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renstair · 3 years ago

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Best of the Bad

Also on AO3

My first time sharing my writing. This is a concept I’ve had for a long time and I finally sat down and wrote it out. For me, this is what becomes of Cad Bane.

Thanks @sinisterexaggerator for catching my spelling errors.

See tags for triggers.

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Cad Bane never died, he became a legend.

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Cad Bane had many safe havens, places he would go to relax, and the older he got the more he enjoyed them. There was a time when hunting Jedi and getting paid would be his idea of a perfect day, but now it was relaxing in this small saloon in the middle of nowhere, telling stories to anyone who would listen. Throughout the day the townsfolk casually came and went, not a care in the world as they enjoyed the laid-back small-town life. But it was getting late, and Bane was down to just one visitor. A young woman joined him at his table, smiling as he told her stories of places and people she had and probably would never know.

"It's all true, Lil' Lady." Bane responded to her questions. "I was dere, and I made sure dey'd never forget me."

"I don't doubt it, Mister." The woman spoke sincerely as she turn her head to look out the window. "Well, it's getting late. I better get going."

Bane tipped his hat politely and quietly watched as she left him alone. He sat there for a couple minutes more, reluctant to let this pleasant day end. But it would, as all things did. Raising his head, he gazed out the window. The sun was getting low and soon would cover the land with colors and shadows. Bane rose from his seat and walked out the door. The sun... really it was a star. He followed it.

If anyone was in the street or looked out their window, they would have seen him walking into the now blinding light of the sunset.

---

The man walked, leaving the town far behind and followed the low star into the wilderness. The mountains on the horizon were turning a deep purple and soon it would be dark. Cad Bane found a perch on a small hillside from which to take it in. Sitting down, the man leaned back into the tree. He was tired, but at peace. Around him the world darkened, but Bane's duros eyes could still see it all. The river nearby, the tall trees and mountains, the grass and wildflowers at his feet.

But his attention was drawn to the stars. They appeared, one by one until the sky was alight with their brilliance. His eyes darted across them. Bane doubted few if any person in this galaxy knew them as well as he did. He knew these stars, their systems, the planets and their stories. He'd visited countless worlds, taken numerous jobs and brought down more enemies than he could recall.

As he scanned, his eyes locked on one distant star, the sun of a planet he'd only known as a child. Bane had never felt like he belonged there. His time there had been spent looking up as he was now. At the stars. That was his true...

Home....

---

"Mister Bane?! Mister Bane, please wake up!." Todo's cries grew in desperation as he shook Cad Bane. He'd went looking for the man when he didn't return at dark, following his signal until the droid found him, slumped against a tree.

"Please, Mister Bane... Don't leave me." He begged, although he knew it was too late. Bane was gone. What was Todo going to do now? What was there even left to do? His friend was gone, the only friend he'd ever had. Todo had served him well and now his existence was meaningless. Todo pulled away, going silent and dropping to the ground as he analyzed his crisis. Finally he concluded that his job was not over. There was still one thing left for him to do.

The sun was rising as Todo finished burying Cad Bane. He'd heard stories, that the organics went somewhere else when they died. He wasn't sure if that was true, but he knew for certain wherever it was, being a droid he could not follow. Todo sat next to the grave, observing the sunrise.

"It's beautiful, Mister Bane. Maybe, wherever you are, you see it too perhaps?" Todo went silent, never to speak again as he went into rest mode.

The days came and went, and no one ever disturbed them. One day Todo's power went out, but he remained as the gravestone for his friend.

---

Cad Bane never died. One day he was there, and the next he wasn't. People spoke of him, pondering when he'd return. Stories were told, some too fantastic to be real and yet people believed them. Some people doubted he ever existed at all, but were silenced by those who remembered.

"Cad Bane was real alright."

"That man could draw and fire a weapon faster than you could blink."

"He was the best of the bad."

---

#cad bane #tw death #genuinely curious if anyone will get the reference #my writing #star wars #clone wars #bad batch #boba fett #todo360

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renstair · 3 years ago

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Cad Bane - Dark Woods Part 2

Part 2 // previous

Also on AO3

Western!AU Cad Bane and F!Reader (only because I like when Bane says Lil’ Lady too much)

@xinambercladx requested a sequel to my oneshot for more context, and after some thought I agreed there is more story to tell. So therefore my original concept is altered, but the story is consistent.

Amazing art by my friend @stormytitan

—-

Warm and cozy, a young woman sat alone in her home. Outside the evening sun poured light through the green leaves of the forest. She waited for no one, because she lived alone, secluded and hidden in the woods outside of town, so she was alerted to the sound of approaching hooves breaking the peace. Although rare, she would occasionally get a visit from the sheriff, or possibly a lost traveler. She always welcomed both, and so when whoever was outside knocked on the door she didn’t hesitate to answer.

“Hello! How can I help–” Her friendly smile vanished as she looked up into the blood red eyes of her guest. Gasping, she quickly tried to close the door but the man’s hand came up and kept it open as he forced his way inside. He was tall and intimidating, with sapphire skin and scars covering his scowling face. The woman didn’t need to know him to know he was dangerous, but he was infamous around these parts. She recognized the notorious outlaw.

Cad Bane closed the door behind him, trapping her inside. The woman felt herself shake. What did he want with her? She had never met him before and had nothing he would want. The man tipped his hat politely before he spoke. “Are ya alone, Lil’ Lady?” Should she lie and tell him there was someone on their way? Surely he would see right through her deceit.

“There’s no one. “ She answered honestly. He accepted that answer and gestured towards the chair she’d been sitting at. She obeyed and sat back down, terrified of what he might do to her. But he turned his back to her and peered out the window, moving his head back and forth like he was looking for something. Was someone else coming? “Sir, what are you looking for? Maybe I can help?”

“Does de sheriff know his way up ‘ere?” Bane asked.

“Yes, he visits me sometimes.” The woman could see this displeased Bane as he bared his fangs at the window and reached up to touch the brim of his hat. A few minutes of silence passed between them before they saw rising dust and heard the sound of many approaching hooves. The woman felt relief as the sheriff and a posse approached the house, weapons drawn. Cad Bane moved away from the window and quickly stalked over to her, gripping her by the wrist and roughly pulling her along with him.

“I have de Lil’ Lady dat lives ‘ere.” Bane shouted through the closed door. “If ya don’t want her blood on yer hands you’ll holster yer weapons.”

They wouldn’t do that. Sheriff Vanth had wanted Cad Bane brought in for so long, he wasn’t about to stop now. He’d let her die before he let the outlaw escape again. She teared up, fearing what would come next as Bane waited for his response.

“This isn’t your style, Mr. Bane. Just let the girl go and we’ll settle this like men.” The sheriff shouted. When there was no response from inside the house, he was forced to change tactics. “Fine, we’ll do it your way. Come on out.”

Bane brought the woman in front of him and held her tightly against his chest with one long arm. With the other he drew one of his dual revolvers and held it to her head. Opening the door a crack, he made sure the men had indeed holstered their weapons. “Yer gonna take yer boys back into town. S’long as I ain’t pursued, I’ll let de lady go tomorrow mornin’.”

Finding himself with little choice, Sheriff Vanth nodded in understanding. “Fine, but she better be unharmed. Anything happens to her, there’ll be hell to pay.” With that he turned his horse and quickly led his men away. Bane watched from the doorway, and as soon as he felt they were far enough away he withdrew his weapon back to its holster and released the woman.

She was in disbelief. The sheriff had actually complied… and left her alone with the most dangerous man around.

“Ya see why yer town’s such an easy target, Lil’ Lady? Yer Sheriff is a weak fool dat can’t take down a lone man, even with a small army.”

“Sheriff Vanth is a good man!” The woman defended him as Bane pushed her forward out the door. The man put his fingers to his mouth and whistled loudly. She saw movement from the trees as a horse emerged from its hiding spot and came to them. The animal was dangerous looking enough, with it’s thin frame and blood red eyes, but the woman knew this horse. Rana was her name, and it had been said there was no horse faster. People also said she was an unfriendly beast that only liked Cad Bane.

“Comeon.” Bane took her by the arm and led her toward the horse. “Get on.” When the woman tried to comply, the animal pulled away, nostrils flared and neck arched aggressively. “Easy, girl.” Bane’s voice went from harsh to calming as he spoke to his horse. He gripped her bridle and brought her attention to him, stroking the side of her face with his long fingers. “Shhh, yer alright.” Rana quickly settled, her desire to please him overriding her fear of other people.

The woman had been so distracted by how gentle this cold man could be that she’d forgotten what he’d instructed her to do until he turned his red gaze back to her. The horse was very tall, and she struggled but was eventually able to climb up. Bane came around and expertly pulled himself up, sitting directly behind the woman who now felt awkward with how close they were. He was pressed tightly against her, and she was even more trapped as he reached around with long duros arms to take hold of the reins. The position was strange, but the man likely didn’t want his prisoner behind him where he had less control. To her surprise, Bane turned the horse towards the trail where the sheriff had gone.

“We’re heading back to town? Why?” She asked, wanting to understand his plan now that she was part of it. She smelled the smoke and alcohol on his breath as he spoke behind her in that calm voice.

“I ain’t leavin’ til I get what I want. De sheriff expects us t’be headin’ in de opposite direction. Towards dat wild country I always lose him in. Soon as he was outta sight, he headed dere t’cut us off. I’m sure of it.” He explained. It made sense. Sheriff Vanth had let the outlaw go a little too easily. This way, he’d save her and bring in the infamous Cad Bane. Or so he thought, because really he’d left the town defenseless.

The sun was setting now, and Bane pushed his horse to go faster. He put his fingers to his mouth and whistled again, confusing the woman. Had he not been whistling for his horse earlier? Was he calling for someone else? Before she could ask, a shrill howl sounded in response. It was distant, and had come from behind them. Whatever had made it wasn’t human. The man seemed un-bothered and was silent until they cleared the trees and could see the towns’ lights up ahead. Pulling them to a stop, Bane reached up and cupped his hand under the woman’s chin, forcing her head back as he lowered his chapped lips to her ear.

“Listen now, Lil’ Lady. Yer mine til mornin’. Ya do as I say, don’t try t’escape, and come dawn I’ll release ya unharmed. Understand?”

By now the woman’s fear of the man was waning. Despite his threats, he hadn’t harmed her. She had expected to die the moment he showed up at her house, but now here she was - on his horse about to participate in his scheme. Feeling bold, she made a condition of her own. “I’ll do as you say, Mister. But when this is over, you will promise to leave me be. And never come by my home again.”

Cad Bane was a lawless man, but he wasn’t without his own code. In this world, you didn’t give something for nothing. Contracts went both ways. Releasing his hold on her, he accepted her condition. “It’s a deal, Lil’ Lady.”

This should have made the woman feel better, but the binding of their deal felt so eerily final. She was silent as they continued into town. Rana’s eyes glowed bright red in the darkness, and the few people in the street fled at the sight of them, not wanting any trouble. Bane stopped in front of a nice looking house. The woman recognized it as the home of the local shopkeeper, a social man who had plenty of wealth. Of course this would be Bane’s target. The outlaw dismounted and the woman didn’t have much choice in the matter as Rana immediately bucked her off. Bane, perhaps feeling a bit guilty, helped her up. She wiped dirt off her face and she looked down to see more mud and dirt covering her clothes. She expected Bane to make some snide remark, but he surprised her again by moving ahead with her instructions.

“Get him t’come out. Don’t care how, I just need him clear of de house.” Bane’s voice was calm even though he was about to commit a crime. The woman had little choice, although she was grateful he hadn’t asked her to rob or kill someone. As she approached the house, an idea formed. She knocked on the door rapidly, causing the man inside to hurry to the door.

“Yes, Ma’am, are you alright?!” The shopkeeper recognized the woman, although she was never in town this late. She looked like a literal mess, and was clearly distressed.

“I need help! Please!” She gestured in the direction opposite Bane, drawing the man’s attention away. “I was helping someone and there was an accident. Please!” The shopkeeper didn’t have time to question any of this, and left the house to follow her lead, only to be stopped on the street by a familiar voice.

“Thought ya could get outta it, did ya?” Bane approached from the shadows where he’d been hiding. “Callin’ de sheriff on me, now dat was low even fer you.”

“B-Bane!” The man stuttered in surprise. The woman pulled away from him and he realized he’d been set up. “You! You’re with him?!”

As the woman shook her head no, Bane nodded yes. “De Lil’ Lady’s with me tonight, but don’t’chya worry ‘bout dat. I’m here fer what ya owe me.”

“Our deal’s over, Bane!” The shopkeeper insisted. “I paid what I owe you, now leave me be.”

“Ya did, but den ya took somethin’ else.”

The shopkeeper paused, trying to understand what the man could be referring to. He’d made a deal with the outlaw, and he’d paid him back, although reluctantly. Bane had insisted he owed more, something about accrued fees. But when he’d refused to pay more, he’d caught a glimpse of silver out of the corner of his eye. An animal. “Is this about that stupid coyote?!”

Bane’s lip curled, breaking his calm demeanor. It was the only warning the man got before the outlaw drew his weapon with inhuman speed and shot him dead. The woman couldn’t help the cry that escaped her. She had grown too comfortable with Cad Bane, and had forgotten that he was a cold blooded killer. He hadn’t even hesitated. She turned to run, but he quickly gained on her and took her by the arm. She struggled in his grip until he reminded her of their deal. She’d stopped fighting him when they heard a voice call out. “WHO’S OUT THERE??!!”.

“Shit!” Bane had been correct about the Sheriff, but he hadn’t factored in that Vanth would have left a new deputy to watch the town while he was away. They couldn’t see the man in question, but a poorly aimed shot fired over their heads. “Comeon!” She didn’t have to be told twice. They retreated back on the horse, and this time the woman sat behind Bane, clinging to the man as he dug his heels in. Rana gained speed quickly. Behind them came more wild gunfire.The woman hated to admit it, but the sheriff really was bad at finding competent people to assist him.

They cleared the town, and could now see the deputy in pursuit, although they were losing him quickly. Even with two riders, Rana was the fastest horse the woman had ever ridden. They would easily get away, but the woman was filled with fear. Trying to gain control of her emotions, she buried her face in Bane’s back, not caring if he noticed or not. The deputy had seen them. She could never return home now, because she was a criminal. She had lived her whole life being a decent person who never caused trouble, and Cad Bane had taken that away from her.

Their pursuer was long gone, but Rana didn’t slow down as they made their way deep into the forest. It was night now, and the woman could see the light of the full moon through the trees. She was so lost in her thoughts that she jumped a bit when Bane whistled once more. Before she could ask him what he kept calling to, the same howl responded, but this time nearby. Rana slowed as Bane took them toward the direction of the sound.

“Todo, come’ere.” Bane called out. Through the brush came a small, silver coyote, yipping and wagging its tail. They came to a stop, and the man dismounted, followed quickly by the woman who didn’t want to be ejected again. The coyote circled him, panting happily. He was unique enough, with his unusual silver fur that glowed in the moonlight, but it was his glowing yellow eyes that stuck out the most.

“He’s like a ghost.” The woman commented aloud.

“He is.” Bane’s reply took her by surprise and she almost laughed. But she quickly realized he was serious. The man knelt down and Todo went to lick his face, which he begrudgingly allowed. He stroked the animals’ long ears and spoke in that gentle voice she’d only heard him use for Rana. “I went back an’got him, Todo.”

The woman was understandably confused. “If Todo is a ghost, how come we can see him? How can you touch a ghost??”

Bane straightened and touched the brim of his hat to hide the top half of his face. It was like he was unsure about how to answer her. Probably because he didn’t want to seem crazy. “Dese woods work differently. Dark Woods I call em, since it’s always night here. Guess death don’t work de same ‘ere either. Todo ain’t de first ghost I’ve seen, an’dey’ve all been dis way. Same as dey were in life, ‘cept de eyes.”

Todo continued to show his happiness, circling and wagging his tail, and as he turned the woman saw a dark hole in his side. A bullet wound. “He’s…” She didn’t want to admit it out loud. This couldn’t be happening. The coyote was known to follow Bane around, often joining him in town and robbing people when they weren’t looking. That explained why he was shot, but the woman had one more question. “How did you know he was a ghost?”

“I didn’t.”

The woman recalled the first time he’d whistled and there’d been no response. Only when they were heading back into town did the man try one more time. Which meant, regardless of whether the coyote had passed on or not, Bane had always intended to avenge Todo.

Todo stopped in his tracks, tail tense and ears alert like he’d heard something. He turned away from them and trotted off, head down. Bane followed and although every rational inner voice told her to flee while his back was turned, the woman followed as well. The trees gave way to a cliff and Bane hunched down. “Get down.”

She obeyed and crept forward to see what they were looking at. Below them they saw men on horseback. Lamps out as they navigated their way through the darkness. The woman recognized Sheriff Vanth and his posse, who had given up the pursuit and were headed back to town.

Cad Bane drew his weapon, holding it in his hand like he was fantasizing about ending their game of outlaw and sheriff now. Hours ago, the woman would have tried to stop him, or shout down a warning, but now she sat quietly beside him. She knew he wouldn’t do it.

“I FOUND YOU!” The shouting voice from behind them startled the four outlaws. It was the deputy. What shitty luck that the idiot had caught them while they were distracted. The man’s gun was drawn and pointed right at Bane. “I HAVE HIM!” He shouted again. The grin on his face widened even more as below them Sheriff Vanth was alerted and started heading up their way. He’d only been promoted that afternoon, but now he’d managed to do what no other person had: capture the notorious Cad Bane.

He had been so distracted by his catch that he’d forgotten the woman. Bane was a terrible man, and one day he would deserve his justice. But not today. She charged the Deputy, knocking into him and tried to pry his gun from his hand. They were so entangled that Bane couldn’t risk a shot until it was too late. The bullet hit her, killing her as her body fell backwards to the ground. But the woman remained where she stood. She looked back, and saw her lifeless body on the forest floor. Dead. She was…

… fading. She willed herself to stay, fighting to remain on this mortal plane as she heard Cad Bane shout for her. She saw him shoot the deputy.

… fading.

The sheriff and his men had appeared and caught Bane.

“No!” The woman tried to shout as Sheriff Vanth looked down at her body and blamed the outlaw. “He didn’t do it!.” She tried again, but her voice wouldn’t carry.

… fading.

“Hang him!”

“He didn’t do anything wrong, please don’t…” She pleaded with the last of her will.

…

The bullet passed through her. Confused, the woman stepped back, almost falling over her own body on the forest floor. She remembered. She remembered everything! She searched around and saw Todo had now joined Rana, staring at the two of them with his blank eyes. Cad Bane stepped closer to her and by the light of the fire she could see the dark marks on his neck. She gasped as she looked up at his glowing ghost eyes. It didn’t matter if it was her fault or not, she blamed herself. He didn’t deserve to be here.

“This doesn’t have to be our curse.” The woman reasoned, hoping to quell his anger at the injustice. “It’s over, we can move on. Wait– why am I here?” Despite fighting it, she had eventually let go. She had no reason to stay, and yet here she was.

The corner of Cad Bane’s mouth curled into the first smile the woman had seen from the man.

“Lil’ Lady, yer mine til mornin’. At dawn I promise t’leave ya be and never bother ya again.”

The woman looked up. The trees were so tall that before she thought they blotted out the sun. But now she knew there was no sun to hide. Only the glow of the moon.

—-

Authors Notes:

I tried to be less vague in this part, because I confused some people last time. But feel free to ask any questions you still have!

"This isn't your style, Mr. Bane." - A reference to part 1, where I originally had Cad Bane kill reader to use her place for a hideout. For me, this came across as out of character for Bane, and I was glad I could fix that plot hole here.

Finally I reveal that Todo is a coyote in my western au. Some of my followers may remember my coyote headcanons for Cad Bane. While I originally intended to make Todo a person, his personality and relationship with Bane works better if he’s an animal. More on yote Todo later.

At the moment, this story is not canon to my western AU. An AU to my AU I suppose.

Rana is the horse I designed for Cad Bane

#Cad Bane #rana #todo360 #western au #my writing #ghost story for spooky season #tw death

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