Jedi Council Forums - Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke *Edited 08/31!*

Post Reply | Active Topic Notification | Previous Active Topic | Next Active Topic

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 - ~~Previous~~ | Next | Reload

Author	Topic: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke Edited 08/31!
dancing_star Registered: Feb '07	Date Posted: 2/22 7:19pm Subject: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke Edited 08/31! - Date Edited: 8/31 4:48pm (8 edits total) Edited By: dancing_star
	Title: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope Author(s): dancing_star Characters: Han/Leia, Luke Timeframe: ESB Summary: Han, Leia, and Luke in the aftermath of Bespin. AU in the sense Han was not frozen in carbonite. Disclaimer: Just stopping by for a long-due visit to a galaxy far, far away, and borrowing some of George Lucas's characters. Author's Notes: Originally intended this to be a one-post, but it's gotten rather long. So I'm breaking it up into smaller posts to not completely overwhelm my readers. Comments are welcome and very much appreciated!! The stars blurred into narrow lines of light, and in a flash a world was behind them. Not really though. Though the planet of Bespin was already lightyears away, its memories lingered fresh as the harrowing minutes before. The repercussions as well. Han Solo released the breath he’d been holding. “Take over,” he told his co-pilot. His voice sounded strange in his own ears. He felt like he was dreaming again. Like it was all a nightmare he hadn’t woke up from. He wished it was. Shaking himself back to reality- or what he thought was reality-, the Corellian rose quickly from his seat. Chewie whuffled something that sounded concerned, and though not intended to do so, his words brought a pang of guilt to the other. “I don’t know,” was all Han said. Fear laced his voice. He was unable to hide it. The cabin door hissed shut behind him. It was the worst kind of fear because it was for one of his best friends. For his brother. His little brother- that he’d been unable to protect. He and Leia had been lucky enough to escape Bespin relatively unharmed, but Luke hadn’t been so fortunate. If only he could’ve found the kid before Vader had gotten to them, Han berated himself. Then they would all be safe and sound now- the way their “little family”- as they’d all become like now- should be. Leia was putting a tourniquet on Luke’s arm, and the boy moaned, weakly calling out Han’s name. “I’m here, kid,” Solo said, quickly moving to kneel beside the bunk. He took hold of Luke’s good hand. “S’okay, kiddo. I’m here.” With utter gentleness Han brushed a sweat-soaked and somewhat bloodied strand of hair from Luke’s eyes. He belatedly realized the kid was delirious though, not really sensing him, as Luke continued muttering in what appeared to be a feverish sleep. Luke’s deliriousness kindled memories of the long night spent on Hoth, and it scared Solo just as much as it had then; maybe more. The youth wasn’t just spouting off nonsense. He was reliving whatever had happened. And whatever it was was traumatic. “No… No. .. Why didn’t you tell me? Why’d you lie?” What started out as a whisper, ended in a choked sob. “Shhh. Hush, Luke. Hush, kid. You’re safe.” Concerned hazel eyes traveled back up to Leia. She had finished with the tourniquet and moved to retrieve the oxygen mask. The princess worked wordlessly and efficiently, as if she’d dealt with medical emergencies like these every day. No doubt she’d undergone training. He’d had training too while in the Imperial Academy, but all the experience in the world wasn’t enough to prepare you when it was one of your friends that was hurt. Luke struggled against the mask, trying to push it away. “Let it be, kid,” Han pulled Luke’s hand down. Leia quickly gave up the fight though and shook her head. “He doesn’t want it. Just help me get these clothes off him.” Solo obeyed and carefully as he could, grabbed Luke under the arms and sat him up. “Ben…Why didn’t you tell me?” Ben? Han supported the whimpering youth, sitting behind him and murmuring softly as Leia quickly but gently set about removing the tattered shirt. It wasn’t the first time Luke had called out to the dead Jedi, Han reflected. He’d done so on Hoth, and once when Solo had found him in the grips of a nightmare. Leia cut away the last part of Luke’s shirt, rather than try to pull it over his injured arm. The Corellian couldn’t help but gasp quietly when he saw how bruised and scraped his young friend was. Leia continued to work, seemingly unfazed, hiding her emotions behind a grim, determined expression; it was the same mask she wore when receiving the casualty reports for a battle or mentioning Alderaan. Biting back a curse, Solo found he didn’t want to watch as antiseptic was sprayed over the oozing cuts. Instead he hugged Luke’s head to his chest and buried his face in the boy’s hair, almost feeling the other’s pain. He felt like a coward. Leia was able to handle everything calmly- why wasn’t he? Why was he having such a hard time seeing the kid like this? Luke was Leia’s friend too. Han hadn’t been there to protect him, but the least he could do was stay strong for him. “’S alright,” he whispered to Luke and forced himself to look back up. “There’s not much I can do for him with the medkit.” Leia finally spoke, putting it aside momentarily and standing. “Course is set for the nearest medcenter.” The princess headed toward the cabinet and quickly returned with a clean white tunic. “Here kid,” Han said gently, sitting Luke up a little more. The young man was shivering now. Solo gingerly helped Leia pull the clean shirt over him. “We’re gonna get you taken care of soon, I promise.” Leia paused to brush Luke’s hair from his eyes and gently kiss his bruised cheek. The boy appeared to be unconsciousness, though still trembling, head lolling slightly to one side against Han’s shoulder. “How long until we get there?” “Bout an hour,” Han replied grimly, praying silently that the kid’s injuries weren’t worse than they appeared. Leia then proceeded with Solo’s help, to quickly but gently finish tending to Luke. His legs were in better condition than his arms, though both knees were scraped and the back of them badly bruised. Once they’d gotten a clean pair of white pajama pants on him, and given him another hypo of painkiller, they laid the youth back down. Luke continued to tremble beneath the blankets, whether from shock or temperature or both, Han didn’t know. He stood there a moment before gently brushing the kid’s hair aside to lay a hand on his forehead. Luke started a bit, before moaning quietly in his sleep and shifting, clutching involuntarily at the stump of his arm. “I think he’s running a fever.” The Corellian hoped that was the real reason behind his friend’s disorientation, and not something Vader had done. His gaze flicked to Luke’s bandaged wrist. It literally gave him chills to think that the kid had fought that, that… monster. And survived. Han Solo said he didn’t believe in the Force, but something or someone was looking out for his fair-haired, young friend. Luke had survived too many near-death situations to attribute it all to luck. “No…No…Leave them alone.” The youth was back to muttering in his sleep, only this time it was closer to crying. The words spoken were desperate and frightened. “We’re here, Luke. It’s alright.” The princess lay a hand on his good arm. Luke’s eyes fluttered open in response, taking both his friends by surprise. “You’re okay.” Solo came closer, kneeling beside Leia. Clouded blue orbs traveled slowly in the direction of their voices. “It’s us, kid.” Luke’s pain-filled eyes looked straight into the hazel ones of the Corellian’s, settled on the chocolate ones of the princess, then turned away, seemingly unrecognizing. His head rolled away to face the wall. “It’s not true,” he moaned after a moment, the next words coming out in a sob. “It’s not.” Leia and Han looked at one another, expressions fearful, pained, helpless. Solo’s anguished gaze flicked back to Luke again before he abruptly stood. “I’m going to check on Chewie,” was all he muttered, and he didn’t look up at her. Leia watched as he turned and left. It was almost as if all of the sudden he didn’t care what happened to Luke. It didn’t make sense. Nothing seemed to anymore. Leia’s gaze traveled back to the young man beside her. There had been something different about Luke’s eyes when he’d looked at her, and it’d torn her apart. The normally bright blue orbs were a cloudy grey color, hopeless, almost haunted. Leia wondered if she’d forever lost the sweet, trusting friend she’d found. “Oh, Luke,” she whispered. Tears pricked at her eyes, but she fought them back. She wished she could be as strong as Han. All the while he’d been talking to Luke, comforting him, but she’d been unable to speak, afraid her voice would betray her worry and shock. She took a steadying breath before kissing the top of Luke’s head- He’d appeared to have dropped back into sleep. She wondered how much longer it was before they got him to the medcenter, pushing away the doubts that he would be anything but okay. “I’ll be back,” Leia promised the young man whom she’d come to love almost as a brother. She often felt older and protective towards Luke, despite there being no difference in their age. And she knew Luke was just as much a little brother to Han. The normally brash Corellian had a soft spot the size of the galaxy for Luke. It was evident in the way he looked out for him, protected him, and the somewhat quieter, gentler way he treated him. Luke loved Han as a brother too. It was obvious in his youthful hero-worship, the way he looked up to Han and followed him around all day, or would run to him for comfort. She couldn’t imagine why Solo would leave his friend at a time when Luke needed them the most. It was only after finding Han that she understood. He wasn’t in the cockpit like he’d said. He hadn’t gone to check on Chewie. When she asked of his whereabouts, Threepio said he’d disappeared into his cabin without a word. Leia didn’t know what possessed her to continue to search for the former smuggler, much less knock on his cabin door, and palm it open. After all, he’d abandoned her and Luke, why should she care where he was? Before she could berate herself any further, she quickly realized how wrong she’d been. Her heart clenched at the sight before her. For a moment all she could do was stare because she could hardly believe what she saw. Han was down on his knees on the cold deck floor by his bunk, head buried in his arms. She could see his shoulders trembling as he tried rather unsuccessfully to choke back his sobs. In all the time Leia had known him, Solo had never been one to show much emotion. Quite the contrary, he preferred to hide behind the rough mercenary façade, pretending not to care about anything or anyone. Leia could see through it though, and knew full well that he was capable of caring- anyone who would put the life of their friend before their own, couldn’t be as selfish as they pretended to be. She’d seen Han comfort Luke more than once, and he’d comforted her as well, but never had he been on the receiving line for such a thing. Quietly she made her way over to him and sat down on the edge of the bunk. She ran her fingers through his soft, brown hair. “Hey. This isn’t going to help him, you know.” Han shook his head slightly, not looking up. “It’s all m-my fault.” He took a shuddering breath. “If I’d’ve been there.” “There wasn’t anything you could’ve done.” And Han knew this was true. Still, he couldn’t help feeling that he’d failed, that there was some way he could’ve stopped Vader from getting near the kid. He felt Leia gently rubbing his back, and fought hard to suppress the tears that desperately wanted to fall. No one was supposed to see him like this. “I’m supposed to protect him. He obviously c-can’t protect himself.” “You did the best you could. We all did.” Han took a steadying breath. It was a while before he spoke. “Yeah, well, look where that got Luke. The kid’s barely hanging on.” He finally looked up at Leia, and she surprised him by kissing his cheek. “He could hang on a lot better with his best friend beside him.” Han took another deep breath and brushed at the remainder of his tears feeling somewhat embarrassed. “Maybe you couldn’t be there for him before, but you can be here for him now.” She was right. Han sighed before getting up off the floor and taking a seat on the bunk beside Leia. He managed a half-hearted smile. “When did you get so smart?” She smiled back. “I’ve always been smart. I’m not a half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf-herder like you.” “Who’s scruffy-looking?” Han repeated with mock anger, though a smile threatened to break through. “You.” Leia laughed and lightly and gave him a quick kiss. She already loved this man, and his recent display of selflessness just made her love him even more. Her smile disappeared as she stood though upon remembering Luke’s condition. Han suddenly sobered as well. Still sitting on the bunk, he gazed at the Falcon’s deck. “The kid doesn’t even know us anymore,” he said softly. “He’s just in shock.” “He’s been through enough as it is.” Han shook his head. He wished it were him on that bunk instead. Luke’s recklessness and bravery had gotten him in trouble once more, but this time Han wasn’t able to pull him out of it. “Crazy kid.” He cursed softly. “What was he thinking going up against a sith lord?” Leia wearily sank down beside him once again, took his hand. “He was trying to protect us. It was all a trap Vader-.” Vader. “What does that walking heap of wires want with Luke?” Leia shook her head, truly at a loss. The dark lord was utterly obsessed with finding the young man. “I don’t know. He did destroy the Death Star,” “Yeah and I helped him do it, so why isn’t he after me too?” “I don’t know.” She shuddered to think what would’ve happened if Luke hadn’t been able to get away. She added quietly, “He wanted to bring him to the Emperor himself.” Han just shook his head. He hadn’t really considered Luke fortunate until now. Yes, the kid was injured and in shock, but things could have been worse. He could still be in the hands of that monster, or even worse dead. Suddenly Han was fearful, protective, not even wanting to leave Luke’s side for a second, and yet he’d already done so. He stood. “Come on, he’s in there by himself.” “He’s not alone. I left Artoo with him.” But Leia was just as eager to be back at her friend’s side. She stood and hand in hand she and Han hurried back to the heart of their little family, the idealistic, caring youth they’d come to love. Subconsciously though, Leia couldn’t help but worry if they would ever get him back. to be continued.... Thanks for reading! Comments are welcome and very much appreciated! If you'd like to be on the pm list, just let me know! -----signature----- God bless America and our troops. "The LORD gives strength to his people. The LORD blesses his people with peace." Ps 29:11 ~~~ "Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope" (fic below) http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29811085/p1/
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
jedipati Registered: Aug '00	Date Posted: 2/22 9:03pm Subject: RE: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	This is a very interesting start and I can't want to see more of it. I take it Han escaped Hoth and paid off Jabba? -----signature----- If anything can go wrong, it will- Murphy's Law AND MURPHY WAS AN OPTIMIST!!!
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
dm1 Registered: Jun '04	Date Posted: 2/23 8:28am Subject: RE: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	Han was down on his knees on the cold deck floor by his bunk, head buried in his arms. She could see his shoulders trembling as he tried rather unsuccessfully to choke back his sobs. This was the most powerful part of your story so far. In two sentences, you showed how much Han had changed. Leia is comforting Han here much as I imagine he would have comforted her after Alderaan. I could see her claiming responsibility for that, and Han telling her there was absolutely nothing she could have done. I guess at this point, even Leia realizes that people can't control everything. The most they can do is try their hardest, and make do with what they have. This is good, I like seeing Han not being frozen in carbonite, and making it out of Bespin. So, did Leia actually end up telling him that she loved him yet? I can't wait to see the next installment. -----signature----- Internet Mom to HSG! Hey, HSG, watch those explosives, be careful!!
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Tatooine_Ghost Registered: Jul '06	Date Posted: 2/23 3:08pm Subject: RE: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	wow. loved it. could you please add me to you pm list. -----signature----- And the psychological benefits of driving a battleship up the Tigris and parking it in the middle of Baghdad has got to be useful.-Jello WJFC means never having to say you're sorry.
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Ocelotl_Nesto Registered: Oct '04	Date Posted: 2/23 3:16pm Subject: RE: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	I like this spin... will this take Luke to Dagobah sooner? More training perhaps? Add me to the PM list please
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
epithree Registered: Aug '06	Date Posted: 2/23 6:40pm Subject: RE: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	Well done! Superb writing. Please add to your pm list. -----signature----- 'And so it is.' 'charge the plasma rotors!' 'hello there.'
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
DaenaBenjen42 Registered: May '05	Date Posted: 2/23 8:46pm Subject: RE: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	Okay, star, you got me. (It's Han not frozen? I am so there.) Loved the character dynamics and Hans reactions to being the reason Luke ended up there, as well as Leia giving him a healthy dose of common sense. The poor kid does indeed need support and they are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. Well done and I'm patiently awaiting some more. PMs, please. -----signature----- "Say it with me now. Postcard. Zoo. Not. Shopping." master to jackyyy17, micky-nikki, & Trimaj e-sis to BrightFeather All cats are leopards after dark.
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
DarthVaderette Registered: May '04	Date Posted: 2/24 3:09am Subject: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	This is a good story so far, please add me to your PM list. Thanks -----signature----- SW Fan since '77 This is where the fun begins God Bless America
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Jade_eyes Registered: Aug '04	Date Posted: 2/24 5:17am Subject: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	Splendid title and wonderful start. I'd love PMs for updates. Hugs! big time! -----signature----- Spock/Nyota, woven forever together in gorgeous bonds of Nyota's "Cherished Moments" diary's gonna be hawt, hawt, melty! Squggles! [face_melting into 10 buckets!]
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
VaderLVR64 Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Feb '04	Date Posted: 2/24 5:21am Subject: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	Leia wearily sank down beside him once again, took his hand. “He was trying to protect us. It was all a trap Vader-.” Vader. “What does that walking heap of wires want with Luke?” Leia shook her head, truly at a loss. The dark lord was utterly obsessed with finding the young man. “I don’t know. He did destroy the Death Star,” “Yeah and I helped him do it, so why isn’t he after me too?” “I don’t know.” She shuddered to think what would’ve happened if Luke hadn’t been able to get away. She added quietly, “He wanted to bring him to the Emperor himself.” Oh count me in! Please add me to your PM list. -----signature----- R.I.P John, Alex, Jason, and Christian Never forgotten Soldiers' Angels http://soldiersangels.org/ 2114 soldiers waiting for someone to care
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
dancing_star Registered: Feb '07	Date Posted: 2/25 5:37pm Subject: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke - Date Edited: 2/25 5:40pm (2 edits total) Edited By: dancing_star
	Jedipati: This is a very interesting start and I can't want to see more of it. I take it Han escaped Hoth and paid off Jabba? To be honest, I haven’t really decided yet. But Lando and Lobot played a part in Han, Leia and the gang’s escape. Thanks so much for reading!! Dm1: Leia is comforting Han here much as I imagine he would have comforted her after Alderaan. I could see her claiming responsibility for that, and Han telling her there was absolutely nothing she could have done. I guess at this point, even Leia realizes that people can't control everything. The most they can do is try their hardest, and make do with what they have. I agree. This is good, I like seeing Han not being frozen in carbonite, and making it out of Bespin. So, did Leia actually end up telling him that she loved him yet? Yep! Thank you so much!! Tatooine_Ghost: wow. loved it. could you please add me to you pm list. Aww, thanks!! I’m so glad!! You got it! Ocelotl_Nesto: I like this spin... will this take Luke to Dagobah sooner? More training perhaps? Perhaps. Add me to the PM list please I’ll be glad to! Thanks so much!! Epithree: Well done! Superb writing. Please add to your pm list Thank you so much!! I will!! DaenaBenjen42: Okay, star, you got me. (It's Han not frozen? I am so there.) Yay!! Loved the character dynamics and Hans reactions to being the reason Luke ended up there, as well as Leia giving him a healthy dose of common sense. The poor kid does indeed need support and they are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. I agree. Well done and I'm patiently awaiting some more. PMs, please. You got it! Thanks so much!! DarthVaderette: This is a good story so far, please add me to your PM list. Thanks Aww, thank YOU! You’ve got it! Jade_eyes: Splendid title and wonderful start. Aww thank you!! I must confess, I’m rather fond of the title myself. I'd love PMs for updates. Hugs! big time! Right back at ya!! VaderLVR64: Oh count me in! Please add me to your PM list. Yay!! You’ve got it! Thanks!! PM list so far: Tatooine_Ghost Ocelotl_Nesto Epithree DaenaBenjen42 DarthVaderette Jade_eyes VaderLVR64 -----signature----- God bless America and our troops. "The LORD gives strength to his people. The LORD blesses his people with peace." Ps 29:11 ~~~ "Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope" (fic below) http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29811085/p1/
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
The-Solo-Smirk Registered: Jun '08	Date Posted: 2/26 7:09am Subject: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	Wow! AU + ESB + Han not frozen in carbonite! I'm totally with you! Would you add me to your PM list? Thank you very much! TSS -----signature----- Thanks to whoever designed the Blade Runner avatar! What's the measure of a man made to measure? Happy is one of the many emotions I find myself experiencing throughout the day ~ CF
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
dancing_star Registered: Feb '07	Date Posted: 2/28 3:44pm Subject: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke - Date Edited: 2/28 3:45pm (1 edits total) Edited By: dancing_star
	TSS: Wow! AU + ESB + Han not frozen in carbonite! I'm totally with you! Would you add me to your PM list? Thank you very much! TSS Aww, thank YOU!! You've got it!! -----signature----- God bless America and our troops. "The LORD gives strength to his people. The LORD blesses his people with peace." Ps 29:11 ~~~ "Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope" (fic below) http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/29811085/p1/
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Jedi_Liz Title: Former CR Lincoln NE, USA Registered: Apr '00	Date Posted: 2/28 4:13pm Subject: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	Though the planet of Bespin was already lightyears away, its memories lingered fresh as the harrowing minutes before. The repercussions as well. Repurcussions? Like maybe Lando sacrificed himself to help them get away? Poor Luke.....I hope they get him to proper medical treatment soon. -----signature----- Current Fic: Lightswords of Fury: Special Edition - L/M Romance http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/24270936/ Chapter 19 posted on 7/21/08 Coming SOON: Mara Jade of Chandrila Grove Coming SOON to SAGA Fanfic
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
Rebel_Jedi_21 Registered: Jan '09	Date Posted: 3/1 2:28am Subject: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	Cool start! I love Classic era AU's!!! Thanks for writing it. You just want to give them all a hug and say everything will work out fine. Keep up the good work!
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History
GeneralKenobi7 Registered: Jan '09	Date Posted: 3/1 3:21am Subject: Darkest Hours, Brightest Hope- ESB AU, short story, Han/Leia, Luke
	Awesome star! I really like Han's brotherly side Could you add me to your PM list please? -----signature----- Ewan Mace:"Sometimes a Jedi's most important duty is to stand and wait. I presume you've mentioned that to Anakin on occasion?" Obi-Wan: "Not more than twice a day." Proud Padawan to EG Kenobi
	Post Reply \| Quote Reply \| Active Topic Notification \| Private Message \| Post History

Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 - ~~Previous~~ | Next | Reload