Clary doesn't know if she should feel grateful or worried for the heavy silence that's seemed to have formed over Han, Luke, and herself. They crouch through the forest, senses heightened, as they scan the area for Leia. Clary's mind is racing. She doesn't think it'll ever stop. She knows it won't ever stop.

She tries to focus on finding Leia, searching through the unfamiliar forest of the harvest moon, but Clary can't help but let her thoughts trail back to her conversation with Cal, with Obi-Wan — the turmoil she feels growing, festering, within herself. She's not a Solo. Her whole life, she had believed Han to be her brother. But she wasn't a Solo. She was an Aldrin — a Kenobi. The darkness that had been growing within her, threatening to take over until every part of Clary was no longer the same...she doesn't know if she can fight it any longer. She had always been scared of being vulnerable, but now, Clary knows there's no escaping it. The darkness from Dagobah, the whispers in her head, they won't ever go away. They'll become her, eventually. It's only a matter of time.

"Luke!"

Han's voice echoes throughout the forest, pulling Clary out of her thoughts. She looks over her shoulder to see her brother standing a few feet ahead of her in front of a wreckage of a speeder bike — its remains stay sprawled across the grass, next to the tree it had hit, charred beyond saving. Worry spikes in Clary as she hurries over to Han, with Luke appearing from the other side of the clearing, a sullen look on his face as he carries a helmet. Leia's helmet.

"Oh, Master Luke," 3PO says.

"There's two more wrecked speeders back there," Luke tells Han and Clary as he approaches them. He stares at the helmet in his hands as he adds, "And I found this." He meets Han's gaze as he tosses it to him. Han blinks, turning the helmet as he inspects it, expression unreadable.

R2 lets out a small beep as 3PO says, "I'm afraid that Artoo's sensors can find no trace of Princess Leia."

Clary stares at the floor of the forest. A surge of anger rushes through her suddenly, nearly pulling her off balance, and she refrains from digging the heels of her boots into the dry earth.

"I hope she's alright," she hears Han mutter from beside her, a grave look flashing in his eyes. Clary looks at him, feeling her heart ache at the sight and nudges him.

"She is. We'll find her," she says. Han holds her gaze for only a moment before looking back at the helmet, playing with the strap. Clary knows her words haven't convinced him.

Chewbacca suddenly lets out a short growl as he steps forward, sniffing the air. Letting out a short bark, he hurries deeper into the forest, disappearing past the trees.

"Chewie!" Clary exclaims. Han glances up, eyes narrowed.

"What the hell?" he mutters. "Chewie, come back!"

Picking up their pace, Clary, Luke and Han race after the Wookiee with 3PO and R2 following close behind. They push past the shrouding trees, and Clary nearly avoids tripping over a protruding branch, stumbling. She maintains her balance, but Luke reaches for her arm anyway, grasping her gently. She glances back at him, holding his gaze, but before either of them can say anything, Han pushes past two tall bushes.

"Chewie!" he exclaims. Clary tears her gaze away from Luke as they hurry to the clearing where Chewbacca has stopped. In front of them is a tall stake planted in the ground, with a large animal hanging from it, its dead carcass swaying slightly in the light breeze. Clary wrinkles her nose.

"Seriously?"

"I don't get it," Han frowns. Clary and Luke step closer, standing beside Han, as Chewbacca slowly approaches the stake, sniffing. "Hey, it's just a dead animal, Chewie."

Clary glances over at the Wookiee to see him step even closer to the stake, standing right in front of the dead corpse. His mouth salivates as his eyes train the animal in front of him, and he reaches out slowly with a furry paw.

"Chewie, wait!" Luke exclaims, starting forward. "Don't!"

Clary moves as well, but they're too late — Chewbacca grabs onto the animal, pulling it harshly. It doesn't come undone from the stake, and in an instant, the ground that they were standing on before has sprung up on them, hoisting them upwards. Clary lets out a short scream as they're caught in a net, hanging several feet above the forest clearing. She moves, only to regret her decision as her elbow collides harshly with metal. R2 lets out a wild series of beeps and whistles from below her, and Clary winces, attempting to grasp her throbbing arm. Chewbacca howls loudly, whimpering his regret as he attempts to move. His paw hits Han in the face, and Han spits out a fluff of fur, pushing him away.

"Nice work, Chewie! Great! Always thinking with your stomach."

Han struggles, and his foot manages to lock with Luke's side. Luke groans, pushing Han away, his back pressed tightly against Clary's.

"Will you take it easy?" he snaps, narrowing his eyes at Han. "Let's just figure a way to get out of this thing." He attempts to move his arm, but it's pinned tightly against Clary. She feels him turn his head as he asks her, "Can you reach my lightsaber?"

"I'll try," Clary answers. She reaches for his belt, feeling for the Jedi weapon, but frowns when there's nothing. She glances around the net, only to see it lying on the forest floor below them. Clary hisses under her breath, agitated.

R2 lets out a short whistle, turning his head as he extends a robotic arm, slicing at the bottom of the net. Clary moves, eyes widening.

"Artoo, what are you doing?"

The net sways violently as R2 continues to cut at the rope, ignoring the sudden protests from the rest of the group. Han tries to turn in the net to get a better look at the droid, but Chewbacca lets out a short roar at him as his elbow collides into Chewbacca's stomach.

"Artoo!" 3PO exclaims suddenly, squished behind Chewbacca. "I'm not so sure that's a good idea! It's a very long —"

The bottom of the net lets out a loud snap before the group plummets back to the ground, colliding harshly with the dirt. Clary groans, winded from the sudden impact. Lying on her stomach, she extends her arms, forcing herself to sit up. She barely has time to register what's happening before several spears are shoved in their direction. Clary backs up, nearly sitting on Han's hand in the process.

"What the hell?" Han exclaims. Surrounding them are dozens of furry little creatures. One of them extends their spear closer, nearly jabbing Han in the eye. "Hey, point that thing someplace else!" Han reaches forward, grabbing onto the handle of the spear before pushing backwards. The small creature holding lets out a small growl of protest before another creature stands beside him. They argue quickly in a language Clary can't recognize before the spear is pointed in Han's face again. Han makes an annoyed sound, jaw set, before grabbing the spear, pulling it out of the creature's grasp. The furry creature tumbles forward from the sudden impact, yelling insistently, and Han reaches for his laser pistol from the back of his belt.

"Han, don't," Luke warns him. "It'll be all right."

Before they can say anything else, the group of creatures step closer. Clary struggles with one as it reaches for her blaster, pulling it out of her grasp. They do the same to Han, Luke, and Chewie, taking their weapons. Chewbacca attempts to put up a fight as one of the creatures struggles with his crossbow, growling angrily.

"Chewie, let them have the crossbow," Luke says. Chewbacca glances back at him, whimpering, before letting his grip fall loose, allowing the small creature to hold onto the crossbow with the help of another, struggling under the weight.

Clary glances to her right to see 3PO and R2 struggling still with the net. Clary reaches slowly, pulling at the ropes, untangling the two droids. 3PO shakes his head, straightening himself as he rises to his feet.

"Oh, my head!"

A short, collective gasp echoes throughout the creatures surrounding the group. Clary exchanges a confused look with Han as they chatter loudly amongst themselves, rushing towards 3PO. 3PO turns to look at the creatures, now surrounding him, and replies back to them in their language. Chewbacca blinks, letting out a bark of surprise as one of the creatures drops to its knees in front of 3PO, with the rest of them following suit.

"Do you understand what they're saying?" Luke asks 3PO, calling over the noise of the chanting emitting from the creatures.

"Oh, yes, Master Luke!" 3PO replies. "Remember that I'm fluent in over six million forms of communication."

Clary refrains from rolling her eyes as Han snaps, "Well, what are you telling them?"

"Hello, I think," 3PO answers. "I could be mistaken. They're using a very primitive dialect. But I do believe they think I am some sort of god."

Chewbacca lets out a short roar, shaking his head, as R2 lets out a string of amused beeps. Clary glances at Han and Luke, who share the same looks of redundancy at 3PO's answer.

"Well," Han says, sarcasm dripping from his tone. "Why don't you use your divine influence and get us out of this?"

"I beg your pardon, General Solo, but that just wouldn't be proper."

Han grits his teeth, glaring. "Proper?" he exclaims, moving to stand up. Clary reaches for him instantly, grabbing onto his arm to hold him down as the creatures turn to look at him, chittering loudly at his sudden movement.

"It's against my programming to impersonate a deity," 3PO explains. Han manages to free himself from Clary's grasp, rising to his feet as he approaches the bronze droid.

"Why you —!"

Han motions with his hand, attempting to grab at 3PO, but he's pushed backwards as the creatures surrounding the droid move to protect him. Several of the spears are thrust into Han's face, forcing him further back. Clary moves to stand up, but Luke reaches for her hand, grabbing on to her, stopping her. The creatures chitter loudly, eyes glowering as they poke with their spears. Han narrowly avoids them, holding up his hands in surrender.

"My mistake," Han says. "He's an old friend of mine."

Clary sighs, annoyed by Han's persistence yet relieved that he had surrendered as the creatures move to Clary and Luke, forcing them to stand up. Their small furry paws grab onto Clary, pulling her away from the young Jedi. She looks back at him, nervous, but he holds her gaze, calm and steady. It's alright, he seems to say. It'll be okay.

Clary's relieved only for a moment before fear washes over her, consuming her. She's reminded of Cal's words, his persistence, the darkness clouding her dreams and thoughts: it's okay, Clary. It'll be okay. This is what you're meant to do — what you're meant to be. It'll all be over soon:

Forced out of her thoughts, a sharp tug pulls against Clary's hands, forcing her wrists together. She struggles to see that creatures have now tied her hands together. She glances over to see that Han, Luke, Chewbacca and R2 have been forced to the ground, being tied to long poles. One creature wraps a string of vines around them, hoisting them against the pole. Clary moves forward but stops as one of the small creatures stands in front of her. He chitters loudly, pointing his spear at her. Clary stares at him before he gestures to the pole and vines beside her. Clary realizes what he's insinuating and shakes her head.

"No, thank you," she says, stepping backwards. The creature chitters again, gesturing with his spear, forcing her back more. Clary grimaces, but thankfully, the creatures don't tie her up to the poles like roast meat, and instead, force her to walk alongside them. Two creatures are now standing beside her while several move to carry Han, Luke, Chewbacca and R2 on the long poles, forced into a cocoon-like position. Every time Clary attempts to slow down to get a better look at Han, Luke, and the others, the two creatures standing beside her like guards gesture with their spears, hissing and chattering.

She turns her head, barely catching a glimpse of 3PO being carried on a large podium, like some sort of king, before the creatures hurry them through the forest. Clary can only hope that wherever they're going, Leia will be somewhere near.

•••

The rope digging into Clary's skin burns as she attempts to pull loose. She glances at the creatures every now and then, making sure they aren't watching, as she moves her fingers, attempting to feel for a loophole. They walk along a shaky, narrow wooden walkway, leading further into the shrouding trees. Clary hesitates, glancing around, before the creature next to her yelps at her, motioning with his spear to keep moving. Clary shoots him a pointed glare but follows his orders. She takes this moment to glance back at the others. R2 is letting out short, feeble beeps as he sways from the pole. Han continues to struggle, while Luke remains calm, his hands tied. As if noticing Clary is looking his way, he glances over at her. Clary inhales sharply, averting her gaze, the whispers echoing in her mind, an unknown energy coursing through her veins.

The lead creature takes hold of a large vine, pushing it aside to reveal a small village within the clearing of the forest. The rest of the creatures follow suit, and Clary glances around warily, analyzing her surroundings. From the looks of the village, there appears no other way out than the way they're coming through. To her right, Clary spots a large creature with a few smaller ones, gathering them close before disappearing into a hut. At Clary's slowing pace, the creature next to her chitters loudly, motioning with his spear.

"Okay, okay!" Clary mutters, hurrying forward. The creatures continue through the village before stopping at the largest hut contained within the clearing. The creatures carrying the poles holding the rest of the group group move towards what appears to be a barbecue pit, leaning Luke, Han, Chewbacca and R2 against the surrounding trees. On his makeshift throne, 3PO is lowered gently near the pit. The bronze droid glances around the clearing, entranced by the small creatures.

"I have a bad feeling about this," Han mutters. From beside him, Chewbacca growls in agreement. Clary glances towards Luke, but the creature next to her tugs on the fabric of her leg, forcing her to look down at it. It motions with its spear, and Clary steps back, only to bump into a group of other creatures. They all chitter loudly, and much to Clary's dismay, motion with their spears.

"Threepio," she calls warily towards the droid as the surrounding creatures form a circle around her, all chittering loudly. "Threepio, what the hell are they saying?"

"They want you to keep still, Miss Clary," 3PO replies as more creatures move to grab onto his throne, elevating him up onto a platform. "They're asking to untie you."

"Untie me?" Clary asks. "For what?"

All movement stops suddenly as another creature emerges from the large hut, preventing 3PO from answering. He glances across the captives before nodding to the rest of the creatures, allowing them to continue what they were working on. Another creature is cradling Luke's lightsaber, examining it closely. The creature that had emerged from the hut makes its way towards 3PO, speaking shortly with him. Clary's brow furrows, and she feels the cool blade of a spear against her wrists before the ropes tying her hands together come undone, falling to the ground beside to her.

"Threepio, what is he saying?" Han calls as the creature steps away from the droid.

"I'm rather embarrassed, General Solo, but it appears you are to be the main course at a banquet in my honor."

"A what?" Clary exclaims, but 3PO is unable to reply as a loud drum starts beating, interrupting them. All the furry heads of the small creatures surrounding them turn to look back at the large hut. Emerging from it is not another creature, but in fact, Leia. Clary's eyes widen, and she makes her way towards her, but is stopped as the two creatures from before stand in front of her, blocking her.

"Leia!" Han and Luke call out, also having noticed her arrival. Leia glances between them, to the creatures that are standing between her and Clary. Her hair is down, and Clary notices she's wearing what appears to be a dress made out of animal skin. Adorned in her hair are an array of flowers, most likely picked by the creatures.

"But these are my friends," she tells the little furry animals. When they merely blink back at her, she looks to 3PO. "Threepio, tell them they must be set free."

3PO turns back to the creature that had emerged from the large hut earlier, and he along with another creature shake their heads. The lead creature gestures towards Luke, Han, Chewbacca and R2, barking commands at the other creatures. Several of them move forward, piling more wood onto the growing firepit vigorously. Leia exchanges a worried look with Clary.

"Somehow," Han mutters. "I get the feeling that didn't help us very much."

"Threepio," Clary calls out. "You have to do something."

"I'm terribly sorry, Miss Clary," 3PO says, "But they seem very adamant on the banquet being held."

Luke struggles against the wooden pole, craning his neck to look over at the bronze droid. "Threepio, tell them if they don't do as you wish, you'll become angry and use your divine power against them."

Clary frowns, confused, but 3PO complies, turning to the creatures. Their eyes widen in horror, obviously just as confused. One creature steps forward, barking madly at 3PO, as if challenging him. Clary glances back at Luke to see his eyes have closed.

"You see, Master Luke," 3PO cries, dismayed. "They didn't believe me. Just as I said they wouldn't."

Clary glances back at the droid, her eyes widening to see that he's now risen from the ground in his throne. She looks back at Luke to see his brow is furrowed, concentrated, and she's suddenly reminded of how she had watched his training with Yoda on Dagobah, the way he had managed to lift large rocks and boulders with just his mind.

"Wh-What's happening?" 3PO exclaims suddenly, now realizing he's floating in the air. "Oh, dear, oh dear! Master Luke! Artoo! Somebody, help!" He rises higher and higher up into the air, and Clary can't help but let a small smile cross her face as the droid sways miserably. The creatures surrounding them cry out in alarm, falling backwards, eyes wide with horror as they watch their so-called deity float about, revolving in circles. 3PO continues to scream his concerns, demanding to be let down. Clary's smile only grows as she glances back at Luke. Incredible. He never seems to fail her.