#either he gets in contact with yoda

[teecupangel]

k, so. Desmond finds his way, someway, somwhow, to the Star Wars universe and, after some tomfoolery, finds the kindergarten of the Jedi homeworld (whats the name again??? anywho) and goes *gasp* Little Ones! Must Protect' as you will, cause dadmond is dadmond.~ And so nothing back happens to the kids. Ever. cause Desmond knows soo many different ways to fuck shit up, and space magic cant defend against most of them.~ its late and my brain gave me a weird idea, and its yours now. have fun!~

Are we talking about Coruscant? Nonny, are we setting this before and during Revenge of the Sith which means we’re gonna get Darth Vadar/Anakin versus Desmond so that the kids will survive in this one?

Okay then, let’s see how we can make Desmond be part of the younglings' lives without him becoming a Jedi then (because Desmond’s Assassin upbringing don’t really line all that nicely with the Jedi’s rules).

So, for this one, I think it would be fun if Desmond was more like a distant ally of the Jedis who likes to just slip in and out of the Jedi Temple like he has a lifetime Disneyland golden pass and the Jedis do find him, mostly after he had already done what he was meant to do there (which is to talk to Mace Windu or Yoda or actually check their data without permission) and he’s always found with the younglings, teaching them…

Uh… not Jedi-approved skills and moves.

Or just playing with them in general.

Desmond didn’t plan for this to happen. He was just looking for Yoda to talk about some weird shit he found while taking out a separatist base after being almost eaten by some weird ass ugh creature (Desmond knew they have names but Desmond also a lot on his plate right now and names are the least of his concerns, no matter how exasperated his Bleeds are with his priorities) and he found Yoda training some of the younglings ‘clans’.

He was reminded of how Altaïr used to train his sons and other children born and raised in Masyaf and he felt his heart ache because being reminded of how gentle and understanding Altaïr was to his sons and the other children only made him feel all the more bitter over how harsh his training back on the Farm had been.

One of the younglings noticed him but he simply smiled and placed a finger by his lips to ask the youngling to stay quiet. Seeing the trust in the youngling’s eyes as he nodded before turning his attention back to Yoda’s teaching made Desmond realize just how… pure these children were.

They were protected from the danger of the outside world, isolated in this temple where all they would learn about were those approved by the Jedi Order.

Just like the Farm.

Desmond knew that the Jedis and the Assassins weren’t the same, hell, Desmond think a lot of the Jedi’s way of thinking is too idealistic for his taste, or maybe he’s just become too ‘jaded’ or something.

Either way, he saw just how dangerous it was for these younglings to simply be trained in the Jedi’s way of thinking, especially now that the Clones War have gotten even more dangerous for everyone.

Hell, Desmond could think of almost a hundred ways he could destroy the Jedi Temple given enough time and manpower.

Anything was possible at this point. Simply because Coruscant was the seat of the Republic right now doesn’t mean it would always be. It also doesn’t mean that the Jedis would always be seen as allies by these politicians.

Desmond had enough memories of Ezio to know how politicians and people in power could backstab longtime allies if they would profit from it and could get away with it.

So Desmond started visiting the younglings whenever he was in the area. They think he was sooooo cool and they enjoy the games Desmond play with them.

Their favorite is the “let’s hide from everyone” game where they all play together with Desmond and hide from everyone, not realizing that Desmond was teaching them how to be stealthy and stay hidden while going for the many ‘hidden’ or unconventional exits all around the temple.

So when Order 66 began, these younglings didn’t wait in one of the rooms of the Jedi temple. They remember their promise to Desmond and began to make their way to their secret hideout that Desmond always brought them to whenever they played the ‘hide from everyone’ game. They knew it wasn’t a game, of course, they saw the death and carnage on their way out of the temple but they also remembered Master Yoda’s words about why he turned a blind eye even though he knew about their regular ‘playtime’ with Desmond. About how they should stay together at all times and to go to that secret hideout if they feel like they’re in trouble or they feel scared and wait for Desmond or Yoda to come get them.

So they do.

They manage to stay hidden and get to the secret hideout…

But they were only safe for a few hours. Just enough time for them to try and calm each other down and those sweets that Desmond keeps in the hideout that he always gives out whenever he notices someone was a little down.

When the door to their hideout opens...

And they saw Master Skywalker walk inside.

They’ve seen him, of course.

They’ve seen him as he led the clone troopers into killing everyone in the temple.

They knew Skywalker wasn’t there to keep them safe.

So when Skywalker took a step inside their hideout, the more courageous and older of the children stepped in front of the others, hiding the smaller children behind them as they try to use the force to push Skywalker out of the room.

It proved futile because they were still learning and all it did was make Skywalker’s robes flutter behind him.

Just as Skywalker lit his lightsaber and take another step towards them, the roof of their hideout suddenly opened and Skywalker instinctively jumped back as a figure clad in white robes that the children were so used to seeing almost jumped on top of him.

Blood dripped from the small cut on the side of Skywalker’s neck as Desmond stood between him and the children.

Before Skywalker could do anything, Desmond threw something which he cut down with his lightsaber, causing it to explode near him enough to push him even further away.

Desmond didn’t let up, throwing two more bombs.

Skywalker backed away to dodge the bombs but these ones were set on a timer and they both exploded near Skywalker. Just strong enough to push him back.

Just strong enough to distract him.

To give Desmond enough time to slam his hidden blade in a secret panel near the door of the hideout, enclosing the entire hideout and…

Making it fall.

Before the children could think they were plummeting to their deaths, hidden propulsion activated as a robotic voice announce, “Monteriggioni emergency takeoff function activated. Initializing default flight plan 11092007. Activating cloaking system.”

[skywalkr-nberrie]

Crazy to me how many fans and Anidalas alike don’t know that Padmé canonically always prioritized Anakin above even her duties and responsibilities. And I have a couple of examples here which proves this:

Exhibit A: Yoda noticed that Padmé seemed to care more for Anakin than the Republic in Star Wars, Clone Wars Gambit: Siege. Anakin and OW are both placed on Lanteeb for a mission, that directly affects them and the Republic. (For added context, Yoda doesn’t know Anakin and Padmé are secretly married ofc, so he assumes she’s worrying about both Ani and OW.)

However, we switch to Padmé’ pov and it’s revealed all her thoughts are of Anakin. Her primary concern is the love of her life. No mention from her of anyone else or of the Republic (where her duties lie.)

Even Bail catches onto it and worries for Padmé because he’s afraid her fear for Anakin might expose her accidentally. He even internally reprimands her through eye contact to tell her to keep it down a notch, as he notices why she visibly tenses when faced with the question of if they can save Anakin and OW.

To top it off with the fact that Padmé herself says that nothing was worse than disaster befalling Anakin. Meaning she could handle any news, no matter how severe, of even the Republic. But not anything about Anakin.

Exhibit B: The Clone Wars, S4 episode 4, Shadow Warrior. In the episode, Anakin and Padmé make it to Naboo for a mission, where Anakin gets held up with Grievous and ends up kidnapped by Padmé’s group, but Anakin ends up captured as well. Palps instructs Dooku to negotiate with Padmé to trade Grievous for Anakin, however Dooku doesn’t seem keen on this idea because how do they know for sure Padmé would make the trade? Palps only replies with saying “I have no doubt, Senator Amidala will gladly agree to your terms.”

Even the biography, Skywalker: A Family At War mentions how Padmé did this, “to save her love.”

Exhibit C: The Revenge of the Sith Novel/Movie itself. There are two occasions in the novel where Padmé asks Anakin to just forget everything and run away with her. Once when the Republic has fallen and the second time when Anakin has slaughtered the Jedi and Separatists. Padmé’s duties and responsibilities would’ve most definitely lied with aiding the rebellion, even turning Anakin in to either OW or Bail, but she instead desperately wants him to come run away with HER.

I want to quote Catherine Taber the VA to Padmé in TCW, because I feel she said it best

“Anakin is the only matter in which Padmé thinks with her heart instead of of her head.”

It’s more than clear on more than one instance that Padmé’s prime devotion, loyalty, love, and priority was always with Anakin even before her career, and the Republic. The fact that not many fans even acknowledge or know it is why I feel most people can’t comprehend why it is that she died of a broken heart over losing him.

She was and would’ve always chosen Anakin 🪷 💛🚀

[cookybananas]

It's Been A Long Time Old Friend (Part III) - Unburnt!Darth Vader x Reader

author's note: y'all I'm a liar, but here is the final part! thank you for reading!

summary: where Darth Vader arrives on the planet of Lianna. Only to discover that the Queen of Lianna was once his old flame during his Jedi years. part I: It's Been A Long Time, Old Friend (Part I) part II: It's Been A Long Time, Old Friend (Part II)

The sound of Vader's heavy footsteps were muffled by the lavender colored carpet in your private chambers. He was scanning the room, hoping to find any personal items that belonged to you, especially your lightsaber.

The faint sounds of heels clicking on the marble flooring had become increasingly louder and louder behind the door. Vader picked up your force signature, sensing that it was you getting closer and closer. He was going to confront you for once and for all.

You had bursted through your bedroom doors, frantically searching for something. Vader had hid behind the curtain that was draped behind a large pillar, watching your backside as you rummaged through your closet and drawers.

When you pulled out the last thing you needed in the dresser, your lightsaber. Your ears picked up on an all so familiar modulated breathing. Feeling a breeze of cold air hit you, your blood runs cold as your chest begins to heave.

You couldn't move, you felt the force surrounding you to keep you in your place, it was cold. You knew it was him. You weren't sure what to do, you knew you would have to face and fight him, or just run away as fast as you could. You probably had a better chance of surviving if you ran.

You felt your feet leave the ground as you began to float and find yourself slowly rotating around as you faced the most feared man in the galaxy. Darth Vader.

"Y/N L/N, Jedi Knight of the Galactic Republic. Your former master was Master Yoda. You fought alongside General Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker did you not?" Your eyes widen at his words, your jig was up. How could he possibly know this about you?

"I-I have no idea what you're saying." You mustered out, he was going to kill you now, you could sense it.

"My dear Y/N, you were never a good liar." Vader said, taking small steps towards you as you were suspended in the air with the force. "Your thoughts are loud... I do not have the intention on killing you."

"Yeah? And how would I know for sure you won't pull a fast one on me." You retorted. Vader turned his head towards you, his red lens boring into your eyes now.

"Search your feelings my love. I could never hurt you." Vader's voice soften as he raised his gloved hand toward you, touching the scar on your cheek. The scar you had gotten back in the arena on Geonosis, just when the Clone War had broke out.

"A-Anakin...?" You whisper under your breath, trembling underneath his touch. "N-No, it, it can't be!" Shaking your head profusely, hoping he would remove his hand from you.

"Out of all the men in the star system, you decided to marry, him?" Vader commented. You were still stunned, trying to imagine that it was your Anakin behind that mask. All of the things you have heard that he had done, Anakin could never commit such deeds. Your eyebrows furrowed as you tried to process the informational at once.

"I didn't have much of a choice... Either I work myself to death while avoiding you and your inquisitors, or this." You responded after collecting your thoughts. "I thought you were gone..." You whispered under your breath, continuing to avoid eye contact with him, but Vader still heard you.

"I have scoured to the ends of the space system the past two years, looking for you. Only to find out, that you had been married to that snob Kairos this entire time." He snared out. You snapped your head up at his words, anger seething through you at his accusation.

"I-I had no choice! You left me. You left us!" You exclaimed, looking at him now. "I thought you died Anakin...I thought you would never return to me."

That had set him off, the both of you were arguing back and forth now. The heartbreak and resentment that had been building up within you was coursing through you, and Anakin could feel it. The more you expressed your anger, the more amusing he found it, never did you become so heated before.

"For a Jedi, you seem to hold a lot of anger." Vader quipped. Your eye twitches at his comment, wanting to slap the hell out of him for all he had done to the Jedi, to Obi-Wan, and to you.

"I am no Jedi...You seem quite ignorant for man who had not realize the damage he had done to those around him." You spat back.

With that, Vader released you from his grip. You landed on your feet in surprise, and now in fear, uncertain on what he was planning to do next.

Vader swiftly removed his helmet. You were taken aback at his appearance. His eyes no longer held their original cerulean-colored pupils, but instead were bloodshot yellow, the color of a Sith's eyes. Despite his eyes, he still looked the exact same all those years ago.

The man whom you saw your future with all those years ago. The man who held you tightly in his arms every night during the war. The man who would promised that he would leave the Jedi order for you, so that you would never have to keep your relationship a secret. The man who had left you in the dust two years ago, with no explanation, nothing to explain his absence.

"Everything I had done, was for you, my love." Anakin said softly, almost sounding defeated. Almost sounding hurt as if you weren't as grateful for what he had done for you, for his empire.

"I didn't want any of it...Anakin, why couldn't you have told me?" Your lips began to tremble, as your eyes began to tear up. "All I wanted, was you, just you Anakin...No empire, no imperial stormtroopers, none of that. Just you."

You were right in front of him now, your hands on his chest plate, as you looked up at him, hoping that there was still some good him. Anakin stared down at you, his face softening at your words and now, you. You felt his tense shoulders relax under your touch.

"Leave the empire, please... We can be together again, we can have a family...There's no Jedi order or anything stopping us." You pleaded, hoping to change his heart selfishly. You were aware of the bloodshed that followed Vader, but now knowing that it was your lover who was behind the mask, you couldn't help but to try and stop any further harm from being done.

"I...I serve the Emperor and his empire now." Anakin huffed out, his voice now monotone. You take a step back from him, shaking your head as you watched the love of your life slip away from you and into the dark side for the second time.

"Then at least leave Kairos and the Kingdom of Lianna alone." You bargained, praying that nothing would happen to this beautiful planet and that Kairos wouldn't have to pay the price for your deeds.

"And leave you with that scoundrel?" Vader responded, unamused and slightly disappointed at your request.

"I-I don't plan on staying here any longer...But all I ask for you, is to not hurt him or this planet." Still begging at your former lover. Shouting was heard outside by the landing platform. You turn your heard in the direction of yelling, running over to the large window that overlooked the landing platform. A squad of stormtroopers were pointing and aiming their blasters at Kairos, Chira, and the pilot. You turn around to look at Anakin, whom hadn't moved an inch.

"Anakin, please. Don't do this." You begged, but you were too late, as the sound of muffled blaster fire was heard outside. Your stomach dropped as you began to tremble in fear, afraid to look out the window to find the bodies of Kairos, Chira, and the pilot laying in their pool of blood.

"I wish things hadn't gone this way." You whispered out, clutching your bag of belongings as you made your toward the door.

"Y/N." Anakin whispered, you stopped in your tracks, your hand just on the door knob. "My love for you, will always remain." You hung your head, biting the bottom of your lip before swinging the door open and darting down the corridor.

Anakin watched as you ran out, the sound of your heels clicking on flooring descended further and further away from him. He took a deep breath before letting out a frustrated sigh, tears forming around his eyes.

He was given a second chance with you, but threw it away for the sake of the empire once again. Perhaps he wanted to give you a chance to live without him, but how could you live freely with the Empire still in power? Already convinced, Anakin believed you would lead a happier life than to be with him, especially with what he has done.

Anakin slowly made his way to the large window where you just were, looking down, he sees Chira and Kairos ushering you onto the ramp before it closed shut. The bodies of the stormtroopers laying lifeless in their pool of blood.

He felt a pair of eyes on him. Scanning the landing platform, Kairos stood there. For just a moment, their eyes lock. Kairos had an unreadable expression as he analyzed the Sith lord's face. Anakin stared down at him, anger bubbling within him, but he was reminded of your wishes to let this planet be.

In the distance, your ship jumps into light speed and disappears out of the planets atmosphere. A tear rolls down Anakin's cheek, he decided to put back his helmet back on before making the decision to leave this planet.

-

author's note: thank you for reading and your support! I know the final part and ending seems rushed, but I wanted to get the finale out so I can upload my other works.

[imharnaannesta]

I’ve seen a lot of conversation about Anakin Skywalker and grooming and whether if someone just did something differently would Anakin have fallen. And they’ve sparked a thought of my own that I haven’t been able to put into words.

Which is that regardless of whether it would have changed anything I believe that the Jedi Order failed in their duty of care to Anakin.

Firstly, I believe that the second Qui-Gon, being a Jedi Master on a mission as a representative of the Jedi Order, takes Anakin from his mother the Order has a duty of care to Anakin. Like if Qui-Gon had taken Anakin and immediately gotten into a speeder crash that was his fault and killed them both I think the Jedi would have been liable in a wrongful death suit. Qui-Gon may have been acting outside of his mandate but I don’t believe that changes that the Order bears some responsibility for his actions. Being a Jedi Master gives him a level of authority and if he abused that authority or uses it for actions outside his mandate then the Order is responsible for responding appropriately.

When the Council decides he shouldn’t be trained the next steps should not have been letting Qui-Gon take him into an actual war zone. Whether they’re training him or not he’s a child and until they’ve made other arrangements they are responsible for his care. If Anakin had died on Naboo it would have been due to the negligence of the Order.

The responsible choice would have been to find Anakin a place to stay in the temple until arrangements could be made for him to either be returned to his mother or entrusted to a guardian. In either case it would be the responsibility of the Jedi to ensure to the best of their knowledge and ability that Anakin was being placed in a safe and stable environment. A member of their order took Anakin from one home, if they do not care for him they cannot just wash their hands of him without doing their due diligence.

Secondly, once Anakin is a member of the Order it is the responsibility of the Order to ensure that children in their care are safe. That is the responsibility of any person or organization with guardianship of children. And I cannot fathom a world in which it is responsible to allow an adult outside the order, who has taken a special interest in a specific child, to have enough access to that child to be considered the child’s friend. The only legitimate interest Palpatine could possibly have in Anakin is in his role liberating Naboo (a thing he shouldn’t have been involved in anyway) and that’s certainly not enough. And frankly even if Palpatine was interacting with Anakin under supervision it clearly wasn’t enough. Even later, they shouldn’t be sending a nineteen year old to have solo meetings with the Chancellor. Especially if the Chancellor has taken interest in that nineteen year old.

And before anyone argued that Palpatine made them… I don’t care. If they suspected Palpatine’s interest in Anakin was anything less than pure (and they should have because aging politicians have no legitimate reason to be getting close with random children) then they should have been fighting tooth and nail every step of the way. And the fact that they send him into the viper’s den more than once suggests they aren’t making that effort.

If Palpatine was abusing Anakin in ways other than emotional and arguably spiritual then would you still say the Jedi had to let Palpatine have access to him? Because what he does to Anakin is arguably worse in some ways given how it turns out.

Thirdly, Anakin returns from fighting in the outer rim, is ordered to begin spying on the Chancellor (who the Jedi Order allowed him to have enough contact with in his childhood to consider him a friend), and then shows the signs of struggling emotionally. They do not push him on this, Yoda asks him about it and gives very surface level advice. And then they allow the armed and very powerful veteran of a large scale interplanetary conflict to continue his spying mission and go on his merry way.

This is not to say I think Anakin’s fall is anyone’s fault but Palpatine’s and Anakin’s. But Anakin is coming out of a psychologically damaging environment and being put into an extremely difficult position emotionally by being asked to spy on Palpatine. He’s already emotionally volatile and he is extremely well trained, armed at all times, and capable of being extremely dangerous. As is any Jedi. And given those factors I think not pushing when he appears less stable than usual and potentially not forcing medical intervention is negligence.

This is also not to say that the Jedi somehow brought their fate onto themselves. The destruction of the Jedi Order is Palpatine’s doing and very little they could do outside of successfully killing him would have prevented it by the time it came to pass. Anakin’s involvement in it is also not ultimately the fault of the Jedi Order. But that doesn’t mean that they didn’t fail Anakin.

It might not have changed anything. It doesn’t mean that they are responsible for Anakin’s actions once he swears his allegiance to Palpatine. It doesn’t mean the Jedi are bad as a whole. Or even that any of them are bad people. But I do think they had a duty of care. And I do think they fell short.

And now I kind of want to write a fic where Padme successfully finds and frees Shmi and brings her to Naboo and Shmi sues the fuck out of the Jedi Order for the way Qui-Gon went about acquiring her son. And for allowing him to go with Qui-Gon to Naboo.

[tennessoui]

Omg, Obi-Wan opening up to Quinaln about his hanahaki?? I didn't know I needed that but I do now!! I love the way you write their friendship and if anyone's gonna make sure Obi-Wan and Anakin get together in a Kit Fic, it's going to be Quinlan Vos!

vos: ok, so we laughed we drank we caught up. what is this about. why did the halls of healing contact me.

obi-wan: so i love my former padawan and it's killing me

vos, go with the flow made corporeal: ok. but unexpected but maybe i shouldn't be surprised he's always been weird about you and you've always indulged him. he's a fully consenting adult now and you're not his master either, not to mention he killed darth sidious for you, so I think everyone will look favorably at your relationship even ifi it's a bit weird. there's no need to let the guilt kill the---

obi-wan: no you misunderstand me. i love my former padawan and it is literally killing me

vos: what

obi-wan, dignified and tortured:

vos:

obi-wan, coughing up flowers to prove a point: literally im going to die

vos, go with the flow being very much challenged: ok. ok. let's go find you another blond twink. do you specifically like former padawans? i think i could offer mine, she's adventurous, she'd wear a wig if we asked nicely. is it the eyes? we can find some guy with blue eyes for you. is it the Force sensitivity? maybe master yoda could--

obi-wan, tortured now by images of sleeping with aayla secura in a wig or master yoda in general: the hanahaki is killing me but suddenly i wish it would do it faster

[gffa]

Hey Lumi! I’m watching The Bad Batch for the first time. Just finished the episode where Rampart is trying to get his bill passed and then Palpatine at the end manages to manipulate the situation so that even though the truth was told, the clones still lost. Rex at the end of the episode says something like “Palpatine was always one step ahead of us during the war and he’s several steps ahead of us now” I’m curious as to how much Rex knows about Palpatine and what actually happened. Because I don’t think he would know Palpatine is a Sith Lord but I think it’s obvious to many (or most) people in the galaxy that Palpatine was using the war as a way to gain total control over the galaxy. What are your thoughts on this?

This is an interesting question that I've been trying to figure out, because I don't recall anything that says for sure Rex knew that Palpatine was Sidious, but what they do know is: - Obi-Wan told Bo-Katan, Ahsoka, and Rex that the Council suspected, "Darth Sidious is the Sith Lord who orchestrated the Clone Wars and played both sides of it from the beginning." while they were on Mandalore. - Rex looked into what Fives was trying to uncover, he knew it went "all the way to the top" and at least suspected that Palpatine had to be involved given Fives trying to target him. - When Order 66 happened, they saw a holo-figure of Darth Sidious giving them the command, which triggered them calling him "My Lord". For the most part, Palpatine used a hologram version of himself for announcements and such, but he did make at least that one speech to the Senate in his true form during ROTS. - They knew that the Jedi had battled Palpatine, because he made the speech after the lightning scarred him, so why would the Jedi have gone after a politician? How could an ordinary politician stand up against a Jedi Master of Mace Windu's calibre? - Obi-Wan and Yoda know that Palpatine is Sidious because they saw the footage of Anakin swearing loyalty to him. While they wouldn't have been able to tell her directly, they almost assuredly told Bail, who may have passed on that information to Ahsoka. (Whether at Padme's funeral or another time?) Ahsoka could have told Rex after that, they were still in contact for many years afterwards.

Most likely, I think they both put the puzzle pieces together from the above--neither of them knew about Anakin being Darth Vader--and Rex's words in TBB episode could be (if I'm remembering right, I only saw it the once and haven't seen it since, so my memories may be fuzzy) theoretically be just as a politician, I think they all knew he was playing dirty even just as Palpatine to get himself into position as Emperor, but I think it's more that they just looked at all the puzzle pieces, saw him suddenly look like that hologram the clones got, and quietly put two and two together. If I've missed anything (entirely possible! it's a hazy question of who knows what at what point), feel free to jump in, but afair I'm not sure it's directly stated anywhere and I think either Rex just figured it out once all the pieces fell into place or the biochip in their heads had that information and, once triggered, all the clones knew it.

[david-talks-sw]

I was 17 when The Phantom Menace came out and was miffed by the Jedi’s reaction to Anakin because he missed his mother and was rightfully concerned her about her. In Attack of the Clones he’s a young adult who is having nightmares about her and as we follow along we learn that she met and a man and was freed. So why in the years she was free have the two not talked? She knew where he was. Then she dies and lastly we have Revenge of the Sith where he’s worried about his wife and child dying.

Now I did not then or now take Anakin as being greedy for wanting his loved ones to be safe. The Jedi come off as a closed off body considering they start training children at such a young age that they don’t know their families and they forbid contact or their members from loving someone. Attack of the Clones is a forbidden love story.

So for me the story is a family getting caught up in a religious war and it having dire consequences for them. Anakin was saved when Luke went against his teachers and tried to save his father proving beyond any doubt the Jedi were wrong.

Yoda even thinks the Jedi need to change at the end of the Revenge of the Sith novel.

(You're covering a lot of subjects, I won't go into detail on any of them because I already commented on them, I'll just link my other posts, you can click to see what backs up my argument or just take my word for it.)

I think you're free to have your own headcanon and/or interpretation of the films.

Fact remains though: you were 17 and the Prequels were made for 8 to 12-year olds.

Maybe it's because I saw it in Italian, maybe it's because I was like 5 or 6, but my takeaway of the Yoda telling Anakin that "fear is a path to the Dark Side"... was just that. That fear is a path to the Dark Side. I took it the same way others took the "do or do not" scene in ESB. Yoda didn't come across as particularly mean, and clearly isn't meant to come across that way either.

"[Shmi] met and a man and was freed. So why in the years she was free have the two not talked? She knew where he was. [The Jedi] forbid contact or their members from loving someone."

I never saw anyone outright forbid Anakin from seeing Shmi, in the movies. If we go by Canon, Dooku met his father and wasn't expelled, and in Legends, Adi Gallia speaks of her parents with reverence, as if she knew them.

Why have Anakin and Shmi not talked? Because Shmi is living with a farmer, she's made a new life for herself, and even if she wanted to, it'd be trying to get from Tatooine to the capital of the galaxy on a farmer's budget.

"Attack of the Clones is a forbidden love story."

Yes... but not exactly.

Love itself isn't forbidden. Love over duty is forbidden. It's not about not being allowed to be in a relationship, it's about being fully committed to whatever relationship you choose. In Anakin's case, he needs to choose between the Order and Padmé, and half-asses his commitment to both.

"Yoda even thinks the Jedi need to change at the end of the Revenge of the Sith novel."

Yeah... but not in the way you think.

The whole passage of that novel goes into how the Jedi were beaten because the Sith shifted the battlefield by going into politics, which the Jedi had no experience against. The Jedi were expecting an actual fight, instead they got checkmated by the very thing they were upholding.

The moral of that passage isn't "the Jedi were flawed because they didn't allow people to see their parents or because they didn't allow people to love" it's "had the Jedi been less politically-inept, they wouldn't have been blindsided."

"So for me the story is a family getting caught up in a religious war and it having dire consequences for them. Anakin was saved when Luke went against his teachers and tried to save his father proving beyond any doubt the Jedi were wrong."

Again: this is cool. More power to you.

But it's not the intended narrative.

Sure, Luke is proving them wrong in the sense that they thought Vader would never willingly come back to the Light - but even then, look how beat up Vader needs to be before he does.

But at the end of the day, Ben hopes that Luke is right.

He hopes that Vader can become Anakin again. It's just that he's painfully aware that the chances of that happening are very meager, and what's much more likely is that Luke will die instead or worse, fall to the Dark Side. Which almost happens. Again, love vs duty.

Luke isn't proving Ben wrong by rejecting the temptation of the Dark Side and sparing his father, a defenseless foe, because, just this once... his duty is to choose love, it's to show compassion.

He's just... being a Jedi. That's standard Jedi stuff.

And Jedi are awesome.

[thecoffeelorian]

Title: The Sister's Touch

Description: A bullet fic done in honor of Asajj Ventress meeting Omega, and perhaps also for getting her started on her goth witchy phase before the end...but if not, you all can have this AU to fall back on.

Warnings: Hints of child PTSD and possibly also supernatural contact with things that should be dead, but aren't.

No Pressure Tags: @falconfeather23435 @uuurgh @simply92-me @skellymom @metalatl @dathomirdumpsterfire @kuraiummei @thedynamicworm @ur-pal-ari @advisorsnips @groguandthebadbatch @lee-lee-la @themightychipmunk42 @random-chaotic-bitch @wastingstarsss @flyiingsly @ilovemedia @talesfrommedinastation @swarovski-yoda and anyone else on the lookout for more Nightsister content.

🟢 She first went straight for the pink energy bow, because it was, more or less, the closest weapon within grabbing range. Not because anything "weird" happened, like the bow suddenly "talking" to her in her mind or anything else like that. Not just yet.

🟢 Also, that baby Rancor her squad brought back had already been subdued by Wrecker, so, literally anybody could have climbed on at that point and not been thrown off or attacked for it. Lucky for her, though, she got to be the first.

🟢 Once the Empire really starts to dig in its claws and things begin going wrong everywhere, though...there's a few weird changes happening on the Marauder, and this time, even Crosshair knows he had squat to do with it.

🟢 Things like...Omega starting to have the strangest of nightmares after her return from Tantiss. Nightmares involving the strangest of magic, raising the dead from their slumber, and other visions she's never experienced before.

🟢 In other words, things are going in a much deeper, darker direction than anyone else on the Marauder could have expected.

🟢 Hunter already guessed there would be some kind of flashback to her imprisonment, why wouldn't there be after half a year in that prison cell...but not like this.

🟢 Not passing by her room/tower, only to hear her shouting strange words in her sleep that none of them understand.

🟢 Not also, perhaps, the strangest of green lights hovering over her bed right before she either bolts awake, gasping and sweating, or Hunter decides to wake her up himself just to ask her what's happening, are you all right, do you want to talk about it.

🟢 At first, she's more than a little bit receptive to discussing things, like...this is who I had to talk to every day, this was the guard in front of my cell, this was the person who kept drawing blood samples from me. She does all of this with a fairly straight face, almost as though such procedures can somehow be considered 'normal' for a person of her age. They're not.

🟢 As soon as Imperial ships are first detected over Pabu and the entire island is instructed to begin preparing for battle, though...Omega doesn't merely stop wanting to talk about her trauma, but instead simply...forgets it entirely.

🟢 It's evident by the resolved, emotionless look in her eyes now, the look of someone who understands that playtime is officially over, and that the real work is about to begin. Work that she might possibly never walk away from, if indeed she dares to take the helm first.

🟢 In the place of this once happy, carefree girl, however, is a stranger. A stranger posing a question that not even Hunter himself is sure that he's ready to answer:

"Daddy...what's a Nightsister?"

[burnwater13]

Grogu watching Luke (out of frame) lifting up frogs with the Force on Ossus. Image from The Book of Boba Fett, Season 1, Episode 6, From the Desert Comes a Stranger. Calendar by DataWorks.

Ossus was a pretty planet, more or less. There were tall trees, ponds, lakes, and streams. All sorts of bugs and insects. And a fine variety of critters. Grogu had been particularly happy to see that frogs were part of the animal population on Ossus. He’d been worried that it wouldn’t have any. But then he realized that any planet that once held a Jedi Temple was bound to have frogs. 

Why, you might ask? Because Grogu knew that Master Yoda had traveled far and wide in his 900 plus years and that he always brought frogs with him whenever he could. Not a lot of frogs of course and not full grown, adult frogs either. But frogs just ready to hatch. Apparently he wanted to make sure that frogs were available whenever he visited a temple and he didn’t want to burden the local staff with making that possible. Grogu thought he’d been very clever. 

On that day on Ossus it occurred to him that no one had asked the frogs how they felt about it. Master Luke had insisted on eating ration packs and whenever Grogu commented that he’d like something a little fresher, he’d find himself taking a long run with Luke that always culminated him waxing quite poetic about the beauty of their surroundings and how all living things contributed to the Force and their connection to it. 

Now, Grogu knew that all things were connected to and with the Force. That’s why he could pick up a stone as easily as the mudhorn on Arvala-7. He also knew that many Jedi ate meat and fish. Some even ate the bugs that he personally wasn’t that fond of. So he wondered why Luke was so squeamish about him eating frogs. 

It hadn’t been super apparent when Grogu first arrived at Ossus. Not at all. They had a lot of work to do just to get to know one another. Over time however, it became clear that any moment Grogu selected and ‘caught’ a frog, using the Force or just his bare hands, Luke would show up and start a lecture. 

The lecture started the same way most of the time, “My Master once told me…”. That was the beginning of almost all the lessons that Luke thought he was teaching Grogu when he interrupted Grogu’s snack or meal times. Then the lesson/lecture would veer off in a single direction. That direction was ‘that’s not how you catch, treat, manage, or take care of a frog’. Always. 

Grogu usually dropped the frog because it wasn’t worth wasting his time on working out which Gal Basic words would help Luke understand that the frog was a snack not a new friend. He’d tried in the beginning. He really had. Then he just set the frog free and pretended to meditate so Luke would think that he’d learned his lesson.

The lesson Grogu learned was to go out frog hunting at night, when Luke was asleep. That had gone pretty well and Grogu had gotten very used to all the other critters that crept around Ossus at night. His favorite was a kind of huge pill bug. Huge to him at least. If he found the pill bugs at the right time of night, he could ride them to the waste pile where the dung worms were abundant. Since the Ossus pill bugs liked the dung worms as much as Grogu did, they learned to share them. It was like the pill bugs had made him an honorary member of their clan. 

That made Grogu sigh. Just thinking about clans and families made him think about the Mandalorian. He was part of Din Djarin’s clan. The Mudhorn Clan. A Clan of Two. Wow. He missed his friend and guardian, although he was pretty sure that the Mandalorian felt exactly the same way as Luke did about Grogu’s favorite food. The difference was that the bounty hunter would just say ‘Spit that out’. Very direct and no explanation of why that was required. No lessons. No tricks. No squeamishness. 

Perhaps if Grogu found a way to contact the Mandalorian, he could ask his guardian to send Luke a note saying that Grogu was required to eat at least one frog a day to remain healthy. But as soon as he thought about that he could hear Luke’s lecture on the subject and that if he was sick Luke would be happy to heal him with the Force. 

Dank Farrik! That was no good. Maybe he should send Din Djarin a note and request that he send Grogu some flash frozen froglets, a compromise they’d found between the larger fresh frogs that grossed the Mandalorian out and the flavors that Grogu preferred in his daily meals. Maybe Luke wouldn’t find that so problematic. The freeze dried froglets never managed to hop out of Grogu’s mouth and that was a plus in a lot of ways. 

Or he could tell Luke the story of Master Yoda using the Force to collect some frogs for a snack while he was taking a class of younglings on a tour through the arboretum, pointing out plants and bugs and other things that were of general interest. Grogu had followed the Jedi Master’s lead and collected a frog as a snack for himself. 

“Eat that you may, when offered it to others you have. Selfish be not.” 

Grogu had nodded his head and offered the frog to some of the other younglings. Only Ian had been half interested and then only to see if he could actually swallow the critter. Grogu managed to get it back and Ian swore off testing his personal limits that way. It had been a good time for everyone. 

That might be just the ticket for Luke. Maybe he’d never tried frog and didn’t realize how good it was. As an adult human he shouldn’t have any of the same problems as Ian had. Grogu smiled to himself at that thought. Now this was the Way.

[rose-sophia-isabella-rogers]

Worth the Risk: Chapter II - After

Chapter Summary: The Clone Wars are almost over, everyone can feel it. But something sinister is happening. Forces stronger than you are reaching their hands for Anakin. Can you save him in time? Or will you unwillingly help bring ruin to the whole galaxy?

Pairing: Anakin Skywalker/Reader

Characters: Anakin Skywalker, Reader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda (only mentioned), Mace Windu (only mentioned), Ahsoka Tano (only mentioned), Rex, Sketcher, Shaak Ti, Count Dooku, Sheev Palpatine, Grievous (only mentioned), Padmé Amidala (only mentioned)

Word Count: 3562

A/N: Usually, I write fanfictions for female reader. But to be honest, I'm not sure if in this one it's said anywhere. So, for now I'm marking this as other, but if you see if it's said anywhere, please, let me know. This gif isn't my either. And there is a dialogue from "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith". Enjoy!

Tag list (let me know if you want to be added or removed):

@intothesoul

@mizelophsun11

@pansexualwitchwhoneedstherapy

@zeeader

@marrymonrich

@wonderland2425

@chelseyyouraverageluigi

@thehufflepuffavenger1

@drinix

@astro-kitty-launch

Somehow, you and Anakin make this secret relationship work. Of course, the Clones are a big help. Sometimes, you think they're more excited about it than you. You can't tell how many times they've saved you from being discovered by someone. You fear one day you're going to get a heart attack. But it's worth it. Oh, so much.

Every time you and Skywalker have a moment alone, your heart is soaring. It's not always about physical contact, it's also about being with each other without hiding your feelings. It's surprisingly freeing. And it makes you happy. And Anakin as well. You don't think you've ever seen him smile like that like when he's with you and he lets his emotions show. You love that. You love that smile, the fact you can make him this happy… You love him.

Skywalker has the same. He also notices you're happier when you two are together. Whenever he makes you laugh, he can't stop grinning, because it's him that caused that laugh. You're more relaxed and peaceful, too. And that smile when your eyes are shining… he'd do anything to protect that smile. He's head over heels for you and he knows it. But he wouldn't have it any other way.

The day you two go further is perfect. He's the perfect gentleman, making sure you're certain about it. He's soft and caring, afraid of hurting you. You keep assuring him you're fine and give him everything you have, same as he. You also care about his comfort. You lay in each other's arms for a long time after that.

You're also a big emotional support to each other. When one comes back from a hard mission, the other is there for them. Sometimes to distract, other times just simply being.

One time you're both on such hard mission. When you arrive back to the Jedi Temple, you sneak out to a secluded place in a garden. You talk about it quietly, holding hands.

Obi-Wan looks for you, worried about you, as he's been briefed about what happened. Your former Master can't be here for you, as she's on Kamino, so he wants to comfort both his former Padawan and you. But how is he supposed to do that, when you're nowhere to be found?

Finally, he finds himself in a garden. It's a pure accident he turns into the hidden alley you and Anakin are sitting in. He sighs, relieved to finally succeed. He heads your way. He opens his mouth to let you know about his presence, but he notices your entwined hands. He stops and frowns. He observes Skywalker tracing your knuckles with his thumb. Then, you lay your head on his shoulder and he gently lays his head on yours.

'Oh, Maker,' Obi-Wan sighs quietly and retreats. He quickly finds himself on the corridors of the Temple. Soon he comes across Rex and Sketcher. They both seem to be looking for something. They're whispering nervously and glancing around. Kenobi frowns. Now that he thinks about it, the Clones from your legions often seemed to make him busy and they only stopped when you and Anakin showed up… with flushed faces.

'General!' they both say, saluting, once he gets close to them. He stops and crosses his arms. He observes them with narrowed eyes. They're perfectly calm.

'So how long has it been going on?' he asks. '[Y/N] and Anakin.'

'What do you mean, sir?' Sketcher asks, not showing any sign of worry.

'I've tried to ignore what I sensed from them,' Obi-Wan says. 'I trusted they're both responsible enough not to… indulge. But I can't say the same after I saw them just know, being closer to each other than two Jedi should ever be.'

Sketcher and Rex are quiet. How to get out of this one? They can't rat you out. But they know there's no lying to Kenobi now. Suddenly, the Jedi sighs.

'I'm not going to get them into trouble,' he promises. 'I just want to know when this started, because… I've noticed some change in them lately. And I wonder if that's the reason. So tell me. Would it be more or less when you locked them in that storage closet?'

The Clones look at each other, uncomfortable. Obi-Wan sighs and pinches his nose.

'And you've all been covering for them,' he says and looks behind himself. 'Well… Like I said, I won't tell.'

'Uh… with all due respect… but why, sir?' Rex asks. 'It's against your code.'

'Because we're at war,' Kenobi answers, looking back at his companions with a sad smile. 'And they're still kids. They deserve some happiness. I trust them not to do something stupid because of their feelings. Well, at least I trust [Y/N]. And that she will stop Anakin from doing it.'

The Clones chuckle. The Jedi winks at them. He puts his finger to his lips.

'Don't tell them I know,' he says. They nod seriously and Obi-Wan walks away.

'So… what now?' Sketcher asks after a moment passes.

'We continue hiding them from others,' Rex answers and marches away. Sketcher sighs, troubled, and follows him. To be honest, what else can they do?

*

Dooku and Grievous have kidnapped Palpatine. You, Anakin and Obi-Wan are sent to rescue him. If it were up to you, you'd let them have him, as you distrust the Chancellor and don't like him. He gives you bad feelings. But it's not, so you follow orders.

At some point, you get separated from your friends. When you finally reach them, annoyed because you had to fight with many droids to get here, you're surprised to find Kenobi unconscious. But before you can rush to him, you see Skywalker holding Dooku at blade point with both his own lightsaber and the Count's.

'Kill him,' Palpatine says, shocking you. 'Kill him now!'

'I shouldn't…' the Jedi says, hesitating.

'Do it!' the Chancellor urges him.

'Anakin,' you quickly speak up, letting others know about your presence. You think you see Palpatine grimacing, but it's so quick you're not sure. Skywalker glances at you.

'[Y/N],' he says.

'You beat him,' you say and smile. 'Well done. I knew you could do it.'

He smiles back. You walk slowly to him. You ignore Palpatine and look at Dooku. He eyes you warily. He wants to glare at you, but realizes you might have just saved his life.

'I got it,' you say quietly to your lover. 'You free the Chancellor and help Obi-Wan. Not necessarily in that order.'

Anakin chuckles and shakes his head. He frees Palpatine and rushes to his former master. You can sense the Chancellor's gaze on you. But quickly he follows Skywalker, talking to him quietly. You don't like that, but you can't take your eyes off Dooku… who has no hands. Oh, Maker…

'I don't suppose you'd like to collaborate?' you ask.

'On the contrary,' the Count denies. 'I am going to fully cooperate.'

'Huh? Why?' you ask, stunned. Anger flashes in his eyes.

'Revenge,' he spats out. Okaaaay… you don't want to be the person that wronged him so much he's ready to cooperate with you.

'Get up,' you say, as he's on his knees. He stands up and calmly walks before you. Anakin carries Obi-Wan on his back and you attempt to escape. You're barely caught by Grievous, but you manage to escape, with now awake Kenobi.

Back at Coruscant, you're all praised for your heroics, especially Skywalker. But once everyone leaves him be and Dooku is taken away, he takes you with him to a secluded place. He's very worried.

'I almost killed him,' he says at once. 'An unarmed man. If you haven't had come…'

'But I did,' you say, quickly cupping his face. 'And it's not you. I've heard Palpatine urging you.'

'He just… he feared Dooku is too dangerous to be kept alive,' Anakin defends the Chancellor. You sigh. They're friends and it's hard to say a word against Palpatine to Skywalker.

'I know you two are close,' you say. 'But that makes you unable to see his flaws. And trust me, there are many. One of them is him urging you to kill someone, even though he's well aware it's against your principles and well, simply wrong.'

'You don't understand,' Anakin says angrily, pulling away from you. 'The Chancellor wants the best for the galaxy. He has a huge responsibility.'

'But he has no right to decide who lives and who dies,' you argue. Skywalker wants to fight about it. But decides against it. He just huffs and marches away. You call after him, but he doesn't stop.

Not long after you hear that Dooku has somehow escaped. Anakin is angry and blames himself. You know he believes he should have killed him when he had a chance. This urges you to find the Count before he does.

Every Jedi on the planet is looking for him. But somehow no one is able to find him. Suddenly, as if the Force has nudged you in the right direction, you remember what happened when you captured him. Dooku has promised to cooperate, yes. But he also said it's because he wants revenge. And a moment before it was Palpatine who urged Anakin to kill the Count…

Anxious, you rush to the building of the Senate. You maneuver your way to the Chancellor's office. His security is dead. You burst inside and you see Dooku, with cybernetic hands, on his knees. Palpatine is a bit away. He looks at you with relief (which seems fake to you, but okay).

'Master Jedi, how good,' he says. 'He… he tried to kill me. Please...'

You eye the Chancellor. Because you can't explain how did he manage to bring the Count on his knees. Unless…

'Don't believe a word he says,' Dooku says, breathing heavily, and looks you in the eyes. 'He's the Sith Lord you've been looking for.'

A cold shiver runs down your spine. Palpatine chuckles, amused at the suggestion. Or trying to sound like that. But his laugh dies down, when he sees the way you look at him.

'You don't believe him, [Y/N], do you?' he asks. Oh, his tone. So patronizing. He always talks to you like that and it annoys you to no end.

'Actually, that makes a perfect sense,' you answer, slowly grabbing your lightsaber and lightning it. 'To be honest, I've never trusted you. And I had my suspicions. But I had no way to be sure. Nor to prove it.'

'I see,' Palpatine says and suddenly his face twists. 'So be it.'

He's so fast you barely manage to block his attack when he jumps at you. The fight begins and you quickly realize you're way over your head. You're powerful, yes. But still young and not experienced. You don't give up, but you fear that if help doesn't arrive, you're going to die. You can already see Palpatine blaming Dooku for your death. No one will know the truth. So you push on, determined not to let the Sith win.

But suddenly your lightsaber is knocked out of your hand. Palpatine starts choking you with the Force and lifts you up. You try to use the Force to stop him, but he's stronger than you.

'I must thank you,' he says, smiling sinisterly. 'Your death will be the thing that pushes Anakin over to the Dark Side.'

You look at him with alarm, finally understanding. For years, the Chancellor has been grooming your lover as his apprentice. Killing Dooku was supposed to be another step. You stopped it. But now you may bring it to come after all.

'No…' you wheeze, your eyes watering. Palpatine smiles sinisterly. You feel the life escaping you.

But suddenly, the Sith is thrust against the wall. His hold on you is lost and you fall on the ground, gasping for breath. When you look up, you're shocked to see Anakin in the room, glaring with fury at the Chancellor.

'I thought you're my friend!' he shouts, feeling betrayed.

'I am,' Palpatine quickly says, lifting himself up. 'I am, Anakin. I'm your only true friend. Join me, Anakin. Together we will achieve peace. Only I see your power. Only I truly value you.'

'Not only you,' Skywalker says after a moment, looking at you. Relief fills you. In that moment you understand that Palpatine has lost his chance with his attempt on your life. Anakin will never join him now.

The Jedi lights his weapon and charges at the Sith. They quickly begin fighting. You're surprised how matched they are. Maybe because Skywalker is angry. It worries you, but you know there's no point in calming him down now. So, you try to regain your strength as you watch him duel Palpatine… and finally winning.

'Anakin…' you say quietly, as Skywalker holds his lightsaber to the Chancellor's neck. 'Don't let him win.'

'But if he lives…' the Jedi starts.

'And if you kill him, this will hunt you forever,' you say gently. 'He was your friends. Or at least you believed that. Don't go this path.'

Anakin hesitates. But you see him lowering his weapon. You exhale, relieved.

'Pardon me,' Dooku says, suddenly showing up behind Palpatine. 'But since I'm already on the Dark Side…'

He takes a swing with Chancellor's lightsaber and cuts off his head. Skywalker moves aways, shocked. The Sith Lord's body falls on the ground. You stare at it with wide eyes.

'Well, at least it's certain he won't suddenly show up,' you say weakly. 'There's no way he survived that.'

Hearing your voice seems to wake up Anakin. At once he's at your side and falls on his knees. He takes you in his arms and holds you tight, his body shaking. Yours is shaking as well. You hold on to him, so happy you're both alive and well.

'It's over,' Skywalker murmurs. 'It's finally over.'

'There's still-' you start.

'No,' Anakin interrupts you. 'It's over. It's over…'

You decide to go with it for now and close your eyes. Skywalker presses a kiss to your head and you sit like that for a long time. Watched by Dooku, who's just standing there awkwardly, not wanting to ruin the moment for you two, but also wanting to escape.

Some time later, Obi-Wan and Shaak Ti rush through the corridors of the senate building. They burst into Palpatine's office. Their eyes quickly find you and Anakin, still on the floor, still hugging. Your former masters exhale with relief. They look at each other and exchange a knowing smile. Looks like they were right to let your love bloom.

*

The war is over. Obi-Wan has captured Grievous and the Separatists' leaders where captured. Some were shocked about the identity of the Sith Lord, some didn't believe you, but all was resolved. Dooku has escaped after giving his statement about Palpatine. For some reason, the search for him is no longer so frantic. Your actions grant you and Anakin the ranks of Masters in the Council. Except…

'You want to leave?' you ask your lover one night in the garden. He has asked you to meet him here.

'We've brought peace to the Galaxy,' he says. 'I've done what they wanted. What was expected from me. Now… I want to do what I want. For the first time in my life.'

'And that is…?' you ask hesitantly. He cups your face and looks you in the eyes.

'Being with you,' he answers. 'In the open. Living a life. Together.'

'You've always wanted to be granted the rank of the Master, though,' you point out, even though his words fill you with joy.

'But then I've found out you feel the same,' Skywalker says, smiling. You can't help but respond in kind.

'However, I know how important being a Jedi is for you,' he says, slowly backing away. 'So-'

You shut him up by kissing him. He quickly pulls you closer and answers.

'Let's do it,' you whisper. He beams at you and kisses you again. And again. Boy, how you love when he kisses you…

The Council is surprised by your decision, of course (except for Obi-Wan, Yoda and Shaak Ti). They try to persuade you to change your minds. You don't budge. Ahsoka understands your decision and is thrilled by it, to be honest. She's shipped you two as well. Soon enough she's helping you, together with Padmé, to find an apartment.

Once you choose one and settle in, you throw up a party. You invite everyone you know. The Clones are enough to make it hard to move around, but by some miracle everyone fits in. It's a huge success and almost everyone stays until bright morning. Your closes friends even stay to help you clean after the party. When even they're out, all that is left for you and Anakin, is to put back the dishes.

'I'm honestly surprised how many people have showed up,' your boyfriend says.

'I know,' you agree. 'Even the Jedi Masters were here.'

'Yeah, even Master Windu, which's honestly shocking,' Skywalker says. 'I was stunned into silence when I saw him.'

'I had the same with Master Yoda,' you chuckle. 'Still, it was very nice of them to come. And support us with our decision.'

Anakin hums in agreement. You look at him.

'Though I think Obi-Wan and Ahsoka are really going to miss you,' you say.

'I think they're going to miss you more,' Skywalker chuckles. You give him a look. He sighs.

'I guess,' he admits. 'Obi-Wan didn't want to let go of me, when he was leaving. But it's not like we're not going to see each other. I'm sure they're going to visit us often. And we will drop by the Temple.'

'Oh, I can imagine you walking into the Temple straight from your work as a mechanic, greasy clothes and all, coming across the Council,' you laugh.

'Ha, I can almost see Master Windu's disapproving looks,' your boyfriend chuckles. 'Speaking of work… have you finally decided on something?'

'No, but I'd like to remind you that I had no life before I was a Jedi,' you answer. 'Being a Jedi is all I know. All I ever was. I have to figure out who I am without it first.'

Anakin takes your hand in his. He smiles at you.

'Don't worry, we have all the time in the world,' he says. You smile back. He winks at you.

You're done with the dishes, so you get ready for sleep. It may be morning already, but you're both exhausted. First preparations for the party, then the party itself. You take a quick shower and go to your shared bedroom. Anakin has showered first, so he's already in bed and he's lowered down the blinds, so it's as dark in the room as if it was a night.

'Ready, Chosen One?' you ask, untangling your wet hair with your hand. Skywalker rolls his eyes.

'Stop calling me that,' he asks.

'Hey, you are one,' you remind him, getting under the covers with him. 'You brought back balance, defeated the Sith, saved everyone.'

'Maybe, but you saved me,' your boyfriend says softly and looks you in the eyes. 'First you stopped me from killing Dooku, then from killing Palpatine. If you hadn't… maybe I wouldn't have been able to free myself from the Dark Side.'

'Luckily, we will never have to find out,' you say, squeezing his hand and smiling. He takes your hand and brings it to his lips. He presses a kiss to it.

'I'm so glad we've decided to give us a try,' he says and reaches out to cup your face. 'You are the best thing that's ever happened to me.'

'And you are mine,' you say, touching his forehead with yours. After a moment you both move your faces and your lips join in a sweet kiss.

'I love you, [Y/N],' he whispers when you pull away.

'I love you, Anakin,' you whisper at the same time. You look at each other and laugh.

'Whatever happens next… I'm glad to have you by my side,' your boyfriend says. You hum with a nod and you both lay down. You put your head on Skywalker's chest.

'It's weird,' you say. 'For the past three years it was living from battle to battle. It was horrible, but at least I knew what's coming. And now… it's a big unknown.'

'It's definitely going to be difficult,' Anakin agrees. 'But we'll manage. We've succeeded in defeating the Sith Lord. Nothing is worse nor harder than that.'

'Except for taxes,' you point out. Skywalker's face falls.

'Except for taxes,' he agrees. 'But we'll do. Somehow…'

You hum and close your eyes. You don't want to think about it now.

'Goodnight,' you say.

'Goodnight,' your boyfriend says. You sense him looking at you with a wide smile.

'What is it?' you ask.

'I can do that every night now,' he explains, hugging you tightly. 'Until death do us part.'

'We're not married yet,' you yawn.

'Yet?' Anakin asks, grinning.

'Oh, shut up Skywalker.'

'Make me, [L/N].'

'Maybe I will.'

'I definitely wouldn't mind. But then we won't sleep at all.'

'That may be true… I love you.'

'And I love you. Forever and always.'

A/N: Thank you for reading! Let me know your thoughts! Reblog, like and comment if you could. Every comment makes my day! I hope you enjoyed this little story. See you in the next fanfiction!

This can also be found on Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53898226/chapters/136425739

[just-dreaming-marvel]

The Bond Between Us ~ 69

THE BOND BETWEEN US MASTERLIST

< previous chapter

Word Count: 3,220ish

Summary: You train a little with Obi-Wan and Yoda before going to help your friends in Cloud City.

Notes: A lot happens in this one, so I hope it makes sense.

“Feel the light within,” Yoda guided. “Push out the darkness.”

You were floating in the air, meditating. Yoda was guiding you through it while Obi-Wan watched. He had always hated how high you ended up in your meditating state. It was too dangerous, especially now when he couldn’t catch you if something happened.

“Let the Force flow inside of you,” continued Yoda. “Feel it in our surroundings.”

You took a deep, shaky breath. It had been years—decades—since you had used this much strength and done something like this. Your body was starting to form a tremor due to the strain, with sweat forming on your brow.

“Maybe it’s time for her to rest,” Obi-Wan suggested, growing more concerned for you. “She hasn’t done anything like this in far too long and this is clearly pushing it for her.”

“I’m fine,” you snapped.

Obi-Wan sighed. Clearly, you were still upset at him. It didn’t help that he couldn’t make physical contact with you. If he could, things would be a lot better already. Oh, what he would give just to be able to brush his lips against yours once again.

“Clear your mind,” Yoda advised, sensing the anger growing back quickly. 

This did concern the old Jedi Master, but he had trained you and practically raised you. He knew that you were capable of greatness, he had witnessed some of it himself. You would get through this, Yoda was sure of it.

You took a deep breath in, holding it for a few seconds before letting the air back out. Suddenly, you jolted forward as a pained scream filled you. It wasn’t your own. It was a man’s… Han’s…

“Han,” you whimpered.

“Y/N?” Obi-Wan was more alert and worried now. He could sense that the Force was showing you something, which never turned out well. “Little star, what’s wrong?”

You flinched upon hearing the scream again with the added pain. You gasped, your body shaking with the strain. Squeezing your eyes, you tried to use the Force to figure out what was happening.

“She needs to get down,” Obi-Wan said.

“Strong, she is,” Yoda answered. “Figure it out, she will.”

Obi-Wan shook his head, hating having to stand by and watch. His hand came up to his beard to nervously comb through it, while his eyes were glued to your hovering form.

Glimpses of a cloud city flashed through your mind. Han’s pained screams were heard again followed by Chewie’s roar. You knew that they were in danger before your version filled with a blue lightsaber clashing against a red one. You gasped, eyes snapping open before you plummeted to the ground.

“Y/N!” Obi-Wan exclaimed, rushing forward.

Before you hit the ground, you threw your hands out and caught yourself with the Force. Slowly, you set yourself down on the ground. Obi-Wan crouched beside you. He went to place a hand on your back but stopped himself.

“Touch her, Obi-Wan,” Yoda ordered.

“What?” He questioned, looking at the Jedi Master. “But Master, I am a part of the Force now, not physical. It’s not possible.”

“Not possible?” Yoda repeated with a slight chuckle. “The bond between you two is not possible, some might say. Proved them wrong, both you did.”

“Obi-Wan,” you gently called. His head turned to look at you. “Please try.”

Obi-Wan nodded. His hand slowly came up to your face. It hovered near your cheek before slowly making contact. You both gasped as you felt the other’s skin against yours. Quickly, tears formed in your eyes.

“Obi-Wan,” you breathed out.

“Little star.”

Before either of you could say anything else, your lips were connected. Tears from both of you poured into the kiss as the two of you moved to be able to hold each other better. You had never thought you would be able to kiss Obi-Wan again. So if this was a dream, you didn’t care to ever wake again. As Obi-Wan kissed you more fiercely, you could feel the darkness within you disappearing.

“Mhmm, forgot where you are, you have,” Yoda chuckled.

The two of you pulled apart with large, goofy smiles on your faces. Obi-Wan’s hands moved to your waist.

“I can’t believe I can touch you again,” he admitted quietly.

“I can’t believe it either,” you responded.

“An advantage, your bond has always been,” Yoda said. “An advantage it will continue to be.”

You nodded. “The darkness, it’s disappearing.”

“Time and work, it will continue to take. Together, the two of you will be able to succeed.”

“Before we continue, I must follow after Luke. They are all in danger and Vader is there. I have to help them.”

Yoda sighed. “Stop you, I will not. Help them, you can.”

“Thank you, Master Yoda.” You stood up, Obi-Wan following suit. “I promise to return.”

“Careful, you must be. Depends on you, our future does.”

You hated the pressure that entailed. You nodded before heading off to meet your ship. Obi-Wan appeared beside you.

“The future is not dependent on you, little star,” he told you.

You sighed. You knew his thoughts on you as the Chosen One and knew that this was hard for him.

“Doesn’t matter,” you replied. “I have to go and help them.”

“I understand that but— could you please stop so that we can talk about this?”

You stopped and faced Obi-Wan. “There is so much we need to talk about.” You reached out and gently cupped his face, a small smile forming across your lips. Obi-Wan’s eyes closed as he relished in your touch. “I know that you have issues with Yoda viewing me as the Chosen One.”

“You—“

“Obi-Wan,” your hands moved to his chest, “we don’t have time to fight about this right now. I have to help our niece and nephew. I will be back and we will talk. I promise.” 

You leaned in and kissed him softly. Kissing you back, Obi-Wan’s hands gripped your waist and pulled you against him.

“I don’t like you leaving my side again,” Obi-Wan told you softly.

You huffed a chuckle as you pressed out a smile. “You are a Force ghost, Obi. You can stay by my side when you wish.”

“As long as the Force allows it.”

You rolled your eyes. “I know, though, that you cannot come with me because Vader is there and the Force is preventing you from confronting him again. I will be fine and I will be safe. I am doing a whole thought better after just seeing you again.”

“Don’t lie, little star. You were mad at me when you saw me.”

“That may be true, but I was glad to finally see you.” You rubbed Obi-Wan’s chest slightly. “Touching you is even better.”

He smirked. “Maybe Luke and Leia could wait a few minutes and we could—“

You pushed yourself away from Obi-Wan, knowing what he was getting at. If you allowed him to kiss you again, you knew that you would happily strip for him and let him ravish your body.

“I have to go. I promise that I’ll be back and we can talk or… not talk… whatever.” You continued backing away.

“I’m holding you to that. I love you, little star.”

You bit your lip as you tried to rein in your emotions. “I never thought that I’d hear you say that again.”

“Then I will make sure that never happens again. My little star, I love you.”

“I love you, Obi-Wan. And I’ll see you soon.”

~~~

After some problems with the Falcon, Han had flown his group to Cloud City in hopes that his friend, Lando Calrissian, could help repair the ship and that it would be a save place for them. Unfortunately, Darth Vader and his men were already there waiting for them. Han was taken for torture while Leia and Chewie were thrown in a cell. It wasn’t long before they were taken to the carbon-freezing room.

“What’s going on, buddy?” Han grumbled to Lando. Han was bound in multiple places to keep him from fighting.

“You’re being put into carbon freeze,” Lando responded.

The bounty hunter in the room moved toward Darth Vader. “What if he doesn’t survive?” He asked the Sith Lord. “He’s worth a lot to me.”

“The Empire will compensate you if he dies,” Vader responded. “Put him in!”

Realizing what was about to happen, Chewie let out a wild howl and attacked the stormtroopers surrounding Han. Within seconds, other troopers were pulling Chewie away.

“Stop, Chewie, stop!” Han requested. “Do you hear me? Stop!”

“Yes, stop, please!” 3PO exclaimed from where he was strapped onto Chewbacca’s back. “I’m not ready to die!”

“Chewie! Chewie, this won’t help me. Hey!” Han gave the Wookiee a stern look. “Save your strength. There’ll be another time. The princess, you have to take care of her. You hear me? The princess and Y/N. They’ll need you. They’ve both lost too much. Alright?”

Chewie hung his head as he stepped back. In a flash, binders are slipped onto Chewbacca, who is too distraught to do anything about it. Han then turned toward Leia. They share a sorrowful look before Han moved toward her, giving her a final, passionate kiss. Han was torn from the kiss all too soon and pushed back onto the platform.

“I love you!” Leia confessed.

“I know,” Han responded.

~~~

At any other time, you would have found Cloud City extremely beautiful. But right now you were too focused on the Bounty Hunter dressed in Mandalorian armor on one of the landing pads. They were escorting a body frozen in carbonite. Quickly, you landed your X-Wing and jumped out of it. 

Before you could even make a step toward the doors, the doors slid open and stormtroopers rushed out, shooting at you. You took your lightsaber from your hip and ignited it, blocking each blast that came your way. While blocking a few blasts, you sent them back toward the troopers, effectively killing them. 

It didn’t take you long to defeat the stormtroopers on the landing pad and enter the city. It was strangely quiet, with people not walking around as they should be. You could sense Darth Vader near, meaning that he could sense you as well. You had to remind yourself that your goal was to help Leia, Luke, Han, and Chewie, not to take down Vader unless it was necessary.

Standing in the corridor, you heard footsteps rushing your way. Getting into a defensive position, you readied yourself for an attack. You felt a little relief when it was Leia and Chewie rushing toward you with a dark-skinned back and C3PO in pieces attached to Chewbacca’s back.

“Y/N!” Leia launched herself at you, hugging you tightly. You deactivated your lightsaber so that you could hug her back.

“Are you okay?” You pulled away to look her over. “Did they hurt you?”

“You—You’re the Jedi General Y/N L/N,” the man stammered beside the two of you.

“I’m fine,” Leia responded with a nod.

Chewbacca roared beside the two of you. You turned and patted Chewie’s arm.

“I’ve missed you too,” you told him.

“General L/N, I’m Lando Calrissian,” the man introduced himself. He went to take your hand but Leia swatted it away and stood between the two of you.

“No time!” Leia interrupted. “Han’s been frozen in carbonite and is being taken by a bounty hunter. We have to go stop him!”

“Lead the way!” You urged.

Lando headed down the hall with the rest of you following. R2D2 beeped excitedly as the droid rushed toward your group. That confirmed that Luke was on Cloud City.

“R2! R2!” 3PO exclaimed from where he was strapped onto Chewbacca’s back. “Where have you been?” Chewie kept going for the landing platform. “Hurry! Hurry! We’re trying to save Han from the bounty hunter!” R2 whistled frantically as he scooted along with the racing group. “Well, at least you’re still in one piece! Look what happened to me!”

The doors to the landing platform slid open and your group rushed through, just in time to see the bounty hunter’s ship take off. Chewie howled as he started to fire at the ship. You threw your hand out and ground your teeth. The ship stopped in the air due to you using the Force to keep it there. You groaned as you tried to pull the ship back, unfortunately, you were not yet strong enough. Letting the ship go, you stumbled forward, catching yourself before you fell to the ground.

“Oh, no!” C3PO exclaimed. “Chewie, they’re behind you!”

Stormtroopers rushing out from behind you, made you grab reactivate your lightsaber again and start defending the group. Chewie and Leia began firing at the troopers.

“We need to get back inside!” You shouted over the blasts.

You stayed outside, fighting off the blasts, while the others rushed toward another door. While you kept deflecting the blasts, you walked backward and joined them. Once you were inside, Lando closed the doors.

“The Falcon’s this way!” Lando said, leading you down another corridor.

You can see the Millennium Falcon down the corridor before the door is slammed shut and stormtroopers run in front of it and start firing on your group. You all ducked into an alcove. Chewie began firing at the stormtroopers while Lando punched desperately at the door’s control panel.

“The security codes have been changed!” He exclaimed.

“I’ll hold them off,” you said. “R2, tell the computer to override the system. Once R2 has finished with that, get to the Falcon as fast as you can. Don’t bother waiting for me.”

“I’m not leaving you!” Leia said.

You gave her a smile. “I’ll be fine. I promise. I have my own ship. I’ll get Luke out and we’ll be right behind you.”

“Fine,” Leia nodded. 

Chewie roared at you.

“I don’t care if Han made you promise to look out for me too,” you responded. “You will take care of Leia and the droids. Get them out of here and I’ll be right behind you.”

Before another argument could be made, you bolted out into the hall. All the fire was then aimed at you. It didn’t take you long to realize that one saber wouldn’t be enough. With an easy swipe of your hand, you took Obi-Wan’s saber from your hip and ignited it.

“Okay, boys,” you smirked, “show me what you’ve got.”

You jumped up and flipped in the air. Landing in the middle of the group of troopers, you spun around with your arms out, slicing the troopers with the sabers. You twirled your lightsaber in your hand before plunging it into the trooper behind you. Leia, Lando, and Chewie were watching from the alcove. 

“She’s just as amazing as the stories said,” Lando said, unable to take his eyes off of you.

“Stop staring at her like that,” Leia hit Lando’s arm. “She’s taken and we need to go!”

As you took out a few more troopers, you noticed your group rushing toward the other door to the ship. You knew that they would get out of here safely. Now, you just needed to make sure that Luke did as well.

~~~

It took far too long for your liking to fight through stormtroopers and find where Luke and Darth Vader were fighting. They were in a lower control room. Luke’s hand had been cut off and he was gripping onto the extreme end of where they were standing. The room was windy, clearly due to some of the damage done by the fight. With both sabers out and shields up around your signature, you crept toward them.

“There is no escape. Don’t make me destroy you,” Vader warned. “You do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover your power.” Vader held out his arm toward Luke. “Join me and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy.”

That’s when you realized it. Darth Vader was a slave to the Emperor. That is why he wanted you to join him—why he wants Luke to join him. Vader believes that it would help free him. That he may can the power of agency once again.

“I’ll never join you!” Luke shouted.

“If you only knew the power of the dark side… Obi-Wan and your aunt never told you what happened to your father.”

“My aunt?”

“Luke!” You shouted, revealing yourself to the men. “Don’t listen to him!”

Darth Vader turned to look at you. “You never told him the truth,” he stated coldly, though it almost could have been a question. “How Jedi Council like of you.”

“Y/N?” Luke called, confused.

“I’m so sorry, Luke,” you said, knowing there was no hiding the truth anymore. “It was all to protect you.”

Vader turned back to face Luke. “Obi-Wan and Y/N have been keeping secrets from you. Y/N is your aunt, and the twin of Anakin Skywalker.”

“What?” Luke gasped.

“And what happened to your father—“

“They told me that it was you who killed him.”

“No, I am your father.”

“No. No.” Luke shook his head, clearly in utter disbelief. “That’s not true! That’s impossible!”

“Search your feelings. You know it to be true.”

“No! No! No!”

“Luke, calm down, please,” you begged, taking a few careful steps in their direction. “Use the Force. Find your balance.”

“Luke,” Vader called, still trying to prove a point. “You can destroy the Emperor. He has foreseen this. It is your destiny. Join me, and together we can rule the galaxy as father and son. Come with me. It is the only way.”

You watched as a calm comes over Luke. In an instant, he let go and fell far below. You knew that he would be alright, the Force was telling you so. Vader became your focus.

“I know why you keep trying to get myself or Luke to join you,” you said. “You are lonely. You are a prisoner to the Emperor, to the dark side… You—Ani—are still in there. There is still good in you, just as Padme said with her dying breath.”

Vader shouted out as he spun around and threw you back with the Force. He marched toward you, his cape dramatically flowing after him.

“I killed Anakin Skywalker,” Vader stated.

You pushed yourself up against the wall. “Then why did you just say you were him to Luke? Ani, you are in there, deep down. You do not want this, truly. You want the Emperor defeated, as we do, because you want to be free. Because you’ve never been free… I am so sorry that we were slaves on Tatooine only to become slaves to the Jedi Order. But you made this choice to be a slave to the Emperor and the dark side.” Slowly, you stood up onto your feet. “A choice that you can change. I can help you… I want to help you.”

“It’s too late for that, sister. Much too late.”

“It’s never too late.”

“Go.”

“What?”

“Go. Before I kill you.”

“Anakin, please—“

“GO!”

You used the Force to pull the lightsabers into your hands before turning and running away.

next chapter >

TAGLIST IS CLOSED - Taglist Information

[phoenixyfriend]

📚📚?

Put “📓” or some other version of a book emoji into my inbox and I’ll explain the plot of a fanfiction that I haven’t written but daydream about.

Oh god okay this one is. So incredibly stupid and combines at least three different plots that I keep recycling (time-travel, rexwalker, Anakin's Gender/omegaverse). I also only came up with it last night so [shrug emoji].

Warnings: mpreg, arguable dubcon (the sex itself is fully consensual, but some of the motivations are kept secret for complicated reasons).

It's an omegaverse AU. Anakin's an omega, capable of pregnancy, and Rex is either alpha or beta. Probably alpha. The important part is that they're compatible.

Anakin and Rex were in a relationship during the war, alongside Anidala. Anakin really wanted to get pregnant, but it didn't really come up outside of Bedroom Games because, you know, there's a war on. A few times he begged, and Rex had to be the one to actually put his foot down about Not Now, because [gestures at Anakin's lack of responsible behavior when family is on the table/line].

Eventually, Padme gets pregnant with Anakin's kids, and RotS goes down basically as canon. Rex is devastated by the loss of his lover(s), does Rebellion work freeing brothers, etc.

Shit Happens. Rex finds out about Anakin being Vader. He and Ahsoka commiserate.

Time-travel! For lack of a better option, we'll blame the bird (Morai), and the not-Jedi (Ahsoka). Mental, so Rex is inhabiting his younger body. Bit weird. Ahsoka is also inhabiting her younger self, and largely Not Acknowledging the Anakin situation. She's letting Rex handle that part.

He and Anakin are still in love, as far as Anakin is concerned, and Rex still loves him, but... he can't forget Vader.

Rex himself is Acting Weird but Anakin's off doing Jedi things on Coruscant for the first couple days of Rex adjusting to when and where he is, so it's not super noticeable. Rex uses the time to plan.

The thing is. Anakin always made it 100% clear that he wanted babies. He wants to be pregnant. He wants to be filled up and used and then watch his belly fill out and start glowing and all that. He is into it, partly for kink reasons and partly because he's got a lot of neuroses about life and death and so on.

Rex only feels a little bad about it, when he 'bends' and lets Anakin ride him in heat without a barrier or any real birth control. He even provides a proper caveat (if Rex agrees to getting Anakin pregnant, then the Chancellor isn't allowed to know), repeatedly checks with Anakin that he's consenting to this, and then talks dirty to the point that Anakin nearly loses his mind. It ends, almost inevitably, in Anakin being pregnant. With twins.

(Rex probably knew about Padme's pregnancy. He probably guessed that Anakin's fall was for her sake, for her life. I'm not sure anyone told him the babies survived. Obi-Wan and Bail and Yoda might not have known about how deep his relationship with Anidala was. Rex doesn't know that the twins Anakin is having are the twins Padme would have carried. He hopes, though.)

The pregnancy is enough to distract Anakin from all the shit that's going on, even keeps him and Padme from doing things that could get her pregnant. Rex's plan, to get Anakin pregnant and distract him from going evil, works. It works phenomenally, and his contacts in the Corrie Guard and among the Senate pull together enough information to take Palpatine out of play.

Rex admits to Anakin that he's from the future, and that he agreed to getting Anakin pregnant (with babies that are by now born and a few months old) as a ploy to keep Anakin from falling to the Sith. Anakin is offended and generally hurt and overall really angry about Rex manipulating him like that. Padme is also hurt that Rex resorted to sexual trickery instead of just talking to them. Doesn't it cheapen the act of creation? Various other flowery accusations are thrown about. Anakin doesn't talk to Rex for a week.

Ahsoka finds Anakin and sits down and listens to him and Padme talk about how hurt they are. Then she explains what she knows (what she's put together) about how Anakin Fell the first time around. Explains the brain chips and the genocide and the burning of the Temple. Explains just how close Rex came to killing Ahsoka herself, his best friend. How he had to kill his own brothers. How he failed to save yet more. Ahsoka spends hours telling Anakin and Padme about how Rex was not the man they'd fallen for, but someone who'd been through a decade more of trauma, and was working off a level of paranoia and pain that they couldn't even begin to fathom, especially not when Rex could still see how much Anakin trusted Palpatine, and didn't have the clearest memory of these years, certainly not enough to know if Anakin would trust Rex's word over that of the Chancellor himself.

It's a heavy conversation. They take a few hours to mull it over after Ahsoka leaves, and then message Rex to come back. There's a long, heavy conversation that ends with kisses and cuddles, and the two of them extracting a promise from Rex to get some psychological help, which he only agrees to if Anakin does the same.

IDK I just think an AU where the world is saved by paranoia-induced pregnancy schemes with someone who wants it but doesn't know why their partner agreed are a special shade of fucked up fun.

Also, this was loosely inspired by the premise of @inferior-fairy's "[Only] Think of Me," which is a different ship but still has the delightful nonsense plot that is "get Anakin pregnant to keep him from doing stupid evil."

[mwolf0epsilon]

The Frog Trooper - (3/4)

Summary: After contracting a bad case of strep throat, Dogma ends up feeling a little less like himself and begins to withdraw from his brothers. An outside force decides to teach him about self-value and to trust in one's brothers, no matter how annoying they may be.

[Dogma continues to have a hard time, especially when his newfound froggy instincts and odd behaviour puts into question whether or not the others still consider him sentient or not. What's a distressed overthinking frog to do under such conditions?]

[Part 2 can be found here or on AO3]

---

“I’ll have to be honest boys, I’ve never seen anything like it." Ahsoka said with a frown, as she stared at the frog with the impossibly familiar presence in the Force that should (most definitely) only belong to one very distinct trooper of the 501st. "This is not something that just happens...”

Almost immediately the medics lost their smiles at the rather blunt statement. Not because any of them were foolish enough to believe they’d get a quick resolution to Dogma’s peculiar problem. Rather, in their minds if even a Jedi had trouble gouging the absurdity of it all, then it was likely this ordeal might take a lot longer than they could afford to fix...

And their leave time was most definitely not infinite.

In a couple of days they’d be headed off planet to help provide support on a mercy mission. One that involved the Jedi's agricultural division and a couple hundreds of tons of crops. That much perishable cargo could not go unguarded. Especially not when pirate activity had doubled in the last couple of months.

There was no way they could possibly bring a nerfburger sized frog with them to help defend the Jedi AgriCorps from potential hijackings. He'd just get in the way. Or worse...

And, while commander Tano may still only be a Padawan learner and not a fully fledged Jedi (she was still very inexperienced), the grim look on her face spoke volumes of the severity of the situation itself. After all, she had been raised in the Temple since she had been a tiny little youngling. Her curiosity and drive to learn would have lead her to seek answers to any sort of strange convoluted tales of this very same fantastical nature.

And, if she truly had never heard of a being becoming a frog for no discernible reason, then there was likely nothing in the Archives that might help. Or at least nothing accessible to any of them, mere clone soldiers untouched by the Force.

“We can still try talking to Master Jocasta Nu about it. She knows the Archives and all of the information they contain better than anyone in the Order…” Ahsoka continued upon seeing the look on all 6 of their faces (he wasn’t sure that he could emote as well as the others anymore, but Dogma knew for a fact he didn’t look happy about this). “But whatever caused it isn't something most Jedi would know or even want to do to another sentient… And if Dogma wasn’t in contact with any kind of artifact recently, then I really don’t know what could have changed him…”

So in essence, if they didn’t find a way to change Dogma back soon, there was no telling what might become of him in the 501st's absence. And there were at least two species of sentients in the Temple that actively consumed amphibians. There was no telling how many more resided in Coruscant alone, aside from the armies of stray tookas and other assorted critters that would most definitely not have much of a problem sneaking into the GAR barracks.

Dogma didn't fancy the idea of getting devoured by either Master Yoda, or someone's unsupervised pet. Oh he did not fancy that idea one bit...

He croaked out a despairing sigh that earned him a sympathetic wince from the commander. Difficulty emoting or not, such a pitiful sigh was a universal sign for the general displeasure of being the butt of a cruel joke.

"It just... It just kind of happened really suddenly..." Pitch's shoulders dropped slightly in defeat. Likely from having his hopes so quickly dashed. "One moment he was drinking some water in the mess with the others, the next he was puking up blood and running to the medbay get help..."

"And then he collapsed into soup." Twitch pipped up. The other medics shuddered at the reminder, while Dogma simply opted to ignore the comment altogether. Best not think about that if he ever wanted to eat soup ever again.

Or go without some very horrifically themed nightmares.

"That's... Uh... Alarming." Their commander seemed unsure of how to phrase it delicately. A side effect of being the highly unorthodox general Skywalker's apprentice no doubt. But it seemed general Kenobi's influence still shone through, which was a relief. "Has anyone else ended up like this? Or is it really just Dogma?"

"Just Dogma." Sponge answered calmly. They didn't look all that fussed, which was either them just masking their distress or an attempt to keep everyone else's heads cool. "We don't know why. He'd been taking it easy after catching a rather severe case of strep throat. No time at all to get up to shenanigans... Not that Dogma would."

"Hm... No strange artifacts, no encounters with malicious witches, no threading on cursed grounds that we know of..." The young togruta listed each idea on a finger as she spoke, trying to at least narrow it down to something feasible. "Master Obi-wan would probably have some more ideas... But I still think speaking with the chief librarian might be our better option until he's back from his mission..."

"That tracks. We've tried contacting commander Cody to ask for advice already...." Kix added as he crossed his arms and shifted his weight from one leg to the other.

From his perch within Pitch's now very waterlogged bucket, Dogma could somewhat tell he was growing agitated. It made something in his own skin itch with trepidation of some kind. A need to sink into the water out of sight.

"Total comms blackout." Twitch's smile gained an air of nervousness to it as he seemed to consider the alternative offered to them. "Are we... Are we allowed in the Archives? We're not... We're not Jedi. Or Padawan learners..."

"Well, there will be restrictions obviously. Only members of the Order get to see what's locked away in there. Not even most Padawans get to see the full scope of it until they get knighted, and even then they still have set limitations until they become Masters." The togruta crossed her arms as she explained this, falling into a slightly easier smile. "But keeping what's going on in mind, we'd need to take Dogma to the Archives to better explain the circumstances... So I don't see why you couldn't go in at all, so long as you're with me and don't tamper with the Stacks..."

You'd think after the threat of a stolen Holocron that the security measures would have been reinforced to something more grandiose than just a simple escort permission. Stationing a couple of Temple Guards at the doors surely couldn't do any harm. Still, Dogma couldn't complain at the idea of seeing the inside of the Archives for himself.

All that knowledge... So close yet so far...

It was a wish come true to be able to just be inches away from such a rich pool of information. Maybe once he had his human form back he'd be able to walk amongst the Stacks to appreciate the sheer beauty of them? Just for a few minutes? A clone trooper could certainly dream...

He let himself sink further into the bucket, laying his belly on the very bottom so that he could rest and mull over some thoughts. Ambitions set aside, he had to start prioritizing some things. Like what he knows about his current condition, how he got where he is, and what's likely to come.

It had certainly been a while since he'd brushed up on medical protocol. Hadn't needed to think about it in a while, even if he was technically one of the 501st's reserve medics. One of the troopers you would have to go to if the actual medics were unavailable due to unforeseen circumstances (or even death on the field).

It hadn't happened yet, nor had he wanted it to. As confident as he was that he could stitch up a brother without much issue, he doubted anyone trusted him enough to do so for them...

Also he was just never really good at comforting anyone other than Tup, because he wasn't very good at reading people's tones. At best he could tell when he wasn't wanted, which was often.

Even so, Dogma is no fool. At least not in this particular situation.

The Jedi would be their first option. Commander Tano would be taking them to the Temple to speak to the master archivist, in the hopes that maybe she would have an answer to this peculiar plight. Then (if that proved fruitless) they would likely be taken to the healers for a second opinion of some kind.

And then if that too did not work for them, Dogma would likely be sent to Kamino to be dissected. A thought which made him begin listlessly floating back up from the bottom of Pitch's bucket.

He shuddered to think what the Kaminoans might do to him. What sorts of experiments and protocols they had for situations that involved, pardon the expression, Force Osik.

But it was the likeliest outcome to all of this.

Currently he was a liability. A rather bizarre unknown that would need studying. And who better to crack such mysteries than the people who'd made them? That knew them inside out? Even the medics didn't have much of a choice but to send the worst cases back to Kamino sometimes... No matter how healthy he may actually be, his current condition fit the bill for a returnal.

At least he'd get to see a part of the Temple before he died. He thinks Acronym would have been jealous of him for that.

Reemerging from his temporary dive, Dogma tried to compose himself before using his stubby little forelimbs to cling to the edge of Pitch's bucket once more. The chilly air felt refreshing enough, and his brothers and commanding officer seemed none the wiser about his inner turmoil.

Good. He didn't need to embarrass himself further.

"There's been a stall of information if that is what you are inquiring, commander..." He catches the tail-end of whatever question Sponge had answered. They seem nonchalant about it.

Kix on the other hand, does not.

"Sponge has argued fervently against updating the rest of the vode until we have potential answers." The slightly older medic corrected, expression sour over the matter. "Or a plan of sorts..."

"No one else knows?" The young Togruta frowns, seeming apprehensive about this particular tidbit of information.

"Well... Everyone that was in the mess knows Dogma was throwing up blood and teeth. And uh, the others definitely saw him start to uh... Transform..." Twitch offered with a nervous and rather unsure smile. One could only mention one of their own kin change in a rather gruesome fashion so many times before it lost its luster. "It wasn't pretty and Tup's been blowing up the comms for hours. He's scared half to death because we haven't said anything..."

"Until we can say for sure Dogma will be ok..." Sponge's eye twitched despite them keeping a leveled voice. "...We won't be saying anything. I'd rather not offer anyone any false hope, nor openly lie about this."

"Oh please... Admit you're still just angry about the other day. That's all it ever is with you!" Kix crossed his arms, annoyance permeating his tone like a thick coat of oil.

"My feelings on everyone else's lack of tact do not affect my work as a medic." Sponge rolled their eyes before pointedly glaring at the other. "I tend to look after my little brothers, unlike some clones..."

"Oi oi oi!" Dogma startled as Pitch's voice came directly from above him. He glanced up at the blue haired medic who looked displeased with both Sponge and Kix. "Let's not dig up old wounds, ok? We need to concentrate. And not get into needless squabbles in front of a commanding officer."

That seemed to get both of them to settle down for now.

Even so, Dogma noted the poorly concealed glares the older medical officers gave each other before they relaxed. It made him wonder what had gotten them so tense to begin with. Last he checked there wasn't any bad blood between them.

Was there?

"I don't think it's a good idea to keep everyone in the dark about this for too long..." Ahsoka offered once both medics had calmed down. "But I do agree with Sponge about not offering anyone false hope at the moment. Whatever this is..."

And she looked at him with those big blue eyes of hers. The obvious concern in those soulful pools made him feel so very small and exposed. She seemed... Nervous.

He didn't like that.

"...It needs to be handled delicately."

---

"Gotta love ordering out at Dex's..." Pitch gleefully tucked into a nice juicy nunaburger as the group sat around in the barracks, going through some of the holobooks they'd checked out from the library while eating their lunch.

Just as Dogma had feared, the results of their consultation with both generals Nu and (subsequently) Che did not yield immediate answers. And, where Ahsoka's lack of knowledge on the matter had been worrying but not too disappointing due to her inexperience, the astounded reactions of two Jedi Masters were much more disheartening.

Really, the only positive outcome of seeking out help from the Temple was that they had gained the support of two very knowledgeable individuals. Jetiise who wouldn't give up on uncovering the secrets to such an odd occurrence, just because they were a little stumped on the root cause.

On top of that, Dogma had also gotten another health assessment that was done as more of a form of reassurance to the clone medics than for himself.

He was the perfect bill of health... For a frog...

And he would remain so, so long as his brothers attended to his current froggy needs. In fact, general Nu had been quite insistent that they do some research if they hoped to keep Dogma alive long enough to maybe see a cure in the near future. A sentiment which was greatly appreciated by the frog trooper, but that also filled his tiny pudgy body with tremendous amounts of fear.

Dogma was no stranger to the mortality of himself and the vode. He just never had to really worry about it outside of battle because he wasn't exactly fragile to begin with. He was made of sturdy stuffs just like any other clone. He was also fully independent and capable of caring for himself (he didn't need to rely on anyone, and shouldn't have to).

As it stood now however, his constitution was most definitely not the sturdiest. The incident with the dry skin was enough of a warning on this matter. He was now completely dependent of other's care to get through the day, and did not know how to feel about this (other than deficient on the survival department).

He wasn't even the only one who had to think about this new factor.

So, having parted from the Temple to rethink their situation, the medics had come to their own conclusions on how best to proceed from then on out. That they couldn't exactly figure this out on an empty stomach, and that the public library may have some information about budgett's frogs that may be of use to them...

"Preach it brother." Coric agreed with Pitch's comment in between bites of a handful of fries "I swear the GAR should just hire him to deal with mealtime. He could make anything taste good."

Dogma would agree if he could. There was just one tiny problem aside from the fact he currently couldn't speak neither basic nor their dialect of mando'a. No one had bothered to get him anything. And he was starving too!

His fault entirely for skipping meals the prior night, and then not accepting Twitch's offer of sharing during early meal. Not that he would have kept it down for long, but still...

Watching his brothers stuff their faces while his own stomach felt like it was tightening painfully into an intricate knot, was a form of torture unlike any other. But also being able to smell the rather juicy looking burgers and other assorted junk food? The sight was making his brain go blank with an all consuming gluttonous desire.

He wasn't even a fan of fast food and all that disgusting greasiness that came with it! In fact, the idea of touching slick fried foods with his bare hands usually made him squirm and gag with just how wrong it felt. The amount of oil and saturated fats used to make that crud just couldn't be healthy.

Turning into a frog had likely made his finicky palate a little less picky.

"You're both gross..." Sponge grunted in revulsion at the sight of Pitch and Coric speaking with their mouths full. "Have some manners..."

"Oh lay off the decorum, we're all siblings here vod'ika!" Coric grinned. There were bits and pieces of fries stuck between his teeth. It only made Sponge scrunch up their face in even more nauseated indignation.

"And have something to eat while you're at it..." Kix pointed his fork at them after swallowing another forkful of his own food. "A fancy milkshake isn't going to sustain you all day..."

"Says the man eating a fruit salad." Sponge rolled their eyes.

Twitch giggled as he watched the older medics bicker between themselves over who was eating what, and how clearly one of them had the superior taste buds. A second later he glanced over to where they'd set Pitch's flooded bucket down, and noted Dogma's unblinking stare. Fully focused on their take-out containers.

And the frog didn't take long to notice he was being watched.

"What?" He croaked out institutionally, frowning when he remembered that the kih'vod would not be able to understand any of his words. It was all just garbled animal noises to them.

Still Twitch didn't look away or seem bothered by the rather unbecoming noise he'd just made. He seemed to be considering something, actually.

"Hey... Uh, do any of those holobooks say what these kinds of frogs normally eat?" The kid looked towards the others, a frown on his face.

This seemed to get everyone's attention.

"It's just... Well Dogma skipped late meal yesterday... And this morning he threw up a lot. He must be pretty hungry by now..." The young but rather perceptive medic pointed out. "But uh, I really don't want to give him anything that'd make him sick. Just keeping him in tap water is already making me a little nervous..."

"The water filtration system isn't very good no..." Pitch conceded, seeming almost guilty now as he stared at his burger and then at Dogma. The latter still clearly interested in their lunch.

"As for your question, it says here our vod is a voracious little predator." Sponge scrolled through one of the holobooks, seeming somewhat fascinated by what they were reading. "They are specialized in hunting other frogs. Tadpoles to be exact."

Dogma puffed up at this. He was NOT eating a tadpole. No way in hell! He'd rather starve!

"Erm...We don't exactly have tadpoles at hand..." Twitch grimaced in disgust, likewise seeming against the thought. "Is there anything else we can give to him?"

"Well, it also says here that these little guys eat insects and snails, which we also do not have at hand... However it appears that the people of the planet where they originate from often keep them as household pets." Sponge tapped their chin in thought. "I know a couple of vode who keep amphibians in terrariums under their bunks... Perhaps they could provide some idea of substitute feed. They'd also know what pet traders would reliably give us something that wouldn't harm Dogma..."

"Oh! That's another thing! We should build him a terrarium!" Pitch exclaimed excitedly. "That way we both free up my poor bucket, and also keep Dogma somewhere nice and safe that will feel more comfortable for him!"

The frog in question frowned. A terrarium? He didn't need something like that! Surely they could just let him wander about and occasionally just spray his body with a little water so he didn't dry up! Setting up some kind of enclosure was excessive.

And a blatant misappropriation of supplies.

"I guess that would tick off all the boxes in general Nu's recommendations..." Coric crossed his arms and pondered on the matter a little more. "We have the knowledge at our disposal, we just need the materials and appropriate food... And maybe check to see if tap water is safe for him or not..."

Dogma couldn't believe this...

They were legitimately considering putting him in a tank. Like as if he were some kind of a battalion pet or mascot!

He would not stand for this kind of treatment!

A seething burning rage like nothing he'd ever felt before, was suddenly coursing through his veins and causing his squishy little body to begin ballooning like a startled gullipud.

How dare they? How dare they insinuate such a thing? That he'd ever be comfortable in a position where he was treated as a lesser simple minded being?! He'd thought at least the medics had cared.

"YOU ARE NOT DOING ANY OF THAT! I AM NOT BEING PUT ON DISPLAY FOR EVERYONE TO LAUGH AT!" The vexed frog shrieked in indignant rage, kicked his hind legs wildly as he tried to escape the confines of Pitch's helmet. The urge to run at them and yell in their faces was a strong one, but the way his body puffed up into such a roundish shape made it hard to make it over the edge that was currently keeping him contained.

At least his grating screeches seemed to catch them all by surprise.

All five medics were staring at him in shock as he continued to flail about uselessly, making quite the mess as he furiously splashed the table with water.

"Oh man... I think he's getting cranky..." Pitch winced as he took in the sight before them. His discomfort more than apparent.

"Well, Dogma is usually a grouch when he's hungry..." Kix moved over to try to push the upset frog fully back into the water, but very quickly retracted his hand when he nearly got his fingers bit into. "We really need to get him something to eat. He'll settle down afterwards."

That was not why he was angry!

They just said they were going to put him in a glass cage, which gave him a perfectly good reason to be upset with all of them. They were treating him like he wasn't even there, or capable of independent thought! That, just because he'd become a frog, that suddenly he enjoyed everything a frog did!

He flailed harder and snapped at Kix, wanting nothing more than to bite into those heavily calloused and intrusive fingers and hang off them until he proved his point. He would NOT be treated like some dumb little verminous critter!

He was a clone of Prime just like them. A highly trained soldier of the Grand Army of the Republic. Best marksman of his squad and class, and proficient in tactical analysis. He'd fight them to prove it. He'd scream and bite and rip into their fingers if that is what it took for these insufferable giants to back off and leave him be!

Dogma's eyes widened and he suddenly froze. Where had those thoughts come from? He wasn't, and never had been, the sort of vod to resort to biting another brother in a fight.

But just now he'd... He'd tried to do it...

And he'd been snapping at Kix with enough force that he might have actually drawn blood from him if he'd managed to latch on. Had fully intended to injure the medic on purpose, which was so startlingly uncharacteristic of him that it made him tremble and deflate. The fight completely gone from him.

That wasn't... The way he'd reacted wasn't right... He'd never do such a thing as to think about actively harming his vode! Even on Umbara his actions had never been personal.

He felt wrong. This all felt very wrong. What was happening to him? To his mind? Had his changes been more than physical?

Most terrifying of all, would he continue to change until he really was nothing more than an ugly and aggressive little frog?

Would he... Would he stop being Dogma? The thought terrified him.

---

By the end of midday meal, it was unanimously decided that Dogma's situation needed to be announced to the 501st. Not to everyone of course, only to the other clones who would be recruited into helping tend to Dogma while he was in this state, so obviously they had to be debriefed on the matter.

The natborn officers (sans commander Tano and generals Nu and Che) didn't need to know just yet. And perhaps that was for the better. Dogma's track record was already not great and any more negative attention might end poorly for him.

Sponge hadn't been entirely happy with not having more answers before they told the others, but they had given in once Twitch had insisted that any longer and Tup might begin to actively hunt them all down to interrogate them...

It all seemed like the perfect setup for Dogma to suffer yet another humiliation. Only the laughter and mockery he'd been expecting as he miserably lay in Sponge's gloved hands never really came.

In fact, Hardcase, Jesse, Fives, Echo and Tup looked a little horrified as they were given the full details of just what had happened once Dogma's morphing body had been dragged into the medbay (leaving a bloodied greasy streak behind for them to gawk at). The horror turned to nausea, and then apprehension as Coric wrapped up the explanation with what they had been told to do.

And then Twitch added to the conversation with the ideas they'd had once they'd consulted some research material.

"So that's it...? One of us turns into a frog and we just have to sit and wait until the Jedi figure something out?" Fives didn't look happy about it.

Behind him Echo stood as stiff as a board, staring straight at Dogma while chewing on his knuckles. He looked like he was trying to wrap his mind around the absurdity of it all, which was exactly what Dogma himself had been trying to do since he'd woken up like this.

"There's nothing more we can do besides provide our kih'vod with safe housing, and whatever nutrient requirements he needs to meet..." Kix shook his head in defeat, equally as unhappy about the situation as the ARC trooper. "This is some kind of weird Force event... A rare one at that, if they couldn't give us any direct answer."

"Just our luck, right?" Jesse rolled his eyes.

"I trust the generals will do their best to help." Kix continued. "But it could take days, or weeks, or even months until they find something that we could use..."

"Maybe even years..." Sponge added, very gently running a finger up and down the curve of Dogma's back.

The frog trooper shifted uncomfortably and hissed at the unwanted contact, trying to use his back legs to push the obtrusive finger away. Just being held was fine. The petting on the other hand just reminded him of his previous explosive reaction...

"Years?! We don't have years to spare!" Tup cried out in dismay, hands shooting up to grasp at his very tangled hair (he'd likely been tugging on it all day if it wasn't neat and tidy the way he liked it). "There has to be a way to fix Dogma now!"

And how he wished he could vocally agree with his twin right now.

There was not much use for a frog out in the battlefield. He'd just be a burden on them all. A fact that had likely occured to all of them by now. Dogma himself knew this and he was disheartened at the prospect that his condition might take more time to cure than any of them could put into.

Time that even his own lifespan might not allow for. Or maybe it had been shortened? He had no idea how long these things lived.

The point was, he couldn't fight. He was completely and utterly useless to the 501st...

"Lets maybe not be pessimists and instead focus on building Dogma a safe environment..." Pitch grumbled as he set his bucket to dry on his trunk. "I called in a favour from one of my batchmates, Rhythm. He's stationed here on Coruscant as a communications officer and... Well Rhythm's a bit of a social butterfly. He knows a few people."

The others perked up a bit at this, while Dogma remained laying despondently and flat on Sponge's palm. There was no fighting them on the matter and he did not have the energy to do it again. He didn't want to lose control the same way he had before just because he felt like his intelligence was being put into question.

"He said he knows a friend of a friend who's a bit of a frog enthusiast, and that she's more than willing to lend us some stuff." Pitch carried on, looking down at his comm and carefully scrolling through it. "The tank itself, the filtration system, some natural decorations, even a disk-bowl thingy we can attach to it and put mud into, so that he can play in it..."

"Mud? Dogma doesn't like mud..." Tup looked disgusted.

"Who does? It gets everywhere..." Jesse grimaced in equal amounts of disgust. "And it makes cleaning your kit the worst kind of hell..."

"Well I think it's nice!" Hardcase countered with a genuine smile. "Its really good for your skin, you know!"

Everyone, Dogma included, gave the usually hyperactive trooper a look. Of course Hardcase had to be the one to feel contrary today. But then again he'd never once shown any issue with trekking through muddy terrain. Not even while lugging around his bigger blasters.

Free camouflage, he jokingly called it... Dogma really didn't care for any of that mess.

"What? How do you think I maintain this amazing complexion and smoothness of mine?" The heavy weapons specialist raised an eyebrow. "It's not just a good workout routine. You have to treat yourself."

"By rolling around in the mud?" Fives snorted.

"Hey I'm not that cheap! There's like, there's bath-houses that do special spa treatment stuff... And I might have made a lady friend who's really into men in armour..." Hardcase grinned from ear to ear, eyebrows wagging suggestively.

At this, the others shook their heads, rolled theirs eyes, or even whistled and congratulated the hyper clone. Dogma simply glanced up at Sponge hoping his look of disapproval came across. The medic didn't seem to notice.

"Anyway, I can get some mud for our kajil bal gedin'la vod'ika to play in." Hardcase shrugged. "Might do him some good while his skin is so sensitive..."

One thing Dogma had to give them all credit for. For all that the 501st was often a chaotic incomprehensible mess of insubordinate and mischief, they worked well in groups. It took a mere 30 minutes to get everything delivered to them.

Between Pitch and his corrie batchmate getting the supplies from the specialist; Hardcase's sweet talking to whatever natborn masseuse he'd charmed; and then the collective collaborative efforts to build him the karking terrarium?

It gave him almost no time to really think about the fact this might be his life now. Almost. Nothing short of death would keep Dogma from considering every given thing from all angles.

The odds were not stacked in his favour.

"It looks pretty nice actually..." Echo mumbled as he admired the group's handy-work.

It didn't come anywhere near the naturalist look the zoo had managed to accomplish for their own frog enclosure, but it at least looked fairly decent for a first time build. Surely any actual honest to the Force budgett's frog would love living in there. But Dogma was not a real frog, and he was getting the impression the others had forgotten this.

He was afraid his own brain was starting to forget as well...

"The filter is working correctly, the lights are affixed, and we have plenty of places for him to hide in and even some grade A mud from a spa...." Kix looked very pleased. "We've made frog heaven."

"All he needs now is a little frog girlfriend to get that massive stick out of his sh--" Jesse began, only to get slapped on the back of the head by Pitch. "Ow!"

"All he needs now is to eat something." Pitch glared in warning. "He hadn't had anything yet and we're not letting Dogma starve on our watch."

Dogma gulped and pressed himself even flatter against Sponge's palm. He'd briefly seen the jars of feed they'd gotten from Pitch's batchmate's friend. He'd seen the contents moving. He was not looking forward to his very late lunch.

"We should give him something with a good ratio of fat and protein..." Coric spoke up from across the room. He was currently holding a few of the jars, looking at the labels and skimming through the nutritional values.

Twitch was holding two other jars, seeming entranced by the movement in one of them.

"A mealworm would likely be a nice starter..." Coric continued. "It's 15% fat and 20% protein. Some ARCs and ARFs actually eat these out in the field... It's a good boost. It's also a favourite among reptile and amphibian pet owners."

"I don't think he'll like eating something alive..." Tup gulped uneasily as he caught sight of the wriggling worms.

"We have other options, like the pinkies and the pellets, but the holobooks all said frogs very much prefer to eat live prey." Coric shook his head. "The movement stimulates the hunting instinct."

"Then just wiggle the food in front of his face?" Tup frowned.

"Budgett's frogs are aggressive and don't handle hands in front of their faces well." Kix cut in. "The last time I tried to touch him, Dogma tried to bite me, and he did bite Sponge when they took him out of Pitch's bucket."

The frog in question croaked sadly. He hadn't meant to that time. He'd been startled.

"That's why you use thick gloves when handling bitey critters and kih'vode." Sponge pointed out matter-o-factly. "Although I'd trust Dogma not to give me any kind of disease... You lot on the other hand, I have no idea where your mouths have been. Nor do I wish to know."

"Case in point, mealworm it is..." Coric set one of the jars down before beginning to unscrew the other. "Lets feed him now while the filter works its magic... Then we can put him in the tank."

The moment the jar was open and the CMO used some forceps to collect a big fat wriggling worm, the others all began to make gagging disgusted noises at the sight.

Dogma squeaked in displeasure, not wanting to have that horrid thing anywhere near him. But, as Coric began to approach, the transformed trooper couldn't help but to focus on the creepy crawly.

Logically a great part of him was repulsed by the sight... But a smaller yet somehow louder part of him was reacting in a completely different way. His stomach felt emptier than empty, he could feel himself salivate at the sight of the yellow grub, and his body tensed as his brain tried to comprehend what was happening.

The forceps didn't even get to settle in front of him. He practically lunged out of Sponge's hands to clamp down on the wriggling mealworm. His jaws shutting around it with considerable force. The juices spilling down his throat and filling Dogma with an euphoric sort of glee that not even alcohol could provide.

"Karking hells..." Fives gawked as he watched Dogma eat with enraptured gusto. "This whole frog thing's really gotten to him..."

"This isn't right..." Tup sounded horrified. "Dogma would never eat a bug. Especially not... Not like that!"

The frog paused in his delighted gulps to look at Tup in surprise. He didn't expect his twin to sound so disheartened. He also didn't expect to find him in near tears.

The sudden joy he'd experienced evaporated in mere seconds.

"I know this is hard for you Tup..." Kix sighed. "But until we fix this, we have to accept the fact Dogma's changed... And we need to be supportive of his changes."

"Even if it means Dogma isn't behaving like himself." Pitch added.

But he hadn't changed! Not fully at least... He was still himself! Even if his body and these newfound instincts were making him act weird. Even if he was suddenly not averse to eating bugs.

He was still Dogma! Wasn't he?

"Tup..." He wanted his twin to tell him he was still Dogma.

The other didn't even spare him a glance.

"And what if there isn't a way to fix him? Then what?" The overly-emotional trooper asked the medics. "What if they can't fix him and I've lost Dogma all over again?"

"We'll still care for him." Twitch looked at Tup sadly. "It's our duty."

The more he listened them talk, the more Dogma's cracked heart sunk deeper into the recesses of the cold black darkness of his chest cavity.

He was nothing more than a shared responsibility... A Force-damned chore they'd begrudgingly taken on... Tup already considered him a lost cause...

Appetite gone, Dogma laid back down flat on Sponge's palms. The medic took his reaction as a sign of tiredness, if them turning towards the terrarium and slowly setting him down on the pitcher of mud, was anything to go by.

To add insult to injury, the mud didn't even bother him. It felt nice. It felt karking nice to be in the mud. It felt like home.

Tup was right, he was too far gone.

It broke him, having to accept this. That he could no longer perform the duties he was made for. That he couldn't go out in the field with his brothers and protect them in battle. But he'd be damned if he was any more of a burden to the vode as he had been in the last couple of days.

From the moment he rejoined the 501st, to getting sick and then this, he'd been nothing if not an liability to the battalion. Useless in everything he did, no matter how hard he tried. Unwanted and undesirable, now in both personality and appearance. But, even if he was no longer the proud trooper he'd once been, he was still smart enough to know when it was time to leave.

And leaving was the better option.

It'd save the others the trouble of having to look after him. Of having to worry about whether or not he'd eaten, or if the tank needed cleaning. He could still help by staying away.

And if he was stuck as a slimy gross little frog, then maybe he could still make himself useful to someone out there. Even if just for educational purposes for young natborn children.

Mind made up, Dogma nodded to himself as he prepared for a long wait. Once everyone retired to bed he'd be making his escape. It wouldn't be hard to get out of his enclosure, considering none of them had bothered to set up any sort of covering.

And Dogma hoped he was still as good a climber as he used to be.

[marvelstars]

Vader killed Anakin Skywalker

Since the Obi-Wan series got out I have been thinking about this expression from Vader and while I think it adds a very interesting nuance to the whole falling to the darkside as well as Obi-Wan and Anakin relationship, I don´t think this moment can be taken to mean Obi-Wan didn´t choose to lie to Luke in the old trilogy, those topics are related but one doesn´t take from the other imo.

Vader´s expression about him "killing Anakin Skywalker" doesn´t take away from Obi-Wan´s twisting the truth to Luke in the old trilogy but lest look at the context first: chronologically speaking Yoda was the first one to make this separation back in ROTS.

Yoda to Obi-Wan:"Your student has been twisted by the darkside, the boy you raised, gone he is"

This is what Yoda tells Obi-Wan before sending him to deal with Anakin for his betrayal of the Jedi Order while he goes to fight with the Emperor on the Senate.

Then we have Obi-Wan in the Old Trilogy

"A student of mine called Darth Vader, a disciple of mine until he fell to evil, betrayed and killed your father"

When Luke discovers the truth on Empire strikes back, he recognized Vader was telling the truth and recognizes Vader as his father, even having mind to mind conversations across space, he also asked Obi-Wan´s force Ghost why he "didn´t told him"

Luke understood Obi-Wan´s reasons for hidding his father´s identity but at not point did he thought Obi-Wan didn´t lie about his father. He just understood his reasons and openly said to Obi-Wan he would not be able to kill his own father. Luke gets why his teachers did it given the circunstances but he´s still angry at them for lying about his father´s survival and for trying to sent him to fight him without knowing who he was fighthing. He felt he was being used as a weapon and could have fallen to the darkside if he discovered he killed his own father after the fact. For Luke willingly killing his father was a path to the darkside.

This isn´t to say I think Obi-Wan and Yoda are evil but they were quite ruthless in the way the handled this whole training for Luke and he had the right to call them on it.

In the past as well as the present both could be quite ruthless if they thought the situation called for it and lest remember that they completely believe there´s no hope for Vader because "Once you fall to the darkside, it will forever dominated your destiny" and he´s a danger to the galaxy, so that made easier for them to lie to Luke on this topic.

Yoda himself was surprised Vader told Luke, so he didn´t expect Luke to find out during their fight.

Now on the Sith camp, Vader and Palpatine do play with the difference between Anakin and Vader but in their case, they have practical reasons to do so.

Palpatine created a whole new identity for Vader and directly presented him as his voice on the imperial army. He doesn´t just want Vader to forget ever being Anakin, he wants his Sith identity to be the real person behind the mask. He also made sure every imperial admiral who knew Vader as Anakin is told Anakin is dead.

Palpatine´s plan for Anakin from the beggining was about destroying the person Anakin was, his principles to make him fall to the darkside, so he would belong to him as his Sith master and as Vader he talked to Vader after he got in contact with either Obi-Wan or Ahsoka to make sure their own friendship didn´t affect his status as a darksider.

Vader and Palpatine use the expression "Anakin is dead" to meant the good in Anakin is dying or completely gone, only the darkside remains and that´s what gives Vader his strenght but they also use it to distance themselves emotionally from the reality of Vader being Anakin when it´s convenient for either of them, for example when Palpatine contacts Vader to talk about Luke, he wanted to send a message

"Luke skywalker isn´t YOUR son, he´s the Son of Skywalker" "He could destroy us"

While Vader argued he´s just a boy who could join them given he´s isn´t a Jedi yet and Obi-Wan no longer can train him, at no point did Vader said he wasn´t Luke´s father.

In ROTJ Vader and Palpatine no longer bother with appareances, Vader tells Palpatine "My SON is with them(the rebels), both identifiy Luke as Vader´s Son because it´s a fact to them, so it´s useless to deny it and Vader tells Luke in that same movie when

Luke tells him "I accepted the truth your were ONCE Anakin Skywalker MY FATHER"

Vader: "That name no longer has any meaning for me"

Not wanting to reclaim or use his own name is quite different to seeing himself as two different people.

Vader also shares Yoda, the Emperor and Obi-Wan´s view that he can never come back to the darkside even when he regrets it. It´s only with Luke´s love, acceptance and him asking for his help that Vader is able to get back to the light side and fulfill the prophecy before dying.

Now getting back to Obi-Wan´s series, I think Vader telling Obi-Wan that he "wasn´t Obi-Wan´s failure" and that "He didn´t KILL Anakin Skywalker" "I (Vader) did " is serving a different reason than those previous examples.

Obi-Wan was telling Vader he was sorry for "everything" Vader didn´t just listen to him, a tear fell from his eye and then he told him "I Killed Anakin Skywalker" this is Vader/Anakin way of giving closure to the relationship he used to have with his old master "I am not YOUR failure Obi-Wan" "I Killed Anakin Skywalker"(By falling to the darkside) he´s not counting the whole being cut in pieces and left to die, he´s still pretty incensed at Obi-Wan for that even if he completely understands Obi-Wan reasons.

This follows the usual exchange of words Vader tells Obi-Wan in particular

"You should not have come back" Those are the first words Vader tells Obi-Wan on the Death Star, he can see Obi-Wan is older and probably won´t be able to beat him so he will die and he just gets to tell him something akin to "It was a bad idea to come back old man"

Again, at no point does Vader act as if Obi-Wan was the master of another person, this is deeply personal for both of them.

So Obi-Wan just looked at Vader with horror when he told him "He killed Anakin" because he could see the madness that had taken over his old padawan mind and how much the darkside has invaded him, which he explains to Luke saying"He´s more machine than man now, twisted and evil" his final farewell was to say "goodbye Darth" which could as well mean, you are no longer the person I knew but this didn´t mean the story they shared was erased, he just started seeing Vader as someone he truly didn´t know anymore.

Well, this is my take on the issue of Vader being a different person than Anakin. I don´t think the narrative supports this idea.

[roselightfairy]

This is a weird question that I may not have enough Tumblr contacts to get an answer to, but I thought I'd put it out there. Reading a lot of early Phantom-Menace-inspired Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan centric fics, I've seen a pretty broadly-held early headcanon that Yoda was Qui-Gon's master. Presumably this is from before AOTC when we find out who his master actually was, but this trend is prevalent enough that I'm wondering where it comes from. My main theories are either: a) the Council scene where Qui-Gon says "my master" when talking to him; or b) the fact that Obi-Wan said Yoda was his master in the originals, thus implying a closer link between the two of them even after we find out that he actually wasn't. But is there some other reason for that? Other EU material that came out before AOTC or something? Does anyone happen to know?

[mayxthexforce]

Send "eavesdrop" and I'll write receiver finishing a conversation (about sender) with an NPC, only to turn around and find sender was listening

@galaccias said

Holo-calls with members of the council were common. It was a time of war and communication was key to each mission's success, but THIS wasn't the type of conversation Obi-Wan thought he would have when he was informed that Master Yoda wished to have a word with him. He expected talk about the situation on Coruscant, perhaps a request to send help to some other Jedi or troops, not to be informed that, apparently, 'rumors' about his commander and his old friend having an unprofessional relationship had reached the Jedi Temple with enough force for Yoda himself to address them.

Quinlan would owe him a big one after this...

"I assure you, Master Yoda," Obi-Wan finished after hearing all that Yoda had to say on the matter. "There is nothing going on between Commander Cody and Master Vos. If there was, I would deal with such blatant misbehavior myself, I can promise you that."

One of the upsides of being a Jedi negotiator with experience as a war general was that Obi-Wan was really good at both keeping his composure and sounding convincing. If someone had told him just a couple years back that he would be able to lie to Yoda so well, he would have believed them to be crazy or trying to get him in trouble by making him think such a thing was possible. Yet, here he is now: easing his Great Grandmaster's concerns with LIES and succeeding. That was the worst part, Yoda believed him. It made Obi-Wan feel awful. He'd never been good at lying to people he held any amount of respect or appreciation for.

There had to be something in the Jedi code against disrespecting your elders like this.

Either way, it didn't matter anymore. It was done, and the holo-call ended as promptly as it'd begun. Obi-Wan took a deep breath, his shoulders sagging despite the fact the tension didn't leave his body. He'd been so focused on putting up a believable act that he hadn't noticed Cody until he turned around. Obi-Wan let out a weary sigh.

"Contact Master Vos, inform him that I wish to speak to him in person as soon as he's available," he commanded, turning back to his previous task. Then, he paused: "And Cody-" Obi-Wan looked at his clone commander over his shoulder. "Be more discreet from now on."