Chapter Text
Our story starts long ago with the tale of two kits. One, a normal fox kit. The other fox kit was born to nobility.
These two kits became fast friends. When they got older they fell in love. Both hid it. Both we di’kute like that.
I’m Jaster Mereel. Your storyteller for the evening.
This story is about more than love. It’s about a hero who would become one of the greatest of all time. This hero was great because of his deeds, but more importantly, for his heart.
This story is about my grandson, Cody Fett.
***
Once upon a time, there was a kingdom. The ruler of this kingdom was a wise and kind bear. The King’s name was King Windu.
King Windu was the guardian to once orphan fox Obi-wan Kenobi. One of the kits I mentioned before.
Obi-wan wanted for nothing in life. Despite having whatever he desired at his fingertips, Obi-wan was caring and humble. His greatest wish was to learn. He could always be found with a book in hand or heading to the library to get a new one. The only one who could pull him from his books successfully was Cody.
Cody loved archery. Cody would spend hours out in the woods exploring and shooting arrows at trees. Cody became a decent shot.
The two would take treks through the woods with a packed lunch. We all knew they were dates but the two of them insisted they weren’t.
One day, Obi-wan got a present from his guardian, King Windu. King Windu contacted a friend in another country who offered to take in Obi-wan for the rest of his schooling years. Obi-wan couldn’t refuse and set off at the tender age of fourteen to his guardian’s friend.
That set off something in Cody. The week after Obi-wan left, Cody spent it in the woods. He didn’t come home at all. Only Rex, my other grandson, was able to bring him home. We don’t know what happened in the woods but both boys came back relatively unharmed and didn’t speak a word about how they came back.
Cody trained even harder at his archery skills and eventually was the best shot around. He mastered trick shots no one could ever have a prayer of making. Cody was a genius with the bow. His sword skills were not as good as his archery but better than most.
Years passed.
Unrest grew in the Kingdom. War broke out on the outer edges and King Windu left his castle in the country to shore the border defenses. In his place rose Count Dooku.
Count Dooku was a greedy lion. He loved the high end of life and demanded that his needs be met. Silk sheets, strong aged wines, fancy jewels to adorn him. Count Dooku taxed the people to give over their hard-earned money for his expensive tastes.
The kingdom went from prospering to poor within the time of a year.
Cody was twenty when he left home. Rex followed shortly after.
I’m ashamed to admit it but we couldn’t take him in after his father fell sick. Cody took off for the woods and Rex, his shadow since birth, followed him.
Shortly after they left we started hearing tales about a fox outlaw named Cody Fett. He would steal from the rich people who thrived by kissing up to Count Dooku. Quiet rumors of poor people getting money rose up. Not large amounts. Just enough to get by for some.
It exploded about the time he robbed the Count’s carriage for the first time. Luckily Count Dooku was not in it at the time but reports came flooding in about the fox Cody Fett and his deeds.
Some called him a scoundrel… an outlaw… a thief. Others called him a hero… a do-gooder.
Soon, posters were up everywhere for the capture of Cody Fett.
In the middle of all this… Obi-wan returned to his beloved guardian’s home to this mess. He couldn’t do anything. He couldn’t take over because he was not related to the king by blood. Count Dooku would not have it. Count Dooku was forced to let Obi-wan remain in the castle. He couldn’t turn him away without a good cause.
Our story starts here… where Cody Fett and Little Rex, as he was going by these days, were being hunted by Sheriff Maul and his pack of wolves.
*****
“This way, Rex’ika,” Cody called out softly. “Up here.”
Living in the forest sharpened their tree-climbing abilities and survival skills. Within three minutes, Rex had scaled the tree and was sitting in the branch above him, hidden by the leaves. His tail was curled tightly around him.
Just in time because underneath them passed Maul’s gang of fellow wolves.
They watched as the scouting party moved off into the woods.
“Whew, that was a close one, Cody.” Rex leaned back against the trunk. He took off his hat and ran his fingers through his fur. “I can’t remember the last time they were that close to our home. We might need to move our location.”
Cody rolled his eyes. “You are such a worrier, Rex’ika. I got this. Our home is perfectly safe. It’s behind a freaking waterfall. You practically have to squeeze through to get there and no way would that fat wolf fit.”
“You shouldn’t get cocky,” Rex warned. He slapped his tail in agitation against the tree. “Buir always said that ‘Arrogance is a-”
“A man’s downfall.’ I know, Rex.” Cody sighed. He propped his chin in his hands. “I miss him. And Ba’buir.”
Rex shifted and dropped a handful of leaves and twigs on Cody’s hat. “I know. We will see them again. After we somehow save the kingdom.”
Cody shook the leaves and twigs off his head. He stared at the wall of leaves protecting him as he thought about his dilemma.
He didn’t know how, he didn’t know when, but he knew that he needed to save these people. None of them deserve what Count Dooku is putting them through. Well, maybe Lady Ventress does. And Sheriff Maul and his pack. And maybe a few of the aristocrats that suck up to him.
Maybe if he could actually succeed with this he might be worthy enough to be with-
Trumpets shattered the quiet air over his forest. Cody climbed further up the tree.
“Cody. Get your tail out of my face.” Rex swiped at Cody’s tail with his claws.
Cody lifted his tail over Rex’s head. “You’d better get up here, Rex’ika. You need to see this.”
“I hate that you call me that. Now everyone calls me it. Oh, look. There’s Cody Fett and his sidekick Rex’ika.” Rex grumbled as he climbed up next to Cody.
“Shhh.” Cody shushed. “Look. On the road.”
Soldiers marched along the road. The usual elephants and rhinos mostly. They marched in formation through the mud and leaves. After a good length of soldiers came the royal coach being pulled by four elephants. The gold sparkled in the sun. The lavish wealth was a mockery of everything King Windu and Ob- he stood for.
“What are we going to do, Cody? What’s the plan?” Rex’s face was set in a scowl. His tail twitched and smacked Cody’s leg every so often.
Cody rapidly shifted through plans. Almost none of them would work. There were too many soldiers for their usual bandit hold-up plan.
Also, Count Dooku was in there. Most likely along with his serpentine sidekick Lady Ventress. They never were before.
Cody spied a particular tree that marked a secret hoard of theirs. It had food, weapons, random items… most importantly clothes and disguises.
There was one thing Count Dooku was known to stop for. Some took advantage, others were a little more subtle, but all had failed. All ended up in prison.
“Well, Rex old boy, how do you feel about playing dress-up?” Cody smirked at his little brother. Plan already forming in his mind.
“Why do I get the feeling I’m going to hate this?” Rex groaned.
Cody swiftly climbed down from the tree. “Let’s go Rex’ika. We have a coach to rob.”
Rex dropped to the ground next to him. “Sometimes, I really hate you.”
“No, you don’t. Let’s hurry. We have a lot to set up before they hit our mark.” Cody took off through the woods, his species natural grace and fluidity enhanced by living in the woods for the past four years.
****
Cody tugged at the itchiness of his wig. He never liked wearing wigs but this one served two purposes.
One, it hid he was a fox. It was a dangerous time to be one because of him. Cody felt a little guilty of that fact. Any fox was treated harsher until it was obvious it wasn’t him. Hiding his species was a must at times.
Two, it made him appear to be a harmless lady. Disguises were everything in his operation. With all the guards and people spread around town, disguises were the only way to get into town and hear the gossip.
Rex’s favorite he liked to tease him over was his old beggar’s one. He actually never washed the cloak and hat he wore so they stunk to high heaven.
The trumpeting elephants came closer to their spot. Loud clomping footsteps rattled the trees and rocks around them.
“Get ready, Rex’ika,” Cody muttered. He fixed the dress that he slipped on over his normal green shirt and pants. He clipped the fake earrings to his ears. He tied a bandana around his head to pull it all together and get that mystical look.
Rex was on the other side of the road preparing his part in their little scheme. A shrill bird whistle met his ears. That was the signal. Rex was in position.
Cody stepped out onto the path. He carried a pack that was mostly empty. It would hold all the gold they took from the coach when they were done.
“Fortune teller,” Cody called out, purposely making his voice higher. “Get your horoscope. See what the spirits have to say about your life.”
For a second, he was worried that Count Dooku wouldn’t take the bait. The coach slowed to a halt as a deep voice called out for it to stop.
How could Count Dooku have a voice that was deep but also whiny? Cody wondered. Focus on the plan. Rex will kill him if this goes bad. Cody snapped out of it. As much as he hated it, he bowed deeply to the king wannabe before him.
“Your illustrious Majesty.” Cody held his breath and position. The flattery seemed to work.
“You may approach, nomad.” Count Dooku held out his hands. Jewels adorned nearly every finger.
It made Cody sick to see the wealth of Ob- his people on the fingers of someone foolish as Count Dooku.
He swallowed back the bile and kissed Count Dooku’s paw after sliding off one of the rings with the light touch he had perfected over the years. The first of his many spoils today.
The coach was stopped under a tree and the leaves rustled with what could have been the wind. Cody knew it was actually Rex, shifting impatiently.
“May I offer his majesty a reading?” Cody smiled at Lady Ventress’ suspicious hissing.
Count Dooku seemed to have enough of her forked tongue tickling his ear because he swiftly tied her into a knot and shoved her into a basket. “Please, gypsy, do come in.”
Cody grit his teeth against the plush hoard he was going to enter. He twitched his tail in a prepared signal before following Count Dooku into his coach.
****
Cody made sure it was completely dark. The fireflies would not glow right in the frosted glass if there was an ounce of light to be seen.
Cody knew what he had to do. He started waving his hands and crooning to the ‘spirits’.
Rex played his part perfectly. The frosted glass filled with fireflies pushed in through the top and bobbed and weaved as it lowered to Cody’s makeshift table.
Cody caught the ball and swiftly untied the slip knot used to attach it to the stick. He began rambling random compliments to the awed Count.
He knew he had very little time before Rex was caught. He made the Count close his eyes. He kept up the babble as he swiftly shoved everything looking halfway expensive into his pack.
The Count got angry at keeping his eyes closed and opened them up to see Cody shove the last of his gold coins into his pack.
The Count roared in rage. He tried to get up, but Cody had sneakily used the rope from the glass ball and tied it around his ankles. The Count fell flat on his face.
Cody beamed a smile. “Thank you, you have been a wonderful audience.” Cody jumped from the coach and took off into the forest. Rex was above him in the trees, hopping from branch to branch as they escaped the furious shouts of Count Dooku and the tromping of his guards as elephants and rhinos tried to navigate the twisting narrow paths through the woods.
Cody finally let himself think of the person that he was doing this all for.
This is for you Obi-wan. You and the people you love.