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Chapter 36

"So you've accepted the truth?" the time traveler decided to be merciful, placing the Tarisian ale down on the table.

Obi-Wan and Siri spluttered.

"Oh, come on," Luke said, amused, "I know what love and attachment feels like. I did encourage you two to get together."

Kenobi had the good grace to look absolutely humiliated at his words. Everything he told them was the truth after all.

Whenever Luke thought about how his parents hid their relationship for over three years, it always baffled him how they were able to maintain the act under the Jedi's noses! Now, when observing Kenobi and Tachi through the Force, it was incomprehensible how they managed. If his parents were this bad, if at least a few of the Order members focused whenever the two came close together, their secret would have been revealed a day or two after their marriage. And that was being generous. Force, these two were even worse. At least, his parents had the excuse of being outside of the Temple. Kenobi and Tachi were right within the Temple itself.

"Yes," Obi-Wan relented, pulling his beloved against him, "neither of us couldn't deny the truth any longer."

Luke offered compassionately. "If you ever choose the Jedi Order, or your relationship is discovered, or just need to talk, you can always contact me." He insisted.

"We're becoming heretics more and more," Siri sighed, "but I just can't care anymore."

"You both are just embracing what always been there," Luke replied in a quippy voice, fighting a pang at how Siri sat in Obi-Wan's lap, the way his arms wrapped around her. He was doing this for her. Was doing this for his mother who never got to live the life she'd deserved. But that didn't mean that Luke's own emotions didn't come undone sometimes.

It sometimes expanded to the thoughts of Owen and Beru, Biggs, his father, and so many others.

He wouldn't waste this second chance, he'd known that. He was the only one with a sufficient amount of power to stop Palpatine and knew where most of the bodies were buried. The only thing was finding those bodies wouldn't exactly lead to a satisfying result as Palpatine had contingencies for everything that would activate post his death.

Luke had been making his own contingencies for over a year now which wouldn't counter them exactly but minimize those said contingencies. Time was on his side as well. He just had to handle things carefully or else risk the Jedi losing everything.

"So when's the wedding?" Luke asked, barely giddy.

Siri spat out the drink, and Obi-Wan coughed, making Luke chuckle.

"We can't married.." Obi-Wan said between coughs. "To even consider such... is too far."

Luke rolled his eyes. Yet, a secret relationship wasn't.

"We would have to turn in our resignation for the Jedi Order," he groaned. "Kriff, Siri, did you have to spit on the rug?"

Siri choked and gave him a teasing look, "Would you have rather have me spit on you, Obi?" She directed her attention back to Luke. "We are already going behind the Council's backs enough."

"And we just reunited. Who marries after such little time?" Obi-Wan asked.

An unintentional dig at his parents.

"Sometimes, I'm uncertain if Qui-Gon or Dooku knows and is turning blind eyes," he continued.

"We aren't asking to find out," Siri declared.

"Yes, well, you should be careful," Luke advised. "Lies can tear apart relationships."

Both gave him an inquisitive look.

"You... don't approve?" Obi-Wan blinked.

"I do believe that secret relationships are unwise," Luke nodded. "But that's my personal opinion. I'm really happy for you two. Do try to be there for each other." It was obvious that neither Jedi were comfortable enough to leave the Jedi Order just yet. Hell, doing so might lead them to withdrawals.

Obi-Wan stared at him further.

Something was up.

"Do you have something you want to tell me, Obi-Wan?" Luke questioned knowingly.

"I... haven't been the same since Naboo," Obi-Wan confessed, looking at his beloved, who nodded, "Luke, when the palace exploded, I've... given into the Dark Side."

That was shocking.

Obi-Wan Kenobi? The Jedi of Jedi giving into the Dark Side? Perhaps Obi-Wan was the best traditionalist Jedi of the era, which included all Jedi from outside of the Order, however, the man was far from perfect. Kenobi's actions, even those which the Jedi Order would compliment, ESPECIALLY those the Jedi Order would compliment, had a direct impact on his father's descent in one way or another. Of course, his father was far from blameless in that whole debacle, but sometimes Kenobi's treatment of him was a textbook example of why Luke's Order cracked down on understanding the impacts of events like slavery on another being, or other of familiar trauma after a certain amount of time. Under Luke, Anakin was seemingly stable. Obviously, the time traveler wasn't going to allow Anakin around Sidious for him to weed the boy in and feed him falsehoods which would turn him against friends and family again. Nor, put Shmi Skywalker into a position for assassination.

Luke stared at the man, sensing him expecting condemnation or other of some sort. Instead... "Yet, you let go of it. You're not lost, Obi-Wan, every Jedi touches the Dark Side. You're not lost forever for it."

The moment his father redeemed himself, Luke realized Yoda was wrong on that matter.

"This reinforces my meaning. When you have someone to fight for, you can return from it. You're still a Jedi through and through."

"Have you touched the Dark Side before?" Siri asked.

"Yes," Luke admitted, "multiple times. Darkness exists in all beings. You shouldn't feel ashamed for it. That makes it stronger. But you have to face it and control it, never let it control you."

"What the Trade Federation did to Naboo was terrible," Obi-Wan said lowly.

"It was," Luke nodded in agreement.

'I dislike war for this reason. Wish there was a way out, but it was not meant to be. The galaxy is not a peaceful place, even with the Force in balance.' he thought, still feeling something within him revolt at the fact that he was all but endorsing a war, even if it saved millions.

How could he ever call himself a Jedi in the same regard after this?

He stared down at his white patch over his black costume.

"Do you feel fallen, Obi-Wan?" Siri inquired helpfully, poking against his ribs.

"No," the Jedi stated stiffly.

"Then you should take what happened as a learning experience," Luke retorted wisely, recalling when his pure pacifism faded and he became more receptive between a balance of the two. "You're not fallen for mistakes, Obi-Wan. Just remember never forget yourself."


"Have you landed under a Master yet?" Anakin asked, looking at the other boy.

The two were in a private training room, but it was a good place for discussion. He could tell that the other Jedi weren't happy about him and Kento's friendship. Luke had to break it down to him: The Jedi viewed them as heretics, someone whose training would fall apart.

But it didn't mean that Anakin and Kento were any less friends. Kitster hadn't wanted to come to the Temple yet, and no one argued with him, though Anakin would like for him to meet Kento.

The boy answered grouchily, "No."

"The offer still stands," Anakin retorted, "Luke is always teaching me new things. Maybe he can help you as well."

"Well," Kento said a little bit rudely now, "I want to get my own Master. Your Master-"

Anakin's hands clenched. "He's not my Master."

"What is he then?" Kento asked, darting an eyebrow.

"An instructor and brother," Anakin answered optimistically.

"The one who is teaching you to feel attachments!" Kento exclaimed.

Anakin corrected coldly, "The one who is training me to be the best Jedi I could be."

Kento eyed him before looking down and shifting. "...Sorry."

"Hey, it's okay." At least he apologized. Seek and the others never did. Slowly, Anakin started realizing that those other guys on Tatooine were never his friends. Only Kitster was. "I was just wondering."

Kento slowly regained eye contact and sighed, "So what did you learn?"

Anakin began the story of his last training session. He could tell the other boy was still sad about not having a teacher yet. Hopefully, that would change soon. When finishing the tale, the boy smiled through his teeth.

"That's great," Kento said, "you're going to be a great Jedi. Good to know your late start isn't slowing you down."

Anakin realized the last part was a joke and decided to return, "Better than you."

He felt the Force tugging at him. Someone was watching them. He turned around, frowning at the seemingly empty wall, only outside.

He stood up and began moving. Kento followed behind, his eyes locked on him in confusion. When Anakin saw a taller girl, he tensed up, momentarily thinking she was a Jedi Master, only to see her childlike features and was instantly debunked.

"Hello."

"Hi," the taller girl said awkwardly.

"What is it, Anakin?" Kento asked, coming to his side and finally seeing the other child with them.

The girl's expression became stunned, "You're Anakin Skywalker."

"I am..." Anakin confirmed. "Who are you?" He asked lowly.

"Lorana Jinzler." A silence passed. "Well, I have to get going."

"Why?" Anakin asked.

She stiffened, "My Master says I'm not supposed to talk to you."

"Why not?" He asked, a little insulted. "What did I do?"

Lorana answered. "Nothing, I... uhh guess." She bit her lower lip. "But he tells me that you're not what a Jedi is supposed to be."

"But there are multiple sects of Jedi, right?" Anakin asked. Something about her was off. "Just because I'm not in this Temple doesn't mean I'm not a Jedi."

"Maybe," she relented, her face becoming agonized, "but-"

"I don't want you to be into trouble, but you don't know me," Anakin replied softly, placing his hands on her shoulders slowly, something that was a little awkward given her taller stature, but still, a show of affection. She grimaced slightly at the contact. "Are you alright?"

"Yes."

"Lie," the Force whispered.

"You're... lying," he said slowly. "It's okay to come forward and tell people what's wrong."

This girl was giving off "signs" that were far too familiar to him. Who was this girl's Master? Anger started to bottle up within him...

"Anakin, are you alright?" Luke's voice cut through his senses; concerned, yet firm. "I can sense you from here. You're not in control."

"There's this girl," Anakin replied, "she seems scared."

"What's her name?"

"Lorana Jinzler." Luke stiffened through the bond. "What?"

'I'll be there soon, Anakin,' Luke retorted before the bond closed off.

"I really have to go," Lorana said.

"No you don't."

"Yes, I do!" she raised her voice slightly.

"You're not going anywhere," he replied firmly.

"I..."

"Lorana!" A voice barked behind her, and Anakin instantly grimaced, the body becoming tight as the form of a much older man came forward. "Padawan," he added lowly, "what did I tell you about talking with-" he eyed Anakin, "them..."

She instantly straightened up like she was in an auction and apologized, "Sorry, Master!"

"I forgive you," he replied, "but let's go."

"You can't leave," Anakin managed to find his voice, silently thanking the Force that Kento was here.

"Oh, and why not?" The man asked sharply.

"Because I need Lorana's help about something," he fibbed.

"No," C'baoth said firmly. "You don't need my Padawan for anything. She is needed back in our apartment."

"She's not going with you!" Anakin exclaimed, his frustration boiling over.

"She's my student."

He winced when the older man's eyes hardened. "She's a person and her name is Lorana!"

Anakin refused to let go of his eye contact, fearful for her. He gripped the girl's arm harshly, making her bite her lip to prevent a yelp, before calming down, his fingers softening.

"She is, but to grow as a Jedi, she must listen to her Master and Instructor."

"You're not taking her anywhere!"

Amusement radiated off of him now, "Oh, and what can you do to stop me?"

"He may not be able to do anything but I can, Jorus C'baoth," a voice cut in firmly.

"Luke!" Anakin exclaimed in relief, glad his mentor was there. "I'm so glad you're here! He was acting like a sla..."

"Calm down, Anakin," Luke advised, sending comfort through the Force, "you have the right to feel this way, but don't let your anger consume you."

Anakin breathed in and allowed his shoulders to calm.

"You should be training your brat right, Skywalker," C'baoth said coldly in a tone that tested his control. "Maybe, a firmer hand would be necessary for him."

"Nevertheless, I hold the same sentiment. She's not going with you," Luke declared calmly.

"She's my student," he replied through gritted teeth, "and you're not even an official member of the Order. You have no jurisdiction."

"No student should feel unsafe in the presence of their instructor," Luke pointed out. "You're meant to protect her, but you believe she is bound to follow you because of your mentorship."

"I do protect her!" C'baoth snapped. "She would have been in the AgriCorps without me!"

"You speak of her as if she is a thing instead of a person. That is your folly."

C'baoth scowled, "No wonder this insolent boy is your Padawan."

"Much more than that," Luke acknowledged, getting closer and pointing with his index finger. "Move over there."

"How da-"

"I said move." Luke's tone was authoritative, yet dark and sharp, as if he was talking to his worst enemy.

'Wow, he really isn't messing around,' Anakin thought.

C'baoth stood in defiance for a few moments before he started to move. A few seconds later, he was away from Jinzler and the Younglings, and stood across them, allowing Luke to place his arms on her. She winced when his hands traveled to her shoulders.

"Honey, let me see your arms. I can get you away from him," Luke guaranteed, "but I need you to let me see."

Lorana hesitated, eyeing C'baoth who was staring at her contemptuously, before him, and slowly revealing her sleeves. Anakin's jaw dropped when he spotted intense bruising and marks on her arms. Luke's sessions were rough at times and could leave some scarring but never left bruising like this! Far from it, Anakin enjoyed all of them. It felt like he was actually achieving something instead of getting hurt, and Luke allowed him to drink and eat after, as well as allowing him to express any discomfort. This was just too... too much...

Luke's face darkened before he glared at C'baoth. "And I'm going to assume there's a good explanation for this, Master."

"Marks happen in training," C'baoth replied innocently.

"Yes, but not this much," Luke countered. "What are you doing to her?"

"..."

"Come on. Why don't you tell us all?" he encouraged.

"I'm preparing her for you," C'baoth spat, "we all know what you would do to the Jedi. You're a Dark Side Adept in disguise, aren't you?"

"No," Luke replied, remaining calm, "I may not be part of your Order but I am a believer of the Force. And Anakin Skywalker trusts me to have his best interests at heart. Can't she say the same about you?"

"What do you have to say about this?" C'baoth asked with a air of mocking.

"In truth? You have violated a sacred bond and abused your position of authority..."

The next words were probably the worst thing someone could say to a Jedi. And somehow, it added a whole lot of meaning when it came from Luke.

"...and you don't deserve to be a Jedi."

A silent gasp filled the air.

"I am the best Jedi in millennia!" he exclaimed, eyes darkening.

"I don't agree, and I doubt the Council will after they hear this."

"No one will believe you," C'baoth retorted coldly, "you have no evidence of me being responsible. I could just say she fell."

Whatever Anakin thought was going to happen like the two pulling out their lightsabers and clashing, it didn't.

For a moment, Luke continued staring at him, keeping the girl close.

Then, he batted an eyebrow at the corner. "Did you catch all of that?"

"We did," came the familiar voice of Master Windu.

Accompanying him was Master Yoda, Koon, and the Jedi Council stood, present. Lightsabers were held in some of their hands but not activated.

"Padawan Marek, follow me," Master Yaddle said softly, beginning to lead him away. "Skywalk-"

"I must stay with Lorana," Anakin defended, only barely able to resist shouting.

"Anakin, go with them," Luke commanded.

"Awwww, man," Anakin pouted.

Luke allowed a small smile and poked him on the nose. "What have your mother told you about pouting?"

A few of the Jedi present snickered at the scene.


"Master C'baoth, I do hope there is a good explanation for this," Master Windu said in a disgusted tone as Anakin was led away.

"There is, Master Windu, I thought I should increase Padawan Jinzler's endurance," C'baoth proclaimed, "she is my Padawan and I am doing only what is best for her."

"Lost, you are," Yoda said coldly, "no reason for this, there is."

C'baoth lost his repose and snapped. "And what about him and that slave trash?! They're not meant to be here, but how long can they continue to make a mockery of our ways?! How long before Luke Skywalker desecrate everything we stand for?!"

Subtly, his right hand was going for his lightsaber. Detecting this, Luke flicked a hand and tossed the unprepared C'baoth into the nearby wall, knocking him out. A brief survey through the Force by some present affirmed that the Jedi Master was still alive; only unconscious.

"That was not necessary," Windu said, but there was not much disapproval. Both knew he would have done the same when it came to Depa.

"He was reaching for his lightsaber. This way, we could negate conflict." Luke answered innocently.

"It could have been the result of a rigorous training session," Tiin dismissed offhandedly, earning some glares. "Accidents do happen. If C'baoth deemed it fit..."

"There's no justifiable reason, Master Tiin. I can understand training a Padawan in warrior lessons, but this poor girl has been left with a heavy burden. If you can't find a substituting Master immediately, I can train her myself." Luke persisted.

Before a reprimand came from either Tiin or Rancisis, Windu interjected, "I agree with Skywalker. I've trained Depa in many things, including being a Jedi Warrior, and yet, I practiced restraint and calm. Do you see Depa in fear of me?"

Billaba nodded in agreement too.

"We can't send her to the Corps," Evan Piell enforced. "It would not be right."

"Yet it'll take time to find a Master. Simply put," Mundi added, "she's too old. Many Masters and Knights will not take to training her lightly."

"We cannot blame her for the faults of our Master," Billaba said instantly.

"No, sent to the Agricorps, Padawan Jinzler will not be," Yoda enforced curtly.

Temple Guards filed in at that moment.

"Take C'baoth away, you will. Suspended from the Order, he is." Yoda ordered, pointing his favorite walking stick at the unconscious form of C'baoth. "Locked away a long time he'll be."

The human was brought up to his feet and taken away. The Temple Guards hefted him away.

"But Masters, I have nowhere to go!" Lorana protested, trembling. "I... I need him, and he needs me."

"No, he doesn't need you, sweetheart," Luke said, wrapping his arms around her in a full-force hug. She stiffened, so did all else, and they watched the display of affection. Some with interest. Others with disdain. And a selective few with... awe. "You need a better instructor. Someone who would equally hold your hand and yet criticize you when necessary."

"And we're supposed to believe an trusted Master would abuse his Padawan base off the words of unreliable sources?" Tiin asked.

"Yes," Master Windu asserted, earning shock from all. "C'baoth has taken advantage of a sacred bond and could have destroyed this girl's trust in the Jedi Order. We will find a new Master for her, but keeping her with him is unacceptable and I will not allow it!"

"Nor will I," Yoda added with fierce protectiveness.

"Me too," Koon said. "Do we have any options?"

Poof checked his datapad and, after a moment, stared down, clearly guilt-ridden. "We have no candidates who come to mind at present time. Even perhaps better-suited Masters who can are either with Padawans of their own or have expressed no interest in taking one. She'll require a certain amount of patience and a level head to get around this."

"If no one's willing to do it, I can take over her training," Billaba voiced. "If that's not acceptable, then I'll talk to Sar. That way, Master Windu could also be close to provide guidance."

"Very rare, it is, for a Master on the Council to take on an Apprentice..." Yaddle replied. "Feel a heavy burden if she's appointed to a Council Member or her sister, she can. Be too overwhelming, it can for her."

Luke recommended. "What about Knight Kenobi or Tachi?"

That way, Luke could keep an eye on her and help her in his own way.

They paused.

"I don't know if Kenobi would want that responsibility yet. He is with his lineage, and we all know that each Jedi in that lineage tend to be... interesting." Poof said in a teasing tone, bringing levity back into the situation.

Yoda cleared his throat.

"Yes, you too, Master Yoda," Windu said, small, rare humor in his voice.

The Grandmaster harrumphed and whacked Windu on the shin. "Never too old, you are, for this, Youngling."

Lorana giggled slightly, a noise that relieved many.

"Siri, however," Gallia brought the matter back to that of what was important, "has recovered from the scarring event with my aid. She is soon to be deployed on her first mission alone after Naboo in another year or two."

"And a woman mentor could make her more comfortable," Luke pointed out. Force knew what Luke was able to do with Shmi being around as an advisor for Anakin. "And someone lesser known on the Council will be there, meaning she won't feel a heavy hurdle as she would if she knows two Council Members will be there."

Gallia nodded instantly, "I will speak with Siri."

Author's note: I wrote this chapter because I always felt bad for Lorana, but also because I want to show that most Jedi are good people at the core of it. I have seen fics (typically Anakin and he's my favorite character but I can see where things go too far) where the Jedi Council allowed abuse in all fashions, and I don't like that idea. They're flawed but they're not evil. I'm sorry but I don't see even Master Windu not being angry at Obi-Wan for a child Anakin committing self-harm for example. There's a sense of responsibility for every Jedi when it comes to Yoda and Windu especially in my opinion.

I also took some inspiration from Unite Descent: A Siri Tachi Tale with Lorana and Jorus' dynamic. Here, it's because Jorus is paranoid about Jedi. He is among many who are, and I wanted to lean into how different Jedi are with approaches.

May the Force be with you all always.