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Chapter Text

Two lightsabers clash against each other. Dark blue sparks mix with bright green. Both of the sabers are dual bladed. The young Jedi, wielding the midnight blades, is thrown back by the immense pressure that his Master’s using. The Master continues his assault and pins his Padawan to the ground in a saber lock. His four arms and size aiding his raw strength, the combination overwhelming the boy. Sweat drips down the boy's forehead, his skin not only looking like fire but also feeling like it was burning. Lumino can feel the hard cobblestone digging into his back, as his Master presses down on their saber lock. The sabers are moving dangerously close to his face.

Lumino's hearts quicken as the world around him slows down. He gives one firm push into the saber lock. Creating a chance for him to slip out. The temple around him is in a standstill. Blue light surrounding every surface. Leaves from the tree further down float in midair. His Master stands frozen in place. Pressure from the force pushes down on Lumino as the world begins to move faster. Lumino limps over to the shadow the tree provides. He collapses on the ground with a sigh. The blue light disappears and with it everything around the duo resumes their motions at a normal pace. The Master's lightsaber plunges into the stone ground. A confused expression settles on his face before a deep frown overtakes it.

"I'm sorry, Master. Just... got to catch my breath." Lumino puffs out. His ragged breath comes out at a fast pace. A disapproving glare graces his Master's face.

"Did you use Force Slow?" Pong Krell asks.

"Yes, sir." Lumino answers, eyes cast down. His hands clench his lightsaber firmly, knuckles turning white. He gnaws on his inner cheek, knowing what will come next.

"I have specifically instructed you to never use that in battle, have I not?" Pong speaks, voice stern as he walks up to his kneeling Padawan. "Do you grasp how much trouble you'd be in if you did that on the field!" He hisses out. Lumino glances up at his Master quickly looking down again.

"Yes, sir." The Padawan echoes.

"I don't think you do!" Pong spits back. He points his lightsaber at his Padawan "Get up, we have not finished sparring."

"But Master-"

"You need to think of the consequences when activating your ability. The enemy won't stop just because you're tired!" Pong grabs his other lightsaber and activates it. The blue glow melts into the green. Lumino's hearts pick up even more. Adrenaline pumps through his veins while his left heart burns in his ribcage. Pushing himself up, he rolls out of the incoming attacks range.

Still kneeling Lumino blocks the blue lightsaber and finally stands up again. His Master pushes him back and attacks with both sabers. The green scrapes the Padawan's shoulder and makes him flinch back. The Master continues his brutal assault and attacks with both his lightsabers. The two blades coming in on the boy’s left side. Lumino catches the blades on his own. The double-bladed lightsabers sear loudly at Pong pushes harder. The strength of his Master pushes Lumino back even further. The Padawan stumbles back from the saber lock and retreats fast as Pong prepares another attack.

The sparring continues neither Jedi becoming aware of the watchful eyes leaving them.

Pong hands his Padawan a water bottle. A smile graces Lumino's lips as he accepts the gesture. Both Jedi are now sitting on a bench in the tree’s shadow. The Master and Padawan enjoying their silent break. Pong hasn't shed a single drop of sweat, making his Padawan slightly jealous. Being drenched in sweat, Lumino dumps a bit of water on himself to cool down. His light brown robes are neatly folded next to him. A few water droplets splatter on it creating dark patches where the water soaks into the fabric. He tries scratching the blotches away, but the effort is in vain.

Lumino greedily consumes the last of his water while looking over the courtyard. It was no longer desolate as it had been during the early morning. A group of younglings were in one of the farther corners. All of them have different amounts of gravel floating around themselves. Lumino looks down at the ground, he kicks up a small pile of gravel and puts his hand out towards it.

He couldn’t even try to reach out through the force to pick up the small rocks before two Temple Guards approached the duo. The white robes they’re clad in looking far more yellow in the sunlight. Their hoods cast a strong shadow over their masked faces. Pong rises from his seat and towers over the two humanoids. He holds his four arms behind his back.

"Master Krell and Padawan Amir, the Jedi council have summoned you to a meeting." The left one says their voice is void of any emotion. A chill goes down Lumino’s back. Dismissing the feeling, he stands up as his Master follows the two Guards. Grabbing his robes, the boy hastily falls into a steady pace behind Pong. Lumino wrestles to get his robes back on over his shirt as fast as possible. He wipes his sweaty forehead on the black undershirt, keeping the foul body fluid on the inside of the golden trim his shirt is adorned with. Hoping the outer layer could keep the smell to a minimum. Self-consciously he takes a quick breath while holding his nose to his armpit, not picking up any foul odor that could reach the whole room.

The Jedi Temples corridors are long and spacious. The ceiling is far taller than any sentient species that roams under it. Giant oval windows let in the gleaming sunlight. It highlights the intricate carvings on the opposite wall, all of them depicting something different. Between each window is a pillar outlining it. They’re round at the base and reach all the way up into the ceiling. Every pillar has another parallel to it on the opposite wall. Along the window side are seats following the curve of the pillars bottom. The pillar tops shape diverges from their bottom counterparts, instead of round shape they form squares.

The closer they get to the Council Chamber the more Lumino studies the wall carvings. Watching how the grooves in the stone catch the streaming sunlight. His eyes drift along the floors pattern. The blue circles and red outlines complement the tan stone well, Lumino finds the soft colors calming. The elevator doors open for the Jedi Knight and Padawan to step through. The two guards that accompanied them there give the duo their farewell with simple nods then turn and leave as the elevator doors close.

It wasn’t often that Lumino reported directly to the Council. Therefore, he didn’t come to the High Council Tower often. The vast amount of Coruscant you can see from the windows is always impressive no matter the number of times he’d seen it. The tower gives a great vantage point and makes it truly able to capture the skyscrapers along with its flashing traffic. Taking a deep breath Lumino glances around at the seats, most of the seats sat empty. Only seven council members are present at this meeting, technically only five since two are holograms. It helps with calming Lumino down even further as he doesn’t have to stand sweaty and tired in front of the whole High Council.

"Concerned the council is. From us, information you've kept." Yoda says, his voice carries both kindness and control. The Grand Master goes right to why they’d been called up to report in person. Lumino tenses up a little, while a deep frown sets in on his Master’s face. Next to the small green creature sits the blue hologram of Mace Windu. His face is a blank slate, showing no emotion at all. It always unnerves Lumino how some master's never seemed to be looking at a person. Rather through them, looking at their very force essence. His self-consciousness never fails to point out everything for his nerves to latch onto. It’s a successful symbiosis that works hard to make life more difficult for Lumino.

"Padawan Amir has shown a weak connection with the force in all the tests and reports you’ve handed in." The words make Lumino's gut squeeze. This was about him. The question of if he had done something wrong echoes in his head. "We'd like an explanation, how can someone with such a weak connection to the force be able to use an ability far above their skill level?" Mace's voice reminds Lumino of water running down his lungs. It makes the boy hyperaware of the sweat polling at the back of his neck. Drowning out his feelings he tries to calm the anxiety welling up in his throat. The frown on his Masters face deepens.

"My Padawan may not be skilled with the ordinary force abilities. But Force Slow is like second natu-" Pong is cut off by Mace.

"I believe it would be more insightful to hear what your Padawan has to say about his ability." Mace says, switching everyone's attention from the Knight to the Padawan. The Padawan in question snaps his head up from the floor to Mace. He gestures for Lumino to step forward. Lumino does as asked, taking a small step so he’s next to his Master instead of behind. His throat feels dry, so he tries clearing it hoping to the stars that it wouldn’t crack.

"The ability, Force Slow or Sludge Dome. I prefer calling it Sludge Dome because it's not really Force Slow, it has plenty of differences. For one being that Force Slow can slow down in various ways while Sludge Dome only slows down everything in an area, it leaves me unaffected." Lumino talks rapidly with every word leaving his mouth faster than the last. Contradicting his stoic face. Subtle glances from the boy goes towards his Master ever so often. Lumino feels both a little shame over talking so fast and accomplished for not having his voice crack.

"Any notable drawbacks?" Obi-wan Kenobi asks, his crystal blue eyes seem to be analyzing Lumino. Being one of the Masters who weren't a hologram makes his eyes all the more piercing, almost like they are glowing. The Jedi Master has a hand over his chin, striking his on-point beard. The man is wearing some standard clone trooper armor over his jedi robes. Quite the common addition nowadays.

"Err, it takes a lot of energy." Lumino says, it almost felt like a lie downplaying how much energy a full sludge dome takes. "I don't really have control when it happens. It doesn't trigger often though and when it does, I'm usually under a lot of physical stress." The room becomes quiet when Lumino stops talking. None of the seven council members seem to have any more questions. It makes Lumino’s skin crawl, as if a thousand little spiders had decided to take their afternoon walk across his back.

"Speak, the council will. Wait outside, you may." Yoda speaks with a sense of finality. The Knight and Padawan bow before they walk out.

The two stops in the small room that’s between the council chambers and elevator. It has big windows on both sides, their round tops make them resemble the ones inside the chambers. It makes the whole room bright. The already small room feels suffocating for Lumino as he sinks down to the ground. He presses his back firmly against the wall and lets out a deep sigh. A headache develops fast from the bright light and nausea follows right behind. It beats over and over at his temple, as if his hearts have moved from his chest and are now pulsing in his head. Pong notices his Padawan discomfort and crouches down next to the small boy. He grabs the double-bladed lightsaber that’s hanging off his Padawans hips, placing the long hilt in Lumino’s hands.

Pong stands back up letting his Padawan be. Lumino pushes his forehead against his knees, trying his best to keep the light from searing his sensitive eyes. The boy clutches his hilt with both hands feeling the weight of the cold metal in his grip. His hands slowly drift to the rubber parts, letting his fingertips glide over the edges. After sitting there for a while Lumino slowly looks up, his eyes finally being able to see without squinting his eyes.

Lumino makes sure to not stare out the window too much. The light still makes his eyes ache if he stares too long. It almost becomes a game between Lumino and the annoying headache. Who can outlast the other? Will Lumino let the mild throbbing in his head win? Or will he keep watching the outside world?

After half an hour has passed by. The tension fell thick over the duo. Their silence feeling suffocating rather than the previous calming. The two are allowed back into the Chambers. Now only five members of the council await them, the two holograms no longer present. Lumino hangs his lightsaber back on his belt before walking in. He follows close behind his Master while there’s only five council members now, they still manage to intimidate the boy.

"A decision, we've made." Yoda says, his ear twitches a bit as he hums. "A Padawan you became, monitor your force abilities your Masters mission it was." Lumino bites the inside of his cheek. The nausea is back and it leaves a sour taste in his mouth.

"As your current Master didn't report on your progress, we've deemed him unfit to continue teaching you. As this isn't the first time Krell has neglected to make us aware of your developments. We've made the decision to remove Padawan Lumino Amir from the care of Jedi Knight Pong Krell."

Lumino jaw clenches, iron taste fills his mouth as his cheek starts bleeding. It replaces the sour taste with an even fouler one. He has to hold himself back from cringing at the horrible tasting drops of blood that land on his tongue. The words slowly sink in. He’s being removed from his Masters care. Pong Krell will no longer be his teacher. The council had their discussion and they decided this? His thoughts are swimming in chaos and not catching up with his body. Lumino wouldn't let them catch up. He couldn't afford that right now. He has to think later, not now. Not with unanswered questions hanging in the air like crates about to fall on him.

"How shall my teachings continue?" Lumino asks, his voice lower than usual, much softer than before. It’s the most pressing matter, no use dancing around it. Even if the question makes him want to rip his ears off. The headache he’d been battling sinks its painful claws deeper into his forehead.

"We believe it to be best that you are reassigned to another Master." Lumino nods, not bothering to note who's speaking. "Seeing as Kenobi recently put in a request for a Padawan, we have assigned him to take up the duty." Another nod comes from Lumino.

"Is that all?" Lumino asks, after receiving an affirmative, he turns towards his now former Master and bows. "It has been an honor." Quickly making his escape out the doors. Lumino can feel his hearts beat again, unsure if it’s a side effect from the headache or something unrelated. The elevator ride flashes before him. One second, he’s pushing the button to get down. The next, the doors open and he hurries out. The temple suffocates him as he walks down its corridors. He needs to breathe, why is it hard for him to breathe?

Chills travel up his spine from the outside air. Lumino makes sure to give respectful nods to the Temple Guards he spots standing on duty by the temple entrance. With a deep sigh, Lumino starts the excruciating walk to get away from the temple. Feeling strong discomfort because of the sun shining on its highest point, with no shade around to take cover in. It must be done as Lumino doesn’t have the energy to loan a speeder. At least the guards had long ago stopped trying to hinder him from leaving.

Bustling liveliness from Coruscant citizens makes up the background noise instead of the blood pounding in his ears. It’s a busy day for the everyday person. After nearly walking over a small child, Lumino decides it’s time to get off the lively streets. Ducking into the nearest alleyway he slowly starts climbing up the drainpipe that is attached to the building’s side. Unluckily for Lumino, he happened to pick one of the tallest buildings around. His arms ache terribly when he finally reaches the top. But then again, there weren’t any short buildings around for him to climb either. Yet none of the surrounding buildings reaches even half the height of the Jedi Temple’s towers.

Lumino rolls his shoulders while walking around the roof. He caught sight of the grand Jedi Temple not much farther away. Frustration builds in his head as he paces around and around and around. It accumulates into a kick to the short metal railing that surrounds the edge. A loud bang is barely audible above the traffic that flies over him.

“Krak!” The regret and pain in his foot quickly makes him forget his frustration. Hoping to ease the pain, Lumino sits down on the ground. He leans his back against the wrenched railing as he cradles his hurt toes. Finding that nothing is broken and that it merely hurts a lot, Lumino leans his head back too. Staring up at the blue sky his eyes slowly water. He frowns and dries his eyes before the tears can fall.

Lumino reaches for his left ear, trailing his fingers over the earrings and chains that hang from it. He carefully removes the lowest hanging earring, attached to it hangs three braided leather pieces. Two pearls are braided into it as well, they’re small and misshaped. Lumino can almost feel the memories his padawan braid holds. He touches the singed edges, a small giggle leaving him as he reminisces about the unfortunate fate it had nearly succumbed to. The giggles catch in his throat becoming replaced by hiccups. It makes his heart ache that he won’t experience more of those moments. New memories were forced out of his grasp despite him trying his best to keep control. It isn't fair, he thinks the Jedi Council should've decided something else. It's not fair they get to decide that the five years Pong Krell had been Lumino's Master weren't good enough. Five years spent training hard and for what? All for Lumino to end back where he was at eleven? His hands shake, life isn't fair. He's been taught to accept that. The Council's decision doesn't erase his time spent with Pong.

Lumino doesn’t bother wiping his tears away this time. Not as he’s actively replacing the old ones with fresh tears rolling down his marked cheeks. The tears create a river through the darker lines of skin. His eyes look over Coruscant's skyline, the tears make the scene blurry and nearly unrecognizable. Even as the tears dry the scene never clears up as the emotion drains the Padawan of his energy. His body relaxing and eyes dropping. The young teenager nodded off and the next time his eyes open the sun shines from the other side of the sky, having tipped over midday during the boy’s nap.

The nap did help calm Lumino down enough to rub his dry tears off on his sleeve. He no longer has to worry about replacing them with new ones. His breathing is now even, though briefly cut off by a small yawn. Lumino thinks back on his apprenticeship, he’d never imagined it would end like that. Then again, it hasn’t truly ended. Lumino is still a Padawan, the only difference is his Master.

Now Lumino is the Padawan of Master Obi-wan Kenobi. He thinks of everything he knows of the Jedi Master. The man killed the first Sith in centuries. He’s a successful General in the war. He has the rank of Master in the Order. Obi-wan Kenobi isn't just any Jedi. He trained the rumored Chosen one. That’s a lot of accomplishments. A lot for Lumino to live up too.

Feeling much better after letting his feelings out, his foot and head no longer hurting either. Lumino gets up and makes his way back to the Temple. It’s far easier sliding down the side of the building than climbing up it. Deciding to jog back, Lumino thanks the stars for giving him the lung size of a zabrak rather than a human. Otherwise, he’d be a mess on the ground before he’d even reached the temple stairs. When he does reach the temple Lumino decides to walk the last bit.

The training day was cut short by the Council wanting to speak with Lumino and his former Master. So, he makes the decision to take up the afternoon training and do his best at it without guidance or a sparring partner. Thankfully for Lumino, his afternoon training sessions always has a lot of individual exercises.

Slash and stand back, slash and stand back, slash and stand back. Lumino redoes the move over and over again. His hands are glued to his lightsaber hilt, the sweat on his palms only aiding his firm grip on the saber. The midnight blades slash through the air again as he redoes the move again and again and again. He starts from the beginning, the slash he’d done now incorporated into a series of maneuvers that all have his blades leading the rest of his body into each motion.

"Well done, your Makashi variant is quite impressive."

The sudden appearance of another person sets Lumino off balance, this makes him stumble in his redoing of the sequence. His lightsaber connects with his leather tasset and earns the piece of armor another burn mark. Looking towards the voice Lumino sees his new Master. Obi-wan looks the same as he did in the Council Chambers, his combed back hair. The way his robes are neatly pressed, not a wrinkle in sight. The sun’s golden glow reflects from his white armor. His arms behind his back and his back straight, creating a fine posture expected of any Jedi with his rank.

"I believe it's best we formally introduce ourselves, I'm Obi-wan Kenobi and your new Master." Obi-wan steps forward and nods to his Padawan. After a moment to catch his breath and mind to register the words Obi-wan said. The tired boy hastily bows back going so far, he’s at a perfect ninety-degree angle.

"I'm Padawan learner Lumino Amir, it's a pleasure making your acquaintance Master Kenobi." Lumino stops bowing, instead trying to wipe his sweaty palms on his pants as discreetly as possible. “Can I help you, Master Kenobi?” Lumino leans back a little, righting out his posture to be less lopsided and placing his hands gripping his lightsaber hilt behind his back. His stature mirrors Obi-wan's to a degree.

"I got a small briefing from Krell on what you know, but I'd like to start your apprenticeship with some basics so we can get used to each other. Does that work?" Obi-wan grabs his beard after asking. A nod comes from his Padawan. Obi-wan grabs his own lightsaber and holds it in front of himself. "No better time to start than right now. Padawan, tell me what you know about your lightsaber?"

"I know it's an extension of me. When I fight, I follow the motions made to make sure I have precision and strength behind my attacks." Lumino answers, having brought forth his saber again so he could look intensely at its hilt.

"Yes, that is correct. Your lightsaber is also your life. When you have it, you're able to protect those who cannot protect themselves. It's important you never lose it." The new duo continues discussing some of the far more simplistic philosophies of the Jedi Order. Obi-wan even demonstrates a few defensive techniques. The more they speak the lower Coruscant's sunset sinks. The darker the sky turns. Foreign stars and planets light up small spots on the gigantic dark blue canvas. Marking the final shift from day to night.

Chapter Text

Hundreds of ships stand lined up in the Negotiators hangar. All having been brought on board for the sole purpose of aiding the upcoming campaign to free the Christoph system from the Separatist clutches. Stashed in the middle of the lines of ships stands a dark green one, it being one of two jedi starfighters on board. Circling the ship is an R3-droid unit. The droid whirls around and digs through an open toolbox. A small device is picked up by the droid's extended arm. It clutches the object between the two metal claws.

The droid nudges a pair of legs that stick out from under the Jedi starfighter. Out rolls Lumino, half his face has been covered in grease. With only one eye he looks over the device his droid brought.

“I asked for a welding torch, not a hammer. I don’t need the hammer Three-Three.” Lumino keeps an arm under the ship, desperately holding onto the sheet of metal that needs attaching. R3 beeps incoherently at him and turns back to try and find what he wants.

The young teenager searches as well as he can for the welding torch. He spots the device right by his companion and tells her such. Again, R3 beeps to him this time a bit more apologetically. R3 rolls over and hands Lumino the welding torch. He rolls back under and finally gets to attach the metal sheet. Lumino lets out a deep breath once he’s done, rolling out from under his ship.

“Thanks for the help Three-Three, could you hand me-” Lumino doesn’t have to finish his sentence before he’s handed a dark towel. Blotches of gray and black hinting at the color it was once upon a time. Having hoped for a clean one he shrugs and uses it anyways. He wipes the yellow grease off his face, being careful so nothing gets into his eye. He dumps the towel in the same spot R3 had taken it from.

Lumino stands up from his mechanic creeper and shakes out his stiff muscles. A yawn takes over the motion halting him. A beep and R3 hands him a cantina with a dark liquid in it. Lumino sniffs it before taking a sip, being unsure if his droid friend had given him caf or oil. He smiles gratefully at R3 as he confirmed it was caf and starts taking small sips from the bitter liquid.

“Padawan?” Lumino coughs, the sudden appearance of his Master surprising him. Obi-wan chuckles slightly as his Padawan turns at attention. A new tension forms in Lumino as his shoulders go rigid and his back straightens. Obi-wan observes the grease still stuck in the boy's hair and the droid that had taken the opportunity to arm herself with a wrench from the toolbox. “Is this a bad time?”

“What? No, I’m not doing anything of importance. I’ve finished some mild repairs. R3-E3 put that down!” At the furious beeps coming from behind, the young Jedi turns stares in distress at the astromech’s antics. “Please, put it down.” After hearing the tiredness in Lumino’s voice R3 slowly lowers the wrench. Obi-wan watches the duo, finding the whole ordeal amusing. “She got spooked by you, my apologies.”

“Nothing to apologies for Lumino.” Obi-wan waves off his Padawan, not seeing a need for apologies. “If you’re done here, I’d like to show you our secret weapon against the Separatist blockade.”

Lumino follows his Master through the hangar to a big open space. There are some crates standing out in the middle of it and it seems like a group of specialized clones are standing on the other side discussing something. Obi-wan stops and Lumino looks curiously past his Master. Wondering why they’d stopped in the middle of the hangar.

Obi-wan sends a signal to one of the clones and it becomes obvious as to why they’d stopped. Before them appears a sleek ship. Its’ sharp edges flicker back into sight. Lumino’s scans the ship and takes note of the lack in both mobility and weaponry. His eyes shift over the rest of the hangar, trying to spot any similar ships or clear spaces.

“Is this the only one?” Lumino cranes his neck to now look at his Master.

“Afraid so, it’s a prototype. The plan is for it to buy us time, not to defeat our enemy. Delivering supplies will be my former Padawan’s mission. Ours will be to break through the blockade.” Obi-wan glances down at his current Padawan. “You and R3 can act as support for our troops when the battle begins, if that’s something you want?”

“Former Padawan, Knight Skywalker will be here?” Lumino perks up, excitement reflecting in his eyes, his eyes shift a little away from Obi-wan as he takes in everything said. “Support? I can do that.”

“I was planning on contacting Anakin after this, you could join me, and I’ll introduce you two?” Lumino gives a firm nod of enthusiasm and follows his Master.

They don’t reach Lumino’s ship before a loud crash diverts their attention. The two rush towards the crash and see R3-E3 trying to cram several tools into a toolbox. Lumino looks distressed over the box but keeps still. His eyes darting back and forth between Obi-wan and R3.

“Master, may I clean this up before heading to the bridge?” He finally gets out.

“Of course, please join me when you’ve finished.” Obi-wan leaves his Padawan to sort out the mess. Lumino rushes to shoo R3 away from the toolbox and carefully takes everything out and sorts it.

Lumino walks through the doors to the bridge and his Master immediately greets him. The man has a current call on the holo-table. Obi-wan’s former Padawan, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, projects from the table. The blue holograph doesn’t capture the man’s brown hair or blue eyes, but it perfectly displays the look of surprise when Lumino joins. A raised eyebrow and thin lips as he watches the intruder to his and Obi-wan’s conversation.

“Perfect timing. Anakin, I’d like to introduce you to my new Padawan.” Obi-wan says and gestures to Lumino. The boy bows to his predecessor, he has heard tales about Anakin Skywalker at the temple. He could feel his hearts pumping in his throat and palms clamping up with sweat. To be in the Knights presence, even when it was only over a projection made the Padawan feel nervous.

“Alright then... I’m Anakin Skywalker.” The room goes silent after Anakin gives his introduction. He raises the other eyebrow at Lumino who stares back. After another second of silence Lumino’s throat catches up with his brain and he starts his own introduction.

“I’m Padawan learner Lumino Amir, it’s a pleasure making your acquaintance Knight Skywalker.” Anakin’s face scrunches up in a small frown and his eyes narrow slightly. Lumino starts wondering if he wasn’t supposed to speak yet. Had he misheard? The Jedi Knight doesn’t say anything else and turns back to his former Master.

“Wonderful, now Anakin back to our previous conversation...” The two starts from where they’d dropped off for the awkward introduction. Lumino makes sure to listen as they speak of the current situation with the blockade around Cristophsis. Obi-wan makes a comment about something, which makes Anakin retort with a snappy response. The small moment perplexes the youngest of the Jedi. As he gives the two a worrisome look neither notice.

When nothing else happens Lumino tries calming down a bit when another back and forth starts between the two. Now rather than being a small comment the two start to raise their voices. He doesn’t catch much of what the two are saying but he understands the core of the problem. Obi-wan doesn’t want Anakin to start the battle before they arrive. While Anakin doesn’t want to wait, his reasoning being that the longer it takes to break through the longer the people on Christophsis will suffer. Lumino understands to some degree his want for actions to be made, he doesn’t think that the Knight should talk back to his former Master as he is currently doing. Obi-wan gives the order for Anakin to wait until they arrive.

Obi-wan lets out a deep sigh and rubs his forehead when Anakin ends the call. Obi-wan gives the order to prepare some ships to help bail Anakin out of the trouble he’d inevitably get himself into. He then tells Lumino he’ll be taking some time to meditate before they arrive and that the Padawan could find him in his sleeping quarter. Lumino just gives his Master a nod in recognition still processing the altercation he’d just witnessed.

“Those two always seem to be in some form of disagreement, you’ll get used to it.” Lumino looks at the clone who spoke. His armor was altered more than the other clones. The yellow paint is very prominent in his armor and an antenna is attached to his helmet. “I’m Cody, Marshal Commander.” Cody smiles with his introduction in hopes that it might calm the boy even if only a little.

“I’m Padawan Learner Lumino Amir, it’s a pleasure making your acquaintance Marshal Commander Cody.” Cody raises an eyebrow not expecting the boy to be use the same formality he’d displayed for the General.

“Good to know Commander.” Cody can’t hold back the small chuckle. Lumino’s eyes drift to his silent droid that had followed him to the bridge. Her dome spins to look at him, speechless after the display of disagreement between Obi-wan and his former Padawan.

“Thanks Commander Cody, I’m sure I’ll... get used to it, as you said.” Lumino nods his eyes then glancing at his droid again. “I believe Three-Three needs a checkup before battle. I’ll be in my quarters, good day Commander Cody.” Annoyed beeps follow him as Lumino bids farewell to the Marshal Commander. “Do I need to remind you of the Kessel incident? Neither of us want to repeat that.” The beeping stops curtly, and Cody pauses at the mention of Kessel but goes back to work, deciding he did not need nor want to know.

“Worried? I’m not worried, nothings out of the ordinary.” Lumino wipes some oil from his cheek, the fluid staining the already covered towel. A foul odor hangs onto the fabric. He wrinkles his nose at it. A stray thought of getting a new one crosses his mind before more beeps from his companion comes out. Lumino decides to sit down in a crisscross instead of crouching down next to the R-unit. He puts away the wrench he’d used to put back some bolts. Even more beeps make him sigh. “Master Kenobi is just different from Knight Krell. I’ll get used to it. I will get used to it.” Lumino leans his head on the cold surface of R3. She beeps back a little reassurance then lets the boy recover from the chat.

“Three-Three-” An affirmative beep comes from her, showing she was listening. Lumino’s voice was weak. “-do you think. Never mind. Have you logged what kind of rations the ships got?” Another affirmative beep, the boy lets out a long sigh. “Emotion, yet peace...” Lumino mumbles the mantra before a knock on the door draws his attention. He stands up and opens the door. “Hello-” Lumino glances at the clone’s armor and quickly spots his rank. “-Sergeant.” The clone in front of Lumino has his helmet off and a small smile greeting the boy.

“The Ship is soon out of hyperspace. General, wants you back on the bridge.” Lumino nods and wipes his hands one last time on the stained towel. He then leaves his small room with R3 following, she makes sure to close Lumino’s door as the boy forgot. On the way there Lumino feels the shift from going out of hyperspace.

Once he arrives the two don’t stay on the bridge for long. Lumino takes a deep breath when he learns of the insubordinate action Anakin had committed. Going against Obi-wans direct orders. He looks over at his Master and rather than any anger or at the very least annoyance that he expects to see the man experience, there’s nothing. Perhaps a few hints of tired resignation but nothing else that the boy can distinguish. Lumino marvels at how well Jedi Masters conceal their emotions and lets out the breath he’d been holding. He thinks about how his lungs fill up with air and how they push it out. An uncomfortable feeling grows from it and Lumino tries to focus fully on the conversation and not how his lungs expand and deflate.

Obi-wan informs Lumino that Anakin will be boarding the Negotiator soon. Lumino felt bad for the Knight. The scolding Obi-wan will give Anakin for disobeying a direct order and having to be ordered to withdraw from battle wouldn’t be pretty. They arrive at the hanger and walk over to where the stealth ship stands. Supplies are currently being loaded onto the ship.

A few moments later Anakin arrives in a shuttle, Lumino watches in confusion when his Master greets his former Padawan as if they hadn’t argued earlier. When no scolding comes, the Padawan becomes more confused. Obi-wan explains the mission Anakin is being sent on and the stealth ships functions.

Watching them talking to each other in the same room instead of over a holo-transmission was all the more confusing. As small quips and jokes went back and forth, often times Anakin will outright disrespect Obi-wan. Each action makes Lumino feel like his hearts will implode on themselves. Lumino makes sure to keep his distance from the two. He catches Anakin glancing over at him a few times and the boy tries his best to look busy. But once the Jedi Knight looks away Lumino goes back to observing them.

When the time for battle comes Lumino can feel his hearts beating a little faster yet again. His deep green star fighter hangs back from the other ships sent back. He waits before engaging any enemies, first watching where the majority are attacking. Before they were sent out everyone was informed of something unexpected having occurred that made it difficult to predict the Separatists' formation.

When Lumino sets his eyes on the battlefield he thinks he’s gone insane for a moment. When R3 confirms that he wasn’t just seeing things but that the Separatists command ship had been attacked, with its bridge blown right off, he tries his best to shake off the shock. He enters a space of focus and rips his eyes away from the destroyed ship. The only thing on his mind now was the incoming danger of battle. He wipes a little sweat off his forehead. Wishing there was more airflow in his star fighter. A thought for another day.

The Starfighter wraps up quickly in the swarm of ships. The boy and droid fall into a familiar dance, one steers while the other shoots. Lumino makes sure to not steer them too far from the Negotiator.

Lumino steers to the left to line up a shot for R3. The Vulture droid goes up in bright flames. Debris scrape against the Jedi starfighter when he passes through the remains. A small smoke trail follow their direction. The faintest hint of smoke gets waft into the filtration system but is gone as fast as the smell came. A small blue light shines in Lumino’s left eye. Then another joins it. A concerned R3 glance back at him.

“It’s alright. I see them.” Lumino swirls out the way as the two Vulture droids start shooting. One of the shots scrapes the side of his ship and Lumino clenches his jaw at the close call.

A flash of green light appears on the sensors and one of the blue lights disappears. The second blue light disappears only a few moments later. Lumino slows his ship down a little to breathe a sigh and make sure to relax again. His eyes catch the ship that passes him. The yellow and white helmet confirms that it was one of their own. Lumino tries to wave at the clone in thanks but falters a little, unsure if it would even be noticed.

As the battle dies down more ships return to the Negotiator. Lumino cast one last glance over the battlefield. Debris from both sides litter the void, but now there was nothing stopping them from approaching Christophsis.

Lumino flies back into the Negotiator and docks his ship in the same spot it was before. He jumps out and takes a deep breath of air. A burn mark had formed where his ship was scraped but no other damage could be seen. Lumino moves over his creeper so he could check the plate he’d attached during the morning.

“Nice flying out there, Commander!” Lumino tense up and look at where the shout came from. A squad of five clone, one very excited clone waves at him from a distance. One of his brothers tries to stop him. Lumino’s eyes stop on a helmet he recognizes. The helmet has a yellow line splitting the helmet in two. It’s the same helmet that Lumino saw during the battle, the one who helped him.

“Thanks, you too!” Lumino smiles a little nervously and holds up both his thumbs. The excited clone mirrors him and holds his own thumb up while walking away with his brothers.

Obi-wan comes down to the hangar a little while later. Lumino joins his side and dares ask what happened with the Separatists command ship as it had been intact before the battle. Obi-wan only sighs Anakin’s name with extreme tiredness but gives no further explanation. The Padawan looks confused and turns to his fellow Commander for an answer. Cody answers with a much clearer explanation, saying that Anakin had used the command ships own weapons to destroy it.

Lumino awes at that for a little bit. Being there to witness the aftermath of one of Anakin’s daring plans is very different than hearing rumors in the temple. Even if he’d only heard what happened after the battle finished. It felt surreal.

When they finally land on the planet Lumino finds the scenery very fascinating. Even in wartime the planet shines in sunlight, its glass buildings while in shambles of their previous selves, still reflects the light on their glass surfaces. Obi-wan greets Anakin and the Senator. Lumino also get introduced to the senator, Bail Organa the representative of Alderaan. He gives his usual introduction which earns questions from Anakin.

“It’s the proper way of introduction.” Lumino looks confused at Anakin’s questioning.

“Proper way? Great...” Anakin rolls his eyes not particularly happy with the answer. Lumino tilts his head.

“It’s what my Master taught me, didn’t Master Kenobi teach you manners?” Anakin now shoots an accusatory glare at Obi-wan. Sending confusion to his former Master on what he’s teaching Lumino. Obi-wan gives Anakin a simple answer, that he in fact didn’t teach Lumino that. He curtly goes back to conversing with the Senator.

“I see where I accidentally confused you, Knight Skywalker. Master Kenobi wasn’t my first Master. I was taught under Jedi Knight Pong Krell before being moved to be taught under Master Kenobi instead.” Anakin tries to push further confused on what “moved” implied. Lumino avoids his attempts quickly not wanting to discuss it further and shifts the focus on the fact they still have to establish some form of base of operation on Christophsis.

Anakin leaves it at that, getting the hint that now wasn’t the time. There is after all, much to do as most troops unload supplies. So, he set out to help where he can while Obi-wan finishes discussing with the Senator. Lumino follows the Knight to do the same.

“Lumino, do you have a moment?” Obi-wan asks as he approaches the Padawan. Lumino sets down the box that he’d been carrying. He holds up a thumb as he turns to his Master. “I’ve got some questions regarding the documentation that your previous Master reported. It was very brief and if you could add to it, we could continue your training for exactly where you’d left it with Krell.” He hands Lumino a datapad and the boy glances over the small amount of text on it. All of the information pertaining to Lumino’s force abilities.

“This is all, Master Kenobi.” Obi-wan looks perplexed at Lumino, the words taking a few seconds to make sense.

“Maybe there’s a misunderstanding, I meant for you to add anything missing. Even fundamental things, such as meditation or levitating small objects.” Lumino doesn’t meet his Masters eyes anymore.

“There’s no misunderstanding. I can’t do those things.”

“You can’t meditate?” Anakin buds in, having been listening in on the conversation. “Seems you got your hands full with this one Master.” Anakin shakes his head a smile on his face. Lumino picks up his own box again.

“May I go back to unloading supplies?” Obi-wan nods, takes note of his Padawans want to leave so suddenly. He could sympathize with the frustration Lumino must be experiencing. The boy starts kicking rocks while he carries boxes back and forth. It would be hard teaching a teenager the fundamentals of the force, but it wouldn’t be impossible. Obi-wan had taught Anakin, who was already nine when he joined the order. If anyone could do it, Obi-wan would be the one.

The rock splits in two as it collides with another one. Lumino let’s out a disappointed sigh, not good enough. He kicks another and it rolls away. That one wouldn’t be good either. So far, he’d had no luck in finding a suitable rock for his collection. Lumino hopes he finds one before the battles starts. Otherwise finding one that wouldn’t roll away or crumble would be difficult.

The skies of Christophsis are clear and shine beautifully as Lumino looks out on the horizon, where the Separatist droids march forward. The Republic forces are set up with a great vantage point of their approach. The two towers being a clear way for the Separatist forces to move through to try and reach their base. The Generals placed themselves in one tower each. The Commanders accompanied Obi-wan to the south tower and the Captain went with Anakin to the north one. Both had heavy weapons with them. The plan being to ambush the Separatists when they pass through the towers. Right now, all Lumino can do is watch the crystal planet’s scenery. A magnificent sight he would try not to forget.

Lumino inspects the east corridor and the gear they’d set up, three high artillery guns. Four troops are in the corridor with him. He takes note of the tight space. Even without the guns he could probably lay down and touch both walls. A looks out the window again feeling a tightness twist in his guts. He is standing at the far end of the corridor farthest from where Obi-wan had set up the others. They are in a much bigger room. Lumino wishes he could go in there instead of being stuck in a hallway. But a mission is a mission.

Pain is the first thing Lumino notices wrong.

A searing sensation goes across his forearm. Burning pain shoots through his whole body as he activates his lightsaber. He hadn’t even heard the droids approaching. He’s able to catch some of the bolts on his lightsaber, some go through his defense, but none hit him. A stray blaster bolt hits one of the soldiers that is with him. It’s already difficult holding back so many droids, even if only B1’s, with the hurt arm not assisting in any way. Despite this Lumino lets his left arm take over, deactivating one of his saber’s ends to be able to move better. He bends down to pick up the downed soldier. A hiss escaping him as his hurt arm protests against the pressure.

The other three with them had all been shot down at this point. Their armor was unable to protect them from so many shots. The only sounds Lumino can distinguish are the groans of pain coming from the soldier he was carrying. The blasters being shot at them and the commotion coming from the other room. All of them mixing into a cacophony he’s unable to pick apart.

Thankfully a few more troops come to their rescue and hold back the advancing B1’s enough for them to join the bigger room. Dread fills Lumino as he sees the corridor on the other side of the room also flooded with droids. Bodies litter the floor. The stench of burned skin spreading fast.

Something crashes into the window, glass slides over the floor as the group from the south tower joins up with the north.

“This way is clear!” Anakin’s voice cuts in over the sounds of blaster fire.

“How did you get over here?” Obi-wan questions.

“I improvised.” Anakin quips, his men help with holding back the advancing droids so the rest can escape into the elevator. Lumino swallows hard and deactivates his lightsaber as he drags himself and the injured soldier into the tight space. Several armored bodies get pressed up against the boy as they get pact in like sardines. Deep breath in, hold and breathe out. His grip on the clone slips for a second but he’s fast to grab a hold of him again.

Lumino helps the injured trooper stand up straight. He swears from the pain, hoarse words in a language Lumino recognizes as Mando’a. Lumino decides to check on the wound to see how badly the soldier was injured. The shot seems to have hit his stomach plate but being shot so closely, it had burned through the armor and his black’s underneath. The skin looks a little better than Lumino’s injury. But the placement was far worse. He cringes when the trooper tries to stumble out of the elevator on his own. Not being strong enough to fully get out of Lumino’s grip, he’s able to help the soldier stable himself.

The group spills out of the elevator. Lumino can count about seven soldiers that made it to the elevator, excluding the one he’s carrying. The second elevator opens and a few more arrive. Obi-wan asks what their next action is. The group only gets to the edge when the other elevator opens to reveal more incoming droids.

When the evacuation ship stations next to the building Lumino is fast to get himself and the injured soldier inside. Their mission medic follows soon and quickly takes over. Lumino stands closer to the door, his eyes surveying the people still on the roof. He sees one of the men rip the head of the tactical droid.

Lumino stares in awe at the clone that wrenched off the head of the tactical droid. Seeing as he just scored their forces information. When the last trooper jumps on the ship, the doors close and they fly back to base.

During the ride Lumino keeps checking on the injured trooper. Obi-wan also commands him to go to the medbay when they arrive. His arm needs medical attention. The skin has a few concerning yellow patches. Lumino pokes them a few times, finding it weird that they didn’t hurt like the rest of the wound. He looks away, a little disturbed, as some of the blister's pop and a liquid slowly trickles out. It is clear in color and slowly oozes out, it makes Lumino wish it was blood.

Crys runs around and gives orders left and right in the medical bay. The medics follow his orders, treating the injured. Lumino watches as soldiers are pushed in on stretchers after having surgery in another part of the medbay. Someone had their arm blown off. It was a gruesome sight. Lumino couldn’t look for long when they carried him in. Now that same soldier is lying stable and asleep in the bed next to him. Lumino’s silver eyes glance over at him from time to time, making sure the trooper’s chest moves up and down like it should.

“Sorry for the wait Commander.” Wooley says walking up to him. He lets out a deep sigh and pushes some of his dark hair back. It was messed up from running around and lost it's shape when the gel couldn't hold anymore.

“It’s alright, my wound isn’t deep.” Lumino holds forward his arm. Wooley takes it and inspects the wounds. He makes a comment about it being a rough burn, mostly second degree with patches of third. The medic disinfects it and puts on a bacta patch before bandaging it up.

“Bacteria got into your wound, the bacta patch should clear it up but you need to notify someone if it gets worse. If green liquid comes out, you’re experiencing a fever or more redness and pain from the burn.” Lumino nods at the instructions. Wooley then hands over a few supplies so he can reapply the bandage. Along with instructions on how to replace them, saying it needs to be replaced after every day. After reciving the information Lumino is free to leave. The boy thanks Wooley and retreats to his room.

Chapter Text

Lumino knocks on the metal door, the sound echoes through the empty corridor. The doors flush open and the boy takes a step into the room. His Master is seated on a cushion in the middle of the room, a matching seat arranged opposite him. Obi-wan smiles at Lumino then gestures for the boy to take a seat. The cushion sinks as Lumino sits down on it. The Padawan leans forward and bows his head. When Lumino sits upright again he lets his grey eyes study the dimly lit room.

“Master Kenobi.” The aforementioned Master smiles a little softer at the boy. Obi-wan rolls his shoulders back and rests his hands on his knees.

“Now, there’s no need for such formalities, Lumino.” Obi-wan smiles and explains that they’ll meditate together. Lumino rubs his palms agaisnt his pantlegs, trying to wipe away the nervous sweat that’s building up. The boy stares at the man then nods absent mindedly as he’s instructed to relax and close his eyes. Obi-wan does the same and evens his breath out into deep and slow puffs of air. Copying his Master breathing, Lumino then proceeds to reach out the best he can towards the dull presence in the room. He can feel the distant hum of his Master reaching out through the force. Yet when the boy reaches back he’s blocked.

A frustrated sigh leaves Lumino as his shoulders tense a bit. He tries to reach his Master again. And again. His nails pick at the fabric of his pants, its soft texture doing more to irritate the Padawan’s fingertips rather than soothe any of the tension.

After some more attempts Obi-wan opens his eyes and concludes their meditation session. Any arguments Lumino would’ve liked to make had died several tries ago. He decides it’s for the best and instead spends the rest of his afternoon drilling defensive stances with his lightsaber. Only one edge activated as he copied the moves Obi-wan had shown him.

It’s not long until darkness falls over the Republic’s base of operations on Christophsis. Lumino walks towards the mess hall, he steps lighter once he passes by the destroyed armory. The ash and dust marked everything in the area with darkness and death. A lump of shame sets into his stomach. Lumino knows that the explosion and resulting casualties couldn’t have been saved by him alone. But, what if? What if someone had reached Sargent Slick before he turned on the Republic? What if he’d helped more when the armory blew up? Maybe if he'd been more preceptive he would've noticed his Master's absence and helped Cody with the investigation? The should’ve and could’ve settles into a tight knot in the boy's chest. The thought of food from the mess hall seemed all the more daunting.

Once the metal walls start to clear up is when Lumino focuses again on his current mission. Getting food then going to bed. Even if he had to force the nutrients down his own throat. Lumino rolls his shoulders back and puffs his chest out. The new scar tissue on his forearm pulls on the edges of the skin, but he ignores the uncomfortable sensation. He repeats the mission in his mind, first eating something then going to sleep. It shouldn’t be difficult and yet it sounds to him like the most exhausting thing he’s had to do today.

The tried Padawan tucks himself in with the thin blanket and relaxes into the stiff mattress. The room is clouded in darkness. Lumino’s eyes still pick up on the details in the room. Especially the comparably bright light blinking in and out from R3’s charging station. Taking a deep breath, he closes his eyes and tries to rest. With a large amount of energy left in his body, Lumino doesn't pass out like he used to do when he trained under Pong Krell. Lumino’s brain conjures up unwanted images from the days that have passed. Each scene burned into his brain. He takes a deep breath and focuses on the color black. Lumino tries his very best to only imagine the color until he falls asleep. His tries are for nothing as he's still awake after an hour of failing. The boy turns his head to the side as he squints because of the dull light from R3.

“Three-Three?” An affirmative beep comes from her. “Could you turn on a few more lights for tonight?” The droid doesn’t answer but a few seconds after his request, there are a few more soft lights shining from R3. “Thanks buddy.” Keeping both arms by his side Lumino closes his eyes again, this time able to enter a resting state.

The night had been everything but peaceful as the boy woke up in a mess. His pillow is on the other side of the room and his blanket is tangled up around his legs. Lumino’s mouth is dry and sweat is sticking to his forehead. Breathing is hard and the room keeps spinning. He rolls away from the bed and lands in a pile on the floor. R3 nudges the boy once he stops moving. Lumino pets the droid, a warm smile on his lips as he rejoins the world. No longer panicked and stuck in a nightmare.

Blaster fire sweeps by his side as Lumino side steps it. Obi-wan holds back, making sure to stay close to the young teenager. Anakin however, had run off at some point, shouting about taking down the tri-droids. Lumino truly despises those droids. Gigantic hunks of metal with three legs making it easy for them to traverse any landscape and crush anyone underneath them. Along with blaster fire equal to a tank attached to the round body makes the tri-droids a big problem. Anakin jumps around its long legs successfully avoiding being trampled, while simultaneously blocking the shots of B1’s and B2’s around him.

Obi-wan is able to stand practically still compared to Lumino and Anakin who were moving around much more. The Jedi Master reflects back all shots he catches on his lightsaber, using the enemy’s power against them.

Lumino meanwhile is having to run up to his enemies to take them out. His weapon being built for close combat and not knowing how to reflect blaster fire combining to his close quarters approach. The strategy he’s decided to implement is to create a dent in the droids' line before throwing his lightsaber to spin around. The action takes all of his focus and trust that the Republic soldiers will cover his back. So far, he hasn’t been shot down and he’s leaving a trail of droids cut in half.

It doesn’t take long for the little use of the force to tire him out. Sweat dripping down his forehead and a twinge of regret over using it. A deep tiredness keeps pulling at his focus. He pushes through even with the pain his muscles feel and tiredness he’s experiencing. Lumino does slow down his destruction of droids, switching his focus to defense. Catching the blaster bolts shot at him rather than rushing over to the closest enemy. Leaving the droids up to the soldiers and Obi-wan. The Republic forces push forward as more droids turn into scraps. The Separatists' forces dwindles faster the longer the fighting went on.

A thud comes from Lumino as he lays down on the ground. He raises his arms above his head, widening the airway to the lungs. Dirty fingers push though his prickly and sweaty hair, mixing dirt into the mess. His lungs fill with air that he so desperately needs. The battle was over. The droids had run away from the battle, a probable regrouping. But that meant a moment of silence before the storm kicked in again. Obi-wan walks over and offers to help his Padawan stand up again. Holding out his hand, Lumino accepts once he notices it.

They find a more comfortable spot in the temporary camp. Obi-wan sits down with Lumino for a little while, breathing, no words exchanged between the two. Eventually Anakin disrupts their silence by taking Obi-wan away to discuss their depleting resources. Finally, having caught back with his breathing Lumino makes sure to stretch so he avoids becoming sore. He watches as their ships leave to fly back to their base. All of them are being sent back for supplies. Some of the more critically wounded are going with them.

Lumino looks around the camp. It wasn't anything grand and it certainly lacked the standard that his former Master would've implemented. But at the same time his former Master would've never ordered them to settle down. It felt wrong in a sense, to not push forward. The boy couldn't shake the feeling that they'd become an easy target. Making a temporary base is not something Lumino would've chosen to do, not what he's been taught to consider doing. However he's making sure to at least try to understand his new Master’s reasoning and the Knight’s influence. Yet another unfamiliarity, they acted like equals rather than Master and former apprentice. Despite how much Lumino dwelled on things it never quelled the questions simmering on his tongue.

“I have some ideas for how we can deal with those three-legged droids!” Anakin is pacing back and forth in front of a squad of soldiers from the 501st battalion. All of them have rations in their hands, eating while listening to the General talk. Lumino had taken a seat a little to the side, also listening in on what the Jedi Knight had to say. Feeling a childlike curiosity when Anakin opens a crate full of jet packs.

Anakin had just handed them out to the squad when an explosion caught their attention. He’s the first to rush over to the commotion. The clones and Lumino follow close behind.

“They’re back!” Anakin shouts. Obi-wan joins them with his lightsaber activated. Immediately sending blaster bolts back at the droids.

Before Lumino can throw himself into battle, he notices more shots from across their camp, over by the heavy cannons. Lumino looks back at Obi-wan and Anakin. Deciding the two will be fine without his help. The boy rushes over to the cannons to investigate why there’s blaster fire.

A body nearly collides with Lumino as he quickly approaches the fighting. The trooper crashes into a few crates then slumps down on the ground, either knocked out or dead. Lumino doesn’t linger on it as he looks for the assailant. Four commando droids are gathered around one of the heavy cannons. One is crouched down in front of an open panel, a tool in hand and sparks flying around it. The other three are taking down soldiers around them.

Lumino uses a crate to jump down on the one sabotaging the heavy cannon. He ends the droid with a swift attack, cutting through its head then impaling the body. He lets it fall to the ground, alerting the other three droids of his arrival. Their attention now fully focuses on the Commander rather than the soldiers manning the heavy cannons. One droid has a clone in a chokehold. Lumino lunges for the droid and it lets go of the man to defend itself. The clone crawls away to regroup with his brothers.

Lumino steps away from the cannons and the three commando droids follow. He takes note of each move they make as they all keep their knives ready to strike down the boy. A single misstep or opening in his defense could result in a swift end. Before they can fully surround him, Lumino strikes out first, cutting off one of the droid's arms and swirling around to block the incoming attack from the commando droid next to it. The third one now charges and tries to get a swing slash to Lumino’s neck. It only nicks his hair as he pushes the droid he’s blocking back and dodges the attacking one. A well placed kick to the droid's metal leg has an audible snap coming from it. The droid loses balance as its leg gives out and it falls to the ground.

Lumino takes his eyes away from the one on the ground. Instead focusing on the one he'd pushed back, it's now recovered and attempts another attack. He dodges to the side, moving in circles with the droid. A yelp escapes him as he’s surprised by the one-armed droid swiping at his head. It quickly retreats to charge up another attack, letting the two-armed one continue its attack on Lumino. He feels the need to scold himself for letting his attention slip. Master Krell would've wasted no time correcting his mistake. Lumino had been lacking in his physical training and discipline ever since he’d been removed from his former Master. It’s a habit he needs to sort out sooner rather than later. The one armed droid slips back and climbs onto the heavy cannon.

Feinting the two-armed commando Lumino’s able to cut it in half, its torso falls to the ground. He stomps down hard on its head. The pieces scatter under his shoe. The one-armed droid jumps down from the heavy cannon. Instead of dodging Lumino impalas it on his lightsaber. He heaves the droid off of himself taking a deep breath. His guard goes up again as the last droid charges at him.

Before it reaches him the droid is repeatedly shot, the blaster fire taking it down. Lumino waves at the clones in thanks. It seemed the one Lumino had saved from the commando droids was the one who’d gathered the backup. They’d taken down all the current threats. The clones take over the heavy cannon. They check it for any sabotage and make sure to get it back in operating order. The other cannons were busy doing their job of shooting at the Separatist tanks while the battle had been ongoing. The cannon is operational in no time and the added pressure helps force the Separatists to order a retreat. They had the droids on the run again.

Lumino hangs back by the cannons, standing guard in case any more commando droids show up to try sabotaging them for a second time. Only once the battlefield is calm again does Lumino decide it's safe to report back to his Master. On the way back, Lumino passes many soldiers getting carried by their brothers. Injured are scattered all around the camp, slowly gathering in the medical tent. It’s a noble end, Lumino thinks, to die in the battle for peace. Lumino doesn't spot the generals among the injured. He is able to find Cody further into the camp and reports back to him instead. Another battle has been fought and a future battle is guaranteed. There’s no time for being picky with who you report back to.

Cheers of victory carry through the camp as a friendly ship flies over them. The common belief being it is a part of their reinforcements. Lumino looks up skeptically, it feels too convenient to gain reinforcements now. Besides, they should utilize their current resources before asking for more. He finally finds and joins his Master's side, who is already accompanied by Anakin, and they walk over to the newly arrived ship. The three humanoids are followed by R2-D2 and R3-E3.

“Our cruiser must be back.” Obi-wan states as they approach the ship. Anakin joins in on the optimistic thinking. “Then it looks like our problems are solved. Fresh troops, new supplies, and perhaps they’ve brought the books I requested for my Padawan.”

“Isn’t it a bit cruel to force him to read while in the middle of a battlefield?” Anakin looks back at Lumino who's trailing behind the two in silence. His gaze was sympathetic while watching the boy.

“It’s important for his learning to not be disrupted. Even while we’re out in the field.” Obi-wan lectures and seems eager to continue his point. However, it’s cut short by the doors of the shuttle opening and a young Torguta walks out. Her skin is a bright orange with white marks. The colour makes her stand out against the turquoise environment. She was dressed in a casual outfit. Certainly not traditional Jedi robes and she didn’t display any armor either. Both Master and Knight express confusion at the youngling’s arrival.

“I’m Ahsoka. Master Yoda sent me." Her words seem to clear a little of their confusion. "I was told to tell you that you must get back to the Jedi Temple immediately. There's an emergency." Anakin groans, exclaiming his distaste for the unfortunate situation they’re facing, Obi-wan hums as he strokes his beard, glancing over at his Padawan the boy looks back now fully alert.

"Yes, our communications have been a bit unreliable, but we've been calling for help." Obi-wan explains.

"Master Yoda hadn't heard from you so he sent me to deliver the message." Ahsoka's words make Anakin sigh in disappointment. The fact no one knew they needed reinforcement troubling him and he started complaining about it, loudly. "Maybe you can relay a signal through the cruiser that dropped me off." Ahsoka suggests. Obi-wan and Anakin share a look before nodding. Finding merit in Ahsoka's suggestion and deeming it worth a try.

While they attempt to establish a reliable communications channel to the cruiser a datapad is found among the shuttle's limited supplies. On it are a few ebooks from the Jedi temple, all about how to enter meditation. Obi-wan hands the datapad to Lumino and instructs the boy to take the opportunity to start reading the first book while they try to reestablish contact with the Temple. The boy nods before leaving them to settle down and follow his Master's instructions.

“Perfect!” Anakin’s voice makes Lumino look up from the datapad he’d been absorbed in. “Lumino, Ahsoka. Ahsoka, Lumino. Great, now you two can chat for a bit while I gather everyone up.” Anakin is fast in making his escape from the two Padawans. Lumino glances back down, not giving much thought to anything but his mission right now. To read the books and follow his Master's instructions.

“First I’m sent off with Captain Rex and now he leaves me with you. I’m starting to think he doesn’t want a Padawan.” Ahsoka grumbles, not one bit happy with how her new Master is abandoning her at the first opportunity. “I’m Ahsoka Tano. Master Skyguy said your name was Lumino, right?” Lumino puts away his datapad not wanting to be rude as he stands up to introduce himself.

“I am Padawan Learner Lumino Amir. It is a pleasure to meet you, Padawan Tano.” He bows a little expecting her to do it back and she does. “You do not call Knight Skywalker that to his face, do you? If he is your Master that is more than disrespectful.”

“Skyguy? No, I said it to his face and I've been assigned to him by Yoda.” Ahsoka shrugs but Lumino tenses up and frowns.

“Are you not concerned he will be angry at you for not respecting him? He is ranked above you.” Lumino glances in the direction Anakin had rushed off to. Ahsoka chuckles at his concern.

“He’s a bit irritated for sure but not angry. He’ll survive a nickname.” Ahsoka laughs trying to lighten the mood. Lumino can see hints of tension in her face. She’s not fully honest, but who would be. He shakes the observation off and instead tries to emulate her mood. Relaxing a little in the process. “Our Masters work with each other often so we shouldn’t be strangers. Besides that, we’re also the same age. It’d be nice to have a friend while out saving the Republic.” Lumino nods to the statement, it seems he'll be seeing Ahsoka around often since she's been chosen to be Anakin Skywalker's Padawan.

“We’re close in age, I am fifteen. I will turn sixteen in a few weeks. What about you?” Ahsoka narrows her eyes slightly and places a hand on her hip.

“Fourteen." Ahsoka looks the boy up and down. Her smile tight as she crosses her arms. "No, I don’t buy it. You’re too short to be older than me.” Lumino raises a hand and holds up one finger.

“First of all, we are the same height." He raises a second finger. "Secondly, I have no reason to lie.” Lumino blinks then stares at her head. “Are you including your montrals when counting?”

“Course I am!” Ahsoka says, her smile is bright as she gestures to the blue and white montrals on her head. They’re accessorized with beads, probably similar to how Lumino wears his Padawan braid as an earring. A small band of sharp teeth frame her face. Ahsoka looks down at the datapad in Lumino's other hand. “What were you reading?”

“‘Fundamentals of Meditation’ volume one out of seven, I think.” Lumino opens the datapad to check and confirms he was indeed correct. The boy smiles to himself because he’d remembered correctly.

“Cool, are you having trouble meditating? I sometimes have trouble calming my mind.” Ahsoka says. Lumino glances at the datapad. The boy would like to go back to reading, as his Master had issued this task, but he so rarely speaks with anyone close to his age. “You don’t seem like you’d have that problem.” Lumino snaps back up to look at her trying to decipher what that means.

It’s far too soon but their conversation is cut short. They’re called over to the meeting table where all the commanding members of the camp are gathered up.

The plan to defeat the separatists has become complicated with the introduction of an energy shield. Republic scouts were able to locate where they held the generator. It was far beyond enemy lines. The mission to destroy the shield generator was assigned to Anakin and Ahsoka. The ones that remained would hold back the separatists for long enough for the pair to succeed. With the lack of supplies, no air support and no heavy cannons the options were limited. But if the shield falls, the heavy cannons could do most of the fighting and blast the separatist to dust.

Lumino mostly observes as the planning is discussed. His eyes are trained on the map. He takes note of where they’d try to lure the Separatists in. Lumino raises his hand and waits patiently for Obi-wan to notice. When he does, the Master raises an eyebrow and nods for the Padawan to speak. Lumino steps forward to point at the map.

“We could utilize this point for more than cover.” He points at the area surrounded by buildings. “Not only can we use the buildings as cover but we could assign a squad to circle back and strike from this ledge, here.” Lumino looks to his Master, wanting to see if his idea held any merit.

“Sounds like a good advantage. Padawan, I want you to accompany this squad. We’ll keep the Separatist occupied until Anakin and Ahsoka complete their mission.” With those words the meeting was concluded. Everyone went off to prepare for their own missions. Lumino could feel the tightness in his stomach, he couldn't identify if it was something he'd had for lunch or if it's nervousness from the impending battle. Everything has been placed on Anakin and Ahsoka's success in destroying the shield generator. If they fail and the separatists take the heavy cannons out there would be no chance of a Republic victory.

Anakin and Ahsoka snatches some bombs from the ammunition stock before rushing away. Cody helps Lumino and assigns a squad to accompany the boy. Their comms get synced and will light up when Lumino gives the order to fall back.

Lumino keeps himself on guard in the fallen landscape. The infrastructure of Christophsis had suffered from the destructive war and it made traversing on foot difficult. The main road they were currently walking along had giant craters cutting up the path. Obi-wan walks next to Cody leading the battalions forward. The men had taken the lead and set the pace for everyone else. The soldiers kept the pace steady and held their weapons at the ready. The ominous red glow of the Separatist shield generator was slowly approaching. They would have at least a half an hour before it would cut over the heavy cannons. If it came to that the battle would’ve already been lost. Lumino heard a pair of boots walking out of sync with the others. The sound got close to him rather quickly and at his side appeared one of the clones. The soldiers armor has a few scuffs and dirty spots scattered everywhere except the chest plate which is shiny and clearly new.

"Commander, I want to thank you." The man says and Lumino looks him up and down, trying his best to understand what he'd done to earn the clones thanks. Noticing the lack of recognition from Lumino the man thankfully elaborates. "During the tower ambush you carried me out. Thank you, for saving my life Commander."

"You do not need to show gratitude for that." Lumino says he kicks a rock on the ground, when it doesn't break he scoops it up without breaking his stride. "Your sentiment is appreciated, but please do not feel the need to thank me for saving you." The boy inspects the rock he'd picked up then pockets it. He can feel the stares of some other clones.

"I'm Ronin." Lumino nods and opens his mouth to introduce himself but is stopped by Ronin before he can start. "Save your breath, by now the 212th have learnt your name Commander Amir. The introduction you keep using to say hello is very informative. It gave quite the impression."

"A good impression I hope?" There's a slight waver in Lumino's voice, be it a voice crack from his still developing voice or nervousness is not a question the teenager would ever answer.

"I can't speak for everyone, but I thought you were stuck up. I'm happy to have been proven wrong Commander." Ronin calps Lumino on the shoulder as a show of ease and Lumino relaxes at the friendly gesture.

"I am glad to have proven your initial impression wrong." Lumino says. Ronin stays by Lumino’s side, his steps syncing up with the boy’s. They walk in silence over the destroyed city. The ominous red clouds more and more of the horizon.

The battle quickly separates the two as Lumino rushes forward to be closer to his Master. Robin had fallen back in line with his brothers. Shot after shot sweeps past Lumino’s vision as the droids advance on their position.

The Republic forces were forced back far quicker than anticipated. Once the first troops had gathered around the buildings is when Lumino decides to signal the squad. They’d focus on covering the other soldiers as they fell back. The boy keeps his back to the building as he retreats into it. Once the majority of the squad had gathered Lumino leads them to the edge. With a greater view of the battlefield Lumino had expected to be able to observe everyone. However, Obi-wan is nowhere in the boy's sight and a cold unease sets under his lungs, pressing against the organ and making his breathing difficult.

Feeling useless only observing the battle Lumino is quick to order his troops to keep covering until everyone has gotten to the buildings. He jumps down from the ledge and rejoins the battle. Despite not having done much today Lumino felt as if he’d already fought five battles, at the least. His movements were sloppy and his eyes kept sweeping over the surrounding troops. The boy's grey eyes keep searching for his missing Master, to settle down the growing tension. An explosion goes off right next to Lumino and he would’ve fallen had Cody not intervened.

“Focus on the battle kid!” Cody scolds and drags Lumino closer to another one of the buildings. The clone had taken notice of the decline in Lumino’s technique. Cody flanks the boy and his presence brings Lumino out of the daze he'd been caught in. The years of training kick in and Lumino falls into the motion of blocking and slicing as they prevent the droids from blocking their escape.

Cody takes the lead in guiding the troops and Lumino where to go. The Commanders back up side by side, Lumino acting as a shield for Cody and Cody blasting dorids left and right. Blue blaster fire shoots out from behind them, taking down several more droids as they are joined by the reinforcement squad. They’d gotten down from the ledge and started retreating with the rest of the battalion.

They meet up with Rex a little further up, far too close to the heavy cannon for Lumino's comfort. He observes the other group and once again notices the lack of a general. The constant fire sent their way makes it very difficult to hear anything clearly. Lumino and Cody duck down by the same debris Rex is using as cover.

"Where is Master Kenobi?" Lumino aims his question at Rex and the man shakes his head.

"The General's been captured. You should return to the heavy cannons, Commander." Rex says and Lumino shakes his head.

"We need all our available troops holding the separatist back." Lumino looks over the debris, he sees the shield. The red glow creeping closer and closer. He keeps a strong grip on his lightsaber, preparing to attack, the metallic stomping of B1 droids almost deafening.

One last look over the debris and Lumino judges the droids are close enough, he jumps over the hidespot and activates the saber again. He's careful to not accidentally use any force ability as he slices and dices the droids while dodging and blocking shots. This situation would go on for an uncertain amount of time and this was not a place for exhaustion. The teenager finds it interesting how Cody seems to keep himself close to him. But he lets the stray thought go before he can delve into a side track. Better to keep focus on staying alive than to let the thoughts wander and be shot down.

The amount of trust Lumino had in Anakin and Ahsoka's ability to complete the mission before the separatist reached the cannons dwindles with every bit they got pushed back. The pair had seemed so sure while the mission was planned. Perhaps that had only been a false confidence. Lumino’s belief is nearly gone when the sky clears and the shield falls. The red glow disappears from the edges and opens up the separatist for a counter attack.

Lumino bites down on a cheer as he impales a droid and the heavy cannons start operating again, never had the boy been this happy over explosions going off. The loud bangs sound of victory instead of the usual demise. With the shield down it didn't take much for the tides to turn in the Republic's favor. Any major force the separatist had was obliterated by the heavy cannons.

What broke the grip Lumino had placed on himself was the sound of several gunships, a glance to the sky revealed several republic landing crafts that were approaching the battlefield. A pathetic breath escaped his throat, a combination of a sigh and a cheer. He now took the advice he'd previously been given and fell back completely. The exhaustion sets into his bones as the adrenaline wears off. Weeks spent with restless sleep and constant battles had taken a toll on the boy.

Once the victory has been confirmed and blaster fire no longer rings in Lumino's ears is the tension allowed to leave his body. A shuttle comes by and picks him, Rex and Cody up. Lumino and Cody get dropped off by the Star Destroyer that had landed nearby. The Commanders reunite with the previously captured General while the Captain flew off to pick up the other two jedi. Lumino's lips twitch at the sight of Obi-wan standing with Yoda. He looked unharmed and displayed no sign of internal damage either.

Lumino joins the two Jedi while Cody walks off to organize the 212th and ready their return to Coruscant. Yoda explains how the leader of the Hutt clan's son had been kidnapped and that it's the Jedi's mission to get him back safely. While the Grand Master gives the two an overview of the situation, R3-E3 joins Lumino's side and scans him.

“I’ll be heading for Tattoine then. Lumino, I want you to return to Coruscant with Cody.” Obi-wan lays a light hand on Lumino's shoulder and adds a little bit of confidence in what Lumino is about to do next. Despite a sudden tightness in his throat Lumino opens his mouth to speak, forcing the words out.

“Sure, Master.” Lumino stared intently at Obi-wan. Keeping himself vigilante for any change in the man’s mood. When there is nothing negative. Quite the opposite, Obi-wan seems pleased at the boy's responses. Lumino clenches his jaw together to make sure he doesn't accidentally gape at his Master for what the boy believes is a baffling reaction. “Safe trip.” He adds softly, nothing more than a mumble, his breath catching in his throat. Obi-wan smiles at his Padawan then turns to Yoda. Lumino walks away from the two, towards the Star Destroyer that would set off to Coruscant.

“R3, you saw that too? He didn’t even twitch. I used an improper form to address him, an incomplete sentence and I even mumbled!” Lumino rants to the droid. R3 activates a hologram that shows a graph. Lumino’s gaze becomes transfixed on the hologram. “Great idea. We should note down and graph these differences. I am unsure if my hearts can take anymore unexpected..” Lumino pauses and thinks over his words. “ Situations. Something not unexpected however, look at this rock.” He pulls out the small rock that had been laying in his pocket during the battle. R3 scans the rock and brings up a small schematic of what minerals the rock is built up off. Lumino hums as he reads from the scan while they walk into the ship.

"Nothing unusual, it is going to be a great addition to my collection. Right Three-Three?" R3 beeps by his side and the boy sighs deeply. "If you want more shiny additions you'll have to find those yourself. I do not have the money for jewels."

Chapter Text

Lumino watches as a box is carried from one end of the hangar to aboard the Nagotiator. Another box following that one. Then another and another and another. Each box that passes increases his boredom. All he's done in the past hour has been to lean against one of said boxes. He taps his finger against the tasset hanging from his hip. The intervals are a mixture of short and long. His nails scrape against the slightly singed leather. Lumino’s gaze drifts to the left as he takes another sweep across the hangar. It’s the same as before, the Negotiator being restocked with supplies.

The Coruscant air holds a hint of moisture as it flows in from the open hangar doors. Lumino taps his finger in a precise rhythm this time and R3-E3 perks up from his side. The astromech lights up a holoscreen containing the weather control for the incoming days. It says clear as day that it will rain at sundown, nothing too harsh, only a soft downpour for a few hours.

“Commander?” Lumino looks up from the holoscreen as his co-commander approaches him. Cody has his helmet off but nowhere in sight. The bottom of his chin is cast in a bright blue light shining up from a datapad in his hands. Lumino could imagine the beautiful checklist the clone has on that datapad. The boy wishes that he was given a new assignment from Obi-wan but the man had been radio silent since leaving for Tatooine. No doubt occupied with attempting to keep the fragile peace with the Hutt Clans intact.

“Yes, Commander Cody.” Lumino turns his body to the man and completely stops leaning against the box behind him.

“The General made contact, he wanted me to relay a message. He wants you to return to the Jedi Temple and rest. I can arrange a transport to take you right now.” Lumino lights up at Cody's words. His wishes were somewhat granted. It may not be an assignment but the boy wouldn’t say no to free time when he was this bored.

“No, I will manage on my own. Thank you Commander Cody, have a good day.” Lumino takes one last look around then takes off with R3 beside him. The boy tries his best to keep himself from running out of there but his pace is far faster than usual. The sun’s glare meets his eyes as Lumino steps outside of the hangar. Excitement fills his body as he walks through the military base.

Lumino takes a deep breath when the fresh air finally hits him full on. It had gotten stuffy in the hangar despite the doors being open. R3 and him start walking past the other hangars and end up passing yet another loading ship. The ship being loaded was only a LAAT vessel not even close in size to a Venator. The squad loading it is from the Senate Guard, judging by their completely blue armor. A few members of the squad have their helmets off showing their unique faces and further confirms that they belong to the Senate Guard. Lumino walks over to them and quickly finds the highest in command, an officer.

“Officer, I am Commander Lumino Amir. Am I right to presume you’re flying towards the senate building?” The Officer and some of the squad stop what they’re doing and watch Lumino. Seeing the squad stop however makes the Officer give them all a pointed look and they quickly resume their work, despite their curiosity.

“That be right, Sir.”

“Then I request to accompany you until the edge of the district.” The Officer looks to the pilot, who shrugs in response, before he agrees to Lumino’s request.

Lumino can feel the eyes of the guards he's accompanying as they watch him and R3. Their curious gazes could be observed from miles away. A strong gust of wind sends a sweet cool flow of air through Lumino's hair as the transport takes a tight turn. It takes his mind off the uncomfortable stares and instead brings his attention back to the Coruscant skyline. He can’t hold back the warmth in his chest as he watches the planet he calls home. A small smile itches on Lumino’s lips, he feels good being back after the weeks he’d spent on Christophsis.

As asked, the pilot drops the boy off a little over the Senate district's edge. The street Lumino jumps off on isn’t very crowded. He makes sure to thank the Officer before stepping off. Lumino looks at the surrounding buildings to orient himself. They’re tall and familiar, he’s close to one of his favorite markets. Lumino naturally walks towards it. However, he takes a little detour so he can watch the traffic pass. The market has tall buildings on all sides making it cut off from most air traffic except for one tunnel on the east side and flying in from above. There were however plenty of ways to cut into the market, both from normal walkways or alleyways.

Lumino can hear the sounds of vendors and customers before he rounds the corner and walks into the market on Scoumet Avenue. He smiles as the market comes into view. The boy skips over the stalls giving them nothing but a glance as he approaches the middle. There is a hole in the center of the upper level opening up the lower level of the market and making it possible for people to look down. A boxy concrete statue stands in the middle of the lower level of the market. Lumino looks over the edge and gets a clear view of the top of the statue. The metal plaque by the statue states it depicts a deceased Chancellor who helped establish several trade routes which are still in use today. The boy had read it plenty of times and even researched who it was in the Temple library. Lumino couldn’t see any resemblance between the old Chancellor and the statue.

Lumino can feel R3’s impatience practically radiate from her as he takes a fifth lap around the center, slowly walking around as he watches over the edge. He runs a hand along one of the bushes placed by it. The droid had stopped following Lumino on the second round of walking and he could see her optic following him. Lumino decides that this is his last lap around the fence, for her sake.

The pair stroll past vendors weaving through more people than before as the clock ticks past noon. Lumino guides them to a platform elevator leading to the lower part of the market. It's stuffier below and the pair have a harder time navigating through the tightly packed crowd. There’s a stark difference in smell to, above it was a quaint smell of food from a few of the vendors. Down underneath the scent lingers in the air and hangs much thicker, Lumino could almost taste the Buttersweet Puffs one of the stalls sells from the scent alone.

Some shiny jewels catch Lumino and R3's attention. The boy steps over to the familiar blue stall. The owner, a short gran man, paid the two no mind and continued to converse with his current customer. One of his three eyes did look over once the buyer was on their way and Lumino bows politely. A deep red geode catches the boy's attention and the gran notices. He kindly brings it out for Lumino to have a closer look.

The duo continue to traverse the market, passing people as they walk closer to the edge. Lumino decides to visit a small mechanics shop placed right where the market ends. An elderly woman ran it and Lumino is quite fond of the color range on protective paints for dorids. R3's dark green and yellow coat had gotten dustier and they'd used up the last right before the Christophsis mission began. Perhaps she could also take a look at his friend's system and see if something is interfering with R3’s photoreceptor. There's not much noise on the outskirts of the market. There's still conversations happening all around, the sound of footsteps as people pass by and the vendors trying to advertise their products. Despite all this Lumino is still able to pick up on the sound of a familiar voice. He speeds up once he takes note of the distress and nervous shake of the woman's raspy voice. The elderly rodian owning the very shop Lumino was about to visit.

He'd gotten to know Dee Troeebell during his first venture into the market. She'd been asking about Lumino's parents before the boy had a chance to even attempt an introduction. It was once his former Master had gifted him R3 that Lumino started to visit Dee's shop regularly. She was currently arguing with a younger human man. Lumino approaches them at a rapid pace, his eyes scanning the man up and down. The human man has dusty blond hair and dark brown eyes. Stubble is growing on his chin and along his sharp jaw. He’s dressed in a plain gray shirt and dark blue pants. Easily lost in a crowd. A holster wraps around the man's waist and he's resting a hand against his blaster. Lumino quickens his pace at the realization the man is armed.

“Is there a problem Miss Troeebell?” Lumino steps in between them, his eyes level on the older woman but his attention is fully on the man. He puts a hand on his lightsaber, mirroring the human. R3 rolls up and goes behind the older rodian.

“It’s none of your business.” The man hisses and looks down at Lumino instead of explaining. The boy isn't intimidated and instead puffs up his own chest.

“Miss Troeebell?” Lumino repeats and she gathers herself.

“This man insists I owe him money. I've never seen him in my life.” The man’s face morphs into something between a sneer and a smirk before huffing. He has a firm hold of his blaster, ready to draw. Lumino really didn't want this to turn violent. The man only has one blaster and seems to be alone. The boy turns to the man and makes sure to bring the extortionist's attention to his lightsaber. The man's eyes widen as he realizes Lumino wasn't just a teenager trying to bud in.

“You must have mistaken Miss Troeebell for someone else.” Lumino gaze travels over the man sizing him up. He was both taller and had more muscle than Lumino did. But if Lumino's lightsaber didn't dissuade the man enough, he holds no doubt he’d be able to take the man in a fight if things escalated. The man’s stance was guarded and unsure. Lumino concludes he hadn’t expected anyone to intervene.

“I must’ve been mistaken...” The human mumbles under his breath. He slowly backs away and disappears around a corner.

Lumino quickly turns to Dee and makes sure she's unharmed before he quickly catches up with the attempted extorter. He keeps his distance and starts tailing the man. Lumino is lucky as the man decides to stick to back allies and keeps himself away from any crowded area. They’re a few blocks away from the shop when Lumino notices he's not the only one following the human. A rodian man was also tailing the man. The human swerves into an alleyway and the rodian goes in after him. Lumino gestures for R3 to wait on the sidewalk as he quietly climbs the building wall and keeps himself to the shadows as he too goes into the alleyway. The boy finds a good ledge to perch on. It gives him a decent view of the two and he’s able to listen in on their conversation. From the angry look on the rodians face, Lumino doubts that the two are friends. The extortionist flashes a bright teethed smile at the rodian and opens his arms as if to pull him into a hug. The rodian scoffs and pushes the human back.

“What was that?! It’s my debt, you don’t need to bring my mom into this! I just need some more time!” The rodian cries out. Lumino angles himself to get a clear view of the rodians face. He has bright green eyes and blue skin. Lumino had been introduced to the man a few months after having befriended Dee, her son Maarlo is standing in front of the extortionist. Maarlo’s hands twitch as he tries to explain himself. “My boss is gonna become the head of the Hutt clans soon. I’ll get a raise and my debt will be cleared, like that!” Maarlo snaps his fingers to emphasize the point, he's desperate but sincere. Lumino frowns at the mentions of the Hutt clan. Their current leader was Jabba the Hutt and they’re currently in enough distress to ask the Jedi for help. Lumino guesses that this person, who claims to have a future as the Hutt clan's new leader can be connected to what his Master had been sent to assist with.

The extortionist frowns and takes out a deathstick, he brings out a lighter and burns the tip. Poisonous smoke drifts up and past where Lumino is hiding. The boy covers his sensitive nose before he inhales any. The horrid smell still reaches past his hand and Lumino forces back a cough. Maarlo seems to be having a similar reaction and coughs as he inhales some of the smoke. The human brings it to his lips and takes a deep breath then exhales the smoke right in the rodian's face.

“You’re a lucky guy. Very lucky. The chairman doesn’t see you as a priority.” He takes another deep breath. “The price will be high if you let that luck fizzle out. You’ll pay double for the next five payments and if you repeat the mistake of not meeting up, I’ll make sure a Jedi youngling doesn’t interrupt my next chat with your mom.” The man throws his half brunt death stick on the ground and stomps it out. The edge still sparks but the man pays it no mind as he leaves the alley. Lumino thinks of following him further but dismisses the idea when he sets eyes on Maarlo.

Before Maarlo can leave the alleyway too, Lumino pounces on the man from above. He tackles Maarlo into the wall to make sure the man doesn’t run from the Padawan. A single click and the steady hum and dark glow of Lumino's lightsaber fills the space between them. Maarlo gulps at the sight, his breathing picking up even more than before.

“Who do you work for?” Lumino stares intensely up at the rodian. He can clearly see Maarlo shaking and squirming under the glare. He stammers out a barely coherent sentence, it’s filled with mumbles and stutters. The boy huffs in irritation then moves his lightsaber the slightest bit closer. It's a dark blue glow reflecting in Marlo’s starburst eyes. The boy bites the inside of his cheek and hopes that he reads the nervousness in Marlo’s reaction correctly.

“The purple slug! Ziro! He’s a Hutt, I don’t work illegally I swear! I work in maintenance, I swear! I swear!”

“You said he was soon going to take over the whole Hutt clan, how?” Lumino doesn't lighten up his grip and he makes sure to not let up on his intense stare, even when Maarlo trembles make him queasy.

“I just overheard some of my coworkers talking, I don't know anything!”

“Where can I find Ziro?” The shaken man gives Lumino directions to a bar in the old downtown area. Lumino nods and deactivates his lightsaber and backs up from him. “Thank you, Mister Troeebell. I apologize for frightening you.” Maarlo falls to the dirty ground, his breathing calming down now that he didn’t have a weapon pressed against his throat. A pang of guilt settles into Lumino's hearts but he pays them no mind as he makes his way back to R3. Sometimes you need to utilize less than kind methods to acquire the correct results and Lumino had gotten a potential trail that needed to be investigated.

Lumino and R3 set out for the downtown district as the sun climbs lower. Giant shadows stretch across the walkways as the sun gets hidden behind the tall buildings. Clouds roll in overhead and the humidity grows thicker. When Lumino and R3 eventually arrive at their destination a gentle downpour settles in and soaks the pair.

The building Lumino looks over is so hideous he can barely stand it. The large cylinder building being a harsh eyesore. While the boy had gotten the displeasure of visiting his fair share of tasteless or, often both, crude bars. This one was by far the worst he’d seen on Coruscant. The bare bones of the building could barely be seen underneath all the signs, tacky modification and bright paints. The only theme among them seemed to be “catch people’s eyes”. The building's only redeeming quality is that it’s at least cleaner than most bars and the maintenance was good enough to keep everything in working order.

The pair break away from the sidewalk and step into the space between the bar and another building. Lumino and R3 follow the curve of the bar to a backdoor. After inspecting it and checking for cameras, Lumino crouches down by the doors operating panel and pops the outer shell off. He carefully disconnects a few wires and hears the door slide open. Lumino pushes the lid back over the cables then glances at R3. He gestures for her to stay outside and she beeps displeased.

"I need you to keep watch and be ready to send out a signal for backup if Ziro proves dangerous. Do you still have the code Master Krell gave us? Send it out if I send you a signal." Lumino waits for the astromech to agree before he steps through the door and makes his way into the building.

The inside is far more forgiving with its decor. Plenty of seating areas litter the halls and the dim light would make it easy for Lumino to take cover and not be spotted by any workers if the need arises. So far it’s empty in the halls, awfully unusual for a bar of this caliber. Lumino knows that staff should be walking through the halls or even some customers that wish for some privacy. Perhaps the bad weather had an effect on the amount of people, or something was afoot. Lumino makes his way through the floors. He finally comes across something on the seventh floor. A steady rhythm of metal hitting metal, clanking footsteps marching down the hall. He slows down in his approach and tries to be even quieter. Two voices reach his ears, both coming from the same direction as the metallic footsteps and one clearly in the robotic voice of a B-1. The other sounds like a humanoid woman.

“C-3PO, get help! I’m being held by Ziro the Hutt!” The woman shouts and then something breaks. Lumino puts his back against the wall and looks around the corner. His eyes shift around the room and take account of the droids on guard. The only organic being there is the woman who shouted for help. Lumino runs into the room and starts to cut down the droid before any of them has a chance to spot him. The ones holding blasters are the first to fall and the rest soon follow.

“Are you hurt, Miss?” Lumino looks the woman over as he opens the cell. The white suit she’s wearing shows no signs of blood, but that doesn’t mean she’s unharmed. He takes his attention away from her as he checks their exit. “I am Padawan learner Lumino Amir.” The woman looks over her items, a blaster and a destroyed communication device. Then follows Lumino to the door. He continues out of it and sneaks along the wall to the left.

“I’m okay, thank you.” The human woman says and instead of following Lumino to the left she instead turns right.

"Where are you going? I know the way to an exit and it is not that way."

"I need to gather concrete evidence of what I’ve seen here." Lumino is about to argue back that he could handle whatever she saw but he hears droids walking down the right corridor. Blocking the way she wants to go. Lumino grabs a hold of the woman and starts leading her in the direction he'd come from.

As they run Lumino sends a signal to R3. They're forced to deviate from the path that Lumino had taken as a group of droids turn the corner and spot them. They run into a large open area with elevators placed around the room. There's no other option than going up or down. Lumino hesitates to get into one of the elevators so the woman takes initiative and rushes them to one and presses a button.

The elevator is a simple platform surrounded by purple painted metal beams. They start to descend and disappear just as the droids break through the door. As they go lower and lower Lumino glances at the woman. She stands tall and confident, almost regal. Her brown hair is tied up in an elaborate bun. The more Lumino looks at the woman the more something in the back of his mind nags that he’s seen her before.

As they descend to the ground floor a large group of droids are gathered around the elevator waiting for it to stop. Their weapons are drawn and aimed at the pair. Seeing no other option the two surrender. The droids join them in the elevator and confiscate their weapons then push a button and they start going back up.

The droids bring them to the main bar area. Lumino’s boots catch on the sticky floor forcing him to be more conscious of how he walks. The droid holds him in a bruising grip around his arm. There’s a stage in the back of the bar with pillows and smoke covering it. Ziro the Hutt lounges on it, in all his glory. Lumino knew how the Hutts were deeply tied into the underworld. Ziro on a simple glance contains all of the bad traits Lumino expects from anyone running an underground empire that deals in illegalities of all kinds. The way the Hutt holds himself shows immediately Ziro thinks highly of himself. Maarlo hadn't been exaggerating when he described Ziro as a purple slug. The Hutts belly was a light dusty purple contrasting the richer shade stretching from his forehead and along his back. A subtle sun is tattooed on his stomach and yellow lines creep along his back and half of his face. Ziro wears a feathered headband and he takes one deep breath from a tube that sticks up from the ground beside him then puffs out the smoke, adding to the cloud already floating around him. Ziro’s poison green eyes are full of disdain as he watches the droids drag them inside.

"You tried to escape, Senator and you've gotten yourself a Jedi." Ziros spits out and Lumino glances as the woman he now knows is a Senator. He's mortified by the fact he’d been dragging around a Senator. "I believe you are too dangerous to be kept alive." Lumino shifts his weight, readying to kick away the droid that has a hold on him. He looks at the one holding his lightsaber, it’s not too far away. The distance could be enough for the droids to fight back and harm the Senator in the skirmish. A much closer option would be to steal the blaster currently trained on him.

"Killing a Galactic Senator, here on Coruscant? Are you out of your mind?" The Senator questions.

"I have powerful friends in the Senate. I'm not afraid of- huh?" A strong flash lights up the hallway behind them. Smoke climbs along the sealing and travels into the bar. The ruckus catches Ziro off guard as his orders fall silent.

"Is anybody home?" A droid peeks around the corner and the senator says his name, C-3PO. Ziro orders his droids to investigate but they're shot down by a squad of clones barreling through the door opening. Lumino pushes the droid holding him back and tackles the one holding his lightsaber. He's able to rip it out of the droid's clutches and activate it, destroying the droid. Beside him the Senator kicks down her capturer and grabs its blaster. Lumino rushes to Ziro before he can escape and holds his saber angled towards the slug's body.

The remaining droids are shot down by the clone troopers. The Coruscant guards surround Ziro and Lumino deactivates his lightsaber, stepping out of the way so they can arrest the Hutt.

"Mistress Padmé, are you all right? Was I too late?" The humanoid built golden droid approaches the woman, clearly distressed. A familiar astromech unit rolls up behind the protocol droid and she immediately goes to Lumino's side. He pats R3's dome and allows her to scan him for injuries.

"3PO. Your timing was perfect." Padmé reassures the droid.

"Oh, thank the maker! I'm so relieved."

"Should we arrest the Hutt, Senator?" Clone Commander Fox asks. Lumino glances at the woman and tries to place her face among the Senators he knows. He'd tried to remember the current Senators with the Jedi's recent involvements and dealings with the Senate but he couldn't place the woman. The guards advance on the Senators command and place Ziro in cuffs, despite the slugs pleading. Ziro doesn’t stop his begging even as the Senator prepares to contact Jabba the Hutt and expose Ziro’s plotting against him.

It's during the preparations that Lumino learns who the woman is, the Senator of Naboo Padme Amidala. The Senator usually wore extravagant clothing and gravity defying hairstyles so the boy couldn’t be too disappointed in himself for not realizing. This experience had taught him that he needed to study the Senate more so he wouldn’t repeat his mistake.

Lumino makes sure to not let his eyes stray from Ziro. Padme's able to get an admission of guilt from Ziro while talking with Jabba. The Hutt clan's leader is furious from the betrayal. Lumino could feel the fear radiating from the purple Hutt as he tried to explain himself. If it weren't for Ziro being a citizen on Coruscant, he’d have to face his nephew's wrath in person. Instead the purple slug will be put on trial in the Republic courts and most likely be sentenced to life in prison. Lumino would've chosen death over being stuck in a cell for the rest of his life.

Everything settles down after that and the clone troopers escort Ziro outside. Lumino follows the group close behind and the boy sighs heavily as the outside air hits him. A few droplets of rain hit his hair and soak into his Jedi robes. The boy watches as a Coruscant Guard vessel arrives to take Ziro into custody. The Coruscant Guards Commander approaches the vigilant boy.

"There seems to be one issue remaining, Commander Amir. An old distress code was sent from this location that called in half of these men. Do you know the origin of this distress code?" The clone sighs when Lumino nods and seems to already be done with this conversation.

"I was granted access by a General early in my apprenticeship, in case of an emergency." Lumino holds back his knowledge of who had given the code, being vague on purpose.

"That's a breach in security. Those codes are restricted to only be accessible for members of the Coruscant Guard."

"I was not made aware when the codes were given to me. I apologize on mine and the General’s behalf. R3 delete the code from your system." The astromech complains a little but does as asked.

"It's not an issue Commander, you haven't misused it and the General that granted you access should be very grateful. If you had, we'd need to launch an investigation. It would've been a waste of manpower." Fox's words make Lumino sweat a little, he truly hadn't known what Pong had given him. "There's a LAAT on its way, it can take you back to the Jedi Temple."

The boy returns to his room once he’s dropped off by the ship. R3 powers down in the corner while Lumino drafts a report to hand over to Obi-wan once his Master returns from his mission. It’s early in the morning when Lumino finishes. He barely gets through the motions of readying himself for bed, at least the dorm's bathroom was void of any other Padawan. Lumino washes his face in the sink. He splashes water on himself and watches as the water droplets run down his markings in the mirror.

Lumino wakes up at midday to someone knocking at his door. He quickly pulls on his Jedi robes over his undershirt and pants. He opens the door and his Master stands outside wanting to have a discussion. Lumino deems a bucket of cold water would've been a nicer way to wake up. There was something different in Obi-wan, a tightness to the man's normally easy face.

"How were you involved in the arrest of Ziro the Hutt?" Lumino moves to pick up his datapad.

"I have already begun writing an incident report. I will finish-" Obi-wan holds up a palm and Lumino immediately shuts his mouth.

"I mean, what were you doing in the city? How did you get to Ziro’s bar?"

"I explain my involvement in my report." Lumino can't see any hint of satisfaction from Obi-wan and decides to continue. "I followed a person who was displaying hostile behavior against another citizen and while tailing him I heard of a ploy against Jabba the Hutt. I knew you had been sent to talk with the Hutts so I thought it was worthy of an investigation."

"But what were you doing out there? Outside of the temple. I told you to return here."

"You never told me I had to return to the temple? You gave me free time, I spent that on a market before my encounter." Lumino drags his nails against the palm of his hand, feeling sweat and flakes of skin sticking to the tips. "I do not understand, where I spend my free time is none of your concern."

"It is my concern when you go and get yourself into trouble while I'm none the wiser. Coruscant is a big and dangerous planet, you're not allowed outside of the temple alone."

"Not allowed? No."Lumino looks away from Obi-wan as he speaks, a slight waver to his voice. "I am not giving up the last part of normalcy I have left. Coruscant may be dangerous, but it is my home. I am a Jedi. I can take care of myself. Therefore punish me as you deem fit, I will disobey any order you give that prevents me from spending my free time however I wish." Lumino's fists shake as he finishes talking. Despite the boy's nerves fighting him to take everything back, his conviction holds strong. Obi-wan sighs and brings his hand up to stroke his beard.

"If there's no way for me to prevent you from going then at least compromise with me." Obi-wan gets down on one knee to try and look Lumino in the eyes but the boy keeps wringing his head more to the side. "I want you to tell me where you're going and preferably how long you'll be there. Keep your comlink on at all times and contact me if you run into trouble."

"I could do that."

Chapter Text

The Nagotiator flies through hyperspace and Lumino is in his room to complete his daily meditation training. Obi-wan had insisted that the Padawan begin meditating on his own to try and improve his connection to the force when the joint training hadn't yielded much results. While Lumino does listen to his Master and attempts to meditate, he mostly uses the time to relax and take naps. He’s been having trouble sleeping after the whole argument he'd had with Obi-wan, more than he usually has at least. Every moment Lumino spends next to Obi-wan is spent waiting for the other shoe to drop. So far, the man hasn't even brought up how disrespectful Lumino had been. The idea that Obi-wan is happy with the simple terms he had set is perplexing. Pong Krell would've never been happy with that. But, his master is Obi-wan Kenobi. It’s been proven to the boy time and time again how different the two Masters are.

Lumino’s eyes open to be met by more darkness. He sits up from the floor and reaches back to crack his stiff neck. His legs ache from being in a crisscross position for the past hour. Next time, he will move himself to the bed. Leaning back on the floor when he gets tired from meditating is resulting in his limps being in pain. He taps three times against the metal floor and R3 perks up. She plugs into the door panel and turns the lights back on. Lumino blinks a few times to adjust to the harsh white light. He presses his hands against the skin under his eyes. It feels as if his downturned eyes are drowning in the faint pair of bags under them. One of his hands leaves his face to instead grab the air in search of his boots. R3 beeps a few times and unplugs from the port.

"That is rich coming from you, dusty." Lumino glares halfheartedly at the droid. He reaches up and ruffles his hair some, bumping into the small horns protruding from his skull. He’s hopeful that the sidepart will fall correctly on its own. "Is that better?" He groans as the droid simply rolls to the door, not answering him. "I am sorry for calling you dusty. Three-Three? I did not mean it." Lumino chases after the droid as she goes down the hall, towards the bridge.

Lumino pats R3's durasteel dome with a small smile on his face and a promise of fixing her some new paint. They walk onto the bridge and the air is thick with tension. Obi-wan paces in the side chamber. Back and forth. He’s waiting for Anakin, Ahsoka or Plo to contact them. A mer whisper of success would calm the Jedi Master. As it stands, the unknown is agitating.

The uncertainty of if the mission has ended in a failure wasn't good for anyone’s nerves. The fact that they have three Republic attack cruisers, full of men, on their way to either obliterate or be obliterated by the Separatist secret weapon. At least now they know that they’re up against an ion cannon, thanks to Ahsoka and Anakin’s heroic deeds in their mission to save Plo Koon. Lumino knows that they’ll succeed in their mission now too. Anakin is the one leading them and the boy has full faith in the man’s ability to execute the plan successfully. He’d doubted Anakin before and that has been proven to be unproductive and wrong. So of course Anakin would succeed as he’s done before. R3 stops by the bridge's main transmitter while Lumino walks past to stand by the front window.

The blue abyss swirls covers the large windows. Celestial bodies blending into the hypnotic pattern of hyperspace. Small pearls of light bleeding and warping to dance along in the ever changing pattern. Lumino loses himself in the mixture of stars that whirls by. The stars reflect in his steel gray eyes. The boy tries his best to not blink too much. He wants to fully take in every second of hyperspace he gets. The glow never grows old.

"I wouldn't stare too long Commander." Lumino glances at the soldier who spoke. By one of the control panels stands a familiar clone. One of the few men on the bridge who’s chosen to wear their armor instead of the uniform. His helmet is resting on the floor under the panel. The first time Lumino had spoken to the clone he’d had a standard haircut that most of his brothers shared. Now he sports a buzzcut with what resembles lightning bolts on the sides, it looks more like bent crowbars. Ronin looks at the boy with a smile.

"Why would I not want to?"

"I've heard people go crazy if they stare into hyperspace for too long." Lumino looks from Ronin to the window. The swirling blue abyss and then back to the clone again.

"Stop trying to scare the Commander and go back to work, Ronin." Lumino looks down at the clone who interrupted. A Sargent, he stands by one of the control panels and is dressed in the standard gray workclothes provided to clones. Lumino knows he’s seen the clone before. The realization is less jarring than it could’ve been. Seeing as Lumino only remembers when he sets his eyes on the man’s missing limb. The Sargent is the same clone he'd seen fighting for his life in the Christophsis medical bay. The clone is missing his left arm but otherwise seems to be doing well for himself.

"Serimir, I'm not joking. I'm really concerned our Commander might go insane. I'm looking out for the kid!" Ronin drags out his words as he pleads but Serimir doesn't look convinced.

"Go back to your station, soldier." Serimir orders. Ronin huffs but complies despite feeling miffed.

The ships leave hyperspace. Lumino watches as the stars flicker and stretch back into their normal state. Bright flames take over as the new spectacle. The Malevolence is on fire and the medical station is still standing. Anakin's mission is a success. Lumino smiles at the sight, the General proves yet again how marvelous he is. The squad of yellow bombers flies towards the incoming cruisers. Ready to return after their mission. The Negotiator’s hangars open up for them and they fly in. Lumino can barely hear how Obi-wan orders all ships to concentrate fire on the Malevolence engines in the background of it all. A rain of blasters connects with the monstrous ship and Lumino watches as the flames multiply. It truly is a massive ship, at least three times the size of a Republic attack cruiser. The boy thinks that being on such a ship must be equal to a small moon, no doubt. He wonders what he’d do if he commanded such a ship. Lumino certainly wouldn’t attack any innocent beings, no less a medical station. Even if the tactic was effective.

The two Jedi are soon joined by three more on the bridge. Lumino decides to keep an ear back but keeps looking at the fire in the distance. It was interesting to watch. Fire taking nourishment from a ship in the vacuum of space. It didn’t care for what it destroys or how futile its effort to live is. Once the ship is gone the fire will go out, perhaps even before due to a lack of oxygen. He doesn’t know, a yawn escapes his mouth.

Seeing no difference happening with the assault against the Malevolence Anakin grows impatient and walks out to contact Jedi Master Luminara Unduli, who was in a nearby system. Ahsoka follows her Master in his attempt to recruit Luminara’s fleet so they could bombard the Separatist ship even more. Master Plo Koon settles down next to Obi-wan. The kel dor is dressed in burgundy robes that, according to Lumino's limited knowledge, look very stylish compared to the sand beige ones that himself and his Master wear.

Another few minutes pass by and it feels like no time at all for Lumino. The flames keep dancing and he gets lost in them as he did the stars. Obi-wan asks for a report on the damage on the Malevolence. Cody relays that the Malevolence despite its primary shield and the stabilizers being lost is so massive it’s able to handle the full combined force of the three cruisers. Plo reiterates the need for more firepower and Anakin uses that as his entrance back into the front bridge. Ahsoka is close behind him. He informs them that Luminaria has intercepted Separatist reinforcements nearby and won't be able to assist until they've been taken care of.

A few minutes pass by and Obi-wan asks for the Admirals verdict. According to him, the Separatists hyperdrive must've been damaged in the skirmish because they aren't attempting to jump away. Hearing this, Obi-wan orders all ships to turn their fire on the enemy bridge instead of the engine. If they can destroy one part of the ship, it best be where General Grievous is.

The added pressure must've made the enemy General either worry or angry because the scanners pick up on a squad of Vulture droids being deployed from the Malevolence. The ships are fast approaching and instead of taking firepower away from the assault on the main Separatist vessel Obi-wan orders Lumino to gather up a squad of flyers to defend the cruisers. The Padawan leaves his spot by the window and starts walking with his trusted companion right by his side, both prepared to scrap some droids. The Negotiator shakes a little as the Vultures hit them, but the shields hold up.

"Master, I'm picking up a signal near the enemy vessel. Something just came out of hyperspace." Ahsoka says. Anakin asks if it's enemy reinforcements, the suggestion makes Lumino pause in his step and listen in. If the Separatist got reinforcement then that could mean Master Luminara had fallen. "No, it looks like a Naboo ship."

"Gunners, stand down." Obi-wan orders. "What in blazes are they doing out here?"

"Ahsoka, contact that ship." Anakin demands. The sudden development keeps Lumino from leaving. Seeing as it could potentially change his orders.

"Naboo cruiser, identify yourself." The comlink at the front panels flicker on and a small hologram lights up. The ship's flier identifies herself as the Senator of Naboo, Padmé Amidala.

"Padmé, what are you doing out here?" Anakin moves closer to the comlink. The man’s breathing hitches.

"I was sent on a special mission. The Senate was told the Banking Clan wanted to negotiate a treaty."

"Get out of there as fast as you can." There was a pause on the other end. Static cuts through the silence but the line doesn’t break. "Padmé, what's happening?"

"I'm being pulled inside the droid cruiser by a tractor beam. I will not be made a Separatist bargaining chip. Continue your attack. You must destroy this monstrous ship." Padmé demands but her wishes are ignored by Anakin. He orders for all the ships to stop their attacks then pushes away from the comlink. Anakin takes long strides across the bridge and towards the doors, quickly passing Lumino and R3. Lumino stares after the man. The Senator had been clear and ordered them to continue their assault. Lumino wonders why Anakin had been so quick in dismissing direct orders.

"Where do you think you're going?" Obi-wan asks, chasing after Anakin.

"Somebody has to save her skin."

"I thought you might say that." The Jedi Master smirks and gestures for Lumino and R3 to follow them. Lumino nods and the pair settle into an equally fast pace to keep up with them.

The four split into pairs once they reach the large open space of the hangar. Obi-wan and Anakin board the Twilight, a small shuttle that Anakin and Ahsoka had stolen from the Separatist during their daring rescue of Jabba the Hutt’s son. It had gotten some restorations since Lumino last caught a glimpse of it. Lumino and R3 pass the ship and continue down the hangar. The squad he's been given command of are gathered at their respective ships. The duo seat themselves in Lumino's jedi starfighter and sync up their comlinks with the squads. There's a small delay before each member of Reptav Squad checks in. A shortening of the word Reptavian.

Lumino flies out of the hangar and accelerates so he can intercept the Vulture droids. The squad of clones follow close behind in their own star ships. They fall in behind the Separatist forces and R3 gets in a shot destroying one of them before it can fire against the cruisers. The remnants of the Vulture crash into the cruiser's shields in a ball of flames.

“R3, do not shoot until we are away from our ships!” Lumino commands. The damage wasn’t for nothing at the very least. It did get the Vulture’s attention off the cruisers and focusing on the squad instead. Lumino uses the opportunity that has presented itself and lures the Vulture’s away from the ship. His squad follows his example.

Lumino weaves around the droids, hanging himself and R3 out as bait. Taking the role as the main bait has both benefits and drawbacks. He could focus on simply flying and not needing to line up any shots for R3. But it also means most of the fire is aimed at his Starfighter. They keep their distance from the Republic attack cruisers, not wanting more damage to be done. An explosion reflects in the glass surrounding him. Reptav Squad are so far doing their job well and taking out the Vulture’s one by one. He flies closer and closer to the Malevolence with the hope that if the enemy ships aren't destroyed in one blow, that they'll instead crash against the massive vessel and cause some extra damage.

The com flashes as one of the squad members warns about more Vultures being released from the Malevolence. Lumino doesn’t hear it as his mind is fully focusing on dodging the four Vultures shooting at him and the fifth one that approaches. One of the Vultures flies in behind him and Lumino maneuvers around it but a second one flies in where Lumino was steering towards, forcing him to level out. A moment passes and the Vulture droids have multiplied. They chase the pair across the void. The moon is the only witness as Lumino realizes that he won’t be able to dodge all of them. This realization comes far too late.

"Reptav Leader, I need assistance." Lumino hears the beginning of an answer but it's cut off in his ear as the connection of a shot rings in his ears. One of the Vulture's nicks his ship. He can see the dark mark it left, nothing got damaged. With Lumino's attention slipping away for no more than a second it wasn’t difficult for another Vulture to strike a detrimental blow against the Padawan’s ship. Sparks fly from the side that was hit and warnings blare in the cockpit.

Reptav leader and Wing Four slip in beside him and lead away some of the Vulture's but the damage is done. The engine is fast overheating from the damage and if Lumino doesn't cut off the power soon R3 and him will blow up. Dying in a fiery ball wouldn’t be the most pleasant way to go. Lumino certainly wasn’t going to subject R3 to that faith.

Lumino quickly surveys his options. Returning to the Negotiator isn’t one of them. They’d blow up far before reaching the ship. If he shut off the engines right here in space, he'd get blown to bits by the remaining Vulture's. The Reptav Squad could attempt to protect him but that would leave the cruisers unguarded. Not to mention guarding a sitting duck is near impossible.

The moon they are battling by could've been an option if there wasn’t a greater distance between them and it than the, and the Nagotiator. So that left one place he could land them. Lumino curses under his breath at what he must do. He is lucky his Master was already on the vessel and could provide guidance, if the need arises. Lumino should’ve been listening to the comlink warnings. A cup of caf could’ve prevented his lack of multitasking. The half zabrak swears he’ll never again go without at least one cup in the morning.

"Commander Amir to Reptav Leader. I have been hit and will be out of commission, you have command." Lumino cuts his communication after that so he can fully focus on not burning to a crisp or crashing into a wall.

Lumino steers towards the Malevolence. Warnings bellow in his ears but the noise keeps cutting out as his eyes search for a hangar. The noise and visuals competing for his attention. He finds what he searched for and tries to maneuver into it. Slowing their approach should’ve been the easy part of this whole ordeal but nothing is responding as it should. The building heat in the engine must’ve melted something important. Lumino slams the controls down with all his might. The controls snap down but far less happen than they should’ve. The result is still the same. The starfighter's tip goes into the metal floor of the hangar like a blunt needle. It isn't smooth. The starfighter slows down at the very least as Lumino forces the ship to scrape against the hangars floor.

The metal against metal screech echoes into the cockpit. A pipe bursts on Lumino's left and makes the glass mist up. The boy keeps an iron grip on the controls as they skid across the hangar. The whole ship shakes and loud crashes come from outside as they bump into objects and droids.

A particularly hard bump forces Lumino to let go and thrusts him forward. The panel and controls dig into the boy’s stomach. The whole ship tilts to the right and they come to a stop. Lumino leans back to catch the breath that had been rudely pushed from his lungs. He presses a button and the cockpit is supposed to pop open. He presses it again, firmer, but nothing happens. The cockpit won't open. Lumino tries to manually push the glass up but it doesn’t budge. There’s not a lot of options available so Lumino decides to destroy the glass. Lumino fiddles a little and maneuvers his body so he’s able to reach. He successfully activates the upper half of his lightsaber and carefully cuts a hole through the tough glass.

Lumino heaves himself up and out of the hole he made. The glass is sizzling and glowing a hot red where his lightsaber had cut through. One of his fingers graces the surface and Lumino nearly falls. His boots land on the starship outside and he uses it to slide down from the wreckage. It doesn’t take much to survey how damaged the ship truly is. The ship is half buried in the floor and smoke rises from far to many places. Specks of dark green have been peeled off in the crash and scorch marks litter the engine. No doubt where the shot had hit. There's no way they’d be able to salvage it. At least not fast enough before Separatist droids show up. A quick look around the hangar makes it clear there aren't any ships to steal either. It’s empty and half imploded. The fire Lumino had been admiring when they first arrived to this system is now an immediate threat, yet retains the hypnotic beauty that had gotten Lumino to stare. The air is stuffy and smoke clouds hover in the ceiling. They shouldn’t stick around for long. Lumino looks up at R3, who still hasn't gotten out of her seat.

"R3, come on. We should contact Master Kenobi." The astromech activates her boosters to get out of the seat and lands on the tilted ship, then falls off.

Loud clangs echo through the hangar and Lumino is thankful no one has arrived to investigate. He rushes over to his fallen friend and helps her up. Her dome spins around and tries to find him. A piece of the ship sticks out of the astromech's radar eye. Lumino’s breath hitches at the sight. The giant hangar feels hotter than before. Perhaps that is just the fire creeping closer.

"R3 diagnostic." Lumino's hands shake as he tries to get a better view of the piece. She informs him that her photoreceptor is out of function. "Okay… okay. Does your internal comlink still work?" Lumino sighs as she confirms it hasn't been damaged and is still functioning. "Link up with mine and boost its signal. We will get in contact with my Master and then get out of here." Without her photoreceptor, R3-E3 is now a liability. She’d slow down their escape at best, prevent it at worst. Lumino reminds himself that Obi-wan and Pong are two different Masters. The thoughts still gnaw at him. A liability isn’t acceptable when it comes to life and death.

Clanking against the metal floor makes Lumino rise from his crouch by R3. All his hope for more time disappears at the sound. A group of B1's march through the hangar door. The cannon fodder droids would be easy to take care of. Lumino’s concerns are focused on what the Separatists will send once they know the pair are on the ship. The droids open fire and shots rain across the hangar. Lumino orders R3 to stay in place and jumps between her and the B1's. The dark blue of his lightsaber catches red blaster bolts.

The B1's hold formation and Lumino tries to reflect back their shots. The technique lacks both honing and the precision necessary to execute it. Most of the shots simply absorb into his lightsaber blades. Any shot that actually reflects back doesn't hit their target either. Anxiety bubbles under his skin, the more time spent on these B1’s gives the Separatist more time to send reinforcements. Lumino starts to walk towards the droids while blocking their shots. The dumb droids don't change their formation as Lumino comes into melee range. The boy lunges and cuts them down swiftly.

"R3, follow my voice.” Lumino reaches for his comlink arm and presses the device on his arm. ”Master Kenobi? Master Kenobi, are you there?" There's only static. R3 opens a hatch on her dome, a few sparks ignite from the friction and the hatch catches near the end. Her signal booster still fits to extend from the opening. The device folds out a disk and it starts to spin in search then stops once it's caught a signal. "Master?" Lumino tries again.

"Lumino? Is there a problem with the Vulture dorids?"

"Quite, my ship was badly damaged and I was forced to land in one of the Malevolence hangars." Lumino opens his mouth to explain further but stops himself. His Master doesn’t need to know that R3 is damaged, all Lumino needs is guidance. A way off this ship. Lumino's throat tightens as a lump lodges in his airways. He chokes on it. Lying by omission is still lying but this was another risk he saw as worth it. No consequence is worse than losing R3.

"Lumino?" Obi-wan cuts in. "The ship has a large opening in the middle, get there and we'll pick you up along with the Senator." Lumino nods, even though the comlink is only audio.

The pair walk over to the nearest wall panel and R3 plugs into it. They were lucky the debris hadn't pierced her dome deeper or else Lumino would've had to carry her. A deep guilt settles into Lumino's hearts. If he'd flown better this wouldn't have happened. It's a juvenile thought. Lumino knows it's futile and that he should be focusing on fixing his mistake. His need to reach out to Obi-wan and ask for help is not ideal either. He'd been taught better than this. R3’s able to access the Malevolence schematics and is able to display it on the panel. They didn’t have any security in place for reaching them. Possibly because of the ships need for a lot of maintenance droids and them needing to access their routes? Lumino memorises the way they need to go then repeats it to R3 so she can help him remember.

One of Lumino’s hands is on R3's dome and he tries to not conceal his footsteps, so his friend can orient herself. Lumino knows what his former Master would say if he returned with R3 this damaged. Especially in such a dire situation, on an enemy warship that was only in ceasefire because of a hostage. From their observing of Obi-wan, he won't be as harsh. Most of their research actually points to no reaction at all. Or it’ll be like Lumino’s excursions on Coruscant all over again and his Master will have an extreme reaction to something Pong Krell wouldn’t care for. Incredibly confusing but Lumino was thankful it was leaning towards no reaction. Lumino feels disgusted with himself. He shouldn’t feel thankful that his Master is Obi-wan instead of Pong. Another tally for his growing guilts.

The ship is massive and they've surely passed through at least ten identical corridors or rather what would've been ten identical corridors. The metal walls have plenty of differences in where they've been damaged and bits of the ceiling have fallen to the floor in several of them. While it helps Lumino to know they are moving forward. It doesn’t make it easy for R3 to navigate around it.

Lumino sighs as his eyes land on the entrance to the open space on the ship. The sounds of trains going by fills the corridor but it drowns to the deafening sound of two rolling droids. It makes his breath hitch. Dread itches to take over his mind and fuel the sleepy fog clouding his judgement. A hint of blue blends into the steel of his eyes as he activates his lightsaber and takes a deep breath.

"R3, go forward for another five meters then stop." The droid follows his words to a tee and descends down the small outstretch into the train highway. Two droideka roll around the corner. They unfurl halfway through the hallway and immediately fire at them. The onslaught forces Lumino to take several steps back. Lumino can hear R3 beep out her concerns behind him but she doesn't move. It’s times like these that remind him to be very thankful that she can follow orders when it counts, otherwise she would've left him a long time ago.

Lumino glances behind himself as he blocks shots. Trains pass by at a pace so quick his eyes can’t pick out their details. They’re on a higher level so most of the trains pass by below them. A drop from this height will kill him. The droideka takes his attention yet again. Lumino still hears the trains passing, even over the shots the droideka fires at him. He uses them as an anchor for focus. They create an artificial wind that makes chills travel up his back. Lumino settles on a clear goal. Get himself and R3 onto one of those trains. Risking another glance back he tries to observe the space more clearly. Colour blends into one as trains keep swooshing by too fast. The boy's eyes travel down and he spots one train on its way to very close under R3 and himself.

"R3, activate your boosters and jump!" R3 does as he says and Lumino throws himself after her. His fingers catch on the edge of her treads. Having nothing but R3 to cling to Lumino's stomach does a flip. The train comes in under them. "Drop!" R3 deactivates her rocket boosters and they free fall onto the train. Any air Lumino held in his lungs pushes out on impact.

Lumino gives himself a moment of rest but decides against it. He feels fine. Winded and in slight pain, but fine enough. Lumino activates his comlink from his position on the floor. Harsh metal digs into his back. The boy stops himself from raising his other arm. Instead committing to giving himself at least more than a second's rest. The train floor really isn’t the most comfortable material to rest against but it almost feels like Lumino is floating on clouds compared to standing up. The ceiling flickers in and out of the black abyss that is behind his eyelids. Shouts bring him out of the dark and back to a state of focus. Blood flows quickly from his brain as he gets his feet under himself too fast and he needs to blink away dark spots in his vision.

Lumino searches for the source of the shouts. A horrible shrill follows and it’s loud enough for Lumino to place it right above them. He sees his Master flying through the air and landing on their train. Obi-wan does a salute to someone and Lumino raises his gaze to see General Grievous on the train Obi-wan had jumped from. The droid General looks down at them. The giant claws for feet scrape against the metal and release a screech. It is well known to the Republic that the Malevolence is under General Grievous' command. Lumino knows. He’d known the separatist droid general was on the ship and most likely searching for his hostage. Lumino knew that. Lumino is lucky he hadn’t run into Grievous, otherwise he’d be another victim of the separatist General. Grievous has killed substantial amounts of Jedi. Lumino thinks he’d rather be hunted by double the amount of droideka than Grievous. The man’s reputation as a Jedi killer was enough for Lumino to know he wouldn’t stand a chance. He wouldn't be able to outrun the Separatist General today.

"Lumino, are you alright?" Obi-wan jumps from the train carriage's roof and lands on the metal floor. He looks over the Padawan for injuries. Lumino rolls his shoulders back, a satisfying crack comes from it. Then shakes his head. While the landing had been painful, nothing was broken. If anything his shoulder feels a little sore and that’s it. Beside him, R3 tries to pry herself off the train floor. Seeing his friend struggle so much makes Lumino’s gut twist, he stands up to help her. "Seems R3 is the one I should've asked." Obi-wan kneels down by the astromech and takes a closer look at her.

"The damage is not extensive or debilitating. Her motor function is working." Lumino hastily says. He forces himself to exhale and inhale in an attempt to keep a facade of calm.

"I'm sure we can get her repaired." Obi-wan reassures. Comfort? Comforting wasn’t among Lumino’s theories. Obi-wan is trying to calm him, yet all he’s accomplishing is to confuse Lumino and make him more hesitant.

On their way to rendezvous at the Twilight a pair of droideka found them and gave chase. Lumino guides R3 down the corridors, desperately trying to keep their pace high while making sure the astromech doesn’t crash into a wall or debris. They can’t outrun the droideka at their current speed. Obi-wan keeps himself placed between the blaster fire and the pair. While Lumino keeps his lightsaber active and at the ready, it isn't truly necessary as Obi-wan protects them. The Master shouts directions for Lumino to follow. They take another left and Lumino sees Anakin, Padmé, R2 and C-3PO already standing in the connection port.

"Hold the ship!" Obi-wan shouts. Anakin raises his hand. An invisible pull sweeps past Lumino’s ear. He can hear the shots being blocked but doesn’t dare to turn back until R3 is safely in the elevator. Anakin had grabbed some debris with the force to use as a shield. The elevator doors close. There’s a tense silence that hangs in the air. A collective knowledge that they aren’t safe. They still need to survive the flight back to their cruisers.

Lumino takes a deep breath and places a hand on R3's dome. The durasteel is cold. Her dome had been one of the pieces he’d replaced when R3 was gifted to him. She’d had more than a few screws loose and missing components. The transperisteel dome she’d had at the time was cracked, it wouldn’t have lasted for long. The durasteel should’ve protected her better. Lumino feels the points where the metal sticks up and has been damaged. An unusual calm washes over him and everything looks muted.

"I'll contact the fleet." Obiwan says and is the first out of the elevator to move into the Twilight's cockpit.

"R2, release the docking clam." Anakin orders and sits down in the pilot seat. Lumino doesn't fully know when he sat himself down. His knees feel weak and anytime he looks over at Obi-wan, trying to hear if he has any orders for the Padawan, a stinging feeling burns in his eyes. His hand still rests on R3's dome and he pulls it back to turn towards the panel. He really tries to hear what they're all saying.

He knows Vultures and Grievous are pursuing them. He knows they are being shot at. He knows they need to get away but his eyes refuse to focus. Everything is blurry. His hearing isn’t working as it should and his limps feel like they’re on another planet. He’s feeling nothing yet there’s something. A filter over the world. His eyes want to drop. It’s a feeling he should’ve recognized. Tiredness. Lumino should’ve understood sooner. He is tired. He has been tired for a long time. He’d known that too. The boy wouldn't be able to help. At this rate it is better to stay quiet and hope he’s not needed.

"Time for some clever tricks, Anakin." Obi-wan quips. He turns in his seat and pauses as he sees Lumino glaring at the Twilights scanners. Unmoving. Lost. The man furrows his brows in concern and takes a few more seconds to observe his Padawan instead of going for the gun controls. His eyes follow the boy's arm to the hand he keeps on R3’s dome.

"That's what I was thinking." Anakin answers, a shot rocks the ship and Anakin snaps at Obi-wan. "You know, we have guns. You can shoot back any time."

"I was just about to-"

"I've got it." Padmé steps up and takes the gun controls with ease. Lumino blinks at the movement and looks up, briefly meeting Obi-wan's gaze and quickly looking to the Senator.

"She seems to know her way around." Obi-wan's comment, despite his concern for Lumino, at least the boy was alert. Lumino looks behind himself and watches as the Senator shoots back at their enemy. She is indeed familiar with the artillery of this ship and effective with it. Her shots hit the target and down a few Vultures. His eyes drift to their pilot. Anakin is fully occupied with flying the ship and is masterfully avoiding being shot down. A flicker of energy pumps in Lumino's body at the sight. Anakin truly is amazing. But he'd been off balance since Padmé arrived on the battlefield. Lumino is reminded that Anakin repeatedly refers to the Senator by her first name, meaning the two are familiar. Perhaps she has visited him and that's how she knew the ship so well? Lumino will have to ask another time how the two met.

"Pardon me, sir, but R2's scan of the enemy's ship indicates their hyperdrive is activating." C-3PO pipes up. Lumino scans the bright screen in front of himself. He tries to focus on the text on the screen but it's mostly illegible. Words bleed into each other. A few readings become distinguishable with enough staring, among them is a hyperdrive activation.

"Don't worry about it." Anakin says. Obi-wan questions him but doesn't receive an answer. Lumino doesn’t peel his eyes from the scanners, frowning as he watches the information. The blur clears up the more he looks at it but his eyes must still be playing tricks on his mind. Blinking it away doesn’t make the scanners clear up so he brings a hand up to rub his eyes, black spots cloud his vision now. The scanners read the same as before. The Malevolence is flying towards the nearby moon. It must be a mistake. If they enter hyperspace now they'll collide with the celestial object and blow up.

The Malevolence had indeed flown into the moon and Anakin wore a smug smirk on his lips for the rest of the flight. The Separatist General fled from the battle after its destruction. Lumino doesn’t know what to do with himself once land in the Nagotiators hangars. He stares unfocused on the floor as the Senator and Jedi Knight step out. Obi-wan looks over to his Padawan when he stops. The concern he’d held in the Twilight doubling back. R3 beeps beside Lumino and he looks over at her. Obi-wan suggests they get R3 to the mechanic so she can be repaired. Lumino doesn't answer verbally. He slowly nods and steps out of the Twilight to follow his Master. His hand doesn’t leave R3 once, even when they’re off the shuttle.

Obi-wan contemplates his Padawan’s hazy movements and diluted mood. He hasn’t seen Lumino acting like this before. Then again Obi-wan hasn’t known him for long. There’s normally a focus in the Padawna's gaze. Perhaps not aimed correctly all of the time but it was there nonetheless. There’s a sluggishness to Lumino and he seems to shut his eyes for too long when he blinks. They drop off R3 and Lumino collapses into himself, he hunches together and he holds eye contact with the floor. It’s well past lunch, Obi-wan thinks Lumino might brighten up after a meal.

"I should have flown better." Lumino mumbles unprompted. “You should instruct me to train more.” A low growl comes from the boy's stomach as Obi-wan places a hand on his shoulder.

"Lumino, what you need is food. Why don’t we go to the mess together?" Obi-wan tries to reassure him.

"Stars, why are you so confusing?" Lumino still doesn't raise his gaze. Obi-wan repeats his statement about getting them both something to eat. Another growl comes from the boy's stomach and he can feel his mouth watering at the prospect of eating. Lumino doesn’t understand Obi-wan. Everything the man does is so foreign yet comforting. The unknowns weren’t as frightening as they ought to be. Not as frightening as Master Krell could be.

The mess hall is shaped like a stretched out hallway. The metal walls are a lighter shade of white and the bright light reflects off them. Lumino has to squint whenever he wants to look around the room. Obi-wan encourages Lumino to seek out a table while he grabs food from them.

“May I have some caf with my food?” Lumino asks.

“Yes, I’ll grab some for you.” Obi-wan disappears into the bright room and goes to collect their food. Lumino follows his Master's movements deeper into the mess hall. Most tables are empty, but there’s still a few clones lingering. Having taken a late lunch much like the Jedi duo. Lumino sits down at a corner table. His front faces the door and he watches everyone in the room. His Master returns with the food and Lumino goes to drink the scolding caf first. Lumino nurses the mug of caf in his hands and blows on the hot liquid.

"Perhaps it would be best for you to take it easy, at least for a little while." Obi-wan pauses to gauge a reaction but the boy simply stares at him with undivided attention. "Commander Cody and Captain Rex are being sent on a routine inspection in two days, you'll accompany them. I believe it’ll be good for you."

"That does sound good, Master." Lumino smiles softly at his Master, there's still hesitation and confusion in his gaze however." Thank you for allowing me to go with them." Obi-wan mirrors his Padawan’s smile, he’s pleased that the suggestion went well. Lumino had a far better reaction than he could’ve hoped.

Lumino spends his time after the meal wandering the ship. While he walks a sudden pain strikes against his upper heart. The organ pulses against his chest in what feels like erratic motions. Lumino brings a hand up to push against the pain. It holds for a few seconds then settles into a slight discomfort. The boy thinks nothing of it and continues down the hallway. He takes a few more turns and is then found by Ahsoka. She invites him to a friendly spar.

Lumino has only one lightsaber end active as he parries another one of Ahsoka's attacks. He moves with precision and strength as he strikes before Ahsoka can recover and lands a tap against her forearm. It doesn't even leave a mark as the dampened lightsaber makes contact with her wrist guards. Her wrist guards lacked any markings from training. Unlike the tasset that hangs from the left side of Lumino's belt, training marks scorch the leather. The damages were mostly from when Lumino would mess up his stance and swing his own lightsaber to close to his leg.

"I believe that is another point for me? You did say best of five, so does that mean I win with three and you one?" Lumino chuckles at the irony of him winning when it was Ahsoka's suggestion to make their spar a competition, but he wouldn't deny his enjoyment.

"No, I said first to five." Lumino huffs, he knows what he heard but decides to not argue about it and instead have fun sparring with someone who doesn't hold back. Obi-wan has been going easy on his training and it was beginning to feel condescending. Ahsoka deploys a new technique and tries to faint Lumino with a similar move she did before. He prepares to protect high but she quickly crotches down to swipe her lightsaber at his legs. A simple click and Lumino deflects her attack with his bottom saber. He spins the weapon and smiles. She smiles back then deploys a force push, it definitely wasn’t at full force. Perhaps Lumino had been too quick in his judgment that Ahsoka wasn’t holding back.

Lumino sits down to catch his breath as the two Padawan's decide to take a break. The last points had been more intense than the first four. In the end Lumino got five while Ahsoka got two. She whines how she'd hoped Lumino would be easier to beat than Anakin, she accepts the solace that at least she'd landed hits on Lumino unlike any spar she'd with Anakin this far.

"Are we friends, Padawan Tano?" Lumino looks away feeling uncertain about what he wants to ask. He presses a palm against his chest. Pressing against his pounding hearts. A discomfort laid in the area around the upper one. Quite similar to the one he’d felt in the hallway.

"Sure, wasn’t it me who said it’d be nice if we were? Though, friends usually call each other by their first names." Ahsoka turns to him, smiling. Lumino decides there's no point to dance around what he wants. He really doesn't want to be alone. Not that day at least.

"Will you be at the Jedi Temple next week, Ahsoka?" Lumino glances at her as he notices movement and catches the nod she gives. "Would you like to accompany me out on to the Coruscant streets on Taungsday? It is my birthday and I was planning to have Three-Three with me but her repairs will be fixed at Benduday and then it would be too late."

"Sure, I've got nothing but studying planned. So far, you're more fun than books." She walks over to him holding out her hand. "Get up, I want a rematch." Lumino accepts the hand and gets ready for another round. Ignoring the pressure against his heart and instead embracing the metaphorical warmth wrapping his two hearts. A friend was indeed nice to have.