Lines Between
Hope and her friends were back on the Excalibur discussing the deferment that happened on the Pride Lands with her father.
"So, Wolf just left," said her father.
"Yes, he said he was going to leave everything in Zira's capable paws," said Hope.
"This is indeed troubling," said her father. "At least you united the two prides together."
"Yes, things should be more peaceful there for now on," said Rex.
"Let's hope that's the case," said Sora.
"My scanners show that the Heartless population has decreased," said Toodles. "This however might mean that Wolf took some of them with him."
"That means there creating a Heartless army like Maleficent," said Sora looking troubled. "The last time the multi-verse was attacked by a Heartless arm more than half the worlds had been destroyed."
"Then we'll spot it," said Hope.
"Anyway, I'm grateful you helped Simba out," said her father.
"Technically that was all Kiara's doing," said Hope.
"Well, she'll make an excellent queen someday," said her father. He then looked at all of them with a serious expression. "Now I want the three of you to be careful. Rattus will be attacking you in force now."
"We can handle it," said Frank.
"That's what I'm hoping for," said Sora.
Then the scan went blank.
"Well, that didn't sound good," said Frank.
"It just means we need to locate Rattus' base faster," said Rex.
"But the guy dosen't leave any clues," said Hope.
"Then we have to put are faith in the Keyblade," said Rex.
Hope was about to open her mouth when the ship shook. Then alarms began to screech and flash red.
"We've got Heartless ships incoming!" Frank yelled. "And these ones are a lot tougher than normal."
Hope and Rex ran to the gun controls and began to blast the Heartless ships. Frank was right they were a lot tougher and there were more cruisers than before. It took a while, but Frank was able to destroy them.
"Well, that was fun," said Hope sighing with relief.
"I'm not sure all those were Heartless ships," said Frank looking at the monitor.
"What you mean?" said Hope.
"Some of those ships we just blasted had life signatures," said Frank.
"But Heartless don't give out life signatures," said Rex.
"I know," said Frank. "But those weren't Heartless ships."
Before they knew it the ship shook again.
"What's happening now?" Hope yelled.
"The ship has been caught in the tractor beam," said Toodles.
"But were still in the Lines Between!" said Rex.
"Actually, we just came out of them," said Frank.
"But I didn't see a world," said Hope.
"Only guess at the galactic world," said Rex looking horrified at Frank.
"Yeah like Deep Space," said Frank. "But how did you know?"
"Because I've been here before," said Rex. "It's called Distant Galaxy."
"Distant Galaxy is home to the Jedi Order," said Toodles.
"What's the Jedi Order?" Hope asked.
"The Jedi Order was similar to the Keyblade Order in many ways, they are peacekeepers," said Rex. "Though unlike the Keyblade Order they believe attachments are weaknesses."
"You said was," Hope noted.
"It was destroyed a couple of decades ago and now it's ruled by an emperor who rules with a iron fist," said Rex.
"It gets worse," said Frank.
"How could it get worse?" Hope asked.
"Because, I can see the source of the tractor beam," said Frank looking out the window.
They turned and gasped in horror. What they saw was a giant space station as big as a moon. However, the space station had an eerie look to it and look like can destroy an entire planet.
It was at the moment surrounded by debris what looked like a planet and as they drew closer they saw a large hangar bay for black fighters.
"This day just gets better and better," said Hope.
Distant Galaxy: Death Star Hangar Bay
They soon found themselves in the hangar bay and it was surrounded by men in white armour holding blasters. It was clear they were surrounding the ship in case of hostilities.
"What is this place," said Hope.
"According to the Datascape this space station is owned by the Imperial Empire and is called the Death Star," said Toodles. "Information is sketchy, but it is suggested that this space station has enough power to destroy an entire planet."
"I guess that answers all the debris," said Frank.
"And how come I can hear billions of screaming voices," said Rex.
"I don't hear anything," said Hope.
"You wouldn't, I was here for several years and I was taught under a Jedi by the name of Ahsoka Tano and she taught me everything I know about the Force," said Rex.
"The Force?"
"It's sort of a six sense," said Rex. "It allows me to sense things that no normal person could and it gives me telekinesis ability."
"So that's how you're able to move stuff at will," said Hope.
"Indeed, at this moment I sense something dark and evil," said Rex closing his eyes. His eyes and shot straight open and look of fear came on his face. "Darth Vader, he's here."
"Darth Vader," said Frank looking fearful as well. "As in the Emperor's right-hand man, the guy who kill you over one little mistake, the guy that betrayed and destroyed the Jedi Order."
"That's the one," said Rex.
Hope looked out the window and saw more soldiers surrounding their ship.
"It's fortunate that they can't enter," she said.
"They'll find a way," said Rex. "The Empire is nothing if not stubborn and I don't fancy battling away through a space station of Stormtroopers."
"I can't just fly us out of here, that tractor beam will tear the ship apart," said Frank.
"It looks like were not the only ones are stuck here," said Hope. "I see another ship and I don't think it belongs here."
She was right there was another ship and unlike this one it was white instead of black. It also looked quite old it was a wonder that it was holding together.
"And maybe we found some allies," said Rex. He closed his eyes once again. "I sense someone else, similar in many ways, but yet so different. I think we have a Jedi here."
"Where exactly?" Frank asked.
"In that observation deck," said Rex pointing up.
Frank then turned to Toodles. "Toodles, you think you can teleport us there?"
"I believe so," said Toodles.
"I believe it will be a good idea if Toodles comes with us," said Frank.
"He's right, if they do break into our ship they may nab Toodles and he holds quite a lot of sensitive information," said Rex.
Hope nodded in agreement. "Then let's do it," she said.
Within minutes, Toodles teleported them into the observation deck. Where they were greeted by two droids one tall and golden and the other short and blue-and-white, a large creature that resembled a bear, but had a show of intelligence inside him, and two men in white armour similar to the soldiers that ran the base.
One looked about nineteen years old with dark blonde hair and the other one looked about twenty-nine and had a bit of a smugglers look to him, and both of them appointing blasters at them.
"Who are you?" said the smuggler.
"I'm Hope, that's Rex and Frank," she said with a carefree attitude. "And this little guy is Toodles."
"And judging from the look of you guys I have to say that you belong to that old wreck," said Frank pointing at the ship next to theirs.
"That's my ship you're insulting and you'll find the Millennium Falcon is one the finest ships in this galaxy," said the smuggler.
"Yes, a ship which seems to be in the same situation as us," said Rex.
"Your ship seems a bit flashy," said the kid.
"They all make them like that where we're from," said Frank.
"Who are you guys," said Hope.
They looked at one another no doubt deciding whether they could trust them or not. Then the golden droid approached the kid.
"Master Luke, I they are here to help," he said.
"I'm Luke Skywalker, that Han and Chewy," said Luke.
Toodles then flew up towards the droids. "Hi there," he said. "I'm Toodles, nice to meet you."
"Pleasure, I'm C-3PO, human cyborg relations, and my companion is R2-D2," said the golden droid.
"Now that we have all the pleasantries out of the way, how do we get out of here?" said Frank.
"We love to bird boy, but we can't that tractor beam in place," said Han sitting down in a chair. "But that old man is going to disable it."
"What old man?" Hope asked.
"My mentor Ben Kenobi," said Luke.
"You mean Obi-Wan Kenobi," said Rex looking up. "He was a Jedi Master if I'm not mistaken, but vanished a couple of decades ago." He then looked at Luke curiously. "And your name is Skywalker?"
"Yes, wait are you a Jedi?" Luke asked.
"No, but I have been trained like one and my master mentioned a Skywalker," said Rex. "Apparently he was her mentor."
"The must have been my father," said Luke. "Ben told me he was a Jedi Knight."
Suddenly R2 began to beat furiously.
"What is problem?" Hope asked.
"He says he located the Princess Leia," said Toodles.
"Who's Princess Leia?" Hope asked.
"I don't surely know, but I think she's part of the Rebel Alliance," said Luke approaching the monitor and R2 should have image of a nineteen-year-old girl laying in a prison cell. "Where is she?"
"Level five detention block AA 23," said C-3PO. R2 then beeped again. "I'm afraid she scheduled to be terminated."
"Looks like we got a damsel in distress," said Frank.
"Well you can leave me out of it," said Han.
"You do realise there may be a rewarding it," said Hope with a sly smile.
"Reward?" said Han looking up.
"Well she is a princess and wrestling one is a king's ransom," said Hope.
"Right, you've convinced me," said Han.
"Typical, of a smuggler to think of profit," said Rex.
Han then looked at them. "So, what's the plan?" he asked.
Luke looked around and saw a pair of cuffs lying around. "C-3PO, had me over those binders," he said. C-3PO handed in the cuffs and he attempted to place them on Chewy, who did not like the idea. He then quickly handed them over to Han. "Okay, you put them on."
"Don't worry Chewy, and think I know what he has in mind," he said as he placed the cuffs on him, but he didn't lock them.
"What about us?" Hope asked.
"Don't worry, I can take care of that," said Rex.
He then began to utter an incantation, but nothing happened.
"I don't feel any different," said Frank.
"No, if anyone else looked at us they'll just ignore us," said Rex.
"Quite the spell you've got," said Hope as they made their way to the door.
"Uh, Master Luke, sir. Pardon me from asking, but what should R2, Toodles and I do if we're discovered here?" he asked.
"Lock the door," said Luke as he placed his helmet on.
"And hope they don't have blasters," said Han as he placed his helmet on.
"That's not very reassuring," said C-3PO as the door closed.
Distant Galaxy: Death Star Prison Bay
Hope, Luke and the others managed to reach the Prison Bay without any problem, but once the exit the elevator there was stopped by the warden and two of his Stormtroopers.
"Where are you taking this… thing?" said the warden looking at Chewy.
"Prisoner transfer from cellblock 1138," said Luke.
"I was notified," said the warden. "I'll have to clear it."
He then approached the consul while the two guards approached them. Next thing they knew Chewy not one of the guards away and glasses began to fire. Frank, Luke and Han began blasting at the turret and the cameras. Hope, Rex and Chewy took out the remaining Stormtroopers and the warden.
The battle was quite short, but unfortunately the warden had already hit the com. Han quickly ran over to the consul and began looking for the Princess' cell number.
"The Princess is in 2187," he said.
Hope and Luke then ran down the cells looking for the Princess. Han then reached for the console and activated the com.
"Everything is under control, situation normal," he said.
"What happened," said a very familiar voice.
"Rattus," said Rex.
"This just gets better," said Frank.
"We had a slight weapons malfunction, but everything is perfectly normal," said Han quickly.
"Don't bother lying, you're very bad at it and inform Rex that I will enjoy making him suffer," said Rattus.
Frank then aimed his pistol at the control console and blasted to pieces. "Boring conversation anyway," he said.
"You kids better hurry, were about to have company!" Han yelled.
"This should be a cell, but how do we open it," said Luke.
"Leave that part to me," said Hope and some another Keyblade.
She then fired a beam at the lock and it began to open. There they saw the Leia lying on a bench, she looked up when she saw them.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"We're had a break you out," said Hope.
"We've got your R2 unit and were with Ben Kenobi," said Luke.
"Where is he?" said Leia.
"Come on," said Luke.
When they got out the cell door they found Frank, Han and Chewy were blasting at incoming Stormtroopers.
"Great, they've cut off our only escape," said Leia.
"Maybe you like to be back in your cell," said Han.
They quickly ducked as more laser blasts shot past. Luke then reached for his com unit in order to talk to the droids.
"C-3PO, is there any other way out of the cell blocks, we've been cut off," said Luke.
"I'm afraid all systems have been devoted your presence sir," said C-3PO. "The main entrance is the only way in or out. All other information on your level is restricted."
"Well that's just great," said Frank.
"This is some rescue," said Leia. "You had planned on getting in heady have a plan of getting out?"
"He's a plain sweetheart," said Han gesturing to Luke.
"I'll buy you time while you can think a way out of this," said Rex.
"What are you going to do?" said Han.
Rex didn't answer instead he pulled out a metal cylinder and press the button on it. Next thing they knew a beam of yellow light shot out.
"Your Jedi," said Leia.
"No, but I've been trained as one," said Rex and suddenly he began deflecting the blasts the Stormtroopers were firing.
"Does anyone have any ideas?" said Han.
"I can see it Teleport Crystal in Leia's cell," said Hope.
"A what?" said Han.
"It will take too long to explain, but if she said she sees one she sees one and it may be our only out of here," said Frank.
"Getting to the cell are key these troops off your back," said Rex.
"What about you?" Luke asked as they entered Leia's cell.
"Don't worry he'll find a way," said Frank pushing Luke into Leia's cell.
Hope could indeed see a Teleport Crystal, it was slightly crowded with everyone in the cell but they managed to squeeze in. Then they grasped on to each other and Hope touch the crystal and they vanished.
Distant Galaxy: Death Star Hangar Bay
They soon found themselves back in the hangar bay overlooking the Excalibur and Millennium Falcon and brochures were guarded by Stormtroopers. The looks on the others looked slightly bewildered how they managed to get there.
"How did you—?"
"Hope's a Keyblade wielder and it is one of the perks," said Frank.
"Jedi and a Keyblade wielder the Empire must be having a field day," said Leia.
"There are ships," said Han.
"C-3PO, where are you guys?" said Luke over the com.
"We had to leave the observation deck," said C-3PO's voice. "But when the main hangover looking across the ships."
"You guys came in those things," said Leia gesturing to their ships. "You're even braver than I thought."
"Very funny, let's go," said Han.
"What about Rex, he still stuck dealing with those Stormtroopers," said Luke.
"He'll be fine, he's gotten out through tougher script than that," said Frank.
"If you want to get anywhere near those ships were going to have to deal with the Stormtroopers," said Leia.
Hope looked at Frank and they both nodded. Then before Luke and the others could stop them they rushed straight towards the Stormtroopers.
"Are they crazy though get themselves killed," said Leia.
"Some I think crazy is in their vocabulary," said Han.
The Stormtroopers turned and started to fire their blasters, but Hope blocked the blasts with her Keyblabe and Frank stand to with his Spark Shot. Hope then casted a Water spell and the troopers got struck by a force of water. Frank then punched one across the face and Hope finished the last one by slamming her Keyblade across his face.
The two then looked at Luke and the others, who had their mouths wide open.
"Well, are you coming?" said Frank.
Slightly bewildered they approached the ships and the droids came out of their hiding place to join them.
"You guys are for surprises," said Luke.
"They're not the only ones," said a voice. They looked up and saw Rattus sitting on top of the Millennium Falcon sneering at them. "What? Did you really think it would be that easy?"
"Rattus," Frank growled.
"I see Rexy's not with you, no doubt he's playing the valiant hero fighting his way to this hangar bay and that's what I'm hoping for.
"What do you plan on using this space station for?" Hope demanded.
"Simple really, to spread fear and panic and the Emperor has done a very good job of that and am just too glad to help," said Rattus.
"You really think you can stop us," said Luke.
"I don't think I know and none of you stand a chance against me," said Rattus.
He then got onto his feet and pulled out a cylinder similar to Rex's and press the button. Instead of the laser blowing yellow though it glowed red instead.
Seeing the fear in their face as he jumped down straight at them, but suddenly he was blown back and slammed against the wall.
They turned and saw Rex entering through the hangar bay door and in the hallway they could see an old man in brown robes batting against a tall man in black armour. Hope took a wild guess that they were Ben Kenobi and Darth Vader. Both of them were wielding the same weapons as Rex and Rattus, the old man was blue while the man in black was red.
"Ben!" Luke yelled.
"We need to go," said Rex as he made his way towards them.
"We can't just leave them," said Luke.
"Rattus is already recovering and Stormtroopers are approaching from all sides," said Rex. Luke still refused to move. "He told me to get you out of here."
Then right in front of their eyes Ben Kenobi raises sabre like you are surrendering and then Darth Vader sliced through. However, his body just vanish into thin air and there was nothing left of him except for his laser sword and his robes.
"No!" Luke yelled.
Both Rattus and Darth Vader now began to approach them.
"Luke, come on!" Leia yelled.
Reluctantly, Luke got onto the Millennium Falcon and Hope and the others managed to enter into the Excalibur.
"So the old man managed to deactivate the tractor beam of can be a short trip," said Frank as he sat down the cockpit
Then both the ships managed to exit the Death Star and now entered into deep space. However, the Empire wasn't letting them go that easily they had sent fighters straight after them.
"I need you guys on the guns!" Frank yelled.
Hope and Rex man the guns and began blasting the ships that were coming straight at them as did the Millennium Falcon. The funny thing was that only sent about eight ships and there were quite easy to be destroyed.
"With any new coordinates to the rebel base on Yavin 4," said Leia.
"We've got them," said Frank.
Next moment they entered into Hyperspace heading straight towards the rebel base.
On the Death Star hangar bay, both Rattus and Darth Vader both looked on as the ships escaped.
"Well, that went as well as to be expected," said Rattus.
"They'll lead us straight to the rebel base," said Darth Vader.
"As much as I like to enjoy the destruction of the planet I have other duties to attend to," said Rattus.
"Don't you wish to witness the destruction of the rebels?" said Vader.
"No, like you I've got a master to serve as well. But don't worry I'll give you one of our finest pilots to assist you," said Rattus as he walked away.
Distant Galaxy: Rebel Base
They soon reached the rebel base which was located on a jungle moon that orbited a large planet inside an ancient temple that was. The rebels were relieved to see Leia and at once she explained that R2 held plans on the Death Star.
"Hopefully we'll be able to find a weak spot," said Leia.
"Didn't look like it had any weak spots," said Frank.
"Well, we'll help in any way possible," said Hope.
"How's Luke doing?" Rex asked.
"He's devastated," said Leia. "And in know how he feels I mean we just saw Kenobi die."
"Do we," said Rex and they turned and stared at him. "I saw no body and if there's one thing I've learnt never say anyone's dead until you see their body right in front of your eyes and his disappeared."
They weren't sure how to take this, but a feeling inside of Hope said that Rex was right.
Soon the rebels were able to find a weak spot in the Death Star and were now showing it to the pilots, including Luke. Unfortunately, the Dearth Star was in the system they had found a tracker attached to the Millennium Falcon and there was no time for evacuation, the only good news was that it had to go around the planet in order to aim at the moon. Their only hope was to destroy the Death Star before it destroyed them.
"The battle station is heavily shielded and carries a fire power greater than half the Starfleet," said one of the rebel leaders. "Its defences are designed around a large direct assault. A small one maned fighter should be able to penetrate the outer defence. The Empire doesn't consider a small one maned fighter to be any threat or they'll have a tighter defence. We have discovered a weakness in the battle station, but the approach will not be easy. You'll have to manoeuver straight down this trench skim the surface to reach a two meter thermal exhaust port right below the main port. The shaft leads directly to the reactor system. A precise hit will start a chain reaction which should destroy the station. The port his ray shield so you'll have to proton torpors."
"This just gets better than better," said Frank.
"A little hope is better than none," said Hope.
Soon all the pilots began to prepare for battle and Hope and her friends noticed that Han and Chewy were boarding the Millennium Falcon with the reward they got for recuing Princess Leia.
"So just got your reward and now you're leaving," said Luke.
"That's right, yeah," said Han. "I've got some old debts I've got to pay off and even if I didn't you think I'll be fool enough to stick around here do you?"
"You could give us a hand," said Frank. "I mean we can't cover every single fighter."
"Sounds more like suicide," said Han.
"Well, take care of yourself Han that's what your best at," said Luke walking away in a huff.
"Hey, Luke," said Han. Luke stopped and turned to look at him. "May the Force be with you."
Luke just looked at him and then walked off again.
"Well, see you Han," said Hope as she, Rex and Frank walked off.
Distant Galaxy: Death Star
Hope and her friends were now flying in the Excalibur alongside every rebel pilot. They were heading their way towards the Death Star is a drawing close to the moon they had about fifteen minutes until it was in firing range.
The main plan was to distract and take down the turrets while a small group entered into the trench towards the exhaust port.
"Well, here goes everything," said Frank.
They began their attack began blasting the turrets and was a lot easier than they thought. Their ships were a lot more movable clearly the tellers were more designed for larger ships, but a few unlucky did get blaster pieces. However, eight minutes later the big communication from the rebel base.
"Squad leaders, we've picked up a new group of signals, enemy fighters coming your way" said the communication officer.
"I see them," said Frank. "Don't worry we'll keep them off your back while you take care of the exhaust port."
"Got it, Excalibur," said Luke.
It wasn't just Imperial fighters there were also Heartless which proved that the Empire was being backed by Rattus. Fortunately, the crew of the Excalibur were used to this and the master blaster majority of them away. However, since this was a massive space station there would be no end to them and they were running out of time.
Then they began to split up the first three fighters were making their way into the trench, but about thirty seconds later several Imperial fighters into the trench and with no room to manoeuvre they were annihilated.
"The one leading those fighters is not a regular pilot," said Frank.
"No, I sense the dark side from it its Vader," said Rex.
"We need to help them," said Hope.
But then the ship began to show shake and Frank did everything he could to keep them steady. They looked out the window and then saw another ship, but it wasn't imperium it was another Gummi ship and look the cross between a spaceship and a pirate ship.
"Who the heck is that," said Hope.
"Don't know, but whoever they are they sure are skilled," said Frank doing his best to manoeuvre the ship, but the enemy ship just kept on following them.
"I have just received a communication," said Toodles. "Red Leader and his fighters have ended the trench, but to his escort ships were destroyed and he was only able to scratch the surface with his proton torpedoes, before getting annihilated by Vader."
"We can't last too long," said Frank. "Luke, it's up to you and your squad to face the job and you've only got a minute until they are in range."
"No pressure or anything," said Luke.
Then he and his squad entered into the trench and Vader and his two fighter escorts followed them.
"Isn't there anything we can do to help them?" said Hope.
"Not without ship bearing down on us," said Frank.
"He's right, if we ignore that ship they may go after Luke and the others their best hope is that we keep you occupied and hope they succeed," said Rex.
"But this is the last chance if they fail—"
"We don't like it any more than you do, Hope. But you have to play the hand you're dealt with," said Frank.
Hope didn't like it, but they had no choice. They began chasing down the unknown Gummi ship and whoever was piloting it was as skilled as Frank. They barely landed attack on its hull and while they were doing that Vader was getting closer to Luke.
One of Luke's escort had already left to the damage he took from Vader and the second escort ship was destroyed.
A few seconds later they got a message saying that Luke had switch off his targeting computer.
"Luke, are you all right?" said Frank.
"Don't worry am fine," said Luke.
"He must be using the Force," said Rex.
"You think that will help?" Hope asked.
"It's got to."
They saw at the Death Star was now in range of the rebel base. Fortunately, they had a few extra seconds so that it would charge its super weapon, but time was running out. Vader and his fighters were drawing closer towards Luke.
"We gonna do something," said Hope.
"On it," said Frank as he turn the ship around heading straight towards the trench.
However, he didn't have to. Out of nowhere one of the fighters was destroyed they looked up and saw the Millennium Falcon heading straight down towards them. One of the fighters was so distracted that he collided straight into Vader's ship knocking him out the trench.
"You're all clear Kid, now let's blow this and go home," said Han.
Look then fired his proton torpedoes and they entered straight as the exhaust port.
"It's a direct hit," said Toodles.
"Great shot, kid, that's a one in one in a million," said Han.
They then flew as far as they could from the Death Star and seconds later it exploded.
"Now that's a beautiful site," said Frank.
"I see you can stay away," said Hope to Han.
"Well, I can let you guys take all the glory," said Han.
Suddenly Hope's Keyblade appeared in her hand and the tip began to glow. On Luke's fighter R2, who was serving as Luke's navigator, began to glow. Being shot straight out of R2 and a Gate formed in the sky.
Hope aimed her Keyblade at the Gate and are being shot straight out of its tip and into the Gate. They then heard the sound of something opening and Hope felt a new surge of strength entering into her.
"I believe you've just learned Strike Raid," said Rex.
"What the heck was that?" said Han.
"That was a sign telling us we have to go," said Hope.
"What? You're not staying for the victory party," said Luke stunned. "I'm sure you get a medal for assisting the rebels."
"We don't want to leave, but we got above the trail gets cold after all was still looking for a wanted fugitive," said Frank.
"Well, I guess this is goodbye then," said Han.
"May the Force be with you," said Luke.
With that they broke away from the remaining fighters and the Millennium Falcon and flew straight into a portal and carried on with their adventure.