This is a Collaboration Story co-written with WarmNyota_SweetAyesha from the Jedi Council Forums.
It's been a delight working with you Ny! 3
And this is it!
We hope this ending does not disappoint.
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Thank you so much to everyone who's been reading and commenting. Each hit, kudos and comment have been great motivation to write and finish this story.
Enjoy!
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Heart's Destiny
Chapter 14
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Luke walked up the trail of bridges towards the village on top of the trees. As he made his ascent the far away noises of music and celebration reached his ears, and the sense of elation could be felt in the air.
They had done it! The Empire had been defeated.
Although he could not feel her in the Force, Luke expected to find Mara in the village, that's where they had agreed they would meet when everything was over.
When he arrived, he was reunited with his friends. Leia was the first one to notice, his newfound sister… Han and Chewie came next… Lando was there, and Wedge… and the Rogues too. He felt utterly happy and grateful of finding them all alive and well. But where was Mara? He turned around looking for her amongst the crowd… At the edge of the village, towards the last bridge he had taken to enter, two luminescent figures stood, smiling at him. He approached the newly arrived visitors feeling a mix of awe and sheer happiness… To see Obi-Wan again and Yoda brought him great joy. A third luminescent figure also appeared. Clad in his Jedi Knight robes, Anakin Skywalker as he once had been appeared before his eyes. A broad smile crossed the young Jedi's face, his father was now in the light. The ultimate sacrifice he'd made to save his son's life had at the same time saved the fallen Jedi from the dark. The three Jedi smiled back at Luke with approval. The young Jedi felt proud and overwhelmed with happiness, he wanted to share this moment with Mara, show her! But where was she?
The warm touch of Leia brought his attention back to the events in the village.
"Have you seen…?" But he could not finish his question.
"Mara?" Leia filled in.
Luke nodded.
The Princess shook her head and frowned, "No, I have not seen her… Maybe she's at the other end of the village?"
For a moment, Luke panicked. Few hours before he'd felt Mara alive and had expected to find her in the village, back to safety. But now that he thought about it, for some reason her presence in the Force had felt clouded, hidden. "I'll look around and find her," he told his sister, trying to sound calmed and casual; he didn't want to alarm the Princess or anyone else. They already had gone through a lot.
Luke walked around the village, extending his Force sense as he walked passing by celebrating Rebels and Ewoks, lit fires and branch huts. Mara was nowhere to be found. Taking the first bridge on his path, the Jedi made way towards the ground level.
Submerged in darkness, Luke ran through the forest, 'Mara! Mara! Mara!' He called through the Force. The adrenaline rush in his body made him forget the burns and injuries given to him by the late Emperor's vicious attack with Force lightning. He could feel his legs complaining, but he would not stop now, not until he found Mara and brought her back with him.
'Luke!'
He froze on his tracks.
Although her energy signature felt klicks away, he'd heard her calling as clear as if she'd been standing next to him. Mara's presence was clear and palpable now, she had dropped her shields and he could sense her again. Stretching out with the Force even further, he soon pinpointed her location. Jumping on an abandoned speeder bike that crossed his path, Luke rode in pursuit of her calling.
At the speed he was making, the feel of her presence became stronger and stronger by the second.
A few hundred meters away, Luke distinguished the silhouette of a T- class Imperial shuttle. That ship should be cloaked, having the cloak turned off only meant one thing, the owner was nearby. Luke got to know the location of such owner when a burst of blaster fire hit his vehicle.
Hitting the breaks, Luke jumped off the speederbike igniting his lightsaber as he did, deflecting every blaster bolt that came his way, the scene lit by the now familiar green glow of his weapon. A couple of dozen meters behind the trajectory he'd taken, in the direction the blaster fire was coming from, Luke could make out the silhouette of an Imperial soldier in red armour. And Mara was with him.
The Guardsman held Mara with his arm around her like a predator. Her Imperial uniform was ragged and stained with blood, she'd been injured and didn't look all right. With handcuffed hands behind her back, the redhead couldn't do anything.
'I'm all right, Farmboy,' she sent out through their bond when sensing his worry, 'But I'm afraid I won't be of any help.' Mara felt weak, her wounds needed proper treatment and the limits of her stamina had been pushed too far.
So it was up to him. It didn't matter, he'd free Mara one way or another. Luke had never felt more determined.
While deflecting one of the many laser bolts aimed at him, Luke used the Force to direct its rebound to his opponents hand holding the weapon. The feat was successful and the man lost his blaster with a curse between clenched teeth.
When being disarmed, the Guardsman released his hold on Mara and let her drop. Reaching over his back, he produced a mean Force staff, a melee weapon embedded with dark Force energy and nasty electrical currents, capable of deflecting blaster bolts and applying stun pulses; but the one particularity of this weapon that not many knew about, it was its capacity to engage lightsabers without suffering major damage.
Now that his enemy was armed with a melee weapon, Luke charged.
The Guardsman did the same.
Lightsaber and staff met in the middle of a small clearing.
The resistance of his enemy's weapon to the power of his plasma blade caught Luke by surprise. Up until now he'd never found anything resistant to his weapon. As they fought, it was clear that the Guardsman was a very accomplished fighter; but Luke himself had accomplished so much in the past few months. Both were fighting in equal ground.
In one quick, unexpected move, the Imperial got Luke on his shoulder with the tip of his staff, producing a nasty, burning wound. But pain didn't make Luke step back, he took the chance to move in closer and assert his own blow with the tip of his lightsaber. The touch of his weapon cracked open the Guardsman's chest plate; the piece fell off in two pieces.
On reflex, both men stepped back from one another, putting some distance in between them. Keeping a keen eye on each other, they circled the clearing.
"She must pay for her betrayal," the Guardsman explained as if his reasons were unquestionable. "The Emperor's Hand is coming back with me to account for what she's done."
"I'm not going to let you do that," the Jedi stated with firmness. "The Emperor is gone, and so is Vader," Luke stated. "The rest of the Empire will crumble in no time, it's time for you to reconsider your loyalties."
"You'd say anything to save her," the other sneered. The Empire was undefeatable!
Despite his pride, Luke could tell the Guardsman was hurt and worn out just as much as he was, and knew he had to finish this quickly; with flesh and bones weakened by Force lightning damage, the Jedi was in no condition to sustain an extended fight, particularly not with someone who evidently knew what he was doing.
On his own part, the Royal Guard was also looking for an opening to end this, he knew his own limitations, and he was already over his limit. With strong determination, he thrust his weapon against his enemy, finding the opening he'd been looking for.
The Jedi was quick enough to deviate the attack and counter. A series of powerful exchanges soon followed.
At the last clash of their weapons, both men grunted. They stood one in front of the other, their bodies locked with the strength each had charged against the other, their weapons crossed onto one another… The humming of the lightsaber and the crackling energy of the staff the only sounds.
Even though both adversaries were tired, their mutual determination and sheer skill kept the combat at an even balance, until the saber happened to pierce the energy housing of the staff.
As silence enveloped the scene before her eyes, laying on her side, hands tied behind her back, Mara watched in alarmed anguish. After that last decisive blow, neither man had moved and she couldn't tell who was hurt and who wasn't. Had they both hurt each other? Was Luke wounded? She'd know if it was Luke, wouldn't she? But she was so weak that she could not discern what she was sensing anymore; trying to pull herself up without succeeding had already taken all the energy she had left.
Mara strained to see what had occurred.
The Force staff broke and fell to the ground in two heavy pieces.
The fight was over.
The Guardsman dropped on his knees, unable to hold himself on his own feet any longer.
The Jedi stood victorious, but panted heavily; he felt exhausted.
Looking up, straight into his enemy's eyes, the Guardsman challenged his opponent, "If you have the strength of a warrior, give me a clean death." That was the merciful thing to do, the Royal Guardsman did not want to be left to die like a wounded beast.
"Not all the fights of a warrior must end in killing," Luke countered.
The Imperial soldier was badly wounded, Luke could tell; if left unattended it would be a matter of hours for him to be dead, but if he made it to his transport and hooked himself to the ship's automated first aid unit he'd survive.
The Jedi switched off his weapon, the green blade retracting cleanly with a hiss into the hilt. Then he reached to the back of his utility belt and tossed a small flat bag of bacta at the wounded man. "Here, patch yourself up with this," he told the Guardsman, "Then get to your ship and leave." Luke didn't want any more killing, there had been enough of that on that day. The man should use the last traces of energy he possessed to save himself.
The small bag fell at the other's knees. The man in the red armour stared at the gift for a few seconds, then looked back at his opponent with disbelief. When looking into the others clear blue gaze, he understood his sentiment. "How do you know I won't come back after you?" But there was no serious threat in his words.
"After I've pardoned your life?" Luke smiled faintly. "No. I don't think you're the kind of man who would overlook something like that."
The Guardsman snorted. The Jedi was right, he now had a life debt to his enemy and he could not just let that pass.
"But if you come back after Mara…" the Jedi warned, his voice acquiring a dark tint, almost threatening, "…It'll be me you'll be facing."
"I understand." The Guardsman took a long look at the victor. The young man couldn't be over twenty-five, yet he was brave and wise for his years, and exceptionally skilful with a blade. Perhaps in an alternate universe he would have liked to take him as a disciple. "Tell me your name?"
"I'm Luke Skywalker."
Oh! Yes… That name was very familiar. "You are a man of honour, Luke Skywalker…" he conceded, "…and a true warrior."
Luke assented with his head. This settled it. Turning around he walked towards where Mara lay. Using his mind he opened the handcuffs releasing her hands bent at her back, he then kneeled next to her, "Mara?" With a worried frown, he scanned her vitals using the Force.
"Amazing fighting style you got there, Luke," Mara observed, even more touched by his forgiving gesture to his opponent.
He held her against his chest, careful of not pressing too hard. "I'll try that healing technique I used on you back in Yalorum."
"That trip was worth more than one thing, I see." Mara quipped.
The warm surge of Force energy soon enveloped her, and slowly Mara fell in the placid dreamlike state of a healing trance.
Luke scooped Mara up in his arms and walked away. He held his precious cargo, feeling utterly protective of her; she was now safe in his arms, and he planned on keeping things this way. Mara had no master to obey now, no master to return to now… She was free! And if she wanted to, she could stay beside him.
'My future is mine to choose now,' she send out through their bond. 'And I choose you.'
He smiled, surprised that Mara could sense his thoughts even when deep in the trance, but his heart bursting with joy. She wanted to stay!
Luke felt his heart singing with every step he took away from the clearing and into their lives together. Nothing would ever keep him away from his Mara.
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oOo
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Standing in the porch of their cottage, she looked out in the distance.
Fully recovered from the wounds of her last ordeal, Mara admired her surroundings. The colours of the forest, the sounds of the native life forms, the faint sound of running water in a nearby spring. The sky promised a stunning sunset.
Contemplating the options of her future, she took a deep breath, letting her lungs fill up with these promises. Serving the Empire was everything she'd ever known, and now that it had fallen countless opportunities lay before her; she could feel it in the flow of things, and it was a thrilling prospect she had never, ever, thought she needed or imagined she would ever have. Mara saw herself continuing as a Jedi trainee perhaps, under Luke's tutelage; but also pursuing other interests. There was nothing said about not going into trading. Mara was now free to forge her own path, without any burdens. She didn't have to fulfil any more duties for any master… On her own choice, her only duty was to Luke.
Then, her thoughts drifted to her Jedi. Just thinking of him made her feel giddy. Nothing would ever change her feelings for Luke. Because he was himself, not defined by just who his biological father was. How he was raised weighed heavier, and she just adored his farm boy charm. Yes, she'd decided to stay with Luke for who he was, and because she loved him more than anything in the entire Galaxy. Luke was enfolded in a circle of friends and family, with a life full of purpose and a goal to strive for. Having had their relationship out in the open made her part of this circle of friends and family as well. Family… she was beginning to learn the meaning of that in her life.
Lost in her contemplations, she missed the presence that joined her. As an announcement, a pair of strong arms wrapped her small waist from behind; then felt her beloved's energy envelop and touch her mind with utter love. His breath felt warm on her ear.
"Wife," Luke said with sweetness as he held her, kissing her neck.
"Husband," she answered in her husky voice, turning around to kiss him on the mouth, digging her fingers in his blonde, thick hair. She could kiss him forever!
Once they'd been reunited, the next step in their relationship was a no brainer. Getting married had been the natural thing to do. The wedding ceremony had been small and intimate. Just those close to Luke had attended. Admiral Ackbar had acted as minister taking Luke and Mara's bows to each other, making their marriage official under galactic law.
The memory of their bows made to each other on their wedding day floated in their minds.
The former Emperor's Hand had looked radiant and more beautiful than ever, just like a woman in love must, her green eyes sparkling with joy.
"Luke, when our paths crossed, you turned my life upside down in so many ways. The way I saw the worlds and my place in them took such a drastic turn. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. I promise to love and trust you until my last breath; I will be there to share the burdens and joys of all that life brings."
The Jedi had never looked more sure of anything.
"Mara, when I first saw you… I couldn't recover from how stunningly beautiful you were to me, and not only physically, there was this magnetism, a glow around you that had me stunned. I remember you demanding to me to stop gawking," he'd chuckled at the memory and everyone present had chuckled too. "You called me a farm boy, as some sorts of an insult, but I never took it as such. You still call me that, and I love it! Mainly because, every time you pronounce it, I get a glimpse into that softer side of you no one else gets to see." He'd made a small pause, his blue eyes glittering with emotion. "I'll be forever your Farmboy. I promise to love you unconditionally forevermore; to respect your fierce independence, that made me fall head over heels for you. Your strengths are my strengths. I will take care of you for the rest of my life, and you'll never be alone."
Then a small reception, followed by a lengthy honeymoon they were still enjoying.
To come back to the secluded moon in the Yalorum system had been the obvious choice, the scenic place had all the peace and quiet they needed for a romantic holiday.
"I could get used to this in no time," Mara said when they parted. "It'll take a long time for the novelty to wear off!" She laughed.
They didn't have to worry about time… There were no missions to run, no reports to file, no hiding to do, no escaping by the skin of their teeth… Nothing! Their time was their own, at least for now. Luke and Mara had contented themselves with taking long hikes around the area and enjoying each other's company. As a newlywed couple, they had also spent long hours of intimate exploration. Luke had cooked for her every day.
"Here," he offered her the small blanket he'd brought for her, "I thought you'd be cold."
She smiled in thanks.
They sat on the porch, just as they had done three years back, and cuddled next to each other. The now familiar magnetic storm was starting to show the first glimpses of dancing, coloured lights, scintillating across the sky above their heads.
"This view will never stop to amaze me," Luke said.
"We've had no small share of adventures, starting back when we were both grounded. I was so ready to be irritated. Little did I know what that stopover would lead to," she reminisced.
Luke remembered that first escapade together. He'd been so sure right from the beginning, that she was the one. It had been in this very same place where he had told Mara he wanted her in his life forever… And his wish had come true. He turned and looked at her with adoring eyes. "You've made me the happiest man in the Galaxy."
"You're getting sentimental on me, again," Mara teased, but she would not deny she was becoming so as well.
Luke was loving and trusting and his selflessness towards her and everyone in his life made him like a safe harbour and a warm source of Light all rolled into one.
He took her hand and kissed it. She wore her wedding band in her finger, and this pleased him.
"Where do we start? When we go back…" she asked. There was still so much to do, so many things to accomplish.
A few months after the battle of Endor, the young new government was taking its first steps in spreading democracy across the Galaxy. It had been a great test for the Alliance at first. Although Luke was involved in the first decisions, after things had started to run he decided he'd leave the political aspects of things to Leia. He had his own duties to fulfil towards a dream of rebuilding.
"I don't know…" he said with sincerity. "I was thinking that maybe you and I could travel the Galaxy together… To find and start training new Jedi? If you feel like doing that for now."
"Sounds like a plan," she said.
To rebuild the Jedi Order was an enormous task. One that would take every commitment. With Mara at his side, Luke felt invincible.
"It will be quite the adventure," he warned.
"With you, I'd expect nothing less."
Both smiled. The trust and loyalty the had rested in each other was their greatest strength. It had taken three years of uncertainty, of sporadic reunions, of brief, clandestine encounters… Risking everything they had to give their love a chance. Luke had never faltered, Mara recognized. As for herself, her heart had been committed right from the beginning, it had only taken her some time to see it clearly and accept it.
Against all odds they had made it.
Luke pulled her close. "I love you Mara, and I always, always will."
As they watched the sky turn colours, quiet excitement nestled in their hearts.
The promise of a life together granted them the most thrilling adventure of them all.
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The End
