Always (Crosshair x Jedi Reader)

Part 19

Although the group had made it out of Tipoca City in one piece. It was clear they were still on separate paths. Crosshair had seen just how much his brothers distrusted him, he had saved Omega and AZ, but had turned to see Echo, Tech and Wrecker all pointing their guns at him. As if they had expected him to turn against them and fire upon them. Without a second thought he had thrown his old and beloved rifle over to Wrecker, thrust surrendering to them and the judgment they had bestowed upon him. Instead he looked to the water, his thoughts returning to (Y/N), he knew where she was, he knew the only way to get to her was to return to the empire. Yet apart of him felt broken to think he would likely being going after her alone. His brothers off on an adventure of their own, across the galaxy.

Upon getting back to the landing platform. The silver haired sniper didn't bother asking for his rifle back, nor did he ask for his pack. Instead he allowed them to take both, knowing they would be in possession of (Y/N)'s spare lightsaber, as well as photos from the past, when things had been so much more simpler.

"I've made my decision" utter Crosshair, upon being offered the chance to go with them. He knew despite the offer, the mistrust would still be there, plus the empire wouldn't let him go that easy and (Y/N) was still his main priority, reuniting with her, just holding her again. He knew the only way to get to her again was through the empire, plus he had every intention of running once they had been reunited. Perhaps fate would have him crossing paths with his brothers again sometime down the road. He'd like to think so, just as he hoped by then, he'd have made some amends for the things he had helped do while being controlled by the inhibitor chip and the empire.

"You'll see her again Crosshair. (Y/N)'s stubborn, and determined to get what she wants. Not even the Empire can stop her, we both know it" spoke Echo, correctly guessing Crosshair's reasoning for remaining behind was to find (Y/N) again. That also being the only thing to really keep him going through everything to have happened since the war had ended. "Tell her I'm sorry, that I couldn't convince the others" whispered the former Arc Trooper before joining his brothers and Omega aboard the Marauder. Although he struggled with letting Crosshair go again, especially when it was so obvious the sniper had been beaten down and broken by the empire. Even more so when it was obvious the only thing he believed he had left was (Y/N) and the hope of reuniting with her again.

Crosshair didn't bother looking to the ship, not being able to stand watching his brothers leave again. Yet he also had hope there would be an empire patrol coming soon and thrust he would get off the now baron watery world. His comlink was all he really had to keep him in touch with those he had been force to work with and for. Although he doubted if he would be welcomed back, the empire weren't known for warm welcomes and his trust in them had been broken when they had willingly destroyed the city with him inside, leaving him for dead in the process. Yet to his surprise moments after his brothers and Omega had left, his comlink pinged, suggesting someone was close by or trying to contact him.

"CT-9904, do you read me" came a familiar voice over the comlink, a voice that brought hope to Crosshair. Captain Howzer. Another identical voice heard of the link also, one Crosshair quickly identified as Captain Rex of the 501st. Crosshair had answered mere moments later, at least relieved the plan he had made with Howzer seemed to be working, even if improvisation was needed. "We've locked on to your signal" added Howzer, knowing well, Crosshair would recognize the ship he and Rex piloted. The Ghost Marauder, (Y/N) personal one. Something the empire had likely forgotten about in their haste to take over everything.

Within seconds, Crosshair seen the metallic silver ship appear in the distance, a soft grin coming to his lips upon recognizing it. That alone giving reassurance the plan was working, or at least his hope wasn't in vain. Upon in landing on the wet platform, the sniper wasted little time climbing aboard, more than happy to leave the planet he had once called home. The moment the ship was in the air, he allowed himself to relax a little, remembering past times aboard the ship. (Y/N)'s fantastic yet daring flying skills, something Tech had picked up on. She had taught them all something aboard the ship. Yet as he wondered through the quiet ship, he noticed most of it was untouched. The little rooms remained as they had been before. His weapons kit safely stored away under the spare bunk in (Y/N)'s little room. Another rifle with it, as if she had planned it out and knew he would relent his weapon to his brothers.

"She's with Maul" come the voice of Commander Wolffe. A proud-ish grin on his features, despite the memories and guilt to be haunting his every waking moment. "He came for her, said she was better of with him that being locked away as she was. Said she was still his princess. He built an entire syndicate up with the intention of protecting her" explained Wolffe, all to happy to reveal, he hadn't been reassigned but liberated at the same time as (Y/N). Maul seeming all to happy to recruit the clone troopers to his cause, giving them a place in the galaxy and a way to fight against the empire. Although it was also becoming increasingly obvious (Y/N) had hopes of doing more than hiding in plain sight.

"We're heading back to Dathomir now" called Rex from the cockpit, finding himself with the same hope Wolffe had on Naboo when he had pledged his loyalty to (Y/N), choosing to believe in her and her building fight against the empire to have taken everything from her. Crosshair could only nod, allowing himself to relax a little bit, wonder even. Wonder about what was to come and the future. He knew like every clone did, eventually they would have to pick a side, eventually they would have to fight for their own personal freedom, maybe even their lives. Yet as Crosshair sat in silence, he began to wonder if his brothers had picked up on what made Omega different. He knew she was valuable to the empire, far more than what the Kaminoans had wanted with her.

He found himself wondering if Tech had figured it out yet, or if Hunter had realized the blaring obvious with Omega's skills. She wasn't just a brave and curious medical assistant, she wasn't just a female clone of Jango Fett. She was force sensitive. Meaning eventually she would need training. In a way it gave him a little relief in knowing (Y/N)'s spare lightsaber would come in handy and put to good use. Yet he also knew if his theory was correct then Omega would be in far more danger than anything the Kaminoans had posed. Instead the new danger would be the inquisitors. Only now did Crosshair hope Omega would be safe, especially when it was becoming clearer her path was one filled with danger.