting a bit senile,” He read over the list as Qui-Gon laughed, “Moving into the charms section are we?”

“Well we have read nearly every book on potions ever written,” Qui-Gon smiled and Obi-Wan groaned, putting a hand to his temple.

“Please don’t remind me, I’m well aware,” Then he paused, “Are we moving into charms only because of Anakin’s suspicion?” He asked with a frown, but Qui-Gon shook his head.

“Charms is an exceedingly broad topic,” Qui-Gon explained, “If the poison was not brewed it may have been spelled. It’s worth investigating, Anakin’s claims or not.” Obi-Wan nodded and shortly thereafter found himself in the library.

It was quiet as it should be and Obi-Wan found the charms section easily. Spending so much time in the place he found it exceedingly easy to locate everything on the list. Qui-Gon once told him the library occasionally rearranged itself, but Obi-Wan had never witnessed it in all of his 5 years, perhaps it was wishful thinking, but he hoped it would stay the same until he graduated.

Bringing his quill to the parchment he rechecked his list, making tidy check marks along the left until he found cause to pause. A book was missing.

“Exceedingly Exceptional Charms, for Exceedingly Exceptional Wizards,” He whispered the title and looked around. It wasn’t in his stack, of that he was sure. He read through the books along the shelf, running a finger across the spines as he did so, but alas it wasn’t there.

He frowned, picking up his rather large stack of books and heading out to find Jocasta Nu. Madame Nu oversaw the library; she could be rather fierce to those who used the library for rather indecent activities, but for those who wished to learn there wasn’t another witch quite as bright. Though perhaps eventually, Obi-Wan figured, Satine’s own knowledge would rival hers.

“Madame Nu?” Obi-Wan asked quietly, setting down his stack of books as gently as he could, “Could I trouble you a minute,” She stood leaving the book she’d been looking at lying open on the table. Curiously, it seemed a page had been ripped out. Still despite any possible book vandalism crimes that she was investigating, she smiled when she saw it was him.

“Mr. Kenobi, of course. To what do I owe the pleasure,” Obi-Wan pulled the list out of his robe and handed it to her.

“Qui-Gon sent me for a few things, but I couldn’t find the last charms book, you wouldn’t perchance know where it’s gone off to?” He asked as her eyes skimmed the parchment. He really needn’t ask if she knew as she always did, but he’d hate to be impolite to the one witch who could easily bar him from one of his favorite places in the castle.

“Aren’t you lucky, Mr. Kenobi,” She smiled handing the parchment back to him and reaching to a stack of recently returned books, “Professor Windu just brought this one back a moment ago,” She handed it to him with a smile, but he suddenly felt a little cold. He pushed down the memory of Anakin’s accusations to try to remind himself that this was easily a coincidence. Professor Windu was just as welcome in the library as anyone.

“Professor Windu?” he asked, keeping his voice level as he nonchalantly cracked open the book. He let it fall open and the pages fluttered in the air before falling where the spine had been worn.

“Well he is a master at charms, that’s a rather advanced spellbook,” Madame Nu continued to speak, but his eyes had fallen on two words in the middle of a paragraph. Had he not been searching for those words for some time, he may not have even noticed it tucked in amongst very specific instructions for casting, but he did. His heart was hammering so loudly at the possible implications that he started when Madame Nu placed a withered hand on his, “Is everything alright? You look a little pale,” She looked concerned and he swallowed, trying to force the adrenaline to leave him as he did.

“I- Yes I’m quite alright, perhaps a little tired,” He carefully released his hold on the book to let it fall on top of the others. He had to get this to Qui-Gon as quickly as possible, “Thank you for your help Madame Nu,” She was still looking at him funny, but she allowed her lips to twitch back up.

“Of course dear, anytime.”

***

The door to his office banged open with so much force he actually dropped the porcelain tea cup he’d just been about to fill. Obi-Wan was standing in the doorway panting like he’d run a marathon, one hair out of place (which for him may as well have been total disarray), and holding a stack of books that he quickly let fall to the floor.

“What happened?” Qui-Gon straightened, tea long forgotten as he made his way across the room. Obi-Wan just breathlessly thrust a book at him with so much force that he took it immediately even though he’d much rather have placed a hand on the student’s shoulder.

“Open the book,” He managed between breaths, “Page 52,” And Qui-Gon did as he was told, in fact the book fell open to that page anyways, as if someone had quite liked this particular spell. He was skimming the page too fast however, in his eagerness to finish so he could see what had Obi-Wan in such a state, he had to start over and look slower. When he found it, he looked up sharply. Obi-Wan had swept a hand through his hair bringing it back to its usual state and he was looking at Qui-Gon intensely, “The last person who had that book was Professor Windu,” He was sounding much less winded, much to Qui-Gon’s relief, but this was troubling information.

“I see,” Qui-Gon frowned, “And you came across this information how?” He thumbed through the pages eyes searching.

“It wasn’t on the shelf,” Obi-Wan explained as he bent down to correct the other books he’d dragged along in his mad dash. They’d fallen over when he dropped them, “I asked Madame Nu,” Qui-Gon nodded and silently let the book fall closed once more.

“We cannot discount a possible lead,” Qui-Gon admitted gravely, “Though I can’t much imagine Mace to have done such a thing, I will have a look into things.”

“I can help!” Obi-Wan told him eagerly and although such a sight made him smile he still shook his head.

“In this matter it’s best I take a look myself,” Qui-Gon warned, “Although you’re welcome to join me in reading through the rest of these,” He gestured to the stack of texts and Obi-Wan looked at the books with a barely noticeable look of disdain and Qui-Gon couldn’t help, but tease, “I never thought you’d be one to tire of books, considering you may as well be a walking one,”

That broke any tension left in the room and Obi-Wan crossed his arms.

“There’s nothing I love more than reading,” Obi-Wan told him defiantly and Qui-Gon quirked an eyebrow, “I could never truly tire of it.”

“Nothing you say,” Qui-Gon contemplated, “Not a single thing, a single soul could top flipping through some decaying parchment?” He watched Obi-Wan with a playful smile and the boy just scrubbed a hand across his face.

“And you complain of me taking things much too seriously,” He complained with a yawn. Qui-Gon looked over his shoulder to the clock ticking on the mantle, the minute hand was broken always pointing towards six, but the hour hand was resting proudly on the 10 and he frowned.

“You keep staying here much too late,” He lectured, “Really now you’re making me look like a terrible influence.”

“Maybe you are?” He suggested and ducked as Qui-Gon lightly swatted the air over his head.

“Such preposterous accusations!” He shook his head, but smiled. It was near impossible to be mad at Obi-Wan, even if he ever wanted to be. There were those who would be though; mad at the bright young boy whose eyes were glimmering in amusement as he lightly knocked Qui-Gon’s hand away. Qui-Gon would never understand such a stance.

He watched as Obi-Wan waved good night. He watched him round the corner away from his office and still Qui-Gon took another moment to smile after him. The book weighing down his hand brought him back to the matter at hand eventually and he flipped it open once more.

The charm discussing such a rare ingredient as Zillo Beast blood, wasn’t enough to damn Mace, but it did the man no favors having had such a thing in his possession. Still Qui-Gon believed in giving others a chance, something that seemed to have rubbed off on his other favorite student he considered with a smile, or perhaps she had rubbed off on him. He let the book fall to his side again, he would have plenty of time to pursue his investigation come morning.

***

Despite the strength of her convictions, Satine was understandably nervous for Saturday. Obi-Wan could practically sense her anxieties rolling off of her in waves. Unlike him when he was stressed, she tended to over-talk, as if she was meaning to sort her way through the feelings with words. Obi-Wan found that if he ever did that, he would surely say the wrong thing.

“Hey,” He placed a hand on her shoulder as they were leaving to exit the common room, “It’s going to be okay. Take a deep breath.”

She inhaled and exhaled, forcing herself to relax at least a little bit before nodding at him, “I just fear that it won’t be enough.”

“There’s only one way to find out.” He said and gave her shoulder a squeeze, “Besides, if anyone can make it happen, it’s you. You just need a little support.”

A lot of support, but Obi-Wan wasn’t going to make the mistake of saying that.

“Hopefully, they appreciate my ideas.”

“I know I do.” He smirked, “Even when you rattle them off unsolicited.”

She smiled a little at that and nodded again, but this time with the assurance and confidence that he admired about her. She steered her chin up and her head high before pushing open the doors and descending down the stairs. He followed closely behind, silently hoping that there would be a turnout for this thing. While he honestly did not want to see the beast perish, he also didn’t want to see Satine’s heart crushed over it either.

When they entered classroom 77B, he was flooded with instant relief at the surprising sight of a massive mob of children from various houses and age groups. They all seemed quite passionate about it too, even if this was an extra meeting to tend to on a Saturday.

“I can’t believe this.” She beamed at him and really, he couldn’t help but smile too.

Cody quickly trotted forward to meet them, looking strangely nervous. Obi-Wan wasn’t sure if the classroom could or should hold this many overzealous students, but he figured at worst that meant they’d have to relocate. Satine was brimming with pride and excitement and Obi-Wan felt an upswing in confidence too. Maybe this actually would work. A protest required masses and the classroom was essentially filled to the brim.

“Do you see all of these people?” Satine marveled, “And they’re all here for the beast?”

“Oh, they’re here about the beast alright.” Cody winced as he yanked a sign from one of the second year’s hands.

Satine and Obi-Wan hovered over Cody’s shoulder, reading what he’d just absconded and any of the hope and relief that he’d previously felt evaporated into cold dread.

It was one of the many posters he and Satine had designed to advertise the occasion. However, it looked very very different with a key change in detail. Where it used to say “Save the Beast”, a gruesome red line was drawn through the letters and underneath, written in jagged text, the word “Kill” was capitalized in a way that was clearly made to look like it was carved with blood.

Upon closer inspection, waving swords (whether real or not was debatable) did seem like a counterintuitive prop for a peaceful protest.

As he took a second glance around the room, Obi-Wan noted, with horror, that everyone was shouting a chant about taking down the “murderous” beast themselves and sinking their teeth into it before it could try and take one of their own. Some were being horribly crude about it and even reenacting what such an action would look like. In the crowd, Obi-Wan noticed that some of his Quidditch mates were amongst the rally.

“Eeth, what are you doing here?” He asked, “You can’t seriously mean to join part in… In a mob?”

“You weren’t stowed away with Slytherin waiting for a day that may never come, Obi-Wan.” He said severely, “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to take any chances.”

He turned to look back at Satine, who essentially had all the color drained from her face. Her fists were clenched tightly, the one sinking her nails into the posterboard.

“KILL THE BEAST! KILL THE BEAST! KILL THE BEAST!” People chanted and clapped in excitement as none other than Asajj Ventress took front and center stage, leaning casually against a teacher’s desk.

“What’s wrong, Duchess?” She taunted, “Not like the creative liberties I took with your signs?”

“You-” Satine growled, taking on tones of disdain he hadn’t even seen from her before. “How could you?”

“I’m securing our home.” She spat, “Unlike you, who wants to lead a pity party for a bloodthirsty evil creature.”

“The only evil creature I know of is right in front of me.” She said and began to stalk forward, but Obi-Wan and Cody stepped in front of her to prevent the two from getting any closer.

“Ventress, why not go ahead and make your own posters for your own meeting?” He frowned, “Did you have to go ahead and ruin someone else’s?”

Ventress turned her attention to Obi-Wan, “I wouldn’t say ruin. I’d say… Enhanced.”

“Cruelty for the sake of it never enhances anything.” He said.

“Come now, Kenobi, you of all people should be on my side in this.”

“Ben would never support you.” Satine countered.

“It’s cute that you think that.” She winked and then shrugged, “Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve got a meeting to run and a beast to slay. And I don’t believe the three of you are welcome here any longer.”

“We don’t want to be here anyway.” Cody rebutted and before turning on his heels, he gently pulled Satine by the arm. Obi-Wan shook his head disapprovingly at Ventress as he followed.

“We’ll be sure to invite you to the funeral, though, Duchess!” She cackled.

***

Satine made it her personal mission to rip down every single poster that was ever laid across Hogwarts. It seemed Ventress had gotten a bit creative with some of them, choosing to offer a “merciful” option of enslaving the beast as opposed to curtly murdering it. She felt tears stinging her eyes, but refused to cry for such a thing. All hope wasn’t lost, even if it felt as much.

Obi-Wan and Cody tried to help her, but she was much too cross for their kind and quiet support. Well, Obi-Wan had been quiet. Cody… Was a ranter and while she often appreciated both of her friends in their own ways, she just needed to be alone for a while.

“Excuse me?” A quiet voice said from behind her.

“If you’re looking for the murder meeting, check in with Ventress. She’s taking over for the Grim Reaper.”

“Um, no, I was going to ask if you had designed the original poster?”

Satine turned to a thin, short girl with wide and sympathetic eyes that matched her hair color in their deep brown. Said hair was maneuvered in a peculiar fashion, interwoven with what appeared to be several glittering butterflies in the back. If she weren’t so down, Satine might question how she managed it, seeing as her hair was curled so pristinely. She did still note that the wings on the butterflies were enchanted to flutter.

“Oh… Yes.” She said.

“Well, I was wondering if you were still taking inquiries.” She smiled gently.

“You want to save the beast?” Satine clarified, just to be sure she was understanding.

“Of course!” She insisted with an eager nod, “I- Well, it’s not its fault what happened. We talked about it in class today and it’s obvious that it was just a pawn.”

She looked no older than 12, but held a lot of kindness and intelligence behind her gaze, which seemed desperately intent on appeasing Satine.

Satine smiled, “I am most definitely still looking for activists, if you’re up to the challenge.”

“Brilliant.” She nodded, “I’ll tell some of my friends. I know they would be interested too. It’s not a lot, but my parents always told me to do what I believe is right… No matter how hard.”

Satine’s resolve started to build again. It wasn’t the mob of people she’d initially believed would be on her side, but rebellions often started from a small group of visionaries discussing ideas. She knew that with some work… That could be them.

“I’m Satine.” She stuck out her hand.

“I’m Padmé.” The girl smiled and took it.

***

Rex wasn’t sure what to think when Anakin asked that he meet him in the Gryffindor locker room on a Sunday morning. Nobody was holding practice that day and he doubted that based on Anakin’s success in the sport, that he was requesting any tips. However, his answers of why he was roused by a pesky owl pecking on his head were quickly answered when he rounded the rows of lockers to see Anakin standing proudly in front of a small copper cauldron, hands on his hips and beaming at Rex.

“That’s not what I think it is..” Rex said slowly.

“You said it required a skilled wizard so I went and got one.” He boasted with crossed arms, clearly waiting for Rex to ask who he’d managed to retrieve. That being said, upon closer inspection, the potion didn’t look quite right. Rex had never seen one up close, but assumed that it didn’t normally foam and spill over like a baking soda volcano.

“You made this, didn’t you?” He asked instead and Anakin faltered only a little bit, before steering himself straight.

“It just needs the final ingredient: a piece of DNA from the person in question.” He pulled a little pink plastic brush out of his back pocket and waved it around, “Behold! The finishing touch!”

Rex grimaced, “Do I want to know how you managed that?”

“I don’t know why you doubt me.” Anakin smiled. “This is going to work.”

Rex couldn’t deny wanting it to work, if only to see Sebulba learn his lesson. The previous year, he’d nearly killed Fives in a friendly match between the backups. It wasn’t even an official match by the school and the very reason that practice required a professor’s supervision.

Plus, he really couldn’t be going around acting sleazy towards any and every girl he feels fit.

Even if he wasn’t on board, Anakin certainly wasn’t going to let that stop him. He didn’t even allow Rex to come close to the potion and watched as a large black bubble popped and spilled some gunk onto the tiled floor.

“Is it supposed to do that?” Rex winced as he noticed the little splotch of goo burned a small hole in the ground.

“The book said it was supposed to be sorta muddy.” Anakin frowned, “I took a few shortcuts of course, for the sake of timing.”

“You what?” Rex barked, “You could blow the place!”

“I almost did.” He said, “Don’t go into the boys room near the potions classroom, by the way.”

“And you intend on drinking that?” He asked, “You’re braver than I thought.”

Anakin smirked and scooped up a cup of the murky fluid as it seemed to calm down. He inspected it, noting that it no longer seemed to burn through whatever it touched and took that as a good sign. It still didn’t look quite right to Rex.

“Should it be… Wiggling?” He asked.

“Probably just the leeches.” Anakin said casually.

He shivered, glad that he didn’t have to ingest anything like that.

“Do you have any sugar?” He asked after a long moment.

“Sugar?” Rex frowned, “Is that supposed to go in?”

“No, but my mum gives me a spoon of sugar when I take medicine for when I’m sick.” He said. “It helps.”

Still, he didn’t hesitate any longer before downing the cup and wrinkled his entire face in concentration on not throwing up. A gurgling sound came from his stomach as it slowly coursed through his system and for a moment, was perfectly still. Anakin looked at Rex and then at his hands and torso, trying to see if there were any notable changes.

“Huh… Maybe I shouldn’t have doubled up on Boomslang skin when brew-” But then, he was promptly cut off by a violent shaking that seemed to distort his bones and later reflecting in violently warping the skin around it. He shot up in height a couple of inches, long brown hair erupted from his head, and his eyes rolled into the back of his head and when they shifted around, were brown instead of blue. All at once, he shifted horrifically before Rex’s eyes into a cartoon character that finally popped into place.

“Well?” He finally asked after all the sudden movements stopped and the room seemed to still.

“Well, you sound like a girl.” Rex said.

“My voice hasn’t changed!” He whined. “I was asking how I looked. Did it work?”

“Uh…” Rex looked at the Padmé clone in front of him trying to detect any discrepancies aside from the boy’s uniform that was a bit too small on her in height. “Pretty? I guess?”

“Perfect!” He said, though the voice was obviously still Anakin.

“I just don’t see how telling Kenobi wouldn’t be a more valuable solution. He managed to thwart Krell and he’s way worse than Sebulba.”

“You should have seen how tense he was about his meeting with the Headmaster.” Anakin said, “I’d hate to put this on him too.”

“Plus, I think you just want to impress Padmé.” Rex suggested.

“This has nothing- well, it doesn’t have everything to do with her.” He immediately corrected himself, “I’d prefer she didn’t find out about this stunt, actually.”

“That’s going to be difficult if another version of herself is wandering about the castle.” He pointed out.

“That’s where you come in.” Even looking like Padmé, it was difficult to mistake Anakin’s mischievous grin and Rex knew that despite not being the one completely changed into a whole other person, that he would not get off scot free.

***

To say that Sebulba didn’t look absolutely elated that Padmé finally accepted his “offer” for a date would have been a bold faced lie. Though the long-snouted Dug tried very hard to keep up appearances of toughness and disinterest, there was little room for denial that he was at least smug over the prospect.

They had a picnic, away from prying eyes, at “Padmé’s” (Anakin’s) insistence and while it was proving difficult not to gag at being in Sebulba’s very presence, he was trying to manage for the sake of the mission. Feigning enthusiasm and happiness as the long and wiry arm wrapped around his shoulders definitely made him feel sick, but he fought through it, not really considering what would happen if Sebulba tried to kiss “Padmé”. From the corner of his eyes, Anakin peered at those crooked little teeth and long tongue in horror.

“So, what did you make for us this lovely afternoon?” He asked as they headed out to the greenhouse, which was essentially the only way anyone could have the pleasant illusion of being outside in the dead of winter. When herbology classes weren’t in session, Professor Plo Koon saw to it that it resembled a lovely spring day at all times within the tents and encouraged all students to hang out and relax or study.

If this were a real date, it wouldn’t be a bad location at all. Then again, Anakin really never expected his first date would be with Sebulba. He really didn’t think he’d be dressed as a girl either, but these were all just details and as far as he was considered, practice for what not to do on the real thing.

“Oh, just some of my favorites.” He said with what he hoped was a convincing little giggle. “I just felt so sorry for how I treated you the other day.”

“All is forgiven.” He waggled what Anakin assumed were eyebrows, “Besides, I’m sure you could make it up to me.”

“Don’t vomit, don’t vomit, don’t vomit.”

“I just… Don’t know how to express my feelings all the time.” Anakin said, “But around you… I feel like I can be myself.”

“I wouldn’t want anybody else.” He grinned ferociously and kissed (more like licked) Anakin’s hand, which he immediately tensed at. Was this the kind of thing she had to endure on the regular? He should have jumped in sooner.

“Good,” He forced a smile and took his hand back, “Because I really hope you like sardine sandwiches. They’re my favorite.”

“Oh?” He leaned back and looked inside the now open-picnic basket, “I- I’ve never had them.”

“You’re really missing out.” Anakin said as he took a big, obnoxious bite and began chewing with his mouth wide open in a way that would make his mother gasp in embarrassment. It was disgusting and took a great deal of work to not act appalled at the flavor, but the look on his date’s face was well worth it. He was sure to slosh it all around too, “Extra garlic and onions.”

Sebulba swallowed, craning his hunched figure over the basket to see if there was anything more edible inside, “And dessert?”

“Well,” Anakin grinned, showing a face full of food, “I was hoping you’d ask! Because I made a pie!”

“A pie! Excellent.” Sebulba said and removed it from the basket, “I might just skip lunch and go straight for dessert. It would not be the first time.”

Though when he (rudely) took a bite straight from the dish, he drew back and spit on himself in disgust, “What’s in this?”

“Oh, I used real jellyfish jelly.” He said, “To be authentic. What? You don’t like it.”

He shook his head and wiped his mouth, “No matter, you’ll learn to cook my favorites when we become betrothed.”

“... Right.” He said, cursing himself for believing it might actually be that easy. No matter… He hoped Rex was able to keep the “real” Padmé busy for long enough.

***

Padmé was stressed. She wasn’t sure how she’d managed being locked in a broom closet with the youngest member of the Fett family, but here she was, late for a lunch. She and Satine were supposed to discuss the sit-down protest they were planning in regards to the Zillo Beast. She’d managed to draw her friends Sabé, Yané, Eirtaé, Saché, and Rabé to join in and was really looking forward to meeting who Satine recruited. That being said, she was presently trying not to appear annoyed with the younger student. It wasn’t his fault they were trapped.

All he’d wanted was assistance on moving a cart out. He said he was helping Professor Qui-Gon retrieve some books and couldn’t move it. Before she knew it, they were locked inside by accident.

“Are you sure it’s locked?” She asked for the third time.

“I’m sure.” He muttered, dejected. “I’m very sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She placed a hand on his shoulder, “Someone will find us.”

Still, Rex didn’t seem very calmed by that.

***

“So, you’re meaning to tell me that you learn all those hairstyles by… Practicing on your armpit hair?” Sebulba cringed.

“Why, of course!” Anakin boasted, “At this rate, I’ve got even more than my father, but I’ve practiced on his back hair too. My mother’s too!”

“Your mother has back hair?”

“I hope I will too one day.” He said, “It’s extremely genetic.”

That seemed to deter him slightly more than when he managed to convince him that Padmé spent most of her days building model castles out of her toenail clippings, which he actually found quite humorous, since he did a similar thing. It was actually difficult for Anakin to continue finding more “deal-breaking” reasons for Sebulba to reject Padmé. After all, Sebulba looked like a big grasshopper. He wasn’t a looker by any means unless it was a “look the other way”.

“Charming.” He said, “I suppose when you’re rich you can have any sorts of hobbies though.”

Padmé was rich? Anakin didn’t know that, but he played with it.

“Rich? Oh, no.” He scoffed, “That’s all for show.”

Sebulba straightened his back fully, possibly for the first time in his entire life, in absolute shock, “What?”

Anakin resisted another smile, “Yeah, we’re actually pretty broke. My dad slums it as a dentist on the side to make extra money.”

“A what?”

“He works with muggles!” Anakin laid it on thick, “Works on their mouths and makes their teeth polished and pretty. He’s practically their servant.”

“Codswallop! You’re practically royalty!” He snapped, “You’ve- You’ve got old money. Money that I will have.”

It was good to know his intentions were pure.

He shook his head, trying to catalogue these comments for later questioning should the moment arise, “If by old, you mean the people that actually had it were old, sure, but I’ll never see a pound of that.”

Sebulba hopped to his feet, eyes burning with fury, “You’re meaning to tell me I wasted the past two years on you for nothing?”

Well, that was an interesting way to phrase the narrative, but Anakin didn’t question it.

“Sebulba, sweetie, what’s wrong?” He asked, beckoning him back to the picnic blanket.

“I’ll tell you what’s wrong,” He seethed turning to pace and distance himself from who he believed was Padmé, “I thought you were special. It turns out, you’re no better than some filthy mudblood!”

“I thought you liked me for me!” Anakin pleaded.

“Who would ever like you?” He scowled.

Anakin was nearly celebrating when he realized something within him was stirring madly and his legs felt awfully tingly. He glanced down and realized he was already shrinking back to regular size.

Panicked, he knew he had to wrap this up and seal the deal.

“But Sebulba!” He protested, feeling the hair in his head shrinking and not liking what was going on in his digestive tract, “I love you!”

“Of course you do!” He said and turned, eyes blowing wider than Anakin thought was possible “Bloody hell! Why are there leeches crawling all over you?”

Sure enough, when he raised a hand, there were three leeches on each hand and going up his arms, which were a strange shade of purple that didn’t bode well for Anakin.

“This is a beauty regime!” He lied, keeping his voice as calm as possible. “And it could be yours too when we have kids.”

“Kids?” Sebulba shrieked. “With your back hair? Bathing once a week? Constant farting and burping? Collection of feet photographs? I would never ever marry you.”

“Never say never!” Anakin stood to his feet, ready to run as far as his now shaking legs could carry him as soon as Sebulba made the first move. “What happened to taking what you want?”

“And I’m taking my leave. Now.” He shoved “her” to the side, hard enough where it was definitely angering that he would ever lay his hands on any version of Padmé like this. He turned on his heels and Anakin had to duck, realizing his own nose was appearing on his face much sooner than he would like.

“The rest of the school will know how you really are. See how people really feel when they find out you collect vases of your own urine.”

“I’ve collected some of yours too!” He said as Sebulba raced out of the room.

When Anakin stood and looked more like himself, but purple, covered in blood-sucking leeches, and very sick to his stomach, all while wearing a skirt, he still felt proud for what he’d done.

That being said, he would never rush a potion again if it meant not spending an entire night puking and with diarrhea that was literally on fire. Especially since it only lasted an hour.

***

The quiet of the Ravenclaw common room was only broken by the frantic beating of wings as Satine’s owl hauled a rather massive bundle of parchment. The thump as it hit the table was enough to cause Ben to startle, dropping the text book he’d been staring at into his lap.

“What’s all this about?” He huffed, but Satine just turned the page in the massive law book on the table. She laid a finger on the paragraph that she wanted to reference before finally turning to look at him.

“I requested the case details from the ministry,” she explained, reaching for her quill, “It’s been quite awhile since I initially asked, but I suppose pestering them enough has done the job,” She gave him a wry smile, “I suppose letters do have their uses, wouldn’t you say Ben?” He shook his head, but had a wide smile giving himself away.

“They probably didn’t have the files ready when you requested them,” He said and before she could argue the unlikeliness of such a statement he reached towards the stack, his hand pausing right before the bit of twine knotted around it, “Do you mind if I take a look?”

“You’ve pledged yourself to the cause, so I suppose,” She fake contemplated before moving her hand to copy from her book.

The room went back to the quiet: a crackling fire, the turning of pages, even the conversations between a few groups of students seemed to fade into the background. She carefully printed a few pieces of law she thought would be useful to their cause. There was so little information on the creature that she was practically building the case from the ground up. She was treating it like any case for a magical creature, but still pulling any information she could get out of any professor or ghost who was unfortunate enough to look in her direction.

“Ben do you think-?” She’d meant to ask if she should perhaps, use a clause about creatures and home invasion, but he was frowning at the documents. That alone wouldn’t have given her much pause, but it was the way his breath was caught and how his shoulders were tensed. Had he not still been reading, his hands would be trembling.

“What’s the matter?” She asked, attempting to view the papers from over his shoulder, but she didn’t get much of a sentence read before he angled it away from her, “Ben-“ she went to complain, but then stopped. The look in his eyes was unreadable so she just sat, leaning a little too close to him and waited.

He skimmed the first page about a dozen times, though she knew he didn’t need to, before he flipped quickly to what almost seemed like a random page. He skimmed over that a few times as well, before Satine could not take the silence anymore.

“Ben,” At her call he let the top pages fall back in place and wordlessly handed the papers to her. She searched the page for anything that would clue her in, but nothing jumped out at her. From the research they’d done it seemed like an average case file, as if he could read her mind without even glancing in her direction, he ran his palms across his slacks and answered her unasked question.

“My father will be attending the trial,” He told her and she went right back to skimming the page, but a Kenobi was not listed.

“How do you know?” She held the page out to him and he pointed rather quickly at a line towards the top, ‘The Wizengamot has taken over the case from the Department of Magical Creatures’.

“I can’t put my name on our case,” He told her, looking rather wary of her reaction and she did feel a burst of anger flare up, but she tried to stomp it down.

“Are you to leave us?” She asked setting the files down overtop her law book, “Answer me honestly, Ben, I can’t have you laying our case open for the opposition to see.”

“I would never betray your trust,” He looked taken aback.

“Not even if your father caught wind of what we’re doing?” She asked him. Her skin practically felt like it was buzzing. If their case reached the wrong ears at the wrong time they would surely lose.

“If I don’t sign anything, I’ll have plausible deniability,” He spoke slowly.

“Are we even sure how he’ll side?” Because truthfully she was assuming his stance without much evidence except for having met the man.

“Considering many of his past cases into such things, I’d say he’ll side with killing the beast,” Ben looked a little uncomfortable admitting it. They lapsed back into silence before nervously he turned to look at her, “I’m surprised you aren’t angry with me,” Satine looked at him. He was so damned earnest and it frustrated her more than anything.

“I’m going to need signatures,” She said in lieu of getting lost in his eyes, “And it’s rather frustrating that I cannot count on you in that regard,” She admitted and he tried very hard not to look hurt, “It sounds as though you do intend to continue aiding where you can-“

“I will.”

“Then I will have to take what you can allow yourself to give to me,” She felt tired as she looked down at her notes, practically filling a particularly long piece of parchment, “I can’t do it all on my own, not in such a short time frame,” She admitted, “Padmé’s been a massive help as well, but after the stunt pulled by Ventress... I don’t have many people who are on my side,” Ben leaned towards her, putting a hesitant hand on top of hers, which caught her by such surprise that she barely remembered to look back at his face.

“I will do all I can,” He vowed before moving his hand as if she’d suddenly lit it on fire, “In fact let me start with this,” He took back the large stack and replaced his long forgotten textbook with it.

“Weren’t you working on something?” She questioned and he shook his head.

“Nothing I won’t have time for later,” He told her and she placed a hand on top of the words, blocking his attempt to read.

“I appreciate your help, but you don’t need to drop everything to help me right this moment,” She reminded him, but he stubbornly pried her fingers off the page and scooted a little farther away.

“Perhaps I don’t need too, but I’m doing so,” He flipped a page and Satine rolled her eyes so hard they practically stuck inside her head.

“You’re absolutely insufferable,” She poked him with her socked foot, but they both knew it was a lie. She couldn’t help watching him a moment longer as he got engrossed in the words. She was still frustrated, but it was hard to blame him when the fault really laid upon others.

***

Since there were witnesses that rescued Rex and Padmé from their strife of being locked in a broom closet, nobody actually believed the absurdities that Sebulba began to spread around school with feverish anger. He’d made a big show of it in the Great Hall, which earned him detention by Satine for an attempt of defamation of character of another student.

“You still look a little off-colored.” Rex commented when Anakin hesitantly sat down for lunch. “How are you feeling?”

“Puked up the last of the polyjuice potion.” He grimaced, “Luckily, Madame Nema didn’t test me for anything and everything that came up went straight down the toilet. Thanks for dragging me to the hospital wing, by the way.”

“You’re really lucky she didn’t question why you were wearing a skirt.”

Anakin shrugged, “It’s nice to know she’s progressive.”

“Most of the professors around here would be.” Rex said confidently, “It’d be stupid not to.”

From across the room, Sebulba quietly sat with his friends without so much as looking up at Padmé or at anyone, who were all still staring at him like he was crazy to lash out so belligerently about a girl who had very openly rejected him. It seemed the most unbelievable of all his claims was that she would ever entertain a date with him.

“I guess all Sebulba needed was a little public humiliation to humble him out.” Rex nodded, “I’ll admit, it was a pretty good plan. I’m just surprised you never plan on telling her what you did.”

“True,” Anakin no longer felt quite so ill when he gazed at Padmé, who from down the table, laughed with her friends, who playfully asked if she had a stack of photographs that she was hiding from them based on Sebulba’s claims. “But look how happy she looks.”

Rex shrugged, “I still find it odd that you didn’t use the tunnels.”

“Didn’t I?” Anakin winked.

The next day, Sebulba’s bunk had mysteriously transformed into something of a portable swamp- immediately dousing the Dug with mud and gunk as he fell onto the surface of his mattress. He’d had to force Ody and Groff to yank him through the sludge, but the two were reportedly of very little assistance as the prefects had to rescue him. Anakin almost wished he was a Slytherin to see his own handiwork.

Maybe he should have let it go, but he couldn’t resist showing off just a little bit.

***

“How’d it go?” Satine asked Obi-Wan as he returned from assisting the Slytherin prefects with interviewing the entirety of the Slytherin boys’ dormitory. She hadn’t told him she’d wait for him in the library, but he’d rightfully assumed as such and took his seat across from her. With her upcoming Zillo Beast protest on the horizon, she wanted as much in her arsenal of information as possible.

“No suspects.” He said simply.

She leaned on her forearms, “But you’ve still got a theory.”

As was becoming the norm for him lately, he looked quite tired, but the slow smile that took center stage gave life to his features.

“Am I that transparent?” He asked.

“That’s hardly doing justice to the five years I’ve spent learning to decode you.” She retorted.

“As if you ever struggled that hard.” He said.

Actually, she struggled significantly when it came to reading certain aspects of his demeanor. It wasn’t as though he walked around with his feelings on his sleeve. On top of that, Satine was not always sure what she’d hope to find in those enigmatic blue-grey eyes of his. It was a relief that he believed she read him easily, because that meant she wasn’t as obvious as she feared.

“We could discuss my reading aptitude til the day is done or we could talk about what you really believed happened to Sebulba’s bunk.”

“Truly a model prefect.” His smile broadened, but he continued, “Anyway, no one claimed to notice anything strange about their dormitory, but Sebulba returned at mid-afternoon.”

“So most students weren’t hanging about in bed.” Satine finished.

“No one was in the room, even by Sebulba’s account. Every student in Slytherin’s dorm- even the girls- had what I believe were sound alibis.”

“And were those alibis researched?” She asked.

“We’re still waiting on a few confirmations, but thus far, air-tight.” He folded his hands neatly as though they were in the midst of a business negotiation. It should have been bad news, but she could tell something was brimming on the surface that he was excited to tell her. His back had straightened and it was tough to deny that he’d essentially lit up while talking in this sort of manner. A small part of her acknowledged appreciation at the change.

“Even Hondo’s?” She quirked a brow, because she still had to ask, “This sort of prank sounds just like something he would sell.”

“Hondo was in detention.” Obi-Wan said, “I even confirmed with Professor Dooku, myself. If you were curious, he’s very heartbroken to not have thought of this in the first place. Though I’m sure he would appreciate your thinking of him.”

She wrinkled her nose at the thought, “Tell him that and I’ll mention to Qui-Gon that it was you who busted his Remembrall during third year.”

His eyebrows comically shot to his hairline in affront, “You wouldn’t!”

“Are you as good at reading me as I am you?” She challenged with a smirk, knowing he could very well see that she was serious. Satine wasn’t one for violence, but that didn’t mean she was one to be underestimated.

“Right,” He cleared his throat, “We even consulted the walls of which Slytherins must present the passwords to enter and they confirmed that nobody returned before Sebulba came back and that Sebulba had been the last one out.”

Satine frowned, “So if it wasn’t any of his peers… Then who?”

“That is the question, isn’t it?” Obi-Wan stroked his bare chin in a way that was a direct emulation of Qui-Gon, but she chose not to comment on it.

“So, it wasn’t someone from Slytherin house.” She concluded. “Meaning someone snuck in.”

Clearly, she’d arrived at Obi-Wan's point, because he seemed to glow even brighter beneath the dim torch dangling above them. While she normally didn’t love being behind him, she hadn’t seen him this lively all month.

“And I do believe there is another ongoing investigation involving sneaking around.” He said casually.

“The tests.” She said, even though she’d already drawn that conclusion. “Our cheater is expanding their horizons.”

“It looks that way.” He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair, “But why?”

“This was a very specific attack.” Satine said, “Unlike the test papers, there must be a motive. Trouble is, Sebulba harassed many a student during his time here.”

“And it effectively removes Sebulba from our previous suspect’s list.” He added.

She nodded, gaining momentum in their theorizing, the energy around them bubbling like a chemical reaction, “Yes, unfortunately, unless Sebulba did this to himself.”

“I briefly considered that,” Obi-Wan said, “It would be an exceptional way to edge himself out of the troublesome spotlight, but I can’t imagine that he would purposely endure that much public humiliation just to get out of speculated trouble.”

“Nor do I believe him that smart.” She snorted.

“That too.” He agreed. “It’s too elaborate to assume that all of this was to simply remove him from the equation.”

“We didn’t even have any definitive proof it was him before.” She said, “So, he would have no reason to believe we were onto him.”

“The only thing that drew us to Slytherin house was that any students that were caught purchasing the test papers claimed they got them off of a Slytherin boy.” Obi-Wan said thoughtfully, “But instead of pinpointing Slytherin-”

“-That nullifies their possible involvement.” She completed the statement and the two of them stared at each other with wide eyes.

“A Slytherin certainly wouldn’t need to use some external method to get inside their own common room.” He said, still unmoving from the gaze that seemed to shoot straight through her soul. She didn’t complain, of course, even as sparks of heat pricked at her ears. While this year seemed unpredictable even by Hogwarts’ standards, there was something so fulfilling about piecing together the truth and seeing that success reflected in her best friend’s eyes.

“But how did they know the room would be empty?” She asked aloud, even while knowing neither would have the answer to such a question just yet. “They would have to be absolutely certain they’d go unnoticed in performing such a spell.”

“It’s not like the dorms are guaranteed to be empty.” Obi-Wan continued right where she left off without hesitation or necessary communication on where she was going with this. “And how did they get in?”

“That’s the same question we’ve been asking ourselves since November.” She said, “But Hogwarts is a conglomerate of mystery. Anakin was able to stumble upon the Zillo Beast chamber completely by accident. Who knows what other tunnels exist?”

“That’s a damn good point.” He said thoughtfully, “And do they stretch through the entire school?”

It should have been troubling, to have so many more questions than answers, particularly when it was beginning to feel like they had a neverending list of mysteries being thrust upon them. However, Obi-Wan did not appear frightened nor did he seem discouraged by any of this. Instead, he approached the many questions with the grace of a person approaching a formidable puzzle.

Instead of adding more to the pile, she looked at him thoughtfully, “You like this investigative work, don’t you?”

He blinked a couple of times in surprise, “Oh? Well, we’ve sort of been thrust into it so it’s only natural that I-”

She smiled and didn’t allow him to finish whatever dismissive thought he was going to try, “-You’re quite good at it.”

He opened his mouth and closed it a couple of times before looking at her almost shyly, “You think so?”

“Yeah,” She grinned, “I do.”

His eyes went somewhere beyond her in the distance, twinkling a bit in brief thought. It was so rare he allowed himself to be this unabashedly happy that she didn’t dare break it with something as trivial as words.

Still, he returned to her with a small smile of his own, “It’s easy when you’ve got a pretty good partner.”

***

“What do you think about this Zillo Beast thing?” Rex asked Anakin as they lounged in the common room that evening. They were trying to sort out their History of Magic homework for the next day and struggling tremendously, seeing as neither had read the pages on the Soap Blizzard of 1378. Typically, Anakin and Rex took turns with their required reading and then informed the other of the general synopsis to spare time, but their schedule got mucked up with the new semester.

“What do you mean?” Anakin asked from his position hanging upside down over the couch.

“You saw the thing up close, mate.” Rex said, “They could probably use you as a key witness or something.”

Anakin had seen enough procedural police shows to know what Rex was referring to, but never imagined what a wizarding court would look like. While part of him found the idea very exciting, it also meant that he would need to discuss in full detail what happened that night, which was tricky, since Anakin had a tough time wrapping his own head around it.

“In favor of or against it?” He said, “Because that thing destroyed the school and it tricked me into believing it was good and then nearly offed Professor Palpatine! It’s too dangerous to be left alive! It could destroy the whole world.”

“Hey, guys!” A familiar angelic voice said and sure enough, Padmé Amidala descended down the stairs dressed in casual pajama pants and a pink t-shirt. Anakin almost flipped over the back of the couch. He was so surprised she was addressing them that he feared he might pass out. Maybe too much blood had rushed to his head.

“Hey!” Rex said.

“Hi!” Anakin tried to play it cool, like he wasn’t the little boy she saw him as. “What’s up?”

“I need to return this book before curfew,” She waved a red book as she walked over to them. “What are you guys up to?”

Anakin turned rightside up, deciding she was much prettier that way, “Just how I went toe-to-toe with the Zillo Beast on Halloween.”

Padmé nodded slowly, seeming surprised by this line of conversation despite the fact that the entire school was whispering on about it constantly. “Oh! Yeah, that was quite a crazy night.”

“Had I not stepped in, Professor Palpatine would be no more.” He leaned against the back of the couch, trying to appear as though wrangling Zillo Beasts was a typical hobby of his in his spare time. He wasn’t sure how many little kids she knew that could pull that off.

“I heard.” She nodded and then placed a hand on her chest, “It’s a shame that poor creature was used as a device to destroy the school.”

His eyes flew open wide, “You- You don’t want them to kill it?”

“God no!” She implored, “It’s not even sentient!”

Anakin didn’t know what that meant, but he knew better than to believe it meant that Padmé would support his earlier argument. “That’s so crazy!”

“What?”

“I was just saying the same thing!” He said and nudged Rex, who frowned at him.

“You said killing the beast would protect-”

“-Only the guilty shadow man!” Anakin gritted with wide eyes that hopefully begged for his friend to get the gist. It seemed he did, because after a pause and a look between Padmé and Anakin, Rex nodded his head slowly.

“Anakin is quite against the death of the beast.”

“You are?” She smiled, “Oh, Anakin, that’s wonderful! You could be a real asset to the cause, seeing as you know the Zillo Beast better than anyone.”

“And I will!” He said with a wider grin.

“Excellent, I can’t wait to tell Satine that she just gained another supporter for the defense of the Zillo Beast protest.” She clapped, “We definitely need more caring souls like your own aboard.”

“What can I say? I’m a carer!” He shrugged.

“I’ll see you at the next meeting then?”

“I’ll be there early. It’s kind of my style.” He said.

She just grinned and left the room in a hurry to return her book before the approaching curfew for students to be in their common rooms. Anakin, meanwhile, felt his heart was the only thing hurrying and felt some of the blood finally leave his face. He really didn’t always remember his interactions with Padmé that clearly, just that they happened and that was enough.

Rex didn’t look as impressed and was staring at him with raised eyebrows that indicated only incredulous judgement.

“What?” Anakin asked.

“You are so full of it.” He sighed, seeming to give up before turning back to their homework assignment. “What’d you get for the third question?”

***

That next meeting, Anakin was the very first person in room 77B to meet about the Zillo Beast, even before Satine, herself, had actually arrived at the scene.

“Anakin?” She questioned and immediately narrowed her eyes. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to help you free the beast, of course!” He said with a smile.

“I thought you couldn’t be bothered with a stupid little committee such as this one?” She frowned, “Or is this all part of some elaborate prank?”

“You wound me, you do.” He said and placed his hand over his chest, “But nope! My motivations are perfectly pure-”

“-Oh Anakin! You made it!” Padmé grinned.

Satine glared at Anakin and then turned back to Padmé. “This was your new recruit?”

“Yeah, who better than the actual witness to the Zillo Beast?”

It seemed Satine could think of a lot better.

***

“A little birdie told me you had your meeting with Yoda today,” Qui-Gon effectively made Obi-Wan jump spinning away from the window he’d been gazing out of. Qui-Gon just bent over him to see what had him so enraptured. A group of Aurors were running what seemed to be drills outside on the grounds. Despite the snow on the ground they moved with grace and skill, lighting the area with different colored spells and jinxes.

“Yoda said that was confidential,” He complained, and Qui-Gon looked down at him.

“Yoda wasn’t the one to tell me,” He winked at him and Obi-Wan glared off towards the Ravenclaw common room.

“Satine,” he grumbled.

“Most correct,” Qui-Gon straightened, “She seemed worried since she hadn’t seen you since lunch. You aren’t the type to skip classes,” Qui-Gon pried, but Obi-Wan shook his head.

“I’m not skipping, Yoda told me I didn’t have to go,” He tightened his grip on the books he was holding.

“And you actually took him up on that offer?” Qui-Gon frowned, Obi-Wan sighed deeply and slid down the wall until he was sitting on the floor. Qui-Gon followed suit- though he was sure his knees wouldn’t thank him for it.

“Satine doesn’t understand,” He started softly, “She has the world open for her, two worlds really. She can do whatever she wants.”

“Would you prefer she didn’t?” Qui-Gon suggested and Obi-Wan looked affronted.

“Of course not!” He practically shouted before lowering his voice again, “She should have those opportunities; she deserves them!”

“What do you think she’d do if she didn’t?” Qui-Gon queried, just the same as he would if he was asking his class about the operation of a light-switch. Even so Obi-Wan saw through him.

“It’s not the same,” He muttered and Qui-Gon just smiled.

“Oh how so? Do you really think Satine would let anything stop her?” He ignored the non-answer in favor of pressing further on the problem.

“Of course not, Qui-Gon. I’m not stupid,” He huffed, “But-“ And he hesitated. Qui-Gon very gently placed a hand on his shoulder, “Well, Satine’s always been much braver than I am. She could have been a Gryffindor if she wasn’t made for Ravenclaw,” Qui-Gon frowned in thought.

“Obi-Wan, please tell me if I’m mistaken,” He hummed and Obi-Wan gazed at him in veiled interest, “But were you not there alongside your friends during the Zillo Beast attack?”

“What? Yes of course, but Qui-Gon-“

“And are you not helping Satine with her case even though the odds are rather stacked against you?” He continued with vigor, “And is it not you, who’s been helping me endlessly to uncover a conspirator?”

“Qui-Gon-“

“Obi-Wan,” Obi-Wan was practically squirming from the conviction of Qui-Gon’s backwards compliments, but he refused to let Obi-Wan think he had nothing more than a little wit, “You don’t have to have Cody’s reckless Gryffindor brand bravery, or Satine’s ability to be loudly outspoken about issues she believes in. You’re brave every day in your own way.”

“I don't feel that way,” He admitted and Qui-Gon laughed.

“I highly doubt Cody or Satine feel particularly brave either. Satine would say she’s only shedding lights on the facts,” Qui-Gon shrugged and Obi-Wan sighed.

“Cody would say he had to act on what was right,” Obi-Wan added reluctantly. Qui-Gon smiled warmly at him before standing up again, knees popping, and turning to leave when he paused at the scramble he heard behind him, “Aren’t you going to ask me what I’ve decided on?”

“Do you think it’s necessary to?” Qui-Gon turned around again. Obi-Wan had abandoned his books on the floor in his haste to get up and Qui-Gon felt his heart pang at the hidden desperation in Obi-Wan’s eyes, “Here at Hogwarts,” Qui-Gon said carefully, “There is really nothing locking one in. The staircases move as they please and our students likewise,” He approached Obi-Wan again and placed his hands on his shoulders, hoping he could send the message home, “What we chose to do can be fluid; growth never really stops does it? I could quit my job tomorrow and go work at Zonko’s. I wouldn’t,” He added at the slight pull of his mentee’s brows, “But I could and would you deny me of my choice?”

“No?” Obi-Wan answered and Qui-Gon released his shoulders in delight.

“There you have it then!” He grinned at Obi-Wan’s confused expression.

“Are you telling me to change my mind?” Obi-Wan tried, but he shook his head.

“Goodness no! What sort of professor would I be then?” Qui-Gon asked, but Obi-Wan was still staring at him, “I’m telling you, you always have a choice.”

***

Obi-Wan was on his way to the Great Hall, where Satine and Padmé were gathering the group they’d organized for their sit-out. At risk of betraying his father, he could not publicly endorse this move, but he did stay up impossibly late into the evening writing and revising Satine’s “Zillo Beast Manifesto”, which listed out the rights and liberties of the creature. He would arrive as moral support and remain out of the limelight and as guilty as he felt, it was the most he could do.

It was strange to think that his father was somewhere on the grounds. It didn’t feel quite real. However, it was incredibly real, seeing as the amount of anxiety stirred up by the impending court date was to be manifested into a true answer later that afternoon.

When he entered the Great Hall and saw the crowd of students, his first reaction was to be nervous this was another one of Ventress’s tricks, but noticed that the clones were all palling around with them and that Padmé and Bail Organa were also intermingling with the group.

Anakin had his face painted at the front and was leading a chant of “SAVE THE BEAST!” on repeat. It might have started as Anakin’s ulterior motive to get closer to Padmé, but the boy did seem rather enthusiastic.

It was possible some were only here for an excuse to sit out of class, but Satine needed bodies for her protest and would take whatever she could get.

Strangely enough, when he looked around, it seemed everyone but Satine was present. He exchanged a curious look with Cody from across the room, who supplied him with a shrug in response to the unasked question.

Before he could develop the presence of mind to panic, Pre Vizsla came running into the room, winded and frenzied as he waved around a piece of parchment.

“They moved the time of the trial!” Vizsla breathed and hunched over, trying to catch his breath.

Obi-Wan snatched the parchment from the boy in a way that was most unlike him and scanned the document, knowing by experience that this was an official decree stamped by none other than the Minister of Magic, himself.

Verdict: Guilty.

***

They found her sitting at the edge of the astronomy tower. The falling snow decorated her hair making it seem to sparkle as they both edged their way forward. Obi-Wan took a seat on her left as Cody took the right.

“I really thought I could do something,” She spoke, staring out across the grounds towards the forbidden forest, “I thought if my case was strong enough… but maybe it wasn’t,” Cody threw an arm around her shoulder.

“Your case was plenty strong, no one else in this school could’ve done better,” He told her, but she shook her head.

“Maybe I was too involved, there must have been something I missed,” She had that calculating look in her eyes.

“You didn’t,” Obi-Wan spoke firmly, which was only offset by the shy way he also wrapped an arm around her, “I don’t believe it was your case that had such fault. Professor Yoda couldn’t have done better himself.”

“They hardly even heard your case,” Cody let his chin rest on his hand, “It was unprofessional.”

“They had a clear bias from the start,” Obi-Wan added carefully.

“Even so, I wish I’d been able to change their minds,” She moved and slowly returned their previous gesture. Obi-Wan felt his breath catch in surprise as her hair brushed his cheek, “Thank you for coming to cheer me up.”

“I don’t think we’ve been very successful in that,” Obi-Wan admitted and she turned to glare at him. Their faces were much too close.

“Allow me to have a nice moment here will you?” She pouted and he turned away suddenly feeling a little hot despite the snow pouring down around them, “I may not be happy,” She continued, “But at least I’m not alone and wondering.”

The air stilled save for the fog of their breaths as they sat awhile longer.

***

With every snowflake that drifted to the ground Anakin was desperate to race ahead or throw a snowball or flop down and make a snow angel. It took great patience that he was really proud he had to keep pace with Professor Palpatine as they slowly, very slowly, made their way around the edge of the lake.

“You don’t have to babysit me you know, Professor,” Anakin pointed out for what was probably the seventh or eighth time, “I know everyone’s been keeping an eye on me, but I don’t need it,” he kicked a little snowdrift.

“You can’t keep them from worrying, Anakin, that’s what we professors do,” Palpatine smiled gently at the young boy and paused in his step so that Anakin would as well, “I’m sure it’s a little frustrating for a boy of your merit,” He placed a hand on Anakin’s shoulder and he sighed.

“I’m eleven, I can take care of myself,” Anakin muttered and Professor Palpatine laughed.

“Oh I’m most certain of that, young Skywalker,” His eyes twinkled and Anakin felt some of the pressure he’d been feeling drift away, “And anyways I’m not here to babysit you, I thought we might chat about potions class for a moment,” That caught Anakin’s attention and he tilted his head to the side.

“I thought I was doing good in potions?” His brow furrowed as he tried to think of any instance where he’d failed miserably. He wasn’t perfect, but he hadn’t lit anything on fire since last term.

“You’re doing wonderfully my boy,” Palpatine gave his shoulder a pat and started walking again. Anakin scurried to keep up, “I didn’t mean to insinuate otherwise, in fact I think you’re showcasing a brilliant hidden talent for potion making,” Anakin frowned from behind his professor, he certainly didn’t feel that way. His poly juice potion was definitely flawed. Praise was praise though, he supposed.

“Thank you, Professor,” He chirped, a lightheartedness returning.

“It’s not a problem, Anakin,” Palpatine continued, “Should you wish to learn a little more advanced potions, you should really just let me know, I’d be happy to show you a few more tricks.”

“Well-” Whatever Anakin was going to say stuck to his throat as the ground suddenly shook with such force that he had to grab onto his professor’s cloak for balance, “What was that?” He yelled up at Palpatine, but the older man had a scowl on his face and was reaching for his wand.

“Nothing good it seems, dear boy.”

The whole forest seemed to shake and groan with the vibrations that threatened to tear up the ground they were standing on. The castle seemed to scream as dust showered down as stone rubbed against stone.

Like a flood, witches and wizards suddenly poured from the forest purple cloaks fluttering about as if they would all take flight from their fear. They brushed by the professor and the first year without a glance and managed to knock the older man to the ground.

“Professor!” Anakin tried to help him stand when he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up. He turned slowly towards the forest where trees were bending under long scaly fingers and the maw of the great beast pushed its way out of the forest. It bit through a chain like it was butter and eyes struggled to focus in the sudden light. It emerged from the forest more and more its tail whipped around, smashing into the base of the astronomy tower causing the whole castle to shudder once more. It caught a glance at them, Anakin and his professor frozen in their position near the lake. It’s eyes seemed to narrow in rage and it screeched an unholy sound and jumped towards them.

“No!” Anakin shouted he jumped in front of the beast his arms stretched so wide they trembled, or perhaps it was the adrenaline. To his great surprise though he didn’t feel teeth sinking into his flesh, instead he cracked open his eyes to see the beast inches from his own face.

They stared at each other, Anakin not daring to breathe and the beast frozen in its rage. Finally it opened its mouth and roared with such force that it slicked Anakin’s hair back with moisture and quite terrible breath, before it leaped over them and dug its claws deep into the dirt as it pushed itself quickly forward in a hasty escape.

Anakin stayed frozen to the spot for so long he didn’t move until Professor Palpatine, who had made it to his feet, put a hand on his shoulder.

“It’s alright Anakin,” He told him and slowly Anakin let his stance fall, “That was some real bravery you just displayed there my boy,” he pointed out and Anakin couldn’t find anything to say so he instead sucked in a deep breath, “I’ll be awarding 50 points to Gryffindor.”

“But,” Anakin struggled to find any sort of word and Professor Palpatine took a moment to gaze off after the beast.

“It seems I’m not very popular with our friend the Zillo Beast,” He sighed, “Let’s get back inside shall we?” Anakin nodded quickly at that and he followed Professor Palpatine back up the hill towards the entrance on shaky legs.

***

Satine held her breath until the beast was out of sight. Every time her eyes blinked shut she could feel the tower sway and none of them dared to move much longer than was strictly necessary.

Ben was the first to slowly unwrap his arms from where they had flung around her as if holding her would have done much of anything. It was a feeling she was trying not to think about in her dazed stupor. Cody followed his lead and released his grip on Ben’s cloak and the railing before skittering backwards away from the edge, she supposed even he feared falling from such a height when not on a broom. Satine’s grip on Cody’s cloak had slackened as he fell back and she let herself let go of the railing finger by finger.

“Bloody hell that was scary,” Obi-Wan breathed a laugh, “If I wanted to fall to my death I’d play a few more rounds of Quidditch,” Cody shook his head frantically.

“At least you have a chance if you fall off a broom,” Cody scoffed, “And you know, you’d be prepared for it.”

“You’re not going to suddenly be afraid to play are you?” Satine couldn’t help, but let a very small smile fall across her face.

“Of course not!” Cody was suddenly on his feet looking like he was about to deliver quite a rousing speech, “I’m not going to let a near death experience stop me from winning the cup! We’ve got a lead and let’s not forget our new beater! Plus next year I-”

“Cody, it’s not that I don’t want to discuss strategy,” Ben interrupted as he slowly moved to stand and offered a hand to Satine, “But quite frankly I’d like to get much closer to the ground so I can think a little clearer,” Satine took his hand and let him help her to her feet. She let her hand linger in his for just another moment as they both took a step away from the railing.

“Well at least there’s some good news out of this,” Cody grinned as they headed down the spiral staircase with a little more speed than they’d ever admit.

“And what’s that?” Satine asked. Keeping her eyes firmly fixed on their descent.

“They didn’t manage to kill the beast.”

***

Anakin was having difficulty sleeping as of late.

So much so, he found his eyes no longer needed to adjust to darkness. He was one of the few to never pull the drapes of his bed closed at fear that such darkness would swallow him whole.

If he slept, he knew it would only get worse.

It wasn’t something he discussed with Obi-Wan or even Rex at fear of seeming like a scared little kid. Even if the crux of the issue was just that. He was a little kid and even more so, he was scared. Try as he might to seem impervious to the stresses of near death, it was chilling that someone was on his tail and that this particular someone had a strong grudge held for him.

He so desperately didn’t need to be looked at by his peers as though he was misplaced when the sorting hat elected to place him in Gryffindor. Bravery was something that ran deep and while he reckoned it likely took some practice, was a trait he was determined to prove rang true from him.

Not for the first time all month, he missed his mother. She never judged him for one moment when his nightmares drove him to her bed- where the only refuge could be found in soft words and a firm embrace. He didn’t have that reprieve at Hogwarts and could only distract himself so much until those thoughts unraveled and blended into the very fears that haunted his sleep and kept him awake.

These nightmares felt like someone was trying to speak to him and reach through the fabrics of his mind in order to grasp reality.

As always, he tossed and turned until he didn’t see much point in it anymore and pulled the allusive enchanted map from under his mattress. Checking his surroundings and ensuring that no one was awake, he threw his legs over the side of his bed and crept across the stone floor. His feet were immediately cold, but he didn’t allow that to startle him from his intentions.

He was small enough to slip between the space that separated his bunk and the wall, knowing good and well that behind the curtain, a doorway would appear if he offered optimum focus. He stumbled over a robe, which was curious, but not improbable since he didn’t always take much care for his belongings.

Even if they ended up playing chess until he fell into what would hopefully be a blissful sleep, it seemed wisest to go to Qui-Gon, who would have to be the closest he could get to his mother’s presence at a time like this. Besides, he quite liked Qui-Gon’s company and though he would never admit it aloud, was beginning to enjoy Wizard’s Chess.

However, despite Qui-Gon’s claim that his door was always open, it was not, much to Anakin’s disappointment. Even more puzzling, was that he heard the soft murmuring of serious conversation through the door. The one voice was clearly Qui-Gon, though he couldn’t make out what he was saying. The other, while familiar, alluded Anakin. He raised his hand as though to knock, but thought better of it, since even someone as friendly and welcoming as Qui-Gon likely had his own affairs.

This time of night was certainly an odd time to be tending to guests, but Anakin didn’t question it too much. Professors didn’t otherwise have that much time during the day. There was also the spark of fear that it was another professor with him, who would possibly be much less forgiving for Anakin breaking curfew.

He made his way to scurry back to the entrance he left open inside one of the broom closets off to the side of Qui-Gon’s office, but ran face-first into the stiff torso of Professor Windu.

Anakin felt his fears go into overdrive at the unimpressed stare of his head of house, who’s seemingly permanent frown deepened. His dark eyes were even more intimidating in lowlight and Anakin internally cursed at being so foolhardy as to forget checking the map before exiting the broom closet.

“Oh, hello Professor.” He tried for a perky tone, which he hoped was high enough for Qui-Gon and his guest to hear him. As far as Anakin was concerned, the more witnesses, the better, when it came to Mace Windu.

“Skywalker.” He crossed his arms and ducked his chin down to his chest to properly glower at him.

Anakin lowered his head to seem ashamed, even if it was partially out of fear for being alone in the hallway with who he believed was his attacker. He tried to look around him with the hopes of finding a path to run if the time came for it, but the large man was firm and dense, shrouded in exquisite mauve-lined robes even at this late hour. He effectively blocked any escape route possible to Anakin, even with the knowledge of the tunnels existing.

For once, he decided no words were probably better than final ones.

“There’s a muggle studies exam tomorrow.” He said curiously.

Anakin tilted his head up in surprise, not quite sure what that had to do with anything. It wasn’t like the poetically dark tones he’d taken on Halloween night. That, and it wasn’t relevant to Anakin.

“Huh?” He asked intelligently.

“I’m sure you knew of that already though.” He said.

“I did?” Anakin frowned, “I just wanted to talk to Qui-Professor Jinn.”

Windu raised his eyebrows at the near-slip of informality, but didn’t comment on it. Instead, he studied Anakin carefully, drawing many conclusions that he would possibly never understand. What did he do to make this man hate him so much?

“It appears he’s busy.” Windu said, eyes flickering to the light under the door, “Whatever message you’ve had that couldn’t wait until morning, you can relay to me.”

Anakin shifted awkwardly in his stance, appearing like someone that had to use the washroom. “Uh… I had a bad dream.”

It sounded like a lie, even to Anakin, despite it being the cold truth. Unfortunately, Windu didn’t know that nor did he believe it. His face was passive and unimpressed, even disappointed, that Anakin didn’t reveal some greater truth that would have transcended reality.

“As unfortunate as that may be, I don’t recall that being an exception to the rules.” He said, “10 points from Gryffindor.”

It was the least of Anakin’s worries, even if the response did irritate him, but he would be remiss to say he wasn’t relieved that it was all the professor seemed intent on giving him for the time being, especially with how calculated Windu looked. It was as though he was sure Anakin was the very answer to a dark mystery.

“Yes, sir.” He said while finally feeling like he was granted permission to walk away from him.

“Skywalker,” Windu called and Anakin spun on his heels.

However, the large man kept his back to him, looking all the more like a shadow than ever before. His voice was deep and terrifyingly calm.

“Professor?” Anakin answered.

“Should I catch you wandering the halls at this time of night again, I assure you the consequences will be far greater than what transpired tonight.”

Anakin’s eyes widened and a cold dread settled in the pit of his stomach. “O-Of course sir.”

“Do not accept this mercy as a moment of weakness either.” He said.

“I won’t… Sir.”

“Very well.” He said, “You are dismissed.”

Anakin all but ran back to Gryffindor’s common room, sure that despite his best efforts, he would certainly not be reaching sleep this evening. In fact, he was almost near the point of throwing up at fear that he seemed to be the only person to know of Windu’s dark side. Everyone seemed intent on respecting him instead of seeing him who he really was. And why shouldn’t they? He was just a child and nobody believed children.

For the second time that night, he wasn’t quite paying attention to where he was going and came across Professor Palpatine, who looked at him with eyebrows drawn together in concern.

“Anakin, my boy! What’s the matter?”

It was a far cry from the unpleasantries he’d shared with Windu, who didn’t seem at all concerned with Anakin’s true reasons to be up and about, and Anakin almost cried at the kindness in Palpatine’s voice.

“B-Bad dreams.” He swallowed and this time, sounded much more authentic.

“Oh dear me, that’s terrible.” Palpatine paused and placed a hand on his shoulder, “It happens to the very best of us.”

“You have nightmares, sir?” Anakin asked, looking up at him and beginning to calm down.

“But of course!” He said and briefly, Anakin saw something cloud over his eyes. A memory, perhaps? It was gray and ever-passing, but it still reminded Anakin of how his dreams of the Phantom Man plagued him. “Everyone has bad dreams.”

“Even Professor Windu?” He couldn’t help but ask.

Palpatine raised his eyebrows in surprise, “Well, he is human. We’ve never discussed the intricacies of them, but I’d imagine yes, he does have bad dreams. He was an Auror at one point, after all, dealing with that much darkness… It’ll change any man.”

Anakin thought hard about that. Was that what Windu was a product of? Coming too close to the dark that he swore to prevent?

“Anakin?” Palpatine squeezed his shoulder. When Anakin met his gaze again, he smiled a little, “Sometimes, it helps to talk about them.”

“Professor Windu sent me to bed.” It was a weak protest, but it needed to be acknowledged.

“And you will, but not with a head full of evil clouding your rest.” He said and guided him down the hall, presumably towards his office. Anakin knew the way quite intricately as a result of his pranks towards Sebulba.

As they walked, Anakin followed at his side, “What are your nightmares about, Professor?”

Palpatine kept his eyes trained forward, “Nightmares take on many different facets. After the other day, I’ve been dreaming about the Zillo Beast unleashing its wrath yet again. I’m assuming you do too now.”

Truthfully, Anakin didn’t, but he didn’t admit as much.

“My dreams seem dead set on the man behind it all.” Anakin said.

“How logical of you.” Palpatine said, “It was a very traumatic event, so no one would blame you for replaying the events of that night.”

Anakin paused, “You think I could find out more information from my dreams?”

Palpatine shut the door to his office and invited Anakin to sit down, “Would you not agree that facing one’s fears is the best way to surpass them?”

He did not have to pretend to be brave to give his answer.

***

Tyranus didn’t understand why his master insisted on keeping the boy alive. It seemed like a waste when the opportunity to strike was so clearly right in front of them. He was cornered in his master’s very office, unsuspecting any danger in the slightest. However, when Tyranus was called in the dead of the night to assist in augmenting the effects of the boy’s dreams to both delude their meaning and find answers, he came, pensive in hand.

And he played his part. He acted as the tactile teacher and caring aid. He did not lead on to either of their positions.

Anakin did not have the skills to master Occlumency, so Tyranus had no such issue leaping into his dreams and erasing the bits that might cause suspicion.

He may have altered a thing or two as well. Nothing too noticeable in case someone else should search the boy’s mind’s eye. Just enough to be damning.

“The purple robes!” Anakin gasped as he awoke in full, oblivious to the way Tyranus tampered his visions.

“What of them, Anakin?” His master asked in such a practiced tone of concern that Tyranus could see through like glass. It worked well enough on everyone else.

“I… I don’t know.” He wiped a hand through his hair, which was coated in sweat from the effort and then seemed to pause, mulling over his own thoughts. He didn’t trust them. Not fully. That was far more okay with Tyranus than it was with his master.

They should kill him. Spare the charades and get it over with. Sidious’s eyes flared ever so briefly red from his place in the corner, warning Tyranus of the ramifications for doing such a thing and he nearly scoffed. As if he didn’t possess any self-control. Tyranus was merely being practical, not hungry.

He was, however, quite curious of his master’s clear fascination with the other figure Anakin Skywalker saw in his dreams.

A man called Vader.

***

Both assigned to early morning rounds, Obi-Wan and Satine opted to walk together as they ensured that no student dilly-dallied on their way to breakfast that day. Satine was considerably quiet, never having been much of a morning person, but was still a comfortable presence to have. She’d shifted her fiery excitement over the Zillo Beast back to determination of finding the person behind the cheater/pranker.

Obi-Wan had other ongoing investigations, of course, but was also curious about the affair. Plus, he had his meeting with Yoda imprinted in his mind. The little green man seemed unsure with Obi-Wan’s decision, but didn’t speak on it. He hadn’t yet told Satine, even if she knew where he’d landed.

It was odd. He assumed he’d feel free after choosing his life’s path, but he guessed the image of a closing door would dissipate with time. He’d do a lot of good at his family’s law practice. The opportunities there were endless. With his family’s support, he would be able to make real change. He would.

Right?

“We should probably check the closets.” Satine yawned, breaking through his heavy thoughts. “Professor Shaak Ti believes that many transactions are happening there.”

He nodded and tried not to give any indication of his troubling internal debate, “That, or we’ll just stumble upon more snogging students.”

She snorted, “If they’re so desperate that they’re willing to snog with rancid morning breath, power to them.”

He chuckled and reached forward to open the nearest closet door, intent on closing it the moment they didn’t see any bodies, but halted when Satine’s hand met his chest in surprise. He ducked his head inside the closet and gaped, with stunning shock, at a wide opening in the side of the wall.

Obi-Wan and Satine shared equally wide-eyed shock and without expressing a single word on the matter, wordlessly followed where the tunnel led. He ignited his wand and huddled close to her, rationalizing the need to hold her hand so as not to get lost, and pushed through the darkness.

There were no drawings on the walls as Anakin described in the Zillo Beast lair. Instead, the walls were smooth with no clear end in sight. There was nothing but darkness eclipsing them and despite the fact that they did not know where this path led, he couldn’t find himself to be scared. They persisted and Obi-Wan felt Satine squeeze his hand, urging him to stop.

He shined his light down at their feet and noticed with confusion, a small cloak on the ground. He picked it up, noting how small it was as well as the fact that they were at a dead end.

“It was a Gryffindor then.” Satine whispered.

Obi-Wan didn’t answer her and instead released his hand to push on the wall in front of them. It didn’t require much effort in the matter, but Satine joined him all the same. Sure enough, light crept through the cracks to outline a doorway before flooding a full beam of natural light that almost blinded them. Neither could fit through the opening, but they could see drapes of red and gold through the small gleams of space that were allotted to them.

“Oi, mate, you look rough.” Rex’s voice stood out.

“I didn’t sleep well.” Anakin said.

“Out late?”

“Something like that.” He said around a yawn.

Obi-Wan could feel Satine’s stare burning through him, but didn’t acknowledge it, nor did he have it in him to inspect the robe in his hands that had a tag that was clearly marked “Skywalker” on the inside.

Despite how damning, he was honest when he admitted to himself that he couldn’t believe it.

#anidala #obitine #clone wars #obi-wan kenobi #satine kryze #anakin skywalker #padme amidala #star wars #prequel trilogy #magical forces au

[norcumii]

HAPPY (slightly late) BIRTHDAY, @aces-to-apples! I have some fic for you! :D

Minor apologies to everyone, because this latched on to my brain and would not let go, even though I meant to be more moderate and do Life Things today.

No regrets.

This is a post-war fic, where Everyone Lives (except Sidious because fuck him, and Krell because fuck him too) and things are rather different. Main pairing is Padme/Anakin/Rex, with background mention of Ahsoka/Steela and Jesse/Maul/Kix, because that’s Apples’ jam. HIGH CITRUS RATING. Sorry not sorry at all.

*********

It’s their third anniversary, and the fourth anniversary of the end to the Clone Wars. Like always, it’s a weird day, full of a mix of emotions and a few official appearances they couldn’t get out of. As a senator, Padmé still has to go to the morning session commemorating the Attack on Coruscant, while Rex and Anakin have to smile for cameras along with the other significant military figures laying mementos at the GAR commemorative wall. That’s at least a good chance to catch up with anyone they haven’t seen lately, what with Echo and Fives still being in the army, Ahsoka and Steela living it up as bounty hunters, Cody and Obi-Wan being themselves, and any number of other former officers and Jedi.

It’s after lunch that they have time to themselves. All three eat light in public, so they get to cuddle together in the living room for a set of their favorite light snacks. It’s a quiet time, while most of Coruscant winds up from ‘solemn remembrance’ to ‘celebration.’

There’s too many memories for them to celebrate. Oh, sure, the whole winning the war thing was good. The betrayal – Anakin’s friend, Padmé’s mentor, who tried very hard to kill Fives and oh yes, brain wash the entire army – it’s just too much.

Rex doesn’t even bother with a melancholy but vicious variations on ‘good riddance to bad rubbish’ that he indulged in the prior years. They’re just glad Palpatine is gone, they’re still here, and that they get this time close with each other.

Being tangled up together means that they can feel the slow relaxation, as clinging turns to sprawling, and being who they are a restless energy grows. Rex – who still struggles with the concept of downtime – is the one to separate first, and Padmé asks, “Shooting range?” in an innocent tone as if the thought just happens to cross her mind. Rex’s grin is still too sharp, which means even more reason for Anakin to drive their speeder to Padmé’s favorite range. It’s a layer further down that probably any other senator would even dream of considering a visit to, near enough to CoCo Town to be busy, but distant enough that celebrations are off elsewhere.

Like last year, Padmé rented the place out, so it’s just them and the two bored – well armed – grandparent-y types keeping an eye on things more out of habit than anything. They keep out front at the store part, once again involved in a holochess game Anakin couldn’t swear has changed a single move since last year.

Rex leads the way inside, Padmé stopping for a quick chat with the owners. Anakin sidles around her, to find Rex is already checking the available weapons over and making vaguely disgruntled noises which means the weapons are superb for civilian care, even if that might not be up to the GAR’s standards.

Or maybe just Rex’s, but to Anakin it’s the same.

He settles onto the floor where he can see both Rex and Padmé shooting, as the two efficiently check over weapons and ammo, and then begin to methodically take down a number of plas targets. They start off simple, then as they relax further it leads to teasing competition and trick-shots that would make other patrons rather nervous, which is why Padmé reserved the place just for them.

Anakin loves watching them like this, the whole spectrum from cool, murderous professionals to giddy playfulness that’s still beautifully terrifying. Padmé tried to tease him once about having a ridiculous competence kink, but that fizzled when she invited Rex into the ‘discussion’ and he’d just stared at her for a genuinely confused moment before asking “doesn’t everyone?”

Anakin slips into meditation, because the day’s built up too many ghosts for someone with his sensitivity to the Force. He works to center himself, to let go of so much pain, and it takes time. Letting go of what in retrospect was years of Palpatine dripping poison into his ears, while maneuvering the Jedi Order into political corners and away from moderate – reasonable and sane! – doctrine. Letting go of the fear that Obi-Wan and Cody might not be able to right that particular ship, and fix the Order’s extremes even with the help and support of the Council and especially Mace.

He works to heal just a little bit more of the emotional wound from Ahsoka leaving the Order, a good move for her and her life but still biting deep at his own insecurities and fragile sense of self that still, four years on, hasn’t fully recovered.

It wasn’t a betrayal, not like Palpatine, but it still hurt him.

The old fears surge up a moment, and he allows himself to face them. Anakin doesn’t like considering the what ifs from Mandalore. What if Maul hadn’t been creating an elaborate means to get Anakin and Obi-Wan away from the Chancellor’s grasp and manipulations; what if Jesse hadn’t listened to and accepted Maul’s surrender, with vital intel about the Sith Lord and how to take him down.

He’s not surprised that Jesse, Kix, and Maul hadn’t returned for the celebration – this time of year is rough for all of them, but those three more than most, and Obi-Wan does much, much better not having to deal with his old nemesis ever, but especially now. They can manage to be on polite speaking terms in front of cameras – Maul’s paying off his debt to society after all – but it’s a fragile peace.

The feelings of care and affection sink into the light daze of meditation, and Anakin comes back to the present to find Rex on his right, Padmé to his left, all three cuddled up together again. He flushes a little and grins, disoriented by the way he’s surrounded by love but feeling lighter for having addressed and moved on just a little bit more from his issues. “Who won?” he asks, and Padmé’s grin is wicked while Rex’s is just a bit sweet – things so few besides him ever get to see.

“Both of us,” Rex declares, leaning in to kiss him slow and deep, seeing how Anakin needs to take his time coming back to the here and now. He doesn’t know how Rex always figures it out, but he appreciates it so much.

When they’re both breathless and pulling apart, Padmé sneaks in, peppering them both with teasing little kisses that are more than half nips but all invitation. Anakin chases those all the way to his feet, Rex steadying both him and Padmé.

“Come on,” she dares them, leading the way through the sidedoor to the sim room next door. Anakin’s honestly not sure what it’s called – it’s not like the place advertises it – but Rex took one look and was so pleased at a sim room that’s what they call it amongst themselves.

One of the owners helps them suit up, while the other picks out a maze design. There’s a lot of clunking and creaking noises as the variable panels around the auditorium-sized space realign, creating a mock battleground they’ll get to play in.

Since Rex cheats and memorizes layouts more on first instinct than intent, he’s politely turned so his back’s to the developing design, fussily readjusting every single strap to the bodysuit padding before checking over their weapons. They’re toys, with lasers that are light and nothing else – Anakin’s certain the power sources couldn’t produce anything more and he’s said – multiple times over – not that it stops Rex.

Padmé, who cheats shamelessly, keeps an eye on the way the panels are rearranging, and she’s the first one pelting off as soon as they have the green light. The artificial fog is just starting to filter in as Anakin breaks right and Rex breaks left, separating to their own starting points before the game’s signal buzzes to begin.

Anakin listens to the Force well enough to be a terrifying shot, and gravity is more optional for him than most people. Rex has trained essentially from birth to be terrifying in combat. Padmé is clever, small, and swift, not to mention ready to sneak in any advantage she can slice out of an opportunity.

Even playing nice, and with Anakin not cheating with the Force too much, the laser tag game is brutal and goes on for a delightfully long time. Rex probably won, though they don’t bother asking what the suits registered for scores on their way out.

They’re relaxed in truth as they stroll down to Dex’s – the walk’s a little long, but it’s nice to have Padmé under one arm and Rex under the other as they wander through the crowds.

Ok, so it is more than a little mortifying when someone stops them to try to negotiate with Anakin for Rex’s services, but Padmé’s Force presence sings with amusement as she pretends to be offended and insists on negotiating with the idiot over her own services. She’s charging way more than the idiot can afford, and the embarrassed Pantoran finally beats a confused retreat because they “just wanted a nice time with the pretty man, not the scary lady”.

They’re still giggling over it as they stumble into Dex’s, Anakin dragging Padmé over to a booth while Rex places their orders at the counter. When he comes back to the table Anakin swaps so Rex is on the inside, and he’s braced for when Dex erupts from the kitchen, probably from recognizing their order. Anakin just has to press in a little, bumping shoulders with Rex who tenses in spite of himself. There’s the usual blush of frustration with himself in the Force, not that Anakin blames Rex for a bad reaction. Dex can be a lot, and given past experience with Krell....

He stays close, keeping Rex grounded with a light bump with his knee or brush of the arm whenever he can feel a tremble of trauma rattle through.

Rex settles quick, because Dex is an incredibly sweet being and Padmé is just that good at smoothing over the atmosphere when she tries – and for Rex, she’s always happy to go the extra mile.

When they finally leave for home, they’re well fed, relaxed, and content.

Of course the instant they’re back in the apartment they’re all over each other. It’s their anniversary, and the entire afternoon and evening has been one long game of teasingly-close-and-intimate but never over the line into anything sexual.

He didn’t used to have this kind of patience, but Padmé and Rex have worked long and hard to help him find it.

Anakin snags supplies from the bedroom, because this is definitely the kind of evening to enjoy the view from the main sitting room – and the nice, plush couches – as other people celebrate in a more  public manner. He sets things up as Rex moves around Padmé, speaking low and teasing in that tone that sinks right into Anakin’s belly, getting him hard so damn fast. Rex is all kisses and caresses for her, deftly reaching under her clothes and pulling free a set of vibro-knives, a pretty little blaster from her back, and a hold-out pistol tucked into a boot. Rex moves behind her, kissing along the neck to whisper into her ear, getting a delighted laugh from Padmé as he starts carefully running his fingers through her hair. That pulls a deep groan from Anakin, because the way she looks, arched up towards Rex who’s curled over her, the play of calloused, strong fingers through her hair – they are unfairly gorgeous, and the wicked grin Rex sends him means he totally knows, and that’s part of why he’s doing this.

He pulls some lockpicks free of Padmé’s fancy hair style, ruining the last bits of styling to leave tousled curls around her shoulders, and Anakin thinks she looks better that way. Oh, she’s always beautiful, but that mix of artifice and mess always gut-punches him in the best way.

Rex turns back to rest his chin on Padmé’s head, earning an amused look from her before her eyes flutter closed and she moans, because he’s ghosting his hands down along her body – a bit too busy for a caress, but too gentle for a pat-down.

This is all a little game they play, just between themselves – Rex tries to find whatever toys and surprises Padmé’s hidden for a day, though he doesn’t tend to find everything. She’s had a lot of time to learn ridiculous ways to hide things, and she’s got three dedicated tailors willing to alter her fancy wardrobe in interesting ways.

Padmé has promised that if Rex does win, she’ll replace that expensive lingerie set they ruined last time, that gorgeous gold getup for Rex with the pretty gold chain dangles that drove Anakin wild. Not that he’d ever tell, but Anakin knows for a fact that she’s got the replacement already, tucked away in a discreet box in the depths of her terrifyingly large closet.

Rex ends with his hands on Padmé’s hips, nuzzling the skin behind her ear. Anakin can see how it makes her knees go weak, how Rex is supporting most her weight, and he’s tempted to just jack off here and now because they are gorgeous.

“That’s everything,” Rex declares, that deep rumble again that makes both Padmé and Anakin shiver.

“No,” she says, a bit breathy as she leans back so Rex has most of her weight in truth. “A little help, Ani?” She lifts a leg, and if he’s letting his hands wander and feel as he helps pull off her boot, no one minds.

The blaster holster is discreet, right next to the back seam, and Padmé pulls a thin bit of metal from inside that seam. It’s not wide enough to be an actual knife, but it has a wicked point and looks like in a pinch, it’d be great for stabbing into vital bits or throwing hard enough to confuse someone.

Rex looks genuinely put out, so he didn’t miss it on purpose. “I checked there!”

Padmé twists enough to kiss him an apology. “The holster’s specifically designed to conceal it. You’re meant to find the gun.”

Rex shoots an exasperated look to Anakin, who grins and shrugs back at him. He knows better than to wager against Padmé. Rex smirks and rolls his eyes, then gives him a look. Anakin can feel his intent in the Force, so he grins and nods back.

“Sneaky,” Rex grumbles, hoisting Padmé into his arms and a long kiss. She’s laughing when he pulls away, then shrieking giggles as Rex carefully tosses her in Anakin’s direction.

It’d be too far for even Rex to make, but Anakin uses the Force to catch her and draw Padmé into his arms. He gives her his own long kiss, enjoying the pleased noises she makes while twining her arms around him.

“Congratulations, Angel, you won,” he says, pulling away to gaze at her in helpless awe. He sinks down onto the couch, because even petite as she is, he doesn’t want to stand around holding her much longer. “How do you want to start this evening?”

Padmé reaches for the toys Anakin laid out, and trails her fingers over the strap-on harness with a teasing smirk. “I think I’d like you on your knees – the couch is just the right height, and you can see what you can do for Rex while I take care of you.”

He can’t stop a pleased noise escaping him, doesn’t even try as he clutches her closer. He enjoys the noise it pulls from her as his artificial hand clenches just a hair too tight – he’d calibrated it so precisely when first getting it, desperate to make sure he didn’t hurt her, only to find her very, very sheepishly asking at some point if he couldn’t be just a little rougher – not harsh, just enough to feel things.

Rex is better about knowing just where that line is, and he walks it beautifully, but Anakin can never quite figure out how to convince his brain that ‘worship’ can include roughness. It’s sometimes such a relief to just follow Rex’s lead, able to trust that someone knows exactly how far to push and how best to do it.

Doesn’t hurt that Rex enjoys that too.

“Maybe this one instead?” Rex asks, chuckling as if he can hear what Anakin’s thinking. He gently places a different dildo next to the strap-on, and Anakin shivers. That one’s got an interesting vibration system, so it doesn’t take long to beautifully scramble his brains but it only teases Padmé.

She makes a delighted, interested noise. “And then when I’m all riled up you’ll take care of me?”

“If I can stand again by then, I’ll fuck you on the table until you scream,” he rumbles, voice dark and promising. Ani can feel the way Padmé shivers, her breath catching as she arcs like she can already feel the Naboo-imported wood on her back.

“Yes, sir,” she breathes, and Ani can see Rex’s eyes dilate at that, dark and hungry as his tone had been.

Anakin doesn’t actually know when to stop pushing, but thankfully they know that. He reaches out, hand to Rex’s shoulder like it’s just another day on the battlefield and he’s giving a friendly shoulderpat. Except now he gets to slide his thumb under Rex’s shirt, trace lightly over some scars and the collarbone, watch Rex arc his neck as he sways in closer. “Tease her enough, take your time, and then we might have to return the favor.”

Rex lunges in for a fierce kiss, teeth clacking a bit before he rearranges to not squish Padmé quite as much between them. From her laughter, she doesn’t mind, and her squirming is turning interesting. Rex, the bastard, is smirking when he finally lets Anakin breathe. “It’s gonna take both of you.”

His brain might not be firing on full yet, but he doesn’t need thought to know what’s going on here. “Pssh, please,” he says, lofty and disdainful. “It’d only take Padmé, but I want to do more than watch.” Then his brain does catch up, and his expression falters. “Er, I mean. Not that I mind watching, just, uh....”

They just laugh, moving in to start helping Anakin out of his clothes. They don’t even need to say anything, which is kind. Anakin waits long enough for his prosthetic’s glove to come off – Rex has a fascination with the detailwork and feel of it that Anakin doesn’t understand, but he doesn’t question. Then he’s reaching back, and it’s a tangle of limbs and disappearing clothing, laughter and pleasure. He loves his spouses so much, his two beautiful badasses that can lead like gods and fight like nightmares – kind, and sometimes ridiculous, and all entirely his.

~end

#star wars #My writing #citrus #aces-to-apples #padme/rex/anakin #look i realized I wanted them playing laser tag on their anniversary and it just kinda spiraled out of control from there #long post is long

[wolfees-support-group]

Nia’s pack prequel 2

 Nias Pre Prequel 2

           The wolf pack and nias dynamic fully changed after that night they became more tight knit often finding themselves hanging out whenever they got the chance often telling nia about their previous battles or just telling her about what dad plo had planned for the night. Nia hadn’t ventured out very far; the wolf pack kept her safe and sheltered with them, they often found themselves worrying about her when she was gone for too long so she often stayed with them and only went on missions with them.

           She wasn’t really needed for any other missions so the days just passed away while nia and the wolf pack hung out all day. The only time the wolf pack and nia weren’t together was when she was training with Plo, although sometimes they liked to join to watch how Nias skills were growing. Although for this past week she hadn't heard from her little family, they were on a recon mission with some of the 501st and the 212th. Guilt had plagued her since they left even with Plo assuring her that they would be fine she still couldn't shake the feeling of worry constantly lingering in the back of her mind.

          Plo pushed her even harder  in her training while they were gone seeing it as an opportunity to get her full focus on just training but nia found herself mentally and physically drained and just missing her pack. Her family, hell her protectors. She flopped down on the bed in front of her, she just wanted to sleep but she knew she couldn't- her mind was always too active when she was alone her hand fell to the crimson sheets pulling it from where it once stood and wrapping it around her hand, she often  tried to reach out to Plo when she couldn't sleep but she  knew he was already sound asleep in the room next to her. Just as she started to fall asleep her com-link started beeping loudly as she groggily threw her hand over it seeing it was a notice from Obi-Wan, telling her to get to the hanger. She groaned, rolling out of bed and grabbing her closest jacket, Plo Koon’s old jacket he used to wear while training. It was jet black, with a few stains on it.

         Nia rubbed her eyes as she quickly walked down the hall worried about what Obi-Wan could need from her- they had trained together a few times but not enough to warrant calling her down to the hanger bay she rubbed her eyes as she turned the corner leaving her standing in the entry way on the hanger bay waiting for her eyes to adjust to the bright burning lights radiating  from the ceiling the dark grey walls adding even more contrast the the already chaos based area her eyes scanned the room looking for Master Kenobi as her eyes suddenly snapped to the four tall men, two of them being Anakin and his former Master Kenobi. Nia internally groaned at the sight of the Knight sitting there, with his chest pushed out in pride, his ego clearly  full as normal. She yawned again as she slowly started walking over to Master Kenobi to see what he needed her for. She looked around again, her eyes quickly snapping to the men approaching as she gasped softly ‘THAT'S MY PACK!’, her thoughts screamed as she started running towards the wolf pack shouting Wolffe’s name.

“WOLFFE! WOLF PACK!  GUYS!”

       Wolffe slowly  turned around a confused expression etched across his features but as soon as  he identified that the voice came from their little pup a smile found its way across his features as he opened his arms, knowing what was coming next. Nia launched herself into his arms as wolffe quickly wrapped his arms  around  her  back swaying slightly, nia smiled contently while wrapping her arms around his neck repeating  the  phrase

“I missed you all so so so much.” Wolffe let out a deep chuckle.

“We know ad’ika. We know.”

She smiled as the man slowly put her back on her feet, looking up to see Master Kenobi and his former padawan, Anakin, as well as their confused expressions, as she quickly turned and gave hugs to every other member of her pack.

“She seems a bit too close to those clones, master.” Anakin murmured to Obi-wan. “Indeed she does” Obi-Wan was quick to agree. “Isn't that against-” Anakin started, before his master quickly shushed him.

“Just leave her be, Anakin.The girl seems happy” Obi-Wan said. He was so engulfed in their conversation  that he hadn't noticed Hardcase approaching the young padawan girl.

“Can I get a hug too?” Hardcase nervously asked as he locked eyes with Nia.

             Wolffe was quick to act, putting his hand on  Nia’s shoulder defensively almost as if to tell her she didn't have to do this and that they could just go back to the barracks for the night. She nodded softly to Wolffe, looking in Hardcase’s eyes as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders pulling him into a tight hug and rubbing his back slightly as she pulled away, smiling at the clone. She backed up a smidge seeing the line of clones that had assembled behind Hardcase she let out a soft sigh as she moved to the next person asking them their names and then giving them a warm hug it was all getting repetitive until she got to a clone named Fives.

“No other Jedi does this, so why do you?” He asked as though he was skeptical of her motives.

She  shook  her head slightly while shrugging “I’m not a Jedi yet, and it’s because you guys matter to me.”

That seemed to be enough of an answer for Fives as he nodded and wrapped his arms around her shoulder giving her the same hug she  had given to the clones so far. She smiled as she rubbed his back while pulling  back slightly whispering the phrase “Thank you.” as she moved on to the clone behind him.

When she, finally, neared the end of the line  she realized there were only two clones who hadn’t  lined up, those two being Commander Cody and Rex. She tilted her head slightly at them, but as she turned to walk back to her Wolf Pack Cody quickly ran up to her,  gently tapping her shoulder.

“Am I too late for one of your hugs?”

Nia quickly shook her head, quickly pulling him into a hug as he smiled at her, she pulled away to see Commander Rex standing next to Cody looking more embarrassed than ever. Without even having a word passed between them, she quickly pulled him into a hug.  

#Commander Wolffe #wolf pack #wolffe x you #wolffe fluff #wolffe x reader #obi wan #obi wan x reader #obi wan x oc #Anakin Skywalker #anakin x reader #anakinxoc #plo koon #plo koon fluff #au #rex #captain rex headcanon #commander rex

[eleanorose123]

Every moment of screentime Haga and Ryuzaki/Rex and Weevil had in the Yu-Gi-Oh! series

Documented with screenshots for most of the events (not all since I lack the episodes as of this moment). Please let me know if I’ve missed anything (I know for a fact Haga was mentioned several times during Jounouchi’s duels in the Battle City finals), I did this on a whim.

HERE WE GO

Their debut shows Haga and Ryuzaki at the Japan National Championship finals, with Haga from the east division and Ryuzaki from the west. Haga wins through strategy over Ryuzaki’s strength heavy dinosaurs. After winning the championship, Pegasus gives Haga his award as well as a small tip regarding Duelist Kingdom rules. (Episode 2)

Riding the high of their victory, Haga and Ryuzaki spent a lot of time together basking in the glory of being respected by others. A boy asks for their autograph and they do it for the price of one of the boy’s cards. (Episode 161 flashback)

On the cruise ship to Duelist Kingdom, Haga and Ryuzaki were given private rooms. Haga ends up “befriending” Yugi, while Ryuzaki gets seduced by Mai into letting her into his room. Haga takes Yugi’s Exodia cards and throws them off the ship into the ocean in an attempt to avoid competition. Ryuzaki gets tricked by Mai and ends up getting kicked out of his room. (Episode 3)

Upon arriving to Duelist Kingdom, Yugi immediately challenges Haga. Haga lures Yugi to a forest field where his deck would have an advantage thanks to Pegasus’ advice. Yugi, determined to eliminate Haga, bets his deck against Haga’s two star chips. Haga loses, and is the first elimination of the tournament. (Episodes 4-5)

Haga had to wait on a rowboat for other eliminated duelists to arrive before leaving the island (Episode 8)

Ryuzaki acquired 3 more star chips, and attempted to challenge Mai. Mai refused, but encouraged Ryuzaki to challenge Jounouchi before dueling her. Ryuzaki dueled Jounouchi, and halfway through made a bet with Jounouchi over their rare cards. Ryuzaki bets his Red Eyes Black Dragon, and tells Jounouchi to bet Time Wizard (so Ryuzaki can use it against Mai). This caused Jounouchi to realize how to win the duel, and wins the Red Eyes Black Dragon. (Episodes 11-12)

Ryuzaki doesn’t make it to the finals. (O/S)

Upon returning to the mainland, the tides have turned against Haga and Ryuzaki. Anywhere they went, people would dismiss or berate them for their loss, regretting any and all respect they had for the duelist prior. Out of frustration, Haga ends up having a violent fit in alley one rainy day, with Ryuzaki watching on. A gang of high schoolers find them and beat them unconscious, the leader of the gang being the older brother of the kid who asked for an autograph prior. Returning the card to his brother, the kid remarks how he threw out their autograph out of embarrassment. (Episode 161 flashback)

Haga and Ryuzaki are present together for the Battle City announcement. (Episode 54)

Haga and Ryuzaki are invited to the Battle City tournament and pass the requirements with Haga being a level 7 duelist and Ryuzaki being a level 6. (O/S)

During the opening day of Battle City, Haga and Ryuzaki approach Yugi and Mai, both claiming they’ve improved their decks and are ready to get their revenge and victory. Kajiki arrives on the scene with similar goals, although not as vicious. The group all split ways as the tournament kicks off. (Episode 56)

Ryuzaki is shown losing a duel against Esper Roba, due to the duelist’s intimidation and cheating methods. Ryuzaki reluctantly gives Roba his Serpent Night Dragon, a prize he got for winning second in the Nationals as well as his puzzle card. It is unknown if that was his sole puzzle card, but considering how early the duel was in the tournament, it was implied. Ryuzaki stays for Jounouchi’s duel against Roba, informing Jounouchi of the rule changes. (Episodes 58-59)

Haga tricks a boy into working for him with the offer of a rare card. He has the boy steal Jounouchi’s duel disk specifically to plant a parasite card into Jounouchi’s deck. The boy tell Jounouchi Haga stole his duel disk and deck in order to have Jounouchi meet Haga at a location near a fountain. The boy receives a common card as his payment, and Haga dismisses him, his work done. Upon meeting with Jounouchi, Haga is notably disgruntled over the boy saying Haga stole a deck/duel disk, but waves it off as he got what he wanted anyway. Haga demands they bet both their puzzle cards for the duel, with the intention of kicking Jounouchi out of the tournament before going after Yugi to finish his revenge for Duelist Kingdom. They duel, and Haga’s parasite trick comes into play halfway through the duel. Jounouchi makes a comeback and kicks Haga out of the tournament as a result. (Episodes 63-64)

Jounouchi takes Haga’s Insect Queen card over his Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth. Jounouchi lies and says it was because he couldn’t use the Perfectly Ultimate Great Moth without other cards, but Anzu knows it was out of pity. (Episode 65)

Haga and Ryuzaki are shown watching the Kaiba/Yugi finals duel in a crowd (Episodes 130-131)

Haga and Ryuzaki are shown sitting together in the city while the finals duel plays on televisions. (Pyramid of Light Movie)

Haga and Ryuzaki end up (literally) bumping into each other on the street. Both realize the other was affected by the finals duel and both have a desire to obtain Yugi’s God cards, and try to outrun each other in an attempt to get them first. They collide into a bearded man who challenges them to a duel. They lose, and additionally lose their souls. Their soulless bodies mutter on about death and destruction (Episode 145)

After Yugi wins against the bearded man, Haga and Ryuzaki’s souls are returned to them, and the two are questioned by Yugi and co. about what happened to them. They are intrigued by the fact that Yugi lost his God cards and both have a desire to get them for themselves. Although, they are still hesitant on working together for such things. (Episode 146)

Haga plants a listening device in Yugi’s house, where he and Ryuzaki overhear Pegasus’ urgent invitation to America, and misinterpreting the invitation as an opportunity to get rare cards, Haga and Ryuzaki decide to follow them overseas, Haga already having a plan as to how. Using a large luggage bag, the two stowaway for the airplane ride, despite freezing and getting knocked unconscious. Being mistaken as “lost luggage”, the bag, as well as the boys, are sent off elsewhere on in a truck (Episode 148)

After sleeping in an awkward arrangement, the two wake up in a frantic panic, falling out of the truck and the luggage bag into gang territory. The two clung to each other in terror. (Episode 149)

Presumably after a beating, the two are aimlessly wandering through alleys, trying to find Yugi and the others, before a thief pickpockets Haga’s wallet. The thief is stopped by Otogi, who gives the two a ride, believing them both to be friends with Yugi. The three head to Illusion Industries to meet with the others. (Episode 151)

Seeing the destroyed gas station, the three continue their journey, at a faster speed. (Episode 152)

The three arrive as Mai duels Jounouchi with the Orichalcos. Haga and Ryuzaki exclaim how the card Mai was using was the card they lost against, and proceed to act as commentary alongside Yugi, Honda and Anzu. (Episode 153)

Haga and Ryuzaki continue to be confused over the rare card Jounouchi seems to get out of nowhere, and are ignored completely by the rest of the group. They follow and try to rummage through a room for potential rare cards, still unaware of the overarching plot occurring. (Episode 154)

After finally being noticed by the others, Haga and Ryuzaki travel with the group by sitting in the trunk of Otogi’s car. Their curiosity with the Orichalcos grows as they recall Mai’s duel. After Rebecca’s home is destroyed, the two sneak out at dinner time to search the rummage fro any rare cards. Ryuzaki becomes frustrated and tired, and he and Haga remark over how hungry they were and how they wish they could have some of their favorite home foods. They end up overhearing Yugi going off to duel Raphael, and follow him on a tandem bicycle. (Episode 155)

Haga and Ryuzaki fall down a hill to near where Yugi is dueling, and sit and watch it unfold. (Episode 156)

Haga and Ryuzaki watch the duel with immense interest but miss out on certain plot elements, much to their confusion. (Episode 157)

They continue watching the duel until Jounouchi, Honda and Otogi arrive. Jounouchi grabs Haga by the shirt collar demanding to know why Yugi is using the Orichalcos, to which Ryuzaki had to step in, explain the situation, and help Haga down. They watch the rest of the duel until Yugi loses, and Haga and Ryuzaki decide to follow Doma in hopes of getting the Orichalcos power for themselves. (Episode 158)

Chasing down the helicopter, Haga and Ryuzaki manage to convince Raphael into letting them come with him. Arriving at Doma headquarters, they are encouraged to be polite to Dartz. It’s through Dartz talking with his men that Haga and Ryuzaki are told about the fact Yugi has two souls in him. When Dartz remarks on how they still need to obtain the Pharaoh’s soul, Haga and Ryuzaki step in hoping to take the mission for themselves. Frustrated that they were never heard about, they plead to let Dartz give them a chance, and how they just want people to stop treating them like nobodies. Dartz offers them the stones of the Orichalcos in which if Haga and Ryuzaki could hold the stones they could have the Orichalcos power for themselves, but if they can’t, they lose their souls, to which the two clung to each other in a panic. They decide to take the risk and for a while it seems like they’ll fail. Ryuzaki remarks how he knew it’d be impossible for him, but Haga yells at him not to give up, and they both manage to grab the stones. Dartz gives them access to Doma’s vast card collections to improve their decks, preparing them for their mission. (Episode 159)

Separating the train Yugi and co were taking, Haga duels Yugi on top of the moving train front while Ryuzaki duels Jounouchi at the other half of the train. Both Haga and Ryuzaki use the Orichalcos quickly, and proclaim this is the start of their revenge to the duelists that tore their pride apart. While Haga uses emotionally manipulative and provoking methods against Yugi, including tricking him into thinking he’d torn up Yugi’s soul, Ryuzaki becomes more emotionally vulnerable in his duel, particularly when Jounouchi brings out his Red Eyes Black Dragon. It’s then that Haga and Ryuzaki tell their rivals their struggles after Duelist Kingdom, Haga far more dismissive about it, and Ryuzaki refusing to accept any true pity from Jounouchi. Ryuzaki loses and loses his soul, while Haga loses his duel but is attacked relentlessly even after losing his life points, until his soul is taken from him. Yugi shakes Haga’s corpse for information on what happened to Yugi, of course not getting an answer. The train derails and they all fall off a cliff. (Episode 160-162)

Haga’s body was taken to a hospital, and his ghost appears as one of the lives the Pharaoh ruined. (Episode 163)

Honda is carrying Ryuzaki’s body. (Episode 164)

Jounouchi becomes exhausted carrying Ryuzaki’s body but presses on. Both Jounouchi and Honda are exhausted of carrying Ryuzaki’s body later. (Episode 165)

Jounouchi, still carrying Ryuzaki’s body, gets frightened by a rattlesnake. (Episode 166)

Jounouchi is still carrying Ryuzaki. (Episode 167)

Ryuzaki and Amelda’s soulless bodies are taken to hospital. (Episode 168)

Haga and Ryuzaki’s souls were shown with the other victims of the Orichalcos, and alongside the others are encouraged to remember that even with the lasting darkness within everyone’s hearts, they should also remember the friends they’ve fought alongside and cared for throughout everything. (Episode 183)

When everyone’s souls were free, Haga and Ryuzaki awaken side by side in a hospital, and after questioning what the other was doing there, the two ran out together determined to still get their revenge on Yugi and Jounouchi. (Episode 184)

Still stuck in America, and drawn to a tournament, Haga and Ryuzaki travelled to Kaiba Land exhausted, Ryuzaki inspiring Haga with the notion of them having another chance to prove themselves. (Episode 188)

Haga comes up with a plan to steal the clothes of an invited duelist so the two of them can enter the tournament, much to Ryuzaki’s reluctance and eventual acceptance. The two corner a duelist in the bathroom and Haga sits on Ryuzaki’s shoulders as they fake it. They end up tripping over on their way to their scheduled duel against Siefried, and Mokuba threatens to kick them out for their cheating. Siegfried allows the two to duel him as a demonstration of his power, and Haga and Ryuzaki bring out two of their powerhouses on their first turns. Siefried ends up winning against them both in one turn. (Episode 189)

Haga and Ryuzaki were shown getting dragged out of Kaiba Land and sent back home on an airplane. (Episode 190)

Haga and Ryuzaki were shown begrudgingly watching the finals of the tournament back home. (Episode 198)

As a last ditch effort to get the God cards, Haga and Ryuzaki break into Yugi’s room in the night and make off with his bag holding the God cards and the Millennium Items. They are confused by the artifacts, and watch the Millennium Ring go to Yami Bakura, who they recognize as one of Yugi’s friends. Yugi finds Haga and Ryuzaki unconscious by Bakura’s feet. (Episode 199-200)

Haga and Ryuzaki were shown being affected by the world’s destruction as Bakura and the Pharaoh face off. (Episode 215)

Haga and Ryuzaki hid amongst the present world’s destruction, hoping everything was alright after all that. (Episode 219)

Haga and Ryuzaki were shown walking amongst the wreckage in a montage of people that affected the Pharaoh’s life. (Episode 220)

Their final scene shows Haga and Ryuzaki arguing with each other over something before Ryuzaki challenges Haga to a duel, to which he accepts gladly. (Episode 224 epilogue)

Haga and Ryuzaki were shown in a crowd together.  (The Dark Side of the Dimensions Movie) (top left corner)

#yugioh #dinosaur ryuzaki #insector haga #weevil underwood #rex raptor #shrimpshipping #yg #[blows a kiss to my fellow fans] for you~ #long post

[arielsojourner]

Part 20 Luke and Vader Save the Galaxy

The ending. This part fought me and fought me. I hope it does not disappoint.

Being on Tatooine is bizarre. In some ways it is just the same as always. Nothing to see. Sand. Heat. Squalor. But things are different too. Freedom has come to the desert world.

Luke doesn’t know how, but he finds he is at the edge of the Lars homestead. He knows Padme (he never knew her) and Anakin (Father/not!Father) have visited, but right now they are in Mos Eisley, preparing to travel back to Naboo. His aunt and uncle are the only ones home. It is disconcerting to feel them through the Force, at once so familiar and comforting and also just . . . not.

The last time he was here the homestead was burned, gutted and he had buried his family’s remains with his bare hands and a broken piece of scrap durasteel. He finds he cannot go forward. He cannot bring himself to knock on the door. What could he say even if he did? There was no place for him here. Instead he heads up to the south ridge where the same vaporators he worked on for years stand, harvesting moisture drop by drop. He cannot remember how many times he fixed these temperamental things, half fried by the burning suns and clogged with insidious sand. His hands knows what to do and he finds himself cleaning out the trap and tightening the cables, making the machine that much more efficient, eeking out just a few more nano-liters of higher grade product. 

The work is finicky and you have to be careful not to burn yourself on the exposed metal, superheated in the afternoon sun. It is harder than when he was younger. His right hand is a problem. He is so focused that he misses the presence behind him until a throat is cleared. Luke whirls around in a panic and goggles at his uncle (not his uncle).

“I-I’m sorry,” he manages to stutter. “I just saw that it needed– I was just trying to help out. I wasn’t siphoning.”

“I don’t think a Jedi would siphon,” Owen says pointing to the lightsaber at Luke’s waist. “You know your way around vaporators. You’re dressed like a local but I don’t know you and other than Shmi’s son Anakin, I’ve never heard of anyone from Tatooine being a Jedi.”

Luke brushes his hands down his desert beige and whites. He may have worn his blacks when getting rid of Jabba and the slavers, but only an offworlder fool would travel the Dune Sea in anything but desert homespun in the midday.  Luke doesn’t know what to say. All explanations die on his lips, unspoken.  Owen, ever practical, merely moves forward and checks his work and finding it up to his standards asks if Luke will help him with the others. They spend the rest of the afternoon on the south ridge together. As he buries himself in the guts of another vaporator Luke doesn’t cry. Crying is a waste of water.

When it is time for the evening meal, Luke follows along quietly. So little has changed from what he remembers of his childhood home. When he enters the living quarters he sees Aunt Beru in the kitchen, steaming greens, pouring blue milk. Luke half wonders if he has heat stroke, if this is a dream. An inappropriate laugh nearly escapes, what if it has all been a dream? But no, he clenches his right hand (metal, wires), this is real. As surreal as it is, he joins them for dinner managing to keep up with the local talk (nothing much has changed about farming) and discusses what changes will come to Tatooine now that it is free from the Hutts.

He doesn’t call them by name. He doesn’t offer his name either and they don’t ask.

The suns have nearly set when there is the sound of a speeder outside. “That will be Anakin,” Beru remarks, going to get a place setting and another portion.

Luke’s not!Father comes in and strangely doesn’t seem surprised to see Luke sitting at the table. Luke however, is surprised to see him. “I thought you were heading back with the Senator,” he says. “The offensive is done, I thought you would be heading home.”

Anakin shrugs and digs into his meal, hungry. “The men are all still here. You’re still here. Rex was telling me how you and your father would stay put for a few days after a campaign, explore the sights.”

“There’s nothing to see or do here,” Luke protests weakly.

“I know, I used to live here too,” Anakin says. “So what were you doing today to get yourself covered in grease?”

They spend the rest of the meal discussing the vaporators and the water output. Luke makes suggestions for future placement and spacing based on what worked during the worst of the drought during his childhood. After dinner, Luke finds himself outside sitting on the stairs peering up at the sky. It is too dangerous to take the speeder back to Anchorhead or anywhere else on the planet due to the Sand People and Uncle Owen will be shutting down the power soon. He stays outside as long as he can until Aunt Beru calls him in and shows him where he will be sleeping. Luke spends the night curled up tight in his old room. All Luke can think about is how many night he had dreamed about adventure and excitement growing up and now he had had his adventure and nothing would ever be the same. He wanted to grieve for what he had lost but it seemed so selfish, so ungrateful to do so when things were so much better now. What right did he have to be sad? He balled up in a fist and pressed against his lips, trying to be quiet, trying not to cry. Even though he doesn’t make a sound, he must have caused some sort of disturbance in the Force because suddenly Anakin is there, hands on his shoulders and then holding him.

He had only felt his father’s arms around him once, during those terrifying painful seconds after he fell out of the window at the Senate.

“I don’t know what to say,” Anakin whispers. “So many good things are possible now. And I know why. I know, Luke, I know.”

“It was a gift, a miracle. It wasn’t planned, but we both agreed about what needed to be done. I don’t regret it, any of it,” Luke insists through a clenched jaw. “I don’t.”

“Just because you grieve for what you lost doesn’t negate the power of the choices you made. You achieved the impossible.”

Luke laughs wetly. “Team effort. There was so much good in him.”

“I’ll take you word for it,” Anakin says softly, sadly.

“Do,” Luke insists, not wanting Anakin to feel guilty about Vader, about Luke. “Do take my word for it.”

Anakin is quite for a long moment. “So you and Leia were raised here, on Tatooine.”

Luke shakes his head sharply. “I never knew of my sister,” he rasps. “I never knew I was a twin before–“ He swallows hard. “He didn’t know either. He didn’t even know about me until a few years ago after I left Tatooine, after the Empire came and Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru--”

He trails off because he can feel Anakin’s sudden shock and horror through the Force. This is why he didn’t want to have this conversation. How could anyone even explain it without sounding like some pitiful, weak, ungrateful creature, when so many others suffered so much more than him and when he had been given such a tremendous opportunity to fix things? How can he ever talk about this without hurting everyone else? Luke doesn’t want Anakin to bear this burden, it wasn’t his to bear. He pulls away.

“Luke–“

“No, this is better. Things are better now. There’s no reason to be sad.”

“Son, stop!” Anakin says and Luke freezes.

“I am not your son.”

“Yes, you are!” then quieter, “Yes, you are. And don’t you ever say that to Padme.”

“She knows?” Luke squeaks incredulously.

“She’s your mother, she figured it out before I did. She’s smarter than just about everyone else the galaxy. You remind me of her.”

Luke ran a hand through his sweat damp hair. “I don’t know what to do anymore,” he confesses desperately. “We had a plan to defeat him, but what am I– where do I . . .?”

And Anakin quietly explains that in the morning there will be breakfast and more repairs and upgrades to do around the farm, the “tax rebate” being put to good use. His students will join them at the homestead, and there will be lightsaber practice. Maybe they will be able to borrow a Skyhopper or a couple of speeders from one of the neighbors and they will take Kickback and the other clones who think they know flying out to Beggar’s Canyon and show them some real racing. They will join Rex in getting the Underground organized into a peacekeeping force, an actual government of elders and implementing a new way of living for the people on the planet. They will take it a step at a time, a day at a time. They will not be alone. In the morning things will be better. But for now, in the dead of night, Luke is allowed to mourn for his father and his sister, his aunt and uncle, his friends and all that he has lost. 

A tenday later, they say their goodbyes, both tan with matching blue eyed, hair shot through with gold. Luke is taking his students and whatever batch and squad brothers want to come along to the Holy City of Jeddah at Anakin’s suggestion to meet with the Guardians there and construct lightsabers. Anakin is returning to his wife and children on Naboo and together with his Padawan will travel to Mandalore and then to Alderaan to further reconstruction efforts and peace with the 501st and the 212th. Luke knows that Anakin still has much to overcome but he is not alone, he has family. Anakin knows that only time can help ease Luke’s grief but the ghost he saw will follow behind his son and watch out for Luke when Anakin cannot.

As he hugs his son tight, he whispers his thanks and his love.

“May the Force be with you,” Luke says.

#star wars #luke and vader save the galaxy #father and son save the galaxy #luke and anakin

[soulcrowvi]

40 questions because why not.

1.do you prefer to shower when you wake up or before you go to sleep?. Can I have both? I like to shower in the morning because I can clean off any  sweat I may have produced when I slept and it also helps me start my day. Before bed helps me unwind and clean off the germs of the day… but I may sweat in the middle of the night… hmmmmm I guess morning showers LOL 

2. does it bother you to sleep with the lights on. Yes, I really cant sleep with any type of light in the room. I always find myself waking up if I see light.

3. cigarettes, marijuana, or neither? Neither fam.  

4. beer, liquor, or neither? Liquor, I hate the taste of beer 5. what is the biggest impact you hope to make throughout your lifetime?  Probably being able to help someone with their journey get through the darkness of mental diseases. This is a part of the reason why i want to go into the field of psychiatry.  

6. what’s your favourite movie genres.  Uhhh, romantic comedies, animation, horror, fantasy, and anime (if that’s a thing) 7. puns or dirty jokes? Dirty jokes boiiiii. My pun game needs work 8. bubble bath, bath bomb, or bath salts. Probably bubble bath. I haven’t tried the other two. 9. you wake up to find you’ve traded places with a celebrity – who is it? Hmmm I don’t pay too much attention to many celebrities lives so I cant really answer 10. you wake up to find you’ve traded places with a fictional character – who is it? Probably Monkey D. Luffy from one piece. Hes always carefree, does what he wants, eats all day, goes on these dope adventures with his crew and will beat someone’s ass if they step to him wrong. I wouldn’t mind living a life like that for a day or two. Although Zoro is my favorite character I prefer luffys lifestyle a little more.

11. what are you wearing? A grey shirt and blue joggers? WHY YOU NEED TO KNOW HUH? 12. what is your earliest memory?. Crawling on my mom’s bed and she picking me up with a big smile while making  some kind of going up sound. I know I was a baby because even to this day she does that when she plays with other small children.   13. moon or stars? Stars because I like to lay down and count them. Also having sex under the stars is on my bucket list LOLOL 14. sunrise or sunset?. Sunrise.  I love the crisp air and quiet atmosphere of everything being asleep.  During times like that it feels the world is at a stand-still and I can take a second and breathe maybe even go for a jog. Oh and you cant forget the colors of the sky: they so purrrrdy . 15. what’s the best present you’ve ever received? The gift of life boiiiiii. Nah but for a material gift, I hate to say this but, probably a hand written piece of poetry my ex gave me. It a cheesy love poem that made my heart flutter at time. no one has ever done something that for me before so it was something special.  I haven’t looked at it in years and don’t plan on doing it any time soon. That bridge was burned  many years ago cuz fuck my ex lmaooo 

16. what’s your favourite scent? Vanilla or lavender. I use to use candles with those scents as a way to calm myself during a time of depression. In a sense, I associate them both with calmness 17. what do you think about when you need to be in a calm state of mind?  Thinking of myself as a flowing river. This concept came to me after witnessing a small stream on street carry away a twig during the rain. The way I saw it was that twig representing a problem of any sort and the water being my conscious. Basically my conscious developed the habit of analyzing the given problem and determines if it needs to be addressed now, later, or not even be addressed at all. It’s a way I practice mindfulness lol 18. what do you think about when you need motivation? “I know I can fucking do this, so let me stop being a bum and do it” sounds a little harsh but that’s how I get myself moving lmaoo

19. list 5 things you like most about yourself.

My personality

The melanin in ma skin

Dance abilities

Being able to push through most of my anxiety and depression

Kinky af 20. do you have many friends or do you prefer to keep a close circle? I have a small circle of true friends mostly because I dread small talk with new people because ive never been too interested in it with strangers and you know small talk is the best way to start friendships soooooo. I can say this though I have a large number of acquaintances and I probably wouldn’t mind building deeper friendships with them. 21. if you had the chance to be immortal exactly as you are now, would you take that opportunity? Although it’s a tempting offer, im going to say nah to immortality.  Sure, it would be nice to witness how the rest of history will unfold and being able to live forever but it comes at a high cost. The cost being that youll out live everything and everyone you love and cherish. Plus there will come a time when everything ends and you’ll be the only one left, wandering endlessly in the hallowed shell of what you once called home…. That got dark LOL #PessimismOnFleek

22. what do you think of when you wake up? I think of three things in this order:

“….need food”

“I wonder how kn is doing”

“what the fuck do I need to do today?”

23. what’s your favourite word? Breathe. This word helps me calm and recollect myself in time of anxiety and also allows me to take a second and appreciate life.   24. if you could change your name, what would you change it to? I would keep my name the same, I love it actually lmaooo

25. what would your name be if you were the opposite/another gender?  I asked my mom about this before and apparently I would have been a Diana lmaooo 26. turn ons? I have turn ons for both physical and personality

Physical: freckles or small moles on the face. Glasses (bring yo blind ass here girlll) a nice warm smile, long hair although I don’t mind short hair. Ticklish. Has a nice style

Personality: Really kindhearted, loves animals, willing to sit down and talk about finding a solution to our problem if we fight, motivated by a dream,  passionate about her craft or hobby, doesn’t mind carrying the convo at times, is comfortable with silence at times. Knowledgeable about things she finds interesting, does little things for me like buying me my favorite snack as a surprise for when she sees me.  Is comfortable with my level of kinkiness and sexual expression through words. Keeps up with and feeds off my dark, sexual, awkward humor. Not afraid to speak her mind.

27. turn offs? A girl that tries to have “the best of both worlds” basically flirting with multiple dudes at once. Has a history of cheating.  Completely selfish(only concerned with what I can offer her and no “what can I do for them”). The “im fine” text when we both KNOW something is wrong. Goes ghost out of nowhere. Liars. thinks relationships are temporary  and not looking for something long term (I hate wasting time). Treating other people like shit, fake (talks shit about someone then next thing you know they’re the best of  friends) entertains other dudes KNOWING damn well they have a thing for her.  Says “My feelings changed” (three words I despise)

28. kinks? Bondage, neck bites, ear nibbles, lip biting while kissing, biting any part of my body really lmao.(those three areas will rev me up real quick ) letting me pull her hair, licking/ kissing random spots on her body. heaving breathing….lots of it pls. dark colored knee socks/thigh highs if she wears those.. LAWDDDDD *nose bleed*(this could be a slight fetish).  Lap dances and strip teases (both combined as well)   29. what’s your “type”? Uhhh, never really had to think about it until now but glasses, long hair, older, the “social butterfly that’s lowkey and introvert” woke, wants to help me grow, supportive, caring will call me out on my shit, intelligent, high ass gpa (why is that relevant? Idk )

30. give a piece of advice. Everything happens for a reason. Whether you believe in a higher power or not, certain things occur in your life as a way to prepare you for the future, teach you something about yourself, or aid in your growth. You just have to stop and look at the positive in the situation. 31. do you fear death? Nah, but I do want to live my live to the fullest and live to be at least 96.   32. do you believe there is anything that exists after death? Ive juggled the idea around in my head and, similar to the person I snagged this questionnaire from, I definitely  love the idea of reuniting with lost loved ones in some kind of after live. I also like to believe reincarnation is a thing only because it would be dope to die and come back as a giant octopus lmaoooo, but seriously the idea of coming back to life as a different creature is fascinating 33. what expectations do you set for yourself? do you live up to them? Honesty, trying my best at whatever I do, always stay true to myself,  not being pressured ny others. I think I live up to these pretty well but recently ive decided to stop being passive of things that bother me so I guess im still working on that 34. are you a good friend? would you want to be friends with the type of friend that you are? I think im a pretty good friend. Im always down to listen and support my friends with whatever their endeavors may be. Im very chill, understanding, and mature so you don’t have to worry about me  creating drama of any sort. Yeah I would befriend myself if possible 35. dinosaurs or space? Dinosaurs because I’ve always found archaeology to be interesting and I actually love learning about history. I loved T-rexes ever since the first Jurassic park  film I saw. 36. do you believe in aliens?  If we as a species could evolve from particles who’s to say creatures on a distant planet couldn’t do the same? So I guess you could say I don’t deny the existence of them. 37. do you believe in ghosts? Not really but you’ll never catch me messing with an oujia board or casually exploring a proclaimed haunted house. Aint nobody got time for that (similar to the previous question I don’t deny their existence) 38. describe your style? Uses a LOT of dark colors. Its very simple and classy but nothing over the top. I love to wear beaded bracelets because I like fidgeting with them when im bored or anxious. Oh I like flannels as well. Idk if that paints a decent picture lmao 39. send me your name, I’ll post what I think your aesthetic would be. Bish whet? 40. post a photo of yourself? Look at my tumblr default lmao

#text #questions