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zebaurelius · 7 months

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I'm still on my ~thinking it's Abeloth~ bc I only learned about that after thinking of that idea and saying it to my partner who knew about that Legends bit. I'd not known about her

But I find it interesting looking st the hand placements & comparing how the daughter & son are standing and how the father & son are. We're missing the hand upwards. Entirely. The daughters hand isn't even raised. But also, the father here is standing more aligned with the son (associated with the darker side of the force)

And Absoka is left on the planet, the living representation of the Daughter.

The Father, the Son, and the Daughter

In what we're to believe is his great quest, Baylan's only appearance in episode 8 shows him standing on the arm of a giant statue of the Father. (I don't think there is any debate that this statue and the others depict the Mortis gods (or beings, because I don't necessarily see them as gods in the traditional sense), especially with the earlier appearance of Morai).

Observe, on the right, a statue depicting the Son, who, from the Clone Wars [s3, e15-16], we know is aligned with the dark side. On the left, we see a statue of the Daughter, who is aligned with the light side. Her statue has been completely disfigured. This symbolism alone is very curious. One interpretation is quite literal: that Baylan is connected to the dark side of the force, or that his path - his quest - belongs to the dark side in some manner. Another interpretation pertains to the nature of the planet Peridea. As I wrote before, Peridea appears to be marked by some sort of dark magick. As Baylan remarked in episode 6, "Something stirs here". And so, perhaps the crumbling nature of the statue depicting the Daughter is symbolic of this darkness.

One thing I noticed speaks to the first interpretation. As Baylan stands at the hand of the Father, staring into the distance, one sees on the horizon a mountain with what appears to be a pulsing beam of light (edit: since first publishing this post, I realised this could very well be the Morris monestary). The light is shooting out from the mountain peak upwards into the sky. From the perspective we're given, it appears this is the direction the hand of the Father statue is pointing. Surely, that is not a coincidence; coupled to the fact that we know something is calling to Baylan.

At present, I can't see any of this having to do with Abeloth. I just don't see any sort of Abeloth arc being consistent with the trinity of the Mortis beings. I would not be surprised if it was the Son, who, for whatever reason, had become aware of Baylan and has since been calling to him. We know this has happened in the past. After Ezra discovered the mural of the Mortis gods on the Jedi Temple of Lothal, which led to the entrance of the World Between Worlds, upon exiting the Son spoke to him [Rebels, s4 e13]. Thinking about it now, it could be interpreted as though he was calling to Ezra: "the future can still be changed" .

#ahsoka #Baylan Skoll #ahsoka series #the mortis gods

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zebaurelius · 9 months

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Kalluzeb Fic Recs

Updated April 12 2023

Alright Kalluzeb fans new and old. In light of certain… live action revelations, I’ve decided now is the time to put together my own fic rec list for this ship. For new fans who want to know where to get started, and old fans looking to jump back in. I’ve sorted my recommendations by categories to suit any type of mood.

I try my best not to include WIPs or WIP series for this post. Perhaps later I'll do a whole post dedicated to WIPs.

Fic recs under the cut. Be mindful of my warnings for certain fics/categories.

I just want to read the “required reading” fic for this ship

The Goal is Not to Fall by SneakyBunyip

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8892910/chapters/20383234

A pseudo-chat fic written very soon after The Honorable Ones premiered. It’s a very well constructed fic that helped to lay the groundwork for many Kalluzeb tropes going forward. It has a bit of an awkward relationship with canon, since it was written while the show was still airing, but its storyline and characterization holds up very well.

I just want something short and sweet (<5000 words)

I plan on making a more extensive list of short fics in a future post. But here are some of my faves.

That ‘Oh’ Moment by WaitingForMy

https://archiveofourown.org/works/44844433/chapters/112831339

This is just a great little story about Kallus and Zeb falling in love with each other. The author really takes the classic “Oh” moment of any good fanfic and boils it down to its quintessential goodness.

Kallus Family Values by LiterallyThePresident

https://archiveofourown.org/works/34006396

Kalluzeb is more window dressing to this hilarious short fic. I won’t say much else without spoiling, but it always makes me smile.

Chopper’s Gossip Discovery by Pokkit

https://archiveofourown.org/works/30129351

Kalluzeb from Chopper’s pov. I feel as though this is a good intro to the “Chopper hates Zeb and likes Kallus” trope you see in a lot of fanfics.

It works on you by Kereea

https://archiveofourown.org/works/10610031

Just some fluff and body positivity. Kallus and Zeb observe the physical differences between their species.

Sanctuary by little0bird

https://archiveofourown.org/works/26710906

My personal favorite among the “Zeb patches Kallus up after Zero Hour” genre of fics, but there’s many great ones out there. This one involves some… interesting reactions to pain medication that makes it fluffier than most.

if only for a night by elleTchj

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24921622

This is an angstier, steamier take on the “Zeb helps Kallus out after Zero Hour” genre. But the sensuality of it cannot be understated. I adore anything that involves Zeb being careful and tender with his humans, particularly Kallus. It’s part of the whole “gentle giant” vibe he’s got going on.

I want longer fluff

Pen Name: Fulcrum by twoseas

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46149040/chapters/116177803

Kallus takes up writing as a hobby and is surprised to find his anti-Imperial romance novel has really taken off. This is a very fluffy pieces of creator wish fullfilment in the best way possible. I think all/many creators want to be seen through their creative outlets, and that feeling when it happens is so warm and fuzzy. Watching Kallus work out his own feelings through his writing is a very cathartic experience that many of us fanfic nerds relate to.

Good Friends by mudkipwrites

https://archiveofourown.org/works/33942724/chapters/84409582

This is a great fluff fic exploring Kallus and Zeb’s time on Lira San over the years. With the hilarious premise that Kallus is the most romantically oblivious man in the galaxy.

I like timey wimey stuff

Paradox by 10MileSoul

https://archiveofourown.org/works/29349348/chapters/72090627

This is a great old-fashioned paranormal mystery. I love a good “alternative self” confrontation. Don’t want to spoil much but I highly recommend if you like a good twilight zone style story in your Star Wars universe.

In the Hour it Took Me to Fall in Love with You by HixyStix, whiplashcrash

https://archiveofourown.org/works/24327562/chapters/58654681

The groundhog day style story where Zeb keeps dying no matter what Kallus does. A classic angst trope and done very very well here. It’s a little bit twisted because it involves two time travel shenanigans, as the Zeb Kallus is trying to save is technically from the past.

I want a dark adventure, with a sprinkle of Kalluzeb

The Depths by DownToTheSea

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32870755/chapters/81570934

Did you love that one underwater level in Knights of the Old Republic? Do you want more of that except with more Cthulhu style horror and Kalluzeb? Then do I have the fic for you! Please read the tags if you want to know more about the nature of the ending, I don’t want to spoil it for you. But this fic could seriously have been a Rebels arc if Rebels was allowed to be rated R, it just fits so well.

At Me Too Someone Is Looking by greatunironic

https://archiveofourown.org/works/31014362/chapters/76609937

This fic mostly centers on Kallus during his time as Fulcrum, and then after when he finds himself on the run with a young force sensitive clone in his care. Zeb is mentioned frequently but does not make an appearance until well into the fic. For most of it it’s more of a darker take on Mando and Grogu. I think putting Kallus with a young child is particularly interesting just because it conflicts so heavily with his Imperial, and even Fulcrum persona. It’s also nice to see Zeb interpreted as an inspirational figure, which I believe is what Kallus came to see him as in the show.

I want stuff involving Lasat culture/Lira San.

The Intricacies of Atonement by ReaperDuckling

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28214736/chapters/69138318

Warning. This fic includes Lasan flashbacks. They are… hard to get through. They are gory to get through. But they are important for providing context in the present timeline. I love the way gender is explored in Lasat society here. I love the way this fics explores what “atonement” looks like for Kallus. This is a dark fic, but it has many heartwarming moments.

Return by HixyStyx

https://archiveofourown.org/works/28538208/chapters/69934209

This take on Lasan is actually my personal headcanon. The Lasat OCs in this fic are well fleshed out and interesting. They play off Zeb and Kallus so well. And Lasat cultural practices are explored in detail here.

A Blind Goddess by apocrypha73

https://archiveofourown.org/works/11689575/chapters/26316135

Kallus actually gets put on trial for his crimes in this fic. It’s actually a great reflection of the fandom’s own debate over Kallus’s character. Not only is this fic well written, I think it’s an important read to mindful of when exploring the Kalluzeb relationship.

I want AUs but still set in the Star Wars Universe

The Lighthouse by sempaiko

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27945965/chapters/68440943

Kallus is injured a bit worse on Onderon than he was in the original series. Lasan never happened and the war ends with Zeb going off to explore the edges of known space and beyond. Kallus is a very lonely manager of an outpost between Known Space and the Unknown Regions. This is a lovely exploration of how their personalities would mesh without quite so much history between them. Zeb’s his best self in this work, and Kallus is a much quieter, more introspective version of himself, but you can see the original characters shining through all the same.

The Jedi and His Ranger by HixyStyx

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32111755/chapters/79553707

Why yes some force sensitive Zeb! The fandom needs more of this tbh. But this is a great place to start. While the above fic explores Zeb’s best qualities (his warmth and courage) this fic explores Zeb’s worst qualities (his hotheadedness and temper). Zeb is a Jedi during the clone wars and Kallus is a ranger, trained especially to work with Jedi from a young age. Order 66 happens about halfway through, as does Lasan, so be prepared, but the early dynamic has a great bickering buddy cop feel. And the end is on the happy side of bittersweet.

I want AUs not set in the Star Wars Universe

Moonshine by mudkipwrites, sempaiko

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25904113/chapters/63698044

Without spoiling too much I think this fic is the best take on what “The Rebels” would look like in a modern day setting. Kallus’ villain to hero arc is also realistically reimagined as an IRS agent falling in love during an audit. The included fanart of human!Zeb is also a really nice touch. If you like a little western in your romance I highly recommend this fic.

The Heist by HixyStyx

https://archiveofourown.org/works/30759461/chapters/75920279

Have you ever wanted to see a story about thieves stealing from museums to give cultural artifacts back to the people who created them? Well this is the fic for you. Kallus is a museum curator with all the same mindsets of a classic 19th century curator and it works so so well for his character. There’s a bit of a “liar revealed” plot, but it doesn’t work out in the way you usually expect.

Just give me the coffee shop AU already

Lothal Moonlight by Hixystyx

https://archiveofourown.org/works/34911418/chapters/86932672

Hera runs a cute little coffee shop near a local college with the ghost crew. Kallus is a frequent customer, Zeb is a barista. Somehow this fic still gives Kallus a villain to hero arc in a way that fits the setting, and includes all the classic trappings of a coffee shop AU. It reads like a warm cup of Lothal Moonlight.

I want smutty/naughty… but keep it light

If you want to see a miracle watch me get down by shades

https://archiveofourown.org/works/32324074/chapters/80126509

Zeb is a slut in the best way possible. Kallus is a bit of a prude in the “shy blushing” sort of way. They eventually sort out their feelings, but the adventure getting there involves lots of awkward mishaps as Kallus can’t seem to stop walking in on Zeb. This story is from Kallus’s POV but there’s a “sequel” that tells it from Zeb’s. I love the way the author wrote Zeb in this fic. His confidence and open mindedness really draws you in.

The Five Times Zeb Sent Kallus A Horny Comm Message by Horation_Fig

https://archiveofourown.org/works/40327698/chapters/101015967

Warning. If you can’t handle second hand embarrassment you might struggle with this fic. I did, personally, but I’m so glad I got through it. Zeb… isn’t always the most thoughtful about how he communicates over comm, and hilarious mishaps and misunderstandings ensue. Also Kallus gets an adorable pet spider.

When On Lira San by mudkipwrites

https://archiveofourown.org/works/23488654/chapters/56319586#workskin

Naked Lasat. So, so many naked Lasat. Kallus trying to hold back his own horniness out of respect while navigating these new cultural norms is both hilarious and sexy.

The Grand Gamble by MossyWrites

https://archiveofourown.org/works/38396527/chapters/95953342

The classic “fake dating” fic, except instead of “fake boyfriends” it’s more “fake alien crime boss and his expensive piece of arm candy”. Basically an excuse to shove Kallus into as many slutty garments as possible, while dressing Zeb up to the nines. This is like 10 chapters of sweet sweet delicious foreplay/UST.

I want the smut… but make it dark/feely

How Zeb's Feet Ended The Empire by Horatio_Fig

https://archiveofourown.org/works/46322632/chapters/116626492

In which Sabine is a pimp and Kallus is a simp. For all those readers who love Zeb's prehensile feet.

As a general rule. Please mind the author’s tags/notes for all of these. I’m gonna be blunt about what each of these fics involve so please, please don’t read this section if you find these sorts of things triggering.

That’s Rebel Blood You’re Bleeding Now by astudyinpanda

https://archiveofourown.org/works/31053374/chapters/76713590

So a lot of smut fics involve a bit of an unhealthy BDSM dynamic between Zeb and Kallus, where they use the kink to work through their feelings of powerlessness and guilt. I’m such a sucker for it, it’s a horrible guilty pleasure of mine. This is the quintessential fic for that category. It’s mostly from Zeb’s POV and Kallus does kind of use him as a form of self flagellation at the start. It’s a good exploration of how a sub can fuck with a dom’s head just as easily as the other way around. It does get better, with Zeb learning how to assert his own needs in the bedroom, but it’s a bumpy ride.

Someone Like You by ComeChaos

https://archiveofourown.org/works/40205724/chapters/100701363

This fic is like the exact opposite of the one above. Instead of sex to work through their dark history, that history is what gets in the way of their sexual relationship in this one. It’s very emotionally cathartic to see them working through some very dark traumas while trying not to hurt each other. And the smut is a very nice reward for each barrier broken.

Little Deaths by sempaiko

https://archiveofourown.org/works/34021849/chapters/84621952

This is another “Kallus and Zeb do BDSM for all the wrong reasons” fic, but it’s much more mutual in this one. Kallus isn’t using Zeb as some sort of perverse punishment, just to work off some steam somewhere safe after traumatizing moments. Zeb is also much more conscious of the fact that he’s taking out his frustrations with the empire on Kallus, that’s part of the appeal for both of them. The sex slowly becomes more affectionate over time as their relationship becomes something more. I will say Kallus’ internal thought process in this fic is a great demonstration of his growth as a person.

Inexorable by Anath_Tsurugi

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15858831/chapters/36941646

Sex pollen, fuck or die, and Lasat sex is deadly to humans. If you’re just looking for something debauched, this fic is really good at scratching that itch.

#kalluzeb #fic rec #queue

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