Consequence of Oversight

Before the Storm

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A FIVE WEEKS LATER

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The twin suns of Tatooine hung low on the horizon, casting the desert sky in streaks of orange and violet. A dry wind swept through the canyon, swirling dust around Hazel and Bo-Katan as they stood in their usual training ground—a secluded stretch of rocky terrain that had, over time, become something of a second home to Hazel.

This was their final lesson.

Bo had said so last night. Hazel hadn't wanted to believe her. But as they stood facing each other now, hands steady, feet grounded, she knew it was true.

Bo lunged first. A feint to the left, a real strike from the right. Hazel dodged, twisting her body just in time, but Bo was faster—always faster. The Mandalorian caught Hazel's wrist, spun her around, and wrenched her arm behind her back in a hold that sent pain lancing up her shoulder.

"Too slow," Bo muttered.

Hazel ground her teeth. She stomped on Bo's foot, using the brief distraction to break free and whip around, elbow aimed for Bo's ribs. The older woman barely moved in time, sidestepping and catching Hazel's arm in a counter move that sent her sprawling into the sand.

Bo sighed. "And too predictable."

Hazel groaned, rolling onto her back to stare up at the sky. "You're impossible."

Bo smirked. "And you still hesitate."

Hazel closed her eyes for a moment, breathing through the frustration. "Again," she said, pushing herself to her feet.

Bo studied her, then nodded. They reset, circling each other once more. This time, Hazel forced herself to stay loose, to think less and react more.

The next attack came, and she countered on instinct.

She feinted. Bo caught the fake, dodging—only to realize too late that Hazel had already moved. She struck low, sweeping Bo's legs out from under her.

Bo hit the ground hard.

Hazel was on her in an instant, pressing her blade to her aunt's throat, breathing heavy, heart pounding.

A beat of silence. Then, Bo smirked. "Finally."

Hazel let out a breath, stepping back. Bo rose to her feet, brushing dust off her armor.

"You've learned everything I can teach you."

Hazel hesitated. "Then why does it feel like I haven't learned enough?"

Bo's expression softened slightly. "Because you never will." She placed a firm hand on Hazel's shoulder. "You just have to trust yourself now."

Hazel swallowed the lump in her throat. "Then take me with you."

Bo's brows furrowed. "Hazel—"

"I can help," Hazel pushed. "I want to help."

Bo sighed, her grip on Hazel's shoulder tightening slightly before she let go. "I know. But this isn't your fight."

Hazel clenched her fists. "Neither is Tatooine."

Bo exhaled sharply, glancing away for a moment before meeting Hazel's eyes again. "Your path isn't mine. Not yet. And I won't take you away from the life you've built here." Her voice gentled. "From the people who love you."