It's down to this
I've got to make this life make sense
Can anyone do what I've done
I missed life
I missed the colours of the world
Can anyone go where I am

'Cause now again I've found myself
So far down, away from the sun
That shines into the darkest place
I'm so far down, away from the sun again
Away from the sun again

I'm over this
I'm tired of living in the dark
Can anyone see me down here
The feeling's gone
There's nothing left to lift me up
Back into the world I've known

'Cause now again I've found myself
So far down, away from the sun
That shines into the darkest place
I'm so far down, away from the sun
That shines the life away from me
To find my way back into the arms
That care about the ones like me
I'm so far down, away from the sun again

It's down to this
I've got to make this life make sense
And now I can't do what I've done

And now again I've found myself
So far down, away from the sun
That shines the life away from me

'Cause now again I've found myself
So far down, away from the sun
That shines into the darkest place
I'm so far down, away from the sun
That shines the life away from me
To find my way back into the arms
That care about the ones like me
I'm so far down, away from the sun again

- 3 doors down

Away From the Sun

A strong wind stirred causing a reaction of goosebumps to form on Mara skin the next day as she walked to school. Luke walked beside her, his hand entwined with her own, a natural calm enveloping him. He noticed that she was cold and casually draped his jacket over her shoulders.

" Thank you." she said sweetly, pushing her arms through the sleeves correctly. As they approached the campus, the bell sounded, allerting them that it was time to go inside for classes. She kissed him lightly on the lips before departing into the river of students piling into the building.

000

First hour went by quietly as Professor Shaak Ti talked about the different career choices that they should begin to consider. In second hour Professor Windu handed Mara her test paper with a broad smile. Across the top in red ink was a huge A+. Obviousley all of the studying she did paid off.

She was grateful for the quiet day, since most of the time her life was full of unneeded drama. But by the time the bell rang to leave, she knew that her hopes had risen too high.

As she walked out to her speeder, she was met by the vision of Darren leaning against the red vehicle. His cold eyes stirred fear within her, sending her stomach into nauseating knots.

" I didn't see you at recess today." he said cooly.

" I was inside making up a test. Besides, what's it matter to you?" she spat out at him, sounding more vicious than she actually felt. But actually her insides squirmed with every movement he made and her breath actually caught in her lungs as he stepped closer to her.

" What the hell are you doing wearing Skywalker's jacket?" his words were spoken softly though they slithered like a serpent off of his tongue and into the pit of her stomach. Darren ran the tips of his fingers over the material as though it were a hideous creature he was fascinated by.

Mara began to back away cautiousley, but his hand gripped her arm with a fiercesome strength, holding her in place. She was definately in a sticky situation.

000

Luke was finishing the last of his homework when he heard a loud knocking at the door. Dropping his pen on the table in frustration, he went to answer the door. Both of his parents sat in the kitchen, too engrossed in conversation to move, and Leia was on the phone upstairs.

To his surprise, a very frazzled looking Mara stood at the door with wide eyes and tear stained cheeks. The moment he opened the door she quickly stepped in and started into a delierious rant.

" I can't take this anymore! I... I'm not strong enough to continue this! I need out. I want out now!" her frantic demeanor frightened Luke slightly and he tried desperatley to get her to calm down, but she would not let him near her.

" Mara, what happened? Please, tell me what's wrong." he spoke gently. She shook her head fiercely, her green eyes haunted.

" I can't do this anymore. I need out! I'm tired of that bastard hurting me!" A fresh batch of tears had sprung to her eyes.

" What did he do to you? God, how bad did he hurt you!" Luke asked frantically. She pulled down the sleeve of her jacket and held up her arm.

" This." Carved into her arm were the letters T R A I T O R. Blood was still running down her arm from the open wounds, and Luke could feel his stomach knotting up.

" He told me it was only a warning! I can't stand this anymore! I need out!" she began to bawl as he pulled her into his arms tightly. He pulled her down into his lap onto the floor trying to process everything.

Padme and Anakin silently stepped into the kitchen, concerned and curious looks spread across both of their faces.

" What's going on in here? It sounded like screaming." Luke nodded slightly and looked up at his father.

" Her arm is cut badly." Anakin nodded and motioned towards the kitchen.

000

Mara stared down at the white bandaging on her arm and sighed, her thoughts finally more collected. Absentmindedly she stirred the cup of coffee in front of her before gaining enough courage to finally say what was on her mind. With fierce eys she met Anakin's gaze.

" I want out of the Imperials." All of the colour seemed drain from his face at once.

" It's not exactly easy y'know." he tried to say calmly.

" I have no doubt that it will be hard, but I can't keep going on this way." she said quietly, urge for him to understand hidden in her voice.

" No one's ever made it before."

" You've made it!" Mara's voice rose slightly in excitment and her cheeks began to flush.

" It was different for me. I was older than you are now. I was the Imperial leader, and I was trained for combat." his voice was straining with the weight of old memories. He expected for his words to put a damper on her spirit, but instead Mara held her head up higher.

" I'm strong. I can learn quickly. Plus you can tell me what to expect. Please... I need out." her words were gently and persuading and Anakin could feel himself giving in. Finally he sighed in defeat, leaning his head against his hand.

" It's going to be very tough; very brutal." he spoke quietly.

" I know."

" You've got to understand that if I train you, you have to listen and be willing to learn. The training is going to be hard." he said.

" I will." her eyes met his in a promise, and all he could do was nod.

" You do realize that you have two ways of leaving the exit ceremony, right?" he asked her solemnly. She nodded slowly, her eyes and features ominous. Luke was seriousley confused.

" What the hell are you talking about?" he asked urgently. Anakin met his son's blue eyes, pity surfacing in the pool's of his own eyes.

" She will either leave alive or in a body bag. The objective of the exit ceremony is to kill or be killed."

Luke's face had turned a deathly shade of white, his eyes wide with fear. His breathing had quickened to an unnatural pace. Finally he stood up angrily from the kitchen table and grabbed his speeder keys.

" It's getting late. I'll drive you home." his voice was strained as he spoke to Mara. Quietly, she exitted the room following Luke.

A/N: Alright, and I've already got next chapter typed up. I am so sorry that it's taking so long to post and update. Right after getting my internet back from Katrina, Rita decides to hit and knock it out again. Thankfully I have remained unhurt through both storms. For those of you who are reading Leather and Lace, I don't know if I'll be updating until after I finish this story, which will be soon. My love goes out to all of you along with my thanks for putting up with me and my bad writing and updating habits.

Ishbu girl