Chapter 116
The next few hours seemed to fly by. Preparations for the feast had to be made and more beings were arriving every minute. Ari managed to greet everyone she met, for if she did not know them by name or face, she knew that they were a part of the Alliance and that was enough for her.
Food was laid out outside of the huts in large amounts, some of it Ari had never seen before, but she knew that it had to be better than the rations that they had been surviving on.
Firewood was collected and started to be placed outside of the huts for illumination after nightfall. There was no need to wake up early to plan an attack which meant they could celebrate well into the night. No one spoke those words, but they all felt them and it showed in their carefree attitudes. Ari could not remember the last time she had seen so many happy beings before.
It was almost perfect. Almost because, while there were many beings present, there were still a few of her friends that were not there and she wanted to share this with them. While she tried to tell herself that they were alright, as the darkness overtook the forest moon, she worried a little. It was not that she did not want to celebrate with those that were already there. She just knew it would be a lot better with everyone.
"Someone looks too serious for such a happy time," a voice behind her spoke and Ari had to smile as she turned, recognizing the voice.
"Just thinking," she replied as she hugged Wedge. "I have heard that it was quite a battle."
Wedge gave her a hug in response before letting her go. "It was. You should have been there."
"Oh, we were busy here. Besides, the fireworks were spectacular even from here," she motioned to the remains of the Death Star which was almost impossible to see now. It was fading quickly into nothing as if it had never been there.
"I heard," he nodded. "In fact, the entire galaxy has heard about it."
"What?" Ari asked, perplexed.
"I talked to a few of the others and word has gotten out that the Empire has been destroyed, the Emperor was killed when the Death Star exploded."
"Are they sure he is dead?" Ari questioned. She had felt a change, but did not want to be too hopeful and think such a thought.
"No one is completely sure," he answered. "But it is close enough. Besides, even if he was, he has been defeated."
Ari nodded at this and smiled. "Long live the Alliance," she told him and he gave her a salute before sauntering off to meet with a few of the others.
Glancing around the village, Ari saw the fires being lit, flames starting small but quickly growing in size. Now she could see numerous beings meeting around the fires. Ewoks moved around between various species of Rebels. Conversations were quickly picking up as comrades found one another and each of them knew they would have to tell their story of what they had done.
Seeing that all around her were interested in their conversations, the fires, or the food that was laid out, Ari took this moment to slip away from them. It was not that she did not want to join in the festivities. She just felt that there was something else she had to do. She could not describe it other then a pull to a specific place away from the village.
Casting one last glance over her shoulder, she started to walk down the wooden walkway and soon the sound of her own footsteps and the usual night time sounds could be heard. She was not too certain where she was traveling, but she trusted the Force to lead her.
Once she reached one of the rope ladders, she dropped it down over the side. It made a few sounds as it unfolded by gravity and then silence. Ari tested the end that was tied to the railing, just to be sure, before she started to climb down. It was becoming easier to ascend and descend on these ladders, but she knew that if she was staying there for a long period of time, she would try to come up with a better system.
When she reached the ground, her feet did not make any sound on the soft earth. She paused for a moment to get her bearings before she started down a path that was almost hidden by foliage that had crept over it.
The Force continued to guide her footsteps over the uneven terrain, almost impossible to see in the dark, only catching a glimpse or two when starlight managed to penetrate the forest canopy. She would have considered using a glowrod, but she had left her pack back at the village. She was dressed in her camouflage clothing still, but her helmet was with the rest of her things. She was traveling light, only her lightsaber on her belt, gently brushing against her leg with each step. It was not a feeling that bothered her though. Instead, it was reassuring.
A flicker of light through the trees caught her attention and she knew she was supposed to go closer to it. The faint light seemed red and then orange, colors dancing with one another. Ari knew instinctively what could cause such lighting as she had just seen it minutes earlier in the Ewok village.
Ari's thoughts were confirmed even before she saw the large flames. She had been able to smell the wood burning and she could hear the crackle of the fire as the flames licked at the timber. A few more steps took her to the edge of a clearing among the forest of towering trees and it was here that she stopped, something she would have done even if that Force had not told her that it had called her to this place.
The flames were large, reaching twice the height of an average human male, if not taller. The fire seemed to be roaring as the smoke wafted lazily in the faint breeze as it continued to rise.
Almost immediately, Ari gasped and realized that it was not what one might consider a typical fire. The firewood was laid out in a specific way, creating a crude platform with more logs lining the outside and leaning toward the center slightly.
It was what was in the fire that had caused Ari to gasp though. Through the flames that were licking at the figure there, she saw the infamous helmet that caused fear in the hearts of millions. This was a funeral for the Sith. Ari paused and then shook her head. Luke was sure that part of his father had still there, hidden in Vader. Perhaps this was a funeral fitting for a Jedi.
Ari sensed that she was not alone there and her blue eyes scanned over to the right. "Luke…" she whispered, her voice barely audible to even herself. She was certain she would have noticed him right away if his black clothing had not helped him blend in with the shadows.
She wanted to rush over to him and throw her arms around him, so happy to see him alive. She didn't though. She hung back in the shadows, gazing flickering from the fire to Luke. She could not see all of his features clearly; they were distorted by the shadows and flames. Ari did sense his feelings though, and the first one she picked up on was sadness for the scene set before him.
How long she stood there, she did not know. It seemed like minutes, yet it also seemed like hours. There was no change aside from the fire burning the wood and the armor plating that laid in the middle of the flames.
"I've said my goodbyes."
Ari's gaze turned from the fire to Luke. He was not looking at her, but she knew that he had spoken to her aloud. His voice had been quiet, fitting for the moment.
"I did not want to intrude," Ari whispered back as she stepped a bit closer, no longer in the shadows, she could feel the light from the flames on her.
"You aren't," he answered. He still was not looking at her, eyes almost transfixed on the fire.
Ari came closer to him, glancing from the fire and then back to him. She paused when she reached him, studying his features. He looked different, and it was not just a trick due to the flickering light. He looked more pensive than she had ever seen him. The change, whatever it was, was radiating from inside him.
"Luke…" she whispered, and he finally looked over at her. The change was still there, but she could see the Luke that she knew and loved was looking back at her. She offered a small smile and then wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly.
He hugged her back tightly, cheek resting on the top of her head for a moment. They stood there like that, neither of them speaking. They did not have to though. The couple was just glad that each other was alright.
A few minutes passed before Luke pulled back ever so slightly, arms still around her, he was not holding her as tightly. Feeling the shift, Ari looked up at him, arms still around his chest.
She looked up at him and her eyes met his for the first time since his departure the previous night. In the light of the fire, she saw the smallest flicker of a smile come over his features before he leaned over and kissed her.
Ari returned the kiss, arms tightening around him ever so slightly. The kiss was sweet and lasted only for a moment. However, what the two shared in those precious seconds were their feelings of relief, happiness and loss.
When they pulled back, Ari felt her eyes water and for a moment, she thought that she saw Luke's eyes glisten. However, she could not be certain. She did not concern herself with it though. Instead, she just rested her head on his shoulder, arms still around him, watching the fire continue to blaze.
Luke tilted his head ever so slightly so it rested on hers for a moment as he tightened his embrace. They stood like that for some time as the flames consumed everything, turning the suit and wood into ash.
In the near silence, as Luke lifted his head again, he spoke. His voice was strong, yet quiet. "I burn his armor and with it, the name Darth Vader. May the name of Anakin Skywalker be a light that guides the Jedi for generations to come."
That answered the last question that Ari had. She would still ask him about it, but knew that now was not the time. There would be time later enough for questions. What she did know was that, somehow, Vader was destroyed and Anakin Skywalker had taken his place. Perhaps it was not until his last dying breath, but Luke's father had redeemed himself.
A bit more time passed and Ari could now hear a few shouts of celebration from the Ewok village. It appeared they were not as far as she had thought. Luke must have heard them as well, but he did not glance around to find the source. Instead, he once more looked at the pyre and spoke. "Rest well, Father. The Force is with you," he whispered and then glanced back at Ari. "We should get back to the others."
Ari nodded and managed a small smile, which he returned. She pulled away from his arms and felt that the night air was a bit chillier than what it had been a moment ago. Slipping her hand into his, she gave it a comforting squeeze. It was his prosthetic hand, but it looked and felt like a real hand. Ari knew his dislike for it, but she did not care.
Luke was still looking at the fire, which was dying down. Soon only ash would remain to symbolize a creature of evil, and the man who sacrificed his life for his son. A small tug on his hand brought Luke's attention back to Ari. He looked over at her and saw in her eyes that she was still worried for him. He gave her a small smile to assure her that he was alright and she returned it with a larger smile.
"I love you Luke Skywalker," she told him, for the first time, their voices were a bit louder than a whisper.
"And I love you Arianna Narabe," he smiled. He slid hand out of hers and wrapped his hand around her waist as they walked back to the Ewok Village. The sounds of music and cheering could be heard, helping lead the two Jedi to the village. Then Ari heard another sound; explosions booming through the air. These were not the explosions of war though. Instead, they were explosions caused by fireworks that some of the fighters were shooting off high above the trees.
From where Luke and Ari stood, they could only see part of the fireworks, a flash or two of color. "I still think that the best fireworks were earlier today," Ari managed a smile and motioned to where the Death Star used to be.
Luke nodded. "I agree." He put one hand on the rung of the rope ladder and started to climb, Ari followed just a few rungs below him. Neither of them shook the ladder much as they moved, which made the climb easier, and faster.
Luke slowed after a moment and then stopped, looking off at something in the distance, a small smile on his face.
"What is it?" Ari asked him, attempting to see what he was looking at, but her view obstructed by a leafy branch.
Luke climbed up a few more rungs then motioned for her to do the same. "Look."
Climbing to Luke's previous spot, Ari had a clear view of what he was looking at. "Force…" she whispered, eyes widening slightly. She could see a nearby area where the trees were not as close together, and the land looked like a meadow, a few groups of trees spotting the area. Stretching from this spot and further, into the rolling hills and wooded lands, Ewok victory fires could be seen. There were dozens of them and when Ari focused, she could see shapes moving around them, which would only be Ewoks. There had to be hundreds of them, she realized with surprise. Many of them, if not all of them, had some part in helping them win against the Empire. She smiled to herself, touched by this scene.
When she felt the ladder shift, Ari knew it was time to continue climbing and she did so, following Luke. Reaching the walkway first, Luke offered his hand to Ari and helped her with the final step to the more stable platform.
Luke took her hand and started to lead her down the path, but she paused. "I have to pull up the ladder. I don't expect trouble, but one can never be certain," she explained to him. He nodded as Ari pulled her hand out of his grasp though she did not want to. She went to the ladder and started to pull it up, then paused as she saw Luke reaching to help her pull it up.
Ari smiled slightly at this and leaned over, kissing his cheek. "Go on, Luke."
He turned to her, a bit surprised, but he knew what she meant. "Are you sure?" He glanced at the ladder and then back to her.
"Yes," she nodded. She smiled slightly then kissed him gently. "I'll be there in a moment."
Luke returned the kiss and then tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. "I'll be waiting." He gave her one last look and then started down the walkway.
Ari knew he wanted to see Leia, Han and the others, but she also knew that he would want to stay with her. So, she had told him to go ahead. Besides, it allowed her a moment to think about how things had changed, or how they hadn't. Luke still loved her and she still loved him. Even though something had changed within him, he was still Luke.
Then her thoughts went to the others. She felt foolish for ever feeling jealous about the connection that Luke and Leia shared. Leia was a very kind, strong person and she was glad that they had found each other. Luke had always wanted a sibling and while he had Ari, Jett and the others, he had admitted that he did not think it was the same as he thought having a real sibling would. Han was still as cocky and sarcastic as ever, but he was not longer a rogue. He cared about others and had proved himself a loyal friend numerous times. Lando, Chewie and the droids were still as they always were. They had remained dedicated not just to the Rebel Alliance, but to the beings they met.
The ladder had not taken long to pull up and Ari set the tangled bundle of rope onto the walkway before she headed toward the village. She could hear the beat of drums and smiled to herself, glad to see that the celebration was not just continuing, but seeming to grow.
"Hey, Ari!"
Ari grinned as she heard her name called, knowing who it was before she saw him. "Lando!"
"General to you," he teased as he hugged her and she smiled as she hugged him back.
"I see you made it one piece," she complimented him.
"I did, the Falcon wasn't so lucky, but I'll tell Han that later," he winked at her and she couldn't help but laugh. "But you missed all the excitement up there."
"Well, you missed the excitement down here," she countered. "But it was quite a show from what we saw."
"Oh it was. And someone here could tell you all about it." He turned and gave a whistle. A moment later Arfour appeared. The droid gave a squeal of delight and rushed over to Ari who had no problem dropping to her knees to hug the droid.
"Arfour!" she exclaimed. "It is good to see you." The little droid beeped at her a few times, clearly glad to be done with battle and back with her. "Well, don't worry. The next chance we get, you are going to recharge, get an oil bath and maybe some buffing," she patted the droid's head as she got to her feet. Arfour clearly enjoyed this and made a few happy beeping noises before going over to Threepio and Artoo.
Ari then caught sight of Luke, staring into the dark. A smile was on his features and he finally looked relaxed.
She walked over to him and slid her hand into his with a small smile. He glanced over at her and the back into the darkness, a smile still on his features. However, it was not completely dark. She saw three figures that seemed to glow with an inner light. While somewhat transparent, she could still see their features. One she noted immediately as Ben, looking as he did the day he was cut down on the Death Star. Next to him was a small alien creature who Ari could only assume was Yoda, who had taught Luke a lot about being a Jedi. Then there was the third figure. It was a young man, about the age that Luke was, wearing robes similar to Ben's. Ari gasped as realization struck her. His smile was the smile that she had seen many times growing up. It was the same that she saw when she was with Luke. That had to be Anakin Skywalker, the real Anakin, before the mask and before he turned to the Dark Side.
Luke put his arm around Ari's waist and she leaned comfortably against him, so glad that he was alive and well. He kissed the top of her head before resting it there, both gazing at the spectral figures.
"The Force is balanced once more," Ari whispered. "As it should be."
Luke nodded, eyes still shining. "The fire of the Jedi is back in the universe. To be seen by friend and foe for many years to come. The Jedi have returned."
AN: This is the end of the films, but this is not the end of the story. There are still more adventures to be had by this unsung hero before the saga reaches its conclusion.