C45 Timeskip!!!

C45 Timeskip!!!

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After being turned down again by R'Klll for being "too young," which annoyed Peter to no end, he set aside his teenage hormones to focus on the task at hand. He helped her capture the necessary photographs of Gamora from a distance, ensuring she could fulfill at least part of her obligation to Maw.

Before she could leave, Peter insisted on knowing the details of her next meeting with Ebony Maw. Reluctantly, R'Klll stayed a bit longer as she sent the message that her mission was complete, which prompted Maw to send the coordinates, where she's supposed to meet him.

Suddenly, a flicker of concern passed across her face, prompting her to pause for a moment.

She turned to Peter, her eyes narrowing slightly with suspicion. "You're not planning to do anything reckless with the information I've given you, are you? Like attacking Maw or something equally foolish that could put my life at risk?"

Peter met her gaze, his expression composed, and his response smooth. "No," he assured her with an easy smile, lying like a pro. "I'm just trying to gather information to help the Jedi understand the man Maw works for. No direct actions are planned."

'Well, technically that's not a lie. I still need to convince Yoda...' He thought.

R'Klll seemed surprised to hear that Maw had a boss, a detail she hadn't considered significant until now. However, she didn't press the matter further; unlike Peter, she preferred not to delve too deeply into the affairs of others.

Her goal was simple: complete the job, get paid, and move on with her life intact.

"Alright," R'Klll said after a moment, her tone still carrying a hint of skepticism but accepting his answer. "Just remember, any trouble that comes my way from this... we're going to have a problem."

"Understood," Peter replied, his tone sincere. "You won't have any trouble from me."

Satisfied with his assurance, R'Klll gave a curt nod and was about to leave, but before she could, Peter convinced her to hand over her contact info. And although she handed it over because of their agreement, she suspected he wanted it just so he could keep flirting with her.

"Alright, R'Klll, I guess this is goodbye then. For now," Peter said, his tone a mix of professionalism tinged with his budding charm.

R'Klll nodded, her expression a complex mix of relief and concern. "Yes, goodbye, Quill. And... thank you, I suppose. For helping me navigate this... less than ideal situation."

Peter flashed a grin, "Anytime. And hey, if you ever reconsider about that date—"

"Still no," R'Klll cut him off with a slight smile, softening the rejection. "But maybe you can give me a call when you're older..."

"Really?!" Peter almost didn't believe what he just heard.

Holding back her laughter at how enthusiastic he suddenly became, R'Klll shrugged, "Maybe? Maybe not?" She answered cryptically, enjoying the playful banter a little more than she expected.

"I'll hold you to it then..." Peter smirked.

With a final nod, R'Klll turned and left the temple, her steps quick and purposeful. Peter watched her go, feeling a mix of satisfaction and anticipation, especially as she rocked her backside back and forth, which she seemed to be shaking a bit more than usual...

'God damn...' Peter's teenage brain made it hard for him to look away.

After she left, and his hormones subsided, Peter stood there for a moment, pondering the weight of the information she had provided and the potential it held.

Despite his assurances to R'Klll, part of him couldn't help but consider the strategic advantage of knowing Maw's location. He knew the importance of keeping his new ally safe, but the temptation to strike a decisive blow against Thanos's forces was just too good to pass up.

Shaking off these thoughts for the moment, Peter headed off to find his masters, Mace Windu and Yoda, to report everything.

As he walked, he rehearsed what he would say, preparing to outline not just the information about Maw, but also the potential risks and benefits of acting on it. But sadly, the decisions that lay ahead were not his alone to make.

War, huh (good God)

What is it good for?

Absolutely nothing, listen to me, oh

...

..

.

Both Master and Padawan volunteered themselves to assist in the war effort about a year ago. And in that time, Peter had grown into his role, his abilities and strategic thinking sharpened by real-world combat experience.

The Senate had initially been furious upon learning of the Jedi's covert dealings with the Nova Empire. They had never sanctioned military aid to assist the Nova Corps, fearful of entangling the Republic in yet another protracted conflict.

However, their disapproval mattered little; the Jedi had structured the arrangement so that participation was entirely voluntary, and the Senate could not prevent Jedi volunteers from joining the cause.

Moreover, the Nova Empire had loaned a fleet of ships and a contingent of soldiers to the Jedi, all without cost to the Republic—a strategic move that further irked the Senate but left them impotent to intervene. The Jedi's tactics ensured that the Senate's hands were tied, allowing them to do little more than voice their displeasure.

Amidst the chaos of war, Peter and Windu stood side by side on the battle-scarred plains, their figures illuminated by the relentless volley of blaster bolts streaking through the dark sky.

As Kree forces advanced, Peter and Windu's lightsabers danced in tight, synchronized arcs—vivid streaks of black and purple that cut through the air, intercepting and deflecting the incoming fire with precision, the Nova army at their backs.

Around them, the ground was littered with the scars of war—burnt earth, shattered rocks, and the remnants of fallen warriors. The two Jedi moved with deliberate, calculated steps, their focus absolute as they formed a wall against the onslaught.

As blaster bolts zipped through the air, their sabers moved not just in defense, but in fierce, sweeping attacks that cut down enemy after enemy. The sound of clashing metal and the roar of explosions filled the surroundings.

Peter had learned much from Windu in the past two years, not just about combat but about leadership and the weight of decisions made in the heat of battle. Each skirmish, each victory, and each loss added layers to his experience and ability.

...

Soon enough, the heavy sound of blaster fire began to fade as the remaining Kree forces, seeing no chance of victory in sight, thanks to Peter and Windu's presence, started to withdraw, their retreat hastened by the arrival of Nova Corps reinforcements sweeping in from the sky above.

As the dust settled and the last of the Kree disappeared into the distance, Windu deactivated his lightsaber, the purple blade retracting with a soft hiss. Beside him, Peter took off his headphones, the sudden silence marking the end of the skirmish.

He turned to Peter, who was catching his breath, his lightsaber still humming gently in his grip. In his offhand, he held Ronan's hammer, which he had wielded throughout the war as well. Mainly because its appearance provoked the Kree.

There was a brief moment of silence between them, filled only by the distant cries of victory and the soft moans of the wounded.

"It seems our job here is done..." Windu let out a long, measured sigh, his gaze studying the young man beside him. "Are you ready to head back to the temple and face the council?" He said out of nowhere.

Peter, slightly startled by the question, extinguished his lightsaber and clipped it to his belt. His face, smeared with dirt and sweat, turned to him in confusion. "Why? I'm not in trouble, am I?"

"On the contrary," Windu responded, a rare smile breaking through his usually stern demeanor. "I plan to recommend to the council that you be knighted as a Jedi. Your growth, especially under such dire circumstances, has not gone unnoticed."

Peter's eyes widened, the gravity of Windu's words sinking in. "Really? You're not messing with me, are you?" It seemed like only yesterday that he and Yoda were scolding him for one reason or another.

Windu shook his head, starting to walk back towards their temporary encampment, where their ship awaited. "Why would I lie?"

Peter jogged slightly to catch up, his mind racing. "Holy sh*t, you're serious..."

"Language..." Windu chided, a small smile gracing his lips.

A/N: 2138 words :) Big Timeskip! There's a lot to recap in the next chapter!