Yasuke's tears flowed freely as he babbled to his father, the weight of his struggles and insecurities pouring out. "Dad, it's been so hard. I've faced the darkness, and I don't always know what to do. I feel like a failure, like I'm not strong enough."
His father continued to smile, an expression of immense warmth and understanding. "I know, son," he replied gently, patting the tree trunk beside him. "Come, sit with me."
Yasuke took a seat beside his father, their presence harmonious in the midst of the Ghost Tree forest. His father's voice was soothing as he spoke. "Yasuke, life is filled with challenges and moments of doubt. You're not alone in your struggles. What's important is that you keep going, even when the path seems dark."
Yasuke sniffled, wiping away his tears, and gazed into his father's eyes. "But how do I find the strength, Dad? How do I keep going when the darkness feels overwhelming?
Yasuke listened intently as his father shared his own struggles and the turning point in his life. His father's voice conveyed a wisdom that only comes from hard-earned experience.
"My son, I have failed in my life more times than I have succeeded," his father began. "I was a man late in my life when I felt the same way you do now. I didn't have guidance or love. I had to forge ahead through a never-ending darkness of loneliness and uncertainty."
Yasuke's curiosity was piqued. "What changed, Dad?" he asked.
His father's voice took on an elated tone, a stark contrast to the weighty conversation. "I found myself. I discovered my true self, and in return, I loved people and found people who loved me. I stopped hiding my weaknesses from my friends and asked for help, and they returned it tenfold. I became a man when I let those fake walls down."
Yasuke was moved by his father's words. "So, you're saying I should be open about my struggles and ask for help when I need it?"
His father nodded, his eyes filled with love and understanding. "Exactly, my son. There is strength in vulnerability, in admitting that you don't have all the answers. It's in those moments that you'll find your true self and the people who truly care about you."
But I don't have anyone dad. There all gone Yasuke whispered head bowed as more tears fell.
Yasuke father stood up and heaved a deep sigh.
Yasuke.. do you know why you were given that name? He asked turning to stare his confused son in the face.
Well yeah its your name. I'm your legacy to carry forward. Yasuke Jr replied wiping his tears with his shirt.
No my son. You are not my legacy to carry forward you are so much more than that. Yasuke sr replied walking a little bit away from his son.
When you were born you didn't come into this world crying like normal babies. You had the largest smile on your face and were giggling.
You were a fearless kindhearted baby. It only grew as you aged and could think for yourself. You often thought of others and there woes and not enough about yourself.
As more tears welled up in Yasuke's eyes, he whispered, head bowed, "But I don't have anyone, Dad. They're all gone."
Yasuke's father stood up, his expression heavy with emotion, and let out a deep sigh. "Yasuke, do you know why you were given that name?" He turned to face his son, a searching look in his eyes.
Yasuke Jr. sniffled and wiped his tears with his shirt. "Well, yeah, it's your name. I'm your legacy to carry forward."
His father shook his head gently. "No, my son. You are not just my legacy. You are so much more than that."
He began to walk a little bit away from Yasuke, and his voice carried the weight of his words. "When you were born, you didn't come into this world crying like normal babies. You had the largest smile on your face, and you were giggling. You were a fearless, kindhearted baby. That fearlessness and kindness only grew as you aged and could think for yourself. You often thought of others and their woes, and not enough about yourself."
Yasuke looked up, his confusion mingling with the sadness in his eyes. "What are you trying to tell me, Dad?"
His father turned back to face him, a proud and affectionate smile gracing his lips. "I'm telling you, Yasuke, that you carry the essence of our family's spirit. You are not just a name or a legacy; you are a vessel of love, courage, and compassion. Your smile and kind heart have always been your guiding lights. Even when you feel alone, remember that you carry the spirit of our family within you, and you are never truly alone."
"The name Yasuke comes from our ancestor. He was not the strongest or smartest, he wasn't rich, but he loved everyone, even his enemies, because he understood them. You are much the same and have only proven that as you've grown. You are Yasuke in mind, body, and soul. I am proud of you, my son," Yasuke Sr. finished, his voice filled with pride and love. He knelt in front of his son and placed both hands on his shoulders.
Yasuke Jr. gazed at his father, his eyes wide with a mixture of wonder and disbelief. "And so are they," his father continued, turning their bodies to face the center of the clearing. Thousands of Force ghosts, all dark-skinned men with black hair, standing 6 feet or taller, began to appear.
Yasuke's tears had dried up, and a look of profound interest replaced the previous sadness on his face. "Who are they?" he asked.
In a harmonious chorus, the Force ghosts spoke as one. "We are Yasuke."
Yasuke was left speechless, surrounded by the spirits of those who had carried the name before him, an assembly of kindred souls bound by a legacy of love, understanding, and unwavering compassion. It was a moment of profound connection that transcended time and space, and Yasuke felt a deep sense of belonging that he had never known before.
Yasuke looked with a sense of reverence at the man who had stepped forward. His long braided hair and the circular glasses perched on his nose gave him a distinct presence. With a warm smile, he introduced himself, "Hello, young one. I am Yasuke the 12th. I did not like fighting but loved nature. I had an ability to see the true essence of nature, so I chose to be a scientist and devote myself to uncovering those mysteries."
Yasuke Jr. was captivated by the presence of this wise Force ghost. "It's an honor to meet you, Yasuke the 12th. Your choice to study nature sounds incredible. What did you discover in your research?"
Yasuke the 12th's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as he spoke. "I learned that nature is a web of interconnected forces and energies, much like the Force itself. I delved into the mysteries of the living world, seeking to understand the balance and harmony that underlies all living things. In my studies, I found the beauty of creation and the delicate dance of life that spans the entire galaxy."
Yasuke Jr. observed as another Yasuke stepped forward, this one donning brown cloth-covered goggles and a jacket adorned with medals. With a confident presence, he introduced himself, "I am Yasuke the 5th. I was a pilot. Due to my special ability, I was able to fly for a long time. I belonged in the sky, and I followed that passion."
Yasuke Jr.'s eyes filled with curiosity. "Flying sounds amazing. What was your special ability, and what was it like to soar through the skies?"
Yasuke the 5th's face lit up as he shared his experiences. "My special ability allowed me to connect with the currents of the Force in the air. It made me an exceptional pilot, and I could navigate the skies with a sense of grace and freedom. Flying was a spiritual experience for me, a way to connect with the Force in its most ethereal form."
Yasuke Jr. watched with awe as yet another Yasuke stepped forward, his attire reminiscent of the ancient Jedi robes depicted in the historical data pads. The 15-inch lightsaber with a guard and the unique mask with tusks curving inward marked him as someone truly exceptional.
"I am Yasuke the 900th," he declared, his presence carrying a weight of history. He fixed his gaze on the young Yasuke and continued, "I was born with a strong connection to the Force. The Je'daii at the time identified my potential and brought me into the fold. I was trained very harshly in both sides of the Force and fought in the great schism where the first culture of Je'daii integrated with the Sith race."
Yasuke Jr.'s eyes widened, his fascination growing with each word. "The great schism must have been a momentous event. What was it like, and what made you decide to leave the Force and become a man for your family?"
Yasuke the 900th's voice was filled with the wisdom of ages past as he shared his story. "The great schism was a turbulent period, a time of great change and conflict. I chose to leave the Force behind to be with my family, to experience life as a mortal, and to cherish the bonds of love. The Force is a powerful ally, but family and love are even more powerful, young Yasuke."
Young Yasuke stood there, surrounded by the fading Force ghosts of his ancestors, trying to comprehend the weight of their presence and wisdom. When he finally found his voice, he asked the question that had been nagging at him.
"Why have you shown up here as Force ghosts?" he inquired, his brow furrowed in contemplation.
Then, another Yasuke, the first, stepped forward. He spoke with a sense of authority, reminding young Yasuke of the roots of their lineage. "We are here to show you that you are never alone," he declared. "I am Yasuke the 1st, and my time has ended. It is now your journey and your choice. You can live your life any way you want, as long as you stay true to who you are. We will all be proud of you. You, my ancestral son, have to keep going, not just for us but for yourself. Your ancestors love you, Yasuke. Be who you were meant to be."
As Yasuke the 1st finished speaking, the other Yasukes turned and began to walk away, disappearing one by one, leaving young Yasuke standing with his father, Yasuke Sr. His heart swelled with a mixture of emotions, from pride to gratitude, as he watched his ancestors depart. He realized that he carried their legacy forward, and their presence had given him renewed purpose and confidence in his own journey.
Tears welled up in Yasuke Jr.'s eyes as he turned to his father and whispered, "Thank you, Dad. I'll make you all proud. I promise." The weight of his legacy now felt like a source of strength rather than a burden.
Yasuke Jr. embraced his father tightly, tears streaming down both of their faces. The hug was a mixture of warmth, love, and a sense of finality, but also a promise of an enduring connection.
"No matter what happens from now until we see each other again, know that I will always love you," Yasuke Sr. whispered, his smile radiant despite the tears. With that, he stood up and slowly faded away, leaving Yasuke Jr. standing in the clearing, profoundly moved by the love and support he had received from his father and his ancestors.
As the emotions swirled within him, Yasuke Jr. felt a newfound sense of purpose and determination. He was ready to embrace his own journey and make his ancestors proud. The legacy of Yasuke was not a burden but a guiding light, and he would honor it with every step he took.