The Guardian

I hope you enjoyed the first chapter. If you did (or even if you didn't) please feel free to review—I love feedback! I'm a new author to the site and anything helps!

Disclaimer: I do not own characters, situations in Star Wars or in any of the novels, ect.

Chapter 2: Running Away

Ben wiped crumbs of a cookie from his face and squinted in the sunlight. He couldn't believe he actually made it out of the temple without getting caught..yet. He knew it was only a matter of time before his Daddy found out and came looking for him. He'd be in BIG trouble then, but at least he'd avoid a trip to the Healer. His small frame could barely support the heavy pack. He reached the River and sat on a rock to rest.

"He's going to find out you know."

Ben turned to face the luminous form of Anakin Solo. Surprisingly, there was no hint of anger in his voice-only amusement.

"I know," came his stilted reply.

"When I was a little younger than you, I ran away, too."

"Really? Did you go to the jungle, too."

"No. I left Jacen and Jaina at the holographic zoo and ended up in the lower levels of Coruscant. It took my parents hours to find me."

Ben's jaw dropped. "They must have been really mad."

"A little. Mostly, they were just scared and worried. The way your parents are going to feel." Anakin's tone suddenly became serious. "Ben, you're in danger alone here. You need to go back home."

"The river's my favorite place. I'm fine. Besides, I'm not scared." Ben furrowed his brow in his best "serious face." Anakin could see beyond his face into his heart.

"I don't wanna go back, yet. Besides, I didn't call you and I don't want you here!" He got up and lifted the pack again walking away from the spirit.

"Ben, wait! Don't run away from me. I can't stop you, but I also can't help you if you're in danger."

Ben stomped off through the grass, his movements exaggerated.

Ice cold fear and the physical sensation of nausea assaulted Luke and Mara at the same time. One thought echoed in their minds—Ben! Their child was in danger! "Check his room," Luke shouted, but Mara was out the door before he finished the sentence. Even before she saw his empty bed, she knew. She clutched his favorite stuffed dragon helplessly as thoughts of assasins and kidnappers raced through her mind. She fought the urge to collapse. Luke found her and steadied her asking only, "Where?" He stretched out with the force searching for his son's familiar light. He was alive and unharmed,touched by frustration and sadness. Relief flooded through them both. "The river," they said at the same time.

"I can't believe he would run away. It's not like him," Mara sighed.

"He's been upset lately. I think he senses us worrying about him. I've been busy at the Academy and I haven't spent as much time with him."

"It's not your fault. I'm his mother and I should have seen this coming."

They reached the River and began running even faster. "He was here just a few minutes ago," Luke said closing his eyes and trying to trace his child's movements. Mara stretched out her hand. "So was his 'imaginary friend'."

Ben was hot and tired and had already eaten the food he brought with him. His lip was trembling and he really wanted to cry, but he was too big for that now. He crossed the clearing nearly sinking in the long grasses. He suddenly stopped walking when his skin got prickly and cold and his heart started beating fast. He'd had that feeling before and it usually meant trouble. "Uh-oh," he whispered. He looked around and didn't see anything, but the feeling got worse. He heard a voice, Anakin's voice, saying one word-Run! From what? Then, the voice was louder and more commanding—Run—now! Ben dropped his pack and begin running as fast as his legs carry him. He looked over his shoulder and what he saw made him scream.

Loping towards him was a large, spotted irkryat. The predatory cat swung its spiny tail and growled baring long, sharp teeth. It's red spots shifted, the colors changing to green, indicating its ferocity. It had been stalking its prey for a long time. Ben ran frantically looking over his shoulder at the beast. He was getting tired and finally, he lost his footing and stumbled over a tree root. "Mom, Dad! Help!" he cried. Then, in desperation he called out, "Anakin?" There was no one there. The beast was circling him now as he struggled to get to his feet.

"Talk to him," whispered a voice on the wind.

"I don't know how," Ben said.

"Your mind," the voice replied.

Ben stretched out to the beast in the way he'd only begun to explore with his parents. The animals thoughts were primal. Hungry. Angry. The animal was young like Ben. He tried to tell it not to hurt him in words, but it didn't work. So, he thought of pictures. Ben and the animal walking toward a plate of food, Ben petting the animal and slipping it scraps under the table. Ben playing with the huge cat. The cat was in front of him now so close he could smell it and feel it's hot breath. He shut his eyes tightly and kept thinking hoping it would work.