Chapter 8: Training & An Surprise Reunion
Cast - Anakin - Hayden, Padme, Natalie, Luke - young Luke - Max, older Luke - Mark, young Leia - Billie and older Leia - Carrie, Keely - Kacey, Henry - Brendan
Anakin hadn't slept for the reminder of the night. His mind still on his latest dream - he didn't want to believe that Palpatine could still be alive and that he could have an heir. "It can't be" Anakin muttered to himself as he found himself wandering through the Academy just as he saw the sun begin to rise casting its morning light through the windows. He headed out to the gardens where he was surprised to find he wasn't the only ones awake.
He saw his youngest daughter Keely already out in the gardens and she wasn't alone. She was with little Rey, who must have woken up shortly after him. Anakin stopped a few minutes away and stood back and watched his daughter interact with Rey:
Rey's eyes stared at Keely with fasciation as Keely used the force to lift the small items before her. "The force can make us do many things" Keely tells her "It's not just about lifting items with our hands, we can sense things around us. The force flows through us, it resides within all living things" she says as Anakin smirks as he remembered that was one of the first things Qui Gon's explained to him.
He then heard Rey speak "And you think I can do it?" She asks as Keely laughs "With time yes and that is what we're going to help with. My dad and brothers will help you use the force for good and not for dark" she says before she reaches for one of the items she had been playing with before. "Let's try a test" she says "Close your eyes and concentrate on the object and try to move it" she says as Rey shook her head.
"I can't" she whispers as Keely smiles before she takes her hands in hers "All you need to do is to concentrate and feel the force" she says. Anakin watches as Rey closes her eyes again. Her little nose crinkles as her eyes squint as he could sense her in the force. She was almost going to give up when suddenly the small item slightly moved on the ground towards her. Keely gasps in excitement
"You did it!" She cries however then saw them fall back down again as Rey sighs. "I can't do it" she cries "I can't" she says as Keely knelt down in front of her, taking her hands in hers. "Rey, it's hard at first but the force is mysterious and is there to help guide us" she explains as Anakin smiles listening to her repeat the same words he had told her years ago hearing her go on "You just need to quiet your mind and listen" she says as Rey tilts her head "But what if I can't?" She asks just as Anakin decided to make his presence known.
"It will take time and training but you will soon be able to use the force" he says kneeling beside Keely so that he was in front of Rey as Rey looks over at him "But it's hard" she says as Keely looks over at her dad seeing him smile back at Rey
"We will deal with that when the time comes but Rey, I already believe you will be a strong Jedi. There is something special about you" he tells her seeing her smile as Keely could feel Rey's excitement building just as she gets her feet taking her hand "Why don't we come back to training and go get some breakfast?" She asks as Anakin gets back up "Excellent idea" he says as they started to head towards the kitchen. Anakin looks over at his daughter.
"She's starting to trust you" he says "Between you and Ben, Rey feels safe around you both" he tells her as Keely smiles before she replies "I want her to be feel comfortable knowing she is safe here" she says as Anakin shook his head "No, it's not that. Ever since Jakku, she has felt safe around you. I saw her when we returned last night. She was afraid you wouldn't come back" he says. Keely nods before she looks over at her dad. "She reminds me of when mom and Leia told me to go into the escape pod with R2 and 3PO to find Obi Wan on Tatooine. I was so afraid I wouldn't see them or you and Luke again" she says
Anakin wraps an arm around her. He remembered how she ran to him the moment he stepped into Obi Wan's home that day. "You didn't let go when you see me" he reminds as she rests her head on his shoulder. "I love you dad" she says softly as he kisses the top of her forehead "I'll always love you sweet princess" he says. Unknown to either of them, Rey looked up at both adults. It made her wish her parents wondering if they were looking for her at that moment. She did feel safe with the Skywalkers but she did wish her parents came for her. Ben did say they would help her find her parents and it would just take time. She was just happy to be away from Unkar Plutt. She felt Keely squeeze her hand once more as she looks down at her smiling as they continued towards the kitchen.
Anakin, Keely and Rey entered the galley kitchen minutes later finding Padme was already there with Ben sitting at the table with Henry. "Good morning, didn't think anyone else was up this early" Anakin says seeing them all turn towards them "Grandpa!" Ben cried jumping down off the seat and throwing his arms around Anakin. "Hey buddy" he says before he moved over towards Padme as they shared a sweet tender kiss.
"Ben and I were wondering where you had gone when we woke up" she says "He wanted to go looking for you until I suggested we go make breakfast where we found Henry already down here" she says as Keely rolls her eyes looking over at her younger brother "You're going to make Luke go on another supply run if you continue to keep eating the way you do" she warns as Henry shrugs reaching for the pitcher of blue milk "Please, there are other students who eat way more then me" he says as Keely shakes her head before she snaps back "Yes, but they also eat with their mouth closed" she says tossing a cloth over at her brother before he catches the cloth and tosses it back at her.
"That's for you not me!" Keely says "I'm not the one with food on my face" she says. Padme looks up at Anakin shaking her head with a smile "Some things don't change even as they get older" she says as Anakin sighs wrapping an arm around her waist resting his chin on her shoulder "True, but I don't remember this much trouble with Luke and Leia" she admits as Anakin laughs "To be fair, I think we welcomed any of that when Luke and Leia were young" he admits looking back at Keely and Henry still bickering and Ben now laughing right as they heard Leia's voice
"It's nice to know some things never change" she admits as she and Han enter the kitchen with his arm around her waist. He smirks "She's right. You both haven't stopped bickering from the moment Henry learnt how to talk" he points out as Ben jumps out of his chair "Dad!" He cries as Han caught him in his arms.
Keely and Henry went quiet as Anakin and Padme moved over towards the table with the food. Padme then adds "Well, that was also because Henry couldn't stop following his big sister around which Keely didn't mind and she did the same when she was little to Luke and Leia" she adds taking a seat just as Leia had moved over to Anakin giving him a hug. "How are you feeling this morning dad?" She asks as he wrapped an arm around his daughter.
"Still sore and the wounds will heal in time but just good to be home" he tells her as Leia smiles resting her head against his shoulder. Leia then adds "Well, at least we're all here at the Academy like we planned" she says as Ben then chimed in "And I can improve my skills with uncle Henry" he says as Henry nods "That's right little man. Luke will be very proud" he says as Padme then asks "Where is Luke this morning?" She asks looking up at Leia "Have you or Han seen him this morning?" She asks seeing her daughter shake her head as Anakin spoke
"I'll go look for him" he says however Padme quickly cut in "No, I'll go look for him, you stay here" she says "You still need to take it easy" she reminds him indicating for hm to take a seat just as Leia did the same right before she exited the gallery kitchen to find Luke.
Padme didn't have to go far to find Luke. She found him in the medication room not far from the gallery kitchen. She watched him sitting underneath a large shady tree with his back to her. The medication room was a beautiful spot. Luke had built it a few years ago 2 years after founding the Academy. Separate from the outside gardens, it was a place of sincerity and calm perfect for medication.
As Padme watched her son, she tilts her head - he reminded her so much of Anakin. She was still watching him when she heard him spoke. "Good morning mom" he spoke softly slowly opening his eyes as Padme smiles "Sorry to disturb you. I just wanted to let you know breakfast is ready" she says as he smiles and gets up from the ground. "Excellent timing then" he says moving over towards her "I was just completing my morning medication. Something I've done since being here at the Academy. Makes me reflect on everything given recent events" he explains referring to the attack on the Temple and Thrawn.
Padme smiles placing a hand on Luke's face "You remind me so much of your father. He is so proud of you" she says "And looking after your little brother while he's been here" she says as Luke nods. He knew how nervous and upset Padme was when Henry had decided to be one of the first to attend the Academy but knew Luke would watch out for him. Luke nods "He's done very well. When we went to rescue dad, he really proved himself. It was his first mission and he really stepped up" he says before they started to move from the medication room. "Well I'm thankful he has had you watching out for him" she says. Luke smiles over at his mother. "And yet I sense there's something else" he notes as Padme smiles "You're so much like your father, trying to sense my thoughts" she admits as they exited the medication room before she sighs
"What happened with Thrawn and how close we came to losing your father scared me and the last time I was that scared was at the battle of Endor thinking I'd never see you and your father again" she says. "I know Thrawn gone however when your father was talking about how he was having dreams where Palpatine could be alive, it has made me wonder when is the next enemy coming for—" she was then cut off by a surprising voice and Luke saw a young student running towards them
"Master Skywalker!" They cried causing Padme and Luke to turn around towards him. "Yes Kaleb, what is it?" He asks as Kaleb straightens up bowing to them both. "Master, there is an unidentifiable ship entering the atmosphere and they radioed us wanting permission to land" he says as Padme looks to her son worryingly as Luke then looks back at the student
"Did they say who they were?' He asks as Kaleb shook his head "No master. They just said they needed to land" he says as Padme speaks up "I'll go get Anakin and the rest of the family" she says right before they heard Anakin's voice "No need, we're right here" he says as Padme and Luke turned to see Anakin coming towards them with Keely, Henry, Leia, Ben, Han and Rey. Anakin looked over at his son
"It's alright Luke. I sense whoever is on this ship does not want to harm us. Grant them permission to land and we'll see who our mysterious guest is" he says. Rey remained close to Keely as Ben looks up at his parents "Do I have to go to my room again?" He asks as Han laughs "Not this time buddy. I think your grandpa has this under control" he says before they followed everyone down to the hanger unaware of just who they were about to see again.
"Permission to land granted, the hanger bay is straight ahead for you to land" the voice appeared over the speaker as Ahsoka looked up at Ezra. He then asks "Do you think one of them has sensed we're not an enemy?" He asks as Ahsoka shrugs "I don't know. Anakin might have sensed us in the force and perhaps Keely senses calming empathic thoughts but after what just had happened with Thrawn, they must assume we are from the New Republic otherwise they wouldn't have let us land" she explains.
Ezra takes a deep breath "They are going to be really shocked when they see both of us. I mean I've been gone for years and you left the Rebellion after I disappeared to find me and they took on the Empire with the Rebellion" she explained as Ezra smiles "Always knew they would do it and to think I still remember how hesitant Anakin was" he admits as Ahsoka giggles
"That sounds like my old master" she says as they saw the hanger bag coming into distance. Ahsoka looked through the view screen to see the small welcome party already waiting for them. Ahsoka smiles "Looks like we have a welcoming committee" she observes seeing all the Skywalkers including some she didn't recognise as well as small group of students gathering in the hanger.
Ezra spoke "The force is very strong here unlike anything I've felt before" he admits as Ahsoka nods as she guided the ship into the hanger bay and landed meters before their welcome party. She powered down the ship before she gets up. "Let's give them a real surprise" she smirks "I'll go down first and then you follow a few minutes later" she smirks exiting the cockpit and moved towards the landing ramp which was lowering. Ahsoka pulled her hood up before she took a deep breath and started to move down the landing ramp.
Whilst at the same time…
Anakin curiously and cautiously watched the figure move down the landing. The force was telling him they were not dangerous and yet it was a familiar sense that he never thought'd sense again. The figure reached the end of the landing ramp before they pushed back their hood. "Hello master" came the calm soft voice of Ahsoka. She was much taller since he last her saw. Her lekku's were shorter and she wore a greyish halter neck black tunic to her knees, with black tights underneath with short boots. She also wore long gloves, metal at at the bottom and leather at the top. Two lightsabers were just visible underneath her cloak
Anakin's eyes widen as he moved forward "Ahsoka!" He breathes hearing Padme let out a small gasp. Anakin moves over towards his former padawan where he embraces her in a hug "How did you find me?" He asks as Ahsoka smirks "Ever since the fall of the Empire, and the death of Emperor Palpatine, you can't go anywhere with anyone talking about your heroics Skyguy" she smirks as Anakin laughs just as Padme moves up towards them and like Anakin, embraces Ahsoka "Ahsoka, I didn't think I'd see you again" she smiles as Ahsoka grins.
"Me either but after the fall of the Empire, I knew I had to find you all again" she says just as she heard another two voices join them "Aunt Ahsoka?" She heard Luke and Leia both say as they stepped up alongside them. Leia was holding Ben's hand as Ahsoka couldn't believe her eyes. "I can't believe my eyes. Luke and Leia Skywalker" she smiles "Last time I saw you two, you were both two angsty teenagers determined to help fight in the Rebellion" she says smirking "I heard you two have become quite the heroes beside your parents" she says seeing them both smile.
"Ahsoka, I want you to meet my husband Han and my son Ben" Leia says as Ahsoka nods "General Solo, another famous hero of the Rebellion" she says before she kneels down to Ben. "It's nice to meet you Ben" she smiles looking up at Anakin "You're a grandpa now Skyguy" she teases seeing him shakes his head just as they heard a voice gasp as another figure appear on the landing ramp.
"By the force!" Keely gasps as the figure moved down the landing ramp, pushing back their hood as everyone couldn't believe their eyes just as Keely rushed up the landing ramp. "Ezra!" She cries throwing her arms around him "You're back" she cried as Ahsoka smiles as Anakin looks over at his former padawan "You found him" he says as Ahsoka nods "Sabine and I both did. I almost couldn't believe it myself" she says as they watched Keely excitedly talking with Ezra.
"You've certainly grown since I last saw you Keely" he says as Keely blushes. "When I felt you disappear, I became so upset not even my mom could confront me. I was so scared" she says as he smiles "Sorry to be gone for so long" he smirks as they moved down the ramp towards everyone as Anakin and Padme were introducing Ahsoka to their younger son Henry and Ben's new friend Rey. "So you went from defeating the Emperor to becoming a dad again" she smirks as Anakin smiles
"There was no more Empire so I knew our child would be safe" he says. Ahsoka nods "I look forward to seeing you fight Henry" she says as Henry grins "I think you'll be surprised" he assured her just as Keely and Ezra joined them. "Ezra" Padme smiles embracing him "We thought we'd lost you forever" Anakin tells him.
Ezra takes a deep breath "So did I and at first it felt like that but then I felt and listened to the force and in a way it led me back unfortunately it also brought back Thrawn" he says before he adds "However, Ahsoka said Thrawn is dead" as Han smirks "You're welcome, kid" he grins as Anakin then explains further "We were going to bring him to the New Republic for till but he attempted to escape, so Han shot him" he tells him as Ahsoka nods
"Well, at least then he definitely can't come after us again" he says as Henry smirks "He already tried that with trying to take our father away, and he paid for it with his life" he says as Ahsoka looks over at Anakin "Spoken like a true Skywalker" she says as he nudges her playfully before Padme spoke "You both must be hungry" she says "Do you want something to eat?" She asks as Ezra nods "I could eat" he says as Keely slips an arm through his. "Mom and I can fix you something in the kitchen" she says before she moves off with Rey following them.
Luke looks over at Anakin, Ahsoka and Leia "Looks like Keely still has her crush on Ezra" he admits as Henry looks over at him "What?" He asks surprised as Luke nods "Keely had the cutest crush on Ezra" he says as Ahsoka then looks over at Anakin and Luke. "Care to show me around the Academy" she says as Anakin looks to his son "Lead the way" he says as Henry followed his brother. Ben looks up at his parents "Can I go with them mom?" He asks making Leia smile. "Of course, you can" she says watching him run after them as Han slips an arm around Leia.
"Looks like we have some time to ourselves" he smirks sharing a soft gentle kiss making her smile however it was at that moment R2 and 3PO were moving towards them. "Mistress Leia, R2 says he has a message from Korr Sella" he says as Leia sighs as she tilts her head. Korr was one of her dear close friends in the New Republic Senate. She hadn't spoken to her in a few months and wondered if something had happened back on Courscant. Leia sighs looking up at Han, placing one hand on his face "Raincheck" she smiles as Han leans in for another kiss. "You owe me" he says as Leia smirks "I better go let my mom know before I see the message" she says as Han headed off to find Chewie just as Leia headed towards the kitchen to find her mother.
"I didn't think I get to eat a meal with any of you again" Ezra admits as Padme, Keely and Rey all sat at the table with Ezra as he enjoyed some of the freshly cooked breakfast Padme had made before he looks over at Rey "And new friends" he says as Rey remains quiet hiding behind Keely which only made Padme and Ezra spoke both laugh "She reminds me of you Keely" he admits as Keely blushes before she shook her head "Oh that's not true. I was more shy of when I met Cassian and Jyn then you" she says referring to another of their Rebel friends as Padme chuckles "Well, I was still pregnant with you when we joined the Rebellion" she reminds her adding "And you were quite a shy child" she reminds her as Ezra nods. "It's true" she adds
Flashback - 15 years after the Rise of the Empire
Padme stood in the hanger bay on Yavin 4 with her daughters Leia, who was 15 years old and Keely, who was now 3 years old, Bail and Mon Mothma as they watched the Ghost arrive. It had been hours since Kanan, Ezra, Anakin and Luke left to find the holocon. They didn't know that they had an encounter with Maul after he took the rest of the Ghost crew hostage. The landing ramp lowered before minutes later Padme saw her husband and son lead Kanan, Ezra, Sabine, Zeb and Hera down the landing ramp.
"Daddy!" Keely cried excitedly running towards towards her father as Anakin caught her in her arms as Luke laughs just as she looks over at Ezra "Ez!" She cries her word for Ezra making them all laugh. "Glad to see someone missed me" he smirks over at her seeing her then bury her head into Anakin's shoulder. Kanan then laughs "You always know how to make her shy Ezra" he comments as Ezra scoffs "Least I don't scare her like Zeb did" he argues as Zeb looks shocked
"That was one time" he grunts as Ezra then saw Keely peeking over Anakin's shoulder looking over at him "You're not shy with me aren't you?" He asks seeing her turn her head back into Anakin's shoulder making Anakin laugh before Luke then speaks up "Don't worry about it Ezra. When Keely was one, she kept hiding from Leia and I when we had to watch her" he explains as they both see Keely peeking back at them seeing them both grin at her before she turns away just as Anakin starts to move away with her towards Padme, Bail and Mon Mothma.
Luke nudges his friend "I think she may have a crush on you Ez" he teases referring how his little sister calls him as Ezra shakes his head "When she stops hiding from me" he admits before he and Luke headed to the training room with Kanan.
End of flashback
Keely felt herself blushing once more before she sighs "I was most probably overwhelmed by all my family's new friends" she says as Ezra just laughs "I thought it only made you more adorable" he says "And made things more exciting around the Rebel base" he says before he then turns to Padme. "So, you defeated the Empire" he says as Padme nods "Yes, the Emperor was planning a second death star and had a shield generator protecting it built on Endor. We led a team to Endor and Anakin and Luke went to confront Palpatine on the death star" she recounts as Ezra was amazed "Emperor Palpatine and his apprentice?" He asks remembering his past encounters with Palpatine's apprentice. Keely nods "Palpatine would have killed dad if Luke had not stepped up in the fight" she adds as Padme shakes her head "I don't know what what have happened if they hadn't come home" she says before she goes on
"It's just been nice to enjoy these last few years together helping to build the New Republic. The incident with Thrawn was the first in seven years" she admits. "And now he's dead and we have you and Ahsoka here with us" Keely adds smiling "Do you plan on staying long?" She asks curiously as Ezra shrugs "I think so. I mean, after Ahsoka filled me in on Hera, Sabine and Zeb, I asked about you all and I suggested we find out however Ahsoka wanted to find Thrawn first which led us to Nar Shaddaa however we didn't think that he'd come after Anakin or any of you" he says as Padme nods remaining silent before she adds "And he learnt what happens when you come after the Skywalkers and Solos" she only says as Ezra laughs at the moment Leia and Han entered the gallery.
"Mom" Leia spoke in a clear and firm voice as Padme looks over at her eldest daughter as Leia went on "R2 and 3PO just informed me we have a message from Senator Sella" she says as Padme sighs wondering if Senator Sella was asking them both to return to Courscant and she felt like she was only now just enjoying her time with her family. Padme looks over at Keely and Ezra. "Even in the New Republic, a Senator's work never stops" she says getting up from the table and moves away with Leia as Han takes a seat opposite Keely and Ezra
"So, kid, tell me about my family I don't know" he says referring to the early days where they were in the Rebellion" he smirks as Keely rolls her eyes looking over at Rey smiling at her before she speaks "He's just looking for something he can tease dad about" she warns as Ezra shakes his head "That might be hard. Anakin was usually one to always follow and save us out of trouble" he says as Han shakes his head "Come on, one thing" he says as Ezra shakes his head once more.
"You've done an incredible job with the Academy Luke" Ahsoka says as she continued to admire the Academy and seeing the students training together. It reminded her of being back on Courscant which seemed like so long ago and many of her friends would have probably been killed in the Jedi purge even though she had left the order. Anakin looks down at her.
"I remember when Luke came to me about wanting to start up an Academy. It was only two years after the fall of the Empire and I was focusing on being a dad again looking after Henry while Padme helped to build the New Republic and I was hesitant at first because I didn't think we'd find anyone because of how during the Empire's reign, the Jedi were outlaws and hunted which happened with our family before the Rebellion found us" he says as Ahsoka nods.
She remembered that day - how Commander Sato and General Organa informed her that they had found Anakin and Padme and sent the Ghost crew to bring them to Yavin 4. Ahsoka kept hidden at first when they arrived. Ahsoka smirks "I remember that day. You were hesitant about being there and thought you should be still hiding" she says as Luke nods "Father was very protective of Leia and I ever since we were born. We had to move around alot the first few years" he admits as Ahsoka nods
"But you've come a long way and your family certainly has grown since those early days" she reminds them referring to Keely, Henry, Han, Chewie and Ben. It was then that Ben, who was walking alongside Henry spoke up "Grandpa, can I show you my force abilities now?' He asks as Henry and Luke both laugh looking over at their father. "He's not going to give up till you say yes" Henry warns him. Anakin looks down at his grandson.
"Alright Ben, let's show Ahsoka what I've taught you so far" he tells him taking his hand leading them out into the training grounds. Ahsoka folds her arms over her chest as she looks over at Luke and Henry "Can't believe Skyguy's a grandpa" she admits as Henry looks confused as Luke smirks. "Skyguy?" Henry asks confused as Ahsoka chuckles "When I first met Anakin, in one of our first snaps at each other, I called him Skyguy and he then called me Snips and since then we've sought gone with it" she explains as they watched Anakin kneeling down beside Ben as Ben had his eyes closed, his little hands outstretched as he started to lift a small group of rocks by one of the small gardens.
"Reminds me of when Master Yoda had me lifting rocks during my training on Dagobah" Luke admits as Ahsoka tilts her head "Master Yoda trained you?" She asks curiously as Luke nods "Obi Wan's force spirit came to me whilst I was out in the middle of a snow storm after escaping a wampa when the Rebellion was on Hoth. I spoke with father about it when I was recovering and he told me I should go seek out Master Yoda and I did. He taught me quite a lot until I had a vision about my parents, Keely, Leia and Han walking into a trap on Cloud City and I took off" he says adding "When I eventually returned to Master Yoda, he passed away saying it was his time" he says
Ahsoka nods. She would have loved to have had one last goodbye with the Jedi master but least he was at peace now. Luke then spoke up nudging his brother "How about you show Ahsoka, how far you've come with your training brother" he suggests "A spar session with father's former apprentice" he adds as Henry grins "I'm game if you are" he replies as Ahsoka takes off her cloak.
"Okay Skyguy junior, let's see how your training is going" she says heading out to the training ground adjacent to where Anakin and Ben were. Luke watches his father with Ben as he continues to lifts more rocks with the force. "You're doing so well Ben" Anakin smiles just as Ben turns and smiles "Rey!" He cries just as Henry and Ahsoka started their fight and Luke and Anakin looked around confused before they saw Keely coming towards them, Rey in her arms along with Han and Ezra.
Luke looks over at his dad as Anakin looks back at him. They didn't even know Keely and Rey were approaching but Ben knew and right now they felt the force surrounding Rey and Ben very strongly, stronger than they've ever sensed it before. It had been ever since Ben and Rey landed on Yavin 4 and Ben was the one who found Rey on Jakku. Luke moves over towards his father as Ben races over towards Keely, Rey, Han and Ezra.
"Do you sense that father?" He asks Anakin "It's so strong around them and he knew she was coming before we did" he says. Anakin nods. "Keely was already teaching her about the force this morning. She has doubts but if we can train her to use the force, she could be a powerful Jedi and even though there hasn't been a threat to the New Republic yet, we can't be left unprepared" he warns as Luke nods before he then asks "Do you mean the dreams you had about Palpatine?" He asks as Anakin is silent as he watches Keely smiling with Ben and Rey as Ben uses the force once more.
"You try Rey" he says as Rey looks to Keely who nods "Just remember what I told you and concentrate" she says holding her hand as Rey closes her eyes and stretches out one hand as Ben watches her before both and Keely watch as Ben's training sabre moved from his hand to hers in minutes. "Dad" Keely gasps as Anakin and Luke couldn't believe their eyes. Anakin had been training all his children and at three, none of them were able to move a saber into their hands. "The force is strong indeed" Luke says just as they heard Ahsoka laugh having finished her fight with Henry
"Not bad Skyguy junior" she smirks "Your father has taught you well" she says as Anakin looks over to see his son on his back having been knocked to the ground by Ahsoka before she holds out her hand to help him up. "You're still pretty good" he says as Han laughs "Now's there something you don't see every day" he admits referring to a Skywalker being beaten however for Anakin and Luke, they were still in shock over what they had just seen with young Rey.
"There are whispers, whispers of a new enemy, only known as the First Order" Padme and Leia both heard Senator Korra Sella speak. They were in Anakin and Padme's quarters with 3PO and R2. Korra Sella went on "Some of its leaders are descendants. Of those who served the Empire and they have been amassing an army which would violate treaty restrictions" she informs them as Padme lowers her head as Leia then speaks
"Is there a way we can send someone to find out more about the First Order?" She asks her as Korra shook her head "We are trying but it has to pinpoint where the First Order's base is. They appear to be moving frequently to avoid detection" she explains going on "But there is a small group of fighters who might be able to help" she says as Padme looks over at her "What do you mean?" She asks as Korr smiles "There is a group called the Resistance and were created by some in the New Republic who have appointed Generals to form a group of fighters in case this First Order strikes" she says as Leia is confused as Padme then asks
"What does that have to do with us?" She asks as Korr looks over at her "One of its Admirals, Admiral Statura wants to meet with you both. They're hoping you will join the Resistance. Four of your family members are Jedi. The Resistance thinks they can help take down the first order" she says. Leia looks to her mother. She knew that after the Rebellion had defeated the Empire, they would only have to deal with the New Republic, not secret rebellions again.
"We will meet with Admiral Statura" Padme says "Where can we find him?" She asks as Korr smiles "You can find them setting up an outpost on the planet of D'Qar" she informs them as Padme nods "Thank you Korr. We'll inform you of what happens when we meet with him" she says before the hologram of Korr disappears and Leia turns to her mother. "Do you think this First Order could be a threat?" She asks as Padme shrugs "We can't take that chance this time. The Empire was founded right from under our noses and I almost lost your father. If we have a chance to be ready for this new threat, we must act on it now" she says as Leia nods.
"When do we leave?" She asks as Padme thinks for a moment before she speaks "I'll talk to your father tonight. He'll probably want to accompany us and perhaps Han can fly us all to D'Qar tomorrow" she explains as Leia nods. "I'll go speak with Han right now" she says as Padme nods "I'm going to spend some time with my grandson" she smiles. Leia smiles. Ever since, Ben was born, her mother doted on her son and she enjoyed seeing her mother playing with her son, she had done with her and Luke when they were kids, then with Keely and again with Henry, she loved her family and Leia knew that just like her father, her mother would do everything she can to protect her family.
Flashback - 17 years ago, in the Rebellion…
Note - In this flashback, Luke and Leia are 14 years old, Keely is 2 years old and Luke and Leia are fancast here as Max and Billie
It had been nearly two years since her family joined the Rebellion, however for 14 years old Leia, she enjoyed spending time with her mother and the other Rebellion leaders. She wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps and be a leader and politician. She just need to prove herself to her mother and that meant showing that she was old enough to sit in on all the meetings but that day wasn't today.
So, now she found herself moving through the base with her two year old sister Keely in her arms looking for her father and twin. She turned another corner where she could hear her father's chuckle, the sound of his lightsaber followed by her brother's groan.
"How did you learn to handle this?" She hears Luke ask as Anakin laughs "With great practice. First time I held my lightsaber, I was nervous but I listened to Obi Wan and when I had my crystal I felt myself become one with the crystal" he explains going on "Obi Wan would say this weapon is your life" he explains going on "Because we can't just go to Ilum freely yet, we have to make do with just one lightsaber for now" he says as Keely excitedly points over at them
"Daddy!" She cries causing Anakin and Luke to look over at Leia and Keely. Anakin smiles "There are my two princesses" he says seeing her move over towards him as he wraps an arm around her "Your mother banish you from the meeting?" He asks seeing her nod "I wish she's let me join them" she admits "I don't see how I can become a strong politician without practical experience" she admits before she added "Although I thought some Jedi training wouldn't hurt" she smirks as Anakin smiles. She knew he had been trying to get her to have some basic Jedi knowledge so she thought is she couldn't follow her mother all the time, she'd please her father.
Anakin took Keely from her arms and moved back over towards Luke. He took his lightsaber and deactivated it hooking it back onto his belt. "Let's try some force push and pull techniques" he explains looking over at the bench behind them. "Turn around and I want each of you to pull one tool from the bench behind you into your hand" he says moving to the side.
He watched Luke and Leia, both close their eyes "Stretch out with your feelings" Anakin tells them seeing the stretch out their hands towards the bench. Anakin and Keely both watched. Keely pointing over at the bench as the tools began to move. R2, who was beside Anakin started to whistle. "Concentrate" Anakin tells them as Leia sighs looking over at him
"Can't I just learn the lightsaber?" She asks as Anakin laughs "You will, but the force isn't just about lightsabers. You need to learn to use the force" he tells her as she closes her eyes once more and focuses on the tools. Luke manages to lift a hydro spanner off the bench into his hand. He grins just as he sees Leia lift a wrench into her hands.
Leia smiles as Luke grins at her as Anakin nods "Well done, you're both learning to use the force" he says as Leia nods. She still wanted to be a politician but being able to train with her father and brother in the ways of the Jedi made her feel even stronger.
End of flashback
Anakin's dream….
"When I found you, I saw what all masters live to see" came a cold, deep voice glaring down at another figure, going on "Raw, untamed power and beyond that something truly special" they gloated
"The potential of your bloodline" they sneered as the second figure looked up at them - It was Ben however he was older, a young adult with dark black hair and completely dressed in black, his eyes looked up at the mysterious figure - they were cold and dark and no sign of the happy young boy that his family knew him for.
"Your grandfather thought he could keep you away from me but I found your weakness" they taunted "A girl, who didn't even know her true potential. You would do anything to save her even falling to the dark side" he gloats
"The look on your grandparent's face when you turned against your family and murdered your father!" He exclaims "He means nothing to me now, they are all enemies to me now. They took Rey from me" he goes on
The figure grins "You will go find them and bring the girl and Skywalker to me" he informs him. Ben gets to his feet. "I will not fail you Master Snoke" he spoke before he turns to head from the chamber leaving Snoke to grin mischievously
End of dream
Anakin's eyes snapped opened, he felt the sweat dripping from his forehead as he looked around the training grounds. He had taken a seat when he felt that vision coming on and luckily no one noticed. Ahsoka was training Henry with some new techniques with Han watching them before he saw Ben and Rey listening to Keely and Ezra as Luke stood behind her.
Anakin leans forward, head in his hands trying to wonder what that dream was about - first dreams about supposedly dead Palpatine and now this mysterious Snoke who had corrupted Ben turning him against the family and murdering Han all because of Rey? He was still trying to figure it out when Luke turns towards him and moves to join him.
"Is everything alright father?" He asks softly as Anakin looks up to see his son staring down at him, concern in his eyes. Anakin shakes his head "I'm not sure" he admits "But I fear someone is coming and they want Ben and they'll use Rey to force him to turn against us" he says as Luke looks even more worried.
"We won't let that happen. Ben is the future of this family. The force is strong with him and Rey and we won't let anyone turn them against us" he promises his father as Anakin smiles placing a hand on his son's shoulder. "We need to ensure Rey begins training immediately and training alongside Ben will be good for her, he'll give her strength" he insists as Luke agrees before they saw Padme and Leia coming out to the training grounds.
Luke watched Leia moving towards Han as Anakin then got up and moved over towards Padme. Luke smiles as he sees Padme wrap her arms around Anakin, sharing a romantic kiss before she rests her head against his chest as they watched their children, friends and grandchild training and learning the force. Anakin and Padme knew that whatever was coming, they would remain firm that it would not tear their family apart.
A.N - I know I said last time, that Rey's training would begin with Anakin and Luke which kind of happens here but my mind went a completely different way and when I circled back to this story in my writing loop, I wanted to try something different.
Next time: Padme, Leia, Anakin and Han take a small side journey to D'Qar to meet with the Resistance where Anakin has another vision about the mysterious Snoke making him convince Padme to join the Resistance to save their family, Ben's friendship with Rey continues just as Keely's bond with Rey also deepens and she confesses to Luke about how her empathic feelings want her to protect the Rey, Ahsoka and Ezra continue to stick around the Academy to help Luke with his students including Henry. The first order is coming and the Skywalkers have no idea just what they have in plan.