#saber final chapter

[watsittoyah]

The Devils Playpen

A Obsessive!QIMIR X BLACK!FEMALE OC STAR WARS SMUT FIC

NEXT

This is complete fiction, I do not own any characters of the star wars franchise however I own all characters of my own creation, as well as plot.

That being said, the themes will be dark, Qimir will have obsessive and possessive qualities. This story will be borderline grey morals, there will be trigger warnings in the beginning of every chapter that will be gruesome/sexual.

You’ve been warned little flower if you’d like to continue, please read forward, if not put this work of fiction down and go read the holy word…welcome to the Devils playpen…

Chapter 1) When The Predator Becomes Prey…

(Song: Obsession By Exo)

Warning: Mentions of suicide. Stalking, choking of non sexual nature. Oral sex, shibari, threats of r*pe, Light Saber play (don’t be dumb you know what that last tag means)

I walk past a woman with long and short locks but she brings no excitement to my inner beast.

How lucky she is.

I hiss internally as I walk inside of the apothecary. Once I’m inside I inhale deeply, letting the poison I desire call to my senses.

However I smell something else. Something sweet? Sticky? I let my eyes fall onto a man hunched over in a corner. I don’t bother with manners of averting my eyes.

My curiosity has a scratch and I want it itched.

“Hello?” I call out to him in a soft voice. The man appears to be sleeping and I walk closer but keep my distance. His scent still smells sticky and sweet. Like those man eating plants over on Plexart.

“Hello, sir? I’m here to buy some supplies.” I say as I stare at his sleeping form. I flick an empty bottle over and it shatters causing him to finally stir from his slumber.

“Oh, sorry.” He stretches and does a big yawn before he looks over at me. When our eyes meet, he runs his fingers through his mop like hair and gives me a lazy smile. “Oh, hello. And you are?” He asks as he stands fully.

I take note that we have a significant size difference. He looks to be 5’11 while I stand at 5’4.

“I’m here to buy supplies, unless you aren’t the owner of this shop.” I ask in a gentle yet bored tone. He clears his throat and nods. “I am, I am. So what can I get for you? Ah, pick your poison.” He jokes. I however don’t laugh or crack a smile.

“I just needs a few things on this list. Whatever you don’t have, I’m sure I can find on my travels.” I hand him a piece of paper and our fingers brush against each other. He feels cold to the touch.

Interesting…

“Hm, this is quite the list. Might I ask what are all of these for?” He asks as he looks at me.

No, he’s studying me. Which makes my inner beast stir.

“Just some tools on helping me hunt. Nothing major. I don’t mean to be rude but I do need to be on my way.”

“Right, I will get on this for you now.” He starts on my list and I decide to look around and figure out if I’m going to kill him or let him live since he brings a spark of something out of me.

“Can I ask you a question?” The man asks, which causes me to give an internal sigh. “What is your question sir?”

“Qimir, you can call me Qimir. Anyways my question for you is, what methods do you take to hunt your prey?” This question peaks my interest because the way he says prey I think he knows I hunt a different kind of species.

“There’s many ways to do that. Poisons, bare hands, even a simple isolation tactic. But the best method…is simply a mental attack. That works on any kind of prey.” I say with a hint of a smile on my lips. I look up and see Qimir staring at my lips.

I bite my plump bottom lip, which makes his Adam’s apple bob in his throat as he swallows.

“Forgive me for prying, but the items on your list, they are interesting. Bunta Root? That grows-”

“In one specific place I know, but I figured this place would have it here..” I look away from him and glance out the window.

In a matter of days, I will be at her door and I’ll she can’t escape me. I can’t wait to see her eyes widen by surprise. She’ll think how did a beast like me, hunt her down to the very last of her days.

Will she beg for her life?

Will she plead that I do it quickly?

The possibilities will be endless when I finally get my hands on Zen.

Zen…

She was once a great ally to my people at least until she got them killed.

Genocide, her and those moral less Jedi committed genocide to my people and I need to make sure they pay. She’s the final one and I just know, she knows I’m coming for her. Especially when the word went around on how her partner’s body was discovered.

I’ll never forget how his eyes had ballooned in his skull after I cracked his head open. I can almost picture his head hitting the concrete over and over and over. His brain matter was all over my hands, staining my nails with his blood.

If I close my eyes tonight will his ghost haunt me?

Will his soul ask me why I took him from his lover so soon?

I blink and I’m no longer in that glorious gruesome memory.

I turn and Qimir is standing close to me, almost making me flinch. “Excuse you.” I snap at him. He looks me up and down and cocks his head to the side.

“I’m sorry, it’s just…you remind me of someone I once knew. The resemblance is just uncanny. You look…exactly like her.” He whispers softly as he takes in my entire appearance.

Instead of stepping back, his scent makes my stomach grumble which makes me flick my split tongue against my inner cheek.

“Trust me Qi, if you knew me…you wouldn’t be standing so close.” I say to him letting my split tongue slither past my full lips. I notice his eyes darken from my movement for a split second.

“Why is that? I find you quite the interesting creature.” He says as he reaches out to touch my coiled curl. I jerk my head back not from his attempt to touch me, but from his scent.

I want to split my jaw open and take a chunk out of him. His scent had changed somehow. He smells like spiced sweet fruit.

I see a smirk on his lips and I want to bite him. I want to bite his flesh and rip i-

“Excuse me?” We break eye contact and I see a woman, she looks exactly like the woman I had passed when I came in here but her hair…it’s short. And she smells… sour.

I grow bored with her and move away from Qimir. But as I move away he grabs my wrist. I look down at his hand and then at him. “Don’t go anywhere. I’d like to finish this.” He lets my hand go and he moved away from me swiftly.

I narrow my eyes at his back as he talks to the woman. As I glance at her with boredom I can smell that she’s anxious? Scared?

Oh, maybe I can have some fun with her after all.

As Qimir talks to her, which tells me something is going on, I run my hand along the counter and ‘accidentally’ bump into her, causing her things to clatter to the floor.

“Oh I’m so sorry, Miss. Do forgive me I am not myself.” We lock eyes and in that moment, she’s frozen in place. Her pupils dilate. I can hear her pulse quicken. “I..it’s okay.” She stutters as I hand her her things.

“You are so pretty.” I say as I take in her whole face. I see her blink a few times and I study her presence.

She’s nervous, hmm her body is smart to be nervous, but is her brain?

“Oh! I’m sorry, I give compliments before I even give my name. I’m Akasha. And you are?” I see the apple of her cheeks deepen in color after I compliment her.

“I’m-” She looks away from me and at Qimir but I clear my throat and she looks back at me, trapped in my spell. “I’m Osha.” She whispers with a small smile. “Such a pretty name. I don’t mean to over step, but would you like some company on your travels?” Before she answers me, Qimir clears his throat.

I cut my eyes at him and he’s staring at me, in a way that makes me want to challenge him. “I thought you wanted your things in a hurry, Akasha.” He says my name as if he’s accusing me of something .

“Suddenly I am in no rush, especially when it comes to making new friends.” I stand as well as Osha and I step towards her. Inhaling her fear.

Her scent is starting to ripen, oh I need to sink my teeth into her, before she spoils. Before she-

“Mae, if you don’t mind. I’m just handling this customer and then I can get back to you.”

Mae?

I look back at the woman and she looks down at her fingers, fidgeting with them.

“Okay, Qimir.” She says with hesitation in her voice. She looks at me and I wink at her. “So, pretty one, might I ask, what brings you to an apothecary?” I ask as I lean against the counter, looking her up and down.

I wonder how her teeth taste.

“I’m just here to thank Qimir for the item he gave me. It helped me greatly.” I listen to her pulse and it quickens.

Oh you little liar.

Now I’m excited to know why she’s lying so much.

“You’re welcome. I hope I can help anyway I can to help you please your Master.” Qimir says as I feel him behind me. I look back and he was leaning forward, playing with one of my curls.

How did I not notice him this close to me?

I flick my hair from his touch and he sniffs his finger tips.

Did he just sniff his fingers?

“Akasha, since you’re making friends, how about being my friend?” Qimir asks as he stares me deep into my eyes.

Hmmm…

“I like being friends with girls, Qimir. They’re are nice and sweet….” I look at his lips and I can imagine biting them.

“But with boys? I tend to be a bit too rough with them. And you?” I look him over his slim athletic build. “You look like you break easily.”

I see him lick his bottom lip and I swear I hear a slight groan in his throat. He then lowers his voice so only I can hear.

“You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, Akasha. I tend to play rough with my things. Sometimes they break and sometimes they…turn to ash in my clutch.”

Excitement licks my veins as I inhale his scent.

Mmm it’s mixed with sweet, spice and arousal.

“Sounds like a threat, and a fun time. Maybe…” I lean in close to his ear, as he leans in to hear me. “…I can teach you how to play with your toys nicely by making you my new toy. Would you like that, Qi?” I flick my tongue against his ear and I hear a deep groan vibrate from his chest.

He’s about to answer me but Osha/Mae clears her throat and I feel both Qi and myself glare at her.

I look away and take a deep breath. “How about you talk to her and I’ll be back for my things. I have something to grab on that list that I know you don’t have here.” Before he can stop me I leave the shop and place my hood back upon my head.

••••

“I need Daroon moss for my special powder. Maybe if I’m lucky I can find some on the outer banks of this place.” I mutter as I continue to walk further into a crowd but my muscles tense as I feel I’m being followed.

Who would be stupid enough to follow me?

I decide to cut the chase short and duck further into the crowd.

They continue to follow me and that’s when I notice his scent.

The sweet spicy arousal.

I slip into an alleyway and I stand there counting as his scent get closer. That smell. If I were an addict, I would beg for a hit of that scent on a daily.

As soon as he is in arms reach I snatch him in close then push him to the ground. I then quickly take my boot and press it firmly against his throat.

“I don’t know about your other customers but I don’t like to be followed around stores or crowds.” I press down with a bit more pressure, just so he can answer me.

He winces in pain. “S….sorry. But I did…tell you I wanted…to finish this.” I go to step down harder but he grabs my ankle and twists, causing me to lose my footing.

He then pins me under him and I feel his full weight on top of me. “Get off of me.” I hiss. “Not until we finish this, conversation.”

“This conversation is over!“ I scream at him. He looks deep into my eyes and he gives me a wicked grin. “I’m sorry, but you seem to still think you have control of this situation. When clearly I’m the one on top. But I’ll be nice. The conversation will end after I tell you this…I’ve decided that I want you to be my new toy. And when I want something I take it.” I see a flash of something wild in his eyes as I feel his hands go for my throat.

His strength takes me by surprise as he starts cutting off my air supply. “Let…me…go!” I scream knowing it’ll cause at least someone to come find out why I’m screaming.

But…

No one comes.

Not even a curious onlooker.

He squeezes tighter and I try my best to fight him off. But it’s like an animal is wearing his skin and attacking me. I can feel him clearly aroused as he chokes me out on the ground.

Wait no, it can’t end this way.

I can’t die this way underneath this sick son of a bitch.

My vision starts to blacken around the corners. Qimir slowly starts to fog up into darkness, and just when I’m about to pass out, I hear him say these haunting words to me.

“You’re exactly what I’ve been looking for, Akasha, why would I ever let you go?”

•••••

I jerk awake and cough to clear my throat. I go to move except my body is tied up. But in a way that makes me look spread out like some attraction.

I glance around and see I’m somewhere unknown. And I’m completely naked. The panic starts to set in but it stops as soon as I smell his scent.

“QIMIR!” I scream his name as my eyes try to look for him. “I know you’re near! I can smell you! Show yourself!” I scream, in hopes that someone will hear me.

Someone did…

He did…

“I see you’re awake. Good.” Qimir says with a soft smile on his face. “What the fuck is going on! Where am I? Why and I here!” I shout at him, ignoring the cutting sensation from the ropes.

He pulls up a chair and sits down right in front of me. He stares at me as if I didn’t just ask him a barrage of questions. “You know you are a heavy sleeper. It was like I was dragging a dead body in here. Oh! This is my place by the way. It’s on a remote island so no one can disturb us.” He smiles big as if kidnapping me was something to be proud of.

“Why am I here?” I spat at him. Qimir looks at me as if I’m a piece of art to be gawked at. The way the ropes bite into my skin, I know they’ll leave marks and burns.

“Isn’t it obvious? You’re here because I want you here.” He brushes his thumb against his bottom lip and continues to stare…study me. I begin to feel uncomfortable under his gaze.

“Why am I tied up like this? I’m not some prized piece of meat!” He leans forward and strokes his hand against the fatty flesh of my thigh. “Because you look pretty….You are a female Venus Fly. Rare even when your people were alive and thriving. What was the ratio? For every fifteen boys, only three girls would be born. And I do like to collect rare things. But you? You, Akasha not only are you rare but you’re deadly. I have great use for you.”

I give him a bewildered look. “You’re fucking craz-” He gets up knocking the chair over and he had his hand gripping my jaw. “Don’t call me that, I’m not crazy. I see we have to start some lessons on teaching you how to have manners and respect for others.”

“GET OFF OF ME YOU BASTARD!” I scream at him, but all he does is smile. “You know now you’re screaming and yelling but soon you’ll worship me like a God. And I’ll be sure to reward you.” He takes his other hand and he trails his three fingers down my bare flesh, slowly getting closer to my exposed pussy.

“Stop.” I say as I feel him near my pubic hairs. “Do you know how much restraint I had to have, tying you up like this? The temptation I had to open this pretty little thing and slide anything it in just to watch your reaction?” He parts my wet lips and I feel my clit spasm.

“You wanted to sodomize me? You’re no better than-“ He makes me eat my words when he slides his middle finger inside of me while he uses his other two fingers to rub my lips.

My body responds to his touch which makes me angry. “S…stop.” I stutter to him. He leans in close to my ear. “Your lips are telling me to stop but these sets of lips seem to be telling me another story. As a matter of fact, how about her and I get better acquainted.”

Qimir slides his finger out of me and my pussy misses the violation. I see him get on his knees for me and he looks up at me, as if I’m a deity of some sort and he’s is there to worship.

I watch him lean in close to inhale my sex and I want to shrink back from him but in my attempts the ropes dig deeper into my skin.

“You smell so sweet, I wonder if the taste is the same.” He leans in and I feel his tongue flicking across my clit.

I clamp my lips shut to keep from moaning but he makes it a challenge as he grips my roped hips and buries his face deep into my pussy.

My eyes roll back as I feel his tongue twirl and flick across my clit. He presses his tongue flat against my pussy and my body tries to rock to find more friction.

“Careful, one false move and you could cause more rope burn, Akasha. But you like a little pain and pleasure don’t you?” Qimir asks as he opens my lips wider and slides his tongue deep inside of me.

This time I let the moan slip out. I feel him smiling against my sex and I don’t care. I need a release. I need to use his face.

“P…please.” I moan out as I look down at him, eating me out. He shakes his head and now he’s only using the tip of his tongue. “If…you…want something…then…say…Master.” He says lazily twirling his tongue.

“Please Master.” I whine. “I need to come.” He gives a deep guttural chuckle. “Look at you, moaning like a bitch in heat. I won’t forgive you for calling me crazy. But I’m not that cruel of a master.” He gives a hard suck to my clit causing me to groan and then he gets up off of his knees.

I was breathing heavy as I watch him grab something from his table.

A light saber.

My body tenses from the memories in my past of how much damage something like that can cause.

He lights it and the hue is blood red. He brings it close to me and I fight the urge to flinch. The heat from the saber could melt even the finest hairs on a person or animals skin.

“Don’t worry, my little flower. I’ll never use this part on you…just this part.” He turns the saber off and flips it so the handle it near me.

“Tell me, will you let me be your master? Will you let me teach you how to be the perfect predator?” As he asks me, I feel him rub the handle of the saber against my swollen clit and I shudder as I stupidly nod.

I don’t say a word from the fear and in his eyes I can tell he knows I’m afraid of the saber. “Akasha…you had a lot to say earlier. Why aren’t you being so colorful with your words now?” He slides the handle in slowly causing my eyes to roll back but my body stiffens again.

“Does this scare you? Does this give you pleasure?” He strokes the handle against my entrance and I let a nod go. “Pl-”

“Ah, what do you say?”

“Master…please. Don’t do that.” I moan out as he slides the handle in slowly. “Don’t do what? Slide the handle of my saber inside of the needy plump pussy? You don’t want me to make you feel good?” He whispers against my ear as his hand finds my throat.

The fear I have gets clouded when starts to slowly fuck me with the saber. I feel the build up in my lower stomach as I moan.

“See? Your body likes to feel good. It likes when I do this, but imagine how it’s going to feel when I use the real thing. When my cock is penetrating deep into your walls.”

He goes faster and my moans become more lose my from lips. My thighs burn from the rope and from the tension I have in them.

You can hear the wet noises coming from my soaking wet slit and I don’t care. I want a release.

“You’re taking it so well, my little flower. I bet you want to come don’t you?” I nod quickly as he slows down the pace. I try to buck my hips but I can’t from my restricting position. He raises a brow at me then. “Yes! Yes I do Master. Please!” I beg and plead.

He loosens his grip on my throat and he fucks me harder with the saber making my climax about to hit the tipping point.

“I’m gonna come.” I breathe out as I feel the anticipated tingle. But he stops, he yanks the saber out and tosses it across the room and I give out a shriek of frustration.

“Now would a crazy person deny a creature such as yourself the pleasure of coming? Don’t answer that, you might tell me the wrong answer and piss me off-” He grabs me by my tangled curls and yanks my head back, causing the rope around my shoulders and shoulder blades to tighten.

“You belong to me now, Akasha. Your pleasure, your pain, your very existence is mine. And when I see fit to let you come, it will be on my cock, my mouth, or my fingers. Do you understand? You can speak.” He orders as he looks me in my eyes.

“Yes.” I say through clenched teeth. “Yes what?” He asks with a raised brow. “Yes master…”

“Good girl.” He lets me go and kisses my temple. “Get some rest, we have some training to do tomorrow.” He lets me go and simply walks away, leaving me strung up like some prize that’s been won.

The very second I get the chance, I’m going to kill Qimir. I should’ve known that his scent would lead me to the devils playpen…

[everythingfan589]

A Work In Progress

Chapter 26: The Jedi and The Mandalorian

Warnings: Canon-typical violence and death

Word Count: 8.1k

Masterlist

You love your big beautiful brain.

The moment you heard the last click you knew you had done it. The saber you had been working on for so many weeks was finally complete. Ahsoka was right about breaking it down to the smallest parts一thinking about the hilt in your hand like the engine on the Razor Crest.

Din had given you one of his older, smaller blasters to disassemble for parts. The scraps you had taken from Peli were not quite strong enough to hold the power of the crystal inside. The blaster metal was intended to contain heat and with an extra couple steps, you made it work.

The hilt was not pretty by any stretch. It was a combination of various colours and material composites一durasteel in some areas and guerrerite in others. You wrapped the middle in a band of brown leather ripped from your jacket for a better grip.

To you, it was perfect. Where it lacked in aesthetic charm it made up for in functionality.

You ignore the stinging ripple in your legs as you hit the metal floor of the ship you were hijacking. Din had jumped just before you and already had the pilots with their hands up一blaster pointed at them with intimidating calmness.

Your attention was far from the pilots���it was locked on the doctor.

“Before you make a mistake, this is Dr. Pershing.” The pilot says, putting a hand on the doctor's shoulder and stepping behind him like a human shield.

“We’ve met,” Din states plainly, blaster still trained on his chest, unconcerned. “Is the kid alive?”

“Yes. He’s on the cruiser.” Pershing stutters, tremble evident in his voice as his eyes lock on the end of the blaster.

You’re standing behind Din with your hood up. Watching them as they anxiously scale the Mandalorian in front of them. You’re not convinced they even noticed you standing behind the presence of the famed bounty hunter.

“Look, I’m not with him, we can work something一” The co-pilot starts, but just as soon as he does, the pilot grabs his own blaster and shoots him in the head. He grabs the doctor and points the blaster at his head. A desperate attempt from a desperate man.

“I wouldn’t do that,” Din warns, and while to the pilot it sounds like a taunt, it was genuinely a warning.

“You listen to me. This is a top-tier target of the New Republ一” His face suddenly drops. His eyes flick from rage to panic. The words are taken from his mouth as he suddenly begins to choke. He looks confused and petrified as his eyes glide over to where your hand is outstretched.

The pilot drops his blaster, pushes the doctor away and grabs his throat. Clawing away at fingers that aren’t there. Desperately pleading with his eyes to be released from your grasp. You don’t waver. You hold him there as the colour begins to drain from his face.

Din turns his head just slightly in your direction. Waiting for your next move when the pilot finally drops. He’s not dead. Just passed out from lack of oxygen.

You step over him to the doctor huddled against the wall of the ship, eyes wide, staring at the unconscious and dead pilots on the ground.

“Y-You’re a… you just一”

The dark cockpit lights up in flickering blue light.

“You’re coming with us.” You say as your stable, but pulsing saber flickers just below his throat.

Silence settles over the rocking hull like a vice.

The dim glow of the overhead lights flicker with each shift of the ship, casting long, unsteady shadows across the cold durasteel floor. You lean on the wall by the cockpit ladder rigid, arms crossed, gaze fixed on the opposite wall, unwilling to so much as look at the doctor at the end of the hull.

His hands bound, his posture tense, but it wasn’t just fear that kept him quiet. He was watching you—studying you with a scientist’s curiosity, eyes flicking over every twitch of your fingers, every breath you took.

It made your skin crawl. The way he viewed you like a subject to be studied—the same way he studied Grogu. The reason he is out of your grasp in the first place. Your hands itch for the saber at the back of your belt, encased in a barrel-shaped leather pouch. Instead, you clench them into fists, the bite of your nails into your palms the only thing keeping you still.

Cara shifts across from you, the scrape of her boot against the floor cutting through the thick silence. “You got a problem?” she snaps, her voice sharp with the same disgust curdling in your gut.

Pershing flinches, his wide-eyed gaze jerking away like a child caught where he shouldn’t be. “I-I apologize,” he stammers, licking his lips nervously. “I meant no offence.”

“Oh really, you seem to have a staring problem,” Cara takes a daunting step forward—her defence of you brings comfort, but not enough to ignore the rage deep in your stomach towards the doctor.

His hands, cuffed in front of him, rise to push his glasses farther up his nose, “Forgive me, but coming across someone with a connection to the force has become all too rare.”

“Might have something to do with you butchering all of them.” You finally speak up, his words offending you too much to stay silent.

“A path I had no part in and disagree with immensely.” He raises his hand in defense but you don’t care.

“And yet you had no issue experimenting on a child,” You seethe, pushing away from the ladder, hands still clenched into fists. “No issue keeping him locked up like some lab specimen.”

Pershing pales, shaking his head quickly. “I did what I had to do to keep him alive.”

You scoff, disbelief curdling into something sharper. “Alive? You tore him from the only family he has, kept him in chains, let monsters use him however they saw fit. That’s not survival—that’s suffering.”

The doctor swallowed, “You have to understand—what we are studying, what his blood could do—it could change everything. If I had access to your blood instead, to a fully developed sample, the child would be unnecessary. No more need to take from him.”

Your breath turns to ice in your lungs.

“My blood?” You scoff. “You expect me to give you my blood after everything you’ve done—your empire has done?”

Pershing hesitates, then nods as if genuinely convinced. “Yes. If you—”

Your hand twitches as if about to grab your saber but you remain composed.

“You’re delusional.” You practically spit before grabbing the ladder and pulling yourself up to the cockpit. Cara can deal with him from here.

The cantina hums with low voices, a steady undercurrent of murmured conversations and quiet negotiations. The clink of beskar against stone contrasts the occasional burst of laughter and the scrape of chairs dragging across the floor.

The air is thick with the scent of spiced liquor and cheap cigarra smoke, the haze curling in lazy tendrils toward the dim overhead lights. In the far corner, a group of armoured mercenaries huddle over a table, helmets resting beside half-empty cups, voices low and unreadable.

Bo-Katan Kryze sits among them, the sharp blue of her armour standing out even in the dim light. She turns away from her meal as you and Din approach, the ghost of an amused smirk tugs at her lips. “I figured if I ever saw you again, it would be fighting alongside your own kind.” Her voice is smooth, edged with curiosity and challenge in equal measure.

“I found what I was looking for,” you answer simply. “Thanks to you.”

Bo-Katan tilts her head slightly. “And yet, you came back?”

“We need your help,” Din cuts in, his tone leaving no room for pleasantries.

Bo-Katan exhales through her nose, leaning back in her seat. “Not all Mandalorians are bounty hunters. Some of us serve a higher purpose.” There’s a flicker of something in her gaze—pride, perhaps, or a warning.

Your fingers tighten at your sides, nails digging into your palms becoming an anxious tick. “They took the Child.”

That gets her attention. She straightens slightly, eyes narrowing. “Who?”

“Moff Gideon.”

Her expression hardens. The name alone is enough to shift the air around the table. Bo-Katan shakes her head, turning away as if dismissing the thought altogether. “You’ll never find him.”

Din takes a step forward, his voice firm. “We already did.”

That catches her interest. The subtle shift in her demeanour is almost imperceptible, but you see it—the way her shoulders stiffen, the way her eyes sharpen.

“We have the coordinates to Gideon’s light cruiser,” Din continues.

Bo-Katan exhales slowly, considering. “You can bring me to him?”

“A light cruiser could be helpful in your effort to regain Mandalore,” Din concludes and you watch as the fire in her eyes burns just a little brighter.

A pause stretches between you, tense but full of possibility. Then, finally, Bo-Katan nods. “We will help you. In exchange, we will keep that ship and retake Mandalore—I would have you reconsider joining our efforts.” Her firm gaze then shifts from Din to you—eyes gleaming with ambition. “You would be welcome to our cause. A Jedi would be invaluable.”

You consider her for a moment before holding firm. “Rescuing the child is our priority. Once he is safe we can talk.”

Bo-Katan holds your gaze for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then, with a slow nod, she leans forward, resting her forearms on the table. “Fair enough,” she concedes.

Across from her, Koska Reeves watches you carefully, fingers tapping idly against the rim of her cup. “Gideon won’t give up the kid without a fight,” she says, her voice low but certain. “And his ship is well-guarded. How many are in your crew?”

“Not enough,” Din admits. His voice is rougher now, a quiet frustration simmering beneath the words. “But we’ve taken on worse odds.”

A trace of a smirk plays at Reeve’s lips, but Bo-Katan remains serious. “Do you have a plan?”

“We board the cruiser, secure the bridge, and take out any defences standing between us and the child,” you say, arms crossing as you lay it out plainly. “Gideon won’t expect an attack this direct.”

“He’ll expect something,” Reeves interjects, eyes flicking over to Bo-Katan. “If they have the coordinates, he’ll know we’re coming.”

Bo-Katan nods. “Then we strike fast. Before he has time to react.” Her gaze flickers to Din as she stands. “One more thing… Gideon has a weapon that once belonged to me. It is an ancient weapon that can cut through anything.”

“Almost anything,” Reeves smirks from behind her.

“It cannot cut through pure beskar. I will kill the Moff and retake what is rightfully mine.” Bo-Katan steps forward, staring Din down through his visor. “With the Darksaber restored to me, Mandalore will finally be within reach.”

“Help us rescue our child and you can have whatever you want. He is my only priority.” Din says earnestly, no weapon or valour worth more than the child taken away.

Bo-Katan nods in understanding before looking between the two of you, “you said you have Gideon’s location. How soon can we move?”

Din doesn’t hesitate. “Now.”

The weight of the word settles over the table, the finality of it sinking into the space between you. There is no room for delay, no time for second-guessing. Grogu is out there, alone, and every moment wasted is a moment too long.

“Then let’s get to work.”

The cockpit of the Razor Crest buzzes with quiet tension, lit only by the holoprojection that flickers in blue between everyone. You stand just behind the pilot’s seat, arms crossed, eyes on the holoprojection cruiser.

“This is Moff Gideon’s Imperial light cruiser,” Bo-Katan says, gesturing to the outline of the ship displayed above the console. “In the old days, it would carry a crew of several hundred. Now it operates with a tiny fraction of that.”

Her voice is calm but clipped—military, sharp.

“That assessment is misleading,” Dr. Pershing cuts in from the side, his hands still bound, his tone careful.

“Oh, great. An objective opinion,” Cara mutters, arms folded as she leans against the wall near the hatch, eyes narrowing with skepticism.

“This isn’t subterfuge,” Pershing replies quickly, glancing around as though expecting someone to cut him off again. “I assure you.”

“Let him speak,” Bo says, her tone brooking no argument.

“There’s a garrison of Dark Troopers on board,” Pershing continues, nodding toward the hologram. “They are the ones that abducted the Child.”

Your jaw tightens. The memory of cold, black metal and crushing strength flashes across your mind.

“Those things are not troopers,” you say quietly, but the edge in your voice is sharp. “They were droids. But stronger than any droid I’ve ever faced. It took everything I had just to destroy one.”

“These are third-generation designs,” Pershing explains, voice lowering as he leans toward the projection. “They are no longer suits. The human inside was the final weakness to be solved.”

A ripple of discomfort passes through the room.

“Where are they bivouacked?” Reeves asks from behind Bo, arms at her sides, expression unreadable.

“They’re held in cold storage in this cargo bay,” Pershing answers, highlighting the section on the cruiser layout. “They draw too much power to be kept at ready.”

“How long to power up?”

“A few minutes, perhaps.”

Din’s voice cuts through the hum of the engines. “Where is the child being held?”

Pershing’s finger shifts, selecting a smaller chamber near the center of the ship. “He is being held here. Under armed guard. He will not be easy to reach. All manpower on the cruiser is ordered to protect him.”

“Unless they have another reason for manpower,” you murmur, thinking aloud. The gears in your head are already turning, faster and faster.

Cara glances over. “What do you suggest?”

You take a breath, steadying the nerves coiling in your stomach. “The doctor said it himself. I’m the bigger target. If I come in hot, they’ll be forced to divert troopers away from him.”

“No.” Din’s voice is hard, immediate.

“I’m serious,” you press, stepping closer. “If I act as a distraction, you can—”

“No.” Stronger this time, firm enough to shake the walls between you.

“It’s a good plan,” Cara says, looking between you and Din with a shrug.

“It’s a horrible plan,” Din snaps. His helmet turns toward you. “I’m not taking that risk.”

“You wouldn’t be taking the risk,” you reply, voice steady but low, your gaze locked on his visor. “I would be exposing myself but it gives you the opportunity to get our kid. That’s all that matters.”

His fists clench at his sides. “I’m not letting you go in alone again.”

“She won’t be.” Bo-Katan’s voice slices through the rising tension. She nods at the schematic. “We hit the launch tube with her. That’ll draw attention. You go for the kid while they’re focused on us.”

You nod, heart pounding but resolute. “It’s a good plan,” you say, softer now, hoping he’ll hear the truth in it.

Din is silent, the weight of your words pressing on him like gravity.

Bo’s voice cuts through again—firm, decisive. “It’s the only plan.”

The stolen Imperial shuttle carrying Bo-Katan, Reeves, Cara, and yourself lurches into the docking bay of Moff Gideon’s cruiser, its exterior scorched and stinking of fuel. Metal clamps seize the hull with a mechanical clang, locking the vessel into place.

The bay is vast, lit with clinical white overheads and lined with rows of stacked crates and refuelling gear. Stormtroopers turn at the commotion—some raising weapons, others already barking into comms.

You stand at the back of the shuttle waiting for the ramp to drop. Cloak covering the entirety of your body, hood up over your head casting a shadow over your eyes. Fists in tight balls at your side, one firmly gripping the hilt of your saber. The shuttle’s ramp hisses open.

Your boots slap against the durasteel deck. The second your feet touch cruiser, you draw your saber, the pale ice-blue blade igniting in a sharp, clean snap-hiss. Its light cuts through the smoke of the hangar, casting flickering reflections on the white armour of the troopers now charging toward you.

Blaster fire erupts. A barrage of red bolts sear through the air, aimed squarely at your chest—but your saber spins in your hands, intercepting them with sharp, practiced movements. One bolt sizzles past your shoulder, scorching the skin of your upper arm with a hiss. You wince at the burn but don’t allow it to distract you. You pivot left and let the Force guide your step, sliding between two crates as the bolts light up the steel around you.

Bo-Katan and Reeves burst from behind you, jetpacks igniting in synchronized roars. They rise above the chaos, blasters trained, firing in controlled bursts. One trooper takes a shot to the neck and crumples. Another slams against a crate as Reeves drops into a slide, knocking his legs out before putting a bolt through his chest plate.

Cara is the last down the ramp, heavy repeater blaster slung across her chest, you know the moment it starts firing the troopers will have to call for more backup.

She fires in short, brutal bursts, mowing down a trio of troopers who had begun to flank your position. “Don’t stop moving!” she shouts over her fire, pivoting and dropping to cover behind a stack of fuel canisters. Her aim is ruthless—every shot deliberate, each one hitting center mass.

A squad rushes in from the east door. You raise your left hand and shove with the Force. The air around you shudders. The entire group flies backward in a heap, weapons clattering across the floor. Before they can regroup, you surge forward, saber cleaving through the last trooper still on his feet.

More troopers pour in. A klaxon wails overhead—short bursts of sound that rattle the walls and bounce off the cold durasteel floor. The troopers called for reinforcements—just like you wanted. You press forward, each movement deliberate, efficient. You duck under a shot, lunge forward, and slice a trooper’s blaster in half before spinning to knock him flat with your elbow. A backhanded swing drops the next one.

“Clear the bay!” Bo shouts over the noise. “Move now!”

Reeves rockets to the far wall and slaps a charge against a sealed entryway. The explosion rips the doors open in a burst of smoke and flame. You dash through the breach, saber leading the way.

The corridor beyond is narrow, dimly lit, and lined with flashing emergency panels. The lights pulse red now—alarms have gone full-scale. You barely break stride as another team of troopers appears ahead, raising rifles.

You leap.

Your boots hit the ceiling momentarily, your body twisting in a tight flip as you descend right into the middle of them. One trooper crumples before he sees your saber. The others spin around too late. You pivot, blade slicing low then high, dropping three in as many seconds.

Blaster bolts hammer the walls behind you. Bo and Reeves come in hard, laying down suppressive fire. A bolt skims your leg—you feel your flesh burn, but you ignore it. You grit your teeth and throw your hand forward again. This time, you pull.

Four troopers are yanked off their feet, skidding across the corridor and crashing into a wall panel in a shower of sparks.

Behind them, Cara barrels forward, slamming the butt of her blaster into a trooper's visor before riddling the last with point-blank fire.

“We’re close to the bridge!” Bo shouts, checking her ammo. “We need to draw more attention!”

You nod once and push ahead.

The bridge doors loom large, sealed tight, and reinforced with extra plating. You raise your hand, drawing a long breath, centering yourself in the Force. Metal groans under your will. You feel the strain through your bones, every bolt and gear resisting you.

Then—crack. The doors buckle and scream, then blow inward in a rush of smoke.

The bridge is full.

Two squads of elite troopers are already waiting, weapons up.

“Enough attention for you?” You mutter to Bo, to which her helmet tilts to the side in amusement.

The troopers begin to open fire—blasters scream with red fire the second you breach—but you’re already moving. You dive left, slide under a console, and return fire with a deflected red bolt that hits a trooper in the helmet.

Bo-Katan launches over your head, jetpack flaring, landing in the upper tier of the bridge. She lays down covering fire with practiced accuracy, her shots deliberate and deadly.

You spin out from cover and charge, saber flashing. You dodge a bolt, close the distance, and drive your saber through the chest plate of the nearest trooper. He drops. Another comes from your right—you counter with a clean diagonal cut. Sparks fly as your blade carves through armour.

Reeves flanks from the opposite side, blaster humming as she sprays the console row. A panel explodes, shrapnel taking out two troopers caught mid-run.

Cara stomps in behind you, tearing into the last line of defence. She grabs a trooper mid-tackle and throws him over the railing. Another gets a faceful of blaster fire before he can even turn. “Clear!” she roars as she boots the last rifle across the floor.

You and Bo meet in the center of the bridge. She drops the last trooper with a quick pulse shot to the visor. The air stills.

You breathe hard, sweat stinging your eyes, saber held low and crackling.

“Bridge is clear,” Reeves calls, kicking away a discarded rifle.

Bo moves to the controls. “Seal the blast doors. Lock down the entryways.”

You finally allow yourself a breath, the hum of your lightsaber ceasing as it disappears into the hilt. The ship may be in your hands—but your mind is already elsewhere.

“Now go,” Bo says, looking to you. “Go get your kid.”

And just like that, you turn and sprint out of the bridge and toward the detention level. You just hope it was enough to steer the guards away from Grogu.

Your boots hammer against the durasteel floor, every step echoing through the long, dim corridor of the cruiser. The flickering lights overhead paint the walls in a stuttering dance of shadow and steel. Light flashing over your face in a strobe—a symptom of causing so much commotion in the docking bay.

You keep your saber hilt clutched in one hand, thumb hovering near the ignition. The hallway stretches ahead in a grim blur, your breath loud in your ears beneath the hum of distant alarms and the rhythm of your pounding heart.

Then—you hear it.

A deep, mechanical thud. Followed by another. And another.

You freeze, ears straining. The noise grows louder, rhythmic, brutal—metal striking metal. You break into a sprint, weaving between the twisted remains of dead troopers and sparking wall panels. A mess left behind by Din—you bet. Sparks pop from the ceiling, casting momentary flares of light.

You round the corner—

And your stomach drops.

Up ahead, Din is pinned against the wall, a massive Dark Trooper towering over him. The droid’s vice grip is around his helmet, slamming his head into the wall again and again. The metal panel is already dented inward, sparks flying with every devastating blow. Din fights to break free, legs kicking, hands grasping for his blaster—but it’s knocked away, skittering across the floor—the droid is on fire which means he already exhausted his arsenal.

You don’t hesitate.

The saber snaps to life in your hand with a fwoom, bathing the hallway in the glow of cold, pale light. You sprint forward, angling your blade—

And slice clean through the trooper’s extended arm.

Sparks explode from the severed limb. The Dark Trooper staggers, turning its glowing red eyes on you now, its inflamed head cocked unnaturally as it calculates this new threat. It swings a metal fist toward your head, but you duck low, ready to drive the blade through its chest—

Before your saber lands, a spear pierces straight through the back of the trooper’s head.

The metal giant spasms, joints seizing, then collapses to the floor with an echoing clang. You whip around, breathing hard—Din is still standing but using the wall for support. The beskar spear abandoned inside the trooper as he stumbles back, chest heaving under the weight of the exertion.

“Din—” you breathe, rushing to his side, grabbing his arm. Your eyes rake over him for any sign of injury—eyes trailing up his chest, neck, chin—there's blood on his chin where his helmet sits slightly askew.

Quickly, so quickly, you grab his helmet and push it down, covering him before he notices. You pretend not to notice the tanned skin. You pretend not to notice the stubble you’ve felt against your own skin so many times that you’ve never been able to see—until just now.

“Are you okay?” You ask, holding his helmet in your hands as though that was your intention all along. He didn’t notice the exposure.

He leans his head back against the wall, catching his breath. “Yeah... yeah, I’m fine.”

You nod quickly, hands moving to rest briefly on his chest plate, grounding yourself. “Okay, okay, good.”

“Are you?” His hand lifts to your chin, holding your face up and turning it to the side, but his helmet moves down to your arm. “What happened?”

You had completely forgotten about your arm, glancing down to see angry flesh glaring at you. You instinctively move your hand to cover it, instantly regretting it as it screams with a stinging pain.

“It’s nothing a little bacta won’t fix.”

“I don’t like you getting hurt.” He says earnestly, pushing off the wall to glare down at you.

“And you think I like seeing you hurt? It comes with the job. You’ve said it yourself, occupational haz—”

“My occupation. My hazard.” He quips at you, causing you to shrug.

“If I remember correctly, this whole thing started because you hired me. So, it kinda is our occupational hazard.” The exchange pulled you from reality for just a moment. The first moment since you lost the kid that you’ve managed to almost smile. Almost.

“You secured the bridge?” Din asks in concern.

“We secured the bridge, but Gideon wasn’t there.”

Din’s jaw tightens beneath the helmet, the weight of what that means heavy in his silence.

“We need to find him,” you say, voice low and urgent, reality setting back in, burning more than the skin on your arm.

He nods once, gripping the end of the spear still buried in the trooper and yanking it free.

You and Din stalk through the corridor, breath tight in your throat. The heat from your lightsaber still radiates in your hand. Din moves just ahead of you, spear held tight in his grip. Steps silent despite the weight of his armour.

Then suddenly—two stormtroopers round the corner and you both jump to action. As you cut through one and Din blasts the other in the chest, you round the corner to see a squadron of troopers turning to meet you with open fire.

Your saber flashes, spinning upward to deflect the bolts. Din charges straight through, using the spear like a battering ram—he drives it through one trooper’s chest plate with brutal precision.

You slide low across the floor, blade angled upward. One clean swipe and two troopers collapse with smoking injuries.

More come at you. Four—five—maybe six.

You plant yourself at Din’s back as they surround you, back to back. A Jedi and a Mandalorian.

He moves with that deadly calm, all instinct and power. The beskar spear slashes through one helmet, then another. You catch a trooper trying to flank him and slam your saber through his gut, twisting the hilt upwards to yank it free—splitting him in half from belly up. It’s violent and fast.

The last trooper charges at Din, yelling beneath his helmet. Din doesn’t flinch. He steps in close, catches the man’s blaster arm, and twists it with bone-snapping force. The trooper struggles—but Din shifts his grip on the spear, spins it, and drives the shaft across the trooper’s throat. Sliding behind him within a fraction of a second and pulling hard. The trooper’s boots kick uselessly as his body is hoisted off the ground.

Your breath catches. He’s holding the full weight of another man off the floor, legs not even locked. You’re frozen for just a second, watching the sheer strength in him, the exactness of it. Brutal and controlled.

The body goes limp as he jerks the spear—snapping his neck.

Din releases him and he crumples to the ground. He steps back, catching his breath as though it were nothing, securing the spear back on his spine. You don’t say anything, but he glances at you. You’re not sure what emotion he reads on your face. You’re not sure what you’re feeling—you’re not scared or disgusted. Something about that feels wrong.

Without a word, you turn away, stepping toward the cell door.

Your saber hisses back to life.

You drive the blade into the locking panel. Sparks explode from the frame as the mechanism gives, metal hissing and curling. You kick the door open.

You barely have time to register the scene before you, but your heart drops to the cold floor.

The first thing you see is Moff Gideon, standing, holding an ignited saber—only it’s not a lightsaber. It’s dark and flat. Glowing unnaturally. This must be the Darksaber Bo-Katan told you about.

The sound of a thrilled squeal pulls your eyes down and your heart leaps back up into your throat.

Your baby.

Grogu sits in small shackles, looking between you and Din with a trill, wriggling against his restraints with joy.

Instinct wants you to smile back at him but your eyes are trained on the Darksaber humming just inches above his perfect little head.

The Darksaber hums menacingly. Nobody moves. And Moff Gideon smiles.

“This is the part where you drop your weapons,” He looks between you two, eyes flicking down to the ignited saber in your hand. “Slowly.”

Din moves first. Lowering his blaster to the ground. You can’t seem to move.

“Do it,” Din mutters under his breath as he stands. You bite back every instinct as you allow the saber to disappear into the hilt. You crouch slowly, eyes never leaving Gideon as you place the hilt on the ground.

“Now kick it over to me.” He says as you stand. Din kicks the blaster and you have no choice but to kick the saber. You want to grab him with the Force and throw him against the opposed wall. Collapse his throat in on itself—but as much as you hate it—you don’t know what you’re up against. Each time you think you have Gideon figured out he throws something else at you. First the Darktroopers, now the Darksaber. You are not willing to gamble your kid's life.

Gideon notices your eyes on the saber and he moves it back and forth slowly.

“Mesmerizing, isn’t it? Used to belong to Bo-Katan.” He smirks. “Yes, I know you’re travelling with Bo-Katan. A friendly piece of advice, assume that I know everything. Like the fact that your wrist launcher has fired its one and only salvo. And that you, my dear, have come across a new and exciting gift.”

“Where is this going?” Din cuts him off, seething with anger at the man staring you down.

“The simple truth. All I wanted from this child was to study his blood.” The amusement leaves his face as his features harden. “This Child is extremely gifted and has been blessed with rare properties that have the potential to bring order back to the galaxy. He is the key—was—the key.”

“Was?” You question, not trusting a word out of the man's mouth.

“I watched you take the bridge. I must say you were quite impressive cutting down my men. Unfortunate, yes, but I have to say I enjoyed the spectacle.” Gideon continues, despite the calm tone you feel the tension in his firm hand. “You in mere months have accomplished more than this child in years. I’ll admit… I am impressed.”

“Then hand him over. If he has no more use to you.” You spit back but Gideon only chuckles.

“You see, my dear, that is not how negotiations work.” He smirks again. “I show you my leverage and you agree to my terms.”

“We don’t negotiate with you.” Din steps forward suddenly, Gideon’s eyes flashing over to him with interest. His blade lowers, inching closer to Grogu and you grab his arm, pulling him back.

“No, no, stop!” You hold your hand up at Gideon. “Just, stop.”

“My terms,” He says again, sterner this time. “You hand yourself over to me, and I allow your Mandalorian friends, and child, to leave this ship unharmed.”

Din’s arm hardens like steel under your grip. The air leaves your lungs as you inhale his words and feel them scrape down your throat like ice. Give yourself over. It’s everything in you not to look at Din—because you already know what he will say.

“Okay,” you say quietly.

“What?” Din growls instantly, stepping in front of you. “No, no—”

“We don’t have a choice.” You grab his arm and pull him back again, firmer this time. You tilt your chin toward Grogu, who stares back at you with those impossibly wide eyes, the shackles heavy around his wrists. His lip trembles. “Please.”

He looks at you—stiff and silent—and you can tell he wants to argue, to punch a wall, to do anything but stand down. But after a long beat, you step forward, and he doesn’t stop you. That’s all you need.

You turn to Gideon. “But you remove the blade first. You get nothing until that thing is away from him.”

Gideon pauses. His face ticks—somewhere between amusement and annoyance—but then, to your surprise, he obliges. “Fair enough.” He lifts the Darksaber from over Grogu and steps to the side. In response, the saber is now pointed at you, humming just above your ribcage.

With a flick of his hand, a small silver key lands on the ground in front of Grogu. His hand reaches back into his belt, this time pulling a set of cuffs, the same as the ones on Grogu, but larger. You can feel the Force dimming as he approaches with them. Suppressing cuffs.

You lift your wrists, but your jaw tightens. “You let them go unharmed,” you remind him.

He doesn't respond. He just snaps the cuffs over your wrists—tight and cold—and steps behind you, one hand still holding the ignited Darksaber.

“Of course,” He says, lifting the blade so it flickers just below your chin. “Those were the terms.”

“Din,” you say, voice steadier than you expected, “Take him. Now.”

Din hesitates. He doesn’t move. His visor is locked in on you. On your neck. Lit up and glowing from the reflection of the saber.

“Din,” You say, without seeing his eyes you know where he’s looking. At your voice he looks up at you, seeing your eyes open, pleading, trusting him.

You watch as nods once. He turns toward Grogu, walking slowly, carefully. Gideon follows each step with the tilt of his blade—you feel the hum of it close to your neck, not touching, but you can feel the heat—can hear it echoing in your ears.

Grogu wriggles, chirping excitedly now that Din is so close. You let yourself breathe—just once.

Din crouches, eye level with Grogu. For just a moment.

And then, all at once, he moves.

The beskar spear swings from his back in a blur, and with the power of a coiled spring, he lunges across the space.

You drop to the floor the second the blade swings over your shoulder.

The clang of metal against pure energy crashes through the room as spear meets saber. Gideon grunts, stumbling backward from the sheer force of the blow. Din presses forward, relentless.

You scramble to your feet, wrists still bound, heart in your throat. Then you're running—straight to Grogu. He squeals at the sight of you, reaching out with those tiny cuffed hands.

“I’ve got you,” you breathe, grabbing the key from the floor. You unlock his cuffs with shaking fingers. They hit the ground with a small clang, and Grogu immediately lifts his hands, placing them over your cuffs.

“Can you help me?” you ask softly. His ears twitch. Then his eyes narrow with concentration.

You feel it—the warm swell in the air, that electric pull as the Force thrums between your skin and his. The metal around your wrists groans, creaks—splinters—then bursts apart with a loud snap.

The cuffs fall.

You grab Grogu and hold him tight, hand cupping the back of his head, pressing your nose into the top of his bald little head and breathing in. Breathing life back into your lungs.

You pull away and look into his eyes. “You stay right here. Don’t move.”

Spear and saber clash behind you, over and over, fire and fury ricocheting through the room as you stand and turn toward the fight.

You lift your hand.

Gideon’s body jolts like a puppet on invisible strings. His feet lift from the floor. He gasps once, his eyes wide in shock, but no air makes it to his lungs—not with your grip closing around his throat. You’ve restricted movement across his entire body. He cannot fight. He can’t claw at his neck. His hand holding the Darksaber, still ignited in his hand, is locked in place.

Din pulls back instinctively, spear lowered now, his helmet turning slowly to you. He doesn't interrupt. He recognizes that look in your eyes.

You twitch your fingers. Gideon spins, midair, turning slowly until his eyes find yours and this time, they don’t gleam with arrogance. Or smugness. Or hatred.

They are wide. White-rimmed.

Fear.

You take a step forward, lifting your chin, one flick of your other hand and your lightsaber skitters across the ground, flying back to you like metal to a magnet. It ignites the moment you catch it. Eyes never leaving his.

“You tried to tear my family apart,” you say calmly as everything rushes back to you. This man. This man in a black cloak tried to rip the universe away from you. Everything.

He chokes again, trying to speak, but the Force crushes the words back down his throat.

And then—without warning—you drop him. He crumples to his knees with a clang, gasping, coughing, spitting on the floor like a man who just clawed his way out of drowning.

Din steps forward and pulls the Darksaber from his hand, disarming him as Gideon gains control of his body, released from your hold but too weak to fight, the blade slipping from his fingers without protest.

You move your saber under his chin—just as he did with his own only moments before. The irony of the moment might have made you smile in any other situation. The end of the saber hovers so close to his mouth he barely dares to swallow. He lifts his eyes to meet yours and you feel a crack in your chest.

His lip curls faintly, a pathetic echo of a smile. “What now?” he rasps.

Your face doesn’t move.

“Was it you?” you ask suddenly.

He blinks, caught off guard by the question. “What?”

You hesitate just a moment. One moment.

“Were you the one who killed my parents?” you repeat, voice flat. “Who lit fire to an innocent Sorgan village?”

Din takes a step forward, not interrupting, only prompted closer by your words. The air is thick with a tension that coils and tightens, humming in the silence.

Grogu is tucked in the shadows, wide eyes shimmering in the low light. But he doesn’t just watch—he feels it. The tremble in your voice beneath its steel. The current of grief and rage humming just beneath your skin. He senses the storm within you long before it breaks. His ears dip slightly, a physical echo of his distress, but he makes no sound. It’s not fear of Gideon that holds him still—it’s worry for you.

To him, you are the warmth he runs to in the dark. The one who sings to him when the stars are quiet. And now, something in you feels wrong. He can’t name it—but it vibrates through the Force like a fraying thread.

You’re standing tall. You look strong. But Grogu feels the weight in your chest. The tremble you’re hiding in your limbs. And so he waits. Watching. Wishing he could do more. Wishing you’d look back at him just once so he could let you know.

He’s here. And he knows this pain—because it’s his too.

Gideon stares at you. His expression shifts—just a flicker.

“Child...” he says, exhaling. “I don’t know who you are.”

There is no mockery in his voice. Just a man who knows the ending is already written in stone.

Your jaw flexes. You stare at him for a long time, reading him, letting the silence stretch. Then you take a step back. You lower your saber, the light vanishing into the metal with a hiss.

You don’t say a word. You look up at Din and nod once.

He raises his blaster in one smooth motion. No hesitation. The shot rings through the chamber. Sharp. Echoing.

Gideon slumps forward, head down, body lifeless. Silence returns.

The only sound is the soft hum of the ship and Grogu’s quiet coo as he toddles toward you, arms lifted. You drop to your knees and scoop him into your chest as he burrows into your shirt. You don’t realize how tightly you’re holding him until the warmth of another presence comes to your side. Din.

He kneels beside you silently, the weight of everything unspoken and heavy in the air. His armour creaks with the movement. His visor tilts down to Grogu, and for a moment he just… looks. Taking him in. Breathing.

Then, gently, his hand reaches forward. He touches Grogu’s head—fingers gliding softly over one of those long ears—and Grogu lifts his head to look at him, wide-eyed and smiling. A chirp escapes him, small and joyful.

Din’s shoulders drop. Just a little. Relief flooding through him.

You look up at him just as he reaches out and cups your cheek. The leather is warm, grounding. His thumb brushes over your skin as if making sure you’re really here.

“Never do that again,” he says, voice low, rough with everything he isn’t saying.

You press your hand over his, holding it against your face, your lips trembling. You nod once, unable to speak.

Grogu shifts between you, nestling close, his tiny hands gripping the front of both your shirts like he’s anchoring himself. Din pulls you both in, his arms circling around the two of you, your bodies drawn in tight. Your face tucks against his neck as he holds the both of you like he’ll never let go again.

No one speaks.

You just sit there—arms tangled, hearts pounding. There’s a peace in it. A stillness that makes everything else fade away.

Grogu sighs softly, finally calm, cradled between the two people he loves most. You press your lips to his forehead, then lean into Din’s hold, his hand still cupped at the nape of your neck. His chest rises and falls against you, his thumb dragging a slow, reverent circle against your skin. His other arm never loosens from around the both of you. And then—suddenly, like a dam bursting open—he speaks.

“Marry me.”

Your heart stops.

You pull back slightly to look up at him, stunned, your mouth parting but no words coming out. Your breath catches in your throat.

Din’s hand cups your cheek again, firm and grounding, and his voice is rough with conviction when he repeats, “Marry me. Right now.”

You blink, your chest rising with a sharp inhale. “What about—?”

“I don’t care,” His thumb dances across your cheek. “Mhi solus tome, mhi solus dar’tome,”

You stare at him, lips trembling. “What… what does that mean?”

“They’re vows,” he says softly. “Ancient ones in the language of my ancestors. We are one when together, we are one when parted.” His gaze never leaves you. “Mhi me'dinui an, mhi ba'juri verde—We will share all. We will raise warriors.”

Your eyes burn. You nod. You nod even though your voice has gone. Even though the moment is so much bigger than you can comprehend.

You clear your throat, voice trembling. “Say it again.”

He does. He speaks the vow slowly this time, each word deliberate. You take a deep breath.

“Mhi solus tome. Mhi solus dar’tome. Mhi me’dinui an. Mhi ba’juri verde.”

Your lips tremble as you repeat the words. And, with each word he falls in love with you all over again. Your voice wraps around his tongue, the language foreign and beautiful on your lips. And something in his eyes—behind the visor—shatters with it.

Din takes your hands, his touch careful, reverent. He carries them to the sides of his helmet. And for a second—just one—he pauses, breath held, hands over yours over beskar. You hold your breath too. And then you move.

Your fingers slide up the edges of the helmet, cold beskar smooth beneath your touch. Slowly, with trembling hands, you lift. The seal releases with a soft hiss.

And then—there he is.

Din Djarin.

Your heart stutters at the sight.

His face is flushed. A faint sheen of sweat and blood along his brow. His hair is dark and thick, curling gently where it’s grown out along the nape of his neck. There’s a scar high on his cheekbone, another cutting just beneath his lip. His nose—his beautiful nose—slightly crooked, healed from some old break. Stubble shadows his jaw, uneven and soft, and his eyes—

Stars.

His eyes are deep brown and raw. They blink at you like he can’t quite believe this is happening, that you’re here and seeing him. In some way, he’s seeing you for the first time too. The first time without the filter or scanner in his helmet blocking the way. The first time with more than a faint light across your features. The first time your eyes connect with nothing between them but air.

You notice the sudden anxiety in his eyes. Fear. Like maybe you’ll turn away. Like maybe, you won’t like what you see. But your hands lift instantly, cupping his face with awe. Your thumbs brush over his cheeks, into the soft stubble, and your voice—barely there—breaks the silence.

“You’re beautiful.”

Something in his face crumbles. His eyes close for a moment like he’s steadying himself.

And then you lean in. You kiss him.

It’s not your first kiss, but gods, it feels like it. There’s no more mask. No more hiding. No barrier between skin and breath and soul.

Your lips meet his with reverence—slow, aching. Like the whole galaxy has paused around you just to make space for this. Like you’re not on an Imperial cruiser but in the hull of the Razer Crest, encased in the safety of hyperspace. You’re favourite place in the world. Between worlds.

His hands slide to your back, one palm pressing between your shoulder blades as he deepens the kiss. He tastes like salt and iron. The warmth of him seeps into you, anchoring every piece that ever broke apart. He kisses you like it’s a promise. Like it’s forever.

Grogu lets out a loud, happy gurgle beneath you, and you both break away with quiet, breathless laughs. Din leans his forehead to yours, panting, smiling. And then the two of you glance down together.

Grogu stares up at Din, wonder bursting across his little face.

His mouth opens in wonder, those huge dark eyes sparkling with awe. Din chuckles—soft, low—and leans down toward him. “Hey, kid.”

Grogu chirps in disbelief and lifts both arms, touching Din’s cheek with those tiny, clawed hands like he’s making sure he’s real. You laugh with a slight sob, brushing away the tears from your cheeks, heart full to the brim.

Din looks back at you, something gentle and absolute in his eyes. His voice comes quiet, certain.

“Let’s go home.” And you understand.

He doesn’t mean the Razor Crest. Or Takodana. Or anywhere in the stars.

Home is right here.

You, him, and Grogu.

Together.

A clan of three.

[end of story]

[cookybananas]

Do I Know You? Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker x Reader {Part. II}

author's note: here is part two aka the final chapter to my alternate universe/timeline!au fic. I wasn't expecting to release this chapter so late, but here it is!

summary: Where Darth Vader is sent on a mission and finds himself traveling through another timeline and meets another version of you were you aren't dead. part I: Do I Know You? I

Obi-Wan took his saber off his belt and held it firmly in his grasp now. "Let's try this one more time. You will leave at once and return to where you once came." Obi-Wan stated.

Vader's demeanor shifted. The dark side influencing him to become more angry by the moment. He grew impatient at this, other Obi-Wan, standing in his way between his wife once again. With a hiss of his helmet, Vader's helmet was back on his head again. His vision now giving him the advantage to see in the dark penthouse.

"You will not take her away from me, again." Darth Vader's mechanical voice boomed as he lit his red lightsaber. "You will surrender her over to me alas."

"Oh I don't think so." Obi-Wan lit up his blue lightsaber as he got into his fighting position.

-

I stirred around in my bed. Something felt off, I could feel it in my stomach. My eyes shot opened at the faint sound of what sounded like lightsaber clashing.

Artoo had awaken from his rest state and beeped quietly at me, telling me that there was something or someone was here.

I stuck my hand under my pillow to pull out my handy blaster. I haven't needed to use it yet, but it was a precaution in situations like this. I got out the bed and cracked the door open ajar.

"Someone's here Artoo." I whispered to him, to which he quietly beeped in response.

I opened the door wider, only to see Obi-Wan's blue lightsaber clashing with a red lightsaber.

"There is no need to resist me." A deep, mechanical voice spoke. "Search your feelings Obi-Wan, only then you will know that I was once your appreintience, Anakin Skywalker."

I raise up my blaster, trying to find the person Obi-Wan was fighting, but it didn't help that it was dark and I couldn't tell who was who and what I would be aiming at specifically.

After moments of locking on the person Obi-Wan was fighting, I took a shot at what looked like his torso. A booming mechanical cry was heard, but that wasn't enough to take him down. In fact, it made him angrier. He used the force and threw Obi-Wan across the room and into the wall.

"Don't move! I'll shoot you again." I spoke up, my breath shaking. My other hand searching to find the light switch on the wall next to me. I turned on the lights only to be met face to face with the tall masked figure that was couple of feet from me. I pointed the blaster at his head, my hands shaking.

His breathing was mechanical. He sounded like a droid, but seemed human at the same time.

"Angel..." The tall figure said. My eyes widen, my blood ran cold as I froze in place. A nickname I haven't been called over year, a name I haven't been called since...Since Anakin's death. I gripped my blaster tighter, only for him to use the force and pull it out of my grasp and fling it across the room. I looked over to where Obi-Wan was on the ground unconscious.

-

Artoo rolled into the living space with a scream, attacking Vader's leg, only for him to be forced kicked across the room by Vader. This gave you time to run over to your blaster where Vader had flung it, but you couldn't move. That bastard was holding you in place with the force.

"Do not be afraid. I will not harm you." Vader spoke up, pulling you closer to him with the force. You were trying to wiggle out of his grasp, but it was no use.

"You will not harm me? Then release me this instant!" You exclaimed, still wiggling around the air, as he pulled you closer to him. You felt your feet touch the ground as he released his grasp from you. You were now standing face to face with Vader. "What is it that you want from me?" You brush out your silk nightgown as he stared at you in awe. You were slowly becoming uncomfortable under his gaze, but you wouldn't let yourself fold.

"Hello? Did you not hear me?" You asked again as you crossed your arms, your patience growing thinner.

"Apologies...I just." Vader mustered out, unable to find the words.

"You just what?"

You couldn't tell, but Vader was panicking under his suit. He didn't think this through, or what he would say to you if he faced you. You were very much alive, at least since the last time he saw you. Your e/c gleamed under the living room lights. Your locks of h/c hair were longer now, cascading down to your hips. Your lips were plump and rosy, just taunting Vader to smash his lips against yours.

Without thinking, Vader's hands had found his way up helmet once again. Hoping that this time you would give him a chance, unlike Obi-Wan who was a bit apprehensive and combative toward him. You watched in bewilderment as the person who was after you revealed himself as a humanoid man? But your shock didn't end there. Your eyes scanned all over Vader's face, analyzing it. You didn't know what to expect what this man would look like, but you weren't expecting him to look like this.

Vader's eyes were no longer yellow, but were his original cerulean colored eyes. You took a step closer to him as you cupped his face, your eyes meeting his. You couldn't believe it, you didn't want to believe it. His eyes were just like Anakin's, if not the exact same. Though Vader was now hairless and heavily scarred, he still resembled Anakin. In fact, there were still remnants of Anakin within Vader that he believed he had rid of years ago.

"I-it can't be..." You whispered out. It had been over a year since Anakin's death. There have been many nights where you dreamed of the life that both you and Anakin could have had after the war. How you would have left your position as senator, Anakin leaving the Jedi, just so you both could have a family somewhere in the star system. But every morning as you woke, it was a constant reminder that it was only a dream, and that every waking hour you were awake, it was a nightmare for you.

"Angel.." Anakin said softly, cupping your cheek. Your eyes were glossy now, tears slowly forming in the corner of your eyes.

You had dreams and hopes, hopes that one day both you and Anakin would find each other again. You couldn't care if Anakin had been reincarnated into a Wookie or some hideous creature, but as long as there were remnants of Anakin, you would be happy and content. Perhaps it had been the lament you had over the loss of Anakin or the loneliness you've endured the past year, you did everything and anything in your power to be with him once again.

Now, here he was, standing in front of you. Though he didn't look like the same Anakin you once knew and loved, but you had gut feeling that he was like Anakin at least.

"Ani...Is it really you?" You were desperate, desperately hoping that this was the Maker giving you another chance to have your happy ending with Anakin.

Anakin nodded in response as you wiped away a tear that fell from his eyes. You let out a sob has you threw yourself into his strong arms, to which he engulfed your small frame. He held onto you tightly, afraid that you would slip away from him.

You pulled away from Anakin, your eyes meeting his once again. Smiling up at him, you stood on your tippy toes, inching closer to his face as you closed the gap between yourselves. Your lips were soft against Anakin's slightly chapped lips. The kiss soon turned passionate as Anakin's pressed you harder against him, his hands roaming up and down your body, desperate to touch every single inch of you.

You let out a small moan, however your passionate session came to an end when you heard someone clearing their throat. Both you and Anakin pulled away, turning your heads at Obi-Wan who shifted uncomfortably in his spot, clutching his elbow that had been injured.

"How long was I out for?" Obi-Wan spoke up, trying to shift the awkward mood between the three of you.

"A good 15 minutes I'd say?" You responded, your cheeks now tinted pink as you looked up at Anakin, before looking back at Obi-Wan.

"Well, I'm gonna go get some rest. If you need me, I will be in my chambers." With that, Obi-Wan swiftly made his way out of the living area and into his room. You couldn't help but giggle, as Anakin let out a chuckle. Obi-Wan definitely had been watching the both of you make out for a good minute or so before intervening.

Anakin let out a hiss, forgetting the fact that you had shot him earlier with your blaster. You looked at him with concern.

"Oh darling... Let's get you patched up." You tell Anakin, your hand gently brushing against the wound. To which Anakin sucked in a breath.

"Could you patch me up in your bedroom love?" Anakin spoke up. You rolled your eyes at his comment, before hooking your arm around his and leading him to your quarters.

thank you for reading!!! <3

-

tags: @mistress-amidala

[slimybeth69]

Touch: Part 11

Chapter Summary: Din and yourself spend some time apart.

Series Rating: Explicit

warnings/tags: heavy angst, some self-deprecating speech (reader), cliffhanger, use of alcohol and being intoxicated, healthy but sad relationship talks, idiots in love, unreliable narration, moff gideon (peep the new header)

a/n: all mistakes are mine because I move too fast-- also thanks again to @immarocketman for letting me use some of their art for my header!! (reader finally knows what Mr. Djarin looks like). I still can 't believe how perfect if fits with the theme of my fic 🥹 and being lucky enough to use it <3)

Just one time it would be nice to wake up next to Din still asleep next to you. The ship is completely empty, not even R5 is here. It’s so quiet, eerily silent as you walk around, exploring rooms you’ve only ever looked at the door of. So many guns and other weapons you hadn’t ever seen before. You play with the darksaber for a while. 

You’re in the hull with more room to move around in. Okay. This is gonna be easy. You press the button with your left thumb and your whole left arm is propelled backwards but you hold on tight and force it back in front of you with a grunt. 

“Fuckin’ knock it off.” You growl at it, and for some reason, the propulsion lessens in the other direction and you’re able to wield it more easily. Not very easy, but easier. You left arm feels weird holding a saber. You don't normally hold anything in this hand unless your right one is helping. You do spin it around a couple times and take a couple slashes through the air with it though. It starts to fight you again like it did before. “Knock it the fuck off, my guy. ” You stare at it and instead of fighting you…it’s purring. “Oh…do you like that? You stupid swamp-rat?”

The handle of the grip starts to vibrate like it’s telling you yes. What the fuck? You turn it off and set it down on the floor. Nope. Not today. Maybe.

Okay, you pick it back up and turn it on and again, your left arm almost get ripped off. You just think about how much you hate the thing in your hand. It purrs again. “No fuckin’ way.” You whisper. “You really do gotta be mean to it.”  

With the lightsaber it was about respect and calmness. This was the opposite of a lightsaber so it’s about anger and chaos. It makes you laugh when your thoughts make the darksaber purr softly like it loves your bad thoughts and wants you to have more of them. You turn the saber off and put it back in the weapons room because you could have easily had more thoughts like that if you had held on to it. Kept working with it. It’s terrifying. 

Then a crazy idea comes to you. You run to the cockpit and press a button. 

With all the sun-shields down in the ship now, and no one can see in even if they try to, you look into your reflection in the helmet. You were told to wait but you don’t think you can. It’s too pretty, and you need to see what it’s like in there. You place it on top of your head as steadily as you can with one hand and then press it down slowly. It’s tight, you have to fight to get it down over your cheeks but once it’s on it fits like a glove. Din’s was way too big, you realize now. This is how a helmet should fit. You wish you could see yourself but it doesn’t matter. The heads-up display you’re looking into looks exactly like Din’s did. You can see fully almost completely around to the back of you. 

Din had explained how his helmet worked to you one night in the darkness of the ship. 

You press an unseen button on the left temple of the helmet and the HUD changes, “Infrared,” you whisper into the modulator. Hearing your own raspy voice through the static in your ears sends a shock through you. Now the display inside shows you an infrared picture of the inside of the ship. The only thing warm in the ship is where the engine is and that is only warm because it’s idling so the ship and you and Din and the child don’t freeze in the night. Din normally turns it off by now. You use your new helmet to go turn the engine off completely. 

Another tap of that hidden button and the screen goes black for a moment and then changes back to just the normal ship. You press the button on the dash now that shuts the engine of the ship off and sigh. 

You press the comms button and rasp his name but get no response. Shit.

Where is he? 

You have a much bigger problem right now.

You’re stuck in your helmet. You cannot lift it off your head with just one hand. It’s too tight. You start to panic, because what if Din comes back before you can figure out how to get it off? What if everyone sees and then The Armorer hates you? Ugh no this cannot be happening. 

“Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit.” Your modulated whisper echoes quietly thorough the ship. You’ve been trying for ten minutes. “Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.” You run around the ship in your helmet and nightgown like a fool. You look like a fool, such a fool. Why didn’t you just wait!? Din could have been here to see it and you could have had him help you get it off and now you’re going to get caught not following the rules. Being a brat. You could cry inside your helmet.

“Okay...” You’re panting. This is the last resort. Nothing else has worked. You have the heel of your left hand and the ball of your right foot inside the underside of the helmet and you’re sitting on the edge of the bed. “Okay. I can do this.” You rasp softly. You push as hard as you can and finally, the helmet slips off your head. You gasp as your hair falls into your face. “Okay. I can take it off.” Very satisfied with yourself. 

It’s dark again now. Dark as shit outside. You almost thought the sun visor was still down after you had put it back up. What the fuck!? Where was Din?! Where the hell was anyone? Not like you had gone to check. You hadn’t left the ship once today. Too sad. Too scared. You lay on the mat on the floor and sigh.

It’s been a thought pressing into your asshole all day. It’s painful and uncomfortable and you’d like it to go away but it persists. You can’t even speak it out into your brain, it's too painful. 

Does Din lie to you?

He clearly has no quarrels eating your candy. Or telling you that you are not maimed when he clearly thought you had been. There were more lies too. You could feel it. He lied about your doodles! He had already seen what was in your notebook when he asked what you were doing! Another lie! Where does it end? When do the lies end and the truth begins with Lyin’ Din Djarin. Would he be capable of lying about loving you? Is he capable of lying to you to touch you? Is that all you're here for? He loves you but apparently you’re just a friend.

Okay. A normal person might die for their friend right? If they cared for them deeply enough? Yes. You guess. Would a friend let their friend stick an Amban Stun Gun in both of their holes at the same time and then let the friend watch through their stupid night vision helmet? Hpmh.

You don’t think so.

Friends also don’t jerk off and come on their friends' bellies or fill them with their seed and tell them they want you to carry their helmeted babies! No! Friend’s don’t do that stuff. 

Fuck. 

So Din lies and now you don’t know if you trust him? Is that what’s happening in that broken, dumb brain? Yes. That’s exactly what’s happening.

You gasp in horror.

Did Din ever even come visit you in the temple like he said he did?

No one ever mentioned him coming to see you, or stopping by-- not Ahsoka or Luke. None of the younglings or other Jedi's!

The reasoning could be that Luke and Ahsoka were trying to keep you levelheaded with a clear mind and un-desiring heart.

Or it could be because that lying metal man never even came to see you like he said he did. How would you ever know without asking the Jedi's outright?

What The Armorer said yesterday in the cockpit rings in your head. Din Djarin hid you away.

That’s exactly what that lying sonofabitch did! Hid you away on the Crest, hid you away on some celibacy planet full of children and Jedi.

Din Djarin didnt' seem very reluctant to watch you walk into your new sexless home while he said goodbye to Grogu.

Old feelings of anger and new ones mix together inside of you. 

Nothing makes sense anymore...you’ve been alone too long. Alone with your thoughts for too long. Maybe. Or maybe this is good? Are you thinking clearly? You don’t know. You just know that one day you trusted Din with your whole life and now you’re questioning everything he’s ever told you.

Perfect. Beautiful.

Ugh. Those words make you feel sick because are you beautiful? You’re definitely not perfect.

You roll over onto your left side and just lay there with your eyes open until you hear the ramp drop down. You’ve had hours to stew in your newfound anger. It’s very justified.

He lies to you and now you don’t know what about. He admitted it himself-- he lies.

Din meets you in the hallway. You point at him with your index finger. Din stops in his tracks and holds the baby out to you. You take a step forward and Din takes a step back. 

“Put the green child down.” You growl at Din.

He just shakes his helmet from side to side dramatically.

“Put. Him. Down.”

Din goes to put the child down, but then snaps back up and holds Grogu in his elbow crook. He shakes his head no at you again.

“I would like to yell at you. Really yell because I don’t think I ever have before. I’m not doing it in front of the baby, so put him down.” You speak more calmly than you thought you would. You thought you would be yelling already.

“I will never put this child down.” Din rasps through the modulator just as calmly.

You press two fingers into the bridge of your nose where there is a small cut and bruise. It hurts but you don’t care.

“You’re–” Din starts then stops suddenly, he tilts his helmet to the side. “Annoyed with me?” 

The words fling you back into the past somehow, just like you flung through the air before you slammed into the rock in that bug-robots room and broke your back; it’s feeling much better now though. You’re sitting around the small fire, looking up at Din and you had no idea what was in store for you yet. He had just asked you the same question, if you were annoyed with him. Your response then was much more pleasant than what you say to him in the present. 

“Annoyed doesn’t even begin to cover it, you lying sonofabitch!" You point at him again. “Full of lies. I wanna know what else you lie to me about, but you know what?” You raise your eyebrows at him.

He shakes his helmet no slowly- almost like he doesn't want to answer you at all.

“I wouldn’t believe you!” Your brain doesn’t feel as foggy or as heavy as it did the other day, but oh man, you are just pissed off and you know why.

A real anger...with roots to it. You genuinely didn’t think Din could or would lie to you. You don’t know why. He was just a good honest man until he admitted he lied.

Told you to lie about the scars on your face. Like you’d lower yourself to his lying standards.

“I don’t lie?” Din sounds confused about where this is coming from. “Are you mad about the orange candies?”

You nod slowly and squint your eyes at him.

“I got you more. I was just on Nevarro.” Din pulls a bag from behind his back. Bigger than the first bag you got.

Sonofabitch. Why? You were just so mad at him, a good mad, a real mad and now he does this? You almost tell him to stop being cute but then you remember that you are mad! And not just about the orange treats.

“It’s not about the candies!” You exclaim.

Din tilts his head again. “You just said that it was about the candies.” He holds the bag out to you like you didn’t just watch him pull a giant sack of neon candy from behind his back. Like he’s a magician who performs at the casino when he’s done with his comedy sets! 

“You lied about my face!” You flick your eyebrows up at him once and point to your mechnosutures.

Din’s head rolls backward and he stares at the ceiling. “Did you want me to say it looked bad? It did. It looked bad. Are you happy? Did that feel nice?” His helmet snaps to you as you take several angry steps towards him.

He takes several steps back but bumps into the table behind him. 

“What else do you lie about, Djarin?” 

Din’s helmet is staring down at you. He has the child in one hand and the bag of candy in the other. 

“I don’t lie.” He sighs listlessly. “Why are you so upset? I thought our—” He looks down at the child in his arms and leans into you. “- talk last night made everything alright?”

“Oh, all the things you said to get me into bed and then also—” You glance at the child and then back to the helmet, “- get you in someplace else!? How very convenient that you had all those nice things to say suddenly. You couldn’t speak them to me before I was upset with you.” You cross your one good arm over your chest and take a step away and look down at the candy. 

Din finally puts the child down now and sets the candy on the table behind him.  “You think I lie? To you?” His helmet cocks to the side. “I don’t lie to you. Tease maybe. Poke fun at sometimes. I don’t lie to you.” 

“You admitted you did. You said it last night yourself. And then I wake up this morning and you’re not here. You didn’t even wake me to say goodbye or tell me where you were going.” You uncross your one arm and Din puts one gloved hand over his pressure point in his shoulder. “I don’t know why I feel these things. I don’t like being left behind. Makes my mind wander. It’s terrible.” 

Din rasps through the modulator, “It’s because you are a brat.”

You stare up at him, blinking.

“If you had left the ship and talked to my clan, been social with them at all, they would have told you where I went. They said you stayed here all day.”

"Well I--" You don't have a good reason for not going outside of the ship all day. Other than feeling sorry for yourself that Din had abandoned you once again. There isn't an excuse why you couldn't have gone to ask the Armorer or anyone else for that matter.

"A perfect opportunity for you to socialize-- potentially accrue friendships that are apparently so important to you, and I am the villain once again?" He sounds irritated with you more than anything now. He walks around you, leaving you to think about his kind gesture alone. "Brat," he mumbles under his breath through the voice modulator as he passes by.

You stay in your spot looking at the candies on the table and getting new scratches on your legs from Grogu who is trying to crawl up them with the razors on the ends of his fingers.

Are you still upset? Do you believe him?

You pick up Grogu and give him a small kiss on the forehead before you put him to bed in his little closet room.

The metal man does nice things, but he does them in such a strange way that it's hard to recognize them for what they are.

Din is on the floor in just his helmet and the blankets. He gasps in mock surprise, “The brat is here to sleep next to the liar?”

The words hurt, but you don't have anything to say because you do feel slightly foolish. All you had wanted to do was meet new people when you first started this gig. Din Djarin gave you a chance to do just that, and you stayed locked inside the ship all day.

“You tried on your helmet?” Din nods to it sitting on your bed.

You nod silently, wondering if he's going to be upset about that, too.

“Did you like it?” He asks apathetically, like he would rather talk about anything else.

“It got stuck. I had to use my foot to get it off.” You hold your right foot out in front of you and point to it with your left hand. “I was stuck for several minutes.” You don’t know why you’re telling him that. You had planned on never telling a single soul you got stuck in that thing.

Din chuckles, "I would have paid good credits to see that."

“Now you’re upset with me?” You ask, taking a step towards him. He shrugs.

Din turns his head to look at you. “I have every right to be upset with you if I want to be," he rasps. T

his makes your stomach flutter. But in a bad way. The worst way. You don’t know if Din has ever been upset with you unless it was for dying for two long minutes in the mines. Shit.

“I come back from helping High Magistrate Karga on Nevarro with my clan. You call me a liar and a sonofabitch .” Din shakes his helmet at you disappointingly. 

Ouch that fucking hurts. Din’s right. You are a brat. 

“I accepted that tract of land on Nevarro for us.” Din brings his hands under his helmet and rests it on them while he looks out of the window. 

Us. 

“You and Grogu?” You sink to your knees now and sit a couple feet behind him.

Din shakes his head still refusing to look at you again. “Brat," he rasps pointedly. “Of course not. I come home to try and tell you the good news and I get accused of lying about loving you before my boots are inside.” Din doesn’t look at you still.

Your heart is shattering in your chest. 

“I’m sorry," you whisper softly. You feel like a fool, as foolish as you felt earlier with your helmet stuck on your head. 

“Of course you are," Din sighs.

What does that mean? Why did he say it like that?

"You had a right to be upset yesterday--but not today. I did kiss you goodbye. I did not want to wake you because you are broken and healing. Was that so wrong of me?” 

No it wasn't, it's actually very sweet and thoughtful of him. Very thoughtful. Fool. You’re a fool and now you think you may be sick, and possibly your heart will come out with the little food you’ve eaten today. You inch yourself closer to him slowly on the floor. Din tilts his helmet a little backwards so you can see his face visor. 

“Are you upset because I said I don’t want you to swear the Creed?” Din respires softly into the modulator. “I wasn’t forbidding it. You are a free person to do as they wish. But why do you want it?” Din is still looking back at you as you inch now closer to him so you are right beside his helmet. 

“So that we can be together.” You whisper.

Din’s helmet stares at you. “Are we not together right now?” Din sounds worried and now you’re confused. 

“I…mean we’re physically together… right here and now. Yes.” You look around the room and back to Din. 

“Why would you have to swear the Creed for us to be together?” Din sounds just as confused as you are.

You blink at him. 

“Do–” The words you say next scare you because you’re afraid it’s going to scare him. “Don’t you have to marry another Mandalorian?” You look away because you are too afraid to see his reaction. You’re sure that when you look back he’s going to be gone. Back in the cave with his clan telling everyone how you’re crazy. Surely. But when you look back Din is sitting up. Yep just like you thought, getting ready to leave. 

“No. Why would you think that?” Din rasps, turning his body towards you.

He is naked under those blankets and you just got a peek when he turned and now you’re not thinking about anything else. You’re just staring at that little trail of hair under his belly button and you can’t even hold back the smirk you have on your face because he is perfect. Actually perfect. Din snaps his fingers at you. It makes you jump and you look up into his helmet. 

“What?” You’re smiling at yourself in his visor and he’s just looking at you. What does he want? You were enjoying yourself. You never get to look. It’s always dark when he’s not in beskar. You’ve seen him very few times without it. “What?” You ask again because he doesn’t say anything. 

“Why would you think that?” He rasps, unentertained with you. You’re confused. What were you guys talking about?

“Think what?” You say before you actually think about it because really, all you want to do is touch him and you have to stop yourself. Your eyes flick back down to his stomach and his little trail of hair and then back up to his helmet and then back down. Din covers himself with the blankets. “Hey, why’d you go and do that?” You look up into his helmet. 

“ Why… would I only be able to marry another Mandalorian?” Din is still covering himself with the blankets when you remember what you were talking about. You still don’t have an answer because you don’t know why you thought that. It…just made sense? You’re staring at yourself in his helmet when he snaps at you again with his fingers. 

“Would you stop doing that!” You exclaim quietly. “I’m not a small animal. You can speak to me!” You tap your index finger on the floor of the ship one time and hold it there between the two of you. Din taps his finger in a similar fashion on the floor next to yours but more times and rapidly as he rasps through the modulator quickly and annoyed. 

“I have been speaking to you! You don’t speak back. Say something—stop staring at me, and I will stop snapping at you.” 

“I don’t know why I make these things up in my head! You not being able to lie. Then you only lying to me. Why must a mandalorian marry within a clan. I was convinced you slept in your beskar for Makers sake! I don’t know. I just do it!” You start tapping your finger on the floor of the ship quickly like him. “I don’t know! Stop snapping your fingers at me!” 

Din does it. He just snaps his ungloved fingers right in your face and as soon as he’s done he crosses his arms over his chest and covers his pressure points with his hands.

You gasp. How dare he snap and then block himself?!

“I’m learning,” Din rasps softly, nodding slowly. “You think you are the only one whose brain tells them false truths?” Din shakes his head at you. “The things I told myself you were doing at that temple without me—I’d come to see you and Ahsoka wouldn’t even let me inside. Luke wouldn’t even answer my questions about you. They just said you were fine. When I asked if you’d like to come with me they said no—”

You gasp louder than you have ever gasped before in your whole life. 

“They did what!?” you almost shout. “They never told me you asked for me. I would have said yes .” You look all around the floor around you, thinking of ways you can hurt Luke and Ahsoka. How could they do that to you? Make that choice for you. Now you not receiving a gift at the temple makes sense. He didn’t think you wanted to come back to him

“Yes, so you’re not the only one who has untrue thoughts in your head. Did I accuse you of being with another, or not caring for me after two years of waiting for you as soon as you got off that return ship? No! I did not!” Din is very annoyed with you. You’ve never heard him talk that fast. 

You are a dumb brat. A real idiot. 

“I figured out the darksaber while you were on Nevarro!” You snap at him because you are unwilling to accept that you are in fact a giant dumb idiot brat. Din called it. You feel stupid. You try to change the subject. It works. 

“You did? You wielded it well in the mines. You wielded it well here on the ship.” Din’s head turns to the window for a moment and then snaps back to you. “We can talk about that later. Admit that you are wrong. Apologize to me. Because what you do is wrong. Accuse me? You say you love me. Love me so much. Yet you can’t speak to me. Can’t ask me simple questions that would ease your beautiful bruised brain. You want to yell at me. You want to call me names. I call you my little one and I get called sonofabitch. So loving . I don’t get a nice name from you.” Din lays back down on his pillows and his raspy sigh breaks your heart. 

You are a hotheaded…stupid…ungrateful brat. You accept it in your heart now. You try to move closer to him but he pulls his arm away. 

“I am upset with you now.” Din rasps. Your heart no longer exists. You reach for him but he pulls away again.

“Can I fix this right now…or should I go…to the cockpit for a while?” You’re not really sure what you’re saying, but maybe he just needs a minute to cool down. 

“Go look at buttons for a while if that’s what you wish to do. I don’t care where you go. I’ll come to you when I’m no longer upset.” 

It’s a struggle to get to your feet. You have been hunched for so long. You finally do though. You grab a blanket off your bed and your helmet and hold the tears back until you get out into the hallway and shut the door. The crying you're doing has no sound. You can’t breathe. It’s not coming to you when you try. This is worse. This is the worst feeling in the whole world because Din had never cast you away like this. He leaves. He walks away. It feels like it takes twenty years to get to the cockpit. Once the door there is shut, you can gasp. All the air in the cockpit is now in your lungs and you think you’re going to explode. 

The button to close the sun shields feels like it fights back against you when you press it. They close and you’re plunged into darkness. The helmet goes on like last time, with a struggle. But then you sit in the co-pilot's chair in the dark. Looking at everything through your night vision. Din still hasn’t seen you in your helmet. He might never want to.

The door to the cockpit opening jolts you almost out of the chair you fell asleep crying in. Your helmet is still on when Din walks in, wearing his black undergarments and his helmet.  Everything is still in night vision and you don’t know what time it is or how long you’ve been asleep. You know you cried for a long time. Din sit’s down in his chair silently after he shuts the door. He doesn’t even look at you. It feels like time has stopped. Somehow being able to see into the void makes the now soft constant static ticking in your ear less comforting. Din just stared forward like a droid. 

“Peli needs some help on Tatooine. She asked me if I knew anyone who could help her out for a while and I think you should go.” Din’s rasp sounds just like it does when you have your helmet off.

You start thinking of arguments of why you should stay and why you need to be here with him. You want to tell him that you’ll share the floor bed on this ship with him forever if that’s what he wanted. 

“Okay.” You don’t say any of those things, because if Din doesn’t want you here, what’s the point of being here? Grogu loves you. You love Grogu but he is not your child. As much as you wish he was, he is Din’s child. Din’s alone. R5 is your child though, whether Din likes it or not. 

“Not for long, two weeks possibly.” Din still hasn’t looked in your direction, you haven’t stopped looking in his direction. Things feel so different right now. “I have things to attend to. I’ll leave this ship and take the N-1.” So he has to come back for you. He can’t just leave you there. “I’ll be taking Grogu though.” 

You just nod in response because you know he can see your helmet nodding at him in his display. Even if he’s not looking in your direction. You think about swearing the Creed. You could just stay here. Walk the Way. This doesn’t feel like the Way though. None of this feels noble or honorable or brave. 

“I’m sorry.” You rasp to him in the dark. He nods in response. Still not looking at you. “I shouldn’t have called you mean things.” You whisper into your modulator. You could keep this thing on forever. If Din never wanted to kiss you again? You’re never taking this helmet off. 

“I’ll drop you at Peli’s in a couple hours. You should rest before we get there. One shoulder or not she’ll put you to work.” Din rasps. You also like this helmet because Din can’t see your tears. 

“Have you rested?” You ask softly. He shakes his head from side to side. “Would you like to come rest with me? It can be quiet and dark.” Din does nothing for a long time and then he stands and opens the door to the cockpit and walks out. You follow him into the bedroom. 

Din has his hands on the side of your helmet and is pulling it off for you. He sets it on your bed you think, it’s dark again. Then you lay down on the mats below your feet and wait for him. When he crawls in next to you can feel that he took his black undershirt off. When he lays down onto your chest and you wrap your hand around his neck and twist his hair in your finger he sighs. It makes you sigh. 

You keep your promise and stay quiet until you hear him snoring softly. You can feel it in his chest when he breathes too. Just a deep rumble. You keep twirling his hair in your fingers taking in this feeling because you wont be with him for two weeks and then who knows if he will want you to be around after that. Bo-Katan has been around more than normal. Maybe she did all this to get in between you two because she was jealous. You don’t know. You don’t seem to know anything. You make up lies. You’re the liar. You lie to yourself. 

Din’s arm suddenly flinches softly and then he tightens it around your waist and pulls you closer into him. 

“I love you. Death cannot part us. Mine forever.” You whisper it down into his ears and hope your words are delivered to him like gifts wrapped in bows as he dreams. If he dreams. Tired Din. Working so hard all the time. Barely rested. Cares for you deeply. Loves you. 

The night passes you and sleep avoids your eyes. Passes them right by and you just lay with your eyes open in the dark. You touched Din all night long. Across his strong, muscular back and you twirled his hair in your fingers until he stirred against your chest. It stays quiet in the ship as his breathing goes from soft rumbly snoring to his regular, soft breaths of air. His hair stays in your fingers until he’s pulling himself away from you. 

“I need you to show me how to use the darksaber.” Din whispers into the dark. You could cry again. No kiss or any sign of affection that he still meant those words he spoke to you so gently the other night. 

“Okay.” It takes everything in you to keep it together while you get dressed in real clothes. You put your boots on. You put your helmet on because you're ashamed of your selfish face and don’t want Din to see your selfish eyes. 

You grab the darksaber and your lightsaber from the weapons room and meet him in the hull. Din watches as you set both handles on the ground in front of him. 

“This one,” You point to the lightsaber with your foot. “You need to be able to control your mind. Have peace and serenity in your heart and mind. You don’t think when you hold the saber. It’s almost like the saber thinks for you. Leads you to what your heart really wants almost. It’s helping you during your fight.” You rasp. You pick it up in your left hand and let the plasma extend. “You love it. You care for your saber like it was an extension of your own arm.” You hold it out in front of you as it hums quietly. Din nods. You sheathe the plasma and clip the lightsaber to your waistband. 

The darksaber feels like one hundred of your lightsabers. 

“You don’t need any of that when it comes to this though.” You respire as you hold the handle of the darksaber out to him. He takes it within his gloved hand and grasps it gently. “You hate to hate it.” Din’s helmet snaps up to yours. Your helmet nods at him. “Turn it on and let all the bad inside of you flow through it. It feels and propels itself against your positivity. Away from your serenity.” Din looks back down at the saber and you take several large steps back as he presses the button. You can see him fighting back against it. 

“Fuck.” Din rasps as he has to wrap his left hand around the grip now, forcing it forward with his body weight. “Shit.” You see his hands slipping from the handle. 

“Din, be mad at it. Think about all the terrible things you could do with it.” You hold your hands at your side. It’s like he didn’t listen to a single word you said. The lightsaber on your belt feels cool in your hands as you unsheathe the plasma again. “C’mon. Think about how terrible it is and lift it over your head. Bring it down onto mine.” You hold your lightsaber up sideways above your head so you can block Din’s attempt to slice into the air. 

Din can’t lift the saber over his head. It’s fighting him too much. 

“Hard.” Din’s rasp is strained like he’s really fighting with it. 

“You’re not being angry enough. Let the saber feed off any anger inside you. The chaos, the bad. Let the saber take it from you.” You try to explain to Din over the buzzing of the sabers in your hands. Din hesitates for a second and then you watch as he brings the darksaber over his head and brings it down onto your plasma blade hard. It vibrates in your hand when he connects. 

You’re full of excitement for Din. It’s short lived as he retracts the white plasma back into the handle and clips it to his belt. 

“Thank you. Good job.” And then he leaves you in the hull and walks to the cockpit. 

Okay. This is terrible. The actual worst feeling in the whole world. 

“Good morning.” Grogu looks up at you through the crack in the door and presses himself into the wall. The helmet must be scaring him. “It’s just me. I just have a helmet on like your Dad.” You open the door completely but Grogu doesn’t move. “Do you not like it?” You show off your helmet to him and he shakes his head. “Why? Is it frightening to you?” The child nods as you bend at the knees to his level. “Don’t be frightened, young foundling. It’s just I. Your caretaker. Your bratty helmeted babysitter.” You whisper down to him through the modulator. 

Grogu hesitantly peels himself away from the wall and takes a step towards you. You extend your arm to him and he scrambles up it and to your shoulder where he inspects his own reflection in the side of your helmet. 

“A very handsome boy.” You rasp to him as you watch him look at himself. “Hey, listen to me.” You pull him down off your shoulder and hold him in the crook of your elbow as you make your way into your bedroom. You set the child down on the metal bedframe you no longer use. You sit down on the ground in front of him. “I have to go help Peli for a while.” Grogu gets so excited but you have to put your hand on one of his shoulders and calm him. “Just me. You’ll stay with your Dad while I’m gone.” Grogu looks up at you with big eyes and it makes your eyes water from behind your HUD. 

Grogu babbles sadly. 

“I know.” You try to hold back a sob. “I know. I’m gonna miss you too.” The tears well in your eyes and your nose burns for a moment while you hold it back. “A lot. I will. I’ll miss you but our friend Peli needs my help and I’m the only one who can do it.” You shrug your shoulders and say the words fast so you can get them out before you have to hold back a sob in front of the child. 

Grogu warbles sound downcast. 

“No, I’m not still mad about the scratches.” More fast spat out words because you’re crying behind the helmet but you don’t want to sound like you're crying. You tilt your helmet to the side when you look down at him now. “I love you very much. I always will. But I need to go for a while. And you ne–need to learn h-how to become a-a-a M-Mandalorian.” You stammer into the modulator. This is hard. “I love you.” You lean down and press the forehead of your helmet to his tiny little green head and sigh. “My good boy.” You whisper into the modulator. 

“What good is she to me with one shoulder and a helmet?” Peli looks at you, and you look back at her through the HUD. “Is she the same one who was here last time?” She leans down and looks at her reflection in the shiny beskar. “What’d ya do to her in the mines of Mand’alor? She mess that face up real bad? It’s ugly under there now? Shame. She was cute.” 

“She has a couple scratches.” Din rasps flatly. “She works hard. Is strong despite the shoulder.” Peli looks you up and down and you watch her through the display. “It’ll be good for her.” 

This makes you roll your eyes under the helmet. He’s not wrong though it’ll be good for your ungrateful ass and maybe you’ll actually learn something this time. What is the most frustrating about all of this is that Din is right. If you had just calmly sat down at the table after greeting him from being gone all day and thanked him for the candy and taken the child from him; you could have talked to him nicely and told him how you felt and he would have comforted you and made you feel reassured.

No. You went in yelling at him with your finger pointed. Calling him a sonofabitch for things you didn’t even know were true. Hurtful accusations that he manipulated you into allowing him to touch you when it was something you had been drawing in your notebook! For several days leading up to the first incident in the Crest! Din’s request was strange but it eventually gave you what you had been wanting so badly. Did it not!? To see the image of his lower stomach and the base of him! He does have a curly patch of dark pubic hair that rents space there! You had forgotten because you never saw that notebook again. 

“Alright. She’s gonna get put to work.” Peli gives you a big missing-one-tooth smile and you nod your head once at her slowly because you can’t smile back. She turns to Din now and sighs, rolling her eyes. “Okay. I’ll give you twenty percent off since she’s workin’ for free. Only ‘cause I gotta go find the part you need for that big honkin’ ship anyway.” 

Wait. Did Din just…trade your services here at Peli’s for discounted work on the ship? Sure seems like it. Who cares, maybe she can teach you something. 

“Two weeks seems like more than twenty percent.” Din rasps make you turn your helmet at him. Now he’s bargaining. Peli points an index finger and then looks at you; she looks back to Din and points her finger at his helmet.

“Fine. Forty but only ‘cause I like the kid.” Peli cradles him in her elbow. “You sure he can’t stay? I’ll throw in an extra ten percent if ya let him.” She wiggles her eyebrows up and down quickly at Din but frowns and rocks back on the heels of her foot when Din shakes his helmet from side to side.

“Kids gotta come with me this time.” Din rasps holding one gloved hand out to him. Grogu turns away from him and into Peli’s chest. Din tilts his head to the side because Grogu never does that. The child always goes to Dad Djarin. You gasp quietly enough but it registers in the modulator. Din’s helmet snaps at you and then back to the child. “Grogu, come on. We have to go.” 

Grogu shakes his head from side to side. He said no. You gasp again softly and take a step back in shock. Din’s helmet stays on Grogu but he points back at you with his free hands. 

“Stop making that sound.” Then he holds the hand that had been pointing behind him at you up to Grogu. “Okay, our visit with Peli is over. We need to go.” Din’s not messing around. Grogu pulls his ears into his head tightly and chomps with his little teeth at Din’s gloved hand. 

You make a very audible gasp. Your hand goes to your chest again, in shock, and Peli laughs loudly while Din’s hands fall to his sides. 

“See! Even he wants to stay with Peli!” She laughs again and holds the frowning child out to Din. Grogu is really frowning. His little ears are stiff against his head and his eyebrows are furrowed as Din takes him from Peli. As soon as the child is in Din’s hands he looks back at you, reaching for you with his little arms and now his eyes are sad and his ears are much less stiff. He’s whimpering. “Ohhh. He wants his mommy! Give ‘em to her, Mando! It’s sad!” Peli exclaims, pointing between you and the child now. 

Din turns and holds the child out to you. Grogu doesn’t wait for either of you to be close enough to exchange him, Grogu flings himself to you and wraps himself around your neck as tightly as he can with your helmet now. It knocks you back a couple of stumbled steps but you regain your balance. 

“Oh, it’ll be okay. I’ll see you soon, I promise.” You hold your one good hand up to his back to hold him to you even though you don’t need to, his grip is tight. “You have to go learn things with your dad. I’m going to miss you too.” You pat his back a couple of times. Grogu babbles quietly. He sounds different in your helmet. Raspier. Like Din. Everything rasps. Including you now too. “Shhhh. It’s gonna be alright.” You turn your back and start to walk back towards the ship. 

Din’s close behind you. 

Once inside the not-so-new ship– an X4 Gunship you just learned the name of it three minutes ago when Peli told you–Din never bothered to tell you but you had also never bothered to ask– Grogu would not let go of you. Din had his hand on his little waist and Grogu had his grip dug into your shoulders now. 

“Oohh my May-ker— stop pullin’ him! He’s got his lil’ razors in me again—Grogu! Knock it off!” Your knees buckle at the white hot pain searing into your flesh. “Grogu! Release! Drop it! Let me go!” You plead raspily with the child but he holds tight, whining and whimpering loudly. 

“Grogu. This is not funny.” Din’s modulated voice sounds serious. “I mean it. Let go of the blasted woman! Get your claws out of her!” Din’s not messing around. Grogu does not care. “I’m going to lift and you drop at the same time.” Din’s helmet peers around the side of Grogu’s head. You nod in confirmation because you cannot speak. 

Din lifts the child from off your chest and shoulders and at the same time, you bend your knees and drop to the floor and finally—relief of some sort as his lil’ fuckin’ knives come— get ripped out of your flesh. 

“You are a crikking little snot!” You exclaim from the floor. “You maim my face! You use me as a pin cushion! I am just a girl, Grogu! I feel pain! Just like you do! Oh my Maker! ” You bring one hand to your bad shoulder and sigh. It had just started to not ache dully all the time and he does this!

“I know you are going to miss her. We will only be gone for two or three weeks.” Din rasps. You have to fight everything inside of you telling to question him about this new, extra week he just mentioned for the first time. 

“I will miss you too.” You stand from the floor and pet his ears softly. “Don’t scratch or impale me anymore. I do not like it.” You scold him softly. “I love you dearly. Please be careful.” You press your helmeted forehead to his little green one. “Behave.” You rasp quietly. “Learn to Walk the Way.” You sigh into the modulator. 

“I will be back for you soon. There are just–” Din starts to rasp but you snap your helmet up at him. 

“Things to attend to. I understand.” You wish he would just leave if he’s going to leave you here for a month. “Time away will be good for me.” You lie. You lie to Din Djarin. But you wonder to yourself if it is in fact a lie. Will time with these new thoughts and feelings all alone be good for you? It’s all unknown now. R5 bleeps up at them sadly. You touch the top of his little domed head. 

“I’m glad you’re looking at it that way.” Din is short, turning his helmet to look at the wall now.

Nothing he has said makes you think that he actually wants to come back for you. 

“I’ll be thinking of you.” You rasp quietly, looking down at your feet. 

“And I you. I must go. I’ll send a call if I have time.” Din presses his helmet to yours very gently and very quickly before turning to enter the door that leads to the hangar. 

You waste no time going to Peli and asking what she needs help with. R5 follows you as she leads you to a giant room. Big. So big and so many shelves and a set of rolling stairs that go all the way to the top. 

“I need this—” She holds both her hands up and does a slow spin. “-cleaned and organized. My picker droids don’t do well on the stairs and the Jawas are too small.” 

You look around the room that is about the size of a cathedral. It has multiple shelves throughout and those shelves are covered with things! You don’t even know what most of those things are! 

“The picker droids and the Jawas will help with the organizing part. But you’ll need to clean, give everything a good wipe down. Make sure nothin’s too yucky .” Peli looks at you and nods. “You can be done when the sun goes down. You’ll start after we eat breakfast. I’ll feed you, I guess. But then you’re on your own. Don’t come knocking on my door looking for entertainment when it’s dark. I’ll be asleep.” 

“Okay. Thanks for letting me stay here.” Peli gives you a look of distaste. 

“Well Mando practically begged me, and he’s a friend so…Get to work!” She points at the shelves.

Begged. Begged Peli to let you stay. You don’t blame him, you had been a brat and were still healing so it’s not like you could be much used to him in whatever matters he has to attend to. Mando didn’t tell you. 

The rest of the evening is spent talking to R5. 

“Do you think this is too yucky?” You rasp to the droid; holding up a long cylindrical pipe covered in grease and rust and…hair or fur. The droid backs away, then bloops quickly in response. “Yeah, me too.” You say tossing it in a large bucket Peli had brought in. There are so many things. Old ship parts. New ship parts. Pieces of clothing. Helmets, shoulder pauldrons, shin guards of all kinds. There were podracer pieces! So many things. You organize it all into piles the best you can when Peli comes in and tells you that the work day is over. 

“Know of any good bars around here?” You ask, taking your helmet off for the first time with Peli’s help. 

“Didn’t think you guys could take these off.” She sighed, handing the helmet back to you after you fix your hair. 

“I’m not a Mandalorian. Just got the cool helmet.” You sigh at her and shrug your one good shoulder. 

“I see…” She looks you up and down, noticing the lightsaber on your hip. “Well…with that thing you could probably check out Mos Eisley. Not too far, you can walk. Just lil’ dangerous though. Be careful. I told Din I’d keep my eye out and you’re not going to blow me in for lying by gettin’ hurt more than you already are!” She exclaimed, pointing in the direction of the cantina. 

“What can I get for you?” The bartender smiled at you so sweetly. Even though you probably looked like you could cry and fall off your stool and die. 

“Can I please have a whiskey?” You sigh and set your bag down in your lap. She nods and grabs a bottle from behind her. 

“I have this! It’s a really nice Tevraki whiskey. A great year.” She explains as you nod mindlessly. You don’t care where it’s from or how old it is or who its’ mother could be. You just want to ease the pain in your heart and this is the only way you know how. 

“That’ll be eight credits.” She holds her hand out to you. Picking through your bag for the right amount, you hand them to her but not before stumbling across a loose piece of paper. From your notebook. 

How long has this been in here? You don’t really go through your bag often any more. You don’t need it much. You don’t remember this being in here the last time you looked inside though. When you unfold the wrinkled and soft paper in your hands and see the doodle inside it brings tears to your eyes. It’s a little doodle of the child you had done so so long ago. You don’t doodle much anymore. Lost the need for it very quickly when you stopped being bored all the time. 

You press the old piece of paper to your chest and drink the entire small glass of whiskey in front of you in one big gulp. It burns going down, you almost choke but you force it back, down deep into your belly where it’s still burning you. Is that lava!? Real life hot lava you just drank?! Why do people drink that!? You’ve never had it before, it was just something that you had heard people around you at the casino order! It was ordered so often that you assumed it had to be good and look at you now, assuming more things and now almost throwing up in the cantina. Like a fool. Assuming. Have you learned nothing? Stick to your fruity drinks that glow in the dark or that delicious mandalorian wine. 

“Would you like another?” The bartender notices your empty glass and you nod, too afraid to tell her you did not want another and would like something that glowed. Or tasted like sweet candy. She was already pouring more brown liquid into your glass. You pay her and stare at the shot in front of you. 

Brown. Who wants to drink things that are brown and taste like they came out of the engine of the X4 Gunship! And burn. You hold it in your hand like it might bite you as you bring it to your lips. You drink it so fast and it still burns. The previous drink did absolutely nothing to prepare your body for this one like you had been hoping. 

This time you almost spit it out. You almost reject it—but you make yourself swallow it. You are not going to throw up in this cantina. You are a grown woman and you already are on the verge of a mental breakdown. That would completely send you over the edge. Embarrassing yourself in front of all these people who are looking at you—

Why was everyone in this cantina staring right at you? You do a little look around the room and almost every single set of eyes or one eye or multiple sets of eyes on one face were looking at you. Some of them looked at you in awe, like they could not believe that you were actually sitting in front of them. Some of these faces and eyes looked at you with unease…distaste maybe. You couldn’t tell there were so many eyes your own two eyes were flashing between. 

You wish you had your helmet but you would have had to take it off to drink anyway. The hood of your robe goes up over your face because maybe…they’re just not used to seeing a small dala alone in their bar. Unarmored. Looking broken and fragile. Most of these people in the cantina looked like smugglers! Where had Peli sent you off to?!

“Do you want another?” The bartender was already pouring brown liquid in your glass again before you could respond that yes you did want more in your glass and in your belly because once that nasty brown shit got down there…it was kinda nice. You felt warm all over. Every inch of you was…loose. It was nice to not feel tense and angry and upset. 

You’ve been trying so hard to not think about Din, it’s only day one. You have so many days left of trying not to think about him. And he leaves you with no answers, nothing to know if you should be waiting for him or packing your things to get off the ship when he returns. You don’t know. Again, nothing makes sense and this all just hurts your heart too much. The doodle of Grogu is still pressed tightly to your chest with your right hand as your left takes the drink. You hand the bartender more credits and now…you can go home. 

Back to X4, not home. Your home would be on Nevarro with Din and the two little ones hopefully. Not this forsaken ship! You kick it when you get back to it. You stand right alongside the landing gear and give it a good ole whack with your foot and now that hurts too. Why are you such a fool? You limp into the ship and R5 bleep bloops at you happily. You lay down right on the floor inside the ship's entrance once the ramp is shut. 

“Do you still care for me, tiny droid child?” You turn your head to the droid who is rolling himself into your leg, bleeping over and over again. “I don’t want to get up. I’d like to die here. Honestly.” The droid increases his beeping and his rolling into your leg repeatedly. “Oh stop it. I’m not actually going to. I’m being dramatic. I like being dramatic. I like to complain and bitch and be an asshole to someone I love, apparently.” You exclaim exasperatedly. 

 “Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum.  Kyr'am Kelir kis'wa mhi.  Pal'vut ratiin. I love you. Death will part us. Mine always.” Din’s voice rings throughout the ship and you sit up so quickly it makes you lightheaded. 

“Din?” You look around but then he speaks again but it’s coming from the same room as you. You look around and it’s coming from R5. “Are you doing that? How are you doing that? Din?” You speak into the droid's dome but Din just keeps repeating it over and over again. It’s a recording. “You recorded us!?” You gasp at the droid who stops playing the recording and starts beeping again wildly and rolling away from you.

It’s a struggle to get to your feet but you stumble after him shouting obscenities at him for recording you like that. You fall asleep on your bed with R5 next to you playing that recording for you as you touch the top of his little head. 

“Do you think he still cares for me in that way?” You whisper to the flashing buttons in the dark.

He doesn’t respond to you this time.

The cantina isn’t too bad. You like whiskey now after your two long weeks. Peli said you did good when you showed her that you had finished that giant room. Your shoulder still hurts but you took the sling off. Now you must wait for Din to return, however long that will be. You feel a gloved hand on your shoulder and your stomach flutters. 

“I was just thinkin–” The glove on your shoulder is not the one of Din Djarin. Who is this strange glove that’s holding your shoulder this way?

“Hello little-loth. Aren’t you just lovely? The stories I hear of you do not do you justice.” A very calm and astute sounding voice from behind you says. It’s unmodulated. You turn and see a tall man with a dark complexion a black mustache and short, almost shaved black hair smiling at you kindly. There are nine storm-troopers standing behind him in all black. You sigh loudly. “I’m Moff Gideon. It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.” 

“Moff Gideon?” You do not know this man. You’ve never even heard his name. You look back at the bartender but she is nowhere to be seen. It feels like it’s just the eleven of you here in this cantina. 

“Oh…Did Din Djarin not tell you about me?” He cocks his head to the side and takes a seat alongside you at the bar. “He didn’t tell you about how I captured the small green child you cared for so many years ago? Even if it was only for a couple hours.” Moff Gideon is smiling at you, like he knows a secret that you do not and he’s about to tell you. 

“I still care for the child.” You say, turning your nose up at him because who even was he? Obviously Din got the child back. So who cares? “Why are you here? What stories have you heard about me?” You’re curious, that's for sure. What could this man in black want with you? Why is he talking to you?

“Oh, I’ve heard many stories. That you have your own lightsaber made of beskar.” He raises his eyebrows once and smirks. “That is very impressive of a woman of your stature. Especially one without the Force. Or any previous militia training.” He nods his head at you like he really is impressed. “I’ve heard stories of your beauty.” Gideon raises one glove and very tenderly traces the back of three fingers across the scars where your mechnosutures used to be. “Scarred. Still beautiful though. Now I hear you have your own helmet. And that you’ve mastered the darksaber.”  

Panic. You’re not sure why but pure panic fills your body because the only person that knows that is Din you’re pretty sure. Unless he told people. How did Moff Gideon hear of this?

“Not mastered. I think I figured it out though.” You try to stay as calm as you can because if you panic you don’t know what this caped man in armor will do to you. 

“So you know about the anger?” Gideon asks curiously. You nod in response. “Think of what you could do if you hated your opponent.” Your eyes go wide when you do think about it because that has never crossed your mind. You had only thought about the hatred for the thing in your hand. If the lightsaber guided you towards the good things you fought for… what would the darksaber guide you to,with angry, hate filled thoughts of murder and massacre? “Have you ever killed anyone, beautiful little loth-cat? He whispers the last part to you. It makes you shiver.

“No.” You say because you honestly didn’t even kill the bug down in mines. Din did after you passed out. Why is he asking you these questions? What’s it to him?

“Would you like to? I hear you’re very skilled. I could use…what is it that Din Djarin calls you?” He looks to the ceiling and then to his stormtroopers like they would help him. “Oh. I remember now. Hired help.” 

“That was before.” You whisper softly. The words make you want to throw up but that’s exactly what you had been at one time. Help that he hired. And this was so many years ago. He’s just trying to anger you. 

“So what are you to The Mandalorian?” Moff Gideon raises an eyebrow. “Because right now…he’s in the stars with Bo-Katan Kryze. Flying in her ship. Potentially sleeping in her bed—alongside her .” 

You actually feel like you’re going to throw up. It’s been a nagging thought in your brain. He did take the N-1 but there is no place to sleep there. That’s no place to house a child. 

“I don’t know,” you murmur, looking away from Gideon now. 

“I know what you could be…to me.” He sounds so pleased with himself. 

“Oh and what is that? More hired help?” You’re annoyed and wished he would go away. 

“You would definitely be helping me with something.”

tag list: @thereaperisabitch @pedrospookie @furiousmushroom @harriedandharassed @realmamabear79 @blahkateisdone @picketniffler @cheekychaos28 @lilac-boo @pedrostories @wandamaximoff4578 @probablyreadinsmut @katw474 @cowboy-like-m3 @gummy-dummy @cathynstuff

[noticiasarquelogicasjaponesas]

Sean Bienvenidos una vez más a esta serie sobre el origen de Japón y su prehistoria. En el primer capítulo, hablamos sobre  la llegada de los primeros homínidos al archipiélago, de su entorno natural y de cómo algunos elementos geográficos clave, para poder entenderlo. Hoy actualizaremos varios puntos esenciales para seguir avanzando con una base más precisa, una vez dicho esto pónganse cómodos que empezamos, ya que el saber es poder. 

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Cuando hablamos, de las glaciaciones, mencioné las clásicas europeas como (Würm o Mindel)  entre otras, pero solo se aplican a europa , pero en Japón son:  (れいきゃくき) perido mas frio  (かんひょうき) interglaciar, (こうしんせい) (Kōshinsei, Pleistoceno) （かんしんせい) (kanshinsei Holoceno).Hay glaciaciones locales, que  reciben nombres propios, como Naruse, Yokoo o Murodo, estos ciclos propios del archipiélago japonés, son importantes para evitar aplicar esquemas europeos a japón. 

También es importante aclarar que la Prehistoria humana no es la era de los dinosaurios, como a veces se cree. Aquí hablamos de los orígenes del ser humano y su cultura. El inicio de esta etapa puede situarse hace unos 2,9 olduvayense y 3 millones de años (Lomekwyaense) o con la aparición de los ancestros del hombre hace unos  7 millones de años.

Además, revisamos la formación del archipiélago japonés y las teorías sobre su poblamiento desde el norte (paleo-Hokkaido) o el sur (paleo-Honshu), en épocas en que el nivel del mar era mucho más bajo y Japón formaba parte de un paleocontinente unido al continente asiático.

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Nuestro recorrido continua por Pleistoceno (Kōshinsei), con sus climas extremos, megafauna como el mamut en Hokkaido y una intensa actividad tectónica que, a través de las placas del Pacífico, Euroasiática y Norteamericana, moldeó el paisaje del Japón actual. 

La transición del  Pleistoceno 2,58 (こうしんせい) (Kōshinsei) y (Kanshinsei)Holoceno(かんしんせい) 11.700 

El pleistoceno, se caracteriza por ser un periodo más frío y seco caracterizado por las cuatro glaciaciones e interglaciaciones, mencionadas anteriormente, en las  zonas donde no estaban cubiertas con hielo encontramos: tundras, desiertos fríos y  en los climas fríos encontramos, encontramos gramínea, líquenes entre otras floras y fauna adaptadas al medio. En el caso de Japón, en el continente la zona norte estaba cubierta de hilo.Otro elemento a destacar dentro del pleistoceno, es el Mis 5 o último interglaciar , que abarca desde 130.000 a 80.000 años caracterizó de un clima más húmedo y cálido con bosques esos japón estaba más fragmentado en más islas, el nivel era más alto.  Por poner un hito, en la transición del pleistoceno al holoceno por ejemplo:  la extinción del elefante Naumann(ナウマンゾウ) (Nauman-zō) y Ciervo gigante (ヤベオオツノジカ) (Yabe-ōtsuno-jika) ¿Cuando se formó el archipiélago tal y como lo conocemos?Se formó  al final del pleistoceno alrededor de 12.000 años. ¿Entonces cuando llegan los primeros pobladores a japón? Se aceptan dos fechas 30.000a.c  y 90.000 a.c ¿Y por qué no antes? si ya en china de hace 1,9 millones  a.c ya hay homínidos  y Corea alrededor de 700.000 a.c y  no descarto intentos de desplazamientos, previos ¿Por qué una sólo migración? pues lo más probable es que no, fuera una ya que hemos visto cómo era el clima a groso modo. 

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Espero que os haya gustado y nos vemos en próximas publicaciones, que pasen una buena semana.

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Welcome once again to this series on the origins of Japan and its prehistory. In the first chapter, we discussed the arrival of the first hominids to the archipelago, its natural environment, and some key geographical elements to understand it. Today, we'll update several key points to continue moving forward with a more precise foundation. With that said, make yourself comfortable, as we begin, because knowledge is power. - When we talked about glaciations, I mentioned the classic European ones such as (Würm or Mindel) among others, but they only apply to Europe. However, in Japan they are: (れいきゃくき) coldest period (かんひょうき) interglacial, (こうしんせい) (Kōshinsei, Pleistocene) (かんしんせい) (Kanshinsei Holocene). There are local glaciations, which have their own names, such as Naruse, Yokoo, or Murodo. These cycles are specific to the Japanese archipelago, and are important to avoid applying European schemes to Japan. It is also important to clarify that human prehistory is not the age of the dinosaurs, as is sometimes believed. Here we are talking about the origins of humankind and its culture. The beginning of this stage can be dated to about 2.9 million years ago (the Oldowan period and 3 million years ago) (the Lomekwyaean period), or to the appearance of human ancestors about 7 million years ago.

In addition, we review the formation of the Japanese archipelago and the theories about its settlement from the north (paleo-Hokkaido) or the south (paleo-Honshu), at a time when sea levels were much lower and Japan was part of a paleocontinent connected to Asia.

Our journey continues through the Pleistocene (Kōshinsei) period, with its extreme climates, megafauna such as the mammoth in Hokkaido, and intense tectonic activity that, through the Pacific, Eurasian, and North American plates, shaped the landscape of present-day Japan. The transition from the Pleistocene 2.58 (こうしんせい) (Kōshinsei) and (Kanshinsei)Holocene(かんしんせい) 11,700

The Pleistocene is characterized by being a colder and drier period characterized by the four glaciations and interglaciations mentioned above, in areas where they were not covered with ice we find: tundras, cold deserts and in cold climates we find grass, lichens among other flora and fauna adapted to the environment. In the case of Japan, the northern area of ​​the continent was covered with thread. Another element to highlight within the Pleistocene is the Mis 5 or last interglacial, which spans from 130,000 to 80,000 years, characterized by a more humid and warmer climate with forests. Japan was more fragmented into more islands, the level was higher. To put a milestone, in the transition from the Pleistocene to the Holocene, for example: the extinction of the elephant Naumann (ナウマンゾウ) (Nauman-zō) and Giant Deer (ヤベオオツノジカ) (Yabe-ōtsuno-jika) When was the archipelago formed as we know it? It was formed at the end of the Pleistocene around 12,000 years ago. So when did the first settlers arrive in Japan? Two dates are accepted: 30,000 BC and 90,000 BC. And why not before? Since hominids already existed in China as early as 1.9 million BC, and Korea around 700,000 BC, and I don't rule out previous migration attempts, why just one migration? Well, most likely not; it was just one, since we've seen roughly what the climate was like.

I hope you liked it, and I'll see you in future posts. Have a good week.

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日本の起源と先史時代に関するこのシリーズに、ようこそ。第1章では、最初の人類が日本列島に到達したこと、その自然環境、そして日本を理解するための重要な地理的要素について説明しました。今日は、より正確な基礎を築いた上で、さらに前進するために、いくつかの重要なポイントを更新します。とはいえ、知識は力ですから、安心して始めてください。 - 氷河期について話した際に、ヴュルム氷河期やミンデル氷河期など、ヨーロッパの古典的な氷河期について言及しましたが、これらはヨーロッパにのみ適用されます。しかし、日本では、かんひょうき間氷期、こうしんせい（更新世）、かんしんせい（完新世）と呼ばれます。また、成瀬氷河期、横尾氷河期、室堂氷河期など、独自の名前を持つ地域的な氷河期もあります。これらのサイクルは日本列島に特有のものであり、ヨーロッパの体系を日本に当てはめることを避けるために重要です。 また、人類の先史時代は、時に信じられているように恐竜の時代ではないことを明確にすることも重要です。ここでは、人類とその文化の起源について論じています。この段階の始まりは、約290万年前（オルドワン石器時代）、約300万年前（ロメクワイア時代）、あるいは約700万年前の人類の祖先の出現にまで遡ることができます。

さらに、日本列島の形成と、海面がはるかに低く、日本がアジアにつながる古大陸の一部であった時代に、北（古北海道）または南（古本州）から日本列島に定住したという説についても考察します。

私たちの旅は、極端な気候、北海道に生息するマンモスのような大型動物、そして太平洋、ユーラシア、北アメリカプレートを貫く激しい地殻変動によって現在の日本の景観が形作られた更新世（こうしんせい）へと続きます。258年の更新世から1170年の更新世への移行は、11,700年の更新世から11,700年の更新世へと続きました。

更新世は、前述の4つの氷河期と間氷期を特徴とする、より寒冷で乾燥した時代でした。氷に覆われていない地域では、ツンドラや寒冷砂漠が見られ、寒冷な気候の地域では、草や地衣類など、環境に適応した動植物が見られます。日本の場合、大陸の北部は糸で覆われていました。更新世の中で注目すべきもう 1 つの要素は、ミス 5 または最終間氷期で、これは 13 万年から 8 万年にわたり、森林のあるより湿潤で温暖な気候が特徴的です。日本がより多くの島に断片化されていたほど、レベルは高かったです。更新世から完新世への移行における重要な出来事として、たとえばナウマンゾウ (Nauman-zō) とヤベオオツノジカ (Yabe-ōtsuno-jika) の絶滅が挙げられます。私たちが知っているような列島はいつ形成されたのでしょうか。それは約 12,000 年前の更新世の終わりに形成されました。では、最初の入植者はいつ日本に到着したのでしょうか。紀元前 3 万年と紀元前 9 万年という 2 つの日付が認められています。なぜそれ以前ではないのでしょうか。人類は紀元前190万年頃の中国、紀元前70万年頃の朝鮮半島にすでに存在していたこと、そして過去の移住の試みも否定できないことを考えると、なぜ一度だけ移住したのでしょうか？ まあ、おそらくそうではないでしょう。気候がどんな様子だったかは分かっているので、一度だけだったのでしょう。

気に入っていただけたでしょうか。また次回の記事でお会いしましょう。良い一週間をお過ごしください。

[sturnboos]

CHAPTER FIVE - the Novacade

“Okay” Chris said, eyes bright as the group stepped back into The realms twilight-lit streets. “Now I have something to show pixel.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Another tree?”

Nick groaned. “If I see another 'super cool' tree I’m logging off.”

“Nope,” Chris replied with a grin. “I’m taking you to the Novacade.”

“The what now?” you asked.

Chris leaned over with a grin. “Only the most aggressively chaotic part of the town realm. It’s like if an arcade and casino had a baby”

Matt threw an arm around your shoulder dramatically. “Just don’t loose all your credits in Skee-Ball of Doom.”

“You make it sound like a scam,” you said.

“It is a scam,” Nick said.

Matt shrugged. “But a fun one.”

The entrance to the novacade shimmered like a portal, all glowing lights and holographic signs flashing things like WIN BIG and LEVEL UP. Inside, the air buzzed with musi and the soft ding! of digital credits being spent and earned.

An NPC avatar handed each of you a neon blue token before letting the four of you step inside. Virtual game booths lined every wall Nick and Chris already sprinted toward a machine called Plushie Royale. Matt tapped your token with his, syncing your credits. “You get a hundred to start. Each game costs between 5 and 20 credits. Win, and you get a reward. Lose, and… well, there’s usually an explosion sound effect.”

“Sounds fair,” you said.

Matt tilted his head toward the nearest booth. “Wanna team up?”

You gave him a sideways glance. “Team up or carry me?”

“Both. Definitely both.”

You and Matt stood side by side racing against a countdown to solve 'passwords'. The game would give you 3 hints and the more passwords you crack the bigger your prize will be. Matt hit a rhythm fast type, enter, type, enter and you kept grinning every time. “You’re terrifyingly good at this,” you muttered.

He shrugged. “Might’ve played this one in secret tutorial mode last night.”

“Are you trying to impress me?” you teased.

“Is it working?”

you smiled. “Dangerously.”

You both won the round. Your prize? +250 Credits and a Healing Potion (Strawberry Flavored).

Meanwhile, Nick was dramatically gripping the joystick of a machine yelling, “GRAB THE CAT! GRAB THE CAT!” at the claw. Chris spammed the drop button. The claw missed completely, picked up a brick, and hurled it at a plush mushroom who screamed and exploded into a pile of stuffing. “NOOO?!”

Chris spotted a machine called Lightsaber Duel he challenged you. and of course, you accepted. Glowing sabers in hand, you stood across from each other on a digital dueling platform. Matt and Nick took front-row seats on the sidelines, cheering like gremlins.

“Loser buys the other a virtual soda,” chris said.

“oh of course” you chuckled and rolled your eyes, you should of expected something like that to come out of Chris’s mouth.

You lunged first, catching chris off guard. He recovered quickly, the sabers clashing in bright of light. where ever the sabers hit made that limb glitch for a few seconds before fixing itself. The fight was fast and flashy more style than substance, but the way he kept circling you, grinning between attacks, made it feel more like a dance than a duel. Finally, you knocked the saber from his hand.

“Okay that was hot… Don’t you think Matt?” Nick smirked. Only to receive a punch in the shoulder and a quiet “shut up”.

You grinned. +100 Credits and a Digital Soda

A few hours past but the hours only feel like mintues as the lights dimmed slightly to indicate “Arcade Closing Soon” your inventory was slightly ridiculous now:

3 potions, a plush bunny, teleportation necklace, cake mix,flowers, 1425 credits and that drink chris still owes her.

Nick had somehow ended up with a cheetah print cap that would fade between colors slowly. Matt had won to pairs of sunglasses one night vison, and the other X-ray vison, he also one a realistic pug plush.

Chris leaned against the exit gate, looking over at you as the arcade’s background music softened. “So, on a scale of 1 to ‘totally nailed the hangout,’ where are we landing?” he said.

You smiled. “I mean… free soda, plushie prizes, and I got to hit you with a lightsaber? That’s a 9.”

He looked pleased with himself but then confused “why not 10?”

“the wasn’t a glowing tree” she smirked teasing.

“OH FOR FUCK SAKEEEE” chris shakes his head sighing.

“I told you guys the tree was cool!” Matt shouts to his brothers.

“Well come on” nick said, nodding toward the exit, “my turn next time… I’ll show you the rooftop skybox.”

And with that, the four of you stepped out into the pixelated night again. prizes in hand, laughter still echoing behind you, and that warm little something still lingering between you and Matt. Something that didn’t need an in-game achievement to feel real.

Tags: @blushsturns @riasturns @iloveduckssm @chrissbxby @sturnobessed @kayskreativeideas @tits4matt @mattsfavho @sturniolobananas1 @courta13 @alexisa78 @chrisissos3xy @sturnobessed @mattschelseaa @norahsturns @dolliraez @jibitzlesscrocs @oopsiedaisydeer @gemzyy @sturniolofruitloop @mattschelseaa @hesvoid34 @phone4pills @spaghettislut1 @sturnslux3 @phone4pills @owenstar @luvsturns @nickssidewitch @ariieeesworld @sugarraez

[mxtxfanatic]

Hello, hope you are doing well… I'm sorry it's going to be so long, it's just that I was going through Heaven’s Official Blessing’s wiki... When I first read it, I had a very uneasy feeling I couldn’t quite pinpoint. But after reading your meta about Mu Qing and Feng Xin, I finally understood why.

"After the fall of Xianle, Hua Cheng was reintroduced as a ghost fire and was found by Xie Lian.He was told by Xie Lian that Mu Qing had left and additionally was present when Mu Qing requested Xie Lian to leave the mountain meant for cultivation alongisde the 33 gods that humiliated Xie Lian. With Xie Lian being his main priority, Hua Cheng's hatred for Mu Qing grew further"

‘Requested’😭 Bruh

Mu Qing was holding a long saber-and the sharp tip was pointed directly at Xie Lian."Please leave," said Mu Qing, weapon in hand Chapter 98:Thirty-Three Heavenly Officials Fight Over Blessed Land

the nameless ghost declared, "To die in battle for you is my greatest honor."I'm sorry," he replied. "Forget me."The nameless ghost's flickering flames flared brighter. "I won't forget. Your Highness, I am forever your most devoted believer."Xie Lian forced down a sob. "...I've already lost all my believers. Believing in me won't do you any good; it might even bring disaster. Did you know? Even my friend has left me."The nameless ghost declared as if swearing an oath, "I won't.""You will," Xie Lian said.The ghost was insistent. "Believe me, Your Highness.""I don't," Xie Lian said.He no longer believed in anyone, especially himself Chapter 96:Hero Defeated by a Penny

It was said in that context, but without it, it’s easy to misinterpret. And since people often rely on these sites more than actually reading the novel, it becomes a problem.I don’t know—maybe I’m wrong—but it’s giving… like it’s either hua cheng's own perception fault or xie lian's the reason that he continues disliking Mu Qing? What about people making up their minds and going into the novel reading THIS—?? No offense, but?! Also, Xie Lian didn’t just find that ghost fire out of nowhere—he literally saved Hua Cheng and the other ghost fires from the clutches of a greedy maybe mention that too.

"He helps Xie Lian make a present for Hua Cheng's birthday [10] and even pretends to be his servant again when Xie Lian has amnesia. [11]"

"What's going on?"Xie Lian looked up and saw Feng Xin and Mu Qing-but they weren't the same Feng Xin and Mu Qing he knew.Sure, their general appearance was the same, but their demeanor had changed. They didn't seem like two rash young men, but more like generals with years of battle experience under their belts. Moreover, both were wearing black robes that looked rather sumptuous, quite unlike the dress that ordinary folks wore, and quite unlike anything Xie Lian had ever seen them wear.The one who had spoken was Feng Xin, and he walked over. "Your Highness, what are you doing out here by yourself?""That's what I was going to ask," Xie Lian said. "Where did you two run off to? I told you guys to train idioms outside last night, but why could I not find a shadow of you this morning?"An odd look that matched the Lord of Soil and Ground's crossed both Feng Xin and Mu Qing's faces, like they couldn't comprehend what he was saying.Xie Lian felt his head splitting, and he cried, "And what's with those outfits? What in the world is going on?!"Feng Xin looked down at himself and wondered, confused, "What's wrong with my outfit? Isn't this normal?" Chapter 135:Extra 2The Strange Amnesiac Adventures of His Highness the Crown Prince (Part One)... seven seas edition

When did he ever pretend in that whole scene? Like—?? They probably didn’t even know ,one can see from Feng Xin’s confusion that Xie Lian had referred to them as his servants.

"Although Mu Qing admired Xie Lian and wanted to be his f-f-friend, the nature of their dynamic as master and servant complicated this.As a servant he couldn't voice his real thoughts or truly express his personality; in Xie Lian's memory he was always soft-spoken and well-mannered. [13] Xie Lian was oblivious to this issue, thinking that he treated everyone as equals. Though he had an easier time than Feng Xin understanding how Mu Qing was interpreting something, Xie Lian couldn't see the issues in their own relationship.An example of this is the missing pearl earring. Due to an offhand comment, Mu Qing thinks the others are accusing him of stealing it"

Are you sure Xie Lian couldn’t see the issues? Because literally in the next sentence, it says—it's in Mu Qing’s mind, he’s a prisoner of his own thoughts.

then there's Feng Xin

"He was exceedingly loyal and supportive of Xie Lian, only leaving him when Xie Lian orders him to do so. [14]" "One of his most remarkable qualities are his loyalty and devotion, [1] shown through his history with Xie Lian. Feng Xin always supported him and during their first banishment, he refused to leave Xie Lian's side for the longest time despite desperate circumstances.[8][9]"

"Leaving him when Xie lian orders him" "always supported", "refused to leave"? At one point he did but he literally did left him—over what? A single sentence from Xie Lian saying he should stop following him? "loyalty and devotion" to what , huh? an authority figure, not to the person that should’ve been mentioned.

I have nothing against Mu Qing or Feng Xin —they’re interesting characters, no doubt. But the whole wiki sometimes feels like it’s trying too hard to justify their behavior and choices. It’s okay to love a character with flaws; no need to over-defend them. After all, it’s a wiki—not a personal space for fan bias, such sugarcoating! I just needed to vent, but honestly, people should be aware—things like this can really affect how someone interprets canon ...or maybe i don't know I am overthinking this...the whole wiki isn't that bad but it's sigh.

The tgcf wiki was written by a Mu Qing stan who hates Xie Lian and notoriously got into it with me on this blog in which they argued against my meta—that Mu Qing is actually a very classist character that is not a “working-class hero” like fandom pretends—with a headcanon they made up about how Mu Qing hates revolution in respect of his father’s memory because… his dad was executed for being a revolutionary. Idk how bad the svsss wiki is, but both the mdzs and the tgcf wikis are useless as tools to understand the story because they are written by people who aggressively hate the MCs and are using admin control to attempt to twist people’s understanding of the story to oppose them.

Also, Hua Cheng dislikes both Feng Xin and Mu Qing for abandoning Xie Lian, but he treats Mu Qing noticeably worse, almost as if he has personal beef against them that isn’t just tied to their treatment of Xie Lian 🤔 (He does. Both Feng Xin and Mu Qing treat Hong Hong’er like shit, and then Mu Qing kicks Hong’er out of the army out of pettiness. Hua Cheng didn’t just forget this because “it had nothing to do with Xie Lian.”)

[littlepupwriting]

Woven

Kylo Ren x Reader

Warnings and tags updated with each chapter.

Masterlist

☆ Mean kylo, resistance reader, descriptions of death (not main characters), angst, violence against reader, slow burn, eventual smut, non-force user reader, this chapter is just plot but ya need good plot for great angst sex ☆

MINORS AND AGELESS BLOGS DO NOT INTERACT

Sorry for anyone who followed me for well...not this. And for everyone who did, dinner is served~

Chapter 1

Your muscles burn as you run, pushing every ounce of energy into getting farther down the hallway. Don't look back, don't look back. You chanted in your mind as the screams got closer. Skidding into a hard left turn you almost fall. You scramble back up you catch a glance at the monster chasing you as it slashes through bodies with ease. But you have to keep going. Your lungs heave in air filled with smoke and the smell of burning flesh. The crackling and blasting sounds grow closer. Forcing your legs to pump even harder, sprinting past limp bodies and scorched walls.

Almost there.

Quick right turn. You just have to make it to the end of this hall, through the door is the hanger, and your chance to escape.

A sound of pure anger erupts from the monster as he gets closer. It fills your mind with terror, the adrenaline pumping through your veins getting impossibly higher.

Finally your sweaty hands touch the cold hanger door. You throw it open the smell of metal and fuel hits your nose. A moment of hope then suddenly your legs get ripped out from under you as your body slams into the wall. The world goes sideways as your body rag-dolls and gets thrown again. Desperate screams erupt from your throat as your stomach lurches and you hit the rubble covered ground.

Your vision fades in and out as your fingers grasp at the floor, tendons burning with the stretch trying to grip and pull yourself closer to the door. The movement making your ribs crackle and sear with pain alerting to you that they may be broken. The pounding of your skull merges with the thudding of heavy boots as they come up to you. Electric crackling and heat hovers just above you, making your hair stand on end. A boot carelessly wedges itself under your torso and kicks you over on to your back. A scream rips from your mouth as you realize your ribs are most definitely fractured.

A black hulking mass stares down at you, bathed in jittery red light. The sound of stormtroopers clanking armor came to a stop behind the monster. Despite the pain you craned your neck back as far as it could go to look out the door to the hanger, hopelessly watching the ships that could have saved you, take off and fly away. Your view became obstructed as more stormtroopers stepped from behind the doorway.

You never had a chance.

The saber hisses shut as your vision blurs and darkens at the edges. Exhaustion began to set in as blood pooled around your body. As the monster crouched down, you begged your body to move but lay helpless as his hand reached out, then everything went black.

-

The first thing you noticed was the deep gnawing pain in your chest, every attempt at a full breath left you wincing. Though your eyes were shut tight, the amount of light shining through them caused blinding head pain. Slowly you became aware of a whirring and beeping sound. On instinct you tried to sit up only to discover that you had been strapped down to the table. In a sudden panic your eyes flew open, quickly locating the small spherical droid making the sounds. Thinking felt like trying to push through a fog, fighting to recognize what this droid was doing. It used its fine metal fingers to stitch up a gash across your abdomen. Brows furrowed you watched it carefully tend to your wound. The room felt sterile and all blended together as it spun. You must be in some sort of medbay. Slowly your eyes closed as you gave into the part of your brain demanding you rest. You were safe, being healed. If they were to torture you it would be later, for now it is better to rest. Your exhaustion won out as you faded back out into nothingness.

-

When you open your eyes again the lights in the medbay had been turned off and the small droid was gone. Your thoughts feel like molasses as you try to pull yourself together.

You look around at the dark grey metal that made up the walls and floors, looking to find any information about where you were. You were in a Medbay, that much was obvious, and the steady familiar humming of engines told you that you were on a ship- a big ship. There was no way to know what ship, or where that ship even was. You thought back to when you were running through the halls, how long ago was that?

As your mind ran through the corridors of the base you had called home you could feel tears begin to form. All those bodies. Your friends, your coworkers, all were lifeless and slumped on the floor. You had no idea who escaped. You had no idea who else might have been captured…At that thought you will your tears away, you had to focus, there was no time to mourn them now. If the First Order captured you and were putting in the effort to ensure you healed, they may be doing the same for others.

Your attention was caught by a small beeping sound, you looked around to see the same small spherical medical droid detaching from its port in the wall. Your vitals must have indicated that you had woken up. You wouldn't have much time before personnel would be alerted as well. You tug at the restrains with no luck, then flex your bandaged hands. Thankfully you still have full mobility but the faint splotches of blood beginning to seep through some of the gauze wasn't a great sign. You had no idea what the IV drips that were attached to your arm were but it occurred to you that your brain fog may be caused by the mysterious liquid in your veins. The thought caused a deep shudder but then you froze. The sound of boots grew closer. Time was up. You quickly closed your eyes and went limp, pretending to be asleep as the door whooshed open.

The lights turn on and the sound of two stormtroopers armor clank as they enter and continue their conversation.

"He force threw the poor bitch against a wall, I saw it myself."

"Damn, and that is the only one we got? All that for some no-name resistance tech?"

"Yeah, it was my scheduled day off when I got the call that there was a last minute change of plans. That I was needed to guard the ship while they did a pick up. Had no idea the pick up was a person."

"Nah, there must have been more. The higher ups are never straight with us, remember that "noncombustible" shipment last month? Can't trust them to tell the whole truth."

"Them? You mean Kylo Ren. It's those force users that you can't trust."

Your mind reels as it takes in the information. I was the only one captured... and an unplanned pick up? What was going on?

Just as they mention his name, like a curse, the doors open again. He stood in the doorway as the troopers stood in silence awkwardly hoping they hadn't been heard.

"She's awake." His voice crackles through his helmet as he speaks.

"Uh yes sir. The medical droid alerted to consciousness, but she seems to have faded back out like last time. Sorry for the false alarm." Silence sits awkwardly between them. The Droid began to change out the soiled bandages on your torso.

"Get out," Kylo commands. The troopers quickly exited the room grateful not to be in close proximity with the force user for long.

You try to keep your breathing even as the heavy footsteps come closer. He's standing over you. A moment passes and you feel eyes boring through you.

"I know you are awake."

You slowly open your eyes and look up at the reflective mask looking down at you.

Your jaw sets, memories of him crouching over your body after having been thrown around like a rag doll. The roar of anger as he chased you down. You decided to stay silent until he speaks.

He stood there for a moment as you both just looked each other over.

"Do you know why I have brought you here?" His voice crackled with static through the vocoder in his helmet.

You glared up at him as best as you could while your head pounded steadily. "No."

"No idea at all?"

"I'm in med Bay because I'm injured…" memories of the attack flowed through your foggy mind. "Because you threw me into a wall," You accused sharply.

A sinister chuckle comes from behind the mask, "Yes, I did." He paused for a moment, "Do you know why I didn't kill you like the rest of the vermin in that base?"

A short silence followed as if he was actually expecting you to answer.

"Interesting," He hums for a moment. "You really don't know."

You groaned in frustration, you were tired and in pain and he was playing games with you. "No, I don't know why evil men massacre, for fun perhaps?"

"I plucked you from that shit hole because I have use for you," he growled.

Your face gave away your confusion as you stared up at him. "What?"

Without bothering to answer he turns to the screen beside you to read whatever medical data the droid had reported.

"What the fuck are you talking about?" You demanded.

"You need to eat." He completely ignored your question.

Just as you were about to ask again your stomach growled as if responding to him. It occurred to you that you still didn't know how long you had been asleep.

"Two days." You looked up at the masked man in confusion. "You've been asleep for two days, recovering from…" He scrolled down, skimming through the information.

"A concussion, two fractured ribs, and various mild lacerations," he concluded.

It took you a moment to piece together what had just happened, then you glared up at him. "Keep out of my head," you scowled. He turned away not acknowledging your words and walked to the door. It opened and he stepped out for a moment to speak with a stormtrooper. You sincerely hoped he was leaving though your hopes were dashed as he came back in a moment later.

"Your food will be delivered to you here. I will be back to speak with you later but do know that there will be a guard posted outside of this room at all times. It is in your best interest to rest and not become a problem." He spoke in a monotone but his words carried obvious threat.

Before you could respond he had turned away and left, his cape flowing behind him as he walked off with purpose. The door closed and left you to your thoughts.

What the fuck is going on?

Thanks for reading the first chapter of Woven! I'm figuring out how I want to format this. Chapter two will be out this week or next. I'd love to hear what you guys think! ♡

[avicebro]

legitimately ibuki in fate is so fucking funny. first she starts out as this scary demon lady who is a major boss of a story chapter about demons and hell, meant to be an even stronger version of shuten douji, a big threat to the cast

then we summon her and she has a fucking baby ascension and also a virgin killer ascension and it's like. ah ok. that's cool. but she still is meant to retain that scary-evil-monster lady vibe and the fandom overall just went, oh, cool i guess. because not only was she revealed in a story chapter where people were more interested in finally getting douman, an npc people had been waiting years for by that point, but also the chapter had kagekiyo, another version of a servant people had been asking for for years

so since they clearly did not get the attention they were expecting for a limited servant designed by raita, who's servants usually do really well, the next year she shows up in tunguska and in canon has a memory and personality wipe so she's now not this scary demon lady but a light-hearted, playful (and kinda dumb) deity who gives you too-strong hugs and gives big big bimbo vibes.

and everyone loves her then lol.

so when she gets her summer alt, they double down on that, making her even clumsier and sillier, culminating in her appearance in samurai remnant where she's like. yeah she's this scary, powerful god that could destroy this entire world, but ultimately she just wants to have a bit of fun, let her have fun! :(

and while there were elements of this in her saber form, especially as her first ascension, i do find it really funny that fate saw the reaction to her originally and saw how it didn't do as well as they were hoping, and went ah ok: wipe her personality.

[dangraccoon]

Untitled Spreadsheet - PRIVATE

Chapter 4 - Return

Word Count: 464

Content: gay disaster Cody, idk if that's how the force works (I just remember reading something like it somewhere, let me know if it's someone else's hc) slightly snarky Cody

For @literallyjustanerd, based on this post

Mando'a Guide: Jetii'dral - the Force

The first time General Kenobi had lost his lightsaber in the middle of a battlefield, Cody had hesitated to retrieve it. Something in the back of his mind told him no, no, not yours, no. But Kenobi rarely even touched blasters and wasn’t the biggest fan of not leading from the front, so returning his only weapon to him far outweighed his own momentary discomfort as far as Cody was concerned. 

Each time after that became less awkward. After the seventh or eighth time, Cody recalled the General speaking with Commander Tano–imparting a lesson about the weapon being her life that made Cody grateful his helmet’s mic was muted–and discussing the crystals at the core of their sabers. They were somewhat alive with the Force.

The next time he’d plucked Kenobi’s lightsaber from the ground after remembering that, he lifted it closer to his face. He felt a little foolish but knew better than to doubt the jetii’dral. 

“Your jetii is very good at losing you,” he told it–quietly so his brothers wouldn’t hear (and mock) him. “But I will protect you until I can return you to him. And I will protect him until you can.”

Having the weapon on his belt clip–that he’d gotten specifically for this reason–no longer felt strange or wrong, but instead pushed something akin to pride and gratitude into his mind. Kriffin’ jetii’dral.

Of course, when he’d picked it up today, it had been just before their plan to split up. He shook his head, brushing away the dirt that had gathered near the emitter. He’d see it returned soon enough.

Now, the dust was finally settling on Ryloth. The Republic and twi’leks’ victory was hard won, and Cody dreaded having to look through the list of brothers he had lost.

He went through the motions–directing troopers to carry out all the tasks needed after battle and doing his level best to avoid the attention of their CMO because Cody has work to do, damn it, and the graze on his side can wait–all with the added weight of General Kenobi’s saber hanging from the clip on his belt.

“Hello Cody,” General Kenobi said, dusting himself off as he approached. “Hiding from Pulse again?”

“General,” he nodded back, holding out the lightsaber he’d snatched from the ground for the seventh time this week. “Missing something again?”

“Ah, yes,” the General grinned, somewhat sheepishly. “You’re a good man, Cody.”

Cody nodded, thankful that his helmet was hiding the deep red he was sure his cheeks had bloomed into.

“Now, shall we?”

Cody: Attachment: Untitled Spreadsheet - PRIVATE

Rex: what the kriff is that cody

Rex: …

Rex: you made several typos

Cody: I was typing quickly.

Rex: wait 

Rex: 74th time 

Rex: cody

Rex: you kept track??Cody: No comment.

Event: Upon taking back his lightsaber after the last battle on Ryloth, General Kenobi smiled at me and called me ‘good man’

Rational explanation: General Kenobi was appreciative that I recovered his extremely valuable weapon for the 7th time this week

Irrational explanation: The General is madly in love with me and desperately wants to confess his feelings but cannot do so beyond giving me vague (if incredibly endearing) compliments

Additional notes: This is the 74th time the General has referred to me as a ‘good man’

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Thanks for reading! - River

Untitled Spreadsheet - PRIVATE Master List DangRaccoon Master List Tag List Form Read on AO3

Tags: @nekotaetae @lokigirlszendaya @get-wr3ckered @jediknightjana @idoubleswearimawriter @lucyysthings @unstable-kiwi @6oceansofmoons @l3xi3luv @savebytheodoresnonjosestuff @winter-phoenix1995 @nomercyforthewarrior @padawancat97 @wishyouthetest @orangez3st @flowered-bicycles @error6gendernotfound @techs-goggles9902

[burntblueberrywaffles]

the desperate anidala bitches shall rejoice, because i come offering a second rec list 😌 /lh

My Anidala/Vaderdala rec list! (part 2)

You can find the first rec list here!

sorry I took so long this got buried way down in my drafts but it's finally out 🫡

some of these are not complete so do check chapter count and pls dont yell at me asdfhgkjfh

Modern AUs

The Bet

Anakin's had a crush on Padmé since fourth grade, and after putting up with his pining for seven years, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka are finally stepping in and making a bet that he can't ask her to junior prom in the spring. Meanwhile, Padmé is realizing that Anakin isn't as annoying as she'd always thought. In fact, her feelings towards him are starting to go in quite the opposite direction...

Snow Place Like Home

For genre-typical convoluted reasons involving ill-timed blizzards, Padmé is forced to spend the holidays at Anakin's house. Anakin isn't as upset about his boss staying with him for Christmas as he probably should be.

Second Chances

When Luke Amidala and Leia Skywalker meet at summer camp, they're shocked to discover that they're long-lost twins. The logical next step? Getting their estranged parents back together.

I usually avoid Parent traps AU just because I dislike it as a setup, but when it comes to Anidala a bitch is desperate, and this was a cute and fun one, I really enjoyed it!

Lemon

“What other secret fantasies do I have that are glaring neon signs for you?” Anakin asks. “You’re conflicted,” Padmé says, “because on one hand you want to be a very good boy for me, but on the other you want to misbehave so I have a reason to punish you.” He blows out a plume of smoke and taps the ash off his cigarette. “You know, I really thought you were a nerd. I thought I'd have to be like, ‘Hey, how about you tie me up sometime.' Get you into this stuff little by little. But no, you’re diving right in like we met on a BDSM subreddit or something.” Or: Padmé has car problems. Thankfully she knows a good mechanic.

normally, I probably never would have checked out this fic, (mommy kink is just not my thing) but as previously stated, A BITCH WAS DESPERATE and you know what it actually slapped 😌

Rebound

Padmé Naberrie has just been broken up with. She wasn't prepared for a night out with her girls to find her a rebound. She certainly wasn't prepared for Anakin Skywalker.

Sith-Raised Anakin

the inevitable end of dancing with the devil

"Maybe it was too crass to compare the devil to such a creature—Lord Vader wasn’t the devil, he was worse." Senator Amidala was undoubtedly one of the most respected and adored public servants to walk the galaxy. Lord Vader was not. Vaderdala AU. Arranged Marriage AU

A Worthy Sacrifice

Chancellor Palpatine has dropped the act and decided to rule the galaxy openly as Darth Sidious. His reign wouldn’t be half as successful without his unhinged attack dog Darth Vader, a much rumoured warbringer who appears in black robes with a saber red as blood and brings even the strongest revolutionaries to their knees. Padmé is not only fighting for her home country but the freedom of the known regions and she is desperate to turn the tides of this war which is why she agrees to the deal Sidious offers her: A child with this favourite Sith Lord in exchange for her home: Naboo.

This is one of my favourite fics with this trope!

Pearl in My Head

Padmé's just starting her career as a Senator when she attracts some unwanted attention from the Emperor, who has decided on a very different role for her in the Empire. [empire already exists, arranged marriage/forced proximity au! loosely follows some aotc/rots events]

What Was I Made For?

Darth Vader was not a man made for love, but this was not love. Or, Basically, Padme and Vader are friends with benefits, but she's so nice to him that it makes him question his entire existence.

FOR YOUR LOVE (i’ll do whatever you want)

𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰? 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐰? 𝐢'𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐢 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐡, 𝐢’𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐢 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐢’𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 He gave her that devilish smirk of his. The one that had gotten her into this mess in the first place. “I’ll give you what you want.” OR, A rare moment of intimacy happens for Padmé and Anakin – whose relationship is strictly carnal.

I have yet to read the second chapter (will get on that when I get out of the snowbaird hole lol) but I really enjoyed the first one!

Vaderdala

love me, love me (like you used to do) 

In which Vader fails to capture his son, but gains a daughter, his wife, another pair of twins... and the past.

this fic was SO GOOD holy shit literally made me feral when i fiorst read it

Love Like Ghosts

There are very few people who know the location of the Rebel Alliance’s base on Naboo. Even fewer who know the names of any of the people who work there. So when Padmé gets up on a cold morning, the windows frosted and harsh wind rattling the doors of the large house that’s been the headquarters of the Alliance for nearly two decades, to see a package with her name on it sitting on the doorstep, her heart stops in her chest.

loved this fic but as a heads up it doesn't provide "they get back together" closure so be ready for that

news of old by @ineedausernamel829

Padme is a member of the rebel alliance. During a mission, her past relationships with darth Vader comes to light

No vaderdala interactions, but exploration of the relationship through Padme talking about it - It’s so so good

Sad Vaderdala hours

Imperial Socialite

In a timeline where Darth Vader doesn't face immolation and Padmé Amidala lives, their marriage continues in a form that is at once far more honest and deeply dysfunctional. Though Padmé tries to remain within the Imperial Senate, the trauma of her husband's betrayal--and the apparent deaths of her children--force her into early retirement. Too much of a liability to aid the emerging Rebel cause directly, Padmé seeks out new avenues of defying the Empire: by leveraging her connection to Vader to mess with the Imperial Elites of Coruscant.

it could be sweet

an interconnected collection of stories based on the idea of what would have happened if Padmé had lived. (aka me finally writing down my self-indulgent vaderdala daydreams aka me living my best life)

This series is so good in a "rip my heart out of my chest and steps on it" way

all joy sucked dry

Her husband had fallen, her life’s work had crumbled, and her own babies were strangers to her. But she didn’t even care, and that was the worst part. Or: Padme deals with postpartum depression, and Vader is ill-equipped to help her

Others

Across the Seas

Padmé Amidala - the daughter of the royal governor of Jamaica - never expected her life to be much more than it already was. Her routine is to dress in her finest clothes, put on a pretty face, and ensure she is presentable to not only the people but to the many men attempting to court her. However, Padmé's world is flipped around when pirates attack, and the young woman finds herself in the company of their fearsome, brash, (dashing) Captain. Initially sickened by the roughish man, Padmé will quickly learn there is so much more to the mysterious Captain Skywalker. A pirate's life for me

The pirate AU I didn’t know I needed. So good

Right & Wrong

After they watch a holoshow that portrays reprehensible content, Anakin unwittingly reveals the concerning way Chancellor Palpatine acts towards him. Padmé will not let anyone harm her husband — and she’ll make this Obi-Wan, the Jedi Council, and even the whole galaxy’s problem if she needs to.

when the grooming is actually adressed >>

cestrum nocturnum

Summer on Naboo, the Clone Wars have yet to begin, and Anakin is tasked with protecting Senator Amidala after an attempt is made on her life. It's too bad that every moment with her has him in agony, and every moment apart is even worse—especially after that night in the courtyard ... Or: Anakin spends a torturous time on Naboo in the company of the person he loves because he doesn't know how to tell her his true feelings.

Naboo smut 🤭

And that's it! if anyone has recommendations for a fic that isn't in either of my rec lists, please let me know! I am so so desperate I need my anidala fix

Since I was deep into the Star Wars hole and desperate, I’ve also been reading non-Anidala/non-Anidala centric fics about Darth Vader/Anakin/the Skywalker family, so I will be posting a rec list for that soon! (When i say soon it can mean anything from a day to months, my brain is not always great at tasks, if anyone wants to be notified when I do post it lmk and I’ll tag you ❤️)

[bloopitynoot]

Reading TGCF: Chapter 36

For those who don't know, I am reading TGCF for the first time and sharing my thoughts!

If you have not read it, there will be spoilers! Consider this a warning.

Also- if you want to follow along, I am aiming to post updates daily. You can find all the posts in the tag Bloopitynoot reads TGCF. You can also check out the intro post for context on my read BUT if you followed along with my SVSSS read, the rules and vibe are the same.

Comfy vibes only today!

Matcha tea to go with the looping soundtrack in my brain that is Abracadabra. I finally watched the music video and this song has taken over my life LOL. The choreo, the cane choreo, the CHAIR choreo. Stellar, S tier, 100%, no changes.

You are welcome, I hope it's also stuck in your head;

Let's go chapter 36!!!

Mu Qing LOL; I snorted reading this. This guy is watching Xie Lian jump off the wall like, IDGAF, I've seen him do this shit before, he's fine. p113

I hope he doesn't end up being problematic later, because I have a healthy respect for Lang Ying. I stand with those out there working to overthrow oppressive governments. p115

Qi Rong over here getting himself into some bullshit. I would not be surprised if it was his fault (Re: hanging upside-down from a tree). p117

"Do you think what you're doing is right" p119 He absolutely does not think it's right. Xie Lian doesn't see an alternative though.

This art is incredible! So haunting! This is White No Face? I think they were mentioned earlier (maybe by Hua Cheng) but I can't recall what we learned about them. p121

"But you'd be better switched to a saber" p126. I love this kid so much. I also hope he's no problematic.

Another build-up chapter

I feel like this is so close to shit absolutely going down. Too many things are in motion rn. We have a god intervening, the king taking a stance, a rebel army, and now GHOSTS.

[charmwasjess]

could you elaborate more on that passage from Labriynthe of Evil with Dooku showing Grevious footage of Anakin and Obis saber skills? Really like your writing on lightsaber forms and Dooku and why favors Makashi.

Absolutely! Thank you for such a fun ask! :D I love this kind of thing.

It looks like I was actually a little off, at least in the exact passage from Luceno’s Labyrinth of Evil I was thinking of. He just wishes Grievous was there to see:

Initially, it had cheered him to observe that Skywalker and Kenobi had finally learned to fight together; to see how powerful they had become in partnership. Complementing each other’s strengths, compensating for each other’s weaknesses. Kenobi making full use of his inherent discretion to balance young Skywalker’s inattentive rowdiness. He could have watched them until the light faded on fair Tythe. And he wished that General Grievous could have been there to witness the display for himself.  

This is funny because of several reasons. 

Dooku just literally had a ceiling collapse on top of him and is slightly concussed. God, this marvelous dizzy bitch, dragging himself out from under chunks of duracrete to think about how pretty the lightsabers are

He mentions only “initially” being cheered by this display because his next thought in the lines after this is that the Jedi could really win this war and what will he do and could he possibly go crawling back to the Jedi?? –Yoda said he’d take him back, but then he thinks no, he’s gone too deep in the dark side and he can’t come home after that

It’s a fascinating portrait of the character at the end of his life: his hopelessness and aimlessness on the literal eve of Revenge of the Sith. How isolated he is. He has no one to talk to, not even the likes of Grievous. How taking a moment to nerd out about the lightsaber forms is this little distracted treat he saves for himself in a particularly bleak moment. 

You can really see the seeds of Dooku losing his final battle here. His Makashi depends on his aggression and precision to keep the relative delicacy and lack of defense in the form up on its feet, but Dooku is going into this fight in a daze - distracted with nostalgia, demoralized, and questioning.   

To move onto wider lightsaber thoughts, I think this section also gives us another interesting insight into how much individual Jedi’s personalities go into their lightsaber styles. He thinks about the ways Obi-Wan and Anakin's fighting styles adapt to their individual traits, how much the form is actually in conversation with their wider relationship. And it’s remarkable how well Dooku actually seems to know Obi-Wan and Anakin as people here to recognize the aspects of their personality coming out in the fighting. His lineage. His future killers. 

Bonus Round

Here’s a snippet from an earlier LoE chapter where Dooku is eavesdropping on the same recording and being charmed by Anakin and Obi-Wan’s sassy banter:

“--beginning to  … things almost as much … I hate sand,” Skywalker was saying to his former mentor as he raised his lightsaber over one shoulder.

Kenovi spread his legs and brought his blade directly in front of him. “Then…. sweep up.”

Touched by their camaraderie, Dooku smiled to himself. 

Dooku, you are the truly patron saint of self-inflicted loneliness. 

[silvrash-797]

Febuwhump 2025 - Glacial Creep

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Chapter 2: Concealing an Injury

Sky slashed his way through droves of monsters, intent only on the chest he saw glinting on the other side of the room. Righteous fury simmered in his gut, fueling each stroke. He laughed humorlessly to himself.

If there was one thing you could count on a sword spirit for, it was their unflinching dedication to their purpose, their cause. Sky wanted Four, so Ghirahim had turned to the same tactics – send legion after legion of monsters to block his path – in his attempt to stop him.

But Sky had learned a few tricks from his brothers, and he wasn’t afraid to fight dirty. He pulled out every stop, every trick, every item he could think of, razing the monsters one by one until finally, finally, the last one crumbled to dust.

All the better for him that none of them had black blood.

Carefully, he wiped the monstrous ichor from Fi's blade, keeping her free of her sheathe in case more monsters tried to get in his way.

He flipped the lid of the chest open one-handed. Inside, on a cushion of blood-red crushed velvet, lay a key.

A key. Simple. Unadorned. Exactly what he needed to save his brother.

Sky palmed the key and turned back the way he had come, sprinting in bursts, careful to preserve his strength. The teeth of the key bit into the leather of his gloves with how tightly he clenched it in his fist, but he didn’t care.

He couldn’t be late again.

Sky's ears twitched as a thin, shrill cry pierced the silence of the hallway outside the transparent door. Four!

He slammed up against the door, fumbling with the key as he looked for his brother.

There! Pink ice encased Four from knees to shoulders, encroaching on his neck. Four had his head thrown back as far as his bonds would allow, tear tracks striping the sides of his face.

Ghirahim leaned over the Smithy, fingers all over his face.

The key clicked, and something inside Sky broke. The bars across the door had barely fallen before Sky burst through, Master Sword blazing in his hand and a furious howl in his throat.

-----

Something slammed against the door. A key rattled in the lock.

Sky was back. Four would have sobbed in relief, but the ice compressing his chest made anything other than shallow gasps exceedingly difficult. Fresh tears leaked from his eyes.

He'd been so afraid that Ghirahim would kill him, or that the ice would completely cover him, before Sky returned. Still, he fought with everything he could muster to survive, to endure.

The torture wasn’t the hardest part. No, the hardest part had been keeping his rib cage expanded while the ice crept up it so he’d have room to breathe. Keeping his head back so the ice stayed far away from his mouth and nose was nearly impossible, but he’d managed.

The ice froze his clothes, froze his blood as it dripped freely from numerous tiny stab wounds, froze the breath in his lungs, but it could not touch that small seed of warmth Sky had planted before he left.

Now Sky stood just outside the room, fighting to get in, and that small seed blossomed into hope that this nightmare would soon be over.

“Tch,” Ghirahim the demon clucked petulantly. “I had quite hoped I’d be able to finish my work here before the Skychild’s return.” He ran his fingers across Four's cheeks, swiping away the tears, leaving a burning trail behind them.

Four convulsed against the touch, shivering as the ice reached his throat. He gulped a pitiful, whimpering cry before his throat refused to move, and the ice crept toward the point of his ears.

“Well, no matter.” Four heard the ice rod the demon had been using clink against the floor, somewhere near his feet. “We can continue this once I’ve taken care of the bug.”

The hum of active magic resonated through Four’s bones, and his heart sank. He’d been hoping the rod would deactivate once free of the demon's grasp.

A long black saber materialized in the corner of his vision before Ghirahim centered himself in Four's line of sight. “Do not worry,” the demon sang, walking the fingers of his free hand from the ice at Four's throat, up his chin, over his mouth to press gently on the tip of his nose, “I will drag this out as long as I can.”

The demon vanished. Tears fell unchecked as Four heard the door's lock and bars disengage and the first clang of steel on steel as Sky's battle cry split the air.

Then the ice covered his ears, dulling all sound and sensation.

It moved toward his chin. Soon his mouth and nose would follow. Then asphyxiation, unless he simply froze to death first.

Cold terror burned across his body. He shivered inside his icy prison, unable to move, barely able to think or breathe. His lungs ached for air he could no longer give.

His heart beat furiously against his ribs, driving his frail breathing faster and faster, hiccupping sobs trying and failing to emerge from his locked chest and throat. Tears flooded his cheeks as panic lapped at his consciousness.

The ice crested his chin and cheeks. The warm bloom of hope in his chest withered.

I’m going to die.

He closed his eyes against the flood of tears, lips trembling with cold and fear.

The ice rose again, and the trembling stopped.

A frightened whine slipped from his nose before darkness pulled him under. Sky…

-----

Sky danced around the room, jabbing, thrusting, parrying, blocking, utilizing every conceivable technique to maneuver himself closer to Four. Determination and fear battled inside as he watched the clear ice creep further and further up Four’s head and heard his desperate gasps.

A glint of metal and bluish stone caught Sky’s eye – an ice rod, glowing steadily, pressed up against the ice at Four's feet.

Finally! He knew what to do, how to save his brother.

He blocked a heavy overhand strike from Ghirahim's blade, then swept his leg out toward Ghirahim's feet. The demon skipped out of range, and Sky sprinted to Four's side.

He kicked the ice rod away, taking vicious pleasure in the way it skittered and snapped across the floor.

Ghirahim glowered. “Now you’ve done it. You’ve ruined my beautiful experiment.”

Sky took the opportunity to brush frost away from Four's nose and mouth, gratitude making his knees weak as tiny breaths ghosted along his fingertips. He turned back to the demon, lightning flickering around his sword hand. “I’ve only gotten started,” he growled, raising Fi toward the heavens.

Holy light flickered along her blade, reacting to the lightning he generated in a sinuous dance. With calculated precision and burning rage, Sky sent Skyward Strike after Skyward Strike into Ghirahim’s defenses, standing as a grounding point between the Demon Lord and his helpless brother.

Lightning crackled throughout the room as Sky hammered all his fear, anger, hatred and desire to protect, protect, protect into the one who tormented his brother until finally, finally, Ghirahim’s sword and armor shattered and he lay, trembling, on the floor.

Sky panted as he pressed Fi into Ghirahim’s throat. A long moment passed where they stared at each other, victor and loser, before Four's thin breaths broke through Sky's pounding heart.

Suddenly, his righteous anger burned itself out, and he sighed, exhausted. He pulled Fi away from the demon's throat minutely. “Get out,” he said lowly. “Get out, and never touch my family again.”

Ghirahim hissed, hatred burning in his eyes. “You’ve not seen the last of me, boy,” he vowed, snapping his fingers. In a shower of black, white, yellow and red diamonds, the Demon Lord vanished.

Sky sagged, wiped Fi down, and sheathed her, whispering a heartfelt thanks as he did so. He turned to face Four, wondering again why there was a band of pink ice covering his torso. He couldn’t see anything different, and looking at the ice rod, it appeared to be completely normal.

Maybe Four would know. Sky just had to figure out how to free him.

A familiar shape sitting on one of the low tables nearby caught his eye. Four’s adventure bag lay partially open, spilling a handful of items across the tabletop. Sky looked through the items on the table and inside the bag, finally pulling out a lantern he prayed would do the trick. Quickly, he packed away all the other items and fixed Four's pouch to his belt, leaving his hands free.

He lit the wick of the lantern and brought it close to Four's face. Immediately, the ice began to melt, and Sky heaved a relieved sigh. Gently, he cupped Four's newly-exposed cheek with one hand, trying to rub some warmth into the pallid skin.

Four's eyelids fluttered at the change of lighting and Sky's touch. They opened sluggishly, gaze glassy and unfocused. He blinked slowly, shivering as more and more of his face and neck were freed.

Sky watched Four’s gaze wander around the room as he tried to reorient himself; his heart broke at the confusion and panic he could read plain as day as Four tried to move still-immobilized limbs. Labored breathing picked up again, and Four's eyes started rolling back into his head amidst pooling tears. Sky knew he had to do something to help keep Four conscious.

He patted at Four's cheek again, trying to direct his brother’s gaze. “Four, buddy, you with me?”

Clarity returned to Four's eyes as they snapped toward Sky's. The tears spilled over his cheeks as a smile bloomed on his face. “Sky,” he whispered, naked relief in his eyes and voice. The ice had melted far enough that Sky was able to cradle Four's head against his chest as the Smithy sobbed.

Sky continued to hold Four close as the lantern worked its magic. Something sticky dripped down Four's neck onto his fingers and he brought them up to his face, curious. Red droplets…like…

Horror flooded Sky as he stepped back and took a closer look at Four's mostly thawed body. The ice itself hadn’t been pink. It had been concealing dozens upon dozens of incisions along Four's torso, arms, and upper legs. Ghirahim must have made them right before the ice crept over the wound, allowing Four to feel the pain without bleeding to death. Now that they were exposed, they’d begun to bleed freely again.

Four sagged in his bonds, still quietly sobbing, as the last of the ice melted away. His body quaked in the throes of hypothermia, shock, and blood loss. Sky plucked a dagger from his boot and sawed at the ropes holding his brother upright, gently easing Four to the floor as the last one snapped.

He plunged his hand into his pouch, pulling out his last bottled fairy. The tiny sprite chimed madly as she caught sight of Four. She practically pushed the cork out herself in her haste to get to the fallen hero.

Soft pink light, eager chimes, delicate fingers smoothing over bloody skin…Sky watched with deep gratitude and awe as the fairy pulled Four back from the brink. His shivering eased, his brow smoothed out, and a contented sigh escaped his lips as he drifted off to sleep.

Sky pulled off his sailcloth and wrapped Four in it before he gathered the still-trembling body close to his own, both to share body heat and to assure himself that Four was okay.

He wasn’t late.

He defeated Ghirahim.

Four was alive.

Resolutely, he set out to find the rest of the Chain.

[skellymom]

"Vagabonds" Chapter 34

"KAMINO REVISTED"

Ongoing fanfic Hunter x Reader/Fem Reader/OC

Hunter meets a smuggler Nomaadi Star Woman with a powerful force sensitive teen who changes the trajectory of CF-99's lives...as they ALL try to escape from The Empire together.

WITH ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY SKELLYMOM!!!

To read Chapter 33 - "SERPENT"

https://www.tumblr.com/skellymom/784851552034783232/vagabonds-chapter-33?source=share

Word Count: 2.1K

Background: The crew takes off to find and retrieve Crosshair from Kamino (post bombing). Uncle Taavi has "a bad feeling" he can't shake about the mission.

This story is getting close to the LAST third of this fic. Several more chapters until the end!!!

For anyone new to this series: "LOVE" is the nonbinary/genderfluid neurodivergent/nonverbal Force sensitive kid of the main OC of this series named Mad. Mad is an older single mother, close to almost 50 years of age (not many older female protagonists in stories, so I decided to make one.)

Warning: angst, swearing, pregnancy, embryonic fluid, Star Wars "violence"/SFW

(Credit: Cool dividers by @4ngelic-Wh1spers, @plum98 @strangergraphics-archive )

“Taavi?” Thoomie quietly approached her uncle as he stood transfixed in the ship’s bay. 

He didn’t seem to hear her, instead puffing his pipe silently. 

“Uncle???” She approached, laying a hand on his shoulder.  “What’s wrong?” 

Puff...puff... 

Finally...Taavi exhaled, blowing tobacco and Star Sedge smoke before answering. 

“Got a really bad feeling about...them leaving...” 

“What is it, Uncle?” 

“Don’t know...”  Taavi puffed his pipe again “Just a gut feeling...” 

“Well, the message I just received should cheer you up.”  Thoomie smoothed her hand along Taavi’s back. 

“Eh?” 

“The Nomaadi Community just commed me.”  Thoomie brightened.  “They’ve found a safe planet for Reunion!” 

“OH, THANK THE FORCE!” Taavi cracked a wide smile.  “Been forever since we done gathered.” 

“Leaving you the coordinates, Uncle.”  Thoomie smiled back “When Hunter comes back with Sil and Mad...well...I don’t want to assume too much...”  She trailed off. 

“Oh, them clones ARE DEFINITELY invited!”  Taavi chuckled.  “Us trustworthies gotta stick together.” 

“Good to hear, Uncle.  I’ll be heading back to the clinic then to close things down.” 

“Thank you little girlie” Taavi leaned down to hug Thoomie gently, then kissed the top of her head.  “Go do yer thing.” 

Thoomie returned the hug. 

Taavi watched her leave the bay. 

The nagging bad feeling still stuck with him... 

He pondered a bit longer... 

Then sent an encrypted message of the coordinates in Nomaadi to Tech aboard the Marauder. 

Just in case... 

Now Tech had directions to a secret sanctuary moon, Hunter had his comm, Echo and Wrecker were more than capable, crazy ole’ Mad had those Force babies...Omega and Sil would be just fine... 

Taavi, ya ole’ goat, quit worrying and go work on the Beldame! 

All that ruminating was probably nothing. 

Crosshair opened his swollen, burning eyes to the intense Kamino sun.  The sea spanned for miles around the platform.  The ruins of his home poked out of ocean.  It had stopped smoldering some time ago.   

There had been NO rain since his brothers and Omega left him behind.   

A VERY rare occurrence on Kamino... 

No fresh water to quench his thirst.  Only his urine.   

Did his brothers DISPISE him so much as to NOT leave at least a canteen of water and some rations??? 

An exhausted, deep HATE rose in Crosshair.  He should have shot Hunter square between the eyes when he had the chance...except the kid would have seen it... 

...and his squad would have killed him outright.   

I deserve it...I’M A FUCKING FAILURE.  Brothers are gone...forever... 

He’d cry...if he could produce tears... 

Crosshair’s hunger was only abated after shooting down the occasional sea bird, feasting upon the body and drinking its blood. 

Fishing was impossible...as he was constantly being watched... 

...by the Saber Jaw trolling around the platform in the waters below. 

It’s large eye, the only thing poking above the surface, keeping tabs on ole Crossy. 

He initially watched it swimming around the wreckage, looking for bodies left after the Empire bombed Kamino City. 

Now it was coming for him.  Crosshair closed his eyes and wished for a quick death soon.  Baking in the hot Kamino sun until he died of dehydration was excruciating. 

Hours later a distant hum had Cross open one dry eye.  It was difficult to see.  Everything was a blur. 

The sound, now louder, slowly become a roar. 

His eyes strained to look skyward, but the glare blinded. 

A shadow fell over him, as the craft descended onto the platform. 

About KRIFFING TIME the Empire showed up...   

Although Crosshair was unsure if it truly was a ship...or mirage. 

The platform shook slightly as the craft landed.  Then the engine died.  Sounds of a gangplank opening.  Footsteps... 

Please make it ANY other officer.  I can’t STAND Force-damned  Rampart’s uppity-assed voice. 

An image flashed across Crosshair’s mind: mustering the last of his strength to blast Rampart to bits AND have the stormtroopers shoot him out of his misery...at the same time. 

Crosshair smiled and giggled dryly.  

The footsteps stopped. 

“Would give the WHOLE galaxy if that smile were for US” 

Crosshair’s eyes popped wide open.  He jerked up on one elbow swinging Firepuncher up to sniper’s position. 

He attempted to swallow nervously...but he had no saliva. 

Hunter stood several meters away, intensely staring at Crosshair.  The words didn’t match the action.  Instead, Hunter emanated anger. 

He’s FUCKING with ME!  Came back to torment!!! 

Echo and Wrecker flanked each side of the Marauder’s gangplank.  Their weapons weren’t raised but they held them ready just in case. 

Cross could barely see Tech’s head inside the Marauder.  Everything far away was a blur.  

Hunter turned them against me!  All for that kid... 

...AND THERE SHE WAS! 

Omega had slipped out of the Marauder, following Hunter. 

Crosshair growled grinding his teeth in rage.   

“I TOLD YOU TO TAKER HER AWAY SOMEWHERE!” 

Hunter blinked at the sound, his teeth on edge. 

Omega stopped in her tracks; eyes wide. 

“AND YOU BROUGHT HER BACK AGAIN!” 

Crosshair kept on spewing more anger, hurt, and delirious vitriol.  While Hunter was intensely hurt and angry at his brother, there was concern.  Cross’ high emotional stress, severe dehydration and starvation drove his eyes to roll back...causing a loss of bodily control.  Crosshair fought unconsciousness... 

...causing his finger to pull the trigger. 

Firepuncher jumped in Crosshair’s grasp.  It jerked him back to consciousness. 

Hunter barely had time to duck.  The bolt flew past his temple, searing free the bandana from his head...and a few locks of hair. 

Crosshair stared in horror at what he just did... 

Sil pulled the gifted blaster from his jacket, preparing to help cover Echo and Wrecker. 

“OMEGA...get back to the ship!  Hunter stood frozen, taking in his senses.  Trying to listen... 

Mad calmly strode toward the open hatch...  

“EYYY...?”  Wrecker reached out to prevent Mad from falling.   

But Mad didn’t want that. 

She Force SQUEEZED Wrecker out of the way.  He panicked internally, as it firmly pressed the air from his lungs...not enough to hurt... 

...just enough to allow Mad to lean past him and over the open gangplank.   

Mad reached out with the Force and yanked Omega up, tossing her back into her secure grasp.   

Wrecker inhaled loudly when the pressure released, as a transfixed Echo stared wildly back at Mad and Omega. 

A VERY SHOCKED Crosshair, eyes wide, didn’t miss this. 

MY BROTHERS ARE TAKING JEDI AS SQUADMATES!!!  Crosshair was floored. 

“DAMMIT CROSSHAIR!  SHE’S CARRYING OUR CHILDREN!!!”  Hunter blurted, red faced, flustered that Cross had seen this BEFORE he could get his brother into the Marauder...and visibly SHOCKED at Mad’s growing Force abilities. 

Crosshair’s face froze in shock. 

Mad stared transfixed as Crosshair...the snarky, caustic, brother...as he GLARED back at Mad. 

...But underneath lies an angry, unsure, confused, and ill-prepared human man who did very bad things and the loneliness is a deep well of regret of bad decisions from living in the shadow of his shorter brother somewhat mentally adjusted brother who dared not follow orders but grappled with being a good soldier verses an efficient killing machine with loyalty of the growing most powerful entity murder machine he assisted spreading among the stars oh the stars the stars the suns baking him to death on a dead homeworld... 

“MAD!”  Hunter screamed at the top of his lungs, SNAPPING her from distraction...pulling away from sliding into Crosshair’s headspace and emotions.  Mad’s eyes blinked, noticing Hunter’s terrified expression. 

Crosshair, clearly thinking Hunter’s duress comical in his sun addled brain, grinned like a maniac. 

Keeping Hunter on his toes!  I might NOT KILL YOU after all... 

...huh???  Mad, still cradling Omega, cocked her head like a dog. 

YOU...HEAR me? Crosshair touched a hand to his forehead. 

Hunter cocked his head.  He sensed SOMETHING...he DIDN’T like it. 

THE SABER JAW BURST FROM THE WATER BELOW.  Slamming its body upon the platform.  Everyone cantilevered off balance.  The Marauder slid toward the group. 

Tech fired up the engines and shot the ship off the platform.  Echo and Wrecker held on for dear life.   Sil slid past Mad, who failed to catch him.  Echo scruffed the collar of Sil’s tunic before he slipped off the Marauder.  The blaster slipped from his grasp and fell to the platform below. 

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!? Echo yelled at Sil.  The teen’s face displayed the terror of how ill-prepared he was in the current situation. 

Echo pushed Sil back towards the Marauder’s seats, then trained his blaster on the Saber Jaw. 

It's shadow fell over Hunter and Crosshair. 

Their heads flicked up to take in the Sea Dragon’s wide opened mouth as it loomed over them: teeth, forked tongue, throat open to receive its meal.  It stunk like ten degrees of Rancid Jotaz. 

Hunter and Crosshair stared into that abyss then simultaneously screamed the rest of their sanity away. 

Wrecker and Echo fired their blasters repeatedly into the Saber Jaw as Tech swung around firing the Marauder. 

Mad backed away from the opening of the ship, dragging Omega with her.  Then grabbing Sil, shoving him into a seat.   

“For Force sake, BELT IN!” 

“Auntie...YOU AREN’T even belted in...” 

“LISTEN TO YOUR AUNTIE!!!”  Echo yelled while firing his blaster.  

Sil shut up, obediently sat and belted in. Mad handed him Omega.  Sil belted her in next to him.  

The Saber Jaw roared, then shot downward, swallowing up their group on the platform. 

Mad screamed, doubling over.  The pain in her abdomen was unfathomable.  Echo ran to embrace her. 

Wrecker and Tech kept blasting.  Shots hit the Serpent, causing minimal damage. 

It leaped off the damaged platform into the depths of the ocean. 

Mad went silent.  Everyone else was stunned. 

An eerie silence permeated the air. 

Everyone watched the seafoam on the surface dissipate.  

All calm.  All gone. 

Mad inhaled shakily, deeply, then forcibly wailed with every fiber of her being.  Her face burned beet red. 

Then her water broke. 

Wrecker shook his head in disbelief, slowly turned around to see embryonic fluid roll across the floor of the Marauder. 

Echo spoke first “Oh shit!”  His eyes were wild. 

Tech whipped around, took in the sight, then engaged the gangplank to close. 

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING, TECH!”  Wrecker screamed.  His voice cracked. 

“We MUST get Mad medical attention quickly...” Tech sounded doomed. 

“NO!” 

“YES WRECKER!”  Tech shot back. 

Wrecker glanced at Echo.  Echo sadly glanced back nodding his head yes. 

Mad cried out in pain and misery. 

“NOOOOO!” Wrecker wailed. 

Tech took off, heading for the horizon.  His hands gripping the steering mechanism tighter than he should. 

Sil grabbed Omega who screamed and burst into tears.  His eyes glazed over. 

“NO NO NO NO NO NO NO...”  Wrecker hammered his fists against the inside of the Marauder. 

Echo gently picked Mad up from the floor and sat her on a seat.  He slid in next to her and put his arms around Hunter’s woman, resting Mad’s head against his.  She continued to wail, and silent tears ran down Echo’s face. 

Wrecker collapsed next to Sil and Omega, sobbing.  Sil, still glazed silently reached out, encircling the big man with his other arm and hugged him. 

Omega screamed that they should turn back...   

Tech, struggling with his illogical inner demons, sped toward the stars...INSTEAD of the Bar’ge ‘N Go he punched in the coordinates for the Sanctuary Moon in the Unknown Regions... 

He KNEW the Bar’ge had everything that was needed medically... 

But the planet Taavi had sent him coordinates to...it FELT the better choice... 

The SAFER choice. 

He couldn’t explain it logically then...and from that day forward he STILL struggled... 

...the Marauder jumped into Hyperspace. 

Tavvy, his head in the Beldame’s mechanical panel reached out for a wrench just as his comm signal went off.  He turned it on only to hear shrill screams.  One of which sounded VERY familiar! 

Uncle Taavi paled in fear. 

He backed out, slammed the panel shut, and hurriedly boarded the Beldame.  The rest of his special modifications to the ship would have to wait. 

T1nK noticed his agitation and bleeped excitedly.  

“Load up, WE GOTTA GO!”  He shouted to the droid.  She streaked below the Beldame and was snapped up into the bowels of the ship, immediately scomping in. 

Hope I’m not too late!  Furiously rubbing the back of his neck.  

Tavvi took off from ‘Tav’s Solar Bar-ge Fix ‘N Go” and kicked the ‘Dame in high gear towards Kamino. 

“Little Thoo!”  Taavi radioed back to the Barge. 

“Yeah, Uncle?”  Thoomie answered back. 

“Got an emergency brewin’.  Takin’ the Beldame to Kamino.  You run things while I’m gone...kay?” 

“Uncle...”  Thoo’s voice held concern.  “Is there BIG trouble?” 

“I expect so little girly, but I hope not.” 

“May The Force be with you Uncle.” 

“I’ll need it...and so will Hunter...” 

CHAPTER 35 TO ARRIVE SOON!

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[theprimeverse]

"So...here we are." The Decepticon began. "The Scraplets have run off; it's just you and me now. Last chance if you want to back out of this." He said before stowing his cannon and drawing a second Ununtrium longsword. "I mean, you're still gonna die, I just won't make it hurt as much."

Saberus gave Sixshot a smirk. "I'm not going anywhere right now. But I'll tell you what, Sixshot..." The Prime said as he took the Star Saber in hand and lowered it to a combat stance. When this is all over..." He said before deploying a Black and Silver Battle mask. "I'll be sure to visit your grave..."

The final showdown between Prime and Phase Sixer is here! In Transformers: The Last Prime, Chapter 17 - The Last Prime: Archive of Our Own: https://archiveofourown.org/works/60574447/chapters/163476679 Fanfiction.net: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/14411871/18/Transformers-The-Last-Prime