**Chapter 839: Ancient Flames**
**Scene 1: Devastation – Anakin's Cabin**
Entering the cabin, I dragged myself to the bed, where I collapsed, flat out and with a thud. It had been a mediocre day, and I was completely exhausted.
First, I spent half the night messing around with Arden. Quite a find, I can tell you. My amazement was boundless, so I didn't act entirely wisely. She was, after all, a legendary figure in her own right. However, what's done can't be undone, so I had to keep my promise. After talking with Ahsoka, I finally got Lin to the infirmary, where a doctor droid examined her, gave her some shots, and recommended moderate exercise and a couple of days of bed rest, along with a more nutritious diet. At that moment, the woman looked around with a kind of childish delight. Yeah, right, back in her day, none of that stuff existed. Afterwards, I escorted her to the cabin next to mine and, after some thought, gave her a datapad and data crystals with information. Lin swore not to leave, to lie down and eat, and then immediately buried herself in the screen. It seems like she's in for a lot of interesting things... and some disappointing ones too.
The weight of the last twenty-four hours pressed down on me like a collapsed star. The battle for Neimoidia raged on, but my mind kept drifting back to the ancient Jedi woman I had pulled from that sealed cargo hold. Arden Lyn. Steel Hand of Palawa. A name from legends, from the First Schism itself. And now she was here, on my ship, in the middle of a modern galactic war.
I stared at the ceiling, the hum of the *Devastation*'s engines a constant backdrop. The Force felt... different around her. Older. Wilder. Like a storm that had slept for millennia and was only now beginning to stir.
**Scene 2: Echoes of the First Schism**
After that, it became clear to me why the main combat unit of clones is more often called a legion than a brigade. And why much has been forgotten, but the Legions of Lettow are still remembered.
In my opinion, Xendor and Lin were overly idealistic, and their feelings for each other blinded them to the possibilities. Or rather, Lin didn't, judging by her words. Yes, their idea was more or less feasible when they only had students from among those who had left Ossus with them. But then they were joined by acolytes of the Dai Bendu Order, members of the Breath Guard, followers of Palawa, acolytes of Baran Do, students of the Chatos Academy... Naturally, a monolithic entity didn't emerge from this. Yes, they shared a common name, but they often had their own ideals, goals, and aspirations. Some went too far in their pursuit of Dark knowledge. And by the time the founders came to their senses, it was too late. The Legions of Lettow went down in history as ruthless warriors, leaving behind only ruins and ashes. However, it would be wrong to blame them alone. The Republic of that time was no paragon of virtue either—especially since the Jedi had yet to exert influence over it. And since the Republic's citizens were overwhelmingly human, while the Legions included representatives of almost every race in the galaxy... conflict was inevitable. And then the Order entered the war, instantly labeling all followers of Xendor and Lin as enemies. It was wrong—but... The Jedi still remembered the Force War, so they didn't care.
The war lasted four years. The Jedi were winning because they were united. Moreover, the Order's diplomats were convincing: the Republic sided with them. And finally, in one of the battles Xendor was killed. It seemed all was over. But Lin, the Steel Hand of Palawa, took up the banner. She understood—or rather, understood after the death of her beloved—that they could not win. However... the gifted placed their hope in her. Because there was no other hope. And she could not abandon them, and so she led them into battle. Lettow's legions resisted for another year and a half before the Jedi scattered them, and then caught up with her...
"Oh, you're back. Listen." Arden deactivated her blade and, coming over, took the medallion from around her neck and handed it to me. "Thank you, I don't need it anymore. I... sorted out my problems."
"Okay, that's fine. But I don't really feel like putting it back on," I muttered under my breath. "So what new things have you learned today?"
We talked for about an hour, sitting on the floor, when Arden suddenly asked, "I was thinking... What do your subordinates say?"
"What are you talking about?" I struggled to break free from the thoughts that had overwhelmed me.
"Well... I spend a lot of time in your cabin... and I leave late. No one knows that I'm... gifted. On the other hand... You spend a lot of time with me. I would have noticed... That you have someone. Maybe I'm bothering you? Sorry if that's the case..."
I couldn't help but blush. Why did she suddenly bring this up?
"Well, you don't know me all that well, but I was married once, and recently got divorced and dumped. Currently it was because I was again the Order, but Order Jedi had loopholes like there is this one species called Zeltrons that basically allow emotions."
"This is too much," I said, waving my hands.
"But you don't follow the rules," the woman smiled. "From what I've learned about today's Jedi... You're a rebel."
"You're right. But the principles are immutable."
"Hmm." Arden propped her head on her fist. Her golden eyes sparkled mischievously. "Then you won't mind?"
"Against what?"
"What if I take you for myself?" She suddenly appeared next to me, wrapping her arms around my neck.
"Here we go..."
"Uh-uh... What?"
"I want you, fool."
"But wait... You... How is that possible?" To say that I was stunned would be to understate the extent of my shock.
"That's right, you fool," her eyes looked straight into mine. "I have no one else to turn to. I need someone I can lean on. You're the only one who helps me. Who cares? I feel your emotions. They make me feel warm. You... You're strong. And mysterious... I'm not asking you to love me. Just don't leave me. This crazy world has changed, changed a lot. You don't want me to die because of your indifference, do you?"
"Of course not..."
"Then kiss me."
**Scene 3: Ancient Fire**
Arden was different from Padmé. Very different. Much more wild, and the Force around her felt similar to his own. Well, she was the predecessor for the Jedi Order or Sith Order. Anakin didn't care, but she was amazing. K-cup breasts, a heart-shaped ass, her purple mixed hair, and her golden eyes—not Sith, just golden.
Their lips met in a fierce, hungry kiss. Arden's hands roamed over Anakin's back, pulling him closer as if afraid he might vanish. There was no hesitation in her—only raw, centuries-suppressed need. She tasted like starlight and ancient storms, her tongue dancing with his in a battle neither wanted to lose.
Anakin's hands slid down her sides, feeling the curve of her waist before cupping her full, heavy breasts. Arden moaned into his mouth, arching against him as his thumbs brushed her nipples. They hardened instantly under his touch.
"You're… incredible," Anakin breathed, breaking the kiss to trail his lips down her neck. Arden tilted her head back, giving him full access, her golden eyes half-lidded with pleasure.
"Take me, Skywalker," she whispered, voice husky. "I've waited twenty-four thousand years for someone like you."
He didn't need more invitation. Anakin lifted her effortlessly, laying her back on the bed. Arden's purple hair fanned out like a halo as he kissed lower, capturing one nipple in his mouth. He sucked hard, tongue swirling, while his hand kneaded the other breast. Arden cried out, fingers tangling in his hair, pulling him closer.
"Yes… like that… don't stop…"
His free hand slid between her thighs, finding her already slick and ready. Two fingers slipped inside her tight heat, curling to stroke that perfect spot while his thumb circled her clit. Arden's hips bucked wildly, her moans growing louder and more desperate.
"Anakin… oh Force… deeper… please…"
He added a third finger, thrusting faster, his mouth switching to her other nipple. Arden's body trembled, her inner walls clenching around his fingers as she came hard, crying out his name like a prayer.
But he wasn't done. Anakin positioned himself between her legs, his cock throbbing with need. Arden looked up at him, golden eyes blazing with lust and something deeper—trust, perhaps even hope.
"Take me," she begged again. "Fill me… make me yours in this new world."
Anakin thrust into her in one smooth motion, burying himself to the hilt. Arden gasped, her legs wrapping around his waist as he began a powerful rhythm. Her K-cup breasts bounced with every deep stroke, her heart-shaped ass lifting to meet him.
"Harder… Anakin… yes… just like that!" she moaned, nails raking down his back.
He obliged, pounding into her with increasing force. The sound of their bodies meeting filled the cabin—wet, rhythmic, primal. Arden's golden eyes never left his, her expression one of pure ecstasy.
"You feel… so good," Anakin groaned, leaning down to kiss her fiercely. Their tongues tangled as he drove deeper, hitting that spot inside her again and again.
Arden came a second time, screaming into his mouth, her pussy spasming around him. The sensation pushed Anakin over the edge. With a final, powerful thrust, he buried himself deep and came hard, flooding her with heat.
They collapsed together, breathing ragged, bodies entwined. Arden curled against his chest, her purple hair spilling over his shoulder. Her golden eyes were soft now, almost peaceful.
"Thank you," she whispered. "For not leaving me alone in this strange new galaxy."
Anakin held her close, stroking her back. "You're not alone anymore. We'll figure this out. Together."
Outside the cabin, the war for Neimoidia continued. But for a brief moment, in the quiet of the *Devastation*, two souls from vastly different eras found solace in each other.