#its giving luke skywalker and i will take no notes

[tripthelightfandomtastic]

Jedi Jake is gonna kill me.

#its giving luke skywalker and i will take no notes #i wont apologize for my nerdy behavior #this is tattooine #he also looks like Anakin too #im living #gvf #greta van fleet #josh kiszka #jake kiszka #danny wagner #sam kiszka #jake gvf #josh gvf #danny gvf #sam gvf

[corroded-hellfire]

Just a Spark - Eddie Munson x Reader

A Collaboration with my beloved kindred spirit @munson-blurbs🤍

Summary: Eddie takes his sons to watch fireworks at Lover's Lake for the Fourth of July. But when he notices you there with some friends, including some male friends, he can't help but be jealous.

Note: Thank you to my dearest @joejoequinnquinn for loving jealous!eddie as much as I do and for coming up with this lovely idea! I still find it funny that it's a Fourth of July fic and you do not live in the US, lol. I hope you all enjoy and happy 4th of July to my fellow Americans 💙

Warnings: older!eddie, dad!eddie, babysitter!reader, eddie being jealous hehe

Words: 3.9k

[As You Wish masterlist]

It wasn’t often that Hawkins held activities that appealed to the whole town. The haunted houses around Halloween only appealed to the teenagers, the winter wonderlands at Christmas only mattered to young children, and the Thanksgiving Parade was something that everyone swears they got dragged along to against their will. Fourth of July in Hawkins was the one day a year that could be counted on to bring people of all ages out to Lover’s Lake for sunshine in the afternoon and fireworks at night. 

Kids would splash and swim together in the shallow area of the lake while their parents watched from picnic blankets spread out not too far away. Teens and college students would come with their friends, the college kids drinking beer out in the open while the teenagers had to hide sips behind a tree or behind a friend’s back. 

It was a tradition in the Munson household to grill up some hamburgers and bring them down to eat at the lake while they watched the fireworks. This particular year things seem to be off-track, though. Brittany had left the house early in the afternoon to run a few errands and pick up some charcoal for the grill so that Eddie could cook the hamburgers. After being gone far too long for just saying she was heading to a few stores, the phone rings and Brittany gives Eddie some sob story about how she ran into her sister who’s having a crisis and she needs to stay with her for a while. Eddie just sighed as he hung up, thinking to himself that at least Brittany wasn’t dumb enough to say it had something to do with work when banks are closed because it’s a national holiday. The only problem—because going out with his boys without his wife was certainly not a problem—he ran into now was that he didn’t have time to run out and get charcoal and make the burgers before they were going to leave for the lake. 

Improvising, Eddie swings through a Burger King drive-through on the way, making sure the three of them would still keep their tradition intact as much as possible. The boys don’t seem to mind the differences between this year and last, maybe just glad to have a chance to hang out with their dad while they did something as cool as watch fireworks. 

Eddie pulls his truck into the already-crowded parking lot and grabs the bag of fast food. As he and the boys get out, people walk by carrying coolers, picnic baskets, and a few types of inner tubes to use in the water. There are tons of people there—which Eddie expected. He takes Luke’s hand into his own and instructs Ryan to grab onto Luke’s other so they don’t lose anyone. 

“Eddie!” A familiar voice calls out and has Eddie whipping around to spot its owner. He quickly sees the Sinclairs; Lucas is waving with his left hand to get Eddie’s attention, with Tiffany on his right hip. 

Eddie nudges the boys. “Look who’s here!” Their eyes widen when they notice Uncle Lucas—who Eddie swears is his younger son’s namesake and certainly isn’t Luke Skywalker—along with Aunt Max and their baby. They practically pull Eddie across the lot to them. 

Clapping Lucas’s hand and pulling him in for a modified bro-hug so he doesn’t crash into Tiffany, Eddie offers his long-time friend a grin. “How have you guys been?” he asks as he gives Max a hug. 

“Good. Tired.” Max says with a laugh. “Tiffany slept through the night for about three days before she started teething.”

“Aww, poor thing,” Eddie coos, chuckling when Tiffany proves her mother’s point by grabbing Eddie’s finger and gnawing on it. “Don’t worry, it doesn’t last as long as it seems,” he reassures the new parents. 

“We’re just headed out,” Lucas explains, kissing his daughter’s cheek. “It’s this little lady’s bedtime, and we’ve gotta get home before the fireworks start.”

“We have no idea how she’ll react to them, and we’re not about to conduct that experiment in public,” Max chimes in, making Eddie laugh again. “But we’ll see you at Ryan’s birthday party next week!”

The Munsons and Sinclairs part with goodbyes and more hugs before Eddie and the boys head towards the lake. 

“I wanna sit near the water!” Luke insists, and Eddie winces at his high-pitched whine. 

“Think we might get a better view of the fireworks if we sit up a little higher.” It’s the truth; plus, he won’t have to worry about Luke flinging himself into the cesspool that Hawkins calls a lake. 

They find a shady spot right under a tree, and Eddie lays out three beach towels so they won’t have to sit in the dirt. He passes out the parchment-wrapped burgers and little bags of fries and sits back with a sigh. This is what he’d always wanted—family traditions with his boys. If only…

“Has anyone seen my sunscreen?”

Eddie freezes mid-bite, only remembering that he has a burger in his hand when his arm starts to ache from being in one position too long. He chews and swallows as though nothing happened, but his mind is racing. 

It can’t be, he thinks. He’s almost certain that this is all in his imagination—God knows he can’t get you out of his head—until he hears someone say your name. 

Just one look, Eddie convinces himself. A quick peek so I can see that it’s not actually her; just someone who sounds like her and has the same name…

His stomach flip-flops when he glances over and sees you in a low-cut red tank top and cutoff denim shorts. Oh, shit, it’s her. And she looks really, really good. He takes a deep breath, trying to gather his scrambled thoughts. He wishes he had a six-pack; a cold beer can always calm his jangled nerves. Okay, I can’t let the boys see. Once that happens, she’ll come over here and—

Eddie’s anxious thought is disrupted by the sight of one of the three guys you’re with applying sunscreen to the back of your neck. He’s got long, light brown hair—though not as long or luscious as his own, Eddie notes wryly. 

Long Hair spends far too much time massaging the lotion into your skin. Calm down, Buffalo Bill. She doesn’t need that much sun protection. 

The only other girl there plucks the lotion bottle from Long Hair’s hands, much to Eddie’s relief, and Eddie turns his attention back to his boys. “You guys ready for the fireworks?” He tries to keep the enthusiasm in his voice. “Sun’s setting, so they’ll be starting soon.”

Ryan nods, chewing on a fry. “I wonder what colors they’ll have,” he muses. 

“Well, I wonder what would happen if I sat on a firework!” Luke pipes up with a mouthful of burger. “Like, would I fly into the sky? Or would it blow up in my butt?”

Eddie laughs loudly. “My money’s on the second one, little man.”

Your laughter floats over to Eddie on the breeze blowing off of the lake. He mentally berates himself, thinking of how he should be enjoying this family tradition with his boys and not be wondering if any of those guys you’re with are your boyfriend or if you’re sleeping with any of them or if…

“Daddy, what’s wrong?”

“Hmm?” Eddie looks up at Ryan’s worried face and frowns. “What do you mean?”

“Your lip,” Ryan says, pointing at the bottom half of his father’s face. “You were chewing on it, and it started bleeding.”

“Silly me,” Eddie says with a forced chuckle. He grabs one of the napkins from the Burger King bag and dabs at his lower lip. Luke has shifted to watch a game of volleyball happening on a court that someone set up and it gives Eddie the opportunity to scoot closer between his boys, so his back is to you and your friends. Maybe now he’ll be able to focus. 

It works for a while. The three of them finish their burgers and Luke is immediately complaining that he’s still hungry. Eddie tells the five-year-old he has to wait and tries to play a game with them to distract his youngest son from his rumbling tummy before the fireworks start. 

“Simon says put your hands on your head. Simon says give your brother a high five,” Eddie instructs as the boys eagerly await the next command. “Simon says stand up. Sit back down. Ah! I didn’t say ‘Simon says!’”

“I win!” Ryan cheers as Luke sprawls out on his beach towel with a groan. The familiar twinkling tune of an ice cream truck approaching has him bolting up, though. 

“Ice cream?” Luke stands up and balances on his tippy toes to get a better view at the parking lot. When his suspicions are confirmed, he hops up and down. “Ice cream! Daddy, can we get some? Pleeeeease?”

“Okay, okay,” Eddie says as if it’s a hardship for him to indulge his boys when in reality he’d already planned on getting ice cream for them at some point tonight. “Get me some too, okay?”

“Cookies and cream?” Ryan asks, citing his dad’s favorite flavor.

“Atta boy,” Eddie says, handing him a ten-dollar bill. Luke starts to walk away and towards the truck, but Eddie stops him with an, “ah-ah-ah. It’s crowded here. I don’t want you to lose each other so hold your brother’s hand.” When Luke opens his mouth to respond, a frown creasing his forehead and his nose wrinkling up, Eddie halts the whining before it even happens. “Hold your brother’s hand.”

“Fine,” Luke huffs and offers his hand to Ryan in the most limp, unenthusiastic manner possible. 

The two walk off and Eddie adjusts his position so he can keep an eye on his sons as they snake their way through the crowd and over to the ice cream truck that already has a line of a few kids in front of it. But from this new angle, Eddie can also see you out of the corner of his eye. A breath rushes out of him as if he’d been holding it since his eyes were last on you. Seeing you makes Eddie calmer and more tense at the same time. As always, your presence brings him comfort and happiness. But you’re with a bunch of guys your own age and the jealousy monster is rearing its ugly head like nobody’s business. Eddie looks down at his lap and his eye catches on his wedding ring, glinting in the fading sun.

“You’re a fucking hypocrite, Munson,” Eddie mumbles to himself. 

Unable to not look in your direction—I swear to God she’s got something magnetic about her, he thinks—Eddie sees you gazing out over the lake. You raise your hand above your eyes to shield them from the bright, falling sun and look around the whole area where people have settled in to have fun. Eddie’s just about to look away, not wanting to risk being caught staring at you if you spot him, when he sees one of your guy friends walking over to you. It’s not Long Hair from before. This guy is shorter and as muscly as the other guy was scrawny. Eddie can hear him calling your name, but you must be too caught up in your thoughts to hear him. Muscles reaches out and touches your arm to get your attention. As if seeing him just touching you isn’t bad enough, Eddie watches as you turn around to face Muscles, but the guy still doesn’t take his hand off of you. The tanned, muscular hand is slowly moving down your arm and a knot grows in Eddie’s stomach. If this asshole takes your hand, Eddie feels like he might throw up the burger he’s barely started digesting. 

Luckily, you move to walk back towards your group of friends before Muscles’s hand could reach yours. Eddie feels twenty pounds lighter. He turns back to look towards the parking lot and sees his sons approaching, Ryan holding an ice cream in each hand, and Luke holding one and holding onto the back of Ryan’s red t-shirt with the other hand. By the way his youngest son is rolling his eyes as they approach, Eddie realizes it was Ryan’s idea that Luke holds on to him. 

Ryan hands Eddie his scoop of cookies and cream, plopping back down to enjoy the mint chip cone he’d bought for himself. 

“DAD! OH MY GOD, DAD!!” Luke shouts, and Eddie nearly drops his cone. 

“What? What’s wrong?”

Luke points down towards the left. “Look at that doggy! He’s so cute!” Sure enough, a middle-aged couple is walking a golden retriever along the lake. Both boys sit up a bit straighter and watch as the owners toss a tennis ball into the water and the dog eagerly paddles after it. 

As Eddie’s heart rate steadies to a normal pace—seriously, he’s going to have to talk with Luke about using his “emergency voice” when it is not an emergency—he finds his gaze drifting back to you. He’s just in time to see Long Hair take the baseball cap from his own head and put it on top of yours. Eddie silently wills you to take it off, chuck it into the lake, set it on fire…but he’s utterly disappointed when you adjust it to your head and wear it proudly. 

Would she wear something of mine if I gave it to her? He silently wonders. He’s so engrossed in whatever flirtatious games you’re playing that he barely hears his older son trying to get his attention. 

“Daddy, your ice cream is leaking over the cone. Daddy! It’s getting runny and gonna drip! Daddy?”

“And whaddya keep looking that way for? The lake is that way!” Luke chimes in, face covered in cotton candy ice cream. 

“Y-Yeah, sorry, guys,” Eddie mumbles, but he keeps his gaze locked on you. A blonde guy wearing a puka shell necklace like he’s on Hawaii Five-0 points to a beach volleyball net that’s just been vacated, and you and your friends follow him. 

It’s two versus two; Muscles is serving as a referee for this game. You and Puka Shell are on a team, and Long Hair and the only other girl in your group stand on the other side of the net. You serve, the girl returns it, Puka Shell lobbies it to you, and you spike it back, surprising yourself. 

Eddie clenches his fist until he feels the ice cream cone begin to break when your teammate wraps his arms around you in a hug. Jesus H. Christ, whatever happened to high-fives? But he knows that he’d envy any little touch these guys got from you. 

He tries to distract himself, asking Ryan if he’s excited for his birthday, but he’s only half-listening. 

“What do you want for a gift?” he asks, raising his eyebrows when his sons look at him curiously. “What?”

“I just said I wanted a new Lego set,” Ryan says. He’s not annoyed, just confused. “Are you feeling okay, Daddy?”

“Maybe he has scurvy,” Luke suggests, “like the pirates in that movie we watched.”

“‘M fine,” Eddie reassures them. It takes a second for him to register what Luke’s suggested. “Did you just say I had scurvy?”

There’s no time for Luke to elaborate—not that Eddie necessarily wants him to—before your joyous squeal filters through the air. It seems as though you and Puka Shell won the game, because he’s twirling you around triumphantly. 

Does she want him picking her up? Touching her? Eddie’s inner monologue runs wild. Okay, she’s laughing and smiling, so that’s good. She’s fine with it; yeah, so that’s fine. Everything’s fine. We’re all fine here. She’s with her friends, I’m a married man here with my kids, and that’s all there is to it. 

The whistle and boom of the first firework lighting the sky is a welcome distraction. Ryan lets out a gasp as he stares in awe of the red shooting through the dark sky. Luke scoots backwards and plops himself in Eddie’s lap. He leans against Eddie’s chest and lays his head back on his shoulder as he becomes engrossed in the spectacle. It’s been a while since Luke’s sat in his lap like this, so it brings a smile to Eddie’s face. 

Mixtures of red, white, and blue fireworks crackle through the air, occasionally making shapes other than the usual spherical pattern that shimmies down. Eddie looks over at Ryan, who has a bright grin on his face. The red firework currently popping off leaves a scarlet shadow behind on his older son’s face. Beyond Ryan, Eddie glimpses a view of you watching the fireworks. You’re still with your friends, but you’re sitting a little bit in front of them with your legs crossed and your elbows resting on your knees. There’s a peaceful joy on your face and it makes Eddie’s heart give a few thumps harder than usual. Your friends behind you are talking but you couldn’t seem to care less about what they’re saying. You’re solely focused on the show in the sky. Eddie looks back at his kids and sees them just as mesmerized by the bursting colors. Luke snuggles back against his chest and Eddie is filled with warmth. He wraps his arms loosely around Luke and rests his head against his son’s smaller one as he looks up and joins in watching the celebration. 

By the time the fireworks are done, Eddie’s pretty sure his hearing is damaged. Didn’t I used to play in a metal band? Jesus, I’m getting old. Luke springs up from his dad’s lap and Ryan stands up and stretches his arms out over his head, releasing a long yawn. 

“How was that?” Eddie asks as he collects the beach towels they had been sitting on.

“So cool!” Luke says, jumping as if to emphasize his point. 

“I like the ones that make the fizzy noises as they go out,” Ryan says as he picks up the empty Burger King bag and balls it up in his hands. 

“My favorite are the ones that go pheeeeew,” Luke attempts to mimic the whistle, “then BANG!”

“What about you, Daddy?” Ryan asks. 

“Hmm,” Eddie hums as he considers the question. “The ones that were shaped like circles. They looked pretty cool. Okay, now come on and take my hands, guys. It’s gonna be like a stampede getting out of here.” Eddie tucks the towels under one arm and offers a hand to each son. 

They only make it about five steps before Luke is groaning. “It’s going to take forever to—hey! Look!”

Both Eddie and Ryan turn their heads to look in the direction that Luke is pointing. Eddie’s heart stalls in his chest. Luke’s grinning from ear to ear as he notices you walking with your friends. Ryan gives a gasp of delight when his eyes land on you as well. 

“I’m gonna go say hi!” Luke exclaims, and he’s already halfway to you before Eddie can even open his mouth. 

“Luke, I—ugh, shit.” Eddie mumbles the last part under his breath as he leads Ryan by the hand over to you and your friends. Luke is already in your arms by the time they get there. 

“And then the red one went higher than all the others! And I think it had the loudest boom, too,” Luke is saying. You look up and the brightest smile lights up your face as you see Eddie and Ryan standing there. 

“Hey, strangers,” you greet and Ryan dives in for a hug. You chuckle and wrap your arms around him too. 

Long Hair is standing to the side, slightly closer to Eddie than he is to you, and the rest of your friends are behind you. He gives a small chuckle at the intensity of the hugs the kids give you before turning to Eddie and saying, “You want a hug, too?”

You jab Long Hair in the ribs with your elbow, but that only makes him chuckle more and wrap an arm around you to pull you back against him. This time, Eddie notices, you don’t have the same enthusiastic grin that you had earlier in the evening. It takes everything in his power not to pry you from his arms. 

“I’ll see you guys on Monday, yeah?” you ask the Munson men, desperate to fill the silence. 

“Usual time and place,” Eddie says. The words would usually be accompanied by a wink or a smirk, but something about being around these college guys is grating on his nerves and it’s the closest he’s felt to being intimidated since he was a senior in high school—the first time. 

“Bye!” both boys call and wave at you before walking away with their dad. You wave in return, but it looks pitiful compared to their enthusiastic ones. 

As soon as they’re out of earshot, you pull out of your friend's arm and spin around to face him. “Peter, do you ever shut up?”

“Calm down,” Peter says, exhaling a sound that’s a mixture of a laugh and a scoff. “This guy’s old enough to be your dad.”

Tony smirks and rests a muscled arm on Paul’s shoulder. “Maybe she’s into the whole ‘daddy’ thing.”

The eye roll you give them is involuntary. “You guys are assholes!” 

Turning on your flip flop heel, you spin in the other direction and jog a bit until you catch up with Eddie and the boys. 

“Hey! Where are you going?” Paul asks.

A soft, gentle hand lands on Eddie’s shoulder and he looks back to see you offering him an apologetic smile. 

“I’m sorry if my friends were weird…and I’m sorry if I’m making this weirder.”

Eddie’s entire demeanor changes; despite having to watch you flirt with those douchebags—and then being mocked by them—he can’t help but soften towards you. “Nah, Sweetheart, you’re good. Be safe tonight, okay?” Be safe? Seriously, Munson? What are you, her grandpa?

You don’t seem to notice the way he bites his tongue, trying to quell the surge of embarrassment. “I always am,” you say reassuringly. “See you Monday?”

Eddie nods as you turn around to head back to your friends, utterly oblivious to the way your natural beauty outshines the brightest firework tonight. You’re everything he could ever want, but you’re young and gorgeous with a million better prospects than an old married man. 

He takes one last look at you before he brings the boys to the car. The passenger seat is empty, and he wears a sad smile when he thinks about you sitting there, excitedly chatting with him and the kids about the evening. Eddie would rest his hand on your thigh while he drives back home, and once Ryan and Luke are sound asleep, you and Eddie could make some fireworks of your own. 

Shaking his head, Eddie pulls out from the parking spot and braces himself for the holiday traffic. He grumbles some swear words under his breath, flicking on the radio to the first station that doesn’t have commercials. 

“…say I’m not so tough, just because I’m in love with an uptown girl.”

He leans back in his seat and taps out the rhythm on the steering wheel. Funny, he’s never really been a Billy Joel fan, but something about this song reminds him of—

“Dad! Luke’s looking at me!”

“He looked at me first!”

“Both of you close your eyes,” Eddie orders. He can’t see whether or not they listened, but the squabbling stopped, so he’ll consider it a victory. 

“Uptown girl, she’s my uptown girl…”

#eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x y/n #older!eddie #eddie munson fic #eddie munson fan fiction #eddie munson fanfic #AYW #AYWs

[david-talks-sw]

So, why should I care about Lucas’s narrative? Like seriously why should I care? Not to sound dismissive but a genuine curiosity? Man sold it for one thing and the EU and the fans that made it showed Star Wars was may more then his narrative at some point.

If anything Star Wars moved beyond Lucas’s narrative even before he sold it. Even from a grande perspective his narrative stopped mattering in some sense the minute A New Hope arrived and became a hit.

Oh, you're free not to care about it.

But the fact remains:

When Lucasfilm creatives promote new content, they’ll use George as an authority figure to legitimize what they say.

Big chunks of the fandom do the same by using Lucas’ words to make authority arguments on why they believe the new films and the current direction of the franchise is good or bad.

Seeing as there seems to be a general consensus that Lucas’ word holds some power, I'd rather set the record straight on what he actually stated and intended.

You totally can just say “death of the author, what Lucas intended or what he said outside the movies doesn’t matter, what matters is what’s actually on screen” and I’d have nothing to counter that argument with because this is a subjective stance. We can debate its merits, but that’d result in a much larger discussion about the place of authorial intent in fiction.

But again, you can discard my posts and analyses by simply saying:

“I don’t care what Lucas stated, I’m a free-thinker and I can interpret any movie I watch however I want.” 

At which point, the only answer I can give you is “cool, good for you”. 

You wouldn’t be the only person I’ve met who takes this approach, either. I have friends who are older than me, saw the Original Trilogy films in theaters and felt Lucas’ dropped the ball as early as Episode VI: Return of the Jedi or the Special Editions, let alone the Prequel films. These friends don’t put Lucas on the same pedestal as everyone else seems to do, and flat out tell me:

“David, either the Jedi are the problem or the Prequels are bad, I don’t care what Lucas was going for, the result is crap and the only thing that makes it all have some degree of sense is that interpretation.”

And I mean… what do I say to that? What can you say to that? That’s a personal interpretation of a movie, it’s not an opinion that’s less valid than anyone else’s. 

But when I’m taking this approach, I’m not saying “your read of the movie is inferior to that of George Lucas” (unless you confer some degree of power to his word, as the creator of the franchise).

All I’m saying is “Lucas’ message was X”. 

You can agree with the message, you can disagree with the message, the message may be factually/morally/philosophically right or wrong, that’s all debatable. 

I’m just pointing out that, when you look at all the data and you go by what George Lucas stated, it’s X, not Y, like most of the fandom and even authors of the franchise seems to keep stating.

Finally, on a personal note:

I don't like the fact that every time I see my childhood heroes on screen, nowadays, they're portrayed as protocol-worshipping stoic assholes.

I don't like that 90% of the fandom thinks that's how they're meant to be seen when the data demonstrates it's not.

I don't like that the reason my childhood heroes keep being portrayed in this uncharitable light is because the fans from the generation prior to mine - whom these characters weren't meant for - wanted to ensure that their childhood hero, Luke Skywalker, would be preserved as "the ultimate Jedi" and concluded that the only way to do so would be to reframe the Prequel Jedi as dogmatic and emotionless.

So now the OT fans have Luke, the Sequel fans have Rey, the TCW fans have Ahsoka... all unsullied protagonists.

Whereas pro-Jedi PT fans need to mentally ready themselves for when Lucasfilm decides to release the nth "Windu was more strict than a droid" case.

#QnA #jedi order #george lucas

[pagesfromthevoid]

One-shot fic request:

Favorite song in Taylor Swift's Midnights album + Din Djarin x Reader

I...do not know what this is, honestly.

Celebrate 2.6k with me!

Snow on the Beach | d.d.

Din Djarin x jedi!fem!reader

Word Count: 1.7k

“You are Jedi,” the Mandalorian stated, voice gruff from being thrown on his back. He was staring at the emerald saber that hovered just over his throat. 

She kneeled on his chest, pinning him down, as she stared down at him from under her cloak hood. It had been a long time since someone gave her such a fight; she was used to having the upper hand in most battles. 

Master Skywalker had warned her he would fight; he was a Mandalorian, after all. It was in their very nature. However, she liked feeling matched blow for blow; it was a rare treat. So yes, maybe she went against her better judgment and picked a fight with the Mandalorian. It was no accident that she snuck up on him instead of simply approaching without her weapons drawn.

And he fought fiercely, holding his ground against her. His beskar spear blocked each strike of her lightsaber, and even as she was shoved away from him –she did not draw back or yield. Truthfully, she was enjoying the fight –like a dance she would always know, with a partner that knew every count.

But all good things must end, and she had finally used the Force to confuse him just long enough to distract him and drop him on his back. He let out a breath as the air was knocked from his lungs, then she found the most accessible spot on his body –the only piece of him not covered in beskar –and held her lightsaber as close as she could without causing actual damage.

“I am,” she replied simply, pressing her knee further into his chest. While she was certain it didn’t actually hurt him, since he was wholly protected by his armor, she hoped that he got the message. “And I am not your enemy, Din Djarin.”

“How do you know my name?” He demanded as she stared at her reflection in his visor. 

“Jedi know many things,” she explained, pulling back from him. Her saber retracted and found its place on her belt once more, then she extended her hand to him. “However, I was told by Master Skywalker.”

He huffed in frustration, the sound catching in his modulator, as he took her hand and hauled himself up. The touch of their hands lit something within her, and even through the worn leather of his gloves, she could feel it. Her eyes narrowed for a moment, staring up at him as he stood up straight and returned her gaze.

“Did you come to take the Child back?” Din Djarin inquired, hand reaching for his blaster –but it wasn’t there.

She had thought ahead, tossing the blaster away from him. But she nodded to where it lay, giving him a knowing smile. “I don’t intend to take the Child, no. I was sent by Master Skywalker to continue his training, however.”

“The kid chose to come with me,” he reminded her, helmet barely tilting towards where his blaster lay.

“Yes, I know,” she offered with a nod. “Which is why I am also coming with you.”

The Mandalorian stared blankly down at her, and she took note of her reflection in his. Her eyes were tired, and the lines on her face showed her age and the stress she lived with daily. Life had been…emotionally abusive, if not physically as well. There were so few Jedi left in the galaxy, and even fewer part of the Jedi Order still. She had not been a member of the Order in a long time, having grown disillusioned with the life she was forced to live for many years. 

There was a quiet longing inside her; a need that being a Jedi did not satiate and never would. But it was never easy to find someone who understood her path in life; people rarely understood the way of the Jedi, if they even remembered the Jedi once existed. It had been part of the reason she had stayed with Master Skywalker –he understood what she was longing for, even if he could not provide it. 

And now she spent her days with Master Luke, attempting to collect children who show signs of Force sensitivity –to rebuild what had been lost.

“I don’t have room for you,” Din Djarin argued, looking to the Child who was playing with a metal ball. “I barely have room for him.”

“I don’t take up much room,” she promised, giving him a teasing smile. “And unfortunately, Mandalorian, you don’t have much of a choice in this matter. The Child needs to hone his skills —I am here to provide him that guidance while he remains in your care.”

The Mandalorian stared down at her for a long time, as if considering his options. Not that he had many of them –it was either accept her joining or fight one another again, lose to her and she comes regardless. Finally, he let out a deep sigh and nodded his head, conceding defeat. 

"Fine," he said gruffly. But even with his helmet hiding his emotions, she could feel his eyes on her. Watching her. Sizing her up. "For the kid’s sake.”

She gave him a grin, offering her hand to him as she properly introduced herself. He hesitated, taking it once again. The fuse was lit by just the touch of their hands as he accepted that he would be stuck with her until otherwise noted. 

——————————

The following weeks with the Mandalorian and the Child were…chaotic.

The Mandalorian picked up various jobs in his travels, all of which seemed to only cause him tremendous grief. And while she knew he was a skilled fighter –after all, she had experienced it herself –he was…very easily distracted. Even if she offered to help him –he would often refuse, telling her to stay with the Child and protect him. Which would often result in the Mandalorian being shot. 

Or nearly drowned. 

Or nearly eaten. 

And she would swoop in to save him each time, without hesitation. 

He was a weird man, Din Djarin. Weird, but alluring nonetheless.

There was a distinct coldness he showed her most days, whether it was him simply ignoring her when she spoke or doing the complete opposite of what she suggested. And while it bothered her some, it was nothing she was not used to. If he was truly Mandalorian, then he knew that the Jedi and Mandalorians were once enemies. Perhaps he believed this still –perhaps he only put up with her because of the Child and his needs.

But then, there were days when he was kind. Holding doors open, speaking to her of his time with the Child with a fondness that made her heart ache, offering her his quarters in order to sleep in a bed. 

There was a warmness that was under all that cold beskar, and the more she assessed his character –the more she was growing to like him.

“You care very much for Grogu,” she commented one evening –a good evening, where he was not ignoring her. “He cares for you too, you know.”

The Child cooed as he lifted a frog into the air with the Force, and she waved her fingers just barely –hardly noticeable –and the frog splayed across Grogu’s face. The Child giggled in excitement, prying the frog’s legs from his face to hold it up. The Mandalorian was watching her closely, taking in what she was doing. 

“He’s going to eat that,” the Mandalorian pointed out –just as Grogu did just that. But he reached over and pulled the frog from Grogu’s mouth and set it free.

“Does he eat many frogs?” She asked, leaning forward to put her hands to the fire before them. “Master Skywalker did not typically allow him to play with the creatures at the school.”

“He’s a kid,” the Mandalorian reminded her, as if she was the one who didn’t let Grogu play. “I think all kids eat things they shouldn’t.”

She couldn’t help but laugh as she nodded in agreement. “Children are odd creatures in and of themselves. I believe Force sensitive ones are even stranger, though.”

“Why do you say that?”

For a moment, she hesitated in her answer. It had been a long time since she talked of her past –of her life prior to becoming a Jedi. It was not a story she liked to share, nor did she have a reason to share it. It was easier to accept that her life as a youngling was over, and would not return –no matter how she wished it did sometimes.

But the way he was looking at her –and she knew he was; something tugged at the Force flow around her and she knew well that his gaze was on her as he asked –and perhaps the stars had aligned for this moment.

“I was a strange child,” she admitted, looking down at her hands. “I was…different, obviously. And other children…they found me off putting because I could do things that other people could not. No one particularly wanted to play with the odd girl with magical abilities.” The Mandalorian watched her still, even as Grogu toddled into his lap and tugged on the torn fabric of his cape. “I did not mind as a child, but as I grew up and was taken in by the Jedi Order –I realized that I was not odd. ”

“Were your parents not Jedi?” He asked, and there was just a slight tilt to his head that showed his interest in her.

“Jedi have been near extinct for many years now,” she explained, looking into the flames for several moments. “If my parents were, I would never know –I was raised an orphan, taken in by home for the lost on Naboo.”

The Mandalorian nodded, turning his attention back to Grogu, who was looking up at him. “It sounds like your kind –Jedi –are often raised as orphans. My people refer to children saved from battle as foundlings. I was a foundling.”

She looked up at him, surprised by the admission. And suddenly…she was unglued. “Perhaps we are not so different after all, then, Mandalorian.”

“Din,” he corrected, and she let herself assume he was smiling at her under his helmet. “And perhaps not.”

#din djarin #din djarin x reader #din djarin imagine #din djarin fic #the mandalorian x reader #the mandalorian #mando x reader

[himboskywalker]

Soooooo final thoughts on the Kenobi show miss Tag?

Sobbing, we were given everything we wanted isn’t it great?

But really we were pretty much given everything and even after a couple stolen hours of sleep I’m still just reeling. Because it was so Godamn good guys,like everything about it was as close to perfect as we could get. Literally everything I wanted from this show,the Hero’s journey arc for Obi-Wan,force visions/flashbacks of Anakin,Vaderwan fight scenes,an open faced Hayden as Vader scene, I not only got,but I got masterfully done. Everything was handled with such deference and love and it’s so evident that for Deborah and Ewan and Hayden,this was at its core a passion project that all mattered dearly to them. And that soul and dedication and care truly shines through in the weighted moments they give the characters and the narrative arcs that really mean something.

Others have mentioned on here how good the show is simply for leaning in on the themes that Star Wars is built on. Good and light and goodness will always prevail against hate and evil. Kindness is the foundation of the Jedi,letting go is tantamount to growth and happiness. The Kenobi series,reduced down to its bare bones,actually understands what Star Wars is about. And it’s narratives boiled down even further is to Obi-Wan and Anakin and forgiveness and holding on.

Obi-Wan’s arc is relearning himself,relearning to be a Jedi and to have faith in people and to forgive himself. Anakin’s is to cement himself in his own agony and inability to let go,to become the Darth Vader Obi-Wan faces Nine years later. You truly cannot have one without the other,where Kenobi goes Skywalker follows,and however you look at these men you cannot untangle them,or truly examine their characters without the other.

But on a less thematic perfectness vein,the choreography was also stunning. The evolution of Obi-Wan through his movements and his fighting. Can you believe episode one opened with a bent and weathered Obi who looked closer to Alec Guinness than the Ewan we know? He is haggard and worn and weak,and through the narrative he puts on his robes and takes up his saber and slowly learns to have faith and to use the force again. And by the finale he is the great Jedi Master General Obi-Wan Kenobi,falling into his iconic opening of Soresu and leveling an entire battlefield of rocks with the force. The lightsaber scenes were spectacular,and as much a story in themselves as the dialogue and emotional arc.

And I think the ending was perfect. Obi-Wan gets closure as much as he’s capable of,he is ready to move on. And after the wretched devastation that is the Anakin/Obi final fight,we end on a note of happiness and hope. Obi-Wan gets to meet Luke and Lobby that Hello There line,we see him actual to god laugh when he didn’t even smile for ten years. He finally communes with Qui-Gon,is finally looking to the future rather than the past.

In all I think it was brilliant,better than I could have ever hoped for. It better win awards,the world better prostrate themselves at Hayden’s feet and beg for forgiveness when he is such a stunningly phenomenal actor and a fucking wonderful person to boot. I want Roman parades of victory,I want to throw myself into the sun so I can stop having so many feelings.

#star wars #Star Wars meta #obi wan kenobi #anakin skywalker #kenobi series spoilers #kenobi series #obi wan kenobi spoilers #kenobi spoilers

[dailydragon08]

Breathe With Me Part II

Summary: Luke is determined that you end your day on a good, relaxed note. Pairing: Luke Skywalker x Gender Neutral!Reader Rating: M Warnings: crying/emotional reader, steamy makeout session,  illusions to past/future smut (not described, just as in "this has  happened before/could happen  in the future"). A/N: Reposting AGAIN. Again, tried to write it so you can insert any  era of Luke you want (no  idea how soon after ANH he became a commander). Please let me know if  you want a part 3 with Luke and reader's vacation! Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated. Masterlist can be found linked in my pinned post on my blog (which includes a link to part 1; Tumblr is weird about links with me sometimes and if I link things, it gets lost in the ether, so please take a look if you’re interested!). Enjoy!

***

You went to take a sip out of your water, sighing when only a few drops slid down your throat. You glanced at the empty mug and set it back down on the table harder than you meant to, wincing as Threepio startled and looked at you. “Sorry, didn’t mean to do that,” you mumbled, turning back to your datapad. 

“Oh, it’s quite all right,” Threepio replied. Artoo whistled next to him. 

You tried to concentrate on the files Leia had sent you, but everything was jumbling together into an incoherent mess in your mind. You set the pad down and leaned back in your chair, rubbing at your eyes as you looked around the mostly empty conference room back on the rebel base. “You know, you guys don’t have to stand here if you don’t want. I won’t mind if you need to leave.”

“Oh, well,” Threepio motioned to his companion, “Master Luke instructed us to stick close to you. He mentioned you’d been under a lot of stress and wanted us available to you in case you needed any assistance.”

Your heart swelled and you chewed on your fingernail, unsure what to say. He was always so sweet and thoughtful. “Do you know when he’ll be back?”

Artoo beeped as an arm shot out of one of his sockets, grabbing your empty mug by the handle and speeding out of the room. You watched him with a frown before returning your eyes to the protocol droid. 

“Oh, I suppose it should be any minute now. I don’t believe they went far from base.”

You nodded your thanks, feeling tears fill your eyes as Artoo wheeled back over to you. He whirred softly as he set your now full cup of water back down on the table in front of you. You patted his head and smiled, picking up your datapad again to message Leia. 

Will it be an issue if I get these files back to you tomorrow instead?

She replied instantly. Not at all. Is it bad again today?

Yeah. Really bad. 

I’m sorry things got too hectic for a vacation once we all got back. I just freed up some time, so why don’t you let me take care of those files? If you send Threepio my way to help, it shouldn’t be an issue for me. Go get some rest. You’ve earned it. Luke is with me now giving a report. He’s almost done and I’ll send him your way as soon as we finish.

Thank you, ILYSM.

ILY too. Now go rest.

You sighed, sending Threepio to aid the princess as requested before trudging down the hall. Artoo stayed faithfully by your side, determined to carry your water for you. Since Luke had become a commander, he got his own small, but private quarters. You had your own bunk assigned to you with the others, but you frequented Luke’s room so often, people usually looked for you there first. You buzzed the code into the keypad—still feeling your stomach do somersaults at the fact that Luke made your name his passcode—and flopped down on the mattress. 

You glanced around for a moment before burying your face in the pillow and letting the Jedi’s familiar scent wash over you. Doing all he did for the rebellion had its perks (mainly thanks to Leia): a double bed, his own private refresher complete with a bathtub (a small tub, but still a tub), a mini fridge, a small counter complete with storage, a kettle, and burner, and even a screen that came down out of the ceiling to go with his projector. It was initially intended for meetings with others off base, but you and Luke had used it for watching holos whenever you got the chance. 

Artoo dimmed the lights as your eyes drooped, using one of his little arms once more to pull the blanket over you. He struggled with the thick material and you smiled, helping him pull it the rest of the way over your shoulders. “Thanks, buddy.”

He chirped happily before settling beside you to wait for Luke. 

***

A gentle shake on your shoulder pulled you out of your slumber. You’d ended up crying yourself to sleep, the box of tissues Artoo had brought from the refresher still on the bed beside you. Luke sat beside you on the bed, staring down at you with concern as he moved the tissues to his nightstand and brushed some leftover tear tracks away with his thumb. “Hey, starflower.”

“Hi,” you warbled as he kissed your forehead. 

He gently brushed your hair away from your face. “Guess what?”

“What?”

“Leia managed to get us both five days off.”

You stared at him in amazement. “Five? But won’t they need us? Especially you?”

“Things are calm enough now that they’ll manage.”

“But what if something happens?”

“Then they’ll call us, but Leia seems to think we’ll be fine. Even Mothma agreed. Now scoot over.”

You did as told and he climbed into the bed with you, pulling you tight against his chest. He kissed your forehead again, his hands gently wandering from your hair to your cheek, jaw, and neck. His fingers wrapped around the back, massaging the tension away. You weren’t sure how long you laid there, dozing on and off with Luke peppering your face with kisses and massaging your sore muscles. His soothing voice whispered sweet nothings in your ear as he nuzzled into you, smoothing a hand up and down your back and squeezing you tight. 

“Does anything in particular sound good?” he asked. “Or do you want me to take the lead?”

“Um…” you hesitated. The dimmed lights made a blue, almost hyperspace-like glow in Luke’s room. That, combined with the steady beat of his heart against your ear, made you feel like you could breathe deeply for the first time in weeks. “I’m having trouble thinking right now, so do you…” you glanced up at him, “Do you mind taking the lead?”

“Of course I will.” His thumb brushed against your cheek before he left a soft kiss on your lips, then your nose, cheeks, and forehead. “Will you be okay if I get up and get some things ready for a few minutes?”

You nodded, reluctantly extracting yourself from his hold. He kissed the back of your hand as he slid out of bed, clinging to you until you were out of reach. He murmured a few things to his astromech that you ignored as you let your eyes slide closed again. You hugged Luke’s pillow to your chest, inhaling his scent and pretending he was still holding you. You heard him moving around the room, prying your eyes open long enough to see him rooting around in his mini fridge as Artoo whizzed down the hallway at top speed like he always did whenever Luke sent him on a mission. Their closeness made you smile as you closed your eyes again. 

You had almost slipped into sleep again when you heard Artoo hustle back in with a series of excited beeps, followed by the sound of running water and a plunk. You opened your eyes to Luke gently stroking your cheek, tucking your hair behind your ear as he pulled you into a sitting position. “Mmkay, sweetheart, let’s get you out of these clothes.”

“Mmm, kinky.”

He chuckled. “Not like that.” He brushed his lips against your neck, just below your ear, as he helped you undo your pants. “But if you want, I’m more than happy to help with that. But no pressure if you’d rather just relax and cuddle.”

You lifted your hips as Luke slid your bottoms and underwear off in one go. “I’m…not sure I could get in the right headset for that to feel good right now. I’m sorry. Is it okay if we just see how I feel?”

“Of course.” Luke lifted your shirt over your head. “You never have to apologize and you’re never obligated to do anything.” He pressed his lips to your forehead before shrugging off his jacket and rolling his sleeves to his elbows. Before you could admire his forearms and hands for too long, he disappeared into the refresher again and you heard the water stop. He hurried back out and carried bridal style to the refresher. He set you down in the now full tub of warm water, complete with a lavender bath bomb. 

“Where did you even find this?”

“Leia had a few. She knew you were stressed, so told me I could use some if I needed them. I hope the lavender is okay. The scent is supposed to help you relax.”

You nodded, leaning back in the tub. “Yeah, it’s perfect.” You sighed as you felt the exhaustion hit you like a freight train, bringing more tears to your eyes. “Ugh, no, I thought I was done.” You buried your face in your hands, leaning your elbows against your thighs in the water. 

Luke rubbed your back. “Just let it out. Do you want some space or company?”

“Don’t go,” you mumbled into your hands. 

“I’m not going anywhere.” You felt him kiss your hair before gathering it behind you and tying it into a loose bun. “You left a hair tie here last time. Who knew you forgetting things would end up being so convenient?”

You let your hands fall into the water, huffing out a meager laugh as Luke took your favorite body wash—which had found a home in his refresher—and spread it over his hands. “I mean, I practically live here anyway, so does it really count as forgetting?” You groaned as Luke’s hands smoothed over your body, gently working out the knots as he came across them. 

He laughed and the sound further relaxed your muscles. “I guess not.” He hesitated, gently pushing you to lean back so he could rub the body wash over more of you. “You know…if you did just want to…move all your stuff in here, I wouldn’t mind.”

You glanced at him hopefully. “Is that allowed?”

He shrugged, rubbing your thighs. You couldn’t help but admire the veins and tanned skin of his forearms. You always forgot how large his hands were until you saw them compared to you, making you melt every time. “I doubt it would cause too much of a ruckus. Command knows you’re in here more often than your own quarters anyway and no one’s said anything yet. Plus, I am also part of command. I could pull a few strings…if you want.” His blue eyes looked at you hopefully, nervousness tinging their edges. 

“Are…” you paused to groan slightly as his hands moved to your sore calf muscles, “are you sure you want me to?”

He smiled and the lovestruck look in his eyes made you want to cry again. “More than anything.” 

Your stomach flipped and you smiled shyly at him before nodding. 

His face lit up. “Is that a yes?”

You smiled. “Yeah.”

He flashed a toothy grin at you before squeezing your thigh and pressing a deep kiss to your lips. You pressed your forehead to his for a few seconds before you both laughed, kissing him again before his hands traveled to your ankles and feet. 

You glanced at his hair and chuckled. “I think it might be a bit humid in here.”

He laughed. “Well, I know how you like your water to be Mustafar temperatures.”

You couldn’t help the loud laugh that bubbled up out of you. “Your hair’s so fluffy.” 

He smiled before shaking his head vigorously, making it fluff up even more. “If you tell anyone else that nickname, I’ll get you back.”

“What, you don’t wanna hear them call Commander Floofwalker over the loudspeakers?”

He laughed. “No. Especially Han will never let me live that down.”

“I mean, you have similar haircuts, so I bet his does it too—oh, Maker, imagine poor Chewie.”

Luke laughed so hard, he had to pause in massaging your feet. “Oh no, that would be bad. We might not be able to get him through the door to the Falcon’s cockpit.” 

“I’m sure Han would love having a bunch of poofy fur in his way while he’s trying to pilot.”

“Just flying like pleh pleh pleh.”

You giggled, admiring his smile as he met your eyes.

“It’s good to hear you laugh again. I love your laugh.” He smoothed a hand up your calf and back onto your thigh. “And your legs.”

Your smile faded a bit. “Are you sure? I’m a little insecure about them.”

“I know you are. But they’re perfect, I promise.” He kissed the part of your knee that poked out over the water. “Every part of you is. But you are turning into a giant wrinkle, so I think that means it’s time to get out.”

He helped you up and out of the tub, pulling the drain and drying you off with your favorite fluffy towel. “Now,” he kissed your jaw, “do you want Artoo to go grab some clothes from your room or just wear mine?”

You fixed him with a look. “You know the answer to that one.”

He smiled before wrapping an arm around your shoulders and pulling you into the bedroom with him. He put his hands on your shoulders and gently sat you down on the edge of his bed before turning on the burner and setting the kettle on top of it. He pulled a mug and hot chocolate pack out of the cabinet before making his way to his dresser. After gently pulling a black v-neck shirt over your head and helping you step into his boxers, he left a soft kiss on the inside of your thigh. 

As he stood, you pulled out the hair tie, the motion making the collar slip off one shoulder. You glanced up as Luke blew a slow breath out his mouth, his eyes tracking the movement hungrily. You chuckled nervously. “What?”

“Just…” Luke shook his head, shuddering out another breath as his blushing face filled with awe. “When your hair sort of just rains down like that combined with the off-the-shoulder….”

You laughed. “You okay over there?”

He laughed breathlessly, stepping between your legs and pulling you flush against him. “Yeah.” He pressed a deep kiss to your lips, his hands roaming underneath the fabric of his shirt to glide over your skin. Your lips moved in tandem as his hands, still warm from the bath water, slowly traced up and down the sides of your torso and spine. He gasped softly as you dipped your tongue into his mouth, returning the gesture as his hands moved over the top of your shirt, his fingers barely grazing over your chest to cup your face. His hands were large enough that his thumbs could still stroke your cheeks while his fingers wrapped around the back of your neck. You slid your hands up his chest, feeling the toned muscle beneath his shirt, slipping into his hair and giving it a gentle tug. He shuddered out a shaky exhale and you felt his knees buckle slightly as he leaned against the bed. 

Before you could continue, the kettle started whistling. Luke continued kissing you, hands wandering, for several seconds as the whistling intensified. You laughed against his lips. “Luke—”

He cut you off with another kiss, murmuring a hmm? into your mouth. You pushed against his chest and he finally pulled away with a dazed expression on his face. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, but your kettle.”

He frowned. “Huh?” His eyes widened as the whistling increased in intensity, his head whipping around so fast his hair flew with him. “Oh!”

You laughed as he rushed over to the kettle, taking it off the burner and depositing the hot chocolate pack’s contents into the mug. “I thought Jedis were supposed to be focused.”

He chuckled as he poured the steaming water over the powder. “I was focused, just not on the kettle…Oh, I’m out of spoons…uhhh…” He hesitated before swirling his fingers several inches above the cup. 

You laughed harder. “Are you Force-stirring?”

He laughed with you. “Maybe?”

You clutched at your stomach. “Artoo is literally holding a spoon in his arm.”

“No, he’s—oh.”

Artoo beeped, holding a plastic spoon from the cafeteria in one of his pinchers. 

You doubled over on the bed. “Maker, Luke.”

“You got me a bit frazzled, okay?” The sound of his bright laugh filled the room and your chest. He took the spoon from the droid before stirring the mug before him. “It’s not my fault you’re so attractive. I’m over here trying to pamper you and you’re making fun of me.”

“And I appreciate it. I love you. I’m sorry.”

He smiled, his joy so palpable and radiating, you wondered if this was how he felt when he sensed your emotions through the Force. “I love you too.” He handed you the mug, watching you lovingly as you took the first sip. “Is it warm enough? Taste okay?”

You nodded, setting it down on the nightstand and scooting over, patting the space beside you. 

He climbed in next to you, using the Force to push the button that brought the screen down. He took his datapad from a drawer in the nightstand and fired up the projector, his library of downloaded holomovies lighting up the tarp. Pulling you against his chest, he left a soft, lingering kiss on your forehead before holding the pad out to you. “You pick. Then we can get some dinner, sleep, and decide if we want to just relax here for the next few days or fly anywhere you want.”

#star wars #luke skywalker #star wars x reader #star wars imagine #star wars fluff #star wars comfort #star wars fanfiction #luke skywalker x reader #luke skywalker imagine #luke skywalker fanfiction #luke skywalker comfort #luke skywalker fluff #gender neutral reader #luke skywalker x gn!reader #my writing

[write-and-wander]

Touch: Chapter 5

Pairing:  Kylo Ren x Fem!Reader

Warnings:  Swearing, angst, and my version of Luke Skywalker's redemption

Word count:  3.5K

Author’s note: This chapter is a bit more OC!Reader heavy, but it's important for the set-up for the rest of the story. I was sure to break it up with more Kylo interaction, but I thought I'd give a heads-up on that before you dive in! Thank you to those of you still reading- we're almost there :)

(Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4)

Chapter 5: Father’s Will

You pull away from the embrace, trying to grab at one of the seemingly thousands of thoughts racing through your mind, but each one passes by too quickly. 

The man notices your overwhelmed look and speaks up first with a soft smile, “did he send you here?”

You shake your head, unsure of who “he” was.  His face falls, brows furrowing ever so slightly.  You turn back toward your ship and, after some sifting, pull out the strange pyramid you’ve been holding onto all these years.  You hold it out towards him.  “I think this belonged to my parents.  I…  I don’t really know how, but it brought me to you.  You’re Luke, right?”

The concern on his face grows as he steps forward, taking the pyramid from your hands.  He stares down at it.  “This was for Doron.”

“Who-”

Before the word- much less the full question- could find its way out of your mouth, he throws the pyramid against the rocky cliff beside you.  You both watch as the green glass shatters and the stone frame crumbles onto the ground.

One of the few things you had left of the parents you had yet to remember was now gone.

The man in front of you just stares at the broken pieces, silent.

Eyes wide, too stunned even to scream (though you really want to), you turn your attention back to him.  “What- why?”

“There’s one person I know who's clever enough to pull something like that.  And I want to make sure no one does it again.”

“What are you talking about?”

He finally turns to you.  “That device wasn’t meant for you, or for any of us.  I… Reprogramed it, in a way.  But for you to be here, Doron must have figured me out, and then did the same thing.  I can’t risk anyone else finding me, or this place.  Especially when the only other people that would want a device like that are Sith.”

“Wait, Sith?”

He nods.

Running your hands through your hair in exasperation, you let out a long breath and sit on one of the rocks beside the two of you.  “Okay, I’m going to need you to start from the beginning.  I have no idea what’s happening or what my place is in all of… whatever this is.”

Warm laughter echoes against the cliffside as he moves to sit beside you.  “Well, to start, you have a few things right.  I am Luke, and this,” he says, gesturing to the wooden box still in his hand, “does belong to me, and that,” he adds, pointing to the pile of broken pieces behind the two of you, “did belong to one of your parents.  But that isn’t really where all of this started.”

You wait for a while, in silence.  “Okay…” You say, dragging out the end of the word as you try to think.  “So where does ‘this’ all start?”

“That will be something you need to find out for yourself.”  Luke stands.  “You’re here so I can help finish what Doron started; and that begins with some training-”

“Training?”

“It won’t be quite like the training I, or even Doron, went through.  I’ve lived far too long to continue the Jedi code like that-”

“Jedi?”

“You don’t need to worry so much about the things you don't understand yet,” he adds, watching you with a glimmer of mirth in his eyes.  “You will come to understand it in time.  All I need to know is if you’re willing.”

“I don’t know.”

“You need to.  Are you willing?”

You pause for a moment, leaning back.  Am I willing?  Willing to do what?  To learn, perhaps.  To learn who I am.  To learn why I'm here.  To learn about my parents.  To learn what I should do next.  To learn if there’s a reason why Vilya came to me, why Kylo took me, and why I'm here with Luke now.  I have no idea what it would bring, but considering the current situation and the options I have…  But then what does it mean for me moving forward?

“I’m not sure,” you finally answer.

“Well, you can go home, or you can start tomorrow.”  Luke stands.  “The choice is yours,” he says as he turns and begins to head down further into the island. 

“Wait!”  You call after him.  He stops, half turning back to you.  “I can’t stay. I've only got one day.  If I stayed for too long, they’d know I was gone.”

“They?  You mean-“

“The Order.  Kylo Ren.”

Luke’s face falls.

“You know him?”

“I do.  Be careful around him.”

“What do you mean?” You ask in a lowered voice, jogging towards Luke.

He sighs, his expression difficult to read as he seemingly relives countless memories.  “He’s one of the few people I’ve failed in my life.  I tried to train him when he was a boy, but after all the work I put into rebuilding what my father had destroyed and seeing the things I’ve seen, I was scared.  And when you’re scared, you act on impulse.  And it pushed him away, toward the dark side.”  Luke takes a breath.  “I tried to talk with him- to make it right- but his anger drove him to listen to just about anyone else...   I know there’s good in him.  I’m sure you can sense it too-”

“I-”

“Be patient with him, but be cautious while he finds his way back to the light.  He’s already done things worth regretting, and I’m sure he has more mistakes to make before you can guide him back.”

“Me?”

“That’s part of why you’re here, isn't it?”

“I’m here for my own answers-”

“Your answers are his too.”

You stand for a moment, questions building up your brain. 

Luke shakes his head. “It will all make sense soon, padawan.”  Luke takes your hand, guiding you- still wordless- back to your ship.  “Think on it, meditate on it.  Do what feels right to you... And come back when you’re willing.”

You nod, stepping into your ship. 

Luke begins to walk away, the wooden box in hand. 

“Thank you, Luke,” you whisper under your breath. 

Though the engines roared and you barely whispered those words, you could have sworn Luke heard them somehow, as he turned around the moment you uttered them.  With a smile, a nod, and a short wave, he watches you take off from the planet and head back to Coruscant.

You pick up the tracker from your home and attach it back to your ship, moving mindlessly in the haze of your thoughts.  You went looking for answers, and yet you seem to be returning only with more questions.  On top of that, despite the work you had done to ensure that med bay would still be operational in your absence (and, admittedly, giving the First Order more help than they really needed), you still have a deal to hold to.  So while part of you is willing to take on the risks and disappear to train with Luke, you can’t ignore the rest of you: the parts that are enraptured by Kylo, by what he might offer your future, by who he is.  Though you struggle to admit it to yourself, you have to stay.

Landing back on the Finalizer, your eyes move to the figure clad in black, troopers trailing behind him with a new prisoner in hand.  Though a familiar sight to you now, it never gets easier to see. 

You avert your eyes as you find your usual stall and ground the ship inside of it.  You quickly make your way from the hangar to your room, keeping your eyes to the ground along the way as you had learned to do.  When you reach the door, you look back for a moment only to see Kylo walking across the hallway. 

He stops, his helmet turning to face your direction- he must’ve felt your gaze on him.  The moment he seems to switch gears, heading towards you, you rush through the door and into your room. 

As the door closes, you hit the lock, before sitting on your bed with a sigh.  Setting your bag down beside you, you kick off your shoes and lie down, listening.  Footsteps echo in the metal hallways outside.  Low voices speak.  Another set of footsteps.  Silence.

With a deep breath of relief, you unpack your bag and wind down for the night.  You have a lot of thinking to do.  But for now, you need rest- it will have to wait for tomorrow.

•• ━━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━━ ••  

The next few days are spent sorting through your thoughts in your journal.  From new discoveries about Vilya and her likely permanent absence, to recent confusion with Kylo, to everything with Luke, there was a lot to process. 

You think about all the memories you have with Vilya, and you realize her introduction into your life really was a convenient one.  In retrospect, it does makes sense that someone had planted her- but what didn’t make sense was that it was a request made by someone who knew who you really were, and they were not one of your parents.  You haven’t really taken the time to process all that you would lose in her absence- a friend, a guide, a connection to your past, perhaps even a lover and a future.  Then again, it’s hard to think about when so much of it feels like a lie. 

Though you try to avoid it, you continually catch your mind drifting to Kylo; the man who suddenly seems to want nothing to do with you, and yet you can’t get rid of him.  You feel like you see him everywhere you go, both literally and figuratively.  There’s something deep down within you that tells you that, although you’ve gone most of your life without really even knowing he existed, you couldn’t go without him.

It’s been days since you last saw him now.  You wish he would stop by your room again, even if it’s just to talk.  Or that he would find his way back into your room with whatever powers the force- supposing it’s as much as the stories have chalked it up to be- gave him.  Or, even better, that you could talk to him yourself.  If you could just go to him-

“You’re here,” Kylo says, his voice gentle.

You look over to see Kylo suddenly sitting beside you on your bed.  “I am,” you respond, unsure of what to say.  It’s been so long since you’ve been able to talk with him, and you were caught off guard by the convenient timing of his appearance.

“You weren’t at med bay this morning.”

“Were you hurt?” You ask, turning your body towards him.  You quickly look him over, searching for any sign of injury.

“The droids took care of it.  Didn’t realize you were a droid technician too-” he adds, a hint of bitterness tainting his tone.

“I’m not,” you jump in, “I just wanted to make sure everyone would be okay while I’m gone.”

He hums.

A few moments pass.

“How do you do that?” You ask, breaking the silence.

“Do what?”

“Appear and disappear, wherever I am.”

“I don’t choose to-”

“But-”

“-The force continues to bring us together,” he concludes.

“Why?  Why me?”

“We know we can help each other-”

“No, Kylo, the force brought us together now. When I don’t know my past, and you don’t have what you’re looking for.  You would have killed me back in Chandrila.  Hell, you already brought in another replacement option, or whoever that poor man is-”

“He’s not here to replace you, he’s here to help us find someone,” he starts.  Your heartbeat kicks up for a moment.

A dark, hissing voice whispers to you: ‘You have to do something about him.’

But what?  What if he’s tied to Luke?  No, no, there’s nothing to be done.  You focus back on Kylo as he continues.

“I didn’t-”

“Don’t lie to me,” you cut him off, “you wanted me dead the second you saw me.  So why would the force choose me?”  Tears begin to brim your eyes.  You want answers- and he knew the force, and he’s keeping you here, and he has to have an answer.  Yet, he seems to be searching for words. You watch his hand slowly move until its resting atop yours. 

“I think... we need each other.” 

His eyes are the softest, most beautiful things you’ve ever seen in this moment.  You’ve had yet to take the time to really look at him, to notice the depth of his brown eyes and the even darker flecks that surround his pupils.  The dark circles underlining them and the chapped, once-bleeding lips only begin to tell the story of his self-neglect.  His breathing is steady, and his breath is warm as it brushes over your hands.  You realize you aren’t sure if you’ve ever been this close to him before.  Are we getting closer?  Are my cheeks getting warm?  Does he notice?  Does it matter?  Your eyes flicker down to his lips, and as they come back up, you realize he had just done the same. 

A knock on the door causes both of you to jump. 

You look down to see Kylo had pulled his hand away from yours.  As you look back up, he stands.

“Wait, Kylo-” you call out.  He pauses, turning to look at you.

“I think-” you start, but you’re cut off by another man entering the room. Kylo quickly turns away.

“Commander-” they begin as Kylo fades from view, clearly not noticing you.

“-I love you.”  You finish, your pitch sloping down to a whisper. 

It’s quiet, and cold, and dark, and again, you are alone.

Alone with a confession you don't know what to do with.

You lie down, settling on going to sleep when Luke’s voice fills your head: ‘Meditate on it.’

So you try.  You sit up and get comfortable, relaxing your body as best as you can, and close your eyes.  You think about your interaction with Luke.  The words that were said.  The question he asked.  Am I willing?  You wait. 

And wait.

Nothing.

What is the right way forward?

You wait again.

Nothing.

You sit for a while longer.

Nothing still.

With a huff, you lie down, finally realizing just how exhausted you are.  Shortly after you close your eyes and shift around just a bit, you doze off to sleep.

•• ━━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━━ ••  

You open your eyes to a complete darkness.  You blink hard a couple of times, wondering if your vision has failed you overnight, when you see an older man fade into view.  You realize you’re standing, and you look down to find yourself covered in grey robes, similar in style to the ones you had seen on Luke the day before.  The man before you wears tan and brown robes that seem familiar.

“Hello there,” he says, his soft voice echoing in the space around you. 

Your brows twitch together, making your confusion clear on your face. 

“For a while, I was concerned I’d never be able to talk to you.  I’m glad you’re here.”

“Excuse me, who are you?”

“Ah, yes.  My name is Obi-Wan Kenobi- though you would better know me as your grandfather.”

You give him an even more confused look.  “You know my parents?”

“And you don’t, it seems.”

“I raised myself.”

“You claim to be an orphan?”

“Not exactly.”

“Good.  If my memory serves me right, both of your parents stayed as long as they felt they could.”

“What… What happened to them?”  You ask, your voice weak as a lump builds in your throat.

“Your mother, Terra, fell ill when you were 5 and passed shortly after.”

“And my father?”

“My son, Doron, raised you on his own for a while, but was forced to leave you for the sake of your safety.”

“Right,” you retort, anger boiling up within.  Why did he leave?  I thought he was dead- or worse yet, he couldn’t be bothered to even care anymore.  Some kind of father. You continued, “because leaving a 10 year old on her own with practically nothing is safe.”

“I never claimed his actions were wise.  He left out of fear.”

“Fear?”

“The force is strong within you.  He had tried to train you as he had been trained by the Jedi- though, I suppose, he never finished his training, but I digress.  When he realized he would not be able to keep up with you, he sought the help of a good friend- Luke Skywalker.  However, that only put a target on his back, so he fled.  He felt it would be better for you to grow up an orphan than to risk turning to the dark side.”

You shake your head.  Doron.  Luke.  The people in the vision you saw.  The man you’re training with now.  Your grandfather.  It’s all connected.  It’s an answer, at least.  Not a good one.  But an answer nonetheless.

“I understand it may not be the kind of revelation you were hoping for.”

“It’s not.  But I do have something now.”  You sigh.

“I sense there is something troubling you still.”

“I’m just worried about a new prisoner.”

“Well, despite his best efforts, you do still have a connection to your father.”

You freeze.  “What?” you manage.

“Doron is still alive, and he’s still working against the Order.”

“So-”

“I know you’re worried, but you needn’t do anything.”

“But-”

“Trust me, he was raised taught well.  If he’s made it this far, he has plenty of time still.  He’s as smart as his mother,” he adds, reminiscing for a moment before refocusing back on you.  “Besides, you know better than anyone that an iron will goes a long way.”

“Okay, so…” you pause for a moment, trying to think.  It’s easier to navigate through your own mind now that some things have seemingly fallen into place, but you still struggle to see the way forward.  “What do I do?”

“That is for you to find out.”

“Ugh,” you groan, rolling your eyes.  Of course he would say that.

“Don’t let your anxiousness for your father or your future cloud your judgement.  While you should heed his advice and only return when you're ready- I will say, Luke's training will help you find the answers you seek within yourself; within the force.”

You nod, thinking back to Luke’s offer.  As you start to create a mental plan for returning to him, you sense everything around you starting to fade and realize that you’re waking up.  “Wait, don’t go!”  You close the gap between you and Obi-Wan, his arms wrapping around your shoulders as the two of you embrace.  “I have so much more to ask you- and more to say.”

“It may be what you want, padawan, but in this moment, it isn’t what you need.”  He pulls away as your eyes begin to well with tears.  “Don’t worry, if you need me again, you will find me.”  He begins to fade, his grasp slowly becoming less physical, the room gaining light.

“I don’t want you to leave me,” you manage, a tear rolling down your cheek.

He wipes the tear with his thumb, a soft smile growing on his lips.  “I never have.”

You wake up.

•• ━━━━━ ••●•• ━━━━━ ••  

After sorting some things in med bay, you can only think of your dream, mentally starting to piece everything together from the past few days.  I need answers- no, I need training.  I need to know how to find the answers.  I need to get back to Luke. 

You rush back to your room to pack an overnight bag and head straight to the ship's hanger.  Normally, you’d keep an eye out for Kylo, either for the sake of saying goodbye or avoiding having to do so- but today, you aren’t looking for him at all.  You hardly notice anyone around you, despite the usual bustle of the Finalizer ensuring a consistently well-populated ship.  You make it to your ship and take off to Coruscant, not bothering to do any of the routine safety or engine checks. 

You drop the tracker off at your home, hiding it in the panel you’ve become so acquainted with by now, and head back to the planet on which Luke resides.  As you land in the same spot as before, you realize Luke is already at the top of this island, as if he was waiting for you this time.  You step out of the ship and set your bag beside your feet. 

You glance down at the shiny object at Luke’s side, the reflection of the daylight glinting on its surface.  He’s holding a familiar metallic tube- the one you delivered to him just days prior in that old wooden box.  You look back up to Luke, who seems to be filled with a new sense of… excitement.  Of life.  Of hope.  He nods.

“I’m willing.”

(Part 6)

#touch #touch: chapter 5 #touch: chapter 5 #touch part 5 #touch (part 5) #kylo ren x reader #kylo ren x female reader #kylo ren x fem!reader #kylo ren x oc!reader #kylo ren x fem!oc!reader #kylo ren x oc!fem!reader #fem!reader #oc!reader #female reader #oc reader #kylo ren fanfiction #kylo ren self insert #star wars self insert #star wars sequel trilogy self insert #kylo ren fanfic #kylo ren fanfics #kylo ren fanfictions #kylo x reader #x reader #self insert fanfiction #self insert fanfic #self insert #kylo #kylo ren #star wars

[maes-flowers]

For them, for us [5] (Obi-wan Kenobi x Reader)

Summary: Following the Kenobi series, two former Jedi masters Obi-wan Kenobi and Y/n Marilla are grieving the lost of Anakin, Padme, and the jedi purge. After pledging to watch over Luke Skywalker and spending ten years in exile and making a life together, what will happen when the mistakes they made in their past come back as a new threat?

Warnings: Violence, injuries, signs of PTSD (dissociation), flashbacks (shut up I have a problem), light fluff??, idk I think all the serious warnings are out of the way.

Authors Note: We’re getting closer to the end!! not that close tbh I plan to make a chapter or two more before its over and since each chapter is about 20 pages.... lets just see there will be more of Y/n and Obi-wan! but if you are liking the series so far and want to be on the taglist please comment down below!

Prologue - Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4

“You're a great Warrior, Anakin, but your need to prove yourself is your undoing.” 

You had been training with Anakin and Obi-wan at his request to learn more about fighting other force users outside the familiar techniques of his master and you happily obliged. Anakin and you were similar in many ways; stubborn and lacking some emotional stability but fierce and loyal almost to a fault. Anakin kept you on your toes, the padawan unpredictable to the point it created a vortex of adrenaline and joy to engage in a duel with.

The Coruscanti sun was high in the bright blue sky as a light breeze blew in through the open training area as Obi-wan stood across from Anakin, holding his young apprentice's lightsaber after successfully disarming him.

“Until you overcome that,” Obi-wan said, deactivating the lightsaber and handing it back to Anakin. “A padawan you will still be.”

You saw Anakin's face fall at his words, although you know Obi-wan's words rang true, Anakin has been training very hard and it seemed Obi-wan could not bring himself to praise the younger boy even though it's very clear he is seeking it.

Obi-wan smiled as Anakin patted his shoulder as they walked up to you,  leaning against the wall with a content face as Obi-wan came up to you.

“Care for some tea, Y/n?” Obi-wan offred and you shook your head.

“Not today Obi-wan,” you declined politely. “But I would like to steal your padawan for a moment, if you don't mind.” Obi-wan and Anakin shared a look before you chuckled.

“I just want to give Anakin a few tips, nothing serious I promise.”

“Ah, I see.” Obi-wan nodded, ever so full of poise. “That is fine with me, I will see you both later I assume?”

You and Anakin nodded and Obi-wan shot Anakin a look that screamed ‘Behave’ before he left the room, you turned to Anakin and waved him over.

“What tips did you want to give me, Master Y/n?” Anakin asked, not hiding the dread on his face as he prepared for another lecture.

“Besides the fact your ponytail is coming loose? Nothing.” you said, placing your hands on the taller boy's shoulder and turning him around. Taking out the stretched out tie holding the grown out honey brown locks, finger combing the slight tangles in his hair before retying his hair back.

“Much better.” you hummed. “These ties are absolutely vile, I’ll give you some of the ones I made the next time I see you.”

“I'm sorry Master, I'm confused.” Anakin said, turning back to face you. “You have no tips for me?”

You clicked your tongue as you crossed your arms.

“I was finding Obi-wan’s tough love act a tad annoying today, so I wanted to pull you aside and tell you how good you're doing. Against Obi-wan's belief I don't think giving you a little praise for your hard work will overfeed your ego.” you teased lightly, enjoying  the slight tinge of pink bloom across his face.

You grinned at his slight embarrassment and patted his bicep.

“You are doing very well Anakin, you're much farther in your training than I was when I was your age in fact I was having almost weekly meetings with the council.”

That fact caught Anakin's attention, his brow rising  in interest ever so slightly.

“How come?”

“It took me a long time to control my emotions, I was impulsive and reacted with my heart instead of my brain more often than not and the council did not approve of me for a long time.” you shrugged.

You still did most of those things even as a master but not to the point it caught the attention of the council like it did when you were younger. 

“What i'm trying to say Ani, is that i'm very proud of you and the man you are becoming and no matter how much Obi-wan acts like he doesnt think the same it is in vain because he is also very proud of you.” you smiled at Anakin's face of doubt. “Trust me, what do you think we discuss over our daily tea breaks?”

“Perhaps the very obvious feelings you have for each other?” Anakin teased and you scoffed when it was your turn to blush and ignore the statement

“You're on your way to becoming a wonderful Jedi, perhaps the best of us.” you said, patting a gentle hand on his young cheek.

“I- Thank you master.” Anakin stuttered out.

“No problem, shall we go watch Obi-wan's face when he finds out I stole the rest of his tea this morning?”

Anakin grinned widely.

“Absolutely.”

You woke up from your dream to a hand on your face and the soft call of your name. you blinked tiredly as your eyes adjusted to the light around the ship and saw Obi-wan crouched in front of you. His knuckles grazed gently across your face as your brain woke up.

“Hey, are we back on Jabiim?” you asked, voice groggy as you sat up.

“We’re landing right now,” he said.

On cue the ship clanked loudly on the ground as it landed, jostling you a little bit as you stood up. You saw Leia standing behind Obi-wan, she hasn't left his side much since they first got on the ship, she looked up at you and waved.

“You look like you fell out of a tree.” she observed. 

You frowned and looked at Obi-wan, his lips quirked up just slightly as he reached up and smoothed out your hair that had fallen out of your braid. 

“Is that better, Princess?” you grumbled.

“Yes it is.”

You heard the hatch to the ship open and the three of you followed Roken out, you could hear the hushed whispers of the others outside.

“We got her.” Roken announced as Obi-wan led Leia down the ramp,  you followed suit as the crowd let out relieved sighs, happy to know the empire didn't find out about their plans. Tala went straight to Ned-B and Sully went to her friends, but you recognized a peculiar face in the large crowd.

“Haja!” you exclaimed as he walked up to your small group.

“Haja, what are you doing here?” Obi-wan asked.

Haja shrugged.

“I had nowhere else to go, right after I saw you, I got into a fight with that scary inquisitor lady and now I'm wanted by the empire.” he smiled slyly. “But now, I know what it feels like being a real jedi.”

“Not as fun as you thought, huh?” you said.

“No” Haja frowned. “It's not easy, the place has a good business opportunity though.”

You rolled your eyes and shoved him away gently.

“Don't you dare!” you called after him as he walked away.

Obi-wan urged Leia to go play with the other kids while the two of you went to speak to Roken, maneuvering around multiple people before you found Roken.

“Roken,” Obi-wan called out. “That transport, we need to get back to Alderaan.”

“Once we get all these people out of here I'll do whatever you want, they've been waiting for months. We used an old trade route to get them out but the windows are closing, we only have a few hours.”

You looked around, parents comforting their scared children, friends helping each other pack frantically, people helping the older people with anything they needed. You weren't the only people desperate to get home, to somewhere safe.

“Of course Roken.” you said. “We’ll do anything we can to help.”

 As Roken went to help others you wandered around the small hectic base. Helping the occasional child shove one more item they insisted they needed into their small pack filled to the brim and helping Tala load the transport with food and medical supplies. The anxious shuffling from everyone's feet made the dust from the ground rise up, creating the slightest haze in the air made an annoying itch appear in the back of your throat.  

When you found Obi-wan standing in front of the wall of carvings you hovered behind him slightly, watching him read the hopeful messages from formors Jedi and survivors from the last few years.

“Seeing those makes me feel a little less alone.” you said softly, coming to his side.

Obi-wan looked over at you before he turned back to the wall, his piercing blue eyes scanning over the carvings as if they held a secret in them.

“The light will fade, but it's never forgotten.” he muttered to himself and you would never say it outloud but the words reminded you of him. The light in his eyes had faded drastically since everything had happened, you didn't blame him for that and you still loved him dearly but you would never forget the man he was.

You were sure he thought the same about you as well.

A loud rumble above you pulled you from your thoughts, looking up you saw the doors that allowed the transport to come in and out close.

“Oh no,” you said with dread.

You and Obi-wan ran back to everyone else, people now scrambling around frantically more than before.

“What's happening?” Obi-wan asked.

“The controls aren't responding.” Sully said panicked.

“And an imperial destroyer just arrived in orbit above us.” Roken added.

“She must've tracked us.” Tala said and you shook your head.

“It's not her, it's Vader.” you swallowed.

“He wants us to surrender.” 

“If we surrender, he'll kill us all.” Sully said.

“No, he’ll attack next. He hasn't the patience for a seige.” Obi-wan corrected.

“How do you know?” Roken asked.

You and Obi-wan shared a worried look.

Because Anakin Skywalker never practiced patience during a single day of his Jedi career and you were sure that trait did not burn away with him when he became a sith. That was the only thing that was predictable about him in battle.

Obi-wan watched you and Anakin now, slowly circling each other like a lion watching its prey around the rounded shape of the room. You kept yourself relaxed, keeping a calm stride in front of the younger boy but kept your lightsaber ready. While Anakin was practically vibrating with energy, his legs twitching as if they were warming up to attack or run.

For Anakin it was always an attack.

“There's your first mistake, Anakin.” you pointed out. “Your presentation.”

Anakin raised a brow as he continued to sidestep.

“What about it?”

“Anxious and defensive, even before anyone strikes and even when you always strike first.”

“I do not.” 

You could hear Obi-wan's faint snort behind you.

“You do, you hate anticipation.” you said. “The first hit can tell you a lot about a person and their instincts,  how they attack and how they handle themselves; The first strike provides a small advantage but if you wait and then strip those advantages? Better odds at winning.”

“Do you truly believe a real enemy will wait to attack? Come on Master Y/n even that is foolish thinking.” Anakin replied.

“It's not hesitation as much as it's calculation, as a former fool I can confidently say fools rush in and the wise wait.”

You stopped walking, and dropped your guarded stance, your lightsaber coming to your side now, and you saw that twitch in his leg again and you sighed.

Every single word you just said went in one ear and out the other.

Right on cue Anakin came at you, arms raised with his lightsaber above his head so he can swing down at you. Stepping under his arms, you appeared behind him, your legs moving quickly to do a back kick, your foot planting right into the center of his spine and making him stumble.

“Right there!” you exclaimed, bringing your leg down as Anakin turned back to you. “You aimed high, struck quickly and at my head. Now I know your advantage is in your upper body strength. While you know none of mine!” you activated your lightsaber and blocked Anakin's attempt at a sudden attack. Your lightsabers crackled excitedly as you shoved him back. He reacted quickly and swung out his blade in a wide arc, using the force to elevate your jump. You leapt over his blade, your feet pounded loudly on the ground when you landed.

“Anakin, you're not listening!” You scolded him.

Obi-wan turned to the worried crowd, his shoulders straightened as the familiar look of the confidant negotiator; calm, eloquent, and steadfast. A glimpse of the younger Obi-wan you knew years ago shining through for a moment.

“Everyone,” Obi-wan spoke loudly, grabbing the attention of the others. “Everyone, I understand you're scared. The empire will attack soon. they're stronger than us, better equipped, better trained. If we try to fight them we will not survive.”

Okay, you could've been wrong about the old Obi-wan shining through, his attempt at a speech making you grow more uneasy than before.

“But we do not need to fight them. We just need to hold them off long enough to get you all out.”

Obi-wan turned to Roken.

“Roken, how much time do you need to override the doors?”

“Three, four hours.”

“You have one.” Obi-wan asserted. “And block every other remote access.” Obi-turned his attention back to the crowd.

“Everyone else, we're gonna lock down every other entrance in this facility. If we defend our position together…Then by the time they get inside, we’ll be gone.”

Roken clapped his hands together once.

“You heard him. let's move it people!”

You went to help the others seal the doors around the facility for the next hour, using the singing heat from your lightsaber to weld the metal to the doors. When you were welding the last piece to one of the main access points a large shot slammed against it, the force of it denting the mental slightly as you stumbled back. 

You ran to Obi-wan, Tala, and Roken.

“It's a heavy gun, they're trying to blast through the outside door.”

“Roken, we need those doors open.” Tala said as Roken tapped on his datapad. The gears above you strained loudly as it tried to separate but ultimately groaned to a stop.

“That was underwhelming.” Haja groaned.

“Wonderful input Haja!” you exclaimed sarcastically at Haja who pointed at the vents.

“Has anyone gone into the vents to see what was going on?”

“No, last I checked were a bunch of fully grown adults who wouldn't even be able to fit halfway if we wanted to!” 

“I'm going to need a ladder!” Leia said, walking confidently up to Roken.

“It's not playtime right now, Princess.” He dismissed and you were about to interject when Obi-wan beat you to the punch.

“Do as she asks.” Obi-wan said.

Roken looked at Obi-wan with a mixture between shock and annoyance.

“You trust me? I trust her.” 

You smirked at that and looked over at Roken.

“You heard the man, get her a ladder!”

You kneeled down in front of Leia while she pulled the gloves Obi-wan got her out of her pocket. Reaching up you dusted a smudge of dirt on her face and held her face between your hands.

“Be careful, Leia.” 

“Y/n.” Obi-wan said, catching your attention. Looking over your shoulder he showed you the blinking hologram notification. Frowning, you left Leia and went to Obi-wan who told Haja to watch Leia before the two of you ran off the listen to the message in private.

  🖾

“...If I don't hear from you soon I will head to Tatooine, Owen will need help with the boy. I pray you're safe Obi-wan and Y/n, all three of you.”

The hologram faded leaving you in silence as you stood by the bacta tank, Obi-wan finding comfort in his nervous habit of stroking his beard while you picked at the skin around your nails. You felt bad about leaving Bail in the dark while you were trying to get his daughter home, but it was too much effort to send constant holograms out while you're being hunted by the empire and now the possibility of Luke being hunted after left you with an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

“Is everything all right?” Tala asked, walking up to the two of you. Obi-wan gave her an uneasy smile.

“It will be.” he tried to say with confidence but the nervous demeanor of him crossing his arms and looking at the ground told a different story.

“You know, I was following orders on Gareal. The empire had said it was a round up of people not paying their taxes for the cause…They lied.” Tala said bitterly. “There were four families, all force sensitive. We gathered them up-I didn't know who they were. I didn't know what the inquisitors would do.”

“Tala-” you tried to comfort.

“Fourteen people died that day, six of them children. I couldn't do anything to help them so now I do this.” Tala reached for her holster and pulled the blaster out, inside of it you can see tiny dashes on the lining, white and short in a long line. “One for everyone I get through.”

You looked at her with sadness, but also with understanding. Tala understood the pain of watching innocent children die, unable to do anything except stand by and watch in horror as people don't get to live another day while you get to go to bed at night.

“You were right, Ben, some things you can't forget but you can fight and make them better.” Tala said with such earnestness it comforted you. Maybe it was possible to move on from this.

You stepped forward and pulled her in a tight hug, your arms squeezing her tightly and rocked her back and forth slightly. Tala was stiff in your arms, her body acting unnatural as if she hasn't received a hug from a human in a long time. 

The hug ended when Roken ran in

“Were In trouble!”

You ran back to the main area, explosions making crumbles of rock fall from the ceiling, landing in your hair as you looked around. Men, women, and even children were armed with blasters and rifles, some even holding ballistic shields in front of the smaller children as another explosion shook the ground again.

“I don't know how long it's going to hold, do we have a plan B here?” Roken said, loading up his rifle.

“We’re going to have to slow them down.” Obi-wan said. “Tell the inquisitor I want to talk.”

“No.” You said sternly. “Tell her we want to talk.” you gave Obi-wan a look that said loud and clear not to fight you on this. He nodded, remembering your deal.

Together, as a team.

“We’ll buy as much time as we can.” Obi-wan told Roken.

🖾

You and Obi-wan walked out to the outside door, unsure if the third sister was standing on the other side of the metal or not. Leaning forward you pressed your ear against it, trying to listen for anyone on the other side.

“If this is you stalling for time, it won't work.” the third sister said quietly. “Lord Vader will have you at any cost.”

You moved quickly, trying to secretly work your way into her mind with the force. Searching for anything that can give you a hand at a negotiation or even a distraction, but her walls were tall, almost unreachable as you digged around.

“You mean, Anakin.” Obi-wan corrected. “You knew who Vader was, how did you know that?”

The only response he received was silence.

“Vader would have kept that hidden, and you're too young to have known him.”

Even as you put all your focus looking into the third sister's mind, you could feel a faint wave of realization roll off from Obi-wan's returning force signature.

“Unless….Unless you were there.”

“I doesn't matter where I was-”

“The night of Order 66, you were a youngling.” Obi-wan exclaimed. “That's how you know, you saw him.”

“Stop.” she muttered.

“Anakin killed the others.”

“Stop.” she repeated.

“He killed the other younglings but somehow you survived-”

“Enough!.” she shouted, desperation slipping through.

There, that single second of emotion slipped through giving you enough time to grasp onto one thing.

Reva, that was her name.

“We thought he was there to help us.” Reva began. “I tried to help them but I couldn't, I was too weak. I played dead until he left and hid with the bodies, felt them go cold…they were the only family I knew.” she shuddered. “And he slaughtered them.”

“You're not serving him, are you?” Obi-wan asked. “You're hunting him, let us help you.”

“Why would I ever trust you?” she spat

“Because we want the same thing.”

“Do we, Obi-wan?” he asked. “Do you really want Anakin dead?”

No, he didn't. Even though Anakin had turned into the very thing you had all devoted your lives to destroy; Murderers, traitors, the sith. Despite it all, you knew Obi-wan still loved him. He loved the child he basically raised, his little brother.

And so help the Maker you did too.

“Where were you? While he was killing my friends?” Reva asked desperately. “Why didn't you stop him? He was your Padawan!”

“Because he wasn't there.” you snapped. “He wasn't there, Reva. But I was.”

“How do you know my name?” she asked wearily.

“You’d be surprised how weak the mind becomes when you let emotions take over, Reva.” you whispered, knowing the truth of your statement all too well. “He was on a mission on Utapau and I was supposed to go with him but the Jedi council had to take care of  Palpatine so I was tasked to stay at the temple with the younglings and help teach and watch over them. I sensed Anakin there and I thought he was waiting for the council to come back like Mace Windu had instructed him so I ignored his presence, then Order 66 happened and I tried saving as many kids as possible but I was outmanned.” You took a shuddering breath. “So If you're going to blame anyone, blame me for not doing more that night not Obi-wan.”

You pressed your hand onto the metal, and stepped closer.

“Listen to us, Reva. Let us help you.”

“I don't need your help.” she spoke dangerously low, enunciating each word. “I. Don't. Need. Anyone.” 

“You won't stop him alone.” Obi-wan replied.

“You have no idea what I've done alone.”

A red lightsaber crackled loudly as it came through the metal, you had just enough time to yank Obi-wan back but not without the red blade grazing your thigh. You let out a pained shout and stumbled back, your hand hovering over the new hole created in your pants that showed angry red and already blistering skin.

Obi-wan pulled you behind him once the metal you helped welded to the door not to long ago fall to the ground as Reva cut a large hole out. The doors open to reveal a very pissed off Reva and a battalion of stormtroopers. Obi-wan reacted fast, swiftly force pushing her back far enough she was in the middle of the dirt area outside, the blaster shots rang out immediately after that ignoring the burn on your leg you pulled out your lightsaber and deflected a couple shots.

“Fall back to second position!” you shouted over the noise.

You and Obi-wan focused on defense, using most of your focus to deflect blaster shots and pushing back on the stormtroopers who invaded the small room, while the others behind you focused on taking out as many troopers as possible. 

The imperial forces were far much stronger than your little band of rebels, the more they swarmed, the more people dropped dead, and the further they pushed you back.

“GO! GO! GO!” you shouted with Tala, directing the others to retreat as safely as possible.

“No mercy! Seal them in!” Reva yelled.

You watched Obi-wan come to help a woman who fell beside you as you moved in front of them, deflecting blaster shots left and right until he was able to drag her back to safety. Ned-B was at the front, his large metal form providing a makeshift shield as he provided additional defense by shooting stormtroopers you and Tala couldn't hit.

The scream of pain Tala let out pulled you from the focus you had, her body thumping on the ground.

“Tala!” You and Obi-wan shouted.

“Wipe them out!” Reva commanded.

You limped back as Revas’s forces pushed harder than before, not allowing you to go to aid Tala. The only thing you and Obi-wan were able to do was frantically fight off the troopers as Ned-B hit the ground in front of Tala.

“Come on, Tala!” You shouted. “Hold on just a little bit longer!”

You stabbed a trooper in the chest, kicking your injured leg up and slamming your foot in their chest. They stumbled backward into another trooper as Obi-wan shoved his lightsaber through both of them. When you looked at Tala again you didn't realize how far the two of you were shoved back.

Tala looked at the both of you, eyes teary and wide with fear as she raised her arm. She raised her arm and you took notice of the thermal detonator in her grip.

“Go!” she shouted as she raised her other arm, holding a blaster.

“No!” You screamed as she shot her blaster, the shot hitting the control panel perfectly.

As the doors began to close she smiled sadly at the both of you, a few tears falling from her eyes.

“May the force be with you.”

Before you couldn't even respond or act, the door closed, and a loud explosion followed soon after.

“Tala!?” you shouted. Gimping over to the doors, you dropped your lightsaber and wedged your fingers in the small crack of the doors. Grunting as you tried to pull them apart, but to no avail the doors didn’t budge.

“Dank farnik!” you cursed slamming your hands on the metal as your frustration grew. You felt an arm go under your arms, a supportive makeshift crutch as you were pulled back from the doors where your friend laid just behind.

“The doors are closing, come on.” Obi-wan said, force pulling your saber off the ground as he guided the both of you to where the others were. Once the both of you made it on the other side you both slumped against the wall, desperately trying to catch your breaths from your heaving chest.

“Please tell me we're close.” Roken asked Haja.

“Leia, you close?” Haja called up at the vent.

“Working on it!” the littles girl's voice piped.

Obi-wan looking around, a crestfallen look burrowed into the fineline features of his face. You knew that looked far too well.

Defeat.

“What's wrong, what is it?” Roken pestred.

“It's over.” Obi-wan breathed out and you both turned to Roken.

“We’re going back.” Obi-wan said, but Roken shoved him back.

“You can't quit! I fought for too long, you can't just throw that away!” Roken yelled. “It won't make a difference, they want all of us.”

“Vader wants the both of us.” You interjected firmly.

“If you surrender, she died for nothing!” he spat. “He’ll keep coming.”

“That's why we have to stop him!”

Haja stepped forward concerned.

“You're going to fight him?”

“He expects us to surrender, he knows we’ll do anything we can to protect these people.” Obi-wan said, pointing to the crowd.

“You'll be on your own.”

“No,” Obi-wan said walking up to Haja, pulling out his blaster, lightsaber, and holoprojector Bail gave him. “I have her,” he said, referring to you. “Look out for Leia, will you?”

You tossed Haja your lightsaber as well.

“Haja, you protect that little girl's life like it was your own.” you demanded.

Roken looked at the two of you in disbelief.

“Want to tell me how you guys are going to fight without a weapon.”

“There are other ways to fight.” Obi-wan stated.

🖾

Once the doors opened in front of you, you and Obi-wan raised your hands in surrender and walked out slowly as two stormtroopers seized the both of you. Each grabbing your wrists and pinning them behind your backs as they shoved you forward. You gritted your teeth as the air hit the severe burn just right on the singed skin. 

As the two stormtroopers guided you to Reva, you kept sharing glances with Obi-wan. Providing each other with a silent comfort from the unknown that awaits outside.

When the outside doors opened, you squinted at the brightness compared to the dark caves from inside. When your eyes adjusted to the light you saw Reva pacing back and forth axiosuly, but stopped when she saw the two of you emerge. The stormtroopers pointed their blasters at you as you were led right in front of Reva, her eyes lit up dangerously as she raised her arms like she was summoning something.

“Inform Lord Vader, The Kenobi’s are ours.” she said smugly. She gave the troopers a single nod and both you and Obi-wan were shoved to the ground on your knees. The uneven ground digging uncomfortably into your knees as you looked up at Reva with a glare and a hard reset jaw.

“He's on his way.” Reva said. “You're going to die soon.”

“You're not bringing him to us.” you whispered.

“We’re bringing him to you.” Obi-wan finished slowly. “This isn't over yet.”

Revas small smile dropped as she leaned down in front of Obi-wan, her dark brown eyes boring into Obi-wans.

“There are families back there. Children. Are you going to let him do it again? What did he do to you?” Obi-wan asked.

“We could end this, Reva. together.” You pleaded. “Don’t let him take another child's life.”

Reva shuffled on her feet and looked away, her eyes avoiding the both of you.

“What makes you think he won't see it coming”

“Because all he’ll see is me.” Obi-wan said.

Which was the truth, although Anakin had his eyes set on you, especially after your fight with him on Mapuzo but most of his rage was directed at Obi-wan and the fact he was the reason Anakin was now derformed and disabled due to their battle on Mustafar. He wanted revenge so badly you could almost taste his anger for Obi-wan whenever he was near.

Reva did not respond, just simply walking away back to her original place by the stormtroopers and turned. He raised her arm and gestured to the both of you and you felt gloved hands grab your wrist again and yank you off the ground. You casted Reva one last look before you walked back into the caves.

As soon as the doors closed, you shoved your weight back as far as you could, making the stormtrooper stumble back into the wall.  The force from your movement made the grip around the now tender leather friction burns around your wrist loose end grabbing the blaster on their hip and you shot him in the head.

Obi-wan seemed to have half the same idea as you, right when you looked over at him the stormtrooper holding him was now on the ground with the smoke from a blaster shot seeping from the hole in it's chest. 

When you smacked the control panel to the landing pad open and saw the dust red hushed sky above as you and Obi-wan ran in, you almost shouted in glee. Roken spotted you and nodded.

“Everythings all set!”

You looked to your left and saw Leia coming down the letter, you dragged Obi-wan with you and kneeled on the ground clumpys, avoiding putting more weight than usual on your bad leg.

“Leia!” Obi-wan exclaimed.

She turned around and smiled at the two of you and jumped into both of your arms, both of you and Obi-wan's arms wrapping around her and meeting on the center of her back.

“Well done!” You beamed, pulling away slightly.

Leia's eyes looked around for a moment before they landed back on Obi-wan.

“Where's Tala?”

The proud smile on your face fell as you focused on the ground, you chewed on the side of your cheek.

“I'm sorry sweet girl, she didn't make it.” you whispered. 

Obi-wan picked Leia up, and then helped her up from the ground.

“Come on, we have to get to the transport.”

🖾

You sensed him before you even saw him enter as you watched closely through the tiny slits on the small ship sitting behind the main transport. The menacing wave of anger and pain washing over you like a bucket of ice water through the force. When Obi-wan told you the plan to hide behind the mainship while Anakin came through seemed almost foolish, hiding in plain sight from a revenge seeking sith lord? 

 you trusted Obi-wan's judgment completely.

The sound of the main transport taking off stalled loudly, as Anakin walked in. His hand strained as he forced down the approximately 200,000 ton ship down back to the ground. Your jaw drops slightly as the sound of metal ripping apart from the ship.

“Now!” Obi-wan commanded.

The ship everyone was on shot up in the making hold on to Leia tightly as you took off, not having enough room for everyone to buckle in had created a small wave of people stumbling clumsy.

You guided Leia over to where Obi-wan was and sat on the arm of his chair so Leia could sit comfortably. Your gaze went to the burn on your thigh and you winced at the now greenish substance oozing from the blisters already formed.

Just once, you wanted to do the skill your master tried so hard to teach you. Now that she was gone you wanted to make her proud.

Your hands hovered over the wound and you took a calming breath, closing your eyes. Focusing on the force around you, you guided it to the wound and held it there. Slowly you could feel it trickle over you, the skin mending together and forming a protective scab over it. 

You panted at the amount of focus it drained from you before you slumped over from exhaustion and used the last of your energy to place a firm hand on Obi-wan's shoulder so you didn't fall on him. How Stass managed to do this almost daily will forever be a mystery because you felt like you were going to pass out.

“Y/n?” Obi-wan asked worriedly and you tilted your head at the noise as he dragged you in his lap, your body laying limp in his arms as you chuckled weakly.

“Baby? Whats wrong?” Obi-wan asked frantically, you were so exhausted and drained from barely healing a lousy burn it didn't even process how similar you looked to Padme the night she died. Shaky breaths, a slight smile, and barely able to keep your eyes open.

But Obi-wan did.

“I did it. My thigh, muscles heal. tired” you slurred heavily. “Tell Stass I did it.”

You passed out before you heard Obi-wan curse in relief and press his forehead against yours, holding you close.

🖾

The twinge in your hip was the first thing you noticed when you woke up, the second was Obi-wan's warm hand cradling your head against your chest.

‘Oh yeah’ you thought clearly as you opened your eyes, reamebing why you were curled up like this in the first place.

“Our hyperdrive is down, and they're right behind us.” Roken familiar voice spoke quietly.

You turned your head at that but Obi-wan's hand suddenly gripped you hard enough  you winced. Looking up at Obi-wan in confusion, you frowned at his scared face and placed your hand on his heart and could feel the his heart skip a beat.

“Obi-wan, what's wrong?” you questioned, your mind was too fuzzy with sleep and the strenuous work you just put your mind through you could feel a faint wave of fear, anger, and something savage.

That last emotion wasn't Obi-wan’s.

You and Obi-wan looked at Leia who stared back with the same amount of fear in the two of you held.

“Are you okay Obi-wan?” Roken asked.

Obi-wan seemed to come back to the present slightly, his tone distracted but he glanced at Roken and nodded.

“Yes, Thank you Roken.”

He gave you a worried look but relented and left you alone, you glanced at Leia and gave her a comforting smile.

“We’re okay, I promise. Go see if anyone needs help with anything and I'll meet up with you in a moment.”

Leia nodded and hopped off her seat and went to a small group of children. You turned back to Obi-wan who still had his hand gripping you tightly.

“Obi-wan,” you placed a hand on his chin and made him look you in the eyes. “Come back to me.” 

This wasn't the first time he had dissociated like this with you, long nights in the caves he would wake up from a nightmare and his mind would shut down, a natural response to the unfair amount of trauma he had experienced.

You took deep breaths and guided him through it, your hand rubbing up and down his shoulder to help ground him. Eventually he checked back in and looked at you, his grip finally easing up.

“Whatever we just felt, we’ll figure it out.” you promised. “We always do.”

He nodded silently.

“Now can you let me go? As much as I love you holding me I feel like my hip is going to break in this position.” you chuckled.

Obi-wan raised his arms and you uncurled yourself out of his lap and stood up, shaking the leg that fell asleep gently. As you stretched out your neck and back you felt Obi-wan's warm calloused hand graze the apex of your thigh, where the much improved burn was.

“I didn't think it was going to work if i'm being honest, quite unfair that I finally managed to force heal with Stass isn't here to see it.” you said bittersweetly, sitting next to Obi-wan now.

“She would be proud.” He patted your knee as you gave a weak chuckle.

“I hope so.”

An explosion shook the ship slightly, the dim lights above you flickering before returning to normal before you could relax again a second explosion came. Roken came around the corner and pointed at Sully.

“Hyperdrive almost ready, move all power to rear shields.”

That comment made you furrow your brow in concern, if hyperdrive was almost ready it would be more work to change power gears to focus on the rear shields than to leave it until it was done. Obi-wan gave you a look and it seemed he was thinking the same thing as you.

“We’ll head to Tessen and get you out from there.” Roken said.

Standing up you headed over to Roken, arms crossed over your chest as you looked at him already knowing the answer to your question.

“We’re not gonna make it to Tessen, are we?”

“Motivators shot, power couplings are bad. I'm working on it but that shield isn't going to last forever.”

“How much time do you need?” Obi-wan asked.

Another explosion rattled the ship and the three of you looked at the roof as the lights flickered out again.

“More than we have.” Roken sighed before he went to help one of the men in control. You ran an anxious hand through your hair and looked up at Obi-wan.

“You thinking what I'm thinking?” you asked and Obi-wan sighed before nodding.

“Yeah, I am.” he looked at Leia, who was comforting a mother and child with Lola. “How do you think she’ll take it?”

Resting your chin on your hand you snorted.

“Maker, I'm not sure.”

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#obi wan show #obi wan x you #obi wan spoilers #obi-wan kenobi #Obi-Wan fanfic #obi wan angst #obi-wan x reader #obi-wan imagine #star wars #obi-wan kenobi x you #obi-wan kenobi x reader #star wars fanfiction #star wars the clone wars #star wars prequels #SW Fanfic #Ewan McGregor #fluff #anakin and obi wan #Anakin Skywalker

[seamstressthepainteater]

I don’t think I really like how The Mandalorian has been MCUified if that makes sense

Like the first season was it’s own thing, Mando went to different places across the galaxy trying to hide some kid he found from remnants of the fallen empire, it was largely its own thing and helped make the Star Wars galaxy seem bigger for me. It also had its own characters that managed to be memorable and interesting. It was a unique take on Star Wars I wanted to see more of.

Then season 2 comes out, and it’s a bit larger scale wise. Mando’s gotta find another Jedi to fulfill his kid’s destiny, which brings him back to going around the galaxy finding leads on one of these Jedi folks. There are a lot of returning characters in this season; most of the surviving season one character show up for at least an episode, Mayfeld gets some damn good characterization as a former imperial after being a one-note asshole in season 1, Ashoka gets an episode to learn more about Grogu and set up her own show, Boba Fett is a looming presence until he actually shows up and fucks shit up, Bo Katan returns with her besties, and even Luke Skywalker is in this bitch. Now I don’t like cameos just for the sake of having them, but the legacy characters at least either have good reason or are done well. Ashoka needs setup for a show, Fett is finally given the chance to be cool as shit, and Bo Katan going from ruler of Mandalore in Rebels to just another pirate gives context to why Gus Fring has the Darksaber (Luke’s just kinda there to be there though). I wouldn’t like to need to watch Clone Wars and Rebels to know what the hell Ashoka, Bo Katan, or the Darksaber are if I didn’t already, but I feel they’re given just enough explanation to make sense without it. And all of it was tied up in an emotional ending with Mando and Grogu that payed off everything set up throughout the season and made the entire thing feel grounded. It was probably the best ending the show could’ve had. This was the last time I would feel this way.

When Book Of Boba Fett was announced at the end of Mando season 2, I was exited. I loved how Boba Fett was handled in Mando and hoped that the show would flesh him out better. It was then that the rug was pulled from under my feet. Like Fredrick Fitzgerald Fazbear coming down upon a poor night guard in the dead of night, I was jumped with the truth of this show. This wasn’t a show about Boba Fett. This was just a season of Mando they shoved Boba Fett on for more runtime.

Theatrics aside, BOBF was just really disappointing to me. The Boba Fett stuff was kinda garbage, they perfected his character in Mando as a brutal goddamn terminator man, then they went back and went “he doesn’t want to be a bounty hunter, he just wants to live peacefully as a crime boss or something” which felt really weird to me. The Flashbacks were also so fucking boring, they could’ve been shorted down to one episode and given more time to Boba. I praised Mando season 2 for both giving legacy characters purpose and explanation so you didn’t need to know what their deal was. But you see, I’m pretty sure Cathleen Kennedy read my complement on that, realized she fucked up by making a story that can stand on its own, used her fucking Disney witch magic to go back in time, and had the guy who worked on the writing for those episodes shot at point blank range because holy shit they fucking shattered the ball with Cad Bane.

The show makes a point of saying that Cad Bane and Boba had a history, and this confused me. They never specified what exactly this history was, so I looked through everything I could get my grubby mits on. I looked through every one of both Bane and Boba’s appearances in Clone Wars, checked comics with Bane, looked through all of the officially released media I thought could be a lead. Then I noticed something about Bane in BOBF, he had a metal plate on his head. This wasn’t much, but I thought it was something, so I went through his animated appearances one more time and noticed he had the same plate in The Bad Batch. This just made me more confused, so I checked around and found it. The “history” the show was referring too. See when they brought back Clone Wars for season 7 they took unfinished arcs and gave them new life, but some were left on the cutting room floor. I said “couldn’t find any officially released material” because what they were alluding too was an unfinished episode, you can even see the part where Bane gets shot in the head. The crux of Bane and Boba’s unfinished business was an unfinished episode that wasn’t even considered canon at that point.

This was my Joker arc.

This show was so lazy, so uncaring about making the story seem complete without supplementary material, that the only thing they did to give the main villain a connection with the hero was a vague allusion to an event that wasn’t even officially released. Could they not have cut some of the boring-ass shit in the desert to flesh out this relationship? Was it too much to ask for this show to get even close to how Mando used it’s legacy characters? Was it too much to ask for competence?

Besides that, I thought that it kinda fucked up the great ending I thought Mando season 2 had. I knew they weren’t gonna be separated for that long, but I would’ve liked them to be apart a bit longer, or have them reunite in their own show. Feel the same way about Mando’s new starfighter, I think it would’ve been less alienating to have him get that in the beginning of season 3

Speaking of season 3, it’s also kinda disappointing. I think the shift from Mando to Bo Katan was disappointing, it’s like what happened to Boba Fett with Mando ironically enough, but it’s still disappointing that in a world where it seems like almost every character is slated for their own show, Bo was shoved into Mando. I also think Gus Fring seems less intimidating, I feel him being a part of this “Shadow Empire” is less threatening than a warlord trying to bring about his own empire. It also has the same problem as BOBF where you need to know stuff beforehand. I don’t think they ever explicitly state Gideon carpet bombed Mandalore, they just kinda said it was cursed. I know it was mentioned in BOBF, but again I shouldn’t need to watch another show to understand what’s going on in this one. I’m not gonna go too long with this one since it’s not over yet, but I’m not sure it’ll fix my problems with this season.

Anyway my biggest takeaway from this is that I hate Book of Boba Fett way more than I first thought.

#star wars #the mandolarian #book of boba fett #first thing tomorrow I’m gonna punch Cad Bane in the back of the head

[hwalovs]

A Smuggler and A Jedi 4/?

CHAPTER FOUR: HOPE DIES

Pairing; Luke Skywalker, Reader Warnings; Angst, burn descriptions, comic spoilers, fluff, some tension with Han, trying to explain the mechanics of an X-wing. some more chaos.  Word Count; 9k Note; Officially half way through the series! I’m grateful for all of you who love this story, this is my child who I take most pride in. 

ONE  TWO  THREE  FIVE SIX 

Summary; The murder of their beloved king at the hands of the evil Empire has inspired open revolt on Mon Cala! Thanks to a timely counterattack by Admiral Ackbar as well as the heroics of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, (Y/n) (L/n), and Han Solo, the Mon Calamari’s powerful fleet now stands ready to fight for peace and justice with the Rebel Alliance. Armed with new ships and new allies, the Rebellion is finally poised to take back the galaxy from the Empire in earnest. But the Rebels also owe their recent victory to Queen Trios of Shu-Torun and her defection to their cause. But Trios may have plans of her own...

THIS IS NOT EDITED

Pulling the yellow jacket tighter around your shoulders, you pinch your nose and lean forward, the droid in front still sitting with its arms crossed.

“Okay,” you huff, turning to Threepio, “Tell them ‘I’ll throw in the droid if I get 10 percent off.’”

Han chokes on a laugh, leaning back in his chair, bringing the empty cup up to his lips to hide his smile. 

“Oh, Madam! You can’t be serious!” Threepio cries, looking between you and Han.

“Oh yeah, of course, she’s joking.”

The cantina has a dark atmosphere, with different droids and creatures littering the area by themselves, nursing a cold drink.

“No Alaphani worth the name would give us 10 percent off just for a droid. Tell them the deal’s good,” Han whispers to you and Threepio, uncrossing his leg and setting the cup back on the metal table. 

“Certainly, sir,” Threepio sounds much happier at not being sold for transponder codes. As he talks to the droid, his voice changes to a different register as he effortlessly translates the sentence.

The Alphani sitting across from you was a sentient droid-type creature, you didn’t know where the beast ended, and the droid began, the switch almost indistinguishable. With small blue eyes that peek out from a thin sliver of gray skin, large blocky teeth, and long skinny fingers, you couldn’t help the involuntary shivers that ran down your spine each time it spoke. It reminded you too much of the droid-creatures from Jedha- except those actually scared you and could potentially kill you if you spoke wrong. 

Chewie makes his way to the table, barking at Han with frantic eyes and waving hands.

“What’s up, Chewie?” Han asks, finger twirling the cup on its rim slowly. Your once hot drink had gone cold after the deal almost took a turn for the worst.

Hans’ face drops, and he turns to give you a look of concern. Threepio twisted his head frantically to look around the cantina.

Sometimes, you really needed to invest in learning shyriiwook.

“Bounty hunters?! Where-”

“Don’t say it so loud!” Han hisses, reaching over you to slam a hand onto Threepio's mouth.

Chewie nods his head lightly over his shoulder, and you have to lean slightly into Hans’ side to see the two bounty hunters that just entered the cantina.

“Oh, maker- why now?” You say softly, turning to Threepio with furrowed eyebrows.

“Tell him good doing business with him, or whatever the equivalent is in alaphani.”

“Okay, let’s get to the Falcon, yeah?” Han pushed away from the table, straightening out his vest and looking down at you. Threepio nods, “certainly, madam.”

Reaching down to your belt, you grab the small leather pouch tied next to your holster, its contents clinking lightly as you set it on the table, opening it and fishing out the required credits. 

When Threepio turns back to you, you expect him to say anything but, “That’s ‘our regurgitated mouth mucus proved easy to mix.’”

Cringing, you provide a strained smile at the creature, grabbing the small device from its hand before standing, clearing your throat as you glance once more at the bounty hunters.

You wait until Threepio is standing before nodding to Han, both of you dashing towards the exit, the other two close behind. There’s a small smile on your lips as you exit the door, unclipping your blaster and pressing your body against the wall next to the door, Han opposite to you with Chewie and Threepio behind him. 

Cocking your blaster, you can hear the faint scatter of feet, and the door swings open, both bounty hunters stumbling out. Holding out your blaster, you rest its barrel against the closest hunter's head, smirking. Han mirroring your actions with the other.

“Hi,” you say lightly, catching the hunters’ eyes flickering to you.

“My droid will look after your weapons,” Han hisses, Threepio wobbling forwards to take the rifles, mumbling under his breath how ‘I would never do this with Artoo- what would he say now?’

The stinging smell of lingering garbage makes your eyes water, and the dark sky doesn't help with navigating your way back to the Falcon, both hunters are left at the cantina’s door, weaponless. The transponder code’s cartridge sits in your pocket, your blaster still in hand as you walk beside Han. 

“Tell Jabba I’m good for it, he’ll get his money! I swear!” Han yells over his shoulder, huffing under his breath as Chewie lowers the entrance ramp.

“It’s getting too risky,” you grumble, hearing Chewie bark from the cockpit. Han waves his hand, looking over the weapons that sit on the small round table in front of the curved couch.

“Once, we’re done here- I’ll pay off Jabba, and you’ll be able to stop worrying.”

“Han- you do realize that I’m wanted now too, right? Being seen with you put my name right next to yours on Jabba’s kill list, whatever stalling we do now, it’s going to come and kick us both in the rear,” you move past him, holstering your blaster and walking into the cockpit, Han hot on your heels.

“You think I don't know that? You didn’t have to come, I didn’t ask you to!”

“I know!” You shout, throwing yourself into your seat, “but I thought it was just a smuggle to Alderaan! I didn’t anticipate being dragged into all this rebel shit, but now I can’t just leave!”

Han rolls his eyes, “you can leave anytime you want- you just don't wanna leave.”

Chewie barks once more, and Han finally throws his hands up in surrender.

“Chewie, stop complaining, we’re not missing the party! Do you really think Leia would let us near the fancy brass, anyway?”

“Speak for yourself,” you grumble, throwing your leg over the armrest of your seat.

“Better we do what we’re good at,” Han sighs, rubbing his forehead, “and I’ve got a contact who’ll pay top credits for that prime collection of fresh transponder codes.”

“You’re welcome, by the way,” you say, smirking once more. Reaching into your pocket, you let the device fall into Hans’ waiting hand, his eyes looking it over before nodding once, sitting down in his seat. 

“We’re missing Luke’s show,” your voice is soft, picking at your nails. Han sighs, glancing at Chewie, preparing the Flacon for departure. 

“Oh yeah. Luke’s thing. Yeah, you got me there, I’d have liked to have seen that too.”

Threepio makes his way into the cockpit, sitting himself down next to you and clipping himself in. 

“Did you want to see Luke’s show too, Threepio?”

His head turns to you, “It would’ve been a delight, madam. I’m afraid Artoo will be quite angry with me for missing his big debut on stage.”

“Ugh,” you groan, letting your head fall back, “Tunga’s rubbed off on you too much.”

Closing your eyes, you can feel the Falcon lift into the air, the floor vibrating above the engine. 

“Do you think Luke is freaking out?” You ask, smiling softly. The entire time you were here, you wondered about him, and a small part of you hoped he was wondering about you too. Leia gave you a sad smile before you left, Luke upset that you were tagging along with Han. Why can't you stay? He asked you, blue eyes pleading. Stay, for me- and the show! Han is fine by himself!

The familiar lurch into hyperspace made your eyes flicker open, watching the stars extend slowly. Han leans back in his seat, rubbing his eyes harshly. 

“You look like a lovesick puppy,” you comment, watching his shoulders tense, slowly turning to look at you. 

“I do not, I am not a lovesick puppy.”

There's a brief pause, your quiet laughing filtering through the air.

“If anyone is a lovesick puppy, it's you,” he grumbles, turning back to the control panel. 

For once, you don’t respond, you don't quip back in a snarky remark, or deny the accusation. But the silence slowly eats away at you, consuming the last bit of unacknowledged longing for the blonde.

“Yeah,” you sit up, stretching your back, “I can’t seem to get Leia off my mind.”

Han ignores you but scoffs. Chewie growled out something to Han while turning to the large wall next to him, overlooking the Falcon’s statistics.

“Yeah, Chewie, you never know. Luke’s thing may have been delayed. Maybe we can still watch-”

The Falcon drops out of hyperspace, still a distance away from the Mako-to base. But that isn’t what makes your heart stop, stomach-dropping to your feet. 

It's the two Star Destroyers, accompanied by the biggest Imperial Star ship you’ve ever seen. From your vision on the back, the giant ship had twelve thrusters, wings spanning the size of three to four regular Star Destroyers. 

You almost fall out of your seat when you get up to stand in between Chewie and Han, who had fallen silent at the sight. 

“The show,” Han mutters, eyebrows furrowing. Chewie growls once more, tilting his head. 

“You said it, Chewie.” 

Threepio stands from his seat, trying his best to squeeze in next to you.

“Perhaps this is some manner of wargame, Sir? A Symbolic display for the dignitaries?”

Han scoffs, tossing a glare to the droid, “This ain’t no wargame, goldenrod! This is the most Imperials I’ve ever seen.”

“See if you can signal the base, contact anyone,” you say softly, giving the droid a small smile. 

“See any way in?” You ask, narrowing your eyes at the fleet. Han sighs harshly, shrugging his shoulders as he taps the glass screen of the radar, clicking his tongue. 

“Unless we get in contact with the base, there's no way she can make it through-”

“Oh, Threepio. Am I glad to hear you! Is Han there? (Y/n)? We need to-”

Leia’s voice was rushed over the com in Threepio’s hand, frantic as she speaks your names. 

“We’re here, Leia!” You call, smiling.

“Slow down, Princess. Tell us what's going on-”

“Han! (Y/n)! Trios betrayed us. She disabled all the rebel cruisers just before dispersal.”

Sharing a look with Han, you turn back to look over the Navi-computer, going back over your previous coordinates to see if you were followed or not. The last thing the rebellion needed was a band of bounty hunters or even more Imperial Starships. 

“They’re defenseless, immobile, and can’t launch fighters. We're trying to work out what we can do,” You hear Leia sigh softly, probably glancing at someone by her, “docking doors are sealed, but their proximities still work. If a ship flies at the bay door, it’ll open.”

You almost laugh, but swallow it, turning to call over your shoulder, “Just tell them to fly at the doors!”

“Their comms are also down. We can’t. We need someone to go and tell them.”

Han scoffs again, “wait- are you seriously asking me to go in there by myself, against the whole fleet, and then fly at a sealed docking door that may or may not open?”

“Han, this is the hour of need. If there-”

“Hey!” he snaps, rolling his shoulders as he shifts in his seat, “save the speech for someone who falls for that kind of thing. I’m on it.”

The Star Destroyers were firing at one of the Mon Cala ships now, green lasers hitting the deflector shield. Han flicked off the comm, cursing under his breath.

“This had better impress her.”

“Ha!” you laugh, pointing a finger at him, “you do like her!”

“I never said that!- You know, this isn't the time. Chewie, get to the guns, top turret.”

Chewie barks, getting up from his seat and ruffling your hair as he passes. 

“Okay, (Y/n), get the shields, yeah? Goldy, don't touch anything.”

You sit down in Chewie's seat, smirking at Han as you flick on the shields, grabbing the controls and swinging it into place. 

“You don't have to be mean, Han. Threepio,” you call softly, turning to smile at him, “Buckle up, Han is a terrible pilot.”

“I really don't need your side comments,” he grumbled, glaring at you.

“I’m just trying to lighten the mood, you’re terrible at it.”

“Will you just keep the shields up and balanced? If we stay close enough to a Star Destroyer, they’re not going to be able to hit us.”

Hitting the accelerator, he flies close to a Destroyer, pressing down on the turret and fires at the surface.

“We need fighters on us-”

Chewie roars from his spot, voice crackling through the comms, Han smiling as he shifts in his seat once more, pulling up harshly to avoid the highest part of the Star Destroyer. The radar begins beeping, blaring a high-pitched alarm as Tie fighters begin to tail. Cursing, you aim the shield, groaning at the pull the ship gives. 

“Yeah, I see them. Perfect.”

“Remind me why we’re happy we have Tie’s on our ass?”

“If we’ve got fighters, the big guys won't fire. Too much risk in hitting their own ships,” he replies, looking at the radar before steering right and begins flying toward one of the cruisers.

“I hope,” he adds quietly, “So, now we can make a run for the nearest rebel cruiser.”

You can hear the top turret firing, most of the Tie’s in front being shot down as you came closer to one of the cruisers. Chewie barked once more, causing Han to scoff and yank the steering close to him, the ship diving above the tie that was once below you, letting Chewie effectively shoot it down. 

“Kriff! A warning next time!” You yelp, holding onto the arm of the chair as your gut is glued to the floor.

“Oh, you’re fine,” he comments, rolling his shoulders once more.

“That gave us a few seconds before turbolasers open up again.”

Smiling, you glance away from the deflector shield, looking at Han, “Let’s get this over with, yeah?”

As you begin to get close enough to the cruiser to land, Han smirks, “the princess better be ri-”

He’s cut off, a blow hitting right below the Falcon’s back thruster, the ship diving nose-first below the Rebel cruiser, the ship rocking violently. Yelping, you spin in Chewie’s chair and look over the control panel, cursing.

“The stabilizers burning!”

“Reset the manual- Gotta pull out-” He strains, trying to gain control of the ship. Your head swims, hands flying out in muscle memory to reset, clenching your eyes shut as the space continued to spin. It wasn’t until the ship finally balanced out that you sighed in relief, Threepio still crying out, “We’re doomed!”

Chewie roars, his voice worried, “Yeah, whoever it was came outta nowhere,” Han calls back, looking over the radar. 

“Who the hell can fly like that?” you say softly, turning the chair back around to scour the radar, trying to pinpoint where the mystery ship was. You could hear Chewie firing, his barks, and roars echoing through the Falcon.

“Whoever he is, he’s good,” Han grumbles, eyes flickering across the control panel, “but this move should lose him.”

Han begins flying erratically, diving around Star Destroyers, but the Tie doesn’t lose sight.

“I do believe he’s still on our tail, sir.”

He scoffs, “just be quiet back there, I’ll handle the flying.”

Another sharp turn, kissing his teeth, “Chewie! Hit him already!”

You don't understand why Chewie roars back, but it makes Han tense. 

“Okay,” Threepio hums, voice tight, “let's not panic.”

“Why would I panic? It’s only Darth Vader.”

“Vader?!” You yelp, turning to stare at him, “We have Vader on our tail and we’re not going to panic?”

“Sir, Madam, I believe by your demeanor you are both somewhat panicked.”

“Are you a med droid now?” Han snaps back, “Just hold on.”

“I’ve been holding on, you idiot.”

“I’m going to bring us in fast. As long as our transponder is singing rebel, those bay doors will open right up,” He says, steering the ship towards the cruiser once more. Chewie’s voice crackles through his headset, and Han scoffs. 

“I know going in at this speed is dangerous. But I’ll tell you what's more dangerous; Being out here with Darth Vader!”

Pushing harder on the accelerator, Han grumbles under his breath words you can’t make out. A red light flickers on the radar, and when you lean down to look at it, your stomach drops. 

“Han, missiles inbound- you might wanna go faster-”

“I know!”

You don't remember the last time Han’s pushed the Falcon this far. The bay doors close in faster than you thought they would, and at the last second, han yells out, pulling up on the joystick to dodge the incoming missiles from Vader. The bottom of the Falcon jolts against the side of the cruiser, alarms blaring as part of the ship was torn.

“Kriff!” You yelp, trying not to fall out of your seat, eyes flickering over the control wall to gauge where the damage was.

“Oh, the poor people,” Threepio sighs, his metal hand on your shoulder. Raising an eyebrow, you turn back and look out into space, jaw-dropping slightly. 

One of the Mon Cala ships were evacuating, and the surrounding Tie’s were taking the opportunity to shoot down any escape pod they came across, the ship going up in flames. It exploded seconds after the hull was hit, some of the escape pods even being consumed by the fire. 

“Yeah. But right now? We’re all poor people,” Han sighs, leaning back in his seat, sweat beading on his forehead. When did it get so hot in here?

“Wait, that could work-”

“Han, please don’t tell me-”

“Chewie!” He yells, “Get down here! You’re never going to hit him. I’ve got an idea.”

You can feel Chewie’s hand press against your shoulder, his body leaning over his chair to look at Han, who was still looking at the ablaze Mon Cala ship.

Threepio lifts a hand, “Sir, I’m unsure what your plan could be. We need to pass Princess Leia’s message to the cruiser, but if we can’t get close enough to land how can-”

“That’s Vader,” Han seethes, “He’s never going to let us get close. But if we can’t land, maybe we can send a messenger? We need someone to tell them the bay doors work and you just need to fly at them,” he turns to look at Threepio, “you up for that?”

Groaning, you slouch in the chair, rubbing your eyes roughly. 

“Of course!” Threepio agrees, his voice loud, “it would be my honor! But I’m not sure how I-”

“Great.” Han quips back, “Get the droid to a pod, Chewie.”

Growling, Chewie lifts Threepio, throwing him over his furry shoulder and walking out of the cockpit, Threepio trying to talk to Han on the way.

“Okay,” you say, sitting up in the seat again when another jolt rocks the ship, the Falcon wouldn’t last much longer if Vader kept firing.

“I’m assuming we need a distraction? There’s no way Threepio’ll make it without being blown to bits.”

Sighing, Han tilts his head to look at the Mon Cala ship, your gut twisting. 

“Not my first choice, but it might be our only one.”

“That’s how we die, you idiot,” you seethe, glaring at him. Shrugging, he looks back at you with a sad smirk. 

“I’ve been blockade running since I got my own ship,” he steers the ship towards the cloud of fire, intimidating and screaming ‘death wish! Do not enter!’ “This isn't any different.”

“This is very different- this isn't the Kessel run!”

Ignoring you, the Falcon flies straight into the cloud. Immediately, the glass was covered with fire, small rocks, and debris hitting against the glass. 

“There’s no way Vader can follow us through this.”

Feeling sweat begin beading on your forehead, you clutch onto the arms of your chair, wincing when a particularly large piece of debris hit the side of the ship. 

Han was speaking softly under his breath, eyebrows scrunched in concentration with his knuckles turning white as he gripped onto the controls. The radar was blaring with different alarms, but the large red outline of Vaders ship was growing further from your path, Han making one last sharp turn before breaking out of the cloud, Vader nowhere to be found. 

“Yes!” Han cries, leaning back in his seat to press onto the comms, smiling lightly.

“Okay, we’ve got a little distance on Vader. Now see if we can use it. Ready, Chewie?”

Chewie roars back over the comms, Threepio’s voice quiet in the background. 

“If he finds an airlock, goldenrod will be able to tell ‘em about the doors.”

A small light on the panel began blinking, Han reaching forwards to hover a finger over it, “Okay, on my mark. Three, two, one and-” he presses down, and the Falcon rumbles for a moment before the airlock hisses, releasing the escape pod towards the Rebel cruiser. 

You hoped it didn’t take long for Threepio to get inside and relay over the information. Han continued to tilt his head to look at the cruiser, and Chewie managed to lean between the both of you, not shooing you from his seat but instead ruffling your hair in a sort of comfort when the hull of the Falcon once again groaned under the blaster shots Vader delt. 

It wasn’t until the first X-wing left the bay doors that you slouched and sighed in relief. You hoped it was Luke that flew out first, he was always the bravest out of your group. Always volunteering to go first when something dangerous came up, or when it came to heading out into battle against the Empire. 

There's more groaning and hissing from the Falcon, and the control panel begins you begin sparking, the engines going into overdrive. Smoke begins to seep into the cockpit, and you get up to allow Chewie to sit and begin tending to the Falcon. Flying behind the fleet of X-wings, Han settles the Falcon into the middle of the group. 

Cursing, Han grabs the headset, “Falcon to all of,” he pauses, glancing at Chewie who grumbles lightly, Han’s eyebrows shooting up, “‘Rogue squadron’? Really?” Han scoffs, looking back at you when you lightly slap his shoulder, “Listen, you can’t stay out here. Nuzzle up against the destroyers. Take it from a smuggler- this always works.”

Chewie barks, motioning around the control panel, Han covers the mic of the headset, leaning in close to the Wookiee, “Hey- I figure they don’t need to know the odds, either.”

“That's just false hope, Han,” you grumble, watching the control panel begin smoking. He shrugs, more flashing lights flickering in front of him. 

“Any hope is worth it. At least, that’s what the princess would say.”

“Han,” Luke’s voice breaks out over the coms, your chest squeezing, “the Falcon barely looks like it’s in one piece, what happened?”

Han chuckles, “Darth Vader happened. Keep your eyes open. He’s out there somewhere.”

“Fire from the capital ships is dropping off. Just the ties to worry about. Nice work, Flacon.” Wedge’s voice pipes up.

Luke laughs, “Yeah, nice work, Admiral Solo.”

Laughing, you slap his shoulder again, seeing him tense. 

“Make another joke like that, kid, and next time I won't come back to bail you out.”

More X-wings deviate from the group to shoot down more ties, the destroyer you were hugging was being shot at with missiles, and most of the on-deck turrets going up in flames. 

“What’s next?” 

“We need to spread the word to the fleet that they can still launch their fighters. Then we can have some company out here.”

Wedge’s voice cuts back in, “the entire fleet? Their comms are down and we can’t land on them all, they’ll pick us off if we split up.”

There's a pause, Luke humming lowly, “Maybe we don’t have to.”

Hearing a loud hissing from the main hull, you leave the cockpit in quick steps to look around, seeing thick black smoke coming in front of the back of the ship, near the escape pods. The ceiling was black, flames licking into the hallway as the wires sparked.

“Uh- Han?!” You yell, not knowing what to do at the moment. 

“Yeah?”

“We have a problem back here! We need to land the Falcon, now!”

The ship rocked violently, your feet almost sliding from under you, almost sending you straight under the fire. Turning, you rush back to the cockpit, smoke almost completely filling the tight space. 

“She hasn’t looked like this since the Kessel run,” Han grumbles, rubbing a hand on the controls, “hold together, baby, just a little longer.”

“Han, I don't think the baby has a little longer.”

Beginning to fly closer to the cruiser, you leave the cockpit once more to survey the rest of the ship, pinpointing the damages for when you inevitably had to repair her. That was when the ship rocked again, violently. It threw you off of your feet, side slamming into the wall, right into sparking wires. It burned through your tunic, pressing into your skin. Crying out, you push yourself away from the wires, the ship continuing the rock until you were flat against the roof, hearing Han and Chewie arguing from the cockpit.

Feeling your side throbbing, you try and touch the wound, but when you actually do, you pull away from your hand harshly at the stinging sensation that seemed to bite down into your muscles. 

You don’t know when the Falcon came to a complete halt, but you do remember Han lifting you from the ground while asking a bunch of questions, his hands holding your face while Chewie assessed your side. 

“I’m fine!” You cry out, pushing them both away. Han limps when he manages to pull himself out of the Falcon, Chewie helping you out behind him. The pain flares up your side, but you push it to the back of your mind, instead of focusing on the people that run around the hanger, a few x-wings left behind. 

“Get me anything with wings! I gotta get back out there,” Han says, his voice wavering. 

“Han- wait,” you say, following him down the side of the Falcon- or the bottom since the entire ship was laying upside down. 

He doesn’t reply, rushing towards the hanger’s exit and into the room with flight suits. He picks out one of the bright orange jumpsuits, trying his best to put it on over his tunic and pants. Looking at the array of suits, you pick one out that would seem to fit. Wincing when you outstretched your arm, skin pulling against your burn. 

“What are you doing?”

Han’s looking at you with furrowed eyebrows and tight shoulders. In his hand is his vest, scrunched up as his knuckles turn white. 

“You don’t think you’re going out there alone, right?” You say, pushing your legs through the scratchy fabric. Scoffing, he reaches out to grab your arm, “No, you’re going to the med-wing, you think I’m gonna let you go out there with, what, second-degree burns on your side?”

“I don’t think it’s your decision if I’m allowed to fly or not,” you hiss, pulling the fabric over your shoulders, zipping up the front. The white vest was next, pulling it on your shoulders and reaching to grab the small black computer that latched to the front. 

“I’m older than you!”

“That doesn't mean jack-shit! Can we go now? We’re losing time,” you push past him, walking back to the hanger and to one of the only X-wings left. 

“(Y/n)!” Han yells, jogging to catch up to you. Shaking your head, you climb the ladder and settle down in the pilot's seat. Chewie roars, hand settling on the nose of the ship. Han is on the ladder behind you, staring at you as you fumble slightly with the helmet. 

“I don’t wanna hear it! Luke needs us,” you bite the inside of your cheek, “the fleet needs us, now will you please drop this until we get back? Feel free to lecture me then.”

Sighing, he brings a hand up to rub his eyes, glaring at you before descending the ladder, passing by a frantic Chewie to get into his own X-wing. 

“I know! I know!”

The cockpit of the X-wing was claustrophobic. The joystick is positioned right between your knees, with the radar in the middle of the control panel. There were power diverters to the weapons, engines, and shields. With the hyperspace jump charge, the radar, aim assist, and engine restart, you found yourself overwhelmed. 

Reaching forwards, you flip the small line of switches at the top of the panel, the engine coming to life, the comm inside your helmet coming to life, the radar showing static before the light green screen becomes clear. 

Grabbing the joystick, you pull lightly against it, feeling the ship rise, the engine humming. The wings haven't expanded yet, the small switch still idle in front of you. 

“Luke,” Han’s voice breaks into your helmet. It sounds like he’s right next to you, filling your helmet loudly. “The Falcon is fried. We’re in an X-wing. Coming out now.” 

There is another roar from the hanger, and you smile at how worried Chewie sounds. 

“Yeah, Chewie. Don’t worry. We’ll be back. I’ve gone through worse scrapes than this.”

There's a moment of silence, smiling at Han when his X-wing hovers beside yours, before Luke’s voice floods your helmet, your heart lurching. 

“Good to have you, Han- wait, did you say ‘we’?”

Another pause, and you smirk, “Hi there, blondie, miss me?”

“So, can you fly just about everything?” Wedge cuts in, a smile in his voice. You don't see it, but Luke’s smiling, cheeks pink at the nickname you dubbed him a while ago. 

“Careful, Wedge, she’ll outfly you any day,” Han teases, looking over at you. 

Shaking your head, you flip the switch for the wings, feeling the vibration crawl through your body as the wings separate into two, more systems turning on for the dog fight you were about to fly into. 

When you fly out onto the battlefield, your radar immediately begins to blink with enemy bogies, Tie, and Y-wings flying all around you. X-wings and Y-wings defend the remaining Mon Cala fleet ships that have failing shields. 

You manage to stay close to Han when you come across Luke’s ship, little R2’s head spinning at the sight of both of you. You aren’t able to count the amount of Tie’s you’ve shot down. The X-wing under your hands doesn’t seem to want to cooperate, but then you remember that no X-wing can be tamed. The joystick fights against you but never disobeys. The blaster fire you send towards Tie’s sometimes miss, but after cursing and fixing your aim, you can shoot them down. 

“Luke!” Han’s voice strains, “A lucky pilot slipped past me. He’s coming your way.”

“Oh no,” You muse, flying back into formation next to Han, “A pilot getting past you?”

You can see the Tie on the radar, flying erratically to miss the remains of Han’s blaster fire. 

“Don’t worry, Han. I’m on them!”

There's a moment of stillness, you and Han watching as Luke catches up to them, but hesitates. The Tie doesn't evade the targeting system Luke uses, and it doesn’t try to get behind any of you to retaliate fire. 

“This feels wrong. Artoo, are the scanners picking up anything strange about it? No answer? Great.”

“Maybe they’re shy,” you joke, Han swallowing his laugh.

“You know, Luke. Put aside the fact they’re not shooting at us. They’re not even flying like an academy-trained pilot.” There's another Tie ahead of it, and it doesn't hesitate in shooting it down. Not firing at you, but one of its own? That's unheard of for the Empire unless they suddenly decided halfway into their mission to join the rebellion. 

“I don't think Tie pilots do that,” You say, keeping an eye on your radar for any Tie that might come in behind you. 

“Whoever it is, they’re on our side, I just know it. Rogue squadron! Form up on me and protect this Tie fighter. Wherever it's going? We get them there.”

“This is potentially a bad idea, what if they’re just trying to trick us?” You try and reason, but Luke had already made up his mind, and you knew that you couldn’t change it. 

“I just have a feeling, just trust me, please.”

The Tie changes course. Instead of flying out into dead space, it turns, flying straight towards a Mon Cala ship. 

“(Y/n)! Han! I need help, I think it's trying to land- but the bay doors won't open without a rebel transponder. We need to keep the doors open. Form up behind the Tie, tightly.”

Biting the inside of your cheek, you form up next to Han, following behind Luke and the Tie straight towards the Ship. 

“Yeah, yeah. I know the drill.”

Smiling, you check the radar again, “If we don't keep it open, that tie’ll just ram straight into the doors.”

“And this will have been a whole lot of effort for nothing,” Han grumbled. When you check the radar again, you almost shout, “Luke! Look out! They’re above!”

“I have to stay on target!”

You don't break formation, watching the Tie from above move into battle formations, shooting at your group. You want to defend Luke, to defend Han, but you stay in place, following behind the Tie. 

A blaster shot manages to hit the back of Lukes’ ship, almost taking out R2, but before they could take any other shots, the bay doors begin to open. The Tie’s immediately back off, probably thinking more X-wings were going to emerge and take them all out. The Tie crashes unceremoniously in the hanger, parts of the wings breaking off. The top hatch opens and Leia’s form pops out quickly, holding up something small in her hand. 

Landing between Han and Luke, you ignore the flaring pain in your side and rush to the burning X-wing, R2 whistling and beeping from his spot. The canopy opens, and Luke slides off his helmet with pink cheeks and furrowed brows. 

“Luke!” You yell, hauling yourself up the side to grab at his arms, hands running over the orange jumpsuit to find any injuries. When your hands finally rest on his face, you let your lips downturn into a frown, “you okay? Nothing hurt?”

“I- big shock, but I’ll be fine,” his voice soft, until his eyes flicker to Leia, his attention directed away from you.

“Leia! It was you?! How did you get over to the huge ship-”

“The executor,” she interrupts, voice closer. When you climb down from the ship, you push past a flabbergasted Han, wrapping the princess in a hug. 

“Thanks for not shooting me,” she says, pulling away, letting her arm rest around your waist. You ignore the stinging pain, opting for a wince that you hide in her shoulder. 

“Yeah, lucky Luke talked me out of it. Another few seconds and I would’ve blaster you,” Han throws an arm around Luke, who smacks it away with a small smile. 

“Oh stop it, I’m just glad you made it.”

When looking over her shoulder, you spot Threepio, sporting only the upper half of his body. 

“Threepio! Glad you made it.”

“Hello, Madam. I made it, but at the expense of my legs. Thankfully, master Meorti helped stop my wires from sparking.”

Meorti, who was sitting at the terminal, was waving her hand to your group, beckoning you all over. Leia is the first one over, watching over Meorti’s shoulder as she slides in the small chip Leia gave her. With Han at your side, Luke managed to peer over your shoulder at the computer screen, his hand on your lower back so he didn’t startle you. 

“All Systems operational,” Meorti says, smiling. 

Leia turns, wrapping her arms around Han, smiling brightly at him. You can feel Lukes’ arms wrap around you from behind, lifting you lightly into the air before setting you down. Your side burns. The pain seemed to be cranked up tenfold, throbbing down your hip and up into your shoulder. Luke’s hug made you think of it again, hot tears fill your eyes, and you just hope the others think it's from happiness. 

The ship lurches into hyperspace, but you don't notice, not like you do when in the Falcon. You’re too busy trying to swallow the pain, turning and grabbing onto Han’s arm. You wished Chewie was here, he would carry you to the med bay, maybe ruffle your hair while you get a bacta treatment. 

When you grab onto Hans’ arm, he drops the once happy smile and grips your shoulders, speaking to you softly, like you’re a kid that just got stung by a bee.

“Hey- hey, you okay?”

“I’m fine,” you reassure, but he can see through you, he always could. 

“We have to get you-”

“No, Han, please. I’m fine.”

Leia and Luke disappeared somewhere, their bright smiles gone, giving you no distraction. Han was still talking lowly to you, his voice barely managing to cut over the loud celebration of everyone since jumping to hyperspace. 

“This isn’t like that blaster graze- you’re seriously hurt,” he says, hands lifting your face to force you to look at him. 

“What are you,” you smirk, “my father?”

“Don’t try to change the subject-”

“Han! (Y/n)!” Leia calls, waving from the small crowd that was gathered. Luke was behind her but was talking to the rest of the remaining pilots. When she finally makes it back over to you both, she has a strained smile and worried eyes. 

“General Dodonna gave us the okay on a counterattack to get the rest of the fleet out- we have some ships to take so we can relay the information, but it’ll be dangerous.”

“Count me in, what's the plan?” Han’s full attention was back on Leia, but his arm still grasped onto your bicep, keeping you in place. 

“You’ll lead the transports to the fleet, and General Dodonna will create a distraction so you can safely pass through hyperspace. Rogue squadron will help defend the ships, you’ll lead. It’s the best we can come up with, with how low our resources are right now-”

“No, its doable,” you cut in, swallowing the lump in your throat and pushing the mission to the forefront of your mind. 

She looks at you then, eyes flickering across your orange suit before her lips thin into a line, eyebrows furrowing. 

“You got hurt, didn’t you?”

Han almost laughs, “glad you noticed!”

“I’m fine,” defending yourself, you try to smack away his arm, but his grip tightens. 

“You can stay in the transport with me and Luke, I don’t think you should be flying.”

“I was literally just flying, this is nonsense, you both sound like my parents,” you grumble, almost throwing your hands up in surrender when Luke appears at Hans’ side, eyebrows furrowed.

“Who shouldn’t be flying?”

“Your girl here has a burnt side-”

“(Y/n)’s hurt? When did she get hurt?”

“Like I was saying, she refuses to get medical-”

“Shouldn’t we take her to the medwing?”

“Will you let me finish?!” Han hisses, glaring at the blonde. “I won't let her get back in an X-wing, so she either stays here or goes with you two.”

“Will you stop talking like I’m not here?” Yanking your arm away from Han, you rub at the skin, narrowing your eyes at the three. “I’m fine to fly, this isn’t that bad. But if it makes you all shut up, then I’ll stay with Luke and Leia.”

You didn’t fight it when you were dragged into the small transport Luke and Leia would be flying. But you do grab Han harshly by the sleeve, pulling him down to glare at him. 

“I swear to the maker, Han, if you die or do some funky flying shit- I’ll literally kill you.”

“I don’t think you’ll be able to kill me if I’m already dead,” he snarks, smiling. 

“I’ll do some shit with the force and bring you back, just to kill you again.”

Luke laughs lightly from his seat, turning his upper body, “That's not how the Force works!” 

“Tough shit, Skywalker!” You retort, pushing Han away harshly before narrowing your eyes at him, “I mean it.”

“Yeah, yeah, don't worry about me.”

By the time the transports made it into the air, you were slowly dozing off in the back, legs outstretched in front of you while succumbing to the throbbing pain in your side. 

You knew Han was leading the pack, and that your transport was towards the back, but you kept your eyes closed, silently hoping that Han wouldn’t do anything stupid and that Leia and Luke would be safe pilots.

When dropping out of hyperspace, you groan lightly at the jolt, Hans's voice loudly crackles over the speakers.

“Han to Rogue Squadron. These little transports are defenseless. Form up on each one, and escort them to the cruisers.” Artoo beeped, and Luke sighed, “Be nice to Han! This is just one mission. I’ll be back flying with you soon.”

Leia shifted in her seat, hands gripping the controls, “I thought Threepio was the neurotic one, Luke.”

Smiling, you finally sit up, stretching your arms, “they equal each other out, I thought you knew.”

She chuckles, sarcasm dripping from her lips as she glances back, her eyebrows raised, “You’re constantly around Luke, of course, you knew.”

From your position on the floor, you can see the red and green lasers crisscrossing over each other, all trying to land a hit on enemy fighters. Amidst it, was the fleet's main ship, shields down and taking on fire. 

“Leia to Mako-Ta base. Can you hear me, Mon Mothma?”

There is a pause, before her scarily calm voice breaks through, “I hear you, Leia. What news?”

Brown eyes flicker back to watch the fleet, and Lukes’ flicker down to the radar, narrowing at the green screen, “Get all ambassadors ready to board, there’s enough room on here to save them all. We’re coming in to dock.”

“Woah,” you whistle, “he-”

“Look out!” Luke shouts, diving the transport harshly to the side, causing your body to almost roll across the space.

“There’s a Tie fighter coming right at-” Luke cuts himself off, and Leia's smile tells you what you need to know. 

“Nice shooting, Han,” she says.

“Nice flying, princess.”

“Oh, god,” you groan, pushing yourself off of the floor to lean in between their seats, “please don't flirt in front of me, it's sickening.”

The large bay doors open in front of your transport, and Leia manages to land softly, the ambassadors already filing into the room, Mon Mothma leading. 

Reaching forwards, you go to open the ramp, but Luke moves to do the same, your hands bumping just as you reach it. 

“Sorry-” he says softly, briefly glancing up at you before jumping out of his seat, hand brushing through his hair as he retreats out and into the hanger, greeting Mon Mothma first. 

“What’s wrong with him?” You ask, looking over at Leia, who had a small smile on her face. 

“What, you don't know?”

Your eyebrows furrow, “know what?”

“Maker,” she groans, standing from her seat, “you’re both helpless.”

When her figure retreats down the ramp, you pause for a few seconds, repeating what she said over and over. 

“Helpless?” you scoff, grumbling under your breath as you finally leave the transport, smiling softly at Mon Mothma, red hair perfectly styled, with her matching red lipstick free of any smudges. Even in a battle zone, Mon Mothma is calm and content. 

The Ambassadors behind her seem the complete opposite, all oozing with fear and anxiety. So, you turn and lightly place your hand on one of their shoulders, nudging them to start boarding the transport. 

“If the ambassadors can escape, we can keep the rebellion alive. This is absolutely crucial,” Mon Mothma sighs, her hands extending towards Leia, who stood tall.

“As is saving you, Mon. Get aboard, the ships are all about to go into hyperspace.”

Smiling, Luke rests one foot on the ramp, leaning his head down to speak into the Comm still attached to his flight suit, “you hear that, Han? Get ready to jump.”

But he doesn’t respond.

“Han? Can you hear me?” Luke tries again, shoulders tensing. Your smile drops, standing close to the blonde. It felt like a lifetime before Han finally responded, but there was static underneath his voice, which already sounded wrong.

“Yeah, I’m here. Engine’s gone -- failing. Artoo i-- giving it his best shot, -- nothing is working. Get --ut of here, kid. Make sure the Princess-- -ows what a brave guy I am, right? You-” His voice finally breaks off, static left in his place. Your body goes numb, the only resemblance of life left is the dull thrum of pain. 

“He’s floating out there,” Leia says softly, her voice tight. Your lungs refuse to intake air, head fuzzy at the thought of Han free-floating, attached to nothing, with no one but a droid he doesn’t even like that much.

You don’t notice, but your feet are already moving, lips forming words you don’t think about, “I’m going back for him.”

“No-” Luke strains, grabbing your hand tightly, pulling you back.

“I can’t leave him out there! There has to be something-”

Leia snaps her fingers, “wait, on Jedha, Han had an Idea. This is on a different scale, but if we can find a ship-”

Mon Mothma raises her hands, lips thin as she addresses your small group, “the main transport is ready to leave, you need to board.”

A sick feeling pools in your gut, and you almost sneer at her, “I’m not leaving him.”

Luke’s hand loosens, but he doesn’t let go. His thumb rubbed over your knuckles almost absentmindedly. 

“Just go, Mon.” Leia rushes, “We have to try and save Han.”

The older smiles softly, “be careful.” She gestures behind you all. When you turn, you almost laugh at the large docking ship, already pulling Luke along to climb aboard. Leia boards last, and Threepio already talking about the survivability of dead space in her arms. 

You manage to push Luke out of the pilot's seat, pausing to assess the controls before turning the large ship on, getting it off the ground, and glancing to the smaller transport before opening the hanger doors, flying out into the battle once more.

Hitting the accelerator, Leia and Luke both curse as their hands fly out to find purchase on anything around them. Finally spotting Hans’ free-floating X-wing, your hands find purchase on the magnetic ship clip’s button, and fumble to turn on the comms.

“Han, Brace!”

You press down onto the button, and when your ship flies over his, the magnet connects with the back of the X-wing, towing him along. Ahead, there were incoming Tie’s.

“Retracting the line now,” you grumble, glaring at the radar, multiple bogies appearing on the edges. The ship was getting heavy fire to the back, and you can hear Leia fight to stand up again, “It's getting rough, we need to jump!”

“Hyperspace, hyperspace,” you mumble, eyes flickering all over the control panel before finding the lever, a small blue bar on the side already alight and ready for the jump. Grabbing the lever, you yank it down hard, feeling the engines humming before the jolt to hyperspace sends the two behind you to the ground again, Threepio crying out as he fell from his chair. 

The system's diagnostic appears on a small screen near the radar, with red flashing lights and yellow caution signs already blinking. You curse under your breath, “engines are fried. We won't be going much further.” Blindly waving at the two still recovering from the ground, “find me a moon!”

You finally find solace on a small, deserted, and rocky moon, Corosi 7. Sitting beside Han, with your feet resting across his lap, you finally feel some kind of relief. With Luke and Leia sitting on Hans’ other side. Leia was hard at work, trying to forge a solid communication with eh rebellion.

“Hey!” she says, “We’ve got a transmission from Mothma.”

Taking your feet from Hans’ lap, you both lean into the small hologram of Mon Mothma, a deep frown on her face. 

“I have only moments. We all must disperse. We are in a more perilous situation than ever.”

Han scoffs, “Then get a move on. Tell us where Ackbar is so I can get back to Chewie and the Falcon.”

The hologram glimmers, her hands resting at her sides, “If I knew, I couldn't broadcast it. And right now? I simply don't know. Total secrecy was the point of the dispersal.”

“I’m sorry, Mon,” Leia sighs, “We failed. It’s all our fault.”

“It is not the time for apologies. We have more important business. Leia Organa: You are now a general. Luke Skywalker: You are now a commander. (Y/n) (L/n): You are now a Colonel. Han Solo: You are now a Colonel.”

“We’re being promoted?” You ask, a choked laugh breaking out at the end, gaze breaking from the chancellor to look at the others. She doesn’t mind, but she directs her gaze to you.

“The rebellion command has been decimated. Every candidate of quality needs to step forward.”

Han steps towards her, hand waving, “Hey, Mothy. I’m not going to be a colonel in any organization.”

“I understand. But it doesn’t matter if you take the position, Solo. You are a leader, rank or not.”

His hand moves to cover his mouth, speaking through it, “you don’t know what you’re talking about, lady.”

“So,” you ask softly, hand grabbing softly at Leia’s arm, “what are we supposed to do now?”

“Leia and Luke are your leaders. They get to make that decision now. Disperse. Hide. Organize. Strike. We must find our way to one another. We must find new ways to hurt the Empire,” she smiles then, eyebrows raising as she tilts her head lightly, “Good luck.”

When her hologram flickers off, you finally slouch back into your chair, rubbing harshly at your eyes. Your side still hurt, and you knew that if you didn’t have it looked at soon, it would only get worse. 

“How can we find Chewie and the Falcon?” Luke asks softly, leaning against the side of your chair, crossing his arms as he stares at the ground. Leia shrugs, slouching into the chair next to you while Han walked off, eyebrows furrowed. 

“I’m not sure we could even get there if we knew. This ship isn’t going much farther. How are we going to get anywhere?”

You can hear shuffling, until Han hums lowly, spinning around with the small chip you managed to buy before all of the chaos. 

“If we can get one more jump out of this pile of scrap, I may have an idea.”

Nar Shaddaa was the last place you expected to go, but when seeing the all too familiar ship barely out of sight, you put the puzzle piece together. You, Luke, and Han all took off the bright orange flight suits, and Leia managed to wrangle you into the cramped onboard med bay to wrap your side. Her eyebrows were furrowed, and she continuously asked if you were okay when putting on the soaked bacta patched, thoroughly covering the wound before wrapping it in bright white gauze. 

Now, you walked beside Luke down the hanger bay, yellow dust clouding over the ground as Han led the group into one of the more remote walkways, Sana waiting patiently in her green cloak and tan leather gloves. 

“Hey, sorry I’m late. I got dragged into the thing to end all things. Bounty hunters jumping us were the last of our problems.” Han reaches around his belt, unclasping the leather pouch and pulling out the small silver chip, “here’s the data I picked up from the Ring of Kafrene for you.”

Sana pulled out her own leather pouch, handing it over, “and here’s your fee.”

You can’t see Hans’ look. But from the way Sana’s small smile drops from her face, eyebrow-raising with a mischievous glint in her eye, you only sigh. 

“Wait, I know that look. What do you want, Solo?”

R2 wheels in behind Luke, Threepio strapped to his back as he complained about not being able to see anything, you feel Luke's hand lightly touch your lower back, “is this a good idea?” He asks softly, leaning in close to your ear. 

“I trust Sana, she wouldn’t turn us in.”

“If you’re in a smuggling mood, we’ve got some precious cargo that needs transporting,” Han’s voice is back to a confident, cocky, tone. One hand grabs his belt while leaning his weight onto one foot, “namely, us. We’ve had Imperial complications,” he trails off, waving his hand around. 

Sana, already smiling, closes her eyes as she shakes her head. Taking a step back to face her ship again, “I can't believe I’m this soft. Get aboard.”

You didn’t know where Sana was planning to go to hide your group, but you trusted her enough to keep you safe. While sitting in the cargo hold of her ship, Han and Leia are already in the cockpit talking with Sana about coordinates and flight paths, you stayed with Luke. Sitting by his side, you found yourself more tired than before. The blonde had already fallen asleep, arms crossed while his head rested on your shoulder, lightly snoring as his foot tapped against yours.

You knew that you would stick by his side, and keep him safe, already coming to terms with the fact that you would cross the galaxy if he called for you. Sure, you’d do the same for Han and Leia any day, or night. But with Luke, it felt different. 

You just hoped he would do the same for you. 

TAGS @beeblisss @fanfics-welcome @kaylahat @acupnoodle @citrusmando​ wanna be tagged? Send a message or comment! I’ll gladly tag you :>>

#Star wars #luke skywalker #luke skywalker x reader #luke skywalker imagines #star wars x reader #star wars imagine #leia organa #han solo #star wars 2015 #ASAJ

[jedidryad]

As this is a rather festive week, I wanted to celebrate with a snippet from Lightsabers are Always Loaded. This is a rather angsty exchange between Luke and Mara just after she arrives on Yavin...

The academy in its infancy was anything but calm. Problems were immediately evident. I noticed a strange unease as I crossed the temple grounds from my new room to the main tower. Some of the students acknowledged me with a nod, others looked away resolutely and I wasn’t certain if that was because they knew I had worked with the Emperor or simply because I was a noted mercenary. Hardly Jedi material, I expected.

I didn’t think Skywalker had that opinion at least. His smile as I entered his office seemed genuine, if more reserved and subdued than the grins I’d received before I’d left to train with Katarn and he’d gone to Byss.

“Settled in okay?”

“Sure. I didn’t bring much with me so there wasn’t much to settle.” I drew my recently acquired robe around myself.  It wasn’t just the sloppy, oversized nature of the fabric that made it feel odd on my body. It felt like a costume, camouflage like the way my jumpsuit had shifted colour from the metallic glare of my Skipray to the muted beige of the temple stone.

You don’t belong here.

I would try though. I had promised Karrde and Faughn I would try.

I rummaged in my satchel.

“Here.” 

I drew out Katarn’s lightsaber and placed it on Skywalker’s desk. 

“Kyle asked me to give this to you.”

For an instant, something cracked in Skywalker’s careful reserve.

“What happened?”

“He tangled with the Sith on Dromund Kaas. Lost himself for a bit.” I shrugged too casually but Skywalker didn’t seem to notice as he stared at the blade in front of him. I wondered if my story brought back some unpleasant memories of his own.

“He came back.”

“How?”

I did not want to explain what had gone down. I was still terrified of the feeling of offering myself like that, of following an instinct that should have gotten me killed.

“Not sure.” I replied, knowing that alone wouldn’t stop an earnest Skywalker interrogation, “He could have killed me. He changed his mind.”

I shrugged again, at a loss. Skywalker watched my face carefully as though he knew there was more to the story. I hardened my gaze and I sensed him back off as he realized that was all he was getting.

“Anyway,” I continued, “He wanted you to have that for safe-keeping. He thinks he’s not really ready to be a Jedi yet.”

And you are?

“You didn’t try to talk him out of it?”

“No.” No one who had sat there next to the man would have questioned his decision like Skywalker was.

“I suppose he needs time.”

“People need time to heal.” I blurted out more forcefully than planned and I watched his eyes narrow.

“It’s important not to take too much time.”

“Or too little,” I snapped.

#epic!bio #mara jade #luke x mara #luke skywalker #Jedi Academy Trilogy #i jedi #kyle katarn #conflict

[herehaveafandom]

For the choosing violence ask game, literally as many as you can for Star Wars

oh jesus ok

I've seen people talk about Satine who believe she was weak, that she betrayed what it means to be a Mandalorian, that she didn't deserve Obi-Wan, etc. While I don't idealistically with her views entirely, I sympathize with her point of view and I don't think she was at all weak. She was trying to do what she felt was best for her people based on her knowledge of history and the current political climate. Do what you have to, queen. Also, MACE WINDU. I'm sorry that the (stressed out, under immense pressure) leader of a massive order wasn't sweet as sunshine to the rule breaking Jedi master about the rule breaking kid he picked up who will grow up to be one of the world's most prolific war criminals and murders. I admit that I think the Jedi order had its faults but I am a Mace Windu stan 4ever

hey. hey. Look me in the eyes and tell me you think Rex bottoms. That man is a fucking Dom top who gets shit DONE. He has half of Torrent on their knees for him. The way he put his hand on Echo's chest? Shoots an eel in the eye and goes fucking "Call me sir?" He had them swooning I know it. His dick game is pristine. Side note but I feel like Bail Organa gets pegged on occasion (lovingly of course he and Breha are couple goals.

Uhhh. Hm. People who are generally mad abt Mando giving up the darksaber- I completely agree that it was right choice. For two seasons we all went "lol it's so funny how mando hates being the main character! He just wants to do side quests and raise his kid! Lol it's funny how he keeps being the most important person he hates it!" and then when Mando followed through on that character by giving up the darksaber people who got pissed "BUT HES THE MAIN CHARACTER". like tell me you don't understand the character without telling me that. Also people who Hate star wars but Keep Watching It and then come onto fandom side and insult it in every way - there's a difference between being critical of a thing (I am!) and just bringing the vibe down for everyone. Yes star wars and the fandom by extension have a lot of issues. Id also have to say the racist/homophobic/generally hateful takes. Also Reylos.

I've never actually blocked anyone!

I'm not on discord server lol

YOU KNOW. Like ok if you want to ship reylo FINE but don't come to me talking about how I'm misogynistic for not shipping it. I actually have taste thanks. I'm not the world's biggest fan of master/padawan ships - qui/obi or obikin - but at least those people are generally polite and I can just scroll past if I chose.

I don't know that this has happened? If anything hate for a character makes me more inclined to like them.

Gooooood where to begin. I am the only person who knows Obi-Wan and Luke Skywalker. When people reduce Luke down to "dumb, naive, sunshine boy" it makes me mad. Yes, that is a big part of his character, and may even be most of his character in ANH, but you don't get Luke unless you understand his more mature and dangerous side. Yes, Luke is generally the optimist to Leia's realism, but I believe that is a choice Luke makes. Remember, Luke grew up on Tatooine, so he can't be entirely innocent. Luke knew how to take care of business with Jabba. If you reduce him down to dumb sunshine I feel you take away from the character.

The sequels. The sequels. The sequels. They massacred and disrespected so many characters. God. They were so wrong. Beyond that, the split canon of Legends vs Disney. I actually really like so much of the old Legends canon I'm mad it's not real anymore.

The infighting, and as said above, people who just seem to hate Star Wars harshing the vibes for the rest of us. I'm not talking about things like acknowledging the bias and bigotry in both canon and fandom, because that's important, but people who just seem to hate every piece of media put out regardless of content. why are you here. In actual fanon proper, I'm going to be honest, mischaracterization. I understand everyone interprets things differently but sometimes I'm like. Did we watch the same thing here bestie bc he would not fucking say that.

fun fact the only thing i have filtered on tumblr is overwatch. I DON'T WANT TO SEE IT I DON'T CARE

Oh easy Saw Gerrera. I understand why people don't like him - he's hard to watch - but I think he's an amazing example of the kind of leftist infighting we see in our politicial climate today. He's not my favorite character or anything, but I do look forward to it when he's on my screen.

Kylie Ron. Enough said.

Ok this is a weird one but in all the prequel/clone wars fics I read, why does everyone assume Jedi, especially Obi-Wan, have an aversion to seeing a medic?? Did I miss something? Like if it was established in canon at some point let me know bc why?? The medics are always chasing down the Jedi and threatening them until they come in to get healed...like why wouldn't they go anyway? What's up man?

well fanart is varied. I guess a lot of characters overshadowing one another.

I mean this in the nicest way possible: I don't really understand why people like Obikin. I completely agree that these men are Not Normal about each other, and they have a New Type of Relationship but...Obi-Wan has been raising Anakin since he was nine. It's not even the age gap, just...I don't get it. No shade or shame but like. Not for me. They can be strange about each other in a different way for me.

FUCK ME I LOVE A FIXIT. LOVE A TIME TRAVEL BETWEEN OT AND PT. LETS THROW CHARACTERS INTO SITUATIONS I LOVE IT. I've particularly been thinking abt Darth Vader interacting with Dooku. Idk but I think it'd be fun. ALSO I LOVE FICS EXPLORING THE VARIOUS CULTURES OF STAR WARS. Star Wars has million worlds for you to make up shit about and I love them all. YES TELL ME ABOUT JEDI HOLIDAYS OR TWI'LEK RELIGIOUS BELIEFS. Shoutout to @fialleril and their amazing series abt Darth Vader being a double agent, which really set the standard and created content that people still use today about Tatooinian Slave Culture.

CAN WE HEAR A LITTLE COMMOTION FOR REVA SEVANDER? ok so we didn't really SLEEP on her but now that Kenobi is over I dont see much stuff about her :( I love her she was amazing. Also let me shout out some favorite fics real quick - the above mentioned "Double Agent Vader", "Cosmic Oddities", a Mando/The Last of Us crossover, all of Blue_Sunshine's work but especially their series "The Desert Storm" and the follow up "Rise and Fall" about a time traveling Ben Kenobi, Deniigiq's series "center stage", Killbothtwins' series "the massive machinery of hope" (more time traveling with one of my favorite characterizations of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon). For the adults looking for something spicy (and by spicy I mean downright smut), Iridan's work "a simple thing" has not only set the standard for Bobadin works, but is one of the best fics I've read PERIOD. Booktok authors WISH they had this level of skill. It's amazing and should be turned into a novel. All of the above fics are on AO3, go check them out and show them some love!

Padme/Anakin. It is heterosexual nonsense and I love it.

Some sections of TCW. I'm not generally a military/war movie person in general, so those sections focusing on that can feel a little long to me. Generally star wars doesn't bore me though!

I'm going to be killed for this, but...Andor. I LIKED IT I DID I JUST. DIDNT LIKE IT AS MUCH AS KENOBI. Yes it was important and relevant and YES it was great. I just think maybe the tiniest bit overhyped. I STILL REALLY LIKE IT THO DONT KILL ME.

Now lets talk abtJaster Mereel can we talk abt jaster mereel ive been dying to talk abt Jaster Mereel

Din/Bo Katan. Before season 3 I would have said no but season 3 got me bitch I can't lie. It's about the fealty.

Star war's flaws. the racism and homophobia and misogyny. yikes!

I DONT CARE IF YOU HATE THE PREQUELS SHUT UP ABOUT IT

#anyway. #star wars

[all-content-is-here]

Piano lessons provide a wide range of benefits to young children. Here are my "Top Five."

1. Piano lessons help preserve and develop children's natural creative abilities.

The best analogy of how children learn through music that I've found is from Donald Kroodsma's book "The Singing Life of Birds." Every songbird can be identified by the unique song it sings, but a baby bird has to be taught by its parents to sing the family song. Baby birds, like humans, just 'babble' at first. Mother birds sing the family song over and over to the baby birds as they try to repeat it back. At first, the baby birds are only able to sing back one or two notes, but they gradually learn to sing the whole song. And birds with two voice boxes even learn to sing their own harmony parts! Once baby birds learn the family song, they can start developing their very own songs. Similarly, I encourage students to compose their own music after developing needed skills. In my experience, young children in piano are a lot like baby songbirds!

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2. Piano lessons help children perfect their natural learning processes.

Music is a language, and children are programmed to absorb languages. Studies have shown that kids can most easily learn new languages when they start at a young age. Piano lessons help children develop the very same skills needed to accomplish language arts, like reading. In piano, students learn how to follow directions, scan written materials, think critically, create solutions and translate writing into action. For example, students must look at each note, measure and phrase and decide how to play each note to make the music come to life. Many children (including my own sons) have become much better readers after starting piano lessons. Further, piano lessons involves an interplay of both right and left brain activity that stimulates neural development.

3. Piano lessons help children learn how to stay focused and achieve goals.

Piano lessons help children set specific goals and then work towards reaching these goals. Each new piece of music a student learns requires a specific set of skills and playing habits. To achieve these goals students must learn to stay focused and study each note, measure and phrase to understand how to play the song. In doing this students learn to think critically and creatively as they decide how to make the music come to life. Staying focused over time develops good study habits that become natural. This is important because learning to practice good habits that match their goals shows children how to make their dreams come to life!

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4. Piano lessons help children develop courage.

It takes courage to face challenges without letting our anxiety and worries get the best of us. Piano lessons help students learn to accept challenges such as learning a difficult song, as well as to perform pieces in front of teachers, friends, and families at recitals. Lessons also help kids learn the importance of keeping a positive perspective despite difficulties. Learning to handle uncertainty and stress in a way that minimizes anxiety and maximizes creativity is a valuable life tool. We all need practice at this!

5. Piano lessons teach children to persevere.

A key part of accomplishing anything difficult is not to give up easily. As children grow, piano lessons teach kids to try and then try again if they don't initially succeed. However, as Yoda explained to Luke Skywalker, the objective isn't just trying itself, but accomplishing the desired goal -- "Do or do not, there is no try!" Piano lessons teach students how to adjust their expectations if they can't initially master a tough song or skills, and to tackle these big goals by taking small incremental steps. In the end, just like the baby songbirds that eventually learn to sing, students learn that they can accomplish great things and reach their dreams through careful and consistent effort.

To learn the best way to share the gift of music with children visit Amazon.com for my Piano Bears Musical Stories for Children The exciting Piano Bears Musical Stories for children ages 5 to 11 feature the loveable characters, Mrs. Treble Beary and her new piano student, Albeart Littlebud. Children love following along with Albeart to Mrs. Treble Beary's piano studio in Musical Acres Forest. Here they learn what piano lessons are all about in a fun way that kids readily understand and appreciate! Piano students laugh and giggle while reading "Little Bear's Musical Garden" and "Little Bear's Piano Goals."

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For a wealth of f'ree information and piano music online visit Piano Bears Music Education Resources Don't Wait to Share the Gift of Music!

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[burnnouts]

Quick Bio: Padmé Amidala is a senator who represented the people of Naboo during the final years of the Galactic Republic. Prior to her career in the Senate, she was the elected Queen of Naboo, having run her first campaign at only fourteen years old. Padmé's two terms as queen were so successful that the people of Naboo campaigned for her to have an unprecedented third term, but she declined and was assigned as a senator by the newly elected queen instead. During her time in politics, Padmé often worked closely with the Jedi Knights, eventually falling in love with one, Anakin Skywalker, and marrying him in secret. Anakin, having a dream that she died in childbirth, fell to the dark side to protect her, and became Darth Vader, and their children--Luke and Leia--were hidden across the galaxy for their protection.

Note: Padmé is a canon character from the Star Wars universe. I pull mainly from the prequel films for her characterization, though I am in the process of reading the 2020 novel, Queen's Shadow. I have not seen the Clone Wars show (yet).

Extended bio under cut:

TWs: pregnancy, death in child birth, (fictional) politics

A human born on the planet of Naboo, Padmé was a precocious child who spent every day baking and often traveled with her father on relief missions to offer aid on suffering, nearby planets. When she was seven, she helped a planet relocate after ecological disaster, but when the plan failed, and the people were unable to adapt to their new world, Padmé was devastated and vowed that she would try 10,000 times in order to save just one person.

Although her family came from modest origins, Padmé showed great promise (and motivation) from a very early age, devoting herself to public serve, and, at just eight years old, became a junior senatorial adviser. She attended the Theed Royal Academy to study politics and joined the Legislative Youth Program at 12. Two years later, she began her campaign to become the next Queen of Naboo, running on the stance that Naboo should break its policy of isolationism and make allies with other planets in their sector. Because she was known simply as Queen Amidala, her first name unknown to most, she began to switch between the persona of Queen Amidala--dressed in elaborate makeup and gowns--and Padmé, a handmaiden who could move among the common people unnoticed. When she went out as "Padmé," one of her own handmaidens would stand in as queen.

During her time as queen, the Trade Federation threatened Amidala and her planet and asked her to sign a treaty that would would give them full control of Naboo and legitimize their invasion. She, of course, refused, causing the federation to blockade the planet and prevent shipments from reaching the surface. With her people quickly running out of food, Amidala gathered defenses and sought aid from the Jedi Knights. When the Federation sent in an invasion of battle droids, Amidala was captured but was, thankfully, rescued by Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. As they made their way back to Naboo, the ship malfunctioned, and they were forced to land on the planet of Tatooine, where Padmé went undercover as a handmaiden, learning about the planet, working with the Jedi, and met a young slave boy, Anakin Skywalker who helped them get the parts they needed to leave.

In order to save her planet, Padme went to the Senate and moved for a Vote of No Confidence in the leadership of the current Chancellor, helping to put into power Palpatine instead, the man who would later betray her and all of the galaxy.

Back on her own planet, she and the Jedi Knights fought off the Trade Federation by making an allyship with the other species of Naboo: the Gungangs. Together, they were able to defeat the Federation and take back control of Naboo. Afterward, Padmé led the planets rebuilding and recovery efforts. After the invasion, the planet was divided on tactics to prevent another hostile takeover, with Padmé ultimately deciding to add an ion pulse canon to the surface of the planet, much to the displeasure of her own parents.

Amidala served two terms as queen, and by the conclusion of her second term, the Naboo had grown so fond of Amidala that a faction tried to amend the constitution to allow her another term. However, Amidala declined this and stepped aside for her elected successor. Not long after her coronation, the new queen asked Amidala to serve as the representative for Naboo and the other worlds in the Galactic Senate. As one of her first goals as Senator, she sent advisors back to Tatooine to look into ending slavery there, though this was outside of the Senate's control.

Ten years after the Invasion of Naboo, a Separatist Alliance broke out in the Galaxy, with several planetary systems deciding to break off from the Senate. This led to a vote for the Senate to build their own army, which Padmé strongly resisted. Soon regarded as the leader of the opposition to the Military Creation Act, Padmé's life again was threatened, as one of her ships was bombed, and her most loyal handmaiden was murdered, the assassin believing the woman to be Padmé herself. The Jedi Council assigned Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padawan Anakin Skywalker to protect Amidala and investigate the incident, though Amidala objected to the added security. When the assassination attempts continued, however, Padmé was convinced to leave the capital planet of Couruscant and return to her home planet of Naboo with Skywalker as her companion and guard.

Though she initially resisted his advances, Padmé found herself falling in love with Anakin. When he dreamed of his mother's kidnapping, she left her hiding place on Naboo to accompany him in saving the woman, but they were too late. Before they could return into hiding, news came that Anakin's master, Obi-Wan was also in danger, so he and Padmé left to rescue him too and were captured in the process. Two hundred Jedi arrived to aid them, but a battle broke out that had them cornered and overwhelmed. At that point, the newly made Grand Army of the Republic--created from clones--arrived and saved them all. And so, the army Padmé had fought against was created anyway and used to save her.

After, she secretly married Anakin Skywalker. They spent several years seeing each other in secret while both continuing their work in the Senate and Jedi Order respectively. When Padmé became pregnant, however, it was much harder to keep their secret, and Anakin's continuous nightmares of her death in childbirth put a strain on their future. Anakin began studying the dark side, looking for a way to save her, but in the process, pulled away from Padmé, leaving her stunned when he finally turned on the Jedi entirely and went to the dark side.

Verse Dependent: In canon, Padmé dies in childbirth and her children, Luke and Leia, are raised on separate planets for their own protection. Padmé's default verse will be before this point, but for characters in the later era of the Star Wars timeline, I write Padmé as living and helping to lead the resistance against the Empire formed by Palpatine and her husband.

#padmebio

[ricardotomasz]

Such is life! Behold, a new Post published on Greater And Grander about The Science of Story Structure

See into my soul, as a new Post has been published on https://greaterandgrander.com/the-science-of-story-structure/

The Science of Story Structure

The Science

Humanity has long acknowledged its link to gorillas, monkeys, and other primates.  Since Darwin, we have observed these creatures in their natural habitats, and seen the similarities they have with us, from opposable thumbs to their caregiving groups.  According to DNA sequencing, there’s only a 4% difference in the genomes that make up our and their DNA.  Hundreds of in-depth studies around the world have been performed to try and tell the differences between primates and humans.  

One European study found that one of the key differences between primates and humans was our recognition of time. The study goes on to say: 

Note that the spatial location of the stimulus (angle) and the spatial location of the behavioral responses (angle) were expressed in time units (seconds)... Our data from the 6-choice task suggest that subjects were resetting their clocks after each individual time interval… A possible alternative explanation is that monkeys did not engage the visuo-spatial rhythm but relied instead only on an association between elapsed time and target position… We speculate that the spatial component of our visuospatial task was an important sensory element that helped the monkeys better perceive and maintain rhythms of different paces.

Did you understand that?  No? I don’t blame you.  Let me give you the short version.  

Primates witness patterns, but cannot think about time in the same abstract way as humans (hours, days, seasons, years, etc.).  This may seem like a small thing, but you have so many building blocks of storytelling in the abstract box of time: changes in the season; physical growth with changes in age; mental and emotional changes; and the very concept of cause and effect. Every story is about how one thing led to another, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and great epic stories often follow how small events translate into gigantic changes in self, in others, or in their surroundings.  

The thing that separates us from primates, the perception of time, is our ability to tell stories, by sharing what the cause and effect of certain actions are.

Why Does It Matter?

Our brain has been constructed through millions of years of evolution, and even though two random people plucked from anywhere around the world will have thousands of differences between them based on race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, culture, age, how big their eyebrows are, and other factors, there will be one similarity amongst all of them; our brains are structured the same way.

It’s this common structure that informs how we respond to stories. Most people believe we will be interested in a story if it is a good story. I argue that a story is good if it conforms to how our brain structures information.

Some Examples

Over the course of this book, we’re going to talk a lot about the Hero’s Journey.  It’s a story format derived from the research of Joseph Campbell on similarities in Eastern and Western religions and has influenced Star Wars, The Matrix, the Harry Potter series of novels, and countless other books, films, and video games.  At its simplest, it’s about a hero leaving their ordinary world, crossing the threshold by entering a new unfamiliar, and challenging world, learning a valuable lesson (or attaining a valuable treasure), and returning to their previous world forever changed for the experience.  

In Star Wars A New Hope, Luke Skywalker leaves his home planet of Tatooine, crosses into the new realm of exploring the galaxy, realizes he has to save Princess Leia, escapes the clutches of the Galactic Empire, takes on a new identity as a pilot for the Rebellion, and returns to save the day and destroy the Death Star.

In The Matrix, Mr. Anderson leaves his safe job to join Morpheus and the other rebels, chooses the red pill to venture into the new realm of the real world, realizes he has to save Morpheus, escapes the clutches of Agent Smith, dies, and resurrects to take on a new identity as Neo, and returns to master the world of the Matrix where he can now use his knowledge to fly.

In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry leaves his home at 4 Privet Drive, crosses into the new realm of the Wizarding World, realizes he has to prevent his parents’ murderer Lord Voldemort from attaining the Sorcerer's Stone, passes the obstacles to get to the Stone, takes on a new identity as a wizard protected by his Mother's love, and returns to 4 Privet Drive a changed boy.

According to Campbell (and similar earlier proto-structures like Otto Rank’s and Lord Raglan’s respective mythotypes) the hero of a story expands their known world (or known emotional state) by embarking on a great challenge, crossing the threshold into uncharted territory.  

This is important because the ‘crossing the threshold’ moment mimics child initiation rituals where a person is closing the door to an old way of life, a more naive way of life, and crossing the threshold into a new chapter; a metaphorical death and resurrection.  Depending on the school of thought, this can also be a major part of Freudian psychology and psychoanalysis.  Our brains repeat this pattern over and over again as we symbolically pass through different chapters in life: new schools; new cities; new jobs; new relationships; etc.  

If we follow this metaphor further, a mother goes through great pain and sacrifice during childbirth, and out of it comes a new baby.  Metaphorically, the mother’s life as an individual ends, and a new life begins as a caretaker.  In a literal sense, she is returning home with a new human, resurrected out of her own pain, suffering, and DNA that has forever changed her.  

Now, as someone who grew up Catholic, I also see some similarities in how these thresholds overlap with the 7 sacraments in Catholicism.  They include the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist), the Sacraments of Healing (Penance, and the Anointing of the Sick), and the Sacraments at the Service of Communion (Marriage, and Holy Orders).  Think I’m reading too much into it?  Well, Francis Ford Coppola used this same idea to juxtapose the sacraments with key moments in Michael’s emotional journey.  I’m primarily talking about The Godfather (the first one, the good one) but this imagery is littered throughout the entire trilogy.  The Godfather opens with a wedding, which is designed to unite two people together in matrimony: this setting introduces Michael and his partner Kay, showing us the world Michael is trying to leave behind in his attempted courtship and future marriage with Kay.  Later, Michael then visits his father in the hospital, during Christmas, which one could argue is an Anointing Of the Sick, showing us how Michael is compelled to return to this dark world in an effort to protect his family.  Later on, Michael has a wedding of his own with a woman who is not Kay, but that scene is quickly followed by the woman’s violent death, highlighting Michael’s commitment to the family and what it has done to him personally.  At the end of the film, we see Michael’s transformation into the Godfather via a series of violent executions of his enemies, while he is attending his nephew’s baptism, which is meant to be a sacrament/celebration of life.  Coppola chooses to juxtapose these key story moments with the seven sacraments from the character’s Catholic heritage to highlight key moments in Michael’s transformation.     

The hero's journey is resonant with us because it mirrors our own life, and by using this structure, we can dive into any topic, any conflict, and any world, because we’ve given an audience a path they can recognize and latch onto.  It is a path that mimics their own lives and a path that will make them care about the characters.

Do you have your own thoughts? Let us know in the comments! Or join our community of successful creators on Patreon!

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[jackzillanyanut8008]

Star Wars TLJ Rewrite: Part 4

Author’s Note:

This rewrite is completely fan-made. I am not the creator of these characters. They belong to George Lucas, Lucasfilm Entertainment, Lily and Mikaila Orchard, and Disney+ Entertainment. I am not claiming any of these properties of my own. In the event that I do otherwise, I will take full legal responsibility for the misuse of these characters. Please support the official creators and there content. Thank You

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Chapter 12: The Next Vader?

Kylo enters Snoke’s throne room and kneels before his master. “Kylo Ren, I hope you succeeded in the capture of Luke Skywalker as we had planned?” the old man says as he rises from his throne. Kylo looks to the floor, trying to suppress his anger “No, a woman from Jakku jeopardized the-” Kylo says before Snokes interrupts him. “Take off that damn mask! I can hardly understand you…” he snaps as Kylo looks up. The Dark Jedi removes the mask as ordered, his scars still fresh from his battle on Starkiller Base.

“I assume these weren’t from your knights, my apprentice” Snoke sneers as he gently points at Kylo’s facial scars, shuddering at the Supreme Leader's bone-like fingers. “Y-yes sir, they were caused by the enemy insurgents as they fled the base” Kylo says as the Supreme Leader scoffs in annoyance as he returns to his throne. Kylo stands up to interject before being struck by a torrent of Force Lightning, “You are supposed to be the next Darth Vader, but you…” he says as he points to the Dark Jedi “You, with all your training, were bested by a girl who had never held a lightsaber, YOU FAILED!!!” Snoke yells, his voice almost shaking the throne room as Kylo Ren shudders in fear of his master’s wrath. “Find the girl, the Sith, and Luke’s apprentice” he says as he slouches in his black throne “Maybe then, you will redeem yourself… Dismissed” he says as he waves his hand.

Kylo stands in the elevator, holding his black helmet in his hands…

Snoke insulted HIM

Insulted his HERO

The rage in Kylo was so immense it boiled over as he smashed the helmet into the elevator wall, screaming his rage and anger out while doing so…

As he steps out he leaves the smashed, smoldering helmet pieces in the shaft as he heads to the hangar.

“Prepare the Shipbuster Cannon, notify Captain Phasma and General Hux, it’s time for the Resistance to end… Permanently” Kylo orders his officers as he heads to his modified TIE Silencer and leads a swarm of dropships onto the Finalizer.

Chapter 13: Battle Plans And Speeder Gossip

Rey and the others gather around a terminal inside Fort Solo, the mining facility turned headquarters for the Resistance as Leia stands before everyone and gives them a debriefing. “Alright soldiers listen up! According to our scouts the First Order has reached Vandor, they’ve brought a shit ton of troops and a shit ton of weapons, but they’re missing one thing: Hope.” Leia says as she pulls up a holodeck image of their biggest weapon yet “Finn, they’re all yours” she says to the former Stormtrooper as he clears his throat. “This is the Mark 3 Ionic Lazer Cannon, or The Ship Buster for short, it generates enough heated plasma to melt through everything except Mandalorian Beskar” Finn says as he points to the massive cannon. 

“However, it needs to be pulled by 2 First Order Tug Walkers, take out the walkers, and it’ll stop dead in its tracks” he says as he highlights a pair of ATHH Walkers on the holodeck image. “So we’ll need a strike team to take them down. I’ll lead the assault due to my knowledge of the machinery. Captain Dameron will lead a bombing squad to blow up the cannon after the walkers are dealt with, all clear?” Finn says finishing the debriefing. Everyone gives out a series of nods and affirmatives “All right let's blow up some walkers, FOR THE REPUBLIC!!!” Finn yells holding his blaster, everyone else following suit as they leave the control room. 

Rey runs into Commander Tico, who’s helping build Finn and the other members of Team Buckethead (the name being picked out by Poe) speeders for the mission. “Hey Commander Tico, how are the speeders going?” Rey asks as she looks down at the Commander. Tico hits her head as she pulls out from under the old speeder and dusts off her overalls “Not bad, thanks for the spare parts from the Falcon by the way Rey, it’s been a real help” she says with a smile.

Rey giggles at the commander “Thank Chewbacca, technically it’s his ship, I just flew it once or twice” Rey says with a blush. Tico gets a smirk “Soooo, you and Amorosa huh? Are you guys going on strong or taking it slow?” she says with an eyebrow raise. Rey laughs a little before clearing her throat “The concerns of the Jedi and Sith are none of your business Commander Tico” she says before leaning in for a whisper “But yeah, it’s been great, we’re planning on going to Naboo for our first date” she says with a little squeal. Tico smiles “Well good for you two, I wish you both the best” she says as she heads back under the speeder “Oh and Rey, Rose is fine, only Leia and the other higher ups call me Commander okay?” she says as the Jedi starts to walk off. Rey gives the Commander a gentle smile “Not a problem Rose”.

Chapter 14: Tugs Of War

Vandor looks out to the massive snow covered tundra, keeping an eye out for any tanks with the other scouts, and Aliana. “See anything V?” Aliana says from across the room. “No, it’s quiet… too quiet” Varax says as he looks back to his binoculars. Then, deep in the white fog, Varax sees it, The Ship Buster. “GOT EYES ON THE SHIP BUSTER!!!” he yells as Aliana hits the alarm. 

Finn and Tico line the speeders up against the entrance. “Alright guys you know the drill: Get in, plant the bombs, get out, blow ‘em up!” He says as he hops onto the speeder and puts on a pair of pilot goggles. 

Varax runs down the stairs and heads for the speeders, “Hey Finn! Me and Aliana are coming with, we can help some of you guys get inside those walkers!” Varax says as Aliana follows suit. “Smart thinking Koslov, Hop on!” he says as Varax jumps behind him in the gunner seat. “Ever drive a speeder before Finn?” Varax asks as he puts on his helmet. “Not outside a simulation, we’ll be fine… I think” he says nervously. “WAIT WHA-” Varax asks before being cut off by Finn and the others shooting out the fortress and skidding across the tundra.

As they get closer the walkers rain down a barrage of cannon fire as the speeders scatter and head under the legs. “GO GO GO GO!” Varax orders as he grapples up to the belly of the massive walker. “Alright, watch your head!” he says before igniting his cyan lightsaber and carves a hole into the metal beast as the others meet up with him. Varax climbs in and hides behind a pile of crates, signaling the others to stay down. He sneaks up behind the pilots and discombobulates them as the others climb in “Alright let's make this quick, Aliana how are you doing on your end?” he says into his wrist commlink. “Almost done here V, on our way down now!” Aliana says as the bombers give Varax the thumbs out as the group repels down the walker and takes off. “Oh please,please, please work!” Varax says as he presses the detonator. Luckily, the Tug Walkers explode in a fiery mess as the speeder team heads back

“YEAH, TAKE THAT DARTH GREASE BAG, WOOOO HOOOO!!!” Varax yells as the group heads inside before his stomach sinks into his feet.

A First Order TIE Fighter flies overhead and launches a torpedo above the main entrance to the Fortress.

Chapter 15: Trench Madness

Varax and the others look in shock and fear as the TIE Fighter starts to circle back “HEAD TO THE CAVES HE CAN’T REACH US THERE” Varax yells through his mic, but it’s too late… One by one the speeders are picked clean. Leaving only Finn, Aliana, Rose, and Varax. The four survivors ditch the speeders and duck into a nearby trench near the main entrance, as a First Order Dropship lands nearby. “HEAD INSIDE ME AND ALIANA WILL COVER YOU BOTH, GO!!” Varax says as he ignites his cyan blades to block the blaster bolts.

Inside Fort Solo, Rey gets up after being knocked unconscious by the blast before looking over and seeing Leia, who was knocked against the stone wall and knocked out. “LEIA, ARE YOU ALRIGHT? SPEAK TO ME!” Rey exclaims. Leia doesn’t respond, Rey tries to heal her through the Force but it isn’t enough. “rey…“ Leia whispers, trying to touch Rey’s cheek, “Get out of here…. Save yourself…” she says, wincing in pain. Rey starts to tear up, “No! I won’t leave you” she says. Leia just looks at her “Rey… Do what needs to be done…” she says as her eyes slowly close.

Varax and Aliana eventually reach the control room, seeing Rey hold Leia’s corpse in her arms, her eyes full of tears. Varax soon realized who was responsible for the attack, and it infuriated him. “Aliana, Rey, get the survivors onto the Falcon and the cruisers, I’ll deal with that bastard in the air” he says as he grits his teeth and heads for the main entrance.

Kylo looks down at the Jedi as he lands the TIE Interceptor in front of the fortress. “Come to barter a peace, Jedi?” he asks Varax. But the Jedi doesn’t respond, only walking towards Kylo, saber in hand. “Your armies bombard my home, threaten the lives of innocent people, and ruin the once peaceful galaxy I call home…” Varax says as he stops a few meters from Kylo “But worst of all, you killed your own mother, and made my student break down in tears” he says holding the blade up as he disconnects the dual saber into a pair of single blades “Peace? Don’t make me laugh, I’m gonna feed you your fucking heart” he says angrily. Kylo notices his master's eyes, the dark emerald green color being replaced by the bright yellow color of the Sith “So be it… Old friend” Kylo says as he ignites his crossguard and charges at the Jedi. 

Chapter 16: Varax’s Vengeance

Varax roars in fury as he charges at his former pupil, swinging his dual blades wildly like a crazed maniac. Kylo struggles to keep up the defensive, getting slight burns and cuts on his tunic. “SHE LOVED YOU, SHE CARED ABOUT YOU, AND YOU KILLED HER!!” Varax roars as he kicks Kylo’s ribs, launching him into the ship. “YOU PREACH ABOUT BEING THE NEXT VADER, BUT YOUR NOTHING LIKE HIM!!! CAUSE AT LEAST HE CARED ABOUT HIS MOTHER, YOU’RE JUST A WHINEY, GREASY, SPOILED ROTTEN LITTLE BASTARD” Varax roars as he disarms Kylo and slices his arm clean off before unleashing a barrage of Force Lightning directly into his face, burning his once white, peach colored skin into a red and bubbly mess as he screams in agony.

Varax deactivates his blade as Kylo writhes on the ground in agony, cursing the Jedi as the Fortress doors seal behind him “CURSE YOU KOSLOV, I’LL FIND YOU AND KILL YOU, AND THAT SCAVENGER BITCH TOO” he screams before being grabbed through the Force as Varax starts to strangle him “You aren’t gonna do shit Ben, the only thing you’re gonna do is die in the snow like a good little dog” he says before throwing Kylo into the cold, slamming him against his ships as the ground support lands all around him.

Hux and Phasma exit the ship and see the Dark Jedi. His once perfect tunic now a mess of burnt cloth, his face a red and bubbly mess leaving only his scar from Rey as the last piece of untainted flesh, his severed arm meer feet away as he looks to Hux “Kill them all… leave no survivors” Kylo says, blood spewing from his lips. 

Hux clears his throat “Phasma, send a search party in and bring out any soldiers you-” he says before being cut off by the ships flying out of the atmosphere. “Hmm shame, wanted to win this one for the Supreme Leader’s favor” he says with a sigh “Get Kylo Ren onto one of the dropships, the Supreme Leader will fix him up right away” he says as he and Phasma head to the shuttle to return to Snoke.

Varax sits on the couch in the Fury alongside some other survivors. “Hey Varax, are you doing okay?” Poe asks as he sits down next to him “I saw what happened between you and Kylo, gave him one hell of a facial job didn’t huh?” he says with a chuckle before clearing his throat. “But serious man, you wanna talk about it?” Poe asks before Varax gets up and heads to his room, locking the door.

Chapter 17: A Cut Deeper Than Any Lightsaber

Kylo screams as he lays on the operating table, as a group of medical droids try to heal his injuries. Eventually, after much screaming and flailing from Kylo, the work is done. His former helmet being incorporated as a medical device used to cool his head, his ribs being replaced with new metallic replacements, and his right arm being lined with a Beskar plating from the harsh winter world of Mandalore. 

Kylo looks at himself as he steps down from the table, as Snoke enters the operating room “How are you feeling my apprentice?” Snoke asks as he walks in, his golden robe shimmering in the light of the operating room. “Powerful, where is-” Kylo says before Snoke lifts up his hand to stop his pupil.

“Patience Ben, Master Koslov will get what he deserves, but for now, your Knights will be in charge of front line duty, at least until you are more accustomed to your suit that is” Snoke says as Hux enters the room.

Meanwhile, the remainder of the Resistance fleet land on Naboo, in the Gungan jungle outside Theed. Rey runs out and breaths in the fresh air “Finally, fresh air and solid ground” she says giggling with joy. Varax follows her out alongside Aliana, who smiles at her girlfriend as she spins around gleefully. “Don’t go too far, there’s plenty of creatures here that’ll eat you!” Varax calls out with a sigh “I swear she’s like a child when she does that” he says as he moves the supply crates onto the ground. Aliana tilts her head up  “I think it’s cute, on the plus side Naboo is middle ground, so the Republic forces on Hosnian Prime that relocated to Coruscant should be here within a week.

Varax grumbles a little under his breath, “I don’t trust Mothma, Rebellion Founder or not she’s not a fan of Sith or Jedi, we better tread lightly” he says crossing his arms. “Chewbacca said that he, Lowbacca, and Master Gungi are on their way here. Maybe they can back us up?” Aliana says with her hands behind her head. Varax shakes his head “What we need is NUMBERS not MANPOWER” Varax explains as the other ships begin unloading soldiers. “Which takes both time and resources”. Aliana scratches her chin, “My mother used to help in the Senate in Outer Rim trade deals, maybe we can contact them?” Aliana suggests with a shrug. 

Varax ponders for a moment “At this point, we’ll take anyone who can hold a blaster” he says as he signals for a speeder.

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