Marred Souls

                    SINCE THE EXPLOSION, chaos had ensued all across town, each being wondering what had happened and what they could do at a time like this. elena barely knew herself what to do and if she didn’t have her job to keep her occupied, she would’ve definitely gone crazy with frustration. “oh no, you’re fine, i’m just finishing up here. c’mere,” she gestures to the space besides her, looking to him finally and mustering up the weakest of smiles. “were you near the mines when this all happened or just caught in the aftermath crossfire?”

Josh reluctantly sits in the space the female motioned for him to. His brown eyes shift around. Apprehension rising in his mind. He wasn’t even certain why he came. “  Fuck I don’t remember” As the words unevenly spouted out of his mouth, a  rough exhale leaves the crest of his lip. “ Oh, I was at the store, that’s right.” He dipped his head in a nod.  He had almost felt like the living dead lately. Couldn’t even remember half of what he did, just going through the motions of the day. 

“Because I want to, should I have any other reason besides that?”  The redhead queen said plainly.  She was never one to hold her tongue, always acting on her impulses as she desired.  It was one of the reasons why she lost so much money back when she was in Louisiana and Sophie-Anne was convinced that this hell hole of a town was some sort of punishment for that.  Sure the magistrate wasn’t the one to officially take her down, but she still thought that they could have been behind this little - whatever this was.

“Oh I’m a lot of things dear, you’re going to have to get a lot more specific.”  She said with a snark, watching the other closely.  There was something about the other that intrigued Sophie-Anne.  She couldn’t quite tell what it was but it was enough to have her sit around a bit longer.  “Well you look like you’ve seen better days.”

As the older woman spoke, Jennifer pinched her lips, with small sneer following. “ You're a little priss, whose probably never worked a day in her life, so gets off by complaining about the microwave you were given. Is that specific enough for you?” Jen spat out at the other, as she arched one of her brows. Jen’s dark brown eyes shifted their glance down, trying desperately not to just blast the woman out of her seat, however, it might give them some perspective, to say the least.

Taking another sip of her drink, a small exhale fell from the rims of her lips. It was surprising claiming to her nerves. With everything happening lately, Jen didn’t know how much more she could take. For several weeks now it felt like a chunk of her memories had been taken from her, even if she couldn’t place her finger on it. Jen was also struggling with powers she couldn’t control, and now the city was in disorder due to an explosion just days ago. Her world was lethargically falling apart. 

“ Hello there, If I am correct, you requested to speak with me?” Caliban stepped forward, tilting his head to the right, as the words coursed from his mouth in a poised tone. The crest of his lips quirked to side, as his hues laid on the other male in a sensuous gaze. Quite enchanting features. The demon prince had been here for some weeks now, though had come across very few, who held any power that could be matched with his own, which made this encounter so alluring. Caliban felt their potent energy.  

Twin Rivers granted the demon prince a wish he would have never expected possible, freedom from the stone wall Sabrina trapped him in, however, it came at a price. Caliban lost his memories, just as several others had and is now confined to living in the mortal realm. Although, some memories remained intact. His intended reign to the throne, where Lucifer had failed, still manifests in his mind. Caliban was born from the ashes of hell for that reason, a crown he will have.

“UNLESS ,  OF COURSE  ,  you would like me to read your cards  .  i’m a bit rusty though  ,  definitely not worth paying money for . “ her boss was much better at it – especially when sabrina could only offer advice . ophelia told futures – she truly  did .  “at best i could probably tell you what problems are going on in your life  ,  she would be able to tell you what is going to happen . “ fishing through the drawer of the desk , sabrina reveals her boss’ card  , handing it to the man .  “you can call her at this number ,  she should be back tomorrow morning .  she’s assisting an investigation at the mining site . i’ll schedule an appointment – what’s your name ? “

“ My apologies princess, I could return at perhaps a better hour?” The words swam from Caliban’s lips in a magnetic tone. He drew his arms away from the counter, standing up tall, with a sensuous gaze remaining on the female. “Strike me intrigued. Perhaps I will take a reading from you.”  One eyebrow arched, as the left corner of the demon prince’s mouth bent into a mischievous smirk. “  Of course, only if you desire”.  It was amusing to marvel at the notion of  what the cards would state, though it might bring some benefit nonethless. His intended reign to the throne, where Lucifer had failed, still manifests in Caliban’s mind.

Josie couldn’t figure out what was going on with the town, some people had their memories and some did not.  Josie knew she was forgetting part of her life and she didn’t even remember coming to the town so she knew there was something off.  She was determined to try to get her own memories back before she brought anything to another.  With a lot of books that she had from home surrounding her, Josie tried her hand at a spell.

Latin crossing her lips, she didn’t realize someone had come into the room.  “Wait I did?  Crap my latin is way off since coming here.”  Josie sighed before closing her books in frustration.  “I definitely didn’t mean to call you I’m so sorry.”

The right corner of Caliban’s lip bent into a smug smirk. His feet coasted towards the female, as his eyes fell on her in a sensuous gaze. It was satisfying meeting powerful witches, those who have yet to tap into their potential. Power wavering from their fingertips. Twin City, until just minutes ago had not granted the demon prince such an opportunity.  In fact, Caliban was quickly growing uninterested in the mortal world, though he had never truly seen the appeal.“  No angel face, I came on my own” 

So many who were bound to this realm had lost their memories and even Caliban had fallen victim to that, though not all of them were gone. His intended reign to the throne, where Lucifer had failed, still manifests in his mind. Caliban was born from the ashes of hell for that reason, a crown he will have. The demon prince tilted his head, as one brow lifted. “ As cute as you are, it’s a shame I’ve only just met you” The words slithered from his mouth in a magnetic tone. 

It was never easy to face one’s demons especially when there were an overwhelming amount of them. Anakin was never a demon to him, even after he felt his turn because what happened was meant to happen. The only regret was his death for because of it, he was unable to help one of the most important people to him. It was not Obi-Wan’s fault either for he did what he could, with what he learned and what he was influenced by. But it wasn’t enough. Too much was ignored, pushed aside or forgotten. Too much was influenced by the politics that were once supposed to protect the people but instead hurt the people. Regret filled him but he wouldn’t allow it to consume him, not again. He could never help Anakin take back what he’d done but he could potentially help him understand and deal with it. Pushing it aside and letting the pain build would only end up pushing him back to where he was. Truthfully, he never left Anakin. Even after death, he watched over him, tried to guide him as best as he was able. As Anakin shut him out, Qui-Gon never gave up hope because Anakin was never without hope. He watched him from afar, waited to see, curious of the man he was now. Pain continued to radiate from him and became even stronger than it was before. Anakin was lost in his mind of regret, lost in what he had done that he saw no way out. Once upon a time, Qui-Gon felt the same. He lost more than he bargained for and lost his way. But with the help of someone he loved, he overcame his trial. Now it was time for Anakin to do the same. “You glare at an old friend? I would’ve thought Obi-Wan taught you some manners.”

“ Why of course master, how incredibly rude of me. I certainly should show more respect. “ Sarcasm rolled from Anakin’s tongue, as he tilted his head arrogantly. The former Jedi was in no frame of mind to be dealing with his past. In fact, there were times that he desired to forget everything, but that would mean Padme too, which he could not. She lived within his very soul, taunting him at every breath he took. Anakin was full of agony, remembering what he did and knew she’d never forgive him. All that was left of him was Darth Vader. 

“Obi Wan and I differ on a mass number of matters. ” Anakin’s voice turned cold at the mention of his former master. The tight grimace remained stagnant across his face. It was eerie looking back at Master Qui-Gon, the one who originally was set to train him, had he not died in battle. There had been a time when Anakin had great respect for Obi-Wan, but would still occasionally ponder how different it would be, had it been Qui Gon. Would he too be a purist of the code, a code that should have been eradicated years ago.  For a short while, through the force, Anakin felt his presence guiding him even following his death; although as he grew older, the guidance disappeared. As everyone from his life eventually did.

“ If you are here to sway me to leave the sith order, I’m afraid, you’ve wasted your breath.” The words parted from the brims of his mouth evenly. Venom sitting in his eyes. Anakin kept a steady glance on the older male “ I have been blinded by the Jedi for far too long”  Hatred spewed from his lips.  He shifted his shoulders from side to side, trying to determine if  Qui Gon was enemy of him as well. Any Jedi was, although it was more difficult between them. Anakin had mourned him, stayed up many nights, wishing to see him just once more. Even though they had only known one another for a mere few days, he had felt lost when he died, with fear of what was going to happen to him.

Jaina had heard about cars, they were everywhere on this planet and she thought it was interesting.  Not like the machines she was used to working on, but similar enough to spark her interest in tinkering around with them.  Though his comment about simple on this planet was enough to bring her attention to him instead of the car.  “You’re not from this planet?”  She asked hopeful.

The more she studied him the more he looked familiar.  The force was strong with him, that was clear enough to her but she was drawn to him beyond that.  She spent a beat to let it sink in why he seemed so familiar, and then it hit her.  “Yes, I am.  And you’re Anakin aren’t you?”  She said with a tilt of her head.  She could see the similarities now, of course she could, it was all so clear.  “My name is Jaina.  Jaina Solo.”

She know that he wouldn’t know her, seeing they had never met but she was always curious about her grandfather.  And here he was in front of her, seemingly not anywhere close to what his legacy held about him.  She noticed his wariness once he detected her force sensitivity.  “The jedis have changed since you were last one.  Not a whole lot, I’ll admit.  But I’m different than a lot of them.  At least that’s what people have said.”

“Anakin Skywalker.”  The words formed from his lips in a dry tone. Anakin dipped his head in a hushed nod. It wasn’t uncommon from those of his galaxy to know of him. He was well known throughout. Lethargically, the former Jedi shifted his hues up and a burdened glance sat between his features on the woman who he desired to know more about. The connection surrounding the two of them was nearly impossible to ignore.   “ Jaina Solo, it’s a pleasure, milady”  He spoke in a still tone. However, a tight grimace returned between both laterals of his cheeks. He was well versed in the codes of the Jedi and had no intention of listening to how they had changed in a mere couple of weeks.

“ I doubt that.” His response was short filled with bitterness, as he shifted his glance away from the woman.  The Jedi had to be destroyed. The only way for peace to be found is through his empire. Once built, Anakin would overthough the Chancellor and rule the galaxy in a way he found fit. Silence was exchanged between them for a moment. A low exhale slid from the crest of his lip, as Anakin returned his gaze to the parts sitting in his lap. “ What do you want? I sense you are here for a reason” The tip of his finger grazed across the engine, which stained his skin. Truthfully Anakin had need to argue with the woman, in fact,  her presence was calming to him in a way. 

IN A WAY IT WAS STRANGE TO HEAR someone else wanted to name their child leia. then again, not really when sometimes names were recycled - they could be used more than once. emotions were felt instantly even before anakin spoke of his wife and naming their child LEIA. “were going to name your child ?? as in past tense ??” brows knitted together, feeling really sorry for him and the many emotions that took him over when speaking of. so much pain, leia could feel it. 

not much came to her when anakin spoke his name, something tugged, but leia wasn’t sure what it meant. not knowing that their connection was more important than she could have ever imagined. “hello, anakin skywalker, my name is LEIA ORGANA—- glad to meet you !!” and she was, as far as she knew he was just another stranger new to twinrivers. mulling over his words of her being from a galaxy far away, leia wasn’t sure how to respond. not remembering that her life was intertwined with space, a smuggler, and her twin brother & his droid friends. “i’m not quite sure what you mean— i suppose so, in a way— yes ?? maybe ??” brows were still pressed together on her forehead, “i’m not quite sure WHERE I COME FROM ??” pausing for a brief moment, “where are you from, anakin ??”

“ You’ve only forgotten where you came from, like many others in this city” The words parted from Anakin in a hushed tone. “ I was born on a planet named Tattoonie_ “ The former Jedi's words trailed off, immediately thinking of his mother. Suffering and anguish were consumed by his thoughts. The last prevalent memory Anakin had there was when he held his mother, as he watched her die and couldn’t do anything about it. “ But I lived on the planet Coruscant for most of my life, only occasionally visiting my home.” A ting hit his throat.  As a once Jedi, Anakin was taught to show no emotions, said it clouded his judgment, but for most of his life, he thrived off his feelings, and even attachments to others, though that was forbidden. 

The new sith dipped his head in a small nod. “ Leia Organa. It’s a pleasure to meet you, milady” He spoke in a still tone, as his hues shifted their glance away from the woman. Her presence brought him serenity, the same emotions he felt with only two other people, one being Padme and the other a man by the name of Luke. It was hard to dismiss the strong force he felt with them both, but also the connection surrounded by them. Carrying what felt like love, though Anakin was certain he didn’t know her, even if the force told him otherwise. It was impossible, Padme had died, as did their child, the Chancellor had told him. 

Anakin turned his neck languidly as he felt the presence of his former master. His eyes pierced their glance into Obi-Wan with a malevolent and heinous expression. There was a time when Anakin considered Obi-Wan family, almost like a father and he would have done anything for him, but that was gone. The Chancellor had shown him the truth, the enemy was the Jedi and that, of course, is they kept things from him, including Obi-Wan. The council desired his power. Anakin was taught to fear the dark side, but that he did not, instead they should fear him.

Fury began to swim through his veins, at the thought of all that Obi-Wan took from him. The black robe that wrapped itself around his body drug against the dirt as Anakin glided his feet forward in chilling steps. He held his glare of discontent on his former master, his former friend. Memories of everything began to run rapidly through his thoughts. Memories Anakin desperately wanted to obliterate. Anakin pushed down his hood with one hand, showing his face. His top lip quirked to the side with animosity present in his expression.

“ I told you to not underestimate my power!.” He roared in anger. “ You held me back but not anymore!” His voice sprouted into another yell. Hate hastily erupting. A vile grimace composed itself across his face. Anakin lifted up his red light-saber and spun it in a taunting circle with his wrist. “Presumptions is why you fail” The words departed from the Anakin’s mouth fluidly. Rage swimming through his every thought. ” You gathered  I was dead, but  you do not know the power of the dark side.”   His skin boiling in fury.

To say that Josie was in her own head was a bit of an understatement.  First off, she had no idea how she arrived in town, she just did, and that was confusing and worrying to her.  Second, her own mother didn’t seem to recognize her and thought Josie and Lizzie were small children again.  That made Josie want to cry all in itself.  And finally, Penelope was back and that brought a whole mess of emotions that Josie didn’t even know where to begin.

She was deep in thought and must not have watched where she was going because soon she felt a collision and it brought her out of trance.  “Oh I’m so sorry!  I should have looked where I was going.”  Josie said with a small pout.  “Are you alright?”

An amorous smile spread across Luke’s lips, at the other girl’s reaction. His eyes sat on her briefly, as he leaned against the railing behind him. “  You’ve got to love  all the distractions the modern world gives us.” The words fell from the demigod’s mouth in a slick tone. “ I’ve lived through worse.” A jeer almost escaped. Luke shrugged slightly, as he slid his hands in both side pockets, with his thumbs dangling out. “ I’m Luke, son of__” Immediately he halted his words, with the left corner of his mouth quirked. “ Well that doesn’t matter anymore.”

There was a lot Luke could say about this Twin City, just from his observations since arriving. He wasn’t a mortal, he knew there was more to the city than it appeared, but truth be told it was almost irrelevant to him. This wasn’t his fight. His primary focus was still destroying Olympus, in order to resurrect Kronos. There was a time when Luke believed in the gods especially Hermes, but eventually had now come to realize they were all selfish and let the demigods down time and time ago, although, Annabeth, Thalia, and others still couldn’t see.

A half-smirk found its way between both corners of Luke’s lips as he saw Annabeth. Swaying his arms lucidly, he took a step closer to her, rolling his head to the side marginally. “ It’s good to see you.”  The words parted from his lips in a low voice. The two had a complex relationship, but when it all came down to it, Luke had a huge part in raising her. He took her in, but now that was nothing more than a faded memory of their past.  If Luke let himself think about it long enough, it ate at him, hurting more than he’s willing to even admit.

“ You didn’t think that fall actually killed me, did you?” A sneer skated from his mouth. Truthfully Luke shocked himself that he was still breathing, though he was certain that had more to do with Kronos than him. Every time he saw Annabeth, he was filled with disappointment. After all that they had been through, Luke couldn’t believe she wouldn’t join him, but instead, stayed loyal to gods. The very people who have done nothing for any of them. The gods rule needed to come to an end.  They were selfish and cared for the needs of no one else.