An Old Wound/Story

An Old Wound

Story

In the cold icy lands of Hoth, Jacen struggled to get out of the storm. He called upon the Force to give him strength. He turned his fear into anger and eventually he used this anger as power to help him trudge on through the snow until he found a cave. He used the cave as a place to rest and warm up. However, he couldn’t start a fire and the idea that he had only prolonged his inevitable death made him scream out in rage.

He fell to his knees and began muttering to himself “It can’t be… wasn’t supposed to end this way… it can’t- I won’t let it!” he tightened his fists and slammed into onto the ground “I am Caedus! Dark Lord of the Sith! I will not die here! I will never die!”

Despite his self-righteous resolve, it only took a few hours until Jacen found himself in a fetal position trying to keep warm. His teeth clattered, his skin felt frozen and he shivered viciously. He could take it. He knew pain all too well. During the Yuuzhan Vong War he was trapped in the Embrace of Pain where he felt nothing but agony, an agony that seemed to never end.

“I can do this” he said to himself “I can make it… I have to. I am the last chance for this galaxy! I- I have to do it… for Allana… my daughter- my-”

“So there you are”

Jacen’s eyes widened. He had been so cold that he hadn’t sensed anyone through the Force. He turned and saw a man with a red hair and beard. Still shivering, he struggled to get up to face the person while also taking out his lightsaber.

“Your n-name” he said through gritted teeth and activated his blade “Now”

The man scoffed “I don’t think you’re in any position to be making demands Jacen”

“So you know me” he said, more curious than surprised “I assume you know the reason why I’m in this icy hell hole. I bet you’re behind all this!”

The man shook his head but didn’t reply

“Answer me!” He said angrily while he got into a stance “How dare you! I am a Jedi of the Order! I am Jacen Solo, the son of the famous Han Solo and Leia Solo and the nephew and student of my uncle, Luke Skywalker!”

“That means nothing to me… because they mean nothing to you”

“What do you mean?” he took a step back “Do I-“ he started

“You know who I am” the man said “You don’t want to voice it but you’re smart- clever too. You’ve probably already deduced my identity and have come up with various reasons how it could be possible- or maybe you already know everything”

He shivered but he didn’t know if it was due to the temperature or of fear. The cold still affected him but despite the lack of warmth, he could feel a drop of sweat pouring down the side of his face. Gripping his lightsaber tighter he took another step back.

“Alright… you’re more intelligent than I thought you were. I’m locked up- the real me-. I failed in my crusade… my crusade to save the galaxy… No matter… I am here now. I am the not the fool who sits in a cell, a prisoner of the Galactic Alliance! I am 2nd Darth Caedus- no- I am Darth Caedus and you will die by my blade… Ben”

“You’re wrong” Ben said while he reached into his robe and took out his lightsaber

“You actually think you can defeat me. I maybe freezing but my anger towards you will give me the necessary power to end your life” he smiled

“You’re wrong about being locked up…” Ben activated his lightsaber “You’re just dead”

Jacen felt a strong chill down his spine and started trembling

“Although it’s not the Jedi way… Caedus killed my mother and this might be my only chance at revenge”

Jacen lunged at his opponent and swung a mighty slash. Ben deflected it and the proceeding slashes. Jacen’s attacks, despite being fueled by the power of his fear and anger, we’re too messy and clumsy to break through Ben’s defenses. He flipped backwards to create space in order to rethink his battle plan. However, when he landed, Ben gave him no time to breathe as the Jedi rushed towards him. Jacen managed to defend himself from Ben’s offense despite his growing desperation. Ben caught him off guard as the Jedi pushed him against the end of the cave with the Force.

While Ben rushed towards him, Jacen held up his hand and summoned lightning out of his fingertips. Ben used his free hand to absorb the lightning. He closed the distance between and kicked away his lightsaber.

Jacen fell to his hands and knees, defeated “Go ahead and kill me… It’s not like you’re really killing Caedus. I’m just a clone… killing me will give you false satisfaction” he looked up to his cousin who held his lightsaber against his neck

After a long silence, Ben withdrew his lightsaber “You’re right” he said with a tone that betrayed no emotion “I wish I could say that I was killing for the sake of the galaxy but that would be lying” he turned around “I’ll just let you die here in the cold. Don’t bother attacking me from behind. You know that would be unwise”

Jacen held up his hand to grab his blade but after Ben’s last sentence, he dropped his arm and watched as his cousin left the cave. He was all alone again, returning to his role as Hoth’s victim. He fell to the ground and smiled. He was going to die soon anyway, just like the clone troopers of old. It didn’t matter if he escaped or not. It didn’t matter anymore. He already got his satisfaction. He proved Ben wrong. That was enough for him to die peacefully.