Star Wars: Son of Skywalker | Book III: The Rise of Skywalker

Chaptet VII: The Festival

The streets of Courascant have been overtaken, Stormtroopers are escorting prisoners across the street, taking them to the nearest prison center. The whole city is being watched under a group of Star Destroyers, a giant tower, a symbol of power and dominance of the planet, can be seen from across the city, standing in front of the old Jedi Temple.

"Citizens of Courascant, your days of freedom are over." Said the giant holographic projection of Chancellor Hux, hands behind his back, broadcasted from his chambers. Every being below the hologram stood before him, watching him. "The Republic is dead, the age of your so-called Rebellion has fallen, and our fleet is only growing stronger. However, there are others who most likely disagree." Hux grimaced, two stormtroopers take a captured Resistance soldier, dragging him across the stage, escorting him towards the guillotine. "May this be a reminder to all, for what happens to those refuse to give us power, to those are willing to defy our regime." They restrain the soldier to a table so that he couldn't escape. Hands shaking, breathing heavily, but refuses to show vulnerability to the enemy. A mechanism was then lifted above his neck, and a thin laser ignites across both sides. "You're fate was inevitable, the moment you joined the wrong side..."

"......for the Rebellion-!" The laser blade falls towards the the soldiers neck, slicing through flesh and bone, there was silence and fear amongst most who watched as the soldier's head falls to the floor.

"You allegiance is with us...wether you choose or not...May our Order remain..." The projection turns off, the Stormtroopers go back to their posts, the people go back to their lives like nothing happened, just like they were told to. One stormtrooper stays behind, spotting a cloaked figure, with what looks like long red hair underneath, trying to walk past the citizens, seeming like she's trying to avoid contact. He summons a squadron of men and decides to go after her, beginning his suspicions.

Jacen removes one of the floor platforms, and takes out a box that has been hidden for almost a long time. He slides the lid open, and takes out Vader's lightsaber. He puts the box down and ignites the crimson blade, eyes focused on the color. He figured if he must keep the balance from getting destroyed, he'll have to balance his power, if one must restore balance, he must become the balance. He then retracts the blade and clips the hilt to his belt, next to his own. Jacen has heard legends of Emperor Palpatine before, mostly from Luke's teachings, from his rise to power, to his destructive demise, or so they thought.

"Where are you hiding you Sith bastard?" Said Jacen with a determined tone in his voice. And this figure that his grandfather told him to find, who is it? And how can it help defeat the Emperor? He then senses the Falcon entering the planets atmosphere, they've made it to their destination.

"Are you sure this is the place?" Asked Poe, as they all walk across the desert mountains.

"These are the exact coordinates master Luke left behind." Said C-3PO, then a loud explosion was heard, then another, and another. Jacen grabs his hilt and runs towards the top of the mountain, ready for battle, only to find colorful explosions in the sky.

"What's this?" Asked Jacen, clipping his weapon back to his belt, looking at tents, food, fireworks, and dancing villagers in colorful cloaks, the music was upbeat and full of celebration, it was a festival. Everyone else looked confused, looking at such a happy sight.

"A festival of the ancestors!" Yelled C-3PO in glee, Poe facepalms at the sight. "A celebration that occurs every forty two years."

"Well that's lucky." Said Finn.

"Lucky indeed." Said C-3PO. "This festival is known for its colorful kites, and it's delectable sweets, a fine example of galactic culture if I-." The droid stops as everyone stares at him, he then nervously turns around to see who their staring at.