Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“You have the letter, right mom?” Kaori asked. 

“Yes dear,” Ryokuo said, wiping a tear from her eye. “I have it.” 

“Show it to me please,” Kaori said, also holding back tears.

Ryouko shuffled through her purse until she found the small envelope with the black cat sticker sealing the flap. She took it out and showed it to her daughter, whose face broke into a momentary flicker of a small smile.

“If…if I–,” Kaori started to say.

“Yes dear,” her father, Yoshiyuki, assured her. “We’ll make sure that Kousei gets it.” 

Kaori and her parents shared one last embrace before the doctor and his team of surgeons wheeled her out of her room and into the hallway. The Operation Room was just a few meters down, but the small distance did little to dull the great despair coming upon the Miyazono family. 

“I love you mom and dad,” Kaori’s voice shook as she was wheeled out the door.

“We love you too, honey,” Ryouko said.

“And we always will,” Yoshiyuki added.

Yoshiyuki and Ryouko exchanged a tearful gaze. They’d known this day would come. But why did it have to come so fast? 

“Even if it’s only for a little more time, I hope her surgery is a success,” Yoshiyuki sniffed. 

“I feel the same way darling,” Ryouko said, leaning her head on his chest. 

The burdened couple wept in each other’s arms for a time, not knowing what to do or say. This day would either be a day of great joy…or unquenchable sorrow. 

“I need to go to the restroom dear,” Ryouko spoke up after a while. “Could you please watch my purse?”

“Of course honey,” Yoshiyuki nodded. 

Ryouko stood up to leave…

And Kaori’s letter fluttered to the floor.

Neither she nor her husband noticed it go underneath Ryouko’s chair, out of their sight and in turn, out of their minds. 

Their absent-mindedness would soon be the cause of unthinkable devastation. 

One simple mistake.

One little moment of forgetfulness.

But that was all it had taken to alter not just the course of the world…but the entire galaxy.

Great darkness was out there, miles out in deep space.

And very soon…the darkness would come and incloak the Earth in cruel subjugation. 

Chapter Text

Cold.

That was all Kousei Arima felt in this moment. 

Cold.

What else was there to feel?

Sadness? Anguish? Sorrow? Closure? Yearning? 

No.

The young Kousei Arima felt none of these things. 

All he felt was cold.

On the outside, he felt the cold, chilly air biting at the exposed bits of skin on his face, neck, and wrists where the gloves couldn’t quite reach. Every once in a while, a frigid snowflake would land on the tip of his nose and he would wipe it off in annoyance. 

On the inside, his temperature was much worse. Not because he was burning up with a fever, but because, in terms of emotion, he had no temperature at all. 

He was just numb. 

Numb to the pain.

Numb to the devastation.

Numb to the unfairness and injustice of it all. 

Kaori Miyazono was dead. And there was nothing he could do about it. 

The girl he’d loved. The girl who had inspired him to rise above his past, defeat the darkness, and play the piano again. And yet, despite being one of the kindest souls he had met, despite being the most joyful and lively person anyone could know, the world had taken her away. She was six feet underground, her body sitting in a coffin devoid of life. And while she was down there, he was up here. 

But again, there was nothing Kousei could do about it. All he could do was kneel at Kaori’s grave and gaze at her smiling face. A face full of life and hope, and a face which seemed to jump out of the photo frame at him. If only that were possible. He’d give everything for that to happen in this cold, bleak moment on this cold, bleak day. 

“Thank you for coming today, Kousei,” 

Kousei didn’t even turn around, for he already knew who was addressing him.

“No problem Mr. Miyazono,” Kousei muttered. 

“You brought much happiness and smiles into our daughter’s life, Kousei,” Ryouko added. “We can never truly repay your kindness.”

“I’m just glad I was able to help,” Kousei shrugged, still staring at Kaori’s gravestone. 

Kaori’s parents knelt beside him, their consoling hands on his shoulders as they all mourned the loss of someone precious to them. For Kaori’s parents, they now shared the tragic reality of being parents who had had to bury their child. And as for Kousei, he would never get a chance to confess his true feelings for Kaori, or ever hear her sweet laugh again.

The three of them stood up after some time, the Miyazonos giving Kousei a warm embrace to comfort him. They also asked the boy if he was alright, to which Kousei assured them he was doing just fine. 

“If you need anything, just stop by our bakery any time okay?” Yoshiyuki smiled. 

“Thank you sir,” Kousei said, a small and insincere smile flickering across his face. 

After Kaori’s parents departed the cemetery, Kousei still stayed behind. The other funeral attendees had left by now, leaving Kousei alone with his numb solace and silent torture. But the boy didn’t mind. If there was one thing his late mother’s abuse and the bullying at piano competitions had taught him, it was to never show weakness when anyone was watching. Even your friends. 

By now, the numb ice in Kousei’s soul was beginning to thaw, and in it’s place a small but definite spark of bitterness began to burn. As he knelt by Kaori’s grave, Kousei began to feel the anger that had been building up inside him ever since the day Kaori had first been admitted to the hospital. This anger was directed at a lot of things. He was angry that he couldn’t save her. He was angry at the doctors for not having been able to cure her. He was angry at everyone who had ever called him The Human Metronome or his mother’s puppet. 

And there was someone else Kousei was angry at…but at the moment, he couldn’t remember who. 

“Hey bro, you doing okay?” 

“Hey Watari,” Kousei mumbled, again not even bothering to turn his head. 

“I noticed you were still here so I just wanted to check on you before I head home,” Watari elaborated. “You wanna come get something to eat? The burger joint just down the street has some great lemonade.”

“Thanks Watari, but I’m okay,” Kousei said. “I just want to be alone for a while.”

Watari sighed. He’d heard that tone of voice from Kousei before. And every time he heard it, it always meant that Kousei didn’t even trust him, his longtime best friend, with the sorrows of his heart. However, Watari knew this would only be temporary, and conceded to his friend’s wishes. 

“Sure thing Kousei,” Watari said. “Just call me up if you need something okay?” 

“I will,” Kousei replied. 

As Watari walked away, more memories of his time with Kaori began to come to the forefront of Kousei’s mind. He remembered the first day they’d met in the park by Towa Hall. He remembered her first performance of Beethoven’s Kreutzer onstage. He remembered her fair smile, sweet laugh, and love of chocolate caneles.

But in all of those memories, there seemed to be an interruption. An anomaly. Something that always jumped in and kept him from confessing his true feelings to Kaori. 

No, not something. Someone.

And then the realization struck Kousei. 

The interruption–was Watari. 

Ryota Watari. 

Yes, that’s right. Kousei had never voiced his true feelings for her because of him. Kaori had wanted to meet Watari that day, not him. She, like all the other girls in their school, had admired Watari from afar before introducing herself to him. And every time Kousei had visited Kaori in the hospital, Watari had been there, overshadowing him with his gentleman-like charm and superior looks.

Yes, that was it. Now Kousei understood. He’d stayed silent out of respect for his friend. He didn’t want to create a dramatic love triangle of him and Watari competing for Kaori’s affections. And yet, despite his upstanding character and respect, what had Watari given him in return?

Kousei knew the answer to that. Nothing. 

Watari had enjoyed Kaori’s attention and admiration, had soaked it up all for himself. 

Even well after Kousei had told him of his feelings for Kaori. 

Now, Kaori was gone, and Kousei would never get the chance to tell her how he felt. 

A new fire was rising inside the distraught pianist. A fire that, if it had physical form, 

would’ve burned all of Japan to the ground. 

A fire of hatred.

A fire of vengeance.

A fire of bitterness. 

All directed at the one person who had betrayed and stolen everything from him…

Watari…

Watari…

Watari. 

……………………………..

Many miles away, out in deep space, a malevolent force was amassing its fleet just 

beyond Saturn’s rings. The name of this force?

The Confederacy of Independent Systems. 

Their troops? 

Tens of thousands of battle droids,varying in size, shape, and combat capability. 

Their leader?

The evil, dastardly Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Sidious. Until just a few weeks ago, he'd 

concealed his identity behind the facade of Chancellor Palaptine, the benevolent and altruistic leader of the Galactic Republic. 

Until that meddlesome trooper had foiled his plan. What was his name again? Ah yes. ARC Trooper Fives. 

Even now, Sidious’s very soul boiled with rage at the infuriating memory of the events as he sat in his flagship’s Meditation Chamber. 

One premature execution of Order 66. One trooper’s control chip malfunctioning. And that was all it had taken. Fives had investigated, and incriminated him in front of all the Jedi. And worse yet, he had turned Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One, against him.

Fortunately, Darth Sidious had formed a contingency plan for this very event long ago. Ideally, he would never have had to enact it. But such was the way of things. 

“Master?” 

Sidious barely lifted his gaze as he heard the doors to the chamber hiss open behind him. Count Dooku walked in, his brown cape flapping behind him, as he knelt before his master. 

“How go the preparations, my apprentice?” 

“They progress in our favor, Lord Sidious,” Dooku reported. “Our probes have confirmed that the atmosphere of this planet will help conceal our fleet should the Republic track us here. And there are many nearby moons where we can establish outposts.” 

“Very good, Lord Tyrannus,” Sidious replied, addressing Dooku by his Sith name. “If our fleet is at alert, we can look beyond this system. Let us meditate and see what we can find.”

“Yes, my master,” Dooku nodded, sitting on the bench next to Sidious. The dark red lights in the chamber grew even dimmer as the two Sith Lords began their meditation. 

At first, they sensed nothing.

A few nearby planets, an asteroid field farther out, but nothing out of the ordinary. 

Then, Sidious sensed something. 

No, some one .

But who was it? A Jedi? A long lost, exiled Sith? Sidious couldn’t tell. 

He concentrated harder, willing the Dark Side of th Force to come to his aid and help him discover the identity of this individual. Whoever they were, their emotions were a torrent of anguish and sorrow, both of which were easy to detect with the Dark Side. 

And then, Sidious saw it. 

A broken visage, but still with enough clarity to give him the image of a young boy in a cemetery, kneeling at the grave of someone he’d lost. His short black hair matched his black glasses, and his blue eyes were devoid of all feeling. Who had he lost? A family member, perhaps? Someone he loved? Either way, this boy was overflowing with pain and suffering. And if Sidious concentrated just a little bit harder, he could sense that the boy was strong in the Force. 

And as of now, the Dark Side was raging within him, begging to be let out. 

Sidious smiled as he opened his eyes. 

“You sensed it too, my master?” Dooku asked. 

“Yes, I did,” Sidious confirmed. “I think it’s time we take a more drastic approach to solving our dilemma, my apprentice. Let us continue meditating to find out what we can about this world.” 

…………………………

“Oh my goodness! Please! No!” Ryouko Miyazono screamed.

Her husband Yoshiyuki dashed into the bedroom, fists clenched and frying pan at the ready. But he did not see any intruder or foul insect berating his wife. Instead, he found her kneeling on the floor, sobbing above a pile of papers that she had pulled out of her purse. 

“Honey? What’s the matter?” he said.

“The letter!” she cried. “I lost it!”

“What letter?” Yoshiyuki asked. 

“Kaori’s letter! The one she wrote for Arima! I lost it! We never gave it to him! Whatever words she had written for him, Kousei will never get to see!”

Yoshiyuki felt a strange fear come over him as he processed the news. He and his wife had at least gained some closure from Kaori’s parting words to them. But Arima had now been cheated of that due to the forgetfulness of him and his wife. 

He knelt down beside her, taking her into his arms and comforting her as best as he could. 

“It’s okay, dear,” Yoshiyuki assured her. “Everything is going to be alright.”

Never before in human history had a more erroneous statement ever been made.

Chapter Text

“Hey bud!” Hiroko called from downstairs. “I got some mail from the Okutsu College Music School!” 

“Sure thing Hiroko,” Kousei called back with halfhearted vigor. “I’ll be right down.”

Straightening the tie on his school uniform, Kousei made sure his school bag was full 

before sauntering down the wooden stairs. As usual, Koharu was drinking apple juice from her sippy cup while Hiroko was finishing up a batch of rice balls. After giving Koharu a hug, Kousei sat down and prayed his blessing before digging into the eggs and bacon set before him. 

“You’re not gonna believe this Kousei,” Hiroko said as she held up the letter. “You did it! 

You got into their high school prep track!” 

Kousei just skimmed the letter as he finished his food, his expression still flatter than a 

mesa as he read the life-changing news. 

“Thanks Hiroko,” he mumbled, washing down his food with some gulps of water. 

“Look at you go,” Hiroko praised him as she set some rice balls into his lunch bag. 

“Going from robotic player to maestro in one performance. You’ll get to go to high school and college in the same place now, while getting a college-level education the whole time.”

“It was Kaori who helped me get here in the first place,” Kousei seethed as he gnawed on a difficult section of bacon. But he didn’t want to take his bitterness out on Hiroko. She was only trying to look out for him after all. 

Sensing the boy’s distress, Hiroko moved to his seat and hugged him from behind. Not one to miss out when affection was being doled out, Koharu jumped down from her chair and ran over to join them.

“I know you’re hurting, Kousei,” Hiroko consoled him. “I was Kaori was still here too. She did what I was never able to do. Help you find peace.”

“It seems the peace didn’t last that long,” Kousei muttered. 

“Kousei, I’ve watched you grow in your playing and academics since you were four,” Hiroko said. “I’ve seen you play even when you didn’t want to. And that takes a special kind of strength.”

“It’s not just that I’m sad that she’s gone, Hiroko,” Kousei replied. “It’s something else. Something I can’t quite explain.”

“Tell ya what,” Hiroko said, looking at her watch. “How about you finish your food, brush your teeth, get to school on time, and you can think about how to explain it to me during the day. Sound okay?”

“Yeah, sure,” Kousei said, allowing a small smile to form on his lips. 

The walk to school was uneventful, and Kousei barely acknowledged the passing cars and chilly breeze as the winter air bit at his nose. He didn’t even flinch when Watari snuck up behind him at the school entrance. Or wrinkle his nose when the stench of the school bathroom hit his nostrils.

The entire day, his body was in his classroom seat. But his mind was focusing on trying to identify the feeling he wanted to explain to Hiroko. What was it, exactly? What was this dark, insidious feeling that nibbled and clawed at his agonized soul?

It wasn’t sorrow, nor the sting of unrequited love, for Kousei already had plenty of experience identifying those. 

Was it anxiety?

Fear? 

Emptiness?

A mixture of those?

The studious scholar that he was, Kousei still managed to pass his exam and take all the required notes. On the way home, Watari joined him, his upbeat demeanors a stark contrast to Kousei’s glum countenance.

“Hey man, what’s up,” Watari grinned at him. “Guess whose got another date night with that hot chick from his math class?”

Kousei gave Watari a blank stare, a silent reminder to Watari of his heightened sensitivity to the topic of love. Watari cringed in understanding, then continued on.

“Anyways, the new issue of that manga we like is out. Wanna swing by the bookstore and get it?”

“I don’t think I’ll buy it, but I’ll still come with you,” Kousei mumbled with a faint smile. 

The bookstore stop was brief, with Watari insisting on buying Kousei a copy of the manga even when Kousei refused. Continuing home, Watari chatted away about his school day and his excitement at eighth grade year almost being over. Every time he tried to bring Kousei into the conversation, Kousei would give him a bare-minimum affirmation and force himself to laugh. Watari wasn’t having any of it, and attempted to coax more liveliness out of his friend.

“Hello, earth to Kousei,” he teased, snapping her fingers. “Live a little, would ya? We’re finally going to be out of middle school.” 

That was when something snapped inside Kousei. 

“Yeah, you’re right. I can finally get away from you !” 

And for the first time in his life, Watari was stunned into silence. 

“Do you have any comprehension of what I am going through?” Kousei yelled at Watari. “How much it hurts? The girl I loved it gone, and I never got a chance to say goodbye. And all you can think about is manga and date nights!”

Watari felt a tear forming in his eye, and he went to wipe it away. He’d seen Kousei get mildly annoyed before, and yes, even heard him shout.

But there seemed to be something else behind this outburst. Because never before had he seen this level of fiery darkness burning in Kousei’s eyes. 

Not once. 

It seemed, however, that Kousei was also surprised at himself, and he took deep breaths to calm himself down. 

“I’m sorry, Watari,” he said. “I had no right to speak to you that way. You were just trying to cheer me up.” 

Watari smiled, and put his arm around Kousei’s shoulder. 

“Hey, don’t sweat it man. You’re right. I wasn’t being considerate. How about we just call it a day and have a movie night later this week?”

“That does sound good,” Kousei agreed. 

Eventually, the time came where Kousei and Watari’s path home split off, and Kousei bid his friend farewell. Making his way down his street, Kousei walked until he saw the sign for his house. He was about to go towards his front door. 

But then he heard something. 

The sound of digging. 

Not from Tsubaki’s house, which was to the right of his home, but from the house to the left. Kousei was somewhat perplexed, as he’d never recalled his other neighbors ever being out and about. Weren’t they a retired couple who rarely went outside? His curiosity was piqued, so Kousei went to investigate. 

An elderly gentleman, wearing black boots, blue jeans and green winter coat, dug away at the weeds in his yard in a dutiful manner. Sensing Kousei’s presence, he looked up, and Kousei saw the man’s blue eyes and the gentle wrinkles on his face. 

“Oh, pardon me young man, I did not see you there,” the old man smiled. “I was just uprooting some weeds.”

“Oh no, my apologies sir,” Kousei bowed, remembering to respect his elder. “I’ve just never heard anyone out here in the yard before.”

“Ah yes, I believe the previous residents here were not that outgoing,” the old man chuckled. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Mister Ibako, and I recently moved in to your neighborhood. I haven’t yet had a chance to meet the other residents here. What is your name?”

“I’m Kousei Arima, sir,” Kousei replied. “Very nice to meet you. I hope our neighborhood can be a welcoming place for you.” 

“Why thank you, Kousei Arima,” Mr. Ibako smiled. “Say, your name sounds familiar. You wouldn’t by chance, happen to be the same Arima I’ve heard about who plays the piano?”

At this remark, Kousei grew sheepish, and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. 

“Oh, well, yes, but it’s nothing Mr. Ibako.”

“Nothing? My boy, your fame extends even past Tokyo and beyond the shores of this nation. I used to teach at a music school, and a pupil of mine who came here for a vacation heard you play once. He said it was like nothing he’d ever heard.”

For some odd reason, Kousei’s flustered state allowed a laugh to escape his lips, and he hid his surprise at the sound of his own laughter. Mr. Ibako joined in, and walked over to put a consoling hand on Kousei’s shoulder. 

“You have inspired the hearts of many, my boy, and your skill is to be commended. If you don’t mind my asking, I would like to be notified when you have another performance. I shall watch your career with great interest.”

“Well, I’m a bit busy right now,” Kousei said, feeling a sense of comfort and appreciation from Mr. Ibako’s words. “But thank you sir.” 

“Of course, my boy,” Mr. Ibako said. “I must get back to work, but I will see you another time.”

“Take care, Mr. Ibako,” Kousei said with another bow, and returned to his home.

Finishing his round of weed-digging, Mr. Ibako returned inside. His eyes turned yellow and dark power filled his veins.

He was no mere gardener.

He was Darth Sidious. 

And he had confirmed his suspicions about the young Kousei Arima. 

On the outside, the boy was humble, meek, and polite. 

But deep beneath the facade, was a searing loss that ripped and tore at the heart of all that was Kousei Arima. And this loss fueled something even more important: a desire for revenge. 

Which was all that Darth Sidious needed. 

Landing on this world in the dead of night had been the easy part, though a sealed cloaked drop pod disguised as a rogue meteor wasn’t his preferred method of transport. The harder part had been finding the appropriate government agency that could forge a new identity for him, as this nation had separate bureaucracies that attended to those details. No matter though. Sidious had found the Department of Citizen Information building, mind-tricked their personnel into issuing him a proper ID and records, then located this house next to Arima. Whether by a miracle of the Force, or just luck, the previous couple had passed away recently. And Sidious had been able to establish his identity in mere hours. 

He couldn’t help but snub his nose at the antiquated technology of this planet. These people didn’t even have holoprojectors! 

But he was digressing. He’d succeeded in the most important part of his plan. And now he could move forward. 

Keying the holoprojector he’d taken with him, he saw the hologram of Dooku fade into view. 

“This world will be an easy conquest for us, Lord Tyrannus,” Sidious said. “And I believe we may have found a potential ally.”

Chapter Text

“Good day, General Skywalker,” Fives said, standing to attention.

“At ease, trooper,” Anakin smiled. “How goes the training?”

“Very well, General,” Fives reported. “The repurposed cargo containers have proved to be splendid replicas of urban terrain. Echo and I have been training the shinies in house clearing for the past two hours.”

Anakin nodded, very impressed by the trooper’s dedication. Despite everyone having called him crazy, Fives had followed his hunches and waited for the right moment to expose the Chancellor. Not only that, but even Shaak Ti had sensed the trooper’s concerns were legitimate, and had waited outside the Chancellor’s office that day and heard the whole conversation. 

And that was all it had taken.

The malfunctioning of one organic brain chip.

The courage of one ARC trooper.

The foresight of Jedi Master Shaak Ti.

All of which had served to reveal the Chancellor as the Sith Lord he really was. 

Now, aboard the Venator Conviction , the 501st was getting ready for another voyage into the Wild Space region of the galaxy. 

“Your report is very encouraging, Captain Fives. Keep up the good work, and have the new troops ready for a mission briefing in the West Hangar at 1300.”

“Yes sir!” Fives said, putting his helmet back on and resuming his duties. 

As Anakin walked away from the scene, he felt the old feelings come back.

The anger.

The betrayal.

The confusion.

How had Palpatine been able to hide his true intentions for so long? And why had he, Anakin, been so gullible as to almost fall into his trap?

“Reviewing the training progress again?” Obi-Wan said as he joined Anakin on his walk through the Venator’s hangar. 

“Yes Master,” Anakin said. “Fives seems to be a very inspirational leader for his troops.”

“Good. For this hunt, we’re going to need all the inspiring leaders we can get. 

Obi-Wan sensed something was amiss in Anakin’s emotions, and put his hand on the Jedi Knight’s shoulder.

“Anakin. It wasn’t your fault. None of us knew who he was.”

“But I still can’t help but blame myself.” 

“Of course, Anakin. I understand. But I know how you resisted Palpatine that day when he fled. And the Council does as well. We will win this fight, Anakin.”

“Thank you, Master. I needed to hear that.”

………………………………

“Welcome in, Kousei,” Yoshiyuki grinned. “Come on in and help yourself to whatever you wish.”

“Thank you sir,” Kousei said.

Part of him didn’t even want to be here. All this place did was remind him of Kaori. But he was one of the few in the community who had felt the loss of Kaori as much as her parents, and wanted to show kindness to them. Setting his school bag down, he got out his homework for the day and began thumbing through the pages of his textbook methodically. He wouldn’t have any trouble completing the homework. He never did. But it still sucked the life out of his already ruined soul. 

“Here are some leftover pastries, Arima,” Ryouki said, placing the plate beside him with a big smile. “I hope you like strawberries.”

“Thank you ma’am,” Kousei replied, taking one of the chocolate coated pastries. Despite his glum mood, Kousei’s sense of taste had not been dulled. The strawberry filling flooded his mouth with a fresh and sweet taste that seemed to wipe away the sadness, even if for only a few moments. 

Upon completing his homework, Kousei asked where their piano room was, to which Ryouku directed him upstairs. Opening up the first door on the right, Kousei immediately saw how their piano room was very different from his. For starters, a bright red carpet covered the floor. The grand piano didn’t even have one speck of dust. And every single shelf was white with pink decorations such as flowers, hearts, and cupcakes.

Kousei blinked back tears. Maybe coming here was a bad idea. 

No. He had to practice. He steeled his resolve and sat down at the piano. He set up his phone to begin recording, for Kaori had taught him the importance of listening to his own playing. Straightening his school tie and adjusting his glasses, he opened his school bag and set up his practice book on the piano’s music rack. The piece he was practicing?

The Melody From Orfeo by Christoph Willibald Gluck.

His reason for playing this piece?

Well, Okutsu College stressed the importance of being able to play piano arrangements of orchestral pieces. Once Kousei had mastered this piece, he would be better prepared for the first part of his training curriculum in the fall. 

Taking a deep breath, he readied his fingers, looked at the first measure, and began playing the piece. 

The piece was quite exquisite. Kousei found himself being taken away by the melody as he played through each measure. However, some of the chord combinations were odd, and he fought the urge to grit his teeth when he stumbled. In the end, he only made a handful of mistakes. But after he finished the piece and played back his recording, he cringed. 

Just like when he and Kaori had first met, his playing was boring and mechanical, with no soul or liveliness behind it. 

Kousei played through the piece again, making an effort to pay attention to dynamic shifts and add his own artistic expression. The playback sounded a bit better after that, so Kousei played it again. It got better, but Kousei still couldn’t help but feel a nagging in his heart that something was missing. And that was when he realized, yet again, what that something was.

Kaori Miyazono.

Kousei sighed. Now was not the time for that. He played through the piece again, then marked spots where he was having trouble with a pencil.

“That piece sounds very good,” Yoshiyuki said as he walked into the piano room. “Is that Mozart?”

“Christoph Willibald Gluck, actually,” Kousei answered. “Seems Okutsu College wants us to practice this piece over the summer for scholarship auditions.”

“Wow, no kidding,” Kaori’s dad said. “You’re playing sounds amazing, Kousei. As always.”

“Thank you, sir,” Kousei said. “I just think it would be better if–,”

He stopped himself.

“If what?” Yoshiyuki said, oblivious.

“Nothing, sir,” 

That was when Yoshiyuki understood.

“If Kaori were here?”

Kousei’s head drooped. What was he thinking trying to hide that from Kaori’s father?

“I didn’t mean to ruin the day sir,” Kousei said. “I can go home to continue my practice.”

“Hey, stop,” Kaori’s father said. “It’s okay. Have a seat, Kousei.”

Kousei sat back down on the piano bench, blaming himself for the awkward shift in mood.

“And now I’ll just get a boring polite lecture of how it’s not a big deal.” Kousei thought to himself.

But no. Kaori’s father sat beside him with a gentle and genuine compassion. Despite his bulky build and strong jaw, Yoshiyuki exuded empathy and understanding. Both of which he used to console the young pianist.

“Arima, my wife and I have been feeling many things in the wake of Kaori’s passing,” Yoshiyuki began. “Grief, loss, and yes, anger. Of course it’s going to be difficult for us when we start seeing our other couple friends with their children again. But Kousei, we opened our doors to you and Ms. Hiroko Seto because we know you share in that pain. And we want to do anything but hide from it. So please, Arima, don’t you feel like you have to suppress your grief around us.”

Kousei felt a few tears fall from his eyes, and he wiped them on his shirt sleeve. Yoshiyuki had said exactly what he needed to hear, and for the first time in weeks, Kousei felt some of the burden of Kaori’s loss be alleviated from his spirit. He felt a new hope rising up inside him as he looked at the sheet music.

He had to fight on. He had to keep playing. For the sake of Kaori..

“Thank you sir. I needed that.”

“Any time, young man,” Kaori’s father said. “We’ve got you covered.”

“Honey, come quick!”

Yoshiyuki’s face bore an expression of concern as he rose to his feet and ran down the stairs. Frightened, Kousei also bolted down the stairs to see what the matter was. A rude patron? A criminal?

His question was answered as he reached the front lobby of the bakery and saw the news report on the TV screen.

“They’re right there, dear!” Ryouku exclaimed. “Beings from another world!”

Yoshiyuki held his wife close to him as the news report unfolded. Even Kousei’s lifeless eyes began to regain their spark as he looked at the images on the screen. 

Spaceships. Lots of them. Big, gray, triangular spaceships with stark red stripes running down their centers, and an emblem of a golden-and-red circle emblazoned on their port and starboard sides.

“The Cabinet Office is confirming at this time that positive radio contact was made with these starships,” the news reporter droned on. “However, the Prime Minister said that the nature of the contact was distinctly non-hostile.”

The camera cut to a shot of the Prime Minister.

“The beings on the starships are humans, just like us,” the Prime Minister said to a horde of reporters. “And the message they sent us was one of peace, not war.”

Much to Kousei’s relief, the message from the commander of the spaceships played back and confirmed what the Prime Minister was saying.”

“We come to your planet in peace, and have no quarrel with you. We will send a delegation down to meet your leaders before landing any troops. If we do not receive permission to set foot here, we will move on without objection.”

The camera cut back to the face of the reporter, a short woman with elegant black hair and wearing a sparkling blue dress.

“The Prime Minister and the Cabinet Office are ensuring everyone that there is no need to evacuate or panic at this time. However, military units will be mobilized for added security. Please stay tuned for more updates as we cover this breaking news.”

Kousei couldn’t believe his eyes and ears.

Beings from another world?

Humans from another world?

What were they doing here?

Would he still be able to go to school?

More importantly…what did they want?

Chapter Text

Anakin couldn’t help but be impressed. No, this world did not have all of the fancy technology from his galaxy. And this country in particular, the nation of Japan, was not nearly as prestigious as Naboo. But the steadfast bearing of this nation’s Prime Minister and Emperor despite their technological shortcomings?

Anakin was confident these leaders would be good assets to the Republic’s cause. 

“Thank you again for letting my master, my Padawan, and I, come down to meet you, Prime Minister Yagamu,” Anakin said. “And to you, Emperor Hakeda. We appreciate the warm welcome to your world.”

“And I am C-3PO, Human-Cyborg relations,” Anakin’s golden protocol droid greeted with his usual robotic politeness. “Should there be any need for translation, I am at your service.”

“You will find that not every nation in this world would have shared our sentiment had you contacted them first, Master Jedi,” Emperor Hakeda chuckled. “As such, my Prime Minister and I are quite grateful to have the honor of being your hosts.”

“This world consists of more than one nation?” Ahsoka asked.

“Yes, young Jedi,” Prime Minister Yagamu chimed in. “One hundred and ninety-five to be precise. Our nation in particular stands proudly in alliance with nations such as the United States and Australia.”

“I see,” Obi-Wan smiled. “So, I am assuming you’ve already read our reports. Do you have reason to believe that our target, Darth Sidious, landed here in your country?”

“We only have rumors, some fuzzy security footage, and suspicions, Master Jedi,” the Emperor answered. “Nevertheless, we do believe that it is worth looking into. And we are willing to negotiate allowing your troops to land on our shores. However, there are other details we must attend to first.”

“Rest assured, Honorable Emperor, that we will be happy to fulfill anything you may ask of us,” C-3PO said. “What is it that we must do?”

“Well, to start, it is imperative that you come with us to the United States and Australia,” the Prime Minister said sternly. “That way, our allies will not accuse us of hiding essential military dealings and we can avoid an international incident.”

“Then we will do that,” Anakin nodded. “With respect, may we use our shuttle for our transport? It is much faster than some of the commercial aircraft we’ve seen in this world.”

“No offense taken, good sir,” Emperor Hakeda nodded. “We would be glad to start getting accustomed to the technology from your world.”

“However, we will be taking along extra security with us for our stop in the United States,” Prime Minister Yagamu said. “With respect to our ally, the hyper-offended activists and conspiracy theorists in that country can get…infuriating.”

………………………….

“It’s the real thing, man,” Watari said with excitement as he showed Kousei more pictures of the spaceships he’d printed out in the library. “Beings from another world. And they’re not here to attack us.”

Despite having seen the circulating headlines and pictures hundreds of times, Kousei’s mind was still ridden with hundreds of questions. Was this intergalactic civilization true in their peaceful intentions? Would they bring peace to the world? What kind of food did they eat? What were their customs for things like music and birthdays? 

“Hello, Earth to Kousei,” Watari snapped his fingers in front of his face.

“Oh, right, sorry,” Kousei blinked in embarrassment. 

“No worries bro. I think everyone’s mind is on those spaceship thingies right now. This math class is about to be so boring.”

Despite having been one of the most studious individuals in his grade, Kousei found that for the first time, he actually was feeling bored in math class. There was so much to do, see, and learn about. He’d never cared for frivolous internet rabbit holes before, but now he had the odd urge to run to the library and search up every possible thing on extraterrestrial life that there was to find.

He would still avoid Reddit, though…there was no exception to be made for that cesspool.

At long last, the school day ended, and Kousei took a different route through the halls. Instead of going to the piano room, he went to the library, sat down at a computer, and began his research.

“Doing something different for once, ay?” Watari teased him.

“Shh!” the librarian chastised, holding a finger to her mouth.

“Hey guys,” Tsubaki said in a low voice as she joined the two of them at their table. 

“Hey Tsubaki,” Kousei said as he typed in his first search prompt. 

“Everything alright with those entrance exams Tsubaki?” Watari asked.

“Yup,” Tsubaki smiled. “I’ll be having to narrow down my choices for high school soon.”

Tsubaki mostly reviewed her notes for exams next week, while Watari joined Kousei on his research into alien life. At first, Kousei just saw the standard timelines. The Sputnik scare, Sputnik II, Neil Armstrong landing on the moon, etc. But when it came to theories on alien life, confirmed contact with extraterrestrials, and other unconfirmed hunches, Kousei couldn’t help but groan as he read conspiracy theory after conspiracy theory. 

“So much for our species being intelligent,” he muttered to himself.

“This one looks kind of cool,” Watari said, pointing at the screen. Upon clicking the link, Kousei was just brought to another movie-review of a B-rate alien movie that had aired long ago. 

“Nice one Watari,” Kousei rolled his eyes.

“Hey, it was worth a try, right?”

Then, Kousei found something interesting. 

A scholarly article from the website of an American University, with the title naming an ancient tribe from the continent of South America. Clicking the link, Kousei was relieved to have a lead at last.

“Hm. Never heard of these guys,” Watari said as he jotted down more notes.

“Neither have I,” Kousei agreed.

“Let me guess. Some tribe that our history class just glossed over?” Tsubaki asked.

“Not even,” Kousei said. “I don’t think this civilization was even mentioned.

Now it was Tsubaki’s turn to be curious, and both her and Watari looked over Kousei’s shoulder as he read. 

The tribe name, Tenebris , was simple enough to read and pronounce. The most definite detail was how they had been one of the native tribes of Chile. What Kousei had not anticipated was just how much mystery surrounded their existence. According to this source, there had been few recorded interactions with them in history. Some accounts had detailed the leader having yellow eyes and being able to shoot lightning from his fingertips. His sword fighting skills were unparalleled in the land, and the only reason was eventually defeated was when a sharpshooter had gotten in a lucky shot. Beyond that, there was not much else. Still, Kousei was satisfied to have found at least one solid lead.

The trio of friends soon finished their time in the library and, like old times, walked home together as a group. This time, however, Kousei noticed his new neighbor was absent, and couldn’t help but be curious. 

“Hey Tsubaki,” he said. “Did you ever meet the new neighbor who moved in?”

“Huh?”

“On the other side of my house,” Kousei clarified. “His name is Mr. Ibako. He was gardening out here the other day.”

“Hm. Can’t say I’ve met him yet,” Tsubaki shrugged. “Maybe I’ll introduce myself next time he’s out here. I’ll see you tomorrow okay?”

“See you tomorrow,” Kousei waved. 

Upstairs in the piano room, Kousei couldn’t help but feel a nagging uneasiness at the back of his mind. The lights hadn’t even been on in the window. So where had Mr. Ibako gone so suddenly? Was he about to lose a new neighbor that quickly?

Kousei just sighed and continued practicing the Beethoven piece. If it happened, oh well. Suffering was nothing new to him.

The desire for revenge festering inside of him, though…that was new. 

…………………………………..

Palpatine was impressed and even somewhat fearful of the discipline of these monks. These mountains in this world’s nation of Tibet were unforgiving enough. So the fact that these monks were able to stay spiritually attuned to the Force despite their adverse surroundings was no joke.

But as much as Palpatine wanted to stay and admire their customs, he couldn’t.

He was here for one reason, and one reason alone.

To find the hidden shrine of his old master. 

Chapter Text

“You’re not serious,” Anakin groaned.

“Sadly, I am sir,” Fives’s hologram sighed. “Commander Rex and I have been hearing these chants for the past three hours outside the US Capitol.”

“They actually think your armor is somehow oppressive just because it’s colored white?”

“Yes sir,” Fives facepalmed. “Some nonsense about how it inherently marginalizes minorities or something.”

“Oh great,” Anakin sighed. “Do any of them know how you’re all copies of one man and therefore have no nationality or identity outside of the Republic?”

“Commander Rex and I are just letting them scream, sir,” Fives replied. “It’s very clear 

these particular individuals willingly want to block out things they disagree with. And that’s not even counting the other side.”

“The other side?”

“Apparently, across from the aforementioned group, there are individuals now accusing 

this nation’s government of having known about us all along,” Fives elaborated. “And now, they think we’re here to let the Lizard People take over and prove that this planet is flat.”

“The Trandoshans?” Anakin raised an eyebrow.

“Negative, sir. Apparently, these people believe their government to be run by shape-shifting lizards.”

Anakin pressed his fingers between his eyes.

“Who even are these people? Some kind of extremists?”

“Negative, General Skywalker,” Fives shook his head. “Worse. Just plain idiots.”

Fives ducked as a plastic bottle whizzed harmlessly over his head.

“Well, I’ll talk with Ahsoka and see if we have any extra troops to spare. We might be able to switch you out soon. Until then, keep protecting the Capitol.”

“Roger that, sir,” Fives saluted, and the hologram faded out. 

Prime Minister Yaguma chuckled. “The Americans are quite an interesting bunch, hm?”

“Ugh. And I thought Tatooine was bad.”

“Your troops will be fine, I assure you,” the Prime Minister told Anakin. “In the meantime, I suggest you and your compatriots review what you wish to say to the United Nations. If you couldn’t already tell, word spreads fast on our planet and you’ll need to put everyone’s minds at ease in this press conference.”

“Of course, Prime Minister,” Anakin nodded. “We will get on that right away.”

One very long and insufferable meeting before the United Nations, later, Anakin was more than ready to meditate for hours and clear his mind. But this adventure was not over yet. 

“Master, Obi-Wan says we still need to organize a presentation before the people of Japan tomorrow to show that we are there as an ally.”

“Very well then, Snips,” Anakin sighed. “Looks like we got some event planning to do.”

…………………………………

Kousei had never witnessed something so incredible in his life.

Normally, he’d never taken any interest in parades, let alone military parades. Usually, it had always been Watari or Tsubaki who would have to drag him to one.

And yet, this time, he’d come here of his own volition, and he couldn’t take his eyes off the spectacle. 

There they were, right before his eyes, clear as day.

The Republic’s speech to the United Nations had only been yesterday, so as such, the festivities were only beginning.

Troopers dressed in stark, shiny white armor, marching proudly beside soldiers of the Japanese Defense Force and Japanese Marines. Their dark black rifles glistened threateningly in the sunlight, and they were never out of step once. Massive walkers on six legs stomped forward, flanked by armored cars and battle tanks. Then these weird speeder tanks with two guns on the side, along with nimble two-legged walkers. After those were the really massive tanks that rumbled forward on ten enormous wheels. On the bigger floats, Kousei saw strange yet majestic warriors dressed in brown robes who waved and smiled at the cheering spectators. Meanwhile, from the lead armored car, an army officer made his announcement. 

“It is with grateful hearts and utmost respect that we welcome these new guests from the Galactic Republic!” the officer’s voice boomed over his megaphone. “Rest assured that these troops are not here as an invasion force, but as an ally! They shall protect our shores, train with our troops, and they will not force us to go to war!”

Well, Kousei was most definitely relieved to hear that. That much was certain.

“Pretty cool, huh?” Watari said next to him as he sipped his smoothie.

“Yeah…yeah, sure,” Kousei said, his mind not entirely focused on what Watari was saying.

“It’s so weird to find out we really haven’t been alone in this big galaxy of ours,” Tsubaki smiled as she snapped photos of the awesome military machines.

“Well, maybe these guys can finally help us get our pollution problem fixed,” Kashiwagi, Tsubaki’s friend, shrugged as she munched on her chips.

“Or help make school actually fun,” Watari added.

“All you think about is food and girls,” Tsubaki snickered. “Do you seriously think you could march with those guys?”

“Maybe I couldn’t. But Kousei could.”

“Wait, what?” Kousei blinked in surprise.

“Come on piano man, you could totally put on one of those suits of armor and run into battle like those guys!” Watari joked. “I’d be cheering you on!”

“What the–no, no, no!” Kousei waved his hands.

“What? You’re not scared are you?”

Kousei facepalmed as his friend continued to taunt him. “Real mature, Watari.”

“Come on man,” Watari winked. “You might even get some ladies.”

“Give that a rest already!” Kousei suddenly snapped.

Watari was taken aback. “Kousei…,”

“Kousei, chill out,” Tsubaki exclaimed. “You scared me!”

Kousei’s eyes remained locked with Watari’s for a few seconds, and Watari gulped as he saw a new look of anger in his friend’s eyes. Then, Kousei took a deep breath and apologized.

“I’m sorry, Watari. I had no right to speak to you that way.”

“It’s okay bro,” Watari assured him. “Let’s just enjoy this parade.”

Tsubaki couldn’t help but be alarmed. This wasn’t the first time Kousei had flown into an outburst like that. Something was wrong.

And it wasn’t just the noisy crowds.

…………………………………….

Palpatine smiled. 

His old master had done it.

He’d concealed his discovery of this planet in Wild Space, and left only a few clues behind for whoever sensed his discovery in the Force later.

Palpatine had always wondered why Plageuis had stressed concentrating to the point where one could sense other planets in the Force. Now he understood.

Plageuis had also had a contingency plan for if the Jedi had gained the upper hand.

“Do you need any further assistance in this shrine, sir?” one of the monks asked.

“No, I think not,” Palpatine smiled at the young monk. “I’ll just spend some more time looking around, but thank you.”

The monk bowed and left Palpatine alone. Much to the Sith Lord’s fortune, these monks weren’t that attuned to the Force. Or at least, what he knew to be the Force. A few of the elder monks had detected his Dark Side energy, but his warm smile and normal-colored eyes had been more than enough to get them off of his back. 

Ensuring no one was around, Palpatine activated his holoprojector.

“I’ve sensed your progress, Master,” Dooku informed him.

“Yes, my apprentice,” Palpatine replied. “Our premonitions in the Force were correct. My old master left much helpful information in this shrine that I will be transmitting to you soon.”

“Do you want us to send a stealth team to extract you back to the fleet?” Dooku asked. “As I’m sure you’re aware, the Jedi and their forces are crawling all over the planet.”

“Not yet, my apprentice,” Palpatine instructed. “For now, move the fleet out of the Jovian Moons and to a nearby sector that is more remote. We will allow the Jedi to think they are secure in this new discovery, and then we will strike when the time is right.”

“Pardon me, my master, but I must wonder why you insist on staying in the heart of enemy territory.” 

“I have business to attend to here,” Palpatine clarified. “A young boy I met soon after landing. He is strong in the Force, and strong in music. And he has recently suffered great and terrible loss that fills him with anger and bitterness.”

Dooku smiled in understanding.

“If that anger and rage was to be honed to its full potential, this boy could become a thorn in the side of the Jedi when the time is right.”

“Precisely,” Palpatine nodded. “Now, my apprentice, begin moving the fleet at once. You will know when I wish for us to strike back at the meddlesome Jedi fools.”

……………………………..

“So, how was the parade?” Kaori’s dad asked the group.

“It was awesome!” Watari exclaimed. “There were these giant walkers and even spaceships that flew right beside our fighter jets!”

“Even lifeless Nao Kashiwagi over here couldn’t stop watching,” Tsubaki teased her friend.

“Ha ha,” Nao rolled her eyes as she munched on some cookies.

“Well, sounds like all that excitement made you hungry,” Kaori’s mom winked as she brought out yet another tray of delectable pastries from the oven. 

“Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Miyazono,” Kousei smiled as he gulped down another glass of hot chocolate. 

“In a way, we got a little bit of a parade over here too,” Kaori’s dad, Yoshiyuki, told them. “There were a few of those two-legged walkers that came through the neighborhood, and a couple of those trooper fellows actually stopped by.”

“Really?” Kousei said, intrigued.

“Yes indeed,” Ryouku, Kaori’s mom, confirmed. “They both looked nearly identical when they removed their helmets, though one had a shaved head and one had a full head of hair. What were their names again, dear?” 

“Hm, let’s see. The one with the number five tattooed on his head was Captain Fives,” Yoshiyuki recalled. “And his superior was Commander Rex. Both of them enjoyed our treats and said they look forward to meeting more citizens here in Nerima Ward.”

“Are they gonna build a base in here or something?” Watari asked.

“They didn’t say anything of that nature, so I don’t know,” Yoshiyuki shrugged. 

“Honey, I think that’s them again,” Ryouku smiled. “And they’ve brought more guests.”

All heads turned toward the front door of the quaint cafe as Commander Rex, Captain Fives and another tall man dressed in black armor entered.

“Please, everyone, no need for alarm,” the man dressed in black said. “I am Jedi General Anakin Skywalker, and these two troopers you met earlier are my most trusted fighters. They said they wanted to introduce me to all of you.”

“Pleased to meet you sir,” Yoshiyuki said as he shook Anakin’s hand. “So, we’re still a go for the plan right? To ship all these brats off to a military academy right now?” 

“Wait, what?!” all four of the kids said in alarm.

“Ha ha, gotcha!” Kaori’s dad laughed.

“Honey!” Ryouku scolded. 

“Maybe not that,” Captain Fives smiled. “But everyone young one could use a few lessons in self-defense every now and then.”

“Can I use those lessons to defend myself from this guy’s pervy advances?” Tsubaki said, pointing at Watari.

“Hey now hey, I have not even tried for a while!” Watari defended himself.

“Okay, okay, everyone settle down,” Anakin chuckled. “Mr. and Mrs. Miyazono, correct?” 

“That’s us, General Skywalker,” Ryouku bowed. “Please know you and your troops are welcome to stop by our bakery any time.” 

“We greatly appreciate the hospitality of you and your people,” Anakin smiled back.

“And you younglings,” Commander Rex said. “You must be the ones these two told us about.” 

“I’m Ryota Watari, best soccer player in the neighborhood, sir,” Watari grinned.

“Uh huh, sure. And I have trouble shooting water on Kamino,” Rex smiled as he shook his head.

“Tsubaki Sawabe, softball player and soon-to-be student at a top high school,” Tsubaki said with a bow.”

“Nao Kashiwagi. I have nowhere else to be so I’m stuck with these idiots,” Nao said, not taking her eyes off of her homework.

Kousei didn’t really know what to say. These men were armored and armed to the teeth, yet so kind. And this Jedi with them exuded an aura of gentle authority and fierce strength. How could he hope to measure up?

So, without any flair or dramatics, he just bowed in respect.

“I’m Kousei Arima. I love to play the piano, and I am honored to meet all of you.”

Anakin, Fives, and Rex exchanged an impressed glance.

“Pleased to meet all of you as well, young ones,” Anakin said. “Now, I can clearly see all of you have a lot of options before you for your futures, and as such I don’t seek to force this new option onto you. So what I am about to say, you can simply take it or leave it.”

All four of them nodded, their eyes now alight with eager anticipation. 

“Alright, very well,” Anakin nodded. “So, unlike my master and I’s speech to your world’s United Nations yesterday, this presentation will be kept short. We will not be establishing a military base here in your nation. But we will be establishing a Jedi Academy.”

Kousei and his friends were confused.

“A Jedi Academy? But none of us are Jedi.” Kousei replied. 

“That’s what this academy will be for,” Anakin smiled, displaying an impressive holo-map on his holoprojector. “Once this facility is up and running, you’ll have the opportunity to come here and be trained in our ways, while still continuing your education in whatever art, sport, or study you wish. This way, you can truly discover your full potential.”

“Awesome!” Watari said. “When will this academy be open?”

“Well, not for a while,” Anakin winked. “But, seeing as you all are here, I thought I’d put it on your radar in case any of you were interested.” 

Anakin deactivated the holo-map and once again thanked the Miyazonos for their hospitality. 

“Good day to all of you, citizens of Japan. May the Force be with you.”

Chapter Text

Name: Kousei Arima

Padawan Log, February 18th, 2022

It’s been ten years since the arrival of the Galactic Republic to our world.

The Nerima Jedi Academy has fresh applicants every year, ranging from five to fifteen years old. Master Skywalker oversees most of the training, with Knight Ahsoka Tano by his side and his superior, Master Windu, ensuring we show proper respect.

Even now it’s hard for me to take it all in. 

Originally, I had just signed up to go with Watari for fun. Neither of us expected we’d actually end up being Force-sensitive. But we passed all the tests. Watari was beyond excited. And of course, he started making jokes about how he’d be able to pick up more hot chicks being Force-sensitive (Master Skywalker almost Force-tossed him off of a balcony for that).

Takeshi and Emi accompanied us that day as well, though only Takeshi passed. Takeshi, Watari and I have been living at the academy ever since, training with the clone troopers and military personnel from all over the world. As for Tsubaki and Emi, they opted to train with Lady Bo-Katan of Mandalore. As such, Watari has ceased his cringey flirting attempts at Emi and Tsubaki, of which I am grateful. Master Skywalker did ask Hiroko if she’d be willing to have Koharu test when she turned five, but Hiroko politely declined. 

Why me?

Of all the people in this world who ended up being Force-sensitive, why me? 

I am beyond thankful for this new opportunity. But part of me still can’t help but feel like an imposter.

“Rise and shine, Kousei!” Watari’s voice sounded from outside the door.

Kousei clenched his fist, resisting the urge to hurl a nasty command of silence at his friend. 

“I know Watari,” Kousei replied instead. “I’m already up.”

“Figures,” Watari teased. “They’re serving something good for breakfast today. You coming?”

“I’ll be there soon,” Kousei assured him. 

“Alright then, see you at the usual table,” Watari said, then dashed down the hall to be first in line.

Kousei didn’t like it. Not one bit.

Ever since the day of Kaori’s funeral, something had always felt dreadfully wrong. And it wasn’t something small. It was something dark. Something bitter. A gaping cavernous hole filled with hate that ripped and tore at him deep beneath the blank expression and the kind facade. 

And it gouged out more of Kousei’s character every time Watari spoke to him.

What was it?

As usual, Kousei shoved those feelings down and continued writing. 

I haven’t seen Mr. Ibako in person for quite some time, though I still talk with him frequently on my Holopad. I guess he had to move overseas soon after he moved into my old neighborhood. He likes to hear about my training and believes in me. Maybe I should invite him to my Knighting ceremony.

Time to go get breakfast.

End Log.

And with that, Kousei set his pen down, donned his black robe, ensured his lightsaber was fastened to his side, and exited his room. Other Padawans were also beginning to stroll out of their rooms for breakfast, and Kousei gave them a polite wave as he walked down the hall. And yet, despite his flawless display of serenity, despite his expression which betrayed no emotion, a persistent, nagging idea kept repeating itself in Kousei’s mind.

It’s Watari’s fault I couldn’t confess to Kaori before she died. 

He. Will. Pay.

………………………………..

“Good morning Arima,” Takeshi nodded. 

“Good morning Takeshi,” Kousei bowed, sitting down with his tray of food. Unlike him and Watari, Takeshi was training to be a Jedi Sentinel. Due to his pugnacious personality and offensive fighting style, Master Skywalker had decided that path would better suit the young pianist.

“About time we got some decent breakfast,” Watari grinned as he began shoveling down his bowl of Dexter Jettster’s hearty and flavorful breakfast stew.

“We literally had authentic french toast yesterday dude,” Kousei rolled his eyes. 

“Hey come on, every time that four-armed-alien cooks for us, it’s like a whole other planet has come straight to our table.”

Kousei couldn’t argue with that. Dexter’s cooking was a marvel. 

At the front of the cafeteria, Anakin stood with stately bearing and a small crooked smile on his lips as he observed the Padawans. So much skill. So much potential. All they had to do was actualize it. 

“Good morning, Master Skywalker,” Mace Windu said as he walked up behind him.

“Good morning, Master Windu,” Anakin smiled. “Another day off to a good start. And I do believe some of these Padawans are taking their Trial Of Insight today.”

“Ah. Very firm and efficient progress, Skywalker. Congratulations.”

“Thank you, Master,” Anakin nodded. “Some of these students are a little slower on picking things up. But they are aided by their fellow Padawans who stand by their side.” 

“I always sense camaraderie and kindness when I walk through the doors, Skywalker,” Windu smiled. “You are a positive influence on these young minds. Take care you do not betray that trust.”

“Of course, Master.” 

As the padawans milled about the cafeteria, Windu cleared his throat and said something that had Anakin confused.

“I’m sorry, Skywalker,”

“Master?”

“For not acknowledging your accomplishments sooner. Had I listened to you, we would have caught Darth Sidious sooner.”

Anakin sighed. He remembered with shame his various outbursts at Obi-Wan and other council members through the years. He’d always thought they were incapable of seeing things through his perspective. And yet, upon receiving what he’d always thought he’d wanted from them, he could not help but feel guilt for his disrespect.

“No, Master Windu, there is no need to apologize,” Anakin said with his head bowed. “I was hotheaded and reckless many times, and I should have shown more respect.”

“I was no different as a Padawan and a Knight, Skywalker,” Windu said with his hand on Anakin’s shoulder. “You have shown great courage and innovation, especially with this new Academy. You have broken our old model that only infants were suitable candidates, and have fostered more versatile Padawans by allowing them to keep their prior talents. Because of that, the galaxy will be safer.”

“All because of yours and the Council’s training, Master Windu.”

Windu smiled as he shook Anakin’s hand. 

“Well done, Master Skywalker. Of all the Jedi I’ve made a master, you deserved it the most.”

……………………………….

“Again!” Ahsoka called out.

Kousei struck again, aiming his blue-bladed training lightsaber high. Watari countered it, but then Kousei followed up with a Force push that sent Watari flying back several meters. Kousei charged him again, this time with his blade low. Watari sidestepped just in time as he swept his lightsaber down towards Kousei’s legs. Kousei jumped up, planted his feet upon landing, then sent his right leg into a spinning kick that narrowly missed Watari’s ear. 

Kousei readied another attack, but then Watari maneuvered around his stance and connected with a viscous punch to Kousei’s ribcage. Kousei grunted in frustration as Watari then relieved him of his training saber and pulled him down to the ground in an armbar.

“Do not give in, Padawan Arima!” Ahsoka encouraged. “Think! You can still fight back!”

“How?!” Kousei thought. “He does this almost every time we spar!”

Kousei used the Force to bring his training lightsaber back to his hand, and swung it at Watari’s leg. Watari was ahead of him already, and parried the blow just in time. 

“Surrender, you weakling clanker,” Watari laughed.

As the two young fighters struggled to overpower one another, Kousei felt the nagging, festering hatred begin to rise inside of him again. Only this time, it was stronger. 

Ahsoka sensed it as well.

Kousei couldn’t take it anymore. 

“Arima, wait!” Ahsoka shouted.

Too late.

With all of his strength, and a rageful shout filled with years worth of hidden resentment, Arima tossed his training lightsaber aside and shot his hand palm-down to the floor, creating a Force push that propelled him and Watari upward toward the ceiling. The good news for Arima was that now he was free of Watari’s armbar.

The bad news was that his face was about to be turned into paint if he did not stop their flight in time. Kousei’s eyes went wide. He brought his hands outward…

“Stop!” Ahsoka yelled, grabbing both of them with the Force.

Kousei and Watari exchanged a horrified glance as Ahsoka lowered them down to the floor, their heart rates going faster than hyperspace. As their feet touched the ground, Ahsoka relieved both of them of their training lightsabers and gazed at them with a glare of stern disapproval. 

“Watari, you know better than to use childish insults unbecoming of a young fighter like yourself. You’re almost as old as Master Kenobi was when he was knighted and yet you still talk like a youngling.”

“Yes Master,” Watari said, his head hanging.

“And you,” Ahsoka turned to Kousei. “What madness made you think that turning yourself into a ceiling decoration over a training fight was smart? You could have been killed, Arima!”

“I–I know Master,” Kousei gritted his teeth. 

“I sense much anger and frustration in you, young Arima,” Ahsoka continued. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Watari!” Kousei screamed, clenching his fists as he turned and shot his friend a furious glare. 

Watari’s blood ran cold. He didn’t want to acknowledge it. He didn’t want to say it out loud.

But for a split second, Kousei had the look of death in his eyes.

Then, that look faded as Kousei took a deep breath and regained his bearing.

“I’m sorry, Master Tano,” Kousei said. “It is not my place to speak to my fellow Padawan that way.”

Ahsoka sighed. “Padawan Arima, this is not the first time you have acted this way, and I am concerned. Watari, you are dismissed. Kousei, you are to come with me to my Master’s office at once. You must be honest and tell him what is going on.”

“Yes, Master,” Kousei nodded. 

…………………………

“And so, what did Mr. Skywalker say to you, Arima?” Mr. Ibako’s hologram said.

“He said I am to increase my meditation time by two hours a day, and spar with both US and Japanese marines in order to get out my unresolved aggression.”

“Ah,” Mr. Ibako replied. “Yes, quite a wise suggestion indeed.” 

“Should I apologize to my friend, sir?”

“Please, young one, you do not need to call me sir,” Mr. Ibako laughed. “As for your friend, it sounds like he is not a good listener and would only laugh at you. You’ve told me yourself he still has a wandering gaze for ladies after all. Which means he’s still the same as he was when you two were young.”

“But is it right for me to be angry with him?” 

“It is only natural, Kousei. He got in the way of you confessing your deepest feelings to the girl who did so much for you. You valued Kaori’s life. He didn’t, and he didn’t value your time either.”

Kousei couldn’t help but seethe. Mr. Ibako was not wrong. 

“You have every right to be angry, young man,” Mr. Ibako continued. “Anger is a healthy reaction to injustice. Surpass your friend in training, and then you will have more than enough opportunity to teach him a lesson.”

“You’re right. Thank you, Mr. Ibako,” Kousei nodded. 

“Of course, young Arima. Best of luck with the rest of your training.”

Had Kousei just been paying a little more attention, he would’ve caught on.

He would’ve seen the flash of yellow in Ibako’s eyes as he turned the hologram off. 

He would’ve seen the evil smile creep flicker across Ibako’s face.

He would’ve sensed Ibako’s murderous and vengeful intent.

But no. Kousei just deactivated the hologram, turned out his light, and went to bed.

All the while, letting the lies of Darth Sidious, take further root in his mind. 

Chapter Text

Tsubaki scarcely had time to bring up her arm-shield as Emi brought down her non-lethal electro-staff to bear on Tsubaki’s helmet. Parrying away the sizzling end of the staff just in time, Tsubaki used her rocket boots to give her high kick a boost. The blow smacked Emi square in the chest, sending her toppling to the ground. Tsubaki stomped on Emi’s wrist to prevent her from using the electro-staff, then readied her wrist cannon to fire a stun dart into Emi’s chestplate. 

That was when Emi’s left hand wrapped around Tsubaki’s right ankle and clamped down, sending an electro-shock up Tsubaki’s leg that made her crumple to the ground. Before Tsubaki could recover, Emi jumped up and leveled her electro-staff at Tsubaki’s neck.

“Duel Concluded!” Bo-Katan announced from the side. 

Tsubaki sighed. She’d forgotten. Again!

“Good fight, Tsubaki,” Emi said as she helped her sister-in-arms to her feet.

“Well done to you as well, Emi,” Tsubaki nodded.

“Tsubaki,” Bo-Katan said sternly. “This is the second time you have neglected to take all of your opponent’s weapons into account. If Emi had turned against you, you would be dead right now.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Tsubaki nodded, keeping her head held high. 

“However, you lasted a lot longer than your previous sparring matches,” Commander Cody, who had also been watching, chimed in. “And your hits are getting more precise. Remember, you have to steel your own defense while trying to break your opponent’s.”

“Thank you, Commander,” Tsubaki said.

“And you, Emi,” Bo-Katan turned to her. “You are doing an excellent job. However, your attack patterns are becoming predictable. You must never allow the enemy to see even one moment of consistency.”

“Yes ma’am,” Emi nodded. 

“Besides that, you two have been making splendid progress. You’re reflecting well on both your homeworld and Mandalore.” 

Just then, Commander Cody’s holoprojector beeped. He answered it to see Obi-Wan on the other end of the holo.

“Good morning, General,” Commander Cody greeted.

“Good morning, Cody,” Obi-Wan answered. “Both the Jedi Council and the Republic Naval Command have called an urgent meeting, requesting all available forces be gathered. You are at the Nerima Mandalore Training Depot, correct?”

“Yes, General. Lady Bo-Katan requested my presence.”

“Good morning, Master Kenobi,” Bo-Katan said.

Emi and Tsubaki exchanged a look. Were they on the brink of something big?

“Good morning, Bo-Katan. Does your academy have any newly trained mandalorians that would be ready for this mission?”

Bo-Katan smiled at Emi and Tsubaki.

“I have two who I believe are more than ready for some action in the field. When and where is the meeting, Master Kenobi?”

“We will be meeting at the main government building in Kasumigaseki in the next two hours,” Obi-Wan replied. 

“Roger that, General. We will be there.”

……………………………………….

“The most recent incident we were asked to respond to was a group of extremists who tried to harm attendees at a…,” Captain Five’s voice trailed off.

“Yes?” Anakin said.

“A furry convention, sir.”

Anakin was both puzzled and concerned.

“The attendees were trying to dress up as Wookiees?”

“Worse than that.”

“Worse? How so?”

Fives pressed his fingers between his eyes and let out the most dejected sigh Anakin had ever heard.

“I…saw things at that convention, sir.”

Now Anakin was really concerned.

“Well, Captain, we appreciate all the hard work you’re doing to help the law enforcement and military forces of our ally. Rest assured, we will have you rotated out soon.”

“Can it please be Echo?” Fives growled. “He’s been doing nothing but making fun of me for all of this, and sending me garbage memes over the holopad.”

Anakin laughed. “Well then, I believe a rotation on Peacekeeping Duty is in order for him.”

“Thank you, sir. I will bring another report next week.”

Anakin shook his head as he clicked off the holoprojector. “Perhaps the droid army is not the only thing this world needs to worry about.”

“Indeed, Master,” Kousei chuckled. He couldn’t help but appreciate the humorous break. The gunship ride to the main government building had been tense and silent, with not even Anakin being able to say what this meeting was being called for.

Even without knowing the details, however, Kousei sensed in the Force that this was no mere administrative meeting. Could they be on the brink of something big? He hoped so.

“So, how did the training exercise with your friend Watari go?” Anakin nudged him. “Watari tells me you guys had quite a bit of fun with the U.S. and Japanese marines.”

“Yes, Master, indeed we did,” Kousei smiled. “Although, the things that those fellows called ‘MRE’s weren’t exactly fine dining.”

“MRE?” Anakin raised an eyebrow.

“Well, officially it’s called Meal Ready to Eat. But the Americans always told me the real name.”

“Which was?”

“Meal Refusing to Exit.”

Anakin and Kousei shared a hearty laugh.

“Now that would be quite annoying,” Anakin agreed.

“Yes, Master,”

“How about your other training with Watari and Takeshi? I notice you don’t seem as angry at your friend anymore. Did you manage to talk things out with him?”

At this question, Kousei couldn’t help but still feel some resentment. Even if he and Watari hadn’t talked things out, so what? What gave Master Skywalker the right to barge in like this?

Kousei took a deep breath. No. He would not say such things. Even Mr. Ibako had told him that he should be honored to be standing among the ranks of the Jedi. He shoved the intrusive thought out of his head and answered Master Skywalker’s question.

“Yes, Master,” Kousei said. “It’s still hard for me to trust him with everything. But I told him how Kaori’s death still brings out the pain and suffering from that day. I have assured him I will not take it out on him anymore.”

“This girl…you loved her, didn’t you?” Anakin asked.

Kousei felt a tear come to his eye.

“Yes, Master. I did.”

Anakin put a hand on Kousei’s shoulder.

“My Master, Obi-Wan, had the love of his life murdered before his eyes by a Sith Lord, young Arima,” Anakin recounted. “And I myself lost someone close to me while on a mission, many years ago. Emotions and feelings are not inherently evil, Arima. But if you let them rule you, that is what can tempt you to the Dark Side. Which is why I admonished you to talk with your friend. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Master. I understand.”

“Very good, Arima,” Anakin smiled as the gunship began to descend. “Now, look alive. As usual, the press is swarming this area more than the clankers on Geonosis.”

The side doors hissed open, and Kousei had to shield his eyes from the barrage of camera lights and spotlights that illuminated the path to the door. A large group of reporters tried to shove a microphone in his face, but Kousei just walked forward, with his eyes to the front. Soon enough, him and Anakin were inside the Main Private Chamber of the government building, where Obi-Wan, Commander Cody, Bo-Katan, Ahsoka, Emi, Tsubaki, Watari and Takeshi were waiting. 

“Sorry for the delay, Master,” Anakin bowed.

“No apology required, Anakin,” Obi-Wan nodded. “I never do enjoy when the Council draws out meetings for no reason, so we’ll get straight to the point. Commander?”

“Yes General,” Commander Cody said, then turned to the table. “We have received and confirmed good intel that the Seppies have been hiding their fleet in a sector far from here.”

The room went silent.

“The same droid army you told us about?” Tsubaki asked.

“Correct,” Cody confirmed. “It seems that being droids, they have infinite patience. They’ve been waiting ten years to make their move.”

“Which is why we intend to strike first,” Obi-Wan added. “Cody, the map please.”

Laying his holoprojector on the table, Cody activated it and lit up the appropriate areas to correspond with this presentation.

“Many miles from Earth, is a large asteroid belt that separates your world from the gas giants beyond it,” Cody explained. “The clankers used Jupiter’s atmosphere to conceal their fleet at first. Then, they moved to an isolated region to the far side beyond the asteroid ring.”

Cody pointed to the indicators on the holo-map, which showed the distance between Earth and the Separatist fleet.

“As of now, they’ve always kept their distance. So before they can somehow undo what we’ve worked so hard to build, we’re going to knock out the last of these clankers and, hopefully, capture and kill Darth Sidious.”

Both the veterans and the new trainees shared a shocked look. They were going to confront this legendary evil face to face!

“Where did you get this intel, sir?” Watari asked.

“A lone separatist shuttle was found floating among the asteroid field, with signs of an emergency extraction having taken place,” Obi-Wan answered. “Upon extracting the data, we found it had been carrying Count Dooku, Sidious’s right hand man. The droid strike team with him seemed to have survived as well. They must’ve had a rescue ship on standby nearby.”

“When do we move out?” Takeshi inquired, hand on his saberstaff.

“In six hours,” Cody answered.

The room went silent again.

“Kousei, Watari, Takeshi, Tsubaki, and Emi,” Obi-Wan said. “The five of you have shown to be the most promising and talented fighters from this country, and your experiences with your world’s law enforcement and military have sharpened your skills to a point,” Bo-Katan spoke up. “Now, it is time for you to put those skills to the test against an enemy much larger than your local crime gangs.”

“Kousei, Watari, you will be with Anakin and Ahsoka as they board the lead warship in the Separatist fleet,” Obi-Wan ordered. “Takeshi, you will board the main Communications Vessel with myself and Cody.”

“Tsubaki and Emi,” Bo-Katan said. “You will be with me and my Mandalorians as we seize control of their lead Supply Ship. Remember your training and watch each other’s backs.”

“Yes ma’am!” Emi and Tsubaki said in unison.

“Alright then. Snips, come with Kousei, Watari and I. We’re going to need to move fast…if Sidious has even one second of preparation time, we will fail and your world will be lost.”