Rescue for a Sith Princess

Chapter 14

A.N. Hello there, readers! Thank you all for being patient for this next update! We are actually approaching the conclusion of this story, and I plan to release a chapter once every weekend until it is completed. Enjoy!

Before Leia's mind could comprehend her actions, blue and red lightsabers clashed for the first time, brother and sister brought to reunion by the crackling of blades.

Immediately, Leia sensed Luke's strength through the Force. It felt odd to her, somehow soft and gentle. Leia couldn't comprehend how he could be so strong and peaceful at the same time, and it infuriated her. She abruptly broke their contact and circled her crimson weapon at her side.

The siblings faced each other in the center of the throne room, circling around and stalking one another like prey. Luke's sparkling blue eyes struck Leia's fierce browns. She hated how he stared at her, as if he could see deep into the essence of her being. But Leia forced herself to maintain eye contact, not allowing him to think she was afraid. He couldn't know how weak she felt, how inadequate.

Soon overwhelmed by the vulnerability Luke made her feel, Leia struck his blade diagonally from above, hoping to distract him from her eyes. They began a series of fast-paced strikes and parries.

Luke noticed the aggression and heaviness in Leia's attacks, whereas his were light and agile. Terror settled in his stomach as the darkness and anger radiated from each of Leia's blows.

A sly smile graced Leia's lips. "You fear me," she remarked.

Luke cursed inwardly. Fear is a path to the Dark Side. He quickly squelched his feelings and smiled back at Leia. Without fear, Leia had no hold over him.

"Never. I am one with the Force, and I have nothing to fear."

The pair began to circle each other again. Although Luke's fear was gone for now, Leia knew it was there somewhere. A weakness to exploit.

"But you can tell I am more powerful than you. The Dark Side of the Force has given me power that you will never have. That you refuse to have."

"The Dark Side has nothing to offer but pain and heartache. You know that firsthand, don't you?"

A wave of sadness fell on Leia's features, but was replaced quickly by fire. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she spit out.

"Of course you do! To gain your power, you sacrificed happiness. And peace!"

Hoping to silence Luke, Leia suddenly let out a frustrated yell, leapt out and struck his lightsaber. The blades sizzled and crackled as they held them there, faces inches apart.

"I saw it, Leia!" Luke shouted. Leia flinched at the sound of her true name. "I saw what the Emperor did to you during your training! The electricity, your screams, begging for mercy. Was this worth the price you paid, Leia?"

Leia disconnected their sabers with rage and started attacking Luke passionately. Between hits she screamed, "It will be--when I have your head--rolling--on the floor!"

"And what about Han?" Luke replied, grunting with each parry.

Leia abruptly stopped her onslaught and her demeanor turned cold. "What about Han?" She ground out.

Luke was taken aback by her sudden change and didn't respond. Leia stepped menacingly closer to him and barked, "How do you know about Han? What did he tell you?"

"All I know is that he cared about you! So much. He felt like he failed you, when all he did was look out for you when no one else would."

Tears welled in Leia's eyes, tears she didn't want. "And I cared about him!" Leia wailed. "I could have loved him! But he did fail me!" Hot tears, burning like her fury inside, began to stream down her cheeks. "He betrayed me! He never truly cared about me, he just wanted to turn me back and bring me to the Alliance."

Upon witnessing Leia's heartbreak, Luke hurt as well for her, his eyes softening and voice lowering. "That's not true."

"I was a job! He used me, he used my feelings, my weaknesses."

"No! His care for you was genuine, I could tell. He only wanted to you to return to the Light because he knew it was best for you. He wanted to bring you back from all the pain and suffering the Dark Side brought you."

The Emperor throughout the fight had sat in silence, quietly calculating and observing his new apprentice carefully. She was softening, he could feel it through the Force. But there was still a weakness to manipulate. The Emperor subtly gestured towards one of his guards.

Leia still stood fuming, her eyes cast to the floor and her breaths heavy. But they were slowing down, evening out. In a moment of sympathy, Luke made a bold move. He stepped slowly towards Leia, closing the gap between them. Then, he reached out with his trembling hand and gently grasped Leia's chin in his fingers. He was surprised to find no resistance as he brought Leia's chin up, her eyes meeting his. Now, gentle blue met sad brown, both sets of eyes swimming with tears.

"Come with me," Luke whispered. "You can leave this behind, return to the people who love you. Ben Kenobi and your father have been waiting for you. Han is ready to die for you. And me. I mean, you're my sister. I love you, I want to get to know you. The real you. The real Leia."

Leia was about to respond when the Emperor's cackle broke through the room, echoing off the walls. Brother and sister spun to face him, and Leia gasped loudly at what she saw.

The Emperor had arisen from his throne and was now standing over Han, who was held captive by two guards. He was already bruised along his arms and all over his face.

"You are correct about one thing, young Skywalker," the Emperor stated with a grin on his wrinkled complexion. "Solo is ready to die for her. And he will, unless she makes the right decision."

The Emperor now turned his speech towards Leia. "Tochter, you choose. Kill Skywalker, and your love is set free. You can be with him forever. If you fail me...he will die."