Disclaimer: Same as always. I own Nemesis Kenobi and Aidra Jinn-Kenobi. That's it. Everything and everyone else belongs to you know who.
Notes: Sorry it took so long to get this next installment ready. This past semester was harder than I thought it would be. Words in ~'s represent a character's thoughts and words in *'s represent Force speech
Feedback: Please but constructive criticism only. If you have to criticize anyway.
Obi-Wan's Daughter: Part 15
Even if she hadn't had the force to sense what Luke was thinking she would have known. Though Luke was deep in conversation with her father, every glance he cast her way when he thought Obi-Wan wasn't looking said everything. Nemesis sighed. Since the beginning she had been afraid this would happen. Luke wasn't sure if he could trust her anymore.
She sighed again and stood, muttering something about getting refreshments. The small kitchen was the closest thing she had to a sanctuary for the moment. Well, it was a sanctuary from Luke, anyway.
*Nemesis?*
*Yes Daddy?* She replied innocently in a futile attempt to make her father believe nothing was wrong.
*Nem, you can't hide in the kitchen forever*
*I really didn't intend to stay in the kitchen at all. I actually thought my room would be a better choice.*
*Nemesis*
Nemesis sighed. *Daddy, I know you sense it too. He isn't sure if he can trust me anymore. I really suppose that I can't blame him*
*Nemie, he'll know better in time. He has to learn the entire truth first. He'll understand that it was all for his own good.*
*And meanwhile those looks he's giving me are going to drive me insane.*
*Funny. You act as though this is the first time he's looked at you like that.*
Nemesis rolled her eyes. *This is not the time to be teasing me, Daddy.. And I don't want to talk about that. Besides, he's more interested in Leia anyway.*
*That will pass eventually as well. Now, please, come out of hiding and grace us with your presence.*
Nemesis smiled. *How can I refuse?* She picked up the tray she had set the drinks on, took a deep breath, and returned to the main room of the small home.
"Anyone thirsty?" She asked as she set the tray on the table between Luke and her father. Then, taking a glass for herself, she sat in the remaining chair.
Obi-Wan smiled warmly at his daughter as he took a glass.
"Yeah, thanks Nem." Luke said as he claimed the remaining drink as his own.
Obi-Wan, having finally convinced his daughter to rejoin the conversation turned his attention to Artoo.
"About that message..." Luke began, unsure of what would happen next. He hadn't expected the day to turn out so...interesting. He sighed. ~Forget it, Skywalker. She's already told you she wasn't your destiny.~
"I was just getting to that." Obi-Wan smiled. "Now, let's see if we can't figure out who you are, my little friend."
"Nem and I already saw part of the message." Luke said, not realizing Obi-Wan already knew.
"Of course the message was only meant for you." Nemesis added absentmindedly. "So he wouldn't show us all of it."
Luke started to speak again but stopped when Leia's image suddenly appeared again. He glanced at Obi-Wan, who had leaned forward in his chair. It was obvious that the old man was concentrating on the message.
Nemesis... well, he had suddenly forgotten that she was even there. Even her plea for him not to fall in love with the beautiful mystery girl had vanished. All that he noticed was the enchanting beauty of the girl. Whoever she was.
Nemesis was attempting to pay strict attention to the message. Attempting, however, was the correct word because she was fully aware of Luke's presence. She was also fully aware of what he was thinking. She bit her lip then turned her full attention to the message.
When the message ended with Leia pleading for General Obi-Wan Kenobi's help, Nemesis glanced at her father.
Luke was still staring at the spot the image had just been, deep in thought. ~Crazy Old Ben, a general? And that girl...beautiful. And she needs Crazy Old Ben's help?~
"You look lost in thought." Nemesis said, breaking the silence.
Luke blinked, unable to remember why Nemesis was even there. "Nem, why are you here?"
Nemesis sighed in frustration. "Oh, nothing much really. I just live here"
"Right. Ben Kenobi is your father." He beamed. "So, did you see her?"
Nemesis rolled her eyes. "Yes. And may I add that I really love being forgotten."
Luke blushed. "Sorry, I really don't know what came over me. I...she was just so..so..." He turned to Obi-Wan. "You fought in the Clone Wars?"
*Do men always try to change the subject when they're in trouble?* Nemesis glanced at her father.
*Well...I...* Obi-Wan paused. *Would you like to tell him about his father, or should I?*
*Uh-huh. Just what I thought* Nemesis smirked. *You go ahead.*
Obi-Wan looked slowly from Artoo to Luke, making the boy think he had been deep in thought. "Yes, I was once a Jedi Knight, like your father."
Nemesis glanced at Luke. ~Here it comes.~
"A Jedi Knight?" Luke asked in disbelief. "But Uncle Owen told me..."
"Haven't I told you not to believe everything he's told you?" Nemesis chided gently. "He was only trying to protect you."
"Is that why I never knew who you really were?" Luke asked suddenly. "Because he wanted to protect me?"
"Yes." Nemesis looked at her friend. "He thought it was best."
Luke nodded before he turned back to Obi-Wan. "Tell me more about my father."
"He was the best pilot I ever knew. The force was strong in him." He paused. "And he was a good friend."
Nemesis glanced at Luke. He was leaning forward in his chair, eyes wide, obviously fascinated by the man before him. He clearly wanted to ask questions but he didn't want to interrupt.
"In many ways you are much like your father." Obi-Wan continued. Then, a long silence fell in the room.
*What do you think, Nemesis?* Obi-Wan asked, holding an important 'silent' conversation with his daughter. *Should I give it to him? Is it time?*
By 'it' Nemesis knew her father had meant Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber.
*I think it's time.* She smiled. *It is rightfully his and he's going to start asking questions soon anyway.*
Obi-Wan glanced at Luke who was clearly uncomfortable with the silence. *I think you're right.*
"That reminds me." Obi-Wan said aloud, breaking the silence. "I have something for you." Luke watched curiously as the man he had always thought of as crazy rose and walked to a large trunk. He looked at Nemesis.
"Something for me?"
Nemesis shrugged. "Our fathers were close. Naturally your father left everything he wanted you to have in my father's care. He's kept it safe."
"When you were old enough, your father wanted you to have this. If I can find the blasted device." Obi-Wan shook his head and Nemesis giggled.
Obi-Wan glanced at his daughter. "So you think this is funny, do you? Care to try and find it?"
Nemesis shrugged. "All right." She stood and continued searching for the saber as her father further explained things to Luke.
"Here it is." Nemesis called victoriously a few moments later.
"Of course, after I had mostly uncovered it for you." Obi-Wan teased.
"No, I think it's just because you're getting old." Nemesis teased back. She handed Luke the saber as her father began teaching him about the weapon.
She watched as Luke ignited the blade, eyeing it curiously as he listened to Obi-Wan. By the look on his face Nemesis could tell that maybe Luke was beginning to understand.
Things were going well until the question came.
"How did my father die?"
Nemesis glanced at her father. She bit her lip. The only one Obi-Wan had ever really spoken to about Anakin's turning was Nemesis. Could he tell Luke?
*Daddy?* Her voice was full of concern.
*It's all right, Nemie* He turned to Luke. "He was betrayed and murdered by a very young Jedi named Darth Vader."
Nemesis relaxed slightly. She had been the one years ago who had finally convinced her father that Anakin did not betray him. The Anakin her father knew was murdered by Vader.
Still, she knew the topic was not a comfortable one for her father. Luke, by the look in his eyes, sensed it too. She walked over to her father and took his hand.
Obi-Wan smiled warmly at his daughter before he continued. "Vader used the training I gave him in the force for evil." He paused again but this time his look was distant, as if he were speaking to himself. "Such is the destiny of one who masters the force and is consumed by the dark side."
Nemesis squeezed her father's hand when he was finished. Again he gave her a warm smile. Luke suddenly felt jealous of Nemesis' relationship with her father. His curiosity, however, soon took place of that.
"A force?" Luke looked at both Nemesis and Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan nodded. "I forget, sometimes, in who's presence I babble. Nemesis, of course, has heard all of this before. She understands my babbling."
"Are you certain of that?" Nemesis asked, unable to keep from laughing.
"Cute." Obi-Wan smiled. "Very cute." Even Luke joined in on the laughter.
Then, Obi-Wan turned serious again. He took a deep breath before beginning to explain the force. Nemesis sat down and listened, though not attentively. Her father was right, she had heard this lecture before and she understood it. She knew what it was about, so instead of listening she thought of other things...
...Like the annoying habit Luke had of ignoring her when he saw or thought of the image of Leia. What would he do when he was actually face to face with the princess? If Luke was going to be trained, and he would be, he had to learn to avoid distractions.
But was that really why it bothered her? Hadn't she already told him they weren't meant to be together? At least not the way Luke wanted.
~But that's only what he wants when he doesn't think of Leia.~ She frowned. ~I wish I could just tell him she's his sister. One less worry would be nice.~
"Alderaan!" Nemesis looked up at Luke's shocked cry. "I cant go to Alderaan. I don't even know where Alderaan is!"
"Luke..." Nemesis began, trying to reason with him. Luke shook his head.
"You know Uncle Owen! I have to get back. I'm already in for it as it is."
"Luke, Owen and Beru..." She paused, suddenly sensing something. Whether it had already happened or would happen, she didn't know but still her mouth went dry. She glanced at her father who nodded slightly. She bit her lip, knowing what Luke would find once he went back to the farm.
Luke was still rambling about his need to get home.
"We need your help, Luke." Obi-Wan tried to reason. "You've seen the message, how can you abandon her? Nemesis and I cant do this alone."
That stopped his babbling for a moment. He glanced at Nemesis and what should have been obvious to him since he learned her father was once a Jedi became clear to him.
"Nem...you're a Jedi?"
Nemesis nodded. "You're finally understanding. Luke, this is your destiny. Please, you must help us."
"Well, I...I suppose I could take you as far as Anchorhead..."
Nemesis sighed. "And thenwe can get a transport to Mos Eisley, I suppose." She finished for him.
Obi-Wan echoed his daughter's sigh. "Very well. That will do for a beginning. Then you must do what you feel is right."
Luke glanced at Nemesis. "I'm sorry, Nem. I want to help, but Uncle Owen..."
Nemesis held up her hand. "I know, Luke. I understand." ~And soon so will you. And you will be going to Alderaan with us.~
Notes: Sorry it took so long to get this next installment ready. This past semester was harder than I thought it would be. Words in ~'s represent a character's thoughts and words in *'s represent Force speech
Feedback: Please but constructive criticism only. If you have to criticize anyway.
Obi-Wan's Daughter: Part 15
Even if she hadn't had the force to sense what Luke was thinking she would have known. Though Luke was deep in conversation with her father, every glance he cast her way when he thought Obi-Wan wasn't looking said everything. Nemesis sighed. Since the beginning she had been afraid this would happen. Luke wasn't sure if he could trust her anymore.
She sighed again and stood, muttering something about getting refreshments. The small kitchen was the closest thing she had to a sanctuary for the moment. Well, it was a sanctuary from Luke, anyway.
*Nemesis?*
*Yes Daddy?* She replied innocently in a futile attempt to make her father believe nothing was wrong.
*Nem, you can't hide in the kitchen forever*
*I really didn't intend to stay in the kitchen at all. I actually thought my room would be a better choice.*
*Nemesis*
Nemesis sighed. *Daddy, I know you sense it too. He isn't sure if he can trust me anymore. I really suppose that I can't blame him*
*Nemie, he'll know better in time. He has to learn the entire truth first. He'll understand that it was all for his own good.*
*And meanwhile those looks he's giving me are going to drive me insane.*
*Funny. You act as though this is the first time he's looked at you like that.*
Nemesis rolled her eyes. *This is not the time to be teasing me, Daddy.. And I don't want to talk about that. Besides, he's more interested in Leia anyway.*
*That will pass eventually as well. Now, please, come out of hiding and grace us with your presence.*
Nemesis smiled. *How can I refuse?* She picked up the tray she had set the drinks on, took a deep breath, and returned to the main room of the small home.
"Anyone thirsty?" She asked as she set the tray on the table between Luke and her father. Then, taking a glass for herself, she sat in the remaining chair.
Obi-Wan smiled warmly at his daughter as he took a glass.
"Yeah, thanks Nem." Luke said as he claimed the remaining drink as his own.
Obi-Wan, having finally convinced his daughter to rejoin the conversation turned his attention to Artoo.
"About that message..." Luke began, unsure of what would happen next. He hadn't expected the day to turn out so...interesting. He sighed. ~Forget it, Skywalker. She's already told you she wasn't your destiny.~
"I was just getting to that." Obi-Wan smiled. "Now, let's see if we can't figure out who you are, my little friend."
"Nem and I already saw part of the message." Luke said, not realizing Obi-Wan already knew.
"Of course the message was only meant for you." Nemesis added absentmindedly. "So he wouldn't show us all of it."
Luke started to speak again but stopped when Leia's image suddenly appeared again. He glanced at Obi-Wan, who had leaned forward in his chair. It was obvious that the old man was concentrating on the message.
Nemesis... well, he had suddenly forgotten that she was even there. Even her plea for him not to fall in love with the beautiful mystery girl had vanished. All that he noticed was the enchanting beauty of the girl. Whoever she was.
Nemesis was attempting to pay strict attention to the message. Attempting, however, was the correct word because she was fully aware of Luke's presence. She was also fully aware of what he was thinking. She bit her lip then turned her full attention to the message.
When the message ended with Leia pleading for General Obi-Wan Kenobi's help, Nemesis glanced at her father.
Luke was still staring at the spot the image had just been, deep in thought. ~Crazy Old Ben, a general? And that girl...beautiful. And she needs Crazy Old Ben's help?~
"You look lost in thought." Nemesis said, breaking the silence.
Luke blinked, unable to remember why Nemesis was even there. "Nem, why are you here?"
Nemesis sighed in frustration. "Oh, nothing much really. I just live here"
"Right. Ben Kenobi is your father." He beamed. "So, did you see her?"
Nemesis rolled her eyes. "Yes. And may I add that I really love being forgotten."
Luke blushed. "Sorry, I really don't know what came over me. I...she was just so..so..." He turned to Obi-Wan. "You fought in the Clone Wars?"
*Do men always try to change the subject when they're in trouble?* Nemesis glanced at her father.
*Well...I...* Obi-Wan paused. *Would you like to tell him about his father, or should I?*
*Uh-huh. Just what I thought* Nemesis smirked. *You go ahead.*
Obi-Wan looked slowly from Artoo to Luke, making the boy think he had been deep in thought. "Yes, I was once a Jedi Knight, like your father."
Nemesis glanced at Luke. ~Here it comes.~
"A Jedi Knight?" Luke asked in disbelief. "But Uncle Owen told me..."
"Haven't I told you not to believe everything he's told you?" Nemesis chided gently. "He was only trying to protect you."
"Is that why I never knew who you really were?" Luke asked suddenly. "Because he wanted to protect me?"
"Yes." Nemesis looked at her friend. "He thought it was best."
Luke nodded before he turned back to Obi-Wan. "Tell me more about my father."
"He was the best pilot I ever knew. The force was strong in him." He paused. "And he was a good friend."
Nemesis glanced at Luke. He was leaning forward in his chair, eyes wide, obviously fascinated by the man before him. He clearly wanted to ask questions but he didn't want to interrupt.
"In many ways you are much like your father." Obi-Wan continued. Then, a long silence fell in the room.
*What do you think, Nemesis?* Obi-Wan asked, holding an important 'silent' conversation with his daughter. *Should I give it to him? Is it time?*
By 'it' Nemesis knew her father had meant Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber.
*I think it's time.* She smiled. *It is rightfully his and he's going to start asking questions soon anyway.*
Obi-Wan glanced at Luke who was clearly uncomfortable with the silence. *I think you're right.*
"That reminds me." Obi-Wan said aloud, breaking the silence. "I have something for you." Luke watched curiously as the man he had always thought of as crazy rose and walked to a large trunk. He looked at Nemesis.
"Something for me?"
Nemesis shrugged. "Our fathers were close. Naturally your father left everything he wanted you to have in my father's care. He's kept it safe."
"When you were old enough, your father wanted you to have this. If I can find the blasted device." Obi-Wan shook his head and Nemesis giggled.
Obi-Wan glanced at his daughter. "So you think this is funny, do you? Care to try and find it?"
Nemesis shrugged. "All right." She stood and continued searching for the saber as her father further explained things to Luke.
"Here it is." Nemesis called victoriously a few moments later.
"Of course, after I had mostly uncovered it for you." Obi-Wan teased.
"No, I think it's just because you're getting old." Nemesis teased back. She handed Luke the saber as her father began teaching him about the weapon.
She watched as Luke ignited the blade, eyeing it curiously as he listened to Obi-Wan. By the look on his face Nemesis could tell that maybe Luke was beginning to understand.
Things were going well until the question came.
"How did my father die?"
Nemesis glanced at her father. She bit her lip. The only one Obi-Wan had ever really spoken to about Anakin's turning was Nemesis. Could he tell Luke?
*Daddy?* Her voice was full of concern.
*It's all right, Nemie* He turned to Luke. "He was betrayed and murdered by a very young Jedi named Darth Vader."
Nemesis relaxed slightly. She had been the one years ago who had finally convinced her father that Anakin did not betray him. The Anakin her father knew was murdered by Vader.
Still, she knew the topic was not a comfortable one for her father. Luke, by the look in his eyes, sensed it too. She walked over to her father and took his hand.
Obi-Wan smiled warmly at his daughter before he continued. "Vader used the training I gave him in the force for evil." He paused again but this time his look was distant, as if he were speaking to himself. "Such is the destiny of one who masters the force and is consumed by the dark side."
Nemesis squeezed her father's hand when he was finished. Again he gave her a warm smile. Luke suddenly felt jealous of Nemesis' relationship with her father. His curiosity, however, soon took place of that.
"A force?" Luke looked at both Nemesis and Obi-Wan.
Obi-Wan nodded. "I forget, sometimes, in who's presence I babble. Nemesis, of course, has heard all of this before. She understands my babbling."
"Are you certain of that?" Nemesis asked, unable to keep from laughing.
"Cute." Obi-Wan smiled. "Very cute." Even Luke joined in on the laughter.
Then, Obi-Wan turned serious again. He took a deep breath before beginning to explain the force. Nemesis sat down and listened, though not attentively. Her father was right, she had heard this lecture before and she understood it. She knew what it was about, so instead of listening she thought of other things...
...Like the annoying habit Luke had of ignoring her when he saw or thought of the image of Leia. What would he do when he was actually face to face with the princess? If Luke was going to be trained, and he would be, he had to learn to avoid distractions.
But was that really why it bothered her? Hadn't she already told him they weren't meant to be together? At least not the way Luke wanted.
~But that's only what he wants when he doesn't think of Leia.~ She frowned. ~I wish I could just tell him she's his sister. One less worry would be nice.~
"Alderaan!" Nemesis looked up at Luke's shocked cry. "I cant go to Alderaan. I don't even know where Alderaan is!"
"Luke..." Nemesis began, trying to reason with him. Luke shook his head.
"You know Uncle Owen! I have to get back. I'm already in for it as it is."
"Luke, Owen and Beru..." She paused, suddenly sensing something. Whether it had already happened or would happen, she didn't know but still her mouth went dry. She glanced at her father who nodded slightly. She bit her lip, knowing what Luke would find once he went back to the farm.
Luke was still rambling about his need to get home.
"We need your help, Luke." Obi-Wan tried to reason. "You've seen the message, how can you abandon her? Nemesis and I cant do this alone."
That stopped his babbling for a moment. He glanced at Nemesis and what should have been obvious to him since he learned her father was once a Jedi became clear to him.
"Nem...you're a Jedi?"
Nemesis nodded. "You're finally understanding. Luke, this is your destiny. Please, you must help us."
"Well, I...I suppose I could take you as far as Anchorhead..."
Nemesis sighed. "And thenwe can get a transport to Mos Eisley, I suppose." She finished for him.
Obi-Wan echoed his daughter's sigh. "Very well. That will do for a beginning. Then you must do what you feel is right."
Luke glanced at Nemesis. "I'm sorry, Nem. I want to help, but Uncle Owen..."
Nemesis held up her hand. "I know, Luke. I understand." ~And soon so will you. And you will be going to Alderaan with us.~