Thank you, everyone! You guys are all so sweet :) Time for action for real now...

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Surrounded by the bright lights of Imperial City, Han and Leia faced each other, eyes locked, seeing nothing else. Beneath the white, hooded cloak, she looked small and vulnerable. One would never guess at the astounding power that lie within her.

His eyes roamed her face, trying to memorize her features, so scared that he would never see her again. Her eyes were sad as she gazed up at him and it wrenched his heart. Did he have to do this? Did he have to let her go?

And then she was in his arms, clutching him as if she would never let him go.

"Come back to me, Sweetheart." His voice was a tortured whisper to his own ears.

"I love you, Han." She pulled away and gazed up at him, tears in her eyes. "If I don't make it back—"

In a swift motion, he grabbed her chin more roughly than intended. "Don't say that!" He loosened his grip and kissed her tenderly on the lips. "You're going to make it back," he whispered against her lips. She pressed her mouth against his again.

When they parted, her eyes were filled with regret. Leia took a step backwards then slowly turned in the direction of the Palace. Han watched her go until he could no longer see her. She never looked back and Han suspected it was because if she did, she might never make it inside.

Feeling as if his heart had left with her, he turned and headed back to the ship, a resigned sigh emanating from deep inside. He was scared. More scared than he had ever been.

A familiar voice drew his attention. "Captain Solo! What are you doing here?"

Han looked up and was shocked to see Threepio standing before him, a small package in his hands. Light glinted off his golden, metal body as he stood with his head tilted at an angle, giving the impression of surprise.

"Threepio?" he sputtered in disbelief.

"Oh my goodness! Thank the Maker!"

"How'd you get here?"

"Oh, Captain Solo, it's a very long story! First, I was captured by the Imperials on Hoth! Then I was brought here to Coruscant and made into a translator at the Imperial Palace. But Commander Kato said that I was—"

"Shut up and let's go!" Knowing he would regret it later, Han grabbed the droid by the arm and dragged him along.

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With the Force as her ally, it was easy work slipping unnoticed through the Palace. Reaching out with her senses, she could feel Luke's familiar presence, but it was bathed in darkness. He felt like a rare, precious gem mired in sludge.

She battled down the dismay this made her feel. Calm…she must remain calm no matter what happened.

Following the wisps of Luke's presence, Leia wound her way through the corridors, ducking Stormtroopers and Imperial officers. Finally, she came to a large, steel door behind which, she sensed her brother's presence. It was familiar, yet unfamiliar at the same time. She took a deep steadying breath then placed her palm on the controls. When it slid open, it took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the low lights.

The room was a large viewport that held a spectacular view of Imperial City, lights twinkling and celebrating the night, oblivious to the severe gravity of the moment. A shadow stood before the transparisteel, gazing at the bright scene before him. He was dressed all in black and seemed to blend into the room. Only his hair could be made out in the dim light. Leia stood and waited.

"Father said you would come to us."

His words turned Leia's stomach. "I came for you. Not him."

He turned slowly to face her, light from outside glancing across his features. His head titled slightly to one side. "It makes no difference. We both awaited your arrival."

"Luke—"

"I am no longer Luke. I am Darth Blight." His voice was quiet and beseeching in darkness, as if soothing a child with verbal poison.

"You are Luke Skywalker and you are my brother."

He smiled but his eyes were hooded, the blue appearing almost black. "I am your brother, indeed. Come." He reached a hand out to her. "Be my sister in darkness."

She shook her head slowly. "I will never join you in darkness, Luke. Come back to the light. It's where you belong."

His hand dropped to his side. "I belong here, with Father."

"This isn't you, Luke. You aren't this dark person."

"Oh, but I am. If only you knew the power of the dark side, Leia."

A shiver flew down her spine. "I have no interest in darkness."

He began to pace slowly around the circular room, around Leia, who stood in the middle. "You're powerful, Leia. More powerful than I expected."

She turned to track him as he moved across the perimeter of the room. He stopped suddenly and faced her, deadly calm. "We can rule the galaxy. Father, you, and me. We can destroy the Emperor and rule as a family."

She shook her head slowly. "Never."

He smiled. "I don't want to fight you, Sister."

"Nor I, you."

"Make this easy then. Come with me. Learn about the dark side. It is inevitable."

She could feel the darkness radiating from him in waves, like an evil gust of wind. "It is impossible. Luke, this isn't you."

He grinned and resumed pacing.

Her voice grew sad. "What has he done to you?"

"Father has made me more powerful." His eyes lit on the weapon hanging at her side and he stopped. "Your lightsaber. Did Yoda give it to you?"

"Yes."

The door slid suddenly open and Leia's eyes raced to it but before she could give thought to Darth Vader standing in the doorway, she felt more than heard the snap hiss of Luke's lightsaber. Hers was in her hand and lit just in time to parry Luke's attack. The blades crossed with a crack and all Leia could see was the bright glow of green against red.

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AN: To the guest reviewer who asked about Threepio...I didn't want to ruin the surprise. Now you know ;)