For thirteen years she waited, for thirteen years she grew, Fluttershy reflects on her experiences in this galaxy far far away from what she has known. Her companions at first a skeleton and a talking flower from a time that haunts her.
Fluttershy awoke on a strange new world with two friends she met on what she believed to be her only journey. One that ended in sadness, now she struggles with the memories of what had happened as well as take new steps in life. Learning the ways of the Jedi and Sith from two spirits of the Old Republic she begins to gather more companions. Her outlook on life began to change but she still holds to the kindness that made her unique. Will she be able to hold onto it away from Equestria as the years begin to pass and the galaxy begins to become a more harsher place? Will she be able to let go when she needs to?
Obi-Wan moved swiftly through the crowds in front of a diner. Entering in he looked around smiling at an old friend.
“Obi-Wan!” laughed Dex walking to his friend and giving him a big hug. “You have been busy!”
“Fighting an endless war, how are you Dex?” Obi-wan asked as he was led to a table and took a seat. The Besalisk sat down as well. “Business is good.”
Obi-wan nodded his head, deciding to get straight to the point. “Dex, have you heard of an individual called ‘The Caretaker’?”
Dex frowned as he mulls the name over in his mind before saying. “I’ve heard of her, met her a few times too, haven’t seen her in quite a while. She does like to help people, anyone injured or looking to start a new life. Rather quiet, prefers to remain unseen, ever since a friend of hers was killed she has acted through agents. When she does show up something big is happening.”
Obi-wan hummed under his breath as he thought about her appearance with the Zillo Beast. When he watched the recording he found it remarkable that she had been able to calm it down. Despite what it had done she had shown it respected, and offered a way for it to get off Coruscant. She had an amazing gift, though he had to confirm if it was Rainbow Dash’s friend. The Jedi ordered wanted to confirm it as well by meeting her. Though it sounded like this was going to be harder with how rarely she appeared. He glanced at Dex giving him a smile as he said. “Thank you.”
“She showed up didn’t she? During the rampage of that large beast,” Dex asked and Obi-wan nodded his head. “Sounds like her, not quite on either side and will help those who are in need of it. You won’t be able to find her. No matter how hard you look.”
“Thanks for the meal Dex,” a Twi’lek said passing by and Dex nodded his head. The Twi’lek glanced at Obi-Wan before leaving the diner. Obi-wan watched him through the window as he vanished into the crowd. Obi-wan rubbed his chin as he glanced out at the crowd. “Dex, you say she acts through agents?”
“Yup, mostly common folk, ones who get involved in incidents by accidents. I know you try to keep that from happening but it seems like the Jedi are spread far too thin nowadays,” Dex explained and Obi-wan chuckled sadly as he uttered. “Or are at the center of them trying to keep these incidents from spiraling.”
He was still thinking about how quickly the Twi’lek had left. The thought that he might be one of the Caretaker’s agents came to him. It was something he should look into. There was a possibility that they would need her help saving Rainbow Dash.
The Twi’lek moved through the streets until he found his way to a docking bay. He climbed onto a ship where a Twi’lek woman sat firing up the engines. He took his seat quickly rubbing his eyes tiredly.
“Let’s go home, Vashti,” the Twi’lek let out a tired sigh, earning a concerned look from the female. “I have to speak to the Caretaker.”
“Understood Neilo,” Vashti replied as she started up the ship and left Coruscant. She glanced at Neilo and sighed trying to focus on piloting. “What is the matter?”
Neilo shook his head, mumbling. “Just get us home. I don’t feel safe talking here.”
“That I can understand,” Vashti made sure she was clear before jumping to lightspeed. The trip wasn’t long and they soon arrived to a green world. The ship landed in a clearing and the two Twi’lek exited heading straight to a temple. Small tents surrounded training grounds as people bustled about selling goods. Vashti went to one of the tents as a little girl ran up to her and wrapped her arms around her leg. Vashti picked her up as she approached a man, the little Twi’lek girl reached out to give him a hug. Neilo nodded his head saying. “Slick.”
The little Twi’lek girl was still attempting to give Slick a hug, causing him to sigh and take her in his arms. He glanced at Neilo before replying. “Neilo.”
Neilo nodded his head before patting the girl on the head asking. “Are you being good Keena?”
“Yes Uncle Neilo.”the little girl giggled, grabbing onto his wrist. Neilo gave her a smile telling her. “I’ve got to go see the Caretaker. We can talk later.”
With that Neilo walked towards the temple with heavy steps. He was trying to figure out what to say. How to explain that the Jedi were now looking for the one who led them. He sighed, shaking his head before looking forward. Standing in front of the large holocron was the Caretaker speaking with a young child. Her pink hair streaming down her shoulder like a waterfall and wings folded behind her. Glancing up, the Caretaker noticed Neilo and the expression he now wore. Looking back at the boy she patted him on the shoulder before sending him away. The boy ran off laughing, almost running into Neilo. He nodded his head before moving to let him pass. The boy gave a quick thank you before continuing his journey to the outside.
“Caretaker, I bring news.” Neilo said, giving her a bow. “The Jedi are looking for you, somehow you have been discovered.”
“They may know my face, but they do not know where I hide,” the Caretaker said, spinning around to face him. Wings flaring outwards before she extended one as it brushed against his face. “Fear not Neilo, my path is clear as is my mind. Thank you for telling me. Now go rest and enjoy the day, it is a beautiful one.”
“Of course, Caretaker,” responded Neilo before leaving, shoulders hunched slightly. The Caretaker gave a said smile as she thought back. Back to when she went by a different name, back to when she was Fluttershy.
Sunlight, the warmth filled Fluttershy’s body as she opened her eyes. It was familiar, like the time she had awoken in the Underground. A familiar skeletal foot came into view as a hand reached out to her.
“hey, you okay?”
“I’m alright Sans.” Fluttershy replied before touching her throat, she sounded young. Like she did when she was just a filly. That was when she felt fingers touching her throat. Pulling her hoof away she realized that they were her fingers. She yelped, pushing herself onto her butt staring at her hands. She felt two skeletal hands grab her shoulders. “fluttershy, calm down. i don’t know what happened, but you’re human… and a kid.”
Fluttershy examined her new form feeling her wings behind her twitching. Sans held out his hand once again and Fluttershy took it getting pulled to her feet. She felt something brush against her leg and looked for the source. There was a familiar light pink mane like tail trying to wrap around her leg. Grabbing it gently she used her new hands to follow it back to the source. It was hers, she gasped as she let it go, stumbling a bit. Sans steady her. “easy there. you’re not used to standing up and walking on two legs just yet.”
“I’ll get used to it. Where are we?” inquired Fluttershy as she looked around, it was a desolate place that would have once held immense beauty now barren. “The surface?”
“no clue.” Sans replied before his eyelights trailed down. “but you’re having an effect on this place.”
Fluttershy looked down as well, this time she noticed what she hadn’t seen before. Little sprouts of grass growing around her. The green was a welcome sight against the barren landscape.
“Hey!” a voice snapped causing Fluttershy to notice a familiar talking flower. “Little help here!”
“there you are, hey crummy flower, you’ve got some explaining to do.” Sans said and the flower shrank behind Fluttershy before getting pulled out of the ground and dragged over to Sans. “you’re not hiding behind her this time.”
“Sans, put down Asriel.” instructed Fluttershy causing both of them to look at her. “Right now we all need to work together. Asriel, was there anything you can gather from being in the soil?”
“The entire planet is barren, except for where you’re standing. There is also a really bad storm coming, but there is shelter nearby.” Asriel said as Sans set him down, Fluttershy bent over and the flower wrapped his vines around her arm. Using a leaf he pointed the direction he had found the building and the small group began to make their way in the direction. Two ghostly figures watched them before one, a female with black hair, walked over to the small patch of grass. She knelt down her hand hovering over it.
“She is returning balance to Tython.” the woman spoke as she stood up looking at the other figure. A male covered entirely by armor.
“Is she balanced herself?” the man pointed out, his voice low and husky, his head was tilted down. Observing the patch through the mask.
“There is only one way to find out.” answered the woman moving to the side of the man both of them staring after Fluttershy. Both vanished as dead dirt was kicked up blocking them from view.
“are you sure this is the way?” Sans asked, having to raise his voice over the howling winds. Fluttershy was squinting through the dirt that was occurring their vision as Asriel shouted back. “Yes! It’s not that much farther!”
Fluttershy felt her foot hit something solid causing her to trip over what felt to be a step. Sans managed to catch her as they both looked up seeing what appeared to be an ancient building. Parts appeared to be caved in, yet it looked like it had weathered these severe storms before. They moved forward as the wind grew worse and barely made it inside the main building.
“Sheesh, I was right. You don’t have to keep doubting me you know.” huffed Asriel glancing at Sans.
“you’re a coward, you’d do anything to keep yourself alive.” Sans pointed out glaring at the flower that tightened his grip around Fluttershy’s wrist. She winced before glancing around as Sans stared at her trying to measure her height.
“Is something the matter Sans?” inquired Fluttershy glancing at him and the skeleton shrugged before asking. “How old do you think you are?”
“Hmm… judging by my voice and how long my hair is I would be around seven.” Fluttershy guessed as she spun around trying to get a good look at herself. Sans chuckled before glancing at the flower who had a strange look on his face. “what?”
“Nothing that would matter to you!” Asriel snapped causing both to look at him. “Just tired, kay? I just need a patch of soil to rest in.”
“Asriel….”
“Don’t call me THAT!” Fluttershy looked taken aback at the angry flower whose face had morphed into an angry one. The flower let go landing on the ground, though he just seemed to try and curl up there.
“I’m not him anymore, I’m just Flowey. I don’t deserve to be Asriel.” the flower said, not looking at either of them. Fluttershy shared a look with Sans before kneeling down next to the flower. She reached out and stroked one of his petals causing the flower to stiffen.
“I forgive you Asriel, I don’t think any of us actually knew about the spirit. You remembered the previous timeline and you were scared to tell any of us because it would mean that you would have been targeted. In the end though, you saved me and that allowed me to save Sans.” Fluttershy told him and the flower sniffled saying. “But everyone else….”
Fluttershy nodded her head before tears filled her head as she hugged Asriel holding him tight. “Then I failed too. I couldn’t protect… I couldn’t….”
Sans knelt next to them before pulling them into a hug holding them close. Fluttershy felt something wet drop onto her head. Her turquoise eyes squeezed shut as they continued to cry in silence.
Warmth, that was what Fluttershy felt against her face. Then the sudden sensation of falling, flapping her wings, Fluttershy's eyes opened quickly. She looked around just seeing darkness beyond the circle of sunlight. Looking down she saw a small figure falling, flapping her wings she dove after the figure. She caught them before tilting herself down to land upon a patch of flowers.
“Thank you Fluttershy.” a voice sneered as red eyes looked up at her. “I just knew I could count on you.”
A stabbing pain in her shoulder caused her to scream out in pain.
“Fluttershy!” a voice called out. Fluttershy’s eyes snapped open her chest heaving as she sat up. She felt something touch her arm and she looked next to her seeing Asriel staring up at her, with worry on his face.
“Asriel?” she breathed and the flower nodded his head. She sat up holding her head in her hand before she used her palm to rub at her eyes. Vines wrapped around her wrist causing her to look at Asriel who had tears in his eyes.
“I know… what that nightmare was about.” Fluttershy reached out with her other hand and stroked the golden petals gently. “I’m such a coward!”
“Deep inside you’re still a child and you died afraid. Even if you don’t have a SOUL you still remember how those emotions feel.” explained Fluttershy as she continued to comfort the flower. “And this is a different place, this isn’t where we were before. It means it has different rules, so even if you don’t have a SOUL it means you still have a soul. You are unique Asriel….”
Fluttershy leaned down and gave the crying flower a hug causing his eyes wide as she whispered. “And I love you just as you are.”
A gold light washed over them and for a moment Fluttershy saw Asriel’s original form.
“hey, you’ve got to see this.” Sans voice called out startling them both and Asriel returned to his flower form. Climbing to her feet Fluttershy exited the building and let out a gasp as she saw the once barren landscape full of life. Blue skies, grass, flowers, trees, even a creek was flowing.
“I think… we need to see where we are and what this place is.” Fluttershy managed to say her wings twitching as she looked behind her towards the building. “And why the planet is changing the way it is.”
Sans nodded his head as they headed back into the building. A bird flying high up into the air singing happily before it landed on the grass looking around. A large foot slammed down in front of it causing it to fly away.
Finding the library was easy, yet Fluttershy had a problem, it wasn’t filled with books. Instead the twelve ceiling high three tiered stacks seemed solid. In front of each were pedestals, some had strange cubes laying upon them.
“huh, seems like whoever was here left in a bit of a hurry. i’ll take a look at the mechanics, see what i can find.” Sans told her as Fluttershy’s shoulders dropped. He walked over and picked up one of the cubes and handed it to her.
“seems like a puzzle box, here why don’t you two take a crack at it….” Sans told them and Asriel gave him a side glance. “Don’t you dare.”
“i’ll try not to interrupt you, after all we don’t want to crosswords.” Sans chuckled as he moved over to one of the stacks. Asriel glared after him before looking at Fluttershy who was hiding a laugh.
“Seriously? It wasn’t even that good.” grumbled Asriel as they head back down the stairs. Fluttershy looked to her left and noticed that there was a massive artifact on the ground. Taking a deep breath, Fluttershy decided to enjoy the nice day outside and try to figure out the cube that Sans had handed to her. She sat down on the steps before setting it next to her and held Asriel up so she was looking at him.
“What?” he asked, leaning back a bit before Fluttershy brought up her other hand and placed it against his face saying. “I forgive you, Asriel Dreemurr.”
Asriel’s eyes widened as the golden light enveloped his body. His form was beginning to change back into his original one when a hand wrapped around Fluttershy’s mouth pulling them away from each other. Asriel dropped to the ground seeing Fluttershy struggling against a massive creature. Sharp teeth with the top of the head and eyes resembling a hammerhead shark. Asriel shrank back as it hissed. “Jeeediii. Miiiine.”
“S-SANS!” Asriel yelled causing the creature to flee. Asriel turned trying to memorize the direction it went just as the familiar pink slippers appeared next to him. “F-fluttershy was taken! It looks like one of the locals that managed to survive here. That way.”
Asriel pointed with a leaf in the direction they went before looking away. Sans looked down at him before reaching out his hand saying. “come on, we’ll find her together.”
Asriel looked at Sans before reaching out with his roots and wrapped them around Sans’ wrist. Sans took off in the direction the two ghostly figures appearing at the stairs of the building.
“Flesh Raiders, they had been here long before we built the temple here.” the female observed standing in front of the cube.
“And they were here long after the Jedi left.” the man spoke as he watched the two moving as quickly as possible. “Do you think she will survive?”
“I do. Come let us observe.” said the female and the two vanished.
Fluttershy shivered in fear, her eyes wide as the creature climbed a path through rocks. Once in a while stopping and letting out a hiss. That caught her attention after the third time and she was shifted so she would be easier to carry.
“A-are you alright?” she asked, causing the creature to growl and her to try tomake herself smaller. Once they got to the location the creature was looking for she was thrown down. The creature pacing back and forth as if arguing with itself. Fluttershy crawled towards the creature causing it to growl in warning. Taking a deep breath Fluttershy closed her eyes and reached out with her hand.
“You are injured, I want to help heal you. What is your name?” Fluttershy asked and the creature let out another growl before she opened her eyes and stared into the creature’s own. She searched its eyes, seeing an intelligent mind behind it. All she had to do was reach it.
“Mir’grok.” the creature replied. “Jedi, strong.”
“What… is a Jedi?” inquired Fluttershy and the creature pointed to her and she shook her head. “Oh, I’m a pony from Equestria.”
“Not Jedi? Not able to help.” Mir’grok said, looking away and Fluttershy moved forward. “Need Jedi. Help control rock power. Others scared.”
“There are more like you? Are they the ones who did this to you?” Fluttershy asked getting close enough and pressing her palm gently into the creature’s side causing him to hiss. “I’m going to help heal you. Please, let me help Mir’grok.”
Mir’grok was silent but relaxed against the touch. Smiling Fluttershy closed her eyes and focused, a green glow enveloped her hand before turning gold as it enveloped the side. When she heard Mir’grok’s breathing ease and the bruising around his side vanish. The allowed Fluttershy to know that she did what she could. She pulled her hand back and opened her eyes smiling at Mir’grok.
“Not Jedi. But healed Mir’grok. Strong power. Caretaker.” Mir’grok uttered, placing a heavy hand onto Fluttershy’s shoulder. “Mir’grok protect Caretaker.”
“then i suggest backing away.” Fluttershy’s head turned seeing Sans standing there his arms crossed. Mir’grok growled before Fluttershy placed a hand on his forearm saying. “Don’t worry, he’s a friend.”
“He captured you! Dragged you to this cave!” Asriel protested and Fluttershy nodded her head. “Right, pastel colored ponies tend to forgive things like that.”
“This is Mir’grok, he thought I was something called a Jedi. I think they were the people who lived in the building long ago. He needs help controlling his powers, it even scares his own people so he stays here. He’s having trouble communicating but it is easier for him than the rest of his species.”
There was silence as Asriel and Sans glanced at each other before looking back at Fluttershy who smiled at the both of them.
“let me guess, you’re taking him back to the jedi place.” Sans mused and Fluttershy nodded her head causing him to sigh rubbing the back of his head. “guess we should if there are more of his kind around. if they’re scared of him, then they should leave us alone.”
“Mir’grok protect Caretaker.” Mir’grok repeated with a nod of his head folding his arms over each other. “Go to Sacred Rock Den Temple with Caretaker.”
“temple? seems more like an academy to me.” Sans pointed out but Mir’grok growled towards him earning a shrug from the skeleton.
“No fighting you two, let’s just get back. Mir’grok seems to know a little more about it than we do.” Fluttershy told them, there were quick glances to each other before the rest nodded their heads. The trip back was silent. By the end of it Mir’grok was carrying Fluttershy due to the fact that she kept tripping over her own feet. Once they reached the entrance of the Temple she was set down on the steps and Mir’Grok sat down next to her.
“Wait for Jedi.” Mir’grok told them as he pulled out a token. “Mir’grok waits like Ancestor Fahsk did. Jedi will come.”
“There is no else here, just us.” Asriel spoke up as Sans just headed inside. “We’ve just been staying here.”
Mir’grok made a noise before following Fluttershy who walked inside. She noticed Asriel looking at the ground as Sans moved his arm before pausing by a dirt pile.
“Asriel, what’s wrong?” asked Fluttershy as Asriel attached himself to the dirt settling in. He looked away mumbling. “What if… the Jedi were destroyed? That this is all that is left? Just like the Underground? No one is ever going to know who lived there if they find it. They’ll just move on and….”
Fluttershy hugged Asriel tightly as she said. “We remember and we will carry that memory with us for as long as we live, Asriel. It will be hard but they are our friends and your family.”
Asriel’s eyes widened as a glow surrounded them causing Sans to turn around. The golden light had a green edge as it took on a form close to the height of a child around the age of eleven.
“fluttershy?” Sans asked as the light dispersed into butterflies revealing Fluttershy hugging a young Boss Monster. “flower?”
“It’s alright Sans, it’s just Asriel.” Fluttershy said as she sat back as Asriel looked at himself, his eyes widening. “If you want to remain like this.”
Tears welled up in Asriel’s eyes before he nodded furiously as he hugged her saying. “Thank you Fluttershy.”
“A job well done.” a voice spoke causing both Mir’grok and Sans to tense up, Sans summoning bones around him. “Be still, we are not here to hurt you.”
Two ghostly beings appeared, one seemed to be of a woman and the other a masked figure, though they quickly figured out it was a man.
“Wh-who are you?” Fluttershy asked trying not to push Asriel behind her.
“I am Master Satele Shan of the Jedi and this is Darth Marr.” the female spoke, while the one introduced as Darth Marr just stared at them. “We have been observing you.”
Satele seemed to regard them all though her eyes were locked with Fluttershy’s as she continued. “Things work differently than you are used to. We can teach you the ways of the Force.”
“Jediiii!” Mir’grok hissed before bowing lowly. “Mir’grok knew you would come, we seek to learn.”
“If you are willing to teach, then I’m willing to learn. Incase Mir’gok needs help.” Fluttershy answered and Asriel shared a sideways glance with Sans who just shrugged his shoulders saying. “i’m up for it. so do we take notes or….?”
“Only if you wish.” Satele moved past them entering a hallway to the left of the stairs. Fluttershy was the first to follow with Mir’grok close behind. Sans looked at Darth Marr before waving Asriel ahead. Marr moved past him and Sans followed making sure to keep an eye on him.
Fluttershy sat quietly listening to Satele Shan’s lesson, they had been teaching them for a few days. The two Force ghosts decided to teach them basic understanding of the Force before they moved on to the true basics. Reading and writing, the people of this galaxy seemed to have a different writing system that was commonly known as Aurebesh. Fluttershy looked at what they were using to practice writing.
The task for the day was to translate what is said without using notes. Sans was tapping the charcoal against the paper before writing something at the bottom. Taking a deep breath Fluttershy turned her attention back to the script. Her eyes travelled to the edge before noticing that most of them had the same letters. ‘That’s the letter ‘t’ I think.’ she thought before scribbling that at the blank space on the bottom. Darth Marr moved through the spaces of the damaged desks making sure that they were doing the work instead of goofing off. Fluttershy tried not to peak up at the masked ghost when she felt his presence beside her.
‘There… is… no. Well that’s most of the first text translated.’ Fluttershy mused before filling out the letters that she knew. The only time she paused was to remember what the others were.
‘There is no emotion there is peace.’ she read, her eyes looking at her translations only to jump when Master Shan spoke. “That will be all for now. Meet in front of the temple in half an hour.”
Fluttershy got up from her seat and walked up to Sans who spoke. “well that was tough, couldn’t tell what was write and what was wrong.”
An irritated sigh came from behind them, Fluttershy held back a laugh. Asriel groaned saying. “That was just bad.”
Sans just chuckled before looking at the stairs saying. “i’m gonna check around again, see if there’s anything interesting that i can work on.”
“Be careful.” Fluttershy told him and Sans responded with a wave as he began his climb. Fluttershy decided to just wait outside and enjoy the nice day practicing her Aurebesh. It was a fascinating written language, one that she would love to teach Twilight. After all Basic was the common spoken language, but there must have been hundreds of spoken and written languages across the galaxy. She couldn’t wait to explore, there must be different types of animals out there that she was eager to meet. Picking up a stick Fluttershy began to draw the letters in the dirt trying to see if she got some of them right. Mir’grok was also in the grounds practicing his swings with a large branch he had probably taken from one of the trees.
“Are you alright?” Satele’s voice caught Fluttershy’s attention causing her to look at the ghost. Fluttershy smiled as she replied. “Yes, just enjoying the day. It is really pretty here.”
“Tython is an important world to the Jedi, though they seemed to have left it alone after they took it back from the Sith.” Satele looked down at Fluttershy who looked confused. “Tython is a world affected by the change in the Force. It must remain in constant balance or it will be affected by terrible quakes and storms. If an individual who is powerful in either the Light Side or the Dark Side of the Force comes here it changes everything.”
“That is why the Jedi left?” Fluttershy questioned tilting her head to the side and Satele tilted her head back thinking. “I cannot say, I have not seen what the Jedi are like now.”
“I’m sure that no matter what, the Jedi have continued to remember where they have come from.” Fluttershy told her before getting to her feet, stumbling a little. She regained her balance before moving to the front of the temple and looking around.
“After all, if you don’t remember where you come from, what chance is there that you would remember the mistakes of the past and strive to do better?” Fluttershy asked, looking at Satele with a smile on her face. Satele smiled sadly as she moved next to her saying. “Sometimes, pride blinds us to the mistakes we have made or are making.”
“hey, fluttershy, i found an area that looks like it held a vessel of some kind.” Sans said as he walked up behind them. “little prince is looking around the area to see what else we can find.”
“Thank you Sans, just make sure he’s back in time for our next lesson.” Fluttershy reminded him and Sans chuckled, messing up her hair saying. “careful now or we might just have to start calling you momster.”
Fluttershy blinked before what he just said dawned on her, she hid behind her hair causing Sans to chuckle saying. “let’s just leave the parenting up to the two spirits. you deserve a break once in a while.”
“I don’t think Darth Marr and Master Satele can handle your puns.” Fluttershy pointed out, earning a shrug from Sans. “hey, whatever floats their boat. sometimes it feels like they're just passing through. me? i prefer being in high spirits.”
Fluttershy hid another laugh knowing that Sans would just keep on going if he wasn’t stopped. That was when she heard a laugh from Satele Shan causing her to look up at the ghost. She had never heard either of them laugh before.
“I think we better start the lesson now, just so Sans can head off to find something else to do.” Satele pointed out. Sans nodded his head before vanishing to find Asriel and bring him back to begin the lesson.
“So why are we out here?” inquired Fluttershy as Sans walked back with Asriel close behind him.
“I thought it would be better to continue our lesson of the Force out here.” Satele explained as Darth Marr walked out his arms crossed. “Today you will learn the sides of the Force: The Dark, the Light, and the Balance. The different aspects of the Force: The Living Force, the Unifying Force, the Cosmic Force, and the Physical Force..”
“Can we take notes?” Asriel asked and Satele shook her head saying. “This is a lesson we want you to commit to memory, not just study over and over again. The Force is all around us, it guides us, it allows us to use it yet even then it has a plan all on its own.”
Mir’grok sat down next to Fluttershy ready to learn once again.
Fluttershy sat in the grass, her eyes closed as she meditated. She wanted to see if she could feel the Force within the planet. She wanted to understand the teachings, but when she closed her eyes she heard the birds and felt the wind. Everything around her was in balance, for about five seconds.
“told you i could light this place up.” Sans’ voice reached Fluttershy’s ears as Asriel let out a small huff. “hey fluttershy, we got the power back on. don’t know for how long though. the little prince and i are going out to look for the downed ship. if we can’t get it working then at least we’ll have a back up power generator.”
“Alright.” answered Fluttershy opening up her eyes and smiled at them. “Stay safe out there.”
“We will!” Asriel replied as he waved at her, the two of them vanishing into Sans’ shortcut. Fluttershy sighed, glad to see that they were at least tolerating each other in her presence. ‘Or perhaps it's because Mir’grok threatened both of them. Sans didn’t seem too bothered by the threat, but Mir’grok is capable of backing it up.’ she thought, she looked at the temple before climbing to her feet. She knew that she should look into the archives while there was still power. When she entered she spotted Satele Shan helping Mir’grok with his reading while Darth Marr was settled in the shadows. Nodding her head in greeting, Fluttershy walked over to one of the stacks trying to figure out how they worked.
“I will be with you in a moment Fluttershy.” Satele called out, Fluttershy nodded her head before flying up to see what was on the higher shelves. Her fingers brushing against the small slots lightly.
“You are wondering how they work.” Satele commented causing Fluttershy to look down at her. Nodding her head. “Let me show you.”
Fluttershy flew down landing next to Satele who began showing her how to access the archives. Fluttershy watched with interest making sure to take mental notes. Satele moves to the side allowing for Fluttershy to read what was on the screen. It was then that Fluttershy was thankful for the Aurebesh lessons. If she had jumped right into this she would have been lost. The air next to Fluttershy shifted causing her to glance over seeing Sans appear next to her.
“can’t surprise you with that trick anymore can i?” Sans chuckled and Fluttershy said. “Only when you make it obvious Sans. Did you find anything?”
“we found the downed ship. i’m going to take a look at it, see if i can repair it. get it up and working so we can see what’s out there.” Sans told her, taking a seat and peering over her shoulder. “studying the history and origins of the jedi?”
“Master Shan chose it. It is best to start from the beginning after all.” Fluttershy spoke glancing at Sans. “Why don’t you start the repairs? Or would you like a manual first?”
“i came to look for the tools. i’m pretty sure they are in that docking area i found a few months back.” Sans shrugged his shoulders and Fluttershy smiled saying. “I should help you look then.”
“nah i’ve got this one, don’t want to throw a wrench in your studies.” Sans gives Fluttershy a wink causing a giggle to escape her. He vanished and Fluttershy’s eyes were drawn back to the information on the screen. She had to find out what happened to Tython.
Satele Shan and Marr watched Sans vanish with interest. They glanced at each other as Satele glided over to Mars location in the shadows.
“They are progressing much more quickly than we anticipated.” Marr pointed out and Satele nodded her head saying. “We need to be careful, if we rush it will backfire. They are talented in the Force, yet they will need to understand both sides before we continue any further.”
“How would you suggest we proceed?”
“We shall tell them who you really are and tell them how the Sith were formed and why the two sides always fought.”
Marr shifted as he looked around the library before vanishing. Satele moved back to Mir’Grok to help him with a passage he was struggling with.
“Are you sure this is safe?” Fluttershy asked looking at the ship in front of them. Sans had taken a good part of the year to repair the ship. He was still working on it but wanted to show Fluttershy the progress.
“we won’t know until we test it out. probably a few more weeks until it is ready to fly.” Sans said from on top of the ship, his blue coat resting next to him. “what about you?”
“I was going to fly around Tython for a bit, we’ve been here for a while and I have this feeling that something is off.” Fluttershy mused looking around her wings twitching. “I’ll make sure to stay up high.”
“good luck.” Sans replied as Fluttershy flew up into the air before flying off as Sans moved off into the temple to take a break.
Fluttereshy flew through the air following her instincts finding her way to the place. The darkness was noticeable and heavy in the air. The land was scarred and barren. In the distance was a fortress made of black steel. The closer she approached the heavier the presence was. She got as close as she could before landing trying to catch her breath. A chill ran down her spine and she had wished that she brought Sans with her. She looked around for an entrance and once locating it walked inside. The air was stale and the smell of decay made her gag. She held her hand over her nose and mouth hoping to keep most of the smell out. She moved through the halls feeling sicker by the second.
“What is this I see? Another tomb raider? Treasure hunter? Why have you disturbed my resting place?” a female’s voice asked, Fluttershy jumped before spinning around to locate the origin of the voice. “A child? Now this is amusing.”
“Why?” Fluttershy spoke her voice trembling and her heart was beating fast. “Who are you?”
“I am Dark Lord Belia Darzu of the Sith. This is my domain, not some playground for a child!” the phantom snapped before stepping back and observing Fluttershy. “Although I have never seen one of your species before.”
The woman vanished before appearing in front of Fluttershy reaching her hands out causing Fluttershy’s wings to flap sending out a large burst of wind. It seemed to push back the spirit a little causing Darzu to grin maliciously. “No matter, even if you continue to leave the nanogene spores will turn you into one of my technobeasts. What a shame though, you are strong in the Force, little one strong enough to contain me. Your body will soon be mine!”
“You bind yourself to this place.” Fluttershy said the wind growing stronger as an ethereal green mist began to swirl around her. The vines crawling upon the walls began to grow bigger trying to burrow into the walls. Darzu snarled as it began to crumble her eyes glared at Fluttershy, her form shifting as she roared. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY LEGACY?!”
“Your legacy has already lived on in legends. What is here is a blight upon the land.” there was a restrained anger in Fluttershy’s voice as the building began to collapse. “You believe that the Force will set you free, yet you fear to move on. You cling to this world and refuse to let it and yourself heal, to rest.”
“Peace is a lie!” Shouted Darzu reaching towards Fluttershy, her fingers inches away from the Pegasi’s no matter what form Darzu took. “There is only passion!”
“Everything must rest in the end.” Fluttershy told her softly as she reached out herself with her wing and brushed it against Darzu’s face. “Let me help you.”
Darzu reeled back in shock, she stared at Fluttershy in suspicion but did not say a word as the building started to collapse beneath them. Her eyes narrowed as she spoke with so much venom in her voice it would make a cobra hide in fear. “NO!”
She dove for Fluttershy again, yet she was unable to reach her as the winds wrapped around her body swallowing Darzu in their gale. She let out a shriek as Fluttershy began to drop tiredly with the building. Her body fell as her eyes began to close, she felt a skeletal hand wrap around her arm before being pulled into a familiar shortcut. Her eyes were already shutting before she slipped unconscious.
“fluttershy.” Sans’ voice spoke causing her to stir, her eyes opening. The small group she had come to know were gathered around her worry on all their faces. She sat up with a groan feeling a hand on her back.
“Are you alright?” Asriel asked, causing Fluttershy to look at him, he looked so worried. She smiled before saying. “I met a Sith spirit by the name of Belia Darzu. She resided in a place of much darkness.”
“is that what i found collapsing around you. you really must have been mad to destroy such a place.” Sans said as he climbed to his feet. Fluttershy nodded her head saying. “She had created something called the Technogene spore, from what she said it sounds like anything organic that comes in contact with it will turn into a technobeast under her command. I merely allowed Tython to heal and rid itself of the blight that poisoned it.”
“I think you did a good job.” Asriel told her and Mir’grok nodded his head. “You should rest a little more, I think Master Satele and Darth Marr wouldn’t object. You look exhausted.”
“I’m….” Fluttershy didn’t want to worry them, she didn’t want to disrupt their lessons either. Yet she knew that she needed the rest, she just felt drained. Nodding her head she felt herself return to sleep.
Fluttershy opened her eyes momentarily seeing the sunlight peeking through a large hole in the ceiling as pillars towered above her. Golden flowers danced around her as a Gryphon stood over her. Fear did not fill her as it normally would, instead she smiled and lifted her hand touching his face saying. “You’re here.”
“I am.” the Gryphon replied nuzzling the hand before walking forward a bit and laying down himself. “Your dreams have been restless. I thought I would do something.”
“Thank you Thom.” Fluttershy said as she sat up petting his feathers seeing the frown on the Gryphon’s face. “Is something the matter?”
“Just a spirit clinging to you. I’ve kept her under control but she fight at any attempt of me helping her. Where did you find her?” Thom asked and Fluttershy blinked in surprise. “I thought she was banished. I didn’t expect her to be bound to me.”
“Well she isn’t fully bound, not yet. It’s like something else is happening. Not sure what it is just yet but I’ll keep an eye on her for you.” offered Thom and Fluttershy smiled as she continued to pet him. He rested his head on her lap as she continued to stroke the Gryphon all throughout her slumber.
It didn’t take too long for Fluttershy to recover and she had decided to explore the world for the remainder of her free time. She had offered to go with Sans on the first flight of the ship. It meant she didn’t have long to see the different fauna of Tython. So she chose her next destination well and made sure to give herself enough time to return. She found a location in the archives, Kato Zakar, that she had wanted to see. She read about the Spinner Birds there and wanted to see them in person. Sans had wanted to go with her, especially after what happened the last time she had gone exploring. She told him to just focus on the ship, that this was merely a research trip. The week passed with Asriel worrying and Sans hiding his worry. He did his best to finish the ship and not go to check on her. Satele Shan and Marr didn’t stop their lessons, being the only ones who went to check on her. ‘they have a reason, she’s still learning despite studying the fauna.’ Sans told himself as he moved out from underneath the panel he was working on. Despite the quiet in the surrounding area he could hear the training session between Mir’grok and Asriel. Then it went silent before Asirel shouted. “She’s back!”
Sans teleported quickly next to Asriel as Fluttershy landed with a rather confused look on her face. Sans’ eyes narrowed as he asked. “what happened?”
“I’m not sure.” Fluttershy replied honestly before opening her bag and a strange looking fire tiger bird hybrid poked its head out purring slightly. “I was researching one of the creatures on the Strafe Plains. It’s like a lizard tiger fire beast. One was actually enjoying the attention and didn’t try to eat me so I managed to get close enough to pet it.”
“you what?” Sans couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Fluttershy nodded her head saying. “This was near the beginning of the trip. So I didn’t pay it any mind, I had to tend to a small burn on my hands. Even at its coolest state without it being dead these beasts can still burn you. When I was flying home I heard a rustling in my bag and this little one poked her head out. It’s strange, she’s part Gryphon, part flame tiger. I don’t even know where the Gryphon even came from.”
Sans’ rubbed his forehead as he sighed. “i really should have gone with you.”
“I don’t think she knew this was going to happen.” Asriel pointed out as Mir’grok stared at the small creature causing it to hiss at him. Mir’grok growled back as the two glared at each other. A quick look from Fluttershy and the two calmed down a bit as she asked. “How is the ship?”
“finished for the most part. i still want to test it out to see what else needs to be worked on and to see what was the last thing the ship had been through.” Sans explained as he looked at Fluttershy carefully. “still sure you want to come along? it would be better to stay here and make sure nothing gets burned down.”
“I am sure that Master Shan and Darth Marr can keep these two under control.” Fluttershy said setting the strange kitten down. The kitten sniffed around before starting to dig in a spot attempting to make a den. Mir’grok hissed and the kitten hissed back as Asriel said. “Don’t leave me here with them!”
“if we get lost, you will be stuck with me and my humerus jokes.” Sans warned, this gave Asriel pause. “i mean we won’t be bonely...”
“I get it!” Asriel interrupted before sighing. “Just be careful you two. I don’t… I don’t want to lose anyone else.”
“We will be careful Asriel.” Fluttershy promised placing a hand on his shoulder before pulling him into a hug. “I promise.”
“Thanks Fluttershy.” muttered Asriel as he returned the hug. She pulled away before leaving to get ready for another trip.
Fluttershy still wasn’t sure about flying around in the ship. Even though Sans made sure everything was working they had made a promise not to use the hyperdrive. Even though they were given lessons on it, Sans wasn’t sure if he fixed it properly. They had decided to use the sublight drive to see how far it was until the next planet. They had enough rations for a few months and they took turns keeping an eye on everything while the other slept. It had been a few days since they left Tython and everything was going well. Sans was sleeping so it was up to Fluttershy in order to take watch. She was sitting on the bridge watching the stars, her mind beginning to drift back to the Underground.
Fluttershy was resting in the Wishing Room as she looked up at the ceiling. Frisk laying against her sleeping. Her wings covered him for the most part as she knew that the Captain of the Royal Guard was still looking for him. Frisk let out a small whimper curling closer. Fluttershy brushed his hair away from his face with her wings. She looked up at the ceiling watching the stones glitter and glow.
Fluttershy looked at her hands, guilt rising up in her. How could Frisk have done what he did without her catching on? Why didn’t she try harder to stop him? A beeping sound caught her attention as she looked over to see something had popped up on the sensors. She found the button for the intercom saying. “Sans, you better come up here, the sensors have picked up on something.”
She felt the air move as Sans appeared next to her looking out the window. The eyelights searched around before seeing something coming towards them fast.
“i don’t like the look of that.” Sans said right before the ship began to open fire. The ship shook as Fluttershy tried to steady herself. Sans placed a hand on her shoulder saying. “stay here.”
“What are you going to do?” Fluttershy inquired, turning to look at Sans, a shiver went down her spine as she saw a look in his eyelights. The left eye was glowing a sign that Sans was about to teach their attackers not to be messing with him. He didn’t reply as he vanished appearing outside of the ship. He was on top of a giant skeletal head launching a powerful attack towards the enemy vessel. The vessel fired one last volley at the ship causing the console to blast Fluttershy back. Her wings curled around herself as the ship began to distort.
Sans felt a shift causing him to turn his head as the enemy ship turned and fled. He watched in silence as the ship that had Fluttershy on it vanished.
“i’m boned.” he said before looking down at the giant skull he was standing upon. “wonder if there is an asteroid field nearby.”
A door opened in the room Fluttershy was in, revealing a tall Weequay alien. "Ah, welcome aboard my vessel girl! I am Hondo Ohnaka, at your service." He said with a bow. A young woman walked up beside him saying. “Hondo… she’s unconscious.”
"Oh right right of course. I just couldn't resist waiting any longer! Someone splash water on her, or something." Hondo replied, patting the woman on her back. The woman rolled her eyes before kneeling down examining Fluttershy. “Yup she hit her head pretty badly. Looks like the console exploded on her, can’t tell how she managed to get all the way out here. I’ll take a look at the navigation logs, then I’ll see what I can repair. Strange, a girl that young is out here all on her own.”
"Well hurry up Zenith, I don't want to wait any longer." Hondo said to her. Zenith looked at him with a raised eyebrow saying. “If you want to be useful, make sure the kid is comfortable. Just so she doesn’t freak out too much when she realizes she’s been boarded by pirates.”
She slipped goggles over her eyes before getting under the console to get it back in working order. Fluttershy let out a small moan as she began to fidget as she reached out unconsciously grabbing onto the hem of Hondo’s coat.
"Uh...she seems to already be waking up." Hondo said, pulling his coat away. Fluttershy sniffled as she curled into herself, wings wrapping around her.
“No, she’s just dreaming. People do that sometimes, Hondo.” Zenith replied as she poked her head out from the console. She climbed to her feet suddenly as she spotted the wings. “You know what, I’ve got her. Should be a room close by. I’ll lay her down and get back to work.”
"What, you think ol' Hondo isn't good enough? You insult me Zenith." Hondo responded with a fake sad expression. Zenith rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms across her chest staring at Hondo asking. “So you weren’t thinking of selling her just now? I may be doing you a favor, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t forgotten the last time we teamed up. You tried to sell me to a HUTT!”
Zenith backed off when she saw the other pirates tense up. “Fine, just remember Hondo, you backstab me and I’ll make sure your ship won’t get you back home.”
"Backstab you? You insult me again." Hondo said looking up at the ceiling with the back of his hand on his forehead.
“By the way, now she’s awake and running towards the back of the ship.” Zenith mentioned not even looking back. Fluttershy, who had activated her gift out of panic, was racing towards the bedroom. She hadn’t realized that Zenith wasn’t even glancing in her direction. Fluttershy tried to get the door open, though without the power it didn’t do much. Zenith didn’t even look at Hondo as she worked saying. “You better say something to her.”
"Ahem, let's try this again. Ah, welcome aboard my vessel girl! I am Hondo Ohnaka, at your service." Hondo repeated himself with another bow. Fluttershy turned to look at him almost hiding behind her hair. She looked away mumbling quietly. “I’m… Fluttershy.”
"Fluttershy! It is good to meet you." Hondo said, forcibly shaking her hand. "Now tell me what a little girl such as yourself are doing alone?"
“I… Sans and I we were attacked, Sans went out to scare away our attackers. The ship was hit and I was thrown back, I don’t know what happened… where’s Sans?” Fluttershy asked looking around as the power turned back on. Zenith let out a holler of joy shouting. “Got it!”
"Wonderful! Got what again?" Hondo asked with his hands in the air. Fluttershy muttered something about the power being back on as she began to curl up into a ball.
"Right right." Hondo said as he picked Fluttershy up, laying her over his shoulder. He walked over to Zenith and placed Fluttershy next to her. "You did say that you would take care of her, yes?" Hondo asked with a wink. Fluttershy let out another squeak as Zenith looked at him. “Careful Hondo, make her stressed out and we have another issue on our hands. Besides I have to look at these navigation logs, see where they were before making the jump to Hyperspace… wait that’s odd.”
"Well? Don't keep me in suspense!" Hondo said with a chuckle. Zenith turned around saying. “This ship didn’t travel through Hyperspace, the Hyperdrive isn’t on. It’s like the ship just jumped from one point of space to another. I’ll take a look at it and see what I can repair.”
Zenith paused as she looked at Fluttershy who’s form was shrinking. “And get her to calm down. Can’t talk to her while she’s panicking.”
"Uh...how would you like to wear my jacket over your little shoulders?" He asked taking it off and placed it on her head. "Now you can be a pira---er, Captain like me!"
Fluttershy peered up at Hondo before smiling, calming down somewhat. She hadn’t been this nervous since she had met Twilight. This wasn’t as bad as when she had to face the dragon.
"Oh it looks wonderful! Strike a pose with me." Hondo said looking down at Fluttershy. He stood forward away from Fluttershy and Zenith as he stretched his right arm out and pointed, with his left arm holding his side. Fluttershy just smiled shyly trying to strike a pose but ended up getting embarrassed. Zenith looked at the pirate taking the holo halfway on her way to look at the hyperdrive.
Hondo relaxed his stance as he bent down to look at Fluttershy. "How about you join my crew eh?"
“It sounds like a really lovely offer, but I don’t think I’m cut out to be a pirate.” Fluttershy answered looking at her hands.
"Pirate? Nonsense! We're a bunch of respectable fellows I'll have you know!" Hondo responded as he stood back up. The Weequay pirate just let out a chuckle as Fluttershy frowned before asking. “So what is it that you do?”
"We uh, we are adventures exploring the vast Galaxy and what wonders await us!" Hondo answered as he looked at the ceiling with a fist high in the air. Fluttershy wasn’t sure what to make of that before saying. “I don’t think I could be much help.”
"Nonsense you will be a great service to the crew! You can be...our mascot!" Hondo said with a half smile. Fluttershy blinked rapidly trying to figure out if that was a compliment or not. So she decided to take Hondo’s hand. “How about, just friends?”
Hondo shook her hand as he said. "Of course of course, but you will still join our crew yes?"
“Maybe when I’m older?” Fluttershy suggested knowing that she was still in a young form. “I don’t want to get in anyone’s way.”
"Fine fine when you are older. I will hold that to you, you know!" Hondo said as he turned to look in Zenith's direction. "Zenith, what in the world is taking you so long?!"
“Do you know how long it takes to repair a hyperdrive and make sure it is in working order?” Zenith called back sounding quite irritated. “You’re full of surprises but I don’t think you can work miracles!”
Hondo grumbled under his breath. "Sometimes I swear she acts like she is the captain on this ship and not I."
“I think that in the end she will still respect your orders. She just speaks her mind.” Fluttershy assured him as she reached up and patted his arm. “She reminds me of a friend of mine. I can see that the two of you are good friends.”
"Friend? I wouldn't...well ok I guess we are friends but well you know. She can be Zenith." Hondo replied looking down at Fluttershy. Fluttershy smiled saying. “But you wouldn’t change that about her, would you?”
"Depends on my mood." Hondo responded looking back in Zenith's direction. Zenith decided to say very loudly. “I heard that! Almost done and then we can get you back to where you were. Though I’m really curious about this Sans fellow. I don’t get how he thought it was a good idea to leave you by yourself.”
“We didn’t know that someone was going to attack.” Fluttershy answered, hiding a bit behind her hair.
"Maybe if we find this fellow he will also join our crew." Hondo said, putting a hand on his chin. Zenith looked at Hondo silently asking him if he was serious. Fluttershy glanced to the side saying. “Only if you don’t mind puns and jokes.”
"What? I am serious!" Hondo folded his arms glaring at Zenith. Fluttershy glanced between them as Zenith retorted. “I know you are, just let me have a moment of disbelief.”
“Umm… can you two argue after this is over?” Fluttershy asked quietly. “Or you don’t have to argue, that would be nice too.”
Hondo shrugged his shoulders and looked at Zenith. "Well? You finished?"
“Yes, I’m finished.” Zenith answered before looking around. “Also gave the engines a tune up, nothing major unless it’s docked, but it’ll do for now. I’m also going to need to talk to Fluttershy for a bit before we leave.”
"Sure sure, I will give you two some alone time." Hondo replied as he walked off. Zenith shook her head saying. “Seriously, reminds me of my younger brother.”
“I think he’s nice.” Fluttershy answered before Zenith gave her a serious look causing her to shy away. Zenith got straight to the point. “Fluttershy, I’m going to need you to be more careful about revealing your Equestrian Nature. The Outer Rim is fine, but here closer to the Core Worlds… they haven’t been introduced to Equestrians just yet. Somepony close to you will be coming and she’ll be the first one they are introduced to. Just make sure to disguise your wings and keep your tail hidden.”
Fluttershy nodded her head before looking at Zenith asking politely. “How do you know what we are?”
Zenith just chuckled saying. “They may not have been introduced to Equestrians, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t mingled before. Look, I gotta go. Hondo is probably wanting to cause mayhem to the Outer Rims and I need to get back to Florrum. My ship is there and I don’t want to risk anything happening to that beauty. Take care Fluttershy…. Oh! I also programmed your previous coordinates into the Hyperdrive. Just to make sure you get back to your friend safely.”
Zenith began to walk away shouting. “Alright Hondo! Let’s go cause some mayhem!”
Fluttershy almost didn’t believe what had happened as she walked to the bridge. She followed what Satele had taught her about activating the hyperdrive watching as space warped around them. It wasn’t a long jump and upon exiting she saw Sans flying around on the Gaster Blaster. All the fears and worries almost washed away, until she realized that her vision was covered by the coat. Looking down she could barely make out hooves. Her breathing increased and everything went dark.
It wasn’t long before Sans had gotten back onto the ship. He headed straight for the bridge to check on Fluttershy only to find a small pegasus filly unconscious in the pilot’s seat under a large coat. He let out a sigh of relief when after making sure she was alright before bringing her back to the bed. Making his way back to the bridge Sans started the journey back to Tython. He figured they had enough adventures for now.
Time passed, another year according to the markings Sans had made. Fluttershy was nervous to set out on her own, yet she wanted to see if she could find her way to Coruscant. ‘Then maybe check on Hondo.’ she told herself as she looked at the ship. It was her first time travelling alone, but Marr had advised her to practice in case an incident like before happened again. Fluttershy made sure her supplies were packed as she climbed aboard the ship. She petted the kitten, which she had lovingly dubbed Belia. According to Master Satele, Belia seemed to have been a combination of the Flame Tygah she had encountered and a Gryphon. She wasn’t sure how it happened just yet but told Fluttershy to keep an open mind and to reflect on her actions.
“stay safe out there.” Sans said, he was one of the few that did not feel safe with Fluttershy going out on her own. Mir’grok, not being fond of space travel, had said that travelling the mountains alone was a sign of strength among the Flesh Raiders. Asriel was with Sans, he didn’t want Fluttershy to be by herself on what was going to be a simple errand. In the end the decision rested with her. Fluttershy placed a hand on Sans’ shoulder as she replied. “I will, I trust that you will take care of everything here.”
Though Sans’ face was still in the same grin, his eyes were downcast. Fluttershy extended her wing, her feathers brushed against his face saying. “We can talk when I get back. Now I have to go before I change my mind.”
Fluttershy turned ready to leave when she felt Sans’ place his hand on her shoulder. Her eyes widened for a moment as he said. “just promise me that you’ll be careful.”
“I promise Sans.” Fluttershy spoke quietly before she moved to the ship. She knew it was her decision, but as she sat in the pilot’s seat she was beginning to regret it. Her hands shook as she reached out and began to power it up. They would rarely take out the ship, as they had no money and didn’t want to waste fuel. She made sure that the area was clear before lifting the ship off the ground piloting it towards space.
Fluttershy flew a ways away from Tython reaching out through the Force. She was seeking guidance to where she was needed the most. A whistle echoed in the back of her mind as she placed her hands against the controls. A planet, a location, the whistling grew more desperate as if it was a bird in distress. Her mind chased after it, finding a path through the stars as she entered the location through instinct rather than knowledge. She saw the coordinates entered and activated the hyperdrive taking a massive breath. She sat there for a little bit after the jump, she honestly wished she had a copilot. Fluttershy closed her eyes as she began to meditate. She listened for the whistling again just as the computer beeped at her letting her know that they arrived at their destination. She got straight to work, going through the steps that she was taught. She watched as her ship exited hyperspace, a planet covered in ice and snow appearing in front of her.
“Let’s hope I can find and help whoever needs help down there.” Fluttershy mumbled under her breath as she began to enter the atmosphere. It was bumpy, she did feel a little bit sick, through all of that she stuck through it. Panic began to well up when she realized she had to land the vessel in a safe area so she wouldn’t get trapped. Her eyes scanned the surface before she noticed another ship. ‘I want to land close, but not too close. I don’t want to mess up and cause that ship damage.’ she told herself mentally.
The landing was a bit rough and Fluttershy found that it actually got her closer to the other ship than she wanted. Yet there she was safely on the ground, in the cold. Her wings drew closer to herself just to block out the wind. Closing her eyes Fluttershy focus, listening for the sound, the whistling grew stronger. Her wings flared out as she turned locating the direction and took off. Her teal eyes scanned the area before spotting a hole in the ice. She landed close by listening for anyone still alive down there.
“How are you feeling?” a man’s voice asked, Fluttershy couldn’t tell who it was directed to. She could see who was speaking, it was a human male with long brown hair wearing robes.
"I seem to have twisted my ankle Master, but otherwise I am fine." A younger male with short hair and a braid responded as he grasped the injured foot. Fluttershy was about to call out to them but knew that the term Master was generally meant for a student and teacher. Force Users. She watched as the Master examined the foot before scooting back as he turned to look at the hole. She laid against the ice before she began to focus. She had better control over her transformations to her pony form but this would have been the first time she succeeded in taking it.
"Master Qui-Gon, I sense that we aren't alone." The young boy said to his master. "What do you think it is?"
“I’m not sure Obi-Wan.” Qui-Gon replied before hearing a sound as a small creature poked its head over the side watching them. It let out a sound before jumping down the hole onto the boulders beneath it. The creature walked over to them and let out its call one more time fluttering two wings at its side.
Obi-Wan tilted his head to the side as he looked at the creature curiously. "Well hello there!" Obi-Wan said with a smile. "Now what might you be?"
The creature blinked up at them before letting out a cry. It began to sniff the air looking around almost tripping over a long mane. Qui-Gon reached out slowly watching as the creature ducked its head. He smiled saying calmly. “Easy there, your mane.”
The creature merely sniffed his fingers instead though it flicked its head to the side moving the mane out of the way slightly.
"Have you seen anything like it before Master?" Obi-Wan asked, looking up at Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon examined the creature as it sniffed around as he answered. “I have not, not on Ilum but there is much that we haven’t explored. It could also be a pet of some kind.”
The creature made a noise like a squeak before looking around once again sniffing the air. It wandered a bit before walking back then walking a bit further. It returned each time as if afraid to go alone.
"It looks like it wants our help." Obi-Wan pointed out to his master. "What should we do? I can't move too well as I am."
The creature paused, Qui-Gon had a feeling that it understood what Obi-Wan had said as it approached him. It brought its head forward sniffing the wounded area before nudging it lightly with its head.
"Ow!" Obi-Wan winced as he pulled his leg back. "Careful there!"
The creature looked startled for a moment almost ready to fly away with how its wings were spread. Qui-Gon spoke calmly. “Easy now, I am sure it was just a mistake.”
The creature looked at the wound again before reaching out with one of its wings brushing against it lightly. That was when Qui-Gon felt it, a shift in the wind and a strong presence in the Force. Obi-Wan looked at the creature before looking at Qui-Gon in surprise. "You felt that too right?"
Qui-Gon nodded his head as the creature took a step back. It looked at the leg before looking at Obi-Wan. Qui-Gon knelt by Obi-Wan asking. “Try moving your leg slowly.”
Obi-Wan did what he instructed and let out a gasp of surprise. He got up on his feet and winced a bit. "I don't know what it did but, I feel a lot better. Still feels sore but I can walk."
The creature was walking away again before it got startled and ran back behind Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon chuckled a bit before looking at Obi-Wan saying. “Walk carefully, it seems to want to lead us somewhere.”
The creature walked around them before leading them into a tunnel it had found. Qui-Gon had seen it before but he couldn’t leave his Padawan’s side.
"I suppose we should follow it Master?" Obi-Wan asked. Qui-Gon nodded his head as he said quietly. “Be wary, I do not sense hostile intent with this creature but we do not know where it came from or how it came to be here.” Obi-Wan nodded as he followed closely behind Qui-Gon. The creature walked close to them sniffing once in a while before finding what it was looking for. An underground hot spring, it glanced before nudging Obi-Wan towards the spring.
"You want me to go into that spring?" Obi-Wan asked the creature. The creature just looked up at him before nudging him again. Qui-Gon observed the situation, the more he watched it the more he came to the conclusion that this creature was strong in the Force.
Obi-Wan walked towards the spring and took off his robe as he settled in it. "This feels great!" He cheered as he relaxed. The creature looked away as Qui-Gon said. “Thank you for leading us here.”
He watched as the creature hid behind its mane before its ears twitched. It looked back down the tunnel for a moment. Qui-gon walked forward to peer down but he sensed no presence in the area besides them. He knelt down and petted the head of the creature saying. “It is alright, I will take a look.”
The creature watched him walked away before walking over to Obi-Wan. It sniffed at his robes before crawling underneath them. Obi-Wan looked towards the creature as he said. "What's going on?"
“It seems to have heard something, I’m going to check it out.” Qui-Gon informed Obi-Wan seeing the lump in the clothing move around. Obi-Wan nodded with a "Yes Master."
When Qui-Gon Jinn left the creature poked its head out before looking at Obi-Wan. It nudged what it found over to the side of the spring: Obi-Wan’s lightsaber.
"That's my lightsaber, I would be careful with that." Obi-Wan said as he grabbed it. "If you aren't careful you could get hurt."
The creature back away before hiding behind a rock. Obi-Wan motioned for it to come back. "It's alright, I won't hurt you."
The creature walked back around and sat by the spring. It watched the entrance to the tunnel as if waiting for Qui-Gon to return. It glanced back at Obi-Wan, its ear twitching as Qui-Gon walked in. Obi-Wan looked at Qui-Gon, curious on what he had to say. Qui-Gon smiled saying. “There is no one else down here. There is a search party looking for us, I gave them our position.”
Obi-Wan looked at the creature before looking back at Qui-Gon. "While that's good news, I feel like there's more to why the creature is acting the way it is. Are you absolutely certain there's no one else?"
“I’m certain, the other way was blocked off and I heard nothing digging.” Qui-Gon replied watching the creature move towards the exit. Once he was certain the creature was out of earshot did he say. “It does not act like a typical animal.”
"What do you mean Master?" Obi-Wan asked curiously. Qui-Gon looked at Obi-Wan before looking at the lightsaber explaining. “The way it reacted, it showed that it listens, it lead us to this place, it brought you your lightsaber. How did it know to push this to you?”
"I thought it was just curious as it found it while hiding in my robe. With all respect Master, might you be overthinking it?" Obi-Wan asked as he got out of the spring and shook himself off. Qui-Gon chuckled lightly saying. “Perhaps, but we must be mindful of all things. Even the smallest of beings can be some of the most powerful.”
Fluttershy landed at the edge of the hole watching as a ship landed closer to their position. She took off quickly heading back towards her ship. She knew she couldn’t stay long and she had to return Hondo’s coat to him. She glanced back seeing Jedi moving to aid their comrades and smiled. That was when she felt a chill and looked around. She noticed a figure upon the cliff watching the scene as well before turning his head and looking directly at her. Panicking Fluttershy flew as fast as she could towards her ship. Once inside she locked the door and focused on returning to her bipedal form. Her heart was pounding as she thought. ‘Who was that?’
Fluttershy meditated under a tree keeping her mind open. Satele said that they would be able to start working on their own lightsabers soon. They had been studying lightsabers designs and creations from the archives on Tython, mechanics, how to build one, what was required. Fluttershy was told that the Jedi Padawans used to hunt for their own materials including the lightsaber crystal. That is where the research came to a halt, there were many theories on the lightsaber crystals and how each one would call to the one building the lightsaber. There were a few Jedi who were given their crystal. So Fluttershy decided that the best thing would be to sit and meditate. She knew what her friends would do: Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack would go on adventure after adventure to search for what was needed. Rarity would most likely try and cast her gem finding spell. ‘Pinkie Pie….’ Fluttershy’s mind trailed off, she wasn’t sure how Pinkie Pie would find her lightsaber crystal. A familiar knot began to grow in Fluttershy’s stomach, a pain that she had experienced her first time through the Underground. She was feeling homesick once again.
“Fluttershy? Are you alright?” Frisk asked, petting Fluttershy’s mane as she did her best to hide her sobs behind a snowmound. “Do you want me to go find Sans or Papyrus?”
Fluttershy wiped at her eyes shaking her head, she knew that Papyrus meant no harm towards them. His excitement for finding a human was more like that of a young filly or colt getting their cutie mark for the first time. The pain grew worse in Fluttershy’s heart as she began to sob once again. Frisk looked around before whispering. “I’ll be right back.”
Fluttershy nodded, she wanted to stay with Frisk but the rush of sadness and missing home was making her body ache. She felt him leave her side and the loneliness grew.
Fluttershy felt the familiar ache swell, this time instead of pushing it away she embraced it. Learning from Satele and Marr she had come to the conclusion that emotions were natural; it was the fact that she couldn’t let herself get overwhelmed by them. She knew she had to work through this, but she knew she didn’t have to do it alone. Climbing to her feet she began to head to the temple to find someone to discuss what she was feeling. That was when a vision came to her, one of a pink crystal being broken in two. Hands burying one half under ice and snow and the other surrounded by people in strange armor. Fluttershy wasn’t sure if it was the ice planet that she was on before or if it was different. She picked up her pace, her wings beginning to flap until she was flying towards the temple.
“Master Satele!” she called out as soon as she was inside. “I had a vision.”
Satele Shan turned around her demeanor calm as she spoke. “Come, tell me about this vision.”
Fluttershy explained it the best she could trying to emphasize that she was awake and standing when she had it. Satele listened quietly before leading her up the stars to the area next to the landing platform. Fluttershy saw the large console sitting in the middle, they had never used it before, they weren’t sure what it did. Satele and Marr had explained that it was a map, but Fluttershy wasn’t sure how it was used. So they just kept it off. Satele brought her over to one part of the console and instructed her on how to activate it. A projection of the whole galaxy appeared above the large console.
“There are several planets known for their icy landscape, Ilum being one of them.” Satele explained pointing towards a few places. She showed Fluttershy how to pull up the image of the planets and waited while she studied the planets. She paused when one of the planets came to the screen a frown growing on her face.
“Hoth.” Satele told her as she looked at which planet it was. “I don’t know if the Republic has gone back after the war. The other planet, with the warriors in armor. There is only one place I can think of from how you described the armor.”
Satele waved her hand controlling the map until it brought up a planet. “Mandalore. Fluttershy, if this is your crystal I would recommend going to Mandalore with caution. The people are warriors, but some can be violent, I do not know how they will react to your presence.”
“Then I will go to Hoth first.” Fluttershy said, in the months that it had been since Ilum Fluttershy had been practicing her piloting skills. She wasn’t the best, but she knew how to get from Point A to Point B without crashing.
“I will also recommend keeping your face hidden. The one you had met before, Zenith, she had mentioned not revealing your species to the Republic. Yet I have the feeling it is impossible, unless they aren’t paying too close attention.” Marr spoke appearing next to Satele causing her to glance at him. “They will notice the covering before they notice the wings. In my experience, they are just that dense.”
Satele’s lips formed a thin line before breathing slowly. Fluttershy nodded her head as she backed away as Satele turned to face Marr fully. She took off to prepare for her journey making it to her room in record time. Something that she knew Rainbow Dash would be impressed by. There was the pang once again causing her to slow down.
“hey kid.” Sans’ voice spoke causing her to look down and see him standing on the balcony by their living space. According to Master Satele Shan it had once been the chambers where the Jedi Council had once gathered. She didn’t seem to mind that they had turned it into their home. Fluttershy settled down next to him as he asked. “everything alright?”
“I may have an idea where to get a component for my lightsaber. The problem is that it’s on two different planets.” Fluttershy answered, looking below them. Sans chuckled as he placed a hand on her shoulder saying. “that’s not what I meant. you seem distracted.”
“I miss home, I mean I got through it back in the underground but this is different. There is an entire galaxy open to me and the one place I want to go I can’t find.” Fluttershy sighed, shaking her head before looking at Sans. “I’m sorry, I know that your home was destroyed. I shouldn’t be feeling this way.”
“hey, your home is gonna be my home. i miss my home, but what makes a home are the people there willing to care for you and be there for you.” Sans said, causing Fluttershy to smile. “i had paps, he is always going to be where home is, and paps always cared for you. i can see why, you’re like a little sister and a mom all wrapped up in one bundle. so did they suggest anything?”
“Most likely to dress warm for one of the planets, Master Marr had suggested wearing something to cover my face.” Fluttershy answered thinking back to the conversation. Sans hummed under his breath before saying. “i’ll work on something, as for warmth i’m gonna suggest that coat that hondo gave you. if i had some yarn i could knit you something. so i guess i’ll just focus on a veil.”
Fluttershy gave Sans a hug saying. “Thank you… also I never could find Hondo”
Sans stiffened before returning the hug mumbling. “i figured, it’s still not a problem.”
Fluttershy took a week to get ready, wanting to make sure that she had everything possible to traverse the icy plains of Hoth. She was also giving Sans sometime to finish what he was working on. She stood by the shuttle giving Asriel a hug, he didn’t want to let her go apparently. Fluttershy smiled as she managed to convince him to let go. She promised to return saying that they were her family. Mir’Grok was next, patting her on the shoulder saying. “Caretaker, be careful.”
“I will.” Fluttershy said trying not to crane her neck back, Sans appeared next to Mir’Grok saying. “sorry i’m late, just had to put the finishing touches on the veil. sorry darth marr, a mask isn’t gonna cut it with flutters, she needs something light and airy.”
Marr didn’t say anything as Sans held out the veil, it was made out of a green fabric. Sheer enough that Fluttershy could see out of but opaque enough that her face could barely be made out. It was attached to a delicate circlet; the biggest section were two swept up wings on the sides. Fluttershy smiled saying. “Thank you Sans. I’m going now.”
“stay safe out there kid.” Sans told her, giving her a hug, letting her go just in time to get onto the ship. She gave them one last wave before setting off.
Fluttershy had never been to a planet as cold as Hoth. Ilum was freezing but this was on a whole different level. She thought she had been over prepared but she realized that this was just prepared. She pulled the coat closer to her before hearing an animal call. She turned around seeing a large fuzzy gentle looking creature. Fluttershy stretched out her hand as the creature watched her letting out a bray before approaching. She stroked the fur saying. “That’s a good girl, I’m looking for a place where a crystal lay. Can you show me?”
The creature let out another noise keeping still as Fluttershy climbed onto her back. The snow creature ran forward at a fast pace getting faster and faster. The creature slowed down upon approaching a cave walking in slowly. Fluttershy looked around at the walls, some were covered in ice and others crystals. Soon they ended at a cavern entrance, the creature didn’t go any further and decided to rest where it stood. Fluttershy climbed down and walked in slowly only to find the cavern filled with the same structure of ice and crystals and in the center a tree. This confused Fluttershy as she noticed that the only plant life that could grow on Hoth was fungus in the caves and lichen. Yet there was a sound in the back of her mind. Similar to the one she heard when she located the distressed Jedi, yet this one was more calm. It got louder as she approached the tree and when she stood underneath its branches she felt a familiarity. Her hand slid down the bark until she was kneeling on the ground. The ice beneath her hands gave way like soil until a broken pink crystal came into view. As her fingers barely brushed the surface images appeared around her.
“As long as the remains of my weapon are here, I will not return to Mandalore.” a woman spoke her shawl looking suspiciously like wings. “Here in the presence of all the Clans, I make my vow.”
“Fighting without mercy is the same as fighting without honor! Your cowardice becomes you Star Forge!” a Pegasus yelled while holding a shepherd’s crook. “You place your duty to our kind above all else and it will destroy everything.”
“White Feather.” this was a stallion’s voice as a blurred figure looked at White Feather. “I’m about to do something very stupid.”
“?” White Feather replied, the name a high pitched squeal as if the name had been removed from memory. The blurry stallion walked forward towards a group of fighting ponies.
An unknown place filled with tall trees “Where am I?”
A small fuzzy bearlike creature tilted its head to the side examining the new being on the planet while point a spear at her. White Feather spread her wings flapping them as the spear moved forward causing the small creature to just stare at her.
Fluttershy’s fingers wrapped around the crystal as she picked it up. She glanced up to see the sky darkening and guessed that this was an area that was protected by the cold. Her eyes began to slide shut as she fell asleep against the tree. The area felt like it was doused in a small part of Equestria.
The next morning was spent getting back to her ship and letting her new friend go. The latter was harder for Fluttershy than she realized as the creature, which she found out was called a Tauntaun, had lost her pack. So Fluttershy decided to spend a little more time to find the Tauntaun, a new pack. Once that was over she set her sights on Mandalore. What she hadn’t realized was that she was flying into the middle of a Civil War. That was until her vessel was fired upon causing her to crash towards the surface. Her head hit the console hard causing her to black out.
The ringing in her ears, that was the first thing she heard when she opened her eyes. She grabbed her head, her vision blurring as she reached around for her veil. When she couldn’t find it near her she walked around wobbling until she found the door to enter the rest of the ship. She pushed open the door, her wings moving over eyes as sunlight shined down. That was until tall figures in armor moved around her.
Jango Fett looked down at the survivor of the ship crash, a young girl from what he could tell she seemed younger than ten but older than five. Her face covered by what he could tell were wings. He was impressed by the craftsmanship of them as he knelt down seeing that the girl was holding her head. He observed her for a moment looking for any sign of aggression before reaching past the wings to check on the wound. This caused a strange reaction, the wings flared knocking everyone back as the girl took off to the air.
“After her!” Jango Fett ordered the rest of the True Mandalorians as he took off after the girl. She soared through the air unsteadily but managed to keep ahead of them. Just as they moved into grapple range, she dropped. Jango took the lead flying down at full speed to catch the stranger seeing the rest of the downed ship come into view. He landed when she did, her landing was unsteady and her shoulders were shaking. Jango Fett knew never to fly with a head wound, but something told him that she was at the other half of the ship for a reason. He closed in behind her as she found a way in, only for the hole to be too small for him to fit. He wasn’t going to let that stop him, he was searching another way in as the others landed. He found moveable debris and with the help of the others cleared a spot to get in. They moved carefully into the ship leaving a few outside to keep a lookout.
The smell of sick caught Jango’s attention. Moving around the debris and furniture, the Mandalorians found the girl on the ground holding her head. A veil rested over her face hiding it from view. Jango looked at her for a moment before saying. “Get her back to camp and get that wound treated. I want to know who she is and why she’s here. Keep her restrained at all times. I don’t want her flying off.”
“Yes sir.” one of the Mandalorians replied as the group moved in. Jango Fett decided to investigate the remainder of the ship. From his initial observation he could tell that this wasn’t the ship of a mercenary nor anyone prepared for coming to Mandalore for the war. The holotable was covered up, a broken vase on the floor, near it was a leather pouch. Fett picked it up from the ground and examined it. He opened it and let the contents fall out into his hand. It was a pink crystal of sorts, it had a slight ethereal glow. A voice echoing from it. “As long as the remains of my weapon are here, I will not return to Mandalore.”
Jango Fett glanced at the now bound girl, he was curious as to why she was here and if she was seeking this weapon. He slipped the crystal back into the bag before signalling for the group to move out.
When Fluttershy regained consciousness she knew she was in trouble. Her wrists were bound as were her wings. The veil was left on, which surprised her as most would be curious on what someone was hiding underneath. Her memory was a bit of a blur. She wasn’t surprised, she should have remembered that flying after a head injury was never a good idea. Glancing around Fluttershy could determine that she was on a vessel that wasn’t hers. Which meant that there was someone on Mandalore.
Jango Fett entered the room and looked down at Fluttershy, gazing through his Mandalorian helmet. "I see you're finally awake."
Fluttershy began to stutter wanting to just curl up and hide. “I-I’m sorry!”
"I'm not going to hurt you girl, I just have some questions for you." Jango said as he took off his helmet and laid it on a shelf next to him. His hand was grasping something afterwards but it was hard to make out. Fluttershy glanced at the floor mumbling. “I’m sorry I crashed into your planet. I didn’t mean to crash… oh… what questions?”
"I don't need apologies, just answers. First and foremost, who are you and why were you near Mandalore all by yourself?" Jango asked with a stern look. Fluttershy glanced up at him before looking down saying quietly. “I’m… Fluttershy, I was looking for the other half of a crystal.”
She was trying not to mention that it felt Equestrian in nature. Jango Fett stepped forward as he said. "That makes my next question easier." He opened up his hand revealing the crystal he found in the pouch. "At first I thought nothing of it and placed it back but I feel like there's something you aren't telling me. What is this?"
“I think it’s a crystal from my planet. I’m not sure what’s it doing out this far.” Fluttershy answered keeping it vague enough so she wouldn’t have to explain her species. She was also starting to get worried by saying her actual name.
Jango's hand grasped the crystal once more as he turned around. He looked back over his shoulder saying. "Don't move, I will be back." He left the room leaving Fluttershy alone once more. Fluttershy made a noise before trying to get comfortable. The problem was she was in the center of the room, so she turned herself to look at the helmet.
Jango walked back into the room and stood between Fluttershy and the helmet. He opened up his hand, this time revealing a crystal alongside the one from before. "I found this one, I assume that it's the half you're missing." His hand grasped the crystals once more as he folded his arms. The crystals glowed brightly when they were brought together. Fluttershy stared at it before nodding her head saying. “Um… yes, they’re… glowing.”
She was getting quieter and quieter as she spoke. Jango took notice of the glow, placing the crystals next to his helmet and watched them. "Does it seem more familiar now girl?"
Fluttershy tried to make herself smaller once again saying. “It’s just a feeling, familiar, like returning home after being gone for a long time.”
The crystals reflected the light from each other producing a map of the galaxy. Fluttershy felt like crying, feeling rather stressed out, something she knew could be dangerous. She took deep breaths trying to calm herself down as she looked back at Jango Fett.
Jango eyed the map and looked over his shoulder at Fluttershy. He grabbed the crystals from the shelf and laid them on the ground in front of her. He stepped back, looking down. "Take them. I have no need for them or you."
“Did you need help with something?” Fluttershy asked, looking down at the crystals before looking up at Jango Fett. “I mean, I’m not good with fighting but I have gotten good with healing. Finding medicinal plants and turning them into salves for burns and wounds.”
Jango stared silently at Fluttershy. He placed a hand on his chin, pondering what to do with her. "And why exactly do you want to help us?"
“Where I’m from it’s always good to help those who need it.” Fluttershy answered her tail starting to move against the ground as she thought about her home. “Even if we don’t get anything in return. I take care of animals and make sure they’re healthy, or I help my friends in any way I can. It’s not much, but anything helps.”
A short chuckle came from Jango Fett as he turned around to grab his helmet. He placed it on his head and moved to the door. "I'll think about it. There's some refreshments on the shelf next to you." He said as he left, closing the door behind him. Fluttershy looked around before spotting them, she climbed to her feet. She frowned a bit before looking at her hands, her wrists were still bound but she didn’t know how they would react to her Force training. So she did the one thing any Pegasi child would do when they hurt their wing. She began to climb the shelf. It was difficult but if there was one thing Mir’grok taught her, it was how to turn a bad situation into a good one. Not that he bound her hands and forced her to climb a cliff, Sans would have killed him. She struggled her way up to the shelf that she had seen them on before pausing. She didn’t have a way to hold them and was now stuck on the shelf. Fluttershy let out a squeak before remembering why it was always a bad idea to do this.
“Help.” Fluttershy whispered trying to flex her wings but whatever was binding them wouldn’t budge. She had to choose between trying to get down without slipping or getting the food down and risk falling.
The door opened up as Jango Fett walked back into the room. He moved toward Fluttershy and set her back on the ground and laid the food next to her. "You're not exactly helping your case in wanting to stick around and help if you can't help yourself."
“Well, if you insist on keeping my wrists and wings bound I can’t exactly help anyone.” Fluttershy answered back. “Thank you for helping me down though, I don’t think I would have been much help to anyone if I got hurt again."
Jango Fett shook his head as he knelt down to unbind her. "If you try to escape by yourself and something happens to you, you're on your own." He said as he got back up and headed towards the door. Fluttershy nodded her head before eating some of the food. She hummed under her breath as she stretched her wings, but stayed in place before glancing at the crystals. She wondered if she should tell him about her teachers. She didn’t know how Mandalorians would react to her being taught by either a ghost of a Jedi, Sith, or even both. Yet the first thing she knew about friendship was being kind, honest, loyal, generous, friendly, and just wanting to see others smile. Nodding her head she spoke. “Ummm, I’m sorry I didn’t get your name, but I do have something I want to tell you. If you’re even listening, I… I was looking for the crystals to help complete my training. I don’t know if you have heard of Master Satele Shan or Darth Marr, but they have been guiding my training through the Force. They knew it was going to be dangerous sending me out here to find the crystals but I decided to do this on my own. I didn’t want to put anyone else in danger… though I put myself in danger. I’m not a good fighter….”
Jango Fett stopped suddenly and remained silent for a moment. Instead of saying something in regards to the revelation he just heard, he simply said "Jango Fett." and walked out the door, closing it behind him. Fluttershy smiled as she whispered. “Thank you, Mister Fett.”
Fluttershy sat in silence trying to meditate, her mind unfocused as she worried about what she was getting into by promising her help. She knew her focus at the moment would be building her lightsaber. However she couldn’t just turn away from something that could possibly leave many severely injured. Her eyes glanced at the crystals that Jango Fett had left behind. She held out her hand bringing them to her smiling as she felt the peace of Equestria once more.
“I wonder what you were like.” Fluttershy mused her fingers brushing against one of the halves. A light shone bringing up an image of a teal Pegasi with white feathers and a golden mane. She had a nice smile as she looked around. There was no voice, just her before it vanished as the light began to flicker then fade. Fluttershy sighed as she laid on her side laying the crystals next to her as she began to nod off to sleep. She was unaware of the discussions the Mandalorians were having outside of her current quarters.
“Mand’alore, are you sure we can trust such a creature?” one of the True Mandalorians asked glancing in the direction the room was in. “We do not know what species she is or where she hails from. For all we know she could be aligned with the Jedi!”
“If she was aligned with a Jedi, she would be training at the temple not on Mandalore. A child at her age would not be a Padawan.” another Mandalorian, a female, pointed out before looking at Jango as well. “Did you learn anything when you spoke to her?”
Jango thought back to the crystals and the story he was told. "She claims that what sounds like a Jedi and a Sith guiding her." He answered, back against the wall with his arms folded. The first Mandalorian gave a scoff of disbelief while the female asked. “That’s possible? I thought the Sith were all wiped out. Could be a ghost though, I might need to find out which one.”
“There you go into history again Lyrua. You should be focused on winning this war!” the first Mandalorian snapped and the woman glanced at him. “Your family is at stake here, your daughter! Get your head out of the past.”
“We honor the past, Davon, every action we take honors the traditions of Mandalorians.” Lyrua hissed but didn’t make a hostile movement. “And don’t you dare remind me of what I’m fighting for!”
"Quiet, both of you. The girl did mention a couple names...a Satele Shan and a Darth Marr." Jango interrupted them by shooting his blaster at the ground. Davon stood up a little straighter as Lyrua said. “I’ll see what I can find on them. There’s a good chance that there won’t be anything but I’ll never know unless I look them up.”
Davon just shook his head as another male Mandalorian spoke. “Davon, let my wife do what she can, I can fight harder to pick up the slack.”
Jango moved towards Fluttershy's quarters as he looked back saying. "Gonna check on the kid."
The group nodded their head as Lyrua headed off to do research. She actually wanted to meet the kid but she knew that would have to happen after they set up camp.
Fluttershy shifted a bit in her sleep, her wings wrapping around her to provide some warmth. The cold metal floor wasn’t the best bed but she didn’t mind it. She heard the door hiss open but her mind was still hazy with sleep.
"Hey kid." Jango said as he stepped into the room and closed the door. Fluttershy blinked awake before yawning, her large wings stretching out. In the back of her mind she remembered that her wings were larger than most Pegasi now. Yet with her sleep addled mind she barely managed to push herself up to stare at Jango Fett.
“Hello Mister Fett.” she spoke before hiding a yawn behind her hands.
"Came to check on you. You sure got everyone talking their mouths off." Jango said, crossing his arms. Fluttershy blinked once before quickly mumbling an apology. Her mind was starting to clear quickly and she didn’t want to cause any trouble.
“That’s not something you should apologize for.” Jango Fett told her as he moved around to find a seat. “Are your people always like this?”
“Not all of them, I just don’t want to cause any trouble.” answered Fluttershy folding her knees into her chest as she sighed. “I’m not only shy, but I’m afraid of everything, I cause my friends a lot of problems.”
“Then why are they still friends with you?” Jango Fett asked, purely to see what kind of culture her people had. Fluttershy gave him a smile as she touched one of the crystal halves again as she answered. “Despite all my flaws, they accept me for who I am. Though I would like to be braver, in a way that allows me to help others. I can stand up for myself, it just took finding my inner strength.”
Jango Fett wasn’t sure whether to be impressed or not with Fluttershy. On the one hand, she had more strength than she realized just laying her weaknesses out in the open. On the other hand it seemed like she hadn’t gotten anywhere using that strength. Her next words surprised him. “I may not be able to stand up for myself a lot of the time… but if my friends were in danger I would rather put myself in harm’s way than let them fall.”
Fluttershy looked away in embarrassment. Jango Fett was silent for a moment as he collected his thoughts, he couldn’t figure out how she was still alive at this point. Yes she did say she was learning under both a Jedi Master and a Sith Lord. There must have been a time when she didn’t have them with her. When she was younger, how did she survive with all of her ideals intact? Were her friends always there to protect her? If they were the same age as her, how did they survive themselves?
“How old are you?” Jango asked carefully and Fluttershy looked at the ground for a moment as if calculating something before answering. “Well, physically I am eight years old.”
Jango Fett caught on to how she worded the sentence so he posed his next question. “Mentally?”
“I was around nineteen years old before… this happened to me.” Fluttershy admitted waving down at her body. “Age reduction isn’t a common thing with my species.”
“It isn’t common with a lot of other species.” Jango informed her, keeping his face neutral. His comm went off letting him know that they were just about to arrive at their destination. He stood up saying. “We’re here, I want you to stay in this room until we land.”
Fluttershy nodded her head as she watched Jango Fett left the room. She looked around once again before picking up the pieces and holding onto them.She began to pray for a safe landing.
Fluttershy shivered slightly at the colder temperatures of Galidraan. Thankful that her warmer clothes had been brought as well. Her wings were hidden, wrapped around her shoulders, under the layers. It was because of this act that she knew there was kindness in the True Mandalorians. The campsite was simple and Fluttershy found herself normally studying the local flora and fauna under the guidance of Eva Lyrua. She wasn’t like most of the Mandalorians, often sharing the culture and history of them with Fluttershy and her four year old daughter Sila. Fluttershy enjoyed staying with them. Eva’s husband, Jann, took some time from scouting to spend time with his daughter. Fluttershy could tell that they all were close in the days that she had known them. The camp felt familiar, reminding her of the days she spent exploring Tython. It was about a week later when Jango Fett found an opportunity to gain information on their enemy, Death Watch. Fluttershy wasn’t sure how to feel about what needed to be done for the information. From what she had learned, Death Watch was a bunch of violent, unpredictable bullies that did need to be stopped. She just wasn’t sure about the job of going out and killing rebels. So she decided to approach Jango Fett before the mission.
“Ummm… Mister Fett?” she asked, clenching the fabric of her coat as she tried to glance up at him but her eyes kept locking onto the ground. “May… Can we talk?”
"Yes but make it fast, what is it kid?" Jango asked in return, looking down at the little Fluttershy.
“I’m worried, what if this is a trap?” Fluttershy inquired after taking a deep breath to calm her nerves.
Jango let out a laugh as he turned around. "It's always a trap."
“Still… I normally want to see the best in people but if the Governor is allied with Death Watch….” Fluttershy looked to the side starting to feel her courage leave her. “Just, please… be careful.”
"Don't worry about me, just stay away from everything and keep yourself safe." Jango replied as he started walking away. Fluttershy sighed as she turned around, her only company for a bit was going to be little Shae and the animals. She looked back at Jango Fett before walking towards the fire.
A few days passed when the group returned, Jango Fett nowhere in sight. She was told he had gone to the Governor for the information. The feeling that something was wrong intensified. She was pacing for a while with Sila watching. Footsteps rapidly approaching as Fluttershy turned around. Jango Fett was running towards them, his pace frantic. That was when the air began to tingle, causing her to turn as people wearing robes approached from the otherside. They were led by a man with dark hair, Fluttershy moved in front of Sila reaching for her electrostaff. It was the only weapon she was allowed to have and use under the direct supervision of either Jango Fett or Jann.
"Kid I'm not responsible for you if something were to happen!" Fett yelled in Fluttershy's direction. Fluttershy nodded her head saying. “It’s going to be used as a handle for Sila if I have to… take off.”
The man in dark hair spoke up in a deep voice saying. "I am Jedi Master Dooku, you are all to surrender and be brought in for charges of murder!"
Fluttershy’s hands went over Sila’s ears only for her to try and pull the wrist down. Eva looked at Jango Fett as realization dawned on all of them. They had been framed. The Padawan pointed her lightsaber towards the group. “Should you resist you shall all be cut down.”
Fluttershy saw Eva and Jann move in front of them. Jango Fett moved forward and shouted "Everyone fire!"
The Mandalorians began to shoot at the Jedi, but the blaster fire had no effect on the Jedi as they began to deflect the shots. Fluttershy backed away using her electrostaff to block the deflected bolts that got too close to them. Sila was clinging to her leg as she began to back away.
Fett backed up and took to the skies with his jetpack as he let out another order. "We're going to have to switch our tactics, blaster fire is near useless! Fire with the heaviest firepower you have!"
A group of them fired their wrist rockets as Fluttershy scooped up Sila to get out of the blast radius. Her heart began to pound as she headed deeper into the forest. Sila looked up at her asking. “Fluttershy?”
Fluttershy tripped just as an explosion shook the earth causing her to fall to the ground. Her heart pounded as she stroked Sila’s hair. She was no longer on Galidraan. She was back in the Underground, running from the child she thought she trusted. The one that was hunting her, she knew too much. A hand touched her face, under the veil, causing her to look down her eyes focusing on Sila. A crack of a branch, Fluttershy turning around, a figure walking towards them blade a glow. She began to shake as she let out a scream seeing the child with a chilling grin on his face. It wasn’t Frisk any longer. The large pine trees creaked before their branches slammed into the ground, one swinging towards the figure. The moment they made contact she saw that it was a robed figure being flung backwards.
“Fluttershy!” Eva’s voice called out as they landed behind her, Fluttershy directed Sila towards her mother and father saying. “Get her to safety.”
“What about you?” questioned Jann and Fluttershy smiled saying. “I will be by shortly, I need to get as many of you out of there, after all…”
Flutterhy looked in the direction of the battle seeing a few Jedi looking in the direction. “A Caretaker must protect. Now go.”
Jann and Eva nodded their head heading towards their ship knowing it would give them the firepower they needed to win the fight. This caught the attention of Dooku who started moving in their direction. The two massive creatures in the form of pine trees looked down at Fluttershy. She realized that she had to instruct them. Taking a deep breath she spoke. “Protect those heading towards the ship, make sure they get there.”
The pine trees shifted before walking after the Lyrua family, their footsteps shaking the earth. Fluttershy looked at Dooku backing away slightly but keeping a firm grip on her staff.
"You do not appear to be affiliated with the Mandalorians, who exactly are you?" Dooku asked as he bent down to eye level. Fluttershy took a step back, she couldn’t reveal herself here. She had to think of a name and quick. “I am the Caretaker. You are Jedi.”
"Caretaker you say? How curious that someone such as yourself would be a caretaker. I see in your eyes that you hold secrets but I will not pry." Dooku said with a smile. Fluttershy glanced at the battle waged behind him curious before saying. “Is this why you have come? To talk? With the battle I would almost forget that the Jedi were peacekeepers. Especially with the tongue on your Padawan….”
Fluttereshy bit her lip as she realized what she had just said. “That was rude, I’m sorry.”
"No need to apologize, that is quite alright she will be disciplined accordingly. I'm afraid that this is no place for you, is there any way I could be of assistance?" Dooku asked, the smile still on his face. Fluttershy looked away for a moment before remembering a lesson that Satele Shan had taught her. If she couldn’t cease the destruction of the True Mandalorians she could leave Dooku with a sign they had been deceived. “If you will not halt the battle that will end in the death of noble warriors then remember this: Deceit will always be present. Do not believe yourself immune to its effects.”
Fluttershy took another step back preparing to run. “Return to your battle Master Jedi, I will see to it that the innocent will escape.”
Dooku chuckled as he stood up and said. "Very well, you seem confident in yourself. It was a pleasure meeting you…'Caretaker'." He gave her another smile as he ran back towards the battle. Fluttershy saw Jango Fett being overwhelmed. He looked directly at her as if giving the signal for her to run. Fluttershy held out her hands as she began to focus. The trees bending, others growing, until the way behind her was blocked. She turned to run, almost collapsing but she had to keep moving. She was making her way to the ship when she collapsed. Strong arms picked her up as she struggled for a moment feeling her gift activate.
“Easy now.” Jann’s voice spoke softly. “We had a call from Mand’alore, he ordered us to leave. We’ll find him Fluttershy, we just have to gather our strength.”
Fluttershy’s eyes began to shut as her whole body went limp. In her mind she could see Jango Fett being arrested by the Jedi, the order to hand him over to the Governor. She hoped that Dooku would remember her words, in time, that Jango Fett would be free of his wrongful imprisonment.
Dooku returned to the battlefield, the Caretaker's words in his mind. He wanted to stop the violence, yet his orders came first. He looked around with dismay and said a silent apology to her, hoping that things would still work out somehow. He thought of the Caretaker, hoping she was at least alright.
“We have to go back for him Eva!” Jann’s voice stirred Fluttershy as she woke up. “Without Mand’alore Death Watch will terrorize the New Mandalorians! We aren’t enough to aid them!”
“Do you think I don’t know that Jann? We can’t go back for him, he gave the order. The least we can do is return to Mandalore and do what we can.” Eva replied as she began to pace back and forth as Fluttershy sat up. The two took note of this as Eva knelt by her side. “How are you holding up Fluttershy?”
“I….” Fluttershy grabbed her head, she knew she had to help but she couldn’t risk the Jedi tracking her and finding them. “I’ll be fine. I just need rest.”
“Just let us know if you need anything.” Eva spoke softly, sadness deeply ingrained in her voice. One that spoke volumes of the situation. An idea popped in Fluttershy’s head before saying. “I need to go to the Tython System.”
“The Tython System? That’s a world in the Deep Core, why would you need to go there?” Jann questioned, suspicion in his voice. Fluttershy held up her hand saying. “I have friends there that could help, but it would also keep the Jedi off of your trail. Using my abilities in such a way would have caught their attention and I don’t want to put you in danger until you are ready to fight.”
Fluttershy looked at Sila who was climbing on one of the consoles causing Eva to pick her up. Jann shook his head, sighing for a moment. “Alright, we’ll get you there, it doesn’t feel right. No one lives in the Tython System. Not anymore.”
Fluttershy just smiled, she intended to keep the rumors about the planet just the same. No one could know where she lived or was planning on bringing people to.
Once the course was plotted it was only a matter of time until they came to the system. Fluttershy’s eyes landed on the station close to Tython. From there she could grab one of the shuttles and bring it to the surface. She said her goodbyes at the airlock before entering the station. The air was stale but everything was barely functioning, something she knew they would have to rectify. The shuttles were easy enough to find, getting them working again was harder. It was a patch job, one that would surely cause her to crash to Tython. She was glad when she managed a landing without too much damage to it. She climbed out before looking up at the sky lifting her hands. She focused, her ability, to warp the perception of those around her to make it seem like she wasn’t there. She could use it, she had to. The air warped around her as she pushed it outwards, spreading it further and further, engulfing the whole planet. No one could know that they were there. She would make this place a Haven. A safe place for the lost, the hurting, and those who wanted to start anew. The True Mandalorians may have been defeated but the Mandalorian Civil War still continued.
Fluttershy sat looking at the crystal, Satele Shan had instructed her on the construction of the lightsaber. Her first task was to gather the materials needed to build the lightsaber. It wasn’t the most interesting of adventure but it was an important step in her personal journey. Sans, Mir’grok, and Asriel hadn’t started, Fluttershy had the feeling that none of them thought of themselves as ready or even worthy to have such a blade. Fluttershy wouldn’t have either if it wasn’t for her desire to help those who needed help. Spending time with the True Mandalorians helped her understand that being kind did not mean that she couldn’t defend others. In fact there was a kindness in protecting others, a nobility in showing mercy. She took a deep breath as she focused on the present before standing up ready to head out and find the much needed materials.
Sans watched Fluttershy leave the temple from one of his normal napping spots on the roof. He wasn’t sure why she had gotten serious about making her lightsaber. Yeah, he got that it was a Jedi’s weapon and that it was an honor to finally make one. Yet it didn’t make sense for Fluttershy to be so determined to create hers. ‘determination. i really need to think of a different word.’ Sans thought as he watched her take off. He thought back to when she had returned the week prior from her trip to Mandalore. Apparently she had decided to help a group called the “True Mandalorians” and was picked on for not knowing how to fight. She said it was just minor joking that got shot down rather quickly but Sans knew she tried to see the best in people. What disturbed him more was the fact that the Jedi of this era had been fooled too easily. ‘that group, death watch, i should be keeping an eyesocket out for them. maybe the next time fluttershy leaves the planet, i’ll go with her.’ Sans thought as he stared out across the horizon. He wanted to check out the station in orbit, even though it hadn’t been used and took a few hits it was still functional. That part concerned him as he considered how long the station had been there for.
Sans didn’t want to take a nap anymore. It didn’t feel right without Papyrus looking for him constantly. The familiar ache of loneliness was swelling ‘i can’t go back… there’s nothing to go back to.’
Asriel sat playing with Belia, he normally stayed in his flower form most of the time as it was a more familiar form to him. Yet the strange fire cat gryphon like creature had a tendency to want to set him on fire in that form. Apparently she found it fun to watch him dodge the little flames she produced. However when he was in his Boss Monster form she would curl up in his lap and keep her temperature cool. He enjoyed stroking her fur relaxing in the sun. It was a feeling he hadn’t had in a very long time. Shaking his head Asriel leaned back slightly to watch the sky. Satele Shan said that they were progressing quickly enough that they had earned the right to build their lightsabers. Apparently there had to be trials one would have to face, trials that would test them as Jedi. Yet for them, she knew that during the journey to gather the materials and crystals themselves would allow their trials to happen without the Ghosts’ intervention. Yet the idea of forging a blade used by honorable warriors. Asriels’ heart sank as he thought about his past deeds. He didn’t think he was worthy of such an honor.
“What would you do?” Asriel asked looking down at Belia, the cat glancing up at him before rolling his eyes. “Seriously? Well I am talking to a cat so this one is one me. Well a cat that wasn’t a Monster anyways.”
Belia just huffed before returning to her nap.
Mir’grok sat meditating, he was home, not like the cave he lived in away from others of his kind. Here he felt at peace, he wasn’t sure if it was Caretaker Fluttershy’s doing or not. He had always been corrected by Sans and Asriel about using her name instead of calling her Caretaker all the time. She told him that she didn’t mind as it must have been easier for him to say it. Mir’grok never understood what she saw in the other two. They weren’t physically strong, Sans often using his own tricks and speed to make up for his lack of strength. Mir’grok sensed power in him yet Sans would often use his words. Like he was afraid to fight or had no reason to. Asriel feared fighting, it radiated off of him. They two had stories that they wouldn’t tell. Why they would follow the way of the Jedi and yet care not for their traditions. Mir’grok was preparing for his own travels, he knew that he could not just rely on his strength anymore. Knowledge and serenity would guide him, but he couldn’t forget where he came from.
“Become Jediiiii, honor Caretaker.” he said pulling the ties on his bag watching it shut. “Travel, face the triiials, I must do this to honor Ancestor Fahsk.”
He heaved the large bag over his shoulder heading off to gather the supplies for his own saber.
Fluttershy looked down at the list she had made for everything required. Instead of looking for the processed metals or even going to where the stronghold once was she decided to communicate with the animals. The burrowing beasts told her where the best metals were that the Jedi had always looked for. Some even offering her the crystals buried beneath the surface. Once she made sure that they were regular crystals, Fluttershy accepted their kindness. She wanted to leave the rare Kyber Crystals alone. Her journey didn’t take too long as she decided to stay on the continent. Travelling further would take the time that she could use to help those displaced by the Civil War happening around Mandalore. She was worried that the war would spread to the other systems and she wanted to be there when the war ended. She also wanted to return to Galidraan and find out exactly what happened to Jango Fett. It had been almost a week since she started her journey.
“Miss Fluttershy?” one of the smaller burrowing creatures of Tython questioned. Fluttershy had found out that they weren’t given a name as it was a rather shy creature always hiding at the presence of another. It reminded her of a meerkat but with an armadillo shell to protect it from the predatory birds. She looked at the creature as it held up some of the ore causing her to smile as she plucked it from its fingers.
“Thank you.” Fluttershy replied watching as it ducked back into the ground. “That should be enough. I should really head back now.”
She heard the complaints of the local wildlife, but none moved to stop her from returning. They all understood that her mission was important. Yet she liked being able to spend time in nature. It reminded her of home, but another experience all together.
“Perhaps I’ll build myself a home out here, just a place where I can retreat to.” Fluttershy mused as she took off heading back towards the temple. Soon it was time to forge her lightsaber. The first step was melting down the ores for each of the components. Something she knew could take some time. She touched down at the temple feeling a bit worried. It was something she hadn’t considered, the length of time it would take to forge her lightsaber. Both Satele and Marr were waiting outside.
“Have you gotten the materials?” Marr asked and Fluttershy nodded her head. “Good.”
“Your next task will be to go to an ancient Tythonian City. There you will find the next stage of your task. Follow the path and let the Force guide you.” Satele instructed, Fluttershy nodded her head again as a sign that she understood. She smiled before heading off again, she felt tired and yet excited. She followed the path past the bridge and had to choose between two ways to go. She opened her mind and followed the path to the left, then to the right, finally she entered a cave hidden behind a waterfall. There, ancient droids lay in ruin, Fluttershy wondered if she should bring one to Sans. Upon finding her way out of the cave she saw the city ruins. Despite this being a place that held importance Fluttershy knew that it could be rebuilt to house people. Perhaps allowing Tython to thrive once again, not just as a place for Jedi but for many people. She felt her worries lift as she continued onwards to forge her lightsaber.
“You’ve got to stop pacing Sans.” Asriel said looking at the skeleton. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you’re like a worried dad.”
Sans looked at Asriel before chuckling as he responded. “yeah, just a little worried. I know that the time to make a lightsaber varies on the one who is building it. just everything that we’ve been through, i can’t help but wonder….”
“If what we are doing won’t bring some kind of trouble to us?” Asriel had the same worry as well. “I get it, but I don’t think just using the Forge will bring trouble to us.”
“maybe you’re right, planning on building one anytime soon?” Sans asked, Asriel shook his head, there was a sense of relief that flooded through Sans. “yeah, me neither. just doesn’t feel like the right time.”
Asriel nodded his head numbly. He didn’t want to admit his worries to Sans just yet. They had been living with each other for over two years now. Neither of them made it easier on each other. They were used to antagonizing each other in the Underground. They were enemies, each with different goals. Yet now that Asriel had a soul again he felt different. He couldn’t bring himself to say those hurtful words despite waiting to. So instead he would just roll his eyes and lightly berate Sans for his stupid jokes. Jokes that made him feel more homesick, jokes that reminded him of his mom. Asriel sniffled quietly, rubbing at his eyes.
“kid?” Sans’ voice called out, his phalanges curling around his shoulder. Asriel couldn’t look up at him before saying. “I miss home, I miss my family.”
Sans sighed, he had almost forgotten that Flowey had been the Asriel, son of Toriel and Asgore. A son who had been reborn as a flower who caused chaos. Yet he kept forgetting that he was still a kid. No matter how long he had lived, Asriel died when he was young. Sans wrapped his arm around Asriel’s back. He wasn’t good at comforting others, Papyrus did it much better. Yet when Papyrus was feeling down Sans would always sit like this with him. Just quietly comforting him. Sans never had the words to say, especially when the resets became more frequent. It was like all the words had been said, nothing ever comforted either of them. Sans felt Asriel relax and he reached over stroking his head.
“It’s going to be alright… right?” Asriel asked looking at Sans, this gave the Skeleton Monster pause. “You don’t know either?”
“nope.” Sans answered back honestly. “it’s hard to know what to do with a place like this. i almost want to go and find a cave system that isn’t full of Flesh Raiders and live in there. but then i’d be abandoning you and Fluttershy.”
“Thanks, for not abandoning her.” Asriel mumbled and Sans knew that he didn’t group them together. He knew why, but he wasn’t going to push it, he felt the same way half of the time. The sound of wings caught their attention causing both of them to look up. Fluttershy was flying towards both of them with a large smile on her face.
“You’re back!” Asriel said rushing towards her as soon as she landed. He hugged Fluttershy tightly and Fluttershy returned the hug. A kind smile on her face as she said. “I am and I finished the lightsaber!”
She held it out revealing a Dualsaber similar to the design of Satele Shan’s, except that it had butterflies etched into the handle. Sans moved forward to examine it, he was curious about how well it worked. The temptation arose to create his own. He reached out asking. “may i?”
“Of course.” Fluttereshy replies, handing it to him as she was still trapped in a hug. Sans took the dualsaber gently only activating one end seeing the pink blade appear. He knew he wasn’t trained enough to be able to look at both sides without injuring someone. His eyelights glanced down at Belia, the thought beginning to arise. Yet the look from the kitten made him shake his head. It was challenging him to try it.
“So what are you going to do now?” Asriel asked and Fluttershy sighed before looking up saying. “I’m thinking of going up to the station in orbit. See if we can find any ships up there.”
Fluttershy sent a quiet apology to Sans, she knew how hard he worked on their first ship. She was hoping to go to Mandalore again to see if they could salvage anything. Sans let out a chuckle saying. “don’t worry about it, i’m sure that we will find another one.”
Fluttershy hides behind her hair in embarrassment. She still felt bad no matter how many times she was assured that it was not her fault. That was when she noticed that Mir’Grok wasn’t around.
“Where is Mir’Grok?” Fluttershy asked, glancing around, Sans sighed saying. “he went off to gather the supplies for his own lightsaber.”
“I was hoping that we can all go to Mandalore to help with relief efforts.” Fluttershy said, she sighed for a moment saying. “I think it can wait for another day. I’m going to meditate for a bit.”
“i’ll let you know when he is back.” Sans told her, Asriel released her from the hug allowing her to go inside the temple to meditate. Fluttershy walked to one of the many rooms and found a cushion that hadn’t long since fallen to the passage of time. She sat down taking deep breaths as she began to clear her mind. It was working for a moment, her worries began to ease up, yet she couldn’t help but worry about Jango Fett. There was also the Jedi Master Dooku, he was someone that she knew would be upset when he found out the truth of the massacre. Winds began to gather around Fluttershy as her thoughts continued. She didn’t want him to lose his faith in the Jedi Order, yet if they knew then there could be an investigation.
A familiar presence filled the area and she opened her eyes. Her wings flapped a bit in surprise before they wrapped around her shoulders. She was no longer in the temple, instead it was a room overlooking a massive city. Crafts flew around as she walked towards the window looking out in amazement. That was when she remembered her veil.
She had just placed it on when the door opened and she turned around to see the Jedi Master from before. He stopped in his tracks upon seeing her, his hand reaching for his lightsaber out of instinct. Fluttershy held up her own hand saying. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I wasn’t expecting to pay you a visit, but I was concerned about you.”
“About me?” Dooku asked moving into the room and Fluttershy nodded her head as she explained. “Yes, I was worried that I might have shaken your trust in the Jedi Council.”
“You merely showed me a flaw, yet my trust in the Council is beginning to waver. The losses on Galidraan, the words you spoke… they have given me pause.” Dooku moved through the room before taking a seat. “However my Padawan has been one of my concerns of late. Her volatile temper on Galidraan has given me great pause that and….”
Dooku gave Fluttershy a strange look as if questioning why he was telling her these things. So instead he decided to change the subject. “Caretaker, was it?”
“Yes.” Fluttershy answered, giving a nod of her head as another form of confirmation. Dooku thought about the subject that had weighed heavily on his mind. “Do you believe that the Jedi are allowing themselves to be influenced by politics? That we have lost our way?”
“I….” Fluttershy wasn’t sure how to respond to that question. “I have not met the other Jedi, nor have I met with the Jedi Council. Before you say anything I have been told that I cannot reveal myself to the Core Worlds. It is not my place to introduce my species to the wider known galaxy. You are just one person and I don’t think you told anyone about me or the conversation we had.”
Dooku was surprised, she was right, he did keep the conversation they had away from the Jedi. Though he was feeling doubt about the Council’s decision. He couldn’t deny that she intrigued him, that her presence was unknown to the Jedi. How did a child with so much power go unnoticed by the Jedi? If she had been found, how different she might have been.
“I appreciate it.” Fluttershy told him approaching him quietly. “I don’t think that the Jedi would understand my people. Emotions… my people are full of them. When we keep them under control it is just the same as allowing them to control us. The teachings from both sides can lead to disastrous consequences.”
That caught Dooku’s attention, he had heard of species denying teachings of both the Jedi and the Sith. However they always leaned towards the Light Side or the Dark Side. He decided to pose this question. “What is it that your people value?”
“Balance? The Jedi seek balance.” Dooku pointed out as Fluttershy paused in front of the couch. “Oh, please, have a seat. Fluttershy smiled as she uttered. “Thank you.”
She sat down carefully, she took a deep breath before explaining. “What you perceive as balance is the absence of chaos. Yet balance is both sides of the coin: harmony and chaos, passion and serenity, emotions and peace, ignorance and knowledge. One can not be all knowing without having the drive to learn, it is why ignorance exists to drive curiosity. Emotions allow for compassion, compassion leads to helping others and drives peace. Passion allows for beauty to be known and through a passion one can find serenity. When one has chaos they strive for harmony, yet harmony can be found in the chaos. Though when danger comes they might just go running for their houses and leave it up to heroes. My people aren’t really fighters.”
Dooku chuckled at the last part, despite all the wisdom that Fluttershy had shared with him. He couldn’t help but notice that she was still a child. Fluttershy hid behind her hair in embarrassment.
“Do not worry, it was the last part of your explanation. Despite your wisdom you are still a child.” Dooku assured her, his mind settling down as he thought about what she spoke of. She knew of the Jedi Code and yet she had spoken of both sides of the Force.
“Tell me, how do you know of the Dark Side?” Dooku asked, it was odd that she knew of these things without a master. A Jedi master was careful on what they taught their Padawans. If the one who trained her was not of the Order there was a chance that they were Sith.
“The Dark Side, I was taught by both of my Masters.” Fluttershy spoke, causing Dooku’s eyes to widen. “They taught me what they were taught. One warning of the Dark Side and the other the essence of the Dark Side. The temptation, the passion, the fear that leads to the knowledge of power, grasping at a victory, and the internal struggle. Like a raging fire the Dark Side will harm the user. Though isn’t it more of intent? Though who often seek such power never are willing to use it for good. Some maybe, but they are often blinded by their own hubris. Nature shows the answers that we seek.”
“Nature?” Dooku watched as Fluttershy got to her feet and approached him. Once in front of him she held out her hand saying. “Yes, nature, the one thing we observe and yet believe we are above. It often shows us the answers that we seek. Come.”
Dooku stared at the hand before climbing to his feet as well, he reached down and Fluttershy took his hand. Winds began to wrap around them as they vanished from the residence.
When Fluttershy opened her eyes she found herself staring at the ruins of the Dark Fortress of Belia Darzu. Though now the moss was consuming the black durasteel slowly turning it to rubble. The forest surrounding them was giving Fluttershy a happy feeling. Tython was healing, yet the darkness still remains. It always did, yet she didn’t mind it, it was within nature to kill to survive. Dooku had to gather his bearings for a moment having been whisked away to another world. He looked around, unable to recognize where it was that they ended up at. The scenery was beautiful, yet he could sense darkness too.
“Child...what is this place?” Dooku asked calmly as he continued to look around. Fluttershy glanced up at him asking. “A place that has been affected by both the Dark and the Light. Do you know of the Ashla, Bogan? The concept of push and pull?”
“Ashla...in my research it is another term for the Light Side of the Force. Bogan I do not know of.” Dooku responded looking down at Fluttershy. Fluttershy looked up at the sky hidden by the trees saying. “The Bogan is the Dark Side, if you focus on the light we forget the dark and can overlook the darkness within ourselves. That can also lead to hubris, fear, hatred, it can cause it too. I was always the dormant, not liking to cause trouble for others, never starting a fight… I am still like that. Yet when I had the taste of being able to get loud and have the power to defend myself I lashed out at my friends. Now, I can stand up for myself without using harsh words or using physical force. Now on the other hand, the Bogan or the Dark Side. That chaos, the darkness, should not be a focus either. If one prides themselves on power, or their passion, they will burn faster or they push all of that away. A friend of mine loves causing chaos, and I’m afraid that none of my other friends understand him. If they don’t try, he will probably seek someone out who gets him and he might be used for that power. However in all things, there is balance. Life and death, if there is no death life will flourish and nothing will ever change. If there is no life, then there is nothing. With the balance of death and life, you have a forest.”
“For such a small one you have much knowledge of things my child.” Dooku said with a smile kneeling down to be at eye level. “I will take everything I have learned here to heart.”
“I brought you here so you can meet my Masters as well.” Fluttershy smiled at him seeing Mar and Satele Shan appear behind him. They were most likely there to check on the new presence. Dooku could feel the Dark Side from Mar and if only by pure instinct he activated his lightsaber and took a defensive form.
“Stand down.” Satele said walking towards Dooku, her demeanor calm as Mar just stared at the Jedi. “He may bare his fangs but he won’t cause you any harm.”
“Funny Satele, wasn’t it you who was more likely to bare your fangs when confronted with Malgus?” Mar retorted before vanishing and appearing next to Fluttershy. She smiled up at him saying. “Lord Mar, we talked about this, that wasn’t nice.”
Mar just stared at Fluttershy before looking at Dooku asking. “What is going on here?”
“I took him to this place for an observation of the Force through nature and then you two appeared. He wanted to meet you as well.” Fluttershy explained with a smile on her face. Marr stared at the Jedi asking. “Do you still believe your decision was correct, Fluttershy?”
Fluttershy looked at Dooku as she answered. “I do.”
Marr made a sound in his throat before reaching out his hand and deactivated Dooku’s lightsaber. Dooku’s eyes widened in surprise as Marr told him. “You have a lot to learn, Jedi.”
"Master Jedi…" Dooku said calmly in Satele's direction. "What is the meaning of all this? A Jedi and this Sith?"
“The Sith and the Jedi have worked together to fight against a dangerous foe.” Satele told him looking at Marr. “It was once, ending in the loss of Marr’s life.”
“I became what you see now.” Marr stated as Fluttershy moved to sit down on a rock. Sans appeared next to her to return her lightsaber but got distracted by the newcomer. The newcomer who was distracted by the Force Ghosts of the Sith and Jedi.
“should i get some snacks?” Sans asked sitting down next to Fluttershy, she glanced at him before whispering. “Maybe, I don’t know how long this is going to take.”
"May I inquire as to what foe this was that such an alliance had to be forged?" Dooku asked while stroking his beard. Marr and Satele glanced at each other before Marr answered. “The former Emperor of the Sith, who would have destroyed all life in this galaxy to remain immortal.”
Dooku took a seat on the ground as he pondered what he was told. "I have heard of the Sith in-fighting in stories, I never knew to what extent. A rule of two forged by the old Sith Darth Bane was created as a result of such things. But the Emperor himself…" Dooku closed his eyes as he began to meditate a bit.
“The Emperor who had kept himself alive by transferring his consciousness, his spirit, from body to body to keep himself alive. There were many times that we believed that we defeated him only for it to be revealed that he had a plan in place.” Satele explained as she looked at Marr.
Dooku's eyes opened as he got back up on his feet. "How was victory achieved?"
“Through great sacrifice and a Jedi who had dealt with him personally.” Satele revealed looking at Marr. “A good friend and a member from the Council. The final Barsen’thor.”
The title was one that had not been given to a Jedi since the Old Republic. Dooku had only heard tales of the Jedi who was given the title. They were the ones that upheld the standards and dedication to the Order. Their history fading away with the passage of time. Just like the ruins in this place, Dooku glanced at the rubble on the ground. Was something coming? Something that could cost the Jedi everything? If so, were the two Masters training Fluttershy to combat it? Was she to be another weapon? Dooku looked at Fluttershy who was sitting next to another munching on a snack. He honestly didn’t know, he saw the innocence in her and dropped to his knees. He felt Fluttershy move in front of him and a hand placed on his shoulder. Her soft voice speaking to him gently. “Master Dooku, everyone has a purpose, mine is to help those who are hurting. Yours is to keep peace and to be wary of those who would exploit that.”
Dooku looked up at her just as winds wrapped around them both as she continued. “Now let’s get you home. I have a lot of work to do for the people who are suffering on Mandalore.”
When the winds died down Dooku was back in his apartment feeling lost. He knew he should take this to the Council yet he didn’t know where to begin. Climbing to his feet he made his decision, he was not going to say a word until he investigated further. The planet that they were on, who the others were, he knew that without evidence it would be harder to convince them that something was coming.
Fluttershy smiled as she reappeared next to Sans saying. “Ready to start fixing the ship again?”
Sans looked at her and shrugged, not able to find a pun just yet. Though he knew it would be nice to get off world again. “sure.”
Marr and Satele Shan watched as the two vanished within the winds again. Marr breathed deeply as Satele pointed out. “She is getting better with these abilities.”
“She has been practicing with them ever since she found out what she could do. She finds them useful, as do I.” Marr explained looking at the Jedi Master. “Was it wise for her to bring the Jedi here?”
“The Jedi would not know where he was taken, our location is kept a secret. I am not even sure if it was wise or not, only time will tell.” Satele said, looking at Darth Marr. “I do believe that we will soon have more than just the Jedi to worry about. Fluttershy will be providing relief to Mandalore, that will mean refuges. If Death Watch was smart they would hide some of their own amongst the ranks.”
“Then we will keep an eye on them.” Marr told her before vanishing, Shan looked around at the demolished temple in thought before vanishing as well.
As another year passed, the more it seemed like the Mandalorian Civil War would never end. Fluttershy did her best to get as many people to safety and making sure Sans wasn’t in any danger of being found. It felt like she was running around in circles if she was honest. In the end though she was grateful that she managed to save lives but those who were dead weighed heavily on her mind. Her eyes looked around for any sign of Death Watch keeping a spear close. Her lightsaber hidden under her robes and she decided to keep her knowledge of the Force on the downlow.
Footsteps echoed from an alleyway nearby as a voice called out. "You there girl." The sounds of the footsteps grew louder as they drew closer. Fluttershy turned her head slightly peering out from behind her veil. A blaster bolt whizzed by her ear from the direction of the stranger as he spoke again. "You're not welcome here." He kept himself hidden, but he was definitely close. "You're the girl I've been hearing about. Fett's girl."
“I am but a mere Caretaker.” Fluttershy answered, turning around. “You must be Tor Vizsla.”
"You definitely have your wits about you, but I am displeased at the fact that you take me for a fool." Tor Vizsla answered as he walked into view, Mandalorian armor shining off the rays of the sun. "You think you have everyone else fooled but not me Miss 'Caretaker'." He pointed the blaster he fired with earlier towards Fluttershy.
“How have I fooled anyone?” Fluttershy asked, gripping the spear tightly. She was curious about what this man thought of her.
"You appear to be hiding who you are for some reason, and I would like to know why and what your relationship with Fett is." He asked almost impatiently, the blaster still held towards her.
“He saved my life.” Fluttershy told him standing up straight, moving the veil slightly. “And I keep my face hidden not to hide who I am, but what I am.”
Her eyes narrowed before widening as she activated “the Stare” but kept it at a low power.
Tor hesitated a bit as he felt a weird sensation go through his body. He shook his head as he stared at Fluttershy yelling. "What are you doing, you witch?!"
“An ability unique only to me, I do not wish to fight you Vizsla. I would rather we never meet again. What I can do, however, is protect your own people from your actions.” Fluttershy answered, lowering the veil and hiding her eyes once again. “Do not be so quick to pass judgement.”
Vizsla fell to his knees, his hands on his head as he dropped his blaster. He let out a yell as he charged towards Fluttershy in a mad state of mind. Fluttershy, panicking at the yell, flared her wings sending a blast of wind towards Tor before they folded over her shoulders quickly.
Tor felt himself pushed back as he regained some sanity back. He activated his jetpack keeping his distance as he fired a rocket towards Fluttershy. Fluttershy closed her eyes feeling the wind wrap around her. She moved forward with the wind seemingly teleporting to a good distance away. She looked up at Tor before leaping into the air towards the roof of one of the buildings.
Feeling like he was at a disadvantage not knowing his enemy well enough, Tor settled on a building opposite Fluttershy. "What are you?"
Fluttershy was quiet, unsure of what to say, how to reply. Instead she looked at him saying. “I am merely someone who is very far from home. I am currently waiting to go home, but in the meantime I will help others.”
"I won't forget this meeting, nor will I forget you." Tor replied angrily as he flew away. Fluttershy looked in his direction before whispering. “I know.”
Sans sighed as he rested on his heels, the ship in front of him almost fixed. It was easier to fix the external damage but getting it flying again was always the hard part.
"Just one more sweep in this sector and we report back." A voice off in the distance spoke, sounds of metal footsteps approaching the area. Sans glanced behind him before pulling up his hood and moving to a more hidden position.
"But sir if I may, this all seems to be a little farfetched to me." Another voice spoke.
"Be that as it may, you have your orders." The voice from before replied. Sans listened in as he summoned a bone javelin.
"Sir Vizsla, there's a ship here!" A voice shouted as a small group of four Mandalorians ran to the ship. A fifth, probably the leader named Vizsla approached them. Sans clenched his teeth, his normal grin fading a bit as his left eye glowed. He had heard stories from the Mandalorians citizens about Tor Vizsla, he wondered if this was the same person.
"You four go report back while I investigate the area." Vizsla ordered as the squad gave a salute and flew off. Sans watched them for a moment before turning his attention to Vizsla studying him carefully. He formed a shortcut to the top of the ship but didn’t take it just yet.
"Whoever is here, show yourself and I will show you mercy!" Vizsla shouted. "I am Pre Vizsla of Clan Vizsla and I only want to talk."
Pulling up his hood Sans moved out slightly testing Pre’s reaction to the movement. He was ready to take the shortcut at the first sign of aggression.
"You needn't be afraid, I mean you no harm." Pre said calmly as he unholstered his blaster and placed it gently on the ground. Sans walked out saying. “can’t blame me for being cautious.”
"Indeed. I must say I am quite unfamiliar with your species, what exactly are you may I ask?" Pre questioned his tone unchanging yet with the helmet on it was hard to tell emotion. Sans’ grin fell as he thought back to the death of his brother. He looked at Pre saying. “eh, i’m just a skeleton, not really a species just me.”
"Pardon me for not believing you. I think there's more than you're letting on." Pre's tone shifted a bit to sound a little bit irritated.
“both statements are the truth, i am a skeleton monster.” Sans stated, not really wanting to repeat the last bit. “got a problem with it?”
"A skeletal monster? Exactly what do you take me for?" His tone became increasingly agitated as he quickly picked his blaster back up.
“careful kid, i don’t want to assume you’re a bonehead.” Sans said, impressed that he managed a pun in this situation. He readied to teleport and to summon the Gaster Blasters, he didn’t want to harm Pre but he needed to defend the ship.
A growl came out from Pre as he took flight, carefully aiming his blaster towards Sans and began firing. Sans flickered to the top of the ship, locking another shortcut behind Pre. He jumped down and vanished, when he appeared he said. “you better stop right there, kid.”
"What in the…?" Pre questioned as he tried to get a clear shot. Sans swiped Pre’s knees with the bone before locking another point into the air. Pre felt the shock from the swipe as he nearly lost control of himself. He readied a flamethrower as he spun around firing it wherever he thought Sans would be. Sans teleported into the air summoning a Gaster Blaster to catch him.“close one, getting heated here isn’t it?”
"Would you shut up?!" Vizsla shouted in anger as he turned to force Sans into melee combat. Sans summoned bones launching them toward Pre from on top of the Gaster Blaster. Pre's gauntlets revealed blades on them as he sliced at the oncoming bones. Sans’s grin remained before he heard his radio going off. “Sans?”
“crap.” Sans muttered, allowing the Gaster Blaster to fire a quick shot behind Pre as he went to answer the call.
"No you don't!" Pre shouted as he began firing towards him. Sans teleported out of the way saying. “kind of busy here. it’s rude to interrupt a call.” Pre ignored the remark as he continued to fire. Sans glared down before unleashing a barrage of bones towards Pre hoping to either knock the blaster out of his hand or to keep him busy.
“Sans, I’m bringing a large group of refugees to the ship. Please tell me you have it running.” Fluttershy’s voice was on edge, hinting that something had happened. Pre was in the background slicing at the bones trying to inch towards Sans. Sans managed to respond to Fluttershy. “i’ve got the ship mostly fixed, but i’m currently dealing with a young member of that group… dead watch?”
Pre let out an annoyed growl as he shot towards the radio. Sans stared at the now destroyed radio before looking at Pre. He summoned three more Gaster Blasters. “i see you’re dead serious, ‘bout time that I step up my game.”
"Enough of your games!" Shouted Vizsla as he shot rockets towards the Gaster Blasters and proceeded to continue firing at Sans. Sans summons four more as the one he was on flew in different directions as it fired its own blasts towards Pre. Sans wasn’t going to harm him enough to kill him. Fluttershy wouldn’t be happy with him at all if he did that. Pre quickly flew higher into the air to dodge, firing relentlessly at his opponent. Sans teleported around knowing that Fluttershy was getting closer and closer. He had to finish this up soon, he heard the wind whistling as he kept up his barrage.
Pre stopped focusing on Sans for a moment as he gazed towards the ship. "If I can't hit you then…" He prepared some rockets that he immediately fired towards the ship. Sans moved to summon more Gaster Blaster when the wind warped around the missiles. Sans’ grin widened as he looked at Pre.
"What in blazes?!" Pre shouted as he started to back away. A shadow blocked the sun momentarily as Fluttershy descended from the sky. A group coming in from behind the ship, one saying. “I’ll be able to finish up the fixes. Your friend did a good job.”
“Stay safe.” Fluttershy told him before looking at Sans, her hand lifting and a soft green mist wrapped around Sans. He felt his stamina returned.
"You won't get away with this. You both have been marked enemies of Death Watch!" Pre Vizsla yelled as he made a swift retreat. Sans felt Fluttershy’s hand on his shoulder before letting one last blast loose right behind Pre. Fluttershy gave him a rather disappointed look and he just shrugged his shoulders. “had to leave him with something to remember us by.”
“You didn’t have to shoot at him.” Fluttershy shook her head. “This group wants to head to the Deep Core to try and plea with the Senate.”
“i’ll get them there.” Sans responded with a nod of his head. “you should rest, looks like you’ve been in a fight of your own.”
“Jango Fett will be challenged with their leader.” was Fluttershy’s response. “I do not approve of revenge but I know it is what he will seek when he is free.”
Pre landed on top of a building not far from his squad, catching his breath as he sat down. He took off his helmet and placed it next to him. He pounded his fist into the ground saying. "Tor won't take too kindly at the fact of my retreat, but what of my squad? Curse that skeleton monster!!!"
Fluttershy was sitting on a world gathering plant and soil samples. She was trying to keep on the downlow as her meeting with Tor Vizsla shook her badly. The remainder of the True Mandalorians were never too far away, Eva and Jann had instructed her to always inform them of her location when she was off of her normal planet. They didn’t know where she lived but wanted to know her position after hearing about the confrontation with Tor.
A blaster shot zoomed by her head as a figure came charging towards her, the Mandalorian armor revealing it to be Tor. Fluttershy jumped back, sealing the jar and shoving it into her bag as she backed away. She turned around and began to run through the woods. She pressed the panic button on her wrist as she began to focus on turning into her pegasi form. She was holding off until she was out of sight.
"I don't think so." Tor exclaimed as he carefully aimed his blaster, firing it towards Fluttershy's wing. The shot penetrated the center of her right wing as Tor started moving closer in. She fell down, her breath caught in her throat. She only managed a whimper as she brought her wing in close, shaking slightly. She backed away hitting a tree, she realized that the signal was being jammed.
Tor aimed once more and fired again, this time aiming for the head. Two figures emerged from behind the tree wielding lightsabers, one green and the other blue as the green one deflected the shot. Fluttershy peers out from behind her veil. A young woman knelt by her side asking. “Are you alright?”
Fluttershy couldn’t respond; she could only curl further into herself as if to hide herself. The young woman checked her over for injuries but kept her eye on Tor and the two Jedi.
Tor growled as he backed away saying. "The pacifist and her Jedi lapdogs getting in the way of my prey?! Not only do you shame Mandalore in the way of pacifism, but you ally with our enemies!"
“A child is not your prey, Tor.” the woman said, climbing to her feet. “You have brought so much harm not only to the citizens of the galaxy but to Mandalorians as well. What will you do when our people are all but dead because you seek blood and violence?”
"All that fall are not of Mandalore! You blasphemous cur deserve nothing more than what's coming to you!" Tor answered loudly as he fled the scene. The Jedi deactivated their lightsabers as they turned around to face the woman.
"Lady Satine." The older Jedi who yielded the green lightsaber spoke. "We shouldn't linger here long incase of reinforcements." The younger Jedi stood calmly as he almost shyly eyed the woman. Fluttershy saw the softness in Satine’s eyes as she acknowledged the younger Jedi. Then it dawned on her, these were the two Jedi she had found on Illum. She struggled to her feet before starting to back into the forest. Satine had heard the movement and turned around as Fluttershy took off again leaving behind blood and feathers. She had almost vanished into the shadows as Satine addressed the Jedi. “She was wounded. We need to find her.”
"I agree, it's also clear that the enemy is looking for her, whatever reason it may be." The older man spoke with a gentle look. Satine picked up one of the feathers, examining it carefully. What she had thought to be decorative wings turned out to be real.
Fluttershy collapsed the trees groaning around her, their bows bending as if to protect her. Her form began to fluctuate before it began to grow smaller. Once she was in her pegasi form she crawled her way behind a rock. Rustling could be heard nearby, someone or something was looking for her. Fluttershy tried to make herself smaller as the grass and flowers around her grew to hide her.
The rustling grew louder as a gentle voice called out. "It's okay, I do not mean you any harm. I am Qui-Gon Jinn of the Jedi Order."
Fluttershy kept her wings close before poking her head through the grass to see where he was. She let out a small whimper feeling the pain in her wing and shrunk back. Qui-Gon revealed himself to her as he knelt down to examine her. "You seem to be a changeling, but not like one I've seen."
“Ch-Changeling?” the panic began to rise in Fluttershy wanting to just hide behind her wings. She didn’t even know if he could understand her. “There are Ch-changelings here?”
"Sorry, it was just a curious observation. Now hold still." Qui-Gon urged as he attempted to grab the injured wing. Fluttershy backed away slightly before hearing more footsteps. She closed her eyes allowing herself to take her humanoid form knowing that it would be easier to explain. She held out her wing, wincing again at the pain as she removed her veil knowing there wasn’t much else to do.
"I know that it hurts but I only want to help you." Qui-Gon said with a soft tone as he inched closer. Fluttershy nodded her head as she kept the wing held out. She saw Satine and Obi-Wan, wondering in the back of her mind how she was going to answer the questions this time. She was also worried about the True Mandalorians that had been waiting around. Qui-Gon held onto the wing and started to spray some kind of canister at it.
“Are you alright?” Satine asked, kneeling down in front of Fluttershy who actually managed to give a small nod of her head as she whispered. “I hope I’m not causing too much trouble.”
Satine blinked in surprise looking at the two Jedi. "Not at all, we just want to help." The younger Jedi said with a smile. Fluttershy returned the smile before hearing faint blaster fire in the distance.
"We need to move." Qui-Gon quickly said towards Satine. Satine nodded her head knowing that the situation was about to go downhill. That was when Eva came barrelling through the trees fighting a member of Death Watch. She was yelling something in Mando'a that had Satine trying to cover Fluttershy’s ears. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan reactivated their lightsabers as they proceeded to assist Eva. Eva managed to push the Death Watch member off of her as she slid back.
“Hut’uun! Traitor!” the Death Watch Mandalorian shouted seeing the two Jedi. Eva snarled as she moved to charge towards him a hidden dagger sliding out. Qui-Gon used a Force Push on the Death Watch Mandalorian towards Obi-Wan who followed up with slashing at his jetpack causing him to spiral out of control and crash in the distance. Eva looked at Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan saying. “Thanks. Give me a moment, I need to report in.” Qui-Gon nodded as he kept a lookout for anyone else.
Satine knelt down just to make sure that Fluttershy was alright once again. Fluttershy just studied her before smiling and putting the veil back on before turning around to watch Eva walk up with Qui-Gon Jinn.
“Lady Kryze.” Eva said, giving them a bow before looking at the two Jedi. “Master Jedi, it is an honor. Thank you for saving my little sister.”
Fluttershy blushed, Eva had considered her as a sister since Galidraan. Even using the Mandalorian term on several occasions. She was referred to as sister so much that Sila had begun to call her Auntie.
"Only doing our duty as protectors." Qui-Gon said with a bow towards Eva. Eva took off her helmet letting her light hair spilling over her shoulder. “Glad that you’re on our side for once.”
Qui-Gon smiled with a nod as his attention turned to Satine. "What do you wish we do now?"
“We should check on the fallen member of Death Watch, then see what we can do to calm the two sides down.” Satine said looking at Eva who was staring at her with a strange look on her face. “Do you have any complaints?”
“No ma’am, just wondering if you two are related.” Eva laughed waving to Fluttershy who just blinked like an owl. Obi-Wan still couldn't keep his gaze away from Satine, something was on his mind but it was more like he wanted Satine to say something. Satine glanced at Obi-Wan as Eva chatted with Qui-Gon. Fluttershy was kept in the middle next to Satine.
“Is everything alright?” Satine asked quietly as Eva laughed loudly.
"Yes, everything is alright. I just wondered when we're done here if we will ever see eachother again." Obi-Wan replied just as quietly. Satine offered him a kind and loving smile as she said. “I hope so, but I know that we both have our duties.” Obi-Wan nodded as he looked at his Master, and then back to Satine with an equal smile. Fluttershy was smiling under the veil just as they came upon the battlefield and began to look around for any sign of where Sila was hiding. Even when told that she wasn’t allowed to come the little girl would always find herself close to where her parents were. Spotting the patch of red hair Fluttershy moved quickly hiding next to the younger girl. Satine had followed and her eyes widened at the sight of the younger child who had a wide grin on her face. She looked at the battle as Sila walked up and Satine picked her up just as Jann tackled a Death Watch Mandalorian close by. Sila was cheering for her father as Satine took a deep breath before shouting. “Enough! All of you! Why do you choose to fight each other while our people suffer? We have lost so much due to our endless fighting including our home! Now you fight with children watching, putting our future at risk. I implore you, lay your weapons down and give peace a chance.”
Jann looked down at the Mandalorian he had pinned before disarming him. Many of the other surviving members of the True Mandalorians did the same. Despite their smaller numbers and lack of leaders the group had stood their ground. Many of the members of Death Watch refused to listen and were knocked unconscious before they could even harm Satine. A male member of the True Mandalorians, Fluttershy recognized him as Davon, and bowed his head saying. “Lady Kryze, you have your father’s temperament and passion. I am glad to see that you are alright, we here are all that is left of the True Mandalorians. Despite our few numbers we will aid you in ending this fighting and once it is done we will lay down our arms and accept whatever consequences will be laid upon us.”
Davon knelt before her as Eva approached. “We will follow you as the leader of the Mandalorians. We cannot accept you as Manda’lore for that title lies with our chief as he has proven his strength. We shall watch my lady and we will serve until the day where we are called to protect our home once again.”
Satine felt herself relax slightly as Sila gave her a big hug. Jann glanced up seeing a Death Watch Mandalorian sneaking up to shoot them. He pushed Satine out of the way and fired his grapple, yanking the warrior towards him and slammed his fist into the other’s face. Fluttershy winced knowing that it was one of the heavier punches. Sila’s cheers filled the air before she noticed Fluttershy calling out. “Auntie! Auntie!”
Fluttershy smiled as she patted the four year old on the head before saying quietly. “I’m going to finish up the soil samples in this area.”
“Don’t move off too far.” Eva told her and Fluttershy smiled before hanging around the perimeter gathering the much needed soil samples. She hummed a tune under her breath keeping her wings tucked behind her as she completed the task that she had started. She knew that the two Jedi were being cautious around them, but had a feeling that curiosity was getting the better of them.
"Hello there, I'm Obi-Wan." The young Padawan said to Eva as he walked towards her with a wave. Fluttershy smiled at him before realizing that she needed to introduce herself. “Oh, I’m… I’m called the Caretaker.” Obi-Wan's gaze turned away from Eva to Fluttershy as he gave a confused look.
“It is safer that many do not know my real name. I’m afraid Tor Vizsla has shown a keen interest in hunting me down.” Fluttershy explained it was the reason she had given herself during the Civil War and her previous meeting with the leader of Death Watch.
"Er, no not that. I was saying hello to your friend here but pleased to meet you nonetheless!" Obi-Wan replied with a motion to Eva. Eva waved back to the both of them as Sila, who had now been set down was running her way around the battlefield jumping on the downed members of the Death Watch. Fluttershy chuckled slightly, though glanced back at Eva who just shrugged her shoulders and went back to rounding up the restrained enemies.
“Eva has been a lot of help since the fall of the True Mandalorians on Galidraan and once I told her about my situation with Tor Vizsla she has made sure that I was never alone.” Fluttershy explained as she put the sealed container into her bag. She felt her hidden tail twitch against her skin, she had always kept it curled around either her waist or down her leg since her conversation with Zenith. Her wings were always difficult to disguise so she tried to keep their movement as stiff and mechanical as she possibly could.
“Why do you hide what you are again?” Obi-Wan asked curiously, sensing what was going on. Fluttershy looked at him before answering honestly. “The Republic is not ready to know of me and I don’t want to change events that are to come. So for now I will help those who need help and keep to the shadows away from prying eyes.”
“Not quite sure I understand but everyone has their reasons.” Obi-Wan nodded respectfully as he sat down next to where Fluttershy was. Fluttershy nodded her head as she began to take plant samples saying. “Everything that will come to pass has been set in motion. I’m afraid I must be forgotten by you and your master unless you keep this a secret from the Jedi Council.”
Qui-Gon overheard the conversation and walked over to confront Fluttershy. “If that is your wish for the Jedi Council to not know of you, you have my word that your secret will be kept.”
“Thank you.” Fluttershy told him as she climbed to her feet. “I am sure that Tor truly has left this planet and I must return to my home. Thank you for your help.”
Qui-Gon nodded who looked at his Padawan as if expecting something but Obi-Wan just shook his head with a smile. "This time I won't question your decision."
Eva patted one of her fellow Mandalorians on the arm and walked over asking. “Did she go home?”
Fluttershy sat in the ship as she prepared it for take off. She looked around the interior smiling at the decorations on the bridge. Each person she had helped wanted to give her something in return no matter how many times Fluttershy didn’t want anything. So they chose to liven up the ship, stuffed animals were in the spare seats, further back there was a section to grow plants while travelling, garlands were hanging with flowers hanging down. Fluttershy accepted it as she didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings but she was glad that it was there. It reminded her of how many people she had helped. The ship lifted off as she began to set a course for Tython. As she began to take off, another ship set a lock on her from behind….
Tor Vizsla sat in the cockpit of his ship, keeping the lock on Fluttershy's steady. ’You think that you have gotten away from me but I'm not through with you yet, Miss 'Caretaker'!’ Tor thought to himself as he gained speed, yet he knew to keep a good distance until a good time to strike.
Fluttershy flew carefully making sure to keep her senses open as she started to chart her way back to Tython. It was a habit she had gotten into, if anyone was following her she would have to make a few stops. She brought her knees up to rest her chin upon them. She paused as her wings fluttered for a moment before looking at the scanner.
’Hmm, something doesn't add up with her movement. Could she be aware that I am following her?’Tor thought to himself as he began to keep an even safer distance between them. Fluttershy shook her head but decided to be cautious anyways. She let the Force guide her path as she flew, deciding that she wouldn’t meditate until she reached Tython with no incidents. She pulled her hair back as she searched the stars. The planet she was on getting further and further away.
Despite resisting she began to fade in and out of sleep, her guard slowly dropping. Whispers echoed around her, something was alerting her. Someone, a hand reached out shaking her shoulder shouting. “Wake up!”
Her eyes flew open right when her ship shook as if something hit it.
"You let your guard down, Caretaker!" Tor yelled to himself as he began firing upon Fluttershy's ship. Fluttershy panicked as she looked to turn herself away from the Deep Core. She knew she could make it if she focused, but she couldn’t lead Tor to Tython. Instead she tried to find a planet close by while maneuvering out of range. She reached out her hand a flash of binary suns and a desert world entered her mind. Her eyes opened, she knew where she needed to go, getting there was the only issue.
"That's it, you're finished!" Tor fired another barrage of lasers, this time managing to hit one of the engines. Alarms blared with warning lights going off. Fluttershy pressed her hands against the console praying that there was a map to the planet she saw. The galaxy map came up with a line presenting the route she was going to take. Then a green light showed from her as a mysterious force wrapped around both ships. They vanished within seconds. Moments later they reappeared above the planet Fluttershy saw. She was just glad she wasn’t rendered unconscious this time.
Disoriented, Tor lost the lock on Fluttershy as he tried to figure out what just happened. Fluttershy, taking the moment of silence, programmed the ship to land. She had to find out exactly what was damaged and what needed to be replaced. However she knew that money was going to be required both ways. She looked at the spear she had been using knowing that someone would probably pay money for it. There were also the ore and minerals she had collected. She hated to be rid of them but she saw no other choice. Once she landed Fluttershy donned a cloak keeping her wings wrapped around her as she exited with the supplies. She closed up her ship before taking a step back and focusing using her gift to cloak the ship. Turning around, Fluttershy knew she needed to get to a city and fast. Removing the cloak she unfurled her wings and took off hoping to locate where the city was. Pain coursed through her wing despite the treatment for it earlier. She knew she had to be quick as she scanned the terrain around her. Once it was spotted and the directions memorized Fluttershy landed and redawned the cloak. She began her travels glad that the veil was covering her face shielding it from all of the sand.
The journey to the city was taking some time and Fluttershy was doing her best to conserve her water that she had brought with her. That was when she spotted it, a vehicle in the distance trudging along the sand. Her wings twitched before approaching it hoping to at least get some directions and that whoever was inside was not hostile. The small hooded creatures inside were almost impossible to understand. Fluttershy was about to explain that she just needed to find out how close she was to the city while keeping the ores close. She noticed that as they spoke with each other that the use of pheromones was a part of their language.
“Sl-slow down please.” Fluttershy said glad that she was about their height. “I’m just here to do some trading and get some supplies. I just need to know how long and far I have to travel to get to the nearest city.”
The cloaked figures looked at each other before talking and motioning towards the container she had. It seemed like she couldn’t get anything without paying for it. So she decided to show the ores inside of the container. After a bit she began to understand what they were saying.
"More! More!" One of the Jawas spoke in their dialect. Fluttershy blinked in surprise before setting down the container and bringing the other ones out. It wasn’t much but she only brought what she could carry. “I’m sorry it isn’t a lot. I just need money to repair my ship.”
The Jawas spoke to each other before one of them walked up. "Can you do a job for us as well?"
Fluttershy’s wings twitched as she asked slowly. “What kind of job?”
"There is a local group of Tusken Raiders who always try to sabotage us! Help us get rid of them!" The Jawa spoke up, flailing their arms. Fluttershy nodded her head. “Which direction are they in?”
One of the Jawas pointed in an eastward direction. You could see smoke rising behind one of the larger sand dunes. Fluttershy nodded her head before using her full speed to make it to the top of the dune. It took her longer as she was running on sand but lowered herself down. Exhaustion was setting in, Fluttershy practiced a lot with her Core talents but as she was in the body of a child it did make her tired quicker.
"Caretaker." A familiar voice spoke walking towards Fluttershy. Fluttershy turned her head towards the voice reaching for the spear on her back.
"I take it you're looking for the sand people? Don't bother, I already killed them all after they trashed my ship when I was looking around. I would like to kill you too, but it seems we're in a similar predicament." The voice revealing to be Tor Vizsla said. Fluttershy climbed to her feet saying. “Why?”
"Why what? Why I killed them all in revenge? Why I want to kill you? Why I choose not to given the situation?" Tor questioned repeatedly. Fluttershy stared at him through her veil saying. “Well those are all very good questions. But the first one as well as the third one.”
"Because they're all mindless savages who got what was coming to them. As for your third question, I figured we would form a temporary truce to figure out a way off this blasted rock." Tor answered as he kicked some sand. "Stupid stuff is everywhere."
Fluttershy knelt down and pressed her hand into the sand, she closed her eyes a green glow appearing around it. “Be more respectful to the natives of this planet. They, like the Mandalorians, are warriors who fought in a war and turned a once beautiful world into what you see now. They are now survivors who view us as those who trespass on their world and disrespect it.”
"They're nothing like Mandalorians. An outsider like yourself could never understand, 'Caretaker'." Vizsla mocked looking away. "Tell me, who are you really? And what are you?"
“What do you think I am?” Fluttershy asked looking at him, trying to figure out how to explain who she was.
"If I knew that answer I wouldn't be asking. Whatever, have it your way. What were you doing here looking for the monsters anyway?" Tor asked, sitting down. Fluttershy looked back saying. “A few Jawas asked me to get rid of the Raiders. I prefer a much more peaceful way, after all that is the way I was raised. My species is rather peaceful focusing on forming bonds of friendships that last forever than warring against the different tribes.”
"I doubt the Jawas care as long as the job is done one way or another if I know anything about them." Tor responded as he got up on his feet. Fluttershy climbed to her feet before glancing up at Tor. She honestly didn’t know how she felt about the man so she decided to test him. “You do know that I’m only 9 years old, right?”
"You do know that I don't give a damn, right?" Tor scoffed back at her. "Doesn't change how I feel about you."
Fluttershy’s wings fluffed out before saying rather angrily. “Now listen here you, I don’t mind the fact that you don’t like me, but what gives you the right to go after a child… any children because you don’t like them? I may not agree with your methods but I thought there was an honorable person in there but I was wrong! I never want to see the likes of you after this again! You are a coward and a bully and one day you will end up alone with no one by your side because you pushed them all away with your horrible attitude!”
"What do you know about honor? Like you admitted you are just a child. Truth be told, I had no idea what you were at first and how old you were. Are you saying I should show mercy to our enemies just because they're young?" Tor replied not backing down. "Maybe working with you is a terrible idea and I should just kill you now."
“I learned about honor from our Princesses, they are respected and would not go after anyone out of suspicion.” Fluttershy turned around huffing before her wings sagged. “You won’t be able to find my ship if you kill me and I doubt you have any money to get off this planet for a long time. Otherwise you would have done so by now.”
"You're right about that, I will give you that much Caretaker. Let's just put our differences aside and work together as best we can and you have my word as a Mandalorian that I will leave you be when this is all over. Not like you want to see me again anyway." Tor sighed as he started to walk. Fluttershy headed back to speak with the Jawas to inform them that the task was done. She was feeling exhausted from using her ability to travel the distance and didn’t want to leave Tor behind and up to his own devices.
"Let's just kill them all and take the parts. Oh right. You claim to be 'peaceful' Miss Caretaker." Tor huffed from behind.
“The task is complete.” Fluttershy said looking at the Jawa, she glanced up at Tor. “He took care of the Raiders.” Tor looked at the Jawas with a stern look as he folded his arms.
"A deals a deal!" One of the Jawas spoke as it ordered the other Jawas to collect the ore and deliver the parts. Fluttershy thought for a moment before asking. “Do you have anything I can use for navigation or protection….”
She gave a sideways glance at Tor before turning her attention back to the Jawas. “I travel alone most of the time.”
One of the Jawas pointed towards a couple droids and said. "All we have right now is just some old junk and a scrap heap."
The two droids looked at each other, one was taller with a long neck and narrow head. It didn’t say anything as the other droid whistle and chirped angrily at the Jawas.
“How much?” Fluttershy asked, a feeling stirring within her as if she was to take them with her. She turned her attention back to the Jawas in front of her.
"Consider it extra as our thanks!" One of the Jawas said happily. Fluttershy smiled as she went to examine the droids a bit more closely. She ran her fingers along the side of the smaller droid finding a serial number. “T7-08?” she asked in confusion before shaking her head. “We should head back to the ship now. T7-08 chirped and whistled, getting ready to move as the other droid looked around.
"See, I told you that the little womp rats wouldn't care about how the job is done. To them, business is business so welcome to the real world kid." Tor scoffed when he took an interest in the droids. "There's something ancient about this pair, and familiar somehow."
Fluttershy pouted under her veil before she turned and started heading back to the ship. T7-08 moved passed Tor saying. “She + sale= New master. New master = Better than Jawas.”
"Just get a move on you pile of bolts!" Tor ordered as he gave T7 a kick. Fluttershy whirled around her veil had moved to reveal her eye as she used the Stare ordering. “Don’t you dare kick T7-08 again!”
Tor gritted his teeth, his hand on his blaster when he said. "I would kill you here and now if I didn't need you!" For some reason though, he felt fear inside himself. He shook his head and pressed on. Fluttershy thanked the Jawas again before leading the way back to her ship. She stopped in the area she landed hearing the chirps of T7-08 as it scanned the area. She lifted her hands focusing as the perception filter dropped revealing her ship. She opened the door so she could begin the repairs glad to have taken some lessons from Sans. Though she was ready for any form of attack knowing that she might have to use her lightsaber.
Tor walked around the ship eyeing the damage. "Can't believe I am assisting in repairing something that I was trying to destroy!"
“Well we wouldn’t be in this mess if you hadn’t attacked my ship.” Fluttershy pointed out as T7-08 sat there. “Hmmm, why isn’t T7-08 moving?”
She moved over to examine the droid trying to figure out what was wrong. The other droid began to point at something on the surface of T7-08 and to itself.
"Your droids, your problem." Tor remarked as he started making repairs to the ship. Fluttershy frowned before realizing that the bolt was the issue it seemed. Tilting her head to the side Fluttershy couldn’t figure out how to remove it. So she decided to try something out, shrugging off the cloak Fluttershy reached out with one of her wings. She brushed it as her wings glowed with the same green aura and the bolt went flying off. T7-08 chirped happily as Fluttershy went to work on the other droid. T7-08 went to help out with the other repairs. Tor eyed them now and then just rolling his eyes.
“I know you are just helping for your own reasons, but thank you.” Fluttershy said as the other bolt went flying off. She went to work as well, the progress going quicker with the extra hands. Tor just scoffed as he began to buff out some dents. The power turned on around them as the other droid just wandered around making sure everything was in place before T7-08 came through to install them. Fluttershy was silent as she finished up what she was doing.
Tor found himself sitting down taking a break laying his back on the side of the ship. The suns were setting at this point in time, and he looked at the horizon deep in thought. Fluttershy brought out a cup of water to him saying. “We are almost done in there…. Here, drink up.”
"You're far too nice for your own good." Tor said as he grabbed the drink and took a sip. Fluttershy smiled. “I know, I’ve been called a pushover, doormat, I’ve been told that I’ve held my friends back, that I don’t take risks, that I need to assert myself more… but I already know my faults. My friends accept me for who I am and I love my friends for who they are.”
Tor just shook his head and took another sip. "We'll never see eye to eye."
“I know, but who does?” Fluttershy asked looking at Tor, she climbed to her feet saying. “Fluttershy, my name is Fluttershy. That is who I am.”
Tor sat in silence for a moment as he eyed Fluttershy. He let out a small chuckle as he said. "Think I'm gonna stick with 'Caretaker'."
“Thank you.” Fluttershy said before motioning to the ship. “We should probably head out now.”
"Why are you thanking me? I was poking fun at your actual name." Tor replied as he stood up. Fluttershy smiled up at him saying. “I know, but I like going by the Caretaker as well. So either way you are accepting that I am someone in your eyes.”
Tor grunted as he couldn't find the words to say back. Fluttershy walked in, seeing T7 whistle as he rolled around. “Repairs= Completed”
“Thank you T7-08.” Fluttershy told him before heading off to the cockpit seeing the other droid standing there. “What’s your name?”
“My memory banks seem to have been damaged. I can no longer recall my designation.” the droid said, rather brokenly causing Fluttershy to reassure him. “Don’t worry, we’ll just find a name for you later.”
“Roger, roger.” the droid replied, going back to looking around the cockpit.
"You never cease to baffle me girl. You treat those robots as if they were friends or pets." Tor said, shaking his head as he walked in as well. Fluttershy looked at him with a serious look saying. “Do they have a personality? Yes. Do they think? Yes. They may not have blood running through them or breath. Yet you trust them enough to keep you alive. I think treating any being with courtesy is the least I can do.”
"Being? You treat them almost as if they're equals to us...what utter nonsense." Tor responded as he gave T7 a kick. Fluttershy’s eyes narrowed just as the plant's leaves grew large and flew out wrapping around Tor’s legs as she said. “I told you not to kick T7. Now, once you are released, sit down. I will bring some refreshments later.”
"Blasted girl and her powers, mark my words…" Tor grumbled as he reached his arms out towards Fluttershy and made a strangling motion. T7 made an angry noise before heading to the cockpit with Fluttershy. She looked back at Tor knowing this was going to be a long flight back to Galidraan. With the two droids help the take off was a lot smoother than what it usually was.
T7 took over navigating the ship with the other droid as Fluttershy walked back to start preparing some food.
“Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked, looking at Tor worried that she might have hurt him using the plant.
"Of course I am." Tor huffed as he sat down. Fluttershy felt a little relieved as she began to prepare the food on the ship. She was thankful for the cooler that was still working. She decided on some form of steaks, she had noticed that this form did require some meat. Sans and Mir’grok did most of the hunting and she had prepared meat for her animals before. All she had to do for herself was cook it and this time she could show off a little bit of skill. She was humming a song as she cooked. Tor had fallen asleep where he was sitting, the snoring almost drowning out the humming. When finished Fluttershy took the plates over to Tor and placed one in front of him. “Here, I’m not sure if you are hungry or not, but you will need to regain your strength.” A loud snore came from Tor in response, he was out cold. Fluttershy went to a storage unit to find a blanket. She gently moved closer and fluttered it over him from a ways away. She picked up her plate and moved to another free spot to enjoy the food. She did put a cover on Tor’s food to keep it warm.
After finishing her meal, Fluttershy washed her dish before finding a pillow for Tor only to realize one thing. Getting him to lay on the pillow. So she just placed the pillow near him and went back to the cockpit to see their ETA. She decided to sit up there and meditate while Tor rested.
Tor's eyes twitched as he was slowly coming to. He could smell the aroma of the food that was next to him. His mind wandered to Mandalore being in his vision, back to being the warriors of old. He opened his eyes and turned to look at the food next to him. His stomach growled as he lifted the lid, the aroma getting stronger. He began eating and his mind wandered once more, wondering if his destiny is changing and what he will do with Fluttershy who is being true to her codename as the Caretaker. He couldn't bring himself to admit it to her, after seeing the pillow laid before him he couldn't help but be thankful. After he ate the last bit of food he set up the pillow to rest on and drifted back to sleep.
Fluttershy came out of her meditation shortly before they dropped out of Hyperspace. She left to check on Tor and noticed the empty plate. Smiling, she picked it up and went to wash it, humming a bit. It was a song she had learned from Eva. Once done she approached Tor saying. “We will be arriving at Galidraan soon.”
Tor's eyes awoke to Fluttershy's face as he mumbled. "About time…"
“Is there an area where you want me to land?” Fluttershy asked, looking at Tor. “Or would you like to make it known that you’re back first?”
For the first time Tor didn't know what to say to her. He just stared at her, as if he was lost in thought. Fluttershy almost hid behind her hair. “I know that it is possible that you want to try and take the ship yourself, but I do want to be more courteous towards your needs. After all, I am responsible for causing you to crash on Tatooine.”
"WHAT THE HELL IS YOUR DEAL GIRL?!" Tor yelled as he couldn't resist backhanding her on the face. "Why? Why why why why why?!" Tor sunk to his knees, head looking at the ground. "Damn it all, why do I feel like this?!" Tor proceeded to punch the ground in anger. Fluttershy just kneeled beside him quietly. "Go...leave me!" Tor ordered, not able to look at her. "Anywhere! Land us anywhere I don't care!"
Fluttershy got up as she headed to the cockpit to find a landing site. She found one that would be close enough for Tor to make it to the capital with no problems. She glanced back at the area that Tor was in with a small frown on her face. She stood at the door placing her hand against it. She wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, but she knew that she couldn’t leave it like this. She glanced out the window as they dropped out of Hyperspace. She opened the door to see where Tor was.
Tor was sitting back in his seat, eyes fixated on the dish from before. Fluttershy approached him her fingers clasped together in front of her.
"What? Haven't had enough of making a fool out of me?" Tor asked, refusing to make eye contact.
“I have never meant to make a fool out of you. It will never be my intent to do that.” Fluttershy told him as she picked up the dish.
"So you say." Tor huffed still looking away. Fluttershy looked at him before taking a seat, trusting the two droids completely.
“Mr. Vizsla, what do I gain by making a fool out of you? I do not intrude upon this war unless it is to save the innocent civilians who are caught in the crossfire. I may be disappointed in your actions, it even makes me mad sometimes. I will never have the intent to do you harm, it is not in my nature.” Fluttershy told him smoothing out the pillow. Tor sat in silence this time as he took a quick glance at Fluttershy before looking away again.
“I cannot change your mind about this war. The only hope I have is that you do not pursue those who wish to leave Mandalorian space because of it.” Fluttershy continued softly setting the pillow to the side. “You are an interesting person Mr. Vizsla.”
"Me? You're definitely one to talk." Tor remarked, you could even almost hear a chuckle. Fluttershy nodded her head saying. “My first experience with a human was sad and ended in the deaths of a whole species. Then I meet the Mandalorians split and the two sides have their own values. With you… you keep me on guard but I don’t know what your true goal is in the end.”
Deep down, Tor didn't even know what his goal was anymore. Almost like he wasn't himself. Fluttershy reached out and placed a hand on Tor’s shoulder as she stood up. She was going to have to take over for the landing.
“I won’t pry.” Fluttershy told him heading to the cockpit. “I will see you out when we land.”
She looked back at him for a second before asking. “Did you want to come with me, just in case we run into any trouble?”
"Beats staying here I suppose. Still…" Tor couldn't shake this feeling he had since boarding the ship. ‘Why do I have this feeling like I care for this girl?’ He thought as he shook his head trying to get the thought out as he followed Fluttershy. Fluttershy took a seat in the pilot’s seat and began descent being very careful. She didn’t have too many good experiences with Death Watch but right now she was putting her trust in Tor. She had never met the Governor of Galidraan in person but she had seen him once when she had gone back to investigate what happened to Jango Fett. This was before she was formally introduced to Tor Vizsla. Needless to say that her investigation might have been the cause of Tor Vizsla noticing her. Tor gazed silently at Fluttershy as if trying to read her mind.
“You can ask questions you know.” Fluttershy said focusing on the task at hand. Tor's gaze suddenly shifted as he made his response. "Questions? For you? I think not."
“That’s good, you were making me feel anxious staring at the back of my head like that.” Fluttershy said before her ears turned red. “That was rude, I’m sorry.”
Tor just shrugged as he responded. "That's what made you feel anxious of all things?"
“Well you aren’t acting aggressive, missed most of the time when I did freak out while I was in here, but people staring at me does make me anxious.” Fluttershy answered, glancing back at Tor.
Tor put his hands on his head as if he was having a headache and ran out yelling. Fluttershy was confused just as the ship touched down. She powered down the engines and walked to open the door. Tor was standing by the door already with his head against the wall next to it. Fluttershy tapped him on his armor as the door opened. She looked up at him asking. “Ready?”
Tor just walked out the door and stood in front of it facing Fluttershy. "I...never mind. Let's just go."
Fluttershy nodded her head before looking at T7-08 saying. “I’ll be back. I want to see Mr. Vizsla off.”
T7 chirped shifting a bit on both legs as Fluttershy looked up at Tor. Tor's brows furrowed as he looked intensely at Fluttershy.
“I guess this is where we part ways.” Fluttershy said keeping as calm as she could.
"I guess it is." Tor said as he turned around and started walking away. He stopped a few feet as he turned his head to look at Fluttershy. With a sigh as if he couldn't bear the thought of uttering his next few words he said…"Thank you, Fluttershy." He turned his head back forward and began walking.
“It was an honor to meet you.” Fluttershy said bowing low, feeling a pulse of energy flowing through her.
<<Shard of Harmonia (Caretakeer): Activating>>
<<Element of Harmony (Kindness): Activating>>
<<Welcome Hero>>
Fluttershy’s eyes widened as she heard the familiar voice of Harmonia in her head. She was glad that the veil hid her face as she was beginning to breathe quickly again. She stood up straight walking back into the ship to head back home. She was ready.
The Caretaker smiled sadly as she came back to the present remembering that she was going to head out soon. After all, the Duchess of Mandalore had invited her over for some tea. This was something that they did yearly once the Mandalorian Civil War ended. Something that always weighed heavily on Fluttershy. She knew it would end with Tor Vizsla either being killed in battle or his capture. She couldn’t say she hated him, just was sorely disappointed in him. Shaking her head, the Caretaker continued on her way.
“heading out, kid?” Sans asked, appearing next to her, the Caretaker smiled as she looked down at him. After all the years of living together with him and Asriel she appreciated his presence before leaving Tython.
“I’m going to see the Duchess.” the Caretaker answered, touching her face. “Maybe afterwards speaking with Count Dooku.”
Sans held up her veil, the Caretaker’s hand hovering over it as she began to think about the far past. Long before the restoration of Tython, long before she had gained this form. To when Fluttershy was still a Pegasus of Equestria and she was flung to a time where Monsters were trapped in the Underground.
When Fluttershy opened her eyes she found herself lying amongst yellow buttercups with the sun shining down above her. The vines of the flowers curling around her arm, upon her back was something warm. Looking over she saw a strange creature resting upon her back and over her wing. She carefully examined the creature as she thought back to what had happened prior. Rainbow Dash getting angry at her and Fluttershy flying away in tears. The three mysterious creatures: Urðr, Verdandi, and Skuld. Fluttershy then realized that this must be the test. ‘To find the strength of who I am and to survive.’ Fluttershy thought as the new creature began to shift and yawn. Once she was sure that the being was awake they stared at each other for a moment.
“Ummm, excuse me?” Fluttershy asked and the creature looked at her with tired eyes. “A-are you alright?”
“You… speak?” the being asked quietly, Fluttershy realizing that this could be a child of the species. She nodded her head and the child moved forward. The child sat up, resting their full weight upon their knees.
“I’m Fluttershy.” Fluttershy spoke hiding behind her hair and the child nodded. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Frisk.” the child replied with a smile growing on their face. “Did you fall down as well?”
Fluttershy nodded her head in response before she climbed to her hooves. Frisk did so as well and Fluttershy saw that they were about seven inches taller than her.
“I’ve never seen a talking pony before, are you normally little?” Frisk asked and Fluttershy nodded her head before asking. “And I’ve never seen a… are you a human? My friend Twilight has met humans before but I’ve never seen one.”
Frisk nodded their head as well and Fluttershy felt herself calm down a little bit. Frisk looked around as Fluttershy asked. “Where are we?”
Frisk was quiet for a moment before responding. “I’m not sure, but I think I see a doorway… I think… maybe we should stay together?”
Fluttershy nodded her head as they began to walk, the silence began to gnaw at them both before Fluttershy asked. “So… what are you?”
“I'm a boy. I know I don’t look like it… well to other humans. They call me an...an…” Frisk seemed to fumble over his words and Fluttershy smiled saying. “Androgynous? Don’t worry, I can’t tell.”
Frisk laughed a little before they walked through the doorway. The room beyond it was dark, only a patch of grass was lit up by the sunlight peeking through the cracks above. Sitting upon it was a lone flower, Fluttershy noticed right away that something was off about it. Upon the capitulum was a face, a grin spreading across it as the flower greeted them. “Howdy, I’m Flowey. Flowey the Flower, I’m your best friend.”
“Hello Flowey, my name is Fluttershy and this is….” Fluttershy’s words were cut off as Flowey waved a leaf continuing. “I know who that is, let me explain how things work down here.”
Fluttershy frowned as the flower began to explain about SOULs and LOVE. Fluttershy felt something was off when Flowey offered to show them how to gather LOVE. Frisk flinched back as white pellets were summoned, though they were called “friendliness pellets” Fluttershy was prepared for anything but.
“Try to catch as many as you can.” Flowey told them as he sent the bullets at them. Fluttershy and her SOUL, a green one, and Frisk with his red SOUL dodged to the side. Much to the flower’s irritation, he chided them before sending more in their direction. Fluttershy flew up into the air, glad that there was some space as Frisk moved around below. Her wings throbbed causing her to land next to Frisk once again.
“You… you’ve figured out what’s going on, haven’t you?” Flowey growled, his voice warping, as Fluttershy looked at the pellets which had dug into the wall. “Down here it’s kill or be killed! That human’s SOUL is mine!”
Flowey summoned more pellets, this time they formed a circle around her’s and Frisk’s SOULs causing them both to tense. Flowey seemed to enjoy dragging out their doom, so much so that he didn’t notice a flame coming towards him.
“Look out!” warned Fluttershy, but it fell upon deaf ears as it slammed into the flower sending him flying. A large goat-like creature, that if Fluttershy had to guess, was a little over 8’ tall. She approached the two, her voice calm but chiding as she spoke. “What a horrible creature, torturing such a poor innocent child. I am Toriel, Keeper of the Ruins, I come here everyday to see if a human has fallen down here.”
Fluttershy glanced off to the side feeling an immense amount of sadness coming from the direction that Flowey had been thrown. When she saw no sign of the flower she decided to introduce herself. “I’m Fluttershy, a pony from Ponyville. Where am I?”
“You are in the Ruins, the old home of the Monsters who live in the Underground.” Toriel explained before leading the two deeper into the Ruins. “Long ago, there was a… fight between Humans and Monsters. The Monsters lost and Seven Human Mages sealed us here, forming a barrier to prevent anything from leaving. Their choice of punishment is a cruel one… come let me explain the Ruins to the both of you.”
Fluttershy followed along with Frisk as they listened to the explanation of how the puzzles worked. Both Frisk and Fluttershy were quiet in their thoughts. Including the puzzles Toriel had a much different way in dealing with the Monsters of the Underground. Instead of attacking them like Flowey, Toriel would have them talk to the Monster until she arrived to diffuse the situation. It was much more up the two alleys as they practiced on the dummy. Frisk complimented the training dummy and Fluttershy decided to do the same. Though she began to get quieter the more she talked to the dummy, she was getting the feeling it was watching her. Before they moved on Fluttershy felt something pat her on the head and she glanced around for the source. That was when she saw the dummy wink and she quickly walked to the two. The only puzzle that Toriel didn’t let Frisk solve on his own was a spiked floor. Taking his hand she led him through the puzzle while Fluttershy glided above them. Before they entered the next room Toriel turned to look at Fluttershy saying. “Could you please wait out here for just one moment.”
“Alright.” Fluttershy replied before sitting down and humming a small creature poking its head out and walking towards her. It wasn’t the creature from before, a Froggit, it was more like an insect. It didn’t seem to want to fight, shaking like a leaf and frightened of her. Holding out her hoof, Fluttershy watched as the creature moved towards her only to fly away as Toriel called out. “Fluttershy, you can come in now.”
“Goodbye.” whispered Fluttershy before heading into the room and Toriel looked at her saying. “I am sorry, I had to be sure the child would be fine on their own if you two were ever separated.”
“Oh, that’s alright.” Fluttershy glanced at Frisk who smiled at her happily. “I’m sure we will be fine.”
“Now remember my instructions, don’t leave the room until I come and get you.” Toriel told Frisk and he nodded his head watching her leave. Fluttershy walked over before taking a seat next to him. He sighed, pulling out a strange device before shoving it back into his pocket. Glancing next to her Fluttershy extended her wing and pulled Frisk closer to her asking. “Are you alright?”
“Yeah, just bored… how long do you think we have to wait?” Frisk mumbled looking up at Fluttershy who furrowed her brow before answering. “I’m not sure, until she comes and gets us. I don’t know how long that will be. I’m sure we will have lots to do. Ah, how old are you Frisk?”
“Six.” Frisk said a big grin on his face as he began to bounce in his spot. “Oh! I didn’t get to say this before but thanks for trying to tell Flowey my name.”
“You’re welcome.” Fluttershy poked at the ground with her hoof trying to see if they could use it to play a game. It didn’t budge causing both of them to sigh. Frisk pulled out the strange device again and glanced at it causing Fluttershy to ask. “What is that?”
“This? Oh, it’s a cellphone, you can talk to people with another one of these!” Frisk tried to explain how it worked but it seemed like even he didn’t know. It began to ring, freaking both of them out. It was Toriel who seemed to be having a few problems and wouldn’t be back in the timeline she had stated before. She tried to keep them updated until her phone was apparently stolen and eaten by a dog. The last straw for Fluttershy was when they heard the dog sleeping on the other end. She climbed to her feet saying. “I have to find that dog, Ms. Toriel wouldn’t mind if we went to go get her phone back.”
Frisk nodded his head as they began to walk out of the room together ready to face the unknown puzzles and Monsters together. It wasn’t as bad as Fluttershy initially thought, the Froggits liked compliments and if they were careful the attacks were easy enough to dodge. Fluttershy generally would take the attacks for Frisk if he couldn’t move out of the way fast enough which would cause the frog-like monsters to feel really guilty and leave them alone. The Whimsums, the strange bugish creatures from before, were more prone to panicking than Fluttershy. Often getting scared when Frisk would chide them and fly away before he could comfort them. Though most of the time they flew into Fluttershy’s mane to hide. Neither of the two minded as they continued on their way.
The journey was more like a pleasant trip, there was little to no conflict. Fluttershy sensing that they were being followed and would often check behind her just in case. She only caught glimpses of a flower sinking into the soil below. Whenever she would see this she moved closer to Frisk, her wing wrapping around him. Frisk just smiled at her and patted her on the head as they continued on. The puzzles varied and the Monsters that did attack them left them some money once the conflict was resolved. Fluttershy always made sure that they kept some money set aside just in case they found a store.
Soon they came upon a ghost resting on the leaves, though it was obvious that he was pretending to be asleep.
“Excuse me, but we need to pass through. If you don’t mind, that is.” Fluttershy spoke quietly and the ghost stirred for a moment. Frisk walked up and tried to nudge him for a moment but jumped back when the ghost tried to attack them. Fluttershy watched the battle only stepping in when Frisk was about to get hurt protecting his SOUL with her wings. The tears that the ghost cried turned out to be acidic. She let out a whimper of pain and Frisk just gave the ghost a patient smile.
“I-I’m sorry.” the Ghost sobbed his tears streaming everywhere. Frisk decided to take this chance and give him a compliment about his bowtie. This seemed to cheer up the ghost but the tears didn’t dry and the battle continued. It did take a while until they managed to calm down the ghost enough to get some information from him. The ghost, as they found out, was called Napstablook. Frisk found that out by using the check option. Fluttershy had no idea what he was talking about because she didn’t have any options like that.After listening to his problems they went ahead after giving him some advice. Frisk stopped to get some food from the spider bake sale. They went through the last few puzzles, Frisk having to do the one with the holes and ended up talking to Napstablook and finding a faded ribbon before getting to the switch.
When they made it to Toriel’s house, Frisk had found a toy knife, but didn’t even equip it beforehand. They were led to a room. Fluttershy let the tired child use the bed while she slept on the floor. She opened her eyes for a moment to find Toriel draping a blanket over her. Her eyes closed again as she slipped back into the blissful embrace of sleep.
The next morning when she awoke Frisk was already gone, poking her head out of the room she saw Toriel reading.
“Good morning.” she said walking over to the Monster. “Where is… the human?”
“They’re exploring the RUINs some more. They wanted to leave the ruins but instead ended up listening to some snail facts instead.” Toriel explained with a sad smile. “I know they will want to leave eventually. But I can’t let them, they will die out there, I can’t let that happen again.”
“What do you mean by again?” Fluttershy inquired sitting by the arm rest feeling the warmth of the fire. “There were more?”
“Yes, six more before the child.” sighed Toriel closing her book. “They all stayed here for a while but they wanted to leave. Most wanted to go home, one… wanted to help no matter the cost. I can’t lose another one.”
“Would it help if I went with them?” suggested the Element of Kindness with a smile earning a surprised look from the goat monster. “I may not be the best fighter but I can protect them anyway I can. I don’t mind if you can think of a test for the both of us. To see what we have learned and to make sure we can take care of ourselves!.”
“A test huh?” Toriel tapped a finger against her chin as she closed the book on her lap thinking. “Oh there’s some pie in the kitchen if you want some. It is butterscotch-cinnamon. I hope you enjoy it.”
“Oh, thank you.” Fluttershy headed off to get some pie. Toriel leaned back in her seat thinking some more. She was going to need to ask for some extra help, not that she didn’t trust Fluttershy, it was more of the fact that she needed someone she’s known for a long time to make sure that they both don’t die. Their kindness was strong but that meant that they would probably not fight back with other monsters which could get both of them killed. She could always ask the “Joke Master” for help but she needed an excuse to go down into the basement without them getting suspicious.
Fluttershy hummed under her breath as she got a plate for the pie. This world was different from the world she was from but felt the same. Most of the items were for beings with fingers and hands. ‘Like monkeys.’ she thought, trying to use the pie knife with her teeth. It took a lot of work but she managed to get a slice. Picking the plate up with her teeth she walked out slowly towards the table in the sitting room. Frisk was there reading a book from the shelf and Toriel was watching him from the book she was reading. The air was heavy, like they both had a discussion while she was trying to get the pie. She didn’t pry though, instead set about trying to eat the slice of delicious smelling pastry.
“Hey mama. where is the exit to the RUINs?” Frisk asked quietly, his eyes focused on the pages in front of him. Toriel sighed before getting up. “Stay here, I have something I must do.”
‘I have a bad feeling about this.’ thought the kind pony as Frisk walked over to her and went to climb on her back. She moved so that he could and he grabbed her plate for her.
“You want us to follow her?” inquired Fluttershy and he nodded his head. “Alright.”
Moving as fast as she could she headed towards the area that Toriel walked into. Taking a deep breath she moved towards the stairs, it was just a feeling that she had but she could almost sense the feeling of pain coming from there. They found her at the bottom of the stairs where she spoke her voice calm. “At the end of this hall is a door that is the exit to the ruins. I am going to destroy it. Do not try to stop me.”
‘This isn’t what I had in mind when I said test.’ thought the kind pony as she followed after Toriel. Toriel urged them to go upstairs and let her do what she had to. Frisk didn’t waver in his resolve to get out of the ruins… though he didn’t want to hurt Toriel to do so. Fluttershy was just worried that someone would get hurt in the end. When they got to the door at the end of the ruins Toriel had her hand on it before turning to face them. She was set on making sure they either stayed or fought. ‘This isn’t what I meant when I said test!’ the pink maned pegasus mentally told Toriel feeling the tears in her eyes as the monster summoned flames. Once again the SOULs appeared in front of their chests.
‘She doesn’t want to fight us.’ Fluttershy realized as she felt emotions radiate off of the saddened being. ‘So I will not fight back.’
‘I don’t want to hurt mama! I don’t want the monsters to remain here either. I want to help everyone!’ Frisk thought his fists clenching the mane in front of him before he got an idea, leaning forward he whispered in Fluttershy’s ear. “Do your best to dodge her attacks, I’ll get through to her. Remember what the Froggit said, sometimes you have to spare someone who’s name isn’t yellow. It just means you have to spare someone who still wants to fight.”
“That’s always something I prefer to do.” sighed Fluttershy dodging the first few flames coming towards them. “Though I have to wonder, does food heal the damage done to our bodies or just our souls?”
“Let’s hope that we don’t have to find out.” mumbled Frisk looking towards the one they had grown attached to, even though they barely knew her. No matter what she did or when she ordered them to fight they refused. The tears were beginning to well up in her eyes and they began to fall. The kind beings felt sorry for as she began to beg them to stay before realizing herself that the ruins would become small for the human child as they grew older. She told them that if they did leave the ruins that they should not come back. The two felt saddened by this but after a hug, and Frisk heading back to sleep in the bed once more, they headed out of the ruins.
They met Flowey on the way who admonished them for not killing anyone. Fluttershy didn’t speak up, instead she was trying to sense what he was feeling. It was odd, she knew what her gift was, but when she felt what Flowey was feeling the first time it was like a door opened to something different. She didn’t know what it was though or if it was because these monsters had the appearance of animals. Frisk was sticking close to Fluttershy which caused Flowey to start yelling at them to which she apologized and continued on her way. She looked back to see the flower looking rather angry, seemingly unaware of the tear dripping down from his face.
When they got out of the RUINs Fluttershy had wished that she had a scarf on hoof. It was like they entered a dark snowy forest. Trudging forward Fluttershy kept a look out for any Monster brave enough to attack them. Frisk didn’t complain about anything but kept close to Fluttershy in order to share some warmth. The two shivered together in a bundle as they tried to give each other comfort. Her ears twitched as she heard what sounded like someone crunching through the snow. Both turned around just a figure vanished. The two turned to look at each other with fear on their faces before they continued on. This began to scare Fluttershy worse than the Everfree Forest. ‘At least there you could hear the sounds of the beings who lived there.’ she thought as they passed over a large stick. ‘Here, there is nothing. Just silence.’
When they were far enough away there was a loud crack and Fluttershy almost bolted. Yet it felt like her hooves were frozen solid. Both her and Frisk turned to look, seeing the large stick frozen. Then they took off down the path. Not slowing down until they saw a bridge. That was when they came to a halt, the bridge was just wide enough for each of them to go one at a time.
“What was that?” panted Frisk bending over and taking gulps of air. Fluttershy felt her lungs burning but that didn’t stop the scream as the footsteps filled the air again. They stopped, a low voice speaking to both of them. “hey buddy, don’t you know how to greet a new friend? turn around and shake my hand.”
Frisk, having gotten his courage back, stepped forward and shook the hand only for a loud farting noise to fill the air. Fluttershy fainted on the spot.
The Caretaker laughed slightly and Sans gave her a confused look as she took the veil covered circlet.
“what are you thinking about, kid?” Sans asked as the Caretaker put the item on answering. “The time when I first arrived in the Underground and how we met.”
Sans paused for a moment before chuckling bashfully. “almost forgot about that. those resets do a number on my memories. you fainted after my joke, got the ki...frisk, all worried.”
“I’m sorry.” the Caretaker uttered knowing how much thinking about the past hurt him. Sans waves a hand saying. “don’t give me that look. you’ve given me another chance at living. something i wasn’t prepared to do after paps died. even gave asriel one, though he’s not aging, i think he’s happier like this. we miss everyone from the underground but it hurts more when we try to avoid the issue.”
“Sans.” the Caretaker said before giving him a hug. “I have to go. See you when I get back.”
Fluttershy sighed as she sat in the pilot’s seat of the ship. It had been over three years at this point since she arrived and she still wasn’t comfortable with sitting down when piloting the ship. It was not pegasi friendly as it would press against her wings which were getting pretty large at this point. Apparently being ten years old still meant going through an awkward growth phase where her wings would grow first then her height. She brought her wings out in front of her wondering if her humanoid form was a disguise and her Pegasi form was her true form. ‘Would I be able to hide my Equestrian nature even further?’ she thought absentmindedly stroking her wings. She wouldn’t say that it was an impossible idea, after all she was able to change into her pony form. Leaving T7 to pilot the ship she moved to the back in order to experiment. Though she had a few problems with the droid at first Sans had quickly located the problem when he examined the droids. Apparently there was a device on them that restricted their movements and the device she was given allowed them to move at her command. Now she had a companion that could react quickly to any sort of conflict.
Once she was sure she was alone she began to practice changing between her pony form and her humanoid form focusing on keeping certain parts the same and changing others. Soon she managed to hide her wings. The only thing that remained was her tail but that was well hidden by her hair. The victory was cut short when the ship shook violently. Fluttershy tried to stand up but was thrown to the side due to her lack of balance. ‘I have to make sure T7 is alright.’ she thought about getting to her feet again as the lights shut off. ‘I’ll mention this to Sans. The ship is old after all, it might not last with these long journeys anymore.’
Fluttershy leaned against the wall as she began to make her way towards the door slowly. Her head began to ache as loud voices echoed all around her. She had to see what was going on, it wasn’t the same as having a Force Vision or being led to aid those in need. This was different, it was like she was surrounded by giants talking loudly into her mind but unaware of her presence. She managed to get up to the front only to find T7 offline due to being blasted back from the power surge. She looked out the window and located the source of the noise. There were colossal sized whale-like creatures flying through hyperspace and they had somehow knocked them off course. Fluttershy stared at them in amazement and wondered where they were going. Though she did make note that she couldn’t really maneuver around them, it was best to drift with them to prevent any more damage to the ship. Fluttershy glanced at the pilot’s seat and knew she should be very careful about flying within the pod of spacewhales.
“Sorry T7, looks like repairing you is going to have to wait.” she said quietly as she managed to calm down her breathing. She glanced off to the side as she noticed that one of the whales was looking at her. Fluttershy stared back before smiling and gave it a wave. It moved closer to the ship before flying ahead the whale song echoing in Fluttershy’s mind. Fluttershy sighed as she continued to pilot. ‘I wonder what they are called.’ she thought.
It was a few hours later when the space whales finally left hyperspace and Fluttershy allowed the ship to drop out as well. She managed to get out of the pod and to a safe area of space. She looked at the Galactic Map seeing that she was now far beyond the Outer Rim in an area called the Unknown Regions. ‘How far into the Unknown Regions did I travel?’ she questioned moving out of her seat and powering down her vessel to only the essentials. She couldn’t just waste fuel and keep the engines running wasn’t going to help until she could navigate her way back. Teleporting was difficult for Fluttershy, most of the time she couldn’t pinpoint the location she was going. Tython was a little easier but the further she was the more energy it would take to get back. Fluttershy began to work on T7 wondering if she would be able to see the space whales again. Though there was something tickling the back of her head. She knew she was brought here for a purpose but she just wasn’t sure what it was.
It was about an hour into fixing T7, she wasn’t sure what was wrong, when a proximity alert went off and she went to go see what it was. However this did mean bringing the ship back online, something she did with great reluctance. Without T7 it was going to be a lot harder to escape if whoever this was wasn’t friendly. So she just waited, watching as the ship drew closer and closer. ‘No communications, I wonder if they are just investigating.’ she thought, hoping that they would just pass her by. It didn’t happen as the ship docked with hers and she used her ability to hide herself from the perception of her soon to be invaders. Though her top priority was to hide T7 until he brought himself back online. She grabbed a blanket from nearby and tossed it onto the droid hiding near the door to the bridge. She calmed her breathing as she heard footsteps drawing closer and she continued to increase the perception filter around her to keep herself from being noticed. If anything she could sneak away from the borders and hide herself down in the medbay. The door slip open as a blue skinned alien with fierce red eyes walked into the room.
The alien scanned the area, when he looked in the direction that Fluttershy was. He turned to look straight ahead away from her and just...stood there. Fluttershy began to move slowly towards the door keeping her eyes focused on the alien feeling the wall for the turn. She had to keep calm, Tor Vizsla had an intensity about him but this alien felt more dangerous.
The alien started moving towards where T7 currently was, the footsteps echoing throughout the silent ship. Fluttershy stopped in her movements, she couldn’t just let T7 go. So she dropped the perception filter as she rounded the corner dashing moving straight for the stairs. She tripped a little and hit the metal grate at the bottom, her arm throbbing in pain. The footsteps grew silent when the sound of the metal grate reached the alien's ears. Fluttershy pushed herself up and moved into the medbay hiding behind one of the beds holding her shoulder. She checked her hand to make sure that she hadn’t hurt herself too badly only to find some blood. She had probably slid or managed to find that one piece of metal that didn’t get filed down and it scratched her. Making herself as small as possible she listened for the alien intruder to see if he had decided to investigate or not.
The silence just continued, no footsteps heard at all. That was when words came from the alien's mouth. "Now what have we here?"
Fluttershy looked up, very startled as her ability activated without her actively focusing. She still couldn’t control it that well but she was trying to calm herself down. So she just pressed herself into the corner, her heart hammering against her chest.
"There's no need to be afraid, I don't have anything against you. How about introductions? You can just refer to me as Thrawn." The alien bowed somewhat respectfully. Fluttershy peered up at him before saying. “My friends call me Caretaker, but my actual name is Fluttershy.”
The last little bit she mumbled but there was something about this man. Her feeling when it came to him was that honesty would always be the best policy.
"Caretaker? Fluttershy? Interesting names, but I won't judge. Given your behavior, I assume that you are not familiar to this region and come from the Republic? Or just some smuggler who found themselves caught in the act and panicked their way here?" Thrawn asked standing still with a hand on his chin. Fluttershy looked at him, her brows furrowed. She had heard of pirates but she wasn’t familiar with anyone known as a Smuggler. “I was following the whales, I was caught in their pod and couldn’t get out so I followed them here. My droid was damaged and I can’t navigate home without him.”
"Droid?" Thrawn's interest peaked when he asked this. Fluttershy nodded mumbling. “I was afraid you’d take him away if you found him. I can’t have that, not just because he can get me home but he’s my friend. I can’t let anything happen to my friends.”
"Your friend you say? May I meet this friend?" There was almost a hostile tone to Thrawn's voice and yet still so calm. Fluttershy began to become nervous again before her shoulders sagged as she got to her feet. She looked at Thrawn saying. “You can’t hurt him. Promise?”
"You have my word." The answer came off less hostile but there was some dark air about it. Fluttershy stood up steadying herself a bit before walking forward. She still wasn’t used to walking with her wings hidden and wanted to move straight to the walls but she couldn’t let anything on about her just yet. She didn’t trust him enough to show her wings and her veil was in her living area upstairs. ‘He would have noticed the wings first. He’s not easily fooled.’ she thought as she moved out of the medbay and up the stairs. She wasn’t moving too fast, not wanting to trip again. Her fingers dug into her robes as she balled the fabric into her fist.
"You really have no reason to be so nervous, I am not your enemy. Think of me as someone who is...curious. My species, the Chiss, once were part of a grander role in the old Republic where now we mostly lay secluded in the area you know as the 'Unknown Regions'." Thrawn explained as he walked behind Fluttershy. Fluttershy looked back at him before looking forward in thought. She smiled before saying. “I’m going to trust you Mr. Thrawn.”
"Glad that's settled. I know that I might seem imposing but I apologize. Are you part of the Republic?" Thrawn's tone seemed almost friendly despite how he seemed earlier. Fluttershy looked confused before answering. “No.”
"You appear confused." Thrawn stopped moving for a moment when he said this. Fluttershy looked at him saying. “Why does one have to be a part of the Republic? Do they control all in their space?”
Thrawn just stood there with a hand on his chin. He looked closely at Fluttershy without saying a word. Fluttershy glanced away nervously before walking up to T7 saying. “This is my friend.”
"How interesting. I have never seen a model like this before." Thrawn said as he closely examined the Astromech. "This is very old."
“The Jawas that gave him to me said that as well. Though they called him junk.” Fluttershy said looking at T7. “The ship has schematics on this kind of droid. It’s why I even know how to give him repairs.”
The air became almost stiff as an angry expression appeared on Thrawn's face. "Junk?"
“That’s what they said, however I can never see him as anything else but a friend.” Fluttershy paused sensing the anger and looked up at him. “Some just can’t see value in the same things that you do. Isn’t value what you perceive it to be in?”
"It's art, historic. This might be the last Astromech of its kind left in the galaxy. Something like this should be kept safe and preserved." Thrawn answered as he sternly looked at Fluttershy. Fluttershy gave him a smile, saying. “You remind me of a friend of mine. She would see the value in history, always learning and loving to examine rare relics. To her history is something she treasures.”
The smile faltered as Fluttershy looked away. “I hope she’s alright and not worried about me.”
"Your friend does sound like a great person. If you would like, perhaps we could be friends as well?" The question Thrawn asked seemed sincere and trustworthy yet there was still an air about him like he had his own goals in mind only. Fluttershy looked up at him and smiled once again. “I would like that, making new friends is hard for me, but I like having friends.”
At that moment T7 turned on chirping. “Vessel incoming. Message over the holocom. Play?”
Fluttershy nodded her head before walking out towards the holotable. She was glad that she didn’t have anything on it at the moment. She was never going to tell anyone that she had used it as an actual table. Thrawn followed her, curious what the message was. Fluttershy pressed the button and a teenaged girl appeared in front of them. “Hey, there, welcome to The Unknown Region. Looks like you’re having a bit of trouble there. My name is Cammarine, but you can call me Cam.” Thrawn kept himself out of sight while listening closely.
“It is nice to meet you Cam, I am having trouble getting my ship back online.” Fluttershy said, looking around. “My droid can help with some things, but if there is need for any major repairs I cannot do it by myself.”
“Well then, you’re in luck. I just finished salvaging a ship nearby and I think some parts can be used to patch up whatever damage your ship took.” Cam said nodding her head. “How’d you get out this far anyways?”
“Space whales.” Fluttershy answered and Cam just nodded her head understanding quickly saying. “Gotcha, I’ll dock and see what’s wrong.”
Fluttershy nodded her head and the holocall ended. She inhaled deeply before exhaling trying to calm herself down. Despite him listening in before, Thrawn was suddenly nowhere to be found. Fluttershy looked around before frowning slightly. ‘Did he teleport?’ Fluttershy asked mentally before heading to greet Cammarine. She kept her eye out for Thrawn as T7 moved about on the bridge doing what he could to fix the system. Fluttershy heard the airlock door hiss and open as Cammarine’s voice called out. “Hello? You there kid?”
Fluttershy moved on over and took in the sight of the teen. She was tall, rivalling Dooku in height with short grey hair fashioned into a buzz cut. She wore a loose fitting torn blue-grey jumpsuit. She grinned as she looked around. “Oh yeah, I can fix this. From the outside I did suspect that it was a Defender-Class Light Corvette. Layout looks the same and so does the metal they used to build this.”
“You worked on ships like this before?” Fluttershy asked and Cam nodded her head saying. “Yeah. Old ships were kind of my thing, well my family’s thing, but now it’s just me. Anyways, let me fix up your ship and be on my way.”
The holotable started to beep, indicating another transmission was trying to go through. Fluttershy excused herself before moving to pick up the call. Cam nodded her head as she headed to the bridge to work on the computer. Fluttershy opened the call. “Hello?”
The blue figure of Thrawn peered at her with his dark red eyes. "I do apologize for my hasty departure."
“I was wondering where you went.” Fluttershy told him, giggling a bit. “You had me worried for a bit there. Is something the matter?”
"It's rather difficult to explain but it involves your friend there." Thrawn answered. Fluttershy looks behind her towards the bridge. “Cammarine? Did she do something bad?”
"Let's just say that we're...acquainted." Thrawn said as he shifted a bit. "Whether either of us did something bad is only up to you."
Fluttershy nodded her head saying. “Hopefully, one day you two can reconcile.”
Thrawn just smiled slyly as he responded. "Yes." Which then he proceeded to close the channel. Fluttershy shook her head a smile on her face as the Crystal of the Guide appeared next to her.
<Aura of Friendship: Kindness- Acquired>
<Gift of the Caretaker- Leveled Up. Hidden Wings Ability- Acquired>
Fluttershy glanced at it before saying. “We really have to call you something.”
“Pardon?” Cam called and Fluttershy shook her head replying. “Nothing.”
“Talking to yourself, got it, no worries, I do that a lot.” Cam replied before going back to what she was doing. Fluttershy moved to sit down on what she had turned into a couch. She rubbed her shoulders knowing that this was the better option than trying to hide her wings in plain sight. She knew at least that it was part of her Gift of the Caretaker. She looked forward to the day where all her friends could meet.
