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Chapter Text

Fool. Absolute fool. 

That as the Sith's thoughts when he saw the young Jedi push his friends to run off while he stayed behind. This boy had claimed to be a Jedi, or was, at the very least, pretending to come off as one as he swirled that lightsaber in his hands, ready to fight. Though, anyone who dared to duel with Vader stood little to no chance at survival. Vader, in any duel he was in, came to draw blood. The boy in front of him was pathetic, his stance was awkward, his legs were trembling and yet he tried to come off as brave. 

Child's play really. 

"You do not wield that weapon properly," Vader spoke, towering over the small blonde. "You, child, are no Jedi. Tell me your name." The boy had to of been a child. he was so small and tiny. The top of his head barely came up to Vader's chest and from what Vader could see, the boy's neck and wrists were so thin they appeared to be as strong as toothpicks. Either the boy was starved or is starving himself. Vader normally towered over most individuals he'd come across, but this boy made him feel like a giant. Vader grew impatient as the boy said nothing but tiny grunts and gasps as they dueled. 

"Tell me your name." Vader demanded at once.

"You killed my father!" the boy shouted back. It wasn't really an answer, but at least Vader knew that the boy was fighting him out of a moment of revenge it seems. Vader scoffed, wanting to roll his eyes. Like he hadn't heard that before. 

"I have killed many fathers." He spoke as if stating fact thought the young Jedi took it as gloating. "Be more specific." 

The small blonde boy grit his teeth as rage engulfed him and he lunged forward, swinging the blue light saber as quickly as he could. Vader stood still, parrying every movement. The boy was too predictable. Clearly, he had not have much training or his trainer was behind the times. With his large gloved hand, he used the force to push the child away from him, landing him on his back and the lightsaber fell from his hands. The kid coughed, it appeared Vader had, literally, knocked the wind out of him. Vader strolled to the boy, his bright red saber glowing with malice and humming. He pointed it at the boy on the ground. 

"You have chosen a foolish way to die. To allow your pathetic friends to live while you suffered." Vader wasn't lecturing him, he was only pointing out the flaws in Luke's plan. Though, that's not how Luke saw it. 

"You're wrong!' He screamed, trembling with fear but courageous enough to not beg for his life. If he died then he'd die knowing his friends escaped. "My friends will restore democracy! they'll take down this stupid empire! I was on the Death Star when I saw Master Kenobi be killed by you and I'll make sure you die with this Empire and it's evil Emperor!" 

Vader scoffed again. "You're nothing more than a child-"

"-I'm nearly eighteen!"

"-and yet." Vader pushed Luke, making the boy stumble. "You cannot properly wield that weapon. I should have known." Vader nodded to the kilt of the inactivated lightsaber laying just inches away from Luke's grasp. Luke cursed himself as Vader kept him pinned to the floor. If he were only a few inches taller he could grab his dad's saber and fight back. Vader continued to taunt Luke. "It's a shame Obi-Wan never taught you how to properly use this weapon. He did you an injustice. Because of that, you will perish." 

Luke snarled. "Don't speak of Master Kenobi! He was braver, stronger and--"

"He's also dead by my hand. If he was your master, than he was pathetic. What hope do you have with a dead master? You will be too if you do not inform me of the Rebel pilot who destroyed the Death Star as well." That threat was not light. Trillions of credit, years of planning and millions of lives were lost, giving the Rebels and advantage over the Empire. Han was going to kill him for "opening that big mouth" again and Leia would be so dissapointed he was giving himself up as live bait. But it was Luke's turn to be smug. 

"You've got him." 

The room dropped to an icy chill as Vader's lividness was felt in the Force. The tall man reached his hand out again, pulling the saber towards him and Luke bit his lip watching his father's saber, the man he never knew but loved more than anything, be activated next to Vader's own red weapon. Just as Vader was about to smite him, the man paused Luke grew worried. He was on the edge of death and now his (soon to be) killer paused. 

"Where did you get this?" He demanded. 

Luke remained defiantly silent. Why Vader had recognized his father's saber was unbeknownst to him. Perhaps his father had put up a strong duel with Vader before. He liked to believe that little theory. The boy also felt uncomfortable with the silence, the sound of Vader's respirator being the only sound. Why the man kept staring at him was irritating. Vader gripped the saber slightly, using the Force to keep Luke paralyzed to the ground. He turned to the boy, making out his features: Those piercing blue eyes for starters, though much bigger and brighter due to his youth, he couldn't deny. Then there was the furrowed brow line Vader had seen in his own reflection. But then he saw the chin, the sharp cheekbones, the pointed nose and it was as if he were looking right at her. 

As if that wasn't enough to convince Vader, he felt it. The small hazy warmth that he had only heard or read about. It wasn't an overpowering light, but rather a warm, gentle one, at the beginning of sunrise, full of promise and excitement. 

The boy was given less than half a moments warning before a haze littered his eyes and he felt drowsy. Luke bitterly accepted his fate into unconsciousness. 

Darth Vader had a reputation of being merciless towards interrogating prisoners' as much as he was in battle with them. So it was odd when Firmus Piett was approached by the tall man as he stood behind a group of of stormtroopers wheeling what appeared to be a small boy on a stretcher to the medical wing on the Devastator into the hospital wing; what was even more odd was when Vader asked Piett to begin a blood test. 

Again, Piett had seen some peculiar things in his life, but this had to take the cake. Piett had seen the horrors that war could bring and the patriotism that came with a building new Empire; and not to mention the countless time's he's spotted seeing Vader crush his enemies in too often barbaric ways of torture was enough to make him queasy. Though, seeing Vader had spared the life, more or less told commanding officers to direct the individual to emergency care of an obvious Rebel pilot was....interesting to say the least. Even more so when the large man didn't turn away until the crew followed by medical droids were out of sight. Nevertheless Piett kept his mouth shut, trying to focus on the Datapad requsting information for a blood sample and not notice the small blonde. He couldn't have been older than a teenager in his opinion.

Vader, on the other hand, needed a break. He hated to admit it to himself, but his prosthetics ached and it had been too long since he had a bacta soak. He had been too busy hunting down the rebel that blew up the Death Star. The large man sat down slowly next to the bacta tank, the glow from the medicine inside beaming the room in a gentle teal hue. 

"Sir, the blood sample is ready to be drawn." Piett spoke as a small delivery droid entered the room. 

Vader said nothing, but sat straight, ignoring the aches in his thighs and limbs. Vader looked into the Force. It never lied. It never betrayed him. It spoke only truths and accomplishments. He closed his eyes, waiting. There it was, a soft hue, a pale yellow, dim, but as warm as the burning sad on bare feet of Tatooine. The sound of a small silver bell ringing heard in the distance and all at once, the Force was engulfing Vader in a wrap of....innocence. It was childish, youthful, and curious. It haunted Vader. For nearly seventeen years he had been distraught in secret by this dream; it was, he once believed, torment for his past failure to save his wife and unborn child. Doomed he would be for the rest of his miserable life to endure the imagery of an unborn child that resembled her in spirit and kindness, but with sandy blonde hair and bright blue eyes that called to him laughing, racing with his tiny arms to be lifted and held. 

"Daddy!"  

Vader's eyes snapped open. There had been a connection formed. The hissing of Vader's respiratory machine and the droid whirling about were the only noise in the whole room as Vader sat still, his own blood drawn. This was for record confirmation, Vader told himself. Once the droid was finished colleting the blood sample, Vader instructed the Droid to enter the Rebel's room and take a sample as well. Piett's eyebrow raised though he said nothing. 

Today was, nonetheless, going to be interesting something told him. 

Luke's eyes opened slowly only a few moments after he had awaken. His head hurt and he felt delusional. All around him were blurs and the lights, though dimmed, didn't help in telling him where he was at. He blinked, trying to wake himself up. From what he could tell he was in a room of bare concrete walls, small lights on each wall and lying in a bed that felt as comfortable as the apparent stone floor beneath him. That wasn't all, he appeared to be chained to the bed, his wrists and ankles locked against metal bar rails on the side of him. He winced, trying to sit up. He was still in his filthy clothes and smelled awful. 

The teen wasn't so sure if waking up was a good sign or not. On one hand, he was alive, on the other who knows what horrors would happen to him when Vader walks in. Luke knew he would. It was Darth Vader, he wouldn't spare the life of a rebel pilot who destroyed his precious Death Star. Luke winced again as he tried to pull the cuffs and chains loose, hoping they'd be made out of some scrap metal or just rusted enough for him to do so. When neither worked and he was becoming bruised, he stopped. Concentrating as hard as he could to use the Force, he paused when he felt a shivering coldness travel down his spine. Physically, he shivered. It was as if he had laid his naked body on an ice block, his skin burned and his bones felt they would crack like an ice sickle. The chains rattling against the metal. 

It felt like the room had dropped to freezing. 

What was that? Luke asked himself. That was in the Force. 

His breathing slowed when he heard footsteps marching in an orderly fashion to the door of his (cell?) room. Immediately, the door raised and there, in the flesh black suit and all, was him. Fear replaced anxiousness in the teen as Luke scrambled to try and get himself free when he realized his lightsaber wasn't attached to his hip. That's right, he recalled. Bucket-head stole it. 

"If you want to be taken seriously, I suggest you stop with the childish name calling." Vader spoke, his deep voice cutting into Luke. Luke's wide blue eyes blinked. 

"Ho-How did you?" He didn't finished. 

"You are projecting your thoughts. I assume that pitiful master of yours failed to teach or even tell you that Force Sensitive Younglings like yourself have no control over their thoughts projecting loudly." Vader seethed. Luke glared, quick to defend his former Master and ignore everything Vader just said to him. 

"Don't you dare speak of him!" Luke shouted, the icy chill in the room turning colder (if it were possible) and an unmistaken fury mixed in with annoyance came from Vader. It soaked Luke. 

"Obi-Wan was a coward and weak," Vader began as he stood bedside to Luke, ignoring the boy's discomfort. It would all make sense soon. "And he was a thief above all else. He took what was mine." 

Luke scoffed. "If he was a thief-- which he wasn't--he probably stole it back!" Vader didn't hide his annoyance at the young pilot and kept his arms firmly behind his back, almost restraining himself. 

"And it seems he still spread those lies the Jedi still stick by," Vader grit his teeth.  "What he's said to you is none of my concern." Finally the tall man released his arms, revealing the lightsaber that belonged to Luke, to Anakin. Luke gasped. Vader didn't miss the little sparkle that twinkled in Luke's bright blue eyes as he spotted the familiar silver kilt of the saber. Vader could easily read Luke's mind. 

Where did you get this? He asked threw the Force. 

Luke winced, shielding his eyes as best as he could. It felt like someone had taken an ice pick and jammed it in his brain. "Stop that!" He demanded. "Get out of my head!" 

Vader glanced down at the saber. "Do you know how I am able to do that?" He asked, gently. That threw a monkey wrench in Luke's system. An arrogant villian he was accustom to, but hearing Vader speak calmly was new and he hoped it wouldn't last. Luke stayed quiet as the tall man continued to loom over his bedside. "Force Sensitive Children, such as yourself, with training, learn to sense and manipulate the Force. Force-sensitives who gained powers and abilities through the Force become Force Adepts." Vader wasn't lecturing him, Luke knew, the way the giant man spoke was as if he were recalling words from a text. As if he had been drilled this information for years. 

"The Jedi once pondered on the notion that having the ability to use the force was hereditary. They were wrong." Vader began to stroll closer to Luke, causing the boy to wince when Vader pressed his gloved hand to his forehead pressing his temple enough to not cause pain, but get a good grip. "It's not hereditary. It's a direct line. Force Sensitive children have parents who can wield the Force." 

"Why are you telling me this? Don't touch me!" Luke begged, trying to shake his head away from Vader. 

"Search your feelings," Vader spoke, what he said next was riddled with spite, "For answers Obi-Wan never told you." 

Luke tried to steady his breathing as Vader gave his head a small squeeze and with a sudden flash he felt it. The icy cold and powerful feeling, it was Vader. His Force tendrils wrapping around Luke possessively, protectively. It was suffocating. Why? Why was he doing this? Why is he not killing me? Luke wondered. This made no sense. Vader's voice echoed in his head, the noise coming from every angle. Search your feelings. 

A connection wasn't made, rather it was recognized. Like seeing a long, lost beloved friend after years apart. The Force blended perfectly in the middle of that connection, Luke's warmth to Vader's icy chill to create a bondage that was unbreakable. That was true. Vader's hand slowly left Luke's head. The smaller boy's iris' were wide and his eyes were blotchy as fat, wet tears rolled down his flushed cheeks. He didn't blink. His heart raced as he slowly glance up at the man that was Darth Vader. 

That was his father.

"No . . . . no you can't be!" Luke's bottom lip trembled. "That's impossible!" 

"it is true, Luke. I am your father," Vader held out the Saber, activating it. "Obi-Wan stole this from me as he left me to burn to death." Then, he deactivated the lightsaber, strapping it back to his hip next to his own. 

"I don't believe you..." Luke growled. "You liar!" Vader narrowed his eyes, though Luke didn't see anything behind the glossy mask. "This is your Sith work! You're tricking me!-" 

Vader immediately crouched down, placing both of his hands on the metal rails alongside Luke's bed, hovering over the boy. His tone firm, and dare Luke say, longing: "You know exactly what you saw moments ago. You felt it just as I did. That, Rebel, was our connection. One that formed since your birth unknowing to either of us." The last part caught Luke off guard. Vader almost pleaded. Vader's Force tendrils coiled around Luke, slithering up his arms and legs, paralyzing him as they did not but a few hours ago. The Force made Luke want to shiver as the possessive waves hit him.  

"Too long have I been tormented," Vader spoke, the Force around him causing what felt like a windstorm in the room, "Obi-Wan dug his grave the moment he betrayed me, but I curse him an agonizing pain in Siths Hell for the fact he stole my child from me!" 

Luke gulped, fear entangling him and Vader felt it too. The force Tendrils gripped Luke harshly, causing the boy to cry out in pain. Vader lowered his shoulders, the wind ceased. The man removed his hands from the bars to reach out to his son, his child, his baby. Even though his gloved hand, he could feel Luke's skin was silky soft. There was a trace of baby fat on his cheeks but his wrists were so thin. Luke bit his trembling bottom lip, ceasing when Vader brushed a thumb across to make him stop the habit. 

"What," he started, one hand stroking Luke's cheek with his flesh hand the other placed tenderly behind Luke's blonde sweaty hair, "what is your name?" He asked, tenderly. Again, his voice was so unbelievably deep, like an undisturbed ocean though as soft and gentle as a dove feather. And, dare Luke believe, comforting. Luke tried to get in touch with the Force, but there it was, that bond. It wasn't a lie. It wasn't a Sith trick. 

The Force, Obi-Wan had told him, is everything. 

Luke's eyes always betrayed him, even when he was a small child. He was such a crybaby and teared up at the smallest inconvenience. Uncle Owen had said it was because of puberty and he'd grow into a man and get out of that nonsense. Aunt Beru had been the one who was correct. She'd smile at Luke and say "No, Owen. It's because he's a boy with a heart bigger than the sun." His eyes were no different this time as a new wave of fresh tears shed and dripped down his cheeks, his jaw and into the whisps of his golden thread hair. 

"Your name, child." Vader spoke again. 

Luke's throat felt dry as he began speaking. 

"L-Luke. . .My name is Luke Skywalker." Luke. the teen heard his name through the Force. It wasn't a pleasurable noise hearing Darth Vader say his name. In fact, it felt like an invasion of privacy (or at the very least putting his safety in jeopardy). The tendrils ceased to paralyze Luke, but they didn't leave his body as Vader leaned back to stand up and look down at his son. This had Luke wondering, was this the first time Darth Vader wasn't on a murderous rampage? Luke gulped. This man, Vader, was Anakin, was his father. Realization and acceptance were two different things and Luke was suddenly accepting the latter. 

"You. . . you're Anakin." Luke whimpered, Darth Vader turned away, but only for a moment as if to collect himself. Darth Vader turned back to deny Luke that was his name. "I have gotten rid of that name. It holds no meaning to me." Was all he said, though he wasn't angry. Luke gulped. All his life he knew Anakin Skywalker, the pilot who died in the wars. And yet, here in front of him was the man who was undoubtedly  his father, but he knew nothing about him. It was as if Luke found it easier to believe a fictional tale rather than the hard ugly truth. 

Perhaps, he wondered, if his father could be saved. 

"P-Please, let me go." Luke whimpered. 

Vader growled. "No. Not for you to run back to that Rebel base. You will not return there every again. You belong by my side." That possessiveness was back and the tendrils resumed their light squeeze on Luke's body.  

Luke's eyes widened. "I. .. I can save you!" Luke insisted. 

"There is nothing to be saved." Vader crossed his arms, seething. "I am the most powerful being in the galaxy behind the Emperor. Once I establish my rightful place at the top of this galaxy, of this Empire, I will rule with you by my side as my son. As the imperial Prince." Vader's words were like bleach and alcohol, making Luke dizzy at the words the man, his father, was speaking. He didn't even catch the threat Vader just said about "establishing his right at the top" and giving Palpatine the boot. The teen wasted no time in interrupting the man and shouting, "NO!" Vader didn't flinch, he felt Luke's turmoil through their bond. Honestly, the kid wouldn't be able to hide anything from him now. 

Luke was seething this time. 

"I refuse to be apart of something that destroys innocent lives!" Luke shouted. "I hate the Empire. I want to see it burn! I'll never stop fighting with my friends or to save lives and avenge those that died for nothing!" Like Auntie and Uncle....

Vader grew angry. Whoever this Auntie and Uncle were he'd make sure Luke wouldn't give so much as a second thought to them. He was this child's father. He would make sure Luke will never put that much trust in a different parent figure ever again. "It will never be destroyed. When I rule, I will be ten times stronger than the worm that its on the throne." Vader growled as the tendrils wrapped around Luke forced the boy to sit up. Luke began to shiver. The room was to cold as Vader's force imploded. "Do not even think about running away, child. I will hunt you down on every planet, every star if I must." 

Luke knew that wasn't a threat. It was a promise. 

He felt trapped. The idea of not being able to leave was even worse than leaving and possibly having innocent planets raided or, Force forbid, destroyed because Vader was on a war path to make sure his teenage son was in viewpoint at all times. Luke couldn't hold back his choked sobs, he tried effortlessly to yank on the chains on the bed to leave, it was a pitiful move really and Vader know it. He reached out to gently hold his son's tiny wrist and frowned. 

"You've hurt yourself." He spoke, astonished and worried. Luke gulped. Vader sounded like his Aunt did that one time he came home scraped up from fooling around with a speedster. He watched as Vader gently inspected the area before walking to the door where a small panel was hooked on the wall that summoned a medic droid. The droid must have been outside because immediately one arrived with bacta patches and Luke was uncuffed and all his red bruises were tended to. Though Vader's force was still wrapped around him. Almost as if Vader knew Luke would try and take the fool's chance at running. 

Vader lowered one of the side rails, giving him a chance to sit next to his child. Luke tensed as Vader removed a glove, revealing his pale hand. That hand was used to stroke Luke's hair, to brush it back, run a finger along the teen's jaw and brush a few strands behind the tiny ear on Luke's head. 

"I will have more droids do a full check up on you. I will know everything from a tiny splinter to a deadly allergy you have. The harm Obi-Wan has done to you will soon be tamable." Vader vowed. 

Luke frowned. "What are you talking about? He never laid a finger on me." 

Vader was glad about that. "You are so gifted with the Force on a dust ball of a planet where no one would ever understand what you were going through. I've said this before but I hear all of your thoughts. No one else can because they are not gifted with The Force. A child, all alone aimlessly wandering about would do exactly what you are doing now: screaming your thoughts to be found, to be heard. Where Obi-Wan failed is realizing that Force bonds, especially between parent and child, are for eternity. You have been calling for me Luke for years." 

The teenager shook his head. "But that' not true. I was told you were dead and I accepted it! Sure, I was upset when I was told as a kid, but. . .." He trailed off, remembering how upset he was when Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru sat him down at the dinner table after a bad day at school where little Luke was ridiculed and picked on for not having parents. His mother, they knew nothing about but was told she was dead and his father died before he was born. He had cried for day after that. And something inside him felt torn. Luke thought back further. Had that been him calling out? The way Vader just explained now? That feeling technically never really left him, it just gradually dimmer over time. But now, it was gone. That pain of being alone. Because he had found the truth within The Force. 

He hadn't noticed when Vader wrapped his flesh arm around him, pulling him in close until Luke's cheek gently snuggled against Vader's breast plate. 

"I assure you, child. I am very much alive. Force bonds are unbreakable and powerful. You are the child your mother and I made out of pure love and was more than likely formed during your first heartbeats." Vader was so gently in holding him close, Luke trembled. He hadn't been held like this since he was very Young. Aunt Beru had to work often but would try to give a hug goodnight when he was young and Uncle Owen wasn't exactly affectionate aside maybe from a handshake, but this. This was new for Luke. This was the safest he's every felt in his whole life and it took him a moment to realize that he was feeling this way because Vader was sending a copious amount of affection threw the force. 

Love. . . Luke dared to look up at the mask of Darth Vader. His father. 

"Yes, my child. I love you more than anything in this whole Galaxy," Vader spoke, his voice gentle, but loud enough to be heard of his respirator. "And that, is not a lie." 

It wasn't. Luke hiccupped, his eyes threatening to spill more tears. His father was alive. His father was Darth Vader. His father loved him. He wasn't alone. 

Shamefully, Luke bawled. Bawled like a newborn. His right hand gripped into a fist and his face turned into his father's chest. Luke couldn't comprehend why he was doing this but Vader felt it through their bond. So much relief on Luke's end came pouring in and at the same time, it was agony. Vader wanted to resurrect Obi-Wan and then kill him again in a more horrific manner for denying him the life his son deserved. Luke deserved to live in a palace, rather that desert tomb he loathed. Luke deserved to eat the finest foods, be clothed in silks and Sherpa fur and head to toe in jewels from distant planets and be given the best training and education in the Galaxy. Luke would be tucked in with soft blankets every night, given bubble baths and be told constantly how much he was meaningful and loved. 

The small boy cried until he hiccupped and choked on his sobs. Vader lovingly wiped the tears away, cupping Luke's soft cheek. Luke felt heavy, his shoulders ached and his head felt light. 

"Little one," Vader hushed. "You're tired." Luke wanted to fight it. He would. He's just woken up not that long ago. Vader continued. "You've emitted a lot of energy that you were not ready to give. Your body is responding accordingly, little one." Vader soothed, stroking that blonde hair that reminded him so much of the sunshine on Naboo where he'd spend his free days in the garden with her. Vader marveled at the sight of his son protesting sleep, his large eyes half lidded and red rimmed from crying, but a large yawn sealed Luke's fate in being lifted by the Force in the air, alarming him for a moment until a droid came with a hover stretcher. Luke was gently laid down and Vader removed his cape, tucking the boy in when he felt Luke shiver through the force. 

"Take him to my private wing, when he awakes he'll be examined for illnesses, injuries or allergies." Vader instructed the droid acknowledged him. The large man turned as he walked beside his son in the hover stretcher. Luke whimpered something in protest but Vader only reached out to stroke his hair. 

Given the fact they were on the Devastator , it was a shorter walk to Vader's private quarters. It wasn't lavish in his mind, but to a glossy eyed and sleepy Luke, it was the epitome of luxury with it's granite floors, open kitchen and living space as well. Luke was hovered to a bedroom that was quite large with a bed that would sleep five Wookies comfortably with the silkiest sheets and pillows Luke had ever had the pleasure of touching. It was Vader to manually lifted Luke out of the hover stretcher and frowned. His son was too easy to carry. He made mental note to have the droids scan for starvation as well. Knowing his son was left on that dust ball excuse of a planet Vader had fears of his son starving or being dehydrated. 

Luke whimpered, shivering holding his father's black cape closer for warmth and leaning into Vader more. 

Vader smiled softly, sending reassurances through their bond as he lowered Luke into his bed. He never used it but he wasn't the one who designed the ship. He gently laid Luke down, allowing the boy to sleep with the cape seeing as he cocooned himself with it before lifting the sheets and comforter over his small child. Luke was on his last leg before falling asleep, Vader knew. He sat down beside the boy and sent the medical droid away with the stretcher. 

Sleep now, my little one. You're safe.    Vader vowed. As he starred down at Luke breathing slowly, his eyelids fluttering as he entered the dream realm. Vader thought back to those haunting nightmares he'd have when his respirator wasn't attached. Those dreams of that little boy with blonde hair and blue eyes.  Of the little boy who would run to him with his little arms open wide, giggling and calling for him to be carried and Vader would always ALWAYS wake before he could touch the boy. Were they really nightmares? Or visions? He liked to think so but he was more certian that was Luke's bond calling out to him. It had to be. That adorable voice rang in his ears as he ran a hand through Luke's golden hair one more time. 

"Daddy!"

Daddy's here, Luke. Daddy's never leaving. 

Chapter Text

Vader spent the whole night marveling at him. How couldn't he? Perhaps, he thought to himself as he sat at the edge of the large bed listening to Luke's soft breathing, this is normal? This is how every parent looks at their baby for the first time? He needed answers. He had sent a droid to collect any reading material on the ship about Force-Sensitive children and their needs. He spent half the night reading every page, soaking up the knowledge like a sponge. Vader had wished he had paid closer attention to his studies, but ultimately, he only glossed over the subject, never believing to have children of his own or wanting any until. . . he frowned at the memory of Padme hesitantly telling him the good news that she was pregnant. The two had been alone and Anakin had returned home safe, just as he promised her.

He remembered crying into her neck, assuring her with his large hands on her flat tummy that he was so happy. Anakin, the boy who grew up without a father was going to be one himself. It was the happiest moment of his life.  

Vader flipped through another page just as the sun began to peak under the drawn blackout curtains. He looked up from his text when he heard Luke make a noise in his sleep only to roll over and continue snuggling into the pillow. Luke, he figured, was a light sleeper. The boy had been tossing and turning all night. There was a moment Vader was afraid Luke would fall off the bed so he made sure to prop the boy around with pillows and even laid a few on the floor if disaster happened but so far Luke had been sleeping perfectly fine. 

The worried father couldn't believe himself. Not even a few hours ago he was hunting the wanna-be Jedi down and now here he was fretting about his well being. Of course, that only made him reasure himself he was being a good father. Fathers are supposed to look out for their babies and make sure their beds were warm, their heads on comfortable pillows and they were tucked in safe and sound. All of which Vader did. Though, the man couldn't believe how quickly his life had changed. From being alone in a black void to finding out he's a father to the ball of sunshine that was his dainty son. 

Sunshin. Bright. Luke. 

It fit Luke perfectly. Vader had a feeling Padme named him. He knew she did. Luke was such a perfect name and only she could come up with it. Luke the light. Old Naboo language would have named him Luk'yalie. Or Bright one. It was ironic really. Vader had to smirk to himself as he recalled the headlines he had spotted with Luke's face plastered all over the front:

HERO OF THE REBELLION: Pilot blows up Death Star for sake of Democracy. 

Vader couldn't believe how Luke managed to kill millions of people and yet had no interest, desire or even a thought of joining the Dark side. 

Luke made another whimper. Vader, no longer caring about the text, was at Luke's side ready to wake the boy should he be having trouble sleeping and comfort him. Vader felt their connection bond, there wasn't any distress on Luke's side, the young boy was still sending contentment on his end. Still, Vader didn't hesitate to reach out with his hand, his fleshed one, to tenderly rub a bruise on his son's cheek. Vader felt his throat tighten knowing he had been the cause for that one. He seethed at himself for harming Luke in such a manner; granted he had no idea he was this child's father, but he should have known better, should have searched deep in the Force to see why there was such an odd attachment to this Rebel. Vader sighed. Never would he raise a hand to Luke ever again. This precious child would never be harmed by him and Vader made sure to make it up to his child. The texts said something about Force-Sensitive Children being attracted to sweet treats, perhaps if his son were to behave after his check up he'd make an arrangement for something tasty to be delivered. 

Vader let out a small gasp when Luke whimpered again, his sleepy eyes wincing. 

Distress. The Force Bond felt. 

The large Papa leaned in to wake the child up but when his hand moved aside, it was caught by Luke's. More specifically, Vader's index and middle fingers. Vader watched, astonished as Luke's hand, his son's smaller, daintier hand, gripped his two fingers and curled his hand in a fist and pulled his hand and Vader's fingers towards his face and nuzzled into the pillow soothing himself back to sleep. Vader stood still, listening to his heartbeat and respirator. Luke's hand was so small curled around his fingers and his heart melted at the sight. He used his other hand to lay flat on top of the boy's fluffy locks of hair. 

Their bond back at content. 

The father couldn't admire the scene for very long as he felt Piett and two medical droids approaching the door to the hall of the private quarters. Vader, in vain, slowly pulled his fingers from Luke's grip pleased when the boy continued to sleep as he gently closed the bedroom door. He wouldn't be gone long, he told himself as Piett and the droids entered the private quarters. Normally Piett or anyone else would be allowed inside, but under these circumstances Piett was one of few Vader felt he could trust to hand him information on the blood test as well as ensure the medical droids were charged and ready for their job today. 

The Admiral stood tall and stiff when Vader was in view. 

"My lord," he bowed, handing over the blood sample document to Vader who snatched them and began reading. Piett and the Droids followed into the living area. "These are all the forms on the rebel pilot caught." 

"I see." Vader nodded, "are the droids ready?" 

Piett nodded. "Yes, my lord. I shall sterilize the room considering we are not in the med bay." Smart, Vader silently gave the Captain credit. There had been a reason for that. First, Vader didn't want to haul Luke around where others will see him, no, Vader wasn't ready for the world to know of Luke's existence--yet. Furthermore, he wasn't entierly sure the boy wouldn't try and run off. Vader seethed knowing Obi-Wan had brainwashed his child with Jedi nonsense as a means of further torturing him. This wouldn't be the first time Obi-Wan had turned someone he loved against him. He would be damned if his son--his baby boy--would turn to him and tell him he hated him. No, the medical procedures would be done here in the private wing before Luke would be bathed, dressed and fed and taken home. Not that hellish Tatooine but to Luke's real home: The Imperial Palace. 

Vader asked Piett about their course and the meek man replied that they should be arriving in no less than five hours. 

"Two more important pieces of information should be said, my lord." Piett responded, helping a droid in place, "First, The Emperor has requested your presence as soon as you arrive. He called late last night after you had left the med bay-"

"I know." Vader's suit hissed. "I have informed the Emperor of our delay and will meet with him after we land. When I do, no harm is to come to the child in this room. He is for the Emperor to decide what to do with next." Those words almost choked him. Vader was not looking forward to meeting with Sideous. Whatever idea the Emperor had for Luke, Vader would more than likely not approve of and over his dead body would Luke call anyone Master. Still, he braced himself for whatever else Piett had to say "What other news do you bring?" 

"Some imperial guards captured two droids, my lord. One was in the Rebel's X-wing, the other was hiding in the storage unit."

Luke has droids? Vader paused. "Decribe them." 

"One was tall and gold and can speak, the other is shorter and blue and silver. That's all I was told, sir."

Vader's eyes squinted suspiciously. He'd speak about this with Luke later and told Piett to wait for him in the living area as he was getting Luke ready. The older man nodded at the order while the tall father went to collect his child. Right as he had left him, Luke was still asleep, still lightly breathing and still at peace with whatever dream he was having. Vader felt guilty waking Luke up, in a sense it wouldn't be such a horrible life if he allowed his child to sleep forever in blissful dreamlands where he was safe. 

Reality had other ideas. 

The father gently removed the blankets, the cold air hitting the boy's warm body causing him to shiver. "Come my son, it's time to wake up." 

Luke stirred, reaching for the blankets to pull them. 

"It's time to get up, Luke." Vader softly commanded. Slowly, the boy's blue eyes opened and when they fixed on Vader they widened and his face went from sleepy and at ease to pale and horrified. 

Fear, fear, fear. Vader felt on his end of the bond. The father reached out with a Force tendril to ensure Luke's back and neck were rubbed as well as his left cheek. "There is nothing to be afraid of my child. You are safe." While he meant those words, Luke wasn't believing them. 

"It wasn't a dream." Luke's still sleepy voice whispered in disbelief. "Oh, Kriff!" 

Vader frowned. Luke was far too young and had too beautiful of rosy pink lips to be uttering that foul talk. Whether or not he said it out of fear or anger wasn't excusable, the father would have no son of his speaking that way. "Language, little one. I will not warn you again. I will not tolerate that behavior from you."

The room became cold as Vader's anger rose and Luke clutched a fluffy pillow close for warmth. The boy gulped. It hadn't been a dream at all. He had hoped that everything that had happened in the past few hours were some weird nightmare and that he'd wake up on the Millennium Falcon to Han and Chewie burning something for breakfast while C3PO fussed over their mess. or Leia and R2 calling for him to join everyone. No. That was the dream apparently. Reality was the fact he was held captive by Vader because he tried to save his friends. 

Luke frowned. "Where am I?" 

"You are still on the Devastator. You are currently in our private quarters where you've been sleeping the past fifteen hours." Vader responded. Luke's jaw dropped. He knew he was tired but he also wondered if he was drugged or not. 

"No you weren't." Vader answered that unasked question. 

"Get out of my head!" Luke shouted, "That's an invasion of privacy on some level!" 

"Nothing will be private to you, my son, not when it comes to me. Until I can be certain Obi-Wan's influence is eradicated from your thoughts and beliefs." Vader replied, the tendrils not leaving Luke's body as Vader walked to a closet where he began digging through robes and attire that he hoped would fit his son. Luke scoffed. "So, in other words you don't believe me or trust me." the teenager crossed his arms, glaring. Not that he wanted Darth Vader's trust or cared if the man believed him. Not being able to have privacy to his own thoughts felt violating. 

Vader turned, saying nothing as he held up a slim, plain dark grey robe and matching black cape and hood. It was an imperial line of fabric wear, but Vader had a hand in this line specifically as he had ordered seamstresses on the ship to use the softest material they had. Force Sensitive Children's skin was very delicate and as soft as when they were newborns, Luke was no different. Vader had thrown away that awful Rebel pilot uniform that was scratchy and rough and dressed Luke in some night clothes later on. From now on, Luke would be adorning silks and fur and wool if at all possible. The Lord began searching for slippers when Luke shouted: 

"I'm still talking!" 

The Father felt resentment in the bond headed towards his way. That's right. Force Sensitive Children are also very needy and require a lot of attention. Lue probably felt neglected Vader was picking his outfit rather talking to him. After all, it had been a few short hours since the two reunited.

"I am sorry, little one." Vader truthfully apologized, walking to the bed to physically stroke his son's hair, "I didn't mean to ignore you. I was more focused on getting you ready than making sure you felt ready and that was not right of me." 

Luke frowned. 

"Ready for what?" 

"Your check up." Vader reminded him. Luke nearly bolted out of the bed had the Force tendrils Vader let out not caught him and held him down. "No!" Luke cried, "I'm not going to be apart of some sick experiment for the Empire!"  The Tendrils around his back soon wrapped around his waist and chest, keeping him still and the room was deathly cold so much so that Luke could see his breath. Vader was still at the side of the bed no doubt glaring at him. Anger wasn't the only thing Luke felt in their bond, it was dare he say, disappointment. It wasn't betrayal, but rather the same stern and upset notion a parent gets when they've caught their child writing on the walls or with their hand in the sweets jar after being told no. That's exactly what Vader was emitting through their bond. 

Disappointment from a parent to their naughty little child. 

"Do not..."  the father sternly began, "insinuate what I believe you were going to. I would never, under any circumstances, put you in harms way or in any sort of Danger, Luke." The tendrils eased but only a little so Vader could sit next to his child facing him and cupping his cheeks to force his head up. "This is a check up to see what allergies, illnesses, or bodily harm inside or out you may have from those idiotic wild adventures you've put yourself through--" Luke went to argue but Vader cut him off, "--for starters those stop immediately. You will not be apart of that Rebel Alliance any longer. You will not have your head filled with lies and be put in life threatening situations!" 

"I'm seventeen years old!" Luke shouted, pushing Vader's hands away. "I am no child!-"

"You are a child, my child!" Vader didn't shout, but he said that very firmly. The biological need to comfort his son that was feeling both ashamed and upset at being yelled at threw their bond and point out the inaccuracies and failed accomplishments of the Jedi were clashing. Luke came first. His needs first. Vader told himself before continuing. 

"I am your father and I know what is best for you more than anyone in this Galaxy. And I am ending this argument you want to have."  No, he wouldn't argue at infantile levels with his own son. He was the adult in the room and he was to act like it. No doubt Piett had heard him too. That would be sorted with later but right now, Luke was to be bathed and dressed before his exam and then fed. The boy's hair, as adorable as it was tangled in the morning, was knotted and greasy. Not to mention the Bactra patches were sticky around Luke's wrists, a sign all the ointment were gone and needed to be replaced. 

Vader stood, using the force to pick Luke up off the bed, ignoring the teen's protests, and carry him into the refresher. Inside the pure white tile room were a shower opposite of a large in floor bath tub that was already filling up with warm water. Another door led to the privy and there was a large duo sink with a mirror which began to fog up. 

"Put me down!" Luke demanded, even though he wasn't very high up in the air at all, rather only an inch off the ground. Vader ignored him and took off a black glove to allow his flesh hand to test the water deeming it warm and not scalding before adding bath bubbles and taking out various soaps from a cabinet above soft fluffy white towels. Vader used the force to turn off the water once the tub was filled with sparkling bubbles floating on top before turning to his son and speaking. 

"Undress." 

The teen flushed fifty shades of red. 

"Get out!"  Luke grit his teeth, anger coming off on his end of the bond along with a huge wave of embarrassment. Vader wanted to roll his eyes, taking two steps behind Luke but not leaving the room, his back turned to his son. "I do not trust you to not drown yourself." he admitted. Now it was Luke's turn to cast a wave of disappointment through their bond. Vader glanced at Luke's hurt face, stroking the soft cheek he felt for the first time with his own flesh. "Perhaps that was too harsh. I trust you my son. I do not trust what the Jedi instilled in you. How countless acts of you putting yourself in danger has been too frequent in my books." 

"I did that all on my own no one taught me to do anything!" 

"That's the point." Vader spoke, turning around again, "Now. Undress, please." Luke huffed, blushing as the tendrils left his body but Vader's looming stance behind him shadowed over his body. He didn't like being in the same room as the man who almost killed him only hours ago, let alone in a very vulnerable state. As Luke pondered, Vader sent assurances threw their bond and were filled with promises of never harming him ever again. Luke trusted the Force. Obi-Wan wouldn't lie to him and, to an odd degree, neither would Vader.

The teen jumped in the bath as soon as his undergarments were off, startling the father who now had a soaked bathroom floor. 

"Luke, that was very reckless of you." Vader tutted, using the Force to lay down some towels on the floor so he could approach the tub where his soaked child sat, trying to hide himself in the honey scented bubbles. Luke's face flushed when Vader crossed his arms, waiting. Luke lowered his soaking wet head, gone was the sun kissed locks and in their place was a darker golden color from being wet. "S-Sorry." Luke shivered. 

Vader accepted the apology and used the force to bring over a bottle of shampoo. 

"No-no! I can do it!" Luke insisted. 

"It will go faster if I do it." 

"Please, I really can bathe myself I'm not incompetent." 

"Never said you were, little one." Vader recalled his readings. Force Sensitive Children thrived on touch and interactions. This could be a good bonding step for them both, he thought. Luke turned, annoyed. "I'm washing myself." He insisted. Vader didn't protest and with his gloved hand protecting his prosthetic and his other hand free, he dug his fingers and palms into the boy's head and began to lather the rich soap suds throughout Luke's head. While Vader searched in their bond, he couldn't help but feel saddened at the humiliation and uneasiness coming from Luke's end. Not to mention the boy was refraining himself from thinking about the obvious, more than likely as a defense mechanism to keep Vader from reading his thoughts. 

"Luke. . . " Vader calmly spoke, "There is nothing to be ashamed of. I am your father. I am supposed to care for you." As all fathers do their babies.  Vader sent affection and a possessive love through their bond, bombarding Luke as he washed his arms. Luke sat still. Vader thought about the boy in front of him and how he must have been when he was smaller. Was he as sweet as the boy he saw in his dreams? One who danced about, hummed little songs and called out for him? Had that faint bond he misjudged for a torturous nightmare been him seeing Luke all along? 

"Yes. . ." Luke spoke, unsure of if he agreed with Vader or not. "When the children are very young and not when they're pretty much adults." 

"But you are young," Vader insisted, "Still very young. Your bond with the Force is, at the very least."

Confusion filled Luke. "My what?" 

Vader sighed. He should have known Obi-Wan wouldn't have taught Luke everything. Would have taught his child just enough to be curious or to at least grasp a little of the Force, enough to use and then send him to his death. Vader used his tendrils to continue washing Luke's hair, using a cup to scoop water and drain the blonde's hair, careful to not get any soap in his son's pristine blue eyes. "I will tell you later, little one. For now, we've spent enough time here and I will not waste any more of Captain Piett's time waiting for us." 

Luke blushed again. "You never told me someone was here!" He whispered, covering himself as if Piett was in the room with them. Vader shrugged and turned around, using the Force to help Luke out of the tub and the teen immediately wrapped himself in a towel, clean and smelling like a honey comb.  Vader wrapped his arm around Luke, guiding them back to the room to lay his clothes out. The teenager stood still in the doorway, looking around the room frantically. 

"Where's my clothes from yesterday?" Luke asked, suddenly aware he was missing something. Something very important. "I threw them out. Those Rebel rags were pitiful at best. You are my son and will look the part."

Luke crossed his arms, the towel still wrapped around his curvy hips exposing his soft abs, "You mean you want to play dress up with a grown man." Vader had to chuckle at that. "Maybe" he replied, earning a pout from Luke. The teenager continued. "And my lightsaber? Where is that?" Luke knew he was treading unknown waters especially when he saw Vader stiffen for a half moment. The man had laid out Luke's outfit and turned saying nothing. Luke sneered. Vader had his saber somewhere and he intended to get it back. Whether or not Vader heard his thoughts (which Luke knew he did) the man chose not to say a word until Luke was fully dressed. The boy looked immaculate in the grey robe and black cape, not a figure of royalty, but importance. Lastly, Vader found a pair of long black boots that conveniently matched his own and handed them to Luke. 

"Oh what is it dress your kid for work day?" Luke rolled his eyes. 

"If you don't like them I know a pair of slippers that will work well too." 

Luke said nothing and hurried in putting the footwear on. Vader smiled to himself. If anyone else had worn that same outfit perhaps they would have looked more mature and wiser, but not Luke. Sadly, with his babyish face and bright eyes, Luke didn't really look the part of a Sith or even one in training and that was alright. He was still young and maturing and with Vader's loving hand to guide him, he'd make sure Luke was the most powerful being in the Galaxy. No one would hurt his baby boy. Vader used his flesh hand to motion Luke to stand closer to him. There was hesitance in the boy's steps. Vader would end that soon as well. When Luke was in range, Vader ran his hand through Luke's now washed and drying hair. It wasn't fully dry but he wasn't worried about the boy catching a cold. 

"You'll need a cut soon." Vader commented, thinking to himself how adorable the boy would be if just the dead ends were snipped. Though, Luke didn't feel the same way. 

"Kriff no!" Luke spoke, his lips smacking shut when he realized the error in his ways and Vader sent a roaring annoyance through their bond. Vader's respirator hummed as he warned the smaller boy, "I thought I said you were not to speak like that." Vader's tendrils gripped Luke's ankles so the Rebel wouldn't/couldn't run off like he looked as if he wanted to. 

The teenager bit his lip, "I-I'm sorry it slipped out--"

"Regardless, I warned you once already. I will not repeat myself twice in a day on something as petty as foul language. If I find myself reminding you once more, I will find a punishment that fits your need. You will not say those words again, Luke, do I make myself clear?" Vader pointed a finger at Luke. Luke wanted to bite it. It was humiliating being lectured, bathed, dressed and spoken to like a small child. He was Seventeen almost Eighteen. He was a pilot and a saber wielding Jedi; he shouldn't have to go through this. And yet, the bond said otherwise. While Luke may have felt annoyed at the notion of being reprimanded as a bratty child, the bond between him and Darth Vader-his father-was freezing. Luke hated it. He hated feeling this way. 

"I won't do it again," He promised, meekly. Tears threatening to fall from his eyes. "I. . . I'm sorry." 

Vader sighed. He'd carry out a small punishment had it not been for the fact that Piett was waiting for them and had been for a while now. Not to mention, he wanted to see what was wrong with Luke, or if anything was wrong. Obi-Wan had caused enough grief for him and his son that Vader didn't want to feed Luke something and the two not know Luke had an allergy to it and die. No. Death would never be an option for Luke. He'd make sure of it. 

"I forgive you, my little one." Vader spoke, cupping Luke's cheeks tenderly, "Let's put this rough morning behind us and do your check up. I expect you to be the good little boy I know you are. Am I clear?" 

Luke knew that wasn't exactly a threat, but reading between the lines it was best to not push Vader any longer. The boy nodded, saying nothing as Vader's coils wrapped around Luke's waist and he walked out of the bedroom and down the hall with his son to face Piett who was standing patiently after checking a medical droid's settings. Piett bowed once more, as was custom even when one had greeted Vader already. Luke gulped. The droids didn't look intimidating at all, rather they were two large rotating chrome spheres with pincher arms and they had three wheels to help guide them around. 

"Lord Vader," Piett announced, "The droids are ready." 

"Excellent. Come, young one." Vader led Luke to stand in between the two droids. The father felt resistance from his son and Luke, dare he say, looked a bit scared. Vader smiled softly. Piett watched the interaction with great interest. This was certainly different. Vader seemed cool, calm and tender with the boy as he did last night. Piett wasn't an idiot. He had been the one to read the files. This was Vader's kid. The Rebel who shot the Death Star.

"It's alright, Luke. A quick scan and then you can sit down." Vader promised. Luke bit his lip and stood still as Vader stepped back to allow the droids to do their work and scan every inch of Luke's body. It took only a moment but when they were finished Piett led them to his data-pad where they scanned the information for Vader and Piett to read. Vader took the pad away and was first to lay eyes on the scans. One of the two droids spoke out loud a summary of Luke's scans: "There is malnourishment present. Along with some damage from dehydration that can be reversed along with bruising on the wrists and ankles and some scarring in the lower abdominal that is healing. Other than that, the patient is healthy and growing at a normal rate."

Vader knew the first two causes were on Obi-Wan's hands. Taking his son to that desert tomb to starve and not know the basic human right of having a cold drink anytime. The father was so livid at his former master the room began to shake, scaring Luke. When he heard Luke ask what was happening did Vader stop. Kriff Obi-Wan to Hell! Vader cracked the data pad he was so furious. 

Luke gawked at Vader swearing when he himself wasn't allowed. "Hey! If I can't swear then you can't either, that's not fair!" 

Piett was taken back, so much had happened in a little amount of time. First the bickering coming from the hallway and then the rumbling and now this boy was openly speaking out against Vader to Vader. Piett couldn't help but think that this kid had bigger balls than any Sith. Vader turned to face Luke and held a finger out again. Piett watched with wide eyes as the taller man reprimanded (apparently for the third time today) to his son about how he was older and wiser and could understand what certain words meant whereas this Luke was younger and still needed guidance and was not permittable to swear regardless. Piett watched as Luke brought his knees to his chest and hid his face in defiance. 

The Captain turned to his Lord and said nothing but Vader asked for a list of things to have delivered to the Imperial Palace. "The droids have coded what remedies to be used." Vader knew, "Use the list on the data pad and ensure the supplies for my son arrive no later than tomorrow to the Palace." 

Piett nodded, "Yes, my lord." 

"One more thing." Vader was starring at his son, Piett knew. "No one is to know. As I'm certain you already knew that." Piett nodded and Vader was pleased with the man's answers. "The Devastator will be landing soon. Send for some food to be delivered along with any medicine recommended by the medic droids. Later, I will need to meet with the Emperor." Luke looked up at the mention of the Emperor, his face told Piett he was worried, but Vader knew the child felt downright terrified and angry. The father knew that anger came from the Jedi side his son was brainwashed into loving so much, as he once foolishly did. Vader hated the emperor for his own reasons but he'd let Luke's anger slide. Vader sent waves of reassurances of protection through their bond. His heartstrings threatened to pull apart when Luke tried to reject them. 

The Captain nodded, standing outside the door with the medical droids. "It shouldn't be more than ten minutes for the food, my lord." 

Vader said nothing and shut the door. It was just the two of them now. Luke was such crap at hiding his feelings, Vader's heart ached at the thought of his little boy being one to wear his heart on his sleeve and get hurt too often. Just like her. 

"Luke, come to the table please." Vader sat down, waiting for Luke to move, when the boy did, he sat far away from the man as possible. That was fine. Vader's tendrils coiled around him and locked him to the chair so he could pull Luke forward sitting next to him rather across. "Much better." The father spoke. Luke scowled as Vader continued to speak. "Luke. I understand this is quite the shock to you. It is to me too, little one." The room grew warmer, Vader's resentment towards Obi-Wan was diminishing and focus on his son was more prominent. Luke couldn't look at the man/Sith Lord. 

"I don't know who you are." Luke admitted. "You.....you're not the father I was told you were." 

Darth Vader sat still. 

"I. .. .My father was a great man! Loyal and fought the Empire!" Luke then turned to look into Vader's eyes. Which he couldn't see them, he knew the eye contact was surly made. "I can save you. You don't have to be this way! You can. . . .I know there's still Anakin inside of you-"

"I told you, Child." Vader spoke, firm but not aggressively. "There is nothing to be saved. I am more powerful than Anakin Skywalker ever was." He used his flesh hand to lift Luke's chin the child had inherited from him. There was still fire in Luke's eyes, he believed his own words over hi father's. Vader would end that too. Fathers knew more than their Sons, especially when they were so young. Luke went to protest more when there was a small ring at the door. Vader knew this signaled the droid had arrived but it caught Luke off guard. Vader opened the door with the Force and a servant droid arrived carrying a silver platter covered with a large decorative napkin on top. Vader took the platter and set in in front of him and Luke as the Droid left. Underneath the lid was a hot breakfast that smelled amazing it made Luke's mouth water with starchy bread and butter, eggs and some form of large sausage links. Also on the platter appeared to be a dark brown vile that Vader immediately snatched and a tall glass of what Luke assumed was blue milk. 

Luke glanced up at his father, unsure. Hunger was the last thing he was feeling at the moment. Vader spoke before he protested, "You will eat everything, Luke. And I will ensure it happens." 

The teen was fed up. 

"I hate meat and I can't finish this all. This could feed a whole army." He whined. 

Vader glanced down at the plate. "It's not big at all. This is a small portion of what we feed nobility. It's only large to you because you have never seen this amount of food for one person before." Luke's jaw dropped. Was Vader reading his mind again? Vader finished reading the instructions on the medicine label before picking up the fork and knife before Luke had the chance to even reach for them and began cutting the boy's food up into small bite sized pieces. 

"I can-"

"I want to make sure you eat it all." Vader interrupted. Luke kept his mouth shut, resentful at the fact he couldn't get a word in edgewise. He thought about the idea of staging a silent protest when Vader used his force tendril to tickle at the boy's side making him smile at first then erupt into an adorable giggle, giving Vader the chance to place the fork in Luke's mouth. 

"Sta-awp!" Luke whined, trying not to choke. 

"Then I suggest you stop this childish banter and sit up like the almost adult you want to be and eat your food." Vader chuckled, teasing. Luke flushed. "I can feed myself." The blonde whined, trying to turn his head away from the bite of egg and sausage Vader held out to him. It was in vain as Vader's tendrils and coils were on his side and would force Luke's head gently if they must. 

"I know you can, little one. But if you haven't noticed you moving around is causing more of a mess and that's with my assistance. I can only imagine how you leave the table looking when you eat alone." Vader spoke, ignoring Luke's whines and moving on to ensuring the boy had food in his tummy. Vader made a mental note to not have Luke eat so much meat in one sitting however. The boy's weight of a little less than one hundred and twenty pounds was alarming to him, especially considering Vader saw how easily his bones and ribs stuck out in the bath earlier. The muscle the boy gained would mean nothing if it meant he didn't have enough healthy fats distributed as well. Vader watched as Luke nibbled into the bread Vader allowed him to eat with his hands. The way Luke ate made him very worried. He ate slowly, as if he were preserving the lifelong of the food, rather than enjoying the taste and his elbows were on the table on either side of the platter. But that wasn't out of lack of table manners, Vader knew that was a sign of guarding one's plate. As if people would steal this boy's food. 

"Little one," Vader spoke, "Put the bread down and have a drink." 

Luke glanced at the tall, tall glass of milk and gulped. 

"I don't wan. . ." Luke didn't finish, already feeling the possessive tendrils from Vader wrapping around his mid section. 

"Little one, the food will not go anywhere. Drink your milk. If I have to help you I will." Vader sat until he watched as Luke placed the bread down and reach out with small hands to grip the glass. Vader smirked at the image of Luke having to use both hands to hold the glass and tipped it to drink the substance. Almost immediately he put the glass down, nearly knocking it over before Vader caught it and was coughing up the warm, oily, sickly-sweet substance. 

"It's disgusting! That milk expired!" Luke coughed as Vader used the napkin to wipe his mouth. 

"It's actually not entirely milk." Vader confessed, sighing hoping Luke wouldn't have noticed the difference in taste . Luke looked up, horrified. 

"Then what the Kr. . . ." He caught himself and Vader's stern turmoil through their bond. "Then. . .  what was it?!" 

"It's mostly milk mixed with a protein powered formula. Only a tablespoon-" The taller father didn't have the chance to say anything before the glass was picked up, not by him, but Luke and not physically either but with the Force and slammed against the wall, glass breaking and the liquid spilling all over the wall and onto the granite floors. The anger coming from Luke's end of the bond was not the warmth strands of sunshine Vader had seen. No, this time they were more like the running river of lava from Mustafar. Luke stood up, not caring if the chair fell to the floor and faced a sitting Vader with his tiny hands clenched at the sides. 

"I'm not a child!" He screamed. "For the tenth time today! I don't need nor want any of this attention!" 

Vader was pissed. How dare his son act this way when all he was trying to do was ensure Luke had a nutritious meal. The father stood up from the chair, towering over his son and while Luke had felt intimidate for a brief moment it didn't stick around. His son was fighter for sure. Vader wanted to reprimand the boy on the spot when a twinge yanked at his heart. Ever since he confirmed to himself that he was a father and his son, the lovely baby he had made with Padme, was in fact alive, he had this sudden parental gut feeling to lead Luke in the right direction rather smite him as he would anyone who crossed his path. No. This was his son, his baby. Luke didn't know what he needed or wanted which is why Vader was there for him. Vader knew what was best for Luke after all. He searched through their bond. Sure enough, through the waves of anger, frustration and embarrassment was that of being extremely exhausted. 

Of course. Vader wanted to smack himself. How could he had been so stupid? He had to wake his son up early for a check up and so soon after that late night they had when he broke the news to Luke of his parentage. He looked at the red rimmed eyed child, frowning and trembling in so much anger. He'd make a great Sith honestly. However, now was not the time for politics. 

"I apologize, Little one. I did not know how tired you were." Vader crouched down, looking up at his son. Luke's face fell from anger to confuse in a blink. 

"W-what?" 

Force Sensitive Children needed sleep for their growing bodies and Luke was no exception. Vader had made up his mind Luke was acting out simply because he was exhausted and it was Vader's fault for that matter really. He shouldn't have given him a bubble bath and made him eat so much, a full tummy and soothing bath were a recipe for putting one to sleep rather starting out their day. He had a lot to learn however. The man hauled Luke off the floor manually and placed a hand under his bum with his legs on either side of Vader's waist. Luke scrambled in his hold but Vader wouldn't drop him. "What are you doing?! Let me go!" Luke screamed all the way back to the bedroom where Vader laid him back on the bed still warm from earlier. 

"You are going to have a nap. Your behavior today do not excuse your actions, little one." Vader spoke as Luke starred up at him bewildered. "Lie down and do not leave this bedroom until I retrieve you." Vader pulled the sheets and comforter back over Luke who had yet to lie down or even move from the position he was placed in out of shock. Vader turned facing his son in the threshold of the doorway. "Lie down, Luke." He spoke firmly. The boy didn't need to be told twice as he yanked the covers over him and hid his body and face into the pillows. Vader called for a cleaning droid to fix the mess. 

The father sighed eyeing the medicine vile. He needed to leave to meet The Emperor and when that was done he was going to see about those droids Luke had. Through their bond he could feel Luke's end emitting confusion but Vader shrugged it off knowing full well Luke would be asleep as soon as drowsiness overcame him. 

He better sleep while he can. Vader thought to himself. Though if he was being honest with himself, he wasn't looking forward to giving the boy his medicine after what he saw at breakfast. 

Be good, little one. Vader spoke through their bond once Luke was on the verge of falling asleep and he stepped out of the private quarters, locking the door. 

Daddy will be back soon, little Prince. 

Chapter Text

Luke didn't dare look up from the covers until he was sure Vader wasn't in the room anymore, but it was a tad bit terrifying considering the man's dominant presence seemed to linger even after the entrance doors shut. Peaking out under the covers had him feeling like a small child when he hid from his Auntie and Uncle after disobeying them. It was humiliating and annoying. Luke groaned, yanking the covers off and scowled. He wasn't going so sulk like a misbehaving child Vader wanted to treat him like. He was going to find a way out of here.

How dare Vader--his father--tell him what do to and treat him like he was a helpless child. The blonde teen groaned, holding his head in his hand to rub at his temples. It had been less than twenty-four hours sine he even found out Vader was his father and the shock was still premiant for him. Yet for Vader, it was as if the man got over the news instantly and immediately went into doting father mode.  That last thought held a twitch of anger with Luke. Who was Vader to suddenly care about his life and well-being? The man didn't know he was even his son until yesterday (granted Luke had no idea Vader was Anakin either) but that didn't give Vader parenting privileges' so suddenly. How dare Vader (his father, he'd never get used to thinking that) fret and fuss about him. Luke was a grown man whether Vader liked to admit it or not, not to mention the man had tried to kill him numerous times and bounty hunted him. How a man can go from wanting to kill him to bathing and feeding him like a youngling a few hours later was beyond his comprehension.  Luke was glad he blew up his stupid Death Star. 

Luke didn't know how he felt about Vader, on one hand the man was Palpatine's guard, the 2nd most powerful being in the whole Empire. On the other, he was his father: Anakin. He sat up on the edge of the plush bed, staring at a wall. This all felt like a cruel joke to him, he wondered if Auntie and Uncle knew who Anakin was now, or maybe if Ben knew and they had all tried to shield him from the truth. Luke didn't want to believe that after they had all told him (mostly from Ben) how his father was a great pilot and an amazing warrior who fought for good only to turn out to be Darth Vader himself. Luke felt his throat tighten and tears form in his eyes. No. He refused to cry. Vader didn't believe he was a grown man and crying would only prove him right. 

"What am I doing?" He asked himself out loud. I have to get out and return to Han, Leia, Chewie and-

The blond froze. What if Vader was reading his mind right now as he did before?  He couldn't read it with how far he was right now could he? Luke decided to test that theory and screamed as loud as he could into the Force that he wasn't tired and not going to take that nap Vader insisted he did. He heard nothing on his end though his bond connection with Vader twanged and he felt soothing assurances bombarding him, like a parent rubbing their child's bad lulling them to sleep. Luke sighed. Okay, he can't ready my thoughts, but he can still feel my emotions. He assumed. Jumping out of bed, the teen ran to the front door and tried to open the door, groaning when it was locked. 

Of course it was locked he was a prisoner here. The teen sighed, looking around for any other door that could lead out somewhere. He found a lot of closet doors and a spare room that was empty (though perfect for meditation) but that was all. He returned back to the kitchen area, noticing the mess he had made earlier was cleaned and a droid was disinfecting the area. Luke gasped, remembering R2. If the Empire got their hands on him, he'd be scrap metal for sure. Luke tried the door again, banging as hard as he could and cursed himself when he walked to the window to see he was on a high area, however, there was hope for him when he noticed there wasn't a sky at all, rather steel walls and small speedsters zooming bellow him on the ground filled with storm troopers and workmen. He grinned. They had landed, but where is what he would find out. The teen looked around the window, finding it to be sealed shut. No problem. He just had to do what Ben taught him and use the Force to break the window. 

Wait. What if Vader finds out? 

The boy had been awake to hear Vader's warning. 

Daddy will be back soon, little Prince.

The teen wondered what Vader meant about that. Luke was no royalty and he certainly wouldn't ever claim to be. Still, he knew Vader would be back and if he was and Luke wasn't gone than his chance at escape would be harder--if at all possible. 

Luke didn't have time to think about things like that. He had to get out, find R2 and head back to a Rebel base as fast as possible. Luke held out his hand, trying to focus as much as possible, but his head was racing. He felt scared. If Vader found out he was leaving that could be a problem, he had to be long gone before the man found out. Like a bubble burst, the window shattering was quick and spontaneous and it startled him a bit. Luke stood still, watching the tiny pieces fall off the window ledge. He felt the bond he shared with his father twitch, slight confusion coming from Vader's end as Luke realized he was emitting being startled and afraid on his end from using the Force to break the window. With his luck Vader would come back earlier and he couldn't have that. Immediately the boy began shouting, much like an annoyed toddler, that he wasn't going to nap. Those next few seconds were crucial as Luke lied into their bond and Vader responded with more soothing waves to calm him. It did help a little as much as Luke didn't want to admit it and he accepted those feelings for the last time as he jumped from the window, landing on an occupied speedster bellow, scaring the crew members. Luke jumped out of the aircraft and began sprinting. 

"Stop! Come back! Stop that Rebel!" someone familiar shouted. Luke didn't stop to see who was screaming as he ran down a hallway, dodging blasters shooting at him. 

Earlier that morning, Vader's ship had landed on Coruscant in The Imperial City just moments after Luke had been sent to bed. Vader was already having a rough morning but hopefully it would all be over when his final meeting with Sidious ended. Vader held his lightsaber close. On his left him, his old saber belonging to Anakin, a shell of a man he once was. He would have a long talk with Luke about wielding and improperly playing with weapons. Yes, the boy had fought with all his might and Vader would give him credit where it was due, however, Luke was a young boy and he could have got seriously injured. Vader seethed, leave it up to Obi-Wan to give his child a dangerous weapon. Obi-Wan probably did it in hopes Luke would cut off his own arm or something. 

Vader ceased marching towards the throne room to calm himself. He had a son now, a son he was bonded with and no doubt about it Luke was probably feeling his hatred and anger towards Obi-Wan and Vader knew that wasn't fair considering he ordered the boy back to bed for his misbehavior. Vader wanted to rub at his temples to soothe the on coming headache he was getting. Honestly, the boy was throwing a fit every turn he took and Vader had to be patient with his baby. Poor Luke was experiencing all of these new emotions and senses all at once and he needed his father's strong hand to guide him. 

The father searched into the Force, into their bond. Luke's warm light attached to his icy connection. Luke wasn't at peace, more conflicted and angry himself. Vader frowned, sending a small wave of soothing assurance to his son that he wasn't angry at him and to calm down and sleep. Luke was no doubt sulking about his punishment, though Vader wouldn't consider sending the boy to his room after throwing a glass of milk at the wall with his force a proper punishment. 

Vader had a lot to think about and right now the Emperor was waiting for him. He resumed marching and the throne room doors opened to the dark room where in front of a large window showcasing the stars of the galaxy sat an old, crippling man cloaked in malice. Sidious offered Vader a polite and curt nod and smile as Vader bowed, his prosthetics aching as he did so. Sidious' displeasure was prominent, though he didn't act like it. 

"Rise, Darth Vader. You have returned with the good news I assume?" 

Vader blocked his thoughts, his heart told him to disassociate and think of Luke. Of his baby boy waiting for his Daddy on the ship to take him home. The tall man rose as his master commanded. 

"Master." Vader spoke, "I bring you news on the information of the Rebel Pilot who destroyed the Death Star. The Pilot has been captured and is being held in confinement as we speak." 

"Good....good." Scidious' sickly sweet voice was like tar in Vader's ears. The Emperor rose from his seat and began to approach Vader. The man walking slowly and with a limp from old age, clutching his cane that echoed in the large room. "That is spectacular news, as yet. . ." Vader waited in place, knowing he wasn't to move unless commanded. "There is a significant disturbance in the Force. An. . . uncertainty." 

Sidious dismissed the Red-robe guards, it was just the two of them now. Vader searched his bond with Luke. It was his only access to knowing how Luke was. He knew he was safe and locked away, yet Vader was too far to read the boy's thoughts. Still, he had to keep his shields up, or Sidious would enter his mind as the man often did. However, when his master did it, it was pure invasion, unlike what he did with Luke, ensuring the boy wasn't looking for a new way to harm himself. Vader kept Luke's light hidden as the Emperor drank on his forced misery like a starved man in the deserts of Tatooine. 

"I was given information on the boy." Vader spoke, luring Sidious into where he wanted him. 

"So, it was a male pilot. What information is found about him?" The Emperor asked, his coils wrapping around Vader, consuming Vader's false hate. Vader starred up at his Master. How he wanted to kill him now. The man would do anything to manipulate him and he knew it. This was the same man that told him Padme had died with their child--his son--and yet, Luke was alive. Padme had to give birth, alone. Suffer, alone, and die alone when Anakin should have been at her side and been the one to first hold Luke as he was being born. Perhaps he could have saved her too. All of this was taken from him by Sidious and Obi-Wan. 

The Emperor grinned at him, his bloodshot eyes and crackled smile were nails in his own unknown coffin. Vader was counting down the moments to strike. 

"When the Pilot was about to flee, he decided to save his friends and challenge me head on while his Rebel friends made a safe getaway." Vader admitted. What kind of friends did Luke even have that willingly let themselves up for bait? Vader would end any ties Luke had to those so-called friends. "And the boy was clutching this." Vader revealed his old lightsaber that Luke laid claim to, "This is Anakin Skywalker's old lightsaber that Obi-Wan Kenobi stole, he claims it was given to him by Obi-Wan." 

Sidious' laugh boomed through out the room. Vader knew the man was enjoying this. Enjoying hearing about the most painful moment of Vader's life, when he realized his best friend in the whole world was nothing more than a traitor and a liar and left him to die burning alive on Mustafar. He regretting allowing Obi-Wan have a swift death. The Emperor reached out his hand to hold the lightsaber himself, marveling at it when it activated it's bright blue hue. Vader waited until The Emperor asked him any more information. If he could at any cost keep Luke's name a secret that would spare him some misery. He didn't want this deranged psycho knowing Luke's name if he could help it. 

"So, the boy claims to be a Jedi." 

"Yes, Master." 

Sidious murmered, "And is the Force with him, Darth Vader?" 

Vader went to answer when a large burst of anger came from Luke's end of the bond. Vader hadn't had time to dwell on it as he answered "Yes, Master. The Force is strong with him." He couldn't miss a beat with Sidious. All of this had to be planned accordingly and swiftly if he was going to kill the Emperor.

But why so suddenly had Luke's connection  boosted into anger? Vader closed his eyes behind the mask, sending calming waves of reassurance to the boy. It seemed to have done the trick. No doubt his little boy was angry and confused because he thinks his father walked out on him. No. When Vader returned, it was a calm and stern conversation with Luke about his actions and then a proper punishment for the boy before Vader smothered him with affection again. Luke would learn that his father put strict rules for him to follow out of love and guidance and not because he was simply different from other children. 

"I see. Well, this is most unfortunate as we cannot allow him to live," Sidious spoke so casually and assuring, as if taunting Vader. "If he believes the Jedi's ways, there is no telling what damage he will do to the Empire. Unless. . ." The Emperor paused, walking in front of Vader with his back turned. "Unless, he is bendable." 

Vader felt bile in his throat. The idea of his Luke, wide-eyed, impressionable, soft and gentle, being lead to Sidious' wrinkled, pale out reached hand was enough to make him sick. Luke calling Sidious Master was enough to make him want to kill the man right now. Rage plummeted out of his body and Sidious smiled even if Vader couldn't see it. He was feasting on that hatred. This was all according to Vader's plan. He knew Luke would never call Sidious Master. His son would never have a Master. His son would never be owned. 

Over his dead body. 

"He is." Vader half-lied. Luke was stubborn, but he would see the truth. Vader would make sure. Sidious made a praising noise that was halfway between a chant and cheer. The Emperor turned to face Vader once more. 

"If you so believe that, Vader. You are tasked with bringing the young Pilot to me. I will see for myself if he is bendable." Sidious spoke. Vader lowered his head in a bow out of respect. 

"Yes, Master." Vader spoke for the final time. 

"One more thing, Vader," Sidious inquired. "The name of the Pilot. . . .What is it?" 

Vader remained still, lying: "He will not tell us." 

Sidious remained silent for a long moment before he nodded, "I see. You are dismissed." Vader bowed his head once more as he watched Sidious turn to walk up the stairs back to the throne before Vader lunged at the Emperor. However, he was less than a meter away with his Saber when he was forced to the stairs by Sidious' force coils. Vader hadn't noticed they had gripped his ankles while he wasn't looking. Vader listened as Sidious turned around and chuckled at him. 

"You take me for a fool, Vader. As if I didn't know what a sentimental fool your previous Master was." Sidious activated the light saber whirling it as Vader forced his head to look up at the Emperor. He'd kill him. He could move, but it was a struggle considering Sidious' Force relied on Vader's hatred and anger and fear. Without it, the man wasn't powerful at all. He just had to wait for his Force to lighten up and then he'd kill the man and return to his son. He would. Though, fear ran rampant in his veins at the idea of Sidious killing him now and finding Luke in his bed sleeping, unaware of the danger he would be kidnapped into. No. Vader wouldn't allow that to happen. He had to suppress his emotions. 

"Obi-Wan would have wanted, in pathetic vain, to save you. If he couldn't save you, he'd save a part of you passed on to someone else. . . . say a child." Sidious smirked. Vader grunted against the coils, managing to break free one foot without Sidious knowing. 

"He would then raise that said child to find you and save you. Your former master was very predictable, don't you agree?" 

Vader cursed Sidious to the same Hell he cursed Obi-Wan to. 

"When I find this child, and I will, he will be more than what Anakin Skywalker failed to be. I will turn him to the dark side and control every aspect of his life. He will not know sunlight if I can help it." Sidious raised the light saber to Darth Vader's head, ready to strike, "Goodbye old friend. I'll see you in Hell." Just as Sidious swung the saber, the last coil wrapped around Vader's other foot gave out, giving Vader a window to whip his own red saber out and parry Sidious' attack. The humming of the sabers clashing together, red verses blue, echoed through out the room. Vader managed to get some ground and stood tall, taller than hunched over Sidious who was loosing energy by the second. 

"I agree," Vader spat, shielding his emotions to not allow Sidious fester on the rage and pure insane levels of hatred oozing off of him, "My former master was very predictable." 

Sidious grunted with all his might to use the force and push Vader back, who toppled down the steps, landing on his back in time for both men to watch as the throne room doors swung open and pitter patter of footsteps halted. 

Vader's heart could have stopped. He was surprised when it didn't. Standing there at the worst time was Luke. 

Luke had always been horrible with directions. Even on Tatoonie he got lost well after the socially acceptable age one could get lost on their home planet. The palace he apparently was in had been no exception. It's winding hallways and repetitive colors, doors, windows and guards wandering around he had to avoid at all costs confused him and he sometimes felt he were going in circles rather forwards or backwards. This place made him feel sick. There was so much evil in one area every fiber in Luke's body was telling him to run away. He couldn't do that, he had just lost the guards that were chasing him and had to find R2. He had specifically told R2 to stay on the ship with Han and Leia to escape to Endor but the droid must have had other ideas after he blew up the Death Star and followed Luke. Luke was sure R2 went into hiding somewhere or was somehow captured without his knowing and he owed it to the droid to find him. 

The boy tapped into the Force more than once to find out if anyone was around the corner he couldn't poke his head out to see or not. Luke was finding it had to concentrate given the fact that in the force bond his father was emitting so much anger. It was beginning to scare him with the thought that somehow Vader knew he was gone already and was searching for him. If Luke could just find R2 and a spare TIE Fighter (there had to be hundreds lying around) or even his X-wing and fly out of here he'd be fine. 

Luke held his breath as he crouched and hid behind a large tapestry waiting for a group of red Imperial Guards trotting past him with large blasters. 

"Find the Rebel that left the Devastator." their leader spoke, "We've been given orders by Capitan Piett to not shoot. The Rebel must be kept alive." 

So, Luke thought to himself hoping Vader wasn't close enough to read his thoughts. It was Piett who called out to him. It must also have been Piett who ordered the entire Imperial Palace to be searching for him. Luke grunted from hiding under the tapestry once the coast was clear. In fact, it was almost empty. The higher up he went, the less he had to hide for he couldn't detect a single soul. Yet, the hire he went, the more his legs shook as if something was telling him to run. The evil in the area was so tick it could be cut with a knife. Luke gulped. The walls around him began to appear more ornate and banners hung in-between large windows more frequently. It wasn't until Luke approached the final set of stairs leading to a double door entry did he realize his mistake. 

He was in the imperial palace. 

Lying behind the only doors in the hall had to be of some importance. Luke didn't want to go into the room. The Force was telling him danger and great evil lied beyond the heavy carved doors. He trembled standing outside them. His heart was racing and he couldn't deny the fact that he was probably sending signals to Vader in their bond that he felt scared. Luke was about to turn and run in a different way to find R2 when he heard clashing of Lightsabers erupt from behind the door. 

Luke froze, gasping when he heard the sound of voices coming from down the stairs as well. He was trapped. There was no where else to run. Turning around, he took his chances and burst through the doors that lead to the throne room in time to see Vader being pushed down a flight of stairs descending from a chair in front of a large window. Luke gasped. 

He was now face-to-face with Vader as well as the Emperor. Sidious and Vader had his attention. 

Sidious chuckled, low and cruel. "So. . . it seems the Force works in many different ways to ensure their wielder's destiny." Luke could feel his heart pounding, or what he felt was his heart. It wasn't his heart at all, it was the bond. He looked over at Vader, though his mask hid his face, the man behind it had terror in his eyes. Vader grunted, trying to loosen the grip Sidious' coils had on him. He could feel Sidious grow stronger because he was feeding off of Luke's fear and his own he stupidly allowed to be shown. Sidious slowly limped towards Luke to meet him halfway. 

"Luk'yalie, run!" Vader commanded, dragging himself towards the Emperor, clutching his light saber. It hadn't even possessed him that he had spoken Luke's full name until he realized the error when Sidious laughed. Luke took a step back to try and flee but the doors were slammed shut. 

"Luk'yalie?" Sidious slowly repeated. "Old Naboo for "bright one". Luk'yalie. . ." 

Luke glared. "It's Luke. Just Luke." A sense of bravery overtook him. This man was responsible for all of the suffering going on in the galaxy. He wasn't going to run. He was a Jedi, like his father before him. He would fight for the good of the people, for democracy. His eyes wandered to Sidious' hand where he recognized his father's lightsaber. How the older man got it, Luke didn't know nor cared. He'd fight the Emperor if he had to. Luke stood tall, though to Vader Luke might as well be standing in front of a Sarlacc. All Vader could see was small, impresionable Luke at the hands of absolute danger and it was hard to shield his emotions. 

Child get away from him! 

Luke ignored him and gulped as Sidious reached out his hand to brush his fluffy bangs out of his eyes. The old man laughed. "Luke Skywalker. . . child of Anakin, the chosen one, who failed. Yesss. . . I sense greatness in you that surpasses your father." He stalked around Luke, looking him up and down. The teen held his breath as Sidious continued. "Your fleet has lost. And your friends on the Endor moon will not survive. There is no escape, my young apprentice. The Alliance will die...as will your friends." 

Vader raged, his respirator . "He will never be yours!" 

Luke gasped, seeing his father managed to break free one of his legs, allowing him to try and stand, though it was with great difficulty as Sidious' other coil was keeping his other leg firm to the ground, immobile. Sidious held out Anakin's lightsaber to Luke, grinning. "Your friends they will all die." Sidious taunted the boy, Luke grit his teeth. "Good. I can feel your anger. I am defenseless. Take your weapon! Strike me down with all your hatred, and your journey towards the dark side will be complete." 

The boy couldn't resist the temptation. 

Luk'yalie no! He will only use your anger to become stronger!  Vader warned. Luke didn't listen. All he could think about were his friends on Endor and how he should be helping them, now lolly-gaging around with Vader--even if he was his father. This was no time for catching up, or being treated like a child. Luke glared at the man who smiled at him with yellowed crackled teeth and went to strike Palpatine when the Emperor held out his hands a bolts of Indigo lightning struck Luke down, screaming in agony. Vader threw his shields up, keeping his murderous anger in check as he managed to stand on one prosthetic leg. Vader watched, horrified as Luke laid on the ground bellow The Emperor being electrocuted. Threw their bond, Luke was emitting such painful calls and pleas, it took a physical toll on Vader who felt he was going to pass out had his respirator not been working. 

Sidious laughed as Luke screamed on the floor. 

"You have underestimated the power of the Dark side, foolish child. Your feeble skills are no match for the power of the dark side. You have paid the price for your lack of vision." The Emperor spoke. "Your hatred will make you powerful. Your fear will make your stronger than any Jedi!" 

Luke shivered, reaching for his lightsaber that barley grazed his fingers. Vader glanced over, mistaking the boy for reaching for him. Reaching for his Daddy to save him.

"Never! I'll never turn to the dark side. You've failed, Your Highness. I am a Jedi, like my father before me!" 

The Emperor growled. "Now, young Skywalker...you will die." 

Sidious needed all the energy he could muster to kill Luke. Including what little force he was using to hold Vader down. Once Vader felt free, he leaped towards the Emperor, stretching out his hand to chokehold the Emperor and raise him above his son. With all the hatred and anger and murderous thoughts he could conduct towards the man who had dared laid a finger on his child, Vader squeezed his throat, marveling at the sight of his former Master being the one who suffered rather him. Luke watched his fear, feeling paralyzed from the shocks he received earlier. 

Close your eyes, little one! Vader told him. This time, Luke did not disobey and didn't see the gruesome way Vader used the force to implode Sidious' body, blood, intestines and bones splattering over the skywalk and down the shafts bellow. The window behind the emperor's throne burst, knocking the throne down the stairs and tiny glass shards fell to the floor. Immediately Vader felt relief.  Dare he say, he began to feel his blood vessels moving threw his veins, his cells communicating and building immunity and his lungs felt they were going to pop. Vader sunk to the floor, only inches from Luke, having a coughing fit. Luke lifted his head slowly, still feeling the after shocks of Sidious' attacks to see the scene of Vader hunched over and his hands desperately trying to uncover his helmet. Vader couldn't focus on multiple things at a time right now, Luke's safety, his breathing, Sidious' grip on his had been released and his body was healing almost too fast for his respirator was emitting too much air into his lungs and he felt he himself would implode. 

Luke struggled to sit up, his muscles aching in pain. 

"S-Stop, let me help!" He cried, dragging his body towards Vader. Luke reached the man's knee just as soon as Vader managed to release his helmet, and tore off his mouthpiece, ignoring the fact he had begun producing saliva for the first time in years. Luke watched in a daze as the mask fell and cracked on the stone flooring. Vader began coughing more, borderline chocking as the dry heaves turned wet and fresh air went down his windpipe for the first time in Seventeen years. Vader tried to turn his body away, to shield his child from the monster he knew he appeared to be. He could only imagine what nightmarish fuel his deformed and grotesque face would appear to be to Luke, his innocent little baby, and how terrified he would be to see his father's true from from the scars of burnt flesh Obi-Wan left him to bare. 

Luke trembled, watching his father try to catch his breath. However, contrary to Vader's beliefs of Luke fearing him, it had the opposite effect. It wasn't a monster Luke saw, but a man. A man who's skin was healing right before his very eyes and turning from a sickly pale color to a golden hue as if he had worked a full day in the sun at Tatooine. Luke watched as hair began to form on Vader's scalp, a dark golden color with bits of grey, much like his own though slightly curled and grew until the ends reached his collarbone. But what caught Luke's attention when Vader slightly turned after being able to breathe properly on his own--were his eyes. Luke's own blue eyes widened seeing his father's. They were identical. Vader's were more frightened and stern, with wrinkles appearing around the edges due to age, but the vibrancy of those blue eyes were the same. They were lively. They were passed on from him. 

Vader's mouth was open slightly, his pink thin lips drawn in a shocked frown as he tore off his glove and starred down at his own flesh turning his hand over a few times in disbelief and finally reached up to tenderly touch himself, almost as if to see if he would feel pain in a particular area on his sharp cheekbones. 

"A-Are you. . . " Luke was speechless. At first he was going to ask if Vader was alright, but threw their bond, he was bombarded with the feeling of joy from Vader. It rivaled the intenseness the moment Vader found out Luke was his child. Before Luke knew it, Vader wrapped his arms around Luke, pulling him close and for the first time in his life, Luke felt his father truly embrace him without the stupid armor in the way. Vader gasped, trying to hold back sobs of relief but failing. 

"Oh my Luk'yalie, my precious little boy, you're safe!"  Vader squeezed him tighter, just to assure himself Luke was there. Vader's voice was entirely different from what the teen was used to hearing and it was largely due to the lack of vocorder Vader relied on. Vader's voice was still deep, but it had a richness to it that was authoritative and yet so gentle when he spoke to Luke. Vader squeezed his son tighter. Luke was shocked but gently returned the hug seeing as Vader's death grip on him wasn't letting up, neither were the coils that began to wrap around him as well, stroking his hair and his back in a loving embrace. With a swift motion, Vader leaned back to look at his son without the red tint of the hideous mask. His son was beautiful. More importantly, he was out of the grasp of that monster Sidious and safe with his father where he belonged. Vader couldn't fight the smile that graced his face, nor the wet tears tracing his cheek as he lifted a hand to brush Luke's bangs out of his face. 

"I-" Luke began but Vader cut him off, holding him tightly again. "I was so worried when I saw you just run in here. And when that filth touched you and harmed you--oh, you have no idea how I felt. Luk'yalie, you were so insanely reckless I... I thought he would kill you!" Vader leaned his head over and pressed his lips to Luke's hairline and baby soft forehead, leaving a wet smack before taking a sniff at the honey scent his son still had from his bath earlier as he resumed stroking the back of Luke's head and cradling his baby close.

Their force bond was in a frenzy, with joy, parental worry and copious amounts of love and adoration on Vader's end mixing in with Luke's own confusion. 

"Luk'yalie, are you in pain?" Vader asked, tenderly and worried as his hands began to search Luke as if he would find a physical problem. Vader's face read how frightened he was at the idea of Luke being injured too as his eyebrows knitted together in worry.

Luke shook his head. "No-no, I'm okay. Are. . .are you okay?" Luke asked, genuinely. He did see the man basically transform in front of his own eyes from a Sith to a human. Luke gazed up at Vader--his father. Aunt Beru used to tell him she didn't know who Luke looked like considering she never met either of his parents, but Luke knew he must take after his father in looks more than his mother. All the prominent features such a hair and eye color were one thing, but then there was the chin and eyebrow shape.  Vader chuckled, stroking his son's hair a few more times with his hand before resting it on Luke's cheek. 

"Yes, little one, I am more than okay." Vader grinned. 

Something inside Luke felt warm, it was the same feeling he got when he first learned to use the Force, or when he was training with Master Kenobi, or just sitting around the dinner table on the Millennium Falcon during dinner time goofing off with friends with a rare hot meal. It was hope. Luke felt he had his father back. It all made sense now. The former Emperor had tricked him some some Sith magic or had him under control somehow and now that Palpatine is dead, Anakin Skywalker was back! The smaller blonde grinned back, his bright wide eyes creasing only slightly as he stood up out of Vader's lap. 

"Then we must hurry!" Luke insisted, holding out a hand to his father who gladly accepted it, standing tall himself. "We must end this awful regime Palpatine constructed and take down the Empire. We can restore democracy together! I'll tell everyone you're on our side and you'll make a powerful ally! There is still time if we manage to-" Luke started to run while still holding Vader's hand when he felt jerked back. Vader was standing still, his cape and wavy hair blowing slowly from the wind coming from the broken window and his face was solemn.

"What. . . . what are you doing?" Luke asked softly. His father's force tendrils wrapped around him, possessively. Slight irritation treaded through their bond and Luke felt bathed in it. The teen winced when 

"I have told you once already, little one." Vader spoke, his baritone voice smooth and clearer without the respirator. "You are not returning to that Rebel Alliance you are so keen on joining. I will not stand for my own child to join that traitor's group, let alone stand within arms reach of any Jedi filth." 

Luke gawked. How dare his father say such awful things about the people Luke loved and cared about. The teen yanked his hand away, balling his fists at his sides and began screaming.  "I am seventeen years old, that's your place to say-" 

"It is my place! I am your Father, you are my child! In fact, you are still a child. A child too young to be wielding weapons, fighting in a war and above all else: putting yourself in danger!" Vader scolded, crossing his arms as he walked towards Luke who found he couldn't move or even tilt his head away. Luke had to admit, mask less, Vader was frightening when he was angry. His blue eyes were no longer there, but rather they were yellow. A Sith identification at it's finest. He towered over Luke, tapping his foot. "You have disobeyed me for the last time today, little one. Escaping from the area I safely put you in to look for trouble will not go unpunished and I will ensure you have that nap you insisted not having which you clearly need." 

Luke scoffed. "I am not a youngling! And I wasn't looking for trouble! I was looking for my droid!" 

Vader cocked an eyebrow. "The droids in which I commanded be put in the charging station not too far from the ship?" 

"Never said I was good a directions. This place is huge." The father shook his head but had to smirk. He looked down at his little boy. Luke had dark circles under his eyes already and it wasn't even lunch time. That only confirmed that Luke would need more time to rest and especially since his next meal time was coming up. Vader knew this would all be handled as he unclasped his spare cape, using his force tendrils to keep Luke in hold as he laid the cape on the stone floor, ignoring his son's struggles as he was laid down gently and swaddled. The force keeping him still. 

"What are you doing?!" Luke demanded to know as Vader wrapped the heavy material around his arms, between his legs and wrapped him so securely, the force wasn't necessary to keep him held down. Vader knew that Luke would need this more often, Force-Sensative Children needed the comfort of being held often, especially when they were dealing with fits of rage or sadness. The swaddling would soothe their needs while also giving the parent the freedom to move about. Vader gently smiled down at his son wrapped in his cloak on the floor. He traced his son's  blushing cheekbones and marveled at how unbelievably tiny Luke was. Granted, he was still growing, but in parental like fashion, he hoped Luke would stay small and innocent forever. That was simply unrealistic even to Vader's standards. But still, he would bask in the little moments he'd be spending with his little one from bath times to proper training. Yes, even the more unpleasant moments with Luke such as dealing with the boy's hotheaded and absent minded temper tantrums where Vader would have to set him on the right path would be cherished. Every morning he woke his baby up to the sunrise to the moment he would be put the bed to the orange hue of the sun setting would all be for him.

They start now.

"I told you, Luk'yalie. You are having that nap. I will fetch a medical droid to come to your new room in our quarters to check up on you--again--to ensure Sidious hasn't caused any permeant damage." Vader spoke, cradling Luke to his chest as he carried the boy effortlessly to the throne room doors. Luke glanced up, stubborn as a Skywalker could be. 

"But-but, this Empire! It will fall into the hands of someone evil if we don't do something!" 

Vader paused his stride and smiled down softly at his little boy, using his free hand that wasn't holding his baby to stroke his eyebrow with his thumb. Luke got a bad feeling in his gut. 

"That's where you're wrong, Luk'yalie." Vader started, playfully poking Luke's thin nose. "I will run this Empire. I was most powerful being in this Empire and now I will prove that to the Galaxy. I claim the title of Emperor and you, my darling baby, are this Empire's little Prince. " At those words Luke felt his throat begin to tighten and his eyes threatened to spill a set of fresh new tears and his lips quivered, threatening to erupt in loud sobs. This was all wrong. This wasn't supposed to happen. Luke was sent to destroy this evil Empire and bring balance to The Force. He wasn't supposed to be on the side of evil and treachery and yet Vader--his father of all people--was forcing him into a life he didn't want. Luke whimpered causing Vader to gently bounce the boy in his arms and shush him gently, rubbing his back. 

"Come my child, you are dealing with an overload of emotions and are tired. We both have had a very rough morning." 

Vader spoke as the doors to the throne room opened and the father carried his son away from the throne and the cracked mask lying on the floor, already forgotten. 

Chapter Text

Luke was grumpy. Not at the fact that he was hooked to a medical machine in a sitting room as a droid scanned for results or a medic was watching over him, it was the fact that he was woken to the sight of being hooked to a medical machine. Waking up implied he had fallen asleep sometime after Vader left the throne room with him--Luke blushed at the memory of Vader swaddling him. How long he had been asleep he had no idea, but it felt like hours. 

"Where am I?" He asked the medic. It was a female seemingly in her mid thirties as Luke would guess. She appeared to be the same age as his deceased Aunt. She smiled at him, kindly and attended to the droid before answering his question. 

"You are in the Royal Sitting Room, your highness." 

Luke blinked. "I. . .I'm not. . ." He began but then  recalled Vader saying something stupid about him being The Imperial Prince now. Luke grit his teeth. Vader could claim all he wanted, that didn't mean he was going to go threw with any of it. Suddenly awake, Luke sat up but the Medic advised him to not, claiming he needed rest after the mild injuries he received. Luke detested the thought of lying around in the chambers of the Imperial Palace. This place was surrounded with Evil even with Palpatine dead but he still needed to find R2.  

You will do as you are told, little one, and stay put. 

Luke glanced around the room. Vader wasn't there but he was clearly near by to get into his head. Luke grumbled, he wasn't going to give Vader the slightest attention. How he wished he could shield his thoughts from him. It wasn't fair. Luke couldn't read Vader's thoughts but his could be on display? Sounded like a scam to him. Luke didn't have to wait very long before Vader did arrive. Luke couldn't help but feel fascinated at this new Vader. He was out of that suit he previously adorned and was now in all jet-black attire with knee high boots, a cape that swooped over one shoulder and wasn't as long as the previous one was, only falling to his waist and this cape was red. Most noticeably, Vader appeared to be trimmed and cleaned, slight stubble was prominent on his chin and cheeks, but his hair that Luke recalled was at chin length was brushed back neatly and that scar on the right side of his face shown by his blue eye.

Unknown to Luke (who was asleep at the time) Vader had been scanned along side his son and the medic and droid confirmed Vader's theory that it had been Sidious' influence with the Force feeding off of him that had been keeping him weak, sick and unable to heal. Apparently Sidious manipulated Vader unknowingly to ensure his wounds would never heal properly regardless of the countless Bacta tanks and sprays Vader gave himself. It was no surprise that Vader had healed so quickly after Sidious' gruesome death. While he wasn't fully healed and would need more check ups in the future, Vader felt like a new man. He felt more powerful than ever knowing he had new state of the art prosthetics that were lighter and less likely to break than the clunky and heavy ones Sidious commanded he wore. No longer would Vader have to rely on anyone or anything. He used his newfound glory to invoke his strength with the Force. 

The teen glanced past Vader seeing he wasn't alone as standing next to him was Captain Piett and another man Luke didn't recognize 

Vader offered Luke a small smile before the medic stood abruptly and bowed. "You're majesty." She spoke with grace and happiness. "His highness, Prince Luk'yalie is done being scanned and is showing signs of recovery." 

The new Emperor nodded, dismissing the medic but keeping the Droid. 

"Luk'yalie. How are you feeling?" Vader asked, concerned. Luke narrowed his eyes. Vader was acting weird. While their bond was buzzing with the amount of affection Vader was sending his son, Luke couldn't help but ask who the other gentleman was. The other person was an older man with a red mustache and a stern gaze. He didn't look happy to be in the room but Luke could clearly tell he was acting professional out of fear or because of the predicament he was in. Luke assumed it was a bit of both. Captain Piett gulped as Vader introduced Admiral Ozzel. 

"This, my son, is Admiral Ozzel, he is the commander of  the Super Star Destroyer Executor." 

Ozzel bowed though Luke had a sketchy feeling about the man. 

"As well as the overseer of the flight yard." Vader pressed on. Luke frowned, knowing where Vader was going with this. "And is responsible to report to me now, if anything were to have gone astray. Tell me, Luke. Did anything funny happen in the yard this morning?" 

The teen's face felt hot and he turned, knowing he was blushing. 

"I don't know." He mumbled. Vader was disappointed but not surprised. Most children tended to act as if they didn't know what they did wrong when they were caught. If Luke was claiming to be such the adult he wanted to be treated as, then he needed to learn that taking responsibility was a large part of it. Yet, here was the boy turning his head away and muttering about as if he wasn't responsible for causing delay, confusion and a huge mess in the yard. 

Vader cleared his throat. "Luk'yalie-"

"That's not my name." Luke muttered back. 

Vader chose to ignore that comment, rather choosing to sit next to his son laying on the white leather chaise and wrapping one of his slender legs around Luke's own, slithering one arm behind his son's neck while his other free hand brushed the hair out of his eyes.

Vader continued speaking, "I brought Admiral Ozzel here for you to apologize to. It will be unbecoming of you as the Imperial Prince if you choose to behave this way and think it doesn't make you look like a brat." 

Luke glared. "I didn't choose to be a Prince!" 

"You were born a Prince." Vader spoke as-a-matter-of-fact. 

"I'm not going to be a Prince of this awful regime," Luke spat. "I don't care who my father is, I'll never join the dark side and I'll never rule this Galaxy. I hate what the Empire stands for!" 

Vader sighed, this little rebellion streak Luke has was more than annoying. His poor child had been fed lies since he was probably a small child on Tatooine and Vader knew it would take months maybe even years for Luke to see the truth: that the Jedi were the cause of a lot of suffering in this world, from not ending slavery to wars and how being a Jedi was more of a social hierarchy than anything. Not to mention anyone who was a Jedi seemed to betray him in some sort of way. Vader's force tendrils wrapped around Luke, almost suffocating him if he held the boy any tighter at the thought of Luke's back turned to him as he walked away from his father to join that rebel scum that would only use his little boy. Luke struggled in the hold, letting out a small whimper. 

Vader was silent as Captian Piett stood still. Though, Admiral Ozzel appeared to be acting too cocky for his own good and scoffed. "The lad don't know how good he's got it. He's a no-good Rebel if you ask-" Ozzel didn't get a chance to finish what he was going to say before Vader slowly curled his arm around Luke's neck to use his hand at shielding Luke's eyes and his other hand was reached out, strangling the man. Luke gasped. 

"No! No, let him go!" Luke cried, even if he couldn't move. 

"I will not." Vader seethed, his deep voice nothing more than a whisper to Luke's ears. "He called you a Rebel. Anyone who dare accuse you of such accusations will be killed on spot, my little one." 

Luke's fear at the notion of hearing a man choking to death did not go unnoticed by Vader who shielded the boy's eyes the entire time the deed was playing out and soon Ozzel didn't make a sound and Vader let the man drop to the floor, dead before he hit the ground. Captain Piett gulped watching Vader press a kiss to his son's cheek, pulling the boy in for a gentle hug and reassuring backrub. Vader was sorry he had to do that in front of his child, but no one would insult Luke, especially in front of him. Luke was to be loved by the Galaxy, Vader would ensure it. And if he had to strangle a few people for some backhanded comments then that would only reinforce the matter. Still, Vader hated knowing Luke was frightened (and that he was the cause of it only stung more) so he was ensure tonight Luke would receive something special to make up for the incident. 

The sensative boy let out a whimper. The sudden feeling of death in the room was enough to upset him to the point of tears. Luke didn't even like talking or thinking about death. When he was a child he'd cry for others hearing someone he didn't know passed away. His Uncle found him strange. Why the boy would cry for the death of a complete stranger was bizarre. But Vader knew why Luke was exceptionally upset. Force Sensative younglings hated death. It was an upsetting and scary feeling and all they could do to express their discomfort was cry about it and Luke was no exception. Vader relaxed his tendrils and pulled Luke closer to him, shushing him gently. 

"Captain Piett." Vader spoke, making Piett stand tall and salute, "You are now promoted to the late Admiral Ozzel's position. And get rid of that body." Vader gave a curt nod to which Piett thanked him hesitantly. 

Vader unhooked Luke's IV, the boy's readings were coming back normal. Besides, it would be dinnertime soon and poor Luke had done enough crying for today. Vader didn't want to have to resort to punishing the boy any more than he had planed to. Luke clutched onto Vader as he was carried from the sitting room to a hallway that led to the private luxury quarters of the Royal wing which was in the center top of the Imperial Palace. Vader kept shushing the poor boy in his arms. Luke was so distraught perhaps his surprise Vader had planned for him could come earlier than anticipated. 

"Luk'yalie, my darling. You'll cry yourself ill." Vader cooed tenderly, entering the Royal wing. "Come now, little one. Why don't you calm down and see your new home?" 

Luke sniffed, rubbing at his wet, red rimmed irritated blue eyes to glance around. The wing was grand, grander than any room Luke had ever been in anyway. With it's high arched ceilings and tall windows allowing in the evening sunlight allowing the room to glow. Vader smiled and helped Luke to his feet as he took his son's hand. Luke glanced up, worried. 

"I hope you will love it here, my child. You'll sleep, study, train and spend most of your time here." Vader led him through the doors. Luke gasped immediately running forward when he heard a distant familiar beeping sound.

"R2!" Luke cried, opening up one arm and crouching down to hug the said droid who whirled towards him, happily taking in the affection. "R2, I thought you were a gonner'" Luke admitted, giggling when R2 made a noise that almost sounded like a "I forgive you". Luke checked over the droid, sighing when he saw a few new dents at the bottom by his rollers. "Oh, buddy, I'm so sorry I didn't get to you sooner-" 

"R2? Are you there?" another familiar voice asked. 

Luke gasped again. "C3?" He called. Sure enough the golden droid walked through a threshold only to be engulfed in a hug by Luke. The boy was so happy the droids were safe. He glanced around, part of him hoping perhaps Leia, Han and Chewie were there too. He wasn't too upset when he didn't feel their presence, he should have known it was too good to be true. 

"What happened to you guys?" Luke asked, crouching down to dust off R2. 3-PO answered, "While you made the decision to venture out on your own, Master Skywalker, R2 followed and wherever R2 goes, I go." 

The boy chuckled. "I should have known. You're always causing trouble, R2." 

Vader was leaning against the corner of entrance admiring his son's relationship with his droids. Vader had left shortly after his check up to the holding cells where the droids were and ensured they were not wiped of their memories. No, he needed 3-PO to tell him everything Luke had been up to. 3-PO had been....troublesome in giving him the information, but nothing that the Force couldn't manipulate him into saying. Vader watched as Luke tenderly ripped off a piece of bandage on him to spit on it and wipe some dirt away from R2's buttons. It was clear Luke cared about all life, human or not. Vader couldn't help but see so much of her in him right now as he looked over 3-PO and R2. 

"Luk'yalie." Vader called. The droids and Luke glanced at Vader, "Come. I will show you around." 

"But, R2--"

"Will be here. There is a charging station for the droids in the living quarters. I'm sure they would like to rest while you have your tour." Vader replied smoothly. Luke glanced back at the droids. They did look a little worse for wear and Luke was tired of arguing. C3 and R2 headed to the left while Vader tugged at Luke's robe playfully.

"Come child, it would be a shame if you got lost in your own home." Luke rolled his eyes at the comment but when Vader began to show him the wing, he soon believed the man's words. The living room was enormous with spacious leather sectional seating, floor pillows and a few small cleaning droids polishing the accent furnishing and floor. 

"This place is huge." Luke commented. 

Vader ruffled Luke's soft hair and said, "Just wait until you see your room." 

Luke blinked but said nothing as he followed Vader down a hallway off of the dining room where there were only two doors across from one another. Vader stood in front of one door, his hand on the crystal glass knob.

He turned to his son before speaking. "Luk'yalie. Before we enter this room, I want you to understand that while this is your personal space for privacy, your door is to remain unlocked at all times. Understood?" Vader raised an eyebrow and waited patiently for an answer. The teen huffed but shifted on his feet suddenly getting the idea that Vader wouldn't grant him access to a door and the teen didn't like that idea very much.

Luke nodded, slowly. "I. . . I won't lock it." He spoke, hesitantly. 

The father released his hand from the knob, crouching down with both hands on Luke's shoulders. "Baby boy, I say this not to intrude on your privacy. I say this for your safety. If you wish to be alone, that is fine. But If you are hurt, I need to get to you and I am not too keen on wasting valuable time blasting down a door to get to you." Vader admitted.

Luke blushed. He was seventeen what could possibly happen to him that Vader would need to barge in? Vader must have read his thoughts because the father's face read that he was not impressed.

"Luk'yalie. Do not undermine me, little one." 

'I'm not." Luke whined. 

"Then you will understand that as your father I have full access to this room to check up on you even if you wish to be alone, correct?" Vader affirmed. 

Luke crossed his arms then smirked, "Fine. So long as I can enter your room whenever." 

Vader couldn't hold back the smirk. Luke thought he was getting the upper hand in this talk when the boy basically just admitted to staying in the Palace. Not to mention the  idea of his little Luke being comfortable enough around him to run into his room for a morning snuggle was more than delightful to Vader.

"Deal." the Father patted his son's shoulders before turning to the room and opening the door. Luke gasped, he thought he had seen lavish rooms before, but nothing held a candlestick to his bedroom.

It was large (like all the rooms in the Royal suite) with a high ceiling that had a chandelier. Luke's jaw dropped. The chandelier would have been overkill with it's little crystals shimmering in the evening sun cascading little spots of light through out the whole room, but here it fit wonderfully with the largest and softest looking bed Luke had ever seen. The boy couldn't resist as he zoomed past Vader (slightly alarming the man for a second) to belly flop on the made bed. Sure enough, it was soft and smelled like clean cotton. The blankets on top were made of soft fur that would keep the boy warm at night. The cream colored four poster bed wasn't all Luke spotted. He turned to see he had a window balcony that allowed him a view of the back of the Palace, specifically the gardens. On either side of the balcony doors were large windows with seats under them and fluffy pillows for comfort. 

Opposite to the bed was a desk where Luke scurried to check out. It was filled with pencils, papers, pens and small bits of wood and paint. The perfect kind for building model ships. How Luke loved to build ships. When your guardians are too poor to afford toys you had to make your own Luke learned early on. 

Above the desk he noticed a tiny library.

"Aircraft books?" Luke asked, pointing up. Vader nodded still standing by the door marveling at the sight of his son enjoying exploring his room; his pleasant smile never leaving his face.

"You are my child, after all. With how much you tinker around with aircrafts and droids, I felt you'd be interested. If you wish to read more we have a library I will show you."

Luke was too engaged in looking around his room, noticing the white walls and plush carpet flooring to realize Vader had just spoken critical information he hadn't shared with the taller man. Luke noticed there were two nightstands by his bed with small lamps and beside his bed and that wasn't the only thing he noticed. There was a plush chair by his bed on the opposite side. The teen pointed to it and asked why it was there. It looked so out of place like a last minute decision. 

Vader smiled, resting his chin on Luke's head, kissing his hair. "That's for when I need to chase your nightmares away, little one. I may be across the hall, but I'll be more than happy to sit beside you until you're ready to fall asleep." 

Luke rolled his eyes, doubting he'd ever need that. They continued with the tour of the room. There was two more doors, one leading into a large walk in closet filled with clothes, shoes and jewelry. The teen gasped, picking up a pair of boots. 

"Are. . .are these really genuine?" He asked shocked beyond words. The boy held up a pair of black leather heeled Chanel boots. Chanel boots were top of the line for fighting in as they gripped the ground during combat, reducing loss of footing or slipping. They were also extremely durable and not to mention stylish.

Vader chuckled at the sight of Luke pulling off the plain boots Vader dressed him in earlier for slipping on the Chanel ones. Luke gasped and wiggled his feet together. Vader could have died at the adorable expression on his son's face and would have been happy doing so. 

"Yes, they are." Vader chuckled again. 

"I'm never taking these off!" Luke declared, not lying. Vader laughed at the idea his son was such a shoe enthusiast. Then again, growing up on Tatooine, he realized perhaps proper footwear was scarce for his son. Never again would that happen. His son would have any shoe he wanted in any color. 

"We might have a problem with that at your bath time." Vader teased, not saying a word about the cute pout Luke gave him. The boy removed the Chanel wear and placed them back where he found them. Moving on in the closet it wasn't hard to miss the large glass cases housing tons of sparkling gems and stones. Luke traced his fingers over the glass cases the housed diamond necklaces, pearl earrings, ruby anklets, countless silver and gold rings and of course, large Imperial Crowns that were a rainbow of jewels and all strung with silver luster. 

"Whats. . . whats this?" Luke asked, knowing the answer fully well. 

Vader stood tall, his smile gone. "Son. . ." He firmly spoke. "I've told you now more than once you are a Prince of the Galaxy." Vader felt that was enough.

The boy's joyous feelings oozing through the Force subdued and it hurt him. Luke seemed unsure and perplexed. Vader knew in his heart Luke would get over it and accept his role soon. Luke continued looking around his room and saw he had his own private refresher with a tub larger than the one on The Devastator. In fact, he was pretty sure it could supply enough water for the small village he grew up in on Tatooine.

Luke and Vader stood in the room, the evening sun making the room glow, though to Vader the peachy color of the room had nothing on Luke's inner brightness. 

 "Do you like it?" Vader asked, softly. 

Luke bit his lip gazing around. "It's a nice room. Really." More than what he's ever been given in his lifetime.

Vader waited for Luke to speak and when the boy didn't he pressed, "But? What's missing, little one?" 

Luke hummed. "Oh, nothing at all. It's grand and lovely, really." 

"So what is the problem my child?" Vader searched the boy's thoughts. He didn't trust his son to tell him the full truth about his feelings yet. As much as it pained Vader to say, but he knew Luke would try to run away at some point. He just had to make sure that it didn't happen. The stunt Luke pulled this morning was more than enough for him to worry about ensuring the balcony windows and doors were locked tight. Luke would not be accessing his balcony unless Vader was present he already made up in his mind. Luke shifted on his feet, holding his arm and gazing at the floor. 

"It's just. . . .this is a lot to take in," He admitted, biting his lip. Vader folded his arms, glancing at his child as if he already knew what was coming.

Luke trembled. "I. . . I cannot be here-"

Vader held up his hand, silencing Luke. The boy paused as the room felt freezing cold. Vader's expression was past annoyance. It wasn't angry. It was, it was. Luke didn't know. He hadn't seen a person so possessive like Vader glaring at him. Luke gulped, Vader's tendrils coiling up his arms again. He hated the feeling of them, how they felt like nothing and yet he knew of their presence. 

"Luk'yalie. On your little "missions" where do you sleep? In a warm bed? Space is freezing cold and an aircraft is no warmer." Vader asked, rhetorically. Luke starred at him, his mouth open to argue but Vader continued. "How often do you eat at all? And how often is your meal nutritious, filling and not cold or bland?" again with the rhetorical questions. Luke frowned. That wasn't fair. He was fighting a war and in constant alert to spot for enemies. Vader was displeased with the thoughts his child was shouting into the Force. "And another thing, these so called friends of yours, do they ensure you are bathed, dressed warmly or that you still have ten toes, ten fingers and all the hair on your head?" 

Luke narrowed his eyes. "That's not for them to worry about-"

"You are correct, Luk'yalie. It isn't for them to worry about your well being but it is mine. Do you know why?" Vader was now kneeling. These prosthetics didn't hurt or ache like the previous ones did, in fact, he hadn't felt a thing thanks to the improved knee guards. Luke was so small to him, he had to kneel to look at Luke in the eyes without him crouching and demeaning the little one. It was important to level with Force Sensitive Children so they never felt inferior. Vader had wished Obi-Wan had understood that about him. Oh well, he'd ensure any mishap Obi-Wan did he'd never EVER repeat with Luke. His precious baby. 

Vader stroked his thumbs on Luke's cheek. "It is because it is my job as your father to do those things." He stated, firmly. Gods above, Luke would give him grey hairs by the end of the week if this were to become a daily thing. However, secretly, Vader loved boasting to Luke that he was his father. Him. No one else. Even if Vader couldn't believe a child so precious, kind, caring and soft could have ever been in any relation to him; it was true. Luke was here, his, and about to cry had Vader not wiped those dew drop tears away. 

"Your safety and health come before anything my little one." 

"B-But-"

"Before anything." Vader stated firmly. "If anything were to happen to you, my little boy, I would move stars, planets and even this entire Galaxy to stop whatever was hurting you. I have destroyed planets for less." Luke gulped. That was right. Vader had done those things. Suddenly, Luke was starring up at the man who had committed atrocious crimes, caused senseless deaths and was a possessive human being overall. Luke looked around the room. 

It wasn't a room. It was a pampered cell. 

He lowered his head. He had to stay. Not just for the lives of innocent people, but for the entire Galaxy. There's no telling what kind of rampage Vader would go on if Luke slipped away. 

"O...Okay." Luke trembled. 

"Okay, what?" Vader pressed on. 

Don't make me say it. Luke closed his eyes. "I. . . I'll stay. I'll stay here." Just like that, Luke had sealed his fate. He would stay here to make sure Leia, Han and Chewie would be safe. So millions, if not trillions of lives wouldn't be harmed. Vader nodded when satisfied with the answer Luke gave him pulling his baby in close for a gentle hug and to rub his clean shaven cheek into his son's soft and sweet scented hair. How Vader adored this: holding his baby close. He could only image how Luke was when he was actually an infant.

"I'm glad you realize your place, Luk'yalie." Vader spoke. "But that does not mean that we are through." 

Luke glanced up, half worried half confused. Vader could hear Luke's thoughts running wild and rampant. Vader traced Luke's bangs away from his eyes, making mental note to arrange a hair cut for the boy. 

"You still haven't taken enough of an intake of your daily formula, nor have you had your medicine and you are to be punished for not only damaging Imperial property, but running into danger the way you did and disobeying me." Vader firmly stated. Luke's jaw dropped, appalled. If Vader thought he was going to make Luke drink that nasty formula milk he had another thing coming, not to mention Luke was not going to ingest any kind of medication he didn't know what was inside or what it's purpose was for and there was no way in Sith's Hell was he going to allow this man to punish him and baby him further. Anger swelled up inside of Luke and to Vader he looked nothing less than a child about to throw a tantrum. 

"No!" He barked, walking backwards. 

Vader halted him immediately. "It was not a choice given to you, Luk'yalie. It's an order." 

Luke tried to fight back but Vader's grip on him tightened and the boy felt himself being lifted under the armpits and carried to the chair by the bed. Luke squirmed and fussed about. 

"Let go of me!" He cried. 

"You will stop this irate behavior at once, Luk'yalie." Vader commanded keeping his cool and sitting in the chair facing the bed plopping Luke over his lap to where his thighs were on his own and Luke dangled off his legs. Luke seemed to grasp quickly what was going to happen to him, Vader could feel the fear through their bond and it hurt him. He didn't blame his baby for feeling scared at all. Yes, he was going to discipline his child in a manner that is socially acceptable among Force Sensitive Children, because that's what Luke was. However, he had a gut feeling Luke was never properly punished before in his life. He could only imagine what kinds of trouble his imaginative little one got into on that awful planet Obi-Wan hid him in and he seethed at the idea of someone hurting his child. That's all Vader could assume what happened to Luke, some bastard must have swung at his child to make him flinch so often now. He was going to change all of that. His precious darling would realize these large hands would guide his Luke to greatness even if it means he'd need to strike him. 

"I'm Seventeen years old!"  Luke cried out. 

"Still young and still learning. We will do ten for now and you will stand in the corner when we are done, understood?" Vader spoke, calmly. His tendrils looped around to gently stroke the back of Luke's head as he raised the robe Luke was wearing and lowered his under garments revealing the insanely cute pinkish rump his son had. Honestly, Luke had everything cute according to Vader. While Luke begged Vader to not strike him, the father was taking off his glove. 

"I'm sorry you are being punished on your first night home my little one, but I will not tolerate your behavior." Vader spoke as his hand whacked Luke's bum leaving a red handprint causing Luke to cry out in pain. Honestly, it was as if the boy were being whipped. Vader held Luke's waist firmly as the boy started kicking. Another smack was landed on Luke's bum and this time the boy cried out louder. 

"You will not disobey my orders again, young man." smack, smack, smack. "Is that clear?"

Luke didn't respond with an answer but with a large sob. It was a swift and thorough spanking and was over in less time than Luke felt it did. His bum stung from Vader's swats and he was embarrassed by how much he had been crying at something that shouldn't have hurt that bad. Luke had only ever received a swatting from his Aunt when he stole some fruit from the market as a young boy and he had been grounded a few times, but never bent over someone's knee and harshly swatted to the point of tears. Luke whimpered when Vader's force tendrils stroked him lovingly and he was helped to sit up and then stand. His legs felt shaky and his knobby knees buckled a bit as Vader walked him to a corner in the room. 

"Stand here." Vader said softly, through their bond he sent assuring soothing waves to calm Luke's connection screaming it was in pain. Vader went into the dressing room where he picked out an option of sleepwear, deciding between the long sleep robe or the two piece shirt and ruffled short set. While the robes would be easier on his child's sore bum, the ruffled shorts and thin shirt allowed his child to not overheat while sleeping. Vader felt a disturbance in the Force. As if it were telling him his little one was disobeying him. He frowned when he glanced back at Luke seeing the boy wasn't facing the corner. 

"Face that corner, Luk'yalie. Or I'll make it another ten." 

Luke turned quickly, heading the threat. 

I hate this! 

I hate it too my child.

No you don't you're the one that did this! 

It doesn't mean I was happy doing so. 

Vader found himself humming while entering the bathroom picking out a small bottle of sensitive skin lotion and a wash cloth before returning with his choice of nightwear for Luke, going for the ruffled shorts and shirt. Vader laid the items down on the bed before calling his child from the corner. Luke turned to glare at him before turning back to the corner. Vader couldn't help but chuckle at the defiance of his boy. 

"Are you intending to sleep standing up, Luk'yalie?" 

Luke didn't answer. 

"Come to your father, little one." Vader opened his arms gently. "You are done being punished." 

Luke wanted to say something snarky back, like "I'm never done being punished if I have to live here." But he also didn't want a repeat of what just happened. Luke sniffed, wiping his tears away. He was frustrated, hot and embarrassed. More so from this morning too! He couldn't believe how far Vader was taking this parenting thing with him. Bathing him, spanking him, feeding him. It was like Vader saw him as a baby and not a man and it was frustrating. Luke wiped at his irritated eyes again, turning around to see the man's arms still outstretched, as if he were going to run into them. Luke slowly turned. 

"Come on little one." Vader encouraged, smiling. His blue eyes were sharp, but there was a hidden kindness Luke swore only he could see. It was a tiny twinkle by the pupil. Luke didn't doddle any longer for fear of making Vader angry and slowly approached the man who engulfed him in a tight hug, rubbing his back and mindful of his bum as he was hoisted in the air and held against Vader's chest. "I don't like to punish you my little Luk'yalie. As a matter of fact I'd rather be spending time spoiling you and giving you presents and surprises or teaching you things about this world. I know you are young and still pushing your boundaries and are curious about the Galaxy, little one. But you are still much too young to wander by yourself." 

Luke bit his lip. He was learning fast to not say anything in response to things like what Vader said right now. 

Vader planted a kiss on his forehead, locking eyes with his son and cooed. "Now, we are going to have dinner and then it's bedtime for you." 

"I just woke up." Luke whined. Vader knew that would factor into Luke's bedtime. The boy had a nap too late in the day and it was going to ruin the schedule he wanted his son on. 

"Don't worry, the medicine I'm giving you after your dinner will help you fall asleep." Vader promised as he carried the boy to the dining room. Vader sat himself down at the end of the lavish table, Luke still in his hold. The boy squeaked when his bum made contact with Vader's thigh. 

"That hurts!" He cried. 

"It's supposed to. And let it remind you to never ever run away like that, Luk'yalie." Vader firmly, but softly spoke, poking his son's adorable nose. Luke rolled his eyes but turned to the attention of a droid that rolled out of a small entry way carrying a plate of food on a silver platter. Luke gulped his focus entirely on the large cup of milk he recognized as similar to the one he force threw that morning. Luke gulped at the plate was placed in front of him and Vader. It wasn't much, just broth and two pieces of toasted seasoned bread.  The dish did smell good and Luke did feel hungry. He hadn't eaten since breakfast and that was hours ago. Vader dismissed the droid and with one arm wrapped around his son's waist and his other free hand, he grabbed the large spoon and began stirring the soup to cool it down. 

"Luk'yalie, open." Vader spoke. 

Luke glanced up. Not this again.  "Can't I just-?" 

Vader held the spoon closer to Luke's mouth, giving silent word that he was not going to let Luke feed himself. Luke opened his mouth, allowing the spoon in and slurped down the soup. The taste was like fireworks on his tongue and felt like liquid gold down his throat. Vader chuckled at the sudden burst of happiness that was emitted through their bond. The boy demanded for more and Vader obliged, though he fed Luke enough so the boy wouldn't choke or hork down his food. 

"What is this?" Luke asked, his eyes not as red from earlier. 

"Chicken stock." Vader replied. "It's a savory thicker soup." 

Luke blinked. "What's a chicken?" He asked, genuinely. 

"A bird raised for eggs and it's meat." 

"Ew. I don't like meat, meat tastes. . . sad. But, this is okay. Are chickens big?" 

Vader couldn't stop smiling at the endless questions Luke was asking him. This is what their nights should be like. Vader feeding his little one a meal while Luke rambled on about his day, or asked him silly questions that were super important to his son but for Vader it was child's play. Vader was thriving off his child's curiosity. Luke would have so many questions too. Vader intended to show him the entire Galaxy if he could. Vader would ensure he'd have days off just for his little Luk'yalie. Luke needed his father more than any professor or trainer, especially more than any Master. Vader hid his anger from Luke as he fed him bits of seasoned bread dunked in the stock. 

No. Luke would never have a Master. The very word would never graze the boy's rosy lips. It would be Vader who would teach his son the ways of the Force and how to master it's abilities and use it to his advantage to crush his enemies. (If Luke were to have an enemies that is. Vader would get to them first before Luke knew there was even a target on his back.) Vader would never have Luke call him Master. That was not who Vader was. He was Luke's father. And that was it. There was no greater title to be called when it came to this child of pure sunshine.  

"Little one. Slow down." Vader spoke, not liking the way Luke was wolfing down his bread. "Or you'll have me feeding you that as well." 

Luke gulped his food before whining. "I haven't eaten since breakfast." 

Vader raised an eyebrow. "And who's fault is that?" 

Luke grumbled. "I don't wanna talk about that anymore." 

The father straightened his son on his lap, ignoring Luke's winces when his still sore bum was hit against Vader's knee. "We won't be discussing what happened before, Luk'yalie. That would defeat the purpose of your punishment which you already served. The past is behind us, which is why we are moving forward." Vader spoke, sopping up the last of the broth with the piece of bread and fed it to his son who gladly took the yummy food. The droid was called back and took the bowl and bread plate away, but left the untouched formula milk. Luke gulped, not liking what was to come next. 

Vader lifted Luke into his arms, standing up and grabbing the cup, which Luke noticed was covered by a plastic lid and a weird shaped tube attached to it. The Father carried the boy back to his room, setting the child on his bed next to the ruffled sleep clothes, skin lotion and wash cloth. Luke glanced at the clothes, his nose twitching in disgust. He was about to ask what the lotion was for when Vader spoke:

"Undress, child." 

Luke blushed. "Turn around." 

Vader rolled his eyes but did so. Honestly, why his child needed to be so secretive was beyond his comprehension. Luke was a little boy there was nothing to hide. Still, Vader gave his son two minutes to undress and get changed in the night clothes he picked out. He could tell Luke was done when the boy scoffed at himself. Vader turned and his heart swooned at the sight of Luke in his sleep wear. The boy looked like a cute cherub with his ruffle shorts, matching t-shirt with ruffled sleeves as well. 

"I look like a girl!" Luke shouted. Luke was pretty sure he saw Leia wear something similar.

If he did Vader wouldn't let him know. The father said nothing but hoisted the boy back in his arms to lay him on the bed before opening the lotion bottle and spreading a copious amount on his hands and rubbing them together before rubbing his hands on the boy's soft skin. Luke sighed, "What are you doing now?" He asked, irritation filling the bond. Vader knew fully well that Luke's skin was sensitive. He saw a tan line on the boy's legs and on his shoulders earlier from the bath. The sun was unforgiving on Tatooine, Vader knew this all too well. No doubt about it Luke seemed like the type for forget his sun lotion or Force forgive he was never given any and was subject to burn on that hot, miserable planet. Vader didn't want to imagine that. He didn't want to think about his son in pain. 

"You have some scarring. This is lotion to help heal that. And it will keep you from feeling rough and ragged." Vader spoke, rubbing the cool cream into Luke's toned waist. 

Luke laughed obnoxiously. "Too late for that. I'm a pilot. We're rough and ragged all the time." 

Vader smiled to himself. "Do you like to fly little one?" He ignored Luke's comment that he was a pilot. Vader would never deny his child a chance to fly. Trying to ground a Skywalker was like trying to catch smoke. Luke went on another one of his adorable rambles about all the speedsters he flew on Tatooine and how his X-wing was his pride and joy. Vader listened attentively, but making sure to keep lathering Luke in the lotion. He found it easier to get Luke to start talking about his interests while he went on with his task, the boy didn't fight him at all. Not to mention, Luke tended to share information about his life that Vader felt it would take pulling teeth to get out of the boy. Luke had rambled on so much, he didn't realize he had just told Vader more than his experiences with flying, but that he was top of his class on Tatooine in mechanics and astrology and that he won nearly every race he was in with his friends. Vader was happy to know that his son hadn't suffered how he did growing up a slave on that awful planet, but that didn't mean he didn't feel Luke was deprived. The boy was. He was deprived of being with his father. It should have been Vader who tucked the boy in at night, comforted him after every nightmare, kissed every injury better, trained him in The Force, went flying with him. 

All of that missed time and opportunities. 

The father couldn't dwell on that now. Luke still needed his medicine. 

"That's very interesting, little one." Vader said as Luke was telling him of the time he had the idea of going to Toshi station for some power converters to hot wire his own ship (which Vader was happy it didn't happen of all the idiotic ideas his son had). "Little one, it's time for your medicine." 

Luke frowned, a startling sense of fear emitting from him and Vader felt it, his own eyes widening a bit. 

"There is nothing to fear my child." 

"Then let me read the label." Luke demanded, holding out his hand eyeing the vile Vader possessed. The father sighed. He knew deep down it would take Luke some time to fully trust him and his word. While it was a hinderance on the father, he guessed Luke felt the same with him. Vader had said numerous times he didn't trust Luke to not run away so perhaps this could be a perfect moment to start earning mutual respect for one another. The father handed over the vile and Luke squinted his eyes, mumbling to himself as he read the ingredients and purposes of the medicine. It appeared to be relatively harmless with it being a doxylamine succinate. Luke glanced up at Vader who was waiting patiently with a spoon in his hand. Luke could guess what was to come next but had some questions. 

"This is for any allergies, correct?" 

Vader nodded. "Yes. Though the side effects are drowsiness. So it's important you're given this before your nap and before bedtime so you're not sleepy all day." 

Luke ignored that last bit. "How do I know it's not poison?"

A jab of hurt mixed with a wave of disbelief was felt on Luke's end. His father's face gave him away mostly given his jaw dropped a bit before he closed his mouth. Vader sat on the bed, holding Luke's chin to look at him. 

"Luk'ya-"

"Don't. Please." Luke begged. "Just. ..  just call me Luke. I don't like the name you're calling me, it's not my name." 

Vader bit his bottom lip for a second. "It's old Naboo. Your mother must have named you it before she died." Vader didn't like talking about Padme to Luke. He wasn't ready to face the scars dealing with the loss of his wife, of his child's mother. No doubt Obi-Wan was the one to ensure whoever raised Luke to call him just that. Luke. Vader stroked a piece of hair out of Luke's eyes--goodness the child needed a trim--and didn't miss when Luke gazed at the ground. 

"Please, just call me Luke." He spoke with a hint of frustration in his voice.

Vader thought for a moment. The name wasn't terrible, it was more of a nickname of the longer version of his child's name. He could bare it. Luke. Luke. Luke. He repeated to himself. It was cute. An adorable little name for his little light. 

"Very well. . . Luke. Though, you will be addressed by your full name in more formal or professional settings." Vader told him. Luke could only imagine what that was going to be like but hadn't the chance to ask as Vader continued speaking, "As for believing I am giving you poison, I have half a mind to put you in the corner again, but you're obviously overly tired and I will gloss over your comment." 

Luke went to argue but Vader took the vile back and popped open the lid, pouring the sticky, syrup onto the tablespoon in front of Luke who looked on horrified. The medicine had the same appearance as brown tar. Luke held a hand to his mouth, shaking his head. "No!" He begged. 

"Luk'ya-." Vader closed his eyes for a moment before speaking. "Luke. It's just this much. It's not a lot, either."  

The Jedi shook his head again, his mouth still covered. Vader knew little ones didn't like taking medicine. Back when he worked for The Order there were stories of Jedis' talking about their Padawans not cooperating with the medics and how their Force Sensatives would bawl their eyes out before they finally sucked up to taking the medicine. Luke glanced up at his father with pleading puppy dog blue eyes. Vader stood still. 

That trick is adorable, child. But it won't work. 

It smells bad. 

Luke wasn't wrong, the medicine had an outdated syrup smell that was sickly sweet. Vader used a Force tendril to coil around Luke's wrist, prying the boy' hand away from his mouth. Luke's lips curled to a thin line though it didn't falter his whimpers. The father reached out stroking his son's chin. 

"Little one, it's one gulp and then you're done. I promise." Vader spoke tenderly and softly. Vader didn't like do to this, but his son needed this medication along with the formula based milk. He hid his anger at the notion that Obi-Wan picked Tatooine knowing Vader would never return to that awful planet. It had apparently been the perfect place to hide his son. But in doing so it had been Luke who suffered the most considering the boy was slightly malnourished. Vader would not settle for a dangerously skinny boned child. Luke was to be fatten up at a reasonable weight to where he was squishy when they had their cuddling sessions before bedtime.   

Luke turned his head away from the spoon and Vader kept a firm hold on the spoon as to not spill any as he reached for Luke's tummy, gently tickling it till the boy erupted in a cute giggle before forcing the spoon in his son's mouth, careful to not hit any teeth. Luke groaned, his face saying all Vader needed to know as it appeared Luke had struggled in swallowing the medicine that was thick and syrupy like honey and tasted like it had gone bad with a bad aftertaste of dried prunes. As the medicine ran down the boy's throat the boy began coughing. Fearing he was choking, Vader reached for the cup of milk formula with the plastic lit and built in thick straw handing it to the boy. Luke took it and tried chugging it but the straw would only allow Luke to intake so much per sip. It was designed so sick patients wouldn't overdrink or eat and become ill. It took a few gulps for Luke to get any of the taste of the medicine out of his mouth. 

"That as disgusting!" Luke cried, both of his small hands holding the cup. "I have to do that twice a day?!" 

Vader smiled sadly. "I'm afraid so, little one. But it wasn't that bad-"

"It tasted like a dead Bantha!" 

"And how would you know what that would taste like?" Vader raised an eyebrow, his question was more suspicious than playful.

Luke blinked, "I. .. I've never eaten one so don't think I know what it tastes like, I'm just saying it was gross." Luke glanced down at the sealed cup of milk in his hands. It was ironic considering he had said that this drink earlier had been the most disgusting beverage he'd ever had and he once drank tequila with Han and swore it was battery acid. Ironic the milk would be more tasty this time around.

Vader had read his thoughts making a note to kill whoever Han was for giving his underage child alcohol and answered, "I added a shot of vanilla. I figured it would ease you into the taste and speaking of Bantha. . . ." Vader stood, walking to the front of Luke's bed where there was a chest Luke hadn't paid much attention to at first.

Luke slowly sipped threw the straw watching Vader open the chest and pull out a plush Bantha. It was relatively large, enough to fit under Luke's arm and appeared to be extremely soft to the touch and it was to Luke as Vader handed it to him. Luke was confused but investigated the stuffed toy. The fur was authentic and the horns were made of cloth and wool. Luke glanced up at Vader. 

"What's this for?" He asked. 

"A welcome home gift." Vader smiled when Luke began petting the toy. His mind riddled with the imagination of Luke holding the stuffed Bantha to carry for comfort when he wanted his Daddy but Vader was too busy to rush to Luke at the moment, or Luke snuggling up to the soft item during naps and bedtime and his son telling his secrets to when he thought Vader didn't know already, or bringing the stuffed toy with when Vader took his son flying to press the toy against the window and count all the stars in the sky he saw. It was good for a Force Sensitive to have something soft and readily available for them to cling to for comfort. As much as Vader would hate to admit it, but he wasn't going to be around Luke every second of everyday when he officially established as Emperor. His baby would need something to soothe him. Something that reminded him of his Daddy. 

"You will not be returning to that forsaken area. Though, it would be stupid of me to think you wouldn't miss it. If you should ever miss that. . . .planet. Then look no further to your own Bantha." 

"Oh. . ." Luke blushed, gently stroking the fur on the stuffed toy. "Th-thanks." 

Vader glanced at the window, seeing the sun was setting. Luke's room was now casted in an orange hue from the setting sun. It was time for the little one to be put to bed. Vader nudged Luke towards the fluffy pillows and the boy obeyed but protested when Vader began lifting the comforter and sheets over him.

"Wait. . . I have to go to bed?" Luke gawked. 

'Yes, my little one. It's late as it is for you." Vader soothed, pulling the covers over Luke and sitting on the edge of the bed.

"But. . . the sun's still up." Luke whined. The father almost laughed at that, honestly pathetic excuse. It was childish and fitting for Luke. The sun was still up, yes, but it was low and the stars began to twinkle in the deep crimson sky. Vader could sit there all night and watch as his son's eyelashes fluttered while he dreamed or listen to the slow deep breathing Luke did rather than snoring. Vader raised the cup higher and the spill proof lid and attached straw to Luke's lips, coaxing the boy to drink his milk more. Vader leaned down resting his cheek on top of Luke's pillow and ran his hand down to rub at his son's stomach after he placed Luke's Bantha next to him. 

"If you want, little one I will sing you to sleep." Vader lowly hummed. Luke didn't answer, his cheeks flushed pink as his lips were still secured around the straw. Vader had Padme to thank for the songs, rhymes, stories and legends he knew now. His beautiful Padme so gifted in the realm of knowledge. Though, there was one particular song he recalled from his mind, when Padme was still pregnant and she thought to be alone in her living quarters when Anakin would surprise her coming home early on Naboo but chose to linger away in the corridor for only a moment and watch her. She was so beautiful in her maternity dress. Anakin had heard from old texts how pregnant women were glowing during the months they carried their babies. Padme shimmered with light and....of life. She'd be in the rocking chair, her tummy large even though her dress. She'd rock back and forth, her soft hands cradling her tummy housing their unborn child as her soft voice any Angel would be jealous of would start to sing: 

"Constant as the stars above,

always know that you are loved.

For my love shining in you

will help you make your dreams come true,

help your dreams come true."

 It had been years since Vader had uttered a note of song. He used to hum with his mother doing chores, after he met Padme, all of his songs were for her and when they found she was pregnant, then his songs were for her and their baby. Their little one. Their precious darling. The one Vader held right this very moment singing to in his baritone voice that was smooth like leather as he gently sang those words, her words, to Luke who slowly suckled down the nutrition formula.

You're doing so good my little one. 

How perfect it was for Vader, for right here and right now, to sing to his little one. To Lull him to sleep with the songs of his mother. Threw the bond they shared that Vader so frequently checked upon he could feel his son was soothed by the words, by his voice. There was still lingering doubt, but it was being subdued by drowsiness. Luke's eyelashes fluttered and his grip on his cup was loosening. Vader reached down to hold the cup up to his son's mouth so Luke could finish the rest of the drink. 

"Constant as the stars above,

always know that you are loved.

For my love shining in you

will help you make your dreams come true,

help your dreams come true"

Luke began to nod off. His tummy felt full. Fuller than when he ate at dinner. Though, that was the point of the formula it was meant to help starved younglings regain the nutrients they needed to survive. Though in Vader's mind, Luke deserved to fall asleep full and sleepy every time. Luke couldn't remember the last time he felt sleepy while feeling content and warm as he did now. It was intoxicating. Vader slowly took the cup away from Luke when the boy's head lopped to the other side of the pillow, his lips making a pop sound as they left the straw and his nose brushing against his stuffed Bantha. Luke's eyes closed slowly as Vader finished the song

The boy was fast asleep in moments. That was partially due to the medication putting him to sleep faster than it would if the boy had naturally fallen asleep. 

Vader planted a kiss to his son's warm forehead when it was clear the boy was fast asleep. Vader wanted to stay there all night, like he did the previous night when he first saw his child. For hours he could watch his son dream while snuggling his pillows, blanket and stuffed Bantha. He'd feel at peace knowing his son was. A servant droid entered the room, softly beeping it was time for Vader to appease the crowds that's when Vader knew the sun had gone down. The lights of the skyscrapers luminated and he could hear the cheer of millions. It was time. Time for him to take his rightful place as Emperor.

With another soft kiss to Luke's cheek and wiping away the milk residue on the corner of Luke's mouth, Vader left the room with one last glance. He wouldn't be gone long, a few hours tops. Plus the dosage of  medicine Vader gave Luke would ensure the boy would be asleep till late tomorrow morning. 

Daddy loves you little one. He sent through their bond. 

Vader fastened a new cape, this one long and blood red as he proudly walked to the throne room. The Emperor's chair awaited for him, as did a long line of individuals on either side watching him approach the throne before sitting down. The council men all bowed, pledging their allegiance to the new Emperor. Vader smirked, his pearly white teeth on display. 

"This is where the fun begins." 

Chapter Text

When Luke awake the next morning, his back, shoulders and neck felt as if he were laying on a cloud. He was so comfortable he didn't dare open his eyes, choosing to continue a dream he was having. He was back on Tatooine, he could smell the breakfast Aunt Beru was making, it smelled hot, fruity and sweet. No doubt it was hot porridge with brown sugar and a splash of blue milk for Luke so it wouldn't burn his sensitive stomach. Luke's eye lids and his brows furrowed as the hazy reenactment of his dream showed he indeed was in his old bed on Tatooine, his bedroom had always been close to Beru and Owen so they could hear him as a baby if he cried, but Luke had chosen to keep that room even until he was older. It was right by the kitchen so he could smell what wonderful thing Aunt Beru was cooking. 

He saw her. His Aunt stood at the stove, stirring into a pot before slightly turning her head over to call for him. Her voice was as loving and gentle as he remembered it to be. And then, he smelled smoke, he grew confused until he saw flames engulf her. Her screams unbearable to hear. 

"Aunt Beru!" He cried, reaching out both in his dream and reality he was startled awake when his hand touched something cold and metal. His blue eyes wide open now, seeing his outstretched hand rested on the smooth top of R2. The droid whirled around beeping happily that Luke was awake, as if the droid had sensed the boy was distressed. 3PO wasn't far away from R2. 

"Oh mister Skywalker, you're alright. R2 and I heard your distressed calls and-"

"I, I'm not distressed.' Luke mumbled, still waking up. The boy sat up in the bed, rubbing his eyes still waking up. "Had a bad dream is all." Luke assured R2 and 3-PO. However, Luke wasn't sure himself if it was just a horrific nightmare or if it was somehow the Force toying with him. Luke groaned, leaning back into the comfortable pillows, noticing that stuffed Bantha Vader had given him last night. He frowned, kicking it to the end of the bed. He wasn't a child and was sick of being treated as such. 

"What am I even doing here?" the teen groaned, getting out of bed. He began to shiver when the cool morning air hit his warm skin and blushed a deep shade of red remembering his attire of frilly night shorts and the matching shirt with ruffled sleeves. Noticing himself in the mirror, he huffed at how girlish and infantile he appeared. Mixed in with the fact that it was Vader how had dressed him only made matters worse. He couldn't walk out like this! Luke shivered, holding himself as he marched towards the closet looking for some clothes to wear. R2 and 3-PO following him. 

"Since you are awake and getting ready for the morning might I suggest a casual top tucked into some fine linin pants, Prince Skywalker?" 

Luke, undressed and in his white short cut briefs, looked behind the ornate dressing divider. 

"3-PO, what did you just call me?" Luke asked as if he had misheard. 

"Oh, erm," if 3-PO could blush, his face would give him away. Luke glared at the robot. "Well, you see Princ-erm, Luke. This morning your father programed me quickly to refer to you as His highness, or Prince Skywalker as one of many names to call you. Though he is technically not wrong, sir. If he is the New Emperor and you are his son that does technically make you--"

"Alright, alright." Luke whined. "I get it." He huffed, taking a random plain white shirt off a hanger and opened a drawer to find a pair of cargo dark blue pants with lots of small pockets. Luke didn't care what he chose as long as the ruffles were off his body. Once he was changed, he entered the refresher to splash some water on his face and clean his teeth. "But this doesn't mean I'm a prince." 

3-PO and R2 glanced at each other. 

"On the contrary Prince-"

"No not like that." Luke spoke. "It means I'm not partaking in any of this royal stuff. Anything to do with The Empire unless it involves taking it down." He clarified. However, gazing at the crowns on display in his closet he knew Vader had other ideas. He wasn't stupid in forgetting how the man doted on him and kept treated him as if he were special, like royalty and how officers and other Imperial elites saluted Vader or him. Palpatine wasn't even dead twenty-four hours and it's like Vader had been the Emperor all his life. Luke shook his head, wiping his face with a towel. 

"I'm sorry 3-PO, I'll change that for you. But now that I have you guys with me, we're going to find a way out of here."

"But Prin--erm, Mister Skywalker, what if Vader finds out?" 3-PO asked.

Luke knew the answer to that: He'd be hunted like an animal. Luke slowly spoke as he peaked out of his bedroom. Luke wasn't entirely sure on how escaping would come about considering they aren't at the flight shed anymore. Not to mention his last plan of escape failed and he cringed at the punishment Vader gave him for trying. Still, if he could get to Leia, contact her somehow, then there would be a chance she, Han and Chewie could come and save them. Maybe fly over the palace and drop a rope. 

Contact Leia. She'd know what to do. 

The boy couldn't hear anything but R2 beeping but it wasn't entirely empty. Luke had walked to the sitting area, glancing around the living room at the plush furniture and floor pillows. Before Luke could have a moment to himself, the front doors opened and Luke knew Vader was back. His presence a looming, chilly and damp-heavy. Vader entered, fully dressed for the day in an outfit that was very much suited for an intimidating Emperor. He wore clean cut and pressed black attire with a shirt that fit his muscular frame well tucked into his black challis pants. His cape was long and flowed behind him gracefully. However, despite his demeaner and attire, Vader was a tad surprised seeing Luke standing in the living room. 

"Oh, Little one, you're awake." Vader spoke, a gentle smile creasing his mouth. Luke hadn't a chance to respond as Vader held him closely, giving him a tight hug. "I apologize, young one. I came as soon as I felt you were distressed." Vader glanced down at Luke who's face was riddled with confusion until he put two and two together. Vader had felt it threw their bond. The man had to have been close enough to feel it and came running.

"Was it a nightmare, child?" Vader was so tender at stroking the hair out of Luke's eyes. He seemed genuinely concerned as well.  A small blush crossed the small teen's face and the blonde nodded. "Uh, yeah," Luke muttered. "It's fine, it's just a dream." 

"Still. I should have been there when it happened. Oh you mustn't be frightened any longer." Vader hushed him, pulling him in for another hug but Luke fought back enough to jerk away. This was enough to make Vader freeze and stare down at his pouting son. 

"I'm not scared." Luke frowned, frustrated. Luke often felt he was repeating himself with his father but his father wasn't listening at all. He was going to be firm with Vader. Tell him like it is and hopefully this charade of being a doting idiot would come to an end. "It was just a dream, nothing more and nothing less. I don't like how you're coddling me." Luke stood his ground. Vader tilted his head, confused. This wasn't like his son at all. Where was the child from last night that was so talkative and keen to explore and look around? Where had this attitude come from? Vader crossed his arms, his usually stern face now creased with worry and concern. Last night after swearing allegiance to The Empire as it's new Emperor, Vader had returned to the Royal Wing late into the night and decided to sleep in the chair next to Luke's bed, he couldn't part with the boy. Call him a doting father, but that's what he was to be now he had a child to worry about. 

Vader searched their bond: Annoyance, anger, frustration. All from Luke's end pouring out like water from a spout. The father hadn't the slightest clue where this was coming from. Luke had slept so peacefully most of the night, aside from the fear he had screamed into their bond earlier that sent Vader bolting from a meeting room (social norms be damned).  

"Luk'yalie, what is the matter?" Vader asked, kneeling down to Luke's height.

Luke glared, "I told you that's not my name!" 

Vader cleared his throat. That was his error, he admitted through the force. It would take some time for Luk'yalie to learn his proper name so in the meantime Vader had agreed to call him Luke as a nickname and he was breaking that promise. "You're right, Luke, I'm sorry it slipped my mind. Darling boy, if you tell me what's wrong I can fix whatever is upsetting you."  

The boy stood still as his anger diminished, though his frustration lingered. The doting father wondered if it was because Luke had woken up alone or simply on the wrong side of the bed. Still, he would find out as he led the smaller lad to the sofas and sat hip-to-hip with his offspring, wrapping a warm arm around Luke's small shoulders in a manner to comfort the child rather restrain. R2 and 3-PO shut themselves down as they aren't needed at the moment. Luke's mind was a whirlwind of emotions and Vader did his best to not pry into his little one's thoughts. He wanted his Luk'yalie to tell him what was wrong with his full trust in his father. 

"I..." the boy mumbled. "I want to know what happens next. I mean, I'm a wanted criminal by The Empire for blowing up your Death Star still, right?" 

Vader shook his head, a gentle smile crossing his lips. "No. You served your punishment already and you are out of the hands of that. . ." Again, he cleared his throat, refraining himself from cursing out the Rebels. ". . .  alliance. And you are where you need to be. I have spoken to the new Council board I hand picked and they had no qualms with my reasoning for my own son to be imprisoned." 

The Imperial Ruling Council Vader picked was far more efficient than the group of yes-men Palpatine had. Though, none were stupid enough to speak out against Vader, though they were allowed to voice their concerns; unless Vader deemed them annoying and choked them, which if he had to do twice today than so be it. His child belonged him him, not in a cell with some stranger being interrogated while being scared half to death. No. If Luke did something wrong--which he would stop before it started--he would deal with it with his firm hand. Luke gulped. The teen hadn't forgotten how powerful and insanely dangerous Darth Vader---his father--was. The man who had coddled him, bathed him, dressed him, fed him, soothed him, tucked him in: was a very bad man. Luke couldn't forget the millions of lives Vader had ended all for some stroke of power and to further push The Empire's boundaries. 

Luke's hands that were on his thighs tightened to fists. If he was going to contact Leia then he needed to start on a plan. The first step should be getting as much information on the Empire as much as he could. That would start with meeting some individuals Luke would rather stray far away from. He'd do it if it means Democracy would be restored. 

"I. . .I am not guilty then? Of any crimes?" 

"No, son, you are not." 

"Then, I wish to speak with  The Imperial Council." Luke bluntly said, trying to maintain a sense of authority on his request, or at least trying to stay calm. Vader appeared perplexed and Luke felt it threw the bond. So the teen continued, "I want to thank them, that is. . . they had the power to kill me after all and they chose not to. They chose to allow me to keep my life." 

Vader's hold on Luke tightened and Luke didn't miss the icy chill the room now had. The force tendrils slithered up Luke's legs, his waist nd finally his chest to stroke his cheekbone. Vader was pissed and his eyes were a darkened blue storm. "No, child. They did not decide whether you lived or died, they were deciding whether or not to interrogate you for a crime. It was my decision to keep you in the clear. Whether one has the ranking of that council, or Moff, all the way down to a lousy Imperial Trooper, makes no difference. No one in this Galaxy will have the right to decide if your life is worth continuing or ending. Do I make myself clear?" 

That wasn't a yes or a no. Luke sighed to himself.  "May I meet them to still thank them?" 

"What is there to thank?" Vader firmly asked. 

Luke nodded, "Still. . . If I'm to be a Prince as you say-"As you will be. "-then I need to meet them still, regardless, right? After all, that means I'm next in line. I should have the right to know who the chain of command is." Beat Vader's arguments with logic. That was the best weapon Luke had found. That comment stumped Vader though he didn't show it. Vader allowed the arm he was using to hold his son close to lift slightly allowing his hand to brush through Luke's bed head. Honestly, the child was adorable, though he wasn't dressed for the day properly. Vader hummed. Luk'yalie had a point. One day, he would rule the Galaxy, but something in Vader's mind told him that his Luke was so gentle and precious that Emperor wouldn't hold a candle to the type of individual Luke was. 

No, Luke was so much like her. Beautiful, intelligent, kind, gracious, caring. Luke was deserving of the same status as well: That of an angel. 

"You will eventually meet The Council," Vader admitted, "Though, not so sudden as you wish to. I would rather you focus on settling into your new role that comes with specialized training as well as your studies later on before you are introduced into politics, the correct politics." the man added in quickly. Luke said nothing. He hoped Vader wasn't reading his mind right now cause he was assuring himself that at least he had a plan settled in: to find out who were members of the Council and to talk to them. This plan would sadly take some time. Still, perhaps he could speed something else up. 

"Okay." Luke tried to sound as if he agreed. "This training you are talking about. What do you mean?" Luke had a good idea exactly what Vader meant and he was correct when the man began to speak. "You use of the Force is weak, sloppy and amateur at beast, as well as your combat sparring. You will train before and after your studies under my tutelage. I'll show you how to bend the Force to your will." 

These "studies" outside of training had the teen cocking an eyebrow, first he wanted to address the Bantha in the room: "You want to be my Master?"

"No." Vader shook his head, stopped playing with Luke's hair and used his other arm to wrap around the boy's waist, pulling Luke onto his lap, starring at his son's large blue doe eyes as a tendril wrapped around Luke's tiny waist. "I will not be your master, Luk'yalie. I have a title: your father. No one will be your Master. You will never have to utter that title to anyone. You are a Prince, if anything you will be sporting that title when you are older and perhaps have a student of your own." Until then, you're my little baby and will be guided by me alone. "For now, you focus on being the sweet child I know you are and allow me to dress you in more....proper attire." 

Luke glanced down at his clothes he picked out himself. He wanted to say that it was better than the girlish night clothes Vader had dressed him into, but he didn't want to start another argument that would result in a humiliating punishment. Still, he didn't think what he was wearing was horrible. While Luke may have a keen eye for Chanel boots, when it came to clothes he was clueless. On Tatooine, he wore whatever kept sand out of his clothes.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing now?" 

"They're very informal and miss-matched, little one. A training shirt and traveling trousers don't tend to be worn together." Vader chuckled. "But, I suppose you had fun playing dress up this morning." Luke didn't pay attention to that last statement as much as he did the word: traveling. Did that mean Vader would allow him to travel on his own one day? Luke was hoisted in the air as Vader stood up, carrying Luke back to the bedroom dressing area. 

"Wait, you said traveling. Does that mean I'll be able to go wherever I want?" 

Vader sat Luke on the floor of the dressing room. "No." He answered, walking to a closet where a line of pressed black outfits were hanging ready to be worn. He didn't miss Luke's irate tone when the boy whined, "What do you mean?" 

"I mean: you're too young to go anywhere by yourself. That travel wear is for when I am needed elsewhere in the Galaxy for a long period of time and have no one to watch you. I will take you with me and have you stay at the nearest castle or palace." 

Luke gulped. "Nearest castle or palace?" he reiterated Vader. "You mean we have more than one home?" That comment made Vader feel warm inside. For Luke to already call the Imperial Palace a home was a good sign of the boy settling in. Vader read how Force Sensitive Children craved stability, structure, and routine. Which is why a home was so important to create for them. It was to be a loving and safe environment and Vader would make sure any and every planet he was stationed at would have such a home for Luke to feel safe sleeping at when they went on their travels together. 

"We do, little one." Vader replied, pulling out an outfit he deemed perfect for today. Luke looked at the attire, it certainly screamed Imperial alright with the tailored black shirt with high collar, black trousers and a short cape that resembled the one Vader wore. He'd look like Empire Royalty for sure. Luke's eyes darted to the material. It appeared to be shiny, but not a glimmer of sparkle was seen. No, it looked smooth. The young boy couldn't help but wanting to reach out and touch it, his fingertips brushing on the silkiness of the fabric. Vader smiled. Force Sensitive Children loved the touch of softer, silkier things. He ensured Luke's wardrobe would be stuffed with only the best fabrics in the Galaxy. 

"The cape is Yves Saint Laurent. It is the finest silk on Coruscant. Perfect for your soft skin, little one." Vader spoke before wrapping the cape around Luke playfully. "Oh my, what a dashing young prince you are," The father gasped, dramatically "stars forbid anyone who dare crosses your path." Of course that was just a joke, but should anyone even dare sneer at his child, Vader would ensure their head be skewed on a stake outside the palace walls as a warning. A small blush crossed Luke's face as Vader took back the cape, lifting Luke's shirt off him. The boy blushed, embarrassed that this ordeal was happening again. He was a grown man and didn't want to be dressed by his father like a child.

"I want to dress myself." Luke demanded, softly. Vader gave him a doubtful glance, obviously referring to the outfit Luke had chosen before and how he found it unsuitable. "I'll. . . you picked out my clothes, but I want to dress myself." Luke blushed.  The father thought for a moment. Luke was obviously seeking for some form of independence. Given the fact Luke was raised so quickly (in his opinion) and most likely had to be independent at a young age on that unforgivable planet hurt Vader. This adorable little boy should be focused on meditation, building with his models, reading and being content. Not about Wars, or politics or other silly things. Those were for Daddies to worry about. Still, Vader could give him this one thing. 

"Very well, little one. But understand that until you learn the etiquette of proper dress wear, I shall be choosing your attire how I see fit." Vader firmly spoke as Luke walked to the dressing panels for the second time that day and clipped on the clothes. They didn't feel uncomfortable, in fact, they felt as if they were made for him specifically. Of course Vader demanded the seamstresses work overtime to ensure his little one had proper clothes, many of the styles were modeled after his own attire, though he would make sure Luke's clothing was more conservative and layered to keep him warm and to avoid any conflict with unnecessary skin showing. Vader huffed to himself as Luke was getting dressed. He recalled less painful moments of his youth where he'd opt for a V-neck or tighter pants to wear around Padme hoping to catch attention of the Queen in his youth. Luke wouldn't be doing that. No, he was far too young to be dressing in that manner or to even be curious about sex. Force Sensitive Children were so much more innocent and gullible and could be taken advantage of.  Vader would put and end to it before it started. 

"Um....Is this right?" Luke asked, grabbing Vader's attention as he stepped out. Vader smirked, Luke's shirt wasn't cooperating with him so of course he had to help with the collar. "There. You look dashing." Vader smiled, proudly. And Luke did, the tailored black shirt framed his shoulders perfectly while his trousers were straight and pressed, though not stiff allowing for easy movement. Vader wrapped the cape around Luke's collar, hooking the material around a button on his collarbones. Vader was proud. His son truly appeared as the Prince the Galaxy deserved. No. The Galaxy didn't deserve such a sweet boy as his, it should be grateful, yes, that Vader allowed his Luke into the light of day. The Galaxy would soon realize Luke's presence would be the closest thing they will have to knowing a God walks among them. 

"Hey!" Luke called, annoyed. 

Vader snapped out of his thoughts. "Oh, I'm sorry little one. I was daydreaming." He admitted. 

Luke frowned, "I know you were. You think you're the only one who can project their thoughts?" The father shrugged, guilty, but not sorry. "Be that as it may, you still haven't eaten breakfast and you'll wash up quickly afterwards as well." Vader began. "Today is an easy day for you, Luke. I promise." The doting father lead Luke out of the room and headed straight for the dining room table. 

"If it's so easy how come I have to dress up?" Luke asked, huffing as he sat on a chair. 

Vader glanced at him, "You aren't dressed up, Luke. In fact, you're dressed as quite casual today." 

"This is casual?" Luke looked up, alarmed. Despite the fact the outfit alone could probably be sold to feed his entire village on Tatooine, Vader was correct. The father let out a hearty chuckle, patting Luke on the shoulders before calling for a servant droid, who whirled around the corner with yet another silver platter trey of food. Luke knew he was going to have to live like royalty for a while, but he couldn't help but feel as if being served food on a silver platter was overkill even for The Emperor. The food appeared more appetizing than it did on the Devastator with a bowl of colorful fruit (some which Luke didn't recognize) a bowl of hot porridge and the familiar tall glass of milk. This one without the attached lid and straw. 

Luke wasn't very hungry at the moment, but he knew he didn't have a choice with the way Vader pushed his chair in closer to the table, standing behind him. "Careful, your porridge is hot. You don't have to eat it all, but you will finish your milk and fruit--" 

"Can I feed myself?" Luke quickly asked, clutching the spoon before Vader could reach for it. He tilted his head back to look up at his father, his blue eyes pleading for more independence. He didn't want a repeat of yesterday where he was humiliated by being fed like an infant. Vader said nothing but reached for the large dinner napkin laying on the platter and unfolded it to drape it around Luke's front and trying it in the back making a make-shift bib. 

"You may, but don't make a mess, little one," Vader softly warned. "You don't need a bath on top of being changed again." Luke rolled his eyes at the comment and stirred the hot food before consuming. The food was nice, nothing special, but the oats weren't over cooked and there was a pinch of sugar for sweetness among the usually bland state. Vader sat next to his child, watching him eat slowly. Vader could do this all day, just watch Luke doing the most mundane basic activities and believe wholeheartedly that it was the most precious act. The way his small hand curled around the spoon with his obvious non-dominant hand before switching realizing he was in a hurry to grab it before his father did. To Vader, Luke was more...innocent looking...in the morning as the sun began to peak into the dining room and cascaded it's rays onto Luke bathing him in the morning glow.

"Have some fruit." Vader softly commanded. Luke looked up for a moment before reaching over with the same spoon he used for his porridge to scoop up a piece of fruit he was familiar with. It was some cut up pallie. Luke liked pallie, it was one of the rare sweet fruits that even grew on the desert planet and Beru would try and buy a few pieces for Luke when he was little. Luke bit into the juicy morsel, soaking up the sweetness as well as the memories of eating it back home. 

Home. Tatooine. 

Vader narrowed his eyes. Luke was broadcasting homesickness for that Force forsaken planet and it's inhabitants. Tatooine wasn't a home, it was a curse. A curse his child needed lifted and in it's place would stand The Empire and if he could--no, he would-- he'd eradicate Obi-Wan from Luke's memory and replace that position with himself. Luke would know well enough how he was stolen from his rightful place and destiny.

 "Luk'yalie, enough stalling, child. I want you to finish you breakfast before we meet your professor." 

That caught the boy's attention. "What professor?" 

Vader cleared his throat before reaching out his hand for the spoon. Luke hesitantly gave it to him, not wanting to argue as Vader dipped the utensil into the hot food, feeding Luke. "Your professor, Ms. Tsabin, will be your etiquette, basic curriculum, dancing and mentor during your time here in this palace. You have much to learn and I find she was best suited for you."

While Luke slept, Vader had called upon every handmaiden in the Palace. Looked them up and down, searching their thoughts of vile treachery. Most of them were committed to The Empire, be it out of fear or indoctrination, Vader didn't care. Though, there was one who stuck out among all the women in front. She carried a familiar presence about her that Vader couldn't put his hand on. Her statue was firm, though warm. Much like a nanny. Perfect for his little one to stick around while he was away. She had passed his test of allegiance to The Empire, as well as reciting her liberties in understanding should any harm come to Luke under her watch, she would die a slow and miserable death.  

Of course, Vader could give two-shits about how someone sits, sways and what fork they use, but he couldn't deny that Luke would need these skills if he were to be a proper Prince after all. And it'll get the boy's mind off wanting to escape. That was the underlying motive. Vader wasn't an idiot. He noticed how Luke glanced around at his surroundings, searching for an exit. He knew there was only so much threatening he could do to scare the boy into staying, but perhaps teachings of the Empire and all it's good it will bring humanity will knock some sense into his feisty little one. Plus with all that activity, Luke will bound to be exhausted at the end of the day, leaving no room to think of running while he's having a soothing bath and rocked to sleep by his Daddy. 

"I will Estcourt you to meet her as well as give you time to train if you are a good boy during your meeting." Vader smirked at the bright happiness evading from his little one, the bond on Luke's end fluttering with joy at the notion he would be able to do something other than sleep or cry. However, the happiness didn't last too long as Luke suspiciously frowned. 

 "Where's my lightsaber?" 

Vader hadn't expected that, though he kept his composure when his parental instincts felt a tantrum about to erupt. It wasn't hard to tell when Luke was angry, his eyebrows knitted together and his usually bright eyes turned narrow in aggression. So much like his father he was.  "That lightsaber is locked away properly. You will not wield it until you have learned how to properly handle a weapon under my tutelage." 

Luke scoffed. "That's not for you to decide." Vader cocked an eyebrow, raising his arm to feed Luke another mouthful of porridge but the boy refused. "That was given to me by my former master-" the room turned icy cold almost in an instant when Vader heard Luke utter that word. Especially when it was directed at Obi-Wan. "I'm not perfect, but I won't kill myself if I wield it-"

"Obi-Wan was foolish or senile with old age in those pitiful teachings he gave you," Vader growled. "You are also still a child. I will not give a child a weapon used for ending someone's life." 

Luke was furious. He still felt Vader was in no position to tell him what to do, even if he was his father. "I know for a fact you don't want it anymore! It was still given to me, therefore it's mine!" If Luke wasn't so frustrated, he'd realize how childish he appeared to be: sitting at the table with a napkin bib screaming about an object he wanted but Daddy wasn't giving him. It was uncanny to Vader that this was Luke throwing a fit simply because he wasn't getting his way, while Luke felt his only weapon for protection was in the hand of The Empire. 

Vader remained calm, despite his anger. Obi-Wan was the source and target for his anger, not his little Luke. Luke knew nothing and was just parroting what Obi-Wan most likely manipulated him into believing. Luke was a victim and a child, not a Rebel scum. 

"Luk'yalie. I will give you a warning to cease your shouting and finish your breakfast. The answer is no and there will be no further discussion on that end." 

The only thing that resulted in was Luke's appetite diminishing, not the end of the argument. The boy sulked, turning away from Vader. Now he had to think of a plan to get his lightsaber back. However, he couldn't help but feel Leia would have been so much smarter than him in this situation. How she would outsmart Vader and manage to escape this place in under twenty minutes. Vader didn't hide his anger in their bond when Luke turned from him. 

"Child, turn back around and finish eating." 

"No, lost my appetite." Luke grit his teeth. 

"You eating isn't a choice, Luk'yalie--"

"That's not my name!" 

"--it is a responsibility of yours as well as mine. Remember what I said earlier, you are to finish your fruit and milk, you've not eaten half of your fruit and hadn't touched your milk." Vader wasn't wrong. Force, how Luke hated admitting that. What annoyed Luke more than anything out of this situation was how Vader technically hadn't lied to him. Hadn't manipulated him into thinking differently. How Luke wished Vader was just a liar, a thief, a coward, an easy villian. But no, Vader had to be an honest, towering and demanding one. The blonde haired boy glanced back to glare at his equally unamused father. 

"I'll eat when I'm ready." He mumbled. 

"No, you will eat now. We are due to meet Ms. Tsabin in less than thirty minutes." Luke didn't care. Ms. Tsabin was probably a rotten imperialist Vader picked to brainwash him. Stalling on meeting her would be probably for the best. Vader meanwhile wasn't impressed on Luke's behavior and did some prodding into the little one's head while searching their bond. There. He found it: fear. However, unknown to Vader that fear wasn't stemming from what he assumed. Vader set down the spoon and used his tendrils to pull Luke's chair as close as possible so their thighs were touching. The father's anger had ceased a bit, but not enough to diminish. Vader frowned at Luke who still had his back turned to his father. 

"Little one, are you scared of meeting Ms. Tsabin?" Vader asked calmly and slowly. He felt like a fool. No wonder Luke was acting up. This would be the first time he'd be meeting someone face-to-face knowing he'd be spending lots of time with them. Vader couldn't help but think back to his youth. How he would clam up around new people out of instinct of his trust being violated and misused. Of course Luke would act out meeting someone new too, considering they grew up on that awful planet where thieves, gangsters and outlaws ran rampant. It's no wonder Luke was misbehaving. It was out of fear. 

Luke glanced up at Vader as if the man had two heads. 

"What?" 

"Little one, there is nothing to be afraid of," Vader gave Luke a kind smile, hauling the boy onto his lap to rub his back under his cape. "You will only be with Ms. Tsabin for a few hours a day and then you'll be returned to me," Vader lowered his head to nuzzle into Luke's neck, "You'll be able to tell me everything you did with Ms. Tsabin before your nap and don't worry, I'll be there when you wake up too, little one." 

Luke all but screamed into their bond, "No, that is not what I'm feeling! I'm angry because you won't give me my lightsaber!" 

Vader blinked, astonished at the anger coming from his little one. Sure the dark side was feasting off the emotions running rampant from this child, but Luke didn't seem too concerned with that. For nearly two days he had been restrained to doing things he didn't want to, utter humiliation and shock. He just wanted to have his way in something, even if it was just for a moment. 

"I'm tired of your mind reading games!" Luke tried to push Vader away, but the force tendrils and Vader's strong hold on him kept him from doing so. The boy even resorted to hitting Vader's strong muscular chest. "I want my fucking lightsaber!" 

You could hear a pin drop at the silence in the room when Luke realized his error. Vader's promise of punishing him for swearing ringing in his ears. 

"I. .. I-I. . I didn't mean-" He hadn't the chance to finish what he was saying before Vader hoisted him up over his shoulder, standing from the chair and carrying the wiggling boy to the refresher in Luke's room. Confusion ran through Luke as he was plopped on a tuffed bathroom stool in front of a large mirrored vanity. Vader meanwhile was silent. Luke gulped as he watched Vader open a cabinet door, drumming his large fingers and nails on the side of the wooden shelf, as if contemplating to himself. Whatever he was thinking, Luke couldn't see. It wasn't fair that his father had protective barriers surrounding his thoughts but he had to broadcast his feelings and thoughts unknown to him. Vader grabbed something, hiding it in his large hand from Luke as he turned to face his son. His face was a mix of anger, yes the anger was there, but as was something deeper and distraught. 

Dissapointment. 

"Luk'yalie. What have I said about you swearing?" Vader spoke, firm. 

Luke felt his throat go dry. He suddenly wanted that milk to wash down for fear he'd choke if he were to give the wrong answer. 

"To...to not to." Luke mumbled. 

"Speak up, child. I won't stand for mumbling." 

"To not swear." Luke replied, louder, then he quickly added, "-But it was an accident, I'm sorry, it just slipped-" 

"Then it appears to me that you have been talking in such foul language often enough for it to be encrusted in your vocabulary. I do not care where you learned how to speak that way I shall have it eradicated, Luk'yalie. If I cannot do so with my hand, or with you spending time in a corner, then I will simply have those dirty words be washed from your mouth." Vader spoke as he stood in front of Luke a bar of white soap in his hand. "Open." Vader instructed. 

Luke was confused. What was his father going to do with that soap bar? Luke hesitantly opened up the palm of his hand, earning a sad smile from Vader. 

"No child, open your mouth." 

Luke's eyes nearly bulged out of his head as he realized where the soap was going. "No!" He cried, attempting to cover his mouth but the invisible tendrils coiled around his wrists, preventing him to even move. Vader readied the bar using his thumb to part Luke's mouth and set the bar of soap inside Luke's mouth, resting on his teeth and tongue. The boy wailed as the tangy taste of soap flooded his taste buds. Oh how he wished he had just eaten his breakfast and kept quiet. He made the mistake of trying to spit out the bar but resulted in his teeth sinking further into the bar, sticking in his mouth. 

Take it out, take it out! 

Vader was patient and stood still, reaching both arms out to soothingly caress Luke's shoulders and collar bones. "This is what will happen if you swear, Luk'yalie. I will not stand for my son to be uttering such trash." Vader reprimanded. "you will sit here until I deem your mouth to be cleaned." Hot tears fell from Luke's eyes. The clean scent was torturous to his nose and his mouth was drying out, resulting in his body creating saliva which only made the taste worse. Luke had no choice but to let it all drool out for fear of swallowing the contents. 

I hate it it burns take it out, please! Luke cried, pleaded, called, begged. Vader kept still. Yes it hurt his child was suffering and he had the power to stop that, but he knew this was a sad reality of necessity. Luke had to learn his lesson and Vader knew the child would be comforted afterwards and cleaned up so that eased any guilt on his end but poor Luke was a sobbing, hysterical mess. His face was flushed pink, his eyes red with tears dripping from them like a leaking faucet and his mouth and chin were a mess as well. Thankfully the napkin bib was still covering his front protecting his shirt so that eliminated one mess. 

Luke's cries hummed to that of a sob and hiccupping. The soap was so terrible on his dried tongue that it felt it were stinging when he accidently licked it. 

I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I won't swear anymore! 

Vader knew that. That was the point of the punishment, still, hearing it (even though force bond) from Luke was enough to satisfy him. He checked the clock in his son's room, seeing it had been some time since the punishment started, they would have enough time to finish breakfast and still be early to Ms. Tsabin and poor Luke was clearly apologetic. Bader reached forward. 

"Open slowly, little one." He hushed, prying the soap from the boy's mouth, careful to not leave any residue if possible. Luke whimpered, trying to reach up to wipe away the contents of soap from his lips when Vader's  tendril yanked his arms back. Vader went to the wash bin where he wet a wash cloth, wringing it out and returning to his sobbing child to wipe his face, starting with his mouth, but pulled away when Luke tried to bite at the rag. 

"Ah--ah-ah, no, no little one. You'll brush your teeth soon dear." Vader soothed, taking the other side of the rag to wipe at Luke's eyes to rid him of his tears. Just as he promised Luke was allowed to brush his teeth and brush the boy did, every tooth was a sparkling pearl white and special attention was placed on his tongue which suffered the most from the soap. Luke sniffed, rubbing his runny nose. Vader turned Luke around from the sink, hugging him close. 

"I don't like to punish you child but I will if you need it. Now, let's go finish breakfast and be on our way." Vader softly spoke. Luke wanted nothing more than to just move on with this morning, and maybe just stay quiet. Vader held Luke's hand, leading his son to the table before looking at the clock. "Actually," Vader used the force to call upon a lid and straw to cover the glass of milk. "Drink this as we walk, child. We don't want to be late" Vader instructed holding it out for the boy to grab. Luke felt his cheek burn as he glanced at the uneaten food. His face burned with guilt. Han used to call him a kid all the time but Luke felt it was because Han felt since he was older he knew more, was he that much of a brat? He thought of Leia and how she'd be dissapointed that he wasn't trying hard enough to be smarter and get out of the situation rather throwing a tantrum. 

Vader glanced down at his son, untying the bib. 

"Luke." he remembered the nickname, kneeling to the floor to face his son. "Your punishment is over little one." 

Luke knew this, but the lingering guilt was plaguing him. He forced those feeling away, there was no use dwelling. He nodded, sipping the milk. It was best to keep his mouth shut. But, he still had to ask-

"Can I still train today?" 

Vader thought about it. "If you are good during your visit with your professor I will take you to the training room. I want to see what you don't know as much as what you do." Vader replied, keeping his word. Luke sipped his drink threw the silicone straw. He could be good. Play along. As the doors of the royal suite opened, four red guards waited to follow The Emperor and Prince as Vader wrapped his large hand around Luke's shoulder, holding him close, their capes flowing in the wind. It wasn't that far of a walk and Luke was half way through with his milk when they arrived to the lessons room. 

The doors opened and Luke saw a woman standing with her hands folded in front. 

She may not have appeared as scary, but Luke saw there was determination in her brown eyes. Luke didn't realize that he would to play an important key in her plan and Vader, unbeknownst to him, was handing her the key. 

Chapter Text

Ms. Tsabin was no less strict, or intimidating, the second day Luke saw her as she as on his first. Vader had walked him to her classroom and bid him farewell lovingly, promising to come back by the end of lunch for their meditation the father promised his son they'd do together. 

Luke sat in the only chair at the only table in the room smack dab in the middle in front of a black holo-board where Ms. Tsabin was writing on. They were alone, save for 3-PO and R2, Luke refused to attend class unless they were there. At first Vader was disproving of Luke's demand until he realized that the two droids provided comfort to Luke and if it got him threw the first day then he could allow it. Also standing by were the two guards Vader told Luke would be stationed outside the classroom doors. Luke rolled his eyes at that one, he was sure if anything were to happen, he was a lot stronger than the red imperial guards were. Ms. Tsabin waved the writing stick, finishing her name on the board. She appeared tall with the hep of her heels, though they were the same height without them on. Her black attire of a long skirt, button up shirt that went to her neck and her brown hair was pulled back into a short bun. Her brown-amber eyes were sharp, lacking warmth as they glanced at him. 

"Good morning, your highness." She flatly spoke. When Luke didn't reply, R2 beeped at him and 3-PO cheerfully waved. Luke wasn't expecting the woman to kiss his feet, but if her monotone greeting were to be anymore cheerful, she might crack a smile. "Today we will begin your lessons in etiquette before moving onto curricular. Before we start that, your knowledge will be tested to see where you place." 

"Place?" Luke asked, confused. 

"You have completed schooling, correct?" She asked, firmly. Oh, she wondered if he was book smart or not. Luke couldn't blame her, Vader must have told her some false accusation of him having no education on Tatooine. Luke tried to think back to when he attended classes. It was just before his twelfth birthday before Uncle Owen needed him on the Farm more often. 

"Sort of." He shrugged. "Left when I was eleven, I think-"

Ms. Tsabin used the writing stick to smack his desk, startling him. "Sit up straight, Prince Luk'yalie. His Majesty Emperor Vader instructed me with the task of not only your curriculum, but your manners as well. Slouching will not be allowed." Her lips turned into a thin, annoyed line. Luke's jaw dropped. "I wasn't-" another crack at the desk startled him again, he was sitting straight now. 

"Oh, my." 3-PO spoke, startled. 

"We will start with the basics." She spoke snapping her fingers for a droid to enter and push the desk away. "Stand." She commanded. Luke did so, slowly. Ms. Tsabin approached him, her arms folded as she looked him up and down. Luke blushed, he felt like a piece of meat a buyer was inspecting. He didn't like it. Especially when that morning Vader insisted he dress Luke--again. His clothes weren't formal again, but thankfully they were just a pair of black trousers and a matching collared long sleeve shirt. 

"Arms at your side, your highness." Ms. Tsabin spoke, Luke did so. He did every action she demanded, pointing his feet straight, his shoulders back. He felt stiff. 

"Good. Do you know what stance this is?" She asked. 

Luke shook his head, afraid if he moved slightly she'd say he was out of place. 3-PO however knew what to say, "Prince Luke here is standing in what is known as the balanced upright posture. His head is not tilted and his back is straight." 

Ms. Tsabin clicked her tongue, unimpressed. "Your highness, your droid will not speak for you, understand?" 

Luke frowned, "He knows about this stuff more than me, so I don't see why not." 

"How are you to learn then? Contrarily to popular belief of that of His Majesty, Emperor Vader, you will not always have a droid at your side to either protect you or give you answers or assistance. I suggest you shut him off until your lessons are finished." She left no room for argument but Luke turned away from her for a moment before pleading, "He'll be quiet--I promise!" Turning to 3-PO and putting a finger to his lips which the gold droid nodded and apologized for answering for Luke. R2 rolled closer to Luke, touching his leg to give some sort of comfort. 

"If the droids will be a distraction I will inform your father to not allow them into the classroom." Ms. Tsabin spoke. "Now, sit." 

Luke felt like a dog, standing and sitting on her command. 

"Slant your legs to the side, especially if you are in a robe, your highness," Ms. Tsabin spoke, walking around Luke who sat in the chair. "Your ankles are to be crossed, your thighs touching--And don't slouch." 

As the day slowly progressed with his etiquette lessons, Luke found himself miserable when he was informed it would be another hour until lunchtime when he could return to his quarters. His back ached from sitting down and standing and walking a certain way--the Princely Imperial way-- and all he wanted was to plop on his bed. It was a rough first day to say the least. Apparently curriculum wasn't just learning from books, it was also being taught about eating habits. Luke couldn't do anything right and he wasn't retaining any information he was given, giving Ms. Tsabin the opportunity to not hide her disappointment when Luke couldn't tell the difference in cutlery at a formal sitting table; to him it was all the same: between a fish fork, steak fork, a soup spoon, or a gravy spoon. All the knives appeared the same as well. For Force's sake, Luke was told he couldn't hold a glass correctly.

"Which colors will be hung during The Empire day on it's 18th Anniversary next year: Crimson or Scarlet?" Ms. Tsabin asked standing next to a servant droid who was holding up two rags dyed red. Luke blinked confused before pointing to a random rag. "Um, Scarlet?"

Ms. Tsabin sighed loudly again for what felt like the millionth time today. "Goodness no, your highness. Crimson." 

"But there's no difference. . . ." 

"You've more to learn that I thought apparently." 

That sent a knife into Luke's heart. He was trying his best. He felt exhausted at the end of the day and his legs hurt for sitting stiffly slanted all morning. When Ms. Tsabin walked him to the door with R2 and 3PO following him, she bid him goodbye, bowing her head out of respect. "Tomorrow we will work more on your posture, your highness. As well as your etiquette knowledge." 

Luke nodded slowly. "Um, thank you." He hadn't known what else to say. His body was screaming to get away from Ms. Tsabin and his face flushed at the knowledge that all he did was disappoint her. The guards left stationed at the door led Luke and his droids back to the Royal Wing where they stood outside the entrance, allowing Luke privacy to all but bite his lip to keep himself from crying. R2 beeped at him, asking him if he was alright. 

"Master Luke, you're trembling, are you ill?" 3PO asked. 

"No." Luke wiped at his face, "I'm okay." The boy moved from the door to his room stopping inside the dressing room to gaze at the jewelry boxes and cases housing the dazzling crowns, circlets, rings and bracelets and earrings. He saw his reflection in the case the diamond studded tiara perched on it's mantle was the perfect height to Luke for him to envision himself wearing it. Then he recalled his teachings, how he couldn't hold a fork correctly, or even choose the correct fork to use for whatever meal was being served, how he couldn't walk straight, sit right or even hold his head up how it was deemed acceptable and suddenly the water works threatened to spill again. 

R2 was at his side, beeping and trying to comfort him.  

"R2, I think I made a mistake." Luke admitted. Who was he kidding, he wasn't royalty. Maybe his Father was the Emperor now, but he was a farm boy from Tatooine longer than he was Imperial Prince. He wasn't cut out for any of this. He sank down to the floor, holding his head in his hands. He knew he had to calm himself down before Vader felt the disturbance in their bond and come running. Luke gulped at the thought of telling Vader why he was really upset and Vader leaving to kill Ms. Tsabin for "hurting" him. He didn't hate Ms. Tsabin, not in the slightest, but she didn't deserve to die because he didn't know how to be princely. 

Speak of the devil. 

"Luk'yalie, are you here?" A deep voice called for him from the Entry way. Luke wiped at his face and sprinted out of the dressing room and bedroom. 

"Uh-yes-yes!" Luke called, standing in the hallway, his hands at his side. "I-I'm here." Vader approached the boy, smiling fondly. He was still in his attire of a long black button up shirt and trousers and his knee high boots that clacked again the marble floor from that morning, thought he was taking off his cape. "Here you are, indeed." He smirked, opening up his arms to wrap them around Luke, engulfing the boy in a strong, warm muscular hug. Luke gently returned the hug and couldn't help but yelp when Vader lifted him off the floor, chuckling loudly.  

"How did your lessons go, little one?" Vader asked, walking and holding Luke towards the couch where he gently lowered his son to sit and talk. Vader had to all but threaten to shorten a meeting as to not miss an opportunity like this. Luke gazing up at him with those big adorable blue saucer eyes as Vader draped a couch blanket over him. 

The son gulped, "Fine." 

"Just fine?" Vader arched an eyebrow. Their bond said otherwise. Luke was hiding something for sure. Vader had half a mind to search his child's thoughts. Luke stretched his arms. 

"Well, we didn't do too much. Just went over basics." Luke wasn't technically lying, Ms. Tsabin herself had said so that's what they were. "I guess it was more boring than fine." Satisfied with this answer, Vader nodded. "And are you hungry, child? It's lunchtime. And after that we'll meditate." Luke chirped at the idea of that. The father smiled, holding his son's hand to lead him to the table. The rest of the evening would go smoothly as well. 

To Luke, it was all according to plan. 

* * *

While his lessons with Ms. Tsabin had been ongoing for days, at the moment, Ms. Tsabin had him feeling like a fool. Luke knew that by accepting the role of Prince (whether he wanted to or not) to bide time into contacting Leia and figuring out a plan to stop the Empire, he had to at least fit into the role and get others to trust him, namely his father. He felt he had been doing good on that end, he hadn't been reprimanded once in the short weeks he's lived on Coruscant. Vader had taken small steps with him to allow him more freedoms; while he wasn't allowed to roam around the palace alone and needed to company of two or even four body guards at a time, he was allowed in the meditation room as often as he wanted. Training was a grey area as Vader wanted to be there at all times to ensure his son was "training correctly" which Luke knew was a backhand comment for ensuring the boy didn't steal his lightsaber back. 

Luke could take that though. He can handle the obnoxious bedtime baths, kisses and tuck ins and even spoon fed medicine, but he felt ridiculous standing in chunky heeled dancing shoes. They were plain and black with a strap over the top of his feet. He was at least a few meters taller. But walking in them was tricky as his legs wobbled and yet Ms. Tsabin expected him to dance in these as he was with a slim, taller droid. 

"Keep your head up, your highness. Whomever you are dancing with deserves your full attention at all times." Ms. Tsabin crossed her arms. "Again." She held a remote in her hands, pointing it to the droid who restarted, leading the way in a simple waltz. For Luke it wasn't simple. He was sort of getting the hang of the movements and counting his steps, but every time he looked down to see where to step next, Ms. Tsabin scolded him. 

"It's hard to follow." He admitted, scuffling when the droid pulled him in the direction as Luke stumbled. 

"One, two, step, one, two step. Repeat that to yourself." 3-PO tried to help, but Ms. Tsabin narrowed her eyes at him. 3PO had taken to blurting out helpful hints to Luke, trying to help his friend as much as he could. Much to the professor's disapproval. 

"Your highness, need I remind you your droids are to remain silent during your lessons should they accompany you?" 

"No-no, I'm sorry!" Luke called, trying to keep up with the droid. He felt the thing were going fast with each step. "Can-can we slow this thing down? I feel like I'm running." He called, desperately. "No." Ms. Tsabin flatly replied, giving no reason. Luke yelped as the droid turned suddenly though his ankle didn't cooperate and he went left as the droid right and landed on his stomach on the classroom floor. The droid was turned off and slumped over as Ms. Tsabin's clicking heels against the floor came closer to Luke as he helped himself up to a kneel. 

"Prince Luke," Ms. Tsabin spoke, annoyed, "The dance is best performed on one's feet." 

Luke had enough. He was thoroughly humiliated. Frustration was rampant in Luke's body as he helped himself up, kicking off the heels in defiance before turning to walk away, ignoring Ms. Tsabin's calls for him to stay in the classroom. The guards at the door turned, blocking Luke from leaving. "I just want some air, please." Luke grit his teeth, his bottom lip threatening to tremble. The guards glanced at each other, unkowing what to do since their orders by Vader were to keep him safe until he was to be escourted to the Royal wing when his lessons were done, but they hadn't the time to answer as Luke used the Force to push them away, stomping down the hall with R2 and 3PO following him to a small balcony where a bench was. Luke plopped down, holding his face in his hands as his shoulders trembled. 

R2 whistled, rolling to tap at his foot to grab the Jedi's attention. 

"Prince--er, Master Luke, are you alright? That was nasty fall." 

"I'm fine, 3PO." Luke sniffed, "And, thanks for helping me too. I know you're just trying to get me through this, but. . . " The blonde whimpered, "This all feels so pointless!" Luke didn't want to learn royalty manners anymore. If this was how royals lived than he was happy to be a farm boy any day. However, he thought of Leia and how she was tortured by Vader and still managed to get through. R2 beeped, getting Luke's attention as he flashed the message of Leia asking for Obi-Wan's help. Luke sniffed, rubbing his eyes. He was done crying. He didn't care how long it would take to get passed these stupid classes. He was going to grain enough trust to be able to get to the Hangar and rob a ship of some sort and be out of the clutches of Vader. 

Luke bit his lip. Vader. His Father. He would save him. He would show his father what the Jedi's are now and that Democracy can work. Luke stood up, brushing himself and went to return to the classroom. 

"You're coming back?" Luke jumped, startled as Ms. Tsabin was leaning against the archway he left from. He hadn't sensed her nearby. 

The blonde nodded, "yes. I'm sorry about earlier, I just needed a break." 

Ms. Tsabin hummed softly. "You will come back, even if you are hurting on the inside?" Luke gazed at her, what was she talking about? He looked her over. She hadn't appeared to be drugged or under some Sith control. Ms. Tsabin stood tall, walking closer and, for the first time in the week they met, offered him a kind smile, one that wasn't obviously forced when he met her with Vader. Her brown eyes that were normally sharp were warm with an amber brown glow. 

"Truly a remarkable character to have, young Luke Skywalker." That was new as well. Luke's bright eyes widened and his mouth gaped like a fish. Was this really the same Ms. Tsabin from earlier? The same woman who would snap if he answered wrong or scoff when he slouched? Surly not. For weeks she was stern and demanding. Where was all this praise coming from? Perhaps she was scared, not of him, but of Vader. Had Vader said something to her earlier? threatened her that if he came home upset from lessons she would perish? Luke could believe that. Vader was someone who could have Ms. Tsabin replaced in two seconds if he wanted to. 

The woman continued. 

"Although, I cannot be surprised considering you are your mother's child." She smiled to the floor, painfully. The Teenager's head perked up at the mention of his mother. Ms. Tsabin had known her? If so why was she telling him now? Luke had to ask, "I don't understand what you mean. Who are you?" Ms. Tsabin glanced behind Luke. The teen sensed the guards standing too close for comfort and possibly listening in. No doubt they would snitch. He understood and allowed the woman to lead him back to the classroom. He got a weird feeling from Ms. Tsabin, he was entirely sure he could trust her but it didn't go unnoticed that the lessons went by smoothly that afternoon. 

Chapter Text

Ms. Tsabin had eased up on her criticisms towards Luke on his posture. What were once blunt remarks had turned into helpful hints and encouragement. Although, the tone of her voice when correcting him had yet to change. It was all new and strange for Luke, but he welcomed the new light Ms. Tsabin had begun to show on him. With this new attitude from his tutor, Vader noticed the increase of excitement his son had for his studies. Vader wasn't at all optimistic that Luke would even like his lessons; he knew how much the boy despised the Empire he couldn't go a day without Luke saying something snarky or parroting some lie he was brainwashed into believing about the Empire. 

Yet, here Luke was into week four of his lessons with Ms. Tsabin happily reciting what he did today as the two ate lunch together. 

"And then when the dancing droid was charged, he mistook R2 for me and managed to twirl R2 and then he smashed into a guard outside the door. It was funny." Luke giggled that adorable laugh Vader could listen to for hours and never tire. Vader glanced over at the droid at his charging station, the metal droid made no efforts to hide his embarrassment, beeping at Luke to shut up. Vader gave a lopsided smirk at his precious child next to him. The boy was so precious Vader wondered if Angels would be jealous of how his little one looked. Luke and his doe blue eyes with long lashes, his tiny blush on his round cheeks that appeared when he was flustered or excited, that floppy blonde hair that was beginning to wisp at the ends and dare he imagine--curl. Currently, the boy was dressed in softer more subdued clothing for their meditation coming up. At first, Luke thought it was so excessive at the amount of clothes he had to change in and out of and felt it was a waste, he soon learned it was nicer to meditate in softer clothes than it was his stiffer black tunic lessons outfits. Tied together the outfit was completed with fuzzy sleeper socks to keep the boy's feet warm from the marble flooring. 

"It sounds like you had a fun morning," Vader commented, taking a spoonful of his own bowl of soup. "What else are you learning my child? Has Ms. Tsabin started teaching you the truths of the Empire, yet? Truths those Rebel scum have kept you from?" 

Luke pouted at that last jab. "No. It's just etiquette for now. She says I won't learn anything like that until next year."

Vader stiffened. "Next year?" He asked, as if he had misheard. Luke looked up, wondering if he had said something he shouldn't have. Ms. Tsabin had surprised him as well by saying she was pushing back his academic curriculum to next year. "Well, yeah, she said there was so much I had to learn about royalty itself that teaching me about The Empire and all it's propaganda would make my head explode." Luke jabbed back. Of course Ms. Tsabin didn't quite say it like that, but it was the gist. Vader's frown deepened and the room turned chilly. Luke felt his mouth dry, instantly regretting that last statement. He knew his father didn't like his remarks on The Empire, even if they were true. However, Vader hadn't threatened a punishment onto him for saying how much he hated The Empire, so he figured he was in the clear to make a response back if Vader made one first. 

"Luk'yalie, you will learn in time how much better The Empire is than your Rebel's dreams of democracy, which didn't work. Finish your soup, there is still your medicine you need to take." The father firmly demanded, leaving no room for teasing or arguments. Luke sighed that mixed with a whine. He was sick of arguing with his father on politics. All Vader did was brush him off, call him a naïve child who had yet to learn the truths of the Galaxy and one day he would "understand why a dictatorship works". His father's aura was chilling to put it lightly, his face darkened with impatience as Luke stalled on eating. Luke reached for his cup of milk for a drink when his arm bumped the soup bowl in front of him, knocking it backwards towards him and the warm liquid landed on his chest and lap. Luke hissed as the still warm soup made contact with his skin. Immediately Vader was swooping him off the char and rushing to the bathroom. 

"I'm okay!" Luke insisted, though his little hands shook as he tried to take his shirt off. He may not have felt burnt, but it still hurt. 

"Don't say a word, child. I need to make sure you didn't burn your delicate skin." Vader cooed, inspecting the area. A little red, but nothing blistering. The father reached over to turn on the sink and run a cool cloth under cold water and pressed it against Luke's chest and tummy. "Is it on your lap?" He asked, not waiting for an answer as he began to pull Luke's pants down, ignoring the blushing and protesting teen. 

"No, no it's fine! I'm not hurt!" He cried out, hoping he wouldn't be undressed--for the third time that day. However, that prayer would go unanswered. Vader said nothing but frowned at the sight of his child. Vader tended to Luke's small injury before asking the teen to undress again. Luke pouted as he stood in his socks and smallclothes while Vader used the spray Bacta onto his wounds. The father was dissapointed in himself. He knew Luke would need help with a lot of things, eating would be no exception. His hand and eye coordinates are still developing and Luke should have been wearing a napkin over his chest then this wouldn't have happened. Vader frowned, it was so easy to fall into that pit of self loathing.  Now his child was in pain because of him. The teenager awkwardly sat on the bathroom stool waiting for his father to move but all Vader did was glare at his stomach, not moving. 

What are you doing? Luke asked, gently threw their bond, startling Vader. 

"Oh, my child, I'm sorry. I must have been deep in thought," Vader straightened himself out, standing. "Come child, we will get you dressed to finish lunch and-"

"I--I really don't want to eat anymore." Luke admitted, gazing at the marble bathroom tile. He had lost his appetite and the thought of forcing down more food had the opposite effect on him than hunger. However, Vader wasn't going to let it slide and crouched down to his son's height, using his fingers to lift Luke's chin. "Luk'yalie. I know you made a mess and I know it wasn't your fault. It was an accident, little one. But I won't have you not eat because you're upset." 

The boy's stomach felt like doing a flip-flop. He gulped, looking up with pleading eyes that made Vader's heart melt with sympathy. "Can't I just. . . drink that weird milk you give me instead? I'll finish it, I promise." The father took a deep breath. Technically, Luke could get by with having the formula for lunch. It would provide the nutrients he needed, though Vader was hoping to give Luke his medication before his formula so he could have a nap soon. He noticed how Luke had been trying not to nod off after retrieving him from his classes. Still. An early nap wouldn't be the end of the world and since Luke had been doing good in his classes lately, the father felt it was a perfect time to show Luke the gardens outside. 

Vader led Luke to the dining table where a droid was cleaning up the mess. "Very well child, you may have your milk earlier," Vader paused, glancing at Luke. "you realize that also means you will take your medicine earlier, correct?" Luke groaned, hated having to be reminded of that foul liquid his father made him ingest every afternoon and night. He didn't know why he even needed it. Every time he asked all Vader did was pat his head lovingly and tell him to open wide. However, Luke didn't want to mess this opportunity up, he finally had Vader allow him an answered plea, a rarity in itself. Luke nodded, his bushy bangs flowing.  Vader smirked, pleased with his son's compliance, especially when Luke took the tablespoon of medicine with only a small whine. Vader was so proud of his little boy. Their bond was swooning with joy on his end. 

"I'm very proud of you, Luke. Now, let's have you ready for your nap." You didn't need to tell Luke twice. Sleeping sounded pretty good at the moment as he was dressed in black Imperial lounging robes. However, rather darting to the bed, he was surprised when Vader called to follow him outside. Luke frowned. This was new. Perhaps, he told himself, Vader was trusting me more? Luke grabbed a bunch of fabric to hold so he wouldn't trip, much to the amusement of his father who held the large glass of milk with the rubber covering and attached straw. Luke felt uneasiness fill him as they entered a small elevator lowering them down from the Royal Wing. Vader kept a large hand on Luke's waist, pulling him close. 

"Don't worry my child, you'll enjoy this." He promised as the doors opened, allowing them access to a small corridor where the arched windows were immediately to the right, giving Luke full access to the beauty of the private Royal Gardens. Luke gasped at all the greenery and sunshine. It was amazing how a place like The Imperial Palace had this tucked away from unsuspecting eyes. Reluctant at first, Luke stepped down from the porch and looked around. It wasn't a large garden by any means and was surrounded by palace walls, but there were two trees on either end for shade and a cobblestone pathway leading up to a gazebo surrounded by a tiny moat. Listening closely, Luke heard chirping of birds and rushing water. The young teenager glanced around at all the little white flowers, pointing to one when he felt his father stand next to him. 

"What's that?" He asked. 

"Ornithogalum." Vader replied, though Luke was too enamored at the views around him to pick up on the subtle sadness in Vader's response, or in their bond. How could he? He was shining brightly, smiling widely. "There's so much green here." He gasped. Vader gave a small smile as he placed his hand gently on Luke's shoulder, leading him to the gazebo. Unlike the palace that was grey and dim, it was painted a pearl luster white. Truly this area was out of place for a palace of The Sith. Luke glanced around, happily taking in the scene. 

"It's really pretty."

"I hoped you would have liked it. This is yours, child." The father had been going back to the book and even searching threw the HoloNet for any more information he could soak up to ensure his son had the quality of life he deserved and then some. Force Sensitive Children needed plenty of space to run around and be active. While Vader wouldn't have minded Luke playing about inside the palace, he knew sooner or later the boy would ask to go outside. Vader could see it in those large, beautiful blue eyes when Luke gazed out a window for a second too long. So the father had the small unused courtyard to be transformed into the safest garden for his child to roam around in, though not unsupervised, of course. No, Luke was much too young to be left outside alone. Luke had noticed the gazebo and asked what it was. Well, the doting father would show him. Vader had no trouble in picking up Luke, his arms under Luke's knees and one securely wrapped around his torso, holding him close and using the Force to help him jump far over the moat. Luke was absolutely smitten with the act. 

"Can you teach me that?! That could be really useful!" He begged. 

Vader snorted, but there was no malice in his voice. "I will, though you'll have no use for it, little one." Sure, Vader could humor Luke. Luke pouted, but let it slide as Vader did technically say he would teach him that trick. Luke's attention was on a weird shaped bed. Or what he assumed was a chair. It had no blankets or pillows and swayed in the wind. It had two rails holding up a crochet roped hem with tassels and base but three larger ropes hanging from the ceiling of the gazebo. Vader gently laid Luke on the hammock removing his long black cape to cover the boy before handing him his formula cup that was still warm. 

"Now child, find peace and rest." Vader hushed, raising his hand to gently push the hammock ever so gently like the afternoon wind against the white flowers surrounding them bringing in a fresh sweet smell to Luke's nose. Vader turned from the hammock, standing in the archway of the small building. Luke's stomach growled and he raised the cup to his mouth, his lips wrapping around the tubed straw and began to suck down the liquid. All the while, Vader stood still, leaning against the arched column. Luke starred at his back. He knew his father was tall and muscular, but with Vader standing so still and it being so peaceful that afternoon, Luke really got a good look at Darth Vader--Anakin. He could see why Uncle Owen told him he took after Anakin mostly, but while he guessed hair color and eye color meant something, he wished he could ask Vader what he had of his mother. Luke was terrified to bring her up.

Vader turned his head, glancing back at Luke who suckled down his milk faster, wanting to be rid of this ordeal. 

"Child, sleep." Vader flatly spoke. 

"Why? I'm not that--" His mouth betrayed him as he let out a large yawn. Luke blushed, not wanting to see Vader's cocky smirk. The father raised his hand gently using the force to move the hammock into a gentle rock once again. It's the medicine. It's got to be it. Luke huffed, trying to suppress another yawn but failing. Vader was turned away from him again, though this time, he whistled softly at the birds in the trees. Luke watched while his tiny hands gripped the cup. He fought the drowsiness that threatened to take the scene before him. Of Vader whistling and chirping to the tiny birds in the trees above them, of the sunshine flooding the garden, brushing against the white flowers and of the rushing water but it was the rocking soothing Luke. The hammock was so comfortable he couldn't resist. Vader's fingertips moved about, the hammock still rocking as Luke felt himself nodding off and his grip on the cup was less tight. His father's cape was so silky. It felt nice against his skin and didn't overheat him. The pillows were firm and plush. 

Luke almost dropped the cup when Vader caught it, holding it up to Luke's lips again as the Jedi nursed. Vader's deep wheat gold eyes starring at him lovingly. That was new. Luke almost roused. 

Sleepy time for Little Lukie. Close your eyes little one. 

Luke hadn't the mental capability to assess the situation. All he knew was how warm and full he felt and that he was one blink away from sleeping. He could allow himself a moment to just shut his eyes. Vader smiled when he felt the moment Luke fell asleep. 

Meetings were often, vital and ensured success of the Empire. Scidious never had them. . . professionally. Whatever "meeting" happened was usually him slithering about the Throne room barking orders or having Vader stalk behind him to Force choke if needed. Vader would do things more efficiently. Even if it meant having to leave the chambers he shared with his son to be away for a few hours listening to boring data on their advancements. Today 

"We've seized a small Rebel supply chain on Coruscant recently, m'Lord." Piett spoke, reading the holographic data pad as Vader followed. Ballsy move to have one here. Vader wasn't surprised. Even if it was halfway around the planet. "They appeared to have been getting ready to leave. No doubt due to the recent announcement of Luke Skywalker as your son and heir." 

"Is that the reason?"

"No, just gossip." 

Vader nodded, reading further. "The Alliance grows weaker each week. Their numbers are dwindling and it correlates from the events from Luke being placed at my side till now." Vader smirked at that notion. Oh how strong his little boy was. No doubt the Alliance needed Luke. Of course they did, they were a weak organization that prayed upon the lack of abilities from minors to do their dirty work while they took all the glory. Vader let out a low growl. His son deserved all the glory in the world for his accomplishments and what did the Alliance give him? scraps to eat and no time to sleep. He calmed himself, knowing he was sending a large amount of fury in the bond with his son who was still sleeping upstairs. He didn't want to disturb him. 

"Piett, is there any more news on this matter?" 

Piett glanced up, trying to hide the worry Vader could see in his eyes. Vader waited, his eyebrow arched. "Well, your highness. Are you asking for news on The Alliance, or Prince Luke himself?" 

Now Vader was intrigued. "There is news simply on Luke?" 

"A request, actually, sir." Piett spoke, handing Vader a slip of paper to which the Emperor read carefully, soaking up every detail of this pitiful request. The Senior ranked Moff, Wilhuff Tarkin, a considerable favorite of Palpatine had dared to defy the odds. Vader found himself chuckling deeply and not in a humorous way. Piett consealed his nerves. Tarkin was one of the few who had somehow survived the Death Star blow up his son did. The elegantly written paper was as worthless as Alliance credits, no matter how crinkled it became under Vader's frim grip. 

"Sir?" Piett asked. 

"It seems to me, Admiral, that Tarkin has offered his son, Garoche Tarkin, over to Luke to have as a consort." Piett's eyes widened. You idiot. He wanted to call Tarkin. Piett watched as Vader ripped the note to shreds, a lopsided smile prominent on his face. 

"Piett." Vader said when the scraps landed at Vader's feet. ". . . Bring in Tarkin." 

Chapter Text

Luke was bored. Odd as it was, to be bored in an area in which he should really be scoping for information--or at the very least trying to escape from--in a way it was ironic more than anything. He had woken up an hour ago from that nap in his bed and hadn't remembered coming back into the palace. His face burned with the realization that his father had more than likely carried him back. Luke sat on a couch near a window, gazing out at the flyers bellow him.  R2 and 3PO keeping him company wasn't horrible, but the teen was feeling antsy. 

Where are you? He called out to his father threw their bond. He hadn't meant to sound as alarmed. No, he wasn't scared. Not at all. But, he was cautious at the notion of Vader leaving him alone without someone with him. Vader didn't leave him alone unless it was to sleep. Dare he say Vader forbid him being alone. Luke narrowed his eyes when he wasn't given an answer. That confirmed his hopes of his father not being enough to probe through his thoughts. Luke hated it when Vader did that, he was sure that had to of been some sort of invasion of privacy at the bare minimum under Jedi law. 

Vader was no Jedi, not anymore. 

Luke huffed, clutching the plush robe closer to his body. It was oddly cold in the Royal Wing. Luke figured this was the best time to explore the area while he had the chance. 

"Oh, Prince Luke, where are you headed?" 3PO asked as Luke left the room. Luke sighed, making mental note to undo his father's handy work on 3PO again. "It's just Luke, 3P. And no where I'm just gonna look around for something interesting." He admitted, poking his head in some of the doors. Truthfully spoken, Luke had been too afraid to ask about the other rooms in the chambers he shared with his father; the fear being that Vader would lock the doors before he got the chance to see inside. There had to be something here that would help him leave. He looked at his father's bedroom door across the hall from his. Unlike Luke's door, it had a simple knob rather a crystal one and a lock. He twisted the knob, finding it unlocked and stuck his head into the dark room. He couldn't make out much, other than the fact the bed was made to look like no one had slept in it (the cleaning droids were immaculate at their jobs) and there was a large wooden dresser and vanity mirror with capes hanging off the side as well as a large plush chair near the fireplace. Luke frowned. 

"Nothing." He hummed, closing the door. Then, he spotted the door at the very end of the hallway. Vader never technically said he couldn't enter any rooms. So why Luke felt the need to tiptoe was unbeknownst to him. Luke poked his head in but hissed when R2 bumped into him, sending him threw the door. R2 apologized. Luke glanced up from the floor, it was an office. It was spacious with a line of floor to ceiling windows resembling the ones in the living room and a grand, black desk in the middle. Luke licked his lips, moving further to the desk. The top was sleek, black and empty. Luke frowned. Who had an office with nothing in it? He wondered before going threw the drawers where he found papers for the Death Star that were hidden in R2 and crumbled. The teen felt angry. Vader still kept these plans. That means he was going to build another one, or try to improvise. Luke began to rip them to shreds. 

"Prince Luke!" 3PO called, worried. "Won't your father notice?" 

"I don't care." Luke admitted, he stopped shredding the papers when there was a loud knocking on the windows behind him. He jumped, sensing someone was there but only for a moment. The boy frowned when he saw a small white box on the window ledge and slid the slim window aside to hold the box that was no bigger than his own hand. He looked around, he couldn't spot a human life anywhere this high up on the building or feel the presence of anyone. Closing the window he made a dash for the door, box in hand. 

"Luke, what do you think is inside?" 3PO asked. Luke thought for a moment. This felt like a trap. Someone must have seen him inside the office no doubt about it, other wise why leave the box in that specific area? A ripple of uncertainty disturbed the peace Luke felt assuming he was alone with the droids in the quarters. He glanced around, fearing at any moment someone would jump out at him or grab him without him knowing. Luke took a deep breath. This had to be a trick, or a joke. Glancing at the box he pondered on the many scenarios that could have happened: since he was now dubbed The Imperial Prince perhaps the Alliance no longer trusted him and sent something to kill him?  Luke hoped that wasn't it. Or perhaps it was actually Vader who was there just a moment ago and was playing around. Vader had this knack of hiding little trinkets in Luke's room for him to find; earlier that morning Luke had spotted a note and a pair of earrings as a gift from his father, and before that was a new blanket made of rabbit fur, and before that was a tin of cookies and before that--R2 beeped impatiently. Luke snapped out of his daze and opened a compartment on the smaller droid to retrieve a cutting knife to get rid of the heavy tape sealing the box shut.

He couldn't believe his luck when he opened the box to find a Commlink inside. 

He gripped the white cylinder with black rubber grip close to his heart tightly. Someone from the Alliance had given this to him, surly! Luke wondered if it was Leia. His heart raced at the thought of her here in the palace. Was she here to save him? Luke began to tap at the Commlink, desperate for a clear signal. Luke knew that without satellite amplification, a standard comlink had a range of about 50 kilometers. 

"R2, come here." he ushered the droid into his room. "Got a satellite on you, buddy?" 

R2 beeped angerly at Luke. What am I not enough already?! 3PO stepped in "Oh, Prince Luke, R2 is only an astromech droid, a type of robot that usually served as a mechanic and backup computer for small spaceship, he wouldn't have a satellite." 

Luke sighed. Still, if it was her who gave it to him, then he'd chance it if it meant he'd talk to Leia. He held pressed the buttons on the side of the comlink, hoping the Falcon's code would be reached as he called out for Leia, Han, Chewie, anyone who would answer on the end. He was given a static response in the end. His efforts had been for nothing. Still, he told himself, this wasn't a step backwards. All I have to do was find a satellite with enough range and reach them. This was a start. Luke gripped the comlink and rushed into his bedroom and began looking around for someplace small and hidden enough where he could put the comlink so Vader or a cleaning droid wouldn't find it. 

"Master Luke, might I suggest a place in plain sight?" 3PO offered. Luke gave him a questionable look before 3PO continued. "Sir, you father once hid his lightsaber in R2 when he feared he'd loose it or it would be taken from him. Perhaps we could hide the comlink in R2 as well?" 

Luke grinned, for once 3PO's big mouth was useful. "Thanks 3PO, you're a lifesaver!" He grinned as R2 extracted a grabber, taking the comlink from Luke and hiding it. And just in time too. Luke felt his father's presence before the man entered the front doors of their wing. Luke straightened himself out. Vader had made comment how he was adamant on getting Luke a haircut so the boy had taken to grooming his fluffy locks in hoped Vader would realize he could keep it maintained. Luke liked his long hair, it was comforting. 

"Luk'yalie, where are you?" Vader called out. Luke cleared his throat before leaving his room, making haste to meet his father in the living room where he was sat on the sofa. Luke paused in coming closer seeing how angry Vader was. His end of the force bond made it clear his annoyance was hiding something more severe. The moment Vader saw his son, only a small portion of that annoyance disintegrated. Vader told the droids to power down as they wouldn't be needed and 3PO and R2 did as commanded. Vader's force coils and tendrils reached out to Luke, wrapping around him ushering the boy closer to sit in his lap. Luke's face flushed with embarrassment but he didn't protest when Vader used his mechanical hand to rub his back and nuzzle his face into Luke's soft hair. 

"I am sorry I wasn't here earlier. I should have been there when you woke up." Vader spoke. 

"I'm not a baby," Luke huffed, "I was fine. And if I'm being honest, I probably don't need these naps anymore." Luke hated the naps and formula Vader insisted upon. He felt that was time wasted he could be spending doing something else, like training with his father. Vader read his thoughts and chuckled. "Little one, you need those naps as much as you need the nourishment. Do not fret, we will still train." 

"Can we train now?" Luke asked, hopeful. Vader seemed perplex. 

"Luke," He remembered the nickname, "you've done your training for the day." 

The boy pouted. "But that was just meditation and some small exercises. Please, can't we do something cool? Like show me how to jump really far like you did in the gardens earlier, please, please?" The boy gripped his father's shirt, trying his best to use his big eyes on his father. He hoped it would work on Vader as it did Owen and Beru whenever he wanted something. While Beru was more of the one who fell for his antics, Owen did have a soft spot once in a while. Still, Luke knew Vader had some sort of weakness when it came to him and Vader had said countless times how he wanted to spoil him so Luke would use that to his advantage. The father's anger from earlier had almost disappeared. Almost. The adorable child in his lap pleading hard to learn more from him. From his Daddy. Not Kenobi. 

"Luke, the maneuver I did earlier take years of training. Nothing a Padawan could ever achieve, unfortunately." the father brushed Luke's bangs off his face, smiling when the boy sighed, "But, that doesn't mean I will not teach you how to do it. Let me ensure you can master the basics first and enjoy this time being my Little one." Peppered kisses were planted all over the boy's face and ear and head as Luke wiggled to get out of Vader's firm hold he had on the boy, his face scrunching and blushing. 

"Fine." Luke huffed, biting his lip uncertain. "Um. . . why were you mad just now?" 

Vader didn't want to talk about that. So he wouldn't. "No reason other than dealing with incompetent council men, my child. Nothing of your concern." No, his Luke wouldn't be exposed to the news of Tarkin's disgusting advancement for his own political gain. Tarkin using his own child to wed off to Luke nonetheless. His little baby. Vader glanced down as the boy toying with a string on his white robe. For a moment in his mind that robe turned into the pearl and silver string sewn wedding dress Padme had worn. Vader felt his throat tighten as did his grip on his child. Luke made a noise of a cross between a yelp and a whimper. 

No. He's too young! Vader assured himself. Luke was still a child, a baby if anything. He was too young to be even thinking about getting married. The boy was so innocent in the concepts of love and adoration for another being; all the boy knew was the love he had for his Father and Vader was going to keep it that way for a long time. Luke pushed against his chest, trying to get away. 

"You're squishing me!" He cried. 

Vader let out a small gasp, releasing the tendrils around Luke. "I'm sorry, little one. I hadn't realized I was holding you too tight." He let up on holding Luke but ensured the boy stayed on his lap. Luke starred at the ground. "It's okay." He mumbled. Vader had to make it up to him. He had caused unnecessary pain to his small, fragile child and a treat was in due. But what to give him? Vader thought for a moment before deciding the perfect reward. He smiled down at his pouting son before asking, "Do you still want to train?" 

Like a Tooka cat, Luke's neck snapped up to glance at him with big blue eyes. 

"Really? But you just said. . ." Luke trailed off. 

"I've decided I can teach you one thing." Vader chuckled, setting Luke on the plush area rug. "Don't move, Luke." Vader instructed as he held up his hand, using the Force to push the furniture around, giving them an open area. Luke frowned, puzzled by Vader's actions. Vader reached into his pocket, pulling out a comlink. Luke bit his bottom lip. It was the same type of comlink he had found earlier.  Had it been Vader who had given it to him and not Leia? He hadn't the chance to ponder as a servant droid entered the Royal wing with something deflated in it's metal arms. Vader took the item from the droid before it left. Luke frowned, tilting his head to see what contraption Vader held. It appeared to be made of some sort of rubber. Luke hadn't long to wait before the rubbery material began to inflate into a spherical bouncing object. It was extremely tall, coming up to Vader's waist, but to Luke's chest and neck.  

Luke frowned, "A toy ball?" 

"Not just a toy ball, child." Vader placed the object on the ground. It seemed so effortless and light to him. "It's a Force training ball. Younglings like yourself use these to learn how to balance the Force and strengthen their abilities," the father rolled the ball past Luke, having it follow him as he stood by the doors, giving himself distance from his son. "Now, I want you to try and push this back to me. Can you do that, little one?"  

The boy nodded, he recalled doing something similar with his Master Kenobi after receiving his father's lightsaber. Vader laid the ball on the ground, using the Force to give it a small roll towards Luke. Nothing too fast, but not so slow it wouldn't make it across the room. Luke bit his lip, holding out his hand and mustering as much of the Force he could, but he was sporadic, the ball all but flew back at an alarming rate to Vader who caught it with ease with his use. 

"I said roll it, child. Not try to take me out." Vader chuckled. 

"sorry," Luke blushed. 

"It's alright. It's to be expected. While I'm impressed with your training under my eye, you still seem to have trouble grasping the Force the first time. Now, when I roll this ball back to you, focus on making it stop. Don't worry about pushing it back." Vader rolled the ball back and they repeated the action until Luke managed to stop the large object. At first, he did it too soon because when he tried to push it back, he couldn't reach it. What Vader also found was when Luke was pushing the ball back, he was too focused on emitting the energy to push it far, rather than pushing the object as needed. 

"You're doing good, little one. This time, try a little more gentle." Vader cooed watching the determination in Luke's eyes as he managed to successfully roll the ball back. A bare hint of childish glee warmed Luke's tan face as he pulled the ball back to roll it again. "I'm doing it!" He cheered. Happy to have mastered down the events. Vader chuckled with amusement as he watched Luke roll the back around on his own, seemingly forgetting he was supposed to be interacting with his Daddy. Still, he'd let the child play running around the living room with his ball. After all, Luke would only be little for so long. Vader left his young one to his own devices, Luke had been so caught up in rolling the ball he hadn't notice Vader leave. The father had left, but only for a brief moment. Luke was content and happy in the living room not far away so he could have a moment to go into his office and retrieve a data-pad for his son to use. Vader wanted to show Luke diagrams and other information that would help him understand his ability to use the Force better when he spotted tiny shreds of paper on the floor. He frowned, not even the giggles of his child in the other room could elevate any rational feelings of being calm (or sedated). Vader reached down to inspect the pieces before opening the filing cabinet drawer. It wasn't hard to put two-and-to together when he realized the papers that had been shredded were the plans on the Death Star. 

Vader had made the mistake of hiding the plans in R2 once, he wouldn't be doing that again. There were multiple copies made, both holographically and on paper, Vader had copies of each, so it wasn't a loss when the papers were shredded. Though, a wayward child such as his son had no idea about that. Vader took a long and deep sigh, his fists trembling with anger. He was upset about the plans being ripped to shreds, no, it was the fact his son had entered this room without his permission and sought to carry out a Rebel based plan no less. He loathed the fact his son STILL had faith in that pitiful Rebellion, faith that Rebel cause did nothing to earn. The father stood and contained himself. Hearing Luke giggle louder and the bouncing of the ball near crushed his heart when he knew what he had to do. 

He'd give Luke a chance to tell the truth first. If the boy lied then the punishment would be more severe. Luke needed this, he told himself. The book said that for a Force Sensitive to be one with the Force, they'd need to be an honest individual. One who lied could never truly grasp the Force in it's entirety. A punishment would ensure Luke would remember that well. 

Walking to the living room, Vader watched lovingly, though stone faced as his child happily bounced the ball with the Force. 

"Look! I didn't know I could do this!" Luke cheerfully called out as he ran after the ball. Vader said nothing, but held up his hand and slowly all the furniture went to their rightful place. The ball stopped bouncing as Vader's actions had startled him. Luke frowned, "Oh, c'mon I was just getting the hang of this." he whined. Vader nodded, acknowledging Luke's improvement before calmly telling his child to sit on the sofa again. Luke blinked, searching their bond for what Vader was feeling. The annoyance and anger was there, but it had been there before, so Luke didn't dole on it too much. The boy sat down--apparently too far away for Vader's linking--and was yanked by the Force to sit on his lap. 

"Child, I understand you are a curious one. Always roaming, wandering around searching....looking for adventure." Vader started, "though, I blame that on the fact you were placed on such a inadequate planet to begin with." Luke frowned. Where was Vader going with this? The father clicked his tongue, "And while I'll never blame you for being the wayward child I know and love, I will however, not tolerate for you sneaking around and sabotaging the Empire's plans." Vader gave an unamused glance at his son when Luke's jaw dropped. 

"I-I. . . " He huffed. Luke knew he was caught. There would be no need to deny it. "Well, so what? I didn't care about blowing up the contraption, what makes you think I'd bat an eye at ripping up your plans?" Luke shivered as the room grew an icy chill and the anger his father let off in their bond was mildly terrifying, especially since Luke had felt it before, but it was never directed at him, not since Vader found out he was his son. Vader wasted no time in using a tendril to hoist Luke up a bit and over his knee. Luke cried out, knowing exactly what was to come. 

"No! No you can't do this!" 

"I can and I will, Luk'yalie. You've behaved in a manner that is not acceptable, nor will it be tolerated." Luke hated how calm Vader was talking like this, talking to him as if he were a child that was caught drawing on the walls. Luke's face burned with humiliation as Vader grabbed the end of his robe that was at his ankles and raised the fabric up, exposing him to anyone who could walk threw the doors at that very second. "I am dissapointed in you, Luk'yalie. Disappointed that you still cling to those Rebel ideologies when you should  know better." Before Luke had the chance to say something back, be it defending his own actions or the Rebellion, Vader's hand came smacking down on his rump, emitting a large pink handprint instantly. Luke wailed. The spanking had hurt the second time around as it did the first night he was  brought to the chambers and no les degrading. 

"Stop, stop!" Luke cried, trying to wiggle away despite the firm grasp his father had on him. 

"You. Will. Not." Vader seethed, each spank landing on a syllable. "Disobey The Empire. Ever. Again!" Hot tears ran down Luke's dusty pink cheeks as he clutched his father's leg. Already his ass felt hot as coals and he begged the taller man to stop. Vader would do no such thing as the hits continued. The royal wing was full of energy emitting from the little boy in Vader's lap bursting how much he was in pain and hated the welts given to him, whereas Vader's own energy emitted anger and frustration threw a collected grace where he was still level headed enough to not relentlessly beat his child. He'd never beat Luke. His son wasn't some Rebel scum that deserved to have Sith Hells unleashed upon him. Luke was his tender, impressionable child that traitor Obi-Wan tried to corrupt. But Obi-Wan failed the moment he was slayed. Vader raised his hand up higher, emitting harsher spanks to Luke's already tender and reddening bottom. 

"Stop! Stop! Stop!"  Luke begged. 

"Will you enter my office again without permission?" Vader rhetorically asked. He already knew the answer as Luke's thoughts were on display for any one who was force sensitive to see. That person was Vader. 

"No-oo!"  the teen cried. "No! I wo-wont!" 

The father could hear the bond of Luke's end crying out for comfort, for the pain to stop. Most importantly, that he was sorry. Vader gave his son a small smile even if he couldn't see it and let up on the last few spanks, the last one he allowed his hand to caress the small of Luke's back in attempts to assure Luke it was over. That the time for punishment had ended and Luke confessed to everything like the good child he was. The poor baby was trembling under his hold, so Vader released his tendrils, wanting to hold his child in his arms himself. It wasn't hard to rotate Luke around to where his teary-eyes wet face was in the crook on his neck and his tender bum was slanted to not put any pressure on his sore end. 

"There you go," Vader soothed, "Ssssh, child. It's over." 

Hiccupping and blubbering wasn't usually a dignified response, Luke knew, but it was all he could muster till he calmed down more. Vader enjoyed the childing clinging to him like a newborn Bantha who couldn't walk yet. Even if it had to come a the cost of smacking the boy's butt till he behaved. Vader stood, carrying the child to seemed to pay no attention and entered Luke's room, darting for the chair by the bed. Sitting comfortably he began to rock a bit, patting Luke's quivering back. He reached over to the pillows by the freshly made bed the cleaning droid finished making clutching Luke's stuffed Bantha to rub against the boy's face. 

"Someone wants to see you." Vader playfully nuzzled the toy against Luke's pointed nose. The boy sniffed, giving a confused frown at whatever game Vader was playing. "Can you give your Bantha a kiss, Luke? They're so upset that you're crying." 

Logic told Luke that no, this wasn't a being that was alive therefore had no capabilities of feeling emotions. But the boy didn't want to make Vader mad again. He feared if he did something wrong so sudden. When Vader's smile turned into a worried frown, that was all it took for Luke to lean over and kiss the toy on the head and hold it close to him. The smile returned to Vader's face as he himself leaned down to kiss Luke's eyes, freeing him of any stray tears. 

"There we go, little one. No more tears. Daddy doesn't like knowing he made his little boy cry, but when you do something naughty like that, I will punish you accordingly, understand?" Vader spoke between a whisper and a gentle reminder. Luke's bottom lip trembled, but he nodded. Another kiss to the forehead from Vader and Luke was placed on the bed. "Now, I know you aren't in the best of moods right now, so that' why you are having your dinner, bath and bed early tonight." 

Luke whined, "Why?" 

Vader smirked, "Because Daddy said so, little one. Now, come. Leave Bantha here. We don't want her to get messy."  

The twinge in Luke's heart shouldn't have been so prominent leaving such a silly thing like a stuffed animal behind, but it was. 

Luke. . . . Luke. . . 

It was the middle of the night, the bright stars and full moon shown brightly in Luke's room, cascading shadows onto the floor from the toys and other items. Luke was nestled comfortably under the sheets and comforter, his face nuzzled into the soft billowy pillows. He had been sleeping so soundly and deeply snuggled against his stuffed Bantha he hadn't heard his name called in the whispers of the wind. 

Luke. . .you must go. 

The boy whimpered, his eyes clenching tighter as he tried to keep asleep. 

Luke, you must go to Dagobah.  

The Force ghost of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Luke roused from his slumber, though still half asleep. The man's familiar voice could be heard throughout his room, or perhaps it was all in his head. He didn't know, he was disoriented. The blue hazy ghost appeared beside Luke, sitting at his bedside, a cold hand running threw his recently washed blonde hair. Obi-Wan smiled sadly. He had failed Luke, he knew. He was too old and too weak to take Vader on and the result was Luke was too naïve and foolish to take on Vader while his friends escaped. Yes, Luke had a big heart, but unfortunately he was held captive by the Sith Lord. Which is why Obi-Wan desperately hoped to get threw to Luke. He needed to save the boy before he fell to the dark side. 

Luke, you must go seek out Master Yoda on Dagobah. 

The boy whimpered, opening his eyes for a moment as they adjusted to the light Obi-Wan gave off. When Luke realized what was going on, he gasped, shrinking back into the bed. His heart raced at seeing his former Master. The memory of Ben saving him from the Sand people, giving him his father's lightsaber, telling him small stories of the Clone Wars and how he fought with his father all came rushing back, as did his death. When Vader slayed him. 

Luke couldn't hold back the whimper that left his mouth. 

Luke, you must go to the Dagobah system Obi-Want smiled sadly, seek out Master Yoda. He will train you. Obi-Wan left as he appeared, slowly and fading. Luke reached out his hand towards his former master, when Obi-Wan was gone, the new tears came. Luke sobbed into his pillow, muffling the noises as he curled inwards, clutching his stomach to try and suppress a cramp that was hellbent on tearing Luke in half it felt like. When Luke thought it had passed and it was simply nothing, his cries only increased and became harder mortified at the realization that wasn't a cramp from eating something bad, but rather it was his bladder warning him of the inevitable and now his sheets and nightclothes were soaked. 

Daddy!

From across the room, Vader was pulled from his own slumber. At first he was disoriented as to why he was even awake. Then he heard sniffling and not even a moment later full blown crying. The father jerked out of bed, frantic when he heard the crying from across his room. Luke. He grabbed his black silk bath robe and tied it on as ell as his lightsaber incase some idiot had a death wish and was attacking his child as he entered his son's room, looking around for any danger even though he couldn't sense a presence other than his son, before rushing to Luke's side. 

"Luk'yalie, what is wrong?" He gently asked, concerned with the terrified emotion Luke was emitting. Was it a nightmare? a night terror? Vader went to sit on the bed with Luke and comfort his hysterical child when the teen pushed him away. 

"No! Don't!" He cried, desperately.  "You-you can't..."

Vader didn't have to ask when he caught sight of the wet circular stain on Luke's bedding. He knew he didn't sent Luke to bed with any liquids so there was only one explanation. He could sense the child's embarrassment and did as best as he could to send soothing waves through their bond as he helped the boy out of bed and led him to the refresher. Vader felt pity towards the boy, too often he had cried today and it was enough to break his heart. But Luke didn't understand that this was okay, accidents happened and Daddy was here to fix it now. 

"Oh, my poor little one, ssssh. I know it's late and you're tired,"  Vader soothed, helping Luke out of his silk night clothes.  "Come, I'll draw you a bath and you can clean yourself, little one." 

"But-but.. . ." Luke went to protest. He already had a bath earlier, he didn't want another one. Vader had read his thoughts again, assuring Luke it wouldn't be a full bath, just some warm water and soap to clean himself. As Luke was lowered into the warm water, Vader discarded the soaked clothes and watched the cleaning droid he summoned to strip the bed. He didn't stray too far, he didn't want to chance Luke falling asleep in the tub. Never mind the water was only up to the boy's tummy, it had been a terrible night so far for his little one he wasn't going to jinx it. Vader smiled sadly, wiping away the new tears on Luke's face. 

"There's nothing to be upset about, little one. Accidents happen to the best of us--" 

"I'm seventeen, I can't be wetting the bed like I'm some stupid infant." Luke mumbled, his voice hoarse as he emitted a cough. Vader frowned. He didn't like the way Luke spoke about himself, "Yes, you are young little one, but old enough to know better. Still, it wasn't on purpose, youngling. You most certainly are not stupid, either. Nor will you call yourself that, understood?" 

Luke didn't reply and Vader waited for a moment to pass before asking while tenderly brushing back the boy's bangs: "Did you have a nightmare, Luke?" 

The boy froze. Obi-Wan had given him specific directions to follow, but that was easier said than done. Luke was trying to leave, really he was, but Obi-Wan was a ghost and could come and go as he wanted. Luke couldn't. The boy tried so hard to hide his thoughts, but the room began to grow chilly when Vader probed Luke's thoughts and found Obi-Wan circling through out the whirlwind that was Luke's mind at the moment. The father sat on the floor, reaching down into the tub to haul his child out of the warm bath water and lay him on a towel, swaddling him protectively before holding him close. 

"He will not hurt you, Luke. He will not." Vader seethed, holding Luke closer. Vader had been so angry, he didn't see why Luke was thinking about Obi-Wan, just the mere presence of the man in his son's thoughts was enough to evoke such anger. Vader closed his eyes, holding his precious baby close. He had to remind himself a few times that Luke was here, Luke was safe, Luke was real, Luke was with Daddy. Not that traitor Obi-Wan or those incompetent Guardians or that Rebel alliance. He was home where he belonged. 

Vader hushed Luke when the boy whined in protest to being carried. "Come little one, let's get you dressed and back to bed. It's very late for little boys to be awake."  The cleaning droid was still washing the bedding so it was the perfect time for Vader to snuggle his Luke back to bed in his room. Before leaving, he spotted the stuffed Bantha on the floor by the bed that must have fallen off when the droid removed the sheets. He leaned down, Luke still clinging to him, afraid to fall (though he'd never fall when Daddy help him. Nope. Vader gripped him like a precious diamond) and picked up the stuffed toy, handing it to his son as they left the bedroom. He had to admit it, Luke looked adorable in a large nightshirt that belonged to him. Oh what was he saying, Luke looked adorable in anything, even that Rebel Alliance couldn't make him ugly with their tacky clothing. 

The father smiled warmly, lighting a small fire in the fireplace when Luke shivered. "I will cancel your class with Ms. Tsabin tomorrow, little one. You will be exhausted as it is." Vader spoke. 

Luke didn't say anything as he lay in bed with half lidded eyes, threatening to doze off at any second. Vader removed his robe, his large muscular body glowing by the fire as his Adonis belt prominent where his sleep pants clung to as he laid back down into bed, smiling at his son. "Come angel, time for sleep. Daddy's here." Luke's eyes lashes fluttered as Vader rubbed his temple with his thumb, lulling him to sleep.  Vader himself didn't drift off until he was certian Luke was sleeping and his end of the bond was calm and at peace and even when he did succumb to slumber, he felt hazy, almost drunk. All around him was a dark starry night sky. Vader had this dream before. For nearly 18 years it was once a haunting nightmare of taunting torture. There, not far away, sat his son, glowing with an aura of sunshine. He sat running his handss threw a cluster of starlight, giggling and clutching his stuffed Bantha. 

Vader grinned, kneeling down with his arms open. Perhaps this time. . . 

"Luk'yalie. Come to Daddy, Luke." He called. The child, much younger than what Luke appeared in reality, jerked his head up, gasping as he stood up, holding his stuffed animal and running with his arms wide open. 

"Daddy!" 

Vader was ready for the dream to end. It always did at this part. He never got to touch the warm light that would run to him, calling to him. And yet--life was mysterious in some ways because he was finally able to hold that child. Smell him, feel how soft and unbelievably warm and small he was. He hear Luke's giggle in his ear, his tiny arms around his neck and small kisses planted on his shoulder. Vader knelt to the stars, hearing them crunch bellow his weight as he held his child. He had waited so long to. 

In the world of the living, Luke and Vader slept peacefully, the fire keeping them warm as Luke nuzzled closer into his father's hold. The stuffed Bantha keeping their nightmares away. 

Chapter Text

Vader was always a man of his word. If he said he'd strike you down, down you went. Ironically, he seldom lied. There was no point in lying when you always had the upper hand in the Galaxy. However, he may have had to go back on his word--once.  Because of the nightmare incident and poor Luke embarrassed to even admit he had wet the bed, Vader had decided it would be in Luke's best interest to have his naps and bedtime in Daddy's room until he felt safe again. At least that's what Vader said to Luke. In reality, if it were true that Obi-Wan Kenobi was visiting his son in his dream, then Vader would be there to catch him in the act and smite the bastard down again if he needed to. The man was continuing to terrorize his child and he was going to put an end to it. It had been three days and there was no sign of the old man or of Luke having any nightmare. Yet, the bed wetting persisted. Like clockwork Luke would wake up sniffing, and trying to tare off the blankets and sheets, forgetting he was in bed not a moment ago snuggling next to his Daddy. Vader would let Luke have his fuss until the boy whimpered realizing his predicament. Then it was Daddy to the rescue to draw him a warm bath to sit and soothe himself in while the cleaning droid did it's work. 

Vader consulted the books. If there was something wrong with Luke, he wanted to know. A part of him desperately prayed that this wasn't a first sign of a terminal illness while the more rational side of him knew that Luke was still young and accidents were bound to happen regardless of how old Luke got. The book he had on Force Sensitive Children suggested Luke was stressed. It was natural for stressed children to worry about silly things that riled them up. Poor Luke needed stability and Vader was going to give it to him.

"Luk'yalie, come here, child." He called one night sitting in his bedroom by the lit fire. Luke, followed by R2 entered the bedroom. The father guided him with his Force tendril onto his lap where Luke knew the routine, even if he did complain about it. Vader on the other hand adored the extra time to hold his child by the fire and tell him stories or sing gentle lullabies before bed and waking up to the soft face gently breathing threw parted rosy lips that was his son made each morning feel like a blessing. 

It soothed him too. He'd never admit it. 

It was on the fourth morning did Vader see it. It was faint, but it was there, coiled around the back of Luke's tiny ear was a golden wispy strand in the formation of a curl. 

A haircut was no longer necessary, no, no, no. Vader would feel like a fool for dare cutting a single hair on Luke's head knowing he had golden ringlets that looked to be twisted by an angel. A stylist was immediately booked in the spa outside the training grounds where Luke grumbled about going to. He didn't understand why Vader was so obsessed with the hair on his head. 

"It's just hair! It's only purpose is to keep my head warm." Luke whined sitting in the stylist chair as his hair was tended to with rich soaps and creams to ensure the curls would appear healthy and untangled. Vader knew he'd make quite the scene if he had let out the coo he suppressed when Luke was revealed with his new wispy curly locks. Luke blushed, looking at himself in the mirror. "I don't like it. It makes me look like a little kid." He admitted. 

Vader laughed, "Luke, it's genetics your hair was meant to be this way." 

"Not if I shave it." Luke mischievously grinned much to his Father's stern frown. The boy was removed from the styling chair as Vader led him to the large pool filled with steaming hot water and jets creating a current flow. Luke glanced around at the large flowers in vases giving off the sweet and calming aroma in the tiled room. He wouldn't have taken his dad, Darth Vader and Emperor of The Galaxy, to have delicate tastes such as indoor hot springs. 

"Undress child, I promise we're alone." Vader went to a closet by the wall, pulling out two large towels and two matching plus robes, one bigger and one smaller. Luke blushed. He got undressed as quick as he could (without the help of Vader or Vader coming TO help him thank-you-very-much) before rushing into the water, plopping down so the water was chest high for him. Behind him, he heard a sigh. "I wish you wouldn't rush into the water without me, child." Vader sat outside the springs, unclasping his prosthetics. Luke watched with fascination and a gentle bittersweet. He felt sympathy for the man for having to wear such things. It appears Vader was either reading his mind or Luke had broadcasted his thoughts again because the man chuckled. 

"You are too kind to your old man, little one. I am fine, I promise. Come, sit closer to Daddy, Luke." Vader eased himself into the hot water, his washboard abs and muscular forearms wet from the water droplets flying onto him from a nearby jet. Luke bit his lip, obeying. The teen didn't feel comfortable being naked so close to his Dad, or anyone at all for that matter. He was sure Vader could see everything, especially considering Luke knew his bum was still red from the last time his father laid him over his lap. But Vader had brought him down here for a reason other than a hair styling. 

At least, that's what he promised. 

Luke glanced around. It was quiet and relaxing. The sound of water bubbling about and the steam on his face and freshly curled hair felt nice. He blushed. "I still think something like a spa feels like such a waste of water." He admitted.

"You'll get used to it, child. Water is not a luxury here, it's seen as a necessity without a second thought." Vader reached into the water, cupping his hand to pour down Luke's back. "Um, what are we doing here?" Luke asked, "Is today just a day off for us?" 

"Well, yes and no. I cancelled my meetings unless there's an emergency and I felt you needed a break from your lessons, but you're here to continue your Force training. I want you to stop the jets, Luk'yalie." Vader spoke, his eyes closed in relaxation. Luke glanced up at his father, specifically at the long scar on his face. He wondered how he got that. Still, Luke was raised to not ask about, as his Aunt Beru would put it: People's bodily tales. It was rude. Then again, the stories he grew up hearing about Anakin were few and far between, but one thing that stayed with him was: Luke is the first free-born Skywalker on Tatooine. He gulped. That had meant his Dad was a slave at one point or another. Obi-Wan hadn't told him many stories. He wished he had asked for more. Vader opened his eyes half lidded to smirk at his son who pouted. 

"Why? What does shutting off the water do with training?" 

Vader closed his eyes again. "You'll see. Try it child." 

Luke took in a deep breath. He had come far in his training. According to his father, at least. Luke listened to the jets bubbling about, raising a wet hand out of the water to reach for the source of the water supply: the fountain in the middle. He would have guessed that the main jet was the one bubbling out at the top. He managed to twist the top, however that just means the current changed. Luke made a noise in his throat of defeat. 

"Again." Vader softly pushed. "Don't think about the water changing. Think about it turning off." 

The young boy closed his eyes again. Changing. Cohesiveness. The way the water ran smoothly. Fighting against the stillness the pool could provide. Luke felt his body tense, but only for a moment as he imagined the water not blurting out from the jets on the springs walls. Peace and silence filled his mind as he felt the warm water around his toned tummy still. He squinted his eyes open to see the fountain had turned off and the jets no longer pushed the water. He grinned, turning back to his father who sported a proud smile. 

"Good boy, Luke. Now turn it back on." 

Luke groaned. "What was me turning it off for then?" 

"Could you manipulate objects such a valves or other elements with The Force before we started our training?" Vader smirked. "Did that fool Obi-Wan teach you that? No. I did. Now go on, little one, turn on the jets and then Daddy needs to talk to you." Luke grumbled. Half annoyed his dad insulted Obi-Wan again. Still, Luke turned and obeyed, closing his eyes. It took him a few tries, but it helped to think of the water moving cohesively again. To imagine the bubbling waters soothing the aching muscles on his back and legs. It was faint but with enough willpower, Luke managed to turn the jets back on--a little too much at first cause he was shoved back from the force of the water spraying at him. Vader chuckled a bit, helping Luke by simmering the jets back to normal. 

"Very good, especially for your first few attempts." He praised, using his flesh arm to haul Luke back to his spot, but close enough to where Vader could keep him at arm's length. 

"Why did you have me do that?" Luke asked, "I mean, I know I couldn't do that before without training. But is there any reason other than that?" 

Vader smiled, tenderly raising his hand to loop his finger threw one of Luke's curls. On Vader's end of their bond, Luke felt the loveliest of waves headed his direction, coating him in copious amounts of affection and deep parental love. "Because my child, a special day is approaching us. One that I am more than excited to share with you. Can you guess what it is?" Judging by the fact he was held captive for nearly two months Luke had a guess as to what Vader was referring to. The man knew. He had to of. Luke gulped, his wide eyes meeting Vader's sharp dark blue. 

"M-my lifeday." Luke spoke. 

"That's right my little one." Vader gave a bright grin, using his Force tendrils to scooch Luke closer. Luke protested, his face turning redder from embarrassment as he was now touching his father's bare thigh with his own as Vader draped an arm around his son's tiny shoulders and torso, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. Their bond was flooded with happiness from his father's end. It wasn't bright and airy like the happiness Luke emitted from his end, but it was bold, brash, and hearty. Vader lowered his arm, using it to cup Luke's cheek and tilt his head up to meet his smile.  "I will finally be able to celebrate the day of your birth, as I should have been the past seventeen years. But I will be able to see you grow into the man I will be more than proud to call my son." 

Luke felt his heart grow heavy. When he was younger, he used to think Anakin Skywalker would show up and take him (and to some extent his Aunt and Uncle) off Tatooine to adventure around the stars. He especially wished for this on every sugar dust cake Aunt Beru made for him. They may not of had money for toys, games or trinkets for him all the time, but he could always count on that sweet cake Aunt Beru would slice for him as he wished for the man of his childhood dreams to enter the homestead with open arms. He was sure Vader had his own torturous imagination of reuniting with his dead wife and child on what should have been a day he didn't fall to the Dark Side. Vader smiled lovingly down at Luke. 

"You're becoming a man right before my eyes, Luke. And yet you possess such a young Force bond." Vader spoke, almost surprised. 

Luke frowned, "Okay, that's the third time you've said that and I don't know what you mean." The father nodded, leaning back into a jet. Luke did the same. It felt nice and eased the aching muscles he'd get from training. 

"A force bond, child, is in the name: the bond in which one has with the force. Because you haven't been using The Force or connecting with it as much in your youth when Jedi were originally trained to do so, your bond with it is, to some degree, in it's infancy." Vader explained to a perplexed Luke. Luke blinked, "But, how is that possible? If I've had been able to use The Force all my life, why is the bond young? Why didn't it grow with me?" He asked. 

"A bond isn't simply like your body and it ages as it grows, my son." Vader smiled, "It ages with use." 

"Great, so everyone sees me as a baby now? Add that to the list then." The teenager sulked in the warm water. Vader shook his head. Teenagers. Still, even as his little boy sulked in the water, Vader couldn't help but emit more joy into their bond. "Your bond with the Force will not be in it's infancy forever, my child. You will learn to grow and trust it more as you use it. Building that trust with The Force is what makes one strong with the Force." 

Trust. Trust in the Force. "So you're training me to trust it, not so much wield it?" Luke slowly began. 

"It is a start. You are too young to learn maneuvers, Luke." Vader explained. The father watched with concern as he could almost see the mental gears in Luke's brain turning. The child sucked in his bottom lip before biting it, almost hesitant about speaking. Vader frowned, growing anxious with each second that passed that his little Luk'yalie glanced up at him with a hinge of worry. That shouldn't continue to happen, Vader told himself, he was more than loving and a good father to Luke. Why was the boy still so skittish around him?  Had he not been doting enough? given the boy everything thing he could ever dream of? All the toys, clothes and education? The teenager felt his Father's concern threw the bond and gaped like a fish before stuttering. 

"I-I want to lea-learn how to not broadcast myself. My thoughts that is." He admitted, glancing down at his reflection in the water. Anywhere but Vader's face. He couldn't look at it. 

"Son, I don't believe you're ready-"

"Please," Luke begged, "I'll do anything. I promise." 

Vader couldn't deny that heartbroken, big eyed look Luke gave seemingly eerie to that of a kicked Loth-kitten was doing some damage to his heartstrings. Luke had a look that was mixed with a pout and a sob. Vader wanted nothing more than to swoop the boy into his arms and cuddle him close. Okay, scratch that, he was doing that one armed and thankfully Luke was too flustered to say no or push away too much as the father nuzzled his son closely. No. Luke was simply not old enough to shield his mind especially from his father. The boy was impressionable. Innocent. And Vader knew that meant Luke was prone to having his heart broken. Over his dead body would something like that be happening anytime soon to his baby. 

Luke was on a mission, apparently. "Please, I know you don't trust me, but I don't like it when people--well, mainly you--reading my thoughts all time." he admitted, his face blushing deep pink. "It's. . . it's an invasion of privacy and I hate it." 

Oh how could Vader still deny him? The father dried his hand off with a towel nearby so he could twirl his finger around Luke's new curls. Force how he adored how cute his little boy looked. "Child, there will be nothing for you to feel embarrassed about. Daddy won't tell a soul what is on your thoughts." He kissed his son's forehead. Luke gulped. He knew that a wager would have to play out in his favor if this were to work. 

What scared him was it would also have to work out in Vader's as well.

For the most part, Luke found himself thinking about Obi-Wan's message whenever he was away from his father. It was the only chance he got without fear of the man probing through his thoughts. Dagobah. The mysterious planet that this Master Yoda was on. He was to seek him out for more Jedi training. Though as much as Luke wanted to do so, he knew it was near impossible to leave the palace. The only times he had left were to venture into the garden with Vader. And then there was still the mystery of the Comlink and who gave it to him. If not Leia or someone from the Rebellion than who? 

The teenager sat at his desk in the classroom as Ms. Tsabin wrote on the board. He was supposed to be taking notes on the Imperialistic views and how they were superior to anything else. It annoyed Luke. He knew something like this was coming, but why so quickly after he spent most of the weeks learning to sit, stand and dance. Why all this propaganda given to him now? 

"Um, Ms. Tsabin?" He asked. The woman turned and acknowledged him. "I just wanted to know why I'm suddenly having to memorize the council and why we stopped etiquette lessons." 

The woman didn't miss a beat. "Your father felt I should speed up your etiquette for another time, your highness. Right now, it is important you learn the basics of Imperialist Views." She turned back to the board as Luke turned the page of his textbook to follow along. However, he spotted something Ms. Tsabin hadn't written down. In the textbook he was given there was a diagram showing the hierarchy of Imperials. At the top was Emperor and the rest followed. But, Ms. Tsabin had missed something. 

'Ma'am, my book has another person written down that you don't have written on the board. His name is. . .Tarkin?" Ms. Tsabin froze and it didn't go unnoticed by Luke. The woman cleared her throat before saying: "He's been relieved of his position as of a week ago." Luke blinked. He had a gut feeling the man was no longer alive. Ms. Tsabin glanced at the boy from the corner of her eye. She would take baby steps to ensure Luke wasn't corrupt by Vader on her own terms. "Prince Luke, I am to believe you do not know what is coming up soon?" 

Luke shook his head, "No, Ma'am I don't know what you mean." 

Ms. Tsabin placed the chalk down, facing the boy. "In a few weeks time, the whole planet of Coruscant as well anyone loyal to the Empire will be celebrating Empire Day. However on Coruscant, we will celebrate a week of festivities known as Ascension Week." She spoke slowly, watching as the boy absorbed each bit of information as possible, "And, without doubt, you can probably guess this year's activities will be entirely enhancing as our New Emperor announced his Heir has returned. Ensuring the Empire lasts another generation." 

Luke gulped. "I . . . I." She had a point. Why wouldn't Vader use this opportunity to basically make Luke the poster child for The Empire? 

"The festivities had been amplified to accommodate both occasions, the other being your date of birth." Ms. Tsabin held back every bit of emotion in her words as she humanly could. She glanced at the boy sitting in his desk half terrified. All Ms. Tsabin could see was her. The way his mouth was drawn into a frown, his pointed nose and his eyebrow slants. It was all hers. Ms. Tsabin cleared her throat as she continued, "You will be expected to attend the first day. You do not have to attend any festivities after the nightly ball, though a brief appearance for the standing of the flags, or commemorating the fallen will be highly encouraged, if not demanded by your Father. I will ensure you know higher officials and their rank. Failure to learn this, Prince Luk'yalie, and the worst that will happen is you are embarrassed for a while." She spoke. 

Luke tried to blink back the tears. He glanced at R2 knowing the comlink was inside him. He reminded himself: help was on the way. But he couldn't shake the thought of the whole Rebellion reacting to the news that Luke was, not only Darth Vader's son, but also the Imperial Prince. He knew some may have looked at him as a traitor. He'd have to brush that off no matter how hard it hurt him. Would they let him back in? Would he be seen as a threat? 

"Class is over." Ms. Tsabin spoke. Luke stood, gathering his things. 

"Your chapters to read tonight are 4-5-1-2." She spoke, Luke nodded. Ms. Tsabin cleared her throat. "What are your chapters, your highness? Please reiterate back to me." 

Luke gave her a glance, "uh, four, five, one, two?" He repeated. 

"In. That. Order." She emphasized. He read her, she was holding back something. He nodded, the same conflicted look on his face as he repeated in his head the numbers. Was she being stern because of the upcoming ceremony or was it something more? She wished him a good afternoon as Luke followed the body guards to the elevator that would lead him back to the royal wing. That number was still rattling in his brain. He knew he had a good ten minutes before his father came back, but wanted to make sure of that. He took a breath, using the Force to call out to Vader. He was answered. So he wasn't too far. Vader promised he'd be done in an hour, tops. An already long meeting just got extended. Luke was to be ready for dinner when he got back. 

The teen nodded. Yeah. He had time. 

When the bodyguards stood at their positions outside the suite doors, Luke took a breath of air at the fact he was finally alone and would be for a while before rushing to his bedroom. Opening the Imperial History Book, he glossed over chapters, 4, 5, 1 and 2. Chapter four went over the establishment, chapter five was about weaponry, chapter one was the introduction and chapter two was about how the Jedi council failed to protect humanity. Luke bit his lip. Why would Ms. Tsabin have him read the text book out of order? He pondered for a moment. Did she want him to gain knowledge on topics that would be discussed in his presence? He doubted his father would allow him to even be close enough without him by his side to talk about "Jedi nonsense" let alone Imperial topics. Luke slowly turned to R2 after the droid got his attention. 

"Sorry buddy," He apologized. "I'm sure you don't like being opened and closed whenever." R2 beeped something along the lines of If anyone had any regard to my well-being before, I wouldn't be this bitter. Luke reached into the compartment where R2 had stashed the Comlink. He held it with trembling hands, feeling the lightweight material but knowing how heavy it's importance was. 

"Master Luke, do you think perhaps Ms. Tsabin said those numbers in that particular order for a different reason other than your studies?" 3PO asked. 

Luke blinked, only one way to find out. He turned the Comlink around, sure enough after he typed in 4, 5, 1, and 2 the static on the comlink went away and a voice, a female voice, sounding worried and hesitant picked up. 

"Hello? Who is this?" 

Luke was flabbergasted. His throat went dry but only for a moment. "Uh-He-Hello?" He asked. 

"Who is this? How did you get this Comlink code?"  

Luke thought for a moment. Should he tell her his name? There was a good chance that this wasn't an alliance member he was speaking to. The idea of his father spying on him, giving him hopes of the Alliance saving him only to fall into his trap was sill present in his thoughts. The sheer possessiveness of Vader knew no boundaries, Luke knew. He wasn't about to give his name out if that were true. The voice spoke again. 

"I'll repeat myself only once, who is this and how did you get this Comlink code?" 

Luke spoke, "It was given to me. In a white box." He felt dropping subtle hints would probably help whoever was on the end get an idea of who he was. He could hope. The line went quiet but only for a moment. 

"It is not safe to speak right now.  In a few days time, I will be watching you on Empire Day from the Senate balcony. Help is coming, child. Do not be afraid." The line went dead. Luke let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. 3PO gasped. "Oh, my, R2 did you hear that? Someone is coming to help us, Prince Luke?" The teenager stood up off the ground after hiding the Comlink back inside R2. 

He glanced out at the afternoon sun. Empire day was in three sun cycles. If that voice was correct, then in three days he'd be out of here. 

"Hmmm, let's try a little more on the neckline," this royal tailor was the biggest pain in the ass Luke had ever encountered. He was a tall man, almost as tall as Vader, with slick back hair, a pompous purple outfit with high shoulder pads and a long blue waist tie around his middle. Luke bit his cheeks to not laugh at his ridiculous attire and attitude. It was hard to laugh now considering he was standing in a T-pose as garments, jeweled liners  and other fabrics  adorned his body. Luke felt like a rag doll. He looked over at his father sitting on a chair in the dressing room watching with amusement. 

"What are you smiling at?" Luke scowled. "This weighs a ton." 

"It's not everyday you get to see your child have an outfit made for them for the celebration of their birth." Vader simply spoke, still smirking. He wasn't wrong. Vader was admiring the sight of his poor son fussed over by the sewers and tailors. Of course Luke was to not be outshined on his birthday. All eyes were to be on him when he and Vader made their grand entrance. The father would ensure it. 

The royal tailor stood for a moment, a perplexed glance on his face as he rubbed his chin. "My Lord, what color would his highness' birthday outfit would you prefer? While the sapphire studs and navy bring out his eyes, I cannot deny that the jade and gold also look spectacular." Vader nodded, walking towards his son to inspect the fabrics draped across his son's arms. Vader personally loved the royal navy silk and stitched garments. He held it up to Luke's face. Yes. It went perfect with his skin tone. 

"This one." He spoke. 

"Don't I get a say in what I wear?" Luke pouted. If Luke had his way, he'd wear something comfortable and casual, not heavy and ornate. And yet again, he felt his opinion didn't matter. He didn't bother in trying to hide how miserable he felt. The prince yelled when a tailor accidently poked him in the leg with a pin needle. The female apologized rapidly before Vader dismissed everyone in the room for a moment.  Vader frowned, "What is wrong, child? You've been cranky all morning." 

Luke wanted to scoff. Of course he was cranky, who wouldn't be when one was woken up early in the morning with a bunch of strangers entering your room to make you clothes, no breakfast and you had to play dress up to appease your Emperor Daddy? Luke sighed, shaking the fabrics off his arms.  "Do. . .do we have to do all of this?" He meekly asked. "All of these outfits and other special occasion celebrations for my lifeday? Can't we just do something small? I don't want a big party or for the whole Galaxy to celebrate me." 

The Emperor shook his head, folding his arms, "No, Luk'yalie. You're the Imperial Prince. You are adored by trillions, this I know for a matter of fact. They expect you to carry out the legacy I am building that further improved their lives and the well being of this Galaxy." Vader didn't add in how Luke all but deserved the biggest parade known to man just for the fact he was born on Empire Day. How Vader didn't see this as The Force pointing him in the direction of destiny was beyond Vader's comprehension. This was further proof of Luke's heritage set in stone. The blonde sighed. He felt his bottom lip tremble. 

"But, I don't mind if it's just us." He admitted, "We don't have to do anything big, just stay here and have ice box cake." 

It was Vader's turn to almost scoff. Ice Box cake? That's what the boy got for his birthday? while Anakin Skywalker grew up a slave and often never even got that as a child, he wanted to roll his eyes at the pitifulness of the fact that's all Luke got. Ice Box cake was hardened cake crumbles stirred together with a whipped icing and stored into the freezer. Luke always got it from Aunt Beru for his birthday because that's all they really could afford but to Luke being able to eat it on a hot day his Uncle always took off so they could go speeding above the sand was a special memory for him. Luke shivered when the room suddenly got cold. Vader was visibly upset. 

"I've told you, child, forget those pitiful guardians. I am your father and I have the right to claim you." 

"No." Luke sneered, "I know you're my father, but they raised me." Vader cracked his knuckles at the side of his body. "You will not speak to me like that again, child, or you will be over my knee. Understood?" 

"If you don't like me thinking about them then teach me how to shield my thoughts." Luke waged. He had thought about it all night as he pretended to sleep Vader had put him to bed with his sippy cup of milk. If he was going to be saved and taken back to the Alliance, then he could give up a small base name. He'd get to the alliance before Vader caught him, explain to someone he was in trouble and give them as much Imperial information as he could remember. Then, he was going to save his father. Obi-Wan may not of have faith in Vader, claiming Anakin was truly dead, but Luke knew there was good in Vader. There had to be, why else was he still alive? It wasn't like his father was using him as a pawn, there was genuine love in their bond.

I'm not betraying the alliance. I'm just giving him a hook to latch onto. I'm not betraying the alliance. He repeated himself.

Luke watched as his father groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "This again?" 

It's now or never. 

"Luk'yalie, I have told you once already I will not--"

"I'll tell you where a rebel base is." 

The sound of a few sewing pins dropping to the floor was all that could be heard in the dressing room. Vader's eyes wide and for once he was speechless at his child. Luke remained calm, like the eye of a storm where chaos swirled around him yet he himself was utterly sill. The father leaned in, putting both large hands on his son's small framed shoulders. Was it true? Had his ears deceived him? His once highly pro-rebel son had just informed him he'd tell him where a base was? You couldn't blame Vader for searching his feelings and Luke's for a lie. But no. It hadn't been a lie. Nor was Luke deceiving him. Honesty lingered about in his words. Luke was not betraying him. Not like Obi-Wan, not like his former Master, not like. . . .her. 

A glimmer of glee and a pearly white smile creased Vader's tan face as he nodded. "You what?" He smiled. 

"Teach me--now--how to shield my thoughts and I'll tell you where a rebel base is." Luke repeated, every cell in his body fighting to keep himself calm. Vader was so proud. So, so proud of his boy. Those lessons with Ms. Tsabin were finally paying off. Luke was learning the ways of The Imperial Galactic Empire and he was realizing his destiny. The father was so proud of his son. 

"First, the base." Vader gripped Luke's shoulders. 

"That's not what I said." Luke replied. "I said, my thoughts first and then the information about the base. If you want this to work in your favor, then we do this my way." Luke couldn't believe how he sounded. He was gruff, to the point. He feared Vader had been rubbing off on him but all Vader did was laugh. "Spoken like a true Emperor to be, my child." Vader was happy, so unbelievably happy. Though, it wasn't like the warmth of happiness Luke displayed threw their bond. Vader's happiness was like a snowstorm: chaotic, whirling, dizzying. Luke feared his knees would buckle under him. 

"How do I shield myself?" Luke spoke again. 

Vader nodded, tenderly he raised a hand to stroke threw Luke's curly hair. "Close your mind, child. Imagine the strongest walls around your brain, your head, your mind, your soul." As Vader talked, Luke kept his eyes shut. Desperately, he followed the orders given to him, soaking up the information like a sponge. The walls, he imagined, he wanted them thick, impenetrable, his privacy, his safety. All for him. No one else. It was almost like second nature to him. Opening his eyes, Luke blinked. "Did. . .did I do it?" He asked. Vader nodded. "Yes, child. You did it. I cannot hear what you think." Luke wanted to test that theory. He thought about his guardians, of Obi-Wan, of Han, Leia, Chewie, of the Comlink call he had yesterday. He watched Vader's face not loose it's smile. 

"I know you are projecting child, but you are all but teasing me. I promise I cannot see what you are thinking." 

Luke sighed in relief. Good. That was finally over with and a huge weight lifted off his shoulders, literally because Vader's hands went down to hold his hands and he smiled lovingly as he said, "Now, Luke. Keep your end of our deal. Tell Daddy where the Rebel base is at." 

Leia forgive me. 

"Da-Dantooine." Luke replied, "There's a base on Dantooine. Important too. That's where they store most of the data ad weaponry." 

Vader's smile widened if it were possible. His mind floating with the wonderful information his son was giving him and how he was so much closer now to crushing that Rebel alliance for once and for all. All thanks to his brave son who was turning into the young man Vader was proud to call son.

"I am very, very proud of you, Luk'yalie," He pulled his son in for a tight hug, kissing the top of his head "Daddy will arrange a special dessert for you tonight after your dinner. Would my little boy like to try ice cream?" 

All Luke could do was nod as he begged for forgiveness from Leia. Thankfully, it was protected by the walls he put up and intended to never put back down.

Chapter Text

After learning of a Rebel Base from his son, Vader had no need to openly state he was happy. It was obvious on his face to anyone who worked with him. The man confidently and, dare he admit, cheerfully began plans to invade the planet Dantooine to raid the base. All in due time because he would not be attending as it would be Empire Day and his son's Life Day. He was missing neither. He had missed nearly eighteen Life Days to celebrate with Luke, he wasn't missing anymore. No, he'd send a fleet out first to scan the areas, gather data and seize control of the base. Then, he would join them a day later. He had pondered on the idea of bringing Luke along. The boy had earned it, after all. Vader wanted his son to see exactly how Rebels would be treated for spreading their lies and trying to dismantle his Empire.

Vader watched his son fondly as the boy tried to walk in a mock long robe they both adorned. Poor Luke was struggling to walk up the stairs in the palace correctly and hold the bunched fabrics in his tiny hands. 

"Remember, your highness, keep your head tilted up." one of the many coordinators politely reminded the boy. Vader stood waiting a few steps ahead, it was no problem for him to walk but he could imagine with Luke's small stature didn't outweigh the fact the robs were billowy and flowy on him. It was adorable watching him try to walk and not fall. He was like an infant. 

"Why are we doing this again?" Luke sighed, clearly tired from all the rehearsals. Vader cleared his throat, "Luk'yalie. This is practice for Empire Day. We are preparing you to walk up the steps to sit with me near the public throne." Vader offered a kind smile as he stepped down to take Luke's hand, asking briefly if plans could be changed so he could help his son walk if needed, ignoring the blush on Luke's face. When the ceremony begins, Vader and Luke will be escorted threw a parade in their palanquin before ascending to their public thrones to be adored and watch Luke accept gifts from the peasants. Luke grunted when he stepped on a piece of his robe, falling forward hitting his knees on the stairs. Vader rushed to help him.

"Are you alright, dear child?" He asked, worried. 

"M'fine," Luke grumbled. 

Vader sighed, feeling the frustration threw Luke's end of the bond. He wasn't going to get it right and Vader knew it. To avoid having a cranky boy on his birthday, Vader commanded: "Call the tailor and tell him to cut the robes." Luke felt irritated. "Why didn't you say that before I had to do all of this multiple times?" He wasn't going to complain about not wearing long robes that he couldn't walk in, but he had been going up and down these stairs with his father for twenty minutes and that was twenty minutes of his life he'd never get back. 

The father raised an eyebrow, "If you prefer the robes, I have no problems carrying you." 

Luke blushed, "No! That's embarrassing!" He admitted.  "I don't want to be carried now, much less when I'm eighteen." He grumbled. Vader held back a snort. Luke's pouting face, crossed arms and flushed cheeks. He looked like a toddler fussing over naptime. Vader checked the time. It wasn't lunchtime or naptime for Luke yet, but it was getting close. No doubt the boy was probably starving. The father knelt down to Luke's height, fixing his outfit so it wasn't ruffled. 

"One more task, Luke. And then I promise we are done in time for lunch." Vader smiled softly. "What would my darling like to eat for Lunch?" 

Luke had noticed Vader allowing Luke smaller privileges such as choosing what he would like to eat at breakfast, lunch and dinner. But the best surprise he was given was dessert. Luke had no idea what dessert was and figured it was some sort of childish dish Vader was going to serve him. Imagine his surprise when a servant droid brought a small bowl of white circular cold dairy topped with chopped berries. It was like heaven on Luke's tongue. He made the mistake of eating too quickly which caused his head to feel as if it were frozen. Vader had laughed at him, calling him adorable as he ruffled his curled hair affectionately. 

Still, none of this made the feeling in his stomach leave. Luke felt as if he swallowed a large stone and it sunk to his stomach. He had given Vader information about a Rebel Base and he had to remind himself that he wasn't a traitor no matter how much he felt he was one. No amount of soothing backrubs at night, tasty treats, more time with his lightsaber and an extra song or bedtime story could ever make up for what he did. 

The frown on his father's face showed when Luke hadn't answered him, preferring to look at the ground in shame. 

"Luke, what is wrong?" Vader asked, softly. 

"Nothing." Luke lied. 

"Child, I can tell when you are lying. Do not do that. Be open with me, Luke. I can't help you if I don't know what is wrong." Vader used his fingers to lift Luke's chin to meet his eyes.  Luke bit his lip. Sure, Vader could of read his thoughts, Luke didn't have his shields up. But here was Vader asking to tell him what was wrong rather probe his mind. Luke knew that was a sign of his father trusting him. It had to be. The teen took a breath. 

"Do. . .Do we have to do all of. . .this?" Luke asked, slowly. "I mean, I understand you're the new Emperor and I'm . . .the prince," Vader smiled, nodding as he listened to Luke's word's. "But, can't we let everyone else have a party and we just. . . not?" Vader searched in their bond. Ah, fear. His little one was always so shy and he felt like an idiot for not noticing it at the beginning. Vader chuckled warmly, pulling Luke in for a gentle hug and hold, kissing the top of his head. 

"Luk'yalie, it would be good for you to meet more people. Make connections and networks. Though, most importantly, my child," Vader turned, helping Luke pick up the bunch of robe and with an arm around his son's back, helped Luke walk down the stairs without fear of falling. "It will be the celebration of your birth. This, is your birthright. To be adored by trillions, worshiped and seen as a figure they can count on." They were alone in the halls, minus the red guards stationed in their respected spots. The sunlight beaming through the open balconies. Vader led Luke out one to a bench that gave them a view of the lively city in the distance. "This, my little one, will be yours in due time when you are ready. We must show The Empire who it's future leader will be. . . and what a strong and brave man he is growing into." That last sentence was spoken so lovingly as Vader stroked a piece of loose hair away from Luke's face. 

The teen shrugged, "I mean, I guess I'm important now--"

"You always were." 

"But, I'm just not a. . .party person I guess." Luke shrugged, "Ms. Tsabin said I only had to show up for the day because the celebration drags on the whole week. Do. . .do I have to go everyday?" Luke looked up with pleading eyes. Vader smiled. "No, child. You do not. Even I find that a bit. . . excessive. But the commoners will enjoy their celebrations while we continue business as such." 

Luke nodded, gazing down at his Louis Vuitton palace slippers. There had been something Luke wanted to ask Vader for a while. But he could never muster up the courage to ask, even during a time like this. But he wanted to know, before he left The Empire, and possibly his father, for good, "Can. . . can I ask you another question?" He was meek, trembling. Vader knitted his brows together, nodding again. 

"Would. . . . would my mom be happy here with this?"  

At the mention of his mother, Vader's eyes widened briefly before he turned away, gazing at something other than his son's beautiful face that reminded him too much of her. He had known a day would come when Luke would ask him about her in some way or another, but perhaps he had been caught off guard. The teenager felt embarrassed he even asked, causing the father to turn around and smile gently at him. 

"Oh, Luk'yalie. Your mother would have been so proud of you. You weren't even born and we love you--she loved you." Vader tenderly spoke, his large hand creasing Luke's cheek. He recalled a painfully fond memory of Padme far along in her pregnancy setting up the nursery in their attached room where she folded soft blankets, hung twinkling star lights and filled the drawers with cloths and small baby booties all while humming in glee at the  notion they were only a few short weeks away from their child's arrival. Vader forced down a hard swallow knowing how much Padme would adore the little boy in front of him, how she'd lovingly hold him every morning and every night, made sure he had eaten and would more than likely grow worried at the fact Vader would take Luke flying when they had free time. 

A spark erupted in his brain. 

That's it. 

"Luke, since you've been a very good and obedient boy, how would you like to go flying?" Vader offered, adoring the smile that grew on his son's face. 

"R-Really?" Luke asked, "You're not joking?" 

"Not when it comes to you or-"

"My safety or health, yeah, yeah." Luke rolled his eyes. Vader chuckled. Teenagers. "But, you mean it? We-we'll go flying one day?" A deep childhood memory in Luke bloomed. Of a boy playing with cheap homemade toys in the sand under the hot twin suns. Daydreaming of a father that he'd bring back to life to come flying in on a ship from someplace far away, hold him in his arms, tell his Aunt and Uncle thank you for taking care of his boy and take Luke on adventures across the galaxy. That dream had died in his early teen years when he realized how foolish it was. But now, it was real. It would be coming true. When Luke could save his father from The Dark Side, they'd go flying and--

"Oh, Luke," Vader called. "Where did you go dream boy?"

"Hm?" 

Vader chuckled, "Come child, it's time to eat." He held out a hand for Luke to take. Luke politely took it. He could humor Vader for a bit, because soon he'd be leaving this place. He'd find a way to save his father. If not for the sake of saving innocent lives, then for his mother. He'd do it all for her. 

* * *

It was the middle of the night the palace was as silent as a desert mouse when Luke was sleeping in his cozy bed. That's when R2 awoke. Something was buzzing inside of him, calling out to Luke. The droid rolled off his charging station, headed towards the teen's room. The droid beeped softly, checking to see in Anakin was sleeping. Yes, he'd call that bucket head Anakin. What was the man thinking taking on the name of Darth? R2 knew the man was just throwing a hissy fit and needed to pull whatever stick was out of his ass and straighten up. Thankfully the man was deep asleep as the droid entered Luke's room. 

"Lu....Luke...Luke...are....there...Lu?"

The droid beeped at Luke. Wake up you idiot, someone's calling you! Luke whimpered at the thought of being woken up and tried to roll over into the warm bedding. R2 grew impatient, opening his compartment where the Comlink was he flicked the small metal device at the back of Luke's head, making the teen cry out. 

"R2? What?" 

"Luke? are you there?" 

Well that woke him up. The teen scrambled for the device, glancing at his open door knowing Vader could hear him talk if he were to be too loud. He hid under the covers for some sort of sound barrier for his voice and spoke softly, his voice still soaked with tiredness. 

"Y-yeah, it's me. Who is this?" 

"Luke. Tomorrow after the parade march there will be a Ball in your honor for your birthday. A distraction will come in the sound of a blaster. You are to try and enter the gardens. Meet her in under the arch. You will be saved." 

"Wait, meet who? Leia?" He had hoped it would be her. He really did. This person was giving him so much information he wasn't sure he'd remember it all. 

"Who is Leia?" The voice asked. 

His heart sank. Would he never see her again? No. That couldn't be true. "Never mind." 

"Remember the plan, young Luke. Do not feel as if you are alone." 

The Comlink went dead and R2 took it back. Luke couldn't fall back asleep until the sun was beginning to rise. 

* * *

Vader was up before Luke and that was alright. He could have a moment to smile down at the sleeping face of his child. Today was a day he once mourned alone. The day he lost Padme and (what he thought to believe) his unborn child. A helpless infant who was denied their first breath. But no, Padme had survived long enough for their child to live. He laid in front of his father, tuckered out with the first morning light grazing his rosy cheeks. Vader was already dressed, showered and ready for the day. All he was missing were the crown jewels that would be placed upon him and his beloved son later today. 

No more missing important dates such as the birth of his son, his little Luk'yalie. No more. 

"Luke. Time to wake up child." Vader didn't correct himself. He knew by law Luke was considered an adult today. That didn't matter to him at all. Adult or not, this little one would always be his baby. "Luk'yalie-e-e." 

"Hmmm." Luke frowned in his sleep, his eyes squeezing shut as he rolled into his pillow. 

"C'mon life-day boy. You wouldn't want to miss out on all the fun today, would you?" Vader teased. Luke stomach did a flip. His blue eyes fluttered open much to his father's happiness. "There you are. Hello little one." 

"M'eighteen today." Luke spoke, sleepy and a hint of amazement. 

"Yes." Vader nodded. "And today," He spoke, gathering Luke in his arms, "You're to be ready early. We're going downstairs to be in the parade in less than three hours. Can you hear them, my child? Even from up this high?" Luke frowned until Vader used the Force to gently crack open a window. And there it was. the cheers of millions. Vader closed the window and smiled. Luke blinked. He knew that people would be excited, but he didn't know the extent of it.

"I have a gift for you." Vader spoke, smiling as Luke was placed on the cushioned chair by the fireplace. The father felt his hand tremble as he gave Luke a small box. The eighteen year old was curious as he opened it, inside was a necklace of japour ivory wood with squareish stone with markings over it and a small hole drilled into the top with a small thread wound through it. Luke glanced up at his father. The markings were from Tatooine. 

"What is this?" Luke asked. 

"That, my little angel, is a gift Daddy gave your Mama a long time ago." Vader spoke, a hint of sadness laced in his smile as he tied the necklace around his son, smiling as it rested on his collar bones nicely. "It's to bring you good luck." 

Luke felt his heart swoon. This was once his mother's. He tenderly touched the stone, liking the feeling that a part of her was with him. Though, he didn't have much time to enjoy it as it was just in time for a group of giggling women who appeared no older than Luke in age and, embarrassingly, the same in height. They all looked identical, minus different styles of braided hair. Were they clones? Luke wondered.

"These are your Ladies in waiting. They'll help you get ready for today after I give you your-"

Luke blushed, "Don't say it!" He cried. Vader was confused but didn't press on. "Your bath." 

Giggling erupted in the room again and Luke wished to die right there.  

In less than three hours time, Luke finally understood what it felt like to be a pampered animal. Bathed by his father, but the Imperial ladies were the ones who waxed, shaved and plucked any unwanted or unsightly hairs, styled his curls, pinned his outfit together and applied powders and glossy lip balm to him. Luke tried insisting he could do it himself but they either giggled at him or ignored him. Luke starred at himself in the mirror. He wasn't in anything elaborately decorated--yet. A simple black pressed long sleeved dress shirt, matching pants and a pair a YSL slippers. One lady came over to him, holding two bottles of different colored liquids inside. He frowned, shaking his head, not knowing what she wanted when she sprayed the contents on each of her wrists. Oh, perfume. Luke shook his head again, but she insisted once more. Luke groaned. Both of them smelled really floral and he didn't care either way so he pointed to the pink bottle. He was doused in it's scent that had him in a coughing fit. 

R2 beeped at him from his doorway. Encouraging him to hang in there. Luke glanced at the droid. He sometimes felt 3PO and R2 were his only friends in this entire building. He felt his stomach growl and one of the ladies did that obnoxious giggle again (Gods how he hated it) "Prince is hungry." Her high voice spoke. 

"Yeah, pretty starved." He sighed. Starving for freedom. 

Luke felt his father's presence before he was in the room. The ladies all stood up at once Vader entered, bowing as they revealed their handiwork on Luke before scuttling out of the room. Vader grinned, his flesh and prosthetic hand reached out to cup his cheeks. "And don't you look handsome. Come, they are ready for us." 

"C-can I eat something?" Luke asked meekly, his tummy growling. He felt sick if he was being honest. He chopped it up to just nerves of leaving later and the consequences that could follow. Of course Vader didn't forget Luke needed breakfast. He was already prepared for that. He led the boy out of the room to the table where a cup of formula was waiting for Luke to consume. Luke stopped dead in his tracks. No doubt this ceremony would be televised on the holonets all across the galaxy. There was no way he was drinking that for trillions to see. Perhaps Vader liked to think he was a helpless infant, but he wasn't going to have everyone else know that. While Vader had his back turned to further inspect his arm that apparently felt loose, Luke took the chance to unscrew the top meant for him to suckle from and began to gulp the contents down until it was all gone. Vader turned and scoffed. 

"Luke!" He frowned. 

"What?" Luke asked, wiping his upper lip with his sleeve. Again Vader sighed, grabbing a napkin and wiping his son's mouth, mindful of the powdered makeup that covered the sunkissed tan Luke had on his face and neck. "I was hungry." 

"You are meant to slowly consume your formula, young man," The father took a breath, "Come here, I'll help you." 

Luke frowned, "Help me with what?" He had spoken too soon as his chest felt tight. Luke grew afraid, what was happening? Was he dying? He felt as if he were dying, his heart beat rapidly as his chest felt tighter and tighter. Vader was quick to soothe Luke, picking him off the floor and shushing him, walking towards the couch. "It's alright, Luk'yalie. It's going to be okay." The poor boy's end of the bond was soaked in fear. Luke gripped the lapel of his dress jacket where his heart was. Vader hoisted him up, patting his back as Luke cried out what he was doing. To Luke's mortification, he erupted in a loud burp, followed by a chorus of louder, but softer ones. 

"That's why." Vader commented, not needing to leave room for explanation. Luke frowned when Vader used the napkin he still had to wipe Luke's mouth, reaching into his pocket for more lip balm for the boy. "There we go, is the pain gone?" The other man nodded, blushing. 

"I'm sad to say that you shouldn't eat after having that happen to you for a while. Your stomach needs to settle." Vader cooed, setting Luke on the floor. "Can you walk?" 

"Yes." Luke nodded. 

Vader smiled. "Good. Now, let's not keep the public waiting. They haven't seen their beautiful prince in person yet. I can tell they're excited." 

"Dunno why. M'not that good looking or anything." Oh how Vader knew just how wrong his Luke was. "You look a lot like me, but you dorn your mother's best features and she was the most beautiful woman in the galaxy." The emperor kept an arm around his son's waist as they entered the downstairs from the private elevator. Red guards stood in their sharp uniforms bowing as Vader and Luke passed them to the entrance of what Luke thought was a hangar but in reality it was a back patio of some sort. The sun was bright but something flashed against Luke's eye. To his wonder, awaiting them was a large gold and silver palanquin lowered on the ground where Imperial Guards awaited to carry their contents. Luke gulped. 

Vader stood still as a tailor bowed, holding out a long red chapel length cape in which Vader was adorned with, Luke himself was given one, but it reached his ankles. He had a feel that it was custom made because of how much he kept tripping over everything the other day. 

"Come child." Vader hopped in the palanquin, tapping at his thighs. 

"Uh, I can walk." 

"Don't be ridiculous." Vader narrowed his eyes. "Come." Heat filled his face once more as he stepped into the boxed palanquin, sitting on Vader's lap. This was way worse than what he imagined. The whole galaxy was going to see him like this and he didn't like it. Immediately he raised his Force shields to block out Vader so he could self loath his life choices up until this point. The father glared. What was Luke trying to hide? Yes he trusted his son, but why all of a sudden he felt the need to block Vader from his thoughts? 

"Put those down, now." He hissed. 

"But you taught me-" 

"I do not care child. You will not hide from me today of all days. Understood?" 

"But-!" 

"I will discipline you on your life day should you need it. Don't. Test. Me." 

The blonde haired man whimpered, lowering his shields as the father sent a wave of comfort and small priase threw their bond. Luke wanted to argue but the sound of loud drums followed by the sounds of loud horns began to play. The guards faced away from Vader and Luke. Luke gripped onto his Father's shoulders when the guards carrying their Palanquin raised them off the ground, startling him. Luke heard the cheers, the music of The Imperial March. The Force around his father was swimmingly dark, cold and full of egotistical smugness. 

"Smile my Luk'yalie. Your people await." The father spoke, kissing his head. 

Luke kept his fingers on the Japour stone. 

Smile for daddy, Luk'yalie.

He smiled softly. The Japour stone keeping him sane. 

Chapter Text

To help him cope with having to sit front and center of the most evil regime known in history, Luke made himself numb. He sat still, motionless, expressionless as the palanquin was carried through the city streets. Millions of loud, roaring voices cheering, hands in the air waving tiny crimson red flags with black and white Galactic Empire logos. Banners swung in the wind and Luke was entirely distant to it all. This was not unnoticed by his father who tightened his hold on Luke on his lap, rubbing a comforting thumb across the top of his child's hands. 

"I know it's loud, Luke. Don't worry, it's just noise." 

Luke said nothing, reaching up to play with his mother's necklace for comfort until the parade was over. He hadn't long to wait before the guards escorting them circled around an elaborate arena Luke wanted to call it. It wasn't one with high walls, but rather pillars and decorated with the same banners and Imperial flags. Luke was gently placed on the floor of the palanquin on his feet for Vader to stand. 

"Just as we practiced child, do you remember?" Vader asked, kindly. Luke nodded, he did and allowed Vader to leave the cart first before following him. He appreciated the fact Vader changed their wardrobes so quickly as the boy glanced up the mountain of stairs leading to a throne he and Vader were expected to sit at. Their capes blew in the morning wind as they ascended the stairs, Luke was careful not to trip and made sure to keep his head up like Ms. Tsabin taught him. The hard part was over. Luke bit his bottom lip standing in front of the smaller less ornate throne next to his father's. The music stopped for a moment as the whole Galaxy watched Vader and Luke simultaneously take their place. Luke knew Leia would be furious at him right now. For him to sit next to Darth Vader on a public throne in the Empire. He held back the sob in his throat. 

She must think I'm a traitor. 

Again, Vader glanced at his son. Frowning. If he had something on his mind, he didn't say it as it was time for the speech in which Vader read announcing his admiration of the devotion and commitment and loyalty of his people towards The Empire. How it would be rejuvenated under his rule and with their dedication The Empire would thrive. Luke tuned most of his out, knowing full well the cameras were on him. He tried to appear as stone faced as possible but even he couldn't stop a lone tear from falling from his bottom lash down his cheek and jaw as the crowds cheered Vader's name, praised him, adored him. Vader smirked, raising his hand to silence the crowd as Luke watched with curiosity a line of people begin to form, all of them holding boxes, bags, plates, crates and even holding the leashes of foreign animals. 

"What are they doing?" Luke quietly asked, an uneasy feeling growing in the pit of his gut. He heard his father chuckle deeply.  "It's your birthday young one and you are the Empire's beloved Prince, did you think you were getting only one gift?" Vader teased, reaching out a hand to lovingly pat Luke's shoulder. The other adult held back a groan. It was no secret to anyone who knew Luke that he was a genuinely shy person. He couldn't even sit still while people sang him the traditional life-day song, he'd blush and squirm on his chair. Hundreds of individuals walking up to him supervised with "approved" gifts wasn't helping. So far, he had received handwritten lovely cards, hand crafted jewelry, yarns of silk clothes and shoes, poems, songs sung to him, anything and everything under the sun. 

Vader was very pleased. This is exactly what Luke needed to understand just how important he was. These individuals, though some commoners, would die for Luke should they need to and that's what he had been trying to drill into his boy's head. Vader watched as Luke took another gift from a tall man, opening the box to reveal gem studded figurine heirlooms with The Empire crest. 

Yes. It as all going well. 

"P-Please. No more." Luke quietly begged when the man left, giving them privacy once the prince thanked him meekly. Vader hummed. "One more. Then we will head back to the Palace." Luke sighed, nodding. He could handle one. Though, he wished he hadn't said that because a small girl happily leading her mother to him and holding a woven basket in her hand approached them. She couldn't have been older than five. She wore a plain white dress and blue apron and, like many other little girls in the crowd, waved a tiny flag bearing The Empire's brand. Luke kindly smiled at her. Many children had arrived with gifts for him and he tried to be as approachable as possible, knowing full well a lot of them were intimidated by Vader.  

"Hello." Luke offered, kindly. 

"Hi Prince Luk'yalee." She tried. Luke couldn't help but give a soft laugh. She was adorable. "It's okay, you may call me Luke if you'd like." He didn't care if his father didn't like it when he allowed others to be less formal around him. Luke was his own person and Vader would just have to get used to that. The girl held up her basket to him. Inside was a light pink cloth covering a pan of delicately frosted cookies and small cake squares. 

"These look delicious." Luke smiled, "Thank you very much." 

He had hoped the girl and her mother would leave with the guard but when the girl opened her mouth, he paled. "Mommy and I spent all our ration cards for that." She sounded so proud. It was when Luke's head snapped up, did he get a closer look at this girl. Her clothes may have been washed and pressed, but her skin was a sickly white, her eyes had bags and dark circles under them. Her stomach growled. Luke was speechless until the guard began to usher them away. 

"Wait!" He spoke, standing up after them. Vader stood as well, frowning, "you spent what?" He couldn't believe it. The residents of Coruscant had food ration cards? What was the meaning of this? He turned to glance at his father, appalled. Vader said nothing, but his stone cold face told him he was warning Luke not to make a fool of himself. Luke had gone hungry before. Gone thirsty. If his father was so adamant he play the role of a Prince, then he'd be damned if he would rule over hungry subjects. 

 "Take this!" Luke began taking rings and bracelets off his arms and fingers and putting them on the child. "After all, you've given me a gift as well." 

Luk'yalie! He ignored the blazing friggid coils of his father's force tendrils wrapping around him as he gave his last ring away. 

"Your-your highness." The mother gasped. 

"I'll have no arguments. Please. Take them." Luke insisted, before nodding at the guard who ushered the girl and mother away. The little girl turned and with her arm laced with Luke's jewels, waved at him happily. Luke wanted to wave back. He did. It was hard to do when Vader paralyzed him. Their bond was lacing with furious anger on his end, and embarrassment. The guard leading individuals to Luke announced the gift giving was over and to place their gifts over to them where the Prince would receive them late. Luke didn't want them. How many more gifts were bought with food ration cards, or worse? Most of the gifts he had been given were very expensive and elaborate. He hoped no one lost their home because of him. 

We will talk later, little one. You are on thin ice. 

Luke struggled at first, but eventually raised his mental shields, though it was hard to ignore the force coil's grip tighten around him. 

Vader was stewing in his own anger, Luke knew. Night had fallen and it was time for the Imperial Ball. Senators, Lords, ladies, Kings, Queens and other Princes and Princesses from all across the galaxy in support of The Empire came dressed in their finest. Though, none had a candle to Luke's outfit. He had been changed after the gift exchange and Imperial March flag and Blaster change. His outfit had been altered since he last worn it, it fit him snug around the waist and shoulders with it's high neck and long sleeves. However, the navy blue was dip dyed to black and millions of tiny studded white gems had been decoratively placed to give an Ombre of the night sky. He wore Chanel dancing slippers  though made no movement from the throne next to his father. 

Luke sipped from his silver goblet of plain water. Vader had denied him the rite of passage of consuming alcohol, claiming since he was still a Force Sensative, he shouldn't drink at all. Luke ignored his reasoning and shrugged him off. Vader on the other hand was furious. Why the boy was acting up on his life day of all days was beyond his thinking. Had he been spoiled rotten today? Probably not. But it annoyed him to no end that Luke was choosing to hide his presense and thoughts from him. This was his child and dammit he was allowed to know what was going on. 

Before the father and son was a lively dance show put on for them but neither were really paying attention. 

"Luk'yalie. You will stop this behavior at once." Vader spoke, calmly, lowly. 

"What behavior?" 

"Do not play mind games with me. Earlier your actions were deplorable. Giving your jewelry away to a lowly commoner." Vader scoffed. Luke set his cup down, he wanted to scream, wanted to cry and shout out to his father of how cruel and unreasonable he sounded. But his eyes were looking for someone else. He recalled the Comlink call earlier that morning. Whoever was on the other end mentioned how they would be watching him from afar and would meet up with him. If that were to happen then Vader needed to be far from him. He needed some sort of distraction and he knew his emotions would give him away. 

"I did." Luke admitted, "Because that's what ruler I want to be." 

That had taken Vader off guard. All Luke did was moan about how he hated The Empire. He knew that by Luke giving him Rebel Base information he was sure his son was coming around to seeing the truth he had been telling Luke all along. His annoyance hadn't left him but he was intrigued still. 

"You haven't mentioned wanting to rule The Empire. Why the sudden change?" Vader asked suspiciously. Again. He was glad his son was leaning more towards the teachings of The Empire, but this was still so soon.  

"I'll have to even if I don't want to. I. . . I'm the prince." Luke spoke, painfully. He watched as Vader's amber brows rose slowly to show interest. "I still want to do a good job even if I never saw myself at the helm of. . . this." He gestured. "And I was to be a generous ruler. One where my people don't need ration cards for food." 

Vader let out a deep sigh, not of disappointment. Of course he was proud of his son. He was maturing right before him. What father wouldn't be proud of that? But Luke was concerning himself with matters that were frugal and unimportant.

"Luk'yalie, this is a planet with trillions of residents. Ensuring there is enough food for others to eat is not our problem. We have tariffs for that and departments who oversee the food distribution. If that mother was stupid enough to let her child starve to get you a pathetic cookie dish then that's on them. Not you. Do not rule with your heart, Luk'yalie. That is how too many civilizations, races, cultures, religions, died. " 

"Like my mother?" Luke softly asked. Vader, if he was mad or shocked, didn't delve. The son looked up at the father, his yellow eyes starring off into the distance. Luke knew he had to of pressed some sort of nerve with him. The prince sighed, standing slowly. 

"I'm going to go mingle." He spoke, confidently. "I think it's best I meet some people now that I'm an adult." He reminded. Vader turned his head. Force, Luke thought to himself, he's sulking like a teenager. Who's the adult here?  The father opened his hand, reaching an arm out. Luke reluctantly stepped forward, his Father taking his smaller dainty hand into his hold, pulling him gently closer as the tendrils pushed him. He had no choice. He stood in front of his father, leaning down as the man kissed his cheek tenderly. He could feel his father poke at his mental shields, waiting for them to be lowered. 

When Luke did no such think, Vader frowned deepened. He let go of his son. "Stay where I can see you." was all Vader spoke, letting go. 

Luke retreated to the ballroom floor which felt like miles away from the throne. He was given polite smiles, stares in awe and a few dance requests but declined them. He hoped that being out on the floor would have whoever was going to help him find him easier. 

He stumbled when he ran into the back of someone. 

"Oh, I'm so sorry." He apologized, flushing with anxiety and embarrassment.  "I--." 

The man he bumped into turned, giving him a small smile. Luke flushed. It was a high ranking Imperial officer. It was Piett. Because of his promotion, he was rather dashing in his Admiral's outfit with his glimmering pins and ribbons and red sash. Piett cleared his throat and bowed. Luke offered him a bow back in respect. 

"My apologizes, your highness." Piett spoke. He wasn't alone, he had been standing in a circle of other officers. Luke apparently caused a small scene. 

"No, it was me, Piett. I need to watch where I'm walking," Luke spoke, offering a small smile "Um, how are you? It's been a while." He hadn't seen Piett in who knows how long. Back when he first was taken, he assumed. 

"I have been in good health, your highness. Are you enjoying the festivities in correlation to your celebration of birth?" Luke when to answer when the whole ballroom raised their glasses and spoke in unison, "Hail Prince Luk'yalie.' before resuming their chats or drinking or dancing.  Luke groaned. Whenever mention of his birth as announced it was spoken. It was embarrassing and he was sure his father was behind that scheme. 

Still, he nodded, "Yes, Admiral Piett. I'm enjoying myself." He lied. "Say, Admiral, have you noticed anything strange around here?" 

"Strange, my prince? Should this be of concern with security?" 

"No, no!" Luke insisted. "I mean, I'm looking for someone and I can't find them. A lady."  

"Do you know her name?" Piett raised an eyebrow. 

Luke bit his lip, shaking his head. Piett had every reason to be confused but the man brushed it off and offered to introduce Luke to the other Admirals and Captains. Luke agreed. Anything to stay on the floor and away from his father. He had to be away. If his father found him talking to someone he didn't like then who knows how the plan would fall through. Luke was shown a group of men who all were dressed like Piett. All dashing and slick, but all fake. He could see right through their laughs and joyous banter. 

"I must say, your highness, where were your from originally?" one man spoke, snapping his fingers at a waiter to bring them more gin. 

"Tatooine." Luke replied. 

"Terrible sand storms this time of year." another man, with raven colored hair spoke. 

"You've been?" Luke asked. 

"Only to the supply centers and uh." he grinned, looking at his fellow men, "To the brothels. Tatooine is full of em, ya' know." 

To be speaking in such vulgar language and manner in front of the Prince was unacceptable. Piett frowned. He went to correct the behavior of his officer (before Force forbid Vader overheard) when Luke spoke up. "I know what you speak of." He replied. He wasn't lying. It was common knowledge that there were brothels and whore houses in Tatooine. Luke had heard all the jokes and stories that came from those disgusting places and he wasn't going to have anyone think he was innocent. Piett paled as Luke went into a dirty joke about one place that had some men laughing intoxicated while others looked on his horrified. Luke smirked. His rebel side telling him it was fun to make Imperials squirm. 

And it was. Especially when he got into detail about a story on a really old prostitute who sold spice tonic on the side because of how much money she made. 

An arm tugged at him. 

"I'm sure your stories on Tatooine are enjoyable," Luke flinched at that familiar stern voice. Ms. Tsabin. Luke flushed. "But I believe the Prince is due for some fresh air, gentlemen." 

Luke gulped giving a shy wave goodbye to Piett and the rest of the Captains. Luke glanced around back at the Throne. His father was still sitting there, though he seemed to be occupied with a guard speaking to him. Luke wouldn't put it past him however, his father had eyes and ears all over the palace. Who knows who could be listening in. Ms. Tsabin led Luke out to the balcony over looking the large palace gardens. 

"I must say, your highness. Vulgar language was not taught in my classroom." 

"S-sorry, ma'am." Luke blushed, scratching at the back of his neck, mindful of his tiara. "Was just trying to fit in." 

Ms. Tsabin nodded, looking around as she told him to follow her for a walk in the gardens. Luke shrugged off the uneasy feeling he got in his stomach as he watched Ms. Tsabin reach into her robe pocket. "What are you-?" He hadn't the chance to ask as he held a blaster. Luke gasped. She raised it, pointing at the Palace and fired. Luke heard the screaming inside as Ms. Tsabin grabbed his arm and dragged him threw the gardens. The way she moved, it was as if she had planned this. 

As if. . .

"M-Ms. Tsabin?!" Luke cried. 

"It's Sabe." Ms. Tsabin spoke. "Sabe, Luke. Hurry!" Luke gripped his dress robes, racing with her threw the gardens. Was that her who had spoken to him on the Comlink call? As Ms. Tsablin blasted secuirty cameras and other storm troopers patrolling the gardens, he hadn't time to think as He felt his shields being all but banged on by the end of the connection he shared with his father. No doubt Vader was worried. He could hear his name being screamed at among the wind that picked up. It was Vader. Luke kept his shields up, tears forming in his eyes. They raced until they saw an archway. Luke recalled that was what he was to look for in the conversation earlier. The arch way was a decorative welcome point showing off a hangar and a small aircraft waiting for them. 

This was it. He was getting out. 

"Luke, listen to me!" Ms. Ts-Sabe, spoke, stopping the two of them. "You are to fly out of here and don't come back!" 

"But-b-but why?!" Luke demanded. 

Sabe held her breath. "I. . . I promised your mother I would protect you. I can't speak much longer, Luke." She really couldn't because a team of guards and storm troopers began racing after them, opening fire. Ms. Tsabin nodded. "I'll hold them off. If this be our last meet, Luke, your mother loved you." She said nothing else as she pushed Luke towards the ship. Luke cried out for her to come with him. If only he had his lightsaber, he could deflect their shots. Another voice rang out to him, it was the female he recalled from the com call. 

"Hurry up!" the woman cried. Luke bit his lip. 

He had been here before. Done this before. And he lost Ben because of it. This time, he wasn't going to stay. He had held back his sob and ran towards the aircraft. Once he was inside whoever was piloting wasted no time in hovering and taking off. Luke found a window and glanced out it. Sabe was in Imperial custody, stunned to the ground and cuffed. He saw his father, his red light saber undeniably identified in the dark, sink to his knees on the hangar as he watched the ship grow smaller and smaller. 

Their bond didn't need to be shared for Luke to know Vader was in anguish. 

Chapter Text

The woman looking at him seemed familiar. Perhaps it was the Force telling him something, he couldn't be sure. Luke was still grasping onto the concept of The Force telling him information for how vague and unclear it was most of the time. As the ship he was on left hyperspace, it was a staring contest. Luke took in her facial features like a sponge. She appeared older than him, with slick brown hair, blue eyes and a button nose. Despite a few lingering traits from childhood only she knew about, she was a beautiful woman and an inch shorter than Luke. She wasn't dressed elegantly,  a clear sign she wasn't at the party earlier. She wore tight white pants and a matching white turtle neck long sleeved shirt with a billowy coat and large belt that showed off two blasters she hadn't used. 

Finally, one of them spoke.  

"Are you alright, Luke?"

"Who are you and how do you know my name?" Luke didn't answer. He gulped. The mysterious woman gazed at the floor of the ship, but only for a moment. "We've been tracking you ever since Vader made the announcement of Emperor. My Aunt's old bodyguard rushed to Coruscant the moment she heard. We didn't think the child my Aunt carried survived." She admitted. 

Aunt? Luke gazed at her. This woman was his cousin. The lump in Luke's throat grew as his thoughts drifted back to feeling so alone when his Aunt and Uncle perished under The Empire's hand and how he felt he was alone in the Galaxy. Now he comes to find he had a cousin and perhaps an Aunt and Uncle if her parents were alive. He'd have to ask her his questions about his family later. Right now, Sabe sparked his interest as he worried about her safety. She had given up her life practically for him to hold off the Storm troopers to allow him to escape. 

"That woman: Ms. Tsabin, or Sabe, she knew my mom?" Again, the girl nodded before biting her bottom lip. "As to your first question, my name is Ryoo Naberrie--" Ryoo was interrupted when footsteps were heard coming their way, entering the small sitting room of the ship was another girl, similar to Ryoo in looks, but taller and adorned a Senator's formal dress. Luke gasped. He had seen that woman earlier at the Imperial Flag changing. The female Senator smiled. Ryoo rolled her eyes, "And this is Pooja. My little sister." 

"Oh Luke!" Pooja grinned, hugging the boy the second she got close. She hugged him so tightly, his body felt it were being crushed. She was strong.  "Luke, I feared the plan wouldn't work." 

"It technically didn't, Sabe stayed behind." Ryoo spoke. 

Pooja nodded letting go of her first cousin, " A tragedy. Lest we not forget: Sabe gave her life to Auntie Padme, she'd no doubt do the same to the child Auntie carried." 

Luke thought long and hard about Sabe. She had known his mother? That would explain the comments earlier she made about him and how much he reminded him of her. Then again, how cold the woman came off at first, always demanded the best from him and ensured he could walk on a thread should she want him too. Was she really that cold hearted? No she wasn't. She did put off Imperial text reading and brushed over Imperial propaganda. As if she were stalling him. It all began to click. Before when he had stormed out of the room frustrated he wasn't understanding or doing his lessons correctly, she had gone after him, asking him if he was going to quit. She had been testing him.  Her disguise as Luke's Imperial tutor was a ploy to get him out of the clutches of his father's hold and save him. 

The boy took a deep breath. This night was a lot to take in. He hissed in pain, his fingers gripping his head. 

"Luke, what's wrong?" Ryoo asked, concerned. 

"I don't know, I've got a terrible migraine all of a sudden." He admitted, rubbing his temples. He felt as if an ice pick were jabbing at his brain. Ryoo looked to her sister, worried. "Luke, we are no Jedi, however we are not ignorant to the teachings and techniques of them. Could it be Vader?" 

"I don't think so." Luke wasn't so sure himself. He knew it was more his doing. His father had taught him to raise his mental shields, but keeping them up and thus keeping himself hidden was proving to be troublesome. Luke knew he couldn't keep the shields up forever. "I have to let my guard down, I feel as if the Force is squeezing my head until it pops." 

Pooja nodded, "We have left Hyperspace, we are far from Vader finding you. It should be alright." When Luke let down his shields, he was afraid he'd hear Vader's voice ringing in his ears calling for him like he so often did. There  was silence much to his pleasure, but for how long was the question. Luke had to ask, "Where are you taking me?" 

Ryoo went to answer when Pooja cut her off. 

"Luke. We will not tell you that information. Just know you are safe," the older woman smiled sadly, stroking Luke's bangs out of his eyes, "If we tell you and Vader can sense you with your shields down, then there is no telling what he'll do to the planet he finds you on if he manages to track you down." 

Luke went to argue but thought about what she said. Technically, keeping him in the dark wasn't a bad idea. It was brilliant. Keep him in the dark and if Vader does sense him and call out to him in the Force, Luke won't be lying when he says he doesn't know thus making Vader have to search every planet in the Galaxy. Perfect. Luke nodded, quickly jumping to the thought of contacting Leia. Oh, how he missed her. "But, can I at least contact The Alliance? Specifically Leia Organa?" He asked. Pooja nodded. "I know her! She is a dear friend of mine." 

"Really?" Luke grinned. 

"How is she? I haven't heard from her since...." Pooja went still. "...since Alderaan." 

The blonde quickly filled her in on Leia's condition and attitude. While she was heavily numb about the ordeal, Luke hadn't forgotten about her nightmares or her random panic attacks that were an obvious sign and display of the delayed reaction to the destruction of her home world caused by The Empire. When she had terrible nights where she couldn't sleep, her and Luke would sit by the window and Luke would listen to her stories of her tales on Alderaan as she described the mountains, the green fields, the endless blue skies and her mother and father. She'd always say "You should have seen it." And he'd reply, "With your stories, Leia, I know it was beautiful." 

Luke couldn't afford to be sentimental at the moment. "Alright, I can at least know how far I will be away from Coruscant?" 

"Far." Ryoo promised. "Far, far." 

Luke nodded, "Thank you. . ." He breathed. What more could he say or do to the two women he found out just now were extended family? Luke cleared his throat, "I'm sorry I have to meditate. Is there a private room I can go to?" 

"Would you rather rest Luke? We will be traveling for a few days." Pooja asked. 

"No, I can't sleep. Meditating should sustain me. If my shields are down for long, it means it's easier for Vader to find me, especially when my guard is down in my sleep." Ryoo sadly smiled while Pooja nodded. "We understand. I'll lead you to a room. Ryoo, please contact the alliance that Luke is safe." 

Luke gasped, "You mean. .  . they want me back?" A twinge in his heart threatened tears in his eyes. He thought for sure the Alliance had cut him off when Vader announced Luke as his child and the Imperial Prince, heir to the throne of The Galactic Empire. He was sure friends would turn to foes. Pooja smiled sadly, "We have been in touch with them. Sabe reached out to them with her plan and it was tricky. We pleaded so much. But Sabe wouldn't let you fall. And The Alliance knew how much of an important aspect you are to them. Even if your father is. . ." She said nothing. Luke was okay with this. 

For the first time in a long time, he felt he was going to be okay. 

The trip to the mystery planet lasted two days and Luke hadn't slept for any of them, having to rely on delving deep into the meditations of The Force for sustainability. To meditate, it required him to withdraw his mental shields, which wasn't the issue. What the problem was the noise and thundering, panicked shouting he heard all around him. Luke didn't know it, but it was the bond on his father's end that was making that noise. Vader was near hysterics. He was a father who just lost his baby--again. For Luke, it was hard to meditate while hearing his name being called at all angles around him. Though he kept himself calm, it wouldn't last forever and he was right, the further they flew from Coruscant, the lesser the noise and pleas became until it was completely silent.

Meditating without hinderance from his father was relaxing. 

Luke was sitting in his seat when their pilot, another female from this mystery planet, announced their arrival shortly. Luke's blue eyes gazed upon the planet. He had never been here, that much was true. He marveled at the new sights and of all the water from the lakes and waterfalls. The sun was mid rise on the planet and already everything was coated in a beautiful morning dew. Luke felt his throat tighten. While he had no memories of this place, he somehow felt connected. As if something was awaiting him here. The small aircraft landed on an open hangar where Luke spotted a woman waiting for them. He gulped, unbuckling himself and followed Pooja and Ryoo. It was an awkward time, but Luke felt overdressed.  The ship that he ran off on was tiny and only had a refresher and they had no spare clothes. His cape blew in the wind as they approached the tall female who was grinning ear to ear. She appeared in a light blew gown with gold decorative etching down the front, symbolling her status of some form of royalty, Luke picked up on from his lessons. 

Well, Royal manners be damned as she rushed towards the girls with open arms. "Oh my dears, I was so worried!" the older woman cried, hugging Pooja first then Ryoo. 

"It was a piece of cake, Ma'" Ryoo smirked. "You know the Imperials can't shoot the side of a temple, it helped us in saving cousin Luke."

Cousin Luke, he'd never get used to hearing that. He was still coming to terms most days that hi father of all people is still alive. The woman's head jerked up as she let out a gasp of relief.  Luke starred at the woman, Sola, his aunt. All his life he knew of one aunt: Aunt Beru. Knowing he had another clenched at his heart. The woman was beautiful, albeit older and the frown and worry lines of parenting were prominent, but still remarkably beautiful. She grinned at him, approaching slowly. 

"Luke. . . .Is that you?" She asked, almost unsure.  

"I. . .I guess." He was lost for words, especially when the woman hugged him gently. It wasn't forceful and tight like Vader's hugs were. Where Luke felt he was being caged. No, this was a hug only a mother could give, like Aunt Beru, soft, but firm, clutching, but freeing. A hug only a mother knew how to give. He hugged her back the second he heard her begin to cry. 

"I. . .I thought you were lost with my sister," She admitted, the memories of Padme's funeral coming back to her, it still stung, even after eighteen years. "But you lived. You lived!" Luke felt stinging tears come to his eyes that threatened to fall. Gods, he felt like such a crybaby and it was embarrassing. Sola shushed him, promising Luke he was safe. Her gaze fell to his chest, her face perplexed for a moment before reaching up to touch the Japor snippet. Her thumb caressing the stone as if it were a diamond. Padme wore this only around him. Every visit, it was on her neck. She held her tongue. Luke frowned before Sola spoke, "Come, this is no place to discuss matters. Let's go inside and you can freshen up and eat." She led him into the palace, turning to her eldest. "Are you sure you weren't followed?" She asked. 

"No, we entered hyperspace too quickly. Although. . . . Sabe, she . . .she stayed behind." Pooja spoke. 

Sola's face turned grim, but she said nothing and nodded. Luke swallowed. "It was my fault!" He apologized. "She told me to run and I did and I shouldn't have-I should have stayed and protected her-"

Sola gave an airy laugh drenched with pain. "No. Luke, no. She swore her life to Padme. Swore her life to you, unborn but loved so much by your mother and her handmaidens. They protect the gravesite. But now, they protect you, sir." she held both of his shaking hands. "Come, there is much to tell you." Luke was still processing everything. He took a deep breath, nodding and following her. It dawned on him that he was on his mother's home planet. He looked around the palace, marveling at the light and decoratively colored walls, it's grand staircases and large portraits of areas around the planet.  Though, he recalled his agreement to Pooja and resisted in asking where he was. His shields were down and he needed to keep them down until it was time to sleep. Vader was no doubt looking for him if he wasn't in space already. He couldn't allow himself to be known. 

Sola led Luke to a chamber where he was given a simple room, attached refresher (with a sonic shower that made him giddy to know he wouldn't be reduced to baths only) and open balcony. It was so much smaller than the room he had shared in the royal suite with his father, and yet the windows were not sealed shut. The door could be closed and locked. He was free. 

Free. 

"I. . . could I have a moment?" He asked, softly. "Alone?" It had been ages since he was left alone. Even on the ship they had to share a common room. Even in his thoughts and meditations, Vader was calling for him. He was never alone and the silence was tempting. Sola nodded, telling him food was down the hall to the left should he be famished. Once the door was shut did Luke allow himself to cry. It was silent, but his chest was so heavy he felt out of breath as he covered his mouth and heaved in and out in choked sobs. What was wrong with him? This place, this atmosphere, it was feeing but there was a deep sadness agonizing in every crevasse and nook in the entire palace it felt like. It was suffocating.  Luke fell on the bed, holding himself as an attempt to self soothe as he raised his shields no matter how weak they were. He couldn't feel Vader, but he did fear Vader would somehow, someway find him if he so much as cried out like an injured Tooka kitten for their protective Tooka parent. 

But this grim feeling over him. It wasn't leaving. It was drenched over him like a wool blanket in the middle of summer on Tatooine. 

Luke. 

Luke gasped, looking around the room. 

"B-Ben?" He called. 

Luke, you must go to Dagobah. Seek out Master Yoda. 

Ben's voice disappeared as he repeated himself. Luke nodded. He couldn't sulk here. Now that he was out of Vader's grasp, he could seek out this Master and possibly bring back his father and stop The Empire all together. And yet, there was anger in Luke. Anger towards Ben. "Oh, Ben, why didn't you tell me?" He asked himself, mumbling. Why hadn't Ben Kenobi told him that Vader was his father? If he did then he'd have probably changed his game plan and went to Dagobah first before anything else. Luke stood up, ripping the clothes soaked in sweat from the past two days off of him in favor of a hot sonic and new clothes. 

If there was anything that could clear his head it was a sonic. 

The planet he was on was spectacular. Utterly, he was speechless sitting with his Aunt Sola on her private balcony with his cousins having dinner overlooking the private gardens and grounds of the palace. The sun was orange, giving the last afternoon glow before the stars came out. Such a casual setting wouldn't be given to him with his father. Vader would have ensured he had courses for meals in their dining room where he was dressed for bed shortly afterwards. Here, he was in a cool summer robe and flats like his Aunt and cousins. 

Luke almost forgot what it was like to eat so casually. Or eat by himself and not having someone spoon feed him. Luke was starving for not only the independence, but the wonderful platter of buttered veggies before him and it showed how much he gobbled them up. Ryoo snorted. 

"No one will take your plate, Luke."  she gave him a cheeky smirk. 

"Sorry." He slowed down on the steamed vegetables. It had been so long since he ate he forgot about his table manners. Sola frowned, "If Luke is hungry, he may eat. I'm surprised you aren't scarfing down your plate. Gods know what you three had on that ship." 

"Ration bars mostly. We didn't think to pack much food." Ryoo shrugged. 

"That would explain it." Sola rolled her eyes. Luke swallowed his mouthful before reaching out to ask, "Are you my mother's older sister or younger?" He wanted to know as much as he could about his family (The Naberries they introduced themselves) before they were taken or he had to leave. The feeling of Vader being over his shoulder hadn't left him still. He was jumpy and they knew it. Sola said nothing about Vader, but was more than happy to answer. 

"Padme was my younger sister, though more wise and confidant in politics than myself. She ruled her people with care and dignity." Pooja added with a twinkle in her eyes "And she hated bugs. One time Anakin came back from some swamp planet and a worm crawled on her. Never heard Auntie scream so loud."  Ryoo laughed and Luke himself couldn't hold back a smile. 

Sola rolled her eyes. "Let's keep this conversation appropriate for dinner."  

"You knew Anakin, my father?" Luke smiled. 

Pooja nodded. "I did. He was playful, kind." 

"What. . .what else was my mother like?" Luke dared to ask, more confidant in asking his Aunt and cousins than his father any day. When his father spoke of her, his gaze was longing and desprate. As if he wanted to turn back time and re-do or un-do specific moments. Aunt Sola was more than happy to tell him everything she remembered of Padme, of her favorite colors (Blue. They had that in common, Luke noted) of how she hated Maths because she found it confusing, loved animals and once begged to adopt a shelter of Tooka kittens, and how gifted she was in adapting new languages. She spoke ten languages before her death. Smart, beautiful and kind she was. Aunt Sola smiled as she brushed back Luke's soft blonde hair. 

"And what of you, Luke? What are you like?" 

"Um. . .I'm nothing special, really." 

"That can be debated, tell me, where did you grow up, child?" 

"Tatooine." Luke responded "I lived with my Uncle Owen Lars and Aunt Beru. They loved me and I loved them." He smiled. Aunt Sola kept her hold on him. The boy was so small, just like her sister, but radiated so much love. She saw he had her nose and cheekbones, and they shared a smile. Sola was worried the second Luke was announced as the Imperial Prince and 2nd in line. The moment she saw him, she saw Padme. Sabe began the task of rescuing Luke shortly after the fact. Each night Sola thought of her long lost nephew and how much she loved him without even meeting him. 

Luke gaped when he dropped his fork on the floor. "S-Sorry." 

"Don't be dear." Sola frowned when he shuttered, flinching at her touch. 

The mother glanced at Pooja and Ryoo. Neither said a word about the matter, keeping only to the topic of Luke's upbringing and his adventures on the sandy planet. 

The days passed and on the fourth night, Luke spoke to his Aunt. 

"I must leave." 

She frowned, startled by his request. "Leave? But child, you've only just arrived here-"

"I am no child, Aunt Sola. I. . .I have to seek out a Master named Yoda on Dagobah." He was worried, she could tell. "I am sorry, Aunt Sola." She feared Vader would find him, take him, she'd never see her beloved nephew ever again, or worse. 

"I contacted Leia Organa." Luke had held back his tears for once. It had been so nice to speak to Leia. To hear she was okay and she hadn't shut up for almost an hour telling him how worried she was of him how he was so stupid for running towards Vader to take him on and what a nerf-head he was for doing so. He had smiled the whole time, grinning into the Comlink like an idiot. "The Rebel alliance is weary of me. Only those who know me trust me. I am no stranger to them, but they see me as a possible threat. If democracy is to be restored and The Empire taken down, I must train as a Jedi." 

Sola said nothing as she watched her nephew apologize once more, wish her goodnight and leave her sleeping quarters. 

Luke had trouble sleeping as well. He couldn't drift off no matter how much the cool night on this planet provided him with soothing breezes threw his open window. He felt someone were watching him. Not Vader. His shields were up, there was no way for Vader to find him, or get into his head. He clutched the blankets of his bed around him, shivering. 

Luk'yalie. . . 

He gasped, his eyes widened hearing footsteps down the hall. He stood up following the sound not before grabbing a black cloak for warmth. The steps were heels clicking on the stone floors leaving him. He felt the presence of his Aunt and cousins fast asleep. Whoever called out to him wasn't a visitor for sure. He tried to ignore the sound when he heard that name called again. 

"Luk'yalie, old Naboo for Light."

Palpatine's voice slithered into his thoughts. Naboo. Naboo. Luke frowned, further investigating. Turning the corner, he spotted another hallway. One he hadn't been shown or given a tour of. the sadness from his first day grew strong as he walked down the hall to the double door entrance. He slowly raised his hand to open the door. He felt as if he would choke on his own lungs when he spotted inside to be a large bedroom, untouched and unbothered. There was a large canopy bed in front of a vanity where hair brushes, tiaras and hair ribbons lay. But this room didn't intrigue him, no, the force led him forward. 

He walked threw a small entry way where he was greeted upon a small nursery. It too, untouched. 

He went to rest his hand on a rocking chair when he felt himself yanked harshly, colors around him blurred until they were gold and he spotted a woman humming to herself, her long curly brown hair falling to her waist and her eyes gentle and smile soft, rubbing her swollen belly. Luke stood paralyzed. The Force around him swimming tenderly, replaying the moment. He knew that song she hummed. Father sang it to him every night. 

He was yanked back. The room was dark again and his wobbly feet pushed forward to the crib where he hesitantly reached out once more and the Force granted him another scene. The same woman standing before the crib, still pregnant. This time, she wasn't anlone. A man kneeling before the crib with a hammer and nail was present. 

"Ani, be careful." 

"I will be, angel, our child will sleep in comfort I promise." 

Ani had spoken too soon as he whacked himself and not the head of the nail, making the woman giggle. 

Luke let go of the dusty crib, trying to catch his breath. What was going on? Why was the Force jerking him around so much? This room was suffocating him. He had to get out. He left the royal wing listening to the footsteps until they were no more and he was outside. The gardens were beautiful with brightly lit butterflies nesting and fluttering about on the white lillies. The same lillies in the private gardens back on Coruscant. Luke allowed the Force to guide him until he saw a slither of dark blue dress robes drag on the floor heading around a corner. He wasn't sure how far he had walked away from the palace  but he was deep in the groves now, atop a hill where he looked down at what appeared to be a small temple with six women standing in red robes guarding the entrance. 

Luk'yalie. . . 

Luke stood in front of the handmaidens. They appeared so much like Sabe. Stern, fierce. . .protective. 

"Halt." One spoke. Luke stood still. "None shall pass unless worthy." one maiden spoke. Luke gulped, stepping back for a moment before the Japor stone caught the maiden's eye. 

"Where did you get that?" She snapped. 

"M-my fa-fath. . ." Luke froze. 

The maiden said nothing before turning to the others who all nodded in agreement, standing aside to let him pass. The Force guided him, like a loving parent clutching their child's hand threw the mysterious unknown. He entered the temple. It wasn't lit at all, though the moonlight guided him giving him no need for a torch or flashlight as he descended the staircase down into the only room where a large stain glass picture of a woman shown brightly, allowing moonlight to cascade on a tomb. And not just any tomb. Luke knew and saw it was the tomb of Padme Amidala. Luke fell to his knees before it. All his life, perhaps he knew, she was dead. She was never coming back. She would never know him and he her. 

The stone, hard reminder was right in front of him. Taunting. Luke hiccupped. The sadness made sense now. Why this planet felt familiar. Why he was a total mess. Gods how the force was so cruel to lead him here. He began to sob, shaking, not realizing his shields were lowering. It had taken him eighteen long years and now he was finally seeing her. No. It wasn't her. It was her grave. 

"M. .ama.." Luke cried, his hot forehead resting against the top of her tomb. 

Luk'yalie. . . 

The young blonde felt he'd cry an ocean. He felt it in the force, her sadness, her plea, her prayer. Should her presence be near, it wasn't a joyous one. His shoulders shivered, his body trembled. The cape did nothing to keep him warm anymore as the gravesite became a chilling cold. He felt it wrap around him, entrapping him to where he couldn't move. It frightened him, it startled him. But he couldn't stop crying. h how futile it was now to call out to her like a helpless, ignorant infant desperate for their mother's warmth that had been suddenly ripped from them. And yet that's how he was. He wanted his mother, he wanted her alive, to hold him like she could have once, he wouldn't know  he had no memory of her. 

Though there was a grasp on him. 

It slithered around his chest and waist and back around to his back. Though it wasn't cold. It was warm. It was comforting, familiar, soothing. Luke allowed himself to fall into the hold, to rest his tired, stinging red eyes for a moment. Just a moment. He allowed his small body to be caressed and comforted by this warm figure. So warm and familiar, strong and protective. 

"Ssshh my Luk'yalie. Daddy's here. Daddy has you now. You're safe." Vader spoke. 

He found him. 

Chapter Text

The force was a whirlwind of chaos more than usual around the palace. Vader's clicking footsteps as his cape blew from behind him rapidly with the wind storm of the force knocking over anyone who was unfortunate enough to stand in his way. The man had no time for formalities as he entered the lower regions of the palace where the cries, screams and pleas of agony festered as much as they thrived. In the deepest darkest and dankest part of the facility where prisoners of Imperial traitors and Alliance helpers were being tortured, was a room where Sabe was kept. Vader's jaw clenched and he grit his teeth swinging the door open till it slammed against the wall, almost busting the hinges off. 

The woman tied with her hands above her head and her feet shackled to the floor didn't even flinch, her gaze was at the floor, her eyes tired from having stand for nearly a whole day and a half since the Prince's escape. The room stank of her sick and waste. Vader wouldn't allow her a moment's peace if it meant she wouldn't talk about the whereabout of his child. How he wanted to slice off her tongue to ensure she would never speak again. 

"Are you ready to talk or shall I have my men introduce their stun guns to your ribs for a few more hours?" Vader seethed, threatening. 

Sabe hadn't changed in looks too much, but it was apparently enough to where she could cake her face in makeup each and every day and fool him. How Vader was loathing in self hatred for allowing himself to be fooled by a simple handmaiden. And he was careless enough to allow his son around her for hours at a time each day. Vader should have been more attentive, should have listened to Luke when the boy told him his first day he didn't want to go back to her. How stupid he was for not realizing she had been putting off his political lessons for so long. What lies she had must of fed him. How stupid he was for allowing his child to go near this traitor! Sabe was no fool in realizing it was the force that was seeping around her, slithering like a snake around her neck as if it were a noose ready for hanging. Vader would kill her and soon. 

She would rather die than tell Vader where Luke was taken to. She'd never tell him a thing. She glared up at the Emperor, the façade Anakin Skywalker. The shell of a man who her beloved Queen fell for, gave her heart too, her soul, her body her everything. Sabe had noticed the simple glimmer in her eye when Padme spoke to Anakin about his missions, soon their conversations turned less political and more casual....too casual to be spoken in front of a crowd. Sabe would be casted away to stand guard at a door, or far away to see and not listen in as Padme grinned ear to ear with Anakin overlooking the lake from her palace. 

And then. . . the bruising happened. 

Padme hummed happily as she rested her feet on the rocking chair in the nursery. Her belly large and round as she happily set down her knitting needles to place her hands on top of her tummy and whisper lovingly to the baby housed inside. Padme had been  on orders for strict bed rest after she complained of braxton hicks in the early mornings. The baby wasn't due until the warmer season which was weeks away. She was mostly confined to her room if she wasn't at the clinic in the palace. Today wasn't too harsh on her as she sat in the nursery her and Anakin put together humming as she knitted. Sabe sat perched in the window sill, guarding her majesty. Padme was beautiful while pregnant, she knew. However, it broke her heart knowing Padme had to hide her bump due to her relationship with Anakin Skywalker. Attachments were not allowed on The Jedi Council as she was told by Padme herself. 

Anakin was top secret. Sabe wouldn't deny her Queen anything, but she had spotted something that worried her. " Are you cold your highness?" Sabe asked. The windows did allow some air to flow in, she feared it would make the Queen ill.

"It's a bit chilly this morning." Padme answered, smiling "Nothing a warm fire cannot combat." 

"And the bruises ma'am." Sabe spoke. Instantly, Padme was on the defense.  " Bruises?" Padme chuckled, waving Sabe off. "Oh, these are nothing my knight. Just. . . ." 

Sabe waited. 

"Ani. . . He gets nightmares. The poor thing doesn't understand what he's doing in his sleep. He can't control himself and there's no use in dwelling on this." 

"He hurts you in his sleep?" Sabe glared, she doubted it was just in his sleep. She saw the way he held her, gripping her close as if she were a piece of meat and he was starving.  

"What? No. He doesn't hurt me at all, he just--"

"Grabs your hard enough to bruise you." Sabe finished. Padme, be it because of her pregnancy or the fact it was a touchy subject for her scoffed, setting the knitting project aside, unbeknownst to her never to be picked up and finished again, standing up, clutching her tummy. "Sabe, I don't like what you are insinuating." She warned, her voice thick. "Do I need to reassign you elsewhere?" 

Sabe stood in the room, reaching out to her beloved queen. The one she took oath to die for if necessary.  "Never, your highness." She half pleaded. She didn't trust Anakin Skywalker like the other handmaidens did.  Anakin to her was..... different than before. It wasn't maturity. He no longer was smiling, he shooed Pooja and Ryoo away when they giggled at him to play. He was withdrawn. Around Padme, he began making it a custom none of the handmaidens were near them, citing how he missed his wife and wanted to be alone. Seeing the Anakin-hand-sized fingertip bruises on Padme's thin arms was the final straw for Sabe. 

"Why does he do it?" She asked. 

"I told you, he's afraid!" Padme grew defensive. "He'd never hurt me or our child!" 

Sabe's mouth opened slightly but before she could say a word the doors to the nursery nudged opened more and in walked the man himself. He appeared withered, as if he had gotten no sleep from his last mission, which wouldn't surprise Sabe. Anakin sent Sabe a conflicted look. As if daring to ask her what she was doing here. As if she hadn't been in Padme's private rooms all her life.

The handmaiden said nothing to him. 

"Padme, you're to be resting what are you doing up?" Anakin was quick to trot across the room to his wife's side, helping her gently to lead her back to the master bedroom they shared. "Ani, I'm okay, really. I was resting. I was knitting the baby clothes." Anakin chuckled, the twinkle in his eye was for her and her alone. "They will love it no doubt. But my dear you know the doctor said you're to be resting more. Come. I will lay with you." 

"And tell me how your mission went?" 

"Perhaps. . .something less exciting." 

Sabe watched as the nursery door was shut in her face.  Had she known that was the last time she'd see her queen alive, she'd rescue her. Like she was supposed to. She was Padme's knight. Padme's friend. Padme was her love. She failed her Queen when she crept out the window. 

Sabe remansing angered Vader further.  

"Each second you waste of my time I will ensure your time is spent suffering. Tell me where you've hidden him you bitch!" Vader didn't care if he sounded impatient. His baby was out there, undoubtedly cold, hungry and terrified. Vader had the image of Luke standing terrified by the small ship with Sabe pointing her blaster at him telling him to get on, no doubt Luke would be held at ransom soon.  And it had been Vader's fault. He allowed the woman to slither into Luke's thoughts, allowed Luke to roam around unsupervised at the ball and allowed his child to be defenseless. 

In the end, Vader knew it was his own doing his child was taken. 

"You'll never see him again if he's smart." Sabe spat. No sooner had she finished her words did the coils around her neck tighten, but slowly. Vader wasn't choking her harshly, but it was enough to make her vision blur before he stopped allowing her to catch her breath before doing it again. If he was going to kill her, he'd do it slowly. He grit his teeth. Sabe, Padme's most loyal handmaiden and the biggest pain in his ass then as much as she was now. It had to be Sabe. Of course it did. 

"Where is he?!" Vader repeated when Sabe began gasping, choking on what little air was allowed when he released his hold on her tiny neck. 

"Going to kill me like you killed her?" Sabe questioned, her throat raw. Vader stood as his tendrils began hammering into her chest, knocking her head against the wall, blurring her vision. Vader's icy rage ravaged on. How dare this scum that dared call herself Padme's most loyal friend accuse him of murdering his own wife. Padme was stolen from him as much as Luke was. The thought of Padme being whisked away by Obi-Wan, dying under Obi-Wan's hands, Luke crying loudly for his mother as he's whisked away from her dead body was enough to further brighten his yellow eyes as his fluffy curly hair billowed in the wind caused by the force, or simply Sabe being knocked like a rag doll against the wall. 

"Where. Is. My. Infant?!" Vader screamed knocking her back, enjoying each bone he heard crunch from a rib he broke. That caught Sabe off guard. "He's.. .  eight. . .teen." She gasped, trying to fill her lungs with precious air. Her comment went ignored. He was wasting his own time, Vader decided as he enjoyed the sight of Sabe's face turning a pale white, verging on the tip of becoming blue. 

"I will kill you like I killed--"

"Padme." Sabe cut him off, her eyes fierce as she stared him down. "Like you killed her-" 

"I never killed her, Obi-Wan did!" Vader used the force to cut the chains from the ceiling and floors, but kept Sabe bondaged as to fling her around the room, knocking her swollen, sick body into anything sharp. It was child's play really, like holding a piece of glass to a sand ant and watching it burn. Or snapping a tooth pick. The latter had Vader thriving off Sabe's pain and anguish as he raised her in the air, holding her still. "Obi-Wan knew she needed medial attention and yet he left her to give birth and die! Your anger is on the wrong person!" Oh how Vader felt powerful, soaking in her misery like the desert did a rare rain storm. 

He never hurt Padme. He never killed her. She had betrayed him, so confused she was not understanding how she could become this Galaxy's Empress after Anakin killed Palapatine. Where they could rule and want for nothing. Just him, her and their Luk'yalie. 

"Last warning you traitor scum. Where. Is. My. Son?!" 

Sabe coughed, the taste of blood on her tongue. "Padme. . . .Forgive me my queen. . . .I have saved your son." 

Vader mangled her body in half with the snap of his fingers, leaving her to lay on the floor lifeless as he stomped away. She was no use to him anymore, hopefully his analysis team was better at giving him results. Vader entered the room of chaotic Admirals and Capitans scrambling on their holonets and trackers. Security footages replaying over and over again on a large screen while analyzers discussed the important Bantha in the room: Prince Luke being held a gunpoint but the ship he was force upon on had no Imperial tracker. 

On top of kidnapping the fugitives were flying an illegal aircraft. Meaning it was never inspected. Meaning whatever Luke was in could be nothing more than a hunk of junk falling apart as soon as they hit hyperspace and exploded on impact killing his child. 

"Where is he?!" Vader shouted, startling everyone in the room.  

"We have no new information sir about the--" one officer dead on the spot, another one came running in instantly replacing him. 

"Find him!" 

The room went back to organized chaos as Vader stormed away from the area. His mind was clouded with anger, desperate calling into their bond. The once sunshine brightly lit attachment was dimming and it frightened him. Everything in his path was destroyed in the royal suite, tossed out a window, shattered in pieces or flung against a wall to bust and break. Enough was enough. He fell to his knees, closing his eyes as he latched onto the Force with his mind. It was like living that nightmare of eighteen years all over again. Except the child wasn't there. There was no little boy laughing and smiling at him, waving at him or calling him. There was lightning, thunder and he cried Luke's name. He banged on the shields. Gods why were they still up?! Someone must have a blaster to his child's head and forcing him to keep them up. That was the only explanation for Vader. 

Someone was forcing his child to stray away from his Daddy. 

Hours Vader would bang on the shields, screaming for Luke demanding him to come home, to tell him where he was, if he was in danger. Weakly and helpless he call out tenderly, softly, as if to an injured animal:

Daddy's not mad Luk'yalie. Daddy is worried. Please, tell me where you are so you can come home.

Nothing. No acknowledgement. No guard let down. Nothing. Vader was in agony, he could only imagine what pain his child was in. He couldn't sense anything. The fear of the unknown could mean anything. Vader fell to his knees in Luke's room. Luke's stuffed Bantha perched on the bed as he reached out to it. He sadly gazed upon the stuffed toy he gave his child the first night he brought him home, how Luke would snuggle into the toy while dreaming or carry it around the suite with both arms in the most adorable fashion. Vader traced his fingers along the mane; Gods why didn't he let Luke carry this with him? Kriff protocols, his child was in distress and he had been foolish to dismiss it as nerves. R2 beeping on the portable charging station Luke insisted the droid have in his room as he looked about. There was no little boy giggling in here, fondly reading his books on space and aircraft at his desk, or splashing water in the bath or toys sprawled out on the floor. There was nothing. As if Luke didn't exist anymore. 

No! No he refused to believe that. He flat out denied any evidence or claim his child was dead.  

He stood collecting himself. He couldn't allow himself to wallow in misery no matter how much this was fueling his power. 

His commlink buzzed. "This better be important." He growled. 

"Sir, we've found a lead." Captian Piett's voice on the other end spoke, an undertone of a sigh of relief went unnoticed by Vader. "What is it?" Vader asked, all but racing out the royal suite. "While there was no license on the aircraft the security footage did get a snap of a woman's arm lacing with jewelry recognized by eye witnesses and other camera footage. The arm and bracelets in question belong to that of  Senator Pooja Naberrie." 

Anakin made a noise between a laugh and a scoff. Of course. Of-fucking-course. Padme's family never did approve of him. Her mother and father distant to him as they sent worried gazes to Padme thinking Anakin never saw and Sola, the supposed loving sister of Padme was always so critical, so judgmental of her more intelligent, prettier and more successful sister in Vader's point of view. Vader grit his teeth. How dare they believe they have custody over his child before him! He was Luke's father! He had claim over the child before any of them. No doubt that narcissistic behavior began at Luke's announcement they felt entitled to guardianship of the boy over his own father. Sabe was no doubt just a distraction while the Naberrie's took Luke. Sabe was just the distraction. 

Still, they had a person and more importantly they had a place. 

"Ready The Executor, Piett. I want no less than 10,000 of the Troopers Legion on their way to Naboo, now!"  He hung up on Piett, calling for R2 to follow him as he picked up the stuffed Bantha.  

Vader's cape whooshed as he marched quickly to the Hangar. 

It would be a two and a half day flight to Naboo. Just enough time to think of just how to punish the traitorous Naberrie Family. Vader seethed. He told Padme just how he felt about Sola, Sabe, her handmaidens, her parents. How they tried to keep Padme away from him. She was naïve. Too innocent for her own good to see the damage her own family was manipulating her into. Now they planned to do the same to his son! Gripping his lightsaber, Vader felt the Dark side of the force wrap around him and implode. He felt stronger just entering his own ship. 

Daddy's coming Luk'yalie. Daddy's on the way.  

The smoky air of Mustafar was as intoxicating as it was deadly. A human could last a little over three hours if wearing the suitable attire, but what human dared to visit such a place where the rivers of lavas crashed onto the cliffs, fires rampaged and the air quality would damage the lungs if one dared to stay on the hellish planet for even a moment aside from the insectoid Mustafarians, who unlike humans could handle the hot climate and toxic air.

One soul did brave the elements in a large, jagged, pitch black fortress that was grand and intimidating. The fortress was slanted as two towers with the red sun glowing between them. Inside, Galen Marek lived. But did he really? One wouldn't consider living to be on your toes constantly for something out to kill you daily. This was his training. As the secret apprentice to Darth Vader, Galen was trained under the ways of The Sith. For six grueling months Vader stranded him here, telling him each day a new droid was programmed to kill him at any given moment. This was to test his reflexes, train him to be alert, to stretch his sleep schedule so he could be awake for days with no repercussions and fuel his hatred and fear. 

Galen sat in his meditation room. The one room where Vader allowed him to connect with the Force without interference.  One foot outside the room and he was a dead man walking. 

Galen was to meditate once a day and Vader would know if he did or not and for how long to ensure his apprentice was not a coward and hid in the safety of that meditation room. After all, he was a dead man anyway. There was no windows, no ventilation nothing to keep him alive and sustained there anyway. He'd either starve to death or have to kill himself if he didn't want to face the droids. 

The young man closed his eyes, seeking out his Master threw the force. 

Master. 

It wasn't like he'd get a response. Vader had been ignoring him for weeks now. He wasn't expecting one. Vader had pulled him into the stormy area he was very familiar with. Too often has he sparred and gotten his ass kicked each and every time with Vader threw these meditations. He was weak. Galen said nothing on Vader's appearance. He appeared healthy, well dressed and had a circlet crown around his wavy hair. However, it was a surprise his master was not in his suit Galen was accustom to seeing him in. 

Starkiller. That name. Vader had named him that the day he was twelve and killed his first youngling. 

Rise, my apprentice. Much as changed. Galen frowned, looking around the area. It didn't seem different. Vader continued. For six months you have been training on this forsaken hell of a planet. During that time, I have killed the Emperor. Galen couldn't hide his shock. Palpatine was dead? Good riddance, he was weak as well. Galen said nothing as his master continued. I have also, in that time, found my child. A son. He was hidden from me by Obi-Wan Kenobi, who I also slain. 

A child? Galen wondered if Vader wanted him replaced. 

A ship will come for you in less than twelve hours time. You are to arrive at the planet Naboo. Wait for me there. 

"Yes, my master." 

Emperor. Vader seethed in a warning. 

"Yes, my Emperor." 

Galen was knocked out of the meditation, harshly. Though that was to be expected. He thought for a moment. Vader had a son. A child. Galen had no opinion on the matter, but he wondered if this means Vader would have this son be his new apprentice and Galen is simply tossed away, or if this means Galen would pass on his knowledge to this boy. Whatever the reason, he'd find out. 

As he opened the door, he stuck his saber out just in time to cut off a droid's head that was waiting to attack him without blinking. 

"It's too easy." he smirked to himself. 

"My Lord, we are entering Naboo's pull." Piett spoke. Vader nodded. It had been a long journey. He had stopped reaching out for Luke, feeling it was useless considering who knows what Padme's family was doing to him to keep him from reaching out to his own father. Vader growled, sitting in his chair that gave him access to the best view of the green planet bellow. The thought of his child being brainwashed this very second was more than angering him. The second the flag ship was docked on the Hangar in Naboo, thousands of troopers lined up, ready to defend Vader should an up-rise occur. 

Vader knew otherwise. Naboo was a peaceful planet. Their pitiful ruling family were spineless as well. Padme had been the one with the backbone and even then she was vulnerable to the galaxy. Luke was in danger of being manipulated even further than the Alliance could drum up. He had to be swift. 

"Sir, your orders?" a trooper asked. 

"Stay here." He barked. "We won't be long." 

Vader knew the palace whereabouts like the back of his hand. Padme had shown him all her hiding spots and places she loved to frequent her times alone. Any guard that stood in his way demanding his majesty what he was doing was killed on spot. Vader's heart clenched at the memories of the palace. He swore if he turned around, Padme would be awaiting him in the shadows, asking him what took him so long to return to her. The man gripped his lightsaber, severing the heads off of more guards the closer he got to the royal wing.  

The night was disturbed by the screaming of pain, of fear. Vader knew that voice anywhere in the Galaxy. The same strict, firm less feminine tone of Padme. 

"Run, girls, run!" 

"Mother, not without you!" 

"I said run! Where's Luke!?" 

"He's not in his room!" 

Vader narrowed his eyes, following the voices until he used the force to blast open the door leading to the royal suites. Sola stood her ground. She looked ridiculous in Vader's opinion. A silly woman in a nightgown standing before her two daughters holding a bread knife. Vader would laugh if he wasn't already annoyed and angry. The Force whirled around him, pushing the women back a few inches as they trembled. The silence was infuriating. They were fools thinking they could fight him an win, Vader knew this, the women blocking him from Padme's old room knew this. They were just stalling the inevitable . Vader came here for his son, he was getting his son. 

"Put the weapon down and stand aside." He commanded. 

"You're not touching him, Anakin!" Sola bit back. She was just as stubborn as Sabe. Vader glared. "You will not go near my nephew. I won't have him harmed by you again!" For saying that, he should kill her. He could kill her. He wanted to. The Force dancing around him wanted him too as well. 

"Tell me where he is." 

"You'll never find him you kriffing-" Pooja seered at him. She would be the next to die after Sabe, Vader thought. It was filling, given Sabe held a blaster to Luke and it was Pooja who coaxed him onto the ship. His wife's niece began to choke. Ryoo screamed, begging Vader to stop. The young woman was cold before she hit the ground. Ryoo screaming over his sister's dead body. Sola holding the knife outwards. 

"Out of my way." Vader commanded, "Your hate had no use to me." 

"I'll kill you! If it means Luke will be saved and my daughter avenged I'll kill you!" Sabe sobbed, her body trembling. 

"Your hate for me is rampant. But useless. I have no interest or desire in you." With that, Vader held his arm up, using the Force to fling Ryoo out of the window, the glass smashing against her body and impaling her as she fell to the cement floor bellow. Sola trembled, keeping her stance. Vader forced a laugh, "You've lost two children of your own already. You so desperately wish to brainwash my own son that bad you'll give up your own daughters? You're a pathetic  excuse for a mother!" 

That wasn't true at all. Sola hadn't the time to even register her daughters were dead. One at her feet, another bellow her outside. No. She could still save her nephew. She could save Luke if she held Vader off. Wherever the precious boy was she hoped he was far from here. What little time she got to know Luke, she had loved him as she loved her sister, from which she could see so much of in him. Each night he was on Naboo, she tucked him in and whispered goodnight to him. How she would protect him as she should have years ago. 

A part of her didn't want to believe she was going to fail. 

"You will step aside or join your daughters in Death." Vader threatened, holding up his saber. 

She had to try. She rushed forward with the knife and at first, she hadn't felt a thing as she watched herself slowly fall towards the ground. There hadn't been a burning sensation as she expected. Just silence. What set her fate in stone was when she heard Vader begin walking away, searching all the rooms for his son. 

That is when she felt dead. When the dread of failing her nephew had become a reality. 

Vader tore threw the rooms until he came across hers. It was exactly how he remembered it, ornate with silver trimmings and the large bed they once shared. Where they told each other everything and where he kissed her body. If he had a heart, it didn't beat when he entered the nursery. The crib and chair he built for their little one, for Luke, unused and collecting dust like some kriffed up memorial. Vader's jaw clenched. How dare they do this. How dare they insult him as such. He went to leave when he spotted something out of the corner of his eye. Beyond the garden hills was the royal family burial grounds. He had seen holos of Padme's funeral after Palpatine woke him to know she was buried there. He had a hunch. Of course Sola would believe he was too stupid to look there. 

Vader flung himself out of the nursery window and landed perfectly outside on his feet before rushing to the mausoleum. 

Five women stood outside, guarding it as Vader watched the end of a small black cape enter. 

Luke. 

Vader approached the entrance. Immediately the handmaidens held out their palms to him. "Halt. None shall pass," One maiden spoke up. "None who desecrate the Grave of Padme Amidala and Anakin Skywalker shall pass." 

It seems they remembered him, but not how he used to be. He had came here once long ago. To ensure Padme had died in childbirth. He had taken the Japor necklace with him. Used it to fuel his hate at what was taken from him that rightfully belonged to him. He resisted the urge to roll his eyes when one maiden flung herself at him to attack and he killed her mid-air with his saber. All of them. Each Amidala maiden suffered because they wouldn't stand aside. Vader felt perhaps Luke wasn't brainwashed at all. These women were too stupid to follow a simple order let alone have the complex capacity to undergo brain washing or mind control. Vader entered the mausoleum. 

His heart broke at the sound of crying. 

Not just any crying. Luke sobbing. He watched from afar as his little one cried over his mother's grave, desperately clinging to the stone material that housed his dead wife and mother of their child. Vader felt it then. Luke's mental shield raising. It didn't surprise him that they did given the fact Luke was still so young an in the early stages of his training that he would need constant focus to keep them down, but it also had to do with the amount of stress his poor baby was in. Luke was sobbing so hard and he was trembling so much. 

"Ma....m'ama." Luke choked out. 

Luk'yalie. Vader called out.  

Not wanting to startle Luke, he had a tendril reach out and wrap around the boy, giving him a coax that Daddy was here finally. Daddy came to save him. The boy didn't respond in the way Vader had hoped. How he wished Luke would turn around and run to him, arms open wide for Vader to comfort him. The father walked closer to his crying child, kneeling behind him. He felt Luke's agonizing pain. He felt his child in mourning. The bright connection dimmed by the heavy sadness that plagued his thoughts and heart. His little boy was heart broken. Of course Vader did what any father would do and reach out to his trembling child. He watched with an open sad smile as Luke fell back into his hold, his grasp too weak to clutch onto his mother's stone casket. 

"Ssshh my Luk'yalie. Daddy's here. Daddy has you now. You're safe." Vader spoke, soothingly. 

Luke whimpered, turning his face into Vader's breast and cried harder as Vader stood up off the cold floor and made his way outside of the tomb. 

All around them was death. hundreds of guards, the remaining Naberrie family, the useless handmaidens. Luke didn't need this. The poor child's hyper sensitivity to death was too much for him to handle and Vader would not allow for it to continue. He kissed Luke's cheek as the boy in his arms gave a sleepy yawn and a cough from crying so hard. The father rocked him for only a moment. After all, it was late and getting Luke someplace warm and safe was top priority. 

Those new security measurements would need to be put in place as well. This would not happen again. Luke was not leaving his side. Ever. Again. 

Chapter Text

"Luke, what are you saying?!" Leia had every right to be upset, concerned, mad and even hate him. He deserved every ounce of her anguish to be shaken, stirred and served to him. After all, this was the first time they had spoken in months since his capture and the first thing that comes out of his mouth is how he wants to save Vader, his father, believing Anakin Skywalker is still there. The comlink call had lasted hours after that, mostly with Leia pleading him, begging him to come straight away to the Alliance. 

"And tell them what? That I'm the so-called Imperial Prince? I don't think so." Luke nearly laughed if he hadn't sobbed. 

"Luke, no one believes that here." Leia pleaded, though she didn't sound convincing. "No one? You lie." Luke had been informed by Ryoo and Pooja that some members hated his guts, important ones too. Mon Mothma was skeptical, apparently. Leia had rattled on about how she had spoken to the woman so often on the subject and how she pleaded for Luke to be given a chance, a trial even to test his loyalty and how she knew Luke would pass with flying colors. Luke knew what that would pertain. Questioning his allegiance would most likely have him questioned but even more so he'd be told to give up Imperial information. Information Luke assumed he didn't have. Vader kept him locked away or at the basics on his education in politics. His heart hurt thinking of Sabe and how she is more then likely dead or being interrogated herself. 

"Leia. . . I have to go to Dagobah. I'm leaving tomorrow morning. If there's a chance I can save my father and stop Vader then perhaps I can overpower him and-"

"And what Luke? Have him submit to you? This is Darth Vader we are talking about here." She sighed, "I don't really understand where you're coming from when you say you can save him. He's corrupted and evil as he is powerful. Not to mention if he was a Jedi, that means he's got years of experience over you to begin with. How long are you planning on hiding from him to train and will your training even be enough?" Leia's eyes held tears, worry, doubt. 

Luke's head hung as he starred at his trembling hands. 

"I. . . I don't know, Leia. But if Ben is telling me to do it then I want to. I won't fight him but. . ." 

"What do you mean you won't fight him? I thought training meant to get strong and eventually overpower what was in your way. Is it not?" She wasn't wrong. Not at all. 

"Leia." Luke gulped, starring at the holograph of the sad woman he adored. "If. . . If I don't ever make it. Please know that I'll never stand for what they believe in. The Imperials. Surly you can agree with me on how it feels to have to be around Vader and rule under the Galactic Empire." Leia's face softened. How could she not know? Being the senator of a planet that now was nothing but shattered material which light hadn't reached her in so long. She couldn't deny the presence of Vader was intimidating when he was nothing but in an armor of intimidation. Armored or not, the vile, creature who dared think he was a man was no less evil with or without a mask. 

When Luke was announced as his son and heir, at first Leia refused to believe it. Luke himself had told her stories of himself on Tatooine when they had time to rest and she in return told him about Alderaan. One story she constantly recalled was that of his father. Luke had no mother, no memories, no tales, no name. But he had a father, once. His named was Anakin Skywalker, a freed slave who became a Jedi and was betrayed by Obi-Wan Kenobi's padawan: Darth Vader. Apparently the story was skewed by Obi-Wan, because Anakin WAS Darth Vader. It had been Anakin who had fallen. Now she had seen Vader's face, there was no denying Luke's parentage. And yet, she knew Luke was nothing like his father. 

Blood be damned. 

And yet, when Luke informed her of his mother: Padme Amidala, instantly she brought up Pooja. She had served with her and became close friends. Finding out Luke was related to the Naberrie Royal Family was a shocker in itself. What a small galaxy. 

"Luke. I would never believe that. Mon too will know the difference between your actions and propaganda." She assured him. Luke gave her a tiny smile of relief, nodding as he wiped a tear away. He didn't fully believe Mon believed he was loyal to Vader. It broke his heart thinking Wedge or anyone else he piloted with would. He tried not to dwell on those feelings. "Luke, it is too dangerous for any Rebel to try and break into The Imperial Palace to rescue you. You know this." He nodded.  "If. . . .If you go to Dagobah and return, I fear you will be alone in your fight with Vader."

"I won't fight him." Luke repeated, "I. . . . I won't." 

Leia said nothing. And yet, her heart wished to tell Luke everything. She loved him. The boy who rescued her, fought for democracy and had his head up in the sky more than anyone she knew. When she first met him, there was a connection that wasn't romantic, but something dormant awakened in her she couldn't place her finger on. As if she had known him before. 

"Luke. Be careful." 

"I'll try to be, Leia. Give Han and Chewie my thoughts." 

"Don't try Luke, Be. Come back to us as quick as you can." 

Groaning as he struggled to open his eyes, Luke squinted them shut, not ready to be awake just yet. His body didn't feel sore, only heavy. As if he had been running for miles and hadn't stopped until he collapsed. The young boy only opened his eyes when he realized he wasn't next to his mother's tomb as he thought he had passed out next to. Glancing around, he instantly knew he was truly, utterly and completely fucked. 

He knew the walls of the Devastator anywhere. Vader had come, how he had found out or why Luke didn't felt his presence, he didn't know. Luke winced as he sat up, kicking the sheets off him as he raced to a window, looking frantically to see if he were still on Naboo but only a sea of darkness with a mass of twinkling stars greeted him. 

"Kriff." He spoke to himself. He had a bad feeling about what was to come. He didn't have to wait long as the doors to his sleeping quarters opened and he was met with the sight of his father, long black sleeping robes swaying as his Force tendrils whirled around him. Following next to him was R2. Luke smiled happily at the tiny droid while R2 screamed with happiness gliding towards his beloved pilot. The gleeful moment didn't last when Vader approached R2 and manually shut him down, ignoring Luke's scoff. 

The droid was placed on a small charging dock and before Luke could say anything, the father had wrapped his arms around his little boy, hugging him tight and close. Luke was taken back for a moment as he felt the coils of their bond mingle, the warm ends of his grazing with Vader's icy shards in a precise dance. Vader lowered his head into Luke's neck and dare the younger man say he thought he heard a sniffle. 

Relief, joyous relief.  All coming from his father's end of their bond. 

"I-I.."

"Not a word, Luke." Vader hushed, not moving, instead his grip tightened to where Luke felt pain from Vader's finger tips digging into his body. The man's grip on him from his durasteel hand was one thing, but even his flesh hand was intense. It reminded Luke of a parent Loth cat gripping their kitten to keep them safe in their burrow during a sand storm. That's how Luke felt at that moment. Vader took his time in holding his child. The child that was, almost, taken from him again. First Obi-Wan, then Sabe and The Naberries. His anger towards them was justified and tucked away to be festered on later if need be. For now, he just wanted to hold his child in peace. His sweet, sweet little boy who was without doubt traumatized.

Vader hadn't allowed himself to cry since  Padme told him she was pregnant. He wouldn't allow himself to now, but he came close to it. 

The father had his fill for the moment and relaxed his hold on Luke before lifting the boy's chin to have them lock eyes. 

"Oh Luke. . . You're safe." He had a medical droid check over his son and was pleased there wasn't bruising or damage whatsoever to his son. Luke frowned, confused. "I was safe before too. I was never in any danger." He explained. Vader frowned. "You were taken from me and hidden for nearly a week. How was I supposed to know if you were safe or not?" That was a rhetorical question on his end. "Luke, what did they do to you?" He demanded, firmly but not angerly. "Your shields were up for a long time, that was dangerous for someone as inexperienced in the Force as yourself. Did they force you to?" 

"No!" Luke defended. "Auntie Sola never told me to do anything." 

Vader blinked, outrage dawned on his face. Auntie Sola? Like Auntie Beru? His fears had been confirmed: Luke had grown so familiar with The Naberries in such a short time that they were quick to gain his trust easily. This wasn't good at all. Who knows what they put into his head. He ran a hand across his cheeks, covering his mouth as he stood in front of his child. Luke took the opportunity to continue, "They didn't hurt me, honest! I was never forced into anything." 

"And yet a blaster was held to you and you were forced to go on the ship," Vader shook his head. "Do you take me for a fool, my child?!" 

"What are you talking about?" Luke demanded. 

"I saw it with my own eyes and what security holos that traitor Sabe missed, Luk'yalie." Vader informed, "I saw her grab you, kill my men in front of you and force you to leave the security of your home!" Vader hoped she was rotting in Siths hell. How dare she. How dare she separate his baby from him. As if there wasn't a whole rebel Alliance out to kill his little one. As if Luke knew everything about the Galaxy--which he didn't--and would be fine on his own without his Daddy. It just wasn't true. Eighteen or not, Luke was too inexperienced and just too young to leave him. His bond with the force was still infantile at best. It would take years for him to learn from it. "And they tried to manipulate you the way they tried to manipulate your mother." Vader seethed. Luke's wide doe eyes filled with tears as he shook his head.

"No! Auntie Sola-"

"Do not call her that!" 

"--would never! I learned so much about--" Luke stopped, he had to take a moment to think about what he was going to say without trying to cry. Vader couldn't see him as weak. He was already still a child in the man's eyes and it didn't help his cause. Luke's voice quivered as he admitted, "About....about my mother." 

The room went deathly silent. Luke wished it wasn't. The silence was just as bad as the force tendrils slithering around his body. Vader's mouth let out something between a snicker and scoff. "Your mother? The woman I've known since I was a child. The woman I married, the woman I loved more than anyone else." Vader's twisted smirk was uneasy to Luke. The younger man knew he had to of touched a nerve. "You think I don't know anything about her? The woman I adored? You silly child, all you had to do was ask me. I will give you information on your late mother that won't be covered in lies or deceit."  

Luke's head snapped up. "What are you talking about? I was never lied to." 

"I believe that." Vader continued to smirk. 

"I wasn't!" 

"So they told you everything, did they!?" Vader's voice raised as he began to walk in circles around Luke, his tendrils keeping the boy in place so Luke's chances of running were halted. Not that he could if he tried, Vader's long muscular arms would have caught him and he'd be over his father's knee faster than he could blink. "Did they tell you of how horrible of a pregnancy she had? How she was so sick it left her bedridden and all that time they did nothing to comfort her but tell her to cut me off? To tell the Queen of Naboo to exile her own husband and Father of her child? Let me guess, they touched base with you on the fact that even after your mother begged them, her family and her handmaidens to quit bad mouthing me, they ignored her pleas and continued. Were you told that?!" He snapped. 

No. No Luke was not. Luke's eyebrows furrowed as Vader continued. "Or how she was so sick with worry over you, our little one, and all they told her was to hide you from me!" Vader stopped walking, his smirk formed into a snarl. "Or how Obi-Wan kept lurking around her sleeping quarters?" He hissed. Luke's expression fell to confusion. Obi-Wan had known his mother that well he knew where she slept? No. It couldn't be. Luke gulped as his father spoke again. 

"I found you in front of her tomb! They were torturing you with dangling her death in your face. Tell me, Luke. Did they tell you everything?"  

Luke had enough. 

"No! Okay, they didn't tell me that but so what?" The boy shouted, his father's expression taken back at the fact Luke shouted at him. It had been a while since his boy had given him lip. "They at least never locked me in a room or told me when I was allowed to eat, sleep or how to dress myself. They treated me like an adult and not like some prisoner!" 

Vader barked a laugh. "A prisoner?! Ha! You've never been held captive in your life if that is your only comparison." The younger blonde didn't take too kindly to being belittled. He growled, "Again, you know nothing about my life! At least Auntie Sola listened to me. She made me feel welcomed and if I'm being honest maybe The Naberrie's weren't wrong about you!" The room instantly chilled. Luke knew that was the wrong thing to say as his father's face darkened and his expression fell like the switch of a lightsaber. The father placed both of his large hands on Luke's shoulder, staring him down. Luke refused to be afraid. Those precious days away from the tall, angry man had given him a confidence boost as he stood straight, glaring back. 

"I will give you ten seconds to take back what you said to me, Luk'yalie." Vader seethed. 

"I won't take it back." Luke spat 

"You sound as if you---." Vader paused, glancing down at his little boy. Luke was angry at him. Their bond screaming at each other of their fury, their distaste, disgust. Any other day Vader would have loved to relish in this boy's anger. But something else poked at the back of his skull. A tiny reminder of Piett informing him of information he felt was key to finding the then lost prince. Of Luke looking around the ballroom and asking Piett if he had seen a woman around asking or looking for him. A woman. Sabe. Luke. Looking. Kidnapped. 

Vader swallowed. 

"....as if you wanted to leave." Vader finished. Luke didn't blink. Vader's mind raced as he tried to deny this. No. Not his baby. He had seen it with his own eyes! His Luke was pushed by Sabe and she held the blaster towards him telling him to get on the ship. His son was forced to do that. He wouldn't leave his Daddy. The Force said otherwise. Dancing around the two it ringed of the truth. His Luke. His little one. The baby he never got to hold when smaller than he is now. His baby boy had planned this. He had tried to run away and he knowingly had help in doing so. Vader had his suspicions early on when he brought Luke home that Luke would try and dart away from him, but days turned to weeks and weeks to months. Each day was filled with him pampering his boy, cleaning him, feeding him, loving him, training him, doing everything he should as a father and this was how Luke would repay him? 

Luke spoke up, "I. . . .I had to." Vader was still as a statue each word Luke spoke chipped away at him.  "I. . .You were suffocating me! I told you I don't want any of this!" Luke cried. "Please, I can save you if you let--" 

"You. . . .you dare betray me?!" Vader screamed. Vader was livid. This was all Sabe's, Sola's, Obi-Wan's fault. It was all their fault! They tried to turn Padme against him and now they were trying to finish the job from beyond the grave. Vader towered over Luke as he continued, "Without a care for my feelings or your safety, you knowingly ran?!"  

The young adult tried to step away from Vader when a tendril reached out to him, gripping him. Though, the Force tendril didn't hurt. They never did, no matter how hard they squeezed. Luke whimpered, "No, please, just listen to me!" He begged. Vader refused. He wouldn't listen to the excuses of a child, of his baby, and their justification for putting themselves in danger. It was bad enough he feared Luke was in danger but knowing he deliberately put himself there unleashed a new fear Vader felt. His innocent, gullible, vulnerable son was at risk of being brainwashed by a simple stranger off the street as much as he was the Rebel alliance. 

He wasn't going to let that happen. 

Vader said nothing as he listened to Luke struggle and plea to be let go. He sat on the spare bed where not too long ago Luke fell asleep for the first time under his father's watch. It may have been mere months ago, but Vader already felt time passing him by. He said nothing else as he used the Force to command Luke across hi lap. The boy didn't need to be told twice as to what to expect. 

"No, no please don't!" He cried as Vader began to loosen his Pj shorts and his small clothes. He felt he was given no choice. While he was angry at Luke for running away, he realized it wouldn't be happening if he hadn't checked in on Luke more often. He should have pestered him more of Ms. Tsabin and her lessons, sit in with him on a class or two and supervise. Siths hells he was happy she was dead and his boy was in his lap regardless if he was squirming or not. But Vader felt this time a regular spanking wouldn't do for his boy. No. The boy needed something heavier to sink the punishment in. 

Luke  had pretty much asked for suicide leaving Vader like that. 

"Luk'yalie. . . why are you about to have your bottom smacked?" Vader asked rhetorically. It came as no surprise to him when Luke bit back, "Because you're a dictator who won't take no for a fucking answer!" Formalities be damned. Luke was pissed and he wanted Vader to feel his anger, to feel his frustration he had endured over the past months. He wanted to lash out at his father, give him a piece of his mind in how fucked up he thought his treatment was. Vader narrowed his eyes. 

"You've doubled your punishment, Little one. I hope it was worth it." was all he said before Luke heard a faint clicking. He felt Vader shift his weight for a moment before realizing Vader was taking something off of himself. The snap of leather and the click of the belt buckle made Luke pale as he dared to turn his head over and with wide blue eyes, he trembled seeing Vader holding his robe belt. 

". . .you. . .you wouldn't." He whimpered. The Force confirmed his worst fears. Yes. Vader would spank his ass with a belt because he was angry, because he felt like it, because he simply could. Vader kept the frown on his face, the worry lines on his forehead and the tiny bits of grey on the sides of his hair prominent as his sad expression. He felt he had aged years in the past few days worrying about the state his son was in. He was just upset he had to spend the first hours he had Luke back punishing him. Didn't Luke understand the worry and trouble Vader had put himself threw? Why was his child so selfish? 

"I'm afraid I must, Luk'yalie. You must learn that your place is with me and wherever I put you, you are to stay. Do you understand?" Vader didn't expect a response and of course Luke would begin pleading for Vader to not strike him and how he was an adult and this wasn't necessairy. Vader held back his tongue. Luke knew nothing of parenthood. He was the parent, he knew best. And right now Luke was overdue for his punishment, needed a bath and his formula was waiting to be suckled down. Vader used his force tendrils to keep Luke's Legs and arms pinned towards the floor. The father ran a hand threw Luke's hair, a silent apology almost as he raised the belt and cracked it on Luke's pale pinkish bum, earning a howl from the boy. It was a scream of agony and it was meant to be. The red stripe across Luke's ass was sizzling hot. Vader would ensure the belt buckle never touched Luke, but this wasn't meant to be enjoyed by either of them. 

It was meant for Luke to remember that his actions were unacceptable. And would never happen again. 

"You will recieve twenty. Ten for running and ten for your language--which I have told you time and time again to knock it off." Another smack to Luke's butt had Luke sobbing harder. 

"Stop, stop please this hurts it hurts!" Luke despratly wanted to kick his legs, to try and flee. with Vader's tendrils holding him in place there was nothing he could do but beg for his father to stop hitting him. Gods above it felt horrible, worse than a regular spanking. Vader took hi time in cracking down the belt, leaving welts and red-purplish stripe marks across his plump ass and the backs of his thighs. It wasn't even up to the fifth smack was Luke sobbing and tears were running down his face. He felt as if his father had held him over a roaring lava pit and his ass had caught fire. 

Luke pleaded for mercy. '"Please, please stoooop." The tears fell down his cheeks, dripping onto the floor. 

"Four more, dearest." Vader sadly spoke, raising his arm again to crack down. Now there was three. Vader found himself wincing when he saw he had caused a scrape to form along the lower regions of Luke's bum where his thighs met. He knew his little one wouldn't be able to sit without some sort of pillow under him, if he could sit or walk at all. But that was the point of this. Vader didn't want Luke to run off, more or less walk away. Luke would simply be in too much pain for the next few days to even think of such a stunt. And what a wonderful punishment this was too. The books said Force Sensitive Children needed lots of discipline in their lives and a belt spanking, though harsh, was effective if serious punishments took place. 

Vader could think of no better action to deserve such punishment than Luke trying to leave him. His little boy's cries hurt his heart. Truly they did. But Luke had to understand he was hurting too. 

The last three smacks would need to set Luke's mind into stone. 

"Are you going to run away, Luk'yalie?" Vader asked. Hiccupping and coughing, Luke shook his head. "Speak little one, Daddy won't take a silent answer." He waited for Luke to catch his breath, no doubt with all the crying and screaming Luke's throat was raw and his lungs were probably gasping for proper air. Eventually he got an answer, "N-nnooo."He was correct, poor Luke was so worn out and upset. Vader knew this would all end soon. He'd have his perfect little baby boy back for him to coddle and snuggle while feeding him his bottle. The belt came crashing down, further expanding the bruise on Luke's bum. Luke cried out.

Two more to go. 

"Are you ever going to disobey Daddy ever again?" Vader asked. Luke sobbed, his answer a half no and a cry. Either way, Vader waited until Luke could speak properly to give him an answer. The belt in it's black leather glory crashed down on Luke's thighs, making the boy jump and whimper. Vader never wanted to have to do this ever again. His poor little Luke was so distressed. Luke needed his milk and a soothing bath with some kin oils and bubbles. Yeah, that sounded like a plan. One more crack of the belt and Luke gagged. Vader grew worried. He feared his son was screaming himself sick. The last thing he needed was for Luke to make himself throw up. Thankfully this would be the last one. 

"Luke. . . " Vader began softly, one hand holding the belt, the other laying a hand in the small of Luke's back. "Tell Daddy you're sorry." The blonde was red in the face from crying as it was, any more and he'd put tomatoes to shame as he buried his head into the mattress. He couldn't say he was sorry because he wasn't. He wanted away from Vader. He wanted to get away from him because he was a bad, BAD man that did bad, BAD things. Vader frowned, reaching into the depths of their bond to brush up against Luke's own ends. The young, teary eyed man hiccupped a few times, Vader lovingly patting his back gently to help him let out the excess air. 

"Say I'm sorry Daddy, you can do it, little one." Vader cooed. 

Luke's bottom lip trembled. He couldn't deny it. That feeling of Vader, his father, being so close to him. Touching him gently, coaxing his Force onto Luke's own, like a mama bantha nudging her youngling. It was deep parental love that couldn't be faked. How he wished it was so he could get angry again. So he could fight back. And yet, he couldn't. His bottom lip trembled as he echoed the words. 

"M'. . . I'm . . s-sorry, Da-Daddy." Luke sobbed. 

Vader's heart swooned. Last spanking be damned as he tossed the belt aside in favor of gently lifting his child into his arms, mindful of Luke's red and purple bruised bum. "Oh, oh there we go. Sssh, my Luk'yalie. It's all over now." Vader hushed as Luke sobbed into his chest. Vader couldn't help but smile threw his own red-rimmed eyes, pressing his lips to the top of Luke's curly blonde hair and resting his cheek upon it as his son cried on like a helpless infant wanting his Daddy. 

Daddy, he called me Daddy. 

Luke had never called him that before. In fact, Vader wasn't sure he'd even say the word. Luke hadn't addressed him as his father and for Vader it sealed the package this wonderful gift the Force gave him. This beautiful blonde, doe eyed precious little thing in his arms was his. All his. His to spoil, to adore, to ravish. And he'd start by kicking off the pj pants and keeping his son bottom half bare. Vader never gave a shit about modesty when it came to Luke anyway, he was his parent what was he gonna do? He smiled gently. 

All was well. His son was back and his enemies were crushed. Obi-Wan was an utter fool for thinking otherwise. "Come my Luk'yalie. Let's lay you down." Vader hushed as he laid Luke on his stomach, careful of his bruised ass. "There we go, oh-oh, easy now." The father gently spoke as he laid his whimpering son down. He ran his cool hands across Luke's cheeks, wiping away the fat tears and feeling his flushed cheeks and forehead. Luke coughed, holding his arms as the father kneeled by the bed. 

"Luk'yalie. Someone else missed you too." Vader smiled. 

Luke didn't have the energy to ask what Vader was talking about before Vader pulled the stuffed Bantha from seemingly out of no where. Luke's heart soared as he was given the plush toy. The craving of holding onto something--anything for a relief of comfort was strong with him. Vader only softly laughed when Luke took the Bantha and nuzzled his face into it. 

"Bantha missed you lots, Luk'yalie." All Luke did was hide his face. Vader stood up. "You have a little nap, my angel. Daddy's going to run you a bath and then you need your formula." Vader hushed next to Luke's ear. "Daddy will only be a moment." He'd make a quick run to the tub and then it was back to his baby. He promised. Luke ignored him in favor of stroking the soft hair on his Bantha, feeling his eyes get heavy again. His ass burned so much he didn't register when Vader carried him to the tub for a long supervised soak and drape a cloth around his waist and threw his legs with bruising healing powder dusted on his back end. 

In fact, he felt as if he were floating. Vader's loving hands were so gentle caressing him, holding him. And he felt something he hadn't in years; not since he was younger than four and he'd stand out in the desert for hours, starring out into the sky above him as if the stars were calling him onto a journey. 

"D-Daaddy." Luke slurred as Vader lowered him into the bed, clean with the cloth around his lower waist. "Yes, Luke?" Vader smiled. He didn't get an answer as Luke's heavy lidded eye closed on him and a peaceful sleep overtook him. 

Daddy. . . 

Chapter Text

"There can only ever be two Sith in existance, one to master the use of The Dark Side, the other to crave it." Darth Vader's words echoed in Galen's mind. All of his memories, his only purpose in life, had been that of secret training under Darth Vader. Years ago when Galen had reached the age of thirteen, Vader informed him of his opinion on The Emperor, Sidious, and how Vader felt his master was holding him back. He would kill him eventually and politically take advantage of being the heir to the throne, but Galen knew the underlying reason Vader so wanted The Emperor dead. Vader was craving more of the Dark side's knowledge, of it's power, he thirsted for it like a starved man in the desert. 

Fast forward to Galen's training on Mustafar. Non stop for well over six months had everything and anything that was a droid in his sight planned to kill him, be it on contact or dormant. His reflexes sharpened and he trusted no one. He stood tall, straight and yet there was something hollow about him that other officers immediately picked up on when they came into contact with him. 

He appeared as more droid like than human. It frightened a few. Galen had done his job in waiting on Naboo for his master in the fighter ship. Yet, Vader had been either ignoring him or preoccupied with more important matters. This confused him due to the fact that whenever he was summoned by Vader, he was never kept waiting. He did seek out his master threw the Force but Vader's shields were up, meaning he was not to be disturbed. The arrival to Coruscant took another two days but he was finally acknowledged by Vader who informed him to be at the ship's exit to follow him into the palace. 

It was there that Galen met Luke. 

If he was surprised by his master's behavior before, nothing prepared him for the sight of Vader: suit-less to begin with, but he had been informed by an officer that Vader's health had returned thanks to numerous bacta tank submersions. Still, he was no less tall and menacingly scary towering over everyone and everything in his path, but in his arms appeared to be a boy, swaddled in a black plush blanket, pink cheeks, red rimmed eyes as if he appeared to have cried earlier and in one hand holding a stuffed animal of some sorts and the other placed on Vader's shoulder. The boy also had bright blue eyes and when he made eye contact with Galen, he blushed, embarrassed and turned his head away. The door opened and Galen was given a nod from Vader himself to follow. Vader's walk was swift and he bounced the boy in his arms. 

Galen wondered, was this his new rival? Was this boy his master's son? Galen had never been to The Imperial Palace's royal suite but it wasn't hard to follow Vader who remained awfully silent the whole trip. He had so many questions for his master. 

Arriving back to the safety of their home was a relief for Vader. He knew good and well he could have made Luke walk and enforce the belting the boy recieved days ago to sting again as he know it would, but he took pity on his child. After all, Luke had earned himself a week's worth of maintenance of discipline on top of that belt spanking. Yesterday morning Luke had to write lines and a proper apology to his father for running away and one to Admiral Piett for having to round up the crew for a Star Destroyer to find his ass. That part was the most humiliating, especially when Vader made him openly read the letter in front of Piett and other officers who smiled kindly at him and assured that they just worry for his safety. 

Luke had a feeling they would make fun of him for the rest of his life, well, not Piett, the man seemed genuinely scared for his life, but he knew the other officers would; even if Vader didn't find out.  Today had been the worst so far as Vader had made him sit on the bed with a bar of soap in his mouth to "clean it" again because he had sworn at his father. That was why he stayed quiet. He could still taste the bitter floral taste on his mouth and it made him want to gag. 

The doors opened and R2 was the first to wheel in heading straight for the charging port as Vader commanded him to. 

"Ah, Prince Luke! Thank goodness you are safe." 3PO greeted the boy. Luke said nothing as Vader set him on his feet on the ground. Luke glanced up at his father, worried. Vader cleared his throat, "To your room, little one. Wash your mouth and play quietly. 3PO will keep you company." Luke wanted to snap at him. Say he wasn't a kid anymore or something. Either way, he was just glad Vader was giving him time alone because the man didn't leave his room at all on the Star ship. Something about "ensuring he would stay put." or something stupid. 

Vader turned to Galen and spoke. "My role had changed, Starkiller," He admitted. "I cannot and will not be someone's guard dog." 

Galen, Starkiller, nodded. "Was that him, sir? That boy. . . " 

"Yes. That is my child, Luk'yalie. He was taken from his mother at birth when I believed him to be dead." Vader sat on one of the many sofas in the room. "You may sit my apprentice. We've much to talk about your training." Vader snapped his fingers and immediately two false cameras pointed at the front door spat out red lasers at Galen, who drew his lightsaber and diligently ricocheted them back, blasting the false cameras into oblivion. Vader smirked, impressed. "Your training has served you well, Starkiller. Though that is quite obvious of me to say considering you're standing in front of me as it is. Mustafar is not a pleasant place, is it?" 

"No, master." 

"Regardless of wherever you are in this Galaxy, Starkiller, pleasant or not, you do not let your guard down. Let the paranoia seep into your brain and assume all want you dead." Vader smoothly spoke as a servant droid arrived with a single glass filled with bubbling alcohol. Vader listed the glass, taking a sip after he said, "I certainly do. And I will make that a reality should you fail." 

"Yes, master." Yes master, no master. Those were the only words Vader seemed to like from him. Not that Galen complained. He learned long ago Vader doesn't do idle chatting. Vader nodded, enjoying his alcohol. 

"Your next assignment will be putting your training into use. I am no guard dog, but you are." He uttered coyly, "The child you saw is no child at all. He is eighteen. He is vulnerable to the Galaxy and has yet to harbor his powers." 

"He is strong in the force, master?" 

"Yes. Can you not feel him?" Galen could. Luk'yalie was powerful. He wondered, if Luk'yalie knew this as well. "He was tainted with teachings of an old fool and I want that eradicated from him. It will be. However, I cannot be at his side all the time, which is where you will play in. You are to be by his side every waking moment outside these quarters. Consider yourself lucky to be standing in this room." Vader's cocky smirk left his face as he grimly glared at the young man, "You are his escort and you will train with him." 

Starkiller nodded. He learned long ago to also never question Vader's motives. He had a long scar on the side of his hand when he dared to point at an object and ask the man what he was doing. 

"One mark on his body and you endure the pain far worse than he did. If he gets a paper cut, your finger is chopped off. If he trips and bruises his delicate knees, I will bust your kneecaps. Understood?" Vader sneered. Starkiller bowed his body. He expected no less treatment from Vader than this. This was how Vader's exchanges usually went. Still, if Galen didn't know better, then he assumed that his master had some sort of feelings towards the other boy, Luk'yalie. He was obviously someone important to Vader. Important enough that Vader threatened Starkiller's life if Luke so much as sneezed. This was the way of the Sith, Galen knew. He was weak and Vader was his master. He owed his life to Vader, incredibly indentured to the man as he taught him the ways of The Sith. 

"And of your son?" Starkiller asked. 

Vader sneered and Galen was half convinced Vader would force choke him for even mentioning his son. "What about him?" 

"Will he not learn of the Dark side?" Vader answered no. This was also a sense of mild relief for the young sith-to-be. The rule of two was still enacted. He wouldn't die. 

"Get out of my sight." The Emperor commanded, sounding half bored as he raised his hand and used the Force to fling Starkiller out the double doors before shutting them. He smirked. This would be perfect. With Starkiller guarding Luke, there was no way any Imperial-Imposter could snag his child away from him. Vader finished his drink in peace before checking on his child. He was pleased to see Luke laying on the floor before his chest of toys with a book. 3PO happily asking him what different parts were and Luke explaining perfectly what they belonged to and did. Vader was so proud of his child and all the knowledge he was able to soak up concerning anything that flew from a speeder to a TIE fighter. Vader made his presence known to Luke who jerked back to look at his father in the doorway before turning his attention to his book. 

"3PO, give us a moment alone, please." 

"Right away, your majesty. I believe I am overdue for a charge." The gold droid spoke leaving. Luke kept his gaze away from his father, focused more on the book. Vader frowned. 

"Luke. Come to Daddy." Vader opened his hands. Luke ignored him, turning the page. Vader expected some resiliance from his son, after all Luke had been processing his punishments like the good boy he was and he as sure there was bound to be some resentment from his offspring, but it was due to Vader ensuring his son was well punished for his deplorable actions. That's what good fathers did. "Luke. I will not repeat myself child. Come to Daddy." He waited a moment and watched as Luke reluctantly shut his book and stood up, approaching Vader. The man happily swooped the boy up into his arms, kissing his cheek and mindful of the boy's bruised behind and backs of his legs as he carried him to the living room for dinner. 

Baby steps. He told himself. Luke would come around back to normal. After all, his son was traumatized at the sight of his mother's tomb. He was glad he killed Sola. How dare she allow him to go neer Padme's grave. She knew nothing about Luke, especially if she didn't know the boy had a heart of glass. 

"I don't want to eat." Luke muttered as soon as food arrived. It was bone broth and crackers. Vader frowned. "If you'd rather a large bottle and then straight to bed that can be arranged." Vader warned. Luke scoffed. The father was fed up with Luke's behavior. Still, he wasn't about to argue let alone fight a senseless little boy who thought he knew what was best for him.  "Do not test me today, child." The warning in Vader's voice was thick enough for Luke to sit up straight, the scowl still prominent on his face, and reach for his spoon. It was a miracle Vader let him feed himself today so he wasn't going to let this moment pass. 

A low rumble from outside startled him, catching Vader's attention. "What's wrong?" He asked. Luke gulped. "Nothing." He lied, shielding his inner thoughts when he felt Vader probe around in his mind. 

There were many experiences Luke had yet to endure outside of Force training or learning to be a Royal Prince. The elemental difference on Courscant involving rain, specifically thunderstorms was alarming to him. Unknown to Luke, it was the rainy season on the planet. Luke had experienced many of the Tatooine sand storms that blew into the homestead, but he grew out of that fear when he was younger, Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen comforting him and reminding him it was just strong wind and kicked up sand. Beru often re-telling him the story of the mythical Tatooine dragon that created the sand storms by flying too close to the ground looking for water. But this, the roaring thunder, bolting lightning and water pounding on his bedroom window kept him up during the night. 

Luke whimpered under his bedding, hugging that stupid stuffed Bantha. He hated how reliant he had become on the toy. How it had been such a comforting item. He nuzzled his face into the toy when another crack of thunder was heard in the distance. It was growing louder and he didn't like it. His end of the bond with his father trembled like a leaf. His mind was foggy from lack of sleep and he fought tooth and nail to keep quiet but his whimpers betrayed him. He heard his door open more with a small squeak.

"Luke?" his father called, worried.  

The young boy didn't say anything before a huge clap of thunder struck overhead the palace, making the walls feel as if they were rattling and the boy let out a scream into his pillow, covering his ears. He hated this burst of energy. It hurt his ears. 

From outside in a garden, soaked in rainwater from the storm, Starkiller halted his training to glance up at a light that had turned on in Prince Luke's room. He had been using the energy from the rainstorm to aid in his training when he heard a yell. Immediately the man began to bolt to the side of the palace wall to scale it. If there was an intruder as he feared then there was no telling what Vader would do to him if a single hair was harmed on the Prince's head. Galen almost lost his grip but the Force was strong with him and it was a minor slip before he made it to the small balcony outside the locked windows of Luke's room where he was greeted with the strangest sight.  

His master holding Luke close. This wouldn't have been so strange to him for he had seen Vader carry Luke at least a few times during his duration here but what was noticeably different this time was how gentle he was being, Vader shushing him, rubbing his back. Galen frowned. What in the Sith Hells was this? Darth Vader, Lord of The Sith nee Emperor of The Galactic Empire, comforting a child so tenderly? Galen wasn't sure if this was a trick or not. It had to be, he told himself, this was a Force illusion to play on his mind. 

Galen hadn't the time to think about it as bright yellow eyes were glaring at him. Galen's skin crawled when his master raised his arm and he felt his throat tighten as he began gasping for air and was flung off the balcony onto the grass below. 

Nope. It wasn't an illusion. 

"Again." Vader spoke as Luke used his father's old lightsaber to attack against Vader's red one. His form was off, he had no control over his moves. If anything, Luke was swinging at every opening he saw to win the duel. 

"Your concentration needs sharpening,' Vader commented. "You cannot just swing a saber around and hope to get a hit." 

"But how else do you fight someone?" Luke asked, out of breath. All morning he had been training with his father. At first he had been skeptical of the whole ordeal, fearing Vader would introduce him to The Dark side, but the man had yet to even mention such a thing and they kept to work outs and saber training. "I mean, all that matters if throwing the best punch isn't it?" 

Vader smirked, lowering his weapon as he shook his head. "I'm pleased to know you haven't been in any fights to know right from wrong, but no. There is more to that then just hitting hard. You need to work on your footing as well. You've nearly tripped a few times." And no it wasn't because of Luke's training shoes that were wrapped around his adorable feet. Luke walked like a baby loth cat: clumsy and confidant. 

The blonde's nose scrunched in annoyance as he leaped forward to strike his father when Vader used the force to knock him back onto an area of plush mats, breaking any dangerous fall. 

"Funny you say you want nothing to do with The Dark side and yet that was a perfect example of using your anger to obtain more energy." Vader chuckled, fondly. Luke would learn in time, he told himself. As much as his combat sparing was left to be desired, he was improving. He could efficiently stack books and rocks and moving objects such as an exercise ball was becoming as easy as breathing to him. 

Vader was so proud of Luke. In fact, he beamed at the boy, holding his hand out to help him off the ground. Luke looked around the room, they weren't alone. Starkiller, as his father had called him and introduced him to Luke that morning, was watching. Intensely if he might add as well. Luke bit his bottom lip. He was his father's apprentice and it frightened him to know that Starkiller would eventually become a sith along with his father as Palpatine had been one. The thought of history repeating itself again chilled Luke to the core. 

He felt he was running out of time. 

'May I spar with him?" Luke asked. 

Vader raised an eyebrow. "Why?" He demanded, half annoyed. Why would Luke's attention be on his apprentice and not him? He was his father, Luke should adore him more than anyone. He soon got his answer, "Cause with you it's always an instant win. That's not fair." He whined. Vader rolled his eyes. "Starkiller is more advanced than you. He has no experience to train others." 

"Please? It's not fair I just train with you." Luke pleaded, his long eyelashes fluttering. Vader shouldn't allow it. Galen was older, more experienced and didn't know when to stop unless he was stopped. Turning to the younger man the father snapped his fingers, summoning his apprentice. Galen stood and approached the two. "Spar" The emperor commanded. Luke was taken off guard when Galen released his own red lightsaber and swung, thankfully he flipped out of the way at first. Sparing with Starkiller, Luke felt, was more efficient and he felt he had a chance at learning rather Vader stopping and telling him what he did wrong every five seconds. 

Starkiller lowered himself for a moment to kick at Luke's legs, sending the boy falling on his back. Starkiller raised his light saber for a mock kill when he himself was flung to the ground, cracking the training room floor. 

"F-Father!" Luke cried, sitting up. "What are you doing?" 

Vader said nothing but his yellow eyes told him he didn't have to say a word. "Starkiller knows what he did wrong." was his only explanation. Luke panted, out of breath and sore. "Your training is done for the day." Vader spoke, not giving Luke room for argument as he led the boy out of the room, paying not attention to his apprentice. Luke glanced back and winced as Starkiller limped towards a medic droid. 

"How could you do that?" Luke demanded to ask as soon as they were in the elevator. "You claim that man to be your apprentice and yet you ignore him, throw him around. You treat him like garbage." 

"That is not for you to decide, Luk'yalie." Vader cooley spoke. "He is more powerful because of me. At his age, my former master held me back and tried to silence me. End of discussion." Vader didn't even hide the anger that oozed out of the force tendrils that wrapped around Luke, keeping him close. The more days past him by, the less Luke believed he was going to reach Dagobah. When Ben visited him in his dreams, it was only to usher him to leave Vader's carefully constructed palace and to see out Yoda. Each night he was driven away by a furious darkness and he'd wake up with Vader possessively over his bedside, lovingly stroking his cheek. 

The father beamed down at him and Luke would blink his tears away. 

Little did he know: help was on the way. 

Chapter Text

There were things Darth Vader did that didn't surprise Luke anymore. From the head pats, cheek kisses and random calls to sit on his lap at the throne, Luke had been threw it all. To say he was used to it would be an understatement, there were moments he could feel something was about to happen, as if he knew his peaceful time alone was about to be interrupted by an overbearing father who wanted to treat him like a living doll. A few months ago, he would have been horrified to know that Vader had reached into his inner most thoughts while he was at his most vulnerable: asleep. Yet, when it was brought up at breakfast, all Luke had the energy to do was roll his eyes. 

"I do not take kindly to disrespect, Luk'yalie." Vader frowned, standing over his son as Luke quietly at his breakfast. The cooks decided today was a good day for hot cinnamon buns with icing and it was delicious. He ate three already. 

"I'm not disrespecting you. If anything, you're doing so to me. I don't look into your dreams." Luke mumbled. "That's because you don't know how to." Vader pointed out. He wasn't wrong. "Luk'yalie. . .son. . . " Vader sighed, pinching his nose. "Look, There's a time and place for these. . .things." Luke had to admit, seeing his father flustered was actually quite the sight. His face while rock hard and stern was a hint of pink and his dark blue eyes were darted at the table. Luke chuckled. 

"Well, let that be a lesson to you to poking into my dreams." Luke stuck his tongue out. Vader, thrown off, began to gape and stutter like a fish out of water. The well spoken Emperor of The Galactic Empire, reduced to such a state. Oh the press would have a field day. "I-I, that's not the point!" He argued, pointing his index finger at Luke. "You were talking in your sleep and thrashing about under the covers I assumed you were having another nightmare. Not. . . .fondling yourself." 

Luke didn't know much about force bonds, but he was pretty sure his father could have picked up that Luke felt pleasure from toying with himself. Not that he couldn't help it. He had been dreaming so wonderfully about his youth on Tatooine, of racing in the canyons. What started as an innocent dream of flying soon turned warm, flushing his cheeks as his thoughts began to wander into the territory of past events of sharing a Speeder with Biggs and how soft Biggs' lips felt against his own innocent and inexperienced ones. Or how Luke accidently sucked his bottom lip and didn't know how to slip his tongue properly but Biggs taught him every night Uncle Owen let him off in time for supper. Only Luke never went straight home. It was to their secret place under the setting of the twin suns to make Luke feel good with his large hands gently pressing against his zipped pants and have him blushing all night--

"Alright, enough of that!" Vader angerly slammed his fist on the table. Luke blinked, realizing he had been projecting his thoughts.

Vader snarled. "I will not have these vulgarities projected Luk'yalie." 

As much as Luke agreed with that statement, his sassy reply came in "Well, I am eighteen." Luke dully commented. He tried to mask his embarrassment of his father opening admitting that he caught him in a wet dream with sounding bored. Hopefully Vader would just drop this. But he wouldn't, Luke knew. Vader liked details and control. "Shouldn't you have thought about that before? Besides you're ancient. You probably don't remember what it's like." 

"Do not condescend me, little one." Then with all the parental tone he could muster, he continued: "Luke, you are living proof I understand that feeling and touching yourself emits pleasurable sensations to you and it's perfectly normal." Vader spoke as if he were walking on eggshells and all Luke wanted to do was crawl in a hole and die. The man was quick to add "But Luke, you are not ready for such actions involving sexual activity and I will not have you going about kissing random strangers. Don't you realize what is out there? There are diseases and--" 

"I know okay? I was already given this talk by my guardians." Luke was blushing now. His Aunt had walked in on him in the bath and that was a week before he could look at her in the eye. Or Uncle Owen for that matter who had to take Luke aside and give him a talk on his poor timing skills. Vader frowned. "I don't care who spoke to you about these matters. I am speaking now and you are to listen to me." 

"Oh what are you gonna say, I can't masturbate--"Vader physically flinched at the word, he wasn't repulsed. But not ready to hear his son had been experimenting with his body. "--because you can't handle it? I might as well become a eunuch." Luke spat. 

"Enough sass young man. If you want to continue this conversation like the adult you claim to be then I suggest you watch your tone." Vader warned. Luke hated that gaslighting his father oh-so perfected. Luke took a deep breath, wiping his hands with a free napkin to rid of the stickiness from the buns. He gave his stern father a glance before continuing. "Very well. I'll keep calm. We'll start off by agreeing what happened was normal, your words, correct?" 

"Yes." Vader spoke, not unkind, but firm. 

"And that what I was doing was in the privacy of my own room and out of my control considering I was asleep, right?" 

"Yes." Again firm. 

"So what's the problem?" Luke asked, rhetorically. It was Vader's turn to hold back a sigh. Technically nothing was wrong. Yes he was having trouble believing this adorable little boy was all grown up and he had missed out on so much. He regretted not seeing Luke's first steps, hearing his first babbles turn to words, seeing his first everything. He had to come with terms that physically, Luke was a grown man. But he knew as a parent that Luke was simply too young to begin the forms of a relationship. His boy was too kind for his own good too. Knowing Luke, he'd probably befriend and fall for the first man or woman that held the door open for him and winked. He cringed at the thought that most Senators had their children's arranged marriages beginning as early as eighteen. He looked at his stubborn little boy with frosting on the sides of his pouting mouth and long eye lashes. Logic told him Luke was simply too childish, innocent and hotheaded and inexperienced to begin the formations of a sexual relationship. The boy was still learning so much about the world already, just a few nights ago Luke got to experience rain for the first time. There was no way he was ready for ex if elemental weather changes startled him so. Vader seethed at the idea of some scumbag, man or woman, worming their way into his heart and taking him at his most vulnerable and leaving him heartbroken with no remorse. 

He didn't want to even think about such things. 

"The problem lies not with you thinking of the act, but doing the said act." Vader admitted. "I am your father and I will not have you gallivanting about kissing boys, Luk'yalie." 

Luke frowned, crossing his arms, "Auntie Sola told me you were only a few months older than me when you married my mother. You sound hypocritical, father." Vader hated that woman even more. "Child, that was different. Very different. Your mother and I were in love. We married in secret because attachment was forbidden by that outdated Jedi code I foolishly followed." Vader's face turned soft as he stood up, licking his thumb to wipe at the edges of Luke's mouth. "Child, your beautiful mother and I married out of love for one another and I was far more advanced with my bond with the force. You are not. Marriages, arranged or wanted are out of the question for you." The father's memory went back to Tarkin and how he slaughtered him happily for dare suggesting his worm of a son marry Luke when Luke was underage. "You have much to learn about who you are and your own potential. It will be years before I deem you ready for a relationship so it's best you loose those thoughts."

The younger blonde finished his food with his mouth full replied, "Whatever. Not like I wanna marry some Imperial jerk anyway." He wiped his hands clean before reaching for his bag with his text books inside. 

"We will discuss this later, Luke. I have very little faith in your education on sexual matters." Vader promised standing next to his child in the elevator. Luke would be off to lessons while Vader was needed at meetings. 

Luke's face was so red his neck and ears turned as well. "No thank you, Father." He had no desire for Vader to sit him down and give him the sex talk. It was awkward the first time around, he didn't need nor want a repeat. 

Vader chuckled, "Trust me, it will be no picnic for me either." That means there was no way out of it. Luke knew. 

Starkiller stood against the wall of the classroom watching Luke daydream during his classes. He had been observant enough to know when the boy was actually taking notes and an interest in his studies, or just doodling. Luke even looked bored as his new professor, an old man who majored in political science and was approved by Vader and a board of trustees to teach him, didn't pay him any attention and kept focused on the board. After this, there would be training and Starkiller watched as Luke's leg bounced in anticipation. 

Luke was nothing like what Galen had assumed he would be. Granted, he was given little time to form his own opinions. He was too busy being a guard dog. Vader taught him well to not think and just follow orders. Yet, he couldn't help but feel perplexed how the son of Darth Vader, Lord of the Sith and ruthless Emperor of The Galaxy had a son that had a bright aurora about him and smelled like honey and brown sugar. Who walked with grace, gentle clicking steps and politely smiled at anyone regardless of their rank. 

This boy was not destined to be a Sith. That Galen understood very well. If he were to be, he'd be hard to turn. 

If not then why did Vader keep him around? 

Galen pondered but for only a moment until Luke's professor dismissed him for the day. Luke was quick to pack his bags of books and papers and leave. He turned to Galen, flashing a forced grin. "Ready to train?" He asked. Galen raised an eyebrow. It had been Luke's request to him. Solely him. To train with him. Starkiller was informed by Luke himself that Luke felt his father was holding back, going too easy on him. And that was true. Galen had known Vader what felt like his whole life. Never once had he held back on him. 

Luke was fast in the training room. That was a good attribute, but the boy's timing was off. He left himself open as well as Starkiller managed to use the Force to push him to the ground at his exposed hip. 

"You're dead." Galen dully replied, as he lowered the training stick at Luke's neck who laid on the floor out of breath. 

"Let's go again." Luke spoke, huffing. 

Starkiller would have agreed but that weird robot with the posh accent called out "Prince, Luke! I believe rest is called for. Perhaps some water too?" Luke was always around these droids. Galen hadn't understood Luke's fascination with the clunkers. Luke thought for a moment before nodding. 

"Want some water?" He offered. 

"No." Galen wasn't allowed such privilege's as rest and water. He was to train the Imperial Prince to defend himself and that was it. He wasn't to sit and chat with him as if they were friends. Luke frowned, unscrewing the cap off a chilled water jug. "You look about as tired as I feel. There's pleanty-"

"No, your highness." Galen roughly spoke. Luke dropped it. That didn't stop him from suggesting Galen have some water the next day, or the next until it became a habit for him to offer just as much as it was for Galen to refuse. The more they trained, the closer Luke would walk to him, or start a pointless idle conversation. Galen grew confused as to why this Prince was suddenly so chatty and chummy with him. 

It all made no scene to him. 

"So I'm wondering how the Senate Ball will go," Luke admitted as they left the training room after lessons. "Not that I'm going. My father said I wasn't going to attend this Ball after the circumstances of the last one." Luke blushed, holding his books in his arms as Galen carried his bookbag. Damn how many books on Imperial history did this kid need? He wouldn't ask out loud. Luke stopped walking to glance out a window in the halls, the evening setting sun making Luke glow. "I see some are already arriving. Are you going, Galen?" 

Starkiller shrugged. "I go wherever Emperor Vader requests of me." Though he assumed he wouldn't be as  Vader hadn't said anything to him. 

Luke accepted the statement as they approached the elevator that took them to the halls of the suite where Vader stormed out the front doors. Luke gulped, "He-hello Fa-" He hadn't a moment to say his greeting before being swooped into his father's arms, his books falling to the floor. Vader turned to Starkiller. "Pick those up." He sneered before walking away with Luke in his arms as the boy protested at how rude his father was before slamming the door in Galen's face.

Starkiller said nothing and did as he was told. 

All of this was normal to him. So why did his chest feel heavy? 

"You better have your studies completed. You're to be fed and put to bed early tonight." Vader grumbled standing in front of his bedroom mirror. Luke lied on his bed not far away with his stuffed Bantha under his arm and his air craft books sprawled out in front of him. Currently occupied by reading a chapter on a Naboo N-1 Starfighter. Luke had been emercing himself in his books as he tried to think of ways to get to Dagobah. One of those ideas was building his own ship to fly out of here but even he knew that would be too timely. 

Luke watched as two handmaidens helped his father into a large black silk robe with silver trim. It draped over him nicely and his hair was loosely styled with a crown of red kyber crystals as the main feature. Luke felt scared at the energy they gave off. Though he suppressed that feeling to remain as calm around his father as possible. 

"Hmm." Was all Luke said before turning the page in his book. 

"Starkiller will be outside the suite at all times. He's not to enter." Vader demanded. "You are not to leave, either. I will know, Luk'yalie." 

"I won't go." Luke half promised. Not like I can go anywhere. He wanted to snap back. Vader turned, frowning at his son before dismissing the giggling handmaidens who blew kisses at their beloved emperor. Vader strolled over to the bed, gently taking one of the books from Luke's hands and closing it to get his son's attention. 

"You've been very quiet, child." Vader wasn't an idiot. Luke hadn't been his rambling, fighting self. He had hope that Luke was returning back to normal that with routine dicipline actions and loading the boy up on Imperial studies that Luke was finally coming around. And yet, his son was as distant as ever. That morning's spanking had Luke not uttering a single sob or brushing away any tears but rather the boy just slid off his lap, apologized, gave his expected hug and kiss before getting ready for his lessons. 

Luke's blue eyes darted to his toy before hugging it close and shrugging. 

"What is wrong, Luke?" Vader hushed. "Are you upset about not going to the Ball? I promise it's not interesting and I will only be gone a few hours." That had to be it. His little boy wanted to go to the party with Daddy. He was feeling left out. Luke shook his head. No he was more than happy to not be in attendance. The less Imperials and high class snobs he had to be around the better. 

"Nothing." He mumbled. 

"It's not nothing, little one. Tell Daddy what's wrong." Vader cooed, stroking Luke's baby soft shaven cheeks. Luke felt ridiculous for saying what was on his mind. But perhaps he'd get something out of it. Probably not. But one could hope. On Tatooine he had been a very social person, playing with children older and younger than him as it was encouraged for children were so precious on that dust ball of a planet. However as his friends grew and went on with their lives, leaving Tatooine, leaving him, Luke sought comfort in the crew on the falcon and how close they had all become. 

The young boy opened his mouth. 

"I. . . I don't have any friends." He muttered into the soft fur of the Bantha. He was lonely. He missed Biggs, Han, Chewie, Leia, Lando and Wedge. He missed his crew, he missed those brats he ran with in Anchorhead at school. He missed having someone to talk to and Galen providing some sort of human interaction that wasn't his stern father or a giggling handmaiden that just wanted to brush his hair or apply make up on him was having him realize just how much he was starving for companionship. 

Vader felt his son's sorrow, his plea and pulled the boy in close. "But you have lots of friends, child Your handmaidens all adore you." 

"Yeah, because they're paid to." Luke sniffed into the hug. "I don't want a friend you pay to watch me." 

Vader rubbed the boy's back, feeling every bone in his spine. Goodness the boy needed more food. He'd make a mental note for Luke to have another check up soon. Luke was still too skinny for his liking. "Child--" 

"I'm no child." Luke huffed. 

The father chuckled. "You are my child. And that's all that matters. Luke, you need not to worry about frivolous things as friends. What you need are allies. Friends come and go." Vader lifted Luke's head with his finger under the boy's chin. "Or they disguise themselves as a friend with ill intentions. Forgo these thoughts, Luke. They are only holding you back." Vader gave a sharp smile as he raised a finger to wipe away Luke's tears. "Besides, what could a friend give you that I cannot give you in larger quantity?" That's when Vader began to push Luke into the pillows until he was above his son, hovering over him like a Tooka cat above their little one, nuzzling close and leaving gentle kisses down his son's precious face. Slowly, the father leaned back, running his fingers delicately threw Luke's blonde curled locks. The large pillow behind Luke could have swallowed him it was so large.

For a moment neither said a word, both content with their bond wrapping around one another as copious amounts of love was sent from either end. Their moment ended when 3PO entered the room claiming there were people at the suite door waiting for Vader to enter the Senate Ball being held. Vader sat up on the bed, taking a few of Luke's books to place on the night stand but he allowed him to keep the star fighter text. Knowing Luke he'd probably read a few more pages and conk out soon since he had his milk and sleep medicine not too long ago. 

"I must leave for the night child. I will not be far and you will stay here." That last bit was spoken more firmly, almost desperate? Luke couldn't tell. Instead he just nodded. 

"You can stay here and sleep in Daddy's bed if you'd like." Vader chuckled, using the force to ignite a fire for extra warmth and turned off the lights in the room.  "Don't stay up too late. Little boys need their sleep." 

"I won't." Luke mumbled, snuggling down and opening his book again, trying to find his place. 

"I love you Luke." Vader smiled. Luke said nothing. There was hesitance in their bond. Vader cleared his throat, "I said I love you, Luke." The smile on his face was gone as he waited for a reply. Vader watched carefully as Luke's breath hitched and he bit his bottom lip. Unsure. Nervous. "H-Have fun, Father." Wasn't the reply he wanted. Vader stood up and stared at Luke but only for a moment before leaving the room. 

His own son hesitated at the thought of saying he loved him. It broke his heart. Whatever twisted, blackened, deformed, broken heart he had left it still beat for Luke and his son to deny him like that was unacceptable. Teenage rebellion or not, nothing in his books said anything about children defying their parents love for them. The only explanation Vader could twist was that Luke was too afraid to show him love. Yes. That had to be it. His guardians he praised on about hadn't given him the attention or devotion he deserved and Luke was left starving for it but didn't know how to show it. That had to be it. And Vader had made up his mind it was the issue at hand and it left a snarl on his face. 

As he left the suite doors he glanced over at Galen standing guard among the palace red guards as he was told to before raising his arm and using the Force to fling the boy against a wall. 

"One scratch on my son and you'll wish you were never born, boy." He growled, making his way to the elevator, the red guards following him.

Galen winced picking himself off the floor. Immediately a sharp pain throbbed at his clavicle. Broken. He knew. He held back the wince that threatened to leave his mouth as he stood on shaking legs. Before he could turn however, he heard the large doors open and slowly Luke peaked his head out. He saw as Galen held tender fingers to his clavicle that something was wrong. The blonde boy left the suite, the doors staying open as he held his long flowing nightgown to help him walk, approaching Galen. 

"Go back inside, young Prince." Galen spoke. 

Luke sucked in his bottom lip for a brief moment as he reached out to place a hand on Galen's wound. The Sith in training winced but when a cool sensation came over him and he could feel his bones healing under Luke's palm he shuttered. Galen's dark eyes met Luke's blue ones as the tiny prince healed him. Galen said nothing as Luke apologized and scurried back inside, shutting the door. 

What the sith didn't know was at that very moment the ways of the dark side, the only life he had ever known, began to crack. 

"You say they're fierce and loyal to their masters?" 

"Yes, sir." The merchant, an old man nodded, surrounded by the animals in spacious cages. 

"Hmm. How do I know some do not have a master already?" 

"They're not even seven weeks old yet, lad. I promise they will form an attachment with their new owners shortly. It doesn't take them long, especailly if they're offered a saucer of warm milk. These things love that." 

". . . " 

"So, lad, are you looking to buy? I'm a busy man and I don't have time to wait around all day--"

"I'll take that one." 

The one in question was bright orange with white fat stripes and a few speckled spots. 

"Ah, very well. Good choice, sir. Very good choice indeed." 

The credits were exchanged for the caged animal and Galen hurried back to the palace, hoping to make it back in time before Luke's scheduled dinner. 

"Father, can't I have a speeder of my own?" Luke asked, gazing out the large palace window at the soaring machines following the flow of traffic. Luke missed flying, even if it was on a boring run to Anchorhead to buy groceries with his aunt. He missed the wind in his hair and the twists and turns he took in Beggars' canyon. He missed the thrill. 

"No." Vader spoke pretty much reading Luke's thoughts. His child knew better than to ask for such ridiculous requests. "What you owned was a land speeder and you drove around in an open area. You haven't a license to drive a regular speeder and you do not need one." Vader's flat tone continued as he focused on his reports at the dinner table. Usually he'd bask in the moment to have Luke perched on his lap while he fed his darling his dinner, but there was an important meeting coming up concerning the planet of Dantooine. Vader had not forgotten his son's word of a Rebel base hiding out on the area and during the senate ball a few nights ago, Vader had spoken of venturing to the planet and captuing the base with his council men. Of course they all agreed, but Vader had ensured to not hire just a bunch of Yes men as Palpatine had. They shared their concerns and the possible outcomes should this backfire, but Vader had plans for that. 

He glanced up for a moment seeing Luke just poke at his food. 

"Child, you're to eat half of that on your plate and if it turns cold that will be your own fault." Vader warned. 

Luke opened his mouth reluctantly eating as told when there was a knock at the suite doors. Vader frowned when he felt the familiar presence of Starkiller. Apparently, Luke did too. "It's Galen, father!" He happily smiled. "Can he join us for dinner?" Vader turned so quick he was surprised his own neck didn't snap. Luke had spent so much time with Starkiller he was able to pick up on his presence? Vader knew Starkiller was escorting Luke to his classes and back and guarding him, but just how much time had they been alone without him knowing? The possessiveness rolled off him in sluggish chunks and he didn't even hide his stern glare at the door as he allowed Starkiller to enter. 

He stood up as his apprentice entered the suite, holding something covered in a soft blanket. 

"Starkiller, I thought I made it quite clear you were not allowed in these walls unless my son's life was at stake." Vader crossed his arms. Luke pouted, getting up from the table to approach Galen. 

"Wha'cha got there?" He asked. 

Starkiller looked at the two men, one obviously sending him death treats threw the force and the other pointing his tiny finger at the cage. Starkiller hadn't a moment to explain before the cage he held wiggled furiously and a large screech was heard. Luke gasped and Vader's eyes went wide. Both had figured out what was in the cage and Luke took no time in lifting the blanket to see a frightened tooka kitten shivering in the cage, his large round eyes gazing up at him. Luke took the cage without even asking and cooed loudly. 

"It's a tooka kitten!"  Luke marveled at the creature. "He's so small too! Oh, look at him, father, isn't he cute?" Luke was completely mesmerized by the kitten, from it's fluffy tail to it's skittishly tiny and thin arms and legs. "Hello there." He cooed at the animal, opening the cage. The tooka shrunk back, afraid. "Oh, don't worry. I won't hurt you." Luke promised, opening his hand to pet the kitten. The kitten took a chance and allowed this strange blonde who smelled amazingly sweet to touch him and it was the best decision of it's short life because Luke had grown up around stray dessert cats his Aunt and Uncle never allowed him to keep, but he knew the best place to scratch and pet a kitten and he was correct about the spot on his tooka. Immediately the kitten began to pur and it left the safety of it's sage to jump in Luke's arms. 

"Oh, Galen, your tooka is so adorable." Luke giggled. 

Vader's eyes didn't leave Starkiller as he watched the man speak. "He's not mine, your highness. He is a gift. .  .for you." 

Luke spun around, his jaw dropped. "M-me? It's mine?" His eyes were as wide as saucers and his smile almost as big. "Oh, thank you, thank you! Father isn't this wonderful? Galen was so kind to-"

Vader had shut his son's words out. Every ramble Luke uttered was like water running off a metal roof as he starred at his apprentice who noticed him. Vader's eyes flashed a deathly yellow as he watched his apprentice try to play a tremble off as a muscle spasm. Rage filled the man as he put up his shields to prevent Luke from picking up such emotions and thoughts running threw his veins. His knuckled cracked as his hands turned into fists. 

You dare defy me? 

Starkiller said nothing as he approached Luke with a training book he had picked up as well. Luke thanked him over and over again as he rubbed the tiny belly of the fluffy tooka. Vader sneered down at the animal who hissed in response, sticking out it's tongue at Vader when Luke picked up the animal and layed it on it's shoulder like a baby. Vader watched as Luke gushed over his apparent new pet and Starkiller sat in silence. Though he was only a few feet behind the trio, he felt thousands of miles away from his son. This would not do. Luke's attention would not be on just this kitten. He didn't care if it kept Luke in the palace or prevent him from asking meaningless questions as to why he wasn't allowed to fly without Vader's guidance. 

He would not have his son love another so easily and effortlessly when Luke couldn't bring himself to even say "I love you." to him back. Jealousy poured into his heart as he watched the scene in front of him. 

Starkiller was no longer on thin ice. He was a dead man walking. 

Chapter Text

For what felt like the millionth time since that evening meeting, Leia found herself gazing up at the stars. Often, she would look for home on instinct. And the a cruel laugh of the Former Lord would cackle in her memory. That Lord was now Emperor and holding her friend hostage. Only, she, Han, Lando and Chewie seemed to be the only ones who believed her when she said it. 

The moment Luke's face was broadcasted around the entire Galaxy as Emperor Vader's long lost son, The alliance was panicking. Luke knew their plans, some of their secrets and bases and he stood next to Vader? It was Leia who had to assure everyone that Luke was their ally, not some Imperial and he'd never betray them. Or perhaps, it took convincing Mon Mothma over a whole group of men who mansplained everything to her. 

"Leia, can you be certain Luke holds allegiance to us and us alone?" She had firmly asked to which the princess vowed he did. 

Then came the Com call. And he told her he was leaving to save Vader. Save him from what? Stubbing his toe against a wall? Luke had explained how he felt he was the one controlling Vader's temper and how without him by Vader's side was the reason the man wasn't on a war path. The thought of her friend having to be the person with the weight of the galaxy on his shoulders was enough to boil her blood. She grit her teeth, taking the nearest object in sight, which happened to be a book, and throwing it against a wall. 

Right at the exact moment Han walked in with a trey of food. 

"I know it's leftovers but I didn't think Steamed Hams were that bad." He spoke, eyes wide. 

Leia groaned, "Sorry, Han. I. . . I'm just thinking." 

The smuggler frowned as he entered the room with the food. Leia thanked him. "You're not thinking about Luke again, are you?" He asked, worried. Luke had been on everyone's minds for a few months since the galaxy was turned upside down. Every Imperial adored their New Prince as much as the Emperor. Luke's face was plastered along with Vader's on billboards, books, magazines and holonets showed them walking around or standing on balconies waving. Truth be told, anyone who knew Luke knew he was miserable. His eyes didn't shine like they normally did when he smiled. 

"How can I not, Han?" Leia sighed, "This was all my fault. We left him and I. . . I knew we should have gone back." 

She blamed herself. Blamed herself for Luke being taken and held from them. 

"Hey, he should be safe now. . . wherever he's at." Han tried to assure her but Leia could only shake her head again. "No." She trembled. "I don't believe so." She could feel it in her bones. There was this. . . connection of some sort she had with him. Ever since he said his name to her, dressed as a stormtrooper to save her from her Cell on the Death Star, that they had a bond. It was weird, although they had met only that day, she felt she had known him forever, as if he was an unknown, unrecgonized missing piece from her life she couldn't ponder on. 

Han had joked to her that she thought of that cause Luke was just a dashing brat farm kid who just got to her first. 

No. Luke felt. . . familiar. 

"He said he was going to Dagobah." Leia informed Han. 

"Where's that?" 

"I don't know." Leia shrugged. "But, it's not that I'm unsure of his talents. But Luke said he needed to seek a Master. I feel a war is about to start, Han." Leia predicted. War was inevitable. The Empire wouldn't stop unless it was stopped. Leia recoiled in her memory of Senator meetings, starring from her balcony down at Vader next to the former Emperor. How her blood boiled thinking of him now that he was calling the shots. And how he was winning. Then again it was out of a fit of rage, like a small child throwing a tantrum when they were told no. 

Vader was unhinged these days. There was no word of Luke, no paparazzi pictures or holograms he was featured in. Leia hoped that this meant he was free from Vader and far away from him. 

"All I've ever wanted was to be a pilot like my father." 

His soft voice rang like a chime in her mind. Leia placed her half eaten food down, excusing herself for the night but not without a gentle pat to Han's shoulder and thanking him for dinner. As he lied in bed, drifting off to sleep, Luke returned to her memories once again, fitting like a glove. She treasured the times they sat perched in the Falcon near the big window and how he'd have the dreamy gaze in his blue eyes as he starred out at the planets and stars before them. 

Luke told her nearly everything about himself, or as much as she did. Luke had grown up poor, but never starved or deprived. He worked hard most days, but at night was when he dreamed of flying. 

That's all he ever wanted. Was to be like the man, this mysterious father, his Uncle and Aunt told him about when he was younger. Perhaps, if he could mirror his profession, then he wouldn't be truly dead. 

Leia's heart clenched at how Luke must feel right now. How rather a simple spice freight pilot, he was a ruthless dictator. As she dreamed, little did she know that the strings that bound her heart began to glow as the hidden bond she shared with Luke desperately wished to attach themselves again to him. Her unknown reunion with Luke had risen what lied dormant and she felt conflicted. She often felt like this as the days progressed. Sometimes, she had hoped this was nothing more than on of Luke and Han's childish jokes and Luke would pop out of somewhere and scare her. 

Each glance she saw at an alliance member trashing Luke's image on a smuggled Imperial poster, burning it or stomping on it with their feet she felt bile rise in her throat. 

Even if she did save Luke, would he really be safe? She asked herself. If he was pardoned by Mon Mothma herself, would that make a difference? She could get him security or find a planet he could live in peace without harassment or--she starred at herself in the mirror. Gods, she looked like crap. Han may not have said anything to her face, but worry laced his own blue eyes when he gazed at her. 

Was Luke safe even under her? She doubted. Her heart fought with her brain that of course he would be safe. Anywhere from Vader was safe. 

The news of Ryoo and Pooja's deaths reached her from the form of a news broadcast. It was all propaganda mostly, but everyone in the alliance was talking about how Naboo had fallen to the Imperial clutches. How Ryoo, Pooja and Sola Naberrie, the last of the former Queen Padme Amidala's family, had betrayed the Emperor by hiding alliance member bases on the planet and plotted to overthrow Emperor Vader and kill anyone who supported the Empire. Leia had sunk to the floor. The loss of her former friend and Senator companion which she had formed a friendship with and had recalled spending summers with on Naboo and Alderaan together. 

If the heartbreak of her dear friend's death wasn't enough, somehow she knew Luke was captured again. A tiny voice in the back of her head had confirmed he was in trouble. 

She was going to save him. If anyone was to give her a second opinion, it would be ignored. 

Vader watched with a strong annoyance on his end of their shared bond of Luke playing aimlessly with his new Tooka kitten by holding a piece of string from one of his shoes in the air and giggled at the kitten batted and toyed with it. The little animal mewled and purred at the attention of it's new master. Luke grinned, his eyes sparkling and his cheeks with a honeyglow blush as he admired his new pet. Luke had the kitten for two days now and already the tiny kitten had been a massive pain in Vader's backside. He had taken his anger out on Starkiller in the training room, breaking nearly all two hundred and six of his bones only to dump him in a Bacta tank to ensure they healed by that afternoon to do it all again until it was the late hours of the night and he had his fill and Starkiller was broken over and over again. Which was why the apprentice wasn't present at this moment in time, rather he was gauzed and banged up laying in the medical bay. Vader had denied him a sixth Bacta tank and told him to let his injuries fuel his hatred if he had any left. 

And yet, he wasn't satisfied. 

The father watched as Luke played with the tooka giving the small animal the string as a victory before kneeling down to scratch at the fluffy belly underside, the young man loosing track to time that Luke didn't notice it was nearing bedtime for himself. Vader didn't care for how often Luke was loosing track of time because of this said kitten. Only a day after receiving the cat and Luke was forgetting to eat, to study and to listen to his father. The last one irritated him more than anything. This tooka cat was becoming Luke's number one priority in his life and it was taking up all the progress Vader had instilled in his child. Luke had a perfect schedule and this beast was ruining it. Speaking of schedule, a servant droid appeared with Luke's protein formula. Sending the droid off, Anakin turned to his son once again. 

"Luk'yalie." Vader spoke. 

Luke either didn't hear him or was ignoring him, still playing with the purring kitten. 

"Luke." Vader spoke again, sharply. That name got his son's attention which only further drove his annoyance at how his son was not responding to his given name. How illiterate and stupid were his guardians? Then again, this could be blamed on Obi-Wan as well, shortening his son's name as if it were meaningless. Luke blinked at his father, asking him what he needed as Vader stood up. 

"It's bedtime soon." 

"Okay," Luke shrugged, going back to playing. "Just let me calm down Ben and I'll head to bed." 

Vader's eye twitched. "What?"  The room fell deathly cold and Luke gulped feeling his father's anger pooling onto his stretch of their bond. The force tendrils that wrapped themselves around him so often went almost unnoticed but as soon as he tried to stand up he felt his ankles gripped and he was kept on his knees. Luke turned around to give a worried glance at his father. The kitten, Ben, on the other hand immediately turned feral, it's fur rising as it's claws gripped the soft carpet Luke was just playing on and the tooka began to lowly hiss at Vader. This boy was his master and he didn't like this taller, dangerous man getting so close to his sunshine master. 

Vader glanced at the animal. How amusing. Never mind this beast. He had bigger fish to fry. "What did you just call it? Ben as in Ben Kenobi?!" Vader grit his teeth, his anger pulsating.  Perhaps he heard wrong. There was no way his son would name this pet after the fake name of his former master, the man who scorched him, stole his wife to let her die, steal and hide his child and overall ruined his life. He was just hearing things. 

And yet, when Luke uttered his words again confirming the cat's name was Ben, he found himself with his fists at his sides and the building began to shake. 

"Stop! Stop it!" Luke cried, afraid, covering his head with his hands and arms when a bit of dust fell on top of him. Vader glared down at the animal, the tendrils releasing their grip on Luke's ankles. Guilt was festering now on Vader's end. Luke before him shivering on the floor and covering himself, cowering. It was heartbreaking. Oh, how he didn't mean to scare his little one. Not his baby Luk'yalie. The kitten was proving to be too much of a distraction for Luke and Vader had enough. 

Vader turned to the kitten, scowling. "I've had it with your change of behavior. I'm getting rid of it." Was all the warning he gave before going to pick up the kitten. Luke, who was on the floor and closer to the animal, was faster and safe guarded his new kitten. 

"No!" he cried, desperately, holding the animal close to his chest. "He's mine, Ben is my kitty!" 

"That tooka is becoming a nuisance!" Vader hissed, crossing his arms as Luke sat up on his knees, hugging the tooka closer to himself. "You've ignored your lessons, skipped your training and now you are disobeying me, Luk'yalie! I will not tolerate this disrespect." Vader had half a mind to put Luke over his knee right now, but he already had to deal with a distressed child to get ready for bed he'd only make things harder for himself. Nor will he stoop to fighting with a disobedient little boy.

"But Ben is so small and so new, he can't just be alone," Luke pleaded, fat tears threatening to leave his bright blue eyes trying to ignore the growl that left Vader's throat. "tooka kittens need attention and affection for the first few months of their lives without their mother. I can't just leave him whenever." He pleaded to keep Ben. Pleaded until he began to cry.

Vader snarled. "I won't have your attention on something as frivolous as an animal, Luk'yalie." 

"But I love him." Luke cried, "Please, don't take him!" The blonde cried harder when Vader approached him and reached his arm out to take the tooka when the brave little kitten jumped up out of Luke's hold and with all it's might and tiny sharp teeth clenched onto Vader's wrist and began gnawing at his master's attacker when the tooka kitten realized something was....off. The kitten still gripped onto Vader's wrist in a bite as Luke covered his mouth with both hands, realizing the consequences that awaited. Vader's robe sleeve began to slide down his arm as he raised his arm showing off the tooka kitten had bitten the wrong arm and was latched onto Vader's prosthetic. 

Vader glared at his son. "You think this will help your argument? I will not allow you to be around an untrained animal." 

Leaving no room for argument, with his other arm, Vader reached around, grabbing Ben by the nape of it's neck and marched out of the room, Luke crying behind him, yanking at his robes trying to pull him back and pleading to give him back. Luke cried as if his whole boy had been severed with papercuts and he rolled around in salt water. His father was being so cruel and heartless. 

"Please, father no!" Luke choked.

"Do you want to be the one that's bitten next?!" Vader rhetorically seethed back as he approached a red guard, snapping his fingers. The tooka began to meow loudly. The bond had just began to form between the master and pet and is was distressing to the kitten that their master was in such pain. Tookas are fiercely loyal and protective of their masters. 

"He's my only friend!" Luke sobbed, trying to run after the red guard that began to walk away with his kitten. Luke sobbed harder, not caring if he was making a scene. Starkiller had given him a friend. not some mindless handmaiden that giggled at him, or tried to kiss him or put makeup on him. Luke had always wanted a tooka kitten, but Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen told him they couldn't afford another mouth to feed and now one was being taken from him all because he was giving it affection? Luke was held back by his father's force tendrils that tried their best to keep him still. Luke gave up struggling and sobbed as the red robe left the hallways with his kitten. His kitten. 

Vader reached out to stroke his son's cheek and Luke turned his head away from him. "Luke-"

The father was caught off guard when a burst of energy collided with him, it wasn't enough to make him fall over, but he was startled by it. It was so sudden and so strong with the Force whirling around Luke in an invisible cocoon. Like Anakin had felt years ago during the Clone Wars too many times to count. Vader would have been impressed had it not been for the fact that anger was directed and bombarded at him. 

"You take everything from me, I just wanted this one thing! I hate you!" Luke screeched, tears rolling down his face. "I hate you so much!"  

The emperor was lost for words. His mouth opened slightly, his eyes wide as he watched Luke run away from him back into their suite sobbing loudly and the distant sound of a door slamming indicated his son had ran into his room. Vader himself was at a loss. His child had just screamed that he hated him. His heartbeat was thumping against his chest as he searched deep in the Force for any lies detected. What twisted his pain and wrung it only to dunk it back in the bucket was how the force confirmed it. 

Luke hated him. His child. Padme's gift to him. The sole being that mattered to him in this galaxy hated him. The boy he fed, bathed, clothed and would sacrifice anything for, screamed at the top of his lungs that he hated his own father and meant every word. A small part of Vader wanted to scoff at his son's words. Luke didn't know what hate truly was. Luke never had a reason to hate him. Vader never betrayed him, or left him to burn alive. Luke simply was throwing a tantrum and was conveying it in a manner that felt natural to his childish mannerisms and would be over it by the morning.

Vader walked back into the suite, shutting the doors behind him. His brain felt it were on auto pilot as he walked to the bedroom door and went to knock, his son's loud, muffled sobbing stopped him. Luke was in such distress and he caused it. No. No, he didn't. That pathetic apprentice of his did. By giving Luke that creature, Luke had begun to get more attached to an animal than his own father. It was for Luke's own good that Vader had gotten rid of the animal. Was Luke not privy to the notion of the tooka kitten biting him? One scratch on Luke and that tooka would have meet a more grueling fate. 

Luke could "hate him" all he wanted. Vader wasn't about to let the boy cry himself to sleep without his protein nutrients. He fetched the bottle before stopping into his room where he kept Luke's medicine in the refresher cabinet. Pulling out the vile he watched as three large drops mixed in with the milky liquid and shook the container ensuring nothing leaked out of the nipple before approaching Luke's door again, turning the crystal knob. Luke didn't acknowledge him as he entered with the bottle. The young man had wrapped himself head to toe under the blankets to hide himself but with a bit of the Force, Luke's head was uncovered, but he still was face down and crying into his pillow. 

The father's heartstrings pulled as he heard his son's distressing cries. 

"Go 'way!" Luke cried, his stuffed Bantha poking out from the space between his shoulder and the crook of his neck. Vader raised his hand to slowly begin running Luke's back and shoulders with his free hand, sitting on the side of the bed. Slowly he began to nudge the boy to turn over, Luke went to openly refuse when Vader removed his hand from his back to stroke his cheek and the corner of his mouth, causing Luke to involuntarily move his jaw up and down. Vader smiled softly, his eyes sparkling at marveling his little one. The boy was thirsty and no doubt his throat was throbbing at having been crying so hard. And who was he to deny his precious sweet anything? Vader lovingly placed the bottle against Luke's mouth. When Luke refused to drink, again Vader stroked his cheek stimulating his jaw. 

His poor child's red rimmed eyes must have been so irritated and sore from crying and being fiercely rubbed against. Against his will, Luke suckled down the drink and he became drowsier by the second, not able to finish. 

"Sssh, to bed now little one, you've had an exhausting day." Vader soothed him, helping him lie down into the pillows snuggled against his Bantha. The medicine did it's trick and shortly Luke was fast asleep. 

Vader's smile vanished when he tucked his son in for the night. This was getting out of hand, Vader decided as he began to look for the journal in his office. He flipped endlessly threw pages of attachment in the Force Sensitive category. There had to be something here that could end this in a less painful manner for his child, perhaps a substitute of some sort that Vader could approve of and deem worthy of Luke's attention. He knew all too well the rules of attachment those old fools, Yoda, Obi-Wan and Mace Windu spouted about. How it held him back from becoming a Jedi master. 

Now he knew it was all a lie. They were all intimidated by him. He was the youngest member ever to be on the council and yet his rank was held above him like a carrot and he a starved animal that couldn't reach it. 

Nothing the texts said were of any use, just how to detach one from dwelling on emotions. That's not what he needed. With a deep sigh, he rested his head in his hands, gripping his dark blonde, wavy hair. Well, it was greying at the roots and sides due to fatherhood and age naturally, but most of it was due to stress. Stress he hid from his little boy. Luke didn't need to know of assassination attempts on his life, or the countless argumentative meetings after meetings Vader had to endure. He kept Luke sheltered from all of that because honestly, it was useless for Luke to even have to dwell upon. The boy needed to be focused on his potential with his use of The Force and how much stronger he can and will become. Dare Vader say, he wanted his son to surpass him. Should his little one be ripped from his arms by the will of The Force, Luke will be strong enough to care for himself. That was it. Only death will take Vader away from his baby.  

Not Kenobi. 

How Vader wished he could could just rip the man from Luke's memory--

His eyes widened ever so slightly as he lifted his head slowly, his fingers against the bridge of his nose. 

That was it. The answer was so simple. 

Luke sniffed as wiped his sleeve against his nose. Last night had been horrible for sleeping as he felt he were stuffed in a cotton cloud and left to cry until he woke himself up. He looked like utter trash and he knew it with his dark circles under his eyes, messy hair and pale skin. He looked sick. He felt sick. Especially when he walked past the empty kitten cage that morning. 

His heart clenched. Vader had taken so much from him in such a short amount of time he was having a hard time calling him father even in his head. It was like everything was back to square one: Luke in denial; Vader was Vader, not his father. Speaking of the man, he was no where to be found in the suite. Not that Luke was actively looking for him. The boy scowled at the memory of Vader gripping his kitten and hanging him away as if the animal he loved so much was nothing more than a bag of trash. He didn't want to see the man for a long time. On the dining room table Luke spotted a plate of small Pallie muffins he had admitted to liking, especially if they had glace icing on them (which they did) and a small note. 

Pallie muffins for my Pallie flower bud.

Be back soon.

-Love, Daddy.  

Luke ripped the note to shreds. Of course Vader would treat today like nothing happened. As if he didn't just emotionally scar him for life. As if he didn't hurt him. Luke felt like an idiot for believing Vader's promise of never hurting him. Leia had been correct. Vader was doing nothing more than trying to buy his affection back and it was a cop out. Vader wasn't sorry for anything he had ever done. Luke wasn't about to eat these muffins, in fact, he didn't want to even attend his lessons. 

He was going to Dagobah. Today.  

Gripping his stuffed Bantha, the only thing that gave him a sense of comfort these days aside from R2 and 3PO. Speaking of which, he turned to the droids at their charging stations. "C'mon guys, let's go." 3PO turned on and appeared to be confused. He was informed by Emperor Vader that no one wasn't to leave the quarters unaccompanied. Luke glanced out of his quarters. Yup. The red robes were there. Two of them to be precise. Luke must have opened the door quietly because they hadn't suspected a thing behind him. 

"Are we going to the funeral?" One guard asked the other. Luke held his breath. What funeral? Luke listened in closer as the other guard spoke back. "I do not believe so, Emperor Vader hasn't said a word about the matter except keep this information away from the Prince." That got Luke's attention as his eyes widened. Who was dead? Was it Leia? He felt his heart drop hoping she wasn't dead. 

"I just cannot believe the whole Naberrie Family is gone. I guess that's what happens when you cross Vader." 

Luke paled and felt a lump form in his throat. Auntie Sola, Cousins Pooja and Ryoo. They were dead? No. That wasn't possible. They had been asleep when Luke left the palace and he hadn't felt their deaths in the Force. And that red robe saying his father killed them? Luke trembled thinking back to how unhinged Vader was, how obsessive and clingy he was when Luke was back in his sight. How he demanded to know every bit of information the Naberries told him. The Force wouldn't lie to him. It hadn't before and it didn't now. Luke swallowed that lump as he bit his bottom lip and told himself 'here goes nothing' as he opened the doors. The red guards immediately were at his side. 

"Prince Luk'yalie. What is the matter?" one asked. 

Luke felt his throat go dry as he lied. "I'm to be taken to my lessons early today. Testing." 

"We were not informed of this. your highness. We are not authorized to take you anywhere." The red robe continued talking as Luke raised his right hand, trying to recall the Jedi mind trick Obi-Wan had shown him at the cantina. He felt the force within his palm as he began the trick. It was a lot easier to do with all the training he had done with his father and Galen in controlling the Force. 

"You will escourt me to the Hangar." Luke spoke. 

"I will escort you to the hangar." The red robes spoke together, monotone. Luke nodded, continuing. 

"You will not tell Emperor Vader." 

"I will not tell Emperor Vader." 

"You will not have anyone bother me." 

"I will not have anyone bother you." 

Luke lowered his hand and turned to R2 and 3PO. "Let's go." He said to them as the red Robes guarded and led Luke to his destination. Along the way he was given head bows from other Imperials. It was a miracle Vader hadn't found him yet as Luke felt they had been walking for quite some time to the Hangars. When they arrived at the port he dismissed the red robes and they left without a word back to their post. Luke said a silent prayer for them, knowing should Vader find out his disappearance they'd be gone first. 

He had to hurry and find his X-Wing and get out of here. 

If there was still an X-Wing. He told himself. No doubt the Empire would have scrapped it by now. And yet, he had a feeling it was around here somewhere. The hangar was oddly quiet until he noticed a flashing light by the door above the sign: Break Time and a timer bellow. Thirty minutes. He had thirty minutes before this place was flooded. Apparently, the area wasn't totally abandoned as Luke noticed a round, plump blue alien with a worker's jumpsuit on. Perhaps he could help him. The droids followed Luke to the alien working at the corner of the hangar at a little work station trying to piece together to Luke what looked like hunks of junk but he hadn't the time to question him. 

"Excuse me, sir?" Luke asked. 

"What?" the alien asked without turning around, "m'busy here, Reed." 

Whoever Reed was. "Excuse me." Luke began again, "I need some help. I need to find an X-Wing--" 

"Reed will ya' kriff off? I told you I'm-" The blue alien spun around and immediately gasped. "Oh, kriff!" He cried, hopping off his three legged stool. "Oh, your highness, your gloriousness, your-your---" 

"Knock that off." Luke rolled his eyes. "I'm just Luke. It's okay."

"No, no Emperor Vader's gonna have my head." The once gruff man was now cowering at his feet, attempting to kiss his shoes had Luke not backed away. Luke hadn't the slightest clue what he had done. Sure, this man recognized him as the Prince (something Luke had yet to recognize himself) but the alien acted as if Luke were holding a blaster to his face and demanding his money.  "Oh, please forgive me your highness, I'll never address you with such disrespect ever again." Luke groaned to himself as he asked the alien to straighten up and help him. "I need to go and I need an X-Wing." 

"Go? go where your highness? Surly you'd rather take a speeder someplace on Courscant?" The alien asked, hesitantly. 

Luke only shook his head. "No, I have to leave this planet. Now is there an X-Wing here or not?" 

"Uh. uh." The alien walked away, Luke followed as the Alien led him to the back of the hangar where his X-Wing, a bit banged up, was still in tact. Luke grinned to himself, turning to 3PO. "3PO, only R2 and I can fit inside. I need you to get into a TIE fighter and fly to Leia." Luke began to program the coordinates of Leia's whereabouts and smiled at him. "Tell her I'm safe. Tell her everything, 3PO." 

"I will do Prince, Luke." 

Luke rolled his eyes. "Remind me to program you to not say that, either." 

R2 began to beep and make noises as Luke commanded the blue Alien to help him lift R2 into the astromech port, which the alien frantically did so with a neerby crane.  "Oh, R2, I hope to see you soon dear friend!" 3PO called out. Luke sighed to himself hopping into the familiar X-wing. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He could turn back. And a small voice inside his head told him to. That running away would solve nothing but unleash an unholy hell upon the Galaxy if Vader found out he had ran away....again.

He would kill again. But Luke couldn't stay longer. He just couldn't. He had to see out Yoda and save his father. Save the galaxy. 

Once R2 was locked in and 3PO had taken off in a TIE fighter to Leia, Luke started up his X-Wing. It was as familiar as breathing. Luke gripped his steering and began to roll the X-Wing out of the Hangar when a loud alarm rang and to his alarm the room began to flash red. Luke felt deep within his connection that Vader was livid and he wasn't far away either. However his father found out he wasn't in his bedroom didn't matter. Luke pressed on, ignoring the blue alien that had helped him, blocking out the noise, the ringing in his ears and the deep, threatening command threading in the bond for Luke to not defy him; One push and he was rocketing forward and taking off into the air, the city and palace bellow him fading smaller and smaller as he broke threw the atmosphere, R2 behind him screaming with happiness. 

Luke couldn't break his own grin. 

"Luke, you must go to the Dagobah system." 

Obi-Wan's voice filled his ears as Luke gripped the steering wheel harder. Oh Ben, he wanted to ask him so much. "Ben." He called out as the sky grew darker and the blue that was so prominent was now a sea of black and clusters of stars. Luke began to punch in coordinates for the planet. Leaving the planet, the Empire, the palace, and his father behind. 

 Vader was a storm that couldn't be stopped. Everyone in his path was murdered, if you were lucky. The injured were left cowering on the floor begging for death as the man severed limbs, slashed throats and left saber burns. Vader was on a war path. He felt the second Luke put his mental shields up that something was wrong. Leaving the library to search for his son in the suite had been disasterous as Luke and the droids were gone. The red guards that were to guard his son were gone too. It wasn't until Vader felt Luke growing more distant did he demand the palace be put in emergency lockdown. If Luke was hiding, he would be found soon. 

And then, he was gone. Like catching smoke with bare hands. Vader had stilled where he stood. Luke's light, his aura was dimmed. He couldn't reach out threw the Force, nor their connection. Luke had left the planet, again.  

Vader wanted blood. He wanted Starkiller's blood the second he laid eyes on the man in the hallway before the suite doors holding that Tooka kitten Vader specifically demanded to be rid of in his arms. Starkiller made eye contact with Vader and the fight was on. Vader wanted him dead. He had come to the conclusion that it was Starkiller's fault Luke was paying so much attention away from him. He was here to spy on his little one, to catch him alone and turn him against his father. 

Starkiller was turning into a Sheeve Palpatine and Vader would not have it. The hissing of sabers clashing together was prominent through out the hall. 

"I will kill you where you stand!" Vader growled, holding his arm out to Force choke Starkiller, but Starkiller was fast, despite his injuries from being Vader's punching bag previously. Starkiller watched as the tooka kitten he saved today run into the suite to hide.  He had found it roaming the gardens when he was released and wondered if Luke had lost the kitten and was returning it before his Master went on a killing spree. Galen didn't question why Vader was trying to kill him. All that training on Mustafar had prepared him for this moment. 

Starkiller wanted Vader dead. His mind had been twisted when he met Luke. How kind the gentle boy had been with him and yet Vader hadn't allowed him to so much look at him. The Sith in Galen wanted Luke more than anything. Luke was deemed untouchable. Off limits. Luke was powerful, Galen felt. So powerful, he swore he radiated it and whoever was close to him could fester in the force he gave off. Was that Vader's reasoning for keeping him far from Luke? Was that feeling Galen felt towards the boy that power? 

Vader read his mind. 

"You will never be neer my Luke ever again!" He growled with all the malice and hatred he could muster towards his former apprentice. Starkiller was a threat to him. To Luke. He would not have him exist. Starkiller parried an attack Vader flung at him and went for a final blow. This was it. The rule of two would come into action as he opened himself, both hands on his light saber to strike Vader down when Vader reached his arm up, his fingers widening and his palm exposed to unleash his Force tendrils on Galen to keep him in the air. 

Starkiller tried to fight against Vader's clutches. His saber was yanked from his clutches and in Vader's own hold as he stood before the man with both red sabers, his and Starkiller's pressed to his chest. 

"Die as I killed your Jedi scum parents that pleaded for your life." Vader admitted. Galen breathed slowly as Vader attacked. I had parents?  Was his last thought before a painful death took him violently. 

Chapter Text

Glancing down at the green planet, there appeared a foggy rim around the atmosphere. Luke gulped as he checked his screen when R2 beeped at him. Sometimes Luke had trouble understanding exactly what the droid was telling him, but thankfully the translation on his X-Wing solved any issues he would have. 

"Yup, That's Dagobah." Luke confirmed, easing R2's nerves. What Luke didn't know was it had been ages since the droid had returned to the marshy planet and he wasn't sure if it was the correct one. The droid would hate for Luke to land in an unknown area where the poor boy could face serious danger.  The face Luke made seeing the planet had the droid asking if Luke was regretting his decision. Luke looked like utter shit. Flying in itself required a lot of energy, energy he didn't have considering he had escaped The Empire's clutches and the watchful eye of his overprotective father. Luke sighed, trying to crack his back from sitting for days in the same place. His mental shields were up and strong to hide his presence. He knew that wasn't how his father would find him, but Luke didn't want to think of Vader finding him.

The last time he was found. . . . .Luke rubbed at his eyes to prevent any tears falling. He couldn't think about that. He would hide better this time, and not bring anyone in danger of keeping him safe, either.

That's when he thought of Galen. He felt awful for not bidding him a farewell, but he had to leave when the moment was right or he'd never leave Vader's watch. He told himself he would make it up to the man when he returned with the knowledge to save his father from the dark side. That's when Luke's smile faltered.

Exactly, how did he plan on doing that?

The boy took a deep breath. He trusted Ben. Ben told him to seek out Yoda. Yoda would know what to do. He assured himself.

He yawned. While his escape had taken an emotional toll on him he was thankful R2 could manually maneuver the x-Wing while he took a much needed rest. Yet, the dark circles under his eyes against his pale skin said otherwise. He clutched his flat tummy, feeling it rumble in pain. R2 beeped at him. Luke gave a small smile, "I'll be okay, R2. And no, I haven't changed my mind." I want to save my father. He told himself over and over again. Master Yoda, if he was even on this planet, had to know what to do. Tapping at his screen, Luke frowned. "I'm not picking up any cities or technology. Massive life-form readings, though. There's something alive down there." 

The droid whirled in worry to which Luke assured him, "Don't worry, R2, It should be safe for droids." No sooner had he said that a huge bang of turbulence hit him and his tiny X-Wing began to shake as the gravity of the planet began pulling him further, faster. Alarms began to ring around his ears and R2 frantically whistled at him. 

"I know, I know! All the scopes are dead. I can't see a thing! Just hang on, I'm going to start the landing cycle!" 

Luke did everything he could to ensure a softer landing when it felt like he had began crashing into every tree limb. Immediately, he yanked on an emergency switch and his cockpit canopy opened the second they landed with a splash on gooey marsh. First thing Luke felt was how musty and humid the air was and something smelled horribly, the aroma of what Luke could describe as the wet south end of a northbound Bantha had Luke gagging. The air was so wet, Luke had to cough a bit to clear his throat. 

"R2?" He coughed. R2 whirled his head, glancing at his surroundings. 

"Well, I've had softer landings." Luke shrugged to himself. R2 administered what no one but Luke could have known was a laugh. Luke rolled his eyes. "Oh, ha ha, like you could have done better." Luke took a glance at his surroundings. The fog was so thick, he couldn't make anything but other than some shadows from twisted and crooked trees. He paused when he heard something splash in the water behind him, jerking around he tried to see as best as he could but made nothing out. 

R2 whistled at him as the droid tried leaving The X-Wing. 

"No, R2 you stay." Luke commanded, holding out his one arm to balance himself walking down the nose of the X-Wing, the other he held a box and his stuffed bantha he had been using as a pillow the whole trip close. R2 had other ideas as he tried to follow Luke, only to loose his balance and land in the murky water bellow him. Luke gasped, hearing the loud splash and not seeing the droid anymore. 

"R2!" He called. His heartbeat softened when he saw R2's periscope pop out of the water. Luke sighed, relieved, but his tone of voice turned concerned. "R2, you have to be careful." He scolded. The droid beeped assumingly at him. He would take care of himself, he had to be there for Luke. No sooner had the human and droid walked along side each other did something long, big and slimy enter the waters unknown to the droid and it's human companion. The bog monster talked R2 until it opened it's large mouth and yanked the droid under the water. Luke gasped, hearing R2's watered screams. 

"R2?!" Luke cried. He didn't have too long to wait as the bog monster realized it's error of judgement and spat out the droid, sending R2 flying threw the air screaming "Woooooooh." before it landed in a smaller marsh puddle surrounded by bushes. Luke ran over to the droid. "Oh, no! Are you all right? Come on. You're lucky you don't taste very good. Anything broken?" He asked, grunting as he used every muscle in his tiny body to help R2 back on it's wheels. R2 was filthy and Luke used the sleeve of his shirt to clean R2's leans. 

"If you're saying coming here was a bad idea, I'm beginning to agree with you." Luke glanced around, hesitantly. This wasn't home, this wasn't his familiar prison (which he was fearful he had become too comfortable with), this place was a marshy, unknown Hell. "Oh,   hat are we doing here? It's like... something out of a dream, or, I don't know. Maybe I'm just going crazy." Luke sighed. 

R2 whistled polite encouragements to his tiny new master. It saddened the droid that Luke was so tiny and taking on this challenge alone. Anakin had turned into a possessive nerf herder since R2 reunited with his former pilot and friend; R2 would do everything to ensure nothing bad would happen to Luke. He wouldn't loose him like he did Anakin. Luke had sprinted back to the ship to grab a few things, one of them being a portable charger for R2. The droid had been through so much already, he felt R2 needed a good power grade and he was hungry himself, perhaps that could settle his sore stomach. 

"Alright, R2, there you go power all for you." Luke smiled. 

R2 beeped happily at him in gratitude as Luke opened his box of food. Any other time, he'd stick up his nose or think tice about eating the contents, but inside the box were ration sticks that the rebellion ensured all pilots had. They lasted three years in their packaging, though the price to pay was for it's bland non-existent taste. However, with Luke's stomach he didn't care so much for the taste. The thought of eating something heavy made him queasy. 

He forced himself to eat, knowing he had gone too long not eating. He tried to blame it on the nerves, that the rustling in the trees and into the foggy unknown darkness was just his imagination, or a small animal and not some monster lurking about trying to eat him next. He blushed, finding himself hugging his stuffed Bantha closer (for warmth, he lied to himself) and looking at the darkness around him from the light box that charged R2.

"Still... there's something familiar about this place. I feel like... I don't know..." 

"Feel like what?" An unknown voice asked from behind him. Quickly Luke whirled around with his blaster in hand, pointing it at when he heard the deep voice. From behind him, sat on a tree limb was a creature in ragged robes, wrinkly and green and hiding it's face. "Like we're being watched." Luke openly spoke. 

"Away with your weapon, I mean you no harm! I was wondering, why are you hear?" the creature asked, hesitantly and frightened. Luke's heart felt pity as he lowered his weapon. He was hesitant to tell this green alien what his business was. Luke feared that somehow, someway, this being could be a spy for his father. He had to be cautious about what he would say and to who. Still, on the off hand that this wasn't a spy, perhaps this little, two-foot tall creature could help him find Master Yoda.

"I'm looking for someone," Luke started, "A great warrior." 

The creature chuckled and shook his head, leaving the branch to plop on the ground and walk towards Luke. Luke felt no reason to fear his presence. He was  66 centimeters tall, a total shrimp, he wasn't threatening. "A great warrior? Wars not make one great." He hobbled over with his walking stick to Luke's supply box and began to rummage.  

"Hey, that's my dinner!" Luke cried, taking the box away from the green creature. 

"Big you are, eating food like that?" the little imp asked. Luke groaned. He felt sick still and his cheeks began to feel flushed. "Listen, friend, we didn't mean to land in that puddle, and if we could get our ship out, we would, but we can't, so why don't you just-"

"Stuck you are?" was his only response. The green imp continued to rummage and make a muck of Luke's supply box. Luke didn't appreciate his items being tossed about into the swampy sludge around them. "Give me that!" Luke growled, frustration rising as he reached for the tiny flashlight the imp held. For as old as the being looked, he turned around and pouted like a child. 

'Mine! Or, I will help you not." He stated. 

"I don't want your help. You don't reach my knee how useful could you be?" Luke stuck his tongue out. "I don't even want to be in this slimy mudhole." 

"Mudhole? Slimy? This is my home!" The creature barked back, offended. Neither of them noticed R2 and used his retractable grabber to clutch onto the flashlight. R2 Beeped at him to let go of his master's belongings, he was upsetting Luke. The green imp cried, picking up his stick and whacking the droid as he tried to pull back the object. 

Luke rolled his eyes, "Oh, let him have it, R2." The droid went to protest but followed orders as the tiny green creature happily held onto his prize. The green wrinkled frog then eyed Luke's Bantha. Luke glanced down at the toy and held it closer to him. "No, you can't have this!" He snapped. Not his Bantha. It had been his only source of comfort aside from R2's whistling to keep him company. He wouldn't part with it any time soon. It appears the gremlin had understood this as well as he smirked, not menacingly, but almost knowingly. As if he understood something Luke didn't know about himself. It worried him. 

"Looking for a friend, you are?" The imp asked. 

"No. . . not a friend. A Jedi master." 

"Oh, ho, ho, ho. Jedi master, hmmm. Master Yoda, you seek?" 

Despite his arriving fever, Luke managed to give a small smile. "Yes! That's exactly who I'm looking for. You know him?" He truly hoped this was a friend not a foe. If Luke was caught so early again by his father, he feared he'd give up and loose his father to The Dark Side. He knew he could save Anakin. The green wrinkled creature hooted in laughter again as he wobbled, using his stick for support. "Take him to you, I will. Follow me." Was all he said before leading Luke into the mist. Luke called back to R2, giving him instructions to watch over the campsite. 

One step closer to Master Yoda means I'm closer to saving my father. Luke smiled to himself. He couldn't contain his excitement as he wiggled threw the murky fog and between the twisted limbs of trees. 

How excited he was to meet Anakin. His father. 

Luke wasn't sure how he would meet this Jedi master; he had no expectations for meeting someone on such a murky place. He assumed this Jedi would be hiding in some sort of hut, or cave as it had begun to downpour upon the arrival of a tiny hut at the base of a large spiraled tree. Luke had no expectations for this Jedi's living facilities; before he knew Obi-Wan Kenobi was a Jedi master, old Ben had lived in a shack. Still, this Yoda guy had to be as small as this Imp trying to make Luke dinner. Luke awkwardly sat on his bottom, his legs and knees tucked to his chest. It was at least warm in the tiny home, but cramped for someone as big as him. 

"Um, I don't really-" 

"Hush." the pointed ear creature demanded softly as he poured broth into a bowl for Luke. 

"Look, I'm sure whatever you're making is delicious. But I really need to find this Master Yoda and leave. I'm on a time-" 

"Patience. Young one. For the young Jedi it is time to eat as well. Eat, eat. Hot. Good food, hm? Good, hmm?" Luke took a sip. It was good, spicy, earthy.  But he felt a headache coming on. "Where is this Yoda anyway?" Luke asked for the millionth time. The green imp shook his head. "Not far. Yoda not far. Patience. Soon you will be with him. Might I ask, why wish you become Jedi, hmm?" 

Luke felt that was a bit personal to ask, but he also wondered how often others came to Dagobah seeking Master Yoda. He wouldn't tell the creature everything, but he could spare him details. "Because of my father, I guess." Luke swallowed the broth. It was tasty. The creature nodded, "Powerful Jedi, he was, hmm?" 

The blonde's head snapped up. What would this creature know anything about his father? He didn't even know who Luke was. Luke was also sure he didn't disclose his name to the being, either.  

"Oh, what would you know?" He grumbled. Luke watched as the creature closed his eyes for but a moment The small creature took a breath and began to speak. 

"I cannot teach him." 

Luke frowned. Something felt off. Who was this imp talking to? Suddenly, the room felt warmer, gentle even. Like a firm parental hand on his shoulders assuring him he'd be alright. Luke's blue eyes widened as he felt a tendril of Force fluff threw his long blonde hair and the green creature became talking more, claiming how Luke was too impatient, too young, too weak. No. Luke couldn't have this. He sat up. "I'm ready! Really, I am! I've learned so much already!" He pleaded. It all made sense now. 

This was Master Yoda, the one he was looking for. 

"Please, please Master Yoda. I'm ready." Luke pleaded, "I. . . I want to save my father, please." Luke dared to lower his shields, to allow Master Yoda to read him and prove he wasn't lying. Wet blue eyes went as wide as possible. Hopefully pleading to Yoda would be enough. Yoda took in a deep breath. "I won't fail you. I'm not afraid." Luke promised. 

Yoda chuckled. 

"You will be." 

Luke whimpered into the soft pillow bellow his fevered cheeks. He had a terrible night sleeping. On and off again he was reaching for the bottle of formula for a drink, but every sip felt like a large rock pelted at his stomach when he swallowed. He dare not think about eating, it upset his stomach too much. But he was so thirsty, but felt so full as it was. With a soft whimper, Luke felt his stomach growl and his eyes popped open before he could stop himself he leaned up and began dry heaving before he became sick all over the white bedding. Fat globs of tears showered down his face as his chest huffed in and out. There went last night's dinner and whatever he had been suckling on throughout the night as well. 

Luke reached behind him where from the safety of the sick lied his Bantha. He clutched the toy close to him as he sat on his knees, beginning to shiver and sob. His head hurt, he felt dizzy and now he had made a mess all over the bed. The poor boy was in such distress that on his end of the bond, shockwaves of terror and pleading alarmed the sleeping Father across the hall. Luke had never sent such distressed calls threw the Force before, so if he all but sprinted into Luke's room well it was justified. 

The scene before him was heartbreaking. 

"Oh, oh my poor boy. My dear Luk'yalie." Vader shushed the boy as Luke began to sob as Vader tenderly carried him, picking him off the soiled bed. The worried father held his baby close, his one arm tightening around the boy to ensure he wouldn't slip while his other hand reached out to feel the boy's forehead and cheeks. He was boiling. Even in the dim night light room he could make out how rosy-red his boy's cheeks were. Vader was quick to leave the bedroom, waking a servant droid to tend to Luke's bedding as well as comm-calling for a medic droid. Luke whimpered in his hold, his little arms wrapping around Vader's neck as he pressed his forehead onto his father's exposed collarbones. His Father's healed skin felt like ice to his inflamed forehead. 

The father patted the boy's back gently making sure to rock him gently. Thankfully, it didn't take long for the medic droid to enter. Now came the difficult part. 

"Luk'yalie, Daddy has to lie you down." Vader cooed when the boy tightened his grip on his father, not wanting to be put on the sofa. He had just gotten comfortable against the man and now it was being taken from him. "Daddy's not going anywhere, Luke." Vader promised as he laid Luke on the sofa, making sure the boy's head was elevated on his lap. The medic was nothing more than a scanner, but it would do for now. It would detect severe symptoms requiring if Luke needed the medical wing or not; Vader sent a silent plea to the Force that this was just a small virus or stomach bug. He waited patiently for the Medic scanner to scan Luke's body from head to toe, brushing his son's sweaty blonde bangs off his forehead. 

"Medical analysis ready." The droid spoke. 

"What is it?" Vader commanded. 

"Viral infection. Prominant symptoms detected include fever, nausea and body aches as well as gastrointestinal such as bloating. Recommendation for cure are simple antibiotics, purified water and lots of rest." The droid spoke. Vader dismissed the droid, having done it's job. He hummed to his little one who began to sniffle. "C'mon Luk'yalie. Let's get you cleaned up." He whispered, slowly easing the boy into his arms once more. Rather Luke's room, Vader took the boy straight to his own refresher. Granted Luke's tub was bigger, but that was in part to house all the bath toys Vader loved seeing Luke try to take apart as he washed his hair. Vader's own tub was more of an inground pool for him to ease in and out of on his own. Perfect for Luke in his fragile state. 

"Sssh, ssh, my little one, let's get you out of those soaked clothes. Oh, my poor Luke." Vader lovingly and carefully as to not jostle the boy too much removed Luke's silk nightgown and sleep socks that were drenched in sweat and sick. Luke shivered when his hot skin became exposed to the cool air but Vader knew it had to feel good in some way too as he checked the temperature of the running bath water to ensure it wasn't too warm but cool. He had to bring down Luke's fever. 

But first was checking it. Using the force, he opened his hand when an object flew into it unknown to Luke who lay still in his father's lap as Vader sat on the floor next to the bath pool. 

"Let Daddy turn you over little angel, there we go." Vader treaded lightly the next few steps. He hadn't done this with Luke before as he had been lucky that Luke had an illness-free streak going during his stay. But it was vital he knew what fever Luke had. Granted, he could always have the droid come back and scan for the reading, but Vader was Luke's father, he knew best and this was the best accurate reading for little ones such as his son. Luke would be denied anything but the best. Vader prepped the tool and laid his lethargic son tummy down over his lap. "Are you okay, child?" Vader asked, he wasn't given a response as Luke was too busy enjoying the cool tile on his hot cheek. Vader smiled softly before raising Luke's hips a bit. 

When Luke felt his father's hand on his behind did he begin to thrash. 

"No, no no, Luk'yalie, it's okay." Vader hushed. 

"Out, oooout!" Luke cried. He wanted whatever Vader just injected into him out. It was the weirdest sensation ever and Luke didn't like it at all and began to cry. He was so tired, felt so weak and all he wanted was for his stomach to stop hurting and his head to not pound anymore. Vader kept his grip on Luke tight, if the boy screamed himself sick then so be it he could have another cleaning droid pick up the sick, but Luke was not going to fight him on the rectal thermometer. 

"Almost done, Luke, just a few more seconds." Vader hushed, rubbing Luke's quivering back. Oh, how poorly his little boy felt. His behavior Vader could brush off as Luke wasn't in the right headspace to think logically. No doubt it was the fever educing that. And he would be correct. He waited for the thermometer to beep signaling it was ready and tutted. 

"101" He told himself. He had to get Luke's fever down before it grew worse. He laid Luke on the floor for a moment to undress. Thankfully the new prosthetics he had were waterproof, but only in colder temperatures. He could bathe with his Luke properly tonight. "Alright, little one, it's over. Into the bath we go." 

Luke was too disoriented to hear all of that but when the cool water made contact with his warm flesh he almost jumped out of Vader's arms like a startled tooka kitten. He cried loudly, not liking such friggid cold water on himself. But it wasn't freezing at all, it was almost lukewarm but not nearly. Luke's body was having a reaction to it's fevered skin against it. Vader shushed his son over and over again, cupping some water to run down Luke's back and shoulders and neck to help him get used to the water. It took a bit but eventually Luke slacked against his father's chest, whimpering as Vader poured handfuls of water down him and he had to admit it felt good. 

"There we go my little one. Daddy's so sorry you're feeling poorly. But we'll have a nice cold drink and Daddy will read you a story to help you go back to sleep. Would you like that?" 

Luke hiccupped, nuzzling closer to hide his red face. The bathroom lights were bright and they hurt his eyes. Hearing his little one's thoughts, Vader dimmed the lights just enough to where they wouldn't hurt his child. Pressing a kiss to Luke's temple, the Daddy lowered Luke into the water a bit on the side of the bath pool where there was a build in underwater seat. The water came up to Luke's mid chest and that was enough for the father to grab a wash cloth and dampen it and lightly press it against Luke's feverish face. 

His poor little sunshine boy. Oh if Padme were here, she'd know what to do. Vader allowed himself briefly to remember his late wife and how soft and gentle she was with younglings, especially if they were sick. How she'd know just how to hold them, rock them, soothe them. He had no doubt in his mind that Luke would be cured immediately if Padme were alive. His thoughts jabbed at his blackened heart as the thought of Padme rocking their Luke to sleep and nursing him back to health much better than he ever could. Vader couldn't wallow in self pity much longer. 

Luke's Mama was gone. All he had was his father, him. Vader had to be the one to step up and ensure his son got better. 

The father placed a hand on Luke's face. "You feel cooler, Luk'yalie. It's time to get out." Luke only whined in response. Luke was vacillating between lethargy and defiance and the first was winning. Vader softly smiled hauling his little one out of the bath and onto plush towels laid out on the bathroom chaise. There he was swaddled as Vader ignored his own wet body, water droplets dripping from his toned muscles and forearms. He could dry off when he was sure Luke was lying on something plush and bigger to keep him from falling. His bed would do nicely. Luke was laid, swaddled in the middle as Vader changed into a simple pair of sleep pants. 

The younger boy didn't take kindly to this as he began to thrash about, only stopping when his stomach flipped. 

"No, no, little one, lie still. You need your medicine and then Daddy will help you fall asleep." Vader stroked Luke's damp hair. The boy sniffed, wet tears forming again.

"Oh my angel, what is the matter? What can Daddy do?" 

"W-wat. . .er." Luke croaked. Dehydration had come upon the boy regardless if his stomach could handle the thought of a cold drink. Vader nodded, he'd get his son whatever he wished for. However, other matters needed attending to. Vader called for the servant droid to fetch a heavy cloth and safety pins as Luke turned onto his side to clutch his stomach. "On your back, Luk'yalie." Vader caressed his cheek, gently pushing him back. 

"Why-y-y." Luke whined, yawning afterwards. Vader smiled sadly. His sick boy had dark circles forming. He was so tired.  "Daddy is gonna dress you, little one. You're still very warm and you won't need many layers." Slowly, Vader began to part Luke's thighs, raising his hips to have Luke lay under the cloth as he wrapped it around him, pinning it shut. Using the force, Vader retrieved a large cotton button down night shirt of his own and helped Luke place his arms threw. "There we go, little one. All ready for bed." he cooed, helping Luke under the silk covers.  "Daddy will be right back with your drink and your medicine, okay, angel?." Vader felt assured Luke wouldn't roll off the bed as the boy slumped against the large pillows behind him, his eyes threatening to close. 

Vader would contact the medic in the morning for a stronger dose or a possible prescription for Luke should his fever still be prominent in the morning. A chilled sippy cup and the vial of medicine was brought into his room, along with Luke's stuffed Bantha he had accidentally dropped. The father smiled when Luke reached for the toy and happily handed it over. Vader sat on the edge of the bed next to Luke as he opened the vial, pouring a healthy dollop into the cap and bringing it to Luke's lips. "There we go angel, nice and slow." He coaxed as Luke obeyed. 

Yup, Luk'yalie had an intense fever if he was behaving so well. Vader chuckled to himself.  

That didn't stop the boy from making a face when he swallowed the contents. It tasted much better when it was hidden in his formula. Vader smiled and raised the sippy cup to Luke's mouth, the boy took it without complaint. The chilled water feeling wonderful on his throat, but he could only sip a little at a time as his tummy still felt sore. The father soothed his child lovingly, stroking his bangs back as the familiar lullaby Vader sung to him almost nightly came to tune with Vader's baritone voice lulling Luke to the edge of sleep. 

Constant as the stars above

always know that you are loved. 

When Luke awoke, it was early in the morning but that was unknown due to the fact it was pouring rain outside. His fever was gone and he was alone in a sleeper on Yoda's den floor. His heart ached as he clutched his stuffed Bantha close. He missed his father. While he didn't agree with Vader on a lot, especially his treatment of a living doll, there was no denying the bond they shared and how fragile it was. He wished for it to be tightened, for Anakin to come back to the light and for himself to not feel so defeated and alone. 

Outside, meditating on a large rock, Yoda frowned. Luke was dangerously walking along the line of a deep attachment his father had consumed himself in and eventually lost himself to the Dark Side. And yet, Yoda couldn't help but wonder: Just what did Vader do to this boy? 

Chapter Text

The warm sunlight seeping into the nursery room illuminated the scene of Padme Amidala, Queen of Naboo, lying heavily pregnant and comfortable on the chaise lounge by the open window. One gentle hand lay on the top of her round belly as the other played with the wavy chestnut hair belonging to her husband, Anakin, as he nuzzled his face against her tummy, gently making noises in hopes their baby could hear him. Moments like this melted her heart to see him be so tender with the baby inside of her; how he'd press his hands gently to her abdominal region, fearful that at any moment he'd hurt her. It took a lot of convincing Anakin that in no way would her Ani hurt her by just feeling for a baby kick.

"How did your appointment go?" He asked, slightly worried he could not be in attendance. "Is everything alright, are you or the baby--"

"Ani," Padme chuckled, "I am alright, as is the babe. We are both fine, I promise." The worried glance on Anakin's face faded only slightly. He believed his Queen. Still, he wouldn't stop worrying about her until after the birth, which was coming up faster than both of them were prepared for. All the preparations were finalized for Padme to give birth safely and that's all Anakin could hope for as he trailed his hand along Padme's tummy. His lovely Queen looked heavenly in her night gown. Lately she hadn't wanted to leave her bed, claiming exhaustion and feeling poorly. Anakin didn't mind waiting on her hand-and-foot. 

Her curly brown hair was tied back today, she wore no jewelry but her wedding ring and the japor necklace. A favorite of hers. All from Anakin. Anakin liked to think she wore the trinkets and precious metals from him to assure him she was committed to him. That she loved him mind, body and soul. He closed his eyes and smiled, laying his head on her lap. He tired to not think of those nightmares of her dying in his arms to ruin this moment. 

"Ani," Padme called to him, playfully. "What do you think the baby is?" 

"The gender?" Anakin asked. Padme nodded. On Tatooine, gender mattered not to a slave, man or woman, boy or girl, they were owned. All a slave owned was what little precious history they recalled and their name. None of which could be taken from them. "Er. . . ." The father to be hadn't thought about exactly who his beloved wife was carrying for a while. Would Padme birth him a boy with an impulsive streak like himself, or a daughter who resembled all the best qualities of her mother? Anakin swallowed. He hadn't even thought of names. He sat up slowly, frowned in thought. 

"I do not know." He admitted, blushing slightly. Did this make him a bad father for not thinking about this earlier? 

Padme chuckled, "It's alright, Ani. I feel it is a boy, but a girl would be so wonderful too." 

My little Princess. Anakin smiled at her tummy. The child of a former slave, a princess. His thoughts trailed back to his mother, biting his bottom lip, what would she think of knowing her lineage would become to this? From dirt floors to stone and rug, from clay walls to painted ceilings, from work and misery, to luxury and peace. His mother was so brave and strong. A light in a sea of darkness. That's when Anakin's blue eyes widened, not ignored by his wife as she frowned. 

"Ani?" 

"A name, I've thought of a name." He smiled, brightly. Padme listened carefully as Anakin spoke the name, "Leia'ren." He utters, the name tingling on his tongue as the notion that it could be the name of his future daughter. Twilight. Old Naboo. Padme says the name over again to herself, a small smile coming to her face that forms into a smirk. "And of a boy?" She asked, teasingly. Anakin only smiles at her and places his hands on her tummy while she thinks to herself. 

"Leia'ren. . . " Padme mumbles to herself. It's comforting. A strong name for a girl to grow into. She loves it. And now for the boy. She thinks before, "Lu. . . Luk'yalie?" She asks. Bright one. 

Padme hisses just as Anakin feels two hard kicks on his palm. "Padme!" He's on his feet, ready to haul her up and take her to the bed if need be. Padme insists she's fine, it was just a harsh kick. It had been happening frequently, along with trips to the refresher and some morning sickness. She waves him off, helping herself to her feet. "I'm okay, Anakin." She insists, "it was just a rough kick. I believe whomever I am carrying likes the names." 

She glanced up at him, the man she loved with all her heart. Anakin falls for her all over again, truly, madly, deeply. 

"Luk'yalie." He breathes. The name already feels so familiar. Anakin loves it. 

As the late afternoon sun sets, Anakin promises Padme he will return. She bids him farewell, unknown to either of them this is the last time they will stand in the nursery. 

Training on Dagobah was hell. Literal hell. 

The now nineteen-year-old Luke stood on one hand as Master Yoda perched himself on his foot, mumbling about. Master Yoda did not lie when he said he would train Luke to no end. The pouring rain was not a factor Yoda took in either. Rain, mugginess, tiny bugs crawling everywhere, Luke had to endure it all. Luke had to admit, he did miss the Imperial training ground his father built for him, but even his father did not have him delve into anything such as Master Yoda had been. Luke recalled rolling balls and making objects spin with his father while Galen helped perform his foot and fighting skills but Master Yoda was adamant on Luke stacking rocks. 

So finical. 

"These are huge!" Luke cried, glancing around at the boulders around him. 

"Size matters not." Master Yoda would chide at him, "All things, The Force moves. Look at me. Judge me by my size, do you? Hm? Mmmm." 

That was last week. Luke had yet to move them more than an inch off the ground. The boy lost his balance and his concentration as he fall into the sloppy mud (again). Yoda brushed himself off, using his stick to help him approach Luke. 

"Troubled, you are." He consoled. 

"It's just a lot." Luke admitted. On top of not moving the rocks, he found himself waking up early in the morning before the fog creeped around the master's hut to find he had wet his sleeper sack. It wasn't a one time fluke either. Hot tears threatened to escape him but he shook his head.  I can't give up. I need to save my father. He repeated to himself before standing up again and going back into the handstand position. "I won't let it get to me!" He promised. 

Yoda only frowned. "Concentrate." His master spoke as Luke began to focus on the boulders once again. They began to ride like Luke perfected and then they shook, like too many stacked plates before they fall in the black mud, taking Luke with them. The boy growled, slamming his fist into the mud. Yoda's eyes widened but only for a moment. 

"Dammit! Why can't I do this?!" Luke cried. He became frustrated very easily. For weeks he had been on this miserable planet and for weeks nothing was working. He was beginning to think Ben was wrong about his seeking out Yoda. He must have been broad casting his thoughts because before him Yoda began to chuckle. 

"Desprate you were, begged me you did!" He pointed his stick at the boy before whacking him atop his head. "Me help, me help, you cried!" 

Luke sighed. His master was right. It was him who pleaded for this. "I'm sorry, Master Yoda. It's just, I don't see how stacking rocks is going to save my father." He admitted. Yoda hadn't the chance to say a word before R2 began frantically beeping at Luke from a distance just in time for Luke to spot the X-wing to sink into the bog. The blonde groaned out loud. "Now I'll never get it out!" That was his only way off this planet. Even if he did pass Master Yoda's teachings he was stuck here with the green hermit. 

Yoda stomped his foot. 

"So reckless, so impatient. So certain are you. Always with you it cannot be done. Hear you nothing that I say?" 

Luke apologized again, raising his arm and out warding his hand to see the tip of the X-Wing's nose pop out of the bog, but Luke's small victory did not last for as quickly as the nose appeared, it sunk back into the bog. Luke turned to the small master. "I cannot do it, Master. It's far too big. I can't even move these rocks, how can I move my X-Wing?" 

"Again, young Skywalker. My size you judge?" 

"No. . . master I do not understand." Luke admitted. What was Yoda talking about him judging him for being the size of a stump? He wasn't picking on Yoda for his size at all. The small green alien shook his head before continuing. "For my ally in the Force. And a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we," Yoda laid a gentle hand on Luke's bony shoulder. "Not this crude matter. The Force is everything." 

Luke licked his lip before turning to what little he could see of his X-Wing. Frustration did not leave him that night as he lie in his sleeper bag on the floor, R2 next to him shut down for the night. A dim light fading in and out every once in a while to act as a nightlight for Luke. Luke couldn't sleep. He kept thinking of how easy it was to use The Force with his father and how his father kept coaching him and Luke feared that because of how easy it was to tap into the Force that perhaps his father had shown him ways of The Dark Side without his knowledge. 

The blonde shut his eyes tight, begging to fall asleep. Every time he shut his eyes, his father's stern face was there. The look of betrayal in those golden eyes as a ring of fire cascaded around them. Fear filled his stone paralyzed body as Luke eluded from the nightmares. Shivering in fetal position Luke felt tears well up in his eyes. 

His father wouldn't forgive him this time, he felt. Not unless he saved him. If he could save Anakin Skywalker inside Darth Vader, he could live his dream that childhood loneliness crafted of  having his father. Of being with family again. The more Luke thought of Anakin coming back to the light side, the heavier his eyes felt. His mouth quivered and twitched. It had been so long since he had a warm drink to fall asleep too and to be honest it was nice to have for a bit. In his drowsiness, he hadn't realized he lifted his arm and allowed his soft lips to caress his thumb and began to suckle. 

He wasn't conscious to care. His head was swimming with dreams of Anakin. Of his Daddy. 

"Concentrate... feel the Force flow. Yes. Good. Calm, yes. Through the Force, things you will see. Other places. The future... the past. Old friends long gone." Luke kept his eyes shut as he listened to each word his master spoke. Luke glanced at the rocks he had trouble moving before and took a deep breath before tapping into his bond with the force. It felt so familiar, like Uncle Owen, Aunt Beru, Leia, his Father, Han, Chewie, Biggs, Lando, the trees, the sand, the air. How it felt like everyone and everything he's ever known or come into contact with he cannot say why. 

What he can agree, was it felt like seeing an old friend. Comforting with authentic longevity. The boulder raised itself in the air as if it were lighter than a bird's feather. Luke smiled to himself before setting the boulder down gently. Master Yoda hopped off Luke's foot and began to hobble back to the small hut. Luke frowned, glancing at R2 when the droid rolled up next to him. 

Master Yoda was oddly quiet lately. He wasn't eating either, Luke worried. The young apprentice followed his small master into the hut. Yoda left his stick to lie on the ground as he helped himself up on the small bed. Luke watched with a sad expression. Something in the Force was telling him something was not right. Master Yoda glanced at Luke, smiling sadly. "Hmm. That face you make. Look so old to young eyes?" 

"Master, you look weary. Are you okay?" Luke asked. 

"Soon will I rest. Yes, forever sleep. Earned it, I have." Yoda coughed. Luke gasped, immediately at Yoda's bedside. Forever sleep? What did that mean? Of course Luke knew what it meant. It meant his master was dying. But master Yoda couldn't die, not now! "No, master you can't die!" Luke begged, kneeling before his teacher. He had spent many months on Dagobah. Truthfully, he lost count. He was working hard to save his father and if his master died then he was stuck here master-less and uneducated. 

"Little one. Strong am I with the Force... but not that strong! Twilight is upon me and soon night must fall. That is the way of things... the way of the Force." Yoda pulled his blankets up close to his ratted and ragged robes. He looked so tired, withdrawn and Luke could only assume that after being nine hundred years old Master Yoda would want to retire but it was such a critical moment for him. He was finally getting the hang of his master's teachings. He did not want him to go. 

"Master, I am not yet knowledgeable. I claim to be a Jedi and I want to follow my father's footsteps-" 

"No!" Yoda grunted. "Do not." Luke held his tongue as Yoda continued talking. "Not Jedi. Ohhh. Not yet. One thing remains: Vader. You must confront Vader. Then, only then, a Jedi will you be. And confront him you will." 

Luke frowned. Confront? What did Master Yoda mean by that? Luke took a deep breath. He was here to save his father. To save Anakin. And it wasn't until Luke's eyes widened and he glanced at his master did everything click. The most dreadful feeling began to whirl around in his stomach as if he had swallowed a bunch of bog rocks. The Force rang with truth the deeper Luke searched through it, hoping it was a lie: Yoda had not trained him to save Anakin as Luke had pleaded for. Luke had been trained on how to kill him. 

The old master reached his three clawed fingers out for Luke to hold onto "Remember, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware. Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny. Luke. . .Luke...Do not. . .Do not underestimate the powers of the Dark Side, or suffer your father's fate, you will. Luke, when gone am I--" Yoda coughed, making Luke wince at how painful it sounded. "--the last of the Jedi will you be. Luke, the Force runs strong in your family. Pass on what you have learned, Luke. . ." 

Luke watched with teary eyes as his master used his last breath to tell him his final message: 

"There is. . . another. . .Sky...Sky. . .walker. . ." 

Outside the hut, R2 beeped at his master who solemnly stood in the pouring rain. They were alone. Or at least they thought they were. That was how Luke felt as he gazed around at the darkness around him, hugging his stuffed Bantha close. How foolish he felt being here in the dark. He had ran off to save his father only to end up on a planet no one knew he was on but Leia and he wasn't leaving anytime soon with his X-Wing still in the bog. The man found a tree log and sat down. He needed a moment to process what was going on. 

He had just lost his master. It was a terrible thing and Luke feared his plan had gone to hell. When the thought of giving up reached him, Luke felt a peaceful aurora behind him and the Force chimed with beloved strength as Obi-Wan Kenobi made his appearance.  "Do not mourn Master Yoda, young Luke. He is with The Force now." 

Luke stood up abruptly and pointed a finger at the old man. "You!" He breathed. "You told me my father was dead, Ben!" A sudden bubble of anger popped in Luke. He hadn't forgotten the tales of The Clone Wars Ben told him on the Falcon and using his father in past tense. And then to come find out his father is Darth Vader. Alive and well. Obi-Wan gave Luke a sad nod. "You father was seduced by the dark side of the Force. He ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and became Darth Vader. When that happened, the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I have told you was true. . . from a certain point of view." 

"That's a load of Bantha shit and you know it, Obi-Wan." Luke bit his lip, turning away to not cry, hugging his Bantha tighter. "I. . . I was miserable!" He admitted. "Do you know what you put me through, Ben?" Luke cried. Obi-Wan's figure floated towards Luke until he was sitting on the log. "Luke, you're going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view. I don't blame you for being angry. If I was wrong in what I did, it 
certainly wouldn't have been for the first time."

Luke hadn't looked at him once.

Obi-Wan hid his face in one hand to tenderly smile sadly "You see, what happened to your father was my fault." 

"You were the Chosen One! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them! Bring balance to the force, not leave it in darkness!" 

"I hate you!" 

The flashback stunned the old man but for a brief moment before the Force soothed him. It would be over soon. "To be a Jedi, Luke, you must confront and then go beyond the dark side - the side your father couldn't get past. Impatience is the easiest door - for you, like your father. Only, your father was seduced by what he found on the other side of the door, and you have held firm. You're no longer so reckless now, Luke. You are strong and patient. And now, you must face Darth Vader again." 

"I won't kill him, Ben. I want to save Anakin." Luke spoke. It was the first glance he's given Obi-Wan all night. 

"Anakin is gone, Luke." 

Luke was silent before he asked, "Obi-Wan, help me understand. Yoda spoke of another. Another Skywalker. Surly he meant my father could come back?" 

"No, Luke. He spoke of your twin sister." 

Luke frowned. Twin sister? He had no sister. It had just been himself to play with as a child in the sand. Himself to fend for in school and himself to worry about. He shook his head wordlessly as Obi-Wan continued. "Luk'yalie and Leia'ren. To protect you both from the Emperor, you were hidden from your father when you were born. The Emperor knew, as I did, if Anakin were to have any offspring, they would be a threat to him. That is the reason why your sister remains safely anonymous among the Empire." 

Leia'ren. . . Leia. 

Luke caught himself uttering her name. And just like that, The Force shone brightly inside of him, warming his chest like a mother hugging their child. He had felt so close to her before; he was confused for it hadn't felt romantic, but it was more than a friendship and now it all made sense. A small smile came to his face. He wasn't alone after all. He had lost family and friends, but he had a sister--a twin--and he wasn't alone. 

He gulped as his smile disappeared. "Oh, no." Obi-Wan frowned, nodding as Luke's dreadful insights consumed him. Vader, his father, their father, had tortured her. Blown up her planet before her with glee and was actively hunting for her should she be spotted. Luke held his hand over his mouth as he sat down to calm himself. A painful stab jabbed at his heart when he realized that he couldn't tell either of them the truth. He couldn't tell Leia that they were related because that would mean admitting Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker, was her father. The same man that held her prisoner and interrogated her. Leia would be so distraught. She would break, Luke knew in his heart. Leia was headstrong and confidant, but he had seen her sensitive side and how caring she was.  She would be in ruins. 

The blonde gulped. Not only would she be heartbroken, but would Vader accept her? Even if he did, all Luke could imagine was explosive fighting between the two of them. Leia would never love him as a father and all Vader would see her as was "a brainwashed rebel traitor." Not as a daughter to protect and care for. That was just the tip of the ice burg. Vader would no doubt keep them both locked up like birds in cages, especially after Luke's history of running away. 

Luke's unshed tears stung his eyes. So much for having family. A dead mother, a secret sister, a controlling father. Having a family was impossible.

Obi-Wan began to fade away, "You know what must be done, Luke. You must bring and end to Darth Vader." The old man said nothing else as he faded into the Force until he was gone. Luke held his stuffed animal in his hand as R2 rolled up next to him trying to comfort his distraught master. The tears fell down his face as something in the distance snapped, catching R2's attention but not Luke's. It wasn't until R2 saw something in a tree did he begin to scream loudly, alarming Luke who had no time to react as something shot out into the air and pricked his neck, sending him falling into the mud and unconscious.  

This miserable place. He had dreamed of it before. For seventeen years. And yet this time, there was no little boy to be seen playing, twirling around or standing in the distance. There was nothing but merging static around him, abandoned toys at his feet and no child in sight. There was no Luk'yalie to be seen. It was taunting, ridiculing him. 

"Daddy!"

Jerking behind him stood no child, but Luke himself in youthful Tatooine white garments that symbolized he was not yet a man, untamed blonde locks that threatened to wisp at the ends. Vader gasped at his appearance; not his clothes, not his hair, his boots or his mother's japor necklace that hung from his neck. Sticking out of Luke's chest was a lightsaber. A bright red one. 

"You killed me, Daddy. Why did you kill me?" 

Vader had no chance to speak before he heard a familiar choking sound. Abruptly turning back around he reached out to see Padme. She was pregnant. Her hands to her neck. 

"Ani, you're breaking my heart!" 

He can't breathe. He can't see straight. He--

"You're majesty!" A voice calls out to him as he's jerked awake. Vader looks around him. He's in the med bay he can gather with alarmed doctors surrounding him. He hides his disorientated state of mind as best as he could, demanding to know what happened to him. A brave doctor answers that in a meeting he had suffered from a seizure and hit his head. A seizure? Vader wanted to laugh, to kill the imbicile that stood next to him. He was a Dark Lord of The Sith, The Emperor of The Galaxy and they claim a seizure almost killed him? 

"Get out." he seethed. 

"Sir with all due respect you need a-" that doctor's neck snapped and the rest went running out of the room. Vader helps himself stand, ignoring hos sore his body feels. He catches himself glancing in a small mirror on the wall and his eyes do no deceive him. He's ill. Severally. His skin is threatening to turn back to the whitish grey it had been when he was in his suit, his hair was thinning, his eyes looked slimy and blazed with the yellow iris that were no longer blue. His body was deteriorating right before his eyes. 

And his son was still missing. For thirteen months, one year and one month to the day. A large reward had been placed for whoever found his son and the price kept going up each month. What started off as a five million credit reward had now tripled to fifteen and more would be suggested in the coming days should Luke not be found yet and what little information was given wasn't helping anyone. Vader growled as he limped out of the med wing, demanding a hoverchair. He seethed in anger of having to use the damn thing to begin with. A week after Luke ran off, Vader had started off with what could be passed off as a viral cold and now it had progressed to seizures, fainting spells and deliriousness. Anyone who was smart dared not to suggest The Emperor was growing weak. Should Vader of heard them he chocked them on spot without warning or smashed their head in with the nearest object. 

The sith growled as the chair pushed open a door and he entered a room dedicated specifically for finding his son. Pictures of the X-Wing and video evidence of Luke leaving were played on a loop on a holo-screen as well as current pictures of Luke at all angles with his information of height, hair color, weight and whatever else was needed to identify him. 

Thirteen agonizing months. That was how long it has been since he had seen his son, his child, and he was miserable, irritable, worried and enraged. Luke was out there in the Galaxy in Force knows where. It had to be on a planet where it was far away enough in the Outer Rim where he didn't need to shield himself. Vader could not sense where his little baby was. He wondered what had caused Luke to run away, surly the boy had grown out of that teenage rebellion phase he displayed earlier. And yet, The Force told him it wasn't enough. Vader had not corrected Luke's behavior enough to ensure the boy would think twice of his actions and this was the price he paid. 

Oh, Luke was in for it. He wouldn't be able to sit for a month let alone leave his room. The book was against repeated punishments but Vader felt he was given no choice. Luke had broken the last straw and Vader would not be lenient for much longer. The more Vader thought of it, the more tempting it sounded to just lock his son away and let him stew in his anger for a bit. If he threw a fit that would only prove Vader's point in him being correct that despite his age, Luke was too young to be out roaming the Galaxy when he pleased and scaring his father half to death. Luke would not be leaving his side for a very long time. Vader backtracked his first idea and made mental note to himself to revoke Luke of privilege's of having his own room entirely. He could sleep in a cot at the foot of the bed where Vader could keep an eye on him. No more toys, no more candy or other gifts for a long while. No more red robe guards for him to Jedi-mind trick. (Another secret his son kept from him, either Galen or Obi-Wan taught him that cheap trick). No garden trips, no visits into town, no unsupervised training.

Luke better get used to seeing his sickly face. Because it would be his only company for a long time. Vader watched the group of officers working frantically, answering calls and writing down notes, pointing alternate routes Luke could have taken on large maps. They all worked tirelessly and Vader had to almost laugh to himself. 

His son believed these people did not like him? Pathetic. 

It was his fault for not checking in with Luk'yalie, for ensuring his son held total allegiance to him as his Emperor and swore with his heart he loved him as a father. It was as if he was loosing her again. Being betrayed by her again. 

Vader grit his teeth and he approached one unlucky man who trembled as he saluted. Pathetic. "What news do you have?" Vader seethed, his damaged face piercing a nightmare in the man's heart. 

"No-nothing sir, I'm just a report--" 

Dead on the floor is what he was. 

Vader moved down the line. "What of you?" He spoke calmly. 

"New data found off a freight flyer that The Prince's escape headed towards the Core, your majesty." His life wasn't spared but it was new details he could deal with. Naboo had been searched already. As did Dantooine. Vader was sure his son would run to that backstabbing Naberrie family first in hopes they would take him in and he was prepared to inform his child of their betrayal to him and why he had to kill them. And yet, Luke was no where to be found, nor had an X-Wing been reported at the newly established Empire check-in on the planet. And Dantooine, Vader growled when thinking about, had been a sham. The Rebel base information his son had given him turned to be an abandoned rebel base, not used since the Empire's infancy. Luke had lied to him about that as well. 

His son and the constantly lying were a mix Vader intended to put an end to the second Luk'yalie was in his grasp. 

Vader's patience grew thin and he felt like going on a killing spree to further grow his power, even if it was his own men. They could be replaced. His son could not. 

Suddenly a loud buzzing interrupted the chaos in the room and some lights began to flash at a specific desk in the middle of the room. "We are getting a call on the comlink-line." one officer spoke up. Vader approached the desk to answer. He wanted to speak to whomever had information. Picking up the link and opening the holo-screen Vader was met with a famed bounty hunter. 

"Boba Fett." Vader greeted. 

"Your majesty." Boba nodded at his end. 

"This better not be a social call, Fett." 

"It's not, I promise I want to keep on living. I just have two important questions regarding your son that might help me in my search." Boba Fett was cocky, but at least he was honest. Vader would oblige but if Fett wasted more than ten seconds of his time on the emergency Com line when someone else could be calling that second claiming to have found Luke, he would kill Fett without mercy. 

"First question. Did your son happen to have a droid with him, kinda' obnoxious and likes to run over people's feet as a means of attack?" 

R2 and 3PO were missing and cameras from the Hangar show they were with him before 3PO took off in a spare TIE that had yet to be found as well while Luke took R2. Vader nodded. "A blue and white astromech droid was in his X-Wing at the time of his disappearance." Vader confirmed. Boba nodded, turning around to look at something behind him as he steered his ship. "Ah, okay. Oi, shut up droid, I'm talkin' to the Emperor." Boba had balls talking so casually to him, Vader would give him credit for that.

Vader glared. "What is your second question, Fett? Do not test my patience." 

"Yeah, last question." Boba pressed a few buttons in front of him to put his ship into manual drive as he picked up the camera he was on the call with before walking a few feet. Vader's eyes widened as the camera panned to an unconscious body that could not be denied of his identity. Passed out, dirty with what appeared to be sticky mud and soaked to the bone, clutching his stuffed bantha was Luke. 

"Can I get that reward money through direct deposit?" Boba asked rhetorically. 

Chapter Text

The twin suns were vibrant. 

They called to him. 

A green light like a beacon shown from the west end of the dunes.

It called to him. 

Luke shuttered, sitting straight up to face the armored clad person staring over him. His blue eyes widened when he realized he was captured, not on Dagobah. Luke thought back to the last thing he remembered. Talking to Obi-Wan, Yoda passing and becoming one with The Force. Leia. His head felt dizzy just trying to remember everything. 

"Easy." The man spoke, his voice echoing due to his face being hidden under his tarnished dark green and red helmet Luke recognized as the attire a Mandalorian wore. "You've been passed out for a little over a day. Don't go jerking around unless you want to get sick." Luke narrowed his eyes, glaring at the man as much as he could muster. 

"You drugged me." He spat. 

"Had to. I'm not an idiot, I'm no match for a Jedi." 

"A fair fight wouldn't be too hard to ask for now would it?" Luke retorted. 

"Would you have given me one? I don't care either way. I got what I wanted. It's a to day flight back home for you so hang tight, Princess." Boba spoke back. Luke gulped. No doubt his father had people looking for him. This had to be one of those individuals. He took in a deep breath. Two days. He could handle that. That would be enough to subdue his nerves a little bit before facing his father. He glanced away. He knew this Mandalorian wouldn't hurt him. If his father found out, he'd be dead. He huffed, sitting up and holding his knees to his chest.  

"What. Not going to struggle?" Boba taunted back. 

"No." Luke admitted. He watched as the Mandalorain stood a few feet away, his arms crossed. Through the helmet he eyed Luke suspiciously. Boba Fett had animosity towards the Jedi for a very specific painful reason and it puzzled him to know why this obviously powerful Jedi wouldn't give him flack for kidnapping him and his droid. Something wasn't right here. 

Boba grunted. "So. . . you wanted to go back? I don't believe it." 

Luke licked his bottom lip. "I just need to know. . . Who sent you? It was my father, right?" 

"Don't ask questions you already know the answer to, Princess." That was a yes. Luke continued, weary. "Can you at least tell me if he's alright? I. . . I know I must have made life harder for innocent people-" 

The Mandalorian chuckled, but he wasn't tickled pink in the slightest. "You could say that again, Princess. If Daddy dearest isn't out murdering people looking for you then he's out making sure his bounty hunters are walking on feathers to find you, so it's safe to assume he's fine." Boba Fett sneered. He knew what he was getting into taking a bounty from Darth Vader, Emperor of The Galaxy. He wasn't stupid or naïve to the risks. But damn did the man have to know everyone's coordinates to ensure they've looked in the same place twice or that no rock wasn't overturned? There had been an incident involving one bounty hunter who couldn't take the pressure anymore and took a blonde haired boy that sorta-kinda-didn't resemble Luke and tried to pass him off which resulted in a public death on the Holonet. 

Boba wasn't about to unclench his asshole yet. There was still testing that was to be done at the first Imperial Base he was to head to for DNA sampling. 

"You've made me a rich man, Princess." 

Luke frowned at the nickname. "I'm not a -"

"And I don't plan on letting you get away." Without warning, Luke went to stand up but found himself unable to venture any further due to a yank on his ankle. He gasped when he saw he had been chained to the bed. Of course, he knew that this bounty hunter wouldn't take any chances of his escaping. He was a prize after all. That's all he'd ever be looked at so long as his father sat on the throne. He took a deep breath. Perhaps if he explained he had no intentions of running away the tension in the room would at least diminish. 

"I won't run off." Luke started. 

"Good." Boba spoke, unimpressed, as if he's heard that line many times. "Less worry for either of us." 

"But I need a detour." The gut feeling grew stronger as he felt it was necessary to travel there again. 

"Not happening, princess." 

Luke frowned. "I promise you I won't--"

"Leave, yeah, yeah, yeah." Boba Fett waved him off before leaving the small bedside in the room on his ship. "I know you won't leave, because leaving is not an option I've made available, jetti." 

Luke pleaded with him. "Please. I just need something small and useless to you on Tatooine and then you can take me to my father." Boba Fett grunted. If his old man were alive, he'd question Boba why he was allowing his Bounty to make negotiations or to speak so casually to him. He eyed the Prince of The Galaxy up and down carefully. The Prince was an open book and Boba could tell just by looking at him he wouldn't be able to lie for shit. So why was this Prince so wanting to venture off to the hellhole that was Tatooine, a planet most would see as a punishment to live on? 

"And what's so important that we have to discourse to Tatooine?" 

Luke bit his bottom lip. 

"Well? Don't keep me waiting." The Mandalorian was growing impatient. The young Jedi sat up and weighed out his options. IF this bounty hunter would take him to Tatooine there's no chance he'd let his bounty wander off alone. The young Jedi took a deep breath before uttering, "I can give you riches the Empire wouldn't. I promise." 

Now the bounty had his attention. "More riches than say the fifteen million credits and counting?" He raised an eyebrow under his helmet. Luke nodded slowly. "You can have that and what I will offer as well." Luke slowly spoke. Boba Fett wanted to call Bantha shit right there. No way would this deal get any better from the Bounty itself. Still, perhaps if he gained more information he could find a crack or a loophole in this so-called "wager" he was being offered. 

"Go on." He spoke. 

Luke licked his dry bottom lip. Here went nothing. 

"I need what is called a kyber crystal. One that is used in the formation of a Jedi weapon known as a lightsaber. They are the heart of the weapon and a Jedi is only as good as the weapon they wield." Luke spoke. There, Boba began to chuckle before his shoulders shook. He found it. This was the Jetti's little plan. To take him to a hiding spot from The Empire and build some sort of weapon to kill him. Oh how stupid Vader's son was. 

"You take me for an idiot, Princess?" Crossing his arms and hunching over Luke he wished he could grip the boy by the neck and smash him into a wall. Boba Fett loathed more than anything was being undermined. No matter how pretty his captive was. "What happened to small and useless? Unless that too was a lie." 

"Nothing is a lie. I just-"

"What is your plan, Jetti?" Boba grit his teeth. That startled the Prince but he shook it off taking a breath. "It's not you I'm going to kill." Luke admitted, "It's Darth Vader." 

The silence in the room was deathly quiet aside from the beeping R2 made. Boba shook his head. That had to of been some Jedi mind trick Luke managed to push onto him. It had to be. The boy just admitted to wanting to kill his on Dad? For what? Boba thought for a moment: political gain? To become Emperor? Because Darth Vader was a shit person and strong as hell and Luke ruling would be worse or better? The Mandalorian had more questions than answers when this "discussion" began and it was starting to frustrate him. 

"What. . . is your game?" He asked again. 

Luke gulped. "I will kill Darth Vader. He is not my father. Anakin Skywalker is. Vader is a puppet, an insane being that just wants power. I can save my real father if I have the proper weapon." He rambled. Now Boba was lost. Vader wasn't this kid's dad? This raised more questions than he would like but it didn't solve anything else. 

"Let me get this straight," He held open his hand to count on his fingers. "You want me to believe that should I fall into your whims and  take you to Tatooine for a rock to kill the Emperor that somehow I'll get my credits and then some?" 

"I don't want you to believe in my whims, sir. I want you to believe me. It's a stretch but it will happen." 

"And what's the wager you give me? What is the addition should I betray Emperor Vader and detour before bringing you to him?" 

Luke was silent for a moment too long for Boba's liking. The Mandalorian scoffed knowing the Princess of the Empire was bluffing and went to leave again when the Jedi said something that stopped him in his tracks.

"You can have Tatooine." 

Luke. . . 

The frigid air on Boba's Firespray was always freezing. Perhaps he turned the heating off in Luke's cell to punish him, Luke didn't know. All he knew was what thin layer of clothing he had on him may have been alright on Dagobah but it wasn't for being held captive by a Mandalorian on their cold ship. Luke struggled to stay asleep as the Force beckoned him awake. He squeezed his eyes shut, hoping whatever called out to him he could block away. 

"No." He mumbled. 

Luke, please forgive me. 

That's when the boy's eyes snapped open and he was wide awake. He glanced around the dark room and took a deep breath. "Ben?" He called out. There was no response, but and overwhelming trinkle of sadness filled the room. It was like rain, first it fell lightly and then all at once. Luke frowned, laying back down to try and sleep again and he groaned, squeezing his eyes shut. 

Someone else was calling to him too. He whimpered into his Bantha he was using as a pillow. Sleep would not come to him so easily as he tossed and turned all night long. He chose to give up on sleep entirely only moments before Boba Fetter unlocked the door to his cell and told him to get up and follow him and bring his stuff. Luke gulped, clutching his stuffed toy closer. He hadn't expected to return to Corscant so early. Time did pass one when they were locked away with nothing but their own thoughts and R2 Unit. R2 followed them as Boba led the way to the exit of the ship. 

"Don't give me that look, Princess." Boba poked at him. 

Luke didn't try to hide his scowl. He was upset that his chance at saving Anakin was delayed and now he would have to find another way to save his father, but he'd hope with his training from Master Yoda that the process would be sped up faster. Then the boy shuddered, knowing fully well that there was a punishment to come for his actions. He had stolen Imperial property after all and had been on the run for well over a year. Luke felt this was probably the last time he was going to see the outside world on his own if his father had any say in the matter. 

He'll probably lock me up and throw away the key. Luke sighed. 

"There's gonna be a lot of storm troopers out there." Boba spoke. 

"What, don't like the Imperial guards?" Luke sneered at him. The Mandalorian chuckled, "You're pushy today, Princess. Miss your throne?" Luke wanted to kick him. 

"Don't call me that. I mean it, stop it. It's annoying."

"Okay, Princess." 

Before Luke would say anything, Boba handed him an item hanging on a hook by the door. He frowned when he saw it was a visor for your eyes. Luke frowned, putting on his cape and held out his hands for the object. "What's this for?" He asked, curiously. What, was this part of the capture? To blind Luke so he wouldn't see where he was walking? It was just the Palace, Luke knew the area like the back of his hand. 

"It's so you're not blind by the sun, Gods, Princess, it was your demands I take you here." Boba scoffed. "Two hours and then we're leaving." Boba spoke, whipping out a pair of cuffs to bind Luke's wrists together. "I'll know if you run."

Luke blinked, having no time to reply as his jaw fell at the sight of Boba opening the door of his ship. He wished he had put on the visors. The bounty hunter was right: the bright suns of Tatooine were as bright as the young Prince remembered. 

Vader personally went to the Hangar of the Imperial palace and waited. The setting sun shown on his dull, grey face. His medium long hair no longer wavy and toned with dark blonde and slightly greying sides was balding at the middle, falling out in other areas and lost it's color. His scars re-opening and threatening to bleed or were bruising horribly. Only his sith-yellowed eyes were vibrant, even then the whiteness of his eyes was oozing a sick mustard color. The hover chair he was doomed in held him up as he watched and waited for Fett's ship to land. 

Fett was an hour late. 

A lone messenger droid approached Vader and responded without being asked, "Your majesty, our check in bases have seen no signs of The Bounty Hunter. We will keep you updated." 

Vader was silent as his gaze never left the Hangar opening. All around him the Force raged on with malice and impatience. Yet Vader was stone still. He watched the sun set, the stars outside began to twinkle and the world grew dark. Each hour on the hour the droid returned with a message for Vader that Fett was no where to be seen, hadn't reached an Imperial check point yet, or hadn't arrived. Each hour tested his patience over and over again. 

No sign of his son, his little baby anywhere. 

Luke. He called out into the Force, getting no response as usual. It was futile. His son was ignoring him. Luke wouldn't be able to ignore him for long as he was alive. If Fett was betraying him by not returning his child, then he'd deal with this problem himself. 

He turned to a guard telling him to ready his ship. 

"And get my suit." 

Chapter Text

The suns of Tatooine were still a blaze. Luke would never forget their heat. Nor would he forget the coarse heat of the dry sand beneath his boots. The training boots he had on Dagobah were perfect for swampy weather, but not for the hot sands. The tops of his feet felt as if they were on fire and Luke had to beg Boba to stop so he could wrap some spare fabrics around them. 

"I won't be tricked by you, Princess. If you try to run, I'll-"

"Shoot me, yeah, yeah." Luke muttered bellow him. He wasn't afraid of Boba. He had no doubt Boba was a good bounty hunter, but he knew Boba Fett feared Darth Vader. Luke gulped. He himself feared Darth Vader. But he'd face Vader if it meant he'd save Anakin. Luke helped himself off the ground after wrapping tight bandaged around his feet. "It'll do for now." He told himself. 

"Hmm." Boba glanced at Mos Espa not far from where they landed. Jabba's place was across the Western Sea it would be a few days walk but they'd get a speeder somewhere. No way was Boba gonna land his ship where it could be identified by the Slug and taken for scraps behind his back. Mos Espa came into Luke's view as well as he bit his bottom lip. The last time he had been to Mos Espa, aunt Beru dragged him out of bed for new fabrics for clothes. Thinking back, the boy's heart twitched at how lazy and bratty he had been to ignore her or avoid her looks. What he wouldn't give to see her and Uncle Owen again. 

"Snap out of it, Princess." Boba snapped his fingers in front of his face. "You said you needed a small, insignificant object. Where is it here?" Boba grew impatient. Luke took a breath. "We will need supplies from Mos Espa. Water. Food-"

"You're my credits. I have nothing." Boba snapped. 

Luke nodded. "I'll need to continue to disguise myself but. . . I do believe I have access to my old credit account my Aunt and Uncle set up for me. I know there's something in there." Luke hoped at least. He prayed Vader hadn't touched his credits account upon figuring out who he was and cancelled it. Luke wasn't rich but he knew he had at least enough for a meal. He'd give it to Boba if need be. 

Boba made a noise. "And what if Daddy dearest gets word it was used and comes for my head? I'm already late. Don't pull any Bantha shit on me about how this new Empire he runs doesn't keep track of your spending." 

Luke hadn't the slightest clue. 

"If so then that's fine." He grit his teeth. "If Vader is alerted then we just tell him we're on our way. I promise you he won't harm you, I'll pardon you." Boba snorted. "Princess. It better work. We travel to Mos Espa for what?"

"A speeder if we can. If not then we head to the Great Chott salt flat in the Jundland Wastes. I. . .er. . . know where one is hidden." Luke blushed, fixing his sun visors over his eyes and tightening a cloth around his head to keep his hair hidden. He couldn't be recognized by anyone. Boba tugged on the cuff that kept them together on their wrists. Boba would claim Luke was his own for keeping and that would be the end of the conversation. Luke was not to talk at all. "And then to the end of the Jundland Wastes where there's a small moisture farm for one. That's where Obi-Wan Kenobi lived. He has what I need." 

Boba rolled his eyes. 

Stupid Jedi crap. 

. . .

Mos Espa was busy. For it being Primeday, a day in which dried meats, spices and other valuable nutritious goods were brought in. Aunt Beru always planned a trip into Mos Espa on Primeday once a month for the family to pick up goods. Luke used to beg for anything that smelled sweet in the air, regardless if his body could handle it or not. One time he asked for something that was heavily coated in ginger which had even stern Uncle Own holding back a chuckle when he had to break it to Luke that he was smelling smoking spice rather food. 

Mos Espa grew to be more than just a place to buy food as Luke grew up. When Biggs came into his life and told him about Pod racing was when Luke began to beg to go into town on his own with Biggs and watch the races. Uncle Owen and even Aunt Beru denied him each time he begged. Luke would never know what he missed as his friends and Biggs left to have fun. 

Luke took in the familiar white sandy buildings as he stayed close to Boba with R2 trailing behind them. 

"We should stop soon and get in some shade for you." The tall bounty hunter spoke suddenly. Luke arched an eyebrow. "I don't need-"

"I do believe you aren't supposed to speak." Boba nudged him, not giving Luke a moment to speak back as he turned the boy down an ally where the top was covered by shaded tapestries and poles. The ally was leading up to a cantina where Boba seemed to be able to get in quickly with some bribes.

"Sorry the Droid doesn't enter." The bouncer spoke.

Luke glared. "Why not?"

"Rules is why. Get lost if you don't like em." 

R2 whistled a profanity that thankfully only Luke knew as he wished the Droid. "We'll only be a bit R2. Just a drink and then we'll be on our way." Luke promised. 

Inside was refreshing and dark. In booths were mostly women and other alien visitors were lounging on seats and drinking water. Luke didn't argue as he gave his aching feet a rest. It was funny, how he had forgotten how treacherous walking on sand could be to one's feet. Already he could hear his aunt repeat her warning to Luke about not waring proper foot wear.

"I take it you want a drink, Princess?" Boba whistled for a waiter after he led them to a corner booth.

Luke growled. "I told you to stop calling me that." 

"Quit acting like a spoiled Princess and I'll stop, Princess." Boba warned, pointing a gloved finger at him, "And no more talking." Luke wanted to bite him. The server came back with their drinks as Luke sipped. Ah. Water from Tatooine. It was awful as he recalled. Foggy, but cold. Then came time to pay. The server they had was a tall man who looked at Luke suspiciously. 

"Oi, take off yer glasses, yer inside now. You'll be blind as a tuskan." 

Boba held out his free arm. "Don't touch this one," He growled, "Least you beg for mercy at this Princesses' feet." 

The waiter snorted. "Princess. What's a Princess doing here?" The man shook his head walking away. Luke narrowed his eyes, kicking his foot into Boba's shin. "I told you to stop calling me that. You're doing this to get a rise out of me." 

"What are you so worried about? No one believes me anyway." Boba winked. "Princess." 

Luke rolled his eyes, punching in his pin to pay and the two went to leave. 

"So, Princess, you've had your drink and your sit what now?" Boba glanced around. "I doubt there's a "speeder rental" around here. Tatooine isn't favorable to the needy." 

Luke pointed into the distance where the dunes were. "There's a moisture farm over there. There's a shed with one in it." Boba gave the young Imperial prince a glance as Luke put his visor back on, planting a small smear of sun cream on his nose to prevent burning. Boba clicked his tongue and shrugged as he and Luke walked their distance. 

Unaware of the set of eyes that followed their move. 

. . . 

Stepping foot on the property was vivid and unimaginable. For Luke, he felt a lump in his throat seeing the decaying farm covered in sand piles and the sides of the once white buildings were smoke stained. Luke gazed around at the open fields where he once played with toys, drew in the sand and used to gaze out into the stars praying to leave. Luke glanced about. Everything was eerily the same as he left it. Including the two stone markers where his aunt and uncle lay. For a brief moment, he wished to join them under the warm sand and slumber with them, to forget his woes above the crushed glass and gravel. 

"Where's the speeder?" Boba curtly demanded. 

Luke pointed to the shed, walking them over to it. Boba grunted as he helped Luke haul the rusty shed door open to reveal a second hand speeder. "Well, I'll be damned, you weren't lying, Princess." Luke didn't reply as he gazed with sad eyes at the speeder he and Uncle Owen worked on. It was the family speeder to be exact and Luke wasn't allowed to touch it not when he had his own to wreck but now was not the time to get emotional. He shook his head hopping beside Boba to jump in. 

"I don't think so, Princess." Boba yanked him back, but not harsh. This was Vader's prize after all. If Luke so much had a rope burn on him upon returning to Vader, Boba would be lucky if he didn't feel the pain of being stabbed by the Emperor. "you're not driving." 

"Why not? It's not like you know how to control it!" Luke whined. 

"I'm a fast learner. Besides. I'm not dumb, either. You're not going to drive away from me." 

"We're handcuffed." 

"So?" 

Luke growled. "You're a pain." 

"And you're a brat, Princess." 

With luck and a few slams on the dash by Boba, the speeder started up. The bounty hunter began to speed in the direction of the  dunes. Luke glancing back only ones at the former Lars Farm. A place where he spent so long ago wishing to leave and now that he was, had some hope that Aunt Beru would run out of the house and call him for dinner, or Uncle Owen would yell at him to get back and finish his chores. But there was silence. 

It chilled him. 

Boba followed Luke's vague instructions on how to get to Obi-Wan's old retreat. Luke himself didn't quite remember the way, but he was thankful no Tusken Raisers were disturbing them. Then again, the Banthas were migrating North this time of year. Luke subconsciously began petting his stuffed animal, this didn't go unnoticed by Boba who rudely pointed it out. "A little old for that, aren't you?" 

Luke growled, "Kriff off. You'd be attached to an object too when everything else was taken from you." He wasn't going to tell Boba anything else. He kept repeating in his head to remind himself that this was all to save his father. He needed the crystal to build his own saber. He'd slay Jabba and give Tatooine to Boba, and then return to Vader and save Anakin. Save Anakin. Kyber crystal, overtake Jabba, Coruscant. Kyber crystal, over take Jabba Coruscant. Kyber crystal, Jabba. . . . home. 

The smaller man bit his bottom lip. He had a bad feeling. As if something were headed their way. He glanced behind them as they entered the dunes but saw nothing.

"What's wrong?" Boba asked, halting the speeder to glance around with him, his weapon in hand. 

Luke narrowed his eyes, using the Force to help him call out to any danger that he felt. But there was nothing. But also, not nothing. He couldn't describe it, but something powerful was out there. It was a benevolent energy that did not call back. It was dark, cold, lonesome. 

"Nothing." Luke wanted to believe himself and he stayed quiet the rest of the trip until Boba pointed out a small hut in the distance. Instant memories came flooding back to Luke of being saved and nursed back to health by old Ben Kenobi. As did the evening of being told about his father being a Jedi knight, a warrior in The Clone Wars, and of being given his father's old saber. 

Luke didn't want to dwell on the half truths Obi Wan told him. He needed to forgive and move on or he'd dwell in that anger. But Force, why, why didn't Ben say something? Anything? 

To save him for heartache? It was a little too late for that now. Luke nudged Boba to come out of the speeder, telling R2 to watch and call if someone approaches the Hut. Old Ben didn't live in luxury and it was no surprise the Hut was nearly filled with sand on the inside. 

"Okay, we're looking for a crystal and some other parts for a saber." Luke scrambled, lifting trunk covers and opening cabinets. 

"Sure." Boba rolled his eyes. "I know exactly what to look for now. Nice description."

 Luke ignored the sarcastic response. He frowned when he went to reach for something but Boba tugged him back in favor of looking elsewhere. "Okay, we are not going to find anything with this on." Luke grumbled, shaking his cuffed wrist. "Just, please, can we split up for a moment and look and then you can cuff me again?"

Boba shook his head. "No way, I'm not falling for your trap."

Luke's jaw fell. "What trap? If I wanted you dead you would have been a long time ago-"

"Don't flatter yourself, Princess." The bounty hunter rolled his eyes. But what Boba didn't know was Luke could have killed him. Not that he wanted to, but his training with his master had more than increased his use of the Force and maybe Luke could have crushed Boba. After all, the restraints weren't force blocking ones. It's not like Luke didn't have use of the Force. Luke closed his eyes. No. He wouldn't be tempted by that little voice telling him to use it and bend it to his own will.

He would not fall.

"Please." Luke repeated, softer. "I won't run. I won't hurt you. I'm a man of my word." He held up his wrist as if Boba was going to listen to him. "We'll find it much faster if we split up and look. And once it's found, I'll even let you hold the item and cuff me again. I promise."

The bounty hunter looked puzzled behind his helmet before reluctantly allowing Luke to be freed. "Ten minutes." The hunter growled. Luke nodded and the two began ransacking the small hideaway. Old Ben may not of had much but that didn't mean the man was stupid enough to put his little treasures out in the open, Luke knew. He took a breath, closing his eyes. Perhaps the Force could help him?

Boba set down half of an old sofa and watched in curious wonder as Luke stood still in the middle of the room, his hand rising slowly as he listened to the call of destiny. Bright blue eyes opened widely as he tilted his head up to the rafters to see a small box.

"There!" He pointed, happily.

Boba searched for a ladder but settled on a small table, standing on it before beckoning Luke on his shoulders. "Reach high, Princess." 

Luke kicked his broad chest ignoring Boba's chuckling. The boy's fingertips grazed the small box before landing in his hands. "Got it!" The blonde smiled. The young Jedi slid off Boba's shoulders onto the sandy floor and opened the box. Inside was the contents for a lightsaber and sure enough a kyber crystal to go with it. And a small note. 

Luke frowned, opening the note first. 

Luke, child. I am deeply, sorry.

May the force be with you 

Pocketing the note, Luke began to build the saber. Boba watched and ignored his demand that the Jedi be uncuffed no less than ten minutes. Luke appeared to be in full concentration as he tinkered about, putting and clicking together parts of his blade tenderly and carefully. 

The second the crystal was intact, he activated the blade and the room was flooded with a bright lime green glow. The saber hummed, dancing around his Force bond as it formed. A Jedi's saber was their life and the young Jedi felt nothing but trust and security in his blade's abilities.

Suddenly, Luke winced, shutting his eyes. Something in the force was screaming at him for help. The scream he swore could have been heard by everyone in the galaxy, yet Boba appeared to have heard nothing which told Luke it was indeed through the force. The scream was desperate, afraid and sounded like a woman. 

He knew that voice!

"Leia!" Luke cried, standing up. Leia was calling him through the force? But how? Surly she didn't know how to wield it, or did she? Was she aware of their connection? She had to be to call for him that loudly. 

"My sister is in trouble." He spoke. 

"Sister?!" Boba stood up. This was the first he was hearing of an Imperial Princess. Vader said nothing about a daughter. "There's another Princess I gotta be concerned about?" The jab was ignored as Luke waved for Boba to follow him. 

Luke wasted no time in bolting for the door and racing to the speeder where R2 beeped frantically.  "Hurry! She's in danger!" Luke hopped in the seat as Boba took the driver's side. 

"Princess, what is your plan for entering Jabba's anyway? The slug may be fat and slow, but he's not stupid. There's checkpoints and-" 

"I'll tell you on the way there. I promised you the throne, you'll have it." Luke spoke, his voice full on demanding with authority. The force was strong around him as he watched the dunes ahead of him. 

Boba glanced once more at the Jedi. 

Something changed in him suddenly. This kid was so much like Vader in terms of feeling powerful to be around, and yet he was softer, brighter. 

Once again, Boba was left with more questions than answers. 

Chapter Text

Festering on Tatooine in the sandblasted metal and pitted stone palace beyond the Lowland Basin there was a palace filled with Gangster rogue aliens and creatures alike. They all served the slimy, smarmy, grotesques Hutt named Jabba. Upon his throne in the dimly lit room full of bounty hunters, rogue thieves and scantily dressed female dancers; drunken, rowdy low-life killers and monsters was the fat monster, Jabba. His large orange eyes seeing everything in the room as he feasted upon meats and fats served to him. Jabba reclined atop a stone dais within the throne room of his palace, a bustling chamber that overlooked a secret pit that contained his favorite source of. . . entertainment.

The party had been going strong for a while as it was cause for celebration given the fact that Jabba had been recently given a gift from Emperor Vader. He glanced over at his prize with a large smile on his warted, wrinkled face: a carbonite Han Solo.

Emperor Vader had been on a war path for over a year due to the disappearance of his son, The Imperial Prince Luke Skywalker, and managed to catch a few rebels at hand. One of them being Han Solo who fell right into Vader's trap and was caught by a bounty hunter of the name Boba Fett. When Han proved to be of no good for information to The Emperor, he was handed over to Jabba for over due payments before parting to find the Prince. Not only had Jabba gained Han Solo, he was also given an angry, foul mouthed human female Jabba knew was Princess Organa of the late planet Alderran along with a yellow talking droid. The prince was of no concern to Jabba. Vader could have his war path so long as he left him out of the firing line. Jabba toasted to the crowd, lifting a large cup in honor of himself.

There was shouting from a distance that didn't stop the party, but did get Jabba's attention. The Hutt raised his glass to his large mouth, guzzling down the strong alcohol as R2 rolled in with a familiar golden droid following him. "Oh, my goodness, R2, I never thought I'd see you again." The yellow droid had been subjected to serving the hideous creatures their drinks when he bumped into R2. "Oh, R2 Princess Leia is in grave danger. As is Han Solo. We need to find a way out of here." 3PO was overjoyed to see his old friend and asked where Master Luke was.

Jabba growled "Bo Shunda!"

R2 halted before Jabba, his camera flashing for a moment revealing a hooded figure before the Hutt.

3PO gasped. It was Luke, he could tell by the strong chin even with his face covered. Luke began to speak: "Greetings, Exalted One. Allow me to introduce myself. I am who they call Luke, friend to Captain Solo. I know that you are
powerful, mighty Jabba, and that your anger with Solo must be equally powerful. I seek an audience with Your Greatness to bargain for Solo's life. " Luke dared not say his full name in fear that Jabba would contact his father. The Hutts were powerful on Tatooine and had imperial ties. At Luke's request, the whole room of Jabba's chambers burst into laughter. The message continued. "With your wisdom, I'm sure that we can work out an arrangement which will be mutually beneficial and enable us to avoid any unpleasant confrontation. As a token of my goodwill, I present to you a gift: my droid, R2."

3PO gasped. "Oh, Master Luke, no."

When Luke's holo-message disappeared, R2 began to shiver as Jabba belted a big belly laugh speaking in Huttese how there would be no bargain but he would gladly take this droid off Luke's hands. Jabba was no fool however as he had R2 escourted away from him and turned to 3PO telling the proud fluent in 7 million forms of communications robot to start the bidding.

3PO watched as bounty hunter entered the room, pushing forward Chewbaca in chains. "Oh, no, Chewie!" 3PO cried. 3PO worried none of them would make it out of Jabba's alive. He only hoped Master Luke would come and rescue them.

* * *

"Are you sure this will work?" Boba asked, glancing at the front entrance of the gates.

Luke nodded, "Jabba would be a fool to pass it up. I've already sent in R2 and I know Jabba has claimed him as his own by now. Can you run me your part, so I know you understand?" Luke asked.

Boba snorted, "Don't frett, Princess. I know what you want. Walk in, collect my payment that's when you walk in all fancy and sassy and challenge the Hutt. Do you know what you're getting into?"

To be honest, Luke wasn't sure. If it was true that all of his friends were in there; Lando, Chewie, 3PO, Han, Leia, then he needed this plan to work. He turned to Boba. "I know Jabba is cunning and won't hesitate to kill me. That's where you come in."

"I do business with Jabba. In fact, he has Han because of me." Boba crossed his arms. "Why you trust me right now says a lot about you and you're far more trusting than Jabba. He will be my problem if we don't kill him."

"True, but a sand slug won't venture across the galaxy to kill you should you not bring his son home right away." Luke giggled. Without his helmet on, Luke could only imagine the scowl Boba gave him.

"That's not funny."

"Okay, I'm going in." Luke turned. "Head in before me and have a drink or something. Act like you came to collect a payment or just wanted company. I'll be no more than twenty minutes myself. I won't run." The boy's big blue eyes gazed at Boba's helmet as he crossed his heart. Boba glanced down at the hand cuffs he had attached to him and Luke before taking a breath. Why was he taking a risk for this brat? He wondered as he uncuffed them both. Luke nodded, hiding behind the rock and pulling his hood up to cover his blonde hair. Boba glanced around and made his way from the tall dunes to the entrance of Jabba's place.

Well. Here went nothing. He told himself as he entered. Jabba didn't great him as a friend or foe, but he was acknowledged by the large Hutt as he was allowed entrance into the palace. Boba held back a gag the closer he approached Jabba. The filthy gangster was munching on slimy critters on a large platter as Boba approached him. Jabba muttered something and 3PO announced that the large Hutt wished Boba a seat and a drink whenever he wished and to not disturb him for a moment. Boba nodded before strolling off to a corner with a glass in hand. He leaned against a pillar.

Now it was a waiting game.

* * *

Luke stood tall as the words of his former master rang in his ears, "The Force is in Me." He could hear Yoda tell him over and over again as he entered Jabba's palace. Blocking his entrance were two large guards with large weapons in their hands, refusing to let him pass. Luke licked his lips before clearing his throat.

"I must speak with Jabba."

"None shall pass." the guard spoke in Huttese.

"You must take me to Jabba The Hutt this instant." Luke stood his ground as a cheeky smirk came to his face when he rose his hand, using the force to ben the guard at his will who escourted him to Jabba. It had been some time and while the party raged on, Jabba had taken to having a nap when he was woken up by Luke's entrance. The Force around Luke shining bright like the afternoon sun poking into the dim, dark and dank palace. Boba turned, leaning against the pillar to watch the Prince approach the large Hutt. The Hutt scowled, sitting up and pointing at the guard.

"Who allowed this boy in?!" He demanded, his Huttese a bit muddled from his nap. Luke stepped forward. "I am Luke. I am the one who gifted you the R2 unit." Luke simply said. "I am here for Captain Solo and the Wookie as well as Princess Leia." He spoke smoothly. Jabba held his tongue for a moment as he stared at the boy who removed his hood. The Hutt belted in laughter. So. This was Luke. The Imperial Prince. He watched as his guard fell out of the trance Luke had put him in and concluded that like his father, Luke was strong in the Force. Yet, Luke was not rampaging to murder him as Vader would have. Could this boy have drifted to the ways of the Jedi? Either way Jabba didn't care. What he did care about was that fifteen million credit reward Vader put out for the return of his son. Then again, Vader never said Luke had to be alive to be returned.

"Jedi, your tricks will not work on me." Jabba huffed.

"Nevertheless, I'm taking Captain Solo and his friends. You can either profit by this... or be destroyed! It's your choice. But I warn you not to underestimate my powers." Luke calmly spoke. Boba smirked from the distance as he waited for Luke to signal for help should he need it. Jabba turned, waving his hand where a guard held onto both Leia and Lando. They were imprisioned here too. Luke saw the look of fear in Leia's eyes as they caught each other's gaze. Warm brown meeting calm blue. Luke felt a twinge in his heart as he gazed upon Leia, not as a friend, but knowing she was his sister.

The Force danced around him to call for her. To comfort her and tell her she would be alright.

"There will be no bargain, young Jedi. I shall enjoy watching you die." Jabba gloated as 3PO gasped. "Master Luke, the trap!" He tried to warn as Luke was standing on top of the trap door that had released, having the young Jedi and the poor guard standing near him fall into the pit. Boba jerked from the pillar wall, sprinting as fast as he could into the pit himself before the door shut, landing next to Luke.

"What are you doing?!" Luke cried, in pain from the fall. Nothing was broken, but he was sore. This bounty hunter was going to ruin his whole plan! Granted this wasn't a part of his plan, but he needed Boba back up on the ground floor. Boba hadn't the chance to say anything as a loud growl came upon them. The guard that had fallen in with them began to shiver and whimper.

All around them Jabba's crew watched from above as the show was about to begin. Jabba laughed deeply as the Rancor's growl was heard though out the dungeon. Luke scrambled to his feet as Boba readied his blaster. The guard who fell in with them is the first prey. The Rancor's large claws grabbed a hold of it and pops the poor being in it's mouth, it's body crunched against the beast's teeth. "What now, Princess?" Boba went to blast the beast but cursed as his blaster had jammed itself during their fall. Luke glanced around as the Rancor turned their attention to his next victims. The monster turns and starts for Luke. The young Jedi dashes away from Boba's side, both of them splitting up just ahead of the monster's swipe at them and picks up the long arm bone of an earlier victim. The monster grabs Luke and brings him up to his salivating mouth. At the last moment, Luke wedged the bone in the monster's mouth and is dropped to the floor. The monster bellows in rage and flails about, hitting the side of the pit, causing a smoky avalanche. The monster crushes the bone in its jaws and sees Luke, who squeezes into a crevice in the pit wall. Luke looks past the monster to the holding cave beyond. On the far side of the holding cave is a utility door--if only he can get to it. He cursed to himself, glancing over at Boba who threw his jammed gun at the Rancor's eyeball, temporarily blinding it.

The Rancor spots Luke and reaches into the crevice for him. Luke grabs a large rock and raises it, smashing it down on the Rancor's finger. The Rancor lets out a loud howl as Luke made a run for the holding cave, waving for Boba to follow him. He reaches the door and pushes a button to open it. When he succeeds, he sees a heavy barred gate between him and safety. Beyond the gate two guards look up from their dinner. Luke turns to see the monster heading for him, and pulls with all his might on the gate. The guards move to the gate and start poking at the young Jedi and bounty hunter with spears, laughing. Luke crouched as the monster starts to reach for him. Suddenly he noticed a main door control panel halfway up the wall. As the Rancor moves in for the kill, Luke picks up a skull from the cave floor and hurls it at the panel. The giant overhead door comes crashing down on the beast's head, killing it instantly.

"No-o-o!" Jabba is red with anger as his large body jiggled when he slid out of his throne. The Rancor keepers entered the dungeon, holding both Luke and Boba to bring them upstairs. There a newly freed Han Solo, Chewie, Lando and Leia are there waiting for him, all in chains.

"Kid, is that you?" Han asks as Chewie howled eagerly.

"Yeah, it is, Han." Luke gave a small smile, "I know you can't really see right now but-"

"Forget it, kid. I'm just glad you're okay considering who's been holding you hostage." Han admitted. Luke watched as Lando turned to face Leia, as if he knew something Luke didn't. Luke couldn't bring himself to talk to Leia. He wanted to tell her so much. But Jabba interrupted their somber reunion. He screamed something in Huttese to 3PO who was forced to stand before his friends and translate exactly what Jabba declaired.

"Oh, dear, uh, his High Exaltedness, the great Jabba the Hutt, has decreed that you are to be terminated immediately."

"Good, I hate long waits." Han snorted.

3PO continued. "You will therefore be taken to the Dune Sea and cast into the pit of Carkoon, the nesting place of the all-powerful Sarlacc." The smuggler turned to Luke, despite being blind still.

"Meh, doesn't sound too bad, huh kid?" "In his belly, you will find a new definition of pain and suffering, as you are slowly digested over a thousand years." 3PO gravely finished. All of the crew of the Falcon and Boba Fett turned to face Han who had a cold expression mixed with confusion and fear at his underestimate of Jabba's punishment for Luke winning the Rancor fight.

". . . .On second thought, let's pass on that, huh?"

 Jabba's hover sail barge swiftly glided over the sand of Tatooine onwards to the Sarlacc pit. Luke watched the dunes pass them as he turned to Boba. He wished the Mandalorian would remove his helmet so he could see what his face looked like. His expression, he wondered, what would it be? Was he mad at Luke? Luke wouldn't blame him if he was. Boba had taken a huge risk in saving him and took him to Tatooine so they could overthrow Jabba together; which Luke promised him the throne. Everything depended on Luke's last little glimpse of hope. He glanced up from the tiny ship at the larger one. He couldn't see inside, but he knew Leia was on that with Jabba. Jabba had taken her as some form of trophy for himself, having her dressed in thin gold chain and a rugged scantily skirt that was not modest at all.

"Damn I think my sight is coming back because all I see is brightness. Kid, am I dead already?"

Luke rolled his eyes. "No, Han. This is just how this place always looks. I grew up here."

Han turned to Luke. "And now you're gonna die here. I'm just saying it's rather convenient for you."

Luke thought back to his Aunt and Uncle who slumbered in the warm sands back at the farm where he was raised. Perhaps he had wished too hard and soon he would be joining them sooner than he expected. The convoy hovered up over a huge sand pit. The Sail Barge stoped to one side of the depression, as did it's escort skiff. But the prisoner's skiff moves out directly over the center and hovers. At the bottom of the deep cone of sand is a repulsive, mucous-lined hole, surrounded by thousands of needle-sharp teeth. The sarlacc had made an appearance. Luke gulped as a plank was extended from the edge of the prisoner's skiff. Guards release Luke's bonds and shove him out onto the plank above the sarlacc's mouth.

Boba regretted ever stepping foot on this sand planet. He was regretting not ignoring the Jedi's tricky little pleas and big baby blue eyes to give this Princess what he wanted was going to be the death of him.

"Jabba!" Luke called. "Release us or die, this is your final chance!" Luke warned.

Boba frowned. Princess had a backup plan? How? They were over death itself. From above Jabba's laughter was heard. The slimeball turned to a guard, speaking "Tell Darth Vader his child is dead. Died playing in the sand." Jabba spoke before talking into the Comlink "Kill the Prince first." Leia watched on with teary eyes. Luke slowly kept his balance as he walked long the plank, gazing up at the bright twin suns in the sky what he feared might be the last time until a sparkle caught his eye. It was the reflection off a silver domed head that belonged to R2.

Luke smiled brightly as R2 opened the flap atop and beeped that he was ready. Luke saluted R2, making it seem as if he were doing so to Jabba the Hutt as a mocking goodbye.

All a part of his plan. Luke was prodded before he jumped off the plank to the cheers of the bloodthirsty spectators on Jabba's ship. But, before anyone can even perceive what was happening, he spun around and grabs the end of the plank by his fingertips. The plank bends wildly from his weight and catapults him skyward. In midair he does a complete flip and drops down on the end of the plank in the same spot he just vacated, but facing the skiff. He casually extends an open palm and -- his lightsaber, which R2 sent racing toward him, drops into his hand.

The bright green blade was activated by the Jedi who went after the attack on the first guard that pushed him onto the plank. Chewie roared as he managed to free himself first from the chains, helping Luke to free Boba, Lando and Han.

From above on the barge, Leia managed to jump around Jabba in the midst's of the confusion on deck and wrapped the large chain that kept her imprisoned around his neck and began to strangle the beast. Deep inside of her, her anger and hatred for the Hutt festered as she thought of being a prisioner under another Imperial abiding creature. Luke sensed this anger. This hate. He glanced up for only a moment at the large ship above in horror knowing that was Leia who was emitting that force. The Hutt cried and wagged the end of it's tail in agony as the large eyeballs popped out of their sockets and his long tongue went limp against his chin. Jabba the Hutt was dead. Bellow Boba managed to grab ahold of a spear from one of Jabba's goons and tip the guard over the hover craft into the sarlacc pit where the monster enjoyed it's small snack.

Chaos was in full swing as the Rebels and Boba began to move upward to save Leia and the droids. Luke leaped towards the ship, using the Force and the memory of his father flying across the small river in the garden to help himself forward and grab ahold of the barge and climb in.

"Leia!" He called. "Get the droids!" He called to Lando and Han and Chewie.

Racing upstairs with Boba ahead of him to clear the path of any dwellings of Jabba's loyalists, Luke called for his sister through the force, finding her much faster even if she didn't call back. Luke used his blade to beam off blasters, killing the monsters on spot.

"Leia, can you hear me?" Luke hollered.

"I'm here!" The princess called next to the dead slug, taking cover from the blaster beams. Boba and Luke managed to kill off the rest of the enemies as above them 3PO and R2 were on the top deck.

"Oh, R2, you don't expect me to jump-" He hadn't the chance to say anything before R2 pushed the gold droid off and they both landed in the still sand bellow. Boba was the first to jump while Luke grabbed ahold on one of the rigging ropes from the mast. He reached out to gather Leia in his other arm and kicked the trigger of the deck gun. The gun explodes into the deck as Luke and Leia swing out toward the skiff. There, Boba, Lando, Cheiw, Han, Leia and Luke were reunited once more.

"The droids!" Luke pointed out spotting the shiny materials in the sand.

"Got it, Princess!" Boba nodded Threepio's legs stick straight up from the dune where he landed. Next to it, Artoo's periscope is the only thing above the sand. The skiff floated above them and two large electromagnets dangle down on a wire. With a loud clunk, both droids were pulled from the sand to the safety of their friends. The skiff floated far from the burning ship that was left behind and the poor souls that were left alive either burned to death or jumped to meet the misery demise of the sarlacc bellow.

The Hutt reign was over. 

"Oh, Luke, you're safe!" the first chance Leia got when they were at the East Dune Landing site was hold Luke close, hugging him tightly. Luke smiled, hugging her back. He couldn't help but admit that for a moment he wasn't sure any of them would be getting out alive. Then the blonde gasped at Chewie who was limping.

"No, Chewie!" Luke cried. "You're hurt!" Chewie waved off the blonde, patting and ruffling his hair. The Wookie muttered about how he was okay and it was just a flesh wound but the look on his face said otherwise.

"I'll take him to get medical help." Lando volunteered, helping a limping Chewie to the Falcon. The Barron turned back to the group telling them not to stay out for too long for a sandstorm was predicted soon. The silence in the air soon draped around Boba, Han, Leia and Luke as Luke bit his bottom lip, glancing at the pavement bellow.

"Can. . .Can I ask you guys something?" He started.

"Yeah, me first though," Han pointed at Boba Fett, accusingly "What are you doing with him?" Luke blinked, looking back at the bounty hunter who had flown them back to safety. Luke offered a sweet smile. "This is the bounty hunter who saved my life in the Rancor pit. Um, I actually don't know your name. . ." He trailed off. The bounty hunter crossed his arms, his shoulders shaking as if he were chuckling.

"Suppose you do need a name for your knight in shining armor, Princess." Luke rolled his eyes but smirked. "I don't know about shiny, but yes. What is your name, sir?"

"Boba Fett." Boba answered. "Bounty hunter."

The young Prince smiled repeating the name softly to himself.

"Well, Boba, thank you for helping me. I won't forget your nobility and I'll ensure my father won't hurt you--"

"What are you talking about?" Leia suddenly spoke, putting a firm hand on Luke's shoulder to turn him. His heart nearly broke seeing her confused and bewildered expression.

"Luke, this is the one who brought Han to Jabba! And when I was in Vader's grasp, I head him speaking about going after you next!" She couldn't believe what she was hearing, did Luke have no common sense at all? He was here making wager and thanking a hunter for help when Luke should have tossed him in the sarlacc pit (in her opinion).

Boba snorted. "It's called being a double agent, your royal highness. I work where the money is. I get my credits and my life isn't on the line. Win-Win to me."

Leia frowned, looking at Luke. "What is he talking about?" She slowly demanded.

Luke wouldn't keep anything from her. Not that he could if he tried, Leia was good at reading body language and calling out bantha shit when she saw it. The blonde coughed up his confession. "When Boba found me on Dagobah, he was going to return me to The Empire. There's a fifteen million credit reward for me returning to Vader. I told Boba if he were to help me find something, I'd allow him to have his reward and. . . ." He looked around, as if someone were listening to them. Luke couldn't shake this feeling that ever since Mos Eisley that they were followed at one point and that same feeling was back. He ignored it. "And that he could rule Tatooine."

Leia's mouth opened agape. She was lost for words. "Since when did you feel that was a good idea?"

"Since Boba followed through with my request. I--Look, Leia." He pulled out his lightsaber, activating it, "This was in Obi-Wan's hut. He wanted me to find this and build one. I think maybe at one point in my life he wanted to train me but for some reason didn't. I can use this and stop Vader and save my father." Luke couldn't help but smile at the plan. With his winning streak so far, the Force danced around him happily praising him. He wasn't cocky, but with the battles being victorious in his favor so far; it was hard not to feel as if he'd accomplish this.

The sudden slap to the face startled him as it did Han and Boba. Not a sound was made other than the sand grazing in the wind.

"What is your problem?!" Leia screamed, angry, hot tears fresh in her eyes. "You are supposed to help destroy the Empire, Luke! Not expand it!" Luke was quick to defend himself. That's not what he had intended at all.

"No, Leia! You don't get it-!"

"I wouldn't be surprised if you did this to any other traitors too. Leia didn't give him a chance to speak. "Is that why Vader invaded Dantooine, Luke? Granted that place was abandoned but how did Vader come across that information?!" The smaller woman demanded to know. "A lot of our bases have been raided and I tried not to believe the rumors, but it's beginning to be too suspicious even for me to deny that all of this lines up since you gave yourself up on Bespin!"

Luke felt his throat dry as he watched his worst nightmare unfolding right before him. The constant worry if Leia had given up hope on him, wondering if he "switched sides" and leaked information to the Imperials. None of this was true in the slightest! Luke watched with a heavy heart as Leia began to sob in front of him. He wanted nothing more than to reach out to her; physically he'd get smacked again, he knew that. But perhaps with the Force? He dwelled on it for a moment before reaching deep inside of himself, his soul instantly finding what connected him to Leia--the very same that intertwined with Vader.

Your twin sister. . .

Luke reached out, poking at her and trying to get her to open but there was nothing. As if she had no connection to him as well. Luke wanted to tell her right then and there who she was. Who they were.

"Leia. . . Please, listen to me." Luke begged, "I would never betray the alliance. I'll never stop fighting for democracy. Yes, under Vader's watch I was crippled. I couldn't go anywhere, do anything or say anything without it backfiring on me. I was a prisoner." He wanted to tell her all of what Vader did to him, but she wouldn't understand. She saw Vader as a monster, not a father. She would refuse to accept Vader had the capability to be loving and to love. But Luke knew the man loved him, the Force told him and the Force didn't lie. "But Leia, I'm not one of them." He swore, raising a hand to cup her tear stained cheek and wipe it away. "I've had to do things I didn't like or want to. But every intention was on the Alliance. I swear that to you."

The small Princess blinked, fresh tears falling from her glistening brown eyes as she looked up at the scruffy boy who saved her. No. Not a boy. He was a man. How had she not noticed before? Luke was taller, broader, his stance was determined and his eyes were sharper. The Princess wiped away at her eyes and glanced at the ground.

"What was going. . . threw your head when you were crowned?" She softly asked, her voice small and meek.

Luke shook his head, suppressing a laugh. "I wanted to die. I. . . I hate being a Prince of this evil Empire. Even if-Force-I have to rule one day, I don't think I'd be powerful enough to stop anything. There are too many loyalists to Vader and his plans. But with this," He activated his green saber, the Twins sharing in it's lime green glow. "I can kill Vader and bring back Anakin Skywalker. My father. If I can do that, imagine what that will do for the Galaxy. My father was a powerful Jedi, Obi-Wan told me. If I can save him, maybe we can undo the harm he did-"

"He cannot bring back my people."

Leia stepped away, holding a hand to her heart.

Luke went to reach for her again but she batted his hand away. "I. . . .I can accept that you want a father, Luke. But that man. . .that monster. Vader or Anakin, whoever you call him. I'll never see him as anything else." She admitted. That's when Luke knew he couldn't tell her what he knew.

The wonderful idea of having a sister, of having family again, was gone. Leia would be in hysterics if she found out Vader was her father as well. Luke tried to imagine Leia being calm and taking her circumstance with the political grace and poise as she naturally was, but even then she had her own limits, he knew. Luke watched her and took in her facial features. He wondered if she looked like their mother. Luke was told constantly of how he resembled his mother, but on Naboo he'd gaze at Padme Amidala's portrait for hours and touch at his face. Auntie Sola mentioned they had the same smile and cheek bones but everything else was Anakin's. Now that he could point out features in Leia, he saw the same hair and eye color and jaw line. She had Anakin's nose however and forehead. Luke hadn't the heart to confess that either.

Being told you were related to someone like Darth Vader was shocking in itself, but being told how much you look like him was another punch to the core.

Luke nodded, "I. . . I understand."

Immediately, Leia rushed, "But I don't see you in him! Honest!" She hold his wrists. "Luke, you're that awful monster's son, but you are not him!" The blonde gave a sad, small smile. "Leia. Whatever happens, I haven't given up on the Alliance. I vow that to you." Leia believed him. Hearing that from Luke, after a year and so many months of no contact, she could believe this.

"I hate to barge in," Boba nudged Luke, pointing in the distance. "But I need to return to Mos Eisley, there's going to be a lot of tension and chaos when the news of Jabba's death reaches the city." Luke nodded. "Of course. Again, Boba, thank you."

"Yeah, thanks a lot." Han blurted.

"My pleasure, Princess. Now, keep your end of the deal." Boba poked at the tip of Luke's nose, making the smaller man smile but bat away at his hand. "I promise. I'll make sure Vader pardons you and I'll even throw in a silly lie that you save me from the Sarlacc pit or something." Boba chuckled. "Don't push it, Princess. Vader wants details and that pretty face can't hide shit." Boba jumped on the skiff once more before giving Luke a small wave before floating away. Luke took a deep breath.

One mission out of the way the next one was about to begin and truthfully, he was perplexed. He didn't know exactly how Vader was going to die for him to save Anakin but he'd do anything to save his father.

"Am I going blind again, why is it dark?." Han spoke out. Luke activated his saber. There was nothing on the sands around them. The Force called for Luke above and the young prince watched with horror as the familiar shape of the Devastator floated above them, blocking the sunlight from the twin suns and multiple storm troopers began to land around them, blasters in position to shoot on sight. Luke urged Han and Leia not to move as they were surrounded by white clad officers.

"Oh great, my sight is back in time to die." Han spoke.

Luke was too busy focusing on the tremendous burst of Force energy downpouring on his body from above.

"When I say run to the falcon, run." Luke spoke between a whimper and a whisper. Leia called him bantha shit crazy but when the powerful familiar force began to move towards them, he pushed Han and Leia to the falcon that thankfully had started up thanks to Lando who must have seen the commotion. Luke was swift in blocking the storm trooper's aims as he knew none of them would dare hit him, no doubt they were under orders to not harm him and him alone but that only helped him in swinging the saber around Leia and Han, efficiently making a walking shield for them to get to safety on board.

"Vader's on that ship!" Luke spoke when the door to the Falcon closed and Han raced to the cockpit.

"How can you tell?" Leia asked, worried. "I don't doubt you but-"

"The same way I knew you were in trouble." Luke admitted, "The Force." That was all he could tell her confused face as he yelled at Han to hurry up and fly this thing. He had to get his friends to safety, no doubt Vader was here to kill them. He felt there was no negotiating with his father this time.

He could almost taste the bloodthirsty anger that Vader released into the Force. As much as there was a ferocious anger, intertwining with that laced a delicate stream of worry, of fear and almost relief at sensing Luke in the Force. Vader had searched for over a year for his child and Luke had blocked him from their force bond connection. What Luke nor Vader knew was on Dagobah, Master Yoda had enough strength to cover the whole planet in a Force blinding sphere to hide Luke. Luke could project into the force and train all he needed under the safety net Yoda put up. The moment Yoda died, the force blind died as well. Unknown to Luke, he had made hunting for him a bit easier for Vader. It also didn't help that when Boba Fett admitted to Vader he found Luke, Vader kept tabs on all of the Imperial check points Boba stopped and reported to. The last one before Boba was deemed missing was one not too far from Tatooine. That's when his spies came in handy. One of which reported seeing Boba Fett and "a small boy covered in a black cape." at a cantina.

Tatooine. A miserable planet Vader had half a mind to blow up regardless if his mother was buried there. He'd blow it up and her body would be one with the stars, freeing her from the sands of that wretched hell. Unfortunately, logic told him that if he did so he'd probably kill his own child as well. With their force bond open and Luke only feet away from him, Vader commanded: Luk'yalie. Return to me. NOW! A shiver ran down Luke's spine as the Falcon began to take flight. Han frowned, trying to pull at a switch but the Falcon was not going as fast to escape.

Leia pushed past Luke to stand next to Han.

"Why aren't we going faster?"

"I don't know!" Han shouted back. "Something in the Falcon is jammed!"

Luke shook his head. "No. We're being pulled back." He spoke to himself. The Force, he could feel it like an itch on his back. It was there, but subtle. It wasn't growing in strength but the hold was not letting go. Vader was, indeed, holding him back.

"On my count, Han reverse the Falcon." Luke demanded.

"Are you crazy? Did you not see who's right behind us?" Han laughed.

"I did. And if this is what he wants, let's give it to him." Luke turned to Leia, his eyes determined. Leia couldn't explain what she was feeling at the moment but that same voice that guided her though out childhood and since the beginning of the war spoke to her again. Trust him.

"Do it, Han." She robotically spoke. Han shook his head in disbelief but when Luke told him the exact moment to push the falcon backwards he did. Suddenly with the falcon giving into the Force and with Vader's pulling, the Falcon flew at an insane speed towards Vader's pull and over the Devastator. Unknown to Luke, aboard the Devastator, Vader flew back on the floor at the Force's sudden shift. He scrambled to his feet.

"FOLLOW THEM!" He demanded through his respirator. The Falcon was whirling in the sky above the cliffs of Jundland range. Luke did his best to use the force to calmly help the Falcon come to a smooth drift and help Han control the ship. They hadn't much time as multiple TIE fighters were soon in their vision. Luke had to scratch his plan at getting everyone to a rebel safe base. There was no time for that and he was certainly not going to lead the Imperials to any active bases.

It was time to stop running.

"I'm leaving." He turned to Leia, keeping it short. She shook her head, wordlessly as he continued.

"I'm going to fight Vader. Fight for democracy, Leia. Never stop." Leia shook her head but Luke wouldn't allow to hear her argue with him. He didn't want this to be their goodbye and he ignored her demands to get back to the group as he sprinted towards the opening of the Falcon.

R2 was behind him. "

R2, stay on the ship." Luke commanded. R2 whirled at him that he was crazy and he wasn't going to be left behind by another Skywalker; whatever that meant.

Luke braced himself as he leaped to the ground bellow him on a ledge, R2 screaming next to him. Thankfully, the top of the cliffs were not as rocky as they were bellow and they too were covered in mounds of sand, breaking Luke's possibly deadly fall, as well as keeping R2 from exploding on impact. Luke spat out a mouthful as he turned to help R2 out of his own pit he fell in.

"Oh you stupid droid," He almost cried. Frantically, Luke was on his feet when The Devastator and The Falcon came face to face, the blasters on both ships pointed at one another. Luke swallowed as neither made a move to take the first shot at each other. Luke had to negotiate something before both ships and his friends went down into the canyons bellow. for the first time in over a year, Luke opened himself up to the bond with his father and immediately was ambushed with a rush from possessive Force that belonged to his father that it made him feel light headed.

Father, let them go.

Never! I will not allow this Rebel scum take you. They deserve to die on this wasteland and rot in the sand!

They are not trying to take me, Father. I'm trying to come to you.

You ran. Do not toy with your words you insolent child! Luke grit his teeth.

Father, I am directly bellow them, if you so much as shoot at the Falcon, it will fall and crush me. Let them go.

Using logic to destroy Vader's anger had always worked before and Luke was happy it worked now. He watched with a deep sigh as the Imperial ship withdrew it's weapons and the TIE fighters were called back in. Luke watched from bellow as the Falcon began to inch backwards but apparently that was not enough to satisfy Vader and Luke cried as he felt the Force bombard with the ship, flinging his crew, his family, and his friends across the sand of Tatooine. It was only a matter of time before Vader made his appearance.

That, Luke admitted, he was not prepared for. Vader was back in a bastardized version of his old suit, most noticeably were the mouth and nose piece attached to him to help him breathe. Luke gazed over at his father, whom he missed and feared terribly. Vader's skin was pale, sickly with large dark bags under his amber eyes. His hair had fallen out in some places or was thinning in others. As tall as he still was over Luke, he was hunched. Vader was ill. That Luke knew. The son kept his distance as the Father stepped food on the cliff.

"What happened to you, father?" Luke asked, softly. Vader gave no reply and used a force tendril to reach out and grab Luke before the boy sprinted off again. To his shock, Luke batted it away as if it were nothing. He did it again. And again. And again. Vader growled.

"Father." Luke began, holding out his new weapon and activating it, showing it's bright green glory that slayed before and would again. He would not be foolish as he was with his father's old saber. He could wield this one and he would prove it. "I am sorry for running away."

"You are sorry you are caught," Vader's deep voice was a half wheeze. Luke did not know if that was due to the respirator or the illness his father was facing. "You had me worried half to death searching the entire galaxy for you!" Luke took the lecture without guilt. He knew this to be true already.

"Again. I am sorry I ran away. But I had to father. I'm going to save you. There is good in you, I believe it. I won't let the dark side consume you any longer." Luke spun his saber, ready for the fight. Vader growled, menacingly. How dare Luke pull such a stunt. Like a child trying to stall the inevitable, the boy was only delaying his punishment and Vader would put a stop to it. If his son wanted to fight him because he was brainwashed then Vader would humor him. Wherever he ran off to clearly convinced his son to kill him. He blamed that Princess Organa. She had to be behind all of this.

No matter. Soon, Luke would be cured. Everything was ready on Mustafar.

Luke was the first to make the move and leaped into the air, forward, swinging proficiently and the duel began when Vader's red saber activated and perried the attack. Luke had improved in combat, Vader would not lie. And the boy was digging into the Force and hitting back everything Vader threw at him. Thankfully, Luke was able to have the force aid in helping him see as the sandstorm Lando had warned about earlier had arrived engulfing father and son.

"Where did you go?!" Vader demanded pushing his saber harder into Luke's own as Luke tried to push him off.

"Dagobah." Luke answered, gritting his own teeth. "I was trained under the guidance of Master Yoda."

The name struck a nerve in Vader. "I remember burning his light saber. Tell me he shriveled like a bug when he died."

Luke wanted to be angry and use that anger to further harm his father for disrespecting his master, but he remembered his teachings. He also remembered how Leia used that awful side of the force to kill Jabba. No. He could not do the same. Would not.

"He was a far better master than you were. In fact, I think you have to earn the title to be one." Luke snorted. Vader growled, kicking his foot into the ground and sending a shockwave towards Luke who fell backwards from it. He quickly leaped up. "And I spoke to Ben too. He told me everything." Luke admitted. "He said it was his fault, he failed you. He should have turned around and saved you but he left you to die." Dodging an attack from his father, Luke retorted with a push from the Force that had Vader land on his side. "I won't be like Ben, father. I will save what is left of Anakin inside of you."

He went to run and trap his father when Vader gripped his saber, lying on the ground. He watched as his Luke, his little baby, raised that green saber above his head.

With dulled, tired eyes, the Emperor spoke a small prayer to the heavens. Surly Padme was there. Where else would she be?

Padme, forgive me.

Luke screamed in agony as his saber and right hand went flying on the other side of the makeshift arena, leaving Luke with nothing more than a bloody stump of an arm. The Force whirled around Luke in a panic. Misery, anguish, fear all entrapped the boy. Hot tears fell freely from his wide eyes as he stared at his shaking handless arm. It was then that Vader stood up, watching the scene before him as Luke's pained voice rang with the raging wind of the sandstorm. The beige hell trapped the father and son as Vader's own part of the bond began to feel the effects of Luke's pain. Of course he felt every emotion Luke blurted and hurled towards him, but what the father felt more than anything was numbness.

The detorted mind of Vader watched on as Luke curled in a ball, shivering and trying to crawl away. Vader hadn't done that, had he? He blinked, confused. No. No he hadn't done anything. He was stopping his child from being stupid and killing his own father Obi-Wan, Yoda, Princess Leia and other rebel, traitorous scum brainwashed his little boy into believing. Luke was missing a hand because of them.

The father was quick to hover over the screaming man in agony.

"No, no what. . . .my little one. . . " Vader stumbled. Luke responded only in screams, especially when Vader gripped his injured arm too much too soon to inspect the area. A doctor, a medic, Luke needed them now. Luke needed more than that: he needed medicine, a drink, food, his punishment, his father. Vader waved his hand knocking the boy out cold before his feet. Vader shushed the unconscious boy before gently picking him up in his arms, walking towards the Devastator where a lift was waiting to take the Emperor to safety. Before he left, he turned to the hand and saber, collecting the still warm fresh, bloodied hand. With his boot, he crushed the deactivated saber and the precious crystal under his heel. Signaling the end of the Jedi for once and for all.

Chapter Text

Vader watched with dulled yellow eyes and in a hoverchair as Luke was submerged in the bacta tank; taking in the sight of his lost limb most importantly. The medic room was smaller than what the palace offered but it would do as they made the trip to Mustafar. Vader reflected heavily on the past events. He had his son back, yes; that was cause for a small victory. However, it came at a price. Luke had ran away again and this time he managed to hide out on a planet Vader hadn't thought to look on, nor had reason to suspect checking out. The planet itself was not the problem but the inhabitant: Master Yoda. Vader gripped the arm of the chair in fury.

What Jedi lies had that gremlin told his son? Filling his head with nonsense as Obi-Wan did no doubt. Vader was venturing dangerously around Luke; his little one was stronger, no doubt. The issue was Yoda had convinced Luke, his little boy, to kill his own father. Vader could not think of a more backstabbing and delusional thought to brainwash his son with. To force a child to kill their own parent was cruel; no doubt had Luke succeed then what would become of him? Vader couldn't get the image out of his head that Luke would stand over his dead body frightened and confused as the ghosts of Anakin Skywalker's once beloved and respected Jedi members stood behind his son and laughed at his helpless child who would forever be alone in the world.

The Emperor snapped out of his trance. That didn't happen. He wasn't dead. His heart thumped seeing Luke's missing hand. He had told the medics to attach it back but the boy had lost so much blood as it was and attaching a hand and part of a wrist back together was not as easy as a finger or toe. Luke would live with this deformity for the rest of his life. Vader mourned for his unconscious child. The father had no other choice but to slice off the child's hand, Luke would have killed him at his weak state.

No more would Vader be weak. He could feel himself healing--slowly--but it wasn't enough yet. The Force bond with his child was tender and needed to be soothed just as much, he decided as he placed a hand on the glass, his fingers following the line of Luke's cheek and jaw. The father would never forget that feeling of anguish and pain Luke felt when he had to slice his child's hand off. He growled. Luke would have to re-learn to use a hand because he was taught to wield a saber to kill him. His child had lost his purity and perfections. His child had to be in pain because of Obi-Wan!

"Emperor Vader." a voice came from a safe distance, but able to be heard. "We will land on Mustafar in three standard hours."

Vader said nothing at first. After a brief moment he decided it was time to get Luke ready.

"Bring another hover chair. The child is not to be disturbed or waken." Was all the instructions he gave before he removed his hand from the glass. He doubted Luke would wake up anytime soon. Vader had used a large amount of the Force to ensure he blacked out on the cliffs earlier. Luke wouldn't wake until everything was ready. Vader watched as Luke was lifted gently out of the tank and a handful of medics rushed to cover him and place him on the hover chair while one medic began to bandage his unsightly handless arm.

Nothing was heard but Vader's respirator mixed in with Luke's slumbered breaths.

***

Mustafar was as grim, somber and plagued with rage and haunting memories as Vader remembered it. The lava rivers that flowed around Vader's fortress glowed; tiny heat bubbles popped pulsating with his old wounds that threatened to re-open cause he ignored a medic droid (then smashed it to pieces when it became annoying) and skipped a bacta tank soak.

Vader felt it in the force, the dark side, coiling around him and his son as the starship hovered above them. The two of them were lowered. He paged Piett to return to the Imperial Palace and to return on the dawn of next month.

On schedule as always was Vaneé. The caretaker of the fortress. Vanee waited patiently as well as curiously watching his majesty grip onto the hover chair that was holding his sleeping son wrapped protectively with heat resistant blankets and a tiny breathable mask that filtered out the ash that fell from the sky. Vanee had not met the young prince but judging by the holos he had seen, he was correct in his opinion that the young Prince was rather adorable. Sleeping away soundly in the chair. Sadly, he saw the bruises on the young boy's face and became concerned quickly; though he hid it when Vader spoke as Vanee bowed in respect.

"I assume the chamber is ready." Vader gruffed, his attention on Prince Luke. Vanee nodded, "As is the young Prince's room. And all droids on site have been programed back to their factory settings, my Lor-Emperor." Vanee corrected himself.

Vader didn't look too good. He was pale, nearly hairless, the gashes on his body were a bright pink, as if he were to begin bleeding again.

The man cleared his throat before asking, "Shall I get our medical service to help you-"

"No." Was all Vader said, not giving Vanee eye contact once as he pushed the chair into the fortress, the large doors behind the two men slamming loudly before locking. "Prepare the necessities for the ritual."

* * *

To say Luke felt groggily was an understatement. His eyes simply wouldn't stay open as he watched a hazy ceiling above him change from marble to stone to pitch black even when he was sure he had opened his eyes. When the young boy finally came to, his first thought was: I can't move or see. Opening his eyes did nothing and he felt something wrapped around his head. Blindfolded. Vader had blinded and bound him face first to something uncomfortable. He began to wiggle about but whatever restraints were holding him down and spread apart gnawed at his skin. A cold chill brushed upon him and that's when Luke gasped at the reality that he was naked as well. Goosebumps traveled wherever he felt a chill and he tried to wiggle free, only gasping when he felt his skin rubbed raw and scrape. Whatever held him down felt thick and rough and if tiny blades poked at him. That was not all that was missing. It was deathly quiet. Had he gone deaf too? That caused a panic in him that didn't cease his wiggling. He whimpered.

"It's useless to struggle, child." A warning came from above. He'd recognize his father's voice anywhere. So, he hadn't gone deaf; but why did the world feel so quiet and still? It didn't sit well with him.

Nevertheless the man ignored him.

Luke grit his teeth. "Let. Me. Go." A warning slap hit him, harshly, across his exposed thighs, causing Luke to yelp. Vader pressed his large hand to the small of Luke's back, stilling him.

"Let's go over the events that caused you to be in this situation, my child."

"Thanks, I'd rather not."

"One, you ran away-AGAIN," Vader seethed, "Two, you dare run off for over a year to be with a foolish Jedi who spoke in senile riddles that trained you to be a traitorous, weak Jedi!"

Vader inched closer to Luke. Luke could feel the man's breath on the tips of his ear. "And you were ready to kill your own father."

Luke swallowed. "I wasn't going to."

"So that little battle we had on Tatooine, what was that? A friendly spar? A training session? If I recall correctly, you said you were going to stop me-"

"From killing my friends!" Luke shot back. "And. . .and you're one to talk! Who cuts off their own son's hand?!"

"Who attempts to kill their own father?!" The fury, the rage and the plea in Vader's voice was unlike anything Luke had ever heard before. He wished to see his father's face; to see what he looked like at this moment in vulnerability. What puzzled Luke was he couldn't feel his father through their bond. Had Vader put up his shields? No, cause Luke would know if he had them up.

Luke felt Vader's durasteel hand tighten his grip as he continued. "I am not perfect, this has been pointed out my whole life with the Jedi! Unpredictable student. A worthless husband. But I will be damned if I am not a decent father!"

Luke frowned. Where was all of this coming from? Had Obi-Wan or Yoda or even his mother called Vader any of these things? He didn't believe it to be true.

"What. . .are you talking about?" Luke slowly began.

"I'm not going to fail you, Luke. I've. . . I've been in denial this whole time. Thinking I could steer you from the influence of the Jedi and their lies, of the Rebellion and their treacherous ways. You had to be maimed in order to stop yourself from doing something so foolish! I should have done this a long time ago. From the moment I met you." Vader removed his hand and Luke heard the man take a step back. Luke began fretting on the table he was on the raised off the ground. Vader ignored his son's frantic questioning.

The father turned to a wall which held a number of switches he prepared with a heart full of guilt. His child was feet away from him more than likely terrified. None which compared to the blazing red iron. Vader began to repress his inner guilt.

Luke terrified of his father meant he did not trust him. . . still.

All of this would go away soon, however. But first, Luke would need to learn his lesson. How poetic would it be should Luke have to understand the bloodshed Vader endured to get his son back? He would find out as he slapped a metal rod on the back of Luke's heels, making the boy howl in pain.

Almost teasingly, Vader slid the cold rob against the back of Luke's legs upwards to the plump pink ass he knew would be shades of purple and black soon.

"Please-please, don't do this, father!" Luke cried, tears already soaking the blindfold. "I wasn't going to hurt you, I didn't want to hur-hurt you!" Luke begged. "He said he was sorry! He really did! Master Obi-Wan-"

The young boy cried out when Vader raised the rod and smacked him so hard it broke the flesh immediately. Luke could not tell what hurt worse, the beating or the promise Vader had broken just now: how he wouldn't ever harm him.

Perhaps Luke was only hurting himself in the long run for believing that, for a brief moment, Darth Vader--his father--wouldn't hurt him as he did others because he said he wouldn't. Luke wasn't special.

He, Luke came to the conclusion, was just as disposable as everyone else.

The little Rebel made a fist with one hand, gritting his teeth as Vader wailed on him again, bruising the skin above the cracked raw and bleeding wound Vader had caused.

"For thirteen months I worried!" Vader growled. "I searched nearly every planet." He raised the weapon again. "And just when I found something, it was a lie or nothing at all. And to top it all off, you lied to me about Dantooine!"

Luke felt the air nearly leave his lungs after that particular hit. That hit was personal and across his thighs. Luke tried so hard to not sob.

"Da-Dan . . . " He pushed out.

"Was abandoned years ago!" Vader hissed. "And you knew this!"

Of course Luke knew this. He had to get Vader away somehow. The more Vader struck him with the rod, the weaker Luke felt tied down and limp. There wasn't a moment at all to catch his breath or even think properly. He had never been struck his hard before by even an enemy out to kill him. Ironic how the man who claimed to love him more than life itself was the bane of that pain.

"Staaap, Fa-Faaather." Luke begged. "I. . . I'm sorry-"

"You are sorry you are caught! Hide your forked tongue, you wicked child!" Vader snarled. "I will not hear any lies from you ever again!"

And he meant it. He would ensure Luke would never lie again. A lie is constructed by twisting factual evidence or influence. Luke could not lie if that evidence or influence vanished.

The father steadied himself above his sobbing son, glancing down at the bruised and bloody behind he inflicted on his child. Would that be enough? Surly Luke would be bed bound and couldn't leave for a few days but not all physical wounds healed--Vader would be first to testify that.

No. A spanking wouldn't do much to cross his child. Luke had been spanked and spanked well before and yet he still was naughty or found argument. Vader had memorized each word in the book of the forced sensitive book he had and nothing was giving him an answer to Luke's behavior. He tried being nice, tried restrictions and rewards.

Nothing was working. But he would not fail. He would simply take matters in his own hands. And he found a solution that could work out in his favor. It had taken him six months during the time Luke was gone to perfect the wording without accidental summoning or hexing. Pronunciation aside, the amount of Force Vader needed to project onto Luke for this to work also was trail and error. Thankfully Vader had plenty of subjects willing or not to test on.

"I am done." Vader spoke in the dark cave. "Done with your reckless, ignorant, suicidal behavior, Luk'yalie."

Luke growled. "My name is Luke. Just Luke."

Vader threw the rod aside, not caring where it landed. It would be the last time he heard that as well. The father approached the warm bed of hot coals reaching out with his durasteel hand to grip the cold side of the iron rod attached to a branding metal.

"I will give you one last chance, Luk'yalie. Denounce that rebel phase you are in or suffer the consequences." Luke bit his chapped lip. Vader was too far away from him to sense. Why couldn't he sense Vader at all? It was scaring him. That's when Luke put the pieces together. If he couldn't feel Vader or his tendrils, then that could only mean that the Force was taken or cut from him somehow.

He shuttered, "Why can't I feel the Force?" He half demanded.

"It had to be done, my son. You are not alone in this agony." Vader was going insane not sensing Luke despite seeing him. While Luke was away, he was not cut off by the force at all but masked and hidden somehow. So Vader knew he was alive, but couldn't tell where he was. But this was so much different. It was as if his child was dead, as he believed before.

The stir craziness blended in with his agony and his little one had no idea how he felt. Luke would not begin to comprehend the maddening torture Vader was putting himself through for his son. Selfishness was something the Jedi must have corrupted Luke with as well.

"Renounce the Jedi way and your pathetic rebellion or suffer. The choice is easy Luk'yalie. Do not disappoint me."

Luke's breath hitched. "I. . . I am a Jedi." He softly spoke, knowing a consequence was on it's way. "As my father, Anakin Skywalker was."

"Anakin Skywalker is dead."

"Then I have no father."

Vader watched with a cold, harsh expression as Luke was turned onto his back, the restrains turning his body around. Luke hissed when his welted and bloody ass made contact with the other side of the table he was laid upon on and his chest rose with each breath he took. Vader glanced down at the child he and Padme created, a gentle hand touching each body freckle, each new scar he had not see on Luke before he ran away.

The blindfold covering his eyes that was drenched with tears and sweat. Luke had given him no other choice. He would never be Vader's should he hold onto the ideology of Democracy, of the Jedi. And Vader could not live with that. He would not spend the rest of his life fighting with his child he was to love and care for. Vader raised the hot metal aiming right at the left side of his son's chest where he could hear his heart beat. Nothing was said as the hot, angry red metal burned Luke's flesh, forever burning the logo to the Empire onto his child.

The boy screamed in agony until he felt his lungs would give out, or his throat would crack. He felt he was going to die. His body gave out from the trauma and the scorching pain and he went limp as Vader pulled away, the cave smelling of burned flesh. The branding rod was pushed away as Vader leaned over his child, weeping. Luke had passed out and would show no signs of waking soon.

Two large hands cupped his son's face as he placed tender kisses along Luke's forehead.

"My little one. . . You stupid child." All of this will be over. Vader reminded himself. All of this suffering, Luke didn't have to be in pain anymore. He would see to it. Vader stood behind his child, both hands on the side of Luke's head, fingers to his temples as he began to quietly chant.

From the depths of the cave under Vader's fortress the Dark side festered and swirled around the father and son, growing stronger with the pain and anger and torturous anguish. Just what it needed to complete the ritual Vader had begun.

Using the Dark Force Vader was able to slither his way into manipulating Luke's mind and memories, even the very depths to which Luke could not recall. Vader would rid of them all. Childhood memories of Tatooine, the sand, the old friends, the toys Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen's faces; gone. Meeting Ben Kenobi, saving Princess Leia, The rebellion; gone.

Vader had to rid himself of his own feelings.

If he were to save his child from the influence of anti Imperialistic views, he had to rid even himself from Luke's memories. He did so; allowing the Force to soak up his own pain. He watched with anger at Luke's memories of training with Master Yoda and of teaming up with Boba Fett, creating his own lightsaber, saving Leia from Jabba the Hutt and of fighting with his father one last time.

When Luke's memories were gone, came the tricky part. Taking away a memory was one thing, but replacing them with false ones took master sewing of implementing. Vader would not fail. As he conjured up falsehoods of Luke as a baby resting with his father, of standing on the Bridge pointing at stars, of being a child and learning how to spar and of being a teenager and crowned in front of billions. All of this was to save him. To have his little boy back.

When Vader was finished, the room went still. Luke was bellow him, slumbering. His face was riddled in pain. Vader allowed himself a small open smile as he leaned his head forward to nuzzle the little boy. The restraints were opened, freeing him. Vader gently swooped his little boy into his arms, shushing Luke when he whimpered.

"Everything is going to be okay now, Luke. I promise." The father soothed as he hobbled to the hover chair waiting for them both.

The healing could begin for them both.

Chapter Text

Luke was so peaceful when he was sleeping. The way his rosy lips were parted ever so slightly and his chest would rise slowly and softly, emitting little breaths. Once in a while, his nose would twitch and it was quite adorable in Vader's book. The father stood above his resting son, inspecting him. Luke had been removed from the medical room when the droids deemed his injuries to be in the healing process. Vader would inspect his son's wounds himself from now on. His fingers delicately traced the bandaged area across Luke's exposed chest, pausing when the boy winced in his sleep. The father was quick to shush him, lulling the exhausted boy back to slumber. Vader had no doubt Luke would stay sleeping for a while as the ritual had been draining on both the father and child; yet this was all a necessary evil, Vader had told himself. Luke would be raised correctly: understanding The Empire's goals and how to properly yield the Force. Most importantly: his father loved him and was to be loved back.

Vader stroked the blonde bangs out of Luke's face, smiling softly. He himself was starting to heal. The bond between him and his child was as vibrant as the day he took Luke home for the first time. So warm and innocent, like the summer days on Naboo with her. Vader allowed himself to sit on the edge of the bed, closing his eyes for a moment. Dare he admit, Luke's bond was addicting to caress against his own. Vader had not felt it for so long and the dreams had begun to return to him, of that happy little boy begging for attention from his Daddy.

It was destiny he had gotten his son back from those filthy rebels. There was not a star Vader would not have overturned to look for Luke. He was here with Vader, where he belonged, resting, warm, and a completely blank slate. Vader hadn't dwelled too much into Luke's memory; there was no need to. One look at Princess Organa's face in his memory was enough to have him wipe any connection Luke felt towards her. He smirked as he traced his hand along Luke's soft shaven cheek. Destroying the memory of Obi-Wan and Master Yoda from Luke was the most satisfying feeling in the world; Vader had killed many men, women and children in his life, but nothing could compare to watching the distortion of Obi-Wan and Yoda simply vanish quietly and softly away. Getting rid of them got rid of the Jedi culture and practice all at once.

"Hmmm." Luke whimpered.

Vader reached over to tuck Luke under the covers more, smiling as he stroked his finger's through the blonde's hair.

He froze when a bright blue hue appeared out of nowhere and a stretched arm reached out to touch Luke as well. Glaring up, Vader saw his former Master standing above his child sadly gazing down. Obi-Wan did not appear as an old man as he was when Vader killed him, but rather youthful as he was in Vader's Padawan days. Why Obi-Wan looked the way he did Vader could care less. The father stood up immediately, igniting his saber.

"Get out!" He growled. "Return to your grave!"

Luke would not awake to his shouting, Obi-Wan assured himself that as the Force around him muffled the talk they would have. Obi-Wan made no move to do so and sighed sadly, "Darth. . . what have you done to the boy?"

"Get away from him!" Vader demanded, doing his best to shield his sleeping son from the ghostly apparition. "Or I'll-"

"What? Kill me twice? That certainly would be interesting. You and I both know it was with your help that I am more powerful than you, Darth. I am one with The Force. There is no "getting rid of me" whether you want to believe it or not." Obi-Wan shook his head. "You've harmed that boy in ways that are unforgiveable, Darth. And all he wanted was to save you."

Vader clenched his teeth. "There is nothing to save. I was weak under your tutelage! You and the rest of that council held me back for years!"

Obi-Wan sadly looked upon his former apprentice. He was less of a man physically and mentally. It was as if all that kept Vader alive was his vengeance, his hate, his rage. And yet, Obi-Wan saw what Padme tried to tell him on her death bed, what Luke tried to tell him on Dagobah. Deep within Vader's corrupted Force was a bond that latched onto Luke like fire to a dry field. It was, for Obi-Wan, like greeting and old, forgotten friend. A sliver of Anakin shown enough to be recognizable, but not enough to overpower the dark mass of Force that shrouded around it like a prison. This is what Luke tried to safe and rescue, and what Padme believed was still alive. It may have been there, but it wasn't enough.

Obi-Wan lowered his head. "Forgive me." He softly spoke. "I failed you that day on this planet over Nineteen years ago." Obi-Wan lowered his head, taking his hand away from Luke as he took a step back. Vader growled. "Leave. I don't want your pity. Come near my child again and I'll-"

"I love you, Anakin." Obi-Wan held back his tears. He had always wanted a family. He supposed he'll have to watch Luke from afar and hope the Force will guide him in the right direction. But for now, the light was calling him back; such a bittersweet moment it was for Obi-Wan, who wanted to pour his heart out to Anakin. "Luke is a good boy. He is strong too. May the force be with him." Obi-Wan left as he had arrived, quietly and slowly. 

It was then did Luke begin to stir. Vader's attention turned to his son, stroking his hair back. Vader took in a deep breath before gently removing the force suppressant collar on Luke, grinning when he felt a wave a warmth from his baby return to him. It had been agony not feeling the bond between him and his son; but for the ritual he needed to cut Luke off from the force. His baby might have gone berserk and try to kill himself or Vader or harm either one of them. Neither would happen ever again, Vader assured himself as he watched fondly at Luke waking from his long slumber. The boy whimpered, squeezing his eyes shut. He felt a headache coming on and his shoulders being rubbed gently.

"Easy, easy." Vader hushed. "You're unwell, child." Luke helped himself to sit up, wincing when he moved too quickly on his left side. He glanced down at his chest but did not ask what happened to him just yet as he tried to look around the dim room; it was lavish to say the least with large curtains blocking out the red light coming from outside and the bed itself was spacious enough to fit three wookies comfortably. Luke began to whimper.

"Wh-where am I?" He shivered.

Vader spoke softly, "You are home, child. Do not be afraid." He had to carefully guide Luke to be more comfortable against the pillows; no doubt his son was fragile and would need to be coaxed gently. This was no problem to Vader. Luke hissed when he tried to remember the last thing that happened to him, but everything was a blank. It was as if he had no memory of his life at all and what he could recall was nothing but a blur; life felt artificial and it was alarming.

"Wha-what?" Luke asked again, this time he caught a look at his bandaged right arm where he was clearly missing a hand and nearly screamed had his throat not felt ashy. "What happened to my hand?!" He cried. The boy gripped his forearm tightly Vader worried he's harm himself. gently, the Father placed a large hand over Luke's smaller one and began to speak.

"My little one, you were harmed by the Rebel Alliance. They used their influence on you and hid you from me for nearly a year. When I found you you had been hurt so badly enough," Vader lied through his teeth. However, that was his perception. The Jedi, the Rebels, they all corrupted his child. "But it's alright, Daddy is here and you will not be harmed ever again. I promise, Luke." Luke sniffed, the words did nothing to help but that assurance he felt; it was warm, it was lively, comforting and he wanted more of it. "

"What's. . .what's happening?" Luke sobbed. Vader wanted to coo. Luke was projecting into the Force that he was frightened and confused. And, like a small child, he was crying for help. Vader wondered if this was how Luke was when he was much smaller and on that miserable planet Tatooine. Just a small little scared boy calling for his Daddy. "I. .. I don't remember anything." Luke sobbed. "What happened to me?" He began to bawl, hiccupping. Vader dwelled on the thought. He erased Luke's memories for a reason and that reason was to keep his son safe and untainted from the lies.

"They tried to use you to kill me." Vader admitted. "You were brainwashed, deranged." The little boy in his hold went as still as stone and a rush of fear flurried through the bond like an avalanche. Vader was quick to coddle. "It was not your fault. None of this is your fault; it is all that terrorist group's ideology's fault. You are not to blame for their actions." But, that wouldn't stop the tears running down Luke's face as he cried out.

"I. . .I don't what's going on. I don't. . . "

"My child-"

"I don't remember my own name!" Vader gave a soft chuckle. He could help with that.

"You are Imperial Prince Luk'yalie Amidala Skywalker." Luke frowned, blinking. That felt familiar but he didn't know why. Perhaps it was his name and he had to get used to it, his brain tried to make sense. "Your mother named you." Vader continued as he watched the little boy's face soften and he looked around. The older man's heart clenched when he realized what he had to tell Luke. "She named you shortly before she died giving you life. She loved you with all her heart." His tone was firm, assuring and loving. Luke would never go a day without knowing who Padme was. The fact Luke admitted to him that he only knew of Padme when he ran off to Naboo was atrocious. He was happy to rid the memory of Owen and Beru, those pitiful moisture farmers were never good enough to be parents let alone a guardian. What child does not know their mother? Outrageous. Vader could think of it now: taking Luke to Naboo. Only this time, he would make sure Luke would not be traumatized by his wife's death by having it shoved in his face and waved around him like a carrot. A tingle of happiness traveled down his back knowing the Naberries were long gone and their influence as well with them. Luke would settle in Naboo in peace as Vader would show Luke his mother's most treasured home and all her favorite spots they ventured to.

He watched with fascination of Luke trying to pronounce his name. "Luk....'ye-lee?"

"Luk'yalie." Vader continued.

"Just call me Luke or something."

"No thanks, I'd rather not. Now, you must be famished-"

"Wait, I still have questions. You called me a prince earlier. Does that mean you're a king?" Luke tried to sit up but Vader gently laid him back on propped pillows. The father chuckled, "No. I am The Emperor. Ruler of the Galaxy and you child will one day hold that title too." Until then, you're my baby boy. Vader did not say that last part. Luke made an unsure face.

"That feels daunting."

"It's not bad at all, child."

"Will it give me grey hairs too?" Lue poked at him, giggling. Vader couldn't hold back an undignified snort as he gently tickled the boy's sides, careful to not make him squirm.

"I see your smart mouth humor has returned." Goodness he could listen to his sunshine laugh at all hours of the day well into the night. Luke's giggling was just like hers in the sense of it squeaking at higher pitches. Vader kissed Luke's forehead, helping him calm down. A chime from the lock in the room told Vader it was time for Luke's medicine. Vader needed to sedate his son to apply more alone to the burn on his chest and Vader knew from personal experince how much it stung. He'd rather have Luke sleep through the pain rather hear his little boy cry again today.

"Now, about that food. Can you handle solids?" Luke thought for a moment before shrugging.

"I'm not very hungry." He admitted. Vader frowned. "You still need to eat little one. You've gone hours if not days in my care without nurishment; Force knows how long in the imprisonment of the Rebellion."

"My stomach sort of hurts." Luke winced, laying an arm over his sore tummy. "Do not worry, I have the perfect choice for you." With a whistle the doors opened and behind a boxy servant droid in whirled R2, pushing past the other droid. He screeched when he arrived at Luke's bedside telling him how worried he was and if he was okay. Vader rolled his eyes at the droid. R2 had been inspected by himself for any Rebel interference. Vader wouldn't put it past one of them to put a tracking chip or other type of spy wear to hound on his child. Luke blinked.

"Hello. . ." He softly spoke, reaching his hands out to Vader as the father handed him a large drink container with a spill-free sippy cup lid. R2 called him out again, demanding he be addressed.

Luke paused, "I'm sorry. . . I don't know what you're saying." R2 wheeled closer to Luke. What did he mean by that? R2 glanced over at Vader, demanding to know what happened to Luke. "He's resting. Leave him alone." was all Vader said. R2 ignored him. The droid worried about Luke. He wasn't himself and he didn't know what Vader did to him. He knew Vader did something to Luke. His poor master was bandaged up and appeared sore. Luke paid him no attention either as he tilted the sippy cup up to drink it's contents. R2 opened his compartment his arm extending out holding the stuffed bantha he had kept safe for Luke. R2 was given this by Luke before he entered Jabba's claiming that he couldn't hold the toy anymore and he'll never forget Luke's message to keep his bantha safe; as if R2 would dare allow a single tuff of fur be ripped from his master's beloved stuffed toy. Luke blinked seeing the toy presented to him, reaching out for the toy and smiling, cuddling the toy.

"Is it a present?" He asked. R2 beeped at him, trying to tell him that was his stuffed toy. Vader sat next to Luke, wrapping an arm around his son. The boy nuzzled softly into the toy, breathing in the scent the bantha gave. It was earthy, comforting. The father smiled, running a gentle hand through Luke's hair.

"Do you remember your bantha?" He asked softly. He knew the answer. Luke shook his head before smiling up at him.

"I love it though!" He grinned. "She's soft." Vader cuddled close. "I'm glad you like it, little one."

Luke turned, gulping down his last sip before speaking, "I love you too, Daddy." The smile on Vader's face slowly vanished and his pupils dilated. A small hitch came to his breathing until he was sure his chest would burst. His heartbeats felt like drums against his chest as he watched Luke's expression fall, fearing he had done something wrong, Luke asked his father why he felt so sad on his end of their bond. No, that was not sadness, dear child. Vader wanted to say. The father couldn't stop the tiny tears that dripped from his eyes unknowingly.

"Daddy? What's wrong? Why are you crying?" Vader couldn't hide his grin. "I. . . I have missed you little one. For over a year-" years "I have. . . I just." Vader could not find the words to express how happy he was. The fact his child was openly expressing his love for him, calling his Daddy unprovoked. The influence of the Rebellion was gone and he had his little boy back. Luke gave a soft smile in return and cuddled close. "I love you too my little one. I'm happy you are home." Vader replied back as Luke yawned, falling asleep would not be a problem for him. Vader allowed himself to be vulnerable for a moment. He could allow himself to sink further into the bond he shared with his Luk'yalie that was bright as ever that day.

"Daddy's here, Luk'yalie." He whispered as Luke fell into a relaxed slumber. "Daddy's never leaving."

Chapter Text

"Daddy, Daddy, look!" A squeal came from next to Vader who stood tall in his pressed linins and blood red silk cape. Next to him bouncing on his heels holding his beloved Bantha was his darling boy, Luke. He too was dressed similar to his father, adoring Imperial wear without a cape, claiming the chain was too itchy. Years ago Luke would have fought him to be dressed by him, let alone forced to adorn Empire attire that was suitable for it's prince. A lot had changed about his child since Vader rescued him from that Rebel scum of a found family. Physically, Luke had a small growth spurt during his time on Mustafar and it was comical to Vader because Luke found it astonishing the top of his head reached Vader's shoulder blade. Luke was happy at the change, hoping to be as tall as Vader one day, he had no guilt or shame admitting. The boy pointed at the red sky at the Star Dreadnought in viewpoint.

Today was their last day on Mustafar and Piett was right on time, Vader noted on his holo watch. All of Luke's belongings were packed, there wasn't much as it was just Vanee, Vader and Luke; but all of Luke's "important" items included his drawings, toys, a few blankets he grew attached to and of course books and prints he wanted his Daddy to read to him at bedtime. Vader allowed Luke to amuse him as he tugged at his bag.

"It's your ship." Luke smiled.

"That's right, little one. Been reading your aircraft books past bedtime have you?" Vader teased. Luke blushed, trying to hide a smile. The father chuckled and laid a strong hand on his son's shoulder.

"It will be an hour before they land. Let's go say goodbye to Vanee and thank him for making us feel welcomed."

Luke nodded, following Vader like a lost loth kitten. "Can we come back one day?" Luke asked timidly.

Vader smirked. "Would you like to come back?" Of course, he knew the answer. Technically, Luke was reborn on this planet. He was so small and frightened, unsure and confused. Mix in with the already strong Bond he shared with his father and Luke was soon calling Mustafar home. Vader smirked. The second Luke's memories were furiously wiped and he woke to see his Daddy, Vader knew Luke would never be the same. And that was alright. Vader often wondered to himself if he should have kept some things for Luke to have, such as memories of him being with his father; the good memories, he dubbed them. But no. He knew this was best. And he didn't bother to poke through any of Luke's memories. He was convinced that Luke was lied to all his life, why would he want to stop and hear the lies his son was told? Vader was a fool. The Force had given him not only a son, but a daughter as well. He, and unbeknownst to Luke, had lost a child and sibling due to Vader's anger and need to control.

Luke nodded. "Wanna see Vanee again." He admitted. "Vanee is a good caretaker, is he not?" Vader softly smiled at Luke, bending down to give into the boy's grabby hand demands to be lifted and carried. Goodness the boy was clingy. It had to be something Luke naturally did before he met his father, Vader assumed. Whatever the reason, Vader loved it. Luke was constantly asking to be carried, for hugs and to be held. Force Sensatives loved tough, their bodies craved it and Luke was no exception. Vader was more than happy to indulge.

Their home on Mustafar had been well kept, cleaned and organized during their stay and Luke never went without. Vader had not given Luke any training on Mustafar as the boy needed to heal from his wounds. The branded sigil of The Galactic Empire on Luke's chest was once an angry, puffy red was now a scarred pink that sometimes flared up; Daddy was always there when it did, using soothing medicine and burn cream on his little one. And Luke's missing hand wasn't too much of an issue as the boy learned to work with the prosthetics Vader made for his son. Luke would have the finest in the galaxy.

"Can Vanee visit us on Coru. . . um. . " Luke frowned, trying to remember the name of his home.

"Coruscant." Vader reminded him.

Luke nodded. "Yeah there."

"I'm sure he can." Vader turned to walk down the large stairway where speak of the Force, stood Vanee next to R2. Luke giggled, wiggling out of his father's hold to run to R2 and Vanee, his stuffed Bantha still gripped in his left hand. "Hi, hi Vanee!" Luke smiled.

Vanee returned the warm gesture, grinning. "Hello, your highness. All packed?" Luke nodded, but he frowned.

"Are you going to visit me, Vanee?" Luke hadn't had any friends at all. Vader told him that would change when they returned to The Imperial Palace as Luke had adoring handmaidens that missed him; it made the boy weary, but he hoped they were nice to him. For now, R2, Bantha and Vanee were his only friends. The caretaker glanced up at Vader. Vanee was no different than anyone who served under the man; he was no less terrified or at least cautious around him. The dark lord of the sith only gave a curt nod in response. Vanee had been a wonderful host in Vader's opinion, kept to himself and was always polite to Luke, catering to his needs at every request. Vader would not mind if Vanee paid a visit to the Imperial Palace to say hello to his son. Vanee read Vader's stone cold face; the man had lived with Vader enough to read when he was allowed to agree on something or not.

"I would love to visit you, your highness. Invite me any time you would like." Luke smiled, thanking Vanee for being kind to him just as The Executor was hovering over the landing pad. Vader cleared his throat, holding out his hand. On que, Luke scuttled over to hold it.

"Do come back and visit yourself, your highness." Vanee spoke. Luke nodded. "Daddy said we'll be back." Of course they would be back. Luke would be trained in ways the Dark Side could offer only on Mustafar, the birthplace of The Sith, of Darth Vader and of Luk'yalie. When Luke grew older and his connection to the Force was strong again, he would return his boy to the depths of Mustafar where he would instruct Luke to give into The Dark side and ensure nothing would ever happen to his child. Not even Obi-Wan or Yoda could reach out to Luke. Vanee excused himself to prepare for the fleet that would arrive to pick up the father and son as Vader tugged a bit to grab the boy's attention.

"Remember, Luk'yalie, you are a prince. When we leave this place, you must act like it." Luke gulped, nodding. Lessons were to be taken when he arrived back at the palace, he was informed. But he wasn't too worried about that. There was a small disturbance, a tiny hint of fear embedded in Luke's side of the bond he emitted towards his father and the boy glanced at the ground, guilt written on his face.

"Daddy what if I get lost again?" Luke asked, softly. "Like. . . you said I was before." Vader knelt down to give Luke a soft kiss on the cheek. "If you should ever feel lost or led astray, I will find you, little one." He spoke. "You know not to wander, right?"

Luke raised his hand, the one that held his Bantha and began to suckle on the plastic horn, something he did when he was nervous. Vader removed the toy gently from Luke's mouth, substituting the plastic for his flesh index finger. Luke instantly latched on, his eyes hazing over at the comforting notion of suckling. Vader relished in the comforting notion Luke gave off into their bond in the Force. He was making Luke calm, he was the source of comfort to the young lad in front of him. Not Obi-Wan, not The Alliance; him. With his other gloved hand, he stroked the boy's cheek, his thumb tracing Luke's cheekbone identical to his late wife's. Vader held his breath for a brief moment captivated by how Luke glowed in the Mustafar evening scarlet sun.

The force had to have been have a field day ensuring Luke got all of Padme's adorable features such as her tiny nose and prominent cheekbones and the bright size of her eyes that would forever make Luke appear younger than what he was. Vader held no complaints.

"Come, little one. They are waiting for us." Vader slowly slid his finger from Luke's mouth with a pop and the lad wiped his mouth, nodding. Vader was all set to leave, together with a respiratory mask to filter out the ash and toxins in the air along with a dark cloak to block out any harmful reys he helped Luke put on his own attire including a bonnet which he tied around the boy's head, pushing in fly away strands of blonde hair.

"Why do I need this?" Luke asked, curious. Old Luke would have thrown an absolute fit, Vader knew. No doubt would involve kicking, screaming and cursing and trying to rip it off his head. Not this Luke. fragile, baby, new to the world Luke hadn't gotten into trouble once and was weary of the threats Vader made should he do get punished. No, Luke was a good little boy, when he was scared or unsure he asked for help or clarification and that's all he needed before doing the task Vader asked him to. Pretty soon, Luke learned that whatever Daddy asked him to do would never result in harm or distrust.

Vader relished in it.

"It's for your head, Luk'yalie. The ash falling from the sky could still be hot and Daddy doesn't want you hurt." Vader tied Luke's matching black robe around his neck, listing the hood to cover the boy's head. "It's a double layer for precautions, my little angel." The boy shrugged but said nothing as he held Vader's hand as the heavy armored main doors opened to the fortress. Vanee stood with his own mask on to filter out anything that entered the main entrance and Luke waved goodbye, Bantha waving in the air as he did so. A small speeder packed with their items had been prepared and was ready for takeoff as Vader buckled Luke in and R2 took his place in the hatch behind Vader; taking the helm Vader began hovering them over the controlled protective moat of lava around the fortress towards the Starship.

Luke glanced back at the Fortress behind him, feeling anxious once more. When Vader told him they would be leaving, he was a bit apprehensive and Vader guessed he could relate somewhat. This was, as far as Luke was concerned, the only home he had or knew about. It was natural Luke wouldn't want to leave. "You'll love the Imperial Palace, my darling. You have lots of toys waiting for you and the gardens will be free for you to run around in. You won't be cooped up for long." Vader assured his child. Luke offered a small smile but kept clutching his Bantha close. .

Vader frowned. He wasn't worried at all about Luke "fitting in" there was no fitting in for Luke, he was the Prince, he would be encrusted into the lived of the Imperials and their ideologies and they would love it Vader would rain blood on their limited days. What Vader wanted was for Luke to be comfortable. To see the palace as his home. Vader thought for a moment. It was a long shot, but perhaps Luke needed it. He smiled to himself as the hover speeder was parked right in front of the Starship waiting for the duo and R2. Saluting him was Piett from a safe distance with his own mask on for protection, the stormtroopers in suit at their positions. Vader bid them no mind, too focus on helping Luke out of the speeder as two troopers came to take their luggage.

"My Emperor." Piett spoke, diligently.

"Admiral Piett, thank you for coming. No delays, we leave immediately." Vader escorted Luke onto the ramp, Piett catching the boy's timid appearance before the blonde his his face in his father's cloak. That was unusual, Piett wondered to himself. Granted Piett hadn't met the boy but for a handful of times, but Prince Luke was never this quiet, or calm. Piett had been informed of Luke's disappearance as much as the rest of the Empire, he was also notified when the boy was "rescued by his father after being kidnapped by Rebel scum." and of course Vader was deemed a hero as much as a loving father for single handedly searching for his own son despite his position of power. Prince Luke's whereabouts were not broadcasted publicly, only a few officers, such as Piett, were told he was at Mustafar recovering for "an unexpected amount of time." Six months the Imperial Palace had no Emperor, but rather the steward in place in the Emperor's place momentarily. But all of that was going to change as they were to set course for the Core worlds.

"Luk'yalie, follow him to your sleeping quarters." Vader spoke. Luke bit his bottom lip, looking weary at the officer in question who saluted the young prince. Vader assured Luke he would be there shortly; he wanted to speak to Piett. Piett gulped. He wasn't sure of anything he had done wrong to have the Emperor of all people want to speak to him alone as he and Vader began to walk towards The Bridge.

Vader cleared his throat before speaking, "Keep Coruscant in route, but make a stop at the planet, Naboo."

"Naboo, your highness?" Piett spoke, as if he hadn't heard at first.

"Yes. We will be there for a short week." Vader said nothing more as the Starship took off and the Father sat down watching the ship enter hyperspace.

The Naboo summers were known to be warm, never hot and sticky as Anakin Skywalker was accustomed to on Tatooine. Naboo brought with it lush valleys of flowers Vader recalled Padme spending her afternoons in picking and humming old lullabies as she clutched her pregnant stomach. It was bittersweet to see Luke, after all these years, in the same spot she was giggling and running around with Piett's tooka cat the boy found on The Starship and became very fond with. Luke had tried pulling every trick in the book on his father to ask Piett if he could have his kitty because Luke was so in love with the tooka and wanted one of his own. The tooka in question looked familiar, but Vader could not recall why this particular tooka reminded him of the one he tossed aside nearly a year ago. I could not be the same cat as Piett claimed he found it a strey outside the palace walls. Vader's answer was still no. Luke did not need a tooka kitten to take up his time with important lessons. Of course, the boy was heartbroken but Vader did allow a compromise that should Piett's tooka be in range he was allowed to play for a while, so long as he stopped asking for one of his own. Though, even Vader could not deny Luke looked adorable holding a piece of ribbon that was originally in the boy's hair up for the kitten to jump and claw at.

"Luk'yalie, do not run too far." Vader called. "Remember, we're here to pick flowers-"

"For Mama, I know." Luke replied back, stuffing the ribbon in his dress pocket before skipping back to Vader. "Look, I found a white millaflower!" Luke proudly showed off his finding.

Vader smiled. "That's wonderful, little one." His boy was so good at finding rare objects such as the white millaflower--one of Padme's favorites. "Do you think mama will like it?" Luke asked, hopeful. "Of course she will. Come, let us give it to her." Vader reached his arms out for Luke to jump into his embrace.

Vader said nothing as he carried his boy throughout the palace gardens towards the grave where Padme lay resting for the days to come. Displeasure and a hint of sadness flooded their bond by both men but Vader knew he had to be strong for Luke.

"I don't remember her." Luke admitted.

"She died when you were only seconds old, child. But she loved you for much longer." Vader cupped the back of Luke's head pulling him close to lay on his shoulder as Vader carried Luke to the entrance of the grave. He refused to allow Luke to her tomb; he would not have a repeat of the torment Sola Naberrie put on her nephew by allowing him to see his mother's tomb. Vader kept his rage in check to allow Luke to walk forward and lay his flower on the steps to Padme's unguarded and undisturbed grave. "Daddy. . .can you. . . miss someone you never met?" Luke asked slowly.

Vader smiled sadly; Force knows he did for years. Those haunting nightmares of a little boy with blonde hair and a white outfit giggling, spinning, running around, calling out to him, running to his reach and then vanishing into thin air. The ache in his heart and the mourning he felt for Padme and their presumed dead child held no measures to his misery. "Of course you can, my little one. It's a sign that you love them and would give anything to meet them. You mother was the most beautiful and kindest woman to ever grace this Galaxy. She loved you more than anything."

Vader softly spoke into the blonde hair as he nuzzled his child from behind. Luke smiled softly. He wondered what his mother would have been had she been alive. Father showed him pictures and holos of Padme and she was everything Luke wanted in a mother: beautiful and strong and he heard her voice on one hologram of her giving a speech and he had shed tears. Her voice was the noise of lullabies. Luke began to bit his bottom lip, tears threatening to fall from his eyes. Vader nuzzled his face in closer to kiss his son's cheek.

"Do not cry for her, Luk'yalie. She is no longer in pain and you are not alone. Daddy's here." Vader did not know if he was saying that to calm Luke or himself. How he wanted to kill Obi-Wan again and again for taking her away when he could have saved her and she'd be his Empress and Luke's mother and-

"Daddy?" Luke looked up. "You're crying. . ." Was he? Vader's mouth gaped open slight and his eyes betrayed him as he felt the wetness run down his stone cold face. By Force, he was. How long had it been since he shed tears? Surly a little before Order 66. Vader took a step back, turning his back to his child.

"Excuse me, Luk'yalie. I must have gotten dust-"

"Daddy." Luke interrupted, reaching his hands up again. Vader softly smiled, obliging as Luke wrapped his arms around Vader's shoulders and neck. "I'm glad I have you. It was scary waking up and being alone. . ." Luke admitted, sniffing. "I'm here, Daddy. I won't leave."

I won't leave.

That too was unexpected to hear from Luke. After all the threats and attempts to leave The Imperial Palace and The Empire to run to the Alliance to "Save Anakin Skywalker." such a man did not exist anymore. All of it was gone. Replaced with a loyal, kind and soft-hearted child Vader would give the Galaxy to. He planned on it. One final kiss to Luke's cheek and the boy turned to wave at his mother's grave before Vader and luke began their journey back to the Starship.

"We'll come back to Mama's planet too, right?"

"Naboo is Mama's planet?" How cute. "Then does that mean Daddy has a planet?"

Luke nodded, "Mustafar!" He jumped for joy, holding Vader's hand still as his billowy, sleeveless white dress blew in the summer wind.

Vader chuckled. "What plant is Luk'yalie's then?" Vader asked, arching a brow. Luke paused a moment to think but was ambushed by Vader tickling his sides and tummy. "That's a trick question, little one. The answer is whatever Planet Daddy is on, isn't it?" Luke begged for mercy at his father's fingertips. The boy's squeuals and giggles of happiness were music to Vader's ears as he took one last glance at his wife's resting place. There he took a silent vow to not mess up this time.

He finally had Luke as he should have been: knowing who his father was and his birth right at the head of the Galaxy alongside his father.

He would ensure Luke not go a day without understanding that. He would ensure to Padme their child was loved and needed, nor wanted anything. The unknown baby Vader used to press his hands gently against Padme's tummy to feel moving and kicking was alive here in his arms. Fatherhood had changed him for the better, Vader decided. He wouldn't have it any other way.

One Year Later.

On the eve of Prince Luk'yalie Amidala Skywalker -nee Vader's twentieth birthday, Vader allowed a small window of opportunity for the boy to be interviewed by a reporter. Mostly, it was all for propaganda. The Alliance was still alive, but diminishing according to the data he received. The pesky Princess Leia still had some victories but it wasn't amounting to the massive movement Vader was doing in regards to expanding the Empire. The Alliance needed to be put in their place and Vader had a brilliant idea on how to do so.

"Um, Prince Luk'yalie, look at the camera, please." one photographer said. Luke flashed a sweet pearly white smile adoring his favorite attire, what he dubbed: his mother's sunset dress. Ever since their trip to Naboo (among the many) one year ago, Luke had acquired all of Padme's outfits, wanting to keep them all for himself. Vader indulged, allowing Luke to have whatever his heart desired. He didn't wear them very often, keeping them clean and under lock and key in his closet, but today he wanted to wear something of hers to celebrate his birthday coming up and with Daddy telling him about an interview he was to do, he wanted to look his best. Luke always felt his best when wearing Padme's clothes. Daddy said they suited him as well. Luke fumbled with the draping of the dress, running his fingers through the silk purple and pink ombre fabric as he sat in the chair handpicked for him. He hoped this interview would be over soon, he was getting tired. 

You will nap soon, little one. Luke glanced up spotting his father only a few feet away out of the camera shot. 

"Wonderful, thank you, your highness." the photographer nervously stood back. 

"You're very welcome." Luke's soft voice spoke, remembering his manners. Vader smirked, standing in the sideline, front row watching his little boy beaming. Luke had soaked up Imperial teachings like a sponge. Luke was passing all of his lessons and was skilled at mannerisms, music and the arts. A perfect place for his child to be: not worrying about a thing and thriving among the teachings his professors gave. Of course they were all evaluated and hand picked by Vader himself, not wanting another Sabe incident. When Luke wasn't in lessons, he was training with Vader and Luke's connection t the Force was powerful, as Vader knew years ago on Cymoon-1. Luke was excellent in hand combat and was moving onto more powerful lessons soon.

"Your highness just a few questions as we approach your twentieth birthday." the reporter began. Vader straightened himself as he had been the one to hand pick the questions as well. He watched the cameras roll and the photographers snap photos of Luke who paid evermore attention to the interviewer. "How does it feel to be the next in line for the throne of the Galactic Empire?"

Luke gave a worried smile before answering, "It's quite daunting, really. Lots of lessons and I'm learning something new every day; I just hope the day comes in which I am ready for the throne does not happen unexpectedly." He spoke the last bit firmly before side-eyeing his father who gave him a comforting smile, his Force tendrils slithering their way to wrap around Luke's wrists and rub his shoulders, comforting the boy from a distance. Luke took a short breath, "But should something happen for me to take the throne, I will be ready because I want to be ready."

"And what kind of ruler should we expect from you, your highness?" That answer was easy. "I care for my people, sir. You will have an Emperor who wants nothing but the best for his people." Vader grinned. This was all going very well. Unknown to the prince the eyes watching him were not just Imperial, but the Alliance was watching as well. All of them stunned no more than Princess Leia who stood like cold stone watching Luke say such atrocities.

Speaking of which.

"You are aware, your highness of the growing threat of Rebels in the Galaxy that impose your position as Imperial Prince, correct?" Luke paused, the pain of the branding on his heart that was only slightly visible almost burned. He glanced down at his prosthetic arm as well. His father had made it himself, ensuring it still looked humanly as possible. He was angry at the Alliance. They had taken so much from him, his memories of his childhood, of his father, of life before waking up on Mustafar. Daddy had tried to tell him of things from the past but they did no justice for Luke who hated the Alliance for taking everything from him. Had his father not found him, who knows where he would be today. His father was a savior and Luke would ensure the people of The Empire would remember that.

"I do not recall my time with them;" He admitted, "But in their capture, their pain inflicted on me is probably for the best forgotten. had my father not saved me, I would not be here today." He took a breath before continuing, "Like my father before me I will ensure the Rebels are caught one by one if need be. There is no greater threat to this Empire than them. The countless lives lost due to Rebel interference is disheartening. A hypocritical ideology is all they have to their name. They claim they fight for peace and justice when all they do is have our Intelligence department work overtime to send letters to families informing them of a loved one's death. I will be an Emperor that stops the alliance should my father not. That is an inheritance I do not mind tackling."

Vader was so proud of his little boy and he sent encouraging words through the Force. Luke blushed, smiling softly as his eyes twinkled from the countless photos being snapped. The interviewer nodded. "Final question your highness: If you could say anything to the Rebel alliance right now, what would it be?" Luke glanced straight into the camera recording him.

Dull blue eyes starred into frightened brown ones. What had happened to Luke? Her friend that just a year ago who sacrificed himself to save them was gone, something told her. A tiny voice that spoke to her more in childhood than her adult years. A voice she trusted to do the right thing and lead her around. This Luke was not hers, she felt it to be true. She turned to see if anyone would be protesting this.

"It's propoganda!" She cried, hopeful. "It's not him!" One by one members left the room until it was just her and Han. Han had a grave look on his face as he crossed his arms and glanced at the floor.

Leia turned just in time to see and hear Luke's chilling answer: "Quit while you can. The Empire is here to stay. Should you refuse, you will meet the fate all have before you and suffer a cruel path only the release of death can save you from."

The Empire's reign was a stronghold. What no one else knew, was stronger than that was the loving bond between a young force-sensitive son and his father. Luke stood on the balcony, a silver tiara on his head as he stood proudly next to his father, both of their hands interlocked as they looked out into the sea of millions cheering their names. Two boys from Tatooine, one a slave, the other a dreamer. Two nobodies that the Galaxy at one point had no clue existed and could care even less if they were dead, favored by The Force and rose the ranks to power, fame and glory. The Force danced around the father and son as the setting sun bled into the night sky appearing to twinkle. Two long years had led to this point and Vader had never felt more proud of his son than he did now. Rid of the Jedi nonsense and replaced with the love for his father, Vader knew Luke would rule with a kind heart and strong fist.

And he couldn't wait to see it happen.

"I love you, little one." Vader pressed his mouth to the top of Luke's head, he spoke to ensure only Luke heard him. Luke beamed without missing a beat, replied, "I love you too, Daddy."

THE END