This is a Rising of the Shield Hero and Star Wars crossover fanfiction only. Other franchises will be included.
The Goddess Serket found herself amid an unsettling crisis, her mind racing with the implications of a shocking revelation. She had just learned that Palpatine, an insidious figure from an alternate universe, had devised a plan to dispatch a spirit clone into another universe to completely subjugate it. The war raging in his own universe was not unfolding according to his nefarious designs, prompting him to seek dominion over this new universe. His primary motivation was to monopolize the vast and untapped Force energy that resided within it. In his eyes, this universe represented not just a strategic advantage, but a treasure trove of power. With no notable Force users present, it stood as a Force power battery, offering an abundance that far exceeded the resources he expended on constructing a single Death Star—almost tenfold, in fact.
Under ordinary circumstances, Palpatine's ambitions would be alarming enough. However, what truly horrified Serket was the next layer of his wicked plot. Instead of siphoning this energy to augment his own power, he intended to transfer it to an entity existing right after the tumultuous Clone Wars. This strategy was geared toward enhancing his capabilities to eliminate any potential opposition with greater efficiency. The sheer audacity of his plans sent chills down her spine; this malevolent creature was evidently indifferent not only to the fate of an entire universe but also to the stability of his own. The level of temporal manipulation he sought to enact was dangerous, as such actions could lead to the catastrophic collapse of a universe under the strain of unbridled chaotic energy.
Amid her turmoil, Serket's thoughts turned to two individuals who specialized in navigating the convoluted challenges associated with Merged Realities. One of them resided within the very reality Palpatine aimed to invade. However, she was acutely aware of the complications this posed, particularly concerning her husband. She knew he would be vehemently opposed to entering such a precarious situation. The only viable means for them to insert themselves into that universe without causing significant disruption would hinge on him assuming the role of the Shield Hero. Yet, the mere thought of this filled her with dread, as his unrestrained rage would likely drive him to wreak havoc across that reality out of sheer spite.
Hector, her husband, bore a deep resentment towards the pervasive discrimination and hatred that plagued that universe. To him, such an environment resembled a living hell; he believed that those trapped within it would view death as a welcome release, a chance to escape their torment. The injustice he observed was not confined merely to the demi-humans, as he was acutely aware that the cycle of discrimination was mutual. In Melromarc, the reigning philosophy of human supremacy belittled demi-humans, relegating them to the status of little more than slaves. Conversely, in Siltvelt, a demi-human nation on the opposite side, the prevailing ideology was one of demi-human supremacy, reducing humans to a similar plight. This dichotomy deeply troubled Hector, who recalled the words of a renowned thinker who echoed his own beliefs: those who deny freedom to others do not deserve it for themselves.
Given the realities of the situation, it became increasingly clear that Hector could not take on the mantle of the Shield Hero within the merged reality Serket needed to navigate. The stakes were even higher, considering they were transitioning from lives as members of the Je'daii Order. If Hector were to assume the role of the Shield Hero and witness the oppression faced by demi-humans, he would be at risk of succumbing to the dark side. The realization that these demi-humans were akin to his own people, subjected to exploitation and treated as expendable labor, would undoubtedly inflame his fury.
On the other hand, her other ally, Hiro, was driven by a vision of equality in power, advocating for the education of all individuals on harnessing and utilizing the Force. While honorable in intent, this approach clashed with Hector's worldview, which viewed such openness as chaotic. He feared that it would provide the very individuals they sought to combat with the means to perpetrate grave acts of evil, further complicating an already volatile scenario.
If he were to follow through with such actions, one might as well start calling him Darth Vader, as the very same fate that befell Anakin Skywalker would inevitably be his. As his wife, she was deeply troubled by the thought of this transformation and the anguish it would bring not only to him but to their family as well. This relentless worry, however, contributed to her hesitance, making her postpone the moment when she would finally reach out to her husband and his companion to inform them of their upcoming missions.
During these anxious periods, their daughters frequently stepped in to provide comfort and support. Many of them went out of their way to ensure her well-being. Some prepared soothing cups of tea, hoping the warmth and aroma would help her relax, while others baked delightful treats, aiming to distract her from the troubling thoughts that clouded her mind. Among them, Audrey stood out as a specialist in aromatherapy, skillfully blending scents that brought peace and serenity to their home.
Meanwhile, Hector and Hiro were once again seated at their familiar table, enjoying their post-mission meal. True to form, the dishes laid out before them were the same curious assortment that had often drawn raised eyebrows from their acquaintances. The food they consumed was reminiscent of items one might find in various franchise establishments across different realities, a collection of what some women referred to as "fast foodstuff." Hector, in particular, gravitated toward the same meals repeatedly, as many of those dishes were culinary experiments crafted by his daughters, who often practiced their cooking skills on him. For the most part, the food was both delicious and nutritious, though, on two occasions, he had to swallow down a dish that was meant purely as a prank, a fact openly admitted by the daughter responsible for the culinary mischief.
Hiro, on the other hand, had a straightforward rationale for his food choices. He simply enjoyed this type of cuisine. His life, marked by the challenges of navigating through these merged realities, was sufficiently demanding, so why not savor a hearty meal after completing each mission? Some of those tasks felt as if they took lifetimes to conclude. However, despite his fondness for pies, he had made a solemn vow to himself never to accept a slice of pie from a woman named Baba Yaga. When it came to her offerings, there were always strings attached, and nothing was ever truly given out of the goodness of her heart.
"You know," Hector began, "I was thinking about those realities based on the Shield Hero series. It never makes any sense; the king in just about every iteration we've encountered seems intent on either betraying or eliminating the shield hero. Yet we know that if one of the four heroes were to perish, the magnitude of the waves they face would increase exponentially with each subsequent hero's demise. So if they eliminate one of them, they are essentially sealing their own fate. They should be protecting their citizens, right?" Hector had to concede that his friend's perspective had merit, but it raised a question: who ever claimed that motivations rooted in hatred were driven by logic?
"Exactly," Hiro replied. "The king harbors an undeniable animosity toward the shield hero; in fact, the nation's beliefs appear to reflect this animus. For all I know, several of their prayers might actually wish for the gruesome and painful demise of the shield hero. Don't act surprised—after all, we've seen it before, with various popes even attempting to end his life. I could be mistaken, but they called it their divine mission."
Hector laughed at Hiro's comparison, noting that it was as nonsensical as the time Mace Windu had attacked him immediately after they landed on Coruscant.
"I guess you're correct in saying that just because someone holds a position of authority doesn't mean they won't misuse it to settle personal scores. Look at J. Jonah Jameson; the man was merely the editor of a newspaper when he became hell-bent on persecuting Spider-Man." A smile broke on Hiro's face at the mention of this.
"You know, that Council was especially persisting," Hector continued, reflecting further. "But then again, we discovered Yoda could indeed converse like a normal being. He chooses not to, mostly to confuse others. Yet, after a few drinks, he will chat away, swearing like a sailor just like anyone else."
Hector experienced an unsettling sensation that began as a faint whisper in the back of his mind but quickly intensified, transforming into an overwhelming intuition that this was no ordinary outing. He couldn't shake the feeling that he and his friend were on the brink of entering a reality that would defy everything they understood. The discussions they had shared earlier about fantastical possibilities and hypothetical scenarios began to coalesce in his thoughts, forming an anxiety-inducing picture of what lay ahead—an inexplicable merging of the familiar and the extraordinary. The gravity of this notion weighed heavily on him, creating a complex cocktail of anticipation and dread.
As he struggled to articulate this strange premonition to Hiro, the words barely left his lips when the goddess intervened, summoning them back to the office with a voice that resonated with undeniable authority. It was as if she wielded a power that changed the very atmosphere around them in an instant. Hiro, visibly annoyed and irked, turned to Hector and accused him of jinxing their outing, his tone laced with frustration. This accusation hung in the air like a dark cloud, effectively transforming their playful atmosphere into one laden with tension. In an instant, the joy they had anticipated from indulging in their dessert evaporated, replaced by a bitter aftertaste that lingered in their minds. They hadn't even had the chance to enjoy their treats, which made the disappointment feel even more profound, amplifying the surreal nature of the moment.
In a bid to comfort Hiro, Hector reminded him that his dessert was safely tucked away inside his inventory, emphasizing that they could enjoy it later. "Stop complaining," he said firmly. Hiro, however, was not so easily placated. "That is not the damn point! I wanted to eat it fresh and still warm. I better not find out you put something weird on my slice of cake!" Hector assured him that the only item he used to preserve Hiro's slice of carrot cake was a sturdy piece of topware, specifically chosen to keep it fresh and intact until they could indulge after the briefing.
As they stepped into the office, the air thick with anticipation, Hiro seized the moment to plead his case. "Can we at least enjoy the cake while we're being informed about the mission?" Hector shook his head, a hint of a smile dancing on his lips. "First, we won't take long, and second, knowing you, you'll have a hundred questions or comments about the mission. It's not likely you'll be able to focus on cake." Curiosity sparked, Hector added, "But tell me, why did you choose carrot cake of all things?" Hiro's response was immediate and thoughtful. "I picked that one for you, as you chose the chocolate cake for me. It's our little tradition. Plus, I've noticed you always smile when you eat it. I think it reminds you of those times when we were immersed in realities inspired by Zootopia. And, let's be honest, Judy is adorable. You had a crush on her. Just admit it."
As they strolled through the office doors, Hector shot him a sharp glare, his tone grave. "Knock it off, Clawhauser! You know it's poor manners to say the C-word to a bunny. Do you want me to tell Judy about your antics, and that there's not a donut in sight at the police station?" Hiro, undeterred, shot back a warning not to provoke a hungry cop's obsession with donuts. Their playful banter often drew laughter from the women nearby, a reaction he could never fully grasp, despite his daughters' teasing smiles.
The goddess's voice broke through their lighthearted exchange, bringing them back to the matter at hand. "Dear, it seems your instincts are still sharp as ever. The upcoming mission involves a merged reality, combining elements from the Shield Hero universe and Star Wars. The very idea of merging these two worlds is perplexing, but enough people have contributed to this hybrid vision that it's formed a naturally merged reality. However, keep your guard up; those two might still have tricks up their sleeves." Hector understood her warning implicitly. In previous realities she had crafted, designed as idyllic escapes for their family, those two individuals had transformed them into chaotic nightmares, relishing in the mayhem they could create.
"I get it completely," Hector replied resolutely. "I won't let my guard down and allow them to outsmart me. So, it's Shield Hero again. This time, the inhabitants of that world will have to deal with the overwhelming force of powers from Star Wars. That sounds like it will be quite entertaining." As he spoke, Hiro indulged in a slice of chocolate cake, his expression one of blissful concentration. He was seated in his usual chair, and one of Hector's daughters approached him, handing him a small glass of juice. "I don't want you to choke on your cake," she declared sweetly. Hector's heart warmed at the sight of her thoughtfulness, a smile spreading across his face as he watched their daughter look after Hiro, pleased to see such kindness in her.
You two will be stepping into the roles of members of the Je'daii Order within a specific timeline situated right after the events of Star Wars: Episode II, Attack of the Clones. This moment occurs just after Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala have tied the knot, marking a pivotal transition in their lives and the larger narrative tapestry of the Star Wars universe. I envision at least two additional individuals assuming the responsibilities of either the sword hero or the bow hero. Given that you have both previously navigated diverse realities as the shield and spear heroes, this transition should feel somewhat familiar yet distinctly new.
To add an intriguing twist to this setup, I have settled on the names that you will adopt in this reality. You, my husband, will take on the identity of Motoyasu Kitamura Dooku, the son of Count Dooku from the planet Sereno. This lineage will not only influence your character dynamics but also provide a rich background for your narrative arc as the spear hero. Meanwhile, another character, who will take on the role of Hiro, will embody the name Naofumi Iwatani Amidala, revealing his ties as the younger sibling of Padme Amidala. This connection deepens the narrative complexity, especially considering Hiro's relationships with key figures within the story.
If Anakin is designated the sword hero and Padme steps into the role of the bow hero, it alleviates some of my concerns. Despite the mixed opinions surrounding Anakin, it is undeniable that he exhibits exceptional proficiency in combat with a blade. Similarly, Padme's keen eyesight naturally positions her as an ideal candidate for the bow hero role, showcasing her aptitude in ranged combat.
The cardinal heroes will emerge seamlessly from a universe that has previously fused into your current narrative fabric. This phenomenon isn't entirely surprising, as the original universe was structured around a core group of four cardinal heroes, a system disrupted by the goddess of calamity during several instances. Interestingly, throughout this turbulent history, the shield hero has often found himself at odds with those he aimed to protect; instead of succumbing to the waves, he often fell victim to the betrayal of allies. The disdain the church harbored for the shield hero prompted the Three Heroes Church to exclude him when constructing their ultimate trump card, highlighting a pervasive narrative of neglect that Hector often felt warranted the candid label of a cult.
Hiro's expression grew pensive as he contemplated the implications of the relationships between Anakin and Padme. "This arrangement may create complications between them," he remarked, "but is there a way for them to collaborate effectively? Traditionally, the lore dictates that the cardinal heroes struggle to unite, as the weapons they wield are said to have negative interactions, resulting in a lack of shared experience."
As he savored the last bite of his chocolate cake, Hiro chuckled, humor dancing in his eyes. He seemed to recognize the underlying connection that allowing them to share inventory might facilitate their cooperation. Raising his juice cup for the final sip, he directed his gaze towards Hector and Serket, awaiting their reactions.
"While this might be the initial encounter in a reality echoing the tales of the shield hero, it's important to recall our experiences from the numerous realities we've explored," Hector interjected thoughtfully. "Remember how we devised a method to neutralize the negative effects associated with the cardinal heroes, enabling them to function together? Even outside of a formal party arrangement, proximity was sufficient."
Serket looked at Hiro, her curiosity piqued. "What precisely was that method?" she inquired, eager for clarity.
Hiro launched into an explanation, outlining several strategies they had crafted. One technique involved linking the weapons in such a way that they felt more like extensions of their wielders, inspired by the observation that the false weapon utilized by the pope encapsulated a combination of three weapons, yet functioned effectively. Another method leveraged their innate powers to employ an observation technique on the weapons, followed by a process of cut and paste to eliminate the negative restrictions afflicting each of the cardinal weapons, thus allowing for a more cohesive collaboration among heroes. This detailed approach underscored a robust framework for balanced teamwork amid the challenges they would face in their new roles.
Hector fondly recalled the saying that there is very little capable of evading the keen perception of two individuals blessed with the extraordinary power known as the Eye of the World. This ability granted them insights into the unseen, revealing truths that others might keep hidden. Hiro had become well-versed in the various negative effects associated with their journey, learning how these influences could be manipulated. By utilizing the unique ability to cut and paste, he discovered a method to transfer these negative effects onto various entities, be they monsters, people, or even animals. This realization brought a sense of hope; it indicated that there existed a solution to their challenges. If circumstances proved unfavorable, the inherent Gamer Powers could simply override the weapons at their disposal, allowing them to function collectively and enabling the use of alternate weaponry aside from their designated cardinal weapons. This strategy might also serve as a pivotal opportunity for the two individuals involved to reignite the passion within their relationship. Both were married and given that the true Palpatine would not be in their vicinity, Padmé's pregnancy should not pose significant complications. Furthermore, a crucial aspect that should not be overlooked is the merging of their reality with that of the Shield Hero narrative. This fusion implied that not only were the people intertwined, but so too were their technologies and knowledge. Consequently, even common folk, including guards, would possess superior weapons, armor, and other resources at their disposal. It was conceivable that cities might boast technological advancements far beyond anything found in the original Shield Hero reality.
Despite his reluctance to acknowledge it, Hiro's assertion about the overall enhancement of technology upon their arrival began to resonate. There was a strong possibility that the village would be equipped with droids capable of clearing away the dragon carcass situated uphill, which was currently poisoning all those caught in the downwind. The bandit activity on the roads might also be mitigated, as those same droids could effectively handle the rampant growth of monstrous plants. Moreover, the villagers might finally come to understand the critical reasoning behind not planting such dangerous flora in the first place.
Audrey chimed in at this juncture, gently reminding everyone that it was most likely the Star Wars universe that had fused with the version of Earth they were destined for, rather than the realm of Cardinal Weapons. Her point was clear and grounded in logic.
No sooner had Audrey finished speaking than Revy, Hector's daughter, raised a pertinent question. She inquired why the conversation was veering towards the need for Anakin and Padmé to rekindle their relationship, considering they had only recently tied the knot. To her, it seemed illogical to discuss the need for rekindling when they had just celebrated their marriage a few days earlier.
Before anyone could provide an answer to Revy's inquiry, another of Hector's daughters, Blossom, chimed in with her own significant question. She wanted to know if Hiro's possession of the Force implied that Padmé Amidala would also have access to this same power.
Serket was quick to confirm the truth of Blossom's assertion, explaining that the two individuals representing the Force held a vested interest in Anakin and Padmé. She elaborated that, in this particular reality, the brother figure was actually female. Both had been involved in taking Padmé to their domain, where they trained her in myriad skills, including the use of the Force, as well as facilitating her interactions with other women in developing a Harem for both her and Anakin. This preparation had begun when Padmé was just eighteen years old, setting the stage for her future with Anakin.
Serket then turned to the group, inviting any questions directed at her spouse Hiro, and also inquiring if there was anything else they needed to clarify. Hiro seized this moment to ask whether they planned on bringing in female characters from across the entire Star Wars franchise or if they would be limiting their focus solely to the prequels in securing assistance for their friends and family. Serket assured him that they would indeed incorporate elements from the entirety of the Star Wars universe, not merely the prequel trilogy, providing a diverse array of characters, including some male characters who would undergo gender-bending. Hiro, upon hearing this, expressed his full understanding and excitement for the thrilling journey that awaited them in this enriched reality.
Hiro's immediate inquiry about Count Dooku's morality opened up a deeper discussion about the ramifications of familial ties on power and allegiance. If Count Dooku had not succumbed to evil, the turbulence experienced during the Attack of the Clones could have been entirely avoided. The premise rested on the notion that Hector, Dooku's son, would have provided a powerful emotional anchor, preventing Dooku from veering toward the dark side of the Force. This raised a significant question: How could the Clone Wars still have occurred under such circumstances? The answer lies in the calculated machinations of Darth Sidious. Before his demise, Sidious discovered a remarkably insidious method that allowed him to communicate with his past self. He was able to send vital information and resources about the cloning process back to the time when he had taken Dooku as his apprentice after slaughtering his own family. This unprecedented ability to manipulate time and knowledge ensured that he could perfect the cloning techniques necessary for creating individuals capable of wielding the Force, including Jedi and Sith alike.
Among his many plots, Sidious commissioned a younger clone of Dooku to operate secretly. This clone, being a mere duplication, lacked the years of experience and wisdom of the authentic Count Dooku, which allowed him to maneuver under the guise of another Jedi, known as Sifo-Dyas. This elaborate scheme ultimately led to the creation of the Clone Army. Therefore, even if Dooku had remained a noble figure, the events leading to the Attack of the Clones would have still unfolded due to Sidious' orchestrations.
Taking a moment to allow this information to resonate, she continued her thoughts. "Essentially, we were all Younglings before Anakin even entered the picture. Our presence, in fact, played a crucial role in Anakin's acceptance into the Jedi Order. Dooku advocated for him, which set the stage for us to form friendships with our fellow Younglings and, eventually, with Anakin himself. This connection provided Anakin with vital support during his most challenging times. Knowing he had allies among the Younglings made it less likely for him to fall to the dark side."
Serket beamed at her husband's insightful response, pleased with his perceptiveness. "Exactly. It was Anakin's sense of isolation and his lack of companionship that made it easier for him to embrace the Dark Side. Ultimately, this led to the tragic decision to lead his troops against the Younglings in the Academy. However, you both were pivotal in Anakin's education and growth. In fact, during the Attack of the Clones, both of you were Jedi Knights alongside Anakin, and your support was instrumental in preventing him from suffering severe injuries, like losing a hand or any other limb. Dooku's bond with Hector also extended to the Jedi Council's decisions. When the battle to retake Naboo arose, Dooku's influence helped persuade the council to send a Jedi Master along for backup—specifically, a Master capable of employing Force healing."
Hiro began processing this intricate web of connections. "So, if Qui-Gon hadn't perished during that climactic battle, Maul wouldn't have lost his legs in that pit either. That indeed changes everything. I assume this means Maul continued to serve Palpatine as his apprentice."
Serket shook her head, clarifying, "No, that wasn't the case. Maul was deemed a failure by Sidious, who felt that investing time in a student who could not complete a straightforward task was a waste. Despite the harrowing confrontation with both Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, Maul survived. He lost his hand but was able to seek medical assistance and had it reattached thanks to the advanced medical technologies of that era. However, the feelings of betrayal and abandonment from Sidious fueled a deep-seated resentment within him. Additionally, he witnessed his brother suffering the same fate. This bitterness eventually transformed him into a vengeful force against Palpatine. Maul meticulously documented every communication and directive received from Palpatine, which would later play a crucial role in unveiling Sidious' true nature and the extent of his manipulations."
Serket elaborated on the implications of advanced cloning technology in the galaxy, emphasizing its profound impact on the trajectory of significant events. With the mastery of cloning perfected, it became feasible for Palpatine to exploit the genetic material of various individuals to engineer an ideal apprentice, tailored precisely to his sinister ambitions. This capability provided the dark lord with a sense of security, allowing him to dismiss Darth Maul without concern for a gap in his plans. In Palpatine's mind, the potential to create another skilled acolyte was always at his fingertips, negating any perceived loss of power or control.
Meanwhile, the story of Count Dooku unfolded as a notable chapter in the history of the Jedi. Initially elevated to the prestigious ranks of the Jedi Council, Dooku's insights proved invaluable, particularly during the critical mission to liberate Naboo. His astute judgment and strategic prowess earned him a decade of service on the council, but the responsibilities of ruling his home planet, Sereno, eventually called him back. Consequently, he relinquished his position on the council, embracing the duality of his life as both a Jedi and a planetary ruler.
In a moment of levity, Serket recalled an incident that showcased the chaos of their encounters. "You both had the misfortune of encountering the cloned Dooku amidst the tumult of the arena battle, where Hector swiftly identified the impostor. His immediate reaction—screaming that the man they faced could not possibly be his father—unraveled the deception. His quick thinking led to a rapid dissemination of the truth, revealing the clone's identity and prompting its hasty retreat. This unexpected turn of events significantly diminished their challenges during the battle of Geonosis, ultimately preserving numerous Jedi lives. Ironically, this was also the first instance where Palpatine's fury overwhelmed his usually calculated demeanor, as his grand scheme to orchestrate the Jedi's demise in the arena was thwarted.
Though the principle of the Rule of Two was intended to govern Sith apprenticeships, Palpatine's actions repeatedly contradicted this doctrine, driven by his impulsive nature and the rage that clouded his judgment. Initially, the dark lord had taken the cloned Dooku as an apprentice while simultaneously maintaining Maul as his sole disciple. This blatant violation of the Rule of Two was not the last, as Palpatine continued to abandon his apprentices with alarming frequency. It is plausible to speculate that the clones he created—perhaps even a future iteration meant to replace Maul—may have been genetically engineered using his DNA combined with that of Anakin Skywalker, further entangling his malefic plans with the lives of those around him.
Turning to a more personal matter, Hector made it clear that when they appeared before Padmé and Anakin, there would be no grounds for suspicion regarding their intentions. Their long-standing relationships rendered any accusation, particularly one fabricated by a figure like King Melromarc against Hiro, who went by the name Naofumi, utterly unfounded. Padmé's unwavering belief in her younger brother's character would ensure that no one in their circle would consider the heinous claims directed at him to be true.
As the scene shifted, both Hector and Hiro began to dissolve from sight, embarking on the transition into the merged reality, their destinies intertwined as they faced the unfolding chapters of their extraordinary journey.