Chapter Twelve

Obi-Wan Kenobi's blue lightsaber ignited and clashed with a red one. Holding it was a tall, dark, cloaked figure, his face covered by an intimidating mask. The fight attracted not only us four, but most of the others in the hangar bay; pilots, Stormtroopers, guards…the duel was truly a sight to be seen. Although I couldn't help but feel it would end badly for a certain sand hermit.

"Good, now's our chance," Solo declared, gesturing to the Falcon with his blaster. He led the way, Chewbacca, Luke and I following closely behind. Our boots clicked quietly on the polished floor, while Chewie's furry, padded feet slid silently.

I stopped dead in my tracks as Kenobi closed his lightsaber, and Vader- I assumed it was him- brought his up and over, slicing straight through the old general. His body disappeared instantly, leaving behind only a lightsaber and a cloak. My throat became dry, my eyes widening more than I thought possible. I drew in a silent gasp, feeling as if an invisible hand squeezed my lungs and heart, as if they'd burst at any second. He was gone. My mentor, my father-figure…my best friend. Gone. Just like that. And I didn't do anything.

"No!" A voice that sounded oddly like mine screamed loudly. "Ben!" I realized it was me who screamed. All of a sudden, every eye in the hangar was on me. The Imperials quickly recovered from the shock and began shooting at the four of us. Han pulled me out of the way just as a blaster bolt sizzled past where my head once was.

"Why the hell did you do that?" The smuggler hissed angrily, raising his blaster and firing rapidly at the approaching Stormtroopers.

"I'm sorry!" I shouted back, nailing a pilot in the chest.

"Sorry?" Han mocked bitterly, his lips twisting into a grimace.

"Stop arguing and get to the damn ship!" Luke commanded, bolting to the freighter.

"Leia…listen to him! Go!" A voice inside my head cried. It sounded vaguely familiar…I decided to listen to the voice. I ran as fast as I could towards the ship, grabbing Han in the process.

By the time Han and I reached the cockpit, Chewie and Luke were already seated and preparing for take-off. I heard Organa mutter, "Hopefully this piece of junk will work."

I sulked to the living area, ignoring Han and Luke's questions and comments directed at me. I bumped into several things on the way, but it was as if I didn't feel it at all. I felt…numb. I'd probably wake up with bruises all over my body and wonder how the hell I got them.

I practically fell onto the holochess table, yet somehow managed to slip into the plush bench. I stared vacantly ahead, wondering why in the seven hells Ben just let that happen. He just let himself die. My thoughts we interrupted by the prince, who gently placed a thick blanket over my shoulders. "Hey," He murmured. "You okay?"

"I miss him," I replied softly, leaning into his warm embrace.

"It'll be okay," He stroked my hair, placing a light kiss on my cheek.

"Organa, Skywalker," Han's voice boomed. "I need one of you to come with me to the turrets; we got company," Luke automatically bolted up and out of the seat, his warmth leaving my side. Han nodded once at the prince, then rushed to the turrets, Luke right on his heels. "Leia, go to the cockpit!" I heard Solo's voice from down the hall.

I reluctantly obliged, my feet barely leaving the floor with each step. The grief seemed to weigh me down. I sat down next to Chewbacca, who growled softly at me in acknowledgement. I nodded back, turning on the comm. I watched in awe as the wave of TIE Fighters came towards us, the small domes flying with such speed and grace. "Here they come," I croaked into the comm.

"They're coming in too fast!" Luke shrieked, just missing a fighter. Han quickly shot it, making it explode into millions of tiny pieces. The cockpit suddenly shuddered and groaned, almost tossing me out of my seat and into Chewie's lap. He barely noticed me, his paws flying over the controls, throwing the ship over, under and sideways. One of the guys shot another TIE, who swirled out of control and hit another one. The Wookie muttered something to me, and I silently cursed myself for not knowing Shriiwook.

A couple more TIEs exploded, relaxing me slightly. "There's still two more out there," I spoke calmly into the comm. "We lost the lateral monitors and the deflector shield,"

"Don't worry, sweetheart," Solo grunted. "She'll hold together,"

"I wish I had your confidence," Luke shot back, shooting a TIE in the guns. The last fighter flew off, obviously worried about the odds.

A grin appeared on my face as I pulled the Wookie into a big hug. "We did it!"

Han came into the cockpit minutes later, replacing Chewie in the pilot seat. I stared at the starlines of hyperspace, completely emotionless. "Leia?" He tried, his voice low and soft. "Leia, c'mon, look at me," He urged, reaching for my hand. I turned my gaze from the viewport to his shining hazel eyes. "I know it's hard," He whispered, giving my hand a squeeze. "But it'll be alright. There's nothing you could have done. It'll be alright," He repeats. "Trust me,"

My lips twist into a small smile. "I really hate it when you say that, Solo," I chuckle, shaking my head. He grins, glad to see me in a better mood.

"What do you think of the prince?" He asks abruptly.

"He's nice," I answered slowly. "Why? You jealous?" I tease, poking him in the chest.

"No!" Han sputtered.

"You are!" I squealed. A burst of laughter escaped me. "Han Solo…jealous!" I left the cockpit before he could deny it. It was true. I could see it in his eyes. He was jealous! Han Solo, of all people!

The Falcon landed gently on the green grass of Yavin IV, the view incredible. The huge stone temple was centuries old, or so it seemed. Judging from the size and beauty of it, I guessed it was a rather sacred place. I heard Luke mention it was once a Jedi academy.

The six of us stepped out of the freighter, the humid jungle air hitting us. The smell of trees and all sorts of plants filled my nostrils, drawing me out of the ship. I had never traveled off planet before, and Yavin IV is quite a sight to be seen, I'll admit that. A lovely change from Tatooine.

We climbed into a speeder, courtesy of the Rebellion; apparently Luke got special treatment. Which makes sense, I suppose, since, after all, he was a prince. The speeder zoomed through the temple, coming to a stop in front of a large crowd in the hangar bay. The people surrounded us, trying to get a word to Organa. Han, Chewbacca and I slipped quietly by them, deciding to explore the temple. No one noticed me, thank Gods. How I hated being the center of attention.