a.n. Wow, it's been like 4 months since I updated this story. Well, I was stuck on ideas and it wasn't until a while ago when I figured out how I wanted to proceed and I finally started writing this like 2 days ago. But I managed to finish it quickly and post it here for all you anxious readers. As you read, keep in mind that this is an AU as I have not read the Dark Empire comic series, so none of this follows that, though I did take one line from it that I know of. Hope you enjoy and as always, I do not own people, places, etc. All is owned by George Lucas and LFL, I only borrow them for my own entertainment.
Birth
The spacious room was bright and clean. The light reflected off of the white walls, giving the place a calm, homey appearance, the perfect atmosphere for what was going on inside. A small figure lay on the white linen bed, attended to by various medical staff and droids. A disheveled, middle-aged man sat by her side, an anxious but excited look on his face. The woman had a pained look on her damp, tired face, trying her hardest to concentrate on the moment before her. Though she was exhausted to the point of collapse, she knew she had to stay strong, at least for a little while longer. She cried out in anguish as the pain ripped through her and the man beside her squeezed her hand in reassurance and comfort. The medical staff gathered at the end of the bed, helping her through the difficult task she was undertaking. With a few words of encouragement and support, they told her it was almost time, that everything would be over with soon. Those words seemed to give her the strength to hold on and she bravely managed one final push. She lay back on the bed, breathing hard, her sweat-dampened forehead glistening under the bright lights, too exhausted to do anything else. Through her tired haze, she heard a piercing wail break out at the other end of the bed and the man beside her squeezed her hand in happiness and he bent over and gave her a kiss full of love and warmth. She managed a tired smile as she stared lovingly into the eyes of the man beside her. She turned her gaze back towards the end of the bed as the doctors brought a little bundle into her view.
"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Solo, it's a boy," the doctor proclaimed cheerfully.
"Did you hear that Sweetheart," Han asked his wife, looking tenderly at her face, "we have a beautiful baby boy."
"Mmhmm," Leia murmured tiredly, resting her head against the pillows, exhausted after her long ordeal. Han kissed her hand gently before turning his attention to the doctor. The doctor carried the small, wriggling, wailing bundle towards Han, whose face lit up with joy and wonderment. Leia managed to forget her exhaustion for just a little while as the doctor brought the little boy over to his parents and set him in Leia's outstretched arms. Once he was secure in her arms, the newborn stopped his crying and instead looked up in wonder at his parents' faces, oblivious to everything around him. Han and Leia smiled affectionately at the little boy, faces alight with love, warmth, and happiness.
The medical staff scurried out of the room to give the family some quality time alone. They spent a few moments in silence, staring at and caressing the newborn's tiny body, just happy to be there together.
"Oh, look at him Han," Leia cooed happily, "isn't he just the cutest baby you've ever seen?"
"That he is Sweetheart," Han agreed, "just make sure the twins don't hear you say that. They'll never stop pestering you for playing favorites." Han chuckled as Leia raised an eyebrow and gave him a look that said don't go there, Flyboy. Han knew that Leia would never play favorites with any of their children. She loved all of them as much as she could, and she would give each and every one of them as much care and devotion as she gave everything else in her life. For a former Senator and Princess of Alderaan, leader of the Rebellion, and founder of the New Republic, someone who worked tirelessly for everything she believed in and put her whole heart into everything that she did, that was saying quite a lot. Han knew that Jaina and Jacen would love to have a younger brother to play with, someone to teach, someone to help, someone to be role models for. Sure the twins were just over a year and half old right now, but their younger brother would always look up to them, no matter how old they got and he knew that the twins would always be there for their younger brother, no matter what.
"Speaking of the twins, did Luke say when they were going to get here?" Leia asked.
"Well, when I talked to him a few hours ago, he said that he was going to go tell some people what was happening before he headed to go get the twins from Winter. If he was going to do all of that before he came here, I would think he should be on his way here."
Leia nodded as she marveled at her youngest son. "Well then, I guess that gives us plenty of time to get to know this little guy better, huh?" Leia smiled warmly as the boy in her arms yawned deeply and curled up his tiny hands. Moments later, he was fast asleep, both parents watching him.
"Leia," Han began tentatively, "are you sure about the name? I mean I know how much you want to prove that the name isn't a curse and that it would only symbolize the greatness that he can become. But are you absolutely sure you want to do it?"
Leia released a tired sigh. "Yes Han, I'm sure. I mean, I know how much pressure there can be put on his shoulders. But I really want to do it, not just because I finally found it in myself to forgive, but because I know that our son will be a great person, as great a person as his namesake could have been and I want everyone to know that."
"I understand Leia. I just wanted to make sure that you really wanted this. After all, the kid's gonna have that name for the rest of his life and we want him to be able to handle it."
"I know he will Han, and I know he will be able to handle every thing that the Force throws at him. Besides, at least it's a better name than the one you chose," Leia smirked and playfully stuck her tongue out at her husband, whose face soon adopted an annoyed, hurtful look.
"Hey!" Han exclaimed, "I happen to like the name Han Solo Jr."
Leia just smiled happily and shook her head. "I will not name my son Han Solo Jr. You by yourself is almost too much. I don't think the galaxy is ready for another one of you." Han began to pout, but he soon smiled and joined in with Leia and her cheerful giggling. A soft knock on the door interrupted them and a doctor poked his head in.
"I don't mean to interrupt the family," the doctor apologized, "but you have some visitors who wish to see you. Shall I send them in?"
Han and Leia both nodded and the doctor left to retrieve their visitors. A few moments later, a small crowd filed through the doorway, trying to be as quiet as possible so as not to wake the sleeping child. The couple was surprised to see so many visitors there but were glad that so many showed up to congratulate them and see the new addition. They saw Luke and Winter enter, each with a sleeping twin in their arms. Chewbacca, Lando, Wedge, Ackbar, Mon Mothma, a few more Rogues, and various other close friends also came through the door and gathered around the bed. Everybody watched in awe as the small baby slowly opened his eyes and took in his surroundings and everybody standing around him. He never made a sound as he looked around, his bright blue eyes taking in, as best as they could, everyone in the room. Gradually, after he was content with his exploration, he closed his roaming eyes and fell back asleep, snuggling into his mother's chest. The room's occupants watched in silence as the child resumed his slumber, no one wanting to speak in fear of waking the newborn up.
"Well everyone," Han stated, beaming proudly and breaking the silence, "I'd like to introduce you all to Han Solo Jr."
"Han," Leia scolded, "his name is Anakin."
"Yeah, yeah. I know, I know. You can't blame a guy for trying though." Han shrugged his shoulders and flashed her one of his famous lopsided grins. The crowd in the room let out a collective chuckle at Han's remark and soon they all began congratulating the happy couple.
"Congratulations you two."
"I can't believe you two got another one."
"Han, old buddy, I never thought I'd see the day where you would be a father. With three kids at that."
"I always knew you two were bound to have a happy future together. Congratulations."
"What an adorable little boy. He looks just like you two."
"Such a sweet little one. I know only good things will come from him."
Han and Leia graciously accepted the compliments and thanked everybody for coming to see them. Luke and Winter quietly approached the bed and laid the sleeping twins at the end of it.
"Well, I guess those two will just have to wait until tomorrow to see their new little brother," Leia remarked.
"Leia," Luke began, "I just wanted to let you know that I am really proud of you for naming your son after Father. I know you had trouble accepting him for who he had been rather than what he became, and that it took you a long time to forgive him for what he did. I'm just glad that now, not only have you forgiven him, but I know you wish for your son to become as great as he can to prove to the galaxy that Father could have been just as great. And I know that young Anakin will achieve much and will become a powerful Jedi, one that we all will be quite proud of." As Luke finished his speech, both Han and Leia looked upon their sleeping child, already filled with pride at what their son would accomplish in the future. Leia gently stroked his dark hair as she laid a gentle kiss upon his forehead. Everyone stood quietly standing by, allowing Luke's words to sink in, wondering just how great the young boy would be. No one noticed the shimmering figure in the corner of the room, eyes roaming over the crowd in the room, finally coming to rest on the small child wrapped in blankets and lying peacefully in his mother's arms. As he did so, the child opened his bright blue eyes and stared at him, sensing him. The figure smiled.
Sleep well, young Anakin. One day, you will be a powerful warrior, a bright beacon in the dark times ahead. Rest up, little one. You have a long path ahead of you and a great destiny to fulfill. Do not fear it, for I will watch over you through the tough times and help lead you on your troublesome journey. For now, just sleep contently and dream of things to come.
The small child seemed to acknowledge these words and closed his eyes again, falling into restful slumber, as the shimmering figure slowly disappeared into the mysterious recesses of the Force.