Author Notes: Anything in italics was either a memory or taken directly from The Clone Wars series or the trilogy. My warning to y'all, I've been working 12 on, 12 off shifts, the last few days and then yesterday I had to pull a damn 24-hour duty and then I go back into my 12 on 12 off shifts. Lord, help me now so if mistakes were made, I'm sorry I truly tried to catch them all. No more babbling that will be left for the end! Enjoy!

CHAPTER 2 – Two Babies, A Man, and A Funeral – Part 1

Slowly coming out of the refresher Obi-Wan was finally able to see clearly with both eyes. He was able to clean the head wound that had gushed blood down his face when he had been making his escape. As he made his way to the pilot seat, he glanced at the sleeping babies and wondered how long before they were going to need either food or even attention. As a Jedi he rarely saw or handled babies, that is what the Creche Master was for. Not that he ever frowned upon them as though they didn't have a significant role to play, because everyone knew or remembered their Creche Master. They were the first introduction to the Jedi Order and the Jedi life they were soon going to lead. They were pivotal in keeping the younglings healthy and teaching them how to become future Jedi. Making sure they stayed out of trouble until they were chosen to be either Padawans to Jedi Masters or if Jedi Knighthood was not in their future, there were many other ways to serve, such as the medical field or even the agriculture.

The only few times Obi-Wan could remember handling a baby was on missions where he interacted with the locals or when Anakin and himself went on a mission to pick up a potential force user. That only lasted a few days though, and all he had to do was give it to the humanoid or an assistance that had come along with them to check the vitals and take care of the baby till they got back to the Jedi Temple. They were there to protect the infant just in case someone got a wise idea. To get a potential force user was big money for those on the black market.

Obi-Wan's thoughts came back to the two tiny Skywalkers. He knew nothing about taking care of an infant let alone two! Eventually he knew he was going to need help and fast if he stood a chance against the babies and not do something to screw it up. Mess them up like he had did their father. 'No,' he thought forcefully he would not allow his mind to go down that path. He had left the sleeping babies not wanting to risk waking them after they had been upset for most of the flight, he went to sit in the pilot seat. As the shuttle came out of hyperspace, he saw the blue green beautiful planet of Alderaan. He had punched the coordinates in earlier without even thinking about it, he just allowed the force to guide him. Now here he was. He started preparing the shuttle to enter the atmosphere of the planet. As he broke the atmosphere, he realized he had never seen Organa's home planet before. It was definitely a sight to behold. It reminded him a lot of Naboo, yet somehow it felt richer. The mountains had snow on them, to the lushes green standing against the backdrop of the bright blue sky. It was one of the more picturesque planets he had ever been on. Even the buildings even looked luscious as they loomed ahead.

He was pulled out of thoughts as the sound of him being hailed as he got closer to the castle in which Bail Organa lived with his wife, Queen Breha Organa. 'Did,' he thought sadly. He flipped the switch,

"Shuttle, identify yourself."

"This is Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, could you please inform the Queen I need to speak to her, it's urgent. I have some terrible news about her husband Senator Bail Organa." In the future he would not be so casual with saying his name to anyone he did not know. He had to be careful. With the fall of the Republic who knew who would be looking for him. Yet, he knew here was probably one of the safer places to be. The reach of the Empire had yet to make its way here or so he hoped.

He was given permission to land on the pad. As he brought the shuttle in and landed, he was able to catch a glimpse of the Queen and her guards. Standing there not knowing what he was about to tell her. Having no idea that her entire world was about to be turned upside down. This was never his duty to show up on somebody's door step and tell them their whole life was about to be changed. Honestly though with the fall of the Republic and the Jedi where was he to go? Not like he always had a back up plan, his home was always the Jedi Temple he could always fall back on that. Who was he supposed to turn to now? Who could he trust? He truly was alone in the galaxy for the first time. He always thought he would have Anakin, Ashoka, Master Windu, Yoda and that was just the quickest names he could think of. Yet here he was, alone with two babies that he was now the soul protector of. R2D2 started chirping at him, and he realized he had got lost in his own thoughts.

He stood up and made his way towards the shuttle door. He took a deep breath and opened it. The sound of the hydraulics and air that was compressed into the tiny shuttle making a distinct sound as he released it and the shuttle's ramp came down. The guards were forming a protection barrier around her as she stood behind them.

Queen Breha Organa was a strong slender woman who stood as though a thousand worlds rested on her petite shoulders. Her flowing yellow gown could rival the sun itself as it sparkled and shimmered in the receding sun. Her hair was placed in a beautiful elaborate headdress that matched her evening dress, and in a lot of respects reminded him of Padme when she was still the young Queen of Naboo. Yet she held weight behind her eyes. Responsibility and honor of her rank and position. A burden that was placed upon her shoulders and yet still able to hold her ground against those around her.

Walking up he gave a slight bow, showing his respect to her. She waved her guards to move so that way she could face him directly. She took a few steps towards him. Then something flashed as she took in his appearance. He still had the cut above his eye and not to mention his clothes were completely ruined from the duel on Mustafar. He probably looked rather unkept from his normal stature of tidiness. Deep down he was bone weary tired and his normal mask of being able to hide everything was probably showing in full color for everyone to see.

"What is the news you bring of my husband, it can't be good if the Jedi are informing me directly?"

His lips tighten. His mouth went dry. He had practiced in his mind the entire time how he was going to tell her but now he was completely utterly lost for words.

"I," his eyes casted down not being able to bear the weight of her eyes as she tried to find the answer but deep down, she knew.

Before he could respond or utter at least a full sentence without stumbling on his words, R2D2 came down the ramp whistling at Obi-Wan. Understanding Artoo's distress, Obi-Wan gave a quick and quiet apology to the Queen as he turned around, running back up the ramp disappearing onto the ship. He would return with the two Skywalkers in his arms who were now screaming and were for all certain purposes very unhappy babies. She stared at them. The look on Obi-Wan's face said it all. General of the Clone Wars, a High Council of the Jedi Order, a very capable Jedi Master that was easily able to give out destruction and even death if needed, was at a complete loss of what to do with the babies that he held in his arms.

"Say no more," she snapped her fingers and a few assistances appeared out of nowhere to take the infants from him. He held on to them, not ready to give them up so easily. He took a step backwards without even realizing it, almost in a fight or flight mode. The assistances gave a small smile and instead of reaching for the babies they made the motion for him to place the baby in their arms, for him to make the choice of letting go. Obi-Wan found ease in this and taking a glance at them and back at the welcoming arms he placed Luke and Leia into the arms of the Queen's aids. They hurried away to take care of the crying Skywalkers. He watched until the backs disappeared into the castle.

"Come, rest, your safe for now Master Jedi."

The Queen gave a soft smile and turned around expecting the Jedi to follow her and knowing that Obi-Wan Kenobi would take her offer.

Queen Breha Organa stared out at the nightly sky as she tried to come over the shock, that she would never see her husband in the nightly sky, making his way back to her like he promised every time he left. Her family, everything she had ever known was gone, instantly taken by the Emperor and the rise of the Empire. She had watched it on the holonet, the collapse of the Republic and sat there wondering what that meant for the rest of the galaxy, and most importantly, for herself and Alderaan?

Bail loved being a Senator, loved helping those that he could, and he had grown quite fond of the Jedi. Especially one Jedi in particular, Obi-Wan Kenobi. He talked about Obi-Wan a lot to her, but never really talked about the time he went with Obi-Wan to Wild Space, she knew it had a profound effect on him. She would try and get him to speak about it what they both had endured however he would never budge. He would simply smile and tell her "maybe for another time," his way of saying it was never going to happen. So, she respected it. Maybe, some day she could get it from the Master Jedi, that's if he wanted to speak or talk about it. She would respect her late husband's wishes. Why push the issue or topic? Not like it was a great conversation starter, "I know my husband died but what happened during the Wild Space mission he never talked about it, feel like talking about it over this casual dinner?" Nope, she could not see that going over well.

As Bail grew closer to the Jedi and his role as a Senator took him away longer from Alderaan and from her, it almost came as no shock or surprise to her to know that he was finally killed in the cross fire. She found herself asking, why him? Why did he have to be the one to die? Why couldn't he arrived with one of the babies in his arms, saying he had found the perfect child for them to raise as their own. She had not been able to bare children and they wanted to adopt, to pass on their names and their legacy they were just hoping with the end of the Clone Wars they could start their family. But now, that was just a dream, one that was cruelly ripped from her.

As she moved away from the window she sat down on her bed, her eyes glanced over to the spot were Bail would sleep. The bed never looked so big and vacant. Tears started to spring into her eyes, but she forced them down. 'No,' she would not do this. Too much had to go into the celebration of Bail's life. She would mourn him later, to many arrangements would have to be made.

Anakin Skywalker now Darth Vader moved through the halls of the ship. He didn't like how this suit made him feel. He had a hard time walking in it, getting use to his new legs. He had been in and out of consciousness ever since the fight with his old Master on Mustafar. However, the dark side was able to help him heal faster than ever before. He never was able to get up and move so quickly after such a debilitating injury when he was a Jedi. No, truly the dark side had many wonders. The door swished opened and he entered where his new Master sat. He came down onto one knee showing his submission to the new Emperor.

"Darth Vader, rise." Rising back to his height, Darth Sidious stood up from his chair motioning for his new apprentice to follow him. They went to stare out at their vastly growing battleships, the building of their new Empire.

"I have your first mission for you my apprentice."

"What would you have me do my Master?"

"You will find force sensitive children, turn them if you must and if they don't, kill them. The ones that survive will turn to do our bidding. Help the Empire, they will track down those that survived the Purge."

"Yes, my Master."

Darth Vader turned on his heel waiting for no further instructions. He would do exactly as he was told without hesitation.

"You were the chosen one! It said you were to destroy the Sith not become them, not leave it in darkness….you were my brother Anakin, I loved you."

"I HATE YOU!"

"Anakin, Chancellor Palpatine is evil,"

"WE'RE HIT, WE'RE GOING DOWN. BRACE YOURSELFS!"

"Master Jedi?"

"I will make sure you stay awake long enough to feel every single cut, your death will be beyond excruciating. You will suffer... as I have suffered."

"Master Jedi," a feeling of moving, of somebody touching him.

"KENOBIIIIII." Maul's voice ringing through his ears.

Obi-Wan came out of his dream with such ferociousness, still having Darth Maul in the back of his mind not realizing he was awake sitting in bed with his lightsaber ignited and the entire room levitating. His eyes were widely looking around trying to figure out where he was, what was going on and why a man was standing few feet away with the most petrified look of fear on his face. The sound of everything crashing to the floor as he released it. He watched as the man nearly jump out of his skin when everything hit the ground with a deafening sound.

"I'm…," shutting down his lightsaber, "I." He had no explanation he still was utterly confused; the dreams had wrapped their tentacles around him and would not let go. It was as though he was back in the moment living through his memories as a watcher. He felt submerged under water and he was struggling to figure out why his heart was still pumping.

The man standing before him, the one who was unlucky to try and awake the sleeping Jedi gulped nervously and tried to control his face, but fear was racking his entire body and it was very evident.

"The Queen is offering you refreshments in the main dining hall, that's if you would like to Master Jedi."

"Yes, tell her I'll be there. I just need a few moments."

The man nodded and scurried out of the room a little faster than most of the assistances seem to walk. Obi-Wan looked around the grand chamber and realized he had completely drenched the sheets with sweat. He pushed the blankets off him and moved to the refresher feeling bad when he saw the damage his dream had caused.

Turning on the hot water he stepped in after disregarding his sleeping clothes. It felt good to feel the water pressing down onto his body. He slowly sat down, letting the water roll off his back as he tried to collect his thoughts, clear everything and allow it to move its way into the force.

He honestly could not remember the last time he woke up and having caused havoc with a dream, making things float in midair. He felt like he was slowly slipping, his reality was taking a toll on him. When was the last time he took a moment for himself? Again, no answer. He couldn't remember the last time he took a breath, a moment for himself to relax and not think about the war. Then again, as a General in the Grand Republic, who had time for that? No one.

He was allowing his mind to wander again, and he shut off the water. Drying off quickly he found his robes had been pressed and cleaned. They must have done it while he was sleeping. He couldn't remember the last time they looked as clean as they did. The last time he changed and got a full night's rest was the day before he arrived to face General Grievous and effectively ending the Clone Wars. Not knowing that would kick off the rise of the Empire and everything he would know, and love would come crashing down.

Not wanting to be alone with his thoughts no longer he rushed to put on his robes and made his way to where the Queen waited. He blushed when he realized she was almost done eating and he was now just showing up.

"How did you sleep?"

He barely had sat down before she asked. He tried to find words, to apologize for the destruction in his room, for scaring her assistance who dared to wake a sleeping battle warn Jedi, and for being late. He was just completely forgetting his manners. He was off center.

"Don't worry, I've been meaning to redecorate in that room." She said with a small smile. Her assistance had already told her about what had happened. Next time they would have to find a better way to awake him.

He nodded to the servant that brought him food. He slowly grabbed an eating utensil and realized though he should be hungry he had no appetite and found himself playing with his food as he tried to force himself to be hungry.

"I appreciate you for everything but," trying to find the courage to say he needed to leave. His first full sentences to her and he was already trying to find a way to leave this world. Yet he knew staying here to long was putting everyone at risk.

Knowing what he was going to say

"Please, before you say you must go, I would like you to attend my husband's funeral. I think he would have wanted it that way. Please Master Jedi?" Her eyes desperately pleading to him.

"Ben,…." He paused and saw hope flash before her eyes, "Please call me Ben. Yes, I would be honored to attend."

The Queen nodded accepting this answer. The two sat in silence nothing else to talk about or wanting to make small talk. Obi-Wan playing with his food to the point of rudeness and feeling it, Obi-Wan cleared his throat getting attention of Breha Organa. "If you will excuse me, I do not have much of an appetite at the moment, if you do not mind, I'd like to go see the children." Obi-Wan stood up and with the grace that he was taught gave a polite bow to Queen Organa and left the room.

He made it to where the babies were and stopped where they were looking up, still not able to be on their tummies they were looking out at the world above them. They immediately responded though when Obi-Wan came into their peripheral. They got more vocal, kicking and squirming. A soft smile came to his lips.

"Hello innocent ones."

He gently pushed soothing thoughts through the force, knowing they would be able to feel him. He watched as they stopped squirming for a few seconds as they felt it and responded to his force signature. As he continued to stand over them, he realized his smile had slowly disappeared. His thoughts drifted about them and how was he going to protect these little ones? How was he going to make sure nobody knew about them? Where would he go next? How would he hide himself and them? To many questions not enough answers. How much time did he have before he would have to leave? He would have to meditate and allow himself to be guided. Right now, he was in flight mode and last thing he wanted to do was miss the warning from the force. He gave one last reassuring glance at the babies and turned to go find a quiet place within the castle grounds. Maybe that way he could find a way to center himself.

(Few Hours Later)

Breha Organa went searching for the elusive Jedi. She thought she would find him with the babies but found they were asleep and that he had left quite sometime ago. She had her staff looking for him it wasn't until a few hours later that he was found in her garden. She made her way into the beautiful courtyard and found him sitting under her favorite tree. His legs were crossed, and he looked very peaceful. She didn't want to disturb him, so she turned to walk away and talk to him later however he opened his eyes and a soft smile came to his lips.

"You felt me coming?" Knowing he wouldn't answer that she continued, "The arrangements have been made and the private funeral is set for tomorrow. We will hold a celebration of his life in the coming months so that way the people of Alderaan can mourn him but for his family tomorrow will be private. It is not custom for our people to mourn in public.

"I'm impressed your Majesty." He spoke uncrossing his legs and stretching his back as he stood up.

"We'll, we were always ready for the inevitable. Especially after the Clone Wars broke out across the galaxy, one could never not be certain. Hope for the best but prepare for the worse." She gave a soft smile.

"He was a good man, your husband." Obi-Wan looked down. He hadn't really had a chance to mourn the man that had become an unlikely friend and ally. Someone he resisted at first due to him being a politician but soon saw him for the true man he was. A devoted man to the cause, a faithful man to his wife and all-around upstanding citizen. The galaxy lost someone special with Bail Organa passing. No telling what he would have achieved if he had not had a untimely death.

"How did he…?" Breha asked not wanting to say the words death yet finding the courage and wanting and needing the answer and finally nothing to distract them from the question that had been lingering in her thoughts.

Obi-Wan knew the question would come. He saw a small bench and directed them to it they both sat down. He knew he did not want to go into the full details from him fighting Anakin to Yoda going face to face with Darth Sidious or as everyone had known him as Chancellor Palpatine.

"After the fall of the Republic and Chancellor Palpatine became Emperor, a few others and I regrouped to figure out what we would do next. Senator Padme went into labor. We had taken her to a medical facility where she gave birth to Luke and Leia. Leia was in your husband's arms when they attacked us. He died protecting Leia."

He watched as the Queen took this in. She gave a soft smile. "We always wanted a baby girl of our own. I haven't been able to carry to full term, so we wanted to wait, you know? After the Clone Wars were done. We did not want to raise our children in war. Guess we shouldn't have waited." She felt a wave of grief hit her suddenly and the harder she tried to hold onto the tidal wave of emotions she realized it was going to surge forward without her consent. "Excuse me." She stood up as did Obi-Wan.

Obi-Wan watched the retreating back of the Queen as she made her way back into the Palace before Obi-Wan could help reassure her or at least try and comfort her. Then a sudden idea came to his mind. What if he left the babies here? They would be safe, protected. Nobody would know they were here. He could move on. Try and figure out what he was going to do next with his life. Try and restore the Jedi Order? Fight the Empire? Or give up the dream of the Jedi all together and just simply move on and settle down somewhere and be lost on a planet for the rest of his days? How was he going to raise two children when he didn't know the first thing about raising infants? He had no training in such a task. Besides what kind of life would he be giving them by dragging them along? That was it then. He would leave the babies with Queen Breha Organa. They would be safe and far away from the evil Empire and the clutches of Darth Sidious. Yet, for some reason. When he came to his decision, it didn't sound right. Something was off. No matter what he did, he couldn't shake it. Maybe the force was trying to tell him something, not to settle down on that idea so quickly. Obi-Wan knew though, time would only tell the path he would lead and which road he was going to go down. He would continue to meditate on the matter and hope that he was not making the wrong choice for all three of them.

TBC….

Chapter Notes: Few things. Thank you so much for the amazing reviews. I never thought so many would be interested, so thank you. I will say this is probably the fastest story I've ever written in my life that I can remember, I'm actually having to slow myself down as the ideas are just flowing. I'm already up in the 16,000 words and climbing. So hopefully I can keep up the momentum. I was shocked how much I wrote of Breha, but then again, I killed her husband I guess I owe her a little limelight. Really, I think it came down to I watched to much of The Crown and other royal stuff lately that I guess I wanted to write some royalty shit, it fascinates the crap out of me what can I say lol. Told you I'd ramble. The next few chapters are a bit slow but Obi-Wan is trying to find himself and figure shit out the poor man is not going to have it easy, of course. Hope you liked it and let me know. Also, may everyone have an amazing Holiday and I'll see y'all next year!