Chapter 177: A Mother's Memories

"So, you have no idea how you survived?" asked Twilight.

"No clue. One minute, I'm on the boat and getting knocked into the water. And the next thing I know, I'm waking up on the shore." responded Storm.

Upon returning from their voyage, Twilight had wanted to hear about the details. The princess was thankful that they managed to retrieve their family relic and that her partner returned safely from his trip. However, she was frightened to hear they were attacked by some water monster caused by the mermaids in the area and, moreso, how Storm survived after plunging into the water.

"All I remember is... hearing some voice."

"What kind of voice?" asked the princess.

"It was... like... listening to the ocean. Angelic, beautiful."

While Twilight was in the library with Storm, in the room directly above them, Velvet was talking with her husband. Night Light was leaning against a wall, looking out a window with a pipe in his hand as he listened to his wife.

"So, he survived?" asked Velvet.

"If I had to guess, it was probably the mermaids that saved him," stated Night Light.

"But why, though? With a confrontation like that, plus the pact that's in place? Why would they risk it?" asked Velvet.

"That's what I want to know," responded Night Light as he sighed.

"Well, at least we have our family relic back," said Velvet as she looked at the box containing the Jade Staff before ushering the servant holding it away for safekeeping.

"Honey, let me ask you something. Do you believe something follows the boy?" asked Night Light.

"What do you mean, Nighty?" the woman asked her husband.

"I think a presence follows the Jedi. Ever since he first arrived, I've felt like something is watching him. Something is observing him, waiting for him, as if... to claim him."

"Like... Death?" asked Velvet.

"Maybe..." responded the King. "Just maybe..."

The following day, Cadance and Flurry Heart were on the patio as the woman was playing with her baby. Nearby was Twilight as she was on her knees and playing patty cake with her niece. Spike and Shining Armor played a quick round of Orges and Oubliettes on the nearby table. As for Storm, the Jedi was far away, near a tree, as he kept out of sight. The boy looked at the loving family as he sighed; he had a book and a pencil as he wrote something down.

"These past few days have been something. From seeing the birth of a new family member to recovering a lost relic and almost drowning. And yet... there's the issue with Twilight. Looking at her, I wonder... do I have anything to give her? If I say yes to her feelings, do I have anything to offer her?"

Storm stopped writing as he lifted his head to see the royal family all laughing and smiling. Seeing the family affected him as he felt a slight pain in his heart. It was almost like a thousand knives were stabbing it. He looked forward to seeing a luscious grassland as the sight of green complimented the blue sky and the many colorful flowers.

The Jedi's attention was drawn when he noticed a small ball roll by. He looked at it before he heard some sounds. Flurry Heart was crawling as she looked for her toy; she saw it and picked it up before looking at Storm. The Jedi smiled and waved at the baby, who giggled and clapped her hands together at the teen.

"Flurry! Flurry! Come to Auntie Twily!" shouted Twilight as she searched for her niece.

The baby merely giggled as she dropped the ball and crawled toward Storm. The Jedi was hesitant about the toddler coming toward him as she climbed into his lap with her ball and began to nibble on it. At that moment, Twilight came around the tree.

"Flurry! Oh, there you are."

The baby giggled at her niece before returning to nibbling her toy.

"Hey," said the princess to her partner as she saw him.

"Hey," responded the boy as Twilight sat next to him, and their shoulders touched.

"What are you doing out here?" asked the girl.

"Just wanted some space by myself. Though, seems someone else wanted to interrupt," smiled Storm as he looked down at Flurry in his lap.

"Flurry, did you bother Storm?" asked Twilight as she grabbed her niece from her partner's lap to place her in hers.

The baby merely giggled to confirm her answer. Twilight smiled before seeing the book in Storm's hand.

"Are you writing something?" asked the princess as she gestured her head.

Storm saw she was looking at his book as he just closed it.

"It's... nothing," responded the Jedi as he looked away.

Twilight sighed sadly as even Flurry Heart saw the two change their expressions.

"Hey... my mom is looking to go for some horseback riding. You want to tag along?" asked Twilight.

"Sure," said Storm.

The two teens smiled as Flurry smiled, seeing her aunt and partner. The pair got up as they began to return to the estate.

"We request the aid of your student, Master Luna."

"Unfortunately, I cannot answer that request. My student is... currently away on another pressing matter. My apologies." said Luna as she ended the meeting.

Once the hologram disappeared, Luna remained silent. She immediately flung the table to the side as it broke in half, along with pieces of shattered glass. The Jedi Master had an angry look on her face as she discovered Storm was gone and knew where he was. Since then, she'd received many calls from their forces asking for additional help, and she couldn't provide them with that, given he was gone. It angered Luna because of the many remarks made by the other Jedi, as they felt she was irresponsible for letting her student go off on his own without her authorization.

"Storm! I've had it! I've had it up to here with you! Because of your actions, I'm being disrespected in front of my peers!" yelled Luna as she clutched her head. "Because you want to chase Twilight, everybody is doubting my rule! Where did I go wrong with you?!"

Luna started to get angry at how her student was constantly disobeying her.

"What happened to the boy that would listen to me?!" shouted the Jedi Master.

To think she was once a proud parent and teacher as she had a dedicated and obedient son in Storm. And now... it was all Twilight's fault! The girl had poisoned her son's mind and heart. She was the poison that would kill her student.

"Why can't you be like when you were little?" asked Luna as she looked upward.

(Years ago...)

"Remember, Luna. He is your responsibility. You are to raise him as you see fit." said Master Windu.

Luna stood before Windu and Yoda as she held something. A loud crying sound was heard as the young woman looked at her arms and saw the baby she was holding. The thing was crying up a storm as it didn't seem to stop.

"I understand," said Luna as she accepted her new role.

The Jedi Master returned to her room while carrying the baby as it was still crying.

"Shh. Come on now, little one. Stop crying, please!" said Luna, as she had no clue how to make the baby stop.

The baby seemed to sense Luna's worry and discomfort as the crying only got louder; Luna was now more panicking as she didn't know what to do. None of her Jedi training prepared her for this.

"Okay, okay, easy now," said the Jedi Master as she bounced the baby in her arms to quiet it.

It worked as the crying got quieter, but it was still going. Luna looked around her room to find something else to stop the noise. She quickly grabbed something from her shelf and shook it. It produced a small rattle as the baby seemed to hear it and ceased crying. The small baby let out a yawn as it began to drift off to sleep.

"Finally," said Luna, letting out a stressed sigh at getting the baby to stop. "You were crying up a storm, little one. Storm... Storm." stated the Jedi Master as she ran her fingers across the baby's head.

The baby began to cry once as Luna shook the thing again to produce the rattling sound. However, it didn't work as one of Storm's tiny arms swatted the thing away as it fell. Luna was worried until Storm's tiny hands grabbed her hair as she felt it and yelped. The baby was pulling on her hair and brought a bit into his mouth as Storm began to suck on it.

"No, Storm. We don't put people's hair in our mouths," said Luna as she pulled her hair out of his mouth.

Storm began to cry as it was louder than before.

"Oh, why did I agree to this?!" shouted Luna, already feeling the stress of being a parent.

That first day was a preview of what was to come for Luna. Many days of nonstop crying occurred as the Jedi Master tried to silence the baby. Even some of Luna's peers complained about the noise as she tried to get Storm to stop crying, and that led to her staying up many sleepless nights that she wasn't in any condition to handle some missions. One night, Luna finally got Storm to cease crying after nine hours and was lying on her bed. She hadn't been able to get any proper sleep, and she was grateful to get some rest finally. Or so she thought.

A crying was heard next to the Jedi Master's bed as she opened her eyes. Bags were under it to show how long she'd been awake the past few days. The crying was her alarm to wake up as she groaned and stood up to look into the small crib she had made as inside, Storm was crying.

"Storm, please... it's the middle of the night!" groaned Luna as she was at her wit's end. "Please... I beg of you, just let me sleep!"

The baby just cried louder as Luna groaned and picked him up. She cradled him in her arms as she attempted to get him to stop. Hours later, the sun rose, and Luna was just hunched over on her bed. The Jedi Master was exhausted as she spent all night trying to calm down Storm; the small thing was sucking on her hair as if it was a pacifier. Luna was seriously rethinking about taking care of the orphan. The door to her room opened, as in came Celestia.

"Well, Lulu, it seems you have your hands full."

"Don't start, Tia! I'm not in the mood!" yelled Luna as she stood up abruptly and shouted angrily at her older sister.

Storm heard Luna's shouting as he began to cry again. The Jedi Master sighed as she just waved her hair in front of Storm's mouth before the baby grabbed it and began to suck on it. Celestia could see how tired her sister was as she couldn't help but cover her mouth to hide her chuckle.

"In just one night, I went from a single woman to a mother of one," complained Luna.

"Yes, funny how that works," mocked Celestia.

"I'm exhausted, sister. Even my bags have bags!" said Luna, pointing to her eyes. "And look at my hair, covered in drool!"

"I can see that. You really do have your hands full. Even Master Yoda can sense how stressed you are."

"I just want some sleep. But Storm won't let me," said Luna as she held her son in her arms.

"Why don't I take some weight off your shoulders? I'll look after him for a few hours while you get some rest," offered Celestia.

"Oh, thank you, Tia," said Luna, glad that her older sister was willing to play victim, I mean, babysitter to this crying machine, I mean, bundle of joy.

Luna handed Storm over to Celestia as she held the small thing. She bounced the baby in her arms and smiled at the sleeping infant before hearing loud snoring. Luna was so tired that when she gave Storm to her sister, she collapsed on the floor and was already in a deep slumber. Celestia smiled at seeing her little sister nap as she used the Force to lift her into bed. Storm then woke up and began to cry.

"It's okay, little Storm. Luna just needs some rest. Till then, Auntie Tia will take care of you." said Celestia to the infant.

She soon felt her hair being yanked as Storm began to nibble on it, getting saliva on her hair just like Luna. Celestia just smiled as she let Storm suck on her hair as she left Luna's room to let her sleep.

For the next year, Luna cared for Storm as she eventually got used to Storm's constant crying as she became a mother. Constantly having to check on Storm and caring for him as if he were her son, Master Yoda felt like she should start looking for someone to truly care for Storm as he felt Luna was losing her purpose as a Jedi. However, she told her old Master that Storm needed her, that she needed to be in his life. She intended to keep the promise she made of looking after the infant. And then the day came... the day when everything changed.

"Okay, Storm. Time for bed," said Luna as she held the infant, who was now a year older.

The Jedi Master set the toddler down as Storm looked at his mother. Luna made her way to her little bookshelf as she determined which story to read as a bedtime tale for her son. Storm put his hands on the floor as he pushed up and was now standing on his feet; he wobbled a bit before finding his balance. He put his arms out as he walked toward Luna's bed; the toddler reached the bedside and grabbed the sheet as he tried to pull himself up to the bed; however, he wasn't strong enough to climb as the sheet made a nearby vase shake as it wobbled and fell off the desk.

The infant fell on his behind as the vase fell and looked to hit the baby on his head. A crash was heard as Luna heard it and quickly turned as she was worried. The Jedi Master saw Storm as pieces of the vase surrounded him.

"Storm!" shouted Luna as she picked up her son. "Are you okay?"

The infant merely chuckled as he clapped.

"Oh, thank goodness," said Luna as she checked his head to see any bumps he might have endured from the vase falling on him, but to her surprise, there weren't any. "You could've been seriously hurt."

The infant just looked at the woman as he seemed to sense her worry for him. However, Luna wondered how Storm remained unharmed as the case falling on his head should have left a mark.

"Well, anyways, it's time for bed. Now, where's that book?" asked Luna, looking around.

Storm understood what Luna was asking for as he waved and clapped his arms. The book floated before the Jedi Master as she thought nothing of it at first.

"Oh, thank you, Sto-" Luna immediately paused as she noticed the book levitating before her as she made a face. The Jedi Master knew she wasn't the one controlling it as she peered her head down to see Storm as the book floated into his arms.

While Storm made noises and spat out saliva, Luna was taken aback by what she saw. She couldn't put what she saw into words; she nearly dropped Storm, which shocked her. The Jedi Master placed the infant on her bed as she took the book he held and placed it away from him. She then bent down by her bedside to be eye-to-eye with her son.

"Come on, Storm. Show momma," said Luna, wanting to try something to see if her hunch was right.

The baby tilted his head and stuck his thumb into his mouth to suck on it. Luna waited and waited to see if what she saw was a fluke. Moments passed as Storm just looked at his mother; after a while, Luna sighed as it seemed what she witnessed was just a one-time occurrence. Just then, a ball began to float by her head as she saw it out of the corner of her eye; the Jedi Master turned to track it as it hovered toward Storm, who grabbed it and began to suck on it.

Luna gasped once more at seeing this as she grabbed Storm's ball and took it from the infant. He didn't like that as he got fuzzy and stuck his arms out as if to reach it; the ball in Luna's hand began to vibrate as it loosened from her grip and hovered slowly over the baby as he was happy. Luna took his ball again as Storm wanted it and waved his arms about; this time, the object flew a bit faster back toward the baby. Luna pulled the ball back a third time as it returned to Storm the fastest it'd been, and the infant tried to bite into it. That final demonstration confirmed to Luna what she wanted as she had a smile form on her face while trying to hold back tears.

"I can't believe it. Storm!" said Luna as she picked up her son and held him up high while spinning about. The infant giggled at this joyride as Luna looked at her child with the biggest smile ever. "This is the happiest day of my life!"

Storm was giggling at Luna's joy before she brought her child down and cradled him in her arms. The Jedi Master ticking Storm's tummy as he giggled before yawning and closing his eyes to fall asleep.

"My little Storm... you're a Jedi," said Luna with the smile of a proud mother.

A few years later...

"Once... upon... a dime...?"

"Time, Storm, a 'T' makes a 'tuh' sound. You're thinking of 'D,'" said Luna as she gently admonished him.

Storm winced slightly at the screw-up. He knew his teacher wouldn't hurt him for it, but it was hard. Luna traced a hand alongside him, helping him along the sentence.

"In... the maj-magical land of...," he continued, correcting himself, "There were... two re... regal sistah-sisters..." he trailed off at the next word, "Wh-whao... Wh-um...?"

"Who," his teacher supplied, "Like an owl," she added. Storm nodded and, licking his lips, continued.

"H-Who ruled toged-ther and... kurated?"

"Created."

"Created harmonie. Ny. In the land. D-To do this, the elduh-der used her uny-"

"You-knee, Storm. The 'U' makes a 'you' sound like this," Luna explained. Storm was silent for a moment.

"... English is hard," he finally responded, causing the Jedi Master to laugh. She held a hand to her mouth, trying to stifle her giggling.

"Y-yes, Storm. English is a very hard language to understand," she agreed and sent him a fond smile, "but you're doing wonderfully, especially since it's only been a few years," she said as the boy was no longer a baby but a small kid. Storm frowned a little.

He was doing... wonderfully? He didn't know what that meant. He'd have to look it up in the thesaurus Luna gave him later.

"I think that's enough reading for today," Luna said, "It's been a few hours since we started," she added. Her hand lifted before a small stack of blank paper, a pencil, and a paper filled with letters appeared before him, "I have to attend a meeting with the Jedi Council to discuss some things. Until I get back, why don't you practice your writing?" she suggested. "Once I return, we'll continue with our Jedi training."

"Okay," said Storm as he bent down by the table and grabbed a piece of paper off the stack.

He was about to write when Luna wrapped an arm around him and pulled him in to kiss his head. She rubbed his arm before rubbing his head.

"I love you, my son."

"I love you, too, mommy."

Luna almost burst into tears, hearing Storm say that as she held them back. She kissed his head one last time before getting up and heading to the door. She looked back one last time as Storm opened a book and began to copy the sentences inside to practice his writing; the Jedi Master smiled before leaving her quarters to attend to her business.

The hum of lightsabers could be heard. Luna spun around with her blade as a now seven-year-old Storm had his lightsaber out. The Jedi Master had a cool and calm expression as she twirled her blade, which the boy blocked and then quickly titled his blade diagonal to the left to block Luna's rapid spin to attack. He quickly jumped, sensing Luna spinning back around while swinging her lightsaber; Luna stopped and reversed the swing just as Storm's feet hit the ground. Storm blocked and guided it away to guard up high from Luna's strike quickly. He then titled his lightsaber to the right as Luna predicted and guarded with ease, using only one hand. Next followed a flurry of tilt attacks from left and right from both Jedi as they danced about. Storm managed to find an opening as he blocked a tilt attack and then guided it in a circle to push off Luna's blade and go for another low tilt from the other side as she just blocked it with precision. The Jedi Master then guided her blade along his as she spun back, with Storm taking some steps back, looking exhausted while the Jedi Master had barely broken a sweat.

Storm stepped forward to swing his blade down on Luna, who continued to block using only a single hand. She then changed the angle of her blade to the opposite side as Storm delivered another quick high attack. Storm changed his attack to tilt at a 45-degree angle as Luna positioned her blade to deflect it. They then shifted positions as Luna blocked using a 45-degree angle for Storm's downward straight swing. Once more, they traded tilt attacks as Luna took steps back to coordinate with Storm taking steps forward; the Jedi Master easily found her opening from the quick tilts as she twirled her lightsaber in her hand so fast and smoothly that she lunged forward as Storm had to angle his blade horizontally to block it.

Luna glared at her apprentice as he struggled to hold back her attack; having more height than her student proved an advantage, allowing her to put more power behind her stance. They quickly broke as Luna went for a stab; Storm managed to block it by holding his lightsaber parallel to his body as it was off to the side, being held back by his sword. He then pushed it off to the right and spun while aiming his lightsaber above and angled it parallel to his back to avoid a strike from Luna, who spun counterclockwise from Storm, pushing her lightsaber off. The boy transitioned his lightsaber to lift it above his head, which slid off Luna's and reeled it back as he was coming in with a left tilt attack; the Jedi Master blocked the tilt with her own, and they traded more tilt attacks as she took steps back. From a right tilt, Storm immediately spun while moving in place as Luna jumped back a bit on the first rotation; Storm continued his momentum for another rotation, but Luna, this time, avoided it by jumping back as the blade came that close to her knees. She quickly swung her lightsaber downward as she was coming back to land on her feet, with Storm positioning his blade horizontally to his right as he blocked it and held it.

He quickly spun in reverse and came in with a horizontal attack as Luna tilted her blade to her right to block it. She used her strength to push the lightsabers above her head and Storm behind her; the boy quickly turned with an overhead strike as Luna angled her lightsaber parallel behind her back and blocked it without looking. With a quick flick of her wrist, Luna spun faster than one could blink as she and Storm swapped places while clashing their blades in the middle. They traded two tilt attacks as Storm reeled back for a stab, which Luna deflected; the boy twirled his lightsaber as he rotated his arm while spinning clockwise and coming with a hard attack from a 45-degree angle above which Luna parried. He spun again immediately after the parry and went for another stab as Luna swatted it to the side. She went for a tilt attack, which Storm blocked before positioning his blade horizontally to block an overhead strike from Luna and held their weapons in place.

The entire moves the pair did were all executed in less than two minutes as it spoke volumes of how Storm's training was coming. However, Luna quickly reeled her lightsaber back while spinning low as she swept Storm off his feet by extending her leg. The boy fell and hit the ground as he wasn't allowed a chance to get up; Luna's blade tip was aimed at his neck, and her foot stood on his hand, holding his lightsaber. The young boy struggled but couldn't free his hand as he had no way to escape. A defeated sigh was let out as Luna retracted her lightsaber and removed her foot from holding down her student's hand.

Storm was allowed to sit up as he rested an arm on his knee; the Jedi Master glared at her student as some sniffles could be heard. Storm tried not to appear weak in front of his teacher as he tried to hold back the tears trying to escape; Luna sensed her student's disappointment in being defeated as she smiled before bending to a knee. The woman placed a hand on her son's shoulder, who had his head down to avoid her seeing him cry.

"It's okay. Just let it out," said Luna in a soft-spoken tone.

The Jedi Master brought her son close to her as she positioned him to sit in her lap. Storm buried his head in Luna's chest as the woman stroked her student's head and cooed at him. Luna began to hum a lullaby to her apprentice as she tried to calm Storm; he let loose whatever tears he had. The boy closed his eyes and listened to Luna's heartbeat as it created a nice and peaceful sound that reached his senses and ceased his crying.

Luna reached the song's end, pulling Storm back to look at him. She brought her hands up to wipe away and dry his tears; the Jedi Master looked at her son as she began to clean his face of dirt. Once she did that, she looked at her student with a loving smile.

"There's my handsome son," said Luna. "You did well today."

"But I lost," said Storm.

"You'll get there someday. Keep on training," spoke Luna as she kissed Storm's head.

From space emerged a ship as it hummed along its course. The small shuttle was approaching a space station; the shuttle doors opened as a cloaked person walked into the front of the ship. Inside, a ten-year-old boy sat in the pilot seat and pushed some buttons when they saw the figure.

"We'll be arriving soon, Master."

"Good. Keep it steady while I make contact," said the cloaked figure as they sat in the other seat.

The person touched some buttons as the hologram of the person they were talking to appeared.

"Who are you?"

"We are the ambassadors from the Republic. We request permission to land on your space station."

"Permission granted. We look forward to the discussions," said the person.

The shuttle entered the spaceport as it docked inside. Tons of droids and astromechs were moving about as the shuttle's ramp descended with the door opening. Walking down the ramp, the two figures wore cloaks covering their body and face. A droid approached them as they saw the two ambassadors.

"This way, please," said the droid as it guided the pair out of the hanger and into the station. They arrived at a conference room, and the droid allowed the pair to step through first. "We are greatly honored by your visit ambassadors. Make yourselves comfortable. My Master will be with you shortly."

The droid then turned to leave the room as the door closed. At that moment, the two cloaked figures took their hoods off to reveal their face as they turned to look at the room.

"I have a bad feeling about this."

"I don't sense anything," responded Luna with a carefree attitude as she rested her arms between the arm holes of her cloak.

"It's not about the mission, Master. It's something... elsewhere. Elusive, if you will." responded Storm to his teacher.

"Don't center your anxieties, Storm. Keep your concentration here and now where it belongs," said Luna as she took steps forward with her apprentice following by her side, keeping a wise and calm expression.

"But Master Yoda says I should be mindful of the future," responded the boy to his mentor.

"Yes, but not at the expense of the moment. Be mindful of the living Force, young Padawan," said the Jedi Master, sharing words of wisdom with her student.

"Yes, Master. I'm sorry," apologized Storm.

"Don't apologize. You're still learning," said Luna, smiling at her student.

"So, are we gonna be here for quite a while?" asked Storm.

"Don't worry, the meeting will be short. I promise," stated Luna, knowing Storm didn't like sitting around too long and listening to politics and business talks. She had a feeling this talk would be quick.

The droid entered the main command center as he approached their boss, sitting in a chair. The droid informed the space pirate about the two ambassadors, and he gasped when they heard who they actually were.

"What?"

"The ambassadors appear to be Jedi," said the droid.

"This can't be," said the space pirate in disbelief. "If the Jedi are here, they must have come to stop our operations."

"What shall we do, boss?" said the second in command.

"Distract them. We need time to excavate the supplies," said the leader.

"Are you crazy! I'm not going inside a room with two Jedi!" said the pirate to his commander, who knew from the tales in bars how powerful the Jedi were.

"You won't be!" said the leader as he looked at the droid.

Back with Storm and Luna, the two Jedi were waiting for the person in charge of the station so that they could discuss the details of the cargo that the Republic picked up. The boy was in a chair as he spun it around fast, trying to have fun while waiting for the boring political meetings to start. Luna knew there wouldn't be any talking at this meeting.

"Does it always take this long, Master?" asked Storm.

"No," responded Luna as the doors opened, and the droid came carrying some drinks.

"Refreshments?" said the droid as he offered Luna a drink.

"Thank you," said the woman as she took her cup.

Storm was about to reach for his cup when Luna stopped the droid.

"The boy's too young," said Luna.

"Aw, Luna," groaned Storm as the droid removed his cup.

"You'll wait until you're older, young man!" stated the Jedi Master.

"Yes, Mom," sighed Storm as he slumped in his chair.

Outside in the hallways, tons of pirates, all armed with blasters, began to make their way to the room where the Jedi were. A massive blockade was formed as they all aimed their weapons at the doors.

"You have your orders. Kill the Jedi," said the lieutenant.

"Copy that!" said the pirate in charge of the squadron. He then pulled out a denotator as he pushed the button.

The shuttle that Luna and Storm arrived on was shown rigged with explosives that the pirates planted. They beeped rapidly as seconds later, they all blew up to create one massive explosion that caused the entire space station to rock. Luna and Storm sensed the shockwave as the former stood up abruptly from her chair; it was flying on the floor with her turning on her lightsaber.

"What was that, Master?" asked Storm as he held onto the chair when the explosion occurred.

"Padawan, get behind me! And be ready to draw your lightsaber!" said Luna to Storm as he nodded and hid behind Luna.

"Go!" said the pirate in charge of the brigade.

The doors opened as several pirates threw smoke bombs and tear gas to smoke out the Jedi. The room and the entranceway soon filled with smoke and gas as they wore their masks. They kept their blasters aimed at the door as they waited a few seconds before taking small steps forward, with their finger on the trigger for any sudden movements they saw. A shadow was then seen in the smoke as they readied to fire. Soon, the shadow disappeared as a small thing rolled along the floor, slid past the first few pirates, and stopped in the middle.

Before they could investigate it, a blue light shined and hummed as a few turned back as Luna appeared and began to engage the bad men. They began to fire as the cloak on the floor was flung off; Storm popped up and turned on his lightsaber. The boy began to fight and ran his yellow blade through the bad men as the pirates were caught off guard by the Jedi's tactics. The two Jedi were fending off the pirates as they were struggling against the pair; Storm, using his smaller size, was able to attack the pirates from below before they could have a chance to shoot at him while zipping and zagging across the floor as if he was sliding.

"Fall back!" shouted the one in charge as the remaining pirates all turned tail and ran.

"What's going on down there?!" asked the lieutenant from the main control.

"The Jedi are loose!" shouted a pirate through a comlink. "One's headed to the..."

The transmission cut off.

"Hello? Hello!" shouted the second in command.

At that moment, the doors could be heard unlocking; coming in with his cloak still on was Storm. The young Padawan was rushing head-first into danger as every pirate in the room aimed at him and began firing. The boy deflected each blaster as he was running toward the lieutenant; the pirate reached for a blaster as he saw the Jedi coming at him. He fired some shots as Storm closed in, which he deflected easily before swinging his lightsaber up and coming down as everything went black.

In another hangar, the pirate in charge was looking to board a shuttle with some supplies. He knew his plan to kill the Jedi wouldn't work as he was looking to sacrifice his men to save his own skin. He quickly power walked to the shuttle as he had some men standing by. The two guards then felt themselves being choked before being sent flying into some boxes as they were knocked out. The pirate looked behind as Luna casually strolled into view; knowing Storm could handle securing the main control room, she left to find their intended target. The Jedi Master knew the pirate leader was a coward as she stared him down.

"Leaving so soon? We haven't discussed our negotiations," stated Luna.

The pirate pulled out his blaster and fired. Luna merely put her hand up as she used the Force to deflect the blaster bolts away from her as she walked forward. She then pulled the weapon out of the pirate's hand and crushed it with her strength. The pirate pulled out a dagger as Luna cracked her neck. The man rushed at the Jedi Master as he tried to swipe at her, to which she ducked and stepped back the initial strikes.

Luna went for a roundhouse kick as the pirate saw that and ducked before going for a stab; Luna grabbed his wrist and sidestepped to send him flying into some nearby boxes. He hunched over them as he glared at the woman, who taunted him. The man rushed at Luna, who ducked again and leaned back to do a standing backflip as her foot caught the man's chin and stunned him. The Jedi Master stood up as he avoided more stabs before grabbing the latest swing thrown by the pirate; she grabbed his wrist and twisted it to disarm the weapon. From there, Luna began to work the digits of the man's hand; she was bending and twisting his fingers as he felt pain from Luna's joint manipulation technique.

"And I thought men liked a dominant woman, especially when she's on top," said Luna as all her twisting got the man to drop to his knees; Luna continued to twist his digits while wincing in pain.

The Jedi Master positioned the man's arm behind his back as he felt his limbs stretched to their limit. Luna then sensed danger as she jumped back when a blaster bolt flew past her head. She pulled out her lightsaber to protect herself as a few of the pirate's men came to retrieve their leader.

"Kill her!" shouted the leader to his men as he was being helped away.

Luna stuck her hand out to fling some of the supplies to the gunners as they broke apart. The Jedi Master stood her ground as she bumped into a crate as the top came off. Inside were some explosives as they were the same ones that blew up their shuttle. Luna looked about while deflecting any shots near her face as she spotted another shuttle on the far end of the hangar. The Jedi Master got an idea and ducked a blaster bolt without looking to examine one of the denotators.

"Start the engine!" said the leader as he was helped into the shuttle.

The pilot rushed to the cockpit and began to push some buttons. However, the ship was struggling and stuttering as it didn't want to start up.

"What's taking so long!" asked the leader.

"Boss, the ship doesn't want to start!" said the pilot.

"WHAT?!"

Luna was shown holding a set of cables as she plucked them from the ship. She then attached to the bomb she held as she turned it on. The Jedi Master slammed her hands on the floor, sending everyone firing at her to all be taken off their feet. She quickly ran to the shuttle she was looking to take; she entered the cockpit and began to start it up. The ship was on autopilot as Luna went to the ship's end with the entrance being open; the Jedi Master turned the bomb on as she threw it. It sailed through the air as it landed on the ship the pirate was looking to escape.

Seconds later, it exploded as the flames engulfed the entire shuttle. The other bombs she placed all about the hanger as they went off by the initial bomb to set up a massive chain reaction; the Jedi Master saw her work and was about to turn when she heard something.

"Luna! Luna!"

The woman saw Storm sprinting toward her through all the chaos and explosions behind him.

"Run, Storm!" shouted the Jedi Master to her youngling.

Storm was running past some pirates shooting at her ship as they noticed the kid and were about to shoot at him before the explosion engulfed them. The boy was jumping and leaping over many obstacles in his way as he was looking to get on board the shuttle before the entire station was destroyed. The youngling was sliding and using his parkour skills to get to the shuttle, putting his arm out as if to reach for Luna. Luna also put her arm out as the shuttle was about to exit as the explosion radius was about to engulf the kid.

"Jump!" yelled Luna.

Storm pushed off from a box he jumped on and leaped into the air. His cloak flew off and was burnt up as he waved his arms about. Luna stuck her hand out to grab her student as it seemed like he was going to make it; Storm put his arm out as his fingers were just inches from Luna's, but he missed and started to fall. Luna quickly thrust her arm out as she used her Force powers to grab Storm and yank him in; the youngling was whiplashed into the arms of the Jedi Master as she fell back with the doors closing just as the station blew up.

Luna sat up as Storm had his arms around her neck and his head buried in her head. The Jedi Master looked at her apprentice as she could hear him taking deep breaths to calm the nerves of almost getting blown up and missing the jump.

"Shh. It's okay, Storm. It's okay. Everything is fine. Momma's here." said Luna as she rubbed the back of Storm's head and tried to calm her apprentice.

"Luna... I was scared..." Storm said as he buried his head in her chest.

"I know... but it's alright. I'm here. And as long as I'm here, I will always protect you, my son."

Luna continued to calm her student's nerves as Storm's breathing returned to normal. Soon, she pulled him back to look at him.

"How did I do, Master?" asked Storm.

"You did well for your first mission, Padawan," said Luna as she kissed her son's forehead before hugging him like a proud mother.

Storm closed his eyes and relished in Luna's embrace as he enjoyed hugging his mother. And hearing that he kept under pressure for his first real field mission, Storm felt a sense of pride.

Two Jedi Masters stood looking over a training session. The two individuals were Master Yoda and Luna, with the latter having a sort of nervous look. Down below, Storm was not only doing a training session but being secretly evaluated by the Grand Jedi Master as he wanted to see the fruits of Luna's mentorship.

Storm stood, facing his foe as he took a stance. The two Jedi then ran at each other, as the boy was the first to attack. He swung his blade down to try and overpower his foe, but the Padawan he was facing blocked with her own blade and used it to shift the direction of Storm's. His momentum caused the boy to stagger to the side as his foe did some fancy footwork to put some distance between them. Storm quickly regained his balance and turned towards his foe, who remained in a defensive stance, and she began to circle the room and force Storm to follow her movement.

The boy rushed forward and started attacking the girl Padawan, who danced around the room, showing incredible footwork. It was almost like a ballerina, the girl's feet barely touching the ground as she moved. Meanwhile, Storm was keeping up with her. He was fast, able to recover quickly when thrown off balance. He knew that if he let his opponent get on the offensive, he would be out of this fight.

"Shii-Cho was developed before the creation of the Lightsaber," Luna mumbled as Storm leaped into the air and slashed his sword downwards. The girl dodged the attack and finally went on the attack, thrusting her sword like it was a fencing saber.

Storm leaned back, and the sword missed his chest, allowing him to swing his blade up and knock the lightsaber away. The girl was also knocked, staggering, and Storm used the opening it gave him to attack, the girl spinning around and barely blocking his strike. But Storm's strike was felt throughout her body, forcing her down onto one knee. The boy continued to push his foe down, their blades locked together and preventing her from escaping. He thought he had her beat, but then she turned her attention towards one of the wooden benches.

The next thing Storm knew, the bench was flying towards him. He pulled back, and the bench sailed between the pair, the girl using this opening to jump back to a standing position and attack. But as the blade flew towards Storm's head, the teen held out his hand, and the saber hit a wall of force energy and bounced off. Storm then rushed forward and sliced the end of her lightsaber off in the blink of an eye.

The girl gasped as her weapon was destroyed, only to have the tip of Storm's blade pointed directly at her face. The boy stared down his foe as she sighed and dropped her weapon, raising her hands defensively. Storm smirked as he pulled back his lightsaber and bowed to his foe as the girl returned the bow. Above, Luna smiled, knowing that Storm passed the first test, before looking at her Master. Yoda merely stroked his chin before slamming his cane on the floor.

Storm looked up from his bow as he saw his next opponent coming in, another female Padawan. The two Padawans got into position as they each took a stance. The pair remained still as they waited and tried to use the Force to sense what the other would do soon... Storm made the first move. He shot forward, but as he swung his blade to strike her head, she raised her own to defend. She barely moved her weapon, shifting her stance just enough to block Storm but keeping herself steady. He pulled his sword back and struck from a different angle, the girl countering in the same barely moving way. He did this several more times, and she barely took two steps as she countered.

"Form three. Soresu focuses on the economy of motion. Protecting oneself with the smallest movement keeps one's energy high and defenses up. It is the ultimate expression of non-aggressive Jedi philosophy." commented Luna softly as she observed her apprentice going up against a foe who specialized in that form of combat.

The two Jedi Masters kept watching as Storm expanded more and more energy, trying to break through his opponent's defense as the girl held on. The boy slashed at her neck, but the girl blocked and spun on the spot. The momentum Storm expelled pushed him forward as his foe spun away from him. And as he did, she jabbed him in the shoulder. Storm raised his sword and charged at her, which she defended with barely any movement while Storm kept pushing himself. The two locked blades and pushed against one another, the girl quickly getting overpowered until she leaped back.

Storm frowned as he began to pant, clearly realizing he was in trouble. He then seemed to have an idea and rushed forward, looking ready to swipe at her. But as the girl prepared to counter, he suddenly leaped into the air. The boy landed behind and slashed at her. The girl barely managed to spin around in time, blocking it but being knocked back due to her footing being off. Storm capitalized on this and thrust his blade towards her, the girl staggering to the side and attempting to raise her defense again. But Storm leaped to the side and quickly struck at her, once again barely missing as he jumped up.

Storm summoned another bench over to him and used it as a springboard. He leaped at his foe and spun through the air, the girl attempting to block but getting overpowered by the repeated slashes Storm dealt her. Her saber was forced from her hand, and she fell back, hitting the ground as Storm landed and held up his hand. Before she could reach for her weapon, it flew into the boy's grasp, and he ignited the blade. Seeing she was now defenseless and facing two Lightsabers, the girl raised her hands.

"I surrender!"

Storm smirked and retracted the blades, throwing the weapon away before offering a hand. The girl took it and looked a little upset, but Storm smiled. Luna looked at her teacher to see his expression as Yoda kept a stern, emotionless expression. He tapped his cane on the floor again as the doors opened, and in came another Padawan. The boy entering had two lightsabers as he swung them as fast as he could; Storm couldn't keep track of them as the foe he was facing held one of his lightsabers forward and the other in a reversed grip.

Storm took a stance when his foe shot forward at him and moved with blinding speed towards him, Storm only blinking and finding his foe right in his face. He spun around and swung his blades, Storm barely able to raise his weapon in defense. The boy stood his ground, and both blades bounced off him and were pushed away, his foe sliding back before leaping into the air. As Storm rebraced himself from the attack, the boy's rival spun around and tried to kick him in the head.

He ducked under the strike, and his foe landed behind him; the Padawan attacked with one blade that was blocked before attacking with the other. Storm could barely keep up with him, blocking one strike and narrowly avoiding another. It was like being struck over and over by waves of wind. He was forced to take another before recovering from the last hit. Storm blocked the double strike and pushed his foe back with the Force.

Storm's foe managed to land, and Storm ran forward, but his foe began spinning the blades around him at high speed to keep the boy from getting a clear target. Storm watched the twirling blades of doom, trying to determine when they weren't protecting his rival. And when he believed he had it, he thrust his lightsaber forward, and the cross sabers stopped the blade. Storm's opponent used all his strength; he forced the boy's sword up and pushed Storm's up with them.

He then did a backflip and slammed his feet into Storm's chin, knocking him staggering backward. But Storm refused to be beaten, and as his foe began to complete the circle, Storm threw his sword towards the ground. It spun through the air, and as his opponent landed, it reached and nearly struck the Padawan's foe's right leg. Storm quickly recalled his lightsaber back to him as he rushed forward and slammed his blade against one of the two and knocked it away. He struck the other and pointed his blade at his foe's head as they raised their hands.

"Well, Master?" asked Luna, hoping that Storm's tests were enough to impress her old mentor.

"Strong is the Force, young Storm is. A great Jedi, he is. Done well, you have with his training, Luna."

Luna had a smile on her face, hearing her teacher praise Storm's stellar training. The Jedi Master saw her mentor leaving as she looked back at Storm, the woman taking pride that her student made her look good.

The Senate building was shown as several Jedi were gathered inside the Chancellor's office. They were called to discuss some growing things regarding the Separatists and how they were starting to flourish. It was at that moment they received a message from Obi-wan's Padawan, as Anakin Skywalker was transmitting a message he received on Tatooine and was retransmitting it to Coruscant due to the Jedi Master's long-range communicator being knocked out. The Padawan did as his Master instructed as the Jedi, the Chancellor, and several other important figures listened to the message simultaneously as Anakin and Padmé.

"I have tracked the bounty hunter, Jango Fett, to the droid foundries on Geonosis. The Trade Federation is to take delivery of a droid army here, and it is clear that Viceroy Gunray is behind the assassination attempts on Senator Amidala. The Commerce Guilds and the Corporate Alliance have both pledged their armies to Count Dooku and are forming a- Wait. Wait."

Everyone watching saw Obi-Wan quickly notice something as he pulled out his lightsaber and ignited it. Blaster shots were heard as the Jedi Master was defending himself and stepped back from the hologram camera as coming into view was a droid of some sort, the likes of which nobody had ever seen. The transmission ended as the Jedi all looked at each other with confusion about what they saw; they soon turned to look at Yoda as the Grand Jedi Master turned to Windu, Luna, and Celestia.

"More happening on Geonosis, I feel, than has been revealed," stated the small Jedi.

"I agree, Master," responded Celestia to her teacher.

"Anakin, we will deal with Count Dooku. The most important thing for you is to stay where you are. Protect the senator at all costs. That is your first priority." stated Windu to the hologram of the Padawan.

"Understood, Master," responded the Padawan as the transmission ended.

"We need a plan and fast!" spoke Luna as everyone began to digest and discuss what was revealed. "Not to mention, a way to deal with these... droids, as the Separatists call them."

"The Commence Guilds are preparing for war. There can be no doubt of that," said Senator Organa as he was pacing.

"Count Dooku must have made a treaty with them," spoke Palpatine.

A senator spoke as he stated that there was a simple solution: to use the Clone army produced on Kamino for the Republic to combat the mass number of droids being made and to fight back for the upcoming war. Senator Organa heard what his fellow senator was saying and turned to address him.

"Unfortunately, the debate is not over! The Senate will never approve the use of clones before the Separatists attack!" stated Organa.

"This is a crisis! The Senate must vote the Chancellor emergency powers!" stated Mas Amedda. "He can then approve the creation of an army."

"But what senator would have the courage to propose such a radical amendment?" questioned the Chancellor.

"If only... Senator Amidala were here," responded Mas Amedda.

Sometime later, Luna, Celestia, and Windu were shown approaching the Senate building. They were entering one of the booths inside, and standing on the railing was Master Yoda. The Senate held an emergency meeting as Jar Jar proclaimed that the Chancellor should have emergency powers to approve the clone army and prepare for war. All four Jedi Masters stood and listened while Luna and Celestia crossed their arms.

"In response to this direct threat to the Republic, mesa propose that the Senate... give immediately emergency powers... to the Supreme Chancellor," stated Jar Jar, giving his declaration and gesturing to Palpatine.

The Gungan got shouts of approval as they chanted the Chancellor's name. He soon stood up and began to speak.

"It is with great reluctance... that I have agreed to this calling. I love democracy. I love the Republic." said Palpatine, getting applause from the Senate. "The power you give me... I will lay down when this crisis has abated. And as my first act with this new authority, I will create a grand army of the Republic... to counter the increasing threats of the Separatists."

The Chancellor got a huge ovation of cheers and applause. The four Jedi Masters took in the noise as they turned to look at Yoda.

"What's done is done," said Luna, as they were clearly at war now.

"I sense this is a change in history that will be remembered," spoke Celestia, listening to all the buzz around them.

"Hmm. I agree," said Yoda as he also looked at the senators and their praise before looking at the three. "And the preparations?"

"Almost done, Master," responded Celestia to her mentor.

"We will take what Jedi we have left and go to Geonosis and help Obi-wan," stated Windu as he, Luna, and Celestia were looking to lead a rescue mission to recover their fellow Jedi Master brethen.

"Visit. I will the cloners on Kamino, hmm," said Yoda. "and see this army they have created for the Republic."

"Then, gentlemen, let us move," said Luna as she, Celestia, and Windu began to leave to finish their preparations.

Luna was in her quarters as she was preparing to head out. The Jedi Master was looking at a picture when she heard a knock on her door. It opened as in came Storm.

"Master!"

"Storm," said Luna as she hugged her apprentice and kissed his head.

"I heard you're leaving to go rescue Obi-wan."

"Now, where did you hear that?" smirked Luna at her student.

"Can I come?" asked Storm.

"I'm sorry, Storm. But you're not going."

"Why not?" asked the boy. "You know I'm a talented Jedi. I'm better than most other Jedi Knights and senior Padawans you're leading. I can do this!"

"I'm not gonna risk putting you in danger," stated Luna.

"But that's what you train me for, right? To handle myself in danger."

"Storm... this... is unlike anything you've ever experienced," said Luna as she bent down to a knee and looked at her apprentice. "I can't explain it, but... Everything around us is changing. We're living in an era where we need to adapt. We're changing, my student."

"What are you saying?" asked Storm.

"Storm, I want you to promise me something. If... if... if I don't come back,"

"Don't say that!" said the boy as he felt himself having tears at hearing Luna say she might not return.

"I need you to promise me something, okay," said Luna as she started to feel tears form and tried to hold them back to appear strong in front of her son. "I need you to promise me if I don't return or something happens. You move on. Okay? Don't spend much time grieving or mourning for me. Okay? Move on."

"Master..." sniffed Storm, tears falling down his cheeks.

"You gotta be a big boy and promise Mommy, okay? You're a man now," sniffed Luna as she held her student's face with her hands while crying.

"Okay..."

"Okay, what?" responded Luna, barely breathing while crying.

"I promise... Mommy," said Storm.

"Good... come here," said Luna, pulling Storm in for a tight and meaningful hug.

The Master and apprentice were shedding tears of immense sadness and fear; Storm clutching to Luna and crying into her as he didn't want anything bad to happen to his mentor and, more importantly, his mother. Luna could hear Storm crying as she began to hum their lullaby to stop him crying, just like he did as a baby.

Please... all I ask... is that I get to come back and see my son... one last time. All I'm asking... is for more time with my son.

Luna prayed to the Force to honor her request. The pair embraced until it was time for Luna to leave. The Jedi Master gave one final look at her apprentice as she left onboard a shuttle and headed out of Coruscant. Storm looked from one of the hallway windows as he saw his Master leaving and hoped she would return. The boy wasn't the only one, as another Jedi, a lavender-haired girl who received a similar talk, also prayed that she would see her Master again.

The sounds of blaster bolts being fired could be heard. They traveled across the air, hitting their targets. The sounds of lightsabers being ignited were heard as their definite hum echoed around the arena. A cloud of dust and sand was picked up as it soon disbursed to reveal the arena as it was full of action. There were different lightsabers and blaster bolts as far as one could see, as it was utter chaos.

Luna and Celestia were in the midst of the action as they held their own against the overwhelming number of droids approaching them from all angles. The two sisters and their strike force team of Jedi arrived to rescue Obi-wan, Anakin, and Padmé as they were trying to hold off the many droids. The pair were back to back as they were deflecting and using the Force at the many shots aimed at them.

"Well, Lulu, did you expect this?" asked Celestia while blocking some shots.

"Far from it, Tia!" responded Luna as she blocked some more bolts. "Incoming at 12!" said the Jedi Master as Celestia bent over to allow her little sister to roll off her back and strike at the wave of droids approaching while Celestia took out the ones in the front.

Despite their efforts, the Jedi were slowly losing numbers as many of their forces were being slain. Soon, the droids started to use their many numbers to their advantage as they began to circle the remaining Jedi to enclose them.

"Fall back!" shouted Celestia as she and Luna began to take steps backward while defending themselves.

Whatever Jedi remained heard her call as they all began to back up into one remaining group; they lost some more Jedi as they lay on the floor. The group was now surrounded as the droids looked to finish them off when Dooku gave the signal for them to stop; the droids obeyed as the Jedi all looked up at the Sith Lord.

"Master Windu, you have fought gallantly, worthy of recognition in the archives of the Jedi order. Now... it is finished. Surrender, and your lives will be spared."

"We will not be hostages to be bartered, Dooku!" proclaimed Windu to the Sith Lord as he looked up.

"Then... I'm sorry, old friend," apologized the Sith Lord.

The droids then aimed their guns and blasters at the Jedi they surrounded. The Jedi lifted their lightsabers as they prepared to fight until their final breath.

"Well, Tia. If this is the end of us, then... I'm glad to have fought by your side," said Luna as she lifted her lightsaber.

"Likewise, Lulu. I love you, little sister."

"I love you, big sister."

The two sisters prepared to stand their ground as, in these final moments, they were willing to die together as a family.

"At least our students aren't here to see us like this," said Celestia, as she and Luna hoped their apprentices would carry on without them.

Just as the droids were about to open fire, a sound was heard as Padmé pointed upward. It caught the Jedi's and everybody else's attention as several gunships were shown descending. Clones came out as they began to rain down on the droids; onboard one of the gunships was Master Yoda; the Grand Jedi Master arrived just in time to save his allies as the clones and droids traded shots. The gunships created a perimeter around the Jedi as they all began to head for the ships. Within seconds, the Jedi got onboard as the gunships ascended and began their way away from the arena.

Watching the Jedi leave was Dooku; however, he wasn't the only one. A girl was looking on from one of the tunnels; their bacon-colored hair stuck out as they stepped from the shadows. They saw the Jedi leaving, particularly Celestia, as seeing the sight of the Jedi Master made her growl and full of rage.

"Soon, Celestia. Soon," said the girl, knowing that the time for this massive war she heard about was about to start, and it was there she would get her revenge on the Jedi Master.

The gunships were heading to where the Separatist spaceships were in an attempt to stop them.

"If Dooku escapes, rally more systems to his cause, he will," said Yoda as Luna, Celestia, and Windu looked on as they approached the warzone.

The ships landed as the Jedi hopped out and began to head onto the battlefield. Luna and Celestia got out with the rest of the Jedi Masters as Yoda took off toward the command center to monitor the battlefield.

"Sir! We await your orders!" a clone commando told Luna and Celestia.

"Then let's move!" shouted the older sister as she led one squad of clones while Luna led the other half.

The two sisters were rushing forward, joining their comrades in battle as the droids approached them. The battlefield became a warzone of dirt, smoke, and destruction.

Luna had made it back to her quarters as she finished reminiscing. The Jedi Master sat on her bed and let out a sigh. She reached over to grab a device as a photo of her and Storm when he was younger appeared. It showed the woman holding her student in her arms as she had a smile on her face. Luna looked at the image as she wished things would be how they were when it was just the two. Now... it seemed Storm was only concerned with one individual. And it wasn't his mother.

"Twilight... you will not take my son away from me!" growled Luna, knowing she would do everything she could to keep her student safe from that poison pixie princess.

Author's Note: Small glimpses of memories from the past. Seeing how Luna's life completelychanged the moment she was tasked with taking care of Storm, going from a lone woman to now being a mother. And on top of that, being a teacher to her son once she found out he was Force-sensitive and had the makings of a Jedi. And now, it's all changed ever since Storm met Twilight and the influence the girl has had on him.