#and anakin just laughs because she definitely did the same thing for her first lost tooth

[tatooines-ghosts]

Okay I had a dumb but silly idea just now when I was considering the No Jedi Allowed AU. And it's just cute enough for me to want to share immediately.

I was just in general thinking about chaotic gremlin child Shila (because she IS a Skywalker) and also semi-reluctant-dad Jango. And I had all sorts of fun ideas.

But this one in particular.

It's been a few years now. Jango lives, obviously, they're all still on Kamino. Anakin is idk where, taking a well earned vacation or something. She's not around.

It's the middle of the night. Jango's bedroom door opens, little bare feet slap across the floor, small fingers poke him awake.

Shila: Buir Jango. My tooth fell out.

Jango, half asleep: 😑 you've been wiggling it all week, adkia. Was gonna happen eventually. Put it on the 'fresher counter. I'll take care of it in the morning. Go back to bed.

Shila: doesn't move. Her silence is suspicious.

Jango, eyes still closed: what, adika?

Shila: Buir Jango... I swallowed it.

Jango, fully awake now: YOU WHAT? 😱

Cue one trip to the medical ward at 3am to get the child who thought she could put her tooth back and wait until morning for it to fall out looked over by the (only slightly horrified) kaminoan night shift interns. In their defense, Shila had quite a bit of blood on her night shirt and dried around her mouth.

("What do you mean human youngs' teeth just FALL OUT?" "Oh, you're new here, aren't you? Yeah it happens. They grow a new set, usually." "USUALLY?")

[mcu-coworkers]

A Glimpse Of Us

Summary: Anakin can’t bring himself to let go and you can't hold on any longer.

Pairing: Anakin Skywalker x Y/n reader

Warnings: Sad story with semi sad ending:(

A/n: If you haven't heard  Glimpse of us by Joji  I   recommend it because it definitely hits hard. :’) this one is inspired by the song lyrics so  I   hope  I   did it justice. I was thinking of a Part 2 for this one but it might just stay where it is I'm not sure yet really. As always  I   hope you guys enjoy it thank you guys for reading.xx

Word count: 1,989

Masterlist

PT.2

You walked into the Jedi ball, your arm around your date, face forward hoping your fear didn't show on your face. You haven't seen each other since the break up but sooner or later you knew you'd see him.

You avoided looking around just in case he was already here. It wasn't like you both had not agreed to separate, it had been a while since and he’d managed to move on just fine.

When he spoke to you in the temple he did it with ease like he’d never loved you in the first place. Maybe it was because he was so good at keeping it a secret like you both did with the relationship or maybe he was over it a long time ago.

Lost in your thought you almost jumped back when Padme approached you. “y/n? Oh my you look wonderful!” she said excitedly. “Doesn't she Anakin?” she added looking back at her boyfriend. You instantly froze looking anywhere but him.

“You’re right. She looks gorgeous.” he said, smiling down at you. Secretly, he’d wished he was the one with his arm around you but he knew it’d all end the same.

“Well thank you both,  I   need a drink, we will talk later.” you said only looking at Padme before walking off.

Anakin's gaze followed you and your date followed you until you got lost in the crowd, only looking away by force not wanting Padme to notice.

Looking down at her he hardly felt the energy to keep a conversation with her but she was good for him. Everyone liked her, she was kind, a leader. But as much as he tried he just couldn't give it his all.

“There's the senator  I  ‘ve been meaning to talk to. Will you give me a second?” she asked not waiting for him to answer. Sighing, he walked toward the bar, he was going to need a lot of drinks to survive the night.

Calling over the bartender and asking for the strongest thing they had he took a seat and looked around the room and suddenly his eyes landed on you. He watched as you laughed at your dates joke, probably something stupid.

“He doesn't dance.” someone said, that someone turning out to be Rex, Anakin's right hand man.

“And?” he said chuggin the rest of his drink.

“She loves to dance. Remember when she’d make you dance? Never thought  I‘d see that day sir.” he said looking at his General, Rex was never told about the secret relationship but he wouldn't be one of the best if his observation skills weren't as good.

And still, he was right. Anakin smiled to himself as he remembered the day Rex spoke of.

---

It was raining and Anakin was upset he’d gotten grazed by a beam in battle and Rex had forced him to get it checked, mainly becuase he knew his general had a thing for you but also because he wanted him to get checked out too.

“Doesn't seem like anything serious  I  ‘ll just dress it, wrap and you’ll be good as new Ani.” you said turning around to grab your kit.

Trying to hide his smile with a frown Anakin stood up, “ I   dont need it, but thank you for looking at it he said getting ready to walk out.

“Ah ah ah stop right there.” you said smiling at him and coming closer, looking around making sure it was clear before wrapping your arms around his torso. “Why won't you let me heal you?” you asked sweetly.

“ I   dont need healing my love,  I only came because Rex wouldnt rest until  I  did.” He said wrapping his arms around you.

You fake gasped, “well  I   guess  I   have Rex to thank or else  I   wouldnt get to see my boyfriend at all.” you said pulling away.

Sighing Anakin lifted his hand towards the radio you had in your office and turned it on to your favorite song and he took your hands in his again. “Dance with me?” he said smiling with you.

“Anakin Skywalker, are you asking me to dance?” you said in disbelief, he’d always steered away from it at parties and balls so this was a surprise. You moved your hands to the back of his kneck and his around your hips.

As you began to sway together you leaned your foreheads together and grinned from ear to ear. “ I‘m sorry  I‘ve been absent, But  I   promise soon  I‘ll be here everyday, in this office, with something new for you to check.” he said, making you chuckle.

“And  I‘ll make sure you come back for daily check ups just to make sure you're healing alright.” you smiled meeting his lips with yours.

----

Anakin smiled at the memory you’d always cared for him even over the smallest injuries you still came running to his aid.

He missed that part, you were the  shoulder he leaned on when he found his mother, when he felt lost you were there. You’d never failed to put a smile on his face when he felt his lowest. You understood him before he even spoke, still to this day he wondered how you did it.

Suddenly he thought about what Rex had said and when he looked up at you again you were alone. Confused and looking around for your date he found him, infatuated with some lady from the bar.

Scoffing and gaining some courage he decided to approach you. “Dance with me.” he said startling you, your reaction warming his heart. He loved that he still had an affect on you.

“Um,  I   don't think that's-” he cut you off, “Your ‘date’ is talking to some random girl and you were left standing alone.” he said observing your face as you looked at your date in confusion.

Sighing, you looked away, “It’s okay,  I   was planning on leaving soon anyway.” you said setting your watered down drink on a passing tray.

Anakin stood in your way again this time taking your hand in his and pulling you to the dance floor. “Anakin,” you said not wanting Padme to see you.

Wrapping his arm around your hip and taking your hand with the other he said, “Just let me hold you.” he whispered quietly making you meet his eyes in surprise. And it was then that he finally felt alive again.

His heart was racing, mind running wild with all of his memories with you. The small smile playing on your lips as you felt the same way, finally meeting his eyes you remembered the first thing about him that caught your attention.

His eyes.

Sure they were a nice shade of ocean blue but you saw passed that, in those blue eyes you saw his past, his pain, his fear, but also his love and his wild imagination that needed to be heard and healed.

You wanted to be that person. You thought you could be that person.

“What is going on in that mind ?” Anakin said softly raising his eyebrows, “Nothing,  I   just was.” you sighed, “thinking.” you said looking down smiling earning a chuckle from Anakin as he twirled you around.

Bringing you back to him secretly he pulled you closer this time. “And when did you become so fond of dancing?” he asked smiling at his sudden love for it.

“Do you remember our first date? He asked, leaning your head on his shoulder. “Yes.” you said quietly. “We went to the fanciest restaurant  I‘d ever seen and five  minutes later we left because it was full of snotty people.” you said smiling to yourself.

“ I   thought you’d like me more if  I took you somewhere that made me look more mature.” he said, rolling his eyes, smiling at the memory. “ I   thought Rubianos was perfect, no harsh stares, people with longer life spans.” you said jokingly, making him laugh.

In the midst of his laughter you realized what was happening. You’d also realized the dance floor was beginning to clear.

“ I   should get going, thank you Anakin, this was lovely.” you said as the song ended turning around and beginning to walk away and straight for the door. Not bothering to say goodbye to anyone.

“Wait, why are you leaving?” Anakin asked to catch up to you in the hallway. “Why did you?” you asked snapping at him catching him by surprise.

“Y/n, we came to that decision together.” he got serious. “No you came to that decision and  I   accepted it because it was what you wanted.” you said finally being able to look at him and feeling freed.

“This whole time,  I   followed you because my happiness was your own. And when you left  I   was the one who felt lost.” you said admitting your truth. “Don't say that.” he said tears building up in his eyes.

“ I   was happy because of you, all of who  I was, who  I   became was because of you.” he said coming closer making you step back and putting your hand up.

“Then  I   guess that makes us both lost.” you said sighing in defeat. “You should go back to the ball Padme is probably looking for you.” you said calmly tired of having done this with him again.

“Sometimes  I   wish you’d look me in the eyes more.” he said, “its the only time  I feel something now and days.” he said quietly.

“Sometimes  I   wish  I moved on as easily as you did.” you said adjusting your purse and beginning to walk away for good this time.

“Tell me you don't feel it too, when you look into my eyes.” he said, making you stop. Turning your head you looked at him once more. “Because sometimes  I   look into your eyes and  I   see a glimpse of us,” he said, wiping the silent tears away.

“And  I   spend everyday trying to get you to look at me so  I   can feel that again.” he whispered coming closer.

“Well soon you won't have to waste your time on me anymore.” you said as a tear escaped your eyes. Anakin frowned at your comment, “ I   asked for a base transfer so we won't be crossing paths anymore. Its for the best.” you said quietly wanting this to be over so you could go home and pack.

Anakin looked away shaking his head, “ I   tell you  I   need you and you push me further away.” he says hurt by your decision. “If  I   dont leave when will you give you and Padme a real chance.” you said questioning him.

“She cares for you, shes good and she already has you.” you chuckled, “we didnt work out Anakin, and thats okay, you and  I   will be okay just not together.” you said taking his head in your hands.

“This space will be good for me to move on and for you to let Padme in.” you said, wiping his tears away.

“And if   I   don't want to? If  I   come looking for you and bring you home?” he asked in all seriousness bringing a small smile to your face as you looked at his hopeful eyes.

“Tell you what Anakin skywalker, if after a year or two you haven't fallen in love with Padme then and only then, can you come looking for me but not a moment before.” you said smiling hoping you’d eased him enough to let you go.

“Promise you’ll come home?” he asked, “ If you haven't then yes,  I   promise. But for now, Goodbye Anakin.”  you said as you reached up to kiss his cheek before walking away for good.

Then suddenly, Anakin woke out of his nightmare breathless and reaching for the other side of the bed he found it empty.

“Ten months down, two more to go.” he murmured, turning himself around and looking at the photo of the girl who made him a promise.

[giggles-and-freckles]

bed bargain for satine and obi-wan maybe?? 😍

bed bargain: [Obi-Wan] won’t stay in bed. [Satine] convinces them. (from these prompts)

Obi-Wan groans from his desk as knuckles rap against the other side of the door. It’s Anakin, no doubt, come to question him on the events of the day. There’s no confusion on exactly what Anakin will be wanting to know.

Girlfriend. A ridiculous accusation and just something to get under Obi-Wan’s skin. The trouble is Anakin’s always been far too good at that and Obi-Wan let it get to him today. 

He’s in severe need of a break. But Death Watch seems to be a larger issue than the Council had thought and he’s determined to get to the bottom of it.

The knocking continues.

He sighs deeply and pushes away from the desk. As he stands, there’s a rush of hot fuzziness that fills the space behind his eyes. But he blinks and it’s gone. Yet another side effect of the long day, apparently. To accompany the dizziness that has developed in the past hour.

The knocking is louder. More hurried.

Definitely Anakin.

“I’m coming!” he yells, making his way to the door. “Honestly, all these years and you have learned nothing of patience—“

He stops as the door slides open. 

“You would be amazed at the patience I have developed, actually.”

“Duchess,” he says stiffly.

Her lips twitch into a frown, but flatten back out into a thin line. “Hello.”

“It’s late.”

“Yet you are still awake.”

He casts a quick glance behind him, but the movement is too quick. The room spins and his hand reaches out, blindly. He finds the edge of the door and grips it.

“I’ve been busy,” he says, turning back around to find that her eyes are fixed on his hand, clinging to the door.

She looks back up. “I assumed as much. Before tomorrow, when the Republic will undoubtedly take your words and twist them until I am the villain they are apparently so desperate for,” – she ignores his scoff – “I wanted us to try and get on the same page.”

“We have never quite managed to achieve that, my dear,” he says.

Her frown deepens as she studies him. “Not for lack of trying.”

He clears his throat. “Is this something we could discuss in the morning? I still have–”

“No,” she says, and pushes past him into the room. “Now is good.”

“For you,” he grumbles, but allows the door to slide closed. He turns and follows her in the room. She sits on the sofa easily, as if this is the most normal thing. “I didn’t have the opportunity to thank you for the luxurious accommodations. Anakin hasn’t stopped talking about–”

“He’s not what I expected.”

Obi-Wan blinks. He wants to sit, but can’t bring himself to join her on the couch. So he hovers. “Pardon?”

“Your student. He idolises you, clearly. When you used to call and tell me of him–”

“That was a very long time ago,” he says quickly. 

“Yes,” she agrees quietly. Her eyes move to the floor between them. “It was.”

His visions swims and he can’t determine whether it’s exhaustion or a response to the lowness of her tone. The unopened nook of hurt and betrayal that she clearly feels, though he can’t understand why.

But then–that’s not true either. It’s just what he’s told himself for the past ten years, to avoid the habitual pain he was putting himself through for so long. Constantly comming her–and thinking about her in the meantime. Something had to give if he was to honour his commitment to the Jedi and his commitment to Anakin.

He drops to the couch next to her. “I was lost.”

“I know,” she says softly. “But you also didn’t want to be found.”

“I needed to…” he frowns, looking for the words. It’s painful revisiting this part of his life, immediately after Qui-Gon’s death, when everything was overwhelming and nothing felt right. “Needed to figure it out.”

“No,” she says, but there’s no chastisement in her voice. “Not by yourself.”

“Yes,” he insists. “I–”

“My dear Obi-Wan,” she says. Fixes him with those eyes that have seen too much of the galaxy and too much of him. There’s too much compassion that he doesn’t feel particularly deserving of. “Accepting help is not a crime.”

He shuts his eyes, but it does nothing to stop the pounding in his head or the pain in his chest. 

“Obi-Wan?” she says, her tone sharper than it was before. Then– “Obi-Wan!”

“I’m all right,” he manages, opening his eyes as the wave of nausea passes. He pulls a weak smile. “Sorry. I just–”

She fixes him with a hard stare. “You’re ill.”

“I’m not ill,” he scoffs.

She lifts her hand and rests it on his forehead. Doesn’t let him pull away. “Stubborn as always.”

Since she’s not letting him move away, he figures there’s no real harm in leaning into her a bit. “You have no experience with that.”

Satine laughs loudly and lets her hand fall to his cheek. They watch each other for a moment and Obi-Wan wonders if she sees the wayward young padawan the way he sees the headstrong young duchess. So much has changed, in the galaxy and between them, but beyond the light wrinkles (which he’d never point out, obviously) and thinner face, it’s the same eyes blinking back at him. He’s thankful for something consistent.

“Thank you,” he murmurs, “for not holding it against me.”

“You’ll have to be more specific,” she hums. Her hand falls to the place on the couch between them. She moves it so that it rests over his.

He rolls his eyes at her snark, but turns his hand over under hers. Links their fingers together. “When Qui-Gon died. You were so…” A deep sigh. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

“I didn’t do anything, my dear. You–”

“Exactly. You just listened. Let me talk, grieve, process,” he says. “I needed that. Even though I left...you never…”

She squeezes his hand. “There was never a question of you leaving. I knew it was coming–and I wasn’t angry. You had to return to the Jedi. I...I had a system to lead.”

“But even so. When I sought your help–”

“I’ll always be there for you, my dear.”

His gut twists over. “I don’t deserve that.”

“You’re right,” she says, nodding. Then, lifts their interlinked hands up and drops the lightest of kisses on the back of his palm. “You deserve so much more. More than this harsh galaxy will ever be able to repay you, I fear.”

“With Anakin. And...everything. I was overwhelmed. I was...I didn’t know what I was doing. I’m sorry. I...I didn’t mean to lose you, too.”

She smiles at him. “You didn’t.” Kisses his hand again. “And you never will.” She stands from the couch, then, pulling him up along with her. The motion jars him, and he has to grip her shoulder to stay upright. She looks him up and down with a frown. “I believe it’s time for bed for you, darling.”

He pulls away as well as he can. Grounds his feet and takes a breath. “No. I have to finish–”

“Obi-Wan,” she says firmly. “Bed.”

“I have work to do. Death Watch. They...I need to keep you safe. Need to–”

“As the ruler of this world, I order you to go to bed.”

Obi-Wan’s mouth opens, then closes. “You can’t,” – he frowns at the floor for a moment, then smiles victoriously – “I have diplomatic immunity!”

“This isn’t the Republic,” she reminds him. “And if you remember–I’m particularly stubborn.” She begins to guide him toward the bed, even as he struggles against her. “Oh, honestly, Obi-Wan. Stop being such a child.”

“Stop treating me like one!” he cries, then stops walking abruptly as the room begins to spin again. He presses the palms of his hands into his eyes and takes a shuddery breath. This bout of dizziness lasts longer than the ones before and it takes him an extra moment to gather himself.

A light hand is at his back immediately, rubbing small circles. For some reason, the motion cracks his resolve.

“I can’t sleep,” he says, scared of how broken he sounds. “When I do...it’s just nightmares. Images, memories–”

“I’ll stay,” she says, and wraps an arm around his waist.

“That’s highly inappropriate,” he says immediately in response because it’s what he’s supposed to say. And Obi-Wan Kenobi has grown very good at saying what he’s supposed to say. If the Council were to catch wind of this. A Jedi Master sharing a bed with a Duchess–

She lifts an eyebrow and his face reddens. Because he knows she’s remembering what he’s remembering. How unconcerned he was with what was appropriate once upon a time. He’s lost the padawan braid since then, though, and she’s gained a system of planets. It’s not the same.

“I’ll only stay until you fall asleep,” she says, saving him from further embarrassment. 

Obi-Wan can’t bring himself to admit his disappointment, so he just nods, and sheds his outer robe. She watches as he kicks off his boots and sets them in the corner of the room. Watches as he unties his belt and drapes it over a chair. When he finally makes his way toward the bed, she is waiting for him, standing with her arms crossed and a patient expression.

“Are you quite done?” she says, and her lips quirk up at the corners.

He doesn’t respond. Only rolls his eyes and slides beneath the sheets. She pulls back the other side in a much more graceful manner, making sure her long dress doesn’t get wrapped around her. She’s always had such a talent for making the mundane look like a dance. He tries not to stare; it’s hard.

There is at least a foot of space between them in the bed and neither makes a move to close it. 

“You didn’t use to sleep with so many clothes on,” she says after a moment of silence.

“Neither did you.”

She makes a sound of indignation, then sighs. “Touché.”

He chuckles and reaches for her hand, under the sheets. She flinches when he first grabs it and he wonders if this is too much. Physical contact within the confines of a bed. He moves to pull back, but her grip is vice-like. She doesn’t turn her head to look at him, but he’s glad. He’s still having a hard time not staring.

“Thank you,” he says finally. 

…

When the sunlight filters through the curtains he never drew closed and wakes him up the next morning, she’s still there.

[queenofspades6]

More than Partners-The Mandalorian x reader

My Way

Chapter 11 of More Than Partners

Summary: You and the Mandalorian are looking for Ahsoka Tano and your past is catching up with you. How could you think for one second you could escape the time where you were friends with Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano. But there’s one thing you can’t escape, it’s your love for Din Djarin

Warnings: Ahsoka Tano all the way!! Protective Mando!! Spoilers of Season 2 Episode 5 of the Mandalorian. A lot of references to Clone Wars and all movies! Tell me if you caught them!

A/N: Hey everyone!! I am back with this new chapter! that was so fun to write! I am sorry for the wait, it’s been a very tough week for me! Chapter 5 is definitely my favorite! It inspired me a lot! This chapter is probably the longest I have ever wrote so I hope you’ll all love it! Don’t forget to like, reblog, share and comment if you liked it!! Chapter 12 is already Written and ready to be publish! If you all want publish it on Sunday!

I WILL POST A NEW CHAPTER EVERY MONDAY

———

<Chapter 10 — Chapter 12>

———

“Mando, I don’t know if it’s a good idea.”

“Why? We really need to find a Jedi to train the Child, and I know you are one, but that you can’t train him. I accept your decision, Y/N.”The Mandalorian said, grabbing weapons from the Razor Crest while you are taking the Child in your arms.

“I don’t know if I can meet her again.”You murmured talking to yourself.

“We need to find Ahsoka Tano, Y/N. What are you so scared of?”

You stayed silent. You couldn’t face your old friend. Not after what happened between you and Din.

“Nothing to reply?”Mando asked, his helmet tilted towards you.

“Come on. We’re going to find Ahsoka.''You sighed avoiding the Mandalorian’s gaze.

You told him one night how it was forbidden for the Jedi to love or to have strong attachments towards someone. He knew that, but Mando wasn’t aware of your past. How brilliant you were as a Jedi, how happy you were to be friends with Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano. The bounty hunter knew your old Master was the same species as the Child, but nothing more. It wasn’t lying if you didn’t say anything, right?

“This way, Y/N.”The Mandalorian declared, leading you towards the exit of the ship with a gloved hand behind your back.

Maybe if you weren’t so frightened to see Ahsoka again, you would hug Mando or even would hold his hand, but now you were angry with him because he couldn’t understand. He was a Mandalorian. And you were a Jedi. He couldn’t understand what you sacrificed for him. He couldn’t and that made you irritated and resentful. Anger wasn’t the Jedi way, after all.

You walked behind Mando, letting your thoughts wander all along the way to the immense wall of this grim planet. You didn’t know who you were anymore. Once you were a jedi, but now, after falling madly in love with a Mandalorian, you couldn't be a Jedi. Not anymore. It was as if you had broken your vow to Master Yoda, and you couldn’t bear the guilt.

Sometimes, Mando looked behind him to glance at you and see if you were alright. Though, you were too vexed and scared to notice him caring for you.

Once you arrived in front of the huge wall, you stopped at Mando’s height and stared at the guards murmuring something. The captain advanced and peered strangely at you and then the bounty hunter.

“State your business.”The captain claimed, two dominating hands on the wall.

“Been tracking for a few days. We’re looking for a layover.”Mando replied, a protective hand on the Child.

“Nice armor. You a hunter, then.”

With an air of contempt, the captain glared at you. He didn’t know who you were and immediately, didn’t trust you.

Mando kept talking with the captain while you inspected the wall and counted the guards. The Force was strong on this planet, and you knew why, or rather who was here.

The gate of the wall opened, the bounty hunter walked towards the entrance, while you stayed still, unable to move.

“Y/N? Come on. The gate’s open.”

You nodded without even looking at Mando. He noticed you avoiding his gaze, and behind his helmet, he grimaced. He cared about you. He had broken his Creed for you, had removed his helmet in front of you, even if you couldn't decipher his traits in the dark. And now, you were angry at him for a reason he was unaware of. Although he was a Mandalorian, he was affected by your reaction and he began to ask himself: “Does she want to go far away from me?” He learnt to love you, and now, he didn’t know if he could live without you.

The bounty hunter tried to talk to some villagers, but they were too scared to speak.

“The Magistrate wants to see you.”

You and Mando turned around. Guards were here to “escort” you to see this so-called Magistrate. They guarded you to an inner courtyard, and a guard grabbed your arm to make you walk faster.

“Hey! You. Stop that.”The Mandalorian shouted at the guard with your arm firmly in his hands.

The Guard didn’t stop.

“I told you to let go of her.”He said with a threatening tone.”Or. Or you don’t want to know what’ll happen.”

The Guard stared at you, and then let go of your arm, too frightened to fight a Mandalorian.

As the walls close behind both of you, you noticed a woman. Standing still in front of the water, she doesn’t try to welcome you.

“Come forward.”

Mando at your side, you took some small steps towards the Magistrate.

“You are a Mandalorian?”She questioned the bounty hunter.

“Yes.”

“And who is she?”

Even if you wanted to talk, you didn’t say a word. Something was wrong with this woman and the Force was warning you.

“She is-”You clapped his hand to warn you, and just before removing it, you caressed his fingers softly. You swore you would feel him quiver under your touch.

“She is… She is a friend.”

The woman ignored his comment and claimed:

“I have a proposition that may interest you.”

“My price is high.”

You felt yourself trembling. You knew what the woman was going to say, but how could Mando accept? The Mandalorian sensed your discomfort, and he tried to hold your hand discreetly, his fingers slowly caressing your thumb.

“This target is priceless. A Jedi plagues me. I want you to kill her.”The magistrate stated blandly.

You startled, terrified of what the man you loved was going to reply. He felt it and held your hand, even if you tried to push him back.

“That’s a difficult task.”

“One that you are well-suited for. The Jedi are the ancient enemy of Mandalore.”She announced, staring at you directly in the eyes.

She knew who you were.

“As I said, my price is high.”Mando replied, squeezing your hand in reassurance.

The Magistrate gives him the spear, and he let go of your hand.

“Kill the Jedi and it’s yours.”The woman smiled mischievously at you.

*****

“Mando. You’re really thinking of killing Ahsoka?”You questioned, facing him in the woods while the Child looked at you, his head tilted in wonder.

“What do you think, Y/N?”He asked, annoyed by your question, and kept on walking.

You sighed.

“You know I am gonna fight you if you’re really willing to kill her.”

The Mandalorian stopped in his tracks, stared at you and took some steps towards you.

“Do you really think I am here to kill her?”He murmured, placing one of your locks of hair behind your ear.

“I-”

He caressed your face with his gloved hand, and then your lips. You closed your eyes, savouring the small moment of fragile peace.

“You know, Y/N, if I could, I’d kiss you right now.”He muttered, tracing the verge of your lips.

You nodded and avoided his gaze.

“Alright. Come on, Ahsoka is waiting.”You murmured, rushing through the branches.

“Wait! Y/N.”The bounty hunter shouted.

“What, Mando?”You stopped and looked at him, clearly annoyed.

“I am here for you, you know?”

Even if Din still had his helmet on, you could hear the quiver in his voice.

“I know. Vor entye (thank you), Din.”

“Since when do you know some words of Mando’a?”He laughed, seeming quite pleased by your interest about his legacy.

“Since I am trying to learn your strange language.”

Behind his heavy helmet, he smiled for the first time today. His Y/N was back.

After walking for probably hours, you and Mando both heard rustling. He put the Child on a rock and told him to stay there.  

“False alarm.”The Mandalorian shouted.

Ahsoka descended from above, yelling and initiating her lightsabers. Mando blocked her shots with his gauntlets, and you screamed trying to attract the Jedi’s attention.

Taking a deep breath, you initiated your own lightsaber and placed yourself in front of Mando.

Wide-eyed, Ahsoka Tano retracted her lightsabers.

The Mandalorian passed in front of you, slowly caressing your elbow and you were certain Ahsoka had noticed.

“Ahsoka Tano!”The bounty hunter panted, a hand towards the Jedi.”Bo-Katan sent me. We need to talk.”

“Indeed. We do need to talk.”She looked straight as you while saying that, and you felt your knees weaken.

“I hope it’s about him.”The Jedi declared, gesturing to the Child cooing, the same species as Master Yoda.

*****

Ahsoka was communicating with the Child through the Force while you and Mando were pacing together waiting for them to finish.

“Who is she to you?”The Mandalorian asked, his helmet tilted in wonder.

“She is… We were friends. We fought together with someone else…”

You tried to stay evasive, but how could you talk about that part of the past without feeling guilt and shame. Your best friend, Anakin Skywalker, had became Darth Vader, and you couldn't help but feel like you had some responsibility in all of this. Ahsoka would discover how much you loved Din, and you were frightened of her reaction. She had lost a friend because of attachments, she would probably think history would repeat itself with you.

“Y/N. Don’t lie to me. Once you asked me to be honest about what I felt, I did, now it’s your turn.”He claimed, and you swore you heard an ounce of sadness in his voice.

“I am not lying, Mando. it’s complicated…”

You paced again, avoiding his look when you saw Ahsoka finally standing up with the Child in hands. Remaining silent, she put the Child on a rock and sat nearby.

“Is he speaking?”The Mandalorian asked, curious to know if the Child had been somehow trying to communicate with him all along.

“In a way.”Ahsoka smiled.

“Do you understand him?”

You glanced at the bounty hunter. He loved you, a Jedi, and yet he ignored so many things about the Jedi and how they killed for a so-called peace. Is it moral to kill for a good cause?

“In a way. Grogu and I can feel each other’s thoughts.”

“Grogu?”You and Mando exclaimed with wide eyes.

The Child glanced at the Mandalorian and then at you.

“That’s his name.”Ahsoka stated, a shy smile on her lips.

“How is it even possible? Why couldn’t I communicate with the Child? Why can you? I am-”You tried to articulate but your voice broke down.

Mando rushed to your side and put a gentle hand on your shoulder.

“It’s alright, Y/N.”He murmured to your ear.

“Why, Ahsoka? Why?”

“It’s simple, Y/N. You closed yourself to the Force.”

“No! That’s not true. That’s-.”You stammered.

She was right. When you arrived on this planet, you felt the Force, but it wasn’t as powerful as before. You were so angry, so fearful that your feelings had closed your way to the Force.

A tear ran all along your cheek.

You promised yourself to always be true to yourself and the Force, and yet, you had been your own enemy? Your feelings had betrayed you. You didn’t even know if you were a Jedi anymore, and now, you lost the Force. It was too much for you, too much for a single person.

Another tear fell on your cheek.

The Mandalorian approached you and with his gloved hand wiped away the tears.

“I can’t! I can’t. I am sorry!”You shouted and rushed towards the woods.

“Y/N!”Mando shouted.

“She needs time to think.”

“I need to go after her.”He claimed, glancing at the Child babbling.

“Don’t.”The Jedi said, holding the Mandalorian’s arm.”She needs time. Alone.”

Mando didn’t know what to do, he hesitated a moment between running after you, or letting you time alone.

“I am going to tell you what I learnt about Grogu.”Ahsoka muttered, taking a seat on a rock, and gesturing to the Mandalorian to do the same. He hesitated, gazing at the way you had run, and sat down.

*****

“I am going to look for Y/N.”Ahsoka announced.

“I am going with you.”The bounty hunter said, taking Grogu in his arms.

“No. You are not. I need to talk to her, Alone.”

Mando nodded unwilingly.

“If you hurt her, I’ll kill you. Jedi or not.”He threatened, clenching his fists firmly.

She acquiesced and began to look for you in the woods.

“Y/N. I know you’re here. I am alone.”

“I am here.”You murmured between tears and sobbing.

“Y/N.”

Ahsoka looked at you, sitting on a branch. She sat in front of you with a compassionate smile.

“It’s been a long time, Y/N, since our paths haven’t crossed.”

“Indeed, it feels like a lifetime.”You replied, not daring to cross her gaze.

“I am glad we met again.”She said shyly.

You acquiesced, still being hesitant.

“Did you miss him sometimes?”The Jedi questioned, raising her eyebrows.

“Every day.”

“I knew you and Anakin were close friends. I am sorry Y/N. It must have been hard to be left alone.”

“It was, but it’s in the past, now.”You tried to end the conversation.

“You succumbed to the temptation, Y/N. You and the Mandalorian, huh?”

You felt your cheeks flushing under the scrutinizing gaze of Ahsoka, your old friend.

“Then, I suppose you are not a Jedi anymore?”

This comment hurt you and anger rushed through your body. It was hard to pretend you had nothing to do with the Jedi anymore.

“I am not. But if I suppose well, you are not either. The Jedi Order is dead.”You pronounced, your words like daggers.

Ahsoka looked down, a bit ashamed and still relieved.

“You are right. I am no Jedi. Not after what happened years ago at the Jedi Temple with Barris.”

“I am sorry, Ahsoka.”You breathed.”I didn’t mean to upset you. I am anxious and angry, and I don’t know what’s happening to me these past days. I am sorry.”

“You love him, don’t you? The Mandalorian?”

You couldn’t lie anymore. Not about your true nature. And your heart.

“In fact, I do.”

Ahsoka smiled. It wasn’t what you were expecting.

“The way he acts around you, how protective he is of you, a Jedi, even with what happens between Mandalore and the Jedi. He cares about you, and you care about him. Like Anakin cared about Padme.”

“I don't know what to do, Ahsoka. I am lost. Mando was the only one there for me. He saved me. There is a bounty on my head too. I can’t act like nothing happened.”

“Do you see yourself with him every day? What do you prefer, him or the Force?”She questioned, her eyebrows raised in wonder.

“Why do I need to choose? Why can’t I have both?”You asked your force-sensitive friend.

“Because it isn’t the Jedi Way.”

“Then I’ll make my own Way.”

———

Tell me if you liked it by leaving a comment and liking the post! thank you! Tell me if you want to be tagged!

———

⬇️Part 12⬇️

Taglist:

@lol-who-am-i @kiaralein @kryttlebee @jedi-dreea @katialvi @hoodedbirdie @heaven77 @eyeliveinabook @horsesandwolvesaremyanimals @mitamixer @fleurdemiel145 @pinkninja190 @esoltis280 @over300books

[kanerallels]

happy one-eleven!! four words: kanera, lost a bet.

Oh, heck yes!! Here it is, I hope you like it!!!

Pairing: Kanan Jarrus/Hera Syndulla

Word Count: 3,269

Tags/Warning: rated G (for a grotesque amount of Kanera jk there's no such thing)

This was why Hera didn’t typically get involved in bets. They rarely ended well, and she’d seen some bets her friends made go in some very crazy directions.

But this one had seemed relatively safe-- her friend, Ahsoka, had been racing against her brother Anakin to see who could drink the most shots of chocolate milk in sixty seconds. Hera had bet on Ahsoka, because she usually won this kind of thing.

However, halfway through, Anakin had started stealing the shot glasses Ahsoka had been about to drink out of, which resulted in Ahsoka throwing other shot glasses at Anakin, which resulted in him drenched in chocolate milk but victorious all the same.

And now Hera owed Omega, her best friend and roommate, a dare of some kind, and she was getting an increasingly bad feeling about what it would be.

“So what does this have to do with our bet?” she asked as Omega led her towards a nearby building. Even from a distance, Hera could tell it was some kind of bar. That, combined with the fact that Omega had convinced her to get dressed up in a dark blue dress (which she almost never wore). She had refused to wear high heels, however, or let down her hair, which she almost always wore woven into two braids. That was a bridge too far for her.

“You’ll see,” Omega said, her voice way too innocent for comfort. Hera flashed an inquisitive look at their other three companions, Ahsoka, and Merrin. Ahsoka gave a shrug.

“Search me. I’m just here to see the fruits of my loss.”

Hera let out a sigh as she followed Omega and the others into the bar. This is definitely not going to end well.

The bar was dimly lit, but fairly generic-looking, with tables scattered across the room and the bar to Hera’s right. The room was about half full, and there were four people working the bar.

One was an older man who was almost bald, with a neatly trimmed white beard, who was taking a customer’s order. A young woman a little older than Hera, with short dark hair, heavy eyeliner, and tan skin was wiping down the bar, ignoring the two men bickering at the end of the bar.

Hera’s gaze paused on the two men for a moment. One had short dark hair, combed neatly, and a seriously annoyed expression. The other man, on the other hand, had longer brown hair, his skin a light brown, and wore an easy smirk.

His eyes flicked up from his work and locked on her, and Hera realized she’d been staring, Feeling a flush working it’s way across her cheeks, she looked away as the older man finished with his order and caught sight of them. “Ah, Omega!” he said, his smile kind. “A pleasure to see you as always. How are your brothers?”

“Still unaware of the fact I came here on a date, thanks to you,” Omega said, giving him a grin. “By the way, these are my friends-- Ahsoka and Hera.”

“Lovely to meet you, madams,” Okadiah said, giving them a bow. “We’ll have someone to serve you in a moment-- is there anything any of us can get you for the time being?”

“I think we’ll be fine,” Hera said.

Okadiah nodded just as there was a crash on the far end of the bar, where the two men had been. Hera looked to see the short haired man doubled over with laughter as the one she’d caught herself staring at got to his feet, rubbing his head and directing a glare at his friend.

“You alright, Kanan?” Okadiah asked, a look of mild interest on his face.

Waving a hand, the man said, “Fine-- it’s not that funny, Dark!”

Dark didn’t seem to agree, judging by how hard he was laughing, but Omega was already looping her arm around Hera’s and leading her and the others over to a table before Hera could see what happened next.

They settled at a table, and the female bartender, who turned out to be named Trilla, came over and took their orders. No sooner had she returned to the bar than Omega turned to Hera.

“Good news-- I know what I’m daring you to do.”

“Reassuring,” Hera said, letting out a sigh. “Okay, let’s get it over with. What do you want me to do?”

“You know that bartender you were staring at? The one with the ponytail?”

“Wha-- I wasn’t staring at anyone.”

Merrin shook her head. “No, Omega’s right. You were staring.”

“Unhelpful,” Hera muttered, her face heating up again.

“Regardless,” Omega said, waving a hand airily. “I’m daring you to get his number.”

Hera’s jaw dropped. “WHAT?”

Ahsoka’s eyes widened. “Oh, this is SO worth losing to Skyguy for. You want Hera to ask out the bartender she thinks is hot?”

“I don’t!”

“You do,” Omega said.

Merrin let out a thoughtful noise. “He’s okay. I like Cal better.”

“Cal is literally your boyfriend, it would be weird if you didn’t,” Ahsoka pointed out. “Hera, you absolutely HAVE to do this. I’ve literally never seen you show interest in a guy before, and I’ve known you for three years now.”

“I agree,” Merrin said, nodding.

Hera let out a groan. “I-- you’re not letting me get out of this, are you?”

“Sorry,” Omega said, patting her on the arm. “But you owe me. These are just the cards you’ve been dealt.”

Sighing, Hera muttered, “You sound like one of your brothers.”

“Not a bad thing.”

“That’s a matter of opinion.”

Clearing her throat, Ahsoka said, “Not to be the Skyguy, but stop stalling and get moving.”

“Fine.” Reluctantly, Hera got to her feet and headed over to the bar, determinedly trying not to think about the three other women watching her, or what she was about to do.

When she arrived at the bar, she realized that the other bartenders were gone, leaving only the guy with the ponytail-- Kanan?-- there. I’m not sure if this is better or worse. “Hi,” she said.

His gaze flicked to her, and his eyes widened a little at the sight of her. For a moment, he looked incapable of speech, and Hera frowned. “You okay?”

A very slight smile tugged at the corner of the man’s mouth. “Words fail me.”

This was… definitely not what Hera had been expecting. Before she could respond, the man said, “I’m Kanan.”

“I heard. Hera.” Hera offered her hand, and Kanan clasped it. His grip was firm, and something about the feeling of his skin against hers… Hera tried very hard not to turn red again.

“Nice to meet you, Hera,” he said with a smile. Releasing her hand, he leaned against the bar, propping his elbows on the surface as he faced her. “So. Be honest-- your friends dared you to come over here, did they?”

“What-- how--?” Hera stared at him, stunned.

Kanan shrugged lightly. “I have mad skills. Plus, I spotted Omega pointing over at us, and there were a lot of covert looks in our direction. Also, I recall her saying last time she was here that she had a friend she wanted to, uh, introduce me to.”

“You’re kidding,” Hera said, and Kanan shook his head. “Ugh, that is so typical-- how long has she been planning this?”

“Aren’t all of her brothers either currently or previously military?” Kanan pointed out. “Cause that’s definitely a yes.”

Letting out a long sigh, Hera muttered, “I can’t believe this.” Glancing at Kanan, she said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to involve you in all this.”

“I’ve been involved in way worse,” Kanan said breezily. “Give me the details. I’m invested at this point.”

Grimacing, Hera said, “Long story short, I lost a bet with Omega, and she gets to dare me to do whatever she wants. And in this case, that’s… getting your number.”

“High stakes,” Kanan said with a totally straight face, and Hera rolled her eyes at him.

“Don’t mock me, alright? I don’t usually do this kind of thing.”

“It makes sense,” Kanan said, holding up his hands. “I mean, I doubt you usually need to, all things considered.”

Hera’s eyebrows shot up. “What exactly does that mean?”

She saw Kanan pause and look briefly embarrassed. “Oh. Well, I mean, you’re pretty… wow. I assume you have to fight off guys with a stick.”

A wave of heat swept over Hera, and she glanced down, feeling an absurd smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Pretty wow, huh?”

“Now who’s mocking?” Kanan grumbled, a grin crossing his face nonetheless. “I’m usually a lot smoother than this, you know.”

Rolling her eyes, Hera said, “Oh, I’m sure. But-- no, actually. I don’t date a lot. From what I’ve heard, my strong personality and ability to actually do things for myself tends to scare some men off.”

“Only idiots,” Kanan said, shooting her a grin that shouldn’t have made Hera’s heart skip a beat. But here they were, and she couldn’t help but notice how little space was between them. He was close enough that she could clearly see the bright teal of his eyes as they caught hers for a long moment.

“I’ve got an idea,” he told her, and moved back and away from her. Hera felt a moment of unreasonable disappointment, and hastily brushed it away. Don’t be stupid, Hera. Turning her attention back to Kanan, she saw him grab a pen and a paper coaster and scribble something on the back of it. “Here’s my number-- but I propose a bet.”

“I’ve already been tricked into one bet,” Hera pointed out, folding her arms. “Why on earth would I agree to this one?”

“Because I’ll give you my number either way,” Kanan said, sliding her the coaster. “Rules are simple. We stay here and talk for as long as possible. Whoever’s friends get curious and come to nose into our business first, wins. If you win, you obviously get my number, and I’ll pay for your whole group’s drinks and meals.”

“And if you win?” Hera asked, intrigued despite herself.

“I get to take you out to dinner,” Kanan said, a satisfied grin stretching across his face. “Somewhere a lot nicer than here, I promise you. Deal?”

Hera hesitated. Last time she'd gotten involved in a bet, it had gone badly. Getting involved in another one seemed really stupid.

But as her father liked to say, no risk, no reward. Besides, the worst that could happen would be her ending up on a date with Kanan. And would that be the worst thing in the world?

Brushing off the thought, Hera gave Kanan a nod. “Deal.”

“Excellent,” Kanan said. “Okay, in order to do this-- you might have to tell me about yourself.”

“Very funny,” Hera said, lifting an eyebrow at her. “But you've got a point. Where do you want to start?”

Kanan frowned, knitting his eyebrows thoughtfully. “Let's see. Favorite color?”

“I like blue,,” Hera said.

Nodding, Kanan said, “I can see why. It’s a good color for you.”

“Are you going to spend this whole time flirting?” Hera asked, narrowing her arms at him.

“Maybe,” Kanan said, a grin pulling at the corner of his lips-- and why was Hera looking at his lips?

Hastily redirecting her attention, she said, “How about you?”

“Green. Which reminds me, I like your hair.” He gestured to her braids, his fingers brushing one of them. “What made you decide to dye them?”

Flicking one of her deep green braids over her shoulder, Hera said, “It’s… for my mom. I lost her when I was thirteen, and she actually did something very similar with her hair. After a while, it just kind of stuck. My brother did the same thing-- it’s kind of our thing at this point.”

“I’m sorry about your mom.” Kanan’s deep voice was unusually serious, and Hera glanced up to meet his eyes again. They held a sort of raw conviction, a sadness that almost made Hera think he knew what she was feeling. He gently touched her hand, but pulled back again a few seconds later, giving her space.

“Thanks,” she said, her voice irritatingly shaky. Clearing her throat, she said, “Um, let’s see. What else?”

“I’ve got a good one-- what’s your dream job?” Kanan asked.

“Well, I’m going to school to be a mechanic,” Hera replied. “But ever since I was a little girl, I’ve liked the idea of being a pilot.”

“Like for a commercial airline or something?”

Shaking her head adamantely, Hera said, “Definitely not. No, just… being able to fly. It appeals to me, the idea of being up there. Anyway, I’m working on getting my pilot’s license. If I’ll be able to do anything with it is another story entirely.”

“I get the feeling you’ll figure something out,” Kanan said with stunning certainty. “You’ve got this general air of confidence, like you can handle anything. I admire it.”

“Hmm. I appreciate the support. Well, how about you? Dream job?”

“I’ve never really had one,” Kanan said, grimacing. “Let’s just say that my future hasn’t ever been something that’s been set in stone. I don’t really have your confidence, shall we say.”

“I haven’t always been confident,” Hera said, making a face. “I guess you’ve just got to find what you’re passionate about and figure out how to make a living off of it.”

“I don’t know how well that’ll go in my case,” Kanan said wryly. “But it’s not a bad idea. Next question?”

Accepting the change in subject, Hera said, “Well, I don’t even know your last name. Shall we start there?”

“Easily fixed-- Jarrus,” Kanan said, his smile returning. “You?”

“Syndulla.”

Hera regretted answering the minute Kanan’s eyebrows shot up. “Syndulla? As in the prosecutor?”

Letting out a sigh, Hera said, “Yep. Consider that another nail in my social life coffin.”

“Well, you do have a couple friends over there,” Kanan pointed out.

“Yeah, well, most people I meet are pretty convinced that I’m as rich and stuck up as they’re convinced my dad is. Omega and I grew up together, and she’d introduced me to Merrin. Ahsoka is… technically in the police academy, so she wasn’t very intimidated by my dad.” Hera rubbed a hand over her forehead. “And my dating life is… frustrating. I’m a little particular as it is, though--” she stopped abruptly, grimacing. “I’m sorry. I’m not trying to dump all of this on you at all, it’s just--”

“It sounds to me like you need to talk about it,” Kanan said, his voice matter of fact. “And I’m happy to listen. I’ve been the object of many a drunken ramble-- and trust me, I’d rather listen to you.”

A smile tugged at the corner of Hera’s mouth. “Thanks. I think.”

“No problem. And for the record, the right people will stay friends with you regardless of who your family is,” Kanan told her. “I’ve been in a pretty similar situation, so I know what I’m talking about.”

Frowning, Hera said, “How so?”

Kanan hesitated, his expression clearly torn. “Uh. Do you know Mace Windu?”

“The deputy commissioner of the police department?” Hera said incredulously. “Yeah, my father has dinner with him and his daughter sometimes-- wait.” She stopped and squinted at Kanan. “Are you--?”

“His grandson,” Kanan said, offering what could be either a smile or a grimace. “Surprise. I don’t really talk about it a lot, but--” he shrugged. “We’ve all got family that’s not super easy to deal with.”

“Hmm.” Hera nodded thoughtfully. “Who would have thought our families would actually be so… entwined, I guess?”

A real smile started on Kanan’s face. “One could even call it fate.”

“Very smooth,” Hera said, and he laughed.

“Oh, just let me have this one.”

“You’ll have to do better than that,” Hera told him.

Leaning forward, Kanan locked eyes with her, their faces inches apart. Hera felt her breath catch as he said quietly, “Challenge accepted.”

Before Hera could respond, she heard a voice from behind them. “Hey, Hera?”

Kanan pulled back smoothly as Hera turned to see Ahsoka, whose expression was calm and blank, with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. “Are you busy? I can come back later--”

“You’re fine,” Kanan cut in lightly. “Although, Miss Syndulla, I believe this belongs to you.”

Hera glanced back at him to see him holding out the coaster with his number scribbled on it-- and she remembered the bet. Right. And I won. So why didn’t she feel excited?

“I’ll see you back at the table, Hera,” Ahsoka said quietly, turning and heading back to where their friends were waiting.

Taking the coaster from Kanan, Hera said, “Thank you. For-- all of this, really.”

“Not a problem,” Kanan said, but Hera could read the slight disappointment in his eyes. And she was startled to realize she felt the same way. It wasn’t every day she met a guy she might be interested in, let alone one who wasn’t intimidated by her and her father. “Consider your tab covered.”

“Actually,” Hera said as he started to move away, “I’ve changed my mind.”

Surprise flashed across Kanan’s face. “Uh, what?”

“For my end of the bet. I’m changing the deal.”

“Okay,” Kanan said, folding his arms as a slow smile started to grow across his face. “What exactly did you have in mind? Obviously I won’t accept just anything, since you’re changing the deal after the bet is over.”

“Coffee,” Hera said calmly. “Tomorrow morning, you and me. I’m buying. There’s a place two blocks south of here that sells the best bear claws. It’s called, unfortunately, Bake It Til You Make It.”

“That’s… kind of the best name I’ve ever heard,” Kanan said.

“The guy who owns it thinks he’s hilarious. But he’s a good baker.” Holding Kanan’s gaze, Hera lifted an eyebrow. “What do you say?”

“Yes,” Kanan said, giving her a crooked grin. “I’d love to.”

“Good.” Hera sent him a smile that she knew was different from her usual one. But there was something about this guy that was different. Maybe it was his easy humor or the seriousness and respect that was just underneath, or maybe even the fact that he was seriously good looking.

It could also be the way he was looking at her right now-- soft and kind, with a hint of curiosity in his eyes. It took Hera a moment to regain her ability to speak. “What?”

“Why’d you change your mind about the bet?”

Hera pursed her lips thoughtfully. “I guess I don’t want to miss out on what could turn out to be something… good. If you know what I mean.”

“I definitely do,” Kanan said, his deep voice holding something that sent a shiver up Hera’s spine. “See you at eight-thirty, in that case?”

“I’ll meet you there,” Hera said. Shooting him a grin, she added, “And don’t be late.”

“Well, you have my number if I am.”

“Very true,” Hera agreed. She held his gaze for another second, feeling her heart speed up as he looked back. Then she got to her feet and headed over to the table where her friends were waiting, grinning like a pack of hyenas.

But. She had a really good feeling about tomorrow all of a sudden. And a fluttery feeling in her stomach that hadn’t been there in a long time. Maybe it was a good thing I lost that bet after all, Hera mused.

[space-girl-and-droids-art]

Dark Disciple- Book Review

(Nobody asked for this review, but here it is. This is spoiler free but it does contain spoilers for Episode III and some key events from the clone wars. I’m not a book expert and I don’t even know how to speak in English to begin with, so excuse my poor grammar.)

“Dark Disciple” is a canon novel written by Christie Golden based on unproduced episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars that focused on Jedi Master Quinlan Vos having to team up with former sith apprentice Asajj Ventress to take down Count Dooku. I think someone who has not seen the Clone Wars could enjoy this book, but if you have watched the series this book will definitely impact you more.

I was not ready to read this book. I thought I was, but I was wrong. It’s a good read, but it will break your soul into tiny pieces from beginning to end. It’s beautifully written and it did make me laugh and cry multiple times. Before I started it, I already knew what was going to happen because I spoiled myself on accident, and even with that I still got hurt from reading it.

I will not make spoilers of the book whatsoever here, but I will mention spoilers for the Episode III. We know from the start that they are going to fail the mission because we already know that Dooku is killed by Anakin Skywalker in Revenge of the Sith. We know that something is going to happen, we just don’t know how. And it’s the “how” the thing that keeps you glued to the pages and interested in what’s happening.

If you are a Clone Wars fan, you are going to love this book and it’s a must read for you. It’s a really important story to understand how the Jedi Council was doomed to fail, the culture of the night sisters, how the dark side works, and the mistakes everyone made in this war. It’s also a love story as well in more than one way.

This novel does wonders showing how Asajj Ventress has evolved during the series. It’s a completely different person from what we first saw in Jedi Lost or in the movie of the clone wars. She has evolved past his masters and I truly believe she is the best force user character out there. Not because she is perfect, because she is definitely not, but because of her growth. I love her deeply.

Same for Vos. We don’t get to see much about him in current canon, being his only canonical appearance in one episode of the clone wars and as a background character in Phantom Menace, so this book does all of his development and characterization. And it’s good.

They both felt really real, so real they were really complicated beings the whole time. You can see how they both had issues and how those issues affected the way they reacted or interacted to the things happening around them. Their story parallels Anakin and Padmé at times, and the book acknowledges it, but with more depth and complications. It’s beautiful.

I also loved the relationship they both had with Obi-Wan Kenobi, who also appears in this book quite a lot. You can tell they appreciate each other as friends and that he cares about both of them as well.

Even when I knew what was going to happen, the plot continued to surprise me and got me hooked from start to finish. I never really knew what was going to happen next until I finished it. It never felt slow, or out of place. The pace was also really good.

My favourite part of the book is the inner conflict of what it means to be a jedi in a galaxy where not everything is black and white. The struggle of wondering how far you’ll go to do that, or where do you draw the line of what’s right and what’s wrong.

As I said earlier, this book made me laugh and cry (the laughing part mostly because of Anakin, he has such disaster energy I love him) and it was a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. The whole book has this bittersweet feeling because you already know they are going to fail, but it makes you appreciate the little details even more.

I didn’t like the ending. From a writer’s point of view, I did like it, and it goes perfect with the story being the most accurate ending. But, as a fan of the shows, I felt something broke inside of me when I finished reading it. It’s a good ending for the story.

I know we will probably never see this arc animated, because the clone wars ended and there’s no way you could fit this arc into something like the Bad Batch, but I would’ve loved to see this in the series. I still like this story in book format because you get to see exactly what goes inside the characters mind and it gives another layer of depth and information.

Overall, this is one of the best Star Wars books so far. I would recommend this book to clone wars fans, Ventress stans, people interested in jedi culture, people who like battles, Anidala shippers, Kenobi simps, people that really enjoy the night sisters, people that really like bounty hunters, hopeless romantics, and everyone else. I just loved it so much. I’m probably going to re- read it.

I wouldn’t recommend reading this book before watching the clone wars. You can totally read it without watching it, yes, but I wouldn’t do that since these episodes line up with the series and are a part of that story.

This book does contain scenes where they describe violence and blood, so if you are triggered by that you should know that before reading it. Some pages may disturb you. If you want to read it anyways, you can send me a message and I will tell you which pages to avoid. If you don’t want to read it, it’s fine. I have reviewed other Star Wars books in my blog if you want to check another one out.

It’s a pretty important read to tie some stuff the series left unsolved.

I hope you find this review useful and give this book a chance if you are interested.

[cluelessgurl]

Hey guys, this is like my first fic ever so I hope you like it. I’d love any feedback as it always helps. Enjoy :)

This was requested by the lovely @jedicatt

You and Him

Pairing- Anakin Skywalker X Female Reader

Summary- You are the outspoken representative of Alderaan and the sister of Bail Organa. When you are under threat, you are put under Jedi protection by no other than Anakin.

Warnings- None :)

Words- 2.7K

The luscious green, peaceful world of Alderaan had been your home since birth. Growing up under the success of your brother Bail meant you always wanted to follow his footsteps, and as you grew older your passion for politics was apparent. You were well-spoken but people would always describe you as fiery, you knew you had to stand up for what you believed in and sometimes that got you in trouble. Like the time, when you as a representative of Alderaan beside your brother Bail spoke out against malicious ways of the Trade federation quite blatantly, so much so, your brother swore he heard hundreds of gasps echoing through the senate. This was definitely one of the times you caused yourself trouble, but this time you swore you'd never take it back because this time, you met him.

‘I don't understand why there's any need for this!’ you gasped out you as scurried to catch up to Bail who was currently huffing down the corridors of the senate, ‘Of course you don't, you never understand when I tell you anything, like when I told you to not associate politics and your rather explicit personal view of the Trade federation together yet here we are’ he exclaimed. Smiling up at him ‘Uh yes, however, they deserved everything I suggested about them and you know it Bail and so do hundreds of other delegates. But Jedi protection? That's highly unnecessary and hyperbolic’, he looked down at you sternly but you could see the amusement in his eyes ‘ Well your suggestions have now got us on the tracks of bounty hunters and assassins,we are in danger, and by ‘we’ I mean you specifically. So I suggest this be the time you do listen’ you sighed in defeat, your brother had always been protective of you, he claimed it was due to your ‘outlandish’ ways but you knew it was because he cared for you. As you made it to the docking bay stepping into your yellow speeder, Bail spoke out ‘We’re heading back to the quarters and there we’ll meet our Jedi representative, please try and be polite or say nothing at all, both are fine’ he chucked, you looked up at him with an unamused expression as he turned the speeder around mid-air , why must he always treat you as if you were a child you thought frustratedly,but then proceeded to smirk the way you always did ‘Of course brother, when have I ever disappointed you’ he managed to give you smile before you sped off.

This is my mission, why must Obi-Wan escort me there as if I am a mere youngling, my master is a wise man, but his misunderstandings about my abilities are frustrating to say the least, Anakin’s mind rushed with thoughts as the elevator bolted up towards the quarters when his thread was broken by Obi- Wan ‘You seem a little on edge, nervous for your first mission?’ Anakin turned swifty ‘Not at all’ he replied a little unconvincingly ‘Are you sure? I haven’t felt you this tense since we fell into that nest of Gundarks’ Obi -Wan chipped amused, “Of course” thought Anakin, rolling his eyes, ‘You fell into that nightmare Master, and I rescued you remember?’ Obi-Wan pondered ‘Oh, yes’ followed by a hearty chuckle, this made Anakin smile. He did appreciate all that he and his master had been through, and after all he did care for him, as this thought passed the padawan’s mind,the elevator came to a halt, and the doors opened. Obi-Wan strode into the quarters, Anakin at his heel, if he was being completely honest, this was not the most thrilling first assignment , Aayla told him that she went ventured into the the notorious streets of Corellia as her first mission without Master Tholme, that all changed though, it all changed when he set his eyes on you. You stood there tall, confident with the most mesmerising smile he had ever seen on any species, it made his heart soar even though he’d never met you, though your eyes said different, they shone bright like the suns on Tatooine, like they’d known him for a thousand cycles with a sense of mischief clear, your hair framed your face perfectly like everything about you, perfect that’s what you were to him, perfect. Anakin was lost in you, so much so that he didn’t hear any of the conversation that was taking place, he only came to his senses when Obi-Wan gave him a rather harsh nudge ‘Anakin!’ he muttered. You chuckled softly looking up Bail.Anakin blinked ‘My apologise Senator Organa, and -uh..’ ‘Y/N, Y/N Organa representative of Alderaan’ you replied gleefully ‘Pleasure to meet you Master Kenobi and Anakin’, you must admit to yourself, when you thought you were going to be under Jedi protection, your imagination took you to the likes of Master Yoda,you did not expect men like Obi-Wan and Anakin who were quite frankly, far too dashing. Maybe this would be fun after all.

After brief discussion, it was decided that you were to be escorted back to Alderaan to the family country house under Anakin’ protection. Following a small , private bicker with Bail about sending you away from the Senate, you gave in and said your goodbyes to him and Master Kenobi and waited for Anakin to do the same. ‘I have faith in you Anakin, keep Y/N safe and don’t do anything without discussing with me or the council first’ Obi-Wan spoke somewhat tense himself ‘I assure you, I will master’ Anakin replied with a strange determination in his eyes, ‘Well then,you best hurry’.

As you two settled down in the surroundings of your passenger starship, covered by unknown faces, Anakin took it upon himself to get to know you. ‘So, what is a lady like you doing as a representative in the senate?’ he quipped, the smile you gave him yet again brought warmth to his heart, ‘Well, I have a tendency to speak my mind, so I thought why not put it to good use?’ you noticed how Anakin’s face sweetly scrunched up as he let out a most sincere chuckle ‘How about you? What is a flyboy like you doing at the Jedi temple’ you asked out of genuine curiosity ‘I was found in Tatooine at a very young age, the temple is all I’ve known since then.’he replied plainly ‘Must be difficult, having sworn your life to the Jedi, not being able to visit the places you like or do things you like’ ‘Or be with the people that I like’ he interrupted with a expression you couldn’t quite decipher, he was proving to be more and more alluring, you decided to let it pass. Changing the topic, you spoke mischievously ‘What do you like to do , apart from being the mighty defenders of the Republic?’ Anakin grinned he found you rather humorous, it lifted his spirits ‘We don’t have much time for hobbies but I'm good at fixing things I always have been , I used to pod race back in Tatooine’ he observed that you seemed to perk up that ‘What?’ Anakin inquired smiling with curiosity, you replied with a proud smirk ‘I pod race too actually, I have since I was little’ Anakin was pleasantly surprised, his earlier interpretation of you being perfect was only proving itself to be true ‘Really? I’m impressed, your talents only add to your ravishing beauty’ Anakin replied with the same mischievous grin that adorned your face earlier. You replied with a quaint smile, trying to disregard the heat rushing to your cheeks, nobody had ever spoken to like that, not in the way he spoke to you.

As the starship was just about to land, you stared out of the window you couldn't lie, you did miss home. Anakin stared at you whilst you peered out the window with a smile reaching high up to your cheeks. He must admit, Alderaan was an exquisite planet but to him, nothing compared to your bewitching beauty. Anakin knew he shouldn’t let his mind wander to thoughts such as these, he was a Jedi, he was supposed to be void of attachments. Y/N turned around, her hair gliding across her back ‘Come Anakin, I’ve got lots to show you’ stripping Anakin of his thoughts ‘ Of course Milady’ he smirked through his reply.

Y/N and Anakin spent most of the morning discussing, and jesting around about their strict lives back in Coruscant. Y/N showed Anakin her pod racer that she had previously built, Anakin seemed more and more invested in her life, slowing getting lost in the way she talked, smooth and resilient, like she believed in everything she said, even if she did say some questionable things which only made him laugh like he hadn’t in years. Currently, they were sat down at the table, feasting on some Starblossom fruit, an Alderaan speciality. Just as Anakin made the fruit float your mind also floated to a thought ‘Are you allowed to love?’ I sputtered out, Blast! What was that Y/N?, this was the first time you regretted being so vocal, this was sure to make things awkward ‘I mean, isn’t it forbidden for a jedi?’. You were surprised when he simply just smiled at you, his eyes looking straight into your own, they were blue and deep like the oceans of Mon Calamari, completely mesmerised ,you sighed softly, ‘Attachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden. Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is central to a Jedi’s life’ he smirked ‘So you might say that we are encouraged to love’ if you weren’t already completely lost in him, you were now, nobody had ever left you speechless like he had now, silent at his fingertips. Just by using a number of words, there was something so special about him.

The next morning Anakin was woken with the bright sun rays shining upon his eyes and by the roar of your pod racer, pod racer? Anakin quickly changed and jogged out towards the sound, it seemed to be taking him in the direction of the Alderaanian flame-rose fields you had shown him yesterday. There he saw you, standing under the warm sun, you looked ethereal. Your skin glowing, your lips appeared so soft, so comforting, he swore he had never seen anything more beautiful. He noticed it wasn’t just one pod racer that was stagnant by your side, but a second one, now he matched the smirk jeweled on your face. ‘You said you used to pod race so I thought, why not test your skills?’ he smiled so fully, his face felt tight as a tied rope ‘Oh really? I wouldn’t want to undermine your abilities, Milady' ‘Don’t you worry about that Anakin, you don’t want to underestimate me’ ‘Of course, I wouldn’t dare’ he laughed content. Ah that laugh, it made your heart want to jump out and fly away, it made your day already. You both buckled up into your pods, making sure all the dials are at the correct calibration, gave each other one last glance and a signature smirk and sped off, you both doing unnatural speeds to the passing eye, dipping under trees and spinning to reach higher altitudes. Anakin was staying right beside you, almost harmlessly mocking you, you recalibrated the ignition switch and sped off, Anakin raised his eyebrows in surprise, he was genuinely impressed but his competitive side got the best of him, soon he met your speed. The finishing line by the trees was dangerously close you both looked at each other, eyes locked with determination and lips spilling with playful laughter, however, as you and Anakin were lost in each other,you failed to notice the flock of Nerfs herding around grass, you spotted them at the last second and tilted your racer up towards the sky. The finishing line was right ahead, Anakin was mere inches away and you were adamant on winning so, you jumped out of your pod. You steered towards the line and crossed it seconds before Anakin, landing on a patch of flame roses. Anakin’s eyes widened, he abandoned the pod and dashed towards you figure, laying face front ‘Y/N!, Y/N’ he rolled you over, only to hear you burst out laughing, he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in ‘You should have seen your face! Your soul left your body, I swear’ you let out holding your stomach ‘Of course I was! Obi-Wan would have killed me if I let anything happen to you’ Anakin spoke out between chuckles, trying to hide his anxiety ‘Hmm I think not,I think you're terrified at the thought of anything happening to me’ you smirked. Anakin started into your eyes, shook his head and said nothing, but he started tickling your sides which only made you giggle further, you both rolled down the field, roaring with laughter. Anakin had never felt this happy and untroubled before in his life, as you both laid on the grass, the scent of roses brimming in the air, basking under the sun, you and him both letting out sighs of contentment, hands intertwined.

It was late at night, you were restlessly tossing and turning in your bed, your mind was whirling with thoughts of him, his smile, the way he spoke to you and only you, his golden hair glowing in the heat of the sun, his Padawan braid that you’d twirl between your fingers, you giggled yourself; you never had feelings like these sitting in the center of your heart, but it didn’t feel wrong. Your heart took you to the place it always took you when your mind was wandering like this.

Anakin felt your restlessness, his concern grew and grew until he had to come find you, you were right, he was terrified at the thought of anything happening to you. He gave in and, walked timidly towards your room, when you didn't answer to his knock, his anxiety took control. He composed himself and searched his feelings like his master had taught him, he let the force be his guide in search for your signature he’d progressed to love. Anakin's legs finally led him to the roof, where he saw you lying there on the ground under the lights of the stars ‘Y/N, are you okay? I couldn’t find you’, you replied with a simple ‘Join me’, Anakin didn’t hesitate and laid down beside you, he looked up at the glittering stars scattered in the sky of Alderaan, there was a gentle breeze, the scent of roses still following the both of you, then he turned to face you, he watched your chest rise and fall, his anxiety disappearing slowly just at the sight of you, you radiated beauty, charm and confidence, everything he had grown to love about you ‘I come here when my mind runs wild with thoughts’ you spoke out gently, you turned to look at him only to find him already looking at you. ‘What are you thinking about?’ Anakin inquired softly, you stared into his eyes, still bright and blue even in the shadow of dusk, you uttered timidly ‘You' he gave you a wide smile, ‘You’re all I think about Y/N, I love you’ he spoke barely above a whisper, so much so, that you wouldn’t have heard him if your faces weren’t so close and they only got closer when you replied with ‘I love you, with all of my heart’, the small gap between you and him started to close ever so slowly, shaky breaths falling from the both of your lips until they met with a chaste kiss.

You’d never regret the trouble you’d caused yourself that day at the senate, because you‘d always remember his deep eyes staring back at your own all those times, you’d never regret it because you met him. Anakin knew he’d never let you go, his other half he’d met on his first assignment, he’d never forget your face illuminated by the stars, the pure beauty of your face and mind. And for you both, it’d always be you and him.

[nowayhome]

why do you love me? (obi-wan x sith!female reader)

fandom: star wars | GIF: posted by @kybercrystals​                           

pairing: obi-wan kenobi x sith!female reader

summary: reader and obi-wan  are tired from fighting and from loving each other...

category: angst

warnings: mentions of sex, swearing, toxic relationship, major-death ( if i miss any let me know)

word count: 843  (she a shortie) 

a/n:  this is officially my first sw fic/blurb, I absolutely adore Obi Wan and this just came to my mind while listening to this playlist. I also wrote this like two weeks ago while I was tipsy oops

masterlist // taglist 

It’s the high that he feels after the sex.

It’s the way he can control his emotions, to just feel absolutely fucking nothing. 

They are not for each other, but how they wish they were. 

It’s wrong, it’s fucking wrong, and in a sicked twisted way he can’t leave… 

Oh, how he wishes things were different, maybe in another life they are meant to be, maybe they get their fairytale ending - but not in this one, definitely not in this one, not with the way her lips feel, and not with the sinful way his body reacts to her. 

The room feels dark, and the sheets feel cold, they should stop - they need to stop. 

“Why do you love me?”, - she asks with a tear in her eyes, she is tired of their game. 

“Pardon me?” 

“You heard me, why do you love me?” she says but this time making eye contact, “I need answers before I leave” 

He exhales, and gets up from the bed, walking to the window is his chambers, “I, I don’t know” his body sights, “I wish I knew, it would make it easier to leave” 

Her cruel laugh invades the room, “well, in what case, what do you hate about me?” a smirk paints her face as those words leave her mouth. 

He just smiles as he answers, “You never apologize, you lie to me, you are extremely narcissist” his body tenses and they make eye contact, “and you are fucking crazy” 

She smiles wickedly as she approaches him, their bodies almost touching, “If I'm fucking crazy, then you're fucking crazy, we're all fucking crazy obi” 

Her arms find her back, and he just pulls her into a hug, they are both crying, they don’t need words, not when they can feel each other's thoughts, not when they are connected by the damn force. 

He wants to leave her, he needs to leave her, she is burning him, she is consuming his thoughts, they are on opposite sides of the fight, they can’t keep hiding, it’s not safe. 

“I wish things were different,” she says in a small voice, “Maybe then, we could have loved each other” she smiles as obi-wan pulls her even closer. 

“You could’ve been a senator,” he says to her, getting lost in her pupils “a bright, beautiful senator”

“And what, you could have been the Jedi destined to protect me” a bittersweet laugh escapes from her, “or we could both have been nobodies, just two scavengers who fell in love”

“stars y/n, why did I decide to fall in love with you?

“I ask myself the same question”  she pulls away from his arms and sits on the bed “it would’ve made my mission to kill you easier” 

Obi-wan is still looking at the window, his master would’ve been so mad at him for breaking a code. 

All those years at the Jedi temple he spent studying the code, reading books, meditating, they were all for nothing. 

Because when she is with her, he is not a Jedi, he is just a man at her mercy, a man that would do anything for his lover. 

“What if I leave?’ Obi-wan says to y/n

“I’m sorry what?” 

“What if I leave to join you?” obi-wan says again, a weird look in his eyes “what if I join the dark side, so we can be together?” 

“Darling, please don’t do this” y/n says  “you can’t leave, the Jedi they need you, Anakin needs you, I need you to stay in the light” a sob escaping her “you’re the only light I have in my life, I can’t lose that, I know it’s selfish but I need you to stay in the light, the world needs you, my love” 

They are both so broken and so tired, tired from fighting, tired from hating each other, tired from loving so passionately… 

“You need to leave,” he says to her in the coldest voice possible

“Obi” she raises her hands in defeat “don’t do this”  

“It’s either that or you finish your mission,” the Jedi master says

Obi-wan knows she needs to finish her mission or Maul will kill her in cold blood. 

And he much rather dies than let her die, maybe if she kills him, she can turn to the light, she can use her love for him as a strength, perhaps she can even bring a new meaning to the Jedi code and teach the council how to love and how love changed her. 

“Stop this nonsense right now, I can feel your fucking thoughts”  

“Then you know I need you to do it,” he says to her as he turns her lightsaber on “kill me, finish your mission and then avenge me, my love” 

“no, no, no” she cries “NO”

she grabs the lightsaber from him, hugs him, and turns her lightsaber to her stomach.

Obi-wan arm clings to her, and in her final moments, she leaves in the arms of her lover, the Jedi who changed her life.

[animemangasoul]

My Spot

Summery: 5 times Anakin was possessive of Obi-Wan & the 1 time Obi-Wan was just a (little bit) possessive of him too.

[Or where Anakin's possessiveness might just end up saving the galaxy]

Chapter: 1/6 - Initiate

Here's the thing.

Anakin wasn't a possessive person. He really wasn't. Contrary to what others might say about him, Anakin saw himself as quite the reasonable Jedi when it came to his relationship with the people closest to him. Was he overprotective at times? Sure. Was he a tad aggressive towards those that meant them harm? Most definitely. But possessive? No.

No way.

Anakin was not possessive.

He wasn't.

He just didn't like to share and that definitely wasn't the same thing.

Especially since what he didn't like to share was his force-given position in his chosen people's lives. And why should he ever have to give those spots up, to anyone?

Anakin Skywalker wasn't possessive because he knew where he belonged and as long as no one trespassed into that zone, he was fine. More than fine. Perfect even.

That's why…… this little Twi'lek girl, hell bent on impressing his former Master was….. Well, getting on his kriffing nerves.

Because his place in Padme's life was secure. Because his place in Ahsoka's life was untouchable. And for a time, his place in Obi-Wan's life had felt just about the same, but now……

Now he wasn't so sure anymore, and that made Anakin burn with a sense of jealousy that nearly consumed him. Frustration, anger, fear.

Deep breath. In, out.

He released his emotions into the force.

The Twi'lek girl spun in place, training saber coming down with a thud.

Anakin frowned.

Padme was his angel. The love of his life, his significant other. No one could ever take his spot in her life because he was her husband and they were in love. So while he felt tinge of annoyance whenever she directed her attention to Senators and political figures; smiling brightly, laughing that bell like shimmer of laugh…. While he did feel the tiniest bit of frustration that he wasn't able to keep her attention fully to himself, he understood.

Because Padme was his angel and he was her Knight. And nothing and no one could ever replace him in her life. So he never had to fight for his spot when it came to her.

Just like he didn't have to fight for his spot as Ahsoka's Master.

His Padawan was his Padawan and unless he died, no one else would ever be her Master. No one else would ever be her guide, her protector, her teacher and furious as the Order would be if they knew about it, her older brother. No one would replace him in Snips life because their relationship was unique. Just like his with Padme. He was Ahsoka's Master and she was his Padawan. That would never change unless he let it. And Anakin wasn't about to get himself killed off anytime soon, so he was safe there too.

That only left one person.

Obi-Wan Kenobi.

His Master, well, former Master.

And wasn't that his entire problem.

He hadn't even thought much of it after his Knighting. After all, him and Obi-Wan were still stuck together majority of the time. Being The Team and all that. Which essentially meant that Anakin had never really outgrown his Master no matter how much he liked to throw his Knighthood in his former Master's face whenever he disagreed with him. But it didn't matter how much he disagreed with Obi-Wan, because Obi-Wan was his Master and he was his Master's Padawan. That was their dynamic. That was their relationship. That was Anakin's spot in Obi-Wan's life. It belonged to him……Or it used to.

Not anymore.

And yes, logic dictated that Obi-Wan had every right to take on a new Padawan. Hell, Anakin already had his own; his brilliant Snips, so of course it would only be a matter of time before Obi-Wan got a new one. A brand new, shiny-eyed Padawan. A little youngling to follow him around, nod at everything he said. Hero worshiping him no matter what he did.

It was a logical next step for Obi-Wan…… and yet……

That was Anakin's spot!

He was Padme's husband, Ahsoka's Master and Obi-Wan's Padawan.

That's how it was. That's how it was supposed to be, forever. The biggest portion of their hearts belonged to him. Those titles were his. They've always been.

Padme's husband, Ahsoka's Master and Obi-Wan's Padawan.

Always.

But there his former Master was, silently observing a tiny Twi'lek going through the basic katas of Soresu with such elegance and precision it made him smile; fingers coming up to tug at his beard. "Remarkable," Obi-Wan muttered. "Not many select Soresu as their foundation."

Anakin stiffened. "Well," he said forcing himself to relax and clap his Master cheerfully on the back. "Ever since you climbed your way to fame and glory tons of younglings have taken up Soresu, Master. She isn't the first nor the last I can assure you!"

'She isn't special,' he wanted to hiss instead. 'Everyone knows you prefer Soresu. Of course she would use it to impress you. She knows you're watching!'

But he doesn't. It sounds too bitter and cruel. And Anakin didn't want to come off as defensive or well, judgmental. He just…..

The thought of Obi-Wan patting that Twi'lek child on the head like he used to do to him after a well done mission, the thought of him giving her one of his proud little smiles or comforting her after a horrible nightmare….. The thought of Obi-Wan calling her, Padawan and sharing tea with her…… It made Anakin's stomach coil in disgust.

Why was Obi-Wan even watching these younglings practice? They had so many other relevant things to do, together. Didn't he know Anakin was stressed and needed to talk to him about battle strategies and ship inventory?

"That may be true," his friend finally said, breaking him out of his momentary brooding; and kriffin hell Anakin was becoming more and more like Obi-Wan wasn't he. "But Soresu doesn't come naturally to many. Children rarely have the patient for it," a knowing smirk. "No matter how much they wish to emulate me." Here he winked at Anakin; who did his best to send him a friendly grin back even though his mind was screaming to grab Obi-Wan and get the kriff away from this potential Padawan. "Mie'ilyuda is filled with much potential. Someone ought to nurture that talent," his Master finished.

Anakin swallowed thickly. "How old is she?"

The other man shrugged, eyes still focused like lasers on the child; and oh how Anakin wished to cover his eyes. 'Don't look,' he wanted to say. 'Don't think about it. You're mine mine mine mine.'

"She recently turned twelve."

"Oh," Anakin said, shifting his boots just enough so he could brush his shoulder against Obi-Wan, the light pressure he got back; as his Master leaned into him, making a ghost of a smile slip past his blanket mask of fake interest. "Then she still has time."

"True," Obi-Wan muttered, "It's unfortunate that we will likely be assigned off planet by the end of the week however. I would have liked to observe her more." And there was that something in his voice…..

And yeah, no. Anakin couldn't let him think about this any longer. "Snips wants to learn Jar'Kai," he blurted out. Wincing when Obi-Wan's eyebrows lifted in that silent surprise of his.

"Oh?"

'Well, might as well go all in,' he thought. 'And besides,' Anakin mused to himself. 'Half baked as it was. This little idea slowly taking root in his head wasn't half bad.'

Anakin had always been one to think on his feet anyways. "Yeah," he continued. "She has shown keen interest in it and I thought maybe you could give her some pointers?"

If Obi-Wan could look any more surprised, he probably would. But as quickly as the flicker of pleasure flashed through his eyes for being asked, it was gone instantly. Hidden once more behind a mask of polite curiosity. "I knew Ahsoka wished to learn Jar'Kai," he said slowly. "But I was under the impression you wished to teach her yourself, no?"

Anakin shrugged trying to come across as anything but suspicious. 'Yes,' he thought. 'Yes I wanted to. But this is an emergency and you're better at Jar'Kai then me anyways.'

What was a little time lost with his Padawan to prevent a leach from usurping him as Obi-Wan's one and only apprentice?

"Not really," he said instead. "Last time I tried it….." waving his prosthetic hand helplessly, he smiled ruefully at his former Master." Besides, it's always good to get the basics right before you advance to more complex forms and there aren't any Masters better than you at teaching, Obi-Wan."

Obi-Wan's eyes lit up at that and Anakin warmed from the inside out at the delighted expression his former Master was quickly trying to smooth away. 'Mie'ilyuda could never,' he thought smugly.

"Well then," the other man tugged at his beard, a certain level of shyness making him look almost vulnerable. "It would be my pleasure dear one."

Anakin beamed down at him, arm coming up to throw around his former Master's shoulder and quickly leading him away from the accursed practice room.

True to his word, Obi-Wan devoted his full time in training Ahsoka, with helpful inputs from Anakin here and there, and it was nice, Anakin thought. Watching his former Master gently adjust Ahsoka's grip on her saber and nodding approvingly when she got the moves right. It was really nice.

And if between the war efforts and training Snips, Obi-Wan was too occupied to pay Mie'ilyuda any mind. If by the time they heard back from the Temple, six months had already passed. If Obi-Wan's inquiry about her resulted in them being informed that the little Twi'lek girl had already found a Master, well, that was all a big bowl of coincidence now wasn't it?

"She didn't age out," he thus said in a reassuring, comforting tone to his quiet Master, hand supportively resting on his shoulder.

Obi-Wan's nodded.

"Yes, I am happy for her."

But there was no denying his former Master was disappointed he missed out on choosing her himself. A little tinge of guilt bubbled up and coiled its way around Anakin's heart, but he quickly shoved the feelings deep into the depth of his mind and told himself it was for the best. For now….

"I think I need to brush up on my defense," he said, a playful grin curling at the corner of his mouth. "Mind helping me practice?"

The surprise tendril of fondness that curled around him briefly managed to drown out the shame clawing at Anakin's throat. '

'I have to protect what’s mine.'

"Are you asking me for Soresu lessons, Anakin?"

"What if I am?"

Now the smile dancing on Obi-Wan's lips was unmistakable. "I would be honored dear one."

And as they found themselves back in the training room aboard The Negotiator. As Anakin clumsily took up his Soresu stance, biting back a pleased smile when his former Master 'Always my Master' corrected it carefully, Anakin knew he would never let anyone take his spot in Obi-Wan's heart.

It was his.

Obi-Wan Kenobi was his Master and Anakin was his Padawan.

Forever and always.

The End

I’m currently suffering through a writing block for my [You Are Wanted Obi-Wan Kenobi] fic, so here have some possessively creepy Anakin.

Chapter: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

[gffa]

magic-owl said: 

The thing I wanna know is true or not about Kenobi’s Shadow is the line I heard about the Jedi baby stealing. I hope that’s not true but multiple people have said it is and that makes me big ): I get the author wanting to focus this particular chapter on the Obitine romance because Obi Wan decides to break literally all the rules just for her because he loves her, but like, if they really decided to pull the “she and their romance are the most important thing in his entire life” bit then yeah But also I heard about that bit with him and Anakin in the beginning and that just seems kinda awkward, like why would Anakin know because PADMÉ told him? How did she find out? Why wasn’t she rushing off there to get Satine herself like she’s literally always done when her friends are in trouble??? I get wanting the Obitine and Anidala parallels in the beginning but (and here I’m being INCREDIBLY biased lol) I still don’t buy in the slightest Anakin would just let him go alone like that

The line about Jedi baby stealing was kind of eyeroll-worthy, but not as bad as you’re thinking:  

“Satine should not be there. She should not have been dragged into a conflict years in the making, begun when Maul murdered Qui-Gon Jinn, the man who’d been the closest thing Obi-Wan had to a father since the Jedi took him from his parents.”

Which strikes me as out of character for Obi-Wan Kenobi to think that, but it’s not exactly a smoking gun of, “Aha!  See!  They are baby thieves!” And Anakin does want to go with, but Obi-Wan gives him a reason not to, mileages will vary on how convincing it is that Anakin would accept it:

      Again, Anakin’s barely suppressed smile said something different than the grave look in his eyes. “Well, in any case, I’m coming with you.”       Obi-Wan had foreseen this. Anakin was as close as a brother, and of course he wouldn’t let Obi-Wan face this mission alone. So Obi-Wan gave Anakin an answer crafted to convince him to stay behind.      “The presence of one Jedi on Mandalore will be hard enough to conceal. Two Jedi will be impossible. You’d put the mission at risk. And Satine.”      Obi-Wan watched the struggle on Anakin’s face: the thing he wanted to do versus the thing he needed to do. In the end, reason won out. This was much to Obi-Wan’s relief. He wasn’t sure what he would have done if Anakin had decided the other way.

That’s what convinces Anakin to stay behind. The bigger problems with the story, I think, are in the way everything is bent to be molded around Obi-Wan and Satine’s relationship.  Like, the Jedi--despite the story itself establishing twice that having Jedi on Mandalore would quite possibly be A Real Bad Idea--don’t want to give Obi-Wan permission to go start yet another war to save someone that would get them fucked over by the Senate?  Then he becomes bitter towards the Council.  Obi-Wan Kenobi.  Bitter.  Against the Jedi. Or like when Satine dies and Obi-Wan’s reaction is described as:

      She closed her eyes. Her body went limp in his arms.      And she was dead.      When Maul killed Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan was stricken with sorrow. Sorrow gripped him again. But there was something else, as well. Something dangerous. Something that scorched. Satine wasn’t Maul’s enemy. She was just a tool Maul had used to get something he wanted, the throne of Mandalore. And a tool to hurt Obi-Wan. Using a person that way was the worst form of cruelty. Satine had been a person, and her death wasn’t just a loss for Obi-Wan. It was a loss for so many more. She’d been a child on this world. Like other children, she’d taken her first step, uttered her first word, laughed and chased flitters in the tall grass of the Mandalorian plains. She’d learned to read, made friends, suffered hurts, recovered and laughed again. And she’d become a leader. She should have lived to see her world thrive, to see her people find peace, to prosper, to make music and art. She should have grown old and been able to look back on all she’d achieved.      But in a split second, Maul had ended all that. He’d extinguished a light in the universe and replaced it with shadow. Such an act was truly the definition of the dark side. And Obi-Wan burned with rage.      With the rage came a vision: Eyes smoldering with hatred. Screams in the red glare of a lightsaber.      Obi-Wan would cleave Maul in two. He would do much worse. There would be nothing left of him. Or the other Dathomirian. Or the commandos, those Mandalorian traitors. He would kill Almec. He would kill anyone who’d had a hand in overthrowing Satine, anyone who’d contributed to her death.      And he would kill anyone who tried to stop him. Anyone who stood in his way, by word or by deed.      Anyone.

THIS REACTION:

That’s not a rage so powerful that he would burn down anyone or anything in his way.  That’s a deep sorrow. And, finally, the final observation Obi-Wan makes:

The words came with struggle. He didn’t want to talk. Not yet. Maybe not ever. But he knew he needed to speak. He knew it was important that Anakin hear it. “I lost someone important to me,” Obi-Wan said. “And I understand anger in a way I never have. I know how difficult it is not to give in to it.”

Despite that, in this same anthology, in the fight with Maul earlier in the season:

     “Your master, Qui-Gon Jinn,” I growled as we crossed sabers. “I gutted him while you stood helpless and watched. How did that make you feel, Obi-Wan?”      I knew I had him when his eyes narrowed in anger and he shoved me away, screaming. He attacked me furiously, saber flying. At first, I fell back under his powerful onslaught. His strokes were wild and uncontrolled. He struck the sides of the ship around us, sending sparks raining down everywhere. I parried and pushed back, and when I saw an opening, I kicked out, landing a solid blow to his chest. He went hurtling back with a cry to collapse on the floor. He looked up at me, his eyes lost and desperate. I almost felt pity for him. Almost.      “Your rage has unbalanced you,” I told him. I did not tell him that had been my plan all along. “That is not the Jedi way, is it?” My voice was silky smooth, mocking. I wanted to see what he would do.      He climbed to his feet and we continued our battle. But I was right; he was unbalanced now. I quickly had him on the ground again, but he got up and fought back. He swung wildly at me and missed. His momentum sent him stumbling toward the balcony’s ledge. His back was toward me, so I kicked him over the edge. He dropped to the ground below, frustratingly graceful, even managing to land on his feet next to Ventress.

That’s what I mean by prioritizing the romantic relationship.  Despite that Obi-Wan has experienced rage before, we see that on his face in The Phantom Menace when he fights Maul after he stabbed Qui-Gon, despite that there’s a story in this anthology where Obi-Wan struggles with a furious rage (taking into account that Maul is not a reliable narrator on Obi-Wan’s reactions, I think a certain amount of struggling with rage is apparent just from the episode itself), but, because of Satine, he understands anger in a way he never had before? Despite that Satine’s death was a deliberate parallel to Qui-Gon’s death? It isn’t that Satine isn’t important, of course she’s important to him!  Look at his face!  He’s devastated!  But her influence is one of many on his life and they should matter just as much.  Obi-Wan Kenobi understood anger before this and that’s not to devalue the struggle he faces here, of course he does.  But Qui-Gon’s loss is just as important and just as defining to his understanding of anger.

[padawanlost]

Do you think anakin might be narcissistic or might have narcissistic traits?

No, I don’t. But, please, let’s remember I’m not a mental health professional (I just like Google :P). Here are some Symptoms and behaviors someone Narcissistic personality disorder might display:

Have an exaggerated sense of self-importance: Nope.

“I am convinced, Master Yoda,” said Palpatine. “I know that, as a rule, I leave the strategic planning to you and your Jedi Council and the GAR war cabinet—but in this case I feel compelled to intervene. It was only thanks to young Master Skywalker that Kothlis—and before it Bothawui—did not fall into Separatist hands. But Anakin is only one man—and the Jedi cannot expect him to save the day every day.” Anakin closed his eyes. Please, please, stop talking now, Chancellor. Really. Just stop.[…]“Anakin, Anakin.” He shook his head, ruefully smiling. “I embarrassed you, didn’t I?” He felt heat rush into his face. “No, sir, I—” “Yes, I did,” said Palpatine. “You can say it. I won’t bite.” […] [Anakin] couldn’t speak for a moment. This is the most important man in the galaxy … and he speaks to me as though I’m his own flesh and blood. He has cared about me since I was a boy. “Chancellor …” He had to wait a moment before he could trust his voice. “Please, don’t ever doubt my regard for you. It’s too deep for words.” Eyes moistening, Palpatine smoothed the nap of his rich blue velvet trousers. “I know it makes you uncomfortable when I praise you in public, Anakin. Particularly to Master Yoda or Master Kenobi.” [Karen Miller. Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth]

Have a sense of entitlement and require constant, excessive admiration: Nope. Anakin wanted to be accepted and respected for his achievements, nothing more.

Expect to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it: Nope.

He wasn’t sure why, beyond the fact that he didn’t relish responsibility for—or power over—others. And she talked too much. And she was far too cocky, in that naive, chirpy, why-can’t-we-fix-it way, as if he and the clone troopers had never been in combat before. When it came to battle—well, he’d still take lessons from them, thanks. And she could do the same. [Karen Traviss. The Clone Wars]

• Exaggerate achievements and talents: Nope. Anakin talents and achievements are not exaggerated. It’s a fact that he was the one of the best ever.

“So you don’t believe in it?” “I didn’t say that.” Shaking his head, Obi-Wan stared at the floor. “Qui-Gon believed in it. And I believed in him. And there’s no escaping the fact you’re the most gifted Jedi the Temple has ever seen.” He looked up. “So if Yoda’s reluctant to risk you, Anakin, it’s not on a whim. He has good reason.” [Karen Miller. Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth]

• Be preoccupied with fantasies about success, power, brilliance, beauty or the perfect mate: nope. Anakin’s only recurring fantasy was saving slaves:

When the war was over he’d go back to Tatooine and see. When the war was over he’d buy any child he found enslaved to Watto and find them a home where they might live and love in safety. Belonging to no one but themselves. I should have done it before now. Wasn’t that my other childhood dream? Become a Jedi and free the slaves. Instead I became a Jedi and let myself forget. Let them convince me that it’s not our job to remake the Republic. [Karen Miller. Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth]

I know now that I should have paid more attention to his words. But I was eager to tell him about my dream of becoming a Jedi and freeing the slaves on Tatooine. [Todd Strasser. Anakin Skywalker Journal]

Believe they are superior and can only associate with equally special people: nope

“But—” Gathering his thoughts, disciplining himself, he watched Anakin scoop up one small excited boy, too young to kick the ball, and zoom him overhead like a fighter chasing a vulture droid. The boy nearly sickened himself with laughing. “Greti, are you saying—” […]Anakin’s amusement vanished. “He wasn’t heavy. These younglings are skin and bone. I look at them and—” He clenched his jaw. [Karen Miller. Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Siege]

Monopolize conversations and belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior: nope.

“I think—” Anakin kicked his heel against the polished marble floor. “I think I hate it when I can’t stop my men from getting hurt. From dying. I think—” “What?” he prompted, when Anakin didn’t continue. “Never mind. It doesn’t matter.” “It matters, Anakin,” he said gently. “What you think matters.” [Karen Miller. Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth]

Take advantage of others to get what they want: nope.

She sat down again. “I understand. This is war. You have to look at the big picture. You can’t afford to see the little people.” Scurrying like rodents. Sacrificed for the greater good. “That’s not true!” Anakin protested. “That’s what the big picture is. Lots and lots and lots of little people. You matter, Bant’ena. The friends you lost on Taratos Four, they matter. We’re fighting this war so no more like them will die.” He was very sweet. Very young. Full of grand ideals and breathtaking, intuitive compassion. She looked at Master Kenobi. Now, there was a pragmatist, a man possessed of a scientist’s soul. [Karen Miller. Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth]

Have an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others: nope.

“Oh. That’s right.” There was still dried blood on her fingers, and a dull, throbbing pain in her head. “I’m sorry. I’m not normally this stupid. I just—” And then she felt her face crumple and heard herself sob. Her knees buckled and she began to sink toward the floor. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she choked. “Don’t mind me. I’m fine.” He caught her before she tumbled completely. Lifted her without effort and carried her to the sofa. Boneless and unprotesting, she let him. Let her face turn to his roughly shirted, dirty chest and howled her rage and shame against him. Dimly, she felt his hand warm and comforting on her back and heard his soft voice saying, over and over, “It’s all right. It’s all right. You’re safe now. It’s all right.” The crazy thing was that she did feel safe. For the first time since those Separatist blaster bolts seared the air and sand of Niriktavi Bay, since she saw her friends and colleagues slaughtered, she felt safe. [Karen Miller. Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth]

Be envious of others and believe others envy them: nope

The dining hall was a paneled room with soft, recessed lighting and thick red veda cloth hangings at the windows that muffled sound and cast a rosy glow on the diners. It was just like the exclusive restaurants Anakin had glimpsed on Coruscant — just like the spots the students were used to eating in, he was sure. And, like an exclusive restaurant, seating in the dining hall was subject to an unspoken code. It hadn't taken Anakin long to realize that the best tables were by the windows and he was not welcome there. He didn't know why he felt a coolness from most of the students, but he definitely felt it. When he was looking for a seat at a table, an empty chair would be pushed aside to another table, or a datapad or a pile of durasheet notes would be quickly placed on the seat. It was clear that no one wanted to sit with him. There was a power elite in the school, and everyone else fell in around it. Yet Ferus had been accepted almost immediately, and had his pick of places to sit. Was it because word had gotten out that he belonged to a powerful family on his homeworld? You can travel to the ends of the galaxy and it will be the same — those with power do not like to share. His Master had told him that once, in a voice of weary resignation. But sometimes Obi-Wan seemed to forget that Anakin had been a slave. If anyone knew about power, it was a slave. He knew about the hunger for it, and he knew about the humiliation of getting your nose rubbed in the fact that you didn't have it. He took his bowl of aromatic stew to an empty table and sat. It wasn't that he needed company. Jedi were comfortable being alone. But inside, something burned, something deep and hot that he had hoped had been long forgotten. He took a bite of stew and tasted shame and anger. It was hard to swallow, like a mouthful of sand. [Jude Watson. The School of Fear]

• Behave in an arrogant or haughty manner, coming across as conceited, boastful and pretentious: nope.

Anakin was looking relieved. “Water would be greatly appreciated, thank you. Food, too, but I’ll wait for Obi-Wan to come back before I eat.” She crossed to the small kitchen table, put down the precious holoprojector, then nodded at the commercial-sized conservator her keepers had so kindly given her. “It’s entirely up to you. The water’s in there. Help yourself to as much as you like.” He drank three full bottles, hardly taking a breath. Noticing her surprise, he shrugged. “Sorry. My manners aren’t usually that bad. It’s just—it’s been a long, hard day.” “I can tell,” she said, disposing of the emptied bottles down her makeshift kitchen’s waste chute. “You should sit down. If you don’t mind me saying so, you look tired.” He considered his filthy clothes. “Are you sure? I don’t want to dirty the furniture.” [Karen Miller. Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth]

Insist on having the best of everything — for instance, the best car or office: nope. There’s no evidence of Anakin ever concerning himself over status or material possessions. 

[mangobilorian]

Crash Landing | (mature) i

Pairing: Captain Rex x Reader

Genre: Fluff 

Words: 5352

Summary:  This was supposed to be a diplomatic mission between two peaceful neighbors to ensure that the Separatists wouldn’t invade your planets. And as the princess of your nation, you were expected to uphold proper decorum and exercise exact protocol at all times. So why were you laying on the jungle floor, stripped down to your under layers, curled next to a clone captain keeping watch of your tiny cave, miles away from the capital where negotiations were to be held?

White. White and blue. Those are the only colors at the forefront of your vision, aside from the black of the guns. In a stiff formation behind a robed man, are these… troops. Clones, you believe. All centered around the famed Anakin Skywalker. It has been quite a while since a Jedi or any outside military force graced your planet, much less your nation. But the creeping threat of Separatist forces would soon crash on your shores. And your nation, though prosperous, would not survive a Separatist attack without help.

“Greetings, princess. We’re here to escort you on a diplomatic mission to Theatis 06. I am Anakin Skywalker and this,” he points at a man who steps up beside the Jedi, “is Captain Rex.” The clone--Captain Rex-- salutes.

“We’ll protect you from any threat, princess. You can count on us.” You smile at the helmented man, bowing your head in return.

“Pleased to make your acquaintance. Accompanying me are my handmaidens and private guards.” Next to you, three girls in modest garb bend at the waist, and two armed men also bow. “Shall we start our journey?” The Jedi nods and directs his men to board the ship. The Captain, however, positions himself to flank you. He walks with practiced precision, his gait calculated like a routine.

Before boarding the ship, you turn to wave at the people who came to see you off. Your parents weren’t there, but that was to be expected. While your mother had gone to Coruscant and you were sent to Theatis 06, your father had to stay and rule the country. The only people that came were the senator and select members of the upper and lower chambers of Congress. They wave back. These people were vultures, their smiles hiding something evil. It would be a relief to leave their grip, so you could finally breathe without faking amity or hiding disdain. One slip up on your part, and these politicians would feast on the royal family. But politics was never your strong suit, and being the princess was tiring enough. A gentle hand on your elbow interrupts your thoughts when you realize with a jolt that you hadn’t moved.

“Sorry, your highness. We have a tight schedule,” the captain says. Your face warms at the contact while your handmaidens’ eyes widen with something akin to fear and curiosity. The guards even assume a protective stance briefly before understanding that you were not threatened. They loosen their arms after you dismiss them with a nod. However, the captain doesn’t seem to notice the intricacy of the situation.

“I… it’s alright, Captain.” You forge ahead, not minding the shocked girls, their faces quickly smoothing over to appear as disinterested as before. Thankfully, the makeup that caked your face hid the creeping blush on your cheeks.

The ship was gray and overall uninteresting. It was your first time on a Republic ship, and the whole ordeal seemed a little too excessive. Why would anyone attack a peaceful meeting between neighboring planets? A simple military convoy was enough, but sending a Jedi seemed a tad too much.

“Princess! Oh, it’s so nice to meet you.” Bounding to your side is an over-eager Togruta. Unable to contain her excitement, she bounces on the balls of her feet. “I’m Ahsoka Tano. I’m Master Skywalker’s padawan. I’ve never met a princess before!” The girl beams up at you. Amazing. Not just one but two Jedi. What was the Council thinking?

“Nice to meet you too, Ahsoka Tano. Yes, I’m a princess, but it’s really nothing special. I’m just a human.” You let out a small, graceful smile. Softened eyes, relaxed posture, eyebrows curved upwards. The facade of a princess. A face to exude warmth and comfort to subjects and allies.

“You’re so cool! What’s it like? Do you have to marry a prince?” Ahsoka sits down on a chair next to you, and you settle yourself into the stiff metal chair as well. In the corner of your eye, the captain stands, watching.

“Sometimes. You see, there aren’t many princes to choose from, so my parents pick someone worthy of ruling. In my country, the royal family is more than just a symbol. We have to be trained in politics, government, and military strategy,” you explain. “So marrying for lineage alone doesn’t cut it. One doesn’t have to be born a prince or princess to marry into the royal family. But royalty is quite tiring. Sometimes, I wish I had a break,” you chuckle. Startled, the handmaidens stare at you. Showing anything but happiness at your duty and family was definitely out of protocol. But who was here to enforce it? Certainly not the scheming congressmen. Besides, the young Jedi seems innocently curious.

“Wow… that sounds complicated. So... military strategy huh? Ever led a battle or maybe fought in one? I know quite a lot about fighting in battles, you know. I could take out battle droids with my eyes closed. And, as commander of the 501st, I’ve led a few missions myself,” she smirks, proud of her achievements. As she should be, you muse. The girl is young and already so confident in war. A sad reality.

“Alright, snips. Quit bragging,” Skywalker says, entering your section of the ship. “We’ll be there in an hour, princess.” He turns to leave for the cockpit, but the girl simply rolls her eyes and sticks out a tongue at her master’s back to which he replies in a similar fashion. The interaction causes a laugh to bubble past your lips. At this point, you feel that you’re handmaidens might be on the verge of fainting from all your breaks in protocol.

“That is very impressive, Miss Tano. War is a very hard thing. I personally have not led any military initiatives. My nation is a peaceful one, and I plan to maintain that peace. An official alliance with the prime minister of Theatis 06 would determine whether or not we can survive an impending Separatist invasion.” The girl nods in thought. She looks around, at your handmaidens, guards, and you. Probably analyzing the foreign clothes, the jewelry, the manner you and your people hold yourself. In a galaxy so vast, many cultures had nuances to everything. As her eyes wander, you eye the captain instead.

He’s standing tall and stiff. All the men had their helmets on, which unnerved you. Their eyes could be anywhere, looking at anyone. They were uniform in their blue and white, but the differences were also striking. While the captain had a pauldron, the others did not. The variances in paint differentiated one man from another. You knew that, as clones, they were supposed to look identical. But you had never seen a clone’s face before.

“Princess, is there something wrong?” You shake your head, not realizing that you had been staring at the captain. Maker, this was so embarrassing. You clear your throat before responding.

“No, captain. I was just… admiring your armor.” The man clearly wasn’t expecting your answer because he almost loses his balance. He coughs, almost shyly.

“Oh. Well, princess, there’s not much to admire. It’s just paint on plastoid.” He rubs the back of his neck with a hand, stance already loosened. The other clones glance at their captain before relaxing themselves.

“Nonsense. If you don’t mind, I’d be grateful to know what your paint signifies.” The handmaiden closest to you gasps. She tries to muffle it, but you catch it in time. Next to you, Ahsoka grins at the captain, unspoken words between them.

“Yeah, Rex. Tell us about your armor,” she teases. He sighs but obeys.

“These,” he points to the top of his helmet, “are jaig eyes. They’re a symbol of honor among Mandalorians. The pauldron is just a sign of rank. And the blue shows that I’m part of the 501st.” Hmm… Mandalorian symbol of honor, huh.

“So you’re a Mandalorian?” He shakes his head.

“Not really, your highness. Our template, Jango Fett, was a Mandalorian, and we know some basic Mando’a. But… we’re not born on Mandalore. Kamino is the closest thing to home.” His voice tapers off, probably due to some deeper feeling with Kamino, but you’re not certain. You’ve heard of the watery planet but never put much substantial thought to it, much like your knowledge about the clone army.

“I see. Thank you, captain, for sharing with me and my entourage. If you don’t mind, I’ll review the terms I’ll discuss with the congress of Theatis 06.” You pull out a datapad, glancing over at the information. By your side, Ahsoka seems to debate staying or leaving. Eventually, she stands up and heads for the cockpit, no doubt wanting to bother her master. The datapad is light in your hands, but the content is heavy. Piles and piles of documents condensed in one small piece of technology. Documents which, if used correctly, would earn you a formal military alliance with Theatis 06. If you lost the datapad, you’re sure that your parents and Congress would personally wring your neck.

The handmaidens relax beside you, finally relieved. This is what good princesses do, you mutter in your head. They focus on their task and don’t break silly rules. Rules set to protect your throne and reputation but silly nonetheless.

The silence and cold of space is not foreign to you, but it’s not common either. You rarely leave your planet, much less your system. Maybe once or twice a cycle, you go off-world for diplomacy or recreation. When you do leave, it’s always the same place. If it’s not Coruscant, it’s Naboo. If not either of those planets, it’s Yidone, Theatis 04, or Theatis 06. On its own, none of those planets were boring. But it gets tiring quickly, especially as a princess. However, that’s probably the spoiled, privileged part of you complaining. Your life of comfort is unimaginable to that of the impoverished people in your nation, the ones being sold into the disgusting sex trade, or those who suffer under an infinite number of tragedies. All of their lives, already horrible, would be even more wrecked under Separatist forces. So you push on with your boredom and complaining. For the sake of your people.

Just as you put your datapad down, a loud crash hammers the right side of the ship. Gasping, you grip the handles of the chair to stabilize, but your handmaidens aren’t so lucky. All three of them are flung from their seats and onto the floor, struggling to stand up. Your guards try to reach you, but they too are knocked off their feet.

“What is going on, captain?” You ask, almost frantically, at the approaching clone. On unsteady feet, he eventually stands in front of you, bracing himself. In this position, you won’t be forced out your chair with the clone acting as a barrier.

“Not sure, your highness. Doesn’t sound too good, though.” Another crash, this time from the top of the ship, further unbalances you. Your body surges forward, but the captain latches onto your forearms, pulling them into his chest. His chest plate digs into your arms, but at least you’re not sprawled on the floor like your companions.

A voice crackles from the captain’s comm. “Rex? Get the princess into an escape pod. A Separatist ship is firing at us. Hurry,” urges Skywalker.

“But, sir, what about you and Ahsoka? Wouldn’t a Jedi protect her better?” A second passes before a response.

“We don’t have time for this, Rex. Look, we’ll meet you down there after we settle this seppie ship. Get your ass to an escape pod, and bring the princess with you,” orders the Jedi.

“Yes, General.” The captain hauls you out your seat, an arm snaking around to grip your waist. In any other situation, you’d be blushing furiously, but only fear resides in your chest. Why was a Separatist ship already here?

The captain leads you down multiple hallways, weaving in out of the ship’s interior. All around you, other clones flit about, readying their positions for battle. In a relatively quiet area, the captain pushes a button open to reveal an escape pod. He quickly positions you inside before taking his own place. He settles in, and the both of you are launched into space without a second to spare.

As you calm your breathing, you begin to feel the tension in your muscles. The pod was obviously made for one person, as indicated by how small you had to curl yourself to allow for the captain to squeeze in. Knees pulled tight to your chest, there is still barely any space. The heavy jewelry adorning your neck only makes you tense up further. Stars, it’s getting hard to breathe. Next to the captain is a black bag, and you wonder how he had the time to grab it. You certainly didn’t remember him bringing it.

But if you two were stuck in the pod with a sole bag… that meant your clothes and, most importantly, your datapad was left behind. You didn’t even have a comm to contact your handmaidens and guards. The pain at the forefront of your head continues to build at the thought. No food, no contact, and no documents.

“Are you alright, princess?” You shake your head, trying to clear up your daze. His helmet is turned towards you, those blue jaig eyes staring.

“I think so. Why… how did the Separatists attack us?” The captain sighs, the breathy noise filtered out of his helmet.

“To be honest, it might be because they got intel about Republic ships coming to escort you. They probably realized that your planet would ally against them, and that didn’t sit well,” he considers. His hands are at the controls, expertly maneuvering them further away from the larger ship. Outside, you can see continuous beams of light aimed at the side of the craft, further jostling it. You hope everyone is okay. Especially your entourage and the excitable Togruta padawan. However, knowing the reputation of Jedi, Ahsoka and Skywalker will definitely survive the attack. You left your people in good hands.

“Captain,” you start, “this was supposed to be a diplomatic voyage. And yet, the Republic sends two Jedi and a legion of highly-skilled clone troopers. Did the Council know that something was going to happen to me? Granted, I am thankful for the extra security, but it seems excessive, does it not? And speak candidly. It’s only us two.” You shift slightly to angle your body to face him, tucking your knees under yourself. He doesn’t respond immediately, opting instead to stare out at the approaching planet of Theatis 06.

“I’m not authorized to say too much, and frankly, I don’t why we were sent either. So many other planets could use our help to directly fight off the seppies. Yet… here we are,” he sighs. “But I promise to keep you safe no matter what. As for your people on the ship, they will be taken good care of. Don't worry, princess.”  The crackle of the comm drives your attention to the console.

“Rex? Are you and the princess alright?” Ahsoka’s voice carries over, clear concern lacing her tone. Somewhere behind her, Skywalker’s commands ring out, ordering the men to keep order.

“We’re okay, commander. How is the situation over there?” The sounds of grunts and chaos pass through the comm before she speaks again.

“We’re--ugh-- fine, Rex. Just. Trying. To--kriff--stabilize this ship. See you on-”

Before the captain could respond, a loud crash sends your small pod hurtling in circles.

The momentum dizzies you, and you blindly reach out for something to grab on. Your hands tightly grip the closest thing, the captain’s arm, while the pod continues to spin. In this moment, his plastoid-covered arm and the floor below were the only solid things that existed. In front of you, the captain curses, trying to stabilize the craft to no avail.

The black color of space mixes with the blue and green of Theatis 06, circles and swirls of light and flashes. A heavy feeling of bile threatens to climb out your throat, but you push it down.

“Brace for impact,” orders the captain, and he moves away from the pod’s controls. Quickly, he encases you in his arms, one hand tucked behind your head, pulling you close to his chest. In a moment of clarity, you wrap your arms around his torso just as his free hand grabs the nearby bag and holds it behind you. He successfully entangles the two of you, making you as compact as possible. You shiver at the excessive contact. It’s been so long since you had prolonged touches with someone, much less a hug for survival. Overhead, a beeping noise indicates an oncoming collision.

You feel it before you realize. As your pod enters the atmosphere, it spirals further out of control at even faster speed. In space, it was merely uncontrollable loops. But as you crash into Theatis 06, the air pressure forces your small spacecraft to act as a bullet. There was no way you were going to survive the crash.

You close your eyes, taking a deep breath. Already, you’re praying to the Maker and to the Force or whatever higher power exists that you and the captain will survive. You just wish you could see your parents and country one last time. You hope that-

The sound of rustled tree tops interrupts your thoughts, jostling the two of you. As you peer up at the captain's helmet, the pod hits the ground, the impact shaking you to your very core. And everything goes black.

*****

It’s beautiful. The ocean waves pull up against the shore before receding back, its foamy crest creating shapes of all sizes. On the horizon, the three moons of your planet begin rising, the deep hues of red and purple illuminating the water. Next to you is someone in a full suit of armor. Mostly white with blue paint marking it. Behind him is a robed person. They take off the hood, revealing themselves. But they don’t have one face. Like a slideshow, the faces of politicians, your handmaidens, yourself , melt together. The person raises their hand, and the barrel of a blaster is pointed right at you and--

You sit up, gasping. The air in your throat is dry: suffocating and scratchy. You try to pry off your necklaces to alleviate the pain to no avail.

It was just a dream. A wonderful dream at the start but… it devolved to something much sinister. You crack your neck, stretching your arms out only to hit something hard. And that something groans . Immediately, you open your eyes to see a passed out Captain Rex laying next to you.

Slowly, pieces of your voyage and subsequent crash come together in your mind, and you realize that you probably landed on one of Theatis 06’s numerous jungles. Grunting, you stand up, joints cracking in protest. The top part of the pod was completely gone, as is a side piece. You hobble over to control panels, trying to see if the comm worked. Sadly, the whole thing seemed destroyed. This was worse than you thought.

You had one crashed escape pod, no way to contact your escort group, and one sleeping clone trooper.

“Princess?”

Well… that makes zero sleeping clone troopers. You turn to the captain to see him rise to his feet. He stretches briefly before joining you next to the control panel.

“Does anything work?” His voice is scratchy, with a hint of warmth despite being filtered. You give a defeated sigh. After button smashing the console in frustration, there is still no sign it was operable.

“Unfortunately, nothing does. I guess we’re stuck here momentarily, captain.” He doesn’t say anything, opting to grab the discarded bag on the ground. He lugs it over himself, wearing it like a backpack and motions for you to follow him.

“We’ll travel to the closest city and find a way to send our coordinates to General Skywalker. For now, we should get some shelter and stay out of danger.” You nod, satisfied. The captain looks around then, seeing a viable path, jerks his head in that direction and walks off. You follow behind him, making sure to not snag your clothes on the flora.

As you journey onward, sweat begins to drip down… everywhere. Your face, neck, back. It gathers underneath your jewelry, seeping into your heavy robes. The cloying heat of the jungle was suffocating, the humidity clinging to every part of you. You can only imagine how much heat the captain had to endure under his armor.

The jungle wasn’t a quiet place. Sounds of birds chirping, distant animal growls, and your own footsteps echoed off the forest floor. In another time, this trip would be considered pleasant. You were, after all, surrounded by beautiful, exotic nature. But the reality of the situation only deepened the further you walked.

Next to you, the captain stayed silent. He dutifully carries the bag, twin blasters at his sides, and head aimed forward the entire time. Occasionally, he steadies you with a free hand when you slip on a rock or trip over a root. Even then, he doesn’t say a word. With each step, your muscles continue to ache. Your leg muscles are especially sore, and the back of your head is tender at the touch, probably due to the crash.

After what feels like hours, the captain finally stops moving. You, however, don’t notice, and collide right into his back, almost sending the two of you flying forward. You apologize under your breath then look to see why the captain had stopped.  

A cave. A small cave with vines covering the entrance. You would have missed it if the captain hadn’t seen it. He steps towards the mouth of the cave, brushing aside the vines. You enter after him, and sit down on the ground. You sigh in the relief at the reprieve from walking. The captain sets the bag down in front of you and opens it.

Peering into the bag, you see a medkit, a canteen, extra ammo, a comm, and… rations. Maker, you didn’t realize how hungry you were until you saw those rations. Only now, the ache and noise of your stomach was noticeable.

The captain also settles down on the ground, legs spread apart, knees bent. He looks so relaxed--too relaxed-- for someone who was stuck with a princess in a foreign forest. He sorts through the supplies methodically, like he’s taking inventory.

You shrug off your heavy clothing, groaning at the air that hits your skin. Off goes your cloak, then head wrap, and lastly your skirt. All you’re left with is a black layer meant for temperature regulation and sight blaster protection. On top of that is a loose cotton slip dress, allowing the miniscule breeze of the jungle to provide you with some cooling. You try to remove your jewelry, but… you don’t know how to. You’ve never done it yourself.

“Captain? Would you mind removing my necklaces for me?” The helmet jerks up, interrupted from his organizing.

“Of course, princess.” He stands up and positions himself behind you. He shrugs off his gloves, bare, tanned hands reaching to the clasps. Grunts of concentration filter out of his helmet, probably in confusion at the locking mechanisms. It was, to his credit, a pretty complicated piece of jewelry. After a minute or two of struggle, the necklaces come loose. He sets it aside, on top of your discarded clothes.

“I’ll start a fire, stay here.” He starts to get up, but you grasp his wrist.

“This is a rainforest, captain. All the wood is wet and won’t burn. Try looking for the eyti leaves instead.” You describe the plant to him in detail, watching him nod in confirmation.

“I’ll be back, your highness. Here,” he reaches to his side and pulls out a blaster, “for emergencies.” He sets off, disappearing past the vines.

The air is thick around you, the urge to sleep becoming more tempting. You don’t even realize your eyes were closing, and jostle awake when you hear the snap of a twig. Snap .

Crack .

You rise slowly, clinging to the side of the cave. You brush aside a few vines, gripping the blaster until your knuckles turn white. You hold your breath and look out.

Green eyes. Massive green eyes stare right at you. Stars, that was a massive feline. You wrack your head for information regarding Theatis 06 jungle cats. You’re sure you learned about them somewhere in foriegn history class. But the growl leaving the cat’s bared mouth shakes you out of your thoughts. Stay calm. You’ll stay calm, move slowly, and breathe at a steady pa-

The cat lunges at you, and you raise your armed hand on instinct, frantically trying to pull the trigger. A shot rings around the area, and the cat slumps down, falling hard. The heavy thunk of its body ruffles the forest floor. You release the breath you were holding. Wait.

The blaster mark wasn’t on its front. It was on the cat’s back . From your periphery, Captain Rex steps out from between the trees. He marches over to you, setting down the eyti leaves before grasping your shoulders.

“Are you alright, princess?” You nod mutely. He leans down and picks up the blaster from the ground. You didn’t even know you’d dropped it. If he hadn’t been there… you don’t even want to think about what could’ve happened.

“I’ll start the fire.” The captain’s hands leave you, the absence of his warmth making you frown for a brief second. He piles the leaves into a mound in the middle of the cave floor. “I’ll get some rocks,” he starts, but you hold up a hand.

“I’ll do it. I’ll stay close, don’t worry.” Before he could protest, you’re already out of the cave. The search for rocks isn’t difficult, but halfway through it registers that you left the blaster. Well… you hope those jungle cats don’t travel in packs. Your small expedition was pleasant. The course you set wasn’t too far from your cave, and you get to admire the jungle without your restrictive clothes and jewelry.  

After a few minutes in the heavy heat, you gather enough rocks for a small pit to contain the eyti leaves. You use your shirt to hold the rocks, stretching the fabric to a concave and containing them. You return to find the captain at the mouth of the cave, stiff and wary, a hand ready on his blaster. He only seems to relax once he sees you.

Together, you set up the fire pit, but don’t light it yet. The captain leaves the cave with a knife, mentioning how he had to skin the dinner. You hobble over to the comm to see if you could connect to any signal. Nothing. You were too far to contact anyone. You slump in your position and stare at the cave wall. How did things get so bad?

After a while, the captain returns with the skinned meat of the jungle cat. Together, you start the fire and prepare some sticks to use for skewering the meat. Outside, the insects buzz and the frogs croak, the darkness sweeping over to indicate night. The transition between light and dark begins.

The two of you cook the meat in silence, leaving you to ponder. With each piece of meat that’s done, you plop it into your mouth with no hesitation. It tastes… like the green hens from back home. Pretty unseasoned and a little lean, but not horrible. The captain doesn’t eat his pieces immediately, setting them aside when he’s done.

Soon enough, you’ve eaten through your share, satisfied and full. A large dinner without using the precious rations is a success in your book. The captain, however, has yet to eat his food. Once all his pieces are cooked, he brings his hands to his helmet and tugs it off and… you’re speechless.

Light blond hair atop a well-structured face. Eyebrows that arch beautifully, a sharp nose, and a prominent jawline, the hard lines of stress and war prominent on his forehead. The thin line of his lips are downturned. And his eyes . The hooded, gold-brown eyes that reflect the flickering firelight. This man might have been the most handsome you’ve ever seen. And there’s a whole army of people who look just like him.

“Princess? Something wrong?” You jolt at his question. Kriff, this was the second time you had stared at him today. Heat warms your cheeks. You cough into a closed fist.

“Nothing’s wrong, captain. And you can call me by my name. I think we’re past formalities.” He lets out a small smile but shakes his head.

“Don’t think I can do that, your highness. Have to follow orders and call you formally.” You pout but don’t respond, instead taking the time to further admire him. His voice is even more captivating without the helmet. Maker, it was so smooth and melodic yet stable and- kriff when were you so attracted to a voice ? He starts eating, but those ochre eyes flit to yours, and you turn away.

To distract yourself, you pick up the canteen of water, and take a few sips. As you search through the contents of the bag, you find a compact mirror. You open and see… something horrible.

Your makeup has been smudged to all hell. The gold of your lipstick is smeared down to your chin, and the white paint on your face is half gone. The intricate golden markings that decorate you are no more than muddied lines, and there are visible sweat trails that erased the color on your forehead. You were such a mess. While you look like a melted dolly, the captain sits there looking all majestic. This was so unfair .

“Is everything ok, princess?” You close your gaping mouth and turn to the captain.

“You never told me that I looked like this ,” you frown, pointing at your face. “I look horrible!” The captain chuckles, the breathy sound sending shivers to your chest.

“With all due respect, I didn’t think it was my place to point it out. And you don’t look bad, either. We just crash landed in the jungle. Of course your makeup would be ruined.” His eyebrows arch, confused at your frustration. You huff.

“It’s just so unfair. You get to look like… that , and I’m here looking like a blurrg stepped in paint and walked over my face!” You bring a hand to your forehead in exasperation. Sure, you were being dramatic, but a princess should never have to be in such a sorry state. The captain has the nerve to look even more bewildered.

“I’m not sure I understand, princess. I look normal, like all my brothers.” A grumble about how he’ll never understand your predicament escapes your lips. The captain reaches for one of your discarded clothes and sets the lip of the canteen on top, dampening the fabric. “Here,” he gestures, “so you can wash up.”  You grasp at the cloth, gently swiping at your face. Paint stains the rich, expensive robe, but you don’t really care.

“Thank you,” you croak, face feeling fresher and cleaned. The captain nods at you, arranging your clothes to form a pile.

“Sleep. I’ll keep watch,” he advises.

“Shouldn’t we take turns? It’s no use if you’re tired tomorrow.” He considers your words then sighs.

“Alright. I’ll wake you when it’s your turn,” he decides. You lay your head atop your clothes, settling down on the hard ground. Pebbles dig at your back, and your neck aches at the lack of support, but it’s not as horrible as you would’ve imagined.

“Good night, Captain Rex,” you whisper, eyes already closing. The exhaustion from your long hike takes over your body. It seems that your adrenaline from the day is long gone.

“Good night, princess.”

[padme-amitabha]

Is Anakin and Vader the same person?

I think I have talked about this before but I’ll reiterate the main points.

Of course they are the same person at different points in life. I don’t choose to follow Disney’s interpretation of anything about Star Wars. They hire writers and pay them to write their own fanfiction and interpretation and it’s far from George’s vision so I don’t see any reason to. Only 1-6 movies are canon to me with few exceptions such as 2003 Clone Wars and a few legends material but I’ll always put more emphasis on the movies.

Now from Revenge of the Sith movie we see Anakin become Vader (and by that I mean undergoing a surgery and being put into the suit). While the mask is being lowered we can see the fear in his eyes and his face is still recognizable. Fast forward 23 years and there’s no reason to believe he’s a different person. The only time he talks about his name is when Luke brings it up and he says “that name no longer has any meaning for me” not “I destroyed Anakin” or something similar to that. He is completely right because obviously it doesn’t hold any meaning for him - everyone who called him and knew him by that name (Shmi, Obi-Wan and Padmé) were all dead and his master called him Vader. And he had gotten used to the name in over two decades. Also, Palpatine probably preferred that he distance himself from his past hence referring to Luke as “the offspring of Anakin Skywalker.” Vader wasn’t a personality; it was just a new name he went by and since the mention of his real name brought back unpleasant memories he tried not to think of himself as the same person as a coping mechanism. This is why Vader tells Luke it’s too late for him to redeem himself - because he knows he commited some terrible deeds and hurt his loved ones and he can’t ever take that back. If he wasn’t Anakin, he wouldn’t feel that guilt or remorse for Anakin’s wife and mentor.

It’s the same as Padmé in TPM really - we see Padmé first as Queen Amidala who is a regal authoritative figure and then we see her true self when she’s in disguise.

Anakin winced, then quickly picked up another holograph, this one showing Padmé a couple of years later, wearing official robes and standing between two older and similarly robed Legislators. He looked back at the first holo, then to this one, noting that Padmé’s expression seemed much more severe here. “My first day as an Apprentice Legislator,” Padmé explained.

Then, as if she was reading his mind, she added, “See the difference?” Anakin studied the holograph a moment longer, then looked up and laughed, seeing Padmé wearing that same long and stern expression. She laughed as well, then squeezed his shoulder and went back to her packing.

Anakin put the holographs down side by side and looked at them for a long, long time. Two sides of the woman he loved.

This is from the AOTC novelization and this can be applied to Anakin as well. (More about similarities between Darth Vader and Queen Amidala in this post.) Just like Queen Amidala is really Padmé Naberrie, in the same way Darth Vader is really just Anakin Skywalker.

The reason why he has a different demeanor in OT is mostly due to his age and because he had years to adapt to his new persona. Vader in ROTS didn’t immediately become all stoic and impassive - he got very emotional on hearing Padmé’s death just like he would as Anakin. Vader isn’t some kind of demon possessing Anakin - Vader is Anakin after he has lost everything and he isn’t holding back as he did as a Jedi. It sounds very poetic to state both Anakin and Padmé died on the same day but Anakin truly didn’t though. Anakin lived on for years and died a redeemed man on the death star. The ROTS novelization supports this and it was approved by Lucas so it’s authentic to me.

And there is one blazing moment in which you finally understand that there was no dragon. That there was no Vader. That there was only you. Only Anakin Skywalker.

That it was all you. Is you.

Only you.

You did it.

You killed her.

You killed her because, finally, when you could have saved her, when you could have gone away with her, when you could have been thinking about her, you were thinking about yourself …

I do think it was Anakin who choked Padmé on Mustafar even though some people like to blame it on “Vader”. Anakin was unhinged on Mustafar but even in the beginning of ROTS, he was beginning to show some aggression. Though people complain the first part of ROTS is slow and too much happens in the latter half and he falls too suddenly, that’s not the case. This moment has been building up from the very first movie to the first half of ROTS. The fall isn’t just that one action of attacking Mace Windu, he was gradually falling to the dark side for years starting from his mother’s death and he only made the actual decision in the rumination scene. That’s when he finally sheds a tear and makes the conscious decision to join the dark side.

For the record, I think conflict has always been a part of Anakin Skywalker. The prequels portray him in a negative light, particularly in the last two films. Anakin in the movies is a very, very flawed individual and even meant to be unlikable at times. He struggles with his emotions, he struggles to communicate with others and he struggle to fit in the order. I wouldn’t say he was mentally stable either - he could be unpredictable and his actions depend on his mood. But the movies also show the good aspects of him, especially about people he cared about. He even starts off as a kid with a good heart. The conflict and his flaws cause him to fall to the dark side and his good qualities (like selflessness and loyalty when it comes to family) ultimately redeem him. 

So I don’t think “Anakin” was the good side of him and “Vader” was the dark side. Vader is Anakin after he has lost everything he cared about and since he is not a Jedi anymore he is no longer required to hold back on anything. Ambition and desire to rule the galaxy is often associated with “Vader” but I think people forget Anakin was just as ambitious and in ROTS being denied the rank of Master deeply upsets him and increases his resentment towards the Jedi. He admitted that he wanted more in ROTS even though he knows he shouldn’t. He also told Padmé in AOTC that he would prefer dictatorship over democracy so it’s not like his ideals changed either. Vader until he discovered he had a son had no interest in ruling the galaxy. Later on he essentially offered Luke the same choice he gave Padmé on Mustafar. From the conversation in AOTC, it seems he’s more dissatisfied with the system and being from a lawless and harsh world he sees dictatorship as the solution. While he doesn’t want to actively take part in it, he wants to enforce the system which is exactly what he does later on (and perhaps he preferred leaving the actual ruling bit to Padmé or Luke). I don’t see Vader as “evil” - I mean the only times he killed people were for failure and he did keep Admiral Piett alive since he proved to be competent. Vader in OT (when Luke isn’t concerned) is just doing his job and punishing inefficient people who aren’t letting him do his job. He only serves the emperor and does his bidding. After Luke rejects his offer, Vader still plans to seek him out but in ROTJ his resolve definitely grew weaker and it’s more like he’s imploring him to reconsider than being forceful. 

Anakin as we have seen in AOTC is very much capable of mass murder (and confessed that he felt they deserved it) so should he really be defined as the good side? You could even argue as Vader he killed people for legitimate reasons whereas Anakin killed defenseless people when he was blinded by rage. And even in ROTS he kills Dooku as revenge. I’m not saying Anakin is evil (that would be grossly oversimplying things); I am saying he was a complex character. The reason why he turned out the way he is has already been explored in the prequels but I also believe it’s a combination of nature and nurture. Anakin as a child has a good heart, wants to help others and free the slaves but in TPM script/novelization he lashes out at a Rodian who claims he won the race by cheating, meaning he didn’t handle accusation very well. It might be dismissed as a childish reaction but we see he struggled to control his temper in later years as well. A person has both good and bad qualities and that’s the case with Anakin here, though his negative traits were expressed more. But the prequels are all about exploring his downfall so it was necessary to highlight them. 

Anakin to me was never a “hero” who fell to the dark side due to circumstances; he was a complex character who made some hard choices. If the roles were reversed and Padmé was the Jedi with Anakin’s life at risk, I don’t think she would go that far to commit murder. Sure Palpatine is very manipulative but at the same time he understood that it was in Anakin’s nature to be manipulated very easily. You need to have some form of fear, insecurity and resentment in you for someone to utilize them. 

I blame TCW, Rebels and the fanboyish Marvel comics for dissociating Anakin from Vader. “Anakin Skywalker was weak, I destroyed him” again makes him very one-dimensional than accepting the fact that people can be morally complex. Not to mention the Marvel comics’ tendency to make him react violently and unnecessarily ruthless to prove he isn’t Anakin drastically reduces his character depth for me. It may also have to do with the fact that movie Anakin was not well-received so they are trying to distance him from Darth Vader, whom fanboys worship. Anakin’s story is incomplete without Vader - he made a choice to embrace the dark side and sacrifice his morality so like the tragic hero he is, he has to suffer and face the consequences for his actions. Similarly, Vader’s story is incomplete without Anakin - without Anakin he is a faceless man. Sure he’s mysterious but without his past we would not know what a complex character he was or sympathise with him.

If Vader wasn’t really Anakin, he wouldn’t have felt remorse for his actions or believe it was too late for him. If he wasn’t Anakin he wouldn’t refer to Luke as his son and if he was so desperate to erase any trace of Anakin, he would have definitely killed Luke as he was a reminder of his past. It was Vader who saved Luke in the end and while it is fine to figuratively say “Anakin was back”, taking it literally undermines his sacrifice. It takes a lot to come back from the dark side, face your demons and after being that way for decades, attempt to redeem yourself when you believe you’re far too gone. He redeemed himself as an old man after a long life full of sorrow and regrets, which also sounds much better than saying “he was evil no longer” and that “Anakin was back”. It makes everything seem black and white and the prequels were essentially all about exploring the gray area. Luke didn’t even know “Anakin” and really where was Anakin when “Vader” cut off his hand? Or fought him? Vader’s inner struggle was between accepting he was far too gone and going on as he did for years, and accepting change, letting it go and forgiving himself for his son’s sake - not a struggle between two personalities fighting to take control. If they were different personalities, Anakin wouldn’t have almost all of Vader’s qualities; he wouldn’t be morally conflicted both as Anakin and Vader. George said the reason why he later replaced his force ghost as a younger version was because he stopped being Anakin after he fell to the dark side and I have to say that’s the only time I disagree with George because Anakin in prequels still had dark tendencies so I do believe Vader never stopped being Anakin hence the original version with the old force ghost made more sense to me and the new version does rob some of the depth from his character. I’m sure George has his reasons - he might have wished to preserve the black and white simplicity of the OT but after the complexity of the prequels, it seems more appropriate for the saga to have a more imperfect, realistic ending. In retrospect, it seems to me they are very much the same person when you study his personality and consider his whole life, which was full of ups and downs.

[magicalforcesau]

Dancing with Ghosts in Your Garden~ Chapter 4- Year 1: November

All anyone had been talking about was the beast. It was breakfast in the great hall, but Anakin wasn’t feeling much like eating. The Gryffindor’s had already pestered him for information, but he’d lied and told them he’d been lost on the other side of the castle. It’s not that he wanted them to think he was just some stupid first year, but every time he heard that monsters name the guilt inside him rose until he felt the truth try to bubble out of his mouth.

“Come on Rex,” Anakin pushed his own plate away and looked over at his friend who seemed to be picking at his food too, “Let’s get out of here,” Rex looked at him curiously, but followed him out of the great hall without a word about it.

They walked side by side through the halls and up a few staircases, heading generally in the direction of the Gryffindor common room. There were a lot of hallways blocked off and barriers put up around gaping holes in the walls. He’d noticed how quickly though the professors had been able to repair the great hall; it seemed another thing magic was rather good for was speeding things along. Had each stray brick piled along the sides of the halls not reminded him of such unpleasant events, he’d have been much more awestruck. They were almost to the Gryffindor common room when Anakin came rather abruptly to a stop.

“This is all my fault!” Anakin finally said it and Rex paused a few steps ahead of Anakin.

“What?” Rex turned with searching eyes.

“The beast!” He threw a hand towards a rather large hole in the wall, “I let it out!” Rex and Anakin both paused staring at the damage.

“Ok…” Rex tested, stepping a little closer, “You wanna talk about it?”

“Remember I told you I had a plan to get to the Halloween party?” He asked and Rex nodded, “Well I went through with it. I found a secret tunnel that I thought would lead outside, but instead I ended up finding that monster!” Anakin looked at Rex anxiously, “Some mysterious figure was keeping it there and it seemed so sad…” He trailed off looking across the grounds, though he couldn’t see the forbidden forest from here, “I escaped from the guy in the cloak and let the beast out too, I didn’t think it’d destroy the school!”

The two were silent, Anakin was trying very hard not to cry. He wanted to be a powerful wizard not some stupid crybaby. He didn’t seem to be having too much luck with that.

“So what you’re saying is,” Rex was looking at him with scrutiny, “There’s a shadowy figure that’s been keeping a pet wizard-killer in the basement?” Anakin blinked.

“Well, yeah I guess so,” he shrugged, “I mean, he definitely seemed like a sketchy guy.”

“Did you tell any of the professors?” Rex asked him, he had a little spark of that Gryffindor adventure glimmering in his eyes and it seemed to lighten the load of guilt off Anakin’s shoulders if only for a moment.

“I tried to tell them it was my fault, but they didn’t want to hear about it,” Anakin frowned, “Windu just took 50 points from me and then gave them to Cody. What’s even the point of that if we didn’t actually lose or gain any points? Windu’s definitely a little mental,” It seemed he was never too upset to complain about his favorite professor, “Besides, the guy seemed too old to be a student.”

“Mate,” Rex was looking at him a little dumbfounded and he shut up, “Maybe you shouldn’t have let it out, but I think we have bigger problems if someone, maybe even a professor, managed to sneak that thing into the school,” They stepped back from the hole in the wall, as it was beginning to rain and Anakin met Rex’s eyes.

“I guess we’ve got a mystery on our hands.”

***

Satine smoothed out a fresh piece of parchment before dipping her quill in ink as she pondered how best to start. It was quiet in the Ravenclaw common room; everyone was either at breakfast or still asleep. She, herself, had already gone down for breakfast. She’d found it impossible to go back to sleep after the activities the night before and had decided to rise at the earliest hour and arrive for breakfast right as the doors opened.

It was quite a marvel seeing the work that had already been done to the castle, though there would still be much more to do. She would be prepared to help with the matter if her and her fellow prefects were called upon, but for now she felt she had more pressing matters.

She hadn’t been the only student who’d arrived early for breakfast. Chatter traveled quickly when the room was fairly empty and she’d overheard a conversation between a group of students that had her heart beating in her throat.

They figured the beast would be put to death.

Satine was no fool and once she’d overheard such a suggestion, she knew that others would have the same opinions. The beast had caused some destruction, but it most certainly wasn’t enough to put some poor creature to rest over.

“Satine?” She looked over her shoulder, brushing a strand of hair out of her eyes to watch Ben make his approach. Unlike the night before he was once again pressed and perfect, but still that one pesky wisp of hair threatened to fall into his eyes and Satine had to fight the urge to push it back into place.

“Good morning,” She greeted him, eyes lingering on him a moment longer than necessary before turning back to the blank parchment, “I see you’ve opted not to wear something that would make my eyes bleed today,” She jested and let herself smile softly, imagining the exact shade of red his face would be turning.

“Yes well,” He huffed and her smile widened, “It would hardly be befitting for a prefect to be seen dressed down, but may I remind you that we did have a crisis on hand last night?”

“You may,” She answered, eyes narrowing slightly, “You’re not trying to tell me I should be wearing my entire uniform on a Saturday are you? Because unlike you some of us enjoy casual wear,” She turned to eye him again, but his face was suddenly right there, leaning over her shoulder to see what she was working on.

“Oh, of course not,” He brushed that strand of hair out of his eyes and tucked it away with barely any effort at all before meeting her eyes. He too realized how close they were and carefully moved away, “You always look rather professional, you know that’s not what I was referring to,” She took a breath she hadn’t realized she’d held and turned back to the paper.

“I do know,” She answered. She expected him to move to leave, but he continued to stand there so she set down her quill and gave him a look, “What are you staring for? Did you need something?”

“I was wondering what you were working on. I do recall us not having any essays to complete,” He tilted his head at her and she sighed pushing back from the desk and turning to face him.

“If you must know,” She started, hardly needing to prepare before their inevitable daily squabble, “I’m penning a letter, to whom it may concern, about the Zillo Beast,” Ben blinked.

“Oh, did something happen?” Ben asked, she saw his hand twitch towards his wand and her eyes narrowed into a glare.

“Well isn’t it obvious Ben?” She stood up, trying to be on even playing field with him, but even she had to acknowledge he was starting to gain height over her, “Someone’s going to argue that they kill the thing and that’s not quite fair!” Ben opened his mouth, but Satine cut him off immediately, “Yes, the beast did damage the school, but no one was harmed and certainly it was not its own fault for being here!”

“You really think they’ll decide to kill it?” Ben asked once Satine had to pause to take a breath and she froze for a moment.

“It’s certainly in the realm of possibility,” She answered and Ben put a contemplative hand to his face.

“That does seem rather unfair. It’s obvious to me that someone brought it here, or perhaps it lay slumbering under the castle,” Ben started pacing and Satine found herself watching in surprise, “I think there’s more at play here. The creature shouldn’t be at fault since it was likely here against its own will.”

“Are-” Satine struggled to cut in, “Are you actually agreeing with me?” It’s not that it hadn’t been known to happen, but it certainly was rare that she didn’t have to make her case first.

“I- What do you mean? Do you really think I’m so heartless?” Ben stopped pacing and looked at her a little hurt.

“No, no I don’t,” She stepped forward extending her hand to touch him before she realized what she was doing and dropped it, “I’m sorry, you know how we are though,” He laughed at that.

“That I do,” He answered cheerily, “I suppose I can’t blame you for expecting an argument.”

“Perhaps you can write a letter too?” She suggested, “Although I’m sure they’ll at least read the letter of a witness, they’ll be more likely to see reason if there’s more than one of us,” She saw him hesitate before she could finish and felt her heart sink.

“It isn’t that I don’t support you, I’d be happy to read over your letter if you want,” Ben started, but Satine’s glare shut him up.

“You think it will do no good? Or do you not want to tarnish your reputation by doing the right thing?” It was rather scathing which she felt bad for immediately, but she would not allow him to look down on her ideas.

“Satine,” The way he said her name was soft and it gave her pause, “That’s hardly fair,” He murmured, but then seemed to think better of it, “I want to support you, but I’ve read the cases on magical beasts. It’s not likely that a simple letter will change their minds,” They stared at each other in silence, many beats longer than either of them needed too.

“You may be right,” Satine said through gritted teeth, “But I hardly think it’s such a bad way to start.”

***

He didn’t hear the door to his office open, much more invested in the tea leaves at the bottom of his teacup than reality for a moment longer than he should have been. A nervous cough was enough to break him out of his contemplating omens and to look up.

“You wanted to see me professor?” There the boy, Anakin Skywalker, stood peering from behind his door, trying not to look nervous and failing spectacularly.

“Why yes,” Qui-Gon smiled and invited him in with the swish of his hand. Once invited in, Anakin let his gaze wander all over the room, skimming across his odds and ends and ogling at his office portraits. He was in no hurry so he let the boy gaze around in wonder for as long as he needed to acclimate himself to an unfamiliar professor’s office. Finally Anakin seemed to come back to himself, turning a little red that stood out starkly next to his blond mop of hair. He climbed into the chair in front of Qui-Gon’s desk, clearly trying to look more comfortable than he felt.

“Are you going to send me home?” The boy asked shyly, but didn’t seem like he’d be very surprised if that was indeed the case.

“It’ll take just a little more than accidently riding atop a destructive beast to get you expelled here,” Qui-Gon mused, a hand coming up to stroke his beard thoughtfully and Anakin watched him in interest.

“But I mean, I still released it,” Anakin looked to the floor and gripped his robes with intensity, “If you were to expel me I’d understand,” Qui-Gon sat and pondered for a few moments.

“Why don’t you tell me what happened?” Qui-Gon asked and Anakin seemed to sigh, he’d clearly been asked by a few professors, “I’m sorry, my dear boy, but I’m quite curious myself. Wouldn’t be able to teach muggle studies if I wasn’t,” Anakin seemed to eye him up for a moment longer before shrugging.

“Well, I accidentally found a tunnel in the library,” He shifted at that and Qui-Gon watched with interest, “It led down to a tunnel and then there was the creature. A scary guy in a cloak was there and then I ran,” Anakin shrugged once more, “It got released while I was trying to escape.”

“And how are you doing?” Qui-Gon interrupted, already knowing what came next.

“How am I doing?” Anakin tilted his head.

“Yes, how are you doing? A very scary event for one so young,” Qui-Gon watched as Anakin seemed to really think at that, it was rather clear that the other professors had been a little more focused on the event itself.

“I’m fine I guess,” Anakin told him, “I didn’t get hurt or anything,” It wasn’t exactly the answer Qui-Gon was looking for, but he didn’t want to push the matter. At least he had left the lines of communication open and hopefully if he needed such a service he would return to Qui-Gon to inquire about it.

“I’m glad you were not injured,” Qui-Gon said finally and Anakin squirmed in his chair.

“Is that all professor?” He asked, “I’m supposed to have Quidditch practice soon...” He trailed off and Qui-Gon just smiled.

“Oh yes of course, perhaps we can talk another time,” Qui-Gon offered and Anakin nodded eagerly before darting up and out of his seat.

“Yeah ok,” He bounced a little with the excess energy of a growing child, “See you later Professor,” And he was gone.

Qui-Gon sat back in his chair, picking up the teacup with the leaves once more to stare at it. Interesting times were upon them indeed.

***

For the first time in his life Cody was finding it difficult to focus on Quidditch. It was their last team practice before the first match of the year and although he felt strongly about his team’s chances, there were definitely things they could improve on. He’d been running them through drills since noon, but his mind kept flickering back to the night before. It wasn’t about the beast’s attack on the school, he actually felt pretty good about that, especially winning back 50 points for Gryffindor for his bravery. It was thoughts of the Halloween party that were keeping him off his game.

Krell himself had the audacity to show up late to practice, citing prefect duties that Cody was nearly sure were made up. It didn’t help that Krell kept giving him smug looks throughout practice from his position in front of the goal posts.

“Ok team I think that’ll be enough for practice today,” Cody grinned at them all, but it felt fake even to him, “Next Saturday is our first game of the year against Slytherin, so I better see you lot here on time!”

While his teammates all descended to the ground and headed off towards the locker rooms hidden under the stadium, Cody hung in the air a minute longer trying to collect his thoughts in his favorite place. There were clouds in the sky threatening them with more rain, but the wind still whistled by him peacefully giving him a sense of tranquility that he often didn’t get from the ground.

“I’m surprised to see you here today, Captain,” Krell’s voice came from behind him, breaking his train of thought and making his blood boil. With a grimace he turned around trying to look as neutral as possible, but largely failing due to gritted teeth.

“Krell,” Cody answered with a greeting, if it could even be called that, given the way Cody was using the grip on his broom to remind himself to keep his hands off the other student’s face.

“I’m not sure what happened last night you know,” Krell was checking his hands for splinters from his broom, “One moment I’m having a nice time at a party and the next I’m getting punched,” Krell glanced up at him through narrowed eyes, “I’m really not too fond of surprises.”

“Yeah well, they haven’t sacked me from Captain yet, if that’s what you’re on about,” Cody spat.

“Yet? Interesting choice of words,” Krell smiled an ugly sort of smile and Cody watched him in silence as he lazily landed on the field and disappeared from Cody’s sight.

Cody hovered over the field a few minutes longer waiting for at least a little of the anger to leave. Then, because he knew he couldn’t spend the whole day in the sky, he stiffly turned his broom and soared down to the field.

He expected the locker room to still be full of rowdy Gryffindors, so it did surprise him when he entered to a near empty room. Fives and Echo were sitting on a bench across from the entrance and looked up when he entered.

“What’s this about?” Cody asked them with a sigh, crossing the room to his locker and changing out of his practice uniform.

“If you’re going to play as poorly as you did today at the match, I think you should play Echo instead,” Cody whipped around immediately.

“Fives!” Echo elbowed his brother in the ribs.

“No, go on Fives,” Cody put his hands on his hips, “Tell me how to run my team.”

“You know he’s not trying to do that,” Echo interjected before Fives could, “But don’t lie, your head’s really not in the game right now.”

“So you think you’d be a better play?” Cody leaned against the lockers heavily, arms crossed and glaring a hole through the wall. If his brothers really thought that, perhaps he should make a consideration.

“Better than-” Fives started, but Echo pushed him off the bench.

“I don’t even want to play right now!” Echo turned on Fives, “Stop making this about Quidditch when we all know we’re just worried about Rex!”

Silence loomed around them, but Fives took the opportunity to pick himself off the floor.

“You shouldn’t have punched Krell,” Fives crossed his arms.

“Are you kidding me Fives?” Cody pushed himself off the wall, “I seem to remember you having more fights on your track record, or maybe it was a different Fives Fett that I had to vouch for getting on the Quidditch team?”

“Come off it, Cody,” Fives threw his hands out in exasperation, “I’m not dumb enough to fight a prefect! If I was, I certainly wouldn’t do it in front of half the school,” He actually paused to consider how he’d personally take down a prefect, Cody could practically read his mind.

“Well what was I supposed to do? Send Rex off to play maid all night?” Cody slammed his locker shut.

“Rex warned you to stay out of it, Cody,” Echo stood up, subconsciously breaking the tension, but turning his gaze on Cody, “I’ve gotta be honest, I don’t know what we should do, but I think stopping to listen to what Rex had to say would have gotten us farther than this,” He made a vague gesture around and Fives finally sat back down on the bench.

“What if Krell ends up punishing Rex for your mistake, Cody?” Fives asked and Cody suddenly felt cold.

“Fives,” Echo warned, before turning back to Cody, “We’ll just keep a close eye on him, that’s all we can do.”

“For now,” Cody gave in.

“For now,” Echo and Fives repeated quietly, before the three of them finished cleaning up and headed back towards the castle.

***

The week was going by in such a blur that if Satine hadn’t reminded him that they had charms, Obi-Wan was rather sure he would have ended up at the greenhouses. She was still rather cross with him, and spent their time between classes with her nose in a book, but he’d always be lucky to have such a wonderful person as a best friend.

They were sat at lunch now, Satine was still reading and he was eyeing what would be a third slice of pie if he had the mind to grab it. A red and gold figure making its way towards them alerted him to Cody’s upcoming presence and he stopped ogling the deserts to greet him.

“Good day,” Ben smiled at him and Cody returned it.

“I’m glad we don’t have Herbology today,” Cody told them sitting down across from them, “It’s barely stopped raining since Saturday, but it seems even worse today.”

“Don’t remind me,” Satine complained, finally closing her book and laying it gently on the table next to her, “Ben and I have to help the professors rebuild tonight.”

“I’d rather us not be soaked to the bone, but the school isn’t going to repair itself I suppose,” Ben commented, “Or at least, I don’t think the school has such properties?” The three of them looked around at the great hall as if that would give them the answers. When Ben looked back at Cody though, he saw that his eye was still caught on something else. He followed his gaze and found Rex, sitting next to Krell and across from Anakin, who looked a little miffed about not getting the opportunity to plot something with his friend. He caught Satine’s eye and they both must have adopted a look of concern because when they turned to Cody he was fixing them with his best Captain’s glare.

“Save it, you lot,” He crossed his arms, “I’m not going to risk my spot as captain,” But even though he said it they both knew it to be a lie.

“We were just concerned Cody,” Satine put a gentle hand on their friend's arm, “You’re a great older brother and you’d do anything for them,” It was the words more than the gesture that got him to unwind his arms and grab a sandwich off the stack in the middle of the table.

“I’m only looking out for them,” Cody told them, eyes skating across the room, finding Echo and Fives easily.

“We know, Cody,” Obi-Wan said, but Cody didn’t bother to dignify that with a response. They sat and ate their lunches for a few moments longer, before Ben couldn’t take the quiet anymore, “So, Satine how’s your letter going?” It was definitely not his best move, because Satine turned to him, nostrils flared as if she would spit fire and burn him alive.

“Wouldn’t you love to know,” She made to reach for her book to shut him out.

“What are you arguing about this time?” Cody asked without blinking an eye.

“It’s not-” Obi-Wan started.

“Ben thinks sitting around beats actual activism,” Satine sniffed.

“That’s not what I-” He tried.

“Maybe it would’ve been better if I hadn’t asked,” Cody commented, but it did little to stop what was coming next.

“That’s not what you meant, Ben?” Satine was glaring and he sighed, “Are you sure?”

“Satine, I-,” He tried again.

“Because I’m rather sure that’s what it sounded like to me,” Satine was straddling the bench in order to gain his full attention, as if he’d dare give his attention to anyone else in such a moment.

“If anyone can do it I’m sure it would be you,” It burst out of his mouth before Satine could cut him off again, and she paused, “I never wanted to insinuate that you did not have the ability to create change, and certainly not that it wasn’t the best thing to do.”

“But?” Satine prompted and Obi-Wan sighed.

“But it’s not probable, and perhaps I was a little too caught up with probabilities to see that I was uprooting your ideas, and for that I am sorry,” He apologized and she didn’t make any movements for a moment, he could practically see the cogs of her mind turning in her eyes.

“I would appreciate a little faith in the future,” Satine said slowly, “Even if it does end in an I-told-you-so.”

“If you think I would be so petty,” He said in mock offense and she laughed.

“Well, I’d hope you wouldn’t be, but I’m sure I do deserve it on occasion,” She smiled, “A rare, rare occasion,” Her eyes narrowed, but it was with a lightheartedness that he felt reflect inside himself.

“Why of course! We couldn’t have a fine Ravenclaw prefect be wrong too often,” He jested and she gave him a gentle shove.

“Then why is it that we find you so often to be wrong?” She teased and he matched her smile. A moment passed just looking at each other, before finally Obi-Wan looked over across the table and realized they were missing someone.

“Uh, where’s Cody gone?” He asked, straightening in his seat and Satine turned back around facing where Cody should have been.

“Probably trying to get away from us, and I can’t really blame him. We can be a bit insufferable I’m sure,” She said with a grin.

Obi-Wan scanned the room and found their missing friend over at the Gryffindor table leaning over Fives and Echo playfully, but his eyes kept flicking towards Rex and he frowned.

“I hope Cody knows what he’s doing,” Obi-Wan admitted and Satine caught and followed his gaze with a mirrored frown.

“We’ll have to hope so,” Satine said with a hum.

***

Anakin gripped the broom a little tighter as he stood at the edge of the Quidditch pitch with the rest of the Gryffindors. The crowd was cheering loudly and every time they stomped their feet the wood above them shuddered.

“Ok!” Cody grabbed their attention, “We’re going up against Slytherin, who as we know are-”

“Very aggressive,” Fives finished his sentence and Cody slapped him across the back of the head.

“We’re either going to play defensively or offensively,” Cody continued as if he hadn’t been interrupted. Anakin supposed that was what you did when you had siblings, “We’ve practiced enough that you should be able to tell, but if you get lost, match me,” He instructed before turning his gaze on their seeker, “Catch the snitch before they do.”

“Yes, that’s how you play Quidditch,” The voice beside Anakin rumbled and he looked over to see Krell, their keeper, rolling his eyes at the rest of them. He’d kept his voice low so only Anakin had heard him and when he caught Anakin looking he scoffed, “What? Do you want him to remind you that you’re supposed to hit the bludger?”

“I’m pretty sure Cody’s just being encouraging,” He answered awkwardly. He’d never been spoken to directly by Krell, just usually glared at for being near Rex at inopportune times.

“And I’m pretty sure that Gryffindor wouldn’t have drafted anyone on this team who didn’t know how to play Quidditch,” Krell crossed his arms and stared out across the field as the two Captains shook hands, “I know I wouldn’t,” Anakin did have the good sense not to tell Krell he hadn’t known how to play Quidditch when he was put on the team, but he did certainly grip his broom tighter, he’d have to show him up in the game.

Before he really knew what was happening he moved with the rest of the Gryffindor team onto the field, the audience was cheering and he gazed around in excitement. Obi-Wan had told him he’d be in the audience watching him and Rex would be too. He wondered if Padm é would be watching and, thinking about that, he almost ran into their other beater, who waved him away. Anakin got into position and before he could blink they were off.

Things started off pretty smoothly as far as Anakin could tell. He’d never watched a game of Quidditch, but he certainly had been to enough practices to be a professional, or at least that’s what he told Rex. He figured the whole school would be watching him, since he was the first year who’d managed to play a starting position for Gryffindor, so he made sure to hit a few good trick shots for their entertainment. Cody sent him a warning look after he hit one a little too close to one of their teammates after an attempt at playing with his eyes closed had gone awry, so he decided that they may have had enough entertainment for today.

“Krell! Stop fooling around,” Cody jet past Anakin to do a quick lap around the hoops to lecture their Keeper who’d accidentally thrown an intercepted pass. Despite Krell’s rather unappealing personality he did make for an excellent Keeper, Slytherin had yet to make a goal.

“I’d be delighted, Captain. If perhaps first you’d catch the ball when it lands in your lap,” Krell countered, but neither of them had much time to argue because the game was still on.

Anakin ducked as a bludger narrowly missed hitting him in the face.

“Hey there first year,” One of Slytherin’s beaters, Ventress he thought her name was, flew circles around him a few times, “Don’t know why they let a child on the team, but it’d do you good to pay attention to your job,” Anakin navigated away from her with an irritated glare. When suddenly he saw both of the Seekers drop. Slytherin’s was gaining on what Anakin assumed was the snitch, he didn’t exactly have the vision to be a seeker. So, when the bludger Ventress had hit at him boomeranged back around he smacked it hard and fast at where the Slytherin seeker would be a few moments later.

Sure enough the little black ball slammed into the seeker who careened off course and nearly fell off his broom. Leaving Gryffindor’s seeker an opening to reach down and snatch up the little golden ball, she held it over her head and the crowd cheered. Red and Gold swept the stadium and Anakin turned back towards Ventress with a smirk.

“How’s that for doing my job?” He said cheekily before zooming off to join their team on the ground.

***

Cody’s feet hit the ground with a thump and he dismounted his broom swiftly. His team was cheering and celebrating, but he didn’t feel much in a partying mood. They had just narrowly avoided a loss and as much as he wanted to put all the blame on Krell for flubbing a few passes, he knew that a lot of their missed points were the fault of his own poor playing. Fives and Echo were watching him closely, but he just gave them a small smile and a dismissive wave. Fives narrowed his eyes and made like he was going to approach anyways, but Echo yanked him into the hoard of cheering Gryffindors.

“Good job team!” Cody announced after taking a slow breath, “We really showed Slytherin!”

“Some of us did,” He heard Krell’s quiet remark and it did sting even though he knew not to let it, but as frustrated as he was with their keeper, he was more frustrated at himself.

“Anakin that was an excellent shot,” Cody complimented with a hand on the small boy's shoulder. Anakin seemed to glow and he looked up excitedly.

“Oh you saw that? Yeah I think I did okay for my first match,” He was trying to play it off, but the smug grin didn’t really help disguise his cocky tone.

He congratulated a few more members of his team, before he found it safe enough to disappear. He walked away from the field and past the locker rooms. He took a back way that avoided most of the student traffic until he was sat by the lake staring at the reflection of the sky in the water.

“Try not to fall in,” Satine called before she sat down next to him.

“You know there are merpeople at the bottom,” Obi-Wan told him, “If I were you I wouldn’t much like to meet them,” He sat down on Cody’s other side.

“The lake’s the best place to look at the sky without burning your eyes on the sun,” Cody told them with a shake of his head, “Trust me I’m not trying to find out what’s at the bottom.”

“Congratulations on the win,” Satine said it in a way that meant it was a test.

“That bad huh?” Cody winced keeping his eyes trained on the clouds in the lake.

“Better than me,” Obi-Wan suggested, but was shut down by a glare from Satine, “Yes alright, we could definitely tell you weren’t on your ‘A-Game’,” He looked to Satine to see if she’d correct his usage of the muggle phrase, but when she didn’t he smiled.

“No offense, mate,” Cody looked over at him, “But that’s not saying much.”

“So what happened?” Satine pressed and Cody sighed, looking back at the water.

“I was just distracted,” He admitted, and he didn’t have to be looking to know his best friends just exchanged a glance of concern.

“Is this about Krell?” Obi-Wan asked hesitantly and Cody threw his hands into the air.

“Of course it’s about Krell! Who else would it be about? Hondo?” Cody huffed, “Professor Windu’s not even going to look into it, he said he would, but I know he won’t!”

“Well they were a bit distracted by the Zillo Beast. I’m sure given time-” Obi-Wan started, but looked unusually surprised to be cut off.

“I don’t care!” Cody announced, “So we got attacked, whatever, we’re magical! It’s not exactly going to be a devastating blow to the castle,” Cody’s hand found a stone lying on the ground and he tossed it as hard as he could into the lake, “Meanwhile, while they’re too busy sticking bricks back in a wall, my brothers running around cleaning Krell’s laundry or whatever.”

“Cody, just give it a little more time,” Obi-Wan pressed, “I promise it’ll work itself out.”

“Oh a little more time?” Cody scoffed and pressed a finger into Obi-Wan’s chest, “You’re really okay with letting a student be bullied? Some prefect you are.”

“Cody-” Satine tried, but Obi-Wan cut her off.

“Cody, we need to build a case! I can march up to the headmaster right now and make a complaint,” He pointed up at the headmaster’s tower, “But it’s not going to do any good without proof!”

“What more proof do we need? We’ve all seen how they are! Rex told me himself, why is that not enough for you?” Cody stood up now and Obi-Wan followed his movements, but slower.

“It’s enough for me, but it’s not going to be enough for them,” Obi-Wan explained, but Cody had had enough.

“Of course, I should’ve never expected you to understand, Kenobi!” Cody yelled, “Because you’ve never had a real family!” The moment it left his mouth he knew he’d stepped across a line that he hadn’t meant too, his friend took a step back out of shock and Cody took the opportunity to run towards the Quidditch pitch, with any luck it would be empty enough that he could find something to hit in peace.

***

“I’m sure you’re wondering why I called you here today,” Anakin was marching in front of his two friends like how the commanding officers in the movies always did. He’d always wanted to try it and now seemed as good a time as any.

“Would you get to it? I’ve got studying to do,” Viz didn’t look thrilled to be there, in fact Anakin had chosen to meet with Rex in the library so there was really no way out for the young Ravenclaw.

“I’ve lost something important and I need your help to find it!” Anakin pointed a finger at his cadets, but neither of them looked rather enthused, “Come on guys,” Anakin whined, “Who else am I supposed to ask? Obi-Wan? He’d end up confiscating it.”

“What is ‘it’?” Rex looked at him through tired narrowed eyes and Anakin slapped a hand to his forehead. He couldn’t just come out and tell them about the map! He couldn’t believe he hadn’t thought this through. Rex he’d been thinking about telling eventually, but even though he did trust Viz, the kid hung out a lot around the prefects and Anakin was sure it was starting to rub off on him.

“It’sssssss,” He drew out the word before a stroke of genius hit him, “It’s a piece of joke parchment!”

“A what?” Viz looked rather affronted by the mere idea of himself getting roped into something with the word joke in it, but Anakin just laughed it off.

“It looks like a regular piece of parchment, but it’s enchanted to show you jokes,” Anakin explained, “I got it from an older student, who got it from Hogsmeade,” Viz was looking at him with a sort of righteous anger that looked rather funny on such a young boy’s face, “Lighten up, Viz!” Anakin smiled, “You look like you could use a joke or two, if you find it, I’ll tell you one!”

“How do you know it’s still around, this is a school,” Rex reminded him, “I’m sure a piece of seemingly blank parchment has either been thrown out or used as scrap paper,” Anakin felt a surge of panic at the thought.

“Surely not that many people have been in the library since Halloween? I’m sure it’s fine, will you please just help me look?” Anakin begged and Rex rolled his eyes.

“Fine. I’ll start with the History section,” Rex pointed at the rather large section of the library, “You and Viz can each start on separate sides of the romance section,” Anakin scrunched up his nose.

“Why’s that?” Anakin complained.

“Because it’s the most strategically sound,” Rex pointed at three sections of the library and, truth be told, he was right.

“Fine, glad you didn’t try to insinuate that I was moon-eyed over Skywalker,” Viz grunted, starting to move away from them.

“Doesn’t really matter since Anakin only has eyes for Pa-” Rex started to say and Anakin practically tackled him pressing a hand over his friend’s mouth.

“Rex!” Anakin’s face had gone hot and he glared at his friend before whispering a little too loudly, “That’s private!”

“Well good news to you,” Viz had started down an aisle, but they could still hear him, “I don’t care,” Anakin let go of Rex who snickered and gave him a shove.

“Come on, let’s get searching,” Anakin turned the opposite way from Viz and began his hunt.

Each aisle yielded him a completely clean floor. He’d looked at so many book spines he was sure he’d see books in his nightmares. He wasn’t sure how his Ravenclaw friends could enjoy spending so much time in here, when it really was just a bunch of old dusty texts. He was rounding the corner of a shelf holding such fascinating titles as “De-Gnoming your Garden” and “How to Conceal your Magically Created Weather” when he suddenly heard quick footsteps heading his way. Poking his head out he saw Rex waving a piece of blank parchment over his head.

“Is this it?” He asked handing it over to his friend. Anakin turned the paper over and inspected it, but he knew without having to check that this was it! His lost map had been found!

“Call off the search!” Anakin exclaimed, “We found it!” They hurried to look for Viz, who was currently scoping out the Astronomy section.

“Are we done?” Viz said, eyeing the delighted face of Anakin and the piece of parchment clutched in his hand.

“Sure are!” Anakin chirped, “You didn’t manage to find it, but I can still tell you a joke if you want?” Anakin waggled his eyebrows at Viz, who looked vaguely horrified by the notion.

“I’m glad I was able to help, but I want no such part in whatever that is,” Viz pointed vaguely at the parchment before walking around them and out of sight. Anakin watched him go quietly and once he was out earshot, he threw an arm around Rex’s neck and dragged him into the quietest corner of the library.

“I should have told you about this when I got it,” Anakin admitted, “But I didn’t want it confiscated so I had to be careful,” Rex just raised an eyebrow so Anakin just pointed his wand at the parchment and said the magic words.

***

Satine was sipping a warm cup of tea while reading one of her mentee’s essays by the firelight. Of course, next to her Ben was doing the same, but his eyebrows were scrunched up and he looked rather confused. Satine put down her parchment and put a finger on his slowly lowering it away from his face.

“What’s wrong?” Satine asked and Ben opened his mouth to speak, closed it, and then opened it again.

“What’s a ‘Spiderman’? If it’s a creature, frankly I’m not familiar,” He asked, tapping the feather of his quill against his lips.

“What,” Satine said more than asked, snatching Anakin’s essay out of Ben’s hands.

‘And anyways I guess Urg the Unclean is sort of like a Goblin Spiderman? He saved the day and then got his picture on a chocolate frog card. Have I mentioned we should have a field trip to the Three Broomsticks? I think that would make learning even more fun don’t you?’

“What the bloody hell is this?” Satine waved the parchment at him like it was his own.

“I- I don’t know? Well you know Anakin, he’s not much for books,” Ben snatched it back from her to get her to stop waving it in his face, “And anyways you didn’t answer my question.”

“Spiderman is a fictional muggle superhero,” Satine explained simply before returning to the real topic at hand, “How are you still top of the class? I think I lost brain cells reading that!” She complained and Ben frowned in the way she knew he was actually offended about something.

“He’s doing his best Satine and besides, I’m his mentor, this is what I’m here for,” He defended and she couldn’t help, but feel a pit grow in her stomach as she thought about how the brightest wizard in their year had ended up taking on such a unstudious troublemaker.

“Ben…” She trailed off and his eyes narrowed slightly.

“Satine, he’s my responsibility,” Ben prodded and Satine sighed, knowing that he was going to back her into saying what was on her mind one way or another.

“Ben, I don’t think he is trying his best,” She admitted and she tried to ignore his affronted look, “Let’s not pretend we didn’t hear him telling the professors that he let out the beast. He’s a troublemaker at the core.”

“What about, Vizsla?” Ben asked suddenly and Satine just stared at him.

“What?” She asked, unable to figure out what he was on about.

“You said he was studying with Anakin in the library prior to the beast attack,” Ben pointed out, but Satine was still staring.

“Ben, they were studying,” Satine pointed out, “He said he was tutoring Anakin.”

“Maybe that was their cover,” Ben sniffed. It made him look a bit like his mother and Satine bristled, “They could have both been in on it.”

“Oh don’t you dare!” Satine glared at him, “Don’t you dare try that! You’re just jealous that Vizsla’s been nothing, but a perfect mentee and you chose a student who thinks asking for a field trip in an essay is a good idea.”

“I am not jealous! I meant what I said in Qui-Gon’s office!” Ben was scowling now.

“Anakin could have stumbled onto that beast by pure dumb luck, because that’s just the kind of person he is!” Satine went on and they were full on glaring at each other now, “I won’t have you trying to drag down my mentee with your own baseless accusations!”

“And I won’t have you making assumptions about mine,” Ben fired back.

“Fine then, if you refuse to see reason then I’m afraid I cannot reach you,” Satine stood up scooping up her remaining homework, “I’ll be in the library, if there’s an emergency or if you decide to come grovel.”

“I’m sure that won’t be necessary.”

She marched down the staircase to Ravenclaw’s tower and headed towards the library, hardly even aware of the students practically jumping out of her way, which would mean she must be looking particularly scary.

Ben was absolutely infuriating. He was all sorts of self-sacrificing, a true human doormat, and if he wouldn’t be mad at the situations he put himself in? Well, it left Satine really no choice, but to be mad about it for him. She’d been trying to explain to him for years how to stand up for himself and he certainly had no problems speaking his opinions to her or even Cody, and yet he still wound up letting people walk all over him. In the case of taking Anakin as his mentor, she did trust professor Qui-Gon. He was her favorite professor, but that didn’t mean he was infallible either.

She was so lost in thought she barely even registered running straight into someone until she was falling backwards. She was caught before she hit the floor though and she looked up, dazed, into the very surprised face of Cody.

“Oh,” She adjusted herself until she was standing again, “Hello Cody, I’m sorry for running into you.”

“I guess I should have known better after you didn’t respond to me calling your name several times,” He grinned, but it was dimmer than usual, “What’s wrong?”

“You don’t need to worry about it,” Satine tried waving him off, “I hear you have your own problems to deal with, you hardly need more things to add to the list,” He frowned.

“An argument with Obi-Wan?” He asked and she glared at him.

“I told you, don’t worry about it!” She tried before sighing, “But yes, I- yes,” they moved to sit against the wall of the hallway.

“You can tell me about it if you want,” Cody told her and she cocked her head at him.

“Aren’t you also in an argument with Ben right now?” She asked already knowing the answer, “I hardly think you’re an unbiased source at the moment,” He sighed letting his head rest back against the wall.

“That’s different,” He told her, “He thinks the whole thing with my brother is just going to fall into place because that’s what always happens to him,” Cody sighed, “He just doesn’t understand.”

“I’m not picking sides on your argument,” Satine warned him, “You know that’s not what he meant, but I understand how having little siblings can change things,” She winced and he looked sorry.

“I didn’t mean to- Well I don’t want to put you in the middle anyways,” It took a little more effort than usual for Cody to shrug off the topic, which meant that the fight had been weighing on him, “What was your fight about this time?”

“Do we really fight so much that- Actually, don’t answer that,” Satine sighed, “Essentially I told him I think he made a mistake in choosing Anakin as a mentee and he made a brash accusation about Vizsla’s potential involvement with the Halloween incident that has absolutely no basis!” She stopped to take a breath, “Perhaps it was a little forward of me, I mean how could he have known really what Anakin was like,” she shook her head.

“If you’re not picking sides then I’m not either,” Cody winked at her and she returned the gesture with a small smile, “You know how he is with Anakin and Anakin’s not too bad, on the field at least,” Satine rolled her eyes, “He could have had a smooth ride though, had he picked literally any other first year.”

“I’m just sick of him getting the short end of the stick, but never doing anything about it,” Satine grit her teeth, “He’s a delusional, self-sacrificing idiot,” speaking what was on her mind helped her calm down and she could finally pause to just be in the moment, a quiet Hogwarts hallway with her best friend, “But that’s enough of this for now,” she took a breath knowing that she’d have time to approach Ben later, “I haven’t seen you in a few days. What’s been going on?”

***

“Come on Rex! We’re going to be late,” Anakin thundered down a set of steps with Rex hot on his tail.

“Late for what?” Rex caught up to him at the bottom of the stairs and they matched pace on the way to the library, “We’re going- well you know. It’s just the two of us anyways,” Anakin shook his head, but lowered his speed as they spotted an approaching Professor Windu.

“Viz is going to meet us there,” Anakin said and then, staring a hole through the oncoming professor, “He’s going to help us study, remember?” Professor Windu didn’t spare them much a glance however, clearly he had more things on his mind than troublesome students, “Geez, where’s he going that’s so important at this hour?” Anakin said distracted from their current plot the second Windu was out of sight.

“Probably to go give someone detention, like us if we manage to get caught sneaking into the restricted section,” Rex frowned as he glanced around making quite sure no one had heard him.

“Have you ever noticed that despite how much he loves those plain boring robes, the inside is lined with purple? That proves there’s more to him,” Anakin too glanced around before they proceeded across the hall and back enroute to the library, “And don’t worry about that I have a plan.”

“You know if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you had a crush on the professor,” Rex commented and continued even through Anakin’s sudden gagging noises, “You certainly always have your eyes on him.”

“He’s a suspect Rex!” Anakin hissed still looking rather peeved, “Just as much as most all of the professors, or at least the ones that are pretty tall,” As they entered the library he scanned around and found Viz quickly, at the same table he usually sat at with their mentors. The prefects were at some sort of meeting though, according to Rex, which meant this would be a perfect time to strike.

Viz didn’t look up at them until Anakin was practically on top of him, hands on the table and grinning.

“Whatever this is I want no part,” Viz was peering at them through his eyelashes and looking very much unhappy to be interrupted.

“I thought you said he was meeting us here,” Rex gave Anakin a look who shrugged and pressed forward on his mission. Details like that weren’t important anyways.

“Oh come on, mate,” He grinned cheerfully, a look that was not returned, “We’re uncovering a mystery!”

“And what’s in it for me?” Viz snapped the book shut letting it drop on the table. Anakin hesitated, his fingers were itching towards the map.

“I-” He started, but Viz held up a hand stopping him in his tracks.

“How about I set the terms this time, assuming that whatever you have planned isn’t absolutely ludicrous?” He glanced at the Gryffindors as if asking them a question, but when they stayed silent he continued, “I’ll perform a small task for you, in exchange that you stop. Bothering. Me,” Anakin bounced on his feet and put a finger to his face, mimicking Obi-Wan without even thinking about it. On the one hand, he was a little disappointed that Viz didn’t want much to do with their scheming. On the other, maybe scheming was more of a Gryffindor thing? Perhaps he could use that little possibility when he and Rex made a line up of possible subjects later.

“Ok!” Anakin called suddenly, before lowering his voice at shushes from both Viz and Rex, “You’ll be our lookout, Rex and I need to get back into the restricted section,” Anakin pointed a finger in the Ravenclaw’s face, “After that I won’t involve you in any of my other schemes, you know, unless you change your mind,” He put out his hand and grinned. Viz scowled, clearly picking up on the differences in their terms, but ultimately shook on it.

“Fine, a deal,” He said shortly, pumping their hands just once, before standing abruptly, “Let’s get this over with, I won’t be waiting for you when you come out.”

They all moved closer to the restricted section. There were a lot more people around this time, so waiting for an opportunity to move was a little more difficult. Students were a lot more likely to be staring off into space and see them than professors were. Anakin was starting to get bored, but thankfully Rex was attentive. He suddenly perked up and gestured for them to move. Anakin followed Rex as they stealthily crossed the line and Viz didn’t even blink, just turned a page in his book as they disappeared further into the restricted section.

Anakin took the lead while they were inside, navigating quickly to where the mouth of the tunnel was. They nearly had a run in with a poltergeist who was clearly looking for an opportunity to get someone in trouble, but inevitably made it to the mouth of the tunnel.

“Here we are,” Anakin whispered, and Rex winced because, even trying, Anakin would never be soft-spoken.

“Alright get us in,” Rex pressured as he tried to keep an eye out for any pursuers.

“It should be…” Anakin crouched down, looking for what he must have stepped on last time he was there, “Here it is!” triumphantly he pointed at a carving on the floor, Rex crouched down to get a closer look. It was an odd symbol mostly worn away, but the center of it remained, a perfect circle carved into the floor. Anakin pressed on it as hard as he could and the stone moved, vanishing the floor under them.

Unlike last time though, they were not plunged back into the dark tunnels, but found beneath the stone to be, more stone. This stone section was smooth, a shiny black that glimmered in the low light. Anakin, mouth hanging open looked over at Rex who looked equally dumbstruck.

“Is this what’s supposed to happen?” Rex asked, already sounding like he knew the answer.

“They blocked it off!” Anakin cried, before clamping a hand over his mouth.

The boys froze listening intently for footsteps, but instead they saw the pale light of a ghost as it drifted around a corner coming in their direction. The two ran. Without even a glance to the other and they made their way to the front of the restricted section as quickly and quietly as they could. They wasted little time before ducking out the second it was clear, as promised Viz was not waiting for them upon their return.

“I can’t believe this,” Anakin hissed as they kept a brisk pace trying to put themselves as far from the library as possible, “Who do you think did it?”

“Well, it looked like a well practiced spell,” Rex considered as they stepped onto a staircase, gripping the rail as it changed direction.

“So you think it was charmed,” Anakin must have said it in a way that gave away his suspicions because Rex frowned.

“It could have been any professor here, mate,” He started up the staircase the second it shuddered to a stop.

“And that includes-”

“Mr. Skywalker,” At the top of the staircase stood Professor Windu, a ghost hovering just barely insight behind him.

“Professor Windu,” Anakin finished.

“I’ve heard tales that you might have been hanging around in the restricted section,” The Charms professor wasn’t fond of beating around the bush, but Anakin still wished he’d be a bit faster getting to his point.

“Why would I willingly go somewhere with more books?” Anakin whined, but Windu did take a moment of consideration.

“That does seem out of character for you,” he admitted, before giving them both a stern look, “As I have no proof and given your track record on reading, I will let you off with a warning. The restricted section is to be accessed by professors and those with permission. Do not let me catch you there,” Anakin matched his gaze as the staircase they were still on trembled before pulling them away from the landing Windu was standing on.

“You won’t,” Anakin called and they got off at the next landing and headed straight into an empty classroom.

“That was too close,” Rex let out a breath he clearly hadn’t known he’d been holding and leaned against the door as it clicked shut.

“Man, I really thought we’d made it,” Anakin grumbled kicking the leg of a desk as he walked around it, “Why are the ghosts such snitches anyways? They already died,” Anakin pulled out the map and activated it while Rex listened at the door for a moment making sure they truly weren’t followed.

“Guess that’s, that,” Rex cautiously approached the desk Anakin was leaning on and plopped down, “Whatever evidence was in there is sorta going to be hard to get to now,” but as he spoke the frown on Anakin’s face had him hesitate, “What?” he asked and Anakin sat down next to him, spreading out the map between them.

“Well,” Anakin pointed at the tunnel they had previously been trying to enter, “This is where we were, but the tunnel that’s supposed to lead from a hallway suit of armor on the 3 rd floor to right outside the great hall, is suspiciously close to the outside wall and the library tunnel,” Anakin trailed his finger over that tunnel to show him, “If the damage was severe enough there might be a hole where we can access part of the beast’s area,” Rex didn’t exactly look pleased about the guesswork and the dawning realization of essentially walking right into the den of the beast, but he nodded.

“I think that’s actually got a fair shot of working,” he turned to Anakin, “You really want to try this right now?”

“Unless you foresee another afternoon you have off from Krell duty,” Anakin nodded at him and Rex’s mood plummeted instantly at the thought.

“I don’t,” He sighed, pushing himself up from the chair and Anakin followed.

“Hey I didn’t mean to-” Anakin tried, “Look Krell’s a bully, don’t let him get you down, by next year you’ll be rid of him anyways,” That’s what Obi-Wan had told him anyways, that the mentorship only really lasted during your first year. Anakin was sure he’d be pestering Obi-Wan about essay help until he graduated though, so he couldn’t help but feel bad for his friend.

“Right, next year,” Rex didn’t seem too pleased with an entire semester's worth of time between now and then, but he changed the subject and Anakin was too excited to continue their mission to bother him about it, “Well, let’s go. Lead the way, mate.”

They traversed quickly up another flight of stairs and found the knight with no problems. With everyone at dinner it left them with ample time to figure out how to open the passage. They tried just about everything from pulling on pieces to brute strength when finally Anakin got frustrated enough to point his wand at the knight.

“Open Sesame!” He shouted, gaining a confused look from Rex, but suddenly the knight jumped out of their way, revealing a small opening, just big enough to walk through, “I can’t believe that worked!”

“What sort of wonky spell was that?” Rex asked as they stepped inside the cold tunnel.

“It’s sort of a muggle thing,” Anakin explained, cringing at the moisture dripping from the ceiling. The knight behind them shut and he whispered a quick, “Lumos,” along with Rex so they could light their way, “It’s a ‘magic word’, or that’s what it’s portrayed as,” Anakin shrugged as he checked the walls for any strange markings, “I figured it was just hogwash.”

“I think it is,” Rex chuckled from behind him, “It was probably more the intent of the spell. Isn’t that what Professor Windu’s always waffling on about?” Anakin shrugged, not much caring how he managed to get in and more focused on-

“Look!” Anakin pointed with his wand excitedly, there was a trickle of light from ahead of them and Anakin sped off towards it with Rex following close behind.

There was a hole, both in the wall and in the frame of the tunnel which meant Anakin could see out to the grounds as well as space below them. The hole was pretty small, but not too small for a couple first years so Anakin moved to lower himself down first.

“Do you think that’s it?” Rex asked him surveying their surroundings, but Anakin was already dangling from the hole, his feet could barely brush stone so he let himself drop, holding his wand out immediately. There was a glimmer of metal and upon approach Anakin found a sword sticking out from the center of a rather spooky looking table.

“Oh yeah, mate. This is it,” Anakin called up and he heard Rex’s feet hit the ground. He was reaching for the sword subconsciously and he sort of wondered if it would be like that legendary sword he’d heard myths of. One you had to be chosen for rather than just swing around.

“The bloody hell you think you’re doing?” Rex pulled him away from the table and Anakin shook him off.

“It’s a sword! I was only looking!” Anakin told him, but Rex just pulled him another step away from it.

“You can’t just touch anything you please!” Rex lectured, “I’ve heard tales of cursed swords before, and maybe they were just bedtime stories, but I don’t think touching a sword we found near a monster’s den is a good idea,” Rex looked rather serious and Anakin supposed he may be right.

“Fine, we won’t touch anything, but let’s have a good look around,” Anakin brushed off his possible near death like it was nothing, and instead they both spread out across the room dragging their wands up and down looking for any hint of what this place was or who the culprit could be.

“This symbol is weird,” Anakin complained to himself upon seeing that odd circle with a worn out pattern around it once more, “I’ve never seen it anywhere else in the school, besides the passage,” He walked to where there should have been an entrance to the cave, but it too had been blocked off. This time it wasn’t by the mysterious stone, just typical cave in damage from the rampage. A piece of cloth suddenly caught his eye, fluttering as he’d passed it. Pointing his wand at it it looked like the edge of a cloak, “Hey look at this,” Anakin called and Rex looked far too pleased to leave the wall he was staring at for something of potential interest.

“Looks like a bit of robe,” Rex pointed out, “Could even be yours,” but Anakin shook his head.

“No! This one has purple fabric on the other side,” He argued and Rex bent down to take a closer look.

“I can’t tell in this light,” Rex admitted, “Maybe a navy blue? A blueish purple?”

“This is proof, Rex! It was Windu!” Anakin tried to tug the fabric, but it refused to budge.

“Windu’s not the only professor here with some odd robes,” Rex pointed out, “Even if you saw him with a purple lined cloak, it doesn’t mean this automatically belongs to him,” Anakin sighed, but after another attempt to pull out the fabric failed he stood back up.

“Ok so it might not be Windu,” Anakin turned to inspect the rest of the room, “But what if it is? We saw him before we went into the library and then right after! He could have just closed up the tunnel before we got there.”

“We should take that into consideration,” He admitted before standing, “We may not have found concrete proof today,” He started, addressing the room, “But we did find what looks to be the remains of a cult in the school. That’s got to count for something.”

***

From an emotional standpoint Obi-Wan was getting to the point of exhaustion. His initial aggression towards Satine’s points about Anakin had simmered down until he could once again think clearly. Although he would not agree with her opinions of Anakin and thinking about them did still cause his blood to begin boiling, it didn’t mean that he couldn’t see objectively where she was coming from. Obi-Wan knew, he knew it would have been easier to pick someone like Vizsla. Satine however often didn’t understand that Anakin needed him. If anyone at this school could handle Anakin it was him, Qui-Gon clearly agreed which is why he found it so redundant to have to continuously explain this to Satine.

What he could agree upon, was perhaps he’d jumped a little too quickly to accusing Satine’s mentee of conspiring with his own. It was unfair to accuse one without solid proof, which really made him feel like a hypocrite considering the other fight he was in.

His fight with Cody struck him down a little harder than he’d like to admit. Satine had asked him about it only once and he’d brushed her off well enough that she’d stormed off. He just couldn’t find the right words to explain to Cody how recklessly making a claim against a fellow prefect wouldn’t result in what he thought it would. Or maybe Cody did know that, he was smart and he knew the rules. Maybe he had just been looking for support from friends, not advice from a prefect. Obi-Wan would be the first to admit he wasn’t always the best at reading the room.

So because of this he found himself alone with nothing, but the dying light of the crackling fire and the distant chime of the school’s clock tower ringing in the next hour. Even with the passing of other Ravenclaws, most leaving the tower to go off to dinner, the isolation crept in until finally he snapped the textbook he’d been pretending to read shut. For something to do he approached the fire to stoke it by hand, something Satine had taught him from camping with her family. Muggles, it seemed, did camping much differently than wizards.

He poked and prodded at the fire, gently tending it until it was a normal crackling blaze again. He allowed the action and the heat to smother his thoughts if only for a few mere minutes. When it came to the point where he could no longer avoid it, he sighed, dropping the poker into its stand next to the fireplace and slipping his materials into his bag. He wouldn’t bother taking it to dinner of course, but it was charmed so that if even a student did dare to try and go through a prefect’s bag they wouldn’t get very far.

The walk to the great hall was slow. His footsteps echoed in the hallway around him, seeming to amplify the silent halls around him. He was rather thankful when the chatter from the great hall washed over him. Upon entering he made his way to the Ravenclaw table, already debating where he should sit for dinner when his eyes locked with Satine who had clearly left a spot next to her open. Whether that was good news or bad it was yet to be seen, but he took the chance and settled down next to her on the bench.

“Ben,” She greeted, and he felt an inkling of relief that allowed him to gather breath enough to answer.

“Satine,” He responded. He suddenly wished he’d made better use of his time devising an apology rather than brooding like a child, “I should apologize,” He supposed starting with the basics never hurt.

“I thought you said you wouldn’t be groveling,” Satine snapped, but she was playing with her goblet and her plate was gone. These were signs that perhaps she too wanted to have a conversation so he continued.

“Apologizing and groveling are not the same,” He stared forward, only looking at her from the corner of his eye, “I do apologize for making a claim about your mentee with no evidence other than a chance encounter,” his eyes trailed down the table to where Vizsla was staring off into space, “However, I will not grovel for forgiveness over my defense of Anakin and, in turn, myself, because I have not changed my opinion on my mentee or myself,” He did turn to her then, trying not to look challenging, just sincere in his devotions and Satine let out a long suffering sigh.

“I should also apologize for insinuating that Anakin is truly nothing but a troublemaker. He’s only eleven after all,” She turned to look at him, “I refuse to say that I do not wish you would have made things easier on yourself, but I suppose I should have known better by your track record.”

“Track record,” He scoffed, but already felt lighter knowing that he hadn’t completely spoiled at least one of his friendships, “When have I ever been known to make things harder on myself?” He finally reached for a sandwich from the center of the table, but didn’t miss the eyeroll that Satine had given him, “I do however, deeply appreciate your apology,” And then he had his eyes locked on hers and she looked as if he’d suddenly captured her in a paralyzing charm, “Please just give Anakin a chance. I just know he’s talented and you’re right in your assessment that he’s not very good at essays yet, but he has the makings of a strong wizard,” This time he did feel like he was groveling. He wasn’t sure where it came from, but they continued to stare into each other's eyes for a few minutes longer before Satine broke away to stare down into her goblet.

“You’re much too soft, Ben,” She said, quietly enough that he barely caught it, “I will try to see around the boy’s rather obvious exterior of mischief. And I too appreciate your apology,” They sat in silence then, but unlike the silence of the common room, this time it didn’t feel suffocating.

Satine let her drink sway around, being held up only by her finger as Obi-Wan took the time to eat dinner, but just as he was eyeing the table for dessert Satine gave him pause.

“I ran into Cody this evening,” The way she spoke wasn’t as casual as it normally would have been and he let his hands fall into his lap.

“Is he ok?” He settled on asking, not really knowing what else to say. He’d hoped he could largely ignore the other fight on his plate, given that dinner was always eaten with only members of your own house. It seemed he spoke too soon. 

“I think he’s still upset,” Satine didn’t have to say about what, “You need to talk to him,” And he could already see that going rather poorly.

“What am I supposed to say to him? I haven’t changed my mind on the matter” Obi-Wan questioned with a frown, “And why not tell him to come to me? Cody’s not the only one who’s still upset,” He admitted and Satine proved well her mastery at glaring and looking concerned at the same time.

“Don’t act like a first year,” Satine chided and he mentally strapped himself in for a lecture, “You’re a prefect. You didn’t get this position by running from conflict and you certainly never run away from me,” Obi-Wan bristled, but took a long minute to think about what to say before he started yet another aimless fight with Satine.

“It’s different,” He settled on and it was a rather lame comeback and Satine was still looking at him funny so he stared across the room instead.

“Oh pray tell,” Satine followed his gaze, though it led to nowhere, “You just apologized to me, despite not changing your opinion on the matter. Why can’t you just walk up to Cody and do the same?”

“I did change my opinion,” Obi-Wan corrected, which only seemed to deepen Satine’s scowl, “I changed my mind about accusing Vizsla.”

“You’re only dodging my questions,” Satine prodded.

“I can’t just go up to Cody and tell him, ‘Hey mate, I still haven’t changed my opinion on how we should help your brother!’” He finally looked back at Satine and perhaps his eyes were pleading with her to end this conversation, “Especially since he doesn’t seem to think I’m capable of understanding his point of view.”

“Ben you know he didn’t mean it like that,” Satine ignored his silent pleas and pressed forward.

“You’re hardly an unbiased source on the matter,” He stated and although she stiffened she did not immediately dispute it, “Plus you’re always much softer on him than you are me,” That did cause her to press a palm angrily on the table drawing his attention to her scalding gaze.

“I’m not picking sides, Ben!” She was heated, but it was in a different sort of way than usual, “You’re both arguing about something so close to the same thing. Don’t you think it would be wiser to set up a plan? You love plans. We can’t make a plan without Cody, however, so perhaps it would be wise of you to make up with him!”

“I know,” He finally said after a few beats, “and I will, but it has to be done right,” He was glowering at the navy blue tablecloth now, as if perhaps it would speak the wise words of Rowena Ravenclaw herself, “I have to have the solution,” He tried to explain, but she just stared at him in frustration.

“You could gain the solution by, I don’t know, talking to him,” Satine suggested again, but he shook his head. They sat in silence for a few moments longer before finally he moved to stand up.

“I’m tired and I’ve got early rounds in the morning,” The excuse danced off his tongue easily although he truly didn’t want to leave things as they were. The walk back to the Ravenclaw common room was much less stark even as thoughts still weighed on his mind.

***

“Have you found anything?” Anakin whispered, leaning into Rex’s personal space.

“Considering you just asked me that a few minutes ago, no,” Rex smacked him with the book he had been attempting to read. Anakin just groaned and leaned back in his chair, letting it tip just a little.

“We’re getting nowhere with this,” He sighed, the book he’d been sifting through was a massive tome about the history of Hogwarts. Rex was currently looking through their history of magic textbook, but so far neither had seen anything about creepy cult rooms hidden in the castle.

“So they called it the Zillo Beast?” Rex asked for the millionth time.

“That’s what Obi-Wan told me,” Anakin shrugged, giving him the same answer, “Wanna trade books?” The question barely left his lips when suddenly the clocktower rang out ushering in the next hour and Rex’s eyes widened.

“Bloody hell I’m late,” He swore, packing his bag as quickly as possible, “Krell’s going to kill me,” Anakin frowned as Rex pointedly didn’t make eye contact with him.

“Then stay here,” He suggested, “He can’t really get you in trouble if you just say you were studying,” He was ignored though as Rex swung his bag over his shoulder.

“Good night, Anakin,” And his friend disappeared heading towards the common room hands clutching the strap of his bag rather tightly.

Anakin turned back to his book to stare at it, not really taking in any information. He was getting real sick of being ditched. It wasn’t Rex’s fault of course, but Anakin did wish he’d speak out against his mentor. Obi-Wan would never make him do some of the things he’d caught Rex doing, like research for advanced papers, or waiting on him like a butler.  Of course, had Obi-Wan tried Anakin wouldn’t have let him, but unlike Rex he had practice on such subjects.

Anakin caught sight of Viz as he passed. He jumped up already grinning and approached the other boy.

“Hey!” He called and Viz sighed turning to him in frustration.

“I thought we had a deal,” Viz pointed out and Anakin waved him off.

“I was just saying hi,” Anakin raised an eyebrow, “I wasn’t going to ask you to help us research the beast or anything,” though he said it in an enticing way, planting the seeds of intrigue in Viz’s mind.

“Good because I’m rather busy,” He shifted on his feet at the reminder that he’d previously been trying to go somewhere, but Anakin pressed.

“Oh are you studying?” He smiled and gestured at his empty table, “You could come study with me! Well not with me, but you know at my table,” Viz followed his gaze before looking at Anakin with a mildly uncomfortable expression.

“I do appreciate the offer,” Viz told him, “But I’m meeting up with them,” Viz nodded his head towards a table a little ways away, students from all houses were sitting there talking, but there was an empty chair and Anakin felt jealousy coil around his heart, “They wanted my help on the herbology homework, seeing as how I’m top of the class and all,” He trailed off awkwardly, taking a half step in that direction.

“Yeah ok sure,” Anakin tried a smile and Viz took the opportunity to continue his trek across the library as Anakin sat back down at an empty table.

This was beginning to happen too often. Anakin tapped a finger angrily on the table. While it was true that Viz maybe wasn’t always interested in hanging out, between his sudden popularity and Rex’s continued mentorship with the devil himself, Anakin was sick of finding himself alone. His own mentor, while very diligent about helping him with his academic affairs, was not interested in his theories with the beast.

Anakin finally stood, leaving the book on the table to be reshelved, and decided to wander his way towards the great hall for dinner. Hopefully Rex and Krell would be there so at least he could pretend they were hanging out rather than sitting alone in the library all evening. If not the other clones would be there and while he didn’t find them to be as close friends as he did Rex they were still rather amusing, especially when Echo and Fives would attempt to execute a food fight.

***

She caught his eye in the crowd in the instant she spotted him. Satine waded through the throngs of students heading towards their next class until she was close enough to speak to him without garnering any extra attention.

“Ben-” He held up a hand immediately, a tired look on his face.

“We’re not having this discussion right now Satine,” He warned, before brushing past her to warn a couple of moon-eyed third years that if they had wanted to make it to class they should perhaps resume such activities later. Satine herself scanned the crowd with her usual look of authority. Younger students drifted past, watching her with caution. To their credit, seeing two prefects in the same hall at the same time would typically not be a good sign, but those who knew them, the Ravenclaw 5th year prefects, could usually expect to find one of them if the other was in the vicinity. At least that’s what Cody had told her and she still wasn’t sure how she felt about it. Still Ben returned to her side still looking properly stern as he usually did when taking on his prefect position.

“I’m not here to bother you,” Satine continued their conversation while raising an eyebrow at a Hufflepuff who looked to be trying to sneak away from the rest of the 2 nd years, “I just wanted to ask if you’d spoken to Cody yet,” The Hufflepuff sank back into the crowd, probably miffed that they’d still have to attend charms.

“And that is the very discussion I thought I just said we weren’t having,” Ben muttered to her out of the corner of his mouth.

“You didn’t specify,” Satine shrugged. For a moment they just scanned the crowd, having two of them really did wonders in lessening the amount of mischief in the given area.

“Then I’ll answer your question as no,” Ben huffed, “I haven’t,” Satine spared him a quick glare.

“Ben-”

“Don’t ‘Ben’ me,” he growled, “That’s the end of this conversation!” He claimed before immediately contradicting himself, “Have you talked to Cody?”

“He took one look at me and ran for the hills last I saw him,” She sniffed, “I suppose even being a Gryffindor he knows when there’s a fight he can’t win,” Ben smiled at that even if it was much smaller than it should have been.

“Cody’s not one to run from a fight, so I think you must have looked quite intimidating,” He smirked in her direction and she took his good mood as a sign to push forward.

“Well, I wouldn’t have to be chasing down either of you, if you would grow a pair and have a conversation,” She pointed out and his face fell back into a frustrated frown.

“No, no,” He shook his head, “I already told you we’re not having this conversation.”

“And why not?” She challenged with the turn of her head, “Don’t tell me you, of all people, are worried about our test in Transfiguration today?”

“It’s true I’d like to focus,” He told her, “I just don’t think two prefects getting in a heated fight in the middle of a busy corridor is a good idea,” He shrugged.

“How about an empty one then?” Satine questioned and he looked around. At some point while they’d been too busy muttering to each other the hallway had cleared out leaving them standing there alone, “Ben I’m not trying to argue with you for once. If you can believe that.”

“Then why do I constantly feel like you’re waiting to go in for the kill,” He shot back defensively. She placed a hand on his shoulder and it was enough for him to pause.

“Because if I don’t remind you, you’re going to go off and isolate yourself. You’ll say it’s the best thing you can do for Cody and I’m going to have to hunt you down throughout the school,” She raised an eyebrow daring him to argue.

“Well-” He seemed to contemplate this and she dropped her hand.

“Dammit Ben! No!” She shot him down, “I will not be chasing you to the ends of the earth in order to hang out with you and neither will Cody,” She would not admit to him that this was likely a lie, “All you have to do is talk to him and we’ll fix this together!”

He looked like he was about to say something, whether it was the start of another argument or an admission of his own personal failings she wouldn’t know because the clock struck in warning and they both looked at each other in mild alarm. They both turned and raced down the hall steps practically matching up as they headed as quickly as they could to Defense Against the Dark Arts.

***

Anakin gritted his teeth as he rounded a corner in the hallway. Rex hadn’t shown up to the library this evening and although he could recon a guess as to why that was, it didn’t leave him feeling any less irritated. He supposed there was no real loss considering they were still completely leadless on any of their tracks of investigation. It made him wish that Obi-Wan hadn’t been so busy arguing with Satine or giving out useless detentions and would instead help him search. Even if it was rather selfish, he was sure Obi-Wan would be able to find a clue or at least be able to focus through hundreds of thousands of pages of textbooks.

Still, Obi-Wan couldn’t even be of any help today, he’d already alerted Anakin that he’d be absent most of the evening with Quidditch practice. Ravenclaw was slated to play the following day and it seemed they weren’t letting up on their practices. He knew Satine was just as smart as Obi-Wan, but he didn’t know her as well. Surely even if Obi-Wan practically revolved around her like a planet to a sun, she wouldn’t want anything to do with his ‘potentially illicit’ behavior. Viz had been avoiding him rather constantly, either that or he just hadn’t managed to run into him, both possible in such a large school. This left him with very few friends who would rather read than chat, of which he sorely needed.

He’d decided to search a few of the tunnels around the school, hoping maybe another one would lead him towards the ruined one. As his eyes roamed his map however they fell upon Professor Qui-Gon sitting in his office.

Qui-Gon was one of the only professors Anakin felt couldn’t be a culprit. Not only did his mom trust him enough that she’d allowed him to go to this school in the first place, but Obi-Wan did too. He was a rare type of professor that didn’t make Anakin feel the need to prove himself, rather that he already had somehow and it seemed there were tunnel entrances all around his office.

Anakin paused tracing one particular track with his finger. He wouldn’t tell Qui-Gon about his investigations, he didn’t want to risk any watchful eyes deciding to follow him. He couldn’t be sure he wouldn’t talk to the other Professors.

He ducked into a hallway and ran his fingers along the edge of a picture frame before it fell open for him to slip inside. This tunnel was full of cobwebs and clearly hadn’t seen traction for a while, but it let out quite near Qui-Gon’s office so he prevailed despite keeping an eye out for spiders. Finding Qui-Gon’s office was easy, but coming up to the door he fell short. Surely visiting a professor wouldn’t be seen as rude. He pushed the door open trying for silence, but it creaked loudly and caught the Professor’s attention immediately.

“Sorry if I’m disturbing you Professor,” He considered bolting right then and there, but Qui-Gon’s face lit up in a warm smile that had him stepping over the threshold.

“Oh nonsense!” Qui-Gon bustled around getting the tea started and Anakin sunk into a chair in front of his desk, “My office is open to anyone, anytime! Goodness knows Obi-Wan and Satine are practically in here every waking minute.”

“How’d you meet Obi-Wan anyways?” Anakin asked, “He couldn’t have taken your class until this year,” Qui-Gon’s lips quirked up in a pleased smile.

“That’s correct,” A teacup floated over to Anakin and waited politely in mid air for him to take it, “We met in his first year when I became his mentor,” Anakin nearly dropped the porcelain to the floor.

“You were his what?” Anakin interrupted whatever the man was going to say and he looked over in a kind of fond amusement.

“His mentor,” Qui-Gon said simply, pouring a cup for himself and striding back to his desk.

“But professors can’t be mentors,” Anakin trailed off and Qui-Gon smiled at him gently.

“There were certain circumstances involved. Still I don’t regret it, he was such a cute first year, and one in need of guidance such as yourself I’d imagine?” Qui-Gon reached out to turn around a picture frame sitting on the corner of his desk. Anakin stared into the frame at a young hesitantly smiling boy, who somehow, looked even tidier than he did now. Behind him was Qui-Gon, a hand on his shoulder and as it was enchanted the two looked at him for only a beat before smiling at each other.

“I’m not sure I need much guidance,” Anakin turned his gaze from the picture and kicked his feet aimlessly, “I just thought I’d ask you…” And how should he phrase it? He'd already talked to the professors, not telling them much about the drawings on the walls except that there had been some.

“Well whatever it is you want to ask me, perhaps we could do it over a game of wizards chess,” Qui-Gon waved a hand and a cloth fell away from a chessboard by the fireplace. Anakin tried not to groan, but he must have looked disgruntled because Qui-Gon just chuckled, “Come now, I could probably show you a few moves you could use to beat young Obi-Wan,” That did pique his interest so he scurried over to the board.

They played quietly for a few minutes, Anakin trying to remember anything he’d picked up on from his mentor. Qui-Gon suggested a few moves for him and Anakin watched his knight decimate Qui-Gon’s castle.

“I was wondering about some symbols I saw,” Anakin told him suddenly trying to capture the own man’s broad way of speaking, “I can’t remember where I saw them exactly, but they were sort of like moving stick figures,” Qui-Gon quirked a brow at him, not saying anything save for moving forward his pawn, “I’ve looked through some library books, but I haven’t seen anything like them.”

“You said you saw them?” Qui-Gon asked, “In the waking or in a dream?” And Anakin frowned.

“Dreams don’t have meaning,” He told him and Qui-Gon just leaned in with a smile.

“Everything has some meaning, even if the meaning is not clear,” He observed Anakin’s queen slide across the board with interest.

“That’s dumb, some of my dreams are just nonsense,” Anakin thought back to a particular dream he’d had where he’d hung out with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He was pretty sure that wouldn’t mean anything except that he watched too much television.

“There’s truth in absurdity,” Qui-Gon countered, moving his own knight and effectively placing Anakin in checkmate, who groaned rather annoyed.

“See I’ll never win,” He complained as the pieces magically reformed and fell back to their original position.

“Not true,” Qui-Gon smiled, “You’ve just got to come up with your own strategy, Obi-Wan’s is memorizing plans,” he revealed, “Which is easy to counter if you do something he doesn’t expect.”

“I see,” He considered quietly, though he wasn’t sure what sorts of moves his mentor wouldn’t be expecting.

“It’s only a matter of practice and patience,” Qui-Gon stood walking back to his bookshelf and pulling out a text he’d never seen before, “You asked me for recommended reading so I’ll lend you this,” he held out the book and Anakin grabbed it in both hands, “I’m not sure whether it will help you on your stick figure caper, but it’s often been a pillar when I’ve needed one.”

Across the front of the tomb was golden lettering sprawled elegantly across a deep purple binding, ‘The Art of Prophecy’ its title boasted. He wasn’t sure whether this would do him much good, but Qui-Gon was smiling at him encouragingly so he gripped the book a little tighter as he stood.

“Well I’ll give it a shot, I suppose,” He shrugged and Qui-Gon grinned wider.

“Glad to hear it,” Anakin nodded in thanks and headed out the door, but heard, “My office is always open, young Skywalker,” before it clicked shut drawing the silencing charm closed around it.

***

Rex was finding it harder to breathe lately. Every shadow he felt was Krell’s, every loud noise made him freeze, try as he might to distract himself with Anakin’s antics they only kept him occupied for so long.

So, Rex found himself standing at the door to Professor Windu’s office.

It was a great oak door with a heavy looking brass knocker, but try as he might to lift his hand to use it, he felt as if they were being held down with weights. Behind that door he could finally let everything out, explain in detail to Windu every terrible thing he’d had to put up with since the beginning of term. He could get Krell removed as his mentor and he’d be able to breathe just a little bit more.

He could also get Krell into bigger trouble which made his heart stammer a little harder in his chest. He wasn’t sure what kinds of things Krell would try to do if he got him kicked off the Quidditch team or demoted from prefect status or expelled, but it was cause for some concern. Even if Krell didn’t have direct command of him anymore there were still plenty of things he could try. What was perhaps more scary was the much more likely scene of Windu telling him he was overreacting. Professor Windu wasn’t a cruel man, Rex believed him to be just or rather he had.

But Cody was Gryffindor team’s Captain and he hadn’t believed him. What made Rex any more believable than his older brother?

His brother was brash in his decisions, but always kind of heart. Surely, if Windu really knew him, he’d have known that. So to hear how his brother had been discounted had soured his mood ever since.

He still couldn’t bring himself to knock. Who was there left to talk to? Professor Windu was the only one who could deal directly in Gryffindor’s affairs and the odds were already stacked against him. He couldn’t talk to his brothers because they’d do something rash and then Cody would be booted off the Quidditch team and although he’d tell Rex that it was fine he knew it wouldn’t be.

He took a step away from the door. Really, what was one more half of a term? His grades were already starting to suffer and he didn’t want that to reflect on him, but still. Rex had 6 more years here to make up for any bad marks, he supposed, feeling his heart sink at the thought. He’d always dreamed of being on the Quidditch team too, but he could give that up, or wait until Krell graduated before he tried out. He’d miss out on getting to play with Cody, but Fives and Echo would still be there.

He took another step away from the door. What was Quidditch or grades over his family? Perhaps, he considered, Krell had been right all along, speaking out really would only lead to problems, if not for him than for Cody, Fives, and Echo. Maybe even Anakin, his best friend.

His wants were of no greater importance than theirs, especially not over something so trivial as struggling to breathe.

Rex walked away from the door.

***

Excitement filled the air as Anakin yawned heading down the grand staircase. He’d stayed up a bit too late paging through Qui-Gon’s book. He hadn’t seen anything of interest yet, but also he was avoiding a lot of the text in favor of the pictures. Qui-Gon liked far wordier text than he did.

Still it was hard not to let the excitement seep in as he sat amongst the Gryffindor Quidditch team ducking under someone’s arm to snag a piece of toast. He sat next to Rex and unfortunately that meant near Krell as well, but he tried not to dwell on the older student as he turned to his friend.

“It’s kind of exciting! Getting to watch a Quidditch match I mean,” Anakin bounced in his seat a little, but Rex made no move as if to have heard him, “Hello? Rex? You in there buddy?” He gently knocked on Rex’s head and the other boy startled slightly, looking at him with tired eyes.

“Oh, Anakin,” He greeted lamely.

“What’s up?” Anakin asked and Rex turned back to staring at his plate, poking lamely at his eggs.

“Just tired,” He told him, but with the way he gripped his fork Anakin wasn’t sure that was the case. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Krell look over at them with a scowl and he knew not to push the subject.

“Oh I hope that’s not my fault,” Anakin exclaimed loudly, “I was up rather late, but I tried to keep the lights dim,” He resisted the urge to glare at Krell as he spoke it, but ultimately knew his friend wouldn’t appreciate it.

“What were you doing up so late then?” Echo inquired, though his eyes weren’t looking straight at Anakin.

“Reading,” Anakin put simply and Cody scoffed.

“Mate, if you’re going to lie at least make it convincing,” Anakin spluttered as the rest of the team laughed, save for Rex.

“It’s not a lie! Professor Qui-Gon loaned me a book,” He explained tearing a bite out of his piece of toast.

“Qui-Gon, lent you a book?” Cody groaned, “Don’t tell me he’s trying to get you involved in his crazy prophecy conspiracies. Kenobi and Satine debated about some stupid prophecy for 3 months straight once and I really could have killed Qui-Gon for that,” Fives rolled his eyes.

“They argue constantly anyways, what does it matter what they’re arguing about?” But Cody just gave him a long suffering look.

“It’s about variety, Fives,” Cody ran a hand down his face.

“Says the guy who only ever talks of Quidditch,” Fives rebuked and the affronted look on his face had Anakin laughing along with the clones. When he looked to Rex though his grin faltered.

***

Rex felt a little like he was listening underwater. One moment they were pestering his brother about this or that and the next he found his arm being pulled by Anakin leading him to the Quidditch stands.

Rex looked around and his eyes fell on Krell, just a few meters back and he turned forward again letting Anakin drag him to a spot right at the edge of the stands.

“Do you think this is a good spot?” Anakin asked him, and he had a look in his eyes that Rex couldn’t quite place.

“Sure,” He answered, staring at the grass many dizzying meters below. He decided to sit and Anakin followed suit chatting idly, but clearly not expecting Rex to answer. That was rather good seeing as Rex was preoccupied by the eyes he felt on the back of his head.

“Oh absolutely not Cody,” both Rex and Anakin turned to see Fives and Echo currently shoving Cody off towards a different section.

“I’m not interested in hearing your play by plays. You’d better go find Satine who can somehow stand you when you get like this,” Echo added and Cody looked frustrated.

“Can’t I just watch a match with my baby brothers?” He tried giving them an innocent expression, but Echo and Fives didn’t even have to look at each other to know the answer.

“No.”

Cody looked miffed, but soon Echo and Fives plunked themselves down directly behind him.

“What’s so bad about Cody?” Anakin asked them and the twins rolled their eyes.

“Oh mate you don’t know the half of it,” Fives lamented and Echo just shook his head.

“He narrates the whole game as if he was the announcer,” Echo complained.

Rex didn’t have too much to input at that, never having watched a game with his older brother before. He turned his head back towards the field, and with the buffer between him and those cold, cold eyes he hated that he felt safer.

***

“Oh so have you decided to stop avoiding me?” She didn’t even move her gaze from the field as Cody approached and he sighed taking his usual spot to her right.

“It’s not as if I’ve been avoiding you,” Cody pressed and she spared him a glare, “Look I’m just counting myself lucky you haven’t lectured me yet.”

“You saw me in the hallway and ran,” He winced and she looked at him with gentle eyes, “I don’t want to lecture you,” She added, “But you know Ben’s trying his best.”

“Well then his best isn’t good enough!” Cody barked, but even as the words fell from his mouth he knew they were wrong.

“Cody,” Satine pressed.

“I just, I don’t know what to do, okay?” He admitted, “Windu said he’d investigate, but still nothing’s happened and it’s been nearly a month. Clearly I’m not allowed to step in-”

“Beating Krell senseless isn’t stepping in,” Satine corrected, but he ignored her.

“Have you seen him Satine?” Cody gripped the edge of the stands, “He hardly even looked up at breakfast today. That’s not the Rex I know,” Cody wasn’t an overly emotional person, but he felt quite torn these days from crying or punching something (or someone). Satine put a gentle hand on his arm and he let himself relax just a touch.

“Cody, Ben and I are watching,” She told him, “We’re keeping an eye on the situation as best as two Ravenclaws can. You know we can’t do anything else. Ben wants to help Rex more than he’s said, to either me or you, you have to see it.”

“I know he must care,” Cody admitted, “But, well, you know...” He trailed off, but Satine grimaced.

“If you’re about to bring up his family, don’t,” Satine told him, “You know where I stand,” And he did, because they were both on the same side, “But a family doesn’t have to be just by blood,” Cody felt guilt spring up threatening to wrap around his heart and drag it further down. 

“I know,” He said and he meant it, but Satine gave him a curious look.

“If you know, why haven’t you apologized?”

“It’s not that simple,” He tried to explain, but that scowl returned, the one she usually used when one of them was being exceedingly stupid.

“How is it not that simple?” She threw her hands up, “Just tell him you’re sorry, he’ll accept it easily if only to appease you, because he’s trying to hide it, but he’s tearing himself up.”

“If he’s so upset why shouldn’t he apologize to me first?” Cody crossed his arms, leaning on the side of the box with his hip. He supposed if he was known for being stubborn then he may as well prove it, “You’re just trying to go soft on Kenobi because you fancy him.” 

Whatever Satine had been about to say, it looked like she’d choked on it instead. She opened and closed her mouth several times, face a shocked sort of red. Really Cody would have found it amusing if they weren’t still in the middle of a debate.

“Excuse me?” Satine’s cheeks puffed out and it looked like she was about to start breathing fire and Cody took a step back, not because he was intimidated, of course. He wasn’t intimidated. Or perhaps he’d just tell himself that, “I thought I told you I wasn’t picking sides, and beyond that, do you really think you’re the only one I’ve been chasing down?” Cody’s stance faltered, “I’ve been trying to get Ben to talk to you for weeks, but he seems intent on isolating himself until he can find the solution.”

“Why not just let him then?” Cody asked, “If he’s really got to think so hard on how to talk to me, then he clearly knows his failings.”

“Dammit Cody Fett,” Satine threw her hands up, turning her gaze to the field as the Ravenclaws started pouring out onto the field, “Is it so hard to believe that I’d like us to work together,” It was said softly, but not soft enough because he heard her and his eyebrows scrunched in concern. His own eyes drifted to the field and-

“Hufflepuff’s playing who as Keeper?” He shouted leaning far enough over the side of the stand that Satine floundered to pull him back to keep him from falling. She seemed to let the conversation go and Cody tried not to consider whether or not she just wanted to see him happy.

***

“What a match!” Anakin shouted excitedly, he’d managed to sneak away from Cody’s post match unofficial team meeting more easily than he should have.

“It was pretty exciting,” Rex agreed quietly, “I’d prefer to play though,” Anakin looked towards his friend in interest.

“What position do you play?” Anakin asked, “Are you a beater like me? I think we’d make a good team,” And that got Rex to smile, which Anakin counted as a win.

“I can play any position really. When we play at home we rotate out positions, or we used to I guess,” Rex shrugged, “Now that everyone more or less has a real position we don’t switch as often,” Anakin considered that with a loud hum.

“You’ll be trying out for the team then right? There should be a few openings next year,” Rex hesitated.

“Well, I- Maybe,” He shrugged, but Anakin could see his face fall. He thought back to the team, and their Keeper, Krell.

“I think you should. I like Quidditch, but it would be a lot more fun with a friend on the team,” Anakin told him slapping him on the back in a way that may have been a little too hard to be comforting. His eyes flickered up across the field where Ravenclaw’s team was exiting the stadium and he grinned, “Oh let’s go say hi to Obi-Wan,” Without waiting for a reply he tore off across the field.

“Your kid’s here, Kenobi,” Anakin heard one of the Ravenclaw’s say, before they continued on, leaving Obi-Wan alone with him and Rex.

“Obi-Wan! Congrats on the win!” Anakin cheered, “Your position’s pretty boring, but you still did good.”

“I rather hope that’s a compliment,” Obi-Wan quipped, tugging on a loose string on the sleeve of his uniform.

“Whatever,” Anakin rolled his eyes, “This just gets us one step closer to playing a match between us, I’ll probably beat you of course,” Obi-Wan looked a little off color at the thought, Anakin was sure he was just thinking about how much it would suck to lose to such a good player.

“You think so?” His mentor settled on. His eyes drew over to where Rex had been standing quietly, “Oh Rex, did you enjoy the game too?” Rex who had been staring off towards the lake jerked back to attention at his name.

“Sure yeah, it was alright,” Rex shrugged and Obi-Wan tried and failed to hide a frown.

“Well I hope you both enjoy your Saturday?” He prompted as if it was a question and was still watching Rex carefully, but Anakin answered for them.

“We won’t be doing homework if that’s what you’re insinuating.”

“I do hope to get your next history essay with enough time to actually edit it this time,” Obi-Wan reminded him, but Anakin took the opportunity to escape.

“Bye Obi-Wan!” He chirped as he ran off towards the building.

“Anakin!” He was called after, but he didn’t turn back.

***

Satine was on her way to class alone. Being a prefect meant that this was no reason for concern, as long as it wasn’t made a habit of. A privilege that she appreciated given that normally they had no free time between classes to do such things as visit the bathroom and it was quite nice to be able to do so without having to rush.

What was unusual about this situation though, was the nervous Hufflepuff first year who had dropped everything she’d been holding when Satine had suddenly appeared from the girl’s bathroom.

“Oh dear, let me help you,” Satine smiled gently, and bent down. The Hufflepuff seemed to only get a little more frantic and her smile faded, she hoped that she didn’t seem like such a scary person that one so young would be afraid of her. She helped the girl anyway, grabbing at a few stray papers, “What are you even doing out of class? Shouldn’t you be in charms?” But the girl didn’t answer; she was just looking at her with wide eyed fear and Satine felt thoroughly offended. She looked down at the papers she was gathering in hopes at not seeming so intimidating when something stood out to her.

She plucked a particular paper out of the stack. It was a Charms test, which wasn’t out of the ordinary, but it was written in Professor Windu’s handwriting, trademark purple ink and all. Perhaps the only thing more damning was the word “KEY” written and circled at the very top of the exam.

“Dear?” Satine asked the Hufflepuff girl who looked like she was about to start crying, “How did this come into your possession?” Satine suddenly didn’t mind if the girl felt scared of her.

“It was a Slytherin,” The girl cried, “He sold it to me for a sickle,” Satine’s brows were brought together and she just quietly finished gathering the girl’s things before helping her to her feet.

“Well come along then, we’ll need to discuss this with your head of house,” Satine carried the girl’s things to ensure she’d follow her. The girl cried all the way down the hallway and Satine told her to wait just outside the door, saving her the embarrassment of being punished in front of the entirety of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw’s 5th year class.

Satine opened the door and the class turned automatically to the sound, their professor glanced up after a few moments of the door not shutting.

“Apologies Professor Ti, could I speak with you a moment? Prefect business,” She asked and her professor looked concerned, but nodded instructing the class to read from their text while she was away. Satine ignored Ben’s curious glance and closed the door behind them.

“What’s all this about?” Professor Ti asked, not unkindly. The girl continued to cry and Satine took over as mandated.

“I found this in her possession, she said a Slytherin sold it to her,” Satine handed over the exam and the professor seemed to gain understanding faster than Satine had.

“Why did you feel the need to buy this?” The Hufflepuff head of house knelt down in front of her student who was wiping rather frantically at her eyes.

“He said it was a good idea,” She explained with a shaky voice, “He knew I was struggling with charms, and he said this way I’ll pass,” The professor, gently moved her hands away from her face, expression stern and kind at the same time and Satine wished that was within her capacity too.

“There are better ways at passing a test than to cheat,” Professor Ti spoke, “Have you talked with your mentor or professor about this?” The girl shook her head, “Well I’m sure both would be more than happy to help you. As it stands I’ll be taking 50 points from Hufflepuff,” The girl looked at her with a gasp, “Cheating is not a small matter; your detention will be in the way of a study session with Professor Windu. I’m sure he’ll be glad to give you a little extra help.”

“Are you sure he won’t- won’t be mad at me?” She sniffed.

“I’m sure Professor Windu will forgive you as long as you apologize,” Satine inputted and Professor Ti nodded and shot her a warm glance.

“Satine? Would you share this information with the other prefects? I’ll be just a moment,” Then Professor Ti, stood grabbing the first year's books from Satine in one arm and the hand of the young girl in the other, “Come now let me escort you to the common room.”

Satine waited until they were out of sight before stepping inside the classroom again. Eyes returned to her again, but she focused on the ones she was looking for.

“Ben, Bail, Mina? A word?” She asked and the other 3 prefects in the room stood and swept through the door. Ignoring the whispers from the other students as they went. They wouldn’t be privy to any such information about a potential investigation.

“Satine, is everything alright?” Ben asked, he was looking at her with mild concern that she tried to brush off gently.

“I found a first year in possession of this,” Satine let them pass around the exam in silence.

“But there’s more to it?” Mina Bonteri guessed and Satine nodded.

“A Slytherin boy sold it to her for a sickle,” The prefects all started talking at once.

“That means there’s more than one,” Bail pointed out.

“We’ll need to tell the other prefects,” Mina nodded.

“1 Sickle is oddly cheap for something of this caliber,” Ben pointed out and they all looked at him.

“Odd thing to be stuck on Kenobi,” Bail laughed and he shook his head.

“If I were to sell a direct copy of a test, surely I’d sell it for more. They’re quite hard to come by I assume,” He explained and Satine frowned.

“Ben’s right, for a crime that should take a lot of effort that is awfully cheap.”

“So that means our mystery seller finds this to be an easy task,” Mina mused and all four prefects fell into silence, thinking.

“We’ll have to be much more vigilant,” Bail instructed, “Mina and I will tell the rest of the Hufflepuff prefects as well as Slytherin’s, Obi-Wan and Satine? Can you let the rest of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor know?”  The Ravenclaws nodded. It looked like the prefects had a mystery on their hands.

***

Cody had chosen the library to study today. He’d hoped it would have been a calm environment to finish some homework he’d been putting off, but he should have known better just on the principle of being in the library. It had been fine for all of 20 minutes before footsteps had approached and he and Obi-Wan had stared at each other in a mirrored surprise.

“Oh, um, sorry,” Obi-Wan had stuttered clutching the strap of his bag as if it was his last life line.

“I don’t own the table,” Cody had said in response and he felt a little guilty at the slight droop of his friend's shoulders.

“Neither do I, I shouldn’t have assumed,” He looked at Cody with earnest blue eyes and Cody wasn’t really in the mood to have such a conversation. So he just shrugged his shoulders and turned back to his homework. Or rather he tried. It was a little hard to focus with Obi-Wan hovering nearby trying to make up his mind what he wanted to do, but he didn’t say anything.

It was like that for an uncomfortably long time, before finally Obi-Wan decided to turn and leave right when Satine rounded the corner.

“Move, Ben!” She struggled to get past him, her arms were straining under the weight of a massive stack of books and he practically leaped out of her way on request. Even Cody had to look up and stare in Satine’s direction when she dropped said stack on the table making it shake with the force.

Satine finally seemed to see what she’d stumbled upon because she looked back and forth between Obi-Wan and Cody several times before growling.

“Well leave or stay if you’re both so insistent on this stupid fight, I don’t have time for either of you right now,” She sat down with a huff grabbing the book at the top of her stack and Cody looked up to catch Obi-Wan’s eye, but he offered the same baffled look Cody must have been wearing.

“What’s going on?” Obi-Wan made the bold decision to stand at the edge of the table, though he kept eyeing Cody as if he’d bite him just for breathing. It hurt a little bit to think his friend really thought so little of him at the moment.

“It’s been announced of course!” Satine exclaimed, whipping out a piece of parchment from the pocket of her robe and waving it around, “The date for the beast’s trial!”

“You’re still on about that?” Cody couldn’t help asking and he fully expected the foul glare sent in his direction.

“Yes I’m still ‘on about that’!” She practically slammed the book down onto the table, “The beast needs a solid case, it deserves a chance at life.”

“Satine it destroyed the school,” Cody pointed out, “We could have died, whatever happens to it, happens,” He shrugged.

“Keep talking and soon you won’t have any friends left,” Satine hissed in his direction and Obi-Wan flinched taking a step back from the table.

“Satine,” Obi-Wan tried, but she turned on him in response.

“What? Come to tell me it’ll be pointless again?” She growled and he held up his hands. She seemed to remember herself and took a deep breath before releasing her death grip on the poor library book, “Look I’m sorry. I just don’t think it’s fair. Witnesses,” She spoke carefully and didn’t look at Obi-Wan, “Say that there was a mysterious figure. That’s who should be up on trial, and neither of them deserve the death penalty, what would that do anyways?”

“I dunno?” Cody answered honestly, “But they’ve gotta do something with the beast. Sitting it in the forbidden forest doesn’t exactly make the school feel safe.”

“They’re smart at that ministry,” Satine complained, but she’d calmed down a little, “Either they’ll figure it out or-”

“Or some know-it-all 5th year prefect will,” Obi-Wan teased and it made the immediate tension in the room evaporate. Cody looked between the two and had to keep the smirk off his face, he’d missed this.

[disneydreamlights]

Across the Stars: Chapter 5

AO3 | FFN

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]

Summary: Tensions between the Separatists and the Republic are climbing as the Senate debates whether there is need for an army. Anakin Skywalker, Senator of Tatooine, has recently returned to Coruscant to speak against its formation, resulting in an assassination attempt that forces him to reunite with long time friends Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and the newly knighted Padme Naberrie for his own protection. [Anidala]

(Or, an Attack of the Clones Roleswap AU)

Having left Mos Espa and Beru behind, Anakin had taken Padmé to the small moisture farm that the Lars family stayed at. It was a small underground building in the middle of the desert, surrounded by multiple machines. Anakin was certainly right about one thing. Nobody would be looking for them here. "I know it's not much, but I figured it'd be as good a place to hide out as any."

"Don't worry, Ani, it doesn't have to be much. It's your home." She knew that much. She'd only briefly looked around, but there were all sorts of holos of Anakin, Shmi, and their step family on the walls.

"I don't know if I'd say that." He rubbed the back of his head. "I don't have a problem with my step family, but it doesn't really feel like home." Padmé waited for him to elaborate. He didn't.

"What's stopping it?" Padmé asked after a moment more of silence. "Everywhere you look, there are tiny hints of you everywhere."

"We've only lived with them a couple of years, even if we've known Cliegg and Owen for a lot longer," Anakin answered, though it was clear it was at least a bit of a deflection from what he really wanted to say. "It makes it hard to adjust at times."

"Where did you stay then?" Padmé asked.

"On Coruscant. Sometimes with my mom, sometimes with whatever Senator was supposed to be watching over and teaching me." Anakin gave a weak laugh. "I'm amazed Bail still tolerates me. We didn't have the best of starts."

"You didn't? What happened?"

"I'm not telling you anything about that unless you tell me about Yoda's robes." It was clear Anakin was teasing, but Padmé pouted.

"Senator Skywalker–"

"I only deal in even exchanges, Knight Naberrie." Anakin smiled. But she still wasn't ready to embarrass herself in front of Anakin quite like that yet. "Thought so. What do I have to do to get that story out of you?"

"You can't." Padmé crossed her arms smugly. "No story is worth trading that knowledge for."

"Can't blame a guy for trying?"

Padmé laughed. "I absolutely can, Senator." She watched as Anakin stood up, walking over to a small fridge in the corner. "Looking for something?"

"I figure we should have something to drink while we're catching up, officially this time." Anakin brought over two cups of some kind of blue liquid. "Blue milk, it's popular on Tatooine since water can be hard to come by."

Padmé smiled, taking the glass. "Thank you." She took a sip, enjoying the refreshing, light, sweet flavor of the milk. Different than she was used to, but far from bad. "I'd imagine that's what the water farms are for?"

Anakin nodded. "They produce water for the people who can't afford it. We're looking to set up moisture farms much more widespread, as part of an effort to clean up Tatooine. It won't be easy, but certainly worthwhile."

She nodded. "It sounds like you've got a lot of plans."

"Somebody has to make life better around this dust bowl. Freeing the slaves and removing Hutt control was just the first step of many, and hopefully if a war does start, it won't stop us from continuing our efforts to improve the planet." He pulled up a chair next to her, facing her rather than the table. "But that's not the only thing I have plans for?"

"Oh?" Padmé asked, more than a little curious at where the Senator was going with this.

Anakin smiled. "I've been making plans for years for exactly what I want for my life after I'm done as Senator. Ever since I was a kid if I'm honest." His hand found hers, and Padmé closed hers around it in a squeeze, hoping he'd take it as an invitation to continue. "I want to do what I can to help clean the planet, but then once Tatooine is fixed, I want to retire with the people I love most, so I can always be with them."

Padmé found herself smiling. "A noble goal, Ani." His nickname fell from her tongue easily. "Who are these people you want to retire with?"

"My mom, Cliegg, Owen, Beru, Obi-Wan if he can be persuaded to ever leave the Jedi." He named her master so casually, it shocked her. She hadn't realized they were that close. "There's one more person who's more important than all of them though, who I'd give anything for if she chose to join me." His hand danced along her arm, taunting her with the answer that a part of her wanted more than anything and a part of her did not want to hear.

Padmé watched waiting for him to elaborate, to tell her it was somebody from Tatooine, Coruscant, anybody really besides his true answer. When he didn't continue, she asked. "Who?"

Rather than answer, Anakin leaned in, hesitant and unsure, and for a moment, Padmé found that same, uncomfortable tension building in her heart, urging her forward. She leaned in on instinct, following his lead as her eyes closed and their lips met. Her heart beat rapidly, and she felt nothing short of elated at the kiss. It was chaste, sweet, and so very Anakin that she couldn't help but be lost in the sensation for a moment.

But the world kept turning, and it wasn't long before her sense returned and she turned away, unable to look at Anakin. "I shouldn't have done that." She was a Jedi. Returning his kiss, his affections, it was doing nothing more than leading him on. Anakin deserved better than that.

"Sorry." She looked up to see the torn, yet sad look on Anakin's face. There were no signs of regret, but at the fact that he'd been kissed and then rejected, he did look pretty embarrassed. "I'll uh...take you to your room, so you can settle in. Assuming you don't have to look after me the entire time."

"I-I don't, no." She couldn't believe herself. Except she absolutely could. This was Anakin she was talking about. He was so easy to let herself go with, to love.

He led the way out of the room and down to another one, opening the door. "Maybe we can find something to do tomorrow?"

"Yeah. We'll figure it out." Whereas conversation both on the trip and earlier had gone so easily between them, now it was hesitant and uncomfortable. Padmé definitely wasn't happy with herself for causing that. "Good night, Anakin."

"I'll see you tomorrow." He closed the door, leaving Padmé to settle in as she buried her face in the pillow.

That night, she dreamed of Anakin, and the kiss they shared.

-x-

"You want to hear about the inner workings of the Senate?" Anakin asked, looking at her surprised as he was working on the mechanisms inside the vaporator. Aside from the slight awkwardness, both of them were attempting to forget about the kiss they'd shared upon arrival at the moisture farm, or at least Padmé was, and so she was scrambling to find any topic of conversation she could for them to discuss. "Why?"

"I suppose I'm just curious. I've always wanted to know, and while the Chancellor teaches me some things, having different perspectives is always good." She knew the Chancellor had some ideals that she didn't fully agree with, and she wanted to see if Anakin's were perhaps ones she agreed with more, or if a similar partial agreement would come between them as well.

Anakin smiled, glad to talk about his job for a change. "Well, as Senator of Tatooine, I have to make sure that the Senate attempts to listen to what would be best for us here." His smile changed into a smirk quickly. "Sometimes it's easy, sometimes I have to use...aggressive negotiations to get what I want."

"Anakin!"

"None of the Senators have been seriously injured...I have been arrested twice though over it." Padmé stared at him for a moment, trying to take in that last bit.

"You what?"

"I'm joking, I promise." Anakin smiled. "Well...about the arrested part."

"Has anybody told you you make a terrible senator." Padmé couldn't help but laugh. Even the idea of him as a senator seemed a little strange. "I know you care about Tatooine, but…"

"But it's hard to imagine a senator from somebody as rash as me, right?" There was a twinkle of amusement in the senator's eyes, almost as though he was pleased that she was poking fun at him. "Truth be told, if I was from anywhere other than Tatooine, somebody probably would have voted me out, or at least insisted that my mom take back over. But the people here love that about me, no matter what, I'll get results."

"That's not how it's supposed to work." Or at least she was pretty sure that was not how any government was supposed to work.

"It doesn't matter if it's not how it's supposed to work, what matters is that Tatooine's a better place because of it. I'm sure the Republic is too." He smiled. "I'm sure you've heard all about it from the Chancellor. He wanted to take me under his wing and teach me all about politics. I'm pretty sure now he's glad he didn't so he doesn't have to be responsible for me."

Padmé frowned slightly, actually, the Chancellor hadn't mentioned that. Then again, why would he? Palpatine knew that Padmé and Anakin were friends. Talking bad about one of her closest friends outside of the Jedi because he was causing a bit of chaos in the senate wasn't likely. "He hasn't, but probably out of respect, he knows I care about you. He's the one who told me about your request for Jedi help."

"Guess I owe the old man some thanks." Anakin smiled. "Even if he and I don't always get along."

"Of course."

They fell into an easy silence, enjoying the other's company as Anakin continued his work. She found her eyes occasionally straying towards him, finding it difficult to look away despite knowing she should.

"Can you tell me about your missions?" It was both a command, and a request, one that took Padmé a moment to process.

"Huh?"

"Not all your missions are spent protecting cranky senators who want to do their job, right?" Anakin smiled, indicating he was mostly joking. "I'm not saying you have to tell me the specifics, just give me an idea of what they're like."

Padmé couldn't help but smile at that. "You're right about that, Ani. A lot of times we'll be sent to various planets just to do what we can to keep the peace. Obi-Wan and I are sent out most of the time when they want to keep things peaceful. We have a reputation for finding trouble at the temple, but both of us are good at helping others find peace without having to pull out a weapon."

"You mean you don't just whip out your lightsabers whenever you want something?"

"Of course not, we're peacekeepers, lightsabers aren't f–" She watched him smirk only to come to the realization that he was teasing. "You're making fun of me, aren't you?"

"Me? Never my lady. If you were to ever find out I was teasing you, I'd end up much better acquainted with the sword end of a lightsaber than I'd ever asked." It was hard to take him seriously as it became clear he was trying to keep himself from laughing at her reaction.

"You are, aren't you?" But she found herself grinning too, easily brought up by his joking tone and attitude.

Anakin smirked and didn't respond, and she threw her lightsaber hilt at him, watching as he caught it easily. "I was right, you tried to kill me."

"It wasn't even on, Anakin. A lightsaber isn't dangerous if you don't have the blade out. It's just a piece of metal." And a Kyber Crystal, but the existence of the crystal inside the lightsaber was a secret that if Anakin didn't know, she didn't want him to. The idea of him in the Senate with a lightsaber was definitely not one she wanted to see become a reality.

"So you say, maybe I could've gotten killed." Despite his joke, the saber did seem to have captured his attention as he looked it over and pressed the button, watching as the beam part of the saber appeared from the hilt. "I can't compliment the execution with knowledge, but I can say it's perfect, just like everything you do."

Padmé wasn't quite sure how to respond when he handed the sword back to her.

-x-

"Obi-Wan's a gifted negotiator, he could talk down anybody into doing what he says if he was asked." Despite the awkward pause in the conversation they had found earlier with Anakin's flirts, they'd quickly resumed the easy banter from earlier in the day for Padmé to tell Anakin about her missions like he'd asked. Which was proving a good idea as things started to calm down for the night.

"And he passed those methods onto you?" Anakin asked. Padmé nodded. "I'm guessing that's helped out with more than a few missions?"

"It's probably a huge part of why the galaxy isn't involved in all out war." Maybe she was being a little praise heavy for her master, but Obi-Wan was her brother, the one who taught her everything she knew, her idol. "He and I have been offworld so often trying to negotiate with the Separatists ever since I got knighted."

Anakin frowned as soon as she said that. "You don't think something like having you guys out of the way could contribute to starting the war sooner?"

Padmé paused. It...was a possibility, even if it wasn't one she'd want to acknowledge, but no. That couldn't be right. The Chancellor chose her and Obi-Wan because they already had a relationship with Anakin. "I don't think so. The Senate should still be in negotiations on their own right now, and we don't have an army. The other Jedi should be enough to keep everything under control. Obi-Wan and I might be the best, but we're not the only ones."

"Right, of course." Anakin sighed, but she wasn't sure if he was reassured.

"Ani…"

"I know, everything will be fine. I should have more faith in Mon and Bail and my mom. It's just...hard not being there." He shook his head, resolving himself. "I'll try not to think about it." Padmé looked at him, doubtful. "Care to be my distraction for now?" She must have looked confused, because he elaborated moments later. "Teach me how to use a Lightsaber."

"Anakin, they're sacred weapons to the Jedi, not toys." She shook her head. Sure, when they were all Younglings and Padawans doing exercises there would be competitions for fun, but those were a part of training. It didn't make her weapon a tool for a game.

Anakin frowned. "I'm not treating it like one. I'm not asking you to give me your lightsaber, I'm asking to know how to use the basic forms. They can be applied to other weapons with a similar structure. It wouldn't hurt for me to know."

He had a point, and it was likely to keep his mind off of the goings of the Senate if he was exhausted from learning the different forms. "We'll start with Form I." Anakin's eyes widened, as though he hadn't expected his request to work, but didn't say anything. Padmé looked around for a moment before tossing Anakin a walking stick, which he caught easily. It'd be long enough. "The first form is simple, and almost all others are based on it. If you can't learn this, you won't be able to learn the others."

"And you use it?" Anakin asked.

"On occasion. I favor Forms III and IV." She smiled. "If I do keep teaching you, you won't learn those for a while. And definitely not IV while we're in here." Ataru required too much movement, and the idea of Anakin learning something like that in such a small area sounded like a terrible idea.

Anakin laughed. "I get the idea, too advanced. So, Master Naberrie, show me the basics." And she did, running through the poses and positions, watching Anakin try to emulate them himself and move fluidly beneath each position.

If she was honest, he wasn't bad. Considering it was his first time learning any of the forms, he was picking up on it with surprising ease. She made note of any mistakes before stepping up to him. "Your third pose has your 'lightsaber' pointed too low." She had him re-enter the pose and stood behind him, before she got to work at adjusting the pose. When she touched him the first time, Anakin stiffened at the contact, and though she went to pull his shoulders back, she couldn't find it in her to move. The world was still, and for a moment it felt like nothing mattered besides the brief point where they touched. The staff she'd found dropped from his hands, and the clatter it made as it hit the floor pulled her out of the moment, and away from whatever Anakin had been planning to do. She backed away, unable to face him after their moment.

"Padmé, I can't..." He seemed frustrated with his wording. "I can't keep dancing around what I feel like this." At that, she looked up, almost startled. "We have a connection, and I know you feel it too. Whenever I see you it's...it's difficult to even breathe. I can't stop thinking about you, or the kiss we've shared... You're the only person I have ever loved in this way."

"Ani...Anakin." She amended herself from the nickname to his full name. "I can't...you're a Senator, and I'm a Jedi…"

"That doesn't matter." Anakin looked at her. "I don't care that you're a Jedi or anything else. I don't care what we have to do, if I have to spend the rest of my life loving you in shadows, I would do it. I know you feel the same way…"

"Anakin, what I feel in this case doesn't matter. I have duties. So do you." She watched him for a moment, and the burst of courage he'd seemingly had earlier died down, and her heart hurt. She wanted him as badly as he wanted her, and both of them knew it. "If we admitted our feelings, fell in love...We'd be living a lie, and it would destroy us both."

"...I know." He finally relented, looking away and giving up in a way he hadn't earlier. "I know that more than anybody, but Padmé-."

"I'm sorry Anakin." Her hand grabbed his, and he winced, though didn't make a move to pull his away. "Maybe in another life, we'd have a chance to be together, but as it stands, we can't. Not in this one."

He remained silent, and so did she. "I'm going to clear my head." Anakin stood up, leaving Padmé there to watch after him, her heart aching just as much as his was.

She buried her face in her hands. Why did Anakin have to make all of this so difficult.

-x-

She hadn't seen Anakin for the rest of the night, and had found him gone for most of the morning. Fearing the worst, she had been about to sound some alarms and call in the other Jedi when she watched the senator appear at the entrance to the small house. "Anakin?"

Had this been before yesterday, she would've run to hug him. Right now, she knew that would just make things worse for him. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." His voice was tired, it was clear he hadn't slept. "I'm…" He rubbed his hand through his hair, unsure of himself. "I'm sorry for running off last night, I just needed some time. Not everyday your crush for ten years turns you down."

She understood all too well, maybe not the ten year long crush part, but the idea that after what had happened, he needed some space. "It's alright, you don't have to apologize. Just please don't do it again, I thought that all those assassination attempts might have finally succeeded."

Anakin nodded. "They won't, I'm not that easy to get rid of." A fact that she was thankful for. He sat down on the couch for a moment, looking at her as though trying to figure out what he was trying to say. "I think we need to get off of Tatooine."

Padmé looked at Anakin in confusion. "What?"

"We can't stay trapped on this world alone, doing nothing." Anakin explained. "You're…" He sighed. "Look, we both agreed we're not falling in love, right? Well staying here on a small farm where we're the only company the other has besides a couple of droids and all we're doing is finding ways to kill time together isn't going to help. I know it's for my protection, but we can't keep staying."

"We're not going back to Coruscant Anakin. You'll be in danger."

"It doesn't have to be Coruscant. Just...not here."

As much as she hated to admit it, Anakin was right. It couldn't be easy for him, staying trapped on the planet with just her while he was dealing with her rejection. She could understand his desire to get away as well. "I can call for another Jedi to take my place."

"No!" Anakin protested almost immediately too fast. "No, sorry, I just…"

It was frustrating to say the least for both of them. She knew there was nobody Anakin would trust more with the job aside from Obi-Wan (truthfully she wasn't sure she trusted anybody else with Anakin's safety besides herself and him either) yet so long as they stayed like this, it wouldn't be easy for either of them to continue to dodge and ignore any feelings they'd managed to catch.

"I'll…" Padmé frowned. There had to be something she could come up with. Some way to manage this and keep Anakin on the world without… "Get some rest. I'll come up with something."

Anakin nodded, and went towards his room. "At least consider the idea."

Truthfully, there wasn't a lot else she could do.

-x-

The sound of a door opening pulled Padmé out of her meditation, and she turned to see Anakin. "Thinking on ideas looks like sleeping?"

"Meditating Anakin." Padmé smiled. Anakin tilted his head, as though asking for elaboration. "It's something all Jedi do to help them feel more balanced in the Force, more connected. Obi-Wan and I tried to teach it to you, remember?"

"Nope." Anakin sat down next to her. "I remember how to use the Force, how to make shields to keep any Sith from detecting me, but meditation? Don't seem to recall that one at all."

Padmé rolled her eyes. Of course he wouldn't. Trying to get Anakin to sit down for ten seconds to meditate was a harder ordeal than anything else they'd had to try. She couldn't be surprised that he didn't remember when he'd probably purposefully tried to forget. "It's meant to help me figure out what's the best way to go about things."

"What did it help you figure out, Master Jedi?" Anakin smiled, and Padmé couldn't help but be relieved that they'd found a return to the easy conversation from before.

Padmé shook her head. "It didn't, but I could show you how to do it, if you'd like."

Anakin seemed to be taking that under consideration. "You sure it'll stick this time?"

"Well, my Padawan," she teased, chastising herself moments later in case he took it as flirting after they had just resolved not to do so. "You'll be the judge of that."

Following her lead, Anakin sat down on his knees and closed his eyes, looking over to Padmé as he closed his eyes. She watched him, interested in how he took it, though unsurprised when he started to wiggle, unable to sit skill. "You need to focus on your breathing, just keep your mind clear and reach out. Stretch out your senses until you can feel the Force around you."

"That's...vague."

Padmé laughed. "It is, but I trust you to figure it out."

"You'd make a terrible master if that's how you plan on training any padawans you get."

"I thought you were done making fun of me."

"You won't kill me, I'll be fine." Anakin opened one eye, giving her a smirk.

"I could take you out and blame it on whoever's after you."

"Would you though?"

She wouldn't, but Anakin didn't need to know that. "Are you questioning me, Padawan?"

At that, he sighed. "No Master Jedi, I'm not." And he closed his eyes, taking deep breaths in and out, although still clearly struggling with staying focused entirely on the meditation. Deciding it would keep Anakin out of her hair at least for a few more minutes, Padmé closed her eyes, hoping the Force would send her a clear answer. What could she do to keep Anakin entertained until they were able to leave this desert planet behind.

Before she could continue meditating, a loud beep grabbed both hers and Anakin's attention. "Artoo?"

"What is it buddy?" Anakin asked, patting the droid on his blue domed head. The droid beeped at them a few more times, causing Anakin's face to darken as he looked towards Padmé. "Meditation practice is going to have to wait."

"I'm guessing he didn't come with good news?" Padmé asked. Anakin shook his head.

"It's Obi-Wan. He left a message for you." Padmé felt her heart drop almost immediately, as though it plummeted right to her stomach the moment Anakin spoke again. "He's in trouble."

"Artoo, relay the message." The droid let out a few more beeps before running out of the room to lead them to the comms.

Looked like their vacation away from the world was over.

[Next Part]

[nonasuch]

also i wrote another 1500 words of ben solo vs. the darkest timeline and I have no chill and no patience so here you go:

The recruiting campaign started slow and quiet, taking them through parts of the Inner Rim that had never wavered from the Republic. Ma wanted to build a support base that could muster troops and amass supplies on their own steam, and without drawing too much of the First Order’s notice. Ben knew that was how Ma liked to work: tell her people what was needed, and trust them to do it right.

The First Order didn’t work that way, of course. There were reports already of worlds stripped bare for metals and water, shipyards driven to their limit, whole populations pressed into service. It was mostly vague, though, mostly broad strokes. Not much news of their internal politics ever made it to the free parts of the galaxy, and what there was came mostly from a small-but-steady trickle of low-level defectors. 

Apparently the new Supreme Leader wasn’t big on having his praises sung, at least compared to Snoke.

Ben wasn’t the one who suggested Naboo; that was Connix, who was shrewder about politics in his own universe, too. “It’s time for a statement,” she said. “They know we’re building up forces, so let’s show we’re not afraid to do it in public.”

Ma didn’t like it, Ben knew. She always felt a little guilty about recruiting from Naboo. Ben had never agreed with her about that. Sure, they were towards the pacifist end of things, historically, but it was a wealthy planet that could afford to help, and didn’t need much convincing. They had a weird mix of guilt and pride, there, that came from producing both the old Emperor and the mother of the Rebellion, and there had always been plenty of Naboo recruits in the Rebellion and the Resistance.

She agreed to it, eventually. They took the Falcon, and about half of the little convoy they’d managed to build up so far: not really a fleet, yet, but on its way there.

“While we’re there,” Ben said, “are we visiting Grandma?”

Ma gave him a sharp look. “I haven’t done that in years,” she said. “But if you want to.”

She couldn’t make time for it right away. They had a bunch of audiences with the current queen and the ruling council, which meant a lot of very formal dinners that Ben was thankful to be excused from. Apparently they were impressed by Rey and found Finn and Rose just terribly inspiring. Nobody mangled their pronunciations enough to upset the Gungan councilors. When Ben went walking in the lower city, there were a lot of people agreeing with each other that something had to be done, that Naboo had never turned its back on the free galaxy before and they weren’t about to start now.

After a few days of that, Ma could take an afternoon off to visit the tombs of Naboo’s queens.

Ben’s grandmother had a mausoleum that was almost half again as big as any of the others, a florid pile of early-Empire excess. It was, frankly, pretty ugly from the outside, but one of the first queens under the New Republic had ordered all of the Imperial symbols and regalia stripped out, and the result on the inside was spare and clean and peaceful.

The lid of the sarcophagus was carved to look like Padmé lying there atop it, eyes closed, hair fanned out around her face, hands resting on her round belly. When he was a kid, Ben had studied her, looking for a resemblance; he could see it in Ma, but not really in himself. Now Ma was so much older than her mother had ever been, with lines on her face that Ben couldn’t imagine in the smooth, serene marble.

At the foot of the tomb there was a brass-colored bowl, with a blue flame burning forever in it. Ma knelt down in front of it, and Ben knelt down beside Ma. He watched her unpin her hair, pluck a few strands free, and coil it back up again. Ben yanked out a couple of his own -- he hadn’t cut his hair yet in this universe, and he probably needed to -- and handed them to Ma.

She wound them up into a little knot, and dropped it into the blue flame, and lit a stick of incense to cover up the burnt-hair smell. “There,” Ma said. She brushed a bit of incense off her hands, let Ben brace her as she stood. Ben had done this with her a dozen or so times, and she never wanted to stay any longer than she had to.

But there was something Ben wanted to try. It had only ever worked the once, at home, but -- Ben had a feeling. “I’m going to stick around,” he said.

“If you like,” Ma said.

Alone, Ben sat down on the floor again, his back to the tomb, and listened to the Force. It was calm here, with hardly any living sentients nearby. There had been a time, once, when people came here to heap the floor with offerings of flowers and fruit, to spill out their grief and anger at what had been lost to the Empire. But that was long ago, and the Force had long since carried all of that emotion away. Ben could just pick up the echoes, if he tried, but they weren’t what he was looking for.

You don’t belong here, said a voice.

Ben opened his eyes. “Hi, Grandpa.”

You know I’m not really your grandfather, said Anakin Skywalker. For one thing, my grandson hasn’t listened to me for years.

“I know,” said Ben. “I’m sorry about that. Things turned out -- better, for me.”

Yes, said Anakin. He looked like the man he’d been before his Fall. Younger than Ben, except around the eyes. The Force is always bigger than we expect it to be, isn’t it? Turns out there’s enough room for everything to happen, somewhere.

“Yeah, I was surprised about that, too,” said Ben, as dry as he could make it. He didn’t get a laugh, but the corner of his grandfather’s mouth ticked up, just a little.

So, grandson who listens to me, what do you want to know?

Ben shrugged. He had his big heart-to-heart with his own version of Anakin already, and it had been weird and cathartic and nothing Ben ever wanted to repeat. “I was hoping -- do you know how I get home? Or even how to just, I don’t know, send a message, tell them I’m all right.”

But Anakin shook his head. Sorry, kid. For a moment he flickered, blurring into the way he’d looked at the end of his life, bald and scarred. There are paths in the Force to everything that’s ever happened, or could happen. But I’ve been dead for a long time. If I left this universe I don’t think I’d find my way back. And if I were going to go -- nothing against your universe, but there are other ones I’d look for.

“That’s fair,” said Ben. He could imagine the kind of universe Anakin would look for. Maybe one where, if there was still a tomb here at all, the effigy on the lid was a woman with more lines on her face than her daughter. How big a change would that universe need, to exist? As far as Ben knew, the only thing separating Ben’s universe from this one was that he hadn’t lost his shit at Luke and burned down the Temple. 

Was there a choice some other Anakin made, or didn’t make, that sent his whole galaxy down a brighter path? Which one was it?

“Do you know what he did, that I didn’t?” Ben asked. “I mean, besides the obvious. Why he did -- that -- instead of anything else he could have done.”

I think you’d have to ask him yourself, Anakin said.

“If we’re ever in the same star system, I’m going to be too busy trying to fucking kill him,” said Ben. “So if you’ve got any suggestions for how to stop wanting to do that, I’m all ears.”

I’m definitely the wrong person to ask about that, said Anakin. I think you might actually be this galaxy’s leading expert in not falling to the Dark Side.

“No,” said Ben. “Ma has more practice.”

Yeah, but you were pushed harder.

“Tied for first, maybe,” Ben allowed.

Sure. If you like. Anakin pushed up off the floor -- Ben noticed that, standing, his blue, semitransparent feet floated about a half-inch above it -- and said, I wish there was more I could tell you. But he’s been closed off to me for a long, long time.

“I get it,” Ben said. Which wasn’t exactly true, because Force ghosts never made any fucking sense, not really. But he knew that this wasn’t where his answers would come from. “So, uh. Should I go, or…?”

Leia’s waiting for you, Anakin said. He reached out to the tomb, his spectral hand floating a half-inch from the peaceful, unlined marble face. It’s okay. I’m going to stay for a while. May the Force be with you, Ben.

“Thanks,” said Ben. He left his grandparents to their rest.