Okay, it's been way too long since I updated this fic, hopefully, it will be out before the new year. Yes, the New Year, I'm heavily busy trying to get my schedule working.
Kinda a short chapter, I know, please don't hate me for it I've been kinda busy but hopefully, I'll be able to produce another chapter soon before the end of the year.
Please leave a review/comment down below once you're done reading and follow/favorite the story if you're new. Have a nice evening and stay tuned for more.
Let's start the reading.
[ 23 BBY - Keelia ]
In the village of Meevai, dozens of people, both visitors and natives, sat or stood under the night sky, hot meals in their hands as they all watched the podium. Some like Saku were trying hard not to cry as she sat in the front row, with Sabine Wren next to her and Mutani the Tusken.
Standing on the podium was the village elder, who stood with a warm smile as Naruto stood in silence. Naruto's armor was cleaned and repainted, and his helmet remained on his head, as his face and lips were a gift waiting to be opened by the receiver.
Haru stepped onto the podium. Gone was her usual tribal attire, replaced by a beautiful dress. A shoulderless corset with a long flowing bell-shaped skirt with black and lace striping, a hooded cloak was draped over her shoulders, its hem just brushing the ground. The ensemble gave Haru an aura of serenity and purpose as she embarked on her journey. In her hair were two bright red flowers, which stood out amongst the light blonde color of her hair, and the paint on her face of traditional marriage with two blue sashes hanging from them.
Words failed the young Mandalorian, something that the village elder noticed.
"Starstruck, I take it?" Haru's grandfather smiled.
"Y-Yeah, old man. I mean–!"
The elder just let out a quiet chuckle. "No need to apologize, young man. Just breathe, son. You'll be fine."
As Haru walked up to the two men, her entire body fidgeted. Sure, she knew what he looked like under that helmet, but to think that she would actually be marrying him…
Despite Haru's silly grin growing out of control, she managed to keep her composure. "You look great…" she whispered.
"You look wonderful too…Haru-chan."
Haru would later claim that she wiped away a tear so as not to ruin her makeup. Turning to her grandfather, she gave him a short nod.
"Today, we will declare these two lovers as one, for Magina has chosen they shall forge their paths together as husband and wife, from here until the day they become one with the planet and Magina itself," the grandfather spoke to the village as loud as he could. His expression remained dutiful, but it was evident that he was enjoying the moment himself too much at witnessing and permitting his granddaughter's marriage. "If there is anybody who objects to the betrothed, please speak your mind or be silent forever."
*Snort!*
The unexpected noise erupted from the front table, where Saku's emotions finally became too much as she had to wipe her nose clean with her handkerchief. Her face burning red, she looked down, trying not to meet anybody's stares. Small chuckles of good faith rang out around them.
Naruto happened to see that Sabine was glancing at him with a smile, nodding to him in approval of this matter.
"Seeing as no one objects to this sacred union, let us start with the groom." Haru's grandfather turned to the Mandalorian. "What do you have to offer to my beloved granddaughter, young man?"
"This…"
Pulling out a small box from one of his many small belt bags, he opened it, revealing a pair of thick, black chokers with crimson whirlpools etched onto the soft cloth. Attached to the choker was a beautiful, clear crystal.
"My clan has gifted one another, both of blood and ones integrated through marriage, this kyber crystal, harvested straight from their island. Through these crystals, may it become a symbol of our union, marking us as belonging to one another."
Haru stared at the necklace, enchanted by the crystal. For a moment, she could've sworn that she could hear a mystical song whispering in her ear.
"So…what do you think?" Naruto asked nervously. He wasn't sure if she would like it or not, so he went as far as to make a matching one for himself in case it felt derogatory or something.
Haru traced her fingers over the choker's cloth before her finger touched the crystal. It might've been a trick of the light, but the crystal seemed to glow for a moment as her emotions began to overflow. Looking back up with tears in her eyes, her heart couldn't contain itself any longer.
"It's beautiful."
Putting on the choker around her neck, her hands slowly moved to remove Naruto's helmet. She had seen it before, but now, she earned the privilege and trust of being able to remove his ancestral helmet. Her hands trembling a little, she finally saw his face again – a sight that never failed to take her breath away. Seeing his beautiful, ocean-blue eyes and messy, sunkissed hair once again, she was overwhelmed with joy.
Handing the helmet over to her grandfather, her fingers moved to wrap her husband's necklace around his neck as well. And with that, their union was finally complete.
Unable to hold it in any longer, the village elder asked: "Uzumaki Naruto, do you take Haru as your wife?"
Naruto met Haru's gaze with unwavering love and nodded fervently.
"I do."
With a smile of approval, the grandfather turned to Haru. "And Haru, do you take Uzumaki Naruto as your husband?"
Tears streamed down Haru's cheeks as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her answer was resolute.
"Yes, I do."
"Then, by the power invested in me, and by the will of Magina, I pronounce you both husband and wife; You may kiss."
Naruto gazed into Haru's eyes as they stood before their friends and loved ones. The warm breeze ruffled their hair, Naruto gently took Haru's hands in his own.
"I love you," he whispered.
"I love you too," Haru replied softly.
They leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. As they slowly parted, both were beaming with joy. Rose petals were being thrown at them by the children of the village, as their guests continued clapping and whistling in celebration. Naruto and Haru turned to face their friends, hands clasped tightly together as they were approached by Sabine and Mutani.
Mutani said something in his native tongue and slapped Naruto's shoulder a few times, nodding his head it didn't take a genius to figure out that he was congratulating the young blond on his marriage.
"Thank you, old friend." Naruto politely said before turning to the girls, seeing that Sabine approached the newlywed - and also now fellow sister - to congratulate her with Haru's blood sister Saku coming up to her and hugging her younger sibling with an uncontrollable amount of tears of joy coming out of her.
*BANG!*
Startled at the noise first, the crowd turned to the back where they saw some of the human Ölüm members who also attended the wedding, seen firing their slugthrowers weapons in a fashion of celebration, with some alternatively firing their blasters in the air while dancing.
Naruto smiled as he shook his head. "I'm so going to get them back for that."
[22 BBY]
On a landing platform of Coruscant, Naruto, and Obi-Wan Kenobi were seen standing near the Jedi's ship, a Delta-7 Starfighter with an astromech droid waiting inside of it.
"So you're married?" Obi-Wan asked as he stopped in his tracks and turned to the young blond. "I must say for a man in your profession, it kind is unusual to be committed to a woman at such a young age as yourself."
"I promised it to her," Naruto looked at the Jedi and smiled. "The night before I left to volunteer to Terran when the war started, she asked me to promise her to marry her when I returned."
"But aren't you in a relationship with another Mandalorian?" Obi-Wan asked him. "I recall you being with one."
"Sabine Wren, she's my first…you know…"
"As in encounter?"
"Yeah…." Naruto replied, expecting a lecture but seeing he did not do so, "You're not going to object to that?"
"Multiple relationships aren't new to me, young Uzumaki. This galaxy is far too vast to have not seen it all," Obi-Wan said with a small snort. "I've seen all sorts of relationships in the galaxy. Some are born out of profit, some are born out of selfishness and hatred, and some…some are born out of genuine love and devotion."
"Didn't take you for a love guru," Naruto raised an eyebrow. "I thought you Jedi weren't meant to have relationships."
"Attachments, my young friend. That is what is normally discouraged, but even I find myself at odds with that rule," Obi-Wan corrected while admitting to his own doubts and weaknesses. "I used to be close to a woman in my days as a Padawan."
"Seems rather unrealistic not to form any attachments at all," Naruto hummed. "Besides, such attachments can become a great source of strength. They can become one of your greatest sources of devotion."
"There you would be at odds with the Council."
"And what of it? To love someone who you care?" Naruto questioned the code, "If I was to love someone and be willing to protect her? Even with the risks, it shouldn't be something to fear but to learn from it."
"Speaking like a reformist, aren't you?" Obi-Wan chuckled, "Perhaps one day we can talk philosophy once I am back, like war for instance."
"For which is to come."
Obi-Wan stopped before seated himself in the starship, turning to the blond and asking him.
"Tell me, what do you think of this conflict that's close to brewing out? Between the Republic and the Separatists?"
Naruto took a deep breath before crossing his arms, answering, "I am no fan of war, but I am not a pacifist either. I just believe we need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario."
"Even when diplomacy is used to its fullest extent?"
"Even then, a weapon should always be at your side in case someone will drop the diplomacy." Naruto responded to the question with honesty in his voice, "Especially in a galaxy this big, you cannot always assume some people have the best intentions."
Obi-Wan nodded and replied, "Then I hope your organization does have the best intentions at heart."
"We have - to protect those we care for." Naruto answered and said, "Good luck on your journey, Master Kenobi."
"Thank you."
The Jedi Master gracefully strode into his sleek Starfighter, the hum of its engines filling the hangar. With a brief pause for the droid to disembark from the platform, the ship gracefully ascended into the sky, its destination set for the vast expanse of space.
By then Naruto turned around and walked over to the speeder bike that he used to get over here, hopping onto it before he took off the platform, flying downwards to the surface level of Coruscant.
'Where are we going now?'
'Taking a break, I'll be leaving soon.'
'Alright, just don't take too long, this place is too crowded for me.'
'Agreed.'
As the blond Mandalorian descendant flew down to the underground, he was oblivious to a ship tailing him from a fair distance, not knowing it was one from the Jedi Temple.
[1313]
In a sprawling neighborhood that served as a stronghold for the Ölüm organization, a communal dinner unfolded at its heart, drawing in the warmth and camaraderie of those gathered. This particular section of the Coruscant underground was a refuge, teeming with individuals who had fled the ravages of war and oppression.
Among the crowd were war refugees from Terran, as well as those who had narrowly escaped the clutches of slavery, all thanks to the tireless efforts of the Ölüm organization. Their numbers swelled into the tens of thousands, if not a few hundred, forming a close-knit community amidst the bustling, predominantly sentient population that characterized the deeper recesses of Coruscant. The air was thick with the scent of shared meals and the sounds of laughter, a poignant testament to their resilience and hope for a brighter future in a place they could finally call home.
"Want some coffee, young man?"
Naruto looked to his side and saw it was a young waitress asking her, so he responded, "No thanks, but got any tea perhaps?"
"Sure." The waitress said smiling before walking off.
Left alone for a while, Naruto stared out the window and saw the streets were as busy as ever, with the residents of this area trying to walk through the crowds, some stood out, like a group of armed men who were patrolling through the streets, with their faces covered up alongside their weaponry that laid under pieces of cloth, they were Ölüm members who regularly showed their presence in the neighborhoods, more so than the regular security forces who barely paid attention to these parts.
"Peaceful here, hmmm?"
His thoughts were interrupted, Naruto turned to who it was and was surprised to see it was the small Grand Master Yoda who had approached him, surprising him even how the small Jedi could enter without even being sensed.
Yoda gestured to the empty seat on the opposite side of the table, "May I?"
"Of course." Naruto nodded and pointed in politeness, "Sit."
With a graceful yet deliberate motion, the small green elder Jedi positioned himself across from the young former Shinobi, his wise eyes twinkling with curiosity and warmth. He seemed to embody the essence of a nurturing grandfather, settling comfortably into his seat, a faint smile playing on his lips. Just then, the waitress approached, balancing a tray filled with steaming cups and a teapot. The fragrant aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air as she began to serve, the soft clinking of the porcelain punctuating the moment with an inviting charm.
"Here you go, enjoy." The waitress said finishing the pouring in of the drink before leaving with a smile, "Enjoy."
Naruto and Yoda nodded before they both began drinking from the teacups, there was no conversation happening between the two.
"Speak to you, I must, about your outburst in the council." Yoda spoke while looking at Naruto, "Apologies I must, for my fellow Jedi."
"There's no need for that, Master Yoda," Naruto said in return, both his hands grabbing the cup and shuffling with his arms, "It's understandable, not many people went through what I experienced."
Yoda hummed and glanced at the blond, noticing him gazing into the teacup. He seemed deep in thought, prompting the Jedi to ask.
"Troubled your mind is?"
Naruto's gaze flickered with a mix of uncertainty and frustration as he confronted the Jedi. He couldn't shake the feeling that they were all concerned about him, their eyes boring into him with worry.
"You're worried about me, aren't you?"
Yoda's expression remained stoic, but there was a hint of sadness in his wise eyes. "Strong with the Force you are," he stated, his voice heavy with weighty knowledge, "but the Dark Side has touched you before."
Naruto felt a chill run down his spine at the mention of his past actions. "My actions?" he repeated, his voice laced with confusion and shame.
"In war," Yoda confirmed his wrinkled face grave with concern, "I sensed its presence within you. The Dark Side...you have used it more than once to fight against the Zygerrians."
Naruto's shoulders slumped in defeat as he admitted, "Yes, I have."
He rubbed at his temple, feeling uncomfortable at the reminder of that brutal conflict. Naruto began to admit…
"It was more than I ever expected,"
[Naboo]
Shortly after their discrete arrival on the planet, Senator Padme Amidala and her bodyguard Anakin Skywalker, were in a large room where they were in the company of Queen Jamillia, the person who took the constitutional throne after Padme's term. She was seated on the throne, flanked by Sio Bibble, the governor of Naboo who was also there alongside a couple of their advisors. Also present in the room were the Handmaidans and the royal guards for security.
The subject of this meeting was to be about the current state of the Republic, and it was fair to say they wished for better news to be given by their senator.
"If the Senate votes to create an army, I'm sure it's going to push us into a civil war."
"It's unthinkable! There hasn't been a full-scale war since the formation of the Republic."
Hearing the governor speak like that, the white-makeup-wearing queen turned to her senator and asked, "Do you see any way, through negotiations, to bring the separatists back into the Republic?"
Padme shook her head, "Not if they feel threatened," She brought up the possibilities, "My guess is they'll turn to the Trade Federations or the Commerce Guilds for help."
"It's outrageous," Governor Bibble spoke yet again, "but after four trials in the supreme court, Nute Gunray is still the viceroy of the Trade Federation. I fear the Senate is powerless to resolve this crisis."
The Queen looked at Padme, both unable to disagree with the governor's statements, and it would be unfair to judge him harshly for his words. So the Queen turned to the senator in a defeated tone.
"We must keep our faith in the Republic." The Queen said as she stood up from her seat, walking past it to then approach Padme with a few wise words. "The day we stop believing democracy can work is the day we lose it."
"Let's pray that day never comes."
"…In the meantime, we must consider your own safety." said the Queen to Senator Amidala as they all began departing the room.
Bibble asked the young Skywalker, "What is your suggestion, Master Jedi?"
"Oh Anakin is not a Jedi yet; he's still a Padawan learner;" Padme interrupted Anakin before he could respond, "but I was thinking-"
"Hold on a minute," interjected Anakin with a frown of disapproval.
"Excuse me." retorted Padme sternly. Going back to respond to her queen and the governor, "I was thinking I would stay out in the Lake Country. There are some places out there that are very isolated."
"Excuse me," Anakin interjected again, his hands on his hips, "I'm in charge of security here, milady."
'And this is my home. I know it very well... that is why we're here. I think it would be wise for you to take advantage of my knowledge in this instance."
While the governor and the Queen exchanged silent glances, Anakin was embarrassed by her quick words and decided to concede.
"Sorry, Milady."
"Perfect," The Queen said before continuing to walk, "It's settled then."
As the group strolled down the dimly lit hallway, unaware of the ominous presence just beyond their sight. Shrouded in an oversized cloak that concealed every discernible feature, a dark figure lingered in the shadows. With an air of stealth, this figure had been eavesdropping on every whispered secret exchanged within the room, absorbing the vital information about the senator's secret hideout.
Fulfilling his mission by following the Jedi and his target.
[Coruscant]
On one of the many landing platforms of the planet, Naruto was waiting outside a ship that was being prepared for takeoff, it was a ship of his comrades who decided to tag along with him as he watched the view of the populated planet.
"Commander, we're ready."
Standing there and hearing his name called out, Naruto turned around and began walking toward the ship, the Kom'rk-class Mandalorian fighter and transport ship given to him as a present by the Nite Owls as he was given the company by a few of Tayuya's people who were assigned to him for protection given he's a Field Commander.
One of whom saluted him, a young Terran Urzik, "Your ship is ready and we're waiting for takeoff. Chewie is already in the cockpit."
"Alright, let's get going then." Naruto said with a grin to the subordinate, "Ever been to a desert?"
"I practically lived near one, sir." The young man smiled as he followed, "So where are we going?"
"Tatooine, to meet up with my battalion."
Naruto's boots clanked against the metal walkway as he led his comrade through the narrow corridors of the ship. They passed crew members saluting or talking to each other as the blond finally arrived at the cockpit, where Naruto took a seat in the pilot's chair next to Chewie.
"Let's go."
Roaring in return, Chewbacca did so and prepared for takeoff.
With a series of beeps and whirring sounds, the doors closed and the ship lifted off from the platform, weaving its way through the chaotic traffic of Coruscant. As they reached orbit, Naruto punched in coordinates on the control panel and the ship blasted off into hyperspace, leaving the planet behind.
…
Once they reached the orbit, the Mandalorian ship was in free range to prepare itself for a jump into hyperspace, to which Naruto gave his Wookie friend the go.
"Hit it."
The ship's engine roared as it jumped straight into hyperspace, leaving a void space before it then got occupied by another ship that had been tailing it from a distance.
A Delta-7 Jedi Starfighter to be exact, with purple and white it soon jumped into hyperspace also.
[Kamino]
In the spacious, yet sterile private quarters of Tipoca City, Jango Fett sat immersed in his datapad. The holographic display glowed with the latest news on the progress of the Clone Army's training.
A sense of pride swelled within him as he read about the two hundred thousand clones that were now fully trained, with another million nearing completion. Reminding Jango of his own role in creating this mighty army for the Republic. He couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction at being a part of such a monumental project. Of course, for a good payday, he was about to get for partaking in this job.
Also, something was bothering him ever since he returned to Kamino after the small job he had done on Coruscant, with Zam having been killed not by his hand but also that the fatal shot was made by someone he spotted, the Jedi and Naruto were there to witness him depart from the scene.
It bothered him of course given what was to come, he knew these clones of him were going to be used for war shortly, most likely closer than he expected it, and with the conflict brewing between the Separatists and the Republic brewing, the end of the Terran-Zygerrian War, but also this inevitable conflict that was going to happen that he knew was going to participate in.
Death Watch, the one group he wished to see perish for what they did to his people years ago but was unable to do anything against them on his own, thinking he was going to stay in the profession of being a Bounty Hunter for the rest of his life.
Now, he had a chance.
"Dad."
Yet he also had responsibilities, turning around to see his son walking in, he looked like he had something to say.
"What it is Boba?"
"I just saw Taun We walking down the hallway while I was running around," Boba told him, looking bothered, "She was talking with a man in a long brown robe."
Hearing the brown robe, caused Jango to immediately figure out who it was.
"Jedi..." Jango muttered.
"Dad?" Boba asked, fear creeping into his voice.
"Hide everything," Jango commanded, his expression tense and serious. "We'll be getting a visit from them."
Chapter was planned to be longer but for now doing some shorter chapters, hopefully it is no problem for you guys.
Have a nice evening.
Good night.