AN: As you probably have already noticed in the title, it's going to take place in our galaxy, so there would be no planet hopping in this story. The names of some planets familiar to the Star Wars' galaxy would be names of certain places like states or small towns because there are just too many places we don't know and haven't been in just yet. Also, there would be no hocus pocus force thingy going on, nor are the existence of midi-chlorians relevant in this story. This is literally an Alternate Universe. No crazy prophetic dreams either. And last but not the least…

I don't own Star Wars. Thank you for taking the time to read this story.

In the Milky Way

"SOLDIER DOWN"

Chapter 1

"He Remembers"

Explosions, fire, it was everywhere.

Blood, broken legs and arms, mangled bodies, dead bodies.

Everywhere he looked, patches of green and brown clad soldiers' dead eyes staring at him, while their metal clad opponents are cut down in equally unnerving and gut wrenching ways.

He remembers having to step over their blood just to get away. He remembers having to leave his troops behind whenever the battlefield had proved too much for them to handle. He remembers their eyes. How they looked so hopeless when being left behind. He remembers looking through that scope, seeing kids handling guns. He remembers closing his eyes just to shoot them because they were killing people, unsuspecting victims.

He remembers how he had to do some first aid to other soldiers in the field. He remembers touching their open wounds, putting pressure on them so blood wouldn't have to flow out so endlessly, so needlessly out of their body.

He remembers how he drives his small knife into his enemies' necks when they got too close for comfort. He remembers having to shoot his gun to their head and their blood splatting everywhere, including at his face…

But most of all…

He remembers their screams, their pleas for help. He remembers their tears over their dead loved ones. He remembers how he watched the explosions being set off, destroying multiple homes built on years of hope and dreams shattered by a single act of violence.

He remembers their dying breaths, their voices, their faces.

He remembers everything.

"Anakin." A calm voice rouses him from his vicious sleep, and he is met by the blue gray eyes of his buddy, "You seem to be having a nightmare." He told him and Anakin sat up grudgingly, burying his head into his palms as he tries to forget the images he's seen, "You should have taken the leave sooner." His auburn haired friend, and brother-in-arms told him as he sat beside him, "You look very old my very young friend."

"You're one to talk Ben." He mumbled and breathed out a sigh before straightening up. He grabs the green shirt tucked underneath his pillow in haste and puts it on, "You look older than you should be."

"Well, that's probably because I am much older than you." he said, "People always tend to look older than they should be for young people."

"I'm sure Qui-Gon looks younger than you by now." Ben just laughs at the mention of the retired general. "You're going to visit him after we reach Shili?"

"Yes, you?" he asked, "Are you going to Tatooine?" Anakin shakes his head and leans back on his bunk…

"Nothing's left for me there." He whispered softly, "I don't even know where home is anymore."

"You can always stay with me and Satine." He told Anakin, "She'd be very happy to help you." Anakin smiled softly at the mention of Ben's girlfriend. "Besides, I'm sure your step family will welcome you with open arms despite not being able to attend the funeral due to the circumstances."

"Maybe," he said, "But I can't always count on that. Sooner or later they're going to get sick of excuses because of my duty, and you're going to propose to Satine and she's going to want to have the house all to yourselves." Anakin noticed how Ben seemed to stiffen at the mention of the proposal and Anakin quirked up an eyebrow at him, "Don't tell me that the esteemed Ben 'Obi-Wan' Kenobi is afraid of getting rejected." Ben eased up a little before shaking his head and let out a soft chuckle…

"Maybe that's because I already was." He said softly and Anakin straightened up, quite shocked about not hearing about it until now…

"When?"

"What?"

"When did you propose?"

"Just a week before we left for the fight in Christophsis." He admitted, "She told me no."

"Why?" although he was still quite upset Ben hadn't told him, it must have still been pretty heartbreaking for him still to actually hear the love of his life deny him of a chance to be bound to her for all his remaining life…

"She didn't want to be married to someone who could die away from her." Was his simple answer, "And what's worse was I understood her fear of me never coming back to her. We're soldiers Anakin; we die in battle sooner or later. She wants to spend most of our times together, and I know she loves me as much as I do with her, but, I don't think I could quit the military just yet."

"Why?" Ben looked at him fondly and Anakin felt much worse…

"Because I still have something to fight for. And I know someone will always have my back," he clasped a hand on Anakin's shoulder, "And that I have his." Anakin smiled softly…

"Thanks Ben." Anakin said and stood up before stretching out, "Thanks for the offer too, but I'd rather be left alone for a while."

"Anakin I don't think it wise to be-" they both stopped and saluted as a superior of them passed by…

"General Kenobi, Skywalker." Mace Windu greeted them, "Welcome back to the Jedi HQ."

"Thank you sir." Ben stated. Mace Windu shifted his gaze from Kenobi to Skywalker…

"Skywalker." He noticed Anakin was being a bit too stiff. His muscles were too tense, and beads of sweat formed at his temples. His fists were clenched too tight that he would think the blood had stopped circulating there.

"Sir."

"At ease soldier." He told and Anakin relaxed marginally, "You're out of the field for a while." He looked at the two of them, "The rest of 501st division is switched to the next one. You have been through a lot, and it's time to switch you out. We will call you back on duty when we've had need of you once again. In the meantime I would like to congratulate you both for a wonderful execution on your recent orders. The Separatist forces are on retreat for the moment, but they will retaliate. We need our best soldiers ready and sane." He gave Anakin a pointed look, "Skywalker."

"Sir."

"Kenobi here tells me you've been agitated as of late." Anakin fought the urge to glare at Ben. He was always too concerned of his wellbeing. Too concerned for Anakin's tastes. "Why is that soldier?"

"It's nothing sir, Kenobi was just being too careful."

"One that would serve you great purpose as well." he tells him, "We're giving you all indefinite leave, so be prepared to be called back on duty at any time. Understood?"

"Sir yes, sir." They chorused. Windu nodded at them and walked away from them. Anakin glared at Ben, who only shrugged…

"It was the truth. Ever since we finished the last mission you sleep with your gun and point it whenever someone wakes you up for the first few days. That's improved over time but that wasn't the only problem, when someone walks you by you stare at them too long, even people putting their hands in their pockets seems to make you suspect they're terrorists."

"I'm sorry okay!?" he growled and let out a sigh after realizing he had just snapped at his best friend and let out a sigh, "I really do need this leave don't I?" he mumbled to Ben as he buried his face in his palms before letting out a sigh, "Alright, I'll take this vacation." He took his packed duffel bag along with Ben and moved out of the base and was about to get into his designated vehicle when Ben pulled him back down. Fortunately he managed to hold in his initial response of retaliation…

"Not before we go to Ahsoka's party."

"What?"

-linebreakhere-

"There they are!" a certain Latina beauty with red dyed hair came up running to them and pulled them both for a hug, "Thought you wouldn't make it in time." She told them and watched them with a critical eye, her blue eyes glancing up and down at them, crossing her arms over her chest. "Well you certainly look like you need a good party."

"Knowing you Snips," Anakin started, "You're party's going to need all the security it can get."

"If there is one thing I know about you Skyguy," she pointed a finger at him, "It's that around you, things don't exactly go into plan." Anakin just chuckled and ruffled up her hair…

"Hey!" she protested and Ben just shook his head. They were both like siblings. "So Ben, how's it going with you and Satine?" she asked, "I heard about the proposal, I'm sure she'd say yes the next time around." she tells him and Anakin looked at him, or more like glared at him. Ben held up his hands in surrender before looking at Ahsoka with confusion, "Oh, I got a visit from Satine after you guys got deployed to somewhere in Middle East. Said she missed you so much, and just wanted some company." Ben smiled softly and looked at Anakin…

"See I was being fair."

"Yeah, fair at being unfair."

"Indeed Ben, why didn't you tell me of that failed proposal?" Ahsoka asked insensitively at him, which only made the older soldier groan. She laughed and clapped him at the back before throwing both of her arms around them both, "Aw come on I'm just messing with you. Inside quick! You guys needs to dress up nice!" she urged and pushed them with all her strength inside her house. They both complied and was dragged into their designated quarters, a couple of polo shirts and khaki pants was already prepared for them.

Anakin picked up the dark blue polo shirt and the light brown pants before turning to the door, "Not that I don't appreciate the preparation Snips, but what is the party about?" he called out to the younger woman who was already somewhere in the kitchen…

"Oh, that's a surprise!" she shouted back and Anakin turned to look at Ben who was stroking his beard in thought…

"Well, what do you think?" asked Anakin as he took his shirt off…

"Well, it's definitely a formal party." He said, "You shower first then I'll follow."

"Alright."

In around ten minutes both boys were already down the stairs helping Ahsoka with the preparations, all dressed in their attires and wearing aprons as per suggestion from the lady of the house. "Wouldn't want to splatter sauce on those good clothes now would you?" she told them when they refused, so they complied. They set out the chairs and tables at the back of the house on the backyard and brought out a lot of formal glassware and kitchenware, strengthening Ben's claim of a formal party.

"Mind telling us now what kind of party this is?" Anakin asked after he placed the last of the utensils on the table, "This really isn't the kind of party you'd hold." She just shrugged and grinned up at him…

"I know, that's why it's a surprise." She tells them, "I invited the others at the base as well, some of them sent their regrets, some said they'd come so," a honk of a car was heard from the front of the house before Ahsoka brightened up and immediately went inside the house. Anakin and Ben soon followed and saw Lux Bonteri, Ahsoka's long term boyfriend greet her with some champagne and in a formal attire as well, "You clean up nice." She teases him and he laughs and kisses her on the lips as she takes the bottle of champagne and his gaze shifts from hers to the other two males in the house…

"Anakin Ben!" he beams at them, "It's so good to see you guys as well!" they smile and shook hands and clasp each other at the back, "When did you guys arrive?"

"Just a few moments ago."

"Well, you guys sure do work fast." He tells them as he sees the backyard. "I was supposed to arrive earlier but my flight was delayed, I got here as quickly as I could though." He tells them, "You sure you're alright with the whole thing?"

"What whole thing?" asked Anakin and looked at Ahsoka who was busy checking the food…

"Ahsoka hasn't exactly told us everything yet Lux," Ben states, "She's being unusually secretive." Lux blinked at them for a few moments before turning to look at Ahsoka…

"Honey, you didn't tell them yet?"

"What?" she asked as she closed the fridge and turned to look at them, "Tell them what?"

"That we're-"

"Shush!" she quickly interrupted, "All will be revealed later, besides, let them wait." She tells him, "Oh before I forget Ben," all guys looked at her and she grinned up excitedly, "Someone's here to see you."

"Who?" he asked curiously and soon a knock was heard at the front door…

"Ahsoka!" a familiar voice immediately greeted them and Ben had to rush to the door. He was greeted by a sight he hadn't seen for so long, "Ben." She exclaimed in surprise before she was pulled into his arms in a hug, "Oh I missed you too."

Anakin stayed back as he watched the lovers get a reunion. He watched as the four of them get lost in each other's presence; Ben and Satine hugging each other, while Lux and Ahsoka were teasing each other. He shook his head and went to the backyard before taking out the pendant he had made when he was just a boy. He gave it to his mother when he left for military school when she died, he received mail from Cliegg, his stepfather, saying his mother would have wanted him to have it back.

He walked towards their room and picked up his bag. He opened it up and took out a letter in one of its pockets. He unfolded the piece of parchment and lied down on his bed and read it once more…

Dear Anakin,

Are you well my son? Are you safe? Are you being obedient? Are you eating alright, getting all the nutrients you should be receiving? I hope you don't have those awful nightmares still, it would be very helpful for you and your line of work if you could get a good night's sleep or two. I'm sorry I have to keep my sickness a secret from you, and I regret having to tell you through this letter. I don't have much time my son, they've given me less than a month.

But know my son, I will wait for you, no matter how long, so take your precious time. Worry not about me, I am fine with Cliegg and Owen. But if my time comes for me, grieve but do not despair. Know I am off to a better place, and that I will always be with you, be it the gentle breeze in the wind, of the soft rays of the sun upon your cheeks. I may even be that soft grass beneath your feet, cushioning your fall, or that dreadful sand that gets into your things.

My only regret is that I will not be able to see you in my final moments, nor will I be able to see you settle down and find the girl of your dreams, the one you'll marry and have children with. I did not tell you of that wish to be a grandmother because I did not want to rush you. Had I done so you would have gone out of the house and looked for the girl I would approve of, but Anakin, dear Anakin, take these words by heart…

Love cannot be rushed. Love cannot be chosen. It comes and it goes at the most untimely of times. You may wait for a short time, or you may wait for a long, long time, but know that the wait is worth it. Spend every moment with her as if it were your last. Send every letter as if it will be the last thing you'll ever write to her, so that you won't have any regrets in your final moments.

I've had my peace that you may not come back to me my son, I only wish I would not be the one to bury you. It might be selfish of me to say this so, but I'm glad I get to go before you, because I've lived through a lot of things, but the one thing I cannot do is bury my child. Know that similar fears will come to your chosen girl, she has not had years with you, probably not even months. Understand, and reassure her, but do not make promises you can't keep, because that would be too painful.

And one last advice from your dear old mother, don't follow me too soon. Live out your life, make sure you've done and got everything you wished for before doing so. So take your precious time, and use it as if it were your last, because at any moment it could be, to avoid any last minute regrets. I love you Anakin.

Always,

Your mother Shmi

He's memorized it by now, every word, every stroke of his mother's pen. He could hear her saying it to him. And he felt them come. He felt his tears come in full force, and he didn't stop it. He wasn't there when his mother died when he should have been. He wasn't the one that comforted her, nor had he visited her grave since then. He choked back sobs at the thought of not being able to see her welcome him back with open arms, prepare his meals, help him through his night terrors whenever they were given leave.

"Anakin." He looked up and saw Ben standing by the doorway. Ben's eyes shifted from his tear stained face to the clutched letter in Anakin's hands, "You miss her?" Anakin swallowed a gulp before swinging his legs over the bed and nods mutedly at him, "If you want we can go visit her after this. We'll go to Tatooine first thing in the morning." Anakin shook his head. It was bad enough Ben kept seeing him cry, he didn't need to be watched over as he went to visit his mother's grave.

"I'll be fine Ben, besides," Anakin wiped the tears off from his face, "You and Satine need all the time you can get together."

"Are you certain?" Ben stated and Anakin nodded before letting out a smile…

"Definitely." He then stood up and fixed up his ruffled clothes and hair, "We were given an indefinite leave Ben, it's best to start spending it wisely starting now." Once he was certain all traces that he'd been crying was gone they both got out greeting the guests Ahsoka had over. Some were from Lux' side, while the rest were from the base, all in formal wears. Anakin recognized some of them, and spots two thirds of a triplet. He approaches them and they turn to him as they notice him approaching…

"Well, if it isn't the clone troopers of the squad."

"Very funny sir." Said Rex, his bald head separating himself from his brother Cody, "How're you doing so far?" he asked as they shook hands, "Still having night terrors sir?" Anakin just shrugs and looks to Cody…

"How about you Cody, aren't you going to drink some champagne?"

"I'll be fine sir," Cody said raising up a glass, "One is plenty enough, and someone has to drive us both safely to Kamino."

"Ah yes, your nephew, what was his name again?" he asked them…

"Boba sir." Anakin nods…

"Of course, I heard about Jango too. I send my condolences to you both."

"He was always quite the troublemaker sir." Rex said…

"Still, he was family." Cody added. Anakin gave them a soft smile before a soft tapping of glass could be heard, and silenced the rest of the guests. They all turned and saw Ahsoka wearing a very nice dress with a soft color of pink. It flowed freely around her but was tied around the waist to give it a little shape. Even her hair was combed and neatly done in a braid. A hand was tucked behind her suspiciously while Lux held her other hand, before he reluctantly let it go…

"So, you all might be wondering why I've invited you here today." She started, "First off, let me welcome home my mates and buddies who had just returned home after such a successful meeting. A toast for them!" she raised up her glass and the others did so as well, "And secondly," her voice a little solemn, "Let's remember all of my fallen brothers and sisters, who had given their life for the country." They stayed silent a few moments before she shifted her gaze to Lux, "And lastly, the real reason as to why you are all here, is that a week ago I had gotten the surprise of my life." Lux then stood up and took the hidden hand from behind her and they all gasp in surprise as they spotted a small silver diamond ring on Ahsoka's hand…

"Would you look at that." Cody commented and Rex whistled…

"Aw, little Snips is all grown up now." Anakin added as they realized what was really happening, because truly, he should have seen it coming…

"We're engaged." Lux finished and everyone erupted in cheers all around them and started to congratulate the couple. Anakin had backed out of the crowd unconsciously before slipping out of the house and into the front yard.

The sudden eruption of yells reminded him too much of the screams and battle cries. And soon enough, even if the noise had finally died down, he couldn't get the noises of explosions and screams and cries out of his head. He sat on the pavement for some time, groaning in frustration as he blocked out everything.

'My name is Anakin Skywalker. I'm a soldier belonging to the Jedi. I've been in battles and have just gotten out of a very rough mission that was very successful. I'm in Shili. I'm fine. We are celebrating Ahsoka's engagement.' He rocked back and forth at the pavement, looking like a child trying so hard not to cry as he was being scolded. He took deep breaths, deep shaky breaths. Calming his racing heart. He knew he wasn't fine, he's known that for some time now. Everywhere he looked, he'd see their dead eyes. Green, blue, grey, hazel eyes, it didn't matter whose it is, he remembers everything so vividly and sometimes, he feels like he's back on the field.

He was sobbing uncontrollably by now. He couldn't stop the visions. He wants rest, a quiet place, all on his own. He was starting to hyperventilate, when he hears a sudden rushing of feet and hands grabbing him when he starts to retaliate…

Reality was lost to him, and he was back in the field…

-linebreakhere-

Ben had been congratulating Ahsoka, when Satine had come towards him, worry evident on her face, "What is it?" he asked worriedly and she grabbed him and started to lead him to the front door…

"It's Anakin, he's having a mental breakdown." She stated and Ben rushed past her immediately. He should have anticipated the sudden change in the mood would trigger something for Anakin, he was doing so well, he didn't anticipate the sudden change would aggravate his sub consciousness. Anakin had been too exposed on the frontlines too much. And although he was good at what he's done, Ben had sensed the buildup of tension rising within his person, not to mention the added stress he's had with his mother's death.

Ahsoka noticed the sudden urgency in his steps and was already following him out, along with a few others. They got out and spot Anakin huddled over by the pavement and rush towards him immediately. Ben was the first one to arrive and called out to him…

"Anakin." He was unresponsive, he was no medic, but he knows it would be too dangerous to approach Anakin in his state. He looked to Cody and Rex who immediately came beside him, "I'll try and touch him, if he retaliates, you know what to do." Ben looks to Ahsoka, "Ready a sedative for me Ahsoka, it's inside my bag, the small pocket hidden, there is a metal box there with three shots, just take one." Ahsoka nodded and rushed inside once more…

"Anakin." He was unresponsive still, "Anakin it's me Ben, can you hear me?" he called out but Anakin was already starting to hyperventilate and his breathing was harsh. His caution was thrown out of the window as soon as he noticed it and touched Anakin, who immediately threw a punch at him square in the jaw. Rex and Cody tackled him to the ground, and soon the others held Anakin down as well as he started to shout. He felt gentle hands grasp his face and spots Satine looking at him worriedly. His lip was probably bleeding already. That much was clear as he winced as she caressed hi jaw, "Bad idea on my part wasn't it?" she smiled softly but the worry was still in her eyes. He shook the dizziness out of his head and looked at Anakin.

Fortunately, Ahsoka has finally arrived and he grabbed the sedative and crouched down beside Anakin, who was being held down by four of the soldiers in the house, Ahsoka grabbed his left arm and held it in place as Ben injected it into his system, "Calm down Anakin, you're safe, out of the warzone." Ben knows that by now, the neighbors were watching at the screaming man, wondering what could have possibly happened. Satine saw where the trail of his gaze went to and immediately went to minimize the prying eyes.

By now, Anakin was starting to lose consciousness, "We're very sorry for the disturbance, please, go back to your houses. We have everything under control here." He could hear Satine say to them and looked to the newly engaged friend he had with sad eyes…

"I'm so sorry to cut the celebration short Ahsoka." She gave him a soft and understanding smile…

"I know." She admitted, "I'm sure at one time or another we've experienced break downs such as these." She tells him, "I know I suffer from them from time to time. The sudden noise after being gone for so long for a mission."

"The suspicion for everyone around you." Rex added…

"Or the paranoia even though you know you've checked and double checked your surroundings." Cody added as well, "In short sir, we understand Skywalker perfectly."

"He just got the worst night terrors any of us has ever seen so far Ben." Ahsoka added and let out a sigh of relief as Anakin had started to breath normally, his eyes closed as he fell asleep. "Alright boys, let's get him to bed. Baby Skyguy is in need of a very good night's sleep."

AN: Alright, that's the end of the first chapter. Please review and tell me what you think. Thanks :3 I just really have the need to post such a story…

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and May the Force be With You!