Chapter XXIV: Dagobah

Oh how very false was the lightness in Leia's heart as she finished braiding her hair. The easiness with which she currently carried herself couldn't be more pretended. There were no large mirrors aboard the Millennium Falcon, yet no matter how much Han insisted she looked fine, Leia could tell her appearance had never been worse—what with all she'd been through her image had been the last thing she had been worrying about.

She wore her own pair of skin-tight black pants and shoes (the pants had a few patches and the original deep, luscious color had faded to almost greyness); she had on a beautiful, clean white loose shirt, courtesy of the ship's captain; and the warm brown sweater with which she sheltered herself from the coldness of space also came from Han.

"Your Majesty, Captain Solo is calling you," C-3PO said outside the door of the fresher.

"Just a moment, Threepio," Leia said, not really sure of what she was waiting for. Perhaps just taking a few more deep breaths to increase her fake calmness.

"What does he want?" Leia asked.

"Apparently, talking to you, Princess."

Having spent the last few hours cleaning herself to look presentable, her image was still the number one thought she focused on—on the surface, at least—and it was something that could rather lower her spirits. She sighed and walked towards the cockpit.

When she was face to face to Han, she thought it was kind of rude of him to not smile at her, especially since she was trying so hard to fake a smile for him.

"Well, Han?" she said, her fake smile still on.

"Your Highness," Han said, a bit roughly, which she wouldn't have noticed if it weren't for the fact that she had gotten so used to the softer tone he had been employing with her lately. "We're almost there. What do you know, you're about to find your prince after all!"

She could not fake a smile anymore. Not just for Han's treatment, but because of what his words implied.

Her space journey was coming to an end, or so it seemed, and it appeared that at last she'd fulfill her mission; one that at first had sounded so simple—bringing back her twin brother. Now, she couldn't believe she was so close. The fact caused a twirl of emotions within her, none that she could explain or comprehend.

"Well, don't look so excited," Han said, sarcastically.

She twisted her mouth in displeasure. She had already so much on her mind, the last thing she could need were Han's tactless comments. "Oh leave me alone!" Leia said defensibly, and turning her back on him, went back into the cabin.

"Fine," he scornfully answered. "Guess this is how is going to be…" he bitterly muttered to himself as he sat next to the Wookiee. "We're back to the beginning… Giving me orders," he complained. "All she cares about is that stupid prince."

Chewbacca growled next to him, confused.

"I really don't give a damn, Chewie! If she cares only about that Luke Skywalker… Then I care only about the money!"

Chewbacca growled again, warning Han to shut up.

"Why should I? After all we've been through, she…"

He stopped, turned his head slightly and saw that she had returned.

Han and Leia stared at each other for some moments, without words, just four fiery eyes locked, wrong emotions passing through them.

"Is that so?" Leia said in a shaky voice, breaking the silence.

"It is," Han almost growled.

She was incredibly hurt by his words. Why did he have to act so nastily as her mind was in such a delicate place? How could he change so when before he had been the greatest man she had ever known, guarding her and cherishing her? Where was this attitude coming from? She couldn't understand it.

Long gone were the days in which she used her twin brother's name to make Han jealous in that previous carefree and almost childish way. So much had happened she didn't even remember Han didn't know Luke was her brother.

If only her mind wasn't so clouded… She could see his point of view and understand him, perhaps even agree. He had done so much for her, risked his life, doing the most foolish actions of his life, and all for her, just to in the end remain a mean for her to reach another man. One whom Han believed she was romantically involved, and had had her heart broken. Maybe unaccounted for and over the top… But his anger and change in attitude weren't sudden and out of the blue.

"You said in the rebel base you wouldn't pay me at all," Han said in a hard voice, the most detached he'd ever used on her. "But let me tell you right now, if I don't get those credits I am NOT landing the Falcon anywhere in this system!"

She was partly thankful for the anger that exploded within her, she preferred it to sadness. "You deserve a handsome reward, Captain Solo," she coldly said. "50,000 credits after you get me and Luke on Naboo. Does that seem enough for your greedy black heart?"

He wanted to say he'd fly her free anywhere she wanted to in the galaxy forever if she just forgot about that prince. "That should cover it," he said instead with a fake triumphant smile.

They didn't speak after that, there seemed to be no possible conversation to carry.

Wait, Leia wondered with a harsh pound beneath her breast some time afterward. Did that just happen? No, no, it couldn't… It's like he was someone else… Not the man that had been her only human companion for the past months… Someone who didn't love her—what did she just think?!

She turned to see him. Love. Why did she have to think of that word? Yes, he had kissed her and held her many times, but maybe those embraces didn't mean as much to him as they did to Leia. But she had felt it! Was it just that he was a man and she was young and pretty? There wasn't anything deep at all between them?

To hell with dignity and pride, she had to ask!

"Han," she cautiously tried to speak again.

"Don't start nagging me," he said sharply without looking at her. "You're gonna see His Other Royal Highness soon. We're about to land."

"Oh Han, please that's not what I meant—wait. We're in Dagobah?" she asked, her previous woes and worries creeping back. She had many layers of pain, and they seemed to take turns to take over her.

"Can you feel your loved one yet?" Han asked, his voice vicious, hurtful, throbbing with mad jealousy.

"Oh are we going to see Master Luke again!" C-3PO exclaimed delighted. Han couldn't believe he ever felt a slight trace of affection towards the protocol droid. His words caused the ship's captain to want to smash him to pieces.

"Luke," Leia muttered, standing up. She gulped, put her hands over her heart. "Please be here," she whispered pleadingly. "Please Luke—ah!" the Falcon took a fast and nasty turn, causing Leia to lose all balance, almost falling to the floor. "Han!" she knew he was a fine pilot, even when under attack he flew smoothly, she knew he had done that on purpose. She wanted to insult him, but decided to ignore him and instead sat next to her protocol droid, the only part of home she had had for such long time.

"How do I look, Threepio?" she asked, anxiously.

"Oh, Your Majesty, I can't lie… Those clothes have seen their better days. I am sure Master Luke will be happy to see you nonetheless—whoaa!" again a savage turn. 3PO smashed against the ground, clattering loudly. "Captain Solo, have you forgotten how to fly—Aahh!"

"Shut up," Han snarled with a small, childish smile. "Getting there."

"You've just lost 10 thousand!" Leia screamed infuriated.

The ship spun so rapidly even Han and Chewbacca almost fell out of their seats.

"Ugh!" Leia grunted. He really cares about money, the scoundrel!

Chewbacca was growling angrily; C-3PO crying things afraid; Leia tried to walk to Han, get him to act reasonably, or at least punch him in the face when—

"Ah!" she screamed, unable of keeping steady. She walked unsurely, a few inches from him… With a harsh maneuver the Millennium Falcon landed abruptly. Leia fell into Han's lap. Her hands on his chest, his on her waist.

They both laughed awkwardly. "Don't go after him," Han said seriously. "Leia… let's go."

Her smile faded. "I have to," she stood up. "Can you… come with me?"

"WHAT?" he barked.

"Help me find him. Please!"

Han passed a desperate hand across his face. They both walked outside the Falcon.

"G-good luck, Your Highness. Captain Solo," 3PO muttered nervously, watching ahead at the path Han and Leia took towards the dark forest.

"We should've brought Chewie along," Han said anxiously.

"We're fine," Leia said, almost fooling herself. "I have the lightsaber the rebel gave me."

They walked for a while, every deserted way looking the same. The air was musty, thick, and covered in mist. There was barely any light, and they had to really watch their step, careful of not stepping over something foreign and strange. It was disgusting, entering a swampy nightmare Leia had previously seen briefly inside her head, while in the deepest corners of her mind.

Their shoes were absolutely ruined, they realized as they roamed by the side of a black lake. The distant sound of native creatures reached Leia's ears; it was harder and harder to move forward without sinking… Yet Leia feared only one thing.

"Please no more rebels," she whispered frightfully under her breath without noticing. "Please, please no more rebels…"

Her hands and legs started shaking, just imagining what would happen if again she found herself within the enemy's grasp.

She docked slightly as Han did, avoiding a series of green vines, then she felt as he wrapped his hand around her own. Can he always tell when I am afraid? She wondered, a sad smile reaching her face. What the hell goes on within his mind…?

"Hold me," she said without thinking. "Hold me tightly, Han."

He did so without saying anything else.

"I seriously doubt there are any rebels here," Han said slowly. "I doubt there's anyone here at all."

"But he told me," Leia said desperately. "'You must come to the Dagobah System'. He has to be here… If I don't find him here, that's my last hope, Han. And I don't know what I will do… I would die!"

"You wouldn't," Han argued. "You… you have—"

Me. The words couldn't leave his mouth, so he had to use actions. He kissed her, passionately, praying she wouldn't push him away. She didn't. She threw her arms around his neck. It was so strange, being so alone for the first time; so secluded in that dark place.

If only that instant could last forever… if only that kiss was the beginning and the end for them.

Leia broke apart the kiss, she jumped slightly. "Did you hear that?" she asked quietly. "Someone's here!"

Solo reached for his blaster. "He appears at last," he sadly sighed.

"No," Leia was nervous. "I would feel his presence… Oh what is it?"

The Force was speaking to her now, she just couldn't understand… Strong, brave, bright…

"Oh," Leia's eyes crowded with tears, she took a few steps ahead, leaving Han behind. "Luke… Luke!"

Standing alone, afar, clad in robes so dark he almost mixed like another shadow of Dagobah's dark forest. He slowly reached over to the pale-white moonlight till at last his face was fully revealed. "Leia," he looked straight at her eyes.

She ran as fast as her feet allowed her, throwing her arms around him, she cried on his chest. Without a second passing he hugged her, too. Clasping her in his arms, smiling broadly, picking her up in the air. "I've missed you so much!" he cried, and that was the last Han could stand; he turned around abruptly and ran back to the Falcon.

"My dear sister," Luke smiled, putting her down yet keeping her in his arms. "I was getting worry. I am glad you're finally here!"

She passed her hands over her cheeks, cleaning her tears. "I can't believe it," she gasped. "You stupid boy, I have never been happier to see anyone in my life! What are you even doing here? Oh never mind, you can tell me later. Let's get out of here… I don't know how you can stand this place. Do you have a ship? You must, of course. I want to travel together, I am NOT letting you out of my sight for now!" she giggled nervously.

She could finally breath, she had done it. She succeeded. She could now go home. She could shelter under her parents' protection. She would not scold Luke, better leave that to Anakin and Padmé. She wanted to go now, she almost wished to push him to move—but why didn't he move? Why did he stare at her so curiously? Why didn't he say anything? Didn't he realize what his attitude did to her heartrate? And how little by little she felt pressure on her neck as if he were using the Force to choke her, preventing her from breathing?

"Luke, let's go," she said tiredly. "I am serious, I will not stand another minute of this madness—"

"Leia," his blue eyes gazed into her broken brown glance. "I am not leaving." He calmly said.

He did not say that. No, and she didn't hear it. Why did he say such a thing? It made her want to kill him so she wouldn't have to endure his foolishness anymore.

"I swear," she gritted her teeth. "Stop messing around. We are leaving now."

"No, Leia. We're not."

Try and breath, Leia told herself. Reason with him. Speak. Don't slap him, no matter how much you want to…

"Come on," she grabbed his arm and tried to move him but he was strong.

"Could you just listen to me?" Luke asked pleadingly. "Please. It's important."

"Fine," Leia breathed out with difficulty. "Explain yourself and, pray, do it quickly before my head explodes—"

"She talks just like he used to," an aged voice said behind them.

Her heart had been beating so rapidly before, and at that sudden sound she felt it stopped.

"Interesting this shall be," a second voice, even older and yet odder and shrilly said. It held just a hint of amusement.

Don't turn around, Leia thought. You will die if you turn around.

"Leia," Luke said, and Leia wanted to cut his tongue or her own ears, anything to not hear what was coming. "I want to introduce to you: Master Yoda and Master Kenobi."

Her legs were trembling so much now she wondered how was it possible she was still standing.

"Come hither, Princess. Come with no fear." One of the voices said.

That snapped her out if it. Fear? How insulting! She didn't fear anyone! Really…

Turning around she saw, as she had expected, an old man. He wore brown and white modest robes. He was tall; his face had quite a few wrinkles. His hair, slightly ginger had many splashes of grey; just like his great beard. Next to him, stood a small alien, Leia didn't even have the mind to wonder from what planet; his attire was similar; his skin a deep green. His large eyes haunted her as they so strongly gazed into her…

"Who're they?" Leia asked, wishing to never get an answer. "What's happening?"

"Leia," Luke spoke with caution. "We're both in need of guidance—we will not get it anywhere else! Stay, please. The galaxy is a mess, but we can actually make a difference!"

"H—how?"

"War has broken, as you know."

Her eyes opened so wide they almost jumped out of their eyeballs.

"People are fighting and dying but we can end it."

"Do you have some sort of magical solution?" she snarled sarcastically.

"No, but just listen and try to be calm."

"I am calm!"

"All right, but listen… There is only one way to fight the darkness we have been sunk in—"

"What, Luke?"

"We need to turn on a light. My sister, Leia, we need to bring the Jedi back."

She wasn't dreaming, this was happening. He had said that. What now? She wondered as tears streamed down her face.

"Stop, Luke," she was crying. "Please let's go home. I will never tell Father, but let's go!"

"Leia, you must understand—"

"No. I swear you—"

"Listen to me!" he screamed, clearly tired of repeating that to no success. "Lis-ten." He spoke slowly. "I am a Jedi."

Why didn't she cut her ears when she had the chance? No, what good would've been. It wouldn't change the fact. She'd known. Or she'd suspected, yet she didn't believe till now…

A Jedi. She felt someone slash a knife into her heart and she would bleed out.

"Shut up," Leia cried. "I don't want to hear!" she paced around like a mad person. "I think you've proven you don't react very well to the truth." Jule's words came back to bite her.

But how could she? How could anybody when the truth was so horrible?

Leia had been indoctrinated all her life, for her it was the Sith way or no other way… The Jedi were evil and greedy; they destroyed the Old Republic and almost destroyed the whole galaxy, and now Luke Skywalker called himself a Jedi? Her pain was probably only comparable to the one Obi-Wan Kenobi felt when he learned Anakin Skywalker had become a Sith…

"Get back," Leia whispered slowly, her voice broken. "Please, there's still a chance!" she was on the ground, getting dirt all over her. No longer praying this was a nightmare, but wishing they made it out if it together. "Don't you understand?" she screamed. "Our parents need us, we can't do this to them—YOU CAN'T! Luke you said it, we're at war! If only you had seen what I've seen… it's so horrible. We have to stop it!"

"I'm trying," Luke said calmly, his previous outburst erased. "I hope that in time you can join us there, too."

"Uh?"

"Oh, Leia you must know. I see the lightsaber that hangs on your waist. You met Harxsh and Jule Marr. You've met rebels."

Her face drained of color, she wondered how much more pain she could stand before dying.

"Damn those rebels," she said with supreme bitterness. "I should've killed them when I had the chance!"

"I believe it was them who had the chance of killing you but didn't," Luke responded with a frown. "Didn't they?"

"They're traitors and I don't want to talk about them!"

"They're two of the bravest people in the galaxy and we owe them more than you think!"

"I owe them nothing!"

"You know perfectly well that's not true! Leia, you need to calm down and hear the truth. I will tell you everything—even the things you don't want to hear. But for that you have to understand: The Jedi are not evil. Our parents are not perfect. The Rebel Alliance… is doing what needs to be done—"

"You," she gasped, interrupting him again. "You're… helping them?"

"I am a part of the Rebel Alliance, yes. I am a rebel, and once you hear everything, you'll want to be one, too—"

"Stop!" She screamed. "I hate you, Luke. Stop!" she was beyond herself, she had endured too much and was unable of taking anymore. Her own tears burned her. His words had destroyed her. It was real. And her reaction had to be real, as well.

Fuming, unhinged, she reached for the hilt of the lightsaber she carried; ignited it; pointed it at her twin brother. Unsure of everything but one thing: She would kill him. They were enemies. The Sith shall kill the Jedi.

Then she glanced slightly at the weapon she was holding, the strong glow almost blinded her. It was blue.

Author's Notes: This is a chapter I wanted to write since the beginning.

I know there are a lot of Luke and Leia meet/go to Dagobah scenarios in this site, but this is my own. I hope it's okay.

Han and Leia's back and forth might had seemed unnecessary, but I just had to somewhat take him away from her so things could happen the way I intent…

Also, I guess that since Obi-Wan didn't hide in Tatooine in this universe he didn't age so much.