A/N: WARNING!
This chapter is emotional, to say the least. There. You've been warned. If you're not prepared for a feels-fest then I suggest you brace yourself. We see Naruto and Rey at their literal lowest points here and get a better insight to how they think. Naruto especially. He's simply not ready for Takadona and it brings him low. Lower than he's ever been. In short? Trauma rears its head and he snaps. Hard. The good news, however is thus; he can only go up from here.
Now, for the disclaimer: I own no lines, quotes, or references from Star Wars or other media. They belong to their respective companies.
Would you look at that?
Two updated stories in two days!
Been a bit but I'm back at it again!
REVIEW FOR IT FEEDS MY ENGINE OF CREATION!
Of course, that's your choice. I can't force you to after all~!
Someone begged me to update this and their heartfelt plea moved me. Granted, I've been focusing on Fate stuff atm, but I simply couldn't bring myself to turn them down. Excuse me while I change gears *hums* there we are!
So, there's been a LOT of Star Wars controversy as of late-which is in part why I've been so reluctant to update any of those stories-including the death threats and other harsh language if I don't and I quote "Kill the retarded Mary Sue that is Rey immediately" but other folks have been asking my opinion on it. In that I think I'll remain tentatively neutral. I can't speak for the whole franchise, but some points have their merit and others do not. I won't say which.
Now lets answer some questions, comments, and concerns!
Q: Why do you write still this cringe? Star Wars sucks. You suck. Just die already.
A: Ooooh death threats. I'm so scared. You're calling a meaningful and impactful tale of redemption cringe? To each their own, I suppose. In all seriousness, this is a work of FICTION. I own no rights to anything. And threats? Really? I've been through a hell you can't even begin to imagine, boy. Threats don't scare me. Nor does some anonymous punk over the internet. Have a nice day!
Q: When the hell is Naruto going to recover?! Its been too long!
A: Have you forgotten? Kaguya literally BROKE him. You don't recover from something like that overnight. It'll take time. He's already on the road to recovery, despite being maimed.
Q: No. No, no, no! I know what you're thinking! Don't you do it! Don't you DARE!
A: Imma do it.
Q: What about Finn and Poe? Where did they go? You can't just write them off like that!
A: Rest assured, they'll crop up later. They have their own part to play.
Q: NO ROSE OR WE RIOT.
A: Erm...okay?
Q: Naruto's gotten a bit of a foul mouth...
A: Can you blame him? And yes, Sithspit is a curse used in the books. Its FAR from the most colorful.
Q: I'm sensing some hatred for Kylo Ren here...
A: You'd be right. Upstart punk that he is, I've never liked him from the beginning. He had it all, and let a single misunderstanding twist him into the monster we see today. Whereas Naruto lost his WORLD by comparison and still struggles to do the right thing.
Now I feel a bit of pity knowing Ben's past, but that's still no excuse for him to become a Vader wannabe. Moreover, he simply isn't scary. He comes off as brooding and brash, a brat when he doesn't get his way. As I writer I won't bash Ren, but I certainly won't show him any favoritism at that. He'll have to work for every inch. Mind you, I have nothing against the actor, but surely they could've cast someone more intimidating for the role...?
Q: Rey's...gotten a bit possessive of Naruto, I see.
A: Love and hate are two sides of the same coin as they say; in that regard he's really the first person she's felt strongly for. Of course she's going to be a bit sensitive about the whole thing. The same can be said for Naruto. Suddenly, the one person he's come to depend on is suddenly so much more. In a sense, she's his crutch. Take that crutch away...
...and bad things happen.
Q: You...You blew up Starkiller Base?! Does that mean the story's over?
A: What?! No! And NO, I didn't blow the base. I prefer the term "wounded" by comparison. That planet won't be firing again anytime soon, but neither is it outright destroyed as it was in the movie. The First Order-gah that NAME-is still very much a threat. They possess their fleet of course, and if managed properly, that annoying base may yet become a threat again. Now if only they would manage it with some degree of competency...
Q: So, they've finally sealed the deal. Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
A: You'd be right, I'm afraid.
Q: Why is Naruto so keen on keeping Rey safe?
A: He's said it before; she's his light. A reminder. Proof that, for all the ugliness in the galaxy, there is some good. Some things deserve protection. Likewise Rey sees him as "broken" and she, in all her stubborn glory, is determined to set him right again. At this point I'd call it codependency, seeing as they both rely on one another. Its not like they'll go breakdown if they're apart or anything, but they surely wouldn't be happy about it.
Think about it, if you spent you ENTIRE LIFE alone and finally made a friend, you wouldn't want them to lose them, would you?
Q: Good to see Naruto disdains becoming a Jedi. What made you go that route?
A: Reality, really; he simply doesn't want to be one. I never really understood why so many people have him leap into that role. He's just trying to survive here, using new skills that have opened to him. At times he can be himself and almost forget what he's been through.
But it always comes roaring back.
Of course there's some anger there. After all, he lost everything, suffered a grievous injury, and now he's trying to rebuild. While he might have dipped the proverbial toe into the waters of the Dark Side, he hasn't fallen by any means or measure. He isn't a god. He isn't a hero, He's just a man. He lives, struggles, and tries to be a better person for all his flaws. Its easy to give into temptation and lash out. Being a better person, restraining himself, that's the hard part. That's what it means to be human.
Now then, this is an interlude. Its short, sappy, and a little silly.
Its also a bridge of sorts toward the ultimate climax.
Don't let it get you down. All the chapters you've read thus far, think of them as Part 1. World-building, relationships, and all that. A way to set the stage. Now we've reached Part 2. From here on out we're going to put the pedal to the metal, and won't let up until the very end. I hope you've prepared yourselves. And before anyone asks, yes, we have plans. Big plans. Oh, did I say we? I believe I did...
Yup, there you have it.
No talk, only do!
Ciao~!
"What is she to you?"
"...in a word? A reminder."
"Oh? What makes you say that?"
"She reminds me of what I used to be."
~?
Cut the Cord (Interlude)
Takodana was alive.
Wreathed in lush forests and small lakes, the planet proved itself everything Jakku was not and more. A thriving paradise of verdant greens and blues in place of the ugly brown Rey had known all her life. There was no arid wasteland here, no shifting dunes, no searing heat, no stifling lack of life. More than that, she could sense it. Strange as it might sound some dormant part of her felt the abundance of life sprawled out below them and reveled in it. Try as she might she couldn't put it into words. Plainly put...
...it was beautiful.
"I didn't know there was this much green in the whole galaxy."
Judging by the Naruto's stricken expression his own memory proved far more poignant. That once tan visage had turned ashen once they'd set foot on the planet; now he looked positively pale. He didn't shake-no, she knew his pride would never allow such a thing-but those wild blue eyes remained distant and unfocused, rooted by some unseen trauma. Instinctively her hand reached for his and the crippled warrior seized upon it violently. She nearly regretted that action. Strong fingers clamped down around hers, nearly shattering her fingers outright. Still, she endured, stoically weathering his grip until the light of reason finally returned to those glassy orbs.
Affording her a startled glance, Naruto released her.
"I'm sorry." he croaked. "This place. It reminds me of home."
"Home?" Rey felt her mouth crease in the beginnings of a frown.
"Hmm." Her companion offered a wordless hum as they gazed out at the sprawling landscape below. "They would've liked you, I think. I wish you could've met them. Some of 'em might have drove you a little crazy, but they were honestly a good bunch. Better than I deserved."
When he didn't elaborate, the scavenger felt compelled to ask it of him.
"Who?"
"My friends." something dark flitted across the young man's visage, a muscle jumping in his jaw. "They died in a place just like this."
Rey went still.
Oh.
Naruto seldom spoke of his origins; rather, any mention of his past always sent him into a downward spiral of depression. She'd learned that lesson the hard way. What little information garnered from him had been hard fought and even harder won, spoken in confidence. She knew only that he wished never to revisit it again. This time it was his hand that sought hers. Tentatively, she accepted it, fingers lacing within his. When he refused to face her she forced him to, laying a hand against his cheek, steering his visage to hers.
"Are you...alright?"
Blank blue eyes found hers.
...what did you just say to me?"
Too late, Rey realized she'd trod upon a landmine.
A bitter laugh tumbled out of the last shinobi, jagged and cutting.
"Alright. Alright? ALRIGHT?!" he guffawed at her and it was a harsh, cold thing, born from a pain she knew all too well. Rage. Despair. Powerlessness. "What's there to be alright about?! She took everything from me! She broke me! SHE butchered them in front of me! I see their faces in my sleep! I can't fix it! I can't go back!" Something dark and ugly roiled to the surface between them, a greasy splinter of ice that thrusting itself against her temple until she flinched away from it, shrank back from him. In that moment the blond looked more lost and alone than he'd ever been in his life, yet she couldn't bring herself to approach him.
Pain. It radiated off him in waves to assault her sixth sense, leaving her ill.
He must've seen her fear; for that manic expression softened.
Three quick strides brought him back to her.
"No, Rey. I'm not alright." A scarred hand rose and fell, settling over her hand for the briefest moment before pulling away. Frankly I don't think I ever will be. Still, appreciate the sentiment, for whatever its worth." he muttered, the words emerging broken and disjointed. "This place reminds me of things I'd rather forget. A little too much. I'll feel better once we're off-planet. Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you. C'mere."
Warm lips settled against Rey's forehead and then he was-quite suddenly-past her, leaving her to dwell amongst her own thoughts.
"Oi, Solo!" he shouted as he stalked back toward the Falcon, "Why are we here, again?"
If he was at all phased by the laser-like intensity of the young man's glare or his earlier outburst, Han did little to show it. All told Rey still couldn't quite wrap her mind around that notion. Traveling with a living legend. The Han Solo. It seemed almost too good to be true. Perhaps it was. Perhaps this was all some fever dream and she would soon wake to find herself back on Jaaku, alone-no. The idea that this might be some figment of her imagination proved almost too painful to endure. It threatened to shatter her outright.
"You wanted my help? You're getting it." the aging smuggler shot back. "We're going to see an old friend."
Chewbacca rumbled a reply.
"What'd he say?" Naruto frowned.
Han grimaced. "Trust me, you don't wanna know...
Naruto merely grunted and slowed to well within arms reach.
"Who?"
"Maz Kanata."
"Never heard of her." came the riposte.
"Didn't expect you to." Solo retorted gruffly, folding both arms before his weathered chest. "She's run this watering hole for a thousand years. Bit of an acquired taste, so let me do the talking. Stow the lightsaber. And whatever you do, don't stare..."
Scavenger and shinobi alike exchanged a baffled glance.
"At what?" they chorused.
Han chuckled.
"Any of it."
(...0o0o0...)
In the end, Chewbacca remained with the Falcon.
Whether that stemmed from an innate dislike of him or some other technical issue with the Falcon's systems, Naruto knew not. Syn had elected to follow them of course, with BB-8 trailing not far behind. In all honesty, he couldn't bring himself to care about the stragglers. It wasn't even apathy on his part; though that wouldn't have been an acceptable excuse either. He wasn't sure what he'd done to upset them in the first place. Rather his true concerns lay with Rey's stiff presence beside him, the caste looming ahead of them and the sheer, overwhelming sense of self-loathing that threatened to strangle him while he walked.
He'd slipped.
Again.
Silent shame coiled within him like a wild python; despite all his attempts to strange them, his emotions had still eeled out of his grasp when it mattered most. And Rey had paid the price for it. He'd snapped at her when he'd no right to, when she only sought to help him. It was this place. The sight of it was almost eerily familiar. This was not his home-nor could it ever be-yet somehow he couldn't help but draw comparisons to it. That stirred painful memories, images he'd thought long-since buried. Those very thoughts had stirred him into a frenzy. He'd immediately realized his mistake and apologized of course, but something told him it would take more than that to mend the rift between them.
Still his nerves persisted, rubbed raw by his emotions.
As if something-or someone-were actively prodding him to act.
Nonsense, of course. Who could possibly manipulate him from so far way?
At length, the whiskered warrior shook his head and turned to follow their guide once more.
The castle in question was nothing short of extraordinary; in part because neither knew how to judge such. Soaring walls hosted battlements draped in a multitude of banners, teeming with life. Though some were frayed and eaten with age, they nevertheless retained their pride. He could appreciate that, even if he didn't wholly understand it. What good was honor when your people were ashes?
By itself the main hall hosted a wide assortment of different species, beings from all walks of life.
Countless beings awaited them within, as well as their host.
Surprisingly, Han proved as good as his word.
Maz Kantata was not at all as he'd imagined her to be. Small, weathered, and old yet with a gentle presence that both soothed his spirit and simultaneously set him at ease. Loud, too. Those keen, knowing eyes peered up at him lingered upon him longer than he would've liked. He felt naked before her gaze; she stripped him bare with merely a glance, humbled him without speaking a word to him. Like an embarrassed child standing before a paternal grandparent. It was oddly...enlightening.
If this "Maz" could deliver BB-8 to safety then that suited him just fine. So long as-
"Hey, kid! You going to eat that or not?
...what?"
A hand seized Naruto's shoulder, accompanied by a familiar gruff voice. Together they took hold of him by the shoulders and dragged him from his reverie, back to reality. With a start the blond realized he'd taken a seat at a table some point, though he didn't remember doing so. A wide array of foreign foodstuffs lay before him, left untouched. His nose crinkled at the scent wafting off the dishes. How could you possibly eat this?
Rey seemed to be doing an admirable job on the latter.
...where does she put all that?"
"If you're quite done staring," An aged voice interjected over the din, "I'd like to have a word with you."
Belatedly, the blond blinked, remembered they weren't alone in the cantina.
Without his own inner musings to distract him any longer, he found himself subject to the full weight of Max Kanata's stare. Urk. How could someone so petite command such a presence? He didn't have the words for it. Merely sitting in her presence made him want to bow his head to apologize. And he hadn't even done anything!
"We can have it here." he stated flatly.
A weathered brow rose.
"I think not."
Thus, it came as something of a surprise when Maz drew him aside. Rather, she stood and he found himself forced to follow. For his part, Han worked to distract Rey; even as she glanced up at their sudden departure he murmured some words of reassurance and her pensive expression settled back into quiet complacency. A rueful glance flicked over his shoulder set the blond twitching as he found himself guided into a nearby booth opposite them. Bastard! He must be in on it!
Right, Naruto decided in that moment. Han Solo, was it? You're on the list!
Then that goggled gaze found his again and such thoughts were swept out to sea.
Leave it to Maz of all people to startle him:
"Who are you, boy?" try as he might, he was genuinely unprepared for the alien's gentle inquiry. "Tell me, why are you so angry with the world?"
Why?
"I'm not angry." his first instinct was to deny any such thing, and so he did.
Maz's wrinkled visage didn't change in the slightest; she merely shook her head.
"This is about more than you and that good woman over there." she sighed. "Let go of your hate, son. Before its too late. This isn't a fight you can win alone."
"What fight?"
"The only fight!" despite her lack of stature, the diminutive alien still managed to get into his face by hauling on the lapels of his jacket, bringing him down to her level. "Against the dark side! Throughout the ages I've seen evil take many forms. The Sith. The Empire. Today, its the First Order. Their shadow is spreading across the galaxy. And you!" those goggled eyes turned fierce as she shook him. "You're trying to fight fire with fire! I don't know what made you this way, but can't you see where this will take you?! We must face them. Fight them! Together! All of us! If you give into your anger you'll become no better than those you hunt!"
Her words struck a chord in Naruto, a deep resonating note that gave him pause.
"I-
A pair of cloaked patrons drifted too close for his liking at that precise moment, causing him to bare his teeth in silent warning. When this did little to deter them he shifted his cloak against his belt, exposing the telltale cylinder of his lightsaber there. Judging by their ashen expressions it did the trick. Hmmph. A jedi he most assuredly was not, but he wasn't above using the fear of such a title for his benefit. Perhaps that was petty of him, using their legend for his gain. Perhaps not. So long as they let him be, he couldn't care less. Neither paid any heed to the informant he'd inadvertently alerted.
Irritated, the blond drew himself up.
"Bite me. Better yet, bite Han. Probably how he likes it." he growled, but the words sorely lacked their usual rancor. Try as he might, he couldn't muster up the energy to be angry with her. For the first time since he'd found himself in this wild galaxy he felt strangely...calm. At peace. The raging maelstrom of emotion that been his constant companion from the moment he'd set foot on Jakku was suddenly gone. No, not gone. He felt it in his chest still, a dull, throbbing ache. But...different. Muted. Numbed. The cynic in him knew it couldn't possibly last, but for now he wasn't willing to look that gift horse in the mouth.
"I need to be going-
Maz's hand stopped him.
"Wait. That girl, Rey. Who is she to you?"
Blue eyes flitted back to the-his!-scavenger at the table.
"...in a word?" his mouth turned down in a small smile, "A reminder. Someone I absolutely have to protect."
All told it felt...strange to have something-someone!-to call his own. He possessed little experience with relationships, but he wasn't so naive as to believe in love at first sight. Nor could he call it love. Not yet. War had stripped that foolishness from him long ago. No, these feelings for Rey were something that had coalesced over time. First a foundation, followed by walls and a ceiling, then all that came with it. She was too good for him in his current state, yet she still stuck with him despite that. Why? He couldn't understand it, even now. Yet in his heart of hearts, a resolution remained. Something pure. Must protect.
"Oh?" Despite his admission, Maz's gaze didn't release him. "What makes you say that?"
Spirits, he was going to make him say it. "She reminds me of what I used to be." he murmured. "What I wanted to be."
"Which brings me to my previous question." once more the ancient alien regarded him with her piercing gaze. "Who are you, really?"
Rage guttered out in him, dying a harsh, shuddering death.
A bitter grimace dimpled his whiskered cheeks.
"Let me tell you a story...
A/N: I think we all knew this was coming, no?
Life is seldom simple in Star Wars these days. Time will only tell if this makes or breaks our heroes. Run from it, dread it, destiny still arrives. Or does it? We all know how our boy feels about "fate" and destiny. Indeed, I believe he has some choice words regarding them.
Yeah, writing that bit put a smile on my face.
Now, then! Onto other matters!
So, in the Immortal Words of Atlas...
...REVIEW! And May the Force be with you! AND ENJOY ZE PREVIEWS!
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to figure out how p-a-t-r-e-o-n works.
Never used the darn thing before, so that'll be FUN.
Yes, one is reminiscent of "that" scene.
SPOILERS AHOY!
(Previews)
Syn scampered off with a brisk wave, lekku swaying as she walked.
It served as a poignant reminder.
"I'm going to miss her." Rey reminisced.
"I'm not." Naruto groused. "She drove me crazy."
"Don't be so grumpy." she elbowed him lightly in the side. "You'll get wrinkles."
To her great surprise-and delight!-a rare, genuine laugh bubbled out of him. "So you say."
A moment later he spied a familiar face amongst the crowd.
Unkar Plutt.
"Ohhhhh, I'm going to enjoy this."
"Give in."
Rey grit her teeth.
...where is she?"
The word emerged as a raspy hiss in the dark.
An amber blade ignited abruptly, its searing edge casting a grim light in the darkened corridor.
"OPEN FIRE!"
Death advanced slowly.
A storm of blaster bolts caromed wildly off his blade, ricocheting back to the errant stormtrooper foolish enough to obey their commander's first and last order. For that blazing blade effortlessly intercepted all fire foolish enough to fly his way, sending a fusillade of crimson light streaking through the halls. Wordless and grim, it offered no pity. No compassion. No remorse. No quarter was asked. None given. Its owner stalked ever forward, pausing just long enough to finish off anyone unlucky enough to survive before continuing onward. When a lucky shot struck him in the shoulder, he didn't even flinch; rather, he simply sustained the wound and marched on, uncaring of the injury.
He reached, and world reached with him, ripping blasters from the hands several unlucky troopers. Those closest to him were cut down before they could scramble for their weapons.
Another found himself slammed into the ceiling, only to be bisected a heartbeat later.
Throughout it all, the trooper couldn't forget those eyes.
Terrible.
Golden.
Orbs.
"See, that's the thing." the blond's voice rose over the dull roar of their interlocked blades, an exasperated snarl threatening to eclipse all else. "I'm alright with dying. You could even say I've come to terms with it by now. But you? You're terrified. I can see it in your eyes. You'd do anything to avoid it. You would sacrifice your own troops, the very soldiers who swore their loyalty to you, just to survive Why, you might even throw away your own arm. I imagine your Master isn't much better. What does that say about your supreme leader, hmm? I'll tell you. Old. Cruel. COWARDLY!"
A booted leg crashed into Ren's chest to crack a rib and hurl him to the floor.
Even as he struggled to rise, a blazing blade found his chin.
"Start taking notes, runt. Class is in session."
He exhaled.
"Phasma, was it?"
A clawed hand locked around her throat.
"You went and pushed the family button, missy."
Blue eyes blazed a poisoned shade of honey, wild and angry.
Even as she struggled, she felt her windpipe cave. "Ya shouldn't 'a did that."
R&R! =D