Assurances

by J. Love (jl_foxy@pris.bc.ca)

Author: J. Love , padawan to Master Rene (jl_foxy@pris.bc.ca)

Rating: PG-13

Category: O/L, O/Q

Disclaimer: I'm only borrowing George Lucas' characters.

Warnings: Some spoilers for the Star Wars movie : A New Hope.

Feedback: It would be greatly appreciated

Archive: M/A

Notes: '__' is for speaking by blue ghosts.

This is a challenge response to Spirit of Obi-Wan Challenge.

Luke Skywalker sits in the crew chambers of the Millenium Falcon despondent. He is barely aware of the blanket Princess Leia has placed upon his shoulders. His mentor, Ben Kenobi is gone. He was brutally cut down by Darth Vader before his eyes.

'Luke.'

Luke looks around. It can't be, but he was sure he heard Ben's voice.

'Luke.'

"...Ben?"

'Yes, Luke.'

"Where are you? I saw Darth Vader kill you."

'I am here.' The air shimmers in front of Luke and the ghostly blue figure of Ben Kenobi appears.

"How...?"

'Don't be afraid, Luke.'

"But I saw..."

'Yes, Darth Vader did cut me down. But be aware, Luke, that there is more than life and death.'

"I don't understand?"

'I have merely moved on to the next stage. I am one with the Force now.'

"Why Ben?"

'It was my time. I have waited a long time for you to be ready. You will carry on the traditions of the Jedi Knights. I will watch over you always.'

"Why did you let him kill you?" Luke chokes out emotionally.

'My body was getting old and more of a hinderance than a help. You are young and strong. You will continue the fight against the Sith that my Master and I started.'

"Your Master?"

'Yes, my Master Qui-Gon Jinn. He was and is my soulmate.'

"Do...do you..."

'Yes, Luke?'

Luke swallows hard before continuing. "Do you prefer to be with him rather than with me?"

'No, it isn't a preference. It was my time to pass into the Force. I was only able to keep on living while waiting for you. You came to me and I have started you on the right path. You are strong in the Force. Reflect on your inner thoughts and feelings, and trust in the Force. You will see I am right. If you need me, you only need to call on me.'

"And you will come?" Luke asks hopefully.

'Yes, Luke. I will come.'

Another shimmering blue light forms next to Ben and a disembodied voice speaks. 'Come Obi-Wan, it is time. We'll watch over young Skywalker together.'

'Yes, Master.' Ben's head turns sideways as he smiles at the second blue aura.

"Master Qui-Gon Jinn?" Luke asks softly.

'Yes, Luke. It is my master.'

The second blue aura materializes into a distinguished smiling man. As he appears, Ben's appearance becomes younger until he is as a young man with a long braid resting on his chest.

'We will watch over you together, Luke. Trust in the Force.' Qui-Gon tells Luke as he wraps an arm around his beloved padawan's shoulders.

Suddenly, a loud klaxon sounds.

'Trust in the Force, Luke.' Obi-Wan advises. 'It will lead you true.'

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon disappear.

Han Solo comes running into the crew quarters. "Come on, kid."

Luke smiles briefly and throws off the blanket. He runs after Han Solo. The battle may be just starting, but Luke feels confident of himself and his abilities.