#obi-wan was trying to soft quit and not announce that he was running so no one would vote

[tennessoui]

this has stayed in my brain for like 2 weeks: au where obi-wan gets fed up with the city council because he keeps writing them asking them to fill this pothole on his street that he hates driving around and they keep not doing it so he decides to run for city council himself on the sole platform of if he’s elected he’s going to fucking fix that fucking pothole.

and he wins because he is very charming and not a lot of people vote anyway, and he fills in his pothole and then next election cycle, he’s planning to let someone else win so he doesn’t have to be on the city council anymore because he actually hates local politics.

only there’s this asshole in university who decides to run obi-wan’s re-election campaign because he’s trying to sleep with a political science TA and he thinks she’ll be impressed if he shows an interest in local politics by doing some grassroots voting door to door work for his community service credits…..and he chooses obi-wan to support at random and very nonconsensually

so anakin skywalker becomes the bane of obi-wan kenobi’s existence. obi-wan kenobi becomes the focus of anakin’s.

(obi-wan also becomes an elected official again, mostly because of the bored housewives vote.)

(obi-wan blames this on the fact that while anakin is a very horny intense nineteen year old, he’s also surprisingly effective with his big wet eyes and his obscenely pink lips. anakin blames this on the televised debates he scheduled between obi-wan and fellow councilor maul, where obi-wan’s eyebrows are drawn and he looks furious and his shirtsleeves are rolled up to his elbows, exposing his very nicely defined forearms.)

(they fuck about it.)

#kit's silly lil aus #obikin #talked about this on the discord like a while ago but was thinking about it earlier #obi-wan was trying to soft quit and not announce that he was running so no one would vote #for him but then anakin just randomly chose to put all his intense weird energy behind obi-wan #and it works and obi-wan is furious #this twink is ruining his life #now he’s been re elected and people know about him and talk to him on the street #and that’s …. sort of nice fine he likes people he likes his city #he fucking hates politics and now he’s a politician #all because of anakin skywalker !!!! #who turns Padmé down when she makes a move on him because all his weird intense 19yo anakin energy is firmly #on getting obi-wan to fuck him now #(obi-wan realizes that maybe he will be stripped of his political power and title if he’s caught fucking his campaign manager (newly 19) #(obiwan of course grabs onto that opportunity with both hands. solely because he wants to not be on the council anymore.) #(not because he wants to fuck anakin) (definitely not) #the sex they have the night it’s announced obi-wan wins….incandescent so rough so furious anakin can’t stand #obi-wan goes out to say thank you all sweaty with hair out of place and red splotches on his neck #and no one knows they’re from his campaign manager currently in his bed back at his house

[crispyjenkins]

Rexobi. I really just wanna see Rex and Obi-wan drinking together and complaining about the disaster that is Anakin Skywalker. They decide to team up to get anakin to calm the heck down and to talk about his feelings. Anakin doesn’t realize what’s going on but gets the idea he needs to play matchmaker with his master and his captain. He thinks he’s the smart one but he’s really not

(i have once again chickened out of your full prompt and instead give you the leadup to rexobi getting anakin to talk about his feelings. 

i uhhh may be unable to think of anything but a rexobi au à la this post by @norcumii and @dharmaavocado about roleswap-ish senior padawan obi hella vibing with this mutant clone that can’t get above the rank of captain even as an arc trooper because the kaminoans are Like That, and qui-gon is going spare, because between anakin somehow being allowed to be in charge of a whole battalion and obi-wan picking fights with every single seperatist leader, he and cody never get a moment of peace. and like. just obi and rex being dumbass 20 year olds trying to deal with a general/master like anakin in the middle of a war. i don’t have TIME for that though

thank you for the prompt as always, i think this is the only rexobi/obex prompt i’ve ever gotten and this ship is criminally underappreciated. like?? kadavo?? anyways here’s whatever this is)

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 Not for the first time, Rex wishes Kote were the one here dealing with this, because “how to comfort your favorite Jedi” hadn’t exactly been covered in ARC training – actually, Alpha probably withheld the information on purpose, the fucker.

  But Kote is on the other side of the galaxy with the 187th and just as upset they’re not here in Rex’s stead: it’s barely a month off General Kenobi returning to his own face, and Rex knows his vod would strangle the entire Senate if given even half a chance for deploying them separately on their general’s first mission back after the Hardeen... incident. 

  And Fett’s Ghost knows Rex’s own general is going to pitch a fit when he finds out Rex is here instead of taking leave like the rest of the 501st, but Kote certainly wasn’t about to let Kenobi go all the way to Alderaan unguarded so soon after his supposed death; and honestly, Rex would have been offended if they had asked anybody else to do it. Thankfully, Kenobi hadn’t seemed offended when Rex had shown up at the Jedi Temple’s flight hangar before he could take off; instead, he had been rather amused. 

  Even luckier, Alderaan is barely a day’s jump from Coruscant, so they don’t have to spend too much time awkwardly pretending that Rex hadn’t attended the man’s funeral in Kote's place (that he would have attended anyways), or that Rex doesn’t know Anakin hasn’t spoken to his former master since their debrief to the High Council about Cad Bane. Which Rex should absolutely not know in the first place, but Anakin is his friend, for better or for worse, and Ahsoka thinks her master airs far too many of his grievances to his captain.

  It isn't until their cruiser is making the descent over Alderaan that Kenobi finally addresses the tension between them, which only proves that Kenobi is well aware of it, but had put it off as long as he could. It's a humanising observation, that Rex wishes he could have had when he isn't the only vod in a ten mile radius that isn't the pilot, because at least then he wouldn't be the sole receiver of the soft smile Kenobi gives him as he joins Rex to wait by the shuttle's access hatch.

  Rex thanks his progenitor's laughing corpse he has his bucket on, because all he can do is stare. 

  "You are worried about Anakin," Kenobi says matter of factly, though not unkindly, and Rex lets out a breath that's almost a laugh. 

  "I promise I am far more discrete with my thoughts in the field, sir."

  Kenobi chuckles warmly, tucking his arms behind his back to watch the planet under them grow larger as they approach. "Do try not to worry so much, my dear, this will all resolve itself in time." 

  It's hard to stare right at his gentle assuredness, so Rex looks away. "You have far more faith in his ability to forgive than I, sir."

  That laugh strains at the edges. "Yes, well, I'm afraid some of my lessons seem to have been... lacking."

  Rex has regs carbon-printed on his brain, he knows that even without the direct chain of command, the soft push and pull of his relationship with Kenobi, the steady, serene growth of it, is... problematic, for so many reasons that he wouldn't know where to start. Not least of all is rank, how much more important a Jedi is than a replaceable CC-track washout, but, well, Rex had washed out for being too emotional, so it's not as if he's exactly unused to reacting to things inappropriately for a good little soldier.

  "It's not my place, sir," he murmurs, remembering Kadavo, remembering Umbara, remembering the hand Kenobi had laid on his shoulder for far too long after the Blue Shadow virus, and has Rex really been this gone since then? "just say the word and I won't mention it again. But just because Kote isn't here doesn't mean you have to... shoulder all of this alone."

  In fact, it's wildly not his place to make such an offer, however implicit, but that month on Kadavo did happen, and Rex isn't so self-deprecating to believe he  hadn't had a heavy hand in helping Kenobi make it out on the other side as well as he did. He doesn't think so little of the bond they had formed then, to believe that Obi-Wan is unaware of it. 

  Not when he smiles at Rex like that, like he's a warm cup of caf after a week in the trenches, like Rex is... worthy of such sincere affection. 

  As the shuttle settles around them and the pilot announces their arrival over comm, Obi-Wan simply says, "I did not for a moment believe I was, my dear."

-

  "You and Rex seem close."

  Normally Obi-Wan can feel Anakin coming from an entire corridor away, but he also knows Quinlan has been teaching him a few Shadow tricks, so he isn't entirely surprised when Anakin appears at his elbow in the empty bridge looking like a smug necu.

  Aside from eating firstmeal with Kote in the mess, Obi-Wan hasn't even seen Rex today, much less interacted with him: as he understands it, Rex is trying to round up the remaining 501st shinies that are running around the Negotiator, so Obi-Wan really doesn't know where Anakin had gotten that notion. Recently, at least. 

  Anakin rolls his eyes and scoffs, leaning back on the railing next to him and crossing his arms. "Please, Master, even Snips has noticed."

  Obi-Wan refrains from telling him that anyone with a modicum more self-awareness than him has noticed. Be that as it may, "This is one of those times where I truly don't know what you're trying to say, my dear: I have been close with Rex since he was in the 212th."

  It isn't even an exaggeration, that there had been... something between them before Anakin whisked Rex away to his own battalion after his knighting, though back then it had been nothing more than friendship. If he recalls correctly, and he does, the cleanup of the Ryloth capitol had been the first time since then that they had worked closely, while Anakin had been on the ground with the locals and Mace had been with General Syndulla, and Obi-Wan had found he still quite enjoyed the way they worked together. Their time on Naboo combating the Blue Shadow virus had only endeared the captain more to him —he does remember a slip in propriety in his relief that Rex had been rescued safely with Padmé and Ahsoka, a hand left too long on the captain's shoulder until Kote had called him away— enough that Obi-Wan had been both relieved and horrified that it was Rex there to support him on Kadavo.

  "Cody said Rex was the one to go with you to Alderaan; you sure nothing 'happened' while you were there?" Anakin chuckles to himself like he's being incredibly clever, like there isn’t a hickey visible over the collar of his under tunic.

  Obi-Wan raises a brow slowly and refrains from rolling his eyes. "Despite what you may believe, Anakin, not everyone leaps into committed relationships after life-threatening situations." Not that Alderaan had been life-threatening, it had actually been as close to actual leave as Obi-Wan has had the entire war.

  "Please, it took Padmé and I ages to–" 

  Anakin seems to swallow his tongue, then, face rapidly going purple, and it really is a miracle the entire Republic doesn’t know about his marriage; the GAR certainly does.

  Sighing, Obi-Wan checks the chrono and decides it isn't too early for another cup of tea. "If you have a specific question about my relationship with Captain Rex, I do wish you’d be direct, my dear."

  Anakin splutters. "Relationship?!"

  "Great Maker, Anakin, you’re easier to spook than a half-starved blurrg." He pats Anakin’s arm, his sonbrother floundering for anything other than abject confoundment, as Obi-Wan turns away from the bridge to go locate both tea, and his commander to hopefully finalise their newest mission orders. "Don't worry," he calls over his shoulder, "I'll actually let you come to the wedding, unlike someone."

  Not that Obi-Wan has any such plans, Maker knows he and Rex have yet to address their feelings in the first place, but he'd be lying if part of him doesn't want to conspire with the captain in question —and perhaps Ahsoka— to see just how far they could take this before Anakin realises they're stringing him along. 

 Remarkably, Rex is waiting by Obi-Wan’s office with a flimsi cup of tea and a harried smile that promised quite the day chasing after shinies, and Obi-Wan decides conning his former apprentice can wait.

Mando’a: vod/e — “brother/s”, “comrade/s”, “sibling/s”, technically gender neutral but used most often in fandom as “brother/s”

#crispy writes #rexobi #obex #pre relationship #everybody get on the fucking kote train choo choo #non binary cody #someone please come ship this with me we're so dry for fanart #prequel trilogy #clone wars #ask #theclonewarsbrokeme #prompt #fill #sonbrother will never not amuse me #there is a lot less angst and injury in this than initially planned #but then realised what i'd written was basically 'got me in a tricky situation' by dharmaavocado #so #almost no angst for y'all today #*does a lil jig* feelin disgusting about all these likes from people that preach about reblogging from artists #like i'm not mad just confused #😔

[swbumblebee]

The group of Jedi Generals and senior clone officers were clustered together in the hanger, watching with keen eyes as troops from both the 212th and the 501st were suiting up and organising themselves into ground teams, ready to ship out.

Marshall Commander Cody let the usual Skywalker/Tano banter wash over him, as much background noise as the whirring of machinery and the thud of boots. Instead he focused his gaze on his own General, who was standing silently with an uncharacteristically distant look on his face.

“Sir, everything alright?” he asked in a low voice, positioning himself so the question was as private as possible.

The Jedi didn’t move for a solid twenty seconds.

Cody dithered.

“Sir?”

“Hmmm?!”

General Kenobi finally acknowledged him, seemingly quite startled to find Cody so close. “Oh ah, yes. Sorry Cody I’m just…” he trailed off, and Cody watched with a sinking feeling as the vacant look took over his face once more.

He was starting to recognise that look:

Force Oisk was going down.

“Padawan” the General cleared his throat suddenly and Cody was instantly alert.

To his amusement, both the younger Jedi looked up at the summons, stopping their horsing around immediately.

“Would you run and fetch my Shoto from my room please?” the senior Jedi asked politely, addressing Commander Tano.

Both younger people looked at him with the most confusing expressions. General Skywalker tilted his head in surprise and Commander Tano’s eyes widened in excitement as a smile formed.

“Really?” She asked in an endearingly childish tone, as if her Grand Master had just announced life day had come early. Cody half expected her to start bouncing on the balls of her feet.

General Kenobi only hummed in confirmation, tilting his head as if listening to something. If he wasn’t so used to the aforementioned Force Oisk, it would have been decidedly creepy to Cody.

“Yes…” he tapped his chin thoughtfully. “I’m not quite…but…yes” the General finally said, nodding firmly once at the end of his sentence. “Would you mind?”  

“Err Sure! I’ll go get it now!” she exclaimed enthusiastically. Turning back to the group seemingly as an afterthought, halfway to the doors, “I call Master Obi-Wan’s squad!” she called as she bounded out.  

General Kenobi shook his head fondly.

“Sorry, Sir…what’s a shoto?” Cody asked, hoping to jump in before it became any more of A Thing.

“Ah apologies Cody, that was rude of me” his C.O apologised. “A Shoto is a second lightsaber blade, slightly shorter than a main sabre. One uses it when performing double bladed fighting forms.”

Cody blinked.

He knew there were Jedi who had two sabers, Commander Tano for instance, but he’d never seen his own use anything other than his trademark single azure blade. Force knows he was lethal enough with it.

“Yeah, Jar’Kai” General Skywalker chimed in. “Master’s really good at it.”

Of course he was. Cody would have been surprised if his breathtakingly competent General was bad at anything.

“I don’t suppose it’s telling you why?” Skywalker asked drily.

“Unfortunately not” his Master replied flatly.

Before Cody could ask what the hell they were talking about now, Commander Tano positively skipped back over to them waving a lightsaber hilt that was slightly stubbier than the one Cody was used to seeing.  

“I’ve got it!”

It would’ve been a very cold person who didn’t smile at the enthusiasm of the young Jedi, and like the sun coming out from behind the clouds Cody’s General gave a soft smile as he took the hilt in his hands, briskly clipping it to his belt.

“Thank you Ahsoka.” The senior Jedi cleared his throat “hopefully I won’t have call to use it but” he shrugged “at least I can be prepared.”

Cody had A Bad Feeling about this.

“Master please can I go with Master Obi-Wan?” Commander Tano’s excited plea cut off his next question as she bounced in front of Skywalker, who rolled his eyes.

“I hope you’re as excited to hang out with me one day” he teased.

“We’ll hardly be ‘hanging out’�� General Kenobi corrected. “But, Anakin if you have no objections, Ahsoka you’re with me.”

Skywalker nodded and shook his head fondly as Commander Tano punched the air.    

“Try and learn something Snips” he tugged playfully on her Padawan beads “I’ll see you later.” He looked at them all, suddenly serious “May the Force be with us.”

---

Cody had tried to prize an explanation from his mystic Jedi before they found themselves in the middle of the fray:

“General, why did you have to bring your shoto blade?”

He got a shrug in return.

“The Force told me to.”

Well. Ask a silly question.

But an hour or so later, as Cody paused (rather unprofessionally) mid-way through kicking a clanker into the other end of next week, it became apparent that the Force knew what it was doing.

Gradually the others around him, separatist and clone, were pausing and looking up as one, as on the top of a low building just up ahead their General was showing them just what this “Jar’Kai form” in the hands of a Jedi Master could do.

Once the spectacle had caught his attention Cody found he couldn’t look away; his General was moving almost faster than the eye could follow; blue and yellow blurs following him as he quite simply decimated the forces in between him and his goals; both the rusty old bastard that was Grievous, and the all-important controls for the shield generator.

Flips, turns, twists and jumps. So far away from his usual contained, tight style. Every so often the sun glinted off red hair, highlighting intense blue eyes and a determined grimace that spoke of utmost concentration, and the whole picture looked like a scene from one of the stained glass windows Cody once saw in a place of worship on some long forgotten planet.

He could’ve stared at the scene quite happily for hours.

“Still with us Commander?”

Waxer’s voice, clearly amused, in his ear brought him crashing back down to earth.

He cleared his throat, infinitely glad his helmet concealed his blush at being court staring (he did not moon, thank you very much Rex).

“Lieutenant. Keep that flank covered” he instructed, with a vicious kick to a nearby grenade bot.

Waxer, the impertinent shit, snorted in his ear.

“Don’t you worry Codes, if you ask Tano nicely she might let you borrow her recording. Maybe just tell her you also want some pointers on your Lightsaber work.”

That little-

The click of the radio signaled the dead air that met his insults.

---

There was no denying the very small voice at the back of the Commander’s mind that was seriously considering nabbing the footage, but by the end of the battle reality was sinking in. It occurred to Cody that there were now twice as many lightsabers to catch when they inevitably fell from a great and dangerous height.

Wonderfull.

#cody #obi-wan kenobi #the team #codywan #or at least #Cody's got a crush #snippet of nothing #Master Kenobi is a badass #Ahsoka is a Jedi nerd #anakin skywalker #ahsoka tano #Cody is the heart eyes emoji #general Kenobi #Master Kenobi #obi-wan fanfic

[glimmerglanger]

Hi, are you planning to write some Cody and Rex reunion prompt in Make you Bed? After everything I mean (I hope that it makes sense sorry if not). Because you wrote about their brother relationship amazingly ^^ Btw you proved once again that you are really good writer. Wonderful, angsty and soft fic. Can't wait for more things from you ~

wavelengthdream said:

If you're still taking snippet prompts for 'Make Your Bed Lie in It', could I suggest Cody and Obi-Wan reuniting with Rex and Ahsoka?

OOOOOOOOOOO. I do love writing about Cody and Rex. So! This is set... a few months after the end of MYB. :D General warnings for fall-out from Order 66, but other than that....nothing really to worry about.

~~~~~

Cody flinched, preemptively, when Crys announced that they’d received a comm from Hondo. They’d been forced to work with the pirate more often than he liked, since the fall of the Republic. They’d needed ships, after all, to handle all the troopers still in training on Kamino; there was no way they could fit all the shinies onto the Vigilance.

And staying in one place had felt like the wrong decision in every way.

They couldn’t just remain on Kamino, after destroying the facilities there, including the tremendous system that regulated the chips. They would have made an easy target for any Imperial forces.

The massacre at the Jedi Temple had already proven how dangerous it was to stay in a location where your enemies could find you.

So, they’d taken to the stars. Their fleet was growing regularly, now, as other troopers took care of their nat-born officers and came to find them. But in the early days, they’d needed whatever ships they could get.

Ohnaka had provided them, claiming that the Empire was bad for business.

“Kenobi!” the pirate shouted, when they accepted his comm. He was grinning, and Cody ground his back teeth together, wondering what ridiculous request Ohnaka had for them, this time. He turned aside, planning to ignore the conversation, as Hondo went on, “I’ve found something of yours.”

“Oh?” Obi-Wan asked, mouth quirking up. Cody got the feeling, privately, that Obi-Wan quite liked Hondo in his own way, though Cody would never understand why. “What’s that?”

“Who’s that is the better question,” Hondo said, “Let me in your docking bay, I’ll show you.”

Hondo cut off the comm, then, without saying anything else. Cody reached up to pinch the bridge of his nose, glancing over to find Obi-Wan staring forward, suddenly, expression open and shocked. “Obi-Wan?”

Obi-Wan blinked over at him, wide-eyed, and then whispered, “Oh,” before turning and striding hurriedly from the room.

#

Cody followed Obi-Wan to the docking bay, swallowing frustration when Hondo strolled off his shuttle with a swagger in every movement. Sharp words formed on Cody’s tongue only to wither away, because there were other people following Hondo off the ship, and--

Obi-Wan made a pained sound, stepping forward as Tano hesitantly descended the ramp before spotting him and lurching forward. She hit him at a run, arms going around his shoulders, and for a moment Cody could only stare at them, thinking about desertion and abandonment and--

And the fact that Tano had, somehow, escaped death, too, and found her way back to Obi-Wan.

Movement drew Cody’s attention away from the pair of them. He sucked in a startled breath to find Rex standing, awkward, by the shuttle. He had a shirt and cloak over his armor, trying to disguise the shape of it and not doing the best job. He looked tense, guarded, gaze jumping away when Cody looked over at him.

Rex made a low sound, ragged, when Cody crossed to him and pulled him into an embrace. For a moment, he stood stiff and unyielding, and then he collapsed, all the tension going out of him at once. He buried his face down against Cody’s shoulder and gasped out, “I can’t believe we found you.”

#

Hondo, of course, insisted on getting payment for leading Ahsoka and Rex to them. Cody felt in less a mood to deal with the man than usual, and ordered Mav to see it taken care of, before leading Rex off.

Rex looked like he needed somewhere to sit down. There were dark circles under his eyes and new lines around his mouth. He nodded his thanks when Cody brought him back to their quarters and made him a cup of caff.

Rex held the cup for a moment, staring down at it when he said, finally, “Knew it had to be you and General Kenobi who hit Kamino.” He shook his head, snorting just a little. “Only you two would come up with a plan like that.”

Cody shrugged, moving a few pads off of the little table in front of the couch so he could sit on it, facing Rex. He said, softly, “It worked.”

Rex gave a sharp little laugh. “Of course,” he said, and then hurriedly set down his caff and put both hands over his face.

“Sh,” Cody said, reaching out to rub a hand over Rex’s arm, finding him tensed. “Hey, it’s alright. You’re--”

“Everyone else died,” Rex blurted, voice in tatters, and Cody stopped trying to talk, just...rested both hands on Rex’s arms. Rex looked up at him, eyes shining. “On our ship. Everyone else died, during the - the fight and the crash.”

Cody winced. He hadn’t gotten around to asking what had happened to the rest of the men sent with Rex and Commander Tano. He’d suspected, but--

“I killed some of them,” Rex whispered, looking to the side abruptly.

Cody’s fingers tightened, momentarily. He made himself relax his grip, exhaling. He said, softly, thinking about ordering the Vigilance to fire on the other cruise, thinking about Kamino, thinking about other fights, “Rex, you had--”

“I killed some of my brothers,” Rex cut in, again, and Cody wondered how long he’d been carrying the words around inside of him, struggling not to let them out. It had been months since the fall of the Republic. “I--”

“I know,” Cody said, shifting to pull Rex closer, listening to his breathing get rougher, uneven. 

“I didn’t want to,” Rex told him, the admission torn out of him. “But I--they were going to kill her. Ahsoka. And she’d - woken me up. She saved me, I--”

“You saved her, too,” Cody said, hating Palpatine anew, for all the myriad ways he’d caused agony throughout the galaxy. He tightened his hold on Rex, hoping that Obi-Wan was having a more pleasant reunion with Ahsoka and doubting it, and listened to all the admissions Rex needed to spill into the air.

#glimmer replies #ask me anything #make your bed lie in it #snippets #T_T

[elenamiria]

Beating the Heat

Pairing: Obi-Wan Kenobi X Reader

Obi-wan and you have been best friends for ages. The constant banter and perhaps not so innocent flirting between the two has led to feelings on your half and you hope Obi-wan reciprocates. It all comes to a head on one scorching day at the Jedi Temple, where your sunbathing leads to a loss of control from a certain fellow padawan.

Word count: 2.67k

Warnings: Light smut, masturbation, handjob, fluff, gn reader (no specific body parts discussed), could be interpreted as sub!obi Talk of force signatures in a way that probably isn’t cannon (just in case that bugs anyone)

This is my first fic that I’ve ever posted (and also my first smut) so please be kind! I picture this set several years before Phantom Menace, placing Obi-wan around 20 to 21 and reader at the same age.  This was inspired by a thot that I brought up to @milleniumvalcon​ one day and then my hand slipped, oops. It was also inspired by this ask about catching obi (sith and jedi) masturbating - once again by the amazing Val! And a big thank you to @hxldmxdxwn​ for being so encouraging to me when I mentioned I was thinking about posting my writing!

Enjoy!

It was hot. It was so hot you had begged your master to let you take the day off from training, you suspected they had relented out of annoyance more than kindness but either way it suited you. This left you with the day free but with nothing to do. You had sought out Obi-Wan, your fellow padawan and object of your hidden affections, but he was practicing with Qui-Gon Jinn. When he saw you step into the training room he paused before finishing the practice fight they were in the middle of, he jogged over to you after muttering a quick “excuse me” to his master. 

Both Jedi had discarded their robe and tunics and you couldn’t help but bite your bottom lip, looking Obi up and down, as he jogged towards you. A sheen of sweat coated his body highlighting every muscle, you swallowed deeply trying to compose yourself before Obi-wan, or even worse Qui-Gon, noticed your improper thoughts. As he reached you a cocky smirk covered his face, oh he had definitely noticed, and he couldn’t help but quip “What, see something you like?” You felt your face grow warm but forced yourself to roll your eyes scoffing “You wish Kenobi”.  His smile only grew, you both loved your banter, he quirked an eyebrow - “then perhaps you were eyeing up the other Jedi present? I didn’t realize Master Qui-gon was your type, I can put in a good word if you’d like”. Your jaw dropped slightly before you playfully glared and shoved him, maker when had his arm gotten so big, shaking your head in exasperation. “No I came to see whenever you’d be done with training. My master gave me the day off, I figured we could find something to do.” You smiled up at him before hastily adding on “I mean if you would want to spend time together” suddenly shy. A warm smile covered Obi’s face as he nodded, reassuring you.

“I’d love to. We’re almost done here, Master Jinn had us start very early to beat the heat today. Where should I find you?”

“I was going to our garden to relax for a bit, meet me there? We can get lunch if you’d like.”

“Of course, I’ll meet you there soon” Obi replied with a smooth wink before jogging back over to his master, eager for training to be over.

You smiled before heading off, your destination was what the two of you had decided was your garden. You had found it one day while wandering the large temple - it was a tiny thing, tucked in a corner that seemed nearly abandoned, you had only come upon other Jedi using it once or twice in the many years you two had been going there. You felt confident that it would be a great place to relax and perhaps remove your outer layers to sunbathe. As you reached the garden you were pleased that it was indeed empty today. You headed to the center of the garden, laying your robe down, you quickly stripped of your other garments until you were left in just your underclothes. You stretched out on your robe sighing contentedly as you soaked in the bright Coruscant sun. Closing your eyes you relaxed, allowing yourself to fall into an easy meditative state.

You weren’t quite sure how much time had passed before you felt another presence start to approach you, in your state it was easy to identify Obi-Wan’s force signature. You roused yourself by allowing your body to stretch, chest arching toward the sky, before settling again. Your eyes were still shut, not wanting to blind yourself just yet, but you knew Obi was standing at the entrance to the garden. Not only was his force signature bright and close but you swore you had heard footsteps as well as a noise you couldn’t quite place (perhaps a gasping sort of noise). A smirk crawled over your lips as you spotted your chance to use his own words against him, “See something you like, Obi-wan?”

You purposely allowed your words to come out a bit breathy and sweet. Giggling lightly you waited for a smart quip back or for him to approach. When neither happened you cracked your eyes open and used your forearms to prop yourself up. Blinking rapidly to try to regain your sight you called out his name again before looking around, he was nowhere to be found. You sat up fully now and frowned lightly, you were positive he had been there. Debating for a moment longer you decided to try to reach out in order to find him through the force. Inhaling deeply your eyes slid shut and you stretched your own signature out searching for him, you could see that he had definitely been to the garden and you traced his path to his quarters. Gently you brushed your signature against his before shooting out of your brief meditation, feeling like you had been burned. His signature was burning white hot and before you had pulled back suddenly it almost felt like his signature was desperately trying to intertwine with yours, you had never felt it like that before and you grew concerned. Hastily you threw on your clothes before heading to Obi’s quarters.

Unknown to you Obi-Wan Kenobi had come to the garden. The last thing he had expected was to see you in such little clothing, he had a witty line to announce his entrance ready to go but the second he laid eyes on your body gleaming in the sun all sense left his head. He was fairly certain he choked, his eyes trailed down your body and he became acutely aware of all the blood rushing to his lower half. You then shifted, arching to the sky, and he had to strangle a groan that worked its way to his throat. He became very aware of the thoughts running through his head - his hands running down your body before pulling your hips harshly to meet his as he pressed into you, his mouth at your throat marking it as you bounced in his lap, you arched up just like you were as he buried his face in between your legs. Stumbling backwards he suddenly felt very overwhelmed, he needed to leave before he did something rash, you were too important to him and he didn’t want to put your relationship at risk. Plus the problem he was experiencing wasn’t one he would be able to easily hide, his cock was straining noticeably against his pants. Letting out a small whine he practically ran to his room, hoping he wouldn’t be stopped by anyone. Reaching his room he rushed in barely making it a few steps into his room before sinking to his knees the second his door closed. Tearing his pants open he moaned quietly as he wrapped a hand around his hard cock, his eyes closed as he pictured you sensually sprawled out below him. His hips bucked hard as he felt something gently envelope him for a second, it had felt like you were pressed against him, and he whined his mind wildly chasing the feeling. Starting a firm pace your name continuously fell from his lips, he was trying to keep it down but it was becoming increasingly difficult. His pace grew quicker as he imagined you moaning his name out, it sounded so real and he was so close.

“Obi?” You called out again as you knocked for a second time. You bit your lip hard as you eyed the keypad, he had given you the codes and you debated whether to enter. You could hear noises coming from within but couldn’t quite discern what they were though you had a feeling what his quiet gasps were and your whole body burned. A warm feeling settled in between your legs - it was like you had not pictured Obi-wan that way before. You knew very well what you were about to do could change your relationship forever but you knew you would go mad if you two danced around each other any longer, plus you could swear that you heard his voice calling out your name. Saying a silently prayer you lightly punched in the code. The door slid open and you stepped in. You weren’t expecting him to be right there in front of you, his back was to you and his whole body was strained tight. One of his hands had been rapidly moving, it didn’t take a genius to figure out what was happening, but froze when he heard the door. Letting out a small gasp that turned into a weak moan you rapidly spun back around to the door, all of your courage fleeing your body. Your hand hovered over the button to open the door when you heard a strangled guttural cry of your name followed by a soft “please”. You inhaled shakily, your whole body heating up before turning. You looked him up and down again as you slowly shed your robe. Your hands started pulling your tunic off, fumbling slightly, as you murmured “Would you like some help Obi?”

Your head tilted and a smirk reached your mouth as a groaned yes made its way to you. Shedding your tunic fully you knelt behind him, “are you sure?” You asked as your hands landed on both of his shoulders. He nodded rapidly as a whimper left his mouth at your touch. You let your hands slide down the front of his body, your chest pressing into his back. Your left hand gently removed his as your right wrapped firmly around his cock. Stroking it gently you paused at the head spreading some of his precum around the tip with your thumb. A beautiful moan left his mouth and his head leaned back resting on your shoulder. Switching hands for just a moment you gathered spit in your mouth and spread it on your hand. You brought it back to his length and gripped it tightly before staring a quick pace. He was heavy and hot in your hand and the perfect size to make your mouth water, blinking a few times you swallowed deeply letting out a hot breath against Obi’s neck. Your other hand retreated to his tunic, finding the clasps holding it together and hastily pulling it off his body. Obi-Wan was panting at this point your name falling from his lips in praise, both of you let out loud whimpers as you pressed your bare skin together. You turned your head to stare at him, noticing how his mouth fell open as you increased your pace and started kissing his neck, softly sucking in places that seemed particularly sensitive. You gently bit the junction of his neck and shoulders, he let out a loud gasp at that hips raising wildly.

“Please, please my love I’m so close” He managed to whimper out, hips continuing to buck. You picked up the pace of your right hand, your left coming up to gently push his head off your shoulder and then nudging his jaw to turn towards you. He looked a mess - light sheen of sweat on his brow, his mouth still panting and parted slightly, eyes glazed in pleasure yet still focused on you. You found yourself consumed with pleasure too and a moan of his name loudly fell from your lips, that was all he needed to fall of the edge into his orgasm. A load groan started to rise in his throat and before it could fully escape you were pressing your lips to his. His hips bucked as his load spilled over your hand, your kiss stifled both of your noises as you couldn’t help but let out a desperate whine at the feeling. You continued slowly pumping as he rode out his orgasm and when it became too overstimulating for him he gently pulled your hand away by your elbow.

You two continued the clumsy, it was a first for both of you, yet passionate kiss for a moment longer. A stupid smile covered your face as you pulled back softly and he out let a small incredulous laugh. Neither of you moved for a moment content to bask in bliss. Obi-Wan was the first to move, he pressed his forehead to yours nuzzling his nose against yours softly before pressing a kiss quickly to your lips. This time it was you letting out a small laugh as you said “you have no idea how long I’ve wanted you like this”.

He pulled away slightly, a shocked look coming across his face, “You have?” he questioned. You nodded shyly before you pulled away getting ready to stand up, you caught sight of your hand coated in his cum and it was your turn for a shocked expression to cover your face. Obi followed your eye-line and a bright blush covered his face as he hastily stood “I-I’m so sorry let me get you something to uh- just give me a minute” he managed to stutter out as he quickly disappeared into his refresher.

He returned quickly, having cleaned off and situated himself back into his pants, with a spare towel and gently took your hand cleaning you. You watched him with a small smile, he was so careful while holding you, and you felt your heart skip a beat when he bashfully smiled back at you. He then gently pulled you to your feet,tossing the towel off to the side, and couldn’t help his eyes roaming your upper half. You shifted nervously “I hope you don’t mind I removed your tunic, I got so caught up in the moment and I just wanted to feel your skin against mine”.

A brilliant smile lit up his face and his hands hovered over your bare waist, waiting for your approval which you gave with a brief nod, before settling his warm hands on you. He gently squeezed you before pulling you closer, your hands rising to rest on his firm chest, his hands sliding to your back exploring every inch he could.

“My dear it is more than alright” he suddenly grew serious, his blue eyes meeting yours “I, um, I hope you know that I don’t want this, er rather us, to be a one time thing. I-uh” he fumbled with his words for a moment before he collected himself. “I’m yours, if you’ll have me, and I hope you’ll be mine.” His voice trembled as he held you just a little tighter, before anxiously continuing “I know the code prevents this kind of thing but I don’t think I could survive going back to just friends. I do-” you cut off his nervous rambling with a breathy yes.

A more confident yes left your mouth as you nodded “Of course I’m yours Obi, I think I always have been” You stammered out a beautiful smile covering your face. Obi-wan simply couldn’t help himself as he pulled you closer and lifted you clean off the floor in a quick spin, both of you laughing in pure joy. He gently let you slide back to the floor before capturing your lips in another kiss. Both of you were grinning like idiots now and when he pulled away a gentle laugh left your lips, your hand reached up to play with his padawan braid. Teasing you said “I do hope you plan on helping me out later, because after that I’m feeling much too hot for a day like today” Obi-wan couldn’t help but sputter at your forwardness His face lighting up bright red. Laughing at the adorable face he was making you gently tugged on his braid, smile quirking into a smirk - “c’mon let’s go get lunch, I’m starving”. You moved away to toss him his tunic as you tugged yours back on. At this Obi-Wan Kenobi seemed to snap out of his state of shock in order to dress and when you turned to face him again his smirk was back in full force. “Darling I think that’s a wonderful idea,” he started as he winked “the sooner we eat the sooner I get dessert”

#obi-wan kenobi #obi-wan x you #obi-wan x reader #obi-wan smut #reader smut #star wars fanfiction #obi-wan kenobi x reader #obi-wan kenobi x you #ewan mcgregor #the phantom menace

[siennahrobek]

Working with Obi-Wan Kenobi’s grand padawan was…different. He had heard a lot about Skywalker and Kenobi as a team through many forms – propaganda, gossip, billboards, reports, victories, losses, campaigns. They were a popular topic. They seemed to pull off some of the most insane mission parameters and come out alive from fighting varying horrifying villains and Separatists, darksiders and Sith.

Feemor quickly figured out Ahsoka was quite a bit like Anakin Skywalker. Which sounded awful, now, knowing what he had done and what he had become, but he had meant it in a better way. At least, nothing that extreme. She was fast paced and protective with a strong sense of justice and a decent moral compass. She didn’t seem to understand some of the intricacies of governments, politics and the war effort, she cared about the people. She seemed to go back and forth between cynicism and belief in people. It was an interesting combination.

He wondered if Obi-Wan could help her smooth out some of those more high-strung tendencies.

Then again, Feemor didn’t really know Obi-Wan very well either.

Feemor and Ahsoka spent most of the evacuation helping groups of people and shuttling themselves back and forth with supplies. A few recovering 501st and a of couple Coruscant Guard had joined them on one of the trips. They had lost Rex quickly into the evacuation, before even their first trip back to Ahsoka’s ship. Luckily Feemor had spotted what had happened with him and had to quickly explain to a near panicking Ahsoka that he had simply helped a padawan carry a trooper to the medical bay for surgery when she noticed his absence. He was probably still there.

***

“Are you going to take a shuttle to Obi-Wan’s venator?” Feemor asked quietly. It was their first trip back to the 332nd venator, their shuttle piled full of supplies, clothes and other resources. A few soldiers came along with them, although huddled in the back with one another. Some of them were a little too scared to be hanging around Jedi at this point. It wouldn’t be long before everyone was packed onto the ships of Obi-Wan’s forces, ready to flee away from their brainwashed friends and the Sith wanting them dead for no other reason than existing.

“I want to,” Ahsoka replied after a hesitation. She didn’t look at him. She was piloting, Feemor had gotten the impression she wouldn’t have led him pilot, even if he had tried. “I want to see him. I want him to tell me everything is going to be okay. I have so many questions. I want him to have the answers,” she paused and glanced down. “I know he won’t.”

Feemor didn’t reply, just kept his eyes on her, soft and understanding. What did one say to that?

Ahsoka just looked up into the stars once again, determined driven into her expression. “But I should stay with the 332nd. They have been burned enough by the jedi.”

He wasn’t sure what that meant exactly, as it seemed that the 332nd, although betrayed by Skywalker by brainwashing their brothers, had been, at the very least, kept away from that horrible end. Skywalker was only one jedi. What other jedi could they have been burned by?

“Will you?” her voice was quiet and a bit sudden after the stretched silence.

“Maybe,” Feemor shrugged. “Even if I don’t the first time, it isn’t a long trip to Kamino. I need to talk to him, at some point, but I don’t think there will be a good time any moment soon,” he admitted.

The young togruta glanced at him. “You haven’t taken the moment in, what? Thirty years? You never know when you will lose the chance forever. Do it quickly, Master. Before it is too late and one of you is gone.”

***

Rex jogged up to them and silently helped pack up their shuttle. He hadn’t said a word until Feemor had tried to strike up a conversation on the ride over to the 332ndship but Rex kept his answers to a bare minimum, mostly one-word answers. His hands were nearly shaking.

“I saw General Kenobi,” Rex barely muttered out while in the cockpit with Ahsoka and Feemor. The latter figured he was probably talking with her. “He seemed mostly uninjured. It was a little hard to tell because his robes were so dirty. He was wearing his old armor.”

It was the most Feemor had heard Rex speak at that point.

“Is that so. What did you talk about?” Ahsoka’s voice was almost disconnected, like she was talking through a machine. She didn’t sound interested even though Feemor was fairly certain she was.

She didn’t meet his eyes but that didn’t stop the captain from staring at her. He chose his words carefully. “Feelings, mostly.”

“Did you talk about… you know…”

Rex paused and looked away. “Some. You should probably talk about it with him yourself. I think it would do both of you some good.”

Feemor suspected they could make one more trip after this before the evacuation was complete. The end of the conversation was clear.

***

They had done several trips back and forth but this last one, was alone with only supplies in their cargo bay. They had brought up a few clones but not many, most had wanted to stay with the rest of the 501st, many of which still recovering from short surgeries.

He didn’t know how the conversation came up, but he knew why. Ahsoka cared a lot about the clones, especially those under her command. It hurt her, he imagined, watching the ones she worked personally with be brainwashed by her former master. Perhaps it was that reason that she latched onto them instead of the betrayal of her old master. Feemor had his only issues with his teacher, but they paled in comparison to hers. His master just threw him away and got himself killed by a Sith. Hers became one.

She talked, rather ranted, about the unfairness of what was happening with her friends. With Commander Appo and all of the other 501st members that she cared so much about. She talked about the blindness and cowardice of the jedi, just leaving and abandoning them to the fate of a droid, to be used by the Empire for whatever means.

Feemor tried to gently remind her that the jedi were trying to save the helpless and their children. That the jedi do not currently have the numbers or the resources or a plan to rescue them all at this time.

“The jedi will come back for them,” he promised at the end, quiet and gentle. He knew it to be true, the Jedi would come back for the clones, for anyone who needed them. It was a part of their identity, to help those who couldn’t help themselves. But it was even more poignant for the clones, he knew. The Jedi would itch to help them, unwilling to leave their friends to such a fate.

“They didn’t for me.”

Her voice was strained and angry but so quiet, Feemor nearly doesn’t hear her. He understands abandonment. His own master had repudiated for something that not only wasn’t Feemor’s fault, but also something he never had any control over. It never had anything to do with him specifically, it was Xanatos who had ruined it all. And Qui-Gon’s love for Xanatos had just torn the older master apart even more.

He did not remind her that the Jedi did ask her to return.

She was just upset and mixing her feelings, much like any teenager who had been wronged, would.

“They’re just trying to survive, Ahsoka,” Feemor replied, instead. “We cannot help the clones if we are all dead.”

Ahsoka had stopped talking and stared out at the venators they passed, peacefully and ignorantly sweeping the planet, orbiting in a protective barrier, waiting for an attack that would probably never come. Her gaze had settled on one, just a little out of the way, further than the others out in the open space before she turned the controls, sharply curving them towards the ship, instead of away from it.

“Ahsoka, what are you doing?” Feemor asked warily.

The teenager didn’t answer. Instead, she turned the ship even tighter and then straightened out towards the unfamiliar venator.

“Ahsoka!” he yelped. “That is not the ship we want!”

She continued to hold her silence and no matter what Feemor says or does, she continues to fly their shuttle right toward the docking area of the larger venator. She even used the Force to push him nearly out of the chair when he tried to stop her.

“You are going to get us killed,” he hissed. “I’m sure plenty, if not all, of the Coruscant Guards have had their chips activated!”

Swallowing hand, she slowed down, now far too close to turn back now, clicking in comm codes and landing on the outskirts of the bay with a heavy thunk. The Jedi master stared at her, eyes wide.

“We need to get out of here,” he tried again but the togruta female just stood, stone faced and determined. “The rest of the Jedi are going to be leaving soon and we need to be with the 332nd so we can keep up with them.”

“We are going to take this ship,” Ahsoka announced, her tone giving no room for debate. She stood up and grabbed her sabers, marching away. Feemor sighed, running his hands along his face. This was going to be something else.

The clones, so engrossed in their chip activation, had not even noticed the unscheduled landing of an unfamiliar shuttle.

It didn’t stop Feemor from hesitating when they snuck off the ship. As they snuck down the ramp, out of sight, he glanced around. A partially crashed into the wall was a Jedi Delta-7 Interceptor, complete with a dead jedi inside, the bubble that usually encased them in the cockpit broken apart in shards. Neither of them recognized her but she was easily identified as a jedi, even from a distance. She had been shot several times; her chest riddled with blaster shots. Her gorget armor piece had helped her survive, at least until she had got to her ship, but she hadn’t gotten any farther. The engine had been shot out. Feemor hoped she died on impact; he didn’t know if her killers would have had granted her a quick death from bleeding out.

Ahsoka snarled. Feemor looked and felt sick.

A couple of the nonclone natborn officers were laughing on the balcony. The hum and although dulling light were easily distinguishable and identifiable as a lightsaber, whirling and flying through the air. They had taken her lightsaber. They had taken it and were playing with it like it was some kind of toy.

“It’s not even that they don’t care,” Ahsoka choked out, nearly in tears. “They are happy,they are glad, we are being killed off.”

Feemor noticed her use of the term we. It continued.

“We are being killed and they are celebrating…they love that we are dying, leaving our bodies to rot without care, where we are cut down. Distracting us, our ways, playing with part of our souls like children while they murder our children.”

She just cried silently.

“Come on, Ahsoka. Let’s find a place to hide and make a plan.”

***

The two of them snuck through the halls, barely keeping out of sight of the clones. With nothing in their minds, it was easy to keep their attention away. They didn’t want to see anyone – they didn’t see anyone so using a brief signal in the Force to look away was easy to the both of them.

They hid in a few closets, taking down several key troopers throughout some of the ship during their way to the bridge, stripping them of weapons and communications and giving them heavy sleep suggestions. They would be out for hours at the very least. They had talked about a plan, to take the bridge and use the natborn officers to take over the ship. Lock them all in the bridge, including Feemor and Ahsoka, which would keep the clones out but still safe. The plan hadn’t gotten much further than that.

Nearing the bridge, Feemor had pulled Ahsoka into a supply closet as several officers had passed by. To their infinite luck, the officers had stopped nearby to speak to one another, forcing the two jedi to stay in the closet until they were done with their conversation and passed out of sight.

“Master Obi-Wan will like you,” Ahsoka declared, confidently. Her voice was hushed and subdued, but it did nothing to take away from the sentiment.

“You think so?” A welcome topic for Feemor, to be sure.

“I dragged you into something random and unexpected and dangerous. You tried to talk me out of it but then, eventually, just went with it and helped me,” Ahsoka explained. “Just trust me on this one.”

***

“I kind of prefer them this way,” one of the officers noted, watching as lines of clone troopers marched, perfect and silent, down the hall. “They don’t talk, pretending to be men. They just do what they are told.”

“Without complaint,” another snickered, giving one of the clones a shove. The man sprawled to the ground, helmet smashing into the floor. He just got up and kept walking again. No one had even flinched.

Both of the officers laughed.

Ahsoka nearly burst out from their hiding place around the corner, but Feemor held her back. They were close but they couldn’t give away their position yet. It would surely get them killed.

He pulled her away, towards the bridge. They were so close.

As they got nearer, Feemor and Ahsoka dipped into an empty room to prepare. “Three guards, all clones,” Feemor reported, taking a glance in the direction. He pulled back as Ahsoka’s lightsaber snapped in her hands, unignited.

“I’m faster,” Ahsoka noted. It was true of course, if only because she was so much younger than him, but he was rather amused at her assumption of his lack of speed. He wasn’t lacking, as he had noted to himself, the only thing she had on him in terms of that was youth. “You handle the guards with sleep suggestions, and I’ll start clearing a path in the bridge.”

Feemor actually found it a tad entertaining and a bit insulting as well that she had to clarify the sleep suggestion part, as if she thought he was going to purposefully murder a couple of brainwashed clones. “We need some of them alive, Ahsoka,” he shot back.

She turned to stare at him momentarily. “Yeah. Yeah. I know.”

Taking the bridge wasn’t difficult. They didn’t see it coming and were completely unprepared for an assault by two jedi. Ahsoka had taken out the communications officer first – all of the bridge had been quickly replaced with natborns, unsurprisingly – and had nearly taken off his limbs. In the end, it hadn’t mattered. He was dead.

A few of the officers did end up dead, mostly due to Feemor and Ahsoka reflecting blaster bolts back at them. The rest had surrendered fairly quickly. Upon ordering communications throughout the ship to be blocked, Ahsoka worked on the technology part of the controls of the ship, while Feemor cuffed and herded their hostages away from said controls.

“Alright,” Feemor smiled, something wicked and cold. “This is how things are going to go. We are the leaders on the ship now. You will stay here for the duration of your stay. You will not communicate with anyone – not that you could anyways – and if you somehow do, upon someone figuring out what has happened because of it, bad things will happen. You will not let any of the clones on the bridge or tell them that we are here. Do you understand the rules?”

Everyone was rather hesitant, shooting him horrible looks but they nodded.

“Fantastic. Then, we can move along,” he turned and walked towards Ahsoka, keeping a blatant eye on their prisoners.

“Ah, Ahsoka?” he questioned. “This was great and all but now we have at least hundreds of brainwashed clones aboard. What are we going to be doing with them?”

Ahsoka just shrugged. “For now, nothing.”

Ahsoka walked towards the holotable in the middle of the bridge, Feemor trailing behind her uncertainly. She clicked in a comm code and Feemor shifted uncomfortably on the other side of the table. He couldn’t believe they had taken the ship. Keeping it, that was going to be another story. He had no idea what she had in mind; what she was going to do with this entire ship full of brainwashed clones. It wasn’t like the two of them could just take them down or something.

Jesse and Echo, if Feemor remembered correctly, popped up on the table in the blue holoform. “Commander!” Echo greeted, easily. “We were expecting you back hours ago! Is everything okay?”

“Just fine, Echo,” Ahsoka nodded, seriously. “Any word on General Kenobi’s ships and the other Jedi around?”

“Leaving quite soon sir,” Jesse responded this time. “The last couple of ships have left the planet. They will be leaving for Kamino promptly. Rex said he is going to stay with the… with the rest of the 501st, Appo isn’t doing so well.”

“We actually suggested it,” Echo butted in. The look on their faces were pained and mournful. Jesse struggled to speak again but once he started, his voice got stronger.

“What about you, where are you?”

“When are you coming?”

Ahsoka paused and took a deep breath. Feemor watched, carefully. “You go on to Kamino without us, boys,” she started.

The other two began to protest, rather vehemently. “Never sir!”

“You really think we would leave without you?”

Ahsoka nearly let out a laugh but settled for a smirk. “Don’t worry. I will meet you on our next destination. Master Feemor and I…. well, we found ourselves another ride.

#we are burning stars #we are burning stars au #order 66 #order 66 au #fix it of sorts #pro jedi fic #pro jedi #pro clone #ahsoka tano #captain rex #feemor #obi-wan kenobi #obi wan kenobi #lets save some more clones shall we? #stupid sith #sith are evil #okay just murderous horrible people #I'm bitter sorry?

[zelenacat]

When We Were Young- Chapter 9- An Obitine Story

The fourteen and a half years that had passed since Duchess Satine had heard the name Obi-Wan Kenobi had been semi-peaceful. Korkie was sixteen now, and attended the Royal Academy of Government, Satine couldn’t be more proud of him. Satine had also kept tabs on Tyra, at sixteen, she was a padawan learner to Quinlan Vos and was known to be an acquired taste, like her master. Tristan Wren, a blonde boy of fourteen had great skill in martial combat and was interested in the sciences. Mara had been harder to find at first, but Parna arranged a meeting between Kamrari and his apprentice a few weeks ago. She was very clever for a fourteen-year-old, and had figured out who Satine was.

“Yes, Mara,” she’d whispered, “I am the Duchess.”

“I have a pin with your emblem on it.”

Despite herself, Satine had smiled, “I’m glad you haven’t lost it.”

Mara looked the Duchess straight in the eye, “I would never lose the only gift my mother gave me.”

Those words kept Satine calm when she realized that she didn’t really like the people her children were becoming. However, she couldn’t have raised them herself, and they had their lives, that was the most important thing.

“Your Grace?”

Satine looked up, Parna was standing at the door to her personal parlor.

“The guards have informed me that the Jedi is here.”

The Duchess felt the atmosphere change when she walked into the room. Testing her old love while trying to keep her voice neutral, Satine spoke to him.

“Master Kenobi, my shining Jedi knight to the rescue once again.”

“After all these years, you’re even more beautiful than ever.”

Satine forced herself to stay composed, “Kind words from a man who accuses me of treachery.”

“I would never accuse you of personal wrongdoing, Duchess.” Obi-Wan commented seriously, “however-”

As Obi-Wan launched into some story, Satine was only half listening. That beard, he hadn’t had a beard last time they’d met.

“Everyone of my people is as trustworthy as I am.” the Duchess concluded.

“I know we sound defensive but-”

“Clearly,” Satine huffed, “your investigation was ordered because the senate is eager to intervene in our affairs.”

“My investigation was ordered by the Jedi Council.” Obi-Wan said calmly.

Satine frowned, “I stand corrected.”

After a moment of silence, Satine held out her hand.

“General Kenobi, perhaps you’d like to join me on a walk through the city.”

With grace, Obi-Wan took Satine’s hand and offered her his arm. The Duchess gestured to her lady.

“It’s so good to see you again, Obi-Wan,” Satine confessed when they arrived at the park, “despite the circumstances.”

“Your peaceful ways have paid off,” complimented the Jedi, “Mandalore has prospered since the last time I was here.”

“Not everyone on Mandalore is convinced that our commitment to peace is a sign of progress.” Satine divulged, launching into a speech on Death Watch.

“I hope you’re right, Duchess.”

Satine smirked, remembering the first time Obi-Wan admitted she was right about something. It was Draboon.

“Something amusing, Duchess?”

Satine strut forward, “Your choice of words pleases me is all, Master Jedi.”

Obi-Wan made a noise in his throat, likely a guttural reaction to the word “please.” She’d left it open, clever She-Wolf that Satine was, he could answer that any way he wished.

Rushing to catch up with her, Obi-Wan answered, “I wasn’t aware that I was entertaining, Satine.”

“You aren’t aware of many things, Ben.”

Obi-Wan raised an eyebrow at her, this was getting dangerously close to their old ways.

“Do tell me, Master Jedi,” the Duchess switched tactics, “do you fancy yourself a peacekeeper?”

This thread of conversation lasted until the monument in front of them exploded.

“Are you alright?”

It was the emotion in Obi-Wan’s words that made her breath hitch.

“I’m fine.”

Running into the fray, Satine let herself help those struggling to stand. She had a soft soul deep down, really, she knew that about herself.

“I want to interview everyone here,” Obi-Wan announced, “no one is to leave this scene.”

No sooner had he said this than a rogue pedestrian ran from the crime.

“You there!”

What followed next were a shocking chain of events. At the end of it all, Satine couldn’t believe that one of her people would give up his own life to give ground to a cause that hated her.

“I didn’t kill him.”

“I know,” Satine said cooly, “that’s why I’m still talking to you.”

When they arrived back at the palace for their journey to Concordia, Parna brought out a new outfit for her lady.

“The Master Jedi’s arrival seems to have upset you.” she commented.

Satine sighed, “I never let my emotions get such control of me.”

“If I may, your Grace,” Parna ventured closer, “you called the Master Jedi Ben.”

“Yes, I did.”

Parna raised an eyebrow, “Many years ago you told me that the father of your children was named Ben.”

Satine went red, realizing what she’d done.

“You needn’t worry, Your Grace,” Parna took Satine’s hands in hers, “he doesn’t seem to know.”

“It’s myself I’m worried about Parna,” the Duchess confessed, “I never got over him.”

“You’ll be alright, Satine,” assured her lady, “you’re strong.”

“Thank you, Parna, I surely hope I am.”

When Satine saw Obi-Wan again, she thought she caught his eyes lingering on her pale collarbone, which her salmon-colored dress exposed. Hiding her hopefulness with a smile, Satine let Obi-Wan lead her onto the ship.

They talked about Concordia’s history on the ride over, but what they did not mention was how Obi-Wan knew such information. How Satine used to tell him about Mandalorian history while bandaging his wounds.

“Duchess Satine,” began the Governor, “you are most welcome.”

The Duchess replied gracefully, remembering on her part to introduce Obi-Wan, which actually, she was quite proud of. 

“Governor Vizsla is one of the officials I spoke of,” Satine continued, “he’s been working to find the members of Death Watch.”

After a brief discussion, the Governor went to attend to the body of the bomber, in which Obi-Wan took the opportunity to gently graze the Duchess’ arm.

“Satine, I need a favor from you.”

It took a moment to recover her wits, but eventually the Duchess realized what the Jedi would be doing.

“Remember, you are here under my protection,” Satine warned, “please try not to cause problems where none yet exist.”

“Think of me as,” Obi-Wan grinned, “searching for solutions.”

“I have to tell you,” Satine yelled over the rumbling of his speeder, “I’m opposed to all of this!”

The Jedi Knight had the audacity to wink, “I’d be disappointed if you weren’t!”

After lying to the Governor, Satine retreated to the quarters that were set up for her, where Parna was reading Satine’s toilette.

“The Jedi?” she asked, without turning her head.

“Meditating.” the Duchess answered.

Parna snorted.

Smiling like a fool, Satine threw herself onto the couch and sighed, “This is going to be awful.”

“On the contrary, Your Grace,” Parna crossed her arms, “I think you are most certainly going to enjoy this.”

“That’s for certain,” Satine agreed, then, melting slightly, “he winked at me.”

“He winked at you?” Satine bit her lower lip, “Yes.” 

Parna sighed, “Just a wink and you’re already like this.”

“You should’ve seen us when we were younger.” Satine’s eyes went far away.

“You forget, Your Grace,” Parna moved to stare down her lady, “I was the one who cleaned your room after his visits.”

Satine grimaced and turned a nasy shade of scarlet. Parna laughed.

“This,” Parna stated, “is going to be the highlight of my career.”

“Do ready me for dinner, Parna.” Satine huffed.

“Yes, Your Grace.”

After fixing her hair, the Duchess went to drinks with the Governor, where they discussed the Death Watch problem. For some reason, the shadows cast on the official’s face unnerved Satine.

“Take it as a compliment,” Governor Vizsla toasted, “someone very powerful is working towards your downfall.”

Satine frowned, mulling over her thoughts. Who could possibly want her gone?

“Duchess, please acknowledge.” Obi-Wan’s voice echoed in her ear.

This was an awkward spot to be in. Using all the political skill she had learned in the last seventeen or so years, Satine maneuvered out of her situation with the Governor and grabbed a speeder.

“Where exactly are you?” the Duchess whispered when she arrived.

“Listen for the loud, metallic, clanging sound,” Obi-Wan snapped, “that would be the machine about to chop me into bits.”

Ignoring Obi-Wan’s snark, Satine followed the loud, metallic, clanging sound after triggering an alarm at the entrance. She barely made it under the conveyor before the guards in Mandalorian armor clamored away.

“It certainly took you long enough!” huffed Obi-Wan.

“You know, I haven’t saved you yet!” Satine remarked.

“Yes,” Obi-Wan rolled his eyes, “no need to remind me of that.”

“Be patient.” Satine scoffed.

“I happen to be a bit short on patience right now!” Obi-Wan countered.

Muttering to herself and ignoring her Jedi, Satine fiddled with the control panel.

“Satine, turn the machine off!” yelled Obi-Wan.

“I’m trying!” Satine remarked hotly.

“Satine!”

The Duchess pushed the right button, she grinned.

“Look out!”

As Satine was grabbed from behind, she kicked a barrel into the machine perfectly enabling one of Obi-Wan’s grand escapes. Then, with a few kicks and grunts, the Jedi had freed her.

Straightening her shoulders, the Duchess commented, “For a man sworn to peace, you take an unseemly pleasure in the injuries of others.”

“For a woman sworn to non-violence you don’t seem troubled that I could’ve been killed back there.” came Obi-Wan’s snarky retort.

“But you werent,” Satine insisted, “and yet I still haven’t heard any thanks.”

“Well,” Obi-Wan sighed, “you certainly haven’t changed much.”

Covering her eyes, the Duchess pretended not to notice as Obi-Wan punched a Death Watch member.

“This is not the way we came in.” observed the Jedi.

“Look,” came a far off cry, “it’s the Jedi!”

Pulling Satine behind the safety of a rock, Obi-Wan grinned. Satine scoffed.

“We’ll have to stand and fight, or in your case, just stand.”

The Duchess of Mandalore was offended. Still, she tried not to gape as Obi-Wan got up to his old tricks, or look at his muscles while doing so, definitely not that. Inhaling sharply as her Ben was knocked down, Satine threw a rock at the soldier.

“You there!”

Then, she ran being a rock, being useless in a fight as she was.

“Satine!”

“I’m alright.” she responded, feeling soft at the concern in Obi-Wan’s voice.

Obi-Wan searched her face, his blue eyes she knew so well lingering on her jaw. Their moment was cut short however, when Obi-Wan abruptly stood and faced a new enemy.

“Governor?” Satine gasped.

“For generations my ancestors fought bravely as warriors against the Jedi-”

“Save the history lesson, Pre,” Satine shouted, “you’re a traitor!”

“You tarnish the name Mandalorian,” Vizsla spat, then, turning to Obi-Wan “defend her if you will.”

Satine was shocked on many fronts, she had never been betrayed before, yet Obi-Wan, it seemed, was going to defend her. They fought, Satine began to tremble, cursing herself for getting accustomed to safety.

“Satine!”

Then, she saw it. Having been by Obi-Wan’s side in imminent danger before, Satine knew exactly what to do, jump into the Jedi’s arms. The landing was rough, somehow, she landed on the cold stone, Obi-Wan’s body as her shield from the debris above.

There was an awkward moment when neither of them moved, remembering what they used to do when pressed so close together. Then, stiffly, Obi-Wan stood.

“Your Grace-”

“I’m fine,” Satine turned to the Jedi, “but you are not.”

Obi-Wan winced.

“Give me your arm.” Satine said gently.

Obi-Wan shook his head.

“I’m not going to wound your pride, Ben,” the Duchess sighed, genly taking Obi-Wan’s arm around her shoulder, “please just lean on me.”

The Jedi did, but Satine didn’t need the force to know he was uncomfortable. When did he get so rigid, so formal? The Duchess supposed she had changed to then. Maybe, Obi-Wan didn’t want to resume their relationship where it was abruptly cut off? That thought cut Satine to the core as they approached the speeders, and gingerly, she lent Obi-Wan some of his dignity back.

“I suppose we’re even now.” she concluded.

“How so?” grunted the Jedi.

“I saved your life,” Satine explained, “you saved mine.”

“Yes, well,” Obi-Wan grinned, “mine was the more daring of the two rescues.”

When they arrived back at the Governor's House, Satine decided against cleaning up Obi-Wan’s wounds like she used to, and bid the Jedi a chilly goodnight. Parna however, noticed some bruises would form by morning.

“The enemy grappled me,” Satine explained sadly, “I fear this problem is more widespread than we thought.”

“Satine, your safety is of the utmost importance.” Parna said, breaking formalities.

Sighing, Satine pulled on her nightdress.

“I hope this distraction won’t let you forget that.” continued the lady.

“I hope so too,” Satine agreed, climbing into bed, “thank you for our help, Parna.”

In the morning, breakfast was polite and the flight back to Sundari was silent. Satine was grateful when Senator Merrick and Prime Minister Almec exchanged pleasantries with the Jedi so she didn't have to. If things continued this way, it would turn out awful.

After a quick scuffle over who was supporting the Death Watch, Satine left Obi-Wan on the loading platform, not expecting to see him for some time. Unfortunately, he was on the same ship she was, so there wouldn't be many places to hide.

After a quick brush up with Parna, Satine made her way to the ship’s parlor-like room and sat herself upon a cushioned dias. Having already sent for Obi-Wan, Satine began to inform her peers of the current terrible affront on life itself, the Republic’s newest war.

“And yet some would argue,” Obi-Wan crossed his arms, “the safest defense is a swift and decisive offense.”

Satine raised her eyebrow at the Jed.

“You are quite the general now, aren't you, Master Kenobi?” she asked.

“Forgive me for interrupting, Your Highness,” Obi-Wan paused, “I meant no disrespect.”

“Really,” Satine turned to address her peers, “Senators, I assume you are all acquainted with the collection of half-truths and hyperbole known as Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

The Jedi grimaced, Satine smiled.

“Your Highness is,” Obi-Wan frowned, “too kind.”

“You’re right,” Satine frowned, momentarily lost in thought, “I am.”

Had the Duchess scanned the room, she would’ve seen the inquisitive looked of Senator Robb and Jedi Master Anakin Skywalker.

“Allow me to introduce my fellow Jedi,” Obi-Wan gestured, penetrating the silence, “Anakin Skywalker.”

Satine smirked, “I remember a time when Jedi were not generals, but peacekeepers.”

“We are protectors, Highness,” Anakin shifted, “yours at the moment, we fight for peace.”

The Duchess huffed, fully herself once more, “ What an amusing contradiction.”

“What Master Skywalker means is we are acting at the behest of Your Highness, to protect you from the Death Watch and the Separatists who don’t share your neutral point of view.”

“I ask for no such thing.” Satine stated plainly.

“That may be so,” Obi-Wan stepped forward, “but a majority of your court did.”

Satine gave Obi-Wan a pointed look, “I do not remember you as one tot hide behind excuses.” 

“I do not remember you as one to shrink from responsibilities.” Obi-Wan countered calmly.

If it wasn’t for Senator Orn Free Ta, Satine would have argued with Obi-Wan all night. She’d put her finger on it now, what made her so mad. He was stiff, the years had made him so, he was formal and changed, nothing like her Ben, the father of her children.

“Your Grace, In regard to the senate vote, we think-”

“I think a multitude makes discord, not good council.” Satine concluded.

“You are right, My Lady.”

Trying to ignore Obi-Wan, Satine engaged Senator Robb in pleasant conversation, her musical laugh being distracting enough.

“A republic military offensive is the only sure defense against the Separatists.” Obi-Wan interrupted.

Satine threw her glass at Obi-Wan, who dodged it with ease.

Standing with a calm smile, Satine stated, “Even extremists can be reasoned with.” 

“Perhaps, if one can be heard over the clanking of their battle droids!”

The Duchess scoffed, “The sarcasm of a soldier.”

“The delusion of a dreamer.” the Jedi countered.

“Duchess, Master Jedi,” Senator Marrick turned between the two, “itt’s been a long trip, I think we can all use a little rest and refreshment.”

Satine stared Obi-Wan down, how dare he call her that!

“Fine!”

“Fine!”

Shoving Obi-Wan out of the way, Satine left the room to cool off.

“Oh, Parna,” Satine huffed as she opened her quarter doors, “I hate him!”

Parna turned, gaping with a tilted head.

“That’s quite the interesting tale, Your Grace.”

“I can’t stand him now,” the Duchess threw herself onto the couch, “it’s just like, it’s just like when we were young.”

“You’re not old, Your Grace.”

“Younger.” Satine corrected.

“If I can remember correctly, Satine,” Parna grinned, “he had to erase your guards’ memories because-”

“Before that, Parna,” Satine waved, “I meant before that.” 

Eventually, the Duchess returned to the foyer for dinner, which, pleasantly, she found was free of Master Kenobi.

“I beg your pardon, Senators-”

Or maybe she spoke too soon.

“Our men are investigating a situation below decks, I respectfully ask you to wait here till it’s settled.”

Satine frowned, someone really wanted to kill her. Obi-Wan’s comm beeped.

The Jedi had the audacity to smile, “Please excuse me.”

Becoming a slave to her own thoughts, Satine didn’t hear anything else until Obi-Wan ignited his lightsaber.

“Secure the lifts!” he shouted with urgency.

It did no good, a nasty spider droid nearly got to Satine, fortunately for her, Obi-Wan did his duty as always, and protected her. She cursed her wild heart for fluctuating so fast at his valiant efforts.

Senator Orn Free Ta screamed and ran backwards. Satine looked down, miniature versions of the spider droid scattered around the room. Fleeing to a remote corner, Satine was surprised to find Obi-Wan following her.

“Why-”

“My duty is to protect you, Duchess.” Obi-Wan replied, keeping his eyes on the floor.

Satine pulled out a deactivator and shot at the droids. Now she was back to back with Obi-Wan, fighting off enemies like had occurred a decade and a half before.

“Do you always carry a deactivator? Obi-Wan yelled, slightly agitated.

“Just because I’m a pacifist doesn’t mean I won’t defend myself.” Satine responded.

Obi-Wan huffed, “Now you sound like a Jedi.”

As the chaos faded, Obi-Wan bent down and picked up one of the disabled droids.

“Just like that swarm of venemites on Draboon, remember?”

A smile pricked Staine’s lips, “How could I forget, I still have the scar.”

“Begging your pardon, Duchess,” Obi-Wan began, falling for Satine’s trap, “I distinctly remember carrying you to safety.”

Satine turned, her expression gleeful, “I meant the scar I got after you fell, and dropped me.”

“Oh,” Obi-Wan looked down, “yes.”

Satine couldn’t help herself, she giggled, which caused Obi-Wan to raise his head and try to discern what was so funny.

“Why don’t you go to your quarters, Duchess,” Obi-Wan suggested, “this must’ve been very trying for your nerves.”

“Are you contradicting yourself, Master Jedi,” Satine raised an eyebrow, “should I be safe without your protection?”

“We’ve swept the area, Satine,” Obi-Wan sighed, using the Duchess’ name, “you'll be fine.”

Parna was relieved to see her lady.

“Oh, Satine,” she sighed, “we were ordered to stay where we were-”

“I know,” the Duchess took her lady’s hands in hers, “but you’re alright?”

“Me, of course, yes, and yourself?”

“I’m fine,” Satine lowered her eyes, “but I hate that I am the target of these attempts.”

“You are strong, Your Grace,” Parna looked Satine dead in the eye, “you will survive this.”

Nodding, the Duchess allowed Parna to recomb her hair.

“Your Highness,” a droid beeped, “the party is gathering in the foyer.”

“I must be off,” Satine stood, “thank you for your help, Parna.”

“Of course, My Lady.”

At dinner once again, Satine was surprised to find everything in order.

“Duchess,” observed Senator Ta, “you are not eating?”

“I have no appetite.” Satine confessed.

She was still mulling over the fact that someone very powerful wanted her dead, and her people were willing to betray their own Duchess to help assassinate her.

The door opened, Satine felt Obi-Wan’s energy, not in the literal force sense, but she knew his mannerisms. The Duchess focused her eyes on her wine glass, they only rose when the last spider droid was revealed.

“My theory, is that our little friend will attack the Duchess and anyone who defends her,” the Jedi paused, “anyone that is, except the traitor who programmed it.”

“Obi-Wan, this line of questioning borders on torture!” Satine stood.

“Oh, I assure our pacifist Duchess that all is under control,” Obi-Wan’s tone was calm and inquisitive, but Satine felt there was an eagerness there. 

Why, she dared not guess.

“But it seems to like you, Senator Marrick.” Obi-Wan observed.

“Really, General Kenobi,” the Senator paused, “you’re quite clever.”

Satine stayed still, perfectly in shock. An elected representative of the people, turning on her? Marrick smacked the droid out of Obi-Wan’s hands and, unmoving, the Duchess watched itt approach her. At the last moment, she jumped backward.

For a second, she breathed easy, seeing her shining Jedi knight jump to her rescue, but as a yank jerked her backwards, Satine felt that ease of being diminish. The Duchess felt a pang in her heart at being separated from Obi-Wan who she had just been reunited with. Satine was certain she was going to die.

“Monster,” she cried as Tal Marrick shot the crewmen, “you’re a horrid monster.”

“Get used to it.” was his smug response.

The Duchess’ jaw dropped when the Senator contacted Death Watch command. Was she so easily betrayed?

“Reinforcements are on their way.”

Satine’s blood went cold. What would she tell Korkie, Tyra Satine, Tristan, and Mara? Only one out of the four children knew there were hers, and that was based on only an inkling. Would she die without saying goodbye to her children?

“Come in, Kenobi,” drawled Marrick, “you’re expected.”

“Tal Marrick, you are under arrest, release the Duchess!”

Satine’s heart palpitated wildly, Obi-Wan was going to rescue her again. The Mandalorian part of her was stubborn and wanted to say he didn’t need to save her, but the reasonable half of her brain knew that she was being held hostage.

“I took the precaution of wiring this ship’s engine, I press this red button,” Marrick smiled, “and we all will die.”

“Obi,” Satine pleaded, “if you have any respect for me, you will not take such risks with so many lives at stake.”

“Satine,” Obi-Wan’s eyes widened as Marrick pulled her away, “don’t!”

The Duchess was a mess, her emotions in a storm, she had so much left to say. What if Obi-Wan never found out? As Satine watched the Jedi follow in his crouched fighting stance, Satine decided on what to tell him.

“This is Marrick, stand by to disengage,” the Senator grinned, ‘say farewell, Duchess.”

“Obi-Wan,” Satine bit her lip, “it looks like I may never see you again, I don’t know quite how to say this but: I’ve loved you, from the moment you came to my aid all those years ago.”

Marrick groaned, “I don’t believe this.”

“Satine, this is hardly the time or place for-”

Satine whimpered.

“Alright, had you said the word, I would’ve left the Jedi order.”

Those words brought tears to Satine’s eyes.

“That is touching, truly it is, but it’s making me sick, and we really must be going.”

“Ugh,” Satine coughed, “you have the romantic soul of a slug, Marrick, and slugs are often trod upon.” Grabbing the gun, Satine held it at arm’s length, aiming at the Senator as he explained his plan to kill everyone on the coronet.

“I will not allow that.” Satine spat.

“And what will you do,” Marrick asked, “if you shoot me, you condemn yourself a hypocrite to all the pacifist ideals you hold so dear.”

“And you, Kenobi, you are no stranger to violence, you’d be hailed as a hero by everyone on this ship,” Marrick shifted his eyes to Satine and giggled, “almost everyone.”

“Come on then,” the Senator gestured, “who will strike first and brand themselves a cold-blooded killer.”

Within the next second, Tal Marrick was dead and Satine realized she was holding a gun. Distraught, she threw it away.

“Anakin.”

Satine stepped forward, “Obi-Wan, I-”

“General Skywalker, sir, the last of the droids have been defeated.”

The Duchess straightened, “I must get back to the business of diplomacy.”

Instead what she did was run to Parna and cry.

#obitine #satine kryze #duchess satine #satine x obiwan #obiwan #obi wan kenobi #korkie kryze #korkie kenobi

[magicalforcesau]

Dancing With Ghosts in Your Garden~ Chapter 21 - Year 2: May

(ao3 link)

Palpatine would never expect his morning to start with something as pathetic as tripping over a potted plant upon entering his office. He managed not to fall, and bit back a sneer as he kicked the damned thing over. Someone had been in here… He could tell even if it wasn’t explicitly obvious. Not a single thing seemed out of place, but as he studied his desk it seemed to have been moved. Now that he mentioned it, everything in the room had been moved ever so slightly to the left, just enough to cause suspicion and clearly just enough to cause him to stumble like a newborn deer.

“Maul,” He growled, waving his wand in search of any hidden surprises, but had the madman tried to set any curses, his alarms would surely have been set off. Yes, he’d known he was close and had his suspicions that he was in the building.

A few days ago, the leeches had been let out of the potion storage. The Slytherin students hadn’t been very thrilled when several of them were found in their beds. Palpatine had dealt with it, regardless of how he’d prefer his house learn to deal with such trivial matters themselves.

The Slytherins he went to school with were much braver than the cowards of today.

Such an event he could chalk up to an accident, or a student lurking where they shouldn’t be. Yet even still, he found it unlikely that the leeches found their way into the common room on their own.

Of course he was the only one with such suspicions. The braindead ministry dogs stationed outside of the school had nary a clue to where Maul was at any given time. Maul would have to do nothing short of waltzing up to them in handcuffs before they’d realize what was right in front of them. With the sloppy way Maul was presenting himself, it was even more damning.

Even more useless were the pitiful dementors that couldn’t seem to find him even if he’d announced himself front and center. Though truthfully, Palpatine had some theories on that.

Maul had gotten soft in his time away it seemed, reduced to petty pranks and trickery like the student he’d never fully been. His former apprentice had never been particularly focused, becoming the killing machine of his namesake easily and with little prompting. Now, after many years to stew in the place where most lost their minds if not their souls, he refused to move his sights off of Skywalker.

Palpatine waved his wand again, righting his office to its proper position. He would not fall prey to such a mundane task as moving furniture, not when he had much bigger fish to fry. He walked around his desk staring a hole through the daily prophet left sitting there, Maul’s wanted poster still front and center.

If his former apprentice wanted to waste his time riling him up, he could do as he so pleased. Palpatine had worked too hard and too long to bring his plans into fruition. When he finally got his hands on him, Maul would learn to regret even the slightest action against him. 

***

“Did that exam feel…” Satine paused, still in shock as they put greater distance between themselves and the courtyard.

“Short?” Obi-Wan finished for her, clearly still reeling from the same level of unease over the whole matter. They’d all passed- even Hondo- but that hadn’t exactly been hard since despite all of the drills and practices they needed to run, the exam somehow only consisted of a simple apparition across the lawn and back. Such practices were normally not possible at Hogwarts, with the sole exception being when a class was being taught.

“Yeah,” She nodded, confusion still pouring off her in waves.

“Even I thought it was a little too easy,” Cody admitted, which felt like a true testament that Obi-Wan and Satine weren’t simply disappointed that they hadn’t been challenged, “Normally, you’d never hear me say that, but…”

“And this isn’t our typical Charms or History of Magic exam,” Obi-Wan said.

“This is something akin to a driver’s license.” Satine turned to both of them, “And I promise you that while not rocket science by any measure, the driver’s test at least tries to prove that you can do the basics.”

“Hondo fell on his bum when he landed and he still passed.” Obi-Wan added, concern knitting his brow. “Makes me a bit worried what sort of people they’re allowing to apparate.”

“That’s just it, my brothers told me about the apparition exam and they always said they made you run drills like they did in class.”

“I remember Qui-Gon saying something similar,” Satine bit her lip, “Do you think they did this because of everything going on?”

“I wouldn’t doubt it,” Obi-Wan said and they continued walking, “Think about it, we were all out in the open, with a murderer on the loose. I bet they wanted to get it over with and usher us inside as fast as they could.”

“Then delay the test,” Satine shrugged, “I don’t get what the rush was to approve all of us.”

“Maybe it’s a means of escape,” Cody said darkly. “I just hope it doesn’t result in any other consequences. I don’t know if either of you have ever been splinched, but-”

“-It’s not comfortable,” Obi-Wan filled in a bit too quickly for either of his friend’s satisfaction. Particularly Satine looked concerned at how immediate his reaction had been. She’d heard of it, of course, but as a muggle-born, it never happened to her. Most of the time, according to Windu, it was clothes or hair lost to splinching, but there were instances when flesh was wounded.

Obi-Wan cleared his throat before either could comment, “I suppose the bright side is, we passed.”

Neither were so sure how bright it was.

***

Ventress has truly anticipated expulsion or at the very least, suspension, and maybe this would have been the case under Headmaster Yoda’s rule, but whether she deemed it lucky or not, she was receiving no such punishment with Palpatine.

“I hope you understand where you belong, Ventress and see that I have afforded you mercy because of your family.” Palpatine said in that smooth, light voice. His eyes spoke of a different story. Something haunted him or perhaps he was the one who'd done the haunting. He was lauded as the kindly old potions’ professor, but she knew from experience that one didn’t climb so high up the social ladder without breaking backs on one’s way.

Dooku was that way and she’d been one of the backs he’d broken. She wasn’t even a high peg on a ladder to him, just a meager foot stool. 

“Did you write them?” She asked, because it was always good to know when she’d be expecting a howler in the mail.

“Not yet,” He tsked, walking around his desk, “Though I suspect I won’t need to. Word travels fast enough.”

Yes, this cursed world did appreciate a show more than anything else. She had never expected hers to be deemed a pitiful tragedy- a failed villainous uprising. She’d hoped that when her story broke that she’d have the support and care of her sisters at either side. Instead, as always, Ventress was alone.

“What are you going to do with me, Headmaster?” She asked, looking up into his eyes. She didn’t feel remorse for her actions, per say, just that they were evidently in vain. Like any true Slytherin, she was willing to do whatever it took to achieve the means to an end. 

Part of her wanted expulsion or to be thrown away without the key. Anything, at the moment, seemed better than going back home and groveling and pretending that she was an abused victim. She wanted, with everything in her heavy bones, for this to be her narrative rather than the reality that she was nothing more than a bookend to Dooku’s and his master’s. She loathed the concept of being used, of being the victim, even if she knew her survival would depend on playing that role.

Palpatine watched her with almost serene calmness, like he could sense the way her thoughts bled. Nobody knew Palpatine’s story, because he kept that close to the chest. Ventress wondered if they ever would, even after death. 

Everyone had their secrets. 

And Ventress missed hers. 

“Well, I’m stripping you of all authority, for starters,” He said, walking around his desk to sit behind it again, “Seeing as you are still a minor, I’ve managed to convince the Ministry to not toss you into Azkaban. If and only if-”

If there was one thing Ventress hated more than pretending, it was negotiating, which was a large facet of the pureblood world. People negotiated the terms of courting rituals, business deals, even social events and how they would proceed. It was all one big set of terms and conditions. 

Even if she quite possibly still stood solely for her pure hatred for Dooku, she still couldn’t help but agree with some of those ideals. Would she abandon them in an effort to sabotage him? Yes, without hesitance. It was but another means to an end. She’d abandoned so much of what she knew already. It was only icing on the cake. 

“What?” She asked, keeping her hands cross in her lap to prevent herself from clawing at the desk between them.

“You must tell the aurors everything you know about Dooku,” He said sagely, but it was clearly rehearsed, quite possibly just before she came in, “And my dear, they will know if you’re lying.”

***

Despite the waning student population and the heightened anxieties surrounding Maul sightings in the area, they were still allowing the Quidditch match between Slytherin and Hufflepuff. It seemed like a desperate grasping for normalcy from the staff members still trying to keep up morale. It didn’t feel very normal, however, when all four houses fit neatly within the bounds of the Gryffindor section of the field. The professors didn’t want everyone spread out and those with friends in other houses welcomed the opportunity to chat outside of class. Satine had positioned herself between Obi-Wan and Cody, they were sitting closest to the exit. She felt almost like she was being watched and kept glancing behind her, but there was no one there. Paranoia certainly.

“I hope Hufflepuff beats Slytherin,” Cody grumbled as he crossed his arms over his chest, “It’s the only way to get Gryffindor back in the running.”

“I think that’s fairly unlikely,” Ben nodded towards the field, a soft glare on his face, “Ventress looks angry.”

“When doesn’t she,” Satine muttered, ignoring Ben as he turned his concerned eyes onto her.

She was willing to put the experience behind her. Though she doubted she’d ever forget what it felt like to be slowly turned to stone. The girl in question had lost her title as Quidditch captain, but had remained on the team. It seemed though, they hadn’t gotten around to choosing a new captain because Ventress still approached Breha to shake hands. So it was simply the matter of losing a title and not really a position. If in fact Headmaster Palpatine didn’t bother to enforce such things.

Then again, she always knew he favored purebloods.

“Shouldn’t even be allowed to play,” Cody crossed his arms, “She shouldn’t even be allowed to be here at all.”

“I’m surprised they didn’t haul her off to Azkaban.”

“Do you really think a child belongs on that foul island?” Because that’s what they were, children. Satine didn’t think that such a horrible punishment would be worth it for someone who likely only recently turned 17. For something so horrible to be done on her account as well? She couldn’t stand for it. She wanted Ventress to find peace and she certainly wouldn’t be able to move past being a pawn for Dooku behind bars.

“It’s starting!” Cody grinned and leaned forward. At least this time since they were stuck in the back she wouldn’t have to worry about keeping him from falling over the ledge.

***

“Hey, Professor! You coming to see the match?” Anakin asked.

Kit Fisto flashed them a bright smile, which came easily for him even with the rumors that it would be cancelled due to Maul’s lingering presence. Anakin found that he was having a more difficult time offering legitimate smiles these days. Never did he ever consider that Maul was capable of drawing so close to the school. 

“Just making sure there aren’t any stragglers, Anakin.” He said, “We’ve all got to stick together, after all.”

“Yeah, okay, but make sure you come watch! Gryffindor might not win the cup this year, but it would be pretty cool to see Ventress get beat by Hufflepuff. 

“There’s got to be some punishment for what she did to us,” Rex growled with a clenched fist.

“And what’s better than getting demolished by the worst team in Quidditch?” Anakin said cheerily, although Rex didn’t seem so sure that was appropriate. Neither did the few Hufflepuffs that shot him dirty looks as they passed.

In spite of this, Kit Fisto laughed, his long green tentacles wiggling as he did, “Yes, well, I’m sure Headmaster Palpatine won’t let her off completely scot free.”

“I think he just let her play because she’s a good player,” Anakin grumbled.

“Now, now, there’s a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than either you or I are privy to,” Fisto said placatingly, “We’re all doing what we can to keep you guys safe.”

“I know.” Both Anakin and Rex said in unison.

“Even if I do feel like this might be testing fate a bit,” He gestured to the large crowd of people, “I suppose it is nice to see everyone so happy for a change.”

It was, but even Anakin, who had made some bold and sometimes foolish decisions in the name of fun, thought it was a little soon. He’d heard rumors that Palpatine was being pushed by the Ministry to hold the Quidditch matches anyway. Apparently, there was a decent gambling pool that relied on which team would come out on top. 

“It would make me happier if Slytherin loses.” Rex said.

He leaned down to their level and winked, “Between you and me? Same.”

“We’ll see you in there?” Anakin laughed.

“I’m right behind you,” Fisto nodded.

***

Breha was never one to underestimate her opponents. Slytherin team may have been without a captain, but she still knew they would be looking to Ventress for plays. They’d been working with her all year after all. It was, however, still something they could take advantage of. A few of the Slytherin players would certainly be willing to try and usurp the queen in order to gain the position next year and that would make their play style much more chaotic than it would otherwise be.

That was excellent for a team like Hufflepuff, who thrived in their teamwork. None of them had the same level of ambition as many of the Slytherin’s she knew. Ambition wasn’t always a bad thing, Breha would be hard pressed to say she didn’t possess some level of it herself, but in a situation like this, she knew her team would flow like a stream whereas their opposition would butt heads like a rockslide.

She knocked away the Quaffle from the golden hoops as she kept a careful eye on the bludgers that were being knocked her way. Her chasers were quick to grab it out from the competitive hands of two Slytherin chasers. Hufflepuff was steadily racking up points and although they were nowhere near to beating them without the snitch, it certainly was quite an embarrassment for the house of green and silver. Normally Hufflepuff would be hard pressed to get the ball through a ring at all.

“Get it together, you useless swine,” Ventress hollered at her team as she skirted dangerously close to their heads. If she likely wasn’t in the mood to get into more trouble, Breha wondered if she might hit them with her bat.

“Good job!” Breha cheered with a smile as her own team scored a point. The cheers erupting from the audience were quieter than they usually were, but loud enough to hear over the wind. Breha frowned, taking her eyes off the game for only a moment to search her surroundings. She almost thought she’d heard a scream.

She turned, around and narrowly managed to catch the Quaffle with her hands rather than her face before tossing it down field. The audience cheered again, but something didn’t feel right. Breha’s hands twitched on the handle of her broom. She could call a timeout, but she would hate to waste something over a feeling.

She glanced around again. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.

She raised her hands to make the call when a loud whistle jolted the game to a halt. Breha dodged a bludger as they both went sailing for their holding crate. Professor Tiin was holding up his hands in a desperate T. She descended quickly on her broom and the rest of the students in the sky followed.

“What’s going on?”

***

“They’ve stopped,” Satine was surprised. She’d watched a lot of Quidditch despite her distaste for it and she certainly hadn’t seen anything like this happen before, “A time out?”

“Somethings up,” Cody was the one to respond. He was watching the field with interest, but there was a layer of worry that he normally didn’t have when watching even the most dangerous of crashes, “Ref called for their grounding; there wasn’t anything wrong with the game.”

“No penalties,” Ben nodded. He too looked concerned, eyes flicking around the stadium. Satine found herself looking behind her again. She no longer felt eyes on her, but she certainly felt like the hairs on the back of her neck were beginning to raise. Before either of them could comment further though, Headmaster Palpatine’s voice, amplified, filled the stadium. His tone was less than pleased.

“Students and Faculty,” He started solemnly, “We must immediately return to the castle.”

Chatter filled the stands at once, not just the children either, but Satine caught Professor Plo turning to whisper to Professor Windu. Neither of them looked like they knew anything.

“What about the game?” A fourth year Gryffindor yelled, “It’s against the rules to stop!”

“What’s going on?” A Ravenclaw third year added from a few seats in front of her. Satine felt like her limbs were full of lead as she reached out to clutch the sleeve of Ben’s robe. She had a bad feeling.

“The game is not important,” There was a soft sigh that was barely audible past a few outcries from the student body, “It brings me a terrible sadness to inform you of the passing of Professor Kit Fisto-”

Cries of outrage and of sadness expelled themselves from the student body. The Professors, while schooled better on their emotions, looked just as surprised as they stood, immediately gathering students and shuffling them towards the exits. On the field, Professor Tiin was doing the same with the Quidditch teams.

“It has to be Maul,” Ben hissed at them, “He’s getting bolder.”

Neither she nor Cody could make much of a response though, being swept amongst other panicked students out of the stands and onto the sprawling grounds. Satine only realized she still had a grip on Ben’s sleeve when he tripped and fell, and she narrowly avoided the same fate by letting go.

“Ben-” She started reaching out a hand for him when she noticed he’d tripped over a first year who looked rather shell shocked, wide horrified eyes filling up with tears. He must have fallen first and narrowly avoided being trampled on.

“Oh, hey there, it’s alright,” Ben had noticed too, taking the time to help the boy up off the ground, despite the shouts of professors for them to get back in line, “Come on, we just have to get into the castle, alright? We’ll be safe there.” Satine felt like she was intruding, but refused to leave them there alone. Luckily, the boy took Ben’s hand quickly and the three of them shuffled back into the crowd quickly.

As soon as the last student was through the doors to the castle they slammed shut, latching forcefully behind them. The doors to the Great Hall did similarly.

“Bloody hell, I thought you two had disappeared,” Cody ran up to them, looking relieved. His own brothers fell at ease the second he turned away from them, clearly he’d rounded them up first thing.

“Is Anakin-?” Ben whipped his head around to look and Cody pointed towards where Anakin and Rex were looking pale and shaken, but alive.

All were accounted for it seemed, all but Professor Kit Fisto, who had died at the hands of a mad man while guarding the far side of the pitch, alone.

***

A funeral for Kit Fisto had been held off grounds- somewhere in the middle of the ocean for all of his aquatic friends and family members to properly mourn him in accordance with their traditions. His ashes were sprinkled over the Mariana Trench, where he’d done some of his biggest work. 

His absence left the school caught in a limbo of uncertainty. Professors were in a mode of practicality only and it was hardly blameable. Maul had not only gotten within their barrier, but had committed a gruesome act of violence that some students had the horrors of bearing witness to the aftermath of. 

Kit Fisto had been treated not like a person, but a sign to be waved on a stick, to show just what Maul intended to do to each of them if they didn’t give him Anakin Skywalker. Classes were taught within the confines of the common rooms to keep students from traveling elsewhere. With the blocked off tunnels, it seemed like the only safe space to keep Maul out. 

No longer were even prefects allowed to walk the halls. Patrols were cancelled, and professors and aurors walked every space and brought food to students as well as taught their classes. It was a mess, really, and students were definitely affected by the change. Less and less faces were present, many removed from the castle altogether at the insistence of their parents. 

However, those who remained were downcast and gray just like the sky outside their windows. A greedy part of Obi-Wan was thankful that his friends were still here, even if the current circumstances didn’t allow him to see Cody or Anakin. He was surprised Satine’s mother didn’t bring her home, though he had his suspicions of the extent at which she knew. It was hard to tell with the muggle families. They didn’t get the same news as wizards did, but it seemed awfully callous for there to be no warning from the school. 

Then again, professors were quite busy working alongside the aurors to track Maul down. Part of him wondered where he could possibly be hiding, but really, there were endless corridors at Hogwarts that he’d never known of- not until the existence of the map, anyway. Even then, the fabled Room of Requirement was still out there untouched. Pure intentions were supposed to unlock it and he had severe doubts that Maul’s qualified.

This castle that they’d once been free to roam had shrunk significantly for all of them. He couldn’t even imagine being in Slytherin house and segmented only to the lightless space near the dungeons.

The news of Kit Fisto’s tragic demise took a while to reach outside outlets, for it wasn’t until an entire week later, shortly after his reported funeral, that they’d received a very dramatic and incoherent Floo call from Aayla. Even in the charcoal embers taking form into her face, he could tell she was blubbering like a baby. 

“HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN?” She wailed and the other students in the common room, who were a bit piled on top of one another, turned their bodies to try and allow privacy to the fireplace. It wasn’t like Aayla seemed to mind much.

“Er, I know this must be difficult for you,” Obi-Wan tried awkwardly as he searched his eyes through the room. Where was Satine when he needed her? There weren’t too many places to go, after all.

“DIFFICULT? TRY IRREVOCABLY HEARTBROKEN TO THE LARGEST DEGREE? HE WAS SO YOUNG SO KIND SO BEAUTIFUL.” She shook with tears, “Too good for this world, honestly. I don’t… I don’t know how I’ll go on.”

Obi-Wan didn’t think himself a callous person, but he sure as hell didn’t know how to navigate this conversation without further setting her off, “He will be dearly missed as he was a favorite teacher for most.”

“He’s more than that!” She bellowed, but it wasn’t intimidating due to the hiccups she’d recently caught, “He was the kindest soul placed on this earth like an orb of light- and I but a moth drawn to him…”

“Yes, of course!” Obi-Wan panicked, “I didn’t mean to reduce your care for him, I only meant-”

“Aayla?” Satine was suddenly knelt beside him, looking over his shoulder and into the fire. 

“Yes, Satine, Aayla heard the unfortunate news regarding Professor Fisto-”

“DON’T SAY HIS NAME IT’S TOO SOON!” She sobbed.

Satine flashed him a scathing look and he shrugged helplessly. Aayla did have a point about there being many extremely crestfallen students over the professor’s death. Beyond simply grieving a good professor and person too. Many of the remaining members of Fisto’s fan club were inconsolably upset, like they’d just lost the love of their young lives.  It seemed he’d made a big impression in his short time as a professor, even if not necessarily the way he’d intended to. 

Even on that scale, he’d be missed. Although reserved by bureaucratic restrictions, Fisto tried to teach them to fight, to protect themselves. In many ways, Obi-Wan preferred him as a professor to Dooku (even removing the sinister Sith stuff), because of how approachable and charismatic he’d been. Obi-Wan was in a bit of disbelief even still that he was gone.

“Did you see him?” She sniffled.

Satine tensed, but shook her head, “No, and I don’t envy those who did.”

“No, I suppose not.” Aayla said, “You know what my last words were to him?”

“What’s that?” Obi-Wan asked.

She breathed deeply to stabilize herself, “That I’d perfect resistance to the Imperius curse while at home. What kind of goodbye is that?”

“Well, you couldn’t have possibly known, Aayla.” Satine said soothingly and Obi-Wan wondered how she maintained the careful line of logic and empathetic. It would be beautiful to bear witness to under different circumstances that weren’t this depressing.

“Maybe not, but I haven’t even been able to do him justice by practicing my resistance!”

“Everyone’s having a hard time studying in this climate,” Satine said and looked around, “We’re all on top of one another in here.”

“Plus, rumor has it, someone’s fixed up a shrine for Professor Fisto in the girl’s bathroom,” Obi-Wan said.

“I should be there to pay tribute,” She said. “If it weren’t for my parents, I would be.”

“It’s better that you’re not,” Satine assured, “You can properly mourn him when you come back, when everything is safe again.”

If it was safe again. She hadn’t said it that way, but he could tell by her demeanor that she was thinking of it. It had only been a week since they were confined to their common room, but it was starting to feel very much like they were trapped. His only means of asking how Anakin was aside from the fireplace was through Qui-Gon and his daily visits. 

“I’LL NEVER LOVE AGAIN!” She cried. 

“Erm,” he bit his lip, “There there, he wouldn’t want you to be-”

“-He would never know what I want, because I, like many others, kept my feelings locked within my heart instead of on display. It’s the stupid logical side of me.”

“Well, he was your professor.” This was not the correct thing to say. “You couldn’t possibly pursue a relationship-”

“-Ben, why don’t you referee the first and second year’s game of gobstones, since you like it so,” The edge to her voice queued him into realizing that thankfully, it was not a suggestion.

“You still play that?” Aayla wrinkled her nose, briefly distracted from her woe, “That’s for children!”

“It’s a very tactical game, thank you!” Obi-Wan huffed.

“Kit liked darts.” Aayla remembered that she was supposed to be heartbroken.

Obi-Wan took his opportunity to exit before it was lost on him, feeling a bit guilty for leaving Satine with that mess to clean. As it were, sticking around was only making it worse. He just hoped that the other houses were faring better than they were locked up.

***

If it weren’t for the blanket of loss that stained everything, Anakin probably would have called their mandatory lockdown some sort of break from school. The concept of a “staycation” was lost on Rex and his brothers, but it was even less pleasant given the circumstances. The first day hadn’t been bad, since they all basically hung out and tried to distract themselves with snacks and jokes. Seven days in, however, it was getting tedious and it was even worse by the professors attempting to teach the entire common room at once, which meant that half of it was far too confusing and ahead of the game for even Anakin to grasp.

Plus, he didn’t have Obi-Wan to edit his stuff, which made a big difference. Qui-Gon did offer to deliver any parcels or letters back and forth, but that felt silly when he could always theoretically use the fireplace. Acknowledging that they might be in here for a while was starting to get to him.

“I’d give anything for a game of Quidditch,” Cody sighed as he flipped through a magazine on the very subject, wistfully running a hand on the glossy pictures that depicted summer fun in the most recent digest. 

“Quidditch? I’d give anything to do a lap running around the castle,” Rex added with a stretch of his leg, “I’m going stir crazy.”

“Need I remind you all that you lot rejected our suggestion for indoor Aingingein.” Fives piped up from his spot on the floor beside his twin.

“Yeah, and I’ll never be desperate enough to try that inside!” Cody said, “We haven’t even got any barrels to light on fire anyway.”

“We could improvise!” Echo complained. “It doesn’t have to be on fire.”

“With you lot, it’s always on fire.” He said pointedly, “Even if it’s not supposed to be.”

“I have always excelled with pyrotechnic spells,” Echo said smugly, “Definitely a strong suit of mine.”

“Of ours, thank you,” Fives corrected.

“Never thought I’d hear the day where you’re the voice of reason,” Anakin said to Cody, who turned his head lazily with a crooked smile.

“Process of elimination, kid.” He said, though Anakin viewed Cody as more responsible than he gave himself credit for. 

He felt guilty for allowing himself to feel monotony. Someone had died, after all, and the only reason they were all stuck here was because Maul wanted to eliminate the Chosen One- a title he couldn’t believe he’d once been proud of. They were all lucky to be safe within their common room and that Maul hadn’t incited anymore violence the day he got Fisto. Even that small consolation felt immediately hollow as Anakin thought of it. 

It didn’t stop the darkest crevices of his mind from generating possibilities of Maul picking off each standing professor and auror, leaving them trapped and with no real way of knowing what was happening. It was horrifying. Judging by The Daily Prophet, reports weren’t being as authentic as they could be about the sheer amount of danger they were in. 

“What’s the first thing you’re doing when we get out of here?” Rex asked him.

“Oh,” Anakin hadn’t really thought of it, “Probably never complain about having to wake up early for class ever again.”

“I hear that.” Fives said, “Getting up and moving to a different room sounds like a dream. Anything has to be better than sitting here wasting time.”

Anakin glanced over towards the other end of the room, where Padmé was perched near the window, allowing the natural light of the sun to provide an angelic glow on her face as she read the book in her lap. Even though they didn’t have to, she still dressed in Gryffindor robes and had her hair pulled back in two buns that were fanned out at the base of her neck and shimmering with a silver glitter.

In the pocket of his robes was the necklace he’d decorated for her. There were so many moments where he wanted to give it to her, to tell her that he painted it with his hands and that he knew life was short and that meant seizing it while you had it, not isolating him. 

He considered standing and approaching her, sitting opposite and inquiring about what she was reading, telling her she looked lovely, and making this anything but wasted time for him. 

The thought washed away faster than it appeared and an announcement chimed through the entire room, silencing everyone from the idle chatter that kept them sane thus far.

Anakin didn’t need to hear it before to know who it belonged to. 

“Professors and students of Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry,” Maul addressed them all like a king addressing his loyal subjects, “Despite how the Daily Prophet might paint me, I am capable of being reasonable. You see I am not as young as I used to be, so I see no issue in leaving the castle and its occupants unscathed. There is but one thing that I desire.”

Anakin’s heart was pounding in his chest and he felt Rex’s hand on his shoulder immediately. It should have been stabilizing and comforting, but all it really did was serve as a reminder as to why Maul was even here. 

“Give me your precious Chosen One, and I will see to it that there is no more bloodshed,” Maul continued, “For it was not long ago that I was in your midst and though I was treated like a feral animal not worthy of teaching, I do have some sentimental nostalgia to this place. After all, every hero requires an origin story.”

“We do not bargain with murderers, Maul.” This time, Anakin truly did know the voice to be Mace Windu’s firm tone.

“A pity, Professor Windu, a pity indeed,” Maul remained completely calm and neutral, which Anakin hadn’t expected. They all watched the ceiling as though they waited with bated breath for him to sink through it. “Because until you submit to my conditions, I will cut through every single person in this school until I get what I want.”

“You will not succeed, Maul.” Palpatine, this time, echoed through the room, even if not physically present. 

A long pause, and then, “I’ll be the judge of that, Headmaster.”

And then, a laugh so sinister and cold that Anakin swore his blood was frozen solid. Everyone was watching him as the voices faded and they were only left to the crackling of the fire. He stared straight ahead, burning with an anger and fear so bright that he felt he might physically glow.

“We aren’t going to let him get you, mate.” Rex insisted severely, “You hear me?”

He didn’t doubt that they would do everything in their power to save him, but Anakin already had the guilt of his mother’s disappearance weighing on his conscience. He wasn’t sure he could bear another.

At the thought of his mother, he practically saw stars. This monster had been the reason his family, his home, his protector was gone. He took her and did who knows what with her. And while he knew from deep within him, from the small little voice that told him so in his most horrible dreams, he wasn’t ready for such a threat. 

But he also wasn’t ready to lose his mother and he certainly wasn’t ready to allow his friends to take any heroic falls for him. Maul was here for a reason and perhaps, that’s what he needed, to have it handed straight over to him.

“Anakin.” Rex said again and shook his shoulder, “I don’t like that look you’ve got on your face.”

He stared at his friend, memorizing the kindness on his face. He didn’t deserve him. “I’m sorry, Rex.”

“It’s not your fault!” He insisted, scoffing at the idea of it. “He’s a lunatic! He’s gone and murdered a professor because of a stupid poem that was written centuries ago! So what if you’re the Chosen One according to that! Isn’t Qui-Gon always saying the future is always changing?”

He was, but right now was the present, which Anakin could only control his own actions in.

“I am sorry for that… And for this,” He nodded, but then blasted his friend backwards with a swift stupefy spell, and raced out of the room before anyone could grab him. One of the Fett’s nearly succeeded and ripped a piece of his robe, but the door slammed behind him before he could be fully pulled back.

He was going to face Maul.

***

Satine, like every other student in the school, was horrified at the conversation they’d all heard booming in their ears. It felt like an immense invasion of privacy and had intended to have that effect, considering the initial source. They were lucky enough to have Qui-Gon present when it occurred for class, but any comfort that his presence might have offered was swept away when he immediately made for the exit with his wand ready.

“Qui-Gon,” Obi-Wan was paler than she’d ever seen him and watching his mentor with a fear they never should have known, “Don’t.”

“I will do what I must, Obi-Wan,” He nodded, “As will you, I’m sure.”

There was a passing secret language between them of which Satine did not understand and was not intended to. Whatever it meant, it caused Obi-Wan to look ready to snap in two right before her eyes. 

He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it, not knowing what to say at all under such circumstances. They were under siege by one man, who couldn’t be stopped by aurors or Dementors or even their notable DADA professor. She felt her heart plunge into the pit of her stomach as the severity of this dawned on all of them. For a moment, it felt like there was no one else in the room but the three of them.

“Yes, Professor.” He said instead of what he’d meant to and just like that, Qui-Gon Jinn was gone and the door behind him locked.

Obi-Wan stared at where he’d left for a long moment, fists balled and whether it was the angle of the sun or otherwise, his eyes looked glassy. His lip didn’t tremble and his breathing didn’t change. Instead, he looked rigid beyond repair.

“I’m sure he’s just going to Gryffindor’s common room to check on Anakin.” Satine said as she cautiously approached him to rest a hand on his shoulder blade. He didn’t flinch or jump at her touch, but it did feel like he had transported off to another plane of existence. 

“That’s exactly what he’s doing.” He said heavily and finally turned to meet her eyes, “Maul went to this school. Surely, he knows it well enough to know where the Gryffindors sleep.”

That had also occurred to her, but right now, standing in front of him, where they were both so desperately trying to grasp onto some semblance of hope, she didn’t want to voice it. She feared their time for seeking solace was well passed. 

“Maul doesn’t know the codes to get in.” She said firmly, “He won’t be able to get in and get Anakin. The Fat Lady wouldn’t allow for it.

He did nod at that, “Yes, it was a security measure from-”

“-The war, I presume.” She raised an eyebrow, “As everything is?”

“Actually from the amount of teen pregnancies occurring from inter-house relations.” He said frankly and it nearly made her laugh if it didn’t sound like such a believably ludicrous solution only thought of by wizards. 

Any light quip she was thinking of making disappeared into nothing as the fireplace burst into a hasty shout of, “Kenobi? Are you there? Satine? Anyone?”

They rushed to the fire again, recognizing their best friend’s voice in mind-numbing alarm. Any younger students dove out of the way immediately on instinct to avoid being knocked into the flames.

“Cody, I-” Obi-Wan hadn’t even gotten a word in edgewise before he was promptly cut off by Cody’s furious shout, which was no doubt trying to compete with the noisy background surrounding him.

“ANAKIN’S ESCAPED!”

“What?” It was Obi-Wan who interrupted this time. “What do you mean he escaped?”

“He’s going for Maul!” Rex cried, shoving his brother out of the way, “I tried to stop him, but-”

Anything else Rex said faded to the background, though she suspected it was mostly nonsense judging by how upset he clearly was.

No, that couldn’t be. Her heart was thundering in her ears at the implication. Anakin was giving himself up for slaughter, but she knew in her heart that despite his claims, Maul would not stop there. Violence only begets more violence, especially when from the hand of a bloodthirsty animal.

“Stay put,” Obi-Wan’s voice was almost unrecognizable. It was deeper, commanding, and completely unlike the gentle witticism she’d grown used to (and fond of) over the years. Had she not watched him speak, she might not have believed it at all. 

“Kenobi, don’t you even think-” Cody shoved back in.

Obi-Wan didn’t allow him to finish the sentiment, ending the connection and shoving himself off the ground with nearly as much speed as he’d gotten to it, aggressively shoving through a surrounding crowd, knocking Fenn Rau onto his arse when he tried to block him from the exit with tremendous ease. Satine followed through the space he’d left in his wake, desperately trying to reach him with a pounding dread that washed her into a blinding panic.

She caught his hand just before he could leave, in a vice grip that under different circumstances she would not use, but it drew his attention back to her, his eyes blazing with purpose and certainty. 

“Let go of me.” He said with strange calm.

“No.” She said, “I won’t let you do this.”

“That’s not up to you!”

“Like hell it isn’t!” She argued, “I won’t have you knocking on death’s door yet again out of some infuriating sense of nobility.”

“Satine,” His eyes softened as he focused on her and looked a little more like the boy who effortlessly stole her breath away, “It’s Anakin.”

She knew that. Her stomach curled and coiled at the vile revelation and what it meant for Obi-Wan, who despite not being the main character of this prophetic narrative, was a true hero despite his own self-doubts. And really, she wouldn’t care for him the way she did if he weren’t the type to run into the fire against his better logic for a boy who had always been chosen to him- prophecy be damned. 

There was no one else in the room as she contemplated just how dire this moment was and how pitiful it was.

“Please be careful.” She found herself saying in a voice only he could hear.

“I always try to be.” It wasn’t a promise and she noticed that. He would never make a promise he couldn’t keep. Not to her.

They stared at each other for what felt like an eternity and her mind raced with a flush of memories and regrets- that in this moment the cold reality was drenching them with how little time they likely had left. It seemed he was processing a similar line of thinking, because his eyes scanned her face as though memorizing every detail. Thousands of unsaid words passed between them, though even then she yearned to hear the real thing. 

It was now or never, it seemed.

“At Christmas, I-” His breath hitched, “I- Well, I’ve never…”

He seemed quite infuriated with himself. A crash in the distance caused them both to break their spell and Obi-Wan turned back to her, regret swimming in his eyes as well as a fondness that could no longer be debated. 

They didn’t have time.

“I’m sorry,” He raised her hand to his lips, pressing a single firm kiss to her knuckles, “Another time, I hope.”

And she watched him go, memorizing with painstaking clarity the feeling of his hand slipping from hers and out of reach as his perfect silhouette danced down the stairs hurriedly, never looking back. Perhaps, because doing so would make him run back to her. That’s what she told herself again. 

Her hand burned as she clutched it tightly. She had a duty to uphold too. 

***

Anakin ran, assuming logically that the grand staircases would be where Maul awaited. He seemed to be somewhat interested in being dramatic and Anakin could think of no better place to stage an assault. He’d expected to hear someone following behind him, a professor trying to catch him before he did something so stupid or a friend come to his aid, but neither seemed as crazy as he was to face a threat so great.

The closer to the staircase he grew, the more aurors were laid about, Anakin felt his steps falter as he purposely turned his eyes away. They were fine, they had to be, they were just… taking a nap.

Although even his own heart didn’t take the gentle suggestion at face value.

He saw green light reflecting off the wall up ahead. It gave off an eerie strobe effect that made Anakin hesitate. His wand was still gripped in his hand and he did know a fair few spells he was quite good at, but what did he know about going against someone so powerful? Countless aurors were lying about, clearly not able to take him themselves and it certainly didn’t seem like Maul was in the mood to play with his victims.

The thoughts of his own home kept his feet moving forward. His mother’s bedroom, covered with feathers and his mother, missing, possibly worse and it had to be at the hands of Maul. Who else would be trying to draw him out, but the man who was very clear at wanting him dead this entire year? He repeated over and over and over again the stunning spell in his head as he stepped out into the open area of the staircases.

An auror had just caught the end of a green beam and was falling down. Maul looked almost bored as he watched and didn’t flinch as Anakin did as they hit the ground with a thud. Maul had put forth no effort in his spree, but the thought didn’t deter Anakin from hurtling his own spell while he had the element of surprise.

“Stupify,” He tried to be quiet about it, but his spell still missed the man by a few centimeters. Maul had noticed him much sooner, by the way he just stood there, watching him like a predator would its prey.

“So you have the dignity to fight your own battles,” He flicked his wand and Anakin dodged, jumping onto a staircase as it pivoted past him. Maul stepped casually onto his own and they both spun around each other before their stairs clicked into place. Anakin held his ground, aiming to stay as far away as he could from the man. There were things he wanted answered and he surely didn’t come here to lay down and die.

“I want to know what you did to my mum!” Anakin yelled before sending out another stunning spell and missing narrowly. Maul was still unperturbed by this and stepped onto another staircase.

“What would I care about your mother?” Maul asked with a sneer.

Anakin’s heart leapt, he must be lying, “Y-you took her! I know you did!” He shouted, his wand still clutched tightly in his hand. He sent off a quick chain-cast, aiming to disarm Maul, at least then there wasn’t much damage he could do. Maul reflected it like it was a particularly pesky fly and Anakin’s spell slammed into the wall, showering debris all around them.

“I didn’t take your mother, boy,” Maul sent a spell knocking Anakin’s wand out of his hand and causing it to tumble down the steps. He shrunk back as Maul took each step down to him incredibly slowly, “But once you’ve been erased from this earth,” He grinned, sharp teeth grinding together in a hideous display, “I’ll send her to find you.”

Maul’s wand was moving and in a last-ditch attempt at living, Anakin rushed forward, jumping at Maul and trying to rip his wand out of his hand. Maul growled, a low dangerous sound before shoving Anakin off. Anakin stumbled, but managed not to fall just in time for Maul’s foot to come crashing into his chest, sending him tumbling down the stairs.

He landed hard enough to knock the wind out of his lungs, but in the dust kicked up he managed to locate his wand before Maul could aim again and he sent out another desperate spell.

His heart sank as Maul simply stepped aside to dodge such a thing. This wasn’t how he wanted his life to end. He’d thought he’d be avenging his mother, locating her, being a hero. He was the Chosen One, he thought he could live through anything.

Maul raised his wand.

Anakin thought of his friends who he’d come to love like family. He thought of magic and all he had yet to learn. He thought of his mother, out there somewhere waiting for him.

***

There were bodies upon bodies lining the walls, all aurors, and all dead by Maul, presumably. Obi-Wan didn’t look as he went, not needing the horrifying distraction at the moment. These men and women gave themselves over to protect them and were treated like dominos to be knocked over in a chain reaction, all leading to-

-He came to an abrupt halt from his sprint, brain whirring as it tried to catch up to what his eyes saw to the left on the grand staircase. It was a body, and not just any body, but Anakin, small and limp at the bottom, completely unmoving. And just three flights up, completely shrouded in black save for his fiery face, was Maul.

“Stay away from him!” Obi-Wan shouted, drawing his attention immediately. Time only continued when he noticed Anakin’s chest moving up and down where he lay. All hope was not lost yet.

That was not to say that they were anywhere near out of the woods. The dementors had entered the space, but even this offered Obi-Wan no false hope. In fact, by the way they hovered beside him with a slight green glow surrounding their usual complete blackness, it was like they obeyed Maul somehow, serving the very opposite purpose than what was programmed of them. 

Maul’s wand was sleek and smooth and undoubtedly did not belong to him originally. Obi-Wan knew enough about the clearances distributed by the Ministry that it belonged to an officer of some kind. He didn’t want to picture what happened to its original owner. Obi-Wan always struggled with conjuring patronuses, but if there was ever a time to learn, there was nothing like the present. He had to force his hand not to shake as he outstretched it, hoping he didn’t look as young as he felt.

He tried to channel happiness and positivity in a moment like this, in order to create the bright light needed to banish these dementors away, but every time a spark felt as though it might kindle, the gravity of their situation snuffed it out.  

Maul said nothing, just as he hadn’t in Hogsmeade, but he did bear a full mouthful of yellow-stained teeth that matched the glowing eyes that appeared hollowed out in his skull. There was only hate and suffering behind those eyes, never a day of love or care. If Anakin’s life weren’t on the line, Obi-Wan might have felt sorry for him.

He knew the moment he made a move for the boy, Maul would only charge, but they couldn’t remain in this uneven standoff forever. Literally, they could not, because the stairs would not hold still for anyone, not even for the theatrics of a bloody lunatic. So, while it felt like a longshot, it also seemed like his only shot.

Obi-Wan took the leap, dashing to the end of the stairs, tumbling and grabbing Anakin on the way, just as the stairs moved and swiftly knocked them at an alarming velocity towards another shifting staircase. As predicted, when he moved, Maul moved, but not fast enough and stumbled as the stairs shifted, toppling over a railing in the process. 

“Obi-Wan?” Anakin sat up and rubbed his head. 

He quickly inspected the boy, satisfied that there was no blood, but there would definitely be a large bump on his head from whatever fall he’d taken. They didn’t have time to dilly dally. They had to go. He grabbed Anakin by the hand and pulled him the rest of the way down the stairs to the ground level, flickering his eyes up to notice the dementors closing in on them like nightfall. 

For a brief moment, as the dementor positioned itself ready, Obi-Wan saw the future of Hogwarts as it was to be should Maul truly claim the school. He saw destruction, fire, betrayal, hate. He saw so much hate in the form of enraged yellow eyes. He couldn’t seem to feel his hands or his feet as the tunnel of darkness closed in on him. There was no life, there was no hope, there was no purpose. 

All he wanted was for it to be over… Just put him out of his misery. 

Why hadn’t Maul claimed them yet?

He saw his friends suffering at his failure. He saw the school itself burning to the ground. Cody was on the ground of the castle, a fiery hole in his chest that hadn’t cooled, unmoving and unblinking. Satine was surely next as she sobbed alongside him. Everything was painted in gray. 

In the reflection of the green aura that tainted the dementors’ ragged cloaks, he met Anakin’s equally disillusioned gaze. That spark that refused to ignite earlier dragged like flint on steel and rubbed rapidly, starting to warm him up and remind him not of the bright spots of life, but of what he’d come here to do.

Positioning himself in front of Anakin, Obi-Wan yelled, “Expecto Patronum!” 

Only an azure burst of light did not come from the tip of his wand, but somewhere above the dementors, taking the form of a beautiful blue and florid owl before circling and encompassing the dark phantoms with a blinding light. In the process, it knocked Maul backwards up a staircase and bolting forwards towards the person responsible. 

He knew that patronus. 

“Qui-Gon!” Anakin pointed up even further, where Obi-Wan’s mentor had thoroughly derailed Maul’s plans of following them by engaging in a violent trade of green and red bouts of magic back and forth, dancing along the stairs rhythmically, away from them, as though they were partners in an arranged production. Glass windows shattered and more dementors joined the game, never once standing a chance for Qui-Gon Jinn, though Maul proved himself quite the martial artist. 

“We’ve got to help him!” Anakin began to move, which stalled Obi-Wan from his shocked reverie and he grabbed the boy by the collar of his shirt and yanked him back.

“No, you’ve got to get to safety!” Obi-Wan said and held him close to his face, “You are in no shape to be fighting a Sith lord.”

“Neither is he!” Anakin pointed out the obvious, which was that Maul’s aggressively acrobatic fighting style was only going to wear Qui-Gon out should they continue to edge towards a dead end. Qui-Gon would have very little room to maneuver and parry should they corner themselves in a tower or a narrow walkway. “And neither are you.”

“I have to help him.” Obi-Wan said, “It’s the only way.”

He couldn’t explain it too, because it just felt like he needed to push forward. The logical thing to do would be to run back to Ravenclaw tower with Anakin in tow and reunite with his friends in safety, but he was drawn to the fight and not for any sense of bloodlust, but refined purpose. 

“I won’t let you!” Anakin cried, “It’s my fault!”

“Like hell it is!” Obi-Wan chastised and shoved him forward, “You are in control of your own actions, not Maul’s. The only action you should be doing is getting the hell out of here.”

“But-”

“No but’s, Anakin! If you never listen to me again, listen to me now: run. Hide. Get help, whatever, but you stay as far away as your little legs can carry you, alright? You are the future of tomorrow. This is only today.”

It wasn’t what he promised Qui-Gon, but if Anakin was away from Maul, he was safe, so if Obi-Wan could help delay that, he would. 

“Where?”

“Exactly where you need to be,” He said.

“I can never get those stupid riddles!”

“Trust me, you will.” Obi-Wan said. “Just run.”

“And what about you?” 

“I’m right behind you,” Though as they stared at each other, they both knew it was a lie. With tears staining his cheeks, Anakin nodded and ran in the opposite direction. Obi-Wan watched him until he was far enough away before turning and racing back up the steps again. Just as he did, they began moving, knocking Obi-Wan around rather roughly and almost backwards again, but he kept running and even dove forward to catch the next staircase by the hand.

For a moment, he was suspended above by only one hand, forcing himself to use all the strength in his body to lift himself and keep climbing.

Qui-Gon and Maul kept moving, the sound of glass shattering in their wake. 

***

Against every fiber of his being that told him to stay and fight, Anakin ran. He aggressively swiped tears from his eyes with his arm as he did so, trying to keep his vision as clear as possible. He didn’t know where to go or what to do. Gryffindor’s common room was the other way and he would never understand the Ravenclaw riddle to get in.

Obi-Wan had only told him to go, but not where, though he’d looked at him with conviction as though he had given him a clue. Anakin was far too distressed to think of any clues. Fear swelled in him, as he considered what his two mentors were sacrificing in order to protect him, to protect the future. They believed in him, but he didn’t quite believe in himself at the moment. Maul was going to tear through this entire school and if there was one thing that was proven, it was just how inescapable that was. 

He was supposed to be a hero, but he was trying to escape. It had always been the plan, but he’d never expected to have to do so alone. He was supposed to save them all, but he’d learned the hard way that he was no match for Maul.

His feet rapidly hit the ground, never once breaking stride as he tred onward. There was only so far he could go before he ended up right back where they were. He needed a place where no one would find him. He needed a safe haven. 

But between the Zillo Beast, Dooku, and now Maul, he’d learned that there was no real sense of security in this wizarding world. It was fantastic in both the best and worst ways possible, with no room for the mundane quiet of peace. Anakin never typically cared when it didn’t involve a sadist breaking in and trying to murder him. 

As he rounded a particularly sharp corner and briefly considered hiding in an empty classroom under a desk or in a chest, his eyes went round as he noticed not one, not two, but three dementors lingering near the dungeons. Slytherin’s common room was nearby, but they’d never let him in.

“Skywalker, what the hell are you doing?” Windu dropped in from seemingly nowhere, banishing the now mob of dementors that were swirling around them like a tornado. 

“They’re everywhere!” He yelled.

“How did this happen?” Windu asked.

“Maul turned them against everyone! I don’t know how!”

Windu grimaced as they closed in on them and kept Anakin close as he flipped his cape to the side and valiantly pointed his wand with the lethal confidence of someone who had done it many times before. From Windu’s wand, a glowing blue ram burst through the wall of spinning black to create a pocket just big enough for Anakin.

“Run!” He shouted and once again, Anakin obeyed. 

He needed to make sure he paid attention if he got to live to see the day patronuses were taught in school. Clearly, it was going to be an important lesson and one that Obi-Wan didn’t quite grasp yet.

Other professors were on the front lines of this massive fight against dementors whether inside or outside. Anakin leapt around one that was trying to suck the face off of Professor Ki-Adi Mundi, but was immediately banished by the vigilant Professor Shaak Ti. He never received more encouragement to keep pushing forward and away than he did in that moment.

Who would help Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan? Who would save them if all of the other professors were trying to handle the immediate threat of the dementors turning on them? His heart started to rattle as he kept going, approaching a dead end and slinking against the wall. The dementors came quicker than he anticipated even possible. Their long and bony fingers reached for him, ready to pull him into his own worst nightmares imaginable and to make them living realities. He’d snuck many horror movies in his time, but he’d never seen anything worse than them. 

Where was it written that the Chosen One would need a soul to save the universe? Nowhere, it would seem, because this didn’t qualify as death, but a fate worse than. He pointed his wand out, hoping he could also learn the patronus charm on the fly, but felt the immediate disconnect between his words and his wand. They were just words in the end.

He pressed himself against the door, never wishing more than to be anywhere but here. He wished he could have found where Obi-Wan was referring. He needed it. He needed that refuge if he was going to be brave and if he was going to fight back one day.

He needed- To open his eyes?

Because once he did so, he realized that he was in a completely different room that he’d never seen before. It wasn’t empty, exactly. There were old books stacked on some rickety tables. Cobwebs lined the portraits on the walls that chatted amongst themselves. They stopped dead in the middle of conversation when they spotted Anakin.

“Er- Sorry for interrupting.” He said with a wave.

“Who the blazes are you?” The dusty portrait of a man with dark hair and light brown skin frowned deeply at Anakin. 

“Don’t be rude, Master Ketu.” The hooded man in the portrait opposite to him nodded at Anakin, “Congratulations.”

“Do you even know what’s going on out there? There’s nothing to be congratulated for,” He said.

“Boy, have you no concept of what you have uncovered?” The man called Ketu pressed, his arms crossed over the numerous medals of honor that hung from his neck. 

Anakin looked around him, “Uh… A dirty old classroom?”

He pinched his nose, “I swear, these children grow more ungrateful by the years.” 

“To be fair, we haven’t seen a new child in over a century.” The other man said placatingly, “And there’s no way he can be worse than him. I am Ters Sendon, archivist and historian and this is Master Ketu, former leader of the old Je’daii order.”

“Je’Daii?”

“He hasn’t even heard of us.” Scoffed Ketu.

“An old group of warrior wizards who used to combat the ancient Sith during the old wars.” Ters said and Anakin gasped when he lifted off his hood to reveal horns protruding from his head just as Maul’s did. “What is it?”

“You’re… You’re like him!” Anakin backed away, nearly stumbling over a stray chair as he did, “You’re like the Sith lord that’s currently taking over our school!”

“I’m no Sith!” He protested.

“You look like him?”

“So? Sith is not a race, it’s a religion.” Ters said, “There are good people that look like me and plenty of bad people that look like you.”

Anakin considered that and realized as he looked at Ters Sendon that he didn’t bear any of the malicious traits that Maul had. There was no hate radiating off of his gaze, no yellow or orange to his eyes, no hostility in his voice. He didn’t even really look like Maul aside from the horns. As opposed to a stark red and black patterned face, Ters was more the color of leather, with beige swirls around his eyes and nose.

Ketu, not nearly as bored as he was before, stroked his black goatee, “You mean, the Sith have returned?”

“I’m supposed to defeat them someday.” Anakin said, “I’m the Chosen One. Or at least… I’m supposed to be, but I’m hiding…”

“Well, you’re much too young to fight a Sith, my boy.” Ketu said.

“Everyone’s been saying that and I know that, but how can I let other people take the fall for me?”

“Take it from someone who has seen plenty of golden haired heroes that were supposed to be chosen for greatness, you must accept that they are not fighting for you.”

“Ketu! How is that helpful?” Ters asked.

“Because it removes the pressure that comes with the position. Everyone has their place in this war, but you… You must survive. You must survive so that many others can live.” He fixed Anakin with a stern look, “That is why the Room summoned you.”

“The room?” Anakin looked around, “This place is special?”

“The Room of Requirement manifests itself only to students who truly need it.” Ters explained, “In your case, it’s to hide from this dastardly foe that breached your school.”

“If only I were alive… I’d bring this Sith to his knees.” Ketu sighed wistfully. 

“I can’t just sit in here and wait!” Anakin yelped, his voice echoing around the room. 

“Clearly, whatever you were running from had outnumbered you. You were whiter than a ghost.” Ters said, “And I’ve seen many ghosts.”

“Ghosts can come in here?”

“Not here, no.” Ketu shook his head, “We are the only portraits in the school that cannot move, but in our time, there were ghosts too.”

“Why can’t you move?”

“We must protect the integrity of the room,” Ters explained, “And a good thing too, because the last boy would have destroyed the place to prevent anyone else from finding it.”

“The magical enchantments were too powerful for him then, thankfully,” Ketu whistled, “I wonder where he got off to…”

“We need to get more people in here, to protect them!” Anakin said. “How can I let others follow me?”

“I think they may be safer where they are.”

Anakin wasn’t so sure. 

***

Qui-Gon had but one clear goal when parrying and deflecting the onslaught of fast green bolts that erupted from Maul’s wand: get him out of the castle. Hopefully, from there, other professors stronger than he could prevent him from entering again. Qui-Gon was no fighter by nature. It took a great deal of strength and focus and connectivity with his inner peace to remain in line with Maul’s attacks. He was definitely no one’s first choice in fighting off a man who murdered countless aurors in his wake.

However, the moment he saw Maul and his possessed dementors hovering over Obi-Wan and Anakin, he knew that this would be his fight after all. 

He’d never faced anything like this in his life- growing up in a time of peace was like the beautiful summer and late fall that preambled a harsh winter. Well, the ruthless attempts at his head led by the tenacious Sith was more of enough proof that winter had arrived with the full impact of a blizzard at their heels. 

Qui-Gon tried to analyze and predict the Zabrak’s next attack, hoping that his strategic capabilities would balance him against the superior fighting style that was the combination of martial artistry and power. There was much hate that spewed from every fiber of Maul’s being, so personal that Qui-Gon almost took it as such. It was like every person who stood in his way somehow became Maul’s target enemy and it was obvious he wasn’t used to anyone lasting this long.

Well, Qui-Gon did have the high ground when he snuck up on Maul and took him off guard, effectively clipping the wings that the dementors brought him. He wouldn’t even begin to question how he’d did it, save for that it was obviously an ancient magic known to the Sith. As they crossed the archway to the empty Great Hall, veering away from the direction of the student dormitories to Qui-Gon’s relief, and Maul was allotted true space to spew knives and broken shards of glassware towards him at once, Qui-Gon realized why this man hid all year.

He did not hide to feel out their positioning or to even tease them. Any of that had only been a cherry on top for the malignant evil before him. No, Maul waited it out to grow, to improve his strengths, to ready himself for this fight, because regardless of the ease at which he slipped through their clenched fists, he still expected a grave one.

“Protego!” Qui-Gon shouted numerous times in numerous directions, shielding himself from every blow Maul flung at him, but dodging an incoming killing curse as well. 

That was going to leave a mark on the walls. 

The candles came crashing down, bathing the entire room in a gray hollowness that he wasn’t used to, but didn’t ponder. It was only fitting that a Sith was trying to take everything good about this place with him. Well, he wouldn’t have it, not on his watch, anyway.

Their beams collided, his disarming and Maul’s for the kill, creating the collaboration of blinding green and red at the middle. It resembled a golden snitch at the heart of the contact, but despite having dueled Dooku just last year, Qui-Gon felt his arm, and eventually his whole body by extension, growing weak. Dooku had been going easy on him and he knew it. Maul would do no such thing.

Maul tapped further into his heat, bearing a tight grin as he pushed harder, showing just what the dark side could do, but Qui-Gon did not and would not envy his pain or his suffering that led him to such darkness.

“You were just a child, did you even get to choose?” Qui-Gon asked, trying to possibly tap into any shred of humanity left within the empty cavern that took place of Maul’s soul. That included, bringing up a history Maul did not want to remember. 

“You don’t know me.” It only emboldened his opponent’s attack, making the push and pull of their tug of war look a great deal more green than red. 

“Perhaps, I do. We were students here once, right? At the same time even.”

Maul remained silent and focused. He would not monologue for Qui-Gon. It seemed he was the sort of foe not worth quarreling with. 

“Give me the boy.” Was all he said.

“I cannot do that.” Qui-Gon shook his head.

“Then you will die.” He smiled. 

Sweat gathered at his temples as he pushed harder, channeling the peace that existed in harmony at his core, willing the spark to burn brighter than it ever had. If not ever again, now would be the moment.

It was not looking good. 

Until, an unprecedented blast of blue sent Maul skidding across the table, sliding into every stray glass and plate that had been left in shambles on the way. He was up and charging within a matter of seconds, which was remarkable on its own right, but this also meant that Qui-Gon didn’t have much of a second to breathe or consider that the wizard that entered the room was not a colleague or auror, but Obi-Wan Kenobi.

“Obi-Wan!” He shouted and moved to jump in front of him to be a last standing shield from Maul, as if that would do anything, but the boy was quick and immediately took to pursuing Maul with his own attacks.

“You shouldn’t be here.” He said.

“But I am, and we can talk about this later, no?” Obi-Wan gritted as Maul whipped out a second wand from his utility belt and let his robe drift to the ground. It seemed he came prepared for this very situation. It was a very unfortunate way to learn Maul was ambidextrous as he was just as proficient with his left hand as he was his right and was able to perform the same spell from two wands.

“We definitely will.” Qui-Gon fired back, but had to concede that the very last thing they needed to be doing to get out of here was arguing with each other. Not to mention, a very small part of him couldn’t help but be proud of Obi-Wan’s prowess for being so young. 

He’d never seen him like this before- so sure of himself and so determined, as well as so underdressed. His robe and jumper were completely discarded somewhere along his way here and the sleeves of his collared shirt had been pushed up. While still wearing the tie that symbolized his house with pride, he suddenly looked much older than the boy he knew. 

Even more than that, he successfully and quickly reflected Maul’s own curse back on him, sending the Sith dizzily stumbling around, though never once losing speed. 

With Obi-Wan at his side, he was able to take Maul on at a more even level, even with the two wands. He and his mentee practiced in sync together. They’d never formally fought alongside each other, but where Qui-Gon moved, Obi-Wan moved, and the two took to dejecting each and every distant move displayed by Maul.

That was not to say it was easy, of course. Between the physicality and ferocity of Maul’s magical and non-magical aggression, it was still throwing the both of them through the ringer. Obi-Wan’s face was red, but laser focused and never relieved with pride if he managed to land some sort of attack. 

They left out the doorway they came and through the third floor corridor, only further exhausting themselves the smaller the quarters became. Maul began to literally bounce off the walls, running up them and doing backflips to dodge and alternatively, to gain traction. As his history showed, he wasn’t purely invested in the magical portion of a fight, but the physical combat as well. 

Up the stairs they went to the very top, a difficult task when Maul decided to turn the steps into slippery goo in his wake and fire on the railings. Qui-Gon had learned the latter of that sequence on his own the hard way. Obi-Wan charged ahead, more athletic than he gave himself credit for, and twice as brave. It was a lethal combination, though not one Qui-Gon would fool himself into believing would be enough to seizing Maul completely. They needed to distract him until Windu found them.

They needed help.

Maul was quite pressed when Obi-Wan managed a leg-locker spell on him, though it was only one leg by his aim. It wasn’t his fault, since Qui-Gon had to shove him aside to avoid wand arrows that came straight for his head. 

Even still, there was no doubt that they were fighting better together. 

The ceiling of the pointed tower crumbled, specs of dust and later actual pieces of infrastructure raining down on them and hurrying their pace. When reaching the small bridge that connected the two towers, Maul blasted the center as he ran ahead.

“Where’s he going?”

“The classrooms, it seems.” Qui-Gon answered as he tried to catch his breath. “Anakin-”

“-Is safe.” He said with resounding certainty, his blue eyes sharper than glass as he regarded him with shoulders back and his jaw squared. He was still shorter than Qui-Gon, but it was evident now more than ever that he was a child no longer. Yes, Obi-Wan was ready. Or was it that he had no choice but to be ready?

It pained Qui-Gon’s very soul, because children fighting the battles of adults never soothed him. They leapt over the chasm and through the already crumbling tower that dwindled all the way down, catching Maul at his heels after a few flights of rapidly following suit. He was either leading them to the belly of his trap or he was trying to shake them. Qui-Gon didn’t know how that spoke for their success as his opponents, but was willing to take any wins offered to them.

They were far from finished in their pursuit, as the tower began to physically shake back and forth. Taking this battle to heart, or whatever stood in place of it, Maul turned, charging up the stairs with a sword at hand pointed straight at them.

On instinct rather than through thought, Qui-Gon pushed Obi-Wan hard against the side of the wall, narrowly preventing him from meeting the tip of the blade. 

“Stupefy!” He yelled, but missed and Maul went for the younger man again, a tight smile on his lips as he flipped forwards against the current of gravity and spun the sword straight towards them. Obi-Wan, who was stronger than he looked, caught Maul’s wrist before the finality of the attack could be completed. Using his entire body weight, he flung them down, doing his own half-assed little stunt to avoid being stabbed. 

Qui-Gon seized his moment to attack, turning the coat of arms by the doorway onto Maul, giving them three fighters on their side. This didn’t stop Maul, who only seemed delighted by the challenge and swung at the ground to encourage it.

Obi-Wan scrambled off the ground in time and trotted alongside Qui-Gon as the knight moved forward and Maul backed himself up to the wall of the rounded tower, clashing his sword with the knight’s, meeting every swing with one of his own caliber. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, meanwhile, tried to use this brief moment of distraction to their advantage and fired whatever spells could come to their mind. 

Obi-Wan had gotten even more creative and used a tongue fattening spell, likely trying to limit his airway.

It didn’t seem he even minded the limited mobility, though it only seemed to anger him that he was wasting his time. Maul had the advantage, being alive, but the knight had nothing to lose. Sometimes, that wasn’t a strength. 

In a fit of unbridled rage, which was the only way either Qui-Gon or Obi-Wan could describe what transpired next, lightning rang through the sword and Maul leapt into the air, bringing the blade straight through the empty head of the knight and using the momentum of this force to fling the still sparking helmet towards them, hitting Obi-Wan directly in the stomach and sending him flipping over the railing with the added help of Maul diving forward to punch him square in the face. 

“Immobulus!” Qui-Gon hollered, pointing his wand at Obi-Wan’s collapsing body just before he could hit the bottom stone at full-force. He was knocked out, nothing more, or maybe that’s what Qui-Gon needed to convince himself to continue edging through this battle.

The sword came down, achieving not a speck of flesh, but slicing Qui-Gon’s wand clean in two against the marble railing to their right. It was the closest he’d ever been to Maul and he understood why few wanted to approach him. He could feel the turmoil within this shell of a man, who was only driven by his own hate. He was like a walking timebomb who was expected to walk the earth like a person.  

“When I’m done with you, I’ll kill the kid too,” Only he wasn’t referring to Anakin, but Obi-Wan.

“You won’t have the chance,” Qui-Gon said and kicked up his foot to toss the former knight’s sword into own hand. He was taught to wield by Count Dooku long ago, adopting many different tactics. It had always been in a gentlemanly fashion before, but Maul knew no such artistry or decency in this field. He was a predator and while he may have been playing with his food, he would still want nothing more than to collect the prize.

They backed out of the exit, Qui-Gon pursuing Maul as their blades clinked and clanked at rapid speed, each performing offensively without any pauses or breaks. Qui-Gon took his first success as they approached the classrooms and he managed to knock one of Maul’s wands free and clattering onto the ground. The Sith swordsman paid no mind, flipping backwards and inviting Qui-Gon to chase him into yet another trapped space.

He knew he was better where he could be afforded more breathing room, but at the moment, this was not a battle where Qui-Gon dictated the rules. Rarely, did the heroes get to do much of that in history. It was all about adaptivity and believing in oneself and the magic that lay within them. 

“I am one with magic and the magic is within me.” He chanted on a harmonic loop inside his head, ignoring every fiber of his being that broke apart as they crashed through Professor Palpatine’s office of all places.

Perhaps, he was trying to pay a visit to his favorite professor. He looked disappointed even through the mask of focused disdain that he wasn’t present. He would never have known that Anakin might have been hiding here, after all. He lingered around the castle for a little while, but not long enough to see the students interact. 

Thinking a bit like his enemy, Qui-Gon seized the weakness, going in for an elongated stalemate of the inner strengths, bringing them up close and personal.

“Who do you work for?” He asked calmly.

He knew that nothing splintered more than serenity or moreover, when their dastardly deeds took no effect on their desired target. Predictably, Maul clenched his yellow teeth to bare.

“I work for no one.” He scowled and shoved them apart, spinning and beginning a new onslaught of attacks that Qui-Gon met and dodged. The dodged shots ended up as holes that would need to be patched later and each designated attack seemed to chip away at him more and more.

Maul might have possessed an eternal source of energy from the cruelty at his very core, but he did not envy him for it.

They shuffled onto the external viaduct, which stretched back to the courtyard outside the Great Hall again, back towards the common rooms. He couldn’t let that happen. Qui-Gon knew that this was it. This long stretch of smooth stone that expanded over the chasm beneath them, was where this needed to end.

As if reading his mind, Maul closed in on him, making Qui-Gon overshoot a swing and nearly set himself off balance. Maul’s sword came down hard on the stone balustrade to their side, cracking it with the power and magical tenacity it contained, before retracting and kicking Qui-Gon in the sternum.

He rolled, backwards, and landed on his feet just in time to collide blades harshly, feeling like the swords might break if they strike again. This didn’t stop either of them and Qui-Gon desperately tried to seek out a window to take the advantage. And then, he found it. Maul’s gloved finger twitched just as he was reaching for his other wand- a dirty trick in a match of the blades, but Dooku might have done the same in his modern state. 

Luckily, Qui-Gon didn’t necessarily need a wand. 

He snatched the wand from midair by the sheer willpower of doing so.

“Petrificus Totalus!” And while Maul leapt to the ground, his frame stilled in the air as he caught the end of the charm, hitting the ground hard with his sword stuck frozen in hand.

He let out a heavy breath of relief. He pointed the wand at Maul and tossed the blade to the side and knelt over him. Only the man’s face could move, so he didn’t grow too close at risk of literally being bitten, but Qui-Gon looked at him sternly.

“What business do you have with the boy?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Maul chuckled lightly, “To destroy him.”

“But for what? Because he’s a threat to you?”

“No,” He would have shaken his head if he could, “Because he’s a threat to all of us.”

Qui-Gon frowned, “That- No, he will bring about an end to monsters like yourself and whatever master you refuse to name.”

“Don’t you see?” Maul said, “He is the monster.”

The words trickled through Qui-Gon’s ears like rain hitting the hard sidewalk. That couldn’t be true. He was to bring balance. Though, it was never exactly said how. It couldn’t be. The prophecy spoke of a united world and for the hero, which was Anakin, to prevail at great sacrifice.

Or at least, that’s how he interpreted it after much studying. 

“That cannot be.”

“It has been written in fate. I have seen it,” And by the legitimate fear that plagued Maul’s gaze, he could tell the Sith was not lying about having been exposed to a plethora of horror, “He is but the pawn in a greater plan. Just like you and just like me.”

“He’s so much more than either of us,” Qui-Gon shook his head, keeping the wand steady at his throat, poking the skin ever so slightly. “Especially you.”

“I am merely trying to save us all,” Maul begged, “Just as you think you are. We are not that different. Skywalker isn’t either.”

“Anakin is the hero of this story, not you.” Qui-Gon said, determined now, “I will see to that.”

“No,” And just as quick as he fell, he moved too fast for Qui-Gon to even blink and the sword that had seemed frozen in time was thrust right into the pit of Qui-Gon’s stomach. Immeasurable pain soaked through him as he felt blood from all over rush through him and a varying list of parables cross his mind.

Maul brought him so close that their noses touched, “You won’t.” 

He unsheathed the sword from the pit of Qui-Gon’s stomach and let him fall backwards, hitting the stone unceremoniously as sound seemed to fall behind in slow, deep motions. The blood rushed from his body and breathing suddenly became labored beyond measure. He was faced with warm sunlight, though he found himself only growing colder by the second. Slowly, the bright blue around the high sun was becoming a tunnel and getting fuzzier. The pain in his stomach was less aching as it was dull and detached from him. He saw stars and galaxies and far more than the human eyes could see.

He saw blackness that occluded the stars and realized strangely that it was a man in a dark cape. This was Vader, he knew somehow, but he couldn’t quite explain why. But there was more and as he looked into the stars that gathered in the eyes of his helmet, he saw the fates for what they were. There was so much loss in this montage of multiple realities that spawned in front of him. There was agony, hate, betrayal, death. So so much death beyond his own.

It was strange, to realize that he was dying and to not really care about the logistics of that. Instead, he cared for what he saw next: happiness, love, family, weddings, babies, revolution against an unjust cause, rebirth. 

He saw the back of a man with white hair and a beard to match and while his heart initially spoke to him of his mentor, he found that the eyes that turned to meet him matched another that would grow to be wiser than them all.

He saw the good in the blond boy that everyone else feared. He saw the duality of the young brunette who was capable of far more than her small stature dictated. He saw friends he did and didn’t know. He saw them all come together and he saw them win. It was an imperfect future, full of not one, but many heroes. 

Some that were chosen ones merely by their own volition. That fact settled hard and heavy. There was still much obscurity to meet the hope. Nothing, even at these far reaches of the universe, was written in stone. If there was one thing that was clear: Anakin was the key. 

And in a flash he was back for a moment, given one last breath of life and to meet the tear stained eyes of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

He failed. But there was still hope. 

***

“NO!” His cry was anguished and angry, his vision red like the blood dripping off the blade. He had already been running, hurrying to catch up with his mentor, not willing to leave him alone with that monster for more than a second longer than necessary.

He clearly hadn’t been fast enough.

He sprinted, faster still, wand automatically raised and flourished. A crack was heard as red light burst from his own wand and slammed into Maul, knocking him back a few feet and causing his sword to fly from his hand and over the bridge. He hadn’t even uttered the words, but his wand seemed to read his mind, connect with him and in this brief moment of connection, he hurtled as many spells as he could think of.

It was a dance of light. Maul had managed to pull his own wand out and was doing a fair job at blocking each colorful strike, but had yet to get an opening to counter. Obi-Wan tossed another stupify at Maul and it hit his protective spell so hard sparks flew.

“You’re too late,” Maul kicked a loose stone towards him, managing to distract him long enough that Maul could send a killing curse his way. He just managed to block it, the green spell falling apart just inches from his face. He staggered backwards nearly falling over the edge before launching another volley of attacks.

“I won’t let you hurt him,” Obi-Wan growled, although the pang in his chest reminded him of what he’d seen, what he hadn’t been fast enough to stop. He cast a smoke spell causing them both to be hidden within a dark cloud. Obi-Wan crept silently to the side, the only real chance he had was to catch Maul off guard. Just a few more steps-

A gust of wind kicked up from the center of the cloud blowing away the smoke screen and revealing an almost smug looking Maul. He grinned wildly, his yellow eyes gleaming like a tiger going for the kill.

Obi-Wan just managed to dodge as the spell Maul hurled blew a hole through the already crumbling parapet. He returned the favor with another stunning charm that did little more than knock Maul off balance.

Obi-Wan, however, took the opportunity rushing forwards a curse on the tip of his tongue before Maul fell backwards slamming a foot into Obi-Wan and kicking him back.

He stumbled to regain balance, but his foot slipped and time slowed as he desperately clawed for the edge of the bridge with his free hand. He swung there precariously, heart beating a mile a minute as he tried to think of something, anything. Maul grunted, he could only assume he was standing up again, making his way slowly towards what was surely Obi-Wan’s doom.

He looked to his wand, he couldn’t risk a spell, if he missed and hit the viaduct, he would surely be falling to his death. If he didn’t… Well he didn’t want to think of the terrible fate that would bring him. He swung his arm up, hand still gripping his wand, but allowing for him to pull himself up just high enough to see. Maul was approaching, wand twitching as he surely thought through every nasty spell he had at his disposal.

The dying sun came out from behind the clouds, reflecting its light off of something silver on the edge. A sudden burst of hope filled him as he whispered a series of spells that he hoped Maul took as nothing more than him praying for salvation.

Maul didn’t pause.

Obi-Wan dropped hold of the ledge flicking his wand upwards in order to soar up through the air landing behind Maul, just steady enough he was able to catch the silver sword, sapphires glittered across the bottom, a sight to behold if he weren’t busy lunging with it.

Maul had turned just in time to watch as Obi-Wan used every bit of strength, every bit of magic left in his body to bring the sword clear through his middle. The sadist had the decency to look surprised, shocked that he could be foiled by a scrawny 17 year old when so many had tried and failed before. Obi-Wan brought up his foot and kicked, returning the favor of pushing the Zabrak off the viaduct, he didn’t bother watching him fall.

The clatter of the sword falling out of Obi-Wan’s hand and onto the stone brought him out of his adrenaline induced daze and he turned his head almost robotically to where Qui-Gon still lay. He was breathing, but barely, each breath looked laborious even from afar.

“Qui-Gon!” One moment he was standing over where he committed a high wizarding crime and another he was on his knees next to his mentor. He ripped off his top layer and pressed over the wound desperately trying to stop the bleeding even though he could feel that his trousers were already being soaked through.

“No, no,” Qui-Gon batted his hands away, but it only gave Obi-Wan the determination to press harder.

“It’ll be alright, you’ll be fine,” Obi-Wan repeated to himself as he focused on the task at hand. A shaky hand caught his wrist and he tore his eyes away from the gore and met Qui-Gon’s deep blue eyes. Eyes normally filled with mystery and whimsy were focused just enough to quelm his fast-racing thoughts.

“Obi-Wan,” He pleaded, “Anakin-”

“Anakin’s fine!” Obi-Wan shook his head angrily, “I already told you he’s-”

“I need you to see that Anakin gets his training,” Qui-Gon grasped for his attention again and he gave it though he struggled too, “Anakin must become a wizard, he is the chosen one,” Qui-Gon spoke the words with a strong conviction as if he had been born with this knowledge and hadn’t found out along with the rest of them last year.

“Yes, sure, but Qui-Gon-” Obi-Wan tried, but froze when Qui-Gon struggled for a breath.

“Promise me Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon managed to pant, “Promise me you’ll see to it.”

“I promise,” He answered, they looked into each other’s eyes for a beat more before Obi-Wan returned to his task, wishing quite desperately that he’d gone with Satine to those first aid classes instead of the dueling club, “But don’t worry about that now, I-”

Qui-Gon’s breathing ceased.

There were no other sounds. He couldn’t hear the birds in the sky or the breeze through the trees; it was only silence. He felt his mouth form words, but couldn’t hear them. He moved his hands from Qui-Gon’s middle towards his shoulders shaking him once, twice, three times. He felt tears trailing down his face and he tried to wipe them away, likely just smearing his own face with the blood of both that murderer and of Qui-Gon. Merging the two of their beings together like they were twisted up into some horrifying cycle of fate. He pressed his head, body trembling, to Qui-Gon’s chest, praying to hear even an unsteady heartbeat.

All he could hear was silence.

He stayed there, unable to move and hardly unable to breathe at Qui-Gon’s side, sitting vigil for his mentor, his most trusted ally, the wisest man he knew. Eventually the bubble was bound to break and if it wasn’t Qui-Gon growing cold under him it was the hand that fell on his shoulder.

He flinched, whipping to the side prepared to fight another enemy, but his hands fell at the guarded look of Windu’s eyes. The professor tried to pull him away, but he broke out of his grasp with more strength than he’d thought he had left.

“Where’s Maul?” Windu crouched beside him, gently pressing Qui-Gon’s eyes shut. Obi-Wan couldn’t find it in himself to speak and he shook his head to try and convey that, but Windu just grabbed his shoulders and looked him straight in the eye, “I need to know if he’s still around.”

“I ki-” He tried, voice croaky and ruined in his silence, “He’s gone. Dead.”

Professor Windu said nothing, just placed a hand on his back for a moment more before standing. He swished his wand, brilliant red and gold sparks bursting out and filling the night sky, announcing to all that they were finally safe. However, after the display of colors he did not lower his wand and instead kept it raised, the tip glowing softly in the night’s sky.

Professor Plo Koon was the next to join them, his eyes sad and mournful under the light of their two wands. Then one by one the professors arrived, each taking in the scene and lighting their wands in silence. Obi-Wan felt much too numb sitting there on his own, magic exhausted from the fight, to locate his own wand much less light it in honor. Qui-Gon had never been much for ceremonies anyways, but the thought brought him no comfort. 

The unspoken vigil ended as Headmaster Palpatine lowered his own wand, followed by Professor Windu. Obi-Wan was stood up by the latter, this time he found no fight left in him, and escorted towards the castle. He kept an eye on Qui-Gon’s body for as long as he could, but surrounded by the Headmaster and various professors it was impossible to see long before he crossed the threshold into the school.

#anakin skywalker #obi-wan kenobi #obitine #anidala #the clone wars #tcw #star wars #magical forces au #hpau

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Let’s Blame it on Blood Loss

Paring: Obi-wan Kenobi X Reader

Word Count: 2.4K 

Warnings: Mentions of injury and death, mention of blood, little bit of angst, but lots of fluff at the end

Summary: Obi-wan and Reader are sent on a stealth mission and someone trips on a pile of droids.  Part two

A/N: Obi-wan is the best and deserves all the love. Now that I’ve said that I hope you all enjoy! Also, there will be a second part, at some point. 

What had started out as a simple mission to gather information from an abandoned separatist base had quickly gone downhill. You and Obi-wan Kenobi had just rather unceremoniously stuffed yourselves in an empty closet to try and avoid a large group of lookout droids. “So much for it being abandoned,” you mumble under your breath.

The man in front of you shifts, trying to get ear closer to the door. “They’ve passed by. We should be safe to continue now,” he replied quietly stepping out of the closet. “At the very least this makes things a bit more exciting. It was you who mentioned how boring this would be, wasn’t it?” The smirk the played on the man’s lips had you rolling your eyes and forcing your way past him. The coast did look clear, for now at least.

“Why don’t you spend less time teasing me and more trying to find that protocol droid Master Kenobi,” you stated, only half-joking. The sooner the two of you were out of here the better. The whole point of the mission was to be in and out before anyone noticed your presence. When the base was supposedly abandoned that task hadn’t seemed so difficult, but all these unexpected lookout droids had you on edge. You had learned early in your years as a Jedi that exciting was not always better.

“Oh please, Master (L/N),” teased the other Jedi, “don’t pretend that you-.” He was cut off abruptly by the sound of a door opening and closing in quick succession. Obi-wan’s expression shifts from playful to more serious. He peeked his head around the corner, a few droids were walking away from the room. “I have a funny feeling we might find what we’re looking for in there.” He subtly gestured with his head to the door that you had yet to see.

“How long do you think it will take those droids to clear out? We can hardly sneak into a room when the door is more than loud enough to announce our presence to anyone in the general area?” You ask as you push yourself against Obi-wan’s back and lean your head out just enough to get a proper view of the door.

“No one said anything about taking the door, (Y/N)” He looked up to a vent only a few feet away from where the two of you hid. “I imagine that’s big enough for us to fit through. At the very least you’ll fit.” He glances up and down your smaller frame.

“You know how I feel about small spaces Obi. I won’t have a lot of room to move if I get discovered while in there.” You cross your arms and lean back against the wall. You loathed small spaces. They were cramped, dark (although the dark wasn’t really all that bad), and made you feel like you were trapped. The thought of climbing through this vent had you shuddering. If a space was too small for you to properly wield your lightsaber you took that as a sign that you weren’t meant to be there.

“You didn’t seem to mind hiding in the closet earlier. If I’m remembering correctly you were the one who pushed me in there,” he teased quietly.

“That closet was a lot bigger. But fine, whatever, let’s get this over and done with.” You very carefully remove the cover of the vent and set it down on the ground. With all the grace you can manage you hoist yourself up into the vent. It wasn’t as small as your worried it would be but naturally you were stuck crawling on all fours. The metal was cold and uncomfortable, and every creek or groan had you stop for a moment and hold your breath. When it was clear you weren’t heard you continued on slowly. This was terrible. The next time the council thought it would be a good idea to send you on a stealth mission you swore to tell no. Not that there really was much good it would do when the council gave you an assignment but everything was worth trying once.

Obi-wan waited patiently leaning against the wall. The droids walked past without noticing and he had taken the opportunity to slip down the hall and wait next to the closed door. You had been right when you said it would be too loud to open it, but he hoped to hear when you dropped down to the ground. As inconvenient as it was, he found your phobia rather endearing and respected you all the more for not letting it stop you. He heard a soft thud on the other side of the door. You must have made it. “(Y/N), does it look like the droid is in there?” he asked just loud enough for you to hear.

“I think so, it looks like what was shown to us. Just keep a lookout for a few minutes while I transfer these memory files,” you replied. You pulled out a small black device and inserted it into an open slot in the droid. While technology was never really your strong suit you had been promised that all you needed to do was plug the device in and let the program inside do all the work. This really was simple enough, but it would take a few minutes. You paced around the room finding a few more odds and ends to look at. Most of it was just broken-down droids like the one you had been sent to look for. There was a barely audible beep when the file transfer had finished. You unplugged the small device and tucked it back into your pocket.

“I’ve got it, Obi! Let’s get ready to leave, I’m not spending one more minute in this place than I have to.” You lift yourself into the vent. You feel your foot catch on something but think nothing of it a just shake it off. As you begin to crawl forward you hear the unmistakable sound of metal sliding against metal. Before you could react, there was a series of loud crashes as the various droids fell to the ground and onto one another. “Shit,” you mumbled.

“I really suggest you hurry after making all that noise (Y/N)! I’m sure half the base heard it.” Shouted Obi-wan. There really was no point in being quiet anymore.

For you, that meant there was no reason to climb back through that dreadful vent again. You hopped out and made far more noise than you meant too as you landed in the pile of broken droids. The door was already open and Obi-wan was motioning for you to move faster. The two of you run and do your best to avoid the droids looking for you and you were successful too until you reached your ship. A large group of droids were firing at it with their blasters, you could only imagine they were trying to break it. You and Obi-wan found a spot to hide and come up with a plan.

“I’m going to go see if I can distract them. Maybe draw them away long enough for you start the engines. If they keep firing at it like that we’ll be stuck here,” you stated trying to analyze the damage already done.

All you received in response was nod. You were sure he expected you to have a carefully thought out plan, but alas it wasn’t so. Your plan was to draw your lightsaber and run. Thank the Maker droids were never the smartest because it worked out quite well for you. Their attention was drawn by the sound your lightsaber made and they began to fire at you. They were terrible shots while chasing after you and it didn’t take much to lose them after you led them far enough away from the ship. Well, you thought you had lost them. Apparently, your connection to the force was suffering because you were shocked when you felt the searing pain of a blaster bolt hitting your side. You did all you could to lose them, the only thing keeping you standing was pure adrenalin. In the end, you found yourself in the same closet this whole mess had started in. The droids passed by and didn’t think to check there, something you couldn’t be more thankful for.

With the adrenaline leaving your body you began to feel the pain in your left side more intensely and in a few more places where didn’t realize you had been hit.  Every movement to try and drag yourself out of that closet was agony. You couldn’t do it; the pain had become so much that your vision was being crowded by dark spots. There were steps outside of the door again. You were sure they would find you this time and finish what they started but when the door was slowly opened you were met with concerned blue eyes.

“Obi, I think I got shot… a lot,” you managed to mumble out between clenched teeth.

“I know you got shot, know come here and let me help you back to the ship.” He slipped and arm underneath your knees and another behind your back pulling you up against your chest. His voice was full of concern. He got you back to the ship without any problems and set you down on a small cot reserved for emergencies like these. “Next time you offer to be the distraction I’ll shoot you myself,” he half-heartedly teased. He tried to keep the situation light to keep you calm but he was filled with worry.

“I need to make it back to the Jedi temple alive for there to be a 'next time',” you groaned.

He placed a gentle and comforting hand against your cheek. You couldn’t stop yourself from leaning into his touch. “You’ll make it back alive, trust me.”

“Hey Obi, just in case I don’t can I tell you something. We can blame it on the blood loss and my impending mortality if I am fine.” There were a lot of things you wanted to tell him then, but you felt your conciseness slipping. You were going to have to pick the most important things.

“Don’t talk like that. You’ll be-,“ You cut him off with a finger gently pressed against his lips.

“Shh... Obi, just let me talk.” The finger than had been on his lips moved to affectionately play with his bead. Maker how you loved that beard.  “I love you.” You felt relief as you finally spoke those words and Obi-wan’s response didn’t surprise you in the slightest.

“I love you too. Which is why you need to stay alive. I can’t do any of this without you.”

The feelings between you too had been obvious to the other for as long as you could remember, you both had come to a silent and mutual agreement to ignore how much you cared for the other, but it would’ve broken your heart and soul if you died without ever getting to say those words and hear them in return. “You’d be fine without me, dear,” you whisper. You do your best to prop yourself. You place a gentle kiss on his lips before the world goes black.

You were fairly certain you weren’t dead. You had yet to open your eyes, but you were fairly certain that wherever you would end up after you died wouldn’t have constant beeping, and there was something warm squeezing your hand. With a groan, you slowly blinked and took in your surroundings. You were in a bed in a room that must be back at the Jedi temple. The beeping was one of the few machines hooked up to you, this one busy keeping track of your vital signs. The warmth in your hand was the hand of someone else. You felt it gently squeeze once again and you looked up to see who was kind enough to wait by your bedside.

“I told you that you would make it back alive, didn’t I,” said a wonderfully familiar voice. The man’s free hand came to gently stroke your cheek. Your eye’s met Obi-wan’s wonderfully blue ones. They were filled with so much concern and love, you didn’t deserve this man in your life.

“Turns out I couldn’t leave you,” you replied relaxing into his touch. There was something incredibly soothing about it. All the aches you felt didn’t seem to matter so much now. You noticed something now you hadn’t when you first looked at him. There were dark bags under his eyes and his body seemed to slouch with exhaustion. “When’s the last time you slept?”

“I haven’t. Not since we returned. I couldn’t sleep knowing that you may not be there when I wake.” It was true too. You’d later find out that while you were being treated, he paced and waited outside the door and when you had been put in a room he sat by your side. The council hadn’t been happy with his behaviour, but not even their displeasure could pull him away from your side. Not until he knew you would be okay.

You hand come to rest on top of the one holding yours. Maker, you really didn’t deserve this man. “How long was I asleep?”

“Four days.”

“You haven’t slept in four days? That’s hardly healthy.”

“I would have waited longer by your side if I needed to.”

“I imagine the council hasn’t been pleased that you’ve been ignoring your duties in favour of waiting by me,” you say, idly rubbing circles on the top of his hand.

“They haven’t, but nothing would have pulled me from your side.” He shifted from the chair he was sitting on and onto your bed. You winced as you moved to make room for him. It was more than worth it when laying down next you and very carefully pulled you against his body, your head tucked underneath his.

As he pulled you to him there was an occasional pull on your wounds, and you winced with the movement but once you were in his arms you felt warmer and safer than you had in years. “You should rest before the council comes to whisk you away again,” you mumble against his chest.

You heard a quiet hum and felt it vibrate through his chest. He placed a soft kiss on the top of your head and in seconds you were both fast asleep.

#obi wan kenobi x reader #obi wan x reader #obi-wan kenobi x reader #obi-wan x reader #star wars x reader #star wars imagines

[hellowkatey]

The Plights of Force Visions: Chapter 1

Rating: T for Depictions of Violence and Injury

Summary: Obi-Wan Kenobi has many infamous force abilities. He is most notorious for his connection with animals, though his silver tongue and acrobatic leaps are close behind. Lesser known are his visions, frequent and pungent. These are the tales of a lifetime of seeing too much.

read it on AO3 here

Chapter 1: Initiate Kenobi

As a youngling, Obi-Wan's creche master often noted the random fluctuation in his mood. One moment he was his usual mild-tempered self, playing with Quinlan, Bant, and Garen, reading, or maybe listening to music. The next, he was cross or withdrawn. It was something that concerned Master Vant, but while his mood swings were random, they were never indications of truly sinister emotions. His "negative" states were only ever to the extent of the youngling being a little bit grumpy-- never angry. She figured it was just growing pains, mood swings as he grew older and hormones began to surge.

Then one day, Master Vant was watching Obi-Wan and Quinlan spar in a lightsaber training class. Quinlan was much larger than ten-year-old Obi-Wan, but the boy excelled in lightsaber and acrobatics, which more than made up for the size deficit. The boys were living up to their skills, engaging in a quick-paced spar that was going on fifteen minutes of continued combat. She had half a mind to yield them for a break, but their creche mates (as well as a few curious younglings and padawans who wandered in to watch the commotion) were cheering them on. Master Vant saw the beads of sweat that dripped down both the boy's foreheads and soaked their training clothes, but she also saw the grins on both of their faces. Their mutual feelings of pride and accomplishment were palpable through the Force (something she would have to talk to them about later... Jedi do not dwell on pride, only revel in humility).

And then Quinlan swung his lightsaber sloppily, which Obi-Wan easily dodged and was able to knock his opponent off his feet and onto his back. Slippery from perspiration, Quinlan's lightsaber went flying out of his hand, clattering at the feet of Bant Eerin.

The room erupted in cheers. Padawans and younglings alike lept up, some cursing that their predictions of the outcome had been wrong and others cheering for Obi-Wan. But through the commotion, Master Vant felt a warning through the Force, and the next moment the yells of glee turned to panic.

She flew to her feet, trying to remain calm as she assessed the room looking for the source of distress that was pulsating through the Force. Her eyes finally focused in on Quinlan still sitting on the group looking frazzled, a limp Obi-Wan lying in his arms, face down.

"Clear the way!" Master Vant yelled, and the younglings parted for her to rush to the sparring ring. Quinlan looks stunned, sputtering over his words.

"He was... he was fine, Master Vant. Went to help-- he gave me his hand... Master Vant, he just went white, and it was like he wasn't there anymore-- and he fell forward."

She lays a comforting hand on the boy's back as she slips Kenobi's limp body into her own arms, flipping him over to look at his face in the process. "Quinlan, it's okay, it was not anything you did." she looks up at Bant, who is standing close by watching wordlessly. "Bant, my dear, go get a Healer. Swiftly. Garen, go with her." The two creche-mates nod and follow her instructions. Master Vant looks back down at the boy cradled in her lap.

His face is pale white as Quinlan had described, forehead slick with a cold sweat. Most concerning of all, his eyes remain open, staring blankly into nothingness. Vant presses two fingers against his pulse point, relieved that she can feel his heart beating rhythmically-- albeit, rapid, but beating. She drags her fingers up his neck to brush the hair slick against his forehead back, noticing his temperature is elevated, maybe even feverish.

Master Vant has seen this before. It's fairly rare, but she knows the signs. She closes her eyes, brushing up against the mind of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

She can feel turmoil. A little bit of fear and sadness. But she is surprised to find his shields are surprisingly strong for a boy of his age and experience. She can't see the vision that has rendered him unconscious or find a way to pull him out of it.

"What is happening to him?" Quinlan says, his hand still holding the limp hand of his sparring partner.

"A vision, Initiate Vos. Just give him time to come out of it."

_____

When Obi-Wan awakes, he realizes he didn't remember falling asleep. As his sensitive eyes adjust to the brightness of daylight, he realizes he is laying in the Hall of Healing, a needle in his arm and pain in his head like he has never felt before. Groaning, he sits up, finding that this was a horrible plan. He is suddenly bent over the side of the bed, trying his best to aim the vomit forcing its way from his stomach into the tray on the side table, but ultimately being unsuccessful.

A hand is on his back, rubbing circles as the entirety of his lunch exits his body. Obi-Wan recognizes the Force presence of his creche-master Vant.

"It's okay, Obi-Wan, dear," she says, sending soothing feelings through the Force. "A common side effect of visions."

"Visions?" Obi-Wan rasps, dry heaving a few times before laying back into the soft pillow.

"Yes, you had a vision after your sparring session. You gave everyone quite a scare."

Obi-Wan inhales sharply, suddenly remembering everything. Battling with Quin, the smell of mint, and then everything became hazy.

Then he was transported. No longer in the training room with Quin and all his friends, but in a large field. It was a grassy field, none that he has ever seen on Coruscant or any training trip. In the distance, he saw smoke, and something told him he needed to check it out. So he walked through the hilly terrain until the sound of yelling made him stop dead.

"Go, go, go! The detonators are about to go off!"

Obi-Wan broke into a run, reaching the top of the hill before he was nearly blown off his feet. A small village lay at the foothill, smoke billowing from numerous buildings. Kids ran from the village with blasters and bags full of detonators strapped to their bodies. Obi-Wan recoiled in horror.

"For the Young!" one yelled. An explosion erupted, causing the ground beneath Obi-Wan to shake. He dropped to his hands and knees.

"For peace!" the chorus responded. With his hands on the ground, he could hear the vibrations of many people running. Right toward him. Obi-Wan looked up and was met by calm blue eyes staring back at him. The boy is thin and fairly tall, his chin-length auburn hair whipping in the wind. Obi-Wan sucks in a breath. Behind the ear of the boy is a thin braid that barely reaches his shoulder. A Padawan?

There was a familiarity to the boy. Something Obi-Wan couldn't quite put his finger on, but maybe the boy was a youngling, a few years older.

And then he woke up with a horrid headache and an upset stomach. Master Vant, rubbing his back.

"I remember," Obi-Wan says softly. He can still smell the smoke and hear the debilitating bang of the explosion. He looks at Master Vant. "I saw kids, Master. They had guns and bombs. A village exploded."

Master Vants looks calm, but Obi-Wan can see the subtle signs of her alarm. She puts a hand over Obi-Wan's. "I have never had visions, Obi-Wan. But what I do know is what the Force reveals to us is not fixed. The future is fluid, and there are billions of permutations that could happen in reality."

"An understatement, billions is," a raspy, croak-like voice rings out. Obi-Wan instantly recognizes Grand Master Yoda as he jumps up onto the end of the bed. The green Jedi Master smiles at Obi-Wan. "More like it, trillions is."

"Master Yoda," Obi-Wan says in awe.

"Initiate Kenobi," Yoda says, sitting down cross legged. "Visions I hear you had." Obi-Wan nods. "Experienced this before have you?"

"Well... maybe? Nothing as strong as this. Just random snippits of things. Moments where I see or hear or smell something and then it happens later." Obi-Wan can feel Master Vant staring at him.

"Obi-Wan... you never told me."

He turns to his creche master sheepishly. "Sorry Master Vant. Honestly, I didn't think it was a big deal. I looked up on the holonet that sometimes people have these things before migrianes so I just thought it was that."

"Tell your creche master when you are not feeling well, you should do," Yoda adds, humming in agreement with Master Vant. "As for visions, counsel you we will. Help you learn what to do."

They discussed having him meet with various other Jedi Masters who also have had visions. And to see a mind healer to discuss his visions, which he is not thrilled about. It interferes with his usual saber practice with Garen!

He's gone almost five years on his own without help with these. He knows how to push through them, recognize when he smells the mint he needs to find somewhere to sit alone. (It's quite convenient when in the Jedi Temple and there's meditation rooms around every corner.) Obi-Wan also knows a cup of warm tea with honey is a good way to ease the headache, and he's getting better at lifting his grumpy moods.

He knows how to handle these visions. He doesn't need this spread around to every master in the order... what master would want to choose a padawan who could pass out at any moment? A shiver runs down Obi-Wan's spine. Yes, he can handle it.

______

The council meeting is nearing the end and Mace is ready to retire for the evening. There has been a lot on the docket for today and he is reaching the point where everyone is starting to sound like Yoda.

"Lastly," Adi Gallia announces, looking at the long agenda for the day. "Initiate Kenobi."

"Visions he has," Yoda says. "Frequent visions."

"How frequent?" Mace asks, intrigued. He heard about the Healers being called to the youngling training room but much of the details were not discussed formally.

"His creche master has been monitoring him this week and..." Adi Gallia looks up from the data pad. "Master Vant reports at least six this week alone."

The council falls silent. Visions on their own are rare, even short ones. For an initiate so young to have so many it's practically unheard of.

"The Force seems to be calling our attention to something," Mace says, shaking his head. "We just need to figure out what."

#obi-wan kenobi #sw fanfiction #star wars #obi-wan #initiate kenobi #the plights of force visions #ao3 #fanfic #visions #the force #the young #jedi apprentice series #bant eerin #garen muln #quinlan vos #yoda #mace windu

[intergalactic-nebula]

Till Kingdom Come

Chapter Nine

This was weird. Sitting alone in front of a roaring fireplace was weird. Being here was weird. Everything was weird. She tried to focus on the flames but constantly found herself distracted by other things, such as loose threads in the red velvet rug she was sitting on, or her split ends. Normally she hated silence, but it being so quiet was driving her positively mad. "Can I braid your hair?" Padmé asked from behind her and Rey jumped while letting out a cry of surprise.

"S-stop sneaking up on me!"

"Oh, my dear, I'm sorry, I'll try to remember." Padmé smiled apologetically as Rey looked over her shoulder at her with a scowl before looking back forward. "...I've never had my hair braided, does it hurt?" Rey asked and Padmé chuckled as she sat behind her, the older (MUCH older in actual years than looks) woman gently bringing Rey's hair to her back. "No, it doesn't hurt. Well, it can sometimes, but that's only if you want a glorious look for an event." Padmé smiled once more as she began to gently braid her hair and Rey stared into the crackling flames.

"An event? Like a party?"

"Yes, exactly like a party! I didn't know they had parties in the wastelands!" Padmé announced excitedly and Rey instantly deflated. "Yeah, we have...parties..." Rey swallowed thickly as she thought of the 'parties' Plutt had thrown. They weren't parties, they were just huge fights where people betted on money and whoever won...got to...with her... "Honey, breathe." Padmé whispered in a soft, motherly tone and Rey let out a shaky breath as she looked down at the floor. "Do you have your inhaler?" Padmé asked as she paused the braiding and Rey quickly shook her head. "I don't need it--"

"Sometimes we think we don't need things when, in actuality, we need them the most." Padmé gently squeezed her shoulders and Rey had to stop herself from leaping up and throwing a punch. Padmé isn't Plutt. Padmé isn't a scavenger. Padmé could easily kill her if she tried to fight her. "...Are you married to Vader or something?" Rey asked, deciding to change the subject for the better, and the female vampire let out a coo of delight at the question. "Why, yes we are, Rey. We've been married for over two thousand years, isn't that marvelous? And our love hasn't dampened a day." Padmé hummed happily as she started braiding Rey's hair again and Rey began to chew her lower lip. "But he wants me as--"

"Oh, no, Rey! No, no, it isn't like that at all!" Padmé gasped loudly and Rey furrowed her brow in confusion. Personal livestock were made for their pale beast's every need, she didn't understand. Why was this different? "No, no, you're family! He sees you as a daughter of sorts, he would never--"

"He fed off of me, I don't--"

"He was marking you so no one else would bite you, that's all! Has it healed nicely, by the way? May I see?" Padmé reached out to touch the bandage but Rey instantly jumped up and took a few quick steps back. They didn't know. They really didn't know? Kylo didn't tell them? "U-uh, I think that's a little personal, yeah? Personal space? Personal bubble?"

"Oh, come on, you were letting me braid your hair!" Padmé laughed and Rey bit her lower lip harshly...to the point where she drew blood. Padmé's expression immediately changed and Rey quickly covered her mouth. "...I could heal that," Padmé sounded breathless, eager. "For you." She licked her lips and Rey backed up until her back hit the wall before violently shaking her head. "We don't want your hands all bloody, do we? I can heal it," Padmé slowly stood up and Rey felt as if she was about to pass out. "Let me heal it." Her voice got lower as she started to approach her and Rey squeezed her eyes shut tightly. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵, 𝘴𝘩𝘦'𝘴 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘧𝘧 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘰, Rey thought to herself but Padmé's hands never touched her. She opened one eye cautiously to see a blonde male in about his late teens standing in front of her with his arms held out to his sides to shield her, Padmé huffing in annoyance.

"Luke, stop, she's bleeding!"

"She barely bit her lip and you're trying to feed off of her using that as an excuse! Both you and father don't understand mortal fear anymore!" He protested and Rey breathed shakily as she opened her other eye.

"Mortal fear? She's not afraid--"

"Yes, she is!" Luke cut her off and Padmé pressed her lips together in a tight line before sighing loudly and looking away. "She smells like him, Luke, what do you expect of me...? I loved him too, just as equally as your father. He was ours--"

"She's not Obi-Wan," Luke stated and Rey nearly cried out in joy. Finally! Someone who didn't see her as Obi-Wan or a Kenobi! "She's not Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan is dead...because of father." Luke bit out harshly and Padmé looked as if she had been shot in the heart, the Empress suddenly vanishing.

"I--thank you." Rey whispered and Luke stepped away from her, the blonde sighing while running a hand through his hair. He looked about the same age as her, but his eyes were red. Oh no. He called Vader 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳. "I'm Luke, by the way, and no, I'm not like my father. I don't feed on humans, I like them too much." Luke smiled as he leaned against the wall beside her and she glanced over at him. "You...don't feed on humans? How are you alive?"

"Animals," Luke hummed and Rey's jaw dropped. Animals! A vegetarian pale beast! ...A vegetarian pale beast? That's a thing? "Yes, that's a thing." Luke chuckled and Rey felt her cheeks grow hot with embarrassment. She hated that the purebloods could read her mind. "I mean, I'm the only one, so...it's not really a thing? But it is to me? I stopped feeding on humans over a thousand years ago, and everyone in my family looks down on me for it--well, except Han, but he's a swell dude." Luke shrugged and Rey looked away.

"So...you knew him?"

"Knew who?"

"...Obi-Wan Kenobi." Rey stated flatly after deadpanning at his response and he blinked a few times. "Yeah, I knew Obi-Wan. Everyone here that's a nightstalker knew Obi-Wan." Nightstalker. That's right, that's what they formally called themselves. Other names were vampires, leeches, pale beasts, blood takers, and numerous other things, but nightstalkers were what they liked to be called. She hated it.

"Obi-Wan was...it's complicated. He was the last lycan, Emperor Palpatine had wiped them all out, but...father bonded with him in solitary. They became extremely close with each other, so father killed Palpatine, took the throne, and had both Obi-Wan and mother at his side for over a thousand years. Then...Obi-Wan found out that father helped kill all the lycans, and found out that he was planning on turning him--'fixing' him," Luke suddenly looked extremely uncomfortable and Rey was glad that she wasn't the only one who found it so. "So he ran off. He ran off and joined the humans. He went by 'Ben Wolvesbane' I believe. We knew it was him being talked about in the papers, he didn't think clearly when choosing the name 'Ben', and I think 'Wolvesbane' was a huge, intentional 'fuck you' to my father." Luke looked down and to the side, Rey slowly sitting on the floor beside him.

"I only ever found one article about the war, and it was about Leia and this place. Everything that had to do with the war that was written...is mostly gone by now. Humans don't like accepting defeat, so I s'pose they burned it all or something." Rey mumbled as she drew a circle on the floor with her index finger, Luke sighing and moving to sit behind her.

"What are you--"

"She didn't finish the braid, it's bothering me." He muttered as he started braiding her hair and Rey felt her cheeks grow hot once more. Fuck the braid, she wanted to talk about the war!

"It's just a braid--"

"Yes, now it is." Luke sighed in content as he gently took a strip of ribbon off her dress and tied the end of the braid off. "Padmé and C3P0 are going to have a hissy fit on one of the ribbons on your dress missing, but I needed to tie it off." He gently smacked his thighs as he finished speaking before getting up and Rey looked over his shoulder at him. "...If I run, will they catch me?" She asked softly and Luke paused for a moment with sad eyes before nodding. "Yeah...yeah, they'll catch you...I'm sorry, Rey, but you're here for good." Luke frowned and Rey hung her head in defeat. Goddammit. She wouldn't even try now, there was no point.

"Are you hungry? Maz makes really good food, Poe is always talking about her spaghetti." Spa...what now? Is that a food? "You don't know what spaghetti is?" Luke looked beyond shocked and Rey was staring to think that no one here knew what it was like in the wastelands. "Aw, man, come on. Come on, I'm getting you some spaghetti. You're going to love it, I swear, come on." Luke smiled brightly as he held his hand out and Rey looked at him suspiciously before getting up herself, the blonde looking slightly hurt but instantly shook it off. He seemed trustworthy, but Rey still wasn't taking that chance.

Luke was right, spaghetti was 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 and she 𝘥𝘪𝘥 love it. She had scarfed down five bowls, and on her second bowl, another pale beast who looked only slightly older than her and Luke had come in and started betting on how many bowls she could eat.

"She can eat three more, I swear--"

"Han, she could eat, like, 𝘴𝘪𝘹 more, why are you playing down her appetite?"

"Screw you both, I could at least eight more." Rey snickered in amusement as she started filling her bowl again. Luke was also right about Han, he was a swell guy. He had a fantastic set of humor, and she honestly enjoyed the betting match right now. This was fun. Had she ever had fun? She wasn't quite sure, but this was what fun was she guessed. "Eight?! Aw, geez, how much can your tiny body handle?" Han laughed loudly and Rey shrugged as she stopped filling her bowl. "I dunno, I've never had this much food before. I tore into that whole bag of twinkies--"

"Maz was pretty pissed about that, twinkies aren't easy to get." Han smirked and Rey looked over at him. "I only know them because of advertisements for them in convenient stores. You know, like, on the shelves."

"But you've never had one? How have you also never had spaghetti? Didn't your parents cook for you or something?" Han asked and Rey's hands on the bowl gripped tighter. Well, there goes that fun feeling. Hello, panic. "I...I didn't have--I barely remember my--"

"Ha-ha, okay!" Luke laughed nervously and Rey was seriously beginning to like him. He was great at reading her emotions, and for the past hour and a half, he always cut in or changed the subject when someone asked Rey a question she felt uncomfortable with. He got it. He understood. She was about to open her mouth to speak when suddenly both Luke and Han looked down, the room's atmosphere growing cold.

"Luke, Han, would you leave us be?" That was Vader's voice. Oh, no. No! She was having fun, this was fun, she didn't want to be alone with Vader!

"Father, perhaps later--"

"Was it a question," Vader hummed as he approached the table, and Rey wouldn't allow herself to look at him. "Or an order, Luke?" Vader sighed and Luke bit his lower lip harshly with an aggravated expression on his face. Han gently squeezed Luke's upper arm as Luke growled quiet and Rey just stared down at her spaghetti.

"I don't 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦 if it was an order, father, I'm not letting you hurt you like you hurt--"

"Luke, don't," Han whispered and Luke's eyes jerked up to look at Rey, her eyes meeting his almost instantaneously. "Don't, come on. He's not gonna hurt her." Han quietly stood up and walked out of the room with Luke, Luke looking back at her one last time before disappearing.

"I can't smell it on you, why is that?" Vader sat in front of her and Rey still refused to meet his eyes.

"I don't know what you're talking--"

"Yes," He leaned forward, his eyes glittering with danger. "You do, Rey, and I'd like to know why you'd make Benjamin go against me. Are you planning to turn everyone against me? Is that it?" Rey looked up with a shocked expression and instantly regretted it. She hated his eyes.

"N-no, why would I ever--"

"I should just fix you now," He smiled, a calm smile, but yet Rey had never felt so uncalm in her life. "I should fix you now, and make it so you'll never run. I can do it now, I hope you realize that, and you can't stop me. It all depends on how much more time I give you as this filthy animal you are now." He smirked and Rey clenched her jaw.

"If you touch me, and I mean this," She started to rise out of her chair. "I will eat you." Vader looked shocked for a moment, but she guessed she didn't know this threat. It was a very common threat in the wastelands, in fact, she was berated by it on numerous occasions by Plutt, but, in the end...she was the one that had eaten him, not her, and that made her feel confident in some sense. Vader opened his mouth to speak but instantly closed it as he looked towards the entrance way, Kylo leisurely leaning against it as he stared at him. Rey watched them for a good few minutes, and she couldn't help but notice their expressions were changing as if they were having a conversation...but they weren't speaking. At all.

𝘈𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳? She asked herself and Kylo's eyes flickered over to her. "Come on, grab your bowl, I'm taking you back up to your room." Kylo finally spoke and Rey quickly glanced over at Vader who looked much too smug to her liking.

"Why did you bring me up here?" Rey asked as he closed her bedroom door behind her, the man putting his hands on the door before closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. "Ben, answer--"

"Because, Rey, I'm trying to protect you," He inhaled quietly before opening his eyes and turning around to face her. "From him." He finished and Rey huffed as she looked away. "Your family is really weird, you know that? The only decent person is Luke--"

"Luke? You were hanging out with Luke? Of all people?" Kylo sneered and Rey looked back at him. I guess Luke was right about yet another thing, his family really didn't approve of his down to earth ways. "Luke is soft--"

"Yeah, well--well maybe you should learn that from him. The rest of you are super intrusive with all your questions and--and touching me! You know there's such a thing as asking?!" Rey shot back at him and he clenched his jaw.

"Get used to it, Rey--"

"Get used to what?! Being touched when I don't want to?! Having Vader eye me like fresh food?! Having Poe and C3P0 watch me constantly during the day?! No! No, I don't have to get used to this! In fact," She spat angrily as she shoved him towards the door, Kylo simply only raising an eyebrow in response. "You can get out and leave me alone!" She hissed and he clicked his tongue before opening the door without even looking at it.

"If that's what you want." He stated and Rey was suddenly taken aback as he left. He listened to her? He actually listened to her? She didn't dwell on it long as she hurriedly locked the door and ran over to her bed, the brunette curling up and staring at the wall.

He listened to her...

And that carnal voice deep within screeched in joy once again.

#OH BOY I AM SO SORRY #I WASNT ORGINALLY GOING TO MAKE VADER THE VILLAIN #BUT HERE WE ARE #reylo fanfiction #reylo fanfic #reylo #rey #kylo ren #star wars #star wars sequels #star wars sequel fanfiction #star wars sequel trilogy #vampire au #apocalyptic au

[strrne]

Give Me a Signal, Ch.8

Chapters: 8/?

Word count (so far): 21220

AO3  Ch.1 Ch.2  Ch.3 Ch.4 Ch.5 Ch.6 Ch.7

Summary: When Padmé Amidala is unable to contact Coruscant while negotiating a loan on Scipio, the Senate suspects trouble, and sends Anakin Skywalker to go check on her. Of course, the resourceful senator isn’t really in any trouble – don’t flatter yourself, Rush Clovis – but there’s definitely some brewing.

(or; rewrite of the tcw S6 Clovis arc; anidala + gen)

”A little bird tells me you're planning to do something 'ill-advised'. Would this be a Geonosis, or rather a Vanqor kind of ill-advised?”

Anakin did not much enjoy being forced to guess which one of his consecutive mess-ups Obi-Wan meant by 'Geonosis', and why he seemed to think that his apprentice had at least made slightly better decisions on their plentiful misadventures on Vanqor. Should he take this as a compliment? Well, he didn't have time, and that was not the point anyway.

”I'm going back to Scipio,” Anakin answered truthfully, whirling around on the ramp to the Twilight. ”Right now.”

Obi-Wan nodded. ”So… the Scipio kind.”

”Very clever, Master,” Anakin sighed. ”Are you not going to ask why? Try to stop me… do what you do best.”

”Oh, I find that what I do best is give you advice.”

Anakin nodded slowly, drumming his fingers against the box of supplies he was holding, then gesturing with his other arm towards the ship.

”Can't you tell me on the way? The more the merrier. We can be arrest buddies again.”

Of course, the two of them had been arrest buddies plenty of times, but somehow, in the Scipio-gate, Obi-Wan's brief arrest had become a mere footnote, while Anakin's extended one had ended up the talk of the town. Curiously, Anakin no longer blamed his Master for the incident – having recently been made to face how his own boiling anger often contributed to situations escalating.

”I'll respectfully decline your kind invitation.”

Anakin narrowed his eyes at him. Obi-Wan appeared to be in a strange mood – he sounded almost jovial – as though he was, for once, feeling optimistic about something. Anakin was almost sorry he could only give him a tired look, preparing to sit through whatever wisdom the older Jedi had to provide today – and risk being found out before he could set off. But he could do this much for Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan's features suddenly grew tenser.

”I sense so much anger in you. You know what Master Yoda says about that.”

”Fear… suffering… bad feelings. Bad things,” Anakin listed wearily, with somewhat loose vocabulary. He was suddenly starting to miss going to missions with Obi-Wan, and listen to his nagging about the immediate danger they were facing, instead of Anakin's character flaws. ”First thing he ever said to me.”

”And you remember what I usually tell you?”

”Harmony… control… I know the teachings, Master.”

”And you know what I'm telling you now?”

Anakin gave him a scowl, not greatly appreciating the structure of this conversation.

”What, Master?”

Obi-Wan pressed a thoughtful hand to his beard, casting Anakin a long gaze. There was something of a softness in his eyes.

”That perhaps… what you're feeling is not just anger.”

Anakin shifted. That was something new – and it seemed to strike something of a chord with him. His shoulders relaxed, and he inclined his head with cautious curiosity.

”Perhaps it is just what you said… a bad feeling.”

Anakin studied his master.

”Kinda like the one you had?”

”Yes…”

”And did that pass, Master?”

”Yes,” Obi-Wan said slowly. ”But only after it became reality.”

Anakin looked away. If Obi-Wan meant what he thought he meant, it wasn't something he had expected his Master to have sensed. The worst part was, Obi-Wan didn't know the details – Anakin didn't know the details. He must have only sensed his murderous rage, his darkness.

”The curious thing is,” Obi-Wan went on, ”I thought I felt something bigger – of greater consequence – than merely… whatever you did to that poor man.”

Anakin swallowed, as Obi-Wan mumbled something about Clovis still being alive, at least. Obi-Wan then hurried to clarify, as though it could help Anakin feel better, ”I only sensed your regret afterward. I was on my way to see you–” he momentarily stumbled upon his words. ”I know something happened. But I was not spying on you.”

But he had been on his way to see him on that day – apparently moments before Padmé had appeared and claimed first turn. Something of a bad feeling, indeed. Anakin tried to imagine how differently things would have played out if it had been Obi-Wan running into Clovis in the hangar and Obi-Wan staring at the busted control table.

”I'm getting sidetracked,” Obi-Wan said apologetically. ”What I'm saying is, I think this is something else. I can't seem to get a grasp on it… because, I think, it does not directly involve me. While you, the Chosen One,” he said the last words with an affectionate sneer, his tone strangely cheerful again, ”can feel the full impact of whatever will soon come to pass. But due to your… immaturity, you're mistaking it for anger at this person who has done very little to you.”

Anakin opened his mouth to speak, but Obi-Wan wouldn't let him.

”Yes, we all know he has caused plenty of trouble for your wife.”

For a second, Anakin started, before remembering he had risked everything in a throwaway joke not too long ago, and now Obi-Wan was at the very least in a position to give the two of them heart attacks for the rest of eternity. And again, he had no time for this.

Anakin rubbed his forehead, confused like never before.

”Let me get this straight. I am, once again, feeling too much for Jedi standards… but for once it's also good, because you think it's some kind of premonition?”

Obi-Wan paused. He seemed to be considering just how comfortably what he had said, and what Anakin was suggesting now, fit into the Jedi principles, and Master Yoda's views on premonitions and visions. Then he got on the ramp and walked over to Anakin, to place a gentle hand on his shoulder and look him in the eye.

”Search your feelings, Anakin. And if you can… do channel them into something good. Don't settle for just anger and fear. I know you're better than that.”

Anakin stared at him.

The Jedi Master then whirled around with one final look at his apprentice, and left without waiting for a response.

-

Padmé had often been accused of being a workaholic, but this time around she had thought she’d enjoy the bit of respite that her stepping down from the negotiations would bring. Instead she found herself quite uneasy after her call with Clovis, and not even 12 hours had passed before she contacted Bail again. The call barely got through, and she nearly had to press an ear to the speaker of her holo projector to be able to make out the familiar voice.

Bail spoke first, and with some rare, thinly veiled urgency.

“Padmé, I am so glad you called. I couldn’t get through to you from here. Padmé, something very odd is going on here. It has been two days, and we have yet to be presented with the new loan agreement. There is a very shady Separatist Representative staying at the–“

“What?” Padmé echoed. “The new Separatist contract is being negotiated at the same time?”

Bail nodded, almost drowning into the gray, rasping rain of interference.

“Yes... I was willing to let that – there is something – Representative Clovis does seem troubled – I wish I knew what it –“

With that, the signal was dead, and Padmé’s resurrection attempts proved futile.

Suddenly she felt guilty – she should have gone to Scipio. She would have gotten through to Clovis, whatever he was hiding. Hiding…

Padmé bit her lip. She had had enough of hiding. It was time for the truth to come out.

Teckla came in with some tea and imported Nabooian biscuits. Her expression indicated that she had overheard the conversation.

”My Lady…”

”I know, Teckla. Something very strange is going on.” The Senator gave her a trusting look. ”I know you're always up for another adventure, Teckla, but I'm sorry, I'm going to have to ask you to stay behind instead, and cancel all my appointments for the next few days. If it's urgent, please have Representative Binks cover for me.”

”Right away, My Lady.” She gave a bow and a warm smile. ”Good luck.”

-

”Anakin!” Padmé sprinted into the hangar, looking around for her husband’s freighter. She was surprised to find Anakin on his way to meet her. “Oh, I'm so glad you're still here,” she sighed, clasping both his hands in hers.

”I was about to take flight,” Anakin explained, “but then I sensed you… like really sensed you. Your urgency…”

”To come with you,” Padmé announced. “No, scratch that, to kidnap you.”

”Kidnap me?” Anakin echoed with sudden curiosity, smirking as though he had never heard of an idea more wonderful.

”Yeah, come on,” Padmé hurried, grabbing his wrist like a proper crook should, still panting. ”To my star skiff.”

”Wait, wait, wait –”

”I don't care what kind of lousy plan you've come up with. Mine is better. And frankly,” she gestured towards whatever barely functional scraps were left of the Twilight this week, ”so is my ship.”

”You'll… smuggle me to Scipio? Why? I thought you disapproved,” Anakin reminded her, following her outside and to her skyspeeder.

”I changed my mind,” she explained. ”I'll explain it when we reach hyperspace. And smuggling is the right word, yes.”

”What do you mean?”

”Well,” Padmé said, shoving him onto the speeder and grabbing the yoke, ”have I mentioned there is an anti-thermal-scanner compartment in the back of my ship?”

”What?” Anakin uttered. ”Why haven't you?”

”Now that I think of it, you specifically told me never to introduce you to any more of my ship's special features… after – ” She turned towards him momentarily, flushing and chuckling, ”ahem, do you remem–”

”Oh, that.” He gave a laughter, his nose scrunching up with either disgust or delight. ”No, that's not what I said.”

-

In hyperspace, Anakin listened to Padmé’s recount of the situation, her concerns, Bail’s messages and Clovis’ odd behavior - without interrupting, still a little incredulous that he was actually taking this risky and nonsensical trip with Obi-Wan’s blessing and his wife for company. But once she’d finished, he found himself only vaguely worried about the bigger picture - there was only so much room in his brain for politics and finances - and left with that one name he so despised.

“So… you’ll probably cross paths with Clovis again.”

Padmé did not look happy with his response.

“Anakin, it is my intention to ‘cross paths’ with Clovis – and demand answers."

Anakin gave a vague nod.

“And I need your help,” she then added, to Anakin’s surprise. Padmé momentarily took her eyes off the display screen and focused on her words. “Something for your own little excursion. Look, I don’t know much about these things, but since you are breaking into their holo tower… would you maybe be able to… spy on any covert networks?”

Anakin gave a nod again, an enthusiastic one. If there were any covert networks to be found, he had doubt in his ability to hack into them.

“Again, I thought you disapproved.”

Padmé shook her head.  

“I’ve been a major hypocrite, Anakin. You said it yourself. I do this all the time – unauthorized missions, breaking less than useful laws in the name of justice. And since it doesn’t look like there is going to be any new contract for you to ruin–“

“Hey!”

They gave a hearty laughter in unison, and Padmé playfully struck him on the arm, rather more forcefully than needed.

A long silence followed, and the air between them tightened again. But Anakin knew it was mostly the Force radiating off him and his darkened thoughts. Darkened – but no longer dark.

”Padmé,” Anakin said in a quiet voice, ”You know what I was going to ask of you?”

”What, Anakin?”

He shifted in his seat.

”To…” He looked away. “If I… If I'm ever about to snap again, and you happen to be there, to… give me a signal. To make me stop.”

Padmé was silent. Engine sounds filled the cockpit.

“But now I understand…” he drew a deep breath, feeling like he had already forgotten whatever Obi-Wan had said to him this morning. “I can’t ask that of you. You might not be there. And a Jedi is supposed to be able to control his emotions."

Keeping her eyes on the screen, but gently stealing a glance at her husband, Padmé softly laid her hand on his shoulder, gliding it along the side of his arm.

”Let me teach you an alternative to that Jedi philosophy of 'controlling your emotions'. You see, the emotions are always going to be there. But you can control your impulses. Your actions are never an inevitability."

She smiled at him.

"Too lecture-y?"

"It's a nice change of pace from Obi-Wan."

-

This time, it was Anakin's turn to that fall asleep on the journey. Padmé was reminded of Obi-Wan’s extended nap on their first fateful adventure on the banking planet. Before she had married Anakin, she had actually been under the impression that the Jedi did not sleep. Even now - it was a strange thing to witness. Chest moving up and down on his seat, Anakin looked almost too tranquil and innocent to be a General of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Nearing the end of the hyperspace journey, Padmé’s holo projector activated. Bail appeared as a bare wavering outline to inform her that the signal was currently so unstable, he’d have to keep this brief. He had just notified the Supreme Chancellor that the new loan agreement was a complete disaster – with increased interest rates for the Republic, as well as completely unreasonable terms and conditions. Meanwhile, the Separatists were to be given a contract with decreased loan interest, and complete forgiveness for their past transgressions, and – something that Padmé could no longer make out, as the connection shut down with a scratch.

Padmé took her hand off the yoke and plunged it into the ornate composition on her head, scratching at her scalp. This was worth ruining a perfect hairstyle for.

What in the world was Rush Clovis doing?

#anidala #Anakin Skywalker #Padme Amidala #anidala fanfiction #The Clone Wars #so hi this is 2 days late #some of you may have caught it on ao3 #aaaand chapters 9 & 10 are finished so i'm posting 9 later today #also 10 will be the final chapter #yaaaaaayyy #thank you all so much for reading #not sure if i'll be posting fics in this format in the future #i doubt ppl really read it on my blog with the annoying font when there's a AO3 link #and i like the font ;;__;; #so i might just start posting notifs on updates #so anyway hope u like #star wars #fanfic

[imagine-the-fanfics]

Everything Stays

A/N: I was listening to this song when I was getting ready for the day and I got the BIGGEST urge to write this. I couldn’t think who to write it about, but shout out to @kenobislittlepadawan for suggesting the wonderful Obi-Wan! I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it! It’s a college AU. (I’m really feeling AUs right now.) The flashbacks are italicized, since they’re flashbacks. Just wanted to make that clear! This one is long, so I put it under a “read more” to keep your feeds clean!

The coffee shop on campus was a usual hangout for more than just the artsy student. It was a safe place for everyone. Tonight the open mic night had it to standing room only. This wasn’t an uncommon sight, but it was unusual for open mic nights. Everyone clapped and snapped their fingers as the person before you stepped down from the stage.

Now it was your turn.

You grabbed your acoustic guitar that was leaning against your chair and you made your way onto the stage, moving the stool closer to the mic.

“Can everyone here this okay?” You asked, strumming a few random notes. Some people gave you a thumbs up and you looked around the room. “There’s quite a crowd tonight. Let’s take a second to thank Common Grounds for hosting this event, and everything the do to make campus life interesting.” There were snaps and claps for a brief moment and you took a deep breath. “I’ve only got one song tonight, and it’s a cover. I’m not sure how many of you are fans of the show Adventure Time?” You listened to the brief snaps and then someone shouted something about the theme song. “No, It’s not the theme song. I can do that really quick though, I don’t think the people in charge will mind me wasting an extra 30 seconds.”

You played the opening fanfare and then smacked your guitar for the fist bump.

“Adventure Time~ Come on grab your friends; we’ll go to very distant lands with Jake the Dog and Finn the Human. The fun will never end~ It’s Adventure Time~!” You grinned as the crowd sang with you. “You guys are amazing. I’m loving the energy.” You adjusted the microphone slightly. “There we go, that’s better.” You muttered.

“Okay. So. This song is sung by my favorite vampire queen during one her arcs. It’s called ‘Everything Stays’ and it’s my favorite from the show.” You looked into the crowd, a smile formed as you noticed your old friend Obi-Wan Kenobi drinking a cup of something. “ I want to dedicate this to an old friend of mine that I haven’t talked to since high school. He’s here tonight, and I’m hoping he’ll realize this is for him. I miss you.” You leaned back and took a deep breath, letting the song wash over you.

“Let’s go in the garden; you’ll find something waiting”

It was summer time. A cool breeze shaking the leaves of the tree you had climbed. You took a bite out of an apple you had picked on your way up, looking out over your backyard. It was a standard sized yard for the town you lived in, nothing too grandiose like the doctors in the area, but more yard than the kids in the subsidized housing had. You smiled lightly, thankful for what you had. Even as a child you were a thankful person. You had your moments, obviously, but still.

“Y/n!” A familiar voice called up to you. You glanced down and grinned.

“Obi!” You called, taking another bite. “One sec! Let me climb down!” With that you disappeared into the tree, climbing your way down, jumping from the lowest branch and landing with a soft thumb. “It’s so nice to see you!”

“Yeah! How has your vacation been so far?” He asked before the memory started to fade.

“You’ll find something waiting”

You held your best friend as his sobs shook his body. You were both in junior high school now. Starting to blossom into the adults you would eventually become. Thank the maker for puberty. Always a storm.

Which did not make the loss of a beloved animal any easier.

You rubbed his back, tears falling from your eyes as you looked down at the dog that had just been put to sleep. You whispered words of kindness in his ear to try and ease the pain he was experiencing. “I’m so sorry.” You muttered.

“Right there where you left it, lying upside down.”

Suddenly you were at a playground, sitting on a landing connected to the monkey bars that your friend was playing on.

“I don’t understand the homework.” You grumbled, looking up from your textbook to see your friend hanging upside down. “Math is dumb. I hate school.”

“This is where you remind me that we’re lucky to be able to go to school.” Obi grinned. “Feels good to say it to you.”

“Hush your mouth!” You snapped. “Can you help me?” Your gaze returned to your textbook and you heard a thud as your friend hit the ground.

“Yeah! It’s easy stuff.” He sat next to you. He leaned over and started explaining the concept, pointing at the book to help show what he was referring to.

“When you finally find it.”

High school sucked. Especially when you couldn’t find your shirt when you were already late.

“Do you need help?” Obi-Wan asked from the doorway of your room, watching you sort through clothes on the floor and on various surfaces.

“No. I’ll find it. You should probably get going, though. Don’t want you to be late, too.” You moved to your closet. “Dammit!” You grumbled, running and hand through your hair.

“I’m fine.” He came in and sat on your bed, leaning against the wall. “Besides, the view is worth it.” He grinned.

“Pervert.” You threw the shirt in your hand at him, smirking before turning back to a pile of clothes sitting on your chair. “FOUND IT!!” You shouted, pulling it from the pile and pulling it on over your head.

“You’ll see how it’s faded.”

A few different scenes flashed through your head.

“Want to come over after school, Y/n?” Obi leaned against the lockers next to yours, watching you with a careful eye.

“I can’t. I’m going to the movies with the S.O. tonight.” You replied, barely thinking about it while you shoved the items you needed into your backpack. “That and I’ve got a killer homework load tonight.”

“It’s all good!” Obi-Wan replied, raising his fist for a fist bump. You didn’t notice for a moment, but then touched your fist to his. You shrugged your backpack onto your shoulder.

“Catch ya later!” You walked backwards away from him, giving a light wave before turning around.

Another time was when you were sitting on your front porch, watching traffic when you saw Obi-Wan riding his bike.

“Obi-Wan!” You called, waving.

He gave you a smile and continued to ride. This caught you by surprise, because normally he would at least stop and say hi instead of just cruising by. You dismissed it as him being in a rush, but later it was confirmed that wasn’t the case.

Incidences like these, evidence of your fading friendship, became so frequent in high school and should have been red flags, but that wasn’t the case. By senior year you rarely spent time together outside of class, let alone after school or on the weekends.

At one point you had been inseparable, but that was no longer the case ever since freshman year of high school.

“The underside is lighter when you turn it around.”

You were devastated by the loss of your beloved grandmother, and the funeral had been especially difficult for you. You sat outside on your front porch, in a basic black dress and a blue hoodie, crying.

“Everything okay?” A voice asked. You looked up and saw it was Obi-Wan. His bike was parked at the end of your driveway and he was starting to sit next to you.

“No. Grandmother died.” You said plainly, wiping the tears off your face with the sleeves of your hoodie.

“Oh.” An uncomfortable silence filled the air for what seemed like hours. “I’m sorry.”

“It would have been nice to have had a friend.” You stood up. “I’m going inside.”

“Oh. Okay.” Obi-Wan’s feelings were obviously hurt, but he didn’t want to upset you further. “I’ll see you around, okay? Don’t be a stranger.”

“Right back at you.” You let the door slam behind you.

“Everything stays right where you left it.”

Homecoming was here, and you had been nominated to Homecoming Court. This surprised you because you weren’t very popular at the school, and part of you wondered if they were going to pull a Carrie on you and pour red liquid all over you. You shook the image out of your head.

You stood in the middle of the gymnasium floor, waiting for the announcement of the king and queen with a passive interest.

They called your name.

You snapped your head to the Principal  and gave him a puzzled look. He made a soft gesture to come over and you did.

“And your homecoming king… Obi-Wan Kenobi!”

You froze.

The crowning went s it normally would, and you smiled and thanked everyone as appropriate. You even gave Obi-Wan a celebratory hug, and, for a moment at least, everything felt like it had when you were kids and he was your best friend.

“Everything stays, but it still changes.”

As per your schools traditions, there was a king and queen slow dance. You were nervous, but excited about being able to talk to Obi-Wan again. The two of you met on the dance floor. Your hand went on his shoulder, and his on your waist, while your other hands found each other. Your bodies started to move to the music and smiled.

“Hello, again.” He greeted.

“Hello.” You continued to dance together. “I’ve missed you.”

“Well that’s sweet of you.” He teased, sending you out for a spin before pulling you closer to him again.

“Do you remember when we were kids? We used to be so close.” A frown crossed his lips as you spoke. “Why don’t we go back to that?” The song ended.

“Things… Things are different.” He admitted with a sigh.

“Not that different. We could be that close again if we tried. Don’t tell me you wouldn’t like that.” He didn’t respond, but his hand left yours and fell off your hip. “Let’s try.”

“I can’t, Y/n.” His reply was soft, almost like he was ashamed. A silence fell over you, the music’s pounding bass felt like the only thing keeping your heart going.

“Why?” You asked.

“Like I said, things are different. You’re different. I’m… Different.” Shock set in.

“Have we changed that much? I thought we were still…” You paused. “Can we try, at least?” Obi-Wan shook his head.

“Ever so slightly”

Graduation. Finally. The last four years felt like an eternity, but they were finally over.

-*-

“Daily and nightly”

Graduation brings celebrations, and you were at a party held by the school at the local bowling alley. There was music pulsing, the sound of bowling balls crashing against pins and sending them flying. You looked around and basked in the joyous atmosphere of the celebration.

“In little ways”

That was when you saw him sitting at the bar, drinking what you assumed was a coke or some other sort of pop. You walked over and sat next to him, bumping him with your shoulder lightly. He smiled at you and returned the bump. The two of you sat in silence for a while before you leaned your head on his shoulder. He let out a soft sigh and rested his cheek against your head.

“When everything stays.” The final notes hung in the air as people snapped and clapped. Obi-Wan was watching you with a puzzled look. “Thank you very much, everyone. Hope you have a great night.” You got off the stool and went back to your chair.

“Still like apple cider?” Obi-Wan asked, handing you a cup, steam wisping from the drinking hole in the lid. You gave a nod and he sat across from you, setting the cup on the little table between your chairs.

You smiled lightly and the two of you began to chat and reminisce.

#obi-wan kenobi #obi-wan #obi-wan fanfiction #obi-wan one shot #star wars #star wars fanfic

[petalouda85]

Koi No Yokan, Chapter 5

Before the chapter start, I should let you guys know that it will probably be a while before another chapter shows up as I’m going back to school on September 5 and I got a busy schedule. I’m still going to try to write but it’ll be at a very slow pace.

You can also read this on AO3

When he was born, he was cursed. Doomed to die at 18 unless he joined the Dark Side. Snoke is confident but there remains one threat, it coming in the form of a prediction made by one of the Jedi Masters: Ben would meet his true love on his tenth birthday and this elusive individual would be the only one that could awaken Ben from his eternal sleep.

Sometimes it was hard to comprehend how quickly the Temple had changed. 16 years ago, the Jedi were near extinction; now, the Temple was more reminiscent of what it had been before. While there certainly weren’t as many members as before, the number of Padawans and Jedi Knights had increased substantially in the last 6 years alone to the point that Obi-Wan and Yoda had trouble at times to teach all of them. They had Luke at least but Rey doubted that he would be able to handle all of the Padawans on his own should age finally catch up with the elder Masters. She tried to not let it worry her much as she had her own worries.

Most of these worries stemmed from Ben. While the Temple and the Jedi were flourishing again, the boy had diminished for reasons she didn’t know. It had started soon after he had returned from Alderaan six years ago. The new training had helped the slightest but the news that he wouldn’t be able to visit his parents had obviously not done him much good. He had gotten more powerful, yes, but he was more volatile now, more unpredictable. That much was evident when they were sparring only a few days ago. They did this often. They could hone their skills with a saber and see who the better fighter was. But during that fight, something had shifted without explanation and Ben’s form had changed from his usual stance to something that was much more reckless and about offense rather than defense. He only snapped out of it once a powerful hack had caused Rey’s saber to be thrown from her hand. Rey decided he had just gotten too much into the adrenaline of the fight.

But the next day, a similar episode happened when they were practicing with other Padawans. This time, his opponent ended up with a seared shoulder. He fled the room and though she chased after him, he told her to leave him alone. She didn’t see him again for the rest of the day, though Luke tried to assure her that her friend was alright.

It took one more discovery the following day for Rey to decide that his changes in fighting wasn’t just adrenaline but something more serious. She had waited until Ben was in conversation with his uncle before she snuck into his room, though it didn’t look as such anymore. Everything had been trashed; the tables were overturned, the shelves had their content tossed on the floor, clothing lay strewed all over and the bed was vacant of all the sheets and pillows. In sneaking in, she had hoped to find a journal or some evidence that pointed towards his inner most feelings. She hadn’t anticipated this.

Her concern higher than ever before, she went looking for Ben, ready to confront him. It wasn’t hard to find him; she knew he would probably be at their special spot: on the roof, where they could watch Padawans practice in the courtyard below. It involved a lot of balance and crawling to get there so it would be unlikely they would be caught by any of the Masters there. As she had expected, Ben was there, his feet dangling over the edge of the roof, looking forlornly at the now empty courtyard.

“I thought I would find you here.”

The boy looked up at his friend and gave a weak smile.

"According to you, I'm not that hard to find." Rey chuckled lightly at the truth of that comment but it quickly faded as she sat down next to her friend, who was once more looking over the courtyard with the same forlorn look as before.

"Are you okay, Ben?" She asked, keeping her gaze on the same spot as his. IN the silence that followed, Rey began to expect that he would claim that he was fine, though a quick poke into his mind would say otherwise. It’s how these things usually went: Ben would deny he was fine, then Rey would say otherwise. It would usually be followed by some more silence before he broke and told her his feelings. This time, there was no meager attempts at trying to convince her he was alright. This time, it was silence. After several minutes of it, Rey sighed and said, "Please, Ben. Talk to me; we could always talk here." To her disappointment, the boy still said nothing, only moving to hug his legs to his chest. She let out another sigh, this one one of disappointment and sadness, and was about to stand and leave when Ben began to talk.

"I've... been having nightmares again." He began slowly, his voice so soft that Rey barely heard him.

"The same ones as before?" She inquired, remembering the conversation they had six years ago about the same topic. She shuffled closer, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"No. These are different. Worse." He paused and Rey stopped any questions that crossed her mind; he would tell her at his own pace. "I don't know which one is worse: the one where my parents die or the one where they tell me that I was a mistake and that they never wanted me." He sniffed, wiping oncoming tears away with the heel of his palm. "They're so vivid that I sometimes can't tell if they're dreams or reality. Sometimes..." He paused, the tears now running down his cheeks, "I can't help but wonder if them not wanting me had something to do with the Masters not letting me back to Alderaan."

"That's ridiculous!" Rey exclaimed, the sudden loudness of her voice scaring nearby birds away. "I don't know your parents very well but judging from what I saw on your tenth birthday, your mom and your dad care a lot about you. As does your uncle. I think them not letting you go back has to do with the Jedi Code. I think the Masters are just trying to help you become a better Jedi."

"You think so?"

"Yes! If your parents truly didn't care, they probably would've dumped you here and never have let you go back to Alderaan." She gave him a smile and she was elated to see that he smiled back, though the gesture was slightly forced. "You want to know a little secret?" After the boy nodded, she said, "I miss my dad. I miss Mandalore too. But what makes it bearable is my grandpa. We're lucky that we have family here; we're the only ones that can say that."

"I guess we are lucky that way." Ben said with a small nod of approval, though a quick poke into his mind told Rey that he still felt horrible. The two sat silently for a long while, watching the sun go down and the stars appear in the sky.

"You hungry at all?" Rey asked after her stomach growled.

"A little.”

“Right. Then this is the plan.” She said, jumping up and grabbing his arm, yanking him up to his feet as she explained, “we’re going to steal – correction – borrow some good food from the cafeteria and then we’re going to my room and watch holofilms the entire night.”

“All night?” Ben asked, letting himself be dragged back inside by Rey.

“All night.”

Considering how often they had done it, it was easy to get the food. Due to there being no cameras and the rules around food and time being quite lax, sneaking into the room was as easy as walking in. The only obstacle in sight was the lock on the door where the food was stored but that was one easily overcome by Rey’s lockpicking skills. Arms filled with food, the two teens snuck back to Rey’s room, the two giggling deviously once they had safely arrived.

A film was randomly selected from Rey’s hidden stash but it quickly became background noise. The film was a corny superhero movie with the unnecessary and forced romance subplot that would have the two gagging at the mere sight so throwing random objects across the room was certainly far more entertaining, it quickly turning into a competition of “who-is-the-first-one-able-to-hit-the-other’s-head-with-an-object-using-the-Force.”

Ben won.

It took three more films for the two to nod off, Rey resting her head on Ben’s shoulder and Ben resting his head atop of hers. Once morning came, it was obvious how little sleep they got, with the bags under their eyes and their lack of focus and success while practicing; Yoda had no doubt noticed it but the Master remained silent and kept his focus on his teachings.

Despite the exhaustion, Rey could tell that the night of films had done Ben well. He seemed happier and she noted that his fighting stance was back to what it usually was and there was no unbridled rage present during their daily spar. However, a quick prod in his mind told her he was still upset about the nightmares and his parents. She knew that that was something she couldn’t fix on her own.

That’s how she found herself standing outside the council room after dinner, her hand raised to the button that would announce her presence to the Masters within. She was nervous, which was something she would never admit readily but she was. Most likely at the thought that her small but vital mission would fail. She was scared for Ben. After all, many of the Padawans knew the story of how Vader’s fall to the Dark Side began: nightmares and visions of the future. Some part of her consciousness seemed to believe that Ben was heading in that direction, which was a silly notion; there was no possible way that could happen. Regardless where her fear came from, the silly notion or concern for Ben’s homesickness, she had to help him and helping him meant talking to his Uncle and the other Masters.

Terrifying as it was to speak to them, she had to try, for Ben’s sake.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed the button and, with her head held high, she walked into the room.

---

Being summoned by the Masters was always a small bit terrifying. Never mind that one was his uncle and the other the grandfather of his best friend, those three Jedi could change his training on a whim, intensifying it or making it less. Keeping secrets was difficult around them too and Ben had secrets, like any boy his age would. But his secrets were very different from the average teen. They were secrets about nightmares and what he saw in them. Terrifying people draped in black and carrying red lightsabers, whispering tempting words about the Dark Side.

At times, the nightmares were like visions of the past and the future. These visions always included people he was close to. He had only told Rey of the ones he had seen of his parents but they hadn’t been the only ones he had seen. Some visions had been of Rey, the most common one being of her standing in front of a building on Mandalore, the building vanishing into a ball of fire, it absorbing his friend before she could scream or even gasp. He’d wake up crying every time these visions, nightmares (he wasn’t sure what they were any more at this point) came. They were so vivid at times it almost seemed as though he had already experienced them in reality.

As he walked to the council room, he thought that it was likely the Masters had discovered his nightmares. The silence that followed his entrance was unnerving and having the three Masters watching him as he stood in the center of the room wasn’t helping either. It only made Ben feel as though he had gotten into trouble for something he hadn’t done.

“Ben, do you know why you’re here?” His uncle finally said. The teen shook his head. “It had been brought to our attention that you’ve been having nightmares lately. Is that true?”

Ben saw no point in lying so he replied,

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Luke inquired, his tone a mix of a concerned adult and worried Master.

“I don’t know. I suppose because it’s just nightmares?”

“But these nightmares scare you.” Obi-Wan stated, “I can feel your fear for them.”

“They do… a little.”

“Fear is the path to the Dark Side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” Yoda responded. “Nightmares, Vader had before his fall.”

“Is that why I’m here? Because you think I’m falling to the dark side because of some nightmares?” The three masters tried to interject but Ben continued, “I’m not Darth Vader. I don’t have some prophecy, curse, whatever it was flying over my head. I don’t have a Sith Lord breathing down my neck. And real as the nightmares seem, I don’t believe they’re some attempt by some shadow to sway me away from the Jedi. They just scared me a little, like nightmares are supposed to do, but that fear is not some prelude to a descent to the dark side.” The room fell instantly silent after Ben finished his small speech, the three masters exchanging glances.

“If you say so.” Obi-Wan said, though something told Ben that the Master wasn’t convinced by his words. “Regardless, Yoda, Luke and I have been talking and we have decided that you should go back to Alderaan for a little while.”

“What? You’re serious?” Ben stumbled out, not quite able to process what he was hearing. “I can go home?” When all three men nodded, Ben gasped and felt tears prickling his eyes. He couldn’t believe it. They were letting him go home; it almost didn’t seem real and he had dig his nails into his palm to make certain it was reality. “Thank you.”

“Don’t thank us.” Obi-Wan said with a smile. “Thank Rey; she talked to us about it yesterday.”

The brightest smile on his face, Ben dashed out of the room and went to search for his friend. He ran through most of the temple, to the cafeteria, to her room, to the library and eventually to the courtyard, where she was practicing her saber skills. He ran to her and embrace her tightly, her surprise, the momentum and his larger size sending the two of them to the grass.

“Ben.” She laughed, pushing him off of her. “What are you doing?”

“Thanking you.” He replied, his beaming smile never wavering.

“For what?”

“For talking to the Masters. They’re letting me go home for a while!”

“Oh that!” Rey responded, sitting up while Ben plunked down next to her. “Well, you’re welcome.”                                                                                                                                                            

Ben leaned towards her again and drew her back into another embrace, this time letting the gesture last longer in hope that it would let her know how thankful he was. He hadn’t been this happy in such a long time. The only other times that could even remotely elicit a similar feeling was spending time with his parents or wreaking havoc with Rey. He would try to let her know that he was grateful beyond words but he doubted that he would ever be able to thank her fully for what she had done.

---

A scowl on his face, Snoke watched carefully as Ben embraced the Jedi girl, the smile on the boy’s face making the Sith gain thoughts that the girl might end up undoing everything. When he heard footsteps, he waved the orb away ad looking upon the figure approaching him: a Mandalorian dressed in clothing bearing the insignia of the Death Watch.

“What news?” Snoke asked.

“The bombs are made and are slowly being put in position. They’ll be ready before the week’s end.”

“Good. I must be rid of that girl.”

“She will be there, The Mandalorian ensured, “as will the rest of her family. When my men are done, the Kenobis will cease to exist in the galaxy and Mandalore will be ripe for taking.”

“Good.” Snoke hummed. “Ensure you do not fail.”

The Mandalorian left soon after, leaving Snoke to ponder in the darkness for a time. The pondering didn’t last long however as another figure appeared in his vision. This one was Genian.

“How are the plans for Ge proceeding?” Snoke asked.

“It’s easy enough to convince the Kraal to assassinate the Queen.” The Genian said softly. “It’ll be harder to smuggle them onto the planet; they have gotten more thorough in ship searching.”

“Find a way. I want that girl dead.”

“Don’t fret, Snoke. I’ll find a way; I want her dead as much as you do.”

“The girl is only the beginning; you must get rid of the rest of the family if you’re to claim what you want and for me to get what I want from that measly planet.”

“You worry too much.” The Genian chuckled. “I have already killed three members of her family; getting rid of the others shouldn’t be a problem. You may doubt my skills but I do not.”

“Then go.” Snoke said after a minute of silence. “Finish your preparations. We will speak more once the deed is done. Do not fail; it’ll put everything in jeopardy.” The Genian man only smirked before his being vanished into thin air, leaving the Sith alone with his thoughts.

Everything was going according to plan.

#kylux #huxlo #ben solo #rey #snoke #star wars #sleeping beauty au #koi no yokan #my writing

[kunoichi-ume]

A Hand To Hold

Hey look I managed to finish the super short ficlit I started over a month ago for @quiobiweek. With how crazy things have been lately, this was quite the accomplishment really. Today’s theme was Modern Meetcute, which let’s be real, are some of my favorite kinds of fics to write so I had to do something for this. 

Story below the cut and on AO3. 

As soon as Qui-Gon reached his seat he could almost see the tension coming off his neighbor in waves. The man was leaning over, head in his hands and shoulders stiff. With how the man was hunched over he could not see any of his face, but his hair was the most fascinating shade of copper. The way it caught the artificial light in the cabin made Qui-Gon muse that it would almost glow in the sun. He smiled at the mental image as he reached for the overhead compartment above his seat. He stuffed his bag into the space and closed the door with a loud snap as the lock caught.

The sound startled the man, and he jumped slightly, lifting his head to look at Qui-Gon with wide grey-blue eyes. The ginger hair on the top of his head matches the neatly trimmed hair along his jaw and, coupled with the delicate features of his face makes him easily the prettiest man Qui-Gon had ever seen. A long moment passed while he stared up at Qui-Gon before he shook his head and went back to studying his knees with a mumbled, “sorry.” Even mumbling Qui-Gon could detect the crisp accent of the man’s voice

“No, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” Qui-Gon replied, settling into his seat.

The man sighed and straightened his back, resting his head against the back of his chair, “that’s not your fault. I am always pretty antsy when I fly so I should probably apologize in advance if I freak out or anything.”

“I fly often, I’ve sat by people who handle it much worse than you I am sure,” Qui-Gon said with a small smile, “once on a 15-hour flight I sat next to an older woman who cried hysterically the entire time.”

“F-fifteen hours?” the man stuttered, looking appalled at the very notion.

Unable to help himself Qui-Gon laughed before assuring the younger man that their 6-hour flight would be much easier than that one had been. “I’m Qui-Gon by the way,” he added, hoping the man would respond in kind. He wasn’t sure what it was about him but Qui-Gon couldn’t help but feel drawn to him.

He was rewarded with a smile that made his breath hitch in his throat.

“Obi-Wan,” he responded, holding out his hand to shake properly. His hand was smaller than Qui-Gon’s, but he could feel the strength in the man’s brief grip.

“It’s nice to meet you Obi-Wan,” Qui-Gon said sincerely, enjoying the feel of the man’s name on his lips. “Out of curiosity, what got you on a plane if you hate flying so much?”

Obi-Wan sighed, sinking back into his seat before smiling softly up at Qui-Gon. “My little brother, Anakin, asked me to come home for his birthday. It’s the day after tomorrow so there was no time to drive.”

“Sounds like you are a good brother.”

“The little shit guilted me into it.” Obi-Wan grumbled, startling a laugh out of Qui-Gon.

While they have spoken the rest of the passengers have settled into their spots and the flight attendant has started doing their preflight announcements. Qui-Gon spared them a glance, but otherwise paid them little mind. He flew often enough he could give their speech in his sleep.

Obi-Wan on the other hand paid rapt attention, his eyes glancing to everything the attendant was pointing out as though he wanted to embed the information into his mind. Qui-Gon found it adorable and had to struggle not to openly smile at the look of concentration on the younger man’s face. He could also see the anxiety starting to rise in him. It wasn’t anything big, just a shift in the tightness of his shoulders, his hands clenched into fight fists, the increased pace of his breath. The moment of calm when they spoke was melting away as his fears started to take over again.

Qui-Gon isn't sure why, but he wants to help. To find someway to settle the man’s fears, but why? They are quite literally strangers and he flew all the time. This is not the first cute neighbor he has had on a flight, and not the first one to be scared either, but there was just… something about Obi-Wan that wouldn’t let him put the man out of his mind. Something stopping from his just slipping on his headphones and listening to the audio book by the speaker at the conference he was headed to.

The plane, which had been moving smoothly over the tarmac, jerks as it takes off and starts gaining altitude. Obi-Wan’s hand was suddenly grasping Qui-Gon’s, fingers desperately curled around the larger hand and he could feel the tremor of fear in the tight grip. His eyes were squeezed tightly shut and his lips pressed hard together as though trying to stop himself from making a sound. Qui-Gon couldn’t tell if Obi-Wan was aware he had grabbed his hand, or if it was pure reflex.

To his own surprise, he doesn’t mind the other man clinging to his hand. He had wanted a way to comfort him and if this would help, he would gladly do it. He shifted his hand to curl his own fingers between Obi-Wan’s and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

The already tense man visibly stiffened further, eyes flying open almost comically wide, and he tried to pull his hand away.

“I-oh I am so sorry I didn’t mean to-” he apologized before Qui-Gon cut him off with a shake of his head.

“It’s alright Obi-Wan,” he said with a soft smile, squeezing his hand lightly, “I don’t mind if it helps you.”

“Really?”

Qui-Gon nodded, “I’ll be right here next to you Obi-Wan.”

The plane leveled out but Qui-Gon kept a hold of his hand. He was reveling in the feel of the softness and warmth of the other man’s skin. It was hardly the first time he had held someone’s hand, but he could not remember ever enjoying something as simple as hand holding this much before.

Completely forgoing his audio book, he passed the time talking to his newfound companion and found himself feeling more and more drawn to the man. Obi-Wan was a horticulture researcher for the government and had fascinating stories about his work in the National Parks preserving the native plant life. Qui-Gon had always had a very strong connection with living things, plant and animal alike and both his apartment and office at the University where he taught philosophy looked more like greenhouses than anything else. Normally any attempt to talk to his friends about his plants were met with teasing but Obi-Wan proved himself to be both a knowledgeable and involved conversationalist. If Qui-Gon was equally fascinated by the man’s soft smiles and ability to blush at the barest hint of a compliment could anyone really blame him?

Obi-Wan seemed to have finally relaxed, almost all of the tension from their takeoff having wore away as they spoke, when the seat belt light flashed overhead and the plane rocked violently around them. The intercom clicked on, informing the passengers that they don’t expect the turbulence to last long and to please remain seated for the duration of the rough patch but Qui-Gon barely noticed it.

What he did notice was the tightening of Obi-Wan’s hand around his own, the fear in his eyes as they darted around the plane and the way his breaths had started to come in quick, short gasps.

“Obi-Wan, it’s okay. It’s just a little turbulence it will be over soon,” he attempted to console him, more dismayed than he would like to admit at the fear on other man's face. He turned in his seat, as much as he could with the belt around his waist, and reached for Obi-Wan’s shoulder with his free hand. He gave what he hoped was a reassuring squeeze while turning Obi-Wan to face him.

“You need to calm you breathing,” he said, his voice steady in the hope that it would help reach the panicked man but he doesn't seem to be hearing Qui-Gon’s voice.

The plane jerks, jostling the passengers and an almost pained whimper escaped from Obi-Wan’s throat and, desperate to distract the man anyway possible and with the hope that this wouldn’t get him a black eye, Qui-Gon moved his hand from his shoulder to the back on his head, fingers sliding through silky copper locks before pulling him forward and into a firm kiss.

Obi-Wan’s first reaction was to freeze against Qui-Gon and he wasn’t sure if that was better or worse than the panicked state the man had been in. He was about to pull away and apologize when Obi-Wan leaned further into him and returned the kiss.

For Qui-Gon it was like everything around them fell away and nothing else mattered except the feel of soft lips against his own, the warmth of Obi-wan’s tongue as he slipped it into his mouth and the taste of the amazing man he could almost not believe was actually kissing him back.

When they finally parted the plane was steady again, the seat belt light turned off and with it all traces of Obi-Wan’s earlier panic. In the aftermath of their kiss Obi-Wan’s face was flushed, proving his earlier blushes to be slight in comparison.

After taking a few deep breaths Obi-Wan smiled up at him, making it far too tempting to pull him back in for another kiss, before speaking.

“Can I buy you a drink, after we land I mean?”

Qui-Gon laughed softly, running his fingers across the knuckles of the hand he was still holding onto, “you took the words right out of my mouth.”

#Star Wars #QuiObi #quiobi week 2017 #Qui gon Jinn #Obi Wan Kenobi #SW Fanfiction #My Writing #this is so nerve wracking #First real fic for a fandom #First for a ship #All sorts of new things today #And with 10 minutes before Thursday ends in my local time #so this REALLY came down to the wire haha

[shadowsong26fic]

May Fourth Bonus Fic: Part 2

Title: It’s Like Deja Vu (All Over Again); Part 2

Author: shadowsong26

Rating: R

Fandom: Star Wars

Characters: Padme Amidala, Anakin Skywalker, etc.

Warnings: War, violence, referenced genocide, referenced murder, these two dorks and their AOTC angst…which, as a note (specifically for this part) means that Someone is pretty...pushy when it comes to the romantic relationship. It’s not any heavier than in canon, I don’t think, but I did want to note it.

Summary: Three days ago, Padme Amidala closed her eyes for the last time in a sterile white room on an asteroid at the edge of nowhere. Three days ago, she opened them again in a sleek, chrome starship, watching Dorme put the finishing touches on Corde’s headdress, her own weighted braids a comforting blanket on her back.

Padme decides to change things, decides she can save Anakin this time. Except, as time passes, she starts to realize things aren’t happening exactly the way she remembers…

Disclaimer: All characters are the property of their respective creators.

Notes: Bonus fic! May the Fourth be with you :D

Part 1 | Part 3 | Coda

Varykino.

At long, long last, Padme and Anakin had arrived at the retreat. And, despite the fact that their trip had been uneventful, and their audience with Queen Jamillia had been slightly more decorous than the first time, she’d still been carrying some kind of tension in her shoulders right up until the moment the lake house came into view.

But now they were here--where they’d been happy--and she could finally relax.

The gondola bumped to a gentle halt at the dock. Anakin leapt out with easy grace and offered her a hand.

She accepted it with a smile--his hand was warm and steady and sure, calloused in a familiar, comforting way. “Thank you,” she said, once she’d joined him on the dock.

He bowed silently in acknowledgement; then, half a heartbeat later, seemed to realize he’d forgotten to let go of her hand. He flushed and dropped it. “Sorry,” he murmured.

“Don’t be,” she said, which only made him turn redder.

“I...uh,” he stuttered, then took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “We should...we should go on up, Pa--milady. We’re more exposed than I like down here.”

“All right,” she said, and lifted her skirt out of the way so she could.

He walked with her, between her and the railing where he had the flexibility to defend her against a threat coming from any direction. He was quiet, and seemed a little nervous. She thought, for half a second, about tripping and letting him catch her--it might break the tension a little bit, and it would be nice for him to hold her, however briefly. Plus, he seemed shy, much more so than he had been last time, and that sort of thing always worked in the cheap romance novels she definitely did not read.

On the other hand, that risked damaging her dress, and it was one of her favorites. And she and Anakin had a few days here, at least. Probably. There would be plenty of time to be held.

Besides, it was...nice, to just walk beside him for a moment, their hands almost-but-not-quite touching in a dance they’d perfected (they would perfect?) over the course of their marriage. Although she could have done without his obvious nerves, sharpening the sweet stillness of the quiet moment.

Evidently, it was starting to wear on him, too; just as they reached the top of the stairs, he said, “It’s...very beautiful here.” He glanced down at her, and quickly looked away.

“It is,” she agreed. “It’s one of my favorite places in the whole galaxy.” Because of you. ...well, I mean--not only you, and not like--I wouldn’t use this as an excuse to call you beautiful, although you are, but--memories. My memories of you here are--good. That’s all.

And now she was blushing, and profoundly grateful for her extensive experience in professional politics giving her a halfway decent verbal filter. Because otherwise that would have been--

She would have revealed a lot more than she could ever, in good conscience, tell him.

“I can see why,” he was saying, staring out over the lake, his hands drifting aimlessly over the balcony railing.

“I’ve been coming here for years,” she said. “Ever since I was a little girl. We would come here for school retreats, and swim out to that island every day. We would lie on the beach and let the sun dry us, and try to guess the names of the birds singing.”

It was the same story she’d told last time, the one that had gotten him to kiss her--with a slight difference. Hopefully, it would get her the same result without upsetting him first. She wanted this to be a purely happy place for him, without reminding him accidentally of how--different their childhoods had been. How painful his was, by comparison.

“I’ve never done that before,” he said. “Anything like that.”

“Well, we’re here now,” she said, her hand slipping over to rest on his. “We could.”

He looked down at her, at their joined hands. “We could.”

She leaned up to kiss him--it felt like the right thing to do, just as she’d hoped. Just like last time, And, for one blissful moment, he softened against her. She was about to reach up, to wrap her arms around him and deepen the kiss, when--

He pulled away. Again.

“I shouldn’t have done that,” he said, withdrawing his hand as well and gripping the railing tight. “I’m sorry.”

“I--I’m sorry,” she echoed, a little uncertain. This isn’t like him...

He cleared his throat and pushed away from the railing. “If you’ll...if you’ll excuse me, Senator, I really should...I should familiarize myself with the...with the perimeter.”

“I...of course,” she said. “If that’s what you think is best.”

He bowed. “Thank you, milady.” With quick, sure steps, he crossed the deck and went back down the stairs at the side.

That...went about the same as last time, at least? she thought, watching him go with no little confusion. It certainly could have gone worse. But it hadn’t--it was not at all what she’d expected to happen, when she kissed him.

She sighed, and leaned against the railing, staring out over the water. I wonder why he pulled away…

The soft, familiar silhouette of the island on the horizon had no answers.

“You don’t like politicians very much, do you,” she said.

They were out in the meadow by the waterfalls, enjoying each other and a pretty afternoon, and somehow the conversation had wandered here, just like it had before.

“Well, one or two,” he said, with a faint smile, then shook his head. “I don’t know. I’m not sure the system works.”

Oh, yes. This conversation, she remembered all too well. I should have paid more attention here, she thought. I think this was one of the warning signs.

Forewarned was forearmed, though. With any luck, she could use this opportunity to start to gently maneuver him someplace less...dangerous.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

His answer was a surprise.

“It’s...hard to explain.” He shredded a blade of grass and tossed it aside. “I know how it’s supposed to work, but...something is fundamentally broken, in the way the Republic actually functions. Or doesn’t, half the time. But the problem is, the only thing I can think of to replace it would be...it would be worse.”

“Oh?” she asked, very carefully. If he, somehow, already realizes what I think he’s hinting at…

That was a good sign for the future. A very good sign.

“Someone makes the others shut up, listen to each other, and agree on a course of action,” he said flatly.

She paused. “That sounds an awful lot like a dictatorship to me.” Well, we’re halfway there, at least. He acknowledges it would be a bad idea.

“Yeah,” he said. “And--things do get done that way. But what’s sacrificed is…” He trailed off, and sighed. “Like I said. It would be worse, in the long run.”

“It would,” she agreed, relieved. It’s a start, anyway.

“I don’t know,” he said again, then smiled at her. Oh, that smile. “I’m not all that great at politics. These are questions someone else can answer. Someone wise.”

Her breath caught. Oh. She knew she should probably try to walk him back from that thought, too, at least a little bit; but he was looking at her, in a way that--it was warm, and intense, and full of complete faith, and entirely for her.

“You’re teasing me,” she said.

“Never,” he replied, soft and earnest.

For a moment, they sat there, just--letting that hang between them, locked on each other’s eyes. Then, slowly, he reached up as if to touch her face, and she leaned in, and--

He broke eye contact, flushing and dropping his hand, scanning the horizon instead. “Hey, do you know if anyone actually rides the shaaks?” he asked, a little too brightly.

“I...what?” It took a second to wrench her thoughts out of the moment she’d thought they were having and catch up to him.

“I bet I could,” he said, getting to his feet. “Watch this.”

“Anakin--”

But he was already off.

What...what just happened? she asked herself, again. Was this another thing Master Jinn had changed somehow?

She groaned a little, frustrated, and flopped back in the grass, staring up at the clouds. We were right there. He was about to kiss me, I know he was!

She found herself, for the first time since learning about it, deeply resenting the Jedi Master’s extended influence in her beloved’s life.

And then she felt a sharp stab of guilt, because in the grand scheme of things, it appeared to be a net positive for Anakin’s overall stability. Besides, Master Jinn and Obi-Wan had been so close, it must have meant the world to him to have his Master a little bit longer--or, well, it would have, if he’d known the alternative.

Master Jinn’s impact on her ability to kiss her husband, by comparison, was a small, petty thing.

“I am a horrible person,” she announced to the sky, then sighed, gathered her skirts, and stood up to follow Anakin. The herd here didn’t tolerate riders very well--he hadn’t gotten hurt when he’d been thrown the first time, but if that changed, she wanted to be there to help him.

And she tried, with all her might, to stop fretting about that almost-kiss.

Padme found him, late that evening, in the darkened sitting room, curled up on the couch and staring pensively into the fire.

She hesitated in the doorway for a moment, trying to decide the best way to--this had turned out to be a lot harder than she’d expected. She had a new appreciation and understanding for how hellishly awkward Anakin had been the first time around. Even for her, whose job it was to put difficult concepts into words, it was hard, so hard, to do that with a love like theirs. Hard to be the first one to speak.

Almost as hard as it was to stay silent. To resist.

But they’d danced around it long enough. It was time for her to take a more direct approach.

Steeling herself, she slipped into the room to join him. As she came up behind the couch, she absently, on instinct--or maybe muscle memory--she ran her fingers through his hair.

...oops.

She had always done that; she loved its softness, the way the texture was subtly different each time he came home to her, as it grew out.

But they weren’t together now (not yet, at least). She had to remember that. So he wasn’t--she didn’t get to play with his hair like this.

She was about to withdraw and apologize--way to get the conversation off to a good start, Padme--but then…

He leaned into her caress, just a little, just enough that she felt it, his eyes drifting closed.

It felt like--

It felt like home.

Her heart ached to see and feel him slowly relaxing under her touch, just like he used to do; quiet, despite everything, if only for a moment; flickers of warm light danced across his face, his lashes casting soft shadows on his cheek; beautiful. (He had always called her beautiful; she wasn’t really sure he knew that he was, too.)

And she longed to sit next to him, to pull him against her, to kiss him and just make this moment last as long as she could because it was never, never enough; and he was so sweet and sad and handsome and kind, and she wanted him to stay that way, like he was now, like he had been--not here at Varykino the first time, but not at the end, either; a year ago in her memory, maybe--weary and scarred, yes, but not yet broken; and she...and she…

“I wish…” she said, and her voice caught.

He looked up at her, eyes opening wide and dark and soft and so, so sad in the firelight.

...is this cruel? she asked herself. Am I--am I being cruel to him? She knew how he felt--he was just as transparent as he had been last time--but every time he touched her, he pulled back as if he’d been burned. She just couldn’t figure out why. He was trying, maybe, to be what he was supposed to be. To be a good Jedi, and keep his distance, and follow the rules.

Maybe she should stop. Step away. Let him stay at arm’s length, if that was what he really wanted. If that would ease the pain burning in his eyes, then--

No, she thought. No, he loves me, and telling him he can’t--isolating him--will only hurt him a different way. Either way, it hurts us both. And either way, it opens a...it maybe lets Palpatine in. But if I keep him close, I can help him this time. I know what I’m doing now. I can save him, before it’s too late. And if--and if it’s going to hurt either way...at least we’ll have each other. And the pain will be worth it, because there was joy, too. We can have that again. If we’re together, we can--we can have that again. And this time, we won’t lose it.

Not that they could stay exactly like this, in this moment, forever--as much as she would like that, people changed; things changed, and not all change was evil. But they would have each other. Everything else--everything else was details. They could handle it as it came.

“I wish…” she repeated, and stroked his hair again, searching for the right words.

“I know,” he whispered, and closed his eyes again.

She sighed, and reluctantly pulled her hand away. She moved around the couch to sit next to him. He shifted--not withdrawing, just making room. He pulled his cloak a little closer around him, hands disappearing up his sleeves the way they always did when he was nervous.

For a moment, the two of them just sat there. Side by side, not touching, not even looking at one another; the air heavy with all the things they were about to say.

A log snapped in the fireplace, the noise startling her a little and cutting through the still tension.

She took a deep breath, and finally spoke. “Anakin,” she started, then, “Ani, I...these past few days, here with you, have been…” She trailed off, trying to find the right word. Confusing. Thrilling. Intoxicating. Magical.

“A dream,” he finished for her. He looked up at her, eyes soft and shadowed and full of all the love she could have wished for--and pain. There was so much pain there, still; it broke her heart. “It’s been...it’s been like a dream.”

“Yes,” she said. She reached out and touched his hand. He didn’t pull away. “And I don’t...I don’t want it to end.”

He closed his eyes and swallowed. “I can’t,” he said, his voice breaking a little. “I can’t. It’s not that I don’t want--would ever not want--but…” His hand was trembling against hers. “From the moment I met you, all those years ago, not a day goes by where I don’t...think of you. And being near you again is...it’s...I-I look at you, and I...I can’t breathe. There’s nothing I…” He paused. Took a breath. Tried again. “I would die for you,” he finished simply. “I would do anything for you. But I…”

Silence for a moment, other than the soft crackling of the fire.

“All you...all you have to do, all you’ll ever have to do for me is--is be there. Be you.” She lightly touched his cheek, turning his head to face her. “All right?”

His eyes still closed, he leaned into her hand a little. “I don’t want to make your life harder,” he whispered. “I don’t want...to hurt you.”

“So you’re...so you’re walking away from me?” This wasn’t--this didn’t feel real. Anakin wasn’t--he hadn’t--

Since when is Anakin the practical one in any relationship?

“What else can I do?” he pleaded, opening his eyes and meeting hers again at last. They were glittering a little in the firelight, with unshed tears. “How would it end? If we do this, if we stay here in this dream, if we--it would destroy us.”

“It doesn’t have to be like that,” she said, gripping his hand a little tighter. Her voice cracked a little, and her own eyes had started burning. “We can find a way, we can make this work, Ani--”

He pulled his hand away and stood up. He was actively crying now; he ran his sleeve over his eyes to wipe it away. “I am...here, to protect you, Padme,” he said, very quietly, then corrected himself. “Milady.”

“Anakin,” she said.

He paled a little. He wouldn’t look at her. “I can’t,” he said. “I’m sorry.” He turned and fled, without remembering to bow.

This is--this is wrong. How did it all go so wrong? How can I--how can I help him if he won’t let me? How can I--how can--

He was leaving her.

Her world was crashing down around her because it felt like he was leaving her. And, no, they weren’t technically together yet, not here, but she remembered being married to him for three years, and he had been the one pushing for this the first time, but now--now--

She couldn’t imagine her life without him in it. Without his smile to look forward to, even at a distance; without his love to sustain her through the dark times ahead. Just the thought of it was--

“Don’t go,” she whispered, even though it was too late and he couldn’t hear her now. “Please don’t go. Stay with me. Stay with me, please…”

Only the hollow crackling of the fire answered her.

She buried her face in her hands and cried.

#shadowsong26fic #shadowsong writes star wars