The End Of The War

Chapter 21

The flight back was filled with talk about how well their name would spread. Just after they jumped to Hyperspace, Izuku felt a cold presence pass them by. But as soon as he felt it, they were well beyond it. It was gone. Another thought had crossed his mind, and he walked around the ship looking for Ochako. He finally found her in the main cargo hold, talking and laughing with Kyoka, Camie, Momo, Denki, and Shoto.

Izuku felt just the smallest twinge of... sad peace. She looked happy. Every time she smiled, his heart squeezed. But it wasn't a happiness that he was giving her. It was a happiness without him. Some dark thoughts began to fill his mind. Thoughts he always had, but didn't want to give any space to.

"Why don't you celebrate with them, Deku?" Katsuki asked behind him.

"Why aren't you, Kacchan?" He responded.

"Not one too keen on celebrations. I'll celebrate when what I've been hoping for comes to pass."

"Taking back the throne of your clan?"

"Obviously."

After a couple seconds, Izuku asked a question that surprised Katsuki.

"Should I leave her?" He asked.

"Where'd that come from?" Katsuki responded.

"Her parents wanted me to make sure she lives through this. But with Tenko-- I mean the Tenth Brother-- hunting me, it's only a matter of time before he catches up. And wherever he is, he has the Empire behind him."

"Isn't there some Jedi lesson about abandoning people when they need you?"

"*sigh* There is... But she looks so happy here. When I've been with her, it's almost like her life has just gotten harder and worse. I... I want her to be happy. And if I leave, I don't think--"

"Let me stop you there. On what star system would you say she has been feeling horrible with you? Nevarro? That was the Empire who made her that way. Ord Mantell? The Empire, again. Shola? You guys woke up ten years outside your time. I don't know what you see from her, but that over there? That's the only time I've seen her happy without you. I mean, did you forget this morning? I saw you guys exit your room with a slight smile on both your faces. When you were told to search the north part of the city on Ord Mantell, I saw her eyes light up. You may not know or believe this, but if you leave, you take her happiness with you. She still needs you. And you can try to fool me, but I know you still need her, too."

Izuku was surprised at what Katsuki was saying. He was actually being extremely sensitive to him. Katsuki was stone faced the whole time, but his voice carried genuine care and concern.

"Th-thanks."

"Just don't tell Horns I was actually gentle. I only show that side of me when people need to see it. And you did need to see it."

He patted Izuku on the shoulder and walked out of the hold. Izuku put on a smile and joined the six still in the hold.

They exited Hyperspace over Shola a few hours later. Kyoka and Denki had brought out a holotransmitter and were playing the holonet ship wide.

"This is the latest from Kashyyyk," the reporter said, "a mass prison break is under investigation from ISB. Rumors are circulating that this is the first in several attempted steps to begin a rebellion on the planet. So far, only around seven percent of the inmates have been recovered. Remember, everyone, your Empire has your safety as its only priority."

"Bantha fodder," Camie muttered.

"Just wait until you see a real rebellion," Katsuki muttered.

Everyone was muttering similar disdain. Even Izuku was voicing it. Mina interrupted the broadcast with an announcement.