The Empire's Fall (Pt.3)

Chapter Eight: Who Am I?

(Darth Vader's POV)

I walk down the ramp of the shuttle that I have taken down to the Endor moon. I walk toward another ramp, and am met by two troopers, a commander, and my son and daughter. While my children are in binders, they only look up at me calmly.

"These are two Rebels that surrendered to us. Although they both deny it, I believe there may be more of them, and I request permission to conduct a further search of the area."

The commander opens his hand, revealing two lightsabers. No doubt Luke and Leeda's.

"They were armed only with these."

I look over at my children, then turn and face the commander, taking both lightsabers from him.

"Good work, Commander. Leave us. Conduct your search and bring their companions to me."

'Really? Way to get them on our side!'

'Shut up, Skywalker. I have things to do.'

"Yes, my Lord."

The commander and troopers leave. My children and I are left standing alone in the tranquility of this planet. I can hear the sounds of the forest outside filter in here.

"The Emperor has been expecting you."

'Would you stop?'

"We know, father," Leeda says.

"So, you have accepted the truth."

"We've accepted the truth that you were once Anakin Skywalker, our father," Luke picks up for his sister.

"That name no longer has any meaning for me."

'Hmph. Says the guy who talks to me on a regular basis.'

'Only because I have no choice.'

"It is the name of your true self," Leeda says. "You've only forgotten. We know there is good in you. The Emperor hasn't driven it from you fully."

"That is why you couldn't destroy us. That's why you won't bring us to your Emperor now."

I look down from the twins and toward their lightsabers.

'Listen to them! You know they're right. Otherwise I wouldn't be talking to you."

"I see you have constructed new lightsabers."

I ignite both of them, one in each of my hands. The smaller, more compact one, which I assume is Leeda's, is purple, it's different. Very different.

'It suits her.'

'I will give you this one, Skywalker. It does.'

And the one I assume to be Luke's is green. A traditional color, but a well-built lightsaber nonetheless.

"Your skills are complete. Indeed, you are powerful, as the Emperor has foreseen."

"Come with us," Leeda pleads. She may only state it, but I can hear in her tone, that she is pleading with me.

"Ileema and Obi-Wan once thought as you do."

'Listen to them then!'

Both of them take a few steps closer, but then stop. I am only still.