Welcome back everyone!
So, Onderon is officially over. For some, the story may not be moving fast enough. I understand but as the old saying goes 'Rome wasn't built in the day.' Changes need to be meaningful not necessarily, quick.
Trust me, I would not have written this fic if I did not intend for some serious changes to occur. So with that being said let's reach into the mailbag and answer some reviews/concerns.
thedarkwolf95- You're right in one sense. Without any drastic alteration, the Jedi will fall, Padme will die, and Anakin will become Vader. It's to showcase just how far along the Sith's plan is and how difficult it is to defeat. Palpatine has been planning this for years and the Jedi remain totally unaware. But as I stated, Luke didn't come back in time merely to twiddle his thumbs. He's planning slowly but surely to do more. And more change is coming.
UnOriginal2Tall- I quite agree. It would be the same with any scenario. If I go back in time to prevent Julius Caesar from being killed, it doesn't take into account what else might occur.
latrunkster21- Sorry to hear it grosses you out. As to your question, I do not plan on any 'queer' relationships as of now though I'm not sure why that matters to begin with.
Rob1221- I see your point here. By the same token, Luke is part of something so large and convoluted he cannot hope to change it all at once. He needs to work from the inside as of now. Because let's face it, he's in no position yet to tell the truth about his real intentions.
AllegroGiocosco- Thank you as always for your kind insights:) The picture beyond Onderon is about to get a little clearer, thankfully.
The Rhombus- Luke being methodical is the name of the game here. Without pure, slow deliberate moves he'll never be able to change the past as needed.
Stephen H Smith- Amen, brother. A major focal point of the story is that Luke is the ultimate hero no matter what the circumstance. I will be heavily emphasizing that, throughout.
Guest- Things are definitely picking up. What I'll also say is that Luke is about to embark on a whole new journey in the next couple of chapters.
Thank you, again for the interest and support! This chapter doesn't necessarily 'move' all that much but it definitely has moving parts if that makes sense. Rest assured, there are some entertaining moments.
"You will never be entirely comfortable. This is the truth behind a champion- he is always fighting something. To do otherwise is to settle."- Julien Smith
Chapter 10. Sparring
The return to Coruscant was a jubilant one for Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka, all in relatively high spirits due to victory on Onderon. Luke, however, remained silent. Though Steela's death was haunting, his lack of words reflected a conflict that ran much deeper.
He'd saved Master Gallia from being murdered by a Sith. And yet on Onderon his prior knowledge failed to stop a preventable death and ensured a grim future for Saw Gerrera. It begged the question how much was actually within his control? How much influence should be wielded? Were there ethical limits to the changes he planned to implement? His newfound friends in the past still had no idea of his true purpose, though Ahsoka may have had the first clue that he wasn't some Force wiedling straggler seeking to make a difference for no apparent reason. Did that make him any better than Palpatine?
His time on Onderon put a temporary hold on thoughts surrounding the diabolical Sith Lord. Thus far, he didn't believe that the evil bastard suspected his true identity though he certainly might have been suspicious at the suddenness of the timing. A part of him wished he could have come back even earlier in the timeline. Just under a year remained before the Purge and the official beginnings of the Empire. But in some ways, the current structure of the Republic already resembled what was to come. Which begged the most poignant question of them all.
Was he too late?
Realizing these thoughts were causing a great deal of anxiety, he retired to one of the backrooms of the ship, choosing to meditate and give himself to the light side of the Force.
Slowly and internally he chanted his mantra.
The Force is with me and I am one with the Force
The Force is with me and I am one with the Force
The Force is with me and I am one with the Force
He allowed his pain and regrets to pass into the cosmic energy around him, stabilizing his mind and restoring calm. In fact, he went so deeply into trance that in no time at all their ship suddenly entered Coruscant's atmosphere. Ahsoka even had to wake him.
"Luke, we're back."
Eyes snapping open, Luke felt that his body felt much more rejuvenated (the battles on Onderon had tested his stamina quite a bit). Almost as though he'd taken a power nap, though the Togrutan sensed something was off.
"You okay?" she asked softly.
"Whether I am or not is irrelevant. Let's go."
But Ahsoka didn't give up so easily.
"Steela's death hit me hard too. But for her sake, for everyone's, we have to see this war through."
Luke shook his head.
"It's not just about Steela."
The padawan studied him up and down for a moment, crossing her arms.
"Is it in reference to what we talked about on Onderon?"
Luke swallowed. Force, this girl was clever and not to mention persistent.
"Yes. But as I said, the time isn't right yet."
Ahsoka looked as though she might complain but a sudden smile graced her feminine features.
"Come on. You need some cheering up. Anakin and Obi-Wan are taking us out to eat to celebrate. Join us."
It was an offer he couldn't refuse. Weeks without proper food definitely left a hankering for something tastier than stew and Republic rations. Not to mention more time with his father and first mentor.
"Sure, why not?"
Luke had never been to Dex's Diner before. He'd certainly heard of it but by the time he came of age in the era of the Empire the establishment no longer existed. In the year BBY 19 however, it thrived on a steady, ample supply of blue collar workers and delicious, home style meals that would satisfy the stomach(s) of any species in the galaxy.
Even better for the Jedi, Obi-Wan was good friends with the owner, Dexter Jettster, a large, male Besalisk with an apparently colorful past and a knack for cooking.
"My friend!" the reptilian boomed, lumbering over to give Obi-Wan a massive four armed hug. "It's been too long!"
"Good to see you as always, Dex. Mind if we take a booth?"
"Please, please take a seat. Welcome back Master Skywalker, Miss Tano," he added with a bow. He paused when he noticed Luke. "Not familiar with this particular Jedi. New friend of yours, Obi-Wan?"
"A recent addition, yes. Dex, this is Luke Ahch-To."
Luke bowed low. Any man Obi-Wan trusted he vowed to treat with respect.
"A pleasure."
"First time at my place, eh Luke? Don't worry, I'll fix ya up something good. Take your seats, my friends. I'll have Hermione take care of ya."
The quartet quickly found a comfortable booth, Obi-Wan and Anakin on one side, Ahsoka and Luke on the other. A pretty, blonde, curvaceous waitress which Luke guessed was Hermione swung by to take their drinks.
"What would ya like? Some water? Something stronger?"
"Just one water and three Jawa juices please," Obi-Wan answered.
"Coming right up."
Ahsoka began to pout.
"Hey! No fair! Why do you three get to drink alcohol but I can't?"
"For the simple reason you're not old enough," Obi-Wan teased. "Unless you'd like to somehow prove you're eighteen."
"Don't worry Snips, I'll let you have a taste when no one's looking," Anakin said with a wink.
"Yet another fine example to set for your padawan."
"What? Are you seriously going to pretend you never snuck me drinks back in the-OW!"
Obi-Wan had elbowed his former apprentice under the table. Ahsoka giggled while Luke watched with an amused expression. Seeing these two banter in action lifted his spirits considerably.
"Luke, I'm not sure what impression you have of the Jedi Order thus far in your time with us, but there are moments where we can relax and have a bit of fun. Especially with the war now in its third year, they're needed more than ever."
"You've all treated me with incredible kindness. I thank you."
"It is I who should be thanking you," Obi-Wan corrected. "You saved Master Gallia and your role in our success on Onderon is unquestioned."
"I heard you and Ahsoka worked well together," Anakin said with a warm smile.
"You're lucky to have an apprentice as brave and resourceful as Padawan Tano," Luke told him. He could sense Ahsoka beaming at him.
"And I was lucky to have Luke there too. There were several moments we might not have made it without his talents."
"You both were essential. What you did without official sanction of the Senate or the Jedi Order is something to be proud of," Obi-Wan said to them both. Their drinks were promptly served and he raised his glass. "I propose a toast. The first to our fallen comrade, Steela Gerrera, and may her soul rest in harmony with the Force. The second to your incredible resolve and leadership on Onderon."
"Here, here," Anakin affirmed.
Four glasses clinked together in unison in remembrance and celebration. Luke, having never tasted this particular brand of alcohol, thought it tangy with an underlying sweetness to it. One could barely taste the booze, which is probably why so many were fond of it.
"Do you like it, Luke?"
"I do. Similar to some of the stuff they serve at the cantinas in Mos Eisley."
"Ah, yes. You are from Tatooine as you told us."
Anakin nearly spit out his drink and Obi-Wan had to give him a hard pat on the back.
"He's from Tatooine?" Anakin croaked out.
"Yes."
"And you didn't tell me?"
"Honestly, Anakin, he's been with us for weeks and you haven't bothered to ask him?"
The brunette still looked incredulous.
"How often do you meet another Jedi from your home planet? Never mind a backwards dump in the Outer Rim like Tatooine? We're practically related."
It was Luke's turn to nearly choke on his drink while Ahsoka gave him a mighty slap on the back. The mention of the word 'related' was far too much for him to take in.
"He's not technically a Jedi, Anakin. Though he certainly has been trained as one."
"What difference does it make?" he turned towards Luke, blue eyes agog with curiosity. "So whereabouts on Tatooine are you from?"
Oh boy, this could get interesting. Me and my big mouth
But he didn't panic. There was much he could tell them without igniting suspicion although a side glance towards Ahsoka indicated she also desired to know more. As long as he remained vague and didn't give too much detail, there'd be no problems. He didn't think anyone at the table could handle the truth anyway. At least not yet.
"I grew up on a moisture farm near Mos Eisley."
"No kidding. I was Mos Espa. How'd you manage to escape that dustball?"
Luke received the impression Anakin was as reluctant to talk about his past as he was. Then again, his father had been a slave, unlike himself raised by his loving aunt and uncle. In hindsight one of many differences between them.
"I was found by an older man named Ben after being attacked by Sand People," he answered truthfully. "My relatives were killed but I managed to somehow survive. He helped me realize the true nature of my powers. He trained me as we traversed the galaxy."
"Sounds familiar. The Jedi found me too," Anakin said, taking another sip of his drink.
Luke gave a quick glance to Obi-Wan to gauge his reaction but thus far there was no suspicion in his eyes.
"And quite by accident. Then again, the will of the Force leads us to strange places. Without it, Qui-Gon and I never would have found Tatooine."
"So where did you go after this 'Ben' found you?" Ahsoka asked, continuing the line of questions.
"Everywhere," Luke stated simply, knowing the girl was testing him somewhat. "But most of our activity took place in the Unknown Regions. Sometimes even beyond it."
"What kind of activities did you do?"
Kriff this girl was persistent
"A lot. We encountered a variety of injustices. There were space stations the size of moons, bounty hunters who put price tags on our heads, and I even spent time with a smuggler and his Wookie best friend."
"Sounds like you've led quite the lifestyle."
"It wasn't all glorious," Luke said to Obi-Wan though he couldn't help giving a smile when he said his next words. "But we did rob Jabba's Palace once."
Actually, he freed Han and Leia killed the disgusting slug but given Jabba still lived and breathed in this timeline the precise truth couldn't be revealed. Of course, Anakin's reaction was priceless.
"No way! How did you do that without getting caught... or worse?"
"Let's just say Jabba was a bit too incapacitated to follow us."
Anakin's eyes shone with delight, his contempt for the Hutts evident, but the joy he took in the humor far outweighed any dark thoughts about slavery.
"Amazing. You'll have to teach me some time."
"What happened to your master?" Ahsoka cut in suddenly.
The table went temporarily silent. Up until now, Obi-Wan had been observing silently letting the conversation ebb and flow. However, he stepped in at the rather personal question.
"Padawan, that is enough."
"But-"
"Ahsoka," Anakin said, a warning in his tone.
"Come on-"
"It's not polite to ask people those kinds of personal questions, especially ones they may not want to answer," Obi-Wan stated firmly.
"I don't mind answering," Luke cut in. He looked at Ahsoka sympathetically. "My Master and I were betrayed by a dark side user. Despite my best efforts, he was slain in a duel. I failed to protect him. Afterwards, I withdrew from the Force for many years out of shame."
Obi-Wan had heard this story during the Council's questioning but Anakin had not. He couldn't bear to look either in the eye, knowing it was precisely them of whom he spoke.
Instead Ahsoka's reaction turned to great empathy. Luke knew she could sense his pain, his failure...and his motivation for why he was here.
"I'm so sorry."
"It's alright. The point is, I'm here now. And I'm going to make a difference this time."
This time he did speak to Obi-Wan and Anakin directly, though they didn't catch his drift.
"Well said."
He used the opportunity to change the subject off of himself. His counterparts weren't the only ones with questions.
"Enough about me," he said, hoping his cheer didn't sound disingenuous. "You've all fought in this war for over two years. I'm sure there are many stories to tell of your own."
"I wouldn't go quite that far," Obi-Wan said, clearly trying to play it down. However, this time it was Ahsoka's turn to scold her masters.
"Are you kidding? All the battles we've been in? What about that time you two got drunk, got captured by pirates, and allowed Count Dooku to escape?"
The two men gave each other shifty looks of embarrassment. Luke found himself highly intrigued. He hadn't heard that particular story from the ghosts of his father and first master.
"You really had to go there, didn't you Snips?"
Ahsoka looked quite pleased with herself, but she was not immune from teasing as Obi-Wan and Anakin hit back with an embarrassing moment of her own.
"Need I remind you padawan you were once held hostage by Cad Bane?"
"And I had to save you."
Luke began laughing, a bit dry but also true to his heart. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt this kind of joy. Those moments with Han and Leia? Helping little Ben hold a lightsaber for the first time?
Perhaps I've chosen to forget
"Why don't we start at the beginning?"
Obi-Wan gave a chuckle of his own.
"That could take awhile."
In the end, the four friends sat, talked, laughed, and enjoyed themselves well into the Coruscant afternoon. Dex cooked them four delicious meals (Luke agreed it was the best Nerfburger he'd ever eaten) and the Jawa Juice steadily led to more fun and stories with wild endings. It was, without a doubt, the best day Luke Skywalker experienced in many years.
Drunk and giddy, a brief moment of clarity came to him while Anakin and Ahsoka argued about pod racing.
This was a glimpse of the future, the one that could have been had things played out differently. Peace, love, happiness….it was all possible.
Whatever the odds, however Palpatine planned to put the galaxy under his thumb, he realized again what he was fighting for.
What Steela Gerrera fought for.
Over the course of Anakin Skywalker's young life he'd met many people that impacted him in a variety of ways. A space wizard named Qui-Gon appeared out of nowhere and revealed to him the true nature of his powers, his Master Obi-Wan Kenobi practically raised him as a father and later became akin to his brother. He'd met the love of his life and secretly married her even though the order he belonged to forbade such practices. Ahsoka Tano, headstrong and rash, but also compassionate and kind, became the apple of his eye, someone that made him proud despite his own flaws as a teacher. Every one of them he loved and would give his life for.
Luke Ahch-To intrigued him in a way none of those others did or had before. Not to say he didn't care about them, far from it. But something about the blonde middle aged man piqued his interest. Though they'd only known each other a short time, they shared a connection in the Force and through that force he could sense a plethora of emotions: affection, admiration, and love...strangely enough. Not romantic but akin to that of something between two family members. Stranger still, that fact didn't bother Anakin at all. It wasn't like he didn't openly enjoy the lavish praise and attention he received from the general public. After all, being the 'Hero With No Fear' certainly came with perks. But the feeling he got from Luke wasn't the same. The blond liked him not for his popularity but for who he was as a person.
Obi-Wan too felt a connection to Luke, though of an entirely different nature. The two had discussed it briefly but only came to the conclusion that Luke's own connection with the Force was the best explanation. Indeed, he was very strong, the raw power equal to almost himself. Ahsoka told him more than one story of his physical prowess: massive Force waves that knocked down thirty battle droids at a time, crushing Destroyers with a single hand, his lightsaber a mere green blur when deflecting blaster bullets.
Combined with his vague background, Luke Ahch-To had begun to turn heads. Even Mace Windu had been impressed when he learned of their success on Onderon. But abilities and powers aside, Anakin found he liked Luke for who he was as well: his innate kindness, wisdom, determination, and what he referred to as silent optimism. The former Tatooine slave didn't give out trust easily and reserved it for only a few...yet somehow it extended, however tentative, to this 'non-Jedi' who'd come into their lives out of nowhere.
And when something intrigued Anakin Skywalker he didn't hesitate to find out more.
"The situation on Dantooine is becoming critical," came the transmitting image of Mace Windu. "We've been forced into a stalemate just outside the Capital. Now the Separatists are sending in reinforcements and I don't have enough men or supplies to break through before they overwhelm us."
The rest of the Jedi Council, whether physically on Coruscant or off-world, debated the matter.
"Need more aid, do you, Master Windu?" Yoda asked.
"The situation is becoming untenable."
Anakin cleared his throat, knowing full well the reason the Council desired his presence wasn't another scolding.
"And you would like the 501st to provide extra support, Master?" he asked.
"Yes," the grim, ebony skinned Jedi confirmed. "I believe that it would tip the scale in our favor. And the 501st is not currently deployed."
"Are you sure you can't break through, Master Windu?" Ki-Adi Mundi asked. "The Separatists just launched another offensive in the Middle Rim and forcing them back has proved difficult."
"We're doing all we can," Sassee Tinn said through the rather static transmission. "General Secura and I have blunted them for now."
"And we cannot afford to lose yet another world in the Outer Rim. The 501st under Skywalker's command have proven themselves to be one of the most successful legions in the entire war," Plo Koon added.
"Are we in agreement, then?" Windu asked, clearly not wanting to debate the matter further.
Anakin nodded and was about to bow before exiting, however, another idea came to him, one he was eager to see play out.
"Masters. With the Council's permission I'd like to bring along Luke Ahch-To as well."
This garnered some looks, a sign Anakin knew meant he'd be met with skepticism.
"An unusual request this is," Yoda commented. "Enjoy his company, do you?"
"I personally like him, yes Master," he answered honestly. "But I also think he deserves a chance to prove himself in a real time war situation. His bravery and skill on Onderon proved he's more than capable."
"I must admit, reports of his feats are impressive," Windu said, furrowing his brow.
"Yes, but it brings up a dilemma as well. He is not technically a Jedi," Agen Kolar pointed out.
"Anyone not officially sanctioned by the Senate cannot legally partake in the war," Mundi said, clear disapproval in his tone. "If he is not a Jedi, what then can we allow him to do?"
Anakin resisted the urge to speak out of turn, impatience churning through his stomach.
And they say I'm shortsighted
Thankfully, Obi-Wan came to his rescue.
"I propose a solution, Masters. Why not allow Luke to serve as Anakin's aide? It would be within the realm of legality set by Republic law. Even if he isn't knighted, the designation essentially gives him the same rank as a clone commander."
He could have sworn Obi-Wan gave him the smallest of winks and resisted smiling so as not to upset the stuffier members of the Council.
"That...seems to be a workable solution," Windu said slowly.
As always, Master Yoda had the final word and he too seemed to be in favor of Obi-Wan's idea.
"Very well. Ahch-To will serve under Skywalker. Learn, he must. Tested, he will be. But nothing rash, yes?"
Despite the warning, Anakin could recognize by now when the Grand Master was being truly stern and the greenish twinkle definitely resonated in his eyes. Always a good sign.
"Yes, Master."
With that, the meeting adjourned and the senior members filed out but not before some final words from Obi-Wan and Yoda.
"Guess it's my turn to tell Luke the big news," he joked to Obi-Wan.
"Yes well, do be mindful, my former Padawan. Remember that this will be his first official battle under Republic jurisdiction. It is not a situation to be cavalier."
"Don't worry, we'll be fine Obi-Wan. Nothing Snips and I can't handle. She's my second in command after all. Luke can be the third."
The twinkling present in Yoda's eyes were positively dazzling now.
"Ahhh, assume, you do. No, Skywalker, this time, be there she will not."
Anakin raised an eyebrow at the unexpected twist.
"What do you mean?"
"A group of younglings I am taking to Ilum for the Gathering. Accompany me, she will. Your responsibility alone, Ahch-To will be."
There was no mistaking the amusement in Yoda's words. Almost as if he'd planned for this in the first place.
"Uhhh, Obi-Wan?" he said, his question clearly indicating 'a little help?'
"I too will not be going nor will the 212th. There has been an incident with the Hutts and I've been assigned to investigate the trouble. But it's as you said, Anakin, you'll be fine."
Anakin at first felt slightly intimidated but shook off Obi-Wan's minor teasing.
Come on, I've been in a million battles. Why should I be nervous?
"Yes, Master. I'll inform Luke right now."
He left the Council room to the descending turbolift unaware of the final private words shared between the two masters.
"You seem awfully comfortable with this unique situation," Obi-Wan observed.
"Balance each other, they can," Yoda surmised. "Alike they are in many ways yet also different."
"Perhaps there's another purpose as well?"
It wasn't often the Grand Master fielded questions from a former student, but in this case Obi-Wan's keenness proved accurate.
"Another test, this will be for Skywalker. Another step towards mastering himself and fulfilling the Prophecy."
"And you, Master, do you not think highly of Luke?"
Yoda didn't bother to deny it.
"Indeed, Master Kenobi. And you?"
The redhead answered with equal honesty.
"More and more every day."
Step, slash, strike, parry, spin and back.
Luke Skywalker repeated these movements again and again. Lately he'd devoted more and more time to refining his lightsaber skills. Though he'd been an integral part of the rebellion on Onderon it also showed him in terms of stamina and skill, he had much to learn yet. And what better way than to learn from the Jedi in their heyday?
"Good. Good. You're getting better with every sequence."
Cin Drallig, considered the Jedi Order's finest pure swordsman, accepted his request to train him further. Prior to doing so, Luke only knew what limited amount of what Obi-Wan and Yoda taught him before they both passed into the Force (Obi-Wan left him a journal with more details). But without the years of saber training most younglings and Padawans received, he'd been forced to improvise, even mimicking some of Darth Vader's techniques, which he later found out stemmed from a lightsaber form known as Shien/Djem So or Form V.
This had been the form he favored over the years mixed in with Forms III and IV in his younger years. However, by that point much of the Jedi knowledge had been either erased or locked away by the Empire and what little remained proved barely adequate when teaching others.
So he lent himself to Drallig's teachings, occasionally sparring with Ahsoka. He found out the nickname for Drallig among the younger Jedi was 'The Troll' which he found distasteful. He paid them no mind.
"Try to remember to give a better push from the right foot when switching from attack to defense. Speed is the key."
His opponent struck out again, with Luke blocking a succession of strikes before turning back around, attacking with such power, Drallig nearly buckled. He then flipped his opponent's weapon back around, sending the lightsaber into the air jumping up and catching it with gusto.
"Most impressive, Ahch-To," Drallig said in amazement as Luke flipped him back his saber. "Your technique improves daily."
"I agree," called a familiar voice.
Anakin Skywalker had entered the training room, his posture open and casual.
The way he carries himself...it's like he already knows he's the most powerful man in the galaxy
"I was wondering if I could have a moment with Luke?"
"Not at all, Knight Skywalker. Be my guest. I think he's quickly surpassing even me."
Drallig left the room leaving the two Skywalkers alone, face to face.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Luke asked.
"Well….I had some news to tell you. News I think you'll like but before I spill the beans, I'd like for us to spar first."
Luke's heart nearly dropped into his stomach.
Kriff, am I really about to duel my father?
"There's no issue with that right?" Anakin asked, sensing his trepidation.
"Oh no, not at all. I'd be honored," he replied, recovering his senses quickly. "I'm honored you think I'm a worthy opponent."
"We'll find out, won't we?" came the cocky response and the igniting of a blue lightsaber. "Come on, let's have some fun."
'Fun' wasn't the word Luke would use knowing full well this was the same man that had once cut off his hand on Bespin and attempted to lure him to the dark side. But he detected not a trace of that same darkness that consumed the Sith Lord stuck inside the black, mechanical suit he'd come to know and fear. In fact, Anakin looked quite playful.
It's almost as if Anakin and Vader are two separate entities…
Finally asserting the rational part of his mind that knew Anakin had no intention of harming him, Luke took a stance in Soresu to start out with.
"Taking a page from Obi-Wan's book, eh? This should be interesting."
Luke, son of Anakin, soon found out the full extent of his father's talent. Quick but precise, powerful and yet clean, and the way he moved his body could be considered equivalent to that of a speeding tank. This was the bloodline that started it all, the one he descended from.
Blocking a series of strikes, he did his best to keep the circle of his defense tight but Anakin quickly overwhelmed him, the Obi-Wan impression not entirely matching up to the original master.
"Come on, I know you're holding back," his father teased, pressing the advantage back towards the wall. "Show me what you're really made of."
Very well
Luke's competitive streak burst forth, as he dodged a strike, backflipped, ran towards the wall, dodged another strike and used it to jump over Anakin's back and aim a well placed strike, which was blocked.
"Not bad. A little Master Yoda in that one."
Anakin broke their saber apart and went into attack mode yet again. Luke couldn't help making silent comparisons. Darth Vader had been more direct and overwhelming, favoring pure power and timely strikes that hit like a full on Star Destroyer. Anakin Skywalker, while also powerful, used a bit more finesse and speed seeing as he had most of his limbs intact. Though not elevated as high as Vader, his father still towered over him at six two compared to his smaller, more petite five nine frame.
"Is that the best you got? Keep in mind your dueling with the best," Anakin boasted.
Luke could sense the confidence, even the arrogance of his opponent, that he thought himself equal to or greater than Yoda and Mace Windu. And it wasn't untrue per say. Only by the virtue of being as gifted as the man in front of him was he able to hold the line. But one thing remained true about Luke Skywalker and all in his bloodline: he never gave up.
Once more, Anakin pressed forward, giving his son all he could handle. Luke noticed how despite how powerful his father was in the Force, he did not tap into it the way Yoda and Obi-Wan taught him to, which he began doing, focusing on the cosmic energy around him and channeling his power.
Sure enough the tide began to turn and Anakin's strikes became far more wild. Luke parried one jab and stepped out towards the left bringing his energy and focus into pure attack mode. Now it was his turn to show what he could do.
Using his mastery over Form V, Luke now drove his father towards the same wall. Whereas Anakin's Form used a good deal of brute force, equivalent to that of a runaway ship, his could more be described as a flurry of quick strikes in such quick succession only someone of the caliber of his opponent could block them. In fact it reminded Luke a bit chillingly of their duel above Endor in a way.
"You're fast, almost as fast as I am," Anakin panted, stepping out of the way of the emerald blade in front of him.
"Oh, really? Why almost?"
"Because I'm twenty-two and you're not," he replied with a wide grin.
Luke then miscalculated, overextending himself which left his left side open and Anakin easily took advantage, grabbing his hand and plucking the saber out quick as a flash. For a brief second, the duel appeared over but Luke's veteran savviness kicked in, ducking behind and using the Force to take it back almost as quickly.
Reigniting their blades, they connected with a mighty crash, as neither yielded. Blue versus green, father against son, youth and power contrasting with veteran agility and knowhow. Their sabers hissed and creaked against one another until by the Force, the two men broke apart each breathing heavily and skidding about five feet in the opposite direction.
Anakin switched off his azure blade, clearly impressed with the workout he'd just received.
"Not even Obi-Wan made me sweat that much."
"I train hard," Luke responded in a way he hoped sounded humble.
"Well it's paid off. You are definitely ready for a real battle," Anakin said with a satisfactory smile.
"What?"
"I wanted to see what you were made of. I can safely say you're going to have no trouble on Dantooine."
Luke thought he already knew what was coming but something about being around his dad made him ask stupid questions.
"What's on Dantooine?"
"Master Windu and his bogged down division. Apparently they haven't been able to overcome the Separatist reinforcements. That's where we come in."
"Am I not allowed to officially fight on behalf of the Jedi?"
Luke knew the main reason he hadn't been given another assignment was for that reason. Could that have changed already?
"You are now. Under direction from Master Yoda, you'll be serving as my aide during this little excursion. Be ready to leave the temple tomorrow at 0700 hours. I'll have more details then."
He saluted with two fingers, gave one last easygoing smile and exited the training room leaving Luke to take in the news.
He was going on a full fledged mission with his father, fighting side by side.
Luke Skywalker had never felt such a mixture of fear and excitement.
A father/son adventure! One thing I can say with certainty is that Dantooine will not last four chapters haha.
See you all in a week!
~The Wasp