Chapter 2

"Ben?" Luke asked. "Ben?"

Ben heard his name being called but it took a moment for his brain to register it. He gasped as he saw his father and mother still standing in front of him, his hand still clasped in his father's. Sweat dripped down and he pulled his hand away, which was also very sweaty and quickly dried it on his robes. He was breathing quickly, in short gasps, and when he realized it he abruptly stopped. He quickly looked around and saw all eyes on him. Slowly and cautiously he walked off the podium and back into his seat. He was still sweating heavily. Meanwhile his father had resumed calling up the graduates. Ben wiped the sweat off his forehead.

What happened? He thought, unsure what had happened. Behind him Sol reached and shook his shoulder gently.

"Ben, you alright?" Sol whispered to Ben.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Ben whispered back to his friend and managed a weak smile, but it was far from the truth. Ben was shaking from what had just happened.

It was so real. He thought. I can't believe I… His thoughts trailed off and he looked up at his parents. Both were dressed in their Jedi robes, smiling as each Jedi gradate walked up. Ben replayed the scene in his head, again and again, but no matter how many times he did he still could not believe that he had killed his parents.

But I didn't really kill them. Ben thought. It was just…a dream. I zoned out. He tried to console himself but could not. The event had been so vivid, so real, so horrible.

The last Jedi graduate, another of Ben's friends, a female Twi'lek named Alli Zash walked up and off the podium. Then Luke Skywalker began speaking again to the graduates.

"Today, you are no longer apprentices but are Jedi Knights," Luke spoke. "You have all proved yourselves capable of handling anything. For many years now, you have lived within the Jedi academy. But now you venture out on your own, each to serve the Force in your own way. But remember, a Jedi is never alone. A Jedi always has the strength of the Force with them and the strength of their fellow Jedi. And now I, along with the blessings of the Jedi council, name you Jedi Knights."

A thunderous applause echoed through the convocation as Master Skywalker officially named them full Jedi Knights. It was a great day for everyone, especially Luke, who was very pleased to see more Jedi helping to protect the peace in the galaxy. Everyone got up and went to celebrate in their own way. All except Ben who remained in his seat. Ben's mother walked over and took the seat next to her son.

"Ben, what happened before?" Mara Jade asked. "Why did you just freeze up their? Your father and I were worried."

"I don't know, I just froze," Ben said and managed a small laugh. "I guess I was so excited I forgot to move."
"Ben, are you sure that's all?" Mara asked. "If anything is wrong you can always talk to me or your father."

"No, Mom, everything's fine," Ben said with a smile as he stood up. "I just can't believe I'm finally a Jedi."

"Your father and I are so proud of you," Mara said as she stood. "You've grown so much. It seems just like yesterday you were a little baby, crying all the time, and now here you are eighteen years old, and still crying all the time."

Ben and his mother shared a small laugh.

"Thanks, Mom." Ben said and hugged his mother.

"Get going," Mara said. "I think Sol and Reya are looking for you."

"Okay." Ben said and started to go.

"And, Ben," Mara said. "Have some fun." She winked at him. Ben smiled and left.

"Something's troubling Ben." Luke said as he approached.

"I know," Mara said. "I didn't want to force him to tell us but I wish he did. What do you think could be wrong?"
"I don't know," Luke said. "Maybe he's scared about leaving the academy. I know some others are. After all they have lived here for most of their lives and now they must leave all at once."

"We should talk to him again." Mara said.

"No, let him enjoy himself," Luke said. "Maybe some time with his friends will do him some good."

Mara kissed her husband. "Yeah, you're right. He'll tell us when he is ready. He always had before." She heard someone call her name and saw Han come over. "There's Han and Leia." They walked over to them. Leia hugged and kissed Luke and both Han and Leia hugged Mara. Jacen and Jaina both greeted their aunt and uncle.

"Congratulations with Ben's graduation," Leia said. "Where is he?"

"He left to find his friends." Luke said.

"Too bad," Han said. "I wanted to give him so advice before he left."

"I'm sure he'll be back before he leaves," Mara said. "What did you want to tell him?"

"Just don't go and marry any Dark Jedi," Han said with a smirk. "And don't fly into any moon-sized battlestations." Leia elbowed him in the stomach.

"Luke, what happened to Ben on the podium?" Leia asked. "Why did he just freeze like that?"
"Yeah, we were worried." Han said.

"We don't know," Luke said. "Mara asked Ben what was wrong but he didn't say."
"Do you want me to ask him?" Leia suggested.

"Or maybe Jacen or I could." Jaina said. Despite being many years older than Ben, Ben still enjoyed being with and talking to his older cousins.

"No, not yet," Mara said. "We want to wait for him to tell us. We don't want to force him to tell us."

"That makes sense," Han said. "But let's get going. We have to find Ben and celebrate. We can bring his friends along."

"That's a good idea." Mara said.

"I'll go find him." Jaina said and went to look for her younger cousin. Soon after Jaina returned with Ben and his friends. The Skywalkers and the Solos each gave their congratulations to the Jedi graduates and then they left to celebrate.