Kingdom Hearts: Web of the Dark Heart
Chapter 20: Strengthening the Light
Back on the Ghost, Peter and Wanda were making a few ground rules about their new relationship since Laura called them her parents. After Laura innocently called them her parents, they couldn't just abandon her. Both sides made good points and managed to reach agreements on the subject.
Peter: So, we agree to the terms: No early siblings until after marriage, we're there for her even if it's not meant to be… Anything else?
Wanda: I'm sure we'll think of something along the way.
Before either of them could say another word, Doom came into the room.
Doom: Sir, we're approaching the next world.
Peter: Anything the navicomputer said about our next destination?
Doom: Nothing. Something is messing with it so we won't know where we're going.
Peter sighed, not liking going in blind.
Peter: Bring us in and have Cheep remotely control the turret in case of emergency.
Nodding, Doom exited the room and the hero couple followed. They found Sora taking a nap in his room with Laura doing her coloring book.
Wanda: (Gently) Wakey-wakey, Sora.
Sora opened his eyes to Wanda's smiling face.
Sora: (Yawning a bit) I was sleepy.
Wanda: (Picking him up) I understand, honey.
Sora: Ms. Wanda… I think my mommy will like you.
Wanda smiled, thinking she'd like to meet Sora's parents too. Before anyone could head to the Phantom, Sparky came in panicking.
Sparky: Blinding Light!
Before anyone could ask, a blinding light engulfed the Ghost as it entered the world. When Spider-Man and the Scarlet Witch could see again, they found themselves in a strange, metal hallway.
Scarlet Witch: Where are we?
Spider-Man: (Looking around) I'm not sure. (As Scarlet Witch started looking around frantically) The setting looks familiar but I can't tell where exactly.
Scarlet Witch: Never mind that! Where are the kids?!
Spider-Man looked and saw no sign of Sora or Laura. He saw Scarlet Witch started to panic and put his hands on her shoulders.
Spider-Man: I promise, we'll find them. Sora is smart, they'll find a place to hide till we find them. Panicking won't help anyone.
Scarlet Witch was still frantic but knew Spider-Man was right. They ran down the hall to find their young ones. Meanwhile, Laura was whimpering in a different hallway, wanting Peter and Wanda to find her. She flinched and brought her claws out when someone touched her, only to see it was just Sora.
Sora: Laura, it's okay.
Afraid while retracting her claws, Laura hugged Sora and cried into his shoulders. Deciding to find Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch, Sora took Laura's hand and they walked down the hall. They soon came to a window that showed the night sky. As the duo starred at the stars, they were surprised by two starfighters passing by. They then realized they were in space.
Sora: (Excited) We're in space! Oh, Riku is going to be so jealous about this!
Before the kids could do anything else, Shadows appeared in front of them. Drawing his slingshot, Sora fired and managed to destroy one but they kept moving towards them. Before anything could happen, the Heartless cut down by two warriors with blue blades: One had a beard and the other had a scar down his eye and a cybernetic right arm.
? (Beard one): Hello there, children.
One Shadow survived and pounced towards the kids, only to be gunned down. Sora and Laura turned and saw a bigger looking Spider-Man, only black with a white spider logo. He held a WESTAR-34 blaster pistol in his hand, smoking from being fired.
? (Black Spider): Is it 'Bring your Kids to Work' Day for the Separatists?
? (Cybernetic Arm One): (Sensing Sora's Light) No, this is what I sensed earlier when we boarded.
? (Bearded One): Let's first introduce ourselves to them. (Kneeling to their level) I'm Obi-Wan Kenobi. (To his companion) This is Anakin Skywalker, my fellow Jedi Knight. (To the Black Spider holstering his blaster) And he's Agent Venom, the Republic's best saboteur and a superhero on his home world. What are your names?
Sora: I'm Sora and she's Laura.
Anakin: A little young to be Separatists. Where'd you two come from?
Sora: We came here with two friends of ours, superheroes actually, looking for something important and dangerous.
Anakin: (Looking at his former teacher) A new Separatist Weapon?
Obi-Wan: (Scratching his chin) Could be what's allowing the Heartless to escape from the Realm of Darkness.
Sora: (Surprised) You know about the monsters?
Obi-Wan: Let's find your friends then we'll discuss this.
Picking up the children, the trio ran forward. Meanwhile, Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch were running down their hallway, trying to find the kids.
Scarlet Witch: What kind of place is this?
Spider-Man: (Trying to remember) I swear, I know this movie!
Scarlet Witch: Let's just find the… (Hearing a door open) Kids?
Spider-Man and Scarlet Witch saw a door open and a squad of B1-Series Battle Droids come up to them. That's when Spider-Man realized where they were.
Battle Droid: (Aiming his blasters with the others) Halt, intruders! You are under arrest by order of the Separatist Alliance.
Scarlet Witch: (Flaring up her powers and getting into a fighting stance) A bunch of Grinder Rejects? (Scoffing) We can take them… (Seeing Spider-Man shake) Easily?
Screaming in excitement, Spider-Man started jumping all around in happiness. Scarlet Witch and the Battle Droids looked at each other in excitement.
Spider-Man: THANK YOU, GOD ALMIGHTY!
Spider-Man stopped his excitement when his Spider Sense went off and had to dodge a blaster shot. Firing a web-line, Spider-Man pulled an E-5 blaster rifle out of a droid's hands and grabbed it.
Scarlet Witch: Good, now you're making sense.
Before the droids could fire, the Scarlet Witch lifted most of them and caused their bolts to go undid and they fell apart. Spider-Man fired webs at the remain three, blinding them and allowing him to gun them down.
Spider-Man: (Happy tone) Aw, man! I can't believe I just gunned down Battle Droids! Aw, Harry is never going to believe this!
Scarlet Witch: So you know where we are?
Spider-Man: Where, yes. When not exactly. If we're lucky, Sora and Laura are in good hands.
Scarlet Witch: And if not?
Spider-Man thought in the likelihood Count Dooku would have Sora, which would mean Sidious would learn about him and use him as a tool to travel outside their Galaxy to invade other worlds.
Spider-Man: Let's just try to stay calm and find them.
Before Wanda could agree, Spider-Man's Spider Sense flared up and he tackled Wanda to the ground as three Super Battle Droids opened fired on them. Wanda used her powers to make a barrier to protect them. The barrier was about to give when three blaster bolts tore through their reinforced plating. The two got up and saw Agent Venom holding a Lightbow, smoking from being fired three times.
Agent Venom: (As the Symbiote put the rifle back on his back) Hey, bro! You and your girlfriend, okay?
Spider-Man: (Panting) Flash! (Fist bumping his bully-turned-friend) Thank goodness you're here! How'd you find us?
Agent Venom: Found two kids who explained they were with some heroes and saw a droid patrol coming this way.
Scarlet Witch: Kids?! We're they…?!
Agent Venom: One boy and one girl, yeah.
Obi-Wan and Anakin came up with the kids in one arm and the other prepared to grab their lightsabers. Upon seeing the iconic duo, Spider-Man immediately fainted into Agent Venom's arms.
Agent Venom: (Grabbing him) I got ya, pal!
Scarlet Witch: (Taking the children from the Jedis) Thank you, both. I'm Scarlet Witch and the hero who fainted is Spider-Man. (To the children) Were you two polite and told these nice gentlemen your names?
Duo: Yes.
Coming to, Spider-Man got a better look at Obi-Wan and Anakin and immediately figured out when in the Star Wars franchise Wolf Spider placed the Tear in Reality in the world: Revenge of the Sith. Spider-Man was horrified. If he and Wanda let this play out like it did in the movie, Sidious not only gets an empire but he'll get Sora to twist to his own pleasure.
Anakin: (Looking at Spider-Man) You okay?
Spider-Man: Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little dizzy. Thank you for finding Sora and Laura.
Anakin: Don't mention it. (Petting Sora's head while smiling) Not every day we meet a future Keyblade Wielder.
For a spilt second, Spider-Man saw Darth Vader in Anakin's place. He shook he head, realizing something important.
Spider-Man: How do you know Sora's destined to get the Keyblade?
Obi-Wan: We sensed the Light within him earlier when you and Scarlet Witch arrived. That's how we were able to find them before we found you two. (Sensing it faintly in Spider-Man and growing) In fact, you have that too, my red friend.
Before Spider-Man could question it, Anakin spoke up.
Anakin: Can we discuss this some other time. Preferably, when we're not on a Separatist Dreadnought?
Scarlet Witch: (Dread tone) Dreadnought?
Sora: (Excited) We're in space, Ms. Scarlet! Isn't that cool!
Obi-Wan: (Smiling on the Child's innocence) Yes. But our task right now is rescuing the Chancellor then finding a means of escape.
Liking to the idea, Scarlet Witch nodded in agreement.
Agent Venom: (Whispering to Spider-Man) Bro, I hope you have a plan to stop what's coming. Because I may be new to the fandom but even I know what the consequences are for Earth if we can't change things.
Spider-Man: (Whispering) More than just our home, Flash. I'll explain later. (To everyone) So, how do we find the Chancellor?
Agent Venom: (Showing his Symbiote Suit's wrist radar) Way ahead of you, buddy. (Getting a tracking signal) I placed a tracker on the Chancellor before he was captured.
The two Jedis eyed each other, silently saying 'Why didn't we think of that'. Following Agent Venom, everyone ran towards where the signal was. No one had any idea General Grievous had heard everything via the security camera.
Grievous: Keyblade… (Intrigued) Interesting.
Agent Venom led everyone to the iconic room and there at the far end sat the mastermind himself, Sheev Palpatine. Spider-Man grabbed Scarlet Witch's arm and whispered into her ear.
Spider-Man: (Whisper) Under no circumstances, do we leave Sora alone with that man. I'll explain later.
Scarlet Witch was confused. Looking at the Chancellor, he looked like a defenseless old man. But something in her boyfriend's tone made her feel uneasy. Scarlet Witch nodded, clutching Sora strongly. Walking up to the hidden Sith Lord, Palpatine could sense the Keylade's Light within Sora. Internally, he was praising his good fortune.
Scarlet Witch: No guards, no security, no alarms… This feels like a trap.
Agent Venom eyed his friend, wondering why she acting like she's never seen Star Wars.
Spider-Man: Ask me later.
Obi-Wan: (Bowing in respect) Chancellor.
Anakin: Are you alright?
Palpatine: Count Dooku…
Turning around, everyone saw Count Dooku walk in with two Super Battle Droids and, to Spider-Man's surprise, IG-100 MagnaGuard.
Spider-Man: (Mentally) A MagnaGuard? That's not right. It's supposed to be with General Grievous on the bridge.
Spider-Man turned and saw Agent Venom pull out a very special split saber. The top half was the same design as Maul's Rebel lightsaber complete with grip guard fang, the lower half was the same design as Jaro Tapal's complete with blade guards and crossguard emitters, both attached to a link module.
Obi-Wan: Ms. Scarlet, I suggest you take the children away from this. (As Wanda left, Obi-Wan spoke to Anakin) We'll do it together.
Anakin: (Getting in a row with the others) Along with our new friends.
Dooku leap down towards them with the MagnaGuard following while the Super Battle Droids guard the door.
Palpatine: Go get help. None of you are a match for him. He's a Sith Lord.
Obi-Wan: (Turning to the Chancellor) Chancellor Palpatine, Sith Lords are our specialty.
Spider-Man: (Summoning Wayward Wind) We can take this Vampire Wannabe easily.
Obi-Wan took notice of Spider-Man's Keyblade.
Count Dooku: Your weapons, please. I don't want to make a mess in front of the Chancellor.
Spider-Man: Sorry, Saruman. Mine's kind of a loaner.
Only Agent Venom chuckled, being the only one in the room who understood the joke.
Obi-Wan: What my companion is saying you won't get away this time.
Igniting their lightsabers, Spider-Man saw Agent Venom's was Purified White.
Count Dooku: (Igniting his lightsaber) I intended on taking my stolen lightsaber back, Venom, but I'll settle for taking it as a replacement. (To the MagnaGuard) Take Agent Venom and his friend. The Jedis are mine.
Lunging at the two friends, Spider-Man and Agent Venom blocked the strike from its electrostaff as the Jedis began their iconic duel with Count Dooku.
Agent Venom: (Blocking strikes) Got admit this is awesome, right?!
Spider-Man: (Striking) Yeah but weird.
Spider-Man looked at the duel then heard the iconic lines.
Count Dooku: I've been looking forward to this.
Anakin: My powers have doubled since the last time we met,
Count Dooku: Good… Twice the Pride, Double the Fall.
Continuing the duel, time slowed to a crawl for Spider-Man.
Spider-Man: (Mentally) Okay, think Parker. I only have a few days, maybe weeks, to stop the greatest equivalent to the Nazi Reign is created, now with the capability of conquering the worlds beyond their borders. If I'm to stop that, I have to think. (Looking at Palpatine) Let's see, I could attack Palpatine, showing he has a red lightsaber. No, he'd just play the Defenseless Old Man Card. That would allow him to manipulate Sora. Even if that works, we can't take him, General Grievous, and Count Dooku all a once. (Remembering the Rule of Two) Wait, Dooku! The Rule of Two! That's it!
After Count Dooku Force Pushed Obi-Wan away from him, Spider-Man webbed up the face of the MagnaGuard, jumped off its shoulder, and went for Dooku.
Spider-Man: (Swinging Wayward Wind) Mind if I cut in?!
Dooku brought his lightsaber up and the blades clashed against each other.
Dooku: (Eyeing Anakin) You think a Keyblade Wielder will help you?!
Scarlet Witch and the kids watched the fight progress. As Obi-Wan went to help, the Super Battle Droids moved to intercept him. One saw the trio and prepared to fire, only for the Scarlet Witch to dismantle its wrist and twin blasters and reassemble it onto her right arm as armor with blasters. Squeezing the trigger, Scarlet Witch gunned it down as Obi-Wan sliced the other one with his lightsaber.
Obi-Wan: (To the Red Mutant) Impressively done for a Nightsister.
Scarlet Witch: (Confused) Nightsister?
Agent Venom: (Straining against the MagnaGuard) General… Little help, please.
Obi-Wan ran to help Agent Venom as Spider-Man and Anakin continued to fight against Dooku. While the Sith Count had experience against the Jedi, none of his skills helped against the Web-Slinger.
Spider-Man: (Striking Wayward Wind against Dooku's lightsaber) What's the matter, Saruman; Out of practice from making Uruk-hais?
Count Dooku: (Getting annoyed) What are you talking about?!
With his Spider Sense flaring, Spider-Man jumped out of the way just as Dooku tried to blast him with Force Lightning. Anakin took the opportunity to strike and Dooku barely had time to protect himself. Seeing the destroyed Super Battle Droids, Spider-Man fired a web line onto them.
Spider-Man: (Throwing them) Anakin, move!
With all his might, Spider-Man launched them at Dooku. Anakin jumped back and Dooku sliced the pieces, giving Anakin the chance to slice off the Count's hand holding his lightsaber. Using the Force, Anakin caught Dooku's lightsaber, activated it, and placed both blades to cross over Dooku's neck. Any moves of the blades would behead the Count, killing him instantly.
Palpatine: (Chuckling) Good Anakin, good… Kill him. Kill him now.
Dooku eyed his secret master in shock. All his loyalty, all his service, all he work for… And he was willing to throw him away like trash. He then eyed his potential executioner, struggling to decide what was right.
Anakin: I… I shouldn't.
Before Palpatine could speak, Spider-Man spoke up.
Spider-Man: Anakin, don't! He's defenseless!
Palpatine: Do it. (Trying to enrage him) He took your arm, just like how you told me the Tusken Raiders took your mother.
Spider-Man: Anakin, no. Dooku knows everything about the Separatist. He's too valuable as a prisoner.
Palpatine: Kill him. He could escape.
Anakin felt like his head was going to explode, trying to know who to listen to.
Spider-Man: Anakin, listen to me. We got kids with us. You'll be committing murder in front two innocent minds, destroying their belief in justice.
Anakin turned and looked at Sora and Laura, both hugging each other and watching the whole thing. Panting, now understand what was right, Anakin deactivated the lightsabers, much to Dooku's relief and Palpatine's disappointment.
Anakin: (Smiling) Well, we can't have that. Children are our future.
Spider-Man smiled, knowing he bought them time. Palpatine glared in secret. Next thing the Count knew, Agent Venom came up and nailed him with his suit's stun blaster, knocking him unconscious.
Spider-Man: That's new.
Agent Venom: I've been here for five weeks, buddy. Plenty of time for me to upgrade my suit.
Scarlet Witch came up with the kids.
Laura: (As Spider-Man picked her up) Dada, is he sleeping?
Agent Venom eyed him and he restrained their new prisoner with his webbing.
Spider-Man: I'll explain later. (To Laura) Yeah Sweetie, the bad man is sleeping.
The Scarlet Witch used her powers to make the webs titanium cables.
Obi-Wan: (Freeing the Chancellor) Well, I say that was successful.
Anakin: (Getting onto his commlink) Artoo, are there any shuttles in the hanger we can use to escape?
Anakin's Astromech droid, R2-D2, responded as he accessed the ship's mainframe, saying any shuttles they could use were gone.
Anakin: Blast! All the shuttles are gone.
Scarlet Witch: (Looking at Spider-Man) What about the Ghost?
Spider-Man: Doom and the others probably piloted it down planet-side. (To Anakin) Can Artoo see if there's any escape pods still available?
Anakin: (Getting on the commlink) You heard that, buddy?
R2-D2 confirmed there were escape pods still available.
Anakin: Okay, the escape pods are still available. (Into his commlink) Okay Artoo, meet us there as fast as you can.
Obi-Wan: Good. Agent Venom, you and your friend take the good Count.
Picking up Dooku, everyone followed Anakin to where R2-D2 was directing them to. When the whole ship lost stabilization and started falling, the Scarlet Witch used her powers to allow them to stand still on the floor.
Obi-Wan: (As she strained) Great thinking.
It was big relief to everyone when the ship went back to normal level. They were almost home free when the Spider duo's Spider Senses went off. Before they could warn everyone, a ray shield stopped them from boarding an escape pod. They watched as B1-Series Battle Droids came and took them and R2-D2 prisoner. With no other option, they were taken to the bridge where General Grievous came up to them.
General Grievous: (As everyone was escorted in) Ah yes, the Negotiator General Kenobi. We've been waiting for you. (Rudely taking the confiscated weapons from the Commander B1) Not much of rescue.
Commander: (Sarcasm) You're welcome… (Softly) Jerk.
General Grievous: And… (Coughing) Anakin Skywalker. (Walking up to him) I was expecting someone of your reputation to be a little… Older.
Anakin: General Grievous… You're shorter than I expected.
General Grievous: (Coughing lightly) Jedi scum. (Walking over to Agent Venom) Agent Venom. Five weeks you've been a thorn in the Separatist side: Blowing up our factories, disrupting our supply depots, hijacking our shuttles…
Agent Venom: Don't forget the time I sliced off your hand and took it as a trophy.
General Grievous: (Glaring while holding the Symbiote User's lightsaber) Your lightsaber will be an interesting addition to my collection. (Walking over to Spider-Man's group) The Republic must've been desperate to bring a vigilante and the Last Nightsister to rescue the Chancellor.
Sora and Laura hid under the Scarlet Witch's cape, fearing the General. A B1-series Battle Droid came up with Agent Venom's blasters and Scarlet Witch's sword.
General Grievous: (Admiring them) Normally, I just collect Jedi lightsabers… (Showing his collection) But I suppose I could start doing it with unique individuals.
Scarlet Witch saw General Grievous' lightsabers and pieced together he killed Jedis and took them. Under her visor, she glared at the cyborg, wanting nothing more than to rip that mask off him.
General Grievous: (To the Commander and another droid left with Dooku) Take the Count to the medical bay. (To the others) I'm sure the Count will be interested in what our security cameras overheard earlier.
Grievous had his droid pull up to the security feed and Palpatine heard Sora was meant to receive the Keyblade.
Spider-Man: (Mentally) No.
General Grievous: Keyblade… (Scoff) Sounds ridiculous. At least I have some new weapons for my collection.
Obi-Wan: Not this time.
Anakin: Artoo, now!
R2-D2 pretended to be malfunctioning long enough for Obi-Wan and Anakin to get everyone's weapons back through the Force.
General Grievous: (To his MagnaGuards) Get them. (As they moved forward) Make them suffer.
Anakin: (To Spider-Man and Agent Venom) Go get Count Dooku!
The two friends ran out to get the Count. Sora and Laura stayed closed to Wanda. Obi-Wan dealt with his MagnaGuard while Anakin fought his while saving the Chancellor. Meanwhile, Spider-Man and Agent Venom soon caught up to the droids carrying Dooku to the medical bay. Agent Venom gunned down the normal Battle Droid, leaving the Commander to protect the Separatist alone.
Spider-Man: (Being given Agent Venom's other WESTAR-34 blaster pistol) Wanna try it?
Actually shaking in fear while holding his blaster, the Commander did the only sensible thing he could do.
Commander: Uh… (Pointing the blaster at Dooku) You guys take in turncoats?
The two friends just looked at each other. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan and Anakin managed to destroy the MagnaGuards and began cutting the pilots down. Finishing his portion, Obi-Wan jumped down to the General as he picked up the MagnaGuard's electrostaff just as Anakin came at the other side.
General Grievous: You lose, Kenobi.
General Grievous immediately stabbed the window and it began to crack. Seeing what will happen, the Scarlet Witch used her powers to shield herself and the kids. The glass exploded and the vacuum of space began sucking everything out. Obi-Wan and Anakin held on for dear life while Grievous used it to escape. When the Chancellor activated the emergency shutters, the whole ship began tearing apart from the damage the Republic Forces were doing to it outside. Many of the organic crew members ran for the escape pods. Spider-Man, Agent Venom, and the Droid Commander came with Dooku. Anakin saw the Commander and raised his lightsaber.
Spider-Man: (Stopping him) Whoa easy, he's with us.
Commander: Yeah, I hated this job anyway. Can I get amnesty from the Republic?
Obi-Wan: Possibly.
Suddenly, an unwelcome alarm blared on the computer.
Anakin: All the escape pods have been launched.
Scarlet Witch: (Seeing they were going to crash) Does this thing have Children Safety Seats?!
Anakin: (Taking a seat at the controls) No, we don't take children into a warzone.
While everyone worked for a control crash, Scarlet Witch put Sora and Laura in the Captain's Seat and warped it into a reinforced children seat. Fearing the worst, the Reality-Warping mutant hugged Sora then kissed Laura's forehead.
Sora: (A little scared) Ms. Scarlet…
Scarlet Witch: (As they began to enter the atmosphere and picking up speed) Everything is going to be fine. Just… be brave for Laura.
Seeing her afraid, Sora hugged Laura to comfort her. They soon broke cloud coverage and headed for the city. Some Republic responders came and helped put out the fires. Anakin managed to get them to a landing strip.
Spider-Man: We're going to make it.
Hitting the ground, the ship skidded along the tarmac until reaching a full stop. Panting, everyone was relieved to be okay.
Obi-Wan: Another happy landing.
The Scarlet Witch looked at the kids and all Sora did was innocently laugh like he on a roller coaster. Soon, Republic Forces to pick them up. A few troops were about shoot the B1 Commander but Obi-Wan ordered them to stand down. They were soon escorted to the Senate Building. Agent Venom could hear Spider-Man breathing heavily.
Agent Venom: Soak it in, bud.
Patting his shoulder, Spider-Man remembered their problem. Landing at the platform, the group were met by Senators and Jedi Master Mace Windu and, to Spider-Man's surprise, Jedi Temple Guards. The Web-Slinger figured since they took Dooku prisoner, they needed the extra security. Obi-Wan went with them as they took the Count.
Anakin: Are you coming, Master?
Obi-Wan: Unfortunately, no. The Council will need to be informed of Young Sora and begin questioning Dooku. I'll leave you, Agent Venom, our new friends, and… (To the Droid Commander) I'm sorry, we never caught your name.
Droid: Commander B1-68039
Obi-Wan: CB-1 it is. I'll leave you all to it.
The group was escorted inside. Feeling it was safe; Peter and Wanda revealed their true identities to Anakin.
Anakin: Thank you for trusting me on this. (Starting to leave) I have some business to attend to. I'll catch up with you in a minute.
Anakin left the group and Agent Venom left update the security force on the Chancellor's rescue and to register CB-1 for amnesty. Wanda was so amazed by the surroundings; she didn't see Sora and Laura wander off after Anakin.
Wanda: (Amazed) Wow, this is incredible. (To Peter) This must be a dream come true for you.
Peter: (Concern) Yeah… I suppose.
Wanda picked up her boyfriend's tone.
Wanda: What's wrong? Why are you like this?
Before Peter could explain or check to see they were alone, he noticed the kids wandered off.
Peter: Not again! (Wanda took notice) Man, these kids are energetic.
Before Wanda started to panic, she noticed that they were following Anakin.
Wanda: (Sighing) Oh, thank goodness. He's with a friend.
Peter: Yeah… A friend.
The events immediately flashed through Peter's eyes and now that Sidious knew about Sora getting a Keyblade, things were going to be ten times worst. Peter's train of thought was interrupted when Wanda touched him.
Wanda: You okay?
Peter: Look… All I can say right now is we can't leave here if things play out the way I know it will. We have to change things.
Wanda was confused but scared by the tone Peter used. Nodding, she decided they should go get the kids. Meanwhile, Sora was following Anakin quietly. Laura wandered into a storage room while Sora kept following till Anakin met up with a well-dress woman. This was Senator Padmé Amidala close to her office. Hiding close by, Sora watched them kiss. He listened to them talk and could tell they were frustrated, but didn't understand why. Then, things got happy.
Padmé: Ani… I'm pregnant.
Sora watched as an incredibly happy Anakin hugged Padmé, extremely happy he was going to be a father. Sora's vocabulary was limited but he knew it had something to do with kids being born. He was suddenly spotted by Padmé. The pregnant senator gently walked up to him.
Padmé: (Holding her hand out) Hey, little guy. Where'd you come from?
Anakin: Sora?!
Padmé: (Looking at her secret husband) You know this little guy?
Anakin: (As Padmé picked him up) Yeah, me and Obi-Wan found him, his caretakers, and… (Noticing Laura wasn't with him) Wait, where's Laura?
As if on cue, Laura ran up with a Phase 1 Clone Trooper Helmet in her arm, looking for a place to hide. She then saw Padmé's office door open and ran inside.
Anakin: What was that about?
Sora tapped Padmé's shoulder and pointed to Commander Fox and two other Coruscant Guards approaching them.
Anakin: (Standing tall) Is there a problem, Commander?
Fox: Sir, we were chasing a thief. Broke into a supply room and made off with an old helmet. You see anyone go by?
Anakin eyed Laura as she silently pleaded for him to be quiet.
Anakin: Yeah, I overheard her heading towards the Pantoran Office. (Stopping them) Uh, first set your blasters to stun. I want her alive.
Fox and his men set their blasters and ran off. Padmé eyed the Jedi.
Padmé: (Annoyed) Ani…
Anakin: (Innocently) What? (To Laura) Alright, they're gone.
Laura came out, still holding the helmet. Then Peter and Wanda came up.
Wanda: (Sighing) There you two are.
Padmé: Oh, you two Anakin's new friends?
Wanda: Yes, I'm Wanda Maximoff and he's Peter Parker.
Peter weakly waved. Wanda walked over and took Sora from Padmé.
Wanda: (Lightly scolding) Sora, you can't wander off like that.
Sora: I'm sorry. I was just curious.
Wanda: (As Laura came out with the helmet) Well, you got to try to behave better. When you wandered off, Laura went after. (To the senator) I'm truly sorry if they caused you any trouble.
Padmé: Oh, he was no trouble. In fact, he was just an angel.
Wanda saw Padmé was pregnant. Before she could congratulate her, Flash ran up. His clothes where the same when he and Peter were in high school, except his jacket was Harvard and he had a well-kept mustache, and his weapons were strapped to him.
Peter: Flash, what's wrong?
Flash: Council wants to see us… (Looking at Anakin) All of us. Said you should hear what they're discussing.
More confused than annoyed, Anakin followed the group. Taking a shuttle to the Jedi Temple, the group found the Ghost docked close by.
Sora: (Pointing to it) Our ship.
Wanda: That's right.
Commander Doom walked up with Karen and Sparky with him.
Doom: (Saluting) General Skywalker, good to see you again.
Anakin: Commander Doom… (Suspecting tone) I take it this group is that special assignment you were on.
Doom: Yes, sir.
With a respectful nodded, Anakin led the group to the Council Chamber. Upon entering, Peter recognized the members or at least the holograms of the members that were on the frontlines. The second the group entered the room, the Jedis sensed the Keyblade's Light in Sora. The Council eyed the group, having been informed of their real names ahead of time.
Anakin: Masters, I understand you summoned us.
Mace Windu: Yes, first we'd like to commend you all for bringing Dooku in alive.
Anakin: (Hiding the fact he still had the Count's lightsaber on him) Thank you. Has he been any trouble?
Obi-Wan: Amazingly, no. In fact, he's been quite cooperative in exchange for a few things aside from the prosthetics we've given him.
Mace Windu: But we've got more important things to discuss.
Sora stayed close to Wanda, worried how the Council will view him.
Plo Koon: (Seeing Sora) This is the Keyblade's Chosen?
Kit Fisto: (Joking tone) Perhaps it's imitating our recruitment method now.
Sora looked at the Nautolan Jedi who gave the boy his iconic smile.
Wanda: I mean no disrespect but how do you all know about the Keyblade and Other Worlds? We thought it was secret.
Wanda looked at Peter who just shrugged, having no idea.
Yoda: Understandable, your confusion is.
Mace Windu: The knowledge of the existence of the Keyblade and Other Worlds beyond our Galaxy's was carefully guarded secret among our ranks. Only a handful of groups knew of this knowledge.
Flash: That was about five weeks ago, same time I arrived.
Aalya Secura: Yes. A strange man came to the Chancellor before he was kidnapped and shared with him the knowledge, which he shared with the senate.
Peter had a feeling it was Wolf Spider. Probably gave Sidious the Tear in Reality. Mace Windu then spoke up.
Mace Windu: As for the Keyblade, a long time ago before the current council, the Keyblade Wielders and Jedis were allies with each other. Sometimes, members of our respective orders were able to wield both the Force and Keyblades.
Peter: (Interested) How back are we talking?
Mace Windu: According to our records, as far back as what is known to us as The Great Star Forge Investigation. Over time, the numbers of Keyblade Wielders dwindled to smaller numbers, even among our own ranks.
Obi-Wan: Our records mentioned the last three Wielders disappeared a few years before the Clone Wars. (Pointing to Peter) One of which wielded the Keyblade you have.
Peter summoned the Wayward Wind to show to the council and they confirmed it was one of the Missing Masters' Keyblade.
Peter: You think it could be clue to the Wielder's whereabouts?
Mace Windu: Possibly. But our focus right now is the boy. If he is meant to receive the Keyblade, he could be the start of their return.
Anakin had an idea what was going to come next and, Birth or Not, Wanda wasn't going to like it.
Luminara Unduli: If this is true, then perhaps the boy should stay with us for training.
Peter and Flash flinched at the idea but Wanda, not knowing the order's rules, wasn't against it.
Wanda: So, this will be like a special school where we drop him off and bring him home when he's done.
The Council Members eyed each other, knowing this was going to be the hard part.
Ki-Aid Mundi: Unfortunately, Ms. Maximoff… This "School", as you referred to it, more an institution. Young Sora would be living here until further notice… Possibly permanently.
Wanda lightly gasped at the idea.
Mace Windu: Much like the Jedis, Keyblade Wielders are susceptible to the temptations of the Dark Side. Here, Sora would be trained but he would be cut off from his family and loved ones.
While most of the stuff they said Sora couldn't understand, what he could scared him to the point he clung to Wanda's leg. Anakin saw Wanda slowly flaring her power to probably bring the supports of the building down. Thinking quickly, Anakin stepped in before things got ugly.
Anakin: Uh, why don't we take this easy. For now, we need to stop the Heartless from coming.
Obi-Wan: (Seeing Anakin's point, unaware Wanda calmed down) Right. If what our new friends told us is true, the Tear in Reality are how they're escaping from the Realm of Darkness.
Yoda: Find the Tear, we must.
Anakin: In the meantime, I believe Mr. Parker and his group should be given accommodations. I suggest they stay with Senator Amidala. (Seeing the Council's confused looks) She had a run-in with them at the senate building and they seem to like her.
Sora and Laura nodded. The Council looked at each other, deciding it would be for the best.
Mace Windu: Very well. Skywalker, you and Agent Venom will be acting as their security. If the Tear is in the hands of the Sith, they will be in danger.
Peter: I suggest Commander Doom be added to the security detail. He's helped us since we met him, and we trust him.
Plo Koon: That can be arranged.
Obi-Wan: May the Force be with us all.
As they were leaving, Wanda stopped and spoke in a stern tone.
Wanda: Sora may not be my son… But I will not give him up to an order whose rules are pathetic and hopelessly flawed.
Wanda left before the Council could defend themselves. Boarding the Ghost, they arrived at Padmé's apartment building. As they came into the apartment, Anakin's Protocol droid, C-3P0, greeted everyone.
C-3P0: Hello to everyone, I am C-3P0, human/cyborg relations. (To Anakin) Master Ani, so good to see you again. (Turning to see R2-D2 with CB-1) ARTOO, LOOK OUT! A BATTLE DROID IS BEHIND YOU!
R2-D2 explained CB-1 is on their side.
C-3P0: What do you mean he's on OUR side? (After R2-D2 explained) Oh, he's been granted amnesty by Master Kenobi. (To CB-1) My apologies.
CB-1: Relax, I'm used to it.
CH-33P rolled in.
C-3P0: Interesting. A C1-Series Astromech. Such a shame the model was discontinued.
Peter: (To Karen) Karen, could you please set the game system up for the kids.
Karen: (Carrying some stuff) Of course, Mr. Parker.
Peter: (As Padmé came in) Thank you.
Padmé: I'm glad to have the company. I do hope you all can keep a secret.
Sora: (Jumping) I can, I can! I'm the best at keeping secrets!
Peter: (Deciding to back him up) It's true. He hasn't said a word about identities to anyone.
Smiling, Anakin and Padmé kissed, revealing their secret marriage to the group.
Wanda: (As the kissed ended) You two are married.
Anakin: Yes, but Jedis are forbidden from having attachments… Including love.
Sora: (Raising his hand) Can I say something. (Playfully being called on) I think that's dumb.
Anakin chuckled as he picked up Sora.
Anakin: I think so too, buddy. (Turning to Doom) Can I trust on you, Commander?
Doom: Sorry, sir. But I'm obligated to report any infractions to the higher authorities… (Smugly agreeing to stay quiet) But then again, I was patrolling the building with CB1 and Agent Venom, so I didn't see anything.
Anakin nodded, happy to have Doom's trust. Wanda saw Sora and Laura trying to understand what Doom was saying.
Wanda: (Kneeling to their level) He's saying he'll keep quiet.
Doom left the room, needing some fresh air and to do something private. Later at dinner, Anakin and his wife pressured the duo into telling them what other worlds were like. It came as a shock to them that Peter's and Wanda's world knew about them only through movies and believed it to be fiction. Time passed and night came to Coruscant. Flash left for the night, saying he had place to stay, and someone was waiting for him. Padmé loaned Peter and Wanda some night, much to their gratitude so they could wash their clothes. She was just about to join her husband in bed when she heard Sora praying to God. She found Doom doing the same with a silver necklace in his hands. Padmé was curious on the matter but decided to wait till morning. Hours passed and Wanda woke up to get some water, only to find Peter sitting on the couch, looking out the window.
Wanda: (Invertedly startling him) Guess this a dream come true for you. (Seeing him panting) Sorry, didn't mean to scare you.
Peter: I just wish that was the only thing that scaring me here.
Wanda: (Taking a seat) What's going on? You said you would explain everything.
Seeing they were alone, Peter told Wanda everything about Revenge of the Sith. Wanda was stunned and horrified by everything Peter told her.
Wanda: So, we saved the bad guy, and he found out about Sora? (Burying her head in her hands) What have we done?
Peter: I know. (As she looked at him) Listen, we're not giving the Jedis Sora, but we have to stop Sidious from winning. If he wins, he gets Sora and everything will be worse than what the Rebel series showed me.
Wanda: How can we protect Sora and stop this from happening?
Peter: Okay, one key aspect of Anakin's turn was already stopped: Dooku's Death. Sidious needed Anakin to kill Dooku because the Sith have a strict law: The Rule of Two, Master and Apprentice. As long as he's alive, we have some time.
Wanda: (Understanding) Good. What next?
Peter: The Visions. He starts having visions of Padmé's death but they're too erratic for him to understand.
Wanda: (Snapping her fingers) I think I can help. I can use my powers on people's minds and cause all kinds of stuff: Hallucinations, selective sight and hearing, temporary memory tampering, etc. I did it on Phoebus back at Notre Dame. (Seeing Peter's confused look, remembering the asylum) I couldn't do perfectly back then. When I could, I did get what I needed. Anyway, I might be able to clear it up for him.
Peter: Right, if he sees what I suspect is the ending of Revenge of the Sith, he'll find out there's nothing physically wrong with Padmé.
Peter and Wanda saw they were physically close to each other. They were about to kiss when Anakin cleared his throat, indicating he was there. Peter and Wanda both blushed and turned to face him, awkwardly.
Wanda: Uh… Hehe… How much of that did you hear?
Anakin: (Raising his hands defensively) I just came in. I swear.
Peter: (Seeing Anakin sweating badly) You, okay? You look like you've seen a ghost. (Mentally and remembering Legacy of Terror) Okay, bad even for me.
Anakin: Yeah, I just had a nightmare.
Peter knew it was time.
Peter: About what?
Anakin: My wife dying but… (Groaning) I couldn't make sense of it.
Wanda: Maybe I can help.
Anakin: (Intrigued) How so?
Wanda: If you'll allow me, I can use my abilities to replay that dream for you and allow you to see the whole picture. It might hold a clue to stopping it from happening.
Anakin thought quietly for a few moments. He concluded that Padmé and the kids were worth the risk.
Anakin: Let's do it.
Anakin sat on the floor, closed his eyes, and Wanda began. When he opened his eyes again, he saw the iconic birth of his son and daughter. Studying and memorizing everything, Anakin watched the whole thing from start to finish, especially the cause of Padmé's death: She loses the Will to Live. He cries in happiness on hearing he's having a son and daughter. Padmé came in and Peter explained what was going on. When Anakin came to, he saw Padmé looking at him worried.
Padmé: Ani?
Looking at his wife, he knew what was right.
Anakin: Good news first… (Tears of Happiness streaming down his face) We're having twins: A Boy and Girl.
Padmé let out a small happy gasp, rubbing the two lives in her. The she realized he said, "Good News First".
Padmé: So… Um… W-What's the bad news, Ani?
Anakin: (Scratching his forehead) That's the part I saw I can't figure out. You die from Losing the Will to Live.
Padmé was deeply confused. Why would she die from that.
Padmé: I-I don't understand.
Anakin: (Tapping his chin) Neither do I. It doesn't make sense. You haven't been heartbroken since…
Anakin stopped before he mentions Mina Bonteri or Rush Clovis. Padmé thought about who her husband was referring to.
Wanda: (Whispering to Peter) Who was he talking about?
Peter: (As Anakin comforts his wife) Mina Bonteri and Rush Clovis. Mina was a senator among the Separatists and a close friend of Padmé. The two tried to make a peace treaty to end the war but it was sabotaged. She was killed by Dooku's thugs, but I was always suspicious about it. Rush Clovis was Padmé's Ex-Boyfriend. He made dealings with the Separatists. He committed suicide to save Padmé's life.
Padmé's heart broke, missing her friends.
Anakin: I'm sorry.
Padmé: And the babies?
Anakin: (Smiling) They're born safely and healthy.
Padmé sighed, happy the babies make it.
Peter: (Getting the couples attention) Uh, this might be strange way to look at it, but if Padmé only dies from losing the Will to Live…
Padmé: (Realizing what he was saying) Then there's nothing wrong with me.
Anakin realized it, too. She was on the medical table and the medical droid said nothing was medically wrong with her. He still had to figure out why he wasn't there and why Obi-Wan was present. Meanwhile, Dooku was in a cell, writing a message. Walking down the hall towards his cell, shrouded by the Heartless to shield him, was his master: Darth Sidious.
Dooku: (Sensing him) Master, I…
Dooku was cut short as he was Force Choked off the ground.
Sidious: You have outlived your usefulness, Tyrannus.
Dooku: (Choking) Master, please…
Sidious closes his fist, which caused a disgusting crack sound. Dooku's now lifeless body fell to the floor.
Sidious: These new friends of Anakin's might be a problem. (Bringing out a control pad and typing in a command) Let's see if my IG-88s will be able to deal with them and perhaps speed up my new apprentice's convergence.
Unbeknownst to Sidious, in Dooku's hand was a message to Anakin that would be the key to his defeat. As Sidious left, he passed by the cell belonging to Barris Offee and she gasped when she sensed the dark presence clearly.
Barris: (Horrified) Oh, gosh! What have I done? (Sobbing) Ahsoka, I'm so sorry.
Now understanding her mistake, Barris knew she had to escape. Meanwhile, as Sora slept, the Keyblade's Light was sent throughout the Galaxy in an energy wave like a signal. Only a small few sensed it faintly, but one group felt it perfectly to identify it. While the civil war on Mandalore was happening, hidden within the supposed lifeless desert was an oasis lush with plant and animal life. There, guarding it, was a fortress with the insignia for Clan Rook. Members of the clan stood proudly by a statue of a man with Keyblade. When the wave reached Mandalore, all of Clan Rook felt its pure energy and fell to their knees.
Clan Leader: They have returned!