THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR BEING SO PATIENT!
But it's finally here. Chapter 8 of Hidden. I guarantee action, deceit and a bunch of other stuff that should make this a good read.
Yes - This is the last chapter. I hope you enjoy ii.
I won't promise this but I'm considering an epilogue if I feel that this story needs more.
ANYWAY! Without further ado:
Chapter 8: Fin
The silence of the Endor Moon was long since broken by the raging battle. Both sides were evenly matched, the rebellion having outstanding wit and cunning while the empire countered with advanced machinery that towered high above the trees.
The casualties from both sides littered the ground bringing a sad reminder that some families would no longer see that loving face walking through their door. The wounded – such as princess Leia – lay safely behind the reinforced walls of the bunker. Solo, the only present bodyguard, was trying desperately to release the automatic lock he and unintentionally activated as well as keeping the princess safe from the imperial forces.
Her wounds, while not fatal or extremely deep, kept the young princess off her feet. She lay quietly watching everything around her. Slowly, she lifted her left hand toward a clearing, a smile forming onto her tired face as a familiar figure appeared before her. Behind her, Solo left his attempts to look to where she reached. "What? I don't see anything." He exclaimed looking to the trees. All that met his eyes was the still raging battle.
The princess, on the other hand, smiled wider as her eyes blessed her with the sight of Ariala: the young, sweetheart Leia had met back on her home planet. Beside her, was another, more current Ariala, Jedi cloak swaying behind her as both took slow steps toward Leia. "What..." the princess frowned, something different between the two. The eyes? Yes, it was in the eyes. The younger Ari, while never really a smiley type, had a gentle glow to her eyes. The other seemed to have lost that glow, smothered behind years of pain.
Leia's hand reached further as her hallucinations stopped only inches away from her. "Ari…" the images smiled, waved and in an instant were gone leaving only the sounds and sights of the war.
"Are you okay?" were the first words that reached Leia's ears. Turning she nodded to Han burring her broken heart behind a slim smile.
"Fine. How's the lock coming?"
"I think I got it. I got it!" Came his enthusiastic reply. He pressed the last button and the wires he had been working with sparked. With a loud blast of air, a second blast door crashed down in front of the first. Frowning, Han turned back to the wires again with a dejected sigh.
Slightly amused, Leia smiled as she lifted her blaster, firing shots to oncoming stormtroopers. A shot from an enemy ricocheted off the bunker and returned to its owner. With a thud, the trooper fell over, limp a smoldering hole in his chest. "It's horrible what the Empire has done…" She said softly.
"Freeze!"
The two humans and well-hidden droid jumped only to slow their movements.
"Oh, dear." 3PO said moving from behind Solo, his hands lifted in surrender.
"Don't move!"
Safely out of view of the two stormtroopers, Leia gripped her blaster, finger already set on the trigger. Her eyes locked onto Han's as she silently told him of her plan.
With a smile the pirate whispered, "I love you."
"I know," came her response.
"Hands up!" Shouted the soldier gesturing his weapon to match his commands. "Stand up!"
Rolling his eyes, Han stood slowly, turned and revealing the gun in Leia's hand. Without giving them time to register, the two were knocked back by quick and accurate firing. Sighing in relief, he turned back to Leia freezing as his eyes caught the looming figure of a walker, weapons aimed for his head.
"Stay back," He whispered to Leia before moving into view once again hands raised in surrender.
The sound of the hatch unsealing and opening met his ears and his body stiffened not knowing what to expect. A barking greeting however calmed his frazzled nerved and he lowered his arms. "Chewie!" He called out with disbelief drowned in relief. "Get down here! She's wounded! No, wait... I got an idea."
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Safely housed inside the bunker, charges placed almost on every corner, the rebels turned quickly on their heel and ran from the building just in time to watch as it exploded in a sea of flames.
"Step 1 – completed." Han said, crossing his arms with a smirk of accomplishment. "And done in the old-fashioned pirate way." He added looking behind him. Leia, who he was trying to reach, was leaning against a tree fiddling with a COM-link. "Ari…Ari, come in. Ari."
"She went after Luke, princess. It might not be so wise to bring attention to her in the hands of Vader." Solo said clicking off the COM-link. "Besides, I'm sure she's fine…"
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Meanwhile, on the Death Star…Beyond the window, in the reaches of space, the battle raged on, the rebellion slowly being pushed back. Every now and then, they managed to gain the upper hand but it was quickly becoming apparent to Luke that his friends had very little chance for success. And it's his fault… He seethed glancing back toward the Emperor. His eyes gazed over Vara who, since her arrival had not taken her eyes from Luke.
Shivering he looked back to the window. It was easier than facing the fact that his childhood friend had betrayed them. Easier than seeing her golden eyes waiting patiently for whatever was directed to her. Footfalls reached his ears and he turned in time to see Ari – no, she wasn't Ari anymore – Vara disappear into the shadows.
The Emperor's eyes watched Luke as the young Jedi followed, a grim smile playing over his face. He made no movement to stop them, silently listening.
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Vara leaned peacefully against the wall starring into the inky depths of space. From her viewpoint, she was blind to the raging battle.
Behind her, Luke stood waiting. He didn't know why he had followed her. Hope perhaps that she'd reveal some deep plan to destroy the empire from within? That this was all a lie and that his friend had not become his enemy? Yes, that was what he hoped for, so he did not speak waiting silently for that confession.
"You hate me for turning…don't you." She said softly her eyes never leaving the window. "Don't answer that. I know you do. And you will never understand my reasons so there is no reason for me giving you a lecture. But you…" Finally, she looked at him and for a moment, the old Ari was back. "This path is your only choice."
"How so?" His voice quavered but he kept himself strong.
"Don't you see, Luke? The way you are now, Vader would kill you. The Jedi fell because they were weak. You will die if you keep being this stubborn. Turn."
He shook his head, "Why do you care what I do? I'd only be competition." The words were cold as he tried to hold back that feeling of betrayal that welled inside of him. It was true. She had forsaken everything. Ben, him, Leia - for power. She had sold her soul… he shook the thoughts from his mind realizing that she was speaking again.
"You're wrong. The emperor wants all of us. The entire…" She paused wondering if now was the best time to reveal this. Was he ready to know that his family had been taken almost fully by the dark side? That his friend and sister had betrayed him? She exhaled slowly and continued in a soft whisper. "The entire Skywalker family…"
Luke stared at her. Not in disbelief but confusion. Leia was safe. She had no training and was no threat to the Empire. Vader did not even know of her existence. Slowly he replayed her words in his mind. The emperor wants all of us… "Us...?" He lifted his eyes to meet Vara's recognition falling over him. "You…"
She nodded. "Yes, Luke. You have two sisters. Leia and myself. I did not know how - "
"You know about Leia?" He asked cutting her off and taking a few steps toward her. "How? Who else knows! Why would you put her danger! Are you that lost to the dark side?! Are - " He stopped, his eyes widening as he clawed at his throat. Before him, Vara had her hand extended and curved as Vader had often done, using the Force to cut off the Jedi's air supply.
"Now that I have your attention," She dropped her hand and he fell to his knees gasping. "Ben is the one who told me about Leia. The day I left, he told me of my entire family. I was sent to protect her and despite however you may think of me, not even she knows. I have kept that secret to myself. "
"Why?" His voice was still raspy and he shook as he stood but his eyes were strong and unwavering.
Before she could answer, the foreboding sound of mechanical breathing and heavy iron footsteps met their ears. He glanced shortly to Vara before turning to Luke. "The Emperor has grown tired of waiting for you. Return to him."
Luke stood defiantly looking between his father and sister. The two dressed in solid black cloaks, evil radiating in the air around him. His determination fell and without any comment, he turned and returned to the main chamber.
Once he was out of earshot, Vader turned his attention to Vara and backhanded the Sith. The force of the impact sent her flying to floor, her cheek red. Her eyes met his with indignation, yet she remained silent. She was not entirely sure of how much he had heard and still felt partly responsible for keeping Leia safe. She was no threat. No one was left to train her, her powers would remain mediocre at best, and she would blend into the Empire.
It was silent for a moment between the two before Vader turned and walked back to his place beside his leader. Vara knew she was lucky. He was furious. She had taken a task that was not hers and that would reflect badly on Vader and in turn her. She would not escape his anger for long. Returning with him, she listened as the Emperor continued to push Luke over the edge.
"Your fleet has lost. And your friends on the Endor moon will not survive. There is no escape, my young apprentice. The Alliance will die...as will your friends."
Fists clenched, Luke did not turn from the window. His ears rang with the words that he tried to ignore. Tried to prove wrong. But he wasn't blind. Lando and the others were loosing. No doubt about it.
Inhaling the emperor continued. "Good. I can feel your anger. I am defenseless. Take your weapon! Strike me down with all your hatred, and your journey towards the dark side will be complete."
Shaking with uncontrolled fury, the Jedi whirled around on his heel, calling his blade to him. The cool metal felt relieving as he ignited the blade and swung at the emperor. Instantly, Palpatine's two puppets blocked the attack, Vara's eyes glowing with anticipation. A hand placed on her forearm however, calmed that blazing fire and she pulled back. This fight was not hers to win.
Silently, she looked to the Emperor who, never actually meeting her eyes, gave a slow nod. Sighing, she looked to Luke, eyes locked with his before Vader caught his attention once more and the two were locked in combat. "Master?" She addressed softly kneeling before him well aware of the battle not two feet away from her.
"Return to the Rebels on the Endor Moon. Play their ally a little longer."
"Yes, my lord." Vara stood and without even a glance back, left the room.
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The Sith sat pensively on the deck as she was returned to the station on the Moon. She was upset – livid actually – that she could not stay and witness Luke's battle, but she would never question her master's orders. However, what did bother her was just how she was to return to the rebels. When she left, she had figured she would not ever come back to this place and had left no out for her return. Her mind spun several tales of her escape and when she finally settled on one, she realized the fatal flaw that would send her plan spiraling downward: she was too clean. Anyone that escaped from the emperor would be scarred.
Unsheathing her blade, she removed her cloak and pressed the saber against the fabric. Instantly it sizzled and burned leaving deep coal black marks and holes in the fabric. Vara sighed as she destroyed it. She loved this cloak.
Repeating the treatment to several more areas as well as her clothes, she donned them and examined her appearance. After a moment, she lifted her saber to her left forearm and steadying her shaky breath, pressed against the limb. The clothing peeled away and her skin screamed as she increased the pressure on the quickly forming wound. She ground her teeth together, and took in a deep breath, her fingers, she realized, were trembling and she cursed herself for being so weak. Clenching her left hand into a fist, she continued her physical assault. The scent of her burning flesh beat against her senses and she coughed, releasing the breath she had been holding. Suddenly, the pain seemed to double and she couldn't hold back that tears that stung her eyes. She collapsed to her knees, the impact sending the saber rolling across the floor and she couldn't help but sigh in delight. Her arm throbbed, a dull yet painful sensation that she was furious to have succumbed to. Resting on her ankles, she looked at the wound. It was black where the blood had coated only to burn and seal repeatedly. Small sections had burst and dark red blood seeped through, but she was still not completely satisfied. It looked too old. Pulling a thin dagger from her boot, she ran it across the burn. Wincing, she watched as the blood sprung free and painted her arm red. Finally pleased, she attempted a rather pathetic binding just as the shuttle made it's touch down on the landing platform. Pulling her cloak over her wound, and her hood over her eyes, she made her way down the steps.
No one would question her; she knew that, yet she still allowed her power to swell around them as though to simply remind what would happen if they did.
Almost as soon as she stepped from the base where the rebels were, and in no particular rush, she began her trek toward them.
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The rebellion camp was inlaid in an opening in the trees yet safely hidden behind stones to not be totally in the open. Therefore, if not for her Jedi senses, the blaster that rested itself against her back would have frightened the Sith. Instead she simply smirked and stilled allowing the hand to remove her hood. "You!"
"Who else, bandit?"
"Where is Luke?" Han said stepping around and allowing his weapon to fall to his side. He made a slight notice of the few singed spots on her cloak and that she was nursing a wound on her arm that was bleeding freely despite the bandage that was covering it. However, neither were his main concern and he repeated his question after hearing no immediate response.
Vara scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Hello to you as well."
Tired and easily irritable, Han scowled, took hold of her arms, and pushed her roughly against the nearest tree. "Where. Is. Luke?" he asked his patience quite obviously wearing thin.
Inside, Vara restrained the swell of anger she felt at his touch. Her hand twitched violently near her saber though she knew she would not need it to kill him. Repressing the tempting urge she looked up falling back into the role of Ariala. "He stayed behind," she said meeting his accusatory eyes and taking advantage of the silence to swallow the bile that rose as she spoke. Being so close to her master, being able to reclaim herself, she felt sick returning to the weakling she had to portray.
"What do you mean he stayed behind?"
"I mean what I said. He stayed behind," She paused. "To fight Vader." She added with a nonchalant shrug. The pirate scowled and released the girl only to aim his charged blaster directly between her eyes. "And you decided it would be more beneficial to leave him?" It was an obviously rhetorical question and Vara simply rolled her eyes casually igniting her saber in her hand. "Must we go through this again?"
"Which do you think will be faster?" Han asked sarcastically making a note that she was still holding her blade by her side while his blaster was already aimed.
"Do you want to find out?" Vara fell into a more offensive stance. Now it seemed like a good idea to kill him. Her blood rushed like a river in her ears and she wondered partly what color her eyes were. Every other sound seemed to be coming through a tunnel, her eyes focused eagerly on her prey tracing even the slightest twitch of his muscles.
"Stop it!" Leia's voice cut through the tension and both risked looking away from the other to the princess. "Both of you! We just escaped the empire should we really celebrate by killing each other?" She walked forward and placed a hand on Han's blaster forcing it down to his side.
He huffed, the moment gone, and turned away. She wasn't even worth it. Behind him Vara smirked and retracted her saber slipping it into its holster. "He doesn't trust me." She mused as she leaned Leia against the tree she had recently been pinned to.
"He doesn't trust anyone."
"He trusts you. Luke, the rebels." She met Leia's eyes to let her know that it did not really bother her before sitting as well and looking up to the sky.
Leia smiled and shrugged. "It's not your fault and there is probably not much you can do to change that."
Vara nodded. Honestly, she did not want his trust but his suspicion was catching. Many of the soldiers whom had previously fawned over her were now sitting a safe distance away giving her wary glances with their own blasters safely in their laps. She sighed and turned back to the sky. She would have to be careful, calculating her every movement and be sure to not wander off alone much anymore. There was no doubt Solo would send spies to follow her when she did so her contact with the emperor would have to be limited.
Again she could have smiled had the situation not been so precarious. Solo was proving to be an interesting challenge.
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To Luke, the hum of kissing sabers was becoming less annoying as the battle between him and Vader grew longer. Both were evenly matched and it was obvious neither was going to back down. Luke swung his saber in a wide arc only to have it blocked by Vader's. There, that hum again, before the two were forced back. This time Vader twisted around to catch Luke's side, but the young Jedi was already blocking his torso and he wondered idly if the ability to predict the others movements had anything to do with their relationship. However, he was torn from his thoughts as he instantly felt Vader trying to push into his mind, the darkness spreading like snakes trying to destroy him.
Why do you resist my son? Vader's voice, free from the restraints of his physical body, was easily more persuasive. The tinge of pride that Luke felt over the 'my son' threw him and he quickly pushed it away focusing instead on the battle at hand. There is no need to continue this fight. Give in to the Emperor. Your sister did.
Luke stumbled, the low blow giving Vader the opening to press forward. Luke had forgotten – or at least he had attempted to – the fact that Ariala was his sister and that just like Anakin, was killed by the dark side.
Do you know where she is now? Vader asked having found a method that was working. Enjoying the well-deserved power of the darkside on the Endor Moon, where I am sure your companions' corpses litter the ground at her feet.
"No!" Luke growled his anger blinding his tactics as he pushed aside Vader's saber only to attack a few seconds too late to make use of his opening.
"Yes she has grown to be quite ruthless." Vader said verbally no longer needing to send the words through Luke's consciousness. He was faltering nearly all on his own. He brought his saber down to meet Luke's near the Jedi's throat only inches away. With a powerful push, Luke pushed Vader away and ran putting room between himself and his father. He needed to sort out his thoughts. Get Vader's words from his head. Slipping into the same darkened passage he had spoken to Vara in earlier he sighed and began clearing his mind. The reminders of his family now turned to the darkside, he locked away inside the corner of heart. Claming his rage he pulled back on his aura leaving Vader truly blind to find him.
The dark lord leapt from the sparking catwalk and stalked through the passage. Luke's presence was well covered but he also knew he was close. There was no exit from this room, save the one both had come through. "You cannot hide forever, Luke."
"I will not fight you." The voice was disembodied though it did confirm Vader's suspicions. Luke was here.
"Give yourself to the dark side," He pressed again. "It is the only way you can save your friends." Confusion swelled from Luke. "Yes, your thoughts betray you. Your feelings for them are strong. Especially for..." He stopped turning his head slightly as a surge in the force caught his attention. "Sister!" If he could have laughed, he would have. "So...you have yet another sister. Your feelings have now betrayed her, too. Obi-Wan was wise to hide her from me. Now his failure is complete. If you will not turn to the dark side, then perhaps she will."
The last straw fell and Luke turned from his hiding place with a fierce cry. "Never!" His saber glowed menacingly in his hand and Vader thrust his own blade up to protect himself. Somewhere in his charred heart, he was proud; proud yet afraid. The aggressiveness that lived in his son's eyes was new to him and he took a few steps back before he was overwhelmed by it.
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There was little to do but wait on the Endor Moon, something Vara could not deal with calmly. The former Jedi despised being forced to wait for others and as everyone on the moon knew, the fall of the empire depended heavily on Luke.
Vara hated it. Not only was she unable to be by her master's side to watch this play out – she was doing nothing. All around her she could feel the tension tightening, stiffness settling into the bones of the onlookers who had their necks craned to the sky. They all wanted it to be over, she could almost taste it and it sickened her. True, she also wanted this battle to be over, but this helplessness… With a sigh, Vara closed her eyes and inhaled the Force around her. The raging slowed and moved instead in time with her breathing. She smiled as she remembered a time when it was difficult for her to achieve this peace. Yet more proof that the Jedi are weak… she thought before going back to her concentrating.
Opening a path, she let her mind follow it to Vader. The dark lord came clearly into view, holding his own…but barely. Through his eyes, she could see Luke, anger burning in his eyes as he barbarically swung his saber in wide arcs each with more force than the last. The animalistic screams tore at her ears and Vara felt her heart clench in her chest. This was wrong. Why? How? She felt her hands ball into fists as she started to loose control over her rampant emotions. She watched as Luke's blade moved faster than their father's. She watched, her breath now bated, as the Dark Lord was knocked to his knees, and as he lifted his sword to block another onslaught, Vara watched as blue met black metal and sliced through leaving sparking communicators flashing in her mind. Around her physical form, she was unaware that her power was steadily rising and Forcing the trees to arch away from her under the pressure. She was furious. No, more than that. The anger that sped through her had no words to describe.
Forcing herself to leave the sight, she stood and looked over her shoulder to the rebels, bandaging their wounds and discussing close calls as though the battle was already won. Some were drunk and laughing by a tree at the maneuvers they pulled to escape the empire. The words burned at Vara's ears. They had not lost. They couldn't have lost. The emperor was the strongest – her thoughts ended as a powerful jolt shot through her and she raised her eyes upward to the orb in the sky. Letting herself fall back into Vader's mind she realized with a start that she had some trouble seeing through his eyes, but she could hear well enough. She could hear the Emperor's words to Luke. He was hurting him.
Twisted glee spread through Vara. She knew that they could not loose. A smile crept unto her face and it was frozen there as she heard it.
Her own metal limbs click to stand. Her heavy feet take determined steps and then the light came. It covered her already horrid vision but she knew what she was reaching for. Painfully, she looked once again at her son, twisting, writhing on the metal platform before determination set her emotionless face. Walking into the dazzling light, she extended her arms and lifted the emperor as best as she was able. Her emperor. Shocked by this turn of events, the lightening from his hands did not die, but struck her form with more pain than she was ready for. The light fell down the shaft and suddenly Vara was back in her own mind. Her breathing was rushed, the area around her cleared by the output of her power and the by standers stood only as close as they could/dared to come.
"Ari?!" Was the first thing she heard when the sounds from her trip stopped ringing in her ears. It came again and Vara was able to pinpoint the voice as Leia's before the princess' hand was at her shoulder. "Are you alright?"
Her entire arm twitched and she jerked away pulling her saber into her hands in one motion. "Do not touch me." The blade ignited as she lashed out catching Leia's sleeve and a lock of her hair in the swing. It was obvious by her bent arm that she had been using restraint but that did not stop Han from firing twice toward her head.
Golden eyes turned to him, a scowl matching them. "Shouldn't have done that…" Her wrist flicked violently and Solo was flung across the clearing, stopped only when his back impacted a tree with a sickening crack. Not caring for the blasters that pointed in her direction, Vara moved beyond them her Sith-like smirk stopping anyone from daring to fire. Even Leia seemed glued to the spot. What was that just now…? Ari's eyes…they had been so…murderous. So unlike her… Right?
Hearing a groan, Leia turned her attention to Han who was trying to move but having no luck. Rushing over, she placed her hand under his shoulders adjusting him so he was leaning against the tree.
"What the hell is wrong with your friend?" He asked through clenched teeth.
"…I…don't know…I think…something may have happened…" Leia shook her head trying to make sense of everything but there were too many gaps.
Han watched the princess' struggle and chose not to mention his own beliefs. The ones he had stated when Ariala first returned: that she was with the Emperor. Sighing he pulled Leia into a tight embrace. "I'm sure everything's fine…now let's get your wounds healed."
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With every step she took, the forestry around her tore from its roots and launched away from her. It wasn't at all intentional but it did help Vara to calm down some. Enough at any rate to pull back on the power she was letting seep from her pores. Vader had betrayed the Emperor, her master was dead…they had lost. She was alone. Everything had fallen. It was Luke's fault. He did this. He turned Vader; he couldn't keep his mouth shut! What was so good about the Jedi anyway? What did they have? Nothing. They had fallen to one Sith. She paused in her steps a slow smirk crawling unto her face again. Reaching into the pocket of her cloak, she pulled out a thin disk and tapped it against her hand gently. "And history always repeats itself." Pulling the hood of her cloak over her eyes, she continued walking, plans forming in her mind.
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On board the Death Star, Luke and Vader were trying desperately to make their way from the station. It seemed that the fleet had managed to get close enough to start the run and had succeeded. Everyone ran this way and that, no one caring too much about the Dark Lord. No one cared about him when he arrived and at this point, it was every man for himself. Vader would live or die of his own accord.
But Luke thought differently. Despite his father's wounds and past, the Jedi was still pulling him along though it was obvious he was struggling as he finally collapsed near the entrance ramp of a Imperial Shuttle. With gasps of exhaustion, he leaned closer to his father.
"Luke, help me take this mask off," The dying Lord whispered slowly.
"But you'll die."
"Nothing can stop that now. Just for once... let me look on you with my
own eyes." There was a soft pleading in his voice, something it was impossible to hear in any other situation. The weakness of the man before him churned Luke's heart and slowly – hesitantly - Luke removed the mask from his father's face. He wasn't sure what he expected but the elderly, slightly chubby man covered in scars was not it. Vader had been such a strong figure. It seemed so contradictory. However, Luke still smiled lightly matching his father's. His father. Anakin Skywalker.
Satisfied, the unmasked Vader's smile faded. "Now...go, my son," He said urgently though obviously weak. "Leave me."
"No. You're coming with me. I can't leave you here. I've got to save you." Before the words could really leave his mouth Luke was trying again to move his father.
"You already have, Luke. You were right about me. Tell your sisters...you were right." He smiled thinking about the daughter he had yet to meet and the one he trained. "You must…you must save Vara…don't – don't let her become like me. Run –run by hate…"
Luke nodded. "I promise."
"Good. Now. Go."
"Father...I won't leave you."
If Vader planned on making any response, he was stopped as his body finally failed him and his head lolled in death.
A sort of sadness fell over Luke's features as she stood bracing himself for the explosion that rocked the docking bay. Grabbing his father under his arms, Luke dragged the body unto the shuttle, shut the door within moments was flying free from the station, which exploded behind him.
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Even from the Endor Moon the explosion was visible and the rebels and Ewoks cheered loudly. They had won. Everyone grabbed each other's forearms and clapped backs proudly. It was hard to imagine, hard to believe but as the station continued to explode in a fire works display it was obvious that they had won. Among the cheering, Leia and Han watched as well with grins on their faces.
"I'm sure Luke wasn't on that thing when it blew," Han said noticing Leia's rather weak smile.
"He wasn't. I can feel it." She turned her eyes to him
"You love him, don't you?"
"Yes." Her smile widened with her own mental assurance and realization.
"All right. I understand. Fine. When he comes back, I won't get in the way." Han finished what he was doing and stood only to be stopped by Leia's hand.
"Oh. No, it's not like that at all. He's my brother."
The pirate smiled although it was obvious he was shocked. His mind was already putting together the instances, the fact that Leia was his. Everything welled up in him and as Leia embraced him with a celebratory laugh he returned the hug.
Elsewhere, among the self-made clearing, stood Vara, her golden eyes ablaze with anger. So it was over, the rebellion had won. She nodded. So this was how it was supposed to be. Sitting on a stump, she sighed. Now the choice was what to do.
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Smoke wound over the trees and into the night sky from the funeral pyre that held the body of Darth Vader. Just safe from the flames, was Luke, holding the torch that had started the blaze. He watched, thoughtful letting his mind wander back to the short conversation the two had. He would cherish them. Darth Vader was gone and Anakin was saved. There was nothing more to worry about.
"So it's really over?"
Luke turned to see a cloaked figure just beyond the trees. "Vara…" he turned back to the flames. " Yes…it's over." He glanced back to her. What would she do now? Her emperor and father were gone. The Darkside had fallen. "What will you do now?"
She smiled at the question and moved forward so she could see Vader's body better. "I'm going back to Tatooine." She said. Her voice was soft and as Luke listened, he allowed himself to believe that she had given up on the darkside. That she had saved herself. "And you?"
"Travel…like I've always dreamed of…"
Vara laughed and nodded. "Then I suppose we'll meet again…" She turned, paused, and glanced back. "I'm taking your ship." A light chuckle passed her lips as she started to walk again.
"You aren't staying?"
"I'm not."
"Not even for Leia?"
Vara stopped and sighed. "Tell her what you want. If you want her to know I am her sister…" Then she was gone, blending into the night.
Luke shook his head and turned away from the fire. He wanted to be around his friends, and remember that these losses came with several wins.
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It didn't take Luke long to get to the celebration and as soon as he was visible he was attacked by hugs from his friends. The atmosphere was insanely lively but it felt good and he smiled. Everything would be fine. The fireworks continued mixing in with the Ewokian music. Some food and drink were lined up in the empty stormtrooper helmets, a large bonfire burned brightly in the center of the celebration.
"Where's Ari?" Leia asked as she calmed. The girl had not returned after her fit and Leia wanted to talk to her.
"She went home…to Tatooine."
"Oh…" Leia nodded and turned back to the celebration soon smiling and laughing at the antics of those she assumed drunk. Next to her, Han was doing the same and on her other side, Luke glanced off elsewhere distracted.
What would Vara do now? He prayed she would stop playing for the Dark side but he could not know that.
Let her go, Luke. The ethereal voice of Obi-Wan said. Ariala is a strong fighter. She will choose the right path.
Luke nodded and turned to see the Jedi as well as Yoda and lastly, once again decked in the Jedi robes: Anakin. The chosen one smiled to his son and nodded. Obi is right. He always has been. A smile finally broke unto Luke's face and he turned leaving the past, future and any worries behind. This present was the important thing. This win.
THE END