Lucky stares up at the tin roof above. The rain pelting against it echoed in a chaotic melody as the storm raged on. She blows away a strand of hay from her face. Oh, if the girls were to only see her now.
“Charms,” She could practically hear Lucy’s voice laughing in her head. “Your ass is so damn country!”
Her green eyes shift away from the roof and to the snoozing cowboy beside her. Marco had always reminded her of some sullen cat. But now, he looked like a peaceful sullen cat, sleeping soundly among the pile of hay. His dark hair lays in a mess, and her fingers ache to run through them. She stops herself as she leaned over to do just that and lays back against the hay with a quiet and annoyed huff.
This was not at all what she had planned. Lucky prided herself on being a planner. Even when plans fell through, she had already planned for the unexpected. That’s just how her mind worked.
Marco was not part of the plans. At all.
Lucky presses her lips together and pulls the sheet over her bare body. She had an idea of how she wanted her first time to go. Maybe it would have been on her wedding night, maybe with that jock she had a crush on back in her Sophomore year. It would have been someplace under a night sky filled with endless stars. Though Marco made sure as hell she saw stars.
Lucky goes red and covers her face with her hands. Not in some barn loft in a bed of hay with the guy who had been giving her grief for the past three years. Not a day went by that they didn’t argue, nearly at each other’s throats, their eyes constantly in a grudging glare war. But oh, how he looked at her as he held her gently. His calloused hand had felt like a cloud that left a trail of fire over her curves and…
She cuts off her thoughts and lifts a hand, her eye peeking at Marco. What she wouldn’t give to see him look at her like that again right now. His voice was harsh and gravel when he was barking orders at the other cowboys, spoke so softly in her ear, whispering, praising, guiding.
Her heart races and against her will, a dreamy smile crosses her lips.
No. There was no way in hell that Marco had been part of her plans. As she finally lets the pelting rain guide her into a deep sleep. She feels that calloused hand of his brush over her stomach, settling over her waist.
But Lucky is learning to throw plans out the door.
Jean winces at the pain that shoots through her back. The kid nestled behind her grunts and gives another kick to her body.
“Move!” He hisses by her ear. Jean doesn’t answer, doesn’t move, and instead keeps her gaze on the wall across from her. “Hey,” the kid snaps, this time, banging his knee against her. “Are you stupid? Can’t understand English?” he asks with a scoff
God this kid was a pain in the neck. Didn’t he see that if she moved anymore that she’d fall? This day had been a nightmare, from beginning to end. Learning she was a demigod, having to leave her family and be stuck here at some weird camp. Now she was holed up in some cramped cabin cause her dad just couldn’t be bothered to claim her, whoever he was.
It’s a lot for a 10-year-old to take in.
Still staying quiet, Jean only tugs her blanket over her shoulder. Her eyes narrow as another hit from the kid blows against her, hot and angry tears slipping down her cheeks. Her fist clenches tightly.
“Move, stupid-o!”
A loud smack sounds out, and the kid howls in pain.
Jean sees another form standing over the bed. A kid she met earlier. What was his name again? She blinks and then whispers, “Judd?”
“Say it again,” Judd hisses at the kid instead. The kid wisely stays quiet. Judd lifts his fist in a warning. “S’what I thought,” He grumbles, before looking to Jean. “C’mon, you can stay in my bunk. The kid who was on the top got claimed, you can take it if you want.” He offers
Jean stares at him wordlessly, looking at the kid who was now curled up and crying. She sees the slight fear in him but thinks nothing more of it. “O-Okay,” She whispers, grabbing her blanket. She follows Judd through the cabin.
There was a heavy silence that filled the cabin as they moved along.
“Thank you,” Jean says quietly.
“He had it comin’”
“Not for hitting him,” She shakes her head. “For letting me have the top bunk,” She clarifies. “That’s nice of you,”
Judd seems to pause and frown at her words. “Go to sleep,” He suggests, getting into his bed. Jean watches him for a moment, then climbs up.
description: Tedward helps a woman; unfinished & unedited
———————
Tedward splashed some water from the sink onto his face. It was not cold. He wished it was.
He felt sticky. He had been in a surgery most of the morning and it had left him feeling frustrated and dirty. A young were had gotten stuck in a pit trap and, despite the fact he has gotten to Tedward as quickly as possible, there was only so much he could do.
He knew there had to be a better way to take care of his patients and it was so frustrating to be limited by what he knew. Already, medical practice was worlds away better than when he had begun to study under Wynnona but still, he knew that what he did now could at times be compared more to butchery than healing.
It wasn’t fair. The were was barely more than a child and this accident would change his life, if he even survived. It wasn’t fair and Tedward hated that he couldn’t fix it, even with the addition of magicked herbs and ointments. He could only do so much with the knowledge he had. He needed to know more so he could do more. He wanted to make things right.
He looked in the small dirty mirror, studying his features and sighed. He needed a new glamor charm. Tedward’s brown hair that framed his face was sticking up in different directions, damp from the water, and his almost gorilla-like nose flared as he met his own eyes. Facial hair was no longer in vogue and if he wanted to go back to medical school, he would need to pass. He sighed again, turning away.
Sometimes he wished he took after his mother more. It would make life easier. He could pass easier, which means he could heal more people.
Absently, Tedward tugged on one of his jug-like ears as he left the bathroom and headed out into the night. He always made sure to leave when it was dark, safer that way.
He walked down his usual path, ignoring the sound of folk enjoying themselves, until a new sound reached his ears.
It was a familiar sound, though he hadn’t heard it in ages. The sound of someone kicking the rib cage of another person, accompanied by sobs and moaning.
Tedward did not think. He simply moved, down an alley the across the street. He dodged a gaggle of Saturday night revelers as he took off his lab coat. Turning a final corner, he saw the originators of the sound.
A man was kicked a smaller figure, rage making his face appear more bestial than even Tedward’s own. The victim of his wrath begged in between sobs for him to stop. She, for it was a woman, was bloody and had covered her head with her arms, leaving her torso open to the man’s kicks.
Tedward stood frozen for a moment as he processed the scene. He stood there long enough for the assailant to look up and see him, startling.
“Wha—?” The man took a step back. As he did, the woman started to sob anew as she moved to curl into a fetal position and something snapped in Tedward.
He couldn’t help the were boy, couldn’t undo the pit, but he could stop this man. Tedward bared his teeth at the man. The man blanched visibly.
“A-A m-m-m—“ the man stuttered as he started to retreat. A monster. Tedward the monster. Not this man, kicking another living breathing being, ruining another’s life. No, he wasn’t the monster. It was Tedward. So be it.
Tedward roared, causing the man to fall backwards in his haste to flee. Tedward watches him run for a moment before turning his attention to the woman.
Woman was a strong word. She was young, little more than a girl. Tedward’s heart hurt realizing that.
He fished in his lab coat pocket and found what he was looking for. He knelt down next to the woman, gently shushing her. She flinched away from him, an understandable reaction.
“I’m a doctor.” Tedward responded calmly, moving her arms away from her face. She didn’t resist, though her expression held an air of defiance. He smiled, making Sue his lips stayed shut. He wanted her trust. He couldn’t help everyone but maybe this time would be different, “I want to help you.”
that’s it, just some random pairings and some fluff
jairo x elara
“Take another, sip”
Jairo’s face twists with disgust. “I’m fine,” he insists, leaning back against the cavern wall. Elara rolls her eyes and sets the bottle of liquor down.
“I know it’s bitter, but it’ll keep you warm,” she explains.
“You’ll do a much better job at that,” He counters. Elara looks back at the Jedi and grins. His arm is open and waiting and she takes her place snuggled to his side
“Damn right,” She agrees
tedward x yesenia
His hold on her is gentle, and she’s scared to move as if the slightest shift would break his embrace. She feels guilty, but after a long day of work, she knows the couch is no place to fall asleep. “Tedward,” She calls softly. His eyes flutter before barely opening, and she gives him a smile. “It’s late, go to bed,” She says, reluctantly moving away, already missing the warmth of his arm around her waist. “I’ll go home,”
“You can stay,” Tedward says. His voice is quiet, she could have missed it.
“Okay,” Yesenia breathes, her voice just as quiet. She smiles, “I will,”
brennan x kendra
Anna is sleeping against her chest, and Kendra makes sure to keep still. Brennan looks over at her from between the mess of pillows and hanging sheets. Jared is snuggled on his chest, heavy in his own sleep. Around the room messes of pizza boxes and juice boxes are scattered, a Disney movie long since muted on the TV.
The babysitter had called in sick at the last minute. But Kendra can’t imagine a better date night. She smiles at Brennan, carefully moving her arm. Through the makeshift pillow fort, their fingertips brush against each other.
avon x gwendolyn
“It’s a bit sad you can’t see the stars so well here,” Gwendolyn sighs. “That is one thing I miss about Saventhia. The stars were endless there,”
Avon nods, he stays close to Gwendolyn, the small knitted blanket wrapped snuggly around them. “Yeah,” He agrees. “But, I don’t mind if we see a few here and there. As long as I’m here with you,” Avon says with a shy smile. He can see the blush on her cheeks as she turns away quickly with a small smile on her own lips. He wants to tell her though, why he really doesn’t mind. That he sees the stars just fine and more clearly than ever, each time he looks into her eyes.
chapter 3, the last chapter of this part of Jiya’s story! coming up after this will be j’lena’s story!
22 BBY
She finds herself in a cloud of darkness again.
Jiya sucks in a quick breath and steels herself against the wave of anxiety that comes over her. Hazes of flashing red and orange briefly cut through the dark, rumbles of explosions following closely. She holds back a wince. Among the explosions the muffled sounds of screaming sound out. Jiya squeezes her hands into tight fists and breathes out slowly. The screams begin to become more clear.
“Jiya! Where are…Jiya!” Jayven. He sounds desperate and bewildered.
“Help. Jiya, please. I’m still here.” J’lena, her voice is weak, barely heard over the strange sounds of clanging and clanking.
“Master, watch out!” Jairo. “here’s a terror in his tone she’s never heard before, and never wants to hear again. “No!”
Jiya’s eyes snap open with a gasp, and the haze of darkness fades from his vision and her room slowly comes back into focus. She sits motionless on her bed, her green eyes staring wide at the wall, her breathing coming out in short and painful bursts. Finally, movement returns to her body as she stands slowly from her bed, gathering her robe. For weeks now, her meditations brought the same sense of dread and darkness. Something was coming.
Jiya makes haste in her steps as she walks through the long hallways, willing her hands to ease in their shaking as she ties the sash of her robe. Her eyes search for her Padawan, but her mind felt miles away, stuck in the horror of her mediation.
“I’m here!”
Jiya stops short at Jairo’s voice, seeing his tall form dashing over towards her. He stops by her side, grinning widely. “I thought you’d be in the training room already,” He says, adjusting his own robe and clothing. “I promise, I didn’t sleep in…” He continues as they walk along. Jiya listens quietly as Jairo carries on excitedly, though a slight tone of nervousness tinged in his voice. Today, they’d begin truly preparing him for his Trials. Jairo had countlessly proven himself through the years that he would be a worthy Jedi.
“Master!” Jairo’s hopeless cry echoes in her mind.
“Master?” Jairo’s gentle call follows quickly.
Jiya’s next heartbeat aches as she looks at him. His eyes watch her confused and worried. “Are you alright?” He asks, slowing his pace. Jiya slows her pace as well, and gives him a slow smile that’s guarded.
“I’m fine, Jairo.” She lies. She watches the apprehensive look on his face before she settles a hand on his arm. “I’m only thinking of how it’s been an honor to see you grow all these years, into the amazing young man you are today, and how much you’ll show the galaxy what a great Jedi Knight you’ll be,” This time, she was not lying.
A bashful look covers Jairo and he grins. “I just need to pass the trials first,” He sighs. Jiya nods as they resume their walking. Jiya tries to push her distracting thoughts aside and gave one silent plea to the Force that whatever was coming, her family and Jairo would be spared from it.
*
It’s one of the more overcast days, the clouds heavy with the threat of rain. It does little to stop the busy bustle of Coruscant. Jiya glances over her shoulder once more. Jairo had totally gone from out of her sight. A sigh leaves her as she pulls her hood forward more. It was one of their rare visits into the city. She had slipped her Padawan a few credits, recommending his take a visit to Dex’s Diner, and take a breather after one of his first attempts at a Trial.
“Won’t you be joining me?” Jairo had asked, shoving the credits into his pocket, looking around their surroundings before looking back to Jiya. Jiya had remained quiet, as if mulling her words carefully. His eyes caught the brush of her fingers moving over a hidden letter in her robe sleeve and Jairo cleared his throat. “Actually, I supposed we could use some time to ourselves, huh?” He suggested. His smile was small, but knowing. “Tell them I said hello,” He added before taking his head.
Jiya keeps to herself as she moves along with the crowd, paying no heed to the glares and whispers shot her way. Like second nature, her feet carry her to her destination. A pathway secluded and unknown to many, it leads nowhere here in particular. An advantage for her. Jiya scans the surrounding area, satisfied she was not followed nor any threats revealed themselves, and she lowers her hood.
“Jiya!” J’lena’s voice calls happily. Jiya turns in time to see her younger sister racing for her, leaping into her arms, and knocking them both back. Jiya’s surprised laughter mingles with J’lena as she hugs her close. J’lena grins up at her. “Been avoiding us, Jee?”
“Nonsense,” Jiya responds with a roll of her eyes. “It’s only been what, six months?” She asks teasingly, smiling at Jayven as he saunters over. Her brother, though younger as well, stood a good foot over her. He presses a kiss to Jiya’s head and ruffles J’lena’s hair before shoving her away, ignoring her annoyed exclamation.
“She hasn’t been ignoring us,” Jayven points out, giving Jiya a smile, before looking back at J’lena. “She’s been ignoring you.”
J’lena snorts, “Shove off,” she says, coming over.
“Or what?” Jayven scoffs, stepping toward J’lena.
Jiya gently presses a hand to her sibling's chest. Though she may not have been a constantly present elder sister, she had remarkably gotten the stern look of one down as she peers between them both, a brow raised. Both Jayen’s and J’lena’s bickering comes to a stop.
Jiya shakes her head with a small laugh, earning a chuckle and laugh from Jayven and J’lena. The three siblings gather in a hug. Jiya closes her eyes as she holds her brother and sister close.
“Jiya!” Jayven’s scared scream cuts through
“Jiya help,” Jiya’s helpless sob echoes
A sickly feeling settles in the pit of Jiya’s stomach, and a cold prickles along her skin. Her grip on Jayven and Jiya grows tighter. A light touch to her face brings Jiya back as J’lena’s hazel eyes stare up at her worriedly. “Jee?” She asks, searching her sister's eyes. It wasn’t hard to miss the distress in them“Hey, are you okay?”
Jiya doesn’t answer. She’s unable to, the lump that grows in her throat is almost painful as she swallows back her tears. “I’m fine,” She says finally after a moment. Jiya feels a pang of guilt. Never had she lied so much. “Just whatever happens, I need you two to be careful,” She says, looking between Jayven and J’lena. “But I’ll always be looking after the both of you,”
J’lena shakes her head, “We’ll all look after for one another,” she corrects, “no matter what,” she adds
Jiya smiles, “No matter what,” she agrees.
*
Jairo isn’t sure he’ll ever become accustomed to the crowded streets of Courscant. People constantly pushing by or bumping into him. Did people have to be so blasted rude? He frowns and moves forward down the sidewalk. A short cloaked figure eases by him with a small bump at his side.
It wasn’t like anyone else who had bumped into him. But this time…something felt off. Jairo glances over his shoulder to the figure as they kept walking, almost with a skip in their step. Jairo rolls his eyes and pats his side to check for the credits in his pocket. Courscant was also known for the countless pickpockets. The credits were still there, his lightsaber, however. Jairo freezes and spins around. “Hey!” He cries after the cloaked stranger.
At his voice the stranger pauses and turns slightly, the hood of their cloak still pulled lowly over their head. With a swift motion of their gloved hand, Jairo catches a glimpse of his lightsaber. Jairo’s eyes barely have a chance to widen before the stranger takes off running, "Stop!” He shouts, chasing after them. The usually crowded streets make it difficult to keep up for him. The stranger, however, seems to move through the crowd with ease.
Jairo dodges around a street vendor, nearly losing sight of the thief, swearing when they flung a few stacked boxes in his path. Without missing a step, he leaps over them, pushing himself to run faster. A growl builds in his throat as he sees them dodge into an alleyway. He couldn’t lose them. There was a cut-off to that alley, he just needed to beat them around.
Dodging into another alley, Jairo runs around the corner in time to see the stranger climbing over a few boxes to escape over the dead-end wall.
With a swift wave of his hand, Jairo flings the boxes from under the stranger with force. A startled cry leaves the stranger as they fall to the ground. Jairo is on them in an instant. Pinning them down, he glares at their shadowed face and yanks the hood back. Jairo goes still as Elara’s bright blue eyes stare up at him, her stunned look melting into a smug smile. “Jairo,” she greets in a purr.
“Elara,” Jairo growls back.
The pink twi’lek lays beneath him, a coy look on her face. “You know, I thought you’d be the type to take me out to dinner first,” She teases, grinning at the blush that comes over his tanned face. He moves away, holding a hand to her. Elara lifts a hand to him, pausing when he closed his hand and gave her a look. Rolling her eyes, Elara sighs and holds the lightsaber to him. Jairo takes it and quickly latches it back on his belt.
“What are you doing here?” Jairo asks, turning back to her. Elara stands, dusting herself off, placing her hands on her hips. “Last I saw you, you were stealing a load from the Republic on Rexus,”
“Yes, the Republic locked up my Captain for that one,” Elara frowns. “To think, we were only trying to feed ourselves,” She says with an indignant lift of her chin.
Jairo gives her a deadpan look, “Funny, the repercussions of being a pirate,” he says dryly.
At that Elara snorts, “Oh yes,” She nods, “Because being a high and mighty Jedi Knight- sorry, Padawan,” she retorts, poking a finger against his chest. “Makes you much better than us. Especially you, the ‘delight’ of princesses,”
Jairo pauses, “I- what?” He nearly coughs in surprise. “What did you say?”
Elara crosses her arms. “Jairo Res, you mean to tell me you aren’t aware of your reputation among the galaxy’s princesses? Charming, witty, swooning…” She lists off, hearing how Jairo had been described by the princesses he had encountered. Among some other things. Elara frowns. “Pity I’m not a princess, perhaps then you’d pay me more mind-” She stops short. They were standing close, very close. Elara stares up at him and clears her throat, standing back trying to stand tall in her short stature against him. “As your point of contact I mean,”
Jairo watches her, he does his best not to grin but still the corner of his lips twitch upward, “How about lunch?” He offers. “Both as an apology and you can tell me all about what it is that you had to come to Coruscant to hunt me down,” He says, motioning back to the main sidewalk.
Elara smooths out her clothes and fixes her lekkus behind her shoulders. She walks next to Jairo, taking his arm as he offered it to her. “Well, it sounds important. I’ve heard of some strange dealings happening on Serenno…” She begins to explain.
*
If there was something Jiya had learned in all her years as a Jedi it was that a ‘simple’ mission was anything but. She raises her lightsaber and blocks another blaster fire. From behind her Mar’ci takes down another bounty hunter with ease. “How many more?” Her friend calls out. Jiya swings around, kicking her leg into a bounty hunter’s chest, knocking him down, before knocking him out with a hit to his head.
“At least five now,” She calls back.
Mar’ci scoffs unimpressed, “To think they started out with twenty,” She says, swinging her lightsaber around, and taking on another foe. Lola turns from her spot, waving her hand, sweeping several of the bounty hunters from their feet with the use of the Force. Jiya dodges a punch and strikes her own hit at the last bounty hunter. The three Jedi stand quiet for a moment, assessing the damage done. Mar’ci deactivates her lightsaber, putting a hand on her hip. “So much for an easy search and rescue,”
Lola wanders over, her folded arms hidden within the thick sleeves of her robe. “We were successful in that,” She points out, “the bounty hunters, however, those were a surprise,”
Jiya pushes thick strands of her hair back from her face with sigh. She was thankful Jairo remained back at the Temple to further his studies. Though they handled the plight, the ambush had still caught them by surprise, and for a moment, she had been worried they wouldn’t make it out. “Did you hear how much Jedi are going for these days?” Jiya asks, deactivating her lightsaber once she was sure no threat was coming.
Mar’ci frowns, “500,000 credits, what an insult,” She says, looking at her friends. “We’re worth much more, wouldn’t you say?” She asks, walking with them back to the ship. Jiya casts her eyes skyward and Lola smiles.
The ship falls into a comfortable silence as they take off, Mar’ci at the controls in the cockpit. Jiya sits in one of the seats towards the back. Her mind instantly fills
It doesn’t take long for Lola to come and join her. “You seem distracted,” Lola says gently, crossing her legs. Jiya glances at the blonde and hums.
“What gave it away?” She asks.
Lola chuckles, leaning back in her seat, “We were Younglings, Padawans, and now we’re Knights together, Jiya. I feel by now I have gotten to know you pretty well,”
“It’s been a long day,” Jiya responds, “I suppose it’s catching up with me,”
Lola shakes her head, “I don’t mean just now. You’ve been this way for weeks,”
Jiya dips her head slightly, trying to avoid Lola’s gaze as she tries to think of a proper answer. “There’s something that’s…not quite right,” Jiya begins, her time hushed, almost nervous to speak it out loud. She finally lifts her head to meet Lola’s eyes. Her friend’s gaze is calm, patient and Jiya’s nerves settle a bit. “Don’t you feel it?” She asks. She doesn’t wait for an answer and continues, “Each time I meditate or connect with the Force, it’s like there’s a heavy…” she trails off
“Cloud,” Lola finishes, her voice is quiet but thick with an emotion that Jiya just can’t place. “I’ve seen it as well,” Lola confirms.
They stay silent, a thousand unspoken words passing between them as the air arounds them shakes with a sweeping chill. It’s then that Mar’ci’s slender form appears at the doorway. Gone was the humor from before on her face.
She waves them over, Jiya is on her feet in an instant, following after Mar’ci. “What’s wrong?”
Mar’ci wordlessly points to a hologram message on the ship's comm. Master Windu’s face flickered as he called for all available Jedi to come to aid in battle in Geonosis.
“Genosis?” Lola repeats the planet’s name, “Where is that?”
Mar’ci scowls slightly, “Some forsaken Outer Rim planet,” The tall brunette answers as she punches in the coordinates quickly. “I…” she starts, cutting off, taking a deep breath before speaking again, “I have a bad feeling about this,”
The feeling of dread Jiya thought she had surpassed settles within every inch of her body. Silently she looks forward out the viewport as the ship takes off towards their new destination.
*
Mar’ci was certainly right. Geonosis was nothing but a forsaken planet. Hot and treacherous. The heat of the air prickling into their skin, the sands on the planet's surface stinging into their eyes.
But that’s not what was disturbing the most.
It’s the whirling and clanking of the droids that they fought against.
The same terrible sounds Jiya heard in the darkness echoes presently before her. Jiya strikes another droid down, her eyes desperately searching for Mar’ci and Lola.
Countless other Jedi fill the arena, while countless more fell. Those Jiya had grown with, trained with, even learned from. The chaos of the battle dulls away, till the only sound Jiya can hear is the pounding of her heart and the roar of her blood in her ears. Again she makes a desperate search for her friends, not daring to look at any of the lifeless forms on the ground. She couldn’t. Her gaze stops when she sees Lissarkh across the way. She was becoming overwhelmed and overpowered by the droids. She had also been a Padawan of Master Plo Koon. Without another thought, Jiya dashes through the scuffle. She slashes her lightsaber through the droids.
Lissarkh flashes Jiya a thankful look, using the moment of relief to gain the upper hand she needed. Jiya nods, turning as another droid comes to attack. If she hadn’t been entirely grateful that Jairo had missed out on the previous mission, she was now. She could not even begin to fathom the thought of him in the midst of all of this.
Finally she catches sight of Mar’ci and Lola. They stand back to back, blocking hits and blasts. Relief floods over her. Only for the briefest moment.
A loud explosion erupts from behind her. Jiya feels her body fly back. Her body and mind are stunning with shock, confusion, then pain as she falls against a stone wall.
Her vision is blurred as she opens her eyes slowly. The bleary form of a droid approaching her comes into view. Through her pain she reaches for her lightsaber at her side. Nothing. To her other side, Jiya again only feels sand. It must have flown off her in the blast. Jiya gasps and looks up at the droid as it takes aim at her. A quick blast sounds and Jiya freezes up. The droid limply falls into a heap.
A tall figure in white armor stands before her, his head covered by a helmet. Jiya watches in awe as the armored stranger comes forward. His hand moves to her and she sees her lightsaber.
“You dropped this,” He states shortly. His voice is husky and accented. Jiya nods in thanks, taking her lightsaber. She gazes over him quickly as she stands. Amor she’s never seen before. Was he some kind of soldier? He gives a nod back before heading back into the fight.
*
The battle felt like an eternity.
Jiya barely recalls boarding the ship to leave Geonosis. But she can still see freshly in her mind the bodies of all her fallen fellow Knights.
Lola hovers her hands over Mar’ci’s leg, healing the wound from a hit from a blaster. Mar’ci rests her upper body against Jiya, allowing her friend to run her fingers through her curls. There’s a worn and tired look on Mar’ci’s face that isn’t a familiar sight. Jiya presses her head against her’s silently. Around them, they’re surrounded by the soldiers in white armor. Clone troopers as they’ve come to learn.
It’s not a welcomed silence that falls over the ship this time. It’s heavy and uncertain. The three long friends share a look, their hands coming together, squeezing tightly.
Jiya knows that what had clouded the Force has finally revealed itself. And it would spare no one.
War.
*
Epilogue
Jiya stands at the front of the Jedi cruiser. It was strange, to be out of her usual Jedi attire, covered here and there in armor. But that’s the attire of a General.
She glances over to Jairo as he converses quietly with one of the troopers. As though he felt his gaze on her, he turns his attention to Jiya and gives her a grin.
He didn’t deserve to have his Trials cut so short to become a soldier in this horrible war. But he was determined to serve and protect the Republic. Soon, he’d have his own Battalion to lead.
The 407th Battalion would lead in attacks against the Seperatist army and liberate planets that fell unwillingly under their control. They were Jiya’s to lead and protect.
Sensing a presence by her, Jiya looks up to Commander Tear. His scarred face staring ahead. “General,” He starts, “We’re ready to go into hyperdrive,” He informs.
“Thank you, Commander,” Jiya answers, taking a steady breath. It was their second battle.
Tear glances at her from the corner of his eye. “Try not to lose your lightsaber this time,” he adds, the faintest tone of humor lines his voice.
Jiya chuckles, clasping her hands before her. “Only because you asked so nicely,”
Captain Spike, Splint, and Huck come around, followed by Jairo who stands by her other side. Jiya rests her hand on his shoulder, sharing a smile with her Padawan. Looking forward, she and her men watch as the stars begin to stretch before blurring as the ship takes off among them.
She does dual enrollment during HS, earns her AA degree pretty early and decides she to travel and work than further pursue school (for now)
Makes friends and connections, and hops from state to state when a job is offered. Never really stays longer than a year anywhere
Works a Lot of jobs. Some notable ones include;
A roller skating waitress at a kitschy pink diner. Like this, the vibe provided by Romy. She leaves that job after a monster attacks. The battle left half the place destroyed.
She works a stint as a bottle girl in some club in Miami, she quits after five months after waaay too much Drama with her coworkers
A medieval themed bar/tavern. It was a lot of fun. Jean gets into DnD since the place hosts game nights there. She’s “let go” from that job due to some jealous coworker
Jean gets a job as a beverage cart girl on some luxury golf course in Vegas. Decked out her cart all cute and neon. It was literally one of her favorite jobs, till she got fired for hitting a guy across the face with a beer can when he kept touching her
But her most favorite job was when she worked a cantina in Mexico. There she got to make all kinds of food that she wanted, experimented with drinks. It brought in crowds but unfortunately the cantina closed down, and Jean left again
Finally, she ends up in California and decides to make it her home. She works at various bars, clubs, parties and events
When she does settle down, she starts collecting items again. Oddities, gemstones/rocks, starts and impressive squishmallows collection, and SW action figures ofc
Jean gets into reading romance novels, especially dark romances cause she’s a lil freak like that but Secretly
Finds an abandoned kitten and takes him in, names him Starscream
Eventually cuts her hair short, dyes it red and gets purple highlights
Dates around, but not all into having hookups/flings, she’d like something genuine and serious at some point
If it’s her day off, find her at the beach or checking out hidden gems around town
Jean works a lot trying to save up as much as she can because she wants to open her own cantina, on the beach, maybe somewhere in South America
A gentle breeze brushes over Auryn, carrying on it the scent of freshly blooming Dream Clove, Wild Wineberry, and Glowing-huckles. It was the season of Florescence in Narva. The kingdom colored endlessly with flowers and plants of all kinds. Their sweet and spiced fragrances mingled so well with the saltwater from the ocean. Auryn lifts a hand slowly against the breeze, the petals of flowers dancing around her fingers, stirring up flecks of gold that had lingered on her skin. Their golden shine sparkled in the rays of the late noon sun that peeked through the trees.
The rush of the small waterfall echoes in the clearing, beating against the stones, the cool water lapping at her feet as she swayed them lazily in the water’s bank. Her long hair lay strewn across the ground, her back resting against the lush grass. Auryn smiles at the moment of peace she was able to steal away for herself. It was perfect.
Almost.
A small beat of loneliness fills her. Her thumb strokes over the corner of the book of love stories and poems that she had read through without pause earlier. Auryn’s eyes flutter shut and for a moment, she could almost envision a lover there with her. His hands gently would brush through her hair, and his soft lips skim over the skin of her cheeks as he whispered the sweetest nothings into her ear.
Instead, Auryn could only hear the sounds of her kingdom. The nature that sang around her, the distant shouts of the sailors in the port, and the toll of the castle bells. The strong bronze one's that signal visitors to the kingdom. But who…oh! Auryn’s eyes fly open with a gasp.
Prince Humphrey was arriving today. Auryn sits up, heedless to the twigs and leaves scattered throughout her thick dark hair. “Oh no, no no…” she breathes, scrambling to gather her things. The sachets of seeds she had gathered for Meadow, her crown, finally shoveling her poetry book into her satchel, she stands, squeezing the water from her chemise. In haste, she clumsily pulls on her gown, thankful it was one of her simple ones, rather than the large and intricate gowns her parents insisted she wore, before taking off back towards the castle.
Melly, her ever-loyal chambermaid was there to greet Auryn at the backdoors. “Cutting it close, my lady” The middle-aged woman teases. Auryn huffs as she led through the busy kitchens and to the stairwell.
“Why is he visiting again?” Auryn asks, holding onto Melly’s plump hand. “Didn’t he visit last month?” She asks, as the doorway to the corridor of the royal rooms opened. Both she and Melly sneak a glance around for her mother. Relief fills them both when the Queen was no where in sight before they shuffle off quickly towards Auryn’s room.
“My sweet sunshine, are you that daft?” Melly asks goodnaturedly with a sigh. Auryn frowns, rolling her eyes. “You know exactly why the prince has often come to visit,” She points out, opening the bedroom door.
Auryn steps inside, “That doesn’t mean-” She cuts off with a squeak, stilling at her mother’s slim and tall form standing by the vanity table. “Mother!” She gasps, standing straight. Melly winces but curtseies lowly.
The Queen looks at her daughter, a well-trimmed brow raising unimpressed. “Does not mean what, Auryn?” The Queen questions, her tone gentle but low. “That you will suddenly throw all respect and manners to the wind because Prince Humphrey has shown an interest in taking your hand in marriage?”
Auryn feels her face heat in embarrassment and ducks her head down. “No, Mother,” She says.
The Queen sighs. “Lift your head, Auryn, you’re a Princess, not some simpering milkmaid.” She reminds her, as she comes over. Auryn slowly raises her head, a blush of embarrassment still coloring her face. Her mother sighs in irritation, plucking another twig from Auryn’s hair. “Brush out her hair and then place it into a tight plaited bun.” She orders Melly. We have no time for anything else,” she states pointedly, peering down at her daughter.
Auryn holds her mother’s gaze for a moment. “I don’t love him,” She whispers finally.
The Queen’s gaze softens at her daughter’s wavering tone. She lightly cups Auryn’s face in her hands and smiles at her. “My dear, you know what I’m most proud of you?” She watches as Auryn looks at her hopefully, a small smile on her lips. “That you’re a wonderful learner. Math, reading, music, and even politics,” She lists.
Auryn smiles more, “Th-thank you, Mother,” She beams.
The Queen nods. “And just like that…you’ll learn to love Prince Humphrey.” She adds coolly. “Whether you do that now or later is up to you,”
Auryn’s smile fades, and her shoulders slump. The Queen drops her hands away. “Your engagement will be announced tonight. He’s asked your father, and the marriage has been agreed upon,” She informs, sweeping by Auryn and Melly. Auryn numbly turns and watches her mother speechless. “Hurry, now dear, wives do not keep their husbands waiting,”
Auryn watches the door shut behind her, and the bag slips from her hand. Gold liquid spills over her cheeks.
- Princess Auryn of Kingdom Narva, nicknamed “the golden princess”
- Human
- 5’4, tanned skin, long wavy black hair, gold colored eyes
- The only child of the king and queen
- Sheltered by her parents and raised to be a proper queen, lots of expectation placed on her shoulders
- The reason she’s known as “the golden princess” is due to an enchantment placed on her as a newborn. Her father had bragged a bit too much that she was just as precious and rare as gold, and an enchantress said “Splendid then as thou Bet, thy highness”
- it results in Auryn being able to create an aura of gold dust, it leaves behind solid pieces of gold. She also cried tears of gold cause why not, a vibe
- Due to this, she’s highly sought out by neighboring kingdoms, suitors, and criminals of all kinds
- There’s been numerous attempts at kidnapping her, which leads to hers being sheltered and kept in the castle/on castle grounds at all times, unless she’s heavily guarded and escorted by several knights
- It wears her out, she doesn’t have many real friends due to her lack of freedom, save for Meadow
- The first time there was an attempt to kidnap Auryn is when she’s a child. It ends in a negotiation between Auryn’s and Meadow’s parents that Auryn can be under their protection
- So they are Soft Sheltered Princess bffs
- Auryn learns to beat boredom by playing match maker with her servants. She’s set up a cook and a gardener, a maid and a stable hand, and so on. So she’s a Huge Hopeless Romantic
- Auryn is gentle, soft spoken, but quick thinking and witted. If given the chance, she can be fiery and spirited
- Really believes if she could get a sword, her life would be easier
- The Kingdom of Narva is giving Naboo. It’s sea side, but also lush with forests, valleys, and meadows
- It’s home to all kinds of creature, beings, and species
“That could’ve gone better,” Sachi comments suddenly. From across the table Amaya slams a bottle of spotchka down, her blue eyes narrowing into a steely glare at him. Knowing it was his prime time to shut up, Sachi continues, “What? It could have,” He insists.
Amaya’s hand lowers to the hilt of her blade, but Masa’s hand gently covers her, stilling her motion. He gives a slight shake of his head, and Amaya takes a deep breath.
“Obviously,” She agrees in a growl, kicking her legs up onto the table. She pushes a purple lekku behind her shoulder and turns her glare to the wall.
Arata taps his fingers on the table a few times, a thoughtful expression on his face. “I mean, we got what we wanted, right? The job was technically a success,” He points out, leaning back in his seat.
“Yeah, and nearly got out asses blown into the next galaxy,” Sachi reminds him casually, “It was a set up,”
Masa reaches over, taking the bottle of spothka from Amaya. “It’s because they’re scared. The Pykes know they are losing their influence on this planet. They’re not as powerful here as they used to be, and they’re scrambling,”
Amaya sighs, rubbing her eyes. Who knew being a crime boss would be such a hassle? Her father had made it look so easy. The neon lights from outside shine into the room as the four of them go silent. While they did get the upper hand in the deal, the Pykes managed to still make her and the Corps look like fools.
“Kriffing fish,” Amaya says with a roll of her eyes. “Where’s Rei?” She asks, noticing the youngest of the Corp still hadn’t come up from the garage. As if on cue, her short form comes in, smudge and ash still staining her face. There’s a scowl on her face as she sits down wordless at the table.
Quietly she sets down a mangled piece of metal, no doubt from her favorite speeder-bike. The one practically blown to bits along with them all. Her eyes stare down at the part as her teammates share a look. Masa takes the bottle and slides it over to her. Rei catches it easily, downing half the drink, and wipes her lips with the back of her hand. With a sigh, she looks at the Corps, frowning, “So when do we hunt down those kriffing fishes?”
Tear has heard countless times that he is just a clone. Created to be a weapon, to be expendable, and nothing more.
He’s heard how he and his brothers are incapable of feeling emotions. From the vitriolic speeches given by senators who were against them, to the hushed fearful whispers of the civilians he swore to protect throughout the Republic in this war.
‘Clones do not feel anything.’
But they don’t feel what Tear feels when he holds another one of his dying brothers in his arms. Sadness, grief.
They don’t know what it’s like to feel as though his heart is burning from inside his chest, as he’d helplessly hear his brothers shouting for him, only to discover their lifeless bodies strewn around the battlefield. Agony, sorrow.
They will never know the few brief moments of repose he has when he sees his men that miraculously survived recovering, to feel their hand squeezing his back, even if weakly. Relief, gratefulness.
Still, he hears the harsh words follow him like a heavy shadow. In the back of his mind, they’ll haunt him, growing louder and louder…
Until she’s in his arms.
The hisses and condemning words are silenced by a touch of Jiya’s hands that steady and bring him back. He’d do anything for her. Adoration, devotion.
And finally, when he holds their newborn daughter’s tiny form in his arms, he knows the whispers and words of those who didn’t know him were lies.
Dusty limps into the base, ignoring the helping hands offered to her, eyes trained forward. The pain she feels is excruciating, and every nerve in her body is screaming for her to just collapse. She continues on. The stunned gasps and whispers float around her, Dusty lifts her head higher, letting them see her bloodied and marred face.
Though she longed to clutch to her injured ribs, the contents in her hand bore more importance.
Finally, she stops at the meeting room, and looks to her superiors. The general’s eyes grew wide in shock. They really didn’t think she’d make it out alive, did they?
Sure, she had been found out in the last moment, and she was extremely lucky to have escaped with her life. But she always swore, she’d make it back alive.
Dusty mockingly clicks her heels together as the Empire had taught, then rips off the Imperial hat, throwing it on the ground. She holds up the disk in her hand. “The plans, as ya requested, General.”
She hears the cheers of her fellow rebels before she finally allows herself to smile.
It was not the easiest couple of years but she'd do it all over again for the Rebellion and a chance to finally see the Empire burn.
She looks more like her with each passing day, and each time Jairo has to swallow down the lump of guilt within him.
It has been a year to the day that Lucky had arrived. Breaking the stillness and peace he had set up for himself, hidden far and away from the Empire. He remembers her anger from being separated from her Uncles, the only family she had known. For months she’d wear her Uncle Spike’s helmet, and Jairo almost preferred it that way. He wouldn’t have been able to stand seeing Jiya’s eyes glaring at him. But the attitude? That was all Lucky’s father.
“I have a gift for you,” Elara says suddenly, pulling Jairo from his thoughts. Lucky looks up from her plate, glancing around, before pointing to herself.
“Ya mean for me?” Lucky asks. Elara laughs, pulling a hidden package from under the table where they sat.
“To celebrate a year of you being with us,” Elara announces, sliding the package to Lucky. Jairo chuckles.
“One long year,” He adds, resting his chin on his hand. It earns him a bump from Elara. But Lucky looks at him and grins. They did not make the past year easy for one another, but slowly, and still, they grew closer.
Lucky gasps softly as she pulls out the blaster, her eyes widening in wonder. “My own blaster?” She asks excitedly, smiling brightly. Jairo shoots his wife a quick disbelieving and steady glare, before looking back to Lucky with a hesitant smile.
Elara laughs, ignoring Jairo, “Yes, you’re how old? Thirteen? I had my first blaster when I was seven, you have some catching up to do,” She says, resting her chin on her hand, smiling at the young girl, before winking to Jairo.
“My Uncle Spike and Uncle Splint taught me to shoot,” Lucky says, inspecting the blaster in the way she had seen her Uncles. “But I’ve never had my own. Can I go practice now?” Lucky asks hopefully, reaching for her helmet. Jairo jumps slightly, holding out his hand carefully.
“Let’s wrap up dinner and then wash up first,” Jairo says. Lucky pouts, holding the blaster close, looking to Elara who gives her a small nod.
Sighing, Lucky places the blaster into his hands. “Alright,” She resigns, watching as Jairo sets the blaster on the counter behind him. Jairo and Elara share a look, the pink twi’lek nudges her husband gently, motioning to Lucky.
Jairo sighs, “Why don’t you go grab some bottles from the bin and set up some targets? We’ll practice while there’s still light out” Jairo suggests. Lucky brightens and grabs her helmet, jumping up.
“Yes!” She cheers, rushing out. “Thank you!” She calls as she barrels out the door.
Jairo and Elara sit in silence. For a moment, it was how it was only a couple of years back. Where they were hidden and secluded, no worries of the outside world or it’s dangers.
For once, they felt like a family.
“Oh, Freykaa,” Elara nuzzles her nose to his rugged cheek, “you are one big softy,” She teases.
“You love it,” Jairo retorts in a mumble. Elara presses a kiss to his cheek, before he stands and heads out to follow Lucky.
“Just as I love you,” Elara sighs, watching them outside. “Both of you.”
Vergil watches carefully as his Buir slices through another opponent’s throat. He studies each of her fluid motions, the grip on her knife, and how effortless she makes each kill seem.
When the last body drops, he finally steps from his hiding spot. “Adiik,” comes her voice. “Are you hurt?” She asks. Even with her helmet, the worry in her voice is evident. Vergil wanders up to her, as her tall form kneels to him. Her armor is dirty and stained, the dark red blood contrasting against the gray and green.
He shakes his head no, and he hears her relieved sigh. His Buir stands and holds her hand to him, which he gladly takes, this time, staying close. He knew better now than to wander off.
“I don’t think your family is here, Adiik…” She says, looking down to the young child. It’s been a standard year since he’s been in her care. She only had his true name to go from. Vergil. The name she had found etched into his clothing when she found him long ago.
“You…” Vergil says, his voice small and quiet, pointing at her. He gives her a smile. “You.” He insists.
She pauses, looking down to him.
“We are Aliit?,” Vergil says, recalling the word he heard so often used by those who wore the same armor as her. He knew it meant for those who were close.
She gives his hand a gentle squeeze, smiling to him from behind her helmet, “Yes, Aliit.” She agrees.
ft. j’lena and vexed. this is pretty much a snippet from something longer that i’m working on vital to j’lena’s story
“Vexed, stay awake,” J’lena murmurs gently, giving his shoulder an easy shake. The trooper’s eyes flutter before opening slowly. “With your concussion, it’s not safe to sleep just yet, ya may go in-into a coma or even-”
“Yeah, yeah.” Vexed cuts in with a tired groan, rolling his head to the side to look at her. “I got the gist of it, Doc.”
J’lena gives him a small smile, opening her med bag. “I ramble now and then,” She explains, her tone apologetic. She shuffles around the bag for a moment, “especially when I’m nervous, tired, I’ve been told I ramble when I get tipsy as well.”
“M’ gathering,” Vexed sighs, rolling his eyes. He regrets the action as sharp pain seers through his head. He presses his hand to his head with a groan, J’lena looks at him sympathetically and goes quiet, pulling the bag onto her lap. Vexed breathes in and breathes out, willing the pain to ease before he drops his hand. J’lena finally pulls out a med patch. One of the last that wasn’t damaged. She sets the bag aside, kneeling by him.
“Here, this’ll help,” J’lena says, reaching for his arm. She pauses when Vexed’s hand carefully catches her wrist, stopping her movement.
“Save it, I’ll be fine,” Vexed assures, turning his gaze back to her. At her frown, he smiles and chuckles. “I’ve handled worse,” He adds, looking towards the sky above. J’lena places the med patch away and tilts her head back. There was a break in the heavy smoke allowing a glimpse of the stars. It had always been a comfort for her to see and watch the stars, so contest, yet, ever-changing.
“We’ll get out of here,” J’lena says, unsure if she was promising Vexed of herself.
“How can you have so much hope like that?” Vexed questions.
“Because,” J’lena sighs, leaning back on her hands, and turning her attention back to him. “If I don’t have hope, what else do I have?”
AX whirls its head and beeps in alarm. Jean growls, flipping a few switches along the control panel. “Yes, AX, I know!” She snaps at the droid, frowning when the systems kept blaring. That last hit they took was the worst of them all. If she didn’t get these guys off her tail soon, they’ll be done for. “Damn it, Jasper, you owe me.” She mumbles to herself. And here she thought smuggling was risky business, turns out saving a princess from pirates was a much harder gig.
“Hey!” Jean shouts over her shoulder. “Princess, you know how to shoot?”
From a seat in the back Princess Ava looks at her with wide eyes. “Shoot?” She repeats, clutching the armrests tightly as the ship rolls again, avoiding another hit from the pirates behind them. Ava’s cheeks tint green and she closes her eyes tightly. “How can anyone shoot with you flying like this?” She groans, putting a hand over her stomach, willing the growing sickness to stay down.
Jean shakes her head, keeping her eyes focused on the viewport. She kicks a leg out, moving the passenger seat open to Ava’s view. “Climb in and quick, you’re getting a lesson.” She says. Ava looks at the smuggler in disbelief but something told her, Jean was not joking. Fumbling with the seatbelt, Ava dashes quickly for the passenger seat and straps in tightly.
Without looking, Jean leans over and pulls up a firing control from under the panel. The ship rumbles when another blast flies overhead. Ava stares as several of the pirate’s gunships fly ahead, turning on them. “It’s easy,” Jean explains, flipping a switch to activate the blasters. “Just, aim and then fire.”
“I wouldn’t have figured,” Ava responds sarcastically, blowing a few fallen strands of her hair from her face. Her hands shake slightly as she grips the controls. The ship lurches and Ava gasps, squeezing on the trigger. Several blasts fire from the guns and directly hit one of the pirate ships.
Jean’s eyes widen in impress, as she nods. “Not bad, princess.” She compliments. “Now, just four more to go.” She grins nosediving the ship downward. “Ready?” She calls out over AX’s frantic beeping.
Ava presses against the back of the passenger seat as much as she can, “Do I really have a choice?!” She snaps back, firing again at another enemy ship.
