Obligatory disclaimer: Everything belongs to George Lucas. The only profit to me from this fic is the sheer enjoyment of writingand a deepening love for Star Wars.
Obligatory request: Please read and review! Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to read this story and special thanks to those of you who are faithful reviewers.
Chapter 13
"What do you plan to do?" Ryoo leaned forward. Leia shook her head, warning her cousin not to speak further. She struggled with the mental barriers Luke had begun to teach her. If she could just keep her thoughts private, she knew they would have a chance.
I should have paid better attention, she mused. Ryoo watched as Leia closed her eyes and attempted to listen to the Force. They're coming. As soon as the realization hit her she struggled to keep the thought hidden. She had felt Luke, she knew Han's heart, and she had briefly sensed other minds. Now, how could she call them, warn them, without letting her captor know?
Ryoo began tearing her regal dress into a less confining outfit. She had wiped all the remaining make-up away with a strip of ornate fabric, and now she stood before Leia, almost unrecognizable from thearistocratic woman she had been just days earlier. She had let her hair down from its elaborate style and twisted it simply at the back of her head, securing it with another strip of fabric.
Just as Leia opened her mouth to speak to her cousin the cells disappeared into darkness. The artificial light sources had been shut down and Leia whispered to her cousin, "It's alright." She could sense rather than see her cousin's skepticism.
"Just try to rest," Leia murmured. "Save your strength for when we really need it."
xXx
The rescue party halted their fevered march in the eerie darkness. They set up a small camp with no fire or light source. They ate rations in nearly absolute silence. Luke's senses remained completely alert but he knew he needed rest. Han and Lando had already given in to their fatigue. Sabé, taking the watch, indicated that Luke should follow his friends' example. He had only just laid his head on his pack when what he presumed was sleep over took him.
You cannot win. An unknown presence taunted him. You, Jedi, are no match for me Pain coursed through him and he struggled to wake from the dream. Yes, cry for help. Pretend it is all a dream, more twisted laughter, a hideously familiar cackling, filled his mind. He felt the pain and fear wash over him.
Leia! He called, fighting for control over his mind.
Luke, another voice called through the pain, Luke. He grasped feebly for that voice, the firm, sweetly familiar and yet unknown presence. Let me lead you, she repeated over and over and he sighed with relief, resting finally in the Force and once again controlling the fear he could never allow to control him. Luke...
"LUKE!" Han shouted again. Luke opened his eyes to a bright light. Han dropped his hands that had been holding Luke's shoulders and shaking him fiercely.
"What just happened?" Han demanded. "Are you okay?"
"I, yes, I'm fine," Luke stammered. "Just a dream." His companions obviously did not believe him. "I'm fine," he said again, with more strength. He jumped up from the ground, rolling his gear into his pack in one quick motion. He listened and, sure of his instinct, commanded, "Follow me."
xXx
Leia, Leia realized that she had fallen asleep. Is this a dream? She asked, but she received no answer. The voice called again, Leia, let me lead you. Let me lead you, trust me. She struggled against the repeated words but resolved settled over her. I need to wake up now, she said, feeling foolish, but as soon as she spoke the words she sat up from her cot in the still darkened cell.
"Ryoo!" She commanded. "It's time."