For Luck

Luke could sense Leia's light dying out as he cupped her face with his hand. "Leia, stay with me." He implored. Tears stinging his eyes. Leia coughing lightly, her hand covering the blaster wound that would soon be her undoing. This wasn't exactly how she envisioned going out, but it was enough to be with Luke in her last moments. "I don't want to be alone." Luke said softly, and Leia's heart broke.

She could make out the sounds of the battle rageing around them, but focused on Luke as she started to find it hard to breathe. "You're not alone." Leia said, raising her hand to her brothers cheek. Luke took the hand and held it tighter agaisnt his skin. It was so cold.

Leia was ready to go. Ready to leave the galaxy in the hands of the next generation. Ready to see Han again. But one thing kept her here. "Ben." Leia managed to say, her breaths coming in short gasps now. "There's still... Light in him... I know it." she said, repeating the words she had told Han what felt like years ago. "Save him." She added, her eyes meeting Luke's. Pleading with him to just have hope.

Luke nodded faintly and leaned down, pressing his forehead to Leia's. "I will." He said firmly. Or die trying. He added silently.

Leia smiled as she closed her eyes. Yes... She was ready to go...

Luke held her tightly, as if he could will her back to life if he tried hard enough, but eventually felt her slip away. Choking back a sob, Luke closed his eyes and covered them with his metal hand. So, he was truely alone now...

He wasn't sure how long he knelt there, a battle raging around him that mercifully left him alone, before he felt a hand, small and light, touching his shoulder. Expecting Rey, he looked over his shoulder. Instead seeing Leia. Not the older, world-weary Leia that had just died in his arms. But a younger Leia. A smile on her face, and a light in her eyes. Luke turned around and faced her fully, having so many things he wanted to say. But his sister beat him to it.

Taking a step closer, the Force ghost of Leia Organa-Solo Skywalker, kissed her brothers cheek. "For luck." She said with a smile, before fading into whatever waited for her on the other side.