The Power to Save Her

Chapter 31

Disclaimer: I don't own Star Wars.

Important Note: I will not follow comics/legends characters or concepts closely, if at all. My knowledge is strictly on the that of the movies and a more mainstream knowledge of Star Wars. Though I may reference events and things outside of the movies, I do not claim to know the material on a deeper level.

Anakin felt both fear and a bubbling hatred inside of him as he rose the many levels of the Executor. Sidious wanted to speak to him, and he himself knew it wasn't for just any reason. Several stormtroopers cleared his path as he marched down the hall towards his quarters.

Anakin had left his children in the training facility and before he left, they expressed visible concern over this development. Luke himself had uttered a warning, telling him to be careful, while Leia kept silent. She'd only seen the Emperor a few times before, though she never met him. The both knew the dangers of this man, however, having seen the reach of his power.

He was now approaching the communications terminal in his private quarters. After having asked Padmé to conceal herself in the connecting room, for fear of the Sith feeling her thoughts, he was able to accept the incoming transmission. He reached out a slightly unsteady hand to flip the switch and pulled it back. This was the first time he'd be speaking to Sidious since his shift away from the dark side of the Force. He knew there'd be no point in denying his change now in the Sith's presence, but he still guarded his mind as carefully when he'd been a slave to Sidious. He didn't bother kneeling at the terminal, as that very act would be degrading and pointless now. Instead, he stood tall, crossing his arms. Though he projected a state of calm, Anakin could feel a deep sense of apprehension rising from within.

He could sense Padmé in the next room, and while concealing her with his abilities he did try to be soothed by her presence.

The dark terminal in the room blinked coldly, it's blue light telling him a transmission was coming through. He waited for several agonizing moments, feeling the time crawl by, both anticipating and dreading the appearance of his old master. Finally, an image flickered to life, and the hooded form of the Sith filled much of the room. His yellow eyes were glaring down on him, though Anakin stood his ground, curling his hands into fists. There were several moments of silence where they just stared at each other, almost calculatingly.

"You summoned me?", he began, acting braver than he felt.

Another beat of silence was there.

"I did, my friend.", Sidious replied, with a sneer. His eyes followed Anakin closely, watching carefully. "And I see you were able to make the necessary repairs."

"Yes, something you hoped I wouldn't survive.", he retorted, some venom in his modulated voice. Sidious didn't react. He barely even blinked.

"I knew that you would.", Sidious stated coldly, forming a cruel smile. "Oh yes, I could foresee that the senator would ensure your survival. She would die before letting you succumb."

"Enough of this. What games you play will not change my resolve.", Anakin said, his voice low, though he was trying to get away from the topic of Padmé. His knuckles were white, though he concealed his rage well.

"And what resolve, is that, my friend?", Sidious asked, a malicious curve of his lips remaining on his features. He tilted his head forward, "What plans require it?"

"I know you're aware Sidious.", Anakin replied, for the first time using the Sith's name instead of his respected title as Emperor.

There was a tense moment where nothing was said.

"I see.", was all that the Sith said, before his voice shifted with a dangerous edge to it. The Emperor continued, "Then you know why it is I call to you."

"Coruscant.", Anakin replied without hesitation. Then some emotion came over his voice, one of boldness, but he continued anyway, "I will be there, and your reign will come to an end."

"I will be expecting you.", the Sith replied, his face contorting into an arrogant smile. "And your family."

Anakin felt something rise within him, and suddenly he flipped off the switch with more force than necessary. The communications powered down, leaving only the cold lights of the terminal. The last glimpse he saw of the hologram was that of a Sith looking down on him coldly.

Anakin stood there for several moments, breathing heavily, his shoulders moving with each inhale he took. His heart was wildly thumping in his chest, as the adrenaline he'd forced himself to hold back came rushing in. Though he knew he shouldn't allow his emotions to tread so near the edge, he knew that Sidious didn't make empty threats. However, Anakin knew that these thoughts weren't helping him. Yes, his fears were not unfounded, but they were exactly what the Sith wanted.

Finally, with a sigh, he went to the next room where Padmé was waiting, feeling her worry for him in the Force.

When he passed through the door, he spotted her immediately. She was at the viewport, looking out at the passing stars, a sight which Anakin felt was familiar to him. Her gaze shifted to him, and she rose to her feet. Swiftly she approached him, asking him without speaking the words. She clearly noticed his rigid posture, for her brows furrowed and her hands were coming up to grasp his arms.

"We're returning to Coruscant.", he informed, his voice modulator hiding the fear in his voice. She tilted her head, her frown deepening before he continued, "He knows."

"You're afraid.", she noted, staring up at his still masked face.

There was some silence, before he answered.

"I am."

He stood there, paralyzed with indecision, while she watched him, waiting for him to state what the next step was. When she realized he wasn't moving, she raised her hands to his mask. Gently, she removed his helmet, and he didn't protest, knowing that she wanted to see him. When it at last came off, she was able to see the dark circles under his eyes. Though she tried to meet his gaze, he adverted his eyes to the floor. Without a word, she led him to sit by the viewport with her, taking his hand in hers.

"Being afraid is natural, but do not give into it.", she spoke, her voice soft. She leaned forward, with his hand in both of hers, voice imploring, "I cannot ignore the fear I have at losing you, or our children, but it does force me to see the meaning of fighting against such evil even more."

"I fear what will happen should I succumb.", he replied, his voice barely a whisper.

"The choice has been, and always will be yours.", she stated, emphasizing her words.

"I will not fail you."

"Do not promise me this. Choose to be better because its right.", she replied, her voice even. Anakin looked down at their joined hands but listened as she continued. "All I want, or even need from you, is a love for me and our family. That is enough for me."

Anakin sighed, knowing her request was simple, and something she'd asked for all those years ago on Mustafar, but his past self was pushing him to do something else. A cold voice, eerily familiar, was asking him to strive for a greater power that could defeat the Emperor. He knew this was a dangerous train of thought and shook himself. Leveling his eyes with her, he tried doing as she asked. One by one, he silenced his fears, even while keeping his eyes on her. Then he drew her to him, wrapping his arms around her, fingers curling in her dark hair. Though the armor was cold, she clasped him just as fiercely, trying to comfort him just as he was trying to do with her.

"It will be enough for me too.", he finally admitted, and kissed the top of her head.

The hallway was empty, so she could hear the clicking of his boots long before he was even close.

"We're going to Coruscant.", Leia announced to the smuggler, who'd returned to the floor of the quarters, both still wearing their TIE fighter garb.

Leia had gone in earlier to speak with her biological father wanting to know what was going on. She'd known of the conversation between the Emperor and her father, as the former Sith had left her and Luke to their own devices. After enough time passed, she decided their conversation must've ended, and decided upon hearing firsthand what needed to be reported to the Rebel Alliance. Luke had even informed her that he no longer sensed his father's anxieties in their connection, so she knew she was able to go and find out what was going on. What her father told her wasn't surprising, though she still dreaded hearing that their time was running short.

"Come, we've got to notify the others.", she stated, keeping her words as vague as possible. Han seemed to understand what she was saying and nodded to her.

They went to the terminal inside the quarters and notified the bridge of Lord Vader's order for the fleet to set its course for Coruscant. After it went through, they waited in the main room which was empty. Leia, having had more time to learn, was able to sense two lifeforms of her parent in the room connected to this one.

"They're not here?", Han wondered aloud, finally removing the helmet.

"They are.", Leia replied, motioning to the connecting door. Han glanced over to it, and then back to her, not bothering to ask her how she knew that.

"Is the training going well?", he asked, though he knew little of the Force. She nodded absently and took to removing her helmet as well.

"Apparently I had latent Force abilities.", she replied, remembering all the times she'd been able to read people well. Her great political prowess could be attributed to the powers afforded to her in the Skywalker bloodline. "It explains why I was never discovered."

"I've heard plenty of stories of the Jedi, though I never believed them until now. Is it true that you can read my mind?", he asked, half joking and half serious.

"I don't need the Force to do that.", Leia replied, a smile on her face. Han shook his head, and chuckled halfheartedly, though he appeared to less than enthused.

"I guess I'm not as subtle as I thought.", he muttered, while pulling at the stiff uniform around his collar.

"Han, this has been a lot for you," she began, not certain how to continue, though that changed when he turned his gaze her way. "But I want you to know, I appreciate you being here."

"It's a lot to take in but I can't complain.", he replied, brushing it off. Leia sighed, though she knew he wasn't being difficult on purpose.

"Still, I want you to know that.", Leia replied, trying to impart her feelings without actually expressing it as openly. Finally, Han seemed to recognize this, and took her hand, giving her a cocky smirk.

"I would've gone into a garbage chute for you princess.", he replied, somewhat cheekily. Though meant to come off as casual, Leia recognized the sentiment.

"Han, before everything happens…", she began, her voice unsteady. She knew that she'd already said it before, though struggled, nonetheless. Han, once again seeming to understand her feelings, spoke before she even needed to utter the words.

"I know."

Luke had received the message on the bridge from Han and Leia and now he was walking with Piett down to the communications terminal. It was just down the hall from the bridge in the middle of everything, though the message being sent through wasn't confidential. Beside him, the admiral was a lot more reserved than he had been before. Luke could sense this. Sure, the Imperial was polite enough, but compared to the day before, he'd kept himself very quiet. Luke didn't know if it was to do with the impending confrontation, the appearances they needed to keep up, or something else.

Luke suspected something else, though he didn't push the Imperial.

Instead, he decided to observe as Piett communicated with the recently replaced captains aboard the other star destroyers, informing them of their new destination. He could tell that this idea was very new to the admiral, as having your colleagues replaced by rebels would be to anyone. Nevertheless, he remained professional, despite Luke knowing his opinions of the Rebel Alliance. Finally, the communications closed, and they were done speaking with them. Knowing that General Madine on the star destroyer would communicate with the Rebel Alliance on his own, they left the hologram table and started making their way back towards the main bridge.

Luke halted the admiral.

"Admiral Piett, I sense something is troubling you.", he stated, knowing they were far enough away from everyone to keep their conversation private. Piett's eyebrows rose in surprise, still keeping his arms positioned behind his back.

"Ah, it's nothing.", the man remarked, trying to brush it off, though by addressing it directly Luke was able to catch wind of the admiral's thoughts.

Luke could only smile slightly, if a bit ruefully, though his face was hidden by the helmet.

"Admiral, I may be his son, but I daresay we don't share the same temper.", Luke stated, allowing some humor to come into his voice. Piett however, didn't pick up on his subtle humor, and his eyes widened.

"Apologies. I do not presume to know you.", Piett replied, clearly uncomfortable that the Jedi was able to sense his thoughts.

"You have nothing to apologize for.", Luke stated, with a single shake of his head. Though the admiral relaxed slightly, he looked still to be on guard. "After all, I was but an enemy to you not very long ago."

"You don't still consider us that?", Piett asked, before shaking himself and clarifying, "Enemies, that is."

"Never.", Luke replied with sincerity. "Each of us struggles with the conflict of this war. Some Imperials are not even given a choice."

"What makes you think I wasn't?", Piett asked, furrowing his eyebrows.

"You're devoted to your men, and not to what the Empire stands for.", Luke answered, confident in his assumption. He could sense the conflict within him.

"You're right about my devotion.", Piett replied, though he didn't address Luke's comments about the Empire. "Which made leaving them on Dantooine a difficult choice."

"I'm sorry for that," Luke replied earnestly, hoping the admiral would see that. "Though if it's any consolation, they won't be fighting for something they don't believe in."

"I suppose you're right.", Piett replied, seeming to mean it. "I do hope that after this is over, they'll be free of this war."

"I hope for a time of peace. Mostly for those who've never had it.", Luke stated, though his mind was far off at that possibility. He himself had been born during the rise of the Empire.

"For that, I can fight for.", Piett stated, a hint of a smile on his face.

Both Luke and Han had retired in a connecting room later that night, while Leia was wide awake, watching the blur of hyperspace through the viewport while sitting at a table. She thought on what was to come, trying not to allow the anxieties to make her sick, but couldn't help it. She couldn't understand how her brother and Han could sleep before the eve of such an event, nor her mother for that matter. Though she'd experienced all manner of battles, none were like this. None were so personal as to have her family involved in it all. The thought of losing them, after having just found them, was unbearable. Quietly, she took a ginger sip of the bitter caf, focusing on the warmth.

Then a door to another room opened.

She didn't have to glance up to know who it was, but she heard his footsteps on the polished floor. Strange as it was, she'd been able to separate Vader from him, even while in the armor, though not completely. Her trust, though growing, wasn't complete in him. She heard him walk past her, and finally, out of curiosity she glanced up.

He was likewise serving himself some caf, seeming to be in the same predicament as she. He was much less formally attired, as he'd made the attempt to sleep, but she sensed his thoughts were troubled. He took a seat at the table across from her without asking but kept silent. He likewise observed the blur of hyperspace.

There was a feeling of growing apprehension, before Leia could no longer stand the silence.

"Do you think we can do it?", Leia asked, not understanding why she felt the need to talk. He didn't turn his gaze to her, but he let a breath out.

"I believe that we will confront him.", was all he said, though he was clearly struggling with not saying something. She watched him while he seemed to be at war with himself, before he finally spoke again, "I wish Luke didn't have to come."

"If I could go in his place, I would.", Leia remarked, her expression grim. Her hand curled around the cup, the heat of it almost burning her fingers. "If only I had known earlier."

"It is unfortunate that either of you would have to go.", he replied, before going quiet.

"Taking control of Coruscant is imperative for the cause.", Leia stated, reverting right back to professionalism. Her years of service to the Alliance caused her battle-hardened self to rise instinctively, "I am honored to serve."

"You have bravery and honor, but don't let it get you killed.", her father replied, seeming earnest in his words. His eyes betrayed nothing but worry as he stared down at one of his synthetic flesh hands.

"You really do care about us.", she observed, and finally he did turn his gaze to hers. He was looking at her, almost derisively, but then the expression shifted into something more relaxed.

"If my actions haven't said this, I will let my words do so.", he replied, placing another hand on the table. "I fear for your life, as well as Luke and your mothers."

"I believe you.", she stated, adverting her gaze and taking a sip of the caf. "I really do."

"But?", he asked, though he clearly didn't want to know what she'd say next.

"But… it is difficult for me to understand why.", she replied, not sure how to articulate what she was feeling.

"Why you should trust me, after everything I've done.", he stated, seeming to know. She could hear the self-disgust in his voice. "I think it's only the idealism of your mother and Luke that you're giving me a chance. You may not have hope in me, but they do for you."

"I'm sorry.", was all she said, knowing she shouldn't feel guilty.

"Don't be.", he replied, a look of self-loathing washing over his face. "I will work to earn your trust."

Then they continued observing the hyperspace in silence, when the both of them felt a wave of fear in the Force. Both stiffened, knowing the source was Luke, but before they got the opportunity to do anything, the emotion dissipated. A moment later, one of the doors opened. Luke walked out, his demeanor exhausted and hair tousled from sleep.

They were both watching him, and when he realized this, he paused.

"A nightmare.", her brother stated, clearly not wanting to explain himself more.

Their father simply nodded, appearing to understand, though he didn't press Luke.

"The peace before a great battle was something I always hated.", he admitted, though Leia could tell it was foreign for the man to admit weakness. "Even the Clone Wars never taught me how to deal with it properly."

"Ben always said you were the impatient one.", Luke commented, grateful for the distraction from his dream. Their father only smiled slightly, before he turned contemplative.

"Obi-Wan was right.", he uttered, voice wistful. "But without me, he never would've gotten the excitement of his plans going horribly wrong."

Luke smiled a little bit, taking a seat near them. Though their father hadn't said much, he had tried to take their minds off the impending confrontation, and Luke recognized the sentiment for what it was. Leia did as well, and though it only comforted her temporarily, her mind returned to what was coming.

They all stayed awake, keeping each other company, despite no one agreeing to do it.

The time had come, and they all rose to get ready for the day. Luke grimaced, rubbing his neck. As it so happened, they'd fallen asleep out in the main room, and now their muscles were stiff from the awkward angles in which they'd rested. Luke noted his father mimicking his gesture from earlier, his hand pressing at the back of his own neck. After getting ready for the day, they reunited back in the main room, both Han and their mother joining them this time. Silently, they prepped themselves before leaving the quarters behind, for the last time.

Coruscant was beneath them now, the entire fleet was encircling this side of the planet. Luke was looking down from the hanger view, eyeing the vast city-planet with some awe in his expression. He'd never been to the capital planet of the Empire, though he could understand why. The atmosphere was riddled with thousands of starships, no doubt Imperial. This made him see why they'd made this planet the center of the Empire. Though the very idea that the Emperor was down there, among the millions of lifeforms occupying the planet, Luke couldn't help but still admire it.

"Luke.", he heard quietly behind him, and it was his sister attired in her uniform as he was. "It's time."

Luke turned to see that the TIE fighters were prepped for takeoff. Not just for himself, Leia, and Han, but also for the other TIE fighter pilots a that were assigned to protect Vader's shuttle. His mother was there too, much to his father's displeasure. Even though she wouldn't be confronting Sidious directly, Luke could feel that his father struggled with putting her in the slightest of danger. They had a separate mission from Luke and his father's. His mother, Han, and Leia were tasked with taking over an Imperial apartment complex, which housed the galaxy's most influential military leaders. The operation was plenty dangerous, but it was necessary to get other fleets to stand down. Luke was thankful that at least they wouldn't have to be anywhere near the Sith, however, he could still feel his father's wariness.

With some trepidation, the young Jedi climbed the metal steps and lowered himself into his TIE fighter, ready to fly it for the last time. Through the cockpit window, he saw his mother get into her own fighter, as did his friends. His father entered the shuttle with two dozen stormtroopers, which were actual Imperials, and not rebel spies, as the risk of the Emperor sensing this would be too great. Very soon after everyone had boarded, the shuttle lifted off the ground, and the TIE fighters assigned to protect it, followed.

The blue haze of the planet's atmosphere was in the curved horizon, and still they descended into the dangerous city below. There were many clouds beneath them, and Luke could see flashes of lightening from above. As they broke through to the lower skies, they found a torrential storm dousing the city in darkness. All around them there were flags of the Empire, the symbols brazenly displayed. Though they were careful to weave in and out of the buildings that rose from the planet, Luke's eyes drifted towards something. In the distance, Luke could make out what had been only been seen in holos.

The Jedi Temple.

Before they descended anymore, three of the four TIE fighters broke off from the formation. None of the actual Imperials were surprised by this, as they were informed that this departure was sanctioned. Luke sighed, wondering if this was the last time he would see them. Han, Leia, and his mother were now leaving to fulfill their duty. Luke felt a sense of loss, but he managed to send a farewell to his sister in the Force. She returned the goodbye.

Instead of focusing on his worries, he forced himself to be mindful of the task ahead. The temple grew closer and it was then that Luke began to feel the spiraling darkness of the Sith. Since the Emperor already knew of his existence, he needn't hide his presence in the Force, but he did immediately guard his thoughts well, as his father had instructed him. The darkness was calling to him, causing him to grow cold, much like he did around that cave on Dagobah.

While his eyes were fixed on the temple, and the dark presence encased in it, he didn't see the fiery rocket coming at him from the side. However, he sensed it a minute too late and swerved. It exploded as it caught on his wing, smoke already trailing behind his fighter. The alarms were blaring, and even in the chaos, he could see that the other TIE fighters and his father's shuttle had been attacked as well. His father was calling out for him in the Force, though Luke knew they wouldn't be able to help each other right now. As the ships continued their downward spirals, some crashing into buildings, the young Jedi calmly worked at trying to get his own TIE corrected for a more stable landing.

Before that happen, the world went dark.

A/N: Good old cliffhangers! I love writing them, but I personally hate reading them ;) Things are going to be more action filled from here on out, and I can't wait for you to see what's coming up next. I have a few ideas, very vivid in my mind, and I can't wait to write them!

Special shoutout to RyanSquad, westerns never die, MMM73181, Mercy Medical angel, Jeda31, and ELinkA for reviewing! A big thank you to those who favorited and followed my story! Now there's over 40,000 views to this story and I am honored to have gotten so many interesting in this work. Thank you all for continuing to read! If you have any thoughts about this chapter, or what's to come, feel free to let me know! As always, I love hearing from you all :)