"That's enough for now." Ahsoka slightly pants. Luke nods in agreement. He turns his lightsaber off and returns it to his hip. He then runs his hand through his blond hair, making it stick up. Because Obi-Wan has fallen ill, Ahsoka has taken over training the twins. She thinks that they are practically perfect, their moves swift and tactful. She can't quite wrap her head around why they fret over their skills so much. It's almost obsessive how much they train.

Leia wipes the sweat from her forehead. "I think I need to work more on defending with this second saber. Do you mind watching me?" She asks, looking up at Ahsoka. Leia took quickly to Jar'Kai, easily wielding the lightsabers like extended arms. Luke was not as successful, choosing to stick with what he had basically mastered before Ahsoka came along.

"Sure," Ahsoka says to Leia. She returns her sabers to their place, watching the young woman move through each step with determination and purpose. Leia's eyebrows furrow, her face showing her intense concentration. She allows herself to get lost in the Force and her movements.

Why are they so set on getting each move right each time? Yes, Ahsoka understands that one wrong step could mean life or death, but even at their age she wasn't so dutiful in practicing her training. Of course, she was raised in the Temple and did have to deal with the fallout from the rise of the Empire. But these two have resources of other protection besides their skills with a lightsaber. They've been training with Obi-Wan since they could probably toddle. Their mother is fiercely protective, making sure that nothing can hurt them, even on this secure base.

Why do they go through this effort of fighting when there are other paths?

She has a feeling the answer lies in what Obi-Wan told her the day she came. It's the only thing that has floated in and out of Ahsoka's mind for weeks.

He will determine if the twins are ready for what is to come.

Ahsoka told Obi-Wan that she would take them to Dagobah, but she still hasn't. She most likely won't if she's being honest with herself. Master Yoda was a great Jedi, filled with wisdom and great skill. But she doesn't think that he should be the one to determine if they are ready for whatever Obi-Wan has in mind.

For what is to come. What does that mean? Do the twins know what it means? Ahsoka has been debating with herself over asking them about it. They seem to know about everything else. From what she can tell, Obi-Wan and Padmé told them about their father and his falling. Maybe they can help fill in the gaps for her.

"That looked great, Leia." Ahsoka smiles as she finishes. Leia brightens, turning off her lightsabers.

"I wanted to end on a good note." She says with a soft pant.

"Show off," Luke mumbles under his breath, receiving a playful shove from his sister.

Ahsoka says nothing, becoming lost in thought again. Luke can sense her worry and confusion. Again, his strong ability to connect with others through their emotions tugs at him. He grows curious, wanting to know what is bugging her. She is not like her usual self. "Ahsoka, are you okay?" He asks.

She hums glancing at him. Just by looking into his eyes, she knows the jig is up. He can sense her hesitation and probably won't let the conversation drop until she spills. At least, that's what she would do if her master was acting as she is. "I have a question for the two of you." She says, standing a bit straighter.

"Of course. What is it?" Leia asks, eagerly stepping forward. She would do anything to help Ahsoka after all that she has done for her. She didn't have to teach her Jar'Kai, but she did. She didn't have to continue working with them after Obi-Wan fell ill, but she did. Whatever Ahsoka is worried about, Leia wants to help get rid of it. She owes her that at the very least.

"The day Obi-Wan got sick, he mentioned something to me. He said that you two were training for what is to come." She slowly explains. She watches and feels for any change in their mood, but there's nothing. Instead, they are their normal, calm selves. "Do you know what he means by this?"

They share a look. Luke pops one of his eyebrows, seeming to ask if they should tell her. Leia gives one hard nod, agreeing with whatever he asked. It must be a silent language they've developed over the years. They look back at Ahsoka, Luke taking the lead. "Obi-Wan feels that we will be needed when the times comes for the Sith to fall." He says. "He has been training us to fight them off and end them."

Ahsoka's eyes bulge from her head. He has been training to end the Sith? To kill their father? "He's been training you to kill Vader and Sidious?"

Leia takes a deep breath and nods her head. "He believes that this is what the prophecy meant. Our father was called to bring balance to the Force. He didn't do it himself, but rather through us. Obi-Wan thinks we will do what he could not."

Ahsoka lightly shakes her head in shock. It doesn't feel right, none of it. He believes they are going to be the ones to end Death Vader and Sidious? And he's told them this? Does he know the pressure that he's placed on their shoulders? Does he understand what he is asking them to do?

Ahsoka doesn't think so. She's starting to think that the trauma Obi-Wan has endured over the years has fried a few wires in his brain. After all, can someone really go through all of that loss and pain and still be the same stable person? The answer is no. She herself isn't the same person after everything she's endured and she feels that she has not experienced half as much sorrow as him.

But how can he still be focused on the idea of a Chosen One after the fall of Anakin? And how can he just transfer it onto Luke and Leia? He must know how it affected Anakin. Isn't he afraid that this theory will affect them also?

Luke senses Ahsoka's growing anger. Something they have said has upset her. His own hands start to tighten and he has to force himself to put up shields to block her feelings. He can not let her anger at whatever was said make him feel the same.

He's about to say something when Ahsoka narrows her eyes at them. "Training is finished for today. Get some rest." She says. Luke and Leia give her a respectful bow and she leaves. Immediately, they begin to chatter, guessing what they could have done to make her so mad. Was it their skills today? Maybe it's the mention of their father. Many people who know his fall seem to feel anger towards him.

xxx

Ahsoka takes deep breaths, trying to calm herself before she reaches his room. She tries to remember that this Obi-Wan is not the same that she knew all those years ago. This Obi-Wan has been forced to put behind everything he's ever known. He had to feel his friends dying just as she did. He had to watch his padawan, his best friend fall to the dark side.

She must remember that when she asks him what the Siths hell was going through his mind when deciding to train the Skywalker twins in ending their father.

She enters the room, her heart lightening just a bit at the sight of him. She still isn't used to the fact that he's alive. His Force signature wraps around her, welcoming her. He gives her a half-smile. "You're upset. I can sense it." He says. He pats the chair to his right, gesturing for her to join him.

She sits, biting on her lower lip. What is she supposed to say? She originally wanted to come in here and blow up in his face about everything that he did wrong, but now that doesn't seem right. Obi-Wan is much wiser than her. After all, she didn't even make it to Knighthood. She left the Order for Force sakes! Besides that, he clearly only wants what's best for the twins. It's obvious that he cares deeply for them.

"What's wrong?" Obi-Wan asks with a sigh. She looks at him, still unsure what to say. Again, he flashes her a smile, a hint of playfulness in it. "Come on, you should know by now that I don't bite. You're more nervous now than when we first met on Christophsis."

"That's surprising. I was deathly afraid of meeting the famous Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. You two were well known in the Temple. Younglings talked about you nonstop." She says, trying to clear the conversation away from why she was originally here. After letting herself calm down, she's uncertain how to feel. Should she really question his judgment? He's had over two decades to figure out how to raise the twins. She's only just met them!

"Don't do that." Obi-Wan playfully scolds as he waves a finger at her. "I'm the master at steering clear of unwanted topics. Come on, say what's on your mind. Let me have it."

Giving in, Ahsoka scowls. She glares at the floor. The anger from before start to reappear inside her. "Luke and Leia told me about what you have in mind for them. You think that they are going to be the ones to end the Sith."

"This upsets you?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because you can't put that on them," Ahsoka says, her emotions starting to blow. "They are just kids. You want them to go and kill their father. You've been training them to do this for years and they don't even seem the least bit worried or afraid."

"Darth Vader is not their father, they know this."

"The whole thing is complicated." She fires back. "Anakin was their father, but he fell to the dark side. So now he's just nonexistent? I mean, that's still technically him. That's technically your padawan and my master. I can wish it wasn't as much as I want, but it doesn't change anything."

Obi-Wan is silent for a moment, watching her. "Yes, I suppose you're right." He agrees, looking down at his hands. "But this is what they were called to do. I don't like any more than you do, but I felt that they needed to be ready. They needed time to learn and accept what will eventually happen. I've prepared them as best I could, but it's all on them."

Ahsoka feels her anger slowly drifting away. Obi-Wan has a point. If he knows that it'll happen, why not let them get ready mentally and physically? But Obi-Wan is not their father. He is not their primary caregiver. "What does Padmé think of this? This idea of them running off to sacrifice themselves to end the Sith and the Empire?"

"She doesn't like to think about it," Obi-Wan admits. "It took years for her to allow them to even hold a lightsaber. She begs for something or someone out there to finish the job so her children won't have to, but it seems unlikely. Happy endings don't seem to come our way most of the time."

A buzzer begins sounds, catching their attention. Ahsoka rises, but Obi-Wan grabs her hand. "I know you didn't take them to Dagobah." He shouts over the loud noise. She freezes, expecting him to scold her as if she was a padawan again. Instead, she sees a mix of fear and sadness in those familiar blue eyes. "I trust that you were right about them being ready. Because now is the time. This is the moment that they have been preparing for."

xxx

Though the two of them have no idea what they're in for, they are ready for what is to come. They are willing to fight for the freedom of the galaxy, even if it means losing their lives or each other.

Leia makes sarcastic side comments, wanting to say anything to keep a conversation with Luke. He doesn't say much, only giving her half-hearted chuckles or smiles. But that is enough for her. That is Luke. He's quiet and attentive. If she survives the battle ahead, she doesn't want to be filled with regret about not spending every last minute enjoying her time with her brother.

Luke doesn't want to talk about the thought that he might lose her. He doesn't want to think about the fight ahead for them. Though he's been training for it for years, he's worried that he still isn't ready. He's worried that he will fail and the galaxy will be lost, forever in the hands of Emperor Palpatine. He's afraid that he will lose Leia because of his incompetence. 

Side by side, they march to the meeting room. They hold hands for a moment, giving each other one last squeeze of encouragement. They catch everyone's attention when they enter, making the room fall silent. Their mother folds her hands over her stomach, watching them with sadness and fear. She too knows that this battle might end with tragedy. She could lose this rebellion. She could lose her children.

She could lose everything.

The twins glance around the room, looking for familiar faces. Ahsoka stands proudly beside their mother, giving them a wink. Wedge and Valora sit near the front, worry etched in their faces. Though they do not know what is ahead for the Skywalker twins, they know that it will be something bold and valiant. They know that the two of them can be reckless, willing to do anything for the good cause. They only hope that this will not be the last time they are all together.

Padmé blinks, going back to the matter at hand. She can not let her personal feelings get in the way. Everyone is risking their lives for the good of the galaxy. Rebels have pledged themselves to do what is necessary to free this galaxy from the turmoil of evil. She must give out the plans and lead this revolution with everything they have. "Captain Solo and Calrissian, I need you to take the Falcon. You will assist Wedge, excuse me, Commander Antilles, in blowing up this half-finished Death Star. Once you hit it, you need to leave immediately. We saw how quickly the first one exploded. You will have little time to make it out alive. Please, move with haste back to us."

"Of course, Your Highness." Han nods. Chewbacca growls in agreement. Padmé allows herself a small smile at him. When she first met Han, she had her reservations. He was still in debt to Jabba and seemed to be all about himself. But upon watching him and getting to know him, she learned that it was nothing but an act. And even though Leia gets upset over the idea of the two of them dating, Padmé wants her to take a chance with him. She trusts him.

Padmé puts her attention on her children. They're the only two that haven't been given their orders yet. She bows her head slightly, not wanting to look into their eyes. She can't bear to send them off to a battle that could end in their demise. "Luke and Leia, you are to go to Endor. There are ground troops being sent under the command of Ahsoka. Vader and his men are there. Together, the two of you are to finish him as our troops take control of the command center there."

This is the time. After all of these years, they will have a battle against their father. It's happening so soon that none of them feel anything but numbness. Today, they will see if their training has paid off.

"Okay." Leia quietly replies.

"This is it. Today, we will take back our galaxy, our homes. We will bring back democracy. Together, all of us will prove that we are not mindless beings. We are people with feelings, with valuable lives. We have opinions and should be allowed to express them. They can not just treat us like the dirt on the bottom of their boots. Today, we will rise in the flames of the Death Star. We will watch the Empire fall!" Padmé shouts, rallying her troops.

Everyone lets out cries of agreement. They leave to take their places for the battle, their spirits lifted higher than ever before. Today, they will win! No longer will their cries of pain be drowned out. No longer will they suffer in silence. They will defend themselves and bring order to the galaxy!

Just as the last person exits, Padmé grabs both of her children. She pulls them tight, holding them because this might be her last time. She lets go and looks at each of their faces. How are these the babies she bore on that asteroid? They look so much older and so brave. No longer are they the tiny humans she held in her arms and swore to protect. Rather, they are now going to protect her and the galaxy from further suffering. "I love you." She whispers, knowing she might never get another chance to tell them.

"We know," Leia replies. "And we love you too."

Both of them place a kiss on her cheeks. She chuckles, the gesture meaning more to her than they can ever imagine. "You're the best mother anyone could ask for," Luke adds.

She blinks back tears. "And you're the best children a mother could ever dream of." She says, holding back her sobs. "I know that you two will do what is right. You are strong and brave and I am so proud of you. You will both come back to me. I know it." She adds, touching the symbol of the rebellion over her heart.

Neither one of them believes her. The chances of both of them surviving Vader is slim. But they don't want to crush her hopes. Besides, isn't hope what got them this far? She had hope that there were people out there who were willing to stand up to the Empire. She had hope that one day, democracy would come back.


xxx

They ride down in a shuttle, floating past the blockade on Endor. They know what's down below. They can sense his dark presence. Which means that he can sense them. He's waiting for them. He too knows what is to come. Has he been preparing for it?

If he has, their only hope is that he underestimates their power. When together, Luke and Leia become a force no one wants to mess with. They've trained side by side for years, building a bond through the force that even the sharpest blade couldn't cut. And now that they have Ahsoka by their side, she'll aid them in the battle against the dark side. 

Orders are given out. Ahsoka calls them out, directing her people where they are needed. She is somewhat shocked at how easily this position comes to her. The power and confidence in her voice reminds her of her master. As much as she wants to forget it, the Clone Wars have brought her a sense of wisdom in tactical fighting. 

Dusk settles on the planet. The tall trees cast eery shadows. The camp is being set up, but it doesn't bring much comfort to the troops. Luke and Ahsoka can sense the unease and fear of the unknown in everyone. This attack is supposed to destroy the Empire. But what will happen if they fail? What will happen to the rebellion, to their families?

Bushes rustle around them, sending a crash of alarm through the Force. Immediately Luke and Leia ignite their lightsabers. People's eyes widen at the sight of the mysterious blue and green blades. There have been tales of peacekeepers carrying such weapons. What were they called? Where have they gone?

When did the Skywalker twins get the mesmerizing swords of light?

"Up there!" Leia shouts, pointing to the tops of the trees.

Everyone's gaze follows her direction and they see it. Creatures let out loud whoops and fall from the sky on top of their camp. Everyone scrambles to find their weapons to defend themselves from the furry beings. They were expecting an attack from the Empire. What are these things?

"Ewoks!" Ahsoka calls out. She ducks, dodging one of their flying rocks. "They think we're here to hurt them. We need to show them that we're on their side!" 

"How are we supposed to do that when they're hurling boulders at us?"

Ahsoka makes a move to approach one of the trembling bears before being struck. She groans, falling to the ground. Her head begins to spin as she touches her temple. Already, it's swelling. Not good.

"Ahsoka!" Luke shouts out. He rushes to her side, grabbing her hand. He looks her over. She seems fine, but he's not a doctor. 

"I'm alright." She answers over the noise. Then she feels a shiver of cold. Fear. Anger. Hate. It looms in the distance like thick fog. It calls for them to enter. It wants them to disappear into the mist.

"He's here." Luke says as he snaps his head to look in the direction. He can feel it too. He recognizes the suffocating Force signature. His gaze falls to his replacement hand, the memory taking over his thoughts.

Ahsoka squeezes his hand, bringing him back. "Go. I'll be right behind you. The troops can handle the Ewoks."

"Are you sure?"

Ahsoka gives a stern nod. "It's time."

Luke feels his chest tighten. It's time. But he doesn't feel ready. He's been putting on an act, fooling himself into believing that he was prepared. Now, he wants to sink into the darkest shadow and ignore the Sith lord waiting for him and his sister. Some part of him tells him that this is another vision. It's not real.

"Luke, it's him," Leia says. She bounds over to him and Ahsoka. "We have to stop him."

But this isn't some vision. This is very much real. Vader is here and he is waiting for them. "Let's go." He quietly says.

They leave Ashoka's side, rushing through the forest. Once they're gone, Ahsoka allows herself to lay back down. Maybe if she just closes her eyes for a minute, everything will work out. Yes, closing her eyes feels good. Sleep invites her to relax. What about her troops? No. They will be fine. Sleep sounds lovely.

xxx

Maybe Luke and Leia should be sneaking up on him. That would be the most practical move, right? Maybe they could surprise attack him, catch him off guard. No. He can sense them just as they sense him. Their best option is to gather their courage and ready themselves to fight him.

They stumble into a small clearing of trees. The force is strong with the dark side here. They can feel it seeping out through the trees and the grass below them. They can sense that it's a trap set by Vader. Yet neither of them makes any attempt to run. Rather, they step farther into the clearing, the moonlight now touching their skin.

Waiting in the shadows, they can make out his shape. The rounded mask is illuminated by a blinding red light. The bond between Luke and Leia heats with anger. Leia snatches her lightsabers from her hips, gripping them tightly as she locks her jaw. Finally, he makes his appearance. She's been waiting to meet him face to face again for a long time.

Luke, on the other hand, bites the inside of his cheek. He rolls his lightsaber in his hand, his emotions colliding with Vader's and Leia's. He has to put up his shields, building them higher and higher in order to try to keep them out. He's worried. He's afraid.

As if sensing his fear, Obi-Wan rings out in his mind.

There is no emotion, only peace.

"Darth Vader." Leia spits. She takes a step forward, her head held high. Luke has to admire her confidence. They haven't even begun to fight him and already she looks so valiant. She truly looks like the Jedi Obi-Wan and their mother spoke proudly of.

"Princess Leia. What an honor it is to meet you again." He says. The volume of his breathing increases as he slowly marches toward them. In the moonlight, he can see the traces of Padmé in her. The jawline and mesmerizing hairstyles are shockingly similar. Even the way she stands reminds him of the woman he loves.

Then he looks at the boy. Luke. Of course, he can see Padmé hidden in his face. But that's not what draws him in. Though his shields in the Force are built tall and sturdy, he can feel the power. He can sense the want to bring justice to the galaxy and the determination to do what is right.

Luke's heart begins to beat rapidly inside his chest. Though it's very faint, he can feel the conflict. Vader is a being of hate and suffering. He is the very embodiment of what the Jedi should not be yet Luke can sense a tiny flicker. Who it's for Luke's not entirely sure. Vader's wife? His children?

Wait. His children?

He knows. How he knows, Luke hasn't got a clue.

He looks to Leia, but she shows no sign of this knowledge. Her eyebrows furrow over her dark eyes and she ignites both of her blue blades. She flows into her defensive form, indicating that she's prepared for Vader to make the first move.

He looks back at Vader. Luke hasn't spoken yet. Does he bring it up? Does he call attention to the fact that Vader knows their secret and might possibly care? Before Luke has a chance to even debate about it, he senses what Leia is planning and the Force seems to tremble out in warning.

She glares at Vader, anger filling inside of her. She wants revenge for everything he has done. He destroyed Alderaan without a second thought. Vader killed Bail, her father figure without a feeling of remorse. He took the galaxy's greatest hero and blew him up. Vader took their mother's heart and smashed it into a million pieces. He destroyed a religion that wanted nothing more than to help people. He tried to kill his best friend.

And he has the guts to stand here in front of them.

She lets out her battle cry and dives at him. Her mad swings make a blue haze around her. Luke can't tell who is on offense and who is on defense. Crackling and popping fill his ears as blue and red collide. He wants to join in and help her, but how does he do that without hitting Leia?

Through the blinding spins, Luke sees Vader swing at Leia. She lets out a loud cry as she holds onto her shoulder. She falls to the ground, rolling away from his jab toward her other uninjured arm. She makes it to her feet and stands far enough away to avoid any of his attacks. Her shoulder burns, but it's not enough to stop her from fighting. Adrenaline kicks in and the pain seems to dull. 

She looks to the ground, realizing she dropped one of her lightsabers. Before she call it back into her hand, Vader force pulls it to him. He looks it over in his hands, seeming to study it. Shockwaves of pain rumble from him but Luke seems to be the only one to feel it. Something haunts him and Luke shivers from it.

"Where did you get this lightsaber?" He demands, gripping it tightly.

"It's none of your business." Leia immediately fires back. Of course, that had to be the lightsaber she dropped. It was one thing that Luke had begged her not to lose and she handed it over within her first fight using it.

"It belongs to me! That makes it my business." Vader fires back. He brings his hands up, making a move that Luke knows all too well. Leia starts to float in the air, her hands moving to her throat.

"Obi-Wan," Luke shouts out. Vader stops and looks at the blond boy. He almost forgot he was here. He hasn't moved from his position yet. He assumes it's out of fear, but he can't sense it. He sets Leia back on the ground. What is this boy doing? "Obi-Wan gave it to us." He clarifies.

"It wasn't Obi-Wan's to give," Vader replies.

Luke gnaws at his lower lip. He can feel it. Somehow, he can sense the shift in the dark being in front of him. Whether it's good or bad, Luke can't tell. He knows he shouldn't say it, but now is the time for desperate attempts. Maybe he can catch him off guard and Leia can make a shocking move to knock him down. "I did as you asked," Luke says, trying to find something to distract Vader.

Vader straightens. If he wasn't wearing a mask, Luke would see a smirk. The topic intrigues him. He didn't think the padawan would have the guts to ask Kenobi about that day. "And what did you learn?"

Luke takes a deep breath. He glances at Leia. He hopes that she sees what he's doing. He then looks back at Vader. "What happened there was not his fault," Luke says. He can feel his emotions leaking out from his shields, but he makes no attempt to try to lock them up. He hopes the fumes will bring something out. "It wasn't your fault either, Father. You just wanted to save the people you loved."

Luke feels the shock from Leia through the Force. "Luke, what are you doing?" She asks. How could he give up this information? They've been hiding it their entire lives. They've had to keep it a secret from everyone, even their best friends to ensure it wouldn't get to Vader. Now he's just handing it out? 

"He already knows, Leia," Luke answers, looking at her. "I don't know how, but he does."

He knows. 

Leia looks at Vader, grief and rage bubbling up inside of her. How long has he known? Did he know when he took her captive? Did Vader kill Bail knowing that he had taken the place of her father when he fell to the dark side? Did he know that he was making his daughter suffer by having her watch the planet she considered her home blow up into tiny pieces?

Tears begin to cloud her vision. She feels betrayed by him. Even when Vader knew of their connections to him, he still chose to leave them. He chose the dark side and its powers over their family. She lifts her remaining lightsaber over her head and charges for him. Vader quickly blocks it. Their battle is short-lived. Leia becomes unbalanced as she lets her emotions get the better of her. Before Luke can do anything to save her, she's picked up through the Force. Her fear startles Luke as he watches Vader throw her against a tree. A loud crunch echoes as she hits the dirt ground. She groans, reaching out to hold onto her wrist.

It's broken. It dangles in the air at an awkward angle. She can no longer use it.

Luke turns to Vader. He feels flames of hate and anger dancing inside his stomach. His chest tightens and he grips his lightsaber so hard that he's afraid it might burst. He flicks it on, the green light brightening under the starry night sky. Vader hurt Leia. He hurt their mother. He hurt Obi-Wan. 

How is he their father?

No. Luke was wrong. He isn't their father.

This is a machine that replaced their father years ago. Their father is dead and Vader is the one that killed him. 

With that thought in mind, Luke charges at Vader. A green blade against a red. Good against evil. Father against son. They battle throughout the forest. Luke slices down branches, force pushing them to crash against his enemy. Vader pulls his free hand to his chest, causing the trees above Luke to snap in half and tumble to the ground with loud rumbles. 

As the fight continues on, their feelings start to clash. Their shields crumble to nothing with each use of the force. Luke begins to feel the intense fear locked between each metal joint. He can sense the anger trapped inside the black mask, trying to escape through the red glass over his eyes. Hate is being released into the air with every bone-chilling breath.

But buried deep down, hidden underneath the dark clothing and venomous words, Luke feels suffering. It's woven tightly into the beast's heart. With each beat, new pain is brought upon him. Yes, this savage feels physical pain. His limbs have been replaced with metal ones and some machine has taken the place of his lungs.

But his suffering comes from what has happened to him. The loss of his mother, wife, and brother. Vader mourns his old life and what he did. That's all he thinks about every waking second. And every time he closes his eyes to sleep, it haunts him. He can never escape what he has done to the galaxy and what shame he feels for the misery he brought to the people he loved.

Vader force pushes Luke to the ground. He towers over him, his red saber buzzing above his head. Luke flails, desperately trying to remove his limbs from the dirt-covered ground. Luke is going to be the one to die in this battle. He will not be coming back to their mother. 

"Luke!" Leia cries out, watching it unfold. Waves of fear and sadness erupt from her like a volcano. It's so powerful that Luke's surprised that he didn't physically react with it. Vader turns to look at her, clearly sensing her emotions. As he's distracted, Luke takes his chance. He swings at the hand holding the lightsaber. Vader groans, his sliced metal hand sizzling on the ground.

Luke quickly stands up and kicks Vader to the ground. He presses his foot onto Vader's chest, preventing him from moving. He raises his green lightsaber over his head, ready to deliver the final blow. Now is his time to end this battle once and for all. Finally, all of his training has come to the outcome they wanted. Vader will die and Luke will live. He takes a deep breath, pulling his weapon back a bit farther.

But then he stops.

He still feels that flicker.

He shakes his head and throws his lightsaber to the ground. He removes his foot from Vader's chest, taking a few steps back. 

"Luke, what are you doing?" Leia exclaims, watching his lightsaber roll away from him. She doesn't understand what is going on. That was the perfect opportunity to kill Vader. Why is he throwing away his chance of destroying the Empire? Why is he opening himself up to be attacked? Vader still has her second lightsaber. He can easily attack Luke now that his only weapon is out of reach.

"I can't kill you," Luke pants, his fists tight at his side. He can't do it. He won't do it. 

"Then you are a bigger fool than I thought." Vader spits back.

"I can't kill you, Father." He says, his body beginning to tremble. The emotions coming from Vader and inside himself are almost too strong for him to handle. The flicker burns at Luke, calling for him to kindle it. It wants him to tend to it and help it grow. He can't ignore it, not when it's this powerful. "I can feel the conflict in you. Let go of your hate!"

"It doesn't work like that, boy."

"Yes, it does!" Luke insists. Tears prickle in his eyes and he's not sure if it's because of Leia or his own emotions. "Just take my hand. Together, we can correct what has been done to the galaxy. We can end all of the pain you've given everyone. I can help you overcome the suffering you have deep inside."

"You don't know me. You don't know what I've been through." He snaps. How can Luke possibly know what he feels? He doesn't know what he has lived through. He doesn't know the pain he's caused. "My suffering will never go away."

"It can!" Luke shouts. Why is he ignoring that flicker begging to be set free? Doesn't he feel the intense heat coming from it? "All you have to do is show them what I already know. Show them that there is still good in you."

"You are wrong. There is no good in me."

"Stop. Stop now. Come back!" Luke exclaims. And Vader freezes. Those words. He heard them so long ago. She too begged for him to join her. Just as Vader thought, Luke carries her determination. Her passion lies in this boy's soul. Luke reaches out to him, his hand looking so inviting. "Come with me. Come see her again." He softly says.

Leia gawks, watching the scene unfold. What is happening? What is Luke talking about? He can't possibly be offering Vader this opportunity. After all that he's done, how can there be any good left in him? Luke is falling for a trap. He's setting himself up to be betrayed.

"She will never take me back," Vader says, his gaze dropping. How could she after all that he's done? Padmé will never forgive him. And he does not blame her.

"Yes, she will." Luke nods. "She loves you."

"You think that after all I've done she'll accept me? Do you honestly think everything will somehow turn out okay? How can you possibly believe that she still loves me?"

Unable to stop them, tears trek down his face. The feeling reminds him of when he was young and he connected to his mother through the Force. Somehow, an emotion overpowers his fear of the unknown and he understands that he has to let Vader know. "Because I love you!" He cries out. "I love you even though I know everything you've done. I know what you did to Obi-Wan! I know what you did to my mother, your wife! I know all of it and I still choose to love you."

The air is still. Leia watches as Vader takes Luke's hand. And she thinks that it's possible. Somehow, Luke has gotten through to him. Somehow, he has brought their father back to the light.

Then blaster fire rains on them.

Stormtroopers blast at them and Vader snaps back to himself. "You are a fool if you still think that she'll take me back. Even if I wanted to, I can't. There's a reason she's still alive that you can't begin to understand."

Luke and Leia duck their heads, covering themselves from getting hit. Through all of the blaster fire, they call their weapons to them. Rather than ignite them and defend themselves from the men in white, they tuck them into their clothes.

"I want them alive," Vader growls as he turns on the lightsaber. The blue blade throws him off guard for a moment. Without resisting, Luke and Leia allow handcuffs to be snapped onto their wrists. Leia lets out a soft whimper. Her wrist aches and the way they are handling her doesn't help. What is she supposed to do with a broken wrist? "Take them to my shuttle." Vader declares. 

So they are dragged off. 

In the distance, they hear the shouts coming from their camp. If it wasn't for the distraction of Luke and Leia, then Vader would have stormed the camp, killing all of their men. At least some lives were saved tonight.

xxx

Ahsoka stirs, her head groggy. "Commander, are you alright?"

One of her troopers shakes her awake. His brown eyes search her face, looking for confirmation that she is still willing to fight. She grips his hand, beginning to stand. Her thoughts start to come back to her. Ewoks attacked the camp. Luke. Leia. Anakin. "Where are the Skywalker twins?" She demands.

"Unknown, sir. We lost them during the fight." He answers, his voice crisp and urgent. He looks around, damage evident to the camp. But the fighting has ceased. Somehow, they have made peace with the furry creatures. 

"We need to find them," Ahsoka demands, thinking of the children placed in her care. She begins to send out search parties, but she can sense that something is off. She should be able to feel their Force signatures nearby, but they are distant.

The darkness is gone as well.

The realization hits her hard. She brings her comlink to her lips. "Padmé, are you there? Padmé, come in!"

"I'm here, Ahsoka. What's wrong?" Padmé replies. Ahsoka can hear the undertone of worry in her voice. To a stranger's ears, she would sound confident. But Ahsoka knows her better than any stranger. She is afraid.

"Vader took the twins." She says. She feels her heart cracking, but she must tell her. "I can feel that they're off-planet. I can only assume that he's taken them as prisoners. I'm so sorry."

Padmé is silent for a few moments. Then her voice crackles back. "They know what to do. I trust them. Now you need to place that trust in them too. You can't help them in this fight any more than I can now."

~~~~~~~~~~
I know I don't really have to explain myself, after all, it is my book. But I would like to say that I'm sorry if there's not a lot of political stuff or like battle plans or things along that line. Truth be told, I really don't know all that much about it and I don't really have the time to google everything to make sure it's all correct. But that being said that doesn't mean there's no action!