SUMMARY
Once, she was simply a number: 515.
Ten years ago and Azrielle could still recall-vaguely, the horrific sith alchemy done upon her in the caverns of the frozen tundra Arkania. Rescued by a Jedi Knight, Qui-Gon Jinn and taken into the care of a former senator who walked from a corrupt Republic left her isolated on Naboo in a life of solitude.
Now as A Declaration of New Order is established by Emperor Palpatine, the legalization of exterminating the Jedi begins, leaving her questioning the new declaration of peace
And a father suddenly full of secrets.
As Darth Sidious aggressively drives his plans to further expand his Galactic Empire, Azrielle is forced to face the reality of who she is and where her fate will lie in the course of destiny. Whether it's finding the tortured man behind the mask or losing him to the shadows indefinitely. Between the light and dark such a fate for the galaxy could tip the balance forever
/suitless Vader/AU/slow burn/ slow updates/
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A/N: And it has officially commenced! Now I can't say this story will be updated on a schedule. I am taking my loving time with this piece. I don't wish to rush, and I do love to world build.
There are a lot of Legends and extra details sprinkled throughout this story. See if you can catch themđ Also because this is a fanfic I do not want flames it is not necessary. I am well-versed in Star Wars and I take it very seriously. So if you see timelines switched around or events that aren't in a canonical timeline it's on purpose to fit the story.
Obviously there will be romance and centered on our main character. Just some events that happened first.
FUN FACT: Before Dexter's Diner was Diddi's café. A father and his adoptive daughter who owned the establishment were good friends with the Jedi Order including, a young Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui Gon Jinn, and even Yoda. Because they were considered a valued asset, giving the Jedi valuable information from those who frequented the establishment, made them a target for criminals and the ilk. After his daughter married, Diddi Ordo sold the café and retreated to Core World Dunedin, home of the Cascardi Mountains. Diddi ran a private retreat there, leaving Dexter Jettster, to take over the establishment.
Renaming it Dexter's Diner
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away...
[opening crawl]
STAR WARS
âŠ
An unrest has begun as a legion of
alchemists discovered deep within the
caverns of the ice planet: Arkania, arises
the guardians of peace known to the galaxy as: the Jedi.
Turbulence has broken out within the mid
rim capital of Coruscant and Congress of the Republic.
The mad scientists believed to be in league
with the ancient Sith;
the originated wielders of the dark side.
Known to have been extinct for the last
hundreds of years.
To settle the conflict and exterminate any
abominations by order of the Republic, the
Jedi High Council members, Master Yoda
and Mace Windu, dispatched Jedi Knight
Qui-Gon Jinn and new Padawan, Obi-Wan
Kenobi to make for the sector located in the
galaxy's Colonies Region.
Against the Jedi Councils' orders a lone
experiment was left to fate. Disturbed by
his findings Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and
Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, made for the
Core World of Coruscant with the last said
experiment to survive.
Now under the cover of Coruscant's
underbelly, with his reluctant Padawan, a
determined Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn is on a
mission to hunt down a former
ally to aid his cause...
...
PRELUDE
34 BBY
One Year Before the Trade Federations blockade- Coruscant
The metallic glare of the planet's orbital mirrors receded as daylight fell and night rose, unveiling the billions of physical stars that spanned the galaxy. Glaring, large stalagmites rose high into the artificial skies and dominated the capital of the Republic, Coruscant. Obscuring the natural formations from which the planet possessed long ago. Air filtered through oxygen regulators, ecological water preserved in artificial aquifers, and any organic source of life, preserved in climate-change museums and biomes.
The silvery refraction from the planet often caught the apt attention of seasoned pilots and off-worlders, the Core World amassing over 5,000 levels from its surface. Skylanes provided air traffic, set with auto navigations systems to prevent collisions. Convenience for the thousands of speeders, freighters, and transports on a continuous bustling loop of traffic.
Over one trillion sentient beings belonged to the homeworld, Coruscant the central hub of intergalactic headquarters for governmental and cultural affluence. However, as the capital's elites positioned themselves in higher altitudes erecting an abundance of opulent, cultural monoliths, fine arts, and politicsâthose of less fortune, were pushed into the lower dwellings of Coruscant's underbelly.
A dangerous and crime-infested cesspool.
While the wealthy civilizations above breathed purified air, the lower levels were subjected to the toxic wastes of factories and space vehicular fumes.
This, often troubled Jedi Knight and Master, Qui-Gon Jinn.
Continuously he witnessed the ever-widening chasm between the rich and the poor class. Those above were uneducated about the underground world, especially if it did not benefit their positions in the Senate.
The Jedi Council, though revered as the Guardians of the Peace across the galaxies, were unfortunately tied up in such political conundrums that often permeated throughout the Jedi Temple. Just another reason he'd already refused a seat on the Jedi Council. Despite having risen in both value and leadership to the order itself, his headstrong nature and paired risky actions didn't bode well for the elders. Thus the deep-seated disagreements ensued.
It troubled him and greatly so how entrenched the Jedi were becoming in politics. To which he took no favor. A small whisper lingered inside of him and hinted at a thread of corruption, beginning to unravel within the political factions. Not even Grandmaster Yoda himself had been unable to escape it. Which did not sit right within him or the Force itself.
What they were becoming was unlike the teachings of old Jed'hai. Arrogance clouding judgments and rigidity in rules creating heated discourse. This wasn't the first time he'd questioned The Council going against his elders, yet again. Relying on the Force rather than seeking out his High Masters. Much to the chagrin of young, Jedi Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Smog hovered over the broken-up streets that crunched underfoot. The nerf hide boots customed for treacherous missions, reflecting off a plethora of neon lights that refracted off oiled puddles.
Signs featured seedy displays of the city's nightlife and pleasures beyond the dark alley, attracting Slythmongers peddling cheap narcotics in and outside the clubs.
A hint of dismay surfaced in a pair of focused, attentive blue eyes. Peering beneath a course, tawny hood. With his shorn hair and elongated braid concealed, was Qui-Gons young padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Not for the first time, Qui-Gon's actions implied indirectly his use of the Jedi Code as a tool rather than as guidance. This, particularly irked Obi-Wan; a stickler when it came to rules and formalities. Causing any predilections he had for his Master to be overshadowed by their current, grim predicament.
He, an unwilling participant in transgressions against The Jedi High Council voiced such. "I, I don't understand, Master," Obi-Wan began with slight hesitation. He did not want to outright displease Qui-Gon whom he'd previously, revered. A unique bond had taken shape over their tumultuous missions together. Still evidenced even now in his disgruntled-yet- muted tone. "The Council would want to know about this. This could prove a danger unforeseen. It's completely against the Jedi Code."
At this, Qui-Gon stopped and turned to face his still, guileless Apprentice. His wizened blue eyes shone from years of adhering to the Living Force rather than austere principles. Such was the long, tresses of brown swept half up from a broad forehead, sporting a rugged, patchy beard that grew along the angular lines of his jaw. An appearance that displayed a lesser formality to rules and a monastic subservience to the Force. The corners of his eyes crinkled as they sternly leveled at Obi-Wan. "And what would you have me do, my still very young, Apprentice?"
Obi-Wan almost flinched at the light scolding but straightened himself. "Forgive me, Master. I'm just, wellâtroubled by your course of actions. The Council specifically stated to terminate all alchemist experiments. Especially if these mad scientists were steeped in Sith origins as Grandmaster Yoda, suspects."
At the lip of the alley a dark shadow fell over Qui-Gons' grave face. He'd absconded from exterminating the last said "experiment" from such a horrid place saturated in the dark side.
In all his years of living, Qui-Gon was no stranger to death, destruction, or perilous missions where countless lives had been struck down. All of such experiences had left him scarred, bruised, and birthed another wrinkle to weather. In a world as a Jedi it thickened his skin. Often of which he felt in the weighted grip of his plasma-green blade.
And his attunement to the Force.
Yet despite the knowledge cleaved from the planets he'd once travailed with his old serrenian Master Dooku, no amount of experience could've prepared him. Despite Arkania's extensive history of the Sith. Once cultivating a takedown orchestrated by the Jedi Order and headed by Mace Windu.
During the Arkanian Revolution.
Such practices had not been entirely dissolved. Thus he and his Padawan had been called to investigate, the remnants of dark alchemy for which he'd witness...
Subject 515
His eyes fell across the bold, tacked-on number above a gilded caged that housed a small, quivering shadow. As he peered closer, he felt his own eyes widen as the figure came into the plasmic light of his blade. Near skeletal hands grasped the thin bars, skin casted in a pale sheen from his lightsaber. But had never seen the light of day. He felt his blade retract by the sunken, hollowed-out sockets carved out in his vision. Evidenced from trauma.
A child.
A malnourished, abused child. He could see it in their eyes. Sense the curdling fear and deep-rooted pain in their spirit. This youngling. This girl. She had to be no more than of six years.
A pattern of markings outlined sallow, gaunt cheekbones. Her dark lips were split, crusted in blood. Staining tresses of matted silver hair.
As her eyes that much reflected crystal looked upon his, he sensed a tendril of darkness from a presence he could not yet place. At least not yet. Though it remained no more than an echo.
Of what could be.
He could feel thr Force beckoning him, urging him to look into the window of her soul closer. To the spark flickerinf there. Suddenly he felt it. A warmth even in the encapsulating darkness. Within the woven tapestry of her life threaded in pain and suffering.
It was... hope.
At this the Force relinquished hold and with a small nod of subservience, Qui-Gon raised one hand, as his breath unfurled into the bitter chill of the cavern. As he focused on the pull of the Force his eyes closed. Feeling it flow like a heartbeat that pulsatedâjust before he twisted his wrist. With an audible clack, the locks binding the cage shuddered and broke, collapsing to the floor with a clatter.
Severing the shock system.
He knew this would bring questions for Obi-Wan. He was not a fool to believe his Padawan would be pleased by his Master's decision. But he was not the master of this little one's fate. Nor were The Council her Executor as the Force conveyed. Disobeying a direct order could result in his explusion from the Jedi Order, his young Apprentice passed to another Jedi Master, and Qui-Gons lightsaber, destroyed.
If, The High Jedi Council found out.
Even in his best efforts to the Jedi Order for nearly half a decade, Jinn would not-could not-end an innocent life. A child's life. That was the way of the Sith. Not a Jedi. The Force did not permit it. The child had yet to choose her path. Ending such a life was not the Jedi Way.
He knew he'd answered the Forces call. It tugged within the pit of his stomach like a constricting rope. Only pulling him closer and closer to his destiny with each choice he made. And it was by the Force, that he allowed himself to be guided.
At this the warmth unfurled through his body, softening the blue in his eyes for the compassion he held for a life. "Found in a cage, Obi-Wan." Qui-Gon said softly. At this, he stepped aside to reveal said humanoid.
Her pale nearly bluish fingers from lack of sunlight, clung to his belted, linen tunic; half sheltered in his Jedi robes.
Qui-Gons lips stretched into a small, reassuring smile as he cupped her shoulder. At this her eyes wavered to his as a tendril of trust lingered in the air from her. Before it was severed as her eyes snapped to Obi-Wan instantly cautious.
"Search your feelings my young, Apprentice." Qui-Gon added. Trust, what you find. I know what I must do."
Without a word more, Qui-Gon guided with a secure hand against the child's bony spine subtly noted beneath the oversized tunic he'd lent her.
Heading towards the cadence of music and dialects from various off-world creatures and humanoids, they exited the alleyway into Coco (Collective Commerce District) Town, sector.
It was an upper-level district filled with a variety of exclusive storefronts, restaurants, and old-style diners that often catered to those in maintenance. Those of whom worked in the upper echelons above. Throngs of scantily clad humanoids with solloops hairstyles and Twi Leks winked with a curl of rouged lips. A couple of Rodians passed, their purple, bulbous eyes fastened on the Jedi with the distaste clear on their scaled, green faces. Instantly dismissing them with a wave of their snouts.
At this, Qui-Gon felt the child tighten her grip against his utility belt. Yet, he did not reach for the lightsaber fastened, sensing no hostility as of that moment. He nodded curtly to her, detecting a kindling of bravery as her steps became surer. Just as they crossed into the business section of the industrialized town.
To Didi's Café.
It was a quaint structure retrofitted with repulsorlifts, the windows fogged over from the fumes that permeated this part of the dilapidated city. The walls were metallic and a stark contrast to the hustle of cantinas and gambling dens, beyond. A blaring, red light flickered along the structure with a large trash compact placed next to a steel door.
The café was considered a trusted resource to the Jedi Order. Known for its backroom dealings and knowledge gleaned from the planet's inhabitants and off-world freighters. Qui-Gon Jinn had respect for Didi Oddo and his adoptive daughter, Astri, their loyalties considered invaluable.
For the sake of their growing family, however, some wished to do them harm. So, his good friends were in the middle of selling off the building, an unfortunate price that always came with fighting for the greater good. While negotiations were taking place, the café remained closed for renovations.
Spoken an hour before via their ship transmitter with their newest cook, Qui-Gon mentally prepped for the meeting to come. He rapped a knuckle against the door once, twice, and once more, again.
The formal code for entry.
"I have a bad feeling about this," Obi-Wan mumbled, sighing. He pursed his lips with a shake of his head but remained standing alongside Qui-Gon. He scanned the perimeters as if The Council itself were about to spontaneously appear.
Qui-Gon looked to his Padawan earnestly. His uneasiness passing through him. "Calm yourself, Obi-Wan. The child can sense tension and it's best not to stir her. She's been through a great deal."
Before Obi-Wan could retort, the door jostled with a crick and flew back to reveal the large, hulking figure of a Besalisk. A wide-toothed smile stretched below a thick bushel of whiskers-sensors across their massive face. The male Besalisk crest dwarfed them by comparison, giving them a domineering presence. With a large, pot belly beneath a greased cooks shirt and stretched britches, four large arms extended out with a set of massive hands.
Dexter Jettster.
"Hello, old friend." Qui-Gon greeted fondly, mellifluously.
At this, the child huddled closer once more.
In the not-so-far-distant past, Qui-Gon had come across the Besalisk on the barren, mining world located in the Outer Rim Territories: Ord Sigatt. They'd been sent to investigate a mining ship's disappearance. Which Dex would later confess to being the cause of, in protest of a tyrannical mining and refinery corporation. Later, not only had the Besalisk impressed the two with his broad experience and retentive memory but also, Dex's cooking. He'd closed down his donut business after making the move to Coruscant, in favor of moving his aspirations elsewhere.
To Diddi's café.
His signature sliders and Jawa juices, paired with a gaudy sense of humor, had attracted all walks of life from across the galaxies. This made him an asset unbeknownst to many, harboring nuggets of information from diverse contacts to the fringes of the planet's underworld.
At the moment, Dex still owed Qui-Gon a favor from such times past.
"Qui-Gon and young Obi-Wan!" The Besalisk beamed with a low, booming voice, his hunk of teeth red in the flickering restaurant's lights. His golden eyes gleamed with hospitable charm. "Good tah see ya. Diddi told me this would be the best meetin' place, he just left. C'mon in!"
"I think I'll stay here," Obi-Wan nodded to them both as Dexter held the door open, his stance apprehensive. "Can never be too careful around here. I'll stay in the shadows to keep a low profile, Master."
"Very well," Qui-Gon acquiesced, Dexter's keen eyes watching the exchange. "This shouldn't take more than a few minutes."
Obi-Wan nodded and looked at the child who glanced back at him with a hint of curiosity before he turned on his heel and blended into the shadows.
The inside of the establishment was encased in darkness. What sparse light filtered through the fogged glass, illuminated rows of plastic sheets over bar stools and rounded tables. The main, dining counter area was layered with this and various pieces of machinery.
Dexter held out a powerful arm, one dexterous finger pointed towards a lone, uncovered booth. "Apologize for the mess, Jinn, renovations are a kriffing pain." His laugh rumbled through the air, followed by a stiff gait from age gradually taking its toll on such a creature. Particularly, one who had led a scavenger's life across solar systems.
Qui-Gon laughed lightly though it was hardly filled with mirth. Sensing no further disturbance, he discarded his robe and wrapped it around the child once they'd settled into the booth. The child curled her fingers into the tawny robe, staring at the beast with a wary gaze.
"Well, hello there." Dexter laughed, setting two thick arms above the table with an audible smack. The sheer size was ten times her entire body. "Yer a tiny little nugget." He laughed heartily causing the wattle of his jugular to jiggle. "Good thing I packed some good chow for yeh on the way, out."
He winked.
The girl looked at him, puzzled before pushing herself closer to Qui-Gon who rubbed her shoulder comfortingly. "She's a bit frenetic yet and has been through a great ordeal. I trust you were able to find this, former senator of the Republic you knew?"
"I was able to track him down. Lives on Naboo in an outer outcropping. Moenia, I believe."
"Very well, and he's within orbit?"
"Believe so, said he'd be arriving shortly."
"And you believe the girl will be in good hands?"
"Ah, Jinn, do I sense care for the kiddo?" Dexter's eyes glimmered knowingly, hardly teasing. Gleaned from informative expeditions over the years, Jedi were not allowed to form familial bonds or attachments. But Qui-Gon wasn't like most Jedis and Dex had seen this in his bond with Obi-Wan. He'd heard the whispers and speculations regarding Jinn as a gray Jedi. "He is a trusted ally, Jinn," he added. "With a family willing to take in the girl as their own."
"She appears to be an offshoot of some kind. Unregistered. That's as much as I was able to gather before destroying the markings speak of another origin, Arkanian. The Jedi Order would be displeased if she is found out and could put her in serious danger. But I did what I must."
"Wise man you are, Jinn. Not tah worry, they'll keep her off record. And if there's one thing I've learned ov'r the years with Jedi and good hearted folk things are not always as black and white. Yer know?"
"I gather that is why this senator left The Senate?"
"To put it lightly. The mans got a good heart but couldn't take some back dealings happenin'. Systems corrupt as druk.
"I look forward to his arrival, then."
As the transport disappeared into a fray of speeders, Qui-Gon looked to Obi-Wan who dispatched himself from the shadows. He watched on with apprehensive eyes to the traffic circling above. "I trust negotiations went smoothly then?"
Qui-Gon shook his head, throwing up his hood. "No negotiations needed. Dexter owed me a favor and I came to collect. The Council must never learn of what transpired this night. Understand?"
Obi-Wan could sense the gravity of this and the weight it carried in his Master's words. Though he had always been one to abide by every rule, in this one instance, he knew he could not. "I understand, Master." He added in sincerity. "But I can't help but wonder as to why this youngling seemed so important to you?"
The corner of Qui-Gons' lip curled as a sense of peace embraced him and confirmed he'd made the right choice. "There is still so much you have yet to learn, my young Apprentice. I am not to disclose what has been conveyed to me. Just trust, in the will of the Force."
The youngling leaves Coruscant for her new life
Solloops hairstyle: A common hairstyle on a female humanoid in the underbelly of Coruscant. Stands up straight in curled loops.
Repulsorlifts: anti-gravity technology used to levitate an object.
So... how'd I do? :3