Chapter Thirty-Four:

A week after the funeral, Damielle stood outside Leia's office door, hearing the steady rhythm of a keyboard as the other teenager worked. The red haired girl felt her heart go out to the princess, as she knew what it was like to have one's family taken away.

Damielle cleared her throat, and then knocked softly. "Princess?"

There was a pause from within. "Yes?"

"May I come in?" Damielle asked.

"Sure."

The teen nodded and did so, holding aloft her tray of goodies. "I hope you don't mind, but I thought you could use a little... pick-me-up."

Leia's brow rose in surprise. Damielle had been absent for several days in order to attend a culinary class Padmé had insisted that the girl take so she could better feed Leia. Leia personally didn't see the need for that but she wasn't going to press her luck with her parents so soon by denying it either.

Leia closed her computer down and shifted to a clear spot on her desk, motioning for Damielle to join her. "Please."

Damielle smiled. "Thank you Milady."

Leia eyed the foods, noting that they were all rather... delicious looking, and not what would normally be served. "What is all of this anyway?"

"Goodies I found at a food market outside the palace walls. Don't worry, the buyer is reputable, and I swear by it." Damielle hastened to add.

Leia held up a hand. "I trust you, Damielle."

That threw the redhead for a loop, and she stared, a pang of guilt coursing through her. "Y... you do?"

Leia eyed her oddly, and then released the other from her gaze. "I trust that you aren't trying to kill me. You haven't yet, and there's been ample opportunity."

Damielle nodded. "I appreciate your... faith in me, Princess."

Leia's lips lifted somewhat, and they ate for a bit before she ventured a query. "Do you know what it's like to lose a sibling?"

Damielle paused in taking a bite, swallowing. "No, but I understand losing a father." Leia studied her openly, and Damielle met her gaze sadly, speaking further. "I'm so sorry about Prince Luke. I wish I could have been here to help."

Leia dropped her gaze and resumed snacking on some of her food. "There wasn't anything anyone could have done. But thank you."

They fell into a companionable silence then, broken only occasionally by light conversation meant only to pass the time and help them relax.

00000

Darkness had encompassed him for so long he almost didn't remember what the opposite was. That is, until something else began to permeate his awareness. Slowly, almost as if a tiny sun had risen with agonizing slowness, light had begun to filter in.

And with that light had also come things that stimulated other senses not used in... however long it had been.

Second to the light had come sounds. It had been muffled at first, but then a little clearer... and all of the voices were female. He didn't really make out words, just tone and general emotion.

Then he'd regained a sense of touch; though with it had come the lack of immediate memories. He'd not recalled at first what his last thought had been, or what he'd been doing. But as time went on and he drew closer and closer to waking, he'd come to realize he didn't hurt anymore.

In fact, though his backside was numb, it was most definitely not against metal or stone. And his wrists and ankles weren't manacled... he wasn't lying like a broken doll in a corner of his dark, dank cell...

He was lying on something soft, and after days on end in hell, it was like a heavenly cloud to him.

The memories had come then— in full force— and he'd been forced to accept them because he had nothing else to do with them. But now, as he breathed deeply and worked to open his eyes, he shoved that all aside in favor of figuring out where he was.

White light flooded his eyes as soon as the lids parted, and he squeezed them shut with a slight hiss.

"...Master Luke?"

The young man froze at that voice, recognizing it and turning his head towards it. Luke reopened his eyes, forcing himself to deal with the lights this time as he worked to bring the figure hovering nearby into focus.

It took several minutes, but eventually he saw a white-gold droid with an almost tear-drop style body and a smaller domed head. Her photoreceptors were trained intently on his face, and Luke managed a small smile.

"Nella?" he croaked, wincing at his raw throat.

The droid made a happy noise and whipped out a comlink, chattering away into it and then returning her full attention back to her master.

"I am so glad to see you awake, Master Luke!" Nella exclaimed. "I was so worried for you!" She grew quieter, remorseful. "I... I thought I had failed you."

Luke's heart panged and he lifted a hand to touch her slim arm. "But you didn't. I'm so proud of you Nella. Not to mention grateful. Thank you for saving me."

"It wasn't just me," Nella informed him. "Mara Jade arrived just as the ship exploded to pick us up. It was rather... amazing how she did it."

Luke blinked. "Explosion?" He didn't remember that. He'd passed out before they'd even left sublevel twelve.

Nella nodded, launching into an explanation of what had happened after he lost consciousness. When she came to the space battle, Luke paid close attention, and then worked to control his shock at her final words.

"The galaxy just attended your funeral a few days earlier." Nella's head lowered. "Everyone but us three believes you are... dead."

Luke gaped. "So I'm technically a dead man?"

"Yes," came an older voice.

Luke lifted his head and took in Maz Kanata, and he offered her a genuine smile. "Hello Maz."

"It is good to have you back with us, Luke," Maz murmured as she approached, taking a seat near Nella.

Luke dipped his head, glancing at the door and wondering if Mara would appear next, or if she was even still here. But when she didn't materialize, Luke returned his attention to Maz.

"Your death in the known galaxy is not a bad thing, Luke." The orange-skinned woman insisted.

Luke considered her words, taking his time and appreciating that Maz allowed him to do so. When he had run away initially, Luke had been so afraid of being followed he hadn't really had the chance to do anything. He had been living a lie, and he'd been looking over his shoulder constantly, waiting for the moment when Vader caught up with his wayward Shadow.

Now, however... now that Luke was supposed to be gone, he could move about freely... could hide his identity in public easily and yet he could train in secret for the day he would help take down his parents.

And take them down he would. But that day was still far off: Luke needed help, he needed training and time. Time to really and truly find himself and prepare for his future.

Luke focused on his friends again. "You're right. I don't want the secret to get out... with the exception of one person who absolutely must know."

Maz tilted her head. "Who?"

"Leia," Luke whispered, his heart clenching to know she thought him dead. "I will not lie to her. I trust her implicitly, and I will not hurt her like that. I don't care what anyone else says."

Maz pursed her lips. "I understand, but we would have to get her away from the Palace to tell her."

"Or set her up for a grab-and-go."

Maz thought it over. "That could work, actually. But it cannot be anyone from my contacts. I wouldn't trust them with this."

Luke waved off her concern, yawning widely as his body demanded sleep now. "I'll figure it out."

Maz chuckled at him and patted his shoulder affectionately. "Rest, Luke. When you are better, then we can plan."

Luke smiled sleepily and was out before he could reply.

00000

Days later

Luke looked up from where he sat on the couch, dressed in dark clothes that fit him rather comfortably thanks to Maz, who had contacts pretty much galaxy-wide. The woman bore a tray of food that wafted steam and smelled delicious. Luke's stomach growled before he could speak, and he blushed as Maz chuckled.

"Ah, you have the typical male appetite, I see." She joked, handing him the tray while he tried not to appear too eager. Maz was an excellent cook, and he loved her food.

"I've always been a good eater." He admitted with a shrug. "Just ask Leia."

Maz smirked. "Maybe someday I will."

Luke sobered at the mention of his sister, wishing he could call her up: but that was an absolute no anymore. Or at least it was for now. But he was formulating a plan that he would need help with.

Luke pushed past his gloom and began to eat, allowing the meal to lift his spirits. Maz sat with him, not complaining as he ate and she simply offered her company. Luke made sure to enjoy the dish, though he managed not to take too long.

When he set it aside, rubbing at his belly in satisfaction, Luke smiled at the woman. "Thank you for your generosity Maz. I owe you a lot."

Maz waved away his words. "No. You owe me nothing. I did what I could to help you because of my friend. He asked me to help you, and after meeting you, I could not deny you. You are a good person, Luke."

Luke looked at his hands. "I have much innocent blood upon my hands."

Maz sighed. "Yes, there are things in your past that you are not proud of. We all have those. But you cannot dwell on that now. If you want a future, you must learn from and then let go of the past."

Luke lifted his gaze, and then nodded silently.

"Now, it's been a few days since you woke. Have you given any consideration to what you will now do?" Maz asked.

Luke sat up straighter. "Yes, I have. I've thought about your words to me the first time I was here. I know who I want to be now. Now that I am free of everything and everyone looking constantly upon me, I can move around uninhibited. I can handle a life in the shadows for now: it's how I've operated for many years now thanks to my work under my f... ah, the Emperor."

Maz nodded, pretending not to notice the word change for his sake. "I agree with you. You are now free, and don't have to worry about anyone hunting you. That aside... how are you dealing with what happened to you on Coruscant?"

Luke had to look away at that one. "I... I will admit that it's hard to accept that it happened, but I also don't want to live anymore in fear and resentment. I've spent too long doing that. I choose to forgive, and I will move on with my life regardless. As you said, learn from it and move on."

Maz placed a hand to his shoulder. "You are strong, Luke. Has anyone ever told you that?"

Luke managed a slight smile. "Leia did a few times."

"She knew you best, being your twin." Maz noted.

"Yes."

Maz considered, studying him with a critical eye. "So then what will you do now?" She repeated.

Luke again straightened. "I wish to train to be a Jedi Knight. I am tired of hurting people for a living. I want to help the people of the galaxy. I will train in the Light, and I will then work to bring my parents' tyranny to an end."

Maz lifted her chin. "How exactly will you do that?"

"Well, I don't know yet," the young man admitted, "but it will happen."

Maz again studied him, leaning close and gazing into his eyes for so long that Luke wondered what the woman really saw in him. Finally she sat back, returning to business. "You are ready. I will take you to my friend, and he will take your training upon himself. He has been waiting for you."

Luke dipped his head. "I will be his student then, if he will accept me."

Maz shook her head at an odd angle. "Well, that is entirely up to him. You will have to go to him and ask him. All I am doing is getting you there."

Luke accepted her words with a quiet thank you and then shifted the topic. "Maz, can you get me something please?"

Her curiosity piqued, Maz scooted forward. "What is it?"

"I was wondering if you could find me a simple black mask to help hide my face. In the meantime I will use the robe you also gave me. The cowl is deep, and will hide my face, but I don't want to take any chances."

Maz pursed her lips, a hand going to her chin as she considered. "I might know how to get that for you. I will see what I can do."

She rose to leave and Luke spoke once more, hesitantly. "Maz?"

She turned around. "Yes?"

"I may also need a ship of some sort..." Luke felt small suddenly, asking her for so many things. "I can pay for it, but..."

Maz hummed. "That one will be much harder for me to come by, my friend. For now, why don't you see what else you can cook up, huh?"

There was a slight challenge to her tone that gave Luke pause, and he wondered what she meant. A glint of amusement appeared in her eyes and then Maz left him to his thoughts.

00000

Luke, his heavily hooded robe in place, ascended the steps for the first time since his original visit to Maz's cantina. A few heads turned his way but Luke ignored them, his face hidden well enough to protect his identity.

Maz, upon his asking, had told Luke that Mara was indeed still around. She frequently went outside to walk the forest, though she never strayed far enough away to get lost. Luke was a little saddened that in all his days awake, Mara had not once come in to see him.

Not that he could really blame her, he knew. They were practically strangers after all. Still, he'd been hoping for the chance to thank her in person, especially after all she had done for him.

Luke passed through the front doors and took a deep breath of the cool, fresh air outside. A smile graced his lips. There had been a point in his captivity that he'd wished for just one look at something other than his prison walls and the crimson fluids on his floor. He'd longed for freedom, for trees... for fresh air and the peaceful sounds of nature. Occasionally, when he'd been lucid enough to day dream, he'd imagined himself in a forest or on a sea shore.

And now here he was, standing on one of the most beautiful planets Luke had ever seen. The sight brought tears to his eyes, and Luke allowed them free reign for a brief time. Then he wiped them away and stepped into the clearing.

Opening himself to the Force, Luke carefully sought out Mara, whose presence he wasn't entirely familiar with. But how many people would just be out and about in the forest? Most of the patrons who visited here came to the castle and then left.

After some searching, Luke located a female presence some distance away from the castle, and he followed her sense like a siren call.

He took the time as he walked to enjoy the scenery, from the stones and trees to the wildlife he occasionally passed by. Birds were most common, though at one point he spied a large herbivore lumbering by some meters away.

The blue sky was clear as a crystal and Luke loved how rich the color was compared to the city-planet he hailed from. He breathed deeply of the tree scents all around him: some were tangy and sharp while others were more musky or subtle.

Not caring about how long it had been, Luke eventually settled eyes on something that stood out well among all the browns, greys and greens of the woodland.

A flowing shock of red-gold caught his eye and Luke carefully drew closer, not wanting to startle her.

"Mara?" he called tentatively.

She tensed, and her head turned, keen emerald eyes spotting him instantly. When she saw him, she relaxed somewhat, but then looked away.

Stopping a few paces away out of respect, Luke spoke. "May I join you?"

Mara hesitated, and then sighed, gesturing to a spot on a log nearby her own.

Luke's heart lifted somewhat and he took her invitation, settling down and removing his hood. There was no one around to see him except Mara anyway.

"You're looking better." Mara quipped, breaking the silence first.

Luke smiled softly. "I am feeling better, thank you." He eyed her openly, and then continued, his voice showing the depth of his gratitude. "Though I wouldn't even be here had it not been for you."

Mara shifted in place, looking into the distance... but her witty comeback died on her tongue before she could speak it. Finally she settled for a simple answer. "You're welcome."

Luke allowed her some space, enjoying the companionable calm as he took in the view. He'd not realized where exactly they were until just now, and the view was quite dramatic. Not too far away from where they were a sheer drop-off sat, and beyond it was sparkling water, lush forests and even a scattering of small mountains.

And now that he was paying more attention, Luke noted several sunbeams filtering through the canopy overhead. He followed one or two of them with his eyes, enjoying how the green ferns they touched turned a lighter, more vibrant shade of green.

Luke's heart was light by the time he singled out one more random ray and followed it down... to a sight that stole his breath. Blue eyes settled upon the young woman sitting nearby, now haloed in pure sunlight... her red-gold hair glowing as if it were a smoldering fire.

Her skin, a porcelain hue, was like cream, and Luke suddenly wanted to run a hand down her arm... though something told him he'd lose that limb if he did so. Suddenly she turned to regard him, sensing his gaze, and her emerald eyes locked onto his.

Luke swallowed at being caught admiring her, but he didn't hide his awe either. Mara's brow furrowed somewhat, and Luke realized he was unsettling her, so he dropped his gaze with an effort, trying to ground himself in reality once again.

He didn't apologize, however, not wanting to send her mixed signals. But by the stars, Mara was the most stunning girl he'd ever laid eyes on. And thanks to Padmé, he'd seen a lot of them... but none held a candle to Mara's beauty.

"Did you need something other than to thank me?" Mara asked eventually, changing the subject.

Luke shook his head to clear it. "Actually yes. I wondered if I could ask for another favor. I would pay you for this one, of course."

Mara's brow lifted. "I'm listening."

"I need you to bring my sister to me." Luke implored. "Please. We can send her a message to get her away from Coruscant, and then while she's away you can snatch her and bring her here."

Mara considered, eyeing him with a practiced eye. "And what will you do when she's here?"

"Tell her the truth."

Mara frowned. "You trust her?"

"With my life," Luke answered without hesitation. "Leia will not betray me."

Mara put a hand to her chin, considering all the angles before she slowly nodded. "I will not go back to Coruscant, but you get her away from there and I can bring her. But after this I need to return to Karrde. He's going to be mad I was away for so long anyway."

Luke looked to her, and ventured something he'd given a good deal of thought the last few days. "What if you told him you were helping a prospective employee?"

Mara's head turned sharply. "Excuse me?"

Luke didn't back down, keeping his gaze steady on hers. "I would like to speak with Karrde. You offered me a job the first time we met, and I would like to take you up on that... but more of a long-term contract. And with some terms of my own thrown in."

Mara was clearly taken aback, and she straightened. "Are you serious?"

"Yes," Luke answered.

Mara narrowed her eyes and evaluated her companion openly, leaving Luke to wonder how he measured up just then. "Well, I'll take you to meet him, but it's up to Karrde if he accepts you or not. I won't make any promises on his behalf."

Luke inclined his head. "I understand. The opportunity is more than enough at this point."

Mara couldn't contain her curiosity. "Just what did you have in mind, anyway? I mean for your future?"

Luke sighed softly. "Training. I want to be a Jedi, but not in the traditional sense. I need training in the Light side of the Force, and Maz knows someone who can do that. But I also need to not be planet-bound for years. I need to be out and about, learning as I go."

Mara couldn't dismiss that she was intrigued, though his admission on Jedi training had her worried. "You are aware, being the prince and all, that the Jedi are illegal and even hunted like vermin?"

Luke thinned his lips. "No, I hadn't forgotten. But I don't care. I will not just sit by and waste my first real opportunity to be someone. This is my chance to be what I want to be, and not what I am told to be."

He eyed her oddly, head tilted. "You know... you have Force sensitivity too. A strong connection at that."

"No, I will not train." Mara snapped, a little more tartly than she'd intended. "I do not want to be a Jedi."

Luke was a little taken aback at her ferocity, but nor did he take offense. He completely understood. "That's okay. As long as you don't hold my dreams against me... please."

Mara frowned. "Why would I do that?"

Luke mirrored her expression. "Because I'm trying to do something everyone seems convinced is wrong? Because I'm trying to do something that many think is impossible?"

Mara snorted. "Look, your dreams are your own. I may not agree with all your choices, but I am not about to tell you how to live your life. You want to paint a target on your back by learning the Jedi ways? Be my guest. But I don't have to discriminate you for it either."

Luke opened his mouth... then shut it, not quite sure how to take that sentiment. "Um... thank you?"

Mara's lips actually quirked toward a smile, and Luke realized then that he'd just had a glimpse into her personality. This girl was certainly a spitfire... but she also had a good heart, and Luke chuckled, shaking his head.

"I'm going to be teased by you endlessly for this, aren't I?" he asked mildly.

"Probably," Mara admitted, rising. "But let's stop dawdling. We have a princess to help."