Beyond - Legends Knightfall I: Sins of the Father (Ben/Jysella, L/M, canon/legends chars, OCs) Complete 9/2023

Tahiri and Valin?? That was unexpected. Glad she's moved on, but very curious to see her reaction, and everyone else's when Anakin turns up alive. I like the bits with Ben and Jysella. Seems like they could be good friends, or more, depending on how Ben really still feels about Kiera.

Excellent!!

 

jcgoble3, Darth_Furio, Child_of_a_Jedi, Skywalker_Angel, Jedi_Tyler Nyota's Heart

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New chapter is below. Finally. Thanks to everyone for sticking with me and this story.



Chapter Nine


Ben was awakened early the next morning by the insistent chirping of his door alarm. He’d fallen asleep on his couch, and being restless and a bit hungover from the previous evening, he only waved his fingers at the door to open it and admit his visitor.

He was surprised to see Jaden and Jaek. He sat up slowly and rubbed at his eyes before focusing on the small boy now standing directly in front of him.

“Hi, Unca Ben,” Jaek said with an affectionate smile. “Daddy said we gonna spend da day wif you.”

Ben lifted his gray-eyed gaze to Jaden’s green and raised his eyebrows in question.

Jaden shrugged as he sat down across from his brother. “You’ve been back for a while now and the time we’ve spent together was one evening meal. Don’t you think it’s time you started trying to reconnect with your family? At least a little?”

Ben sighed deeply. “I don’t know, Jaden. I don’t think I’d even know where to start. So many things are…”

Jaden picked up. “…kriffed up. I know. I also know you left because of me, and Kiera. I just…”

Ben held up a hand to silence his brother for a moment before turning his attention to Jaek. “Hey, Jaek, can you come over here for a minute?”

The little boy, who had taken to wandering the sparse quarters turned to his uncle and headed back over.

“Do you think if I fixed you a bowl of Aurebesh soup, you could sit at the counter and eat while your…your father and I talk?” Ben softly questioned the child.

“I wove dat soup!” Jaek exclaimed.

Ben smiled and ruffled Jaek’s hair. “I thought you might.”

Ben headed into the small kitchenette and set to quickly preparing the soup. Jaden and Jaek both followed him. Jaden lifted Jaek onto a stool and took one for himself.

“That stuff is disgusting,” Jaden remarked as Ben cooked. “I never understood how you could eat it.”

Ben chuckled. “I know. None of you liked it, just me. Malinza hates it, too. I guess I’ll save it for Jaek and I.”

Jaden looked down at his son and smiled softly before returning his gaze to Ben. “He reminds me so much of you sometimes.”

Ben cleared his throat. “How so?”

Jaden shrugged. “Lots of things. His hair and eyes for one. I don’t know where they come from; Dad, maybe. Or Kiera’s mother or father. But the blonde and gray remind me of you. The way he tilts his head when he’s puzzled or curious is just like you. So many things. It’s like…”

Ben placed a bowl of the soup, along with a blumfruit muffin and a cup of blue milk in front of the boy. “Eat up.”

Jaek dived right into his food as Ben and Jaden headed back to the living space and sat back down.

“What were you going to say?” Ben questioned.

Jaden shrugged. “Over the years it’s been like having you with us. Jaek is…even Dad has commented on how much Jaek reminds him of you at the same age.”

In that moment, Ben felt the war begin between his heart and his head. His head told him to tell Jaden the truth, to claim Jaek as his son. But his heart wouldn’t let him hurt Jaek so badly. The little boy loved Jaden, believed him to be his father and Ben could not see a path past that in which Jaek would not suffer.

Ben smiled softly. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

Jaden chuckled. “It was good. I missed you. We all missed you.”

Ben sighed. “Look, what you said earlier about why I left; it was because of Kiera, but not you. Not really, anyway. I was…angry at her for moving on. But, I don’t want you to think I felt angrier or more…betrayed because it was with you. It…it wouldn’t have mattered, Jaden.”

“I…don’t know if I believe that,” Jaden hesitated. “But, I’ll take it.”

Ben laughed and reached out to his brother. Both men stood and shared a hug. Ben knew five years hadn’t been long enough, and he didn’t know if five more would be either to take away all of the hurt and pain he still felt when he thought of his former lover and his brother.

But for Jaek, for his little boy, he would try. Because hurting his son was not an option Ben ever wanted to entertain. And for Jaden. Because he loved his brother. And he hated him.

*******************************************************************

Later That Evening
Galactic Republic Starfighter Command
Col. Skywalker’s Quarters


Ben was grading the most recent written assignments of his pilots when his door chimed. Sighing, he stood and went to open the door. He lightly punched the activation stud and was surprised to see his father.

“What are you doing here?” slipped out before he could stop the words.

Luke took a deep breath. “I was hoping we could…talk.”

Ben stepped aside and held out his arm. “Come on in. Want a drink?”

Luke nodded as he looked around his son’s quarters. In the main living space, there was one sofa and couch and two comfortable looking chairs that sat in front of a small caf table. One end table held a holo of Ben’s mother and sister, Gaeriel and Malinza.

“Here, Dad,” Ben said as held out a mug of hot chocolate.

“You remembered,” Luke commented as he took the steaming beverage.

Ben nodded. “Yeah. Have a seat. What did you want to talk about?”

Luke took a sip as he sat down in one of the chairs. “How’re your mother and sister?”

Ben laughed as he scratched at the days-old stubble on his chin. “You really came here to ask about Mom and Malinza? Come on, Dad, at least tell me the truth. Our last few conversations haven’t been the best, so maybe…maybe this one can be better.”

Luke was surprised by Ben's offer, but he took it anyway. He set the hot chocolate down and folded his hands.

“I want to know why you came home,” Luke said. “I don’t want the “Wedge offered me a job” line, either. As you said; tell me the truth.”

“Ask me no questions, I’ll tell you no lies,” Ben muttered to himself, but Luke heard him anyway.

“What does that mean, Son?”

Ben took a deep breath. “It means…the truth is more complicated than you can imagine, and…telling it will only hurt people.”

“People? Who exactly will it hurt?” Luke asked.

Ben stood and began to pace. “Lots of people, Dad, people we both love. I don’t want to be the reason people I love get hurt. I’ve hurt everyone enough as it is. Leaving was the wrong choice, the wrong thing to do, but it served a purpose.”

“Leaving the way you did, that hurt,” Luke acknowledged. “I know our argument made it easy for you to…”

“No!” Ben shouted as he spun on his heel to face his father. “No, it wasn’t easy, Dad, even after our argument. Staying away wasn’t easy either, even after our…talk on Denon a few years ago. But it was the necessary thing.”

“I accused you of running away,” Luke lamented. “I regret that.”

Ben shrugged. “You weren’t wrong. I was running, from a lot of things; you, Kiera, Jaden, my emotions, the Jedi. All of it, but…”

Luke smiled sympathetically. “Mostly because of Kiera.”

Ben sat again and sighed, running his fingers through his shaggy hair. “Yeah, mostly Kiera, but also…also Jaek.”

Luke sensed there was something Ben wanted, needed to tell him, but he was afraid.

“Why Jaek?” Luke asked softly. “I wasn’t aware you’d ever seen him before you came home.”

Ben sniffled and wiped his nose. Luke noticed the tears that had gathered in Ben’s gray eyes.

“I…I hadn’t seen…I saw him once, the…the night he was born,” Ben managed to get out slowly. “I went to the med center and…gods, Dad, I loved her! She…”

Luke was starting to understand. He moved to sit next to his son. He rested his mechanical hand on Ben’s shoulder.

“She?” he questioned. “You mean Kiera? What did she say to you that night?”

Ben’s breathing had increased. His heart was racing. He stood suddenly, fingers clenched and eyes pouring tears.

“She told me to leave,” he bit out, the bitterness in his voice sounding harsh to Luke’s ears. “She ordered me away!”

Despite the pain he could feel in his son, Luke continued to push. “She asked you to leave so she could be happy with Jaden and their son?”

Ben shook his head and turned slowly, fingers clenching and unclenching; eyes blazing.

“No, she ordered me to leave so she could be happy with Jaden and…” he stopped, unable to actually say the words; to tell his father the truth.

“…and?” Luke pressed. “Jaden and…who? Who else, Ben?”

“My son!” Ben yelled. “He’s my son! Not Jaden’s!”

 

Great update! Luke now knows the truth, but what will he do with it? Ben is right: if this gets out, it will only hurt a lot of people.

 

Great intensity and I love the conflict within Ben during both conversations. He's right too, he could blow up everything real good.

 

Superb brotherly talk and between father and son also. I love that Ben's #1 and only priority is Jaek's peace of mind and happiness. Jaden is the only daddy Jaek knows. Telling him different would only bring suffering and heartache, unnecessarily. I think, I really do, that Luke is the one person who could be trusted to keep that secret, as well, to avoid bringing suffering on others.

 

Great update, Mom! But, now that Luke knows the truth, and he has to keep a secret for one son which could hurt the other--maybe the title doesn't refer Ben after all.

 

Thanks! Yes, Luke knows the truth. Could be a good thing. Could be a bad thing. It's going to depend on his point of view.

Thanks a bunch! Let's hope nothing gets blown up.

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed their talks. The one thing Ben wants is to be a good father and the only way he sees being able to do that is to never mention it to anyone. But he just can't resist telling his own father.


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It's been quite a while since I wrote anything. Motivation has been low and inspiration even lower. I'm not entirely happy with the new chapter below, but it's what I ended up with after many tweaks and changes and input from numerous sources. I hope you all enjoy, and as always, thanks for reading.




Chapter Ten


If Ben expected shock from his father, he was disappointed. Luke only nodded slowly, his blue eyes holding nothing but understanding.

“I thought so,” he finally said to his distraught son.

Ben pinned his father with a stiff glare. “What do you mean, you thought so?”

Luke sighed heavily and ran his hands through his hair. “You forget, I was there when you were born, Ben. I remember what you looked like, the way you felt in the Force. I remember your mannerisms, the way you used to tilt your head just a little to the left when something puzzled you. I remember how quiet you would get when you were angry or upset.”

“So what?” Ben huffed.

Luke smiled slightly. “So, watching Jaek is like watching you.”

“I don’t know what to do, Dad,” Ben finally says softly. “I’ve made so many mistakes; too many to count. Too many to forget.”

“Do you want to be a father to your son?” Luke asked pointedly.

Ben didn’t speak right away. He didn’t know what to say; didn’t know how to answer such a question. When he finally did give voice to his thoughts, it wasn’t what Luke expected.

“I don’t want my choices to hurt people,” Ben revealed. “Too many of my choices have already hurt people. Yes, I want to be his father, but…I’m choosing to be his uncle and I’m praying every day to the force, or whatever god will listen that it’s the right choice.”

“What do you mean too many of your choices have already hurt people?” Luke questioned, latching onto that statement.

Ben stood and ran his hands through his shaggy hair; a common nervous habit of his. I need a haircut, he thought.

“Mom and Malinza, and I guess maybe even Petr were hurt when I chose to come live here with you and Mara,” he told his father. “My choice of the military over the Jedi hurt you. My choices on that mission all those years ago got Anakin…got him killed. That hurt everyone! The list goes on.”

Luke finally stood as well and stepped in front of his son. “Ben, sometimes things happen that…that we just can’t change. Choices are made and we live with the consequences. Sometimes people get hurt. Son, you can’t always avoid that.”

Ben shook his head. “Now you tell me.”

Luke chuckled softly. “Your mother, stepfather and sister understood why you chose to come live with Mara and me. Do you truly believe that I was hurt when you chose the military, flying over being a Jedi? I wasn’t, I promise you. I’m your father and I’m proud of you no matter what. If I’ve failed to show you that, to make you feel that, then I’m the one whose choices have hurt people; you.”

Ben blinked back a few tears. “What about Anakin?

“Well, now we’re talking about my choices,” Luke said. “I sent the two of you on that mission. Neither of you was prepared or ready. Anakin’s death was my fault, not yours.”

Ben turned around and headed out onto his balcony. He enjoyed the warmth of the fading sun. He enjoyed watching the constant hustle and bustle of the city-planet.

“We thought we were ready,” he spoke quietly. “Anakin was. I wasn’t. When we…”

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Fourteen Years Ago
Pendal


“Not much to look at, is it?” sixteen-year old Ben said to his cousin as the two walked around the capital of Tilam City.

Anakin chuckled. “No, not really. But, remember what Uncle Luke said; looks can be deceiving.”

Both young men were very aware of their surroundings. While the weapons technology hadn’t changed much since the days of the Rebellion, the citizenry had only grown more hostile over the years. Many of the people who lived in Tilam City survived off street crime. Robberies were commonplace. Vandalism was rampant.

“Where do we even start looking for this guy?” Ben questioned.

Anakin looked around. “Well, according to the information Uncle Luke gave us, this guy is a bit of a gambler. There’s a casino over there we could try.”

Ben shrugged as the two teen Jedi headed off towards the casino. Neither young man saw the two locals who had begun following them.

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Ben cleared his throat. “By the time we felt their presence, it was…it was too late. We were outnumbered and…and I never should have listened to Anakin. If I hadn’t, he’d be alive.”

Luke had stepped up next to his son and rested a hand on his shoulder. “You don’t know that. There’s no way for you to know that.”

Ben snapped his head to meet Luke’s eyes. “I ran, Dad. We were taking fire and I ran. I know you can’t understand how that makes me feel because you’ve never run from a fight in your life, but…”

“That’s not true,” Luke interrupted. “Even if it was, it’s not relevant. You didn’t run from a fight for the sake of running. I’d told you both that Anakin had more experience and he was the one in charge of the mission. He gave you an order and you followed it.”

Ben leaned against the railing. “It doesn’t matter, I guess. It’s been fourteen years. I can’t change the past. I can’t change the choices I’ve made up to this point.”

“No, you can’t,” Luke agreed. “Ben, we all make choices we later regret. We all make choices we wouldn’t have if the circumstances at the time had been different.”

“What choices do you regret?” Ben asked suddenly.

Luke was quiet before he answered.

*******************************************************************

”Ben escaped, Uncle Luke,” Anakin said quietly as he sat alone cleaning his wounds; a med droid at his side. “He’s on his way home.”

Luke sighed deeply. “I’m so sorry to be asking this of you, Anakin. It’s a terrible burden to put on one so young.”

Anakin gave a lopsided grin. “I agreed to it, Uncle. You shouldn’t feel guilty. Just…I probably won’t ever see them again, so can you just make sure that Mom and Dad, and Jaya and Jasa know that…that I love them and…tell Tahiri…tell her I love her, too and for her to have a…a good life.”

Luke smiled sadly at his youngest nephew. The young man had accepted a mission which would most likely keep him away from his family for the rest of his life. But when he’d been told what it involved, he’d volunteered for it.

“I will,” he told the boy. “I promise. You just keep an eye on our…package. If you need me, you have the codes. May the Force be with you, Anakin.”

“May the Force be with you, Uncle Luke,” he returned. “I’ll…I’ll tell him you said hello.”

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“Dad?” Ben asked after a few moments when Luke still hadn’t answered the question.

Luke smiled sadly. “Oh, lots of them, I suppose. Time and distance lend perspective, Son. If you live long enough, you have a life full of regrets.”

Ben chuckled. “Great. Just what I wanted to hear. I was expecting something along the lines of the truth setting me free.”

Luke leaned against the railing as well. “I suspect the truth does set people free. However, always remember that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.”

Ben smirked. “Thank you, Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

Luke laughed heartily. “I’ve told you that one before?”

“A few times,” Ben acknowledged. “I was younger then and didn’t really understand what you meant. I’m not sure I understand it now. Mom always tried to teach Malinza and I that the truth was the truth and a lie was a lie, even a lie of omission.”

Luke nodded as he turned around to again stare out at the cityscape; his gaze focused off in the distance.

“I suspect your mother is right about that.”

 

Great writing. Luke's handling of the revelation is perfect for his character, and the fact that he knows Anakin is alive is such a great twist that I wasn't expecting. The way you write Ben's frustration is good as well.

Let's hope the muse cooperates a bit more, okay?

 

Great entry Jen. The fact Luke knows more than he lets on is absolutely what I expected. I'm not surprised the Grand Master knows things and was controlling events from the shadows.

On a side note, I get the writers block and lack of motivation, it happens to us all. You'll get your spark soon enough. You're too good not to.

 

Loved the talk between Luke and Ben. So, now we know that both Luke and Jacen know that Anakin survived. My questions is this: did Luke orchestrate Anakin's survival, or did Anakin just contact his uncle after the incident and that's how he found out? Earlier on it's mentioned that his family had felt him die, so I'm wondering if Luke also felt him "reappear" through the force.

I definitely think I know who the "package" is that's mentioned. I just can't figure out how that's possible. Great work!

 

I'm not quite sure I like how much manipulation it seems Luke is engaging in regarding these events. I am anxious to see the reactions of the rest of the family when they learn that Anakin is alive and that Luke and Jacen knew the whole time.

I'm also curious about something else; does Luke know that Jacen is aware his brother is alive? Is Jacen aware Luke knows?

Great work!

 

Thank you. Glad you liked the twist with Luke knowing the truth about Anakin being alive. The muse is definitely cooperating more. Today anyway.

Thanks. The question is; why is Luke controlling things? What's he hiding?

You'll find out those answers soon. Promise.

Is Luke being manipulating? Possibly. The family reaction will probably being somewhere between everything you expect and nothing you expect.

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Chapter Eleven


Tatooine


Kitster Banai didn’t know what he would find and he wasn’t certain he wanted to find anything, but his curiosity got the better of him. However, he did not take his son and daughter with him. He ventured out into the Jundland Wastes alone.

When Kitster came upon the coordinates he’d been given by Anakin Solo, he found a relatively modest dwelling situated on a bluff surrounded by the Western Dune Sea. It appeared abandoned and at first he felt foolish for letting young Anakin send him on a wild bantha chase.

As he was about to turn around and leave, a voice called out to him.

“You there!” it sounded, deep and raspy as if seldom used. “Who are you and why are you trespassing?”

Kitster turned around and he could see a tall figure, but couldn’t make out any features. He was too far away.

“My apologies,” Kitster called back. “I’m…a friend sent me out here to find something, but I think he was playing a trick on me.”

“Who are you?” the other man asked again.

It wasn’t until the man moved just right and sun reflected off the lightsaber at his belt that Kitster answered, his heart pounding in his chest as he did.

“My name is Banai,” he called. “Kitster Banai.”

Kitster didn’t hear it, but the other man has gasped in shock. Now, he was walking down towards Kitster. He slowly traversed the uneven ground between them and when he came to stand in front of the Kitster, he pulled back the hood of his cloak.

Now it was Kitster who gasped.

Against all odds; against all the reports he’d ever read, standing before him was someone he was certain was dead.

Standing in front of him was his old friend.

Anakin Skywalker.

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Jaden and Kiera Skywalker’s Residence


“Are you okay?” Jaden asked his wife.

Kiera looked back at him and gave a small, tired smile. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Jaden shrugged. “I don’t know, that’s why I’m asking. You’ve been…sullen, withdrawn. I just wondered if that had anything to do with my brother suddenly being home.”

Kiera sighed and folded her arms across her chest. “I’m fine, Jaden, really. Yes, seeing Ben again and knowing he’s home has been…an adjustment. But, I’m not sullen and withdrawn because of him.”

Jaden moved to stand behind his wife. He wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her body to his.

“You’d tell me if it was, right?” he questioned.

She leaned her head back and the pair shared a soft kiss. “Yes, I would tell you. But, Jaden, there’s nothing to tell. Ben is my past. You and Jaek are my now, and my future.”

Jaden kissed her again softly as they stood together, enjoying the peaceful moment.

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“Will you come over for breakfast in the morning?” Luke asked Ben as the two men headed back inside.

Ben sat down and sighed heavily. “I…I don’t know, Dad. It’s been a long time since I’ve had to contend with family get-togethers. Besides, I was…I was thinking of comming Jysella and asking her to have breakfast with me.”

Luke noticed the slight blush creeping up Ben’s neck at the mention of the beautiful young Jedi. But rather than tease, he just nodded.

“Of course,” he said. “You should do that. It’s good for you to…”

Ben held up a hand. “Please don’t tell me it’s good for me to get out. She and I had a nice time together the other night. I’d like to see where it goes, but without any interference from other people.”

Luke chuckled. “Is that what you think I do? Interfere?”

Ben grinned. “You’re a Jedi Master, Dad, of course you interfere. It’s not always a bad thing, but when we’re talking about my love life, it’s…annoying at best.”

“Okay,” Luke said. “I’ll keep my distance. Am I allowed to ask...?

“No,” Ben interrupted. “You’re not allowed to ask anything. At least, not right now. I need to keep things private right now, Dad. I’m…adjusting to a lot of things all at once and it’s…it’s hard. So, please, just…if I need anything, I’ll ask. Okay?”

Luke nodded and pulled his son off the couch and into a hug. “Okay. You know where I’ll be.”

Ben returned the hug and walked his father to the door. “I’ll see you later.”

Luke stepped out, but turned back for a moment. “Don’t be a stranger. Remember that you do have a family and we’re all glad you’re home.”

“Yeah, I will,” Ben said in an unconvincing tone.

Luke smiled sadly and walked away.

After Luke was gone, Ben sat back down and sighed. He ran his hands through his hair and the ripped his shirt over his head and tossed it aside. He stood and headed for his shower hoping the water would help wash away the emotions of the day.

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Jysella Horn didn’t know what had brought her to Ben Skywalker’s doorstep at 0115 hours. It was late and she was sure he would be sleeping. She was sure she should be sleeping. Instead, she reached out and rang the door chime.

Ben was awakened by his door chime. He’d fallen asleep on his couch after his shower. Yawning, he stood and noticed the time. He headed for the door prepared to berate whoever was on the other side at such an ungodly hour.

Jysella felt foolish when the door didn’t open right away. She had turned to leave, assuming he was indeed asleep when the door swished open and there stood a shirtless Ben.

“Jysella” he said, acknowledging her presence. “What are you doing here?”

She was unable to stop the blush that crept up her neck and into her cheeks. She cleared her throat before she spoke.

“I’m…not sure,” she admitted. “I just finished up at the Tusken and was walking…”

“You were walking, alone, in the Underground?” he interrupted.

Jysella smiled. “I’m a fully trained Jedi, Ben, I can take care of myself.”

Ben sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Whatever calm he’d found earlier had suddenly disappeared.

“Do you…do you want to come in?” he asked, moving aside and offering her space to move past him.

She took the opportunity and slide past his tall form and into his living space. “Nice place you’ve got here, Skywalker.”

The door slid shut and he walked up beside her. “It’s okay. Military quarters aren’t supposed to be fancy. How did you even get on the base?”

She grinned as she sat down. “I used a mind trick on the…”

She stopped and laughed when she saw the look on Ben’s face. “Relax, Skywalker. All Jedi have credentials granting us access to Republic military installations.”

Ben took a deep breath and shook his head. He took a seat beside Jysella and leveled her with a piercing stare.

“What really brings you here at after one in the morning?” he questioned. “You didn’t come here just because you were out walking.”

“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the other night,” she revealed. “The kiss we shared; I just thought maybe we should…talk about it.”

Ben grinned. “What do you want to know about it?”

Her eyes met his. “I want to know why you kissed me.”

“You don’t ask much,” he quipped. “This could be a pretty heavy conversation for the middle of the night. You sure you want to do this now?”

She nodded. “Yes, I’m sure.”

“Okay,” he began. “Why did I kiss you? Well, the short answer is because I wanted to kiss you. You’re a very beautiful woman, Jysella, surely you know that. We were having a good time and…I just felt like I had to kiss you, in that moment.”

“That’s all?” she questioned.

“Yeah, that’s all,” Ben told her. “It was impulsive and…but I’m not sorry. I know I apologized right after, but I was only trying to be nice. I wasn’t sorry then and I’m still not sorry. I like you. I enjoyed your company and like I said, you’re very beautiful. Kissing you was…”

“Was?” she prodded.

Ben took a deep breath and readied himself for the slap he was sure would be the next thing he felt.

“Kissing you was a lot less than what I truly felt like doing,” he admitted in a tone so soft she barely heard him.

Jysella’s eyes widened in shock. “Wow, I’m…”

Ben stood abruptly. “Would you like something to drink?”

Jysella stood as well and stepped into Ben’s personal space, resting her hands on his bare shoulders. He was much taller than her and she felt tiny standing so close to him.

“I’m going to ask you something and I want you to be completely honest with me, not matter what you think your answer will do to me,” she told him. “Can you do that?”

Ben nodded slowly as he wrapped his hands gently around her lower back, pulling her soft body against his.

“Are you past your feelings for Kiera?” she wanted to know. “Truly past them?”

Ben’s hands fell away from Jysella. He backed up and stared at her for several long moments before he even tried to answer.

“Maybe you…maybe you should leave,” was all he managed to say.

Jysella nodded and gave him a small smile. “It’s okay, Ben. It’s what I expected. She was your first love, and…I’m sorry I woke you. I’ll see myself out.”

She turned and headed for the door and was just about to hit the activation stud when she felt Ben against her back, his hands resting on her shoulders. She was trapped between his body and the door, yet she felt no fear.

She felt him lean down and shivered when his lips brushed against her ear. “My feelings for Kiera have nothing to do with my feelings for you.”

As he backed up, Jysella turned to face him. “But you do have feelings for her, Ben. I can’t…no, I won’t be with someone who has unresolved…”

“They aren’t unresolved!” he thundered and pressed her against the door again. “My feelings for my brother’s wife are not unresolved. I don’t have romantic feelings for her anymore. All I feel when I see her, or here her name mentioned is…contempt. I feel regret and remorse. But I don’t feel love.”

Jysella reached up and ran her hands through his hair, brushing the velvety strands back from his face. She ran one hand down his cheek, softly stroking his skin. The she pulled his head down and pressed a feathery kiss against his lips.

When she pulled back, she smiled sadly. “I don’t believe you.”

With that, she palmed the door open and walked out, leaving behind a very confused and angry Ben Skywalker.

 

So we have Anakin bleeping Skywalker alive?! Nice.

Ben, oh Ben. Just shut up and "kiss the girl."

 

Darth_Furio put both points better than I could.

I love the awkwardness of Ben and Jysella's conversation. And I look forward to the explanation of just how Anakin Skywalker AKA Darth Vader (or maybe not in this story?) is alive.

 

I was right!! Anakin Skywalker is alive!! I just still cannot figure out how that is possible. I agree with Darth_Furio, kiss the girl, Ben!!

 

So cool that Anakin Skywalker is alive. Now, how is that even possible? Is it as simple as he didn't die on the second death star? Or is there more to the story? Hurry up, Mom, I don't wanna wait anymore to find out!!

 

Author Note

Well, to everyone who is still interested in this story, it will be continued soon. I've been working on other projects as well as renewing my teaching credentials, so RL has weighed heavy the last few months. Hopefully soon I will post the next chapter.

huge thanks to everyone who continues to read!!

 

You're almost a year behind on updating this story. You should keep it going. I'm hooked now too.

 

JEN!!!!!!!!! I popped in here because you've been wonderfully present on the boards recently and caught up. WOW! Jysella does ask the hard but necessary questions and she deserves a guy who isn't still stuck on someone he cannot have And now we have BOTH Anakins?! Fascinating.

 

I know. It's been such a long time since I was able to write for this story. I'm finally in a place where ideas are flowing again. As it happens, te next chapter is ready. Thanks for stopping in.

Thanks for popping in! It's been nice being back. Yes, Jysella does speak her mind, as well as from her heart. Yes, BOTH Anakin's!! Crazy, right?

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The next chapter, nearly a year after the last, is finally here! Hope you all enjoy.


Chapter Twelve


“How is this possible?” Kitster said so low Anakin barely heard him. “You should…you should be…”

Anakin Skywalker smiled. “Older? Dead, perhaps?”

Kitster could only nod his head. “Both?”

Anakin laughed deeply as he rested his now flesh and blood right hand on Kitster’s shoulder.

“Believe me, old friend, I didn’t understand it at first, either,” Anakin said softly. “I’m not sure I truly understand it now.”

“What is it?” Kitster wanted to know.

Anakin gestured to his home. “Come inside. I’ll do my best to explain.”

Kitster followed his now decades younger friend into his dwelling.

*******************************************************************

Bakura
Thanas Residence


“What troubles you, Mother?” Malinza questioned as she stepped up to stand next to Gaeriel.

Gaeriel was staring up at the moons, her shawl wrapped tightly around her shoulders to ward of the cooling temperature of the approaching night.

“Thinking of your brother,” she told her daughter. “It’s been…too long since he came home.”

Malinza smiled sadly. “I’m not entirely certain he considers Bakura to be his home any longer, Mother. Ben is…”

Gaeriel chuckled softly. “Ben is his father’s son.”

Malinza laughed as well. “He’d probably hate that reference. He didn’t sound very happy with our father the last time we spoke.”

Gaeriel stepped further out onto the terrace and her gaze turned from the sky to the picturesque east river.

“Neither your brother nor your father will ever admit to it,” she began. “But they are more alike than either knows. They share the same temper, the same drive and passion, the same sense of honor and duty.”

Malinza could hear the sadness in her mother’s voice. “Why did…why did you and Father divorce?”

If Gaeriel was surprised by the question, she didn’t show it. “Many reasons, all of them more complicated and all them simpler than why we married in the first place.”

“That’s not an answer, Mother,” she huffed. “I don’t think in all these years I’ve ever asked you what happened between the two of you.”

“Have you ever asked your father?” she asked her daughter.

Malinza sat down and gazed up at her mother. “No, I never have. It never seemed important, the how’s and why’s of it. Ben and I always knew we were loved by both of you. That seemed enough.”

Gaeriel took a seat beside Malinza. “It no longer seems enough to you? To know that you are loved by both of your parents?”

Malinza sighed. “Of course, it’s enough, Mother. It’s more than enough. I just…I have always wondered.”

Gaeriel took a deep breath and began to explain.

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The Following Morning
Jedi Temple

After his late-night encounter with Jysella, Ben hadn’t been able to fall back to sleep. Instead, he’d retreated to his balcony and had spent the next few hours in meditation. Now, as the morning dawned cloudy and cool, he finally felt refreshed and much less angry than he had been the night before.

As he slowly made his way across the main floor of the temple, he endeavored to be as inconspicuous as possible. To avoid as much attention as possible, he had even donned his tan and brown Jedi robes. He’d made sure his face was mostly covered by the hood. Still, Ben noticed a few stares from other Jedi who recognized him.

Within moments, he was inside the lift which would take him to Kyp and Jaina’s quarters. The trip was short and he found himself in front of their door. He was surprised to find his hands shaking a bit as he reached for the chime.

“Well, it’s about time!” Jaina Solo-Durron exclaimed when she saw her cousin.

Ben barely had time to shrug his shoulders before his smaller female relative had pulled him into her arms for the tightest hug he’d ever felt.

“You can let go now, Jaya,” Ben murmured after several minutes.

He was shocked when she finally pulled away to see tears in her dark eyes, a few of which had made tracks down her cheeks.

“Hey, please don’t cry,” he said, stepping into the room and pulling her against his chest. “I’m here now.”

Jaina stepped back and shook her head while she wiped her eyes. “I don’t know why I’m crying. It hasn’t been that long since we saw you on Denon. I just…”

Ben smiled and shrugged as he shed his cloak. “It’s okay, Jaya. You missed me, I get it.”

She led him to the couch and the pair sat down. “No, it’s…I mean, yes I’ve missed you. We all have, but it’s more than that.”

He leaned forward and nodded. “I know. You worry about me because of…because of Anakin.”

“Yes,” Jaina acknowledged. “That’s part of it, but it’s also because we thought we’d lost you a few years ago, too. Kiera was a mess…”

Ben shook his head. “I really don’t want to talk about her.”

Jaina’s eyebrows raised at that, but she said nothing about it. “Okay. We were all upset, Ben. Fourteen years ago you came back, and Anakin didn’t. It felt like…like the biggest loss ever wrapped inside the best gift ever.”

Ben smiled sadly. “You know, if I could have done…”

She rested her hand on his arm. “There wasn’t anything you could have done to save him. We were so fortunate as a family to even get one of you back. Over the years I’ve…I suppose I’ve learned to be appreciative of that because I know how close we came to losing you, too; twice.”

“It shouldn’t have been a choice,” he told her. “We both should have come home from that mission. Anakin shouldn’t have had to choose between himself and me.”

“Maybe,” she conceded. “But, you didn’t both come home. It just wasn’t meant to be. Now, come on, come see your newest little cousin. He’s cute as a baby Ewok.”

Ben laughed as he stood to follow her. “That’s not very inspiring.”

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As his ship flew ever closer to Coruscant, Anakin Solo felt his nerves tingle and his emotions begin to flare. Meditation was no longer helping and physical exercise could only occupy his mind for a brief time.

“What was I thinking?” he asked himself out loud. “I should just go back to Tatooine and…”

”You mustn’t do that, young Solo,” answered a voice from behind Anakin.

Anakin whirled around, violet-bladed saber coming to life in his hands. He was stunned to see an older man with a short-trimmed beard and floor-length Jedi robes. For the moment, he didn’t notice the blue hue which surrounded the man.

“Who are you!?” Anakin demanded.

The man smiled. ”You don’t recognize me from the holos your grandfather insists on displaying in his home?”

Anakin deactivated his lightsaber, shaking his head. “That’s…that’s impossible. You’re…you’ve been dead since long before I was born.”

Obi-Wan Kenobi laughed. ”Well, yes, that’s true. Hasn’t your uncle ever told you about his own experiences with Force ghosts?”

Anakin shook his head sadly. “My uncle and I…we haven’t spoken in many years. Even before…well, no, he never mentioned seeing ghosts before. But, that doesn’t matter. Why are you here? Why appear to me and why can’t I just turn this ship around and go back to Tatooine?”

Obi-Wan sighed deeply. ”You cannot escape your destiny, Anakin. It is waiting for you on Coruscant. You must return.”

Anakin shook his head. “Going back isn’t about me. It’s about my cousin, Ben. I had a…a vision. I’m going back to stop it from happening.”

”The will of the Force cannot be denied,” Obi-Wan revealed. ”You will find your way, one way or another.”

With that, the long-dead Jedi faded away, leaving Anakin alone once again with his thoughts.

“Great,” he snickered to himself. “Just great.”

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“What is this place?” Kitster asked as they entered Anakin’s home.

He chuckled and shrugged. “I guess you could call it home. My old Jedi master once lived here. Now, I live here.”

“Explain this to me,” Kitster ordered. “According to all public records, Anakin Skywalker died near the end of the Clone Wars. Your grandson tells me you…you became…”

When he couldn’t finish, Anakin did it for him. “I became Darth Vader.”

“But Vader died,” Kitster answered. “It was broadcast across the galaxy. Vader and Emperor Palpatine died on the death star. So, either you’re an imposter; a good imposter of what Anakin Skywalker would have looked like at this age, or there’s a really delightful story as to how this is possible.”

Anakin laughed, and looked younger still than his current fifty-nine years of age. He offered Kitster a seat and then took one himself.

“I’ll try to explain, if you’re willing to listen,” he said softly.

Kitster nodded. “Of course.”

Anakin cleared his throat. “It all started when I stopped breathing and died on the death star.”

 

Compelling and intense conversations/scenes and wow, that is one zinger of a last line/explanation at the end there. I have a feeling both Anakins will straighten everything out ... eventually, when it comes to Ben's complicated situation.

 

Great conversations! Final exams have me a bit too busy to spend time refreshing my memory on what's going on and formulate a proper review at the moment, but here's hoping the next update doesn't take 18 months like this one did!

 

Oh wow. Great update! And quicker than I expected!

 

Welcome back @JediMaster_Jen !!

Another classic Obi-Wan frustrating the hell out of a Skywalker moment. Ben and Jaina was nice to see.