(Author's Note: Yes, I'm fully aware that I have taken liberties with the established Disney "canon" of Rebels. However, since Disney has decided to trash the combined work of several decades of fan content (ie, the Extended Universe), I have decided that I, as a Star Wars fan, have the right to decide which Disney content I prefer. So, that being said, I have completely removed most of Rebels season 4 from my head canon and from this story. I also have taken liberties with some plot holes I see in the EU, though to be fair to the EU writers, most of them had very little lore content to go on, using only the Original Trilogy. I have even touched on a few "taboo" issues, such as how I feel that Luke was not qualified, based on his limited training, to be the head of the New Jedi Order. Feel free to give constructive criticism on my writing style, character building, or most anything else, but the story is what it is and will not change.
This is my head canon, written down for my own personal pleasure, and presented to you for your reading entertainment. May the Force be with you.)
The Light Renewed: Chapter 1
"Luke! Luke Skywalker! If you have a moment, there's some people here I know you'll want to meet."
General Crix Madine's voice rang out down the corridor of the Rebel Flagship. From where he stood with his Jedi master, Kanan Jarrus, and General Madine, Ezra Bridger watched with interest as a slender, compact young man around his own age, with sandy blond hair and light blue eyes, turned and trotted down the hallway toward them, nimbly avoiding the other people hurrying along the corridor toward their own various assignments. He had heard of Luke's piloting skills during the attack on the first Death Star, but had never met him in person. The mood on the Rebel fleet was still high and celebratory from the destruction of the second Death Star not even a full week earlier. The Empire had been soundly defeated; its' despotic leader, Darth Sidious, killed by his own Second in Command, Darth Vader, who had also perished in the maelstrom. Though the New Republic knew there were still pockets of Imperial resistance to be rooted out, the main fight was, thankfully, over. General Madine smiled broadly as Luke Skywalker reached them, his questioning look revealing his curiosity.
"Luke, I'd like you to meet Master Kanan Jarrus, Knight of the Jedi Order, and his Padawan, Ezra Bridger. Master Jarrus and Ezra have been a part of Phoenix group for years, working tirelessly against the Empire. I've told Master Jarrus of your Force abilities and how you used them to assist the Rebellion, and he was interested in meeting you."
Luke Skywalker turned quickly to Kanan Jarrus, a look of genuine pleasure on his face.
"It's very good to meet you, Master Jarrus, and you too, Ezra. I thought that I was the only Jedi-trained Force user left in the galaxy; you can't imagine the relief to me to find out I am not! If I'm not being presumptuous in asking, Master Jarrus, is it possible you were Temple trained?"
Kanan dipped his head in a slight bow, a faint smile on his lips. Luke's enthusiasm was infectious.
"Indeed. I was trained in the Jedi Temple on Coruscant until I was 12 years old. After that, I became Master Depa Billaba's Padawan until I was 14. Then the Empire was established and Order 66 put into effect. Master Billaba was killed, but even in her last moments she thought of me and used her sacrifice to help me escape."
"I'm sorry for your loss, Master Jarrus," Luke answered soberly. "I apologize if I brought up bad memories."
Kanan shook his head. "No apology necessary, Luke. It was long ago and I've had many years to come to terms with it. It was not a good time in my life, but in many ways, it forged me into who I am now. But I have a question for you; you say that you were Jedi trained? Who did you train with?"
Luke's enthusiasm returned. "I trained for a short time under Master Ben...er, sorry, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and for a little longer, about 6 months, with Master Yoda on Dagobah." Luke smiled sheepishly. "When I said I was Jedi trained, I should have clarified that my "training" has been short and sporadic at best. Um...I was wondering, Master Jarrus, if it wouldn't be an imposition...no, never mind, I couldn't-"
Kanan interrupted Luke with a quiet smile. "If I can, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the Force and the Jedi Way, Luke. Feel free to come out to the Ghost anytime. We'll be here for another few days, at least."
"That would be incredible, Master Jarrus. When would be a convenient time for me to come by? I don't want to interrupt your time with your own apprentice."
"Oh, PLEASE do," Ezra interjected with a sarcastic roll of his eyes. "I'm always glad to get a break, believe me." He gave Kanan a jab in the ribs with his elbow and grinned at Luke.
"Hmm," mused Kanan. "I think a research paper on the merits of self discipline and it's effect on a Jedi's control, or lack thereof, in their use of the Force may be in order for you, my young Padawan."
"Ugh," groaned Ezra. "Why do I always do this to myself?"
General Madine chuckled. "Sounds like you have it under control, Kanan. Luke, I'll personally clear you of any duties during the remainder of Master Jarrus' stay so you can talk to him whenever it's convenient for him. It will be a good day when we get the Jedi re-established in the galaxy again."
"Speaking of which, Crix; I would like to request a meeting with the leaders of the New Republic while they're all here." Kanan said seriously.
"You looking to start up the Jedi Order again, Kanan? I think it's a wonderful idea, and very, very necessary. All the leaders I know would be in agreement with it, especially if you would be in charge."
"Yes, that is my ultimate goal. The problem is, as usual, financial. I was hoping to convince the leaders to set aside some funds to get a small Jedi enclave up and running before too much longer."
"Well, you know how it is, Kanan. Lots of needs and few resources to get it all done. But in that situation, we have to prioritize; and I, for one, believe the Jedi need to be reintroduced to the galaxy sooner rather than later. I will certainly back you in your request. I'll let you know when we can clear a meeting slot for you."
"It's much appreciated, Crix. Thank you."
"Not a problem. I'll see you later then, Kanan, Ezra, Luke." General Madine gave a friendly wave and walked briskly down the corridor.
As soon as he was gone, Ezra turned to Kanan.
"I don't REALLY have to do that paper, do I, Kanan? You know I was only joking...mostly."
"We'll discuss it later, Ezra. As for you, Luke; you can come by at any time. I have a schedule I try to keep when it comes to Ezra's training, so if you just want to come by and ask questions, then probably around 0900 any morning would be good. But if you would like to be a part of any or all of my training time with Ezra, we start at 0700 with meditation."
"Yeah," groaned Ezra. "A whole hour of meditation, BEFORE breakfast, every morning."
"You're not helping your cause about the paper, Ezra." Kanan responded with a stern shake of his head at his irrepressible student, but Luke could see just the hint of a smile on the corner of Kanan's lips.
Luke was fascinated by the dynamic relationship between Master and Padawan. He had been led to believe, based on his rather limited experience with the Force users he had known, that the relationship between master and apprentice was one of great formality and ceremony. However, "formal" wasn't anywhere near how he would describe Kanan and Ezra's relationship. They treated each other more like friends, or an older brother with a younger sibling, but beneath Ezra's banter with his master, Luke sensed a deep level of respect and devotion. And though Kanan seemed mildly exasperated with Ezra at times, Luke sensed no true frustration, just real fondness for a favored student. He bowed slightly to Kanan.
"If it would not be an imposition, and if Ezra doesn't mind my interference in his personal time with you, I would be honored to be a part of your daily training regimen."
"Of course I don't mind," Ezra grinned. "Maybe if Kanan has someone else to pay attention to, I can sneak in a nap during discussion time."
Kanan let out a long-suffering sigh and shook his head again. Ezra laughed, and Luke couldn't restrain his own grin. He had a strong feeling the Force was redirecting his life yet again, and he was eager to step out and follow it.