Aoi Dragon: Here is Chapter 1!
C*
CHAPTER 1
Heather's POV
Heather's heart pounded in her chest as she stumbled to her feet. The air was thick and heavy, carrying the scent of something metallic and foreign. Her eyes darted around, wide with terror. Towering structures of strange design pierced the fog, their sleek lines and alien shapes casting long, eerie shadows.
As the fog began to clear, her breath caught in her throat. Before her lay an impossibly vast expanse of gleaming metal and light. Floating platforms and walkways intersected at various points, and massive ships, adorned with colorful flags and pennants, cruised effortlessly through the sky. A wave of nausea washed over her.
"Where... where am I?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her mind raced, desperately searching for an explanation. A dream? A hallucination? No, it couldn't be. The cold, metallic tang of the air, the weight of her own body, the fear gnawing at her—it was all too real.
A sudden whooshing sound jolted her. A massive, gleaming spaceship soared through the sky, its hull shimmering with intricate patterns and strange symbols. A chill ran down her spine. This couldn't be happening. It was impossible.
"This isn't real," she muttered, her voice barely audible over the roar of the spaceship. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing herself to wake up. But when she opened them again, the alien landscape was still there, stark and unforgiving.
Panic seized her. She was alone, lost, and completely out of her depth. A sob escaped her lips as she realized the terrifying truth: she was no longer on Earth. She was on a distant planet, a place where spaceships were as common as cars.
A shiver ran down her spine. She was alone, lost, and completely out of her depth. And as she stood there, staring up at the alien sky, she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread.
Heather's heart pounded in her chest as she wandered through the unfamiliar city. The towering structures and strange vehicles made her feel even more lost and alone.
"How the hell am I going to get home?!" Heather's heart raced as her panic continued to build.
As Heather walked, the unfamiliar landscape stretched out before her, a blend of modern and ancient architecture that seemed to defy the laws of physics. Neon lights flickered and pulsed, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the pavement. The air buzzed with alien chatter and distant hums of machinery.
Suddenly, a strong hand gripped Heather's shoulder. "You're coming with me," a gruff voice growled.
Suddenly, a strong hand gripped Heather's shoulder. "You're coming with me," a gruff voice growled. Heather spun around, her heart racing. A tall, imposing figure loomed over her, his glare cold and unyielding. Heather's gaze flickered to the hand holding her, then back up to the figure's face. She swallowed hard, trying to steady her nerves.
"Who are you?"
The figure back-handed her, "You do not speak, human scum."
That's when Heather saw the figure a little better. The figure was not human. In fact, the figure looked a little fish-like, with pale, greenish gray skin and black almond-shaped eyes. It reminded her a little of the Gray Aliens that UFO enthusiasts and abductees talked about. Heather felt a surge of anger at the creature's insults and the backhanded slap. She pushed back against the creature's grip, but it only tightened. "Let go of me!" she snapped, trying to summon the courage to fight back.
The alien hissed and drew something that looked like a blaster out of Star Wars and snarled a few words in a language Heather didn't understand, although she recognized the rude remark "E chuta." And grabbed at her again.
Just as it seemed she was about to be captured, a massive, hairy figure burst through the crowd and sent the attackers flying. The creature stood over Heather, its eyes glowing with an intense, almost intelligent light.
'Is that... a sasquatch?' Heather thought, her eyes wide with disbelief.
The creature grunted, then turned and began to lead Heather away from the danger.
Heather followed the creature, her heart still racing. She couldn't believe what was happening. One moment, she was on Earth, and the next, she was on some distant planet, being attacked by aliens and rescued by a mythical creature.
'I've seen this creature in a movie or something.' She thought. 'But where?'
The creature leading Heather paused for a moment and looked around, as if sniffing the air. Then, with a nod of his furry head, he started moving again. "What... what do you want from me?" Heather finally managed to choke out. The creature paused and cocked its head, seeming to study her for a moment. It let out a few noises that could have been language, but Heather didn't understand. The creature motioned for her to follow.
Heather's eyes widened as she followed the sasquatch into his home. It was a large, open-plan apartment with sleek, modern furnishings. The creature motioned for her to sit on a comfortable-looking couch, then disappeared into another room. Heather's heart was still pounding in her chest as she sat down on the couch. She tried to calm herself, taking deep breaths. Her mind raced with thoughts and questions, but she couldn't make sense of anything.
A few moments later, the sasquatch returned with a small, spherical droid. The droid beeped and whirred as it scanned Heather and the sasquatch. Then, in a clear, synthesized voice, it spoke.
"Greetings," the droid said. "I am translator droid Zog. I am here to assist you."
Heather's eyes grew large with surprise as the droid addressed her. She looked from the droid to the sasquatch, then back to the droid. "You... you can talk?" she stammered, her voice almost inaudible.
Zog beeped and whirred, then replied, "Indeed, I can communicate with various languages and species through advanced universal translators. I am here to facilitate understanding and aid in your stay on this planet."
Heather was stunned, "You can translate?"
Zog nodded. "Yes. I can translate."
Heather turned to the sasquatch. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know how to thank you."
The sasquatch looked at Heather, then nodded his head, seeming to understand her gratitude. "It was nothing," he grunted in a voice that rumbled like thunder.
Zog beeped and whirred, then continued, "Please, do not be afraid."
Heather trembled a little, "I - I don't know where I am."
"Oba Diah," Zog replied, his voice calm and reassuring. "You are currently on the planet Oba Diah."
Heather's eyes widened. "Obadiah?" She'd never heard of that planet before. "Oba Diah," Zog corrected. "Not Obadiah. This planet is named after the ancient Pyke language, which translates to 'Cloak of Shadows.'"
Heather frowned, "Pyke?" The name rang a bell somewhere in the back of her mind. Her gaze shifted to the sasquatch, and she gasped as she came to a realization, "Are you a Wookiee?"
The sasquatch grunted, then nodded as Zog translated his language. "Yes," he said, his voice deep and resonant. "I am a Wookiee."
Heather was speechless. Wookiees were a species she had only seen in movies. Heather's mind raced as she tried to process the information. She had been transported to a fictional universe, a place she had only ever seen in movies and TV shows.
Heather's heart pounded in her chest as she took in the realization. "This is... this is impossible," she whispered, her voice shaking with disbelief. "I must be dreaming."
Zog beeped and whirred, then replied, "Impossible is a relative term."
Heather looked up at Zog with wide eyes. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"You are not dreaming," Zog explained. "You are on the planet Oba Diah, in the Outer Rim Territories."
"But how?"
Zog and the Wookiee paused. Zog replied first, "It is unknown how you arrived on this planet."
The Wookiee grunted in agreement.
Heather swallowed hard, trying to process the information. "But this isn't possible," she murmured, shaking her head. "I was just minding my own business and then... I woke up here."
Zog beeped and whirred, then replied, "Although it may seem improbable, your presence on this planet is a fact."
Heather looked at the two of them, her eyes filled with fear and disbelief. "I need to go home. I need to find a way to get back to Earth," she said, her voice filled with desperation.
"Earth?" Zog questioned, and even the Wookiee looked confused. "If you seek some dirt, that can be arranged."
Heather gasped, her eyes wide with shock. "No! I mean Earth, my planet!" She exclaimed, trying to calm down. "I need to find a way back there!"
Zog paused for a moment, then replied, "I am afraid that returning to Earth might not be possible at this time."
"But why?"
"While we are not the most educated on the various star systems in this galaxy," Zog replied, "no one is able to leave this planet without the Pykes' say-so."
Heather felt a surge of panic rise within her. "But I don't belong here," she protested, her voice shaking. "I need to go back to my own world."
Zog beeped and whirred, then replied, "I understand your concern."
"No! You don't! I've been ripped from my home and dropped into a place where I don't belong and I... I..." Tears pricked her eyes and her breathing quickened, coming out in short gasps.
Zog and the Wookiee exchanged looks. They could sense the desperation in Heather's words.
"I can see you are distressed," Zog said, his voice empathetic. "Please, try to calm down."
The Wookiee reached out and gently patted her shoulder, making soft, murmuring noises in their own language. Zog the droid translated the comforting sounds.
"He says you are safe here," Zog said. "We will protect you while you are here."
Heather took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She wiped away the tears that had formed in her eyes. "Thank you," she said, her voice shaky. "Thank you for your help."
She looked at the two of them, still unsure of what to make of their appearance and the situation she was in. She took a deep breath, "I'm Heather by the way. Heather Davis."
The Wookiee grunted a few linguistic noises in his language, and Zog translated, "He says his name is Krefekcharrfayyrrr or Krefek for short. Most humans struggle with his full name."
"I understand," Heather said, trying to smile. "It's a mouthful, that's for sure."
Zog beeped and whirred, then replied, "Indeed. It is quite a challenge to pronounce."
Heather looked around the room, taking in her surroundings. She couldn't believe she was in a Wookiee's apartment, let alone on a planet in a galaxy far away from Earth.
Krefek growled and Zog translated, "You may stay here for as long as you need."
Heather swallowed hard. She wasn't sure how long it would take to figure out a way home, but for now, this Wookiee and his droid companion were her only friends in this strange and alien world.
"Thank you, Krefek."
C*
Later that evening as Heather was getting ready for bed, she noticed something strange on her forearm. It looked like a sentence tattooed in silver. Confused because she'd never had a tattoo before, she traced the symbols and wondered if whoever or whatever had brought her here had branded her in some way.
She decided to show Krefek. "Krefek," she said one day, as they were sitting in their apartment. "I have something to ask you."
Krefek looked at her, his eyes filled with curiosity. "Ask away," he said.
"Have you ever heard of a tattoo that can't be removed?" Heather asked, hesitantly lifting her sleeve to reveal the silver marking on her forearm.
Krefek studied the tattoo for a moment, his brow furrowed in concentration. "This is a Soul Sentence," he said finally, his voice filled with awe. "It is a mark of destiny."
Heather's eyes widened. "A Soul Sentence? What does that mean?"
Krefek looked at her seriously. "It means that this sentence," he said, pointing to the words on her arm, "is the first thing your soulmate will say to you. It is a cosmic thread that binds you to your destiny. Some people call it fate."
Heather frowned. "Fate...? But... what about free will?" Heather's mind raced as she tried to process the information. She had been isekai'd into the Star Wars universe, and she had a Soul Sentence. It was all too much to take in.
Zog beeped and whirred, then replied, "The existence of the Soul Sentence does not imply a lack of free will. It simply means that there is a predetermined connection between two individuals. The extent of that connection is ultimately up to the individuals involved."
Heather took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing thoughts. She had never believed in fate or destiny, but now she was faced with the reality that she had a Soul Sentence and that she was stranded on an alien planet with no way home.
She looked up at Krefek, her eyes filled with confusion and fear. "What if I don't want to meet my soulmate?"
Zog beeped and whirred, then replied, "That is entirely up to you. The Soul Sentence is a cosmic thread that guides individuals towards their soulmates, but it does not force them to act upon it. You have the free will to choose whether or not to pursue the connection."
"However," Krefek added and Zog translated, "The Soul Sentence is a powerful force. It will bring you together at least once in an event called the Soul Meeting."
Heather took a deep breath, trying to process the information. She knew that the Soul Sentence was a mark of destiny, but she didn't know if she was ready to accept her fate. She looked up at Krefek, her eyes filled with uncertainty.
"I don't know if I'm ready for this," she admitted.
"This is new to you," Krefek put a furry paw on her shoulder. "It is a fact of life here, and many cultures celebrate the fated meeting between two souls. You will grow to understand."
"What if I don't even like my soulmate? What if this... thing made a mistake?" Heather asked, staring at the symbols on her arm.
"That," Krefek replied after a moment's consideration, "is where trust and open-mindedness come into play. While it may not be easy to accept everything at once, it is essential to remain open-minded and willing to explore the possibilities."
"In regards to the Soul Sentence not making mistakes," Krefek continued, "That has not happened in the entire history of the galaxy."
Heather paused for a long time, staring at the strange symbols on her arm. She realized that they must be the Galactic Basic Alphabet. She looked up at Krefek, "I can't read Aurebesh," Heather admitted. "I don't know what it says."
Zog beeped and whirred, then replied, "I can translate it for you. It says, 'Hey, I'm Poe Dameron.'"
Heather's stomach dropped, "What?"
Zog beeped and whirred, then replied, "Yes, your Soul Sentence says 'Hey, I'm Poe Dameron.'"
She suddenly felt sick, "No... it can... That's not possible. Not him."
Krefek looked at Heather with concern. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice deep and rumbling.
Heather shook her head, feeling dizzy. "I... I don't know. This can't be happening."
To Heather, Poe Dameron was a Star Wars character, the charismatic X-Wing pilot who trolled General Hux by calling him General Hugs. Heather sat down heavily on the couch, her mind reeling. "I don't understand," she said, shaking her head.
Krefek looked at her with concern. "What is it that you do not understand?" he asked, his voice deep and reassuring.
"My..." She took in a shaky breath, trying to process this. It was like she'd been dropped into a fanfiction and was being forced to be paired up with one of the lead characters from the series. And Poe Dameron? While a great choice, she always agreed with the actor who portrayed him, with Oscar Isaac, that Poe and Finn belonged together. This... this felt like a violation of her personal canon.
Krefek leaned closer, his fur brushing against her arm. "It is understandable that this news may be difficult to process," he said. "But remember, the Soul Sentence is a pre-determined connection between two souls. You are lucky that your Soul Sentence contains your soulmate's name. Most are not so lucky."
"I can't do this," she said, her voice filled with anger and resentment and a tinge of bitterness at her situation. "This... soulmate stuff. It's... crazy. I... I can't do it. Not with him. He's..." She trailed off, trying to decide on the right word and only came up with, "important."
"While I do not always understand the culture of humans, for Wookiees, the Soul Sentence is a sacred mark, and Wookiees are encouraged to find their mates," Krefek said. "Perhaps this Poe Dameron will be a positive part of your life."
Heather sighed heavily. She knew that Krefek meant well, but she couldn't help feeling like this was all too much. "It's just... I've got a lot on my plate right now," she said, looking up at him. "I don't need any more complications in my life."
Krefek looked at Heather with understanding. "Of course," he said. "Take your time to process this new information. We are here for you whenever you need us."
C*
As she tried to fall asleep that night, Heather couldn't stop thinking about the Soul Sentence. Heather stared at the tattoo on her forearm. The Aurebesh words "Hey, I'm Poe Dameron." were etched into her skin, a constant reminder of her new reality.
She had been isekai'd into the Star Wars universe, a world she had only ever seen in movies. And now, she was destined to not only meet, but fall in love with one of the main characters in the sequel trilogy and have him fall in love with her.
It was all too much to take in. She had always been a fan of the Star Wars franchise, but she had never dreamed that she would one day be a part of it.
Oscar Isaac's portrayal of Poe was so perfect. She traced the Aurebesh letters on her forearm, her mind wandering. He was charismatic, charming, and incredibly talented. The Best Pilot in the Resistance.
Additionally, Heather had always admired Isaac's work, and she had even started to gravitate toward other characters he had played, like Marc Spector/Moon Knight and Llewyn Davis.
However, she did everything she could to respect Oscar Isaac's personal life.
'He's married with kids.' She thought, feeling a pang of guilt. 'I can't let my admiration for the character interfere with my respect for the actor.' She frowned at the thought that this was her reality. 'If Poe isn't destined for Finn,' she thought, 'he should be destined to be with someone who reflects Oscar Isaac's wife... not some random person like me.'
As Heather struggled to fall asleep, her thoughts were consumed by the impossibility of her situation. The more she tried to rationalize it, the more overwhelmed she felt. A few tears leaked from her eyes as she lay there. She turned on her side and curled up. She didn't want to be in the Star Wars universe. She just wanted to go home and get away from all of this Soul Sentence nonsense.
Poe's POV
Poe Dameron had always been frustrated by his Soul Sentence. Growing up on Yavin IV, he'd heard countless stories about couples brought together by the Force. His parents, Kes and Shara, were a perfect example. They had found each other during the Rebellion, their love blossoming amidst the chaos of war.
Poe's Soul Sentence, however, had always been a source of mystery and frustration. A simple "Hello," a word that seemed so ordinary yet held such deep significance. The dark gray color, hovering between silver and black, only added to the enigma.
Poe had spent years searching for his soulmate, his heart filled with hope and anticipation. Each encounter, however, ended in disappointment. Every "Hello" he received was met with indifference or rejection, leaving him feeling more alone than ever.
During his time as a spice runner on Kajimi, Poe tried to put his Soul Sentence behind him, believing that the dark gray color meant that his soulmate was as good as dead. He focused on his work, friends, and romantic relationships. But deep down, he knew something was missing.
One day, while talking to his girlfriend Zorii, Poe confided in her about his Soul Sentence. He told her how he wished it would disappear, how he was tired of feeling like a failure.
Zorii was taken aback. She had lost her soulmate and knew firsthand the pain. She tried to explain that his Soul Sentence was a gift, a sign of destiny.
"It's not a curse," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "It's a blessing. It means you're destined to find someone who loves you more than anything."
Poe nodded, but he wasn't convinced. He had been hurt too many times. He didn't know if he could believe in the power of the Soul Sentence.
Poe's scars on his chest and side were a constant reminder of the betrayal he had faced from Zorii and Zeva. They were physical manifestations of the pain and loss he had endured. Yet, they also served as a source of motivation. He refused to let his past define him. He was determined to make something of himself, to honor his mother's memory.
Joining the Resistance under Leia Organa's wing was a turning point in Poe's life. Under Wedge Antilles' tutelage, he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Commander of the Resistance's X-Wing squadron. He found camaraderie among his fellow pilots, forming bonds that would last a lifetime.
Despite his success, Poe's Soul Sentence remained a dark gray, the question of his soulmate's existence teetering between life and death. He confided in Leia, trusting only her with this private, important aspect of his life. It was the only thing in his life that still made him feel empty, the constant reminder of his unknown soulmate.
And then... everything changed. Poe had just come out of the shower and was drying his hair when his eyes caught his Soul Sentence. His heart leapt into his throat and the towel dropped to the floor of his quarters as he brought his arm around to more clearly see his Soul Sentence. His breath caught at the silver letters that spelled you 'Hello.' His soulmate was real and alive.
The tension in Poe's muscles dissipated as a wave of emotion washed over him. Elation, fear, excitement, and trepidation all coursed through him, leaving him feeling slightly unsteady on his feet. His mind raced as he tried to process the significance of what he was seeing.
Poe leaned against the wall as he wrestled with his thoughts. He knew his life was about to change. After years of searching and despair, he had finally found his soulmate. But who was this person? A friend? A fellow pilot? Or someone he'd never even met before? The anticipation and uncertainty were overwhelming, but he couldn't help feeling a sense of relief and hope. For the first time in years, Poe felt like he had a purpose, a reason to keep going.
Poe quickly dressed. He had to tell someone. Unable to contain his excitement, Poe raced to find Leia, bursting with news about his Soul Sentence.
Leia was in her office, going over some information on a datapad when Poe burst in. She looked up, surprised by his sudden appearance. "Poe, what's wrong?" she asked, noticing the look of panic on his face.
"General," Poe said, still showing respect for the woman that had been a part of many of the stories of the Rebellion against the Empire that his parents had told him throughout his childhood, his voice cracking with emotion, "My Soul Sentence has changed. It's no longer gray... it's silver."
Leia's eyes widened in surprise as she looked at the Soul Sentence tattoo on his arm. It was true. Leia stood up from her desk, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. She had seen the turmoil Poe had been through, the years of searching and the despair that followed. She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Poe, this is a sign of hope. It means that no matter what has happened in the past, your future is open. Your soulmate is out there, and you will find each other."
Poe took a deep breath, feeling the weight of Leia's words. He had always seen his Soul Sentence as a burden, a reminder of what he didn't have. But now, with it changing to silver, it felt like a promise, a glimmer of hope in the midst of chaos. "I know. It's just... I don't know who it is. Or when I'll find them. I've been waiting for a long time just to know whether they're alive or not."
Leia smiled reassuringly at Poe. "Take it one step at a time, Poe. Your Soulmate is out there, and they're waiting for you. Trust in the Force, and trust in yourself. You'll find each other when the time is right. It took me nineteen years to find Han." At the mention of Han Solo, Poe couldn't help but smile. Leia continued, "And in that time, I never once doubted that we were meant to be together. That our souls were connected by the Force. The journey may be long and difficult, but you'll get there. Trust in the Force, and trust yourself."
Poe took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. Leia was right. He knew that he couldn't change the past or the events that led him to this point. But now, with the silver Soul Sentence on his arm, he felt a newfound sense of purpose and determination. "Thank you, General."
Leia smiled warmly at Poe. "It's Leia, remember?" She stepped closer to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Take some time to process this information, Poe. You've been through a lot, and this is a big change. But I have faith in you. You'll find your way."