NOTE: *,....*means character thoughts
//....//means telepathic messages(I know I switch those a lot, but this is easier)
~*...*~dream/flashback
((....))my own personal thoughts on whatever-cruel-twist-of-fate-unfolds.....lol
*******13 years later....((10 years after Chapter 7))*********
Ch. 8
Faith leaned against Obi-Wan, trying to keep the tears from spilling from her eyes down her face. She looked out at the funeral pyre that held the ashes of one of the two men who had raised her.
Disbelief still rang clear in her heart, but she knew it was true......
The great Qui-Gon Jinn, the loving, father figure she had come to know, and great Jedi Master....was dead.
Qui-Gon had died from an unknown, incurable disease. He had fought the disease till the very end. Even in his final days, his gentle presence had been constantly concerned for the people he loved.
He had urged Obi-Wan and Faith to get some rest, even as they stayed stubbornly up with him late into the night to support him in his battle with pain.
Yoda had tried to get Obi-Wan and Faith to rest. Yoda's authority may have worked on the twins, Luke and Leia, but it had not worked on them. They had decided to forgo sleep and food in order to spend every possible moment with Qui-Gon.
Now that Qui-Gon was with the Force, a hollow place was left in their hearts.
"I miss him,"Faith whispered.
Obi-Wan nodded. "I do too....he was truly a great, loving man,"he murmured.
"He will always be a great, loving man.....I'll never forget what he taught me...and everything you and he did for me,"Faith said softly, looking up at Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan gave a small smile. "Thank you, my little one..."
"No, thank you, Uncle Obi-Ben,"Faith said, then added in a voice that was barely a whisper, "and thank you, Uncle Qui-Gee...wherever you are."
* * * * * * * * *
Luke, Leia, and Faith collapsed down on the warm sand. They had just swam from the lakeside retreat they dwelled in to the island that was across the lake from it.
Faith looked out at the setting sun. The usually warm, talkative young woman had grown increasingly silent since Qui-Gon had become sick....and had spoken rarely since he had passed away.
"What's on your mind?"Luke inquired, looking over at Faith.
Faith shook her head, coming out of her contemplative daze. "Nothing.....why?"
Luke's clear blue gaze was unrelenting. "You've been so quiet lately.....Qui-Gon wouldn't want you to mourn him like this..by withdrawing from the world. You know he loved your laugh...and now, you barely ever laugh, much less smile, at anything!"
Faith's dark eyes flashed. "You have no idea what you're talking about! You don't know what we had been through before....."Faith's voice trailed off as she became lost in the memories of the past. She swiped hastily at tears that gathered in the corners of her eyes.
"It's okay to grieve...but let it go,"Leia said gently.
Faith shook her head. They wouldn't understand. They had not been there when her father had left her. They had not seen the endless nights of nightmares and the worrying that she would lose Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan as well.
They did not know how much it hurt to know that she would not see Qui-Gon's midnight blue eyes or hear his soft, soothing words of hope again....at least not until she passed into the Force.
Though Luke and Leia were her best friends, this was not something she could share with them. This was not something she could easily share with anyone..........
Faith forced a small smile onto her face and turned to watch the sunset with her two friends.
* * * * * * * * *
"Uncle Ben......we need to do something! We can't stand by and watch the Sith rule us any longer. That's not what being a Jedi is about,"Faith protested.
Obi-Wan looked at the teenager with a patient expression. "Faith, being a Jedi does not mean we are capable of saving the galaxy single handedly."
"I know, but shouldn't we at least try? I have hidden and run all my life....I'm tired of hiding, Ben. I'm tired of running,"Faith said in a tone that sounded so much older and weary than her age of 17. She turned and looked out at the starry sky of Naboo from the balcony they stood on, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
Obi-Wan stared at the back that was facing him. "I don't expect you to wish to continue hiding or running, but we have had no choice. Circumstances have not exactly been the best for any of us,"Obi-Wan said, an edge in his voice.
"Don't you think that I realize that? Not-so-great things have happened to me, too! Still, we can't sit here and wait for the 'perfect opportunity' to rise up. We have to make the opportunities we need. We need to help the galaxy...the way the Jedi are supposed to do,"Faith said, turning to face Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan shook his head. A few Jedi alone could not take on a Sith Lord with an army behind him.
"We can join the Rebellion. Sitting here is not the right thing to do—and you know it. Qui-Gon knew it...and he would want us to help the Rebels if he were here, too,"Faith said, reading Obi- Wan like an open book.
Obi-Wan glared at Faith. "Please, don't use Qui-Gon against me. Don't use him to manipulate me,"he said softly.
Faith walked slowly forward, her dark eyes compassionate, yet holding a fiery determination. "I'm not using him to manipulate you......it's the truth...Qui-Gon would want us to do something and not just sit here. You know that...you knew Qui-Gon better than anyone."
After a moment of heavy silence, Obi-Wan nodded. He drew a deep breath. "The Jedi will help. We cannot hide here any longer."
* * * * * * * *
Luke, Leia, Obi-Wan, and Faith sat on the small Nubian shuttle. Mace and Yoda had already left for the small wayward planet of Dagobah, knowing that they were 'getting too old for that sort of thing'.
Even Obi-Wan was beginning to believe that he was aging so that it was difficult in continuing the fight for peace....still, he trudged wearily on down the path of the Jedi.
Now, they were barely an hour from their destination of Yavin 4, where they had been told by a contact that they rebels were based. From there, they would join the Rebel Alliance.
* * * * * * * * *
The leader of the Rebellion paced around the control room. He had just received word from Bail Organa of Alderaan that the Jedi were to be arriving soon. Yes...any time now.
Would they recognize him?
If they did, would he be forgiven? Or would his past sins be held against him with anger?
No...that was not a possibility. That was not in his daughter's character. She had been kind and warm as a child.............so presumably, she could stay that way.....but for how long?
He had missed her growing up due to the darkness that had hounded him. Would she be able to forgive him for the pain he had caused her?
"Admiral Skywalker, the Jedi have arrived,"Lieutenant Wedge Antilles reported.
"Thank you, Lieutenant. Show them in,"Anakin said. Soon, the moment of truth..................
* * * * * * * * *
Faith, Luke, and Leia followed closely behind Obi-Wan into the Rebel Base.
"Ben.....I sense something,"Faith said. Somewhere nearby, a familiar presence awaited.
Obi-Wan turned. "I don't sense anything,"he said calmly. In truth, a faint ring of the Force sounded in the back of his mind, but it was not strong enough to pay much attention to.
In Faith's mind, the Force sense of that familiar person rang clearly. *my father? No...it can't be.....he left a long time ago......so long ago....*
They were led into a large, observation area overlooking the dense jungles. In the center of the large room, stood a man, his back turned to the four Jedi. The doors closed behind them, leaving them with the mysterious Rebel leader.
Before the man even turned, Faith knew who it was. "Daddy?"she whispered.
Obi-Wan looked over at Faith, his gaze alarmed. The girl wasn't feverish, was she? It couldn't be Anakin....or could it?
The man turned around to reveal the face of Anakin Skywalker. He was older, more
rough and scarred, but it was Anakin Skywalker nevertheless. His face showed the gentle sorrow that he felt in his heart.
Obi-Wan gave a subdued, but cold glare. "Anakin...it has been a long time,"he said softly.
Anakin nodded. "I know,"was all Anakin managed. His words were stolen away by the appearance of his daughter....she was much older, but she was the same kind hearted Faith on the inside that she had always been...he could feel it.
"Daddy...?"Faith whispered again. Once the shock wore off, hurt and love replaced it. "Why did you leave us? What happened?"
"That is for later, Faith.....I promise...I will tell you later. Now, we must discuss the future..not the past,"Anakin replied, moving forward.
Faith nodded mutely.
Luke and Leia shot each other a confused glance, then returned their attention to the task at hand.
Obi-Wan put a comforting mental hand on Faith's shoulder. //Do not worry, little one.//
Faith nodded.
The Jedi then resumed speaking of their take on the galaxy's future and how they could change it for the better.
* * * * * * * * *
"Faith...I can only apologize so many times...and I must say I am sorry...but I do not regret leaving. If I did, I would not be standing before you today,"Anakin said, sorrow etched into his face.
"What do you mean? What was so horrible that you fled the people you had as a family?"Faith asked, her voice rising in intensity.
Anakin sighed. This was not going to be easy. "I was scared.....I was angry at the Force for taking away the woman I loved. Every time I looked at Obi-Wan...or even you, my little girl, I was reminded of Livia.....
The dark side was eating away at me. If I didn't get away from the constant reminder of her and let the pain ease off, then I would be consumed by it and...more than likely be at the Sith's side,"Anakin said, rubbing his temples wearily.
Faith nodded, motioning for Anakin to continue.
"Once I had left, I was determined to find my calm serenity.....I found it not too long ago after spending so long traveling, roaming aimlessly from one planet to another. Then, I joined formed Rebellion. The galaxy needed help,"Anakin finished.
Faith stood there, crossing her arms over her chest. She evaded her gaze to the floor, considering her father's words. She then reached out with the Force into his force sense. There, she could easily see the sorrow for the pain he had caused.....and the happiness and love at seeing her once again.
After a long, contemplative silence, Faith nodded.
"I forgive you, Dad.....I forgive you."
* * * * * * * * *
Darth Sidious looked out at the Imperial Fleet that was in the process of takeoff. The fleet was going to Yavin 4.
On Yavin 4, the Rebel Alliance was based.
On Yavin 4, he would end the problems that wretched rebellion was causing him.
Soon, there would be no one to stand in his way.
* * * * * * * * *
Luke gasped as he looked out at the stars. No......this couldn't be happening.
He ran down to the battle alarm station. He then rammed his hand down on the comm console.
"Um...Admiral Skywalker? We have a problem."
* * * * * * * * *
Faith, Luke, Leia, and Anakin met in the hangar bay.
Anakin pulled his daughter close in a hug. "Fly safely, little Jedi...."he murmured, not wanting to let his 'little girl' go.
For if he let her go, then they would face mortal danger......and that was something he was not ready for her to do. There was no other option. They all had to.
For the sake of the alliance, they had to.
Rogue Squadron gathered around Anakin.
"You're flying cover for larger craft. You all know your assignments...just fly carefully. These Imp pilots may not be smart, but they are trigger happy. Be careful,"Anakin warned, then encouraged, "Let's go!"
Faith gave a quick, but heart felt goodbye to her father. As she was about to crawl into her X- wing, a hand on her shoulder stilled her.
"Be careful...please be careful, my little one,"Obi-Wan said softly, desperation lacing his tone.
Faith nodded and hugged the man who had raised her. "I love you, Uncle Obi-Ben...don't worry,"she said, then quickly turned to hide the tears that threatened to spill down her face.
The pilots took off, breaking into their groups. As they exited the atmosphere to the danger above, a silent agreement coursed between all the Jedi.
They would fight the Empire as Jedi.
There would be no more hiding.
They would face whatever danger the Sith had for them.......together.
********************************
THE END!
I am so sorry this leaves you hanging....it's so...anti climactic.... I know! I am so sorry for that one! But...it was necessary. Soon, I will be working in school............and I can't write long term stories for that time!
In my breaks between homework and sports, I will possibly write a sequel. If I don't, then what happens is left to your imagination. K? If no sequel comes, then this is it.
PLEASE REVIEW! NO FLAMES...I know I give reason to flame..but please none....
Signing out for now,
Lina Skye
//....//means telepathic messages(I know I switch those a lot, but this is easier)
~*...*~dream/flashback
((....))my own personal thoughts on whatever-cruel-twist-of-fate-unfolds.....lol
*******13 years later....((10 years after Chapter 7))*********
Ch. 8
Faith leaned against Obi-Wan, trying to keep the tears from spilling from her eyes down her face. She looked out at the funeral pyre that held the ashes of one of the two men who had raised her.
Disbelief still rang clear in her heart, but she knew it was true......
The great Qui-Gon Jinn, the loving, father figure she had come to know, and great Jedi Master....was dead.
Qui-Gon had died from an unknown, incurable disease. He had fought the disease till the very end. Even in his final days, his gentle presence had been constantly concerned for the people he loved.
He had urged Obi-Wan and Faith to get some rest, even as they stayed stubbornly up with him late into the night to support him in his battle with pain.
Yoda had tried to get Obi-Wan and Faith to rest. Yoda's authority may have worked on the twins, Luke and Leia, but it had not worked on them. They had decided to forgo sleep and food in order to spend every possible moment with Qui-Gon.
Now that Qui-Gon was with the Force, a hollow place was left in their hearts.
"I miss him,"Faith whispered.
Obi-Wan nodded. "I do too....he was truly a great, loving man,"he murmured.
"He will always be a great, loving man.....I'll never forget what he taught me...and everything you and he did for me,"Faith said softly, looking up at Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan gave a small smile. "Thank you, my little one..."
"No, thank you, Uncle Obi-Ben,"Faith said, then added in a voice that was barely a whisper, "and thank you, Uncle Qui-Gee...wherever you are."
* * * * * * * * *
Luke, Leia, and Faith collapsed down on the warm sand. They had just swam from the lakeside retreat they dwelled in to the island that was across the lake from it.
Faith looked out at the setting sun. The usually warm, talkative young woman had grown increasingly silent since Qui-Gon had become sick....and had spoken rarely since he had passed away.
"What's on your mind?"Luke inquired, looking over at Faith.
Faith shook her head, coming out of her contemplative daze. "Nothing.....why?"
Luke's clear blue gaze was unrelenting. "You've been so quiet lately.....Qui-Gon wouldn't want you to mourn him like this..by withdrawing from the world. You know he loved your laugh...and now, you barely ever laugh, much less smile, at anything!"
Faith's dark eyes flashed. "You have no idea what you're talking about! You don't know what we had been through before....."Faith's voice trailed off as she became lost in the memories of the past. She swiped hastily at tears that gathered in the corners of her eyes.
"It's okay to grieve...but let it go,"Leia said gently.
Faith shook her head. They wouldn't understand. They had not been there when her father had left her. They had not seen the endless nights of nightmares and the worrying that she would lose Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan as well.
They did not know how much it hurt to know that she would not see Qui-Gon's midnight blue eyes or hear his soft, soothing words of hope again....at least not until she passed into the Force.
Though Luke and Leia were her best friends, this was not something she could share with them. This was not something she could easily share with anyone..........
Faith forced a small smile onto her face and turned to watch the sunset with her two friends.
* * * * * * * * *
"Uncle Ben......we need to do something! We can't stand by and watch the Sith rule us any longer. That's not what being a Jedi is about,"Faith protested.
Obi-Wan looked at the teenager with a patient expression. "Faith, being a Jedi does not mean we are capable of saving the galaxy single handedly."
"I know, but shouldn't we at least try? I have hidden and run all my life....I'm tired of hiding, Ben. I'm tired of running,"Faith said in a tone that sounded so much older and weary than her age of 17. She turned and looked out at the starry sky of Naboo from the balcony they stood on, crossing her arms in front of her chest.
Obi-Wan stared at the back that was facing him. "I don't expect you to wish to continue hiding or running, but we have had no choice. Circumstances have not exactly been the best for any of us,"Obi-Wan said, an edge in his voice.
"Don't you think that I realize that? Not-so-great things have happened to me, too! Still, we can't sit here and wait for the 'perfect opportunity' to rise up. We have to make the opportunities we need. We need to help the galaxy...the way the Jedi are supposed to do,"Faith said, turning to face Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan shook his head. A few Jedi alone could not take on a Sith Lord with an army behind him.
"We can join the Rebellion. Sitting here is not the right thing to do—and you know it. Qui-Gon knew it...and he would want us to help the Rebels if he were here, too,"Faith said, reading Obi- Wan like an open book.
Obi-Wan glared at Faith. "Please, don't use Qui-Gon against me. Don't use him to manipulate me,"he said softly.
Faith walked slowly forward, her dark eyes compassionate, yet holding a fiery determination. "I'm not using him to manipulate you......it's the truth...Qui-Gon would want us to do something and not just sit here. You know that...you knew Qui-Gon better than anyone."
After a moment of heavy silence, Obi-Wan nodded. He drew a deep breath. "The Jedi will help. We cannot hide here any longer."
* * * * * * * *
Luke, Leia, Obi-Wan, and Faith sat on the small Nubian shuttle. Mace and Yoda had already left for the small wayward planet of Dagobah, knowing that they were 'getting too old for that sort of thing'.
Even Obi-Wan was beginning to believe that he was aging so that it was difficult in continuing the fight for peace....still, he trudged wearily on down the path of the Jedi.
Now, they were barely an hour from their destination of Yavin 4, where they had been told by a contact that they rebels were based. From there, they would join the Rebel Alliance.
* * * * * * * * *
The leader of the Rebellion paced around the control room. He had just received word from Bail Organa of Alderaan that the Jedi were to be arriving soon. Yes...any time now.
Would they recognize him?
If they did, would he be forgiven? Or would his past sins be held against him with anger?
No...that was not a possibility. That was not in his daughter's character. She had been kind and warm as a child.............so presumably, she could stay that way.....but for how long?
He had missed her growing up due to the darkness that had hounded him. Would she be able to forgive him for the pain he had caused her?
"Admiral Skywalker, the Jedi have arrived,"Lieutenant Wedge Antilles reported.
"Thank you, Lieutenant. Show them in,"Anakin said. Soon, the moment of truth..................
* * * * * * * * *
Faith, Luke, and Leia followed closely behind Obi-Wan into the Rebel Base.
"Ben.....I sense something,"Faith said. Somewhere nearby, a familiar presence awaited.
Obi-Wan turned. "I don't sense anything,"he said calmly. In truth, a faint ring of the Force sounded in the back of his mind, but it was not strong enough to pay much attention to.
In Faith's mind, the Force sense of that familiar person rang clearly. *my father? No...it can't be.....he left a long time ago......so long ago....*
They were led into a large, observation area overlooking the dense jungles. In the center of the large room, stood a man, his back turned to the four Jedi. The doors closed behind them, leaving them with the mysterious Rebel leader.
Before the man even turned, Faith knew who it was. "Daddy?"she whispered.
Obi-Wan looked over at Faith, his gaze alarmed. The girl wasn't feverish, was she? It couldn't be Anakin....or could it?
The man turned around to reveal the face of Anakin Skywalker. He was older, more
rough and scarred, but it was Anakin Skywalker nevertheless. His face showed the gentle sorrow that he felt in his heart.
Obi-Wan gave a subdued, but cold glare. "Anakin...it has been a long time,"he said softly.
Anakin nodded. "I know,"was all Anakin managed. His words were stolen away by the appearance of his daughter....she was much older, but she was the same kind hearted Faith on the inside that she had always been...he could feel it.
"Daddy...?"Faith whispered again. Once the shock wore off, hurt and love replaced it. "Why did you leave us? What happened?"
"That is for later, Faith.....I promise...I will tell you later. Now, we must discuss the future..not the past,"Anakin replied, moving forward.
Faith nodded mutely.
Luke and Leia shot each other a confused glance, then returned their attention to the task at hand.
Obi-Wan put a comforting mental hand on Faith's shoulder. //Do not worry, little one.//
Faith nodded.
The Jedi then resumed speaking of their take on the galaxy's future and how they could change it for the better.
* * * * * * * * *
"Faith...I can only apologize so many times...and I must say I am sorry...but I do not regret leaving. If I did, I would not be standing before you today,"Anakin said, sorrow etched into his face.
"What do you mean? What was so horrible that you fled the people you had as a family?"Faith asked, her voice rising in intensity.
Anakin sighed. This was not going to be easy. "I was scared.....I was angry at the Force for taking away the woman I loved. Every time I looked at Obi-Wan...or even you, my little girl, I was reminded of Livia.....
The dark side was eating away at me. If I didn't get away from the constant reminder of her and let the pain ease off, then I would be consumed by it and...more than likely be at the Sith's side,"Anakin said, rubbing his temples wearily.
Faith nodded, motioning for Anakin to continue.
"Once I had left, I was determined to find my calm serenity.....I found it not too long ago after spending so long traveling, roaming aimlessly from one planet to another. Then, I joined formed Rebellion. The galaxy needed help,"Anakin finished.
Faith stood there, crossing her arms over her chest. She evaded her gaze to the floor, considering her father's words. She then reached out with the Force into his force sense. There, she could easily see the sorrow for the pain he had caused.....and the happiness and love at seeing her once again.
After a long, contemplative silence, Faith nodded.
"I forgive you, Dad.....I forgive you."
* * * * * * * * *
Darth Sidious looked out at the Imperial Fleet that was in the process of takeoff. The fleet was going to Yavin 4.
On Yavin 4, the Rebel Alliance was based.
On Yavin 4, he would end the problems that wretched rebellion was causing him.
Soon, there would be no one to stand in his way.
* * * * * * * * *
Luke gasped as he looked out at the stars. No......this couldn't be happening.
He ran down to the battle alarm station. He then rammed his hand down on the comm console.
"Um...Admiral Skywalker? We have a problem."
* * * * * * * * *
Faith, Luke, Leia, and Anakin met in the hangar bay.
Anakin pulled his daughter close in a hug. "Fly safely, little Jedi...."he murmured, not wanting to let his 'little girl' go.
For if he let her go, then they would face mortal danger......and that was something he was not ready for her to do. There was no other option. They all had to.
For the sake of the alliance, they had to.
Rogue Squadron gathered around Anakin.
"You're flying cover for larger craft. You all know your assignments...just fly carefully. These Imp pilots may not be smart, but they are trigger happy. Be careful,"Anakin warned, then encouraged, "Let's go!"
Faith gave a quick, but heart felt goodbye to her father. As she was about to crawl into her X- wing, a hand on her shoulder stilled her.
"Be careful...please be careful, my little one,"Obi-Wan said softly, desperation lacing his tone.
Faith nodded and hugged the man who had raised her. "I love you, Uncle Obi-Ben...don't worry,"she said, then quickly turned to hide the tears that threatened to spill down her face.
The pilots took off, breaking into their groups. As they exited the atmosphere to the danger above, a silent agreement coursed between all the Jedi.
They would fight the Empire as Jedi.
There would be no more hiding.
They would face whatever danger the Sith had for them.......together.
********************************
THE END!
I am so sorry this leaves you hanging....it's so...anti climactic.... I know! I am so sorry for that one! But...it was necessary. Soon, I will be working in school............and I can't write long term stories for that time!
In my breaks between homework and sports, I will possibly write a sequel. If I don't, then what happens is left to your imagination. K? If no sequel comes, then this is it.
PLEASE REVIEW! NO FLAMES...I know I give reason to flame..but please none....
Signing out for now,
Lina Skye