Author Note: Yo! This is the author. First off thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this chapter. Also we got over 70 FOLLOWERS. Thank you everyone that has taken the time to follow this story. I greatly appreciate it and it greatly warms my heart. Thank you guys, this chapter came out pretty good and I also have another author note for you to read at the bottom of the chapter. Please remember to follow, favorite, and review. It greatly helps with both my motivation and update speed. Have a great day!

Chapter 56

The cracks of lightning still shone overhead as Ben traversed through the outskirts of the Great Temple. His boots crunched along the harsh layers of overgrown weeds and wildflowers as Ben pushed through, his eyes squinted as he desperately tried to see through the fog that refused to give up.

Haru's lightsaber was still along his belt…a reminder of what he had to do. His eyes slowly closed as he wiped the strands of hair free from his face. A hollowed sigh erupting from the base of his chest as he knew what he had to expect, how he had to brace for it.

They had only been reunited and now he had to…

Ben knew that the chances of Haru surviving was slim to none. After besting Ruin, he forced leaped out of the hole and back onto the roof. Casting his vision in numerous areas to see if there was any chance that Haru could've survived the fall.

He didn't want to come to terms with it, but there was a huge chance that Haru had died. He was already pained from his injuries caused from there duel and battling Lord Ruin. He remembered Haru's form as he slid from his fingers …the way his body disappeared into the fog, like an all-consuming shadow.

No, Haru didn't slip from his fingers. Ben glossed down at his false arm, seeing the mechanical servos of the fingers slowly tighten into a fist at his command. His heat beating along his chest as he remembered Haru's confident smile and tone. Haru, sacrificed himself.

Haru wasn't a fool, and he knew Ben. He knew that Ben wouldn't have let him go and would've fought tooth and nail to pull him up, but the injuries he suffered were just far too much and he was already too weak from the constant battles this day has provided for him.

He slowly wiped the strands of tears from his face. His body aching him all over as the adrenaline slowly began to fade from his system. The pain was still there. The bruised kidney, the messed-up ribs and the many wounds that carved upon his body.

It was a tough fight…and within Haru's sacrifice he was victorious. Lord Ruin, a powerful Lord of The Sith and one of the senior members of the Sith Academy was killed by his blade. He could feel it, the way the echo traveled now within this place. He knew for a fact that right now in the Fire Nation the other two Sith Lords must have been freaking out and losing their minds.

Sith Lady Jax and Lord Fowl, they were the final two that remained and within their death would lead to the death of this New Sith Order. Then, all that would remain would be Aang besting and defeating Fire Lord Ozai.

"Ben…"

His eyes widening at the sounds of the voice. No, it had to be impossible. Ben snapped his neck to attention as he saw him. Slowly pushing through the brush, nursing an injury along his stomach as he walked with a limp. Haru with a pained smile approached as he nearly crumpled.

Ben quickly rushing over, his arms going along his apprentice's as he stopped his fall. "Haru!" Ben screamed out in joy. Happiness, his apprentice was still alive.

"What, you really think that a little fall was going to kill me?" He jeered with a sly smirk that darted along his face. Ben shook his head in response. Not of dissuading the claim but more of the boy's foolishness.

"I was able to toss a force barrier to halt my fall. Still…" His eyes drove towards his limping left leg. The injury speaking all the words for itself.

Ben slowly nodded as he began to walk. Draping his arms around Haru to keep him steady as he used himself as a crutch. Get to Jet and get healed, then they would reunite with his friends and discuss the remainder of what to do here.

"Ben, if you're here then that means…"

Haru's eyes slowly lifted with a gaze of terror. Yet, it was simply casted away by his masters slow shaking head. Already knowing the answer to the question. "So, that presence I felt was truly gone. Lord Ruin is dead."

The words parted from Haru's mouth, the words hardly feeling real along the edge of his tongue as they came from his very own lips. Lord Ruin, one of the greatest Sith of his day…the one that beat him and his master to a pulp months ago, was finally dead?

How many nights has he stayed up thinking back to that duel in which he believed he had failed his master? How many agonizing moments in which he broke free from his meditation due to the remembrance of what happened that day. The sizzling of his master's burnt skin, the hum of the strange curved bloodshot blade, or rather how Ben was thrown away…like he was a doll. How his body sunk into the deep darkness of the Northern Water Tribe waters.

Haru's breath slowly returned to normal as he swiftly broke himself free from his thoughts. "This is…amazing!"

The words causing Ben to throw up his eyebrow in curiosity. His apprentice continuing. "Lord Ruin, he was one of the many Lords of the Sith. Many of our generals within the Earth Kingdom wondered how we were going to kill one of them, but Ben, you did it!"

His grip tightened along his masters own, a wider smile sparking along his face as Haru stared at him. "You eliminated one of the most dangerous men alive in the world right now. We are one step closer to defeating the Sith once for all…and putting an end to the Fire Nation's tyranny."

'One step closer.' The words resonated within the base of his mind. His thoughts, repeating the word as it echoed along his eardrums. One Step Closer…Haru was right. With the added timeline of Sozens Commit the war was eventually going to end soon and he had killed one of the most important men on the enemy's side.

Yet, he had done this before…both during the Jedi Civil War and the Mandalorian Wars. He had killed many important and powerful people before, but this felt different than all those times. He felt, changed. He didn't know how else to explain it but something paramount had changed deeply within him. Ruin had died by his hand, the Sith Lord that haunted him was finally dead.

Before, the old Ben would be cheering, he would be jumping into the air at the fact that Lord Ruin was dead. He would've paraded around his corpse and took his lightsaber along his belt as a trophy. His revenge would've been complete. But right now, he didn't feel…anything.

Lord Ruin was evil. He enjoyed hurting people and was heavily immersed within the Dark Side of the force. He didn't hold no loyalty towards anyone, except the strong and powerful. He could even remember their duel within the Sith Academy. How when Ben was dueling Rowan how he threw out taunts to make Ben kill Rowan, his own prized student.

Ben didn't feel happy that he was dead…but he did not hold any guilt or anger that he had killed him. He didn't feel anything but a strange calmness that washed upon him like waves along the shore. He did what he needed to do, and that was it.

Maybe, there weren't any answers. Maybe this was just him being a human being and not knowing the answer to begin with. So, he slowly shook his head, it had been a very long day and he needed to check on the remainder of his team.

"Ben!" They had screamed when he had approached. His arm around Haru as his two friends ran towards him.

"Haru…"

Jet's words slipped from his mouth. Helping his master as he took ahold of Haru. Ty Lee watching them from the side as Jet and Ben leaned Haru on one of the many steps. An uncomfortable seat along the partially moist stone tiled steps but he was forced to manage.

Haru groaned as Jet pressed his palms along his back. His fingers cracking with dark tendrils of green force lightning as Haru's eyes drew towards Ty Lee, the girl now brandishing a bandage along her head.

"Who's the girl?"

Ben and Jet both raised their gaze towards Ty Lee. "Hello, I'm Ty Lee." She introduced. "I've joined up with Ben and the rest of team avatar. I also walk the path of the Jedi."

Haru's eyes widened, another force sensitive that was walking the path of the Jedi. His master was surely putting in a lot of work in already trying to rebuild the new Jedi Order. Yet, Ben's eyes glossed over, his eyes searching for something that should've been there.

"Guys, what happened while I was gone?" His eyes stopping along Jet's frame. His eyes widening as he saw what was around his belt, now another hilt was next to his own. He could see the strange blade, the white silk that covered the entire blade of the handle. "Guys, where is Celeste?"

Jet let out a sigh, his eyes narrowing as he averted his master's gaze. Ty Lee's own hand went along her shoulder, lightly rubbing it in place as she herself took a seat along the steps.

Jet after he was finished with Haru went to administer healing to Ben. Jet's ability, utilizing his shatter points and Dark Transfer were powerful ones indeed but there were many major drawbacks. He could heal many things and even possibly bring back things from the very threshold of death in extreme moments of emotional stimuli. Yet, his healing wasn't fool proof. It could help fix bone and seal up slight cuts.

Yet, the scars and the aching of his wounds would remain. During his healing was when Ben learned what had happened while he was gone. After his duel with Haru had started, Lord Ruin had arrived. Celeste, Jet, and Ty Lee were forced to handle it alone.

His eyes drew towards the plasma burns that riddled the floor. His fingers sinking into the base of his palm. Celeste Morne, a Jedi Master. Just like him she had crashed upon this world and had tried to save this world…but the effects of the dark side and Lord Ruin had caused her to fail.

She made the ultimate sacrifice…and Jet finished what she had started. She died, but in the end her death led to a greater evil to never be released. Just like what the old Jedi in legend had done before. Celeste, when the time was right would be immortalized and he would teach the next generation of her grand sacrifice.

He slowly rose from his seat. Stretching out his limbs in pained grunts of air as he cracked his neck. "How are you doing, Jet?"

Jet slowly nodded along. "It feels strange. I've only known Celeste for a short period of time but…" Her words streamlined along his mind's eye. The training sessions and her tough attitude, even though she could be mean at times she was still an amazing teacher. "Celeste, she taught me many things about the force and the dark side. Possibly, I think, I have grown a greater understanding of the force."

Ben's eyes widened at the words. Just like with Ruin, he had a difficult time explaining it…likewise Celeste's words and lectures still resonated within his head. Celeste was right, it was time to change and time to fully take on his responsibility.

He had encountered and conquered one of his greatest of trials as a Jedi Knight…no a master of the force. Ben steeled himself forward. "Celeste, she could be mean at times and kind of brash. But that doesn't change the lessons she taught."

Haru rose, swiping the clamps of wet long hair from his face. "She was the last of the old Jedi…"

"No…"

Ben's soft and calm voice slowly caused their eyes to draw towards him. His eyes filling with a light allure as those brilliant golden eyes shined with a fierce determination. Celeste may have been dead…but her sacrifice lived within them. Her teachings and memories still resounded through their hearts.

"She may have been the last of the old jedi, but it's not over." A small smile darted along his face. Even though she had been with them a short period of time so much has changed within him. He was finally ready. "We are the first of the new, Haru. Within her sacrifice, within her lessons she will always be with us."

With those parting words small smiles darted along their faces. Celeste lived and died a Jedi Knight…and within her they would take her lessons and forever honor them. Ben slowly cracked his neck once again, straining his sore limbs as he began to turn towards the serpent like halls of the temple.

"Hey, where are you going!"

Jet's voice rose as Ben snapped to attention. His eyes going towards his friends and companions, but he smiled in response.

"My lightsaber is destroyed. Honestly, I think this has been a long time coming." His golden eyes glistened at the words. A sparking smile decorating his face. "It's time I build another."

Jet slowly groaned at the words. He had remembered how long it took Ben to build his second lightsaber, likewise this would be his third lightsaber…his third lightsaber!

Jet had built his cyan blade inside the hidden enclave within the Water Tribe Territories and still had been using it. But Ben had his first lightsaber stolen, then the second one was destroyed within his duel, and now he needs to build another one!

Ty Lee wanted to speak, a smile along her face as she raised her arm to…but then she lingered and stopped. Ben's eyebrow slowly raising at the action. Usually even the darkest of circumstances Ty Lee would always have something to say and would always voice her mind. No matter how simple or airheaded it could be.

Yet, he felt something within her. It wasn't the dark side but something else…something deeply mingled within her. He figured it had to do with the recent discoveries of what had happened. Lord Ruin was inadvertently responsible for her family's death, likewise the death of Celeste Morne most likely wayed heavily on her.

He was planning on addressing it, but he slowly stopped himself. Ty Lee obviously did not want Jet or Haru to know. If she did, she would've simply raised the question now instead of holding back. 'I'll talk to her later, but right now there are many important things that need to be done.'

"We have the rations to hold off a couple of days to build our weapons."

"Our?" Jet repeated. Last time he checked their lightsabers were all fine, except for Ben who still held Haru's own along his waist.

"Come on, Haru. It's time for you to build your weapon."

Haru's eyes widened at the sudden proclamation. "Wait, what?"

"Yeah, it's time for you to build your own weapon." He slowly wrapped his arms around himself, staring at his apprentice. "Before you didn't have the time or skills to build your own lightsaber blade. So, I turned a blind eye to the fact that you were using your grandmother's blade. Though, now we are here, in the great temple of the Jedi."

Ben unclicked Haru's grandmother's lightsaber from his belt, tossing it towards the young Jedi. Haru catching it within his hands as his eyes drove towards the blade. He had used this weapon so many times. Its emerald beam had slowly become a growing constant within his life, it had even begun to feel like a third arm connected to his own. Him and his weapon, never separated.

Yet, he still hesitated. Ben letting out a groan as he rushed to address to his apprentice. "You must understand, Haru. That weapon was never yours to begin with. Yes, you inherited the weapon, but I assure you that your grandmother would've wanted you to build your own. It's a lightsaber, building your own is a major rite of passage that all Jedi must accomplish."

Haru slowly nodded with Ben's words. His eyes slowly closing as he let his breath out. Ben was right, this was simply a weapon to him. During his travels he had read so much of the old Jedi. He had learned what the lightsaber truly was…a tool, a beacon that inspires hope when those witness it.

Haru reconnected his blade to his waist. Ben still not finished. "The lightsaber is your past. Don't forget the lessons you learned, but I feel that building a new weapon will set you on a brighter path."

Haru let out another frustrated groan. He had read manuscripts about Lightsaber construction and now he was embarking on that quest of his own. Ben slowly nodding with the same smile on his face. Yet, a chord struck instantly through Haru as Ben began to walk away.

"Wait, Ben!" Haru quickly shouted. "I know that the electronics and the pieces are somewhere around here. But what do I do for my focusing crystal?"

Ben slowly ran his fingers through his hair. Yet, the next words that came out of his mouth striking and shocking everyone in the room. "Trust in the force."

It wasn't some monotone speech, or some heavy words he held. It was like a "hello" before starting work in the day. Haru's legs instantly sagging as Ben walked off without him. It was going to be a long day.

It had taken Ben a while to maneuver through the Ancient Temple Grounds. Before it was easier to find Haru due to the process of elimination and feeling through the force to find that dark side blip. Still, it had taken him a very long time. He traversed through the snake like halls, through the wandering labyrinth but within his journey he had located many important things.

This place was not as bad as Ben thought. Originally speaking he had thought the many years the order has been gone had reduced the grandeur of the old temple. He had expected rooms to be destroyed, the stone walls and flooring to be crumbling at their foundations, or who knows what sort of things could've been wrong within the structure.

Yet, he didn't find that…sure some of the rooms were flooded and there were many things within the temple that could be updated and fixed, but it wasn't world ending. Cafeterias, recreational rooms, private rooms that numbered in the dozens, a massive training center, and who knows what more could be located within these ancient halls?

This was completely different from the hidden enclave he had found. While that place was meant to be the last solace for the coming generation, preaching more for Jedi to be honed through efficiency alone. Ben could see it within this place.

Sure, it would take a lot of work to get this place running again but he could see it…this place, the Old Great Jedi Temple. The place where Grandmaster Zane and through the centuries many grandmasters have taught and led the order through here.

This would be where Ben would train the next generation of Jedi Knights, the place in which balance within the force would be set. With that thought he pushed open a massive double door. His eyes widening as he realized he was finally within the workshop.

This one was a complete contrast towards the rest of the temple and the prior hidden academy. The workshop within the hidden academy had simply been a medium sized room with a singular workbench pressed against the wall.

Yet, this one was insane. Possibly due to being sealed for so many years the workshop seemed to be in stellar condition. He began to move through the room as his eyes traveled along the strange and old shelves.

He used the force to drag one of the crates towards him. His eyes glistening as the light generated by his torch began to stream along the metallic handles used to build lightsaber blades. Excellent, he thought with a smile that spread ear to ear.

He made his way through the large room. Going through each box to get familiar with what was inside but also to keep an eye out on the parts he wanted. It had taken him nearly half an hour, but he had done it.

Carrying the pieces, electronics, and tools with his arms he dropped them over one of the many workbenches. Slowly cracking his fingers as he began to zone in on his weapon. His eyes slinking along the cool allure of metal as he slowly grabbed at the emitter, bringing it closer to his gaze.

Building a lightsaber…any weapon, required time and efficiency. Luckily, Ben held the time he needed and the know-how of building a lightsaber. This would be different from his other two weapons. In his mind's eye he began to think, his mind bringing him back to his prior times.

Within the Southern Water Tribe, he had built his first lightsaber, one that bore a brilliant violet blade. Back then he was stressed out, freaking out over the time constant created from Sozens commit. His heart muffled with thoughts of Kiara and the horrible and itching feeling of not understanding his place within the force was still deeply intertwined with his being.

Again, within the bunker of the Water Tribe's chieftain ancestor he had created his second lightsaber. This one bore many crystals of the Sith and even held a faintly powerful dark side aligned focusing crystal, one that bore a very dark blue blade. Back then, he was still horrified and angry at his defeat by Ruin's hands. Still holding onto revenge and hate because he believed that there was truth and power in such things. The lies he deluded himself with.

They were all him. The Ben that proclaimed to be a Jedi Knight, still afraid of opening up and coming to terms with his situation and his past. The Jedi's blade that he had gifted to Ty Lee as she walked the path of the Jedi Knight. Yet, his second one was destroyed by Ruin. But it didn't faze him…

The blade was a Sith's weapon. Created for him to destroy and cut down his enemies in an efficient manner. It had utilized many Sith crystals…even losing its blue shine to a deep red, the Qixoni Crystal.

It had borne…blue, red, and even the grandmasters teal. However, his second lightsaber after all this time felt strange to him. Maybe it was because it didn't feel like his anymore, or possibly he had outgrown it and changed instead.

The thought caused his eyes to widen. He slowly went into his pocket, dragging out the crystals he had recovered from his weapon and along his travels. The Qixoni, Lignan, his synthetic focusing crystal…and the Heart of The Guardian.

The crystals all pulsated along the other as they each hummed with immense force power. The Grandmasters teal lightsaber crystal was irreparably destroyed and could not be repaired. Still, the thought did not bother him as much as he thought it would.

Maybe, it was the cause of it. Grandmaster Zane and his sacrifice he would forever remember, he had taken the crystal to remember them and how he hoped that their bravery would shine through him. But what sort of reason was that?

Sure, they were all dead, but the Heart of The Jedi was forever within them, within him. He didn't need the grandmasters lightsaber blade to remember the sacrifices of the fallen!

With those thoughts he slowly scooped up the Lignan, Qixoni, and the Synthetic focusing crystal. He had no need for them anymore. The Dark Side was false power, and it always came at a price. He would not use false crystals to power his blade, never again.

His new weapon would utilize a single lightsaber crystal, the heart of the guardian. A powerful crystal of legend that resonated within the force. It called to both the light and the dark, it was one of both Jedi and Sith legacies and prophecies. He wasn't afraid anymore.

He had conquered his biggest trial, and this felt smaller somehow. He knew where his loyalty lied with, he knew in which his heart resided in. In a flash of insight Ben surmised that events had not been designed for him to struggle or to despair. Rather it was merely his journey and road to embark on dedicated by the force.

Perhaps the journey or understanding of the force was different for all Jedi. But for Ben, the idea that the Light and the Dark were simply choices to follow, it kept him tethered and made him recognize the balance along that sword edge. For him, there was no dark side or light side. There were beings of darkness and beings of light. It was merely a choice, light side, and dark side. Abilities are not inherently good or evil, it's how you use them.

That was the reason why he knew deep within what he had to do. He thought back to Celeste's words, he remembered the knowing spark of the Old Grandmasters smile as the Jedi died all around him. He even though back to Ty Lee. Thinking back to their encounter as the fire nation sun illuminated her features as they spoke, to be more than just a man.

He was ready…his training as a Jedi was far from complete but he had fought and conquered his greatest challenge. The winds of change were coming in a violent tornado that would shake this world to its very core, but Ben was ready.

This world needed not only the Avatar but also him. That is why he knew what had to be done. Not as a man…not as a Jedi Knight or as a Jedi Watchman. His eyes opened, the golden gleams of his orbs pulsating with a determined light as he knew what he had to become.

The Jedi were gone…he could never return to his old galaxy and Celeste had fallen. It could be centuries for another person like Ben to come from that black hole and to crash upon this rock. Yet, by then he would be buried in the ground. That made his new responsibility ever the greater.

Not a man…not a Knight…not a Watchman. No, a Jedi Grandmaster.

He was ready to take upon the role and the title. Sure, he had many years left to learn and even he knew his training was far from complete. But the title did not hurt him like it used too, he had fought bigger and scarier things than the anxiety and doubts caused from being called such a thing.

He glossed down at the lightsaber parts, at the strange glowing bronze crystal that hummed with immense force power. Before, his last lightsaber was wrong…it was corrupted. Yet, he refused to make the same mistake again.

So, Ben did what he always did and immersed himself within the force. His eyes narrowing as he slipped himself into a meditation as he begun to get to work. However, this one was different than all the other times he had built a weapon.

Before his mind was preoccupied with so much. Thoughts of the war, memories of his past, and thoughts of the future and the horrors that could come. Ben didn't entertain such things now.

A chill rode through his body that calmed him and eased his muscles. His eyes so narrowed that to the outside viewer Ben had slipped into a deep sleep, but in reality, he had slipped into a deep trance.

He moved within the daze as he continued building his weapon. The tip of his tongue stuck out between his lips as he concentrated with the mechanical task at hand. Feeling the slight zaps caused from the stripped electronics.

Ben before would have tried to rush, thinking of the deadline, and would've kicked himself hard to get the thoughts out of his head but Ben was different now. He let the dark thoughts; the anxieties rise within him. Yet, he didn't give them strength…with a parted smile and an exhaled breath he would continue his work. Letting the dark thoughts rise like a bubble along a steaming pot, then let them pop and slowly go away.

Ben was being meticulous and patient…calm, a feeling that Ben had not truly known for his sixteen years he had been truly alive. Ben took out the power source, installing it deep within the skeleton of his lightsaber as he rose it within the force. His eyes casting off brilliant projections as he noted the blade.

A vision of the weapon going across his mind's eye as he smiled in deep response. He wanted to make a weapon that would be his own, but he also wanted it to reflect the many lessons he had learned ever since he had crashed upon this world.

This was a weapon he would use for the rest of his life, the weapon of a Jedi. His last lightsaber was not of a Jedi, it was one of the Sith. For a second, he felt shame, but he slowly shook his head. He was ashamed of the way he acted back then…of the way he treated his friends. Back then he was simply a wild beast that was out for blood but now he realized the truth…

He had lost his way, but luckily through the help of those very same friends he was able to come back to the light. He had learned many lessons along the way, and he would be damned to ever repeat them. He was ashamed, but he would push that shame away so it wouldn't hinder his abilities as a Jedi. He would remember the lesson, and vow to never repeat it.

Ben's eyes drove back towards the lightsaber hilt. He began to use his tools to cut the pieces into interlocking configurations and to file down the rough edges. Connecting all the leads. Then he added in the control buttons.

He wanted his lightsaber to be a representation of the man he had become, and the promise he would forever hold to not only his friends but to this world. He would pave a brighter era of peace and rebuild the order.

His mind drove back towards the other people in his life. He thought back to Aang, Katara, Toph, Sokka, Jet, Ty Lee, and Haru. His friends that kept him on the straight and narrow and were always watching his back. Likewise, those of the Jedi. Meetra, Ulic, Celeste Morne. Those people that had helped him on his long and winding path to understand who he was and the responsibility he needed to shoulder.

Likewise, his thoughts drew back towards the others in his life. Those that made negative marks on his life that could never be repaired. Revan, Malak, Kiara, Lord Ruin…Rowan and Arya.

They had all left marks on Ben, both good and bad. Yet, there was a lesson within this and a lesson he would have to forever remember. All his choices were his own. Whether they be fighting within the Mandalorian Wars, the Jedi Civil War, or his own battles both physical and mental within this world…it was all his choice. Whatever burdens he would have to hold, he would take with him.

Ben stared down at his hilt. The skeleton of the blade was still visible, but the electronics were installed, the other parts that he needed were either grinded down or sawed off to make accurate projections to what he wanted his blade to look like.

Cracking his fingers once again, his clammy and sweat filled form began to move through it. Immersing himself deep within the force as he slowly began to put his weapon together. Sliding the emitter into its proper place as he would utilize the force within to seal it tightly, administering banding and screws to lock it in order.

With the handle mostly assembled, he slid on the remaining parts. The sleeve, pommel cap, the finishing touches of the handle, and the activator following through in position as Ben let out an exhausted breath of air. His eyes slowly narrowed as he began to realize that sleep was eating him up, yet he was far too close to being done.

He let out another breath of heavy air. His eyes now wide and alert as the lightsaber began to dissemble once again, slowly separating in half as he brought the lone bronze crystal up within the force. His eyes narrowed once again, his fingers sinking into the base of the table as he reached once again into the calm, feeling his vision and consciousness drift deep within the force.

The lightsaber focusing crystal connected on both ends. Ben, due to the odd shape of the crystal had to slowly shimmy it within the force to get a better placement as the hilt once again rejoined within the middle. Just like his first lightsaber Ben let the blade hover in the air for a second, admiring the peace of work he had created.

With another breath, this one lessening the tension as the relieved air crackled along his body as he understood how exhausted he truly was feeling. He took it within his right hand as his fingers wrapped around the metallic hilt.

Unlike his other lightsabers that utilized alloy metal, instead he utilized Arcetron metals for his lightsaber material. Giving off a crisp and cool silver-colored weapon. It was smooth to the touch. The grip was comfortable and matched the smoothness of the rest of the hilt, it would allow him to hold and wield the blade with the gentle ease of a Jedi Swordsman.

The thought caused a smile to dart across his face. His eyes tracing along the hilt of the overall blade. It was a single bladed lightsaber that he could comfortably hold with both hands. The multifaceted cylindrical hilt features three protruding, claw-like shrouds along the emitter, each of differing length and shape.

The weapon was surely different from his other blades. It held a significance within himself and the people that defined his life. He based the idea off the archaic and crude designs of the Old Jedi Order. Mostly around the time of Exar Kun…and Ulic Qel Droma.

The spiked emitters greatly reminded him of the holos that were very religiously utilized by many Jedi around the era. His mind's eye remarking on the old data of Exar Kun's own Sith blade and Ulic's own Jedi blade that he still held onto even after he lost his ability to feel the force.

Yet, that was the past, but he would never forget it. Within this weapon, within this blade he would never forget the lessons that had been taught to him. Meetra, Ulic, Exar, and even Lord Ruin…both the good and the bad had turned him into the man he was today, and he would never forget the lessons and experiences. It was the way.

As he stared upon the archaic and strange hilt of his newly crafted blade, he had an epiphany. This would be the last time he would do this, building a new Lightsaber. This would forever be his weapon and it would never be lost or gone from his hand or waist. They would be shouldered together through both battle and diplomacy…a powerful and blaring glare of hope this weapon would generate.

This new lightsaber would never burn red like his second blade, it had been wielded by a Sith back then. Its crystals were tainted and malignant, but this blade never shall harbor such things. This was his weapon…bearing his crystal.

Not one of the Darkness or one he had taken from the dead. Grandmaster Zane and the rest of the Jedi…not the ones of this world, but all throughout the universe, through both past and present has already given him there blessing. For all the Jedi, both past and present…they truly were the crusaders and protectors of peace, Ben was just far too deluded to see it back then, but now…he truly did see. He did not need Zane's crystal to hold him to the light or to remember the Jedi's sacrifice or bravery…he would never forget.

With those parting thoughts he thumbed the activation button as the blade sparked to life. He felt the energy it had created within the lightsaber first as it was charged up. Almost like the bang of the gun or feeling the roaring waves of the ocean clash along your face after that first hit. Shooting through Ben like the vibrant cracks of force lightning that once flew through his hands.

The devesting blade shot from the hilt, the humming of the weapon filling the workshop as Ben was both taken aback by the feeling and likewise the color. He felt his strength within the force grow nearly instantly, chambering along a deeper link within the ancient crystal. Yet, that wasn't it…merely the tip of the iceberg.

The blade was a completely different color than he had ever witnessed within his years as a Jedi. The blade of the weapon like its crystal gave it a unique shade. A unique and simmering bronze hue with a yellow core. Ben gripped it with his false arm, his features brightened by the strange color as he smirked in response.

Bronze, a unique color within the Jedi Order. Very few have truly utilized a natural occurring bronze blade, but the heart of the guardian was farthest from "natural" in the crystal sense. Unlike the blue and the green that filled many lightsabers there were very theories about the meaning of such a weapon.

Some Jedi Historians noted the ancient Sith Lord Freedon Nadd utilized a bronze blade during his time as a Jedi before he turned to the Sith. Their belief was how force sensitives that utilized bronze weapons held a pursuit of both strength and possibly regal authority.

Both things that a Jedi should not strive for or wish to achieve. Yet, there were likewise many that believed that bronze blades were utilized for those that held a greater belief in using martial strength and were more immersed within lightsaber combat.

Ben didn't know what to do with the information. He didn't care for regal authority but wished to progress in strength. Yet, he slowly shook his head. Theories, trying to match meaning to a singular color of a weapon. To Ben, it didn't matter.

He tossed himself into a lightsaber form. Slowly and carefully tracing along his elegant movements, feeling the flow of attacks travel as he maneuvered his new weapon to get a good feeling with it. The hum of each attack, the newly crafted molten bronze that casted off elegant streaks within the air after each swing.

Out of all his lightsabers this weapon's resonance was much improved. He wasn't using the Qixoni or a heavily attuned dark side crystal or utilizing a fallen Jedi's own gemstone. As a lightsaber its function was identical to his first and second, but in his hand, it would perform better than ever.

With a smirk Ben let out an exhausted breath of fresh air. Slowly cracking his neck from both the exercise and the long strain of building his weapon. He had lost track of time and bitter memories of the number of days he had slipped into concentration with building his weapon soared through him.

Turning off his weapon and attaching it to his belt, it felt nice. Slowly walking out of the workshop as he planned on making his way towards Haru to see how his friend and apprentice was doing with his own construction project.

Ben walked out of the workshop. Closing the massive doors behind him as he turned towards his side. Seeing the other halls as…

"Ben, you finished your lightsaber to?"

He heard Haru's voice first, maybe that was why he was hardly braced to see Haru himself. He wore a pair of new beige Jedi Robes. Opting out for a heavy robe like traditional jedi knights. Yet, that was the only thing about him that was nice.

His eyes were a bloodshot red, his hair was matted out and uncombed. He walked with a slight dreariness within his movements as his voice came out more rasped and laced with exhaustion.

"Haru, what happened?"

"Well, I found that crystal." He slowly sparked. Extending his finger behind him. "Within one of the chambers there was this chest filled with these good crystals. They weren't really anything to note but they still pulsed with force energy. Took me a day to attune it to myself and another two to build my weapon."

The words came out so matter of fact and laced that it took Ben a second to realize it. Three days! He had been within his room building his lightsaber for three days!

He let out a groan as his back slouched along the opposing wall. Slowly his fingers tracing through his own mound of hair, slowly disgusted by the amount of both dirt, blood, and grime that he had accumulated these past couple of days.

His own eyes drew towards Haru, now he held his own lightsaber blade. "Excellent, but what happened to your grandmothers?"

Haru took a deep breath. His eyes hovering with a strange gaze. "Her name was…Rena." He let the words loose like how one would release a secret. His eyes glistening under the pressure. "She was a great Jedi Knight. So, I went to her room and left it on her desk."

Ben didn't really know what to say. Yet, Haru didn't say or appear to wish to continue the conversation. Now his own hands traced along his own blade, presenting it to Ben.

He took is within his hands as he gave it a look over. Using his connection to the force to make sure that the crystal and necessary components were in order. Haru taking the opportunity to speak. "Took me a long time to build it. I had taken apart my grandmother's lightsaber before and put it back together to see how it worked, but it was the teachings within the scrolls and Holocron's which I found that really helped me grasp the process."

Ben slowly nodding along. His eyes glued to the strange hilt. It was a single bladed lightsaber that could comfortably be held with two hands. The hilt featured a slanted emitter instead of the cone shaped that Rena utilized within her blade. About two thirds of the entire hilt is covered in a dark brown, genuine leather would make the weapon comfortable to hold and likewise make the user an even greater warrior.

Ben smirked. "Great, Haru. You can ignite it." Ben tossed the weapon as Haru caught it in his right hand. Gripping the weapon tighter as he glossed down on it.

"Thank you, Ben." He slowly raised his glance. His eyes speaking over a million words but only three came out, but Ben already understood.

"Don't tell Jet that it took you a couple of tries…honestly, I think he's still annoyed about his first time with building his first."

Ben let out a vibrant chuckle. A slow laugh that Haru heard as he even let out a smile of his own…it was nice to hear Ben laugh. Taking a deep breath as his eyes drove back towards his hilt, his thumb going to the ignition as the weapon filled with both power and the force.

Haru was taken aback by the power that circulated through him as the Azure blade sparked from the hilt. The medium blue a reminiscent trait of his path as a Jedi Guardian. "Excellent work, Haru."

Haru slowly nodded as he couldn't hide his smile. Turning off his blade as he reconnected his weapon back to his waist. Yet, Ben's eyes widened. "Hey, where did you get those robes?"

"These…" He slowly glossed down to his outfit. "Yeah, I found them down the hall and to the right. There is a whole room full of robes. What you have…"

Haru was about to finish his sentence, but he obviously already knew. Ben had not even showered, and it had only gotten worse. Sweat still rolled off his body, his hair was stuck to his skin, and even his eyes were a heavy bloodshot from the exhaustion.

"Yeah…" Ben replied. Already walking away. "I'm going to head out now. Get cleaned up and changed…"

Haru nodded back as he began to walk down the hallway in which he assumed would have either Ty Lee or Jet. Yet, Ben wasn't thinking about that. Right now, he needed to shower, eat, and get some rest. The pains of exhaustion were slowly starting to wear him down and he was starting to realize that with all the power of the force…he was slowly growing more and more exhausted due to his prolonged use.

"Guess it can't be helped." He murmured to himself as he walked through those halls. He was going to get a nice change of clothes, especially a nice Jedi robe. He was slowly getting sick of being in his old clothes he used to wear back in the Southern Water Tribe, and he was starting to regret not taking Aunt Wu's gifted robes.

Yet, the present thought slowly began to swarm in his head. His fingers tracing along the long waves of hair as he slowly began to understand. Her words rippling through his mind, likewise the duel with Ruin lashing out along his mind's eye. It was finally time for a haircut.

Ty Lee stood alone. Her eyes going along the coarse ridges of the mountains along Earth Kingdom territory and likewise along the wild scenery that had transfixed her.

The wildflowers bloomed a whole rainbow of colors that had sunken in and ensnared her gaze. The rivers that moved and creaked with their own veracity and their own will was music to her ears. However, that wasn't just it…

The force was alive within this place, the living force. She could feel the number of animals that moved and scurried along as this place held a life to it. For so long she had gotten used to the dark presence or war or the deep darkness that the Sith polluted the fire nation with. Yet right here…within this place, she had grown to feel the Light Side in such a strange way. It felt so calm within here, her aura felt pure…it felt free.

They had been here for three days. They've been eating through most of their rations and getting water from the river but how much longer were they going to be in there for!

She was annoyed, infuriated. Her eyes narrowing as she slowly wrapped her arms around herself, driving her cloak deeper. How much longer was this going to take? When she talked to Jet about how long building a lightsaber would take, she thought he was simply over exaggerating due to the stories Ben had told her of Jet's own experience along their travels.

Yet, this was getting kind of ridiculous. Her and Jet had both trained together, honing their skills on a greater level. Heck, she even had a couple of new tricks.

A sly smirk slowly spread across her lips. Her eyes darting to a piece of broken off stone as she slowly raised her right hand. Slowly whirling the rock with a powerful push that sent it like a blip across the sky, with her force heightened vision she was able to see it slam into the riverbed. With a muffled cheer she slowly composed herself. 'Wait till I show Ben that!' She thought.

Her eyes now narrowing as she remembered the boy. A couple days ago before he had come to them…his clothes and body were fine. His hair was neatly tied into his bun and his clothes were fresh and clean. Yet, the Ben that emerged not even an hour later could've been someone completely different.

Numerous wounds and burns riddled his body. His shirt was completely gone and there were rips and tears within his pants. His boots were wet and looked to be completely submerged. Yet, it came as a shock when she realized what had happened…he had redeemed Haru and killed Ruin.

Lord Ruin…

The name sparked something deeply within her. He was the man that was responsible for the death of her family. The one that ordered their death for his father aiding the avatar so he could rescue their daughter.

She sneered in response. He was the one that forced Master Morne to steep deeper into the dark side…without her she and Jet would've been killed. Still, Ty Lee didn't try to think about Morne. She could see that cold steel glare, she could hear that cold tone that she spoke with, but she knew…that Morne still cared enough to teach them and train them.

Ty Lee failed her. She was casted out of the fight so quickly and knocked away. Celeste had ordered Jet to make sure she was alright but, in the end, he was forced to shoulder two burdens. Killing Celeste Morne and killing another Lord of The Sith.

Her lip tightened, her eyes narrowing as she tried to find a state of calmness. But all her meditations and calming tricks failed her at this moment. She hated Ruin, she hated what he caused, and she was glad that he was dead.

Yet was it okay for her to feel such things? She was still human, but she was also a Jedi now…didn't hate and anger lead to the Dark Side?

She had witnessed what it did to Ben. She had saw the cracks of lightning and the harsh feeling generated within the force when Jet utilized his ability. Was she unknowingly walking the same path that Haru once did?

She heard the door of the rooftop slowly creak open. Her eyes turning as she saw him…Ben. Before she was expecting the same dirty boy, but he was better…even within the force he felt, calmer. Like a distinct breeze traveled through him.

His facial hair was all gone, the small beard and scruffy look was now gone. Likewise, his long hair was completely cut way shorter and was now in a well-managed haircut. The sides were shorter than the top, an undercut.

Ben slowly made his way towards her. Ty Lee staring at his new clothes and his new lightsaber that slowly swayed along the breeze. Now he brandished a new pair of jedi robes. He opted out for the heavy orthodox robes and instead brandished a Jedi tunic.

It was a raven-colored robe. The outfit looked more ornate than the other robes she had seen or witnessed within her lessons from the Holocron and her own encounters with other force sensitives.

The tunic came with a pair of outstretched black-greyish shoulder guards that slightly extended, reminiscent to his first pair of robes. Likewise, an identical pair of black gloves and bracers rode there way along his arms, easily able to conceal his false arm and offering quality protection, his sleeves were tucked in the outstretched bracers.

The collar was slightly outstretched and slowly swayed along Ben's movements. He wore a pair of regal Jedi boots that clamped along the roof tiles. His golden eyes sunk along Ty Lee's frame. The cool sifting of the wind ruffling past their clothing as they swayed at the others sight. Ben's lips slowly parted as they turned into a smirk of his own.

That smile...that rare smile that Ben would only hold for her. Ty Lee, she knew she was pretty, maybe even beautiful. She had known it all her life. She had many people interested in her, and she had a couple of boyfriends, but many were very short lived and there was no real connection to begin with. Mostly just something to pass the time.

Yet, when she was with Ben it was the other way around…she was the one that wanted to be at the center of his attention. She didn't know how else to explain it. Maybe it was the constant threat of the fire nation that brought them together, his impressive and powerful connection to the force, or the way he relied on her and how in turn she relied on him.

She knew that she was enamored by him to a large degree. They had slept within the other arms and back then within the Fire Nation there moment of intimacy still caused her heart to pound along her chest. She could feel it within Ben, he desired her…and likewise he knew she desired him.

She knew for a fact, that whatever happened between them. If this was actually where their hearts lied, she would never need another and possibly Ben would…

"Ty Lee!"

Ben's yell broke her from her thoughts. Her head quickly shaking in response as she snapped her eyes open. "Yeah, what?"

"I've been calling you out for a good minute. What's going on, you haven't been alright."

Ty Lee swiftly shook her head in response. Her cheeks still flushing a bright red as she mentally kicked herself for having such thoughts in such proximity. Yet Ben wasn't asking about such things, his eyes radiating with concern and warmth.

"Ty Lee, I know that something has been up." He raised his hand towards her. Slowly in response, almost like he was dealing with a scared animal. She slowly raised her own hand to meet his, their fingers interlocking as he drew closer. "I know that things been hard. But I want you to know that you can rely on me. I'll always be on your side."

Ty Lee let out a deep breath. She didn't really like talking about her feelings. Positive feelings and auras she didn't mind but when it was truly negative stuff. She usually dealt with it on her own. "When you went to talk to Haru. Lord Ruin, he came and…" Her teeth gritted under the pressure. Her mind's eye, broadcasting a plethora of memories along her mindscape. The feeling of Ruin slamming her across the face, the harsh feeling of the wind rippling around her as she was thrown away. The feeling of her consciousness slipping as she could hear the screams of Celeste. "I failed."

She spoke the words like it was truth. Her eyes wavering as her other hand went towards her chest. Ben could feel the way her fingers tightened along him, almost suffocating in the way they squeezed. Ben didn't answer or speak, merely listening.

"I was too weak to defeat Lord Ruin. I left it all to Jet and Celeste…and she was forced to make a deeper connection to the dark side. I failed them, like I failed my family."

Ben could feel the cutting guilt that pore through her words. How each word chambered was like a knife through her heart. Ben simply listened on, but he felt her hand slowly untighten. Her gaze raising as she looked at him. "I really am a failure, Ben. Maybe this is the wrong path. I know that I've been told how strong I am, but do you really want me as a Jedi?"

Ty Lee watched as Ben stared at her. His golden eyes peering at her as more tears welled down her face. To Ty Lee, she had thought that Ben was examining the words that she had spoken. Was he thinking about abandoning her…about truly discarding her?

Yet, it happened. His strong arms draped around her body, pulling her tighter and along his chest. Her eyes widening among the interaction in shock for a second. Her arms drooping limply as she felt it, his heart. Beating along her ear as tears began to well up. Her shoulders quivered as a muffled sob came upon his ears.

"You aren't a failure, Ty Lee." Ben spoke. His words strong and definite. "You're a Jedi apprentice and you only started a couple of weeks ago. You can't blame yourself for what happened. Celeste made her choice, and she sacrificed herself for you and Jet."

Ty Lee quivered, her form shaking in response. "I'm sorry, I got you into this…dumping my problems on you. I've always had ideas and thoughts of what it meant to be a Jedi. I thought, I thought I was going to be like you and Jet but…"

Ben clicked his lips, slowly separating from Ty Lee as he still held a grip on her by her arms as he stared into those brilliant brown-greyish eyes of her. "Your right, you aren't me or Jet. But that just means that you have your own style and experiences to go through. Jedi training isn't static or the same for all force sensitives…you have to walk your own path and journey; I am merely there to guide you."

"But what if I can't do it. What happens if I just keep on messing up or am not strong enough to help you guys?"

Ben sparked a sly grin. "Don't be an idiot, Ty Lee. I can get your airheaded attitude but don't be like this." He steeled himself, yet that small smile was still there. "I cannot wait for you to formerly embark on the Jedi path. You've learned so much from both me and Celeste, trust me you have nothing to fear. Soon, someday you will have the time to put those skills to use…and I can't wait to see the Ty Lee, I know you can become."

His smile extended, a closed smile that didn't show any teeth. Ty Lee stopped crying, the tears still visible as she quickly rushed to wipe them, but there was something there. "As long as I am by your side. I know that I can do anything."

She saw his face, the widening of his golden eyes as he registered the words that she had spoken. They weren't words of companionship or friendship. Rather they spoke of something more. The powerful red hue of her cheeks, the pink of her lips as her fingers traced along his throat, feeling the scars that had been faded away from days long past.

"Ty Lee…"

Words flew from his mouth. His own cheeks brightening a deeper red as his heart shook and beat like a drum along his ribcage. This was different than all the other times. He stopped, very suddenly, when she found his face with her fingers. His cheek was smooth and warm. She found a stray black lock of hair across his eyebrow and traced lightly along his features.

Ty Lee was always a social and upfront girl. But even then, it did not occur to her that she was going to kiss Ben until their lips connected. His eyes widening at the sudden gesture. Ty Lee's narrowed eyes instantly sparking open as she lurched herself back.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"

"No, it was nice." Ben's eyes once again met Ty Lee's. His arms going around her as he pulled her closer. "I just didn't expect it." He slowly chuckled as his own hand went along her cheek. It was his first kiss, and he was running off that feeling.

"But it was nice." Ben slowly tracing along her chin and cheek. Bringing her closer as Ty Lee stood on her toes to reach him. Their lips connecting as once again they felt it, that connection…that powerful feeling that brought them together.

They parted after a minute as Ben slowly took her by the shoulders. "How was that?" He slowly asked. His cheeks flustered as Ty Lee's own still held that red glare.

She smiled, her eyes illuminating with a lightness of their own. "Good…" She slowly mumbled. Her arms connecting along Ben as she brought him closer. His arms going along her own as the setting sun was being swallowed by the mountain top.

"You know, we are going to have to figure this out."

Ben let a smile spark along his face. His eyes darting towards the sun as the crisp orange glow casted off a brilliant feeling along their faces. "Trust me, I know."

With those parting words the two young force sensitives silently watched as the sun slowly dipped along the horizon. The harsh glare slowly mellowing out as the other held the other tighter. Their eyes glistening under the light. There connection was heightened as they finally held the courage to explain how they felt. Now it was merely just a boy and a girl…standing on the roof of the Great Hall of what was meant to be the birthplace of the New Jedi Order.

"Haru!"

The sounds of team avatar echoed in unison as they arrived. There carriage stopping in front of the camp as Haru disembarked. Leaping from the carriage as his eyes drove towards the running members.

"Guys!"

Haru ran to meet them. Connecting with Sokka and Katara as they all hugged. Their eyes closing as they quickly once again separated. "Haru, what happened?" Sokka was saying but he was quickly interrupted.

Katara winding a hit along Haru's back. A massive slap echoing as Haru let out a muffled groan. "That's for falling to the dark side you idiot…" Katara spoke. Wrapping her arms around herself as she stared at Haru.

"Damn, I guess I deserve that." He answered back. Yet, he slowly began to walk deeper into the camp. He was still the leader of this battalion and now he was back, and he needed to make sure that everyone was doing alright.

"You did good, Ben." Katara spoke up. Her eyes widening at Ben's new look, but she was happy to see it. She was reminded of the old Ben. The one that vowed to never forget the avatar, the one that bore such robes.

Sokka smirked. "Good job, you brought him back."

Yet, the moment was ruined. Ben feeling it first as his eyes snapped to the sky seeing Aang's glider whirl towards them. Nearly crashing as the young airbender made his move towards them. He breathed heavy, his staff instantly compacting into itself as Ben ran to catch him.

"Aang, what's going on!"

Aang grabbed onto him with a vice like grip. Straining him forward as he gripped harder, his eyes radiating with an exhausted and vibrant stare. "The Fire Nation…there going to invade Ba Sing Sai!"

Author Note

First off, thanks everyone for reading to the end and checking out this other authors note. Trust me it's quite important. For anyone wondering right now I am planning on going on a short hiatus for the fic. I know, we're nearing the end of book 2 and the drill chapter is coming up. Trust me, I know, but I have other responsibilities that right now are going to take over my time in writing my story. Also, before we start with the next part I am going to list out what Ben's lightsabers and robes both look like if anyone wants to see a better description or even a picture to get a better view. Just type into the internet and it should come up.

Ben's Third Lightsaber - Tales of The Jedi Lightsaber

Ben's New Robes - Zayne Carrick Black Robes

The next chapter, chapter 57. Is an Arya, Rowan, and Ben flashback chapter. I know that these last couple of chapters haven't really focused on team avatar but I also need to provide the necessary character growth for Ben and likewise need to set up Rowan and Arya as antagonist. This flashback chapter will show the reason why Arya and Rowan are so messed up and the early signs that Ben failed to pick up on within his friends. Likewise explaining there true fall to the dark side. Thanks for reading and seriously, thank you guys for the reviews, follows, and favorites. It greatly inspires me to write more and eventually finish this story. Thanks once again and have a wonderful and awesome day!