War Zone | Luke Skywalker

29 | Sister

Mara's stomach churned as she was hung upside down to a wooden pole, along with the others. Her heart pounded inside of her chest as the small Ewoks hummed in contentment.

"Somehow I got the feeling that didn't help us very much."

As they stood them up, Mara looked at Luke, who looked back at her.
"Where is Threepio?" He asked.
Mara tilted her head. "Over there on his new throne."

The golden droid sat in a wooden chair as Ewoks around him "worshipped" him.

"Threepio, tell them if they don't let us go, you will become very angry, and use your powers."

"Master Luke, what powers?"
"Just tell them."

Mara looked at him and smiled as the droid told them. She knew exactly what he was doing.

"They seem to not believe me."

Luke closed his eyes, and the Force lifted C-3PO's chair, causing him and the Ewoks to shriek. Mara grinned as 3PO moved through the air.

As an Ewok freed them, he set him back on the ground.

Leia appeared as Han was freed, and she hugged him.
As Luke was freed, Mara sighed of relief before jumping into his arms. She placed her lips to his as he held her close.

***

Every one of them sat inside one of the Ewok's homes as C-3PO and R2 told a story of the Empire.

Leia sat with her arm locked with Han's, and Mara stood against the doorway with Luke's arm around her.

Luke felt as if it was the time to tell Leia about what he had discovered from Yoda. He shifted uncomfortably before rubbing Mara's back, and disappearing outside.

Leia sensed he wanted to see her, and she followed.

The two stood on the wooden plank bridge as Luke turned to Leia. "Luke, what's wrong?"

Luke swallowed. "Leia, do you remember your mother? Your real mother?"
Leia smiled. "Just a little bit. She died when I was very young."
"What do you remember?"

Leia thought for a moment. "Just images, really. Feelings."
"Tell me."
"She was very beautiful, kind... But sad. Why are you asking me this?"

Luke stared. "I have no memory of my mother. I never knew her."
"Luke tell me what's troubling you."
"Vader's here, now; on this moon."
"How do you know?" Leia asked.

Luke stiffened. "I felt his presence. He's come for me. He can feel when I'm near, that's why I have to go. As long as I'm here I'm endangering the group and their mission. I have to face him."

"Why?"

Luke paused for a moment, nervous to see her reaction. "He's my father."

Leia stared in shock. "Your father?"
"There's more. It won't be easy for you to hear but you must. If I don't make it back, you're the only hope for the alliance."
"Luke don't talk that way! You have a power I don't understand, and could never have!"

"You're wrong, Leia. You have that power too. In time, you will learn to use it as I have."

She was silent.

"The Force is strong in my family. My father has it, I have it... And... My sister, has it."

Leia stared blankly. "Yes, it's you, Leia."
She looked down. "I know... Somehow, I've always known."
"Then you know why I have to face him."

"No! Luke, run away! Far away! If he can feel your presence then leave this place, I wish I could go with you."
"No you don't." He said as he stood to his feet. "You've always been strong."
"But why must you confront him?"

"Because, there is good in him, I've felt it."
"He won't turn me to the Emperor I can save him and I can turn him back to the good side."
"I have to try."

Luke lowered to her height, and kissed her cheek slowly. She held his hand as he walked away, letting go.

Mara stood as he walked away, his eyes focusing on hers.
He inhaled as she felt tears form in her eyes, but she ignored them.

"I trust you." She whispered.

Luke walked towards her, and grabbed her hands. His blue eyes focused on hers.

"I'll be back soon," he said to her.
"I hate watching you leave." She said. Luke stroked her face.

"I love you, Mara." He whispered.
She wrapped her arms around his neck as he held her face. "I love you."

Kissing her, he squeezed her hands before walking away.