A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

Brothers: A Star Wars Short

Snow was heavily falling on the planet of Hoth. A ship was on the planet's surface. This ship belonged to Jedi Knight, Dal Randis. His wife, Tayla, and his kids, Ginasa and Everett were staying warm inside of the ship. Tayla looked out one of the windows and saw Dal returning with James, Bravo, Grayson, and Rainmaker. She put on her coat and walked outside. The wind was howling.

"We've got dinner!", yelled Dal.

"That's so great!", said Tayla. She walked up to Dal and kissed him.

"With this, we'll have enough to eat for the next couple of weeks.", said James.

"Let's get this thing on the Warrior. I'm…" Dal stopped midsentence. A look of worry appeared on his face.

"Dal, what's wrong?", asked Tayla.

"I sense a strong presence.", said Dal. "Something I haven't felt sense the clone wars." Tayla became concerned. "

Wait. Do you hear that?", asked Bravo.

Everyone stopped talking. They could hear heavy footsteps approaching and then heavy breathing, in and out. They looked out over the horizon but they couldn't see anything. The sounds grew louder and louder. Then there he was, the one they called Darth Vader.

"I've got a bad feeling about this.", said Rainmaker.

"Guys, get in the ship.", Dal said calmly.

"Dal?!", exclaimed Tayla.

"Get in the ship! I'm right behind you!", said Dal.

Tayla, James, Bravo, Grayson, and Rainmaker all ran into the ship. Darth Vader walked a few steps closer and stopped. Dal activated his lightsabers. Vader did the same.

"You would be wise to surrender.", Darth Vader said in his deep voice.

"Probably, but I'm too stubborn to do that.", said Dal.

"Then you shall die a foolish man.", said Darth Vader.

He went for a strike but Dal blocked it. They moved in swift motions, blow after blow. Dal observed the moves that Vader made. They were similar to those of a friend…no, a brother from years ago.

"No. It could be.", Dal thought. "But it is." They paused for a brief moment.

"Your master taught you well.", said Darth Vader.

"I learned a few things from you too…Anakin." Darth Vader seemed surprised.

"What? You thought I wouldn't recognize your fighting style? I picked up a few of your tricks.", said Dal. "You're still in there somewhere, Anakin. I know it. Deep down, you know it too."

"Anakin Skywalker is dead. He has been for a long time.", said Darth Vader.

He went for another strike. They continued fighting in swift motions. Next thing Dal knew, one of his lightsabers was knocked away. Then the other was as well. Vader pointed his lightsaber at him.

"I've killed many Jedi over the years and I will kill you as well.", said Darth Vader.

Dal lifted his arms up, out stretched from his sides .

"Then do it.", he said. "But I just want you to know that you're my brother, Anakin and you always will be.", said Dal.

When Dal said this, Vader started to flashback to when he faced his former master on that hell hole called Mustafar. The pain he felt inside, the burning sensation from the planets lava, his master's final words to him. "

You were the chosen one! It was said you would destroy the Sith, not join them! Bring balance to the force, not leave it in darkness!", said Obi Wan. "You were my brother, Anakin! I loved you!"

Dal closed his eyes. Vader raised his saber. Dal waited for the strike but nothing happened. He heard the deactivation of a saber. He opened his eyes. Vader was holding a hilt in hand and holding it out to Dal. He was surprised.

"I recognize that hilt.", said Dal. "That's Ahsoka's lightsaber!" Darth Vader stepped closer.

"Should you ever see her again, give this back to her.", said Darth Vader.

Dal reluctantly reached out and grabbed the lightsaber. He looked at Vader, puzzled.

"Consider this mercy. But should we ever meet again, I won't be so charitable.", said Darth Vader.

Dal put the saber in his bag. He looked at Vader again, or maybe it was Anakin.

"Go before I change my mind!", said Darth Vader. D

al used the force to pull his lightsabers back to him and he ran into the ship. He jumped into the pilot's chair.

"Grayson, let's get out here!", Dal exclaimed.

"Yes, sir!", said Grayson.

The Warrior took off. Darth Vader watched as it did. Before they were covered by clouds, Dal took one last look on the man that was once someone who he considered a brother. He frowned as his eyes teared up.

"It was good to see you to, Anakin.", said Dal.

The ship made the jump to hyperspace. Just like that, they were gone.