Keeper of the Darkside - Chapter 1

Chapter 1:

Ja’Katta was the first to step out of the ship; sandy dust was kicked up as he stepped onto the desert terrain of the planet. He paused for a moment using the Force to scan the area for life, reaching as far as his talents would allow him. For miles he sensed nothing and then suddenly he felt a tingle in his head, someone was using the Force to gentle prick his mind. For several seconds it was just the tingling sensation and then he heard a soft low voice, “Come you will, Mine you are, Serve me you will.” Startled for a moment he looked back at his companions noticing none of them had sensed the tingle or heard the voice. Pausing for another second to gather himself, he pushed the voice from his mind. He was sent here for a purpose and that purpose was to prepare this land and not go searching for strange voices “Okay everyone grab a scanner, I will go north, Carmin you go south, Doru’bek you go east and Bezzille you go west. Report back here in three hours, and if you find anything I mean anything at all report it immediately. “ Ja’Katta said waiting for the others to start in their assigned directions before he closed the hatch and started northward towards a large mass of mountains. Coincidently he was also heading in the direction of the voice.

Carmin scouted the area in her direction for several miles until she came to a huge cliff looking down into a deep ravine. She pulled out her binoculars and scanned the area for a close way around the ravine, but to no avail there was no way but to fly across. “Ja’Katta are you there?” She said into her comlink.

“Go ahead Carmin, What is it?” Ja’Katta voice said back over her comlink.

“Well to put it simply, there is nothing south but a huge cliff with now visible way around.” She replied as she peered down into the ravine again.

“Okay, do what you can to survey the cliff and the surrounding area, you only have an hour and twenty minutes so make sure you have time to get back to the ship.” Ja’Katta said in a low voice as he scanned the terrain where he was.

“Sure thing Ja’Katta. Carmin out. “ She replied as she started down the edge of the cliff examining just about everything she came across. Suddenly Ja’Katta’s voice came over her comlink.

“Carmin be careful, and may the force be with you.” He said as he cut the transmission. Carmin smiled at Ja’Katta’s remark, for as long as she can remember knowing him he has always been protective of her. He even personally helped her through her Lightsaber training. Ja’Katta had always been the big brother she never had, but always wanted. She spent only a few more minutes scouting the area after talking to Ja’Katta, before starting back to the ship.

Several miles away from Carmin both Bezzille and Doru’bek met up and were on their way back to the Dynasty. Neither finding anything of any importance in either direction they had scouted. “This is such a desolate place, I wonder why the Counsel would want to start a colony here. There are much more fruitful uninhabited planets in the Galaxy.” Doru’bek said as he adjusted his saber on his belt.

“I too am curious why this planet was chosen, and did you see the way Ja’Katta acted when he first stepped off the ship? Something caught his attention.” Bezzille replied stopping to take a drink of water from his canteen.

“I noticed it too, but if he sensed something wrong he would have told us. Ja’Katta would never leave us in the dark if we were in danger.” Doru’bek said glancing over to Bezzille. Bezzille didn’t reply he just shook his head and they continued towards the ship. By the time the Dynasty was in sight it was starting to get dark, the two Jedi hurried to the ship only to be met by a waiting Carmin.

“Where’s Ja’Katta?” Bezzille asked as then reached Carmin who was leaning against one of the ships landing stilts.

“I don’t know, I have been trying to raise him on the comlink for twenty minutes. I can’t even feel him through the Force which scares me the most.” Carmin replied crossing her arms across her chest putting more of her weight on the landing stilt. “Ja’Katta is a very talented Jedi and he can take care of himself.” Carmin added trying to believe every word she had just spoken. The next minutes that past felt like hours to the three awaiting Jedi, until Doru’bek spotted Ja’Katta coming over a nearby sand dune. “We thought you ran off on us, what kept you.” Carmin asked with a half smile.

“Nothing, I just misjudged the amount of time it would take me to get back to the ship. That’s all, don’t worry so much Carmin.” Ja’Katta said walking past his three friends and into the Dynasty.

“You should take you own advise oh worrying one.” Carmin said turning to follow Ja’Katta onto the ship. Bezzille and Doru’bek just looked at each other smirked and followed them onboard. Each of them retired to their personal cabins for the night, the following day they would begin the preparation for the colony. Hours passed and the entire crew were fast asleep in their bunks, but as Ja’Katta slept he begin to hear the voice repeating itself over and over again.

“Come you will, Mine you are, Serve me you will.” Only this time instead of a tingle he kept seeing the face of a withered old man flashing in his head. Ja’Katta shot up in his bunk sweat pouring down his face, his heart was racing, even with his eyes open he still could see the face of the old man who was apparently calling to him. Pooling his Force powers he pushed the voice and image out of his head and settled back onto his bunk and attempted to go back to sleep. Through the course of the night Ja’Katta saw them old man three more time and with each time he saw more. In the last vision he saw the man sitting holding a huge dusty book with weird inscriptions on it. “What am I seeing and why can’t the others see and hear it?” He asked himself. As morning grew closer Ja’Katta had only gotten a few hours sleep and refused to try to get more in fear of seeing the old man again. He stayed up constantly using the Force to keep the images and voices out of his head, which only made it harder for him to think straight.
As morning approached, Ja’Katta could no longer take the stress of pushing the visions from his mind. After quickly dressing he stepped out of his cabin into the halls of the ship. There was and eerie silence around him shills rippled through his body as he made his way through the ship towards the boarding ramp. He pushed the button lowering the ramp, as it opened a dry breeze blew into the ship. With the breeze cam what sounded like a howl, but the more he listened it started to sound like not like laughter but a cackle. Chills rippled through his body once again as the boarding ramp came to rest on the dry sandy terrain.

Pulling his cloak tightly around him he made his way out into the desert driven by the cackle. Using the Force to pin point its location, he made his way over dune after dune until he came to a rocky gulf. The cackle grew louder as he climbed down into the gulf; a voice now accompanied the cackle directing his through the gulf. Ja’Katta made his way through the gulf climbing over several cliffs following the sound of the voice. As he cleared the last cliff he saw a small cave hidden about twenty yards in the middle of a smaller cliff. Releasing his cloak he darted across the remaining distance to the cave opening, the first few feet he was in complete darkness. As he made his way through the darkness he noticed light coming from an opening several feet ahead of him.

Ja’Katta stepped into the opening and was shocked to see that it was actually the interior of a ship of some sort. It must have crashed on the moon decades ago he said to himself; suddenly he heard a voice calling his name. “Ja’Katta, this way Ja’Katta. Yes come this way. ” Ja’Katta made his way through the ships halls rounding the corners using the Force trying to sense what was awaiting him, but to no avail. As he rounded the next corner he was met by the same withered old man he had seen in his visions. Cobwebs hung from his withering cloak, his gray hair hung long hiding most of his face leaving only his eyes and mouth visible. Next to the man on a pedestal sat the dusty book that also appeared in his visions. “ Who are you and why have you called me here to this place? ” Ja’Katta asked.

“ I am known only as the Keeper, and I called you here because I was instructed to do so. Sit and I will tell you about this place and myself.” The grim looking man said pointing to a chair across from him. Ja’Katta walked and sat down in the chair, dust flew into the air as he sat back. The air in the room was unusually dry making it hard from him to breathe, but using the Force he dealt with it. “ This place was once my ship the Caskar, my crew and I crash landed on this moon thirty five years ago after a skirmish with another ship. Most of the crew died when we crash all but myself and all but myself. I chose to stay aboard the ship hoping for a rescue of any sort, but the three crewmembers took it upon themselves to search for life out in the desert. A week went by and none of them had returned or even contacted me, I ventured out into the desert after them. I found them about a mile from them ship, they had fallen victim to some sort of sand creature that I have come to call the Sand Chaser. I am one of three known Keepers still alive in the galaxy, we are the holders and protectors of the ancient Books of the Sith. These books contain tales of the Sith and the magic they use. ” The Keeper said in a gruff voice.

“ I don’t understand how it is that you were instructed to summon me her and tell me these things. Things that go against every aspect of my life, I am a Jedi and I have spent years fighting for the good of the people. Fighting those who would call themselves Sith or Dark Jedi, how is it that I am supposed to be here. ” Ja’Katta quickly getting to his feet.

“ You will sit! ” The Keeper shouted, as an eerie red glow enveloped his body. With a motion of his had Ja’Katta was slammed down into the chair causing dust to fly everywhere. “ You are here because you are suppose to be, you are here because it was said you are to be here. ” The Keeper said, the red glow subsiding as he eased back into his own chair. Ja’Katta couldn’t speak, it was as if he had lost the ability to do so. An eerie silence fell upon the room as The Keeper used the Force to bring the huge book to his hands.

Keeper of the Darkside - Prologue

Prologue:

Star lines streaked past the shimmering hull of the star ship Dynasty as it made it’s way through hyperspace, four Jedi diligently wait to reach their final destination. They are being sent to the far side of the Outer Rim Territories to the small moon of Craytitan. There they are to study the atmosphere and terrain and determine whether it is habitable or not. If the moon is found to be habitable they will begin preparing the terrain for the first group of colonists to arrive. They will set up moisture condensers, power generators, communications relay systems, and plot out where the colonist living quarters are to be constructed. The Commander of the mission is a highly ranked Jedi Knight named Ja’Katta; his extreme loyalty to the Force is matched only by his extreme connection to it. He has spent many years studying the ways of the Force; he is highly respected throughout the Republic and the Jedi ranks. The ever so beautiful Carmin Tapers joins him; she is a close friend of Ja'Katta's and a very skilled Jedi Knight. Doru'bek a small easily angered Twi'lek, he was banished by his people due to his size so he sought refuge with the Republic. During a routine scan he was found by several Jedi Archaeologists, they quickly felt his connection to the force and took him to Jedi Council where he was permitted to begin his Jedi training. Doru'bek spends countless hours honing his physical strength, as not to have to rely too much on the Force. It has been noticed by several other Jedi Knights and Jedi Masters that his temper is easily triggered, and he has been warned of the risks he takes each time his temper flares. Completing the group is an Alderaaian Monk named Bezzille; during his early years of monk hood it was found that he was Force sensitive. Many suggested he go before the Jedi Council and requested to be tested and be permitted to train to be a Jedi. Bezzille instead chose to devote his time to the monastery and once he felt he had fore filled his duties he would then go before the Council. Several years after his force talents were noticed he felt it was time to go before the Jedi Council, he was quickly granted permission to train as a Jedi. He soon became very skilled in Jedi Battle Meditation.

Aboard the Dynasty, Ja'Katta and Bezzille sat in the cockpit, the conversation between them was close to non-existent but small talk occasionally filled the small cabin. Carmin and Doru'bek were in the cargo hold of the ship going through a controlled Lightsaber training duel. Conversation bounced back and forth between the two Jedi, most of which dealt with Ja'Katta and the lack of conversation about the mission or anything else for that matter. None of them besides then Ja'Katta really knew the full extent of this mission. They were merely told to pack the necessary belongings for desert like terrain. And for one reason or another the Jedi Council and the Senate were being very hush hush on all details of the mission. “Carmin, did they tell you anything about this mission besides the fact we were going to a desert planet?” Doru'bek asked as he parried a quick thrust attack from Carmin.

“No, and I can't even get a word out of Ja'Katta about it. It makes no sense for the Council to keep information about this mission a secret. Especially if we're supposed to be getting things ready for these colonists. I sense that something very bad awaits us on Craytitan.” Carmin said as she parried Doru'bek's counter attack and gently used the force pushing him back several feet.

“Hey I thought we agreed no using the Force, just basic Lightsaber dueling skills.” Doru'bek shouted as he brought his Jedi weapon back up to block Carmin's next attack, which was meant to lop him in half.

“I know what we said I just wanted to make sure you were really paying attention to this exercise. I know you'd rather use your natural strength, but you must always be conscious of your opponents every movement. The slightest blink can rip your weapon out of your hand or crush you like a twig; this is why the Force is our greatest ally. We do not use it for power but rather as a defense, and by letting me push you like I did you proved that you weren't concentrating on every aspect of this duel, practice or not.” Carmin said, a smirk forming on her face. Her and Doru'bek had become good friends and they could talk about anything for hours, but she knew deep down that his anger would turn out to be his greatest enemy.

“Yes I know the lessons and the reasons for using the Force but I still would rather rely more on my physical strength then my mental. Although you have proven a good point, my unwillingness to use the Force when in battle will cause me to lose many of the battles I am encountered with and possibly one day my very life. So shall we continue? " Doru'bek said as he raised his Lightsaber stepping into a defensive stance.

“Yes, Let us continue.” Carmin replied, as she thrust towards Doru'bek's mid-section taking their duel to a higher level. Their Duel went on for what seemed like hours even days but both of them knew the benefits of practice so they dueled on and on. The journey to Craytitan was a fairly short trip, merely a day's time in hyperspace, and Jedi crew of the Dynasty were more then relieved to hear the navi-computer signal that they were closing in on their destination.

“Okay you two we're coming up on Craytitan, I'm cutting in the sub-light engines so you had better grab a seat.” Ja'Katta said over the intercom. Carmin and Doru'bek wasted no time as they deactivated their weapons, and made their way back towards the front of the ship. Doru'bek settled himself into his seat, and began strapping himself in. As he locked his straps he noticed Carmin had passed up her seat and was making her way to the cockpit.
The door to the cockpit opened revealing it two occupants. Ja'Katta and Bezzille were in mid conversation as Carmin stepped in. “If you don't mind Bezzille, I would like to speak to Ja'Katta for a moment, in private please.” Carmin said placing a hand on her hip leaning against the computer console.

“No Carmin, I do not mind at all.” Bezzille said as he hit the button opening the door and stepped out into the ship the door closing behind him. Carmin slowly crossed the cockpit to the co-pilot's chair Bezzille had been sitting in. She slid into the seat glancing over at Ja’Katta; she had been a friend with him for a very long time. They had been through a lot together, both good and bad. They had shared many adventures both as Jedi and most of all as friends. She felt she knew everything about her dear friend but now there was something about him that troubled her. Something about him that she couldn't quit figure out.

“Ja'Katta, do mind if I ask what is bothering you. Doru'bek and I have noticed that you haven't been real talkative lately. I for one have known you longer then either Doru'bek or Bezzille and I should know by now when you aren't yourself. So come on tell me what is it?” Carmin asked, a heavy amount of curiosity and worry shown on her face.

“I am truly sorry, but the Council had asked me to withhold the details of this mission from you three until we reach Craytitan. Trust me I wish I could tell you, I want to tell you of all people, but it is the Council I must obey.” Ja'Katta said, his disappointed showed on his face. For several minutes, silence filled the cockpit neither of them really knew what to say. Suddenly the navi-computer beeped its warning that they were approaching their final destination. “Go tell the others that we have reached Craytitan, and it will only be a matter of minutes before we touch down.” Ja'Katta said in a low voice. Carmin didn't respond, she just shook her head and walked out of the cockpit. Moments later the Dynasty’s landing stilts lowered and touched down on Craytitan's surface, and the four Jedi slowly made their way down the lowering boarding ramp to get a better view of the moon’s terrain.

Destiny of the Son : Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4:

The wind blew through their hair, not even the beautiful skylights of Coruscant could improve the mood of these twins. Leia’s face was streaked with tears; she was not handling the news really well. Luke said nothing he just continued hugging her.

“It’s OK Leia, I’m here. Don’t worry we’ll figure this out soon, I promise you we will figure this whole mess out.” Luke said holding Leia tightly against his body.

“NO, it’s not all right. I’ve...I’ve been having the same dreams. They’ve been haunting me for the past few nights.” Leia said pausing to look up at her brother.

“I keep seeing Vader, and he says that you and I are going to join him. I thought that our father went back to the Lightside.” She added starting to cry again. She took a deep breath trying to get a hold of herself.

“Yes he did, but some how he has come back...And the Darkside is with him. I’ve seen him too; he was on Tatooine waiting for me to go to him. I just can’t figure out why he’s come back after all this time.” Luke said with a large amount of stress showing on his face. Luke gently kissed Leia’s forehead trying to soothe her. Leia and Luke slowly walked back into the sitting room; they both looked as if they had seen a ghost. “Is everything all right?” Kyp asked.

“Not really. It seems that Leia has been having the same dreams as I have. We both are worried that something terrible is going to happen to one of us, or maybe both of us.” Luke replied.

“What do we do now?” Yminutaia asked standing up quickly. “There has to be a logical explanation for all of this.” She added taking a deep breath.

The room was suddenly quiet. Out of nowhere, Luke was knocked off his feet by some unseen force. He hit the ground hard and was knocked unconscious. Kyp felt a cold chill in the room. It was the Darkside he was sure of it. “Could you feel it? The Darkside was very strong in the room for a second?” He shouted to Leia and Yminutaia. No one said a word.

*******************

As the trio huddled over Luke’s body, his mind’s eye took him across many light-years of space. He soon found himself on his home world of Tatooine. The sandy winds blew against him stinging his face and any other exposed skin. This made it hard for him to see, Luke walked up over the sand dunes until he came to a small hut in the middle of the Dune Sea. A shadowy figure emerged from a doorway stepping into the light revealing his identity. Luke almost fell back when he recognized the figure as his father in the guise of Darth Vader.

“Shocked to see me, SON!” Vader asked his son, laughing through his dark mask.

“You’re not my father! I brought him back to the Lightside a long time ago, and the part of him that was Vader was destroyed. So you are nothing but a liar, you are just a nobody using the image of Vader to make something of yourself. You are not my father, my father is dead.” Luke yelled through the sandy winds fighting back tears.

“Yes, I am your father. Do you think that I could possibly stay with the Lightside after serving the Darkside for so long? I admit for a time I was at peace but soon a part of me hungered for the power I once possessed. And now with that dark power once again at my disposal I shall punish you and your sister for my death on the Death Star.” Vader said followed by a rumble of laughter.

Luke was silent with fear brought on by the figure standing in front of him. Who was behind the mask of Vader? Was he telling the truth? Could he actually be Leia and his father back to avenge his death? Luke’s mind was a cluster of questions without answers. He stood on the sand dunes staring at the shadowy figure of Vader; his heart was beating fast and hard almost bringing tears to his eyes.

“My armies will soon begin the first step in reclaiming the galaxy, don’t worry son we’ll see each other very soon. I promise you that, until then fear my wrath and that of the Darkside.” Vader said laughing loudly as he reentered the small dwelling.

*******************

Leia and the others were sitting around Luke’s comatose body, something Kyp hoped he would never experience again after the ordeal with Exar Kun. Suddenly Luke’s chest began heaving as he tried to regain his breath, his eyes opened as he exhaled. Leia and the others sighed in relief and hugged Luke.

“What happened?” The trio asked in unison.

“I...I was back on Tatooine; Vader was in the middle of the desert waiting for me. He told me he was our father resurrected by the Darkside. He threatened that we were going to pay for his death and suffering, and that his armies will be starting the first step to reclaim what was once the Empire’s.” He explained.

An eerie silence filled the room; no one made a sound. The only noise heard was the wind blowing the curtains in the other room. The silence was suddenly broken when Han walked into the room with Lowie ducking in after him. “What’s the matter? You look like some just died. And oh boy that makes me feel better about being home.” Han said with his usual smugglers attitude.

“Well honey, Luke and I have been having the same reoccurring nightmares lately, and Luke thinks Vader has come back to make us pay for his death. We don’t know what this is all about or what we’re supposed to do.” Leia said. Han’s mouth hung open as if he wanted to say something but the words were caught in his throat. Luke stepped forward pulling Han aside.

“Leia isn’t handling this very well, so if you’ll just listen I think it will make this a lot easier. Now Kyp, Yminutaia, and our new friend Kable are going to Tatooine to find Vader and take care of this. We are leaving right now; Leia is going to put all New Republic affiliates on red alert. We’re just taking precautions so that everyone is ready for anything.” Luke said.

The look on Han’s face said it before he did, “Luke are you crazy don’t you remember all the trouble you seem to find when you go back there? Lowie and I are going with you; you need all the help you can get. I am not going to let you go by yourself, even with these kids. No offense Kyp, but you guys may need a little more help.” He yelled to his brother-in-law.

“Calm down Han, I can’t have you a long on this one. This is something I have to do without you. That is just how it has to be. You know what; I will call you if we get into trouble and need your help. Okay.” Luke said to Han hoping that he would understand.

“You had better Luke. Leia and I don’t need you getting killed, or held for some ransom against the Republic.” Han said in a concerned voice. With that the group said their good-byes, Luke and his friends left the apartment and got into a turbolift going down to the street level.

*******************

Back in the apartment, “Come on Han relax, you know that Luke knows how to take care of himself. Please just let him do this alone.” Leia said gently kissing Han’s forehead. Han shook his head yes and pulled Leia to him and began kissing her, Lowie growled something and Han just motioned for him to leave. Lowie left deciding to go fiddle with the Falcon, there were a few things he wanted to fix any way.

Luke and the others finally made it to the street, which was now less busy from when they first arrived. Halfway down the block Yminutaia finally managed to speak her mind on the subject of them going to find Vader. “Master Skywalker, Don’t you think we should’ve had your friends come a long at least for a little support in case of an emergency?” She said in a single breath.

Both Luke and Kyp were astonished by the sudden outburst from the normally quiet young lady with them. “Calm down Yminutaia. Han and I have been through a lot together; we both know when to let the other do it his way.” Luke said to his young student. Yminutaia got quiet suddenly and a giant smile appeared on her face. Luke looked up and saw Kable leaning against the docking bay building.

“Hey guys, what took you so long? I was starting to think that you weren’t going to show.” Kable said.“I always keep my promises Kable. A false promise doesn’t show good character.” Luke replied. The four walked into the building, a turbo lift took them to the bay floor where The Sun Crusher II was docked. When they reached the ship, Kyp punched his security code into a keypad next to the boarding ramp. A series of beeps and blips came from the pad sounding like R2D2. The ramp hissed and began to open, the group filed onto the ship each taking a seat and strapping themselves in. Kyp took his seat at the controls, flicking a switch closing the boarding ramp.

He did a quick pre-flight check before firing up the engines. The Sun Crusher II lifted of the bay floor, flew out the bay door, and headed towards space. After clearing the atmosphere, Kyp set the coordinates for Tatooine into the navicomputer. Pausing a second he turned around and said, “Hold on everybody we’re about to make the jump to light-speed.” With that said, the stars turned into star lines and the ship disappeared into hyperspace, taking the four to find their destiny.

Destiny of the Son : Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3:

Kyp cut in the sub-light engines and The Sun Crusher II came out of hyperspace, Coruscant loomed in the view screen. The lights from the enormous structures could be seen from space, making it look even more overwhelming then it actually was. Kyp let his eyes absorb the splendor of Coruscant a few seconds longer, and then spun his chair around. As he did, he noticed Yminutaia walking up the center isle towards him.

“How long have you known Master Skywalker?” She said trying to make conversation as she took a seat in the copilot’s chair next to Kyp.

Kyp pondered the question for a moment, as the images of the past flashed in his mind. “Where to begin? Well I have known Luke for a while, but I met his brother-in-law Han Solo and his Wookiee friend Chewbacca first, they helped me escape out of the spice mines on Kessel. I then met Luke, he told me that had Force talent, took me to his Academy, and began training me. An evil spirit named Exar Kun came to me, promising me the revenge I had always wanted against those who had hurt my family. Then fueled by that revenge he turned me to the Darkside making me hurt many people. Han once again saved my neck, Luke helped bring me back to the Lightside, and here we are. So... you can say we go back a long way.” Kyp explained flashing his trademark smirk, which was very much like Han’s.

Wow, to be honest I was not expecting all that. I’m sure you must be very close with the Skywalker-Solo family.” Yminutaia said.

“Yeah... they’re family is really the only family I have thanks to the Empire. But I think of Luke as a good friend and a great teacher.” Kyp said in a low voice.

“Master Skywalker is a great teacher. He just recently gave me a Jedi Holocron to study, which gave me a giant boost of encouragement; he told me that he was just like I am when he was first training. That also really makes me feel good about myself.” Yminutaia said cheerfully.

“Mind what Master Skywalker has taught you, he is a great teacher and his teachings will benefit you greatly.” Kyp said to the young Jedi in a voice that sounded much like Luke’s but much younger.

*******************

As the two continued their conversation Luke opened his eyes only to find himself having another dream, this time on Bespin Cloud City, again where he had fought Vader. It had also been where he had learned the terrifying truth that Vader was his father. In front of him stood his sister Leia, she was dressed in her fatigues with her Lightsaber aimed at him challenging him to a duel. Shock rippled through Luke’s mind at the sight of his own sister waiting to fight him. Luke looked into her eyes trying to read her expression but she showed no emotion. Leia said nothing, suddenly she charged towards him thrusting and slashing her Jedi weapon.

Luke could do nothing but ignite his own Lightsaber and defend himself from the onslaught of his sister. He knew that he could never fight her; he had once told his father that just before a very intense duel in front of the Emperor. A duel that ended with Vader minus a hand and dying. Leia did not hesitate but only pushed forward slashing at Luke. He blocked her attack but Leia swung again very quickly, this time cutting into Luke’s arm. Luke felt the intense pain, stumbling backwards a few steps trying to regain his balance. Before he could do so, Leia came at him again. He was able to perry her attack allowing a few seconds to get to his feet. Both stood in a defensive stance not moving, just examining each other. Luke thought to himself, what’s going on here Leia was never this good but now she was as good as he himself was.

Luke knew that he could never hurt Leia, which meant he would lose and losing could mean death. He looked up at Leia, her face was a pale white but still full of determination. She seemed to be driven by an unimaginable force. “Could it be the Dark side?” He asked himself aloud.

He knew that someone strong in the force could control a person’s mind. Maybe this Darkside was the new enemy he had felt through the Force. Before he could finish his thought, Leia was coming at him again. She swung hard and quick cutting into his leg, causing him to drop to one knee. Luke looked up from his leg to find Leia standing over him; she swung at his head missing by mere inches. Luke got to his feet just in time to perry another of Leia’s attacks. He swung and perried her next attack, when suddenly Leia took a few steps back waiting for Luke to make the first move.

Luke called to her, “Leia hear me, don’t do this. Someone wants you to kill me, please Leia...stop before one of us gets hurt anymore or even killed.” Something set her off he could see that in her face, he could sense her anger. Leia was definitely following the Darkside. “She should know better then that, after what happened to me when I went to the Darkside.” He said aloud to himself.

Leia suddenly attacked repeatedly slashing at Luke. She slashed at his waist not giving him much time to counter her attack. As he did, she held her Lightsaber up, just as Ben had done on the first Death Star causing Luke to cut her down. Leia’s body disappeared and all that remained was her Lightsaber and her fatigues. Luke fell to his knees ignoring the pain in his arm and his leg, grabbing her clothes and began to cry.

All he could do is cry and blame himself for what happened. There was suddenly a bright flash of light and Luke was back in Kyp’s ship. “Are you all right?” Kyp and Yminutaia asked sounding very concerned.

“Yeah, just another nightmare.” Luke replied in a shaky voice. An operater’s voice suddenly rang through the quiet of the ship, startling the trio.

“You are now entering Coruscant secured space, please identify yourself.” The voice said.

“We are Jedi Knight Kyp Durron, Jedi trainee Yminutaia, and Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. We’re here on matters of the utmost importance; we need to see President Leia Organa Solo immediately.” Kyp responded.

“Glad to have you our way, but you’ll still have to wait for us to clear your ships registration numbers, and docking codes.” The voice said followed by a brief moment of silence on the communicator channel.

“Didn’t I tell you we where in a hurry!” Kyp yelled into the communicator.

“Ah... so sorry Jedi Master Skywalker my assistant was being very rude. Please follow your present course.” The trio were given clearance to land in a docking bay not far from the Solo Family apartment. After landing, the trio gathered a few small things needed for the trip to Leia’s apartment.

Kyp walked over to Luke, “Man it’s been a long time since I’ve been here. If we have time do you mind if we took a look around?”

“Sorry Kyp, this isn’t a pleasure trip.” Luke said jokingly causing Yminutaia to let out a low giggle.

“It sure is beautiful here. Is it always like this?” Yminutaia asked Luke and Kyp.

All Luke and Kyp could do is laugh. The Jedi trio got in a turbolift and hit the button for the ground floor. Once they reached the ground floor, they found the streets to be bustling with all sorts of races, and species. As they stepped out onto the street, Kyp bumped into a large man dressed in a long black cloak. The man grabbed Kyp by his tunic and began yelling into his face. “Hey kid, you had better watch yourself. I don’t think anyone would miss a little guy like you, if I decided to blast you right here.”

Kyp used the force to push the man into a pile of garbage. Through the Force Kyp felt, his assailant was coming back for seconds. Instead of charging Kyp, the man stopped, pulled out a small blaster, and began firing into the crowded street. He missed hitting Yminutaia and Kyp let alone the dozens of people around them. Luke stepped forward trying to stop the commotion, when he became the man’s next target. Luke deflected the barrage of blaster bolts into a wall with his hand while using the force to pull the weapon from the man’s hand. Luke yelled, “Stop this commotion at once!” Kyp and the man stopped and stared at Luke. “What’s your name my friend?” Luke asked closing the distance between them.

“My name is Kable. He answered. You’re Luke Skywalker the Jedi Master aren’t you? My father told me a lot about you and your sister the President.” Kable added.

“Yes I am, and this is Kyp Durron Jedi Knight, and the young lady with us is Yminutaia one of my trainees.” Luke said, noticing Kable and Yminutaia staring at each other. A smile formed on Luke’s face, the two reminded him so much of Mara and him. Using the Force Luke scanned their new friend’s mind; he suddenly felt the tingle realizing Kable was Force sensitive. “Kable, did you know that you’re a Force adept? “ Luke asked in a concerned tone of voice. The same tone Ben and Yoda had talked to him in.

“No, but I’ve always wondered what is would be like to be able to use the Force.” Kable replied.

“Would you like to learn more about the Force? If you like you can join us on our journey.” Luke said.

“I would like that very much.” Kable said smiling at Yminutaia.

“Well, meet us back here in a couple of hours, and we’ll get you started.” Luke said. The group left Kable at the docking bay and made their way down the block towards Leia’s apartment. Luke looked over his shoulder at Kable seeing the scowl on his face replaced with a huge smile. For once in the past few days, Luke actually felt good, but he knew this happiness would only last until they got to Leia’s. The walk to the Solo Family apartment was filled with conversation, mainly Yminutaia asking questions about the Force. With a few added questions about Luke and Kyp’s complicated past. Luke looked at the crowded street ahead of them; he thought back to when he could actually be able to stay on Coruscant for more then a day. It had been some time since he had been there strictly to visit and relax.

Finally, the trio reached the apartment complex housing many important Diplomats, including one President Leia Organa Solo and her family minus Jacen and Jaina who were still at the Academy on Yavin IV.

Luke walked up to the communicator on the wall, “We’re here to see the President. Could you please tell her that her brother and his friends are here?” He said in a commanding voice.

“Hold on one moment please, I will tell Madam President you’re here.” A computerized voice said sounding much like Threepio.

*******************

Leia was sitting in her office going over some papers dealing with the construction and reconstruction projects that would be beginning in a few days. Parts of Coruscant had been damaged when the Republic reclaimed it from the Empire years ago. Han thought that it was a lost cause; many people agreed that Coruscant should be repaired. While others protest that, it should be left as it is for historical purposes.

Leia’s eyes were starting to close when the communicator next to her desk came to life with her maid droids voice. “Mistress Leia your brother Luke and his friend s are here, they wish to see you immediately.” The droid said.

Leia got up with a big smile on her face. It had been awhile since she had seen Luke; she wondered who he had brought with him. “Send them in.” Leia relied into the communicator.

After a few minutes, the trio walked through the door. Leia was shocked when she saw Kyp walk in with Luke. Following them was the young girl Yminutaia that Luke had told her so much about. She hugged Luke and Kyp and said hello to Yminutaia. Stepping back offering the group a place to sit she noticed the distressed look on her brother’s face. “Luke what’s wrong?” She asked him putting an arm around Luke.

“Leia...I’ve been having these dreams well not dreams more like nightmares. These nightmares all involve you and me fighting furiously, both ending with me killing you. First I was on Dagobah, inside the Dark side Cave, I was fighting Vader again; I severed his head as I did before but this time your face was behind the mask after it exploded. Second, I was in Bespin Cloud City, we fought but you seemed to be driven by someone else. You sliced me up quite a bit; in the end you tricked me into cutting you down.” Luke explained. His face was pale white; with a blank stare no emotion showing. Leia was shocked, so shocked that she got up and walked out of the room. Luke followed her out to the balcony where he hugged and comforted her.

*******************

Kyp and Yminutaia were left in the sitting room. The room remained quiet for a couple of minutes until Yminutaia looked over to Kyp and asked, “Did you know about any of this? I can’t believe he wouldn’t tell us.”

“Yes I knew about it, but I didn’t know anything about the second part. He had mentioned something to me about Dagobah back on Yavin 4, just before he told the students we were leaving. Man now I know why he’s been out of it lately.” Kyp replied.

“Leia looked really disturbed by all of this, I hope she’s all right. “ Yminutaia said in a low concerned voice.

“Yeah, Yeah me too.” Kyp said sensing that something was weird about all of this. He had to help Luke find out what was going on. He thought to himself.

Destiny of the Son : Chapter 2

CHAPTER 2:

Luke woke up in a cold sweat; his body and mind were terribly shaken. Even with the Force the meaning of the dreams eluded him, and that made him feel even more uncomfortable. The image of Leia’s face behind Vader’s mask threw a million questions into his head. Was Leia going to face a new enemy strong in the Darkside, or was she going to become an agent of evil? He thought to himself. He had no idea what was to come of these dreams, but he knew he had to see Leia soon. He got up and quickly dressed for the day, but not in his usual tunic. He was now wearing a loose fitting pair of pants and a tank top. As he strapped on his boots his minded wandered to Academy, using the Force to see what activities were going on through out the ancient temple. To his surprise most of the trainees were still asleep in their rooms, only a few were up and about.

With a smile, he darted out of his room sprinting through the halls down staircase after staircase until he was on the main level of the Academy. He raced across the main hanger and out onto the main training field letting the morning sun warm his body. He crossed the large field in several large strides and into the vast forest of Yavin IV. Without thinking he ducked under and jumped over any obstacle that came to be in his path, using the Force he felt his way through the forest seeing the low hanging tree branches or fallen trees before he came to them. These morning runs had become more frequented over the past few years; they gave him time to be free of all restraints and problems. He loved running through the forest because it was natures ever changing obstacle course and it tested his skills as both and athlete and a Jedi. After running several miles into the forest Luke came to a large clearing, where he spent at least and hour a day practicing his meditation or lightsaber exercises.

Today he decided to work on his lightsaber techniques, using the Force he pulled his saber to his hand, activating it just before it reached hand. For several seconds he let his hand absorb the energy that emanated from the Jedi weapon, gently flexing his fingers as he did so. With a quick fluid motion he swung his saber high and brought in down in a circular motion. He spun around bring his weapon up blocking his imaginary opponents attack, in a blink of and eye he back flipped swing his saber in an x like motion. With the Force he pulled pieces of fallen trees into the field using them to simulate opponents. Four large tree trunks hovered in front of him; suddenly they lurched forward toward him attacking with invisible weapons. Luke parried each attack and one by one, he cleaved the trunks in two, spinning around he blocked a barrage of small rock projectiles that rocketed towards him. In two quick circular motions he turned the incoming rocks into dust. With a touch of his thumb he deactivated his saber clipping it back to his belt, sweat ran down his face from the heat of the now afternoon sun.

Through the Force, he sensed that his good friend and fellow Jedi Kyp Durron had just arrived at the Academy. Taking several seconds he closed his eyes using a Jedi calming technique and relaxed his body. Once his body felt relaxed, enough he opened his eyes and darted back into the forest back towards the Academy. As he cleared the edge of the forest, he saw a familiar ship sitting just outside the mouth of the main hanger. It was a modified Lambda Shuttle. The owner was none other then Kyp Durron, renowned Jedi Knight and long time friend of his.

Several feet the ship he slowed his pace to a fast walk, at the bottom of the boarding ramp he was met by Kyp. He was dressed in a black on white tunic, his saber hung on his left side. “Hey Luke, I thought I’d pay you a visit.”

“Thanks, what’s it been three months since you were here last.”

“Something like that, its been too long that’s all I know.” Kyp said as the two friends hugged each other. Luke lead the way into the Academy questioning about what Kyp had done since they last met. The conversation didn’t last long, once they were inside the Academy Kyp was flocked by the small group of trainees he usually worked with when he was at the Academy. “Hey guys I’m glad to see you too, but I need to have a little privacy with Master Skywalker okay.”

“That’s okay Kyp, spend a little time with them I’ve got to get dressed anyways.” Luke said disappearing around a corner. The sight of his old friend made him feel good, better then he had since the dreams started. He got to his room and quickly dressed in his customary tunic and boots, as he clipped his saber to his belt the question Yminutaia had asked popped into his head. It was then that he knew what he had to do. He strolled down the last flight of stairs trying to figure out just how he was going to tell his trainees his decision. At the bottom of the staircase, he bumped into Kyp.

Kyp noticed the disturbed expression on his Master’s face, “ Hey Luke, is there something wrong, you kind of looked a little preoccupied.” Kyp asked his old friend, his worry shown in his voice.

“Yes there is something wrong Kyp, but I don’t think you can help me.”

“Come on Luke you can tell me, I’m your friend and I’ve always been here to help whenever you needed it.” Kyp said to Luke putting a hand on his shoulder. The two walked side by side down the hallway neither knew how to start the impending conversation about what was really bothering Luke. The silence only last a few seconds, until Kyp spoke up. “What is it Luke? I’ve known you far too long for you not to tell me, so what’s up.” Luke stopped in his tracks, not sure how to begin telling his dear friend of the terror he had been suffering while he slept.

Kyp could plainly see the trouble Luke was having, and he had never seen him look so puzzled in his life. Luke walked a few more feet and finally brought his arms to rest on a windowsill, the silence in the hall hung over them making it harder to talk.

Luke clinched his fists as he turned back to Kyp who once again wore a worried look on his face. “Kyp this isn’t easy for me, just the mere thought of it sends a chill down my spine.” He said pausing, his hand were trembling as the words left his lips. “I’ve been having these dreams, well nightmares rather for the past week. It’s starting to get hard for me to think about anything but the dreams. It’s like I’m reliving the dual I had with Vader on Dagobah, when it ends though I see Leia’s face behind the broken facemask and not mine.” Luke finished, turning back to the window.

“You were right, there isn’t much I can do for you. Dreams are hard enough for the person having them to understand and make sense of them. I would be afraid I’d just get in the way and make things harder on you. I will do my best to be a good friend and listen.”

“Thanks Kyp.” As the response left his lips Luke once again thought back to Yminutaia’s question the day before. Only know he asked himself, and then it came to him. Destiny it’s all about destiny, and what you have to do to achieve ones true destiny. “Kyp, would you like to go on a journey with me? A journey that might lead both of us to our true destiny.”

Kyp was shocked at the sudden change of topic, and was unsure how to answer his dear friend. “Sure Luke, you know I’m always up for an adventure with you.” He finally replied putting a hand on Luke’s shoulder his trademark smirk showing on his face.

“We will need to leave as soon as possible, when can you have yourself and your ship ready to go?” Luke asked in his usual assertive voice.

“Give me a day tops, and we can be on our way. What do you plan to do with the Academy and the trainees?”

“Jacen and Jaina are planning to come visit anyways, so I was thinking of having them help Tionee and the others with training the students. For now I just have to figure out how to address the matter to them, but aside from that we will be ready to leave in the tomorrow morning.” Luke said as the two started down the hall again.

Through the Force, he reached out to everyone present at the Academy to meet in the main hall at once.

The silence between them was almost unbearable, but Kyp knew that even if he did attempt to break the silence what would he say. Luke was and would always be his dearest friend, he was like a father to him and his family was his family as well as the Jedi. As the many thoughts of what to say ran through his mind he felt a hand on his shoulder, turning his head he was met by Luke. “Thanks Kyp, I know what you’re thinking and I don’t know what else to say and how to describe what they are. It brings me great pleasure that you feel as you do about Leia, Han, the kids, the Jedi and I.” Luke said pausing when he saw the smile form on his friends face. “Just relax I’ll take care of everything once we get to the Main Hall to address the Jedi.”

Words could not be said for the emotions that flooded Kyp, all he could muster was to pull Luke into a hug. Both men smile as they embraced, “Come Kyp it is time to address this matter with the Jedi.” When they entered the hall, everyone Knights, Masters, and trainees alike were chattering to one another about the unknown reason for their congregating in the main hall. No one noticed Luke and Kyp walked in, Kyp stopped just inside the door as Luke made his way down the long isle way to the stage. Jacen and Jaina who had just arrived at the Academy noticed the disturbing look on their uncle’s face. “What do you think is wrong with him?” Jaina asked her brother in a low whisper.

“I don’t know, after the meeting let’s go ask him. He looks terrible I hope he’s all right.” Jacen answered his sister with a sideward glance.

Luke reached the stage and signaled for everyone to quiet down and pay attention. Once he knew he had the entire rooms attention he cleared his throat before beginning to explain the reason for the gathering. “Welcome my fellow Jedi, there comes a time in everyone’s life, force sensitive or not when they must discover their true destiny. They must then begin the journey in which that destiny leads them on.” Luke said pausing to scan the room of students waiting for their reactions before continuing. “I’ve realized that my time has come to make my journey in search of my true destiny. I will be leaving the Academy for a short while; Kyp will be joining me. Tionee will handle the daily lessons as well as her normal history lessons, Jacen and Jaina will also be here to help train the trainees that are unable to study on their own. Mind their words, as if they were my own, I will return shortly. My fellow Masters, you will continue with your normal training groups. Thank you for your time my friends, I will be in my quarters for the remainder of the day preparing for my journey, Kyp and I will depart in the morning.” Luke said while making his way off the stage.

The room was suddenly filled with dozens of voices, all of them shocked to hear Luke’s talk about suddenly having to leave the Academy. Jacen and Jaina stood up and asked together, “Uncle Luke do you have to go? This isn’t like you at all, you always told us and everyone else in this room to think things through before running off getting into trouble.” The concern on their faces was immeasurable. From the crowded room several others voiced their agreement with the Solo twins.

“Thank you for your concern all of you, but yes I have to go and I know this isn’t like me. This is something I have given a lot of thought to and it is time for me to take this journey that is why I have to leave. This is something really important and the longer I wait to leave the worse it can get. One day all of you will understand what I mean. Jacen, Jaina, for now I need you to understand what this means to me and my future. I need you to be here for the trainees in need of your skills, please train them well.” Luke replied as he made his way down the isle way towards the huge double doors of the hall where Kyp stood waiting for him. With the Force Luke open the doors and strode out into the Academy, Kyp following just behind him.

“Hey Luke, do you need me for anything before you go to your room?”

“No Kyp, go a head and say good bye to them.”

Kyp didn’t need to reply, he just turned back to the room of Jedi who were still commenting about Luke’s speech. As he crossed the threshold of the main hall he used the Force and pulled the huge doors closed behind him. The first to come to him were Jacen and Jaina, so much of their parents shown in their faces. He saw them more as siblings rather then anything else, which made it harder on him to answer the impending questions they were about to ask him.

“Kyp, what is going on, why the sudden need to leave like this?” Jacen asked stepping up to Kyp Jaina coming up besides them.

“Please just trust Luke’s decision, he really needs that especially from you two. He really needs you two to help out here, and he wouldn’t ask that of you of he didn’t need to leave for something important.”

“This just inst like him, you of all people should know that. You two have been on more adventures then most people have their entire lives. We just don’t want to see him get hurt, but we will respect his wishes and stay here to help.” Jaina said, a sad look forming on her face.

The voices slowly died out as Luke made his way up the flight of stairs to his quarters. He was positive he had made the right decision to leave, but he couldn’t shake the feeling of guilt for leaving like this.

Pausing outside his room, he used a Jedi calming technique to calm his mind, taking a deep breath he opened his door and stepped in. He closed the door releasing the breathe, “A nap, that’s what I need.” He said to himself as he settled onto his bed. Almost asleep, a knock at his door caught his attention waking his up. “Come in.” The door slowly slid open and in stepped Yminutaia, the young Togian girl responsible for helping Luke come to his decision to leave on his journey. “Hello Yminutaia, what is it that I might do for you?”

She was quiet for a few seconds; Luke could tell she was trying hard to get her question out. “Hello Master Skywalker, I just wanted to show you this.” She said as she reached out her hand holding onto her completed lightsaber. Luke was astonished, just yesterday she had told him that she would need a few more days to bring her lightsaber to completion. He took the exquisite weapon in his hand examining it closely, he notice several etched words on the hilt. Not fluid in Togian he had to ask what they said.

“These words here, what do they say?”

“They are the quote young Togians have to say during our right of passage into adult hood. The say, May the eye of Togian watch over me, and keep safe for the rest of my time. I felt that the completion of my lightsaber was a right of passage to further myself as a Jedi.”

“This is a magnificent lightsaber, but I feel that this isn’t the entire reason you came to me.”

“No Master Skywalker it isn’t, what I really wanted to ask was, can I come with you? I want to help you on your journey, please allow me to come with you.”

Luke was quiet for several minutes going over the request of the young trainee. “Meet me in the hanger first thing in the morning and I will give you your answer then.” Satisfied Yminutaia spun around leaving Luke to try to get some rest. Sleep found him quick, no dreams came to him as he slipped into a deep restful sleep. Day turned to night and Luke slept without any further disturbances.

Finally, morning came and he was shaken from his sleep by the call of an animal from the jungles of Yavin IV. He quickly dressed and packed a small bag, before making his way down to the hanger. To his surprise, every occupant of the Academy was waiting for him as he rounded the final corner stepping into the huge main hanger. Among them, he noticed Yminutaia attentively waiting for his answer to her question the day before.

As he passed through the crowd to Kyp’s awaiting modified Lambda shuttle he said his good byes getting a hug from several trainees as he passed them.

Finally, he reached the boarding ramp where Kyp and Yminutaia awaited him. “Yminutaia I have thought about your request and I think that a journey like this will greatly benefit your training so you may join us.” She said nothing as she grabbing the small bag she had already packed just in case Luke had said yes.

“Welcome to the Sun Crusher II.” Kyp said patting Luke on the back. A smile formed on Luke’s face at the irony he found in Kyp naming this ship after the original deadly ship he had wreaked havoc on the galaxy in.

Before he could start up the ramp Jacen and Jaina stepped in front of him grabbing him in a hug. “Uncle Luke be careful, and May the Force be with you.” They said in unison as they pulled away from their uncle.

“May the Force be with you also, and the same to all of you.” He sad turning to the group of Jedi, and without another word he turned and made his way of the ramp with Yminutaia and Kyp following closely. Jacen and Jaina stepped back as the ramp began to close, the trio disappearing into the ship. Jacen turned to the other occupants of the room motioning for everyone to step back from the ship. Aboard the ship the trio strapped into their seats readying themselves for their trip. The Sun Crusher II’s engines roared to life, and it slowly lifted off the hanger floor.

Kyp moved the ship out of the hanger aiming her towards space as he looked over to Luke, “Where to first?”

“Set coordinates for Coruscant, I have to let Leia know what’s going on.” Without a word Kyp punched in the coordinates and seconds later the stars turned into starlines and they disappeared into hyperspace.

Destiny of the Son : Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1:

The silence of the small living quarters was suddenly broken as Luke sprang up out of his bed sweat pour down his face. The word “no” echoed in his head, once again his sleep was disturbed by the dream of his first duel with Vader. The dream terrified him, made it impossible for him to go back to sleep after each time the dream plagued him. The dream dual was different then the actually dual that had happen all those years ago. Where then it had been his, face that shown from behind Vader’s fallen mask, after it had exploded open. Now it was Leia eyes that stared up at him the cave floor on Dagobah. The sight of her face made him tremble in fear. Fear that she may be the next Skywalker to sway to the evils of the dark side.

For the past week the dream had came to him, shaking him from his slumber. He was having a difficult time focusing on anything, especially teaching his students. “If only Ben were here, he would be able to make some sense of all this.” He said to himself hearing the hollowness of the words as they left his lips. He hadn’t seen or heard the voice of his friend and mentor for many years, but the image of him engraved in his memory never faded. Finally deciding to get up, he slowly wrapped his long robe around his sweat-covered body and strode out of his room. The cool air of Yavin IV swept through the quiet halls of the temple, as he walked down the hallway he reached out to all his sleeping students.

Their heads were filled with adventurous dreams; he snickered to himself as he continued down the long hallway and up a flight of stairs that led up to the roof of his Jedi Academy. As he reached the opening at the top of the stairs, he felt the cool breeze as it blew his hair out of his face. The breeze was refreshing, and he knew that was just what he needed right now. Luke perched himself on a ledge, doing so he let his mind wander sensing all the creatures in the forest around him.

Suddenly Vader’s evil facemask flashed in his mind, and then he saw himself kneeling at the feet of Vader sitting in a throne. Luke jerked out of the daze, and the thoughts of when he had once served at the resurrected Emperor’s side trickled forward from his subconscious. He closed his eyes remembering all the catastrophic events that took place during that short term of service. These memories stung at his very being with extreme force. Seeing Leia or himself forever serving the dark side was a terrifying sight that sent a chill down his spine. Yoda and Ben had once warned him about the dark side, but Luke’s impatience had gotten the better of him. Like others before him, he thought that he could learn how to vanquish the dark powers from within. Where others had failed he had succeeded, with the help of Leia he barely defeated the dark side evil that was the resurrected Emperor. He now taught and stressed to his students not to underestimate the power of the dark side. All his thinking came back to the same question, what did these dreams mean? Were they a vision of the future, be it his or Leia’s. He opened his eyes pushing the questions and visions from his mind. He saw that the sun was rising over the trees slowly shedding light on the vast forest of Yavin IV.

Luke made his way back to his quarters where he dressed for the day; still the question lingered in his mind. He strode down the halls of the Academy occasionally passing trainees; each greeted him with a smile. He knew all the students that attended his Academy, most of them had been hand picked by him. He took great pleasure in searching out new students to train to rebuild the order of the Jedi. The most recent addition to the Jedi trainee ranks is a young Togian girl named Yminutaia; she had great potential as a Jedi. It had been less then a month since she had gotten to the Academy, and already she had surpassed most of the high-ranking Jedi trainees. Luke had watched her as she made her way through the lessons given to her; she seemed most talented in Jedi Levitation and had already requested that she be allowed to build her own lightsaber.

Luke watched as she stood on the far side of the training field levitating a very large boulder several feet in the air. Several students watched as she pushed the boulder further and further into the air. A smiled formed on Luke’s face seeing the skill his student possessed, now with the boulder about ten feet in the air he watched as she reached out with her other hand clinching her fist causing the boulder to explode from the pressure of her grip with the Force. To the other students astonishment the tiny pieces of rock remained afloat in the air just above their heads. Using the Force she pulled the pieces of rock back together forming a small replica of the Jedi Academy.

“Awesome, Yminutaia that’s too cool.” Another trainee named Gabe’ said stepping up besides her.

“Thanks Gabe, but you know all of you can do this if you keep to your training.”

“Thanks for the tip Yminutaia.” The group got quiet as they watch her slowly brought the small stone temple to rest on the ground.

Luke slowly made his way across the training field towards the small group of students that stood around Yminutaia. “Yminutaia, can I talk to you for a moment please?” He said as he stepped up to the group.

“Yes Master Skywalker?” She replied.

“Come with me, lets take a walk as we talk.” Luke said as the two started down a path into the forest.

“Tell me something Yminutaia, do you find the exercises you are given to be easy or not very challenging?”

“In the beginning they are a challenge, but only until I’ve done them a few times. Then it’s almost like I’ve done the exercise a million times before, and they come second nature to me. Do you find that to be a little odd or disturbing Master?”

“No, not at all. It just means that you are highly attuned to the Force and when you tap into it to do your exercises you connect to it on a high level, almost like you become a new person a very powerful person. The Force can be a powerful tool, but it can also be very dangerous if it is used in the wrong way. I watched what you did with the boulder it was very impressive soon you will be able to help the other higher trainees work with the younger trainees. Might I ask how the construction of your lightsaber is coming along?”

“It is coming along very well, I feel that I am almost finished with it. Maybe a day or two more and it will be complete.”

“I’m glad to hear that, I have been watching your training since you came to the Academy. I want to show you something that might help you with you training, it may also give you more of a challenge.” Luke said looking down at his trainee. Yminutaia didn’t say a word she just followed her Master back into the Academy; she didn’t recognize the part of the temple they were in. After going down half a dozen staircases and down several long hallways they finally they came to a wooden door with very old writing on it. Luke glanced down at Yminutaia noticing her puzzling look as she studied the writing on the door.

“It says, MASTERS OF THE FORCE. It is written in the ancient text used by the Jedi thousands of years ago.” He held his hand up to the door again a puzzling looked shown on Yminutaia’s face, she didn’t know what to expect. Suddenly the door opened. Luke said, “Only some sensitive to the force can open this door.” Inside the room Yminutaia found it contained many Jedi artifacts. Such artifacts like tightly wrapped scrolls, paintings, statues, and countless packing crates that littered the majority of the room. She followed Luke to a small chest; he had her open it. She did so very carefully, inside there was a small cube with the same type of writing on it as the door had. She slowly picked it up; as her Force, sensitive fingers touched the small cube it began to glow. Startled by the suddenly reaction the cube had by her touch she dropped it back into the chest and stepped back a few steps.

“It’s a Holocron, it reacts to the touch of anyone force sensitive. Thousands of years ago the Jedi Masters would record their teachings and force experiences in these cubes and pass them on to others. Jedi Masters used the Holocron to teach their students about Jedi history and the lessons of the old Jedi ways.

Maybe you can study some of the lessons and stories contained in this Holocron.” Luke explained. Yminutaia stepped back up to the chest and picked up the Holocron again, as she touched it the figure of an alien dressed in a tunic formed in front of her.

“Hello my young Jedi, I am Jedi Master Jonisolo, and these are the Jedi training exercises I have to share with you.” The hologram said. Before the Jedi Master hologram could say another word Luke stepped in, gently plucking the cube from her hands.

“I think you should save his lessons for later, I believe you have a Jedi History class that you need to be getting to.” Luke said. The two made their way back up to the main hall where Tionee had already started the daily history lessons. Before Yminutaia and Luke walked into the hall, she asked him, “Master Skywalker do you think I have a chance to become a great Jedi like you are?”

“Yminutaia, every Jedi has the ability to become great. It just depends which path they choose. There’s the quick and easy path, which is the dark side. And there’s the knowledgeable path, which requires great commitment and determination, that being the light side. Only you can choose your path. Many great Jedi have fallen to the temptation of the dark side, my father was one of those Jedi. So to answer you question, yes but only you can chose to be great.” Luke explained. Yminutaia nodded her head, understanding the point her Master was trying to make.

“Thank you Master Skywalker.” She said, and walked into the main hall for the rest of Tionee’s lessons. As he walked out of the hall he was hoping Yminutaia would learn much from the old ways, for he knew they had much to offer.

Luke spent the majority of the day thinking about the question that Yminutaia had asked him that morning. In the beginning he had often compared himself to some of the great Jedi of the past, Yoda, Ben, and most of all, his father Anakin. From that he had learned that each Jedi was uniquely great in their own way. Some with a stronger connection to the Force and then others like Tionee who had very little Force talent but was still committed to the Order as a records keeper. After dinner he decided that he would retire to his quarters early and attempt to get some much needed rest. His head no more then touched the pillow and he was slipping away to sleep. A short while later he was suddenly awakened by the call of a nearby creature.

Luke opened his eyes only to find himself back on the swampy world of Dagobah. The misty fog curled around his feet as he walked through the swamp, he was having the dream again, ‘How was it going to end this time?’ He asked himself. After walking a few yards he found himself at the mouth of the dark side cave Master Yoda had sent him into all those years ago.

He swiftly climbed down into the cave and began scanning the surroundings. Suddenly he heard a noise from around a corner, and out from the shadows Darth Vader stepped. Luke tried to step back a few steps but stumbled on the uneven ground of the cave and fell at the feet of Vader. Was this what the vision was showing him? He thought. He jumped to his feet igniting his lightsaber stepping into a defensive stance, as he did the first time. Vader mocked him igniting his own lightsaber. The red glow of Vader’s lightsaber bounced off his plated suit, slightly blinding Luke for a second. As before Luke made the first move slashing at Vader. His attack was blocked with ease, and countered slowly, Luke parried the counter-attack swinging high and hard severing Vader’s head from his body.

The Darklord’s helmet fell to the ground, and exploded open revealing not Luke’s face but Leia’s. Her stare pierced him like a thousand knives at once, causing him to go into shock stumbling backwards. He closed his eyes taking a deep breath trying to get a hold of himself. He opened his eyes and everything was black and Vader’s body was nowhere to be seen. “What happened to him, why are they visions coming to me?” He asked himself aloud. He closed his eyes again trying to piece everything together, when he opened his eyes he found himself sitting up in his bed. His body covered with sweat, as if someone had splashed him with water. The visions were starting to worry him, to the point where they plagued his every thought. Slowly he eased himself back down onto his pillow closing his eyes and soon sleep once again found him.

Destiny of the Son : Prologue

PROLOGUE:

The cool night breeze of Yavin IV blew through the ancient temple, it’s scattered light fixtures filling the halls with spots of light and throwing shadows on the walls of the small creatures that roam the temple at night. It’s occupants fast asleep, all but one lone figure that restlessly wandered those very halls. As he walks, he contemplates the passing events of his life. As the figure passes through the lighted areas, his body is illuminated all but his face, which seems to be consumed by the shadows. The figure stepped forward leaning onto the sill of a window staring out into the calm night, the light of the moon finally reveals the figures true identity. The others of this ancient temple know him as Jedi Master Skywalker; his friends call him Luke but thanks to the Empire most of them are gone or long forgotten.

His mind is a whirlwind of questions about of his life, if only he hadn’t met Ben all those years ago. Not that he wished he hadn’t met him; it was more that if he hadn’t Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru would possibly still be here. He loved his life and everyone in it, he didn’t regret what he had become and the decisions he had made. It had been along time since he had thought about his friends from Tatooine, the fun they had racing around like maniacs. The memories of Biggs, Tank, Camie, and good old Fixer drifted from his subconscious, a smile form on his face. He perched himself on the nearby windowsill, closing his eyes relaxing his mind letting reality drift into the past. He soon found himself zooming through Beggars Canyon in his T-16 along side his long dead friend Biggs. Cutting his Skyhopper sharp he weaved through the ruff rocky terrain of the canyon, Biggs quickly closed the distance between them pulling his ship up behind Luke. Their Skyhoppers were separated by mere inches when Luke hit the brakes swing his ship around another dangerously sharp corner. Biggs was an excellent pilot and was able to put his T-16 into a 360-degree spin bringing him up and over Luke taking the lead.

They had always been the wildest of the group of young adventurers, Tank wasn’t far behind them, and Fixer and Camie spent most of their time coming up with new tracks for the three speed demons. This had always been a big part of the day between Luke and his friends. The daring runs through Beggars Canyon dodging sky shooting spears of rock, always it seemed more and more dangerous each time they dared to see who the best was. Today Luke and Biggs were following a course that Fixer had been working on for the past couple of days.

Luke muttered vulgarly to himself and hit the accelerator causing his T-16 to lurch forward with the sudden change of speed. Luke swung his ship crazily around Biggs and through the Stone Needle, coming down several feet in front of Biggs winning the race.

Biggs mutter something over the communicator, Luke smiled as he slowed down allowing Biggs to catch up, “ Nice race Biggs, but you’ll still never beat me. “ Luke chuckled out loud so Biggs could hear him.

“We’ll just have to wait until next time Wormie. You should know by now that I don’t quit that easily, but we had better get going though; Camie and the guys are waiting for us.” Biggs said steering his T-16 back towards Anchor Head. Luke didn’t respond, he only waved and steered his T-16 to follow Biggs back to Fixer’s shop. As they flew over the desert they dodged wild Dewbacks, and blasted a womprat here and there. As they cleared the last sand dune Archorhead came into view, Luke suddenly felt a strange tingle in the back of his head causing him to lose control of his T-16 for a second. When he looked up, he saw a shadowy figure standing off in the distance, but as fast as he had seen it, it disappeared. The question of what or who it might have been sat in his head for a few seconds, and then he shrugged and decided to pass it off as a Tuskin Raider.

“Hey buddy, you still with me?” Biggs said over Luke’s communicator breaking the silence of the cockpit.

“Yeah I’m still here, I just got a weird feeling for a second. Don’t worry about me, let’s just get going you know how Fixer gets if he’s left waiting too long.” Luke replied in a shaky voice. Biggs didn’t say anything; he had known Luke long enough to know when something was bothering him.

Several minutes later the two friends landed their skyhoppers outside Fixer’s shop. As they climbed out they were met by Tank, Fixer, and Camie, “Hey guys how’d it go, who won this time?” Camie asked, while Fixer and Tank just stood behind her smiling.

“Do you even need to ask? Come on, you should know the answer to that question by now.” Luke replied with a huge smile on his face.

“Don’t go getting cocky Wormie, as soon as my ship is fixed I’m going to give you a serious lesson in second place.” Tank said as he grabbed Luke in a bear huge.

“Keep dreaming Tank, if anyone’s going to beat Luke it’s going to be me.” Biggs said punching Tank in the shoulder.

“How’d you guys like the course I laid out?” Fixer asked. “Was it better then the last one?” He added before either of them had a chance to answer.

“Not bad, but it was a little spread out. I mean you had us all over the place. We had to cut corners to make it interesting. The highlight of the whole thing was this awesome 360-degree roll I did over Luke.” Biggs said grinning at Luke, and without another word he patted Fixer on the shoulder and started into the shop.

“Don’t insult Fixer’s course Biggs, I doubt you could do any better.” Camie said trying not to laugh. Seconds later the entire group were in the shop laughing hysterically.

The memory began to fade as Luke heard a voice from the dark calling his name. “Master Skywalker, Master Skywalker, are you all right?” A young Sullustian boy asked his master shaking Luke from his daze.

“Yes Noissef, I just couldn’t sleep. I thought a little fresh air would do me some good tonight.” Luke replied to his student. “What’s got you up so late little one?”

“I had a bad dream.”

“What was it about maybe if we talk about it you’ll be able to go back to sleep.”

“It was about you and that guy you used to tall us about.”

“And which guy would that be?”

“Umm, Vader. Darth Vader that’s it.”

Luke was struck with a suddenly sense of dread settle upon him. In the past Noissef had shown a much skill in Force dream predictions. He wasn’t sure but something told him that the dream was somehow connected to his own.

Looking down at the young Sullustian boy, he patted him on the head not wanting to worry him. “Don’t worry about these dreams little one, we can work more on them tomorrow if you like. Maybe some meditation will help. Now you had better get off back to bed, you have a busy day ahead of you, and you want to be ready.” He added, steering the young boy back towards his room.

Luke turned back to the window letting the cool breeze ruffle through his hair, calming his mind before he himself retired back to his room.