Chapter One: The Chosen one's fall, Birth of Hope.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the story idea, well you guys know the rest.
A.N: May the 4th be with you everyone and I hope you've all been good this past month. Sorry for the long wait but real life, what are ya gonna do lol. I know this isn't an update but it is something I've been wanting to write for a while now, I love Star Wars so I hope, I did the world justice as well as it's characters. I wanted to try a unique concept instead of doing the same thing as everyone else, as you guys know, I like to stay as original as possible.
Now the pairing has already been picked out and there is no harem. Just a single pairing for this one. Oh also if this does well would you guys like a prequel fic or a sequel fic? pls let me know. Oh also I will hopefully be updating again soon, got one update and a new fic planned. oh also I want to thank Helghy, Kappa, basically just all the lads that helped me make this fic in the server, you guys are the best. as you guys know if you have any questions just leave a review or Dm me.
Like usual here is the link to Aizen's discord sever- /zABDu3bB
19 BBY
[Polis Massa]
A woman's wail echoed off the clean blinding white sterilized walls, her screams overpowered the noise of the medical droid hovering.
Tears streamed down her red cheeks as she held the hand of one of her most trusted friends.
Padmé Amidala Skywalker had gone through countless trials and tribulations in her short life of twenty seven. There didn't seem to be anything too big or overcoming that she couldn't handle. She was a fighter.
But even the former Queen of Naboo could only do so much. The fall of the jedi, the rise of Palpatine, the death of so many and the loss of her husband had taken their toll on her.
The thought of him brought a great ache to her heart, a fresh batch of tears started to fall as she brought a shaking hand to her large, swollen stomach.
'Anakin…' Padmé whimpered as another sharp pain shot through her. She thought back, those horrible yellow eyes staring at her with such anger and hate. That couldn't have been him, that couldn't have been her Annie…
As the pregnant woman was prepared for an emergency delivery. The only other living person in the room could only watch helplessly. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi didn't flinch as she gripped his hand with all her strength, he tried to ease whatever pain he could through the force but it didn't seem to help the poor woman much.
A million questions were zooming through the tired general's mind. Why had he failed to notice the signs? When did the Jedi order let Anakin down? When did he let his brother down?
He couldn't think, he couldn't focus. All he could do was try to comfort Padmé in their most difficult and dire time.
[Coruscant]
Wails of agony echoed through the dark, a bright light shined down on the unfortunate soul, being poked and prodded by medical droids. Every incision, every stab, it made his already burnt and sensitive skin scream in anguish.
Anakin Skywalker slammed the back of his head against a table as another scream ripped itself out of his damaged lungs.
His bloodshot eyes, a sinful mixture of yellow and orange, he stared up into the light, his brows narrowed as it appeared something was within it, coming more clear by the second.
"P-Padmé…" he tried to reach out to her but there was nothing for her to grasp. The ex-Jedi's teeth gnashed together as the rage once again started to build, his vision cleared.
Anakin froze as he heard the faint shuffling of a robe, glancing out the corner of his eye to see his Master staring down at him, his own Sith eyes shining with delight.
"Are you ready Lord Vader? To become complete?"
Anakin's new artificial hands clenched tight, with a wheezing breath he whispered "Yes, my Master."
The new Emperor of the Galaxy smiled, a horrible thing, he gently rested his hand on his apprentices chest, specifically above his heart "Then be reborn anew, my apprentice."
Palpatine stepped back into the shadows but his gaze never left Anakin's still form. The anguish, the pain, the suffering, the dark side. It was almost intoxicating, a never ending steep thickness that filled the small room.
'Yes, my apprentice, use everything the Dark side can offer you. Live and become strong'. as strong as the ex-Jedi was, he was still dying, his heartbeat was dwindling, leaving the emperor to seethe 'No! Not yet Lord Vader. I will not have you die just yet.'
Closing his eyes Palpatine started to concentrate, searching through the Galaxy with the Dark Side, using the force to pinpoint a specific lifeform.
[Polis Massa]
Padme screamed as she pushed with all her strength, briefly going limp as she tried to catch her breath.
A babe's cries gave the tired new mother strength to open her eyes, resting softly in Obi-Wan's arms was her daughter.
"O-Obi-Wan, bring her closer" he knelt so Padmé could get a better look at the baby. Reaching out with a shaking hand to gently stroke the child's chubby cheek "Oh she's so beautiful, my little Leia…"
Before she could enjoy the moment more with her Daughter another sharp pain shot through her. Holding in scream so as not to scare her daughter she grit her teeth.
Obi-Wan swiftly took Leia out of the room, wrapping her in a warm blanket and placing her in a crib.
The Jedi Master returned just as the second baby was delivered, a boy this time. Gently he carried the child over to his mother, watching with a pained face as she grew weaker and weaker.
"L-Luke, my baby boy…"
"Oh dear." The two turned to face the medical droid, hovering next to a screen showing Padmé vitals.
"What's wrong?" Obi-Wan asked in concern, softly rocking the child in his arms.
"It would appear there is a third baby."
"A third?" The hovering droid gave a slow nod. Quickly moving about the room, preparing itself for the third child.
"Yes, we must hurry if we're going to save the child." moving back to Padmé the droid waited on the mother, while Obi-Wan placed Luke next to his sister.
Padmé rested her hand on her bloated stomach sobbing as she found the will and used the last of her strength to deliver her last baby.
"It's another boy." This time the droid brought the babe to Padmé, giving the poor woman a chance to hold her Son.
Unlike Leia or Luke he wasn't crying. He had his eyes closed, a puff of blond hair softly rested atop his crown. Instinctively snuggling into his mother's warm hold.
Padmé cried as she held him tight, wishing his father was by her side more now than ever 'Anakin…'
"What do you wish to call him?" At her oldest friend's question, she found herself silent as she thought of a name, just watching her baby with sad eyes.
As if he could sense his mothers gaze, he grumbled before he slowly opened his eyes, staring up at Padmé.
"He has Anakin's eyes…" indeed he did. Two blue crystal pools reflected back at her. With a gentle kiss to his chubby cheek she whispered out his name "Naruto…"
With the last of her strength gone, steadily her breathing started to slow, until it stopped all together. As if he could sense something was wrong with his mother, Naruto started to scream and wail.
Obi-Wan bowed his head, tears streaming as he once again lost a friend.
[Coruscant]
Anakin felt numb, his eyes half lidded in exhaustion. Almost every part of him was covered in his new suit, his necessity and a constant dependence if he wanted to live.
The only part of him that was yet to be covered was his head piece, it slowly descended from the ceiling, the mask dark red lens snapped open allowing light to show within.
Designed for him to survive but also bring pain to its wearer. Anakin embraced his fate at first but as it grew closer and closer his valor quickly dwindled until he was just a frightened burnt man, reflecting on all his failures.
With it being only a breath away, Anakin only managed to utter a single call.
"Padmè help me…"
The mask sealed shut with a quick hiss and Anakin's heart monitor stopped beating. An eri silence filled the room, Palpatine was unmoving as he stared at his still and silent apprentice.
KOHHHH…. KHUHH….
"Lord Vader…Can you hear me?" Slowly the mask turned to face the emperor's monstrous gaze.
"Yes, Master" Darth Vader's voice was cold, dark and deep. It was fitting. "Where is Padmè? Is she safe? Is she alright?"
Palpatine stared grimly at his apprentice, his lips quivering ever so slightly as he spoke "It seems in your anger, you killed her."
"I...? I couldn't have. She was alive... I felt it!" Darth Vader's rage was like an unstoppable storm, he ripped his new artificial limbs from their restraints, falling to a knee as the medical room started to quake. In his grief and anger he used the Dark Side to crush the room, droids included.
The only one unaffected was Palpatine, staring at his apprentice with a sadistic smirk, relishing in the broken man's suffering.
'No…Padmé…The children…'
A scream tore through the burnt man's new vocal cords as he released all his fear, anger, hate and suffering in a mechanical wail.
It was on this day the Darkside had won, the Galaxy was forcefully brought into a new order with a tight hold over its throat.
But the night is always darkest before the dawn and hope was not yet lost, for there were three children of the chosen one lying in wait to bring balance back to the force when the time was right.
Leia, Luke, and Naruto Skywalker would be separated, each sent to live different lives with different families.
Leia was sent to live with Senator Bail Organa and his wife on Alderaan, Luke went to Tatooine to live with the only living connection to the triplets' grandmother, their Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru brought into the Skywalker family through marriage.
That left the two remaining Jedi Master's to wonder what to do with Naruto. With Obi-Wan having decided to take to watching Luke, Yoda would take the boy. He would raise him and train him on a forgotten swamp planet. Safe from the Empire, safe from his father.
7 BBY
[Dagobah]
In a system far out of the empire's reach operated a group of planets. Some more special than the others, specifically a little swamp planet.
A fog was thick and heavy, tall trees that reached to the clouds, a murky swamp surrounding the land, housing terrifying creatures in its waters.
Swish!
A blur leapt through the fog, jumping and swinging through the tree with an inhuman swiftness. Leaping and falling from great heights was little to no problem for the figure if the large smile was any indication.
His sandy blonde hair swished with his movements, messy and spiked. As if the child never attempted to comb it or tidy the mass locks in his entire life.
A single braid trailed down behind his ear and down to his shoulder.
Naruto Skywalker sighed as he stretched his muscles after a light run, a small smile on his face as he felt ready to face the world and win.
He narrowed his eyes, faintly spotting what appeared to be his master sitting on a large rock waiting for him.
Leaping down from his tree and landing without a sound, he softly crept forward until he was next to Yoda. Slowly he fell to his knees, hands resting in his lap and his breathing going in sync as he started to meditate.
The Green Jedi Master peaked open an eye and faintly smiled at the young lad before closing his own eyes once more. Pointed ears twitching softly at the soothing sounds of nature "Late for meditation, you are."
Naruto sighed as he bowed his head even lower. "I'm sorry Master, I guess I got too excited again and went to burn off some energy."
Yoda hummed as he used his cane resting in his lap to help himself stand, leaping off the rock and moving next to the blonde younglings side "Hmm, understandable it is. Very important test, you will take. Ready for your own lightsaber, we shall see."
For years Naruto has spent training with a practice lightsaber. Good for improving his dueling skills and honing his senses but useless if he was being attacked in a real battle.
The blue eyed blond scratched his cheek with a large grin "Don't worry about me Master, whatever that test is, it's gonna be a piece of cake."
Yoda chuckled to himself as he used the force to activate five Marksman-H combat remote droids, each one slowly circling the eager youngling.
"Summon your practice saber."
From Naruto's side a rather plain and basic looking saber flew into his hand, igniting a beautiful blue blade with a pure white scenter, a hue covered half of the youths face, giving him a look of intimidation, something he picked up from sparring with his other Master.
The soft humming of the droids mixed with the planet's natural sounds, there was nothing but the force.
Youngling and Master met eye, a single brow in question was asked from the green jedi. A single confident smirk spoke more than enough for Naruto.
With a stomp of his cane the droids took action firing a barrage of small bolts at the still blond. His years of training and practice showed as he was instantly using Soresu, masterfully blocking and batting away the bolts with pin point precision.
Naruto had a large smile as the force flowed through him like a calm and gentle river. He was one with the force and the force was with him.
His movements were flawless, his speed outstanding and his energy seemingly never ending.
One by one the droids were deactivated or destroyed, either by a stray bolt hitting back home or being turned off with the force.
Naruto eyed each one to make sure they weren't going to get back up and shoot him in the back like his last training session where he got a little too cocky. With a nod of satisfaction he switched off his saber and strapped it back to his side.
He looked back to Yoda with a grin and an arched brow "Not too bad huh Master?"
"Come very far in Soresu, you have. Training shows, it does." Yoda's praise brought a genuine smile to the youngling. Naruto bowed to his master, expressing his gratitude through the force.
"Thank you Master Yoda."
"Rise Naruto, the only one to watch, I was not." The blue-eyed blond raised a brow, confused on who his master could be referring to.
"Who?"
"You truly have grown, young Skywalker." Naruto whirled around to see his other master, the master of amethyst blade himself, Mace Windu.
The Jedi master was scarred, areas on his face wrinkled and several shades darker or lighter than his natural skin tone. His right eye, now blinded and a milky white colour.
His right arm was now replaced with an artificial limb, not unsimilar to what the blondes father used to have.
"Master Windu!"
The sight of the excited youngling running to greet him brought a forgotten and old fondness that he had taken for granted. The old master found himself smiling instead of his usual hardened gaze.
"It's good to see you, Naruto."
Naruto being the rather smart child he was, quickly figured out why Mace had returned.
"So I take it, you'll be my final test Master?" The scared Jedi nodded, gesturing to his own lightsaber on his belt.
"We'll be having a spar to see if you're ready but this won't be like any of our previous bouts. This is just as much a proper duel as it is a training session."
Naruto summoned his lightsaber without a word, nodding as he felt his blood start pumping, a sense of excitement that can only come from dueling another skilled opponent.
"You ready youngling?"
"I'm ready Master"
Both Naruto and Mace bowed to one another before igniting their sabers, The Jedi master obviously turning the setting down before engaging the youth.
Before the old master's eyes, the youngling swiftly entered into a near perfect Djem So stance but for a moment it wasn't Naruto who was standing across from him, it was his father but as quickly as the thought came it left as the blonde youth rushed forward.
Each slash was masterfully countered on Mace's end, unwavering as blue slammed against amethyst.
"You have grown considerably since our last match." Naruto jumped back, smiling wide and large as he bowed his head in thanks.
"Thank you master but don't praise me just yet, you haven't seen all I can do."
Naruto once again went on the attack, his speed tripled and his ferocity controlled, used in such a way that it only amplified the strength of his swings.
Saber scraped against Saber, releasing a teeth curling sound, the youngling twirled his hand, his blade moved along with him, if it were anyone else then he would have successfully disarmed his opponent, it was unfortunate it was his Master who he was dueling.
Seeing the disarm coming the Jedi Master did a counter of his own, sending Naruto's lightsaber flying out of his palm.
The practice Saber didn't get far as it stopped in the middle of the air and flew back into the younglings tight grip, the blue blade igniting once more.
Naruto twirled his weapon as he ran at Mace, sliding under his Master's swing and going back in with one of his own.
Mace was left slightly surprised as he put more effort into his defence, gazing at his student with more respect and pride 'You truly have gotten stronger haven't you Naruto? How hard did you push yourself while I was gone?'
No one knew the answer better than Yoda. The small green master would watch every day as Naruto trained on his form and combat for hours upon hours.
It didn't matter if it was so foggy you could barely breathe let alone see. Unbearable strong heat waves or terrible storms that shook the planet to its core, none of it mattered to the youth.
He knew he wouldn't stop until he completely mastered everything there was to know because that was the type of person Naruto was, a young man of hard work.
"Your training has clearly paid off, your form is near perfect and you take to Djem So like a Burra fish to water."
Naruto was thankful for his masters praise and that his training has been recognized, it brought a warm feeling to the youngling "Thank you Master."
Mace smiled faintly before he once again became the serious Jedi Master he was known for "Be ready young Skywalker, I'll be coming at you like you're my enemy. You, Naruto, must do everything in your power to defend yourself."
Naruto steadied his breathing, gripping the practice Saber with both hands as he stood his ground, giving a nod to signal he was ready.
Years of training helped him bring up his lightsaber just in time to block the savage strike of Mace's Amethyst blade, just like he promised he would, he fought the blond like he was his enemy.
His speed and proficiency with a blade was awe inspiring. His years of mastery never wavered, never rusted as he refused to let it.
Naruto's arms started to burn, each strike shook him to the core. Yet he couldn't wipe the grin off his face if he tried.
A massive clash of the two sabers left them in a stalemate. Amethyst steadily attempts to overpower blue.
Knowing he couldn't possibly win the deadlock, Naruto was the first to break it. Slipping past his Master, he back flipped high onto a large root that grew to enormous heights from a stray tree.
He pointed his saber down at his Master, lightly panting as he gave a cheeky grin "It's over Master, I have the high ground!"
Mace just raised his brow in amusement before swiping his hand.
Naruto only had a moment to frown his brows in confusion before his eyes shot open in shock, yelling out an "Oh dang ferric!" before he hit the floor with a thud.
The blond youngling laid flat on his back with a quiet groan.
"Looks like I win this one."
"Yeah…*groan*, you win this one." Naruto muttered tiredly as he continued to rest on the cold hard ground until he felt someone pick him up with the force. He looked to the left to see it was Master Yoda who softly placed him back on his feet.
"Well, you did. Most impressed, we are." Mace nodded in agreement with the smaller Jedi Master's words.
"Indeed, I think you're more than ready." Naruto's bright blue eyes lit up, an excited smile quickly spreading.
"You mean I can finally get my own Lightsaber?!" At his Master's nod, Naruto let out a cheer, his mind roaming with the possibilities on what his future saber will look like.
Mace smiled faintly before he gestured for the blonde youth to follow. Naruto glanced at Master Yoda who just had a mischievous smile.
"Naruto, follow me back to my ship." The blond youngling frowned as he followed his mentor, it seemed the man wouldn't be staying very long.
Yoda watched the two walk off before sighing. He closed his eyes in thought 'Very much like his father, he is. Very powerful, he will become. On the right path, he must stay.'
The lone master remained in the clearing, his thoughts lingering with his young student and his future.
Naruto admired his other master's ship, it wasn't much but it allowed the man to fly across the star's, something he had wanted to himself ever since he was a young boy.
Mace asked his student to wait outside as he walked up the ramp, he wasn't gone long, returning with a crate of mechanical parts. Old or broken parts from droids, some might say it was junk but to Naruto? It was more valuable than gold.
"Happy birthday Naruto." The blond youngling happily accepted the gift, staring up at Mace with such happiness and gratitude that it warmed the old master's heart.
"Thank you Master! I hope you have safe travels!" Naruto was gone in a flash, back to his little hut made of stone leaving the dark-skinned Jedi master to shake his head in amusement.
Mace about to enter his ship and leave stopped in place, slowly turning to see Yoda waiting at the bottom of the ramp "Fond of the boy, you are. Changed, you have."
The scarred master could only look towards Naruto's small modest little hut, a faint glow of light showing the boy was already hard at work.
Mace smiled as he looked down at his old friend "Naruto is truly a kind child, he has his mother's heart but also his father's spirit and bravery. I know when he's ready, he'll be everything the Jedi should have been." There was a brief pause, as the green master soaked in his friend's passionate and honest words "After the fall of the Jedi, I stopped believing in the prophecy, in the 'chosen one', the one who would bring balance to the force. How could I not? Years of fighting and millions dead for what? Nothing. But that boy…that boy gives me hope."
It would be a lie to say the old master didn't feel the same, because he did. Having taken on it to raise and train Naruto left Yoda feeling nostalgic, the loss of the Younglings hit the green jedi hard. It broke his heart but caring for the boy was the mend he needed, a way to put old wounds to rest and look forward to the future.
"Be seeing you soon, We will."
"You will. Take care of the boy for me and yourself old friend."
Yoda watched Mace take off in his ship, quickly turning from a large hunk of metal to a tiny spec. With a sigh the old green master slowly walked back to his own tiny home, planning to make a special birthday dinner for his pupil.
(With Naruto)
Wrapped around Naruto's head and covering his eyes was a pair of goggles, sparks flew as he continued to build his own personal droid, a new special type of Astromech.
For so long he had been stuck, he couldn't think how to keep the magnetic pull stable while the droid moved. He held the dome head in his left hand while the massive bulk of its body resembled a ball resting between his legs.
"Don't worry buddy, this time. This time I know it." Naruto promised the droid as if it could hear him. One by one he set the wires, fixed the old fried chips and processing components.
The bright eyed youngling stepped back to admire his work, its spherical body was designed a nice orange, black and silver. Slowly he held the head above the body before it was ripped from his hand in a strong magnetic pull.
Naruto crouched so he was the same height as his droid, watching with pride as its black Photoreceptor came to life and with an excited beep the droid zipped around the stunned blond's small room.
"Hehe, welcome to the world BB-1." the droid stopped, slowly turning to see its creator's smiling face, with a squeal it charged into Naruto's chest knocking the surprised boy flat on his back with an 'Oof' "I'm happy to see you too!"
Unknown to the happy duo the old master had snuck inside with a plate of food, watching the two with a chuckle "Finally working, it is."
Naruto looked over to his older Master grinning before noticing the bowl in his hands "Is that for me?"
Yoda nodded before tapping the spot on the youngling's bed with his cane "Come eat, need it to become a powerful Jedi, you will."
Naruto graciously accepted the bowl, raising a confused brow when he noticed his Master had a second bowl 'Where did he-?'
Knowing he wouldn't get an answer from his mischievous teacher, he ate in a happy comfortable silence with Yoda and BB-1. While it wasn't much, he wouldn't have changed this wonderful day in any way…
[Alderaan]
A young girl found herself bored as she sat with her family, a party in her honor, a day many children found a joyous occasion, a birthday. Leia Organa's twelfth to be exact.
The Princess had her brown locks done up in an elegant style that her mother would have simply adored. Wearing a white gown gifted to her by her adopted parents, she looked very much the princess she was supposed to be yet it did little to stop her mischievous nature, definitely something she inherited from her father.
Bail looked down at his adopted daughter noticing she wasn't exactly being subtle with her boredom, with a smile he gently nudged her with his arm, getting Leia's attention "Not having fun I take it?"
The princess sighed as she looked over to her adopted mother speaking with someone to her far left, some ambassador of another planet. "I know she put a lot of work into this for me and I really do appreciate it but it's just…"
Bail instantly understanding what his daughter meant gave her an understanding smile "It's just not you. Don't worry dear, I had a feeling this might happen, that is why I cleared my schedule and I am free all day tomorrow. We'll do whatever you want."
Leia gave her father a strong hug or as strong as a twelve year old can be. The Senator of Alderan returned the warm and loving embrace "Thank you father."
"Of course, now let's go save your mother." With a smile the small princess took her fathers hand, walking past human and alien alike dressed to impress.
But even with everything she had, Leia still couldn't help but feel…incomplete. After the incident two years ago where she was saved by her hero, general Kenobi, Leia found herself wanting to see what the universe had to offer her because she knew deep down, as an amazing planet as it was, it wasn't Alderann.
She sighed as she once again looked towards a large window, the night sky in full view. It made her wonder…what or who was out there waiting for her.
(Tatooine)
A boy with sandy blonde hair, the same age as Naruto and Leia, held his breath as he peaked one eye through his rifle. Eyes the same as his father and brother narrowed.
He was out using his uncle's rifle for his birthday, learning how to use it for when the Tusken Raiders came for the moisture on their farm or any other type of vermin as his Uncle would put it.
The blaster was heavy in his hands but he gripped it tightly all the same.
"Easy, Luke. Steady your breathing , that's right, don't pull the trigger just yet." The words of his uncle soothed his nerves, the doubts of missing his shot slowly fading. He could do this.
Pew!
He missed.
Luke groaned in annoyance as he glared at the small target his Uncle Owen set up. He could hear his aunt Beru in the background telling him 'Not to give up' and 'Give it another go'.
"Let's try again." The twelve year old did as his uncle said, getting back into position, steadying his breathing as his finger once again found the trigger but this time he found himself hesitating "It's alright Luke, take your time. Steady your hand and just aim. See through the target."
'See through…' the son of Anakin and Padmé let loose the breath he was holding, his eyes narrowing, see through the target…
Pew!
Ting!
A sizzling blaster hole burned metal, Luke lifted his head from the rifle, turning to face his Uncle with an excited smile "I-I did it!"
"That a boy Luke!" Owen patted him on the back as he admired the shot, the boy was getting quite good with the rifle it seems.
"Oh, I just knew you could do it." Beru praised Luke as she pulled him into a hug, a sight that warmed Owen's heart.
Aunt and uncle took Luke by the hand, leading him to somewhere they could sit and together watch Tatooine's sun's set in a beautiful spectacle across the darkening sky….
Naruto found himself in a dream unlike any other. He felt awake but not at the same time, as I'd he wasn't in his body but as he looked down he saw it was his hands.
'Where am I?' The whiskered blonde wandered in his own mind, intelligent eyes inspecting the whiteness that surrounded him, then it started to swirl, colour bled to life. No longer was he surrounded by nothing, no, he was in a war.
BANG!
Boooommmm!
"Brother!"
"Keep at it men! The general is on his way!"
Men all in identical armor fired upon what looked like an army that would never quit, thousand upon thousand of droids fired back, all with the intent of wiping out their cloned enemy.
It looked like they were succeeding, giant mechanical monstrosities raining fire upon the clone army, red bolts creating small craters in the ground, some filled with smoke and bodies.
Naruto watched with horrified eyes, his body frozen yet shaking at the same time. Flinching as he waited for a clone to bump into him, only for said unfortunate man to go through him and be shot dead.
With his excellent training from both his masters, he fled from the onslaught and sought higher ground, finally he found a viewpoint not quite up close and personal. Even so, his heart was still racing.
"So this is the Clone Wars huh?" Naruto uttered softly, frowning as he felt through the force, the death of each clone, their life being snuffed out like a fire that faded to a single dying ember.
He can see why Master Yoda refused to talk about the war…
"It's General Skywalker!"
"The General is here!"
"Come on boys, it's not over yet!"
Naruto felt a strength in the force, unlike anything he had ever felt before. It was like being surrounded by an ocean of might but he didn't fear it, no if anything he felt…safe.
"Skywalker…" the whiskered blonde whispered, watching with amazed eyes as a man with dirty blonde hair that was cut short, dressed in blue and burgundy robes with an armored chest plate, cutting through the army of clones with his lightsaber.
The blue blade of light was far more than they could handle and his use of the force, beyond anything Naruto had ever seen.
He was like a hero of old, Master Yoda told him before he went to bed as a young child. General Skywalker was amazing to put it simply.
He took down the monstrous terrors with ease, then crashed onto the bridge Naruto himself was standing on, allowing the whiskered Padawan to finally see the man in all his glory.
He stood tall, a proud smile on his face, he looked towards the whiskered blonde and then the young Padawan froze, thinking the Jedi could see him. General Skywalker walked forward, Naruto felt…disappointed as he walked through him and towards his fellow Jedi, calling out to him "You made it just in time Obi-wan."
"Well, we can't let you have all the fun, Anakin."
Obi-Wan was dressed in typical white and brown of a Jedi but of course wearing a chest piece of armor similar to Anakin. He kept his brown hair clean and cut short, a gloved hand stroking his luxurious beard.
"Yeah, try and save some for us, Skyguy." A
Young female Togruta Padawan said in a cheeky tone, grinning at her master.
"I guess, you'll just have to be quicker, snips." Anakin teased his Padawan, his master watching with a shake of his head before turning to his personal Clone commander.
Naruto watched this all with amazed eyes, finding himself happy to be with more Jedi, even if it was a dream.
"Naruto…"
"Huh?" Naruto turned around to see nothing but he could have sworn he heard someone call his name. A woman's voice. It sounded so beautiful, so familiar.
"Naruto…"
"Naruto!"
Naruto grumbled as his blue-eyes slowly fluttered open, smiling as he saw the beautiful sight of hyperspace that surrounded the small ship that barely had enough room for the two of them as it is. Even still, to finally leave his home, see more of the galaxy. He was happy.
The whiskered blonde started yawning, rubbing his eyes as he saw it was Master Windu who had called out to him "Are we nearly there Master? Where are we?"
Naruto could barely contain his excitement as he looked out the window. Green, that was all he could see. Nothing but forests as far as the eye could see and even then some. It was almost as if the entire planet was covered in nothing but nature itself.
The young Padawan closed his eyes, smiling as he felt the planet sing to him, the force itself calling to him. Mace must have been able to sense this himself as the corner of his lips upturned in his own version of a smile.
"We are. It's an old forgotten Jedi temple on the planet Ashas Ree. The force guided me to this planet in my search of finding your kyber crystal. I believe this is where you'll build your lightsaber."
Naruto looked at the sack in his lap, filled with the necessary tools and equipment he would need to construct his saber of light.
"Beep!"
Of course BB-1 had joined them on their journey, safely confined in the droid slot of the ship. The little ball seemed to be almost as excited as Naruto was. Mace gently touched down the ship in a clearing, a press of a button had the little droid free and then another opened up the ship.
The whiskered blonde took a deep breath, the natural clear air of the planet filled his lungs in a pleasant way before exhaling and letting it all out. He felt refreshed after being cramped in a ship for so long, his stiff muscles just begging him to explore but something caught his eye, it was the temple.
The sight of it was simply magnificent.
Naruto found his mouth hanging slightly open as he took in the giant statues of Jedi either meditating, attempting to become one with the force or taking a form with their lightsabers activated. The temple itself seemed to be made of a mixture of stone, wood and planet life.
Mace saw the entrance to the temple was covered with debris, using the force to move it aside for Naruto. He turned to look at his Padawan, his lone eye softening when he saw the slight hint of nervousness hiding in his own crystal pools.
Mace gently patted the whiskered blonde's shoulder telling him "Believe in the force. These are your first steps to become a Jedi, walk them without fear and with your head held high my Padawan."
Naruto looked at Mace before he felt BB-1 bump his leg with his round body, beeping out his own message in binary.
You're not alone.
Naruto once more took a deep breath, his eyes again snapping open as he prepared himself to take his steps to become a proper Jedi. Stopping when his Master called for him, his sapphire eyes looked curious at the light brown cloth in his hands.
"What's that Master?" Mace didn't say anything, just simply giving the large cloth to his Padawan and letting him unfold it himself. It was a poncho with a hood. Like previously stated a light brown colour with the bottom of the poncho taking a darker hue with even darker line design going around the entire bottom portion in a single unbroken line "For me?"
"If you're going to become a jedi, you should start dressing like one. Wear it with pride and good luck. I'll be waiting for you outside." Naruto took his words to heart, bowing before putting his gift on and then turning to ask his Droid 'How he looked?'. The whiskered blonde received a happy series of beeps in response to his new addition to his outfit.
Naruto secured his satchel filled with lightsaber parts, grinning as he took off full sprint towards the temple, BB-1 on his heels as he waved over his shoulder "I won't be long Master! Just wait! The next time you see me, it'll be with a lightsaber!"
Mace folded his arms with a shake of his head, he silently wished the boy luck before kneeling in the typical position of meditation for a Jedi. Waiting for his Padawn to return.
(With Naruto and BB-1)
Naruto had slowed his spirit to a walk as he started into the dark entrance. His loyal droid assisted him by turning on his little head light, beaming them a bright path.
"Good work Bee." The little Astromech thanked his creator before asking the whiskered blonde a question.
"Beep-bop!"
"I'm not sure what we're looking for. I guess I just gotta trust the force to show me where to go." Incapable of doing so, yet his droid managed to give him a confused look at his illogical answer.
"Beep-Beep?"
"I guess that does sound a bit strange but that's what Master Windu and Yoda say. Trust the force. Besides what could possibly go wro-?!"
Crumble!
The ground gave away from underneath them, Naruto barely had a moment to widen his eyes before gravity took hold and the new formed pit swallowed them whole. But it seemed there was no need to fear as there was a second floor just underneath the padawan and his doid, stopping their sudden descent.
Naruto looked at BB-1 who looked back.
Craaaacccckkkkkk~
Naruto sighed as he bowed his head in defeat "Dang ferric…"
BB-1 mimicked his creator with a sad beep and then once again the ground crumbled from beneath them, a much larger fall as well as shadows below waited to greet them…
His head throbbed painfully, a sapphire coloured eye peaked open as fingers ran through blonde locks, hissing in pain.
BB-1 was immediately by his side, beeping frantically before a small slot opened on his body, a small nozzle extending before spraying Naruto's head and face with bacta.
Spray~
"*Cough* *Cough* BB-1, ack, I'm okay! I'm okay buddy." Naruto promised his concerned droid as he started to wipe his face with his sleeve. BB-1 rolled into his side before rolling back, his light once again switching on.
Naruto looked up at the giant hole up above with a whistle, only a faint glimpse of light peeking over the edge. With a shrug he looked back down at the ball Astromech saying "I guess we keep going. BB-1, make sure to remember the path so we don't get lost."
"Beep!"
Naruto chuckled, shaking his head before he spotted something in the darkness, a cloaked figure was walking towards him in what seemed like noiseless steps. BB-1 beeped threateningly as he rolled in front of Naruto, taking a protective stance like the brave little droid he was.
"Are you alright?" A woman's voice, he could barely make out her pale mouth and soft lips that were currently set in a concerned frown but nothing else. The worry in her voice, the compassion, it was so warm and…familiar.
"Y-Yeah I'm fine. What are you doing down here?" Naruto asked as he tried to get a better look at the mysterious woman but no matter how hard he looked, he simply couldn't see.
She smiled, something soft and beautiful as she said "Waiting for you. I, in simple terms, am your guide."
"Waiting for me? Down here? Why?" His confusion was plain as day. Why would someone be waiting down here for him? Was this a test by Master Windu?
"I suppose you could say, it's the will of the force." The mysterious woman tried to explain, looking as she wanted to say more but refrained.
"Who are you?" Naruto asked, his voice soft and hopeful. His 'Guide' smiled sadly, it was bittersweet.
"As I told you. Your guide."
Obviously he was dissatisfied with her answer. Feeling the need to clarify himself, he said "No, I mean. Who are you? Why do I feel like we've met before…"
But she didn't answer. Simply turning her back and walking into the dark without any fear nor light to guide her. "Come. I'm sure you wish to complete your lightsaber."
Naruto shared a look with his droid before reluctantly following. He looked curious as he asked "How did you-"
He was swiftly interrupted by the mysterious woman, once again repeating what she said earlier. "I told you, the will of the force."
Naruto tried to not let his disappointment show as he stared at the ground with a frown, only smiling when BB-1 beeped at him. The whiskered blonde jedi tried to put aside his more bitter feelings in focus of what his upcoming lightsaber was going to look like.
It didn't take long before she brought him to a room, it was scarily sparce save for some faded texts and long dead plant life. There was even a fossilized jedi master of Togruta descent. Possibly coming down here to rest peacefully in their final days.
"This is as far as I may take you. I wish you luck with the rest of your journey, Naruto…"
"How do you know my-" Naruto turned to find his 'Guide' gone, as if she had never been there to begin with. He looked down at BB-1 who seemed just as confused as he was. Deciding to put aside his confused thoughts for now, he focused on finally creating his lightsaber.
He placed his brown satchel in the middle of the room before he noticed a lightsaber resting on a table. He picked up the Jedi's tool for defense and placed it next to the lightsaber pieces Master Windu gave him.
The whiskered Padawan didn't immediately start making his lightsaber, instead he paid his respect to the dead first. Bowing before the long deceased Togruta Jedi Master.
"Thank you for helping me along my journey and giving me the tool to protect myself. May the force be with you." Some might have found it silly talking to the dead but in a way, Naruto was sure he could feel the deceased Jedi's gratitude through the force.
BB-1 watched as his creator sat with his legs crossed, hands cupping together as he started to meditate. Chanting a single phrase.
"I am one with the force and the force is with me."
Over and over he said it, in a state of trance as he felt nothing but the force. The satchel opened and slowly one by one parts for his future lightsaber started to float around the immobile Padawan.
It was a sight to see as the lightsaber pieces interlocked and formed together something new. Nothing was wasted, even the deceased Master's saber was used to finally complete his elegant weapon for a more civilized age.
The ultimate tool for a Jedi.
Slowly he opened his eyes and held out his palm to drop the saber onto. It was a magnificent piece and felt just perfect in his hand. It was light, practically weightless.
The handgrip was a white almost faded metal that melded with the entirety of saber which was a noir colour from handle to hilt..
To activate the device he simply pushed up the activation matrix and what would come out past the magnetic stabilizing ring, out the emoter and confined by his blade shroud was a dark blue saber of light.
Naruto smiled as he held the glowing blue blade above his head, chuckling as BB-1 circled around him in frantic beeps.
"Come on Beebee. Let's go home."
His saber deactivated with a snap hiss, clipping to his belt and being hidden by his poncho. He let his little droid lead the way out, excited to finally begin his journey to becoming a proper Jedi and was ready to face any and all hardships that came his way.