Chapter 12: EPIC FINALE! XD
Entry log: I can't believe it! Vigil is my Grandfather! And my Dad was from the world of Star Wars! OMG! Back to serious business, the whole gang has to face off against the Emperor and his cronies to the ritual of three trials! Team with the most surviving members still in the game will win. But with Obi Wan and Artoo out, we got to figure out a way to defeat the Emperor, before he defeats us! And that's not all! Bane confessed to me his feelings and I rejected him for Rex. Will this sour our working relationship as a team?
xXHiKaRu_ShIrOuXx: Alright fellas, this is it! The big finale!
(Everyone: teary from the fact that it's finally ending.)
Soltaria: I'm going to miss the times we spent laughing and crying!
Ahsoka: I'll miss you guys! Claire, Soltaria, everyone…
Claire: I guess I'll miss those moments we share too…
Soltaria: TT^TT WAAAAH! CLAIRE-BEAR! Hold meeee! (The trio gets into a group hug)
Anakin: (Wails) And I'm going to miss all of my fans!
Bane: You have fans?
Anakin: O_O Of course I do!
Claire: Funny, cuz I remember that they liked you only when you get bossed around, mess up and etc.
xXHiKaRu_ShIrOuXx: And a lot of them thought you were dumb in the fanfic.
Anakin: TT_TT
xXHiKaRu_ShIrOuXx: Alright then folks! Let's roll in the disclaimer one last time for the fans!
(Everyone gathers): xXHiKaRi_ShIrOuXx does not own anything from star wars clone wars and whatever star wars franchise that exists, except her OC in this story- Claire Aschlock. Soltaria Levin belongs to a friend of hers.
Rex: PS- the following posted belongs to their respective owners: Lyrics, game titles and… crossovers?
Claire: O_o" That can't be good.
Anakin: What the hell is that?
xXHiKaRu_ShIrOuXx: Find out in the story! XD
#############
"… Podracing!"
Anakin held a smug look, beaming with pride at the mention of his forte. I was actually relief that he wasn't Darth Vader yet. To be honest, everyone actually felt relieved and excited about the next challenge. Vigil was the only surprised one. Soltaria on the other hand was plain confused. "What's podracing?" Everyone stared at her, their shocked expressions read: "How can you not know what Podracing is?"
"It's like F1 racing. Only not with Louis Hamilton or real cars…"
"And absolutely dangerous." Vigil cut in, a warning look spread across his face. "Do you know how many people die in this sport?"
"Actually, after riding with Soltaria both on land and space… Podracing looks more like merry-go-round," Ahsoka replied.
"Hey!" Soltaria yelled, offended.
"No offense."
"And after getting shot at, kidnapped by Separatist forces and chased around by droids, this might be the best stress relief to have," I grinned.
Vigil shook his head with a sigh, muttering something about overzealous teenagers and adrenaline rushes. "Very well, you may choose three members to represent your team." With that, Vigil signed off, preparing the arena and Pod racer crafts. Worried, Rex turned at me as if I just said that I was going to jump off a cliff. "You do realize that you might get yourself killed."
"That's why I won't be participating in this one."
Rex was taken aback by surprise. "Really?"
"Sure, everyone should share the spotlight."
"Whatever, if you need me, I'll be on the sidelines watching," Bane snorted.
"I didn't say I was going to pick you," I snapped, tapping my chin, thinking deeply. "So I'll pick…"
"MEEEEEEE!" Anakin whined like a siren, stretching his hands out. He began waving it wildly in the air to catch my attention, desperate to be called. When I tried to ignore him, Obi Wan almost fell when Anakin jumped on top of him for extra height, forcing the older Jedi to piggyback the wailing 'Chosen One'. Obi Wan's face turned a shade of red in trying to lift the heavy Anakin. As his pitch went opera high, I rolled my eyes and sighed wearily.
"Fine, Anakin."
Anakin cheered, instantly jumping off a tired Obi Wan, who slumped onto the floor in defeat. Artoo nudged Obi Wan's leg, only to get a twitch in response. Cody quickly carried the worn out Obi Wan off to the nearest bench.
"Yes! I knew it! I knew you would choose me for my awesome piloting skills!"
"Sky guy, you need to lose some pounds," Ahsoka remarked upon seeing Cody fanning the Obi Wan. Anakin glared. "I'm not FAT! I train everyday from six in the morning to six at night!"
"You started at eight, Sir."
"Shut up, Rex-" Then his eyes widened briefly, pointing an accusing finger at Rex. "Oh great! Now you're my stalking schedule manager?"
Bane glanced at Anakin berating Rex down to the ground, turning around and shaking his head. "How was it that this man beat me in the last time, I'll never know."
Ignoring the complains, I continued, "Ahsoka…"
Ahsoka jab her arm in victory, enthusiastically hi-fiving with me before returning to her master's side. "Hmm, I guess you are alright."
Ahsoka raised a brow. "Excuse me?"
"Well considering that your piloting skills are so-so and mine are the best, I'm thinking that Claire might actually be making more sense, choosing someone that might be a tad lower than my caliber…"
"And finally, Soltaria."
Everyone (minus the severely weaken Obi Wan) gaped in horror as Soltaria squealed, glomped me and skipped over bubbly to the 'Dream Team'. Anakin was most infuriated.
"Are you insane? We can't put her in!"
"Why not?" I prompted him to snap back.
"Sorry, Claire, but with Soltaria on the team… our chances of winning are almost a complete zilch," Rex concurred.
"The Force knows how much lives will be lost in her wake of destruction," Cody murmured, agreeing that Soltaria equals to instant elimination. Depressed by the negative feedback, Soltaria retreated to a small corner and wrapped herself into a ball under a gloomy atmosphere.
"Rex," I called him over, whispering into his ear the game plan. Later, Rex eyed me for a second, with an interested glint in his eyes.
"Impressive."
I smugly smirked. "Told ya."
"What are you guys talking about?" Anakin demanded.
"Soltaria! You're in!"
As if God answered her prayers, she leaped into the sky, dancing the Caramelldansen dance. Ahsoka was surprised, but soon agreed after I whispered to her the game plan. "Ooh! That might actually work!"
Anakin was left bewildered as everyone gathered around for the game plan- involving Cody teaching Soltaria the controls. Seconds later, Anakin's ideal Dream Team was shattered.
#############
At the Podracing course…
"Alright everyone! Start your engines!"
Soltaria, Anakin, Ahsoka, Dooku, Grievous and Ventress readied their pod racers, igniting the purring engines at the starting line. The rest of us had settled ourselves in the holding room, provided with benches and multiple screens that had a camera on each racer.
"I can't believe that demolition queen has to join us," Anakin grumbled. I tapped onto the screen, starting a holo-transmission.
"Listen, Anakin. I know it's a risk, but you'll need Soltaria to clear the obstacles," I told him.
"But what if I ended up being spotted as an obstacle?"
"That's why we told her to thrash the baddies first." With that, I signed off and went back to the benches with Rex, Cody, Artoo, Bane and Obi Wan, who finally woke up from his deep slumber.
"I felt like an Neebray manta just landed on me…" He drowsily moaned, holding his temple. (A/N: Neebray Mantas are like humungous whale-like space creatures. You can refer to the 'Shadow of Malevolence' Episode for them)
"Set your engines…"
"Good luck!" Ahsoka said.
"Same to you, Ahsoka! Let's bring the house down on them!" Soltaria excitedly grinned.
"Get set…"
"I'm doomed…" Anakin moaned.
"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Moments later, Vigil waved the flag down and everyone's podracer shot out. Dooku's podracer engine stalled in the beginning, but with a punch, the pod racer rocketed forward like the wind. Everyone on the benches watched intensely, as Anakin led the race, with Grievous on his tail. Ventress slammer her podracer against Ahsoka's own, attacking her aggressively. I was literally biting my nails until Soltaria barged in and shoved Ventress aside like bumper car.
"Get a move on, Ahsoka! I'll handle bald wicked Witch of the East!" She rebuked. Ventress growled and began her violent assault against Soltaria carnival bumper cars style. Meanwhile, Ahsoka fish-tailed her way out of the rocky Tatooine course, dodging every towering rock structure and driving through holes and loops along the course.
"WHOOO! GO AHSOKA!" We cheered.
Grievous and Anakin were still battling for the lead, clashing against each other in a heated bumper battle. Just then, out of the blue, Dooku shot out from nowhere and rocketed past them. For a second, I saw random Dooku give Anakin and Grievous the middle finger.
"In your FACE! SUCKERS!" He laughed madly as he drove off in the speed of light. They stared at Dooku's fleeting form, their faces had the "Oh you did not just did that" look. With a new opponent, Grievous and Anakin called in a brief truce to catch up with Dooku.
By the second lap, Dooku was leading the race, with Anakin and Grievous behind. Ventress was swiftly chasing after Ahsoka, while Soltaria still confused with the controls was actually driving without destroying something. I started the holo transmission again. "Erm, Soltaria? What are you doing? You should be destroying stuff by now!"
"Well sorry! I'm trying to focus on dodging rock towers here!" She shouted back. "Can't you go any faster then? We're about to lose to a cranky old man who forgets stuff every 10 seconds!"
Obi Wan tapped my shoulder, winking at me with an idea. "Pardon my intrusion, Soltaria but you're in the last place."
Soltaria froze on her seat. "What do you mean I'm last?"
"Dooku is leading with Anakin and Grievous in tow, so since Ventress and Ahsoka are in the front…"
Soltaria gritted her teeth. "That's it! Claire-Bear! Where are the missile launchers in this thing?"
"Soltaria, it's a podracer, not a fighter jet!" I told her.
"Curses! I'll just press this button then!" Upon landing her fist on the blue center button on her steering wheel, flames blasted from the engines in the pod racer and Soltaria was clinging onto her dear life. Her pod racer was looked nothing more than a speeding shooting star as she flew towards Ventress and Ahsoka, sending both of them crashing out of the course against rocky platforms. Smoke and fire rose from the cliff as Rex and I rushed towards the screen. My fire phobia was getting the better of me.
"Ahsoka! Oh my God! NO!"
"Kid!"
Ahsoka appeared in a flash of light on one of the benches beside us. She blinked, staring at us. "I… guess that means I'm out?"
"I don't think that man was heartless enough to let the contestants really die," Bane murmured. I shot him a scornful look. "Don't push your luck, Bane."
"Which means Ventress was kicked out too," Rex grinned.
I grinned at Rex in agreement. "And the witch has been slain!"
"But where's Soltaria?" We followed her gaze to the screen. Soltaria's pod racer was still speeding like the wind towards the three remaining pod racers. Before Anakin knew it, Soltaria had collided with him head on, flying past Grievous and Dooku. Pummeling to the unknown valley next to him, Anakin's scream echoed.
"SOOLTARIAAAAAAAAA!"
And so he joined us in another flash of light, complaining and whining. By then, Soltaria had reached the finishing line, halting as her pod racer came to a slow stop before crashing onto the ground. She ejected out of her seat and everyone cheered as she gasped at what just happened.
"Oh my God! I'm FIRST!" She exclaimed in joy.
With that, everyone was teleported to the temple ritual room. Our team (with the exception of a grumpy Anakin) went to congratulate Soltaria, patting her back and cheering. In her state of ecstasy, Soltaria ran towards Obi Wan, hugging and bouncing at the same time.
"Oh my God! Obi Wan did you see me? I won! I won!"
"Yes, yes, you did," Obi Wan smiled, hugging her back.
"What do you mean won? You almost killed Ahsoka and I!" Anakin yelled.
Obi Wan paused. "Anakin?"
"What?"
"Shut up."
A Cheshire cat grin formed on my lips as Soltaria blushed.
'Obi Wan & Soltaria sitting on a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G!' I giggled at the thought. Rex stared at me for a moment. "Are you actually… giggling?"
I snapped out of my daze. "Huh, what?"
"Oh my Goodness! You finally have your girly giggle!" Soltaria exclaimed.
I blushed madly. "W-Why are you saying that out loud?"
"Because you hardly ever get into girly stuff! I mean, you do what guys do! They don't show much emotion until they get close with someone!"
I blushed even harder, stepping away from a grinning Soltaria. "Y-Y-Y-You're spouting nonsense!" I stammered.
"Look!" She held out my arm, pressing the small contours on my arms to show everyone what little ounce of biceps there were. "You even grew muscles from all that working out at the gym! Are you trying to be buff like Arnold Schwarzenegger?"
Rex blinked. "Work out? In the gym?"
"Yeah! Ever since she got into the Resolute and see how you Clones train, she would be flipping the bar, lifting weights, run a few laps to build her stamina and be sweaty all over-"
"SOLTARIA!" Oh Hell, this was so embarrassing.
"And there was this one time, I caught a group of clone troopers spying on her working out! And the gym outfit she wears-"
"I never changed into anything revealing like whatever you're thinking!" I interrupted. Bane smirked, while Rex continued to stare at me in amazement.
"Hmm… Hot and Sweaty… nice image, now I'll make sure I add that to my most precious memories."
If looks could kill, Bane would be fried to the pits of hell. I glared at him, swinging kick below his belt, but he caught my leg with one single grip on my leg.
"Ah-ah-Ah, don't think I don't know that," Bane lightly scolded with a skeletal grin. I smirked and brought my other leg to hit him square on the jaw. I somersaulted, flipping behind with a ready stance to kick his butt once more. Bane wiped the green blood from his lips, smirking. "Not bad… You'll make a great partner."
"Like I said, Bane," I narrowed my eyes with a piercing glare, speaking lowly. "I'll never join you."
He laughed dryly and shrugged, implying 'Whatever', brushing past Rex's shoulder. "Careful Clone, she's a tough one."
But Rex didn't listen; he was still in a daze from the Soltaria's buff Claire-Bear theory. Cody had to punch him square in the face to wake him up.
"Stop daydreaming about making babies and get ready for the last challenge," Cody gruffly ordered. I almost threw up at the word "Babies". If there were a color redder than red, then that would be the shade of Rex's face under the helmet now.
"Contestants! Prepare for the final challenge!"
With four members out on our team, and some droids, along with Ventress out from the other team, the chances of us winning seemed to get slimmer and slimmer by the second. I prayed to whatever God above to let our last challenge be something that can bring salvation to us. Rex wrapped his fingers around mine, giving my hand a gentle squeeze to assure me that we'll face it without fear. I smiled, squeezing back in agreement. The Emperor smugly looked down on us, while Dooku made a fool of himself by singing out random songs. One of them being "Love Bug" by the Jonas Brothers.
"Now I'm SPEECHLESS~ Over the Edge and I'm BREATHLESS~"
Soltaria grabbed a can of coca cola that Vigil had earlier offered as refreshments, tossing it at Dooku and knocking a tooth out of his mouth.
"Put a sock in it!" She yelled.
But Dooku wasn't the only one acting out of character; Grievous was staring at me with his piercing amber reptilian eyes, watching me like a hawk. Just standing under the pressure of his gaze unnerved me.
"This time it will require all remaining team members to participate. Hence, the final challenge is…" Vigil paused for a long dramatic effect, but in truth, he stopped only because someone had decided to snore loudly during his naptime. Shooting a resentful look at the random Dooku, the Emperor personally slapped his head upside to wake him up.
"Vigil, please tell us that the challenge won't be something as stupid as the last one," He spoke scornfully.
"Not to worry, I found this challenge from one of my son's favourite collection from his time traveling adventures. I must say he had an interesting hobby to share with his children," Vigil replied with a cryptic smile. Distressed, Soltaria grabbed hold of my collar. "Claire-Bear! What does your Dad like to do?"
"Aah- I- we used to play video games and watch movies together when I was little," I replied, my speech faltered at Soltaria's sudden question.
"That can't be good. All the games I see you play always involved shooting or at least killing someone," Soltaria grimaced. I chuckled nervously as Bane eyed me for a second. "No wonder why your shooting skills were good."
"Oh Soltaria, it's not like her father would actually play some violent game when she was a child," Obi Wan said. The next thing everyone knew was that the background changed into a jungle. Anakin, Obi Wan, Ahsoka, Artoo and Ventress were teleported to a holding cell, supposedly safe from whatever danger that lies here. I surveyed the jungle area, and upon hearing Grievous' loud cursing, I knew the Emperor and his goons couldn't be too far off from here.
"The challenge is simple," Vigil's booming voice began. "Race to the pyramid and retrieve the Ritual Staff! Team with the survivor who survives the longest wins!"
Everyone exchanged glances, knowing that they have to hurry before the Emperor finds it first. Minutes later we found ourselves wandering around the jungle like lost sheep. "It's like an endless maze here…" Cody muttered in awe.
Meanwhile, I was arguing with Soltaria about the directions. "I told you we should have turned left!" Soltaria insisted.
"No, you were the one who insisted on the other left!"
"Left!"
"Right!"
"Left, LEFT! I said LEFT!"
"So does anyone know where exactly are we?" Rex asked, butting into our argument of misdirection.
"I've never since anything like this, but when there's a jungle," Bane said, readying his laser rifles. "There's always a few critters ready to make you their lunch."
"Oh yeah? Name one!" Soltaria challenged. Right on cue, hissing echoed from deep within the forest. I gulped, realizing where exactly we are.
"Rex, I think I got your answer."
#############
In the Holding Room with many TVs…
"I can't believe we're missing all the action there!" Anakin complained. Artoo beeped and whirred, earning a scornful look from Anakin. "Oh yeah? Well it's not easy when you're supposed to be the hero!"
Obi Wan surveyed the screens showing the two teams wandering around the forest. Brushing his beard he noticed Soltaria in the vicinity, and for some reason, began to worry for her safety.
"-ello! Earth to Obi Wan Kenobi!" Obi Wan snapped out of his daze, blinking. "Humph? I'm sorry did you say something?"
"Argh! I just told you that we're missing all the action here! Shouldn't we do something that can help us defeat the Emperor? Or at least take out Grievous?"
"Anakin, we're being held in a tightly-secured room with electric bars and force fields that disable our Force powers, how do you expect us to escape or help?"
"But it's not fair! They're getting all the attention and I haven't even flex my light saber chops-"
"THAT'S IT!" Ahsoka stomped her foot hard on the ground, surprising the Jedi and the R2 droid. She gritted her teeth together, pointing a finger at Anakin.
"Sky Guy! SIT!"
"But-"
"Now," Her tone grew dangerous low.
Complying with her orders, Anakin obediently sat down, gulping nervously under her glare. "Right now, the others are trying their best to save the world even though they might be outnumbered and low on ammo. It's not just about who gets the ship or gets hailed as the hero! It's about saving the galaxy! Now shut up and pray to the Force that they will win this!"
Anakin was speechless by his padawan standing up against him. He sat down, pondering her words.
First Rex… and now Ahsoka… Why am I always seen as the bad guy here?
Now everyone would know why a part of him turned to the Dark Side.
At the same time, a few of the droids suddenly came face to face with an unexpected visitor. After a long screech, the black creature pounced on them.
[Shoot it! Shoot it!] One of the droids commanded. But that caused the creature's green acidic blood to spill on them, causing them to corrode.
[I'm melting! I'm meeeltttiinngg…] Everyone's eyes were glued to the screen in horror
Artoo beeped in fear, as Ahsoka agreed. "Yeah, Artoo… they aren't alone in here anymore."
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"Claire-Bear, I know you respect your father and all, but I take back everything good that I had said about him!" Soltaria screamed as the black serpent like Xenomorphs chased us down the jungle to the pyramid. Rex, Cody, Bane and I were shooting at the Aliens while running. "How was I supposed to know that the game he introduced to me when I was six was the future XBOX 360 edition of Aliens VS Predator!" I yelled back, at the same time shooting down another alien's head, spilling acidic green blood on the grass."
Soltaria shoved the aliens aside with Hadoken Force balls and multiple Force waves. "Gee, I don't know! Didn't you see the big M rating for violence and gore?"
"He lied to me that the xenomorphs in the game were monster puppies that I can shoot!"
Soltaria was bewildered. "How can anyone compare such an ugly thing to a puppy?"
"Sue me, I was six."
Soon, we managed to escape the stampede of Xenomorphs by hiding in rock tunnel in the area. After catching a breather, we continued our journey through the dark tunnel. "That was a close one," Cody breathed in relief.
"Your father must have a love for carnage," Rex whispered to me through his teeth. "Lots of carnage."
"Well he was a warrior and fighter during his days in this world," I paused. "Hey, that means this is my original home!"
Rex was for a moment actually happy for once at the thought.
"Well miss know-it-all, do you happen to know any other critters we should be careful of?" Bane interrupted rudely as usual.
"Hmm, their offspring and the Queen- They can be a real pain in the ass, especially the face huggers that can leap from the egg and impregnate any living host with eggs," I explained with much enthusiasm.
Everyone froze for a second. "Is there a way to cure that?" Cody asked.
"Nope! Once it gets to you, you're better off dead."
"That's cruel!" Soltaria cried.
"Well yeah, because it's either you kill the host, or the baby inside will burst out of your-" My voice cut off at the sight before me. "Holy crap."
Droid parts were scattered all over the sticky floor, and the numerous eggs looked either forcefully removed or covered with burned laser bullet holes marked all over their surfaces. Most of all, the gigantic Alien Queen was lying motionless on the floor, acidic blood dripped from her lips, dried on the floor beneath her humongous slashed form.
"No wonder the aliens were in a hysteric killing spree…" Rex breathed.
"Yeah," I gulped. "Someone killed their Mama and I got a good feeling its either Grievous or the cranky Emperor."
Just then, the clashing of light saber was heard not too far away and the five of us ventured deeper into the tunnel to find Grievous battling with the all-so-awesome Predator! I stood there gaping in awe, as Grievous battled his AVP universe counterpart.
"Erm, Claire, we should sneak out while they're being occupied," Rex murmured. I frowned. "But it's General Grievous versus Predator! I had live for so long to see this!"
"Errr… guys?"
"If we don't escape now, then we won't be living long to see anything else," Bane hissed.
"Guys?"
I rolled my eyes. "What could possibly happen in the next second?"
"Erm, how about Cody getting kidnapped by another one of those big dudes?" Soltaria pointed out to Cody being dragged away by the mentioned predator, who activating his cloaking device to camouflage with the darkness.
"AAAAAAHHHH…" Was the last thing we heard from Cody, before a sickening crunch was heard in the distance. Trembling, I turned nervously to meet the skeptical stares of Rex, Soltaria and Bane. "Eheheh… Maybe we should get out of here." While the Warriors were distracted, we quickly decided to escape the scene. The Predator must have some honor policy of finishing one fight at a time, because he was totally distracted by Grievous as his worthy opponent. Finally after escaping from the cave, we finally found the pyramid.
"There's the staff!" I pointed out our glowing ticket of freedom floating idly on the very top of the pyramid.
"Wow, more climbing…" Soltaria groaned.
Soon, the sound of hissing was heard from below and the four of us started climbing really, really fast. Not just because of the swarms of salivating xenomorphs clawing up towards us, but also because from the corner of our eyes, the Emperor, along with Dooku and some droids were climbing up the pyramid. And he was a notch higher than us.
"Claire." I turned to see Soltaria and Bane stopping mid way to shoot or Force-Push down the droids and xenomorphs. "Soltaria! Bane! What are you doing?"
"We'll stall the aliens and droids to get you some time for the staff. You and Rex got to deal with the Emperor, Claire-Bear! You're our only chance now!" Soltaria yelled.
"But you-"
"Stop wasting time, Claire!" Bane shot another droid and threw a grenade down at the swarm of xenomorphs, causing a massive explosion. "Just get the job done!"
Biting my lip, I turned to Rex who stretched out his hand to me. "Claire! Give me your hand!"
With a hesitant nod, I took it. Rex pulled up on top of a side platform and we began our race up the pyramid against the Emperor and Dooku. But it's hard to ignore the fact that your teammates are risking their lives for you.
"One thunderous Force Clap!" Clapping her hands together, Soltaria brought down a humongous Force wave clashing down onto the swarm of xenomorphs. Upon looking down at the commotion, the Emperor ordered his droids to destroy the 'pests'. Cad Bane, however, was not known for being the most dangerous bounty hunter for nothing. Before the word "surrender" could be spoken, Bane flipped over to the platform and began shooting 360 degrees at all of the droids, decimating the few remaining droids with a bullet to the head each.
Upon reaching the top, of the pyramid, Rex and I came face to face with the Emperor and Dooku. Ordering the four droids left on his team, Rex and I took them down each with laser rifle shots and lightsaber slicing. It eventually came to the point where the Emperor and Dooku were fighting over the staff in a tug of war.
"Let go of it you-"
"IT'S MINE! MY TOY! MINE!" Dooku wailed.
Irritated beyond control, the Emperor sent Dooku flying with Force Lightning. My whole body was seized with fear as Dooku plunged to his demise with a goofy like laugh. The Emperor raised his hand, charging it with Dark Force lightning.
"Goodbye… Claire Aschlock," He cackled.
"Claire! NOOOOOO!"
In a flash, lightning shot out at unimaginable speed at my direction. Knowing there was no way I could dodge it, I squeezed my eyes shut, ready to be shocked with 1000 volts of electricity, but the impact didn't come. Slowly, I opened my eyes to discover why. Rain pelted down as I met those warm hazel eyes that I loved so much.
"Rex…" I whispered, too shocked as his helmet came off and he smiled warmly.
"Didn't I say… that I'd always… protect you?" With that Rex slumped to the ground in my arms.
"REX! NOOOO!" I cried, hugging him close, sobbing uncontrollably as he faded away. The Emperor laughed diabolically and raised his hand once more for another strike. In that one single moment, all the rage boiled inside me. I let out a battle cry, charging towards the Emperor with all of my strength, clashing lightsabers with him. Blue Versus Red. The Emperor was taken by surprise as I swung the lightsaber with skills that I thought I never had.
"You have great skill, Claire Aschlock!" The Emperor began. "I ask you once more to join me as an apprentice!"
"NEVER!" I cried, and with one final clash, a blast of Force Energy swept the Emperor off balance, and he lay on the ground flat. I placed my blade dangerously close to his neck, but instead of cowering, he laughed. "Come! Finish me and let the Darkness consume you!"
I glared at him, without thinking, I raised my light saber to plunge it at his wrinkled neck.
"FINISH ME!"
Lightning struck amidst the storm. With a battle cry, I brought down the light saber. And there was deadly silence. Everything was still for a moment and I saw Grievous battling his way through the swarm of Xenomorphs. He called me to stop, but in the end, the swarm of xenomorphs got to him, their rancid acid blood exiled him back to oblivion. The Emperor laid there, stunned upon noticing the lightsaber searing the spot on the ground, only mere inches away from his pale neck.
"Why?"
Deactivating my lightsaber, I hooked the weapon to my belt and picked up the staff. "You tried to mind control me into killing you out of rage, to join the Dark Side. You'll be defeated one day, but not this way," I said, shooting an emotionless stare at his eyes.
"Because you're not worth it."
Enraged, the Emperor leapt back to his feet and was about to charge towards me when a loud roar was heard. The Predator de-cloaked itself, standing before us without his mask, baring his four mandibles and formidable armor and wrist blades. The Predator eyed us for a moment, surveying whom to kill solemnly.
"Leave you filthy beast!" The Emperor ordered. Just before he could use his oh so formidable skills, the Emperor was soon struck from behind by any incredible Force Lightning and he fell to the ground, moaning in pain.
"Nobody strikes Count Dooku!" Dooku exclaimed and electrocuted the Emperor once more. Before he knew it, the Predator had lifted him up in the air.
"What are you doing? She's the warrior with the staff that defeated me in combat! Don't you warriors always go for the worthier prey?" The Emperor gasped, struggling to stop the brute.
"You see, Emperor, the Yautjas usually don't attack women, especially the ones who are defenseless. Since I have put down my weapons and wearing a skirt… I'm in the safe zone."
"What? But he saw us battle! Surely this brute would-"
"Actually, you were the one who attacked me first, especially when I wasn't armed yet. They don't really like men who don't treat women with respect," I smiled grimly. "By the way, did I forget to mention that the females dominate their species?"
"WHAAAAT?"
The Predator roared and threw the Emperor off the pyramid with all of his strength. The Emperor screamed in anger.
"Curse you sexist aliens!!!!"
In a flash, a ray of bright light engulfed everything.
#############
"-ear! Claire-Bear! You're alive!"
I opened my eyes, only to get caught in Soltaria's bone-crushing hug. Wheezing and gasping for breath, I struggled. "Thank goodness! Man, when I got attacked by that scary bug, I thought I was going to be toast!"
"Actually, you shot the bug and it sprayed its acid blood at me. Then in your panic, you pulled me down into the jaws of those disgusting pests," Bane scoffed.
"Whatever!" She released me and smiled. "I'm just glad that everything's alright."
Then I remembered Rex. "Rex! Is he ok?"
Two arms embraced me from behind around my shoulders and I looked up to meet my beloved captain safe and sound.
"You know, I don't die that easily," He smiled.
I hugged him back, taking off his helmet to shower his face with kisses of joy.
"Oooooh! Make out scene!" Soltaria giggled.
"Soltaria!" Obi Wan stepped forward, shaking Soltaria's shoulders with a worried expression. "Are you alright?" He asked.
"O-Obi, you were worried for me?"
Obi Wan sighed. "Of course I was worried. You almost got eaten alive by those things! I couldn't bear to imagine what would happen, if…" His voice trailed off as he gazed at Soltaria's curious lavender eyes.
"If what?"
"Never mind."
"Aww! You were worried for me! Come here!" Soltaria hugged Obi Wan and kissed him on the cheek in glee. If you put a tomato next to his face, Obi Wan's blushing would prove to be much, much redder. Anakin sniggered, along with Ahsoka, Cody and Artoo, who whirred happily upon seeing us back alive. Vigil gazed over us with a warm smile and announced, "And the winners have been decided to Claire Aschlock's team! May they put the Terror of Dimensions in good use!" He turned to me, asking, "Do you still wish to stay in this dimension?"
I met Rex's gaze, and turned to face Vigil, smiling. "Yes."
Vigil gazed at me for one last time, smiling. "Goodbye, my grand daughter."
I smiled back. "Goodbye… Grandpa."
With that, the blue ethereal Traveller disappeared.
"NOOOO!" Everyone spun around to find the Emperor jumping up and down on the floor, throwing a fit about losing.
Ahsoka smirked. "That's what happens when you mess with the good guys."
"Curse you all! Curse you! This is not over, I will get that staff from you and set loose the Terror of Dimensions!"
"Well, you wouldn't be able to, not when the Republic would destroy it and melt it into, oh I don't know…" I grinned. "Spare parts?"
Everyone laughed at the joke while the Emperor fumed. "Arrgh! Damn you, Aschlock!" Slamming his fist against the belly of the frozen ship, the sheer amount of Force power was felt in the room.
[Self-Destruction initiated in ten minutes.]
Everyone froze. "Erm, I think its time we bail," Soltaria said.
"Works for me!"
And so we ran off in the speed of light, the Emperor's cursing could be heard clearly ricocheting against the walls of the crumbling temple.
"Curse you meddling Republic dooooooooogs!"
#############
After managing to escape the cosmic death trap, we returned to the Resolute and received our most hearty congrats from everyone. Unfortunately, the Separatist Forces have slipped away from the Republic's fingertips. Yoda assured us however, that the Jedi and Republic Forces would do their best to end his reign.
Soltaria became a full-fledge Jedi and now fights alongside with a new master, since Yoda found Mace Windu unfit for the role. And dun-dun-dun! Her new master turned out to be none other than Obi Wan Kenobi! I'm betting that they are secretly dating as we speak, even though they are still in the shy stages…
Cody on the other hand probably dreaded the day for Soltaria to be under Obi Wan's command. For that would mean more starfighters to fix and more clones to heal. Anakin complained a lot at first, but was happy to be reunited safely with his beloved wife, Padme. (Okay, even I have to admit they were a cute couple.)
Bane had also given the slip, but before he left he told me the most absurd thing: swearing that he would never give up on me. Before I knew it, he kissed me on the cheek and flew off to some faraway planet! Can you believe this guy?
As for me, I was given a position to join in as a Jedi, but I insisted that I did not deserve such a role. I wanted to live life as I am. So Yoda gave me another proposition- the role of a Special Ops cadet. (You know, like how games like Halo always seem to have some special weapon like the Master Chief?) I was to help alongside both Jedi and Clones in missions, medic and stealth spy assignments. Rex almost fainted but the good news was that I wouldn't be breaking any of the rules of the Jedi Code! Isn't that sweet?
I guess you can call it a happily ever after for all. But for Rex and I, this ending couldn't get any sweeter…
"Erm, Claire?"
"Yes, Rex?"
Rex pursued his lips, before asking me the unexpected:
"Will you consider us getting married?"
I blinked, chuckling nervously. "Haha, Rex. Nice joke from the Soltaria mind-control episode."
My laughter died off when Rex continued to stare at me with his most serious face. Stunned, I stood there blinking, staring and gaping. "You're serious?"
Rex placed his hands on both my cheeks, smiling warmly. "Will you marry me?"
And it just keeps getting better and better.
How could I say no?
#############
xXHiKaRu_ShIrOuXx: Finally! The last chapter is done! HOORAY! It's been an honor writing this story for all of you guys! :)
Claire: I guess she can say that.
xXHiKaRu_ShIrOuXx: I like to thank all of my family, friends, most loyal reviewers and God! Bless you all who have journeyed with me in my very own SW fanfics! ^w^
Ahsoka: I'll get the dress!
Anakin: I'll get the cake!
Soltaira: And I'll get ready to become the bridesmaid!
Claire: -///-" (Blushing madly)
Rex: (In happy land now) :)
Cody: Good job, Rex.
Obi Wan: I'm the pope again, I guess... -_-""
Claire: So when will you and Soltaria get married?
Obi Wan & Soltaria: O_O ?!?!??!!?!
xXHiKaRu_ShIrOuXx: Give your final reviews and I hope you enjoyed this story! Hikaru, signing out! PEACE! But for now… Hit it, Dooku! XD
(SW characters cheer and dance as Dooku goes DJ and plays funky techno music for everyone to dance the night away)