Warnings: These characters are sometimes not like how they should be, I used my own judge of how time would affect people in certain situations. (i.e. Luke becoming a worrisome father)
Spoilers: A familiar Truth parts 1,2,3 and Vision of the Future
Rated: PG 14 (Situations are implied but not specified)
Ales Story
?But Daddy! This isn?t fair. You know that I can do this, they need me!? Ales told her father for the millionth time.
?But you are not ready. They don?t need you, they can handle this themselves. You need to stay here and help at the academy.? Luke Skywalker told his daughter. She blew out some air and sat down on the couch, in an attempt to calm herself down. Luke stood in the doorway and waited for her response. He could feel her run through several calming techniques, but he could also feel her anger rising. Suddenly, there was a loud knock on the door. Luke wandered over and let them in.
?Master Skywalker, Master Skywalker, they have given us permission!? Lex Danis wandered in with several pieces of paper. He walked into the living room where Ales sat and looked her over. He had seen her around the academy before, but he had graduated before she had turned 10. He was off at Coruscant trying to put through his recommendation for a squadron of Jedi X-wing pilots. It had taken 6 years, but finally they had let him. He had just came back to tell Luke the news, and ask him if he had any recommendations.
?So, they have decided to let you form this squadron. Well then. I assume you are wondering if I have anyone to recommend. Well?? Luke started. Immediately Ales jumped up and ran over to her father. He put a hand on her shoulder. ?No way, not now. Are you not listening to me??
?But Dad, this is perfect. I mean, it?s a squadron of Jedi, I?ll be safe. You have taken me out countless times flying. I mean, I?ve taken out the X-wing with Artoo a million times, Even mom let me take out the Jade?s Fire. Why won?t you let me? You know that I?m the best pilot in the galaxy, even better than Jaina.?
?And I know that you are needed here. At least until Ben gets back. You promised that you?d take care of the academy for him. Ales??
Meanwhile, Lex watched the fight that was before him with surprise. He had no idea that Ales was so much older, so much more beautiful than before. And he had never expected that there was ever any conflict in the Skywalker household.
Ales turned and looked at Lex who was staring at her with a smile on his face. ?Dad, you let him become a Jedi at the same time as me, granted it was young for me, you let him captain this squad. I mean, he?s two maybe three years older than me! I bet he would like me on the squad.?
?I bet he would, but he won?t. Ales, he isn?t my daughter, and he doesn?t have the responsibilities that you do. Ales, please. Maybe when you are two years older. Okay? When Ben is back with your mother. Until then, we need you.? Luke said.
Ales looked at him for a minute more and then ran into her room, attempting to hide the tears that she knew would soon fall. She laid down on the bed and used the force to slam the door shut.
Lex looked at the shut door a minute longer and let out a slow sigh. Luke also sighed and let out a small laugh. His daughter was definitely stubborn, just like her mother. Her golden red hair and eyes that changed with her mood, she was a beauty, and the one most sought after in the academy. Luke turned his attention to Lex.
?I?m just gonna go talk to her for a moment. Would you wait a sec?? Luke asked, knowing that it wasn?t wise to leave her alone in that mood.
?Actually, Sir, perhaps could I give it a shot? I mean, I may be able to help since I can see both sides of the situation?? Lex offered. Luke motioned towards the door.
Lex stood in front of the door and knocked. He heard the sobs inside but the strong determination was an ever-present note beneath.
?What?? Came from inside.
?Can I come in? Please?? Lex offered, his hand shaking slightly. The door opened enough for him to come in and shut immediately once he was in. He looked at the girl on the bed. She was obviously crying. She sat down on the bed and put a hand on her back. She sat up, looked at him, and buried her face in his shirt. He just ran a hand up and down her back until she was finished. She looked up at him and seemed to bear into his eyes. He looked down at her, unsure of what to say.
?I know, I?m just not ready.? She said, breaking the silence. He smiled down at her. She smiled at him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. He smiled and stood up to leave. He didn?t even have to say anything. As he reached the door, her voice rang again.
?Just tell me, do you think that if my father would have let me, I would have been able to fly in your squad?? He turned around.
?I would have loved to have you in my unit, and maybe someday, you will be.? And with that, he left.
?We lost Gold Squadron.? Mara told Luke. Luke looked at her and let out a quick sigh, glad that he hadn?t let his daughter join it. ?Most were shot down, some were captured. Apparently, they had even turned the leader and now he is with them. Something about a New Sith Order.?
?Samin?? Ales voiced. Her friend had joined the squad.
?I?m sorry Ales. She was shot down.? Mara said walking over and giving her daughter a hug. Ales refused it and ran into her room.
?What are we going to do with her Luke, she?s too much like me.? Mara said leaning on Luke?s shoulder.
?I wish I knew.?
?Ales? What are you doing?? Luke said.
?I?m packing. I am joining the New Knight Squadron. And don?t even try to stop me.? Ales said as she continued packing.
?And what is the reason behind your actions?? Luke asked calmly.
?I need to find who ever is behind all this, and defeat them.?
?Vengeance is of the dark side Ales, you know that.?
?This is vengeance, this is riding the universe of another vile scum that shouldn?t be here.? Ales said.
?Just watch how you act okay? I don?t want you hurt. You are my only daughter and you mean so much to me and your mother.? Luke said.
Ales looked up at him slightly surprised. She ran up and gave him a hug. They held each other for a while.
?Welcome to Knight Squadron Captain Skywalker. Due to your extensive knowledge of space travel, your recommendations and test results, we have decided to give you full command of Unit 4. You will have Second Lieutenant Cassandra Tis and officer Midnight Nina as your unit members. Our first mission will start in 2 days time when we head to the outer Rim to seek out the New Sith Order. I suggest you start to train your unit ASAP. Congratulations Ales? Commander Turner told her as they left the main conference room. Ales quickly saluted the commander and was off to inspect her fighter.
?Okay gang, we?re coming out in a few, stay tight.? Ales called into her Comm. Casa and Midnight called in and they prepared for battle. The very second that they left hyperspace, they were hot into battle. There were X-wings everywhere and the battle raged on as they had practiced so many times. Casa and Midnight stood on her wing and they defended each other. As she watched many of her friends get shot down, she was most surprised when her own X-wing was shot down and quickly pulled into a tractor beam. Her spinning shuttle was caught in such a way that she hit her head on the side of the cockpit, and fell into darkness.
?Just stay down. The ringing won?t last much longer.? Someone told Ales. She opened her eyes and blinked a few times. She tried to sit up but was pushed down by a strong pair of hands. She looked over at the owner and was surprised to see Lex sitting beside her. She moved her mouth but no sound seemed to come out. He just smiled and looked down at her.
?Her heads got quite a bump, she?ll need to stay her a while before you begin her training. Give her one of these in an hour and then she should be feeling much better? The medic said walking out of the room. Ales watched her go and wasn?t quite sure what was going on. She just laid back down and took in the surroundings. She ran a few pain suppression techniques until her head stopped spinning and ringing.
?Thank you doctor, I?ll make sure that she does.? Lex said, then sat down on a chair next to her. She looked at him closely, and something told her than she had best get out of there.
?You were captured by the Order? We have to get out of here. We need to get back to the academy.? She started realizing that he must have escaped. He only looked at her.
?We won?t be going back to the Academy Ales. You are now with the Order, and we will train you when the doctor gives the Okay. Don?t worry, I?ll watch out for you.? He said, smiling. Her eyes grew wide with terror as she realized that he had been turned. She started to sit up and was anxious to get out of there. ? You aren?t leaving Ales, you will be the strongest of us all. You have the potential, and you even have the best heritage of us all. Welcome to the New Sith Order Ales.? Lex said, his smile growing. She started to stand up but Lex grabbed her and pushed her back down. The medic walked in and jabbed a needle into her, she feel into darkness again.
?They what!?? Luke said, as he received word that his daughter had been captured. He immediately stood up and was ready to get out of there. Mara only sat calmly and put a hand on his arm. ?She can take care of herself Luke, don?t worry. If we go, we will only make matters worse. Don?t worry love.? ?I have to worry Mar, she?s our only daughter and the strongest Jedi in the universe. If they turn her, we?re doomed? Luke sent sitting down. ?But they won?t, she is strong and we have taught her well? Luke shrugged defeated. He hated this worrying.
Ales woke up in a dark room. Lex was sitting beside her, asleep. He looked so sweet and innocent, but she knew what had happened to him. She surveyed the room and immediately found her exit point. She wandered out the door and started down the hall when Lex called out to her. She turned to look at him. He started after her, she turned and started to run towards where she thought that the main fighters would be kept. Lex quickly caught up with her, she must still be weak from whatever drug they had pumped through her system. He put two arms around her waist to keep her from getting away, but was surprised when she turned to look at him and planted a kiss right on his lips. They kissed for several minutes, Lex?s hands moving up and down her back. Suddenly, she shoved her knee hard into his crotch and escaped from his grip. A look of surprise ran across his face. She mearly muttered ?You are unwise to lower your defenses? and took off.
Lex watched her run off. He had underestimated her. He hadn?t expected something like that to happen, and should have kept his defenses up. As she turned a corner he started slowly, on his way back to his room. He would have her soon, and if he would be her queen of the Sith. Whether she liked it or not.
Ales, after stealing a small cargo shuttle, found her way back to Yavin 4. It was mostly uneventful, they must have let her go. As she prepared to dock on the landing pad, she saw both of her parents come running out of the temple. She flew out of the cockpit, then out of the ship. She ran into the arms of her father, and before she knew it she was crying and sobbing into his shoulder, how right he was. He just held her, understanding that she had made a mistake. They walked into the temple and sat down in the living room. She retold her story, what of it that she could remember and soon went to bed. She was exhausted and eager to be in the comfort of her bed, where nothing could hurt her. Almost the minute her head hit the pillow, she was sound asleep.
Ales woke up in the pitch black room, a hand covered the mouth and her hands and feet bound by someone else. She opened her eyes to look at her attacker, but in the dark, she couldn?t make out any of the faces. She started to struggle, when the room filled with a green light and a buzzing. Luke Skywalker had felt the disturbance and rushed in armed with his lightsaber. The attackers let go of her and armed their lightsabers. Ales scurried to the corner of her bed, and opened a small box beside her bed. She grabbed what was inside and lit it. Her own spare lightsaber glowed with all the others. Suddenly one of the attackers attacked her father, and the other two went after her. She started to duel with them, but it seemed as though her access to the force was slow and her body wasn?t able to move. She forced her limbs to do each of the movements. She felt a small prick on her arm and darkness took her.
Luke watched as his daughter fell to the ground, and suddenly felt powerless. She was so weak, and tired from everything, he was supposed to protect her. His defense suddenly changed into a furious attack, and he quickly defeated his opponent. The other two fled out a window as he was pursuing his attacker and he didn?t even try to follow. He ran to the side of his daughter, and examined her wounds. Deep within her he felt something strange, but other than that, there was nothing, except the small puncture for a needle. Suddenly, her eyes flew open and she took a quick breath. She sat bolt up and looked around the room. She looked Luke straight in the eye and seemed not to know him. Her breathing became faster and she seemed to panic. Luke watched her and tried to grab her arms. She drew away from his touch and stood up. She looked around the room and fled.
Mara watched as Ales flew out the room, running at full speed, she almost didn?t see her. She watched as Luke flew after her, and just stood where she was. She stood a minute longer than floated over to the comm. To answer it. A familiar face filled the screen and Mara drew back slightly.
?Mrs. Skywalker, is Ales alright?? Lex asked.
?I don?t think so, she just flew out of her room at top speed from her father. A little while ago they were just like father and daughter again. It?s rather?perplexing.? Mara said.
?Oh no, they didn?t. Here, keep her on the planet as long as you can. Don?t let her leave, no matter what. Knock her out if need be, she has to stay there. I?ll be there in a day or so.? Lex said, then shut off the comm.
Mara looked at her screen a minute longer and then sat up, more confused than before. She then went to go look for her husband and daughter.
Ales could have kept running for days, but her body begged for a rest. She sat down and Luke was soon beside her.
?Ales, what?s wrong? What?s gotten into you?? Luke asked, trying to find out what was wrong. She seemed to cower from him, afraid.
?I?I?I don?t know. But I have to leave her. I need to go?? She said standing up. Luke used the force to keep her still. She seemed so tired and he was worried.
?Not until we have you fully examined. I want to know what they did to you.?
Ales looked at him, as if meeting him for the first time. She sat down and rested her head on Luke?s shoulder. He put an arm around her, and prepared to take her back to the medicenter.
Lex?s shuttle was barely on the ground when he popped out of it, almost at full run. He was about to dart into the academy when a strong hand stopped him. He looked at its owner.
?You go in there, you?re gonna be slaughtered.?
?Mrs. Skywalker, I need to see your daughter, it?s a very grave matter.? He said, still trying to get in.
She looked at him as if he was nuts, but he could tell that she had been crying, worried about her daughter. She put a hand on his shoulder and walked him inside.
Lex looked at Ales, lying on the bed. She wasn?t quite asleep, but she wasn?t herself either. He entered the room and she flew to the floor.
?My master, I am sorry. The Jedi won?t let me out of here. I haven?t the power to escape.? She said, still not looking at him.
?Rise Ales.? He said, not so sure about what he was doing. ?Lay down on the bed. We are going to do some tests on you. I have authorized them.? She looked at him, and he looked at her. She broke the gaze and laid down on the bed. He walked over and sat beside her. ?I will be with you. Don?t worry.? He said, planting a kiss on her forehead. Her normally green eyes were a cool ice blue. He put a hand on her forehead and put her into a deep sleep. Luke stepped up behind him.
?What did you do to my daughter?? He asked, barely holding in the aggression. ?Master? Jedi? What did you do?? He said grabbing his tunic.
?If you ever want to see your real daughter again, you are gonna have to trust me.?
?You?I have no reason to trust you. You are Sith, and you tried to get my daughter.? Luke said, letting go of the Tunic and calming down. ?How did you get in here??
?I let him in Luke, he can help us. Let him? Mara sent from behind. He swiveled to look at her and she stood in the doorway. She looked just like the Mara Jade he had married all those years ago. So beautiful, young, admirable. ?Thanks Skywalker?
?You are welcome Jade? He sent back.
?Okay, you two can keep doing whatever it is, I want to save your daughter. So either help out, or get out.? Lex said, scrubbing his hands. Luke turned to look at him and was washing his hands too, seconds later. Mara stood in the doorway.
?Okay, what do we have to do?? Luke asked.
?You have to keep her alive, while I drain her of most of her blood.? Lex said calmly, not too sure how to approach the situation.
?You are going to do what? Why??
?Sith blood, once in the system, attaches itself to all other blood sells and takes them over. That?s what was given to your daughter, that?s why nothing was picked up by the MD. The reason why she has been acting so strange is that she is so strong in the force, and guided by the lightside, that he heart is pure and is hard for the blood to take over. Now if you are gonna help me, you are gonna have to keep pumping some clean blood into her system. Do you have similar blood types??
?No, I don?t.? Luke answered.
?But I do.? Mara came up from behind. She pulled up one of the sleeves of her jumpsuit and took a seat next to her. ?I have enough blood to keep her going, for a while.? ?Don?t worry Luke? She sent as he saw the reluctance in his eyes. ?If you are sure.? He sent back. He poked her arm with a needle and linked the two people together. Lex took his place and started to flush her body as Luke kept her heart pumping and checking on Mara.
?Well, she?s going to be alright. Her heart was strong, and if the Blood had been stronger, she wouldn?t have had a chance. You are very lucky. Now if you?ll excuse me, I have to head back.? Lex said leaving the room, slightly tired but relieved he had saved her.
?Why? You obviously want to be with the light, otherwise you would have taken her with you and used her as a servant.? Luke said, exhausted as well.
? I couldn?t. I had specifically told the men not to try something like this, but my master must have given them directions. I didn?t want her hurt.? Lex said, turning to walk away.
?Then don?t leave her.? Luke said to his back. He paused. His heart felt a million emotions. Love then hate. Loyalty then revenge. All these made him feel slightly sick. He longed to get out, but he wanted to stay. A soft hand was on his shoulder.
?You obviously love her, and you can?t hate once you have loved.? Luke said, from experience. Lex shrugged the hand off and fled the temple. Luke watched and knew that he?d be back. To the temple, and to the lightside.
?Mom?? Ales said waking up. She looked over to see her mother, pale faced and drained. She hugged her tightly. ?What happened??
?Love got in the way of war? She mearly said. Ales looked up at her and waited for an explanation. But just as it was about to leave Mara?s lips, the door opened and Ben and Luke walked in. They hugged Mara and Ales. They seemed like one big happy family, not a care in the world.
?Why did you go back??
?My master, I do not know.? Lex offered.
?It was for the greater good. She would not be turned, so we turned her instead. You have interfered. To have the strongest Jedi as one of our own, would be most?beneficial. She would be the Queen of the Sith, perhaps even, she would have chosen you to be her king. But now we will not know. You have sealed the fate of the New Sith Order. Our demise will rest on your shoulders, I have foreseen it. Now rest with this knowledge, your punishment will wait until tomorrow.?
?You are most gracious mine master.? Lex said and walked out.
He dreamt a million dreams, all of them about Ales. Taking her into his arms and whisking her away into the sunset. Saving her from a hundred monsters, having her gratitude. He woke up and stared into the dark room. He wished that he could get her out of his mind.
Ales listened to the story, fuming one moment and near tears the next. She didn?t know what she was supposed to think. She soon headed to bed, her body tired from the last few days. She fell into a deep sleep.
Lex walked down the halls to his masters throne room. He knocked, but wasn?t surprised when he heard a deep ?Come in Lex? come through the door.
He stepped in and fell to one knee
?Lex, you have disrespected this entire Order. You are hearby stripped of the title of Commanding officer, and are hearby discharged from the New Sith Order. You will be given a single small cargo ship to leave and a death warrant will be put out for your death.? His master lectured. Lex?s eyes went wide and he bowed again and left. He quickly loaded all of his possessions into a box and headed for the cargo bay. He knew which ship was his. He hoped in and started out. He put in the co-ordinates for the Yavin system. He didn?t know why, but the force told him to go there. He pulled out of the bay and was out on his own.
Ales woke up and knew that something was wrong, deep in her heart. She quickly ran inventory of the academy and found nothing amiss. She pulled on a green jumpsuit and walked out. She found her parents talking in the living room. She looked at her.
?I?m just going for my run. I should be back soon. Don?t worry, I won?t wear myself out. Bye.? She called as she walked out.
Her parents smiled at each other and Mara put her head on Luke?s shoulder. He put an arm around her and was glad they survived another trial of life.
Lex reached Yavin 4 and decided to land in a small field, far away from the academy. He knew that he would be safe on this planet, the Jedi didn?t let many people attack them, and never lost. He also figured that this would be the best place to restart his training, which ever way that would be. He knew that Luke Skywalker wouldn?t feel his presence without reaching far out. He slowly walked out of the ship and took a look around the field. This place would be adequate for his survival. He could build shelter in the trees and there would be plenty of food. He laid down on the grass and felt a familiar presence draw near. He was about to scurry into the ship for his lightsaber when she called out his name.
?Lex? Lex Danis? I know that you can hear me.? Ales called out. She had spent many hours here as a girl on this field. Her parents hadn?t liked this place much and rarely came here. It was her solitude. But now there was a ship planted in the middle.
?What are you doing here Skywalker? You should be resting.? Lex called out, not even looking up.
?You sound like my parents put together. I just came to my?this field. You don?t own it.?
He sat up and looked at her. She was sweating slightly and looked pale. He stood up and walked over to her. She looked at him and he lifted her up into his arms. She didn?t resist. She put her arms around his neck and leaned her head on his shoulders. He smiled and took her into the ship. He laid her down on the bed and leaned over her.
?Rest.? He ordered. She looked up at him and raised her eyebrows.
?I don?t think you are in any position to give me orders, Danis? She said
?You are right, but you know that you should. You have worn yourself out.?
?Yes father.? She rolled her eyes. ?Lex, I can take care of myself.?
?Can you know?? He asked, his eyebrows raising this time.
?I can.? She answered stubbornly.
?Even from Evil like me??
?Especially?
Lex reached over and kissed her gently. She returned it more passionately, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. His hands climbed her sides and went around to her back. She smiled as he pulled out. He smiled back at her and ducked his head in for another kiss. ?You are playing with fire, I don?t think that this is right.? He said breaking the kiss.
?That makes it even more exhilarating.? She said pulling him close. ?I never got to thank you for saving my life.? He kissed her, his hands moving up her shirt. She moaned slightly and smiled. She kissed his neck. ?Thank you?
Ales emerged from the ship two hours later, and adjusted her jumpsuit.
?You don?t have to leave yet. You are safe here.? Lex said coming up behind her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and turned her. She put her hands on his bare chest and kissed him.
?Come back with me.? Lex looked at her. She smiled, her eyes begging him. He smiled but was cautious with his words.
?I can?t. They won?t let me.?
?Yes they will, as long as you want to give up the dark side. They let Kyp right? Besides, what we just did. It wasn?t in the essence of the Dark side was it? I mean, love is the ultimate light. Unless??
?There is no unless.? Lex said. He bent down and kissed her. They held each other for several more minutes but were interrupted by a new presence.
?Ales, are you alright??
?Mom, I?m fine. I just was tired after my run and stopped for a break here, when I ran into Lex. I took a quick nap and I am feeling much better now.? Ales tried. Mara looked at her with a raised eyebrow, and knew that she was lying. She didn?t say anything, but Ales knew that she knew.
?Perhaps you two should come back to the temple. Ales, your father was worried. I figured I?d better come out. He worries too much.? ?Skywalker? She?s fine.? ?Thank the force.? He had sent back. She smiled and looked at the couple standing in front of her. ?And Lex, I?m pretty sure that Luke?ll look past your little?failure?and start to retrain you in the lightside. Don?t worry. You wanna grab your stuff. Ales, perhaps you would walk back with me??
?Of course mom. I?d like that.? She gave Lex a quick kiss and walked over to her mom. They started back.
Lex watched the two walk back and smiled. He would never understand that family completely, but he knew he admired them. He walked into the shuttle and prepared to head back to the temple.
?Welcome back Lex.? Luke said shaking his hand. Lex smiled. ?I knew you would find out what was best.?
?Congratulations? Ales called as they walked back to the temple. Lex swung around and ran over to her. She smiled and wrapped her arms around him. ?See, I knew he would take you back.?
?You were right.? He said and kissed her.
Luke watched as the two of them kissed and suddenly understood everything. He smiled and took his approaching wife into his arms. He smiled. ?What a cute couple hey Skywalker?? ?Beautiful? was all he could think of saying.
Ales sat in the underground pool and looked up into the stars. She had enjoyed these last few days when she had a break. She had spent much of her time resting, or talking to Lex. He was learning the lightside again, she was so proud. She twirled around as the sound of footsteps came behind her. She realized who it was and settled back into place. Lex slipped into the pool next to her, and put an arm around her. She slipped into his arms and continued to look at the stars. She could feel his nervousness and looked at him.
?Lex? What?s wrong? Oh, I see. Lex, we all take off our robes to get into here. It?s more??
?It?s not that.? He interrupted her. She looked at him a minute later and settled back into his arms. ?Ales??
?Yes, Lex??
?Marry me.?
?Okay.? She said. He looked down at her and smiled. He reached over and pulled a box towards him. It contained the ring. He pulled it out and slipped it around her finger.
?Jade.?
?My mother?s name. Where did you get it??
?Some planet in the unknown regions. I saw it and thought it would be useful later. It is.?
?I love it Lex.?
?And I love you.? She smiled and leaned her head on his shoulder.
Epilogue
?No, it?s not possible.? She told the MD.
?I?m afraid it is. You are indeed pregnant Ms. Skywalker.?
?You??
?I?m sure.? Ales put a hand on her belly and reached out with the force. She had thought so, but needed it to be confirmed.
?Ales. Don?t worry. She?ll have a good home.? Ales leaned her head against Lex?s shoulder and smiled. She would. ?Now we had better go over everything again for the wedding. We don?t have long.?
?Ales? Are you alright? I heard that you were in the Medicenter and ??
?I?m fine dad, don?t worry.? Ales said, not quite sure how to break the news to her family. They would figure it out soon enough. And perhaps he father would stop worrying once she was married. Sometimes she wasn?t sure how her mother put up with him. But she loved him. She looked at her fianc� and decided that he was right. They had much to do. She would find the right moment to tell Luke and Mara. She looked at her future and smiled, it was time to go get ready.
Ales Story, Part 2
?Why hello love.? Lex Danis said wrapping his arms around Ales Skywalker. ? Are you ready for the wedding? This is our last day of being single.?
?I know.? She said quietly. He turned her in his arms and kissed her.
?What?s wrong?? He enquired. She looked at him. ?This is about your father again isn?t it??
?I don?t know. I mean, you don?t think that we are at all too young for this do you? I mean, I?m only 17.?
?Do you love me??
?With all my heart.?
?Than this is a good move. I?ll always be here for you. If it?s cold feet?I guess we could put this off.?
?No, I don?t want that.?
?Neither do I, but if we have to??
?We don?t have to. Don?t worry, just a feeling okay??
?I trust your feelings.?
?I do. And I love you and am ready to go through with this. Now get out. The groom isn?t supposed to see the bride for 7 hours before the wedding.?
?Now where did you hear that??
?Who knows, but I don?t want to jeopardize this.?
?Okay then love, I?ll see you tomorrow. I love you.?
?And I love you.? She said kissing him goodbye.
Ales looked out at the crowd waiting for her to be married. She took a quick breath and looked at her father. Luke smiled back at her. She seemed to be relieved and prepared to walk down the isle.
Ales looked at the faces as she passed. He aunt and uncle were there, with her cousins, her brother and mother were there. And at the end of the isle, her soon-to-be-husband. She smiled at him and his eyes twinkled. They walked up the stairs and Luke kissed her and whispered something to Lex. He smiled and looked at her.
?What was that all about?? She asked him quietly.
?Nothing important? He responded and they walked up to Ben, who was conducting the service.
?No relationship has been as rocky as this one, with perhaps the exception of our parent?s. We are gathered here today to bring together Ales Skywalker and Lex Danis. Lex Danis, do you take Ales Skywalker to be your lawfully wedded wife? In sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, as long as you both shall live??
Lex looked at her. ?I do.? He placed the ring on her finger. She smiled.
?And do you Ales Skywalker, take Lex Danis to be your lawfully wedded husband? In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, as long as you both shall live??
Ales looked into Lex?s eyes. ?I do.? She placed her ring on his finger and they took each others hands.
?If anyone in this court can offer reason why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.?
Ales and Lex looked around the room and were shocked when someone stood up.
?Ales, you can?t marry him.?
?What? Why not?? She called out.
?Because we are soul mates. You don?t love him, you love me.?
?No?I love Lex.?
?Ales, step off the altar, or everyone here dies.? A rustle came from the crowd. ?This room is wired full of bombs. I have the trigger. Either come with me or everyone dies.?
Ales looked at Lex. He looked at her and knew what she had to do. She kissed him and walked down the isle, tears streaking down her face. She ran out the door and the man followed. Lex looked at the door, still in shock. Someone shook him and he ran after her.
He found them outside, the man forcing her into his ship. Lex looked at him and started to run after them. The man looked at him and grabbed Ales. He hit her hard on the abdomen. She fell to the ground, weeping in pain. On her perfect white dress, a small red spot grew. Lex ran over, his lightsaber lit and ready for battle. He tried to confront the man but was blocked by a force wall. The man whispered something to Ales and pushed her off the ramp. He ran into the ship and quickly took off. The minute the force wall disappeared, Lex was at Ales?s side, helping her to the Medicenter. He lifted her into his arms and ran into the temple. Half the congregation had seen the whole thing, and the close family followed him into the Medicenter. He laid Ales down on the bed and she started to scream in pain. The MD walked over and gave her a painkiller and put her to sleep.
Lex looked at her and started to cry. The MD put a hand on his back and asked him to leave the room, so that he could get to work. Lex gave her a quick kiss and reluctantly left.
Luke Skywalker looked at Lex and felt a pang of sadness in his heart. Even though his daughter was lying on the Medicenter bed, he felt sorry for Lex. His wedding had been ruined and his almost wife was lying in a bed unconscious. He looked up at the door as it opened. The MD stood in the door way, his hands covered in blood.
?She lost the baby.? He said simply. Lex?s eyes grew wide and he put his head into his hands. He uttered a few sobs and walked into the room. Luke and Mara walked in minutes later and found him sitting next to the bed crying.
?Lex..? Luke offered. Lex looked at Ales and wiped a few tears away. He didn?t say anything. Mara looked close to tears and Luke took her back to their room, leaving Lex alone to be with Ales.
Ales woke up with a steady stream of pain in her abdomen area and an empty feeling. She had lost the baby. The looked around and found Lex asleep, his head resting on the side of her bed. She sat up slowly, trying to avoid any more pain. Lex seemed to pick up on her movement and his eyes flittered open. He smiled and kissed her. He put his arms around her and they cried.
?You never told me what he had said.? Lex commented the next day. Ales was still in the Medicenter, mainly to make sure that she would be alright. Lex couldn?t wait until they could get out of there though. He just wanted to have his love back. Ever since she had lost the baby, she was quiet and slept often. It worried Lex, she wasn?t herself.
?He said that he would be back for me.? She said quietly.
?Well, I won?t let him have you. I am here to protect you..?
?I know.? She said, almost muttering. He kissed her cheek lightly and she put her head up to his. He smiled. She continued. ?Lex, I don?t know if this is right. I mean, I can?t do this to you. I??
?You what??? He asked, his smile faded.
?I can?t put you through the torment of having me being taken away from you, I think that it would be better if we said goodbye now.? Tears started to flow down her cheeks.
?You?want to break up?? He said, shocked
? I think it would be best.?
?Ales, if this is because of that man, I won?t let him take you from me. We are meant to be together, it is our destiny.?
?I don?t know what our destiny is. I just want to save you some pain.? She said still sobbing.
?I don?t want to break up.?
?Neither do I, but we have to.?
?We don?t have to do anything?.
?I?? Ales said. He tried to turn her but she escaped from his grip and ran out of the Medicenter. He chased after her and found her on the landing pad crying. He took her into his arms and held her.
?He?s gonna find me, he?s gonna find me, he?s gonna find me?? Ales repeated over and over. She rocked back and forth, refusing to be touched. She broke all contact with the force, just sitting there in the Medicenter on the bed. Lex had tried several times to get close to her, but she wouldn?t let him. She still believed that anyone that she loved would only be hurt. She didn?t say anything to anyone except ?he?s gonna find me?.
Lex walked in, and put a blanket over her shoulders. She was pale and thin, she hadn?t eaten in days. He wondered how she could stay alive. Luke and Mara sat out of the door constantly, both tired and worn from the worrying. Mara?s anger was growing, she was blaming herself. Luke was worried and frightened. Ben couldn?t concentrate on the academy and had handed off responsibilities to one of the other Jedi. He tended to stay in his room a lot. Lex was in everyday, never giving up hope.
He put his arms around her and she seemed to try to get away, but instead gave up. She grew quiet and was soon asleep. He laid her down and slept beside her.
Lex was awakened by his ?Danger sense? as Mara refereed to it. He sat up and looked around the room. Ales was still asleep beside her, otherwise the room was empty. He readied his lightsaber, and wasn?t too shocked when a man crawled into window. He lit his lightsaber and the man stopped. He pulled out his and let out a gruesome smile. A shiver ran down Lex?s spine and he stood up. The man walked closer and held out his hands.
?Don?t kill me, Jedi, I can help your little wifey. I?ll make her all better.? Lex eyed the man as he walked over. He waved his lightsaber closer and silently warned the man away. He quickly jabbed something into her foot and danced back from his swinging lightsaber. They dueled for several minutes, but suddenly the man disappeared. He reached out with the force and couldn?t feel him nearby. He ran over to Ales?s side and found that she was awake. She looked at him, as if through new eyes. He moved closer and she scuttled away. She moved her hands slowly and seemed to question everything. She sat up quickly.
?What the hell? Where am I? Who are you?? She looked around and was suddenly afraid. He walked closer and she darted over the bed and onto the floor behind it. The door opened and Luke and Mara rushed in. They looked at Ales and she looked at them. They were glad that she was moving but hung back.
?Ales? What?s wrong??
?You?what did you do to me? I can?t remember anything, I can?t tell?? She answered her hands flying to her head as if it was in pain.
?I didn?t do anything Ales, you know I wouldn?t. Please Ales, come back. Tell me that you are fine and just playing a joke.? He begged.
Her eyes went wide in terror and she ran out the door past her parents. She hadn?t even given them a second thought. She ran out to the landing field and took the only ship out there, the Jades Fire. She punched in the appropriate code, not knowing if they were right and sat down plotting a course where her hands wanted her to go.
Lex watched as the Fire left the planet and let out a sad yell at her. He called her back, but knew she didn?t hear him. He fell to his knees and started to cry. Luke and Mara were behind him, clinging to each other. They let out there grief and hoped that their daughter would come home. Lex didn?t know what to do, he just watched until the star that was the ship with his fianc�e was no longer visible.
Ales Story, Part 3
Ales Skywalker looked around the ship through her tears, unsure of everything. She was all alone, and scarred. After hitting hyperspace she had shrunk away into a corner of the ship and started to cry. The people back there didn?t frighten her, but she didn?t feel as if she could stay there. She had this feeling that she had to leave. Deep down, she just knew.
She knew she was a Jedi, and she had figured out her name. She could feel through the force people calling her home, but she didn?t answer them. She wiped away a few tears and started to make herself a dinner.
Lex Danis stared up at the sky, and was tempted to try to jump up into the stars to get her back. He looked around and quickly climbed his way up the temple, just in time to see her speed into hyperspace. He let out a final cry and crumpled to the ground sobbing. He looked up as a hand touched his shoulder. Luke Skywalker looked down at the man and smiled slightly.
?She?ll be back. The force will bring her back to us. Trust the force.? Luke said and jumped down to the ground. Lex watched him fall and knew he was right. He let out a few sobs and started his climb down.
Ales stared out at the stars and looked over her controls. She was approaching a planet. The force had guided her here. She landed with permission and was greeted by a small crew and a few men.
?Ales Skywalker, you?ve come. I?m so glad.? One man in black said as he approached her. She smiled tentatively at him. ?The Order welcomes you into our ranks.?
?The Order?? Ales asked. ?I don?t want to join anything, I want you to return my memory.? Words said flowing out of her mouth.
?We didn?t take your memory Ales. The Jedi did. They hate you. Come inside, your room is already, and you must be tired.? The man said. Ales suddenly felt very tired and so walked beside him. He led her into her room and showed her around. Her heart was begging her to leave, but she laid down on the bed. ?I will be right next door if you need anything, please, get some rest. Tomorrow, you will meet our Master.? He said. He bowed down and left the room. Ales looked around and soon fell asleep.
Ales woke up the next morning and got changed. All there was in the closet was black dresses. She figured if she was going to meet someone important, she may as well dress nice. She chose the nicest and walked out of the door. Beside her, the door opened. The man who had escorted her last night appeared.
?Morning. Please follow me, I will show you to our master.? He said. She followed.
Darth Waskan eyed her up and down and smiled. She looked so beautiful in Black. She approached tentatively and hesitated. She bowed slightly and looked up at him.
?Ales. Please, get comfortable.? He said, and used the force to move a chair towards her. She sat down and adjusted her skirt. ?I?m sure you know that you are very important.? He said
?No, I didn?t.? She said plainly. It sparked her curiosity ?How important??
?Very. You are destined to rule the Order. You should be queen, my dear. Be my queen. Rule by my side as my wife.?
Her eyes went wide and she took in a breath. ?I don?t know what to say. I just came to get my memory back. I want to remember.? She told him, her eyes begging him silently. He sighed and motioned towards a man. He walked forward.
?Serin here will take you to the medical bay, where they will give you back your memory. Please follow him.?
?Thank you. Thank you so much.? Ales said as she left the room. She bowed slightly and followed this man.
Lex sat in his room, meditating. All hope of trying to communicate with Ales seemed hopeless, but he still kept trying. He let out a long sigh, and tried again.
Ales woke up in a white room, a familiar room. This was the medical bay. She looked around and spotted the doctor. He smiled ever so slightly and walked over to her.
?You will remember more in time my dear, but since you are awake, the master has asked to see you.? And he reached over and helped her up. She stood for a moment, as it seemed that thousands of memories flooded back. Scenes of her and the doctor after battles, of her telling Lex not to leave the order, and of the Jedi wiping her memory. She shook her head and started on her way to her masters room.
Lex felt a pang of fear in his heart suddenly, and sunk back into the bed. He had lost her. She was gone.
?Ales, How do you feel?? He master asked as she walked into the room.
?I am well, mine Master, a bit dizzy, but fine.? She replied, bowing slightly.
?Have you reconsidered being my queen?? He asked bluntly.
?I will do as you wish my master.? She said, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Something deep down inside of her seemed to beg her to reconsider, but she knew she had to do this.
?Then prepare for the wedding. And, do invite Lex, he would so enjoy it.? He said, a creepy smile covering his face.?
?Yes my master? and she left.
Lex woke up in the middle of the night to the sound of his com beeping. He sat up and wandered over to it. He sat down and was happy to see the face of Ales on the screen. ?Ales! You?re okay! Please Ales, come home. Your mother and father miss you so much.? He said. She remained silent. ?I love you Ales, please??
?I haven?t called to tell you I was heading back to your scum, but my master has asked me to invite you to our wedding. He felt that you would like to come, and so here I am.? Ales said, trying to tone down this heartache she felt.
Lex?s smile faded. ?You?re getting married?? He asked, his voice starting to quiver.
?Yes. My master wishes it so. Soon, I will be queen of the order, and you Jedi will pay for what you did to me.? She said as memories came back.
?What we did to you? We didn?t do anything to you!? He said, confused. ?You?joined the Order? But, why?? They are Sith. You are light, you can?t sit with the dark!?
?You are mistaken. I remember everything now, you stole my memory. You tried to take me away from my master. YOU LEFT ME!? she said, her hands starting to quiver.
?No Ales, we didn?t, I didn?t. I don?t know what they did to you, but you don?t remember right. You have to remember me right Ales. You have to remember Us.? He begged.
?I will have no part of your game Jedi. The wedding is in three days, come dressed appropriately.? She said, then shut off the monitor.
Lex stared at the screen a minute longer, than started to pack.
Ales looked at her screen and slumped back into the chair. The Jedi was confusing her. He was wrong. Her master hadn?t taken her memory, they had. She walked over to her bed, and feel into a fit full slumber.
Ales looked over the crowd at the hall, and tried to calm herself down. She was going to be queen soon. She would rule the galaxy beside her master. And yet, deep down, she didn?t want to. She only wanted to remember everything and be safe. She put on a small smile and started her walk down the isle to her soon-to-be husband. He smiled at her. Suddenly, someone rushed into the isle and grabbed her around the waist. They quickly dragged her kicking and screaming out of the room, followed by her master and other members of the wedding. She did everything she could to try and escape, but found that he accessibility to the force was lower and her strength was down. The man held a small smoke bomb and threw it to her master. Her pulled her into a ship. Her attacker flung her into the bunks, locked the door, and proceeded to take off. She looked out the window and screamed to her master, but there was nothing they could do.
Ales turned to the door as it opened and her attacker appeared. It was Lex. He was calm, yet forceful. He wore a slight smile on his face as he walked in. She scampered back to a corner of the room, afraid of him. This man had taken her away from her master and had stolen her. He had ruined everything. And yet, he was still smiling. Welcoming.
?Don?t worry Ales, I?m gonna take you back home, Master Luke and Mara will get you back to normal. They?ll know what to do.?
?I was home. You ruined my wedding. You ruined my life. My master, he will not like that you have done this. Not only did you leave the Order, but you stole their Queen? You have much more guts than anyone could have possibly imagined.? She spat out, not feeling the anger she thought she would. Lex walked over closer to her and sat down on the bed. He wiped away a tear from earlier and smiled at her.
?Ales. They gave you a faulty memory. You were never an apprentice to Darth Waskan. I once was, but you never were. Until they stole you from me, you were of pure light. You still are, you are just clouded by misconception. Your mother and father will help you to remember.?
?I?I don?t know what to believe.?
?What does your heart tell you??
?My heart? It?it says to believe you. But my mind??
?Your mind is telling you different. Don?t worry dear Ales, everything will sort itself out.? He answered wistfully. She looked at him. She wanted to sink into his arms and cry all the confusion out of her system. She had gone from hating this man, to loving him. She closed her eyes in confusion, and was soon embrace by Lex and his comforting aura. She leaned into him and smiled slightly. Everything seemed right in his arms. Everything.
Lex and Ales landed on Yavin, they were greeted by Luke, Mara and the other Jedi. Ales fought the urge to call them all scum and run into the ship. Lex held onto her tight so that she wouldn?t. She mearly walked forward and tried to embrace them back as they all seemed to hug her. She felt uncomfortable in the circle of Jedi. They were the enemy her head told her, kill them all. But her heart wouldn?t let her. Suddenly, they all pulled away from her and Luke and Mara eyed her up and down.
?She doesn?t remember, does she.? Luke asked, not even a question.
?No, she doesn?t. But whatever they didn?t hasn?t corrupted her heart. I got there just in time to save her from becoming Queen of the Order.? Lex explained. She eyed them all up and down, her eyes falling on one man. He smiled at her. She smiled back at him. Lex seemed to pick up on it. ?You remember Ben right??
?I?sort of.?
?Your brother.?
?But he was killed, the Sith?they killed him to fuel my anger?years ago.? Ales said, memories rushing back, conflicting with her eyes.
?No Ales, I?m just fine. I?ve been worried though. You haven?t been here.? Ben said as he stepped forward. She was just about to finish her retelling of his death when a ship prepared to land on them all. The Jedi backed away and soon the ship landed beside the one she had come in. As the ramp opened, everyone knew who was inside.
?Master Waskan!? She exclaimed, falling to one knee. The Jedi watched her and some drew their lightsabers.
?It?s alright Ales. I have come to save your from the Jedi.? He said as she started to stand up. He tried to walk closer, but was surprised when Lex walked in front of her.
?You are not stealing her away from me.? He said.
?Danis. I should have killed you when I had the chance. You will step aside and let me have my should be wife back.? Waskan said dangerously. He lit his lightsaber. Both ends. ?Or I will make you.?
Lex lit his lightsaber and Luke joined him, They studied the weapon, with its double blades. ?I will not step aside.? Lex said, standing firmly.
Ales studied the situation. They were fighting over her, and she didn?t know who to truly side with. Her mind told her of all the things her master had done for her, but her heart told her that the Jedi should be rooted for. As their lightsabers almost clashed, ?Stop.? Ales shouted.
All three turned to look at her. She backed away slightly at the eyes, all seeming to want her. Suddenly, her heart won over her mind, and she remembered everything. The loss of her child, the ruined wedding, the ship in the field. She used the force to grab Mara?s lightsaber off her belt, and into her hand. Waskan held his lightsaber at ready, while Lex let his fall to the ground. Ales eyed him curiously.
Lex stared at her lightsaber. He knew that if she was going to at least battle him, Waskan had done his job and she had lost him forever. If he lost her, there would be no point in living for tomorrow. He sighed and dropped his own. He looked into her eyes and she looked flabbergasted. She looked at him, then to her father, than to Waskan and begun a furious battle.
Lex watched at Ales battled Waskan. He had the advantage, the double sided lightsaber and years more experience, but she had youth and the force with her.
?If you will not be my queen, you shall die.? He warned her.
?Bring it on.? She said back to him. She attacked him over and over, forcing him to use both sides of his weapon. She directed him farther and farther into the forest. It was too simple, she thought to herself. He was letting her direct him. Suddenly, when they reached a small clearing, he started on his offensive. She walked backwards, doing her best to defend, but she wasn?t his match and now knew, she wouldn?t win. She kept defending, until her foot hit a fallen tree trunk and she flew to the ground onto her back. He stood above her.
?You knew you were no match for me. Now, you will pay for your mistakes.? He started to take a final slash, when his lightsaber was attacked from behind. There stood Lex, his lightsaber defending himself and her. She scurried farther away from the lightsaber and caught her breath.
Lex stood on the defensive, hoping that Waskan would give him an opportunity to strike, but he wasn?t so lucky. He kept on fighting, also keeping an eye on Ales. She was catching her breath, preparing to get back at it. Suddenly he saw her stand up.
Ales made a dash towards the fighting duo and attacked Waskan from behind. Caught by surprise, he barely blocked her. He swiveled to her, and seeing the opportunity, Lex sliced Waskan into two nice halves. Lex then shut off his lightsaber, grabbed her arm, and pulled her away. Suddenly, the spot that once held the Dark lord of Sith erupted into a ball of blue flame and spread out. Lex pushed her to the ground and covered her from the fire. He held her tightly until the heat was gone and Luke came over to them. He got off of her and helped her to stand. She graciously accepted his hand and leaned into his arms as she stood up, panting for breath. They stood there wrapped in each others arms until Mara came over.
Mara used the force to grab her lightsaber away from Ales, and smiled at the two. Luke walked over and gave Ales a hug.
?I?m so glad you followed your heart Ales. I shouldn?t have been, but I was worried. You two fought well against Darth Waskan, and I am very proud of you. He was a strong opposition, and not one a lot of Jedi would have been able to handle, possibly even myself.? Luke let go and let Mara hug her. Mara whispered something into Ales?s ear and then stood beside Luke. ?Maybe our daughter isn?t worth worrying about hunh Skywalker.? Mara sent. ?Your right, maybe she isn?t.? Luke returned.
?Come on? lets get you two back to the academy. You both look tired.? Luke said, put an arm around Mara?s waist, and headed back to the Academy.
Ales was about to start following them, when Lex grabbed her arm. ?I?m glad you decided to follow it too.? He said, before he pulled her into a nice long kiss.
Epilogue
Ales stood in front of Lex on the altar. Again. He smiled to her and she smiled back.
?I do.? He told Ben and slipped a ring on her finger. She thought of all that had passed since she met Lex and smiled even wider. Her life certainly wasn?t boring.
?I do.? She told Ben as he asked her about marrying him. How could she not. She loved him, and would go to the ends of the universe for him. She slipped a similar ring onto his finger.
?If anyone here believes these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.? Ben called out. Both Lex and herself looked around the room for someone, and were relieved when no one stood up. ?Then, I now pronounce you Husband and wife, you may kiss the bride.? He said. Ben lifted her veil, took her face into his hands and kissed passionately.
She smiled after he pulled out and they turned towards the crowd. Everyone was smiling and clapping. Her mother, Mara Jade, former assassin, even wiped away a tear. They smiled back at them all, and rushed down the altar to the world outside. It was a beautiful day, the perfect day to end an old life and start a new.