Part 2

Gidden stood outside the door to where the medic was looking over Tana, his arms crossed over his chest, his stance protective. His shoulders were tense, tight; the anger that such a thing had almost occurred, or could occur, inside the Palace walls had his guard up. The fact that it had happened to his favorite sibling...

"Gidden?"

He turned, his mother's query breaking into his thoughts.

Tenel Ka and Jacen stepped into the room, both obviously pulled from bed, their dressing robes belted securely about their middles. Jacen's expression was a mixture of anger and worry, while Gidden could read the concern in Tenel Ka's gaze.

Gidden managed to find a small smile for them. "She's alright."

"You are sure?"

Gidden nodded, noting that his mother's gaze was focused on the closed door behind him. "Whoever it was that struck her knocked her out, so she'll have a doozie of a headache when she wakes up but physically she's fine. They tell me I got there before those thugs could do anything to her."

Jacen visibly tense shoulders relaxed. "Thank the Force. What was she thinking being out in that area after dark without her bodyguard?"

Tenel Ka placed a hand on his arm. "Tana is not unschooled in self-defense, my love. She can take care of herself."

"The medic said they caught her by surprise. I doubt she even knew what hit her." Gidden's tone was grim. "I promise you, dad, I'll catch whoever did this."

"I'm more worried about your sister." Jacen's admission was soft, frustrated. "Scruffy and Jana are already looking into what happened. They should have some answers by morning."

"Dad?"

"Yes, son."

"Why would someone try to hurt Tana?"

"I'm not sure." Jacen sighed, his gaze on the door. "Your sister hasn't been the same since you left."

The Doctor emerged from the room, closing the door behind her wearily and effectively ending the discussion - for the moment.

"How is she?"

"She's a very hard-headed young woman." The Doctor told them, nodding to the Queen Mother and her husband, thought her words were addressed to Gidden. "She'll be fine. A day or two of bed rest and she'll be as good as new."

"There were no other... no..." Gidden's tone held a soft plea for confirmation even though he couldn't finish the sentence.

The Doctor shook her head. "Nothing. She's untouched beyond the bruise on her head, thanks to you Prince Gidden."

"Is she awake?"

"Not yet." The Doctor raised a cautionary hand to them. "You can visit, but keep them short. I won't have you upsetting her after all she's been through today if she awakes without one of my staff present."

"Yes, Ma'am." Gidden motioned for his mother and father to go ahead. Much as he was anticipating seeing Tana, he wanted to see her awake. Something pulled on his heart stings in a vicious manner to see her so vulnerable. Or was it just the fact that she'd been made vulnerable? Did it matter?

Tenel Ka stepped into the room and Jacen sank down into one of the chairs in the main room of Gidden's apartments, running a weary hand through his hair.

"This doesn't seem like much of a surprise to you, Dad."

"I'm that obvious, huh?" Jacen smiled wryly at his eldest. "Late night awakenings courtesy of Tana have been a staple since her return from the academy."

Gidden frowned. "What do you mean?"

Jacen rubbed his face with one hand, that gesture alone telling Gidden how weary his father was. "Your sister has a flare for finding trouble - or it finding her."

"That doesn't sound like the Tana I remember." Gidden moved to sit beside his father, keeping one eye on the door. "What happened at the academy?"

Jacen smiled faintly. "She pulled one too many practical jokes."

"Tana?"

"Surprised?" Jacen's tone held only a hint of amusement. "Your mother and I were too. We didn't even know she knew how to pull a practical joke until she got to the academy."

"Did she have many friends? Maybe they put her up to it."

"Tana didn't need any help. She acted alone, in what your mother later called 'a cry for attention' that slowly spiraled out of control. I thought she'd get used to the academy, as we had. That she'd settle into a group of friends she could relate to." Jacen sighed. "I was wrong. Master Skywalker finally expelled her for her behavior."

Gidden's throat closed. And where had he been those rough years? Gallivanting. Exploring. Learning. He'd been enjoying himself, glad to be beyond the responsibilities of the Hapan Chume'Da while his little sister, a girl who still haunted his dreams on occasion, was going through the roughest part of her life to date. "I should have been here."

"No, you shouldn't." Jacen squeezed the younger man's shoulder. "Tana's never been your responsibility, Gidden. You can't blame yourself."

"Why not?" He pushed to his feet and began to pace, his mind churning. "I should have been here to look out for her. I should have helped her before I left instead of dreaming about adventure and responsibility. I should have-"

"No." Jacen cut him off firmly. "You shouldn't have. I admit Tana took your departure more difficult than any of us were expecting, but staying because you knew she'd throw a tantrum would have been wrong too. No, you did as you should. And it's been good for you; I can tell."

"I enjoyed myself. Uncle Luke's assignments have been difficult enough to test me, but no so hard I ever had to pull back or abandon them. Working with Aunt Jaina was very enlightening."

"I bet." Jacen's acerbic comment was accompanied with a sour smile. "My twin is an adrenaline junkie."

"She is that." Gidden slumped back into the chair beside Jacen. "Can I ask you a question, Dad?"

Jacen nodded.

Gidden looked to the closed bedroom door. "Does... does Tana want me to be home? I mean, does she want to have anything to do with me now that I am? I don't want to make this harder on anyone than I have to."

"Your mother and I want you home, son. Tana will adjust; she always does."

"With varying degrees of success." Gidden sighed. "Maybe I should stay at one of those boarding houses in the city."

"No." Tenel Ka stepped back into the room, closing the door to Gidden's bedroom - and Tana - behind her. "You will stay here. Tana may not say it, but she has missed you, Gidden. We all have."

Gidden pushed to his feet. "I've missed you guys too."

Tenel Ka took Jacen's hand, a simple gesture that spoke volumes of the affection between the two. "Watch over her, Gidden, your father and I will return in the morning to speak with her."

Gidden nodded, watching his parents walk away before turning back to his bedroom door. He took a deep breath before approaching it and then carefully cracked the door a fraction.

Tana's face was turned away, her face in shadow, her brown hair spilling across his pillow. It shimmered slightly in the moonlight. The even rise and fall of her chest reassured him that she was still sleeping and he slipped inside, moving to stand by the bed. What his parents had said made little sense.

Tana had been expelled for behavior she hadn't exhibited before his departure. His father claimed it wasn't his fault; but he suspected otherwise. Tana had probably thought that their parents would tell him about her antics and, rightly assumed, he'd come charging home. Because he would have come home if he'd known.

"Tana, Tana." He sighed softly, shaking his head. "What happened to you?"

She lay still, slumbering peacefully, unaware of his scrutiny.

Gidden sat on the side of his bed and watched her silently. He stayed there, a silent shadow, turning over the bits and pieces of information he'd gleaned in the last few hours, in his mind.

…

…

Gidden left his room the next morning before Tana awoke. The Doctor and her assistant arrived to relieve him and he wanted little more than a shower and breakfast. He was still craving sleep, but his mind was too worked up over what he'd seen - and stopped - to even consider trying to catch a nap before he could speak with Tana. He stopped only to collect a towel, a change of clothes and his shaving kit before slipping out of his chambers and heading for the apartment his parents shared. They greeted him warmly enough, Jacen ushering him into their own suite to borrow their 'fresher.

Water.

Real water.

He closed his eyes and savored the feel as it beat down across his shoulders and soothed tired and aching muscles. His back was spasming, protesting the long vigil of the previous night hunched on the edge of his bed without support. He hadn't dared leave Tana's side for fear he would slip into slumber and something might happen to her again. He turned his face to the spray, rubbing with one hand as if the water could cleanse him of the guilt he felt. Guilt. He shouldn't feel guilty; his father was right about that, but Jacen didn't really understand his connection with Tana.

No one did.

He'd dreamed of her as a child, long before she'd even been considered possible by his adopted parents. She'd been an angelic child. Not as cute, perhaps, as Layne or Jarid, but adorable in her own way. She'd kept him wrapped tightly about her little finger until his late teenage years when he'd felt the stirrings of wanderlust. And then, no matter how much she'd begged and pleaded, he'd gone. He'd escaped to see what the galaxy was like, to finish his Jedi training and to become a man in his own right.

He wasn't sorry he'd done it; he only wished Tana hadn't taken it as betrayal.

Was that the right word?

Probably.

She'd probably felt abandoned when he'd left, bereft of the only person who'd ever had the time to help her through the difficulties of her training, both Force related and academic. Is that why she'd failed? Because no one had taken the time to teach her? Because no one understood the way she thought or dreamed; the way she understood such things? Surely the Jedi at the academy should have been able to handle her, despite her tantrums.

He pushed the thought away, running his fingers into his long hair and scrubbing his scalp viciously before applying the soap. There was no use dwelling on her actions since his departure when he didn't have all of the facts. At least, that's what he tried to rationalize as he completed washing down. Despite his own determination the thoughts still crept in, as insidious as the nightmare he'd had the previous evening before finding Tana.

Had she completely disowned him because of his actions? He grimly acknowledged the possibility as he shut off the water and reached for his towel. With a Tana he no longer recognized, anything was possible.

Gidden finished toweling off his legs and waist before stepping into his pants and slinging his towel about his neck. He felt almost human again as he wiped the mirror down and ran one end of the towel over his long hair. His face was clean shaven, not a nick or scratch in sight, though his hair was slicked back on his head lending him a washed up look. He shook his head, spraying water droplets everywhere and grinned. He's missed real water almost as much as he'd missed being home.

"Are you finished, Gidden?"

He cracked the door, steam escaping from the enclosed space. "Just gimmie another minute; I'm almost done."

"No rush; breakfast is served when you are done."

Jacen's words were accompanied by mouth watering aromas and Gidden had to consciously stop himself from drooling. "Be right there." He quickly toweled his head dry, patted down his shoulders and then shrugged into his shirt, scooping his boots and dirty clothing from the floor in one motion. The clothing went straight into the laundry chute, the boots stayed in his hand as he padded on bare feet out of the 'fresher, through his parent's bed chambers and back into the common area.

Tenel Ka's smile was warm as he appeared, and she rose to her feet, extending her hand to him.

Gidden took it, leaning forward to drop a kiss on her cheek. "Good morning, Mother."

"Did you sleep well?"

"I didn't." He smiled ruefully. "Sleep, I mean. I was too paranoid about someone trying to get their revenge on Tana."

Tenel Ka's smile didn't falter, though Gidden could feel the annoyance in his father's sigh. "I understand. Come. Eat. We have been very curious about your missions."

He settled in at the table, placing his napkin on his lap before picking up his utensils as a serving droid placed their plates on the table. "To be honest, I'm more interested about what's been happening at home. Allana's gotten so big!"

Jacen chuckled. "I'm surprised she's not up yet. You've missed quite a lot while you've been away son."

"I gathered that from your letters." Gidden took a bite of his food, chewing thoroughly and swallowing before continuing. "What's this about Uncle Kyp being a father?"

Tenel Ka and Jacen exchanged amused glances. "More than once."

Gidden blinked. "What?"

Jacen chuckled. "Kyp's been around quite a bit more than normal because of it. Kalen's become rather attached to him."

"And to Sayl." Tenel Ka's tone indicated she was very pleased with the development.

"Sayl?" Gidden frowned. "Is that one of his friends?"

"It's Kyp's daughter by Scruffy."

"Scruffy!" Gidden almost dropped his fork. "Scruffy, as in head of the guard Scruffy?"

Jacen laughed, nodding. "Do you know anyone else named Scruffy?"

"Well, no, but that's not really her real name, is it?" Gidden faltered. "Uncle Kyp doesn't call her 'Scruffy' does he?"

"She prefers Scruffy." Tenel Ka interjected. "But you are correct; I do not think Kyp Durron calls her Scruffy."

"What does he call her?"

"Gidden."

Gidden grinned, unrepentant. "You can't blame me for being curious, dad. I mean, Scruffy's been here my whole life and I don't even know her real name."

"Then she does not wish for you to know it." Tenel Ka took a bite of her breakfast. "Are you staying long, my son?"

Gidden shrugged, taking a sip of his water. "I haven't decided yet. Master Skywalker's given me some time before my next assignment. I had thought to spend it with my family."

"But?"

He sighed, setting his glass back on the table. "How welcome am I, dad? I mean, really. Tana-"

"Tana is not the extent of this family." Jacen's tone was harsh. "Her wishes don't always coincide with the wishes of her parents. Tana will do as she's told. We want you to stay, son. It's been a long time since you've been home."

"Dad..." Gidden shook his head sadly. "Haven't you realized by now that Tana is the girl I used to dream about as a child? She's the child from my visions."

"You can't know that."

Gidden laughed, but it had a bitter edge to it. "I know it. I've spent years trying to deny it. Master Skywalker sent me on a Vision Quest a few years back to find the truth. The truth is that Tana and I are linked; we have been since before she was born, and for some reason, we're still linked now. Her actions and thoughts and feelings will shape my future. The only thing I don't know yet is how."

"You are positive?"

He nodded. "I wish I wasn't, but my Vision Quest was very specific."

"The future's always in motion, Gidden. Even Master Skywalker wouldn't expect you to base your life on a vision."

"I know, dad." Gidden pushed his breakfast around his plate. "But I can't just walk away from it. Things have happened from that Quest that I didn't believe possible. Tana's been expelled from the Jedi Academy. Expelled! I couldn't believe it when I saw it in my quest; I'm still reeling from the news now. I didn't think it was possible for anyone to be expelled."

"She brought it on herself; you can't think-"

"Dad." Gidden cut him off. "Tana's been acting out because of my absence. Don't you see that? She's been trying to adjust and failing."

"She's been getting better slowly the last year. Ever since that escapade with Dennig-"

"Escapade? Dennig?"

Tenel Ka held up her hand, a pointed look telling Jacen he had best stop. "A story she must tell you; it is not our place."

"But-"

"But nothing. Yes, Jana?"

"I don't mean to intrude your majesties, but the medic has completed speaking with Tana and she's awake."

Gidden made to get up, but Jana pinned him with a look, indicating that the message wasn't for him. His throat worked as he fought back the hurt that action brought and slowly retook his chair. Tana was awake but she didn't want to speak with him.

Yet.

Tenel Ka rose to her feet. "I will speak with her. Finish your meal, love. She will not be going anywhere."

Jacen caught her hand and squeezed as she passed, the door closing behind her and Jana. Gidden's shoulders slumped. "Does Tana hate me that much, Father?"

"Tana doesn't hate you." Jacen continued eating his breakfast. "She resents the fact that you left her without giving her so much as a second thought."

"Without a second thought?" Gidden echoed his father incredulously. "I spent two years on a vision quest about her!"

"She doesn't know that."

Gidden sighed, spearing one of the fruits on his plate with a vicious motion. "She should."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why would she know?" Jacen took a sip of his caf before continuing. "Have you been in touch with her?"

"Sort of."

Jacen arched his eyebrows in amusement. "Sort of?"

"I've tried sending her letters, just like I did with everyone else, but she's the only one who's never written me back."

"How many?"

Gidden shrugged. "How many have I sent home to you and mom? Every time I write home, I include a letter for each of my siblings, but Tana... She's never responded. No matter what I write, she's never given me even the slightest hint that she's reading them."

Jacen put his mug on the table. "She can't avoid you forever, son; eventually your duties and hobbies will conflict. She still loves to swim, to fence and, even though she's technically failed the academy, she's talented enough to spar with a training saber."

"I thought she couldn't have a lightsaber if she didn't graduate."

"Technically not true. Your mother's been working with her to help refine those talents she'll need for passive senses and some of her combat training. She's not as skilled as Jarid - she doesn't have the control or the focus - but she is able to defend herself. When she sees the attack coming."

"Do you think those creeps who attacked her, knew her?"

"Very possibly." Jacen wiped his mouth with a napkin before pushing to his feet. "I hate to eat and run, but I promised Layne I'd pose for her today. She's doing a family themed Jedi portrait."

Gidden's eyebrows nearly hit his hairline. "Layne?"

"Surely she wrote to you that she took up painting some years ago."

"She said it was just a hobby!"

"A very productive and profitable one." Jacen's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I think she just likes being able to tell the rest of us what to do."

Gidden chuckled. "You'd be right; she told me that in one of her letters. Does she need another subject?"

"Perhaps another time, Gidden." Tenel Ka spoke from the doorway. "Tana will see you if you wish to see her."

And suddenly he had cold feet.

Gidden looked from one parent to the other before making a face and nodding hesitantly. "Does she want to see me, mom?"

She nodded once. "Come."

Gidden slapped Jacen on the shoulder in apology as he passed, pausing only to slip his feet into his boots. "Next time, dad. We can spar for Layne to get a good pose."

"Until she yells 'Hold!' in the middle." Jacen waved him away, shrugging into his Jedi Robes. "You'd best not keep Tana waiting, son. She certainly doesn't have Jedi patience."

Gidden left the room, falling into step with Tenel Ka as they headed back towards his apartments. Tenel Ka's pace, normally a fairly fast paced walk, was unusually slow and Gidden looked at her curiously. "We're not in a hurry?"

"Tana needs time to compose herself. She does not remember the events of last night, Gidden. Nor was she aware that you had returned."

"I didn't make a secret of it."

"Fact." Tenel Ka's lips twitched. "Tana spends much time alone; too much time. She often is the last of the family to know of events that occur."

"Oh." Gidden fell silent for a long moment, processing that tidbit of information. "Will she be happy to see me?"

Tenel Ka stopped several paces from the main door to his apartments, drawing Gidden up short and looking at him with concern. "Tana has missed you, Gidden. More than perhaps even I. Despite your abrupt departure and long absence, perhaps because of it, she has waited for this day a long time. She is nervous."

"Nervous? About what?" Gidden blinked. "She's my favorite sister, my-"

"Gidden." Tenel Ka reached up, gently laying her palm against his cheek. "You will not understand, son of my heart, but do not call her your sister. If you love her at all; do not."

"Why?" The apprehensive feeling from the dream the previous night returned full force, causing the hair on the back of his neck to rise. Had she really disowned him? Was she still angry with him - so angry she wouldn't acknowledge familial ties even if they were only in name?

Tenel Ka's gaze remained steady but closed and her hand dropped. "That is for her to explain. Be gentle with her, Gidden, she is not as strong as she appears."

Gidden watched her walk away, leaving him at the door to his own apartment with a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Do not call her your sister." His mother's words echoed in his mind. Why? His question was silent and went unanswered, echoing around in his head. A nervousness he hadn't before experienced settled over him as he took another step towards the door behind which Tana was waiting. He had no reason to be nervous, no reason to regret his actions.

Yet, even as his fingers hovered over the door controls, the quiet voice in the back of his brain told him he was wrong. Tana was the girl from his dreams; he had every right to be nervous.

Taking a deep breath, he opened the door.