Alien species that are allied with the remnants of the Empire can also be antagonists. They might have their own motives for opposing Luke and Mara, such as territorial expansion or a desire to control certain resources. Their unique abilities and cultures add to the complexity of the conflicts in the novels.
In many of these novels, the remnants of the Galactic Empire are the main antagonists. For example, Grand Admiral Thrawn in the Thrawn Trilogy. He is a brilliant military strategist who poses a great threat to the New Republic that Luke and Mara are part of.
Maybe the old Imperial warlords who are against any kind of reform. They are used to the old ways of the Empire and don't want Luke and Mara to change things.
Some popular ones include 'The Thrawn Trilogy' where Luke's character development continues and Mara Jade is introduced in a complex way. These novels really expand on their relationship and their roles in the post - Return of the Jedi galaxy.
Sith cults could also be antagonists. They might sense the power of the unborn child in the Force and want to turn it to the dark side. They could launch attacks on Luke and Mara to either kidnap Mara or influence the unborn child through dark side magic or the Force.
One great 'Star Wars Luke and Mara fanfiction' is 'The Bond Between Them'. It beautifully explores their relationship development. The story delves into how their initial encounters were filled with mistrust but gradually turned into a deep, unbreakable bond. The author does an amazing job of staying true to the Star Wars universe while adding a unique touch to their story.
There are many great writers out there. Some fans might recommend 'JediFan123' who has a knack for writing detailed character interactions between Bakura, Luke, and Mara. Their stories often have a great plot that keeps you hooked.
The main antagonists could be the Sith Lords who are secretly pulling the strings during the Clone Wars. Even though Luke is from a later time, the Sith's influence on the Separatist movement is still a major threat. Darth Sidious, in particular, would be a huge obstacle for Luke. He has his own plans for the galaxy, and Luke's presence could disrupt them. So, Sidious would likely send his minions after Luke and try to eliminate him.
The plot is also crucial. It could be an adventure set in the Star Wars universe that tests their relationship. Maybe they have to team up against a new Sith threat while also dealing with their own personal issues. A good fanfic might also explore their backstories more deeply, like Mara's time as the Emperor's Hand. This adds layers to their relationship and makes the story more engaging.
One of the common themes is definitely the exploration of the Force. Luke being a powerful Jedi and Mara Jade also having a strong connection to the Force, many fanfictions explore how they interact with the Force together. The theme of family also pops up. Even though they don't have a traditional family at first, they create a sense of family with each other. And of course, the theme of good vs. evil is there as they are often pitted against dark forces in the galaxy.
The popularity of 'Star Wars Luke and Mara fanfiction' comes from the fact that their relationship is full of potential. Fans love to explore how two such strong and complex characters interact. Luke, the hero of the original trilogy, and Mara, a complex and strong - willed character, make for an interesting pairing.
A really good fanfiction could involve a time - travel scenario where Bakura, Luke, and Mara are sent back in time. They have to navigate the different eras of the Star Wars universe while also trying to figure out how to get back to their own time. This would give the author a chance to explore different aspects of the Star Wars lore and how these three characters would interact with historical figures and events.