Hey, this is Jason Kent. I've been wanting to write this story for a while, but I never got the time. Then I started getting bored in Latin, and then I typed it up over break. I'm sorry if a lot of things are AU, but I never finished reading NJO, I stopped after Anakin's death. So in this one, he didn't die. There are a few references to LOTF, especially with Ben and Jacen.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy it enough to review. There seriously aren't that many Anakin/Tahiri stories.

Chapter 1: Fascination with the Past

"It is your destiny…"

"Don't be weak, Jedi…"

"Anakin, no!"

"…So weak. Like his…"

"Ani, please!"

"…Grandfather."

"Don't give in, son…"

"This is who you were meant to be!"

"Fight it!"

"…Never give in."

Anakin Solo shot up out of bed like he had been stricken by a bolt of lightning. He breathed heavily and wiped cold sweat from his forehead. His clear blue eyes scanned the small cabin that he had been assigned to earlier that day. His dark Jedi robe was hanging on a chair beside the bunk that was barely big enough for him, the rest of his belongings resting by the windowsill. Standing up, he opened the door and stepped out onto the soft ground that belonged to the planet of Naboo. He sighed softly, wishing that he was back on Coruscant with his family…with Tahiri. Just thinking of his wife, with her bright green eyes and blond hair, made Anakin smile.

How did she talk me into this one? he found himself thinking. Oh, yeah. History.

"You're awake early," a calm voice commented from behind him. "Or very late." Anakin turned around to see his older sister, Jaina, giving him a disapproving look.

"Couldn't sleep," he muttered, his smile disappearing. "What's your excuse?"

"I don't know…" she said, her deep brown eyes tilting upwards, towards the starry sky. "Do you really think…"

"Uncle Luke wouldn't send us here if there wasn't something important to uncover," Anakin answered confidently. "I'm sure of that." Jaina frowned.

"I'm not so sure," she admitted. "Don't you think he's becoming a little too interested in the past?"

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked incredulously. "He wants to learn about his family. I don't blame him." He sighed heavily and brushed his brown hair out of his eyes.

"Anakin…" Jaina tried. "I understand that you want to learn about…him…but is it worth leaving everything else behind?" He considered coming back with a rude retort, but decided against it. Then Tahiri's face swam before him, her emerald eyes glistening. And Anakin knew that his sister was right.

"No," he answered quietly. "No, it's not." Jaina smiled sadly and lightly touched his shoulder.

"Get some sleep, Ani," she said gently, leaving him alone in the cool dark, the wind blowing lightly across his face. But though Jaina was gone, her words still hung in front of Anakin.

Is it worth leaving everything else behind?

Anakin frowned as he picked up a holodisc featuring some sort of celebration. He looked over his shoulder at the tour guide who was patiently waiting for any questions that the Jedi Knight might have. He handed the disc to her.

"What is this, exactly?"

"This is a recording of when our people made peace with the Gungans," she said, her eyes shining. "If you don't know about them-" Anakin smiled.

"I know who the Gungans are," he said gently. He looked back at the fuzzy image of a teenage girl holding an orb full of light. Behind her were others, presumably from her court, for she was a queen, and some Jedi. "Do you know who they are?"

They look so happy. It looks like…peace.

The tour guide's smile disappeared.

"Not much is known about these," she admitted. "The Empire came and destroyed most if it. We're lucky that this much is still intact."

"Why would the Empire care about destroying old holovids?" Anakin asked thoughtfully.

"Maybe for no point of weakness?" she suggested.

"Maybe…" he said, his mind still focused on the girl in the image. She looked so young and happy…so free.

"Are you all right, Master Jedi?" Anakin rubbed his forehead and sighed.

"I'm fine," he said. "I just think that I'm missing some crucial piece of evidence here. Something I need to know…that I don't."

"Maybe that's why you're here." His lips formed into a gentle smile.

"Right." He looked down at the image again. "Who is she?" he asked, pointing at the girl. The guide smiled.

"That much I do know. It looks like you, like so many men before you, have fallen under the spell of Queen Amidala," she answered, a sly tone implying hidden meanings. Anakin's face flushed.

"No, I was just wondering…" His voice faded and he put the holodisc back into its place. His blue eyes scanned the room, and rested on another one. He picked it up, frowning. It was more somber than the first one, a sense of darkness and loss surrounding it. He slid it into the player, and what he saw appalled him. The tour guide smiled sadly.

"The death of Amidala, about fifteen years after the other disc," she said softly. "The beginning of the Empire."

"Was she killed?" Anakin asked, his eyes following the open casket as if it was real.

"I don't know," she answered honestly. "If you look carefully, though…you can see she was going to have a child." A pang of sadness went through his heart. He turned his head away, not able to bring himself to look. "Master Jedi?" Anakin shook his head.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I just…"

"You have a child?" the tour guide asked gently. Anakin gave her a slight nod, but remained silent. He switched the player off and walked out of the museum, his head too full of thoughts for even him to understand.

"Queen Amidala?" Jacen Solo frowned in thought. He looked at his younger brother skeptically. "Who is that?" Anakin sighed.

"She was the queen of Naboo about fifteen years before the rise of the Empire," he said.

The cool air breezed onto the patio that Anakin and his siblings happened to be on. Though he was convinced about the queen's importance, Jacen and Jaina remained wary.

"Ani," Jaina said, crossing her arms. "What do you expect to learn about this girl?"

"I don't know," he answered, imagining the young queen's pale face. "But there's something. There's more to Amidala than meets the eye."

"You can't do everything based on your feelings, Anakin!" Jacen scoffed. The younger man glared at his brother.

"Maybe you just aren't as strong in the Force as I am," Anakin retorted.

"That's it," Jacen said angrily, jumping out of his seat, his hand reaching for the laser sword that hung on his belt. But before either brother could ignite his lightsaber, a violet glow filled the room. Jaina frowned at both of them, and once they had sat down, she extinguished it.

"Can't we ever have a conversation without the two of you starting a fight?" she asked exasperatedly. "You are hopeless!"

"I know there's something about her," Anakin muttered. "I just…can't prove it."

"I know," Jaina admitted. Anakin rubbed his forehead in frustration. He blinked, and Amidala's face appeared in his thoughts again.

And he was back in the museum.

Weird, he thought. Am I dreaming? He picked up the holodisc of the celebration and slid it into the player. This time, though, instead of focusing on the queen, he looked at the Jedi. There was a young man, no older than Anakin himself, with short brown hair…and next to him…a boy with light colored hair and startlingly blue eyes. Startlingly familiar blue eyes. His eyes. Anakin frowned.

Why does he look so familiar?

He looked back at the young queen, her face painted white. But beyond that…her pale skin…her deep brown eyes…somehow she looked familiar too. The way she carried herself…the way she smiled. He looked back at the boy…the boy with his eyes, and then back to the queen. Soon, his eyes darted between the boy…the Jedi Padawan…and Queen Amidala.

Were they…was he…was she…

Anakin woke up, his eyes opened wide. Jaina frowned.

"I know," he said, his voice full of realization.

"You know what?" Jacen drawled from across the room. "You obviously just fell asleep. Dreaming of your queen, I suppose." Anakin glared at him.

"She was…our grandmother," he said quietly, more to himself than anyone.

"Ani…I…our grandfather was from Tatooine," Jaina said gently. "I don't think he ever set foot on Naboo." He raised his eyebrows at her.

"You don't know that," he said. "None of us know."

"We're so lost," Jacen complained. "This is just a waste of time." He scowled and walked back inside, leaving his brother and sister on the patio.

"There's a reason," Anakin argued. "Bigger than any of us. I can feel it." He sighed and turned his head, his brown hair blowing in the wind.

I just wish I knew.

Later that night, Anakin silently packed his small, single bag and slung it over his shoulder, quietly closing the door to the cabin. After a moment's hesitation, he dropped the key into the bushes. He wouldn't need it anymore. He bit his lip as he walked away, subtly turning his head to see if anyone was following him. The coast was clear. He quickly made his was to the docking bay, where his sleek X-Wing fighter had been waiting for him, his faithful astromech droid, Fiver, already loaded up. Anakin lightly traced his finger along the black stripe on the side, in honor of those who had died fighting against…Vader. His grandfather. The Empire. The Empire that Darth Vader had commanded. He sighed and unlocked the hatch, climbing inside. He threw his bag down as Fiver let out a series of beeps and whistles. Anakin smiled.

"It's good to see you, too." The droid whistled again.

"Yes, of course I missed you," he replied with a laugh. Fiver wasn't as animated as R2-D2, his uncle's droid, but was still a faithful companion. Anakin pressed a button, starting the takeoff sequence, saying, "Fiver, set the course to Coruscant. We're going home." He pressed another button, and the X-Wing shot through the Naboo atmosphere and past it, into nowhere but hyperspace. Anakin relaxed visibly. Then he would be home.

Anakin silently stepped out of the hydrolift, quietly clearing his throat. He sighed, flattening down him messy dark hair, and pushed open the door to his family's home. Fiver, at his side, whistled softly, but he put a hand over the droid's sensor.

"Hey," he hissed. "Quiet. It's late." Straightening out, he smiled, looking around the front room.

I guess not that much has changed.

He picked up a holodisc that was lying on the ground, which apparently featured "The Continued Adventures of the Little Lost Bantha Cub". Anakin smiled, remembering the original story from when he had been a young boy. His smile disappeared as he felt a surge in the Force, and spun around as a lightsaber ignited from behind him. Without looking, he switched on his own violet blade and pointed it at his opponent, who had come from down the hall. Anakin frowned slightly, but his opponent's blue blade was already extinguished, and he barely had time to turn off his own before the arms of a blond woman with green eyes wrapped him up in a tight hug. Anakin smiled and kissed her forehead, and wasting no time, quickly moved down to her lips.

"Thank the stars," Tahiri whispered, her voice muffled by his tunic. "You're back." He smiled sadly, releasing himself and walking over to the balcony, leaning on the rail. He closed his eyes and listened to the sounds of the city. "What is it, Anakin?" He turned around and took his wife's hand gently.

"I'm not sure what I'm supposed to be doing, Tahiri," he admitted darkly, looking down. "Does anyone know anymore?"

"Ani…what did you learn?" she asked softly.

"Nothing for sure," he said quietly. "What frustrates me it that I can feel that I'm right…but Jacen…not even Jaina…will believe me."

"I trust you," Tahiri said, searching his face. "What did you find out?" Anakin opened his mouth to explain, but he frowned, feeling a sudden energetic jolt in the Force. He laughed, shaking his head exasperatedly.

"Here he comes," Anakin said, a smile lighting up his face. Tahiri nodded and smiled to herself. They both heard the pattering of small footsteps towards them, and five-year-old Gavin Solo jumped into his father's arms. Anakin mussed the boy's light brown hair and lifted him up, studying him.

Gavin's eyes were a piercing blue, like Anakin's, his hair a mix of Tahiri's blond and Anakin's dark brown. His smile, already showing signs of the infamous Solo charm, lit up his entire face. The child of two exceptionally powerful Jedi Knights, Gavin's Force potential was close to limitless.

"Hey, pal," Anakin said. "I missed you." The boy nestled into his father's arms, and Tahiri gave Anakin a subtle smile.

"Missed you too, Daddy," Gavin mumbled, his eyes sliding closed. Within the minute, the five-year-old was fast asleep. Anakin placed a light kiss on his forehead, sitting down on a soft chair that overlooked the whole rest of the city. Tahiri smiled softly and sat down beside her husband.

"He adores you, you know," she said quietly. Anakin looked into her eyes.

"I know," he said heavily.

"All he talks about is how he wants to be a Jedi like his daddy," Tahiri said with a laugh, taking Gavin into her own arms. Anakin leaned down and kissed her passionately, but she broke away. "What would you do if he woke up, Dummy? I don't want to scar him for life."

"Sorry, then." He smiled at the use of his old nickname and sighed, taking her gently into his arms, their son curled up in hers.

Maybe I can just pretend…just for a moment…that things were how they used to be.

"I love you, Anakin," Tahiri said softly.

Or maybe things are just fine…the way they are.

"I know." She slapped him lightly across the chest. "Ow. I mean, I love you too." Anakin closed his eyes, and with his wife and son in his arms, in that moment…the moment he had hoped for…he truly felt like everything was right with the galaxy.

"What do you mean, grandmother?" Tahiri asked, turning to face him. Anakin eyed her suspiciously.

"I told you," he said, a slight edge to his voice. "I just know."

"Ani-" She lightly placed a hand on his bare chest and pushed him down onto their bed.

"No, Tahiri," he said angrily. "You don't even believe me. Why should I even-" He shook his head silently. She touched his shoulder, sliding into bed beside him. He looked at her.

"I've learned to trust your feelings, Ani," she said softly. "But it is hard to…know…without any proof."

"That's what's so frustrating about it," he muttered. Anakin groaned and put an arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. His lips slowly covered hers, and she responded with fervor.

"I understand how you feel," Tahiri said, breathless after breaking the kiss. "But I'm worried." Anakin frowned.

"About what?"

"About why you left Jacen and Jaina in the dead of night to come back here," she said, her eyebrows raised. Anakin's face flushed and he looked away.

"Tahiri…"

"Last night I was just happy to have you back," she began. "But…it wasn't to see me…was it?" He kissed her lightly.

"I'm not sure how long I'll be here," he admitted. "I need to look at some restricted files from the temple." She shook her head in despair.

"That's impossible," Tahiri said, frowning. "Besides, everything inside the temple was destroyed. A long time ago. Ani, you know that."

"There's got to be something," he said stubbornly, crossing his arms. Tahiri stroked his cheek and laughed. "What?"

"Is that a Solo trait?" she asked. "Stubbornness?"

"Might be." He shrugged. "Why?"

"You reminded me so much of Gavin just then," she said softly. "And I know it's not my genes." Anakin smiled slightly. "And…Anakin…honestly…" Tahiri looked away from the clear blue eyes that were searching her face.

"You're sick of being here…while I'm off on…whatever planet," he realized. "That I'm the only one doing what a Jedi should do." She nodded slowly, ashamed.

"What bothers me even more is that I know I can't leave," Tahiri said quietly. "If I went off with you…I don't want to think about what would happen to him." Anakin smiled, an idea suddenly forming in his mind.

"You know…there aren't risks involved right now," he said hesitantly.

"Bet you love that," she muttered sarcastically.

"Hey," he said, taking her hands in his. "If you want…you could come with me. All three of us."

"Ani…your X-Wing only fits one," she sadly pointed out. "Me and Gavin…we would slow you down."

"The Sith aren't after me," he argued jokingly. "Besides, it does get lonely out there." He looked her squarely in the eyes. "Tahiri, please come with me." She tried to keep her face neutral, but it soon split into a grin. Anakin smiled. "First, we need to try to gather some information at the temple. But after that…we fly to Tatooine." Her eyes widened, and he flashed a grin at her.

"You've been planning this the whole time," she realized.

"Well…not exactly," Anakin said quietly. "I knew that I wanted you to come…but I didn't want…I thought you would say no."

"Why?" she asked incredulously.

"Because…I…I went back to Sernpidal after Chewbacca's death," he confessed. "There wasn't much left…but it was enough to remind me that he was gone. And it was my fault. I thought that Tatooine would remind you of your parents and the Tuskens…"

"I was a different person there, Anakin," she said softly. "But I would never forget where I came from. Do you know where I got the name Gavin?" He shook his head, bemused.

Now I do.

"It originated on Tatooine," she said with a smile, "And was also commonly used on Alderaan. I don't forget origins, Ani. But I don't hold people to their parents' destinies. Or what they once were."

"Or their grandparents," he muttered into her hair. Tahiri kissed his forehead lightly.

"So…I believe you mentioned something about the temple?" she said, her emerald eyes dancing with anticipation. Anakin smiled and slowly nodded.

Yeah. I did.

Anakin pulled the speeder to a quick halt as he and Tahiri jumped out. His light steps carried him into the darkened entrance hall, his wife right behind him. He narrowed his eyebrows slightly, hearing something.

"Do you hear that?" he hissed. Tahiri frowned, shaking her head.

Something doesn't feel right here.

And then Anakin knew what it was. A hundred different voices cried out in terror…and were silenced…one by one. Tahiri's body started to tremble. She was normally a strong woman, but this reduced her to sheer shock. She placed a hand on Anakin's shoulder.

"You feel it, don't you?"

"The pain," he said hoarsely. "The suffering. I can feel each strike…each blow. Each death. There was a Jedi massacre." He fell to his knees, shaking. "And it was all his fault. Vader was here. He caused this. He caused all of this."

"Anakin…what did you expect?" she asked sadly. "We knew…we knew what we might find." He cleared his throat and, standing up, brushed hair out of his eyes.

"Yeah," he said. "I know."

Frowning in thought, Anakin wiped a thick layer of dust off a large datapad. Tahiri looked over his shoulder. He tentatively pressed a button, and the old screen lit up. Anakin smiled and sat down, opening the holonet icon. He quickly typed in the name "Queen Amidala."

"I'll look around for something else," she whispered into his ear. "Good luck." As Tahiri rounded the corner, Anakin sighed and looked at the results that his search had warranted. The Trade Federation Blockade…a Nemoidian called Nute Gunray…assassination attempts…the Queen as a Senator…and that was where it ended. He frowned and scanned the pages again.

"Meaningless names," he muttered to himself. "Skywalker, Skywalker…you've got to be here somewhere." He hesitated for a second…then typed in the name "Anakin Skywalker." He didn't get as many results, but out of natural curiosity, clicked on the first one.

The same boy that had been present at the celebration smiled up at him. The young Skywalker had used expert piloting skills, destroying the Trade Federation droid control ship. He had saved the people of Naboo…at the age of nine years old.

"Ani?" He turned around to see Tahiri looking at him with an intense glance. "There's something I think you should see." The expression on her face told him that something was very wrong…or maybe…just maybe…very right.

He followed her around the corner and through a door. She tightly grasped his hand, as he looked around in wonder and awe. What he saw was as ancient as the oldest Jedi…and as old as all Sith. But at once…Anakin knew exactly what it was. Something that he had heard about…but never seen.

The Jedi Code.

"There is no emotion…" he started.

"…There is peace," Tahiri continued solemnly.

"There is no ignorance…"

"…There is knowledge."

"There is no passion," Anakin said quietly as his wife continued to the next line.

"…There is serenity."

"There is no death…" he said slowly, his attention becoming fixed on those four words.

"…There is the Force," she finished. "Anakin…" Tahiri leaned on his chest as he stared blankly at the screen.

"No death…" How could they say that? They didn't know what he'd gone through. Chewbacca's death was his fault. By the time he was sixteen, Anakin had watched more people and aliens die than Darth Vader had in his two decades as a Sith. A few hot tears leaked out of Anakin's intense blue eyes.

How could they say that there was no death?

But then…maybe…the Old Jedi Order had more insight through the Force than Anakin himself had. Maybe all the ancient…nameless…Jedi that had defended the galaxy before the formation of the Republic were right, all along. The Force wasn't a tool, as Anakin had thought. It was something beyond that…far beyond. Maybe all that he had believed as a child…was wrong. Maybe he didn't understand the Force as well as he thought he did. And maybe that was what had driven Anakin Skywalker to the dark side in the first place.

"Ani," Tahiri whispered. "We should go." He nodded, still staring at the words, still trying to process their hidden meaning. She pulled on his arm. "Anakin!" He blinked, staring at Tahiri.

"What?"

"We really should go," she said urgently. He looked from the screen to his wife, understanding immediately. He nodded quickly, shutting the door as they left.

I can't afford for things like Chewie's death to still affect me. I'm an adult…a Jedi Knight…or maybe that's just what I've fooled myself into believing.

Anakin absentmindedly wandered around the landing platform. After two days of research about the Knights of the Old Republic, he had not gathered as much information as he would have liked.

I know that I'm not going to discover my entire family tree within a week, but could it really be as hard as I'm making it out to be? Or am I really just expecting too much?

He stopped in front of his father's ship, the Millennium Falcon. He sighed sadly, knowing that his father's copilot, his oldest friend…was killed on the dying moon, Sernpidal. And it was his fault. Chewbacca's death was all his fault. And Han had told him so.

"I'd heard you were back," said a quiet voice from behind him. Anakin smiled, turning around.

"Not for long," he responded, his voice gentle. Leia Organa Solo smiled sadly.

"It'd be nice if you ever had time to spend with your family," she said. Anakin smirked.

"I know." He rubbed his forehead, grimacing. "You'd think that my uncle, out of all people, would understand that." Leia nodded, still smiling. She gave her youngest son a light hug.

"I saw Gavin a few days ago," she said. Anakin's face split into a grin. "He has your eyes."

"I know," he said quietly. "I just wish…that I could spend more time with him." Leia's smile disappeared.

"Anakin, what's this about?" she inquired, gently touching his arm.

"When I was on Naboo…I talked with Jaina," he said. "She…implied…that I was too focused on the past…on Vader, that I wasn't aware of what I had now. And Jacen…he's becoming farther and father away from us. I can barely feel him in the Force, sometimes not at all."

"I know," she said, looking down. "I just wish I knew what was wrong. I'm worried about Jacen. He's-"

"-Hiding something," Anakin agreed. "I've felt it too." He looked at his mother, his eyes filled with guilt. "Mom…since that last battle with the Vong…he's been different. You couldn't see it…but I felt it. Somehow I felt it."

"That was years ago, Ani," Leia said softly. "You knew then?"

"Yes," he said, anger starting to penetrate his calm exterior. "I remember it like it was yesterday.

"The Vong were heading for us on Coruscant. We didn't have enough time to prepare for a battle. We took what remaining Jedi we had and went out to meet them. Emotions were high…we knew the chances of ever seeing one another again were low. What I remember most vividly was the fear. All of us were afraid, for our families…for our friends…down on the planet.

"But I was terrified. I was barely twenty-two years old, and I was expected to be leading these men to their deaths. And to make it worse, to add to my fear, I'd learned that Tahiri was pregnant. You have no idea…" Anakin blinked back tears. Leia bit her lip.

"Anakin…not if you don't tell me," she said gently. He looked up and breathed heavily.

"I was more scared than I had ever been," he said. "Before, it had just been me. I hadn't had a family. But knowing that now I did…was too much for me to handle. Jacen saw my weakness…and took advantage of it.

"He didn't like it in the first place that I was supposed to be the leader. But that I wasn't a capable leader…really…took hold of him. He pushed me aside and took control. I didn't try to stop him because I thought he would do a better job than me.

"But he ruined it. He turned Uncle Luke's plan around, from the defensive to the offensive. He said we were to attack the Vong instead of protecting the people. And when Jacen turned to look at me…it was with absolute loathing. And I felt it. He hated me."

"It's not your fault," Leia said quietly. "You were scared. It happens sometimes. I would be lying if I said it never happens to me." She laid a hand on his broad shoulders. "Before you were born…there was that time when the Emperor's clones threatened us. We were forced to evacuate to the space station, Nespis Eight. Your uncle fell prey to the dark side, and he became the Emperor's new apprentice. We had no way of defending ourselves. Luke was the last of the Jedi…and now he was a Sith. I was scared. Your father was…terrified. The Emperor was targeting me. Targeting you."

"Me?" Appalled, Anakin looked at his mother.

"He felt your potential, Anakin. And he was after you. We eventually killed him and moved back to the city. But…I was scared. Imagine how Tahiri felt when you told her to stay behind."

"I know," he said solemnly. "I just feel like…Mom, was I the one who pushed Jacen away?"

"Never," Leia assured him, though she didn't look convinced. "Ani, you probably have a lot to do." Anakin gave her a slight nod and turned to walk away. "Anakin!" He turned back, an inquiring look on his face. His clear blue eyes searched her deep brown ones.

"Mom?"

"Did you ever consider that Jacen was jealous?" she asked. "Is jealous?"

"Of what?" he asked incredulously.

"Of everything, Anakin," she said. "Of your strong Force connection, of Tahiri and Gavin…"

"If he wanted, Jacen could have a family of his own," Anakin retorted. "He chose a solitary life."

"Maybe that's what he wants you to think," Leia said gently. "You know that he's never liked to show defeat…to show weakness." Anakin's heart sank.

"So he is jealous of me," he said slowly. "But it's not my fault. I can't help my Force connection."

"I know," Leia said quietly. "But when you say that you can feel something, feel it, but can't prove it…he won't want to believe you." Anakin smiled sadly and gave his mother a slight nod.

"I understand," he said quietly, turning around. He sighed heavily and headed towards home. And this time, she didn't stop him.

Why do people feel like they need to hide things from me? Why can't anyone just talk to me? Why can't Jacen just talk to me?

Anakin lowered the ramp of the Alderaan, his mother's ship. Often going on missions by himself, the Jedi Knight did not own a ship larger than his X-Wing. He walked down to check all systems, sighing.

I hope I know what I'm doing.

"Daddy!" Anakin barely had time to turn around before he swept Gavin clean off the platform and into his arms. He laughed and looked to where Gavin had appeared. Sure enough, Tahiri was walking towards them.

"Hey," she said quietly. He smiled.

"We're almost ready to go." He bent down and set Gavin back on the platform. "Hey, pal, go get strapped in, okay?" The boy nodded and ran up the ramp. Anakin frowned, turning to Tahiri. "Are you okay?"

"I…" She trailed off, staring at the traffic of ships flying into the sky of the city. She forced a smile. "Yeah," she said, swallowing. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'm sure it's nothing." Anakin smiled encouragingly.

"It'll be fine," he assured her. "I know it." She nodded tentatively. "Besides…you'll be with me." He winked at her and she rolled her eyes.

"Right, Hero Boy," Tahiri said sarcastically. "How could I forget?" He smiled as they walked up the ramp of the Alderaan.

On board the ship, Anakin took his seat in the pilot's chair as Tahiri took her place as copilot. Gavin, his clear blue eyes shining with excitement, squealed with anticipation as the sleek craft rose into the air. Anakin squeezed his wife's hand comfortingly.

She's right. I'm sure it's nothing.

But in the back of his mind, Anakin Solo felt a nagging feeling…like something was wrong…or was very soon going to be wrong. He gritted his teeth and set the coordinates into the navicomputer, sending them into hyperspace.

Force, I hope it's nothing.

Hours later, with the ship in hyperspace, Anakin found himself sitting in one of the laser turrets, staring out into the nothingness…the blankness…the absolute silence of space. He exhaled and closed his eyes, relaxing into the seat.

What do I think that I can learn from Tatooine? What could the planet be concealing…that we haven't already learned? Could any of Skywalker's friends…if he had any…still be alive?

"A credit for your thoughts," a gentle voice said from behind him. Anakin looked up, surprised.

"I didn't think anyone would find me down here," he admitted quietly. Tahiri smiled, taking his hand in hers.

"If you want to be alone…"

"No," he interrupted. His face warmed. "I mean…don't go." She slid in beside him as he wrapped his arms around her.

"What's wrong, Anakin?" she asked softly. "And don't give me that 'nothing'." He laughed, a true smile appearing on his face.

"This whole thing…family genealogy…really makes me think," Anakin said, lightly tracing the scars on her face. "You know?"

"Can't say I do," Tahiri remarked. "But…I do think about the future."

"So do I," he said, looking out into the emptiness of space. "Everyday I wonder where the tide will take us."

"Your uncle is rubbing off on you," she said with a smile. "I may be looking at the next Grand Master." Anakin turned bright red.

"Tahiri, don't say things like that," he muttered. "I could never-"

"But you could," she said firmly. "There's no one better."

"You're biased," Anakin said, his arms wrapped firmly around her waist.

"Maybe I am," Tahiri said as an alarm went off through the ship.

Immediately, Anakin was alert and he jumped out of the turret, heading for the cockpit, Tahiri directly behind him.

As the Alderaan came out of hyperspace, the alarm blared a warning to its passengers. Anakin gritted his teeth and swerved to avoid a ship that was flying out of control. Frozen in her seat, Tahiri looked at him, her eyes narrowed. A well-aimed blaster bolt headed for them, and Anakin pulled the ship up so the shot just missed them.

"They're shooting at us?" Tahiri asked, outraged. Anakin bit his lip.

"Looks like they're shooting first and asking questions later," he affirmed with a nod, his eyes focusing on the ships in the distance. Tahiri's eyes widened.

"Oh, damn," she said shakily. "Gavin!" Another shot was fired too close, and Anakin's eyes blazed.

"Tahiri, get Gavin and bring him in here, where I'll at least know that he's safe," he ordered. "With any luck, he's still asleep. Then go down to the cannons. We can't avoid them forever." She swallowed and hesitated for a moment. Anakin stared at her. Quickly, she took his face in her hands and kissed him.

"May the Force be with you," she whispered. He gave her a small smile.

"May the Force be with us," he responded. She nodded solemnly with one last look at her determined husband.

Anakin focused on the explosions and shots in the distance. He breathed in heavily.

How could I be such an idiot? Why did I bring them with me? I know Tahiri can take care of herself, but Gavin…

His eyes darted to the five-year-old who was sleeping peacefully in the copilot seat. Grimly, Anakin fired a shot at a passing ship, but frowned as the ship gracefully avoided it.

Who could dodge a shot like that?

He squinted, his eyes darting back and forth between the ship and his enemy. He flipped open a switch and was about to fire…but as his finger hovered over the button, a sleek X-Wing fighter zoomed over him. Amazed, he looked up from the cockpit.

"Requesting identification, X-Wing," Anakin said over the comm system. "This is a New Republic transport."

"If you're going to bust my ass, Anakin," said a young voice, "Be sure you make it good."

"Ben?"

"Uh-huh," his thirteen-year-old cousin answered, firing a shot, surprisingly well aimed.

"What're you doing here?" Anakin asked angrily. "You'll get yourself killed. Get out of here."

"I'm not leaving," Ben retorted. "I'm helping Jacen." Anakin frowned and his eyes flickered towards the mystery ship, and he felt the faintest Force presence. It was small, as if not to be noticed, but there was no doubt who it was.

"Ben…" He sighed. "Just be careful."

"Uh-oh," the teenager said, and Anakin could imagine him rolling his eyes. "You're gonna snitch, aren't you?" Anakin smirked.

"I'll decide later," he said. 'Right now, let's win this battle." Ben's X-Wing turned up and flipped over, and Anakin smiled, somehow hearing his cousin give a yell of exhilaration.

It'll be okay, he thought. Then he added, it'd better be okay. May the Force be with us.

After hours of using his best evasive maneuvers, Anakin began to grow tired. As he pulled down on the thrusters, he grimaced, forcing his eyes to stay open. The Alderaan shot forward, leaving enemy fighters in its wake. He glanced over at Gavin, whose eyes were slowly opening.

Sith spit, Anakin thought. How am I going to explain this? The boy yawned and sat up, confused. He looked up at his father.

"What's going on?" Anakin bit his lip, remaining silent.

"Nice work, Hero Boy," said an annoyed voice from the hallway. Tahiri turned into the cockpit. "You're gonna-" She stopped short when she saw Gavin.

"Tahiri, I swear I didn't know," he said quietly. "I would never-"

"I know," she said, sitting Gavin in her lap, in the copilot seat. She lightly stroked Anakin's forehead. "You're exhausted. Get some rest. I'll take over." He looked at her apprehensively.

"Are you-"

"Yes, I'm sure," she assured him. When he didn't move, she smiled sadly. "Anakin, you're not thinking. I'm not a terrible pilot myself, you know." He frowned, but agreed reluctantly.

"If you need me…just comm me all right?" he asked, taking Gavin into his arms. "I'll be right there." He kissed her forehead gently. "Follow your-"

"Instincts," she finished. "I know, Ani. Don't worry." Anakin nodded silently and left the cockpit, shutting the door. He looked into Gavin's worried blue eyes.

"Daddy…" For once in his young life, the boy couldn't finish his sentence. Anakin swallowed, and started walking down the hall.

"It'll be okay," he said confidently.

"Because you're here?" Gavin asked softly. Anakin smiled, his heart warming.

"Because we believe in good," he corrected. "Because we're Jedi, and we have the Force with us. Right?"

"Right," Gavin agreed, a wide smile appearing on his face. "Daddy…why are they fighting?"

"I don't know, Gav," he said, breathing in heavily. "All the reasons people fight, I suppose."

"Oh."

The ship shook violently, and Anakin spun around. He sprinted back towards the cockpit, one thought on his mind.

Tahiri.

The door slid open and Anakin slipped inside, still holding Gavin tightly.

"What happened?" he asked, immediately slipping back into pilot mode. Tahiri frantically pressed buttons as the ship began to lose altitude. Anakin sat down beside her, taking the controls from her shaking hands.

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice trembling. "I couldn't-"

"I don't blame you," he said firmly. "Listen, we don't have time for this. We need to land safely." He frowned, looking at the stats. "I think that if-"

"Don't analyze it!" Tahiri cried. "Just do it!" Anakin swerved to avoid an exploding ship, the golden-brown globe that was Tatooine approaching ever closer. He gritted his teeth.

We're not going to die. I got us into this mess. And I swear by the Force that I will get us out of it. All of us. If anything happens to them…to my family…I could never forgive myself. I could never forgive myself for not being strong enough. I can't afford to be otherwise.

As the Alderaan entered the atmosphere, the ship heated up and Anakin quickly and expertly pressed all the buttons on the control board.

"Don't give in…"

"Jedi…you're better than this."

"…Never give in, Anakin."

"You're stronger than you feel."

"Ani…I love you."

"I know."

His sight became blurry, and he felt weakness wash throughout his body. He blinked, his hands dropping off the controls. The last thing he heard was Tahiri's terrified voice calling his name and could see Gavin's wide-eyed fear in his mind, feeling the boy's tears on his tunic.

And then everything went black.

Dun, dun, dun...

I hope you review this...I already have another chapter lined up for you guys.

If you like it, please let me know. If you think it could be a lot better, please give me some advice on how I could make it better.

Thanks for reading and Happy New Year...

-Jason