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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Fifty-Two

"Where's Ezra?" Kanan demands of the Dathomirian.

Maul turns, his eyes narrowing at the Jedi Knight. "You mean, my apprentice?"

Kanan turns to glance at Keen as she sprints over, her sabers ignited and aloft in front of her. Ahsoka steps forward as well, ready to fight the ex-Sith. Keen can spot Leia quietly skirting around the Dathomirian, nearing the staircase that leads to the top of the Sith Temple. Keen, distracted by her student, doesn't see Maul preparing to attack, until it's too late. His red blade slashes across Kanan's face, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Keen rushes to the Knight's side, gently touching his shoulder, trying to coax him to look toward her. She doesn't get much of a chance, as Maul launches himself directly at Kanan. Ahsoka steps in front of the dual-bladed saber, blocking his onslaught from hitting the Jedi Master.

Master Quinara allows the Togruta to duel the Dathomirian, taking each of Kanan's cheeks in her hands. She lifts his head looking at his eyes. She hisses, seeing the damage that the laser left on his retinas. "Tal Gnosh, that looks like it hurts."

Kanan groans, lifting one of his hands to his face, "Yeah, no gark, Keen!"

"Sorry," she mumbles.

"My apprentice is activating the Temple," Maul snarls, continuing, "or more precisely, this battle station, which I shall use to exact my revenge on all my enemies." The Temple rumbles, a coil of energy rising from the obelisk on the top. Leia takes off up the stairs, determining that to be the best place to find her friend. "The power will be mine! Ezra will be mine, and there is nothing you can do to stop me." Maul attacks Ahsoka once more, and Keen turns her attention back to Kanan.

"I can probably heal these, I've healed worse injuries. I'm just not sure if passing out right now would be the best option for me."

"Is there, like, a time limit on how long you can wait?"

"No."

"Good," the Knight groans, blindly reaching out for his lightsaber. The Jedi Master steps back, knowing that there is more than one way a Jedi can see. His hand brushes against an old Temple Guard mask, and he drags it over his face, turning to face Maul.

"Running away again, Lady Tano?" she hears the ex-Sith question.

"If you want to finish our fight, you'll have to deal with him first," she nods toward the Jedi Knight. As Maul turns, Kanan ignites his lightsaber. Through the mask, his voice sounding slightly muffled, "Go get Ezra! Both of you!"

Ari'abel can sense the strong Dark Side presence of Darth Vader radiating from the top of the pyramid. Glancing back at Kanan, she's certain he has the situation handled. Keen races after Ahsoka, straight up the stairs, jumping over multiples at a time. Keen reaches the top just as Vader brandishes his lightsaber at Ahsoka. "We need not be adversaries. The Emperor will show you mercy, if you tell me where the remaining Jedi can be found."

"Well, maybe Ahsoka doesn't know where the remaining Jedi are. Then again, maybe she's behind you!"

The Sith Lord turns, moving his saber to be pointed at her neck. "We knew you would be here."

"Yeah I'm sure you- Wait, I'm sorry. We?"

From directly behind her, a familiar laugh fills the air, and Keen freezes, seeing Ahsoka's eyes widen as well. She hears a lightsaber igniting, and spins around, blocking the red blade.

The Jedi Master's grey eyes meet the fully yellow ones of Darth Sidious. Keen will be the first to admit that she didn't immediately see Chancellor Palpatine in the scarred and deformed face of the Sith Lord in front of her. His skin saggy, and covered in scars and wrinkles, taking on an unnatural grey pallor.

Ari'abel takes a deep breath, as the Sith thrusts his lightsaber at her chest. The Jedi blocks the move, taking a few steps back. Sidious steps toward her, swinging the blade quickly down at her head. Keen dodges by ducking into a roll, and Palpatine corrects himself, aiming toward her again. Landing on one knee she parries the saber over her head.

Shoving the Dark Lord back by his saber, she swings her blade in a semi-circular motion, slightly singing the Sith Lord's cloak. He leans his neck back, while sweeping his lightsaber toward her feet. Keen jumps over the blade, using the leap to flip over Palpatine's head.

The Emperor turns quickly, slashing at her just as her feet touch the ground. Keen blocks the blade, while adjusting her stance. She slashes at the Sith Lord with one blade, blocking Sheev's blade with her other. He dodges the attack, making his blade go in a large arch, aimed at her neck. Keen jumps back, landing on her hands, her blades slashing the ground beside her. The Sith Lord continues forward toward her, and she leans back, her feet touching the ground, bringing her head back upright. She swings both of her blades at the Sith, while also pushing him back from her with the help of the Force.

Emperor Palpatine cackles at her, while she swings both blades quickly over her head. "I have killed many Jedi, and I will kill many after you. Maybe I will even recruit your Padawan to help in my plans."

"Oh," she starts, ducking under Sidious's blade, "I really don't see that happening. I trained her after all."

"As I recall your last Padawan was very easy to defeat, I wonder who was responsible for that."

"I am not my Padawan, and I have many more years of experience than Qui-Gon had. I will not be as easily stopped, and neither shall my Padawan."

Ari'abel launches for Palpatine, leaping over his head, while swinging her sabers at his head. He parries the attack, and Keen goes flying sideways when he shoves her through the Force. She lands hard on the stony ground, one of her lightsabers flying from her hand. Keen turns, grunting as she stands. Her head quickly snaps to the Sith Lord when the taste of iron fills the air. The Jedi begins to raise her saber, but is far too slow to parry the Force lightning seething from the Emperor's hands. She collapses back onto the stony ground, as her entire left side, from the shoulder to the foot, burns in pain. The Sith Lord merely stands, letting the lightning flow, while cackling at the Jedi's misfortune. Slowly, the pain begins to numb, although the lightning doesn't stop. Darth Sidious seems to be hoping that that alone will kill her. Carefully, Keen raises her lightsaber, blocking the lightning's flow. Her aching body protests as she forces herself to stand back on her feet. Keeping her blade level, she begins to move toward the Sith Lord, who once again brandishes his lightsaber.

As she approaches, the lightning finally tapers off completely. Drawing on her original training, she gingerly moves her left hand to the single blade she still wields. Doing her best to ignore the searing pain spreading up her side, she lunges at the Sith Lord, but her body betrays her, and she wavers off course. Keen lands slightly to the side of Palpatine, and he takes her momentary disorientation to attack. His blade, which was aiming for her neck, she barely dodges, but not completely. The red energy slices through her left leg, just below the knee, and the Jedi Master lets out a scream of pain.

Ari'abel can sense Leia's fear from the top of the obelisk, not even realizing that in the battle the two had moved down at least four levels. Sidious stands over the Jedi, knowing it's highly unlikely she'll be able to move. But, behind the both of them, the Sith Temple starts to collapse, falling apart. With the Emperor momentarily distracted, Keen takes her chance. Forcing herself to stand on her one leg, while leaning heavily against a stalagmite, she slashes at the Sith Lord's arm, his lightsaber flying somewhere away from him. Her blade remains pressed against the wrist gauntlet he seems to have on under the long cloak.

Keen can sense his surprise, but it doesn't last long. A large chunk of the Temple comes and lands directly behind Ari'abel, on her leg that she had lost. The distraction causes her to lose the Sith Lord, as he flees from the collapsing cave. Grunting, the Jedi Master picks up a long piece of rock, doing her best to hobble for the caves exit. On her way, she notices her second lightsaber resting snugly in a large clump of rocks, directly next to the one that belonged to the Emperor. Using the Force, she summons the blades to her, tossing them both, as well as the one she had been holding, unceremoniously into her satchel.

Slowly, but surely, Keen makes her way to the cave entrance, her Padawan gasping upon seeing her. Ari'abel is almost certain she's not going to be able to keep her eyes open much longer, and she collapses just beside the Phantom.

***

The Jedi Master had barely made it out from under the collapsing Sith Temple, to collapse at her Padawan's feet. The Princess gasps, her eyes taking in her Master's sorry state. Her tunic and trousers are steaming, and charred, along her left side. Her left leg is gone, leaving a mass of bone and muscle just below her knee. She turns, her eyes finding Kanan, hoping he can advise her.

The Knight sucks in a breath, unable to see the Jedi, or her Padawan, but sensing Keen's pain, and Leia's fear. "Ezra, help Leia get Keen onto the Phantom. Chopper, get over here and give me a hand.

The astromech flies from the dome of the shuttle, landing beside the Knight. Ezra rushes over to Leia, placing his shoulder under Ari'abels arm, Leia taking the other side. He scoops his hand gingerly under her right leg, taking most of her weight upon himself. The two carry the Jedi Master onto the Phantom, Ezra turning around, looking for the final member of their group.

Just under the largest part of the collapsing Temple, the Padawan spies the Togruta, standing in front of the black suited figure of Darth Vader. "Ahsoka!" he calls out to her, running under the collapsing obelisk. The grey Jedi turns, shoving Ezra back through the Force. She stands against Vader, igniting her lightsabers behind her head as the Sith Lord strikes from above. The Temple moves further and further toward the ground, Ezra yelling after her.

Leia is still standing near her Master, Kanan standing at the open airlock, calling Ezra aboard, as Chopper raises the Phantom out of the catacombs under the Sith homeworld. "Ezra! Ezra, let's go!"

The boy turns back, running to the arms of his Master. He hugs him tightly, tears seeping from his eyes for Ahsoka, and Kanan's sight. Leia can feel tears pricking at her own eyes, but she shoves her feelings away, focussing on the state of her Master, trying not to think of the Togruta's sacrifice.

Kanan hugs his Padawan to his chest, running his hand comfortingly through his hair. "There's nothing we can do for Ahsoka now. It's over."

The Princess hates to drag the Knight's attention away from Ezra, but she can sense the life force of Keen failing. "Kanan!" she calls, to the only adult nearby.

The Jedi walks over, Ezra standing as close to his comforting his presence as he can, until his eyes land on the sorry state of Ari'abel. Kanan cocks his head, "How bad is it, Leia?"

Leia, who had shoved her helmet onto a nearby bench the second she had entered the ship, tugs slightly at her braid. "She's covered in burns, and her left leg is gone."

The Knight sighs, "Okay, Ezra, grab the med-kit."

The Padawan surges into action, practically diving under the front console of the ship, dislodging the kit from it's place. He slides back over to the others, dropping the kit onto the floor, and flinging it open. "Okay, now what?"

"Get out the bacta gel and the bandage, and put it where her leg was severed." Leia immediately starts to do as the Knight directed, while Kanan continues instructing Ezra, "Take the bacta spray, and do your best to spray where the lightning burned her. Other than that, there's not much we can do."

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Fifty-One

The Dathomirian leads the group of rebels toward the pyramid, everyone but Ezra still wary of working with Maul. Reaching the base of the obelisk, Keen glares at the top of it, then back to the ex-Sith. "Now what?" Maul places his hand on the stoney side of the pyramid. A mechanical whirring fills the air, as a large block lowers, revealing a lift leading to the next plateau.

"Wow!" Ezra enthuses, following Maul onto the lift.

Kanan steps forward, intending to climb onto the platform, but the Dathomirian pushes the Jedi Knight back. "Only two. No more, no less."

"Yeah, well these two come as a set." Kanan shoves the ex-Sith off the platform. "You okay riding with Grandpa, Ahsoka?"

"I'll be fine."

The lift powers up once again, Kanan and Ezra disappearing from view. Keen turns to look at the other three still standing around the tower. "Ahsoka, why don't you take Leia with you. I'll ride with Maul."

"If you're certain."

"Go ahead."

The ex-Jedi Padawan, and the Padawan take off around to the other side of the obelisk to the second lift. "Is there a third one, or are we waiting?"

The Dathomirian grumbles under his breath, truding off around the pyramid. Ari'abel follows directly behind him, her hands wrapped around her lightsaber hilts, just in case Maul decides to try something. The ex-Sith stops at the next corner, placing his hand on the wall, a third lift descending from the platform above.

Maul steps onto the lift, Keen following his lead. As it begins it's ascension, the Jedi Master asks, "What's your real goal, Maul. If you wanted to fight Vader there are many simpler ways."

"You shall see soon enough, Lady Quinara. Until then you must have some patience, like you Jedi are known so well for."

Leaning over, she growls, "If you do anything to hurt either of those kids, I will hurt you."

"Threats hold no meaning when I know you won't follow through."

"Yeah, and who says I won't?"

The Dathomirian chuckles, as the lift reaches the platform, both Jedi and ex-Sith igniting their blades as the Inquisitor comes into view. Her eyes land on Ezra holding onto the side of the pyramid, the Inquisitor's lightsaber, which has spikes sprouting from it, lowers toward the boys hands.

Ahsoka and Leia are fighting Seventh Sister, and Kanan is fighting Fifth Brother, both too far from the dangling Padawan. Maul launches himself at Eighth Brother, causing the Inquisitor to block his blade.

Keen lets the two Dark Side users battle, rushing over to pull Ezra back up onto the plateau. Maul flings his Inquisitor off the platform, Seventh Sister and Fifth Brother following suit. "And there go the Inquisicoptors once again," Ari'abel murmurs. Spinning quickly on her toes, she faces her friends. "Everyone okay?"

"Yeah," Kanan grunts, before turning to Maul, "Looks like they figured out your plan."

"Then we shall alter it. I recommend that we split up, and scale the pyramid from two sides. They will also have to divide their forces."

"And let me guess, Ezra goes with you? No thanks," Kanan grouses.

"It is the logical choice."

"Screw you, and screw your logic," Keen argues.

"Hmmm, maybe later, Lady Quinara, although I am all metal down there."

Ari'abel hears Ahsoka snort, but chooses to ignore the Togruta. "I find that you and I made a fine team, Maul, so why don't I come with?"

"I'm afraid Ezra has the holocron, and I don't trust you enough to give it to you."

"Feelings mutual." Keen turns, placing her hands on Ezra's shoulders, looking into his eyes. "Be careful, please. He can be very persuasive. I trust that you'll be mindful."

Ezra nods, "I promise I'll do my best."

Kanan stares at his Padawan. "That's all we ask."

"Excellent, excellent. You will find another lift on the far side, we will meet again on the next terrace."

The lift powers up, and Maul and Ezra vanish into the air. "He'll be fine," Ahsoka tells Kanan.

"Yeah? How do you know that?"

"Because you taught him."

"And you're a great teacher!" Leia enthuses.

Kanan pats the Princess on the clone helmet, "Thanks for that, kid. It doesn't always feel that way."

"It never will," Keen pats his shoulder, before wrapping her arm around Leia's shoulder.

They round a corner, finding another lift, resting near the level, waiting for it's passengers. About halfway up to the next terrace, Ezra yelling fills the air.

"Kriff! Doesn't this thing go any faster?"

"Ari, you seem stressed. You said to watch out for the others, make sure they don't fall victim to the Dark Side calling. I think you're too focussed on taking care of everyone else, and not worrying about yourself."

Ari'abel doesn't answer the statement, because their lift comes level to the platform, and they're immediately greeted by Eight Brother. Master Quinara immediately blocks the attack, jumping over the Inquisitor, who just follows the Jedi, leaving the Padawan at the lift. Keen starts and onslaught of quick attacks on either blade, giving him no warning. She parries a few of his attacks, but leaves him mostly on the offensive. "I'd always heard you preferred negotiation, and yet you fight better than most Jedi I've killed."

"I'm old, I've had plenty of training. And I find that negotiation doesn't work nearly as well on known killers."

She crosses her blades, as Eighth Brother pushes his blade down quickly on to her sabers. When he adds more force to the lightsabers, Kenn counter acts, pusing her blades up, diving into the Force for some extra strength, she tosses the Inquisitor over the edge of the obelisk, his lightsaber flying from his hand. The Jedi Master chooses not to watch as the Inquisitor falls, instead meeting her Padawan's eyes. "Wow! When do I learn that?"

Keen wipes an arm over her brow, shoving her hilts into her bag, "I thought you wanted to learn how to heal, now it's lightsaber training. Sounds like you don't want any downtime."

"Lots to learn," she shrugs.

The duo round the corner, spying Kanan and Ahsoka fighting Fifth Brother together. Maul drops from the sky, his lightsaber held aloft. He attacks the Inquisitor with a fervour, while Ari'abel fishes her sabers from her bag, passing the spare to Leia. "Just in case, Princess. Be mindful."

Maul makes quick work of taking care of the Inquisitor. After only moments of fighting, the Dathomirian stabs Fifth Brother through his stomach, the Inquisitor gasping, as he breathes his last.

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Forty-Nine

From behind the group, the Temple begins to rumbles, the ground throughout the cavern shaking as well. All gazes turn to the Temple, and Ahsoka states, "We need to find Ezra."

The Knight nods in agreement, pointing at Chopper, "Get back to the Phantom and get ready to leave."

The droid grunts, lifting off the floor to go to their shuttle. Keen grabs the Inquisitor, pulling him along beside the crew. As they get closer to the Temple, Kanan looks up to the obelisk sitting atop the pyramid shaped building. "Why do I know Ezra's involved in this somehow?"

"Because it's basic knowledge," Leia replies. The team continues to move towards the Temple. "I mean, Ezra disappears. Temple begins to activate. Basic deductive reasoning."

Keen can see Kanan roll his eyes as the group arrive at the opening to the Sith Temple. Ari'abel thought that the Dark Side energy was strong down under the planet's surface, but she is certain that it is strongest inside the Temple. The whispers of the Dark Side push harder against the shields she has built in her mind, and it's starting to give her a headache.

The Jedi Knight gazes at the Temple door, sighing, as he places his hand flat against it. "He's inside, I know it. But there's no way he lifted that door."

"He certainly couldn't have without help."

For no discernable reason, Eighth Brother begins to laugh, causing the whole group to turn and look at him. "What's so funny?" Kanan asks him.

"Yeah, totally not getting the whole laughing thing. Nobody said anything even remotely funny."

Once again filtering through the commlink comes the voice of their astromech, sounding frantic. "What is it, Chopper?" His grunts continue, sounding grumpy. "What do you mean we've got company?"

The Inquisitor just continues to laugh, and it's not exactly helping Keen's headache. "Okay, what are you laughing at?" Leia demands.

From the distance, the sounds of whirring lightsabers can be heard. Turning around she sees Fifth Brother and Seventh Sister can be seen, flying in on their lightsabers. "Well, would you look at that, more Inquisicoptors." Turning around she can see Eighth Brother staring at her. "See, now is when you laugh, because that was pure gold."

"Sure it was, Ari," Leia says, patting her arm. "Whatever you have to tell yourself."

"Oi!" Keen grouses, pulling out her lightsabers, igniting them in front of her. Fifth Brother drop onto the platform, his blades immediately clashing against the rebels'

Seventh Sister continues her arch over the others, slicing the binders off of Eighth Brother. The Inquisitor uses the Force to drag his lightsaber from the Knights hip to his hand. "An excellent day's hunt," Seventh Sister remarks, gazing upon the rebels.

Each of the Inquisitor's aim their blades at one of the Light Side users individually. Fifth Brother lunges at Kanan. Ahsoka takes on Seventh Sister. Leaving Eighth Brother to Keen. Leia alternates shooting at each of the Inquisitors individually.

While Ari'abel parries an attack from her Inquisitor, the door to the Temple opens behind them. "Ezra?" Kanan asks, half turning from Fifth Brother to glance at his Padawan.

"Kanan! Ahsoka! Keen! Leia!" he cheers, seeming genuinely happy, his lightsaber held aloft in his hand. "I've brought help."

He steps out of the door, to the side, revealing a very familiar face. The Dathomirian steps from the Temple, leaning heavily on a walking stick, and yet a smirk covers his head. Ari'abel meets his eyes, and quietly growls, "Maul."

Eighth Brother looks at the Dathomirian, seeming less surprised than the rebels, remarking, "The Shadow."

Maul's grin widens, his eyes narrowing at the Inquisitors, "What fun." He begins cackling ferociously, commenting once again, "What fun!"

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Fifty

"So," Seventh Sister remarks, spinning her lightsaber rapidly. "The rumours are true, Darth Maul lives."

"Formally Darth, now just Maul."

Keen spins on her heel, pushing Leia behind her and stepping closer to the former Sith Lord, one of her blades extended toward his neck, the other still held out to the Inquisitor's. "You stay away from them!" the Jedi Master snarls.

"Now, now, Lady Quinara, you must watch your temper. We wouldn't want you to fall to the Dark Side, now would we?"

"Keen," Ezra grumbles, tugging on the arm holding the blade to the Danthomirian's neck. "I swear he's on our side!"

She pulls her arm out of the Padawan's grasp, but keeps the blade toward her side. "Sithspit, Ezzie! You don't even know him," turning to glance at the ex-Sith, she snarls, "Or what they're capable of."

"Are you really still caught up on the topic of myself killing Qui-Gon Jinn?"

The Inquisitor's blades begin to spin, and Kanan shouts back at the Jedi Master, "Can we discuss this later?"

Maul smirks, dropping the bottom part of his cane, revealing his lightsaber. "Perhaps my actions will speak louder than words." He ignites his dual-bladed lightsaber, quickly attacking all three Inquisitors at once.

"What are we waiting for?" Ezra questions, launching himself into the fight.

Kanan shrugs, jumping at their enemies himself, Ahsoka following him into the battle. Ari'abel looks over at Leia, "Be mindful, Princess. Don't trust him."

"Okay."

The Jedi Master nods at her Padawan, launching herself directly at Fifth Brother.

There isn't much of a fight, Maul doing most of the work, the Jedi, and Ahsoka, standing back to watch the fight. The Inquisitor's flee, leaving only one dual-bladed red lightsaber still glowing in the cavern. Maul turns quickly to face the rebels.

"Maul, what game are you playing?" Ahsoka demands, stepping toward him.

"The end game, Lady Tano." He turns back to watch the fleeing Imperials. "The end game. I am the enemy of your enemy now, and I have my own reasons for wanting the Empire to fall." He pauses, probably for dramatic effect, taking a deep breath. "But we have little time. The one they call Vader will be here soon."

"How do you know this?" Kanan questions.

Spinning around, Maul disignites his blade, replying, "His dogs will tell him where we are. Four Jedi and a 'part-timer'. Oh, he will come. He will not be able to resist us."

"Okay, now just wait! There isn't an 'us' Maul. Handling the Inquisitors is a whole different ballpark to dealing with a fully trained Sith Lord. And there isn't any way in h*ll I'm working with you."

"Keen, we should trust him," Ezra implores. Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a pyramid shaped object that glows a faint red. "Uh, look! He and I took this from Temple together! This is why we came here, right? To find out about the Sith. To find a way to beat them."

"Ez, you don't know Maul like Ahsoka and I do. You don't know what all he's done. He was wanted by the Republic, and now he's wanted by the Empire. If they both can agree that he needs to be arrested, that in and of itself should tell you something."

The Padawan cacks his head, looking at Maul questioningly. "What is she talking about."

"Just a small matter of me killing her Padawan once upon a time."

Leia looks nervously between her Master and the Danthomirian. "Uh, that doesn't sound like a 'small matter' to me."

Maul waves off the Princess's concerns. "Oh, it's not as if I have a grudge against Lady Quinara. It wasn't personal."

"Honestly, Maul, I've gotten over you killing Qui-Gon. You know me, I don't hold grudges easily. It's the fact that you continued to hurt, and harm, Obi-Wan, and the Jedi. That's where I draw the line. Maybe I'd give you a second chance, but you burned that bridge long ago, mate."

Maul scoffs. Ezra spins, turning to face the Togruta, "Ahsoka, you said we came here for knowledge."

"Ezra, there is no way a Jedi can unlock that holocron."

"But you may unlock the Temple itself," the Danthmirian responds, addressing Ezra.

"How? Tell me how."

Ari'abel crosses her arms, glaring at the ex-Sith. "At the top of the Temple is a chamber. Connect the holocron to the obelisk within and you can unlock the ancient knowledge of the Sith."

"Why are you working so hard to keep us here?"

Shrugging, Maul turns his back to the group, taking a few steps toward the Sith Temple. "I can not defeat Vader alone."

"I say we stay with him."

Keen scoffs, while Kanan says, "Yeah? Well I say we go, so that settles it."

Maul scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest. "Are you such cowards that you would run from this chance to defeat your enemies?"

"I wouldn't say that staying alive, and keeping others safe is cowardice. I see it as brave, having to run from a fight. Sometimes running is the only good choice, and I'd like to stay alive," Leia responds.

The Danthomirian glares at the Princess, "Your Master has certainly taught you well in the ways of the Jedi."

"Thank you!"

"That wasn't a compliment."

"Kanan? Can't we stay?"

The Knight sighs, looking over at Keen. The two have a silent argument with their eyes, Kanan evidently winning, as he sighs, pulling his comm from his belt. "Chopper, we're staying for a while." Chopper grumbles at Kanan, "Yeah, I know it's a bad idea. Just scan for incoming ships, and keep the Phantom out of sight." The astromech grumbles in response.

"Oh, how exciting," Maul says. "We're all on the same side."

"Yeah, we're about as far from being on the same side as someone can be, y'know, without being mortal enemies. Just take us to the top, and hurry."

"This way."

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Forty-Eight

A frown fills Ari'abel's face as Chopper's voice filters through the comm. Ezra rolls his eyes, muttering, "Oh, we might fall through the surface? Thanks for the warning, Chop."

"Any fix on the ship yet?" Kanan asks, pulling out his own comm. The astromech grunts. "He's picked up the trail. This way."

"I bet whatever we're looking for is inside that Temple," Leia states, pointing at the pyramid.

"Seems likely," Ezra agrees.

"Just remember," Keen starts. "We're not alone down here. Be on your guard."

"Ahsoka, you said we're here to find knowledge. What kind of knowledge?"

The Togruta sighs, looking at the Temple herself as they make their way for the other ship. "The forbidden kind. To defeat your enemy you have to understand them."

"No better place to learn about the Sith, I guess" Kanan shrugs.

The group works their way forward, wandering into a large open expanse. The ground is covered in what seem to be statues of people, but Keen knows better. Having grown up with stories about this battle, being on the sight is in one way incredible, and another incredibly painful. Her eyes scan the ground, seeing lightsaber, upon lightsaber, Jedi and Sith alike littering the ground around the scorched figures. Ari'abel closes her eyes, letting the pain that was felt here thousands of years ago wash over her. She can hear Ezra and Leia marvelling at the sheer amount of lightsabers scattered.

"This was a battlefield," Kanan states with certainty.

Leia looks up from where she's kneeling, her eyes meeting her Master's, "What happened here?"

Keen sighs. "A long time ago there was a war between the Jedi and the Sith. And there was a battle, here, on Malachor. It ended poorly, for both sides, obviously. Malachor was then banned for any Jedi to visit, ever. We're the first Light Side Force-sensitives to set foot on this planet in over a thousand years.

"I hate to break up this history lesson," Kanan says, leaning over Keen's shoulder, "but we should keep moving."

"Well, if you ask me this whole planet is a riddle," Ezra states.

"So if it's a riddle," Kanan replies, "what's the question?"

"Why is Kanan such a..." He cuts himself off, spying someone hiding in the rocks overhead. "Get down!" the boy shouts, launching himself over Kanan's head. He ignites his saber, blocking the red blade from hitting his Master.

Keen grabs her blades, igniting them as Kanan and Ahsoka ignite theirs as well. Leia looks around, seeing the blaster in the holster on Kanan's hip. She launches forward, grasping it, aiming at the Inquisitor's head.

"Five Jedi?" the newcomer asks, sounding genuinely confused.

"An Inquisitor!" Ezra announces.

Ari'abel rolls her eyes, tackling her Padawan to the ground, shouting, "No kriff, Ez!"

Leaping back into the air, she rushes headfirst at the Inquisitor, her sabers aloft in front of her face. From behind the Inquisitor's back, he releases a large group of bombs. "Kanan!" Ezra shouts, blocking the bombs with his lightsaber.

The floor beneath him collapses, Ezra falling even deeper into the catacombs of the planet. "Ezra!" Kanan shouts, leaning over the hole. "Ezra, can you hear me?"

The Padawan groans, sitting up to look at the group, "I'm okay."

Leia rushes forward, trying to look over into the hole below. Keen reaches out, snagging her back by the top of her helmet. "Kanan, you and Leia get Ezra. Ahsoka, we'll go after the Inquisitor."

The Togruta nods, looking over at where the being was, seeing him racing across the planet. "He's getting away, let's go!"

The Inquisitor, Eighth Brother, Keen assumes, jumps up on top of one of the stalagmites, pulling his lightsaber off of his belt. Her eyes follow the Inquisitor, as she senses Leia and Kanan approach them from behind. Without taking her eyes from the Imperial, she asks, "Where's Ez?"

"He said he'd catch up."

"For Force's sake! I told you to stick together!"

"It's too late for that now, Keen," Ahsoka says, nodding at the Inquisitor as he ignites his dual sided lightsaber. It begins to spin rapidly over his head, picking him up off the ground.

"Hey, look," Keen starts, choosing to believe that Ezra is strong enough to resist the Dark Side, "it's an Inquisicopter!" Kanan, Leia, and Ahsoka turn to look at her incredulously. Spying their faces out of the corner of her eye, she adds, "Okay, I know it's not funny, I'm old. Cut me some slack."

"It's just a weird time for humour," Kanan mutters, running after the Inquisitor.

"I've never had an Inquisitor run from me before," Leia states, letting off a few blasts from Kanan's blaster.

"Maybe it's because he's outnumbered," Ahsoka comments.

"He did seem surprised. I don't think he was looking for us."

"But if he's not here for us, who is he here for?" Keen says as she stops running.

"Hmm..." Chopper's voice filters through the comm, filling the cave with droid grumblings. "You found the ship? Where?" The astromech grumblings filter through once again. "No, no. Forget it, no time! Get over there and find that ship. Do not let him take off! We'll follow your signal."

Ahsoka jumps up to stand next to the Knight, igniting her lightsabers. Keen glances at Leia, checking to make sure that she's okay, and still with them. Once the Princess nods at her Master, Ari'abel ignites her blades as well.

Chopper sasses Kanan, and the Jedi Master tunes out his response, choosing instead to speak to her Padawan. "Are you doing okay? I know that the Dark Side energy can harm even the strongest Force-user."

"It's there. I can feel it, hear it whispering to me to follow my desires, but, that's all they are, whispers."

"Good. I was worried for you. Your training definitely hasn't prepared you for all of this. At least not yet. I wasn't prepared for you to be coming somewhere like this, so I didn't prepare you."

"It's not your fault, Ari. No one was planning on coming here. It seems to me you really didn't want to."

"Well, we can't always have our way. It seems as if I was wrong, nothing too terrible has happened."

"Not yet anyway."

Up ahead the Jedi Master can see Chopper sitting inside a TIE Fighter, the Inquisitor standing just in front of his ship. Eighth Brother, upon hearing the incoming Jedi, turns his attention from the TIE, falling into a battle ready stance. Ari'abel smirks, his TIE raising up behind him, Chopper firing at him from his cannons. One of the cannon blasts slam him from behind, knocking the Inquisitor off his feet, face first into the stony ground.

Keen quickly drops down, snatching his saber from the ground just moments before he grasps at it. Kanan hauls Eighth Brother to his feet, smiling at the droid in the TIE. "Chopper, sometimes you do it right."

The astromech cheers, dropping the Fighter back down to the rocky terrain. He pops open the top of the TIE, flying out to land beside the crew. Leia immediately moves over, patting his dome, "Good job, Chop."

"If you keep praising him, he'll get a bigger ego than he already has," Kanan chuckles, as Ahsoka fastens a set of binders around the Inquisitor's wrists. "You're the fourth Inquisitor we've seen. How many are there?"

"More than enough for the four of you."

'At least eight." The Inquisitor and Keen say at the exact same time.

The Inquisitor pauses for a moment, turning his head in the Jedi Master's direction. He can't see her face from under the mask, but she knows he can definitely see her shrug. Eighth Brother scoffs, adding, "Nothing can save you."

"Why are you on Malachor?" Leia asks from behind him.

"Hunting."

"But you were not expecting us. Who are you after?" Ahsoka wonders.

The Inquisitor chuckles, "A shadow."

"I feel like it may be my turn to ask a question, but I realize I'm just going to get vaguely cryptic answers. Wow, I never realized how annoying that can be." She turns her head, her mask facing Kanan, "Is it this annoying when I do it?"

"Yep."

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Forty-Seven

When Ari'abel gets back to the Phoenix ship, she finds her way to Kanan, Ahsoka, Ezra, and Leia. "Looks like you're right on time, we're about to leave," Kanan says, as she approaches the group.

"Yeah," she sighs.

Ahsoka cocks her head, "What is it?"

"Oh, don't worry about it. I'm certain it's nothing. When do we leave?"

Leia looks over at her Master, her eyes squinting slightly, "As soon as you're ready. Chopper's waiting on the Phantom."

"It's not like I need to pack. We can leave now, if everyone is ready."

"Okay, then let's go!" Ezra states enthusiastically, running off for the Ghost.

Everyone begins to follow the Padawan, Leia running to keep up with him. Keen glances behind her to spy the Force presence of her Padawan giving her a comforting look.

***

Once everyone is aboard the shuttle, Kanan sets it off into space, jumping into hyperspace as soon as he can.

Ahsoka's comm pings, and she rolls her eyes, setting down on the bench opposite the others. A hologram of Rex pops up, his arms crossed, and an eyebrow raised. Keen settles back on the bench, closing her eyes to give the two a semblance of privacy. Ezra stands from the bench, grabbing Leia's arm, and dragging her to the front of the ship, the both of them looking out at the stars streaming past them.

The Jedi Master tries to fall into meditation, but there seems to be something keeping her from connecting with the great spirit that guides them. She focusses deeper, trying to sense why she feels this unease about the mission, but nothing presents itself to her. Keen finally decides to just give up, knowing there must be a reason for the disconnect. She tunes back into the conversation around her to hear Rex say, "May the Force be with you."

She stands from the bench, trailing to the front of the ship as well. Ezra turns to look at Ahsoka, asking, "Why is Rex so worried? Uh, what does he know that I don't?"

"Malachor has always been off-limits to Jedi," Kanan provides, glancing at Ezra from the Phantom's controls.

Leia looks between the three older Force-sensitives, and asks, "Why?"

Kanan sighs, "Old legends. Stories told to us as younglings in the Temple."

Keen gazes out at the stars soaring past the ship at light-speed. "They weren't just legends. Back when I was a youngling, there was still one or two Jedi alive from the time when the Sith were at their most powerful. They were Padawan's themselves at the time of the Great Sith War. I heard their first hand accounts of the battles, and the events that transpired on Malachor. They are still some of the most terrifying stories I've ever had the privilege of hearing. That is why Malachor is seen as so dangerous, and why it has been off-limits for thousands of years."

The group had all turned to look at Keen, the Padawan's forgetting just how old she is. Ezra breaks the silence by asking, "If Malachor is off-limits why would Master Yoda send us here?"

"That's the same question I've been asking myself since we were given this mission," Keen sighs, as the ship jumps out of hyperspace, Malachor filling the viewscreen in front of them. Ari'abel's gaze moves over Ahsoka, and then Kanan, finally settling on the Padawan's. "I need you all to promise me that you will be careful on this planet. I've been having a bad feeling ever since my Master mentioned Malachor, and being here only seems to be exacerbating it. Something bad is going to happen, and I need you all to be extremely careful." The kids nod, fear clearly evident in their eyes, while Kanan and Ahsoka glance at each other. Keen turns looking at them, "This goes for you as well."

"We'll do our best, Keen. You be careful too."

"I will. There's something else you must know. Malachor is known as the birthplace of the Sith, which means the energy, the power, of the Dark Side will be deafening here. You all have training, and I expect you all to use it, because I know just how simple it can be to fall victim to the Dark Side. You need to keep your wits about you. But don't fear, or worry. And certainly don't let your anger control you. Focus your mind on the task at hand, and if need be, the others around you. Keep track of each other, make sure your mind is clear. I cannot stress this enough, be mindful of your actions."

"Any other happy tidbits of information, or advice you can give us?" Leia asks, half smiling, trying to lighten the mood.

"Not really. I could tell you war stories, but I really don't think that will help any of you to stay calm, and not fear."

"Well," Kanan starts, "We don't have much of a choice. We have to go. There's something here for us."

"Yeah, something to help us stop the Inquisitors," Ezra enthuses, his mind clearly still thinking on all that the Jedi Master had said.

"Knowledge," Ahsoka agrees, keeping one eye on Keen.

Through the commlink, the grumbling of the droid filters. Ezra cocks his head, staring up at the ceiling. "A ship? What type?"

The grunting gets louder, and Leia sighs, "Of course, he can't tell. I bet R2 could."

Ahsoka smiles, holding back a chuckle, while Kanan orders, "Track it, let's see who else is interested in this place."

The Phantom begins to lower toward the planet, a large, black spire slowly coming into view. "Whoa! Look up ahead!" Ezra exclaims, leaning forward pointing, "What is that?"

"I don't know," Kanan mumbles, "but the ship we're tracking went there. I'm gonna set her down."

Leia leans around Ezra, taking in the planet wholly, she squints her eyes, gazing across the landscape, "I don't see any ship."

"It's gotta be around here somewhere." The crew quickly disembark the Phantom, and already Keen can feel the Dark Side energy pulsating through the planet. She can tell that Kanan and Ahsoka are sending it as well. "Chopper, try to get a fix on its location," Kanan orders, pointing a finger at the astromech.

The group of Force-sensitives start to walk slowly across the surface of the Sith Homeworld. Standing not far from where the Phantom rests are large monolith's. They stand stark black against the light landscape of the planet. Coating every space of the surface of the monolith's are words written in an ancient language.

"What are these things?" Leia asks, coming to stand beside her Master.

Keen has her pointed finger hovering inches from the stone. , scanning the writings with her eyes, keeping track of her place with her finger. "They're old, especially this writing."

"Can you read it?" Ahsoka asks, leaning over her shoulder.

"It's very old, from far before my time. I'll do my best. You're all very lucky I chose to spend my free time studying dead languages."

Ezra's eyes widen, while a grin starts to spread across his face, "It's older than you!" he says, his gaze trailing to meet Leia's

She smiles in response, finishing the boys thought with, "Then it must be really old."

"Oi!" Keen states, rolling her eyes. She continues to translate the words, beginning to read the alien tongue out loud, the words saying something about the Sith. Her attention is taken from the writing, as Ezra reaches a hand out to the monolith. "Ez, wait, stop!"

Keen is too late, as he places his whole palm against the rock, leaving behind a bright red handprint. Ari'abel rolls her neck, looking up to the sky, wondering to herself how she got stuck with this task. Beneath the crew, the ground cracks open, dropping them down into the catacombs that exist under the planet's surface. Everyone starts yelling as the ground disappears, the group landing in a heap on the floor.

The Jedi Master, who had landed on her feet, looks out at the vast expanse surrounding them. From the ceiling stalactites hang, looking as if they could fall at any moment. The Dark Side is much stronger down here than it was on Malachor's surface. Ezra sits up, panting, following Keen's gaze to the large triangular structure sitting in the center of the catacombs. "What is that?"

"A Sith Temple," Ahsoka answers.

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Forty-Six

Keen sets the ship down on a tall, sand dune, Cody staring out at the arid landscape, confusion evident on his face. He doesn't voice any questions, merely tugging his helmet over his head. Ari'abel stands from her chair, stretching her shoulders with a satisfying pop. She walks to the airlock door, pausing to look at the Clone as it opens. "Are you just gonna stand around looking pretty, or are you coming with me?"

The Marshall Commander starts, before setting off after the Jedi Master. "I leave one desert, and you bring me to another, General. It's very desolate, one might think you bring him here to kill him."

"Oh, come now, Cody. I swore to Rex, and Gregor, that you wouldn't die. I am a woman of my words."

"Yes, well, a lesser man may think that, but I trust you, Sir." He turns, his eyes taking in the barren landscape, mainly comprised of sand. "So," Cody asks, squinting his eyes at the twin suns shining brightly overhead, "Why the heck are we on Tatooine? What is this mission, General?"

Ari'abel smirks, hearing the sand crunching under the feet of them both. The heat is striking, and Keen is glad she left her long grey robe on the ship, and wishes she had ditched her tunic as well. She quickly scrubs her arm across her brow, spying their destination. Cody, even without the knowledge he desires about the mission, still follows her directly to the small hut in the middle of the sandy dunes. The Clone Commander instinctively reaches for his blaster, but Keen's hand gently grips his wrist, shaking her head slightly, "You needn't worry, Commander. You won't be needing your blaster right now. You have your comm, yes?"

"Of course, sir. Can you tell me what's going on?"

She smiles, "You'll know soon enough, Commander, have patience."

Cody sighs, "You'll remember, I was never very good at patience."

The Jedi Master signals for the Clone to stand behind where the door will open, so he's just out of view of the occupants of the hutt. Once she's certain that he's safely out of view, she knocks on the door. Keen can sense the movement, and confusion, from the Jedi inside. Footsteps can be heard, approaching the door, which cracks open to reveal a disgruntled Jedi.

When Obi-Wan's eyes land on Keen, he swings the door open the rest of the way. "Keen! What do you want?"

With the voice of his General drifting to his ears, Cody freezes, seeming nervous, and yet Keen can sense his excitement as well.

"Wow, really, this is how you treat your friends? I fly all the way out here, and there's no, Hey, Keen, how are you. Or, Hey, Keen, long time no see. No, what I get is, What do you want."

The Jedi rolls his eyes, "Hello, Keen, how are you. It's been a while. What do you want?"

"Why didn't you sense me coming, Obi?"

"I haven't been using the Force as often as I could, not with the Tatooine drought. I'd want to help them far too much. Now, what do you want?"

"Well, fine, seeing as all you want to do is be rude, maybe I'll just leave, becayse clearly you aren't in the mood to help the Galaxy."

Kenobi groans, scrubbing a hand down his face. "If you came all this way just to insult me, I recommend just going back to your ship, because I am very much not in the mood."

"Okay, Obi. You're right, I apologize. I came all the way out here, because while searching through uncharted space in the hopes of finding some suitable planet to put a base for our Rebellion. And I happened to stumble upon a familiar face, shared by, well, only a couple of a million people." Stepping from behind the door, Cody steps, meeting the eyes of his old friend.

Obi-Wan, upon seeing Cody's face, freezes, but calms himself, as he sees the tears glistening in the younger, (although older looking), man's eyes. The eyes so easily recognizable to any survivor of the Clone War. Slowly, Obi-Wan reaches up, his hand touching Cody's face, dipping into the Force to confirm that he is in fact there, and that he is trustworthy. When he receives confirmation, not simply from the Clone, but Keen, and the living Force spirit of his old Master. Breathing out quietly, the Jedi asks, "Cody?"

In the exact same tone of voice, while reaching out and taking Obi-Wan's forearms in his hands, "General Kenobi, I-we-I was sure you had died. When the Order was given, I was certain one of the 212th had killed you. All I ask is for your forgiveness."

"My dear Cody, think nothing of it. You were not in control of yourself, therefore, there is simply nothing to forgive." From the look of the Clone's face, Kenobi can tell that that will simply not suffice, so he adds, "But, all the same, you have my forgiveness, my old friend."

"As nice as this is, Obi, maybe you could invite us in, out of the sun. Or even just offer us some water."

"Oh, yes, you're here as well, Keen, how could I forget? Please, do come in. Both of you."

Keen doesn't need further invitation, and she flounces into the grungy hut, plopping down at the table. Cody and Obi-Wan enter a moment after her, both just staring at the other, looking wistful.

"Are you two gonna be okay? Cause you both look like you've seen a ghost, and it's getting kind of awkward...for me."

"Sorry, General, I just wasn't expecting this mission to lead to, well, the General."

"And I certainly wasn't expecting you to visit, which isn't all that surprising. What is surprising is the fact that you found Cody. And that he's even still alive."

"Yeah, I was shocked too. This mission is kind of a two part deal. Cody, if you both agree, can stay here. To help make sure you, and Luke are safe, but also because Cody is probably the most knowledgeable person on the Emperor, at least that we have access to. That makes him an asset to the Rebellion. One that must be protected. So, your mission, if you choose to accept it, Protect each other."

Obi-Wan glances at Cody, and Cody glances over at Obi-Wan. "Seems like a simple enough mission, sir."

"Well, good. General Kenobi should be able to fill you in on all the details. I need to be getting back, I fear dangerous times are ahead, my friends." As the Jedi Master says these words, she stands, making her way to the door.

Just as she's about to leave, Obi-Wan grabs her forearm. "What's bothering you?"

Keen sighs, turning her head to look at him out of the corner of her eye. "Ah, well. It appears I'm destined to go to Malachor, with the Padawans."

Obi-Wan scrubs a hand down his face. "You're taking untrained Force-sensitives to the birthplace of the Sith? Whose brilliant idea was this?"

"Oh, that would be my Master in all his wisdom. Given the choice, I'd go alone, or, at the very least, bring Ahsoka along. It's not that I don't trust Caleb, Ezra, and Leia, but, I can't be sure their training will see them through this. Caleb is far more likely than the kids, especially Leia. She holds so much raw, unharnessed Force energy. I've been training her, but I don't know that she's quite ready for something like this. And Ezra, why, he has this pain, and rage deep down inside him. Bringing him to Malachor might just spell his doom." She runs her hands through her hair, turning fully to look in her friends eyes, "I'm not quite sure what to do, Obi. I've been asking the Force for guidance, and I've been meditating, and yet I can't see another path, but everything surrounding this journey is clouded."

Obi-Wan seems to consider her words, while Cody stands in the back of the room, trying to give the two a semblance of privacy, not really seeing much for him to do. "I hate to say it, Ari'abel, but have you considered it's your judgement that is clouded? You're close to them, I can tell. I agree with you that taking these Padawan's to Malachor seems a bad idea, I see no other options. If Master Yoda said to go, then you must. Is there no way to leave the young ones behind?"

"No chance in the Force. They'll just follow us. I understand that this path is necessary, but I just wish there was a better, safer, easier way."

"Well, I always find that nothing worth doing is ever safe. Other than that, how have you been? It's been quite some time."

"Oh, y'know, peachy. Just fighting the Empire."

Cody snorts, "From what I understand, sir, you nearly died shortly before you found me. Rex mentioned that you were taken by the Empire, tortured by Darth Vader personally."

She shoots a glare at the Clone, before letting her shoulders drop, "Yes, well, Vader seemed to believe Master Kenobi was alive. Absolutely no idea what gave him that idea." Obi-Wan sighs, taking her chin in his hand, turning her head, looking for any sort of injury. Keen pulls out of his grip. "Aw, kriff, it's nice to know you care, Obi, but I'm okay now. I should get going." She once again turns to the door, before pausing, "Cody, don't forget to comm Rex once a month. You two be careful, and may the Force be with you."

"With you as well, Keen."

As she walks out the door a small smile crosses her face, and she begins the trek back to the Corundum.

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Thirty-Three

Hera and Sabine both make their way to the cockpit, while Zeb leads the other Lasat to the common area. Kanan and Ezra both immediately follow the Lasat, but Keen hangs back in the cargo hold, and feels the vibrations as the ship lifts off the ground. She perches atop one of the crates, crossing her legs, meditating.

She can't tell how long she sits there. The Jedi only opens her eyes when she senses another person in the hold. Opening one eye, she looks at Ezra standing in front of her, with his hands on his hips.

"One could say you're avoiding us."

"Not avoiding you, just giving you space."

The Padawan hops up, sitting beside her on the crate, "You don't have to, y'know. I kept my fair share of secrets, and when I told you, you never freaked out, or got mad. C'mon, we're about to find the location of Lira San."

He hops off the box, tugging her to her feet as well. Rushing off, he scales the ladder, skipping every other rung. A smile splits Keen's face, as she just launches herself up to the second level, following the Padawan to the cockpit. The two slip into the room just as Kanan asks, "Okay, so where is this new world we're taking you?"

"We do not yet have the location of Lira San," Chava informs him.

"We have maps if you need 'em," the Twi'lek says, glancing at them from the pilots seat.

"There is no Lira San, Hera. It's a myth, an old legend."

"Maybe so, Zeb, but I've always found that within each myth and legend there is truth. Sometimes, the legends are entirely accurate, other times they hold only a mere shred of truth. But I've never seen one that is completely false."

Once again, Chava looks at her with admiration. "The time has come to prepare the ritual that will guide us to our new home."

"Come on," Ezra says, glaring at Zeb. "I'll help you set it up."

On the way out of the room, the Padawan grabs Keen's arm, dragging her along with the others. She rolls her eyes, letting the boy lead her out, where Chopper greets them. The astromech looks up, glaring at the Lasat, and grumbles something to Chava.

Glaring down at the sociopathic droid, she replies, "I'm not weird."

The droid sasses her, questioning the validity of her statement.

"Quiet, Chopper," Ezra demands.

Chava looks up from where she was writing on the metal flooring of the ship. Its crude, mere silhouettes of Lasat shaped beings, but it gets her point across. "The Ashla led us to the pirate, then to you so that we may find our path to the new world."

"The Ashla?"

Kanan walks into the room, moving to stand between Ezra and Keen. "It's basically the Force in Lasat culture," Keen informs the boy. "The Force has many names across the Galaxy, but its viewed the same in every culture."

"And it is through your Force, our Ashla that the prophecy comes. It is written and it is spoken. The promise of Lira San will follow the fate of The Three. The fool, simple and selfish, he would lead. The warrior, bold and bloodthirsty to hunt the hope of tomorrow. The child, to destroy him! We will find our new home only if the child saves the warrior and the fool." As she describes each person in the prophecy, she gestures to her drawing.

"Well, I have no idea who the fool is and I only see one child. And you're not rescuing this warrior." Zeb says, finishing his statement by threatening Ezra.

"Ooh!" Ari'abel cheers, "Can I be the fool?"

Kanan rolls his eyes, hitting her shoulder with his shoulder.

"Perhaps you are not the warrior? Ah. Hmm. We must begin. The fool has set events into motion."

The smile falls from the Jedi's face. "Aw, that means I can't be the fool."

"Don't fret," Ezra says, gently patting her arm, "You'll always be a fool to me."

"Thanks...wait."

She fake glares at Ezra, as Chava and Gorn sit around the circle she drew. Looking up at the Jedi and Padawan, she says, "Please join."

Ari'abel shrugs, plopping down beside Gorn, and Ezra takes a seat beside Chava. The wise woman leads them in a chant of, "Lira San ko-ko, mah-seeta fo-na-ka-tee-lala."

Keen glances up, noticing Zeb leaving the room. She prepares to follow him, but Ezra beats her to it. She smiles as the Padawan trails after the Lasat. She closes her eyes, dipping into the Force, or Ashla, continuing the chanting of the Lasat.

A while later, just as Zeb enters the room, Chava stands, drawing the Jedi from her trance. She waves her hands over the circle, finishing her spell with the words, "Eeee, ah, naa."

"We are ready for your map," Gorn tells Kanan. The Knight simply urges Chopper forward, who projects a star chart.

"The path to Lira San will be revealed through the fates of The Three. The child must save the warrior and the fool. The child must show us the way." Zeb nudges Ezra forward, but Chava isn't having it. "No. The child of Lasan."

Zebra's ears droop in disappointment, "Wait, wait. I'm the child? I really wanted to be the warrior," he growls.

"You're kinda acting like a child."

The Lasat glares at Ezra, stepping forward to the circle. Gorn looks up to him, "Your bo-rifle, as the ancients used it."

He slips the weapon from his shoulder, pulling it apart in a way that none of the Ghost Crew has seen. The tips end up in three prongs, a yellow energy spouting out. He pushes it gently at the maps, as they move further from their location, stopping deep out in uncharted space.

The Jedi Master shrugs as she looks at the map, whilst Kanan voices his displeasure.

"The child must show us the way," Chava simply tells him.

Zeb grins, gazing at the star chart in front of him. "That's it. That's it. Lira San."

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Thirty-Five

The Ghost crew don't get a minute of reprieve in the next few weeks being sent on mission, after mission. They managed to return to the Phoenix flagship long enough to pick up Leia, and then it was another mission shoved in their hands.

The mission ends with marginal success, having lost another fighter to the Empire. Keen slides into a seat in the cockpit, as Hera brings up a holo-comm with Commander Sato.

"At best, our squadron is at half strength. We're not just losing fighters, we're losing pilots faster than we can replace them," Hera tells him.

"Until we can find a base, we need somewhere to land our fighters," Kanan adds.

"I'm doing my best, trying to make a list of places we could raise a base, but it's difficult as the Empire expands its reach across the Galaxy. I'm about ready to start searching uncharted space for a good planet."

Commander Sato nods, "Perhaps we can solve two problems at once. A rebel cell has reported an Imperial carrier over their world. If we steal that ship, we can use it to house all our fighters. This cell is located in the Ryloth system. "

"Ryloth?" Hera gasps. "I know the cell you're talking about. I'll contact them."

She cuts the comm, standing to leave the cockpit, just as Ezra walks into the room. "You're actually gonna talk to him?" Kanan calls after his Twi'lek lover.

"I don't think we have much choice. We need that carrier." She sadly strolls out of the cockpit, clearly not happy about the turn of events.

"What's wrong with Ryloth?" Ezra asks his Master.

Keen pats the boy on the shoulder as she strolls past him out of the cockpit. She walks purposefully through the ship to her bunk, only to find her Padawan in the middle of the floor, meditating. She stands in the doorway, leaning against the frame for a few moments, just watching her Padawan. Being careful not to disturb her, she steps into the room, gingerly leaping to the bunks, landing gently on the top one.

A while later, the Princess opens her eyes, leaning back on the floor, looking up at her Master, upside down. "Hi, Master."

"Heya, kiddo. How was meditation?"

"Surprisingly enlightening. I still wish you would show me how to use the Force to heal others."

The Jedi rubs a hand down her face, "How many times am I gonna have to repeat myself? You're not ready for that yet. As soon as I think you have enough training, I swear I will show you, Princess."

Leia sighs, pouting slightly, "Fine!"

"I will teach you more. It shouldn't be long until I can show you. You must have patience, my young Padawan."

Leia sighs, nodding. She looks like she's planning on saying more, when the door to the room slides open and Sabine sticks her head into the room. "Kanan told me to tell you we're here."

The Jedi Master grunts, standing from her bunk. "Well, here we go again."

She strolls out of the bunk, down to the cargo bay. Kanan stands nervously fidgeting, rounding the corner to the docking port.

"How do I look?" Kanan asks his Padawan, as he adjusts his tunic.

"Hmm? Same as always. Why?"

Keen places her hands on Kanan's shoulder, leaning over, she whispers, "Looks like someones worried about meeting the parent."

"Shut up," he murmurs, pushing the Jedi Master away from him.

"You can't make me."

Kanan ignores her, instead turning to Ezra, "Straighten up a little bit. You're making me look bad."

"Looks like he found out how to keep you quiet," Leia teases.

"Curses, how could he have known that ignoring me would work!" Keen jokes right back.

"What's the matter with you?" Ezra asks Kanan.

"Nothing. Just calm down."

"You calm down."

Kanan doesn't get to continue the argument, because the door at the top of the corridor slides open, revealing Cham Syndulla, and two other Twi'lek's with him.

"It's been a long time, Father."

Cham smiles at his daughter, moving his gaze over to the Jedi Knight standing beside him. "Ah. You must be the Jedi I heard about."

"Jarrus. Kanan Jarrus," he introduces, whilst bowing. "I've..." he pauses, awkwardly clearing his throat "...heard a lot about you, sir." He bows again, but Cham doesn't bow back, and the Knight straightens once again, " This is the rest of our crew. Ezra," he says, pointing at Sabine, "Sabine," he points to Zeb, "and Zeb," he finishes, gesturing to Ezra, who just shakes his head in disdain.

Chopper turns, grunting indignantly at the Jedi Knight.

"Yeah, Chop, pretty sure he at least recognizes the two of us."

"General Quinara," the Twi'lek greets. "One doesn't simply forget someone they fought beside. I still cannot thank you enough for what you did for my people."

"We were in a war, it's what any decent person would've done. And, seeing as Kanan seems to have forgotten, this," she says, nudging Leia forward, "is my Padawan, Leia."

Kanan awkwardly rubs his neck, but Cham takes no notice, or at least seems not to, "A fine group of fighters. Cham Syndulla at your service."

Sabine starts, her eyes widening slightly, "The Liberator of Ryloth. I studied your Clone Wars tactics at the Academy."

The Twi'lek general chuckles, nodding, "Yes. The Empire is still trying to figure out how to beat me. These are two of my finest warriors. Numa and Gobi," he gestures to his right, and then his left.

"Well, we should get to the briefing," Hera states, walking off. Kanan turns his head, watching the Twi'lek walk off, and sighs. He follows behind her, the rest of the crew following his lead.

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chopper, upon receiving the coordinates for Lira San had trundled off to the cockpit. The Lasat's had all gathered together in the common area, talking quietly about the old days on Lasan.

The three Force-sensitives moved over to the benches around the holo-table, and Kanan pulls up Djarik. "What d'you say, Keen. Care for a game?"

"Sure, but just be aware that I haven't lost a game in over a century."

"That will just make it all the worse when I beat you," he says, grinning.

"Oh, yes, absolutely devastating," she deadpans.

The game progresses, as does the trash talking. Ezra decides to start assisting Kanan, so it becomes two against one. It was clear that Ari'abel was going to win, when the entire ship shakes. Ezra is on his feet, racing to the cockpit, everyone else following him, immediately.

"What's wrong?" Ezra asks.

"There's something in our path," Sabine replies, pointing out the viewscreen.

"What is that?"

"Imploded star cluster, biggest one I've ever seen," Hera tells Ezra.

"Nice save."

"Yeah, not only did she save all our lives, she saved your *ss from a humiliating defeat."

"Hey, I was gonna win!"

"No," Ezra and Keen say at the same time, "You were not."

The Knight shakes his head at them, while grinning. Hera rolls her eyes, deciding to being the conversation back on track. "If we get any closer the gravity field will destroy us."

"What happened?" Gorn asks, as he enters the cockpit, "Are we on course?"

"Yep! But theres a bit of an issue with a giant space anomaly in our path."

"This is what happens when we jump into uncharted space," Hera finishes.

"Ah. This is the maze that was prophesied!" Chava says, gesturing out to the star cluster.

"Wait, a maze? You never said anything about a maze. You prophecy types always pull something like this," Zeb growls.

Just as he finishes, the blaring sound of an alarm fills the room, and Keen sighs. Everything was going so simple, and then it's one problem on top of another. "What now?"

Filtering through the comm comes the voice of Imperial ISB Agent Kallus. "Attention rebels. As much as I might like to watch you consumed by the maelstrom before you I will offer you a chance to surrender an opportunity for survival."

"How did he find us?" Zeb groans, glaring at the comm.

"Hello, my friends," the voice of a familiar Weequay calls, answering the question.

"Hondo? What are you doing with him?"

"I must apologize, Ezra. I hid a tracker on that transmitter. You know, for insurance purposes."

Keen leans forward, talking into the comm, "Hey, Hondo, remember how I said I was glad you survived the Clone Wars?"

"Yes?"

"I take it back."

Chopper echos her sentiments by chattering angrily at the comm.

"You have one minute to prepare for boarding, or to be destroyed," Kallus says, trying to nudge the conversation back to the Empire.

"I can't believe this. Kallus has got us," Zeb grumbles.

"He plays his part as warrior."

"Wait, he's the warrior. And I got stuck being the child!"

"Well, Hondo gets to be the fool, which is the role I wanted. Sometimes you just have to accept what life casts you as."

"There are many warriors, fools, and children, Captain," Chava says, ignoring the Jedi Master, "The child in you can't see how things are but how they can be. The fool denies his destiny but it is the warrior you are who will create one. You are never one of these. In time you become all of them."

Zeb considers her statement, before turning and looking at his bunkmate, "Ezra, bring me my bo-rifle."

"What are you thinkin', buddy?" Kanan asks Zeb, as Ezra sprints to go and get the Lasat his bo-rifle.

The Padawan returns a few moments later, and hands him his weapon. "You can do this, Zeb. I know it."

He takes the rifle, holding it out in front of him, pointed at the controls in front of him. "Just like the ancients used it."

"Your time is up, rebels."

The rebel crew ignore the ISB Agent, instead choosing to focus on the Lasat who is electrifying the controls. Hera and Sabine seem vaguely concerned, but Keen steps forward, tapping into the Force to help him guide the ship. Ezra and Kanan both take a step forward, gently laying a hand on the Lasat's shoulder, helping him to guide the ship. The hyperspace kicks in, and the Ghost crew leave the Imperials behind, letting them take in the view of the star cluster.

As the hyperdrive stops, the occupants of the cockpit going flying around. Ezra hits the floor to Zeb's left, and Kanan is on the other side of the Lasat. Keen, who was standing directly behind Zeb, gets the full weight of the Lasat on top of her. Chopper rolls over, deliberately whacking Ezra as he wheels past him. "Ow! Was that really necessary?"

The astromech merely laughs at Ezra, as he wheels away.

The Padawan sticks his tongue out at the droid, climbing to his feet, he sees the Lasat, who looks as though he may be unconscious. He races over to him, and Kanan helps the Lasat up. Gron walks over to check on Zeb, while Kanan focusses his attention on Keen.

He offers her a hand, which she grabs like it's a lifeline, hauling herself up off the hard flooring. "Well, that's not something I'd like to try again. But, it looks like it was worth it," she comments, gazing out the viewscreen at the planets just within view.

***

Zeb takes the Phantom, and Chava and Gorn down to Lira San. It's a few hours later that Ari'abel walks into the gun turret, where Ezra is lounging in the seat. Kanan strolls in as well, leaning in the doorway, while Keen crouches in the window. "Zeb has been down there a while. Are you sure he's coming back?"

"Pretty sure."

"Zeb, although he'd never admit it, actually likes you, so, yeah, he'll be back."

The Padawan looks out the window to see the Phantom once again approaching the Ghost.

"You were right."

Chopper wheels into the room, grumbling about the return of the Lasat. Hera chuckles, "Well, I'm sorry, Chopper. You're gonna have to put all of Zeb's stuff back in his room."

Sabine gazes out at Lira San herself, musing, "Kinda sad, those two Lasat all alone on that planet."

The door behind her opens, and the towering figure of Zeb stands there, and comments, "They're not alone."

"What are you talking about?"

"There were already Lasat down there. Lira San is where my people originally came from."

Chopper chatters confusedly, turning his dome to face the Jedi Master. "Why yes, my small friend. That does mean that there are a whole lot more of him."

The astromech grumbles, and Hera answers his question, "Yes. We can go home now."

"Yeah. How do we get home?" Ezra asks.

"Consider this system charted which means now that the Ghost has been here we can always come back."

"And if we meet any other Lasat I will show them the way," Zeb says, actually seeming happy, for the first time in a long, long while.

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Thirty-Two

The taller Lasat glares at the Imperials, growling, “Where are you taking us?”

The officer supervising the Troopers answers, “To a detention facility for a nice, long stay.”

The Lasat scoffs, “More likely a blaster squad.”

Popping up behind two Stormtroopers, Zeb attacks, knocking them both out in one swift move. Kanan, Hera, and Sabine leap out from behind some crates, shooting three more Stormtroopers. Keen leaps off the top of a crate, knocking the sixth one to the ground, punching him, with the Force making it a harder punch than should be possible from a person her size. The Imperial Officer gulps, as three blasters are levelled at his chest. He slowly begins to back away from the rebels, unaware of the Padawan behind him, who immediately shoots him with his lightsaber.

From behind the boy, a very familiar Weequay appears, waving slightly, “Hello, hello! You arrived just in time, as I knew you would.”

Keen’s thumb and forefinger move to the bridge of her nose, sighing deeply upon seeing Hondo Ohnaka.

“You could have warned me the Empire was here,” Ezra comments.

“Ah, but I sold the Lasats to the Empire knowing the heroes would save the day,” he waves his index finger in the air as he speaks, pausing to chuckle, “You being the heroes, of course.”

Ari’abel rubs a hand over mouth, commenting, “Hondo is your contact?”

“To be fair, he contacted me.”

“Yes, Quinara, to be fair. Because I knew these two,” he points to the two Lasats, “belonged with that one,” he finishes by pointing straight at Zeb.

The taller Lasat, his eyes landing on Zeb smiles, “It is him. Captain Orrelios.”

The older, female Lasat gasps, “By the Ashla. The Prophecy!”

Ignoring the female Lasat, Ezra turns to Zeb, and asks, “Captain?”

“Yes,” the older Lasat replies, “Captain Garazeb Orrelios of the Lasan High Honour Guard.”

The Ghost crew’s Lasat groans deeply, placing his head into his hands. The Jedi Master smiles at him, and Hondo taps her on the shoulder. He smiles at the Lasat’s, commenting, “A reunion! I was right again. How wonderful.” He then nods down at the unconscious Imperial at his feet, “Hondo could use a little help.”

Keen rolls her eyes at the Weequay, grabbing the Imps shoulders, while Hondo picks up his legs, dragging him into the crate that the Lasat’s had just left. “What are you doing, Hondo? You’ve never been this nice to anyone, not even Obi-Wan.”

“Ah, well. The Empire has been bad for business. Yes, very, very bad.”

“So you’re helping the Rebellion, so that you can help yourself.”

“Exactly,” he proclaims, flailing his arms out. “And here my crew always talked about how idiotic you Jedi were.”

“Oh, thanks. I’ll try not to be insulted.”

“Now, now, Quinara,” the Weequay comment, wrapping an arm around her shoulders, “Hondo himself would never say such a thing about you, no, no, but, Hondo has no control over his crews.”

The Jedi smiles at him, shrugging his arm off her shoulders. “Yeah, whatever you say, Hondo. I’m shocked to say it, but I am glad you survived the Clone Wars.” She steps out of the crate, joining back up with the rest of the crew. Sidling up beside Kanan, she quietly inquires of what all she missed.

“Zeb was a Captain of the Honour Guard of Lasan. Gron, the taller one, served under him. The other one is Chava the Wise.”

“Got it, thanks.”

“I didn’t know you were a Captain,” Ezra comments.

“He never told any of us,” Hera tells the boy.

“It was so long ago I...I forgot.”

“We have not,” Chava informs Zeb.

“That’s all well and good,” Keen comments, “but the Imps are gonna realize pretty soon that something is off. We should really be getting you lot out of here.”

“Yeah,” Ezra says, “We gotta go.”

“Oh. Wait, wait…,” Hondo calls after them. “Does this mean I am not getting my finder’s fee?”

“You never were,” the Padawan informs him.

“Perfect answer. I am so proud of you right now. I never had a student learn this quickly.”

The group leave the Weequay alone with the cargo crate, filled with unconscious Imperials. After they round a few corners, and walk a little way down the corridor, Ezra turns to their passengers, “So, tell us where you’re headed.”

“Our new world, Lira San,” Chava says, waving her arms around her head, “Prophesized in the ancient Lasat writings. It is a safe system where our people can begin anew.”

Zeb groans, leaning his head back, looking at the ceiling, “Look. The only safe system for us was Lasan and it was destroyed.”

Keen cocks her head, musing on what the Lasat’s said.

“It was transformed as part of the future destiny of our people,” Gorn argues.

“There’s no future destiny. Everything is gone.”

“Everything can’t be gone, Zeb,” Keen states, pain clear in her voice. “You aren’t gone, and neither are Gorn and Chava. As long as you three exist. As long as one Lasat exists, your culture, your people will carry on. Lasan lives within your heart.”

Chava looks up at the Jedi, “It almost seems as if you speak from experience. As she said, Captain. Lasan is within us. Everything is happening as it was meant to.”

The transmitter Chopper is carrying crackles to life, Hondo’s voice sounding through, “Ezra, my boy. It's your pal, Hondo.”

The astromech grumbles, shoving the transmitter into Ezra’s hands. “What is it, Hondo?”

“Just so you know, there are, uh…” the Weequay pauses, sniffing, before continuing, “...Stormtroopers on their way.”

“How close are they?”

Hondo doesn’t get the chance to respond, as blaster fire flies at their heads. “Pretty close.”

The team race around the corner, only to be met by more Troopers. “They’ve got backup!” Kanan yells back to the other, whilst he, Sabine, and Hera shoot at the Imps.

“So do we,” Sabine replies, tossing two blasters at Gorn, only to have them smack against his face.

Keen glances at him confusedly, from her place behind him. “Oh, no. We do not fight. It is no longer our way,” he explains. The Jedi Master shrugs, jumping over him, running along the wall, before dropping into a crouch right near Kanan’s feet, whipping a modified blaster out of her bag. She begins to shoot at the Troopers, hitting two of the ones in front of them. Behind her, she can hear Zeb lecturing Gorn on the ways of the Lasat.

From the corridor the rebels just left, a group of Troopers appear, instantly firing at them. “This just keeps getting better,” Hera snarks.

“We’ll never get through now,” the Jedi Knight grumbles.

Keen turns around, shooting at the Troopers who approached from behind them, tossing over her shoulder, “No way we can go back the way we came.”

It’s then that her eyes spot Hondo at the door controls just behind the Troopers, and she smiles at him, offering a two fingered salute.

“What happened?” Ezra asks the team, although the transmitter is still in his hands.

“Another rescue by Hondo Ohnaka!”

“Thanks, Hondo! We owe you one.”

“No. We don’t,” Kanan enthuses, as he finishes clearing the path of Troopers. He then leads the way back to the Ghost.

When they arrive in the docking bay, a whole platoon of Stormtroopers greets them. Ezra and Kanan automatically whip out their lightsabers, keeping the blaster fire off the others. Keen follows suit, leaping on top of a nearby crate, drawing fire to herself. She deflects the blaster bolts, as the team moves closer to the ship.

It's a quick trip to the Ghost, made all the easier by the lightsabers, and the Troopers inability to hit any target.

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Thirty-One

Over the next few weeks, Keen does her best to leave the Ghost Crew alone, to let them come to her. She knows that the fact that she kept the major secrets from them can only cause more pain. It's clear that it will take a while for the trust to be re-earned. A few days after she was released from the med-wing, the Bad Batch had said their goodbyes to Keen, and promised to keep in touch. The Ghost Crew had had a few missions assigned to them, and Ari'abel had spent that time training her Padawan.

It was about a week after she was released from the med-bay that Ahsoka approached her. "Listen, Soka, I'm really sorry about not telling you about-"

"You were right not to tell us. It would have disillusioned the Rebellion. It's true that after meeting Vader I had my suspicions, and you simply confirmed it. As for the deal with Palpatine, I can easily forgive you. The others will come around, I know Rex already has. I think he actually has some questions."

"You might as well send him my way, looks like I'll be around here for a little while."

"You may have a mission sooner than you would think."

Keen reaches her hands up, rushing them through her close cut hair, sighing, before she shrugs. "You never know."

The Togruta smiles at her, walking down a corridor, most likely in search of Rex. Ari'abel smiles as well, going to walk down the opposite corridor, to find her Padawan, when she recognizes a presence behind her. "Ez?" she asks, without turning around, "Can I help you?"

"Well, I have this rescue mission. And I'm on point. While I may not trust you completely, we could use your help…please."

The Jedi turns to meet his eyes, "That's all the invitation I need, buddy. I'm there."

Keen takes a few minutes to find Leia, and invite her to come along as well, but she refuses, insisting that Keen and the Ghost Crew need time alone. The Jedi rolls her eyes, smiling slightly at the girl, setting off to find the Ghost. Stepping back aboard the ship, she gets a feeling of calm washing over her, sensing the presence's of the other crew members, it feels like home. She closes her eyes, taking a deep breath of the stale air. Opening her eyes, they land right on Kanan's face.

He raises his eyebrow, "You've been gone a while."

"Wasn't sure you'd want me back. Not after all the secrets I kept from you."

A small smile crosses his face, "Hey, we all have secrets. Trusting you is one of the easiest things to happen in my life."

"As long as you're not all just taking me out into space to kill me."

"Don't give Chopper any ideas."

The trip goes by surprisingly quickly. Ari'abel spends most of the trip in the cockpit. Hera had immediately smiled when she entered, offering her the co-pilot seat. Most of the trip the two had sat in silence. "So, I've been meaning to ask, Keen. Why didn't you mention your deal with the Emperor earlier? You know no one would've been upset."

"I guess I just like to keep all my skeletons buried deep within the closet, I figure if I do that, maybe they won't come back to bite me in the *rse. Clearly I was wrong. I just didn't know how anyone would react. When I had planned on mentioning it, I just didn't think it was relevant."

The Twi'lek twists in her chair, facing the Jedi, "We've all got skeletons in our closets. Most of us don't want them coming out. I get it, and you're welcome on my ship anytime."

Keen smiles at her, turning back to facing the stars speeding past in front of her, and the planet nearing the viewscreen. The ship nears the landing bay, and the crew head back to the ramp. Pulling her mask over her face, she steps forward to follow them out. Hera turns, glancing at the Padawan,and says, "Ezra, I'm proud of you for taking the lead on this rescue mission."

"You would have done the same thing."

"You said these people were wanted by the Empire," Kanan comments. "Do you know why?"

"No, but I hear they're closing in. We better hurry."

"So where'd you hear about these refugees anyway?" Zeb asks.

"Huh? Oh, you know, one of our, uh, contacts. Speaking of, Chopper, you better let him know we're here."

Chopper pulls a transmitter out, attempting to establish contact with someone, but only receiving static in return. The droid grumbles about the lack of a response, waving the device around.

"There's no answer," the boy comments, looking a bit more nervous. "We better hurry."

The group of rebels move faster into the storage bay. The crew spies a group of Stormtroopers standing around a large crate, blasters poised and ready to open fire. "Looks like we might be a little late," Keen mutters.

The team leans out from the crate they're hiding behind, as an Imperial Officer snarls, "Drag those refugees out here."

One of the Stormtroopers bellows at the occupants of the crate, demanding they exit. From deep within the confines of the giant metal box, a short, squat Lasat, wearing a dress, and leaning heavily on a staff, steps out, with a taller deeper purple Lasat follows her. Zeb, upon his eyes landing on the two gasps, his eyes widening. Sounding shocked, he breathes, "My people. They're Lasat."

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Thirty

By the time the group arrive back to their shuttle, the Jedi Master has succumbed to the tugs of unconsciousness. Hunter gently lowers her, doing his best not to aggravate the injuries riddling her body. Stepping back over to the flight controls, Echo, Omega, and Leia immediately lean around her, Ezra hovering behind them, ready to run and grab anything they could need. As gently as possible the female clone removes the ragged tunic, and next mask, leaving the Jedi in a vest just as scrappy as the tunic. Turning his head slightly Echo says, "Kid, can you grab the med-kit?"

Ezra turns around, his eyes scanning the walls of the small stealth shuttle. "Uh...medkit, right." He finally spots it, launching at the wall opposite the group, slinging it off the wall, and sliding it at the three. Leia catches it, immediately flipping it open. She grabs the med-scanner, passing it to Omega. The woman smiles at her, typing in a sequence, and making quick work of scanning their unconscious friend.

Echo grunts approvingly, watching her work, while grabbing the bacta spray from the medkit, spraying over Keens minor abrasions. The female Clone sucks in a quick breath, and Ezra's head snaps to her, as Hunter, from the front of the ship calls back, "How bad is it?"

"There's too much damage to do much here. We'll need to get her to a Medical Facility if we want her to heal. For now, I'll splint and bandage her broken limbs, and Echo can use the bacta spray to do as much as it can."

"So, basically," Ezra states, "She needs the Phoenix flagship, or she dies?"

"Now, hang on, I remember the General being able to use your Force to heal us a few times." Hunter spins his chair around, the ship on its automated course over to the Ghost, "Can't you kids do something like that?"

"I-I don't know. She hasn't taught me much yet. I'm just starting out. Ezra, has Kanan shown you?"

The Padawan runs a hand quickly through his hair. "Uh, he mentioned Force-healing was a thing some Jedi could do, but said he wasn't very good at. And then he said if I wanted to try to learn it I should go see Keen. Then I didn't." All the people turn to look at him, slight variations of a glare evident on each face. "Look, I had planned on it, but I wanted my lightsaber, I figured healing, and meditating and all that boring stuff could come later."

Leia rolls her eyes, looking back down at the Jedi on the floor, "Well, hows that lightsaber training looking now?"

"I assume I'm supposed to say 'not that important', here. But, honestly, being able to use a lightsaber has gotten me out of more scrapes than any Force-healing."

"Yeah, you. It's gotten you out of more scrapes. I don't think your ability to wave a laser sword is gonna help my Master, or your friend."

"Look, it's not my fault she's injured. Maybe you should go and yell at Darth Vader if you want to get your anger out. I'm sure your dad won't mind."

"Why you half-witted, little dirt ball" the Princess says, practically launching herself over her unconscious Master, so she can attack Ezra, only for an arm to wrap around her waist. Ezra, who also been lunging for Leia, has two firm hands land on his shoulders.

"Could you two knock it off!" Hunter bellows. "Our friend is unconscious, maybe dying, and you two are arguing over something that can't be fixed? If all you two are gonna do is bicker, and act like children, you can both go and find a corner to whine in. If you actually wanna help, then quit fighting, and do something productive!"

The Sergeant releases Ezra, and Echo lets the Princess go, both turning back to their separate tasks, leaving the abashed Padawan's to make up, and apologize.

***

Omega and Echo continue to do all they can for the Jedi, by the time they get back to the Ghost, all they can do is watch the slow rise and fall of her chest, as she takes ragged breaths. Once the port is secure, Hunter scoops Keen up, gently, carrying her over to the other ship.

Kanan greets them at the port, his eyes immediately drifting to Keen, and he sadly shakes his head. "Is she gonna be okay?"

"If we can get her to a proper medical facility before tomorrow," Omega replies.

"Okay, Ezra, go tell Hera we got her, and to get us back to the flagship, as fast as she can."

The boy looks up at him, nodding. "You got it Kanan. Then, I gotta talk to you about something."

Ezra runs off, and climbs the ladder to the cockpit. Kanan follows him run off with his eyes, before turning back to look at the others, "What was that about?"

The rest of them just shrug. Kanan just shakes his head, leading the Clone Sergeant to Keen's bunk, where he sets her down.

The Jedi Knight, and Hunter quietly leave the room, the door sliding shut behind them. Rex and Ahsoka are both standing nearby, a question floating in each of their eyes. "She's alive. For now," Kanan tells them.

Rex sighs, closing his eyes, and shaking his head slightly, Ahsoka looking nervous as well. Before either gets a chance to say anything, Ezra slides down the hall, his eyes moving from Ahsoka and Rex, to Kanan, Hunter, Echo, Omega, and Leia. "So, I don't know if you guys heard, but Vader, while he was torturing Keen, said something about having a deal with the Emperor. I mean, he is a Sith Lord, but it didn't seem like he was lying."

Ahsoka, Kanan, and Rex look at each other, each confused as to what this could mean.

*Four Days Later*

Consciousness begins to sneak upon Ari'abel, and various hushed conversations rush through her ears. She begins to stir, her eyes barely squinting open, to the looming face of a Clone over her. "Well," she rasps, staring into Crosshair's eyes, "I gotta say, I've woken up to worse views."

"She's okay, and she hasn't changed" the Clone grumbles, rolling his eyes.

"Course I'm okay, I'm always okay."

"One of these days you won't be," Bail Organa comments.

Keen glances around the room, seeing not only Clone Force 99 and the Ghost Crew, but Ahsoka, Rex, Wolffe, Gregor, R2D2, C-3PO, and Bail Organa all near her. "Who knew that all it would take to get us all together is me almost dying."

"Yeah," Wolffe deadpans, "let's not make a habit of it."

The Jedi Master smiles at him, trying not to laugh, as she attempts to sit up. Hunter, upon noticing her intent, gently pushes her back down. She crosses her arms, sulkily, and notices a distrustful look on Ezra's face. She cocks an eyebrow at him, "Ezzie, what's wrong?"

With out any form or tact, Ezra says, "Why did Vader say you had a deal with the Emperor?"

"Oh, so that's what this is about, my deal with Palpatine. It's nothing," judging by the looks she's receiving their going to want more information. "You need more info, fine. Cross might even remember when it all went down."

All eyes turn to the sharpshooter, who seems to contemplate for a few moments, before shame fills his face, "It was when I-"

Keen cuts him off, "Don't worry about that, what's in the past can stay there. Suffice to say, I was apprehended, so to speak."

Echo scoff, clearly recalling this instance himself, "More like handed her *ss over to the Empire."

"It served its purpose as a distraction, didn't it? Wait, I'm getting off topic. It's true, I made a deal with Sheev Palpatine. I don't bother the Empire, and leave it to do it's thing, and the Empire leaves my friends alone. If the public knew there was a surviving Jedi, well, they'd rally to the cause, and believe me when I say, there were a lot of angry civilians at the fall of the Republic. So, the Empire declares me legally dead, without actually having to kill me, because that wouldn't serve Sheev's plans. I leave them to their devices, and all the Clone deserters, they get a free pass. They're all declared dead in the Empire's files, and get to go, and gain a semblance of a normal life."

"Hang on," Hunter comments, "You did that for us?"

She nods solemnly, "I felt it necessary. You were doing the Galaxy good, and I wasn't about to compromise that for you. I am glad you managed to get Crosshair freed, though."

"So what your saying is, you sacrificed your ability to fight for a better tomorrow, to help out Clones who refused to commit treason and murder the Jedi?" Kanan asks.

"Yes, yes I did."

"Okay, and the Emperor just let you live?" Ezra inquires.

Before the Jedi gets a chance to respond, Echo says, "You mentioned General Skywalker as well. This wouldn't have anything to do with that, would it?"

With those words, Keen turns her head, meeting Bail's eyes. The viceroy makes a noncommittal shrug, clearly leaving that up to the discretion of the Jedi. She sighs, closing her eyes, and taking a deep breath. "Anakin Skywalker is-er-was, one of the greatest Jedi of all time," she begins, addressing the first part at Leia, Ezra, Zeb, and Sabine. "Fearless, reckless, a natural-born leader and strategist. Everything the council looked for in a good Jedi. There was one problem, he let his emotions control his judgement, lead him to make dangerous calls in the heat of battle. He was fiercely protective of those closest to him, especially his Master, as well as his Padawan. The events leading to the end of the Clone Wars were extremely hard on him, as they were on us all." She pauses here, making sure to look at Ahsoka, as she continues on, "Some say, the powerful fall harder than most, and Anakin is a large example of that. At the end of the War, Skywalker fell victim to the call of the Dark Side. Anakin died, and in his place, Darth Vader was born."

She can sense the pain that Ahsoka and Rex feel. Kanan looks upset, as he says, "What, you knew all this, and you weren't going to tell us? Any other major secrets your keeping that we should know about."

"Frankly, yes, I wasn't planning on telling you about Anakin turning to the Dark Side. I knew that all it would do was cause more dissillusion to flourish amongst the Rebellion. Although, I suppose I should give you the rest of the story. There were many events that led to Skywalker's downfall, starting with the death of his mother, leading to the visions he saw of Senator Amidala dying."

"Why would he care about the death of some random Senator?" Ezra asks, still looking as though he does not fully trust Keen.

"Oh, cause they were married, did I forget to mention that?"

"It was more than that though," Bail comments, drawing all eyes to him. "They were married, and Padme was pregnant, with his child."

"The visions of the Senator's death drew him to the dark, so he could save her. Palpatine, or Darth Sidious, whichever you prefer, led him to the dark, with false promises to save his wife. When he was confronted by Padme, he had already fallen too far, and he attempted to strangle her. She would've survived, had he not betrayed her. It might be ironic if it wasn't so depressing, what he set out to prevent, he ultimately caused."

Rex rubs a hand over his beard, looking sad. The Bad Batch, who, all except for Omega, had met Skywalker seem surprised at the revelation. Ahsoka, who had been suspecting such a thing, looks broken.

"I've got a question," Hera says. "Your deal, when did you break it?"

"As soon as I knew all the deserters were safe. I knew Rex, Wolffe, and Gregor were safe, and you boys were keeping a lower profile. Once the others contacted me, letting me know they were safe, I joined the fight. Any other questions?"

"Did Skywalker's child survive?" Leia questions.

Sighing deeply, Keen meets Bail's eyes. Even with the knowledge that Rex and Ahsoka are aware of Leia's parentage, she wants to make sure the viceroy is alright with it. He nods sullenly. "Yes, both of his and the Senator's children were born. Twins, a boy and a girl. Gark, I didn't expect this so soon. His son, Luke, was safely hidden, ready to be trained when the time comes. And their daughter was taken to Alderaan, and raised by the royalty."

Eyes around the room widen, and Leia gasps. Keen, who moves to comfort her Padawan, hisses as she tugs at her chest wounds. Bail, upon noticing her pain, ushers everyone from the room, "Anymore questions about Master Skywalker can be addressed to me, I believe Keen can use some rest."

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The team of Force-sensitives and Clones glance worriedly at each other. Is there any guarantee that Keen is even still alive?

"Why would they take her to the Capital, and not Mustafar? You'd think they'd want her as far away from the Emperor as possible," Ezra muses, as the two groups trek back to their ships.

"They'll want to find out what sort of information Ari is privy to," Leia states, starting to feel as if this mission is hopeless. Standing behind the two Padawans, Ahsoka, Rex, and Kanan are in a hushed conversation with the other rebels over the comm. "She is a high-ranking member of the Rebellion. She knows more than most of us."

"That won't matter," Omega insists, coming to stand beside the two, "She won't break. She trained herself to withstand torture."

"But who knows what the Empire will do, they won't stop until they get what they want."

The Bad Batch was listening to the devastating conversation, and Echo takes this chance to butt in, "You postulating what is happening to her will do absolutely nothing to help, so buck up. I believe in the General, she'll hold out until we find a way to get her back."

***

The group of rebels quickly get back to their ship, Rex choosing to take the Havoc Marauder back to the base. "So," Leia begins, the Phantom slowly lifting off the rocky terrain, "Do they have a plan?"

"Mostly," Ahsoka answers. "They're ironing out the final details, now that we have the ship. Chopper and Echo are going to work together to find the coordinates of Vader's cruiser."

"Viceroy Organa is going to cause a distraction of some kind, while a few of us sneak in. Hera is going to stage a Rebel attack on the ship, to cause a further distraction, enough to distract Vader from his new toy."

"The small group will sneak into the prison cells, unlock them, and grab Keen. They'll escape. Senator Organa will stay while 'repairs' are made to his ship, and the small band of Rebels firing at his ship are thwarted, and retreat, all of us safely aboard."

Leia seems a bit worried about her fathers safety, so Ezra takes it upon himself to distract her. "I bet they put me on the infiltration ship, and you'll be stuck with Hera."

"As if, more than likely I'll go with the infiltrators, as she's my Master."

"Yeah, maybe, but who has more training, and known her longer?"

Leia protests the boys statement again, and a smile actually cuts it's way across Kanan's face.

***

The two ships find themselves on the head Phoenix ship a while later. The Bad Batch exiting after the other members of the Ghost Crew, Hera immediately approaching them. She smiles, as the Clones, save Rex, salute her. "Sergeant Hunter, Clone Force 99."

"Captain Hera Syndulla. It's a pleasure to see you again, and I'm glad to have you joining us."

"We owe the General our lives, so there ain't much we wouldn't do for her."

"That's good to hear, Sergeant, as you'll be part of the boarding party."

Hunter nods at Hera, glancing over at the other crew, as they approach the surrounding rebels. "What do we know, Hera?" Kanan asks.

"What I think is the most solid plan we can create, given the circumstances. Ezra, Leia, Sergeant Hunter, Omega, and Echo will board the cruiser in this shuttle that Keen has been working on for weeks to make undetectable to rader., while Senator Organa, and his droids cause a distraction. Chopper will go in on the Senator's ship, undercover, and get us as much information on the Empire's movements as he can. To further the distraction, the rest of us will engage the cruiser in a space battle, because nothing greater than that will cause the Sith Lord to leave the cell."

Ezra and Leia glance at each other, then at Kanan and Ahsoka, then back at each other, silently cheering. Hunter glances over at the kids, and can't help the smile that slides across his face.

***

The mission starts out well. Commander Wolffe accompanies Senator Organa, tasked with making sure Chopper succeeds, although he'd rather kill someone, than have to deal with the viceroy's droids. The beginning of the mission relies to C-3PO, R2-D2, and Bail's ability to come up with excuses, and lies on the spot. Thankfully, one is a politician, one is a politicians droid, and then there's threepio.

Chopper lets out a signal, once the Imperials are well and truly distracted by the appearance of a disgruntled Senator who had recently had his ship 'attacked by insurgents' and having to make an 'unexpected' landing due to the damages.

Once the rebels receive the signal, and Chopper trundles off into the cruiser to download any information he can discover. The other rebel vessels jump out of hyperspace, just out of range of the cruisers missiles, but knowing they're getting the full attention of the ship.

Ari'abel is confused as alarms all over the ship begin to sound, and she can sense the Troopers who had been stationed outside of her cell from run off, and Vader, who had once again been threatening her, turns to glare at the ceiling. He turns dramatically, growling angrily, as he storms from the cell.

The Jedi, although ashamed to admit it, is relieved when Vader leaves her alone. She's not sure how much longer she can hold back on the information he wants so desperately for her to reveal, although, she'd gladly sacrifice her life to keep Obi-Wan, and Luke safe. And death is looking more, and more likely.

It seems whatever distraction pulled Vader away didn't distract him for long, as the distorted Force-signature of her old friend glides back toward the cell. Ari'abel prepares herself for more pain, and torture. He storms angrily back, his heavy breathing causing an assault to her ears. The Sith Lord gets as close to her face as possible, his anger almost strangling. "You will give me Obi-Wan's location. You had an agreement with the Emperor, and you will stick to it."

"Whatever tenuous agreement I made with Sheev doesn't matter here. Sheev Palpatine is a kriffing lunatic, and idiot. And Anakin Skywalker seems to be no better than him. That agreement, it was made under duress, and is therefore not legally binding, and seeing as it was never written down, nor was there an unbias witness. So, run back up your little leash, and tell your Master that no matter what, I can't tell him what I don't know. And, if that little collar you're wearing starts to get to tight, you can always come back to us."

It looks as if Vader is finally going to put her out of her misery, when the alarms increase in pitch, and intensity, and the Sith Lord grumbles tenaciously under the deep, manufactured breathing of his helmet. He marches through the doorway, his anger stifling.

The doors shut behind him, and almost immediately slide open. Although, the Force signatures are different, and familiar. She forces her neck to move to look at the small group of people in front of her. "Now, I may be on the verge of unconsciousness, so correct me if I'm wrong. I'm fairly certain I'm looking at a group of Rebels who went against the orders I gave them."

"Well," Leia says, "They were a stupid set of orders, and we all deigned to ignore them."

She lets out a quiet chuckle. Hunter steps forward, Echo crouching in the corner, working to quickly unlock her binds. She promptly drops as the energy holding her closes off, and Hunter catches her, hoisting her over his shoulder. "I can't say I've ever been in this much pain," she says quietly, "but, I gotta admit, the view ain't bad."

Hunter rolls his eyes, "And that's just the pain talking."

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Twenty-Eight

*Keen and Vader*

Keen continues to hang around in her cell, thankful from the brief reprieve of Vader and his torture. Almost a century ago she had set out on a pilgrimage, to learn more about the Galaxy. From languages, to culture, to even their preferred methods of torture. She would go as far to say that, other than perhaps Jocasta Nu, she knew more about the Galaxy than any other member of the Jedi Order. This was before Darth Vader went, and killed nearly every other Jedi in existence. Without anyone else, not only was she the last member of the Jedi Council, (not counting Obi-Wan and Yoda, who are both currently in hiding), but, also the only human alive who can withstand the torture that the Empire prefers to treat its guests with.

Ari'abel wasn't expecting the room's temperature to suddenly drop to way below the freezing temperature, ice beginning to form on the metal walls almost instantaneously. This leaves the Jedi Master, in her raggedy tunic top, beginning to shiver. She closes her eyes, focussing on feeling warmth, and doing her best to ignore the intense cold coating her hanging form. She lets out a deep growl, feeling the anger that is deep inside of her begin to bubble up.

Just as quickly as the cold filled the room it vanished, replaced instead by heat that could rival the beating of the twin suns on a Tatooine afternoon. The Jedi Master's whole body tenses, and begins to shake and seize, shivers shooting up her spine, and then back down again in quick succession. Her arms are aching, even more so than before. If it were possible, she'd probably be crying from all the intense pain she's been feeling the past few days, but her eyes feel dryer than a desert, the same way her skin feels. She wishes more than anything Darth Vader, and his stupid metal suit were still in that room with her, and yet silently thanks the Force he's not, because she wouldv'e done something very un-Jedi like were he there. She can feel her lungs spasaming, wanting to scream out from the undue pain and stress that they are in, yet they are far too dry to make more than a hoarse croaking sound from deep in her throat.

The heat diminishes quickly, and a pleased Vader glides into the room. "How are you feeling, Ari'abel?"

The Jedi forces her neck to raise, grunting hoarsely, "You can kiss my bantha, Ani. I can't tell you what I don't know."

"I had assumed you would say that." Vader growls.

With those words, the door to the cell slides open, revealing a Stormtrooper, and another prisoner, with a bag over his head. "Wait, I'm sorry, did you like, plan this? Like, you gave him a cue."

Vader ignores her, instead dragging the prisoner from the Trooper, shoving him forward, until he lands on his knees in front of the Jedi. The Stormtrooper steps back, sliding the door back closed. The Sith Lord yanks the bag from the man's head, his face striking somewhat familiar to the Jedi. She's certain she saw that face around the corridors in the Phoenix ship.

Vader can sense her recognition, and he begins to speak once again, "I can tell you recognize him. An Insurgent, much like yourself. You have the option, you hold this man's life in your hands. Either you tell me where Obi-Wan is, or I kill him. Your choice, Quinara."

Keen's hands clench tightly into two fists, flexing against the cuffs holding her, only for an electrical current to shoot down her spine. "I swear, Vader, I don't know anything about Obi-Wan, or even if he survived. You don't have to hurt him, he's never done anything wrong."

"He has rebelled against the Empire, therefore, he is guilty of treason."

"Maybe I am," the rebel speaks up, shocking Vader, "But, I'm willing to commit treason, even die, if it helps to curb the spread of the Empire's tyranny in the Galaxy. If it helps to keep families together, and fed, or even just keep people alive, then that's a task that I'm willing to give my life for. Whatever information you have, General, don't waste it tpo save me. Use it instead to help aid the millions of suffering citizens held hostage under the crushing hand of fascist Empire. I've made my bed and now-"

"Now you must lie in it," Vader snarls, cleanly slicing the rebels head from his neck, it rolling across the floor to land in front of Ari'abel, his lifeless eyes staring up at her. Keen has to swallow, and force herself to look away from the gruesome sight in front of her.

"Are you willing to talk now?" Vader asks, in a softer voice than normal, and the Jedi can almost swear she can hear Anakin speaking, and not the deep mechanized voice that his suit produces.

"You don't have to do this, Anakin. You were the Chosen One, who would bring an end to the Dark Side and cast us back into an era of peace. That dream doesn't have to end, I believe in you, just as Padme did. I believe you still have good in you. Join me, and help the Galaxy to once again flourish and prosper. We can change the old, tired ways of the Jedi, make the code better. Please, just stop this madness."

Darth Vader had been on his way out the door, when he hears her pleas, asking him to join her. He would have sneered, until she mentioned changing the code. A distant echo of a voice from his youth pricks his ears, his mother telling him to go with the Jedi, and that all would be well. He thinks of his Padawan, someone who was like the annoying little sister he never had, getting thrown from the Order they both had been faithful to because of trumped up charges. Of his vision of Padme dying, and him being helpless to do anything. His Master faking his death, and living for months as the Bounty Hunter who killed him, all because the Jedi Council told him too. No matter what they do, or change, the Jedi will always leave a bad taste in his mouth. He tried to be faithful, and serve them as a good soldier, and Knight, even though he should have been a Master. The last straw, the thing that fully pushed him over the edge was the corruption clear within the ranks. The man turns angrily to face the Jedi. "I am not a Jedi, and if you knew anything neither would you. You won't change, nothing will." He turns, storming through the doors, his emotions of tangled mess caused by bittersweet memories.

*Jedha Crew*

The crew make their way into the Holy City, keeping an eye out for anyone who could be these Guardians. Every few moments, Kanan glances nervously at the batch of Clones. He still fears them, even with him and Rex getting along. And this specific group brings back even worse feelings. He remembers them from the day his life as Caleb Dume ended, and from the day his Master died. Even if Hunter saved him, let him get away, it doesn't mean he will just automatically trust them, even if Rex does.

Crosshair notices the odd glances that the man continuously shoots his way, but does his best to ignore it, having noticed the lightsaber hanging on his belt. He knows that the glances don't go unnoticed by the other Batchers, but no one else mentions it either. He surveys the city, looking for people who could be the Guardians, his sharp eyes spotting two characters standing beside each other, one slightly taller than the other, with long, scraggly hair, armed to the teeth. His friend is beside him, with close cropped hair, armed with only a staff, which he seems to be leaning on.

The sniper elbows Tech, gesturing discreetly at the two. His brother adjusts his glasses, and turns to look, quite obviously staring at the two. The well armed man obviously notices Tech's stare, and nudges his friend, and the two turn to leave. "Great job, Tech," Crosshair grumbles.

"What did I do?"

"Oh, I don't know, maybe obviously staring at a guy with the blasters!"

"Calm down, both of you," Hunter says, stepping between his arguing brothers. "Did either of you see where they went?"

"They rounded the corner at the end of the alley," Omega supplies.

Hunter turns, shooting her a thankful smile, turning to lead his crew after the two. Rex steps over talking with the batch in hushed tones. Kanan rolls his eyes, turning down between the buildings, Ezra, Leia, and Ahsoka following closely behind him.

***

The Bad Batch followed after the others, and it doesn't take the team long to track down the two. They find them, as the taller one points a blaster into Kanan's face, who hesitantly raises his hand in surrender.

"Why are you following us?"

"We were sent by Jedi Master Ari'abel Quinara. She wants to know of the youngling?"

Chirrut reaches over, gently having Baze lower his blaster. "The young one is safe. And is Master Quinara? She wouldn't send you, were she able to come herself."

"You're quite wise, Guardian," Ahsoka comments.

"Thank you, Master...?"

"Its Ahsoka, Ahsoka Tano, and I'm not a Jedi. At least not since I was banished from the order." The Togruta can almost hear Keen adding, 'On trumped up charges. I swear, if I hadn't been in the middle of a terrible battle on Agamar I would have smacked Ki-Adi upside his domed head. You didn't deserve that, and believe me, I let them know!'

"Alright, Ahsoka." It's Baze who speaks this time, "So, where is Master Quinara?"

"We were hoping you might be able to help us on that front, Guardians," Kanan says. "She turned herself over to the Imperials to protect some younglings. She instructed us to come here, and check in on the youngling in your care. We had hoped you might know something about her whereabouts."

Chirrut looks thoughtful for a moment, "So that's who they were talking about."

"Who are we talking about?" Hunter asks him.

"I may have overheard some Stormtroopers mention that the Empire had captured a very important insurgent."

"May have overheard?" Ezra asks, smirking at the Guardian.

"Most people underestimate a blind man. It sounded as though she was on Darth Vader's cruiser, heading for Coruscant."

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #incorrect quotes #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Twenty-Seven

*Ahsoka & Kanan*

Ahsoka glances out of the viewscreen, as the Rebellion ship comes into view, the Ghost, with the Phantom secure in the hangar.

Kanan looks down to find his Twi'lek lover standing with her arms crossed, almost glaring at the ship. "I guess Rex told her."

"I'd say some others know as well," the Togruta nods to the Alderaanian viceroy standing near her.

"Right," Kanan grunts, spinning his chair around quickly, "Lets go. We gotta brief 'em, and then head for Jedha."

"We can take the Corundum, it's less known by the Empire."

The Knight nods, as he heads for the ramp. The two Force-sensitives exit the ship, spotting Ezra, Zeb, and Leia talking in hushed tones with Rex. "What do we know?" Hera asks, once she sees Kanan.

"Not a whole lot. Vader has her, somewhere," he mutters, scrubbing a hand down his face, "And we've gotta go to Jedha."

Rex starts to make his way over, as Hera comments, "Because of the Jedi youngling."

Kanan starts, looking at her, "You knew? For how long?"

"Keen contacted me, looking for a safe space for the youngling, she requested I keep it between the two of us."

"Of course she did," Kanan grumbles, rolling his eyes.

"You can complain once we get her back," Rex says. "She told you to go to Jedha for a reason, so let's go."

Bail nods, "Ahsoka, you and Kanan should take the Padawan's, as well as Rex, to Jedha. The rest of us shall remain here, and try to think of a plan to save her."

"Sounds like a good plan," Hera smirks.

***

The four Force-sensitives, and Rex, pile aboard the Corundum, Ahsoka taking the pilots seat, setting a course for Jedha. The Clone Captain quickly sends a message to his friends, letting them know to meet him on the planet.

"So, what do you think awaits us?" Leia asks the group.

"Imperials," comes Kanan's staunch reply. "But that's to be expected. Hopefully a Jedi youngling, and some answers."

"I have a feeling the General wouldn't send us here, unless it would be helpful in finding her."

Ezra scoffs at Rex's words, "She doesn't want to be found, remember. She sacrificed herself to keep us safe. She doesn't want us to just sprint full speed into danger."

"And we won't," Ahsoka responds, "We'll have a plan, a solid one to save our friend." The Togruta is leaning in the doorway dividing the cockpit and the common area, everyone else sitting around a table.

"Did you manage to find anything out about her whereabouts?" the Jedi Knight inquires of the Clone.

"My sources are looking, I'll know as soon as they do."

*Keen & Vader*

The door to her cell slides open, and the ever-composed elegance of Darth Vader stands, darkening the small doorway. The Jedi Master doesn't bother to lift her head, feeling the exhaustion that has been weighing on her for days finally begin to settle into her bones. Vader, ignoring the lack of attention of his prisoner, glides forward toward her, and her cell.

The Sith Lord would be lying if he said the somehow soothing presence of the Jedi Master didn't unnerve him. No matter what he does, he can't seem to break through her resolve. A memory of his old Master, from back during the Clone Wars pricks at the edge of his mind. Obi-Wan had told him that Quinara was trained in a different era of the Jedi, and not just that, she spent years on her own after becoming a Knight, exploring, learning, and training herself to withstand anything, from the cold, to heat, to pain. His old self, the weak fool known as Skywalker had refused to believe that she couldn't be injured, but it was just beginning to make Vader worry just a bit.

Yet, even knowing all of this, the fear of failing his Master, Darth Sidious, worries him more. So, he perseveres. And, even he has to admit, the screams that the Jedi elicits bring a smile to his face. Keen snarls as Vader stops the droid from going any deeper into her mind, and she can taste iron on her tongue from where she accidently bit it. Vader leans in close, and she can smell the musty durasteel suit that coats his entire visage. "All of this can so very easily stop, all I ask is you tell me one simple, almost miniscule detail. Where is Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi?"

She lets out a shaky breath, finally lifting her head to look into the cold, unfeeling eyes of Darth Vader. "Go. To. H*ll. I've said it so many times I'm surprised you haven't made a holo-recording yet just to play when you're done with your sadistic torture. As far as I know, Kenobi died, along with the other Jedi. So you can take your stupid question and shove them up your mechanized *rse!"

Vader would smile, were that possible. She's becoming testy, as well as irritated, which is exactly what he wants. An idea snakes it's way into his mind, and he turns quickly, leaving the cell, and Master Jedi, behind.

*Jedha Crew*

The crew of five land near the Holy City of Jedha, each ready for the task at hand. "Do we know where this youngling is? Or are we just supposed to guess?" Ezra asks.Ezra asks.

"They're with the Guardians of the Whills, wherever they may be."

"Great," Kanan mutters, rolling his eyes, "What are we supposed to do, wander around the city, asking if anyone has seen some Jedi Guardians?"

"I recommend not doing that," a vaguely familiar voice calls from deep within a cloud of fog, "You'd probably get arrested, maybe just killed on sight?"

"I'm sorry," Leia calls out to the figure in the fog, "But who are you?"

"Me?" he asks, stepping out of the cloud, revealing a man maybe ten years younger than Rex, and yet, the face could be the spitting image of him, with long hair and a red bandana tied around his head, "The names Hunter." The stranger gestures behind him, where five more individuals step into view, all bearing an eerie resemblance to the Rebellions Clone Captain, "And these guys are my crew."

Standing directly behind Hunter is a tall, rather muscular man, whose face looks as if an explosion happened very near to it. Beside him, to his left is a man with glasses, and a very inquisitive demeanour about him. To the muscular man's left is a very pale man, with mechanized legs, as well as a droid probe for an arm, and ports in his head. To the left of the glasses man is another man, whose demeanour seems to warn others away, he's thin, clutching a rifle, with burn scars littering his face, and a toothpick clenched tightly between his teeth. The last member of this motley crew isn't even a man, rather a woman, maybe around the age of thirty, with platinum coloured hair cut in a scraggly bob.

Each person is wearing armour of Clones, and yet, it's almost hard to distinguish them as such, with how eclectic the batch look, and yet, they seem strikingly familiar to Kanan, and he can almost see himself as the scared, little Caleb Dume who's Master was just shot down right in front of him. He shoves those feelings away, locking them up tightly, instead deflecting his pain with, "And do your crew members have names?"

Each clone, for Ahsoka concludes that they must be clones, introduce themself. Their names seem to be Wrecker, Tech, Echo (who she can barely recognize, and thought dead), Crosshair, and Omega, respectively. "Could you possibly tell us why you're here?"

"That would be on me," Rex states, "I figure we can use all the help we can get, and they like Keen."

"Rex!" Wrecker cheers, barreling over to pull him into a hug, forcefully lifting the captain off the ground.

"It's good to see you too, Wrecker, now can you please put me down."

Begrudgingly, the Clone lowers him to the ground. "The Guardians of the Whills, eh?" Echo asks, trying to get back to the subject at hand.

"Yeah," Kanan grumbles, "It's a Jedi thing, I don't expect you to understand."

"Actually," Tech states, pushing his glasses up farther on his nose, "It appears the Guardians are Baze Malbus, and Chirrut Îmwe, who are both wanted by the Empire."

Ahsoka glances over at Kanan, a small smile on her face. "Okay, we got a name. Now, we just have to find them."

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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warsamongstthestar-keen · 2 months

Text

Chapter Forty-Five

The group of Force-sensitives decide to go back to the Phoenix flagship before heading off to Malachor. To give the Rebels a heads-up, so as not to worry them. Keen knows they'll be hanging around the base for a while, and decides to do something she's been wanting to do since finding Cody.

One the group are docked to the ship, Keen trots off, leaving it up to Ahsoka, Kanan, Leia and Ezra to decide who they're telling about their plans, if anyone. The Jedi Master knows where the Clones are staying, and sets off through the ship to find them. Once arriving at the door of their bunk, she knocks lightly, not wanting to intrude on their personal space. Eh is the first to the door, smacking the controls so that the doors slide open. "So, how you boys been?"

The smiling faces of five other Clones appear in the door, clearly happy to know that she's returned safe, and alive. "Better, now that you're here," Hotrod states, as he shoves his brothers over, gesturing her inside.

Ari'abel rolls her eyes, "Get many visitors while I was away?"

"A couple. Rex, Gregor, Wolffe, some Mandalorian child. Not many others."

"I expected that would happen, and I'm sorry."

"What we did," Oati starts, "It's not your fault. What happened, that's on the Emperor, and on us."

"No, now you just hold on a moment. This is not your fault, it's all on Palpatine."

She can't help but notice the overall feeling of guilt crowding the room. The Jedi Master blinks, trying to tune the feeling out, to distract herself she takes in the Clones now clean armour, Cody even shaved his beard, at least mostly, he left himself some sideburns, and a goatee.

Oati cut his hair a couple of inches, and now it's just braided, resting on his neck. "Anyway. I'm not ganna be here long, but I'm sure Rex will put you lot to good use."

"Where you headed?" Eh asks, brushing past the others, so he can stand directly in front of her.

She has no qualms about sharing the information with them, like Kanan and Ahsoka do, not that she doesn't understand why, given how persuasive the Ghost Crew tend to be. "We're headed to Malachor. Birthplace of the Sith. Hoping to gain some knowledge."

"Is it safe," Ember questions, after running a hand through his hair.

"Probably not, but, what can you do. Before I go, I have a long term assignment for you, Cody, if you want.

The Marshall Commander doesn't hesitate, nodding at her immediately. "We can leave when you want, but I have to tell Rex goodbye first."

"When you're ready, I'll be on the ship," she smiles, turning to leave. The Jedi Master exits the bunk, making a beeline for the Corundum.

Keen leans against the side of her ship, propping one foot up behind her, expecting Rex to come and ask questions. What surprises her is seeing Gregor walk straight across the docking bay straight to the Jedi Master. She raises an eyebrow, crossing her arms as the Commander stops in front of her. He looks her straight in the eye, "There is not one Jedi I trust more than you."

"Okay?"

"I know you trust Clones. I know you never let any of my brothers senselessly die."

"Right?" she states, her confusion over why he's here growing.

"What I'm trying to say is, General, you take good care of my vod. You make sure he stays with us. In the land of the living. You understand?" the Clone finishes, his voice cracking.

"Gregor," Keen states, setting her hands on his shoulders, "I swear to you, I will do everything in my power to keep Cody alive. I can't guarantee he'll come back with me, but if he doesn't, he'll have his comm."

"I know you will, Sir. Thank you."

Just then, Rex and Cody stroll up to the Corundum, the Captain's arm strung over his brother's shoulder. Ari'abel gives the two a nod as they approach her, and Gregor, smiling at the same time. "So, you still ready to go?"

"Yes, sir."

"Alright, mate," she says turning around to her ship. She turns her head about halfway to the ramp, calling back, "I'm pretty sure Ez had a question for you Rexy."

"Yeah, thanks for that, General."

Ari'abel pivots the rest of the way around on his heel, to face the Clone Captain. "Aw, really, I missed it?"

"It's what you get for not coming to the briefings. But, it's just as uncomfortable as it was seventeen years ago."

Keen grins walking back to wrap her arms around Gregor and Rex's shoulders. "Well, mate, we gotta keep you on your toes. I'm still mad I missed it, I'll have to ask Kanan about it, after I get back." She leans her head over, and wraps an arm around Gregor, followed by Rex. Keen releases both Clones instantly flouncing to the Corundum.

#wars amongst the stars #ari'abel quinara #wats #star wars rebels #au fix it fic

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