Chapter Seven:

"Master Skywalker, thank you very much for agreeing to return this morning."

Luke looked up from the fountain as a man in a business suit approached, one wearing a smile that was equal parts polite and eager. The man's hair was neatly combed, his suit perfectly pressed, and his shoes had been shined to a gleam that Mara would have been proud of.

As Luke shook the other man's offered hand, the fellow introduced himself.

"I am Ahnns Kozz, and I have to apologize that I was unable to assist you yesterday." Ahnns lifted a brow. "I trust your stay last night was pleasant?"

"It was, Mr. Kozz, thank you." Luke had wandered a great deal the previous evening, but had found little information on Corsair outside of what was already on the company's Holonet site. Even Artoo had struggled to find anything of value in the way of personal information. It was almost as though Corsair had erased any evidence of his personal life. Or, maybe he had truly wanted work and home life to be separate. Luke could understand that, especially with how high up the chain of command Corsair had been. He'd likely not wanted that to taint things with his family.

But it made the man extremely difficult to locate.

Still, the city had been interesting to see up close, and Luke had to admit that aside from the lack of information, he had enjoyed his walk.

"What can I do for you then, Master Skywalker?" Ahnns asked, indicating the seats by the fountain. At this hour, nobody else but the receptionist was in the lobby, which afforded them privacy.

Luke sat facing the other. "I am trying to locate an old acquaintance of mine, Corsair Atriedes."

Ahnns nodded. "Ah, Mr. Corsair." The other tilted his head curiously. "How, exactly, are you acquainted with him?"

Luke hesitated, but decided to be honest. "I knew him through his daughter, actually. We met on Tatooine."

Ahnns blinked. "Tatooine? I do remember him going there for a time, I believe his wife had fallen ill and they were trying to get her some place where she could recover."

Luke nodded. "Yes. I am in need of his assistance; do you know where I might find him?"

Ahnns sighed. "I am truly sorry, Master Skywalker, but Mr. Atriedes did not tell us where he would be retiring to. He only left the information for an account in which we were to put all his earnings, retirement and any other funds that were his. You see, he actually invented many things that we now produce, and the rights to them are his. So, whenever any of those products are produced or sold, he gets his share of the profits."

Luke could not hide his disappointment. "There are no leads whatsoever?"

Ahnns faltered. "Well… its not company policy to divulge personal information even if we had it, Master Skywalker. We value the safety of our employees."

Luke pursed his lips. "Not even if I signed a waiver? I just need to ask him a few questions."

Ahnns straightened. "Anything I could help with?"

Luke sighed softly. "I appreciate that, but I am afraid this is a personal matter that only he can help me with."

Ahnns nodded slowly. "I am sorry that I cannot be of more help."

Luke chewed at his lip. "Can you at least tell me if there are any others around that might know, who are able to speak of him?"

Ahnns considered. "Well… he did business with a few different people around Fondor, though they are scattered all over, to be honest." The man tapped his chin in thought. "The one he did the most work with would be a Bivall by the name of Zorion Tanda. I am not certain if Zorion is on planet right now, though: he had a few meetings off-world to go to."

Luke indicated his understanding. "May I get a copy of these names anyway, and their locations please?"

"I can do that for you at least." Ahnns agreed. "Do you have a datapad?"

Luke produced said item and handed it over, and Ahnns jotted down the information Luke had requested.

"I put them in order of how much they worked with Corsair, but I don't know if they had any relations beyond work." Ahnns informed Luke once he returned the device. "But that is all the names I can think of."

Luke took a cursory glance at the list and smiled softly. "I understand. Thank you very much Mr. Kozz."

Ahnns stood, with Luke following suit. "Mr. Atriedes taught me everything I know about business, so I owe that man everything. He was like a father to me, and I miss him. If you do manage to locate Mr. Atriedes, please give him my regards."

Luke inclined his head. "I will do so."

The men shook hands once more and Luke took his leave, feeling hope stir within his breast. He had not yet checked out of his hotel room, so Luke returned there. Artoo Detoo tootled at him in greeting and Luke laid a hand on the droid's dome.

"We finally have a possible lead, Artoo. Can you run these names and their locations, and then map them out for me please?"

Artoo beeped a positive and Luke hooked his datapad up to the droid, allowing Artoo to access the new file. Artoo set to work, and as he did so, Luke settled onto his bed. He closed his eyes, knowing it was time now for another personal matter.

Lifting his gaze to the communications console in the room, Luke moved to the seat there and dialed in the proper codes.

It took a few minutes, and Luke began to worry that he had misjudged the time difference. But then the other end of the line picked up, and a beautiful face framed by flaming red hair smiled back at him.

"Luke!"

He beamed back, his heart aching as he realized how much he missed his wife. "Hello Mara." His smile faltered. "I'm sorry it's been so long, Love."

Mara shook her head. "Luke, I told you I supported what you needed to do, and I meant it." She paused momentarily. "I will admit that it has been lonely, but I am managing."

Luke wished he could hold her, wanted to bury his face in her silky hair and smell her unique scent. "I miss you, all of you."

Mara smiled again, albeit more softly this time. "We miss you too. How is your search going?"

"I think I might finally have a lead on Corsair," Luke informed her. "I got a list from the current CEO of Corsair's business, and Artoo is putting a map of the locations together for me."

"That's good to hear." Mara turned her head as though she heard something, and then she scooted over as two other faces appeared.

"Dad!" Ben and Emry chorused.

"Where are you?" Ben asked at the same time Emry wanted to know when he would be home.

Luke laughed lightly, his heart lightening to see the faces of two of his children. "I am on Fondor at the moment, Ben. And Emry, I don't know when I will be home Sweetie. I'm sorry."

Emry's face fell just enough that Luke saw it before she managed to cover it up. "Oh, okay. Are you having a good time, at least?"

Luke frowned lightly, concern touching his heart. "I'm doing alright. Are you okay, Emry?"

Ben glanced at his sister as Emry nodded, and Luke could tell that something was off with her.

"Are you sure?" He asked cautiously.

Emry nodded again, smiling softly. "I just miss you so much, Daddy. I really want you home again, but I know you need to be there."

Her use of 'Daddy' once more sent up a red flag in Luke's mind, but he knew when not to push his daughter. Emry glanced off-screen and then looked Luke in the eye.

"I'm off to bed soon. I love you, Daddy."

Luke smiled for her. "I love you too Emry."

Ben watched her go, and then turned to Luke once more. "I have to get to bed too, Dad. I know you have things to do, but… can you please try not to take longer than you have to?"

Luke ached to be home with his twin children now, for he knew each needed him. "I will do my best, Ben. Are you two behaving for your mother?"

"Yes, and we're helping with Kodai." Ben assured Luke.

"That's good to hear," Luke replied softly.

"Love you, Dad." Ben waved and started to move off as Luke replied in kind.

When Mara got back on, she shared a concerned look with her husband.

"I know they miss you, but I suspect more might be going on," Mara murmured. "Emry especially has been more closed off of late, and I'm worried about her, Luke."

Luke nodded. "Something is definitely wrong with Emry."

Mara pursed her lips. "I'll see what I can figure out. You worry about your mission; I'll handle things here and let you know what I find out."

"Okay." Luke agreed, though part of him wanted to return home to help his little ones. Speaking of... "Have you heard from Shmi at all?"

Mara's face fell. "No," she whispered, allowing her husband to see her distress. "I don't understand it, Luke. Why would she avoid us like this?"

Luke sighed softly. "Maybe she is afraid we would try to talk her out of her mission."

"Maybe we would a little, but it's like she's forgotten that we will be there for her no matter what."

Luke offered Mara a wave of his love through their bond. "Love, Shmi is entering the adult world, and she had felt a while before leaving that she needed to find her own place in things. I don't think it has anything to do with us, really."

Mara thinned her lips, but did not reject his offered love. "That doesn't make this hurt any less. She's my daughter, and I love her so much… I just want to be there for her, Luke." Mara lowered her eyes. "But she won't let me."

Luke caressed Mara's spirit once more. "She will when she's ready to, Love. Have faith. We taught her well."

Mara snorted, an irreverent smirk touching her lips. "Maybe we taught her a little too well."

Luke shared in her attempted humor. "I think maybe we did."

They mingled in their bond a bit more before Mara's practical side took hold. "It's getting late, we'd better let you go now."

Luke blew her a kiss over the line. "I'll do my best to be home soon."

Mara hummed. "I trust you, Luke. Love you."

"I love you too, Mara."

Mara signed off, leaving Luke with a myriad of new thoughts to sift through. Things were not going as well at home as he had hoped, and he was lightyears away. But Mara had asked him to trust her, and so he would. But that did not mean he would not be thinking of Ben and Emry.

As for Shmi… Luke felt a pang at the eldest Skywalker child's comm silence. With no idea where she was or how her own mission was going, Luke had to put aside his concern and trust that Shmi would be able to adhere to what she'd learned from her parents.

Luke understood that this was part of Shmi's coming-of-age, and that his daughter needed this experience, as much as it hurt her parents to see. Luke regretted that he had not been in the right mindset to listen to Shmi, or to see the warning signs that may have been present before she took off.

But that was in the past, and Luke would not dwell there. He would live in the present and look to the future with hope.

Artoo bleeped at him, bringing Luke out of his reverie. "All set?"

Artoo indicated his readiness, and Luke got to his feet, ready to continue with his journey. The sooner he got going, the sooner he would be able to return home to his family.

00000

Vexa stood outside the Theed palace, an air of anticipation about her as she watched the approach of several ships. Most were too large to fit within the boundaries of the city, and so those landed in an area that the Rising had prepared ahead of time. One vessel, however, came to land right in the square that rested between the palace and the rest of the city.

Vexa remained still, waiting for the new arrivals to come to her. She also knew that the Neimoidians choice to use the square to arrive, instead of the hangar bay, was their way of showing that they were now in charge. It wasn't a gesture lost on the citizens, as several were gathering cautiously to see what was happening now.

Vexa ignored them all, and focused on the ship that had now landed. The ramp extended as the hatch to the vessel opened, and five green-skinned men walked down with purpose. Escorting them were several of the new droids that they had been creating. At first glance, Vexa could see similarities to the Clone Wars models, as well as some improvements.

Choosing to withhold her eagerness in favor of moving things along, Vexa curbed her impatience.

"Welcome to Naboo, gentlemen." Vexa greeted them when the men got within earshot.

"Lady Wran," the foremost replied, his adorned head bobbing in a nod of respect. "I trust there were no… issues in acquiring the city?"

"None we could not handle, Viceroy Pekah," Vexa said, gesturing to the doors at the top of the stairs behind her. "The Queen and her city have been neutralized. The rest of the planet is yours to do with as you see fit."

Viceroy Ivah Pekah chuckled; his yellow eyes gleaming with avarice. "Excellent. And, as promised, we have your first shipment of droids with us. We will show you their capabilities after we have seen the Queen."

Vexa inclined her head. "That will be fine, but I do not wish to delay too long. I have things to do, after all."

Pekah hummed. "Indeed. I do not intend to keep you long, Lady Wran, I assure you."

"Good." Vexa remarked, allowing just a hint of a warning to color her tone. She would not stand for them stalling.

She led the way to the throne room, where Kida stood guard over the prisoner within. Vexa motioned to the Togruta, and she shifted to make way for the Neimoidians. Vexa sat upon the throne and watched as the meeting commenced.

"Thank you for your… hospitality, Queen Jamira." Pekah began, and Vexa observed the woman's eyes narrow in anger.

"What do you plan to do to my people? My planet?" Jamira demanded.

"Whatever I want to do." Pekah retuned sharply. "You will find that I am a much more competent leader than Nute Gunray ever was. I am not afraid to take risks, or to get my hands dirty. I will not fail where he did."

"It's sad that you cling to what happened decades ago, when you could be looking to a better future." Jamira shook her head.

"My dear," Pekah remarked, leaning forward. "We have but learned from the past. We took what was a faulty, if useful droid model and improved it. We did so without anyone but Lady Wran knowing it, and now our Federation will grow once more. We have again what should have been ours since the first invasion."

Jamira's head came up. "Why would you create newer battle droids?"

"For now, it's to help us take over the rest of Naboo and maintain control once we have it." Pekah turned away from Jamira. "And you will have a front row seat to much of it, my Dear. For now, relax."

He gestured to one of his fellow Neimoidians, and the two of them approached Vexa, who straightened. Vexa noted the last of the Neimoidians beginning to set something up as their fellows left the Queen's pillars, but she paid them little mind.

Pekah indicated his fellow.

"Lady Wran, this is our chief engineer of the droids, Ener Zichri." The second man bowed to Vexa. "He will join the two of us in the fields outside of Theed to show you what your new acquisitions can really do."

Vexa grinned. "Excellent. Kida, remain with the Queen until I return."

"As you wish, Master." Kida bowed low and returned to where she had been previously.

00000

He had of course seen the arrival of the ships, but Ignis paid them only enough mind to know where they were going. He was alone, patrolling the city as he'd been ordered. He had not stopped since last night, and now Ignis was at the furthest reaches of Theed, where the only place left to go was across a long bridge to an area that was well kept but seemingly hardly used.

Curious despite himself, Ignis glanced around, saw that he truly was alone, and took to the bridge. Partway across, something flickered in the young man's peripheral, and he turned his head sharply, a hand instinctively going to his lightsaber hilt.

But there was nothing there. Blinking, Ignis checked all about himself just to be sure. When nothing popped out, he continued across the bridge, if a little more hesitantly this time. Nothing more occurred until he was nearly to the end of the walkway. Ahead of Ignis the air seemed to shimmer, and he paused, one foot still suspended above the ground, and this time he pulled his blade from his belt.

But though the air shimmered again, noting else happened. More confused now, Ignis set his foot down and considered his options. Keep going or turn back? Ignis did not feel his danger sense tingling, so he gingerly moved one foot in front of the other.

As he did so, the glistening grew more pronounced until something coalesced before him. Ethereal, and yet very much there, was a pair of gualaar. Ignis watched as they moved toward him, the hover sled they had towed now missing. Ignis saw the tomb that the creatures had come from and understood a bit more about this area of Theed. This was their cemetery, though only the royals were given monuments and tombs.

Ignis, no longer concerned about the large creatures, stood still as they walked right past him, and he thought for just one moment that he felt… something. But it was fleeting, and Ignis chose not to explore it. For now.

Ignis eyed the area once more, his gaze lingering a bit more on the mausoleum the gualaar had come from. Finally, he turned to leave, and had just started back down the bridge when something tugged at him in the Force.

Ignis stopped, turning back around. More alert now, Ignis scanned the area more thoroughly with his eyes, and now with the Force. Had he missed something? But there were no threats.

However, the tug came again, and Ignis pursed his lips. He did not particularly want to go wandering through this graveyard…

But the pull was now unmistakable, and Ignis sighed softly before following. To his surprise, it led him to the same tomb that he had studied earlier. Up close, it as more detailed than he'd realized, with a few pillars supporting an overhang. Under this overhang stood a statue of a woman. A former queen, Ignis realized, judging by the outfit the statue wore. Only Nabooian queens dressed like that.

But he did not recognize the face, and so Ignis moved around the statue to the heavy doors that led into the main part of the tomb. There he stopped, feeling the Force urging him forward… and yet uncertainty gnawed at him. Why would the Force be asking him to go into a random woman's tomb? What was she to him? Ignis supposed that there was only one way to find out, and he bit his lip under his mask.

Unable to deny the Force any longer, Ignis reached for one of the large rings attached to each of the gates.

The doors were surprisingly easy to operate, Ignis realized, and they reminded him of the ones that allowed access to the Great Hall in the Jedi Temple. He only opened one enough to squeeze through, and did so.

It was dark inside, save for the light that came through a stained-glass window depicting a woman with chocolate hair done up in another fancy style. Her skin was fair, and her eyes were both solemn and kind. She was garbed in a blue outfit that Ignis would have seen on a Senator.

So, this woman had been both a queen and a Senator? Ignis mused.

The rest of the tomb was plain, but the coffin in the center bore an emblem Ignis was unfamiliar with. Ignis pursed his lips, trying to decipher it. He knew his history, and the symbol before him did not match that used by the Old Republic or anything before that. Nor was it affiliated with the Rebel Alliance, Empire or the New Jedi Order.

Perhaps the emblem of Naboo royalty? Ignis thought, recalling now that he had seen the mark on the throne.

Ignis stood, feeling unsure of what he was supposed to do now that he was here. The Force still pulsed around him, and Ignis began to wonder if the Force was playing with him. But then he felt the strongest urge yet to lay a hand on the coffin.

Swallowing uncertainly, Ignis did not move. Briefly he thought of what Vexa might say if she were to see him, and that tinged his presence with a bit of fear. He began to back away, but the Force grew so insistent that he could hear it crackling about him.

Something deep within Ignis twitched, and he knew he could not disobey the Force now. Gingerly, Ignis placed his hand to the lid of the coffin… and suddenly the room changed, the scene unfolding before him like one would on a holodrama.

Ignis turned, his hand leaving the coffin, and his eyes widened when he found himself not in the mausoleum, but in an open field near a series of waterfalls. Ignis frowned warily, and continued to turn about.

"Hello Ignis."

He spun at the soft voice, reaching for his lightsaber and this time igniting it. But his ready stance relaxed in shock: the very woman from the statue and stained-glass window now stood before him.

Ignis spoke through his mask. "Who are you? Where are we?"

The woman smiled sadly. "This scene used to be one of my favorite places to go on Naboo. And as for who I am, I think you need to accept your true lineage before you accept who I am to you."

Ignis gritted his teeth. "Stop speaking in riddles and answer my question."

She tilted her head. "Alright. I am your grandmother. My name is Padmé Amidala… Skywalker."

Ignis balked. Skywalker?! When she tried to approach him, Ignis backed away hastily. "Stay away from me!"

Padmé stopped, her eyes growing even sadder. "Ignis…"

"NO!" he yelled, putting his lightsaber back on his belt. "I am not a Skywalker!"

Padmé did not approach him further, but she did speak. "Denying it will not make the truth go away."

Ignis felt his heart beginning to strain against the walls he had put up, against the numbness he had allowed to take hold, and he fought hard against it. "I will not accept that fact! I am a Vrei, and while that's not really saying much, it's true. It's all I knew before Vexa."

Ignis turned away. "I will not go down this road. Leave me alone."

Padmé came around to face him again. "Ignis…"

But he was done listening. He shook his head and sheathed his blade, leaving the mausoleum in the same way he had entered it. Only, the vision would not release him, and Ignis growled in frustration.

Turning back, he saw Padme looking at him with pity, and that made him angry despite his efforts to remain numb. "Release me!"

"I am not holding you, Ignis," Padme said softly. "I am but a manifestation in the Force."

Ignis took that in and then decided to just keep walking. He turned back around and resumed his return to the city. At some point in his trek back across the bridge, the Force let him go, and Ignis almost sagged with relief.

But he carried on; though at the end of the bridge Ignis did stop and turn, resting eyes once more on the now-distant tomb.

"I could never be a Skywalker… no matter how much I want to be," Ignis whispered before he resolutely returned to his state of numbness.

His life was literally in Vexa's hands, and unless someone freed him from it, his fate would always be that. And in any case, Ignis had thrown any chance at a life with the Skywalker family in the garbage the moment he'd taken Kodai, and broken all their hearts and trust.

Carefully, Ignis pushed the memory of what had just occurred into the deepest recesses of his mind, and built a wall around it to help hide it from Vexa. Should she choose to look at it, he would not be able to stop her, but it would be an initial deterrent.

Once his task was complete, Ignis squared his shoulders and returned to the work Vexa had given him.

00000

Shmi looked up from her work on the latest piece of equipment that Towan had given to her. He had sent Anya on a shopping errand, since she was finished with her work already. To both girls' surprise, Anya had turned out to be a fast learner, and had picked up on the mechanics of droids and ships quite fast. She had even helped Shmi with basic maintenance and upkeep on some of the vehicles that Towan was given to service.

Working together, the threesome had turned out four vehicles in record time, allowing Towan to whittle down his impressive list of items waiting to be worked on next. Apparently, his shop was well-sought after, because the list of those waiting for help was longer than Shmi thought was possible. Towan was not the only mechanic in the area, but apparently he was the most reputable, since he got most of the business in the area.

His family had stopped by on more than one occasion, and the children had taken to Shmi swiftly. They had learned her pseudonym immediately, and had oohed-and-awed that she knew so much about ships and droids.

Anya had been more reserved, since the red-head had much less experience with children than Shmi, who had three younger siblings. Still, Anya had been kind and patient with the family, though it was clear that the red-head wasn't as comfortable around them as Shmi.

Said red-head was now walking through the front garage door, a hoversled in her control. It was laden with supplies, ranging from groceries to parts Towan needed for his business. Upon seeing her friend, Shmi smiled and waved. The girls had been given today off at the Lorelei, where they worked part-time for now.

So far, though solid information had been sparse, the credits had not been. Anya was a dynamite waitress, and she made excellent tips on top of her pay. So far, they had more than made up what they'd started their trip with. Now they sat pretty good in the credits, but were still no closer to locating Ignis.

"Welcome back," Shmi said once Anya was within earshot.

"Thanks."

"Did you have any trouble?" Shmi was curious to know.

"There was a little issue finding one or two of the parts, but I think I got it all sorted."

"Ah, Miss Raziel," Towan greeted warmly as he too entered the garage, though from a different direction. "Thank you for running that errand for me."

Anya smiled at him, and reported the same thing to Towan that she'd just said to Shmi.

"Excellent," Towan said as he accepted the list from her, and as Anya unloaded each item, he checked it off. Then he nodded and turned to Shmi. "You may finish for today, Ashlyn. Both of you have worked far too hard for too many days. Take the rest of this one off."

Both young women nodded in gratitude, and Towan helped Anya reload the sled before he left them, the sledge in tow.

Once they were alone, Shmi finished the part she was attaching, and then set the device aside. She stood, stretching tired muscles.

"I'm going to clean up before we enjoy our time off."

Anya did not object, and Shmi took a swift shower, making sure to scrub off any grease that she'd acquired while working on the machine. When she was done and dressed in fresh clothes, Shmi exited the living quarters to find Anya sitting on the couch, a familiar piece of paper in her grasp.

Shmi had seen the images that Ignis had drawn for Anya, and she knew how much Anya missed Ignis.

Settling down beside her friend, Shmi nudged her shoulder gently. "Hey, we'll find him, alright?"

Anya offered an appreciative smile. "I know. I guess I was hoping that we would have a lead on Ignis by now."

"You and me both."

Shmi bit her lip, a thought surfacing that she'd had tootling about her mind for a while now.

Seeing her expression, Anya lifted a brow. "What is it?"

"I was thinking… what if you or I tried to find Ignis in the Force?" Shmi sounded uncertain.

Anya straightened. "Can we do that?"

"Well, I'm certain Dad could do it, and likely Mom," Shmi informed her friend, "but I am not as proficient at the technique as they are."

Anya turned thoughtful. "But you have a connection to Ignis, as you are his twin. Surely that counts for more than you give it credit for?"

Shmi shrugged. "Well, I suppose, but our relationship is still new in that sense. Barely out of newborn phase, really."

Anya laid a hand over Shmi's. "Nevertheless, it is there. Why don't we both try our hand, and see what happens?"

Shmi nodded. "Okay. Basically, just open to the Force and look for Ignis's signature. You know him, so just trust your gut in doing this."

Anya was determined to try, and she closed her eyes. Shmi did likewise, taking a deep breath and going to the connection she knew was shared by Ignis. Remembering when it had been accidentally awakened by them, she couldn't help but wonder if the connection would allow them to find one another.

Luke and Leia were especially close, and were able to sense when the other was in need. They could even get a sense of location, Shmi knew. But then, both Luke and Leia had a much deeper twin bond than Shmi and Ignis, because the elder twins had known of the relationship much longer and had fostered it as siblings should.

Still, Anya was correct: the connection was there, so Shmi would try to use it to find Ignis.

Centering herself, Shmi went to the place she knew the bond to be, and gingerly moved along it. But though she knew she was heading for Ignis, when she reached a certain point, she hit a literal wall. Try as she might, Shmi could find no way past that barrier, and she pursed her lips in thought.

A memory floated to her then, one of when Luke had admitted that during the Bespin attack, he could not reach Ignis in the Force. And now they knew that was because at the time, the scalpel squid had been activated. And when the squid was activated, there was a block placed between Ignis' mind and any that were not Vexa.

With a sigh, Shmi broke off, finding that Anya was still working at her attempt. But though the other's face was scrunched in concentration, eventually Anya called it quits also.

"I can't find him." Anya sounded disappointed.

"I tried my bond with him," Shmi replied, "but there is a barrier in the way, and I can't get past it no matter what I try."

"I guess we won't be able to find him that way, then," Anya murmured, and the girls sat in contemplative silence for a time before Shmi spoke again.

"But I get the feeling that we will have something soon."

"Yes," Anya again folded the paper she held and looked to Shmi. "I can feel it too: the Force shifting around you and I."

Again they were quiet, and when Shmi sensed the dour mod, she was determined to change it.

Shmi stood. "Well, Towan did say to enjoy our day, so come on."

Anya, her interest piqued, stood also, though she detoured to put her folded paper away before she returned to Shmi. "What do you have in mind?"

Shmi took her friend's elbow. "I happen to have it on good authority that someone turns eighteen today…"

Anya blushed. "You don't have to…"

"Pfsssh!" Shmi retorted. "There is no way we are not celebrating you! Come on, I already made arrangements."

Anya blinked. "Arrangements where?"

"At a spa." Shmi looked to Anya. "I took a little out of my savings and got you and I a slot there. You get to choose whatever you want, and it's covered."

Anya hesitated. "I've never been to a spa."

"I have been on occasion with Mom and Aunt Leia. It's okay every now and again, and I have to admit that it is very relaxing."

Anya decided that she would try this new experience, and so she allowed Shmi to lead her along until they came to a building that looked out-of-place among the other establishments. Whereas the ones around it were rough and old, this one was quite sleek and welcoming.

The young women entered and Shmi gave the receptionist their reservation number. Soon after that they were escorted to a room for two, and it wasn't long before they were enjoying massages.

When they left, both felt much better, and their moods had lifted significantly. Shmi lastly treated Anya to a treat that she had purchased and hidden in the galley of the Nebula. As they ate, Anya thought back to something that had bothered her of late, and she decided that now was as good a time as any to speak.

"Shmi?"

Shmi looked to her. "Yes?"

"I am grateful for the spa and even this delicious morsel you found," Anya said softly, meeting the other's gaze. "But would you like to know what I really want for my lifeday?"

Shmi nodded, albeit a little cautiously.

"I want you to speak to your family… today." Anya finished with gentle firmness. "Your mother sent you a message that you still haven't opened."

Shmi sighed, setting her utensil down. "I know. Part of it is my guilt at just… leaving, no matter my intentions. I know I hurt my family, and I am afraid of actually seeing that hurt manifest."

"But you are running the risk of ruining the beautiful relationship you have with your parents, Shmi." Anya reasoned. "Do you have any idea how blessed you are to have parents? To have lived the life you have, free of the heartache Ignis and I have suffered?"

Shmi swallowed with difficulty. "I… I guess I hadn't thought of that lately. But you're right. I have also been scared that, by leaving, I changed the dynamic of my relationship with my mother and father. I've never done anything like this, and I don't know how they're taking it…"

"There's only one way to find out," Anya said without judgement. "And in any case, wouldn't knowing be better than constantly guessing and stressing over the unknowns? If you know, you can take the proper steps to rectify things."

Shmi breathed deeply, coming to a decision. "Okay. I'll start by listening to Mom's message, and then I'll call home."

Anya smiled. "Thank you."

Shmi reached across the table to grasp Anya's hand. "You're a good friend, Anya. Thank you for having the courage to set me straight."

Anya squeezed Shmi's hand silently and Shmi rose from her seat, moving to the communications console in the cockpit. Once seated, Shmi took a deep breath and activated Mara's message.

Shmi,

Hi Sweetheart, it's Mom. I know you probably think I am mad, but I am not. I just want to know that you are alright. I love you so much, Shmi.

You know that our relationship is different than the one I have with your siblings. You were the first person to change me when I was still lost in the mire that Palpatine had me living in. You were the fist person to want to be friends with me, and you were the only person up to that point who I didn't feel threatened by. You saw I had a need, and you did your best to fulfill that need. Then you stood up for me even against Han and Leia.

I know I wasn't in the best of moods when you asked for help, but that does not mean I do not care. I was reeling from all I had learned and just been through. When you are a mother, you will understand the fear I felt at the thought that Kodai was lost to us forever. Please understand this.

I can assure you that it was not so different for your father. Only, Luke had much more to deal with.

I just want to help you, Shmi. Please let me in, Sweetheart. I will not force you into doing so, but please know that I will do what I can to help you if you will allow me to.

I would at least like to know that you are safe…

I love you, Shmi.

~Mom.

Shmi felt a few ashamed tears drip from her eyes, and she cursed herself for leaving her parents in the dark for so long. How could she have?

With a new determination, and yet no less uncertainty, Shmi dialed for home and sat back to see if anyone would answer. When nobody picked up, Shmi had a thought and checked the chrono. Only then did she realize that it was the dead of night on Coruscant.

Blushing, Shmi started to reach for the control to terminate the call when it was answered. A sleepy face framed by a head of vibrant hair appeared.

"Skywalker residence."

Shmi bit her lip, and suddenly found it hard to locate her voice. But when Mara peered in confusion at the monitor, Shmi managed a single word.

"Mom?"

Mara was awake in the next instant, rubbing sleep from her face with the swiftness of a Jedi Master.

"Shmi?"

Shmi nodded. "It's me."

Mara's face brightened with joy. "Oh, Sweetheart! How are you? Are you safe?"

"I'm alright Mom," Shmi answered, not sure what else to say just then. She decided to stick with safe topics for now. "How are things at home?"

"They've been a little… off, but we are all healthy." Mara shifted, taking in Shmi's disguise. "Where are you?"

Shmi hesitated. "I…"

Mara saw this and offered a sad expression. "Shmi, I understand why you are doing what you are doing. I don't think you fully thought things out, but I am not going to force you home. Nor will I force myself into your efforts."

Shmi looked down. "I can't believe I hurt you guys like I did. I'm sorry."

"I know you are," Mara murmured. "But please know that we are not angry."

"Just hurt," Shmi muttered, "and that's worse."

Mara said nothing for a moment. "For what it's worth, I understand."

Shmi managed a tiny smile. "I know. We are on Ord Mantell right now, working on gathering what information we can. And we are being careful, I promise."

Mara nodded. "That's good to hear. What are you doing to gather intelligence?"

"We are working at a spaceport restaurant," Shmi responded, "hoping to get information from the spacers who frequent there."

Mara inclined her head. "Have you tried using local databases, or checking the news frequently?"

"No to the former, yes on the latter," Shmi answered, grateful for the tip. "Anya and I both feel that we are about to hit gold. We can feel it in the Force."

Mara pursed her lips. "Part of being on a mission, Shmi, is understanding when to regroup and call for reinforcements."

She said it in a way that she would have if they were in a training session, and Shmi understood that Mara was offering help in whatever way she could.

"I'll keep that in mind." Shmi felt her heart ache to speak to her father next. "Is Dad asleep?"

It was Mara's turn to hesitate, causing the young woman to frown. "No, Shmi, he's not home right now."

"Oh," Shmi said, not hiding her disappointment. Mara would be able to read her anyway. "Is he on a mission?"

"…yes." Mara nodded, and something in the way she said it gave Shmi pause. But she did not feel that it was her place to pry, when Mara was respecting Shmi's privacy.

"Well, when you hear from Dad, please tell him I love him and am alright." Shmi bit her lip. "And… tell Dad I'm sorry for causing him pain."

Mara's face softened. "I will. And Shmi?"

Shmi met Mara's gaze once more. "Yes?"

"Happy late lifeday."

Shmi laughed shakily, more tears leaking forth. "Thanks Mom. I love you so much."

Mara smiled warmly. "Please try to stay in touch more often, alright? And you know you can call on your father or me any time."

"I remember. I will do better." Shmi vowed. "Bye Mom."

"See you later."

Shmi signed off and sat back, allowing her tears to flow until she felt sated.

00000

"Now, make sure to take it easy for a few days while you readjust to walking without a cast or the crutches," the doctor said, looking up from her clipboard to Ben.

"I'll be careful," Ben promised.

Truth be told, having his cast finally off felt… odd. His leg, used to the heaviness of the item, now felt suddenly light as a feather, and Ben wasn't sure if he would be able to walk straight just yet.

"Would you like to hold on to the crutches for a few more days just in case?" The medic looked between Ben and his mother.

Mara looked to Ben, lifting an eyebrow. "It's up to you Ben."

Ben considered. "How about instead of crutches, more like a cane? Something to steady me, but that will allow me to walk under my own power again. If I don't try, I will never return to walking without help."

Mara offered a pleased smile to her son, and Ben felt warmth fill him to know he had made his mother proud of him. With that boost in his morale, Ben accepted the single walking aid from the medic and walked from the room slowly, his mother at his side but not intervening. It was gradual progress, and Ben wobbled a little on his feet but otherwise did not fall.

"It's so strange not having the heavy cast on," Ben murmured to his mother as they exited the building and made for the speeder.

"Oh?" Mara commented, adjusting Kodai's carrier on his elbow. The babe within was fast asleep.

"My foot feels almost too light without the cast," Ben expounded, "and walking is odd because I am so used to the weight of the thing."

Mara nodded her understanding. "I get it. It will take time to get used to it, just like learning to operate with the cast on your foot took time."

Ben slipped on an uneven section of pavement, and Mara caught his elbow with gentle firmness, righting Ben and then letting him go. Ben appreciated Mara's take on his healing: she was there if he needed, but not to the point of coddling him. Ben understood that this was her way of ensuring that he healed much faster. It would also make him stronger.

Ben wouldn't have had it any other way. He strove to be independent like his mother, and he knew she was aware of these aspirations. Once they were in the speeder, with Kodai safely settled in his speeder-seat connection, they took off.

It was near the end of the lunch, and Ben's stomach rumbled. Because of the timeslot he had been given at the hospital, he and Mara had missed lunch. But Ben did not want to complain, so he ignored his hunger the best he could.

But his mother, ever-perceptive, detoured to a café near the hospital and then turned to him.

"Come on, why don't we have a mother-son lunch." Mara suggested.

Ben brightened. "Really?"

Mara smiled lovingly. "I want to spend time with you, Ben."

Ben couldn't contain his happiness. "I'd love that!"

They exited the speeder, and Ben noted that Kodai was still napping in his carrier. Mara led them inside and requested a table, which they were shown to shortly after. A waitress approached, menus in hand.

"Good afternoon, folks," she greeted, and Ben noted her nametag: Puji. "Can I start you off with a drink?"

"Water please," Mara replied, and Ben ordered juba juice.

The woman left with a promise to return shortly, which allowed mother and son to peruse the menu. Ben decided on the Kyrene ribeye meal, and once the waitress set their drinks before them, Ben gave his order.

"Very good, and you Ma'am?" Puji asked, looking to Mara next.

"I'll do the soup and sandwich combo." Mara indicated the correct soup and sandwich and Puji jotted it down.

Once she was gone, Mara looked to Ben. "I remember one time during my training as a child, I dislocated my shoulder. It hurt more than anything I had ever experienced before, and when my master heard, he was not very happy. But I told my instructor to put my shoulder back into alignment and to keep on with my lesson. That garnered approval from my master, and I was so proud."

Ben paid rapt attention, since Mara talking about her past under Palpatine was a rare thing, especially with her children.

"I learned then that my choices in any given moment had a large impact on how my future would play out. Later that year, Palpatine awarded me with a ticket to the Imperial Gala because of how much progress I had made in my studies." Mara's eyes unfocused as she relived the past. "It was the first time I ever attended a ball, and I was hooked. I loved being able to dress up, I loved the dance lessons I took, and I didn't care if my master also wanted me to work while there: I had the time of my life."

Mara shook her head and smiled softly at her son. "I share this because I want you to know that I have had my share of ups and downs. So, I understand what being a child can be like."

Ben nodded; glad he now had a bit more knowledge of Mara's childhood.

Mara shifted in her seat to a more comfortable position. "So how has school been?"

Ben shrugged. "Good, I guess. I'm doing my best to keep up with my grades."

"I have seen that," Mara replied, eyeing him openly. "And while that is good, I would also like to know how the non-academic side of school is going."

Ben hesitated, looking away. "I…"

How to tell her how he really felt? After a few moments, Ben decided to just be open with Mara.

"Honestly? I am still trying to figure out how I truly feel about Ignis." Ben spoke so only Mara could hear. "I really haven't focused on any friends. I'm just trying to stay afloat."

Mara nodded knowingly. "Perhaps spending time with some of your friends would help get your mind off of Ignis, if only for a while."

Ben bit his cheek. "But I don't really feel like socializing. I… I can't really explain it."

Mara's reply was interrupted by the arrival of their food.

"Is there anything else I can get for either of you at the moment?" Puji asked.

"No, thank you," Mara replied, watching Puji depart once more to help another table. Then she turned back to Ben. "Sweetheart, you cannot put your life on hold over Ignis'… mistakes."

Ben sighed. "I'm trying, but I feel like I'm stuck, Mom. I am trying so hard, but I can't let it go, or move on from it. How do I overcome it?"

Mara leaned forward, and Ben did the same. "Ben, you are going to have to openly confront the issue, as difficult as that may be for you." At Ben's expression, she extended her hands, and Ben took them, recognizing her offer of reassurance. "Believe me, facing the ugly truth is frightening. But if you don't do it, then you will forever be living in the shadows of what happened. And while you're at it… maybe find what truly bothers you about Ignis' actions and confront that too. Once you do, see if you can't forgive him." Mara closed her eyes. "You wouldn't believe how freeing forgiving another person is."

Ben tilted his head. "Who did you have to forgive?"

Mara's eyes were so sad when she opened them, that Ben's heart panged. "My former master… and Darth Vader. Both of them had hurt me so very much. It was only after I was free and clear of them, and had experiences outside of the life I had grown up in, I that realized the extent to which they did."

Ben's eyes widened. "I… had no idea."

"I know," Mara nodded, "only your father truly understands. Then again, Luke has his own demons he's had to overcome, Ben."

Ben considered her words. "So… I need to swallow my fear and face Ignis' choices head-on?"

"Don't swallow the fear, control it." Mara corrected. "You do that by accepting that it is there, but not allowing it to control you."

Ben nodded slowly. "I will try it, Mom, I promise."

Mara smiled warmly, squeezing his hands and then releasing him. "I'm glad to hear it, Ben."

They turned to their food then, and Kodai slept through the meal as well.

00000

Vexa settled into her seat on the shuttle that would ferry her back to her ship the Dark Mystery. The droids that were now hers were better than she had thought they would be. They were more heavily armored, they had better targeting capabilities, and they did not run off of a central computer like their predecessors.

Vexa had high hopes for them, and their new acquisitions would be put to the test immediately. Vexa would send the droids to the front lines with her ground troops on the next two worlds they attacked.

In the meantime, Vexa needed to start laying the groundwork for her more personal plans for revenge. For the moment, that meant she needed to work on Ben Skywalker.

Or, rather, continue to work on him. She'd had to be careful to ensure that Mara wasn't nearby her son, lest she sense Vexa and catch on. But Vexa had visited Ben a few times already, helping him to stew in his hurt and anger where Ignis was concerned.

Thus, Ben was confused and vulnerable right now, since he was both angry and trying to move past that. Now Vexa needed to move things along.

Closing her eyes, Vexa subtly reached out for Ben and monitored him, ready to influence him as needed.

00000

When they were done, Ben checked the chrono. There was enough time for Mara to get Ben home and then go back to school. Ben had asked beforehand if he could take the rest of today off. Mara had agreed only if he made sure his homework got done. Ben agreed, and had brought assignments home from school to do.

Once Ben was inside the house, he touched his mother in the Force, who was waiting in the speeder outside. She sent him a motherly caress back and then left.

Ben stood in the empty house, Mara's words playing through his mind.

Control your fear… face Ignis' actions.

Ben took a deep breath. It was time to face how he felt… or at least work on it harder than he had been.

With an air of uncertainty, Ben went to his room, shut the door and settled onto the ground. He crossed his legs like he was learning to do in his beginning meditation class, straightened his back and closed his eyes.

Taking a series of deep breaths as his instructor had been teaching him— which had been Luke up until he'd left on his mission— Ben stilled his mind. When he felt ready, Ben gingerly looked within himself, and hovered over the knot of pain that festered there. It had been plaguing the boy despite his efforts to ignore it.

Maybe Mara had been right: perhaps the answer hadn't been to simply pretend it wasn't there, but to face it head-on and deal with whatever happened afterwards. He had seen Emry do it after the Orinda experience. He had observed Shmi do it when she had rough patches, and he had definitely witnessed his father do so. Force knew Luke Skywalker had darker experiences to work through than Ben ever had.

And now Ben knew for certain that Mara had done so.

Unaware of the passage of time, Ben cautiously touched approached the knot and poked it. He watched its surface ripple, and Ben held his breath in anticipation. But when nothing further occurred, Ben knew he would have to do more than merely dip his toes.

With a resigned sigh, Ben entered the space entirely. Instantly he was awash in memories of Ignis and himself, as well as the knowledge of what Ignis had done.

Ben saw himself in Ignis' care while in the underlevels, and how he had confessed his wish to have a big brother… and for that someone to be Ignis. He recalled how hesitant Ignis had been to accept Ben's love, and now he understood why Ignis had been like that.

Because he knew he would be breaking my heart soon after this. Ben thought with a familiar touch of anger.

But even as he thought that, more instances in which Ignis had been reserved came to mind. Lastly, Ben recalled when Ignis had gently but firmly rebuffed any attempts by Ben or Emry to get closer to Ignis. Any time they'd mentioned the possibility of becoming siblings, Ignis had rejected them.

Ignis had done his best to keep some distance between himself and the Skywalkers. And though that resolve had slowly crumbled, in the end Ignis had still chosen to obey Vexa.

To a degree.

Yes, Ignis had taken Kodai, but he had also given the child back, returning to Vexa without Kodai. Ben knew that Ignis had paid a heinous price for that choice, and that he had done so for Ben and his family.

But it still hurt Ben that Ignis had knowingly led the younger boy on; had let Ben open his heart after a long time being cautious when Ignis knew he would betray that trust.

A loud series of footsteps hurrying down the hallway, followed by a loudly shutting door jostled Ben from his thoughts. Briefly, he wondered how long he had been in meditation, but then felt that it didn't really matter. He sensed that Emry and his mother were home, and while Mara's sense was both concerned and frustrated, Emry's sense had the familiar feel of when she had been bullied.

A knock on Emry's door sounded, and Mara called through it. "Emry? Sweetheart, please open up."

Ben felt his heart go out to both his mother— who only wanted to help her daughter— and Emry, who had every right to be upset. But if Emry would just speak with their mother, things could be taken care of.

Ben's mind shifted back to meditation at that, recognizing a double meaning. If Ignis had just let Luke in on his secret, the Jedi Master could have helped the young man.

You remember what Anya and then Uncle Han said, Ben reprimanded himself. Ignis was unable to do so, but maybe he did try.

Ben knew that he was unaware of all that had occurred between Ignis and Luke. That said, Ignis did not strike Ben as the kind of person to ignore a real chance to get help. Ignis was intelligent, and he knew how to be subtle.

Ben understood that, because he had been around Ignis enough to have learned that, among other things.

Among other things… Emry being bullied… His thoughts started to mingle oddly, and Ben frowned, a little frustrated. But then something else occurred to him: a memory.

Luke had told Ben that Ignis had a very dark past. Ben wondered just how dark, and how that had helped to shape the young man into who he was today. And how Ignis could have such a high tolerance for pain.

While in the underlevels, and especially in the two major fights that Ignis had engaged in, Ben had witnessed Ignis get injured and yet keep going.

Ben centered on that, feeling a new sense building within him that hadn't before. He thought back to the fight with Kavis, someone Ignis clearly had a history with.

"I did not choose this life!" he screamed at Kavis. "I was forced into it!"

Kavis straightened, but he narrowed suspicious eyes. "Sure you were."

"Do you think I enjoy what I do?" Ignis ground out, still furious. "I hate it!"

Kavis looked Ignis in the eye, seeing the honesty there behind the rage. "If you hate it so badly, why stay? Why did you not get away?"

Ignis' anger increased tenfold, and suddenly he hit Kavis full in the teeth, watching the other's head snap back. "I almost did! WITH YOU!"

Ignis hit him again, but this time his eyes flooded with tears of betrayal. "I trusted you Kavis!" he hollered, his voice cracking. "I trusted you and Saul! I believed your flattery and lies... andyou left me to suffer with her!" He hit Kavis again. "And worst still, you lied to her and pinned it all on me to save your own hides! Do you have any idea what she did to me because of that lie?"

Ignis struck again, but this time Kavis caught his fist, though for once Kavis did not retaliate. When he spoke, his voice was soft and laced with guilt.

"What did she do to you?"

Ignis breathed heavily for a long minute before he found the strength to answer, his eyes spilling over further. "She sent me back to Doctor Giddalti, to be his... plaything for an entire week. A whole week, Kavis!"

Kavis' face drained of color. "Doctor Giddalti?! That mad scientist who experimented on you as a child?"

"The one and the same." Ignis spat. "And when I got back to her, she sent me directly into my training again, even though I could barely function."

Kavis backed away, hitting the wall again and staying there. "Ignis..."

"Save it." Ignis ground out. "I don't want your pity, or anything else from you."

Ben felt the need to understand this exchange almost burn him. To Ben, it felt like the key to everything regarding Ignis centered on this truth. Who was this Dr. Giddalti, and what had he done to Ignis to instill such… fear in the young man even now? That even the mere mention of the man made Ignis cry.

A portion of Ben's mind urged him to caution, for surely if Ignis feared this man, it was for good reason. Ignis did not easily spook, and so for him to be openly afraid of this one man…

Ben swallowed, but he recalled Mara's words once more.

Face the issue.

This might not be what she intended Ben, he thought sardonically.

But still, his mind was made up. Ben needed to understand, had to know what had happened to Ignis.

He felt that, personally, this would help Ben move past his own issues with Ignis.

How so? Ben wondered, unsure just why he felt this way, or why he was so invested in this line of thought now. I'm so confused!

But the sense that he needed to follow this new direction grew more persistent, and Ben wondered if the Force was trying to direct him in his time of need. Luke had spoken several times about just this thing happening to him, so was it that farfetched to think it could also happen to Ben?

No.

But how would Ben find what he needed? After a minute, the answer came to him: he could start by looking the up name and see what information was available.

Unaware of the Dark presence subtly influencing his decisions, Ben finally latched onto the new plan with complete fervor, grateful to be making headway.

00000

Far away, Vexa smiled happily as Ben took her suggestions to heart. Now she needed to make sure Ben got access to the files he needed. And she had just the means to do so.

00000

Emry cringed when Mara knocked on her door again, feeling guilty that she had refused to speak with Mara. Emry knew she was hurting her mother by doing so, but she couldn't continue to lie to Mara either.

But even as she thought these things, Emry chastised herself. Did she know nothing about her mother? Had she not grown up with the woman by her side? Had Mara ever forced herself into Emry's life, or insisted that Emry always tell her everything? No! Sure, she had encouraged this and wanted to have such an open relationship with her children, but Mara was not the overbearing type.

Surely Mara would accept Emry's wish to not talk about what really bothered her at school? Mara was no fool: she knew there was more than lightsaber class failures going on. With a sigh, Emry returned to the door and opened it slowly, standing silently behind it as Mara cautiously entered.

Mara spotted her daughter immediately and knelt before her. "Emry…"

"Please don't ask me to explain it, Mom!" Emry pled in a tortured whisper. "Just hug me… please!"

Mara clearly did not like that answer, but nor did she reject Emry's request for comfort. She gathered her younger daughter close, and Emry wept into her mother's shirt. As she did so, Emry wondered yet again why she was keeping this from her mother.

I don't want to add to her burden. Emry reminded herself. Besides, I want to figure this out for myself. If I tell Mom, she will take care of it for me, and I won't be any closer to my personal need to resolve this.

Emry eventually pulled back. "I'll be okay, Mom. I'm still working through my hurt like Ben is. Please let me do it my way."

Mara still looked like she realized Emry wasn't being fully honest, but Mara also knew when to give Emry some space. The girl was not actively trying to shun Mara: she was trying to be independent.

Mara lovingly wiped at Emry's moistened cheeks. "Have I told you lately how strong you are Emry?"

Emry blinked, gazing up at her mother. "Strong? Me?"

Mara nodded. "Yes. You have an inner strength that I have only ever seen from your father. You are stubborn to a fault, and you are not afraid of your emotions. But you are also steadfast in what you believe in, like Luke, and I couldn't be prouder of you."

Emry did brighten a little, though she looked down. "I don't feel brave or strong, Mom."

Mara kissed Emry's head. "Maybe that's because you won't allow yourself to see it. Whatever is really going on, I know you have the strength to both face and conquer it."

Emry lifted her gaze to Mara's once more, searching the other's face. "You really believe that?"

"I do," Mara replied firmly. "You, Emry, are the daughter of Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade Skywalker, and you are anything but a coward. Maybe you just haven't found your fire yet."

Emry sniffled, thinking that over. "What is your fire, Mom?"

Mara settled onto the floor in a more comfortable position, and Emry sat beside her, snuggling into Mara's warm side.

"To be honest, I have had a few different fires at different times in my life." Mara began softly. "When I trained under Palpatine, my only desire was to prove myself to him; to make him proud. It drove me so thoroughly that I never once questioned what he was ordering me to do. When I left that life and joined the Rebellion, my fire became the desire to be a force for good… and to hold to the brand-new love I had found from both Luke and Shmi. But when I married Luke, and later we had you and Ben, my fire became the need to protect my family."

Emry took that all in. "How will I find my own fire, Mom?"

Mara rubbed her daughter's arm soothingly. "You need to figure out what you really need; what you want most out of life for now. What will drive you to succeed no matter what? And… you need to know who you are, Emry. So, ask yourself: who is Emry? Who are you to yourself? Because if you can't answer that question, then nothing else will matter, and nothing else will be able to take root in you."

Emry was silent as she processed. Everything Mara was saying made sense, and for the first time in a long while, Emry felt hope blossom within her.

Finally, Emry smiled lightly. "Thank you, Mom."

Mara hummed, hugging her closer until Emry felt sated. They both rose, and Emry wiped at her face. "I'm going to meditate— or at least do some thinking— if you don't mind, Mom."

Mara nudged her shoulder playfully. "So long as you don't become a hermit."

Emry giggled, accepting her mother's attempt to lighten the mood. "I won't."

Mara left her room then, and Emry settled onto her bed, facing the drawing that Ignis had given her. On a whim, she took out the letter he had written and re-read it like she had on so many occasions. But this time, she had the words of her mother to mix with Ignis' counsel.

Always be you, Emry, and never take the cruel words of others to heart.

Emry looked from that line to the image on the wall; that of Ignis holding her the night she'd had the nightmare. The expression on the face of the Ignis in the picture was of such love, that Emry knew he really had felt it.

Emry closed her eyes, remembering how safe she had felt in Ignis' arms, and how she had somehow known who he was to her even when he didn't. She'd known he was a brother, and had accepted that despite other's doubts.

… never take the cruel words of others to heart…

"…you are strong Emry." Mara told her.

Emry thought back to the bullying. She brought up all the snide comments, the acting meant to make Emry relive her failures, the cruel words that were intended to break Emry down bit by bit… and the way they constantly seemed to want Emry to fail.

Always be you, Emry, and never take the cruel words of others to heart. They're just jealous of a shining star like you.

…I know you have the strength to face and conquer it… Mara had said.

With the words of Mara ringing in her ears, Emry only then saw what Ignis had meant: the cruelty of the other kids was a form of jealousy that they were unable to become Jedi. Since they were not able to release this jealousy in a healthy way, they were taking it out on Emry because she struggled so much to train, thanks to her asthma. Looking back, Emry could read the underlying emotions in each of those childrens' gazes, but especially in that of Wina Bibble.

Emry straightened, eyes falling to a different part of Ignis' letter.

You have such a sweet soul, and a caring spirit. Don't ever lose that, because it makes you unique among an otherwise cold and bitter galaxy…

Emry knew she was these things, because that was the kind of person she wanted to be. She wanted nothing to do with the way the nasty children at school kept hurting her.

…You are very much like your father, who is a noble and caring man…

It brought Emry an immeasurable amount of pride to know that she was like her father, who absolutely was a noble man. Emry was strong like Mara had said.

Emry sat up ever more in her bed, her heart beating faster as the flame of determination was stoked to greater strength. Now the counsel of Ignis and Mara wove together in a sentence that repeated like a mantra in her mind and heart.

You, Emry, are the daughter of Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade Skywalker…

… you are anything but a coward.

Emry took a deep breath, letting it out slowly and beginning to whisper the words in time with the way they came to her mind.

"I am the daughter of Luke and Mara Skywalker… I am a Skywalker…"

Finally, her eyes opened and Emry spoke loudly to the room, her resolve hardening.

"I am the daughter of Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker! And I am not a coward!"

And tomorrow, Emry would stand up to Winna Bibble once and for all, and Emry would use her newfound confidence to solidify herself in her training. Emry would work at her schooling, and she would conquer her trials.

Now, though she had been latching on to Ignis— and seeing some improvement— Emry knew that she would need to stand on her own two feet at some point. And what better time than the present, while change could still be made?

For the first time in too long, Emry actually smiled fully.

A/N: Thank you all for your continued patience.