Chapter Two: Who am I?
Disclaimer: I don't own anything but the story idea, yada yada, you guys know how it goes.
A.N: Yo everyone here's the second chapter there is another. I want to thank you all for the wonderful feedback and love your giving the story so far. I hope you find this one a little more interesting then the previous chapter. Now I see a lot of you want an update for House Sauron and it's on it's way. Already started on chapter six and the Helluva Boss one is nearly done and I'm sure gonna love it.
Like always I want to thank all my boys who helped me and like always if you have any questions just leave a review or just dm. Alright that's enough from me, enjoy!
here is the discord link to Aizen's server- /mF2yJ5pQ
It was like this almost every night.
Every time he closed his eyes, he didn't dream. No, Naruto saw much more. He saw visions, echoes in the force and it always centered around one being. Anakin Skywalker. That was the reason the older Padawan found himself on Tatooine.
A now fifteen year old Naruto walked along the sandy streets of Mos Espa, he stood just a bit taller and what appeared like the formation of solid muscle under his white and brown robes. His deep blue-eyes were filled with anger for the slave owners and sorrow for the slaves respectfully. The teen let the force guide him through this sad vision, until he found himself walking into a junk shop.
There he found who he was looking for although, different to how Naruto was used to seeing the great Knight, he was much younger, smaller, not quite the outstanding Jedi he would become just yet. Naruto found himself smiling at the sight of young Anakin, he seemed so focused on his work, so happy.
Yet just like all the other people he passed to come to this shop, this boy was a slave. Naruto was silent as he moved to stand next to Anakin, crouching and watching him work on what appeared to be a broken pit droid. Only nine years old and already a master of his craft but it was also clear Anakin enjoyed what he did.
But the desire for freedom shined in his and all his fellow slaves' lives. A need to be free…
Naruto in his growth in not just his age but also his Jedi abilities gained a new ability. Empathy. Through the force he could sense and feel other people's emotions, perhaps even the basic concept of their thoughts. It was a brilliant power for the more dishonest beings in the galaxy.
But like every great power it had its drawbacks. He felt things more strongly and passionately then others, something that was difficult to express when you're a Jedi.
Still, it was thanks to this power that allowed him to understand Anakin, he could feel everything the boy was feeling. The joy he got from fixing things, the annoyance from the sand, the bitterness of himself and his mother not being free. He felt it all.
"Hello?"
Even this raw passion at the sight of the most beautiful woman both Naruto and Anakin had ever seen. She was… she was…
"Angel.." Anakin had whispered the word and Naruto had no idea what an 'Angel' was but he knew it described her perfectly. Yet something about her sounded very familiar, as if he had heard this voice before.
That was when he had realized he had met this woman before. Three years ago, she had guided him to his lightsaber. She was much younger obviously and not covered by a cloaked robe but he was sure it was her.
Her light brown eyes were wide and innocent, she seemed small but there was something fierce hiding within and no matter how hard she tried to hide it, this mysterious girl seemed to walk like a leader.
An alien creature was her guide but the clumsy thing seemed more interested in looking around. Anakin put aside the droid he was fixing, suddenly feeling nervous as he asked the very pretty girl "Are you an angel?"
Pink lips pulled back in a dazzling but confused smile as she replied "What?"
Anakin felt a bit shy under her kind gaze but still felt the need to tell her what an Angel was, replied "I hear the deep space pilots talk about them sometimes. They're said to be the most beautiful creatures in the universe. They live on the moons of Lego, well, at least I think they do."
The mysterious girl seemed amused by the cute kid "How do you know so much?"
"I listen to all the traders and star pilots that come through." Anakin smiled at the mention of Star pilots, a certain glint shining as he said with full confidence "I'm a pilot, you know."
"Are you now?" She asked with a gentle smile.
"Mhmm. And one day, I'm gonna fly away from this place." Anakin wasn't just saying that to her it seemed but also himself. As if making sure to promise himself that he would leave.
"How long have you been a pilot?"
"All my life." Anakin stated proudly and confidently, missing a delegate eyebrow raising in amusement.
"How long have you been here?" She couldn't help but ask, curious why such a young boy would be on such a harsh and dangerous planet.
"Since I was very little. I think I was three, I'm not sure. My Mom and I were sold to Gardola the Hutt but she lost us betting on the pod races and so I've been working for Watto ever since." Anakin said softly, frowning at the thought of the Hutt's and their control over Tatooine.
"You're a slave…" the girl whispered, her eyes widening a fraction and her heart breakin for the poor boy.
For the first time since he met the girl, he glared at her. Stating "I'm a person and my name is Anakin."
The girl bowed her head apologetically, cursing herself in her head for her insensitivity "I'm sorry Anakin, my name is Padmé."
Anakin eyed her for a moment before offering her his small hand, a faint smile on his lips as she took it. Shaking his hand gently, "Pleased to meet you."
"You as well."
Naruto watched quietly, finally happy to put a name to a face that helped him all those years ago. But like always he felt that all too familiar pull and was swept away from this memory. Sure to see something new and different the next.
Naruto sighed as he woke up, rubbing his shaggy blonde spikes that had started to darken with age. His Padawan braid still remained but was even longer now.
Tired eyes glanced outside to see it was still dark, not even BB-1 was up. His little astromech was in the corner, powered down still.
The whiskered Jedi shook his head before yawning as he got out of bed. Using the force to summon his white undertunic to his hand, slipping the cloth on with ease followed by black pants held tightly by a belt decorated with several pouches.
Naruto had just finished strapping on his boots when he heard the all too familiar beeping of his droid. "Good morning, Bee."
The whiskered blonde was quiet as he packed several tools into a familiar looking satchel. Placing his satchel securely on his person "You ready?"
BB-1 stuck out a little lighter that lite a flame, giving his version of a 'thumbs up'.
Naruto chuckled at his droid before quietly making his way outside. He steadied his breathing as he listened and tried to sense Master Yoda with the force. It seemed his master was still sleeping.
Naruto quietly but quickly left both his and his master's home, BB-1 doing his best to follow his master in stealth.
Creator and droid snuck off, away from any prying eyes.
(Secret Area)
We find our favorite Padawan bare chested, his tunic neatly folded somewhere dry, his lightsaber resting atop of it as a sort of weight.
The blonde had a pair of headphones covering his ears, as an older band 'The Agasar' played their addicting music into his ears.
Naruto wore his favorite goggles, not feeling the sparks that would fly off the metal he was welding and brushing his skin. He was too focused on what he was building and no, it wasn't another droid.
It was something much…bigger.
A Starship.
A project Naruto had been making in secret with the aid of BB-1. After his first flight off this planet, he needed more. He couldn't help it, fifteen years on this planet and he's only left once…well that was soon to change.
The whiskered Jedi stepped back to admire his craft. It was no easy feat to create something like this and you would be right to say it would be impossible for him to find anything, little alone have the necessary parts to create said ship. That's why he got lucky when he found Master Yoda's abandoned Jedi Starfighter.
Obviously Naruto knew he needed to make heavy modifications, that's where he was stuck for a while until he found ship parts around the swamp planet. It seemed Dagobah had a bad habit of attracting destroyed starship parts that were sent scattered through space from either breaking down or being destroyed by another.
The wings of the ship were long so Naruto decided to rest them under the cockpit itself, giving it a more aerodynamic look. The viewport had to be replaced entirely but then again that was easier said than done, searching for months before he found one he could actually use.
There were four laser cannons, two near each wing and of course there was a droid port for BB-1.
Naruto wiped his hands as he admired his work. Fixing the twin ion engines was a pain, especially when he didn't have the right pieces right away and the Padawan could only request so much from Master Windu.
The blonde Padawan sighed as he took a seat, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his arm. Content with letting the wind cool him down but as he sat there, nibbling on his food ration, he started to think about his dreams, about the people in his dreams.
Who was Anakin Skywalker? What was the force trying to show him with these dreams?
Questions he had no answers to and it was frustrating. The blonde Jedi wanted to know who he was, if he had any family out there or why was he forced to stay on this planet and why couldn't he leave? It didn't seem…fair.
He wanted more.
Naruto put his food ration to the side, rubbing his forehead with his hand as he felt a headache starting to build. Was it selfish to want to know who his parents were? Was it wrong to want to leave?
He didn't know and he was scared to ask his Masters these questions. Was it not the Jedi way to have no attachments? To feel nothing but the force?
"*Sigh* What do I do…" Something bumped his leg and it didn't take a genius to figure out what it was. Naruto smiled at BB-1, his little droid preening up at him before looking towards the ship, asking him a single question in binary.
Will we fly soon?
"Well, I feel like we have a few more tests to run but yeah, we'll be flying soon buddy." Naruto promised his droid before noticing he had been here for hours and surely, Master Yoda would be awake by now. He packed away his things before both human and droid left their secret little camp.
The day had gone as quickly as it came, now as nightfall set in, it started to rain. Heavy droplets fell from the sky, pelting whatever lay down below. Naruto and Yoda were spared by taking shelter in the small master's home, eating in silence.
Naruto didn't seem particularly hungry today as his bowl seemed mostly empty. His Master didn't need his ability with the force to tell something was wrong with his Padawan. The green little Master placed his own bowl down before turning to face the distracted Naruto, leaning on his cane as he asked "Troubled, you are?"
"I…" Naruto didn't seem sure if he should be honest with Yoda but after closing his eyes and taking a breath he said "I am, Master."
"Bothers, you what?" The green master asked, frowning when his apprentice seemed hesitant to meet his eye.
"Master, I'm grateful for everything you and Master Windu have done for me but I…I wish to leave. I want to see the Galaxy, and help people like the Jedi are supposed to." Naruto confessed, feeling a bit of his tension leave when he saw Yoda nod in understanding.
"Understand your frustration, I do. Not safe for you, you know. Dangerous, the Empire is." The whiskered blonde found himself frowning, his hands tightening as he let out a frustrated breath.
"Master, I am a Padawan, your Padawan. You know how strong I am, I can protect myself just fine." Naruto swore, confused why his master was denying his request and growing more irritated.
"Not ready." Yoda said simply, shaking his head as he started to hobble to the other side of his small home. Stopping at Naruto's next request.
"I want to know about my parents." Naruto let his vulnerability show as he asked Yoda the questions he's been desperately wanting to know for years. Hoping his Master holds the answers he needs to know. "Master, do you know who my mother and father were? How did you find me and why am I here?"
"I…Ready, you are not." Yoda said simply but firmly.
"So you do know." Naruto accused, glaring at his master. It hurt to know Yoda knew all this but refused to share it with him. So many times he had asked, no, begged, only to get the same answer. He took a deep breath, through his visions of the past he had started to make many connections. He needed to know what his relation to Anakin was "Master, please. I have never asked you anything before now. I just need to know. What is my relation to Anakin Skywalker? Is he my father?"
A great sense of grief and pain courses through the green Master. Yoda did his best to suppress such feelings but the Padawan was far to adapt with his empathic ability. He felt all of it.
"W-What about Padmé? Was she my mother?" But not a word left his master. He refused to even look at Naruto.
"Ready, you are not." The same answer, that was all Yoda could give his Padawan as the memories of the boys father were too painful to think about, let alone speak about. The green master shook his head as he softly said "Too dangerous, this information is. Tell you, when the time is right, I will."
"That's not fair!" Naruto yelled more than rightfully upset. He felt betrayed as his Master refused to answer any of his questions, leaving him in the dark, blind towards his future, blind towards his destiny. "I have no idea who I am or what my purpose in life is. I don't know if I have anyone waiting for me in this galaxy! Don't you understand?! I have no one!"
He missed how his words hurt the old Master. Yoda turned away from the whiskered blonde, stomping his cane as he said "Discuss this later, we will."
Unsatisfied, upset and betrayed the blonde Padawan made his way out of Yoda hut, running into the storm, running towards his ship.
"Naruto!"
BB-1 heard the commotion, rolling outside just in time to see his creator running from his Master. Ignoring his calls. Without hesitation the small droid followed, uncaring of the harsh rain as he rolled into their secret campsite to see Naruto getting the ship ready, stopping when he spotted BB-1.
"Bee…" Naruto called over his droid, wearing the same poncho Master Windu had given him all those years ago. The Padawan explained to his astromech that they were going to fly the ship today.
BB-1, of course, was excited to hear that but also concerned for his creator. Beeping as he rolled under the ship, waiting underneath the droid port.
"That's right Bee. It's time to fly and get out of here." Naruto muttered sadly before leaping into the cockpit, the viewport sliding shut with a tight hiss. Once BB-1 was safely locked into the droid slot, he asked another question.
Where are we going?
"To get some answers."
Naruto's starfighter hummed to life, no faults, it worked perfectly. Just as it was supposed to. Gently the ship hovered in the air, the blonde Padawan's hand's resting on the control stick. He looked out the window to see Master Yoda staring at him sadly, begging him to stay.
Naruto looked away, frowning as he pulled his ship up and out of Dagobah, he halted his starfighter as he tried to think where he could find answers. He tried to think of any visions that may have mentioned something about where the Jedi were located or maybe something from one of his master's stories…
That was when Naruto remembered an old tale about Coruscant and the Jedi setting their temple there. So taking a chance in the data files to see if there where any planets under the name.
There was.
He hesitated for a moment before flipping the switch to activate Hyperspeed after BB-1 locked in his coordinates to his destination.
Coruscant was a beautiful place, tall incredible structures as far as the eye could see. Technical advancements far beyond what many in the galaxy had. Yes there was no denying that Coruscant, on the surface at least, was beautiful.
Yet the site did little for one Leia Organa. Our favorite princess had only grown more beautiful in age, a resemblance to her mother becoming more noticeable by the day. She wasn't dressed in all white, actually she wasn't dressed like a princess at all.
With her hair done up in an elegant braid, she had chosen to disregard her dress for pants more suitable for riding a speeder, a shirt that was starting to show off her more 'womanly' figure, a yellow vest resting over her shirt and of course a pair of gloves. No, it was fair to say she didn't look like a princess at all.
This was also her first time on Coruscant, not counting the time she was kidnapped and then saved by General Kenobi. The street was filled with a mix of people and aliens alike, Leia easily blended in as she avoided bumping into anyone.
However the princess found herself cursing when she spotted her father's guards. She may or may not have run off, but it wasn't her fault! She was bored and her father had left her alone as he went to deal with senator business. So stuck with two stuffy guards, it wasn't exactly hard to give them the slip.
Or so she thought as one of them seemed to spot her.
"Oh Kriff…" Leia muttered as she started to walk the other way, picking up speed as she avoided looking over her shoulder. The princess didn't have much further to go as her path would soon be blocked by a squadron of approaching Stormtroopers. Leia once again cursed, it seemed her fun was about to end early again.
Or so she thought until a strong arm caught her shoulder, leading her towards an alleyway "Hey! Let go!"
Leia went to throw a mean punch at her attacker when her back touched a wall and a hand was placed on the very same wall near the left side of her face. Stopping her from leaving. The Princess of Alderaan was about to give this stranger a piece of her mind, until she saw his eyes.
They seemed so intense, so focused, so blue. From what she could see under his poncho hood, he was a rather handsome human male, the same age as her from what she could guess. Wait a minute, why was he leaning in close?
"H-Hey, what are you doing?!"
Was this really happening? Shaking herself from her flustered state, about to deliver a sharp knee where it wouldn't be appreciated when he stopped inches away. That's when she realized he wasn't looking at her anymore, rather he was watching and waiting for the squad of Stormtroopers to leave.
That was when Leia also realized the troopers weren't looking for her. They were looking for him.
Naruto, satisfied they were gone, stepped away from the girl, jumping when the short girl punched his arm "What's wrong with you? You don't go around grabbing girls like that."
Naruto, having never dealt with a female before, let alone one his age, found himself unsure what to do or how to answer the angry Princess. With a sigh he pulled down his hood letting his spiky locks free, when he locked back at Leia he found she was no longer glaring at him and for some strange reason her face had gone a bit red.
'Girls are weird.' Naruto thought to himself before turning and walking away from the stunned Princess.
"Hey, wait!" Leia had quickly caught up to the Jedi, once again gaining his attention as she said "You should at least apologize after trapping a lady like that."
"I'm sorry?" Naruto asked, looking quite confused.
"Apology accepted but it's still an offense to corner a Princess like myself." Leia said in a rather posh tone, imitating her mother before breaking the charade, a smile forming on her lips.
"You're a Princess?" Naruto had never seen a Princess before but he had heard about them once or twice from Master Windu.
"Can't you tell?" Leia asked as she flashed him one of her political smiles that her father taught her before rolling her eyes at Naruto's blank stare. "Anyway. I can't have fun and look around with my guards but I still need someone to protect me. So how about it? Wanna explore Coruscant with me?"
"I can't. I'm trying to find information about someone." Naruto politely declined the Princess, thinking that would be the end of it and they would go their separate ways. He was wrong.
"What? Your girlfriend or something?" Leia questioned with a frown.
"No. An old general." The whiskered Jedi clarified as he was starting to realize he wouldn't be getting rid of his new companion anytime soon.
"Ah, well it just so happens that I can help you with that. My father is a senator and I'm sure being as I'm his daughter, I can get you into the senate and we can find the old war records there. Probably." Leia promised as she held out her hand for Naruto to take, batting her brown-eyes "Deal?"
Naruto sighed as he looked down at her hand then back at Leia. With the force he could tell she was being truthful and seemed like she would stick to her word "Deal."
But as soon as their hands touched Naruto felt a connection to a purpose beyond anything he had ever felt before. It was like the force was singing, it seemed Leia was feeling the same from the way she pulled her hand back in surprise, goosebumps trailing from the back of her hand, up towards her arm.
"Lead the way, Princess."
"My name is Leia, Leia Organa." Leia responded sassily before quirking an eyebrow, waiting for him to introduce himself.
"Naruto Skywalker." Naruto finally introduced himself, nodding his head in greeting before being led by the Princess with a sigh. He seemed to be doing that a lot lately. "Where are we going?"
"You'll see."
Where the young Jedi expected his sudden and new guide to take him somewhere possibly dangerous, he wasn't expecting a bar of all places. It wasn't too crowded but there still was an alarming amount of lingering about, enjoying their drinks or rather they were, until they spotted the two humans. All eyes were on Naruto and Leia but the Princess of Alderaan seemed unbothered by the stares, strolling to the bar keep with the runaway Padawan right behind her.
Leia took a moment to look over the wide selection of drinks before her eyes settled on one of the most expensive beverages they had. "Two Spotchka's."
The Barkeep grunted as he started cleaning a glass, eyeing the two new customers of his establishment. "That's a pretty pricey drink considering it's hard to obtain. You got the credits?"
The counter clattered from the credits Leia placed on it, a cocky smirk that would have made Anakin proud. "Like I said. Two Spotchka's."
Naruto was barely able to suppress a smile, this girl, Leia, was certainly bold. The Barkeep took the credits before placing two square glasses on the counter and filling said glasses with a chilled blue liquid that faintly glowed.
Naruto picked up his drink soon followed by Leia, the princess gave him a grin as she clinked her glass with his own. "Cheers!"
"Cheers…" the whiskered Padawan brought the drink to his lips, surprised by how pleasant but strong his alcoholic beverage was. It warmed his belly in the most pleasant of ways.
Leia must have agreed from her pleased sigh. The two teens enjoyed their drinks, it was just unfortunate the pleasantries weren't going to last. A scarred Trandoshan, a male blue Twi'lek and a particularly large Gamorrean surrounded the duo, greed shining in their eyes.
Naruto crossed his arms as he stared at his 'Intimidators', glancing over to Leia, waiting to see what she would do.
"Can we help you?" Leia asked, sipping her Spotchka with a raised brow.
"Give us all your credits." The Trandoshan growled, his clawed hands gleaming in the light. Naruto uncrossed his arms, hands by his side. The cold metal of his saber brushed against his hand but even so, he refused to break his glaring contest with these scum.
"No, I don't think I will." The Twi'lek went to grab Leia by her vest, only for a hand to lock around his wrist. A loud snap was heard followed by scream, the Twi'lek male stumbling back while cradling his injured limb, glaring at Naruto with a snarl. With a signal of his head, the Trandoshan launched at the Padawan with a spine chilling hiss, only for Naruto to palm strike him in the throat, cutting off his airways. He fell to his knees, clawing at his scaled neck.
The Gamorrean squealed as he chased after the blonde Jedi, bashing the tables and destroying everything but his target. The green pig-like creature was left panting, exhausting all his energy chasing after Naruto, leaving himself open for a series of harsh punches that sent the giant falling flat on his back, his eyes rolled up into the back of his head, he was unmoving like the dead but still breathing.
Naruto dusted his hands before looking at Leia and jerking his head with a single message 'Let's go.'
The princess rolled her eyes before finishing her drink, leaving a few extra credits as a tip "Thanks for the drink. Let's get out of here, wonder boy. It's time to hold up my end of the bargain."
(Galactic Senate)
Leia had kept to her word and managed to get them both to the Senate. It wasn't too hard to convince people that Naruto was her 'Undercover' guard, that gave him a way to slip in without too many questions. Where they found themselves both really stuck was the guards outside the record room. They weren't dressed in the typical Stormtrooper get up, gray uniforms showing their hirer rank.
Naruto leaned down, his voice soft as he spoke into the Princess ear, asking. "What do we do now?"
Leia once again found her cheeks slightly gaining colour from the cute boy getting so close. Gently pushing him back, she tapped his chest as Leia said. "Watch and learn, wonder boy."
Naruto followed Leia, amazed how her seemingly true self was hidden so quickly and easily replaced with the senator's daughter. Ah, so this must be the power of a politician. Terrifying.
"Good evening, gentlemen. I'm here on urgent business on behalf of my father, Senator Organa." Leia gave a breathtaking smile, her shoulders straight and hands folded in front of her. Looking commanding but still approachable.
The Guard on the left glanced at his comrade before speaking in a firm tone and no nonsense tone. "And why has Senator Organa sent you here Princess?"
If Leia was offended by his rude tone she certainly didn't show it. Her smile didn't falter even a fraction. What our favorite Princess did was present herself with more confidence, her voice a bit firmer and stronger. "If you remember history right, you would know Alderaan was one of the various and unfortunate Planets to be invaded during the Clone Wars. My home, nearly torn apart from war. As you know the anniversary of said war is nearly upon us, my Father is interested in revisiting the battle for Alderaan, a way of precaution and learning from our mistakes. I'm sure you understand."
It seemed it worked to some effect as he glanced at his partner who not so subtly shook his head. He grunted as he replied. "I'm sorry princess but unless Senator Organa himself was here or gave you a form of document to show this was true, I cannot let you pass."
"My word should be enough." Leia's eyes had narrowed a fraction, her smile slightly thinning. Naruto clicked his tongue in annoyance, it seemed the princesses' way isn't working anymore. It was time he stepped in.
"No documents, no passage." The guard seemed to look like he was going to call security, stopping when the blonde Jedi stepped forward, waving his hand as he said.
"You don't need to see any documents."
The two Imperial guards' eyes glazed over, their voice slightly dull as they repeated as they were commanded. "We don't need to see any documents…"
Leia watched with wide eyes as her 'bodyguard' used the force. This meant he was a Jedi, just like general Kenobi.
Naruto waved his hand again, ensuring both guards were under his control. "Everything seems in order and we can go about our business."
"Everything seems in order and you can go about your business…" The blonde Jedi felt uneasy about tampering with another person's mind but he needed to get his answers and unfortunately he couldn't let these men stop him here.
"We can go through. Move along now."
"You can go through. Move along now." This time Naruto was the one to take Leia by the hand, leading the still slightly stunned Princess into the room. The door sealing shut behind him.
"You're a Jedi?" Naruto winced as he let go of Leia's hand, walking towards the mass of archive files, filled with a mass of documents spanning eras, planets and so much history.
"Not so loud. I'm not sure if you're aware but the Galaxy isn't exactly fond of Jedi anymore." Naruto muttered as he got to work finding the archives containing the clone wars. Parts of the room started to shift as data boards moved around, files shuffling and moving until bringing forth the only archives that weren't destroyed or corrupted by the Empire.
"Not all of the Galaxy is like that…" Naruto briefly paused in his search at Leia words, he hoped that was true. The blonde Padawan soon found himself frowning at how little data truly remained. He took what he needed before moving to the room's computer.
The screen lit up and soon, files were waiting and ready for Naruto to open. He felt nervous as he sieved through the data, searching for anything and everything about Anakin Skywalker.
One file.
That was all that was left. A single file.
[Anakin Skywalker was a Jedi Knight and General of the clone army, 501st. Even after the Jedi Order's revolt to take over the senate, Anakin Skywalker is held in high regard for his efforts in the creation of the Empire.
Known Status: Deceased (Cause: KIA.)]
Naruto hunched over the computer as he shuddered, that was until he remembered his possible mother, Padmé.
There had to be something about Padmé.
[Padmé Amidala, the once beautiful Queen and Senator of Naboo. A dedicated fighter for justice and order in an order less Galaxy. The people of Naboo still hold their Queen in their hearts even after she finished serving her term.
Known Status: Deceased (Cause: Childbirth.)]
The blonde Jedi felt numb, his cheek twitching as a hot horrible feeling started to bubble inside the teen. Rage.
Leia could feel the force swirling around Naruto, she took a step back as she watched in sadness and grief as the Jedi tried and failed to control his emotions..
Naruto left behind everything he had known for this and it meant nothing.
"Ragh!"
Smash!
Naruto broke the computer and greatly dented the table beyond repair. He was left panting as he pulled his shaking, bleeding fist away. Tensing when he felt someone touch his arm, he glanced to the side, it was Leia. Soon he felt that familiar tingling sensation, the flow of the force.
"It's okay." Leia whispered as her hand softly trailed down his arm towards his bruised and beaten hand, being gentle as she inspected the wound, relieved to see he hadn't caused himself any permanent damage but knew it couldn't stay like this. "Come. Let's get this cleaned up."
Naruto was so dazed and lost in his thoughts he put up no struggle as the Princess led him to the washroom, quiet as she wiped the blood away with a wet towel. The Jedi felt grateful for her kindness but also feeling embarrassed she had seen him in such a way. Before he could begin to apologize for behaving in such a way, Leia spoke first.
"I'm sorry you couldn't find what you were looking for…"
"I am as well. I had hoped when I came to this planet I would find answers. It seems all I could find was nothing."
"Oh, I wouldn't say you found nothing." Leia found herself giggling at his confused face, finding it cute as she told him exactly what he found. "You've gained the friendship of a cute Princess. I would say that's quite significant, wouldn't you say?"
Naruto chuckled, finding a smile spreading and his sour mood taking a slight upturn. "I suppose it is."
Yet unknown to our favorite Jedi, a message beacon had been sent, essentially a trap for anyone who opened the file containing information about Anakin Skywalker.
That meant the right-hand man of the Emperor would be handling this matter personally…
Naruto and Leia were outside of the Senate. The blonde Jedi and brown haired were about to say their goodbyes and go their separate ways. Leia will go back to her father, Naruto will go back to his ship.
"So, where will you go now?"
"I'm…I'm not sure. I only left my home to find answers and my master…I don't know how to face him after everything." Leia frowned sadly, feeling sympathetic for her new friend.
"I hope you find what you're looking for." Naruto still found a reason to smile and hoped so too but nonetheless, he was glad he met Leia.
"Thank you princess. I-" Naruto stopped talking, his eyes briefly going unfocused as he felt a disturbance in the force.
"Hey you!" A large squadron of Stormtroopers ran towards Naruto and Leia, blasters armed and ready.
The Princess of Alderaan barely had a moment to take in what was happening before Naruto scooped her legs from under her, carrying her like the Princess she was causing the girl to squeak out in surprise. "What are you?!-"
"Hold on!" Naruto took off like a missile, even while carrying Leia he was far too fast. They knew they couldn't catch the Jedi by foot, so they called reinforcements from the skies.
A ship descended down and trailed after Naruto and Leia, its thrusters burning like an angry dragon. Civilians shouted and took cover, doing they're best to stay out of the ship's way.
Naruto didn't look behind him, there was no need. He just needed to focus on running. Leia had no problem reminding him how close the ship was getting.
"Naruto it's getting close!"
The blonde Jedi looked around before seeing a series of cables on the wall leading in towards a building. Hoping they were sturdy enough, he ripped the cables out of the wall using the force while still carrying Leia. The princess closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Naruto tight as he leapt into the air, grabbing a hold of the cables while also using their shared momentum to swing them out of the way of the Imperial ship.
Naruto's shoes skidded against stone before he took off running again, his eyes on an alleyway that wasn't too far. He started to get faster with every step, the force increasing his speed just as he started to hear the sound of those cursed engines. The escaping duo just made it through the alley but the ship proved to be far too thick, scraping against the building walls until coming to a sudden and abrupt stop. The ship was heavily damaged with smoke flowing out of the exhaust.
Naruto caught his breath, gently placing Leia down and making sure to check if she was alright. Once he did and was satisfied with her current status, he stepped back to sense his surroundings.
Yet there was something…odd.
The streets were empty and considering this was Coruscant, the streets were never empty.
"I got a bad feeling about this…" Leia whispered as she moved closer to Naruto, suddenly feeling cold and terrified. The blonde Jedi was no better, there was no describing the darkness he felt, the self loathing, the pain, the anger, the hatred and the suffering.
So much suffering.
Not only could Naruto feel his suffering but all the people they killed, clinging to them like a terrible echo. Naruto's hand instinctively went to his lightsaber as he tried to search for the source of this terrible, awful feeling.
KOHHHH…. KHUHH….
Naruto froze, the dark side was suffocating as it surrounded him. Both himself and Leia looked behind them to see a tall, black, evil figure. The princess was petrified, hand clinging to Naruto's tunic for dear life.
"A Jedi." Darth Vader inquired until he spotted the boy's braid "You are someone's Padawan. Are there more Jedi here?"
Naruto felt his chest tighten with every step the Sith Lord took. He was getting closer and escape seemed impossible with his small army of troopers trapping them. "There are no Jedi in the galaxy. Your order has ensured that, Sith."
Darth Vader seemed amused with the Jedi's false bravery, he would get his answers soon. He always does. "And yet here you stand before me. Why have you come searching for Anakin Skywalker?"
"Those reasons are my own." The Sith lord sensed him trying to compose his emotions but he could feel his admiration for Skywalker, it made him scoff in disgust.
"You will tell me." Vader promised, summoning his own lightsaber with the force but not quite activating it just yet. "Your fascination with Skywalker is misplaced. He was a weak fool."
Naruto grit his teeth as his hand tightened around the handle of his lightsaber, his thumb resting on the activation matrix. The agitated Jedi barked out a barely restrained. "Shut up."
Lord Vader could sense his anger building, this would be too easy. "A failure that deserved to die."
"I said shut up!" Naruto yelled as he used the force to push Leia to safety and away from himself as he charged at the Sith Lord.
Kpishhh!
Kkkksssshhhh!
Blue met Red in a destructive clash, one saber struggling against an immovable force. Naruto growled as Darth Vader's saber didn't budge, hell, he didn't even look like he was trying. Changing tactics, he jumped back before rushing forward, slashing downwards in a forceful motion but it was blocked, yet not wanting to halt his assault, the whiskered Jedi continued with his momentum, moving his saver like he never has before, each strike was harder and more powerful than the last. Naruto seemed determined to break the Sith Lord's unbreakable defense.
Vader, using only one hand, put more effort into his defense. Blocking the angry strikes while smirking behind his mask. "Impressive. You have mastered Djem So, quite well."
The compliment only seemed to infuriate Naruto as he glared hatefully at the Sith Lord. He once again made some distance, deactivating his Lightsaber as he closed his eyes and took a breath.
'Believe in the force…'
Blue-eyes opened, no longer angry, no longer hateful but rather focused. Vader sensed Naruto's shift through the force, intrigued as the blonde Padawan once again charged at him, a dark blue beam of light once again protruded from his saber. He was quicker and more precise with his strikes, it was as if an entirely new person was fighting the Sith Lord.
He allowed the force to flow through him, to guide him. Naruto twirled his saber behind his back for a forceful upper swing as Vader brought his saber down in his own attack, tired of playing defense.
The blonde Jedi grunted at the force of the swing then another and another but he prevailed. He would not fall, he couldn't fall here. Not now.
He kept his resolve even in the face of death. He was a Jedi through and through but Vader was a Sith Lord for a reason. With a twirl of his saber he disarmed Naruto and sent his lightsaber clattering to the floor, deactivating upon impact. Lord Vader was almost disappointed the fight would be over so soon.
He went for a stab, thinking that would be the end of it but the Sith Lord wasn't ready for the blonde Jedi to flip over him, eyes closed as he concentrated the force into his hands, building something powerful. He trusted his instincts, his feet touching the ground and his eyes snapped open just in time to see Darth Vader taking a step forward with his saber raised high.
'Trust only in the force….'
Naruto's arms shook from the building power, he stared deep into Vader's lense covered eyes and he was sure the man, no monster, was staring right back. The force flowed through him and out his hands in a powerful burst as he force pushed the Emperor's right-hand man into a building but Naruto didn't stop there. Stone cracked, metal groaned, pipes burst and with a mighty yell he brought it all down on the Sith Lord, the building collapsed, burying him in debris.
Naruto summoned his saber back to his hand, staring at the rubble. The Troopers took a step back, unable to believe Lord Vader, the Lord Vader had seemingly been beaten.
An incredible source of power started to build, Vader using the force lifted the debris off himself. His black suit slightly scuffed but otherwise the man seemed fine but his intrigue had risen significantly.
"Impressive, most impressive. You would have made an excellent Jedi Knight." Naruto didn't rise to Vader's bait. He looked quickly behind him to make sure Leia was okay before turning back to watch the approaching Sith Lord. "It is unfortunate, I destroyed them."
Darth Vader frowned behind his mask, his yellow evil eyes calculating, planning, until he started to smirk something malicious.
"As well as Anakin Skywalker."
"What did you say?" Naruto asked, hating that he was rising to Vader's bait but he couldn't help it. He grit his teeth as the monstrous Sith activated his lightsaber. The red hue of the saber illuminates his masked face in a menacing way.
Darth Vader spoke clearly and malevolently as he confessed "I was the one to kill Anakin Skywalker."
Naruto didn't want to believe it, he almost downright refused to. Hate once again started to grow like an infection as he called Darth Vadser a "Liar!"
"Search your feelings, you know it to be true." Naruto exhaled sharply out his mouth but he used his empathic abilities and the force to see if he was telling the truth and unfortunately he was.
"If you killed Anakin Skywalker…then were you the one to kill Padmé Amidala?" Naruto questioned, fearing he already knew the answer but wanted to hear him say it anyway. To confirm this was all his fault.
"…" The Sith Lord said nothing for a moment, the only sound he made was his mechanical breaths as he thought and silently grieved for the love of his life.
"Answer me!" Naruto demanded, his hand shaking, blue-eyes like an inferno as he glared at the Sith, waiting for his answer.
Darth Vader would question how this boy knew of his Padmé later but for now he would answer this question that he had asked and tortured himself with ever since he lost her and his children. He was truthful as he said "Yes."
"It was you…it was because of you I have nothing! You took everything from me!" The blonde Jedi accused, no longer able to suppress his emotions, exactly as Vader wanted.
"I don't even know who you are."
"Let me show you." Naruto activated his lightsaber with a snap hiss, the blue hue of his own saber covered half of his face. Amped by the force he rushed forward with a leap and a downward swing "My Name is Naruto Skywalker!" He backflipped before rushing forward, he wouldn't stop, he'd never stop unless he was stopped. He would kill the man that took away his own parents. "Son of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala!"
Blue once again met red in a time old clash of good versus evil, light against the dark, a Jedi facing a Sith, a son fighting his father.
"And I will avenge them!" Naruto swore as he used everything in his power to beat Vader who was now holding his saber with both hands.
"Revenge is not the Jedi way." The Sith Lord mocked however his mind was in shambles. His son was standing before him, his son was alive…
It was only now that Vader got a proper look at the boy could he truly see he was the son of Anakin. He was unsure how he missed it but now isn't the time for such thoughts. He needed to end this quickly and capture the boy.
Vader's slashes were more powerful, quicker, Naruto was only holding on by a thread, never even his most intense training sessions from Master Windu had pushed him this far. He was unprepared for a tight pressure to close around his throat, his feet kicked and dangled across the ground as he was dragged forward to Vader's outstretched hand.
"Naruto!"
Naruto clawed at his throat, his eyes turning red as he struggled to breath. Leia's scream ringed in his ears but it gave him the necessary strength to surround himself in a ball of force energy and release it all out. The Sith Lord lost his grip, releasing Naruto from his force choke and stumbling back from the shockwave.
The Padawan took this as his chance, he was open and vulnerable. His saber pointed at the ready, targeting his chest piece, the blue saber of lights pointed tip was inches away, its forward thrust intent on being buried to the hilt.
So why? Why couldn't he move?! Naruto was frozen in place, his hands gripping his hilt tight, shaking every few seconds, showing his attempt to break Vader's hold on him but nothing seemed to work. Then the unthinkable happened, the Sith Lord made him turn off his own Lightsaber, he was defenseless.
"You would be wise to surrender." Dath Vader wouldn't actually kill the boy, no, he would fake his death. The Emperor would be none the wiser.
"Never." Naruto said defiantly, a Jedi to the very end. He hoped his Masters would be proud….
"Then you will die." Leia watched with horrified eyes as the Sith Lord raised his saber high, time slowed down, the red saber of death inches away from her only friend.
A power unlike anything the Princess had felt before traveled through her arm and attached itself to Naruto, almost as if she was holding him even though she was so far away. A scream ripped itself from her throat in a mighty "No!"
The very tip of Vader's saber slashed Naruto across the chest as he was pulled away from the Sith Lord. The mark wouldn't kill him but it left him in an excruciating amount of pain and a terrible scar. Leia cradled the beaten Jedi, tears brimming in her eyes as the dreaded Lord Vader advanced, followed by some of his troopers.
"It seems he was not the only force user amongst you. Interesting." Leia stared down at the hand she used to pull Naruto towards her, her hand felt numb from using the force for the first time but as she saw that black clad monster approaching, she struggled to bring back that power.
"Get away!" Nothing. Absolutely nothing happened and he was getting closer, he was going to kill them and no one was going to save them, to save her. Leia shut her eyes and thought not of her father nor her mother but General Kenobi. She held her hand out and calmed her heart, pushing aside her fear.
'Trust in the force Leia…'
Leia's eyes snapped open, looking to her left she expected to see Obi-Wan but he wasn't there. Rather she must have heard him through the force. Taking a shuddering breath she pulled at the intense feeling, that power and directed it all at Vader.
"I said get away!"
A force push of incredible proportions sent the troopers flying and Vader skidding back, unaffected by her power but impressed nonetheless.
"It is time to end this."
"Vader!"
It couldn't be…but it was, standing before Darth Vader was the master of the amethyst blade, Master Mace Windu himself but he was not alone. Anakin's apprentice, Ahsoka Tano, lived. Revealing to Vader she had survived their duel on Malachor at the top of the Sith temple. They took out some troopers before standing before the children, the only ones capable of protecting them from Vader.
"Ahsoka Tano, you continue to surprise me."
Ahsoka didn't respond to the Sith Lord, using her limited medical knowledge to take away Naruto pain for now but they would need to get him medical attention soon.
Mace, never taking his eyes off the Jedi's greatest failure, called out to the Togruta female who used to be apart or said order "Ahsoka…take them and leave. I will hold Vader off."
"What about you Master Windu?" Ahsoka asked but she could already feel what he planned to do.
Mace didn't say anything. Simply activating his lightsaber with a snaphiss and preparing himself for the fight of his life.
Ahsoka was careful as she slung Naruto over her shoulder and helped Leia to her feet. She gave him a nod, expressing her respect and sorrow for what he had to do.
"Take care, Ahsoka Tano."
"Who helped you hide the boy from me?" Darth Vader questioned as he marched towards Mace, signaling for his Troopers to follow Ahsoka.
"You will get no answers from me sith." Mace promised as he twirled his saber. He was old and he was broken. It would be a lie to say he was similar to the Jedi he once was. Missing an eye, an arm and far too much nerve damage from Palpatine's sith lightning to ever be the same as he once was. But then again the sith standing before him was far from the warrior he once was. Even if he remained an unstoppable juggernaut.
"It seems nothing has changed." Darth Vader's words are cruel and to the point. He wanted to bury the knife and twist it to cause as much pain as possible to the old broken Jedi Master.
"Then it seems as if I see far better than you even with my one eye."
"You cannot defeat me."
"I'm not meant to."
Vader paused as the broken master stood as strong and resolute as he once did over Vader's own master. The Darkside screamed from within his veins at the stoic Jedi Master before him.
Mace felt more at peace than he had in decades as he stared down the inevitable.
[To be continued…]