KENOBI: THE LAST HOPE

Chapter 1

"Under the Twin Suns"

Obi Wan stood motionless as the twin suns of Tatooine set before him, coloring the sandy landscape with streaks of maroon and orange. The Lar's homestead lay several dozen yards in front of him. In the fading light Obi Wan could see the outlines of Owen and Beru holding the newest member to their family, Luke, in their arms.

Only a few days ago the sight would have made him smile: now all he could feel was the deep sense of loss as he watched Beru bring the child inside, holding him tightly to her chest.

Owen remained outside and Obi Wan nodded to him as he turned away, feeling his eyes continue to watch him as he did so.

A series of weathered gravestones lay several dozen yards from the property and Obi Wan moved closer, gazing at the faded lettering etched into the stone.

The first few stones bared names the Obi Wan did not recognize but it was the last name in the row that caused Obi Wan to pause.

Shmi Skywalker

Obi Wan's breath hitched upon reading the name. Although Obi wan knew the grave was only a few years old it was indistinguishable from the others, just as rough, just as weathered. This, he supposed, was a result of Tatooine's harsh climate. He had never met Anakin's mother; having only heard stories from Anakin on the rare times he spoke of his time as a slave. He reached forward and gently wiped the sand that had accumulated upon the rough surface. His hands shaking sightly as he did so.

He couldn't help but notice she had kept the name of his apprentice despite her marriage.

"Former Apprentice" He reminded himself "Anakin is gone"

It was this thought that finally broke him and the reality of his new life finally seemed real to him. A wetness formed upon his cheeks as the tears began to fall softly to the sand below him, dotting the sand where Shmi's body now lay, as though she too wept for her only son.

"The jedi are gone… The Jedi are gone and I am responsible"

The thought continued to echo around in his mind, the guilt and sorrow crashed upon him in waves. Obi Wan fell to his knees, his legs unable to hold the weight of his grief.

"I'm sorry" He whispered softly; his vison blurred as stared at the stone before him.

"I couldn't save him"

Every time he closed his eyes he could see Anakin's mangled form, hear his screams of pain, smell the rancid odor of burning of his flesh as his former friend, his brother, slowly met his end at the shore of a lava river.

It was something he would never forget.

Obi Wan didn't know how long he knelt at Shmi's grave, didn't know how long the tears fell. It wasn't until he sensed Owen standing behind him that he was finally forced back to the present.

Night had fallen completely now. Sand coated his robes as he slowly stood and stared off into the endless sea of desert before him, grateful for the darkness that shielded his face from Owen's prying eyes.

"What will you do now?"

Obi Wan took a moment to compose himself before turning and facing the moisture farmer.

"The boy must be kept safe. I will remain to watch over him and ensure his safety"

Obi Wan looked the farmer in the eye

"If you will allow it….of course"

Obi Wan could sense Owen's agitation at his words but there was another emotion that Obi Wan couldn't quite identify. One that Owen was trying very hard to hide from him. Obi Wan decided against prying into Owen's emotions further, deciding instead to allow the man to reveal himself in his own time.

Even without the force's help Obi Wan could see the mental battle raging within Owen's mind, as though he was debating a very difficult decision.

For a moment he thought Owen would refuse him but after a few seconds the moisture farmer pointed to a small shack about half a mile from the home.

"You can stay there. A bed, food, water…..everything you need"

Obi Wan bowed slightly

"Thank you, Owen" he said gratefully

The farmer only grunted in response before turning and walking back toward his home. In the distance Obi Wan could hear Beru calling for him from inside the house.

Obi Wan followed in the farmers footsteps and begin his trudge toward the building in the distance that he would call home.

As he approached the door he paused and looked up.

Thousands of stars scattered the cloudless sky. Countless planets orbited these stars and Obi Wan wondered for a moment if they knew what was in store for them in months and years to come.

"So it begins" He thought before opening the door and closing it softly behind him.

I hope you enjoyed!

I know the first chapter is short but I promise they get longer from here!

As always constructive criticism is welcome!

Stay safe and may the force be with you!

Lawld01