Hoth One Month Later:
In the Month that followed Padme's arrival on Hoth, Luke and Mara grew closer in their relationship as a couple. Luke and Leia bonded with their mother and younger sister almost instantly and they spent a lot of time together as a family.
Luke in the time that he wasn't with Mara, Would take Vima on flights in his X-Wing or spend evenings with his Mother and younger Sister.
Mara would often join them. Mara and Leia were best friends and whenever they weren't with their boyfriends, they were together and often Padme and Vima were with them.
Han and Luke allowed their brotherly bond to grow and, often They were together. Han looked to Padme as a mother figure and even respected her. She was the mother that he had never had growing up.
Luke and Leia had become fast friends with Lando Calrissian who was now an Alliance Officer and as devoted to the war as they were.
Chewbacca was always a part of social family activities and he had taken a huge liking to Vima. Vima and Chewie had become fast friends and Vima would often join Chewbacca and together the two of them would work on the Falcon with Han and R2.
Ben, had continued to mentor to Luke and Leia as well as Vima and Mara.
Now, at this very point, he had decided that Luke's training was complete. It was time for Luke to face Master Yoda for the trials.
Trials that he knew that the boy would pass.
Obi-Wan smiled, A fully trained Jedi Knight young Skywalker would soon be, He looked over at Luke with a smile as he noticed the Boy sparing with Mara.
He noticed that the young couple appeared to be playing more than actually seriously sparring.
He smiled and spoke, "That is all for the day. I think that the two of you can go have dinner and enjoy your time together."
Luke and Mara nodded as Obi-Wan spoke, "Luke you have to leave for Dagobah tomorrow. There, You will be given the trials by Master Yoda."
"Tomorrow?" asked Luke in shock.
Obi-Wan nodded as he noticed a sad look on Mara's face, "Don't worry Mara he won't be gone more than a few days. When he returns he will also bring Yoda out of exile with him."
Luke looked at the Jedi Master and smiled, "Thank you for believing in me Master."
Obi-Wan nodded and spoke, "I can teach you nothing else at this point. It is time for you to reach Knighthood. Once that happens, I want you to take Vima as your Padawan."
Luke nodded, "I would be honored to train my Sister."
Obi-Wan smiled at Luke and spoke, "You're even younger than your father was when he was Knighted, You're going to become a great Jedi Master Luke. People will be talking about you for thousands of years."
Luke nodded in silence.
Luke then turned to Mara and took her hand. Together, the young couple left the training room with eager smiles.
Mara held Luke's hand as she spoke, "So you're going to be a Knight finally?"
Luke nodded with an eager smile, "It is going to be weird to be a Knight."
Mara nodded as she saw Vima running towards them, "Looks like somebody is excited."
Luke smiled as Vima spoke, "Luke I am almost ready to put my crystal into my Lightsaber. I can't believe it. I am almost a Jedi."
Luke smiled, "Guess who your Master is going to be."
"Obi-Wan of course."
Luke shook his head, "Obi-Wan is going to have me take over your training after I am Knighted in a few days. I will be training you."
"Me?" asked Vima.
Luke nodded as Vima smiled at him with an eager smile, "I can't wait to become your Apprentice. Will I get my own X-Wing?"
Luke frowned, "Vima not yet but someday soon."
Vima smiled at her brother with an eager smile as, Luke sensed his mother approaching.
He noticed his Mother walking towards them with Mon Mothma and spoke, "Where is Leia?"
"She's with Han," replied Padme.
Luke nodded and spoke, "I am going to be Knighted in a few days."
"I heard, take care of yourself while you're gone."
Luke smiled as his mother hugged him.
Mon then spoke, "Where is Master Kenobi right now Commander?"
"In the training room. He'll be out soon."
Mon nodded in silence.
Padme then spoke, "I am guessing that you're going to be leaving in the morning."
Luke nodded, "I thought that we can have a family dinner before I leave."
"I like that Idea," replied Padme.
Luke smiled as Vima spoke, "I'm gonna go find Chewie then."
Luke laughed as Vima left.
Mon then spoke, "She seems fairly attached to the Wookiee.
"She is attached to both Solo and the Wookiee and, they're really good with her," stated Padme.
Mon nodded as she spoke, "I am so glad to have you Padme at our side. I mean, missed you so much for the last decade and a half."
Padme nodded, "I have missed having a life. I mean I don't even know the status of my family."
Mon frowned, "I should have told you, forgive me."
"What do you know Mon?" asked Padme eagerly.
"Well, As of three years ago, Your parents were both alive and well and the same is for your sister and brother in law. I only know because Pooja was Senator of Naboo and we used to talk together quite a bit."
"Pooja served as Senator?" asked Padme with admiration for her niece.
Mon smiled, "It caused quite a stir in the family apparently, at least your mom was pretty angry over it."
"Let her be, Wait until she hears that I was a smuggler for three years."
Mon shook her head in amusement.
Mon then spoke, "I am joining General Dodonna and Master Kenobi for dinner. I will see you later."
Padme nodded as Mon left.
She then led Luke and Mara towards the Cafeteria.
Vima approached the Millennium Falcon, to see Leia and Han kissing Passionately as Chewbacca climbed down from the Falcon.
"Han, Leia mom wants us to join her for a family dinner. Luke is leaving tomorrow."
"Where is he going Cub?" asked Chewie with a roar.
"Somewhere for his Jedi trials. Come on."
Han looked at Vima and spoke, "Alright Kid, Hey you did a good job on my ship today."
Vima smiled, "Thank you Han."
Han nodded as he tousled Vima's hair.
Vima then followed Han and Leia towards the Cafeteria with Chewie at her side.
Luke watched as Han and Leia arrived at the table with Chewie and Vima and spoke, "Look after Mara for me while I am gone."
"You know me kid."
"No that's my job," stated Leia.
"No that is actually my job," stated Padme.
Luke shook his head, "Alright whatever, Everyone look after Mara."
Padme laughed in response.
"My son a Jedi Knight? It seems like yesterday when it was your father who was Knighted. This is so weird."
"Obi-Wan says that I am even younger than he was when he was granted Knighthood."
"He's right, Perhaps you're just a better Jedi," Said Padme.
Luke realized much to his shock that his mother had mean what she had said.
He frowned, "You meant thad didn't you?"
Padme nodded with a slight tear in her eye, "Make sure that you don't end up like him son."
Luke nodded in silence.
After eating dinner, Luke kissed his mother on the cheek before kissing Mara passionately and hugging Vima and, Leia. He said goodnight to Han and Chewie before heading to his quarters to sleep. He knew that he would be leaving for Dagobah early in the morning so he went to bed as soon as possible to get a good amount of sleep.
The next morning, Luke awoke and, quickly showered and dressed before taking his travel bag. As he left his quarters, He saw an all to familiar redhead waiting for him.
Luke immediately took Mara in his arms and kissed her, "I will be back soon Mara. I promise you that I will be back soon."
Mara in response kissed Luke passionately as she spoke, "I will miss you Luke. I love you."
"I love you too Mara."
Luke then turned to see his Mother approaching him.
"I am very proud of you Son. I love you, take care of yourself."
Luke nodded as Leia and Han approached him, Han spoke, "Be careful kid."
"You too Han."
Chewie then roared as Luke tickled his neck and hugged him tightly as he told him to take care of himself.
"Ok Chewie Ok."
Vima then hugged Luke as Leia hugged him.
Luke then left his family after kissing Mara one more time and headed for his Starfighter.
Within the Hanger Bay, Obi-Wan stood in his Jedi Robes as 3PO spoke to R2 who was being placed into the socket of Luke's X-Wing.
"R2 you take good care of Master Luke."
"VEEP BEEP."
"And do take good care of yourself," stated 3PO as he left.
Obi-Wan shook his head and, laughed as he heard the overly worrying droid babbling about Luke's safety.
At that moment, Luke appeared in his flight suit with his helmet at his side.
Obi-Wan smiled, "Be careful my young Padawan."
"I will be careful Master."
Obi-Wan smiled as Luke hugged him, "Thank you for your training Master."
Obi-Wan nodded, "I will be here when you get back. Make sure that you listen to Master Yoda."
Luke nodded, "Yes Master."
Obi-Wan then turned and, Left his Padawan with a smile.
Luke then spoke into his comlink, "R2 are the engines ready?"
"VEEPBEEP."
"Good let's get moving."
Luke's X-Wing then lifted off as Mara watched him fly off from the edge of the Hanger Bay.
Luke soon flew into the Atmosphere of Hoth and soon was out of the Planet's orbit.
He then made his jump into Hyperspace and disappeared.
Dagobah: A few hours Later:
Luke looked at his Control systems as he flew his X-Wing Into the foggy atmosphere of Dagobah.
Using the Force, He successfully found some stable ground and landed the X-wing Fighter without a problem.
He then emerged from his X-Wing as he looked around him at the swampy landscape.
Luke soon sound some flat land and, after removing his flightsuit, He gathered several of his supplies as he made a makeshift camp with R2.
Luke then sat down to eat some of his rations.
R2 beeped out to him as he spoke, "This is sure a strange place to find a Jedi Master. This place gives me the creeps," stated Luke.
R2 beeped in response as Luke reached out in the Force and sensed a strong Force Presence nearby. He turned and looked, To see a small green creature perched on a branch watching him intently.
Luke gasped in shock, Ben and his Mother had told him about Yoda being fairly small but this was Yoda? He was only two feet tall, He had all green skin with long pointy ears, He didn't look like much more than a Jawa or Monkey Lizard.
Luke then spoke, "Yoda?"
"Mmmm, Found me you did. Small I may be but size matters not Young Skywalker."
Luke nodded as Yoda spoke, "Here you are for your trials, Hmmm?"
"Yes Master, I am ready, I am not afraid."
Yoda looked at Luke and grimly spoke, "You will be, You will be."
Luke nodded as Yoda spoke, "Mmm, Come eat we will."
Luke not knowing what else to do followed the ancient Jedi Master who was laughing as he led him towards his tiny hut.
Executor:
Vader sat in his office as he looked at his Son and Daughter's wanted posters. It had been one month to the day since he had injured his son. Was his son alright? How much did he emotionally hurt the boy? Did he fully recover from the injury? What about Leia? He had tortured her three years before and last month, he had shocked her with Sith Lightning. How could he have done such a thing? How could he have hurt his own children? The Dark Lord hung his head in shame over all that he had done. He looked down at his two hands. In his Mechanical hand, He held his Sith Lightsaber, The Lightsaber of Darth Vader.
In his Left hand, He held his old Jedi Lightsaber, The Lightsaber of Anakin Skywalker.
Both the same man, Yet both in many ways different men. Anakin Skywalker would never have abused his family like he had. Anakin Skywalker was a good husband and would have been a better father if he hadn't been transformed into Vader.
What he had done had costed him everything, He had lost all of his family because of the choices that he had made. He had chased them all away.
He had abused Padme and treated her like an object, he still carried the guilt from all that he had done to his Angel. How could he have made her into an object instead of his wife.
He frowned as he looked at his two lightsabers. Without a word, He placed his Jedi Lightsaber in the drawer of his desk before leaving his Office.
A short time later, Vader approached the Command Bridge of the Executor to see Admiral Piett issuing orders.
Piett smiled and approached him, "Orders my Lord?"
Vader shook his head, "Any reports?"
"None my Lord. Perhaps we should try setting another trap for your son. Then maybe you can talk to him."
Vader shook his head, "Luke isn't stupid, He knows that laying low is the best thing that he can do right now. I don't think that he will want to talk to me either. There is already bad blood."
"Because of Bespin?"
"More of what has been done to his mom, He knows."
Piett nodded in silence.
Vader then spoke, "if it was my mother, I can't say that I would be any different. You saw what I did to Gardulla last month."
Piett grimly nodded. "If my dad had put a collar on my Mom's neck, There would certainly be bad blood."
"Don't say it Firmus, I can't blame him either. In fact, I deserve it. I deserve his hate, He is a far better man than I am at age nineteen."
"You know that just after one meeting My Lord?"
Vader nodded, "He didn't fight me on Bespin with the intention of killing me. It was all about protecting his mother and his sisters as well as the Assassin."
"Oh yes. Jade is her name Correct?"
Vader nodded as Piett spoke, "Does the Emperor know about that yet?"
Vader shook his head, "And I didn't tell you about her. Knowing some of the things that you know could cost you your life."
Piett nodded, "I hope he is dead by then."
Vader nodded as he spoke, "He will be, When that day comes, I want to enjoy your life with your family. You deserve that."
Piett smiled at Vader in response as Vader spoke, "How was your month off?"
"It was wonderful My Lord. I was wondering if I can ask you a favor?"
"Certainly."
"She is three months along and I was wondering if I can have time off for the..."
"No questions asked Admiral, You can have that time off."
"Thank you Sir."
Vader then spoke, "So I was looking at the list of our new recruits and, I saw that another Piett was listed."
"That would be my nephew, Kirkland."
"Ah your nephew?"
Piett nodded, "He is way younger than me, He got through the Academy early and he's even better than me. He always wanted to be like me. That is why he's where he's at."
Vader smiled, "Good, I am pleased to have another Piett onboard this ship."
"Thank you Sir."
Vader then spoke, "Hold our position, I am going to go and study the systems that my Son may target. I think we may just anchor ourselves in one of them and wait for him."
"Very good sir."
Vader then turned and, Left the bridge.
Dagobah: Three Days Later:
Luke awoke on the third and final day of his training, to see a bowl of Yoda's slop waiting for him. One thing for certain, he knew that he would be looking forward to being back on Hoth just for the food.
He took the gruel and spooned it into his mouth in disgust before dressing in his pants and his tank top. He left the hut to see Yoda ending his mediation.
"Ready are you?"
Luke nodded as Yoda climbed inside of the small backpack that was waiting for him. Luke then took Yoda and strapped him onto his back as he began to run through the Swampy Woods with Yoda on his Back.
For three days, He had showed Yoda his lightsaber skills, His Force Abilities, His Stamina as well as his patience.
Today, He had a special test that was waiting for him. A test that he was still clueless about.
Yoda had said little about the test that was awaiting him aside from the fact that it would be the final test.
As Luke Ran and Force flipped through the Jungle, Yoda spoke to him, "Remember, A Jedi's strength flows from the Force. Beware of fear, Anger, Hatred, The Dark Side. Consume you it will and destroy you it will as it did Obi-Wan's Apprentice."
"My Father," stated Luke grimly.
Yoda nodded as Luke spoke, "Is the Dark Side stronger?"
"No, Easier it is and power gained faster but stronger it is not."
Luke nodded as Yoda spoke, "Head back we will, No more will I teach you today."
Luke obediently began his hike through the Jungle as he approached Yoda's Hut.
He then set Yoda down on a Hut and at that moment, He felt the Dark Side of the Force nearby.
"There is something out there. I can feel it, I feel cold."
Yoda shook his head as Luke picked up his utility belt.
"Leave your weapons, You will not need them."
Luke shook his head and buckled on his belt as he headed towards the dark cave nearby.
He entered the Cave after climbing and hiking and, Soon he found himself looking into the darkness ahead.
Right before him, Appeared the robed image of Darth Vader, His father.
Luke immediately activated his green lightsaber as Vader's red lightsaber appeared.
Luke struggled against his father as they fought and soon, He noticed his father's strength dwindling. He took advantage of Vader's dwindling strength and severed his head.
But, The head that fell to the ground wasn't the head of Darth Vader.
Luke was looking at himself.
He looked at himself in shock and horror.
Then he realized what he had just done, He had faced the Darkness of what he had the potential to become and he had vanquished it.
He immediately turned and left the cave knowing what he was taking with him.
He thought in horror of the fact that he could become just like his father. Yoda was right, He was afraid after all.
Luke then left the Cave and, Saw Yoda waiting for him.
Yoda then pulled out his lightsaber and spoke, "Kneel before me Young Skywalker."
Luke nodded as the Jedi Master ignited his green Lightsaber.
Yoda then spoke, "Confer on you the Level of Jedi Knight I do young Skywalker. Passed your trials you have. Vanquished the darkness within you you have, Your Master has done a fine job with you. A true Jedi you are now."
Luke nodded as Yoda placed his blade over each one of his shoulders before speaking, "Rise Luke Skywalker, Knight of the new Jedi Order and the first of the new you are."
Luke then Stood as Yoda spoke, "Packed we are Mmm yes?"
"Yes Master we certainly are packed," replied Luke who was still in shock from his Cave experience as well as his Knighting.
"Mmmm Good, Go we will. Return out of Exile I will. Assist the Alliance with my final years of Life I will."
"Very well Master."
A short time later, Luke and Yoda approached Luke's X-Wing Fighter together. R2 was already in his socket and Luke immediately slipped into his flight suit.
Luke then allowed Yoda to climb onto his shoulders as he climbed towards the X-Wing.
"R2 start us up."
Luke then climbed into the cockpit as Yoda contently settled on his lap.
"A fine pilot you are, like your father."
Luke nodded, "That is what Obi-Wan has said. I have already had a few dogfights with my Father and he is indeed the best Pilot in the Galaxy."
"Mmmm, more experience he has."
"Of course, He's a far better pilot than I am. I mean he was flying Podracers when he was a child."
"Mmmm,Yes true he was indeed."
"Master Yoda, Didn't you tell me that most of the Council sensed the lingering darkness that was in him in the beginning?"
Yoda nodded, "Even Obi-Wan at age twenty five. Yet honored Qui-Gon's dying wish he insisted upon. Thankful I am though or no hope for the Galaxy would we have."
"You mean me?"
"And your sisters, Children have you will when you marry Mara."
Luke frowned, "You don't have anything against us marrying?"
"Mmmm no, The future of the Jedi Order your children will be. Marry and have children you and your sisters must."
"I understand Master," stated Luke as he flew the X-Wing away from Dagobah.
Moments later, Luke and Yoda along with R2, Disappeared into Hyperspace.
Alright that is it for now, More will be up soon.
Thank you for reading and reviewing. I will have more up soon.
-Fallen Jedi 79
