by Forcechild
Ben had advised against it. He thought that it wouldn’t benefit anyone to learn that Leia had given birth to two children, but Padmay insisted on making the trip. Who was he to suppress her wishes? Besides, he wanted to meet his family as well. It was past time for the secret to be revealed.
The Amidala’s had no idea that twins were born to Padme before she’d died. They’d believed that her child had died with her. Though Padme’s parents both died quite a while ago, her sister was overjoyed to learn about Luke and Leia’s birth. The shock outweighed any embarrassment or scandal the family would go through. She’d been sad to hear of Luke and Leia’s deaths, but elated to finally meet her great niece and nephew. She welcomed Ben and Padmay with open arms.
Padme’s sister had two daughters. The younger of the two had given birth to two daughters as well. She’d named them Reese and Rowena. Rowena had a daughter named Celeste. She’d introduced her cousins to her friend Deynah Sefort who was vacationing with her while on a break from school.
Ben fell in love with Deynah Sefort the second he set eyes on her. The young woman was a vision beyond all description, at least to him. She had long, blonde hair and the bluest eyes he’d ever beheld. She had a fair complexion, and not only was she beautiful outwardly; she held an inner beauty as well. Deynah radiated an honesty and purity that fully captured Ben’s heart.
The youth was terribly torn by this emotion knowing it was dangerous to allow himself to fall in love. His grandfather had fallen in love with Padme Amidala which ultimately led to his becoming a Sith. Anakin’s overwhelming passion for Padme had destroyed both of their lives. Ben would not allow himself to make the same mistake.
Luke felt Ben’s distress over the unexpected predicament and appeared to him. He’d told Ben that he’d gone to the Jedi Council and revealed his situation, stressing how strong his feelings for Deynah were. They discussed the matter at great length and decided to lift the mandate banning marriage. They’d concluded that the only way to reestablish the Jedi Order was for Ben to sire children who’d be Force sensitive.
As soon as Luke informed Ben of the Jedi’s approval, he immediately sought Deynah out. When he asked if she returned his love, Deynah admitted that she’d felt the same way. He’d immediately gone down on bended knee and proposed marriage.
The young couple’s courtship was short. Ben and Deynah were wed on Naboo within the month. It was long afterwards that Deynah discovered she was expecting their first child. Ben was filled with a great satisfaction knowing that the Jedi Order would be reestablished through his children.
*
The months flew by. Ben paced the halls waiting for the birth of her child. Her delivery had been long and hard. She’d suffered a great deal of physical pain. More than what most women experience in childbirth. After thirty-two standard hours of brutal labor her child was finally born. She’d named him Eumenides.
Eumenides was a beautiful child. He was born with a full head of light, brown hair filled with streaks of blonde waves that seemed to be spun from the purest gold. His eyes were the brightest, sky-blue and appeared to emit a unique knowledge beyond a newborn’s awareness. When the new mother looked into her child’s eyes, she was assured that her lover hadn’t left her forever. He was reborn in his child.
“How is she? How’s the baby? Can I see my sister?” Ben asked the med-droid who assisted in his nephew’s birth.
“The baby is in excellent health. Your sister is doing very well too, but she’s exhausted. It was a very difficult delivery and she needs a lot of rest. You can see her, but don’t stay too long,” the med-droid warned.
Ben walked into his sister’s room nervously. “Hello Padmay. How are you feeling? Are you well enough to see me?” Ben didn’t know what to expect from her. He still felt Padmay’s rejection at times. As her child’s birth neared, Padmay had grown quiet and stayed in her room most of the time. Ben knew it would be quite a long time before Padmay emerged from her experience with the Sith Lord.
*
Padmay Solo had turned to the Dark Side fully when she’d surrendered herself to her master’s domination over her heart and mind. She’d fallen helplessly in love with the Supreme Ruler. When she’d discovered she was pregnant, it had strengthened her hatred towards Ben. She’d wanted to kill him for murdering her child’s father. Anakin had discussed this with Padmay at great length, making her understand that it wasn’t Ben’s fault. Anakin explained that that the Supreme Ruler was responsible for his own death. He’d sacrificed himself in order to save her. After Anakin reminded her of this fact, Padmay ceased blaming her brother.
Ben had been completely astonished when Anakin told him that the Sith Lord had given his life in order to save his sister. It didn’t seem possible that such an evil being could perform such a noble act.
Time progressed and Padmay’s condition eventually improved. Through Ben’s patience, and Anakin’s ability to come to her in spirit form, they helped her come to terms with the ordeal. After some time Padmay finally conquered her addiction to the powers of the Dark Side.
*
“Hello Ben,” Padmay said snapping Ben from his thoughts. “Have you seen my son yet?”
“No. I haven’t been to the nursery yet. I wanted to see how you were doing first. The med-droid told me you had a rough time. Are you sure you’re alright? You’re not too tired to see me, are you?”
“I’m fine, but I am quite tired. Regardless, I’m overjoyed at the birth of my child. You’ve got to see him Ben. You’re an uncle now. Go and see your nephew. Ask the nurse when I can suckle him. He must hunger for me as much as I do for him.”
“I will, but I insist that you rest in the meantime. I’ll come back later.” Ben paused before saying, “I love you Padmay. I’m happy for you, as well as being extremely proud of you. Most women in your situation wouldn’t have carried the child to term. I’m certain no one would’ve blamed you if you’d terminated this pregnancy.”
“I’d never do that under any circumstances Ben. But I do have to admit, regardless of the shame it’ll bring on our family name, I’m quite proud of myself too.” That said, Padmay closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
Ben stayed with Padmay for a few minutes watching her while she slept. Though she looked ragged from the lengthy labor, he sensed a deep satisfaction radiate from her. He knew that his sister was content and he was grateful. Hopefully she wouldn’t be plagued with the nightmares any longer. She’d had quite a few of them. He’d sat with her trying to comfort her and after a while the nightmares finally subsided. Padmay hadn’t had one in months. She’d gone through so much these past months. Ben was surprised that she’d been able to gather enough strength to rebound. He thanked the stars that her experience while a captive to the Supreme Ruler hadn’t left her permanently scarred.
*
Ben left Padmay’s side and headed for the nursery. It wasn’t hard to find. All the newborns were screaming at the top of their lungs. Ben informed the nurse-droid which infant he wanted to see. As soon as Padmay’s son was brought into the viewing room the nursery quickly quieted down.
He had to admit that Eumenides was a very handsome child, resembling Anakin greatly. Ben thought the boy looked at him accusingly, though it could’ve been due to the guilt he felt over the role he took in his father’s death. This child would grow up never knowing his father, just as Anakin and Luke hadn’t known theirs. Ben was aware just how much both felt that loss throughout their lives. The young man prayed that he’d be able to fill that void somewhat by being as good an uncle to the boy as Luke had been to him.
“That’s certainly a sight to behold, isn’t it?” Lando asked as he walked up to Ben with an armful of flowers.
“I didn’t expect to see you here Uncle Lando. You brought me flowers. How kind of you,” Ben teased.
“Where else would I be at such a time?” Lando asked as he plucked one of the flowers from the bouquet and put it behind Ben’s ear. “How’s Padmay?”
“She had a rough time bringing her son into this world. Between the hours of labor and the meds they’ve got her on for pain, she’s completely out of it now. She was dead to the world when I left her room. Other than that she seems extremely happy. At least she isn’t looking at me with those forlorn eyes anymore. I sense just how much she cared for Vader’s clone.”
Lando couldn’t help but cringe inwardly in disgust at the thought of Padmay loving such a vile monster. “I can’t understand how your sister could allow herself to fall under his spell. I guess it wasn’t entirely her fault though. The man did have complete control over her mind. Padmay should get over him now that she’s got a son. The baby will keep her busy and hopefully keep her mind off of him.”
“Or make her think of that bastard all the more,” Ben sighed.
Lando changed the subject knowing how guilty Ben felt. “Is Padmay feeling well enough for visitors? I’d like to congratulate her.”
“You’ll have to check with her emdee-droid. Padmay needs time to recuperate. I was just about to go home and check on Deynah.”
“How is your wife? It won’t be very long before we’re celebrating the birth of your first child.”
“She’s doing great. They say being pregnant makes a woman appear even more beautiful. I never believed it before, but the old saying seems to hold true. I’ve never seen Deynah looking so radiant. She absolutely glows.”
“You’re a lucky lad Ben. I don’t know how such a scruffy looking nerf-herder like you managed to capture such a gorgeous creature. I’ve never seen two people more in love. The only exception being your parents, of course.”
“It’s a shame they can’t be here to see their grandchild,” Ben sighed.
“I can imagine how happy Leia would be. Han would be so proud he’d run through the whole facility announcing the event at the top of his lungs.”
Ben chuckled. “That sounds like something my father would do. His antics would be quite amusing. I’m certain of that.”
The nurse-droid waited patiently while the humans ogled this miniature human, exalting its existence. They were strange that way. It seemed that they believed birth was an extraordinary event when it was just a normal human function.
When Lando and Ben finally left the viewing room the nurse-droid returned young Eumenides to his crib. The other newborns woke and started crying again. The droid was quite perplexed. She couldn’t understand why this tiny human appeared to be so upsetting to the others so much.
*
Most of the Jedi that had gathered at the Temple returned to the depths of the Netherworld in order to be with their families. The battle had ended and there had been great joy shared among them. There was no longer a need to stay in this in-between land. The Sith had been defeated. Balance had been restored.
The Chosen One was sitting on the Temple steps with Obi-Wan reminiscing about their experiences together. Luke and Leia had joined them and all three listened intently as Anakin told them about his childhood on Tatooine. It wasn’t long before Anakin’s whole family had gathered to hear about his adventures while alive. Luke and Leia moved so Padme could sit next to her husband, while Shmi and Han sat at Anakin’s feet. The Chosen One was surrounded by those he loved and Anakin was filled with a satisfaction that he couldn’t describe. He started to rise when Yoda came up to them.
“Greetings Master Skywalker,” Yoda said as he bowed to Anakin. “Rise for me do not.”
Luke looked at his father and noticed a look of utter astonishment, as well as pride appear on Anakin’s face. Never before had Yoda called him Master.
“You honor me too much my Master,” Anakin said humbly.
“Honor yes. Too much, no. Truth I speak. Overdue the title is.”
“Thank you my Master,” Anakin replied humbly.
Anakin was content with the outcome of what they’d all gone through. Everything was finally as it should be in the universe. Balance had been restored to the Force. He’d been forgiven by every soul he’d ever harmed while under the influence of the Dark Side. And now, Yoda, the wisest of all the Jedi, had just bestowed him with the rank he’d wanted so desperately while alive. Anakin Skywalker had finally been granted the title of Jedi Master.
The Chosen One should have been completely ecstatic, but he felt a slight ripple still lingering within the Force. It was so scant he wasn’t certain he’d really felt it. He looked over at Yoda to see if he sensed it as well. The Jedi Master looked back with knowing eyes. Neither one said a word, but between them they acknowledged that they would have to be forever on their guard against the presence of the Sith.
Epilogue
- Padawans -
~24/08/03-ABE: Twenty four years, eight months, three days after the death of Emperor Palpatine.~
The years seemed to soar by. Ben had become a father. He’d named his first born Lukas Owen to honor his Uncle Luke and Owen Lars. He was a rambunctious child full of curiosity, always asking questions while being taught the ways of the Jedi.
The young man became a father again at the birth of his daughter Celeste Shmi, named to honor Anakin’s mother, as well as his cousin in appreciation for introducing him to Deynah.
Deynah was expecting again. Ben sensed this would be a male child. The happy couple decided to name him Han Anakin Solo. Ben was doing his very best to fulfill his duty in order to reestablish the Jedi Order. It didn’t hurt any that it gave him great pleasure to perform this task as often as possible.
*
There were three younglings listening attentively in the Solo’s courtyard as Ben taught them the Jedi Arts. Two were his own children. The third child was his nephew Eumenides. Ben often wondered why Padmay had given the boy such an odd name. She’d told him the name meant “goddesses who avenge unpunished crimes.” Ben assumed Padmay named the boy because of how he was conceived, in hatred, not love. He was certain that Menny, as the boy was nicknamed, would overcome the violence of his conception.
Ben was very proud of how quickly the youngling learned his lessons. Though Lukas and Celeste were fast learners and made their father proud, they didn’t seem to advance as quickly as Menny. He’d already built his practice orb and asked numerous times about the fundamentals of building his own lightsaber. It was a skill most padawan learners took much longer to achieve.
The Jedi Master continued with the lesson for today. “Repeat after me younglings. A true Jedi loves selflessly. A Jedi thinks outwardly, never of himself. We have the responsibility of using our intellect to defend ourselves. We cannot allow ourselves to succumb to anger, nor greed, nor anything else that sways our values. A Jedi warrior only fights to protect the peace and freedom of others. A true Jedi is pure of heart...,”
Young Lukas, Celeste and Menny repeated after their Master word for word.
Padmay was bringing a tray of cool refreshment to everyone in the courtyard. She put the tray down on a small table by her sister-in-law, who was heavy with child. She poured Deynah a glass and sat down next to her. She listened to her brother’s lecture while teaching the children in the tradition of the Jedi, commenting to Deynah how proud their uncle would be.
As Padmay watched the scene before her, she reflected on everything that transpired since under the Supreme Ruler’s spell. How she missed her Master, but deep inside Padmay knew that he was still with her. Looking at Menny, she secretly communicated with her “son.” The boy glanced back. Both smiled as the yellow glow of the Sith lit in their eyes for the briefest of seconds.
