Old Friends

Rapunzel smiled as she watched the children practice drills. It filled her heart with pride to see them so diligent in their studies. They'd taken well to it, all of them. They'd all grown so much in what seemed like a short spec of time. She could truly see the New Order starting to form.

There would still be some issues to iron out. Such as what to do when they became Padawans for example. There were only two who were qualified to take apprentice, which were Hiccup and Elsa. Both of whom were Knights while Rapunzel was only an apprentice herself.

And how silly would it be for an apprentice to take on an apprentice?

She really needed to get herself sorted.

As they practiced, Rapunzel would offer pointers and advice. Then they moved onto Force exercises, and she would demonstrate before watching them attempt the exercise next. They were in awe of her power and Rapunzel couldn't help but blush bashfully while humbly accepting their praise.

"Hiccup, Elsa, and I are all very proud of you," she told them as she gathered around. "You've all come so far, and we're all sure you're going to be great Jedi someday."

The younglings smiled and exchanged glances of pride. But then there seemed to be a shift. They began to whisper to each other, occasionally glancing to Rapunzel as she was leading them in meditative time.

She looked at them with an eye peeked open as they sat before her. "Ahem," she chimed in to grab their attention. They stopped their hushed whispers before looking toward her. "Let's try to be a little more quiet as we meditate, ok everyone?"

They murmured apologies before they began to meditate, try to feel and connect with the Force. The group lapsed into peaceful silence before someone interrupted it.

"How's the war going Padawan Rapunzel?" Emma asked.

Rapunzel kept her eyes closed while she responded. "It's still on going," she said neutrally. The Jedi tried to keep most talk of war away from the younglings. It was so they could focus on their training without distractions or concern.

It was also to let them enjoy what was left of their youth. Before they committed themselves to the higher cause of protecting peace and the innocent of the galaxy.

"Are we winning?" Havolian asked.

She took a breath and thought of the best way to respond. "The tides of war are ever changing. But, we are growing every day, striking blows to the Empire, and freeing more worlds and people who rally to our cause," she answered.

"So...not really?" Havo asked in summation.

"I think we should get back to meditating," Rapunzel said to get them back on task.

Once again it was silent. She took in a relaxing breath before exhaling. She felt the steady rhythm. She could feel the energy within her, all around her, and in everyth-

"Padawan Rapunzel?" Emma cut in.

With a sigh Rapunzel opened her eyes to look at Emma. She noticed all the younglings were staring at her expectantly. She furrowed her brow curiously. She could tell they had something on their minds. "Yes Emma?" she inquired.

"There's something important the others and I want to discuss with you," the white haired girl continued.

Rapunzel could sense the gravity of what they wanted to discuss. So leaning in, she gave the younglings her full attention.

With a nod in understanding she gave her the go ahead to continue.

"Alright."

Back at the Spirit, Eugene was lounging in the co-pilot's chair with his feet up and awaiting for communication from an old contact. This person was someone from his less than honorable days. Back when he tried his hand at thievery and smuggling jobs. He was a criminal through and through.

He chuckled. Well, that hadn't changed much he supposed. He was still a criminal in the eyes of the Empire. Now he just committed crimes for a higher cause, instead of just putting credits in his pockets. He had really come a long way.

He'd called in a favor from his old associate, hoping it would be repaid. He was fairly confident it would be, as his friend and he went all the way back to their childhoods. But you could never know. Honor among thieves tended to be subjective.

Suddenly the long range communication went off. Eugene sat up to answer it. He smiled. Seemed like honor among these paid off.

Rapunzel blinked, completely caught off guard by the question asked by one of the younglings. She had no idea how to respond. They all stared at her expectantly for an answer.

"Padawan Rapunzel?" Emma asked, cocking her head to the side.

Rapunzel came to her senses, looking away, but still wasn't quite sure what to say to them. "Thats...I'm not sure," she answered vaguely.

But Emma and the younglings were persistent. "But we're ready. We've been training for this," Emma insisted.

"We want to join the war effort."

"I know Emma. But you're all still so young," Rapunzel countered.

"But this is what you've been training us for, right? We want to use what we've learned. What you and the Kinnarans have taught us. If we aren't going to help in this war why teach us at all?"

Rapunzel flushed, rubbing the back of her neck nervously. She could see the younglings had obviously been thinking about this for quite some time. And they had come far, all of them growing strong and wise in just two years. They were all special in their own way, and they wanted to fight, join the rebel soldiers and their teachers in battle for the sake of galaxy. But the Jedi were reluctant to take them into battle, not sure if they were ready for the war zone and the chaos of a battlefield.

"We want to keep you all safe," Rapunzel said in reply.

"But if the Empire wins, nowhere will be safe," Wrath pointed out.

"We think we could help," Nemo chimed in.

"Yesa," Lan Wu said in agreement.

The rest of the younglings responded in agreement. This left Rapunzel at a loss for words and on the defensive. She couldn't give them an answer. She could certainly see their point. She also respected their unity on this matter.

"I'll have to speak with Hiccup and Elsa about this," was all she could give them in the end. With that, she directed them back to practice. But she knew she'd have to bring this up with Hiccup and Elsa the moment she returned to them.

A few hours later the group was preparing to move out. Rapunzel said her goodbyes to the younglings while promising she would discuss what they'd asked with her fellow Jedi. They understood and accepted her answer, promising to be patient and wait for the Jedi to contemplate on the matter.

Before they loaded up on the airspeeder to take them to the city Jack approached his baby sister to say his goodbye.

"Alright kid, see ya later," he said to her. She murmured goodbye while looking away with crossed arms. Jack had his arms out, ready and waiting for a goodbye hug.

Emma glanced over to him tight-lipped. She was still annoyed about their earlier spat and was reluctant to hug him.

"Aw come on Emma," Jack pleaded. "I don't know when I'll be back."

Emma remained frozen before giving a dramatic sigh. "Fine," she grumbled. She turned and gave him a loose hug.

Jack accepted it all the same and gave her a squeeze. "I'm proud of you kid," he said softly to her. "Mom and dad would be too," he added.

Emma blushed and smiled before wiping it away. But she squeezed back, returning his embrace with equal fervor and burying her head into him. Annoying or not, they were their only family.

After a few moments Jack pulled away. With a smile and one final goodbye he stepped onto the sail barge as it flew from the temple and back to the city.

Emma watched it go solemnly. It was always difficult to say goodbye. She never knew if it would be their last and it couldn't help but cause a dull ache in her heart.

But with a hand on her shoulder and a smile from her bestie she returned to the temple as her brother disappeared from view.

Soon enough the Spirit was flying away from the planet. Eugene gave Jack the rendezvous point for his contact and they shot into hyperspace, leaving Punjam Hy Loo and its people behind.

Having returned to base, Hiccup walked through the corridors and back to his quarters. He was lost in thought, his body on autopilot as he brooded over the prison incident and his almost engagement to Merida.

Are you upset about Merida?

Hiccup stopped and suppressed a groan. 'Oh great,' he answered mentally. 'You're back.'

Or perhaps you're thinking about what the Inquisitor said?

Hiccup shut his eyes to calm himself, deliberating as to whether he should indulge the voice in his head or not. Since nearly two years ago the voice had suddenly entered his life, popping up seemingly at random to give him advice.

He wasn't sure if he was insane, or if the voice actually belonged to someone looking out for him from afar. The voice always avoided the subject of its, or more likely her, identity. He was fairly sure it was a woman. But he had been assured she was no threat. She also seemed to know Hiccup personally.

If she was real that is. It made him hesitant to respond. He wasn't sure if he was feeding his own delusions and would thus in turn be feeding his probable psychosis.

But another part of him just felt as if the voice had good intentions. She always seemed to give needed advice and guidance. Just like how it had encouraged his relationship with Merida. Or how it proposed that he and Elsa change the Jedi code with the New Order.

So like always he gave in.

With a sigh he replied under his breath, "A little of both I suppose."

You shouldn't let what the Inquisitor said get you. She wants you to doubt yourself. That would only serve the Emperor and his forces.

"Probably right," Hiccup said as he resumed his walk.

And you should have a talk with Merida, she added. You need to properly express how you feel about marriage and your engagement.

"There's nothing to say," he responded in rejection. "She doesn't want to get engaged yet and it's fine. We're fine. I'm not dwelling on what is beyond my control."

The voice tutted in disapproval. You're not being honest with yourself and her, Hiccup. It's not good for either of you.

"And who are you to give me relationship advice, Voice in my head that I'm not sure is just me having gone insane or suffered one too many blows to the head?" Hiccup bit back.

I've already told you, you're not crazy.

"Medical advice might disagree," Hiccup quipped back.

"Hiccup?" came a voice that was definitely not in his head.

Hiccup froze before whirling around to face Elsa. She stared at him quizzically. "I've been calling your name for at least a minute. Who are you talking to?" she asked curiously.

Hiccup internally panicked at having been caught mid conversation with his inner voice. He had yet to reveal his communication with something he couldn't understand inside his mind. He wasn't sure if he should tell her. She might think he was insane.

"Oh...uh...just talking out loud," he said with an awkward laugh.

Elsa stared at him with an arched brow. "I see," she said in response, seemingly accepting his answer. She knew her friend to be a little odd and sometimes ramble to himself.

"Anyway, High Command convened and discussed the state of things," she said as he stepped beside him. They began walking together as she brought him up to speed on High Command's discussions.

"Rebel Intelligance actually suggested we torture the Inquisitor Rapunzel captured for information," she revealed.

Hiccup stopped and looked to her in shock. "What? Torture?" he asked incredulously. She nodded in confirmation. "We would never be ok with that," he said in revulsion at the idea.

"Yes, I made our stance on the matter very clear. I seemed to have persuaded the issue to be dropped," she continued.

He breathed a sigh of relief before crossing his arms and frowning in displeasure. "This is why I hate war," he said as he shook his head. "Bring out the worst in people."

"Agreed. How was the prisoner transport?" she inquired.

"Uneventful," he responded as they resumed their walk. "The facility seems secure. The countermeasures seem sound. I believe she'll be contained without issue."

"Good. I don't suppose she had a change of heart and decided to share anything with us?" she asked flatly.

"Oh yeah. She had something to share alright," he said sarcastically. He gave her a recap of what she said.

"You believe her?"

Hiccup was silent as he stared ahead. "We have a long road ahead of us. But there's something I've been considering."

"Do you want to share it with me?" she asked curiously.

"Not at the moment," he said back calmly. She gave a nod in understanding. As they reached the recreational and living quarters of Prime, Hiccup was about to say goodbye and make his way to his room when Elsa chimed in.

"Come spar with me Hiccup?" she requested suddenly.

He looked to her in surprise. "Now?"

"Unless of course you're too tired," she said with a shrug.

Hiccup deliberated for a moment before shrugging in acceptance. "Sure. Why not?"

Somewhere in the Atrivis Sector, the Spirit had landed on a breathable world and awaited the arrival of Eugene's contact. They sat atop the ship, making idle conversation. Jack asked Rapunzel about Emma's progress in Jedi training, with which she was delighted to share with him.

Eugene sat in silence, occasionally checking the time. His friend was late. Not exactly something new, but perhaps concerning. He huffed in annoyance as he kept glancing toward the sky. They'd sent him their coordinates, so he shouldn't have had any trouble.

A light touch on his arm drew his attention and he glanced over to Rapunzel. She gave him a reassuring smile. "It's ok Eugene. I'm sure he'll show."

He blinked at her before smiling back. He grabbed her hand and caressed her knuckled with his thumb. "Yeah, I'm sure you're right Sunshine," he said affectionately.

"So this guy's your old partner in crime?" Jack asked.

Eugene glanced over to him. "Oh yeah. Grew up together. Got into trouble together. We go way back. Tried our hand at smuggling, but fighting off pirates just wasn't for me."

Jack gave a chuckle as he empathized. Smuggling was a dangerous profession without a doubt. You had to be quick, clever, and goddamn lucky to survive in it.

Suddenly they heard the sound of a ship. They looked up to see a dot approaching from the distance. Eugene and Jacked reached into their pockets to pull out a pair of binocs. They trained it on the approaching ship for a better look.

"Well it's not Imperial," Jack commented aloud.

"Must be him," Eugene said as he lowered his binocs. He and Jack entered the ship to exit the loading ramp while Rapunzel simply leapt off to join them on the ground. They waited as the ship descended before turning in mid air in preparation to land.

"Hmm. A TL-1200. Not a bad ship," Jack said as he looked it over. The ship was a neutral brown color with a red stripe down the middle. He knew the ship well, as it was somewhat sought after for smugglers and merchants. While it was nothing special it was known for being a well made and dependable ship that didn't stick out much.

Excellent for transporting goods without drawing attention to yourself.

It touched down a few meters away from Jack's ship and a loading ramp at the back began to lower. Walking down the ramp they were greeted by the sight of a tall, well built, dark skinned man wearing a beige collared shirt and an elegant gold embroidered red vest. He had on dark brown pants and he wore a large bluish-white gemstone that grabbed the eye around his neck set into place by a golden pronged necklace. He also had a long deep blue cape that gave off an aura of wealth or status.

Walking beside him was a protocol droid while also being flanked by two IG-RM bodyguard droids that held blasters. Behind them two Loadlifter droids followed with heavy footsteps as they each carried a large metal crate.

Eugene stepped forward to greet the man as he smiled wide and threw his arms out. "FLYNN!" he called out in greeting.

With a laugh and a smile Eugene threw his arms around his old friend. "Oh man Lance. It's been a looong time," he said jovially.

Jack and Rapunzel got a little closer and the two men broke the embrace. Eugene turned to his comrades to introduce his friend. "Jack. Sunshine. I want to meet my old friend and partner in crime, Lance Strongbow," he said as he gestured to said man.

"Charmed," the man said warmly with a smile.

"Nice ship man," Jack complimented as he looked it over.

"Oh, this old thing? Yeah," Lance replied, pausing to look back at it. "I call this baby the Bowyer. My own personal chariot," he said proudly.

"Cool. Got our bombs?" Jack asked, getting to business.

"Sure do," Lance said proudly. He raised a hand up and snapped his fingers. "Alright boys, load em' up," he said as he gestured to Jack's ship. The Loadlifter droids stomped by the group on the way to the Spirit with the protocol and bodyguard droids in tow to supervise.

"Mind if I look inside, Lance?" Jack asked as he pointed a thumb at Lance's ship.

"Sure, be my guest," Lance said with a nod. With thanks Jack walked up the ramp and into the ship to check it out.

Lance led Eugene and Rapunzel to the side to let the droids finish unloading the rest of the shipment without being in the way.

"And you must be Flynn here's girlfriend," Lance said to Rapunzel.

"Fiancee," Eugene corrected.

"Ah, that's right," Lance said.

Rapunzel giggled lightly and blushed at the mention of her engagement to her beloved. She offered her hand out for Lance to shake and formally introduce herself.

"I'm Rapunzel. It's a pleasure to meet you Lance," she said in a chipper tone.

Lance smiled as he took her hand in both of his and gave a slight bow. "And it is a pleasure to meet you my lady," as he gave her a shake. "My, my, you are truly radiant," Lance said as he gave her a quick glance up and down and released her hands.

"Oh I'm nothing special," Rapunzel said bashfully.

"Nothing special she says," Lance said with a laugh. "Oh you got a good one Flynn," he said as he looked to his friend.

"Thanks. And it's actually Eugene now Lance," he explained.

Lance looked at him oddly. "Seriously? You went back to your old name? I thought you hated it?"

He gave a shrug before looking toward the love of his life. "Well, someone helped me to appreciate it," he said as he held her gaze. She gave him an adoring smile in turn.

"Huh. Didn't think anybody could do that," Lance said incredulously. "She's way too good for you."

"Lance!" Eugene said in offense.

"What? Look at her, now look at you," as he gestured back and forth between them. Then he looked at Rapunzel, "Tell me girl, what are you doing with a man like Eugene here?" he joked.

"Eugene has a lot more to him than people know," Rapunzel answered. "It helps that he's pretty good looking too," she added in jest.

Eugene preened in pride and smiled at her in thanks.

"If you say so," Lance said with a shrug.

"So you and Eugene grew up together, Lance?" Rapunzel inquired.

"Yep. From orphans on the streets picking pockets to flying through the galaxy looking for our next big score. Eugene and I go way back," he answered in the affirmative.

"We were thick as thieves. Partners for life. Until that is, he grew that tumor in his brain and went off to join the Rebellion," he added.

Rapunzel cocked her head and looked at Eugene quizzically. "Tumor?"

"He means a conscience," Eugene elaborated before she began to worry.

"I'm still convinced it's a tumor," Lance rebutted.

"So Lance, you seem to be doing well," Eugene commented to change the subject. "What have you been up to?"

Lance puffed out his chest and smiled wide. "Yeah, times have been good, brother. I became an overseer of a mining facility on Mygeeto. We mine and refine Nova crystals," he said as he grabbed the crystal and drew attention to it. "They're highly valuable and business is good!" he said triumphantly. He paused and gave the crystal a kiss.

"Aren't those highly reactive?" Rapunzel pointed out. She knew the gems to be volatile and explosive in their raw state.

"Well...the refining process took a little time to work out the kinks...but we're mostly good now," Lance admitted. "I even have my own shipping company. Strongbow Shipping Inc. And I got a few ships to transport those babies to market for jewelry, sensors, electronics, and some places in the Outer Rim use them as forms of currency. I'm raking in the credits hand over fist," he said proudly.

"Heck, I even deliver goods to Coruscant."

"No interference from the Empire or mining guild?" Eugene asked.

"Not yet at least," Lance answered. "We're just small enough to go unnoticed."

"And you use the money to fund your smuggling operation?" Eugene asked.

Lance placed a hand over his chest and looked aghast. He gasped dramatically. "Smuggling operation!? Eugene! I'm offended. I'll have you know that I am a legitimate businessman," he said in offense.

Fake offense, Eugene knew. They held each other's gaze, Lance holding his serious expression before the corners of his lips started trembling.

In unison both men began to hysterically laugh. Eugene clutched at his stomach while Lance slapped his knees and doubled over. Rapunzel watched from the sidelines as the men guffawed.

"I know...I know…" Lance said between laughs. "I couldn't keep a straight face," he said as he and Eugene's laughter began to fade. They both took a breath as they settled down.

But one look into each other's eyes and a snicker from Eugene triggered another fit. "I said legitimate businessman!" Lance shouted with a roar of laughter while Eugene howled alongside him.

Inside Lance's ship Jack was giving himself a tour. He was impressed by the ship. It had nothing on his Spirit in his opinion. But it was a good ship nonetheless. As he explored he noted no live crew was present. It appeared that it was all droids. He stepped around pit droids and astromechs as they did their routine maintenance checks. He peeked into the medbay to find a 2-1B medical droid, powered down at the moment.

He made his way to the cockpit and was greeted by a RX-series pilot droid.

"You are not Mr. Strongbow," it said, startled at the sight of him.

"I'm a friend," Jack explained. "He said it was ok to look around," he added.

"Oh. Understood," the pilot droid said in understanding as it resumed looking over the controls and monitoring the ship's condition.

Jack glanced over the controls and imagined what it would be like to fly the ship. He also surmised that Lance must be good at whatever he did to have all these droids working for him.

Back outside Rapunzel watched as the two men finally started to rein in their laughter. They'd thrown a shoulder around each other to keep themselves from falling to the ground from all their hysterics.

As they finally settled down they let go of each other to stand on their own.

Lance wiped a tear from his eyes as he composed himself. "Yeah, it's a front for my smuggling operation," he admitted.

"Thought so," Eugene said as he wiped his eyes.

Jack walked out of the ship to rejoin them. "Nice set up you got Lance."

"Thanks man."

"All droids then?" Jack asked.

"Yeah. They can't be bribed, what can I say," Lance explained with a shrug. He noted that his droids should have been nearly done offloading his shipment.

"Hey Eugene," he said to his old friend.

"Yeah?"

"Can I get a word," Lance said as he motioned to the side with his head.

Eugene nodded before looking to his comrades. They nodded in understanding before he followed Lance a few meters away so they could talk in private.

"What's up Lance?" he asked when he was sure they were out of earshot.

"So Flynn-" Lance began.

"Eugene," Eugene corrected.

Lance blinked at him. "Oh...you're actually serious about that," he said in disbelief.

"Ok. 'Eugene,'" he said, making air quotes with the name. "What's the angle here?" he asked as he jutted his chin toward Rapunzel and Jack.

"Angle?" Eugene asked in confusion.

"Yeah, what's the con?" Lance pushed. "You plan on selling the Alliance out? Or maybe turning in your girl?"

"Lance!?" Eugene said in outrage.

"What? I can see what she has on her belt," Lance said, referring to Rapunzel's lightsabers. "You'd make a nice cent turning her over to the Empire," he said casually.

"There's no angle, Lance. There's no con. And Rapunzel is the love of my life! I would never sell her out!" Eugene almost shouted in indignation.

Lance blinked at him in surprise. "You mean you're actually with the Alliance out of the goodness and kindness of your heart?" he asked in bafflement.

"Yes, Lance," Eugene responded resolutely.

"Why?" he asked in confusion.

"Because Lance," Eugene started in frustration. But he paused to take a breath. He could understand Lance's skepticism. Half a decade ago he probably would've had the same reaction of the notion of doing something good for no other reason than it was the right thing to do.

"Because Lance, there's more important things in life than money and the next big score," Eugene began. "I've seen what the Empire does to its people, and I couldn't sit idly by and do nothing."

"It's corrupt, and I feel like I have to try and bring it down. That's why I joined the Alliance," Eugene finished.

"Republic. Empire. Both had and have corruption. The only thing that matters is finding a way to make a living, no matter who's in charge," Lance countered.

"I don't think like that anymore, Lance," Eugene rebuffed.

"Look Eugene, you and I go way back. We're more than ex partners, we're the only family each other's got," Lance said warmly.

"I know Lance," Eugene agreed.

"But the Empire is too big to fight, brother," Lance continued. "And I don't know if this mining operation will last forever, but I'm going to milk this bantha while the milking is good."

He paused and threw an arm around Eugene to pull him close. "And from what I can recall I still owe you a few solids from way back," he said lowly.

"Do you?" Eugene asked.

"Yessir. So, how about you leave this whole rebellion thing behind and I bring you into my operation?" Lance proposed. Eugene's eyes widened in surprise at the sudden offer. "I'll make you an equal partner. We'll split it right down the middle. 65-35," Lance offered, speaking the latter bit in a hushed whisper.

"Wow Lance...do you mean that?" Eugene asked.

"Of course brother. What do you say?" Lance reiterated as he held Eugene's gaze to let him know he was serious.

Eugene was touched by the offer. A few years ago he would've taken it without hesitation. But with a sigh he extracted himself from his friend and took a step back. He looked him in the eye to show him the seriousness of his answer.

"Sorry Lance. I gotta say no."

Lance stared at him, searching his expression for any hint he wasn't being honest. But he found none. With a shrug he accepted his answer before he and Eugene went back to the others, right as his droids finished their task and awaited his next set of orders.

"Well, looks like our business is finished," Lance said. He offered a hand out to Jack. "Jack," he said politely.

With a smile Jack took his hand and shook it. "Appreciate the donation," he quipped.

Lance chuckled at the joke before turning to Rapunzel. "My lady," he said formally as he gave a bob of his head.

She smiled and nodded. "It was good to meet you Lance. I hope to see you again in the future," she said truthfully.

"Of course. And I definitely want an invitation to that wedding," he added. She nodded in agreement.

Finally he turned to Eugene. They smiled at each other, somber at their departure after not having seen each other for years. They hugged, clapping each other on the back before pulling away and saying their goodbyes.

Lance turned, following after his droids as they boarded the ship. But when he got to the top of the ramp he turned to look back at Eugene.

"My offer stands Fl-" he paused and chuckled, shaking his head before correcting himself. "My offer stands, Eugene," he said to his old friend.

"I'll let you know if my mind changes," Eugene replied neutrally.

"Either way, you should come visit my facility on Mygeeto. I'll show you my operation," he offered.

"We'll see Lance. We'll see," Eugene said back.

With a nod and one final look he turned and entered his ship. The trio moved away as the engines turned on and the ship began to rise into the air. They watched as it climbed, ascending into orbit before disappearing.

"Quite the character," Jack said with a chuckle.

"Well I like him," Rapunzel said with a smile.

Eugene kept his gaze fixed in the distance where his old friend' ship had disappeared as he recounted their old adventures with fondness.

He gave a laugh as he turned away so they could get back to their mission.

"Yeah. That's Lance for you. Never changes."

Back at Prime, Hiccup and Elsa were engaging in some light sparring. They did this regularly to keep their skills up. They didn't want to get sloppy and neglect their training, one mistake could be the difference between life and death after all.

Hiccup pressed the attack while Elsa defended. She opted for her saberstaff as she blocked with one blade before returning a strike with the other. Hiccup parried it away and they mostly repeated the process over and over, all while making conversation.

"Hiccup, do you remember what you, Rapunzel, and I discussed after the battle at DunBroch?" she asked as she brushed aside his blade.

"I do," Hiccup said as he leaned back to avoid a blade arching a path toward his neck.

"Do you still think we're right?"

"Well we have no evidence to support it," Hiccup said as he jumped to avoid a low strike. He flipped his saber in hand with the blade pointing down in time to block a follow up at his midsection.

"But I feel that we're right," he continued.

Elsa nodded in agreement before spinning away. She spun her saber staff in hand at blurring speeds, making it appear to be a wheel of blue light. "Perhaps we should share our theory with the others?" she proposed.

Hiccup flipped the hilt of his lightsaber for the standard grip position as he mulled it over. He placed his other hands on the hilt and slowly inched forward. He stopped within striking distance of each other.

"Well I was hoping to have something more substantial before dropping the bomb that there might be another Sith Lord skulking about the galaxy," he said before sighing. He thrust his blade toward her without warning.

But Elsa batted it away before countering with an upward slash from her bottom blade. Hiccup sidestepped the attack before spinning to gain momentum and unleashing a stronger attack of his own. Elsa intercepted and their blades clashed with a loud crackle.

They pushed against each other, but Hiccup was stronger and managed to bear down and push her back.

"But I think you're right," he said as he stopped advancing but didn't relent.

With a deep breath Elsa's muscles surged and she managed to push him back to gain some breathing room. "Ok. So we're telling them?" She asked for clarification.

"Yeah," he said with a nod. "But let's confirm with Rapunzel before we say anything," he suggested.

"Agreed," Elsa said with a nod of her own. "Now, onto another matter," she said as she grabbed her saberstaff by the middle and held it up horizontally.

"Something else?" Hiccup asked curiously.

"Yes. It's about the subject of Grandmaster," she revealed.

With a heavy groan Hiccup deactivated his blade. "Nope. Not doing this. Spar over, goodnight," he said quickly. He bowed before turning on his heel. He stalked away, not wanting to rehash this topic.

But the sound of quick footsteps had him on high alert and the sound of a plasma blade humming through the air made him duck. He quickly reignited his lightsaber as Elsa came at him with a flurry of fast attacks, more intense than they were moments before.

"Elsa, stop," Hiccup said, annoyed more than anything.

"Not until we talk about this," Elsa said. She spun her blades through the air before advancing on him. She feinted with one blade before attacking with the other at the last moment.

But Hiccup wasn't fooled and predicted this as he blocked. Their blades met and Elsa applied force and spun the blade as they were locked. Hiccup spun with the motion as to not lose hold before they broke away.

"We have talked about this," Hiccup reminded her.

"So let's talk once again. Why don't you want to be Grandmaster? We'll need one to truly re-establish the Order," she argued.

Yes, she has a good point. Why don't you want to be Grandmaster Hiccup?

'NOT NOW VOICE!' Hiccup shouted mentally to silence the unwanted third party in their discussion. He turned his attention back to Elsa.

"I just feel as if there's someone better suited for the task," Hiccup said. "Why don't you take it, if it's so necessary?" he challenged.

"It's more fitting you take it. You're the one that brought me back into the galaxy. I've followed your lead. Rapunzel and I generally defer to you, and we consider you to be our leader, being the most experienced Jedi of the old Order," she countered.

"Ok, those are good points," he conceded. "But I think there's a master out there somewhere. Someone who already has the experience and wisdom to lead us. I feel like they will reveal themselves in time."

Elsa arched a brow skeptically. "Hiccup, it's been some time since we joined the war effort. News of the Jedi has become pretty widespread. If there was a master out there, I don't see why they wouldn't have shown themselves to us by now."

"True...but," he paused and deactivated his blade. Elsa cocked her head curiously. "You say you and Rapunzel trust my instincts right? So I think you should trust me on this."

Elsa stared at him, considering his argument. With a breath she dropped her stance and deactivated her lightsaber blades. "So a master will reveal himself? That's what you feel will happen?" she asked.

"I do," he said with a firm nod.

She clipped her saber to her belt. "Fine. I trust your instincts. I guess we'll have to be patient and wait for this master to be revealed," she said evenly.

"Thank you," he said in relief that she was willing to drop the subject. At least for the time being.

Hiccup gave a yawn, having been awake far too long and in need of some much needed rest. "Alright. Well I need some. So goodnight Elsa," he said to his comrade.

"Goodnight Hiccup," she replied politely as they went their separate ways.

Meanwhile, in another corner of the galaxy a large battleship loomed over a small planet. On the world below were enemies. Enemies that were soon to be destroyed. Inside the Keldabe-class battleship, an army of Mandalorians were preparing to deploy to the planet's surface to hunt down and slaughter their rebel enemies.

The Mandalore stood on the flight deck and gazed out over the world. He knew they were down there, his scouts had confirmed it. His people would kill them all. Because they were weak.

And it was the destiny of the weak to be slain by the strong.

It was the true way.

The teachings his people had forgotten over the millennia, and why he'd come to remind them of the old ways.

This was the Way of the Mandalore.