What Could Have Been Part 2: Anakin's Trials

Reunited

Anakin

Han hot wired the security lock on the door and Anakin almost plowed through before the metal door slid all the way open. There was his little girl curled up on a couch. But she was okay.

"Leia? Oh my princess, I thought I had lost you. My little princess..."

Leia sat up and turned around. Her eyes were red as she sniffled, "Dad?" she asked softly. Anakin ran toward her and pulled her into his arms on the leather sofa. "Oh Leia... Thank the Force! Oh my poor little girl..." he murmured with relief. Leia had her arms wrapped around him tightly as if he would disappear had she let go. "Daddy, I'm sorry... I didn't... I didn't mean for this..." she stammered. She was shaking within the safety of his cloak and Anakin felt his heart ache. "Shhh... I know Princess, I know..." he said soothingly. Leia cried into his chest as he tossed her braid out of her face.

"Dad, I've ruined everything... I'm so sorry," she continued. Anakin kissed her forehead, "No Leia. This isn't your fault," he assured her softly. Leia looked up at him with her big brown eyes full of regret, "Daddy, when I said I didn't want to be like y-you... Daddy, I didn't mean that," she said weakly, her voice strained by tears. Anakin held her tighter, "Oh baby I know. I'm sorry too Leia. I'm sorry I made you think I didn't believe in you. I believe in you with all my heart," he promised. Tears clung to his eyelashes as he hugged his daughter close. How had he let things get so out of hand?

Leia barely smiled, "I believe in you too Dad," she said before breaking down in another sob. Anakin held her there for a long time. He didn't want to ever let her go again but at the same time, he was content with the fact that she was growing up. Remembering Han in the doorway, Anakin sat his daughter up straight and wiped her eyes. "And Leia, I guess I was wrong about Han," he admitted. Leia's eyes widened at the sight of the young boy, "Han!" she exclaimed, immediately wiping the rest of her tears from her face. "Hi there Leia," he greeted with a wave. Anakin was glad that Leia didn't run over to hug the kid. He wasn't ready for that. But Leia stood up and smiled, "Did you and my dad save me... together?" she asked, almost in disbelief. Han grinned, "Your old man ain't so bad. For an old Jedi wizard," he added with a smirk towards Anakin. Anakin laughed, "You're not so bad yourself. For a scruffy little Nerf herder..."

Leia smiled back at him. "Dad?" she asked. Anakin stood up, "Yes Leia?" Leia seemed to wince at her own words, "We should probably get going before Darth Crazy finds out your here," she suggested. Anakin went cold, "You met the Sith?" he asked. Leia shrugged, "Yes..." Anakin frowned. Not good. "We need to get out of here!" he barked. Han was already moving out the door, "Then what are we waiting for?" he called over his shoulder. Anakin suddenly sensed people coming down the hall, "Han wait!" he shouted. Two sharp blaster-fires hit Anakin's ears and Leia froze behind him, "Han!"

Anakin ran into the hallway and saw two bodies on the ground. Neither of them were Han's.The boy stood twirling his gun and smirking, "I always shoot first."

Luke

Just as Luke was about to follow Obi-wan out of the meeting room, he heard Darth Midas' voice once again. "Now if you will all excuse me, it is time for the little Skywalker girl's execution." Luke felt the words hit his ears and his blood boiled under his skin. "Noooooo!" he shouted abruptly as he pulled out his lightsaber and ran toward the Sith. Luke had no idea what came over him but he suddenly realized what a bad idea it had been. Darth Midas turned around calmly and pulled Luke off of his feet and into a Force choke just as Obi-wan called after him, "Luke no!" He had been tricked!

Darth Midas let out a sinister chuckle as Luke struggled to release himself to no prevail. "Ahh, I was beginning to wonder when you would come out of hiding..." he said merrily. Midas turned toward his group of advisers, "Oh where are my manners?" he asked with false embarrassment. He turned back to Luke, "Council of the Empire, may I introduce Luke Skywalker, son of Anakin Skywalker," he laughed with cruel joy. Midas smiled, "Yes I know who you are," he said, answering the question Luke would have asked if he could talk, "And your friend over there I presume is the legendary Obi-wan Kenobi," he inquired, looking past Luke toward Obi-wan who was being apprehended by a group of helmeted men. Midas stalked toward him, his black boots clicking across the floor, "The Negotiator, I am honored to be in your presence," he drawled with a formal bow. Obi-wan sneered, "Rett Lisban, only you could be so lowly as to join the Sith. I can't say I'm surprised though. You always were a coward!" Luke felt his head spin from both the lack of oxygen and the torrent of confusing information. Rett Lisban?

Darth Midas clicked his tongue, "Oh Master Kenobi, I suggest you don't test my temper with futile insults," he turned and grinned at Luke as he tightened his grip around his neck, "We wouldn't want to make a mess of the boy now would we?" Obi-wan attempted to pulled away from the guards holding him, "Let him go Rett!" he demanded. Rett cackled dryly, "Oh don't be dramtic Obi-wan, I have much better use for him... and his sister for that matter," he added. Obi-wan's face reddened, "What have you done with her?' he shouted. Midas bared his yellow teeth into a smile, "She is currently enjoying her stay here as she awaits the rest of her family's arrival. A charming girl really, but her manners are not what I had imagined."

Luke gasped for breath, "Don't you...dare... touch my sister..." he sputtered. The Sith only smiled wider as his yellow eyes focused on him, "My dear boy, your sister is the least of your problems right now..."