Beyond Oceans and To A Galaxy Beyond

by DarkHelm145

The Imperial flag reigns across the galaxy. Some join the Empire in hopes of keeping the galaxy secure, others see the flag as a sign of evil. From the ashes of the Republic, a Rebellion is formed and they can take anyone who is willing to fight. One group of soldiers have come together for their own reasons, but what unites them is the fight against the Empire.

4. Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Dreams

8 BBY

Alderaan

Mikasa awoke all groggy as she rubbed her eyes. She lazily turned toward the far window of her room and saw that night still covered the capital city of Alderaan. She slowly stretched her arm out to the desk that was next to her bed, but when she touched it, nothing appeared from the chronometer. Her brows came together as she slowly sat up. She once again put her hand on the desk, but the chronometer refused to appear; in fact, none of the desk's functions seemed to be working.

She let out a yawn and stretched her arms into the air. She jumped off the bed and walked over to the far side window. She peeked past the curtain and saw the sun peeking over the horizon. She did find it odd that there was no air traffic. Not a single cargo shuttle or speeder zoomed around the city; it was like the entire city was frozen.

Mikasa quickly turned away from the curtain when she heard a noise from beyond the door to her room. As she walked toward her door, the sounds intensified. It brought back memories of the day everything changed for her. She slowly put her hand out, when the automatic door opened, she jumped back. She looked out into the hallway, but did not see anything. She swallowed nervously and exited her room.

The first door beside her room was her adoptive brother, Eren's. He was a heavy sleeper, so she was sure he did not hear anything. At the far end of the hall was the room for her adoptive parents. It had been three years since she became part of the Yeager family, and while she still felt out of place, she appreciated how all of them included her as part of the family. A part of that was that on almost every official document she was a member of the Yeager household.

Mikasa sighed as she stood at the top of the stairs. For some reason it was dark at the bottom of them. Even at night, there was always some kind of light illuminating the home's first floor. She slowly descended the steps, but a part of her wanted to go back to her room. However, she could not stop her legs from moving. Slowly she was absorbed by the darkness. She felt like she was floating, but she could still feel the ground beneath her feet. She looked around, but all she could see was black.

Suddenly, the darkness was illuminated by lights overhead. The lights formed a hallway that was all too familiar. She froze as she heard blaster fire getting closer. She began to run and as she did so, her parents suddenly appeared behind her. She ran faster, trying to get away from what she knew was coming. Her body acted on its own as she turned the corner to where the escape pods were. It was the same dream as every night, she would see what happened repeatedly.

When she jumped into the escape pod she expected to wake up, just like every time. However, when the pod closed, she was once again in the black void. Slowly, what looked like stars dotted the darkness. What looked like constellations formed in the black sky, but none she could recognize. Around her pathways formed, with one forming beneath her. Mikasa looked around, trying to make sense of her new surroundings.

We'll meet again, in the Force...

She recognized her father's voice. She looked behind but saw nothing, it was like an echo as it faded into the black surrounding her. Mikasa took a weary step forward and was surprised she did not fall into the darkness below. Her step created a ripple, and her next did the same. She began to walk, as she did so more voices filled her ears from every direction.

You're a Jedi, like me!

I'll make them pay. I'll kill them all for what they've done!

Keep them both safe, Mikasa. Remember, this weapon is an extension of you.

He told me he was my father.

You may be new to this unit, but all of you show great promise.

Well, maybe what you're feeling is love.

We only have one shot at this, better make it count.

Of course, I love him.

Not bad, you show promise with both a saber and the Force.

So many voices came together and Mikasa had no idea whose they belonged to. Despite that, she never felt afraid as she heard them all. The more she heard them, the more at ease she felt. If she was dreaming, then she had never felt more at ease after having the same nightmare.

I recognize your stance. You were the one he trained.

The booming voice made her stop in her tracks. Suddenly, she felt cold. She felt an icy grip overtaking her. She could hear the inhale and exhale of something mechanical. She slowly turned and behind her formed the image of a dark helmet with red eyes peering into her.

Mikasa began to run. The same voice filled her ears, telling her things that made her fear grow. She heard the sound her mother's weapon had made, but it felt more sinister. Booming footsteps grew behind her, she knew it was only a matter of time before whatever chased her caught up. She had to wake up, it was the only way she could escape.

She took a different path to try and escape, but it was no use. She tried to go faster, but she ended up tripping over herself. She heard something clatter on the floor as she fell. She looked up to see her mother's weapon in front of her; having no idea she had it on her. She looked back to see the figure was getting closer. She scrambled to her feet and picked up the weapon. She turned and ignited the green blade. Mikasa looked down, noticing she had, somehow, gotten taller, and her clothes had changed from her night clothes to something more uniform. She sported a white shirt with a brown vest on top of it and dark pants with brown boots. She also wore a red scarf around her neck.

Mikasa looked ahead and saw that the figure had stopped. It brought its arm to its side and ignited a similar weapon to her mother's, but the blade was red. The blade also seemed to cackle as the energy looked different to her own blade. As she looked closer at the figure, its mask had changed. Gone were the red eyes, replacing it was simply a black emptiness.

I'll show you what you refused to teach me!

The figure closed the gap in an instant and swung downwards. Mikasa brought up her own weapon to block it, but the strike was way too heavy. Once again, the figure changed, as did its weapon.

Weak. Just as your master was.

The figure went for a jab, but Mikasa was able to set her blade for a block. The weapon changed to the crackling one, and a cross guard stopped her blade from sliding. The mask changed again to the one of dark eyes.

You've gotten sloppy in your old age.

Mikasa stretched out her hand and the figure was pushed back. It morphed back into the one with the red eyes. The figure brought its weapon to its side and prepared for another swing. Mikasa blocked the powerful strike, but her guard was shattered in an instant. From behind the red eyes, she could see a yellow iris illuminated by the red blade.

You will die, just as your master did.

The figure separated into two, one with the crackling blade and the one with red eyes. Both centered their weapons over their heads and brought them down. Mikasa could do nothing as she saw the weapons getting closer. She closed her eyes, resigned to her fate.

Mikasa!

Master Ackermann!

Mikasa opened her eyes to see two people blocking the weapons. One was a young man with dark blonde hair. He wore a black colored outfit and had one hand covered by a glove. His green colored blade blocked the swing from the red eyed figure, however, Mikasa could not see his face.

The person blocking the crackling blade was a young girl with brown hair wielding a blue colored blade. She wore grey clothes and had cloth wrapping around her arms. Just as with the young man, Mikasa could not see her face.

Despite that, she knew she could trust them. She could sense light from both of them, a light bright enough to dispel the two dark figures. Mikasa suddenly felt short again and her mother's weapon was gone. She looked down to see that she had returned to her being in her night clothes. When she turned back to the figures both held out their hands. Mikasa hesitantly reached out and took them.

Light soon began to blind her and as she opened her eyes, she was in her room with the sunrise piercing through the curtains of her room.

Grisha Yeager stared at the datapad in front of him. He was carefully going over the most recent budget allocations at the hospital he worked at. Everything seemed in order, so he moved over to checking the Holonet for any news; as usual, it was just propaganda. What caught his eye was that the news was certainly focused on the recent uptick in rebel activity on Paradis. His former homeworld being the center of any kind of news surprised him. He would have to speak with Bail next time they spoke about their other endeavors.

Besides that, the kitchen was quiet this particular morning. His wife, Carla, was preparing breakfast for Eren, who had just sat down at the table. He glanced toward his son, who was looking over his own datapad. Grisha noticed that the datapad displayed ship schematics, particularly that of shuttles and freighters. Grisha chuckled at the sight. He never would have expected Eren to take becoming a pilot so seriously.

Carla set down a plate of food in front of their son, which he thanked her for. She also set down another cup of hot caf. He set down his datapad and thanked his wife. As he brought the cup to his lips, the door to the kitchen slid open. Mikasa walked into the room with a blank expression on her face. Grisha was used to the sight, as it meant the young girl had a nightmare again. However, her expression changed when she sat down at the table and smelled what Carla was cooking. Grisha's eyes widened slightly, maybe the girl was getting over her nightmares.

---

"Sleep well, Mikasa?" Grisha asked.

The young girl shrugged. "I had a dream again."

It appeared he was wrong. "I see. The same one as always?"

Mikasa shook her head. "It started the same, but it was different."

Grisha glanced toward Carla, who was setting down a plate for Mikasa. Carla shrugged but gestured for him to continue.

"Different, how?"

"I heard some weird things. Then I saw a something with a black mask."

Grisha tried hard not to spit out the caf he had just drunk. To his side, Carla dropped a plate into the sink and turned toward the table.

"Black mask?" Carla asked.

Mikasa nodded. She then glanced down to the datapad Grisha had set aside and pointed at it. "It looked like that?"

Grisha looked down, and his worst fears were confirmed. Her abilities were growing, and faster than he had anticipated. He turned to Carla, who looked as alarmed as he did.

"Eren, it'll just be you and Armin for flight training today," Grisha said.

"Why?" Eren asked as he set down his utensil.

"I need to speak with Mikasa about something important. Make sure you aren't late."

Eren looked toward Mikasa, the black-haired girl shrugging in response. Eren sighed and finished his food.

"I'll get moving then."

Eren got off his chair and exited the kitchen. Mikasa turned to Grisha, who had set down his glasses.

"When you finish breakfast, come to my study. There's something I need to tell you," Grisha said.

He gathered his datapad and put on his glasses, and exited the kitchen. Mikasa looked toward Carla, who gave her a sad smile.

"Did I do something wrong?" Mikasa asked.

Carla shook her head and walked over to the girl. She lovingly wrapped her arms around the young girl.

"You did nothing wrong. It's just we wanted to wait a bit longer before telling you this," Carla said. She then knelt in front of the black-haired girl and put her hands on her shoulders. "Just promise you'll stay the same."

Mikasa tilted her head in confusion, but nodded, nonetheless. Carla let out a relieved breath and stood up. She smiled toward the young girl and sat across from her. The two spoke about mundane things, mostly so Carla could get her mind off the truths Mikasa was going to learn.

---

Eren watched as the upper city of Alderaan passed by. The transport he was on was provided by the Organa family. They were the ones that were helping him in pilot training. It felt odd to have so much special treatment from Alderaan's royal family. He knew that he was close due to his father, and Leia was someone he grew up with, but he never saw them as anything more than people. However, he did understand the situation he was in. Everyone at his school knew of his connection, and always treated him a bit differently.

He sighed and turned away from the window. Ahead, the palace was getting closer and closer. He assumed Armin was already there, as he too would be picked up by someone from the palace. Eren grabbed the datapad that he had set aside and looked through it. His instructor, Jeremoch Colton, would always send ahead the schematics of the ship they would be practicing with. This time it would be a shuttle, a ship usually used to ferry people and supplies. It was a smaller one, but Eren hoped to eventually practice with the corvette.

"We're nearing the palace's landing pad, Master Yeager," the pilot droid said.

Eren looked ahead to see the ship circling the landing pad. He could see another small shuttle leaving, which meant Armin was the first to arrive. He looked past that to see the ship they were going to learn on. It was very shiny, almost invisible in the sunlight. He was sure he had seen the type of ship before but could not remember where he had seen it.

When the ship touched down, the door lifted upwards and Eren jumped out. He thanked the droid for the ride, and it took off to go elsewhere. He turned toward the ship and looked at it in awe. Its sleek design ended at point, which meant it could likely fly very fast. As he got closer to the ship, he could see his own reflection on the ship's shiny hull.

"What kind of ship is this?" Eren asked aloud.

"A Nubian yacht. An H-type specifically," an excited voice said.

Eren turned to see Armin walking toward him. The short, blonde clutched a datapad to his chest as he kept his eyes firmly on the ship. Just like him, Armin was also being taught how to fly. While Grisha had been the one to ask if the blonde could learn alongside Eren, the Organa's were more than happy to let Armin be a part of Eren's training as well. The two shared the same dream of becoming pilots, and Eren had promised Leia he would become her personal pilot.

"It seems young Arlert read my message."

The two boys turned to see their teacher, Jeremoch Colton, approaching them. He was an older man with white hair and several wrinkles on his face. He was a pilot for the royal family and would instruct the two boys, as well as Mikasa, whenever he was off duty. He stopped in front of the two and clasped his hands behind his back.

"Perhaps young Ackermann as well, but I see she's not here," Jeremoch said.

"Where is Mikasa?" Armin asked.

"Father told her to stay with him today. Not entirely sure why," Eren replied.

"I see," Jeremoch said as he put a hand on his chin. "Very well, I was hoping for her to join as well, but it's fine."

Above them, a transport caused a shadow to fly over them. The three looked up to see another ship landing on the far side of the landing pad.

"Our other trainee has arrived as well."

"Other?" Eren asked.

"You really didn't read the message," Armin said with a sigh.

Eren shrugged and the two boys followed their instructor as he walked past the two. The transport looked the same as the one Eren had ridden, but the windows were slightly tinted preventing one from looking inside. When the door lifted, the two boys were surprised to see who jumped out.

A young girl, the same age as the two boys, waved at them. She wore a white blouse and dark colored pants. She also wore an empty holster on her belt, something the two boys found odd. Finally, she wore dark brown shoes, which matched the color of her hair. She excitedly ran up to the two boys and wrapped them both in a hug.

"Leia?!"

"Your Highness?!"

To the side, Jeremoch chuckled at the sight. "Yes, the young princess will be joining us."

"Eren, I haven't seen you in forever!" Leia said excitedly. "And Armin, it's been a long time as well!"

"Where were you? You suddenly disappeared one day!" Eren exclaimed.

"You know, just seeing other places."

Eren did not buy the excuse for one second. Not too long ago, after a party hosted by the Organa's, Leia seemed to have vanished for a few weeks. Despite being told otherwise by so many people, and given so many kinds of excuses, Eren could tell something was wrong. She would not have gone anywhere without her parents.

However, everything continued as if nothing was wrong. Eren had felt so restless for those weeks. One of his best friends was missing and no one seemed to care. When she finally did return, Eren still did not get a chance to see her. Despite being told nothing had changed, now that he was seeing her again, he knew something had.

"Your Highness, why do you have a holster without a blaster?" Armin asked.

"Father says I'm too young to wield one yet," Leia replied quickly.

"And you still are," Jeremoch said. "Come along, young ones, we must get started on your lesson."

The three followed the older man up the ship's boarding ramp. As they walked through the ship, Jeremoch explained the ship's origin and why it was the ship they were using to practice. Armin was listening with rapt attention, taking notes on his datapad about the different systems the ship had as they passed by. Leia payed attention as well, making a mental note about what was important. While Eren was more focused on Leia. He was still confused about everything that had happened. He was sure that Leia had gone through a tough experience, but nobody, not even her, wanted to tell him what it had been.

When they made it to the cockpit, Jeremoch sat in the pilot's seat, with Armin sitting in the copilot's seat. Leia and Eren sat behind them. Leia appeared to be listening closely to what Jeremoch was explaining about the ship's controls and navigation systems, but Eren was still solely focused on Leia. The girl turned to him and smiled. She then pointed to her ear and to Jeremoch, silently telling Eren to pay attention. Eren rolled his eyes and turned his attention forward.

"Now you three, watch closely to how I move the controls for take-off. When we go into the sim, I don't want any mistakes."

"Yes, sir," the three said in varying tones.

The ship rumbled to life as the engines ignited. Slowly the ship began to rise, and the retracting of the landing gear could be heard. The three youngsters kept a close eye on how Jeremoch controlled the ship and listened as he explained everything. Not long after, they were off the platform, and they were off.

Eren glanced back toward Leia one more time, but pushed getting answers aside and focused on learning all he could from Jeremoch.

---

Grisha paced back and forth in his office. A million thoughts ran through his head as he recalled what Mikasa had told him earlier in the morning. He had always anticipated that the young girl would eventually become aware of her abilities, it was a reality he expected. However, he was not ready for them to start appearing so soon after the loss of her mother.

What Grisha had initially thought was that the trauma of what happened to her parents would, in a way, cut her off from the Force. It would allow for Mikasa to grow up as close to as a normal girl as she could. Which was the goal of her and her family in coming to Alderaan. Now the young girl did not have someone to guide her through her growing abilities.

He sighed and walked over toward a bookcase. He grabbed a box that was on a high shelf and walked over to his desk. He sat down at his desk and stared at the box. He swore to himself that he would never open the box unless Mikasa asked him about it. Now he wondered if there was no other choice. Grisha wondered if Bail knew anything. Alderaan's senator kept things from him, but Grisha knew it was for a reason. The two trusted each other and withheld little. Grisha sat back in his chair and let out a breath. He had to take things one step at a time.

The door to his office then slid open, and Mikasa walked in. She had her usual monotone expression, but the bags underneath her eyes were noticeable. Grisha felt sad that such a young girl could develop something like that.

"Sit down, Mikasa, and explain to me the dream you had."

The black-haired girl nodded and explained to Grisha what she could remember. What struck him most curious was the black void. He had never heard of anything like that from what little he knew about the Jedi. Though, if he was being honest with himself, he did not know much about the knights of the former Republic. He was also curious about the other people she had seen, and figured the throughline of the dream was that these faceless people were people she would meet later. He could remember learning that Jedi visions could also be about future events.

When Mikasa finished her explanation, Grisha sat back in his chair and removed his glasses. It was a lot to take in, and he did not have a first step in helping the young girl. All he could think about was revealing to her where she came from.

Grisha stood up from his desk and walked over to the bookshelf where he had taken the box from. He scanned the shelves until he found a rather weathered looking tome. He grabbed it and traced the symbol on the book's cover; the symbol of the Jedi. It was one of the few texts he salvaged from the Emperor's sacking of the Jedi Temple.

"Tell me, Mikasa, what do you know about the Jedi?" Grisha asked as he turned to the young girl.

Mikasa tilted her head in confusion. "In school they tell us that the Jedi betrayed the Republic and that they caused the Clone War."

Grisha figured that would be her response. Ever since the foundation of the Empire, the narrative on the Jedi had completely shifted. Jedi were no longer heroes, but villains that craved power. Grisha had seen it on every world he had been to and was not surprised that Alderaan adopted that lie as well.

Grisha walked toward Mikasa and knelt in front of her. He held out the weather book he had grabbed and gestured for Mikasa to take it. She hesitantly reached out for it, but she had her eyes on the Jedi symbol. When she took the book, she used her finger to trace the symbol.

"How about your mother? What do you know about her?"

Mikasa looked up from the book cover to Grisha with a saddened expression. He knew it would be difficult for her, but he wanted her to think as hard as she could. He had to know if she was ready to learn certain truths.

"I think she was a Jedi. I remember the armored soldiers calling her that," Mikasa answered.

"With what they tell you in school, do you think she was evil?" Grisha asked.

Mikasa shook her head. "My mom would never be evil!"

Grisha quickly noticed how emotional she was getting. Her eyes were beginning to well up, and her frown deepened. He quickly knelt in front of her and placed a hand on hers. He had to reassure her that he had no ill intention with his question.

"And I know that. Your mother was a good person and a Jedi. She protected you just like a Jedi would."

"Then why do people think they are evil?" Mikasa asked.

Grisha sighed and his gaze fell to the floor. "Because the Empire told them to. But they don't matter. What do you think of Jedi?"

Just as Grisha asked the question, he wondered if she was too young to understand it. It was a question that even he had trouble defining. He had never met a Jedi, only heard stories. Even during the Clone War, he would only hear about their heroics on the battlefield. But he also heard the opposite, people disparaging the Jedi for becoming soldiers when they were meant to be peacekeepers.

Grisha had always seen both sides to the argument. The Jedi were not living up to their status, but with a galaxy at war there was no other choice for a warrior. Grisha always wondered what he thought he would do if he was put in that situation. Though he never could imagine himself as a Jedi.

He had never seen war. For the entire conflict he was Alderaan. He would always check in with his parents since they had remained on Paradis, and his homeworld had become a battleground. Even when a Jedi was dispatched, his father had never met him on the battlefield. As a doctor, he was always far from the front line. However, his father always talked about how everyone that met the Jedi greatly respected them.

He turned back to Mikasa, who had her gaze firmly on the symbol on the book. She stared at it as if there was something more to it. Grisha knew that Jedi had the ability to feel the memories of objects, but it never felt like Mikasa had that ability. She set the book on her lap and looked to Grisha.

"I think the Jedi were good people," Mikasa said confidently.

Grisha smiled and nodded in response. He walked to be behind his desk again and put his hands on the box he had taken from the bookshelf.

"That's good. Just like your mother, you have a strong connection to the Force. However, you must try and keep your abilities from showing," Grisha explained.

"Is it because of the Empire."

Grisha was surprised at how quickly she caught on. He was expecting to explain why, but he was glad he did not have to. "That's exactly right."

"But what about Eren, Leia, and Armin?"

Those three were her closest friends. Grisha wanted with every fiber of his being to tell her no, but he knew she could never hide her abilities from them for long. Leia was very perceptive for someone so young, Armin was similar, and Eren could no doubt figure it out as well. He sighed and crossed his arms across his chest.

"Tell them when you feel ready to. This has to be a secret known to very few."

At the moment, the only ones who were him, Carla, Bail, and likely Breha. He was sure he and the others could keep that secret, but he was not entirely sure people so young could. He was sure they could keep it to themselves, but there was always a chance. Though, based on their current attitudes towards the Empire. Maybe her secret would be safe for a long time.

Grisha let out a breath and put his hand on Mikasa's head. "For now, let's keep it between us."

Mikasa nodded in understanding. Grisha gave a satisfied smile and turned to his desk. He grabbed the box and knelt in front of the young girl again. "In here is something that I promised to keep safe. However, I believe you have a right to know about it."

Mikasa looked down as Grisha opened the box. She let out a gasp when she saw a familiar metallic cylinder. However, next to it was a small blue cube she did not recognize. In her mind the memory of the day flashed. She could hear the blaster fire and the shouting. However, in the darkness of that memory, she remembered the brilliant green blade.

For his part, Grisha saw how Mikasa looked frozen, with her gaze stuck on the saber. "This is your mother's weapon."

"I know," she said quietly.

"What I want you to focus on is this." Grisha took out the blue cube, which glowed rather dully.

Mikasa followed the cube, and Grisha closed the box and set it down.

"What is it?" Mikasa asked.

"It's called a holocron. A Jedi artifact that stores information." Grisha glanced toward the book on Mikasa's lap. "Just like that book I managed to find this before the sacking of the temple."

As Mikasa stared at the blue cube, it slowly began to start glowing. Grisha watched as a connection began to form between the black-haired girl and the holocron. Mikasa slowly reached out and grabbed the holocron. Grisha let go of the Jedi artifact and let Mikasa study it closely. The holocron's glow grew as Mikasa's connection grew.

Grisha was amazed by the sight. In all his research on the Jedi and their techniques and philosophy, he had never witnessed something like this. Perhaps in his lifetime he would get to see a Jedi and their abilities in action. Grisha shook his head as the thought entered his mind. He could not think selfishly, he still had to make sure Mikasa understood who she was.

"I want you to keep that. Should you decide to pursue your abilities, learning to unlock that will be the first step." Grisha glanced toward the box that rested on his desk. "When that day comes, I'm sure you'll be ready to hold onto your mother's weapon."

Mikasa looked toward the box, once again the memories of that day flooded into her mind. However, with the holocron in hand, it did not hurt as bad as it usually did. She turned to Grisha and nodded. Grisha let out a relieved breath, it appeared that Mikasa understood what was going on. He was still sure he gave her too much information, but for now she knew what she needed to know. As Mikasa exited his office, Grisha wondered if he had made the right choice.

---

As the Nubian flew over Alderaan's tall mountain peaks, Eren found himself getting used to the ship's controls. It was different than the freighters he had been practicing on. The Nubian felt like it glided across the sky, compared to the freighter that felt like it lumbered from one point to the next.

There was also the fact that it was faster. Within Alderaan's atmosphere, Eren felt like he could fly around the whole planet in an instant. But with Jeremoch watching him, he could not even attempt to speed up past a certain limit. Armin was in the copilot's seat reading off different sensors and gauges, making sure he was not going to crash into any mountains. Even with the small number of lessons they had been given so far, Eren felt like he and Armin could cross the galaxy together.

Behind them Leia assisted by keeping track of the different readouts on the ship. Eren glanced back and Leia had looked up, as if she was expecting him to turn. Eren quickly whipped his head back forward and focused on flying.

They rounded one of Alderaan's tall peaks and could see the sun beginning to set. They had done several laps around the same mountain range. Each of them had done the flight path twice. Eren was on his second one, which meant training was coming to a close. He wanted to stay in the air longer, there was a sense of freedom that came from flying was unmatched.

The mountains that surrounded Alderaan's capital were even taller up close. While Eren kept his eyes ahead, he could not help but quickly glance toward the snow-covered peaks. Even know, during the warmer months, the mountains still had snow. The thought of winter always scared Eren, as the cold could bite.

"Okay, Eren, turn the ship around and stay on course to land," Jeremoch said behind him.

"Yes, sir."

Armin read out what was on the console in front of him and Eren slowly began to swing the ship around the mountain. He gave one last look at it before accelerating back toward the capital city. While he wanted to go faster, he did not want to get scolded by Jeremoch. He always wondered what the point of flying was if one could not go faster. He felt like the ship could go faster, though he assumed the ship was not exactly one of leisure.

He glanced back toward Leia, who had an expression that told him he should go faster. It was the same one she would always have when she dared him to do something. Eren shook his head and Leia gave a disappointed look. He knew she was going to say something about that later.

It was not long before the city, and the palace came into view. Armin gave him the direction in which to go to get in order to find the right landing pad. As they circled the many landing pads around the palace, Eren noticed two transports. One was definitely his father's, while the other one appeared to belong to Senator Organa.

"It seems we have people waiting," Jeremoch said looking out the view port. "Okay, Eren set her down gently."

"Are you sure? You always do landings," Eren replied.

The older man smiled. "I'm sure you can do it. Trust your instincts. I'll be right here the whole time."

Eren nodded and turned to Armin. "Landing gear engaged?"

The blonde boy turned to the console in front of him and pressed a button. Behind them the ships mechanics began to whir.

"Landing gear ready."

"Now set her down gently."

Eren nodded and steadied the ship. He slowed down and allowed for gravity, with help from the repulsor, get him to the ground. On the display in front of him it showed how close he was to the ground, once he was mere centimeters from the landing gear touching, he released the ships repulsor. However, he had released it to early and the ship jumped a bit as it settled.

Eren turned to Jeremoch, who let out relieved breath. "Not bad for your first attempt. We'll continue to work on it."

The older man put a hand on the young boy's shoulder and gestured for the three of them to follow him. Jeremoch pressed a button and the boarding ramp lowered. When the four descended, Eren saw that his father was indeed waiting for them. With him was Mikasa, who had her gaze firmly on Leia.

"Mikasa!" Leia called out.

The girl sprinted and wrapped the dark-haired girl in a tight hug. Mikasa smiled slightly and wrapped her arms around her as well.

Grisha walked up to the two boys and knelt down in front of them. "Was that your landing Eren?"

Eren nodded. "It could've been better."

"Nothing practice won't fix, isn't that right, Jeremoch?" Grisha asked turning to the older man.

"They'll all be fine pilots in no time."

Jeremoch then walked over to Senator Organa, who speaking to someone via a small holoprojector. Eren turned to his father, who had stood up. He motioned for him and Armin to follow and they did.

When they reached Mikasa and Leia, Mikasa seemed to not be concerned that their friend had vanished for a period of time. Though Eren did remember her being less worried than he was.

"Oh, wait, I wanted to give you something, Mikasa."

Everyone watched the girl rush over to her father. Bail shut off the holoprojector and turned to his daughter. Whatever they were talking about, Eren could not hear. The door to the senator's transport opened and reached in to grab something. He handed the object to Leia and she rushed back over to her friends.

"I found this while I was helping mother clean some stuff out. I thought you might want since you always look cold."

Leia held out some kind of folded up red fabric. Mikasa was hesitant to reach out and grab it. The color reminded her of what she had seen in her dream. Leia, meanwhile, tilted her head in confusion. She looked to Eren and Armin, with Eren shrugging in response.

"Are you okay, Mikasa? If you don't want it, it's fine," Leia said, a bit saddened.

"No, it's not that. I'm just not sure I should take it," Mikasa responded.

Grisha was about to step in and take the fabric, but the expression on Leia's face stopped him. She unfurled the fabric revealing a scarf.

"Trust me, Mikasa, I want you to have it."

Leia then wrapped the scarf around Mikasa. The dark-haired girl was surprised as Leia wrapped the scarf around her. She had done it rather haphazardly, but Leia was satisfied with her work.

Mikasa slowly brought her hand to the scarf and was surprised how warm it felt. It was warm for a practical reason, but also it did not feel like when she saw the scarf in her dream. Mikasa smiled slightly and turned to Leia.

"Thanks. I really like it."

Leia beamed. "I knew you would. Though don't force yourself to wear it, if you don't want to."

Mikasa nodded as she adjusted the scarf to better fit around her neck.

"Leia, we have to get going it," Bail called out.

"Coming!"

Leia turned to her three friends and wrapped them all in hug. Eren protested the action, Armin tried to be as cordial as he could, while Mikasa had a silent smile.

"See you guys later!" Leia said.

"It won't be too long, your Highness," Grisha said.

"What do you mean?"

"We'll be spending some time at the palace before returning home," Grisha said.

The four friends looked at each other and they all laughed. They rushed toward the Organa transport. Bail could not stop the sigh, but he still smiled.

"It seems the kids have decided which transport we're going on, Grisha."

"I try to teach those kids to be more respectful," Grisha said as he buried his face into his palm.

"Let them enjoy their childhood. Come my friend, we have much to speak about."

---

When the kids arrived at the palace, Eren and Mikasa were surprised that Eren's mother, Carla, was waiting for them with Leia's mother Breha. The kids greeted the two older women and raced inside to find somewhere to play.

Following close behind was Grisha and Bail. The two men greeted their wives and moved inside the palace. The palace attendants told them that the kids had gone toward the large garden. The adults decided to speak while keeping an eye on them. To neither of their surprise, Leia was leading whatever game they were playing. Carla and Breha laughed at the sight, while the two men watched in amusement.

"It's always Leia leading the charge," Carla said.

"I wonder where she gets that from," Breha replied glancing toward Bail.

"If anything, she takes the most after you," Bail said.

The adults conversed as they kept their eyes on the children. Not long after attendants served them tea, Bail and Grisha excused themselves in order to speak in private. The two moved to Bail's study. Bail made sure they were alone before feeling like it was safe to speak.

"What has happened? You seemed very stressed earlier today," Bail asked.

"I told Mikasa about her parents."

It took a moment for Bail to realize what Grisha had meant. He glanced out the window of the study toward the garden and focused on the dark-haired girl. Her expression as she played with her friends did not suggest she learned a harsh truth about the galaxy they lived in.

"How much did you tell her?" Bail asked.

"As much as she could handle."

Bail put a pensive hand on his greying beard. "What happened for you to tell her?"

"A dream she had. When she explained it to me, it sounded like visions Jedi get," Grisha explained.

Looking out the window again, Bail focused on Leia. She had yet to show signs of her true parentage, but Bail did notice how she could be a bit more perceptive than most. While he could not fully attribute that to her abilities growing, there was a chance.

He turned to Grisha, who was still had a worried expression. Bail had yet to tell him about Leia's true origin. It was not because he did not trust him, it was more due to not wanting anyone knowing who her original parents were.

"How are you going to proceed?" Bail asked.

"For now, she seems to want nothing to do with her powers. She just wants to be a normal girl."

"Then that's how we should treat her. Only broach the subject should she decide to."

Grisha nodded in response. "That's what I was thinking as well."

Grisha followed Bail toward the window looking over the garden. The two men saw the four friends playing like nothing else mattered. The two men wanted to preserve their happiness as much as they could. The network they were building was to ensure they smiles they all had could stay on their faces.

"Anything new from your sources?" Grisha asked.

"We're building up supplies at a base on Crait. I'm planning on visiting soon to see what we can use."

"I'll have the medical supplies ready for when you leave," Grisha said.

"I appreciate it my friend, but are you sure you want your son to be the one to go on the supply runs?"

Grisha shifted his gaze to Eren, who was hiding behind a bush likely playing hide-and-seek. He smiled at how happy his son looked. The thought that he would become tied to their growing network.

"I need the help regardless. Managing the hospital and gathering equipment for the hospital are two jobs I can't do. I have no plans on telling him the ulterior motive of the trips. It gives him, Armin, Mikasa, and Carla plausible deniability should I get caught."

"Do you really believe the Empire will spare them?" Bail asked.

Grisha sighed and looked away from the window. "I can only hope they do. If they don't, everything we've been working for will have been meaningless."

Bail did not respond to that but said that they should return to where their wives were. Grisha agreed and the two returned. Based on the expressions they wore; the two women did not ask about what they had spoken about. Grisha was aware of Breha's involvement within their growing network and he was sure Carla had deduced what they were creating. Grisha knew that he could count on Carla's support in their efforts.

He let his mind wander to the family he had left within the Empire. It had been some time since he last spoke to Dina, but he was sure she was doing fine. He was more worried about his son Zeke. Last he heard about him, Zeke had joined the Imperial Navy. Should the worst happen, Grisha was not sure he could bring himself to fight him. Grisha pushed those thoughts aside and focused on what was in front him: four young kids enjoying their youth. He always reminded himself they were the reason he was fighting.

---

5 BBY

Alderaan

"Okay, looks good!" Armin said through Eren's ear commlink

Eren took off the greased gloves as he stepped back from the ship's landing gear. He wiped his brow of sweat and walked up the ship's boarding ramp. He saw Armin in the cockpit pressing buttons on the main console. The blonde had his hair pulled back in a small ponytail. He still had his usual hair style, but whenever they were working on a ship, he always pulled his hair back.

"How's the diagnostic looking?" Eren asked.

"Landing gear looks to be calibrated correctly. Mikasa's still checking the comm system," Armin said.

He pressed a button and a display of the comm system replaced the landing gear display. The comm system was located in the back of the ship, amongst a mess of wires. The ship they had was an old freighter that Eren's father had once used for supply runs for the hospital. Today was the first time they were going to help his father gather materials for the hospital, though he was supposed to join him.

The console beeped and Eren turned his attention toward it. The comm system was up and running and Armin quickly tested it, getting a response from Mikasa clearly. Mikasa then joined them at the ship's cockpit. She sat in the copilot's seat and made sure the systems there were calibrated correctly.

"Tight fit?" Eren asked.

"Honestly, the mess of wires is what made it difficult to move around," Mikasa said.

"Damn," Armin muttered.

Mikasa and Armin looked over to the blonde and saw a red screen on the console. The right engine was blinking red. Eren put his gloves back on and grabbed the tool kit.

"Let me know what I have to look out for," Eren called out.

"It's a panel on the outside!"

"Gotcha!"

Eren descended the boarding ramp and made his way to the right engine. Giving it just a glance nothing seemed out of the ordinary. He was about to comm Armin to tell him what he was looking for when he saw a panel spark and fall off the engine.

Eren set down the toolbox, climbed on top of the engine, and investigated what was underneath the fallen panel. He turned on a flashlight and quickly noticed a small pool of oil in the corner. Above it a loose wire was emitting sparks.

"Armin, we got a spark and small pool of leaking oil," Eren said into the comm in his ear.

"First try to seal the wires."

Eren looked up from the engine and turned to the toolbox he had left on the ground. He frowned and cursed at himself for not bringing the toolbox with him. As he was about to jump off the engine, the toolbox was placed by the engine's edge. Eren rose an eyebrow and walked over to grab it. He looked down to see Leia, on the tips of her toes, trying to get the box atop the engine.

"Thanks, Leia," Eren said as he grabbed the toolbox.

"No problem."

Eren turned to fix the engine but stopped and whipped his head around. Leia was indeed standing there, hands behind her back as she rocked back and forth on her feet.

"What're you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be helping your father?" Eren asked.

"Well I wanted to see you off." Leia's face reddened as the words left her lips. "I mean, I wanted to see you guys off."

"Well we're not leaving any time soon. Dad's still not here and this ship is literally falling apart." Eren's words were accentuated with the loose wires emitting a spark again. This time it was larger than the previous one. "Oh crap." He whipped around and returned to the opening in the engine.

"Give me a minute to patch this up," he called out to Leia.

Eren rummaged around the toolbox and found the electrical tape. He unwrapped a large strip and slowly wrapped the tape around the loose wire. He waited a moment to see if it would still emit sparks, but nothing seemed to happen. He let out a relieved breath and turned to the small pool of oil. He tried to find where the oil was coming from but did not see anything along the edges. He ran his gloved hands along the bottom of the small pool and found and an opening at the bottom. He cleared the oil as best he could and used the tape to seal the hole. It was shoddy work, but it appeared to do the trick.

"How're we looking, Armin?" Eren said into the commlink in his ear.

The comm was silent for a moment before a static followed Armin's voice. "Should be good."

Eren grabbed the panel that had fallen off, with help from Leia, and tried to shimmy it back into place. Once again, it was shoddy work, but it would do until an actual mechanic could see to the ship.

Eren grabbed the toolbox and jumped off the engine. Waiting from him was Leia, who kept her eyes on the old freighter.

"Old, huh?" Eren asked.

Leia nodded. "Yeah. Surprised your dad keeps it."

"That's what I tell him, but he's very attached to this ship."

Eren gestured for Leia to follow him, which she did. The two went up the boarding ramp and turned toward the cockpit. Mikasa was looking over Armin's shoulder as she adjusted the scarf Leia had given her. Armin still had his eyes focused on the ship's console, running one last check to make sure everything was working correctly. The screen flashed green and Armin let out a relieved sigh.

"We should be ready for take-off," Armin said, whirling his seat around. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw Leia. "Your Highness!" Armin scrambled to his feet and bowed.

Mikasa turned and gave her friend a nod, which Leia appreciated. She looked to Armin with a scowl as he straightened himself.

"Armin, we're friends. No need for all the bowing," Leia said.

"Sorry," Armin put a hand behind his head, "force of habit."

Leia walked toward the cockpit's console and looked over it, just like the three friends, she had training to be a pilot; even if it was not as extensive. However, she could read most of what the console was describing.

"First mission, right?"

The three nodded in response. Eren's father had spoken a lot about them helping him out with his "grocery runs" as he called them. They were simple supply runs for equipment and other things the hospital Grisha worked at needed. They would be going to various planets to pick them up and would likely return the next day.

Outside the ship, the four could hear a transport landing. The muffled voice of Grisha Yeager thanked a driver and he quickly climbed the boarding ramp. "Good, you're all here." He set down a few items in the common area only sparing a quick glance toward the cockpit.

The ship was small but had enough amenities to sustain long term travel. A common area was where most of their own supplies were stored, such as food and drink. A door toward the back of the common area had a bunk room behind it. It only had three cots, but it was enough. Finally, there was the cargo bay, big enough to hold everything they were going to look for.

Grisha walked toward the cockpit, his face buried in a datapad. When he looked back, he jumped when he saw Leia standing next to Eren. "Your Highness, what are you doing here?"

Leia frowned at another person she was close to calling her by her official title. Eren could not help but snicker at her expression, which earned him an elbow from the shorter girl.

"I came to see you guys off."

Grisha sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You mean you ran off again?"

Despite them now being teenagers, all of them were fourteen with Armin being the last to turn that age, Leia still found ways to slip out of the palace and spend time with her friends. The three did not care, but Grisha was never pleased when he found her at his home without informing her family.

"I didn't! I told Mother I'd be with you guys."

Eren had wondered how she had gotten to them. He knew the hospital's landing pad was close to the palace, but the walk was still a long one. He had not really thought about since she was almost always with them. Whenever she was not, it was usually helping her father, Bail. She was on track to becoming his successor in the Imperial Senate.

"It's not that big a deal, Dad. Plus, I'm glad she was here. Without her I wouldn't have been able to patch up the engine," Eren said coming to his friend's defense.

Grisha sighed again but relented his line of questioning. "Very well. Just try not to pull stunts like those around me. You know how your parents are good friends of mine, Your Highness."

Leia nodded. "I know that, Dr. Yeager."

Grisha accepted her words and walked past her. He focused on Armin, as the blonde ran him through the ship's diagnostics. Mikasa moved to watch, leaving Leia and Eren by themselves. Leia glanced to the boy, she turned away as his eyes shifted to her. He had gotten taller than her in the last few years. He always was, but she had really noticed when she saw him last year. That was also when her feelings toward him began to change.

As for Eren, he rose an eyebrow when she turned away from him. He had noticed she had been doing that recently whenever his gaze met hers. He was sure she did not mean anything by it, but a part of him worried he had done something to upset her. Though if that was the case, she would likely tell him. When she did turn to him, green locked with brown for a few moments. Leia opened her mouth to say something, as did he, but they both stopped. The exchange made the two laugh quietly, but both could feel the heat rising in their cheeks.

"I should probably head back. Father said he would help with my lessons today," Leia said as she put her arms behind her back.

"We're just about ready, as well," Eren replied.

Leia turned to walk toward the boarding ramp, and Eren followed her. The two descended, but Eren remain on it. Leia took a few steps before turning back to him.

"See you when you get back?"

Eren nodded. "We should only be gone for a few days. I'll make sure to tell you when we arrive."

Leia smiled brightly, making the red forming on Eren's cheeks all the more visible. "I'll be waiting." She waved as Eren walked back up the ramp.

When he reached the top, Eren pressed the button on the side and the ramp retracted into the ship. He let out a breath trying to calm himself down as he walked toward the cockpit. When he did, Grisha was sitting in the pilot's seat and Armin in the copilot's. Mikasa was in the navigator's chair, which left Eren in the passenger seat.

The ship rumbled to life as it began to take off. Outside the viewport, Eren could see Alderaan's mountain began to rise into the air alongside them. Once they were clear, they jetted toward the outer atmosphere and into the darkness of space.

From the platform, Leia watched the ship disappear into the clouds. She had waved the whole time, even if her friends could not see her. With a smile she turned to return to the palace. As she walked, she realized what she had told Eren, and a deep blush formed on her face. She always made sure to include Armin and Mikasa whenever she said goodbye. This time she did not. She hoped he did not notice, but a part of her wanted him to. She looked back toward the sky and hoped her friends would be safe, but her mind was solely focused on Eren.

---

While it had not been the first time any of them were in hyperspace, the sight of the blue tube that surrounded them was always awe-inspiring for the three teens. While there was nothing to really look at outside the ship's viewport, the fact they were passing through space at incredible speeds was jaw dropping. Once the effect wore off, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin would alternate sitting in the copilot's seat as they helped Grisha maintain the ship's course and other important systems.

During Armin's turn at being copilot, Eren sat in the ship's common area, while Mikasa, sitting on the floor next to him, appeared to be meditating. Eren had noticed she had been doing that a lot more often as of late. He did not really think much about it, but he a part of him was curious as to why she had started.

He tried to preoccupy his mind by going through the datapad his school provided for him. It would not be long until he graduated from Alderaan's Royal Academy. Normally most students would jump into the Imperial Military Academy, but Eren did not want to make that jump. While he rarely spoke of it, Eren's father was not the supporter of the Empire he outwardly showed. His sentiments had spread to both he and Mikasa, but a part of him was not sure why yet. Grisha would always say that they were lucky to live on Alderaan as the Empire's presence was not as obvious as other worlds.

However, where Eren did see the Empire's presence was whenever they went to any significant gathering at the royal palace. It was full of people of supported the Empire, and they were all the same kind of people; rich and well connected. Grisha had told him he had been lucky in meeting the right people in his youth, but that was when the Empire was still a Republic.

Eren wondered if Leia would become like the people he would see at those gatherings. He doubted it, as her father was someone who tried his hardest to preserve what was left of the Republic; or so his father would tell him. But Eren believed his father. Bail, and by extension Breha, were good people that Eren trusted he could tell anything to.

His mind shifted to thinking if Leia would still become a senator. Just like him she was close to finishing her time as a student as well, even if she was largely homeschooled. They had made that promise when they were kids, but Eren was now going to be helping out his father with the hospital. It was part of the reason he let him learn to become a pilot. He just hoped the day would come when he got to fly the Corvette. He felt his face heat up at that thought.

Beside him, he heard Mikasa sigh. "Eren, can you please keep it down?"

Eren turned to her with an embarrassed expression, but it changed to one of surprise. "But I haven't said anything. At least I don't think I did."

Mikasa opened her eyes and let her posture loosen. "I guess I didn't clear my head as well as I thought." She turned to him and tilted her head. "Why do you look embarrassed?"

Eren sputtered a response and turned away from her. He did not realize the heat in face was visible.

In truth, Mikasa knew why. Her meditation was one of the things she did to practice controlling her growing abilities. However, she had yet to block out being able to hear the thoughts of people near her. There were times when she could, but it was not consistent. She did find the meditation helpful. It calmed her nerves and allowed her to feel out her abilities. She had yet to tell Armin, Eren, and Leia about them. She wanted to more comfortable with her abilities before showing them.

There was a downside to being able to hear people's inner voices and feelings; she knew more than she wanted. One such thing was the weird change in Eren and Leia's relationship. Eren was practically her brother and Leia was like her sister, but when he met the two of them when they were kids, she could feel something different between the two of them. At the time she did not understand that, but now she understood it better thanks to her abilities. They seemed to view each other as something more than friends. Mikasa had thought, at first, their bond was that of siblings, they had grown up together, but the way they interacted recently made Mikasa rethink that. She also did not need her powers to see how they acted around each other, always nervous to speak or a lingering glance that lasted too long. Mikasa did not fully understand what they were feeling, but she could tell they cared for each other deeply. And recently both of their thoughts seemed focused on each other.

Eren was still trying to keep his embarrassment under control and seeing him act so flustered made Mikasa smile.

"What were you and Leia talking about before we left?"

Eren slowly turned toward Mikasa, his red face slightly under control. "…Just promising to come back soon."

"You seem worried for her?"

Eren chuckled. "Trust me, the last thing I am is worried for her. I just feel better when all of us are together."

Mikasa noticed how he had paused to find the right words. She decided not to ask why, she felt he needed to process his emotions on his own.

"Eren, you're up!" Armin announced as he walked into the common area.

Eren turned to the blonde and nodded. He gave Mikasa a nod and walked into the cockpit.

Armin took Eren's seat and took off the band that tied his hair back, returning his hair to its slightly childish cut. Mikasa decided that that was enough meditating for one day. She was distracted now by the many different emotions running through her friends. Though around Armin she never had to feel around to find out what he was really thinking.

"Done meditating?" Armin asked.

Mikasa nodded. "It's not easy staying focused for so long."

Armin chuckled. "I can imagine. Sometimes I can barely sit still when it comes to tinkering with stuff, and that's usually my meditation."

Armin had always been naturally good with his hands and mind. Mikasa would always see him deep in holobook or even a real paper book; the Organa library was stocked with both. He was the one that caught onto being a pilot the quickest out of the four of them, it was why Grisha had put him in charge of running the ship's diagnostics. Mikasa appreciated there was at least one real mechanic in their group.

"How much longer until we reach Felucia?" Mikasa asked.

"A couple of hours. By the time we get there, it'll be Eren as copilot for landing."

Felucia was their first stop. It was the place where Grisha bought nysillin without going through the Empire's marked up prices. From there, their next stop would be Saleucami in order to find cheap, but useful, parts for all the machinery the hospital used. According to Grisha this would be the two places they would visit most once they went out on their own. He would show them other locations on their next run. Which would make them be away from Alderaan for several weeks.

"I wonder how Eren and Leia would react to that," Mikasa muttered.

"So you noticed as well, huh?"

Mikasa turned to Armin and he had a small smile on his face. She rose an eyebrow unsure what he was referring to. "Noticed what?"

"C'mon, whatever you were thinking about led to Eren and Leia. You have to have noticed by now, the way they feel about each other," Armin said.

"So there is more going on between them," Mikasa said as her eyes widened in realization.

"You only just realized?" Armin asked. "I noticed from the moment Eren introduced me to Her Highness-I mean, Leia."

Mikasa could not stop the small chuckle that escaped her. Armin was one who tried his best to speak to, and about, Leia casually, while still trying to remain formal. "I had noticed their feelings toward each other had changed, but I didn't think it was love."

"All I know for sure is that Grisha is going to kill Eren when he finds out. Even more so if he acts on his feelings," Armin said with a laugh.

"Who do you think will reveal their feelings first?" Mikasa asked.

Armin pondered the question for a moment. In all the time he had known the two, Leia was always the one leading. But she was also the one who kept her thoughts closely guarded. Eren, meanwhile, was more obvious with his emotions. Armin was surprised he had not let it slip himself.

"I think Leia will find out, but not say anything. So, it'll likely be Eren," Armin said.

Mikasa smiled. "I think it'll be the other way around. Care to bet on it?"

"Sure. 50 credits?"

Mikasa nodded and held out her hand, which Armin shook. The two found it odd they were betting on their friend's relationship, but there was something amusing about it all. The two continued to talk about all kinds of different topics and interests. As they neared Felucia, the two join Eren and Grisha in the cockpit to get ready for landing.

The ship lurched forward as it dropped out of hyperspace. The blue tunnel being replaced with the inky black of space. In front of them was a rather yellow looking world, with what looked like oceans having the same color. However, there was a blemish on the world's surface. On the planet's norther hemisphere was a large cloud. Mikasa had pointed it out, and Grisha sighed in a disappointment.

"That's where the capital city is. The Empire has a garrison stationed as well as a factory. Since the planet is key for certain hyperspace routes, the Empire deems it worthy of their time, much to the detriment of the planet's health."

"Is that where we're going?" Armin asked.

"Luckily, no. There's a village closer to the southern hemisphere where I know the elder. He'll give us large amounts of nysillum for half the Empire's price."

"How is that even possible?" Eren asked.

"You just have to arrive at the right time."

Grisha began to descend the planet's atmosphere. Space was replaced by clouds as the ship broke through the atmosphere. Once the clouds gave way, the three young teens could see a village surrounded by the fungal forest. Surrounding the village were rows and rows of crops. There were all kinds, but one section was a sea of pink. When Armin pointed it out, Grisha told them that was they were coming to get.

As they got closer to the village, they could begin to see the villagers running about. All of them were going about their duties, but some stopped to see their ship land. Grisha eased their landing next to a large barn. With one final system check, they made sure everything was good before meeting the villagers.

"Follow my lead," Grisha said.

The three nodded in response and followed Grisha down the boarding ramp. As they exited the ship, the three were met by lifeforms that were small in stature and had a somewhat reptilian appearance. Grisha told them they were native Felucians and he had met them some time ago. Several greeted Grisha warmly and did the same with the new arrivals. One elderly Felucian hobbled toward them with a cane, helping were two younger Felucians, but even they were beginning to show signs of wrinkles.

"Ah, Grisha, just in time for the harvest," the elderly man said, holding out his hand.

"Casiss! It's been too long."

Grisha took the elderly Felucian's hand and shook it. Casiss looked past Grisha to see the three teens and smiled toward them.

"You three must be who will take over for Grisha, correct?"

"Indeed, they are." Grisha walked behind them and placed a hand on Eren's shoulder. "My son, Eren and his friend, Armin. Finally, my adopted daughter, Mikasa."

"It's good to meet you all. Grisha has told me much about you three."

"It's an honor to meet you, Mr. Casiss," Eren said.

"Please, call me Casiss, my boy," Casiss said with a loud chuckle. He then turned to one of the Felucian's next to him. "Dilanni, help our new friends by showing them where we store what we set aside for Grisha. I have to speak with him in private."

Dilanni nodded and gestured for the three teens to follow. They turned to Grisha who ushered them forward. They looked between each other and followed the small Felucian toward a smaller barn, where the nysillim was packaged.

Grisha gave them one last glance toward the three before following Casiss into the large barn, which led into the elder Felucian's home. Casiss sat down on a small chair in front of an empty fireplace. Grisha decided to sit on the floor, the chairs for Felucian's were much too small for near-humans like him.

"I thought you'd bring your son next year," Casiss said.

Grisha sighed. "Things have changed and they're moving faster than I thought."

"I figured that, but are you willing to put your family in such a risk?"

"They have plausible deniability," Grisha replied turning to look out the window.

"And you think the Empire cares for such things?"

"As we are Alderaanian, hopefully."

Casiss sighed and glanced out the window as well. "Hope is something we can't all cling to, Doctor."

"We can!" Grisha rose to his feel, almost hitting the low roof. "What we are building will give it to millions in the galaxy!"

"What good will it do if your children aren't around to see it?"

"Then why help us?" Grisha asked.

Casiss turned away from the man and looked to empty fireplace. He remembered how many years ago he had ignited it to host a meeting between unlikely allies. He remembered how they had given them hope in time where they thought it was impossible. However, the new threat the was ever present was another beast in its entirety. Remembering that time is why he accepted the doctor's offer.

"Because you have the same look in your eyes as those who helped us long ago."

Casiss hopped off the chair and grabbed his cane. He tapped Grisha's ankle with it and gestured for him to follow him. The elder Felucian stopped at the window and stared out. Grisha did the same and saw the villagers attending to their duties, with several helping Eren, Armin, and Mikasa load nisyllim onto their ship. Casiss then used his cane to point at them.

"Those three share a similar expression. They want to help people."

"How can you tell?"

Casiss chuckled. "When you live as long as I have, you tend to pick up on things other may not." Casiss focused his eyes on Eren, seeing him struggle to carry one of the larger packages of nysillim "Especially your son. He's someone who will fight for those who can't."

"That's why the hope is to make sure he doesn't have to. He managed to escape one war; I don't want him caught in another."

Casiss sighed as he set his cane down. "That's what we thought here as well, but Felucia became a battle ground. The scars of it run deep and some have yet to fade."

Casiss looked into the distance and Grisha followed his gaze. A past of him swore he could see the smog of the Imperial factory from here.

"When does the Empire arrive?" Grisha asked.

"Two days' time. You arrive each time closer and closer to when they get here," Casiss said.

"Have they harmed you? Or your people?"

Casiss shook his head. "Not yet, but it's only a matter of time. It's like you said, plausible deniability."

Before Grisha could respond, there was knock on the door. A muffled voice came from behind it. "We're almost done loading the nysillim."

"Our conversations also get more brief with each visit." Casiss hobbled over toward the door and Grisha followed. However, the elder Felucian stopped, which earned a raised brow from Grisha. "How much longer do you think you can keep those three in the dark?"

"About what?"

"Your little organization."

"If it goes well, they will have never known."

"Will it?" Casiss asked.

Grisha knew the reality, but like all things with his and Bail's growing rebellion, he could only hold out hope. "Hope, Casiss. Hope is what many of us cling to."

Grisha exited first, leaving Casiss to his thoughts. The elder Felucian simply smiled and followed the man out.

Once the ship was loaded, Armin was first up to make sure all the systems were in order. Grisha, Eren, and Mikasa took the time to speak with Casiss and a few more village elders about how things would change. Starting next harvest, Eren and his friends would be the ones picking up the nysillim. Casiss understood and looked forward to the next visit and getting to know Eren, as well as his friends.

Once everything was settled, the three walked onto the ship and they waved to the Felucians. The three moved to the cockpit, and Armin hopped over to the copilot's seat. Grisha made the final checks and slowly took the ship into the air.

As they rose into the air, Eren looked over the datapad that had the information for their nysillim crop. As he looked over how much they needed, he realized they had stored a bit more than what they needed. He set the datapad aside and turned to his father.

"Dad, why do we have more nysillim than we need?"

"It never hurts to have a bit more than necessary. Most of the time, Casiss gives it to me for free since I pay him more than what he gives me is worth."

"That just sounds like you're paying for what is free," Mikasa said.

Grisha shrugged. "Perhaps, but you don't need to worry. Every bit of the nysillim will be used. Now, strap in. We're about to jump to hyperspace."

Eren sat back in the navigator's chair and watched the ship broke through the atmosphere. Just as the black of space appeared, it was replaced by the blue of hyperspace. They were off to Saleucami.

---

Leia started out of the large window in her room. The sun had already disappeared behind the mountains that surrounded Alderaan's capital city, but the sky still shined with a red-orange color. Normally, at this time, she would be over at the Yeager home or they at hers. They always met up to play some hologame or simply just spend time together. While it was not a daily occurrence, it still felt odd that no one, aside from Carla, was there. She had not anticipated to feel so lonely when her friends were off world. Though, she did miss Eren the most.

Behind her, the door to her room slowly opened. Leia turned to see her mother entering. Leia was surprised to see her. Today she and her father had been holed up in Bail's study talking with political allies. Leia had wanted to join them, but her parents had forbade her from doing so. It felt odd to be excluded from something she could have viewed as training, but she accepted her parents' words. Though her being excluded from talks between senators had grown in frequency.

"Missing your friends?" Breha asked as she sat next to her daughter.

Leia nodded. "Whenever you and dad are busy, I always go to Eren's house, but it feels weird since they aren't there."

"I'm sure Carla would be more than happy to spend time with you," Breha reasoned.

"Probably, but it isn't the same. Eren, Mikasa, and Armin are, probably, my only real friends."

Breha sighed. "I understand, but they'll be back soon, and they can regale you with stories of the adventure." Breha glanced to her daughter and saw her expression remained unchanged. "Maybe, one day, you can join them."

Leia's face lit up as she turned to her mother. Breha could not help but smile seeing her expression change. Her friends really meant a lot to her.

"Can I?" Leia asked excitedly.

"Yes, but we have to make sure that Dr. Yeager is fine with it. You know how he can be," Breha cautioned.

Leia pouted as she crossed her arms "He's so not fun. How is some so not fun Eren's dad?"

Breha chuckled. "He is just trying to make sure his son doesn't embarrass him in front of Alderaan's royal family."

"But Father has told him so many times it doesn't matter," Leia argued.

"True, but Grisha owes a lot to Bail, so he is trying to return the favor in any way he can. You'll understand a bit better when you're older."

"I hope I don't become as unfun as he is."

Breha wrapped an arm around Leia and pulled her close. "I certain you won't."

Breha glanced down to her daughter. Her expression had changed from when she entered, and that made her happy. She was also happy that she had such a good relationship with her friends. Breha had been so worried that by keeping her in the palace, Leia would grow up without too many friends. The three kids that Grisha had brought with him lit up Leia's world so much and she could not thank the doctor enough.

However, Breha had noticed how close Leia and Eren had gotten. She wondered if there was something there. She glanced down to Leia, who kept her gaze firmly on the darkening sky. Breha smiled as the thought entered her mind.

"Tell me, Leia, what do you think of Eren?"

Leia turned to her mother with a raised brow. "He's my friend, so I care about him a lot."

"I know that, but when you're around him I have noticed how you seem happier and more comfortable compared to Mikasa and Armin," Breha said.

Leia took a moment to collect her thoughts. When she noticed what her mother was implying, she sat up and her face went bright red. Breha could not stop herself from giggling. Leia turned to her mother with an embarrassed expression and pleaded for her to stop laughing.

"Mother, it's not that! I'm serious!"

"Come now, Leia. I have eyes you know. It's okay to feel that way. You should have seen the look on your father's face when I confronted him about his feelings toward me."

"I just like being around him," Leia said shyly.

"That's good. Take your time in understanding your feelings. And, remember, I am always here to help you."

"Thank you, Mother," Leia said as she hugged Breha.

Breha returned the hug. She smiled at how much the young girl had grown up, but still had such a childish attitude toward certain things.

"Now come on, we're having dinner all together."

Leia smiled and followed her mother out her room and toward the dining room.

---

Getting to Saleucami was an uneventful flight. Everyone got a turn to rest and when they neared the planet, all four were well rested and ready to get on with their task.

The ship dropped out if hyperspace with the brown and green colored world of Saleucami right in front of them. Compared to Felucia, the world in front of them did not look tainted. However, Grisha was sure to tell them that any world the Republic had a foothold in during the Clone War had an Imperial presence.

They pierced through the atmosphere, but they were not close to any settlement. According to Grisha, where they were going was on the outskirts of a village. They then began to circle a rather large building. Speeders were parked by what the three teens assumed was the entrance. Grisha set down the ship close to where the speeders were.

"Spare Parts and Repair?" Armin said, reading the sign atop the door.

"The person who runs this place owes me a favor, so I come here whenever I need parts to fix the ship and some of the older machinery at the hospital," Grisha said as he put his bag over his shoulder. "Now come, what we need should already have been set aside."

The three teens looked at each other for a moment before following Grisha out of the ship. They entered the shop and found it to be more than just for repairs and spare parts. To one side was a small cantina, with several people sitting at the bar. One Weequay glanced over but did not pay them much mind. Grisha steered them toward the actual shop. A human, about the same age as Grisha sat behind the counter. He was cleaning a speeder engine part, but when he noticed the new arrivals, he put it away.

"You're here! I wasn't expecting you for another few days."

Grisha shrugged. "I needed to pick something else up."

"Well, your order should be set aside," the human said as he grabbed a datapad, "but I should double check that everything is there."

Grisha nodded and turned to Eren and Armin. "Go with him and make sure everything that is on my datapad is there." Grisha handed the two boys the datapd in his bag and ushered them toward the human. "By the way, is the Professor here?"

The human nodded. "In the back. He's expecting you." He gestured to the door behind the counter.

Grisha placed a hand on Mikasa's shoulder and gestured for her to follow. Mikasa looked to her friends who disappeared with the human toward a different part of the shop. The two moved around the counter and Grisha pressed a button on the panel next to the door.

The door led to stairs that descended into another section of the shop. Grisha calmly walked down, while Mikasa was a bit more hesitant. She could feel how calm Grisha was, but that did not help in alleviating how she felt.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, it led to a cluttered storage room. Mikasa and Grisha could hear parts and other objects clanging as someone tended to them. Mikasa could hear someone grumbling, complaining how their system was ruined. Mikasa could not help but chuckle at what she heard. She now knew why Grisha was friends with whoever they were visiting.

"Everyone okay back there, Professor?!" Grisha called out.

"Just peachy! New parts came in and now everything is a mess!" The clatter stopped as a shadow in the back of the room stood up. "Who's there, by the way?"

"It's me, Grisha."

"Ah, Dr. Yeager! I'll be with you in a moment."

From the shadows emerged not a human like Mikasa had guessed, but a droid; and an old looking one that. It had a brow-silver color to its plating and yellow photoreceptors. Attached to it was a backpack as another set of arms folded into it.

"It's been awhile, Doctor," the droid said with its hand outstretched.

"Indeed, it has," Grisha replied shaking the droid's hand.

The droid turned its head toward Mikasa and tilted it. "Who might you be?"

"Professor, this is Mikasa. She's my adopted daughter. Mikasa, this is Professor Huyang."

"Hello," Mikasa said shyly.

"It's nice to meet you young one. No need to worry, your father has told me about you."

Mikasa's eyes went wide and she turned to Grisha. She took a step back, but Grisha put a hand on her back.

"I see," Huyang said, "you fear your abilities. It is only natural when you have no one to guide you."

"This might help you discern her parentage," Grisha said. He put a hand into his bag and took out the weapon Mikasa's mother had given her. Grisha held it out to Huyang and the droid too it with great interest.

"Ah, not may built one with this design. Then again, not many from the moon of Hizuru became Jedi." Huyang's monocle moved to be over his eye as they scanned the saber. When he finished, he projected a larger image of the saber, showcasing the inner workings of it. "The hilt is meant to look like the ancient weapons of the people of Hizuru. The rather flat cylinder in particular is where the design draws the most inspiration." The image shifted to the top of the saber. "The emitter is slightly different form another Jedi from Hizuru, there were two at the time of the Clone Wars. This one won't produce a flat edge. Here, why don't you ignite it to better understand."

Huyang held out the saber and Mikasa hesitanly reached out to grab it. The last time she did, she had been plagued by nightmares for days. While she had not seen the two men in black since the first time, she was afraid she would see them again should she reach out for the saber. However, in the back of her mind, someone was telling her to reach for it. When she touched the saber, nothing came to her. As her fingers curled around the blade, she could hear the voice urging her to ignite it. As she pressed the button, a green, cylindrical blade emitted from it. It looked the same as it did when she saw her mother ignite it all those years ago.

"As you can see, the blade is more akin to a traditional saber."

Huyang took a step back and took in the sight of the young girl and the blade. He scanned the saber and a single person from his memory banks matched. The woman was a spitting image of the girl in front of her.

"I see. So, you're Ryoko Serizaki's daughter. I remember when she built that saber, perhaps a story for another time," Huyang said.

"Mikasa."

The young girl turned to Grisha and saw him kneeling down in front of her. He put a hand on her shoulder and smiled.

"Should you wish to learn any more about what your mother was, come here. I'm sure Huyang can teach you many things."

"I may not be able to teach you the Force, but I can teach you how a Jedi is connected to their weapon. As well as its history."

Grisha nodded to the old droid and focused on Mikasa. "I know you're scared. Your abilities continue to grow whether you want them to or not, but I think this is a chance you should take."

"But what about everyone else? Won't they get in trouble?"

"Young one," Huyang said as he also knelt in front of the girl, "being a Jedi is not easy and you do have the option to not take that step. As with all things, no practice means skills fade away. Choosing to walk away from something you do not feel ready for is a valid choice. When you feel ready, take that step."

Mikasa glanced to the still ignited saber. In her mind she could see her mother using it against the soldiers in armor. However, she could see past that. She could see her mother defending people, including her and her father.

"Will I be able to protect my friends, just like mother did?"

Huyang and Grisha nodded.

"Then, I would like to be able to protect them," Mikasa said.

"Very good," Huyang said as he stood up, "I should have an old training hologram for things outside of expertise. Just wait there a moment."

Mikasa nodded and turned to the saber again. She gave one last look to the green blade before turning it off. She noticed there was a way to hand it on her belt and tried doing it. The weapon fastened itself on her belt, but it felt heavy and uncomfortable. She assumed it would be something that took getting adjusted to.

"Why don't I hold on to it for now? When you feel ready, I'll give it to you," Grisha said.

Mikasa nodded and handed her adoptive father the weapon. As he stashed it in his bag, Huyang returned. He held out a small holoprojecter and backpack arms carried a small box.

"This is it. I also put together a few other things I managed to hold to. I believe they may help," Huyang said.

"Thank you, Professor."

"Of course, Doctor." Huyang turned to Mikasa and put a robotic hand on her shoulder. "Take care young one. I eagerly await your next visit."

"Can't I just contact you?" Mikasa asked.

"Unfortunately, we need to keep Huyang's presence here a secret. He'll contact us should he need anything," Grisha said.

"No need to worry, young one. We'll meet again soon."

Mikasa nodded in response. She followed Grisha back up the steps and out the door, where Armin and Eren were waiting for them.

---

It was Mikasa's turn to be in the cockpit with Grisha. She had kept to herself what Grisha had shown her beneath the shop on Saleucami, but a part of it kept nagging her mind. In her hands was her mother's weapon. It still felt heavy to hold, but it no longer felt impossible to lift. The droid professor had told her a bit of the history of its construction by her mother, which gave it new meaning. She held it tighter as she closed her eyes. In her mind, she could see flashes of its use on droids during the Clone Wars. A part of her wish she could ask her mother about the memories the weapon carried, but she knew that was not an option. She opened her eyes with a sigh, which caught Grisha's attention.

"Is something wrong?"

Mikasa shook her head and brought her feet onto the seat. She pulled them in close and rested forehead against her legs. She wondered if she should now tell her friends about her abilities. She had chosen to follow the same path as her mother did, even if she did not have direction yet, and she wanted her friends to be aware of it. She still felt lost, but at least she could count on her friends to help her.

"Grisha," Mikasa began to say.

"Hm?"

"I want to tell my friends about me."

Grisha was silent for a moment. He glanced out of the cockpit but could not see toward the common area. He hoped that neither of the two boys would enter the cockpit.

"Can I ask why?"

"They have a right to know."

"Can you trust them to keep it a secret?"

Mikasa pondered the question for a moment. She wanted to answer quickly that she could, but a part of her was worried. She had spent so long with them that she never once questioned if they were trustworthy. However, like if a switch went off in her brain, she knew she could trust them.

"Yes, I know they can."

Grisha smiled. "Very well. I trust your judgement."

"Oh, and I want to tell Bail, Breha, and Carla as well."

Grisha nodded. "Of course."

When the ship reached Alderaan, two days had passed. Venturing into the Outer Rim meant travel was longer than between core worlds. That kind of travel was something the three teens would need to get used to.

Waiting for them at the hospital's platform, aside from hospital personnel, was Carla, Leia, and her parents. When they got off the boarding ramp, Leia rushed forward and jumped to hug her friends. Grisha sighed, while the other parents simply laughed.

The group got on a transport and headed toward the palace. The whole ride Leia bombarded them with questions about Felucia and Saleucami. The teens tried their best to reply, but after one question was answered another replaced it.

When they arrived at the palace, the kids made their way to the garden they always played at, while Carla and Breha kept an eye on them. Bail and Grisha, meanwhile, moved to Bails's study to discuss Grisha's recent acquisitions.

"Is everything on its way?" Grisha asked as he moved to the window.

Bail nodded. "By tomorrow, everything should be on Crait."

Grisha sighed as he crossed his arms. "Good. They can make do with even the smallest amount of equipment."

"Indeed," Baild said as he moved to behind his desk, "however, there is two more things I wish to show you."

Grisha rose an eyebrow and walked over to the desk. Bail turned on a small holoprojector imbedded into the desk and five individuals appeared. Three were human, one was a Twi'lek, and the tallest a Lasat. Grisha studied them for a moment but could easily tell they were rebels against the Empire.

"Who are they?"

"They call themselves the Ghost crew. A group of rebels on the Outer Rim world of Lothal. They unknowingly helped me on a mission recently. I had to verify them before I showed you," Bail explained.

"Are you bringing them into the fold?" Grisha asked.

"Not yet. I'm going to have Fulcrum contact them first," Bail replied.

Bail had told Grisha of his showdown operative on many occasions, but he had yet to meet them. He had heard their voice, but whenever they contacted Bail a hood was drawn over their head. Bail trusted them, so he did as well.

"Very well. We'll stick with observation."

Bail nodded and turned back to the hologram. "This new information will likely hit closer to home."

Bail pressed a button and replacing the image of the Ghost crew was one he was a symbol Bail was familiar with. White and blue wings met in front of shield. It was the symbol for a military unit from his homeworld; the Scout Regiment.

"What's happening on Paradis?" Grisha asked. "I had thought the Empire disbanded the local military?"

"They did. The local rebel group has decided to use the symbol as their own. However, the Empire has dubbed them the Devils of Paradis," Bail explained.

Grisha quickly realized why they had been given them moniker. It was the same used a long time ago when the galaxy was a much different place. It was the name given to those who were forced to flee the Eldian homeworld and settle on Paradis. The name had since died out, but if the local resistance had been given that name then the commander in charge must have been keenly aware of their history.

"Has their rebellion really become so widespread?" Grisha asked.

"It's still rather small, but they are daring. Fulcrum has kept me updated on their activities. I think they can become great allies in the future."

Grisha rubbed his chin as he thought of that possibility. If the rebels on Paradis had any relation to the former military regiment, then they were comprised of some of the best soldiers the moon had to offer. A part of him wondered if an old friend of his was a part of it. His eyes slowly widened. Bail caught his expression and turned to him curiously.

"What is it?"

"I might know someone who may be part of those rebels. I'll see if I can get in contact with him," Grisha replied.

"That's good. A direct form of contact would be better. That way Fulcrum can look into the rebels on Lothal."

"Maybe this network of yours will come to fruition," Grisha said with a smile.

"If more and more people stand against the Empire, then perhaps it will grow even larger," Bail replied.

As the two continued to talk, they were interrupted by an aide who knocked on the door informing them that dinner was being served. The two men tabled their discussion for a later time and walked to join everyone else in the dining room.

Before they entered the dining room, Grisha stopped. Bail turned to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Come, we can continue our discussion later."

"It's not that. After dinner, Mikasa wants to tell us all something."

Bail quickly picked up on what Grisha had meant. He was still a bit surprised that Mikasa was taking such a step but felt like he understood the reason. He simply nodded in understanding and walked into the dining room, where everyone was waiting on them.

Dinner with the Organa's went by uneventfully. They ate and spoke about recent events. Breha, once again, tried to convince Armin's parents to join them for their small gatherings, but he sheepishly said he would ask them. Armin had been part of their gatherings for several years now, but his parents had only met Grisha and Carla. From what the blonde had explained to Eren, his parents felt like meeting the queen and her husband was a step too far for people of common birth. He had yet to explain that to Bail and Breha, however.

Once dinner was over, everyone moved to Bail's study. It was the one place both Bail and Grisha trusted that no one would enter without permission. For the teens, besides Mikasa, it felt odd to see the adult with such tense expression. They had seen them before, but it was never in a situation when they were simply amongst friends.

When they entered, Grisha cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. He turned his gaze to Mikasa, who walked toward him in order to stand next to him. The three other teens were still confused but figured that Mikasa wanted to tell them all something.

Mikasa took in a deep breath and released it. She wanted to steel her nerves before saying anything. "I've been keeping something from all of you for some time now. It was something I was afraid of at first, but now I realize that I didn't have to be."

She turned away and grabbed something that Grisha had set on the desk. When she turned, in her hands was a blue cubed that seemed to glow blue. The three teens were confused at what she was showing them.

Mikasa closed her eyes and released another breath. "I am the daughter of a Jedi and, just like my mother, I have the same abilities."

Slowly the box began to glow brighter and began to unlock. Eren, Armin, and Leia all watched in awe as their friend used her abilities. When the cube fully opened, a hologram of a woman appeared. She looked a lot like Mikasa.

"Is that your mom?" Leia asked.

Mikasa opened her eyes. "Yeah, she is."

Mikasa let the box close itself and set it back on the table. She then grabbed her mother's weapon and ignited it. The green blade glowed in the dimly lit study. "I want to be just like my mother and protect all of you."

"I'm sure you will, Mikasa," Bail said with a smile.

"You three had better keep this a secret," Grisha said. "It is very important that this doesn't leave this room."

The three teens nodded. Each of them understanding in their own way.

"I'm sorry for not saying anything," Mikasa said sheepishly as she hid the bottom of her face in her scarf.

Leia was the first to walk up to her and wrap Mikasa in a tight hug. "You have nothing to be sorry for."

"The same goes for me and Armin," Eren said. The blonde teen agreeing with a nod.

"Thanks guys."

The four teens continued to talk as the adults watched. The four of them already knew but were happy that Mikasa had decided to tell them. However, they now knew how difficult it would be with children knowing the secret. They would all have to be even more careful going forward. But in the moment, they were currently in, they would allow the younger ones to relish in something that not many had the opportunity to experience. Though, the question now was, who was going to teach the young girl?

AN: We finally have an update! As always, I thank you for your patience. This was another chapter that I had, more or less, planned out. Some things changed from the original outline, but the beats I wanted to hit are there. I have realized that most of these chapters before a certain event are set up, but it is necessary for how things will go moving forward. Plus, I have to introduce some of the bigger canon diversions outside of the crossover element.

With this chapter we get a bit more on Mikasa and her growing abilities as a Jedi. While she has a similar origin to Luke, I wanted her to be distinct from him in certain ways. I wanted her to keep some of her protective personality from AoT, but in a way that felt more natural for the galaxy far, far away. I think I was able to get across what I wanted. At the same time we get some development in the relationship between Eren and Leia. I'll just come out and say it in that I really do not like EreMika in AoT. For this story they are kept firmly as adoptive siblings. I have other plans for Mikasa and her romantic developments, so I hope you look forward to that.

With all that out of the way, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Thank you for sticking with me through these slow updates. Please look forward to the next one as well. If you are enjoying feel free to follow, favorite, and/or review. Plus, follow me on Twitter. I post writing updates there as often as I can.