Hope Is Alive

The Empire. A collection of planets and systems united under one ruler. Darth Drago. The Republic is gone. Its protectors, the Jedi, have been wiped out by the great purge. Those that may have escaped the slaughter are scattered and hiding.

The emperor, unbeknownst to all but a few, is a Sith lord. Darth Drago sits on a throne of absolute power. Ruling and expanding his empire with an iron fist under the guise of unity and peace.

But there are those who fight. Those who'd rather die fighting for their freedom, than live in chains. One of those people,is the young Princess Merida of DunBroch. The fiery youth is one of the leaders of the rebellion. A resistance movement trying to overthrow the Empire. And bring democracy back to the galaxy.

But this task will not be easy. For the dark side of the force is strong. Very strong. But not all hope is lost.

For the Jedi are not gone.


Merida released a tired yawn as she woke up in her quarters. She stretched her arms over her head as she stood up. She got dressed quickly before heading to the cockpit. When she got there she found the ship's pilot fast asleep. She frowned.

"Hey, wake up Jack," she growled as she slapped the sleeping man in the back of the head. He woke up with a start, grumbling and wiping drool from his mouth before frowning at her.

"Thats not how you should treat the captain of the ship Merida," Jack said in protest. Merida rolled her eyes. She'd met the white haired young man on a mission to distant star system. He was an adept pilot and smuggler, knowing the ins and shortcuts all throughout the galaxy. And luckily he had a bone to pick with the Empire as well. So it wasn't too hard to convince him to join the rebel cause.

Currently the pair were on their way to a planet to meet up with another rebel faction. They flew in Jack's transport ship he'd acquired through mysterious means and dubbed the Snow Flake. It was flat and and painted a whitish blue on the exterior. The thing was fast, allowing them to outrun and outmaneuver Empire fighters with quick thinking and relative ease.

"Have you heard the rumors?" Jack asked. Merida looked at him and cocked a brow. "I hear they have a Jedi."

Merida flinched in surprise. But then she rolled her eyes and scoffed. "Yeah right. Everyone knows the Jedi were all wiped out."

"I know thats what people say. But why would they lie about this?" Jack challenged. Merida pursed her lips, she couldn't say. He had a point. Why would they lie about having a Jedi?

She sat back in the co pilot's seat in thought and crossed her arms over her chest. The rebels could always use a Jedi. Merida had never met one, but the stories were told all throughout the galaxy. Legendary warriors of an extinct order who once fought for the Republic.

Her father had told her about the Jedi. He always recounted the stories of their bravery, their courage, and their amazing prowess in battle.

With a sigh she settled back as they dropped out of light speed travel. They came upon the planet Atlus. They strapped in as Jack brought them into the atmosphere. Once they were out of orbit they were met with a lush green planet filled with trees and mountainous landscape. They smiled at the sight.

Merida picked up the comm link and began hailing the planet's rebel base.

"Merida to Atlus command center. Come in Atlus command," she said. She waited for a response.

"Atlus to Merida, we read you. But you came at a bad time," was their response.

"Whats going on?"

"Looks like we've been found ma'am. We suggest you leave before they know you're here."

"I will do no such thing Atlus," Merida replied stubbornly.

"I assure you ma'am that we'll be ok. We've got our Jedi."

Jack and Merida exchanged a glance. Well now they had to stay. Demanding the coordinates Jack directed the ship to them to assist. And of course, see this Jedi in action.


Blasters were firing left and right as the rebels and stormtrooper squadron fought. But the rebels were winning. In a blur of pink and gold a lone woman charged into the ranks of stormtroopers. She had shoulder length brown hair and wore pink robes, with hefty brown boots, and a matching belt. Part of her brown hair was tied into a short braid on the side of her face.

As she ran toward the stormtroopers, who were shooting at her relentlessly, she waved around her golden energy weapon, her lightsaber. Sign of her status as a Jedi. One of the few who remained after the purge. Her name was Rapunzel and she'd been one of the few lucky enough to get away. She'd been on one of the outer rim planets with her master at the time. But out of nowhere their allies, the clones, had turned on them. Her master held them at bay to let her get away.

And she'd been running ever since. She'd been found by the rebels and she'd joined them in their fight. Putting the hurt on the Empire where she could.

She deflected the lasers back at the troopers, downing them before getting in the middle of their ranks. They shouted as she cut them down. Slashing and thrusting her yellow lightsaber left and right. Soon enough, no one was left to fight. She let out a breath and wiped her brow.

The rebels cheered for her, she smiled at them. Glad to see their numbers had not taken a hit. But they'd have to move soon. The small scouting squadron would probably alert the Empire to the presence of a rebel base. And a Jedi. One of the rebels called out as ship was suddenly above them. Rapunzel held her weapon at the ready, but soon they were informed it was a visiting leader from another faction.

The ship landed and the hatch opened. And out walked a red headed woman. She'd heard of her. Princess Merida of the planet DunBroch. She deactivated her weapon and clipped it to her belt as Merida swept her eyes over her group. Then her eyes landed on her, drifting down to the lightsaber hanging at her belt.

Another man with white hair came out after her. He took her in as well, also noticing her weapon.

Merida walked out of the ship and up to her. Her eyes narrowed in scrutiny. She stood right before her, sharp eyes assessing her curiously.

"So you're the Jedi then?" she asked.

Rapunzel swallowed nervously. She blushed a little out of shyness.

"Well?" Merida asked sharply.

Rapunzel flinched a little. Feeling intimidated before nodding. Her allies came up beside her. Boasting about how they had a Jedi among them. They talked about her feats and accomplishments. Ranging from times she'd rescued them to taking out a whole squad of stormtroopers by herself.

"She's amazing."

"She awesome."

"She's-"

"Just a Padawan," Merida said sharply. Everyone froze. Rapunzel cast her eyes down as Merida eyed her Padawan braid. She sighed heavily. "When I heard there was a Jedi among us I'd hoped for a great master. Or at least a knight. Not a novice who just learned to wield her sword," she said in frustration.

"Hey now hold on." Merida cast her eyes on a rebel walking up. He was tall, with a lithe figure and sporting a goatee and chocolate eyes. "This is our Jedi you're talking about. She's proven her mettle enough for us to trust her completely."

Rapunzel blushed and smiled gratefully at the man.

Merida rolled her eyes unimpressed. "Well I suppose beggars can't be choosers," she muttered. With a huff she turned around and walked away to speak with the ranking officers. Rapunzel's chest tightened in hurt. She knew she wasn't their first choice of Jedi. A knight would definitely be more capable. And they could definitely use a master. But she was trying her best.

"Don't worry Punz. We appreciate you," the man said with a warm smile.

"Thank you Eugene," Rapunzel whispered in thanks. He nodded. Everyone regrouped, loading onto speeders and into their fighters as they headed back to their base.

And a few light years away, from a Empire Star Destroyer a man in black robes looked out into the distance. He'd just recive an interesting transmission.

There was a Jedi on Atlus.

Perfect.


Starwars AU! Don't know why. Just came to me.