Episode VIII Rise of the Dark Jedi

Foreword

This original story was written February 2016, and posted on fanfiction.net in June 2016, over two years prior to the release of The Last Jedi.  At that time, I had also sent copies to Kristian Harloff at Collider Video (then called the Schmoesknow), Spencer Gilbert at Screen Junkies, and Chris Stuckman.  

The last update on fanfiction was three weeks prior to the release of The Last Jedi as well.  This was on purpose in order to avoid criticism that I had simply reframed elements of the Disney-sanctioned release.  It turned out, that was a wise option.

As you read this story, you may notice dozens of similarities between The Last Jedi and this fanfiction.  All I can say is, the work was published over two years prior to the release of The Last Jedi, where it had over twenty thousand views by the time of The Last Jedi's release.  

Any similarities may be attributed to coincidence, serendipity, or whatever.  At the end of this work, I will attach a viral youtube video that specifically outlines the uncanny similarities between this and The Last Jedi as well as the work of other writers that have had this same experience.  But as it contains spoilers for this story,  I will attach it at the end.  

Throughout this story there are picture stills from the movie, not to give clarity to the narrative, rather to accent where this story and the movie are similar.  

Having said all of that, I will inform you, that I made every attempt to make this story consistent with ALL Disney-sanctioned media up to February 2016.  That means, I had read all Disney-sanctioned books and comics and had watched every film and animated series up to that point.  So as far as it can be said, this story was consistent with the genre, even up to The Fall of 2018 when it finally became AU.  

I hope you enjoy!

--JP