Chapter 1: Nathan Phoenix
In Hyperspace near Takodana, 18th January 18 BBY, 14:00 pm…
"This is Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. I regret to report that both our Jedi Order and the Republic have fallen, with the dark shadow of the Empire rising to take their place. This message is a warning and a reminder for any surviving Jedi: trust in the Force. Do not return to the Temple. That time has passed, and our future is uncertain. Avoid Coruscant. Avoid detection. Be secret... but be strong. We will each be challenged: our trust, our faith, our friendships. But we must persevere and, in time, I believe a new hope will emerge. May the Force be with you, always."
Nathan Phoenix sighed sadly, switching off the holocron and stowing it away for later viewing. Six months later, and Obi Wan's warning still hit hard. Has it really already been six months?
It only felt like yesterday that Nathan had been forced to flee the Jedi Temple in an already badly damaged Jedi Starfighter as clones of the Five Hundred and First Legion had massacred his brethren in the Jedi Temple. Men he had fought alongside; bled alongside.
And yet here he was, six months later, flying towards yet another place he hoped to use to lay low for a time.
At least, until someone somehow saw him, recognised him, and informed the Empire of a Jedi's presence on Takodana.
Hopefully not this time, though, Nathan thought to himself as he took his holoprojector, set it down on the dashboard of his ship, and played a recording.
Within moments of the command prompt being entered, the holographic visage of a young Jedi several years older than Nathan with well-tanned skin, long black hair, and very well-muscled appeared:
"Nathan, this is Jason. I pray to any gods that exist anymore that this finds you." Jason Stone said in the recording. "I wanted to let you know that me, Jett and Ghost are all safe and more importantly alive. We'll be on Takodana in a few days' time. Meet us there, and hopefully, we can find someplace we can plan our next moves."
The recording ended, and for the first time in what felt like forever, Nathan smiled hopefully. Jason Stone was one of his oldest friends within the Jedi, Jett Lennox was Jason's padawan, and Ghost… Ghost would speak for himself.
As if on cue, Nathan's ship exited hyperspace above Takodana, a lush, green world rich with lakes, trees, and nature.
Nathan glanced out of his cockpit window, and felt a strong relief that there was no signs of Imperial presence on Takodana. That you can see, a more negative side of Nathan thought. For all you know, the Empire has their ships on the other side of the planet, waiting for a dumb, unsuspecting Jedi Padawan to-
Shelving the thought, Nathan banked his ship down towards the planet. Hopefully Jason, Jett and Ghost were either already there or were soon to arrive.
It had been too long since Nathan had felt any kind of hope that there was good left in the galaxy, but at least with three of his friends by his side, Nathan felt there was good that could be done that he himself could not accomplish all by himself.
Takodana, 14:30 pm…
The poncho was an essential part of Nathan's attire nowadays.
Light, waterproof, and more importantly, a good way of concealing anything you didn't want anyone seeing.
Like a lightsaber.
Nathan was sure he wasn't the only Jedi who'd figured out the benefits of wearing a poncho and he certainly wouldn't be the last.
As he prepared to exit his ship and make the trek to the famous Takodana Castle, Nathan took a moment to look himself in the mirror:
And he looked tired.
Long, greasy, messy, unkempt red hair hung over tired, royal blue eyes with bags underneath and dark circles surrounding his eyes. Nathan really could use a stint in the refresher, and a good night's sleep.
Alas, galactic fugitives were not afforded such luxuries, and with a deep breath, Nathan hit the button to lower the ramp that would lead him onto another world, a common occurrence over the past six months.
Immediately, the thunderous onslaught of rain slamming into the ground filled Nathan's ears, and Nathan tried not to take it as a bad omen, lifting the hood of his poncho over his head to cover it as he stepped down onto the ground of Takodana.
The ground was wet, muddy, and his boots met it with an ugly squelch, partially sinking into the ground as a consequence of how wet and muddy it was.
Such is life, Nathan thought, beginning the lonely trek to Takodana Castle.
Takodana Castle, 15:00 pm…
One rule existed in the castle: All are welcome (No fighting).
As a result, individuals from all kinds of race, theology or faction could freely mingle within the grounds of the structure.
Which was what made it a perfect safe haven for fugitives like Nathan, who stepped down into the lively bar and cantina that resided within the castle.
Thankfully, nobody stopped to look up at him, paying no mind to who they thought was probably some down on their luck smuggler.
Taking a breath, Nathan scanned the room, first for any sign of white armour, preparing himself to bolt the moment he saw any.
White armour meant clones. Clones meant the Empire, and the Empire meant death for him.
However, the sight of no clone troopers in sight gave Nathan some solace, scanning the room once again for any seats or booths where he could just keep his head down until Jason, Jett and Ghost arrived.
Espying a vacant booth, Nathan approached, sat down, and laid his head against the back of his seat.
His eyes remained open however. Just because there were no clones in the cantina right then and there, didn't mean some might not land on Takodana by cruel fate or happenstance and seek out some manner of refreshment there.
The moment that happened, Nathan knew it was his cue to leave. If they caught sight of him, they'd grab weapons and open fire, castle rules be damned.
Remaining guarded as he did, Nathan cast his mind back, to the people he'd lost.
Master Drake, Master Kenobi, Anakin, Senator Amidala, Ahsoka… Chuchi…
Nathan felt an extra surge of sadness at the last one. Memories of stolen nights together, forbidden kisses and daring escapes from discovery, all just memories now; because to be together would mean death.
He scanned the room one more time, his eyes falling on a young man and woman seated close by, huddled together and talking in hushed whispers. He wondered if they were eloped lovers, which wouldn't surprise him, though it did sadden him.
Perhaps he should have- no, it'd have been too much to ask. Chuchi had responsibilities to her people, to her home. He wasn't going to force her to abandon everything she'd ever known for a life on the run.
She wasn't him. And more importantly, she deserved to be free; instead of having to spend every waking hour worried if today would be their last.
That wasn't the life she deserved. And Nathan wasn't going to be the person that forced her into it, even if so he could selfishly have more time with her.
He was so deep in thought, he almost didn't notice the drink being placed in front of him until it hit the hard surface of his table.
Instantly alert, Nathan's head turned to the person who had handed him the drink, saying: "Sorry, I didn't-"
"This one is on the house." The person who had handed him the drink said.
The first thing Nathan noticed about the being was their size. The individual he faced was tiny, standing roughly two feet shorter than Nathan. He couldn't say their race for certain, as he had never encountered someone of their race beforehand. The being was orange skinned with white hair and brown eyes. The wrinkles and creases on their face told him this being was old, much older than he was.
It also became obvious to him just who he was talking to: Maz Kanata herself, the owner of the castle, and a known pirate.
Allowing himself a moment to compose himself, Nathan said: "Thanks… I guess." Before taking the cup and sipping from it. He could tell it was a soft drink, which he appreciated. He would be leaving, soon; so he didn't need alcohol addling his mind.
"I would have served you something different, but then again, I don't really deal with those that are underage." Maz said. "Which makes your presence here surprising to say the least."
"You're not wrong." Nathan replied as he took another sip. "I'm not staying for long, anyway, so you won't have to deal with me for much longer."
"Please. Everyone comes here for some reason or another." Maz replied, a knowing look crossing her aged face.
Nathan tucked a vermillion lock of hair behind his ear. "I'm waiting for someone." He said, looking away from Maz.
The pirate queen scoffed. "You Jedi have always made for poor liars."
At that, Nathan's head snapped back to Maz. Fear now reigned supreme in his mind, as he came up with possible ways to convince Maz to leave him be.
A low chuckle escaped Maz, who said: "There is no need to be fearful, young man. I am no enemy of the Jedi, nor the Force."
Nathan raised a distrustful eyebrow. "How can I be sure?" He asked. "How am I to know whether you've not drugged my drink?"
Maz folded her arms. "Your reluctance to trust me isn't surprising. Given how long you've spent on the run, it must be difficult for you to trust anyone. Even a harmless old woman like myself. So allow me to convince you." With that, she handed Nathan a datacard. "On that is a list of worlds I have been to over the years, all of which border the Unknown Regions."
Nathan swallowed. The Unknown Regions was a mapped but largely unexplored part of the galaxy. Hardly anyone tried their luck there.
"Only a select few people know of these worlds." Maz added. "I am fortunate enough to be one of them."
Nathan studied the data card, and then took it, nodding. "Thanks. I'll look into it."
"Do not thank me, Jedi." Maz said. "Show your thanks by settling on one of those worlds and staying there until the time comes that the Jedi rise once again from the ashes. I will offer the same assistance to your friends when they come here looking for you; but for now, I would leave immediately. To linger is to risk discovery."
Nathan sighed. Maz was right. "Alright." Standing up, Nathan pulled up the hood on his poncho, finishing his drink. "Tell my friends I'm alright when you see them. Look for a tall, muscular man with a tan, long black hair and grey eyes. He'll have a teenager with him, and a Mandalorian warrior wearing black armour."
Maz nodded. "Go." She urged.
Taking a deep breath, Nathan heeded Maz's orders, heading out, quietly hoping that Jason, Jett and Ghost had already arrived.
Outside Nathan's ship, 15:45 pm…
Nathan's ship was nothing too amazing; just a plain XS Freighter he'd been gifted by Onderonian senator Lux Bonteri as a thank you for a personal favour Nathan had done for them.
However, it was more or less his home now. The one place he could feel safe.
But just as he was about to take the next few steps to board it, he heard:
"About time I ran into one of you; Jedi."
Nathan took a deep, frustrated breath. So close, he thought, turning his attention towards the one who had challenged him so:
He espied a female Nautolan approaching, dressed all in white and grey, with a wide brimmed hat which reminded him of Cad Bane.
"Name's Caij Vanda." The Nautolan said. "And I hear the bounty on Jedi is pretty big nowadays."
"Pleasure to meet you, Caij." Nathan replied. "But I think you've got the wrong man this time. I'm no Jedi. Just a down on his luck smuggler."
Caij smirked. "That well concealed lightsaber on your right hip says otherwise."
Nathan scowled. Kriff, Nathan thought to himself, stepping forwards into the rain once again, staring Caij down.
He knew that he couldn't just run. There was no telling if Caij had been waiting for him, and if so; for how long. Right now; his only option was to stand and fight.
"Now… I can bring you in alive… or-"
Nathan dared not give Caij further chance to speak, tearing a blaster from the holster on his belt and opening fire.
It wasn't anything substantial, just a standard issue DL-44, but it was good enough for Nathan, as the shots nearly struck Caij, who flew back with the assistance of rocket assisted boots.
A snarl quickly appeared on the Nautolan Bounty Hunter's face as she said: "Alright… dead it is, then!" Drawing two blaster pistols and opening fire.
Ducking for cover, Nathan dived into a forward roll, coming up on one knee and snapping off several shots from his pistol.
Caij dodged all of these, retaliating with a barrage of blaster fire, running to the right of her position in order to get a better angle of fire and flank Nathan.
Sensing this, Nathan disengaged, and anticipated Caij's path before firing several shots directly in front of her.
This worked, and Caij staggered back, having not anticipated such a move.
Raising his pistol so that it was aiming at her, Nathan fired several shots in an effort to disable and prevent Caij from further pursuit.
However, Caij hurled a thermal detonator into the path of Nathan's shots, one of which struck the explosive, causing a thunderous explosion that for a moment, drowned out the endless artillery strike of rain battering the ground.
The force of the explosion threw Nathan back, and he barely had time to get back to his feet before Caij had surged through the cloud of smoke the explosion had cast up, kicking him to the floor.
Pain struck Nathan as hard as Caij's boot, immediately alerting him to the fact his nose was likely broken, and he struck the floor with a nasty squelch, dazed, and more importantly, bleeding.
"Good fight, kid. Whoever trained you knew what they were doing."
Nathan shook off his daze just in time for Caij to approach with raised blasters.
"But sadly; wasn't enough. Pity you didn't pull out your lightsaber. Could have made things a little interesting. Now though… you're coming with me."
Wiping the blood from his nose, Nathan made a show of getting to his feet, hands raised in mock surrender.
Holstering one of her pistols, Caij then produced some cuffs. "There's a good boy. Now, turn ar-"
Nathan already was turning around. But not to let her cuff him.
The spinning back kick had the desired effect Nathan wanted, knocking Caij's other blaster out of her hand.
The Nautolan bounty hunter reached for the weapon she had holstered, only to wind up drop-kicked to the floor.
Caij barely had time to get up on all fours before Nathan rushed towards her, driving his knee violently into her face, knocking her out.
Getting to his feet, Nathan rushed over to where he dropped his blaster, picking it up and shaking any mud out of it before dashing aboard his ship.
Aboard Nathan's ship…
Nathan knew he probably had a very short window to get up in the air and into space, and so dashed into his cockpit, immediately starting up his ship, which came to life with the humming whine he would recognise in his sleep, lifting up the entrance ramp before finally bringing his ship up off of the ground.
From there; it wasn't too long before Nathan found himself in space, well away from any bounty hunters looking to collect on any bounties.
Taking a deep, worried breath, Nathan reflected: That was too kriffing close. Dank farrik, I should have hidden my lightsaber better.
But now was not the time for tranquil contemplation.
Taking the data disc Maz had given him, Nathan entered it into his navicomputer, seeing the screen come alive with options.
Some were interesting, like Virmire, Gorod Krovi, and even one named Teyvat, which more or less bordered the Unknown Regions.
But Nathan didn't opt for those, instead opting for one a little further down the list:
Remnant.
Ignoring the worrying name, Nathan punched in the coordinates and pulled the lever which would bring him into hyperspace.
As his whole view went blue, Nathan hoped he was making the right decision.
I'M BACK, BABY!
Hello, hello, and welcome to the Remastered edition of Remnant of the Jedi.
If thou art new here; Allow me to explain:
In late June-early July of this year, my PC decided to go kaput, meaning most of the work I'd done on my RWBY-Star Wars series up to then was lost.
However, instead of giving up, I decided I'd rewrite what I had done with what did survive my PC, which is how I have this story here.
This does mean Nathan will have a new romantic interest, and a slightly different storyline.
For those of you who read my stories before and know of the aforementioned calamity, welcome back, and I'm deeply grateful for your patience.
With regards to what will happen to my preexisting RWBY-Star Wars stories, they will be left as they are. I'm still proud of the work I did, and wish to showcase whatever I can of it; even in its unfinished state.
With all that said; thank you all very much for reading this story. If y'all liked it... you know what to do.
I shall see you next weekend with Chapter 2, which will see Nathan arrive on Remnant...
T-Rock14