A Jedi's Return
Chapter 13
PG
By Maara
Over the next two days, Luke and Mara worked hard at their training, trying to make Yoda's job easier. Both saw the strain holding on was causing on the Jedi master and worked that much harder. They knew their time with him grew shorter with each passing moment.
Later that evening, all three sat inside the hut, relaxing around the fire after dinner. Yoda was the first to break the silence, "Luke. Mara." His two young apprentices turned to face him. "Now is the time to ready yourselves for what you soon must face," Yoda explained, his breathing somewhat labored. Luke and Mara listened intently to the words Yoda spoke, sensing something yet to come. "Difficult paths, you both have to follow. With the Force as your ally, the light shall prevail."
Yoda turned to face Luke. "You know what you must do, but when… up to you that is. When you are calm, at peace… then hear the will of the Force, you will. Listen to that which it tells you."
Turning to Mara he continued, "You have done well Mara. Much have you learned about controlling your mind." Yoda pointed at her with a rickety but sure finger, "Once this place you leave, use your shielding you must or find you the Emperor will." Yoda hobbled over to his bunk and climbed in "Yours will be a difficult fight. Mind your training, help you it can." Mara pulled the covers over Yoda while Luke took his gaffi stick and set it aside.
Luke watched his master settling himself in his bed, and wondered if he should voice the concerns running through his mind. No, he decided, he would have to deal with what would happen. Master Yoda was tired.
Yoda picked up on Luke's thoughts and turned to capture his gaze with his own. "Ask your question, Luke. I have not much time left to answer you."
Luke hesitated a moment, then sighed. "Master Yoda," Luke swallowed before continuing, "I'm not sure I can do it. I can't kill my own father." Luke was having a hard time with that thought. He knew that there was good in him. Perhaps if he could turn him back to the Good side?
"You must face Vader," Yoda's voice found new strength when he spoke these words. "It is your destiny. But beware, anger, fear, aggression. The darkside are they." Yoda began to bear the strain of holding on too long, and his words became labored. "Mind what you have learned or suffer your father's fate you will."
Luke and Mara leaned forward, straining to hear everything he had to say, afraid to ask questions, lest they waste precious time. "You both must help each other. Together you will prevail."
"Luke," Yoda turned slightly, his body heaving under the strain, "when gone am I, the last of the Jedi will you be… Pass on… what you have learned." With each word, Yoda became visibly weaker.
With a last bust of effort, he said one last thing. "Luke, there is ano…ther Skyyy…walk…er." That said, Yoda exhaled a long breath, his small frame collapsing slowly into the comfort of the bed and the Force. Then, before Luke or Mara could do or say anything, Yoda's body shimmered out of existence, the blanket falling slowly to the bed.
Luke and Mara looked at one another, stunned. Even though they had known he would soon die, it was still hard to believe that he was now gone. Luke looked again at the spot where Yoda had been. Then a new feeling came over him. It was a warm feeling of peace, and he knew, Yoda was one with the Force. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Mara's pained expression, a tear slowly running down her cheek.
Luke reached up to wipe it from her face and pulled her close to him. Together they looked at his bunk, their thoughts focused on his final words.
Luke thought about what he told him. Another Skywalker? Who could he mean? His mother was dead and his father was a sith… His father. He had to face his father. How could he kill his own father? He couldn't seem to think straight. He had to get out of this hut. "I need to go for a walk, Mara. I'll be back." Luke said absently as he slipped away from her and headed outside.
Mara had felt his confusion and his pain. Yoda had told him many things just before he died. Any of which would tear someone apart. Luke needed to think a bit and clear his head. She would just wait and be here for him when he needed her.
Luke stepped out of the hut and took a deep cleansing breath, trying to quiet his mind. He stood there a moment and thought about what he would have to do. From beside the shuttle, Artoo beeped and twittered. Luke looked over at the little droid and began making his way over to see what was up. He looked at the control panel Artoo indicated but his mind only had one concern. "I can't do it Artoo." Luke knelt down beside his faithful droid, shaking his head " I can't go on without Master Yoda."
Suddenly a familiar voice spoke, "Yoda will always be with you." Luke looked up to discover the shimmering image of his former mentor.
"Obi-wan," Luke's face showed anger for a moment but drained away as he continued to talk, "Why didn't you tell me? You told me Vader betrayed and murdered my father." He ducked under part of the shuttle wing and made his way towards his luminous friend.
Obi-wan looked at Luke, the difficulty of what he had to explain apparent on his face. "Your father ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and became Darth Vader. When that happened, the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I told you was true. From a certain point of view."
As Luke listened, a brief flash of anger shot through him. "A certain point of view?" he asked incredulously. Luke sat on the fallen tree, waiting and wanting to hear more of an explanation from Ben.
"Luke, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to, depend greatly on our own point of view." Obi-wan sat and turned to face Luke, "Anakin was a good friend. When I first knew him, I was amazed at how strongly the Force was with him." He looked guiltily at Luke, "I thought I could train him just as well as Yoda. I was wrong."
"There is still good in him." Luke watched for his reaction.
Obi-wan placed both hands on his knees. "He's more machine now than man. Twisted and evil."
"I can't do it Ben. I can't kill my own father," replied, hoping desperately Ben would have another idea.
"Then the Emperor has already won." Ben shrugged his shoulders, "You were our only hope."
Luke's mind flashed back to Yoda's last words. "Yoda spoke of another."
Ben looked up at Luke. "The other he spoke of is your twin sister."
Luke looked really confused now. "But I have no sister."
"The emperor knew as I did, that if Anakin were to have any off spring, they would be a threat to him." Ben watched Luke as he spoke. "When you were born, you we're hidden from him. That is why your sister remains safely anonymous."
As Ben spoke, Luke calmed his mind and the answer came flooding into his mind. "Leia—" he breathed, "Leia is my sister." He found relief in the truth, and suddenly he felt almost complete.
"Your insight serves you well." Ben grew serious suddenly. "Bury your feelings deep down Luke. They do you credit, but they could be made to serve the Emperor." Luke nodded understanding more what he had to do.
Ben stood up. "I have to go now Luke. Pay heed to Master Yoda's words. He knows much more than you can possibly imagine." Ben turned to leave and Luke stood watching. Now he just needed to figure out how he would go about trying to save his father.
Mara sat for a while, just watching the fire flickering. She knew Luke needed time alone, but he also needed to talk. He couldn't keep all this bottled up inside of himself. It would only serve a darker purpose. Mara had just decided to go talk to him when she felt a presence near by in the Force. Instinctively, she recoiled her senses, and then realized it was not an evil presence she felt, but gentle. Much like Master Yoda's.
Mara got up and quietly leaving the hut to see what was going on. As she peeked around the doorway, she saw an elderly man, dressed in robes, his body outlined in a shimmering light. She could hear Luke speaking… ~ Ben? Who was Ben? ~ Slowly Mara moved out to sit on a log not too far from Luke and the strange figure.
She sat listening to their conversation, hoping she wasn't intruding, but not wanting to leave. Then a shock wave rippled through her. ~ Leia! She's Luke's twin sister! No wonder... ~ Many things were made clear to Luke and Mara during that conversation. Then the conversation was over. And as the luminous form of Ben left, Luke's mind settled and he seemed to become more peaceful. Climbing to her feet, Mara made up her own mind. And with a deep breath she slowly made her way over to Luke.
Luke felt Mara's presence approaching. He knew she could hear his conversation with Ben, but she had kept her distance, not wanting to intrude. As she walked up behind him, Luke spoke without turning around, "Would you like to sit down?" She didn't say anything, just walked around to sit next to him on the fallen tree. "Did you hear all of that?"
Mara nodded, "Yes. A few more things make sense now." Mara looked into Luke's eyes. "How do you feel about having a twin sister?"
Luke smiled the first smile since Yoda faded from existence. "Actually, it feels pretty good." Luke shook his head, "I'm glad it's Leia."
"You wouldn't pick me?" Mara was surprised at that. They seemed so much alike; she would have thought he might pick her.
Luke smirked at her, "No. I don't feel very brotherly towards you." He raised a hand stopping a comment he knew was coming. "I know, I know, that's something we'll deal with later."
Mara chuckled, "Well, I guess I shouldn't be offended." Mara looked side long at Luke, "I don't feel very sisterly towards you either."
Luke laughed lightly at her comment, but said nothing. He sensed a question coming and waited patiently for her to voice it. He didn't have long to wait. "Luke? Who was that being you were talking to?"
Luke didn't hesitate. "That was Ben. He was the one who introduced me to the Force. He taught me a few of the basics before Vader cut him down aboard the Death Star." Luke's gaze became more distant, as the memories came back to him. "I wondered a long time, why he let him do it. Why he let my father cut him down without a fight." Luke's eyes glazed over before he took a composing breath. "Later when I was on Hoth, Ben came to me and told me to come here, to see Yoda."
Mara watched him for a few moments, "What have you decided to do?"
Luke looked at Mara, his eyes seeming to penetrate her soul. "I have to face him. I have to try, to bring him back into the light."
Mara jumped up, swinging around to face Luke. "You can't be serious!" She began pacing, "I know he's your father and you wish he could still be that to you, but let me tell you, Luke, Vader is evil. I have seen him do way too may evil things to believe that he could ever change and be good!"
"I understand how you feel, Mara." Luke stood up to face her, taking her hands in his own. "You don't have to agree with me, only understand that this is what I have to do."
Mara studied the determined expression on his face, pondering his words. She knew he was right. She couldn't stop him from doing what he felt he had to anymore than he could stop her from doing what she felt she had to do. Finally, after what seemed like a long time, Mara nodded. "I do understand, Luke." Dropping his hands, Mara turned and looked towards Yoda's hut, "Shouldn't we be getting back?"
"Yes," Luke studied her features, knowing she did understand, but that she didn't like it. "We still have a lot yet to do before we head back to the fleet."
Both turned and walked in silence, lost in their own thoughts. Then Mara placed her hand on Luke's arm. "Luke? When do we stop and face, whatever it is we have to face?"
"Well, first we meet up with the fleet. The opportunities we are waiting for will soon present themselves." Luke just hoped he would be able to succeed in his goal. "We just need to be patient."
Mara's mood was back to business. "Well, let's get a move on then." She went on ahead leaving Luke to follow, shaking his head, a slight smile on his face.
An hour later, they were entering hyperspace to join the Rebel fleet.
TBC…
Chapter 13
PG
By Maara
Over the next two days, Luke and Mara worked hard at their training, trying to make Yoda's job easier. Both saw the strain holding on was causing on the Jedi master and worked that much harder. They knew their time with him grew shorter with each passing moment.
Later that evening, all three sat inside the hut, relaxing around the fire after dinner. Yoda was the first to break the silence, "Luke. Mara." His two young apprentices turned to face him. "Now is the time to ready yourselves for what you soon must face," Yoda explained, his breathing somewhat labored. Luke and Mara listened intently to the words Yoda spoke, sensing something yet to come. "Difficult paths, you both have to follow. With the Force as your ally, the light shall prevail."
Yoda turned to face Luke. "You know what you must do, but when… up to you that is. When you are calm, at peace… then hear the will of the Force, you will. Listen to that which it tells you."
Turning to Mara he continued, "You have done well Mara. Much have you learned about controlling your mind." Yoda pointed at her with a rickety but sure finger, "Once this place you leave, use your shielding you must or find you the Emperor will." Yoda hobbled over to his bunk and climbed in "Yours will be a difficult fight. Mind your training, help you it can." Mara pulled the covers over Yoda while Luke took his gaffi stick and set it aside.
Luke watched his master settling himself in his bed, and wondered if he should voice the concerns running through his mind. No, he decided, he would have to deal with what would happen. Master Yoda was tired.
Yoda picked up on Luke's thoughts and turned to capture his gaze with his own. "Ask your question, Luke. I have not much time left to answer you."
Luke hesitated a moment, then sighed. "Master Yoda," Luke swallowed before continuing, "I'm not sure I can do it. I can't kill my own father." Luke was having a hard time with that thought. He knew that there was good in him. Perhaps if he could turn him back to the Good side?
"You must face Vader," Yoda's voice found new strength when he spoke these words. "It is your destiny. But beware, anger, fear, aggression. The darkside are they." Yoda began to bear the strain of holding on too long, and his words became labored. "Mind what you have learned or suffer your father's fate you will."
Luke and Mara leaned forward, straining to hear everything he had to say, afraid to ask questions, lest they waste precious time. "You both must help each other. Together you will prevail."
"Luke," Yoda turned slightly, his body heaving under the strain, "when gone am I, the last of the Jedi will you be… Pass on… what you have learned." With each word, Yoda became visibly weaker.
With a last bust of effort, he said one last thing. "Luke, there is ano…ther Skyyy…walk…er." That said, Yoda exhaled a long breath, his small frame collapsing slowly into the comfort of the bed and the Force. Then, before Luke or Mara could do or say anything, Yoda's body shimmered out of existence, the blanket falling slowly to the bed.
Luke and Mara looked at one another, stunned. Even though they had known he would soon die, it was still hard to believe that he was now gone. Luke looked again at the spot where Yoda had been. Then a new feeling came over him. It was a warm feeling of peace, and he knew, Yoda was one with the Force. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Mara's pained expression, a tear slowly running down her cheek.
Luke reached up to wipe it from her face and pulled her close to him. Together they looked at his bunk, their thoughts focused on his final words.
Luke thought about what he told him. Another Skywalker? Who could he mean? His mother was dead and his father was a sith… His father. He had to face his father. How could he kill his own father? He couldn't seem to think straight. He had to get out of this hut. "I need to go for a walk, Mara. I'll be back." Luke said absently as he slipped away from her and headed outside.
Mara had felt his confusion and his pain. Yoda had told him many things just before he died. Any of which would tear someone apart. Luke needed to think a bit and clear his head. She would just wait and be here for him when he needed her.
Luke stepped out of the hut and took a deep cleansing breath, trying to quiet his mind. He stood there a moment and thought about what he would have to do. From beside the shuttle, Artoo beeped and twittered. Luke looked over at the little droid and began making his way over to see what was up. He looked at the control panel Artoo indicated but his mind only had one concern. "I can't do it Artoo." Luke knelt down beside his faithful droid, shaking his head " I can't go on without Master Yoda."
Suddenly a familiar voice spoke, "Yoda will always be with you." Luke looked up to discover the shimmering image of his former mentor.
"Obi-wan," Luke's face showed anger for a moment but drained away as he continued to talk, "Why didn't you tell me? You told me Vader betrayed and murdered my father." He ducked under part of the shuttle wing and made his way towards his luminous friend.
Obi-wan looked at Luke, the difficulty of what he had to explain apparent on his face. "Your father ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and became Darth Vader. When that happened, the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I told you was true. From a certain point of view."
As Luke listened, a brief flash of anger shot through him. "A certain point of view?" he asked incredulously. Luke sat on the fallen tree, waiting and wanting to hear more of an explanation from Ben.
"Luke, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to, depend greatly on our own point of view." Obi-wan sat and turned to face Luke, "Anakin was a good friend. When I first knew him, I was amazed at how strongly the Force was with him." He looked guiltily at Luke, "I thought I could train him just as well as Yoda. I was wrong."
"There is still good in him." Luke watched for his reaction.
Obi-wan placed both hands on his knees. "He's more machine now than man. Twisted and evil."
"I can't do it Ben. I can't kill my own father," replied, hoping desperately Ben would have another idea.
"Then the Emperor has already won." Ben shrugged his shoulders, "You were our only hope."
Luke's mind flashed back to Yoda's last words. "Yoda spoke of another."
Ben looked up at Luke. "The other he spoke of is your twin sister."
Luke looked really confused now. "But I have no sister."
"The emperor knew as I did, that if Anakin were to have any off spring, they would be a threat to him." Ben watched Luke as he spoke. "When you were born, you we're hidden from him. That is why your sister remains safely anonymous."
As Ben spoke, Luke calmed his mind and the answer came flooding into his mind. "Leia—" he breathed, "Leia is my sister." He found relief in the truth, and suddenly he felt almost complete.
"Your insight serves you well." Ben grew serious suddenly. "Bury your feelings deep down Luke. They do you credit, but they could be made to serve the Emperor." Luke nodded understanding more what he had to do.
Ben stood up. "I have to go now Luke. Pay heed to Master Yoda's words. He knows much more than you can possibly imagine." Ben turned to leave and Luke stood watching. Now he just needed to figure out how he would go about trying to save his father.
Mara sat for a while, just watching the fire flickering. She knew Luke needed time alone, but he also needed to talk. He couldn't keep all this bottled up inside of himself. It would only serve a darker purpose. Mara had just decided to go talk to him when she felt a presence near by in the Force. Instinctively, she recoiled her senses, and then realized it was not an evil presence she felt, but gentle. Much like Master Yoda's.
Mara got up and quietly leaving the hut to see what was going on. As she peeked around the doorway, she saw an elderly man, dressed in robes, his body outlined in a shimmering light. She could hear Luke speaking… ~ Ben? Who was Ben? ~ Slowly Mara moved out to sit on a log not too far from Luke and the strange figure.
She sat listening to their conversation, hoping she wasn't intruding, but not wanting to leave. Then a shock wave rippled through her. ~ Leia! She's Luke's twin sister! No wonder... ~ Many things were made clear to Luke and Mara during that conversation. Then the conversation was over. And as the luminous form of Ben left, Luke's mind settled and he seemed to become more peaceful. Climbing to her feet, Mara made up her own mind. And with a deep breath she slowly made her way over to Luke.
Luke felt Mara's presence approaching. He knew she could hear his conversation with Ben, but she had kept her distance, not wanting to intrude. As she walked up behind him, Luke spoke without turning around, "Would you like to sit down?" She didn't say anything, just walked around to sit next to him on the fallen tree. "Did you hear all of that?"
Mara nodded, "Yes. A few more things make sense now." Mara looked into Luke's eyes. "How do you feel about having a twin sister?"
Luke smiled the first smile since Yoda faded from existence. "Actually, it feels pretty good." Luke shook his head, "I'm glad it's Leia."
"You wouldn't pick me?" Mara was surprised at that. They seemed so much alike; she would have thought he might pick her.
Luke smirked at her, "No. I don't feel very brotherly towards you." He raised a hand stopping a comment he knew was coming. "I know, I know, that's something we'll deal with later."
Mara chuckled, "Well, I guess I shouldn't be offended." Mara looked side long at Luke, "I don't feel very sisterly towards you either."
Luke laughed lightly at her comment, but said nothing. He sensed a question coming and waited patiently for her to voice it. He didn't have long to wait. "Luke? Who was that being you were talking to?"
Luke didn't hesitate. "That was Ben. He was the one who introduced me to the Force. He taught me a few of the basics before Vader cut him down aboard the Death Star." Luke's gaze became more distant, as the memories came back to him. "I wondered a long time, why he let him do it. Why he let my father cut him down without a fight." Luke's eyes glazed over before he took a composing breath. "Later when I was on Hoth, Ben came to me and told me to come here, to see Yoda."
Mara watched him for a few moments, "What have you decided to do?"
Luke looked at Mara, his eyes seeming to penetrate her soul. "I have to face him. I have to try, to bring him back into the light."
Mara jumped up, swinging around to face Luke. "You can't be serious!" She began pacing, "I know he's your father and you wish he could still be that to you, but let me tell you, Luke, Vader is evil. I have seen him do way too may evil things to believe that he could ever change and be good!"
"I understand how you feel, Mara." Luke stood up to face her, taking her hands in his own. "You don't have to agree with me, only understand that this is what I have to do."
Mara studied the determined expression on his face, pondering his words. She knew he was right. She couldn't stop him from doing what he felt he had to anymore than he could stop her from doing what she felt she had to do. Finally, after what seemed like a long time, Mara nodded. "I do understand, Luke." Dropping his hands, Mara turned and looked towards Yoda's hut, "Shouldn't we be getting back?"
"Yes," Luke studied her features, knowing she did understand, but that she didn't like it. "We still have a lot yet to do before we head back to the fleet."
Both turned and walked in silence, lost in their own thoughts. Then Mara placed her hand on Luke's arm. "Luke? When do we stop and face, whatever it is we have to face?"
"Well, first we meet up with the fleet. The opportunities we are waiting for will soon present themselves." Luke just hoped he would be able to succeed in his goal. "We just need to be patient."
Mara's mood was back to business. "Well, let's get a move on then." She went on ahead leaving Luke to follow, shaking his head, a slight smile on his face.
An hour later, they were entering hyperspace to join the Rebel fleet.
TBC…