The Pull to the Light

Chapter XI

Chiara left the lounge, no longer able to hold back her tears. As Han had told the story, the only thing she could see were images of that night flashing before her eyes. Images of her failure, both to her best friend and consequently to all of the younglings at the camp.

"Chiara?" She heard a soft voice ask as he approached.

She quickly wiped away her tears and replied, "do you need me for something, Han?"

"You knew him, didn't you? You knew my son," he spoke, approaching her and placing his hand on her shoulder. "You looked familiar, I just couldn't place you. But now that I realize it, you are exactly as Luke described." He paused for a second and then continued, "It wasn't your fault, you know."

Chiara looked up at him, noticing that he too had tears glistening in his hazel eyes. She shook her head, "It was more my fault than yours or Luke's. He was my best friend, I should have been able to save him."

"You did the best you could, Luke told me how you practically refused to leave his side once you realized that he was changing. There wasn't any more you could do, kid."

"You don't understand! I was the one closest to him! I should have been able to keep him from the dark side! I failed and it resulted in the death of almost everyone I ever knew!"

"It wasn't your fault, Chiara. Besides, blaming yourself isn't going to bring him back. He's gone and now we just have to live with that," Han comforted, holding her to his chest.

"I can't live with that, there has to be a way to save him. I know it is possible to get the old Ben back, there is a way. There is still light in him, I'm sure of it," Chiara sobbed, thankful for Han's support.

"And if anyone can bring him back, it will be you," he whispered in her ear, rubbing her back as his own tears slipped from his eyes.

They were interrupted by yet another alarm, this one different from the others. Han pulled away from the hug, "This is our stop."

The young Jedi nodded, and attempted to coverup the fact that she had been crying as Han left for the cockpit. She knew Han was right and she shouldn't keep kicking herself over what had happened but she couldn't help but wonder if she could have prevented all of this had she been stronger.

As she felt the ship land, Chiara straightened herself out and headed towards the ramp of the Falcon, finding Finn talking to Han. "Solo, I'm not sure what we're walking into here. A few details would be welcome."

"Did you just call me 'Solo?'" Han replied, with a somewhat amused look in his eye. After having two heart to hearts, well really one and a half, since his discussion with Rey didn't really count, it was nice to have a less emotional conversation with his third passenger.

"Sorry—Han. Mr. Solo. Look, I'm not asking for information lightly. I'm a pretty big deal in the Resistance. Which puts a real target on my back. I just need to know that there won't be any conspirators here, okay? No First Order sympathizers? 'Cause they'd be looking out for me now, and I don't need any surprises," Finn continued, unaware that Chiara was watching from the shadows.

"Surprises. Yeah, you're right. No matter where you go, no matter who you happen to run into, the galaxy's just full of surprises," he spoke before turning serious. "Listen, big deal, you've got another problem. A bigger problem. Much more serious than worrying about First Order sympathizers. It's this: Women always figure out the truth." Han handed the man a blaster and added, "Always."

Chiara's lips twitched upwards, almost forming a smile as the look on Finn's face confirmed what she had already been suspecting. The whole Resistance thing was only so Rey would like him more, she just didn't understand how Rey didn't realize it as well.

Chiara emerged from the shadows and brushed past Finn just as Han had and Finn wondered if she had heard the whole thing. Dismissing it, Finn, too, left the ship and found Rey and Han discussing something outside the Falcon.

The old man then turned and told Chewbacca to stay with the ship before leading them through the forest until approaching an impressive piece of architecture.

"Why are we here again?" Finn asked as they began to climb the large steps leading up to the entrance of the building.

"To get your droid on a clean ship," Han replied. "Do you think it was luck that Chewie and I found the Falcon? If we can find it on our scanners, the First Order's not far behind. The galaxy's full of watering holes, but nothing like this place. It's been run by an old smuggler named Maz Kanata for a thousand years. Want to get Beebee-Ate to the Resistance? Maz is our best bet. The most important thing here is to keep a low profile, stay under the radar. Maz is a bit of an acquired taste. So let me do the talking. And whatever you do, don't stare."

The other three all asked the same question simultaneously. "At what?"

"Any of it," Han replied simply, opening the large doors.

Inside there was an interesting display of life. Creatures from all planets were gathered, drinking, gambling, eating, scheming, negotiating, arguing, or appearing to want to slit each other's throats. Heading Han's advice, the three of them glanced over their surroundings, but made sure their gaze did not linger too long on any given point.

"HAAAAAN SOLO?!" A loud voice bellowed from a small woman with almost gold colored skin. She was dressed in baggy maroon pants, handmade boots, a blue-green sweater-like top with its sleeves rolled up, a charcoal colored vest, and a leather belt fashioned with a silvery material.

The whole hall went still, everyone turning to see the infamous smuggler and Han spoke, almost a little annoyed, "Maz..."

"Under the radar, perfect," Finn muttered under his breath.

"You still in business?" Han asked, figuring they should probably be as quick as possible now that the whole building knew that they were there.

"Barely!" came Maz's reply. "Thanks to a certain mooch who still hasn't paid me back after nearly twenty years. Can you imagine something so horrible?"

"I might be able to," Han spoke with a ghost of a smile on his face.

Maz then asked, "Where's my boyfriend?"

"Chewie's repairing the Falcon," Han answered.

"I like that Wookiee. I'm so sorry,"she spoke, abruptly changing the topic and speaking to Chiara, Rey, and Finn.

"For what?" Rey asked, appearing a little nervous as to what Maz was referring to.

"Whatever trouble he's dragged you into," Maz replied. "Come! Sit! I assume you need something desperately. Well, let's get this over with."

...

Kind of an awkward place to stop but I didn't want this chapter to run too long! And I told you the first Han/Chiara moment was coming up! I really hope you like it!

Favorite species from Star Wars?