A Father's Love

[sexystarwarslover]

ooooooh what a clever cliffhangers ,p lease don't keep us in suspense, write more, i love this story

[arie]

Chapter 24

Two lone figures stood clinging to one another only standard yards away from the sleek Nabooan starship.

Padmé was nestled in the crook of Anakin’s arm, and Anakin saw no sign of her desire to let go. Her eyes were reddened from crying, and she looked miserable.

“Padmé... darling.” He attempted to soothe her. “I promised it would be alright... and it will. I’ll find her.”

Padmé, despite Anakin’s words, began to sob softly again, her head buried in his cloak.

Anakin gently reached down and brought her forward with his strong arms, gazing into her moisture-filled brown eyes. “Padmé, you know I won’t rest until Leia is safe again.”

She nodded meekly, and her lips parted slightly as she mumbled, “I know... I know, oh Ani...”

He brought her into another hug, one of many he’d administered since Leia’s disappearance.

“Hush, now, Padmé. You’ll worry yourself sick.”

Padmé trembled against him and whispered. “Anakin... she’s my baby... our little baby...”

“I know, sweetheart.” Anakin said remorsefully. “I know.”

Padmé’s head lifted and she looked up into his face. “I feel so awful, leaving like this...”

“But you must.” Anakin finished for her, squeezing her tiny hand reassuringly, and sweeping his fingers through her hair. “Don’t worry anymore, my love. Soon... everything will be okay and everyone will be safe.”

“I can’t leave my baby.” Padmé choked. “I wish I could help you, Ani.”

“Of course you do.” Anakin said despondently.

“How will you find her, Ani? Do you know where to look?”

Anakin rested his chin upon her head. “I have a good idea.” The couple remained pressed against one another for a long moment, lost in their own thoughts.

Then, Anakin stepped back a moment, sweeping a tear from her cheek with his thumb.

Padmé sighed dejectedly, wiping at her lingering tears. “I’m stalling my departure.”

“I know.” Anakin said, bending down and grasping the handle of her bag. “I’ll soon be joining you.”

Padmé blinked. “I know. Be safe, Ani. I can’t know what happens until your journey is complete and you step back into that portal...” She paused, running a hand down the side of his face. “... until you join the Force once again.”

Anakin’s mouth twitched into the smallest of smiles. “And then, I promise, you’ll see our daughter marry the love of her life.”

Padmé nodded slowly. “I hope so Ani...” She threw herself into another embrace. “I hope so.”

She melted into a profound and passionate kiss, her tearstained cheek brushing her husband’s as she broke away.

“Tell me something, Anakin.” Padmé said seriously, her tone authoritative yet overflowing with anxiety . “Can you sense our daughter in the Force?”

Anakin closed his eyes. “I can... I always can.” A whisper of Leia’s presence tickled the corners of his perception. “She’s out there... but she seems... distant.”

“Sidious.” Padmé whispered, barely audible. Anakin didn’t fail to express his surprise. He pulled her closer.

“Padmé...”

“I know, Anakin. It’s him... that monster... he wants to hurt our daughter like he hurt you.”

“It won’t happen.”

“Not if you have anything to say about it, I know. I’m sorry, Anakin. It’s just that... Sidious destroyed our family once... I’m so afraid of him succeeding and doing it again.”

Anakin lowered his head submissively. “I understand, Padmé.”

“He’s a terrible person that I regret our daughter should ever have to encounter... and I can’t stop thinking... that if we hadn’t been so indiscreet with that technology... that all of this could have been prevented.”

“If you’re blaming yourself, don’t.” Anakin said resolutely. “You coming... and Obi-Wan coming had nothing to do with the Sith finding out. And even if you hadn’t... which would be denying our children something they deserve, the Sith would have found out anyway, and it all would have played out like this anyway.”

Padmé nodded leisurely and blew out a long sad breath. “Sidious is a horrible man, Ani... and I can’t bear the thought of him harming our daughter.”

“Neither can I. He’ll meet the hellish afterlife his actions merit if he so much as tries.”

Padmé’s eyes suddenly darted to the viewport on the far wall, scanning the stars as if searching for her daughter among the masses, a mother ailing piteously for her young.

When she finally looked away, she suddenly tightened her hold on her husband, who had closed his eyes, drowning himself in the Force.

“Is she suffering?” Padmé asked desperately, her eyes searching his as they snapped open.

“Not that I can tell. If Leia was seriously injured or in a great deal of pain, I’m sure I’d know.”

His wife blinked again. “But... what you felt earlier... wasn’t it related to Leia?”

Anakin remembered the painful flashes that had been a terrible sort of premonition. “It was, to be sure. It was not only an alert, but it was a signal saying that I need to get to Leia and I need to do so with haste.”

“But... you were in pain.” Padmé breathed softly, her voice full of emptiness. “I could tell.”

“The pain I felt was that of the Force. There is a great possibility that something could happen to throw of the balance once again, and I intend to prevent that from happening at all costs.”

Padmé eyes depicted her belief in her husband’s words. “I have faith in you... bring our little girl home again... safe.”

Anakin clasped her fingers in his and said firmly, “I will.”

Padmé sighed disconsolately and wrapped the fingers of her other hand around her second bag.

The pair stepped up the gangplank, wordlessly conveying their rushing emotions.

“Goodbye, Padmé... for the last time.”

“May the Force be with you, Anakin. And with Leia.” Padmé replied, brushing a stray curl behind her ear.

“No more tears, my angel.” Anakin told her, planting a soft kiss on her forehead.

“I would cry if I had tears left, Ani.” Her voice wouldn’t have been heard unless you were inches from her like her husband was.

“I love you, Padmé Skywalker.” Was all Anakin could manage to say.

“I love you, Anakin Skywalker.” She responded, her hand cupping his chin for a few moments, expressing her love before it drew back to her side.

And just moments later, the hatch closed, with Padmé’s ship gently ascending into the air and with Anakin leaving the bay silently, his head lowered and his stride quickening in pace.

All that could’ve been said had been said, and now, all that was left was hope that the end wouldn’t be as tear-filled and cheerless.

---------

Han Solo had never been one to cry. He was known for his always tough, rugged appearance, his nearly unbreakable mask of a fearless warrior, and his strong stance in his approach to life.

But there was one thing that Han Solo would melt into a softer, gentler man for, and that was the one thing that had been ripped so mercilessly from him.

His Leia. His beautiful Leia.

The man that had once been revered for his exploits and skill had lost the part of him that kept him grounded.

And now, all Han could do was stand, leaning against the wall of the disheveled room, and think about how he couldn’t imagine living without his Princess.

Chin-in-hand, Han’s eyes gazed straight ahead at nothing in particular. His heart slowly and agonizingly began to shatter as he realized that his beloved fiancé was truly gone. From the moment that he’d learned of the terrible disappearance, to the briefing from the investigators about the crime, to the swarms of holoreporters greedily pushing against the bulk the was the main entrance, hoping to cover the story of the time.

The story that Han doubt he could ever, ever forget. Then, there had been Luke. His close friend and the brother of his wife-to-be had sidled over and they had exchanged concise thoughts and words of hope on the matter. After a small hug, there had been nothing left for them to do but wait.

Han broke his gaze for an instant, drawing in a steady, long breath. He closed his eyes. This can’t be happening... this can’t be real.

But, just as he suspected, when his eyes opened once again, he was met with the same scene. Shattered glass that had once been a sizable viewport, upended tables. Leia’s belongings strewn about, some broken to pieces.

Signs of a struggle, the report had called them.

Tearing himself away from his position for the first time in about an hour, Han sidestepped around a smashed piece of wood that had once been Leia’s clothes-dresser.

Not daring to think of what had happened to cause the room to be in such disarray, he made his way through the remains of his beloved’s quarters. A biting wind blew through the gaping hole that had been blown into the east side of the room. It nipped viciously at the fabric of Han’s clothes, but he hardly noticed.

He wasn’t sure exactly what he was looking for, but maybe, just maybe, he’d find something that would help his Leia to come home sooner, safe and sound.

If he could have, he’d have started out already, for he’d convinced himself that whoever had committed this deed would pay. They would pay for ruining his life, for snatching up the best thing that had ever happened to him.

But all in all, he could tell that his efforts were likely to either come up fruitless or endanger Leia further.

I’m not all I’m made out to be, Leia. I’m not a superhero. Han thought. Sure, there was the distinct possibility that he was capable of rescuing the missing Princess, but, he knew, Mothma would never allow it. The former Senator of Chandrila, thought saddened greatly, could tell as clearly as Han that greater forces of evil were at work here.

Luke was out of the question. He’d been fortunate to sneak out to see him in the first place, for the healers were keeping extremely close watch on him ever since he’d developed a slight fever after the battle with the droid creature. They were concerned for his health and noted that any strenuous activity would almost certainly result in an infection. Alas, Leia’s brother was holed up in the medical ward, wanting deeply to seek out his missing sister.

Leia’s voice echoed steadily in Han’s mind, and though he wasn’t Force-sensitive, his trek through the demolished room granted him faint traces of his fiancé’s presence; her aura... his Leia resounded everywhere through the room.

But unlike an echo, when the small quakings flew about the room, they never bounced back to their source.

They couldn’t, and there was a slight chance that they never could again.

Han rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand as if the mere gesture could fight back his fatigue and weariness. But then, something glimmered at the outer reaches of his vision, and his curiosity took over.

Approaching the object, he instantly discovered it to be a holo of him and Leia, taken shortly after the events of the gala during which he’d asked for her hand in marriage.

He inhaled sharply as Leia’s bliss-filled eyes flooded his system, and momentarily shifted, in his mind, to depict fear and pain.

He dropped the holo, letting out a profound sigh. It fell to the floor; it’s already damaged surface cracking upon impact.

The noise of this aroused something painful with Han’s heart, and his eyes immediately riveted upon the picture.

“What have I done?” Dry lips formed words as he bent down and scooped the holo gently into his hands, caressing the image of his Leia’s smiling face with his fingers.

I’m sorry, Leia. I’m so sorry... if I had been here, if I had come in minutes earlier, I might’ve saved you... but I thought you needed the time alone... to think, as you said.

He stood there for several minutes, unmoving. He couldn’t think anymore, couldn’t feel. He could only stare blankly at the holo, allowing the resonating love for his fiancé to fill him completely.

Han didn’t budge for a time, until he vacantly felt someone’s eyes upon him. Turning, he felt all his previous emotions fall upon him once more. He felt as if the load had increased in weight, and if he toppled within its stress too much, he’d collapse.

The deep expanse of blue that were the eyes of Leia’s Master locked on to Han. Han let his shoulders relax as his feelings washed over him. He didn’t dare hold them teetering above his senses any longer. Feeling the rush of it building up in his heart, Han watched as the man he knew as Skye Nairn stepped toward him.

He was the first to speak. “Skye.” He greeted inanely.

The Jedi nodded slightly. “Han.”

Han decided to press onward. “So, your wife left, huh?”

Skye sighed deeply and closed his eyes. “She’s gone. First, Leia and now her...these are hard times, Han.”

Han tilted his head to the side as Skye’s sad eyes opened again. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt emptier... more alone.”

“I have.” Was Skye’s instant reply. The ghost of a smile appeared upon his face as Han looked to him, inquisitively. “Once I allowed for everything I’d once held dear to vanish... and, as I thought then, never to come back. I was completely and utterly an empty shell of what I’d once been, and... I think, in the process... I also lost all of myself as I had existed before.”

Han’s eyes were wide as they traced over the wisdom he saw in Skye’s face. He fumbled with words for a moment, allowing what he had said to sink in. “I feel like half the person I should be without Leia... I feel lost.”

Skye’s hands rested themselves upon Han’s shoulder as he replied softly. “But what’s important, Han is that you’re never truly alone. And if you can see that... I think you’re already halfway to discovering a way out.”

Han was speechless for a moment as those blue eyes stared into his meaningfully.

“You speak as if you’ve seen much more than you should have so young.” Han noted.

Skye’s eyes squeezed shut for a painful second as he said, “I certainly have seen plenty.”

More than ever, Han was filled with wonder as he observed Skye. “What you just said... about finding that you’re never alone...” He paused, as Skye waited for him to continue. “Is that how you escaped your emptiness?”

“It was part of it. The other part was convincing myself that there was still time to do so... with the help of others that cared about me... ones I hardly knew existed.”

Han closed his eyes. “But without the one person I love the most... I can hardly function.”

Skye’s once bright eyes glazed over with a certain reflective emotion. “I know better about losing loved ones than you think, and I know exactly what you are going through right now... you may think now that your world is crumbling around you. Maybe it is, Han, but there’s always someone or something there to help you hold yourself upright.”

“Family.” Han whispered. “That is what a family does.”

A faint smile alighted upon Skye’s face again. “Yes, in your case, Han, that could very well be. In my case... it was more a matter of repressed yet unabated love.”

Han raised an eyebrow in wonderment.

“You should know, Han, that you and I have more in common than you realize, and maybe more in common than you’d like in present mindset.”

“I don’t understand.” Han murmured hazily.

“You don’t have to. But I just want you remember that you mustn’t ever, ever convince yourself that it’s too late. You must continue to fight.”

“I’ll try.” Han murmured.

“And with a little help, you will. A very wise Jedi I once knew told us never to try... but to do. I know that you’ve not always harbored complete belief or support on the ways of the Jedi, or even the Force itself... but I feel like this is the best advice I can offer you at this moment.”

“Whoever said that was very wise.” Han remarked truthfully. Then he gazed thoughtfully at Skye. “Thank you.” he whispered.

“Like you said, that’s what family does.” Skye replied, and without another word, he turned and made to exit the room.

Han allowed his confusion at Skye’s remark to sink below his other thoughts and called, “Skye!”

The Jedi pivoted to once again rest his gaze upon the ex-smuggler standing at the center of the room.

Han’s lips trembled into a shaky smile as he moved toward the Jedi.

Upon reaching him, he stared tellingly into his face before he swept his arms around him, encasing him in a grateful embrace.

He could sense that at first, this gesture startled Skye, but soon, the Jedi’s arms had wrapped around Han’s back acceptingly.

“Everything will be set right.” He heard the Jedi say as they broke apart. At another questioning glance, Skye added, “I plan to find your fiancé and return her to you, completely well.”

Han’s now grief-ridden heart exploded with gratitude and joy. He replied breathlessly. “Thank you... thank you very much... I don’t know how I could ever repay you for all you’ve done.”

“It was never about you repaying me.’ Skye said, almost bitterly. He seemed to realize his tone and han watched as his mood visibly lightened. “Leia means a lot to me as well, I won’t let any harm come to her if I can prevent it.”

Han smiled again, his vision blurring. “You are more family to all of us than you realize.”

-----

For a moment, Anakin dwelled on the words Han had just said to him, formulating a reply. Han’s touching display of emotion was surprisingly ironic, it seemed.

Anakin took a breath. “And I suspect that you will soon realize that I am more family to you then you had ever fathomed.”

------

Han stared blankly after the reply, wondering once again about the past and person of Leia’s Master that had never been revealed to him.

Swallowing, he spoke again. “I’m sorry, I don’t think I understand.”

Skye suddenly looked very tired and very sad. “You will, Han. You will.”

A hiatus was shared in their conversation for several dragging seconds, as Han mentally ran the Jedi’s words through his head over and over.

Then, Skye’s head lifted a bit. “I am leaving in less than one standard hour. I feel that it is imperative that I set off as soon as possible.”

Han nodded. “Yes, that seems about right.”

Skye closed the small gap between them and put an arm around Han’s shoulders. “Take care, Han.”

Han grinned again. “You too, Skye...” He broke off. “And thanks again.”

Skye seemed to wave off his appreciation. “You don’t need to thank me. I’m doing what is right, and that’s all there is to the matter.”

“You’re a good man.” Han said. “Much better than I could ever hope to be. I never realized how selfless and pure you are.”

He was deeply startled to see glimpses of tears fill Skye’s eyes. “I’m honored that you think so, and I... inside, I wonder if I truly deserve such words.”

Han blinked. “You do. I don’t know what is convincing you otherwise, but perhaps you should consider what I just said and how much love and admiration both Luke and Leia have poured in your direction.”

Skye blinked, smiling softly. Han smiled back, feeling much better than he had upon entering the desolate quarters.

Skye replied finally. “Thank you, Han. I’m glad we’ve been able to talk like this.”

Han shrugged. “We’re two men that both possess a certain boundless love and bond toward the same amazing woman.” He trembled slightly. “It’s only natural that our paths should cross on such a level.”

Skye nodded. “And I suspect I shall always remember these past minutes we’ve shared.” He stepped back, moving carefully through the hazardous bits of wood, durasteel, duraplaster, and glass.

Han followed him until they reached the doorway. “Goodbye.” He nodded respectfully in the direction of his beloved Leia’s Master.

“Goodbye Han. Expect to have your fiancé back soon.”

Han sniffed. “I would be indebted to you if such happened.”

A weird look came over Skye’s eyes and he look at his boots. “Han, you shall never be indebted to me...” He trailed off, his watery eyes looking misty and inexplicably remorseful.

Han smiled delicately, and clapped Skye on the shoulder. “Because we’re family, right?”

Skye came out of his reverie and looked up. “Yes... and we always shall be.”

Han watched the Jedi Master make his final turn in the opposite direction, his steps echoing through the hall long after he had disappeared.

Tears dripped down Han’s cheeks as he thought of what had just happened.

Han Solo had never been one to cry. But under the circumstances, he thought that any other man would have done the same.

----

I just feel like I had to note that this is one of my fave chapters of the WHOLE fic. I love it so much, and it makes me physically emotional whenevr I read it.

[sexystarwarslover]

this is now one of my favourite chapters too, so beautiful and emotional. i love this story and can't wait for more

[arie]

Chapter 25

It was only moments after Luke was sure that his father had made it well past the end of the hall that he attempted to leap to his feet, convinced his place was at his side.

Pooja, who had been in the room when Skye Nairn had visited for one last time to inform Luke of his plans to rescue Leia, held Luke’s arm forcefully and tugged him back toward the bed. “Luke! You are being irrational! Do you want to get infected and suffer?”

Luke twisted his body around to face her, his eyes importunate. “This is my sister, Pooja! She could be in grave danger... and the man that just left this room intends to find her by himself!”

“Luke, maybe without or without the huge possibility that you leaving could put you into a critical medical condition, the outcome is the same! Maybe it is that man’s destiny to do just that! Maybe you’d best lie down and heal yourself instead of making this worse... we’d all hate to lose you just after getting Leia back.”

“And I’d hate to lie here helplessly as the galaxy practically stands still, awaiting her return!”

Luke fell back onto the pillows, aggravated and tired.

Pooja touched his arm more gently. “Luke, Leia’s Master may not be invincible, but he seems like the kind of person that when setting out to do something, he would not falter until it is completed.”

“That’s what worries me. He’s so confident... and Pooja, he’s angry. You didn’t need the Force to feel his palpable anger as he spoke. And now he’s on his way, chasing after whoever took my sister... that anger is dangerous for him, Pooja.”

Pooja nodded. “But you must have faith in him to do the right thing.”

“I do!” Luke sighed. “It’s not that I don’t believe he can bring her back...” he trailed off. Sitting up, he gripped the sides of the bed, getting ready to slowly stand up.

Pooja rose, swiftly rooting herself in front of him, leaning on her crutch for balance. “What are you doing, Luke?”

Luke closed his eyes and sat back down. “I don’t know...” There was a moment of pure quiet before he continued, “It seems like I’m doing nothing, doesn’t it?”

Pooja flashed him a small smile. “It’s only natural for you to yearn to be out there, righting wrongs and saving the galaxy...”

Luke grunted slightly. “Yes, that’s me... the arrogant poster boy, the hero without any compassion.”

Startled a bit by his anger, Pooja drew back. “Luke, that’s not what I meant... and you know it!”

Luke nodded; his head down. “I know... I’m sorry.” He flopped onto the bed. “I’ll never forgive myself if something goes wrong.”

“You will.” Pooja told him, kneeling beside his bed. “Because it wouldn’t be your fault if something did.”

Luke didn’t answer.

“Luke, you’ve lost a lot, I know... but I can feel what you are going through... my parents...” Pooja gulped as Luke’s eyes found hers. “At first I blamed myself for them... I thought that if I could’ve been there... home with them... I’d have found a way to keep them safe.”

“Pooja, there’s no way. Grievous attacked you, and you were no match for him. He was a monster... and he was someone else’s evil to grapple.”

“Exactly.” Pooja leaned in a little closer, watching Luke intently and psychologically readying herself for what she was about to say. “Did you ever think that whoever took your sister isn’t your monster to fight? Now’s not the time, Luke, and you mustn’t dwell in this... this feeling of hopelessness...” She swallowed, and finished softly, her voice shaking faintly. “I’m sure that your father wouldn’t want that.”

Luke suddenly flinched visibly and pulled up into an alert position, his wide eyes surveying Pooja, full of bewilderment, sadness, and suspicion. “You... you know?”

Pooja nodded.

“How long...why...how?”

Pooja paused for a moment, wondering about her reply. Luke’s eyebrows, knitted, his distrust rising evidently. “Who told you?”

“He did.” Pooja said, without thinking, her mind swirling like a muddled cloud. “Well, he and...”

“My mother?” Luke asked, surprised by the answer.

“My aunt.” Pooja whispered, staring steadfast at the blue-teal sheets that lay in a wrinkled pile next to Luke, who remained silent, his eyes scanning her.

When she looked up, Luke, though still appearing somewhat confused, was smiling. “Pooja...”

“Luke.” Pooja interrupted, finding the voice of the politician that had been dwelling within her. “Your mother... Padmé Amidala...” she gulped and corrected herself lamely. “Padmé Amidala-Skywalker... was born Padmé Naberrie, and was the younger sister of two... the older one being Sola Naberrie, my...”

“Your mother.” Luke breathed, not daring to take his eyes away from Pooja, who nodded, and continued.

“You and Leia are my cousins.”

Luke finally turned away, as if processing the information. Pooja waited as a long silence floated between them. She watched Luke accept their biological connection and look up, a bright smile now noticeable upon his face.

Seeing this was so refreshing after days of gloom, that Pooja giggled, surprising even herself with the sound.

“I was thinking of rounding up Han and Chewie and getting something to eat... should I bring you something?”

Luke’s eyes sparkled as he replied, “Yes, that would be... great.”

Pooja turned, leaning supportively onto her crutch which assisted her due to her injured leg. Just as she stepped over the threshold and into the hallway, Luke called out.

“Thanks, Pooja!”

Pooja felt a smile stretching across her face as she replied, “No need, Luke. You’re family, and I know you’d do the same for me.”

------

A dry wind blew across the barren desert land of Korriban, whistling hauntingly as it brushed along the structure that was an old abandoned Sith temple. Darkness lurked in every nook of the castle-like building, the atmosphere laced with the Dark Side’s spirits.

It was the graveyard for the darkest of the dark, the most revered of the Sith Lords, a desolate burial ground sprinkled with the tombs of the dead, their voices still heard in the breeze.

A gold-tinged sunset was only just visible over the peaks in the west, silhouetting the peculiar rock formations that made up the Valley of the Dark Lords, the most sacred of all the tombs.

A small cluster of wraids turned toward the looming temple, their Dark Side perceptions alerting them to mysterious amounts of activity. A flock of shyrack burst from a cave, their bat-like wings carrying them into the ominous current of air, coiling and twisting, though nearly innocent in reality, appearing sinister and devious. Their blackened hides painted the airstream, gripping it and bringing forth its ever growing presence.

Within the dim corridors of the temple, a shadow walked with another, its power increased its convictions even more pungent and intense than they had been during its previous life.

With a cackle, the shadow’s head tilted markedly and whispered almost mockingly into the same breeze that had aroused the native fauna, wisps of slithering tones forming words. “The Chosen One comes... I sense it even now... alert the troops and gate masters... and do see to it that no terentateks will hinder his arrival. I want him welcomed here with open arms, do you understand? And...” The voice paused here, abruptly cut off by a deep guttural chuckle. “Trust me, my friend... being assaulted by a bloodthirsty Jedi killer is the last thing... the very last thing he needs...with what we have planned for him.”

“Yes, my Lord.” A white helmet nodded solemnly, its black visor shining in the meager light provided by a deep red wall sconce.

“The time for triumph is here, and finally the Light will be vanquished... with the Chosen One’s approach imminent... there is also one more thing that must be done.”

“Consider it finished my Lord.”

“Very well then... I shall expect to meet the Princess in the main throne room shortly... and may the Force... and her own sense, will the tables to turn in our direction!”

--------

The stars could never have whizzed by fast enough for Anakin. Piloting the small, one-manned ship towards the deadly Sith planet of Korriban was, in truth, not at all a time consuming activity. In fact, the base was admittedly very close to the planet... he expected to touch down on its surface as dusk fell.

He had spent little time in the cockpit so far.

And yet, to Anakin Skywalker, it seemed as if hours had gone by.

With a profound sigh, he leaned back in the seat, a metal hand punching the auto-pilot button as he slipped into the raw emotion he’d pent up within since Leia’s disappearance. Perhaps it had been for the sake of his deeply troubled wife or also partially for Han Solo, who was cracking under the constant pressure, but Anakin couldn’t do it a second longer.

Closing his eyes, he allowing his heart to pour out to Leia, Luke, Padmé, Obi-Wan, Han... a jumbled mess that not even he could even aspire to sort out.

Running his flesh hand down the side of his face, Anakin slowly and steadily washed out the anger and hatred he felt toward Sidious, the evil mastermind he knew as sure as ever had orchestrated the entire thing.

Breathing deeply, Anakin pondered the notion Sidious had of Leia at his side, a lady of the Sith. Although Leia had once possessed qualities worthy of reckless flirtations with Dark power, he could honestly tell himself that Leia’s heart was all over pure and bathed in Light.

The corners of his lips turning up into a small, sad smile, Anakin thought to himself, I can tell myself that my daughter is strong enough to resist it... but the real question is... what does Sidious have in mind to tempt her?

Letting his chin sink into his palm, he reached out, finding the strands of the Force encaged by the growing darkness that would only increase as he got closer to Korriban, and to Sidious. He was slightly alarmed to still discover that Leia’s Force signature still did not burn bright in his mind’s eye... only a feeble, disconsolate pulse.

Mind screaming, he plunged into restless meditation, desperate to bring back the daughter he loved and to tell her that she was such a part of him that he could feel himself breaking without the knowledge of her safety. To tell her that he would never hurt her, never again... and to tell her the truth. He was not Skye Nairn.

What, in truth, were the key differences between Skye Nairn and Anakin Skywalker? Besides the more obvious time gaps and background information, weren’t they both ailing for something they’d lost? Skye Nairn was a mask of a man who had committed terrible crimes, an innocent fiction for the man that was Anakin to hide behind.

In reality, without realizing it, in constructing this false identity for Anakin to complete his mission under, he and the Jedi Council had plunged him deeper into the pain and despair he longed to repress. It was Skye Nairn that took that away. Skye Nairn was an outlet, something Anakin no longer wished for him to be. Skye Nairn was an excuse to ignore the past.

Skye Nairn was...

Inwardly, Anakin cringed in disgust. He felt Skye Nairn slip between the strands of his being and fold, withering away into nothingness. The past gripped him, and he accepted it without hesitation, forcing himself to push back the guilt, the hatred, and anger that remained.

The guilt: That tangled mess that grounded him in dejection; a self-made trap of shame and hanging culpability from a history that could never be altered.

The hatred: The burning hot feeling that engulfed him when thoughts of his former Master, the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, and thoughts of the evil he had once been.

And the anger: The thing that sent him spiraling. The anger toward himself, toward those who had used him, and any residual fury from events that had occurred long before.

Another breath.

Focus on the here and now, Anakin. Do not let dredging of the past destroy your mindset; Qui-Gon’s voice came to him.

Yes, Master Qui-Gon.

A stale wind bit at Anakin through the Force, and he relaxed.

The past will always be with you, Anakin. That I know. But it defines you. The past makes you who you are.

Anakin silently agreed, opening his mind and allowing images of the past to flash through his mind.

His wedding...

Seeing Padmé for the first time...

His mother...

Learning that he was to be a father...

Padmé clinging to life on that landing platform, the scent of the burning lava strong in his nostrils even now...

A vivid reflection of Obi-Wan standing over him on that black sand beach...

A series of painful flickers... and then...

His life, or lack thereof, as Darth Vader:

The Death Star, telling Luke of his true heritage...

And his return to life: fulfilling the prophecy and saving his son’s life.

Then, an image of Leia scorched him. Her imprisonment on the Death Star... his interrogations...

Don’t fight it. Let it become a part of you.

Anakin tensed slightly, but pulled past the pain of the memories, not tackling them as he’d been trying to do for decades.

Ani, you always fought without even thinking of giving up. But perhaps now it’s time for you to come to terms with things differently.

Why are you doing this, Qui-Gon?

I feel you might need it in the near future... the fight ahead will bring forth a lot of things that I know you’d rather forget, but if you try to understand them... accept them, instead of struggling with them, it will be a lot easier to forgive yourself.

And Leia?

I cannot see Leia’s fate. All we can do is help her along. That’s all we ever could’ve hoped to do.

Yes, Master.

You cannot give up, Ani, if you were not truly fighting in the first place. It is not cowardly to acknowledge rather than push back. True bravery is refusing to ignore something that hurts you.

I understand.

May the Force be with you, Anakin Skywalker.

Anakin felt Qui-Gon’s presence leave his mind and disappear into the Force, taking with it the remnants of Anakin’s false personage.

Skye Nairn would not fight the darkness for Anakin’s soul and for his daughter. Skye Nairn, straightforwardly, no longer existed.

It had been Skye Nairn that had left the Rebel base, seeking the rescue of his Jedi student, but it was Anakin Skywalker who now sat in the front compartment of a space cruiser, racing against time to save his daughter and to begin the conclusion of his fight for redemption.

And it was Anakin Skywalker who opened his blue eyes, suddenly vivid and shining with a new strength and determination. Canceling the auto-pilot flight, he gripped the controls and screeched across space, the only thing between him and his daughter in his mind being the parsecs that fell away at his bidding.

-------

The squadron of clone troopers threw open the door with a loud clang, dragging a struggling young woman into the throne room, protesting with boldness that forced them to nearly drop her quite unceremoniously onto the grime-coated stone tile. As they exited, Leia stood up, gazing about wildly.

“Pardon the dust, my dear.” A voice hissed. Leia flinched, her eyes darting around the room. “It’s been much too long since I’ve had the pleasure of such company.”

“Wh-who said that?” she asked shakily. Then, she straightened, somehow summoning a fierceness that had been bubbling within her since her captor had snatched her from the ones she loved. “Show yourself!” she demanded, fists clenching.

The darkness that blanketed the entire room seemed to manifest itself into being, sweeping up into a hooded figure that stepped forward quietly.

Leia couldn’t restrain a startled gasp as the dark cowl of the robe fell back, exposing the identity of her kidnapper.

“You.” She managed to say, her voice once again trembling. “It can’t be... you’re...you’re dead!”

The man Leia knew as Emperor Palpatine laughed shortly. “So it would seem, my child.”

“No.” Leia spat, suddenly vehement as Palpatine glided toward her, seating himself upon a glassy throne chair. Bewildered, she stepped back, nearly tripping over the torn hem of her dress.

Palpatine looked up as Leia finished. “Do not call me your child, you...you monster!”

“Very well, Princess Leia.” He stated formally, gesturing to a chair across from him. “Take a seat, why don’t you? You must be aching terribly!”

“You mean from your petty servants tossing me into that cramped cell? Or from you wrenching me away from my home against my will?”

“Such anger.” Palpatine remarked, almost cooing at her. “It gives you power, Leia. Great power... like that of your father.”

“Don’t bring him into this!” Leia growled warningly.

“And why not, my dear? Still upset with old Daddy for blasting Organa and Alderaan to oblivion?”

Leia frowned at the mention of her adoptive father. “I...I... don’t know what to say.”

[arie]

CHAPTER 25 CONTINUED

“Leia, Leia.” Palpatine smiled, his lips curling over rotting yellow teeth. He paused then, pointing a spindly paled finger at the other seat once more.

Leia followed his hand, scowling with contempt. “Is this some kind of trick?”

“Nonsense, silly girl.” Palpatine laughed, as Leia reluctantly sat, perching herself upon the edge of the seat, staring piercingly at the yellow, bleeding eyes of the Sith Lord.

Palpatine grinned kindly, asking with feigned concern. “Quite comfortable now, are we? You are our guest of honor, after all.”

“Guest of honor?” Leia nearly yelled, incredulous. “You took me away from my family! The people I love!”

“Did I?” Palpatine asked innocently. “I’m dreadfully sorry, Princess, but it is not only urgent that I speak with you, but it is fate that makes it right.”

Leia folded her arms across her chest. “You mean to tell me, you grabbed me away from my home, just when things seemed to be shaping up in the slightest, just so you and I could talk?”

“That’s right.” The former Emperor clucked, smiling widely. “Won’t you talk to me, Leia?”

“Ah yes, cozy little chat time with the evil Emperor! That’s what this is? Well, I hate to rain on your little parade, Palpatine, but I refuse to speak casually with the very man I loathe the most.”

“Why is that, young one? Why do you hate me so?”

“You destroyed the galaxy! You took it in your clammy, shriveled hands and strangled the life out of it! And you expect me to sit and cooperate with you?”

Palpatine leaned forward, suddenly deadly serious. “I don’t expect it, Princess. I demand it... I’d hate for this to get... ugly.”

“As far as I’m concerned, it already has.” Leia said, looking icily at Palpatine’s face.

“You should learn to hold your tongue, Leia.” The dark Lord chided, wagging a finger at her. “Although, such a skill with words is prized among politicians... you no doubt inherited that little trait from your mother.”

Leia stood up. “Do not speak of my mother!”

“She was one of my greatest confidantes once, Princess. An admirable colleague, it was she, in fact who put forth the motion to begin the appointment of a new Chancellor... me.”

Leia’s lower lip quivered and she spun away from him, conflicted. “I don’t believe you.”

“Of course you don’t.” Palpatine said. “You can’t, because that would be simply too horrible...”

“Shut up!” Leia suddenly rounded on him. “You have no right! You sit me down and you expect me to allow you to... to even mention my family... my father, my mother!”

She glared at him, visibly shaking with rage. Inwardly, Palpatine was screaming exultantly, sensing that she had taken the bait. The daughter of the Chosen One was caught in his snare.

He felt Leia attempt to probe his mind, aimlessly yearning for a power that wasn’t there. “Why can’t I touch the Force?” Leia asked, concerned that she was rendered virtually powerless.

“Ysalamiri serum.” Palpatine answered matter-of-factly. “Quite effective, wouldn’t you agree? I had my troopers inject you before you came to... the effects should wear off relatively soon... but by then...” He cut off, seemingly thinking. “I needn’t worry, I think. Now, where were we?”

Leia looked apprehensive at the mention of her dwindled Force-strength, but continued to gaze coolly at her captor.

“Ah yes... your mother trusted me deeply, dear girl... deeply enough to trust my political ideas... and her death was... regrettable, indeed. She would have been a grand asset if joining the Empire... but that’s speaking of the past...”

“You... wretched... filth! It disgusts me that you’d even dare talk about my mother. That you would even suggest that she’d sink so low as to join forces with you!”

“Ah, so you think Daddy was a pathetic ball of slime that was nothing but a fool to align himself with the Dark Side and help create the Empire?”

Leia stopped, eyes shining with unshed tears. “I...no...he...”

“He was selfish, Leia. Wanting only ultimate power... for himself. Like a true Sith. And you shall soon learn of his betrayal... and its cost.”

“I already know what happened because of it.” Leia snarled, irritation amplifying. “Luke and I were taken in by generous families as the galaxy was thrown into a cruel and unjust Empire.”

“And your mother?”

“She died.” Leia stated, annoyed that he’d ask even though he knew. “I never heard much about her, but Father... Bail Organa told me that she might’ve been a key member of the Rebel Alliance had she survived.” Leia smiled finally, thinking she’d dealt a blow. Sidious however, only laughed.

“Your mother was a wonderful woman, Leia. Much like you and your brother...”

Leia stopped. “And another thing, did you know that Luke and I were siblings back then?”

Palpatine shook his head. “I knew that you were strong in the Force, but I was previously under the assumption that your mother only gave birth to one child... Luke.”

“So you, like my... father didn’t know until...”

“Right before he died?” Palpatine shouted, seemingly amused. “Dear girl, I knew when Vader practically pried the secret from your worthless brother! How is Luke, lately? I hear my minions nearly killed the poor boy.”

Leia glowered at him. “Luke is not worthless! Don’t you dare call him that!”

“Oh I’m sorry, Princess. Have I touched a nerve? Then I suppose I shouldn’t even begin with... your father...”

“You vile, despicable man!” Leia screamed. “If I had my lightsaber...”

“You mean this?” Palpatine said with a wry grin, producing the cylindrical weapon from the fold of his robes.

Leia’s eyes glinted heatedly, visible in the sparse light. “You took it, I knew it!”

“Didn’t your...” he coughed. “...Master... teach you that this weapon was your life?” Palpatine promptly tucked it away again as she reached forward, attempting to regain her blade. “What’s the matter, Leia? Not so confident now, are we, without the weight of the metal against your waist? Are you... afraid of me, Princess?”

“No. I do not fear you.” Leia said firmly.

“Your eyes betray you, my dear.” Palpatine laughed wickedly.

“What do you want from me?” Leia ordered; her fury evident in her tone.

“It’s really quite simple, Princess. You do as I tell you and listen to what I have to say, and nothing...regrettable will have to happen.”

Leia’s defiant stare burned into him. “You wouldn’t have the guts to even try something...”

“It seems you aren’t as familiar with my ways as you appear outwardly, young one.”

Leia was breathing hard, her brow puckered.

“I have plans for you, Your Highness, so you’d best sit down and pay attention.” Palpatine declared. “I am going to present you with a most interesting choice.”

Leia’s face shifted slightly, to an unreadable expression.

“If you choose correctly, I assure you, neither you or your...” Palpatine coughed. “... loved ones will have to fret. But if you choose to defy me... I vow to make you wish you hadn’t.”

“What are you talking about?”

“What do you know of the Dark Side, Leia?”

Leia’s scowl returned. “I know what you’re trying to pull. You’re a Sith Lord; don’t think I don’t know what that means! You’re cruel and merciless, and I’d die before I’d join you.”

“That can be arranged.” Palpatine threatened. “But I admit I’d very much hate for it to come to that.”

“Well, sorry to disappoint you, Sidious.” Leia responded resolutely.

He appeared mildly surprised by the use of his Sith name.

“My Master told me of the Dark Side and of your grotesque ways.” Leia said proudly, sensing Palpatine’s unease.

Sidious grinned. “What else did he tell you, Leia?”

Leia looked confused for a moment, before she replied. “He told me that the Sith were greedy and power-hungry, and that that more-or-less ended up alone... caring for no one but themselves.” She turned a hardened gaze directly at him. “I will not be like that. I will always have compassion... and care for others.”

“Who do you care for, Leia? Your brother, surely... and that confounded Solo as well. But... your Master...”

“What about him?” Leia challenged coolly. “I do care deeply about him. I love him.”

Palpatine grinned. “Of course, my dear. I expected nothing less. Tell me, Princess, what did your Master tell you about... your father?”

Leia was instantly bewildered. “What do you mean? My father’s dead... my Master doesn’t even know who he was.”

“He doesn’t?” Palpatine questioned, both interested and amused. Sensing that he may have struck another note, he goaded, “And why is that?”

“I...I didn’t tell him.” Leia said; eyes downcast.

“Ahhhhhh.” Sidious murmured, pulling the fabric of his cloak tight around his seemingly frail powerless body. “Ashamed?”

Leia fumbled with words. “No... not ashamed. It’s just... I didn’t want him to judge me... he loves me, and I didn’t want him to be... well, in any way less proud of me as a person.”

Palpatine merely looked at her for a moment, eyes shining in hilarity, before bursting into a gravelly fit of laughter. “Oh, child, if you only knew what you were saying!”

“I don’t understand.” Leia hissed. “What exactly is so amusing?”

“You, my dear. You are so clueless; I hate to have to bring forth the harsh truths to you.”

Leia drew back slightly, stepping away from the throne.

“Almost.” He chuckled. “I should say that I almost hate to. Deep down, Leia... I cannot wait to see the look on your face as you learn the truth about your parents! But... though I sense the time is nearer, we must wait...”

“What is all this about?” Leia commanded, though her anxiety was noticeably spiking.

“We are waiting, Princess, for our other guest of honor... who is an essential part of this discussion.”

“I don’t want to talk to you anymore.” Leia insisted.

“Ah, but remember, child, you are to do as I tell you, or consequences shall arise.”

Leia’s brown eyes flickered in fear for an instant before clouding over with revulsion. “I am no one’s slave!”

Sidious smiled evilly. “I suppose not. For there is simply no way a slave could rise up and dominate the galaxy as a Sith apprentice...” He laughed in spite of himself, enjoying the irony of the statement.

Leia’s anger, however, was naturally unfazed. “I already told you, I’ll never be a Sith!”

“That’s what your father said.” Sidious remarked. “And see what happened? Let’s just see if... a little persuasion is in order.”

Leia suddenly looked substantially frightened. “What do you mean?”

-------

Anakin had found it quite unnerving that he was met with no resistance as he trekked across the desert plain. Fighting the steadily increasing feeling of queasiness that indicated extreme Dark energy, he had more or less walked right into an abandoned Sith temple, which he had seen sitting on the horizon as he descended from space, without having to administer even the smallest fight.

Something in the Force had told him that Leia was inside, and so, with unwavering fortitude, he’d hiked through the rocky terrain, ignoring the grating desperate breaths that exploded from his lungs.

Even more alarmed at the lack of guards at the gates and entrance of the temple, Anakin has perused the dimly-lit halls, following the throttling amounts of Dark Side power projected in the Force and the small jolt in his senses that represented the Force-aura of Leia.

Concentrating on reaching his daughter without stirring too much attention, he crept through a corridor, next to silent.

But then, as he turned the corner, he was assaulted by an unexpected onslaught of Stormtroopers, as if they had been expecting him.

“Fire!” Their leader ordered, pointing excitedly at Anakin.

Igniting his lightsaber, he parried the bolts.

But for every trooper he cut down, several more emerged, shooting a steady stream of stun blasts in his direction.

Though fighting hard, a shot managed to make it past him, grazing his cheek. This seemed to motivate the troopers, and they pressed forward, forcing Anakin into a wall.

A shot hit Anakin square in the chest, virtually painless, but sending him into a blurry world of white figures backing him into a trap.

As blackness claimed him, Anakin fell to the floor, only to be hoisted up seconds later by the several of the troops. The leader smiled under his helmet.

“Good work, men! Now... you know what to do.”

Another one of the surrounding soldiers snapped Force-binders on Anakin and grabbed his fallen lightsaber. Then, they began to carry him off.

------

Halls away, Palpatine opened his eyes after a momentary lapse into the Force. The widest grin yet spread upon his face as he turned to a stricken Leia.

“He has arrived. And this, my dear Leia, is where the real fun begins.”

He pressed a button on his comlink and summoned one of his assistants, as the ultimate battle of the Force was about to begin.

-------

The story is reaching its climax! Comments appreciated!

[sexystarwarslover]

oh my god, please hurry and write more, i love this, i can't wait to see what happens!

[arie]

Chapter 26

The aide to the Sith Lord Darth Sidious rushed in rapidly, consequently tripping over his own feet in his haste to reach his Master. He kneeled beside the Dark lord, staring steadfast at the hem of his shadowy robes.

“I am here, my lord. What is thy bidding?”

He allowed his head to tilt back a little in order to see the edge of Sidious’ cowl, which he had slipped back on, and hear his raspy voice.

“It is time, my friend.” Sidious pronounced flatly. Several yards away, a young woman’s eyes flitted about nervously, the fear evident in the deep brown orbs that rested upon the faithful aide. “He has arrived, has he not?”

The aide nodded solemnly. “The troopers are bringing him in as we speak, my lord.”

“Good, very good.” Sidious grinned visibly. “See to it that his weapon is properly confiscated and his hands bound.”

“It was done upon his capture, my lord.”

“Ahhhhhh... splendid, indeed.” Sidious cooed. “Leia, dear girl, we are nearly ready.” He nodded at the aide. “You are dismissed.”

With a bow of the head, the little man scurried out of the throne room.

Leia fought the lump formed in her throat and asked. “What is going on? Who is being brought here?”

Sidious laughed hoarsely, nonchalantly producing Leia’s lightsaber and setting it calmly upon the surface of his otherwise barren desk. “Someone of great importance... someone I’m sure will convince you to see my point of view.”

An icy chill ran down Leia’s spine. “Try all you want, Emperor Palpatine. I thought I’d already made it rather clear that I am a Jedi, like my brother.”

Sidious paused, a memory of the past flickering bright in his mind. Then he spat, “Try all you want, Princess. But you have the power, and you will be a Sith like your father.”

“Have I misunderstood something, or was he a Jedi before you twisted him into the monster known as Vader?” Leia said coolly.

“He may have been, Leia. But it is irrelevant. Vader and I had thought of bringing your brother to join us, as we were blinded to your true potential, my dear. But now, that mistake can be corrected. The Sith can rule the galaxy once more and balance will once again be achieved.”

“You’re a fool, Palpatine. You think you can deceive and seduce me?” Leia hissed, he anger returning.

Sidious accepted her growing fury hungrily. “Such harsh words. I told you, Princess, I only wish to talk.”

“Oh, and is that how you tricked my father? Well, it won’t work. Lying is the way of the Sith, and you won’t mislead me so easily.”

“Leia.” Sidious nearly scolded. “I’m astonished, are you referring to your father as weak-minded?”

Leia shook her head. “No! I-...” But she didn’t finish, for at that moment, several armored Stormtroopers marched in, supporting a prone figure between them.

“My lord, here is the arrival you asked for.”

Sidious gazed thoughtfully at the shadowy shape for a moment, and then nodded his approval. “Very good, troopers. You shall be rewarded.”

“His weapon.” The trooper handed a gleaming metal cylinder to Sidious.

Leia peered curiously at the body held in the arms of the troopers. She stepped back, alarmed as the Stormtroopers prepared to exit, dumping the man to the stone floor.

Leia knew that if the Force had been accessible to her at the moment, she’d hear its agony. A powerful Sith Lord was endangering the Light side of the Force, capturing her and bringing her to an ancient Sith Temple, in hopes that she would cooperate and become of them...

She scowled in contempt, as Palpatine took a step closer to the man, smiling wider than ever. “Ahhhhhh...” his voice echoed around the chamber as he circled the blurry outline of the new arrival. “I wish I could say it was lovely to see you again, my old friend.”

Leia balled her fists in anger. “It won’t work, Sidious. You can do nothing to sway my loyalty to the Jedi, and neither can your filthy so-called accomplice.”

It was then that that very so-called accomplice coughed and shifted, turning around slightly so that a crescent of moonlight alighted his face.

Leia gasped aloud, bringing a hand to her mouth. “Master!!!?”

Sad blue eyes met Leia’s and the man Leia knew as Skye Nairn stood up, the effects of the stun blast wearing off. Hints of silver glinted at his wrists; Force binders that cut off his ability to use the Force.

“Leia.” Her Master said seriously, his voice shaking to some extent. “What has he done to you? Has he hurt you?”

Leia shook her head, still shocked. She managed to speak. “No, Master, I-... I’m fine.”

Sidious stepped closer. “Yes, dear boy, she’s unharmed.” Anakin Skywalker closed his eyes, feeling a mixture of revulsion, relief and regret. “A lovely woman, isn’t she? The Princess is admirably similar to her mother, wouldn’t you agree, Master Nairn?”

Anakin did not answer, ignoring the name that was not his.

Palpatine waited, and Leia, stunned to silence, stood, watching.

Finally, Palpatine raised a clammy hand and struck out mildly with the Force, blowing Anakin into the wall. Anakin stumbled backward, hitting the durasteel.

Leia’s hands fell to her sides, and she took a step back, a sharp intake of breath filling her lungs.

“I believe.” Palpatine stated calmly, “I asked you a question. You’d best answer it, Jedi.”

Anakin’s head lifted and he stared coldly at the Sith Lord, terrible memories flooding through him. He straightened, and replied soundly. “My apologies, Lord Sidious. Were you addressing me? Not only do I feel very disinclined to speak to you, but I think you know well that Master Nairn is not so fitting a title.”

Sidious was obviously surprised by this statement and Leia’s mind whirled in confusion.

“Not so fitting?” Palpatine said. “Do elaborate.”

Anakin regained his footing and cast a quick glance in Leia’s direction. Her eyes, tear-filled and lost met his and he smiled sadly. “What I mean to say is that you and I both know that Skye Nairn does not exist and never did.”

Palpatine laughed loudly as Leia stared at her Master in perplexity. “Ah, but the child did not.” He rounded upon the Princess, stepping toward her. “How does it feel, Leia?”

Leia, now frightened, fumbled with words as she began to back away from the piercing yellow eyes that were fixed upon her. “What... how...?” She spoke, pathetically at a loss for how to answer. It seemed as if her tongue had been glued to the inside of her mouth, making speech impossible. She gulped.

“How does it feel knowing that your Master has been lying to you since the day you met?” Sidious coaxed, the corners of his pallid lips distorting into a cruel, mangled smile.

“I...” Leia tripped over the ripped remains of her dress, landing on the floor with a painful thud. She cried out in surprise and fright.

Sidious did not seem to notice. “Doesn’t that upset you, Princess?”

He reached out, almost as if to help Leia to her feet. She recoiled, yelping, but his hand inched closer.

“No...” Leia breathed. “Leave me alone...please...”

“Don’t you see, Leia? He lived amongst you and your friends for a memorable time indeed, but never allowed you to know of his true name, my child.” An evil laugh filled Leia’s ears. She dared to squeeze her eyes shut for a single second, finding it nearly unbearable to look at the deformed visage of her dark captor any longer.

But she promptly allowed her eyes to flutter open as the laugh cut off abruptly, twisting into a cry of pain. A very startled Sith Lord fell to the ground several feet from Leia, and behind him stood Anakin, looking thoroughly rumpled, but more determined than ever.

“She is not...” He growled angrily. “Your child.”

Sidious started to stand, brushing the dust from his front. “I beg your pardon?”

“You heard me.” Anakin stated his voice flat and empty. “And I believe Leia asked you to leave her alone.”

Sidious smirked. “I’m terribly sorry, but I am afraid I cannot do that, my old friend.”

“Master...” Leia whispered, the tears audible in her tone. “What is he talking about? Why does he call you old friend?”

Anakin opened his mouth, not even thinking of any consequence to what he was about to say. “Leia, I’m so sorry. I’m not Skye Nairn... I never was.”

Tears spilled down the young Princess’ cheeks and she choked. “...I don’t...then who are you?”

Anakin took a breath, and prepared to unveil the truth, but suddenly felt the wind knocked from him as a powerful Force-kick propelled him into the metal desk. He crashed to the ground behind the upturned throne.

Palpatine lowered his foot, satisfied. A low groan from Anakin caused him to grin in pleasure. “We can’t have that, now can we, dear boy? You’ve concealed your identity for too long, why the sudden desire to tell all?”

Anakin sat up, his eyes sunken and his hair tousled. His body screamed in pain from where the sharp edges of the throne chair and table had jabbed into him. His head throbbed. He glared furiously at Sidious, angered by his nerve, his resolve.

“I’m sorry, Sidious.” Anakin spat, disgusted. “But I no longer wish to be the bad guy. I never wanted to be. All I ever needed was the love of my family and the Force.”

Palpatine guffawed loudly. “The love of your family? Yes, that’s what this charade was produced for? A bad mark on your record, I’m afraid. A mark of failure.”

Anakin rose, strength returning. “I haven’t failed yet. And I certainly don’t plan to.” He lifted his hands, still bound together in Force-reducing shackles. Within his fingers he held two lightsabers. “Forgotten something?” He asked calmly.

Sidious started, but then laughed again. “It’s no use.” Anakin carved through the metal confining his hands. “I’ve injected you both with ysalamiri.” The pieces of metal hit the ground with a soft clang.

Anakin tensed, still a little unnerved with the loss of his acute senses. He shivered mildly and ignited his own weapon in one hand.

“You cannot win.” Sidious told him.

“I will not simply allow you to get away with this. I intend to destroy you so that Leia may know of my true self. I will not be a pawn in your game, Palpatine. I learned long ago the truth of your ways. You will not interfere with what should not involve you.”

Palpatine cocked an eyebrow, bemused. “Really, now?”

Anakin permitted his gaze to land upon Leia once more. He shook his head. “I shouldn’t have lied to you, Leia. I care for you too much. It’s my fault. I promise, I will fix everything and tell you the truth. You mean a lot to me, Leia, and I don’t want whatever happens here to interfere with your happiness. You will return home and marry Han Solo and live well, no matter what happens here.”

Leia, still frozen, could barely nod. Sidious grinned.

“The real question here is, Leia, can you trust this man? You don’t even know his real name. You have no inkling as to his past, and what he has done. Can you trust him, Leia? What do you think?”

Leia, voice trembling awkwardly, replied. “I don’t know what to think anymore.”

Palpatine produced a glowing red saber, smiling.

“Leia.” Anakin said desperately. “I want to tell you everything right now, just scream it out across the room, but I know that very Sith Lord who holds you captive will twist the truth into something terrible, which would result in him achieving exactly that which he wants.” His eyes pleaded silently with Leia, who looked from Sidious to Anakin, blinking.

“You think I’d align myself with him? You’ve fought alongside me for how long and you actually believe I’d be so foolish?” She addressed Anakin, rather coldly.

Anakin shook his head. “Leia, you’ve no idea what he can do. His power is in trickery. He’ll lead you to believe what is false.”

Sidious stated evenly. “Make your choice, child.”

Leia’s tears flowed freely. “I...I can’t... I don’t...”

“Leia.” Anakin poured all the love and support he could muster in her direction. “I’m so sorry. I never meant to cause you such pain... but we must not falter. We must focus on what is real.”

“What is real, then?” Leia asked him. Sidious grinned in excitement as the battle between Light and Dark heated up.

“This.” Anakin replied simply. “What is happening? We’ve allowed this evil man to twist us into fighting each other, when before we’d never dream of such a thing. What’s real? The time I’ve spent with you. The mission to Escarte... everything.”

“If you only knew who he really is, Leia.” Palpatine sneered.

“Silence!” Anakin yelled. “She will! But I intend to prove to you that Leia does not harbor the darkness you seek. Leia, listen to me...”

“No, Leia. Ignore that fool. Why should you listen to him now when he couldn’t even tell you who he is? If he really loved you, he’d have told you upfront!”

Leia, feeling the pressure building, cried out. “I... I don’t know... I...”

Sidious, in a sudden move, jostled Leia’s saber from Anakin grip with a vicious rip in the Force and floated it to her. “I am confident, dear girl, that you will turn the weapon upon the appropriate enemy.”

“I am not your enemy.” Anakin told her. “A name doesn’t change the love I feel for you, or the bond we share; the one we’ve built up ever since I came into your life. Leia, a name is just a name. It cannot disrupt the strongest power in the universe which is love. Not the Dark Side. If you choose to turn your blade against me, you will have completed the Sith plans. And you’ll be one of them.”

“Ahhhhhh... but a name does matter!” Sidious exclaimed. “Your traitorous Master claims that I’ll mislead you and tell you falsities. But I only tell the startling truth, which you deserve to know.”

Leia suddenly ignited the lightsaber, eyeing the blue blade thoughtfully. “I do deserve to know.”

“Yessssss...” Sidious grinned triumphantly and Leia’s eyes flickered. Anakin felt his heart become a bottomless pit.

No... I cannot fail her! I won’t!

“You deserve to know more than anything.” Anakin announced feebly. “I couldn’t agree more. I... Leia?”

Leia’s frown had deepened and she murmured. “You both claim to want to tell me the truth, and yet neither of you has jumped at the chance... what’s holding you back?”

Anakin and Sidious stared at Leia.

“Believe me, child, I cannot wait until you find out, but I think I’ll find it much more pleasurable when the man himself tells you, as I strangle the remaining life from him, with you by my side.”

Leia jumped visibly. “I can’t...I...”

“I won’t keep such important things from you, my dear girl. I will always award you the truth.”

“I...”

“Leia,” Anakin spoke for the first time in a while, still holding the ignited blade, his blue eyes stormy now with a rush of emotion. “Listen to him. Do you hear what he’s saying? He’s a Sith, he cannot change. He is lying to you even now.”

“You both have lied to me.” Leia said, suddenly decidedly. It was clear to both Anakin and Sidious that she had come to a certain conclusion. “And I feel betrayed and lost... I can hardly think straight... but there is one thing I know.”

She turned to Anakin. “Master, I love you no matter what. It was wrong of you to lie to me... but I can feel your guilt... and your love... and I can’t hate you.”

Sidious croaked. “Leia... no... you’re being foolish...”

“And you. I do not intend to disgrace my family and the Light side of the Force by joining the likes of you.”

Anakin smiled. “Leia... I...”

Sidious, anger boiling flew at Anakin, lightsaber swirling. “You robbed me of my plans once again... and you shall not live long enough to convince Leia of your true feelings.”

Leia gazed, thunderstruck as a battle began to rage. She took a step forward...

----

[sexystarwarslover]

oh come on, i want to see what happens please add quickly, it's getting excting

[arie]

Chapter 27

To Leia, it seemed as if all that had been her life during her months with her Master has shattered within a matter of moments. Her head swirled with unanswered questions, anger, hurt, and somewhere... deep inside, the dark specter continued to snarl and cackle at her, beckoning her to merge her powers with his own.

Everything had changed in an instant. Her heart told her she could trust her Master, the man she never truly knew over the Sith Lord who called to her, and yet within it ached for him and their bond. The Force waited behind a dam of emotion, ready to guide her in making her decision.

Why? She begged no one in particular for answers she knew wouldn’t come, staring blankly at the other side of the room, where Sidious and her Master had swiftly engaged themselves in an intense fight, lightsabers flashing faster than lightning.

Blinking, she meant to take another step forward, but something made her pause. A distant memory of the Jedi she knew as Skye.

“Leia?” His tentative voice sounded, and a gloved hand appeared on her shoulder. She turned to look into his eyes, which shone with concern. “Are you alright?”

“I’m just thinking.” She had told him, shaking her head slightly; her brown locks brushing her shoulders.

He nodded slowly, but didn’t move away. Then, he opened his mouth to reply slowly, if not cautiously, “What about?”

Leia smiled almost nervously. “Han.”

His lips curved into a tiny smile. “Ah, Captain Solo. If I’m not mistaken, you think about Han quite often.”

She regarded him with a certain shock and mock offense. “Why, Master, what would make you think so?”

He smiled wholly then, a bright grin that melted away her charade of faked annoyance. “You get this look in your eyes. I recognize it, because my wife’s eyes look the same way... when she’s thinking of me.”

A slight rose tint rose into her cheeks, and she couldn’t formulate a reply.

He merely nodded again and looked at her seriously. “You love him very much, don’t you, Leia?”

She noticed his straightforwardness and nearly laughed aloud, remembering another instance when she’d been asked the same question, by Han himself about Luke on a forest moon not too long ago. Leia saw no point in hiding it from him. “Yes.” She said simply. “I do. He’s the most frustrating person I could possibly have chosen, but there’s no escape. ”

He chuckled quietly. “And I have no doubt Han feels the same way about you. You are a charming young woman, after all.” He winked playfully, causing her to groan.

Then, she took a breath and laughed. “Han thinks I’m frustrating?”

“I mean that in the kindest of ways.” He told her, trying to look serious. She saw unrestrained mirth in his blue eyes.

“I hear...” he whispered, “That such a trait can run in the family.”

Leia squirmed a bit, but replied softly. “You don’t say? Perhaps my mother had that affect on people. From what I know of her, she was a politician, and an uncanny one at that.”

He tilted his head a little. “By calling your mother irritating, you do mean that in the kindest of ways, correct?”

She slapped his shoulder playfully. “Of course. But surely her opponents back in the Old Republic were annoyed by her cleverness?”

“I don’t know much of politics.” He admitted, grinning. “But I do know one thing; politicians know how to be annoying when they need to be. It’s how some of the heated debates between them become aggressive.”

Leia scowled. “And in saying this, are you referring to me as well? It’s one thing to have Han thinking I’m aggravating, but quite another when my Master agrees!”

He laughed aloud, the sound of it filling her ears. “Oh Leia, do not take what I say at face value... you know I care deeply for you and am honored and happy to instruct you.”

Leia softened, her smile spreading slowly across her face. “As am I to learn from you, Master. I can’t think of a thing that could spoil my happiness right now. I have Han... you, Luke... we’re becoming like a small family.”

An odd expression came across his face for an instant, but he ultimately blinked and a small smile appeared on his face. He responded finally, his words laced with an unexplained awkwardness, as if he wasn’t sure what to say. “That’s a very nice way of looking at it.”

Leia shook her head. Was that Skye Nairn? Or was that my Master? Was it his real self, or has all of this been a lie?

He sighed resolutely, without responses to any of her unspoken pleas. Bracing herself, she willed her body to take that next step.

And then another.

And another.

-------

There was something equally concerning and relieving about the fact that Leia hadn’t entered the battle yet, Anakin had decided.

Despite his disconnection from the Force due to the ysalamiri, he could still read his daughter quite easily.

She is contemplative, hurt, confused, and bewildered. He thought grimly. The anger, hatred, and fear had vanished, leaving not unsure and somewhat unstable young Jedi, but a baffled and pained young woman.

Just as he was about to dare a glance toward where he had last seen Leia standing, she appeared, remaining out of reach of the dazzling blades of light, but still looking torn.

Sidious wheezed softly and thrust his blade toward Anakin, leaving him little space and time to avoid the saber’s plunge into his abdomen.

But he did, whirling timely about, catching the Sith Lord off balance.

Sidious was startled by the move, but wouldn’t think of showing it. Instead, his grinned as if everything was proceeding according to his plans.

Anakin noticed this, wondering dourly if he had reason to smile. What is he thinking? What is his next move?

With a swift kick, Sidious saw Anakin’s next swing coming, dodging it completely and sending Anakin to the ground.

The next few seconds seemed like hours to Anakin as the lightsaber rolled from his fingers and he cursed inwardly, unable to retrieve it with the Force.

But then, he saw his daughter.

Something had unleashed itself in Leia at seeing her Master sprawled upon the ground, a red shaft preparing to come down upon him.

With a cry of determination, she leapt forward, throwing her own blue blade above him; and Sidious’ glowing blade crashed against hers, spitting sparks.

This time, the Sith couldn’t conceal his instant shock. “You fool! If you only knew what you were doing!”

“I know this, Sidious. I am fighting for a man I know to be good, against a man I know to be evil.” Leia replied, her voice wavering, but her face stony and impassive.

“You are quite mistaken, young one.” He spat, pressing his lightsaber against hers with a newfound strength that he hadn’t possessed years ago. “You don’t have to fight me, Leia. I have grown to be more powerful than any Force user has ever fathomed of becoming. My rebirth means a new age for the galaxy.”

“I will not allow you to erase all the efforts we’ve achieved to repair the damage you did!” Leia cried, applying her own force to her blade.

“The damage I did?” Palpatine mused quietly, jumping back and sweeping his blood-colored saber to the side.

Leia lowered her blade a bit and stepped forward, just as Anakin’s fingers closed around the silver cylinder that was the hilt of his fallen lightsaber. “You were the mastermind behind the fall of the Old Republic, Sidious. That you cannot deny.”

“Ah, but you’ll find that my minions did all the dirty work, child. I hardly lifted a finger.”

“You formally addressed the Senate about transforming their democracy into an Empire! Senator Organa was among the disgusted faces in the Senate chambers that day.” She didn’t back down.

Sidious opened his mouth to reply, but noticed that Anakin had not only regained his footing, but his blue blade hummed to life and in a split second, he hurtled toward him.

Leia momentarily paused, but soon jumped in, her azure lightsaber singing through the air in perfect rhythm with Anakin’s.

Sidious, taken aback, parried each strike, and continued to toy with Leia. He spoke, his voice laced with false caring and geniality. “You are being much too reckless, my dear. Fighting alongside a man who doesn’t even exist to you? How can you choose such a path, not knowing his true identity?”

Leia looked into Anakin’s eyes for the first time in a long while. “Because he does exist. I may not be fully trained with the Force, but my senses can clearly tell me now that he is real. What he has done... that is truly him.”

Anakin blinked, tears of joy coming into his eyes.

Sidious began to laugh, a low rumble echoing throughout the room in the hiatus of the duel. “The irony of this is unbearable, Princess. You say you know the man beside you, but you don’t... you have no idea what he’s responsible for.”

Anakin closed his eyes for a split second, the Sith’s words impacting him more than he would have liked.

Leia raised her weapon slightly higher and snapped, “He’s responsible for teaching me the ways of the Force... for being a great man, and for saving my life!” She glanced at Anakin, who now stared at her, his soft blue eyes stormy with a mix of emotions. “That is something I cannot forget, Sidious. If it were not for him, I wouldn’t be here.”

Anakin was not the only one who took note of the double irony in her last statement. Sidious smiled, but did not move toward Leia, instead advancing upon Anakin.

Anakin brought his blade up in record time, brushing the Sith’s shoulder, singeing through the black fabric that hung from his frail yet powerful body.

Sidious howled, more out of anger than pain, and swiped at his opponent, desiring to weaken him so that the girl would be his to manipulate.

Anakin, with little difficulty, blocked Palpatine’s crimson saber from reaching him, his abilities without the Force surprising even himself.

“You are arrogant, as always, my friend.” Sidious told him. “You are not as powerful as you have come to believe. And you will only live long enough to see Leia at my side...”

“No...” Anakin spoke finally, his voice hoarse but steady. “Never. I won’t let you.”

“How sweet.” Sidious cooed, his fingers cradling his blade thoughtfully. “You really do care, don’t you?”

“Something you’ll never understand.” Anakin’s tone hardened. “Love gives me the strength I need and keeps Leia out you’re your grasp... you will soon realize.”

“Love is irrelevant! It makes you weak!” Palpatine screamed, his eyes glittering. “Your love for that pitiful woman was always your downfall!”

Leia remained still, rooted to the spot, mesmerized by the words that spilled from her Master’s mouth.

“My love saved me, Sidious. I saw the light again thanks to love. You cannot say anything that will convince me its power is fruitless. Love is always relevant.” Anakin said calmly, not permitting his anger to dictate his words and actions.

Sidious narrowed his eyes and swung once more, his blade crashing into Anakin’s. “You have already made the mistake of turning down ultimate power, but Leia is far more intelligent in that respect. She will soon see the truth.”

“The truth?!!” A feminine voice yelled toward the combatants. Leia approached them, and they both stopped in their tracks, blue and yellow eyes fixed upon her petite figure.

She gave them both a glance, before continuing. “Believe me; right now I want nothing more than to know the truth.”

“As I want nothing more than to tell you.” Anakin told her, pouring utmost love and compassion into his words.

Leia received these comforting waves gratefully, momentarily forgetting the tension, and nearly smiling.

Her relief was short-lived. Palpatine was, in an instant, upon her, but his weapon was lowered.

He snarled. “Allow me to do the honors, Leia.”

A stab of fear shot through Anakin’s heart. “No! Leia, please! I’m...”

Before Leia could blink, Sidious had swung around, his hands outstretched and blue lightning shooting from his fingertips.

There was no time. Leia watched helplessly as her Master, the man who had been her friend and mentored her for months; fell to the ground, writhing in agony.

Sidious cackled, watching him squirm. “This is what ultimate power feels like! This is the truth...”

Anakin tried to look at Leia, but his vision was beginning to gray, the outlined figures of the Sith and Leia becoming hazy and indistinct. Every nerve in his body screamed with pain. “Leia...” he murmured. “Leia... don’t...”

Sidious did not relent, pouring the Force-generated bolts into his former apprentice’s body, feeling his life deplete as seconds dragged on.

Leia, frozen with horror, shook herself from her unblinking gaze at the man on the floor and shifted to the dark Lord.

A new light shone in her deep brown eyes and shadows danced across her face; for the ysalamiri serum could not repress the battle for her soul that raged inside.

Finally she allowed her feet to carry her forward. “Stop!” She commanded, tears carving down her porcelain cheeks.

Sidious did not seem to hear her, awash with delight as he relished his enemy’s impending defeat.

Anakin hardly felt the pain now, his body weak and numbed from the attack. His eyelids were heavy, but he fought to stay conscious. His strength was incredibly feeble, but his resolve had never been stronger in his entire life.

Leia was his daughter. He had to save her...

The Princess of the destroyed Alderaan gathered a pristine vigor, delving within herself. As though the timing was perfectly aligned, she was astonishingly relieved to find her powers slowly returning, as the ysalamiri finally began to lose its luster.

Opening her eyes, Leia collected enough of the power, more easily than she ever remembered doing so, and proceeded to complete an action that threw the fight for the balance in the Force into its final level.

With an extremely forceful shove, the air in the room swept into her clasp and she flung it at Palpatine, watching him lift from the tiled floor and be carried harshly away before being deposited once more. He landed with a disgustingly loud thump.

The lightning had died on his fingertips, the final streams of it soaking into Anakin’s skin, as he witnessed the spectacle with increasingly blurred vision.

A surge of joy sparked within him as he watched Leia turn against Sidious. The Force began to flow within him again; he could feel the power in his veins...

But it was no surprise to him that it seemed inaccessible. The Force embraced his life Force, and he found it enveloping him completely.

The feeling was familiar, yet it felt so new and refreshing; a balm of light soothing his wounded body.

He did not keep the breaths flowing in his lungs or the beats of his heart as steady as they allowed by holding the power of the Force in his control. Instead, the Force itself controlled him, willing him to gain a small amount of strength.

It was all he needed.

With a soft moan, Anakin’s head shifted slightly, and his eyes cracked open.

-------

Leia tried to obtain a picture of her Master’s condition through the Force, to find a unidentifiable gleam of light surrounding him, holding him in the balance.

With a breath, she whirled around in the other direction, finding Palpatine rising to his feet. His reaction to her move against him was not what she had expected. Where she had foreseen a blatant display of his fury, perhaps a counterattack to catch her off guard, a single laugh scraped from the Sith Lord’s throat.

“It seems,” he took a step forward, igniting his saber once again, “That what I have informed you of as of now is not enough... it is time I revealed what it is you really must know, Leia.”

Leia thought for a moment all her Master had told her, both of the Sith and of Sidious in particular.

She snorted mildly. “And how am I supposed to determine whether you are speaking the truth, or feeding me lies?”

Sidious lifted his blade, and Leia unsheathed hers.

“You have the Force as your ally.” Sidious said almost mockingly. “Search your feelings. All shall become quite clear.”

It was as if she had been in a trance. Leia suddenly jolted, stiffening as thoughts swarmed her mind. “No! You are a Sith; a twisted deceiving fiend with no regard for a soul but your own!”

Sidious took a step forward, attempting to smile in sympathy. “You don’t know what you are saying, Leia. The lies come not from me, think rationally. Who was it that didn’t even bother to tell you his true name?”

Leia bit her lip so hard that she tasted blood. She grimaced as the sour, coppery liquid poured into her mouth.

“You have been blinded, child. And everyone has been hiding something from you.” He took another step. “But not I... I am here to help you see the reality, the facts.”

Leia felt more tears gathering in her eyes. “You are trying to tell me that the man who guarded my life with his own is a bad person. I simply find this to hard to imagine.”

“Your beliefs are influenced by what he has told you.” Sidious replied, now bringing his weapon lower, so his eyes could meet Leia’s. “If you had known what is truly real, then you would have allowed me to finish him off.”

Leia felt a mixture of fear and concern grip her. “Never. I am honored to have returned the favor of giving him his life.”

-------

The dialogue seemed to run together in incoherent speech to Anakin, but he tried to focus, to zero in on what was happening on the other side of the room. The Force did not cease its hold on him, and his pain was temporarily imperceptible.

Finally, a statement floated to him, his mind grabbing hold of it and piecing the words together.

“...I am honored to have returned the favor of giving him his life.”

The voice of his daughter.

If his condition had allowed, Anakin would have broken down then, for he felt the tears that would not come.

Yes, my dear Leia. Long ago, when things were much simpler, your mother and I fell in love, and it was this love that gave you and your brother life. I could not let this life be snuffed out by blaster or be throttled into nothingness by the Dark... I love you too much.

Anakin wanted nothing more than to rush to his daughter’s aid and demolish the danger for good, then bring her into his arms and let the truth tell itself.

Fate had other ideas.

He had learned long ago not to attempt to change fate.

So he lay there, the beauty of love and light in the Force overwhelming him. It was then that he knew he had succeeded in his mission. If redemption was to come for him, it would be soon.

You have done it, Leia. You have truly given me my life again...

Now all that remained was Leia’s victory. Not over the Sith Lord that she stood before in particular, but over the darkness that lingered within her, and the monsters that battled for her soul.

[arie]

--------

Sidious gave Leia a blank look before replying. “You say you are happy to give that man the gift of life as he has given it to you. You say you love him, are grateful to him, and perhaps owe him for his actions?”

Leia dared a glance at the still figure that was sprawled in the opposite corner. “It would be lovely to spend the rest of my life with him nearby.” Her eyes sparkled as she considered his condition, which was certainly poor at the current time. Before Sidious could say more, she added slowly. “I can’t explain it exactly... he and I are connected on a deeper level. Our bond is strong, and he has trouble concealing emotion and thought from me at times... our times together have been wonderful, some of the best I can remember. And I’d like to think they will never be over. Without him, be galaxy would be incomplete.”

Sidious absorbed this information with a crooked smile. “Without him?” He coughed; the sound turning into a soft guffaw. “Without him? Oh Leia, dear... without him, your galaxy would be... and would have been much better.”

Anger suddenly blossoming within her, Leia scowled, ready to retort with a bitter comment. But this resentment quickly turned to bewilderment as Sidious was abruptly towering over her, mere inches from her.

“It’s true, my dear, that without him, you would not be in this room, but perhaps I should delve deeper and show you how the galaxy would have been had our so-called ‘Master’ never existed.”

Leia tried once again to back away from him, but made contact with the same durasteel wall Anakin had been thrown against earlier. Breaths coming quickly, fear overcame her as she watched the shadowy Sith’s face transform with a passionate mixture of triumph and anger.

“Without him, countless Jedi would most likely still be living among us! Without him, many of your loved ones would have never been harmed!”

Leia winced, the eyes of the Sith Lord suddenly shining in a way that made her tremble.

“Without him...” Sidious took a breath and calmed himself, sending a look of sympathetic care at Leia. “Your dear father and the world of Alderaan would not have been reduced to space dust... without him; the Empire would never have come to power to begin with!”

Tears coated Leia’s face, tracing tracks in the grime, and beads of nervous sweat collected on her forehead. No...I’m not hearing this.

“Without him, the Jedi Order would never have been wiped out, and the screams of innocent Jedi younglings would have never been released.”

No... Her eyes closed. It can’t be... it’s not true!

His eyes locked upon her, and she felt his scorching gaze as she gradually let her eyelids open. He leaned forward a bit, a glow of utmost achievement encompassing his aura.

“And, child, without him... your birth mother would still be alive.”

Something shattered within the young Princess’ heart. What?!!! The thought resounded in her mind over and over.

Sidious intercepted this shocked statement in the Force and laughed harshly. “The ruse was quite convincing, Leia. You would never have guessed, isn’t that right?”

No... no... this can’t be. He has to be lying.

“You never would have thought that the very man who saved you from death was responsible for the death of your dear mother.” He cooed, finding delight in Leia’s reactions.

He’s lying! It’s not true... no...

Sidious gave a final smile. “It’s a shame, Princess, that such knowledge was kept from you... that you never knew you were fighting alongside a monster.”

I’m not hearing this...

“But I can offer you a life of substance. You can avenge you mother, Organa, the planet of Alderaan, and all the Jedi that died by his hand... if you join me.”

Leia’s heart sank. I am hearing this. Searching the Force, the facts aligned and she saw them clearly.

She looked at the lightsaber in her hand, summoning the Force.

“Yes, Leia.” Sidious wheezed. “You will become a powerful Sith...”

Something in the Force, a stirring note of finality, struck Leia and she lifted her head, her face unreadable.

But Sidious saw as much as he needed to.

“No.” She said aloud, standing up, her blade suddenly frightfully close to Palpatine’s neck. “I will not join you. To become a Sith would be to dishonor the memories of those I have loved and lost... nothing will bring them back!”

Sidious stepped backward. “Leia...”

“No ultimate power can change what’s happened. But if I can even hope to rebuild and continue onward, I must let the love in my heart, not the things I’ve been told guide my way... I am not the same woman I was about a year ago.”

A small silence pierced them before Sidious found words. “You have failed, Leia. You are blinded by compassion, and you still do not see that that man is...”

“I love him.” Leia said. “Even after everything you just said. It is you that has failed. Everything the light touches is what I see as truth. Your promises of power... of my destiny at your side... they are blacker than what’s left of your heart, Sidious.”

Sidious did not flinch as the saber came nearer. “And what of the things I told you? Do they strike you as reality?”

“I shall not explore this as long as a filthy disease like you still lives.” Leia replied resolutely. “Your words mean nothing to me now.” She brought her weapon back and prepared to swing.

Sidious raised a hand. “If this is the path you have chosen, you shall pay with your life.”

He shot a deadly bolt at her, hoping to be rid of her as he had tried to be rid of Anakin, fusing this electricity with his anger at his failure and his hatred for the Jedi and Leia’s belief in their lies.

But Leia had dodged in a split second and before he could think, her blade had seared into his chest.

His eyes widened, and Leia’s next words were the last he heard.

“My father was a Jedi. My brother is a Jedi.” She removed her blade and disengaged it, watching the Sith’s body fall to the floor, unmoving.

“And I am honored to join them.”

--------

The Force felt almost airy now, as Anakin distantly registered his daughter’s presence she fell to her knees at his side.

“No... please don’t be gone...” she whispered, her fingers pressing to his neck, detecting his faint, inconsistent pulse.

He felt a tidal wave of love flow into him and it awarded him the strength he desired.

The clouds lifted from his eyes, revealing Leia’s troubled, yet beautiful eyes gazing at him. Short choppy breaths burst from his lungs as he fought the unconsciousness that crept upon him again.

His lips parted as he rasped, “Leia... I’m sorry... I have to tell you...”

Leia’s mouth turned outward and she choked as tears sprang from her eyes again.

“I love you... and I’m so proud...”

She nodded, eyes not leaving his face.

“Please... I’m your...” his voice faltered, and Leia suddenly put a hand to his face.

“No.” She told him. “Not now... please. Save your energy...”

Anakin wanted to protest. “Leia... you must...”

“Now’s not the time. I have it in my mind to save you... and I intend to do so.”

“You can’t...”

“It’s not too late.” She said determinedly, wiping her bloody lip.

And with that, he started to lift him, using the Force to aid her in supporting his weight. She helped him to stand shakily, and they began to set out, ready to leave the darkened temple and the now deceased Sith behind.

However, their minds would linger on what had transpired, for the light of the Force could not quell that energy that burned within the heart and soul of their bond.

-----

[arie]

THIS IS IT GUYS! THE CHAPTER YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR! A FAIR WARNING, THIS ONE'S RATHER EMOTIONAL AS WELL... BUT LEIA FINDS OUT SOMETHING IMPORTANT.... also I'm writing to tell you that it may be a while before I update again after this.

Chapter 28

The soup sat upon Luke’s bedside table, untouched. He distantly recalled Pooja; the woman he’d just learned was his cousin, bringing it in.

But that seemed like hours ago.

Perhaps it had been. Luke could honestly tell himself that he didn’t know. That time was marching on at such an odd pace. It was moving so slowly, as if the Force were holding everything in the balance, and yet so fast. In the past few minutes even, everything in the Force had gone haywire.

But what did it all mean?

He’d found his mind being bombarded with fuzzy images of a dark room, flashing lightsabers…

Nothing concrete.

But he knew exactly where it all was coming from.

With a slight intake of breath, Luke tried once again to reach out to his father through the Force.

The connection was riddled with some sort of unidentifiable pulse from the Force. But this wasn’t what worried Luke.

The emptiness that met him startled him, despite that fact that he’d attempted this many times already, always getting the same result. He’d lost count after some time, feeling once again, hopelessly powerless.

Leia’s presence was strong and bright, and he was pleased to see that she was unharmed and safe.

She was coming home.

A smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

“It sure is nice to see you smile, Commander Skywalker.” A voice interrupted his thoughts. The young healer that had been tending to him stood in the doorway.

“It feels nice…” Luke murmured, his eyes lifting to meet her gaze. And so unfamiliar.

“I have good news.” And she sent Luke a look that reflected a person who knew something wonderful.

Something rose in his heart. Hope?

Leia… she’s heard news of Leia. Leia’s coming home! That’s got to be it.

Happiness flooding into him, he waited, “Well….?”

She approached, outstretching a hand and placing it upon his shoulder. With a gentle tug, the bandage was folded into her palm and she tossed it to the trash.

“Luke, you’ve been given a clean bill of health. You’re free to go.”

Whatever that feeling was that he’d felt before dissipated. Forcing a tiny smile, he felt disappointment crawl into its place. “Oh…. that’s great.”

The healer hurried from the room, perhaps because of some other responsibility.

His voice cracked noticeably, slicing through the lie. Luke stood, kicking the sheets from his legs.

Luke ran a hand through his sandy-colored hair as he stood; the healer had gathered his things into a pile and set them upon the chair by the doorway. Well, I have been cooped up in here much too long… I should be a little happy about that... he tried to convince himself.

Smiling, he thought once again of the shining beacon that Leia had been in the Force. She was on her way, though it hadn’t been confirmed… he could feel it.

That thought jolted some cheeriness into him.

Picking up his things, he turned for the door, trying to seem genuinely enthusiastic.

He was surprised when the healer poked her head back in the room, a bright, feminine smile gracing her face once again.

“Commander Skywalker, it has been requested that I tell you… Admiral Ackbar received an encrypted message from Skye’s Nairn’s comlink a short time ago.”

The grin that burst forth, slicing through Luke’s cheeks was of true joy. “That’s wonderful news, Healer Tela!”

She put a finger to her chin. “Your sister informed the Admiral that she was on her way back to the base.”

“Great!” Luke said, full of bliss. Then, his glee faded. “What about Commander Nairn?”

She shrugged. “I hadn’t heard anything.”

Luke tried to ignore the pang of worry that swept through him and allowed the happiness to seep back into feeling.

“Wait until I tell Han!”

But as the words left his lips and Healer Tela departed, another’s voice filled the room. A masculine voice, laced with a twinge of frustration. And… anger?

“Tell me what, Luke?”

-------

The connection died, and the comlink was hastily tucked into the fold of the ripped dress.

Leia didn’t know how much longer they could go on like this. Her Master’s strength had continued to decline at an alarming rate, until he was just short of being dead weight; needing nearly all of Leia’s support to keep moving.

Panting, she stood, arms at her sides, glaring at the blood red horizon.

“Leia… you have to keep going…” His voice was so small, the pain evident as he spoke each word.

Her heart fluttered as she pivoted her body away from the sun.

He lay, spooned against an outcrop, lungs fluttering weakly.

She stepped toward him, brown eyes surveying his body. His clothes were likely singed in places, and his face was frightfully pale. The once strong man Leia had known was gone, replaced by a limp figure; slumped against the rock.

In disbelief, she touched his shoulder gently, as if trying to make sure it was really him.

“We have to keep going…” She corrected him softly. “I won’t go without you. That’s nonsense.”

A breath. Leia guessed it was all he could offer, intending to sound like a scoff… a resigned sigh. But to her, it sounded almost like a small cough.

“You sound so much like your brother…” He murmured, sinking a little lower. “Skywalkers… all stubborn….” Leia grimaced as she took note of the difficulty he was having, the words spilling from his mouth in breathy bursts.

She swallowed a lump that had been in her throat longer than she could remember. A tiny noise escaped her mouth, a strangled mix of fear and anxiety.

He heard it. Golden brown locks of hair fanned out slightly against the surface of the rock he was leaning against as he lifted his head faintly. “Leia…”

Leia knelt, now at his side, straining to hear him.

“Leia… please. I lied to you. Let me tell you… the truth.” He pleaded, blinking slowly. His blue eyes were filled with pain and regret.

Leia almost gasped at what she saw in those eyes. “Master… I…”

He winced, trying to adjust his current position, so that he could fully look her in the eye. Failing miserably, his head slid downward, cheek pressed feebly against the giant stone which held him up.

In an instant, her arms were wrapped around him, and she was hoisting him upward with strength she hadn’t even known she had. Feeling the Force surrounding him in his weakened state, she fought it considerably, knowing that while it was the Force that was keeping him alive, it was also the Force that was letting him die.

He hung pathetically at her side, one arm draped across her shoulders, the other dangling limply. She managed to hold him steady, despite her petite frame.

His tender gaze met hers, the blue orbs eyeing her forlornly. “Leia… I have to tell you…

“You don’t need to tell me.” She cut him off gently, trying to sound brave, despite her current emotional state. The sight of him falling apart before her eyes was beginning to take its toll upon her and the stress from the past few hours was biting at her ankles. She pushed it back, quelling it with a mental dam.

I must be strong. Leia thought. I have to be strong for him.

His eyelids dropped slightly, and only thin slits of blue were visible to her. “I must…”

It was as if he was speaking through his teeth. His lips barely parted to form the words.

Disheartened, Leia shifted his weight a little, and took a step, kicking back the building pressure of the events that had transpired and gathering determination from the farthest reaches of her heart.

“We’re going home, Master. You are going to be alright.”

His reply was as weak as ever, and yet to Leia, his voice sounded stronger than she’d ever heard it, ringing in her ear.

“We all return to where we belong eventually, Leia. The Force sees it to be so.” His eyes had somehow focused upon her, shining with unrestrained emotion. “But all of the pieces must fall into place first.”

Leia stopped in her tracks, feeling him slip a bit from her grasp.

No… she thought frantically, watching the vigor ebb away from him drastically.

“Hang on, Master.” A quick glance told her that the ship was nearby. “Please hang on.”

Tears threatened to fall from her eyes as his body betrayed her request, succumbing to its fate.

His eyes slid closed, and he whispered, “You, Leia… you are the final piece. Now I am complete.”

His consciousness dropped out from underneath him and Leia swiftly clenched his upper arms to prevent him from tumbling to the rock-strewn terrain. Panicked, she waited, putting a hand to his face.

The wispy breaths that scraped through his throat and the incoherent pulse that beat against her fingers was all she needed.

Leia held the gates to the dam shut with all her confidence, and carefully trudged onward, ignoring the little voice that existed in the back of her mind, telling her that it was time to let go.

But deep down, Leia still had that fear.

Leia Organa was afraid that voice was right.

------

Luke spun around, surprised. “Han… Leia’s made contact! Comlink call from Skye’s comlink…” He broke off at the brief flicker of surprise he caught in Han’s eye. “…..they didn’t tell you?”

The flash of joy and relief dissolved.

Luke’s smile instantly faltered upon his lips, as he studied the face of his friend.

Jaw set, Han stood before him, eyes glowing with emotion. A mixture of rage and sadness rolled off of him in waves.

“No.” He replied coldly. “They didn’t.”

“They were probably going to tell you next…” Luke began nonchalantly, but soon snapped back to attention as Han stepped closer.

“And I’m beginning to think they aren’t the only ones around here who are failing to tell me something.”

A sharp jab impacted Luke’s heart at his words, and he froze, only for a moment. “What do you mean?” he asked shakily, knowing the answer. Afraid of what he knew.

“Oh, I think you know perfect well what I mean, Luke. You have been hiding something from me.” Han accused, watching him carefully for a reaction.

“What are you talking about?” Luke lied, feeling shame creep into the statement, and hoping that wasn’t obvious.

“The blasted Master of Leia’s!” it rang in Luke’s ears. “The secret you two are keeping! That’s what I’m BLOODY WELL TALKING ABOUT!!!”

Luke’s mouth hung open, giving Han all the answer he needed. “Han…I…”

“I knew it.” Han spat, his voice now soft and icy. In the next instant it rose an octave. “Luke, how could you? I’m your friend!” He paused, malice in his face, disguising his obvious hurt. “At least I thought I was.”

This shattered something within Luke. Horrified, he quickly stammered, “Han, y-you are my friend, I just c-couldn’t…”

“So you admit it then. You and Skye are hiding something.” Han stated flatly.

Luke didn’t have to answer. Han cringed, an array of anger, sadness, disappointment, and hurt flitting across his face.

“Han, please, let me explain…”

“Yes, Luke, please explain…” Han invited hotly. “Explain why this secret was so important that you couldn’t tell your best friend!” His face lowered. “Your best friend that was just about to ask you to be his best man at his wedding!”

“Han…” Luke began, swallowing. “I’m sorry, I never meant to hurt you or Leia; and neither did he.”

A furious shock bolted across Han’s features. “You mean… you’ve been keeping this from LEIA TOO?!!!”

It was Luke’s turn to wince, the volume of Han’s voice rising.

“Luke!” Han yelled, exasperated. “She’s your sister, YOUR TWIN!!!! I thought you two shared everything!!! But you didn’t tell her, either, huh? Much less me.”

A sarcastic snort punctuated this.

“It was for her own good.” Luke said honestly, the situation catching up with him.

“For her OWN GOOD?” Han asked, incredulously.

“Han, please, you don’t understand… if I had told her… told you…”

“Luke, it takes a while to earn the trust of Han Solo.” Han told him, voice hardened and stiff; full of disgust. “I thought I could trust you with my life! I’m beginning to think I was wrong!”

Luke’s voice replied, soft and full of sorrow. “How long have you known?”

Han’s face twisted into an ironic smile. “Oh, your co-conspirator might has well have written it in lights!”

“He told you?” Luke questioned quietly.

“Would I be here if he did?” Han pointed out, voice still full of irritation.

“What did he say?” Luke wanted to know.

“A bunch of kriff about losing himself … and how he deserved no payment or gratitude… he even doubted that he was a good man!” Han replied, sounding as if the words were still sinking in even now. “It doesn’t make sense! He can’t be that modest… Luke, he saved Leia’s life… risked himself!” He scoffed a bit. “It makes no sense! It is almost like he did something… terrible…” It was a question as well as an answer.

“Listen, Han…” Luke began, trying to find the right words.

“I would have listened if you had just told me before, Luke. Back when you first met him!” Han shouted, shaking slightly with fury.

Luke sighed, feeling the irony of his words… remembering Han’s reaction to learning that Vader was his… and Leia’s father. “That’s just it, Han. You’re wrong, you wouldn’t have… you couldn’t know…. I couldn’t tell you!”

Han paused a moment. “Why, Luke?” His voice had lowered, but the anger still showed in the creases of his brow.

“Because… it was too dangerous. You weren’t meant to know… not just then.”

Han stood, eyes swimming with an assortment of emotions as Luke’s words sifted through his mind.

“Han.” Luke stated softly, inching closer to his friend.

The ex-smuggler didn’t budge, frozen in place.

“He’s not really Skye Nairn…” Luke said with the hint of a sigh. “... You know, don’t you?”

Han closed his eyes. “Who is he, Luke? Who is he really? Why was he acting so… funny? Why was he so insistent that he wasn’t worthy of praise? Why did he refuse to receive my appreciation for risking his life out there to save the woman I love? Again??!!!”

Luke stared helplessly at Han.

“I thought I knew him, Luke! I didn’t trust him at all at first, but we were close before long! Was the man I knew completely fake? Was everything an act?” Han demanded.

Luke exhaled slowly, releasing a burst of air in the form of a sigh. “No.”

“No?” Han questioned. “Everything he said to me wasn’t a lie?”

“Everything except for his name.” Luke told him truthfully.

Han growled, the anger bubbling within him. Whirling around, his fist connected with the bare wall of the med-room. The hit shook the table, and the full bowl of soup sloshed from the bowl, leaking onto the wooden surface. The spoon dropped to the floor with a small metallic clang. He didn’t even flinch. “And to think...I called him FAMILY!”

Luke neared Han, face unreadable. “He is family, Han.” He said, letting the words spill from his mouth, realizing how much he’d needed to say them.

He didn’t see Han lift his head, for his eyes were now upon the small viewport that lent him a glimpse of the stars.

“That man you knew… everything he did for us… the times we shared, the experiences we had together… that was not an act…”

“Luke…” Han choked, the answer forming itself on the corners of his mind.

“Han…he’s our father.” Luke whispered.

--------

Times like this made Leia wish that Han had let her pilot the Falcon more often. The controls of the ship were odd and alien to her touch, but she found that if she willed the Force to show her, the ship maneuvered exactly as she had wanted it to.

Her fingers hastily scrambled to enter the code to the rebel base, and she slapped the auto-pilot button, tumbling somewhat over the pilot’s chair and her torn gown.

She approached the cot cautiously, as if afraid of what she might find.

No change, Leia thought grimly, finding him exactly how she had left him. She had hauled him the rest of the way to the ship and placed him upon the cot, hoping it was more comfortable than it looked. The ship lacked more than a basic med-kit, and she found nothing that she could use to help him in its contents.

Sighing, she laid a hand upon his forehead, astonished to find it cold against her palm. His body shivered, quaking softly against the material of the cot’s mattress.

She squeezed her eyes shut.

It was almost like the bolts were still ravaging through him.

She peered at him through her tears, a finger gliding down his cheek. You can’t do this to me. She protested weakly at him through the Force. Please… you can’t leave me!

With that thought, she leaned forward and seated herself beside him. I need you.

“You’re safe now…” She jumped at his voice. It was hoarser than before.

She shifted, examining his face. His eyes opened a little, and he smiled feebly. “You are safe… just like I said you would be…”

“That mission ended long ago.” She told him tearfully. “You’re not just my bodyguard, my protector. You’re…” She stopped, something aching within her heart.

His gasping breaths filled the silence. Then he spoke again. “You were never just my assignment, Leia… never just a Princess in need of security…”

She nodded, scarcely daring to breathe for fear of drowning out his words.

“You mean so much to me, Leia.” He admitted.

She clasped his hand in hers. “I love you too… which is why I will save you…”

A blink.

Another sad smile. “You will try.”

“Try not. Do or do not.” Leia recited. “Jedi do not try.” She pressed his hand against hers gently, willing herself to overlook the chill that had settled in his body.

He merely gazed at her, replying with his eyes.

She smiled halfheartedly under his feeble, yet piercing scrutiny. “You have to let me help you.” She begged, desperately coaxing a light she sorely missed from his eyes.

Failing, his only looked back at her, eyes dull and blank. The Force surrounding him was a storm of emotion. “You can’t.”

The words stung. She retorted quickly and more angrily than she had intended. “Of course I can! You saved me, I will save you.”

“Leia…” He exhaled, “It isn’t about evening the score. You never owed me anything… it was me…”

Pallor seized Leia’s face as she watched his head sink farther into the pillow. She held his hand firmly. “No. It won’t happen. I won’t lose someone I love…not again!”

The last part came out as a bitter exclamation, a cry.

“Leia, you must understand… it isn’t a loss… it is a gain.” He insisted softly, words somewhat muffled against the fabric of the pillow.

“A gain?!” she questioned him. “How is losing you a gain? I would lose my Master, my friend, the man who saved my life!”

“Skye Nairn never existed…” He mumbled, fighting the short, choppy, breaths that ripped through his lungs. “Therefore… you cannot lose him.”

She felt the tears running down her face now, rivers of moisture sliding down sticky tracks that had been traced many times over. She tried to speak, but the words died upon her lips.

“You’ve always been strong.” He stated, eyes meeting hers once more.

“But…” She protested, suddenly hating how he was agreeing to dying with such grace. “I don’t want things to change.”

“You cannot stop the change, Leia… not any more than… you can stop the suns from setting… or the Force from flowing in your veins…”

“But I love you!” She dissented, not bothering to dry her soaked cheeks. Knowing that is was no use anyway.

“And I love you… I don’t think… I have ever felt so proud of you.”

Leia’s fear spiked as his breathing became less ragged and more shallow, fading into obscurity.

“Stay with me.” She told him, rising form the seated position. “Please, you have to stay with me.”

“I cannot…” He said through dry, cracked lips. “I do not belong here. Your place is here… but my time here has finished.”

“There’s more!” She persevered bluntly.

“No. I have done all I need…” He told her solemnly. “Except…”

And his eyes locked onto hers.

Leia held her breath, waiting for words to come.

They never did.

He sunk farther into weakness, and he opened his mouth. But a shrill alarm filled Leia’s ears where his words should have. Glancing distractedly toward the front of the ship, she whispered urgently.

“We’re coming up on the base… not much longer.” She hurried to place a kiss to his cheek and disappeared into the cockpit.

Anakin waited a moment before blowing air from his mouth sadly, the words still clinging to his subconscious.

----------

Han felt Luke’s words immobilize him. He merely stood, still as possible, his friend’s statement burning him, reverberating through his mind over and over…

Luke shifted a bit, and Han felt his stare.

“I…” Han stuttered, “How?”

Luke shook his head. “The Force made it so.”

Han finally turned, eyes meeting Luke’s blue ones. “I don’t believe it… you mean… that the man that I knew as Skye… the one who saved Leia… was Vader?!!!”

Han’s shock was evident in his tone, and Luke cringed. “The man who put me in carbonite?!!!”

“No.” Luke replied seriously, placing a hand upon Han’s shoulder. “The man you knew was Anakin Skywalker… who saved me… who saved Leia. He is truly… a hero.”

Han shrugged Luke’s hand away. “I-I….” He tripped over his tongue, fumbling for words he couldn’t find. “I’m sorry, Luke…”

Luke nodded.

Han’s eyes turned to his, imploring. “But… why didn’t you tell me?!!”

“If you had known before…” Luke said with a small sigh. “I wouldn’t have been able to stop you from strangling him with your bare hands.”

Something tugged at the corner of Han’s lips. “Why did he did it, Luke? What was he trying to prove to us?”

“He was trying to prove nothing. Redeeming himself and keeping his daughter safe were the only things he cared to do. Forgiveness must be earned through the will of two people, not one.” Luke said wisely, watching Han for a reaction.

His friend’s face was strangely blank. “That’s why he was so attached to her… and her to him…” He broke off. “And I thought…”

Luke paused. “What? Han, what did you think?”

Han allowed a faint smile to taint his face. “I thought he loved her.”

Luke barely held back a chuckle. “He does. He loves her very much. But in a much different way than you were afraid of.”

Shock still written upon his face, Han simply shook his head in disbelief. “So he was with us, to make sure that…. that they didn’t hurt Leia?”

Luke nodded. “He was protecting Leia from their potential danger to her. And their influence.”

These words struck a chord with Han. “You mean….? You think Leia could’ve… joined them?”

Luke nodded. “It was possible. But she didn’t.”

“I can’t imagine… her ever even thinking of doing it.” Han whispered sorrowfully. “My Leia… the Leia I know… she would never…”

“The father I know was the same way.” Luke told Han meaningfully.

Han head turned swiftly, regarding Luke silently.

Luke could only look back, trying to read Han’s thoughts.

Silence dragged on, and the two men stood in peaceful reminiscence, shock, and contemplation.

[arie]

“I still can’t believe…” Han started, but the creak of the glass door sliced through that thought.

Luke and Han shifted, to see Healer Tela, standing in the doorway, a look of surprise plastered upon her face.

“Commander Skywalker!” She exclaimed. “You’re still here?”

Luke didn’t reply as her eyes fell upon the other person in the room.

“And General Solo!” She chirped, eyes twinkling. “I would’ve thought you’d have left… they’ve been looking for you everywhere!”

“What?” Luke finally spoke.

“It’s the Princess.” She informed him. “She’s on the radar. She’ll be landing soon.”

A smile split through Han’s face, and Luke felt him momentarily put everything that had just happened behind him.

“That’s… that’s…” He murmured; joy clear on all of his features.

“Wonderful!” Luke finished for him, putting his hand back on Han’s shoulder.

“C’mon, buddy. Let’s go.”

Han let his friend lead him out after the healer and when she turned to head for the offices of the med ward, they made off in the opposite direction, hearts shining with hope and newfound knowledge.

Knowledge that had only strengthened their friendship, when it had seemed like it could tear them apart.

----------

She piloted manually now, the base in sight. Pressing the accelerator to go a fast as it could possibly muster, she frowned in concentration, determined to land the ship successfully and rapidly.

A chiming signaled her attention. The base was hailing her.

She activated the comm.

“Princess Leia, this is Admiral Herstmyer reporting in. What is your current position.”

“Estimated landing time: 2.1 minutes.” Leia growled through her teeth, reading the device by the panel before her.

A pause as he relayed this information to the others in the station with him. Then, “Any damage to the craft?”

“No.” Leia replied urgently. “But I have…” She stopped, hearing Commander Nairn in her mind.

“Princess Leia? Do you copy?”

“Admiral…” she continued. “I want a medical team ready when I land.”

“Are you injured, Princess?” He questioned.

“No.” She spoke softly now, steering the ship toward the east wing of the base, where she knew the docking bay was. “My crewmate is in critical condition. It is most important that he get medical attention as soon as possible.”

“Very well, Princess.” The voice replied stiffly. “We shall prepare for your landing.”

Leia steeled herself against the ship, the viewport distracting her from her thoughts briefly.

“Our records show that the person accompanying is Commander Skye Nairn.” Admiral Herstmyer informed her, voice sounding as though he was reading from a slip of paper. “Is that correct?”

Leia felt herself sigh. No.

“Just get that medical team.” She managed to say, before shutting off the comm.

--------

Han and Luke stood, in awkward quiet, as the ship descended. It landed soundly, if not rather expertly, and Han exhaled audibly.

The hatch opened, and his eyes met the most beautiful sight he’d seen in too long.

He found himself sprinting to meet his Princess, pulling her into his arms.

He absently noticed her torn dress, the tears that clung to her face, and the way she wilted beneath him, from exhaustion.

“I thought I’d lost you.” He admitted, finally looking at her.

“I can defend myself, flyboy.” She said, a small smile decorating her rosy lips.

Han pressed his mouth to hers. “I love you.”

“I know.” Leia sighed, when they broke apart. Then she amended with a dry laugh, “ I love you too.”

The usual tone she used when teasing him was gone. And Han found himself missing it, which was noticeably surprising. Considering how much he’d loathed it in the past.

Luke trotted over and Leia broke from Han’s embrace, hugging her brother.

Han cast a meaningful look at Luke, seeing Leia’s loving squeeze, and how Luke squirmed a bit under his gaze.

“Where’s Skye?” Han ground out, hating the way it sounded as soon as he said it.

Whatever happiness of relief Leia had shown melted and her shoulder slumped. Tears glistened in her eyes.

Oh no. Han thought, reading Leia’s wounded thoughts, before mentally slapping himself. What’s with you, Solo? He’s not your friend, he’s VADER. You shouldn’t care if something happened to him.

He shoved that thought away, and Leia grabbed his hand.

“Is he okay?” Han had never heard Luke sound so submissive.

Leia looked at the ground. Behind them, a staff of medical personnel carefully glided down the ramp, a stretcher floating between them.

A prone figure lay upon the stretcher, at first unrecognizable to Han.

“No.” Leia finally said; her voice cracking. “He’s not, Luke.”

Han stared as they whisked him out of the docking bay. He felt Leia’s hand slip from his as she and Luke started to follow, both quiet as ever.

That man was Vader. Han told himself. VADER was on that stretcher. VADER was seriously injured…

So why do I feel so terrible about it?

---------

There’s nothing we can do. The words echoed in the young Princess’ mind and heart.

There’s nothing we can do…For reasons we can’t explain, his body will not respond to any treatment. We are losing him. The healers had told her, after examining the situation. His body was too badly damaged. His lungs scarcely allowed him to breathe.

The heart that had reached out to her so many times pulsed dully within his chest.

Battered, Leia glanced sadly out at the two figures that stood just outside the room, peering in through the glass.

She was home. There stood the man she loved… the one she would soon marry, and beside him, her brother.

I should be happy. She thought. Turning her gaze to the limp form of the man that had been her Master, lying upon the medical bed, she shook her head sadly.

Her fingers closed around his. I lied, Master. Through the Force, she felt no response. Not that she’d been expecting one at all. I said nothing could spoil my happiness… but I never thought that this…

Her mind instantly ceased all thought and communication when she saw his eyelids slide open slightly.

She was the first thing he saw.

She tried to smile, hoping that it looked true, for his sake. Then, she told him her important news. “I’ve sent a transmission to the address you provided on Naboo. Padmé should know what’s happening.” She hated how she sounded so unsure as the words spilled from her mouth.

----------

Anakin felt the pain now, as the Force had released him, now only keeping him alive for a single reason. Leia…my daughter…

He smiled inwardly, thinking of Leia’s urgent message casting bluish shadows throughout the room from the holocomm in the empty Naberrie house.

Padmé will know soon enough, and then… we’ll be together forever. Never again separated.

He watched his daughter struggle with his impending fate, denial and sadness crossing her face. He felt the stares of Solo and his son pierce him, but couldn’t muster the strength to seek out where they were.

Leia’s voice filled his ears again, the sound beautiful to him. “You’re in the medical center now. You’re home.”

Anakin let a wistful smile cross his face, hoping it didn’t look pained. “Not yet, Leia…not home… soon.”

Leia’s eyes exploded with fear, the flurry of brown unleashing more tears. Sensing his thoughts, she objected, “You’re wrong. Your place is here. You belong here. We need you.”

“I would never leave you…I-I shall always… be with you.”

“No!” She protested indignantly, seeing the weakness in him increase sharply. It frightened her.

“Leia… there is no avoiding death…” Anakin told her.

“But you were the one who told me never to give up!” This voice wasn’t Leia’s. Deeper, male, and uncharacteristically sad. The voice of Han Solo.

Anakin shifted his head slightly to see his son standing in the room now, Han at his side. Luke was sending Han a look of utter surprise. And Han…

Anakin reached out, the Force meriting him the knowledge he needed.

Han knew.

Anakin felt the breaths come even slower as he replied softly, looking at his soon to be son-in-law. “You cannot truly…give up… if you were not fighting in the…first place.”

“But you must fight it!” Leia leaned closer, her face looming above him. Tears dripped unto Anakin’s face and hair. They were not his. “I love you too much!”

“Leia…” Anakin said softly, all the memories of his experience with his daughter flashing through his mind, momentarily numbing his pain. “I’ve done all I wanted… all I needed… thanks to you… I am complete now.”

He was…truly complete. Redemption seized him, and he welcomed it, warmth flooding his heart.

Leia sobbed quietly into her hands, watching him through her fingers. “Don’t do this to me!”

“I’ve hurt you too much… and I’m sorry.” Anakin began, feeling the seconds slip past.

“I forgive you.” She told him somberly. “You’re hurting me now….I don’t care if you lied to me! You’ve done so much for us all! It doesn’t matter.”

“It does.” He stated as firmly as he could. “Let me… apologize.”

“You don’t need to…” Leia whispered brokenly, her hand upon his cheek, wiping away the tears that had fallen upon his pale skin. “I told you, it’s over.”

“Yes it is.” He agreed. Then, with all the strength he had left in his state, he slowly reached a shaking hand to his face, placing his own hand atop hers, caressing it gently with his fingers. “Let me go, Leia…”

She shook her head, closing her eyes.

“Let me go…” He murmured, feeling his energy leaving him. Not stopping it from doing so.

“Luke?” he asked croakily, and he felt his son’s gaze. “I’m very proud of you… You have become a great Jedi, as has… your sister. Promise… that you will rebuild the Order… that you and Leia will…”

“We will.” Luke said, sadness permeating his voice. Losing his father again wasn’t any easier for him because it had technically already happened. It was taking its own toll upon him.

“Han?” Anakin continued, continuing to rub Leia’s hand tenderly, sending her all the love he could. “You take care of Leia… she’s a remarkable woman.”

“She sure is, Sir.” Han said throatily, as if he had difficulty with the words.

“I’ll be leaving you in good…hands…” Anakin told Leia.

His daughter’s body heaved with heavy sobs as she watched the strength draining from him quicker than ever.

“Healer!” She called urgently through her tears. “Healer Tela!”

The woman scurried in, taking one look at Anakin’s vitals and sighing. She placed a hand to his chest, feeling the breaths that were only coming with great effort.

“Hang on, don’t let go…” Leia’s voice came to Anakin. A broken whisper. An undertone filled with resignation, sadness, love, and…

Anakin felt himself pause. He searched her eyes, seeing in them all he ever wanted. A jolt of bliss surged through his damaged body, and he distinctly felt Leia’s lips press to his forehead.

It was truly over.

And he was ready.

A sigh in undertone. Then, he opened his eyes, focusing upon his daughter. “Leia… you’ve grown so much… you’re a different woman than you once were…”

Nodding, Leia accepted his words, tears still falling down her face.

“And yet… you are still that same young girl you always were… since the day you were born.”

Luke and Han stepped closer, both sensing sadly that the end was near.

Anakin forced himself to find the strength to continue. “I have done…many, m-many things in my life… some that I do not regret…and others that I live with the guilt of… everyday. I am not the Skye Nairn you met… all that time ago…”

Leia let in a sharp intake of breath, squeezing his hand again.

“And yet… I am still the man that has loved you and cared for you… even though it may not seem so… since the day you were born.”

Anakin’s entire body fell limp, and Leia leaned even closer, sniffling.

Han and Luke knelt beside the bed, watching, and waiting.

Leia took her other hand and ran it through his hair, blinking. “Who is that man?” She seemed to wonder aloud.

And Anakin merely looked at her through his eyelashes, feeling something course through his daughter’s mind.

He found himself smiling.

Leia rubbed his hand. “Master?”

Anakin, his breath a rattle in his throat, replied simply. “I think you already know.”

Silence flooded the room as Leia felt the last strands of love flow into her through their bond, and watched his head fall onto the pillow. His lifeless hand dropped flaccidly from hers and an empty hole burned through her heart.

A silent scream echoed through the room, heard only by her.

Luke and Han remained silent, Han’s head lowered in sadness, and several tears trailing down Luke’s cheeks.

The healer, who had been standing, forced to watch her patient in his last moments, had been helpless to do anything. Saddened, she began to scribble something upon her records.

“Skye Nairn… time of death…” She murmured dejectedly, the clipboard in her hands trembling slightly.

But something… someone stopped her.

“He’s not Skye Nairn!” An indignant, miserable voice interrupted.

The Princess’ face didn’t move from where it was, eyes fixed upon the bed. Han and Luke looked up at her.

Healer Tela felt confusion invade her mind, as she erased the name she’d written.

Leia waited until the marks, the letters that spelled Skye Nairn were had completely disappeared.

When Healer Tela’s eyes fell back upon the bed where the patient was been lying, it was empty.

As she had erased the name from the paper, he had vanished as well.

She nearly dropped the clipboard. Han was staring in awe, and Luke wore a reflective grin.

Healer Tela, utterly lost, recovered just enough to look to the despaired woman. “If he’s not Skye Nairn… then who is he?”

Finally, Leia rose.

“He is my father.”

And she bolted form the room before anyone could stop her.

--------------

[arie]

Comments? PWEASE? Pwetty pwease?

[arie]

Endor at night was to Leia not only an unseen beauty, but a hidden treasure, full of memories. A thousand thoughts were swelling in the young woman’s mind, but only one thought translated into feeling within her heart.

The blossoms in her hair shone a radiant white that keenly flickered through the still forest, her pale bridal gown sweeping over her body in a way that resembled the wind.

This moon was to her the only place she could ever marry Han.

She stood, solitary, staring into nothing but the dark brown abyss of her fiancé’s eyes that she could make out even now. A faint smile graced her youthful face and she let the unshed tears pool into her eyes.

Beside her, a soft, female voice whispered, “You look beautiful, my Leia.”

She turned, faced with a ghostly image of a woman she once knew as Padme Nairn. The name of Nairn, folded away and long gone, remained dead within her heart, and she swelled with pride as her mother’s arm reached out to her.

The touch was warm, something one could hardly expect.

Padme smiled gently, tears shining in her deep eyes as well. “I’m so proud of you.”

“Mother...” Leia said, brokenly, yet with much dignity. “I am complete. I have never felt... felt more. I’m not sure what it is I’m feeling, but I feel a lot of it.”

A small laugh was shared between them, mother and daughter.

“You’re supposed to feel that way, it’s your wedding, love.” Her mother replied solemnly. “Leia, you have become an amazing woman. I never doubted you would. Now go marry that dashing flyboy of yours and be happy. Don’t worry about anything.”

Leia choked a small sob, whether of happiness or sadness she knew not. “Will I ever see you again?
Padme sensed the meaning behind her daughter’s words, and she titled her chin upward. “The Force promises so, Leia. But right now, it beckons you toward Han.”

Leia smiled silently then, beaming and bathing in the light that filled her as the Force told the truth of her mother’s words. “I love you, Mother.”

“And I you, my Princess.” Padme said distantly, giving her daughter’s hand a squeeze.“I always have, you know. And so has your father.”

Something broke within Leia. A dam she’d built since not long ago, when she’d last seen the man she now knew as Anakin Skywalker. Her father, lying limp upon the starchy white of the hospital bed, lifeless and unmoving.

“I’ve always loved him too, Mother. I just didn’t know it. I didn’t know it... until too late.”

“But it’s not too late,” The voice connected with Leia’s system and something within her burst. It must have been her heart, she thought.

She turned, falling into his arms. “Father.”

Anakin Skywalker stood, more alive than he had ever been in flesh form. “Leia. I’m here...” She sobbed softly into his shoulder, a sound choked by surprise as she found him to be anything but ghostly to her. Warm, solid, comforting. Real.

“Leia...” He breathed, overcome with emotion himself. “Don’t cry. It’s your wedding day, sweetie. It’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life.”

“It will be.” Leia whispered to him brokenly. “It is.”

She turned back to Padme, seeing in her mother’s brown eyes beams of happiness, reflection, pride, and pockets os reassurance.

“Go on.” Padme said softly. And she clasped her father’s hand in hers, astonished it how well it fit and how it seemed to belong there, the warmth of his fingers around hers causing a smile to climb upon her rose-tinted lips. “I’m ready, Father.” She told him.

With a nod and a step, he’d opened the trellis gate and she was standing before a long-winding path that lay beneath the light of the forest night, sprinkled in flower petals and surrounded by loved ones.

Something tingled within Leia, and she took her first step, completely linking her arm in her father’s. She let the other steps fall, and Anakin led her slowly down the makeshift aisle to meet her waiting beau, Han, who stood, a lopsided smile on his face as he stared lovingly at his bride.

When they reached the end of the aisle, Leia did not relinquish her father’s arm right away. In a flash of panic, she turned and to her relief, there Padmé stood, having joined the gathering. Tears of joy slid down her mother’s cheeks. Leia’s heart swelled.

“Dearly beloved...” The holy man was saying, and Anakin dropped her hand gently. She looked up sharply, and Anakin’s sparkling blue eyes leapt into hers. He lifted his chin silently toward Han and Leia hurried to take Han’s hands in hers as Anakin slipped away to stand by his wife.

There was a hushed lull that came over the crowd as the ceremony began. And Leia, enthralled by it all was only jarred from bedazzlement when she heard the holy man announce, “Do you, Princess Leia Organa, take...”

“Wait.” Leia felt her lips move, and felt a thousand eyes swivel in her direction. Han’s burned into hers, anticipation mounting. “I’m sorry.” She apologized quietly. “But it’s Leia Skywalker.”

The holy man nodded, repeated the amended phrase, and Leia, without hesitation, stated, “I do.”

Han’s echo seemed to ring not only through her ears, but softly through the entire wood, filling her up with a sensation she couldn’t quite identify.

She leapt at him for a kiss, and he complied, tenderly taking her into his arms and bringing her into a lover’s caress. When she surfaced, cheers and clapping deafened the wood. She didn’t hear them.

She looked to her husband beside her.

To Luke and Mara.

To Mon Mothma. To C-3PO and R2-D2.

Into the matching pair of glossy brown eyes of her mother.

And finally, she found her father’s iridescent blue gaze and she ran to him.

Her arms unfolding around him, she called to him happily, “Daddy...”

“It’s Leia Skywalker, now?” He asked, his voice thick with emotion.

“No, Daddy. It always has been.” And she felt Han join her side, as she let go of Anakin, beaming brightly.

For that new feeling of happiness, that sensation of love and joy that shot through her... she knew just what that was now.

It was completeness. She was now whole.

She’d found what she needed all along.

A father’s love.

[sexystarwarslover]

that was a great story love it, well done! that is a great story and a great ending!