GOT THAT PREORDER IN.

A thought or two about our current Fandom discussion

*spoilers under the cut*

I have been a Tech lives believer since about an hour after I saw him fall. I also very strongly believe that Tech is CX-2 (I am aware of what Jennifer Corbett said today about CX-2 being a new character, but Tech being presented as CX-2 can be considered as a new character)

I've seen people say they don't want him to be Tech because they don't want to see Tech like that. Totally valid. Not everyone wants to bathe in angst like I do.

But I believe that Tech being CX-2 is going to create the most compelling story and create the most conflict.

I could go on about the reasons, and maybe I will one day. But I want to share the most devastating one that came to me today.

If Tech is CX-2, that means Echo left his brother behind, left for dead, to be tortured and used against their brothers.

Just like he was.

TechPhee Valentine's Weekend - Day 1

Not Beyond Repair

Rating: T

Summary:

TechPhee Weekend Day 1: And if you have a minute, why don’t we go talk about it somewhere only we know?

There's a room in the Archium not many know about, a place to repair the ancient wonders Phee liberates. Tech is fond of it: for the work, the company, and the help he himself receives.

For @techpheeweek

ANs: Hello! This takes place in an AU where Tech is CX-2 and he was recovered after Hemlock dies in Canon, though I suppose a good part of it takes place BEFORE that happens.

One Week After Arriving on Pabu

“Got a minute, Browneyes?” 

Tech looked up from his datapad. He sat in the shadow of the Marauder, where Phee had joined him. The self proclaimed liberator gave him a smile as she leaned against the ship.

“Do you truly mean a minute, or do you need my assistance for longer?” Tech asked.

Phee laughed.

“You got me there.” She said. “I’m thinking an hour, maybe?”

Tech nodded. 

“I can spare the time.” He said.

He got up and dusted his legs off. He was wearing his armor less and less as their time on Pabu continued.

“What can I assist you with?” He asked Phee.

“Just wondering if you could fix something.” She said. “Gotta get to the Archium, though.”

“Very well.” Tech said.

He followed her through the bright sunlight to the beginning of the many, many sets of stairs on Pabu. 

“Here.”

Tech blinked as Phee tossed him a Jogan fruit. She winked.

“I heard your stomach rumble loud as a hyperdrive.” She said. It had? Tech had not noticed. “You like Jogan, right?”

He did. A far more pleasant breakfast than a ration bar. They climbed together in silence for a while. It was broken occasionally by islanders calling greetings to Phee and occasionally to Tech. Despite the sun, the temperature was temperate, and many of the inhabitants were out enjoying the fine weather.

“Where’s the rest of your squad?” Phee asked as they reached the bottom of the wall that separated Upper and Lower Pabu. “Didn’t see them on the way up.”

“Lyana took Omega to explore the shore, Hunter is watching them, and Wrecker is continuing his fishing lessons.” Tech listed off.

“Leaving you to just waste away, huh?”

“Hardly. I know how to keep myself occupied.” Tech looked up at the long way still ahead of them. “And the climb to the Archium will certainly do so.”

Phee glanced at him and grinned.

“We could take your shortcut.”

Tech paused, thinking of when he had grabbed Phee and grappled to a higher level. He thought of that incident often, though he was unsure why.

“It would be unnecessary.” He decided. “We are not racing against a sea surge.”

“Well then, we’ll just have to endure the stairs.” Phee said. She looked at him, watching him eat the last piece of Jogan. She waited for him to swallow. “Race you.”

“What-”

Phee began sprinting up the steps. After a brief moment of surprise, Tech found himself rushing after her. Wrecker and Crosshair tended to be the most competitive of their squad, but Tech had been known to be tempted by challenges.

Despite her head start, Tech slowly closed her lead. She glanced behind her and eyes widened.

“Not- fair!” She puffed as he passed her.

He kept a comfortable distance between them, though his legs and lungs began to burn with each footfall. He was in exceptional shape, but prolonged step climbing was a challenge. This was certainly the case as the stairs became increasingly steep the further they climbed. He was surprised with how well Phee kept up.

And was even more surprised when she surged forward and past him on the last set of steps. She reached the top mere seconds before he did, turning and grinning with hands on hips.

“I win.” She said.

“You were holding back.” Tech said as he joined her.

“Nah, more like I got a second wind.” Phee said, her breathing labored. “Though I was enjoying the view.”

Tech blinked.

“Of my back?” 

“A little lower, but yeah.”

It took Tech a moment to parse her meaning, forgetting for a moment that backsides could be considered attractive, but he felt his face heat when he did.

“Oh.” He said.

Phee laughed.

“Sorry, Browneyes.” Though I might call you Longlegs now; you’ve got quite the stride.”

Tech decided she was teasing due to the wink she gave him. He nearly had told her that he preferred Browneyes.

“Was there a reason for that display?” He asked, following her across the courtyard.

“Fun.” Phee said. “I’ve decided you boys, not to mention Omega, have not had enough in your life.”

“We have had fun.” Tech protested, thinking of Wrecker’s shouts of joy when scrapping droids.

“Fun that doesn’t have anything to do with fighting.” Phee said.

“I enjoy flying.” Tech pointed out.

“Yeah, but you fly like you’ve constantly got bogies on your tail. This way.”

She did not take him to the main entrance as he expected. Instead, she veered to a nook on the side of the Archium. 

“This place isn’t only for displaying artifacts.” She said, opening a door that was nearly camouflaged against the wall. “It’s meant for repairing them too.”

The room inside was lit with a low, soothing light. While not small, much of the space was occupied by stone shelves or what looked like work tables. The shelves were filled with artifacts. Some were obviously damaged, which led him to conclude that they were all in need of repair. The wall that was not festooned with shelves was hung with ancient looking tools.

Tech sneezed as Phee kicked up dust by moving into the room.

“Sorry.” She said. “Not many people know about this room, and I don’t come as often as I used to.”

She traced her finger through the dust on a near work table.

“Shep’s wife, Jora, used to come work here all the time.” She said. “When she passed- I got a little too sad to visit. By the time I felt like coming back, I’d dumped so many things in here that I didn’t know where to start.”

Tech identified where he would start: an interesting orb that seemed to him that it was supposed to open. Phee took a breath and turned back to Tech.

“Anyway, I picked something up on my last trip for one of our new refugees.” She said. “But it’s not working and I can’t for the life of me figure out why. Mind taking a look for me?”

She gestured to a complex object made up of bronze gears lying on the table. Tech stepped to it and studied the contraption.

“A music box.” He decided.

“Yeah, that’s what he said. I promised him I’d get it going. He’s been having a hard transition.”

Tech took a seat. He found the head of a lamp and turned it on.

“I will see what I can do.” He said. “Which, I imagine, is repairing it.”

Phee laughed. Tech was finding he liked it when she did.

“Thanks, Browneyes.” She scooted a seat close to his. “Wanna hear how I got it?”

He did.

Two days before the mission to Tantiss

Tech hurried towards the Archium’s workshop. He was late; Phee would have been waiting for him and he had failed to inform her of his delay.

“There you are.” Her familiar voice said as he entered. Though, he felt her voice was becoming something more than familiar. “I thought you left an hour ago.”

“I was briefly tasked with a more urgent project.” Tech reported.

Phee, sitting at their normal work table, grinned at him.

“One of the kids needed a toy fixed, huh?”

Tech adjusted his goggles.

“Well, yes.”

His skill with repairs had spread around the island, and a young boy had approached him on his way to the Archium. It had been a simple, but time consuming fix. He had had to take apart the boy’s battered toy speeder to get at the power source. 

“You’re almost as popular as Wrecker now.” Phee said. “Well, sit down, let’s get going!”

She seemed excited, so Tech sat next to her. Lying on the stone surface was a tiny bird. It seemed to be made of segmented porcelain painted with tones of orange and violet. 

“It’s from my home planet.” Phee said.

Tech looked to her, surprised. She had told him that it was nearly impossible to find artifacts from her homeworld and she had not yet done so. He picked it up and examined its glossy surface. 

“I assume you will tell me about it in detail.” He said. 

“Only if you want to hear.”

“I do.”

Tech gently prised a panel off, exposing the mechanical insides. 

“It's based off of a pendulum lark.” Phee said, leaning in to watch his work. “It's said that no one needs a clock on my planet because the larks sing every hour, on the hour.”

“Fascinating.” Tech said. He finished removing the shell and began the careful dismantling of the device. “I assume they do this even with seasonal changes.”

“Yup.” Phee was excited; even Tech could tell. “My planet has eight moons and the larks could tell the time by their movements. When my people started leaving the planet, they recorded the lark and started building these as time keepers.”

Tech nodded, examining the tiny speaker. Phee paused in her explanation, a rarity for her.

“I haven't heard their song in years.” She finally said softly. 

Tech looked up at her. She was staring at the pieces of the bird and she gently brushed a piece with her finger. 

Tech wanted her to hear the song again. 

“I am sure that I will be able to repair it.” He said in an attempt to console her. 

Phee smiled. 

“Of course. I've got perfect faith in you.”

He worked for a moment more, studying each piece.

“Got an idea of what's wrong?” Phee asked.

“Yes.” Tech said. “The wiring from the power source is corroded. The voice coil for the speaker is broken as well. A simple repair.”

He glanced at her.

“In fact, you did not need me to mend this.” He said. “Your mechanical skills are more than sufficient to perform the repair.”

He froze as Phee put a hand on one of his.

“Maybe. I probably could have fixed a lot of the artifacts you’ve worked on, in all honesty.” She said. “But- I wanted to share this one with you.”

Tech looked at her. He could not read her expression and yet- his heart began to pound quickly in his chest. 

She wished to share something she felt so strongly about with him. He realized how intimate a gesture it was. And he realized that he was glad she did.

“I- would like to hear their song.” Tech said. “With you.”

He found he could not take his eyes from her lips. He became very aware of their skin touching and how close her face was to his. 

“I might just kiss you, Browneyes.” Phee said.

He very much wanted her to. 

She didn’t. At least, not at first. She leaned down.

“Can I?” She whispered in his ear.

Tech nodded, breathless from anticipation.

The kiss came.

He hadn’t known what to expect. He had no experience in the matter. In the past, he had wondered at the act of pressing mouths together. He knew lips were sensitive, but it still seemed odd.

It was not odd.

It was exquisite.

For a moment, the shock of the experience froze him, leaving him to just allow Phee to move her lips against his. Then, without his usual confidence, he pressed back. Why had he not researched this? He felt so ignorant and incompetent.

But Phee just applied more force and slid her hand up his neck into his hair. It must have been sufficient.

For a moment, he merely enjoyed the sensation and his closeness to her. Then- then his exceptional mind betrayed him.

What- what did this mean? Was this mere animal attraction? What would their relationship be moving forward? Did he wish to be in a relationship? Was he doing any of this correctly? What exactly did she feel for him?

Did he love her?

Anxiety became the clearest of the tangle of emotions in his chest. He pulled away from Phee, his heart pounding for a new reason.

“Hey.” Phee said, removing her hands and holding them as if afraid to touch him. “Hey. Are you all right? Kriff, I’m sorry-”

“I-” Tech forced out. He had never been so lost for words. “I do not- I need to think-”

“I understand.” Phee said quickly. “I get it. I’m sorry for pushing.”

Then she was gone. A small part of him wanted her to stay. Most of him was just confused and overwhelmed. The emotions were too strong. Did all beings feel like this during courtship? He tried to sort through his reaction, but doing so dug a pit in his stomach.

He did not understand.

A distraction. He needed to focus on something else. He forced himself to look at the work in front of him: shining pieces of porcelain scattered around their mechanical insides. He swallowed as the confusing emotions surged again. No, this would not do.

He got up and left the workshop with a steady stride he did not feel. Perhaps- perhaps Omega would like a flying lesson.

Six weeks after the destruction of Tantiss

“Gotcha.”

Tech looked up from his work and immediately looked down again. Phee was leaning against the doorframe of the ragged, burnt hut he currently occupied. He tightened his lips to a line and tried to focus on the cooling unit he was repairing. He heard Phee take a step in.

“You sure like tinkering in odd places.” She went on. “I’m surprised you managed to escape your family.”

Tech bit back the reply that it had been difficult, though he doubted he’d be able to get it out regardless. His brothers and sister tended to keep him on a short leash since they’d come back. But he could not bear to look at Crosshair’s residual limb for even a moment longer.

“You know you can come to me if you need a break from their fussing, right?” 

It almost made Tech laugh. As if she fussed any less. As if he could bear her kindness after all he had done. They were in a reminder of that: a blackened, uninhabitable, shell of a building.

A moment of silence passed.

“So you’re gonna stay here.” Phee said.

Tech gave her a nod. More silence. He heard her walk closer and felt her crouch beside him.

“You got a minute?” She asked. “I know you’re busy helping rebuild-”

Helping rebuild? No, he was atoning for what he had done, in some miniscule way.

“But I think we need to talk.” Phee finished.

Tech continued working. Talk? He could barely speak on his more functional days. What manner of conversation could he engage in that would be of use? Even if he could, how could mere words help? What he felt, what had happened to him, what he had done was beyond verbalization.

So he shook his head. She didn’t say anything. Then she placed her hand next to one of his. When he did not draw away, she took it. He stared at their entwined fingers. Touch had become common from her since his return.

“We’re worried, Browneyes.” She said. “Can we just try?”

Tech swallowed. He knew they were worried. Crosshair had no jibes for him. Echo checked in far more often than he had before, asking after Tech specifically. Hunter made sure someone was with him at all times. Wrecker constantly asked if he was well, even when it was obvious he was not. And Omega- Omega, who watched him always, who cried for him when she thought he couldn’t hear, who stubbornly pushed him towards things she believed would help him.

He did not want them to worry. Perhaps knowing that he had tried would ease their anxiety.

So he nodded.

“Thank you.” Phee said. She pulled at his hand. “Come on.”

Tech considered resisting. They could converse about his status here as well as anywhere. But Phee put her other hand on his. It felt- nice. He let her tug him to his feet. She led him out of the crumbling house and into the sunlight.

He did not miss her subtly click a button on her comm. Likely informing the others that he had been found.

She led him up the many steps up the island. They had to stop to rest a few times. He was still recovering from the wound Hunter had given him. His cybernetics had been damaged as well. They still worked, allowing him to move and live, but not as efficiently or painlessly as they could. Unfortunately he could not yet stand them being touched, even by his own hands.

The cybernetics ached as they reached the top of the island. The Archium loomed over them, casting its shadow across the courtyard. Phee took him straight to the building, but ignored the main entrance. Good. Tech did not wish to see his brothers’ armor, donated after their return from- that place. More accurately, he did not wish to see the empty space beside them where only his shattered goggles lay.

Only when Phee guided him to the side of the building did his addled mind realize where she was taking him. She ushered him into the workshop.

He paused at the threshold, taking the dusty workbenches and low, soothing light in. The room seemed untouched from when he had last been there. In fact, the pieces of a mechanical bird lay on the workbench. He remembered taking it apart, Phee telling him what it was. He remembered what had happened afterwards.

“Remember how full this room used to be?” Phee asked. “How many broken things were on those shelves?”

Tech nodded, letting her distract him and bring him a few steps further in.

“You fixed dozens of artifacts.” Phee said. “Some easy, some hard. But they were all here, just waiting for you.”

She stepped in front of him. He closed his eyes, unwilling to meet her gaze. He felt a delicate touch on his cheek, fingers against his skin.

“Can you imagine if they ran and hid, not giving you the chance to help?” She whispered. “They’d never be whole again.”

Tech saw the metaphor. “I- am a human.” He managed. “They are not as easily restored.”

“True.” Phee admitted. “But we’re not exactly strangers to challenges.”

Slowly, as if to give him time to pull away if he wished, she put her arms around him. He did not wish to. He let her and even raised a hand to touch her arm.

“It feels undeserved.” He said. “After all I have done.”

Phee held him tighter.

“It’s not your fault.”

“I feel the guilt all the same.”

It was- easier to speak here in this quiet room, just to her. She let go.

“Look at me.” She said. “Please.”

Tech opened his eyes and managed a moment’s eye contact before looking at her ear instead. She did not scold him.

“You did all this, fixing so much, without being asked.” She said. “No pay, nothing.”

“You and the rest of the island gave us a home.” Tech said. “It was the least I could do to repay you.”

“We didn’t ask to be repaid.” Phee said. “You like helping people. You’re a good person.”

She took his hands again.

“A good person who was hurt badly and wasn’t able to make the decisions he would have.”

“I know that.” Tech said. “And then- I look at Crosshair. I see the damage the Imperial troops I brought did to Pabu.”

He hated how his emotions, once so firmly under control, ruled him now. 

“And every waking hour you've tried to fix it.” Phee said. 

Before Tech could reply, Phee sighed and touched his cheek again. 

“I know you won't be able to change the way you feel right away.” She said. “All I'm asking- all we're asking is for you to try.”

Tech felt himself nod. He could try. 

Phee smiled at him. It seemed to ease the heavy emotions in his chest. Yes, he would try. If only to inspire more smiles in her, in his family. 

He looked to the disassembled bird on the workbench. There was another way to make her smile. 

And- among all the other sources of guilt from his time as CX-2, there was one from before. It was time to undo the regret he'd carried from their last interactions. 

He drew his hands away and took a step towards the workbench. He glanced back at Phee, who raised an eyebrow. 

“I wish to hear its song.” Tech explained. “With you.”

He would find the words for a true apology later. For now, it was enough to sit with her here. 

He was like this bird, he decided, taken apart and broken. But not beyond repair. Especially with a mechanic as skilled and determined as the woman holding his hand.

ANs:

Kind of a loose interpretation of the prompt, with a focus on the ‘have a minute’ and the ‘somewhere only we know’ being the repair room.

So this was originally just the final scene, with the previous two scenes just referenced to. And for once in my life, I decided I wanted more than just angst, so I wrote the other two scenes out. As a result, I think there might be a bit of a disconnect between those two first scenes and the last one. Ah well. The Archium Wookieepedia page mentions that it’s a place to repair artifacts and I knew that Tech needed to be involved with that. 

Tech’s reaction to the kiss comes from my own reaction to being kissed for the first time. He will actually be able to process it one day. And you know, he’s actually in love with the person kissing him. He’s just a lil overwhelmed. Plus, it’s an explanation on part of why he’s so awkward when she says goodbye.

Day 2 and 3 might come late, because this one took longer than I expected. I SHOULD get those written. I’ve got ideas for them both. Unfortunately, the idea for day 2 is a bit long. Ah well.

For once I am too tired for any extensive ANs. Oh well, I might add more later.

Stay safe, remember to review, and I’ll see you later!

Regarding Rexsoka Week 2022

Hey everyone who follows me on Tumblr!

I totally plan on participating in Rexsoka Week this year, but unfortunately the actual week of it lands right on my finals week. So I will have those stories up, just not for a week or so after the actual week. Sorry to keep you guys waiting, but I kind of have to graduate college.

An excellent analysis on CX-2 and how his identity affects the narrative. It helps that it's very funny.

Tiktok

#thebadbatch #thebadbatchstarwars #tech #thebadbatchtech #starwarstheory #starwarsanalysis #starwarsexplained #omega #crosshair #thebadbatchseason3 Reuploading because this video took over 10 hours to make and I need it to be seen 😭 I will never stop talking about Tech until he is back in our arms

Not me clutching this screenshot to my chest, grinning like an idiot, because YES. YES HE'S BACK. I AM SEEING IT WITH MY EYEBALLS. IT'S REAL NOW

THAT’S CROSSHAIR AND HUNTER.

I REPEAT.

THAT’S CROSSHAIR AND HUNTER.

WHY ARE THEY SHOWING US THIS????

THEY HAVE TO GET TOGETHER BEFORE EPISODE 7.

SO I’M 95% SURE THAT THE SECOND PART OF THE SEASON IS ABOUT GETTING TECH BACK.

LOOK AT THEM.

CROSS IS WITH HUNTER. WITHOUT HIS HELMET. THEY CANNOT DENY IT ANYMORE!

Anyone else completely normal about the scene with Omega and Tech in The Crossing and Omega says 'we're a family, aren't we?' and the writers could have 100 percent could have had Tech say 'technically, we do not fall under the traditional family structure' or something like that and we would have been mildly disappointed but unsurprised but instead they had him acknowledge that they are a family and even saying 'of course' they're a family which just was such a beautiful moment in which he breaks autism stereotypes and is just a beautiful person that I love?

I've watched it like 5 times, and I don't really rewatch episodes normally, so I think this is an accurate statement.

i think we can all collectively agree that ep 5 the return is now The comfort episode, right?

i mean… we got so many things. echo came back, we got a little chuckle and a smile out of crosshair, his old armor, hunter and crosshair bickering (again) and the batch becoming whole again 🥹🥹

I need some happy angst in my life right now so here’s Fives living and getting to find Echo.

Once again, posting things from my fic that I think appeal to a wider audience. Ever since I saw Echo was alive, I knew I needed Fives to have been there. It was a pleasure writing this version.

Again, sorry my usual followers, this is stuff in the fics. 

Today’s Sample: Fives learns what Rex discovers and comes along on the mission to rescue Echo.

The context: Fives lives and Ahsoka stays with the 501st. Also Ahsoka has super charged Force powers that cripple her if she uses them too much. She leads the mission to go get Echo. Also Fives and Crosshair one hundred percent got into a fight. (oh and Tup lives too)

Anyway, I hope you enjoy!

General Skywalker was serious as they explained what had happened.

“I’ll talk to the Council.” He said. “But we will be getting permission.”

Rex knew that meant they were going whether or not they got actual permission. For once, the General was acting as his old self again.

“Go and talk to Fives.” He said. “He’ll want to know.”

“Thank you, sir.” Rex said. 

General Skywalker patted Rex on the shoulder.

“I’ll let you know when we can leave.” He said. “And I’ll see if that Bad Batch can give us a hand.”

Rex and Ahsoka turned to leave before the General spoke again.

“Oh, and Rex?” He said. “I’ll need your- help later, okay?”

Rex repressed a sigh.

“Yes, sir.” He said.

“You’re only back a few days, and he’s making you stand watch during his little meetings with Padme?” Ahsoka asked once they were on the way to the barracks, shaking her head.

“It’s all right most of the time.” Rex said. “Just as long as General Kenobi’s not around.” 

Fives was waiting at the entrance of the barracks for them.

“Rex, Ahsoka.” He said as they approached. “Tup said you had something important to talk to me about?”

“Yes.” Rex said.

“We’ll go to my quarters to talk about it.” Ahsoka said.

Fives’ frown deepened, but he followed them to the small room Ahsoka stayed in.

“Take a seat.” Ahsoka said to Fives, gesturing to her cot. 

Fives did so, looking between them.

“Whatever it is, I didn’t do it, okay?” He said.

It was a weak attempt to diffuse the tension, Rex knew, and Fives’ grin slipped away as Ahsoka and Rex continued to look grim.

Rex gave the outline of the mission: that they suspected an algorithm that could predict Rex’s plans. 

“We found a live signal at the Separatist Cyber Center. From a being on Skako Minor.” Rex said. “When we asked who it was-” 

Rex took a deep breath. He hoped he wasn’t wrong in opening this wound.

“It said it was CT-1409.”

Fives’ eyes widened, his nostrils flared, and he stood immediately.

“When do we leave?” He demanded.

Rex and Ahsoka shared a look.

“Fives, we are going, and soon, but you have to consider that this may be a trap.” Ahsoka said.

“Of course it’s a trap!” Fives said. “They’re using our dead brother to try and lure us in! They have to pay for it!”

“Fives,” Rex said, unsure on how to respond to Fives’ reaction. “Echo could be alive.”

“He’s not.” Fives’ voice had dropped to a low growl. “He’s not. It’s a trick and they have to pay.” “Fives-”

Fives whirled on them, eyes wild.

“Don’t you think I would know if my brother was alive?” He yelled. “I saw him die! I felt it! Echo is dead!”

He stared at them, daring them to say differently. Tears were leaking down his face, unnoticed. 

“Just-just let me know when we leave.” He said.

He pushed past them and out the door.

“Ahsoka.” Rex said. “Can you- can you maybe feel Echo?” 

Ahsoka shook her head.

“But that doesn’t mean he’s for sure dead.” She said. “I couldn’t really feel Master Obi Wan when he was pretending to be that bounty hunter, and sometimes a person can change so much that you can’t recognize them in the Force.”

“I have to believe he’s alive.” Rex said quietly. “It has to be him.” 

"But if it's not?" Ahsoka asked.

"Then I say his name in remembrances again." Rex said. "And move on, like with every fallen brother."

It was a lie. If it was not Echo, Rex did not know if he could move on this time.

Fives shot again and again into the crowd of clankers. His face still throbbed from where Crosshair had landed his only decent punch from their fight earlier. Fives liked to think that the sniper had come off worse for wear from their scuffle. The idiot shouldn't have brought up leaving Echo behind. 

That was why this couldn't be Echo. It was a trap, through and through. Because if Echo was alive, that meant Fives had left his injured brother behind, left him for dead. Fives could have never done that. So Echo wasn't alive. It was just a fact.

Ahsoka led the group through the Techno Union's base. Rex was at Fives' side. The Captain had been high strung and moody this whole mission. He'd nearly attacked Crosshair too and would have if Ahsoka hadn't stopped him. 

Fives vaguely wondered how he'd been acting, if Rex was this bad. 

Fives was forced to admit, the Bad Batch was good. He wouldn't choose to take any of them on missions, as they were all pretentious shebs'e. Except the big one. Wrecker was all right, and was worth a squad of his own. 

He’s a bit like Hardcase Fives thought as he yanked a droid's head from its body and chucked it at another oncoming clanker. He never thought this much during missions. He had a laser focus, only deviating for a well timed joke.

"The signal is coming from in there." Tech said, pointing to a door.

He had been calling it Echo's signal until Fives had threatened to shove his datapad up his unmentionables. It wasn't Echo's signal. It was a trick.

"Open the door!" Rex ordered.

An ugly, amphibian like mug appeared on a screen next to the door.

Fives tuned out most of what Wat Tambor had to say and shot more clankers. 

"Your friend is dead." Fives managed to catch Wat Tambor's words over the blaster fire. 

He knew it.

"Liar!" Rex snarled.

Fives wanted to scream at Rex. He didn't know how the Captain would react to finding out that Tambor was telling the truth. Rex needed to let the delusion go.

"Fives!" 

Fives looked back to see an open door. Rex was beckoning to him. 

"You're with us!" He said.

Fives ducked in with Tech and Rex. Hunter looked back at them.

"I hope you find what you're looking for." He said.

The door closed behind them. They were in a dimly lit chamber with several control desks. The focus of the room seemed to be a strange- Fives couldn't think of any other word than casket.

"I don't like the look of this." Tech said as they moved slowly into the room.

He tapped at his datapad.

"I'm definitely picking up a lifeform in there."

"Signals can be faked." Fives said. 

No one responded. Rex was staring at the casket.

"I think I can get it open." Tech said.

He worked at the controls. Fives stood next to Rex, ready to pull him away from whatever trap was contained in the casket. 

The casket opened.

A body fell forward, hanging from a jungle of cords and wires.

For a horrifying moment Fives thought it was a corpse. Then he saw the flickering of the eyes.

It was alive.

Echo was alive.

Fives moved faster than Rex, ripping his helmet off and climbing up to where Echo was attached. An anguished noise he couldn't remember making echoed around the chamber. He pulled Echo down into his arms. 

"Echo!" Fives said.

Echo made no movement. His skin was freezing, even through Fives' armor and blacks. Fives clutched him harder into his chest.

"Ey'ika, wake up." He said. 

Hot tears were dripping off his nose onto Echo's back, melting the frost.

"Ey'ika, please." He begged. "We're here, we're here. You can wake up now."

He was openly crying now. He was vaguely aware of Rex giving Tech instructions, but he didn't care what the others did. Echo had to wake up. 

Then Echo began to speak.

"We-we have to get to the shuttle-" Echo mumbled. "To escape the Citadel."

Fives' already cracked heart broke into two.

"No! I'll go first."

"No, Echo." Fives said in a rush, rocking Echo back and forth. "No, you're not there."

"No, no!" Echo struggled weakly against Fives' grip.

"You're with me. It's Fives. I'm here." Fives babbled. 

"No!" Echo pushed against Fives one last time before falling back. "Fives?"

His eyes finally focused on Fives' face.

"You- you came back for me." He said.

A fresh wave of tears overcame Fives. He pressed their foreheads together.

"I'm sorry." Fives choked out. "I'm sorry."

Echo shifted against Fives' grip.

"Rex?" He asked.

Rex knelt next to them.

"Yeah, it's me." He said softly.

"What- what happened?" Echo asked. He pulled weakly away from Fives and looked around. "Where am I?"

"It's okay, Echo." Rex said. "You're safe now."

Fives wondered how Rex was staying so calm. How could he reassure Echo that it was okay? It wasn't okay. Didn't he see what they had done to Echo? And they were the ones who left him.

"Just sit tight trooper." Rex said. "You're going home."

He beckoned and suddenly Tech was with them. Fives instinctively wrapped his arms tighter around Echo.

"Fives." Rex said. "We gotta make sure he's okay." 

Fives swallowed. He felt if he let go of Echo, then his brother would suddenly disappear and Fives would find that it was a dream. He released Echo and gently positioned himself so that Tech could get a look, but kept one arm around Echo's shoulders.

Tech was surprisingly gentle as he checked Echo over. Even still, every so often Echo would shudder or flinch.

Fives took in Echo’s condition as Tech worked. Echo was so, so thin. He was ghostly pale and his now faded eyes were too large in his face. But the worst thing was what they had added. Metal studded the skin of his back, his stomach, his chest, his head. Wires were screwed into his left arm, and his right- Fives swallowed bile as he looked at the inhuman scomp they had replaced his right hand with. As far as Fives could tell, Echo’s legs were also mechanical. For a second, Fives was overwhelmed with how little of his brother was left. 

"Unfortunately there isn't much I can tell without a good scanner." Tech said after a moment. "As I suspected, most of the useful information will come from the data here."

He stood and handed Fives a canteen.

"He is dehydrated." Tech said. "Make sure he drinks."

Then he turned back to the controls and started tapping away.

Fives unscrewed the canteen and held it to Echo's lips. Echo grimaced and turned his head away.

"Come on, Ey'ika." Fives encouraged. "Just a little."

Echo opened his mouth and Fives poured a little of the water in, careful not to make his brother choke.

Echo drank slowly at first, and then hungrily. Both his hand and his robotic attachment came up to steady the canteen as he gulped.

"Slow down." Fives said.

Echo's eyes widened and he pushed away at the canteen. He only moved it a little bit, but it was enough space for him to hunch over and vomit the water over his and Fives' laps. It hadn't had time to warm in Echo's stomach and the cool, yellowish liquid soaked into Fives' blacks. 

"S-sorry." Echo mumbled, attempting to wipe at his mouth.

"It's okay." Fives soothed.

Echo stared at the canteen. His throat bobbed up and down as he swallowed, his thirst evident.

"Hey Tech!" Fives said. "He threw up the water."

Tech glanced at them.

"His stomach's size has been reduced considerably." He said. "Only let him take sips every few minutes."

"You hear that, Echo?" Rex asked.

Echo nodded.

"Do you remember how you got here, Echo?" Rex asked after Echo had had a few sips.

Fives shot Rex a glare. Echo didn't need to be interrogated right now.

"No." Echo said softly. "I-I just remember trying- trying to get to the shuttle and then- and then-"

He clutched at his head with his hand. He was trembling under Fives' arm.

"That's all right, trooper." Rex said. "Just relax. Do you think you can stand?" 

Echo put his hand on Fives' shoulder, pressing down. He managed to get to his feet, but he swayed. He took a step but immediately lost balance. Fives caught him and helped him back down.

"It'll be fine." Fives said. "I'll carry him."

Rex nodded. He placed his hand on Echo's shoulder again for a moment before standing and taking a defensive position near the front of the room.

It wasn't long before Ahsoka came into the room.

“Things are almost under control out there.” She said. "How's it going in here?"

"I'm still trying to decrypt Echo's cerebral interface." Tech said promptly. "Until I do, we cannot disconnect him from this computer system."

She came forward and knelt in front of Echo. “Echo.” She called softly.

Echo, who had retreated into his own mind, started and looked up.

“Com-commander?” He stuttered. “What-what happened to you?”

Ahsoka gave a small laugh. Fives’ own smile disappeared when he saw the look on Echo’s face.

“How long have I been here?” Echo whispered.

“We can talk about that later.” Ahsoka said. “How do you feel?”

“I-” Echo swallowed. “I’ve been better, sir.”

Ahsoka glanced at Rex and Fives.

“He’s too weak to walk.” Rex supplied. “He’s very disoriented. Can’t remember how he got here.”

Ahsoka nodded.

“Have you called in the extraction squad?”

“I tried.” Rex said. “Signals are-patchy here. I don’t think I got through.”

Ahsoka grimaced.

“Well, we’ve been in worse binds.”

 The rest of the Batch had come into the room.

Fives ignored their reports and turned back to Echo. His brother was shivering and damp from the melting frost. All Fives could do was hold his brother close.

Echo seemed to fade in and out of reality. Occasionally he would jerk and whisper his number again. 

"I've got it!" Tech declared. "We can unplug him now."

Rex approached and Fives helped Echo turn around. Fives held him steady as Rex ripped the connections out. Echo jerked and gasped after each one. The last one sent him sprawling onto Fives' shoulder, coughing. He lay still for a second.

"Echo?" Fives asked.

He pushed Echo off of him and held him at arm's length. To his surprise, Echo was sitting upright by himself. When he looked into Fives' eyes, there was a light that wasn't there before. A smile touched his lips.

"I got a big headache." He declared.

Fives gave a laugh that verged on a sob. Echo was free.

Fives helped Echo up the Marauder's ramp, despite his brother's protests.

"I can walk, Fives."

"Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." Fives replied. 

Echo's snort of laughter made Fives' heart swell.

Behind them Rex carried Ahsoka. Saving all of their shebs'e had put her firmly out of commission. 

Fives figured that spewing forth masses of lightning would take it out of anyone.

The battle alongside the Poletec had been going badly. Fives had had the traitorous thought of wishing they had a Jedi with real lightsabers. Ahsoka's electrostaffs had been useless against the tri-droids. Hunter and Rex had been making some progress on them, courtesy of Wrecker chucking them on top of the droids.

Then one had made the mistake of turning its sights on Crosshair and Echo. 

Fives had shouted, but Ahsoka had acted. Fives could still see in his mind her flinging her hands forward in a desperate attempt to stop the tri-droid from firing. Instead of an invisible push, a barrage of green bolts of electricity had sprung from her fingers. It had overwhelmed the tri-droid and it toppled over into its fellow, bringing them both down.

After they'd taken out the rest of the droids, they'd found Ahsoka unable to move, but able to curse loudly. Rex had carried her the entire way back.

Fives had been impressed, but Ahsoka seemed somewhat upset about it. General Skywalker had told stories about Dooku's ability to use lightning. Allegedly it was something only Sith could do.

Fives figured there was a first time for everything. Ahsoka was the furthest thing from a Sith one could get, at least according to Fives' limited understanding.

Echo stumbled and Fives quickly steadied him. 

"You okay?" He asked.

"Yeah." Echo said. "Just a little tired."

"I suspect you are feeling more than 'a little tired.' Tech said. "The adrenaline that has kept you functioning the last several hours should be wearing off."

Fives had Echo sit on one of the Marauder's seats. Looking into his brother's eyes, Fives guessed Tech was right. Echo's eyelids were drooping.

On the other side of the ship, Rex was lifting Ahsoka onto one of the sleeping racks.

"Does this happen to you a lot?" Wrecker asked Ahsoka. "Cause this is the second time-"

Rex shot Wrecker a look, but Ahsoka laughed. 

"It's a recent development." She said. "Doesn't happen as often as it used to though."

"Here." Fives looked up to see Hunter holding out a set of blacks and a blanket.

"Thanks." Fives said, accepting them. 

He nudged Echo, who'd been staring into space. 

"Tech says he shouldn't eat anything right now." Hunter went on as Fives began helping Echo get the blacks on. "But he's getting nutrition and saline shots ready."

Fives nodded his thanks. Echo kept zoning out, making dressing him a little difficult. Finally Fives got Echo settled with the blanket wrapped tightly around him. Fives removed his own upper armor and put an arm around Echo. For the first time since they'd freed him from that casket, Echo stopped shivering.

It wasn't until the Marauder had taken off that Tech came by with several hypos.

"Echo." Fives said softly.

Echo blinked at Fives and then saw the needles. His eyes widened.

"No-" He croaked and jerked away from Tech. "No more, get away from me-"

"Echo!" Fives held his brother firm. "Echo, you're safe. These are going to help you."

Echo shook his head.

"No more." He said again. "No more."

"You will have to hold him." Tech said. "I will administer a sedative first."

"I'm not gonna hold him down!" Fives said. "Not like they did!"

Tech pushed at his goggles and frowned.

"Echo." Ahsoka said. "Be calm."

Fives could feel the power in her words. Echo stopped struggling. He meekly allowed Tech to roll up his sleeve and give him the first shot, though he was trembling. He flinched hard as the needle pierced his skin. Fives let out a breath as Echo's head fell onto his shoulder.

"Excellent." Tech said. 

He administered the other two shots. Fives tucked his brother in closer and settled down. 

The Batch migrated to the cockpit. Fives suspected they were uncomfortable with their ship so overtaken by strangers. There were a few minutes of indistinct conversation before the only sound on the ship was the hum of the engines.

Fives looked down at Echo. The shadows under his eyes were so dark. Fives wondered why. Wasn’t stasis like sleeping? He’d have to ask Kix when they returned. Maybe they just looked dark because of Echo’s ghostly skin. 

Clones didn't have much to lose in terms of body weight. They were slim, efficient machines. But Echo was skeletal. His bony shoulder dug painfully into Fives' side.

Fives suddenly became terrified for Echo. Did he meet the standards anymore? Could he do what was required of him as a soldier?

That thought made Fives even more sick to his stomach. Echo, if he wanted to live, had to become a soldier again. Looking down at him, Fives thought that he'd never seen anyone who looked less ready to go to war. Fives didn't want him to, either. He wanted Echo to have the chance to forget about what he'd been through. The war would make that impossible.

Echo twitched in his sleep and let out a soft groan. Fives didn't want to imagine what horrors lurked behind Echo's eyelids. 

"You're safe, Echo." Fives muttered. "I'm here."

Echo stilled again. Fives mentally prepared himself for a long trip. Echo would need him and Fives would be there. It wouldn't make up for the years he'd left Echo alone, but he would be there. 

He would not sleep. Not when there was the chance of waking and finding that Echo’s return was a dream.

Mando’a: 

shebs’e: asses

Ey’ika: Little Eyayah, Fives’ special nickname for Echo

Eyayah: Echo

And then later they fight about Echo going with the Bad Batch and it’s the last conversation they have before Fives takes a blaster bolt for Ahsoka after Rex’s chip activates. And then Fives nearly dies because they don’t have enough bacta. But then he recovers and bullies his way into the Bad Batch. And somehow I torture him less than in my other fic.

12 Days of Rexsoka Day 3: Force Bond/AU

I'm determined to get these out, even if they're late.

Okay, so since my other fics are basically Force Bond central, we're going with an AU. I'm usually not a fan of crossovers, especially when it's the characters meeting each other. For some reason it just doesn't click for me. However, I do enjoy imagining what kind of roles the characters would play if they were in another fictional world. You know, like when people assign Hogwarts Houses to characters. I decided to try that with the Mistborn Universe, by Brandon Sanderson.

Here's what you need to know if you aren't familiar.

There are two classes, the noble class and the skaa. The skaa are slaves, owned by their god-emperor, the Lord Ruler, and basically leased out to the nobles. The nobles, for the most part, see the skaa as subhuman, killing them without remorse. Nobles also fight amongst each other quite often.

The world is dying, in a way. The sun is red, ash volcanoes spout ash into the sky which falls to the earth, and plants are mostly brown and sickly. At night, mysterious mists come out that react to the world's magic.

If you have noble blood, there's a possibility that you are an Allomancer, which are the magic users of the world. The powers are used by ingesting specific metals and 'burning' them to get specific powers. Most Allomancers only have one power, called Mistings. Mistborn have all of them. The following are the known Allomancer powers at this point of the world's history.

Atium: rare God metal that allows the Allomancer to see into the future a few seconds. Makes on practically invincible.

Brass: Allows Allomancer to soothe emotions, called Soothers

Bronze: Allows Allomancer to find anyone burning any metal, called Seekers.

Copper: Allows Allomancer to hide themselves from Allomancers burning bronze, called Smokers.

Iron: Allows Allomancer to pull on any source of metal, seen by blue lines connecting the metal to the Allomancer's chest. If the metal is lighter than the Allomancer, it will fly to them. If the metal is heavier or stuck into something, the Allomancer will move, called Lurchers.

Pewter: Enhances Allomancer's physical abilities, like their strength, reflexes, and speed. Can also help overcome wounds and heal somewhat quicker, called Thugs.

Steel: Allows Allomancer to push on any source of metal, seen by blue lines connecting the metal to the Allomancer's chest.. If the metal is lighter than the Allomancer, it will fly away from them. If the metal is heavier or stuck into something, the Allomancer will move, called Coinshots

Tin: Enhances all five senses. Allows Allomancer to 'pierce' or see through the mists, called Tineyes.

Zinc: Allows Allomancer to riot or rage emotions, called Rioters

You have to have noble blood in order to have Allomancy. Skaa Mistings are not supposed to exist, and are hunted by the Lord Ruler's priests, the Steel Inquisitors.

That should be everything you need to know!

Day 3: AU

Ash fell from the sky.

Rex looked up, squinting against the dark flakes. It began to dust the stone walkways of the keep wall. It wasn't a good evening for the ash. A ball was being held at Keep Kenobi, whose main attraction was a mostly outdoors ballroom. They had a canopy they could draw over it, but Rex could think of at least one nobleman who would throw a fit over it. Lord Skywalker, one of Lord Kenobi's adopted scions, would be one of them. Skywalker was kind, as far as noblemen went, but Rex was part of his personal guard and would have to listen to the man complain well into the night. Lord Skywalker seemed so much less composed than the rest of the noblemen. It made Rex wonder if the rumors about him were true: that Lord Skywalker had skaa blood in him.

Rex shook himself. He was skaa. It wasn't his place to wonder about his betters. That lesson had been literally beaten into him during his training under House Kamino. Most skaa soldiers were from the noble house. They dealt not in goods, but in flesh, training the Final Empire's soldiers.

"No! Not tonight!" Lord Skywalker's voice rang out from somewhere inside.

Rex shared a covert look with his brother, Cody, who guarded the same door as Rex. In a moment the young Lord burst from the door, staring into the sky in disbelief.

"By the Lord Ruler!" Lord Skywalker swore. "Damn ashmounts! Not tonight!"

It was only a moment before a slender young woman with dark skin and sparkling blue eyes followed him out. Rex straightened at the sight of her. She deigned a smile to both Cody and Rex. Rex still hadn't gotten used to her friendliness after the few weeks she had been there. Lady Tano looked up at the sky and shrugged.

"It happens almost everyday, Anakin." She said. "You're just upset because Lady Amidala is going to be here and you wanted everything to be perfect."

"No." Lord Skywalker grumbled.

Lady Tano gave an exasperated sigh.

"Whatever you say, Anakin. I'd better go get ready for the ball. I suggest you get over yourself and do the same."

She turned with a grace that Rex swore wasn't natural. The rumors were that Lady Tano had been sent here by her previous patron, Lord Koon, because she was a Mistborn, to be trained under Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker. They were apparently Mistborns too, but watching Lord Skywalker storm back into the keep like a petulant child made Rex wonder about those rumors.

To Rex's surprise, Lady Tano stopped before entering the keep again.

"Anything out of the ordinary?" She asked Rex and Cody.

Rex blinked and glanced at Cody. Lady Tano had a teasing lilt to her voice. Rex knew better than to respond in kind.

"No, my Lady." Rex finally said.

"Keep up the good work then." Lady Tano said.

She left, Lord Skywalker complaining after her.

Rex waited until they were out of earshot before turning his head slightly to Cody.

"What was that about?" He muttered.

Cody shrugged.

"I guess not all nobles are like House Kamino."

It was dark soon and the mists came. Rex shivered in them. Even House Kamino's harsh training had not completely removed the fear of the mists from its skaa soldiers. It didn't make sense, seeing as Rex, along with almost every other soldier under their 'care', had been taken at a very young age. Rex barely remembered his mother. He wasn't even sure that Cody was his full blood brother. Not that that mattered. Rex considered many of the soldiers he had trained with his brothers.

The limelights soon were lit and Rex could see the carriages begin to roll in. He recognized most of them; most bore their house's colors and crest. He spotted Lord Koon's, Lady Amidala's, and Lord Organa's. Good people, at least by noblemen standards.

Music began drifting up from the open pavilion that Lord Kenobi used as a ballroom. The ash fall had stopped, so no canopy was needed. From up on the wall, all Rex could see was vague colored shapes that represented the couples.

Rex's stomach growled. He wouldn't have a chance to eat until the night's festivities were over. He was used to it. House Kenobi was in fact far more generous in feeding their skaa than House Kamino had been.

He watched the swirling bright colors below him. Ball nights usually meant the guards could be a bit lax. Any Mistborn that would want his lords dead was probably at that ball.

The hours passed slowly. Rex vaguely wondered how they could keep dancing for so long. He didn't see the appeal.

A noise behind him made him jump. Both he and Cody stepped back, readying their spears at whoever was coming through the door.

It was Lady Tano, dressed in a sparkling maroon ball gown. Rex relaxed as she slipped out of the door. She was bearing a large tray, filled with pieces of bread stuffed with meats and cheeses.

"Lady Tano?" Cody asked. "Is there something you need?"

"I'm more concerned about what you need." She said. "Obi Wan told me that ball nights are long for the guards. I'd figured you hadn't had anything to eat."

She proffered the tray. Rex and Cody stared at it. Questions lay on Rex's tongue, but even with Lady Tano's friendly demeanor, he didn't dare ask them.

Lady Tano rolled her eyes.

"Obi Wan said it was okay." She said. "All the other guards took one. Go ahead."

Rex finally lifted one off the tray and bowed his thanks. Cody followed suit. Lady Tano's smile widened.

"You're Cody and Rex, right?" She asked.

Rex blinked in surprise. Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker knew their names, but it had taken far longer than a few weeks to get them right consistently. Rex nodded again.

"Have a good night then, Cody and Rex. Hopefully the ball won't last much longer." She said.

She turned, most likely to find the next set of guards.

"Why aren't you still at the ball?" Rex burst out, then winced.

Lady Tano turned with a dark expression. Rex swallowed, but ready to be punished for speaking out of turn.

"I don't care for much of the company down there." She said. "And I don't care to pretend to."

It took a moment for Rex to realize her anger wasn't directed at him. She was glaring down at the bright lights and swirling colors.

"I understand that we have to keep the Houses from war, but-" She shook her head. "Tolerating scum like Dooku and Krell is too much."

Rex watched her expression. Even with her brow furrowed in frustration, she was beautiful. Rex found himself wanting to stare for a long time.

Then he remembered what she was, and more importantly, what he was. He looked down.

She sighed and turned around again. Once again boldness hit Rex.

"Have a good night, my Lady." He blurted.

She looked at him and broke into a genuine smile. Rex's heart fluttered oddly.

"Thank you!" She said, as if he had given her a lovely compliment. "Good night!"

Rex watched her go. Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker were good masters, but there was something different about Lady Tano. It was almost as if she cared.

Rex found himself thinking of Lady Tano often, especially on quiet nights like tonight, as he led the midnight patrol. In the weeks following the ball, Rex tried not to let himself get too attached to her. Lady Tano made it very difficult. She was constantly around, talking to the guards and servants. She seemed genuinely interested in their lives. Rex had tried very hard at first to be terse with her and give little information, but she was beginning to crack him. He was still waiting for the day that she proved her noble status.

Lady Tano never visited too late at night. Rex guessed it was because she was out training as a Mistborn. Rex had never seen one before, but he had heard plenty of rumors. They were supposed to be gods among men, able to kill with a look, and virtually invincible.

A crash sounded above. Rex and his men looked up. As if called by his thoughts, two dark figures had burst from a window and were flying towards Rex's patrol.

Rex gave a shout, readying his men. They moved into position. The first dark figure landed in front of them on the wall, tassels floating around them. Rex's suspicions had been right: a Mistborn. The figure wore no hood, and Rex recognized the man as Lord Maul Talzin. The man turned a crazed eye towards the group of soldiers. Rex was thrown backwards by his breastplate, skidding across the ground. Most of his men followed him. Out of the corner of his eye, Rex saw one of the guards go over the side.

"Jesse!" Rex roared, trying to get to his feet.

"No!" A new voice shouted. It sounded like Lady Tano.

The second figure had landed. The mists swirled around her and from over the side, Jesse rocketed back up. Rex scrambled to catch him as his fellow guard crashed back onto the wall. Rex glanced back at the two Mistborn. The second was definitely Lady Tano. Had she Iron-pulled Jesse back up?

Lady Tano rushed at Maul, two daggers gleaming in her hands. Maul laughed openly and dodged gracefully out of the way. Rex watched them duel, uncertainty freezing his limbs. Should he help? Did she even need help? Where the hell were Lord Kenobi and Lord Skywalker?

As the battle progressed, it became clear that Maul was the stronger Mistborn. Rex realized that Lady Tano was struggling against her foe as well as keeping his attention away from his patrol. She was backing up farther and farther away down the wall. Rex looked down, one of their spears at his feet.

She had been kind to him, kind to his men. But could he risk-

Lady Tano cried out as Maul scored a hit. Rex didn't think as he grabbed the spear, hefted it, and hurled it at the dueling pair. Then, burning the steel he shouldn't have been able to use, he pushed. The spear flew down the length of the wall, like an oversized arrow. It hit its mark. Maul froze as the spear pierced his back. Lady Tano took the opportunity to slash Maul's throat.

Maul fell.

Lady Tano paused only for a second before hurrying back towards the patrol. Rex felt cold. He'd revealed his secret, the power he wasn't supposed to have. There was a difference between being kind to skaa and accepting a skaa Misting. If he was lucky, Lady Tano would just kill him right then and there. If he wasn't, she would call the Steel Inquisitors to take him away.

Rex bowed his head as Lady Tano grew closer. He waited for her angry words or even her blade. She rushed past him to his groaning squad.

"Is everyone okay?" She asked. "Jesse? Are you hurt?"

Relief washed over Rex as he heard his men assure her they were all right. They had been disorientated by Maul's Steel-push far longer than Rex had. Had they realized what he'd done?

"Go inform Lord Skywalker and Lord Kenobi what's happened." Lady Tano said. "I must speak to Rex."

Rex listened to his men's armor clank as they ran off. He could feel Lady Tano's eyes on him.

"You're lucky he wasn't burning atium." Lady Tano said. "Otherwise that would never have worked."

Rex stayed silent. Lady Tano came closer.

"It was you who helped, wasn't it?" She asked. "You were the only one up. Only an Allomancer could have made that shot. Are you a Thug or a Coinshot?"

Her voice- it wasn't angry or aggressive. Just curious and thankful.

"Coinshot." Rex found himself muttering.

He chanced a glance upward and found Lady Tano studying him. She didn't seem offended by his existence.

"Do you know who in your family is noble?" She asked.

Rex hesitated. She was probably trying to out whatever noble was failing in his duty of killing his half-blood bastards. No matter. Rex's father was dead.

"Lord Jango Fett." He said.

Lady Tano cocked her head.

"Huh." She said. "He always seemed more efficient than that."

Rex snorted. If only she knew the amount of half breed bastards Jango had left behind. Rex knew of at least four other Mistings from Jango's line. Cody was a Smoker, Wrecker was a Thug, Crosshair was a Tineye, and Hunter was a Seeker. Rex knew better than to let Lady Tano know that.

It was silent for a long moment after that. Rex clenched his fists. Was she or was she not going to turn him in?

"Lady Tano-"

"Do you want me to teach you?" Lady Tano interrupted.

Rex stared at her.

"What?" He asked. "You're- you're not going to have me killed?"

Lady Tano's expression darkened.

"No." She said. "No, Rex, I'm not."

"Will you tell Lord Kenobi or Lord Skywalker?" He asked.

"Not if you don't want me to." She said.

She held out her hand.

"Let me teach you." She said. "You have a wonderful gift."

Rex hesitated. If any other nobleman found out-

He looked into her earnest, beautiful eyes.

He took her hand.

The mists were Rex's home. He wondered how he could have ever feared them as he fell through the air. Of course six months being forced to fly about in them desensitized one to the swirling white mass. Rex pushed against a blue line, forcing himself higher into Luthadel's night. The cool air rushed past his face. Ahsoka flew parallel to him, mistcloak tassels streaming behind her. She flashed a grin at him.

No, the mists alone were not his home. Being in the mists with her was home. They arced over buildings together, pushing in sync. Suddenly she veered off to the side, disappearing into the mists. It was an invitation. Catch me if you can.

Rex immediately changed course, pushing on an iron gate below to follow her trajectory. Part of him wished for the abilities of a Tineye, to pierce the mists, but that would take away some of the challenge of the game. He didn't know if he wanted that.

She was better than him, of course, but he was improving quickly. He didn't know if he'd ever be able to match her. She had an unfair disadvantage of being able to Steelpush and Ironpull. The mists streamed by him. They hid the ugly, dirty shame that was Luthadel. At night, Rex could almost ignore the suffering of the city. Ahsoka and Rex's lords did everything they could to alleviate the misery of the skaa here. Rex loved her for that.

"Rex!"

Ahsoka's voice bounced around the mists, seeming to come from everywhere. He managed to see her silhouette far above. He pushed on a few more lines to reach her, and pushed on something below to join her.

He burst from the mist into a field of white. He looked around, disorientated, until he saw Ahsoka. She was hovering in the air, pushing just enough so that she neither fell or went up. Rex quickly balanced himself as well. He followed her gaze, which was trained upward.

"Stars." She whispered.

Rex could barely see the pinpricks through the hazy sky. Ahsoka had told him about them, but most nights it was too clouded by the ash to see them. Rex stared at them. What exactly were they? What made them burn? Why-

He noticed with a jolt that Ahsoka had drifted closer to him. Her relaxed posture as she looked up belied the intense effort and concentration it would take to float over to him.

Rex took in her face, captivated by the enraptured look there. She always made the hardest things look easy.

"I wish we could see them every night. I wish the world wasn't this way." Ahsoka said. "The ash, the noble squabbles, the way the skaa are treated."

She closed her eyes for a long moment. Rex realized that tears were streaming down her face.

"Ahsoka." Rex said.

She turned to look at him. Her eyes were so blue. There was no color that was that vibrant in nature.

Rex fought against years of training and being told he was less than those he served as he lifted his hands to her face. Those beautiful blue eyes widened as he touched her. He prayed he wasn't making a mistake as he used his thumb to wipe away some of her tears.

"Things have changed. You changed them. Things are better for the skaa in the lands you and the lords control. You made them better."

She continued to stare into his face. He had nothing more to say, but he kept his hands on her cheeks.

"Thank you." She whispered.

Lord Ruler, he loved her.

He lifted her face slightly. He heard her breath catch as he lowered his head. He pressed his lips to hers.

She wrapped her arms around him and together they lowered slowly back into the mists, where they belonged.

I hope you enjoyed, even if you're not familiar with Mistborn. (I highly recommend Brandon Sanderson, start with Mistborn: The Final Empire)

The next one should be out in a couple of days. I'm so close to being done with the semester.

12 Days of Rexsoka Day 1: Clueless/It’s just a crush

I’m back with my Rexsoka nonsense! I don’t know if I’ll be doing every day this time, as I’ve had trouble getting inspired for some of the prompts. I’ll do my best though! 

Day 1: Clueless/It’s just a crush (both)

Rex leaned back in his chair, glaring at the report he still had to finish. He hated the kriffing things, especially ones pertaining to defeats. It didn’t help that Fives was lounging on Rex’s desk, blathering about his latest ARC mission and complaining thoroughly about the ARCs he’d had to work with. Rex tried to tune him out, but Fives was rather loud. He wished Echo was here to temper his brother, but Echo was actually doing the job Rex had given him.

Rex was about to tell Fives to shut up or get out when the door chimed. Rex and Fives both glanced at the door, a little confused. They weren’t expecting anyone.

“Come in.” Rex called.

Commander Tano stood in the doorway, grinning broadly. Her eyes met Rex’s and her smile broadened. Rex smiled back, surprised at the sight of his fourteen-year old commander.

“Commander!” Fives said. “We weren’t expecting you back for another week!”

“I finished my studies early.” Commander Tano said. She was still holding eye contact with Rex as she walked forward and took a seat in front of the desk. “I decided to surprise you all!”

“It’s good to see you.” Rex said warmly. “We’ve missed you.”

At that, Commander Tano finally looked away, an odd dark color spreading across her face and lekku. 

“Commander?” Rex asked, concerned. “Are you all right?”

“Um-” The Commander said. She took a deep breath, but looked up at Rex with a smile. “I’m fine!”

Her face and lekku were still oddly colored, but she was meeting his eyes and grinning. Fives was giving him a strange look.

“Anyway, I’ve missed you guys too!” Commander Tano on. “Let me tell you, Temple life is boring!”

“What would you do if we weren’t in the middle of a war?” Fives asked. “Wouldn’t you be stuck there all the time?”

“Ugh, don’t remind me.” Ahsoka said.

She was quiet for a moment, staring somewhere between Fives and Rex’s heads. 

“Something on your mind?” Rex asked.

“Just- it’s weird.” She said. “The war is so much of my life. Everyone I care about are either Jedi or people I’ve met because of the war. It’s weird to consider how things would be without it.”

She furrowed her brow, troubled. Fives and Rex exchanged a glance. Rex knew those thoughts weren’t too far from what the men thought. Rex leaned forward and put his hand on her shoulder.

“There’s no point in wondering what could have been.” He said. “Let’s focus on what we can influence.”

Her face turned an even darker orange and she looked down. Rex blinked.

“Um,” She mumbled. “Thanks, Rex.”

Her comm beeped and she jumped. 

“Snips! Why did I have to hear from Kix that you’re back?” The General’s voice came through. 

“I’m sorry, Master!” Ahsoka said with a wince. “I’ll be right there!”

Ahsoka put her comm away and looked back up.

“I better go!” She said. “It’s great to see you guys!”

She scampered off. Rex watched her go fondly.

“Well.” Fives said. “That was telling.”

Rex looked at Fives. 

“Telling?” He asked.

“I suspected it before, but now I know.” Fives said. “Commander Tano has a major crush on you.” 

Rex stared at Fives. 

“What?” He said. “That’s ridiculous!” 

Fives raised an eyebrow at him.

“Did you not just see what just happened?” He asked. “The blushing, the staring, the fact that she came and saw you before the General?”

“Fives, how would you know?” Rex asked.

Fives snorted.

“You wouldn’t know this, since you never come to 79’s, but I am quite good with the ladies.”

“The ladies that are paid to be interested in clones?” Rex asked dryly.

Fives’ face turned red but he kept his arms folded and leaned towards Rex.

“You’ve always been her favorite, Captain.” Fives said. “And she’s acting like Commander Bly does around General Secura.” 

It hit Rex like a sack of duracrete bricks. The Commander? Have a crush? On him? He loved his commander, sure, but she was still a child! 

“Kriff.” Rex said. 

“Ah, don’t worry about it, Captain.” Fives said, patting Rex on the arm. “I mean, it’s just a crush. She’ll get over it.”

It’s not my best work, but I hope you enjoyed! I’ve always loved the concept of Ahsoka crushing on Rex when she was younger because holy crap how do you not have a crush on Rex when you are in close proximity.

Check it out on my A03 and my other ongoing Rexsoka fics!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/35449621/chapters/88363480

https://archiveofourown.org/users/ExecutiveCucumber/works