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writingforfun0714 · 27 days

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Hey everyone, sorry it’s been so long since I’ve posted. Here’s Chapter 5 of my Arcane fanfic

Sisters of Mine (all chapters—definitely recommend reading before this)

Warnings: AU, spoilers, reader insert fanfic, POV changes

Word count: 7,406

Sisters of Mine: Chapter 5

3rd POV

It’s been 6 long years since the tragedy at the old cannery in the Undercity. Vi is now a tough young woman of 22 and has been in Stillwater prison ever since the night Vander died. She had to learn quick how to survive in such a brutal place and she has gotten used to the nightmares that have plagued her since that horrible night Vander was taken. In that time, Silco has raised Powder, now known to those in Zaun as Jinx, and is his daughter. She’s a master sharpshooter that’s a loose canon because of her unstable mental state. It sometimes seems like Silco actually can’t control Jinx. In turn, the 16yr old wildcard of a teenage girl has thought of the crime boss as a father figure and has gotten deeply attached to him due to what Silco thinks is empathy. Nightmares also haunt Jinx’s mind, both when she’s asleep and when she’s awake, but she, like Vi, has learned to live with them.

Last is Y/N. While she isn’t the best at engineering or inventing like her older brother Ekko, she does like to tinker and she’s grown into an excellent artist. She’s only 10, but she’s quick to help others and is quite curious, to Ekko’s dismay. He loves the girl obviously but he understands Vi’s frustrations in regards to being in charge of a living being and Y/N sometimes doesn’t know her limits.

Y/N’s coloring the mural when she sees Ekko and Scar along with a few others, including Eve. Eve is a young woman a couple years older than Ekko with short, shaggy pink hair and a scar on the bridge of her nose. She’s really nice and often looks out for the girl if Ekko and/or Scar is busy. If Y/N’s honest, Eve’s pink hair really reminds the girl of Vi and a part of her sometimes can’t tell the difference, though Eve completely understands and doesn’t mind at all. Ekko and Y/N make eye contact before the girl suddenly drops the paint brush and races over to the older boy.

“Bro? Where’re you going?” She asks running up to him.

“There’s a shipment of Shimmer going into the docks in Piltover. We’re gonna do somethin’ about it,” Ekko says smirking before turning serious.

“Stay here. You know the rules,” Ekko says. She nods and looks away, clearly upset she can’t go with him.

Reader POV

“Stay here. You know the rules,” Ekko tells me. I nod but look away, pouting with my arms cross over my chest.

“We’ll be back before you know it. Keep an eye on the place,” Ekko says and I nod again.

“I love you,” he says.

“Get outta here already!” I exclaim and shove him away as he chuckles.

“Alright-alright-but seriously, I do love you,” he says and I can’t help the small smile that tugs my lips up and I nod once.

“I know. I love you too big bro,” I say and hug him tight before pulling away to watch him and the others leave the sanctuary.

Once I’m alone I sigh and head back to the mural to clean up my paints. I head back into our house that is now perched up in the tall, thick, sturdy tree limbs. I get to my room and sit on mine and Ekko’s shared bed.

Word of our sanctuary grew among the Underground since Silco flooded Shimmer in. People had either gotten addicted to it or moved here. Because of our growing numbers, we have to be careful. Luckily there is a dedicated group to defending the sanctuary. They are self taught and most of them have been there the longest and are most loyal to me and Ekko. I look around and spot the toy I’m building. It has spinning blades and is supposed to be controllable. I’m working on the controller now and have been over the past 3 months. I can’t figure out how to solder the electrical motherboard. Ekko taught me the basics but not enough to build a device that transmits radio waves. I try not to worry about Ekko when he leaves, and it really helps knowing he’s not alone, but I can’t help it. If anything happened to him, I’d be alone and everyone would depend on me. I can’t help them…not like he can. I can’t do anything…not even make this stupid toy! Angrily I throw the wired board across the room and it clatters to the floor. I can’t just sit here and do nothing. That’s when I remember Ekko was having problems getting enough food. I know someone who’d gladly give us his extras. Jericho. Ekko doesn’t go to him because his shop is so close to The Last Drop but we need food and I know Ekko coming back to one less problem would help. I make sure I have my key before putting my shoes on and hurrying out. I lock the main door that keeps what little supplies we have.

I hurry past Lyanna, a young woman who lost her home due to Silco taking over her neighborhood. She’s really nice and I trust her.

“Lyanna, I’m going out. I’ll be back in an hour,” I tell her.

“Where’re you goin’?” She asks.

“Helping Ekko collect more food. One hour,” I repeat and she nods.

“Yeah-I got it, an hour. I thought you weren’t allowed to go off by yourself since last time-“ she says but I cut her off since I could tell she was going to mention the time Ekko scolded me in front of everyone.

“He’s desperate. I’ll be back,” I insist and she nods.

“Alright, be careful,” she tells me as I nod and run off into the Undercity.

I make my way through the alleys, streets and I even crawl through the sewers for a bit. I manage to come out of a dark but crowded alley to see the neon sign of The Last Drop. Home. Memories of Dad and my older siblings flash by in my mind. I love Ekko, but I miss them. I miss how things used to be. I hadn’t even noticed I was crying until I see my vision blur from the tears. I sniffle and angrily wipe away the tears. No. That doesn’t help. Ekko needs me now and I have to focus on my mission.

I know Jericho’s place is nearby but I’m not for sure. I try the alley to the left and hurry. So much has changed, it’s hard to tell where I am…but there are familiar buildings. Like Margot’s Pleasure House and Benzo’s boarded up shop.

The alley opens up to another market area and I look around and spot Jericho and his shop. Thank god. I walk through a small crowd and head to an empty stool. I climb up and tap the counter. Jericho turns and smiles widely when he sees me.

“Kid!” He exclaims.

“Hi Jericho, it’s been too long,” I say and he nods.

“I’ll say, you’ve gotten bigger since the last time I saw you,” he says and I smile.

“What’re you doin’ here?” He asks.

“I came to ask if you had any old food you could spare? We’re running low,” I say.

“Well I got these burned bread loafs I tried to make. I’ll definitely stick to stews and seafood,” he says, pointing to the wall behind the counter. I kneel up on the chair to see a stack of bread loaves that are darkened to black on one end.

“I think I also have some leftover gumbo,” he says, checking a stew pot on the counter by the sink in his kitchen area.

“Thanks Jericho,” I say as he packs up the bread and grabs a spare backpack. I watch as he pours the gumbo into a rusty pot and locks the lid.

“Keep the pot,” he tells me, putting the gumbo in first before stacking the bread loaves in on top.

“Really?” I ask and he nods.

“Sure,” he says and I smile.

“Thanks,” I tell him and he nods.

“So where’s Little Man?” He asks, handing me the pack full of food.

“He’s out at the docks trying to stop some sort of Shimmer shipment coming in,” I explain and Jericho’s eyes widen.

“Hey can I get a-“ someone tries to order, but Jericho glares at him.

“We’re closed!” He snaps, hitting the counter with his large hand, making everything rattle. The other customers scurry away. He leans in towards me.

“You have to get Little Man and the rest of your people out of there,” Jericho warns. My eyes widen.

“What? Why?” I ask.

“Word is Sevika is going to pick up this latest shipment of Shimmer,” Jericho says and I gasp.

“Sevika? She’s alive?” I ask and he nods.

“Ok, thanks Jericho..for the info and the food,” I say, shrugging the pack with my shoulder. He nods.

“Come see me again sometime…if you get the chance. It’s always good to see you kids,” Jericho says and I nod.

“You too…you know the offer to come live at the sanctuary’s still open,” I tell him.

“Ah, nah, the Lanes are my home. I can’t leave,” he says and I nod. Sometimes I wish I didn’t leave but I know we had to otherwise Silco would’ve killed us.

“Be safe,” I tell him and walk away with the pack of food.

“You too kid..and tell Little Man to come visit more often!” He calls to me and I wave, chuckling to myself.

I make my way through the alleys until I can look up and spot a bit of blue peeking through the buildings. I look around before seeing I’m alone and start climbing up.

I leap from a metal awning and onto a pipe sticking out. I grab hold of it and start inching my way up, swinging back and forth until I can swing my leg over and stand. I grab hold of a windowsill and pull myself up before jumping to another pipe that goes straight up. I scrape my knuckles against the brick building but manage to cling to the pipe, panting a bit. I manage to use my legs to help inch myself up. I pull myself with my arms with my foot slips and I fall briefly before I manage to catch myself!

“Gah!” I yelp, gripping the pipe for dear life.

I gasp and sigh with relief before pulling myself up. I manage to climb up to the side of a building that has a ladder and I get all the way to the rooftop. My breathing is a bit ragged, but that’s nothing new. Ekko had Scar look me over and he said I have ‘asthma’. It’s from the Undercity because lots of kids my age have it too. I look up and see the sky is so blue and bright that I have to squint slightly. I take a breath and enjoy the sweet fresh air for a moment. I grab my scope and look around.

As I look around, I see life is much different here than it is in the Undercity. People seem…happy. It’s…it’s not fair. I feel myself get angry and I realize that this is probably what Vi felt all those years ago when she was taking care of us. I can’t help the tears that form at the thought of my eldest sister with bright reddish pink hair. Stop! STOP THAT! I hit my head and pull my hair. I have to focus. Jericho said to get Echo and everyone else out of the docks. I don’t have time to be sad about anything right now.

I look through the scope again and see an airship heading a bit down near the big tower. There! I think those are the shipping docks! I shove my scope into my pants pocket and start making my way there.

Silco’s POV

I’m expecting a shipment of Shimmer from Piltover. Because I’ve had to expand production, one of my warehouses happens to be on Topside. I’ve had Marcus keep the Enforcers out of the area and he keeps me informed on the Council. The latest batch is ready but I know it won’t be an easy job, especially since the Firelight gang has gotten…bolder as they’ve been insignificant so far. I’ve sent Jinx to deal with them. Over the years I’ve noticed she seemed to have some sort of personal reason for attacking the Firelights. I’ve never questioned it since it helps me anyways. I just make sure Jinx doesn’t get in over her head. I can’t lose her. I’ve also sent Sevika, to make sure things go smoothly with the dock manager. Jinx was upset with me at first because she thought I thought she couldn’t handle it, and argued she didn’t need Sevika, but I made sure to give her clear instructions.

“Your targets are the Firelights. Let Sevika handle the Shimmer. Now..can I count on you Jinx?” My voice tells Jinx.

“Sure thing Pops,” Jinx’s bubbly voice response echoes in my mind.

3rd POV

Y/N finds her way to the docks and makes sure to hide. She hides behind a stack of wooden crates and spots an airship slowly coming in. The girl watches as various workers walk around until her eyes widen when she sees a hulking man with pale skin and tattoos. She recognizes him as one of Silco’s men. Y/N can’t see on the ship so she looks around and spots a place to climb up into the metal pipes that support the giant buildings. She only slips once but manages to catch herself until she can pull herself up onto a horizontal pipe so she can sit and look down.

On the ship, barrels of Shimmer are being loaded. Silco’s men make sure to keep track of how many barrels.

“Uh-shipping manifest?” The dock worker asks, holding out a clipboard of paperwork. A small pouch of coins is tossed on top and he looks up at the dark skinned woman standing before him.

“From your friend—downtown,” Sevika tells him, glancing at the bribe. The worker looks over and the muscular, tattooed man sneers at him, making the worker gulp nervously. He nods slightly and as he’s about to pocket the bribe, a flash of green light whizzes by! They gasp and Sevika stands at the ready. Masked Firelights, including Ekko fly by on hoverboards.

“Ah shit it’s the Firelights!” The worker exclaims. As people scramble, Ekko manages to toss a couple of crystallizing traps, pinning Sevika down. Ekko and the others land and the boy pulls out his stopwatch, clicking the timer button.

“We’ve got 5 minutes,” he instructs, unaware he’s being watched by Y/N.

A Firelight walks over to the barrels and pries the top open to see the sickening purple liquid.

“Have you ever seen this much Shimmer before?” She asks.

“They’re expanding,” Ekko says.

“Check for more below, burn it all,” he orders.

Two Firelights find the hatch that leads to below deck. Y/N watches as Ekko and the others move around on the top deck. Luckily the alarm hasn’t gone off yet. She looks and sees the other workers around the docks haven’t really noticed, just the ones near or on the airship.

Without warning, Y/N gasps when the airship suddenly explodes on the inside! It rocks back and forth as smoke billows out the windows that got shattered. The young girl watches smoke cover the top deck and that’s when she sees two long blue braids emerge from the smoke. Her dark eyes widen when she sees her older sister, Powder, who now goes by Jinx, step out. She blows her bangs out of her face.

“Hi,” Jinx greets before pulling out two grenades with chomping teeth and pulls the pins with her teeth. She throws the explosives as hard as she can, hitting the two Firelights beside Ekko, knocking them over the side and exploding. Y/N’s eyes are filled with shock and fear when she sees the two Firelights disintegrate in the explosions.

Jinx walks forward, twirling her pistol in her hand. Ekko grabs two more crystallizing traps and throws them at Jinx, but she easily dodges and fires off a shot at Ekko, that he ducks from. That’s when Y/N sees movement at the top of the ship and she realizes it’s Scar! He leaps down on Jinx, piercing the spot where she was with his spear, but she manages to see him in time and move. She aims at him and fires a shot! He manages to hold up his clawed hands in time. He has metallic gloves on but because of how close Jinx is to him, he gets knocked down and disoriented. Jinx jumps and stomps down on his head, forcing him to stay down. Y/N can’t help the anger that bubbles up inside her. Scar is like another older brother to her.

While Jinx is distracted, Ekko and another Firelight spill the Shimmer out of the metal barrels. Ekko whistles and the Firelight moves to the next barrel, opening the top. The Firelight ignites a flare and is about to drop it in when Jinx catches her wrist before roughly slapping the mask off, exposing the identity of the Firelight. Y/N sees it’s Eve, the girl with the same short, shaggy dark pink hair as Vi.

Jinx gasps, her eyes widen when she sees Vi!

“Vi?” Jinx asks. Eve gives her a confused, questioning look.

“I can’t lose you,” Vi’s voice echoes in Jinx’s head as a memory plays in her mind. She remembers sitting on her shared bed as Vi gently brushes her hair out of her face and gently strokes her cheek. But it’s not exactly the same. The pain warps the happiness.

“Why did you leave me?!” Powder wails.

“Because you’re a jinx!!” Vi’s voice snaps at her.

Jinx is so wrapped up in the painful memories that she doesn’t stop Eve from dropping her lit flare into the Shimmer, igniting a purple fire. Eve gasps and tries yanking her wrist out of Jinx’s grip, but Jinx won’t let go. Jinx’s dark eyes twitch in realization that the girl is not actually Vi. Eve manages to break free but that’s when Jinx grabs her pistol and instantly shoots Eve in the back!

“NO!” Ekko yells, reaching out to her. Jinx pants, holding the gun up by her head as she breathes hard. Ekko pulls out his pocket watch as the anger starts boiling in him. He looks at Jinx before looking down at the watch. His 5 minutes are almost up. It’s now or never! Ekko takes a few breaths before grabbing his metallic bat and charging Jinx, screaming.

“RAAAAUGH!” Ekko yells but that’s when Jinx pulls her gatling gun from behind her and sprays bullets.

“AAAAAGGHHH!!!! AAAAHGGGHHH!!!!” Jinx screams angrily. Fear and sadness takes over and all she can do is spray fire in every direction, not knowing where the Ekko and the Firelights are. Sevika manages to break free of her trap and hide but the hulking, pale man with tattoos isn’t so lucky. Jinx hits him and he cries out in pain.

Scar managed to get up at some point during Jinx’s firing and rescue Ekko. The surviving Firelights manage to get away on their hoverboards as Jinx’s gun slows to a stop. Sevika pushes past wooden boxes that are now destroyed thanks to Jinx. The dark skinned, one-armed woman storms up to Jinx and pushes her shoulder to make the teenager look at her.

“You were supposed to GUARD the cargo!” Sevika snarls as the Piltover alarm sounds in the distance. Jinx chuckles humorlessly with a small smirk. Sevika hears the alarm and looks away. Jinx tilts her head and darkens her glare, remembering how Mylo acted on the robbery job all those years ago. Knowing Enforcers will soon be swarming the area, Sevika and Jinx head back down to Zaun.

Y/N puts her scope down and thinks on everything she saw before also heading back down. She has to beat Ekko back to the Sanctuary otherwise he’ll know she was out when he told her not to.

Ekko’s POV

As we use our hoverboards to fly back down to the Undercity, I can’t help but replay everything that happened in my mind. Jinx killed Jax and Zane with her two grenades and Eve…Eve was shot in the back. She…she was so good with Y/N and I know the girl will be devastated to learn that we all didn’t make it.

“Hey, you good Little Man?” Scar asks me. I nod.

“Yeah…you know the drill,” I tell him and he nods back. Any time we lose someone, we prepare a funeral service. It’s nothing special really but it’s intimate and even though I don’t like funerals, I know it’s important to everyone else. Being in charge of the Sanctuary, I hate the services because it’s like losing a family member each time. I know I’m not alone in that feeling…but it’s different being the one everyone depends on.

We can’t go back for the bodies, so Scar usually goes around and asks for pictures of the deceased and gives them to Y/N. At first she thought they just went away…but would be back. But when Y/N was 8, she realized that each picture was of someone that died. I had a talk with her about it.

We descend into the Undercity. The air gets thicker and…grosser, plain and simple, but I’m used to it. We fly by the mines, where it’s the worst, but luckily it doesn’t last long.

We arrive back at the Sanctuary. The air is a bit better here thanks to our tree, especially compared to other areas of the Undercity, like the mines and the Lanes, but it’s nothing like Topside. We head through the small maze of alleys and come into the open courtyard with the tree.

Those that live here permanently look at us and when they see we are missing most of our people, they turn sad. I see Lyanna, a young woman who lost her home to Silco, hurry up to us.

“Ekko, we heard the alarm Topside sounded-“ she says, hugging him. He hugs her back lightly before pulling away. She looks at the group.

“Where are the others?” She asks. I shake my head.

“They…didn’t make it. We were ambushed by Jinx,” I explain and her face darkens. Lyanna knows Jinx through stories I told her.

I glance around.

“Where’s Y/N?” I ask and that’s when I see Lyanna shift on her feet nervously.

“I-well-“

“Lyanna?” I ask seriously. She’s about to answer but I see her eyes glance behind me. I turn and see Y/N walking in. We make eye contact and her eyes widen a bit.

“Oh shit-“ she says.

“Y/N! Where were you!?” I ask, running up to the girl.

“I-I was just-“

“I told you not to leave the Sanctuary while I’m gone-“ I scold as I take a knee so I can look the girl in the eye. I put a hand on her shoulder.

“I make these rules for a reason,” I tell her.

“I know-I just..I couldn’t just sit here while you do everything so…I thought I’d restock our food supply,” Y/N explains, taking off her pack. I watch curiously as she opens it and starts pulling out food wrapped in foil and in old containers.

“W-Where did you get all this?” I ask. This is one of our biggest restocks, even I couldn’t get this much last time I went out asking around. I notice that Y/N isn’t looking me in the eye and I realize I’m not going to like the answer.

“Y/N? Where did you get this food?” I ask seriously and she shifts.

“Jericho’s,” she admits.

“Y/N! You know you’re not allowed to go to the Lanes!” I snap angrily.

“I was careful! I made sure I wasn’t followed and no one even saw me!” Y/N argues with me.

“You don’t understand, it’s what could’ve happened! You know Silco’s base of operations is at the Last Drop!-“ I say.

“I can handle myself! I know I can’t fight like Vi, and I can’t shoot or make things like Powder could…but I’m small and sneaky. And Jericho seemed really happy to see me,” Y/N’s face softens at the mention of the seafood stand owner. I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose in frustration.

“I don’t want you going to the Lanes period, end of story. Understand?” I ask and she pouts.

“I’m not a little kid anymore Ekko, I can help out around here so you don’t have to do everything,” Y/N says and I freeze for a moment.

“W-What?” I ask.

“You do everything around here. You keep us safe. I wanna help you,” Y/N explains.

A memory from 6 years ago comes to my mind. It was a few days after Benzo and Vander were killed. Y/N was plagued by nightmares and I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened…about what could’ve been different. I remember something Y/N said about Powder. When they were left alone at the Last Drop, Y/N said Powder wouldn’t stop crying until she remembered the blue crystals they found on the job Topside I told them about. I wondered if Powder had been given something to do, would she have been alright?

Now…is the same true for Y/N?

“I..I know you wanna help out, but you’re only 10. You’re still a bit too young,” I tell Y/N.

“You’re just being overprotective big brother,” Y/N says. I smile.

“That’s what big bros are for. But…since you’re so eager to help me…I guess we could go on supply runs together. You could show me how you got to Jericho’s,” I tell her and her eyes light up.

“R-Really?” She asks excitedly and I smile and nod.

“Yeah…but together,” I tell Y/N seriously.

“Together,” she nods in agreement.

“Why don’t you go put that in the supply closet? I’ll meet you back in our room,” I say and Y/N nods.

“Ok!” She says and shoves everything back into her backpack and hurries over to the small brick and wood building off to the side, behind the tree.

I turn serious and look at Lyanna.

“I told you to make sure she stayed,” I tell Lyanna.

“I’m sorry Ekko—Y/N can be…stubbornly determined when she sets her mind on something,” Lyanna says. Stubbornly determined. Like her older sisters Vi and Jinx.

“Makes sense,” I sigh.

“You go ‘head and get cleaned up, we’ll take care of things here,” Lyanna says, motioning to Scar and the others. I nod my thanks and head up to my room I share with Y/N.

3rd POV

Despite the turmoil going on at the docks, life goes on for the Council and many others in Piltover, including Jayce Talis and his partner Viktor. Working together using their hextech science, Jayce and Viktor have set out to improve the lives of those in the Undercity, people like Viktor. Viktor himself has thought about using it to see if he improves from his own illness. Together, they’ve created 2 new inventions. The Atlas Gauntlets are giant mechanical gloves that allow mine workers to work more safely and efficiently. The other invention is a mechanical arm with a laser strong enough to cut through a block of obsidian rock. The two decided to show Council member Heimerdinger. Along with being the head of the Council as a leading founder of Piltover, Heimerdinger is also Jayce’s mentor and was originally Viktor’s boss.

While proud of the two boys, Heimerdinger concluded that the two inventors needed more safeguards for their inventions, rightfully so after Viktor nearly accidentally killed Heimerdinger’s poro that follows him everywhere. However, Heimerdinger doesn’t understand the urgency of Viktor’s illness, which is why he had such a problem with Heimerdinger’s objections.

Back at the docks, the new Sheriff of the Enforcers is talking to the bribed worker.

“I think there were 4 or 5 of them-“ he says. Young rookie, Caitlyn Kiramman makes her way into the crime scene and looks around at the destruction. Bullet holes cover everything, the floor is scorched and empty metal barrels lay all around along with the remains of the crystalline traps. Cait glances around. She looks and spots an open hatch to the deck below and sees a messy monkey head painted on it. Cait grabs her camera and takes a picture. She takes pictures of everything while looking at the bullet holes. The Rookie Enforcer holds her hand up and points around, mimicking Jinx’s movements from earlier until she spots one of the crystal traps has blood on it. She follows the trail and spots a small hiding space in the floor and shines her light in to see the huge, hulking man with tattoos. He groans, clutching his side. Cait gasps and jumps down to help him.

“What happened here?” She asks, but he doesn’t say anything.

“Who are you working for?” Cait asks and again no answer.

“Who shot you?” Cait asks and the man looks at her, wincing in pain, clutching his bullet wound.

“You can tell me, I’ll protect you,” Cait says.

“I can’t…he’ll kill me. She’s crazy,” he pants, breathing hard.

“Who?” I ask. Before he can answer, a shadow falls over them. Cait turns around, gasping when she sees Sheriff Marcus.

“Caitlyn Kiramman, why am I not surprised to see you?” he asks rhetorically.

“Interfering with an investigation, again,” Marcus scolds.

“I realize you’re used to getting your way, Kiramman, but we have a chain of command for a reason,” Marcus tells her.

“I understand, but there’s more going on here than just smuggling,” Cait tries to tell Marcus, “if I could question him-“ Cait motions to the injured man but Marcus interrupts.

“I’ll take it from here,” Marcus says definitively, “since you’re looking for work, you can take the graveyard shift tonight at the fair.” He orders.

“Yes sir,” Cait sighs.

“Good. I want this one on a boat to Stillwater prison,” Marcus orders before walking off.

“Yes sir,” an Enforcer replies.

Back in the Lanes, Sevika makes her way to Silco’s office in the Last Drop. She managed to grab a bottle of whiskey before walking into Silco’s office, shutting the door shut behind her. She sits and pulls the cork out of the bottle with her teeth, spitting it to the floor.

“She fired on us,” Sevika tells Silco, who’s sitting at his desk.

“There are always mishaps in battle. The Firelights were her target and most are dead,” Silco argues calmly as he flips a page in his paper, reading, seemingly not taking Sevika seriously as she takes a swig from her bottle.

“It wasn’t a mishap, she froze up and lost her shit. I could’ve handled those brats. She’s a problem and we all know it,” Sevika explains frustratedly.

“We? Who’s we?” Silco asks, turning to look at Sevika darkly. She looks away, not answering him.

“I expect better from you than excuses. It was your job to make sure things went smoothly. You failed. Don’t disappoint me again,” Silco tells her. Sevika grunts as she pushes herself up off the couch and she storms out, slamming the door behind her.

Silco sighs.

“The world’s growing smaller everyday, thanks to the Hexgates. And now, we’re cut off, the topsiders are leaving us further and further behind” Silco says, grabbing his eye poker off his desk and puts the two pieces together.

“What happened?” Silco asks and at first, there’s no answer.

“She already told you,” Jinx’s voice carries down from the rafters. Sevika hadn’t noticed but Jinx has been perched up on a wooden beam the whole time.

“I’m asking you,” Silco insists, wanting to hear Jinx’s side of the story. He hears a thump and turns to see Jinx sitting with her legs pulled up to her chin on his desk.

“One of those Firelight wackos was a girl…with pink hair,” Jinx explains.

“Hmm…” Silco says, turning to her. He holds out his eye poker to the wild, explosive teenage girl he considers to be his daughter. Despite her personality, he trusts her with his life and she with hers. They understand each other. Jinx takes it and moves to sit on the edge of Silco’s desk so she can lean against him, which he doesn’t mind.

“Your sister’s gone. You know that as well as I do,” he says as she leans against his chest.

“I know..I know! Sister’s right? Can’t live with ‘em, can’t shove ‘em back in the ol’ babymaker. Hehehe-“ Jinx says before blowing on the ring around the eye poker, making a slight noise.

“Today’s screw-up will set us back weeks,” Silco tells her. She lets her head rest against his shoulder.

“I’m sorry,” Jinx apologizes before playing with Silco’s eye poker.

“I need to know that I can rely on you,” he says and grabs her wrist to get the girl’s attention and it does.

“I’m doing this for us, Jinx. All of us. The sons and daughters of Zaun deserve more than their runoff,” Silco tells her before leaning his head back.

“It won’t happen again,” Jinx tells him.

“I know,” he replies as she lines up the eye poker and makes one quick poke on his eye. He grunts in pain and bends forward a bit before managing to sit back and sigh with relief. Silco uses his hand to wipe away the excess Shimmer that leaks out of his eye.

“Sevika will clean up today’s mess,” he tells Jinx.

“Sevika?! That ogre couldn’t clean a dust bunny with a blowtorch,” Jinx argues.

“She’ll suffice. You should focus on your gadgetry,” Silco suggests.

“Ugh,” Jinx groans.

“Take some time,” Silco says as Jinx lays down on his desk.

“I-I don’t need time-“ Jinx tries.

“Take it anyhow,” Silco insists. Jinx’s lip trembles slightly as thoughts of being incompetent take over before she gets up and heads out to her own personal workshop.

Jinx grabs her grenades and sits on the propellor that hangs over the seemingly endless cavern below her. Her ‘workshop’ is actually part of a destroyed airship that hangs over the cavern that leads to the mines.

Ekko’s POV

Because she disobeyed my rules, I did have to ground Y/N. She’s not allowed to leave unsupervised. While she didn’t really argue, I can tell Y/N’s not happy about it.

The sun is set and things have settled down a bit. I’m tweaking the fan blades on my hoverboard while Y/N’s working on the mural. I see she’s adding in Jax, Zane..and Eve. Y/N’s just doing the basic shapes right now with chalk but I can tell who’s who. I didn’t tell her what happened though. I couldn’t so I blamed the Enforcers. I know I shouldn’t lie to her, but Y/N’s only 10 and she still thinks she can get her older sisters back. She definitely has Vi’s determination I’ll give her that.

“Ekko!” I hear Scar call to me. I turn and see him run up to me. I can easily see the worried look in his eyes.

“What’s going on Scar?” I ask, putting my tools down and pulling him a few feet away so Y/N doesn’t overhear.

“There’s been an attack, topside,” Scar tells me.

“An attack? Where?” I ask.

“The Progress Day ceremonial hall, where the new inventions are debuted,” Scar explains.

“Was it Silco’s guys?” I ask and that’s when Scar looks away uneasily. I frown.

“Scar? Who was it?” I ask.

“Jinx. I don’t have confirmation but there’s rumors she took something important to those fancy scientist topsiders,” Scar tells me and my eyes widen.

“She..took something?” I ask and he nods.

“I don’t know anything else, but we should be careful next time we attack Silco,” Scar tells me.

“There won’t be a next time. Lay low here for a while until the heat from Jinx dies down. Y/N just stocked up on food so we should be ok,” I say and Scar blinks in surprise.

“Y/N? As in, Y/N-Y/N? I thought you said she wasn’t ready for working around here-“ Scar says and I nod.

“I know-and yeah, she’s not. She left while we were out at the docks. She decided to go off on her own. The older she’s gotten, the harder it is to keep her out of trouble,” I sigh. I feel bad for Vi. She kept us all out of trouble when Vander or Benzo was busy. Now that I have that job…I can understand how stressed she must’ve been.

“I’ll have Kiyi and Senna keep an eye on her, make sure she doesn’t leave, yeah?” Scar asks me and I nod.

“Thanks,” I say, “and tell everyone to lay low here until the Enforcers calm down.” I remind him and Scar nods.

“Will do Little Man,” Scar replies and walks off, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I mostly wonder about what Jinx stole. I glance back and see Y/N starting to add details to the faces as well as the first layer of color.

3rd POV

Spending her night working the graveyard shift, Caitlyn was there during Jinx’s attack, and even caught in her as well as 6 other Enforcers in a massive explosion, killing everyone but Cait. She managed to catch a glimpse of someone chuckling before passing out.

Luckily Jayce was nearby and managed to get Cait to safety. He took her to a nearby clinic and despite her objections, took her back to her parents. Jayce explained what happened to the Kirammans but had to leave to check on Viktor. He didn’t want to leave his partner but the young man heard about the fire and explosion and the Enforcers.

Despite the robbery, Cait is still invested. She managed to gather all the information she could. Everything about the robbery, what was stolen, the photos she took of the docks, the monkey symbol. She had seen it trying to put out the fiery building before getting caught in that explosion. It has to mean something. There was also the muscular, heavily tattooed man that was shot. He made it seem like…like he was shot by someone he knew. Someone on his side. Friendly fire.

Cait is working in front of her evidence board on the floor when she hears a knock.

“Jayce?” She asks, turning to see the young man she sees as her older brother. He’s holding a bouquet of white lilies.

“Good, you’re here, I have to tell you something-“ Cait tells Jayce, hurrying up to him. She grabs him and pulls him towards her evidence.

“Shouldn’t you be resting?” He asks, handing her the flowers.

“While the trail’s hot?” She asks back, tossing the flowers down to the side with the rest. She’d gotten nice ‘get well’ flowers from various people her parents know.

“What trail?” Jayce asks.

“I think the same person who started the building fire and killed those Enforcers is the same person who attacked the Hexgates,” Cait says.

“The same symbol showed up at the botched smuggling operation at the Hexgates.” Cait tells him, referring to the monkey head symbol.

“The Hexgates?”

“Keep up,”

“All this time, they’ve kept their dealings localized to the Undercity. Low priority. The attack on the square changes things. They’ve overstepped. If I can figure out who made this,” Cait says, putting down a picture of Jinx’s monkey symbol, “it could lead me directly to whoever’s behind it all. The answer is here, staring me in the face. I can feel it,” Cait steps on to her footstool and looks over everything.

“How do you intend to prove any of this?” Jayce asks.

“If I can just work this out, Marcus will have to listen,” Cait insists.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned about the Council, it’s that they need more than theories,” Jayce warns the young woman. Cait chuckles.

“Since when did you concern yourself with the Council’s opinion?” Cait asks.

“Since I..became a Councilor,” Jayce reveals. Cait looks at him and at first she doesn’t believe him but when she looks in his eyes, her face changes.

“You’re…serious? When? Why?” Cait asks, “have they discovered how to govern with grease and a spanner?” She jokes.

“Haha-“ Jayce replies sarcastically, “I was actually hoping you’d consider joining my staff,” he says, handing her paperwork in a message tube. Cait takes it and opens the canister to read the files inside.

“‘House Talis Security’. That’s a ceremonial position, I’d live behind a desk,” Cait says.

“You almost died, Cait. I just…I just want you to be safe-“ Jayce steps towards her but Cait shoves the canister back into Jayce’s chest.

“Thanks. But I already have a job-“ Cait says, kneeling down.

“No. You don’t,” Jayce reveals and Cait’s eyes widen.

“After the attack, your parents talked to the Sheriff,” Jayce explains and Cait groans quietly in frustration.

“This was the best I could do,” Jayce tells her.

“I don’t need charity, Councilor. Yours or my parents,” Cait replies, not looking at him.

“Cait-“

“Get out,” she orders in that quiet serious tone that Jayce knows not to argue with. Once Cait hears Jayce’s footsteps head out the door, she looks over at her map and sees Stillwater prison.

Marcus. Marcus sent that injured man there. Cait believes she can talk to him. She grabs what she needs, gets her clothes on and makes her way downstairs. She spots her father and hurries up to him.

“Father-I-I need to talk to someone about a case I’m working on..it’s important,” Cait tells him urgently.

“Cait-I…if…if you’re certain you can go,” he says, trying not to be as overbearing as his wife is. She nods.

“I feel fine,” she assures him and he nods.

“I’ll talk to your mother. Go. Come home when you can,” Mr. Kiramman says and the two hug before Cait sneaks out a side door of the estate.

Cait manages to take the ferry to Stillwater Prison and heads inside. It’s dark, cold…unpleasant. Cait walks up to the Warden’s desk.

“I need to speak to one of the inmates,” Cait says.

“Oh, folks in here aren’t usually very talkative,” the Warden tells Cait.

“This one was hit by friendly fire. He’s got reason to talk. Must have been sent in…today?” Cait asks.

“Oh. Inmate 2135,” the Warden recalls.

“Yeah uh..I’m afraid that’s not possible,” he tells Cait. While the two talk, said inmate is getting his jaw broken by a cafeteria tray.

“Why not?” Cait asks, raising an eyebrow.

“Uh..well, there’s been..an incident,” he says.

“What kind of incident?”

“The not so pretty kind,” he tells the rookie Enforcer.

“You don’t understand, I have to talk to him,” Cait insists.

“Oh, you’ll be able to talk to him…as soon as he can move his jaw again,” the warden explains.

“Who assaulted him?” Cait asks.

“Inmate 516, sub level 40, cellblock 25,” the warden tells Cait, who nods her thanks before walking back to the elevator.

Cait makes her way through the hall, clutching a manilla folder to her side. As she gets closer to cell 25, she hears a noise every second or so. A thudding sound. Like something hitting the cement walls. Cait stops in front of cellblock 25 and spots a mop of shaggy, short, bright pink hair that’s shaved on one side. The inmate’s head turns to reveal her ice blue eyes and small cheek tattoo

“Who the hell are you?” The pink-haired prisoner asks Cait.

End.

#arcane #arcane fanfic #arcane sisters of mine #arcane fanfiction #fanfiction #arcane fanfic chapter #arcane fanfic chapter 5 #chapter 5 #sisters of mine #sisters of mine chapter 5 #arcane reader insert #female child reader

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writingforfun0714 · 29 days

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This

The thing with six month time skips and emotional moments not being covered is that in books that's definitely not considered to be good rewriting, or at least it's extremely difficult to pull off without the reader feeling cheated. It's often the same with shows and movies. You can do a time skip YEAH, but if there's a major event or conversation that happened during it, what goes on after the time skip needs to feel satisfying or at least realistic. The thing with tbb that I'm seeing is that it's not even like they've moved on from tech.

It's like they forgot he existed entirely? And I'm gonna be honest, it's baffling to me to not show a conversation about Techs death between Crosshair and Omega, or crosshair and the rest of the squad. Like it just doesn't make sense to me. The emotional weight of such a convo is so like. Sorry I just woke up dbksdbkssnsn but like when you think about the balance of character development, did we need to spend so long watching Batcher get tamed? Was that what tbb stans got in favor of a revealing conversation?

And then again with crosshair and the rest of the squad....I really just can't wrap my mind around why they'd skip it. In universe yes it's been five months, but for the audience time works differently and tbb watchers' last memories of tbb were of s2's finale. Sometimes you gotta sacrifice the in universe timing of things for the audiences sake it's just so weird to me that they'd skip it. From a writer's perspective it doesn't make sense. Imagine if a character lied so massively that it ruined multiple people's lives but rather than showing that lie get revealed we jumped three months after and people only reference the life altering lie a handful of times.

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writingforfun0714 · 1 month

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ok, truth be told, not a fan of Omega potentially being a Jedi/Force User. I just...I don't like it.

Her training with Ventress and everything doesn't bother me, though, as long as it doesn't lead to the point mentioned above. Omega's a curious kid, and she's all about meeting new people and learning new things: We've seen it before, so her wanting to get to know Ventress, etc. is nothing new.

I've seen some people say that Omega might go with Ventress by the end of the season...and I remember Ventress' VA saying that there's more content to come....so, that's a possibility I won't rule out entirely, though I can't say how likely I believe it is.

And that's that on Omega & Ventress, for now. I have some more thoughts (also abt the Batch) but yeah, we'll have to wait and see.

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writingforfun0714 · 1 month

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So I thought it was obvious that when AZI told Crosshair that the problem is in his head, he was talking about this:

Does AZI remember this (he was there I believe)? Does Crosshair remember this? Do Hunter and the others remember being separated in prison in the pilot ep? Did they ever wonder what happened to Crosshair during that time they were separated?

I feel like the more answers we get about this scene in particular, the more certain my feelings will be about Crosshair (and S3 in general). Was his chip removed after this enhancement? (Crosshair does say his chip was taken out). Does this procedure fade over time like the chip’s effectiveness? We don’t know (as far as I know—please let me know otherwise).

Personally, I headcanon that the chip was removed after this procedure to test the effectiveness of the chip enhancer, essentially ‘burning the chip’ into his brain permanently. I also think its effects fade over time like the chip, which would explain why Crosshair’s view on Omega changes over time.

Just rambling about specifics at this point I guess cuz I don’t wanna really talk about S3 until all the episodes are out.

#Star Wars #tbb #bad batch #the bad batch #tbb thoughts #thoughts #bad batch thoughts #tbb crosshair #bad batch crosshair #crosshair #I feel like this was glossed over in s1 #does he remember this procedure??#does AZI?#I think Cross shoves him so yeah AZI was there

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writingforfun0714 · 1 month

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Hi everyone,

First off, I’m so sorry I’ve been inactive. I’ve been busy with life as we all get sometimes.

Here is Chapter One of my Bad Batch fanfic Our Love which I definitely recommend reading before this.

Warnings: spoilers for TBB, spoilers for CW, AU fanfic, Jedi OC fanfic, POV changes, lemme know if I need anything else

Our Love

Chapter 2: Good Soldiers Follow Orders

Words: 8,216

3rd POV

Padawan Wyyntrr’s ship drops out of hyperspace after hours of travel as it approaches Coruscant. Wyyntrr gasps slightly as he catches his breath from sobbing.

“Approaching Coruscant,” the ship’s AI system alerts the blind albino Wookiee. Wyyntrr wondered if the Jedi at the Temple even knew what was happening to the clones.

Wyyntrr shuts off the autopilot and flies the ship himself once he gets close to the planet’s atmosphere. He’s able to use the Force to guide him to the Jedi Temple but something’s different. The Temple didn’t feel like it normally did to the blind albino Wookiee padawan.

The ship slows down and lowers onto the landing platform and Wyyntrr walks out holding his lightsaber, though keeping it off for now. Usually Temple guards would be posted but Wyyntrr doesn’t sense them. In fact…he doesn’t sense anyone. The Force feels cold…dark. He knows this isn’t right. Unbeknownst to Wyyntrr, the Jedi Temple lays in ruin.

He walks cautiously up through the ruined entrance and that’s when he can sense life fading. His blood red eyes widen and he gasps when he realizes he’s walking past slain Jedi and Temple guards.

“N-No…No-no-no!” Wyyntrr starts to panic. He starts running inside until he trips over something, tumbling to the floor, grunting slightly. The Wookiee shakes off the daze and reaches out to feel for what he tripped over and when his hands touch flesh that’s still warm, he yanks back, gasping in fear as more tears start falling into his snow-white fur. Wyyntrr scrambles to his feet and keeps moving, searching the areas himself, hoping, praying that there were survivors.

Back on Kamino, Crosshair is ordered to report to Governor Tarkin. The sniper grabs his helmet before exiting his now empty barracks. There are a few things that still belong to everyone still laying about the room but most everything else is on the ship. Everything of importance at least.

As Crosshair walks through the hallways, he sees squads of troopers walking in formation through the halls. Crosshair keeps to himself as he gets to Tarkin’s office. The door whooshes open and the sniper sees Governor Tarkin sitting at his desk with another Imperial officer sitting across from him.

“CT-9904, this is Officer Rampart. From now on you will be reporting directly to him, understood?” Tarkin asks.

“Yes sir,” Crosshair replies curtly.

“I’ve requested you CT-9904 because of your skills specifically. Emperor Palpatine has ambitions beyond the clone army in regards to Kaminoan technology and Officer Rampart has brought to my attention the value of conscripted soldiers,” Tarkin explains and Crosshair glares coldly at Rampart at the suggestion of being replaced.

“Do not worry. You have proven your worth by complying with Order 66, which is why I am offering you a place within our new Empire. You will be leading a squad of TK troopers back to Onderon to clear out the insurgents. They were obviously too much for you alone to handle and I believe you work best with a squad,” Tarkin says and Crosshair shifts on his feet.

“Here is your mission objective. Your new squad is waiting for you in the barracks,” Tarkin says, handing Crosshair a datapad. The sniper takes it and nods.

“Yes sir,” he replies. He turns to walk out when Tarkin clears his throat.

“CT-9904,” he says and Crosshair stops and turns to face the older man.

“I hope you understand that you are in charge of this experimental squad because out of your original squad, you were the only one that was able to do what needs to be done,” Tarkin explains and Crosshair nods.

“I..understand sir,” the sniper says and Tarkin nods and waves a dismissive hand at the clone, who walks out.

As Crosshair makes his way back to the barracks, he looks at the datapad.

LOCATION: ONDERON

MISSION: ELIMINATE ALL INSURGENTS

He feels his muscles clench and he stops in his tracks. Crosshair breathes as he feels an overwhelming urge to comply with the mission. Memories of meeting Saw Gerrera and his people flash in his memory, but it’s like none of that matters now. Something feels wrong and there’s nothing the sniper can do about it.

Meanwhile…

The Havoc Marauder zips through hyperspace. After about an hour, Youngling Maisy and Omega finally went through every nook and cranny of the ship. Wrecker even got to show the girls his Tooka doll, Lula.

“I think Lula likes you,” Wrecker says. Omega hugs the doll before offering Lula to Maisy. The Youngling takes it and looks at it.

The Crèche Masters all kept toys like Lula for the Younglings but it’s not like the toys belonged to the Younglings. They were communal toys. The Jedi didn’t really promote attachment, even to objects. Maisy didn’t understand the need to own such a thing because the Crèche Masters always had what she needed. So her only belongings were really the drawings taped up on Master Jaeruho’s ship and the Jedi clothes she wore.

“Well, I have bad news and worse news,” Echo announces, getting everyone’s attention. Maisy quickly hands Lula back to Omega, but before she can ask the younger girl what’s wrong, Hunter steps towards the ARC trooper.

“What’s going on?” Hunter asks.

“I located Captain Rex’s last known position,” Echo says.

“And?”

“After being promoted to Commander, Rex was given command of half of the 501st and sent to Mandalore,” Echo says.

“That’s strange. Why split the battalion?” Wrecker asks.

“I’m not sure—a lot of the report was redacted and sealed,” Echo admits.

“So what’s the ‘worse’ part?” Hunter asks.

“On the way back to Coruscant, Rex’s venator-class starship, the Tribunal, was heavily damaged and destroyed mid-hyperspace,” Echo says, “He is presumed missing since no evidence of his body was found.”

“If we’re not going to Rex, then where are we going?” Omega asks. Maisy tenses.

“Nowhere important, just an asteroid belt in a backwater part of space the Empire won’t know about,” Hunter explains.

“You said you would take me to the Jedi Temple!” Maisy argues.

“We will, I promise. It’s dangerous now so we can’t just go to the Temple. We were hoping to have our friend, Captain Rex, get us there, but…” Hunter trails off, and even though Maisy is only 4 years old, she understands what Hunter said.

The ship lurches out of hyperspace and slows down.

“Don’t worry kid, we’ll get you home, I promise,” Omega says, putting a hand on the Youngling’s shoulder.

“Wrecker, how’s our ration supply?” Hunter asks.

“Runnin’ low sarge,” Wrecker says. That’s when Tech joins the group after hiding the ship in between 2 large asteroids.

“You know, Coruscant is a big planet,” Tech says.

“Where are you going with this Tech?” Hunter asks.

“We could go to Coruscant and go through the Lower Levels up to the surface,” Tech explains. Hunter raises an eyebrow.

“Hm..interesting,” Hunter thinks on Tech’s plan.

“Coruscant is the heart of the Empire now so if we do this, we’d need to go in quiet,” Tech adds.

“Uhm, what about-..” Wrecker trails off, but motions not-so-subtly towards the girls.

“Hey!” They exclaim.

“We won’t get in the way, and I can protect Maisy,” Omega says assuredly. Hunter looks at the pleading looks the girls are giving him and nods.

“Alright, but you do what I say when I say it, no questions asked got it?” Hunter asks and the girls nod excitedly. Hunter looks to Tech.

“Put in the coordinates for Coruscant,” Hunter orders and Tech nods before heading to the pilot’s seat.

Hunter’s POV

“Put in the coordinates for Coruscant,” I tell Tech and he nods before heading over to the pilot’s seat. The girls talk excitedly about the planet and because the Youngling’s been there before, tells Omega all about it.

“Wow! So there’s no nature anywhere?” Omega asks the younger girl, who thinks on the question. I feel the ship lurch into hyperspace.

“There’s only one thing I know about. The tree. There’s a tree in the Jedi Temple’s courtyard,” I hear Maisy say.

“I can’t wait to show you around, you’re gonna love it,” Maisy says. I don’t have the heart to ruin it for her…at least not yet. It’s likely the Temple is in ruin and if I’m being completely honest with myself, I don’t even want to be going to Coruscant.

Personally I get really intense headaches due to my enhanced ability being around so much electromagnetic energy. Not to mention that it’s now the heart of the Empire. Every bone in my body, all my instincts are telling me that the girls are not safe here. But the promise I made the Youngling rings in my head. Besides, we’re not Jedi. We can’t protect her, but Omega’s different. She’s a clone like us. I feel my hand shake so I clasp my other hand over to try and stop the shaking. If anything happened to the kids…

“Hey, you ok?” Echo asks, snapping me out of my thoughts. I look at him and manage to shake my head.

“Look…I’m not so sure we should even be doing this if I’m honest,” I admit.

“What? Why?” Echo asks.

“Echo, we have kids with us and we’re going into the heart of the Empire. Wrecker’s right, we have to be cautious,” I tell him but frown when I see the confusion.

“You don’t think they’re capable?” He asks.

“That’s not what I said-“ I try, but he holds up his real hand.

“Look Hunter, I know she’s young, but Maisy is a Jedi. You guys haven’t worked with them like I have. My commander was around Omega’s age and she did things I never would’ve thought possible for someone so young,” Echo argues. I sigh when I realize he has a point.

“You’re right, we don’t work with the Jedi. I just…don’t want you to overestimate Maisy and her Jedi powers. She’s just a kid, and we don’t even know if she can even control it like the older Jedi,” I explain and Echo nods.

“We can protect her, we’re an elite squad, remember?” Echo assures me before joining the kids. As Echo joins the kids, my thoughts wander to Crosshair.

Echo’s POV

The kids call my name as I talk with Hunter. I join the girls and see Maisy sitting on the edge of the gunner’s mount with her legs hanging where the ladder is. Omega is looking around the gunner’s mount seat. I smile.

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“We need a 3rd person for this Jedi game Maisy’s teaching me,” Omega explains. I nod.

“Ok,” I say and join the girls up in the gunners mount. We all sit cross-legged though I’m a bit more cramped just because I’m an adult. Maisy explains the rules before starting.

After getting the hang of it, my mind flashes to Rex and Fives.

“Echo? Echo are you ok?” Omega asks.

“Huh?” I ask.

“It’s your turn,” Maisy says.

“Oh, sorry-it’s just…this reminds me of a game I’d play with Captain Rex and my old squad mate Fives,” I explain. I tap Maisy’s hand and she adds one finger to her left hand as part of the game.

“He’ll be able to get us to General Skywalker,” I tell her.

“Echo-“ Hunter interrupts.

“He would survive. They both would. Rex is formidable and resilient and the General has a padawan to protect,” I assure him.

“A padawan? Who?” Maisy asks.

“Ahsoka Tano,” I say. Her eyes widen.

“She came to talk to my class one time at the Temple,” Maisy explains and that’s when I see tears form in the little girl’s eyes, the loss is still clearly fresh.

“My Master was killed because he saved me. They could be dead!” Maisy suddenly exclaims. I flinch at the little girl’s outburst.

“It wasn’t your fault Maisy. There wasn’t anything either of us could’ve done,” Omega says, putting a hand on the Youngling’s shoulder. Being on Kamino when Order 66 happened, I’m sure it was different compared to being on the war front. Maisy hugs Omega tightly, who returns the gesture.

That’s when Hunter and Wrecker join us. Maisy pulls back and the girls look at them.

“I think we’ve got a seat for you ready Maisy, just need you to come try it out,” Wrecker says. Maisy wipes her eyes, nods and hops down to follow Wrecker up to the front. Omega moves but I silently motion for her to stay.

“Omega, I wanna ask you something,” I tell the girl quietly. She nods.

“What is it?”

“Did…Did Maisy see?” I ask and Omega immediately knows what I’m talking about. She turns sad and she nods slightly.

“Yeah…I saved her…that’s why I promised I’d stay with her and get her back to the Jedi Temple safely,” Omega explains. I put my real hand on her knee.

“You did good…soldier,” I tell her and she beams, lighting up happily before nodding once.

3rd POV

Wrecker shows Maisy the safety seat he made out of basic spare parts laying around as the ship comes out of hyperspace.

“Omega!” Maisy calls and the older girls runs up.

“Look,” Maisy tells her, pointing but the older girl is already in awe.

“Echo, I need you to pilot the ship while I make a fake chain code,” Tech says and switches seats with him.

“What’s a chain code?” Hunter asks.

“It’s the Empire’s new way of identifying people,” Tech explains.

“And you’re just now telling us about them?!” Echo demands from the pilot seat.

“Well I only just learned of them moments ago. Do not worry, I am nearly finished,” Tech says as he programs his datapad. He presses a button and a small disk is ejected from the bottom.

“Got it,” Tech says, showing the small metal disk before heading over to the console. Tech inserts the disk and prepares to transmit the data.

“The Empire will think we’re nothing but a cargo ship,” Tech assures Hunter as the ship approaches a nearby venator-class starship.

“Approaching vessel identify yourself,” a voice announces over the comms. Tech gives Echo a thumbs up.

“Transmitting now,” Echo answers and a tense moment passes.

“All clear for Lower Level admission,” the voice announces and the boys sigh with relief.

“See? No need to worry,” Tech says before Echo they continue towards Coruscant.

As the ship gets closer, everything gets bigger and bigger. Omega awes at the enormous buildings, bright colorful lights and the sheer number of people.

“It’s so big,” Omega awes quietly but there is something that catches her attention.

“You’re from here, right Maisy?” Omega asks and Maisy nods.

“Where’s your water?” Omega asks and Maisy blinks.

“Water? There are water tanks all over,” Maisy explains.

“But…no natural water? You know, like an ocean?” Omega asks and Maisy shakes her head.

“Not on Coruscant. Too many people,” Maisy explains.

Once they get to the Surface Level, Hunter groans and braces himself.

“Hunter?” Maisy asks, getting everyone’s attention.

“What’s wrong Hunter?” Omega asks. Being Nala Se’s medical assistant, she can see the squint in Hunter’s eyes and how tense his neck muscles are. A headache.

“Coruscant has such a high level of electromagnetic energy that Hunter’s senses are overloaded…headaches, dizziness, sometimes nausea…but he usually adjusts after-“ Echo explains but that’s when Tech wordlessly grabs a medical stim and injects Hunter with bacta.

“Gah! Tech!” Hunter exclaims, rubbing his arm where Tech pierced him.

“After that,” Echo says, referring to the shot.

They fly with traffic until they get to a tunnel that leads down to the Lower Levels. Maisy clings to Omega’s hand and the female clone looks down at the Youngling.

“The Masters would tell us it’s dangerous down here,” Maisy explains.

“Dangerous?” Omega asks and looks to Hunter.

“Just stay with us and you’ll be fine,” the sergeant says.

Tech flies the ship to a landing dock that only has 2 other ships and lets the ship down easily.

“Here, you can hold Lula. She’s good to hug if you’re scared,” Wrecker offers Maisy, who shakes her head.

“She’s yours though,” Maisy argues gently. She learned from the Crèche masters that even though the Jedi do not have personal objects of attachment, that others do and to respect them.

“Maybe we can find something for you while we’re here,” Omega says and Maisy nods because despite being a Jedi, she is only 4.

“Ok, stay with us and don’t leave our sights,” Hunter tells the girls.

“Are you sure we’ll be ok?” Maisy asks and Hunter nods.

“Here,” Omega says, kneeling down in front of the Youngling. She takes off her head circlet that matches Nala Se’s which makes her bangs fall naturally. Omega turns Maisy and carefully puts the insignia around Maisy like a necklace.

“There. That’ll keep you safe,” Omega says and Maisy smiles.

“Thanks,” she says, looking at the carving before Hunter gathers the girls and the squad heads off the ship.

As they walk into the nearest district, Omega grabs hold of Maisy’s hand and they start making their way into the giant city.

“Where are we going?” Wrecker asks.

“We need to get to a central computer console. That way we can check on the status of the Jedi Temple,” Echo explains.

“The nearest terminal is located by a garage not too far from here,” Tech adds when he taps on his datapad.

“Lead the way Tech,” Hunter says and lets the goggled clone lead. The girls look around as they walk past various shops, vendors and people walking the streets like them.

The group finally gets to the computer terminal.

“Give me a minute ok?” Echo asks and uses his scomp to plug in. While they wait for Echo, a young woman from the garage nearby approaches the group stealthily. Maisy notices first and gasps, getting everyone else’s attention. The boys immediately draw their blasters and point them at the hooded figure.

“Not another step,” Hunter threatens.

“It’s ok, I’m not armed,” the voice of a young female says.

“You’re clones, aren’t you?” She asks and at first no one answers. Echo and Tech share a look while Hunter glances at Wrecker.

“If we are?” Wrecker asks.

“CT-7567,” the female says and the boys freeze.

“W-What did you say?” Echo asks in shock.

“CT-7567…he told me to say that to any clones I come across,” she says as she lowers her hood. She has tan skin, dark eyes and short, curly hair that’s shaved on the sides and long on top.

“That means something to you, doesn’t it?” The woman asks but she knows already.

“Who are you?” Echo asks.

“Martez. Trace Martez,” she introduces.

The computer console beeps, getting Echo’s attention.

“Blast it, the only thing I could find out is that the whole Temple area is sealed off,” Echo announces as the others put their blasters away.

“C’mon, we shouldn’t talk outside,” the young woman, Trace, says, ushering the group to follow her.

“My garage is right over there,” she explains, pointing to the small garage tucked in between two shops.

“Stay close,” Hunter whispers to the girls. Omega nods and keeps a firm grip on Maisy’s hand.

Back on Kamino…

A heavy storm rages on with no end in sight. Crosshair has been assigned a new experimental squad of ‘TK troopers’ and even though he hasn’t said anything, he’s wondering who the squad is. The sniper’s never heard of that designation before.

He gets to the barracks and sees troopers in dark armor like his new Imperial armor is but is surprised to see a female among them. Their helmets are different too and Crosshair realizes they’re not clones. They spot Crosshair and look at him.

“Look, it’s the clone,” one of the troopers says before taking off his helmet. The others follow suit and Crosshair sees how different they look.

“Humph, I guess the new Empire’s going for quantity over quality,” Crosshair sneers.

“Yeah well at least I joined the Empire because I wanted to, not because I was created to,” the blonde trooper says.

“Clearly you were never a soldier because as your superior, you will address me as sir, understood?” Crosshair growls and at first the trooper doesn’t reply, allowing a tense moment to pass before sighing.

“Yes..sir,” he says and Crosshair smirks before pulling out his datapad.

“Here, our mission debrief,” the sniper says and tosses the datapad to the troopers, who gather around to look at it.

“I expect all of you to follow orders,” Crosshair says before they gather what they need for the mission and head out.

The new squad boards the ship and Crosshair’s reminded of the Marauder. Instead a generic gunship waits for them but the instant he has that thought, he feels his muscles tense and that same urgent sense to complete the mission overcomes the sniper. Crosshair feels his legs moving forward almost against his will but deep down…the desire to complete the mission burns through him.

The ship lurches up and out into the storm and at first Crosshair is ignoring the rest of the squad as they talk with each other.

“Hey…can I ask you something?” The blond trooper from earlier asks the sniper. Crosshair glances at him, shifting his toothpick.

“I joined the Empire because they saved my home town from starvation and infections…I wanted to join. But…why are you here?” He asks. Ever since the chip augmentation, Crosshair hasn’t really thought about why but he remembers a thought he had back on Kaller.

“I saw the singular moment when the galaxy changed. I was part of it. I need to be part of the new galaxy, the newly formed Empire. They provide stability and order now that the war is over,” Crosshair explains as the ship exits the atmosphere and enters hyperspace.

The rest of the trip was quiet. Once the squad arrives at Onderon, Crosshair takes the lead. The sniper motions with his hand to follow his lead before running into the dense jungle-like forests.

Crosshair treks through the familiar area and heads to the last place he was at when meeting Saw Gerrera. The sniper sees an empty clearing but picks up signs of a trail.

“They’ve moved,” he alerts the rest of the squad and continues on the trail.

As they pass a small creek, one of the troopers stops.

“Wait—Commander-look,” he says, pointing. Crosshair stops and looks to see another set of footprints in the mud. But…they’re tiny.

“There are kids here?” One of the troopers asks.

“Insurgents are insurgents,” Crosshair growls. The TK troopers don’t argue but share an unsure glance before continuing to follow Crosshair.

Once the squad is close, the troopers use their helmet visor’s heat signature feature to identify the insurgents while Crosshair finds the high ground and uses his rifle scope. Instead of talking, Crosshair and his squad attack the unsuspecting civilians turned rebels. The squad easily disarms and ambushes their targets and Crosshair intelligently stays hidden in the forest to watch as his squad does the actual capture. The squad surrounds the group.

“Who are you?” The blonde trooper, designated ES-01, asks.

“We are a growing few that’s willing to stand up to the Empire-“ a female with brown hair answers.

“And our families,” she says, looking at the children with them. ES-01 sighs, dropping his weapon to the ground and looks away.

“I can’t go through with it,” he says, taking off his helmet, letting that drop too. The other TK troopers look at each other before lowering their weapons as well.

“Insurgents aren’t survivors,” he says, looking at her.

“What are you doing ES-01?!” Crosshair demands over the comlink in a deadly almost raspy tone.

“Doing what’s right,” ES-01 responds before shutting off his receiver.

ES-01 turns to the nearest captive and frees her, unlocking the cuffs. She rubs her wrists and looks at ES-01 before nodding slightly. He gives her a small smile but that’s when a single blaster bolt whizzes by and strikes the young woman in the head.

“No!” ES-01 gasps and catches her limp body. The others in the squad stand by in shock before looking where the bolt came from. Out of the shadows in the forest walks Crosshair.

“What are you doing?! These are innocent people!” ES-01 argues.

“You wanted to know why I joined the Empire?” Crosshair asks and ES-01 goes quiet.

“Power. You see…power doesn’t come to those who are born strongest or smartest…no, it comes to those who will do anything to achieve it. The Empire values strength and power above all else to provide stability and peace and I am showing them I can do what needs to be done,” Crosshair explains.

“I didn’t join the Empire to execute civilians. I’m not following orders and neither are they. C’mon, don’t listen to this clone,” ES-01 says, trying to convince the rest of the squad to turn, and at first, they all hesitate, looking between Crosshair and ES-01. The blond trooper looks at his squad mates.

“ES-01,” Crosshair says getting his attention. When the trooper turns back, he sees Crosshair pointing a blaster pistol at him. Crosshair fires a single shot and ES-01 falls limply to the ground next to the dead civilian. The other hostages gasp and yelp in fear.

“Good soldiers follow orders,” Crosshair growls.

“Crosshair! Crosshair please!” One of the hostages exclaims, using the sniper’s name.

“What about earlier?! Do your words mean nothing?” He asks.

Crosshair’s POV

“Crosshair! Crosshair please!” One of the hostages exclaims, using my name. He’s a male Twi’lek and has a bit of an accent.

“What about earlier?! Do your words mean nothing?” He asks. Memories from my first visit, from talking with Saw flash by in my mind but a searing wave of pain in my head causes me to growl and shut my eyes. No…none of that matters now. But…but it should. I just…any thought of resistance or independence feels painful. It’s either them or me.

“Good soldiers follow orders,” I repeat almost robotically before firing a single headshot at the Twi’lek, killing him. The other hostages cry out and gasp but that’s when I turn to the rest of my squad.

Even though I’m wearing a helmet, I can tell my glare gets through the visor. One trooper raises their blaster and the others follow suit. Without waiting, the other TK troopers fire on the remaining hostages like a firing squad.

“Burn down the camp,” I order and the troopers use their flamethrower packs to incinerate everything, including ES-01.

As the fire grows and consumes everything, the others decide to go wait on the ship but I stare at the fire, thinking on what I’ve done. No…I…I followed orders. I..I will be rewarded upon return and even if I won’t…it’s better than the excruciating pain in my head when trying to disobey. Ever since getting ambushed and experimented on, I have been different. I can feel it, deep down. I can’t think about it for too long because the pain happens. I turn away and head back to the ship.

After boarding, the ship takes off and it’s completely silent between everyone all the way back to Kamino. As we fly through the stormy atmosphere, the ship rattles and shakes as lighting flashes that’s quickly followed by a crack of thunder.

The ship lands in one of the hundreds of identical hangars located all over Tipoca City. The squad exits the ship and I see Governor Tarkin and Admiral Rampart waiting for us. The two approach me.

“I see your mission was a success, despite the loss of one of your troopers,” Rampart notes and I nod.

“All insurgents were eliminated,” I confirm.

“Very good CT—9904. Admiral, I understand why you place such value on conscripted soldiers and I think CT—9904 is the perfect example for future clone troopers and their value within the Empire. Do not worry CT—9904, I will inform Dr. Nala Se of your achievement,” Governor Tarkin says before looking at me then turning back to Rampart. I manage to hold my ground but I feel my blood run cold at the name of the chief Kaminoan scientist.

“Admiral,” Tarkin says and walks out, leaving me alone with the man.

“You are dismissed,” he tells me. I spin on my heels and hurry out silently, following my new squad.

We walk through the sterile halls. When I was younger, these halls were torture. Nothing but testing. Physical tests to strengthen us for battle and mental tests to make sure our mental fortitude could stand up to the horrors of war. Any emotional outburst or independent thoughts were met with punishments by Nala Se. The memory makes me shiver as I follow the group. Hunter, Tech or Wrecker would comfort me when we were young if I needed it. Other times, albeit a bit reluctant, I would comfort them. I miss them. We get to the barracks and the others walk in. I sigh before following, wondering what else is going to change.

There’s a tense quiet in the room and I can tell the others are against me…of course they are, after what I did. There’s only one other person I can possibly talk to. Commander Cody. Before the 501st, Cody was the only clone we’ve worked closely with. I wonder where he is and what he’s doing.

On Coruscant…

3rd POV

Trace escorts CF99 to her garage and they look around until they spot a man in white and blue painted clone armor talking with another young woman, not much older than Trace and who looks a bit like Trace herself. Echo’s eyes widen in shock first and he freezes.

“R-Rex?” Echo asks. The Captain turns around and spots the group of clone troopers in black, red and white armor.

“Echo?” Rex asks before his legs suddenly spring the captain forward and the two embrace tightly.

“I can’t believe it. You’re alive-“ Echo comments as tears stream down his face.

“And what about you? I never thought I’d see you boys much less here on Coruscant,” Rex says, equally tearful as he pulls back to look at the rest of the squad. Hunter approaches the captain and the two clasp hands.

“Hunter,”

“Rex,” the two greet, smiling but that’s when Rex notices they’re a man down.

“Where’s Crosshair?” Rex asks.

“It’s a long story-“ Hunter says.

Wrecker approaches Rex, being out of earshot and easily picks up the Captain, hugging him.

“It’s good to see you too Wrecker,” Rex tells the demolitions expert before exchanging a friendly nod of acknowledgement from Tech.

“It is rather surprising to see you here Captain,” Tech says but before Rex can respond,Omega steps into his view and the Captain freezes. Rex looks at Omega and he can tell by her eyes and face that she’s a clone. The young female clone reminds Rex of himself.

“Rex, this is Omega,” Hunter introduces. Rex takes a couple steps towards Omega and kneels down.

“In all my years I’ve seen many clones, but never one like you,” Rex says. Omega looks at him.

“You’re a generation one,” she says and he blinks in surprise.

“How’d you know that?” Rex asks.

“The lines on your face. I was Nala Se’s personal medical assistant. Generation one clones are the oldest clones,” Omega explains. Rex smirks.

“I’m impressed. How old are you kid?” Rex asks.

“11,” she says.

“Ah, a shiny,” Rex smiles and Omega beams at the nickname. She had heard many clones over the years call each other that. The more experienced ones would take the cadets under their wings…but not Omega. She was to follow Nala Se instead.

That’s when Maisy pokes her head out from behind Tech to look at Captain Rex. He sees the smaller, younger girl and blinks in shock.

“Oh-wh-who are you?” Rex asks but he spots a thin long braid in the girl’s shaggy, wild dark brown hair. He looks at her tan and beige robes.

“It’s ok,” Echo tells Maisy, seeing how unsure the little girl looks.

“Rex, this is Maisy,” Echo introduces. She looks between Rex and the other young woman.

“I’m Raffa, Trace’s older sister,” she explains and motions for everyone to come further in. There’s a small office area with a door so they walk in for privacy.

Once the door’s shut, Rex turns to Maisy.

“You’re a Jedi, aren’t you?” He asks. Maisy looks at Omega and the others. The older girl nods encouragingly as she puts a hand on the younger’s shoulder. Maisy nods.

“I’m a Youngling,” Maisy explains and Rex and the Martez sisters’ eyes widen in shock.

“That’s why we came here,” Echo tells Rex, “to get her back to the Jedi at the Temple. I tried looking for you, but your file the Empire has on you has labeled you MIA.”

“A lot’s happened since Order 66. Where were you boys when it happened?” Rex asks.

“We were with General Bilaba and Commander Dume on Kaller,” Hunter explains, “the General’s battalion turned on them and..” he trails off but Rex nods understandingly.

“We weren’t affected but Crosshair was,” Hunter adds and Rex’s eyes widen.

“I let the Commander go and…Crosshair disagreed with my decision…my decisions,” Hunter explains, glancing at the girls.

“Me and Master Jae were on Kamino-“ Maisy says as her lip quivers and Omega comes up to the Youngling to pick her up.

“I promised Maisy we’d get her back to the Jedi Temple,” Omega explains holding the little girl in her arms.

“And how did you two meet?” Echo asks the Martez sisters.

“Our friend introduced us after the clones turned,” Rafa explains.

“Your file in the Empire’s records state you’re MIA but there’s nothing else about the rest of the 501st,” Echo says and Rex sighs, nodding.

“After you joined Clone Force 99, Commander Tano returned in need of men to help her retake Mandalore from Darth Maul,” Rex explains. Omega and Maisy share a look as the Youngling’s grip on her tunic tightens.

“The Jedi Council wouldn’t allow reinforcements since Ahsoka wasn’t part of the Order anymore but General Skywalker decided to split the 501st in half. Jesse, Vaughn along with myself were all assigned with Commander Tano on the Tribunal when Order 66 happened. I…I fought with everything I had but it was all Ahsoka. She managed to subdue me and remove my inhibitor chip. The Commander and I were the only survivors,” Rex explains, rubbing his scarred temple, where the chip used to be.

“The other half…they came here…to the Temple. General Skywalker was here on Coruscant to save the Chancellor and the 501st left to storm the Temple, at least that’s what I’ve heard from the info I’ve managed to get,” Rex says.

“That means the Temple is no longer safe,” Hunter says and Rex nods.

“I know, but I’m hoping to get to the Temple to find my medic Kix. He wasn’t with my half of the 501st during Order 66 and I know he would never attack the Jedi,” Rex explains.

“That’s the best we can hope for under these circumstances,” Tech says, fiddling with his datapad.

“What about your Commander? Why can’t you contact her to come get the Youngling?” Hunter asks.

“After we escaped our crashing venator-class ship, Commander Tano decided to go into hiding, leaving no trace of her existence. The last time I saw her was…at a funeral,” Rex says, his eyes full of sadness.

“You’re going to the Temple? I thought the entire area was sealed off,” Echo says and Rex nods.

“There is a way in I know of,” Rex explains. Maisy looks at the soldiers before feeling something…something familiar. It’s the feeling the Youngling would get when she was around other Jedi. She could sense their presence through the Force. It feels…like a call for help.

“We hafta hurry,” Maisy says and Omega nods.

“Here, these’ll get you to the surface,” Trace says, handing Hunter a leather pouch.

“What…what is this?” Hunter asks, looking inside. He pulls out a handful of credits.

“It’s to bribe the transportation employees. You guys don’t have chain codes,” Rafa explains.

“Chain codes?” Hunter asks. She nods.

“Just another way for the new Empire to keep tabs on you. But everyone here has a price,” Rafa explains.

“Why are you helping us? Not everyone can spare this kind of cash,” Hunter asks. The sisters share a look before turning back to the squad.

“We have a complicated relationship with the Jedi but the clones were the ones that were there for us to help us rebuild what little was left of our home. So, when our friend contacted us, she gave us a mission to help any defecting clones that want to escape the Empire,” Rafa explains. Hunter nods appreciatively.

“Keep the commlink open. I’ll be back in a few days,” Rex tells the Martez sisters, who nod.

“If you hear from her, tell her-“ Rex begins to tell the two mechanics.

“We know Cap,” Trace says, saluting him and Rex nods. He grabs his pack before motioning to everyone.

“Let’s go,” Rex says and the group heads out.

They step into a lift and once the doors close, Rex takes off his pack and takes out a bunch of clothes, handing them out.

“Here, just in case,” Rex says and Hunter nods and has Echo, Tech and Wrecker all put on the ponchos Rex gave out. It’s a long trek to the surface level taking a maze of lifts, taxis, and a tram but they finally reach the surface of Coruscant with a mere 5 credits left. The whole time Echo was telling stories about Kix and different missions he went on.

“When Rex told me about Fives, I knew I could count on Kix to listen to me,” Echo explains to the girls, who are sitting on opposite sides of the ARC trooper.

“Look-there!” Maisy says, pointing on the window. The others follow her finger and see a giant building that makes a distinct shape in the skyline, poking out over the other buildings.

The closer they get to the Temple, the stronger Maisy feels the call for help. She wonders if the feeling is because of Order 66. The taxi the squad managed to squeeze into comes to a stop at a platform just outside the Temple.

The group heads out and looks around. It’s interesting how the whole galaxy had changed but the constant chaos of Coruscant seems unfazed.

“Oh kriff,” Rex grumbles.

“What is it?” Tech asks.

“That’s the way into the Temple…it’s swarming with the Coruscant guard now,” Rex says.

“Now?” Echo asks.

“It wasn’t earlier. I don’t know any other way in-“ Rex says.

“I can get us in,” Maisy pipes up. The soldiers and even Omega looks down at her.

“Really?” Omega asks and Maisy nods.

“We have to get in,” the Youngling says, clearly determined.

“Lead the way kid,” Rex tells the younger girl, who nods.

“This way,” Maisy says, grabbing Omega’s hand, pointing.

The squad walks inconspicuously down different alleyways until they come upon a dead end.

“Great,” Hunter sighs.

“There,” Maisy points to the grate on the ground before running over to it. She tries grabbing it but the metal is too heavy for the Youngling so Omega helps her. The two girls struggle to get the grate off but they manage to do so with a grunt of effort.

“We’re going through the sewers?” Hunter asks.

“It goes to a bathroom in the Temple,” Maisy explains.

“How do you know?” Omega asks-not with any venom in her tone but pure curiosity.

“I saw the door once. It was boarded over but I can get through it,” Maisy explains.

“Alright, I’ll go in first,” Rex says and climbs down the rusted ladder. Maisy follows him and the rest of the squad follows the Youngling.

Rex uses his helmet light to see and once he gets to the ground, he holds his hands out for the Youngling.

“I’ve got ya,” Rex assures the Youngling as he lifts her down to the floor. She looks up and helps Rex with the others. The boys grab their torches and shines the light around the dark but empty tunnel.

“Ugh, it smells in here,” Wrecker groans.

“That way,” Maisy points and the group starts walking.

Meanwhile….

3rd POV

On Kamino, Crosshair heads to the mess hall after feeling stifled in the barracks with the other troopers. His new squad leaves much to be desired as far as a team goes and the sniper can’t get his mind off of Cody. Perhaps if his own squad wouldn’t help him, maybe the clone who vouched for them would. After all Cody was a Marshal Commander. If anyone could help the sniper, it’d be him.

He heads to the library to see if he can look up where Commander Cody is stationed. The sniper finds a computer out of the way and secluded though it’s practically empty anyways. He sits at the chair and turns on the monitor. Not that he didn’t know how to use a computer, he just wasn’t as proficient and as fast as Tech or Echo.

Crosshair’s POV

I type in the search file and put all the info in. CT Number: CT-2224. Designation: Cody. Battalion: 212 and finally, Rank: Marshal Commander. I hit the ‘enter’ key on the keyboard and the screen loads before a bunch of info appears on the screen. My eyes scan each line.

CT-2224 Status: Alive. Rank: Commander. Currently stationed on Utapau. This information seems pretty recent but my eyes stop when I get to the last part.

“Successfully executed Order 66,” I read. It doesn’t say when he will return. There’s only one place in all of Kamino where things are truly said: the mess hall. I log out of the computer and hurry out of the library.

I make my way to the mess hall and when I walk in I see it’s a bit crowded. Cody belonged to the 212th so anyone who served in that battalion or who worked closely with the 212th would know something. I glance around and that’s when I spot two troopers in golden yellow painted armor. They’re alone so I grab a tray of food before making my way over.

Once I get close, the two stop talking and look at me.

“You mind? Everywhere else is full,” I ask, motioning with my head to the noisy mess hall. The two share a look before shrugging so I sit.

“Haven’t seen you before,” the trooper on the left says, taking off his helmet. His mop of messy blond hair and 5 o’clock shadow makes the man look…battle-worn.

“Name’s Crys, that’s Trapper,” the blonde trooper introduces.

“Crosshair,” I introduce myself before taking my helmet off.

“Woah, you’re a CT-99? I heard you guys completed more suicide missions than a battalion,” Crys tells me. I nod.

“Where’s the rest of your squad?” Trapper asks curiously.

“Busy…I’m actually looking for one of your boys,” I explain.

“Oh yeah?”

“Commander Cody. He knows me and my squad well and was wondering if anyone in the 212th knew where he was?” I ask. The two exchange a look before leaning in closer to me.

“There’s talk Cody was reassigned,” Trapper whispers.

“We’ve heard some of our brothers talk about Cody…how he’d talk about the Empire. But he’s been reporting to Governor Tarkin so it’s only a matter of time before he shows back up here,” Crys adds in a hushed tone.

“Thanks,” I tell them before standing and grabbing my tray. They nod and I walk off to find Admiral Rampart. I have to convince him to let me go find Cody.

As I walk through the halls, I actually pass by Admiral Rampart.

“Ahem-Admiral-a word?” I clear my throat before I ask, causing the man to look up, mildly irritated at me but motions for me to follow him anyways.

“What is it CT—9904? You completed your mission on Onderon and there haven’t been any new assignments for you yet,” Rampart tells me.

“I understand—sir—I was just wondering about my new squad,” I say.

“What about them?”

“Well sir, one of them disobeyed orders,” I say, though not explaining what happened.

“I’ve talked with Governor Tarkin and we agree that one casualty is worth the price of success. How many droids did the Separatists go through? How many clones?” He asks.

“Actually that’s what I mean. I was wondering if maybe a clone trooper could replace the trooper I lost on Onderon? Commander Cody perhaps? I’ve worked with him before and he is just as if not more capable than I am-“ I vouch for the commander but Rampart holds up a hand, stopping my slight rambling.

“I do recognize the value of you clones CT—9904, but the whole point of your new squad is to prove that conscripted soldiers can and will follow orders. As for CC—2224, he has been assigned on a mission to Dantooine,” Rampart adds that last part about Cody rather off-handedly. My eyes widen but I nod in acknowledgement.

“Actually, since you seem to show such enthusiasm and eagerness, I’m going to assign you and your new squad a rather…controversial mission,” Rampart says.

“Controversial?” I ask.

“As such I hope you understand that this mission comes with a certain level of discretion? Here’s everything you need to know,” he says, handing me another datapad. I look at it and nod.

“Yes sir. We will prep and leave immediately,” I tell Rampart before we part ways and I head to the lift.

Once I’m alone in the lift, I think on our conversation and look at the datapad.

“Destroy Separatist stronghold on Ankus and eliminate any and all survivors,” I read. If I use my time wisely, I could complete my mission then go to the nearby planet of Dantooine to look for Cody. But the mission comes first—it always does.

Back on Coruscant…

3rd POV

Youngling Maisy manages to successfully guide the group through the tunnels and into the Temple. They get to the sealed off door so Rex, Echo and Tech get to work.

“We hafta hurry,” Maisy repeats.

“Why? No one’s after us,” Omega says.

“You don’t hear the call for help?” Maisy asks and Omega frowns in confusion.

“Call for help?” She asks worriedly.

“No one’s calling for help kid,” Hunter tells the Youngling.

Before the younger girl can argue, Echo, Tech and Rex get through the door and make a hole to climb through. They walk into a storage closet before stealthily walking out with the rest of the group following.

Rex uses his torch to look around. It’s a bathroom that looks as if it’s been unused for years.

“Where are we?” Rex asks.

“We’re underneath the Archives,” Maisy explains, “there’s the way out,” she points.

Rex, Hunter and Echo are out first and the rest follow. The group makes their way down the eerily empty and silent corridor. There’s no sign of anyone.

They keep walking but stop when they get to a destroyed room. Maisy gasps quietly as her eyes widen, seeing the dead bodies. Omega notices and immediately pulls the little girl into her so the Youngling’s face is buried in her hip.

“Don’t look,” Omega instructs and Maisy nods, letting Omega pick her up.

“They’re…501st,” Echo gasps as Rex stares at the bodies. Rex looks over at a Jedi. A Mon Cala Jedi he doesn’t know, but it doesn’t matter.

“We should keep moving,” Hunter says and Rex nods, leading the way.

They get to the destroyed great room and bodies are laying everywhere.

“Wait—we hafta go that way-“ Maisy points to the left.

“What? Why?” Echo and Omega ask.

“It’s the call for help—it’s that way-“ the Youngling points before squirming out of Omega’s arms. She hurries down the connecting hall and clones chase after her.

“Wait! Maisy!” They call but the Youngling keeps running.

Maisy’s POV

“Wait! Maisy!” I hear the others call out for me, but I keep running. I’m so close. I can feel it. The hall opens up to a destroyed room and that’s when I notice the dead Younglings. I gasp, slowing down, allowing the others to catch up. They see the bodies as well.

“Even the children,” Rex gasps, clearly in shock that his men would do such a thing.

Me and Omega walk towards the pile of rubble at the back and when we come around the pile, we gasp when we see a white Wookiee.

End.

#self reblog

4 notes · View notes

writingforfun0714 · 2 months

Text

Alright so I wanna air a thought I have on Crosshair’s relationship with Omega.

So we all know the whole trope of ‘reluctant man accepts the child main character’ in Star Wars. First with Anakin in TPM, then with Ahsoka in TCW movie/show, Mando and Grogu, Ezra in Rebels and even Kaz in Resistance. With Bad Batch it’s interesting because we get 2 characters who are reluctant to accept the child character, in this case, Omega.

Obviously Hunter would be the main ‘reluctant man’ in the trope but Crosshair is also painted as such especially in S1. It’s rather obvious to have Hunter eventually come around to Omega over time (being the leader of the squad), but I think it would’ve been an interesting choice to have Crosshair never accept Omega and/or split from the group and not come back.

As a parentified older sibling, I do have a few mixed feelings about how the show is portraying Omega and Crosshair’s relationship. Part of it is because the show itself has messy writing. The other part I feel is because it’s a kid’s show and kids generally want to be accepted by the adults in their lives.

It’s important to note that Crosshair isn’t angry with Omega in the show. He never is. He’s annoyed, frustrated and irritated but that’s not angry. We’ve seen him angry with Hunter and he’s not that way with Omega.

Having Cross never accept Omega would’ve put an interesting twist on the classic trope that’s been done more than a couple times already. Plus it also teaches the lesson that you can’t be liked by everyone. Some people just won’t like you and that’s life. Idk just a thought.

Overall I think their relationship is ok in the show. I’m not mad about it or anything, I just wish Star Wars could switch it up sometimes with the tropes they use.

#star wars #bad batch #star wars bad batch #thoughts #spoilers #tbb spoilers #tbb s3 #tbb s3 spoilers #tbb critical #tbb s3 critical #plus imagine the angst #if cross bonds with other cadets #and omega wonders what she did wrong #the writers are afraid of diving into crosshair’s feelings

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writingforfun0714 · 2 months

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So I’ve seen all current episodes of Bad Batch S3 and I will post about it but I wanna talk specifically about the reunion scene.

Hunter and Wrecker shouldn’t have looked at Crosshair like that. Yes-I know there is history. I actually wasn’t expecting hugs/tears either, just genuine shock and nothing more.

I’ve heard people say Hunter and Wrecker are justified in their reaction, but to me, it seems like sloppy writing.

We know Hunter and Wrecker don’t know what Cross has been through. We know that the group knows about the chip removal (Cross says he had his chip removed). Crosshair killed the rest of his new squad and saved Omega, not to mention that Hunter told Crosshair that they might want different things but that doesn’t make them enemies and that they never were enemies—all in S1. And, in S2 Tech tells the group that he found a coded transmission from Crosshair and Wrecker even asks if Crosshair has turned on the Empire.

The last time Hunter and Crosshair saw each other, they left amicably/mutually. Crosshair chose not to go with them, despite Hunter’s offer. Even Wrecker told Crosshair that they still would’ve taken him back. S1 made it so that it was up to Crosshair to come back or not. In S2, Crosshair hardly got any screen time. We first see him in S2 is with Cody on a mission not even related to the Batch. The 2nd time is during his mission with Mayday and after killing Nolan is taken to Tantiss. The last time we see him is warning the group but he gets caught by Hemlock. We do see him once more but he’s unconscious on a table as Omega arrives by the S2 finale. Crosshair didn’t do shit to CF99 during S2 and even gave them cause to think he is defecting by S2.

So after all that, it’s a little odd to see Hunter and Wrecker look at Crosshair with such anger that would’ve made sense mid S1 but not when Hunter literally told Crosshair

‘We want different things Crosshair. That doesn’t mean we have to be enemies’ —Hunter 1x16 (around the 23min mark)

#Star Wars #tbb #the bad batch #tbb spoilers #the bad batch spoilers #bad batch spoilers #spoilers #spoiler #tbb reunion spoiler #tbb s3 spoiler #tbb s3 #bad batch s3 spoiler #bad batch s3 #thoughts

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